07th August 2025

1. India, Russia Sign Protocol to Deepen Industrial Cooperation at 11th Working Group Session
2. Delhi Assembly Becomes India’s First Legislature to Run Entirely on Solar Power
3. Chhattisgarh Emerges as Major Ni–Cu–PGE Mineral Belt with Breakthrough Discovery in Mahasamund
4. Goldman Sachs Cuts India’s Growth Forecast on US Tariff Worries
5. Philippines to Boost Food Imports from India, Lifts Restrictions on Basmati Rice
6. Assam CM Launches ‘Mukhya Mantrir Nijut Moina 2.0’ to Boost Girls’ Higher Education
7. S. Radha Chauhan Assumes Charge as Chairperson of Capacity Building Commission
8. SECI Conducts First-ever Auction For Procurement of Green Ammonia
9. National Handloom Day 2025 – August 7
10. PM Narendra Modi Inaugurates Kartavya Bhavan in New Delhi
11. SAP Labs India Inks MoU with GSV to Digitally Skill Professionals in Logistics and Transport Sector
12. IIT Palakkad Launched India’s 1st AI-powered Learning App ‘Tutoz’
13. Global AI City Index 2025: Bengaluru ranked 26th; Singapore Topped
14. India, Philippines Conducted Joint Naval Exercises in South China Sea
15. BOB Launches Digital Forex Platform ‘bob FxOne’ for Corporate and MSME Customers
16. IRCTC Payments Ltd. Received RBI’s In-Principle Approval to Operate as Online PA
17. Axis Bank Introduces First Ever ‘Lock FD’ Feature to Prevent Term Deposits from Digital Frauds
18. Tata AIA Life Insurance Launches Women-Centric Term Insurance Plan ‘Shubh Shakti’
19. India and England’s Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy 2025 Ends in Draw

National News

1. India-Russia Hold 11th Working Group Session on Industry

• What:
  • The 11th Session of the India-Russia Working Group on Modernization and Industrial Cooperation was held in New Delhi to strengthen cooperation in key sectors.
• Why:
  • The meeting aimed to review progress and deepen industrial and economic partnership between India and Russia.
• Tell me more:
  • Key focus areas included wind tunnel facilities, small aircraft engines, carbon fibre technology, additive manufacturing, 3D printing, rare earth extraction, coal gasification, and industrial infrastructure.
  • Both sides signed the Protocol of the 11th Session to reaffirm their commitment.
  • The meeting was co-chaired by Secretary, DPIIT, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Shri Amardeep Singh Bhatia (India), and Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade, Mr. Alexey Gruzdev (Russia).

Source: PIB

2. Kartavya Bhavan Inaugurated as Part of Modern Central Secretariat

• What:
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Kartavya Bhavan, the first building under the Common Central Secretariat (CCS) project, marking a shift in India’s government infrastructure.
• Why:
  • Kartavya Bhavan houses key ministries including Home Affairs, External Affairs, Rural Development, Petroleum & Natural Gas, MSME, and DoPT, plus the Principal Scientific Adviser’s office.
• Tell me more:
  • Using Kartavya Bhavan will help save the government Rs 1,500 crore annually by reducing rent expenses on old or rented buildings.
  • It is part of the larger Central Vista redevelopment, which includes a new Parliament building, Vice President’s Enclave, and Executive Enclave.
  • Old government buildings like Shastri Bhawan and Udyog Bhawan were over 70 years old, lacking space, ventilation, and modern facilities.

Source: TOI

State News

1. Delhi Assembly Becomes First Fully Solar-Powered Legislature

• What:
  • The Delhi Legislative Assembly became the first in India to run completely on solar energy and launched the National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA) for paperless operations.
• Why:
  • The shift aims to promote sustainable energy use and digital governance within the Assembly.
• Tell me more:
  • NeVA, part of the “One Nation, One Application” initiative, enables digital legislative functions with smart units, real-time document access, and multilingual support.
  • A successful NeVA trial was held with MLAs, and full implementation is planned for the next Monsoon Session.
  • The Assembly building was constructed in 1912 and previously hosted the country’s first Parliament.

