Daily Current Affairs and GK Updates (25th July, 2026)

Cabinet Approves Stricter Anti-Paper Leak Law Amendments

• The Union Cabinet approved amendments to the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024.
• The amendments aim to curb exam paper leaks and organized cheating.
• The minimum imprisonment for paper leak offences has been increased from 3 years to 5 years.
• The maximum financial penalty has been raised to ₹10 crore.
• The law covers offences such as paper leaks, impersonation, fake exam websites, and organized fraud.
• It also targets unauthorized access to confidential examination data.
• The proposal includes special investigation mechanisms for faster probes.
• Fast-track courts will ensure quicker disposal of examination-related cases.
• The amendments seek to protect the interests of genuine students and candidates.
• The initiative aims to restore public confidence in competitive examinations.
• Key Fact: The revised law introduces stricter punishments and faster justice to safeguard examination integrity.

Right to Protest Debate Revives Constitutional Rights Discussion

• The Right to Protest is protected under Articles 19(1)(a) and 19(1)(b) of the Constitution.
• It guarantees citizens the right to free speech and peaceful assembly.
• The right is subject to reasonable restrictions for public order and national security.
• The debate resurfaced after police action against the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) march.
• Authorities can regulate protests through permissions and designated protest areas.
• Restrictions may also be imposed under Section 163 of the BNSS.
• The Supreme Court has repeatedly upheld the right to peaceful protest.
• It has clarified that protests should not cause indefinite disruption or block public spaces.
• Important judgments include Himat Lal K. Shah (1973), MKSS (2018), and Amit Sahni (2020).
• The rulings balance fundamental rights with public convenience.
• Key Fact: The Right to Protest is a fundamental constitutional right, but it is not absolute.

Indian Railways Introduces AI-Based Linen Quality Inspection System

• Indian Railways launched an AI-based linen stain detection pilot project on 24 July 2026.
• The project aims to improve the quality and hygiene of AC coach bed linen.
• The pilot is being implemented in the Pune, Jaipur, and Jodhpur Divisions.
• It uses high-resolution cameras, computer vision, and machine learning.
• The system detects stains more accurately than manual inspection alone.
• It complements existing quality checks like Whito-Meters and CCTV surveillance.
• Standard AC bedrolls include two bedsheets, one pillow cover, and one hand towel.
• The initiative supports mechanised laundries for better linen management.
• The project is expected to improve passenger satisfaction and quality control.
• Successful implementation may lead to nationwide adoption.
• Key Fact: This is Indian Railways’ first AI-powered pilot for automated linen quality inspection.

Ravneet Singh Bittu Resigns From Union Council of Ministers

• Ravneet Singh Bittu resigned as Union Minister of State.
• He handled the Railways and Food Processing Industries portfolios.
• His resignation followed the end of his Rajya Sabha term in June 2026.
• President Droupadi Murmu accepted the resignation on the advice of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
• The resignation became effective under Article 75(2) of the Constitution.
• Bittu said he wanted to focus on Punjab politics.
• He plans to prepare for the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections.
• Bittu is the grandson of former Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh.
• He joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 2024 after leaving the Congress.
• He previously represented Ludhiana and Anandpur Sahib in the Lok Sabha.
• Key Fact: Bittu stepped down to focus on Punjab’s 2027 Assembly elections.

Government Directs GitHub to Remove Bitchat App Repositories

• The Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) directed GitHub to remove repositories related to Bitchat.
• Bitchat is a Bluetooth-based decentralized messaging application developed by Jack Dorsey.
• The app enables encrypted peer-to-peer communication without internet or phone numbers.
• It operates using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) mesh networks.
• The government cited concerns over national security, cybercrime, and misinformation.
• Authorities also highlighted difficulties in law enforcement monitoring due to its anonymous design.
• The removal order was issued under Section 79(3)(b) of the IT Act, 2000.
• It also invoked Rule 3(1)(d) of the IT Rules, 2021.
• Earlier reports had identified a Man-in-the-Middle (MITM) vulnerability in the app.
• The move aims to prevent the misuse of anonymous communication platforms.
• Key Fact: Bitchat works without internet, SIM cards, or centralized servers, making it difficult to monitor.

Supreme Court Restricts Unauthorized Sharing of Court Proceedings Videos

• The Supreme Court of India prohibited unauthorized sharing of court proceeding videos.
• Videos cannot be uploaded, saved, shared, or circulated without prior approval.
• The order was issued by a bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant.
• Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana were also part of the bench.
• Permission must be obtained from the Secretary General of the Supreme Court or the Registrar General of High Courts.
• The Court expressed concern over misleading edits and AI-generated fake content.
• It warned that misuse could damage public trust in the judiciary.
• The case originated from a PIL filed by journalist Harshita Grover.
• The Court also sought the Bar Council of India’s opinion on lawyers using courtroom videos for promotion.
• Continued misuse may lead to stricter restrictions on live streaming of court proceedings.
• Key Fact: The order aims to prevent the misuse of courtroom footage through AI manipulation and sensational content.

