4.5/5
Current Affairs 26 & 27 July 2025
1. Prof. Uma Kanjilal appointed as First Woman Vice-Chancellor of IGNOU
-
Appointment: Prof. Uma Kanjilal has been appointed as the first woman Vice-Chancellor of Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), four decades after its establishment.
-
Experience: She brings over 36 years of experience in Open and Distance Learning (ODL) system, with expertise in academic leadership, digital innovation, and institutional knowledge.
-
Previous Roles: Before becoming the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kanjilal served as Acting Vice-Chancellor since July 25, 2024, and Pro Vice-Chancellor from March 2021 to July 2024.
-
Expertise: She is nationally recognized for her contributions to e-learning, ICT in libraries, digital libraries, and multimedia courseware development, and currently serves as the National Coordinator for SWAYAM and SWAYAM PRABHA initiatives.
-
Achievements: Prof. Kanjilal has received several awards, including the Manthan Award for e-Education, an Australia-India Council Grant, and a DANIDA Fellowship.
2. India’s First Hydrogen-Powered Train Coach Successfully Tested
-
Route and Speed: The train will operate on the Jind-Sonipat route in Haryana, covering 90 kilometers, and can reach speeds of up to 140 kmph, although the standard speed is 110 kmph.
-
Zero Emissions: The train uses hydrogen fuel cells to generate electricity, producing only water vapor and heat as byproducts, making it an eco-friendly alternative to fossil fuels.
-
Passenger Capacity: The train is designed to accommodate up to 2,638 passengers and consists of eight passenger coaches, with three additional coaches for hydrogen storage and fuel cell systems.
-
Cost and Infrastructure: Each hydrogen-powered train costs approximately ₹80 crore, and Indian Railways is investing in infrastructure, including hydrogen storage and refueling stations.
-
Environmental Goals: The introduction of hydrogen-powered trains aligns with India's goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2030.
3. Joe Root becomes 2nd highest scorer in Test cricket
-
Record-breaking achievement: Joe Root has become the second-highest run-scorer in Test cricket, surpassing Ricky Ponting's tally of 13,378 runs and reaching 13,380 runs.
-
Only behind Sachin Tendulkar: Root is now only behind Sachin Tendulkar, who holds the record with 15,921 runs in 200 Test matches.
-
Surpassing other legends: Root went past Rahul Dravid (13,288) and Jacques Kallis (13,289) in the same innings, showcasing his exceptional batting skills.
-
38 Test centuries: Root achieved his 38th Test century during this innings, demonstrating his consistency and ability to convert starts into big scores.
-
Potential to break Tendulkar's record: With 2,513 runs needed to surpass Tendulkar's record, Root's average of 85 runs per Test match suggests he could achieve this feat in around 30 Test matches.
4. India–Singapore Joint Military Exercise ‘Bold Kurukshetra 2025'
-
Location and Duration: The exercise is being held in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, from July 24 to July 30, 2025, in the desert region, focusing on modern warfare scenarios.
-
Objective: The primary goal is to enhance synergy and interoperability between the Indian Army and the Singapore Armed Forces, promoting a deeper understanding of each other's operating procedures and tactics.
-
Training Focus: The exercise emphasizes urban warfare, counter-terrorism operations, and joint tactical maneuvers, utilizing advanced weapon systems, communication technologies, and battle strategies.
-
Participating Forces: The exercise involves soldiers from both the Indian Army and the Singapore Army, who engage in simulated combat scenarios to develop their joint warfighting skills.
-
Strategic Significance: 'Bold Kurukshetra 2025' underscores the strong bilateral defense relationship between India and Singapore, fostering cooperation and mutual understanding between the two nations' defense establishments.
5. Anahat Singh Wins Historic Bronze at World Junior Squash Championships
-
Historic Bronze Medal: 17-year-old Anahat Singh won India's first bronze medal at the World Junior Squash Championships in 15 years, ending a long wait for the country.
-
Semifinal Loss: Singh lost to Egypt's Nadien Elhammamy 11-6, 14-12, 12-10 in the semifinals but secured a bronze medal, becoming the first Indian girl to reach the podium since Dipika Pallikal in 2010.
-
Quarterfinal Win: Anahat Singh defeated Egypt's Malika Elkaraksy 11-6, 13-11, 11-5 in the quarterfinals, showcasing her mental toughness and maturity.
-
Ranking and Experience: Ranked 54th in the world, Anahat is the reigning U19 Asian girls' champion and has won senior Asian titles in women's and mixed doubles, demonstrating her rising star status in squash.
