CURRENT AFFAIRS  26 July, 2025

1. INDIA-UK COMPREHENSIVE ECONOMIC AND TRADE AGREEMENT (CETA) –

• Recently, India and the United Kingdom have signed the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), marking a historic milestone in their bilateral trade relations.
• Key objective of the agreement: To double bilateral trade between the two countries by 2030.

About CETA (Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement)

• It is a type of FTA that covers a wide range of economic cooperation, including goods, services, investment, and non-tariff barriers.
• Key Highlights of the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement
• Tariff Elimination & Market Access: 99% tariff elimination covering 100% trade value for Indian exports.
• Sensitive sectors protected: Dairy, apples, oats, edible oils retain tariffs.
• Double Contribution Convention (DCC): 3-year exemption on UK social security contributions for Indian workers.
• Prevents double taxation, enhances take-home pay & cost competitiveness.

2. 26TH KARGIL VIJAY DIWAS 2025 KEY INITIATIVES LAUNCHED BY INDIAN ARMY –

• To mark the 26th Kargil Vijay Diwas (July 26, 2025), the Indian Army is launching three key initiatives to honour the valour of soldiers and raise public awareness about the sacrifices made during the 1999 Kargil War.

About Kargil Diwas 2025

• Observed annually on July 26, it commemorates the success of Operation Vijay in 1999.
• Indian armed forces recaptured strategic high-altitude posts in Kargil from Pakistani intruders after nearly three months of intense combat.
• Key battlegrounds: Tololing, Tiger Hill, and Batalik sector.
• Initiatives Launched On Kargil Diwas 2025

e-Shradhanjali Portal:

• A digital platform for citizens to pay virtual tribute to martyrs.
• Enables participation from any location without visiting physical memorials.
• Aims to foster a culture of national gratitude and raise awareness of the hardships faced by soldiers.

QR Code-based Audio Application:

• Provides audio narratives of key battles during the Kargil War.
• Operates like a museum audio guide, allowing visitors to hear first-hand accounts of bravery and sacrifice.
• Designed to educate and emotionally connect people with the events of 1999.

Indus Viewpoint – Batalik Sector

• A new viewpoint offering controlled civilian access to the LoC in the Batalik sector.
• Aims to showcase the challenging terrain and conditions soldiers face in frontline areas.
• Located at over 10,000 feet altitude, Batalik was one of the critical battlegrounds during the war.

3. INDIA TESTS ULPGM-V3 –

• India achieved milestone in defence technology with the successful test-firing of the UAV Launched Precision Guided Missile (ULPGM)-V3. Conducted at the National Open Area Range (NOAR) in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, this trial marks a major boost to India’s missile capabilities.
• The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) led the development and testing, reflecting India’s growing self-reliance in advanced defence systems.

ULPGM-V3

• The ULPGM-V3 is a precision-guided missile launched from unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). It is designed for high accuracy strikes on ground targets while minimising risks to personnel. This variant is an extended-range version, building on earlier models like ULPGM-V2. It incorporates advanced technologies such as imaging infrared (IIR) seekers and dual-thrust propulsion systems. The missile suits modern battlefield demands with its lightweight and versatile design.

4. FRANCE TO RECOGNISE PALESTINIAN STATE IN 2025 –

• France has announced it will officially recognise the State of Palestine in September 2025. This decision marks the first time a G7 nation will grant formal recognition. The announcement is expected to be made during the UN General Assembly session in New York.
• French President Emmanuel Macron emphasised the urgent need to end the war in Gaza, secure humanitarian aid, and achieve a lasting peace in the Middle East.
• France’s recognition follows escalating conflict in Gaza after Hamas’s attack on Israel in October 2023. Macron called for an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages, and demilitarisation of Hamas.
• He stressed the importance of rebuilding Gaza and ensuring the viability of a Palestinian state that accepts Israel’s security. Palestinian leaders welcomed the move as support for their right to self-determination. Israel and its key allies, including the US and the UK, strongly opposed the decision.

5. PM VIKSIT BHARAT ROZGAR YOJANA –

• The Government of India has introduced the PM Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana (PM-VBRY), a major employment-linked incentive scheme starting from 1 August 2025. The scheme aims to generate over 3.5 crore new jobs in two years.
• It focuses on inclusive and sustainable employment, especially in the manufacturing sector. With a budget of Rs 99,446 crore, the scheme targets first-time workers and supports employers to boost job creation.

Overview of PM Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana

• PM-VBRY is designed to accelerate economic growth through job-led development. It incentivises both employees and employers to create and sustain employment. The scheme runs from August 2025 to July 2027. It is divided into two parts – Part A for first-time employees and Part B for employers generating additional jobs.

MCQ QUIZ

Q1.  Where has DRDO successfully test-fired the UAV-Launched Precision Guided Missile (ULPGM)-V3 ?

1. a) Pokhran, Rajasthan
2. b) Balasore, Odisha
3. c) Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh
4. d) Chandipur, Odisha

Q2.  Which institute has developed a bamboo-polymer composite as an eco-friendly alternative to plastic in vehicle interiors ?

1. a) IIT Guwahati
2. b) IIT Delhi
3. c) IIT Ahmedabad
4. d) IIT Bombay

Q3.  Where did the Indian Army received the first batch of Apache AH-64E helicopters from the United States ?

1. a) Jodhpur Airbase
2. b) Pathankot Airbase
3. c) Leh Airbase
4. d) Hindon Airbase

Q4.  With reference to the Henley Passport Index, consider the following statements:

1. It ranks passports based on the number of destinations accessible without a prior visa.
2. The index is published by the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
3. India’s rank in 2025 improved by 8 positions compared to 2024.
4. The Henley Passport Index includes electronic travel authorisation (e-visa) in its ranking criteria.

          Which of the above statements are correct ?

1. a) 1, 2, and 3
2. b) 1, 3, and 4
3. c) 1 and 3 only
4. d) 2 and 4 only

Explanation-

• Statement 1 is correct: The index ranks passports based on the number of destinations that can be accessed without a prior visa, including visa-free, visa-on-arrival, and e-visa options.
• Statement 2 is incorrect: The index is published by Henley & Partners, a global citizenship advisory firm, not IATA (though IATA provides the base data).
• Statement 3 is correct: India rose from 85th in 2024 to 77th in 2025, a jump of 8 positions.
• Statement 4 is correct: The index considers e-visas and electronic travel authorisations as part of visa-free or simplified access.

Q5.  With reference to the National Sports Governance Bill, 2025, consider the following statements:

1. The Bill seeks to bring the BCCI under a statutory governance framework.
2. The bill proposes creation of National Sports Tribunal which will have powers equivalent to the High Court.
3. The Bill proposes creation of a National Sports Board to regulate and recognize National Sports Federations.

          Which of the above statements is/are correct ?

1. a) 1 and 2 only
2. b) 2 and 3 only
3. c) 1 and 3 only
4. d) 1, 2 and 3

Explanation-

• Statement 1 is correct: For the first time, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will be regulated under a statutory body.
• Statement 2 is incorrect: The National Sports Tribunal will have powers equivalent to a civil court, not the High Court.
• Statement 3 is correct: The National Sports Board will regulate, recognize, and monitor National Sports Federations (NSFs).

Answer Key