Daily Current Affairs — 16 July 2025
8 articles • UPSC Prelims & Mains
Confined Field Trials on GM Maize
Context The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) has approved confined field trials of two varieties of genetically modified (GM) maize at the Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) for the 2025 Kharif season. What are GM crops? Crops that have undergone genetic engineering processes to alter their DNA are referred to as genetically modified crops.
Black Hole Merger
In News Scientists have detected signals from the largest black hole merger ever observed, marking a breakthrough in the study of the universe’s most powerful cosmic collisions. About The event, named GW231123, was detected on November 23, 2023, by the global network of gravitational wave detectors, including LIGO, Virgo, and KAGRA. The merger involved two black holes with masses of 100 and 140 times the mass of our Sun, creating a final black hole of 225 solar masses — making it one of the heav
STPI Aims to Spread IT Sector Growth Nationwide
Context The Software Technology Parks of India (STPI), is repositioning itself to drive the next wave of inclusive and innovation-driven IT growth across the country, especially targeting Tier-II and Tier-III cities. Way Ahead India’s global leadership in IT has so far been driven largely by service exports, which, while significant, offer limited value addition in the long term. To remain competitive in the evolving digital landscape, the country must now pivot towards a robust software product
The Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS)
Context The Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) for June 2025 has been released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation. Major Highlights Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) among persons of age 15 years and above was 54.2 % during June 2025 as compared to 54.8% during May, 2025. LFPR in rural areas was 56.1% and LFPR in urban areas was 50.4%.
India’s Strategic Push for Global Capability Centers
Context India is working on comprehensive policy interventions to accelerate the growth of Global Capability Centers (GCCs). What are Global Capability Centers (GCCs)? These are offshore units established by multinational corporations to manage a wide range of business functions like software development, data analytics, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and customer experience management.
10 Years of Skill India Mission
Context Skill India Mission completed ten years. About Skill India Mission (SIM) Launched on 15 July 2015, World Youth Skills Day, the Skill India Mission provides skill, re-skill, and up-skill training through an extensive network of skill development centres and institutes under various schemes. In February 2025, the restructured ‘Skill India Programme’ was approved for 2022-23 to 2025-26, merging Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana 4.0 (PMKVY 4.0), the Pradhan Mantri National Apprenticeship P
Union Government Report on Protection of Civil Rights Act (PCR Act) 1955
Context The Union government’s 2022 annual report on the implementation of Protection of Civil Rights Act (PCR Act) 1955, has been made public by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. Challenges Highlighted by the 2022 Report Underreporting: Low case numbers may reflect lack of awareness, fear of retaliation, reluctance to use the law, or preference for the SC/ST Act, rather than actual reduction in untouchability practices. High Pendency and Poor Conviction Rates: In 2022, 1,242 cases
Supreme Court on Free Speech on Social Media
In News The Supreme Court of India expressed concern over the increasing abuse of the right to free speech, particularly on social media, and stressed the need for self-restraint and regulation. SC Observations The Court reiterated that freedom of speech and expression is integral to a civilised society and cannot be “trampled upon on flimsy and fanciful grounds.” The Supreme Court has clearly stated that the right to freedom of speech (Article 19) must be balanced against the right to life and