Source: IE

2. Nickel-Copper-PGE Mineral Discovery in Chhattisgarh

• What:
  • A potential Nickel–Copper–Platinum Group Elements (Ni–Cu–PGE) sulphide mineralisation has been discovered in the Bhalukona–Jamnidih block of Mahasamund district, Chhattisgarh.
• Why:
  • The discovery aims to unlock the potential of critical and strategic minerals in Chhattisgarh and boost scientific exploration.
• Tell me more:
  • Geological Survey of India and Chhattisgarh authorities validated the area before auctioning it to Deccan Gold Mining Limited (DGML) with a 21 percent bid.
  • The adjacent Kelwardabri block, auctioned to Vedanta Group, together with this block, could become a high-potential mineral hub.

Source: IE

3. Assam Launches Mukhya Mantrir Nijut Moina 2.0 Scheme for Girls

• What:
  • Assam Chief Minister launched the Mukhya Mantrir Nijut Moina 2.0 scheme to provide monthly financial help to increase girls’ enrolment in higher education.
• Why:
  • The scheme aims to reduce school dropout rates and promote higher education among girls by offering financial support.
• Tell me more:
  • The scheme provides monthly financial assistance to girls from Higher Secondary (HS) to Postgraduate (PG) levels in government and government-aided institutions.
  • HS first-year students get Rs. 10,000 per year (Rs. 1,000 per month for 10 months), graduate students Rs. 12,500 per year (Rs. 1,250 per month), and PG students Rs. 25,000 per year (Rs. 2,500 per month).
  • Application forms were distributed ceremonially by the Chief Minister at Gauhati University and across the state.

Source: NOA

Banking and Economy

1. Green Ammonia Auction Achieves Record Low Price in India

• What:
  • The Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) conducted the first-ever auction for green ammonia procurement, discovering a record low price of Rs 55.75 per kilogram.
• Why:
  • The auction aims to boost India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission by supporting affordable green ammonia supply to reduce dependency on fossil fuels and enhance clean energy adoption.
• Tell me more:
  • The auction covered supply of 75,000 metric tonnes per year to Paradeep Phosphates Limited, Odisha, as part of a larger tender for 7.24 lakh MT annual capacity through 13 planned auctions.
  • The discovered price represents a significant drop compared to the previous global auction price by Germany’s H2Global at Rs 100.28 per kg.
  • Green ammonia is produced by combining nitrogen with hydrogen made from water using renewable energy sources like wind and solar.
  • It is used mainly in fertilizer production, clean shipping fuel, and as a clean energy carrier for hydrogen storage and transport.
  • The auction was guided by the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) with support from the Department of Fertilizers and participating buyers, ensuring robust payment security mechanisms.

Source: MoC

2. Bank of Baroda Launches bob FxOne Digital Forex Platform

• What:
  • Bank of Baroda launched bob FxOne, a digital platform for corporate and MSME customers to execute forex and derivative transactions easily and securely.
• Why:
  • The platform aims to simplify and speed up forex transaction booking, reducing the need for customers to visit the bank or use manual processes.
• Tell me more:
  • bob FxOne provides live real-time forex rates, instant deal confirmations, and downloadable deal tickets.
  • Customers can book deals online with features like One Click Trade (1CT) and Request for Quote (RFQ).

Source: ET

3. RBI Grants In-Principle Approval to IRCTC Payments Ltd.

• What:
  • India’s central bank gave in-principle approval to IRCTC Payments Limited to operate as an online payment aggregator.
• Why:
  • This approval will help IRCTC earn more revenue by processing payments and acting as a middleman between customers and merchants.
• Tell me more:
  • IRCTC Payments Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC).
  • The approval was granted under the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007.
  • IRCTC’s earlier application for a payment aggregator license was rejected by RBI in February 2023.
  • The company started IRCTC Payments last year to offer payment aggregation services to both government and non-government agencies.
  • In April 2025, IRCTC Payments floated a tender for a technical service provider to support its payment services.
  • IRCTC currently uses its own payment gateway called ‘iPay’ for its customers.

