04th July 2025

1. New Leadership in the Kho Kho Federation of India
2. Gujarat Joins One-Crore Club of Stock Market Investors
3. India-Sri Lanka Educational Ties Grow Stronger with Launch of Hindi Language Course at KDU
4. President Murmu Inaugurates New Facilities at Mahayogi Gorakhnath University, Gorakhpur
5. Sunil Kadam Appointed as SEBI Executive Director
6. Air Marshal S. Sivakumar Takes Charge as Air Officer-in-Charge Administration
7. SBI Opens New Global Trade Finance Centres in Kolkata and Hyderabad
8. National HRD network (NHRDN) opens office in Hyderabad
9. India’s Economy May Grow by 6.4% to 6.7% in FY26, Says CII President Rajiv Memani
10. Indore Launches India’s First QR-Based Digital House Address System
11. Jio Becomes World’s Largest Fixed Wireless Access Provider
12. Bengaluru City University to be Renamed After Former PM Manmohan Singh
13. Slice Launches India’s First UPI-Powered Bank Branch in Bengaluru
14. Indian Scientists Revolutionize Supercapacitor Tech with Lanthanum Doping
15. India Hosts First National Conference of Urban Local Body Chairpersons in Gurugram
16. CBDT Raises Cost Inflation Index to 376 for FY26
17. CEA and IIT Roorkee Sign MoU to Boost Power Sector Research and Capacity Building
18. GoI Renames NIPCCD as Savitribai Phule National Institute of Women and Child Development
19. RITES Secures International Locomotive Order and Domestic Railway Redevelopment Contract
20. Ghana Launched Climate-Resilient Wheat Initiative in Collaboration with India
21. IFC Committed Rs 460 Crore to IndiGrid to build India’s largest BESS Project in Gujarat
22. KVB, Kshema General Insurance Launches ‘Kshema Kisan Sathi’ for rural customers
23. Mashreq became the 1st UAE Bank to Receive Approval for IBU in GIFT City
24. Crisil Revised India’s FY26 GDP Growth to 6.5%
25. China Tests ‘Feitian-2’ Hypersonic Vehicle with RBCC Engine
26. Paras Anti Drone Bags Rs.22 Crore French Order for Indigenous Anti Drone System
27. DRDO Lab Conducts Field Trials of SDR Manpack & CTCS in Uttarakhand
28. New Flowering Plant ‘Begonia nyishiorum’ Discovered in AR
29. Former Chhattisgarh Governor Shekhar Dutt Passed Away
30. International Plastic Bag Free Day 2025 – July 3
31. Telangana Unveils TGDEx, India’s first state-led DPI

National News

1. First National Conference of Urban Local Bodies Chairpersons

• What:
  • Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla inaugurated the first national level conference of chairpersons of Urban Local Bodies from states and union territories at Manesar, Gurugram, Haryana.
• Why:
  • The conference aims to highlight the role of Urban Local Bodies in strengthening constitutional democracy and nation building.
• Tell me more:
  • The theme is “Role of Urban Local Bodies in Strengthening Constitutional Democracy and Nation Building.”
  • Delegates from across India are participating and will present on five sub-themes.
  • The valedictory session will be addressed by the Governor of Haryana.
  • A show round of Prena Sthal, Samvidhan Sadan, and Parliament House will be held for delegates.

Source: PIB

2. Savitribai Phule National Institute Renamed and New Centre Opened

• What:
  • The National Institute of Public Cooperation and Child Development has been renamed as the Savitribai Phule National Institute of Women and Child Development, and a new regional centre will open in Ranchi.
• Tell me more:
  • The new centre in Ranchi will serve Jharkhand, Bihar, Odisha, and West Bengal, supporting over seven lakh functionaries under key schemes.
  • The Ranchi centre will offer advanced diploma courses, research, training, and services in child development, adolescent mental health, and women’s empowerment.
  • The centre will allow region-specific interventions and better resource allocation.
  • The Savitribai Phule National Institute has regional centres in Bengaluru, Guwahati, Lucknow, Indore, and Mohali.
  • The institute is the apex body for training, research, documentation, and capacity building in women and child development.

Source: HT

State News

1. Mahayogi Guru Gorakhnath AYUSH University Inaugurated in Gorakhpur

• President of India inaugurated the Mahayogi Guru Gorakhnath AYUSH University at Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh.

