Daily Current Affairs and GK | 25 July 2025

Topic: Defence

1. ‘Samudra Prachet’ was launched for the Indian Coast Guard in Goa.

• ‘Samudra Prachet’ is the second and final Pollution Control Vessel (PCV) built by Goa Shipyard Ltd.
• The vessel has 72% indigenous content. Local industries and MSMEs were actively involved in the project.
• The ship is equipped with modern oil spill response technology.
• It will help the Indian Coast Guard respond quickly and efficiently to oil spills.
• It will operate in India’s Exclusive Economic Zone.
• The vessel is 114.5 metres long and 16.5 metres wide. It has a displacement of 4,170 tonnes.
• It will be operated by 14 officers and 115 sailors.
• The ship features two side-sweeping arms that can collect oil while moving.
• It has advanced radar systems to detect oil slicks.
• This vessel can also pump in contaminated water and separate pollutants.
• Recovered oil can be stored in special onboard tanks.
• The Chief Guest at launch ceremony was Director General of Indian Coast Guard, Paramesh Sivamani.
• DGICG Sivamani spoke about the importance of PCVs in maritime safety.
• The first Pollution Control Vessel was launched on August 29, 2024. It is expected to be delivered soon.

Topic: Indian Economy

2. India will emerge as the world's third largest economy by 2028.

• According to a Morgan Stanley report released on July 23, India is projected to become the third-largest economy in the world by 2028.

• The country’s GDP is expected to more than double and reach $10.6 trillion by 2035, driven by strong state-level performances.
• The report estimates that three to five Indian states – including Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka – could each reach the $1 trillion mark, putting them among the top 20 global economies by 2035.
• Based on the latest data, the top three states are Maharashtra, Gujarat and Telangana.
• Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh have shown the most progress in state-level economic rankings over the past five years.
• According to the report, India will contribute 20% to global growth in the next decade and will emerge as a major driver of revenue for multinational companies.
• As India moves towards becoming a $10.6 trillion economy, the role of states is also becoming important.
• Central capital expenditure has doubled from 1.6% of GDP in FY15 to 3.2% in FY25, leading to major infrastructure improvements.
• Highway networks have expanded by 60%, while the number of airports and metro rail systems has also seen significant growth.
• Key national infrastructure schemes like PM Gati Shakti, Bharatmala, and Sagarmala are being executed in coordination with states.

(Source: News on AIR)

Topic: MoUs/Agreements

3. A Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) signed between India and the UK.

• On 24 July, a major trade agreement titled the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) has been signed between India and the United Kingdom under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
• The agreement was signed by India’s Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and the UK’s Secretary of State for Business and Trade Jonathan Reynolds in the presence of both prime ministers.
• This Free Trade Agreement marks India's significant economic engagement with a major developed economy.
• Bilateral trade between the two countries stands at around US$56 billion, with a joint goal to double it by 2030.
• Nearly 99% of India’s exports to the UK have been granted duty-free access, boosting sectors like textiles, leather, toys, marine products, and gems and jewelry.
• Simplified visa procedures and liberalized entry categories have been provided for Indian professionals like engineers, chefs, musicians, and architects.
• The services sector, including IT, financial, legal, educational, and digital services, has been given broader market access under this agreement.
• An innovative Double Contribution Convention has been agreed upon, exempting Indian professionals from paying UK social security contributions for up to three years.
• The agreement has been designed to benefit MSMEs, startups, farmers, women entrepreneurs, and youth by expanding global value chain access.
• The CETA is expected to generate employment, drive innovation, and strengthen India’s global economic standing while ensuring inclusive and sustainable trade growth.

Topic: National News

4. India achieved its 20% ethanol blending target five years ahead of schedule.

• India has achieved 20% ethanol blending in petrol in 2025, five years ahead of the original target of 2030, as announced by Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri.
• Ethanol blending levels have risen dramatically from 1.5% in 2014 to 20% in 2025, marking a 13-fold increase in just over a decade.
• Ethanol production in the country has surged from 38 crore liters in 2014 to 661.1 crore liters by June 2025.
• Approximately ₹1.36 lakh crore in foreign exchange has been saved by reducing the need for crude oil imports.
• Payments of ₹1.96 lakh crore have been made to distilleries, providing a strong boost to the domestic biofuel industry.
• Around ₹1.18 lakh crore has been transferred to farmers, thereby strengthening rural incomes and supporting agricultural livelihoods.
• Carbon dioxide emissions have been reduced by 698 lakh tonnes through the use of ethanol-blended fuel, aiding India’s environmental commitments.
• Sugarcane and other bio-crops have been used as the primary feedstock for ethanol, reinforcing agricultural integration.
• A price hike for ethanol produced from molasses has recently been approved by the Union Cabinet to support continued production.