State News

Rajasthan Unveils State Water Plan 2047 for Sustainability

• The Rajasthan Government launched the Rajasthan State Water Plan 2047 on 24 July 2026.
• The plan focuses on water security, groundwater conservation, and sustainable water management.
• It integrates schemes like Jal Jeevan Mission, AMRUT 2.0, and Atal Bhujal Yojana.
• The Ramjal Setu Link Project will supply drinking water to 17 districts.
• The project will also irrigate 4.84 lakh hectares of agricultural land.
• The Yamuna Water Agreement will provide 1,917 cusecs of water through a 295-km pipeline.
• Around 7.5 million people are expected to benefit from the Yamuna project.
• The plan also includes Devas III & IV projects for Udaipur.
• A total of ₹5,100 crore has been allocated under AMRUT 2.0.
• The Kisan Saathi App will support real-time irrigation and water management.
• Key Fact: The State Water Plan 2047 is Rajasthan’s long-term roadmap for achieving sustainable water security.

HCLTech to Build AI Data Centre in Odisha

• HCL Technologies (HCLTech) will establish its first AI-optimised data centre in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.
• The project will be developed in partnership with Sarvam AI and the Odisha Government.
• The total investment is estimated at ₹15,000 crore.
• The facility will be located in the Odisha Sovereign AI Park.
• It will also house a Global Technology Centre.
• The centre is expected to become operational by 2028.
• The project is likely to create around 5,000 direct jobs.
• It will support AI research, cloud services, and enterprise AI applications.
• The initiative aims to strengthen India’s digital sovereignty and indigenous AI capabilities.
• It will also boost Odisha’s technology and innovation ecosystem.
• Key Fact: This will be HCLTech’s first AI-optimised data centre in India with an investment of ₹15,000 crore.

International News

Europe Battles Massive Wildfires Amid Record Climate Crisis

• Europe is facing one of its worst wildfire emergencies due to extreme weather.
• Spain declared a national emergency for the first time because of rapidly spreading fires.
• France sought assistance through the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism.
• More than 10,000 people were evacuated from wildfire-affected areas in Spain.
• Around 63,000 people were evacuated from fire-hit regions in France.
• The fires destroyed nearly 50 homes and burned about 10,000 hectares in France.
• Extreme heat, drought, and strong winds accelerated the spread of the fires.
• Regions near Madrid, Ávila, Cap Ferret, and Biscarrosse were severely affected.
• Authorities linked the disaster to the growing impact of climate change.
• The crisis highlighted the importance of international disaster cooperation.
• Key Fact: Spain declared its first-ever national emergency due to devastating wildfires.

India Romania Sign Three Agreements to Deepen Bilateral Relations

• India and Romania signed three agreements during President Droupadi Murmu’s state visit.
• The agreements focus on science & technology, Indian studies, and sports cooperation.
• The science pact promotes joint research, innovation, and technology exchange.
• An MoU established a Chair of Indian Studies at the University of Bucharest.
• The sports agreement encourages athlete exchanges and training programmes.
• Both countries aim to double bilateral trade within the next three years.
• Cooperation will expand in AI, renewable energy, healthcare, manufacturing, and digital infrastructure.
• The leaders announced 2028 as the India-Romania Year of Innovation.
• The initiative marks 80 years of diplomatic relations between the two nations.
• The visit strengthened strategic and economic cooperation between both countries.
• Key Fact: 2028 will be celebrated as the India-Romania Year of Innovation.

India Invites Bangladesh Leader for BRICS Summit 2026

• India invited Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman as a special guest for the BRICS Summit 2026.
• The summit will be held in New Delhi from 17–19 September 2026.
• Bangladesh is not a BRICS member, but seeks to join the grouping.
• The invitation reflects India’s focus on strengthening regional cooperation.
• India is leading BRICS 2026 under its Chairmanship.
• The summit theme is “Creating Resilience, Innovation, Collaboration and Sustainability.”
• Ministerial meetings will discuss health, disaster management, digital transformation, and climate resilience.
• India aims to strengthen cooperation among emerging economies.
• The summit will also promote technology partnerships and sustainable development.
• It reflects India’s growing engagement with the Global South.
• Key Fact: India is hosting the BRICS Summit 2026 in New Delhi.

India Israel Advance Free Trade Agreement Negotiations Successfully

• India and Israel completed the second round of Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations.
• The talks were held from 20–23 July 2026 at Vanijya Bhawan, New Delhi.
• Discussions were based on the Terms of Reference signed in November 2025.
• Negotiations covered trade in goods and services, rules of origin, and customs procedures.
• Both countries also discussed intellectual property rights and trade facilitation.
• The proposed FTA aims to improve market access and investment flows.
• It will strengthen cooperation in technology, healthcare, agriculture, defence, and manufacturing.
• Merchandise trade between the two countries reached USD 3.93 billion in FY 2025–26.
• The agreement is expected to improve supply chain resilience.
• The negotiations seek to deepen the overall economic partnership.
• Key Fact: India-Israel merchandise trade stood at USD 3.93 billion in FY 2025–26.

