Here are the important current affairs topics of the day. At the end, you can participate in a quiz prepared on the basis of these topics.
Here are short notes on major current affairs topics from July 15, 2025, with appropriate reference links:
1. Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla Returns to Earth from ISS Mission
On July 15, 2025, Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, India’s first “Gaganyatri” to travel to the International Space Station (ISS), successfully returned to Earth, concluding the Axiom-4 private astronaut mission. Launched on June 25, 2025, aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, Shukla spent 18 days on the ISS, conducting a suite of seven microgravity experiments developed by Indian research institutions under ISRO’s Human Space Flight Centre (HSFC).
Upon splashdown in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of California, Shukla was extracted in stable condition and immediately began a structured seven-day post-mission medical evaluation and recovery protocol under the joint supervision of Axiom Space and ISRO flight surgeons. This includes comprehensive cardiovascular assessments, musculoskeletal tests, and psychological debriefs. The mission provided invaluable first-hand experience for ISRO’s mission operations team, who were embedded with NASA and Axiom flight controllers, gaining critical insights into international crewed mission coordination and orbital operations. This collaborative mission serves as a vital stepping stone, building India’s crewed mission operations infrastructure and enhancing readiness for its indigenous Gaganyaan human spaceflight program and the future Bharatiya Antariksha Station (Indian Space Station).
References:
- “Shubhanshu Shukla undergoing post-mission medical evaluation, says ISRO” – The Hindu. (July 16, 2025). https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/group-captain-shukla-extracted-in-stable-condition-from-capsule-undergoing-post-mission-medical-evaluation-isro/article69816050.ece
- “Resolution by the Cabinet welcoming Return of Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla from International Space Station.” – Press Information Bureau (PIB), Ministry of Defence. (July 16, 2025). https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2145153
- “Indian Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, Axiom-4 crew safely return to Earth from Space Station” – NewsOnAIR. (July 15, 2025). https://www.newsonair.gov.in/indian-astronaut-shubhanshu-shukla-to-return-to-earth-after-18-day-iss-mission-aboard-axiom-4/
2. India Signs 5-Year Fertilizer Deal with Saudi Arabia
On July 15, 2025, India concluded a significant 5-year agreement with Saudi Arabia’s Ma’aden company to secure 3.1 million metric tons of Di-ammonium Phosphate (DAP) fertilizer annually from 2025 to 2030. This landmark deal was finalized during Union Minister J.P. Nadda’s visit to Saudi Arabia (July 11-13) and represents a substantial increase from last year’s import of 1.9 million tons. The agreement aims to enhance India’s food security by ensuring a stable and diversified supply of critical fertilizers, reducing dependency on a single source.
Beyond DAP, both nations also committed to exploring cooperation in Urea supply, promoting investments in the fertilizer sector, and collaborative research for India-specific fertilizer formulations. The agreement also includes a provision for extension for another five years, highlighting the long-term strategic partnership in agriculture between India and Saudi Arabia. This collaboration is crucial for supporting India’s agricultural output and managing input costs for farmers. During the same visit, discussions also covered broader collaborations in digital health, pharmaceutical production, and healthcare services, leveraging a previously signed MoU on Health.
References:
- “Indian fertilizer majors sign deal with Saudi Arabia firm Ma’aden” – The Hindu. (July 13, 2025). https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/indian-fertilizer-majors-sign-deal-with-saudi-firm-maaden/article69808036.ece
- “As China chokes the tap, Saudi emerges as India’s fertiliser ally” – The Economic Times. (July 15, 2025). https://m.economictimes.com/industry/indl-goods/svs/chem-/-fertilisers/as-china-shuts-the-tap-saudi-emerges-as-indias-fertiliser-ally/articleshow/122434767.cms
- “Three Indian firms sign long-term DAP fertilizer supply pact with Saudi’s Ma’aden” – Livemint. (July 13, 2025). https://www.livemint.com/economy/indian-potash-kribhco-central-insecticides-sign-long-term-dap-fertilizer-supply-pact-with-saudi-arabia-maaden-jp-nadda-11752425446558.html
- “Visit of the Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare and Minister of Chemicals and Fertilizers Shri J.P. Nadda to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia concludes today” – Press Releases, Embassy of India, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (July 13, 2025). https://www.eoiriyadh.gov.in/section/press-releases/visit-of-the-union-minister-of-health-and-family-welfare-and-minister-of-chemicals-and-fertilizers-shri-j-p-nadda-to-the-kingdom-of-saudi-arabia-concludes-today/
- “India Signs Long-Term Fertilizer Supply Agreements with Saudi Arabia” – News On AIR (All India Radio – official news broadcaster). (July 14, 2025). https://www.newsonair.gov.in/india-signs-long-term-fertilizer-supply-agreements-with-saudi-arabia/
3. Sonali Mishra Appointed First Woman Director General of Railway Protection Force (RPF)
On July 15, 2025, Sonali Mishra, a distinguished 1993-batch IPS officer, created history by being appointed as the Director General (DG) of the Railway Protection Force (RPF). This marks a significant milestone as she becomes the first woman to hold this prestigious position, reflecting a growing trend of women in leadership roles within India’s uniformed services. Her tenure is set to run until October 31, 2026.
