Daily Current Affairs 25 July 2026
Daily current affairs for 25 July 2026 — 10 verified news items across International, National, Economy, with exam-angle notes, keywords and practice MCQs.
In this digest · 10 items
International
EU Fines Google $1 Billion for Violating Digital Markets Act
The European Union fined Alphabet Inc.'s Google €890 million (approximately $1 billion) for breaching the bloc's Digital Markets Act. The fine targets Google's practices related to its Play app store and search services. This action is part of the EU's ongoing efforts to regulate major technology companies and enforce stricter rules on digital markets. The decision may escalate tensions with the United States.
Source Livemint
Practice MCQs
Q1 Why was Google fined €890 million by the European Union?
- AFor violating the Digital Markets Act related to its Play app store and search servicesCorrect
- BFor data privacy violations in the EU
- CFor tax evasion in European countries
- DFor monopolizing the smartphone hardware market
Explanation Google was fined for breaching the EU's Digital Markets Act concerning its Play app store and search services.
Q2 What is the approximate value of the fine imposed on Google by the EU?
- A$500 million
- B$1 billionCorrect
- C$2 billion
- D$100 million
Explanation The EU fined Google about $1 billion, which is €890 million.
Q3 Which legislation did Google violate leading to the EU fine?
- AGeneral Data Protection Regulation
- BDigital Markets ActCorrect
- CDigital Services Act
- DCompetition Act
Explanation The fine was imposed due to violations of the EU's Digital Markets Act.
Indian Seafarer Killed in Attack on MV Omorfi in Black Sea
The Indian External Affairs Ministry confirmed that the commercial vessel MV Omorfi was attacked while transiting the Black Sea, reportedly within Russian territorial waters. At the time of the attack, the ship had 10 crew members on board, including three Indians. One Indian seafarer was killed in the incident.
Source The Hindu
Practice MCQs
Q1 Where was the MV Omorfi attacked leading to the death of an Indian seafarer?
- AIn the Indian Ocean
- BIn the Black SeaCorrect
- CIn the Mediterranean Sea
- DIn the Baltic Sea
Explanation The MV Omorfi was attacked while transiting the Black Sea, as confirmed by the External Affairs Ministry.
Q2 How many Indian crew members were on board MV Omorfi at the time of the attack?
- AOne
- BTwo
- CThreeCorrect
- DFour
Explanation There were three Indian crew members on board the MV Omorfi during the attack.
Q3 According to reports, in whose territorial waters did the attack on MV Omorfi reportedly occur?
- AUkrainian territorial waters
- BRussian territorial watersCorrect
- CTurkish territorial waters
- DRomanian territorial waters
Explanation The attack reportedly took place in Russian territorial waters.
National
Ravneet Singh Bittu Resigns as Union Minister of State for Railways
Ravneet Singh Bittu resigned from his position as Union Minister of State for Railways, with his resignation accepted by President Murmu on the advice of Prime Minister Modi. Bittu, who joined the Bharatiya Janata Party in 2024 after leaving Congress, had unsuccessfully contested the Lok Sabha elections that year. His Rajya Sabha tenure has ended, and party sources indicate he may contest the upcoming Assembly election from the Ludhiana (Central) Assembly constituency.
Source Livemint
Practice MCQs
Q1 Why did Ravneet Singh Bittu resign as Union Minister of State for Railways?
- AHis Rajya Sabha tenure endedCorrect
- BHe lost the Lok Sabha election in 2024
- CHe joined the Bharatiya Janata Party
- DHe was appointed to a new ministry
Explanation Ravneet Singh Bittu resigned after his Rajya Sabha tenure ended, as stated by party sources.
Q2 Which political party did Ravneet Singh Bittu join in 2024?
- AIndian National Congress
- BBharatiya Janata PartyCorrect
- CAam Aadmi Party
- DCommunist Party of India
Explanation Bittu joined the Bharatiya Janata Party in 2024 after leaving Congress.
Q3 From which Assembly constituency may Ravneet Singh Bittu contest the upcoming election?
- AAmritsar East
- BLudhiana (Central)Correct
- CChandigarh
- DJalandhar West
Explanation Party sources indicate he may contest from the Ludhiana (Central) Assembly constituency.
India Rejects Pakistan's Flood Claims on Chenab River Water Flow
India has dismissed Pakistan's allegations that it increased the flow of the Chenab River to create a flood-like situation. The Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that the observed water flows are consistent with prevailing monsoon conditions over the upper catchments. This position is supported by Pakistan's own flood forecasting authorities, who have acknowledged the natural causes of the water rise. India attributes the increase in Chenab River water levels to heavy rainfall rather than any deliberate action.
Source The Hindu
Practice MCQs
Q1 What is India's response to Pakistan's claim of creating a flood-like situation by increasing Chenab River flow?
