Current Affairs: July 9, 2025 – A Comprehensive Guide for Government Exam Aspirants

Welcome to a detailed exploration of the most significant current affairs from July 9, 2025, crafted for students preparing for UPSC, SSC, Banking, and other government exams. This article covers critical topics like politics, governance, economy, science, technology, international relations, environment, and sports, drawing from credible sources such as The Hindu, The Indian Express, Times of India, Business Standard, and others. Each section weaves a narrative to keep you engaged while providing in-depth insights to give you a competitive edge.

National Affairs

Bridging the Digital Divide in India

Imagine a country where nearly every young person uses a mobile phone, yet many don’t own one. On July 9, 2025, The Hindu reported on India’s digital divide, revealing that 97.1% of youth use mobile phones, but only 73.4% own them. Urban youth (82%) and males (83.3%) fare better than rural youth (69.3%) and females (63%). Internet usage among young women has surged to 91.3%, up from 77.1% in 2022, but 30.4% use it solely for entertainment, with females at 36%. Digital skills also vary: 85.1% can send attachments, but only 32.2% create presentations, and 22.9% draft documents. Online banking reflects disparities, with 68.7% of youth participating, but only 57.5% of females compared to 79.3% of males, and 63.4% in rural areas versus 79.7% in urban ones. Internet access reaches 91.6% of urban households but only 83.3% of rural ones, with fibre-optic connections at 7.2% overall and just 3.2% in rural areas. This divide poses challenges for education and economic growth, but initiatives like Digital India aim to close the gap.

Tackling Terrorist Financing Risks

The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) sounded an alarm on July 9, 2025, about the misuse of digital tools for terrorist financing, as reported by The Hindu. Platforms like e-commerce, cryptocurrencies, VPNs, and fintech services are being exploited. For instance, the Gorakhnath attacker used PayPal and VPNs, while the Pulwama bomber purchased materials via Amazon. The report highlights the rise of lone actor attacks and trade-based financing, with South Asia flagged as a high-risk region. This underscores the need for stronger cybersecurity and international cooperation, critical topics for UPSC aspirants studying security and governance.

Revolutionizing Education in Kerala

In Kerala, a simple change in classroom design is making waves. Inspired by the film Sthanarthi Sreekuttan, schools have adopted semicircular seating arrangements, as noted by The Hindu on July 9, 2025. This setup eliminates the traditional front-back hierarchy, fostering inclusion and better teacher-student interaction. It reduces disruptive behavior and boosts peer learning, aligning with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. This reform could inspire nationwide changes, making it a key point for exam questions on education policy.

Maritime Justice with the Admiralty Act

The Kerala High Court made headlines by invoking the Admiralty Act, 2017, to arrest the vessel MSC Akiteta II over a ₹9,531 crore claim linked to the MSC Elsa III disaster, as reported by The Hindu. This act addresses environmental damage and extends jurisdiction to states like Kerala, Karnataka, Odisha, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh. It protects coastal economies and ensures accountability, a vital topic for aspirants focusing on governance and environmental law.

NITI Aayog’s SDG Index for the Northeast

The NITI Aayog released the NER District SDG Index 2023-24 on July 9, 2025, showcasing progress in sustainable development. Hnahthial, Mizoram, topped the list with a score of 81.43, followed by Champhai (79.86) and Gomati, Tripura (78.79). Longding, Arunachal Pradesh, ranked lowest at 58.71. Of 131 districts, 121 were assessed, with 103 classified as Front-Runners and 18 as Performers. This index, reported by AffairsCloud, highlights the Northeast’s development challenges and successes, a key focus for UPSC questions on regional development.

Empowering Deep-Tech Startups

The Startup Policy Forum launched the #100DesiDeepTechs Initiative to support 100 deep-tech startups in sectors like semiconductors, defense, quantum technology, and green hydrogen. With Rs. 10,000 crores allocated, applications are open until August 17, 2025, as per AffairsCloud. This initiative positions India as a global leader in innovation, a topic relevant for exams covering economic and technological advancements.

