Daily Current Affairs 25 July 2026: Important News, GK and MCQs

This Daily Current Affairs for 25 July 2026 article presents the most important national, international, economic, science, environment, defence, sports and government-programme updates in an exam-oriented format. The information has been verified using publications from UNESCO, WHO, PIB, the Prime Minister’s Office, the President’s Secretariat and the relevant ministries. It is useful for UPSC, SSC CGL and CHSL, Banking, Railway, CDS, CAPF, State PCS, Police and other government examinations. Each major update includes its date, place, responsible institution, important figures and a quick revision fact. The article also includes 24 one-liners, static GK connections, 20 explained MCQs, a 10-question revision quiz and direct links to the primary sources.

Current Affairs at a Glance

No.Major UpdateCategoryKey Exam Fact1Sarnath inscribed on UNESCO World Heritage ListNational/CultureIndia’s 45th World Heritage Site2Viksit Vibrant Village Programme 2026 updateNational/Programme74 border villages; over 400 youth3India placed in 10% US Section 301 tariff tierInternational/EconomyReduced from proposed 12.5%4India’s first hydrogen train crosses 1,200 kmScience/TransportSaved more than 3,200 litres of diesel5₹2,010 crore for judicial infrastructure and eCourtsEconomy/Judiciary₹810 crore plus ₹1,200 crore6DRI seizes over 27 kg of smuggled goldEconomy/Enforcement12 persons arrested7Indian Army conducts flood relief near SilvassaDefence/Disaster23 civilians evacuated8Tingong Wangpan wins World Para Athletics GP goldSportsMen’s 200m T37 in Tlaxcala9President addresses Indian community in RomaniaInternationalThree-nation State Visit concludes10World Drowning Prevention Day observedImportant DayTheme: “Unite to turn the tide”

National News

Sarnath Inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List

• What happened? The Ancient Buddhist Site of Sarnath in Uttar Pradesh was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
• Announced by: UNESCO during the 48th session of the World Heritage Committee.
• Date: 25 July 2026.
• Places: Committee session—Busan, Republic of Korea; heritage site—Sarnath, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.
• Purpose: To grant global recognition and protection to Sarnath’s Buddhist, archaeological and architectural heritage.
• Key fact: With this inscription, India has 45 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
• Criteria: UNESCO criteria (iii) and (vi).
• Why important for exams? The site number, state, session venue and Buddhist-history connection are likely factual questions.
• Remember: Sarnath became India’s 45th UNESCO World Heritage Site on 25 July 2026.

Sarnath is the place where Gautama Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. In Buddhist tradition, this event is associated with the Turning of the Wheel of Dharma. The site preserves stupas, monasteries and archaeological remains, including the Dhamek Stupa.

Viksit Vibrant Village Programme 2026

• What happened? The Prime Minister’s Office announced that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would interact with programme participants on 26 July through video conferencing.
• Publication date: 25 July 2026.
• Programme period: 4–30 June 2026.
• Coverage: 74 vibrant border villages across Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
• Implemented through: MY Bharat.
• Purpose: To connect young people with the social, economic, cultural and developmental aspirations of India’s border villages.
• Key facts: More than 400 participants representing every State and Union Territory were selected through a nationwide online quiz that received participation from over three lakh youth.
• Remember: The programme connected over 400 young people with 74 border villages.

Eight Constitutional Amendments Enacted in Twelve Years

The Ministry of Law and Justice informed the Lok Sabha on 25 July that the Constitution had been amended eight times during the previous twelve years. Important amendments listed included:

• 99th Amendment—National Judicial Appointments Commission.
• 100th Amendment—India–Bangladesh Land Boundary Agreement.
• 101st Amendment—Goods and Services Tax.
• 103rd Amendment—Reservation for Economically Weaker Sections.
• 104th Amendment—Extension of SC/ST seat reservation in legislatures.
• 105th Amendment—Provisions concerning State powers to identify SEBCs.
• 106th Amendment—Reservation of seats for women in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies.

