Daily Current Affairs UPSC Exam - July 19, 2025

India continues to accelerate its progress across multiple sectors in 2025 through targeted initiatives and global collaborations.

From the release of pending MANF fellowships, tourism growth plans for 2047, and NSCSTI 2.0 reforms in civil service training, to women's wellness initiatives like Mahila Aarogyam Kaksh, transformative infrastructure in Bihar, NIEPID-JVF's inclusive education model, and strategic naval ties via SIMBEX 2025-each effort reflects India's commitment to inclusive development, social equity, economic growth, and global maritime diplomacy.

1. Maulana Azad National Fellowship (MANF)mount kilimanjaro

Context:

The Ministry of Minority Affairs recently released payments pending for seven months under the Maulana Azad National Fellowship.

Key Points:

• Purpose: A five-year fellowship offering financial assistance to students from six notified minority communities-Muslims, Buddhists, Christians, Jains, Parsis, Sikhs-to pursue full-time M.Phil and Ph.D. research within India.

• Coverage: It applies to candidates enrolled in Central/State Universities (including affiliated/constituent), deemed universities under Section 3 of UGC Act, government-funded institutions empowered to award degrees, and Institutions of National Importance.

• Eligibility: Open to minority community students engaged in M.Phil/Ph.D. research; helps make them eligible for academic posts including Assistant Professors.

• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Minority Affairs

• Implementing Agency: University Grants Commission (UGC)

2. Government's Tourism Target for 2047

Context:

The Union Minister of Culture and Tourism announced the government's aim to increase tourism's contribution to the economy from current ~5-6% to 10% by 2047.

Key Highlights:

• India's economy is projected to grow from $4 trillion today to around $32 trillion by 2047.

• Tourism, rich in heritage and diversity, is seen as a major driver of economic growth.

• The target of 10% aligns India with global benchmarks for tourism's share in GDP.

3. NSCSTI 2.0 Framework for Civil Services Training

Context:

Launched on 18 July 2025 by Dr. Jitendra Singh under Mission Karmayogi.

Key Features:

• Incorporates simplified evaluation metrics, digital tools, and AI.

• Aligns with competency models like KCM and AGK.

• Adaptable across all government levels, it supports outcome-based assessments, cross-learning, and institutional excellence.

• Aims to position India as a leader in civil services reform.

4. Mahila Aarogyam Kaksh - Workplace Wellness

Context:

Inaugurated by Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal in July 2025 at Shastri Bhawan.

Details:

• Women-exclusive wellness space including gym and lactation room.

• Promotes fitness, mental well-being, and inclusive workplace culture.

• Part of broader initiatives like Fit India Movement and Viksit Bharat vision.

5. PM Modi Launches ₹7,200 Crore Infrastructure Projects in Bihar

Context:

Under the Viksit Bharat Mission, focussed on Bihar's development.

Key Points:

• Projects aim to transform Bihar into a growth hub, ensuring urban parity and providing housing and infrastructure support.

• Reflects increased central funding and development focus under the NDA government.

6. NIEPID-JVF MoU for Structured Education of Children with Intellectual Disabilities

Context:

Memorandum of Understanding signed in July 2025.

Components:

• Establishment of scalable curriculum under DISHA Abhiyan framework.

• Includes Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), multisensory curriculum, digital portals, and teacher training.

• Aligns with SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

• Aids accessible, quality education under Viksit Bharat vision and DALM scheme.

7. Indian Navy in SIMBEX 2025

Context:

India participates in the 32nd edition of the bilateral naval exercise SIMBEX with Singapore.

Significance:

• Strengthens bilateral maritime cooperation and interoperability since the exercise inception in 1994.