1. What was the title of the conference cum exhibition hosted by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) to celebrate 10 years of Skill India Mission?
a) Skill India Summit 2025
b) Bharat SkillNxt 2025
c) Kaushal Bharat 2025
d) Skill Development Expo 2025
e) IndiaSkills Summit 2025
Answer: b) Bharat SkillNxt 2025
2. Who graced the Bharat SkillNxt 2025 event organized by MSDE in July 2025?
a) Dharmendra Pradhan
b) Jayant Chaudhary
c) Hardeep Singh Puri
d) Piyush Goyal
e) Anurag Thakur
Answer: b) Jayant Chaudhary
3. Which of the following initiatives was launched during the Bharat SkillNxt 2025 event?
a) National Skill Development Policy
b) SOAR (Skilling for Artificial Intelligence Readiness)
c) Digital Skill India Portal
d) Skill India Employment Exchange
e) Kaushal Bharat Yojana
Answer: b) SOAR (Skilling for Artificial Intelligence Readiness)
4. Which country signed a notable MoU with MSDE during the Bharat SkillNxt 2025 event?
a) United States
b) France
c) Germany
d) Japan
e) Australia
Answer: b) France
5. Which organization signed an MoU with NSTI Bengaluru under the DST scheme during the Bharat SkillNxt 2025 event?
a) Microsoft
b) SLN Technology
c) ICICI Foundation
d) Dixon Technologies
e) Apollo MedSkills
Answer: b) SLN Technology
6. Which institution was NOT part of the Flexi MoUs signed under PMKVY’s institutional strengthening strategy during Bharat SkillNxt 2025?
a) IIT Patna
b) IIIT Una
c) IIT Hyderabad
d) NIT Agartala
e) IIT Delhi
Answer: e) IIT Delhi
7. Which initiative was launched by the National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET) during Bharat SkillNxt 2025?
a) Kaushal Verse Digital Enterprise Portal (DEP)
b) IndiaSkills Employment Portal
c) Skill India Digital Hub
d) National Vocational Training Framework
e) AI Skilling Network
Answer: a) Kaushal Verse Digital Enterprise Portal (DEP)
8. Which company signed an MoU with NSTI Mumbai for rural incubation during Bharat SkillNxt 2025?
a) HCL
b) ICICI Foundation
c) Dixon Technologies
d) Apollo MedSkills
e) Microsoft
Answer: b) ICICI Foundation
9. In which year was the original target set for achieving 20% ethanol blending in petrol in India?
a) 2025
b) 2027
c) 2030
d) 2032
e) 2035
Answer: c) 2030
10. By how many times did ethanol blending in petrol increase from 2014 to 2025, as announced by Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri?
a) 10-fold
b) 11-fold
c) 12-fold
d) 13-fold
e) 14-fold
Answer: d) 13-fold
11. How much foreign exchange was saved due to ethanol production in India by June 2025?
a) Rs 1.26 lakh crore
b) Rs 1.36 lakh crore
c) Rs 1.46 lakh crore
d) Rs 1.56 lakh crore
e) Rs 1.66 lakh crore
Answer: b) Rs 1.36 lakh crore
12. How much was paid to farmers directly due to ethanol blending efforts in India by June 2025?
a) Rs 1.6 lakh crore
b) Rs 1.7 lakh crore
c) Rs 1.8 lakh crore
d) Rs 1.9 lakh crore
e) Rs 2.0 lakh crore
Answer: c) Rs 1.8 lakh crore
13. How much reduction in CO2 emissions was achieved through ethanol-blended petrol by June 2025?
a) 598 lakh tonnes
b) 698 lakh tonnes
c) 798 lakh tonnes
d) 898 lakh tonnes
e) 998 lakh tonnes
Answer: b) 698 lakh tonnes
14. Which ministry signed an MoU with Maruti Suzuki India Limited to promote auto and mobility startup innovation?
a) Ministry of Heavy Industries
b) Ministry of Commerce and Industry
c) Ministry of Road Transport and Highways
d) Ministry of Science and Technology
e) Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship
Answer: b) Ministry of Commerce and Industry
15. Which department under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry signed an MoU with Maruti Suzuki for startup innovation?
