Stay updated with top headlines of Current Affairs Today: 9 July 20259 July 2025 — national, international, economy, banking, defence, science, sports & appointments for exam aspirants.
1. Which district topped the NITI Aayog’s 2nd Edition of the North Eastern Region (NER) District SDG Index (2023-24)?
A. Champhai, Mizoram
B. Hnahthial, Mizoram
C. Gomati, Tripura
D. Longding, Arunachal Pradesh
E. Gangtok, Sikkim
Answer: B. Hnahthial, Mizoram
2. What was the composite score of Hnahthial district in the NER District SDG Index (2023-24)?
A. 78.79
B. 79.86
C. 81.43
D. 58.71
E. 73.36
Answer: C. 81.43
3. Who launched the 2nd Edition of the NER District SDG Index (2023-24)?
A. Rajib Kumar Sen
B. Suman Bery, B.V.R. Subrahmanyam, Chanchal Kumar, and Dr. Angela Lusigi
C. G. Kishan Reddy
D. Nirmala Sitharaman
E. Dr. Jitendra Singh
Answer: B. Suman Bery, B.V.R. Subrahmanyam, Chanchal Kumar, and Dr. Angela Lusigi
4. How many districts were covered in the 2nd Edition of the NER District SDG Index (2023-24)?
A. 103
B. 120
C. 121
D. 131
E. 150
Answer: C. 121
5. Which category in the NER District SDG Index (2023-24) includes districts with a score between 65 and 99?
A. Achiever
B. Front Runner
C. Performer
D. Aspirant
E. Leader
Answer: B. Front Runner
6. Which district was ranked as the lowest-scoring in the NER District SDG Index (2023-24)?
A. South Salmara-Mankachar, Assam
B. Kiphire, Nagaland
C. Longding, Arunachal Pradesh
D. Dibrugarh, Assam
E. Kohima, Nagaland
Answer: C. Longding, Arunachal Pradesh
7. Which organization provided technical support for the NER District SDG Index (2023-24)?
A. World Bank
B. United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
C. Asian Development Bank
D. International Monetary Fund
E. NITI Aayog
Answer: B. United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
8. What is the primary objective of the #100DesiDeepTechs Initiative launched by the Startup Policy Forum?
A. To fund 100 fintech startups
B. To identify and empower India’s top 100 deep-tech startups
C. To promote agricultural startups
D. To support small-scale industries
E. To develop e-commerce platforms
Answer: B. To identify and empower India’s top 100 deep-tech startups
9. Which institute is leading the selection process for the #100DesiDeepTechs Initiative?
A. IIT Delhi
B. IIT Madras
C. IIT Bombay
D. IISc Bengaluru
E. IIT Kanpur
Answer: B. IIT Madras
10. What is the deadline for applications for the #100DesiDeepTechs Initiative?
A. July 31, 2025
B. August 17, 2025
C. September 1, 2025
D. October 15, 2025
E. December 31, 2025
Answer: B. August 17, 2025
11. Which mine received a seven-star rating for sustainable mining practices in 2023-24?
A. Sindesar Khurd Mine
B. Naokari Limestone Mine
C. Bicholim Iron Ore Mine
D. Sukinda Chromite Mine
E. Bailadila Iron Ore Mine
Answer: B. Naokari Limestone Mine
12. How many mines were awarded a five-star rating for sustainable mining practices in 2023-24?
A. 85
B. 90
C. 95
D. 100
E. 105
Answer: C. 95
13. What is the primary goal of the BHARAT Study launched by IISc Bengaluru?
A. To develop new vaccines
B. To create India’s first comprehensive aging database
C. To study infectious diseases
D. To promote agricultural biotechnology
E. To enhance cancer research
Answer: B. To create India’s first comprehensive aging database
14. Which technologies are utilized in the BHARAT Study by IISc Bengaluru?