Source: GOV

2. NHRDN Opens New Office and Incubation Hub in Hyderabad

• What:
  • The National HRD Network (NHRDN) has opened a new office with an incubation hub and learning centre in Hyderabad.
• Why:
  • The centre aims to empower HR professionals and strengthen organisations and communities.
• Tell me more:
  • The facility will serve as a hub for leadership development, professional certification programmes, and skill enhancement initiatives.
  • It will also act as an incubation centre for HR-related startups.
  • The centre is designed to promote dialogue, continuous learning, and exchange of best practices among HR professionals.
  • The Hyderabad chapter of NHRDN led the initiative.
  • The centre was inaugurated by the national president of NHRDN.

Source: TOI

2. Indore Launches Digital House Address Project with QR Codes

• What:
  • Indore Municipal Corporation has launched a digital house address project using special digital plates with unique QR codes outside every house.
• Why:
  • The project aims to enable smart administration by connecting citizen services with digital technology.
• Tell me more:
  • The project started on a pilot basis from ward number 82 in Sudama Nagar area.
  • The digital plates are linked with the central government’s Digipin (Digital Postal Index Number) system.
  • By scanning the QR code, the GPS-based digital address of the house can be accessed.
  • Residents can pay local taxes like property tax and water tax, and also lodge complaints regarding civic amenities through the system.
  • Officials claim this is the first such initiative in the country.

Source: ET

3. Karnataka Cabinet Approves Renaming of Bengaluru City University

• What:
  • Karnataka’s cabinet has approved renaming Bengaluru City University after former prime minister Manmohan Singh and sanctioned the second phase of North Campus development.
• Why:
  • The renaming is a tribute to Manmohan Singh for his contributions to Bengaluru’s infrastructure and development.
• Tell me more:
  • Manmohan Singh laid the foundation for major projects in Bengaluru, including the Bangalore-Electronic City elevated Highway, Bengaluru Metro, and Kempegowda International Airport.
  • The second phase of North Campus development in Amaravati village, Sidlaghatta taluk, will cost Rs 123.50 crore, with funds from the university’s internal resources and internal revenue department grant.

Source: IE

4. IFC Commits Rs 460 Crore for Gujarat Battery Storage

• What:
  • IFC, part of the World Bank Group, has committed Rs 460 crore to IndiGrid for building India’s largest standalone battery energy storage system project in Gujarat.
• Why:
  • The project aims to support Gujarat’s clean energy goals by improving grid stability and ensuring reliable power during peak demand.
• Tell me more:
  • The financing includes USD 38.5 million from IFC’s account and USD 16.5 million in concessional support from the Clean Technology Fund.
  • The project will help Gujarat achieve its target of 100 GW renewable capacity by 2030.
  • India’s power sector is shifting towards clean energy, with a national target of 500 GW clean energy capacity by 2030.
  • IndiGrid will deploy one of India’s first and largest battery energy storage assets in Gujarat.

Source: ET

5. New Flowering Plant Begonia nyishiorum Discovered in Arunachal

• What:
  • Forest officials in Arunachal Pradesh have discovered a new flowering plant species, Begonia nyishiorum, endemic to East Kameng district.
• Why:
  • The discovery highlights the importance of exploring and conserving the Eastern Himalaya’s unique and largely unexplored biodiversity.
• Tell me more:
  • Arunachal Pradesh adds more than ten new plant species to science each year.
  • The Missouri Botanical Garden’s journal Novon is a leading venue for new plant species announcements.

Source: IE

6. Telangana Launches TGDeX, India’s First State Data Exchange

• What:
  • Telangana has become the first state in India to launch the Telangana Data Exchange (TGDeX) to support AI innovation by providing access to quality datasets, subsidised compute resources, and open-source AI models.
• Why:
  • TGDeX aims to address challenges in AI development, promote grassroots innovation, and create a digital bridge connecting data, talent, and opportunity across the state.
• Tell me more:
  • TGDeX brings together AI-ready datasets, GPU resources, open-source AI/ML models, and real-world problem statements in a secure, scalable platform.
  • The platform was developed by the ITE&C department with support from JICA, JICA DXLab, Boston Consulting Group, and the Centre of Data for Public Good at IISc Bangalore.
  • T-Hub and Telangana AI Mission (T-AIM) provide mentorship, market access, and funding through grand challenges.