Important distinction: The Supreme Court struck down the 99th Constitutional Amendment and the NJAC Act in 2015. “Enacted” should not be confused with “currently operative.”

International News

India Placed in the 10% US Section 301 Tariff Tier

The United States Trade Representative announced final measures on 23 July under Section 301 of the US Trade Act, 1974. India’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry published the official explanation on 25 July.

Key facts:

• An additional 10% ad valorem duty was set for relevant imports from India.
• The initial proposal of 2 June 2026 was 12.5%.
• Due to exemptions, an estimated 45% of India’s exports to the United States remain outside the additional duty.
• The remaining estimated 55% will attract the extra 10% duty.
• The investigation covered the practices of 60 economies relating to prohibitions on imports made with forced labour.
• The textile-specific mechanism had not yet been established or operationalised.

Static GK: The capital of the United States is Washington, D.C., and its currency is the US Dollar.

Remember: India was placed in the lower 10% tariff tier, down from the proposed 12.5%.

President Droupadi Murmu Addresses Indian Community in Romania

On the concluding day of her State Visit to Romania, President Droupadi Murmu addressed members of the Indian community and “Friends of India” at a reception in Bucharest on 25 July. The event marked the completion of her three-nation State Visit to Moldova, North Macedonia and Romania.

The President highlighted the contribution of Indian professionals, students, researchers, healthcare workers and IT engineers to Romania and to stronger people-to-people relations.

Static GK: Romania’s capital is Bucharest and its currency is the Romanian Leu.

Economy and Banking

₹2,010 Crore Allocated for Judicial Infrastructure and eCourts

The Ministry of Law and Justice reported the following Union Budget 2026 allocations:

ComponentAllocationCSS for infrastructure of District and Subordinate Courts₹810 croreeCourts Project Phase III₹1,200 croreTotal₹2,010 crore

eCourts Phase III covers court digitisation, training and capacity-building.

Remember: ₹810 crore was allocated for judicial infrastructure and ₹1,200 crore for eCourts Phase III.

DRI Seizes Over 27 kg of Smuggled Gold

According to the Ministry of Finance, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence seized over 27 kg of foreign-origin smuggled gold and arrested 12 persons in intelligence-led operations across India.

Static GK: DRI functions under the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs and is a major anti-smuggling intelligence and investigation agency.

Science and Technology

India’s First Hydrogen Train Crosses 1,200 km

The Ministry of Railways released an operational update on India’s first Hydrogen Fuel Cell Train on 25 July.

• It was flagged off on the Jind–Sonipat route on 17 July 2026.
• It had travelled more than 1,200 kilometres.
• It had saved more than 3,200 litres of diesel.
• A chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen produces onboard electricity.
• Water vapour is the by-product.
• The system produces no smoke or tailpipe carbon emissions.
• The project is an indigenous effort led by Indian Railways.

Remember: India’s first hydrogen train operates on the Jind–Sonipat route and releases water vapour as its by-product.

Environment and Ecology

World Drowning Prevention Day 2026

World Drowning Prevention Day was observed on 25 July with the official WHO theme “Unite to turn the tide.”

Key facts:

• 2026 marked the fifth annual observance.
• The United Nations General Assembly established the day in 2021.
• Drowning causes more than 300,000 deaths every year.
• Almost one-quarter of the victims are children below five years of age.
• The Global Strategy for Drowning Prevention targets a 35% reduction in drowning deaths by 2035.
• Prevention measures include lifejackets, supervised childcare, water-safety education, pool fencing, regulated boats and flood early-warning systems.

Remember: World Drowning Prevention Day is observed on 25 July.

Defence News

Indian Army Conducts Flood-Relief Operation Near Silvassa

Following heavy rainfall and a Red Alert in Dadra and Nagar Haveli, the Indian Army deployed a flood-relief column from the School of Artillery, Devlali, to assist civil authorities near Silvassa.

