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.

Today Current Affairs MCQs : 24 July 2025

Q. Who became the first Indian to reach the final of the FIDE Women’s Chess World Cup?
A. Koneru Humpy
B. Harika Dronavalli
C. Divya Deshmukh
D. Tania Sachdev

Show Answer
Ans: C. Divya Deshmukh
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.

Q. What ritual is prominently performed by devotees on Shravan Shivratri?
A. Deepdaan
B. Aarti with lamps
C. Jalabhishek on Shivling
D. Tulsi Puja

Show Answer
Ans: C. Jalabhishek on Shivling

Q. What is the name given to Lord Shiva after he consumed poison during Samudra Manthan?
A. Bholenath
B. Mahadev
C. Neelkantha
D. Rudra

Show Answer
Ans: C. Neelkantha

Q. India has achieved how much percentage ethanol blending in petrol in 2025, five years ahead of its original 2030 target?
A. 15%
B. 20%
C. 18%
D. 10%

Show Answer
Ans: B. 20%

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.

Today Current Affairs MCQs : 23 July 2025

Q. Which two countries is PM Narendra Modi visited from July 23 to 26, 2025?
A. UK and Sri Lanka
B. UK and Maldives
C. France and Maldives
D. UAE and UK

Show Answer
Ans : B. UK and Maldives

Q. What is the primary objective of the Indian Government’s “World’s Largest Grain Storage Plan in the Cooperative Sector”?

A. To increase grain exports
B. To promote organic farming
C. To centralize food procurement
D. To improve rural grain storage infrastructure and strengthen PACS

Show Answer
Ans: D. To improve rural grain storage infrastructure and strengthen PACS

Q. What is the name of the world’s most advanced Earth observation satellite to be launched by ISRO-NASA on 30 July 2025?
A. Cartosat-3
B. RISAT-2BR2
C. Oceansat-2
D. NISAR

Show Answer
Ans: D. NISAR

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.

Today Current Affairs MCQs : 22 July 2025

Q. Who resigned as the Vice President of India in July 2025?
A. M. Venkaiah Naidu
B. Jagdeep Dhankhar
C. Ram Nath Kovind
D. Om Birla

Show Answer
✅ Answer: B. Jagdeep Dhankhar
Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar Resigns Due to Health Reasons on 21 July 2025.

Q. Who became the first Indian woman to reach the semifinals of the FIDE Women’s Chess World Cup?
A. Harika Dronavalli
B. Vaishali Rameshbabu
C. Divya Deshmukh
D. Koneru Humpy

Show Answer
Ans: D. Koneru Humpy
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.

Q. When will the FIDE Chess World Cup 2025 be held in India?
A. August 10 – September 5
B. September 15 – October 12
C. October 30 – November 27
D. November 10 – December 5

Show Answer
Ans: C. October 30 – November 27

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.

Today Current Affairs MCQs : 21 July 2025

Q. How many gold medals did India win at the 66th International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) 2025 held in Sunshine Coast, Australia in July 2025?
A. Two
B. Three
C. Four
D. One

Show Answer
✅ Answer: B. Three
India won 3 gold, 2 silver, and 1 bronze medals at the 66th IMO, held in Sunshine Coast, Australia in July 2025.

Q. When is International Moon Day observed?
A) July 16
B) July 20
C) August 5
D) June 21

Show Answer
✅ Answer: B) July 20
July 20, 2025
Commemorates the historic Apollo 11 mission of 1969 when humans first landed on the Moon.

Q. When is the Monsoon Session of Parliament 2025 scheduled to take place?
A. 1 July to 31 July 2025
B. 15 July to 15 August 2025
C. 21 July to 21 August 2025
D. 1 August to 31 August 2025

Show Answer
✅ Answer: C. 21 July to 21 August 2025

Q. Which organization was designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) by the United States in July 2025 for its involvement in the deadly April 22 Pahalgam attack?
A. Jaish-e-Mohammed
B. The Resistance Front (TRF)
C. Hizbul Mujahideen
D. Indian Mujahideen

Show Answer
✅ Answer: B. The Resistance Front (TRF)

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

Today Current Affairs MCQs : 19 July 2025

Q. What is the name of the annual maritime bilateral exercise between India and Singapore, conducted in July 2025?
A) MILAN
B) SIMBEX
C) VARUNA
D) INDRA

Show Answer
✅ Answer: B) SIMBEX
The Indian Navy will participate in the 32nd edition of SIMBEX (Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise) in July 2025.

Q. Where will the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) be held in November 2025?
A) Mumbai
B) New Delhi
C) Goa
D) Hyderabad

Show Answer
✅ Answer: C) Goa
The 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) will take place in Goa from Nov 20–28, 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.

Today Current Affairs MCQs : 18 July 2025

Q. Which city was declared India’s cleanest city for the 8th consecutive year in the Swachh Survekshan 2024–25?
A. Ahmedabad
B. Surat
C. Indore
D. Navi Mumbai

Show Answer
✅ Answer: C. Indore

Q. What is the range of the Agni-I missile, which is capable of carrying both nuclear and conventional warheads?
A) 150 – 300 km
B) 350 – 500 km
C) 700 – 900 km
D) 1,000 – 1,500 km

Show Answer
Answer: ✅ C) 700 – 900 km
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.