A. Blockchain and IoT
B. AI and Machine Learning
C. Quantum Computing and Robotics
D. Virtual Reality and Drones
E. 3D Printing and Nanotechnology
Answer: B. AI and Machine Learning
15. What is the purpose of integrating DIGIPIN into MapmyIndia’s Mappls app?
A. To provide real-time weather updates
B. To create a comprehensive last-mile digital addressing system
C. To enhance navigation for autonomous vehicles
D. To support online banking services
E. To monitor traffic congestion
Answer: B. To create a comprehensive last-mile digital addressing system
16. Which country did PM Narendra Modi visit first during his 5-nation tour in July 2025?
A. Argentina
B. Brazil
C. Ghana
D. Namibia
E. Trinidad & Tobago
Answer: C. Ghana
17. How many MoUs were signed between India and Ghana during PM Modi’s visit in July 2025?
A. 2
B. 3
C. 4
D. 5
E. 6
Answer: C. 4
18. What honor was conferred on PM Narendra Modi by Trinidad & Tobago during his visit in July 2025?
A. The Order of the Star of Ghana
B. The Order of the Star of the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago
C. Key to the City of Buenos Aires
D. Officer of the Order of Merit
E. Grand Commander of the Order of Excellence
Answer: B. The Order of the Star of the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago
19. Which area of cooperation was NOT a focus during PM Modi’s visit to Argentina in July 2025?
A. Defence
B. Critical Minerals
C. Pharmaceuticals
D. Space Exploration
E. Agriculture
Answer: D. Space Exploration
20. What is the primary aim of the ADB’s UHC PEERS Network launched in July 2025?
A. To fund healthcare startups
B. To drive Universal Health Coverage across Asia and the Pacific
C. To develop new medical technologies
D. To improve hospital infrastructure
E. To train healthcare professionals
Answer: B. To drive Universal Health Coverage across Asia and the Pacific
21. Where was the INSPIRE Health Systems in Asia and the Pacific Health Forum held in July 2025?
A. Tokyo, Japan
B. Manila, Philippines
C. New Delhi, India
D. Bangkok, Thailand
E. Singapore
Answer: B. Manila, Philippines
22. How many A321XLR aircraft did AirAsia Berhad agree to purchase from Airbus in July 2025?
A. 30
B. 40
C. 50
D. 60
E. 70
Answer: C. 50
23. In which year will AirAsia Berhad begin receiving deliveries of the A321XLR aircraft?
A. 2026
B. 2027
C. 2028
D. 2029
E. 2030
Answer: C. 2028
24. Who was appointed as the President and CEO of BMW Group India effective from September 1, 2025?
A. Vikram Pawah
B. Hardeep Singh Brar
C. Aditya Mangla
D. Rakesh Ranjan
E. Jaswinder Singh Oberai
Answer: B. Hardeep Singh Brar
25. Who was appointed as the CEO of Eternal Limited’s food delivery business in July 2025?
A. Rakesh Ranjan
B. Aditya Mangla
C. Jaswinder Singh Oberai
D. Vikram Pawah
E. Tony Fernandes
Answer: B. Aditya Mangla
26. Which two organizations partnered to develop India’s first indigenous quantum-secure satellite?
A. ISRO and DRDO
B. Space TS and Synergy Quantum
C. IIT Hyderabad and MapmyIndia
D. Synergy Quantum and ISRO
E. Space TS and IIT Madras
Answer: B. Space TS and Synergy Quantum
27. What technology is integrated into the quantum-secure satellite being developed by Space TS and Synergy Quantum?
A. Blockchain Encryption
B. Quantum Key Distribution (QKD)
C. Artificial Intelligence (AI)
D. Internet of Things (IoT)
E. 5G Connectivity
Answer: B. Quantum Key Distribution (QKD)