a) Department of Economic Affairs
b) Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT)
c) Department of Commerce
d) Department of Industrial Policy
e) Department of Foreign Trade
Answer: b) Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT)
16. What is the name of the campaign launched by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) on July 23, 2025?
a) Swachh Bharat Abhiyan
b) Safai Apnao, Bimaari Bhagao (SABB)
c) Clean India Mission
d) Urban Swachhata Yojana
e) Swachh Cities Campaign
Answer: b) Safai Apnao, Bimaari Bhagao (SABB)
17. Under which mission is the Safai Apnao, Bimaari Bhagao (SABB) campaign implemented?
a) Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban (SBM-U) 2.0
b) Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation
c) Smart Cities Mission
d) National Clean Air Programme
e) Urban Development Mission
Answer: a) Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban (SBM-U) 2.0
18. How many Swachhata Mantras are emphasized in the SABB campaign?
a) Four
b) Five
c) Six
d) Seven
e) Eight
Answer: c) Six
19. Which city introduced ‘Manhold Ambulances’ for faster manhole repairs under the SABB campaign?
a) Delhi
b) Patna
c) Navi Mumbai
d) Hyderabad
e) Chennai
Answer: b) Patna
20. How many NCC girl cadets participated in the ‘Pinkathon’ walkathon in Delhi under the SABB campaign?
a) 200
b) 300
c) 400
d) 500
e) 600
Answer: c) 400
21. How many students, teachers, parents, and citizens participated in the Swachhata rally organized by Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation?
a) 400
b) 500
c) 600
d) 700
e) 800
Answer: c) 600
22. Which state undertook desilting of drains and door-to-door awareness drives on waste segregation under the SABB campaign?
a) Maharashtra
b) Bihar
c) Delhi
d) Telangana
e) Karnataka
Answer: d) Telangana
23. What is the value of the defence order secured by BEML Limited for supplying 150 High Mobility Vehicles (HMVs)?
a) Rs 193.81 crore
b) Rs 293.81 crore
c) Rs 393.81 crore
d) Rs 493.81 crore
e) Rs 593.81 crore
Answer: b) Rs 293.81 crore
24. Under which ministry does BEML Limited operate as a Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE)?
a) Ministry of Heavy Industries
b) Ministry of Defence
c) Ministry of Railways
d) Ministry of Road Transport and Highways
e) Ministry of Commerce and Industry
Answer: b) Ministry of Defence
25. Where will the primary manufacturing of the High Mobility Vehicles (HMVs) by BEML Limited take place?
a) Bengaluru and Mysore
b) Palakkad and Mysore
c) Chennai and Hyderabad
d) Kolkata and Pune
e) Delhi and Ahmedabad
Answer: b) Palakkad and Mysore
26. Which feature is NOT included in the High Mobility Vehicles (HMVs) designed by BEML Limited?
a) Independent Suspension System
b) High-Power Air-Cooled Engine
c) Central Tyre Inflation System (CTIS)
d) Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
e) Satellite Navigation System
Answer: e) Satellite Navigation System
27. What is the total budget allocated for the Krishi Samruddhi scheme by the Government of Maharashtra?
a) Rs 15,000 crore
b) Rs 20,000 crore
c) Rs 25,000 crore
d) Rs 30,000 crore
e) Rs 35,000 crore
Answer: c) Rs 25,000 crore
28. Over how many years will the Krishi Samruddhi scheme be implemented in Maharashtra?
a) 3 years
b) 4 years
c) 5 years
d) 6 years
e) 7 years
Answer: c) 5 years
29. Which department is responsible for implementing the Krishi Samruddhi scheme in Maharashtra?
a) Department of Rural Development
b) Agriculture Department
c) Department of Environment
d) Department of Irrigation
e) Department of Horticulture
Answer: b) Agriculture Department
30. Which of the following is a key objective of the Krishi Samruddhi scheme in Maharashtra?
a) Promoting urban development
b) Empowering farmers through financial assistance
c) Developing industrial corridors
d) Enhancing tourism infrastructure
e) Improving healthcare facilities
Answer: b) Empowering farmers through financial assistance
31. What type of crops does the Krishi Samruddhi scheme in Maharashtra support to lower risk for farmers?
a) Traditional crops
b) High-value crops
c) Seasonal crops
d) Staple crops
e) Low-yield crops
Answer: b) High-value crops
Current Affairs Today: 25 July 2025
NATIONAL AFFAIRS
- MSDE Celebrates 10 Years of Skill India Mission: The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) celebrated the 10th anniversary of the Skill India Mission at ‘Bharat SkillNxt 2025’ in New Delhi. The event saw the launch of key initiatives, including the IndiaSkills 2025-26 guidelines and portal, and SOAR (Skilling for AI Readiness). Several MoUs were signed, notably with the Government of France and various prominent industry and academic institutions.
- India Achieves 20% Ethanol Blending: India has successfully achieved a 20% ethanol blending in petrol, five years ahead of its initial 2030 target. This accomplishment has resulted in significant economic and environmental benefits, including a foreign exchange saving of nearly Rs. 1.36 lakh crore and a reduction of 698 lakh tonnes in CO2 emissions.
- Maruti Suzuki Partners with DPIIT: Maruti Suzuki India Limited has signed an MoU with the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) to support technology-driven solutions in the automotive and mobility sectors. This partnership will allow startups under the ‘Startup India’ initiative to participate in Maruti Suzuki’s innovation programs, gaining mentorship and access to the company’s network.
