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29 Jul 2026, 04:37 PM
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Daily Current Affairs 25 July
DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS
25 JULY 2026
Comprehensive, exam-oriented daily compilation featuring analysis of key national and international developments.
Polity, Governance & Social Issues
Appointments
25 July 2026
Viswanathan Anand Assumes Interim President Role of FIDE
- Duties Assumed: Chess legend **Viswanathan Anand** took charge as the Interim President of the International Chess Federation (FIDE) on **July 24, 2026**.
- Sanction Triggers: Incumbent FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich voluntarily suspended his presidential powers following his inclusion on the European Union's latest sanctions list.
- Next Elections: As Deputy President, Anand will act as Interim President. He also confirmed that he will stand for election as Deputy President alongside presidential candidate Timur Turlov in the upcoming elections in Samarkand on September 26, 2026.
STATIC GK & EXAM FACTS
FIDE (Fรฉdรฉration Internationale des รchecs): Founded on **July 20, 1924** in Paris, France. It is headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland, and acts as the governing body of international chess.
Bust Unveiling
25 July 2026
President Droupadi Murmu Unveils Bust of Mahatma Gandhi at Skopje Museum
- Bust Unveiled: The President of India, **Droupadi Murmu**, along with North Macedonian President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova, unveiled a bust of Mahatma Gandhi at the Museum of the City of Skopje on **July 22, 2026**.
- Historic State Visit: This event took place during President Murmu's historic two-day visit (July 21-22, 2026), marking the first-ever visit by an Indian head of state to North Macedonia.
- Message of Peace: President Murmu emphasized that Gandhi's message of truth, non-violence, and peaceful coexistence belongs to all humanity and remains highly relevant today.
STATIC GK & EXAM FACTS
North Macedonia: A country in southeast Europe (Balkans), formerly part of Yugoslavia. Capital is Skopje, and currency is the Macedonian Denar. Birthplace of Mother Teresa.
Important Days
25 July 2026
National Income Tax Day 2026 Observed on July 24
- 167th Anniversary: India observed its **167th Income Tax Day (Aaykar Diwas)** on **July 24, 2026**, celebrating direct tax administration in the country.
- Historical Origin: Income tax was first introduced in India on **July 24, 1860**, by Sir James Wilson (the first Finance Member of British India) to recover losses from the events of 1857.
- Formal Observance: The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has officially marked this day since **2010**, celebrating the digital transition (e-filing, faceless assessments) of tax administration.
STATIC GK & EXAM FACTS
CBDT (Central Board of Direct Taxes): A statutory authority functioning under the Central Board of Revenue Act, 1963. Part of the Department of Revenue under the Ministry of Finance.
Public Administration
25 July 2026
Telangana Family Register Portal Launched via MeeSeva
- State Register: The Government of Telangana launched the **Telangana Family Register (TFR) Portal** on **July 23, 2026**, to establish a single source of truth for citizen data.
- Data Integration: Integrates data across MeeSeva, civil supplies, and voter registries to automatically update familial details and eliminate the need for physical certificate submissions.
- Benefit Delivery: Designed to streamline the delivery of government welfare schemes and minimize direct contact with administrative offices.
GOVERNMENT SCHEME FOCUS
MeeSeva: An initiative in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana providing smart, citizen-centric, ethical, and effective governance through a digital delivery system.
Important Days
25 July 2026
World Drowning Prevention Day Observed Globally
- Global Observance: World Drowning Prevention Day was observed globally on **July 25, 2026**, to highlight the tragic and profound impact of drowning on families.
- 2026 Theme: The official theme for 2026 is **"Unite to Turn the Tide on Drowning"**, focusing on multi-sectoral collaboration to implement life-saving interventions.
- WHO Guidelines: Underlines key measures such as installing barriers controlling access to water, teaching school-age children basic swimming and water safety, and training bystanders in safe rescue.
