International News
World Court Climate Change Advisory Opinion
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) delivered a landmark advisory opinion on 23.07.2025, declaring climate change an “urgent and existential threat”
The court stated that countries failing to protect the planet from climate change could violate international law
Judge Yuji Iwasawa emphasized that greenhouse gas emissions are “unequivocally caused by human activities”
Nations adversely affected by climate change may be entitled to seek reparations for damages
This represents the first time the ICJ has officially addressed the climate crisis
The opinion, while non-binding, carries significant weight in international law
India-UK Free Trade Agreement Signed
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UK PM Keir Starmer signed the India-UK Free Trade Agreement on 24.07.2025
The FTA is expected to increase bilateral trade by £25.5 billion ($34 billion) in the long run
India will get tariff elimination on 99% of its tariff lines under the deal
UK will get reduced tariffs on 90% of British tariff lines
Tariffs on Scotch whisky will drop from 150% to 75% immediately, then to 40% over 10 years
Indian professionals posted in UK will be exempt from social security contributions for £58 billion in current bilateral trade
India-UK Vision 2035 Partnership
Both countries unveiled the India-UK Vision 2035 for enhanced cooperation over the next decade
Focus areas include defense cooperation, technology security, climate change, and educational connections
Enhanced intelligence-sharing and operational collaboration to tackle corruption and organized crime
Technology Security Initiative strengthened to harness frontier technologies
USA State Department Actions
US State Department approved $322 million in weapons sales to Ukraine for defense enhancement
Investigation opened into Harvard University’s eligibility for exchange visitor program
UK regulator proposes special status for Apple and Google’s mobile ecosystems
National News
Prime Minister’s Diplomatic Visit
PM Modi begins four-day visit to UK and Maldives to strengthen bilateral partnerships
Modi to be guest of honor at Maldives’ 60th Independence Day celebrations on 26.07.2025
This marks 60 years of India-Maldives diplomatic relations
First foreign leader to visit Maldives during President Muizzu’s presidency
Parliamentary Developments
Parliament’s Monsoon Session continues with strong opposition protests
Rajya Sabha scheduled to hold 16-hour debate on Operation Sindoor next week
Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar’s resignation creates vacancy for successor election
Parliament adjourned for third consecutive day amid Opposition demands
Judicial Appointments
Three judicial officers appointed as judges of Delhi High Court on 22.07.2025
Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan sworn in as 17th Chief Justice of Jharkhand High Court
Supreme Court delivered landmark opinions on climate responsibilities and evidence law
India Resumes Tourist Visas for Chinese Nationals
India announced resumption of tourist visas for Chinese citizens from 24.07.2025
First such move in five years, marking normalization of bilateral ties
Significant step following military standoff resolution on Line of Actual Control
Government Schemes and Initiatives
Election Commission prepares for vice-presidential election following Dhankhar’s resignation
Income Tax Bill implementation reduces word count by half while keeping rates unchanged
Multiple state schools closed due to festivals and heavy rainfall
Banking and Financial News
RBI Monetary Policy Updates
Reserve Bank of India reduced policy repo rate by 50 basis points to 5.50% in June 2025
Policy stance changed from ‘accommodative’ to ‘neutral’
Standing Deposit Facility rate adjusted to 5.25%, MSF rate to 5.75%
Cash Reserve Ratio reduced by 100 basis points to 3.00% to release liquidity
GDP growth projected at 6.5% for FY 2025-26
Fixed Deposit Rates July 2025
Major banks including SBI, HDFC, ICICI reduced FD rates by 10-25 basis points
slice Small Finance Bank offers highest FD rate at 8.50% for 18 months
Suryoday Small Finance Bank provides 8.40% for deposits above 5 years
12 banks still offer FD returns up to 8.5%
Banking Sector Performance
Banking sector experienced muted credit growth in June quarter
HDFC Bank’s deposits rose 16.2% year-on-year against 6.7% loan growth
Public Sector Banks gained 43% market share in home loans
Financial inclusion index reached 67% as of March 2025
Regulatory Actions
RBI lifted restrictions on Religare Finvest Limited, allowing normal operations
Enforcement Directorate filed case against Myntra for ₹1,654 crore FDI violation
RBI imposed monetary penalty on Solapur Janata Sahakari Bank Limited
Sports Updates
Cricket News
India vs England 4th Test begins at Old Trafford, Manchester
