Daily Current Affairs 18th July 2025 | Latest News | Download PDF

This post is also available in: हिन्दी (Hindi)

Dear Readers, get to know the daily current affairs today covering all the National & International Events provided here in this article. Current Affairs is an important topic in various competitive exams like IBPS/SBI/PO/Clerk and other competitive exams. To score better in this section, be updated with the daily happenings. Check the Daily Current Affairs July 2025 updates here. Revision is very important in remembering current affairs. Candidates after learning the Daily current affairs July 18th 2025, can test their knowledge by attempting Current Affairs Quiz provided with answers. Daily current affairs July 18th 2025 covers current affairs from International & National news, Important Days, State News, Banking & Economy, Business News, Appointments & Resignation, Awards & Honour, Books & Authors, Sports News, etc.,

Daily Current Affairs PDF of 18th July 2025

Get More: Static GK Pdfs

CURRENT AFFAIRS : BANKING, FINANCE & BUSINESS

Indian Overseas Bank Lowers Marginal Cost of Funds Based Lending Rate by 10 Basis Points for All Tenures

• Indian Overseas Bank has reduced its Marginal Cost of Funds Based Lending Rate (MCLR) by 10 basis points across all tenures, effective July 15, 2025.
• The decision was taken by the bank’s Asset Liability Management Committee (ALCO) in a meeting held on July 14, 2025.
• The MCLR cut follows the bank’s earlier reduction of its Repo Linked Lending Rate (RLLR) by 50 basis points, from 8.85% to 8.35%, effective June 12, 2025.

What is the Marginal Cost of funds-based lending rate?

• MCLR (Marginal Cost of Funds Based Lending Rate) is the minimum interest rate below which a bank cannot lend, except in special cases permitted by the RBI.
• It is used by banks as a benchmark rate to determine interest rates on various types of loans.
• MCLR is based on the marginal (incremental) cost of funds, i.e., the cost banks incur for raising new funds.
• Introduced by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in April 2016, replacing the Base Rate system.
• Objective: To improve transparency in the transmission of monetary policy rates and ensure faster rate transmission to borrowers.
• Revised MCLR rates after the cut:
• Overnight MCLR: 8.15% (previously 8.25%)
• One-month MCLR: 8.40% (previously 8.50%)
• Three-month MCLR: 8.55% (previously 8.65%)
• Six-month MCLR: 8.80% (previously 8.90%)
• One-year MCLR: 9.00% (previously 9.10%)
• The rate cut is expected to reduce borrowing costs for the bank’s retail and corporate customers.
• In a separate announcement, Indian Bank waived charges for non-maintenance of minimum balance across all savings accounts, effective July 7, 2025.
• Indian Bank also reduced its one-year MCLR by 5 basis points to 9.00%, effective July 3, 2025, to make credit more affordable.

About IOB :

• Founded: 10 February 1937
• Headquarters: Chennai, Tamil Nadu
• MD &CEO : Ajay Kumar Srivastava

NPCI International Expands UPI-PayNow Linkage by Adding 13 More Banks to Facilitate Remittances

• NPCI International Payments Ltd (NIPL), the international arm of National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), has added 13 more banks to the UPI-PayNow real-time payment linkage.
• This expansion extends the reach and simplifies cross-border remittances between India and Singapore.
• The expanded network in India now includes 19 banks, such as:Bank of Baroda, Bank of India, Canara Bank, Central Bank of India, Federal Bank, HDFC Bank, IDFC FIRST Bank, IndusInd Bank, Karur Vysya Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Punjab National Bank, South Indian Bank, UCO Bank, Axis Bank, DBS Bank India, ICICI Bank, Indian Bank, Indian Overseas Bank, and State Bank of India.
• Recipients in India can receive funds through any of these banks using UPI-enabled apps like BHIM, Google Pay, PhonePe, and bank apps.
• Outward remittances from India to Singapore are available via Canara Bank, HDFC Bank, Karur Vysya Bank, ICICI Bank, Indian Bank, Indian Overseas Bank, and State Bank of India.
• The UPI-PayNow service is a joint initiative by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS).
• It allows real-time cross-border fund transfers where:
• Indian users receive funds via UPI ID.
• Indian users send funds to Singapore users using their mobile number or Virtual Payment Address (VPA).
• The service benefits the Indian diaspora in Singapore, including migrant workers and students, by enabling easy, instant digital remittances.
• Funds transferred via UPI-PayNow reach the recipient’s bank account within seconds.
• The expanded linkage will go live on July 17, 2025.
• MD & CEO, NPCI International : Ritesh Shukla