STATIC GK & EXAM FACTS
Background: Declared in April 2021 by the UN General Assembly Resolution A/RES/75/273 to raise awareness of drowning as a highly preventable public health issue.
Judiciary
25 July 2026
Union Government Temporarily Extends Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs) Scheme
- Temporary Extension: The Union Government has temporarily extended the Centrally Sponsored Scheme of **Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs)** until **September 30, 2026**.
- Historical Launch: The FTSC scheme was originally launched in **October 2019** to ensure the time-bound trial and disposal of rape and Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) cases.
- Operational Reach: As of mid-2026, there are 775 functional FTSCs across 29 States and UTs, including 398 exclusive POCSO courts, operating on a 60:40 fund sharing model between Centre and States.
STATIC GK & EXAM FACTS
POCSO Act: Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, enacted in **2012**, defines child sexual abuse and mandates special child-friendly judicial procedures.
Infrastructure
25 July 2026
Indian Railways Achieves 99.6% Electrification of Broad-Gauge Network
- Electrification Milestone: Indian Railways has successfully electrified **99.6% of its broad-gauge (BG) network**, making it the **world's second-most electrified large railway system**.
- Global Standing: Switzerland ranks first globally with 100% electrification. India's achievement of 99.6% places it ahead of China (82%), Spain (67%), and Japan (64%).
- Environmental Impact: Annual diesel consumption for locomotives decreased from 293 crore litres in 2015-16 to 108 crore litres in 2024-25, aiding India's net-zero carbon goals.
STATIC GK & EXAM FACTS
Indian Railways: Founded on **April 16, 1853**, when the first train ran between Bori Bunder (Mumbai) and Thane. It operates on four gauge types: Broad, Metre, Narrow, and Standard.
International Relations, Economy & Business
Agricultural Stats
25 July 2026
India Secures Top Global Position in Cotton Cultivation Area
- Top Global Position: India holds the **first position globally** in terms of cotton cultivation area, with approximately **114.84 lakh hectares** (~11.5 million hectares) under cotton farming.
- Area Share: India's cotton cultivation area accounts for nearly **37% to 38%** of the total global cotton acreage.
- Production & Species: Despite ranking first in acreage, India ranks second globally in production and consumption (behind China). It is the only country commercially cultivating all four species of cotton: *G. arboreum*, *G. herbaceum*, *G. barbadense*, and *G. hirsutum*.
STATIC GK & EXAM FACTS
Mission for Cotton Productivity: The Indian government launched this mission (2026-2031) to enhance cotton yields, improve fibre quality, and distribute climate-resilient seeds to farmers.
AI Ecosystem
25 July 2026
Microsoft India and IIT Delhi Launch 'UNNATI AI 2.0' for AI Startups
- AI Initiative: **Microsoft India**, in partnership with the **Foundation for Innovation and Technology Transfer (FITT) at IIT Delhi**, launched **UNNATI AI 2.0** (*Unnati se Pragati*) in July 2026.
- Target Cities: The program aims to democratize access to AI technologies, nurture startups, and develop talent, with a specific focus on Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities in India.
- Focus Domains: Supports startup innovators developing AI solutions for critical sectors including healthcare, agriculture, education, and sustainability. Mentorship and investor connectivity will be provided.
STATIC GK & EXAM FACTS
FITT, IIT Delhi: Foundation for Innovation and Technology Transfer, established in **1992**, is the industrial interface organization of IIT Delhi that promotes technology transfer and incubation.
Trade Tariffs
25 July 2026
US Imposes Section 301 Tariffs Affecting Indian Exports
- Tariffs Levied: The United States Trade Representative (USTR) announced additional **10% Section 301 tariffs** on specific categories of Indian exports, effective late July 2026.
- Sectors Affected: The tariffs primarily target steel fabrications, industrial machinery components, and select textile raw materials shipped to the US.
