UK Online Safety Act Comes into Force
The United Kingdom's Online Safety Act officially comes into effect on July 25, marking a major step toward regulating digital platforms and ensuring user safety. The law mandates tech companies and online platforms to implement measures that protect users, particularly children and teens, from harmful online content such as cyberbullying, self-harm, and pornography. Failure to comply could result in hefty fines or even criminal liability. The Act assigns regulatory responsibilities to Ofcom, which will monitor compliance and take enforcement actions where necessary. A key provision that has sparked debate is the introduction of strict age verification systems for accessing adult content.
MCQs:
1. Effective from which date does the UK Online Safety Act come into force?
A) July 23
B) July 25
C) August 1
D) July 31
Answer: B
2. Which regulatory body enforces the Act?
A) ICO
B) Ofcom
C) FCA
D) Ofsted
Answer: B
3. Which controversial requirement is included?
A) Platform transparency reports
B) Forced account deletion
C) Age verification for pornography access
D) Subscription fees for minors
Answer: C
BRICS Summit Focus on AI, Climate & Global South
The 17th BRICS Summit, held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, brought together leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa to address pressing global issues including artificial intelligence (AI) governance, climate change, health equity, and economic reform. The leaders emphasized the importance of cooperation in emerging technologies and sustainable development while strengthening the voice of the Global South in international forums. While the agenda included trade, health, and environmental topics, it notably did not extend into discussions of space colonization or militarization.
MCQs:
1. Which city hosted the summit?
A) BrasÃlia
B) Rio de Janeiro
C) São Paulo
D) Buenos Aires
Answer: B
2. Which theme was key?
A) Military alliance
B) AI governance
C) Space exploration
D) Tourism
Answer: B
3. Summit agenda did NOT include:
A) Trade & development
B) Global health
C) Space colonization
D) Climate change
Answer: C
India Resumes Tourist Visas for Chinese Visitors
In a move signaling diplomatic thaw and improving bilateral ties, India has resumed issuing tourist visas to Chinese nationals after a five-year suspension. The decision, effective from July 24, 2025, comes following tensions arising from the 2020 border clash between the two countries which had prompted India to halt the visa facility. The reopening of tourist access is expected to revive travel, cultural exchanges, and people-to-people contact between the two Asian neighbors. It also reflects New Delhi's broader intent to normalize post-pandemic international relations.
MCQs:
1. Since when had tourist visas to Chinese been suspended?
A) 2019
B) 2020
C) 2021
D) 2022
Answer: B
2. Suspension was due to?
A) Pandemics
B) Trade disputes
C) 2020 border clash
D) Visa fraud
Answer: C
3. Date of policy reinstatement?
A) July 23
B) July 24, 2025
C) August 1
D) June 30
Answer: B
India–UK Free Trade Agreement Approved
The Indian Cabinet has given the green light to a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the United Kingdom, aiming to double the bilateral trade to $120 billion. The agreement is set to be formally signed in London on July 24, reflecting the strong economic and strategic partnership between the two nations. The FTA is expected to open new opportunities in sectors such as services, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and technology, while also reducing trade barriers and tariffs on key products. The move is part of India’s broader goal to expand its trade networks globally post-Brexit.
MCQs:
1. Targeted trade volume under the FTA:
A) $100 bn
B) $120 bn
C) $150 bn
D) $80 bn
Answer: B
2. When is the pact to be signed?
A) July 20
B) July 24
C) August 1
D) July 30
Answer: B
3. Which government body approved it?
A) Parliament
B) Union Cabinet
C) FTA Commission
D) PM’s Office
Answer: B
Retirement of MiG‑21 Jets
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to retire all MiG‑21 fighter jets by September this year, bringing an end to their decades-long service history in Indian skies. Known as the backbone of India's early air combat capability, the MiG‑21s were introduced in the 1960s and played key roles in multiple wars. However, safety concerns and technological obsolescence have prompted their gradual phasing out. The IAF will now focus on modernizing its fleet with newer aircraft such as Tejas and Rafale, thereby enhancing its aerial combat strength.
MCQs:
1. Which aircraft is being retired?
A) Su‑30
B) Mirage 2000
C) MiG‑21
D) Tejas
Answer: C
2. Planned retirement by:
A) December
B) September
C) Next July
D) August
Answer: B
3. This marks the end of a chapter in:
A) Civil aviation
B) Naval aviation
C) IAF combat aviation
D) Space exploration
Answer: C
Jharkhand Launches Mining Tourism
In a pioneering move, Jharkhand has become the first state in India to launch a mining tourism initiative aimed at educating the public about the history and significance of mining in the region. The program is a collaboration between the Jharkhand Tourism Department and Central Coalfields Ltd under a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). Visitors will be allowed to tour operational and non-operational coal mines, helping boost tourism, create awareness, and generate employment in the mineral-rich state.
MCQs:
1. Which state initiated mining tourism?
A) Odisha
B) Jharkhand
C) Chhattisgarh
D) Bihar
Answer: B
2. Partner organization:
A) Coal India
B) NMDC
C) Central Coalfields Ltd
D) SAIL
Answer: C
3. Duration of the MoU:
A) 3 years
B) 5 years
C) 10 years
D) 2 years
Answer: B
Discovery of Dragonfly Species in Kerala
Scientists in Kerala have discovered a new species of dragonfly named Lyriothemis abrahami, adding to the rich biodiversity of the region. This newly documented species has pushed the total number of dragonfly and damselfly (odonates) species in Kerala to 191. The discovery was made during ecological field surveys in forested areas and highlights the region's continued significance as a biodiversity hotspot. Researchers say the find underlines the need for more conservation efforts and further exploration of lesser-known insect groups in the Western Ghats.
MCQs:
1. The species name is:
A) Lyriothemis flava
B) Lyriothemis abrahami
C) Lyriothemis keralae
D) Libellula abrahami
Answer: B
2. Total dragonfly species now in Kerala:
A) 150
B) 165
C) 191
D) 200
Answer: C
3. The discovery was in:
A) Andaman
B) Kerala
C) Tamil Nadu
D) Goa
Answer: B