Source: TOI

International News

1. Hindi Language Programme Launched at KDU Colombo, Sri Lanka

• General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University in Colombo has started a Hindi Language Learning Programme with the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre.
• The programme aims to strengthen cultural and educational ties between India and Sri Lanka.
• The Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre is the cultural arm of the High Commission of India.

Source: NOA

2. China Successfully Tests Feitian 2 Hypersonic Vehicle

• What:
  • China has completed a successful test flight of its Feitian 2 hypersonic vehicle, showcasing the ability to switch between different propulsion modes during flight.
• Why:
  • The test aims to advance hypersonic technology and improve performance, stability, and autonomy for future high-speed vehicles.
• Tell me more:
  • Feitian 2 is developed by Northwestern Polytechnical University with support from Shaanxi Province Aerospace and Astronautics Propulsion Research Institute.
  • The vehicle uses a rocket-based combined cycle (RBCC) engine powered by kerosene and hydrogen peroxide, allowing it to use atmospheric oxygen and reduce onboard oxidizer needs.
  • The test demonstrated smooth transition from rocket-powered to air-breathing ramjet mode and showed real-time airflow control with variable-geometry intake.

Source: ET

Banking and Economy

1. Stock Market Investors in Gujarat Cross 1 Crore

• What:
  • Gujarat has become the third Indian state to cross 1 crore registered stock market investors, as per National Stock Exchange (NSE) data.
• Why:
  • This milestone highlights the increasing participation of people in stock markets in India.
• Tell me more:
  • Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh are the other two states with over 1 crore investors.
  • These three states together account for 36% of the total investor base in India.
  • North and East India showed the highest growth in the past 12 months, with increases of 24% and 23% respectively.
  • South India had a 22% rise and West India had a 17% rise in investors over the last year.

Source: NDTV

2. SBI Opens Global Trade Finance Centres in Kolkata, Hyderabad

• State Bank of India inaugurated ‘Global Trade Finance Centres’ at Kolkata and Hyderabad.
• The centres aim to streamline inland trade and the processing of import and export transactions for faster service and better compliance.
• The new hubs show SBI’s commitment to digital transformation in trade finance.

Source: HBL

3. Reliance Jio Set to Become World’s Largest FWA Provider

• What:
  • Reliance Jio is on track to become the world’s largest Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) provider by subscriber base, surpassing T-Mobile.
• Why:
  • The growth in Reliance Jio’s FWA subscribers highlights its strong position in the global and Indian telecom market.
• Tell me more:
  • Reliance Jio had a 50.72% share in India’s broadband segment, with 13.51 million fixed wired broadband and 480.96 million wireless broadband subscribers in May.
  • Bharti Airtel is the second largest in the Indian broadband segment with a 30.99% share.
  • Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel together accounted for 99.84% of total net subscriber additions in May.

Source: ET

4. slice Launches UPI Credit Card and Digital Bank Branch

• What:
  • Fintech company slice has launched the slice UPI credit card and a UPI-powered physical bank branch with an ATM in Koramangala, Bengaluru.
• Tell me more:
  • The slice UPI credit card has no joining or annual fee and allows users to make UPI payments directly from their credit line.
  • Customers can get up to 3% cashback on all spends and can convert spends into three interest-free instalments using the “slice in 3” feature.
  • The new digital bank branch offers services like cash deposit and withdrawal through UPI ATM, account opening, and access to other banking products.
  • The branch provides instant customer onboarding, self-service digital experiences, and complete UPI integration for all interactions.
  • slice operates as a bank, owning its core banking systems and infrastructure.

Source: LM

5. CBDT Notifies Cost Inflation Index for FY 2025–26

• What:
  • The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has set the Cost Inflation Index (CII) for the financial year 2025–26 at 376.
• Why:
  • The new CII helps taxpayers adjust the purchase price of assets for inflation, reducing taxable capital gains.
• Tell me more:
  • The CII for 2025–26 is up from 363 in 2024–25.
  • The new index will be used to calculate long-term capital gains for assessment year 2026–27 and later years.
  • The notification will be effective from April 1, 2026.
  • The CII is used for assets like land, buildings, patents, gold, and securities.
  • The Finance Act 2024 withdrew indexation benefit for assets sold after July 23, 2024, except for land and buildings bought before that date.