- Retaliation Risks: The Ministry of Commerce and Industry expressed concern, highlighting that this could impact trade negotiations and bilateral ties between the two nations.
STATIC GK & EXAM FACTS
Section 301: Under the US Trade Act of 1974, it allows the President to take all appropriate action, including retaliation, to obtain the removal of any act, policy, or practice of a foreign government that burdens US commerce.
Maritime Security
25 July 2026
India Condemns Black Sea Vessel Attack on MV OMORFI
- Vessel Attacked: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a strong statement condemning the fatal drone attack on the commercial bulk carrier **MV OMORFI** in the Black Sea on **July 24, 2026**.
- Casualties: The attack resulted in the death of two crew members, including an Indian merchant navy officer, drawing sharp international criticism.
- Safe Passage Call: India urged all parties involved in the regional conflict to adhere to international maritime law and ensure the safe passage of non-combatant commercial shipping.
STATIC GK & EXAM FACTS
Black Sea Shipping: A vital grain and commodity corridor. The UN-mandated safety agreements have repeatedly faced strains due to escalating security incidents.
Geopolitics
25 July 2026
Geopolitics of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait & Shipping Disruption
- Shipping Decline: Daily transits through the **Bab el-Mandeb Strait** dropped significantly in late July 2026 following threats of a maritime blockade against commercial vessels.
- Strategic Corridor: The Bab el-Mandeb Strait is a crucial bottleneck connecting the **Red Sea** and the **Gulf of Aden**, acting as the gateway to the Suez Canal.
- Market Impact: The security risk led to a 50% drop in tonnage transiting the strait compared to average levels, driving up global Brent crude prices and shipping insurance premiums.
STATIC GK & EXAM FACTS
Bab el-Mandeb: Translates to "Gate of Tears" in Arabic. It is bordered by Yemen on the Arabian Peninsula, and Djibouti and Eritrea in the Horn of Africa.
Environment, Science, Technology & Defence
AI & Nuclear Safety
25 July 2026
A Dozen Nobel Laureates Adopt 'Rome Declaration' on AI and Nuclear Weapons
- Declaration Adopted: Twelve Nobel laureates, AI scientists, and policymakers adopted the **'Rome Declaration for an Unarmed and Disarming Peace'** on July 16, 2026.
- Existential Threat: The declaration warns against the convergence of Artificial Intelligence and nuclear weapons, specifically the risk of delegating nuclear launch decisions to automated algorithms.
- International Treaty: Calls for a binding international treaty that prohibits autonomous AI systems from accessing or managing nuclear command and control, ensuring **meaningful human control** remains central.
- Leo XIV Inspiration: Inspired by the encyclical *Magnifica Humanitas* of Pope Leo XIV, emphasizing human dignity in technological governance.
STATIC GK & EXAM FACTS
Rome Declaration Significance: Designed as a normative framework to shape political and moral standards for AI development and prevent a digital arms race.
Space Technology
25 July 2026
Chinese Space Company Orienspace Launches 'Gravity-1' carrying 9 Satellites
- Successful Launch: Private Chinese aerospace company **Orienspace** successfully launched its **Gravity-1** (Yinli-1) rocket for the third time on **July 22, 2026**.
- Offshore Launch: The rocket was launched from a mobile vessel in the **East China Sea**, approximately 170 km off the coast of Shanghai, carrying **nine satellites**.
- Satellite Manifest: Deployed six Dongpo earth observation satellites (Dongpo-13, 14, 17, 18, 19, and 20) and three other experimental payloads (Xiguang-2 01, Tianyi-49, and Lilac-3).
STATIC GK & EXAM FACTS
Gravity-1: A solid-propellant carrier rocket, recognized as the world's most powerful solid-fuel commercial launch vehicle, offering quick and low-cost sea-based launch capabilities.
Defence System
25 July 2026
DRDO Successfully Conducts Maiden Flight Test of Surface-to-Air Missile 'Kusha'
- Maiden Flight: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully tested the indigenous **"Kusha" Long-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (LRSAM)** system on **July 23, 2026**.
