Current Affairs Report: July 1, 2025

Introduction

On July 1, 2025, India witnessed a series of significant developments that are highly relevant for aspirants preparing for UPSC, SSC, Banking, and other government exams. These events span politics, economy, science and technology, international relations, sports, and environmental policies, offering a comprehensive view of India’s current trajectory. This detailed report synthesizes key news from credible sources like The Hindu, The Indian Express, Business Today, and others, ensuring accuracy and relevance for exam preparation. Each section is crafted to provide in-depth insights, making this a valuable resource for students aiming to excel in competitive exams.

Politics and Governance

The Union Cabinet convened on July 1, 2025, and approved several transformative schemes, as reported by The Hindu. The flagship Employment Linked Incentive (ELI) Scheme, with an outlay of ₹1 lakh crore, is designed to create over 3.5 crore jobs over two years, with a strong emphasis on the manufacturing sector. This initiative, announced by Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, is structured into two parts: Part A supports first-time employees registered with the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) by providing one month’s wage up to ₹15,000 in two installments, while Part B incentivizes employers with up to ₹3,000 per month for additional hires, particularly in manufacturing, for up to four years. This scheme is poised to reshape India’s employment landscape, making it a critical topic for governance and economic policy questions.

The Cabinet also approved the four-lane Paramakudi-Ramanathapuram road project in Tamil Nadu, aimed at improving connectivity and fostering economic growth in the region. The Research Development and Innovation Scheme was greenlit to promote technological advancements, reflecting India’s commitment to innovation-driven growth. Additionally, the National Sports Policy 2025 was introduced to enhance sports infrastructure and participation, aligning with national goals to promote health and youth development. These approvals highlight the government’s multifaceted approach to development, crucial for understanding policy frameworks in exams.

In a significant judicial development, the Supreme Court introduced a reservation policy for its staff, effective from June 23, 2025, as detailed by The Indian Express. This policy allocates 15% of promotions to Scheduled Castes (SC) and 7.5% to Scheduled Tribes (ST) across roles such as registrars, senior personal assistants, and junior court assistants. This move underscores the judiciary’s commitment to social justice and inclusivity, a key area for governance-related questions in competitive exams. The policy’s implementation on June 24, 2025, ensures equitable representation, making it a notable precedent for public sector employment policies.

Economy

Economic indicators on July 1, 2025, provided critical insights into India’s financial health, as reported by The Hindu. The Goods and Services Tax (GST) collections for June 2025 reached ₹1.85 lakh crore, marking a 6.2% increase from June 2024. However, this growth was the slowest in four years, down 8.2% from May 2025’s ₹2.01 lakh crore, signaling potential economic challenges due to geopolitical uncertainties and softening demand. The net GST collections after refunds were ₹1.59 lakh crore, up 3.3% from the previous year, with strong performances in states like Nagaland, Sikkim, Tripura, Lakshadweep, and Ladakh. This data is essential for understanding fiscal trends, a staple in Banking and SSC exam syllabi.

The ELI Scheme, detailed by Business Today, is a cornerstone of India’s economic strategy. Part A targets 1.92 crore first-time employees, offering financial support to ease their entry into the workforce. Part B incentivizes employers, with non-manufacturing employers potentially receiving up to ₹72 lakh over two years for hiring 100 additional employees, and manufacturing employers up to ₹1.44 crore over four years. Experts like Puneet Gupta from EY India praised the scheme for streamlining employment frameworks, while Chandrajit Banerjee from the Confederation of Indian Industry highlighted its role in formalizing the workforce. This initiative is likely to feature prominently in economic policy discussions for exams.

Science and Technology

India’s strides in science and technology were evident on July 1, 2025, with significant developments in space and artificial intelligence. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) was actively preparing for the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) mission, set for launch in June 2025, as reported by NASA Science. This mission, utilizing L-band and S-band radar, will scan Earth’s land and ice surfaces every 12 days, monitoring changes in ecosystems, ice sheets, and glaciers. This collaboration with NASA underscores India’s growing role in global space research, a key topic for science and technology sections in exams.

Additionally, Group Capt. Shubhanshu Shukla’s spaceflight to the International Space Station (ISS) on May 29, 2025, via the Axiom-4 mission, marked a milestone in India’s Human Spaceflight Programme, as per Deccan Chronicle. This mission, a precursor to the Gaganyaan program, provided critical training in microgravity and spaceflight operations, enhancing India’s capabilities for future crewed missions.

In artificial intelligence, the AI for India 2030 initiative, highlighted by the World Economic Forum, is a strategic framework to integrate AI across sectors like agriculture, healthcare, and MSMEs. Co-hosted by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Nasscom, and the Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution, India, it aims to contribute $500 billion to India’s GDP by 2025. The AI Playbook, with components like the Future Farming Playbook and Future SMEs Playbook, and the AI Sandbox for testing solutions, are pivotal for fostering innovation. Quotes from S. Krishnan, Secretary of MeitY, and Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser, emphasize AI’s role in creating a trillion-dollar digital economy and addressing societal challenges, making this initiative a must-know for UPSC aspirants.