Source: BS

6. RITES Wins USD 3.6 Million African Rail Contract

• RITES has secured a USD 3.6 million contract from African Rail Company to supply and commission two overhauled ALCO diesel-electric locomotives.
• The contract adds to RITES’ international order pipeline and strengthens its business presence.
• The locomotives will be used in Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Botswana.

Source: YT

7. Karur Vysya Bank and Kshema Launch Kisan Sathi Insurance

• What:
  • Karur Vysya Bank has partnered with Kshema General Insurance to offer the Kshema Kisan Sathi dual-benefit insurance product to rural communities.
• Why:
  • The partnership aims to provide financial security and support sustainable livelihoods for rural families and agri-entrepreneurs.
• Tell me more:
  • Kshema Kisan Sathi combines crop insurance and personal accident insurance for Karur Vysya Bank customers.
  • The product is designed to empower, insure, and uplift the agri and rural economy using technology-driven solutions.
  • The initiative uses innovations like satellite imaging to build predictive and preventive solutions for rural customers.

Source: ET

8. Mashreq Gets Approval to Open Branch in GIFT City

• What:
  • UAE-based Mashreq Bank has received in-principle approval to open an International Financial Services Centre Banking Unit in Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City).
• Why:
  • The new branch aims to promote innovation, investment, and trade between India, the Middle East, and other regions.
• Tell me more:
  • Mashreq is the first UAE-based bank to get this approval from the International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA).
  • The branch is expected to start operations by the fourth quarter of 2025, after all regulatory clearances.
  • The GIFT City branch will offer services like foreign currency loans, trade finance, and treasury and risk management products.
  • Regulatory incentives, such as TDS exemptions, will help make financial solutions more competitive.

Source: ET

GDP Forecasts

1. CII Forecasts Indian Economy to Grow 6.4-6.7% in FY26

• What:
  • Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) expects the Indian economy to grow by 6.4-6.7% in the current financial year 2025-26.
• Tell me more:
  • The CII GDP growth forecast was shared by CII President Rajiv Memani at his first press conference.
  • CII’s projection uses its GDP Growth Model and highlights India as the fastest-growing major economy.
  • The Reserve Bank recently cut the key lending rate by 50 basis points to 5.5% and the Cash Reserve Ratio by 100 basis points, unlocking more than Rs 2 lakh crore liquidity.
  • CII’s theme for 2025-26 is “Accelerating Competitiveness: Globalisation, Inclusivity, Sustainability, Trust.”

Source: ET

2. Crisil Revises India’s GDP Growth Forecast to 6.5% for FY26

• What:
  • Rating agency Crisil has revised India’s GDP growth forecast to 6.5% for the current fiscal year.
• Why:
  • The revision is based on expectations of above-normal monsoon, further rate cuts, and increased government rural support schemes.
• Tell me more:
  • The India Meteorological Department expects above-normal monsoon at 106% of the long-period average for FY26, which should boost agriculture and discretionary spending.
  • RBI has already cut rates by 100 basis points, leading to softer lending rates, and another rate cut is expected this fiscal.
  • Growth in the Index of Industrial Production (IIP) slowed to 1.2% in May, the lowest since August 2024.
  • Output growth in infrastructure and construction goods rose to 6.3% in May.
  • Income tax cuts and rural support schemes announced in the FY26 budget are expected to support private consumption.

Source: ET

Defence News

1. Paras Defence Receives International Order for Anti-Drone Systems

• What:
  • Paras Defence and Space Technologies received a Letter of Intent from French firm Cerbair to supply 30 units of the CHIMERA 200 drone countermeasure system, worth Rs 22.21 crore.
• Why:
  • The order highlights international confidence in India’s indigenous counter-drone solutions and supports defence technology exports.
• Tell me more:
  • The CHIMERA 200 system is designed to neutralise hostile drones by disrupting their communication and control signals.
  • The order will be executed by Paras Anti-Drone Technologies Pvt Ltd, a subsidiary specializing in drone jamming technologies.
  • Paras Defence is involved in designing, developing, manufacturing, and testing advanced defence and space systems.
  • The company’s shares rose as much as 4.5% to Rs 1,700 after the announcement.
  • The stock is trading above all eight key simple moving averages, signaling strength in both short-term and long-term trends.