Topic: Defence

5. The army reviewed 'Operation Shiva' in Jammu for Amarnath Yatra security.

• On 23 July, a review of ‘Operation Shiva’ was conducted by Northern Army Commander Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma in the Doda, Ramban, and Kishtwar districts.
• The General Officer Commanding (GOC), White Knight Corps, Lieutenant General P. K. Mishra, accompanied the review mission.
• The operation has been designed to ensure the safety and smooth conduct of the annual Amarnath Yatra in Jammu and Kashmir.
• Delta Force headquarters in Batote was visited by the army commander to assess real-time operational updates.
• Counter-terrorist operations in the region are being conducted jointly by the Indian Army, police, and paramilitary forces.
• A proactive and technology-driven approach has been emphasized by senior leadership for handling evolving threats.
• Multiple operations have been launched over the past month to neutralize terrorist activities in the region.
• The Army had launched Operation Shiva, a massive security initiative to provide foolproof security to the 38-day long Amarnath Yatra.
• The pilgrimage began from the valley on July 3 and will conclude on August 9.

Topic: National Appointment

6. Ajay Seth appointed as the new Chairman of IRDAI for a three-year term.

• On 24 July, former Finance Secretary Ajay Seth has been appointed as the Chairman of the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI).
• The appointment was approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet.
• Ajay Seth, a 1987-batch IAS officer of the Karnataka cadre, retired as Secretary of Finance and Economic Affairs in June 2025.
• His term as IRDAI Chairman will last for three years or until he turns 65, or until further government orders — whichever occurs first.
• He will succeed Debasish Panda, another retired IAS officer, whose term ended in March 2025.
• The IRDAI chairman's post had remained vacant since March until this new appointment was confirmed.
• Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India:
• IRDAI was constituted as the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDA) in 1999 after the recommendations of the Malhotra Committee report. IRDA was later renamed IRDAI.
• It was constituted as an autonomous body to regulate and develop the insurance industry.
• It was incorporated as a statutory body on April 19, 2000. It is headquartered in Hyderabad.
• It is an autonomous and statutory body under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Finance.

Topic: National News

7. National Cooperation Policy 2025 was launched by Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah in New Delhi.

• One of its major goals is to create five model cooperative villages in every tehsil.
• The policy puts emphasis on empowering rural areas, farmers, women, Dalits, and tribal communities.
• It promotes the formation of cooperatives in tourism, ride-hailing services, insurance, and green energy.
• The target is to triple the cooperative sector’s contribution to India’s GDP by 2034.
• It also aims to bring 50 crore people into active membership.
• The number of cooperative societies will be increased by 30 percent.
• At least one cooperative will be set up in every village.
• A 40-member committee led by Shri Suresh Prabhu prepared the policy.
• This is the second cooperation policy in India, the first being introduced in 2002.
• The policy supports the growth of small, professional, tech-driven, and self-reliant units.
• Six key focus areas have been identified.
• These include strengthening foundations, promoting growth, preparing for the future, boosting inclusion, exploring new sectors, and involving youth.
• New cooperative ventures will soon begin in the taxi and insurance sectors.
• Profits from these ventures will benefit rural cooperative members.
• NABARD’s model cooperative village in Gandhinagar will be expanded across India.
• White Revolution 2.0 will increase women's participation in the cooperative movement.
• The policy includes a review mechanism every ten years. This ensures it remains effective and relevant.
• National Cooperative Exports Limited has been formed to boost international reach.
• A transparent, tech-enabled model has been developed for PACS.
• This model will be adopted across all types of cooperatives.
• The 'Sahkar Taxi' scheme will ensure all profits go to the drivers. It will be launched by the end of this year.
• This policy will modernize and strengthen the cooperative model.
• It is designed to serve the nation’s needs for the next 25 years.

Topic: Summits/ Conferences/ Meetings

8. India and China held the 34^th meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination (WMCC) on Border Affairs in New Delhi.

