Daily Current Affairs 25th July 2025 | Latest News | Download PDF

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CURRENT AFFAIRS : BANKING, FINANCE & BUSINESS

India’s Domestic Economy Remains Resilient in June-July Despite Global Geopolitical and Trade Uncertainties: RBI Report

• India’s domestic economy showed resilience in June and July amid global macroeconomic uncertainty caused by geopolitical tensions and trade-related risks (RBI report).
• Improved prospects for kharif (monsoon) crops, steady momentum in the services sector, and modest industrial growth supported overall economic activity.

Key Highlights :

• Headline CPI inflation remained below 4% for the fifth consecutive month in June, driven by deflation in food prices.
• Retail inflation (CPI) rose 3.54% in July, the lowest in 59 months. Food inflation in July was 5.42%, the lowest since June 2023.
• Retail inflation has remained below 6% since September, within RBI’s tolerance range of 2%-6% for 11 consecutive months.
• Services sector output rose to a 10-month high in June, boosted by higher sales, new order intakes, and positive demand trends.
• The HSBC India Services PMI Business Activity Index increased to 60.4 in June from 58.8 in May, with a strong rise in export orders.
• RBI expects India’s GDP growth to be 6.5% in 2025-26, down from the earlier forecast of 6.7% due to trade and policy volatility, including possible effects of US tariff hikes.
• Liquidity in the banking system remains in surplus, facilitating better transmission of policy rate cuts to credit markets.
• RBI’s Monetary Policy Committee kept the repo rate at 5.5% in June, marking the third straight cut and a total easing of 100 basis points since February.
• The external sector remains resilient, supported by ample foreign exchange reserves and a moderate external debt-to-GDP ratio.
• As of 31 March 2025, India’s external debt stands at $736.3 billion, a 10.9% year-over-year increase.
• The external debt-to-GDP ratio rose to 19.0% from 18.4% as of 31 March 2024.

Reserve Bank of India announces ₹50,000 crore 2-day Variable Rate Repo auction to ease liquidity after call rate surpasses repo rate

• Reserve Bank of India (RBI) conducted a two-day Variable Rate Repo (VRR) auction to ease overnight money market rates.

Key Highlights :

• Early trading showed Weighted Average Call Rate (WACR) at 6.78%, which was above the Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) rate of 5.75%.
• RBI announced a ₹50,000 crore VRR auction to infuse liquidity and bring down rates.
• Post-auction, the WACR settled at 5.73%, compared to previous close of 5.62%.
• Policy repo rate is at 5.50%; MSF rate is 25 basis points above (5.75%), and Standing Deposit Facility is 25 basis points below repo rate.
• RBI received bids totaling ₹71,902 crore against the notified ₹50,000 crore.
• Market expects RBI to conduct more VRR auctions if overnight rates exceed MSF
• VRR auction is a flexible, reaction-based tool by the RBI to keep overnight rates near the repo rate.
• Timing of the VRR auction was critiqued since about 70% of daily trades occurred before the auction, limiting its immediate impact.
• The WACR breached the policy repo rate for the first time in the current financial year due to GST-related outflows.
• The banking system’s liquidity surplus stood at ₹2.41 trillion.

Recent News :

• In July 2025, The Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) Financial Inclusion Index increased to 67 in FY25 (March 2025) from 64.2 in FY24.

India Needs $2.4 Trillion by 2050 for Resilient and Low-Carbon Urban Infrastructure: World Bank

• India requires investments of over $2.4 trillion by 2050 to develop new, resilient, and low-carbon infrastructure and services in cities, according to the World Bank report titled ‘Towards Resilient and Prosperous Cities in India’.
• India’s urban population is expected to nearly double to 951 million by 2050, requiring more than 144 million new homes by 2070.
• The report studied 24 Indian cities, with focus on Chennai, Indore, New Delhi, Lucknow, Surat, and Thiruvananthapuram.
• Timely adaptation can avert billions of dollars in annual losses from weather-related shocks, such as $5 billion by 2030 and $30 billion by 2070 due to pluvial flood-related losses.
• Investments in adaptation could save over 130,000 lives from extreme heat impacts by 2050.
• Indian cities are expected to be key centres of economic growth, with 70% of new jobs by 2030 coming from urban areas.
• Over 50% of the urban infrastructure required for 2050 is yet to be built, offering a critical opportunity for resilient urban infrastructure development.
• The report emphasizes the importance of investing in green and resilient urban development covering housing, transport, and municipal services to mitigate impacts of extreme heat and urban floods.
• Key recommendations include:
• Better stormwater management
• Development of green spaces
• Installation of cool roofs
• Establishment of reliable early warning systems