28. Which initiative does the quantum-secure satellite project align with?
A. Digital India
B. National Quantum Mission
C. Make in India
D. Skill India
E. Startup India
Answer: B. National Quantum Mission
29. What is the name of the new fish species discovered in the Brahmaputra River in Assam?
A. Pethia assamensis
B. Pethia dibrugarhensis
C. Pethia brahmaputrensis
D. Pethia cyprinidae
E. Pethia manipurensis
Answer: B. Pethia dibrugarhensis
30. Which family does the newly discovered fish species Pethia dibrugarhensis belong to?
A. Cichlidae
B. Cyprinidae
C. Characidae
D. Gobiidae
E. Salmonidae
Answer: B. Cyprinidae
31. Which country topped the medal tally at the Asian Para Archery Championships 2025?
A. India
B. China
C. Singapore
D. Thailand
E. South Korea
Answer: B. China
32. How many medals did India win at the Asian Para Archery Championships 2025?
A. 6
B. 7
C. 8
D. 9
E. 10
Answer: D. 9
33. Who set a new competition record in the Recurve Men’s qualifier at the Asian Para Archery Championships 2025?
A. Sheetal Devi
B. Harvinder Singh
C. Bhawna
D. Jyoti
E. Hanreuchai Netsiri
Answer: B. Harvinder Singh
34. What was the time recorded by Animesh Kujur in the Men’s 100m at the Dromia International Sprints and Relays in Greece?
A. 10.01 seconds
B. 10.12 seconds
C. 10.18 seconds
D. 10.23 seconds
E. 10.28 seconds
Answer: C. 10.18 seconds
35. What is the purpose of World Bioproduct Day observed on July 7?
A. To promote fossil fuel usage
B. To raise awareness about bioproducts and their contribution to sustainability
C. To advocate for industrial manufacturing
D. To celebrate agricultural advancements
E. To promote chemical-based products
Answer: B. To raise awareness about bioproducts and their contribution to sustainability
36. Which policy was linked to India’s USD 300 billion bioeconomy target by 2030 during World Bioproduct Day 2025?
A. National Education Policy
B. BioE3 Policy
C. Make in India
D. Digital India
E. Startup India
Answer: B. BioE3 Policy
37. What is the purpose of the Amaravati Quantum Valley Declaration approved by the Andhra Pradesh Government?
A. To promote tourism
B. To advance quantum technologies and build an innovation ecosystem
C. To develop agricultural infrastructure
D. To enhance renewable energy projects
E. To improve urban planning
Answer: B. To advance quantum technologies and build an innovation ecosystem
38. How much investment does the Amaravati Quantum Valley Declaration aim to attract by January 1, 2029?
A. USD 500 million
B. USD 750 million
C. USD 1 billion
D. USD 1.5 billion
E. USD 2 billion
Answer: C. USD 1 billion
39. What is the name of India’s largest open testbed planned under the Amaravati Quantum Valley Declaration?
A. QChipIN
B. QuantumLab
C. InnoQuantum
D. QTestbed
E. QuantumHub
Answer: A. QChipIN
40. Which state became the first in India to implement Aadhaar-based facial authentication for ration distribution under the Public Distribution System?
A. Andhra Pradesh
B. Himachal Pradesh
C. Tamil Nadu
D. Uttar Pradesh
E. Karnataka
Answer: B. Himachal Pradesh
41. What technology is used in Himachal Pradesh’s Aadhaar-based facial authentication system for PDS?
A. Fingerprint scanning
B. Iris scanning
C. Mobile camera-based facial authentication
D. OTP-based verification
E. Voice recognition
Answer: C. Mobile camera-based facial authentication
42. What is the name of the AI-powered mosquito control initiative launched by the Andhra Pradesh Government?
A. MosquitoGuard
B. Smart Mosquito Surveillance System (SMoSS)
C. VectorShield
D. AI-Mosquito Control
E. InsectTrack
Answer: B. Smart Mosquito Surveillance System (SMoSS)
43. How many locations across Andhra Pradesh are covered by the Smart Mosquito Surveillance System (SMoSS)?
A. 50
B. 56
C. 60
D. 66
E. 72
Answer: D. 66
Current Affairs Today: 9 July 2025
NITI Aayog — NER District SDG Index (2023–24)
- NITI Aayog released the 2nd edition of the North-Eastern Region District SDG Index.
