Current Affairs Highlights: July 23, 2025 – Competitive Exams Special

Staying updated with the latest happenings is crucial for competitive exams. Here’s a summary of the key national, international, economic, and scientific developments from July 23, 2025, curated for aspirants.

National News

  • Vice President's Resignation: Jagdeep Dhankhar has resigned as the Vice President, citing health reasons. This sudden vacancy raises questions about the political landscape and the upcoming election for a new Vice President.
  • MGNREGS Funding: The Central Government has released ₹44,323 crore to States and Union Territories under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS). This information was shared in the Lok Sabha.
  • Sewer Deaths Audit: A government audit revealed that over 90% of workers who died cleaning sewers lacked proper safety gear, including personal protective equipment (PPE) kits. Even when gear was provided, it was often limited to gloves and gumboots.
  • Delhi Sports Policy: Delhi announced a new policy to provide cash rewards and government jobs to athletes winning medals at international and national events, aiming to boost sports in the region.
  • Chandra Shekhar Azad Birth Anniversary: Today marks the birth anniversary of revolutionary freedom fighter Chandra Shekhar Azad, a significant figure in India's independence movement.
  • National Broadcasting Day: July 23 is also observed as National Broadcasting Day in India, commemorating the first radio broadcast by the Indian Broadcasting Company (now All India Radio) in 1927.

International Relations

  • PM Modi's UK and Maldives Visit: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on a two-nation visit to the UK and the Maldives. Discussions with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer are expected to cover bilateral relations, regional issues, and potentially the India-UK Free Trade Agreement.
  • India-UK FTA: The India-UK FTA is in its final stages and could increase bilateral trade by approximately 39%. Concerns regarding Khalistani activities in the UK and the extradition of fugitives are also expected to be addressed during PM Modi's visit.
  • EU-Japan Summit: The EU-Japan summit is taking place today, with a focus on security, defense, economy, competitiveness, and support for multilateralism.
  • US-Japan Trade Deal: US President Donald Trump announced a trade framework with Japan, including a 15% import tax on Japanese goods, aiming to create jobs in the US. He also announced upcoming trade talks with the EU.
  • Ramsar COP15: The 15th Conference of the Parties to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands is being held in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.

Economy & Business

  • Indian Bond Market: India's bond market is experiencing significant growth, driven by record corporate issuances and increasing institutional interest, offering stable and inflation-beating returns.
  • FDI and iPhone Exports: FDI-linked manufacturing has boosted India's economy, enabling iPhone exports worth $12.1 billion in FY 2025.
  • Rating Agencies Engagement: The Indian government is actively engaging with global rating agencies (S&P, Fitch, Moody's) to showcase India's strong macroeconomic performance and improve its sovereign credit rating.

Science & Technology

  • Non-invasive Glucose Monitor: Researchers have developed a non-invasive glucose monitor using electromagnetic technology, eliminating the need for finger-prick tests.
  • CRISPR Therapies: CRISPR-based gene editing therapies are moving forward, with new treatments entering drug discovery and trials for various diseases.
  • Solid-State Batteries: Innovation in solid-state batteries for electric vehicles is accelerating, promising safer, more durable, and faster-charging options.
  • AI in Math Olympiad: Google and OpenAI's AI models have achieved gold-medal scores at the International Mathematical Olympiad, showcasing advancements in AI math capabilities.
  • NASA's TRACERS Mission: NASA and SpaceX are targeting a launch today for the TRACERS mission to study space weather.

Sports

  • India's Cricket Challenges: The Indian cricket team faces challenges in the Fourth Test against England due to injuries, with Nitish Reddy ruled out and discussions around potential debutants like Anshul Kamboj.
  • Badminton World University Games: An administrative error potentially affected India's historic badminton bronze at the World University Games.
  • Durand Cup: The Durand Cup football tournament is underway, but amidst uncertainty in Indian football.
  • Junior Squash: India's Anahat Singh, Aradhya Porwal, Anika Dubey, Navya Sundararajan, and Rudra Singh have progressed to the Round of 64 in the World Junior Squash Championships.
  • Women's Kabaddi World Cup 2025: Hyderabad will host the Women's Kabaddi World Cup 2025.