Daily Current Affairs 25th July 2025, Important News Headlines (Daily GK Update)

National News

India-UK Vision 2035 Explained: The Billion-Dollar Blueprint for the Future!

• The India-UK Vision 2035 is a strategic blueprint to transform India-UK ties through enhanced cooperation in trade (CETA, BIT), defence (10-year roadmap, joint R&D), technology (AI, biotech, semiconductors), climate (green finance, clean energy, SMRs), and education (transnational degrees, youth exchange).
• It supports people-to-people links, reinforces a rules-based international order, and promotes multilateral reform.
• The partnership is guided by annual reviews and high-level dialogues, ensuring dynamic, inclusive, and future-ready collaboration.

National Cooperation Policy – 2025: Why It Is a Game-Changer?

• The National Cooperation Policy – 2025 aims to triple GDP contribution, bring in 50 crore active members, and promote grassroots-led development through at least one cooperative per village and five model villages per tehsil.
• It prioritizes technology-enabled, transparent, and youth-driven cooperatives in new sectors like insurance, tourism, taxi services, and green energy.
• With White Revolution 2.0, Sahkar Taxi, and a dedicated cooperative university, the policy seeks to build an inclusive, self-reliant, and future-ready cooperative ecosystem.

UK-India FTA Signed: Who Wins, What’s Cheaper, and How It Impacts You!

• The India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) signed on July 24, 2025, aims to eliminate duties on 99% of Indian exports to the UK and reduce tariffs on UK goods entering India. Scotch whisky, British cars, chocolates, cosmetics, and medical devices will become cheaper for Indian consumers, while sectors like textiles, gems, auto parts, and pharma will see a major export boost.
• Indian professionals will benefit from eased visa rules and social security waivers, and the FTA is expected to double trade volumes by 2030.

India Achieves 20% Ethanol Blending in Petrol Way Ahead of Targeted Year

• India has achieved 20% ethanol blending in petrol in 2025, five years ahead of the 2030 target, marking a major step in its clean energy transition.
• The blending level rose from 1.5% in 2014 to 20% in 2025, saving ₹1.36 lakh crore in foreign exchange, reducing CO₂ emissions by 698 lakh tonnes, and providing ₹1.18 lakh crore to farmers.
• Derived mainly from sugarcane, ethanol production has boosted the biofuel industry, rural incomes, and supported India’s climate goals and energy security.

PM Modi Makes History: Breaks Indira Gandhi’s Record as India’s 2nd Longest Serving PM!

• Narendra Modi has officially become India’s second-longest serving Prime Minister, completing 4,078 consecutive days in office on July 25, 2025, surpassing Indira Gandhi’s record.
• He is the first non-Congress PM to serve two full terms, the longest-serving leader from a non-Hindi-speaking state, and the first post-independence born PM to achieve this feat, marking a historic moment in Indian political history.

State News

Ministry of Culture To Celebrate Rajendra Chola I: Aadi Thiruvathirai Festival 2025

• The Aadi Thiruvathirai Festival (23–27 July 2025) at Gangaikonda Cholapuram honors Rajendra Chola I’s birth anniversary, marking 1,000 years of his maritime expedition and temple construction.
• The event includes Bharatanatyam, Devaram chanting, ASI exhibitions, and a performance by Ilaiyaraaja, with PM Modi as Chief Guest.
• The festival promotes Shaiva Siddhanta, Tamil Bhakti tradition, and Chola heritage, highlighting the ruler’s visionary cultural and political impact.

International News

Historic Day! India-UK FTA Signed: ₹ Trillions to Be Gained – Here’s What It Means

• The India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA), signed in July 2025, is a historic and comprehensive trade pact aimed at reducing tariffs, boosting key sectors like textiles, auto parts, and chemicals, and increasing bilateral trade to $120 billion by 2030.
• It includes strategic elements such as Vision 2035, defence cooperation, and technology sharing.
• The deal promises £25.5 billion in trade boost, job creation, and closer cooperation on security, terrorism, and climate change, while also highlighting PM Modi and PM Starmer’s commitment to a rules-based, democratic global order.

India Resumes Tourist Visas for Chinese Citizens After Five Years

• India has resumed tourist visas for Chinese citizens after a five-year suspension caused by COVID-19 and diplomatic tensions.
• Chinese nationals can apply online and visit Indian consulates in Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou for processing.
• The move comes soon after the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra resumed, reflecting efforts to boost people-to-people ties, improve bilateral relations, and revitalize India’s tourism sector.

France to Recognise Palestinian State: A Diplomatic Shift in the Middle East

• France will formally recognise the State of Palestine in September 2025, becoming the first G7 nation to do so.
• This move aims to push for a ceasefire, rebuild Gaza, and promote a two-state solution.
• It has been welcomed by Palestine, condemned by Israel, and rejected by the US.
• The recognition carries symbolic and diplomatic weight but faces several geopolitical challenges.