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

Indore Declared India’s Cleanest City for 8th Time in a Row

At the Swachh Survekshan 2024–25 Awards held on 17 July 2025, Indore was once again crowned India’s cleanest city, marking its eighth consecutive win. Surat and Navi Mumbai followed in second and third positions, respectively.

President Droupadi Murmu conferred the awards at a ceremony in New Delhi, highlighting cleanliness as a key element of the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision and India’s cultural values.

🏆 Key Highlights:

  • Top 3 Cleanest Cities (Overall):
    1. Indore
    2. Surat
    3. Navi Mumbai
  • Cities with Population Over 10 Lakh:
    🥇 Ahmedabad ranked first
  • Cities with Population Between 3–10 Lakh:
    🥇 Noida
    🥈 Chandigarh
    🥉 Mysore
  • A total of 78 awards were distributed across four categories, including:
    • Super Swachh League Cities
    • Top three cleanest cities in five different population categories

Today Current Affairs MCQs : 17 July 2025

Q. What is the name of the government scheme launched in July 2025 to improve agriculture in low-productivity districts?
A. Pradhan Mantri Krishi Samriddhi Yojana
B. Dhan-Vikas Gramin Krishi Yojana
C. Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana
D. Kisan Utthan Abhiyan

Show Answer
✅ Answer: C. Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana

Q. What age group of children is required to complete the Mandatory Biometric Update (MBU) as per UIDAI guidelines?
A. Below 5 years
B. 5 to 7 years
C. 7 years and above
D. 10 years and above

Show Answer
✅ Answer: C. 7 years and above

Q. Which government agency is responsible for issuing, updating, and managing Aadhaar in India?
A. National Informatics Centre (NIC)
B. Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA)
C. Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI)
D. Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)

Show Answer
✅ Answer: C. Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI)

UIDAI Urges Mandatory Biometric Update for Children Aged 7+

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has issued a reminder to parents and guardians to complete the Mandatory Biometric Update (MBU) for children aged 7 years and above.

🧒 Biometric Policy Details:

  • No biometrics are taken for children under 5 years due to developmental factors.
  • After turning 5, children must update biometrics (fingerprints and iris scans).
  • The biometric update is free if done between ages 5 and 7.
  • If the update is not completed after age 7, the Aadhaar number may be deactivated.

PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana Launched to Boost Agriculture in 100 Districts

On 16 July 2025, the Union Cabinet approved the Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana, a transformative six-year agricultural scheme starting in FY 2025–26, targeting 100 low-productivity districts across India.

🎯 Key Objectives

  • Improve crop productivity and cropping intensity
  • Promote sustainable farming and crop diversification
  • Enhance post-harvest infrastructure and irrigation
  • Expand credit access for farmers

🏞️ District Selection & Coverage

  • Inspired by NITI Aayog’s Aspirational Districts Programme
  • At least one district from each state/UT
  • Allocation based on net cropped area and operational holdings

🔧 Implementation Mechanism

  • Convergence of 36 central schemes from 11 ministries
  • Coordination with state programs and private sector
  • District-level planning via Dhan-Dhaanya Samitis including progressive farmers

📊 Monitoring and Evaluation

  • Tracked using 117 KPIs via a digital dashboard
  • Supervised by Central Nodal Officers
  • Regular guidance from NITI Aayog

Today Current Affairs MCQs : 16 July 2025

Q. Ancy Sojan secured third place in the Lignano Meeting – World Athletics Continental Tour Bronze in July 2025 in which event?
A) 100m Sprint
B) High Jump
C) Long Jump
D) Triple Jump

Show Answer
Answer: C) Long Jump

Q. What is the name of the mission that carried Shubhanshu Shukla to the International Space Station (ISS) in July 2025?
A) Chandrayaan-3
B) Gaganyaan-1
C) Axiom-4 (Akash Ganga)
D) Mission Prithvi

Show Answer
Answer: C) Axiom-4 (Akash Ganga)
Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla and three other crew members of the Axiom-4 mission safely returned to Earth on 15 July 2025 after completing an 18-day historic mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS).

Q. When is the 10th Anniversary of the Skill India Mission observed?
A) 12 July 2025
B) 15 July 2025
C) 1 August 2025
D) 5 June 2025

Show Answer
Answer: B) 15 July 2025
The 10th Anniversary of the Skill India Mission was observed on 15 July 2025. Launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2015, the mission aims to equip youth with industry-relevant, job-ready skills.

Skill India Mission Marks 10th Anniversary on World Youth Skills Day 2025

The 10th Anniversary of the Skill India Mission was observed on 15 July 2025. Launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2015, the mission aims to equip youth with industry-relevant, job-ready skills. Over 6 crore youth have been trained through various initiatives like PM Kaushal Vikas Yojana and Skill India Digital Hub, with 45% of beneficiaries being women and a large share from SC/ST/OBC communities.

India’s job-readiness among college students improved from 34% in 2014 to 51% in 2024. With 65% of the population under 35, skilling is key to national development.

Also, World Youth Skills Day 2025 was celebrated on the same day with the theme “Youth empowerment through AI and digital skills”, as declared by the United Nations in 2014.

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