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. Lungphun Ropui in Mizoram Declared Monument of National Importance
On July 14, 2025, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) officially declared Lungphun Ropui, a significant megalithic site in Lianpui village, Champhai district, Mizoram, as a ‘Monument of National Importance.’ This designation, formally notified by the Ministry of Culture, makes it only the second megalithic site in Mizoram to receive such recognition, after Kawtchhuah Ropui (Great Entranceway) in Vangchhia village.
Lungphun Ropui is renowned for its ancient carved memorial stones, locally known as menhirs. The site comprises around 114 intricately carved stones, along with anthropic holes, petroglyphs, Y-shaped wooden posts, and ancient pathways. These artifacts offer invaluable insights into the cultural practices and beliefs of the Mizo people before the advent of Christianity, with carvings depicting human figures, birds, animals, and traditional motifs. The largest menhir measures 1.87 meters in height and 1.37 meters in width. This declaration ensures the preservation of Lungphun Ropui under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958, and aims to promote heritage tourism in the region.
References:
- “ASI declares Mizoram’s menhirs ‘monument of nat’l importance’” – The Times of India. (July 18, 2025). https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/guwahati/asi-declares-mizorams-menhirs-monument-of-natl-importance/articleshow/122770569.cms
- “Lungphun Ropui in Mizoram declared as Monument of National Importance by ASI” – FirstIndia News. (July 18, 2025). https://firstindia.co.in/articles/lungphun-ropui-in-mizoram-declared-as-monument-of-national-importance-by-asi
2. BITS Pilani to Open India’s First ‘AI Plus Campus’ in Amaravati
In a landmark development for India’s higher education and technology sectors, BITS Pilani announced on July 14, 2025, that it will establish the country’s first ‘AI Plus Campus’ in Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh.9 This cutting-edge educational hub is set to redefine the future of advanced learning and technological innovation in India, with admissions expected to commence in 2027. The project involves a significant investment of ₹1,000 crore.
The proposed AI Plus Campus, spread over 35 acres, will specialize in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Data Science, Robotics, Cyber-Physical Systems, and other emerging fields, while also integrating sustainability principles with a strong focus on green energy. The curriculum will be designed to provide global exposure to students, nurturing talent that is both locally grounded and globally comp10etitive. This initiative aims to produce future-ready professionals equipped with interdisciplinary knowledge and technological expertise. It is part of BITS Pilani’s broader expansion strategy, Project Vistar, which seeks to extend the institute’s presence through world-class campuses and enhanced academic offerings across its various locations.
References:
- “BITS Pilani AI+ Campus to come up in Amaravati” – The New Indian Express. (July 14, 2025). https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/andhra-pradesh/2025/Jul/14/bits-pilani-ai-campus-to-come-up-in-amaravati-3
- “BITS Pilani to establish AI Plus campus in Andhra Pradesh, says CM Naidu” – PTI News. (July 14, 2025). https://www.ptinews.com/story/national/bits-pilani-to-establish-ai-plus-campus-in-andhra-pradesh,-says-cm-naidu/2725983
3. UNESCO World Heritage Committee Adds 26 New Sites in 2025
The 47th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, which concluded in Paris in July 2025, added 26 new sites to the prestigious World Heritage List. This brings the total number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites globally to 1,248, spread across 170 countries. The new additions reflect a growing focus on community-led conservation, memory sites, and African heritage, with several sites from the continent gaining recognition.
Four African sites made it to the list this year, reflecting UNESCO’s concerted efforts to boost Africa’s presence on the World Heritage map, including efforts to support nominations and train local heritage experts. The newly inscribed sites span a diverse range of categories, from prehistoric petroglyphs in Korea to cultural landscapes in Australia, and also include significant historical sites such as Cambodia’s Memorial Sites related to the Khmer Rouge regime. India also saw an addition with the Maratha Military Landscapes. The Committee also notably removed three African sites from the World Heritage in Danger List, citing successful conservation efforts.