• Gourangalal Das, Joint Secretary for East Asia, represented the Indian side.
• Hong Liang, Director General of the Boundary and Oceanic Affairs Department of China’s Foreign Ministry, led the Chinese delegation.
• Both sides reviewed the current conditions along the India-China border.
• They noted that peace and stability continue to prevail in the region.
• India and China agreed to maintain regular contact.
• These exchanges will continue at both diplomatic and military levels.
• They will use established communication channels and mechanisms.
• The two sides discussed earlier talks held by Special Representatives.
• They also reflected on outcomes from the 33rd WMCC meeting.
• They also worked on planning the next round of Special Representatives’ Talks.
• The upcoming dialogue will take place in India later this year.
• India has resumed issuing tourist visas to Chinese nationals.
• This comes after a suspension of five years.
• Chinese citizens can now apply for Indian tourist visas online.
• They must complete an application and schedule an appointment.
• Applicants are required to submit their passport and documents in person.
• India China relations:
  • The year 2025 is the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and China.
  • India established diplomatic relations with China on 1 April 1950.
  • The Special Representatives mechanism on the India-China Boundary Question was set up 2003.
  • Since June 2020, India and China engaged in discussions through WMCC.

Topic: Summits/ Conferences/ Meetings

9. Union Environment Minister Shri Bhupender Yadav is leading India’s delegation at the 15th Conference of the Parties (COP15) to the Ramsar Convention.

• The event is being held in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, from July 23 to July 31, 2025.
• At the high-level ministerial session, the Minister emphasized India’s philosophy of living in harmony with nature.
• He also stressed the importance of sustainable living in protecting wetlands.
• India has expanded its number of Ramsar-recognized wetlands by 250 percent in the last decade.
• The country now has 91 Ramsar sites, covering 1.36 million hectares.
• This makes India the top country in Asia for Ramsar sites and third globally.
• Indore and Udaipur became India’s first cities accredited as Ramsar Wetland Cities.
• National campaigns like Mission Sahbhagita and the Save Wetlands Campaign have mobilized over two million people.
• As a result, more than 170,000 wetlands have been surveyed on the ground.
• Nearly 100,000 wetlands have had their boundaries formally marked.
• Shri Yadav highlighted initiatives like Mission LiFE and "Ek ped Maa ke naam" as examples of citizen-led conservation.
• India’s approach to wetland conservation is supported by constitutional values and legal frameworks.
• These include national strategies like the Biodiversity Action Plan and the Wildlife Action Plan.
• The Minister referred to UNEA Resolution 6/8 to stress the need for embedding sustainable lifestyles in policy.
• He also met with Zimbabwe’s Environment Minister Dr. Evelyn Ndlovu.
• They discussed collaboration on wetland restoration and knowledge sharing.
• Ramsar COP15 brings together 172 contracting parties and international organizations.
• Delegates are finalizing the work programme and budget for the next three years.
• Ramsar Convention, officially the "Convention on Wetlands," is an international treaty for the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands.
• It was signed in Ramsar, Iran, on February 2, 1971, and came into force on December 21, 1975.

Topic: National Appointments

10. Shri Nitin Gupta has taken over as Chairperson of the National Financial Reporting Authority (NFRA).

• He assumed charge on 23rd July 2025.
• Earlier, he served as Chairman of the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) from June 2022 to June 2024.
• As CBDT Chairman, he introduced artificial intelligence and big data into the tax system.
• Under his leadership, the direct tax-to-GDP ratio reached an all-time high.Tax revenues also grew steadily year after year.
• Ms. Smita Jhingran, a retired IRS officer from the 1986 batch, has taken charge as Full-Time Member of NFRA.
• She previously held the same position at NFRA.
• Shri P. Daniel, a retired Indian Defence Estates Service officer from the 1989 batch, has also joined as Full-Time Member of NFRA.
• He earlier served as Secretary of the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC).
• Shri Sushil Kumar Jaiswal, a retired officer from the Indian Audit and Accounts Service (1993 batch), has also become a Full-Time Member of NFRA.
• He previously served as Director General of Audit (Central Receipts).
• On 23rd July 2025, the Secretary of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs administered the Oaths of Office and Secrecy to NFRA Chairperson and Full-Time Members.
• Established on 1st October 2018, NFRA supervises the work of auditors, establishes and enforces standards of accounting and auditing.