On 24 July, rising water levels prompted a rescue operation in Sanduri Village in the Madhuban Dam area. The Army evacuated 23 civilians, including seven women and four young children, and moved them to a safe shelter at Khanvel. The official release was published on 25 July.

Remember: The Army evacuated 23 civilians during the Sanduri flood-relief operation.

Sports News

Tingong Wangpan Wins World Para Athletics Grand Prix Gold

Tingong Wangpan of Arunachal Pradesh won the gold medal in the Men’s 200m T37 event at the World Para Athletics Grand Prix 2026.

• The Mexico leg was held in Tlaxcala from 17 to 24 July.
• He trains at the SAI National Centre of Excellence in Gandhinagar.
• He is the first para-athlete from Arunachal Pradesh admitted to the Gandhinagar NCoE.
• The 21-year-old had trained there since October 2025.
• It was his first international event.

Remember: Tingong Wangpan won the Men’s 200m T37 gold in Tlaxcala, Mexico.

Government Schemes and Campaigns

Viksit Vibrant Village Programme 2026

PointDetailImplementationMY BharatObjectiveConnect youth with border-village development and cultureParticipantsYouth from all States and Union TerritoriesPeriod4–30 June 2026Coverage74 villages in Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh and UttarakhandSelected youthMore than 400SelectionNationwide online quiz with over three lakh participants

Important Days

DayDateTheme 2026PurposeInstitutionWorld Drowning Prevention Day25 JulyUnite to turn the tidePromote coordinated action to prevent drowningWHO/United Nations

Important One-Liners

1. Sarnath was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List on 25 July 2026.
2. Sarnath became India’s 45th UNESCO World Heritage Site.
3. The 48th World Heritage Committee session was held in Busan.
4. Sarnath is located in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.
5. MY Bharat implemented the Viksit Vibrant Village Programme.
6. The programme covered 74 border villages.
7. More than 400 young people were selected for the programme.
8. The final US Section 301 additional duty for India is 10%.
9. The initial US tariff proposal was 12.5%.
10. An estimated 45% of Indian exports are outside the additional duty.
11. ₹2,010 crore was allocated for judicial infrastructure and eCourts.
12. eCourts Project Phase III received ₹1,200 crore.
13. DRI seized over 27 kg of foreign-origin smuggled gold.
14. Twelve persons were arrested in the DRI operations.
15. India’s first hydrogen train operates on the Jind–Sonipat route.
16. The hydrogen train had covered over 1,200 kilometres.
17. It had saved more than 3,200 litres of diesel.
18. Tingong Wangpan won gold in the Men’s 200m T37 event.
19. The Mexico leg of the Grand Prix was held in Tlaxcala.
20. World Drowning Prevention Day is observed on 25 July.
21. The 2026 theme was “Unite to turn the tide.”
22. The Indian Army evacuated 23 civilians near Sanduri.
23. The 101st Constitutional Amendment concerns GST.
24. The 106th Constitutional Amendment concerns women’s legislative reservation.

Static GK Connections

Current Affairs TopicStatic GKSarnathSite of Buddha’s first sermon; located in Uttar PradeshUNESCOEstablished in 1945; headquarters in ParisWorld Heritage ConventionAdopted by UNESCO in 1972Republic of KoreaCapital: Seoul; currency: South Korean WonRomaniaCapital: Bucharest; currency: Romanian LeuUnited StatesCapital: Washington, D.C.; currency: US DollarSection 301Part of the US Trade Act, 1974MY BharatMera Yuva Bharat youth platformDRIAnti-smuggling agency under CBICHydrogen fuel cellProduces electricity from hydrogen and oxygen; water vapour is the by-productSAISports Authority of India under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports101st AmendmentGoods and Services Tax103rd AmendmentEWS reservation106th AmendmentWomen’s reservation in the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies

Daily Current Affairs MCQs

Question 1. How many UNESCO World Heritage Sites does India have after the Sarnath inscription?

A. 45

B. 44

C. 46

D. 47

Correct Answer: A. 45

Explanation: UNESCO inscribed the Ancient Buddhist Site of Sarnath during the 48th World Heritage Committee session. The addition raised India’s total to 45 World Heritage Sites. Sarnath is in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, and is associated with Buddha’s first sermon.