- AIndia accepts responsibility for increasing the flow
- BIndia calls the allegations baseless and attributes flow to monsoon rainsCorrect
- CIndia blames Pakistan for the flood situation
- DIndia has not commented on the issue
Explanation India dismissed Pakistan's claims as baseless and stated that the water flow increase is due to prevailing monsoon conditions.
Q2 According to the Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, what supports India's position on the Chenab River water flow?
- ASatellite images from India
- BPakistan's own flood forecasting authorities' acknowledgmentCorrect
- CReports from international agencies
- DStatements from local Indian officials
Explanation MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal noted that Pakistan's own flood forecasting authorities acknowledged the observed flows as consistent with monsoon conditions.
Q3 What is the primary cause of the rise in Chenab River water levels according to India?
- ADeliberate increase in water release by India
- BHeavy rainfall due to monsoonCorrect
- CDam failure in Pakistan
- DWater diversion by Pakistan
Explanation India stated that the rise in Chenab water levels is due to heavy rainfall during the monsoon season.
Centre Notifies Tough Anti-Paper Leak Law with Up to 10 Years Jail
In 2024, the Indian government notified a stringent anti-paper leak law aimed at curbing exam-related offences such as paper leaks and organised cheating. The legislation builds on the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, prescribing penalties including imprisonment of up to 10 years and fines reaching up to ₹1 crore. This move seeks to strengthen the integrity of public examinations across the country.
Source BusinessLine
Practice MCQs
Q1 What is the maximum jail term prescribed under the new anti-paper leak law notified by the Centre in 2024?
- A5 years
- B7 years
- C10 yearsCorrect
- D15 years
Explanation The new law prescribes imprisonment of up to 10 years for offences related to paper leaks and organised cheating.
Q2 What is the maximum fine imposed under the anti-paper leak law notified in 2024?
- A₹50 lakh
- B₹1 croreCorrect
- C₹5 crore
- D₹10 crore
Explanation The law prescribes a fine of up to ₹1 crore for exam-related offences such as paper leaks.
Q3 The new anti-paper leak law builds on which existing legislation?
- AThe Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024Correct
- BThe Education Reform Act, 2023
- CThe Examination Security Act, 2024
- DThe National Education Policy, 2020
Explanation The new legislation builds on the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024.
Economy
ICICI Bank Prices $1 Billion Five-Year Dollar Bond at Tighter Spread
ICICI Bank has priced a $1 billion five-year dollar bond at a coupon rate of 100 basis points over U.S. Treasuries, which is lower than the initial guidance of 130 basis points. This marks the bank's first dollar debt sale in nearly nine years and is the largest such issue by an Indian lender in nearly 14 years. The bond attracted bids worth $3 billion, reflecting strong investor interest. The coupon rate translates to 5.46%.
Source The Hindu
Practice MCQs
Q1 What was the coupon rate set by ICICI Bank for its $1 billion five-year dollar bond?
- A130 basis points over U.S. Treasuries
- B100 basis points over U.S. TreasuriesCorrect
- C5.46% flat rate
- D150 basis points over U.S. Treasuries
Explanation ICICI Bank set the coupon at 100 basis points over U.S. Treasuries, which is lower than the initial guidance of 130 basis points.
Q2 How much investor interest did ICICI Bank's $1 billion bond issue attract?
- A$1 billion
- B$2 billion
- C$3 billionCorrect
- D$4 billion
Explanation The bond issue attracted $3 billion in bids, indicating strong investor demand.
Q3 What is significant about ICICI Bank's recent dollar bond issue?
- AIt is the first dollar debt sale by ICICI Bank in nearly 9 years
- BIt is the largest such issue by an Indian lender in nearly 14 years
- CBoth A and BCorrect
- DIt is the smallest dollar bond issue by an Indian lender
Explanation The bond is ICICI Bank's first dollar debt sale in nearly nine years and the largest such issue by an Indian lender in nearly 14 years.
India Secures Lower 10% US Section 301 Forced-Labour Tariff Amid Trade Uncertainties
India has successfully moved into a lower 10% tariff band under the US Section 301 regime following changes in its forced-labour policy. While the tariff burden for most Indian exports remains unchanged due to the end of the Section 122 levy, Indian textiles did not receive the proposed US tariff quota relief granted to countries like Bangladesh, Indonesia, Cambodia, and Malaysia. Experts highlight that issues related to pharmaceutical tariffs, penalties on Russian oil, and probes into excess capacity still need resolution in the bilateral trade agreement.
Source BusinessLine
Practice MCQs
Q1 What tariff rate did India secure under the new US Section 301 forced-labour regime?
- A5%
- B10%Correct
- C15%
- D20%
Explanation India moved into a lower 10% tariff band under the US Section 301 forced-labour regime.
Q2 Which Indian sector missed out on the proposed US tariff quota relief that was granted to Bangladesh and other countries?
