Important News Headlines
(Daily GK Update)
Daily Current Affairs 9th July 2025
Stay updated with the top current affairs of 9th July 2025. This Daily GK Update covers important national, international, economic, sports, science, and appointment news, helping you stay informed and exam-ready. Perfect for UPSC, SSC, Banking, and other competitive exams.
Last updated on July 9th, 2025 03:32 pm
International News
PM Modi Awarded Brazil’s Highest Civilian Honor
Prime Minister Narendra Modi received the Grand Collar of the National Order of the Southern Cross from Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva
This marks the 26th international award or honor given to PM Modi by a foreign nation since May 2014
Award recognizes Modi’s efforts in strengthening India-Brazil diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties through platforms like BRICS and G20
The honor reflects India’s growing influence on global stage and international recognition of Modi’s leadership
Brazilian President presented the award during Modi’s state visit to Brazil, acknowledging enhanced bilateral cooperation
Bulgaria Approved to Join Eurozone in 2026
European Union finance ministers gave final approval for Bulgaria to adopt euro as official currency from January 1, 2026
Bulgaria will become the 21st member of the eurozone, replacing national currency ‘lev’ with euro at fixed rate of 1.95583 lev per euro
Prime Minister Rossen Jeliazkov called it a “landmark moment” despite political instability with seven elections in three years
EU leaders including Ursula von der Leyen and Christine Lagarde welcomed Bulgaria’s inclusion for economic stability
Move comes amid public concerns over inflation and protests in Sofia demanding retention of the lev currency
NTPC Simhadri Celebrates 28th Raising Day
NTPC Simhadri marked 28th Raising Day on July 8, 2025, at administrative premises in Parawada, Anakapalli district, Andhra Pradesh
Executive Director Sameer Sharma highlighted plant’s distinction as NTPC’s first coastal-based power station established in 1997
Major achievement includes 100% ash utilization, demonstrating eco-friendly industrial practices and environmental conservation
Event featured prize distribution for Swachhata Pakhwada, World Environment Day, and International Yoga Day competitions
Plant continues commitment to sustainable operations, community welfare, and reliable energy generation entering 29th year
State News
Himachal Pradesh Launches Face ID for Ration Distribution
Himachal Pradesh launched India’s first Aadhaar-based Face Authentication (FaceAuth) system for ration distribution under PDS in July 2025
System uses smartphone camera to verify person’s face instead of OTP or fingerprints for smoother service
Initiative led by Department of Digital Technologies and Governance (DDTG) with support from Gokul Butail
New method aims to fix past issues and ensure faster, more efficient ration distribution process
Himachal’s initiative represents significant move toward digital and inclusive governance in public distribution
Kasaragod Wins Kerala Fisheries Excellence Award 2025
Kasaragod district conferred Fisheries Department Excellence Award 2025 for outstanding performance under Popular Fish Farming Project
Recognition reflects district’s proactive approach in promoting aquaculture, boosting inland fish production, and engaging local farmers
Ravi P.P. from Padanna won second place in Best Backwater Fish Seed Production Farmer category
Sea Pearl Aquafarm from Kumbala awarded third place for Best Innovative Fish Farming practices
District Collector K. Inbasekar praised Deputy Director of Fisheries K.A. Labib for strategic guidance in project success
Punjab Launches Mukhya Mantri Sehat Yojana
Punjab government officially launched Chief Minister Health Scheme offering free cashless medical treatment up to ₹10 lakh annually per family
Scheme covers approximately 65 lakh families (3 crore people) across Punjab, including government employees, farmers, and all social categories
Digital health cards will be distributed to every eligible family for cashless treatment at government and private hospitals
Ayushman Bharat beneficiaries will receive additional ₹5 lakh top-up coverage, bringing total healthcare coverage to ₹10 lakh
Implementation begins October 2, 2025, covering treatment for over 2000 diseases including heart conditions, cancer, and surgeries
Bihar Approves 35% Women’s Reservation for Domicile Holders
Nitish Kumar-led Bihar government approved proposal granting 35% reservation in government jobs exclusively for women native to Bihar
Previously available to all female applicants, the quota now applies only to women domiciled in Bihar across all state government cadres
Women from other states will be treated as general category candidates, ineligible for 35% women’s reservation benefit
Decision formalized through General Administration Department proposal, first domicile-based policy in women’s reservation implementation
Bihar Youth Commission also approved with Chairman, two Vice-Presidents, and seven members under 45 years age
Business News
Apple Appoints Sabih Khan as Chief Operating Officer
Apple announced Sabih Khan as new Chief Operating Officer, succeeding Jeff Williams who retires later this year
Khan brings three decades of Apple experience since joining procurement group in 1995, recently serving as SVP of Operations
Appointment comes amid pressure from President Trump to move iPhone production to United States from China