- Hnahthial (Mizoram) topped the list with a score of 81.43. Champhai (Mizoram) and Gomati (Tripura) followed.
- The report covers 121 districts and groups them into four categories (Achiever, Front-Runner, Performer, Aspirant). Most districts (103) are “Front-Runners”; 18 are “Performers.”
- Longding (Arunachal Pradesh) was the lowest-scoring district. UNDP provided technical support.
Deep-Tech Push — #100DesiDeepTechs
- The Startup Policy Forum launched #100DesiDeepTechs to identify and support India’s top 100 deep-tech startups.
- Focus areas include semiconductors, defence, quantum, green hydrogen, space, biotech, robotics, EVs, advanced manufacturing, and communications.
- The program is run with Startup India, MeitY, and IIT-Madras leading the selection. Applications close on 17 August 2025. The government has added funds (₹10,000 crore via FoF) to back deep-tech growth.
Mining — Green Practices and Ratings
- The Ministry of Mines awarded seven-star ratings (the highest) to three mines for sustainable practices: Naokari Limestone (UltraTech), Noamundi Iron Ore (Tata Steel) and Kammatharu (Sandur Manganese & Iron Ore Ltd.).
- In total, 98 mines were recognised (3 with 7-star, 95 with 5-star).
Health & Science
- IISc Bengaluru launched the BHARAT study to build India’s first comprehensive ageing biomarker database, using AI/ML to find health markers for healthy ageing.
- MapmyIndia’s Mappls app integrated DIGIPIN (India Post) to provide precise 10-character digital addresses, improving last-mile services across urban and rural areas.
PM Modi’s 5-Nation Visit (July 2025) — Part I
- PM Modi visited Ghana, Trinidad & Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia to deepen ties.
- Several MoUs were signed (e.g., with Ghana and Trinidad & Tobago) covering trade, health, culture and more. He received national honours in Ghana and Trinidad & Tobago.
Regional & Global Health Cooperation
- ADB launched the UHC PEERS network to promote Universal Health Coverage through peer learning across Asia-Pacific, announced during the INSPIRE health forum in Manila.
Economy & Business
- AirAsia Berhad signed a $12.25 billion deal with Airbus for 50 A321XLR jets (deliveries start in 2028), aiming to expand into long-range low-cost routes.
Appointments
- Hardeep Singh Brar named President & CEO of BMW Group India (effective 1 Sept 2025).
- Aditya Mangla appointed CEO of Eternal Limited’s food-delivery business.
Space & Security Tech
- Space TS and Synergy Quantum teamed up to develop India’s first indigenous quantum-secure satellite, using Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) to strengthen secure communications. This aligns with the National Quantum Mission.
Environment & Biodiversity
- A new fish species, Pethia dibrugarhensis, was discovered in the Brahmaputra near Dibrugarh, Assam. It belongs to the cyprinid family.
Sports Highlights
- Asian Para Archery Championships 2025: China topped the medal table; India finished second. Harvinder Singh set a competition record in Recurve Men’s qualifier.
- Animesh Kujur clocked 10.18s in 100m (first Indian under 10.20s) at an international meet in Greece.
Bioeconomy & Innovation Days
- World Bioproduct Day (7 July) promoted bio-based products and sustainability. India announced a BioE3 policy and a target to build a $300 billion bioeconomy by 2030, highlighting rapid growth in biotech startups.
State-Level Initiatives
- Andhra Pradesh approved the Amaravati Quantum Valley Declaration to build a quantum innovation ecosystem, target $1 billion investment by 2029, and create QChipIN, a national open testbed.
- Himachal Pradesh became the first state to use Aadhaar-based facial authentication for ration distribution, improving verification speed and success.
- Andhra Pradesh is launching SMoSS (Smart Mosquito Surveillance System), an AI + IoT programme covering 66 locations to monitor and control mosquito populations.