- APharmaceuticals
- BTextilesCorrect
- CAutomobiles
- DAgriculture
Explanation Indian textiles missed the proposed US tariff quota relief given to Bangladesh, Indonesia, Cambodia, and Malaysia.
Q3 Which of the following trade issues still need resolution between India and the US according to experts?
- APharmaceutical tariffs and Russian oil penaltiesCorrect
- BAutomobile import duties
- CAgricultural subsidies
- DIntellectual property rights
Explanation Experts say pharmaceutical tariffs, Russian oil penalties, and excess-capacity probes must be resolved in the bilateral trade agreement.
New US Forced Labour Tariffs Impact Top 60 Trading Partners Including India
The United States has imposed new tariffs targeting forced labour, covering its top 60 trading partners. These countries collectively account for 99.4% of US imports. The tariffs aim to address concerns related to forced labour in global supply chains, affecting major economies including India. This move is significant for international trade relations and could influence import-export dynamics between the US and these countries.
Source Livemint
Practice MCQs
Q1 What percentage of US imports do the top 60 trading partners, covered by the new US forced labour tariffs, account for?
- A90.2%
- B95.7%
- C99.4%Correct
- D85.6%
Explanation The new US tariffs cover the top 60 US trading partners, which account for 99.4% of US imports.
Q2 What is the primary reason for the US imposing new tariffs on its top trading partners?
- ATo reduce trade deficit
- BTo address forced labour concernsCorrect
- CTo promote domestic manufacturing
- DTo retaliate against tariffs
Explanation The tariffs aim to address concerns related to forced labour in global supply chains.
Q3 Which country is mentioned as being affected by the new US forced labour tariffs?
- AChina
- BIndiaCorrect
- CBrazil
- DRussia
Explanation The tariffs affect major economies including India.
Saudi Oil Sales to India Face 50% Freight Hike Due to Houthi Red Sea Blockade
Saudi Arabia, India's third-largest oil supplier, is experiencing a 50% freight hike on oil shipments due to the Houthi blockade in the Red Sea. This blockade primarily affects shipments from Yanbu port, which has become a key alternative route for Saudi energy supplies to India and other oil importers in recent months. As a result, ships are considering longer routes via the Suez Canal, increasing transportation costs and impacting oil trade between Saudi Arabia and India.
Source Livemint
Practice MCQs
Q1 What is the main reason for the 50% freight hike on Saudi oil shipments to India?
- AHouthi blockade in the Red SeaCorrect
- BIncrease in global oil prices
- CNew taxes imposed by Saudi Arabia
- DClosure of the Suez Canal
Explanation The freight hike is due to the Houthi blockade in the Red Sea affecting shipments from Yanbu port.
Q2 Which Saudi port's shipments are primarily affected by the blockade impacting oil supplies to India?
- AJeddah port
- BYanbu portCorrect
- CDammam port
- DRas Tanura port
Explanation The blockade primarily affects oil shipments from Yanbu port, a key alternative for Saudi energy supplies to India.
Q3 What alternative route are ships considering due to the Red Sea blockade?
- ACape of Good Hope route
- BPanama Canal route
- CLonger Suez Canal routeCorrect
- DNorthern Sea Route
Explanation Ships are eyeing a longer route via the Suez Canal due to the blockade in the Red Sea.
Manipal Hospitals launches ₹9,275 crore IPO to reduce debt and fund growth
Manipal Health Enterprises, India's largest hospital chain by bed capacity, has announced an initial public offering (IPO) worth ₹9,275 crore. The IPO opens on 29 July with a price band of ₹560-590 per share. The company, backed by Temasek, plans to use most of the proceeds to reduce its debt, thereby strengthening its balance sheet. This financial move aims to provide Manipal Hospitals with the capacity to raise capital for future acquisitions and expansion.
Source Livemint
Practice MCQs
Q1 What is the primary purpose of Manipal Health Enterprises' ₹9,275 crore IPO?
- ATo reduce debt and strengthen the balance sheetCorrect
- BTo enter the pharmaceutical manufacturing sector
- CTo launch a new hospital chain in Tamil Nadu
- DTo pay dividends to existing shareholders
Explanation The IPO proceeds will mostly be used to cut debt and strengthen the company's balance sheet.
Q2 When does Manipal Health Enterprises' IPO open and what is the price band?
- A29 July; ₹560-590 per shareCorrect
- B1 August; ₹500-550 per share
- C15 July; ₹600-650 per share
- D30 July; ₹550-600 per share
Explanation The IPO opens on 29 July with a price band of ₹560-590 per share.
Q3 Which investor backs Manipal Health Enterprises as mentioned in the IPO announcement?
- ATemasekCorrect
- BSoftBank
- CSequoia Capital
- DTiger Global
Explanation Manipal Health Enterprises is backed by Temasek.
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