19th-21st July 2025

1. Srihari Nataraj & B. Benediction Rohit Set New Swimming Benchmarks
2. NIEPID–JVF MoU for Structured Education for Children with Intellectual Disabilities
3. Mahila Aarogyam Kaksh: A Step Towards Workplace Wellness for Women
4. INS Nistar Commissioned: India’s First Indigenous Diving Support Vessel Joins Navy
5. PM Modi Launches ₹7,200 Crore Infrastructure Projects in Bihar
6. BMRCL Appoints Dr J Ravishankar As A MD
7. Maharashtra Unveils Vidarbha’s First Integrated Steel Plant in Gadchiroli
8. INCOIS Receives National Geospatial Practitioner Award
9. Tesla opens first India showroom at Mumbai’s BKC
10. Bihar Wins U18 Boys’ Title at Junior National Rugby 7s Championship
11. India Shines at the 57th International Chemistry Olympiad
12. Indian Navy Set To Participate in SIMBEX
13. HSBC’s Exit from the Net Zero Banking Alliance
14. India’s Successful Test of Prithvi-II and Agni-I Ballistic Missiles
15. ASI Declared Mizoram’s ‘Lungphun Ropui’ as Monument of National Importance
16. WHC Inscribed 26 New Sites on the UNESCO’s World Heritage List during Its 47th Committee Meeting in Paris, France
17. HDFC Bank’s CEO Sashidhar Jagdishan Emerged as India’s Highest-Paid Banker in FY25
18. Forbes’ 50 Richest Self-Made Women on Earth in 2025: Indian Women Falguni Nayar & Kiran-Mazumdar Shaw Ranked 31st and 32nd
19. SBI Adjudged World’s Best Consumer Bank 2025 by Global Finance Magazine
20. Former CBDT Chairman Nitin Gupta Appointed as Chairperson of NFRA
21. Aditi Chauhan, Indian Women’s Football Team Goalkeeper, Announced Retirement
22. UP Govt Partners with UNDP to Strengthen Disaster Management in UP
23. BIS Mandates Hallmarking for 9-Karat Gold Jewellery from July 2025
24. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Maharashtra’s CM Jointly Inaugurated 1st IICT Campus at NFDC Complex in Mumbai
25. MoTA Collaborated with CIL to Enhance Quality Education in Chhattisgarh
26. UAE-India CEPA Council & BHU’s Atal Incubation Centre Sign MoU to Boost Startup Ties
27. BEML Secured Order worth Rs 185.65 Crore from MoD for Supply of 79 PAT Bulldozers
28. Switzerland Completes Ratification of India-EFTA Agreement
29. INS Sandhayak Docks in Malaysia to Boost Maritime Cooperation
30. The Wealth Company Receives SEBI’s Approval for Mutual Fund Business
31. Aurum PropTech Receives SEBI Approval to Launch India’s First Listed SM-REIT
32. JFSL and Allianz Signed Agreement to form 50:50 Domestic Reinsurance JV
33. ICAR-SBI Team Won National Award for Developing Soil Moisture Indicator
34. Oscar-Winning Lyricist Alan Bergman Passed Away
35. Tamil Nadu Day 2025 Celebrated on 18th July
36. International Moon Day
37. World Chess Day

National News

1. Mahila Aarogyam Kaksh: Wellness Facility for Women Employees

• The Department of Legal Affairs under the Ministry of Law and Justice launched ‘Mahila Aarogyam Kaksh’, a health and fitness facility for women employees at Shastri Bhawan.
• The initiative aims to promote wellness, support physical and mental health, and improve work-life balance for women employees in government offices.

Source: DD

2. Kalaa Setu and Bhasha Setu Challenges Launched for AI Startups

• What:
  • The Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting launched the Kalaa Setu and Bhasha Setu challenges on the WaveX startup accelerator platform to encourage AI startups to bridge linguistic divides in India.
• Why:
  • The initiative aims to develop AI-based solutions for inclusive communication and last-mile information delivery in every language across the country.
• Tell me more:
  • Startups are invited to create indigenous, scalable AI solutions that reflect India’s linguistic and cultural diversity.
  • Final shortlisted startups will present their solutions before a national jury in New Delhi.
  • Winners will receive an MoU for full-scale development, pilot support with All India Radio, Doordarshan, and the Press Information Bureau, and incubation under the WaveX Innovation Platform.
  • The challenge details are available on the WaveX platform of the Union Ministry.
  • Startups, incubators, IIT Hyderabad, NITs, engineering colleges, and T-Hub participated in the announcement meeting.

