Current Affairs: 29th July 2025
1. International News
France Recognizes Palestine as a State
France officially recognized Palestine as a sovereign state, a landmark decision aimed at supporting a two-state solution in West Asia. This move has sparked varied global reactions, with some European nations like Spain and Ireland endorsing it, while others have expressed concerns over its geopolitical implications.
Explanation: This recognition strengthens Palestine’s international standing, potentially influencing peace negotiations and encouraging other nations to follow suit. It underscores France’s commitment to resolving the Israel-Palestine conflict diplomatically.
Iran’s Nahid-2 Satellite Launch
Iran successfully launched the Nahid-2 telecommunications and research satellite using a Russian Soyuz rocket. This multi-payload mission enhances Iran’s space capabilities and strengthens its collaboration with Russia.
Explanation: The launch bolsters Iran’s technological advancements in telecommunications and space research, potentially impacting regional power dynamics and international space cooperation.
2. National News
Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh’s First Zero Dump City
Lucknow achieved the title of Uttar Pradesh’s first “Zero Dump City” with the full operation of the Shivri waste treatment plant’s three units. This milestone reflects advanced waste management practices.
Explanation: By ensuring no waste accumulates in landfills, Lucknow promotes recycling and waste-to-energy initiatives, setting a benchmark for sustainable urban development in India.
C-FLOOD Platform Launched
The Union Minister of Jal Shakti launched the C-FLOOD platform, a Unified Inundation Forecasting System developed by C-DAC Pune and the Central Water Commission under the National Supercomputing Mission.
Explanation: C-FLOOD leverages advanced computing for real-time flood predictions, enhancing disaster preparedness and minimizing economic and human losses in flood-prone regions.
3. Sports
India’s Triumph at Asian Youth Table Tennis Championship
Divyanshi Bhowmick clinched gold in the Under-15 Girls’ Singles at the 29th Asian Youth Table Tennis Championship in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. India secured one gold, one silver, and two bronze medals.
Explanation: This achievement highlights India’s growing dominance in table tennis, with young athletes competing against strong teams like China, boosting national pride.
FIFA Footballs Distributed Under F4S Programme
The Union Minister for Education distributed FIFA footballs under the Football for Schools (F4S) programme at PM SHRI Kendriya Vidyalaya, Kolkata, in collaboration with UNESCO, AIFF, and SAI.
Explanation: The F4S initiative aims to promote sports education and empower millions of children, fostering physical fitness and teamwork through football in Indian schools.
4. Science and Technology
IIT Bombay’s Needle-Free Syringe
IIT Bombay developed a shockwave-based, needle-free syringe for painless drug delivery, capable of over 1,000 uses with minimal skin damage and infection risk.
Explanation: This innovation could transform healthcare by making injections more accessible and less invasive, particularly in resource-constrained settings.
NASA’s TRACERS Mission
NASA launched the TRACERS mission to study Earth’s magnetic field and space weather, focusing on magnetic reconnection events that impact satellite operations and power grids.
Explanation: TRACERS will enhance space weather forecasting, protecting critical infrastructure like communication systems and power networks from solar disruptions.
5. Economy and Environment
IRENA Report on Renewable Energy
The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) released a report affirming that renewable energy is cheaper and more sustainable than fossil fuels, supporting global green energy transitions.
Explanation: This report aligns with India’s net-zero emissions target by 2070, promoting renewable energy adoption to reduce carbon footprints and energy costs.
RBI’s Financial Inclusion Index (FI-Index) 2025
The RBI reported a rise in the FI-Index to 67.0 in FY25 from 64.2 in FY24, reflecting progress in access, usage, and quality of financial services across India.
Explanation: The FI-Index highlights the success of digital adoption and financial literacy initiatives, fostering inclusive economic growth.
6. Defense
India’s ULPGM-V3 Missile Test
India successfully test-fired the UAV Launched Precision Guided Missile (ULPGM-V3) at the National Open Area Range in Kurnool, advancing its defense technology.
Explanation: This test strengthens India’s indigenous defense capabilities, enhancing precision strike options for unmanned aerial vehicles.
7. Social Initiatives
National Sickle Cell Anemia Elimination Mission
The mission, launched in 2023, has screened over 6 crore people for sickle cell disease, focusing on tribal and disadvantaged communities.
Explanation: This initiative addresses a hereditary blood disorder, improving healthcare access and reducing disease burden in vulnerable populations.
Top 15 MCQs Current Affairs (English)
- Which country recognized Palestine as a state on 29th July 2025?
A) Spain
B) France
C) Ireland
D) Germany
Answer: B) France - What is the name of Iran’s recently launched satellite?
A) Khayyam
B) Nahid-2
C) Pars-1
D) Hodhod
Answer: B) Nahid-2 - Which city became Uttar Pradesh’s first Zero Dump City?
A) Kanpur
B) Varanasi
C) Lucknow
D) Agra
Answer: C) Lucknow - What is the purpose of the C-FLOOD platform?
A) Weather forecasting
B) Flood forecasting
C) Earthquake monitoring
D) Air quality analysis
Answer: B) Flood forecasting - Who won the gold in the Under-15 Girls’ Singles at the Asian Youth Table Tennis Championship 2025?
A) Manika Batra
B) Divyanshi Bhowmick
C) Sathiyan Gnanasekaran
D) Sharath Kamal
Answer: B) Divyanshi Bhowmick - Which organization collaborates with FIFA for the F4S programme in India?
A) WHO
B) UNESCO
C) UNICEF
D) WTO
Answer: B) UNESCO - What technology does IIT Bombay’s needle-free syringe use?
A) Laser
B) Shockwave
C) Ultrasound
D) Magnetic
Answer: B) Shockwave - What does NASA’s TRACERS mission study?
A) Climate change
B) Magnetic field
C) Ocean currents
D) Asteroid impacts
Answer: B) Magnetic field - According to IRENA, what is a key advantage of renewable energy?
A) Higher cost
B) Lower sustainability
C) Cheaper than fossil fuels
D) Limited availability
Answer: C) Cheaper than fossil fuels - What was the FI-Index value for FY25 as per RBI?
A) 64.2
B) 67.0
C) 60.5
D) 70.1
Answer: B) 67.0 - Where was the ULPGM-V3 missile tested?
A) Balasore
B) Kurnool
C) Pokhran
D) Chandipur
Answer: B) Kurnool - How many people were screened under the National Sickle Cell Anemia Elimination Mission?
A) 4 crore
B) 5 crore
C) 6 crore
D) 7 crore
Answer: C) 6 crore - Which country hosted the Asian Youth Table Tennis Championship 2025?
A) China
B) Uzbekistan
C) Japan
D) India
Answer: B) Uzbekistan - Which ministry launched the C-FLOOD platform?
A) Ministry of Defence
B) Ministry of Jal Shakti
C) Ministry of Science and Technology
D) Ministry of Environment
Answer: B) Ministry of Jal Shakti - What is the primary focus of the F4S programme?
A) Cricket promotion
B) Football education
C) Hockey development
D) Athletics training
Answer: B) Football education
