Current Affairs - July 24, 2025 Current Affairs

India made a significant improvement in the Henley Passport Index 2025 by jumping 8 places, moving from 85th to 77th position. This is the biggest improvement by any country in the current edition of the rankings. With this new position, Indian passport holders can now travel to 59 destinations without a visa. The rankings highlight global mobility, and India’s leap reflects increasing international acceptance and stronger diplomatic ties. While Singapore retained the top spot, India’s movement to the 77th position is a notable development in the context of global travel freedom and international relations.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) will begin enforcing a sugar-based excise tax on sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) from January 2026. This policy introduces a variable tax rate calculated per litre, depending on the sugar content per 100ml of the drink. The more sugar a beverage contains, the higher the tax levied on it. The primary goal of this move is to reduce excessive sugar consumption and encourage manufacturers to reformulate their products with lower sugar levels. By targeting sugar intake through taxation, the UAE is taking a preventive approach to combat rising health issues such as obesity and diabetes.

The State Bank of India (SBI) was honoured as the World’s Best Consumer Bank for 2025 by Global Finance magazine, a prestigious recognition reflecting its leadership in customer-focused and technology-driven banking. As India’s largest public sector bank, SBI has prioritised digital transformation, financial inclusion, and rural outreach to deliver seamless and accessible services to its vast customer base. Key innovations like vernacular voice banking, AI-powered personalisation, and 24/7 digital support have positioned SBI as a global benchmark in retail banking. This accolade highlights not only the bank’s evolution but also India’s growing presence in the international financial landscape.

World Drowning Prevention Day is observed every year on July 25 to raise global awareness about drowning, a major yet often overlooked public health issue. With an estimated 236,000 lives lost annually—most of them children and individuals in low- and middle-income countries—this day serves as a call to action for coordinated efforts across governments, organisations, and communities. The United Nations General Assembly formally recognised this observance through Resolution A/RES/75/273 in April 2021. The day underscores the urgent need for effective, cost-efficient measures to reduce drowning risks and save lives, particularly in vulnerable populations where water safety is a daily concern.

The National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 1st July 2023 in Shahdol, Madhya Pradesh. This significant health initiative is being implemented under the National Health Mission (NHM) in a mission-mode approach, with the goal of eliminating sickle cell anaemia from India by 2047. The program focuses on raising awareness, early diagnosis, and treatment accessibility, particularly in tribal and affected regions. Madhya Pradesh, due to its considerable tribal population and prevalence of the disease, was chosen as the launch site for this landmark public health campaign.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) in Mumbai earned a place among the world’s top 10 international airports in the Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2025. With a score of 84.23, it is the only Indian airport to achieve this distinction for three consecutive years. This recognition highlights India’s growing reputation in global aviation, reflecting excellence in customer experience, technological innovation, infrastructure, and operational efficiency. Spread over 1,900 acres, CSMIA handles over 55 million passengers annually and offers advanced features like DigiYatra, biometric check-ins, 68 e-gates, and extensive global connectivity, positioning it as a leading aviation hub.

The International Day for Judicial Well-being is observed annually on July 25, following its official recognition by the United Nations General Assembly in March 2025. This day honours the emotional, mental, and physical well-being of judges and magistrates who carry out their duties under considerable pressure and scrutiny. The date also marks the anniversary of the Nauru Declaration, the world’s first UN-backed initiative exclusively focused on judicial health. By dedicating this day to judicial well-being, the international community acknowledges that the delivery of fair and effective justice is deeply tied to the wellness of those entrusted to uphold the law.

The Rajasthan Assembly is establishing a ‘Kargil Shaurya Vatika’ within its premises to pay tribute to the soldiers who laid down their lives during the 1999 Kargil War. This memorial initiative involves the planting of 1100 saplings in the garden as a symbol of remembrance and respect. The inauguration of the Shaurya Vatika is scheduled to take place on Hariyali Amavasya, a day traditionally associated with greenery and planting. This project serves as a heartfelt gesture by the state to commemorate the bravery and sacrifice of the nation's armed forces.

Divya Deshmukh, a 19-year-old Indian chess prodigy, created history by becoming the first Indian woman to reach the final of the FIDE Women’s World Cup 2025, held in Batumi, Georgia. In the semifinals, she secured a remarkable win against former World Champion Tan Zhongyi from China. Her achievement not only marks a milestone for Indian chess but also earned her a place in the FIDE Candidates Tournament, which brings her one step closer to competing for the Women’s World Chess Championship title. This historic performance places Divya among the elite of international women’s chess.

The 4th edition of World Food India 2025 is scheduled to take place at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi from 25th September. Organised by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, this four-day event carries the theme “Processing for Prosperity” and aims to gather stakeholders, industry leaders, and innovators under one roof. The goal is to promote advancements in food processing and share best practices that can drive the sector forward. Hosting the event in the capital city underscores its national importance and provides a central platform for international and domestic participants.