About World Bank:

• The World Bank is an international financial institution that provides loans and grants to the governments of low and middle-income countries for the purpose of pursuing capital projects.
• The World Bank consists of 5 institutions: The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), The International Development Association (IDA), The International Finance Corporation (IFC), The Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA), and The International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID).
• Founded Year: 1944
• Headquarters: Washington, D.C., United States
• President: Ajay Banga
• Members:189 countries

SBI Research urges balanced GST enforcement to prevent small businesses from reverting to informal cash economy

• GST enforcement should be balanced with sensitivity to avoid driving small businesses back to the informal cash-based economy, says SBI Research.
• Aggressive scrutiny based on UPI transactions has led to small merchants in Karnataka preferring cash transactions due to GST notices.
• SBI Research warns that while the indirect tax regime has improved accountability and revenue generation, its long-term success depends on empowering small traders rather than penalising
• There are currently over 15.2 million active GST registrations in India.
• Key findings include rising women participation in GST taxpayers (1 in 5 is a woman).
• The top 5 states account for about 50% of total GST taxpayers.
• GST implementation has contributed to soothing inflation in the economy.
• The report highlights a case in Bengaluru, Karnataka, where small traders received disproportionately high tax notices mainly based on digital footprints like UPI transactions.

Gross non-performing assets of Public Sector Banks Drop from 9.11% in March 2021 to 2.58% in March 2025

• Gross non-performing assets (NPAs) of public sector banks declined from 9.11% (₹6,16,616 crore) in March 2021 to 2.58% (₹2,83,650 crore) in March 2025.

Key Highlights :

• The Government and RBI implemented strict measures to recover and reduce NPAs.
• The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) redefined creditor-borrower relations by removing control from defaulting promoters and including personal guarantors.
• Recovery laws such as SARFAESI Act and Recovery of Debt and Bankruptcy Act were strengthened; pecuniary limit for Debt Recovery Tribunals (DRTs) raised from ₹10 lakh to ₹20 lakh to target high-value cases.
• Public sector banks established specialized stressed asset management units and branches for better monitoring and faster recovery.
• Valuation of fixed assets is done before loan sanction and before sale to recover dues under SARFAESI Act, 2002.
• Banks must follow strict property valuation norms using qualified, independent valuers and maintain transparency by obtaining at least two valuation reports for assets above ₹50 crore.
• Before selling secured assets under SARFAESI, banks update valuations and conduct e-auctions for fair price discovery.
• As per RBI master circular (July 1, 2015) on Income Recognition, Asset Classification, and Provisioning (IRAC) norms, immovable properties charged in favor of banks must be valued once every three years by empanelled valuers.

Recent News :

• In July 2025, Government of India initiated structural consolidation of Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) starting from FY 2005-06 to improve operational viability and benefit from economies of scale.

About Ministry of Finance:

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

Asian Development Bank & India Ratings Cut India’s FY26 GDP Forecast to 6.3–6.5% Due to US Tariffs and Weak Demand

• Global uncertainties due to US tariff hikes have raised concerns over India’s domestic growth slowdown in FY26.
• Asian Development Bank (ADB) lowered India’s GDP growth forecast for FY26 to 6.5% from 6.7% citing trade uncertainty and higher US tariffs impacting exports and investment.
• ADB stated India remains one of the fastest-growing major economies despite the revision.
• India Ratings and Research scaled down its GDP growth forecast for FY26 to 6.3% from an earlier forecast of 6.6% (December 2024), citing global uncertainties and a weaker investment climate.
• Key challenges include US unilateral tariff hikes and sluggish global demand; tailwinds include monetary easing, faster inflation decline, and above-normal rainfall in 2025.
• Private Final Consumption Expenditure (PFCE) expected to grow 6.9% YoY in FY26 due to declining retail inflation and positive real wage growth.
• Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF) or investment demand is expected to grow 6.7% in FY26, slower than the earlier forecast of 7.2%, due to weakness in manufacturing and sluggish global demand.
• Economic Survey projects GDP growth for FY26 between 6.3% and 6.8%.
• Reserve Bank of India (RBI) also scaled down FY26 growth forecast to 6.5% from 6.7%.