- MoHUA Launches Drain Cleaning Campaign: The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) has launched ‘Safai Apnao, Bimaari Bhagao (SABB)’, a large-scale campaign for drain cleaning and safety ahead of the monsoon season. This initiative is part of the Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban (SBM-U) 2.0 and emphasizes the six Swachhata Mantras.
- BEML Secures Defence Order: Bengaluru-based BEML Limited has received an order worth Rs 293.81 crore from the Ministry of Defence (MoD) for the supply of 150 indigenously designed High Mobility Vehicles (HMVs) 6×6. These vehicles will be used to strengthen the logistic support capabilities of the Indian Armed Forces in challenging terrains.
INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
- Henley Passport Index 2025: According to the July 2025 Henley Passport Index, India’s passport rank has jumped 8 places to 77th, offering visa-free access to 59 destinations. Singapore retained its position as the most powerful passport, with visa-free access to 193 destinations.
- UNSC Adopts Resolution on Peaceful Disputes: The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has unanimously adopted Resolution 2788 (2025), titled “Pacific Settlement of Disputes.” The resolution, under the presidency of Pakistan, urges all member states to utilize peaceful mechanisms under Article 33 of the UN Charter and enhance collaboration with regional organizations.
BANKING & FINANCE
- PayPal Launches ‘PayPal World’: PayPal has announced a partnership with NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) and other global payment providers to launch ‘PayPal World,’ a new cross-border payments platform. This collaboration will allow Indian users to make international payments at online merchants that accept PayPal using the Unified Payments Interface (UPI).
- NUCFDC and IIA India MoU: The National Urban Cooperative Finance and Development Corporation Limited (NUCFDC) has signed an MoU with the Institute of Internal Auditors India (IIA India) to enhance governance and internal audit standards in Urban Cooperative Banks (UCBs). The partnership will focus on adopting international audit standards and leveraging global resources.
- ADB Lowers India’s GDP Forecast: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has lowered India’s GDP growth forecast for FY25 to 6.5%, down from its previous estimate of 6.7%. The downgrade is attributed to the impact of the United States’ tariffs and associated policy uncertainty, although India is still expected to be one of the fastest-growing major economies.
- Ind-Ra Lowers India’s FY26 GDP Forecast: India Ratings and Research (Ind-Ra), a subsidiary of Fitch Group, has lowered India’s GDP growth forecast for FY26 to 6.3%, from its earlier estimate of 6.6%. The revision is due to an uncertain global scenario and a weaker investment climate.
APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS
- Ajay Seth Appointed IRDAI Chairman: The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved the appointment of Ajay Seth as the new Chairman of the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) for a term of three years. He previously served as the Secretary of the Department of Economic Affairs (DEA).
- Vaishali Nigam Sinha Elected President of UNGCNI: Vaishali Nigam Sinha has been elected as the President of the United Nations Global Compact Network India (UNGCNI) for the 2025–2027 term. She is the first private sector leader to head the Indian arm of the UN Global Compact in over two decades.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
- GSL Launches Pollution Control Vessel: Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) has launched ‘Samudra Prachet,’ the second indigenous Pollution Control Vessel (PCV) for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG). The vessel is designed to provide a quick and effective response to oil spills in India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
- NASA Launches TRACERS Mission: The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has launched its Tandem Reconnection and Cusp Electrodynamics Reconnaissance Satellites (TRACERS) mission aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. The twin satellites will study how the Earth’s magnetic shield, the magnetosphere, protects the planet from solar wind.
OBITUARY
- Ratan Thiyam Passes Away: Renowned theatre director and Padma Shri awardee Ratan Thiyam has passed away at the age of 77. He was a pioneer of the Theatre of Roots Movement and served as the Director of the National School of Drama (NSD).
IMPORTANT DAYS
- Income Tax Day: Celebrated annually on July 24, Aaykar Diwas commemorates the introduction of Income Tax in India in 1860 by Sir James Wilson. July 24, 2025, marks the 166th anniversary of this event.
- National Broadcasting Day: Observed on July 23, National Broadcasting Day commemorates the establishment of the private radio station ‘Indian Broadcasting Company’ in 1927.
STATE NEWS
- Maharashtra Launches ‘Krishi Samruddhi’ Scheme: The Government of Maharashtra has launched the ‘Krishi Samruddhi’ scheme with a budget of Rs. 25,000 crore over the next five years. The scheme aims to empower farmers and promote climate-resilient, sustainable farming by providing financial assistance, training, and infrastructure development.
- TN to Establish Hornbill Conservation CoE: The Government of Tamil Nadu has announced the establishment of India’s first Centre of Excellence (CoE) for Hornbill Conservation at the Anamalai Tiger Reserve (ATR). The project, with funding of Rs 1 crore, will focus on the four hornbill species found in the Western Ghats.
- Uttarakhand Launches Plant Conservation Programme: The Uttarakhand Forest Department has launched India’s first systematic plant conservation program to restore 14 critically endangered plant species in the Western Himalayas.