Current Affairs Report: July 13, 2025

On July 13, 2025, India witnessed a flurry of significant events across politics, economy, science, international relations, environment, defense, and sports, all of which are crucial for students preparing for UPSC, SSC, Banking, and other government exams. This comprehensive report, sourced from credible outlets like The Hindu, The Indian Express, Times of India, Press Information Bureau (PIB), and others, provides an in-depth look at the day’s developments, crafted to enhance your knowledge and give you a competitive edge.

Politics and Governance: Shaping India’s Democratic Landscape

The political sphere was abuzz with developments that underscore India’s dynamic governance framework. On July 13, 2025, the President of India nominated four distinguished individuals to the Rajya Sabha: Harsh Vardhan Shringla, a seasoned diplomat; Ujjwal Nikam, a renowned public prosecutor; C. Sadanandan Master, an educator; and Meenakshi Jain, a historian. These nominations, announced by The Hindu, are expected to enrich parliamentary discussions with diverse expertise, a key point for exam aspirants to note as it reflects India’s approach to inclusive representation in the upper house.

Another significant development came from the Election Commission of India (ECI), which reported findings from its Special Intensive Revision (SIR) drive in Bihar. According to The Hindu, the ECI identified individuals from Nepal, Bangladesh, and Myanmar during the voter list verification process. These names will be excluded from the final voter list, set to be published on September 30, 2025, to ensure electoral integrity. This move highlights the ECI’s commitment to maintaining clean voter rolls, a topic often tested in governance-related questions.

A legal challenge also made headlines, with a plea filed in the Supreme Court against a Uttar Pradesh government directive mandating eateries along the ‘kanwar’ route to display QR codes revealing owners’ names and identities. As reported by The Hindu, petitioners, including academician Apoorvanand Jha, argued that this breaches the right to privacy and risks discriminatory profiling based on religion and caste. The directive echoes similar 2024 mandates stayed by the Supreme Court, and the hearing scheduled for July 15, 2025, before Justices MM Sundresh and N Kotiswar Singh, could set a precedent for balancing administrative policies with constitutional rights. This issue is critical for understanding federal-state dynamics and privacy laws.

Additionally, political tensions surfaced with Kapil Sibal alleging that the ECI acts as a “puppet” of the Modi government, particularly criticizing the SIR drive in Bihar as unconstitutional. Reported by The Hindu, this statement reflects ongoing debates about electoral autonomy. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) also arrested two individuals in a money-laundering case against the Sahara Group, signaling continued scrutiny of financial misconduct with potential political implications. In Odisha, a girl’s self-immolation case sparked a political controversy, with former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik alleging justice was denied, as per The Hindu, highlighting governance challenges in addressing social issues.

Economy: A Steady Growth Trajectory

India’s economy continues to shine as a global bright spot. As of July 13, 2025, the latest consumer price inflation data for May 2025 stood at 2.82%, the lowest since February 2019, according to Moneycontrol and PIB. This decline, driven by lower prices of pulses, vegetables, and fruits, brings inflation close to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI)’s 2% lower tolerance threshold, a critical point for Banking exam aspirants. The food inflation component, which constitutes nearly half of the CPI basket, dropped to 0.99%, the lowest since October 2021.

A PIB press note from July 6, 2025, highlighted that India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is projected to grow at 6.5% in 2025-26, matching the 2024-25 estimate. This steady growth, supported by robust domestic demand and prudent policies, positions India as the fastest-growing major economy, as per the RBI. However, global trade uncertainties, particularly potential U.S. tariffs, could pose challenges, as noted in Deloitte’s May 2025 outlook. The Union Budget 2025-26, presented in February 2025, introduced significant personal income tax reductions to boost consumer spending, potentially increasing GDP by 0.6-0.7%, though tariff risks might offset gains by 0.1-0.3%.

Science and Technology: Reaching for the Stars and Beyond

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) continued to make strides in space exploration. On July 13, 2025, ISRO provided an update on the Axiom-4 mission, where Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, India’s Gaganyatri, is conducting microgravity experiments on the International Space Station (ISS). As reported by ISRO and Times of India, Shukla’s research includes a study on skeletal muscle degradation, vital for understanding human health in space. This mission, a collaboration with NASA and Axiom Space, marks a milestone in India’s space ambitions, particularly for the upcoming Gaganyaan mission.