Question 2. Which city hosted the 48th World Heritage Committee session?

A. Seoul

B. Busan

C. Paris

D. Varanasi

Correct Answer: B. Busan

Explanation: The inscription was announced during the Committee session held in Busan, Republic of Korea. UNESCO is headquartered in Paris, but the session venue was Busan. Headquarters and event venue should be remembered separately.

Question 3. How many border villages were covered by the Viksit Vibrant Village Programme 2026?

A. 54

B. 64

C. 74

D. 84

Correct Answer: C. 74

Explanation: The programme covered 74 villages across Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. More than 400 youth representing every State and Union Territory were selected through a nationwide quiz.

Question 4. What additional duty was set for India under the final US Section 301 measures?

A. 7.5%

B. 8%

C. 12.5%

D. 10%

Correct Answer: D. 10%

Explanation: USTR’s final measures placed India in the 10% lower tariff tier. This was reduced from the 12.5% initially proposed. Exemptions keep an estimated 45% of Indian exports outside the additional duty.

Question 5. Consider the statements: (1) Sarnath is in Uttar Pradesh. (2) Buddha delivered his first sermon at Sarnath.

A. Both statements are correct

B. Only statement 1 is correct

C. Only statement 2 is correct

D. Both statements are incorrect

Correct Answer: A. Both statements are correct

Explanation: Sarnath is located near Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh. Buddhist tradition identifies it as the place where Gautama Buddha delivered his first sermon after enlightenment, an event associated with the Turning of the Wheel of Dharma.

Question 6. What amount was allocated for eCourts Project Phase III?

A. ₹810 crore

B. ₹1,200 crore

C. ₹2,010 crore

D. ₹3,210 crore

Correct Answer: B. ₹1,200 crore

Explanation: eCourts Phase III received ₹1,200 crore. A separate ₹810 crore allocation was made under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme for infrastructure of District and Subordinate Courts, taking the combined total to ₹2,010 crore.

Question 7. DRI seized more than how much smuggled gold?

A. 17 kg

B. 22 kg

C. 27 kg

D. 32 kg

Correct Answer: C. 27 kg

Explanation: DRI seized over 27 kg of foreign-origin smuggled gold and arrested 12 persons. DRI functions under CBIC and is a major anti-smuggling intelligence and investigation organisation.

Question 8. India’s first hydrogen train operates on which route?

A. Kalka–Shimla

B. Delhi–Rewari

C. Mumbai–Pune

D. Jind–Sonipat

Correct Answer: D. Jind–Sonipat

Explanation: The train was flagged off on the Jind–Sonipat route on 17 July. By the 25 July update, it had travelled over 1,200 km and saved more than 3,200 litres of diesel.

Question 9. Consider the statements: (1) A hydrogen fuel cell produces water vapour as a by-product. (2) It produces tailpipe carbon emissions.

A. Only statement 1 is correct

B. Only statement 2 is correct

C. Both statements are correct

D. Both statements are incorrect

Correct Answer: A. Only statement 1 is correct

Explanation: The hydrogen–oxygen reaction produces electricity and water vapour. According to the Railways Ministry, the train has no smoke or tailpipe carbon emissions. Therefore, statement 1 is correct and statement 2 is incorrect.

Question 10. Tingong Wangpan won gold in which event?

A. Men’s 100m T37

B. Men’s 200m T37

C. Men’s 400m T35

D. Men’s long jump T37

Correct Answer: B. Men’s 200m T37

Explanation: Wangpan won the Men’s 200m T37 gold at the World Para Athletics Grand Prix in Tlaxcala, Mexico. It was the 21-year-old athlete’s first international event.

Question 11. What was the 2026 theme of World Drowning Prevention Day?

