CURRENT AFFAIRS
21 July, 2025
1. INDIA OBSERVED NATIONAL FLAG DAY (TIRANGA ADOPTION DAY), ON 22ND JULY 2025, TO MARK THE ANNIVERSARY OF THE INDIAN NATIONAL FLAG’S OFFICIAL ADOPTION BY THE CONSTITUENT ASSEMBLY IN 1947.
What are the Key Facts About the Indian National Flag?
Evolution of the Indian National Flag:
• 1904: Designed by Sister Nivedita, it featured red and yellow with a Vajra (strength), a white lotus (purity), and “Bande Mataram” inscribed.
• Sister Nivedita was an Irish social activist and a disciple of Swami Vivekananda.
• 1906 (Swadeshi Movement Flag): Considered the first tricolour, it was hoisted in Calcutta with green, yellow, and red horizontal stripes. It featured lotuses, a sun, a crescent moon, and the words “Vande Mataram”.
• 1907 (Saptarishi Flag): Hoisted by Madam Bhikaji Cama in Germany. It had green, saffron, and red stripes with lotuses, “Vande Mataram”, a sun, and a crescent moon.
• 1917 (Home Rule Movement Flag): Introduced by Annie Besant and Tilak. It had red and green stripes, the Union Jack, crescent and star, and stars in the Saptarishi pattern.
• 1921: Pingali Venkayya (an Indian freedom fighter, linguist, and polymath from Andhra Pradesh), proposed a red, white, and green flag with a spinning wheel, symbolising unity and self-reliance. The design of the present Indian flag is largely attributed to him.
• In 1931 Saffron replaced red: The flag had saffron, white, and green with a spinning wheel in the centre. It was adopted by the Indian National Congress.
• 1947 (Present Flag): Adopted by the Constituent Assembly. The spinning wheel was replaced with the Ashoka Chakra.
• Common name: Tiranga, meaning Tricolour.
• Design: Three horizontal stripes: saffron (kesari) (top), White (middle), Green (bottom), with a navy blue Ashoka Chakra in the centre.
• Ashoka Chakra: The Ashoka Chakra, with 24 spokes, is based on the wheel from the Sarnath Lion Capital made by the 3rd-century BC Mauryan Emperor Ashoka and fits within the width of the white band.
2. NAMASTE SCHEME –
• On the occasion of NAMASTE (National Action for Mechanized Sanitation Ecosystem) Day (16th July), the Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment inaugurated the helpline number (14473) for waste pickers and distributed PPE kits and Ayushman cards to Sewer and Septic Tank Workers (SSWs) and Waste Pickers.
What is the NAMASTE Scheme?
• About: NAMASTE is a human-centric, rights-based initiative aimed at eliminating hazardous manual scavenging of sewers and septic tanks, launched in 2023 as a Central Sector Scheme for a period of 3 years (2023–24 to 2025–26).
• It replaces the earlier Self-Employment Scheme for Rehabilitation of Manual Scavengers (SRMS), and covers 4800+ Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) across India.
• The scheme aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) such as SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 8 (Decent Work), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequality).
• Implementation: Jointly launched by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment (MoSJE) and the Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs (MoHUA) and being implemented by the National Safai Karamcharis Finance and Development Corporation (NSKFDC).
3. PRITHVI-II AND AGNI-I TESTS –
• India recently conducted successful test-firings of two nuclear-capable short-range ballistic missiles, Prithvi-II and Agni-I, from the Integrated Test Range off Odisha’s coast. These tests confirm the missiles’ readiness and reinforce India’s strategic deterrence. Alongside, the Akash Prime missile was tested in the high-altitude region of Ladakh, marking step in indigenous air defence technology near the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
Prithvi-II Missile Test
• The Prithvi-II missile has a range of approximately 350 km. It can carry a warhead weighing up to 500 kg. This missile supports both nuclear and conventional payloads. The recent test confirmed that it meets all operational and technical standards. Prithvi-II is a critical part of India’s short-range ballistic missile arsenal.
