This is the current affairs of 19 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. Donald Trump claims ‘five jets were shot down’ during India-Pakistan military conflict in May
– U.S. President Donald Trump claimed on July 18, 2025, that “five jets were shot down” during the recent India-Pakistan military conflict, though he did not clarify which side suffered the losses.
– Donald Trump made this statement while highlighting his administration’s role in de-escalating the war-like situation between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.
– There is no official confirmation or evidence in support of Trump’s specific claim regarding the downing of five aircraft.
Donald Trump said at a dinner at the White House with some Republican U.S. lawmakers:
– We stopped many wars. And these were serious wars, between India and Pakistan, which were ongoing.
– Planes were being shot down there.
– I think actually five jets were shot down.
– These are two serious nuclear-powered countries, and they were attacking each other.
– You know, it feels like a new form of war.
Trump repeatedly tried to take credit
– Trump has repeatedly taken credit for the ceasefire between India and Pakistan, which he announced on social media on May 10, when Washington was in talks with both sides.
– India disagreed with Trump’s claim that it was the result of his intervention and his threats to break off trade talks.
– Trump once again attributed the India-Pakistan ceasefire agreement to the trade deal, while India has clearly rejected this claim.
– Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also refuted this in a phone conversation with Trump.
India’s Stand
– India’s position has been that New Delhi and Islamabad should resolve their issues directly and without any external interference.
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2. The European Union (EU) imposed sanctions on India’s second largest Vadinar refinery, which company owns this refinery located in Gujarat?
a. Adani Energy Limited
b. Reliance Industries Limited
c. Indian Oil Corporation IOCL
d. Nayara Energy Limited
Answer: d. Nayara Energy Limited (due to Russian company Rosneft’s 49.13% stake in the refinery)
– The European Union (EU) has announced the 18th round of sanctions against Russia.
– This includes Nayara Energy, a refinery in which Russian government-owned oil company Rosneft holds a 49.13% stake.
– Nayara Energy operates the Vadinar refinery in Gujarat.
– India has reacted strongly to this. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that India does not support any unilateral sanctions.
What the EU said
– EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said that for the first time, a major Indian refinery has been included in the sanctions list. “We will continue to raise the cost of Russia’s aggression so that Moscow has no option but to retreat.”
EU reduces price cap on Russian oil
– The new EU sanctions also include a reduction in the oil price cap. That is, countries using shipping and insurance from G7 advanced economies can now pay a maximum of $47.6 per barrel for Russian oil, down from the previous $60 per barrel.
About Nayara Energy’s refinery
– Nayara Refinery was originally built by Essar Oil and now has a 49.13% stake held by Russia’s state-owned oil company Rosneft.
– The Vadinar Refinery is India’s second-largest refinery. (The largest is in Jamnagar, owned by Reliance.)
– It contributes to exporting diesel and jet fuel to Europe by refining Russian crude oil.
– This indirectly provides revenue to Russia.
– Annual capacity: about 20 million metric tons (MMTPA), i.e., approximately 405,000 barrels/day.
Vadinar Refinery depends on Russian oil
– The Vadinar refinery is heavily dependent on Russian crude. In 2023, it imported 82 million barrels of Russian crude, which was 57% of its total supply.
– After refining, this oil is exported to Europe and other Western countries, a practice known as the “refining loophole.”
– Under this loophole, Russian crude is refined in third countries like India and legally exported to Europe, remaining a major source of revenue for Russia.
Europe will not back down from supporting Ukraine: EU
– EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said, “The message is clear: Europe will not back down in support of Ukraine.”
– The EU will continue to increase pressure until Russia ends the war. Kallas said this is the toughest sanctions package yet against Russia.
Impact on India’s energy supply and oil trade
– Experts believe that the EU sanctions could affect India’s energy supply and the global oil trade.
– Currently, India imports about 40% of its total oil from Russia and refines this discounted crude for export as refined products.
– According to the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA), exports to Europe from Vadinar, Jamnagar, and New Mangalore refineries increased by 58% in the first nine months of 2024.
– However, this move could create a complex situation for India. India is compelled to buy cheap Russian oil due to high global oil prices.
– Experts warn that if Western countries impose further restrictions on India’s economy, it could be risky for India.
– India has previously stated that buying Russian oil is essential for its energy security. India’s flag registry has also been included in this sanctions package.
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3. Who has built the first indigenous Diving Support Vessel ‘Nistar’, which has been commissioned into the Indian Navy?
a. Cochin Shipyard, Kochi
b. Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders, Mumbai
c. Hindustan Shipyard Limited, Visakhapatnam
d. Garden Reach Shipbuilders, Kolkata
Answer: c. Hindustan Shipyard Limited, Visakhapatnam
– On 18 July 2025, the Indian Navy’s first indigenous Diving Support Vessel (DSV) ‘Nistar’ was formally commissioned in Visakhapatnam. This is a major step towards India’s maritime strategic capabilities and technological self-reliance.
