Current Affairs

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U.S. Imposes 25% Tariff on Indian Imports from August 1, 2025

On 30 July 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a 25% tariff on goods imported from India starting August 1, along with an unspecified penalty for India’s continued purchase of Russian oil and arms.

  • The move targets India more harshly than other countries, risking a major setback in U.S.-India trade talks.
  • Trump cited India’s high tariffs and non-monetary trade barriers, and its strong defense and energy ties with Russia.
  • India responded that it is reviewing the impact and remains committed to a fair bilateral trade deal.
  • The tariff is expected to hurt Indian exports, especially in textiles, footwear, furniture, and pharmaceuticals.
  • The U.S. has a $45.7 billion trade deficit with India; Indian exports to the U.S. were $87 billion in 2024.
  • The announcement could strain relations, already tense due to Trump’s ties with Pakistan and stalled trade negotiations.

India Launches NISAR Satellite with NASA

On 30 July 2025, India and NASA jointly launched the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) satellite, a $1.5 billion Earth observation mission, from Satish Dhawan Space Centre using GSLV-F16.

  • NISAR is the first radar satellite to use dual-frequency (L-band & S-band) for tracking minute surface changes.
  • Placed in a 747 km Sun-synchronous orbit, it will map the globe every 12 days.
  • It helps monitor climate change, disasters, glacier retreat, and more.
  • The mission marks a milestone in U.S.-India space cooperation.
  • Data will be freely available worldwide; expected mission life is 5 years.
  • It supports India’s rising space ambitions, including Gaganyaan and a space station by 2035.

ISRO to Launch NASA-ISRO NISAR Earth Observation Satellite

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will launch the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) satellite today, 30 July 2025, at 5:40 PM from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, using the GSLV-F16 rocket.

  • Countdown began at 2:10 PM on 29 July 2025.
  • NISAR is an advanced Earth observation satellite capable of capturing minute surface changes smaller than a centimetre.
  • It can map the Earth day and night, in all weather conditions, and will scan the entire globe every 12 days.
  • The mission places the satellite into a Sun Synchronous Polar Orbit.
  • The GSLV rocket is used due to the satellite’s heavier payload, replacing the more commonly used PSLV.
  • NISAR is a joint mission between ISRO and NASA, marking their first hardware collaboration, with both agencies contributing distinct radar systems.

International Tiger Day : 29 July 2025

International Tiger Day was celebrated globally on 29 July 2025, a day dedicated to raising awareness about tiger conservation and the need to protect their natural habitats.

  • The day has been observed annually on 29 July since its declaration in 2010 at St. Petersburg, to unite tiger range countries for conservation efforts.
  • On this occasion, Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav highlighted India’s success, with 3,682 tigers across 58 reserves, making it a global leader in tiger conservation.
  • The Minister emphasized that tiger conservation is also about protecting forest health and supporting livelihoods for local communities.
  • He urged citizens to pledge their support for preserving tigers and ecosystems.

Divya Deshmukh Creates History: Wins FIDE Women’s World Cup 2025

On 28 July 2025, 19-year-old Divya Deshmukh made history by becoming the first Indian woman to win the FIDE Women’s World Cup, defeating veteran Koneru Humpy in an all-Indian final held in Baku.

  • The classical games ended in draws, leading to rapid tie-breaks.
  • Divya won the final 1.5–0.5, capitalizing on Humpy’s errors under time pressure.
  • With this win, she became India’s 88th Grandmaster and the fourth Indian woman Grandmaster.
  • Divya was the underdog, ranked No. 18 in classical and No. 22 in rapid chess, while Humpy was World No. 5 in classical and a two-time World Rapid Champion.
  • Divya had also won the 2024 World Junior Championship and helped India win gold at the 2024 Chess Olympiad in Budapest.

Thailand-Cambodia Agree to Ceasefire After Deadly Border Clashes

In a major diplomatic breakthrough, Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to an unconditional ceasefire starting 28 July 2025, following five days of deadly border clashes that caused dozens of deaths and displaced tens of thousands.