Source: PSU NDTV

4. Axis Bank Introduces ‘Lock FD’ Feature to Prevent Digital Fraud

• What:
  • Axis Bank launched a ‘Lock FD’ feature to stop customers from closing fixed deposits early through digital channels.
• Why:
  • The feature aims to protect customers’ fixed deposits from rising digital frauds by requiring branch visits for premature FD closure.
• Tell me more:
  • Once ‘Lock FD’ is enabled, premature closure via mobile or internet banking will be blocked.
  • Customers must visit the bank branch for in-person verification to close the locked FD early.
  • The branch verification involves strict identity checks to prevent unauthorized access.

Source: PTI

5. Tata AIA Launches “Shubh Shakti” Term Insurance for Women

• What:
  • Tata AIA Life Insurance introduced “Shubh Shakti,” a term insurance plan for women with lower premiums and special benefits.
• Why:
  • The plan aims to increase insurance coverage among Indian working women and provide financial support during pregnancy and health issues.
• Tell me more:
  • Female Labour Force Participation Rate rose to 41.7% in FY24 from 23.3% in FY18, yet 89% of married women depend on their husbands for financial planning.
  • “Shubh Shakti” integrates with Tata AIA Health Buddy, offering wellness rewards and health incentives to policyholders and families.
  • Tata AIA reported a total premium income of ₹31,484 crore in FY25, up 23% from the previous year.
  • Tata AIA is among the top three private insurers in Individual Weighted New Business Premium.

Source: HBL

Reports and Indices

1. Global AI City Index 2025

• What:
  • Bengaluru ranked 26th globally and emerged as India’s leading city for AI research, development, and data centres in the 2025 AI City Index by Counterpoint Research.
• Why:
  • The ranking reflects Bengaluru’s strong AI ecosystem, startup growth, and foreign investments, highlighting its role as a key AI hub.
• Tell me more:
  • Other Indian cities in the top rankings are Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, and Kolkata, with Mumbai and Delhi innovating in traffic management and public security.
  • Globally, Singapore is the top AI city, followed by Seoul, Beijing, Dubai, and San Francisco in the top five.
  • Singapore’s success is due to a vibrant startup ecosystem and strong public-private partnerships across healthcare, transport, and telecom sectors.
  • Seoul is noted for AI in healthcare and education; Beijing plans AI education for all primary and secondary students from 2025.
  • Leading AI industry players like Microsoft, Google, and Amazon are expanding AI infrastructure and training programs worldwide.
  • Microsoft is the most active AI vendor, focusing on data centres, training, and innovation hubs.

Source: DD

GDP Forecasts

1. Goldman Sachs Lowers India’s Growth Forecast Amid US Tariffs

• What:
  • Goldman Sachs cut India’s GDP growth forecast for 2025 and 2026, citing new 25% US tariffs on Indian goods and ongoing trade uncertainty.
• Why:
  • The forecast revision was made due to concerns over the impact of higher tariffs and continuing uncertainty on investor confidence and business decisions.
• Tell me more:
  • Goldman Sachs projects 6.5% GDP growth in 2025 (down 0.1%) and 6.4% in 2026 (down 0.2%) for India.
  • The inflation forecast for 2025 and FY26 was lowered by 0.2 percentage points to 3.0%, mainly due to falling vegetable prices, but this low inflation is historically rare and vulnerable to shocks.

Source: ET

Defence News

1. India and Philippines Conduct First Joint Naval Exercise in South China Sea

• What:
  • India and the Philippines held their first two-day joint naval exercises in the disputed South China Sea inside the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.
• Tell me more:
  • Indian navy ships participating were INS Delhi, INS Shakti, and INS Kiltan, while the Philippines deployed two frigates, BRP Miguel Malvar and BRP Jose Rizal.
  • China objects to the joint activity, calling the South China Sea disputes matters only for directly involved countries without third-party intervention.