6. Riley Powell Defeats Pankaj Advani at IBSF World 6-Red Snooker Championship 2025
-
Thrilling Comeback: 16-year-old Welsh sensation Riley Powell came from behind to defeat Pankaj Advani 5-4 in the final, showcasing his exceptional skill and composure.
-
Birthday Surprise: Advani, who turned 40 on the day of the final, was denied his 29th World title, making Powell's win a memorable one.
-
Tactical Play: Advani initially dominated the match with his safety play, taking a 3-1 lead with a 73 clearance in the third frame. However, Powell's attacking style allowed him to stage a remarkable comeback.
-
Exceptional Potting: Powell's impressive potting skills were on display throughout the match, with notable breaks, including a 35 clearance in the seventh frame.
-
Historic Win: Powell's victory marks a significant upset, highlighting his potential as a future star in the world of snooker, while Advani's consistency and experience continue to make him a formidable opponent.
7. Nirmal Minda to be new ASSOCHAM President
-
Appointment: Nirmal K. Minda, Executive Chairman of Uno Minda, has been appointed as the Senior Vice President of ASSOCHAM and is set to take over as the next President, replacing Sanjay Nayar.
-
Leadership Experience: Minda brings over 50 years of leadership experience in the auto components sector, having transformed Uno Minda into a globally competitive enterprise with a market capitalization of approximately ₹62,566 crore.
-
Awards and Recognition: He has received several accolades, including the 'EY Entrepreneur of the Year' Award in 2019 in the Manufacturing Category, showcasing his visionary leadership and contribution to the Indian industry.
-
ASSOCHAM's Strategic Vision: Minda's appointment aligns with ASSOCHAM's focus on innovation-led growth, industry representation, and promoting collaborative growth, underscoring the chamber's commitment to high-calibre leadership.
8. ISRO Chief Dr. V Narayanan Honoured with GP Birla Memorial Award
-
Prestigious Award: Dr. V Narayanan, Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and Secretary of the Department of Space, has been bestowed with the esteemed GP Birla Memorial Award, recognizing his outstanding contributions to the field of space research and technology.
-
Event and Recognition: The award ceremony was attended by notable figures, and Dr. Narayanan delivered the GP Birla Memorial Lecture on "Indian Space Programme – Accomplishments, Challenges and Future Perspectives," highlighting India's achievements and future plans in space exploration.
-
India's Space Ambitions: During the lecture, Dr. Narayanan emphasized India's plans to nearly triple its operational satellites in space from 55 to over 150 within the next three years, showcasing the country's growing demand for space-based services.
-
Future Projects: He also announced ISRO's plans to launch 12 missions this year, including the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) and building India's own space station by 2035, with the first module expected to be placed in orbit by 2028.
9. Kargil Vijay Diwas observed on July 26th 
-
Victory Day: Kargil Vijay Diwas marks the successful culmination of 'Operation Vijay', where Indian troops reclaimed their territory from Pakistani intruders, ending the war on July 26, 1999.
-
Tribute to Heroes: The day honors the bravery and sacrifices of Indian soldiers who fought against impossible odds, with 527 soldiers losing their lives and over 1,300 injured in the conflict.
-
Key Battles: The war saw intense battles at peaks like Tololing, Tiger Hill, and the Batalik sector, showcasing extraordinary bravery and strategic planning by the Indian Army and Air Force.
-
National Commemoration: Ceremonies are held across India, particularly at the Kargil War Memorial in Dras, where senior officials and families of martyrs pay homage to the fallen heroes.
10. Namperumalsamy, India's first retina specialist passed away
-
Pioneering Work: Dr. Namperumalsamy was a renowned ophthalmologist who specialized in diabetic retinopathy and was considered India's first retina specialist. He played a crucial role in bringing assembly-line efficiency to eye surgery.
-
Aravind Eye Hospital: He was the Chairman Emeritus of Aravind Eye Hospital in Madurai, a world-renowned eye care institution that provides high-quality, affordable eye care to millions, particularly in rural India.
-
Awards and Recognition: Dr. Namperumalsamy received numerous accolades, including the Padma Shri Award from the Government of India and was named one of the 100 most influential people in the world by TIME magazine in 2010.
-
Innovative Contributions: He pioneered the use of telemedicine and IT-enabled services to expand access to eye care in remote areas and developed innovative models for delivering eye care services, which have been studied globally.
1 like |
0 comment