- Location: The test was conducted from the **APJ Abdul Kalam Island** off the Odisha coast. It successfully intercepted a high-speed, high-altitude electronic target.
- Project Outlay: Formerly known as ERADS or XRSAM, the Rs. 21,700 crore project is designed as a three-tier interceptor system (reaching 350-400 km) to secure air space against jets, cruise missiles, and drones.
STATIC GK & EXAM FACTS
APJ Abdul Kalam Island: Formerly Wheeler Island, located off the Odisha coast, it is India's premier missile testing facility operated by the DRDO.
Healthcare Summit
25 July 2026
India to Host International Type 1 Diabetes Summit 2026 in Jodhpur
- Jodhpur Summit: Jodhpur, Rajasthan, is scheduled to host the **International Type 1 Diabetes Summit 2026** from **July 30 to August 1, 2026**.
- Organizers: Organized by the Friends of Mewar, in collaboration with Breakthrough T1D and the William J. Clinton Foundation.
- Core Themes: Focuses on diabetes care technology integration (CGM, insulin pumps), equitable access to affordable insulin, pediatric care under national health policy, and digital innovation.
STATIC GK & EXAM FACTS
Type 1 Diabetes: A chronic autoimmune condition in which the pancreas produces little or no insulin. Manifests commonly in childhood.
Chemical Parks
25 July 2026
Cabinet Approves BHAVYA Scheme for Chemical Parks Development
- Funding Approved: The Union Cabinet approved a financial outlay of **Rs. 3,030 crore** for the newly proposed **BHAVYA Chemical Parks Development Scheme** on **July 23, 2026**.
- Three Parks: The scheme funds the setup of three state-of-the-art chemical parks located in Gujarat, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh to consolidate chemical manufacturing.
- Industrial Goals: Focuses on developing common effluent treatment plants (CETPs), green energy utilities, and automated logistics centers to minimize production costs and pollution.
GOVERNMENT SCHEME FOCUS
BHAVYA Scheme: Aims to reduce imports of specialty chemicals and petrochemical intermediates by establishing highly efficient, integrated chemical clusters.
Wildlife Ecology
25 July 2026
Proposed 1,200 MW Lohit Hydroelectric Project Threatens 'White-bellied Heron'
- Lohit Project Controversy: The proposed **1,200 MW Kalai-II hydroelectric project** on the Lohit River in Arunachal Pradesh (developed by THDC India Ltd.) has drawn criticism over its ecological impact.
- Rarest Bird Habitat: The Lohit River basin is a critical habitat harboring nearly **70% of India's population** of the **White-bellied Heron** (*Ardea insignis*).
- Endangered Status: The White-bellied Heron is classified as Critically Endangered by the IUCN, with fewer than 60 individuals remaining globally (only 6-9 in India). It is highly sensitive to river turbidity.
STATIC GK & EXAM FACTS
White-bellied Heron: Protected under Schedule-I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. The Forest Advisory Committee has mandated that the project's Wildlife Management Plan be reviewed by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII).
Sports News
25 July 2026
V.S. Rathanvel Becomes India's 99th Chess Grandmaster
- Milestone Achieved: 25-year-old chess player **V.S. Rathanvel** officially became India's **99th Chess Grandmaster** in late July 2026.
- guwahati Open: Rathanvel crossed the required **2500 Elo rating** mark at the **3rd Guwahati Smart City International Open** in Guwahati, Assam.
- Long Journey: Rathanvel completed his three Grandmaster norms back in 2022, spending nearly four years working to reach the 2500 rating threshold. He hails from Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu.
STATIC GK & EXAM FACTS
Grandmaster (GM): The highest title a chess player can attain, awarded by FIDE. Candidates must achieve three GM norms and reach a minimum FIDE rating of 2500. India's first GM was Viswanathan Anand (1988).