Agni-I Missile Test
• Agni-I has a longer range between 700 and 900 km. It can deliver a payload of up to 1,000 kg. This missile enhances India’s capability to strike targets at greater distances. The successful test validates its performance and reliability under operational conditions. Agni-I plays a vital role in India’s nuclear deterrence strategy.
4. AMETHI-MADE AK-203 RIFLES –
• The Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited (IRRPL) is set to complete the delivery of 6.01 lakh AK-203 rifles nearly 22 months ahead of the planned schedule. The contract, valued at Rs 5,200 crore, was initially set to end by October 2032. However, IRRPL aims to finish by December 2030. This development marks milestone in India’s defence manufacturing capabilities.
About the AK-203 Rifle
• The AK-203 is a modernised version of the Kalashnikov assault rifle series. It is designed to be the primary weapon for Indian soldiers deployed along the northern and western borders.
• This includes sensitive zones like the Line of Control (LoC) and the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Each rifle undergoes 120 manufacturing processes and is made up of approximately 50 components and 180 sub-parts. The weapon has a service life of 15,000 rounds, ensuring durability in varied combat conditions.
5. SWACHH SURVEKSHAN 2024-25 –
• The Swachh Survekshan 2024-25 results have reaffirmed Indore, Surat, and Navi Mumbai as India’s cleanest cities. These cities topped the newly introduced Super Swachh League, which honours sustained excellence in urban sanitation. This year’s survey brought new innovations to promote inclusivity and competition among cities of all sizes.
Top Cities and Awards
• Indore secured first place, followed by Surat and Navi Mumbai. Vijayawada ranked fourth. Ahmedabad, Bhopal, and Lucknow emerged as the leading Swachh Shehars in the new generation category.
• The survey recognised 78 entities including cities, cantonments, and institutions for their sanitation achievements. Prayagraj was awarded Best Ganga Town. Secunderabad Cantonment Board earned praise for sanitation efforts. Visakhapatnam, Jabalpur, and Gorakhpur were honoured for prioritising sanitation worker safety and dignity.
MCQ QUIZ
Q1. According to the IMF report “Growing Retail Digital Payments: The Value of Interoperability”, which country has emerged as the global leader in fast payments ?
a) China
b) United States
c) Singapore
d) India
Q2. In July 2025, which Indian state announced free electricity for all domestic consumers up to 125 units per month, effective from August 1, 2025 ?
a) Uttar Pradesh
b) Madhya Pradesh
c) West Bengal
d) Bihar
Q3. Which company handed over the first set of wing assemblies for LCA Mk1A to HAL on July 17, 2025?
a) Tata Advanced Systems
b) Bharat Forge
c) Larsen & Toubro (L&T)
d) DRDO
Q4. Which of the following countries had UPI operational as of mid-2025 ?
1. Singapore
2. France
3. UAE
4. Japan
5. Sri Lanka
6. Bhutan
Select the correct answer using the code below:
a) 1, 2, 3, and 4 only
b) 1, 3, 5, and 6 only
c) 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6 only
d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6
Explanation-
• As of 2025, UPI was live in seven countries including:
• Singapore, UAE, France, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Nepal, and Mauritius.
• Japan is not listed among the countries where UPI is live as of July 2025.
Q5. Consider the following benefits of INS Nistar to India’s maritime strategy:
1. Enhances underwater operational preparedness
2. Reinforces India’s role in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR)
3. Reduces India’s reliance on foreign submarine rescue platforms
4. Serves as India’s primary ballistic missile defense platform
Which of the above statements are correct ?
a) 1, 2, and 3 only
b) 2 and 4 only
c) 1 and 4 only
d) 1, 3, and 4 only
Explanation-
• Statement 1 is correct: INS Nistar improves India’s operational readiness in underwater rescue missions.
• Statement 2 is correct: Its medical and rapid deployment capabilities make it suitable for HADR operations, beyond just military use.
• Statement 3 is correct: With DSVs like Nistar, India no longer depends on foreign assets for submarine rescue missions — an important aspect of strategic autonomy.
• Statement 4 is incorrect: INS Nistar does not carry missile defense systems; it is not a combat platform.
Answer Key
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
D | D | C | C | A |