About NPCI:

• Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
• Founded: 2008
• CEO: Dilip Asbe
• Key Initiatives: Unified Payments Interface (UPI), Immediate Payment Service (IMPS), RuPay (domestic card payment network), Bharat Bill Payment System (BBPS), Aadhaar Enabled Payment System (AePS)

Finance Minister Unveils Major Infrastructure Initiatives in Meghalaya

• Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman laid foundation stones and inaugurated multiple projects worth ₹1,087.81 crore in Meghalaya.
• She praised Meghalaya’s steady growth and effective utilisation of its ₹5,400 crore allocation under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment scheme.
• The Finance Minister lauded Meghalaya’s success in flagship schemes such as:
• Jal Jeevan Mission
• PM Awas Yojana
• PM Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana
• Swachh Bharat Mission
• Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma reaffirmed the government’s goal to make Meghalaya one of India’s top 10 states by 2032.
• Key projects launched during the visit:
• A ₹162 crore initiative to set up 750 digital libraries in remote areas.
• ₹120.81 crore redevelopment of Umiam Lake into a world-class eco-tourism destination.
• Major highlight: Announcement of the ₹732 crore Mawkhanu Football Stadium along with a residential football academy in partnership with NorthEast United FC, strengthening Meghalaya’s status as the football capital of India.
• The Finance Minister also flagged off a consignment of premium organic pineapples to Dubai under the Megha-LAMP initiative, promoting the state’s organic farming sector.

About Ministry of Finance:

• Cabinet Minister: Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman
• Minister of State (MoS): Shri Pankaj Chaudhary, Dr. Bhagwat Kishanrao Karad

Murugappa Group’s Cholamandalam Launches Chola Chess to Nurture Chess Talent Across India

• Cholamandalam Investment and Finance Company (Chola), a part of the Murugappa Group, has launched Chola Chess, a CSR initiative aimed at discovering and nurturing chess talent across India.
• The initiative is in collaboration with Chess Gurukul and focuses on early-stage chess talent development, especially among children at the grassroots level.
• The program is designed to prepare young talent for the global stage.
• Training is provided through exclusive 5–7-day camps for 6 FIDE rating bands, ranging from 1,400 to 3,000.
• Chola is a leading Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) in India.

India to Establish Its First Protection and Indemnity (P&I) Entity for Marine Insurance

• The Indian government is establishing its first Protection and Indemnity (P&I) entity, named India Club.
• This initiative aims to provide third-party insurance for Indian ships operating in coastal and inland waterways.
• Shipping Secretary T.K. Ramachandran announced that domestic companies will be involved in providing the insurance, reducing dependence on global P&I clubs.
• Currently, such third-party risks are covered by the International Group of P&I Clubs, a London-based group covering over 90% of global shipping lines.
• A P&I club is a mutual insurance association that:Provides risk pooling,Offers information and representation to its members
• Unlike marine insurance firms (which report to shareholders), a P&I club reports only to its members, making it member-centric.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman Outlines Roadmap to Achieve $200 Billion Gross Value Addition by 2030

• Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman highlighted the rapid growth of Global Capability Centres (GCCs) in India.
• The first 1,000 GCCs took nearly 30 years to establish, while the next 1,000 were added in just the past decade.
• India currently hosts about 1,800 GCCs, employing approximately 2.16 million professionals.
• Nearly 50% of Fortune 500 companies have set up GCCs in India, showing India’s critical role in global operations and service delivery.
• The Gross Value Addition (GVA) from GCCs is projected to reach $200 billion by 2030.
• GCCs in India have grown at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 11% over the last 5 years.
• Employment in GCCs is expected to increase to 2.8 million professionals by 2030.
• The GCC sector contributes $68 billion as direct GVA, which is around 1.6% of India’s national GDP.
• The GCC ecosystem refers to a network of offshore units established by multinational corporations (MNCs) to centralize business functions such as IT, finance, and research & development (R&D).