Before this appointment, Mishra held several senior and critical positions, including key roles in the Border Security Force (BSF) and various intelligence units, where she demonstrated exceptional leadership and strategic acumen. She has been recognized for her meritorious service with multiple police honors. Her appointment as RPF DG is expected to bring a fresh perspective to railway security, enhancing passenger safety, combating crime on railway premises, and modernizing the force’s operations. This move is also seen as an affirmation of the government’s commitment to promoting gender equality and leveraging diverse talent in crucial national security and public service roles.
References:
- “RPF: Sonali Mishra becomes first woman Director General of Railway Protection Force” – The Economic Times. (July 15, 2025). https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/rpf-sonali-mishra-becomes-first-woman-director-general-of-railway-protection-force/articleshow/122709923.cms
4. 4th BIMSTEC Disaster Management Exercise (DMEx) Concludes
The 4th BIMSTEC Disaster Management Exercise (DMEx) concluded on July 15, 2025, following two days of virtual deliberations and simulations. Hosted by India’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), the exercise (July 14-15) brought together disaster management professionals from all BIMSTEC member states (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand). Organized as a Tabletop Exercise (TTEx), it focused on assessing and enhancing regional preparedness and response mechanisms for common natural disasters like cyclones and floods.
Participants engaged in simulated scenarios, evaluated their national disaster response frameworks, and shared best practices to strengthen regional coordination. This exercise is crucial for fostering greater understanding and collaboration among BIMSTEC nations, which are highly vulnerable to natural calamities due to their geographical location along the Bay of Bengal. The discussions aimed to improve information sharing, joint operational planning, and resource mobilization during emergencies, reinforcing India’s commitment to being a “first responder” and “preferred security partner” in the region, particularly in disaster mitigation and relief efforts.
References:
- “4th BIMSTEC Disaster Management Exercise (DMEx)” – BIMSTEC Official Website. (July 15, 2025). https://bimstec.org/event/265/4th-bimstec-disaster-management-exercise-dmex-
- “चौथा बिम्सटेक आपदा प्रबंधन अभ्यास (14-15 जुलाई, 2025)” – Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) India. (July 16, 2025). https://www.mea.gov.in/press-releases-hi.htm?dtl/39808/4th+BIMSTEC+Disaster+Management+Exercise+July+1415+2025
5. DGCA Orders Inspections of Boeing 737 and 787 Fuel Control Switches
On July 15, 2025, India’s aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), issued an urgent directive to all airlines operating Boeing 787 and Boeing 737 aircraft. The order mandates immediate inspections of the lock on the fuel control switches on these planes by July 21. This critical directive comes just days after a preliminary probe report into a recent Air India Boeing 787 crash indicated that the fuel control switches were found cut off before the accident.
The DGCA’s swift action underscores its commitment to passenger safety and preventing similar incidents. The inspections will focus on verifying the integrity and functionality of the locking mechanisms of these crucial switches, which control fuel flow to the aircraft engines. Airlines are required to report their findings and any necessary corrective actions taken. This move highlights the rigorous regulatory oversight in Indian aviation and the proactive measures taken to address potential safety concerns arising from ongoing investigations.
References:
- “DGCA asks airlines to check fuel switch locking system in Boeing 737, 787 jets” – The Hindu Morning Digest. (July 15, 2025). https://www.thehindu.com/news/the-hindu-morning-digest-july-15-2025/article69812294.ece
- “DGCA issues urgent directive for Boeing 737 and 787 fuel switch inspections” – Times Now News. (July 15, 2025). https://www.timesnownews.com/india/dgca-issues-urgent-directive-for-boeing-737-and-787-fuel-switch-inspections-article-122712345
