Daily Current Affairs Quiz and Key Pointers: 31-07-2025

1. Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) – Latest Reforms & Exam Relevance
The Indian government has introduced significant updates to the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS), streamlining pension processes for current and retired employees. Key changes include:
Digital integration for seamless pension processing.
Enhanced transparency to reduce delays in disbursement.
Revised eligibility norms, crucial for competitive exam aspirants.
Why it matters for exams? Questions on UPS often appear in UPSC, SSC, and state PSCs under governance and social welfare sections.
Quick Quiz:
Q1. What is the primary goal of the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS)?
A: To simplify and digitize pension processes for government employees.
Q2. Which exams frequently include questions on UPS?
A: UPSC, SSC, and state PSC exams.
Q3. How does UPS improve pension transparency?
A: By reducing procedural delays and ensuring timely disbursement.
Read More: Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) – What Govt Employees Must Know



2. IIT Madras’s Plastic Alternative – Agri-Waste Packaging Breakthrough
Researchers at IIT Madras have created a biodegradable packaging material from agricultural waste, offering a sustainable alternative to plastic. Highlights:
Made from rice husk, sugarcane bagasse, and coconut coir.
Reduces plastic pollution and supports farmers’ income.
Potential to revolutionize food packaging and logistics.
Exam Relevance: Topics like environmental innovation and sustainable tech are crucial for UPSC, NID, and NIFT.
Quick Quiz:
Q1. What materials are used in IIT Madras’s eco-friendly packaging?
A: Rice husk, sugarcane bagasse, and coconut coir.
Q2. How does this innovation help farmers?
A: It creates demand for agricultural waste, boosting their earnings.
Q3. Which exams prioritize environmental innovations?
A: UPSC (Environment & Ecology), NID, and NIFT.
Read More: IIT Madras’s Agri-Waste Packaging Innovation



3. RBI’s Revised AIF Norms – Key Changes & Impact on Financial Sector
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has introduced stricter regulations for Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs) to enhance transparency and reduce risks. Key updates include:
Stricter disclosure norms for banks and NBFCs investing in AIFs.
Restrictions on evergreening loans through AIF structures.
Enhanced due diligence to prevent conflicts of interest.
Why it matters for exams? Questions on RBI policies, financial regulations, and banking reforms are common in UPSC, RBI Grade B, and SEBI exams.
Quick Quiz:
Q1. What is the main objective of RBI’s new AIF rules?
A: To improve transparency and reduce risks in AIF investments.
Q2. Which entities are directly affected by these regulations?
A: Banks, NBFCs, and financial institutions investing in AIFs.
Q3. How does this impact competitive exam preparation?
A: Questions on RBI’s financial regulations frequently appear in banking and civil service exams.
Read More: RBI’s New AIF Investment Rules Explained



4. Kargil War 1999 – Strategic Blunders & India’s Military Response
The Kargil War (1999) remains a crucial case study in military strategy and diplomacy. Key takeaways:
Pakistan’s infiltration into Indian territory led to a fierce conflict.
India’s Operation Vijay successfully reclaimed occupied peaks.
Diplomatic isolation of Pakistan post-war strengthened India’s global stance.
Exam Relevance: History, defense studies, and international relations sections in UPSC, CDS, CAPF, and state PSCs often feature Kargil War questions.
Quick Quiz:
Q1. What was the codename of India’s military operation in Kargil?
A: Operation Vijay.
Q2. How did the Kargil War impact India-Pakistan relations?
A: It exposed Pakistan’s aggression and led to its diplomatic isolation.
Q3. Which exams frequently include Kargil War analysis?
A: UPSC (GS Paper 1 & 3), CDS, and CAPF.
Read More: Kargil War 1999 – Pakistan’s Reckless Gamble



5. Bihar’s Special Voter List Revision – A Step Towards Fair Polls
The Election Commission (EC) has launched a special voter list revision in Bihar to eliminate duplicate and fake entries. Highlights:
Door-to-door verification for accurate voter data.
Digital tracking to prevent electoral fraud.
Focus on inclusivity (women, PwD, and marginalized voters).
Exam Relevance: Governance, electoral reforms, and current affairs sections in UPSC, BPSC, and SSC CGL often cover such initiatives.
Quick Quiz:
Q1. What is the purpose of Bihar’s voter list revision?
A: To remove duplicate/fake entries and ensure fair elections.
Q2. How is technology being used in this process?
A: Digital verification tools track and authenticate voter details.
Q3. Which competitive exams include electoral reforms as a topic?
A: UPSC (Polity), BPSC, and SSC CGL.
Read More: Bihar’s Voter List Overhaul Explained



6. Great Indian Bustard: Can Power Lines Save This Endangered Bird?
The Great Indian Bustard (GIB), a critically endangered species, faces extinction due to habitat loss and power line collisions. Key developments:
Supreme Court directives to underground power lines in GIB habitats.
Conservation programs in Rajasthan and Gujarat.
Renewable energy vs. wildlife debate for exam discussions.
Exam Relevance: Environment & Ecology sections in UPSC, IFoS, and state PSCs prioritize endangered species conservation.
Quick Quiz:
Q1. Why is the Great Indian Bustard endangered?
A: Due to habitat destruction and collisions with power lines.
Q2. What is the Supreme Court’s intervention in GIB conservation?
A: Mandating underground power lines in critical habitats.
Q3. Which exams focus on wildlife conservation topics?
A: UPSC (Environment), IFoS, and state forest service exams.
Read More: Great Indian Bustard Conservation Challenges