CURRENT AFFAIRS: NATIONAL AND STATE NEWS

Manohar Lal Khattar Unveils ₹1,000 Crore Assistance for Deployment of Energy Efficient Technologies in Industrial Establishments Scheme to Drive Energy Efficiency in MSMEs

• The Assistance for Deployment of Energy Efficient Technologies in Industrial Establishments (ADEETIE) was launched by Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar under the Ministry of Power and implemented via the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE).
• With a ₹1,000 crore budget, it empowers MSMEs to adopt advanced, low-carbon technologies and supports India’s industrial modernization and green energy targets.

Key Highlights:

• Budget Allocation:
  • ₹875 crore for interest subvention (5 % for micro & small enterprises; 3 % for medium enterprises)
  • ₹50 crore dedicated to energy audits (Investment Grade Energy Audits and Detailed Project Reports)
  • ₹75 crore for implementation support
• Objectives:
  • Promote widespread deployment of energy-efficient technologies in industrial units
  • Provide financial incentives and subsidies tailored for MSMEs
  • Strengthen technical capacity through training and consultation
  • Enable rigorous monitoring & verification for long-term impact tracking

Bihar Announces Free Electricity Up to 125 Units Ahead of 2025 Elections

• Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has declared that, from August 1, 2025, all domestic consumers in Bihar will receive free electricity for up to 125 units per month, benefiting over 16.7 million households.
• This scheme combines social welfare with a push for renewable energy under the state’s broader energy strategy.

Key Highlights:

• Coverage and Eligibility:
  • Free supply of electricity up to 125 units/month for all domestic connections.
  • Affects 16.7 million families, easing financial burdens ahead of the Bihar Assembly Elections 2025.
• Economic Relief:
  • Reduces monthly bills for low- and middle-income households, previously paying up to ₹8.95/unit after subsidies.
  • Strengthens the existing ₹15,000 crore annual subsidy for power.
• Renewable Energy Drive:
  • Kutir Jyoti scheme to install solar panels at zero cost for the poorest families.
  • Support for rooftop and community solar installations, targeting an additional 10,000 MW of solar capacity in three years.
  • Builds on Bihar’s growth from 700 MW (2005) to 8,500 MW, achieving 100% household electrification.
  • Aligns with climate goals by reducing dependence on conventional power and promoting solar energy adoption.

RECENT NEWS

• Nitish Kumar-led Bihar government has approved a proposal granting 35% reservation in government jobs exclusively for women who are native to Bihar.

IIM Kozhikode Launches ‘Gyanodaya’ Centre for Pedagogical Innovation

• Gyanodaya, established under IIM Kozhikode’s Vision 2047 and aligned with NEP 2020, is a dedicated hub for revolutionizing management education.
• It integrates Indian knowledge systems with contemporary teaching practices to foster contextualized, inclusive, and globally relevant

Key Highlights:

• Knowledge Creation & Publishing: Develops and publishes peer-reviewed academic content, including over 30 original case studies complete with detailed teaching notes.
• Collaborative Teaching Innovation: Promotes co-creation of innovative pedagogical models, having already launched three new methods for classroom engagement.
• Global Research Hub: Positions Gyanodaya as an international centre for education research and exchange, showcasing indigenous insights on a worldwide stage.

Gujarat Launches India’s First Tribal Genome Sequencing Project for Inclusive Healthcare

• Gujarat has initiated the nation’s pioneering Tribal Genome Sequencing Project, aiming to harness genetic science to enhance healthcare outcomes for its tribal populations.
• Announced by Minister Kuber Dindor and backed by the 2025–26 state budget, this effort will generate critical data to enable early disease detection and personalised medical solutions.