Green Mining Practices Recognized

Sustainability took center stage as the Government of India awarded seven-star ratings to three mines—Naokari Limestone Mine, Noamundi Iron Ore Mine, and Kammatharu Mine—for green practices in 2023-24. Additionally, 95 mines received five-star ratings, totaling 98 recognized mines, as reported by AffairsCloud. This reflects India’s commitment to eco-friendly mining, a key point for environmental governance questions.

BHARAT Study: Aging and AI

The Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bengaluru launched the BHARAT Study to create India’s first aging database using AI and machine learning, led by Professor DK Saini. Reported by AffairsCloud, this study aims to identify biomarkers for the Indian population, potentially transforming healthcare. It’s a significant development for aspirants tracking science and health policy.

Digital Addresses with DIGIPIN

MapmyIndia’s Mappls app partnered with India Post to integrate DIGIPIN, offering digital addresses with 3.8m x 3.8m accuracy. This innovation, reported by AffairsCloud, enhances logistics and emergency response, making it a notable topic for technology and governance sections in exams.

Tragedy in the Skies

A somber moment marked July 9, 2025, when two Indian Air Force (IAF) pilots lost their lives in a Jaguar trainer aircraft crash near Churu, as reported by The Hindu. The IAF is investigating the cause, and tributes have honored the pilots’ sacrifice. This incident is relevant for questions on defense and national security.

Nationwide Strike Action

Trade unions and farmer bodies called for a Bharat Bandh on July 9, 2025, protesting government policies, as noted by The Hindu. The strike disrupted normal life, highlighting tensions over labor and agricultural issues, a critical topic for UPSC and SSC aspirants studying socio-economic movements.

International Affairs

PM Modi’s Global Outreach

Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded a five-nation visit on July 9, 2025, covering Ghana, Trinidad & Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia. This historic trip, the first to Ghana in 30 years and Argentina in 57 years, resulted in four MoUs with Ghana and six with Trinidad & Tobago, as per AffairsCloud. PM Modi received honors like the Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana, Order of the Star of Trinidad & Tobago, and the Key to Buenos Aires, strengthening India’s global ties. This is a must-know for international relations questions.

Universal Health Coverage Initiative

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) launched the UHC PEERS Network to promote Universal Health Coverage in the Asia-Pacific, announced by Masato Kanda at the INSPIRE Health Forum in Manila from July 7-11, 2025. Involving over 25 countries and nine health ministers, this initiative, reported by AffairsCloud, is crucial for global health policy discussions in exams.

US Tariff on Copper

US President Donald Trump announced a 50% tariff on copper, effective August 1, 2025, via social media on July 9, 2025, as per The Hindu. This move could impact global trade, making it a key topic for economic and international relations questions.

Sanctions on UN Investigator

The Trump administration imposed sanctions on a UN investigator probing abuses in Gaza, as reported by The Hindu on July 9, 2025. This controversial decision has sparked debates about human rights and US-UN relations, relevant for UPSC aspirants.

Earthquake Crisis in Guatemala

Guatemala faced a series of earthquakes on July 9, 2025, with four confirmed deaths, as reported by The Hindu. This disaster underscores global environmental challenges, a topic for exams covering international affairs and disaster management.

Economy

RBI’s Liquidity Management

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced a two-day variable rate reverse repo auction worth ₹1 trillion on July 9, 2025, to absorb excess liquidity, as per Business Standard. This move follows recent efforts to stabilize the banking system, a key point for Banking exam aspirants.

New Framework for OTC Derivatives

The RBI released the Draft Reserve Bank of India (Novation of OTC Derivative Contracts) Directions, 2025, under Section 45 W of the RBI Act, 1934, as reported by Business Standard. This framework enhances transparency in financial markets, a critical topic for economic policy questions.

