Daily Current Affairs and GK | 24 July 2025

Topic: Art And Culture

1. On July 21, 2025, a replica of the Ashoka Pillar was unveiled at Waskaduwa Sri Subhuthi Viharaya.

• This temple is located in Kalutara district, in the Southern Province of Sri Lanka.
• It is a significant Buddhist site situated about 42 kilometers south of Colombo.
• The unveiling ceremony was attended by several notable dignitaries.
• These included the temple’s Chief Monk, Most Venerable Waskaduwe Mahindawansa Mahanayaka Thero.
• Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Shri Santosh Jha, was the chief guest at the event.
• Other attendees included members of the International Buddhist Confederation and local government leaders.
• The replica was fully funded by H.E. Kyabje Ling Rinpoche.
• He is a renowned spiritual leader in Tibetan Buddhism and the 7th incarnation in his lineage.
• Ling Rinpoche is currently based at Drepung Loseling Monastic University in Karnataka, India.
• The foundation stone was laid on January 28, 2024.
• The Mahanayaka Thero said the pillar was built to honor Emperor Ashoka’s contribution to Sri Lankan Buddhism.
• He credited Ashoka with sending Arhat Mahinda and Arhat Sangamitta to Sri Lanka.
• The Thero stated that Ashoka’s influence is often overlooked in Sri Lanka’s Buddhist history.
• High Commissioner Jha said the initiative has deepened cultural and spiritual ties between India and Sri Lanka.
• He recalled India’s 2020 announcement of a USD 15 million grant to promote Buddhist connections.
• One major project under this grant is the solar electrification of 10,000 temples and monastic schools in Sri Lanka.
• Jha also noted India’s recognition of Pali as a classical language last year.
• India is promoting Pali studies by republishing ancient grammar texts like Namamala and Balawatharo.
• Prime Minister Modi recently pledged support for the Anuradhapura Sacred City Complex.
• He also announced the exposition of sacred Buddha relics from Devnimori, Gujarat, in Sri Lanka.

Topic: National Appointments

2. Deepak Bagla has taken charge as the Mission Director of the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM).

• Before this, Bagla held the position of Managing Director and CEO at Invest India, the government's national agency for investment promotion and facilitation.

• He has participated in numerous high-level government committees and represented India internationally.
• Bagla has held the position of President of the World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (WAIPA).
• The Atal Innovation Mission plays a key role in advancing innovation and entrepreneurship under the Government of India.
• AIM's renewed mandate was approved by the Union Cabinet to scale its impact through focused, outcome-driven initiatives.
• The initiatives are aligned with national development priorities to boost innovation.

Topic: Summits/Conferences/Meetings

3. The 4th edition of the international mega food event—World Food India—is set to showcase India's agri-food innovation on the global platform.

• The 4th edition of the International Mega Food Event—World Food India—will be hosted by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) from 25th to 28th September 2025 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
• On 23 July, a Curtain Raiser event was organized at The Lalit, New Delhi, where the event brochure, official website, mobile application, and promotional video were unveiled by Union Minister Shri Chirag Paswan.
• The event is being positioned as a transformational platform that goes beyond a trade show, aiming to place India at the center of global food systems.
• Shri Paswan expressed appreciation for all ministries and industry stakeholders for the previous edition’s success and called for deeper collaboration ahead.
• The 2025 edition is expected to witness participation from over 90 countries, 2,000+ exhibitors, and thousands of stakeholders across the food value chain.
• FICCI, the National Program Partner, and Ernst & Young LLP, the Knowledge Partner for World Food India, will liaise with the relevant stakeholders and provide support to the Ministry of Food Processing Industries in the said program.
• The event is aligned with India’s 2047 vision and Atmanirbhar Bharat, focusing on investment, technology adoption, and sustainable development in the sector.

Topic: Sports

4. Divya Deshmukh created history by reaching the final of the FIDE Women's World Cup.

• On 24 July, India’s Divya Deshmukh created history by defeating China’s Tan Zhongyi to enter the final of the FIDE Women’s World Cup 2025 in Batumi, Georgia.
• The Indian grandmaster hopeful won Game 2 with white pieces after drawing the first game, thus clinching the semifinal 1.5–0.5.
• With this milestone, she has become the first Indian ever to qualify for the final of this prestigious tournament.
• Her performance has also earned her a spot in the 2026 Candidates Tournament and secured her first Grandmaster norm.
• Divya Deshmukh will now face the winner of the second semifinal between top-seeded Lei Tingjie of China and India’s Koneru Humpy.
• The FIDE Women’s World Cup offers three qualifying spots for the Candidates, making it a crucial event in the World Championship cycle.
• The Women's Chess World Cup 2025 is a single-elimination chess tournament and the third edition of the Women's Chess World Cup, being held from July 5 to July 29, 2025.

Topic: Sports

5. Suhani Shah became the first Indian female mentalist to win the World Magic Championship.

• Suhani Shah has made history by becoming the first Indian female mentalist to win the ‘Best Magic Creator’ title at the prestigious FISM World Championship of Magic in Italy.

• Her groundbreaking performance on Australia’s TV show “The Project” catapulted her to global fame, showcasing her mentalist talents to a wide audience.
• Suhani’s act included accurately guessing a presenter’s phone passcode and revealing another host’s secret crush, stunning viewers and judges alike.
• Born in Udaipur, Rajasthan, she began her journey into magic at the age of six, supported by her magician father.
• Her win at FISM has not only elevated her career but also brought recognition to India in the global magic community.
• Founded in 1948, FISM is one of the most recognized organizations in the world of magic and has organized 28 World Championships of Magic across the globe.
• Held every three years, this global convention brings together the finest talent in the magical arts.