Key Highlights:

• Scope and Scale: Genome sequencing of 2,000 tribal individuals across 17 districts to capture genetic diversity.
• Disease Marker Identification: Targeting hereditary conditions such as sickle cell anaemia, thalassemia, and cancer.
• Reference Genome Database: Creation of an India-specific tribal genomic repository for future research and clinical applications.
• Implementing Agency: Led by the Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre (GBRC) using cutting-edge genomic technologies.
• Personalised Medicine: Facilitates tailored healthcare interventions and early therapeutic strategies for tribal communities.
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Coordinated efforts between state departments, GBRC scientists, and external experts ensure robust project governance.

Maharashtra Becomes First State to Grant Agricultural Status to Livestock and Poultry Farming

• In a historic policy decision, the Maharashtra Cabinet, approved agricultural status for livestock and poultry farming, making Maharashtra the first Indian state to take this inclusive step.
• The move is expected to benefit over 3.7 crore livestock farmers by extending core agricultural benefits to allied sectors like dairy, poultry, fisheries, and small ruminant farming.

Key Highlights:

• Bridging the Policy Gap: Previously classified as “allied” activities, livestock and poultry farming are now granted parity with crop cultivation, enabling access to mainstream agricultural benefits.
• Lower Electricity Tariffs: Poultry sheds, fish ponds, and cattle shelters will now be eligible for agricultural electricity tariffs, reducing power costs significantly.
• Tax Relief: Local taxes and levies will be reclassified under agricultural rates, offering much-needed financial relief to livestock farmers.
• Credit Access and Subsidies:
  • Eligibility for Kisan Credit Cards (KCC) and low-interest agricultural loans.
  • Inclusion under schemes like the Deshmukh Interest Relief Scheme.
  • Access to subsidised solar-powered infrastructure for water pumps and sheds.
• Sector-Specific Impact:
  • Poultry: Reduced costs to expand hatcheries and broiler production.
  • Dairy: Easier credit and cheaper utilities for small and medium dairy owners.
  • Sheep and Goat Farming: Boosts viability for marginal livestock holders.
  • Fisheries: Easier access to subsidies and energy infrastructure for aquaculture.
• Economic Impact: The policy is projected to generate an additional ₹7,080 crore in annual rural income, strengthening value chains for milk, meat, wool, leather, and processed goods.
• Alignment with National Policy: Reflects recommendations by ICAR and NITI Aayog for scientific livestock development, disease control, and productivity enhancement.

RECENT NEWS

• In a major boost to India’s defence sector, Reliance Defence, a subsidiary of Reliance Infrastructure, has partnered with U.S.-based defence contractor Coastal Mechanics Inc. (CMI) to establish a cutting-edge Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility in Maharashtra.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Switzerland Completes Ratification of Landmark India-European Free Trade Association Mega Trade Agreement

• Switzerland has completed the ratification process for the Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) between India and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA).
• The EFTA includes Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Iceland.
• The ratification by Switzerland clears the way for the agreement’s implementation, expected to come into force from October 2025.
• The agreement aims to reduce trade barriers and significantly open the Indian market to Swiss exports.
• Under the pact, EFTA states plan to invest USD 100 billion in India over the next 15 years.
• The agreement is projected to create one million (10 lakh) jobs in India during this period.
• Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway had already ratified the trade deal earlier.
• The TEPA was signed in March 2025, following nearly 16 years of negotiations.
• Currently, Switzerland is the 12th-largest investor in India.
• The Swiss-Indian Innovation Platform, launched in Bengaluru in October 2023, connects Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) with Swiss technical universities and the private sector to promote joint research, innovation, and commercial partnerships.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

New Chief Secretary Appointed in Manipur as President’s Rule Likely to be Extended