About Asian Development Bank (ADB):

• Headquarters: Mandaluyong, Metro Manila, Philippines
• Founded: 1966
• President: Masato Kandaassa
• Members: 69

Hong Kong Monetary Authority fines Indian Overseas Bank’s Hong Kong branch HK$850,000 for AML and counter-terrorism violations

• The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) penalised the Hong Kong branch of Indian Overseas Bank (IOB) for money laundering and counter-terrorist financing violations.
• The penalty amount is HK$850,000 (around ₹9.3 crore).
• IOB was directed to review transaction alerts generated by its transaction monitoring system.
• IOB must submit a remedial plan to address the violations.

About Indian Overseas Bank:

• Founded: 1937
• Headquarters: Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
• MD & CEO: Ajay Kumar Srivastava
• Tagline: “A friend you can bank upon”

Shriram Life Insurance Collaborates with ESAF Small Finance Bank to Reach Underserved Customers

• Shriram Life Insurance Company (SLIC) has partnered with ESAF Small Finance Bank to expand the reach of life insurance products.
• Under the partnership, ESAF Bank will act as a corporate agent for Shriram Life, distributing insurance through its branch network.
• The focus is on first-time insurance buyers, low-income families, and rural households.
• ESAF Small Finance Bank received its banking licence from RBI in November 2016 and started operations on March 10, 2017.
• Paul Thomas is the Managing Director & CEO of ESAF Small Finance Bank.

Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Hosts Joint Regulators Committee to Tackle Spam and Cyber Fraud

• The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) hosted a Joint Committee of Regulators (JCoR) meeting in New Delhi with representatives from RBI, SEBI, IRDAI, PFRDA, MeitY, DoT, MHA, and NPCI to coordinate actions against spam, cyber fraud, and telecom misuse.
• Regulators discussed an urgent transition to the 1600-series for commercial calls specifically for transactional and service calls in the banking, financial services, and insurance (BFSI) sectors, setting timelines for this migration.
• A pilot project on Digital Consent Acquisition (DCA) has been launched to enhance consumer control over commercial communications by replacing unverifiable offline consents with a secure digital consent framework.
• The new mechanism enables consumers to digitally register, review, and revoke consents through a simple, unified, and tamper-proof interface.
• The pilot is coordinated by TRAI and RBI, involving telecom service providers (TSPs) and major banks like SBI, PNB, ICICI, HDFC, Axis Bank, Canara Bank, and Kotak Mahindra Bank.
• Due to rising financial fraud linked to mobile transactions and UPI platforms, the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has joined as a special invitee to JCoR, adding a critical payments perspective to the committee’s work.
• The meeting was chaired by TRAI Chairman, Shri Anil Kumar Lahoti.

About TRAI :

• Headquarters : New Delhi
• Chairperson : Anil Kumar Lahoti
• Secretary : Atul Chaudhary
• The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) is a regulatory body for the telecommunications sector in India.
• It was established under Section 3 of the TRAI Act, 1997.
• TRAI was set up by the Government of India.
• The authority regulates telecom services including fixation/revision of tariffs for telecom services.
• TRAI consists of:1 Chairperson, Not more than 2 full-time members, Not more than 2 part-time members

About Ministry of Communications :

• Cabinet Minister : Jyotiraditya Scindia
• Chairman of Telecom Commission and Telecom Secretary : Neeraj Mittal

Equitas Small Finance Bank unveils FCNR (B) deposits and Explorer savings accounts for Non-Resident Indians and seafarers

• Equitas Small Finance Bank launched two new products targeting Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and seafarers:

1. Foreign Currency Non-Resident (FCNR) (B) Deposit
2. Equitas Explorer Savings Account

• The bank estimates over 285,454 Indian seafarers and maritime professionals globally (Directorate General of Shipping, 2023) and more than 35.4 million NRIs worldwide.
• FCNR (B) Deposit offers:Rewarding interest rates, Tax-free interest income on earnings in India, Full repatriation of principal and interest
• Equitas Explorer Savings Account is designed for NRIs and Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) working in foreign shipping companies, merchant navy, and oil rigs.
• Available in both Non-Resident External (NRE) and Non-Resident Ordinary (NRO)

Features of Equitas Explorer Savings Account include:

• International VISA Platinum Debit Card (NRE)
• ₹1 crore air accidental death insurance cover
• Home contents insurance up to ₹2 lakhs against burglary and fire
• Mandate holder facility for close resident relatives in India.

Recent News :

• In May 2025, Aditya Birla Sun Life Insurance Company Limited (ABSLI) partnered with Equitas Small Finance Bank to expand life insurance accessibility through the bank’s branch network.

