17th July 2025

1. Sikkim’s Yakten Village Declared India’s First Digital Nomad Village
2. SMFG and SBI Jointly to Launch Wealth Management Venture in Japan
3. EximPe Receives In-Principle Approval for Cross-Border PA License
4. NSO Report: India’s Retail Inflation declines to 2.10% in June 2025
5. Deepika Sehrawat became 1st Indian to Win Poligras Magic Skill Award 2024–25
6. DRDO Hands Over Six Indigenously Developed Radiation Detection Systems to Indian Navy
7. India Receives Second GE-404 Engine for LCA Tejas Mk1A Programme
8. AI Appreciation Day 2025 – July 16
9. Byrnihat, Delhi Most Polluted Cities in First Half of 2025
10. India Launches World’s First Traditional Knowledge Digital Library
11. Assam Cabinet Clears New Schemes for Villages, Workers, and Students
12. India Secures 5-Year DAP Fertilizer Agreement with Saudi Firm Maaden
13. President Murmu Nominates Four Members to Rajya Sabha
14. Centre Appoints Dr Abhijat Sheth as New NMC Chief
15. Indian Army Launches Operation SHIVA 2025 for Amarnath Yatra Security
16. Khmer Rouge Sites in Cambodia Added to UNESCO Heritage List
17. Gingee Fort Named UNESCO World Heritage Site
18. MoS Pankaj Chaudhary Inaugurates Trade Facilitation Conference 2025
19. Uttarakhand to Plant Over 5 Lakh Saplings on Harela Festival
20. Prasar Bharati Signs MoU to Promote Handball in India
21. SWFs and Pension Funds to Enjoy Tax Exemption Until 2030
22. Arthunkal Police Station Becomes India’s First ISO-Certified Station
23. Varsha Deshpande Wins 2025 UN Population Award
24. India to Host First Global Conference on Manuscript Heritage

National News

1. Trade Facilitation Conference 2025 Inaugurated in New Delhi

• What:
  • Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary inaugurated the Trade Facilitation Conference 2025 in New Delhi, highlighting the government’s commitment to building a modern and efficient testing framework.
• Why:
  • The event focused on scientific excellence as a means to boost seamless trade.
• Tell me more:
  • The conference carried the theme ‘Scientific Excellence for Seamless Trade’.
  • It was the first event of its kind, organised by the Central Revenues Control Laboratory (CRCL) and the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC).
  • The CRCL and CBIC jointly organised the Trade Facilitation Conference 2025.

Source: NOA

2. India to Host First Global Conference on Manuscript Heritage

• What:
  • The Ministry of Culture announced India’s first global conference on manuscript heritage, titled ‘Reclaiming India’s Knowledge Legacy Through Manuscript Heritage’, to be held from 11 to 13 September at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
• Why:
  • The event aims to preserve, promote, and showcase India’s vast manuscript wealth and highlight the country’s ancient knowledge traditions.
• Tell me more:
  • The announcement was made on Guru Purnima and commemorates Swami Vivekananda’s famous 1893 speech.
  • Over 10 million manuscripts covering philosophy, science, medicine, mathematics, literature, rituals, and arts are in India.
  • The conference will host 500 delegates, including 75 eminent scholars from India and abroad, and will be held in a hybrid format for worldwide participation.
  • Sessions will focus on conservation, digitisation, use of AI for archiving, ethical custodianship, and integrating manuscripts into modern education.
  • The event will include rare manuscript displays, live conservation demos, workshops, cultural performances, and areas for manuscript startups.

Source: DD

State News

1. Yakten Declared India’s First Digital Nomad Village

• What:
  • Yakten village in Sikkim’s Pakyong district was declared India’s first digital nomad village.
• Why:
  • The initiative aims to transform strategic locations into year-round destinations for digital professionals and provide steady income for homestay owners during the off-season.
• Tell me more:
  • The project is a collaboration between the district administration and NGO Sarvahitey under the ‘Nomad Sikkim’ initiative.
  • The district authorities installed two internet lines, provided village-wide Wi-Fi, and inverters for uninterrupted electricity.
  • A long-term solution for water scarcity under Jal Jeevan Mission is planned for the village, which is located about 32 km from Gangtok.