A. Water Safety for All

B. Prevent Drowning Together

C. Unite to turn the tide

D. Every Life Matters

Correct Answer: C. Unite to turn the tide

Explanation: WHO’s official 2026 theme was “Unite to turn the tide.” It emphasised coordinated action by governments, communities, families and individuals to prevent drowning.

Question 12. How many civilians did the Indian Army evacuate near Sanduri?

A. 19

B. 21

C. 25

D. 23

Correct Answer: D. 23

Explanation: The Army evacuated 23 civilians, including seven women and four young children, and moved them to a safe shelter at Khanvel during the flood-relief operation.

Question 13. Consider the statements: (1) MY Bharat implemented the Viksit Vibrant Village Programme. (2) It covered villages only in Ladakh.

A. Only statement 1 is correct

B. Only statement 2 is correct

C. Both statements are correct

D. Both statements are incorrect

Correct Answer: A. Only statement 1 is correct

Explanation: MY Bharat implemented the programme, but it covered villages in Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand—not Ladakh alone.

Question 14. What is the currency of Romania?

A. Euro

B. Romanian Leu

C. Dinar

D. Forint

Correct Answer: B. Romanian Leu

Explanation: Romania’s capital is Bucharest and its currency is the Romanian Leu. President Droupadi Murmu concluded her three-nation visit after addressing the Indian community in Bucharest.

Question 15. The 101st Constitutional Amendment concerns:

A. EWS reservation

B. Women’s reservation

C. Goods and Services Tax

D. India–Bangladesh land boundary

Correct Answer: C. Goods and Services Tax

Explanation: The Constitution (101st Amendment) Act, 2016 created the constitutional framework for GST. The 103rd concerns EWS reservation and the 106th concerns women’s legislative reservation.

Question 16. Section 301 is part of which US law?

A. Tariff Act, 1930

B. Federal Reserve Act, 1913

C. Trade Expansion Act, 1962

D. Trade Act, 1974

Correct Answer: D. Trade Act, 1974

Explanation: Section 301 of the US Trade Act, 1974, authorises USTR to investigate certain foreign trade practices and take responsive measures.

Question 17. Match: (a) Sarnath (b) Tingong Wangpan (c) eCourts Phase III with (1) ₹1,200 crore (2) 200m T37 (3) India’s 45th UNESCO site.

A. a-3, b-2, c-1

B. a-2, b-1, c-3

C. a-1, b-3, c-2

D. a-3, b-1, c-2

Correct Answer: A. a-3, b-2, c-1

Explanation: Sarnath became India’s 45th UNESCO site, Wangpan won the 200m T37 gold, and eCourts Phase III received ₹1,200 crore.

Question 18. World Drowning Prevention Day is observed on:

A. 23 July

B. 25 July

C. 28 July

D. 30 July

Correct Answer: B. 25 July

Explanation: The day is observed annually on 25 July. The UN General Assembly established it in 2021, and WHO coordinates drowning-prevention work within the UN system.

Question 19. Consider the statements: (1) The final additional US duty for India is 10%. (2) An estimated 45% of Indian exports are exempt.

A. Only statement 1 is correct

B. Only statement 2 is correct

C. Both statements are correct

D. Both statements are incorrect

Correct Answer: C. Both statements are correct

Explanation: The Commerce Ministry stated that the final additional duty was 10%. Due to exemptions, an estimated 45% of Indian exports remain outside it, while roughly 55% are covered.

Question 20. Sarnath was inscribed under which UNESCO criteria?

A. (i) and (ii)

B. (ii) and (iv)

C. (iv) and (v)

D. (iii) and (vi)

Correct Answer: D. (iii) and (vi)

Explanation: UNESCO’s 2026 new-properties listing records Sarnath under criteria (iii) and (vi), reflecting its cultural testimony and association with ideas and events of outstanding universal significance.

Quick Revision Quiz

1. Which number UNESCO World Heritage Site of India is Sarnath?
2. Which city hosted the 48th World Heritage Committee session?
3. How many villages did the Viksit Vibrant Village Programme cover?
4. What is the final US Section 301 additional duty for India?
5. What amount was allocated to eCourts Phase III?
6. How much smuggled gold did DRI seize?
7. On which route does India’s first hydrogen train operate?
8. Which event did Tingong Wangpan win?
9. What was the World Drowning Prevention Day 2026 theme?
10. How many civilians did the Army evacuate near Sanduri?