  • The announcement was made by Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim at a press conference in Putrajaya, alongside Cambodian PM Hun Manet and Thai Acting PM Phumtham Wechayachai.
  • Military commanders from both countries will begin talks on Tuesday to ease tensions.
  • Cambodia will host a border committee meeting on 4 August.
  • Foreign and defense ministers of Malaysia, Cambodia, and Thailand will draft a mechanism to implement and monitor the ceasefire, aiming for lasting peace in the region.

India–Singapore Joint Military Exercise ‘Bold Kurukshetra 2025’ in Jodhpur

The 14th edition of Exercise Bold Kurukshetra between India and Singapore began on 27 July 2025 in Jodhpur and will run till 4 August. This tabletop and computer-based wargame aims to enhance joint operational readiness in mechanised warfare under a UN mandate.

The 42 Singapore Armoured Regiment and India’s Mechanised Infantry Regiment are participating. The exercise will conclude with an equipment display and aims to boost interoperability, training, and bilateral defence cooperation.

Thailand–Cambodia Clashes : Peace Talk in Malaysia

Deadly border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia reignited in July 2025, rooted in a dispute over land near the Preah Vihear Temple. The conflict escalated on 24 July with airstrikes and rocket attacks, resulting in 35+ deaths and over 168,000 displaced.

Malaysia is hosting peace talks, with support from the U.S., UN, and ASEAN. Cambodia has agreed to a ceasefire, but sporadic violence continues. The situation remains tense, with fears of further escalation despite ongoing diplomatic efforts.

CRPF Raising Day 2025 : July 27

CRPF Raising Day is observed annually on July 27 to commemorate the founding of India’s largest paramilitary force, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). In 2025, India celebrated the 87th Raising Day.

CRPF was established in 1939 in Nimach, Madhya Pradesh, and renamed in 1949 under the guidance of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. The force plays a key role in internal security, anti-Naxal operations, disaster response, election duty, and UN peacekeeping.

With over 3.25 lakh personnel, CRPF continues to uphold its motto: “Service and Loyalty.”

Kargil Vijay Diwas 2025 – 26 July

Kargil Vijay Diwas, observed on 26 July, marks India’s victory in the 1999 Kargil War against Pakistan. Under Operation Vijay, the Indian Army and Air Force reclaimed strategic peaks in Ladakh without crossing the LoC.

India lost 527 brave soldiers, including Captain Vikram Batra, Captain Manoj Pandey, and others awarded the Param Vir Chakra.

In 2025, India commemorates 26 years of the victory, honoring the courage and sacrifice of the armed forces. The day stands as a symbol of national pride, unity, and resilience.

PM Narendra Modi Becomes India’s Second-Longest Serving Prime Minister in Consecutive Terms

On 25 July 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi became India’s second-longest-serving PM in consecutive terms, surpassing Indira Gandhi’s 4,077 days with 4,078 days in office. He first took office on 26 May 2014 and has served 11 years and 60 days.

PM Modi is the first non-Congress PM to complete two full terms and win a third with a majority. He is also the longest-serving PM from a non-Hindi-speaking state and the only post-Independence-born PM to achieve this milestone. His leadership marks six consecutive election wins — three in Gujarat and three in Lok Sabha polls.

India Successfully Tests First Hydrogen-Powered Rail Coach

India successfully tested its first hydrogen-powered train coach on 15 July 2025 at ICF Chennai, announced by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. The 1,200 HP train is part of the “Hydrogen for Heritage” plan to run 35 hydrogen trains on heritage routes.

A pilot DEMU retrofit is also underway for the Jind–Sonipat section at a cost of ₹111.83 crore. Hydrogen trains, though currently costlier, promise zero carbon emissions and support India’s clean energy goals.

India–UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) 2025

India and the UK signed a landmark Free Trade Agreement (FTA) on 24 July 2025 during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the UK, alongside UK PM Keir Starmer. The deal aims to double bilateral trade to $120 billion by 2030, creating new opportunities for exports, employment, and investment.