AirAsia’s Mega Deal with Airbus

AirAsia Berhad signed a $12.25 billion deal with Airbus for 50 A321XLR jets, with options for 20 more, as per AffairsCloud. Deliveries are set for 2028-2032, with new hubs planned in Ras Al Khaimah and Bahrain. This deal boosts aviation and economic connectivity, relevant for UPSC and Banking exams.

India-Brazil Trade Ambitions

During PM Modi’s visit to Brazil, he set a goal to increase India-Brazil bilateral trade to $20 billion by 2030, up from $12.2 billion, as reported by BankersAdda. This ambition highlights India’s focus on global economic partnerships.

Science and Technology

ISRO’s Gaganyaan Milestone

On July 9, 2025, ISRO successfully conducted two hot tests of the Gaganyaan Service Module Propulsion System (SMPS) at its Mahendragiri facility, as reported by Times of India. These tests are pivotal for India’s first crewed space mission, making it a key topic for science and technology questions.

AMS Dating for Archaeology

The Tamil Nadu State Department of Archaeology (TNSDA) sent 23 charcoal samples to Beta Analytic, US, for Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (AMS) dating, as per The Hindu. This precise method aids archaeological and climate research, a niche but important topic for UPSC aspirants.

Environment

Saving the Kharai Camels

Did you know camels in India can swim? The Kharai camels of Gujarat, with 4,000 in the state and 2,000 in coastal Kutch, feed on mangroves and swim up to 3 km. Associated with the Rabari and Fakirani Jat communities, their conservation, reported by Times of India, is vital for coastal ecosystems and cultural heritage, a key point for environmental questions.

Sports

Wimbledon 2025 Thrills

Wimbledon 2025 saw Novak Djokovic defeat Cobolli to face Sinner, while Belinda Bencic and Iga Swiatek reached the semifinals, as per The Hindu. These matches captivate global audiences and are relevant for sports-related questions.

Club World Cup Dominance

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) crushed Real Madrid 4-0 in the Club World Cup, with Fabián Ruiz scoring twice, as reported by The Hindu. This victory highlights PSG’s prowess, a notable point for international sports updates.

Summary Table of Key Current Affairs

Conclusion

This comprehensive guide to the current affairs of July 9, 2025, equips aspirants with the knowledge needed to excel in UPSC, SSC, Banking, and other government exams. From the digital divide to ISRO’s space ambitions, and from PM Modi’s global diplomacy to environmental conservation, these topics span the breadth of exam-relevant issues. Stay informed, and use this resource to gain a competitive edge in your preparation.

Citations

• The Hindu
• Insights IAS
• AffairsCloud
• Times of India
• Business Standard
• Economic Times

Daily quiz on current affairs with answers English

Question 1: What innovative seating arrangement has Kerala adopted in schools to enhance inclusivity and student engagement?
Option 1: Traditional row-based seating
Option 2: Randomized seating clusters
Option 3: Semicircular seating pattern
Option 4: Standing desk arrangement
Option 5: U-shaped classroom format
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: Kerala schools have implemented a semicircular seating pattern inspired by the film Sthanarthi Sreekuttan. This layout breaks the front-back hierarchy, enhances peer learning, and aligns with the NEP 2020’s focus on inclusive education.

Question 2: Which district topped the NITI Aayog’s NER SDG Index 2023–24?
Option 1: Hnahthial, Mizoram
Option 2: Gomati, Tripura
Option 3: Champhai, Mizoram
Option 4: Longding, Arunachal Pradesh
Option 5: South West Khasi Hills, Meghalaya
Answer: Option 1
Explanation: Hnahthial district in Mizoram secured the highest score (81.43) in the NITI Aayog’s NER SDG Index, highlighting significant progress in sustainable development goals in the region.

Question 3: Which organization launched the UHC PEERS Network to strengthen Universal Health Coverage in the Asia-Pacific?
Option 1: WHO
Option 2: World Bank
Option 3: Asian Development Bank
Option 4: United Nations Development Programme
Option 5: INSPIRE Health Alliance
Answer: Option 5
Explanation: The Asian Development Bank announced the UHC PEERS Network at the INSPIRE Health Forum to enhance universal health initiatives in over 25 Asia-Pacific countries, reflecting global health cooperation.

