National News

Stay on Bombay High Court Order

• The Supreme Court of India has stayed the Bombay High Court’s order that had acquitted all 12 accused in the 2006 Mumbai train blast case.
• The 2006 Mumbai train blasts were one of the most serious terrorist incidents in the country’s history, resulting in the death of several innocent civilians

International News

Inspection Permission in Iran

• Iran has granted permission to a technical team from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to visit the country and conduct inspections.

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA):

AI Action Plan Unveiled: United States

• The Trump administration has unveiled its Artificial Intelligence (AI) action plan, aimed at reshaping the AI landscape in the United States.
• As part of a broader campaign to make the U.S. an "AI export superpower," President Donald Trump has signed three comprehensive executive orders.

United States of America (USA):

Announcement to Leave UNESCO

• The United States has announced its decision to withdraw from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
• The U.S. has accused UNESCO of promoting bias and supporting divisive cultural and social issues.

United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO):

UNSC Adopted Resolution No. 2788

• The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has unanimously adopted Resolution No. 2788 (2025) to strengthen mechanisms for the peaceful settlement of international disputes.
• This resolution promotes the use of appropriate procedures and methods of adjustment under Chapter VI of the UN Charter for resolving conflicts peacefully.

United Nations Security Council (UNSC):

Economy and Banking

CBUAE directs end of OTP authentication

• The Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates (CBUAE) has issued a directive requiring all financial institutions to discontinue SMS and email-based One-Time Password (OTP) authentication for customer transactions by March 31, 2026.
• This decision aims to enhance digital banking security, as traditional OTP methods (via SMS/email) are considered more vulnerable to phishing, SIM swapping, and technical exploits (such as SS7 protocol attacks).

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Bangladesh Bank Issues Dress Code Guidelines

• Bangladesh Bank, the central bank of Bangladesh, has issued a directive instructing its female officers and employees to wear sarees or salwar-kameez with scarves, or other formal and modest attire while on duty.

Bangladesh:

Important Days

Income Tax Day

• In honor of the introduction of income tax in India, Income Tax Day is celebrated every year on July 24, which was first implemented on 24 July 1860 by Sir James Wilson.
• This year (2025), India is celebrating its 166th Income Tax Day.

Related Facts:

70th Foundation Day of BMS

• Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) celebrated its 70th Foundation Day on 23 July 2025.
• Established in 1955, it is the largest and most influential trade union in India.

Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS):

National Broadcasting Day

• National Broadcasting Day is observed every year on 23rd July.
• This day is celebrated in memory of the first-ever organized radio broadcast in India by the Indian Broadcasting Company (IBC) from the Bombay station in 1927.

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Ranks and indices

Henley Passport Index 2025

• India has climbed eight positions to reach the 77th rank in the Henley Passport Index 2025, compared to its 85th position last year.

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Defense News

Launching of PCV 'Samudra Prachet'

• Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) launched the indigenous Pollution Control Vessel (PCV) 'Samudra Prachet' for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) on 23 July 2025.
• This vessel is equipped with state-of-the-art technology to deal with marine pollution incidents such as oil spills and marks a significant step towards Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India).

Indian Coast Guard (ICG):

Art and Culture

Aadi Thiruvathirai Festival

• The Aadi Thiruvathirai Festival is being celebrated from 23 to 27 July 2025 at Gangaikonda Cholapuram in Tamil Nadu.
• It is one of the prominent Hindu festivals dedicated to Lord Shiva, showcasing a beautiful blend of Tamil culture and traditions.

Aadi Thiruvathirai Festival:

Person In News

Ratan Thiyam

• Renowned Indian playwright, director, and a pioneer of the "Theatre of Roots" movement, Ratan Thiyam passed away at the age of 77 in his hometown Imphal, Manipur.
• He enriched Indian theatre by blending Manipuri traditions with modern theatre aesthetics.

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