• The Centre appointed Puneet Kumar Goel, a 1991-batch IAS officer, as the Chief Secretary of Manipur amid the likely extension of President’s Rule in the state.
• Puneet Kumar Goel is the fourth Chief Secretary to head the Manipur administration since the outbreak of ethnic violence in May 2023.
• He replaces Prashant Kumar Singh, a 1993-batch IAS officer, who has been appointed Secretary, National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST).
• Manipur was placed under President’s Rule on February 13, 2025.
• The Manipur Legislative Assembly is currently under suspended animation, not dissolved.
• President’s Rule under Article 356(3) of the Constitution is enforced through the Governor’s office, lasting six months, extendable by Parliament up to three years in six-month increments.
• The Governor’s Rule in Manipur is expected to be extended beyond August 13, 2025, with the proclamation likely tabled during the Monsoon session of Parliament starting July 21, 2025.
• The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) approved Goel’s appointment via inter-cadre deputation from the Arunachal Pradesh-Goa-Mizoram and Union Territories (AGMUT) cadre until August 31, 2026, relaxing usual policy norms.
• The appointment file was first moved on July 3, 2025.
• The ethnic conflict between the Kuki-Zo and Meitei communities, which began on May 3, 2023, has resulted in 250 deaths and displaced over 60,000 people.
• The Home Ministry is engaged in dialogue with Kuki-Zo and Meitei civil society groups to restore peace.
• Despite efforts by security forces to recover looted police weapons, there has been no progress in reopening National Highways 2 and 37, crucial for supplies to the Imphal valley.
• The Kuki-Zo community inhabits areas along the highways, while the Meitei people live in the valley, and the highways remain blocked to them due to ongoing violence.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: AWARDS AND HONOURS

Deepika Sehrawat Clinches Poligras Magic Skill Award, Elevating Indian Women’s Hockey

• Deepika Sehrawat became the first-ever Indian—male or female—to win the Poligras Magic Skill Award during the 2024–25 FIH Hockey Pro League, honouring her extraordinary solo goal against the world-no. 1 Netherlands.
• This accolade underscores both her personal brilliance and India’s rising stature in international women’s hockey.

Key Highlights:

• Historic First for India: Deepika’s victory marks the first time an Indian player has received this fan-voted global award for creativity and skill.
• Background & Early Success:
  • Hails from Hisar, Haryana; starred at the 2018 Sub-Junior Nationals with 16 goals, earning Best Player.
  • Debuted for India’s junior team at the 2018 Youth Olympic Qualifiers; part of gold-winning squads at the 2021 Junior Women’s World Cup and Junior Asia Cup.
  • Made senior international debut in the 2021–22 FIH Pro League.
• Award-Winning Moment: Trailing 0–2, she dribbled past multiple defenders, flicked the ball over a stick, and scored a brilliant solo goal to level 2–2; India won the shootout.
• Global Competition: Nominated alongside stars like Spain’s Patricia Álvarez; the men’s counterpart went to Belgium’s Victor Wegnez.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: RANKING AND REPORTS

Delhi Ranked World’s Most Affordable Student City in Quacquarelli Symonds Best Student Cities Rankings 2026

• The QS Best Student Cities Rankings 2026, published by Quacquarelli Symonds, highlighted significant progress for India’s education hubs, with Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Chennai all climbing in the global rankings.
• Most notably, Delhi secured the top position as the world’s most affordable student city, enhancing India’s appeal as a destination for higher education.

Background and Context

• The QS Best Student Cities Rankings evaluate cities based on factors important to students and universities: academic reputation, student diversity, affordability, employer activity, and city desirability.
• Indian metros have gained prominence due to improvements in university rankings and student-centric urban environments.
• The rankings support India’s policy goals such as the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and Study in India initiatives that encourage internationalisation of education.

Key Features and India’s Performance

• Delhi topped the global affordability index with a score of 96.5.
• Mumbai returned to the top 100, ranking 98th globally.
• Bengaluru jumped 22 places to 108th.
• Chennai rose from 140th to 128th.
• Key universities supporting this growth include:
  • Delhi: IIT Delhi, University of Delhi
  • Mumbai: IIT Bombay, University of Mumbai
  • Bengaluru: IISc, IIM Bangalore
  • Chennai: IIT Madras, Anna University

Affordability and Employment Prospects

• Indian cities have a comparatively low cost of living and education versus popular global destinations like the USA, UK, and Australia.
• QS affordability scores: Delhi (1st globally), Bengaluru (84.3), Chennai (80.1).
• Employer activity, measuring graduate employability, showed strong gains:
  • Delhi and Mumbai entered the global top 50.
  • Bengaluru improved by 41 places to 59th.
  • Chennai rose 29 places.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: SPORTS NEWS

Andre Russell Announces Retirement, Closing a Storied T20 Chapter

• West Indies all-rounder Andre Russell (37) has confirmed his retirement from international cricket, with his final appearances slated for the T20Is against Australia on July 20 and 22, 2025, at Sabina Park, Jamaica.
• Celebrated for his match-winning power-hitting and death-over bowling, Russell leaves behind a legacy defined by explosive performances in maroon.