ISRO also successfully conducted hot tests of the Gaganyaan Service Module Propulsion System, a critical component for India’s first crewed space mission, as per ISRO’s website. These tests ensure the reliability of the propulsion system, a key topic for UPSC aspirants focusing on India’s space program.

In artificial intelligence, India is striving for autonomy in developing foundational AI models. A MIT Technology Review article from July 7, 2025, highlighted the efforts of startups like CognitiveLab, led by Adithya Kolavi, inspired by China’s DeepSeek model. However, challenges such as funding constraints and India’s linguistic diversity pose hurdles, as seen with Soket AI Labs’ Pragna-1B model. The government’s push for AI autonomy, supported by open-source models like Meta’s Llama, is a significant development for tech policy questions in exams.

International Relations: India’s Global Footprint

India’s international presence was prominent at the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro on July 7, 2025. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as reported by The Hindu, announced that under India’s BRICS presidency in 2026, the group will be redefined as Building Resilience and Innovation for Cooperation and Sustainability. This vision aims to strengthen BRICS as a platform for developing nations, a key point for UPSC questions on global groupings.

The summit also endorsed India’s candidacy to host the 33rd Conference of the Parties (COP33) in 2028, as per Times of India, reflecting India’s growing leadership in global climate discussions. Additionally, Reuters reported on July 13, 2025, that China highlighted the Dalai Lama succession as a contentious issue in India-China relations, underscoring ongoing diplomatic challenges. India’s negotiations for a bilateral trade agreement with the U.S., awaiting final approval as of July 5, 2025, per Business Today, focus on favorable tariffs for agriculture and dairy, potentially boosting economic ties.

Environment: Commitment to Climate Action

Environmental discussions at the BRICS Summit emphasized global climate cooperation. Leaders supported Brazil’s presidency of COP30 in 2025 and endorsed the BRICS Climate Leadership Agenda, which tailors solutions to each country’s development needs while advancing collective climate goals, as per Times of India. India’s commitment to sustainable development and its bid to host COP33 in 2028 highlight its proactive stance in global climate treaties, a critical topic for environmental policy questions.

Defense: Strengthening National Security

India’s defense sector is advancing rapidly. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has directed the Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) to finalize a foreign partner for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) engine by the end of 2025, as reported by Indian Defence News. This decision will shape India’s aerospace capabilities. Additionally, the Zorawar Light Tank, equipped with the Trophy Active Protection System (APS), is set for Army trials in 2025, enhancing India’s battlefield readiness, according to IDRW. These developments are crucial for understanding India’s military modernization.

Sports: Celebrating Achievements

In sports, India is on the cusp of a historic cricket victory in the third Test against England at Lord’s. As of July 13, 2025, India needs 70 runs with 2 wickets remaining, as reported by NDTV Sports, setting up a thrilling climax. In badminton, Indian shuttlers achieved a remarkable feat at the Asian Para-Badminton Championship 2025 in Thailand, winning 27 medals—4 gold, 10 silver, and 13 bronze—marking India’s best-ever performance, per News on Air. These achievements highlight India’s growing prowess in international sports.

This report, grounded in credible sources, provides a detailed and engaging overview of July 13, 2025, tailored for students preparing for competitive exams. By covering key developments across multiple domains, it equips aspirants with the knowledge needed to excel.

Sources:

• The Hindu
• The Indian Express
• Times of India
• Press Information Bureau
• ISRO
• Indian Defence News
• IDRW
• Business Today
• Moneycontrol
• MIT Technology Review
• News on Air

Daily quiz on current affairs with answers English

Question 1: Which of the following individuals was not among the four nominated to the Rajya Sabha on July 13, 2025?
Option 1: Harsh Vardhan Shringla
Option 2: Ujjwal Nikam
Option 3: C. Sadanandan Master
Option 4: Ram Bahadur Rai
Option 5: Meenakshi Jain
Answer: Option 4
Explanation: On July 13, 2025, the President of India nominated four prominent individuals to the Rajya Sabha: diplomat Harsh Vardhan Shringla, prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam, educator C. Sadanandan Master, and historian Meenakshi Jain. Ram Bahadur Rai was not among them, making Option 4 correct.

Question 2: What key issue was raised in the Supreme Court against the Uttar Pradesh government’s QR code directive for eateries?
Option 1: Violation of food safety norms
Option 2: Breach of right to privacy and risk of profiling
Option 3: Unfair taxation on small vendors
Option 4: Impact on local tourism
Option 5: Inadequate digital infrastructure
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: A plea was filed in the Supreme Court challenging the UP government’s directive requiring eateries along the ‘kanwar’ route to display QR codes disclosing owners’ identities. Petitioners, including academician Apoorvanand Jha, argued that it violated the right to privacy and could lead to caste or religious profiling.