Source: ET

2. DRDO Successfully Tests Indigenous Communication Systems

• What:
  • Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully conducted field trials of a compact software defined radio (SDR) and a key communication system in Uttarakhand.
• Why:
  • The trials aim to validate and strengthen India’s indigenous and mission-critical communication solutions for national security.
• Tell me more:
  • The trials were carried out by Defence Electronics Application Laboratory (DEAL), Dehradun, in Joshimath, Uttarakhand.
  • SDR Manpack and Compact Transhorizon Communication System (CTCS) were tested in coordination with the Ministry of Home Affairs, CAPFs, and other agencies.
  • The systems showed robust and reliable performance, meeting user-defined operational benchmarks in varied terrain and operational conditions.
  • Officers from ITBP, SSB, BSF, Assam Rifles, IB, NSG, CRPF, CISF, and other agencies participated in the trials.
  • SDR provides secure digital voice/data communication, and CTCS is used for high data rate connectivity in remote locations.

Source: ET

Science and Technology

1. Breakthrough in Supercapacitor Technology by Indian Scientists

• What:
  • Scientists from Bengaluru and Aligarh Muslim University have developed a new energy storage material that greatly improves supercapacitor performance.
• Why:
  • The innovation aims to boost energy storage capacity and efficiency for devices like mobile phones, electric vehicles, and renewable energy systems.
• Tell me more:
  • The research was led by Dr. Kavita Pandey at the Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS), Bengaluru.
  • The findings were published in the Journal of Alloys and Compounds.

Source: PIB

Agriculture and Rural Development

1. Ghana Launches Climate-Resilient Wheat Initiative with India

• What:
  • Ghana has launched a climate-resilient wheat initiative in partnership with India’s Arima Farms and CSIR-Crops Research Institute.
• Why:
  • The project aims to reduce Ghana’s wheat import dependency and support local farming for food self-sufficiency.
• Tell me more:
  • Ghana’s wheat imports have crossed $400 million annually.
  • The initiative is an example of South-South cooperation driving agricultural innovation.
  • Arima Farms and CSIR-Crops Research Institute are leading the project.
  • The project will help boost local wheat production in Ghana.
  • The partnership marks a new chapter in India-Ghana relations.

Source: NOA

Important Days

1. International Plastic Bag Free Day 2025 – July 3

Source: N18

Memorandum of Understanding

1. CEA and IIT Roorkee Sign MoU for Energy Sector Research

• What:
  • The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) and IIT Roorkee signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to work together on research, capacity building, and knowledge sharing in the electricity and energy sector.
• Why:
  • The partnership aims to support India’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070 or earlier and to promote innovation and technical progress in the power and energy sectors.
• Tell me more:
  • The MoU was signed on July 1, 2025, by the Chairperson of CEA and the Director of IIT Roorkee.
  • The MoU supports interdisciplinary research on decarbonisation, water neutrality, energy efficiency, and just transition frameworks.

Source: ET

Appointments

1. Kho Kho Federation of India Elects New Governing Body

• What:
  • The Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI) has announced its newly elected Governing Body after elections held at its headquarters in New Delhi.
• Tell me more:
  • Sudhanshu Mittal has been re-elected as President, and Upkar Singh Virk is the new General Secretary.
  • The Governing Body includes eight Vice Presidents, four Joint Secretaries, and 13 Executive Members.
  • Athletes Ashwini Bipin Patil and Monika will represent the Athletes Commission.
  • Kho Kho is currently played in 58 countries and aims to expand to 90 nations this year.
  • There is confidence that Kho Kho could be included in the 2030 Asian Games and the 2032 Olympics.
  • The elections were held at the KKFI headquarters in New Delhi.

Source: NOA

2. Sunil Jayawant Kadam Appointed SEBI Executive Director

• Sunil Jayawant Kadam has taken charge as Executive Director at SEBI.
• Kadam will oversee Information Technology, Investor Assistance and Education, and matters related to the National Institute of Securities Markets (NISM).
• He will also handle Economic and Policy Analysis, General Services, Board Cell, and RTI & PQ Cell.

Source: ET

3. Air Marshal S. Sivakumar Takes Charge as Air Officer-in-Charge Administration

Source: NOA

Miscellaneous

1. Former Defence Secretary Shekhar Dutt Passes Away

• Former defence secretary and ex-governor of Chhattisgarh, Shekhar Dutt, passed away.

Source: TOI

Start Quiz of 04th July 2025 on Mobile

Start Quiz of 04th July 2025 on Desktop