🔹 Key Benefits for India:

  • Zero tariffs on 99% of Indian exports to the UK
  • Boost to textiles, gems, leather, IT, auto parts, chemicals
  • Easier mobility for Indian professionals
  • Social security exemption for up to 3 years
  • Major gains for MSMEs and labour-intensive sectors

🔹 Key Benefits for the UK:

  • Gradual tariff cuts on Scotch whisky (from 150% to 40% in 10 years)
  • Reduced duties on cars, cosmetics, aerospace & medical devices
  • Access to Indian government tenders worth ₹4 lakh crore
  • Equal access to India’s financial services sector

The agreement also covers innovation, intellectual property, services, and labour rights, without compromising on India’s drug, food, or NHS standards. It will take full effect after UK Parliament ratification.

National Cooperative Policy 2025

India launched the National Cooperative Policy 2025 on 24 July 2025, unveiled by Amit Shah, Union Minister of Home and Cooperation. The policy aims to revive and modernize the cooperative sector.

Key features include a 20-year roadmap (2025–2045), the creation of 2 lakh new PACS by 2026, one cooperative in every village, and a strong focus on digitization, inclusivity, and professional management.

The policy benefits farmers, small entrepreneurs, women, youth, and marginalized communities, aiming to enhance credit access, market linkages, and employment opportunities.

It was drafted by a 48-member committee chaired by Suresh Prabhu, after 17 meetings and 4 regional workshops. States must adopt their own policies by 31 January 2026.

The strategy is backed by constitutional support through the 97th Amendment (2011) and Article 43B, emphasizing autonomy and democratic functioning of cooperatives. The launch of Tribhuvan Cooperative University will further support training and governance in the sector.

India Achieves 20% Ethanol Blending in Petrol — 5 Years Ahead of Target

India has achieved 20% ethanol blending in petrol in 2025, five years ahead of its original 2030 target, announced Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri. Ethanol blending rose from 1.5% in 2014 to 20% in 2025, marking a significant clean energy milestone.

This shift has led to major economic and environmental benefits:

  • ₹1.36 lakh crore saved in foreign exchange by reducing crude oil imports
  • ₹1.96 lakh crore paid to distilleries, boosting the biofuel sector
  • ₹1.18 lakh crore disbursed to farmers, enhancing rural incomes
  • 698 lakh tonnes of CO₂ emissions reduced, aiding climate goals

Ethanol is mainly derived from sugarcane and molasses, reinforcing its role in supporting agriculture. The Union Cabinet has also approved a price hike for ethanol for the 2024–25 Ethanol Supply Year, benefiting farmers and distillers further.

Shravan Shivratri: Devotees perform jalabhishek, offer prayers to Lord Shiva

On 23 July 2025, devotees across India celebrated Shravan Shivratri, one of the holiest days dedicated to Lord Shiva, with immense devotion. The occasion was marked by jalabhishek, special pujas, and mass gatherings at Shiva temples, especially in northern states like Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh.

Thousands of Kanwariyas offered Ganga water at temples after completing the Kanwar Yatra. Major temples such as Kashi Vishwanath in Varanasi, Dudheshwarnath in Ghaziabad, and Daksheshwar Mahadev in Uttarakhand witnessed overwhelming crowds.

Scriptures say that worship on this day brings spiritual upliftment and wish fulfillment. The ritual of jalabhishek commemorates Lord Shiva’s act of drinking poison during the Samudra Manthan, earning him the name Neelkantha.

Divya Deshmukh Creates Becomes First Indian to Reach FIDE Women’s Chess World Cup Final

India’s Divya Deshmukh defeated China’s Tan Zhongyi in Game 2 of the FIDE Women’s Chess World Cup 2025 semifinal on 23 July in Batumi, Georgia, securing a 1.5–0.5 victory and a place in the final. With this win, the 19-year-old not only became the first Indian to reach the final of the Women’s World Cup but also secured her first Grandmaster norm and a spot in the 2026 Candidates Tournament.

She will face the winner of the other semifinal between Koneru Humpy (India) and Lei Tingjie (China), which is heading into tiebreaks after two drawn classical games.