Key Features of ‘Nistar’:
– Name: NISTAR
– Type: Diving Support Vessel (DSV)
– Commissioning Date: 18 July 2025
– Construction: Completely indigenous
– Weight: 10,500 tons
– Length: 120 meters
– Main Capabilities: Saturation diving system, deep submergence rescue, submarine rescue
– Built at: Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), Visakhapatnam
What is a Diving Support Vessel (DSV)?
– A Diving Support Vessel (DSV) is a specialized naval or marine ship designed to support deep-sea diving operations.
– It provides technical and medical assistance to divers and equipment for tasks such as underwater repairs, search, rescue, construction, and recovery.
– The main objective of a DSV is not combat, but to offer “support” during war or crises, such as:
– Recovery missions after war or disasters
– Submarine rescue in case of accidents
– Repair of underwater cables or weapon systems
– Diving operations and underwater construction
Historical Legacy:
– 1971: The original ‘Nistar’ was built on 29 March.
– It played a crucial role during the India-Pakistan war by identifying the Pakistani submarine PNS Ghazi near the coast of Visakhapatnam.
– 1989: It was decommissioned (Weight: 800 tons).
– 2025: Now recommissioned with modern facilities and enhanced capacity (10,500 tons).
Strategic and Technological Importance:
– India has now joined the select group of nations with indigenous submarine rescue capability.
– This ship will boost India’s maritime industry and can make India a reliable partner in global submarine rescue operations.
– It supports the vision of “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (Self-Reliant India).
Admiral R. Hari Kumar (Chief of Naval Staff) said:
“Old ships never die, they return in an upgraded form.” – The return of Nistar symbolizes our military legacy and innovation.
Types of Warships
1. Aircraft Carrier: A floating airport on the sea. For operation of many fighter planes and helicopters. These are large in size, have command centers.
Example: INS Vikrant (India)
2. Destroyer Ship: Multi-purpose warship, for defense and attack against submarines and aircrafts. High speed, equipped with missiles, guns, torpedoes.
Example: INS Visakhapatnam
3. Frigate: For protection of large warships, used for anti-submarine warfare. Smaller than destroyers, fast.
Example: INS Shivalik, INS Satpura
4. Corvette: Coastal security, reconnaissance, patrol, anti-submarine warfare. Small in size, useful for patrol and attack.
Example: INS Kamorta
5. Vessel: To detect and neutralize sea mines. Supports deep sea diving operations. Equipped with special sonar and drones.
6. Submarine: Stealth attack, surveillance, nuclear deterrence.
– Nuclear Attack Submarine: (like INS Chakra)
– Nuclear Ballistic Missile Submarine: (like INS Arihant)
– Diesel-Electric Submarine: (like Kalvari-class submarines)
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4. In which country the electoral system was changed and the minimum age for voting was made 16 years?
a. France
b. Britain
c. Ukraine
d. America
Answer: b. Britain
– The minimum voting age in the UK has now been reduced from 18 to 16 years.
– The last time the voting age was changed in Britain was in 1969, when it was lowered from 21 to 18.
– Earlier, youth aged 16-17 could only vote in some elections in Scotland and Wales.
– But now they will be able to participate in local, regional, and general elections across the UK.
– According to the IPPR think tank, this change will benefit 9.5 million youths in the UK.
– Currently, there are 48.2 million registered voters in the UK.
Other Changes Made:
– Along with the change in voting age, the government is also making changes to the voter ID system.
– Now, bank cards can also be used as voter identification.
– In addition, other IDs like driving licenses and veteran cards that are available in digital form will also be recognized.
A party will not be able to accept more than 500 pounds in donation from abroad:
– The government has made a new rule under which no political party will be able to accept a donation of more than 500 pounds (about ₹58,000) from abroad.
– The government said it is tightening rules to prevent foreign interference in elections.
– Now, companies donating to political parties will have to prove that they are connected to the UK or Ireland and earn their income from there.
– Until now, any British company could donate to any political party, regardless of where the company was based or who owned it.
Countries where the minimum voting age is 16 years:
– Austria
– Brazil (optional)
– Argentina (optional)
– Ecuador
– Bolivia
– Cuba
– Germany (in some states for local and regional elections – e.g., Bremen, Hamburg, Berlin, Brandenburg, etc.)
– Norway (in some local elections as a pilot project)
– Estonia (in local elections from age 16)
Note: In Asia, only Indonesia allows voting at the age of 17.
United Kingdom
– The United Kingdom is a sovereign country comprising England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
– Britain has a parliamentary monarchy, meaning it has both a king and a parliament.
– Like India, the British Parliament also has two houses.
Capital: London
President (PM): Keir Rodney Starmer
Population: 68.4 million (2023)
Language: English
Currency: British Pound Sterling
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5. Name the new Prime Minister of Ukraine?
a. Aliona Babak
b. Yulia Sviridenko
c. Svitlana Hrynchuk
d. Marina Lazebna
Answer: b. Yulia Sviridenko
– Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky made a major cabinet reshuffle on July 17, 2025.
– He appointed Yulia Svyrydenko as the new Prime Minister.
– The then Prime Minister, Denys Shmyhal, was removed.
