Goodmorning students, It’s Friday, july 18, and we are covering some important news and updates, which might help you in qualifying government exams.
NATIONAL NEWS
1. Gujarat Launches India’s First Tribal Genome Sequencing Project:
Gujarat begins genome sequencing of 2,000 tribal individuals across 17 districts to detect hereditary diseases and create a reference genome database, pioneering personalized healthcare for tribal communities.
STATE NEWS
2. Bihar Announces Free Electricity up to 125 Units Ahead of Elections:
Bihar’s CM Nitish Kumar declares free electricity for up to 125 units per month from August 2025, benefiting 16.7 million families and pushing for solar power expansion.
3. Maharashtra Grants Agricultural Status to Livestock and Poultry Farming:
Maharashtra becomes the first state to grant agricultural status to livestock and poultry farming, offering over 37 million farmers access to subsidies, credit, and tax relief, boosting the rural economy.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
4. Yuliia Svyrydenko Appointed as New Prime Minister of Ukraine:
Economist Yuliia Svyrydenko becomes Ukraine’s Prime Minister, succeeding Denys Shmyhal during ongoing conflict, signaling a strategic leadership shift.
BANKING NEWS
5. EximPe Gets RBI Approval for Cross-Border Payment Aggregator License:
EximPe secures RBI’s in-principle license for cross-border payment aggregation, targeting rapid growth in e-commerce and SME transactions.
AWARD NEWS
6. Ahmedabad Declared Cleanest City In Swachh Survekshan 2024–25:
Ahmedabad wins cleanest city honor among cities over 10 lakh population, while Indore, Surat, and Navi Mumbai recognized for sustained performance in cleanliness drive.
APPOINTMENT NEWS
7. Ajay Kumar Shrivastava Appointed Director (Engineering & R&D), HAL:
HAL appoints Ajay Kumar Shrivastava as Director for Engineering and R&D, leveraging 37 years of experience in aircraft design.
8. ECI Appoints Nitu Chandra and Kranti Prakash Jha as SVEEP Icons for Bihar:
Actors Nitu Chandra and Kranti Prakash Jha chosen as SVEEP icons in Bihar to boost voter awareness.
9. Union Government Notifies Transfer & Repatriation of 18 High Court Judges:
Eighteen High Court judges transferred across India to uphold judicial impartiality and efficiency.
DEFENCE NEWS
10. India Acquires GE-F404 Engine to Power Fighter Planes:
India signs major deals for GE-F404 engines and advanced fighter jets, marking progress in defense modernization.
11. Indian Army Successfully Tests Akash Prime Air Defence System at 15,000 ft in Ladakh:
Indian Army successfully tests Akash Prime at high altitude, enhancing indigenous air defense capability.
SPORTS NEWS
12. Andre Russell Announces Retirement from International Cricket:
All-rounder Andre Russell retires after a 15-year international career, bidding farewell with matches against Australia in Jamaica.
13. Deepika Sehrawat Wins Prestigious Poligras Magic Skill Award:
Indian hockey player Deepika Sehrawat earns international recognition for skillful field goal in FIH Pro League.
SCIENCE & TECH NEWS
14. Google’s Free Gemini AI Pro Offer for Indian Students:
Google launches free Gemini AI Pro access for eligible Indian students till September 2025, supporting digital learning.
15. IIM Kozhikode Launches ‘Gyanodaya’ — A Centre for Pedagogical Innovation:
IIM Kozhikode inaugurates ‘Gyanodaya’ to drive innovation and indigenous research in management education.
16. Shubhanshu Shukla Returns to Earth:
Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla returns after the Axiom-4 ISS mission, advancing India’s space research through key biological and technological experiments.
IMPORTANT DAYS NEWS
17. India Observes AI Appreciation Day – Recognizing the Nation’s AI Growth and Vision:
India marks AI Appreciation Day on July 16, highlighting advancements in artificial intelligence across sectors.
18. World Snake Day Celebrated with Conservation Awareness At Bannerghatta:
Snake conservation and awareness activities organized in Bengaluru on World Snake Day 2025.
19. World Day for International Justice 2025 Date, Significance:
July 17 recognized as World Day for International Justice, promoting global accountability and human rights.
20. Nelson Mandela International Day 2025, Date, Theme, Significance:
July 18 is dedicated to Nelson Mandela’s legacy, with the 2025 theme focusing on combating poverty and inequality through community service.