Daily Current Affairs: Key Highlights from July 2, 2025 🌍📊

 

Stay up-to-date with the latest developments across governance, economy, and key appointments that are shaping India and the world. Essential for UPSC, SSC, and Banking exam aspirants, these updates provide a comprehensive overview of national and international news.

National News 🇮🇳

RailOne App: Revolutionizing Indian Railways Services 🚆📱

On July 2, 2025, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw unveiled the RailOne mobile application, a groundbreaking initiative that integrates various Indian Railways services into one seamless platform. The app allows passengers to:

• Book tickets 🛤️
• Check PNR status 🔍
• Order meals 🍽️
• Enquire about freight services 🚚

With features such as single sign-on, biometric login, and R-Wallet integration, this app aims to enhance passenger convenience and reduce dependency on multiple applications. By supporting the Digital India initiative, it is expected to foster a user-friendly digital ecosystem across India’s railways, aligning with the nation’s goal of technological innovation and inclusivity.

Union Cabinet Approves ₹1,853 Crore Four-Lane Highway Project in Tamil Nadu 🛣️

The Union Cabinet has approved a ₹1,853 crore project aimed at upgrading the Paramakudi–Ramanathapuram road in Tamil Nadu. This upgrade, expected to span 46.7 km of NH-87, will convert it into a four-lane corridor, significantly improving connectivity between key towns and religious destinations like Rameshwaram.

The project, under the Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM), will:

• Alleviate traffic congestion 🚗
• Promote tourism 🏖️
• Enhance road safety 🛡️
• Generate over 18 lakh employment person-days 💼

This initiative marks a major step toward infrastructure modernization, economic growth, and regional development in Tamil Nadu.

Bihar's Youth & Cultural Welfare Schemes 🎭👩‍🎤

Ahead of the 2025 Bihar Assembly Elections, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar unveiled several welfare schemes aimed at youth and cultural welfare:

1. Mukhya Mantri Pratigya Yojana: This program offers ₹6,000 per month to youth for internships, enhancing employment prospects.
2. Kalakar Pension Yojana: Senior artists will receive ₹3,000/month to preserve the cultural heritage.
3. Development of Punaura Dham Temple: A whopping ₹882.87 crore has been sanctioned for the Punaura Dham temple in Sitamarhi to boost religious tourism.

These schemes underscore the state's focus on employment, cultural heritage, and religious tourism, setting the stage for the upcoming elections.

Gujarat Launches Jan Suraksha Santrupti Abhiyan 💳🔒

Gujarat’s Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel launched the Jan Suraksha Santrupti Abhiyan, a comprehensive campaign aimed at expanding the reach of welfare schemes such as:

• PMJJBY (Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana) 🏦
• PMSBY (Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana) 💰
• Jan Dhan Yojana 💳

This campaign, running from July 1 to September 30, 2025, focuses on financial inclusion, KYC updates, and digital fraud awareness, targeting 100% coverage of eligible individuals. By empowering over 1.93 crore Jan Dhan accounts, it aims to enhance equity in public service delivery.

International News 🌍

India & UAE Forge Partnership in Green Steel and Aluminium 🔗🌱

In a significant move, India and the UAE have initiated a strategic partnership to advance the production of green steel and high-grade aluminium under the India-UAE CEPA (Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement). The collaboration is aimed at:

• Promoting sustainable manufacturing 🌱
• Ensuring resource security 🔒
• Expanding trade in key sectors like automotive 🚗 and defense ⚔️

This partnership is set to position both nations at the forefront of green technology and manufacturing, contributing significantly to India's $5 trillion economy vision.

Pakistan Assumes UN Security Council Presidency 🕊️

Pakistan assumed the UN Security Council Presidency for July 2025, marking a pivotal moment in global diplomacy. During its tenure, Pakistan will focus on:

• Multilateralism 🌐
• Peaceful dispute resolution ⚖️
• OIC cooperation 🤝

This leadership role comes at a critical time as global instability grows, positioning Pakistan to influence peace efforts and inclusive diplomacy worldwide.

Zohran Mamdani Wins NYC Democratic Mayoral Primary 🏙️🗳️

Zohran Mamdani made headlines with his upset victory over former Governor Andrew Cuomo in the NYC Democratic Mayoral Primary. His progressive platform, which includes:

• Free public services 🏥
• Rent freeze 🏠
• Higher taxes on the wealthy 💸

Resonated deeply with working-class voters, securing him a 12-point margin of victory. This marks a significant shift in the political landscape of New York City.

