Current Affairs: July 23, 2025
Key Points
- Politics & Governance: ECI prepares for vice-presidential poll after Jagdeep Dhankhar‘s resignation; Parliament Monsoon Session stalled over Bihar electoral issues; PM Modi visits U.K. and Maldives.
- Judiciary: Supreme Court dismisses cable operator appeal, addresses heatwave deaths, and grants divorce to IPS officer.
- Economy: RBI reports resilient economy, cuts policy rate by 50 basis points; India projected as third-largest economy by 2028.
- Science & Technology: ISRO and NASA to launch NISAR satellite; MATSYA-6000 submersible developed for Samudrayaan.
- International Relations: India extends Pakistan airspace ban; criticizes Pakistan at UNSC; U.S. exits UNESCO.
- Environment: Ambrosia beetle threatens Kerala plantations; IUCN Congress in Abu Dhabi; ICJ on climate obligations.
- Defense: Boeing delivers Apache helicopters; India integrates AI in army; new U.S.-India defense framework.
- Sports: Rishabh Pant injured in India-England test; Farokh Engineer on recognition.
Politics and Governance
On July 23, 2025, India’s political scene was vibrant with significant developments. The Election Commission of India (ECI) began preparations for the vice-presidential election following Jagdeep Dhankhar’s resignation. The electoral college, comprising members of both Houses of Parliament, will use proportional representation by a single transferable vote. Candidates must be at least 35 years old, with disputes resolved by a five-judge Supreme Court bench Vajiram & Ravi. Meanwhile, the Parliament’s Monsoon Session faced a deadlock for the third day due to Opposition protests over Bihar’s electoral roll revisions, highlighting tensions over electoral integrity The Hindu.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on a four-day visit to the United Kingdom and Maldives, aiming to strengthen ties in trade, investment, technology, defense, education, and sustainability. This diplomatic outreach underscores India’s growing global influence The Hindu. In a firm stance, India extended its airspace closure to Pakistani planes until August 24, 2025, following a Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people on April 22, 2025 The Hindu.
Rahul Gandhi, the Opposition leader, alleged vote theft in elections, particularly in Karnataka, and plans to present evidence to the ECI The Hindu. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge sought clarification on Dhankhar’s resignation, hinting at underlying issues The Hindu. At the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), India criticized Pakistan for fostering fanaticism and terrorism, advocating for zero tolerance The Hindu.
Judiciary
The Supreme Court of India made headlines with several rulings. It dismissed a cable operator’s civil appeal against a TDSAT order favoring Zee, reinforcing broadcasting regulations India Legal. The Court also sought responses from the Centre and states on a plea to address heatwave-related deaths, recognizing the public health crisis posed by climate change India Law Dates. In a compassionate move, it allowed a woman convicted of her fiancé’s murder to seek pardon, emphasizing rehabilitation SCC Online. Additionally, the Court granted divorce to a woman IPS officer and her husband, ordering an apology, settling child custody, and quashing ongoing legal disputes The Hindu. The Gauhati High Court examined the re-detention of Abdul Sheikh and Majibur Rehman, questioning the Centre’s deportation policies CJP.
Economy
India’s economy showed resilience despite global challenges. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) noted that agriculture and services sectors are driving growth, with easing inflation and a promising kharif season Bloomberg. The RBI cut its key policy rate by 50 basis points last month and reduced the cash reserve ratio, boosting liquidity New India Abroad. It also injected $5.8 billion into the financial system to manage rising borrowing costs Bloomberg and conducted a two-day variable rate repo (VRR) auction of Rs 50,000 crore Moneycontrol.
The National Anti-Doping (Amendment) Bill, 2025, was tabled in the Lok Sabha to align with WADA requirements AInvest. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) projected India’s GDP to grow at 6.5% in 2025 and 6.7% in 2026, with India set to become the third-largest economy by 2028, reaching $10.6 trillion by 2035 Moneycontrol. Stock market analysts recommended buying RHI Magnesita India, Exide Industries, and Swiggy, signaling positive investor sentiment Times of India.