Source: TH

3. First Campus of Indian Institute of Creative Technology Inaugurated

• What:
  • Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis inaugurated the first campus of the Indian Institute of Creative Technology (IICT) at the NFDC Complex in Mumbai.
• Why:
  • The aim is to provide advanced, industry-aligned training in areas like VFX, post-production, XR, gaming, and animation to strengthen India’s creative economy.
• Tell me more:
  • IICT will collaborate with global tech companies like Google, Meta, Microsoft, and Apple for its training programmes.
  • The first batch will include 300 students, as well as professionals and trainers in AVGC-XR.
  • Another IICT campus is planned for Maharashtra’s Film City, designed to blend with the natural environment.
  • The event also featured the signing of an MoU between Prasar Bharati and Maharashtra Film, Stage & Cultural Development Corporation Limited to set up a film and TV media hub.

Source: NOA

4. Switzerland Completes Ratification of India-EFTA Trade Pact

• What:
  • Switzerland has completed the ratification process for a major trade deal with India and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), known as the Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA), which is set to come into force in October.
• Why:
  • The agreement aims to reduce trade barriers, boost bilateral investment, create jobs, and promote long-term cooperation between India and EFTA countries.
• Tell me more:
  • EFTA consists of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland; all four countries have now ratified the deal.
  • The pact is expected to bring USD 100 billion in EFTA investment to India over 15 years and create one million jobs in India.
  • TEPA includes reduced tariffs, streamlined customs procedures, better intellectual property protection, and a framework for sustainable trade practices.
  • The agreement follows 16 years of negotiation and is expected to be effective from October, with some product categories having up to 10 years for tariff reduction.
  • Over 330 Swiss companies are present in India in various sectors, while Indian companies also operate in Switzerland.

Source: ET

State News

1. PM Modi Launches Projects Worth Rs 7,200 Crore in Bihar

• What:
  • Prime Minister laid the foundation stone and inaugurated various development projects worth over Rs 7,200 crore in Motihari, Bihar, including railways, roads, rural development, fisheries, electronics, and IT.
• Why:
  • The projects aim to boost development in Bihar and improve connectivity, infrastructure, industry, and livelihood opportunities in the state.
• Tell me more:
  • Four new Amrit Bharat trains were flagged off to improve regional connectivity.
  • Rail projects include doubling of Darbhanga-Thalwara, Samastipur-Rambhadrapur, and Darbhanga-Narkatiaganj rail lines.
  • Key road projects include 4-laning Ara bypass of NH-319 and the Parariya-Mohania section, and a 2-lane highway from Sarwan to Chakai.
  • New Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) facilities inaugurated at Darbhanga and Patna to promote tech startups.
  • Fisheries projects under Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana and release of Rs 400 crore to Self-Help Groups under DAY-NRLM.

Source: ET

2. Foundation Laid for Vidarbha’s First Integrated Steel Plant

• What:
  • Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis will lay the foundation stone of Llyods Metals & Energy Limited’s 4.5-million tonne steel project at Konsari in Gadchiroli and inaugurate a 5 million tonnes per annum iron ore grinding plant at Hedri.
• Why:
  • The projects aim to establish the first integrated steel plant in Vidarbha region and boost industrial development and logistics in the area.
• Tell me more:
  • The steel plant at Konsari is the first of its kind in Vidarbha.
  • The iron ore grinding plant at Hedri was constructed by LMEL and made functional in just one year.
  • LMEL managing director is B Prabhakaran.

Source: TH

3. Lianpui Menhirs in Mizoram Declared National Monument

• What:
  • The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has declared the ancient memorial stones, or menhirs, at Lianpui village in Mizoram’s Champhai district as a monument of national importance.
• Why:
  • The recognition aims to protect and preserve the significant archaeological and cultural heritage of the Lianpui menhirs.
• Tell me more:
  • Lianpui village is located 54 km southeast of Champhai town near the India-Myanmar border and is known for its ancient artefacts.
  • The site includes 114 intricately carved stones, anthropic holes, petroglyphs, Y-shaped wooden posts, and ancient pathways.
  • The largest stone is 1.87 metres high and 1.37 metres wide, and the stones are arranged in eight alignments—four north-south and four east-west.
  • This is the second megalith site in Mizoram with national recognition after ‘Kawtchhuah Ropui’ in Vangchhia village.