Rishabh Pant injured on Day 1 after painful blow to right foot during reverse-sweep
India scored 264/4 in first innings with strong start later undone by quick dismissals
Chess Achievements
Divya Deshmukh creates history as first Indian to reach FIDE Women’s World Cup Final
Defeated China’s Tan Zhongyi in Game 2 of semifinal in Batumi, Georgia
World Chess Champion Gukesh made rare appearance in Titled Tuesday tournament
Sports Governance
Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya introduced bill in Parliament for greater transparency in sports bodies including BCCI
National Centre for Sports Science and Research held first ethics committee meeting
Delhi increases cash rewards to ₹7 crore for Olympic gold medalists
Other Sports
Aditya Mehta reached quarterfinals of IBSF 6-Red Snooker Championships
Oriental Cup 2025 begins in Delhi with 36 teams competing at Ambedkar Stadium
India Women’s cricket team won third ODI against England by 13 runs, clinching series 2-1
Technology and Space
NASA-ISRO NISAR Satellite Launch
NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) satellite scheduled for launch on 30.07.2025
Launch from Satish Dhawan Space Centre at 5:40 PM IST
World’s most expensive Earth-imaging satellite at $1.5 billion cost
Will scan Earth’s land and ice surfaces twice every 12 days
Features dual-frequency radar systems (L-band from NASA, S-band from ISRO)
Expected to generate 80 terabytes of data daily
Digital Initiatives
PayPal integrates UPI via new PayPal World platform for international payments
AIIMS Delhi partners with German institute for low-cost robotic surgery
Centre launches DHRUVA policy for unique digital addresses across India
Economic Updates
Stock Market Performance
Sensex closed 539.83 points higher at 82,726.64
Nifty topped 25,200 mark, settling 159 points higher at 25,219.90
Top gainers included MRPL (7.66%), Ola Electric (7.17%), Elgi Equipments (6.42%)
Banking and IT sectors showed positive momentum
Corporate Earnings
Infosys Q1 results: Profit rose 9% YoY to ₹6,921 crore, revenue up 8%
Bajaj Housing Finance Q1 profit increased 21% to ₹583 crore
Brigade Hotel plans to raise ₹759.6 crore through IPO
Government Economic Measures
India projected to remain fastest-growing major economy at 6.3-6.8% in 2025-26
Mobile phone exports grew 127 times over past decade
New financial rules effective from 01.07.2025 include stricter GST compliance
Awards and Recognition
Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar 2025
Last date for applications: 31.07.2025
Recognition for children aged 5-18 years demonstrating excellence
Categories include Sports, Social Service, Science & Technology, Environment, Arts & Culture
Online applications through awards.gov.in portal
World Youth Skills Day 2025
Observed on 15.07.2025 with theme “Youth Empowerment through AI and Digital Skills”
Marks 10th anniversary of World Youth Skills Day
India celebrates as National Youth Skills Day aligning with global observance
Focus on digital literacy and AI skills for youth employment
Environmental and Weather Updates
Monsoon Updates
IMD issued orange alert for Mumbai and neighboring areas
Delhi experienced light to moderate rainfall on 24.07.2025
Heavy rainfall reported in multiple states causing waterlogging
Relief from heat wave conditions across northern India
Climate Initiatives
International Court of Justice emphasizes climate action obligations
India participates in global climate discussions and policy frameworks
Environmental protection recognized as precondition for human rights
Cultural and Religious Events
July 2025 Festivals
Hariyali Amavasya observed on 24.07.2025
Sawan month begins from 11.07.2025 with Monday fasts (Sawan Somvar)
Hariyali Teej celebrated on 27.07.2025
Nag Panchami falls on 29.07.2025
Guru Purnima observed on 10.07.2025
State-wise Observances
Kanwar Yatra continues across northern states
Various regional festivals celebrated in different states
Cultural programs organized to mark Independence Day preparations
Key Takeaways for Competitive Exams
Important Dates to Remember
24.07.2025: India-UK FTA signing
26.07.2025: Maldives Independence Day (60th anniversary)
30.07.2025: NISAR satellite launch
31.07.2025: Last date for Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar applications
Economic Figures
India’s projected GDP growth: 6.5% for FY 2025-26
RBI repo rate: 5.50% (reduced by 50 bps)
Financial inclusion index: 67%
India-UK bilateral trade: £58 billion currently
International Relations
India-Maldives diplomatic relations: 60 years
India-UK Vision 2035 partnership framework
Climate change advisory opinion by ICJ
Resume of China tourist visas after 5 years
This comprehensive daily current affairs update covers all major developments essential for banking, SSC, UPSC, railways, and other competitive examinations, providing candidates with the knowledge needed to excel in their respective exams.
