🟩 1. Jaishankar Briefs Xi Jinping at SCO
Main Update:
EAM Dr. S. Jaishankar briefed Chinese President Xi Jinping about positive trends in India-China relations during the SCO meeting in Astana. The meeting also touched on regional security, trade routes, and SCO cooperation.
Added Info:
This interaction came despite ongoing border tensions and is seen as an attempt to normalize relations in a multilateral setting. India remains committed to regional peace and strategic autonomy.
Static GK Tip:
- SCO HQ: Beijing, China
- India joined SCO in: 2017
🟩 2. Jaishankar Condemns Pahalgam Terror Attack
Main Update:
At the same SCO meeting, Jaishankar condemned the recent terror attack in Pahalgam (J&K), calling it a cowardly act against innocent pilgrims and a threat to national integration.
Added Info:
He demanded collective action against terrorism, indirectly hinting at Pakistan’s role. He emphasized the need for SCO countries to respect sovereignty and fight extremism together.
Static GK Tip:
- SCO founded: 2001 in Shanghai
- Indian Pilgrimage in J&K: Amarnath Yatra
🟩 3. Inflation Falls to Six-Year Low
Main Update:
India’s CPI-based retail inflation is estimated to touch a six-year low in July, indicating easing food and fuel prices.
Added Info:
Economists believe this might open doors for the RBI to consider rate cuts to boost growth, especially when demand remains fragile in rural areas.
Static GK Tip:
- RBI Inflation Target: 4% ± 2%
- CPI is released by: NSO (National Statistical Office)
🟩 4. GDP to Grow at 6.5% Despite Trade Uncertainty
Main Update:
The Economic Advisory Council to PM projected India’s GDP to grow at 6.5% in FY26, citing strong domestic consumption and digital infrastructure push.
Added Info:
Despite global trade headwinds, India’s services and manufacturing sectors are driving this optimistic forecast. Rural employment and private investments will be key contributors.
Static GK Tip:
- GDP Estimation Body: NSO under MoSPI
- EAC-PM Chairperson: Dr. Bibek Debroy
🟩 5. PM Modi to Launch ₹7,200 Cr Projects in Motihari
Main Update:
On July 18, PM Modi is set to inaugurate infrastructure projects in Bihar worth ₹7,200 crore, covering roads, housing, and irrigation.
Added Info:
This visit is politically significant ahead of Bihar assembly polls and underlines Centre’s focus on backward region development.
Static GK Tip:
- Motihari is associated with: Champaran Satyagraha
- Bihar CM: Nitish Kumar
🟩 6. Monsoon Session of Parliament from July 21
Main Update:
The Monsoon Session of Parliament is scheduled from July 21, with over 30 key bills lined up for discussion, including reforms in criminal laws and data protection.
Added Info:
This session will be crucial in setting the tone for upcoming budgetary and electoral preparations. It is also the first major session post the Lok Sabha elections.
Static GK Tip:
- Total Parliamentary Sessions: 3 (Budget, Monsoon, Winter)
- Presiding Officers: Lok Sabha – Speaker, Rajya Sabha – Vice President
🟩 7. Priya Nair Appointed First Woman CEO of HUL
Main Update:
HUL has appointed Priya Nair as its CEO and MD, effective August 1, marking a milestone in gender inclusion in Indian corporate history.
Added Info:
With over 25 years in Unilever, Nair led innovations in the beauty and wellness category. Her appointment breaks the 92-year male-only CEO record in the company.
Static GK Tip:
- HUL HQ: Mumbai
- Parent Company: Unilever (UK-based)
🟩 8. Japan Open 2025: Indian Shuttlers in Action
Main Update:
Top Indian players like PV Sindhu, Lakshya Sen, and Satwik-Chirag duo are competing in the Japan Open Badminton tournament being held in Tokyo from July 15 to 20.
Added Info:
India aims to build momentum before the Paris Olympics. The tournament is part of the BWF World Tour Super 750 series.
Static GK Tip:
- Governing Body: Badminton World Federation (BWF)
- PV Sindhu’s Olympic Medals: Silver (2016), Bronze (2020)
🟩 9. India in Global Top 10 Tourism Economies (WTTC)
Main Update:
According to the WTTC report 2024, India has entered the top 10 global tourism economies, driven by domestic travel and cultural heritage promotion.
Added Info:
Schemes like Swadesh Darshan and Dekho Apna Desh helped boost rural and spiritual tourism. The G20 Presidency also showcased India’s tourist infrastructure.
Static GK Tip:
- Ministry of Tourism Scheme: PRASAD, Swadesh Darshan 2.0
- WTTC HQ: London, UK
🟩 10. Balpakram National Park in Meghalaya
Main Update:
Balpakram NP in South Garo Hills is known for its biodiversity including red pandas, wild water buffalo, and pitcher plants.
Added Info:
It is proposed to be a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its unique plateau ecosystem. Locally known as the “land of spirits.”
Static GK Tip:
- Other NPs in Meghalaya: Nokrek, Siju WL Sanctuary
- Red Panda is found in: Eastern Himalayas (Arunachal, Sikkim, Meghalaya)
🎯 10 MCQs with Answers & Explanations
- **Who met Xi Jinping at the SCO foreign ministers’ meeting?**
A) PM Modi
B) EAM Jaishankar ✅
C) NSA Ajit Doval
D) FM Kiren Rijiju
Answer: B. Jaishankar spoke on bilateral ties - **The Pahalgam attack was condemned at which forum?**
A) G20
B) BRICS
C) SCO Meeting ✅
D) UN General Assembly
Answer: C. Condemned by Jaishankar at SCO - **Retail inflation in July is projected to hit what mark?**
A) Four‑year high
B) Six‑year low ✅
C) Ten‑year high
D) Stable at 5%
Answer: B. SBI forecasts a six‑year low - **Estimated GDP growth for FY26 by EAC‑PM?**
A) 5%
B) 5.5%
C) 6%
D) 6.5% ✅
Answer: D. Growth projected at 6.5% - **The Motihari projects are worth approximately how much?**
A) ₹2,000 cr
B) ₹5,000 cr
C) ₹7,200 cr ✅
D) ₹10,000 cr
Answer: C. Infrastructure and housing worth ₹7,200 cr - **India’s Monsoon session 2025 begins on:**
A) July 18
B) July 21 ✅
C) August 1
D) June 30
Answer: B. Scheduled from July 21–August 21 - **Who will be the first woman CEO of Hindustan Unilever?**
A) Nita Ambani
B) Falguni Nayar
C) Priya Nair ✅
D) Indra Nooyi
Answer: C. Appointed CEO from August 1 - **Which Indian player is NOT part of Japan Open?**
A) PV Sindhu
B) Lakshya Sen
C) Saina Nehwal ✅
D) Chirag Shetty
Answer: C. Mentioned players are Sindhu, Sen, Chirag–Satwik - **India ranks among top‑10 in which sector as per WTTC 2024?**
A) Agriculture
B) Tourism ✅
C) IT exports
D) Education
Answer: B. India is a top‑10 tourism economy - **Balpakram National Park is in which state?**
A) Assam
B) Manipur
C) Meghalaya ✅
D) Arunachal Pradesh
Answer: C. Located in Meghalaya’s Garo Hills