7. UPSC Geo-Scientist Results 2025 Out – Check Your Rank Now!
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially announced the Geoscientist Main Exam 2025 results on its portal. Here’s what aspirants need to know:
Results available at upsc.gov.in under the “Examination” tab
Category-wise cutoff marks expected next week
Interview dates for qualified candidates to be notified soon
Exam Relevance: Crucial for UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist aspirants and those preparing for other scientific services exams
Quick Quiz:
Q1. Where can candidates check their UPSC Geo-Scientist results?
A: On the official UPSC website (upsc.gov.in)
Q2. What comes next after the main exam results?
A: Qualified candidates will face the interview/personality test round
Q3. Which other exams follow a similar selection process?
A: IFS, ISS, and other scientific services conducted by UPSC
Read More: UPSC Geo-Scientist Main Exam Result 2025



8. SSC CGL 2025 Postponement – What Aspirants Should Do Now
In a recent notification, the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has postponed the CGL 2025 examination due to administrative reasons. Key updates:
Original exam dates (July-August 2025) stand cancelled
Revised schedule likely in September 2025
Admit cards to be reissued 3 weeks before new exam date
Pro Tip for Aspirants:
Utilize extra time for Tier-2 preparation
Focus on weak areas like quantitative aptitude
Practice previous years’ papers
Quick Quiz:
Q1. Why has SSC postponed CGL 2025?
A: Due to unspecified administrative reasons
Q2. When can candidates expect new exam dates?
A: Likely by September 2025
Q3. How should aspirants utilize this extra time?
A: By strengthening weak subjects and practicing mock tests
Read More: SSC CGL 2025 Exam Postponed – Official Update



9. Why Did Russia Experience a Massive 8.8 Magnitude Earthquake?
The recent 8.8 magnitude earthquake in Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula has raised scientific curiosity. Here’s the breakdown:
Occurred along the Pacific Ring of Fire
Result of Okhotsk Plate subduction under Eurasia
Depth of 600km prevented major surface damage
Exam Connect: Important for UPSC Geography, SSC CGL (General Awareness), and state PSC exams
Quick Quiz:
Q1. What makes the Kamchatka region prone to earthquakes?
A: Its location on the seismically active Pacific Ring of Fire
Q2. Why did this deep earthquake cause less damage?
A: Because it originated 600km below the surface
Q3. Which tectonic plates were involved?
A: Okhotsk Plate subducting under Eurasian Plate
Read More: Science Behind Russia’s Massive Earthquake



10. ISRO’s 2025-26 Mission Roadmap – Must-Know for Competitive Exams
The Indian Space Research Organisation has an exciting lineup of missions:
Gaganyaan (First crewed flight) – Q4 2025
Shukrayaan-1 (Venus orbiter) – Early 2026
NISAR satellite (NASA-ISRO collaboration) – Mid 2025
Why Important?
Direct questions in UPSC Prelims & Mains
Relevant for SSC Scientific Assistant exams
Case study for NID/NIFT design aspirants
Quick Quiz:
Q1. Which will be ISRO’s first human spaceflight mission?
A: Gaganyaan
Q2. What is special about NISAR satellite?
A: It’s a joint NASA-ISRO earth observation project
Q3. Which planet will Shukrayaan-1 study?
A: Venus
Read More: ISRO’s Future Missions Explained



11. How Kavach 4.0 Works – Railway Safety Tech for Competitive Exams
Kavach 4.0, India’s automatic train protection system, features:
Collision avoidance technology
Real-time monitoring of train speeds
AI-powered signal management
Exam Significance:
Science & Tech section of UPSC/State PSCs
RRB NTPC/Group D technical papers
Case study for engineering entrance exams
Quick Quiz:
Q1. What is the primary purpose of Kavach system?
A: To prevent train collisions
Q2. Which technology does Kavach 4.0 use?
A: AI-powered signal management
Q3. Which government exams include Kavach in syllabus?
A: UPSC, RRB NTPC, and engineering services
Read More: Kavach 4.0 – Railway Safety Explained



12. Einstein’s Gravity Theory Uncovers Mysterious Rogue Planet
Astronomers using Hubble Telescope detected a free-floating planet through:
Gravitational microlensing phenomenon
Prediction by Einstein’s General Relativity
Mass estimated at 7 times Earth’s
Exam Connection:
UPSC (Science & Tech)
SSC CGL (General Science)
UGC NET (Physical Science)
Quick Quiz:
Q1. What phenomenon helped detect the rogue planet?
A: Gravitational microlensing
Q2. Which scientist predicted this detection method?
A: Albert Einstein
Q3. How massive is the newly found planet?
A: About 7 Earth masses
Read More: Einstein’s Theory & Rogue Planet Discovery



Final Preparation Strategy:
Daily Revision: Allocate 30 mins for current affairs
Topic Linking: Connect science-tech with governance (e.g., ISRO + Space Policy)
Smart Testing: Take sectional quizzes at MyEntrance.in