Answer Key

1. 45th
2. Busan
3. 74
4. 10%
5. ₹1,200 crore
6. More than 27 kg
7. Jind–Sonipat
8. Men’s 200m T37
9. Unite to turn the tide
10. 23

Daily Current Affairs Summary

The leading current-affairs themes of 25 July 2026 were heritage, trade, clean transport, judicial digitisation, disaster relief and para-sports. Sarnath entered the UNESCO World Heritage List as India’s 45th listed site. The Viksit Vibrant Village Programme connected more than 400 young people with 74 border villages through MY Bharat. Final US Section 301 measures placed India in the lower 10% additional-tariff tier, while exemptions kept an estimated 45% of Indian exports outside it. Union Budget 2026 allocated ₹2,010 crore for judicial infrastructure and eCourts. India’s first hydrogen train crossed 1,200 km and saved more than 3,200 litres of diesel. DRI seized over 27 kg of smuggled gold. The Indian Army evacuated 23 civilians near Sanduri. Tingong Wangpan won the Men’s 200m T37 gold in Mexico. World Drowning Prevention Day was observed with the theme “Unite to turn the tide.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What were the most important current affairs of 25 July 2026?

Sarnath’s UNESCO inscription, the US Section 301 tariff, the hydrogen-train update, the Viksit Vibrant Village Programme, eCourts allocation, Army flood relief and Tingong Wangpan’s gold were the leading topics.

What questions can be asked from 25 July 2026 current affairs?

Questions may cover India’s 45 World Heritage Sites, Busan, 74 border villages, the 10% additional US duty, ₹1,200 crore for eCourts Phase III, the Jind–Sonipat hydrogen train and the Men’s 200m T37 event.

How should students remember daily current affairs?

Record each update under four labels: date, place, institution and key figure. Revise the one-liners the next day, practise weekly MCQs and maintain a separate notebook for incorrect answers.

How should static GK be studied with current affairs?

Connect each news item with the organisation’s headquarters, the country’s capital and currency, the related constitutional amendment and historical background. For example, connect Sarnath with Buddha’s first sermon and UNESCO’s Paris headquarters.

Which examinations is this article useful for?

It is useful for General Awareness preparation for UPSC, State PCS, SSC, Banking, Railway, CDS, CAPF, Police and other government recruitment examinations.

Source Verification

SourceRelated UpdateDateDirect URLUNESCOSarnath World Heritage inscription25 July 2026https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/ancient-buddhist-site-sarnath-inscribed-unesco-world-heritage-listUNESCO World Heritage CentreNew Inscribed Properties 202625 July 2026https://whc.unesco.org/en/newproperties/PIB/Prime Minister’s OfficeViksit Vibrant Village Programme25 July 2026https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2289270PIB/Commerce MinistryUS Section 301 final measures25 July 2026https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2289348PIB/Ministry of RailwaysIndia’s Hydrogen Train update25 July 2026https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2289319PIB/Ministry of Law and JusticeJudicial infrastructure and eCourts25 July 2026https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2289465PIB/Ministry of Law and JusticeEight Constitutional Amendments25 July 2026https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2289474PIB/Ministry of FinanceDRI gold seizure25 July 2026https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2289357PIB/Ministry of DefenceFlood-relief operation25 July 2026https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2289392PIB/Ministry of Youth Affairs and SportsTingong Wangpan gold25 July 2026https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2289404PIB/President’s SecretariatIndian community in Romania25 July 2026https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2289427WHOWorld Drowning Prevention Day 202625 July 2026https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-drowning-prevention-day/2026WHOSeven strategies to prevent drowning23 July 2026https://www.who.int/news/item/23-07-2026-who-launches-seven-strategies-to-prevent-drowning