Khan holds dual bachelor’s degrees from Tufts University and master’s from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
New role includes overseeing supply chain strategy, manufacturing coordination, and corporate sustainability programs
PM Modi Sets $20 Billion Trade Target with Brazil
Prime Minister Modi announced goal to increase India-Brazil bilateral trade to $20 billion by 2030 from current $12.2 billion
Emphasis on expanding Mercosur preferential trade agreement to include more products and enhance market access
Major announcement regarding adoption of India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) in Brazil for digital payments
Brazil welcomed cost-effective Indian pharmaceuticals with proposals for pharma manufacturing hubs establishment
Three MoUs signed covering intelligence sharing, biofuel cooperation, and renewable energy technology partnerships
Science & Technology News
ISRO Conducts Successful Gaganyaan Propulsion Tests
ISRO successfully completed two hot tests of Gaganyaan Service Module Propulsion System (SMPS) on July 3, 2025
Tests included 30-second short-duration and 100-second extended test at Propulsion Complex in Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu
System features 5 Liquid Apogee Motors (440N thrust each) and 16 Reaction Control System thrusters (100N thrust each)
100-second test demonstrated simultaneous operation of all RCS thrusters and LAM engines under flight-like conditions
Tests validated system’s capability for orbital maneuvers, trajectory corrections, and emergency abort scenarios for crew safety
UP Agritech Innovation Hub Inaugurated
Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan inaugurated UP Agritech Innovation Hub at SVPUAT Meerut on July 9, 2025
Hub equipped with IoT-enabled sensors, smart irrigation systems, automation tools, and real-time data analytics platforms
Initiative part of Centre of Excellence on AI in Agriculture with IIT Ropar as lead technological partner
MoU signed between SVPUAT and IIT Ropar with ₹75 lakhs funding commitment for academic and research collaboration
Technology demonstration featured 20 agritech startups and progressive farmers embracing modern cultivation techniques
HCLSoftware Launches Domino 14.5 with Sovereign AI
HCLSoftware announced launch of Domino 14.5 platform featuring Domino IQ, a sovereign AI solution for data sovereignty
System designed to ensure data privacy for governments and regulated organizations, protecting sensitive information from foreign access
Domino IQ enables AI functionality within national data boundaries without relying on global cloud platforms
Richard Jefts, Executive VP of HCLSoftware, emphasized importance of local control in digital governance amid rising security concerns
Launch follows HCLTech’s collaboration with OpenAI to accelerate enterprise AI adoption while maintaining data sovereignty
Defense News
India Successfully Completes ERASR Anti-Submarine Rocket Trials
DRDO successfully conducted user trials of Extended Range Anti-Submarine Rocket (ERASR) system from INS Kavaratti between June 23-July 7, 2025
Total of 17 rockets were launched during trials under realistic operational conditions to simulate actual combat scenarios
System features twin-rocket motor configuration, electronic time fuze, and high accuracy for submarine detection and destruction
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, Indian Navy, and domestic defence industry for this indigenous weapon system development
ERASR marks significant boost to Indian Navy’s underwater warfare capabilities and supports India’s self-reliance in defence technology
Obituaries News
Charupara Ravi, RJD State Vice-President Dies at 77
Charupara Ravi, Rashtriya Janata Dal state vice-president and socialist leader, passed away at 77 in Thiruvananthapuram hospital
Active in political movements since age 18, serving as chairman of party’s parliamentary board at time of death
Former president of Yuvajanatha youth socialist outfit during Janata Party government emergence in 1977
Contested Kerala Legislative Assembly elections from Aryanad (1980), Neyyattinkara (1996), and Nemom (2011)
Known for simplicity, accessibility, and constant presence during party protests and public meetings throughout decades
Bismillah Jan Shinwari, Afghan Cricket Umpire Dies at 41
Renowned Afghan international cricket umpire Bismillah Jan Shinwari passed away at 41 following brief illness
ICC International Panel member who officiated 25 ODIs and 21 T20Is since international debut in December 2017
Made international umpiring debut in ODI between Afghanistan and Ireland at Sharjah, marking milestone for Afghan cricket
Known for accuracy, composure, and integrity, earning respect from players, coaches, and officials worldwide
Represented Afghanistan’s emergence as credible force in world cricket, serving as mentor and role model for young umpires
Vatsala, Asia’s Oldest Elephant Dies at 100
Vatsala, believed to be over 100 years old, passed away on July 8, 2025, at Panna Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh
She served as matriarch and leader of elephant group, nurturing young calves like a grandmother figure
Originally from Kerala, she was relocated to Narmadapuram and finally to Panna Tiger Reserve where she became iconic presence
In final days, she had lost eyesight and mobility due to age,
receiving special care including porridge diet at Hinauta Elephant Camp
Her exceptional lifespan was credited to dedicated care from forest staff, living well beyond typical elephant lifespan