Stock | Buy Near | Stop Loss | Target |
---|---|---|---|
RHI Magnesita India | ₹510 | ₹470 | ₹600 |
Exide Industries | ₹386–₹394 | ₹370 | ₹430 |
Swiggy | ₹407 | ₹380 | ₹460, ₹475 |
Science and Technology
India is advancing its space exploration efforts. The NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) satellite, set to launch on July 30, 2025, will monitor Earth’s surface for natural disaster warnings using advanced radar Space.com. ISRO signed an MoU with the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) to develop MATSYA-6000, a submersible for deep-sea exploration up to 6 kilometers, part of the Samudrayaan project under the Deep Ocean Mission Deccan Herald. India aims for its first human spaceflight, a space station by 2035, and a moon landing by 2040, with plans to include female astronauts NDTV. A regional meet on space technology for Viksit Bharat was held, emphasizing innovation ISRO.
International Relations
PM Modi’s visits to the U.K. and Maldives aim to enhance cooperation in multiple sectors The Hindu. India’s extension of the airspace ban on Pakistan reflects ongoing tensions The Hindu. At the UNSC, India condemned Pakistan’s role in terrorism The Hindu. The U.S. announced its exit from UNESCO, impacting global cultural initiatives Vajiram & Ravi. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) delivered an advisory opinion on states’ climate change obligations, urging action ICJ.
Environment
The ambrosia beetle, first reported in India in 2012, threatens Kerala’s rubber plantations, causing leaf fall and reduced latex production Vajiram & Ravi. The IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025 in Abu Dhabi will focus on transformative conservation Vajiram & Ravi. The Supreme Court’s plea on heatwave deaths and the ICJ’s climate opinion highlight urgent environmental challenges India Law Dates.
Defense
Boeing delivered the first Apache helicopters to the Indian Army, boosting aerial combat capabilities The Defense Post. India is integrating AI, machine learning, and big data analytics into its army systems The Defense Post. A new 10-year U.S.-India defense framework expands joint exercises and technology transfers Rio Times. The GTRE’s Kaveri Derivative Engine secured funding for the Ghatak UCAV IDRW.
Sports
In cricket, Rishabh Pant suffered a foot injury and retired hurt during the fourth test against England, impacting India’s performance Reuters. England’s Liam Dawson took a key wicket after eight years IV Press. Farokh Engineer expressed disappointment over lack of recognition in India after a stand at Old Trafford was named after him NDTV.
Conclusion
This detailed overview of July 23, 2025, covers critical developments across multiple domains, providing UPSC, SSC, and Banking aspirants with a comprehensive resource to stay ahead in their preparation.
Citations
- The Hindu
- The Indian Express
- Times of India
- Vajiram & Ravi
- Reuters
- Bloomberg
- Moneycontrol
- Deccan Herald
- NDTV
- Space.com
- The Defense Post
- India Legal
- SCC Online
- India Law Dates
- CJP
- AInvest
- New India Abroad
- ICJ
- IDRW
- Rio Times
- IV Press
Daily quiz on current affairs with answers English
Question 1: Who has resigned as the Vice President of India, prompting the Election Commission to prepare for a new election?
Option 1: M. Venkaiah Naidu
Option 2: Mallikarjun Kharge
Option 3: Rajnath Singh
Option 4: Jagdeep Dhankhar
Option 5: Harivansh Narayan Singh
Answer: Option 4
Explanation: Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned from the post of Vice President of India, triggering the initiation of the electoral process by the Election Commission. This role is critical as the Vice President also serves as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. The election will follow proportional representation by means of a single transferable vote by members of both Houses of Parliament.
Question 2: What policy rate change did the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announce recently to boost liquidity in the economy?
Option 1: Increased the policy rate by 25 basis points
Option 2: Reduced the policy rate by 50 basis points
Option 3: Increased the CRR by 100 basis points
Option 4: Kept the policy rate unchanged
Option 5: Introduced a new repo window
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: The RBI reduced the key policy rate by 50 basis points to support economic recovery and manage borrowing costs. This is part of broader measures, including cutting the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) and injecting liquidity worth $5.8 billion into the financial system.