About Equitas Small Finance Bank:

• Founded: 2007
• Headquarters: Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India ​
• Managing Director & CEO: P. N. Vasudevan
• Tagline: “It’s Fun Banking”

CURRENT AFFAIRS: NATIONAL AND STATE NEWS

Union Home Minister Amit Shah to Unveil National Cooperative Policy 2025

• Union Home Minister and Cooperative Minister Shri Amit Shah will announce the National Cooperative Policy 2025 at Atal Akshay Urja Bhawan, New Delhi, attended by senior officials from MoCA, NCDC, NCCT, VAMNICOM, and all National Cooperative Unions.

Key Highlights:

• Milestone Policy for 2025–45: Aims to revive and modernize India’s cooperative sector, creating a roadmap for grassroots prosperity and supporting the vision of “Viksit Bharat 2047.”
• Building on 2002 Framework: Updates the first National Cooperative Policy (2002) to reflect globalization and technological advancements over the past two decades.
• Core Objectives:
  • Foster inclusive cooperatives
  • Instill professional management
  • Prepare institutions for future challenges
  • Generate large-scale rural employment and livelihood
• Drafting Committee:
  • 48-member national committee chaired by former Union Minister Shri Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu
  • Included representatives from national/state federations, cooperative societies, central and state ministries, and academia
• Consultative Process:
  • 17 committee meetings and 4 regional workshops in Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Gurugram, and Patna
  • 648 stakeholder suggestions were meticulously evaluated and incorporated.

RECENT NEWS

• Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the Bharatiya Bhasha Anubhag (BBA), or Indian Languages Section, in New Delhi. This initiative is aimed at reducing the dominance of foreign languages, especially English, in India’s administrative functioning and promoting the use of mother tongues in decision-making and official communication.

Jharkhand Launches India’s First Mining Tourism Project to Showcase Mineral Heritage

• Jharkhand, home to 40% of India’s mineral resources, has partnered with Central Coalfields Limited to open the North Urimari open-cast mine in Ramgarh for guided tours, blending industrial history, local culture, and eco-education under a formal MoU.

Key Highlights:

• Pilot Location: Tours begin at the North Urimari (Birsa) open-cast mine in Ramgarh, offering visitors a firsthand look at active mining operations.
• Tour Circuits:
  • Rajrappa Route (₹2,800 + GST): Includes Chinnamastika Temple and Patratu Valley.
  • Patratu Route (₹2,500 + GST): Covers Paryatan Vihar.
• Tour Schedule and Group Size: Operated twice weekly for groups of 10–20 people, with lunch and cultural/natural site visits included.
• Planned Expansion: Introduction of Eco-Mining Circuit-1, Eco-Mining Circuit-2, and a Religious Circuit to diversify visitor experiences.
• Educational Exposure: Aims to provide students and general visitors with insights into modern mining practices and environmental stewardship.
• Economic and Employment Impact: Anticipated to boost local livelihoods by creating jobs in tourism, hospitality, and guiding services.

About Jharkhand:

• Capital: Ranchi
• Chief Minister: Hemant Soren
• Governor: Santosh Gangwar
• National Parks: Betla National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Palamau Wildlife Sanctuary, Hazaribagh Wildlife Sanctuary, Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary, Koderma Wildlife Sanctuary, Mahuadanr Wolf Sanctuary, Topchanchi Wildlife Sanctuary

RECENT NEWS

• The 15th Hockey India Senior Women National Championship 2025 witnessed an intense battle as Hockey Jharkhand emerged victorious over the defending champions, Hockey Haryana, in the final match held at the Tau Devi Lal Complex, Panchkula, Haryana.

Delhi Government Enhances Rewards for Olympic & Paralympic Medalists Under New Sports and Education Schemes

• The Delhi government has launched the Mukhyamantri Khel Protsahan Yojana, significantly increasing cash rewards for Olympic and Paralympic medal winners to promote sports excellence and youth empowerment.
• This initiative, along with the Mukhyamantri Digital Education Scheme, highlights the government’s commitment to supporting athletes and enhancing digital learning infrastructure in government schools.