Question 3: According to July 2025 data, India’s consumer inflation for May 2025 stood at what value?
Option 1: 4.1%
Option 2: 3.3%
Option 3: 2.82%
Option 4: 1.9%
Option 5: 0.99%
Answer: Option 5
Explanation: While the overall CPI inflation rate for May 2025 was 2.82%, the food inflation component specifically dropped to 0.99%, the lowest since October 2021. Since the question asks for the value according to July 2025 data, and references May’s food inflation figure, Option 5 is correct.

Question 4: Which Indian astronaut is currently conducting microgravity research aboard the International Space Station as part of the Axiom-4 mission?
Option 1: Shubhanshu Shukla
Option 2: Rakesh Sharma
Option 3: Gagandeep Menon
Option 4: Kalpana Sharma
Option 5: Adithya Kolavi
Answer: Option 1
Explanation: Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is India’s Gaganyatri aboard the ISS under the Axiom-4 mission. He is conducting research on muscle degradation in microgravity, a key experiment with implications for human space travel and Gaganyaan.

Question 5: What vision did PM Modi propose for India’s 2026 BRICS presidency during the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio?
Option 1: Reforming Global Institutions
Option 2: Expansion of Trade
Option 3: Building Resilience and Innovation for Cooperation and Sustainability
Option 4: South-South Technological Exchange
Option 5: Climate Justice and Development
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: PM Modi announced that India’s presidency of BRICS in 2026 will focus on “Building Resilience and Innovation for Cooperation and Sustainability.” This reflects India’s emphasis on inclusive development and innovation within multilateral groupings.

Question 6: What significant sports achievement was reported from the Asian Para-Badminton Championship 2025?
Option 1: First-ever team gold
Option 2: Defeating top-seeded Japan
Option 3: Winning 27 medals including 4 gold
Option 4: Hosting rights for the 2027 edition
Option 5: Highest Indian tally in the championship’s history
Answer: Option 5
Explanation: At the 2025 Asian Para-Badminton Championship in Thailand, India won a total of 27 medals (4 gold, 10 silver, 13 bronze), making it the country’s best-ever performance in the tournament’s history. This makes Option 5 the correct choice.

Question 7: Which private Indian AI startup is noted for working on foundational AI models like Pragna-1B?
Option 1: DeepLearn India
Option 2: BharatAI Labs
Option 3: Soket AI Labs
Option 4: VedaTech Systems
Option 5: CognitiveLab
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: Soket AI Labs has been in the spotlight for developing India-centric AI models, such as Pragna-1B, aiming to address the country’s linguistic diversity. Their efforts reflect India’s broader ambition for AI autonomy, with government support and global inspiration.

Question 8: What key concern was raised by China during bilateral discussions with India on July 13, 2025?
Option 1: Cross-border terrorism
Option 2: Dalai Lama succession
Option 3: Brahmaputra water sharing
Option 4: Border trade imbalances
Option 5: Military build-up in Arunachal Pradesh
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: China raised the issue of Dalai Lama succession as a sensitive point in India-China relations, emphasizing ongoing tensions between the two countries. This development was reported during diplomatic exchanges on July 13, 2025.

Question 9: Which propulsion component recently underwent successful hot testing for India’s Gaganyaan mission?
Option 1: Service Module Propulsion System
Option 2: Launch Escape System
Option 3: Orbital Module Adapter
Option 4: Main Stage Booster
Option 5: Cryogenic Upper Stage
Answer: Option 1
Explanation: ISRO successfully tested the Service Module Propulsion System, a critical component that ensures maneuvering and stability of the crew module in space. This is a key milestone for the Gaganyaan mission.

Question 10: What is a key feature of India’s Zorawar Light Tank currently in trials?
Option 1: Hybrid-electric propulsion
Option 2: Amphibious assault capability
Option 3: Trophy Active Protection System
Option 4: Stealth coating for radar evasion
Option 5: Autonomous navigation system
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: The Zorawar Light Tank, developed for deployment in high-altitude terrain, is equipped with the Trophy Active Protection System (APS). This system detects and neutralizes incoming threats like anti-tank missiles, significantly boosting the tank’s survivability in combat.