Current Affairs 25 July 2025

Student suicides 7.6% of all suicide cases across India: Minister.

• Recently, the Union Minister of State for Education presented in response to a written question in Parliament, highlighting student suicides in India.
• According to the NCRB’s Accidental Deaths and Suicides in India (ADSI) Report, 7.6% of total suicides in 2022 were by students, 2,248 student suicides were directly attributed to exam failure.

India makes biggest jump to 77th in Global Passport rankings.

• Singapore retained the top position on the Henley Passport Index.
• India showed the highest improvement, jumping 8 spots from 85th to 77th since January 2025.
• Indian passport holders can now access 59 destinations visa-free.
• Afghanistan is last-ranked, with visa-free access to just 25 destinations, making a 168-country gap with Singapore.

UAE Introduces Sugar-Based Tax on Sweetened Beverages.

• The United Arab Emirates (UAE) will implement a new excise tax policy on sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) starting January 2026.
• The new tax will be calculated per liter, based on the sugar content per 100ml of the beverage.
• Higher sugar = higher tax; this incentivizes manufacturers to reduce added sugar levels in their products.
• The policy aims to curb sugar consumption.

India hits 20% ethanol blending in petrol 5 years ahead of target.

• India has achieved 20% ethanol blending in petrol in 2025, five years ahead of the original 2030 target.
• Ethanol blending has risen from 1.5% in 2014 to 20% in 2025, marking a 13-fold increase.
• Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri made the announcement.
• Ethanol production increased from 38 crore litres (2014) to 661.1 crore litres (June 2025).

Kerala observes Karkadaka Vavu Bali with eco-friendly measures.

• Karkadaka Vavu Bali is a Hindu ritual observed to honour departed ancestors.
• It is performed on Amavasya (no-moon day) of the Malayalam month Karkidakam.
• The ritual involves offering bali (ritual homage) to ancestors.
• It is observed as a mass ritual event across temples and riverbanks in Kerala.
• The state is observing the Green Protocol for eco-friendly celebrations.