The FIDE Women’s World Cup is a key event in the World Championship cycle, offering three spots for the Candidates Tournament.

ISRO-NASA to Launch NISAR: World’s Most Advanced Earth Observation Satellite

ISRO, in collaboration with NASA, will launch the NISAR Earth Observation satellite on 30th July at 5:40 PM from Sriharikota using the GSLV F16 rocket. It will be placed in a 743 km Sun Synchronous Orbit and scan the globe every 12 days.

NISAR is the first satellite to use dual-frequency Synthetic Aperture Radar—NASA’s L-band and ISRO’s S-band—with a 12-metre deployable antenna. It will provide high-resolution, all-weather, day-night data and monitor sea ice, vegetation, storms, soil moisture, water bodies, and disaster risks.

World’s Largest Grain Storage Plan in Cooperative Sector

The Government has completed godown construction in 11 PACS across 11 states under the pilot phase of the World’s Largest Grain Storage Plan in the Cooperative Sector.

  • The plan involves developing agri-infrastructure at the PACS level—godowns, custom hiring centers, processing units, and Fair Price Shops—through convergence of existing schemes.
  • Over 500 PACS have been identified for godown construction, with a completion target of December 2026.
  • The Government has also approved the creation of new multipurpose PACS, dairy, and fisheries cooperatives to cover every panchayat and village in five years.
  • The initiative is supported by NABARD, State and UT governments, and other agencies.
  • A project for computerization of functional PACS with an outlay of ₹2,925 crore has also been approved to strengthen rural cooperatives.

PM Modi’s Two-Nation Visit: UK & Maldives

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit the United Kingdom and Maldives from July 23–26, 2025, to strengthen strategic ties and regional cooperation.

  • In the UK (July 23–24), at the invitation of PM Keir Starmer, talks will focus on the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, including trade, defence, climate, health, and education.
  • The India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and a meeting with King Charles III are also expected.
  • In the Maldives (July 25–26), at the invitation of President Mohamed Muizzu, Modi will attend the country’s 60th Independence Day as Guest of Honour.
  • Talks will cover the India-Maldives Joint Vision on economic and maritime security, part of India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and Vision MAHASAGAR.

India to Host FIDE Chess World Cup 2025 from October 30 to November 27

India will host the FIDE Chess World Cup 2025 from October 30 to November 27, marking its second time after Hyderabad in 2002.

  • 206 players will compete in a knockout format.
  • Top 3 finishers qualify for the 2026 FIDE Candidates Tournament.
  • Indian stars like Gukesh, Praggnanandhaa, and Erigaisi expected to participate.
  • Follows India’s historic double gold at the 2024 Chess Olympiad.
  • Host city to be announced; New Delhi and Goa are in contention.

Koneru Humpy become first Indian woman to enter FIDE Women’s Chess World Cup Semifinals

On 21 July 2025, Koneru Humpy made history as the first Indian woman to reach the semifinals of the FIDE Women’s Chess World Cup 2025 in Batumi, Georgia, defeating China’s Song Yuxin.

Divya Deshmukh and Harika Dronavalli will play tiebreaks at 4:35 PM (IST) to decide the last semifinalist.

Vaishali Rameshbabu lost to Tan Zhongyi, while top seed Lei Tingjie beat Nana Dzagnidze to enter the semifinals.

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar Resigns Due to Health Reasons

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar Resigns Due to Health Reasons on 21 July 2025.

  • Reason: Health concerns and medical advice
  • Constitutional Provision: Resigned under Article 67(a) of the Constitution
  • Addressed to: President Droupadi Murmu
  • Role: Also served as Chairman of the Rajya Sabha
  • The resignation took effect immediately and coincided with the first day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament.

U.S. Declares TRF a Global Terrorist Organization

The United States has officially designated The Resistance Front (TRF) — a proxy of Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) — as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT).

This follows TRF’s involvement in the deadly April 22, 2025 Pahalgam attack, which killed 26 civilians — the worst attack on Indian soil since the 2008 Mumbai attacks.

