Banking and Financial Sector Updates
Major Banking Developments
State Bank of India Wins Global Recognition: SBI has been adjudged as the World’s Best Consumer Bank for 2025 by Global Finance magazine, recognizing its digital innovation and customer-centric approach
HSBC Exits Climate Coalition: HSBC becomes the first UK bank to withdraw from the Net Zero Banking Alliance, raising questions about climate commitments in the banking sector
Credit Card Policy Changes: Major banks including SBI, HDFC, and ICICI have revised their credit card policies with new rules for annual charges, reward points, and payment procedures
Financial Rule Updates: New GST return filing rules make GSTR-3B non-editable after submission, while ITR filing deadline has been extended to September 15, 2025
Employee Benefits Enhanced: EPFO increases auto-settlement limit from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 5 lakh, benefiting employees during financial emergencies
Government and Administrative Updates
Political Developments
Bihar Assembly Session: Bihar Legislative Assembly monsoon session commences on July 21, with important discussions on development projects expected
Parliamentary Preparations: All-party meeting held ahead of Parliament’s monsoon session under JP Nadda’s leadership
Government Appointments: Multiple high-level appointments announced across various ministries and departments, including judicial transfers and administrative postings
Policy Initiatives: Cabinet approves National Sports Policy 2025, aiming to establish India as a global sporting powerhouse by 2047
Administrative Changes
Judiciary Updates: Major transfers and appointments in High Courts across different states announced by the Department of Justice
Civil Service Appointments: Several IAS and IPS officers receive new postings in key administrative positions
Departmental Restructuring: Various ministries witness organizational changes to improve governance efficiency
Economic and Infrastructure Updates
Economic Indicators
GDP Growth Projections: India expected to maintain its position as the world’s fastest-growing major economy with 6.5% growth in FY 2025-26
Infrastructure Investment: Prime Minister to inaugurate projects worth over Rs 12,000 crores in Bihar and West Bengal
Trade Performance: India’s export sector shows resilience with 6% year-on-year growth in Q1 FY26
Policy Reforms: Government announces ease of research policies to enhance innovation and scientific development
Financial Sector Changes
Railway Fare Revision: Indian Railways implements modest fare increases, the first in five years
Aadhaar-PAN Integration: Aadhaar becomes mandatory for new PAN card applications from July 1, 2025
Banking Service Updates: ATM charges and transaction limits revised by major banks
International News and Global Affairs
Global Political Developments
Japan Political Crisis: Prime Minister Kishida’s coalition party loses majority in upper house elections, putting his position at risk
Ukraine-Russia Conflict: Ongoing tensions with Ukraine offering fresh ceasefire talks while facing continued attacks
Syria Situation: Government struggles to implement ceasefire amid sectarian clashes between different communities
Middle East Updates: Gaza conflict continues with casualties reported from both sides, while humanitarian concerns mount
International Economy
Global Trade Trends: World trade shows resilience despite policy uncertainties and geopolitical tensions
China Infrastructure: China begins construction of the world’s largest hydropower project in Tibet region
Digital Market Concentration: Growing concerns over concentration in digital markets with top tech companies dominating global sales
Sports and Entertainment Updates
Cricket Developments
India-Pakistan Match Cancelled: World Championship of Legends match between India and Pakistan called off after Indian players’ boycott due to geopolitical tensions
England vs India Series: Fourth Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy begins in Manchester with India trailing 1-2 in the five-match series
Team Management: Gautam Gambhir criticizes team strategy while preparations continue for upcoming matches
Other Sports News
Hockey Preparations: Hockey India announces 40-member core group for senior women’s national coaching camp ahead of Asia Cup
International Chess Day: July 20 celebrated as International Chess Day with theme “Every Move Counts”
Olympic Preparations: Various national sports federations intensify training programs for upcoming international competitions
Awards, Honours and Appointments
International Recognition
PM Modi’s Honours: Prime Minister Narendra Modi receives multiple international civilian honors including Namibia’s highest civilian award “Order of the Most Ancient Welwitschia Mirabilis”
Global Achievements: Indian personalities receive recognition across various fields including arts, science, and public service
National Awards
Kerala Arts Awards: State announces Kathakali and Classical Arts Awards recognizing cultural contributions
Academic Excellence: Various educational institutions and individuals receive recognition for outstanding achievements
Scientific Contributions: INCOIS receives National Geospatial Excellence Award for oceanographic services
Important Days and Observances
July 20, 2025 Significance
International Chess Day: Observed globally with theme “Every Move Counts” promoting chess as a tool for education and cultural exchange
Nelson Mandela International Day (July 18): Recently observed with focus on combating poverty and inequality
World Youth Skills Day (July 15): Emphasized importance of skill development for young people
Competitive Exam Updates
Exam Schedules
SSC Calendar 2025-26: Staff Selection Commission releases updated exam dates with CGL 2025 beginning August 13, 2025
UPSC Updates: Various examination schedules confirmed with Civil Services Prelims 2025 results awaited
Banking Exams: IBPS and other banking recruitment notifications expected soon with revised syllabus patterns
Important Changes
Application Processes: New online application procedures implemented for various government examinations
Eligibility Criteria: Updated qualification requirements for different competitive exams announced
Preparation Resources: Enhanced digital platforms launched for exam preparation assistance
Key Developments for Exam Preparation
Banking Sector Focus Areas
RBI policy decisions and their economic implications
Digital payment systems and financial inclusion initiatives
Banking sector reforms and technological innovations
Credit policies and lending practices
Government Schemes and Policies
Infrastructure development projects and their funding mechanisms
Social welfare schemes and their implementation status
Economic policies affecting various sectors
International trade agreements and their impact
International Relations
India’s diplomatic engagements with major powers
Trade relationships and economic partnerships
Regional security concerns and defense cooperation
Climate change commitments and environmental policies
Regional and State-Specific Updates
Northern India
Punjab AAP MLA withdraws resignation
Uttar Pradesh Kanwar Yatra security preparations
Himachal Pradesh infrastructure projects approval
Eastern India
West Bengal development projects inauguration
Bihar election preparations and political developments
Jharkhand administrative changes
Southern India
Karnataka technology sector growth
Tamil Nadu industrial investments
Telangana innovation initiatives
Western India
Maharashtra political developments
Gujarat industrial corridor progress
Rajasthan renewable energy projects
Technology and Innovation Updates
Digital India Initiatives: New technological solutions for governance and public services
Startup Ecosystem: Government support for innovation and entrepreneurship
Research and Development: Policy reforms to ease research procedures and promote scientific advancement
Cybersecurity Measures: Enhanced security protocols for digital transactions and data protection
Environmental and Climate Updates
Climate Policy: India’s commitments to international climate agreements
Renewable Energy: Progress in solar and wind energy projects across states
Environmental Protection: New measures for pollution control and biodiversity conservation
Sustainable Development: Integration of environmental concerns in infrastructure projects
This comprehensive daily current affairs update for 20.07.2025 covers all major developments across national and international spheres. The point-wise format ensures easy comprehension for competitive exam preparation while maintaining coverage of all relevant topics for UPSC, SSC, Banking, and other government examinations. Regular study of such updates helps candidates stay informed about contemporary issues and improves their general knowledge base for various competitive assessments.