Question 4: What key step did the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) take on July 9, 2025, to manage excess liquidity?
Option 1: Repo rate reduction
Option 2: ₹1 trillion variable rate reverse repo auction
Option 3: Increased CRR for scheduled banks
Option 4: Launched a new SDF window
Option 5: Imposed lending caps on NBFCs
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: To absorb excess liquidity, the RBI conducted a ₹1 trillion variable rate reverse repo auction. This tool helps manage the monetary base and signals the central bank’s intent to tighten liquidity in the system.

Question 5: Which three mines received a seven-star rating from the Government of India for green practices?
Option 1: Barsua Iron Mine, Singareni Collieries, and Korba Coalfields
Option 2: Kudremukh, Bellary, and Ratnagiri Mines
Option 3: Dalli Rajhara, Bailadila, and Barbil Mines
Option 4: Naokari Limestone, Noamundi Iron Ore, and Kammatharu Mines
Option 5: Jharia, Talcher, and Angul Mines
Answer: Option 4
Explanation: The Government of India awarded seven-star sustainability ratings to Naokari Limestone, Noamundi Iron Ore, and Kammatharu Mines for their commitment to eco-friendly mining practices during 2023–24.

Question 6: According to the FATF report, which South Asian country was highlighted for digital tool misuse in terrorist financing?
Option 1: Bangladesh
Option 2: India
Option 3: Nepal
Option 4: Sri Lanka
Option 5: Pakistan
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: India was flagged in the FATF’s July 2025 report due to cases like the Pulwama and Gorakhnath attacks, where attackers misused platforms like PayPal, Amazon, and VPNs to finance terrorism, emphasizing the need for tighter digital regulation.

Question 7: What major initiative was launched to support 100 Indian deep-tech startups across emerging sectors?
Option 1: StartUp Gyan Mission
Option 2: Innovate Bharat Fund
Option 3: National Innovation Fellowship
Option 4: #100TechTitans Scheme
Option 5: #100DesiDeepTechs Initiative
Answer: Option 5
Explanation: The #100DesiDeepTechs Initiative was launched with ₹10,000 crores to support startups in key sectors like defense, quantum computing, and semiconductors, reinforcing India’s commitment to technological leadership.

Question 8: Which Indian study aims to create the nation’s first AI-based aging health database?
Option 1: Silver India Project
Option 2: Ayush Genome Mission
Option 3: BHARAT Study
Option 4: Yuva Ayushmaan Bharat Project
Option 5: GeronAI Survey
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: The BHARAT Study, led by IISc Bengaluru, uses AI to map aging biomarkers in Indians. This health innovation seeks to revolutionize geriatric care and data-driven policymaking in healthcare.

Question 9: What new technology integration has MapmyIndia implemented with India Post to enhance address precision?
Option 1: QR-based Address Mapper
Option 2: Pincode+ App
Option 3: ELOC Tagging System
Option 4: DIGIPIN
Option 5: Smart Pincode Registry
Answer: Option 4
Explanation: DIGIPIN, integrated into Mappls by MapmyIndia and India Post, provides 3.8m x 3.8m precise digital addresses, improving logistics, emergency response, and infrastructure planning.

Question 10: What legal act did the Kerala High Court invoke to arrest the vessel MSC Akiteta II in a maritime case?
Option 1: Indian Maritime Act, 2001
Option 2: Indian Ports Act, 1908
Option 3: Marine Environment Protection Act
Option 4: Admiralty Act, 2017
Option 5: Coastal Security Act, 2020
Answer: Option 1
Explanation: The Kerala High Court invoked the Admiralty Act, 2017, to detain the MSC Akiteta II over a claim exceeding ₹9,500 crore. This law provides for civil liability and environmental protection in maritime matters.