Economy News

Net FDI Inflows Fell 98% in May 2025 – RBI Bulletin

• India’s net FDI inflows dropped by 98% YoY to $35 million in May 2025, due to 24% rise in repatriation and 11% fall in gross inflows, as per the RBI Bulletin.
• Singapore, Mauritius, UAE, and USA were major sources, with inflows into manufacturing, financial, and IT services.
• Outward FDI rose to $2.1 billion, mainly into transport and business services.
• Despite this dip, India’s FX reserves stood at $696.7 billion, covering 11 months of imports and 95% of external debt.

Appointments News

Former Finance Secretary Ajay Seth to Lead IRDAI – Here’s What It Means

• Ajay Seth, a 1987-batch IAS officer and former Finance Secretary, has been appointed as the new IRDAI Chairman.
• His prior roles in economic affairs, fiscal policy, and infrastructure position him as a strong reform-oriented leader.
• His appointment is likely to strengthen regulatory oversight, enhance insurance penetration, and support policy innovation in India’s insurance sector.

Agreement News

PESA Gets a Power Boost: What the New Centre in Amarkantak Means for India’s Tribals

• The Centre of Excellence on PESA at IGNTU, Amarkantak was launched through a tripartite MoU involving the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, the Madhya Pradesh Government, and IGNTU to improve grassroots governance in tribal regions.
• Its objectives include capacity building, research, participatory planning, and preservation of tribal knowledge, aligning with PESA and LSDGs.
• The launch of the “PESA in Action” compendium underscores efforts toward showcasing best practices in tribal self-governance, ultimately contributing to a Viksit Bharat rooted in inclusive development and cultural respect.

Defense News

DRDO Successfully Test-Fires Drone-Launched Missile ULPGM-V3

• India’s DRDO has successfully test-fired the UAV-Launched Precision Guided Missile (ULPGM)-V3 at Kurnool, marking a major boost in drone-launched precision strike capabilities.
• The 12.5 kg missile, powered by a dual-thrust solid motor, uses infrared imaging for day-night targeting, supports two-way datalink, and offers multiple warhead options.
• Developed with support from MSMEs, startups, and major firms like Adani and BDL, the ULPGM programme has three variants, with V3 (ULM-ER) being the most advanced.
• This achievement enhances India’s defence preparedness and aligns with Aatmanirbhar Bharat goals.

Schemes News

Govt’s Childcare Push: 14,599 Palna Centres to Support India’s Modern Workforce!

• The Palna Scheme, launched in April 2022, aims to support working mothers by providing day-care and crèche facilities for children aged 6 months to 6 years.
• Integrated with Anganwadi centres, the scheme ensures nutrition, health monitoring, and early learning.
• It targets 17,000 centres under the 15th Finance Commission cycle, with 14,599 already approved.
• Palna supports SDG 8, women’s empowerment, and promotes inclusive development by easing the burden of unpaid caregiving.

10 Years of Skill India: How India’s Youth Are Being Future-Proofed!

• Skill India Mission (2015–2025) has trained over 6 crore individuals, integrating schemes like PMKVY 4.0, PM-NAPS, and JSS under one framework.
• Key features include alignment with NSQF, use of Skill India Digital Hub, and focus on AI, robotics, and green energy.
• Major achievements include 1.63 crore trained under PMKVY, 26 lakh under JSS, and 43.47 lakh apprentices under PM-NAPS.
• The mission supports India’s demographic dividend, with a strong focus on inclusion, employability, and future-readiness.

Science & Technology News

NASA launches TRACERS Mission to Study Earth’s Magnetic Defense Against Space Storms

• NASA has launched the TRACERS Mission with two satellites to study magnetic reconnection in Earth’s polar cusp, protecting the planet from solar storms.
• The satellites will provide real-time data on how space weather affects satellites, communication systems, and power grids.
• It launched alongside Athena EPIC, PExT, and REAL satellites on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, and is significant for global space research, including for countries like India.

Obituaries News

Hulk Hogan, WWE Icon and Global Pop Culture Phenomenon, Dies at 71

• Hulk Hogan, a two-time WWE Hall of Famer, died at 71 due to cardiac arrest in Florida.
• Known for iconic phrases like “Whatcha gonna do when Hulkamania runs wild on you?”, Hogan helped transform professional wrestling into a mainstream global phenomenon in the 1980s.
• Despite controversies—including a Gawker lawsuit and a racism scandal—he remained a central figure in sports entertainment.
• He headlined eight WrestleMania main events, starred in films, and rejoined WWE as host in his later years, leaving behind a massive legacy in pop culture.

Miscellaneous News

Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai Hits $1.1 Billion Net Worth Milestone

• Sundar Pichai, CEO of Alphabet Inc., has reached a net worth of $1.1 billion, driven by Alphabet’s soaring stock and heavy AI investments.
• His rise—from a modest background in Tamil Nadu to leading one of the world’s biggest tech companies—illustrates the power of strategic leadership and innovation.
• With only 0.02% stock ownership, Pichai’s wealth stems largely from stock sales and compensation, alongside his pivotal role in Alphabet’s AI infrastructure boom.
• DeepMind’s acquisition, a 120% stock rise, and $50 billion AI investment in 2024 were key factors.

Current Affairs Today | 25 July Current Affairs 2025 | Daily Current Affairs By Ashish Gautam