Daily Current Affairs & G.K : July 18 ,2025
1, Which international day is observed on 18th July?
Answer : International Nelson Mandela Day
International Nelson Mandela Day is observed every year on 18th July, the birthday of Nelson Mandela.
Key Facts :
• Date: 18 July
• Established by: United Nations in 2009
• First celebrated: 2010
• Purpose: To honor Nelson Mandela’s legacy of peace, human rights, and freedom, and to encourage people worldwide to take action and inspire change in their communities.
• Slogan: “67 Minutes for Mandela” – Symbolizes the 67 years he spent fighting for justice, encouraging people to dedicate 67 minutes of community service on this day.
2, In which state is India’s second longest cable-stayed bridge ‘Sigandur’ located?
Answer : Karnataka
India’s second‑longest cable‑stayed bridge, known as the Sigandur Bridge, is located in Karnataka, within the Shivamogga district (formerly Shimoga), specifically spanning the Sharavathi backwaters between Ambaragodlu and Kalasavalli in Sagar taluk
3, Which state received the highest number of awards in the ODOP Awards 2024?
Answer : Andhra Pradesh
The Indian state that received the highest number of awards in the ODOP Awards 2024 is Andhra Pradesh.
Why Andhra Pradesh leads:
• Under the States/UTs Category A, Andhra Pradesh was one of four states (alongside Maharashtra, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh) awarded Gold medals.
• However, where Andhra Pradesh truly stood out was in the District-level awards: the state collected 7 awards in the Non‑Agricultural category (including 3 Golds, 1 Silver, 1 Bronze, and 2 Special Mentions) and 3 awards in the Agricultural category (1 Gold, 1 Bronze, and one more recognition) – totaling 10 district-level awards . That represents more ODOP accolades than any other state.
4, Which country has launched the communication satellite, Dror-1?
Answer : Israel
The country Israel launched the Dror‑1 communications satellite. It was developed and built by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and successfully launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral, Florida on July 13, 2025 .
Key points:
• Dror‑1 is Israel’s first fully government‑owned and developed satellite in the communications category.
• Built for a projected 15‑year lifespan, it carries the largest communications antenna ever constructed in Israel (~2.8 m diameter) and spans ~17.8 m with solar panels deployed.
• Positioned in geostationary orbit (~36,000 km altitude), it will enhance Israel’s strategic and civilian communication capabilities while reducing dependence on private or foreign satellite services.
5, Where did the recent G20 Finance Ministers’ meeting take place?
Answer : Durban
The recent G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors meeting was held in Durban, South Africa. Specifically, the sessions took place on July 17–18, 2025, at The Capital Hotel, in Zimbali, near Durban, KwaZulu‑Natal.
Here’s why it’s noteworthy:
• The gathering convened the finance ministers and central bank governors of the G20 under South Africa’s presidency, focusing on global economic stability, trade tensions, African development, and Africa-centric initiatives.
• Delegates discussed mounting challenges such as increased trade uncertainty—like U.S. tariffs and currency volatility—while South Africa emphasized themes of Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability.
6, Which country signed the Kensington Treaty with Germany?
Answer : United Kingdom
The Kensington Treaty was signed between the governments of the United Kingdom and Germany. It was officially concluded on 17 July 2025 at the Victoria & Albert Museum in Kensington, London, by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, along with their respective foreign ministers
Key Highlights:
• This was the first-ever major bilateral treaty between the UK and Germany since World War II.
• It covers cooperation on defence, migration policy, trade, education, and cultural exchanges—including easier passport e‑gate access for UK visitors and visa-free school trips.
• The agreement includes a legal commitment from Germany to criminalize migrant smuggling towards the UK, mutual security provisions, and plans for future direct rail links between London and Berlin.
7, Who is mediating the Gaza ceasefire negotiations along with the U.S. and Egypt?
Answer : Qatar
The Gaza ceasefire negotiations underway in Doha are being mediated by Qatar, alongside the United States and Egypt. These three countries jointly presented an updated ceasefire proposal aimed at halting the conflict and arranging hostage exchanges.
So, Qatar is the third mediator working with the U.S. and Egypt on the Gaza truce.