Banking News 🏦

UPI Sees Minor Dip in June 2025 Amidst Strong Yearly Growth 📉

India's UPI ecosystem recorded 18.40 billion transactions worth ₹24.04 lakh crore in June 2025, showing a slight monthly dip but reflecting robust yearly growth. Experts attribute the dip to seasonal effects, but UPI’s continued dominance in India's digital economy is evident, with 613 million daily transactions.

As UPI matures, it is expected to expand into IoT-based payments, embedded credit, and B2B transactions, further solidifying its role in India's economic transformation.

Appointments News 👔

Kesavan Ramachandran Appointed as RBI’s New Executive Director 🏦

Kesavan Ramachandran has been appointed as the Executive Director (ED) of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), effective July 1, 2025. With over three decades of experience, his appointment underscores RBI’s focus on:

• Risk monitoring 🔍
• Currency management 💰
• Banking supervision 📈

His role will be crucial in maintaining financial stability amidst evolving challenges in India’s banking sector.

Defense News ⚔️

India Commissions Second Project 17A Stealth Frigate 🚢

On July 1, 2025, India inducted the INS Udaygiri, its second Project 17A stealth frigate, into the Indian Navy. Built in 37 months, this advanced warship features indigenous weapon systems, stealth design, and multi-mission capabilities suited for blue-water operations.

The Project 17A program underscores India’s defense indigenization and growing naval strength, with contributions from over 200 MSMEs across the country.

INS Tamal Commissioned in Kaliningrad 🇷🇺

India's INS Tamal, a stealth guided missile frigate, was commissioned in Russia under Project 1135.6. This marks the last foreign-built major warship for the Indian Navy. The vessel is equipped with advanced BrahMos missiles and HUMSA-NG sonar, reinforcing India’s Indo-Russian defense partnership and enhancing its blue-water capabilities.

Ranks & Reports News 📊

Global Unicorn Index 2025 🦄

The Hurun Global Unicorn Index 2025 reveals that India now has 64 unicorns, securing the third spot globally, following the US (758 unicorns) and China (343). This demonstrates the explosive growth of India’s startup ecosystem and its contribution to global innovation.

UN Sustainable Development Goals Index 2025 🌍

The UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Index 2025 highlights the global progress towards achieving the 17 SDGs by 2030. While there has been improvement in healthcare and infrastructure, setbacks in areas like press freedom and nutrition were noted. Finland ranks first, while South Sudan and Chad lag behind due to conflict and instability.

Schemes News 📝

Cabinet Approves Employment Linked Incentive (ELI) Scheme 🧑‍💼

On July 1, 2025, the Union Cabinet approved the ELI Scheme, designed to create 3.5 crore jobs over the next two years. The scheme offers incentives to both employees and employers, particularly in the manufacturing sector.

This initiative aims to formalize the workforce and contribute to India’s broader employment reform agenda.

Cabinet Approves ₹1 Lakh Crore RDI Scheme 🧬

The Research Development and Innovation (RDI) Scheme, with an outlay of ₹1 lakh crore, aims to foster private sector innovation in strategic and sunrise sectors. The scheme will promote high-technology R&D and the establishment of a Deep-Tech Fund, propelling India towards self-reliance in innovation.

Sports News ⚽

Union Cabinet Clears New National Sports Policy 🏅

On July 1, 2025, the Union Cabinet approved a new National Sports Policy, aiming to transform India into a global sports powerhouse. Key focus areas include:

• Athlete development 🏆
• Mass fitness participation 🏃‍♂️
• Sports tourism 🏖️

This policy sets the foundation for India’s sporting ecosystem to thrive.

Important Days News 📅

World Sports Journalists Day 2025 🎤

On July 2, World Sports Journalists Day was observed to celebrate the role of sports reporters in shaping public engagement with sports. This year's theme, "Championing Fair Play," emphasizes the importance of ethical journalism and media freedom.

Obituaries News ⚰️

Dr. BV Pattabhiram Passes Away at 75 💔

Dr. BV Pattabhiram, a pioneering hypnotist and motivational speaker, passed away due to cardiac arrest on July 2, 2025. His contributions to mental wellness and stress management have left an indelible mark on countless lives.