NATIONAL NEWS

India’s AMP 2047: Driving Towards a Global Automotive Future

• The Indian government has unveiled the Automotive Mission Plan 2047 to establish India as a global automotive leader, in line with the ‘Viksit Bharat @2047’ vision.

• This roadmap builds upon the AMP 2016–2026 plan, expanding its focus to include sustainability, technological growth, and enhanced global trade participation.

• Key development phases are outlined for the years 2030, 2037, and 2047, targeting advances in manufacturing, exports, and employment.

• The mission includes infrastructure initiatives such as EV charging stations and the integration of next-gen technologies.

• Guidance for AMP 2047 comes from seven expert panels comprising members from the government, industry, and academic institutions.

• Major stakeholders include OEMs, parts manufacturers, policymakers, academia, and key industry associations like SIAM, ACMA, CII, and FICCI.

• Ministries such as Transport, Power, Commerce, and Environment are actively engaged in supporting the program.

• The plan is structured to remain responsive to evolving technologies and market trends while strengthening India’s role in global automotive engineering.

IMPORTANT DAYS

International Chess Day 2025 observed on July 20.

• Every year on July 20, International Chess Day is observed to celebrate the game's global impact and intellectual influence.

• This date marks the establishment of the International Chess Federation (FIDE) in Paris on July 20, 1924.

• Celebrated since 1966, the day was originally proposed by UNESCO to highlight chess as a universal educational tool.

• In 2019, the UN General Assembly officially recognized July 20 as International Chess Day on a global scale.

• FIDE gained recognition from the International Olympic Committee in 1999, strengthening its global stature.

• The celebration encourages the use of chess in promoting peace, strategy, and education worldwide.

• The day also honors chess icons like Viswanathan Anand, R. Praggnanandhaa, and Magnus Carlsen.

• Events like chess tournaments, school workshops, and public exhibitions are held in many countries to mark the occasion.

STATE NEWS

Bihar Gears Up for Its First-Ever Indian Open Athletics Meet

• On July 19, 2025, Patna’s Patliputra Sports Complex will host Bihar's inaugural Indian Open Athletics Meet.

• More than 400 athletes from across India, including Olympians, are expected to compete in this landmark event.

• The meet marks Bihar's debut in organizing a top-tier national athletics competition.

• Performances at this event will contribute to selections for the upcoming Asian and Commonwealth Games.

• Track events include sprints, relays, and distance races, while field events cover jumps, steeplechase, and pole vault.

• Athletes will also compete in shot put, hammer throw, javelin, marathon, decathlon, and heptathlon.

• Notable participants include national stars like Animesh Kujur, Dev Meena, Ankita Dhyani, and Kishore Jena.

• Twenty-three athletes from Bihar will also compete, aiming to inspire future sports development in the state.

Bihar Dominates Junior Rugby Nationals with Boys’ Title Win

• Bihar claimed the U18 Boys’ Rugby title at the 10th Junior National Rugby 7s Championship 2025, edging out Odisha 17-15 in a gripping final.

• The match was hosted at Maharana Pratap Sports College, Dehradun.

• With this win, Bihar completed a clean sweep, having also secured the U18 Girls’ title earlier.

• The team remained undefeated, with wins over top teams like Chandigarh, West Bengal, and Maharashtra.

• Maharashtra secured third place after Saurabh Sanjay Rajput’s golden try against Delhi.

• Delhi finished fourth, showing remarkable progress from their seventh-place position last year.

• Interestingly, the final rankings mirrored the standings from the 2025 Khelo India Youth Games.

• Bihar’s double victory reflects their rising dominance in youth rugby competitions at the national level.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Ukraine Appoints Yulia Svyrydenko as New Prime Minister

• Yulia Svyrydenko has been appointed Ukraine’s new prime minister, marking the first change in the position in five years.

• Her appointment is part of a broader effort to strengthen Ukraine's wartime leadership and boost administrative performance.

• President Zelenskyy has tasked her with enhancing domestic arms production and improving economic stability.

• A key target is to raise the share of locally made weapons from 40% to 50% within six months.

• Svyrydenko will also push for economic deregulation and deepen international partnerships.

• With prior experience as first deputy PM and a technocratic background, she brings strategic insight to her new role.

• Her immediate priorities include ensuring steady military supplies and advancing defence manufacturing.

• Former PM Denys Shmyhal is set to take over as defence minister, as nominated by the President.

US Labels TRF as Global Terrorist Group After Pahalgam Attack

• The US has designated The Resistance Front (TRF), linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba, as a Foreign Terrorist Organization and Global Terrorist Entity.

• This action follows TRF’s claim of responsibility for the April 22 Pahalgam attack that killed 26 civilians.

• US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the designation, affirming America’s resolve against terrorism.

• TRF has previously targeted Indian security forces, including multiple attacks throughout 2024.

• The group operates as a proxy for Lashkar-e-Taiba, whose FTO status is reaffirmed by the US.

• The US emphasized the move as part of its commitment to justice and global security.

• India’s EAM S. Jaishankar condemned the attack at the SCO Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, urging firm global action.

• The United Nations Security Council also issued a formal condemnation of the incident.

DEFENCE

Indian Navy Joins 32nd SIMBEX to Boost Ties with Singapore

• India will participate in the 32nd SIMBEX maritime exercise with the Singapore Navy this month.

• As one of India’s longest-running naval collaborations, SIMBEX highlights strong bilateral naval ties.

• High Commissioner Shilpak Ambule emphasized that the exercise supports India’s Vision SAGAR and Act East policy.

• These initiatives aim to enhance maritime security and deepen regional cooperation.

• He also stressed India’s historic ties with ASEAN and acknowledged the success of the 2023 ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise.

• Four Indian warships—INS Delhi, INS Satpura, INS Kiltan, and INS Shakti—have reached Singapore for the drill.

• Rear Admiral Susheel Menon, Commander of the Eastern Fleet, is leading the Indian naval delegation.

• All participating vessels are indigenously constructed and equipped for advanced maritime operations.

SPORTS

India Bags Four Medals at 57th International Chemistry Olympiad

• Indian students won four medals at the 57th International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO) held in Dubai from July 5 to 14, 2025.

• Gold medals were earned by Devesh Pankaj Bhaiya (Maharashtra) and Sandeep Kuchi (Telangana).

• Debadatta Priyadarshi (Odisha) and Ujjwal Kesari (Delhi) brought home silver medals.

• The event saw participation from 354 students representing 90 countries.

• India finished sixth overall, sharing the position with countries like Ukraine and Israel.

• This was India’s 26th IChO appearance, continuing a tradition of strong performance.

• The Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE), under TIFR, handles training and selection for Olympiads.

• HBCSE also manages India’s participation in global Olympiads in subjects like Physics, Maths, Astronomy, and Biology.