Topic: State News/Jharkhand

6. Jharkhand to launch India's first mining tourism project.

• Jharkhand is set to become the first Indian state to introduce mining tourism, as announced by Chief Minister Hemant Soren.
• The initiative was inspired by his visit to Spain’s Gava Museum of Mines, which led to the vision of transforming mining heritage into an educational experience.
• About 40 percent of India's total mineral wealth is present in Jharkhand.
• A pilot tour is being launched in partnership with Central Coalfields Limited (CCL), starting with the North Urimari (Birsa) open-cast mine in Ramgarh.
• Two distinct routes—Rajrappa and Patratu—have been designed, covering religious and scenic landmarks along with mine visits.
• Tour groups of 10–20 people will be accommodated twice a week, with meals included and fees ranging from Rs 2,500 to Rs 2,800 plus GST.
• A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed between the state government and CCL to formally launch the initiative.
• Jharkhand Tourism Development Corporation (JTDC) will oversee operations with support from other stakeholders.
• The government also plans to develop a second mining tourism circuit in collaboration with Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL), which will further expand the network of accessible destinations.
• The initiative is expected to generate employment and boost local economic activity while promoting the state's mining legacy.

Topic: Personality in News

7. Renowned theatre maestro and Padma Shri recipient Ratan Thiyam has passed away.

• He was 77 years old. He died in the early hours after being hospitalised at RIMS Hospital in Imphal.

• Ratan Thiyam was originally from Imphal West district in Manipur.
• He was a towering figure in Indian theatre. He earned global recognition for his powerful stage productions.
• Some of his most acclaimed works include “Chakrabvyuha”, “Uttar Priyadarshi”, “Hey Nungshibi Prithivi”, and “Chinglon Mapan Tampak Ama”.
• His play “Chakrabvyuha” won the Fringe First Award at the Edinburgh International Festival in 1987.
• He served as the Chairperson of the National School of Drama.
• He was also the Vice Chairman of the Sangeet Natak Akademi in New Delhi.
• In 1989, the Government of India honoured him with the Padma Shri award.
• He also received the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1987.
• The Manipur Government presented him with a Lifetime Achievement Award.

Topic: State News/ Tamil Nadu

8. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Tamil Nadu on July 27 and 28 and take part in the 1000th anniversary of King Rajendra Chola I’s Gangetic conquest.

• The event will be held at Gangaikonda Cholapuram in Ariyalur district on 27th.
• The Tamil Nadu Government began celebrating the king’s birth anniversary on July 23.
• The celebration is taking place at the Brihadishwara Temple. The temple is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Prime Minister Modi is expected to release a commemorative coin during the event.
• The Archaeological Survey of India has organised a photo exhibition.
• The exhibition focuses on Rajendra Chola I’s Gangetic and Kadaram expeditions.
• It also features miniature sculptures related to Shaivism and Chola-era art.
• On July 28, the Prime Minister will inaugurate the modernised Thoothukudi airport.
• The airport was originally built in 1992. It has now been upgraded at a cost of Rs. 381 crore.
• The runway has been extended from 1350 metres to 3000 metres.
• The expanded airport now has parking space for five aircraft at once.

Topic: National News

9. India has recorded an 84% drop in mother-to-child HIV transmission between 2010 and 2024.

• The country’s vertical (mother-to-child) transmission rate declined by about 74.5% during this time.
• This is higher than the global average reduction of around 56.5%.
• Minister of State for Health Anupriya Patel shared these figures in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha.
• The National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) leads awareness efforts across the country.
• It uses multimedia campaigns, street performances, and information kiosks to educate the public.
• Digital platforms and social media are also used to engage younger and tech-savvy audiences.
• NACO has launched 1,619 targeted intervention projects across India.
• These projects focus on populations most at risk of HIV infection.
• Awareness and training programs are conducted at the community level.
• They are carried out by ASHAs, anganwadi workers, self-help groups, and members of Panchayati Raj institutions.
• NACO also runs campaigns to reduce stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV (PLHIV).
• To address complaints of discrimination, ombudsmen have been appointed in 34 states and union territories.

Topic: National News

10. The Indian government has so far approved six semiconductor manufacturing projects involving a total investment of ₹1.55 lakh crore.

• They are expected to generate over 27,000 direct jobs.
• The projects are part of the 'Semicon India Programme'.
• This programme aims to create a strong semiconductor and display manufacturing base in India.
• Under the Design Linked Incentive (DLI) scheme, 22 startups and MSMEs have received financial assistance.
• Three of these companies are based in Telangana.
• Eleven more companies in Telangana are getting infrastructure support for design.
• Tamil Nadu has three approved companies under the DLI scheme.
• Six firms in the state have also received infrastructure support for chip design.
• In total, 22 institutions in Telangana are involved in the Chips to Startup (C2S) programme.
• The C2S programme aims to train 85,000 skilled professionals in the semiconductor field.
• Over 45,000 students from 100 institutions have already enrolled.
• A Skilled Manpower Advanced Research and Training (SMART) Lab was set up in 2022 at NIELIT Calicut.
• Its goal is to train one lakh engineers in chip design and manufacturing.
• More than 42,000 engineers have completed training so far.
• Three semiconductor plants are currently located in Sanand, Gujarat, with a fourth under development in Dholera, also in Gujarat. Another facility is being set up in Assam.
• Most recently (May 2025), a new project has been approved near the upcoming Jewar airport, to be developed in partnership between the HCL Group and Foxconn.