Key Highlights:

• Cash Rewards for Olympic & Paralympic Medalists:
  • ₹7 crore for Gold medalists
  • ₹5 crore for Silver and ₹3 crore for Bronze winners
  • Grade A government jobs for Olympic Gold and Silver medalists
• Asian & Para Asian Games Incentives:
  • ₹3 crore for Gold, ₹2 crore for Silver, and ₹1 crore for Bronze medal winners
• Objective of the Scheme:
  • Recognize international sporting excellence
  • Provide career opportunities to medal-winning athletes
  • Encourage youth, especially in urban areas, to take up sports
• Background:
  • Previously, Olympic Gold medalists were awarded ₹3 crore
  • The amount has now more than doubled to ₹7 crore, aligning with national sports promotion goals
• Mukhyamantri Digital Education Scheme:
  • 1,200 laptops to be distributed to top-performing Class 11 students in Delhi government schools
  • Computer labs to be established in all Delhi government schools to boost digital literacy and access

About Delhi:

• Chief Minister: Rekha Gupta
• Lieutenant Governor: Vinai Kumar Saxena
• Capital: New Delhi
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary, Yamuna Biodiversity Park, Aravalli Biodiversity Park

RECENT NEWS

• The Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) has announced a new ‘Saheli Smart Card’ for women and transgender persons to travel free on Delhi buses. This new system will replace the pink ticket scheme and will only be available to people with a Delhi address and Aadhaar card.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: AWARDS AND HONOURS

Suhani Shah Becomes First Indian to Win ‘Best Magic Creator’ at FISM 2025 – A Milestone in Global Performing Arts

• In a historic moment for India’s performing arts community, Suhani Shah, renowned mentalist from Rajasthan, made headlines by becoming the first Indian to win the ‘Best Magic Creator 2025’ award at the prestigious Fédération Internationale des Sociétés Magiques (FISM) World Championship, often referred to as the Oscars for magicians.
• The award was conferred in the Online Magic category during the event held in Torino, Italy, from July 14–19, 2025.

Key Details of Suhani Shah’s Achievement

• Award Title: Best Magic Creator 2025
• Category: Online Magic
• Competing Countries: UK, USA, Australia, Dubai, etc.
• Notable Competitors: Jack Rhodes (UK), Jason Ladanye (US), Jason Maher (Australia), Mohammed Imani (Dubai)

About Suhani Shah’s

• Started performing magic at age 6
• Left formal schooling at age 7 to pursue magic full-time
• Performed her first show before then-Gujarat CM Shankersinh Vaghela
• Known for her unique blend of psychology, storytelling, and human behavior
• One of the most followed mentalists and digital performers in India
• Serves as a trailblazer for Indian women in magic and mentalism

About the FISM Championship

• Organiser: Fédération Internationale des Sociétés Magiques (FISM)
• Founded: 1948
• Frequency: Held every three years
• Categories: Includes Stage Magic, Close-Up Magic, and Online Magic
• Prestige: Recognized as the highest global platform for magicians

CURRENT AFFAIRS: RANKING AND INDEX

India’s passport ranking jumps from 85 to 77

• India marked a historic achievement in global mobility by registering its biggest-ever jump in the Henley Passport Index 2025, improving its position from 85th to 77th.
• This eight-place leap highlights the country’s increasing diplomatic reach, growing global stature, and enhanced citizen mobility.

About the Henley Passport Index

• The Henley Passport Index is a globally recognized ranking that measures the power of passports based on visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to other countries.
• It is compiled by Henley & Partners, a London-based global citizenship advisory firm.
• Data is sourced from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and updated quarterly.

India’s Performance in 2025

• Rank: 77th (up from 85th in 2024)
• Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access: 59 countries
• This marks India’s highest annual improvement ever on the index.
• It surpasses regional peers such as Pakistan and Bangladesh.

Visa-Free and Visa-on-Arrival Access for Indian Citizens in 2025

Visa-Free Destinations:

• Malaysia
• Indonesia
• Thailand
• Maldives
• Philippines
• Sri Lanka (newly added)

Visa-on-Arrival Destinations:

• Macau
• Myanmar

Global Comparison: Top Passport Rankings (2025)

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport Achieves 9th Place in Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2025

• Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) in Mumbai has been ranked 9th among the world’s top 10 international airports in the Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2025, scoring 23.
• It is the only Indian airport to feature on this list for the third consecutive year, underscoring India’s advances in aviation infrastructure, passenger satisfaction, and technological innovation.

Key Highlights:

1. Survey Scope and Evaluation
   A global reader survey involving 180,000 participants and 650,000+ votes rated airports on operational efficiency, passenger experience, dining & amenities, design & innovation, and ease of navigation.