Source: HT

4. UP Government and UNDP Sign MoA for Disaster Management

• What:
  • The Uttar Pradesh Relief Commissioner’s Office and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) signed a Memorandum of Association to strengthen disaster management in Uttar Pradesh.
• Why:
  • The partnership aims to build world-class disaster management capabilities, support scientific decisions, and improve disaster risk reduction in the state.
• Tell me more:
  • The agreement includes developing disaster management plans for all 75 districts and 15 key state departments.
  • Risk and vulnerability assessments will be conducted in 20 major cities; urban disaster management plans will also be prepared for these cities.
  • The Uttar Pradesh government approved a budget of ₹19.99 crore for the programme over the next three years.

Source: HT

5. Tamil Nadu Day Marks State Renaming Anniversary

• Chief Minister M.K. Stalin and Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin celebrated Tamil Nadu Day, marking the anniversary of the state being officially named ‘Tamil Nadu’ on July 18, 1967.

Source: TH

International News

1. 47th UNESCO Session Adds 26 Sites to Heritage List

• What:
  • The 47th session of the World Heritage Committee in Paris added 26 new cultural and natural properties to the UNESCO World Heritage List, bringing the total to 1,248 sites worldwide.
• Why:
  • The aim is to recognize, protect, and promote exceptional heritage and highlight the important role of local communities in safeguarding sites.
• Tell me more:
  • Four new African sites were included, and three African sites (from Madagascar, Egypt, and Libya) were removed from the List of World Heritage in Danger.
  • Two existing sites were extended, enabling the creation of transboundary natural parks.
  • The Cambodian Memorial Sites and several prehistoric sites like the Peruaçu River Canyon and the Megaliths of Carnac were added, underlining remembrance and prehistoric heritage.
  • With 196 States Parties, the World Heritage Convention is one of the world’s most widely supported conventions.

Source: UN

Banking and Economy

1. Tesla Opens First Showroom in India at Mumbai

• What:
  • Tesla opened its first showroom in India at Bandra Kurla Complex, Mumbai, displaying and starting bookings for two imported versions of the Model Y electric car on July 15, 2025.
• Why:
  • Tesla aims to enter the Indian market, reach new customers, and support electric vehicle adoption in the world’s third-largest automobile market.
• Tell me more:
  • Model Y price is higher in India than the US due to import tariffs and shipping costs.
  • India’s EV penetration is below 5%, and luxury car sales are just 1% of total vehicle sales.

Source: HT

2. HSBC Becomes First UK Bank to Exit NZBA

• What:
  • HSBC has become the first UK bank to leave the Net Zero Banking Alliance (NZBA), raising concerns over its commitment to climate goals.
• Why:
  • HSBC withdrew to update and implement its own net zero transition plan after building on frameworks set by NZBA.
• Tell me more:
  • HSBC was a founding member of NZBA, established in 2021 to align bank activities with net zero emissions by 2050 or earlier.
  • HSBC’s current CEO is Georges Elhedery.

Source: TG

3. Highest Paid Bankers in India for FY25

• What:
  • Sashidhar Jagdishan, MD and CEO of HDFC Bank, became India’s highest-paid banker in FY25 with a salary of over ₹12 crore and was given 212,052 ESOPs.
• Why:
  • CEO pay saw only modest increases due to the Reserve Bank of India’s close regulation and mandatory approval of salary, bonuses, and stock options at banks.
• Tell me more:
  • Sashidhar Jagdishan’s salary rose 12% from the previous year, and his ESOPs at current prices are worth over ₹42.4 crore.
  • Amitabh Chaudhry of Axis Bank had a salary of ₹9.11 crore, a decline from last year, and received ESOPs valued at over ₹30 crore.
  • Ashok Vaswani of Kotak Mahindra Bank earned nearly ₹13 crore, with ESOPs worth over ₹4 crore.
  • V Vaidyanathan of IDFC First Bank earned ₹5.54 crore, an increase from last year, and received ESOPs valued at nearly ₹18 crore.
  • Sandeep Bakhshi of ICICI Bank had a salary of ₹9.96 crore in FY24, and FY25 data is not yet available.

Source: ET

4. Inclusion of 9 Karat Gold in Mandatory Hallmarking

• What:
  • The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has added 9 Karat gold to the list of mandatory hallmarking categories, effective July 2025.
• Why:
  • The step was taken to ensure consumer transparency and bring 9 Karat gold jewellery and artefacts under the same purity and regulatory standards as other gold grades.
• Tell me more:
  • 9 Karat gold must now have a minimum fineness of 375 parts per thousand and is officially included in the hallmarking system.
  • With this update, hallmarking now covers 24KF, 24KS, 23K, 22K, 20K, 18K, 14K, and 9K gold.
  • All jewellers and hallmarking centres must comply with the new regulation.
  • The BIS standard update also excludes gold watches and pens from the artefact definition and defines gold coins as flat sheets of 24KF or 24KS gold, produced by mints or refineries, with no legal tender value.