International Relations

India’s international engagements on July 1, 2025, highlighted its strategic priorities in defence and trade. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, in a conversation with US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, asserted India’s right to pre-empt and deter cross-border terrorist attacks, as reported by The Indian Express. Describing India’s response during Operation Sindoor as “measured and proportionate,” Singh thanked the US for its support in counter-terrorism efforts. This dialogue, the third since January 2025, also explored expanding India-US defence ties, with plans for an in-person meeting, as noted in Singh’s X post.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar indicated that an India-US trade deal was close to finalization, describing it as “very intricate” with “some give and take,” according to The Indian Express. He also refuted claims by Donald Trump about the US’s role in the India-Pakistan ceasefire post-Operation Sindoor, emphasizing India’s swift military response. These developments are critical for understanding India’s foreign policy and global positioning, key areas for UPSC and other exams.

Sports

In sports, India’s presence was felt at Wimbledon 2025, which began on June 30, 2025, and continued through July 13, as reported by Sporting News India. Four Indian tennis players—Rohan Bopanna, Yuki Bhambri, Rithwik Bollipalli, and N. Sriram Balaji—competed in the men’s doubles, showcasing India’s talent on a global stage. Bopanna partnered with Sander Gillé of Belgium, Bhambri with Robert Galloway of the USA, Bollipalli with Nicolás Barrientos of Romania, and Balaji with Miguel Reyes-Varela of Mexico. Their participation, especially with Bhambri as the only seeded Indian player, highlights India’s growing prowess in tennis, a topic relevant for tracking national achievements in exams.

Environment

While specific environmental news for July 1, 2025, was limited, India’s ongoing climate commitments remain significant for exam preparation. The Economic Survey from January 2025, reported by India Today, identified India as the seventh most vulnerable country to climate change, with 93% of days in 2024 marked by extreme weather events like heatwaves, cyclones, and floods. These conditions threaten agricultural productivity and water security, critical issues for environmental governance questions.

India is also preparing for the COP30 climate summit in November 2025 in Brazil, as noted by SDG Knowledge Hub. This summit, evoking the 1992 Rio Earth Summit, will focus on climate finance and loss and damage funds, with India advocating for vulnerable nations. The Plastic Waste Management Amendment Rules, 2021, and bans on single-use plastics since July 2022, as per Jagran Josh, reflect India’s proactive environmental policies, essential for UPSC aspirants.

Conclusion

The developments of July 1, 2025, provide a comprehensive snapshot of India’s progress across multiple domains. From the ELI Scheme and Supreme Court’s reservation policy to ISRO’s NISAR mission and AI for India 2030, these events reflect India’s ambition to balance economic growth, technological advancement, and social justice. In international relations, India’s firm stance on security and trade negotiations with the US underscores its global influence. The participation of Indian tennis players in Wimbledon 2025 adds to national pride, while ongoing climate commitments highlight environmental challenges. Aspirants should study these topics to gain a competitive edge in understanding India’s dynamic policy landscape and global role.

Key Citations

• The Hindu Top News July 1, 2025
• Business Today ELI Scheme Approval
• The Hindu GST Revenue June 2025
• The Indian Express Supreme Court Reservation
• The Indian Express Rajnath Singh Statement
• The Indian Express India-US Trade Deal
• Deccan Chronicle ISRO Missions 2025
• NASA Science NISAR Mission
• World Economic Forum AI for India 2030
• Sporting News India Wimbledon 2025
• India Today Economic Survey Climate
• SDG Knowledge Hub COP30 Summit

Daily quiz on current affairs with answers English

Question 1: Which recent Indian government scheme aims to generate over 3.5 crore jobs by focusing on the manufacturing sector?
Option 1: MGNREGA 2.0
Option 2: Employment Linked Incentive (ELI) Scheme
Option 3: Make in India Plus Scheme
Option 4: National Skill Employment Mission
Option 5: Bharat Kaam Yojana
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: The Union Cabinet approved the Employment Linked Incentive (ELI) Scheme with a ₹1 lakh crore outlay on July 1, 2025. It targets the creation of over 3.5 crore jobs, especially in manufacturing. Part A provides wages for first-time EPFO-registered employees, while Part B incentivizes employers hiring new workers. It is a landmark policy to address employment and industrial growth.