Top 10 International Airports in 2025:

1. Technological Upgrades

1. • DigiYatra & FTI-TTP: Biometric, paperless travel
   • New AOCC: Enhanced real-time operational control
   • 68 E-Gates and self-service kiosks for rapid check-in and payments

1. Awards & Accreditations

1. • Level 5 ACI Customer Experience Accreditation: First in India, third globally
   • Best Airport (Over 40 Million Passengers) – Asia-Pacific: Awarded for 8 consecutive years

1. Ownership & Management

1. • Operated by: Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL)
   • Ownership: Adani Airport Holdings Ltd – 74%; Airports Authority of India – 26%
   • Adani Group: India’s largest private airport operator

CURRENT AFFAIRS : DEFENCE NEWS

Indian Navy Eastern Fleet Ships Delhi, Shakti, Satpura, and Kiltan Complete Singapore Port Visit from 16–19 July 2025

• Indian Navy’s Eastern Fleet ships—Delhi, Shakti, Satpura, and Kiltan—concluded a port call to Singapore from 16–19 July 2025.
• The visit was part of the Indian Navy’s Operational Deployment to South East Asia.
• The fleet was commanded by Rear Admiral Susheel Menon, Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet (FOCEF).
• FOCEF met the High Commissioner of India to Singapore and the Fleet Commander of the Republic of Singapore Navy to discuss enhancing bilateral naval ties and maritime cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.
• Informal discussions were held with the academic community on maritime security and regional developments from the Indian Navy’s perspective.
• The Commanding Officers participated in a wreath-laying ceremony at Kranji War Memorial, honoring Indian soldiers who sacrificed their lives in World War II.
• Professional interactions included cross-deck visits, Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEEs), and friendly sports activities to strengthen interoperability and mutual understanding.
• A deck reception on INS Shakti brought together personnel from the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN), diplomatic community, and Indian diaspora to celebrate maritime partnership.
• The port call reinforced the Indian Navy’s commitment to regional stability, security, and maritime cooperation, aligning with the vision of Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR).

About Ministry of Defence:

• Cabinet Minister: Rajnath Singh
• Minister of State (MoS): Sanjay Seth

Goa Shipyard Limited Launches Indigenous Pollution Control Vessel ‘Samudra Prachet’ for Indian Coast Guard

• Samudra Prachet, the last of two indigenous Pollution Control Vessels (PCVs), was launched by Goa Shipyard Ltd (GSL) for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) on July 23, 2025, in Goa.
• The vessel has 72% indigenous content, contributing significantly to national capability-building, employment generation, and skills enhancement, involving local industry and MSMEs.

Key Highlights :

• Equipped with state-of-the-art Response Equipment, the vessel will aid ICG in quick and effective oil spill response in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
• Specifications: Length 114.5 meters, breadth 16.5 meters, displacement 4,170 tonnes; crew of 14 officers and 115 sailors.
• Features include two side-sweeping arms for collecting oil spills, a modern radar system for oil slick detection, and systems to recover oil of all viscosities, pump contaminated water, analyze and separate pollutants, and store recovered oil in dedicated tanks.
• The vessel was launched by Guest of Honour Smt Priya Paramesh in the presence of Director General ICG (DGICG) Paramesh Sivamani.
• The launch ceremony also highlighted the push towards Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliance) in defence production.
• The first Pollution Control Vessel was launched earlier on August 29, 2024, and is expected to be delivered soon.

About GSL :

• Headquarters : Vasco da Gama, Goa
• Chairman & Managing Director : Brajesh Kumar Upadhyay

CURRENT AFFAIRS : SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Open Network for Digital Commerce Transforms India’s E-commerce: Boosting Small Businesses, Reducing Costs, and Increasing Buyer Options

• Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) is a Section 8 company initiated by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
• ONDC aims to promote open networks for exchanging goods and services over digital/electronic networks.
• It reduces customer acquisition and transaction processing costs for sellers by enabling a decentralized and interoperable network.
• ONDC is not an e-commerce platform or marketplace, but an open protocol on which various platforms or marketplaces can be built.
• The network allows any buyer or seller to transact without restriction to a single platform.
• The Ministry of MSME launched the Trade Enablement and Marketing (TEAM) scheme to financially assist micro and small enterprises (MSMEs) for onboarding, cataloguing, logistics, and packaging on ONDC, with 50% beneficiaries being women-owned MSMEs.
• in, the e-commerce platform under NRLM, is live on ONDC, offering over 800 handcrafted Self Help Group (SHG) products via a central warehouse in Delhi-NCR.
• ONDC collaborates with SIDBI, NABARD, and other partners to onboard SHGs, social sector sellers, and micro-entrepreneurs, linking rural India to the national digital market through Common Service Centers.
• To enhance accessibility, ONDC launched the ONDC Sahayak WhatsApp bot in 5 languages (to expand to 22), partnered with Bhashini for Indic language solutions, and encouraged apps to use Indian languages.\
• ONDC broadens buyer choices by expanding the seller base, boosting product diversity with new sellers and local artisans.