Question 3: Which Indian deep-sea exploration vehicle has been developed as part of the Samudrayaan project?
Option 1: Shakti-4000
Option 2: Jalnidhi-2000
Option 3: MATSYA-6000
Option 4: Agni-500
Option 5: Varunayan-7000
Answer: Option 5
Explanation: MATSYA-6000 has been developed under India’s Samudrayaan project for deep-sea exploration. It can reach depths of up to 6 kilometers and is a part of the Deep Ocean Mission, which aims to harness oceanic resources and improve India’s deep-sea research capabilities.
Question 4: Which international organization did the United States recently announce its exit from?
Option 1: UNESCO
Option 2: WTO
Option 3: UNHRC
Option 4: IMF
Option 5: IAEA
Answer: Option 1
Explanation: The United States officially exited UNESCO, citing concerns about its functioning and governance. This decision has implications for international cultural and educational cooperation, where the U.S. was previously a major contributor and influencer.
Question 5: According to the Asian Development Bank, what is India projected to become by 2028?
Option 1: The second-largest economy
Option 2: The largest services exporter
Option 3: The third-largest economy
Option 4: The highest FDI recipient
Option 5: The top global digital economy
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: The ADB projected that India will become the world’s third-largest economy by 2028, driven by strong performance in agriculture, services, and industry. The country’s GDP is expected to touch $10.6 trillion by 2035, showcasing long-term economic resilience.
Question 6: What advanced military asset was recently delivered to the Indian Army by Boeing?
Option 1: Chinook helicopters
Option 2: Rafale fighter jets
Option 3: Tejas Mk1A jets
Option 4: Predator drones
Option 5: Apache attack helicopters
Answer: Option 5
Explanation: Boeing delivered Apache attack helicopters to the Indian Army, marking a significant upgrade in India’s aerial combat and surveillance capabilities. These helicopters are equipped with advanced sensors and weaponry suitable for modern warfare.
Question 7: What climate threat is currently affecting rubber plantations in Kerala?
Option 1: Desert locust infestation
Option 2: Drought conditions
Option 3: Ambrosia beetle infestation
Option 4: Flash floods
Option 5: Fungus outbreak
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: The Ambrosia beetle, an invasive species first reported in 2012, is now threatening rubber plantations in Kerala. It causes leaf fall and reduces latex yield, posing a serious threat to farmers and the plantation economy in the state.
Question 8: What issue caused a deadlock during the Parliament’s Monsoon Session?
Option 1: Farmers’ protests
Option 2: Bihar electoral roll revisions
Option 3: GST Council disagreements
Option 4: Defense budget allocations
Option 5: Forest conservation bill
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: The Parliament’s Monsoon Session faced disruption due to Opposition protests over alleged discrepancies and revisions in Bihar’s electoral rolls. This reflects larger concerns regarding electoral integrity and transparency in the democratic process.
Question 9: What action did India take in response to the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack?
Option 1: Imposed sanctions on Pakistan
Option 2: Closed airspace to Pakistani aircraft
Option 3: Conducted cross-border strikes
Option 4: Downgraded diplomatic ties
Option 5: Issued a UN Security Council resolution
Answer: Option 1
Explanation: Following the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 people, India extended the ban on Pakistani aircraft using its airspace until August 24, 2025. This diplomatic and strategic move signals a continued hardline stance against cross-border terrorism.
Question 10: Who expressed disappointment over lack of recognition in India despite being honored abroad?
Option 1: Kapil Dev
Option 2: Sunil Gavaskar
Option 3: MS Dhoni
Option 4: Farokh Engineer
Option 5: Rahul Dravid
Answer: Option 4
Explanation: Former Indian cricketer Farokh Engineer voiced dissatisfaction over not being sufficiently acknowledged in India after a stand was named after him at Old Trafford in England. His comment highlights the debate over recognition for sporting legends.