Question 2: What was India’s Gross GST collection for June 2025?
Option 1: ₹1.85 lakh crore
Option 2: ₹2.01 lakh crore
Option 3: ₹1.76 lakh crore
Option 4: ₹1.59 lakh crore
Option 5: ₹2.07 lakh crore
Answer: Option 1
Explanation: India collected ₹1.85 lakh crore in Gross GST for June 2025, a 6.2% increase compared to June 2024 but an 8.2% drop from May 2025’s ₹2.01 lakh crore. This figure indicates a slowdown in growth, largely due to geopolitical factors and a cooling demand environment, and is essential for understanding current fiscal trends.

Question 3: Which of the following components is not part of the “AI for India 2030” initiative?
Option 1: Future SMEs Playbook
Option 2: AI Sandbox
Option 3: AI AgriBots Deployment Plan
Option 4: Future Farming Playbook
Option 5: AI Playbook
Answer: Option 5
Explanation: While the “AI Playbook” is a major part of the initiative, Option 3, AI AgriBots Deployment Plan, is not officially mentioned as a component. The actual components include the Future Farming Playbook, Future SMEs Playbook, and AI Sandbox. These are intended to accelerate AI integration in key economic sectors like agriculture and MSMEs.

Question 4: What is the primary focus of the four-lane Paramakudi-Ramanathapuram road project approved by the Cabinet?
Option 1: Boosting tourism in Tamil Nadu
Option 2: Providing last-mile rural connectivity
Option 3: Supporting military logistics
Option 4: Enhancing regional connectivity and economic growth
Option 5: Creating eco-friendly green corridors
Answer: Option 4
Explanation: The Paramakudi-Ramanathapuram road project in Tamil Nadu is a four-lane infrastructure project aimed at improving regional connectivity and fostering economic growth. It aligns with the government’s infrastructure-led development vision to boost trade and mobility in southern India.

Question 5: Which upcoming international summit will India participate in to discuss climate finance and loss and damage funding?
Option 1: Paris+ Climate Meet 2025
Option 2: SDG Earth Meet 2025
Option 3: COP30 in Brazil
Option 4: Rio+35 Summit
Option 5: Global Green Accord 2025
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: India is set to participate in COP30, scheduled for November 2025 in Brazil. It focuses on critical issues like climate finance and compensations for loss and damage, continuing the legacy of global climate negotiations that began with the 1992 Rio Earth Summit.

Question 6: Who recently flew to the International Space Station under the Axiom-4 mission as part of India’s spaceflight program?
Option 1: Rakesh Sharma
Option 2: Abhay Kumar Singh
Option 3: Anil Chaturvedi
Option 4: Gagan Kapoor
Option 5: Shubhanshu Shukla
Answer: Option 5
Explanation: Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla flew to the International Space Station on May 29, 2025, as part of the Axiom-4 mission. This mission is critical in training Indian astronauts for the upcoming Gaganyaan program and signifies India’s growing capabilities in human spaceflight.

Question 7: According to the Economic Survey 2025, where does India rank globally in terms of vulnerability to climate change?
Option 1: Fifth
Option 2: Ninth
Option 3: Seventh
Option 4: Tenth
Option 5: Fourth
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: The Economic Survey identified India as the seventh most vulnerable country to climate change. With 93% of the days in 2024 marked by extreme weather events, India faces major risks to agriculture, water resources, and overall development, emphasizing the need for strong environmental policies.

Question 8: What is the percentage of promotions reserved for Scheduled Castes (SC) in the Supreme Court’s new reservation policy?
Option 1: 10%
Option 2: 15%
Option 3: 7.5%
Option 4: 20%
Option 5: 12%
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: The Supreme Court of India implemented a reservation policy on June 24, 2025, reserving 15% of promotions for Scheduled Castes and 7.5% for Scheduled Tribes among its staff. This move advances social justice and is a historic decision in the judiciary’s approach to inclusivity.

Question 9: Which Indian tennis player is seeded at Wimbledon 2025 in the men’s doubles category?
Option 1: Yuki Bhambri
Option 2: Rohan Bopanna
Option 3: N. Sriram Balaji
Option 4: Rithwik Bollipalli
Option 5: Sumit Nagal
Answer: Option 1
Explanation: Yuki Bhambri is the only seeded Indian tennis player in the men’s doubles category at Wimbledon 2025. He partnered with Robert Galloway of the USA. His participation reflects India’s rising profile in international tennis.

Question 10: During the July 2025 conversation, what key position did Rajnath Singh assert in his discussion with the US Defense Secretary?
Option 1: India will not retaliate unless provoked
Option 2: India accepts third-party mediation on Kashmir
Option 3: India reserves the right to pre-empt terror attacks
Option 4: India seeks NATO membership
Option 5: India supports demilitarization of borders
Answer: Option 4
Explanation: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh clearly stated that India reserves the right to pre-empt and deter any cross-border terrorist threats. This position, discussed with US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, reaffirms India’s proactive defense stance and reinforces the importance of bilateral cooperation in counter-terrorism.