Key Highlights:

• T20I Stalwart: Featured in 84 T20Is, amassing 1,078 runs at a strike rate of 163.08 and claiming 61 wickets.
• World Cup Heroics: Instrumental in West Indies’ T20 World Cup triumphs in 2012 and 2016, delivering clutch contributions with both bat and ball.
• Franchise Legend: Accumulated over 9,300 runs and 485 wickets across global T20 leagues, including a stint with the Los Angeles Knight Riders in the 2025 Major League Cricket.
• All-Format Contributor: Also represented the Windies in 56 ODIs (1,034 runs, 70 wickets) and one Test, before specializing in the shortest format post-2019.
• Iconic Match-Winner: Renowned for powerful finishing and bowling in pressure situations, earning a reputation as a global T20 icon.
• End of an Era for West Indies: Russell’s retirement, alongside peers like Nicholas Pooran, signals a transitional phase ahead of the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

India Requests United States Approval for Co-Production of Javelin Missiles

• India has submitted a letter of request to the United States for the co-production of Javelin anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs) in India.
• The move aligns with the “Make in India” initiative promoted by the NDA government at the Centre.
• Co-production will ensure operational readiness and reduce dependence on foreign support.
• The talks with the U.S. are in an advanced stage.
• The Javelin missile is one of the world’s most advanced third-generation ATGMs.
• India is also in talks for the emergency procurement of Javelin missiles amid the urgency to replenish and upgrade weaponry.
• The missile system is vital for countering threats from Pakistan and China, strengthening India’s anti-tank warfare capabilities.
• Defence forces prefer lighter, shoulder-fired missile systems that can be carried easily in difficult terrain by troops.
• Recently, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held a discussion with U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth to review ongoing and upcoming defence cooperation initiatives.
• The Javelin missile system is jointly developed and produced by Raytheon and Lockheed Martin, two American defence major companies.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : OBITUARIES

Padma Bhushan Awardee & legendary actress Saroja Devi Passed Away

• B Saroja Devi, a Padma Bhushan recipient, passed away at the age of 87 on July 14, 2025.

About B Saroja Devi :

• B Saroja Devi was an acclaimed actress known for films like “Abhinaya Saraswathi” and “Kannadathu Paingili.”
• Saroja Devi acted in over 200 films across multiple languages including Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi.
• Born on January 7, 1938, she made her film debut at age 17 with the 1955 Kannada film “Mahakavi Kalidasa.”
• Her breakthrough came with the 1958 Tamil classic “Nadodi Mannan”, where she starred alongside MG Ramachandran (MGR).
• She debuted in Telugu cinema with “Panduranga Mahatyam” (1957) and entered Hindi films with “Paigham” (1959).
• Saroja Devi worked with legendary actors like Sivaji Ganesan, N.T. Rama Rao, Rajkumar, and Shammi Kapoor.
• She was recognized as one of the most successful actresses in Indian cinema, especially noted for her versatility and pan-Indian appeal.
• She served as:Chairperson of the jury for the 53rd National Film Awards, Vice-President of the Kannada Chalanchitra Sangha
• B Saroja Devi is noted for being the only Indian actress to play lead roles in over 161 consecutive films in 29 years.
• Her passing marks the end of an era and leaves a significant void in Indian cinema.

Awards and honours:

• Padma Shri (1969)
• Padma Bhushan (1992)
• Kalaimamani Award (Tamil Nadu)
• Honorary doctorate from Bangalore University

CURRENT AFFAIRS: IMPORTANT DAYS

World Snake Day Celebrated in Bengaluru to Promote Compassion and Conservation

• World Snake Day on July 16 urges increased awareness for the wide variety of snake species around the world.
• The Bannerghatta Biological Park in Bengaluru hosted a special World Snake Day event on 15 -16 July 2025, featuring wildlife education and a unique philatelic initiative.
• Organized in collaboration with India Post, the Kalinga Foundation, Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre (WRRC), Round Glass Sustain, and other NGOs, the programme aimed to dispel myths and foster respect for snakes.