Source: ET

5. The Wealth Company Gets SEBI Nod for Mutual Fund Launch

• What:
  • The Wealth Company Asset Management Holdings, from the Pantomath Group, has received final approval from SEBI to launch its mutual fund business as The Wealth Company Mutual Fund.
• Why:
  • This move aims to democratise wealth creation for retail investors, especially in Tier-3 and smaller markets with rising incomes.
• Tell me more:
  • SEBI granted the Certificate of Registration on 18 July 2025, allowing the company to operate as an Asset Management Company (AMC).
  • The Wealth Company Mutual Fund enters the ₹74 lakh crore mutual fund industry as India’s youngest AMC.
  • The company plans to offer high-quality, goal-oriented products and empower mutual fund distributors in smaller towns.
  • Currently, there are nearly 50 mutual fund houses operating in India.

Source: ET

6. Aurum PropTech Gets SEBI Approval for SM-REIT Launch

• What:
  • Aurum PropTech has received SEBI approval to launch its Small and Medium Real Estate Investment Trust (SM-REIT) and will list schemes on stock exchanges for retail investor participation.
• Why:
  • The aim is to offer transparent, regulated, and structured real estate investment opportunities, allowing fractional ownership of premium rent-yielding office assets for individuals.
• Tell me more:
  • Aurum PropTech is the first public listed company in India to receive SEBI registration for a SM-REIT under the name AMSA SM REIT Investment Trust (AMSA).
  • The platform is evaluating several income-generating commercial properties, with the first scheme to launch soon.
  • The SM-REIT framework provides stable financial products backed by hard assets and supports business expansion.
  • Aurum PropTech’s total income rose to Rs 284.98 crore in 2024-25, up from Rs 233.07 crore in the previous year.

Source: ET

7. Jio Financial Services and Allianz Form Reinsurance JV

• What:
  • Jio Financial Services Limited (JFSL) and Allianz Group, through Allianz Europe BV, have entered a binding agreement to form a 50:50 domestic reinsurance joint venture in India and signed a non-binding agreement to set up joint ventures for general and life insurance businesses in India.
• Why:
  • The partnership aims to combine JFSL’s local expertise and digital reach with Allianz’s global reinsurance and underwriting capabilities to offer innovative and customised reinsurance and insurance solutions for the Indian market.
• Tell me more:
  • The joint venture will leverage Allianz Re and Allianz Commercial activities already present in India and benefit from Allianz’s pricing, risk management, and portfolio expertise.
  • Allianz Re has been reinsuring risk in India for over 25 years.
  • The JV will support insurers in managing risk more effectively, providing access to strong underwriting capacities and boosting the insurance ecosystem’s resilience.
  • The collaboration also aligns with the national goal of ‘Insurance for All by 2047’ by providing broader access to protection and financial solutions.

Source: HT

Reports and Indices

1. Forbes’ 50 Richest Self-Made Women on Earth in 2025

• What:
  • Forbes released the 2025 list of the world’s top 10 richest self-made women, with Rafaela Aponte-Diamant topping the list.
• Why:
  • The list highlights the increasing presence and success of women entrepreneurs in the global economy.
• Tell me more:
  • Self-made women now make up 3.5% of the global billionaire population, with a combined net worth of $276 billion.
  • China, including Hong Kong, has 18 women in the top 50, with Zhong Huijuan being the richest in the region.
  • The average net worth of the richest self-made women is $5.5 billion, an increase of $158 billion since 2017.
  • The number of self-made women billionaires has risen by nearly 50% since 2017.
  • Melanie Perkins from Australia is the youngest in the top 10 at 38 years, known for co-founding Canva.
  • Falguni Nayar of Nykaa is ranked #31 globally and is India’s richest self-made female entrepreneur, with a net worth of $3.4 billion.
  • Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw of Biocon is ranked #32 globally, with a net worth of $3.3 billion.

Source: IE

Defence News

1. INS Nistar Commissioned: India’s First Indigenous Diving Support Vessel

• What:
  • Indian Navy commissioned INS Nistar, the country’s first indigenously designed and built diving support vessel, at Visakhapatnam naval dockyard.
• Why:
  • The vessel aims to enhance India’s self-reliance in defence by adding deep-sea diving and rescue capabilities.
• Tell me more:
  • INS Nistar was built by Hindustan Shipyard Limited and handed over to the Navy on 8 July 2025.
  • It can perform saturation diving up to 300 metres and supports shallower dives up to 75 metres using a side diving stage.
  • Equipped with remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) that operate up to 1,000 metres for diver support and salvage.
  • Weighs nearly 10,000 tonnes, measures 118 metres in length, and about 75% of its components are indigenous, supporting the Make in India initiative.
  • Acts as a mother ship to the navy’s deep submergence rescue vessel (DSRV).
  • The ship is built to Indian Register of Shipping standards.

