Current Affairs – July 30, 2025

National News

Space, Defense & Infrastructure

Today, July 30, 2025, marks the scheduled launch of the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) satellite from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre. India's GSLV-F16 rocket is slated to carry this joint mission into orbit. The NISAR satellite, a collaboration between NASA and ISRO, aims to provide high-resolution, all-weather Earth imaging data crucial for understanding and addressing climate change and natural disasters. The mission holds significant technological and geopolitical importance for India's space program.

In defense, the Ministry of Defence signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with TIDCO to establish a mechanical and material testing facility in Tiruchirapalli as part of the Defence Testing Infrastructure Scheme (DTIS). The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH) approved an AI-based Road Safety Pilot Project for Uttar Pradesh, designed to leverage technology for accident reduction and improved enforcement. The Ministry of Earth Sciences introduced 14 new scientific products and digital services aimed at enhancing India's climate resilience and public safety, including the Bharat Forecast System – Extended Range Prediction (BharatFS-ERP).

Governance and Social Initiatives

A three-month nationwide campaign was launched by the Department of Financial Services to ensure comprehensive coverage of financial inclusion schemes, such as PMJDY, PMJJBY, PMSBY, and APY, across all Gram Panchayats and Urban Local Bodies. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) concluded its Open Hearing and Camp Sitting in Hyderabad, addressing various public grievances.

International Relations & Global Events

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has increased India's economic growth forecast to 6.4% for both FY26 and FY27, citing favorable global conditions. A United Nations report highlighted a decrease in the global population affected by hunger in 2024, although the issue persists and is increasing in specific regions like parts of Africa and Western Asia. A UN conference supported a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Taiwan's president altered travel plans, cancelling a stop on American soil. Flooding near Beijing, China, resulted in at least 34 deaths. A Tsunami Warning Alert was issued by the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Japan. Concerns were noted regarding China's large dam construction on the Brahmaputra River near the India-Tibet border.

Economy and Business Updates

India's industrial output growth rate slowed to a 10-month low of 1.5% in June 2025, primarily due to contractions in the mining and electricity sectors. The Indian stock markets showed a rebound on July 30, with the Nifty closing higher. There are reports of TCS considering layoffs, impacting potentially 2% of its global workforce (around 12,000 employees), amidst a shift towards automation and AI-led productivity trends. The RBI's Digital Payments Index (RBI-DPI) recorded an increase in March 2025, indicating expanding digital payment adoption. The Competition Commission of India (CCI) approved Renault's acquisition of the remaining stake in RNAIPL from Nissan. LIC signed Forward Rate Agreements (FRAs) totaling USD 1 billion to hedge against declining interest rates.

Science and Technology

In addition to the NISAR launch, ISRO has plans to launch three more navigation satellites (NVS-03, NVS-04, NVS-05) by 2026 to enhance the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (NavIC). An asteroid named 2025 OL1 is expected to pass safely by Earth today. DRDO conducted range validation tests for the indigenous 'Pralay' missile system.

Sports

India qualified for the semifinals of the World Championship of Legends (WCL) cricket after defeating West Indies. Their next match is against Pakistan, although a potential boycott could lead to a change in opponent. A three-nation boxing camp commenced in Patiala. The U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) banned transgender women from women's Olympic sports, a decision that has drawn scrutiny and may face legal challenges. The Indian women's football team was placed in Group C for the upcoming AFC Women's Asian Cup.