Healthcare
25 July 2026
World IVF Day and World Embryologist Day 2026 Observed on July 25
- World IVF Day: Observed annually on **July 25**, celebrating reproductive medicine and raising awareness of fertility options worldwide.
- Historical Birth: Commemorates the birth of **Louise Brown** on July 25, 1978, in Oldham, England - the world's first baby conceived through In Vitro Fertilisation.
- Embryologist Day: Recognizes the vital role of clinical embryologists and laboratory professionals in assisting reproductive technologies (ART).
STATIC GK & EXAM FACTS
IVF (In Vitro Fertilisation): Developed by British physiologist Robert Edwards and gynecologist Patrick Steptoe. Edwards was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2010.
โก ONE-LINER QUICK REVISION POINTERS (25 JULY 2026)
- FIDE Interim President: Viswanathan Anand took charge after Arkady Dvorkovich voluntarily suspended his duties due to EU sanctions.
- Rome Declaration: Twelve Nobel laureates signed the declaration warning of converged peril of AI and nuclear war, calling for human control.
- Gravity-1 Rocket: Chinese commercial space company Orienspace successfully launched Gravity-1 solid-fuel rocket from the East China Sea.
- DRDO Kusha Test: Maiden test of the indigenous Long-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (LRSAM) conducted at Kalam Island, Odisha.
- Type 1 Diabetes Summit: International summit organized by Friends of Mewar to be hosted in Jodhpur, Rajasthan.
- Bust Unveiling: President Droupadi Murmu unveiled a bust of Mahatma Gandhi at the Museum of the City of Skopje during her state visit to North Macedonia.
- Cotton Cultivation Area: India holds the first position globally in cotton acreage with 114.84 lakh hectares (~38% of global total).
- UNNATI AI 2.0: Microsoft India partnered with IIT Delhi FITT to support AI startup innovation in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities.
- White-bellied Heron: Critically endangered bird threatened by the proposed 1,200 MW Kalai-II hydroelectric project on Lohit River in Arunachal Pradesh.
- National Income Tax Day: Aaykar Diwas observed in India on July 24, marking the 167th anniversary of its introduction in 1860 by Sir James Wilson.
- Bab el-Mandeb Strait: Strategic waterway connecting the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden; shipping transits fell by 50% in late July due to blockade threats.
- 99th Grandmaster: V.S. Rathanvel of Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, became India's 99th Chess Grandmaster after crossing 2500 Elo.
- Fast Track Special Courts: Centrally sponsored scheme extended till September 30, 2026; originally launched in October 2019.
- World IVF Day: Observed on July 25 to mark the birth of Louise Brown, the world's first IVF baby, in 1978.
- Railway Electrification: Indian Railways has electrified 99.6% of its broad-gauge network, ranking second globally behind Switzerland.