Source: TH

2. Delhi Remains India’s Second Most Polluted City

• What:
  • Delhi was the second most polluted city in India between January and June 2025, with 29 days of ‘very poor’ air quality and only three days in the ‘good’ category.
• Why:
  • The report highlights the need for a comprehensive, multi-sectoral strategy to control Delhi’s air pollution, stressing that efforts should go beyond just the transport and agriculture sectors.
• Tell me more:
  • PM2.5 levels in Delhi reached 87 µg/m³, double the National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS).
  • Delhi breached the WHO’s annual PM2.5 guideline on January 10 and crossed the NAAQS on June 5, making it unlikely to achieve compliance even if air quality improves later.
  • Byrnihat, on the Assam-Meghalaya border, was the most polluted city during this period with an average PM2.5 of 133 µg/m³.
  • Aizawl in Mizoram was the cleanest city, with an average PM2.5 of only 8 µg/m³.

Source: HT

3. Multiple Schemes Approved by Assam Cabinet

• What:
  • Assam Cabinet approved several schemes including guidelines for hospitals on releasing dead bodies, a GST reimbursement scheme for bell metal industries, financial support for celibate monks, the Gaja Mitra Scheme to manage human-elephant conflict, and the Prerona Aasoni scholarship for Class X students.
• Why:
  • These decisions aim to protect citizens’ rights, support traditional and local industries, ensure community well-being, address human-wildlife conflict, and provide financial help to students.
• Tell me more:
  • The Assam Goods and Services Tax (Reimbursement for Indigenous Bell Metal Industries) Scheme, 2025, will reimburse SGST to bell metal manufacturers facing financial hardship.
  • The Gaja Mitra Scheme will create community-based teams in eight human-elephant conflict-prone districts to support safe coexistence during peak conflict months.
  • Eligible celibate monks (Udasin Bhakats) in Assam’s Satras will receive a monthly stipend of Rs. 1500 for their well-being.
  • The Prerona Aasoni scheme gives Rs. 300 per month to Class X students in affiliated schools, from November 1, 2025, until the HSLC exam, with funds transferred via DBT.

Source: ET

4. Operation Shiva Launched for Amarnath Pilgrimage Security

• What:
  • Indian Army has launched “Operation Shiva” by deploying over 8,500 soldiers with advanced weapons and technology to ensure smooth and safe Amarnath pilgrimage.
• Why:
  • The operation aims to provide strong security along pilgrimage routes, especially after increased threats and to protect pilgrims throughout the journey.
• Tell me more:
  • The army is working closely with civil administration and central armed police forces for effective security management.
  • Advanced security includes counter-UAS (unmanned aerial surveillance) and early warning systems, regular drone monitoring, and live tracking of convoys using PTZ cameras and drone feeds.
  • Support systems include engineer teams for track maintenance and disaster response, over 150 medical staff, a 100-bed hospital, nine medical aid posts, 26 oxygen booths, and emergency rations for 25,000 people.

Source: HT

5. Gingee Fort Named UNESCO World Heritage Site

• What:
  • Gingee Fort, the largest fort in Tamil Nadu, has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
• Why:
  • The site was selected to honour its historical importance as part of the Maratha Military Landscapes, adding to India’s World Heritage Sites.
• Tell me more:
  • The fort covers 2,700 acres and stands across three hillocks in the Pakkamalai range in Villupuram district.
  • Gingee Fort is included among 11 forts built, adapted, or expanded by the Marathas between the late 17th and early 19th centuries, and is now the 44th UNESCO World Heritage Site of India.
  • It joins other Tamil Nadu World Heritage Sites like the Great Living Chola Temples, the monuments at Mamallapuram, and the Nilgiri Mountain Railway.
  • There is ongoing debate on whether it should be called a Tamil fort or Maratha fort, as it predates Maratha rule.

