Current Affairs One - Liner : 31st July 2025

National:

• On 29 July 2025, CeNS Bengaluru developed smart windows using titanium dioxide and aluminium-ion electrolytes. They regulate light & heat, block infrared rays, and store energy (34 mF/cm²). Enable zero-energy buildings using earth-abundant materials, supporting sustainability. Supported by DST under the Advanced Materials Technology (AMT) program.

• On 30 July 2025, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced Vande Bharat trains now run in every Indian state. A total of 144 services are operational nationwide, known for high occupancy and positive public response. The rollout was completed in just 3 years, compared to decades for older trains like Rajdhani.
• On July 27, 2025, Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis launched India’s first AI-powered Anganwadi in Waddhamna, Nagpur. It uses VR headsets, smart boards, and AI dashboards for playful, personalized learning. Attendance rose from 10 to 25 kids in 3 months, with age-appropriate AI content.
  

International:

• On 30 July 2025, PM Anthony Albanese announced Australia’s plan to restrict YouTube account creation for users under 16. Kids can still watch videos, but uploading, commenting, and personalized recommendations will be blocked. This follows findings that 37% of children faced harmful content online.

MoUs:

• On 30 July 2025, India and UAE signed an MoU in New Delhi to strengthen maritime security cooperation. The agreement was signed during the 13th JDCC meeting between Indian Coast Guard and UAE National Guard Command. It aims to ensure a safe, secure, and sustainable maritime environment, aligned with Vision SAGAR.

Sports:

• On 29 July 2025, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) launched two welfare schemes: Benevolence Fund for one-time medical grants to ex-players, officials, and journalists, starting with ₹7 lakh corpus. Pension Fund proposed for AIFF employees retiring at 60+ after 20+ years of service.

Summits & Conferences:

• COP15 to the Ramsar Convention was held from July 23–31, 2025 in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, chaired by Evelyn Ndlovu. Organised by the Ramsar Secretariat, it focused on the theme “Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future”. Aim: Promote global cooperation for wetland conservation aligned with the 2030 Agenda. India’s resolution on sustainable lifestyles was adopted by 172 countries; Panama announced as COP16 host.
  

Defence:

• On 30 July 2025, AXISCADES Technologies Ltd. (formerly AXIS IT&T and CADES) secured ₹600 crore defence orders for indigenous military platforms. Orders include Su-30 MKI radar upgrades, SONAR subsystems, and Digital Beamforming tech for Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL) and Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

Important Days:

• International Friendship Day 2025 is observed globally on July 30 by the United Nations. In India, it’s celebrated on August 3, 2025, the first Sunday of August. The day promotes peace, solidarity, and cross-cultural bonds among individuals.
• World Day Against Trafficking in Persons is observed on 30 July, marked globally since 2013. The 2025 theme is: “Human trafficking is organized crime – End the exploitation.” It focuses on dismantling criminal networks and strengthening victim protection and justice.

Appointments:

• Air New Zealand announced Nikhil Ravishankar as CEO on July 30, 2025. He will succeed current CEO Greg Foran. Ravishankar took charge on October 20, 2025. He was previously Chief Strategy and Technology Officer at Auckland Airport.
• Commodore Varghese Mathew took charge as Naval Officer-in-Charge, Kerala on July 31, 2025. He’s a specialist in Gunnery and Missile Warfare, commissioned into the Navy on July 1, 1996. Alumnus of Sainik School Kazhakootam, NDA, DSSC Wellington & Naval War College Goa.
• Sanjay Singhal, a 1993-batch IPS officer (UP cadre), appointed as DG of SSB. Appointment announced on 29 July 2025; he takes charge from 1 September 2025. Replaces Amrit Mohan Prasad, retiring on 31 August 2025. Currently serves as Special DG at BSF, with expertise in border security.
• On 30 July 2025, MS Dhoni became a strategic investor and brand ambassador for ACKO Insurance. He invested via Midas Deals Pvt. Ltd., backing ACKO’s customer-first, tech-savvy approach. Dhoni admired ACKO's work in simplifying automobile insurance with digital innovation.
• The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved a 3-month extension for Robert J Ravi as Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) and Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL). His extended tenure runs from 15 July to 14 October 2025, ensuring leadership continuity amid ongoing telecom reforms.
• Bharat B Bhatia, President of ITU-APT Foundation of India (IAFI), was appointed Vice Chairman and Editorial Chair of the Asia-Pacific Telecommunity’s Conference Preparatory Group for the World Radiocommunication Conference 2027 (APT-APG for WRC-27.

Books:

• 15 July 2025, Mumbai – Veteran actor and motivational speaker Anupam Kher released his fourth book Different But No Less, inspired by real‑life experiences and the making of his film Tanvi The Great. The book highlights resilience, optimism, and self‑belief during challenges, drawing parallels with the film’s journey.
• "Believer’s Dilemma" is written by Abhishek Choudhary and was released on 20 July 2025. The biography explores Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s rise, ideological struggles, and the ascent of the Hindu Right. Based on extensive research, it offers a nuanced, definitive portrait of Vajpayee’s leadership and legacy.
• "Dapaan: Kashmir Stories of Survival" by Ipsita Chakravarty was released on 7 July 2025. The title Dapaan means “it is said” in Kashmiri, reflecting oral storytelling traditions. It blends folklore, satire, ghost stories, and reportage to depict everyday survival in conflict‑torn Kashmir.

Obituaries:

• T. N. Manoharan, Padma Shri awardee and former IDBI Chairman, passed away on 30 July 2025 in Mumbai at the age of 69. He was known for reviving Satyam Computers and leading institutions like ICAI and Canara Bank.
• Veteran actor KPAC Rajendran, aged 74, passed away on 31 July 2025 in Alappuzha, Kerala, due to kidney-related illness. He was known for his role as Padavalam Kuttanpillai in the sitcom Uppum Mulakum. His career spanned five decades, beginning in theatre with Ningalenne Communistakki.
• Meghnad Desai, noted economist and author, passed away on 29 July 2025 in London at age 85. A Padma Bhushan awardee, he was professor emeritus at LSE and a member of the UK House of Lords. Known for promoting India–UK ties and global economic thought, his contributions spanned governance and policy.
• Laura Dahlmeier, Germany’s double Olympic biathlon champion, died on 28 July 2025 in a mountaineering accident on Laila Peak, Pakistan. She was struck by falling rocks at 5,700m altitude while climbing with her partner, who survived and alerted authorities.

Questions:

Q.1 Who was named CEO of Air New Zealand in July 2025?
a) Greg Foran
b) Nikhil Ravishankar
c) Rajiv Bansal
d) Sunil Bhaskaran

Answer: b) Air New Zealand announced Nikhil Ravishankar as CEO on July 30, 2025. He will succeed current CEO Greg Foran.

Q.2 MS Dhoni recently joined which company as investor and brand ambassador?
a) Digit Insurance
b) ACKO Insurance
c) LIC Tech
d) GoDigit

Answer: b) On 30 July 2025, MS Dhoni became a strategic investor and brand ambassador for ACKO Insurance.