Source: ALJ

Science and Technology

1. IIT Palakkad Launches India’s First AI-Powered Learning App

• What:
  • IIT Palakkad launched Tutoz, India’s first AI-powered app for students preparing for competitive exams like JEE, NEET, and CAT.
• Why:
  • The app aims to provide accessible, affordable, and customized learning to support students’ exam preparation, especially bridging gaps for rural and aspiring youth.
• Tell me more:
  • Tutoz was developed by Revin Techno Solutions, a start-up incubated at IIT Palakkad and mentored by IIT faculty.
  • The launch event was attended by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, IIT Palakkad director Seshadri Sekhar, and others.
  • Tutoz is led by experts Sreenath Vijayakumar (IIT Palakkad) and Satyajit Das (IIT Guwahati).

Source: TH

Agriculture and Rural Development

1. Philippines to Increase Imports of Indian Food Products

• What:
  • The Philippines has agreed to prioritise increased imports of essential Indian food products such as rice, buffalo meat, vegetables, fruits, and peanuts after discussions with APEDA and the Indian Rice Exporters Federation.
• Why:
  • The agreement aims to strengthen agricultural ties and diversify supply chains, reducing reliance on Chinese products.
• Tell me more:
  • The Philippine delegation was led by Secretary of Agriculture Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr.
  • The meeting included Indian Rice Exporters Federation members and focused on detailed cooperation in agriculture and food trade.
  • The Philippine government agreed to remove restrictions on Basmati rice imports from India.

Source: ET

Important Days

1. National Handloom Day 2025 – August 7

• What:
  • The Ministry of Textiles will celebrate the 11th National Handloom Day on 7th August 2025, honouring India’s handloom sector with the President of India as Chief Guest.
• Tell me more:
  • The event was graced by the President of India and included awarding 24 weavers with the Sant Kabir Handloom Awards and National Handloom Awards for their excellence.
  • Each Sant Kabir Award carries a cash prize of ₹3.5 lakh, a gold coin (mounted), a Tamrapatra, a shawl, and a certificate. Each National Handloom Award includes a cash prize of ₹2 lakh, a Tamrapatra, a shawl, and a certificate.
  • Special programs include an exhibition of awardees’ collections, unveiling of a coffee table book by NIFT Mumbai, and a facilitation desk for handloom schemes.
  • A week-long series of events featured the “Know Your Weaves” campaign, saree exhibitions, fashion shows, and an international hand-woven expo.
  • The Handloom Hackathon 2025, held at IIT Delhi, invited innovators to solve challenges in the handloom sector under the theme “DREAM IT; DO IT.”

Source: PIB1 PIB2

Sports

1. India Wins Thrilling Final Test to Draw Series Against England in Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy

• What:
  • India narrowly defeated England by six runs in the final Test at The Oval, drawing the five-match series 2-2.
• Tell me more:
  • The series saw the second-highest aggregate runs in a Test series with 7,187 runs scored.
  • There were 14 team innings scoring over 300 runs, tying the record for most 300-plus innings in a series.

Source: TOI

Memorandum of Understanding

1. SAP Signs MOU with Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya for Digital Skills

• What:
  • SAP and Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya (GSV) signed a pact to digitally skill professionals in India’s logistics and transport sector.
• Why:
  • The partnership aims to create a future-ready workforce by aligning education and skills with real-world logistics industry needs.
• Tell me more:
  • The MoU focuses on employment for GSV graduates and postgraduates through industry-relevant skills and curriculum enhancement.
  • It includes capacity building for students and government professionals and promotes industry linkages for research, development, and job opportunities.
  • SAP is embedding digital logistics tools and solutions into GSV’s curriculum to boost national logistics capabilities.
  • SAP Labs India inaugurated its second campus in Bengaluru, marking continued investment in India as a global technology hub.
  • Minister of Electronics and IT Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted India’s rise in digital economy and the upcoming production of the first Made in India chip.

Source: TP

Appointments

1. S Radha Chauhan Appointed Chairperson of Capacity Building Commission

• What:
  • S Radha Chauhan, retired IAS officer of 1988 batch from Uttar Pradesh cadre, was appointed full-time Chairperson of the Capacity Building Commission (CBC) for three years.
• Tell me more:
  • Chauhan retired as Secretary, Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), and has held senior roles in rural development, urban governance, education, and digital governance.
  • She was CEO of Government e-Marketplace (GeM) and led the National eGovernance Division contributing significantly to the Digital India initiative.

Source: TS

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