Key Highlights:

• Theme – “Respect, Don’t Fear: Protecting Nature’s Silent Guardians” underscored the need for compassion in snake conservation.
• Dual celebration dates: Activities began on 15 July and culminated on 16 July, aligning with the global observance of World Snake Day.
• Philatelic engagement: India Post released a special snake-themed stamp, using mail art to raise public awareness about reptile protection.
• NGO collaboration: Partners like WRRC and Round Glass Sustain showcased rehabilitation success stories and community outreach programmes.

Nelson Mandela International Day 2025: July 18

• On July 18th of this current year, Nelson Mandela International Day 2025 is celebrated and observed worldwide as an honoring event.
• Nelson Mandela International Day (also known as Mandela Day) is a yearly international celebration honoring Mandela that is observed on his birthday, July 18th.

History

• On July 18, 1918, Nelson Mandela was born in a village called Mvezo in the Eastern Cape, South Africa.
• In 1963 Mandela was jailed for leading the liberation movement against apartheid and he was referred to by his inmate number, 46664.
• In 1990, Mandela left prison after 27 years.
• In 1994 Mandela was elected President of South Africa and served in office until 1999.
• On July 18, 2009, The first Nelson Mandela International Day was held in New York.

Daily CA One- Liner: July 18

• The Assistance for Deployment of Energy Efficient Technologies in Industrial Establishments (ADEETIE) was launched by Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar under the Ministry of Power and implemented via the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE).
• Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has declared that, from August 1, 2025, all domestic consumers in Bihar will receive free electricity for up to 125 units per month, benefiting over 7 million households.
• Gyanodaya, established under IIM Kozhikode’s Vision 2047 and aligned with NEP 2020, is a dedicated hub for revolutionizing management education.
• Gujarat has initiated the nation’s pioneering Tribal Genome Sequencing Project, aiming to harness genetic science to enhance healthcare outcomes for its tribal populations.
• In a historic policy decision, the Maharashtra Cabinet, approved agricultural status for livestock and poultry farming, making Maharashtra the first Indian state to take this inclusive step.
• Deepika Sehrawat became the first-ever Indian—male or female—to win the Poligras Magic Skill Award during the 2024–25 FIH Hockey Pro League, honouring her extraordinary solo goal against the world-no. 1 Netherlands
• The QS Best Student Cities Rankings 2026, published by Quacquarelli Symonds, highlighted significant progress for India’s education hubs, with Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Chennai all climbing in the global rankings
• West Indies all-rounder Andre Russell (37) has confirmed his retirement from international cricket, with his final appearances slated for the T20Is against Australia on July 20 and 22, 2025, at Sabina Park, Jamaica
• World Snake Day on July 16 urges increased awareness for the wide variety of snake species around the world.
• On July 18th of this current year, Nelson Mandela International Day 2025 is celebrated and observed worldwide as an honoring event.
• Indian Overseas Bank has reduced its Marginal Cost of Funds Based Lending Rate (MCLR) by 10 basis points across all tenures, effective July 15, 2025.
• NPCI International Payments Ltd (NIPL), the international arm of National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), has added 13 more banks to the UPI-PayNow real-time payment linkage.
• Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman laid foundation stones and inaugurated multiple projects worth ₹1,087.81 crore in Meghalaya.
• Cholamandalam Investment and Finance Company (Chola), a part of the Murugappa Group, has launched Chola Chess, a CSR initiative aimed at discovering and nurturing chess talent across India.
• The Indian government is establishing its first Protection and Indemnity (P&I) entity, named India Club.
• Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman highlighted the rapid growth of Global Capability Centres (GCCs) in India.
• Switzerland has completed the ratification process for the Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) between India and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA).
• The Centre appointed Puneet Kumar Goel, a 1991-batch IAS officer, as the Chief Secretary of Manipur amid the likely extension of President’s Rule in the state.
• India has submitted a letter of request to the United States for the co-production of Javelin anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs) in India.
• B Saroja Devi, a Padma Bhushan recipient, passed away at the age of 87 on July 14, 2025.