Source: TOI

6. Harela Festival Begins with Focus on Tree Planting

• What:
  • The Harela festival, rooted in Uttarakhand’s Kumaon region, began with a call to plant trees, themed ‘ek paed maa ke naam’ (plant a tree in Mother Earth’s name).
• Why:
  • The festival is held to symbolize prosperity, fertility, and the start of the sowing season while promoting environmental conservation through tree plantation.
• Tell me more:
  • The state has kept about an 80% sapling survival rate for the past three years.
  • Agriculture and horticulture departments plan to plant 15 lakh fruit tree saplings during the festival.
  • The Harela festival is deeply linked to the agricultural culture of Uttarakhand’s Kumaon region.

Source: TOI

International News

1. WHO Recognises India’s AI in Traditional Medicine

• What:
  • The World Health Organization (WHO) has released a technical brief highlighting India’s efforts in integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) with traditional medicine systems, especially Ayush.
• Why:
  • This recognition aims to showcase India’s leadership and innovation in digital health and blending AI technology with traditional medicine for global healthcare advancement.
• Tell me more:
  • The WHO released its first roadmap for applying AI in traditional medicine following India’s proposal on the subject.
  • India’s initiatives include AI-driven tools in Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, Sowa Rigpa, and Homoeopathy, such as diagnosis support systems combining traditional assessments and machine learning.
  • Ayurgenomics, which merges genomics with Ayurvedic principles, uses AI to identify disease markers and give personalised health advice.
  • The Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL) is praised by WHO as a model for preserving and responsibly using indigenous medical knowledge.
  • AI tools are being used for cataloguing ancient texts and comparative studies between traditional systems.

Source: ET

2. Cambodian Khmer Rouge Sites Gain UNESCO Recognition

• What:
  • UNESCO has recognised three former Khmer Rouge sites in Cambodia as World Heritage, celebrating their transformation from centres of repression to places of peace and reflection.
• Why:
  • The recognition honours Cambodia’s long struggle, reconciliation, national unity, justice for victims, and the building of peace.
• Tell me more:
  • The sites include Tuol Sleng prison and Choeung Ek killing fields in Phnom Penh, and M-13 prison in Kampong Chhnang province.
  • These locations were inscribed as “Cambodian Memorial Sites: From centres of repression to places of peace and reflection” during a UNESCO meeting in Paris.
  • The Khmer Rouge sites mark Cambodia’s fifth World Heritage listing and are among the first globally tied to recent conflict.
  • The Tuol Sleng prison, now a genocide museum, held about 15,000 prisoners.

Source: RT

Banking and Economy

1. Sumitomo Mitsui and SBI Announce Wealth Venture

• What:
  • Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group Inc. and SBI Holdings Inc. plan to jointly offer wealth management services to affluent clients in Japan, aiming to manage ¥10 trillion in assets over the next five years.
• Why:
  • The goal is to tap into the growing digital affluent segment and capture a major market opportunity in wealth management.
• Tell me more:
  • The joint venture will be funded by SMFG, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp., SMBC Nikko Securities Inc., SBI Holdings Inc., and SBI Securities Co.
  • Forecasts suggest the proportion of Japanese households with financial assets of ¥50 million is expected to rise to 6.1% by fiscal year starting April 2035.

Source: ET

2. EximPe Gets RBI Nod for Cross-Border Payments Licence

• What:
  • EximPe has received the Reserve Bank of India’s in-principle approval for a Payment Aggregator Cross-Border (PA-CB) licence for export and import payments.
• Why:
  • The approval will help EximPe offer cross-border pay-ins and pay-outs for digital services, e-commerce, and B2B goods trade to businesses in emerging Asian markets.
• Tell me more:
  • EximPe plans to grow its business ten times by the end of the current financial year (FY26) with the new licence.
  • The firm has processed over $450 million in transactions and serves more than 5,000 SMEs, manufacturers, and service providers.
  • Only six companies—Adyen India, Amazon Pay India, Cashfree Payments, BillDesk, Pay10, and Worldline ePayments India—currently hold full RBI PA-CB licences.
  • EximPe has raised $3.5 million in equity funding so far.
  • The founder and CEO of EximPe is Arjun Zacharia.