References:
- “UNESCO’s 2025 heritage picks: 26 sites added, Africa leads, histories honoured (full list inside)” – The Times of India. (July 24, 2025). https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/travel/destinations/unescos-2025-heritage-picks-26-sites-added-africa-leads-histories-honoured-full-list-inside/articleshow/122858553.cms
- “4 new African sites to be examined at WHC session, push to boost its presence on world heritage map” – Hindustan Times. (July 8, 2025). https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/us-news/4-new-african-sites-to-be-examined-at-whc-session-push-to-boost-its-presence-on-world-heritage-map-101751981327790.html
- “Africa eyes four new World Heritage Sites” – Getaway Magazine. (July 9, 2025). https://www.getaway.co.za/travel-news/africa-new-unesco-world-heritage-sites-2025/
4. Yuliia Svyrydenko Appointed New Prime Minister of Ukraine
On July 17, 2025, Yuliia Svyrydenko was officially appointed as the new Prime Minister of Ukraine, following a vote in the Verkhovna Rada (Ukrainian Parliament). This significant development marks the country’s first change in its head of government since the full-scale Russian invasion began in February 2022. Svyrydenko, who previously served as First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economic Development and Trade in the government of her predecessor, Denys Shmyhal, was nominated by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as part of a cabinet reshuffle.
Svyrydenko is known for her role as a key negotiator in international agreements, including a recent mineral deal with the United States. Her appointment is seen as an effort by President Zelenskyy to inject new energy into the war-weary nation, boost domestic weapons production, and strengthen diplomatic efforts, particularly with Western partners. While some changes are also expected in other ministerial positions, Svyrydenko’s elevation to the top executive role is the most prominent aspect of this government restructuring. Her predecessor, Denys Shmyhal, was approved by Parliament to take on the role of Ukraine’s new Defence Minister.
References:
- “Zelenskyy shakes up Ukrainian Cabinet, appointing new prime minister to reinvigorate war effort” – The Hindu. (July 17, 2025).https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/zelenskyy-shakes-up-ukrainian-cabinet-appointing-new-prime-mister-to-reinvigorate-war-effort/article69822561.ece
- “Ukraine: new government led by Yuliia Svyrydenko” – Centre for Eastern Studies (OSW). (July 18, 2025). https://www.osw.waw.pl/en/publikacje/analyses/2025-07-18/ukraine-new-government-led-yuliia-svyrydenko
- “Ukraine names new prime minister, Svyrydenko takes charge in major reshuffle” – Al Jazeera (YouTube). (July 18, 2025). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5HoO-m1qLiw
5. 4th BIMSTEC Disaster Management Exercise (DMEx) 2025
The 4th BIMSTEC Disaster Management Exercise (DMEx) was virtually hosted by India from July 14–15, 2025. Organized by India’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) as a Tabletop Exercise (TTEx), it brought together disaster management professionals from all BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) Member States.27 The primary focus of this exercise was to assess and enhance regional preparedness for cyclones and floods, two of the most prevalent natural disasters impacting the Bay of Bengal region.
Participants engaged in simulated scenarios related to these hazards, presented details of their national disaster management architectures, evaluated response frameworks, and shared best practices. The exercise aimed to strengthen coordination for disaster response and build resilience across the entire Bay of Bengal region. India, often a first responder in times of crisis in the region, continued its role in fostering regional cooperation in disaster preparedness. The virtual format allowed for broad participation and collaborative learning among member states, reinforcing the collective capacity to mitigate and respond to future disaster events.
References:
“4th BIMSTEC Disaster Management Exercise (DMEx)” – BIMSTEC Official Website. (July 15, 2025). https://bimstec.org/event/265/4th-bimstec-disaster-management-exercise-dmex-
“4th BIMSTEC Disaster Management Exercise (July 14-15, 2025)” – Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India. (July 16, 2025). https://www.mea.gov.in/press-releases.htm?dtl/39808/4th_BIMSTEC_Disaster_Management_Exercise_July_1415_2025
