Current Affairs 23rd July 2025

Here are the important current affairs topics of the day. At the end, you can participate in a quiz prepared on the basis of these topics.

Indian Army’s Induction of Apache AH-64E Helicopters

On July 23, 2025, the Indian Army officially inducted its first batch of advanced Boeing AH-64E Apache attack helicopters, procured from the United States. This marks a significant modernization step for India’s Army Aviation Corps (AAC). These multi-role combat helicopters, often referred to as “flying tanks,” are designed for diverse conflict scenarios, including high-altitude warfare and urban combat. The acquisition is part of a 2020 deal worth $600 million for six Apaches for the Army, with the remaining helicopters expected to be delivered later in the year. Unlike the Indian Air Force, which already operates Apache helicopters, these new units are specifically tailored for the Army’s frontline support roles, particularly in border regions like Ladakh, Arunachal Pradesh, and the Western Desert Sector. Their deployment enhances the Army’s offensive and defensive posture by combining advanced situational awareness and survivability, bolstering India’s military readiness.

References:

• “Indian Army inducts advanced Apache attack helicopters from the US, boosts critical Army Aviation Corps” – SP’s Aviation. (July 23, 2025). Available at: https://www.sps-aviation.com/features/?id=526&catId=1&h=Indian-Army-inducts-advanced-Apache-attack-helicopters-from-the-US-boosts-critical-Army-Aviation-Corps
• “Army finally gets the first 3 of the 6 Apache attack helicopters ordered from the US” – The Times of India. (July 22, 2025). Available at: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/army-finally-gets-the-first-3-of-the-6-apache-attack-helicopters-ordered-from-the-us/articleshow/122836752.cms

PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDDKY)

The Union Cabinet approved the ‘Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDDKY)’ in July 2025, a landmark initiative designed to transform India’s agricultural landscape. Announced in the Union Budget 2025–26, the scheme has an annual outlay of ₹24,000 crore for six years, starting from FY 2025–26. Its primary aim is to enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability through a saturation-based convergence of 36 existing central government schemes across 11 ministries.

Inspired by NITI Aayog’s Aspirational Districts Programme, PMDDKY targets 100 underperforming agri-districts, identified based on low productivity, low cropping intensity, and limited access to credit. The scheme focuses on promoting crop diversification, improving irrigation infrastructure, augmenting post-harvest storage capacity, and enabling greater access to agricultural credit. It is expected to directly benefit 1.7 crore farmers, increase domestic production, and foster self-reliance in the agriculture and allied sectors.

References:

• “PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana” – Press Information Bureau (PIB). (July 19, 2025). Available at: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressNoteDetails.aspx?id=154909&NoteId=154909&ModuleId=3
• “PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana” – Drishti IAS. (July 19, 2025). Available at: https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/pm-dhan-dhaanya-krishi-yojana

LIC MoU with Department of Rural Development for Bima Sakhi Yojana

The Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Department of Rural Development, Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India, to promote its ‘Bima Sakhi Yojana’ in rural areas. This MoU was signed during the ‘Anubhuti’ National Conclave on Financial Inclusion held in Goa from July 8-10, 2025.

The Bima Sakhi Yojana is a women-centric insurance distribution scheme designed to empower rural women by providing them with a foothold in the insurance sector. It offers a performance-oriented stipendiary LIC agency career, providing monthly stipends (₹7,000 in the first year, ₹6,000 in the second, and ₹5,000 in the third, subject to terms) along with all other benefits and privileges available to regular LIC agents. The initiative aligns with the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) goals, aiming to reduce poverty and enhance rural household incomes through financial independence and increased insurance penetration.

References:

• “LIC enters into MOU with DoRD, Ministry of Rural Development, GOI to promote Bima Sakhi Yojana in rural areas” – LIC India Press Release. (July 21, 2025). Available at: https://licindia.in/documents/d/guest/lic-enters-into-mou-with-dord-mord-goi-to-promote-bima-sakhi-yojana
• “LIC Signs MoU with Rural Development Ministry to Promote Bima Sakhi Yojana” – Adda247. (July 22, 2025). Available at: https://currentaffairs.adda247.com/lic-signs-mou-with-rural-development-ministry-to-promote-bima-sakhi-yojana/

Phase-out of Indian Air Force’s MiG-21 Fighter Aircraft

July 23, 2025, marked the completion of the phase-out of the iconic MiG-21 fighter jets from the Indian Air Force (IAF), after over six decades of service. The ceremonial farewell for the last two remaining MiG-21 ‘Bison’ squadrons, totaling 36 fighters, is scheduled for September 19 at the Chandigarh airbase.

Inducted in 1963 as India’s first supersonic fighters, MiG-21s played crucial roles in conflicts like the 1965 and 1971 wars with Pakistan, the 1999 Kargil conflict, and the 2019 Balakot airstrikes. However, their later years were marred by an alarmingly high crash rate, earning them nicknames like ‘Flying Coffin’ due to the loss of over 400 aircraft and more than 200 pilots since 1971-72. The phasing out of the MiG-21s, despite delays in the induction of indigenous Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA Mk-1A), reflects the IAF’s commitment to modernizing its fleet and improving safety.

References:

• “MiG-21s set for final flight in Sept after 62 years in service” – The Times of India. (July 23, 2025). Available at: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/mig-21s-set-for-final-flight-in-sept-after-62-years-in-service/articleshow/122845528.cms
• “IAF set to retire last of its MiG-21s in Sept” – Hindustan Times. (July 23, 2025). Available at: https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/iaf-set-to-retire-last-of-its-mig-21s-in-sept-101753210786231.html

Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC)

The Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) is an international food standards-setting body jointly established by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) of the United Nations. Created in May 1963, its primary objective is to protect consumers’ health and ensure fair practices in the international food trade. The term “Codex Alimentarius” itself is Latin for “Food Code.”

The CAC develops and maintains a collection of internationally recognized standards, codes of practice, guidelines, and other recommendations related to food, food production, and food safety. These Codex standards serve as reference points for international trade and trade dispute settlements, particularly recognized by the World Trade Organization (WTO)’s Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS Agreement). India has been a member of the Codex Alimentarius Commission since 1964 and actively contributes to its work, as highlighted during the 88th session of its Executive Committee (CCEXEC 88) in July 2025 where India-led work on Millets Group Standards was appreciated.

References:

• “codex alimentarius commission” – Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). Available at: https://fssai.gov.in/cms/codex.php
• “Codex Alimentarius” – Wikipedia. Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Codex_Alimentarius

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Current Affairs Quiz 23rd July 2025

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