19th July 2025 Daily Current Affairs

🇮🇳 India – National Highlights

1. Youth Spiritual Summit in Varanasi

A two-day “Youth Spiritual Summit” launched in Varanasi under “Drug-Free Youth for a Developed India,” gathering over 500 youth representatives. Key sessions addressed addiction’s social and psychological impacts, aiming to mobilize a national anti-drug campaign and culminate in the “Kashi Declaration.”

2. INDIA Bloc Virtual Meet

Opposition INDIA alliance held a strategic virtual meeting at 7 PM IST to strengthen coordination before the Monsoon Parliament session, focusing on seat-sharing, manifesto, and joint campaign strategy. Shiv Sena’s Uddhav Thackeray also visited Delhi to participate.

3. CM Presents Low-Key Birthday in Haryana

Delhi CM Rekha Gupta celebrated her birthday in Nandgarh, Haryana, engaging in grassroots events like visiting differently-abled children, laying development project foundations, and planting a tree under BJP’s “Ek Ped Maa ke Naam” campaign.

4. DME Closed for Kanwar Yatra

From 19–23 July, the Delhi–Meerut Expressway (UP Gate to Kashi Toll Plaza) is closed to regular traffic for the Kanwar Yatra; only pilgrims’ vehicles are permitted while heavy vehicles are rerouted.

5. NO Saturday Bank Holiday

Despite being the third Saturday, 19 July 2025 is a working day for banks across India, following RBI’s observance of only the second and fourth Saturdays as holidays. Digital services are available irrespective.

🌍 Global News

• Middle East – Gaza & Syria

• Gaza: At least 32 Palestinians were killed by Israeli forces when approaching aid distribution sites—aid agencies and eyewitnesses allege shooting without notice amid growing clashes.

• Syria: Sectarian violence between Druze militias and the government in Sweida province has claimed ~940 lives in just one week and displaced nearly 80,000 people.

• Iraq & Iran

• Iraq: Following a fatal mall fire (61 deaths), authorities arrested several officials amid failures in safety regulations.

• Iran: A refinery blaze (one worker killed) and a separate bus accident (21 dead, 34 injured) highlight mounting public safety concerns.

• Ukraine & Russia

More than 300 Russian drones and missiles targeted Ukraine overnight. Odesa suffered casualties including one fatality, and over 140 Ukrainian drones were detected over Russia—marking Russia’s largest drone wave since July 11.

• Vietnam Tour Boat Tragedy

A sudden storm capsized a tourist boat in Vietnam, resulting in 18 deaths and at least 23 missing persons.

• Congo Rebel Ceasefire

Rwanda- and Congo-backed rebel groups have signed a declaration of principles in Qatar, aiming for a permanent ceasefire after prolonged fighting in Eastern DRC.

• Radiation Showcase in Japan

The Japanese PM’s office received decontaminated soil from Fukushima—still slightly radioactive—to demonstrate ongoing recovery and public safety.

• South Korea Martial Law Reform

South Korea’s ruling coalition passed legislation barring security forces from entering parliament or blocking MPs—reforms prompted by 2024’s martial law abuse.

💼 Business & Economy

• EU Sanctions & Oil Cap against Russia

The EU imposed sanctions on Rosneft’s Indian refinery and lowered the oil price cap to pressure Moscow amid the Ukraine conflict. Simultaneously, the U.S. “Genius Act” regulating stablecoins passed, signaling financial tightening.

• India’s Steel Push in Maharashtra

Maharashtra initiated the foundation-laying of the first integrated steel plant in Vidarbha, Gadchiroli, with a 4.5 Mt capacity and an 85 km slurry pipeline to green industrial corridors.

🎭 Culture & Sports

• Polo: Jaipur in UK

Prince Padmanabh Singh led Jaipur’s team at Guards Polo Club in England for Indian Polo Day and Jaipur Trophy revival, with matches streaming live in India.

• Women’s Euro 2025 Insights

France vs Germany quarter-final is set; England hope for Leah Williamson’s semis comeback, while tensions rise over player bookings.

• PFL Champions Series Debuts in Africa

The Professional Fighters League launched its tournament in Cape Town, featuring Johnny Eblen vs Costello van Steenis and Dakota Ditcheva vs Sumiko Inaba.

🔍 At-a-Glance Summary