– Yulia is 39 years old. Before becoming Prime Minister, she was the Deputy Prime Minister and Ukraine’s first female Economy Minister.
– She was also the lead negotiator in the mineral agreement with the United States.
First Government Reshuffle During the Ukraine-Russia War
– This reshuffle took place at a time when the Russia-Ukraine war entered its fourth year.
– Since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, she has become the first new head of government.
– The reshuffle comes amid increasing pressure from Russian forces on the front lines and escalating drone and missile attacks on Ukrainian cities.
– Yulia Svyrydenko is one among a group of new officials in the Ukrainian government, as President Volodymyr Zelensky reshuffled the cabinet to reinvigorate a war-weary nation and boost domestic weapons production in the face of continued Russian aggression.
Ukraine
– Capital – Kyiv
– President – Volodymyr Zelensky
– New PM – Yulia Svyrydenko
– Neighboring Countries – Russia, Belarus, Poland, Slovakia, Romania, and Moldova
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6. When is International Nelson Mandela Day observed?
a. 10th July
b. 15th July
c. 18th July
d. 19 August
Answer: c. 18th July
– This day is observed in honor of Nelson Mandela, the first democratically elected Black President of South Africa, for his long struggle for justice against apartheid.
– The theme of International Nelson Mandela Day 2022 was: “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.”
Nelson Mandela
– He was born in 1918 in the Cape Province of South Africa.
– He was a human rights activist, lawyer, and international promoter of peace.
– He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in October 1993.
– He passed away in 2013 at the age of 95.
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7. How many units of electricity has the Bihar government decided to give free to domestic consumers?
a. 100 units
b. 125 units
c. 250 units
d. 300 units
Answer: b. 125 units
– The Bihar Cabinet implemented a scheme in July 2025 to provide 100% subsidy on electricity consumption up to 125 units for domestic consumers.
– For consumption above 125 units, electricity will continue to be provided at subsidized rates as before.
– In August, electricity bills will be generated after deducting the 125 free units.
– For consumers with smart prepaid meters, the amount equivalent to 125 units will be adjusted.
– No fixed charge will be levied for consumption up to 125 units – such consumers will receive zero bills.
– This decision will benefit 18.66 million domestic consumers across Bihar.
– Among these, 16.79 million consumers consume up to 125 units and will not have to pay any money.
Chief Minister Electricity Consumer Assistance Scheme
– Under this scheme, a total subsidy of ₹19,792 crore has been allocated for the financial year 2025–26.
– To promote solar energy, the government has set a target to install solar power systems on rooftops of domestic houses or public places within three years.
– For Kutir Jyoti consumers, the state government will provide 100% financial assistance for installing solar systems.
– All other domestic consumers will also be eligible for financial assistance to install solar power systems.
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8. Who became the first Indian player to win the Polygras Magic Skill Award of Hockey?
a. Rani Rampal
b. Savita Punia
c. Deepika Sehrawat
d. Vandana Kataria
Answer: c. Deepika Sehrawat
– 21-year-old Deepika Sehrawat hails from Haryana.
– She is a striker in the Indian women’s hockey team.
– She won this award for her field goal against the Netherlands during the Bhubaneswar leg of the FIH Pro League 2024-25 season.
– She scored this goal in February 2025, after which India defeated the Netherlands in a shootout.
– Deepika made her junior-level debut for India in March 2018 during the Youth Olympic Qualifiers.
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9. Cricketer Andre Russell announced his retirement from International Cricket. Which team does he play for?
a. England
b. Zimbabwe
c. South Africa
d. West Indies
Answer: d. West Indies
– Andre Russell announced his retirement on 16 July 2025.
– He said that after the first two T20 matches against Australia starting from 21 July, he will bid farewell to international cricket.
– The 37-year-old Andre has been playing only T20 cricket since 2019.
– Since 2019, Russell is the only player in the team who has played more than 84 matches.
– He has helped West Indies win 2 T20 World Cups.
– He plays for Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL.
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10. Which team won the title of FIFA Club World Cup 2025?
a. CAF
b. Chelsea
c. UEFA Conference League
d. AFC
Answer: b. Chelsea
– England’s Chelsea defeated France’s Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) 3-0 in the final of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025.
– Thanks to two goals and a brilliant assist by Cole Palmer, Chelsea won the title.
– This was the first time the Club World Cup was played in the new 32-team format, and Chelsea became its first winner.
– The tournament was held from 14 June 2025 at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, USA.
– The final match took place on 14 July 2025.
– This victory was very special for Chelsea, as they also won the UEFA Conference League this season and finished fourth in the Premier League.
– With this win, the club received a prize money of approximately 125 million US dollars.
– PSG, as runners-up, received $105 million.
Personal Awards:
– Cole Palmer – adidas Golden Ball (Best Player)
– Robert Sánchez – Golden Glove (Best Goalkeeper)
– Moisés Caicedo – Bronze Ball (Best Midfielder)
– Désiré Doué (PSG) – FIFA Best Young Player
– Gonzalo García (Real Madrid) – Top Goal Scorer
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