Monsoon Session of Parliament 2025 from 21 July to 21 August 2025

Monsoon Session of Parliament 2025

  • Dates: 21 July to 21 August 2025 (21 sittings)
  • Bills to be Taken Up: 17, including
    • Jan Vishwas Bill 2025
    • National Sports Governance Bill 2025
    • Merchant Shipping Bill 2024
    • Income-tax Bill 2025
    • Indian Ports Bill 2025

🗣️ Key Highlights:

  • All-party meeting held for smooth conduct
  • Govt open to discussions on Operation Sindoor, Pahalgam attack, and Trump’s remarks
  • Over 100 MPs signed motion for Justice Varma’s removal
  • Opposition demands PM’s statement in the House

International Moon Day 2025: Celebrating Lunar Legacy and Global Unity

Date Observed: July 20, 2025
Occasion: Commemorates the historic Apollo 11 mission of 1969 when humans first landed on the Moon.

  • Recognized officially by the United Nations General Assembly in 2021, following a recommendation by the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space.
  • Theme for 2025: “One Moon, One Vision, One Future” — emphasizing global unity and a shared future in lunar exploration.

India Shines at 66th International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) 2025

India won 3 gold, 2 silver, and 1 bronze medals at the 66th IMO, held in Sunshine Coast, Australia in July 2025. This marks one of India’s strongest performances at the IMO since its debut in 1989.

🏅 Medal Winners:

  • Gold:
    • Kanav Talwar (Delhi)
    • Arav Gupta (Delhi)
    • Aditya Mangudi (Maharashtra)
  • Silver:
    • Abel George Mathew (Karnataka)
    • Adish Jain (Delhi)
  • Bronze:
    • Archit Manas (Delhi)

🌍 Global Impact:

  • Total Participants: 630 students (including 69 girls)
  • India’s Rank: 7th globally
  • Total Score: 193 out of 252 — India’s highest-ever score
  • This is the second time since 1998 India won three gold medals
  • India has now won 23 golds since 1989, with 12 golds from 2019–2025

56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI), Goa 2025

The 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) will take place in Goa from Nov 20–28, 2025. Organized by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, NFDC, and Goa government, it will spotlight global cinema, young filmmakers, and India’s rising role as a content hub through the newly named WAVES Film Bazaar.

Top prizes include the Golden Peacock for Best Film (₹40 lakh) and Silver Peacocks in other key categories. Film submissions close on August 31, 2025.

India to Participate in 32nd Edition of SIMBEX in Singapore

The Indian Navy will participate in the 32nd edition of SIMBEX (Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise) in July 2025. Formerly known as Exercise Lion King, this long-standing bilateral maritime drill with the Republic of Singapore Navy underscores India’s Vision SAGAR and Act East policy.

Indian naval ships INS Delhi, INS Satpura, INS Kiltan, and INS Shakti have already arrived in Singapore under Rear Admiral Susheel Menon, commanding the Eastern Fleet.

India Successfully Test-Fires Strategic Missiles: Prithvi-II, Agni-I & Akash Prime

On 17 July 2025, India conducted successful test-firings of nuclear-capable ballistic missiles Prithvi-II and Agni-I from the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur, Odisha, under the Strategic Forces Command. The tests validated all operational and technical parameters, reinforcing India’s nuclear deterrence capabilities.

  • Prithvi-II
    • Range: ~350 km
    • Payload: Up to 500 kg (nuclear/conventional)
  • Agni-I
    • Range: 700–900 km
    • Payload: 1,000 kg (nuclear/conventional)

These missile systems are integral to India’s strategic deterrent posture.

🚀 Akash Prime Successfully Tested in Ladakh (16 July 2025)

On July 16, 2025, India test-fired the Akash Prime missile in Ladakh, capable of operating at altitudes above 4,500 meters. This variant of the Akash air defence system is customized for high-altitude warfare, especially significant given its proximity to the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

  • Equipped with indigenous radio frequency seeker
  • Upgraded based on operational feedback
  • Proven effective during Operation Sindoor

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