National News

National Cooperative Policy - 2025 Unveiled

• Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Amit Shah, unveiled the National Cooperative Policy - 2025 on 24 July 2025 in New Delhi.
• This policy will serve as a guiding framework for India’s cooperative sector for the next 20 years (2025–2045), aiming to establish professional and self-reliant cooperative organizations in every village across the country.

Key Facts:

Strict Action Against Obscene Soft Porn Content

• The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) on 25th July 2025 took strict action against obscene soft porn content by ordering the shutdown of a total of 25 websites and OTT platforms, including Ullu, ALTT, and Desiflix.

State News

Directive to SSC by Delhi High Court

• The Delhi High Court has directed the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) to make its online application portal more accessible, user-friendly, and convenient for visually impaired candidates.
• This directive was issued during a hearing on a petition filed by the National Federation of the Blind, which specifically demanded the provision of alternative modes for uploading photographs for visually impaired candidates, particularly in the context of the upcoming CGL, CHSL 2025, and MTS & Havaldar examinations.

Staff Selection Commission (SSC):

Unveiling of Statue of Loknayak Jayaprakash Narayan

• Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath unveiled the statue of Loknayak Jayaprakash Narayan in Gorakhpur.
• Along with this, he also inaugurated an 11-storey barrack and a 30-bed hospital in the PAC campus.

Uttar Pradesh:

International news

Gift to King Charles III of the United Kingdom

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented a special gift to King Charles III of the United Kingdom, titled "A Tree for the Mother."
• This gift symbolizes environmental conservation and respect for nature.

”Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” :

Urged to avoid travelling to seven Thai provinces

• The Indian Embassy in Thailand has issued a travel advisory on 25 July 2025, urging Indian tourists to remain cautious and avoid travelling to seven provinces in view of the increasing tension and violence along the Thailand-Cambodia border.
• There have been recent military clashes along the Thailand-Cambodia border, leaving at least 11 to 14 people dead and many injured.

Thailand :

 Recognition of the State of Palestine

• French President Emmanuel Macron has announced that France will officially recognize the State of Palestine during the United Nations General Assembly in September 2025.

France :

India-UK FTA Signed

• India and the United Kingdom signed a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in July 2025, officially named the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA).

Key Facts:

Honours and Awards

Honoured with the PEN Translation Prize

Geetanjali Shree has been awarded the PEN Translation Prize for her book "Once Elephants Lived Here".

She had earlier won the International Booker Prize in 2022 for her novel "Ret Samadhi" (translated as Tomb of Sand).

PEN Translation Prize:

Economy and Banking

Target of 20% Ethanol Blending in Petrol Achieved

• According to the Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri, India has achieved the target of 20% ethanol blending in petrol five years ahead of schedule, i.e., in 2025 itself.
• This target was originally set to be accomplished by the year 2030.

Ethanol:

Declared Best Consumer Bank

• Global Finance Magazine has declared the State Bank of India (SBI) as the World’s Best Consumer Bank for the year 2025.
• This recognition has been awarded for SBI’s customer-centric innovations, strong digital presence, and convenient banking services.

State Bank of India (SBI):

 Sports News

IBSF World 6-Red Snooker Championship

• On 24 July 2025, young Welsh snooker player Riley Powell won the IBSF World 6-Red Snooker Championship, held in Manama, Bahrain, by defeating India’s Pankaj Advani 5–4 in the final.
• Advani, a three-time world champion in this format, was competing for his 29th world title.

Snooker:

Person In News

Prime Minister Narendra Modi

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi has surpassed Indira Gandhi's record to become the second-longest serving Prime Minister of India in a continuous term.
• As of 25 July 2025, PM Modi has completed 4,078 consecutive days in office, surpassing Indira Gandhi, who served 4,077 consecutive days from 24 January 1966 to 24 March 1977.

Related facts:

Ajay Seth

• The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has appointed former Finance Secretary Ajay Seth as the chief (Chairman) of the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI).
• The appointment is for a term of three years or until the incumbent attains the age of 65 years or until further orders, whichever is earlier.

Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI):

Important Days

International Day for Judicial Welfare

• International Day for Judicial Welfare is celebrated every year on 25 July to focus on the mental, emotional, physical and social well-being of judges, lawyers and court staff associated with the judiciary.

Related Facts:

World Drowning Prevention Day

• World Drowning Prevention Day is celebrated every year on 25 July with the aim of preventing drowning incidents across the world and raising awareness about the importance of water safety.

Related Facts: