This is the current affairs of 23 & 24 July 2025. Here are questions and answers of daily current affairs for better preparation of competitive exams for government jobs.
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1. Senior Marxist leader Velikkakathu Sankaran Achuthanandan passed away on 21 July 2025, he was the Chief Minister of which state?
a. Andhra Pradesh
b. Tamil Nadu
c. Kerala
d. Karnataka
Answer: c. Kerala
– Former Kerala Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan passed away on July 21, 2025, at a private hospital in Thiruvananthapuram.
– He was 101 years old.
– He served as the Chief Minister of Kerala from 2006 to 2011.
– He was a senior leader of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), CPI (M).
– A veteran communist and freedom fighter, he was a strong symbol of the communist movement in Kerala.
– His presence in the state’s politics remained strong for decades.
– He was admitted to the hospital on June 23, 2025, after suffering a heart attack and experiencing breathing difficulties.
– Earlier, in 2019, he had withdrawn from public life after a minor stroke. Since then, he had been living under assisted care at the residence of his son, V. Arun Kumar, in Thiruvananthapuram.
Former Chief Minister of Kerala
– He led the CPI(M)-headed Left Democratic Front (LDF) to victory and served as Chief Minister from 2006 to 2011.
– Before that, he was the Leader of the Opposition from 2001 to 2006, when he led the front against the UDF government headed by A.K. Antony.
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2. The Indian Army received a consignment of 3 Apache Combat Helicopters (AH-64E) in July 2025, which company has manufactured it?
a. Boeing
b. HAL
c. Pawan Hans Limited
d. Global Vectra Helicorp
Answer: a. Boeing
– Boeing Delivers 3 Apache Helicopters to Indian Army
American aerospace company Boeing has delivered three AH-64E Apache helicopters to the Indian Army under a contract for the supply of six helicopters.
– These helicopters will be deployed with the Army Aviation Corps based in Jodhpur, marking the first time the Indian Army is receiving a batch of Apache helicopters.
(Note: A similar version of the Apache is already in use by the Indian Air Force.)
– The deployment in Jodhpur is significant, especially after Operation Sindhur, as there is an urgent need to strengthen the western border with Pakistan.
– The Apache’s firepower, particularly its Hellfire missiles and Longbow radar, is expected to be a game-changer in desert warfare along the Pakistan border.
Deal Signed in 2020
– The Ministry of Defence had signed the deal in 2020 to procure six Apache helicopters from the U.S.
– The total value of the deal was approximately $800 million (around ₹7,000 crore).
– Although the helicopters were originally scheduled to be delivered in 2024, the project has faced a delay of nearly 15 months.
Swift in Counter-Terrorism Operations
– The Apache is used for cross-border strikes, targeting enemy tanks, armored vehicles, and military convoys on the battlefield.
– It is also deployed in mountainous regions to eliminate terrorists hiding in enemy bunkers and caves.
Key Features
– The Apache requires two pilots — one to fly the aircraft and the other to operate the weapons.
– It is powered by two engines, making it more powerful and reliable in combat.
– Longbow Radar: This radar system can track up to 128 targets simultaneously and engage 16 targets within seconds. It can detect enemy tanks and troops from long distances.
– Hellfire Missiles: These are capable of destroying heavily armored vehicles such as tanks.
– Air-to-Ground Rockets: These assist in targeting enemy positions on the ground.
– Chain Gun: The 30mm M230 cannon can fire at high speed, making it especially effective in close-range combat.
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3. Due to technical fault, the British Royal Navy’s fighter aircraft F-35B was stuck at which Indian airport for a month, which returned on 22 July 2025?
a. Thiruvananthapuram Airport (Kerala)
b. Tirupati Airport (Tamil Nadu)
c. Vijayawada Airport (Andhra Pradesh)
d. Indira Gandhi International Airport
Answer: a. Thiruvananthapuram Airport (Kerala)
– A British F-35B fighter jet took off for its return flight from Thiruvananthapuram Airport in Kerala.
– Earlier, on July 21, the aircraft was moved out of the hangar and placed at the airport base.
– Due to a technical malfunction, the aircraft had made an emergency landing at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport on June 14.
– The airport charged ₹5 lakh (INR 500,000) as parking fees for the duration of its stay.
Part of Britain’s Stealth Fleet
– The emergency involving the F-35B, one of the world’s most advanced fighter jets, made headlines.
– The F-35B Lightning is a key part of Britain’s most advanced stealth fleet.
– The cost of the aircraft exceeds $110 million USD.
Britain Thanks India
– A spokesperson for the British High Commission stated that the F-35B had landed on June 14 following an emergency rerouting.
– A British engineering team, deployed since July 6, completed the necessary repairs and safety checks, after which the aircraft was cleared for return to active service.
– The High Commission expressed deep gratitude to Indian authorities and airport teams for their support and cooperation in repairing and preparing the aircraft for flight.
– “We look forward to further strengthening our defence partnership with India,” the spokesperson added.
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4. What percentage of stamp duty exemption did the UP government give to women on the registration of properties up to Rs 1 crore?
a. 1%
b. 2%
c. 3%
d. 4%
Answer: a. 1%
– The Uttar Pradesh government has decided to offer a 1% rebate on property registrations for properties valued up to ₹1 crore.
– Previously, a maximum rebate of ₹10,000 was available only on properties worth up to ₹10 lakh.
– Under the new decision, women buyers will now receive a rebate of up to ₹1 lakh.
Decision Taken in Cabinet Meeting
– The decision was made during a Cabinet meeting held on July 22, 2025, chaired by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
– The government believes this move will significantly encourage property purchases in the name of women.
– Ravindra Jaiswal, Minister of State for Stamp, Court Fee, and Registration, said that this is a key step toward women empowerment.
– He added that with skyrocketing property prices, the 1% rebate on purchases up to ₹1 crore has been introduced to provide meaningful financial relief.
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5. Which country announced its withdrawal from UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) in July 2025?
a. China
b. Japan
c. USA
d. India
Answer: c. USA
– This decision by the United States will come into effect at the end of December 2026.
– The United States believes that UNESCO is biased against Israel.
– White House Deputy Spokesperson Anna Kelly said –
“President Trump has decided to withdraw the United States from UNESCO – which supports woke, divisive cultural and social agendas and is completely at odds with the common policies that Americans voted for in November.”
Third Time the U.S. Withdraws
– This will be the third time the United States withdraws from UNESCO, headquartered in Paris, and the second time during the Trump administration.
– President Donald Trump had already withdrawn during his first term in 2017, and after the Biden administration applied for re-entry, the United States returned in 2021 after a five-year absence.
– Earlier, in 1984, under the Reagan administration, the U.S. withdrew from UNESCO, stating that it was mismanaged, corrupt, and being used to promote Soviet interests.
– In 2003, during the presidency of George W. Bush, the United States rejoined UNESCO.
About UNESCO
– The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN) whose goal is to promote world peace and security through international cooperation in education, arts, science, and culture.
– It has 194 member countries and 12 associate members.
– Established: November 16, 1945
– Headquarters: Paris, France
– Director-General: Audrey Azoulay
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6. When is World Drowning Prevention Day celebrated?
a. 25th July
b. 26th July
c. 27th July
d. 28th July
Answer: a. 25th July
– This day has been declared through a United Nations General Assembly Resolution aimed at global drowning prevention.
– It is meant to prevent deaths caused by drowning in disasters, rivers, ponds, and wells.
– The goal is also to promote life-saving solutions to prevent such incidents.
– According to United Nations data, an estimated 236,000 people drown every year.
– 90% of these drowning cases occur in middle-income countries.
Drowning Deaths in India
– In the year 2021, 36,362 people died due to drowning.
– This data is reported by the NCRB (National Crime Records Bureau).
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7. Who became the first Indian to win the Federation Internationale des Societes Magices (FISM)’s ‘Best Magic Creator 2025’ award?
a. Dhirendra Krishna Shastri
b. Karan Singh
c. Suhani Shah
d. Akshay Laxman
Answer: c. Suhani Shah
– This award was presented in recognition of their excellence in the online magic category at the prestigious FISM World Championship, held in Torino, Italy.
– The FISM World Championship of Magic is an international competition organized every three years by the Fédération Internationale des Sociétés Magiques (FISM).
Key Highlights of the Award:
– Category: Online Magic
– Event Dates: July 14–19, 2025
– Venue: Torino, Italy
– Award Title: Best Magic Creator 2025
– Organizer: Fédération Internationale des Sociétés Magiques (FISM)
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8. MiG-21, which symbolizes the country’s first supersonic flight, will be bid farewell on September 19
– The MiG-21 fighter aircraft will be retired from the Indian Air Force fleet on September 19, after 62 years of service.
– A defense official told the media on Tuesday that the MiG-21 is a symbol of the country’s first supersonic flight.
– The MiG squadron is currently stationed at the NAL Airbase in Rajasthan.
– The MiG has been used in several military conflicts, including the 1999 Kargil War and the 1971 war.
– It has demonstrated valor and achieved success in its missions.
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9. Prime Minister Narendra Modi left for a four-day visit on 23 July 2025.
– Prime Minister Narendra Modi left on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, for a four-day visit to the United Kingdom and the Maldives.
– PM Modi expressed confidence that this visit will boost India’s relations with both countries.
What Did PM Modi Say?
– Before his departure, Prime Minister Modi said that there is a strong friendship and strategic partnership between India and the United Kingdom (UK), which has grown stronger in recent years.
– He stated that cooperation between the two countries spans various sectors including trade, investment, technology, innovation, defense, education, research, sustainability, health, and people-to-people ties.
– Modi said he will meet UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.
– During this meeting, there will be an opportunity to advance the economic partnership between India and the UK, aiming to promote prosperity, development, and job creation in both countries.
– During this visit, the Prime Minister will also meet King Charles III.
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10. After how many years, India started issuing tourist visas to Chinese citizens in July 2025?
a. 1
b. 3
c. 5
d. 8
Answer: c. 5
Restoration of Tourist Visa:
– India has announced the issuance of tourist visas for Chinese citizens after 5 years.
– Visa applications will start online from July 24, 2025, and will be issued at the Embassy in Beijing and the Consulates General in Shanghai and Guangzhou after appointment.
– The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has described this as a “positive step.”
Normalization of Relations:
– India-China relations were strained after the LAC and Galwan conflict in 2020.
– Following the meeting between PM Modi and President Xi Jinping in Kazan in October 2024, steps toward restoring relations began.
– Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar’s visit to China from July 14-16, 2025, included meetings with Wang Yi, Xi Jinping, and Vice President Han Zheng.
Tourism and Visa Statistics:
– In 2019, before COVID, 300,000 Chinese tourists visited India and 869,000 Indian tourists visited China.
– After COVID and LAC tensions, both countries canceled flights and most visa services.
– In 2022, China resumed visas for Indian students, followed by trade and tourism visas.
– From January to June 2025, China issued 85,000 visas.
– India had so far issued only business and student visas, not tourist visas.
Kailash Mansarovar Yatra:
– Earlier in July 2025, China had granted permission for Indians to undertake the Kailash-Manasarovar Yatra.
– China described the restoration of the pilgrimage as an important initiative for improving relations.
– Chinese Ambassador Shu Feihong called it a positive step between the two countries.
Direct Flights:
– Both countries are working soon to restore direct flights.
– An announcement is expected before the SCO Summit (August 31 – September 1, 2025).
New Dispute with China: Yarlung Tsangpo (Brahmaputra) Dam Issue:
– China has started the Medog Hydropower Project on the Yarlung Tsangpo in Tibet, with a capacity of 60,000 megawatts, making it the largest in the world.
– The project was inaugurated in July 2025 by Chinese Premier Li Qiang.
Concerns of India and Bangladesh Regarding the Dam:
– India raised ecological and disaster risk concerns in December 2024.
– Bangladesh registered its concerns in March 2025.
– Chinese spokesperson Guo Jiakun stated that the project falls within China’s sovereignty.
– China has agreed to share hydrological data and cooperate on flood prevention and disaster risk reduction with India and Bangladesh.
Future of India-China Relations: SCO and Diplomacy:
– Jaishankar’s participation in the SCO Council of Foreign Ministers.
– PM Modi’s proposed visit to China for the SCO Summit could further strengthen relations.
– Border Dispute: Military standoff at the LAC is not fully resolved, but diplomatic efforts continue.
– Economic and Cultural Cooperation: Restoration of tourist visas and flights will increase economic and cultural exchanges.
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