Appendix: Governors & Swearing-In Dates of States & UTs
| S.No. | State / UT | Chief Minister / Administrator | Governor / Lt. Governor | Swearing-In Date / Taking Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Andhra Pradesh | N. Chandrababu Naidu | S. Abdul Nazeer | 12 June 2024 |
| 2 | Arunachal Pradesh | Pema Khandu | Lt. Gen. Kaiwalya Trivikram Parnaik | 13 June 2024 |
| 3 | Assam | Himanta Biswa Sarma | Lakshman Prasad Acharya | 10 May 2021 / 30 July 2024 |
| 4 | Bihar | Nitish Kumar | Rajendra Arlekar | 28 January 2024 / 17 February 2023 |
| 5 | Chhattisgarh | Vishnu Deo Sai | Ramen Deka | 13 December 2023 / 31 July 2024 |
| 6 | Goa | Pramod Sawant | P.S. Sreedharan Pillai | 28 March 2022 / 15 July 2021 |
| 7 | Gujarat | Bhupendra Patel | Acharya Devvrat | 12 December 2022 / 22 July 2019 |
| 8 | Haryana | Nayab Singh Saini | Bandaru Dattatreya | 17 October 2024 / 15 July 2021 |
| 9 | Himachal Pradesh | Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu | Shiv Pratap Shukla | 11 December 2022 / 18 February 2023 |
| 10 | Jharkhand | Hemant Soren | Santosh Kumar Gangwar | 28 November 2024 / 31 July 2024 |
| 11 | Karnataka | Siddaramaiah | Thaawarchand Gehlot | 20 May 2023 / 11 July 2021 |
| 12 | Kerala | Pinarayi Vijayan | Arif Mohammad Khan | 20 May 2021 / 06 September 2019 |
| 13 | Madhya Pradesh | Mohan Yadav | Mangubhai C. Patel | 13 December 2023 / 08 July 2021 |
| 14 | Maharashtra | Devendra Fadnavis | C.P. Radhakrishnan | 05 December 2024 / 31 July 2024 |
| 15 | Manipur | N. Biren Singh | Lakshman Prasad Acharya (Addl. Charge) | 21 March 2022 / 31 July 2024 |
| 16 | Meghalaya | Conrad Sangma | CH Vijayashankar | 07 March 2023 / 30 July 2024 |
| 17 | Mizoram | Lalduhoma | Kambhampati Hari Babu | 08 December 2023 / 19 July 2021 |
| 18 | Nagaland | Neiphiu Rio | La. Ganesan | 07 March 2023 / 20 February 2023 |
| 19 | Odisha | Mohan Charan Majhi | Raghubar Das | 12 June 2024 / 31 October 2023 |
| 20 | Punjab | Bhagwant Mann | Gulab Chand Kataria | 16 March 2022 / 31 July 2024 |
| 21 | Rajasthan | Bhajan Lal Sharma | Haribhau Kisanrao Bagde | 15 December 2023 / 31 July 2024 |
| 22 | Sikkim | Prem Singh Tamang | Om Prakash Mathur | 10 June 2024 / 31 July 2024 |
| 23 | Tamil Nadu | M.K. Stalin | R.N. Ravi | 07 May 2021 / 18 September 2021 |
| 24 | Telangana | A. Revanth Reddy | Jishnu Dev Varma | 07 December 2023 / 31 July 2024 |
| 25 | Tripura | Manik Saha | N. Indrasena Reddy | 08 March 2023 / 26 October 2023 |
| 26 | Uttar Pradesh | Yogi Adityanath | Anandiben Patel | 25 March 2022 / 29 July 2019 |
| 27 | Uttarakhand | Pushkar Singh Dhami | Lt. Gen. Gurmit Singh | 23 March 2022 / 15 September 2021 |
| 28 | West Bengal | Mamata Banerjee | C.V. Ananda Bose | 05 May 2021 / 23 November 2022 |
| UNION TERRITORIES | ||||
| 29 | Andaman & Nicobar Islands | -- | Admiral D.K. Joshi (Lt. Governor) | 08 October 2017 |
| 30 | Chandigarh | -- | Gulab Chand Kataria (Administrator) | 31 July 2024 |
| 31 | Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu | -- | Praful Patel (Administrator) | 26 January 2020 |
| 32 | Delhi (NCT) | Atishi Marlena | Vinai Kumar Saxena (Lt. Governor) | 21 September 2024 / 26 May 2022 |
| 33 | Jammu & Kashmir | Omar Abdullah | Manoj Sinha (Lt. Governor) | 16 October 2024 / 07 August 2020 |
| 34 | Ladakh | -- | Brig. (Dr.) B.D. Mishra (Lt. Governor) | 12 February 2023 |
| 35 | Lakshadweep | -- | Praful Patel (Administrator) | 05 December 2020 |
| 36 | Puducherry | N. Rangasamy | K. Kailashnathan (Lt. Governor) | 07 May 2021 / 07 August 2024 |