Current Affairs 17 July 2025

South Asia immunises a record-high number of children in 2024.

• UNICEF and WHO report record immunisation coverage in South Asia.
• DTP3 vaccine coverage reached an all-time high of 92% in 2024.
• Zero-dose children fell by 27%, from 2.5 million to 1.8 million.
• India saw a 43% drop in zero-dose children to 0.9 million.
• Pakistan recorded its highest-ever DTP3 coverage at 87%.
• India and Pakistan to launch national HPV programmes by end of 2025.

India’s First RoRo Ferry Service Launched on Goa’s Mandovi River.

• Goa launched India’s first RoRo ferry service on July 14, 2025.
• Operates on the Mandovi River, connecting Chorao Island and Ribandar.
• Two ferries, Gangotri and Dwarka, were introduced for the service.
• Ferries designed by Vijai Marine Shipyards.
• Project follows the BOOT (Built-Own-Operate-Transfer) model, with zero cost to the state.

Cabinet approves PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana for 100 districts.

• The Union Cabinet has approved the Prime Minister's Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana.
• Aims to boost agricultural productivity and crop diversification.
• Focus areas: sustainable farming, post-harvest storage, irrigation, and credit access.
• Targets 100 districts, identified by low productivity, low cropping intensity, and low credit flow.

Gujarat Leads India in Processed Potato Production.

• Gujarat became India’s top processed potato producer in 2024–25, aiding export growth and reducing import dependency.
• Banaskantha led the state for the third consecutive year, producing 18.70 lakh tonnes from 61,000+ hectares, with 30.65 t/ha productivity.
• Availability of modern cold storage in northern Gujarat ensures year-round supply to QSRs and frozen food companies.

Taiwan’s CTBC Bank to Set Up Unit in GIFT City, Gujarat.

• CTBC Bank, Taiwan’s largest private bank, has applied to open an IFSC Banking Unit (IBU) in GIFT City, Gujarat.
• Application filed with the International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA).
• Planned location: Brigade Towers in GIFT SEZ.
• Move expected to strengthen India–Taiwan financial ties and expand international banking services.