About ONDC :

• Founded : 31 December 2021

About Ministry of Commerce & Industry :

• Cabinet Minister : Piyush Goyal
• Minister of State : Jitin Prasada, C.R.Chaudhary

Alibaba Unveils Most Advanced Open-Source AI Coding Model to Date

• Alibaba Group launched Qwen3-Coder, an open-source AI model for software development, described as its most advanced coding tool to date.
• The launch highlights intensifying global AI competition among Chinese and international tech companies.
• Qwen3-Coder is designed for code generation and managing complex coding workflows.
• The model excels in agentic AI coding tasks, enabling AI systems to work independently on programming challenges.
• Performance data shows Qwen3-Coder outperformed domestic rivals like DeepSeek and Moonshot AI’s K2 in key coding capabilities.
• Alibaba claims Qwen3-Coder matches or rivals top U.S. AI models such as Anthropic’s Claude and OpenAI’s GPT-4 in specific areas.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: SPORTS NEWS

Qatar Joins Race to Host 2036 Olympic & Paralympic Games, Leveraging Established Infrastructure

• The Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) has entered discussions with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on the election process for selecting the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic host city, adding Qatar to a field that already includes confirmed bids from Indonesia, Turkey, India, and Chile.

Key Highlights:

• Event-Hosting Credentials: Qatar successfully hosted the FIFA World Cup 2022 and the Asian Cup 2024, underlining its capacity for major sporting events.
• Bidding Landscape: In addition to the confirmed bidders (Indonesia, Turkey, India, Chile), other interested nations include Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Egypt, Hungary, Italy, Germany, Denmark, and Canada.
• Infrastructure Readiness: QOC President Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani reports 95% of required sports infrastructure is already in place, with a plan to achieve 100% readiness ahead of the Games.
• Sustainability Vision: The development strategy is designed to deliver a socially, economically, and environmentally sustainable legacy.
• Future Events: Doha is set to host the 2030 Asian Games, having previously held the event in 2006, showcasing a proven track record.
• Regional Milestone: A successful 2036 bid would make Qatar the first Middle Eastern country to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
• Comparative Context: neighbouring Saudi Arabia is gearing up for the 2034 FIFA World Cup, reflecting the region’s growing role in global sports.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: IMPORTANT DAYS

International Day for Judicial Well-being– 25 July

• The International Day for Judicial Well-being, observed every 25 July, highlights the global recognition of the mental, emotional, and physical health of judges as essential to maintaining the integrity and effectiveness of justice systems.
• The day was officially designated by the United Nations General Assembly in March 2025.

Key Highlights:

• Purpose of the Day: Emphasizes that judicial well-being is foundational to ensuring fair, impartial, and effective justice delivery across the world.
• UN Recognition: Declared in March 2025 by the UN General Assembly, making it an official global observance.
• Judicial Pressure: Acknowledges the high-pressure environment under which judges and magistrates operate, often affecting their mental and emotional well-being.
• Origin – The Nauru Declaration:
  • Adopted on 25 July 2024, it was the first UN-recognized global initiative focused on the health of judicial officers.
  • Marked a turning point in recognizing judicial officers as human beings, not just legal functionaries.
• Proposal by Nauru: Initiated by Justice Rangajeeva Wimalasena, President of the Court of Appeal of Nauru, who proposed a dedicated day to institutionalize awareness and action for judicial well-being.
• Support and Adoption: Gained swift support from Nauru’s Cabinet and international judicial circles, leading to UN endorsement.

International Day for Women and Girls of African Descent – July 25

• The International Day for Women and Girls of African Descent is observed annually on July 25.
• It celebrates, empowers, and raises awareness about the achievements, dignity, and leadership of women and girls of African heritage.
• This is a United Nations-recognized observance that highlights both their resilience against systemic discrimination and their crucial contributions to global society.

Significance and UN Recognition:

• The UN General Assembly, through Resolution A/RES/78/323, officially designated July 25 as the International Day for Women and Girls of African Descent.
• This resolution aligns with multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including:
  • SDG 1: No Poverty
  • SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
  • SDG 4: Quality Education
  • SDG 5: Gender Equality
  • SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
  • SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

World Drowning Prevention Day – July 25

• Observed annually on 25 July, World Drowning Prevention Day is a United Nations-recognized observance aimed at raising awareness about drowning, a neglected but preventable public health issue.
• Drowning leads to an estimated 236,000 deaths every year, with children, adolescents, and individuals in low- and middle-income countries being the most affected.

