- India became Malaysia’s top importer of germinated oil palm seeds on July 21, 2025. The push aligns with India's National Mission on Edible Oils–Oil Palm (NMEO–OP) to boost domestic production and reduce edible oil imports. Imports reached 3.03 million tonnes in 2024, accounting for 17.9% of Malaysia's exports. India plans to expand cultivation to 1 million hectares by 2025–26, focusing on northeast and island regions.
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- On July 19, 2025, Union Minister Piyush Goyal inaugurated the DSCI Advanced Cyber Skill Centre in Kandivali, Mumbai. Supported by the Kyndryl Foundation and under PM Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), it aims to train 1,000 youth annually, focusing on women from tier-II and tier-III cities.
- On July 22, 2025, India crossed 6 crore screenings under the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission, launched in July 2023. The target is 7 crore screenings by FY 2025–26, focusing on tribal populations aged 0–40 years. So far, 2.15 lakh cases and 16.7 lakh carriers have been identified; 2.6 crore health cards distributed. States like MP, Gujarat, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Maharashtra show high incidence and strong progress.
- On July 21, 2025, Nagaland University (Kohima campus) was chosen as one of four new Incubation Centres in Northeast India. Set up under a Central Government initiative by IIE Guwahati and funded by NEC Shillong, it aims to boost grassroots entrepreneurship. The first batch includes 44 incubatees, and top 50 will receive seed grants up to ₹5 lakh.
- On July 22, 2025, the United States announced its third exit from UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization), effective December 31, 2026. The decision was driven by concerns over alleged anti-Israel bias and conflict with its "America First" foreign policy goals. Prior exits occurred in 1984 (Reagan) and 2017 (Trump); the US had briefly rejoined in 2023 under President Biden.
- On July 22, 2025, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) unanimously adopted Resolution 2788 titled “Strengthening Mechanisms for Peaceful Settlement of Disputes”, to promote peaceful dispute resolution under Article 33 of the UN Charter. It encourages mediation, arbitration, and inclusive roles for women and youth, while supporting the UN Secretary-General’s efforts. Sponsored by Pakistan, the session was chaired by its Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.
- In March 2025, India’s Financial Inclusion Index (FI Index) rose to 67.0, up from 64.2 in March 2024 — as reported by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on July 22, 2025. This reflects improved access, usage, and quality of financial services across banking, insurance, pensions, and investments.
- On July 22, 2025, SBI’s Economic Research Department released a report marking 8 years of GST. It revealed that 5 states—UP, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka—host nearly 50% of all active GST taxpayers. UP tops the list with 13.2%, while women-led GST accounts stand at 14% nationwide.
- On July 21, 2025, Koneru Humpy became the first Indian woman to reach the semifinals of the FIDE Women’s Chess World Cup. She defeated China’s Song Yuxin 1.5–0.5 in Batumi, Georgia, earning a place in the 2026 Candidates Tournament.
- Las Vegas Freestyle Chess Grand Slam 2025 was held from July 16–21 at Wynn Las Vegas, USA. Levon Aronian won the title in the Chess960/Fischer Random category, defeating Hans Niemann. India’s Arjun Erigaisi and R Praggnanandhaa secured 6th and 7th positions, showcasing India’s rising strength in freestyle chess.
- On July 22, 2025, India received its first three AH-64E Apache attack helicopters from the USA at Hindon Airbase. They’ll be deployed with the 451 Army Aviation Squadron in Jodhpur, boosting combat capabilities. Part of a ₹4,168 crore deal (2020), three more Apaches are expected by the end of 2025.
- On July 21, 2025, Mizoram launched the Mizo DiasporaHub portal at Aijal Club, Aizawl, to connect Mizos worldwide. Developed by the Mizo Diaspora Cell with LushAITech, it offers tools like AI translation, SOS alerts, and a global association directory.
- National Broadcasting Day 2025 was celebrated on July 23 to mark 98 years since India's first radio broadcast in 1927 by the Indian Broadcasting Company (IBC). It honors the evolution to All India Radio (AIR) and radio’s role in education, unity, and AI-enabled public outreach.
- On July 21, 2025, Renault Group appointed Stephane Deblaise as CEO of Renault Group India. He will officially assume charge from September 1, 2025, reporting to Francois Provost. Deblaise previously led Renault Korea, spearheading multi-energy vehicle development.
- On July 20, 2025, mentalist Suhani Shah made history by becoming the first Indian to win the ‘Best Magic Creator’ award at the FISM World Championship of Magic in Torino, Italy — often called the “Oscar for Magicians”. She triumphed in the newly introduced Online Magic category, beating global stars like Jack Rhodes (UK) and Jason Ladanye (US).
- On July 22, 2025, the Ministry of Textiles (MoT) announced the winners of the 2024 Handloom Awards to honor excellence in weaving, design, marketing, and innovation. Awards include 5 Sant Kabir Awards and 19 National Handloom Awards, to be presented by President Droupadi Murmu on August 7, during the 11th National Handloom Day at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
Questions:
Q.1 Suhani Shah became the first Indian to win which international magic award?a) Best Magic Creator – Fédération Internationale des Sociétés Magiques (FISM)
b) Houdini International Prize
c) World Illusionist Award
d) Grand Wizard Award
Answer: a) On July 20, 2025, mentalist Suhani Shah made history by becoming the first Indian to win the ‘Best Magic Creator’ award at the FISM World Championship of Magic in Torino, Italy — often called the “Oscar for Magicians”.
Q.2 Which state had the highest share of Goods and Services Tax (GST) taxpayers according to State Bank of India (SBI) research?
a) Maharashtra
b) Uttar Pradesh
c) Tamil Nadu
d) Gujarat
Answer: b) As per the report released on July 22, 2025, Uttar Pradesh leads with 13.2% of all active GST taxpayers.