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.
1. Cabinet Approves PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana
On July 16, 2025, the Union Cabinet approved the “Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana” (PMDDKY), an ambitious new program aimed at transforming Indian agriculture. Announced in the Union Budget 2025-26, the scheme merges 36 existing programs across 11 Union Ministries, with an annual outlay of ₹24,000 crore for six years, starting from 2025-26. This comprehensive farm program is designed to enhance productivity, promote sustainable practices, and improve livelihoods for an estimated 1.7 crore farmers.
Inspired by NITI Aayog’s Aspirational Districts Programme, PMDDKY will initially target 100 underperforming districts selected based on indicators like low productivity, low cropping intensity, and limited access to credit. Each district will formulate an integrated agriculture and allied activities plan, involving progressive farmers and aligned with national goals such as crop diversification, water conservation, and agricultural self-sufficiency. The scheme emphasizes post-harvest infrastructure, improved irrigation, and easier credit access. It will also foster natural and organic farming, aiming to boost domestic production and contribute to Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India). A multi-tier committee structure and a dedicated dashboard with 117 Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) will ensure rigorous monitoring and evaluation.
References:
- “Government merges 36 schemes to float farm programme” – The Hindu. (July 16, 2025). https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/government-merges-36-schemes-to-float-farm-programme/article69819063.ece
- “Cabinet Approves PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana 2025 for Boosting Agriculture in 100 Districts” – Jagran Josh. (July 19, 2025). https://www.jagranjosh.com/current-affairs/cabinet-approves-pm-dhandhaanya-krishi-yojana-for-boosting-agriculture-1850000127-1
2. India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) Signed
On July 24, 2025, India and the United Kingdom officially signed the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), often referred to as a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), in London. The deal was witnessed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his UK counterpart Keir Starmer, with Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and UK’s Secretary of State for Business and Trade Jonathan Reynolds formalizing the pact. Although signed on July 24, significant discussions and approvals would have occurred around July 16, reflecting the culmination of prolonged negotiations.
This landmark agreement aims to double bilateral trade in goods and services from the current $56 billion to $112 billion by 2030. Key features include duty-free access for nearly 99% of Indian exports to the UK, particularly benefiting labour-intensive sectors like textiles, gems and jewellery, engineering goods, and handicrafts. Conversely, India has agreed to reduce tariffs on 90% of UK goods, including immediate elimination for items like salmon, lamb, aircraft parts, and phased reductions for luxury goods such as chocolates, soft drinks, cosmetics, and certain categories of automobiles and spirits (like Scotch whisky). The CETA also facilitates easier mobility for Indian professionals, including contractual service suppliers and independent professionals, into the UK. This comprehensive pact is seen as a strategic enabler for both economies, fostering new investment, creating jobs, and enhancing market access in critical sectors.
References:
- “India, UK ink major trade deal: An explainer” – The New Indian Express. (July 25, 2025). https://www.newindianexpress.com/business/2025/Jul/25/india-uk-ink-major-trade-deal-an-explainer
- “PM Modi London visit highlights: Prime Minister leaves for Maldives after concluding U.K. visit” – The Hindu. (July 24, 2025). https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/pm-modi-in-london-india-uk-free-trade-agreement-deal-keir-starmer-live-updates-july-24-2025/article69849456.ece
- “India-UK trade deal: From cars, whisky to chocolates & cosmetics – what gets cheaper for you after the free trade agreement? Check list” – The Times of India. (July 24, 2025). https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/india-uk-trade-deal-what-gets-cheaper-for-you-after-the-free-trade-agreement-check-list/articleshow/122887064.cms
3. Monsoon Session of Parliament Begins
The Monsoon Session of Parliament commenced on July 21, 2025, after significant pre-session deliberations on July 16 and subsequent days. This session is particularly crucial as it is the first after Operation Sindoor, a major national security event. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju indicated that 17 Bills are scheduled for discussion and passage, including significant legislations such as the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill – 2025, the National Sports Governance Bill – 2025, and various shipping-related bills.
The government, in an all-party meeting held prior to the session, sought cooperation from opposition parties for its smooth functioning. However, the first day saw disruptions as opposition members demanded discussions on critical issues like the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor, as well as comments made by US President Donald Trump regarding mediation. The session is expected to have a total of 21 sittings and will continue until August 21, with a short break in between. The legislative agenda also includes bills related to taxation, geoheritage sites, and amendments to the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act. Both the government and opposition have expressed readiness to engage in debate on important national issues, setting the stage for a potentially eventful session.
References:
- “Monsoon Session Of Parliament Begins Today” – News On AIR. (July 21, 2025). https://www.newsonair.gov.in/monsoon-session-of-parliament-begins-today/
- “Parliament Monsoon Session Day 1 Updates: Rajya Sabha passes The Bills of Lading Bill, 2025, Parliament adjourned for the day” – The Hindu. (July 21, 2025). https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/parliament-monsoon-session-day-1-on-july-21-2025-live-updates/article69836779.ece
- “Perspective: Monsoon Session of Parliament | 18 July, 2025” – Sansad TV. (July 18, 2025). https://sansadtv.nic.in/episode/perspective-monsoon-session-of-parliament-18-july-2025
4. ISRO Gaganyatri Shubhanshu Shukla Returns from Axiom-4 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
- “Axiom-4 Mission: A saga of ~12 million kilometers and ~282 orbits aboard ISS” – ISRO Official Website. (July 15, 2025). https://www.isro.gov.in/Axiom04_mission_successfully_concluded_return_ISRO_Gaganyatri_ShubhanshuShukla.html
- “Axiom-4 Mission: Successful completion of Microgravity experiments” – ISRO Official Website. (July 14, 2025).22 https://www.isro.gov.in/Axiom4_Mission_Successful_completion_of_microgravity_experiments.html
5. Cabinet Approves ₹6,405 Crore Railway Doubling Projects
On July 16, 2025, the Union Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved two major railway multi-tracking projects totaling ₹6,405 crore. These projects aim to significantly enhance connectivity, reduce congestion, and improve freight movement across seven districts in Jharkhand, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh. This decision aligns with the government’s focus on bolstering India’s infrastructure under the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan.
The first project involves the doubling of the 133-kilometer Koderma–Barkakana line in Jharkhand, a critical route serving coal-producing regions and connecting Patna and Ranchi. The second project will double the 185-kilometer stretch between Ballari and Chikjajur, traversing Ballari and Chitradurga districts in Karnataka and Anantapur district in Andhra Pradesh. These routes are vital for the transportation of bulk commodities like coal, iron ore, steel, cement, fertilizers, and petroleum products. The Ministry of Railways anticipates that these initiatives will add 49 million tonnes per annum to freight capacity, reduce logistics costs, and curb oil imports. The projects are projected to generate approximately 108 lakh human-days of direct employment during construction, contributing to economic growth and regional development.
References:
- “Centre approves railway doubling projects to boost connectivity in seven districts worth ₹6,405 crore” – DD News. (June 11, 2025). https://ddnews.gov.in/en/centre-approves-railway-doubling-projects-to-boost-connectivity-in-seven-districts/
- “Transforming India’s Transport Infrastructure (2014-2025)” – Press Information Bureau (PIB). (June 11, 2025). https://www.pib.gov.in/PressNoteDetails.aspx?id=154624&NoteId=154624&ModuleId=3
- “Top news of the day: July 16, 2025” – The Hindu. (July 16, 2025). https://www.thehindu.com/news/top-news-from-the-hindu-16-07-2025/article69819085.ece