Source: BS

3. Retail Inflation Falls to 2.1% in June 2025

• What:
  • India’s retail inflation, measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), dropped to 2.1% in June 2025, the lowest level since January 2019.
• Why:
  • The fall is mainly due to a favourable base effect and lower inflation rates in several food items.
• Tell me more:
  • CPI inflation was 2.82% in May 2025 and 5.08% in June 2024.
  • Headline inflation declined by 72 basis points from May 2025 to June 2025.
  • The National Statistics Office (NSO) attributes the drop to reduced inflation in vegetables, pulses, meat, cereals, sugar, milk, and spices.
  • Core inflation has increased slightly, while overall food prices remained mostly stable except some vegetables.

Source: N18

4. Tax Exemption for SWFs, Pension Funds Extended to 2030

• What:
  • The Centre has extended the tax exemption for sovereign wealth funds (SWFs) and pension funds for another five years, allowing them to claim benefits on eligible investments in India till March 31, 2030.
• Why:
  • The extension aims to attract more long-term capital investment into India’s infrastructure sector by providing tax relief to SWFs and pension funds.
• Tell me more:
  • The exemption applies to income from dividends, interest, and long-term capital gains on investments made by specified SWFs and pension funds.
  • Section 10(23FE) under the Income Tax Act, introduced in 2020, provides this exemption for investments made on or after April 1, 2020, in specified infrastructure businesses.
  • Direct investments by SWFs and pension funds in India rose to $6.712 billion in 2022, nearly double the $3.797 billion seen in 2021.
  • Experts appreciated the move but suggested the exemption duration could be longer due to the long-term nature of infrastructure projects.

Source: ET

Defence News

1. DRDO Hands Over Strategic Products to Indian Navy

• What:
  • DRDO handed over six indigenously designed and developed strategic products to the Indian Navy.
• Why:
  • The products were given to strengthen naval capabilities with advanced surveillance and monitoring tools.
• Tell me more:
  • The products transferred include the Gamma Radiation Aerial Surveillance System, Environmental Surveillance Vehicle, Vehicle Radiological Contamination Monitoring System, Underwater Gamma Radiation Monitoring System, Dirt Extractor and Cross Contamination Monitor, and Organ Radioactivity Detection System.
  • The handover took place at a special ceremony at the Defence Laboratory in Jodhpur, Rajasthan.
  • The event was conducted by the Secretary of the Department of Defence Research and Development and Chairman of DRDO.
  • The products were handed to Rear Admiral Sriram Amur, Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (SSP).

Source: NOA

2. Tejas Mk 1A Fighter Jets Ready for Rollout

• What:
  • Twelve Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas jets are set to be rolled out by December this year, with six already lined up.
• Why:
  • The timely rollout is important to strengthen the Indian Air Force fleet after delays and to support squadron strength.
• Tell me more:
  • The second GE F404 engine has reached India and will be integrated at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in Bengaluru for the Tejas Mk 1A.
  • HAL ordered 99 F404 engines for Rs 5,375 crore from GE Aerospace to power Tejas Mk-1A; the first engine was delivered in April after long delays.
  • The Indian Air Force has an order for 83 Tejas Mk 1A jets, with procurement of 97 more in process for around Rs 67,000 crore.
  • HAL plans to produce 16 jets next year if engine deliveries stay on schedule, aiming to complete all deliveries by 2030.

Source: IE

Agriculture and Rural Development

1. India Signs Long-Term DAP Import Agreements with Saudi Arabia

• What:
  • Three Indian fertilizer companies—IPL, KRIBHCO, and Coromandel—signed agreements with Saudi Arabia’s Ma’aden to import 3.1 million metric tonnes of Diammonium Phosphate (DAP) per year for five years starting 2025–26.
• Why:
  • The agreements aim to secure a stable and long-term supply of DAP and strengthen fertilizer security for India.
• Tell me more:
  • In 2024–25, India imported 19.05 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) of DAP from Saudi Arabia, up 17% from 16.29 LMT in 2023–24.
  • These agreements will increase DAP supplies to 30 LMT annually from FY 2025–26, with a possible five-year extension by mutual consent.
  • Discussions also covered investment opportunities, including Indian PSUs investing in the Saudi fertilizer sector, and Saudi investments in India.

