Current Affairs - July 25, 2025 Current Affairs

In September 2025, France announced its decision to officially recognise the State of Palestine, making it the first G7 country to do so. This foreign policy shift was declared by President Emmanuel Macron and reflects France’s growing concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the stalled peace process in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The move is both symbolic and strategic, aiming to support a ceasefire, promote the demilitarisation of Hamas, and foster the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state that coexists with Israel. France's recognition carries significant diplomatic weight as a UN Security Council permanent member and may influence other Western nations.

The ULPGM-V3, also known as ULM-ER (Extended Range), is the latest and most advanced variant of India’s indigenous UAV-launched precision Guided Missile series developed by DRDO. Successfully test-fired at the National Open Area Range in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, the ULPGM-V3 integrates precision targeting with unmanned aerial systems. It features a fire-and-forget mechanism, passive homing via an imaging infrared seeker, and a dual-thrust propulsion system. With a range of up to 4 km in daylight and 2.5 km at night, it is capable of neutralising both static and moving targets. This milestone reflects India's growing defence autonomy and technological advancement.

Astronomers have, for the first time, observed the birth of a new solar system and the early stages of rocky planet formation around a star named HOPS-315. This significant discovery was made using advanced instruments like the James Webb Space Telescope and ALMA. They detected crucial elements like silicon monoxide gas and silicate minerals in the disk surrounding the star, indicating early planetary formation. HOPS-315 is of particular interest because it resembles our Sun and provides insights into how Earth-like planets might commonly form across the universe.

The Reserve Bank of India has granted approval to Warburg Pincus, a global private equity firm, to acquire up to a 9.99% stake in IDFC First Bank. This strategic investment, amounting to ₹4,876 crore (approximately $587 million), will be made via Warburg’s affiliate, Currant Sea Investments B.V. The transaction involves the purchase of about 81.27 crore Compulsorily Convertible Preference Shares (CCPS) at a price of ₹60 each. This move is expected to strengthen the capital base of IDFC First Bank and reflects increasing investor confidence in India's private banking sector.

India achieved a significant energy milestone by reaching 20% ethanol blending in petrol by 2025, five years earlier than its original target year of 2030. This achievement reflects a major leap in India’s transition toward renewable fuels and underscores its commitment to sustainability, energy security, and climate goals. The Ethanol Blending Programme, initiated in 2003, has rapidly advanced from 1.5% blending in 2014 to 20% in 2025. This progress not only reduces dependence on imported crude oil but also generates substantial savings in foreign exchange, lowers CO₂ emissions, and supports millions of farmers through increased income from ethanol-producing crops.

In May 2025, India witnessed a staggering 98% year-on-year decline in net Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows, dropping to just $35 million from over $2 billion in May 2024. This significant fall was driven by a sharp increase in repatriation by foreign investors and a drop in gross inflows. Despite the downturn, India’s economic resilience is evident from its strong foreign exchange reserves of $696.7 billion, which provide more than 11 months of import cover and cover 95% of external debt. The situation highlights the volatility of global capital flows and the importance of maintaining macroeconomic stability.

Riley Powell, a 16-year-old Welsh prodigy, edged Pankaj Advani 5–4 to clinch the IBSF World 6-Red Snooker Championship title. The victory was particularly dramatic because it came on Advani’s 40th birthday, when he was chasing a remarkable 29th world crown. Powell’s composed comeback, precise potting, and ability to handle pressure in the deciding frames stood out throughout the match. By denying one of cue sports’ most decorated champions yet another title, Powell announced himself on the global stage and underscored the emergence of a new generation capable of challenging long-established greats.

Ajay Seth, a 1987-batch IAS officer from the Karnataka cadre and former Finance Secretary, has been appointed as the new Chairman of IRDAI. His vast experience in economic affairs, infrastructure development, and public finance positions him as a strategic leader for India’s insurance regulator. With the post of IRDAI Chairman vacant since March 2025, his appointment brings much-needed stability and direction. Seth is expected to focus on expanding insurance access, driving digital innovation, improving regulatory transparency, and protecting policyholders. His leadership is seen as critical to advancing reforms and fostering trust in the fast-evolving insurance sector.

On July 24, 2025, India resumed issuing tourist visas to Chinese citizens after a five-year suspension that began in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and heightened bilateral tensions following the Galwan Valley clash. This diplomatic move signals a thaw in strained India-China relations and demonstrates India’s renewed focus on soft power and tourism. The decision also aligns with the reopening of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, a pilgrimage of significant cultural importance for many Chinese-origin devotees. Resuming visas for Chinese tourists is expected to boost inbound tourism, cultural exchange, and economic activity, especially in hospitality and religious tourism sectors.

Sundar Pichai, the CEO of Alphabet Inc., has reached a net worth of $1.1 billion, marking his entry into the billionaire club. His financial rise is attributed largely to Alphabet’s AI-focused strategy and a surge of over 120% in its stock value since early 2023. Pichai, who joined Google in 2004 and later became CEO of Alphabet, has played a key role in the company’s transformation into an AI powerhouse. With investments of nearly $50 billion in AI infrastructure in 2024 and strategic acquisitions like DeepMind, his leadership reflects both long-term vision and a unique path to wealth through innovation and stewardship.