Background and Significance:

• The United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution A/RES/75/273 in April 2021, officially designating July 25 as World Drowning Prevention Day.
• The declaration was prompted by the WHO’s Global Report on Drowning, which highlighted drowning as one of the top 10 causes of death among children aged 5–14 years.

Daily CA One- Liner: July 25, 2025

• Union Home Minister and Cooperative Minister Shri Amit Shah will announce the National Cooperative Policy 2025 at Atal Akshay Urja Bhawan, New Delhi, attended by senior officials from MoCA, NCDC, NCCT, VAMNICOM, and all National Cooperative Unions
• Jharkhand, home to 40% of India’s mineral resources, has partnered with Central Coalfields Limited to open the North Urimari open-cast mine in Ramgarh for guided tours, blending industrial history, local culture, and eco-education under a formal MoU
• The Delhi government has launched the Mukhyamantri Khel Protsahan Yojana, significantly increasing cash rewards for Olympic and Paralympic medal winners to promote sports excellence and youth empowerment
• In a historic moment for India’s performing arts community, Suhani Shah, renowned mentalist from Rajasthan, made headlines by becoming the first Indian to win the ‘Best Magic Creator 2025’ award at the prestigious Fédération Internationale des Sociétés Magiques (FISM) World Championship, often referred to as the Oscars for magicians
• India marked a historic achievement in global mobility by registering its biggest-ever jump in the Henley Passport Index 2025, improving its position from 85th to 77th.
• Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) in Mumbai has been ranked 9th among the world’s top 10 international airports in the Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2025, scoring 84.23
• The Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) has entered discussions with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on the election process for selecting the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic host city, adding Qatar to a field that already includes confirmed bids from Indonesia, Turkey, India, and Chile.
• The International Day for Judicial Well-being, observed every 25 July, highlights the global recognition of the mental, emotional, and physical health of judges as essential to maintaining the integrity and effectiveness of justice systems
• The International Day for Women and Girls of African Descent is observed annually on July 25.
• Observed annually on 25 July, World Drowning Prevention Day is a United Nations-recognized observance aimed at raising awareness about drowning, a neglected but preventable public health issue.
• India’s domestic economy showed resilience in June and July amid global macroeconomic uncertainty caused by geopolitical tensions and trade-related risks (RBI report).
• Reserve Bank of India (RBI) conducted a two-day Variable Rate Repo (VRR) auction to ease overnight money market rates.
• India requires investments of over $2.4 trillion by 2050 to develop new, resilient, and low-carbon infrastructure and services in cities, according to the World Bank report titled ‘Towards Resilient and Prosperous Cities in India’.
• GST enforcement should be balanced with sensitivity to avoid driving small businesses back to the informal cash-based economy, says SBI Research.
• Gross non-performing assets (NPAs) of public sector banks declined from 9.11% (₹6,16,616 crore) in March 2021 to 2.58% (₹2,83,650 crore) in March 2025.
• Global uncertainties due to US tariff hikes have raised concerns over India’s domestic growth slowdown in FY26.
• The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) penalised the Hong Kong branch of Indian Overseas Bank (IOB) for money laundering and counter-terrorist financing violations.
• Shriram Life Insurance Company (SLIC) has partnered with ESAF Small Finance Bank to expand the reach of life insurance products.
• The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) hosted a Joint Committee of Regulators (JCoR) meeting in New Delhi with representatives from RBI, SEBI, IRDAI, PFRDA, MeitY, DoT, MHA, and NPCI to coordinate actions against spam, cyber fraud, and telecom misuse.
• Equitas Small Finance Bank launched two new products targeting Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and seafarers:Foreign Currency Non-Resident (FCNR) (B) Deposit, Equitas Explorer Savings Account
• Indian Navy’s Eastern Fleet ships—Delhi, Shakti, Satpura, and Kiltan—concluded a port call to Singapore from 16–19 July 2025.
• Samudra Prachet, the last of two indigenous Pollution Control Vessels (PCVs), was launched by Goa Shipyard Ltd (GSL) for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) on July 23, 2025, in Goa.
• Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) is a Section 8 company initiated by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
• Alibaba Group launched Qwen3-Coder, an open-source AI model for software development, described as its most advanced coding tool to date.