Economy News

India’s Forex Reserves Rise Above $676 Billion Mark

• India’s foreign exchange reserves increased by $1.08 billion.
• Total reserves reached $676.24 billion for the week ending 17 July 2026.
• The data was released by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
• Foreign Currency Assets (FCAs) rose by $4.55 billion to $551.06 billion.
• Gold reserves declined by $3.48 billion to $101.75 billion.
• The reserves also include $18.67 billion in Special Drawing Rights (SDRs).
• India’s IMF Reserve Position stood at $4.76 billion.
• Strong forex reserves help maintain rupee stability and support imports.
• They also enhance investor confidence and protect against global financial shocks.
• The increase reflects India’s strong external financial position.
• Key Fact: India’s foreign exchange reserves stood at $676.24 billion as of 17 July 2026.

Banking News

NSE Launches India’s First Domestic Natural Gas Futures

• National Stock Exchange (NSE) will launch India’s first domestic Natural Gas Futures Contract.
• Trading will begin from 27 July 2026 after SEBI approval.
• The contract will trade under the ticker NATGASIND.
• It is linked to the Indian Gas Exchange (IGX) Dahej Hub benchmark.
• The contract is cash-settled with no physical gas delivery.
• It is priced in Indian Rupees per mmBtu.
• The trading unit is 250 mmBtu.
• It enables producers, consumers, and traders to hedge against price volatility.
• The initiative improves price discovery, transparency, and risk management.
• It supports India’s vision of building a gas-based economy.
• Key Fact: This is India’s first domestic benchmark-based Natural Gas Futures Contract.

Appointment News

Satya Pal Kumar Appointed New FIU-India Director

• The Union Government appointed Satya Pal Kumar as the new Director of FIU-India.
• He is a 2005-batch Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer.
• The appointment was approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC).
• It was part of a major bureaucratic reshuffle involving 20 senior officers.
• FIU-India functions under the Ministry of Finance.
• The agency monitors money laundering and terror financing.
• It also tracks financial fraud and suspicious financial transactions.
• FIU-India collects, analyses, and shares financial intelligence with enforcement agencies.
• The appointment strengthens India’s anti-money laundering framework.
• It also enhances coordination among financial investigation agencies.
• Key Fact: FIU-India is India’s national agency for combating money laundering and financial crimes.

Science & Technology News

SpaceX Successfully Launches Starship Flight 13 Test Mission

• SpaceX launched Starship Flight 13 from Starbase, Texas, on 24 July 2026.
• It was the 13th Starship test mission and the second test of Starship Version 3.
• The mission deployed 20 upgraded Starlink V3 satellites.
• SpaceX successfully conducted an in-space Raptor engine relight test.
• Six satellites transmitted live video of Starship during flight.
• The Starship upper stage completed re-entry successfully.
• It achieved a controlled splashdown in the Indian Ocean while transmitting telemetry.
• The Super Heavy booster completed a boostback burn but made a hard splashdown.
• The mission tested several hardware and software upgrades introduced after Flight 12.
• The test supports SpaceX’s progress toward fully reusable space transportation.
• Key Fact: Flight 13 successfully deployed 20 Starlink V3 satellites and completed an in-space Raptor engine relight.

Schemes News

Karnataka Promotes Agroforestry Through Krushi Aranya Incentive Scheme

• Karnataka Krushi Aranya Protsaha Yojane (KAPY) promotes agroforestry on agricultural land.
• The scheme is implemented by the Karnataka Forest Department.
• It encourages farmers to increase the state’s green cover.
• Farmers receive incentives for maintaining healthy seedlings for three years.
• Financial assistance includes ₹35, ₹40, and ₹50 per seedling over three years.
• Government nurseries provide subsidized seedlings.
• Farmers can earn income from timber, fruits, fodder, seeds, and forest products.
• The scheme supports biodiversity, carbon sequestration, and climate-resilient farming.
• Eligible land-owning farmers can apply through Forest Range Offices.
• The initiative promotes sustainable agriculture and environmental conservation.
• Key Fact: KAPY rewards farmers based on the survival of planted seedlings for three consecutive years.

Cabinet Approves BHAVYA Rasayan Scheme for Chemical Parks

• The Union Cabinet approved the BHAVYA Rasayan Scheme on 24 July 2026.
• The scheme will establish three advanced Chemical Parks across India.
• It has a total financial outlay of ₹3,030 crore.
• ₹3,000 crore is allocated for infrastructure development.
• States must contribute at least ₹500 crore for each Chemical Park.
• Each park can receive up to ₹1,000 crore in central assistance.
• The parks will provide plug-and-play industrial infrastructure.
• Facilities include effluent treatment, waste management, water supply, and logistics.
• The scheme aims to attract investments and strengthen chemical manufacturing.
• It supports Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat 2047 objectives.
• Key Fact: The scheme will develop three world-class Chemical Parks with a total outlay of ₹3,030 crore