Source: IE

Awards

1. Varsha Deshpande Wins 2025 UN Population Award

• What:
  • Varsha Deshpande, a Satara-based advocate, has received the 2025 UN Population Award for her work in promoting gender equality and preventing sex-selective abortions in India.
• Why:
  • The award recognises her efforts to address gender-biased sex selection and improve the declining sex ratio through social campaigns and legal action.
• Tell me more:
  • Deshpande conducted sting operations and launched campaigns to prevent sex-selective abortions.
  • She leads the Dalit Mahila Vikas Mandal, an organisation she founded in 1990 to empower women and girls.
  • Her projects include empowering adolescent girls, engaging men and boys, supporting women in the informal sector, and encouraging joint property registration for women.
  • She is a member of statutory bodies under the PCPNDT Act and has worked to strengthen its implementation.

Source: IE

Important Days

1. AI Appreciation Day – July 16

• AI Appreciation Day is observed every year on July 16 to celebrate the role of artificial intelligence in shaping industries and daily life.

Source: TOI

Sports

1. Deepika Wins Poligras Magic Skill Award

• What:
  • Indian women’s hockey forward Deepika became the first Indian player to win the Poligras Magic Skill Award for her solo goal against the Netherlands in the FIH Hockey Pro League 2024-25.
• Why:
  • The award was given to recognise Deepika’s creative and skilful play, which fans worldwide voted as the most outstanding moment.
• Tell me more:
  • Deepika’s winning goal came in the 35th minute against the world’s top-ranked Netherlands, helping India draw 2-2 before winning in a shootout.
  • The Poligras Magic Skill Award celebrates the best skillful moments in the FIH Hockey Pro League, with winners chosen through global fan voting.
  • Deepika emerged as the favourite among three women’s nominees, which included Spain’s Patricia Alvarez and the Australian women’s team.
  • The men’s award went to Belgium’s Victor Wegnez for his midfield play against Spain.

Source: N18

Memorandum of Understanding

1. Prasar Bharati and HAI Sign Three-Year MoU for Handball

• What:
  • Prasar Bharati and Handball Association of India (HAI) have signed a three-year agreement to produce and broadcast all national and international handball events.
• Why:
  • The agreement aims to increase the sport’s popularity and help develop handball talent in India.
• Tell me more:
  • All national and international handball matches will be telecast on DD Sports, Waves OTT, and other Prasar Bharati platforms.
  • The MoU was formally exchanged by Prasar Bharati CEO Gaurav Dwivedi and HAI Executive Director Anandeshwar Pande.
  • Prasar Bharati Chairman Navneet Kumar Sehgal was present for the signing.
  • The partnership covers a period of three years.

Source: NOA

Appointments

1. President Nominates Four Eminent Personalities to Rajya Sabha

• What:
  • President Droupadi Murmu nominated lawyer Ujjwal Deorao Nikam, social worker C Sadanandan Master, former Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla, and historian Dr Meenakshi Jain to the Rajya Sabha.
• Why:
  • The nominations recognize their significant contributions to law, social work, diplomacy, and academia.
• Tell me more:
  • Ujjwal Deorao Nikam is from Maharashtra and was government counsel in the Mumbai terror attacks case.
  • C Sadanandan Master from Kerala has had a long career in education and is a political violence victim who lost both legs.
  • Harsh Vardhan Shringla has served as Ambassador to the US, Bangladesh, and Thailand and was Chief Coordinator for India’s G20 Presidency in 2023.
  • Dr Meenakshi Jain has worked as an Associate Professor of History at Gargi College, University of Delhi.

Source: NOA

2. Abhijat Sheth Appointed as NMC Chairperson

• Abhijat Sheth has been appointed as the new chairperson of the National Medical Commission (NMC), replacing Dr B N Gangadhar.
• Dr M K Ramesh, former president of PGMEB, has been appointed as president of the Medical Assessment Board (MARB).

Source: ET

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