Source: TOI

2. Indian Navy to Join 32nd SIMBEX Exercise with Singapore

• What:
  • The Indian Navy will take part in the 32nd edition of the Singapore India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX) with the Republic of Singapore Navy in Singapore later this month.
• Why:
  • The exercise aims to strengthen maritime cooperation between India and Singapore and aligns with India’s regional engagement policies.
• Tell me more:
  • SIMBEX is one of India’s longest, uninterrupted maritime exercises and was earlier known as Exercise Lion King.
  • Ships participating from India include INS Delhi, Satpura, Shakti, and Kiltan, all part of the Eastern Fleet visiting Singapore from July 16-19.
  • The Indian fleet will also visit the Philippines and Vietnam before returning to Visakhapatnam.
  • The Indian Navy will host the International Fleet Review, Multinational Naval Exercise MILAN, and the IONS conclave of chiefs in Visakhapatnam in February next year.

Source: ET

3. India Successfully Test-Fires Prithvi-II and Agni-I Missiles

• What:
  • India successfully test-fired the strategic ballistic missiles Prithvi-II and Agni-I from the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur, Odisha.
• Why:
  • The tests were done to validate training, operational readiness, and the effectiveness of India’s nuclear-capable delivery systems.
• Tell me more:
  • The Strategic Forces Command conducted the launches as routine training and validation exercises.
  • Both Prithvi-II and Agni-I are part of India’s indigenous strategic missile systems and met all mission objectives and technical parameters.
  • Just a day before, the Indian Army tested the Akash Prime air defence system in Ladakh at about 15,000 feet, successfully hitting two high-speed aerial targets.

Source: DD

4. BEML Bags Defence Ministry Order for 79 Bulldozers

• What:
  • BEML has received a government order worth Rs 185.65 crore from the Ministry of Defence for supplying 79 Power Angling & Tilting (PAT) bulldozers.
• Why:
  • The order aims to provide the armed forces with reliable, high-quality, and indigenously developed bulldozers as part of the ‘Make in India’ initiative.
• Tell me more:
  • BEML earlier completed a contract for 66 bulldozers, delivering all units on time.
  • The latest order will further strengthen BEML’s partnership with the Ministry of Defence.
  • BEML operates under the administrative control of the Ministry of Defence and has three business verticals: construction and mining, rail and metro, and defence and aerospace.
  • Chairman & Managing Director of BEML is Shantanu Roy.

Source: BS

5. INS Sandhayak Makes Maiden Port Call at Malaysia

• What:
  • INS Sandhayak, an indigenously designed Sandhayak-class hydrographic survey ship, made a three-day port call at Port Klang, Malaysia for hydrographic cooperation.
• Why:
  • The visit aims to facilitate technical exchanges, strengthen institutional ties, and support regional hydrographic capacity building.
• Tell me more:
  • INS Sandhayak is part of the Indian Navy’s Survey Vessel Large (SVL) fleet and was commissioned in February 2024.
  • The ship has capabilities for full-scale coastal and deep-water surveying, oceanographic data collection, search and rescue, and humanitarian operations, with onboard helicopter and hospital facilities.
  • The visit included knowledge exchange sessions, official receptions, and events to foster international goodwill and promote the MAHASAGAR vision.

Source: TS

Awards

1. State Bank of India Named World’s Best Consumer Bank 2025

• What:
  • State Bank of India (SBI) has been awarded the title of World’s Best Consumer Bank for 2025 by Global Finance magazine.
• Why:
  • The award recognizes SBI’s leadership in consumer banking, focusing on digital transformation, customer engagement, and expanding accessibility.
• Tell me more:
  • The evaluation was based on research and insights from finance professionals globally, considering strong revenue and profitability growth.
  • The award will be presented to SBI Chairman CS Setty at the World’s Best Bank event in Washington, DC, on October 18, 2025, during IMF/World Bank Annual Meetings.

Source: ET

2. Rashtriya Krishi Vigyan Puraskar 2025 for ICAR-SBI Scientists

• The Union Government has awarded the ‘Rashtriya Krishi Vigyan Puraskar – 2025’ to scientists from ICAR-Sugarcane Breeding Institute (SBI), Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu for developing a portable soil moisture indicator device.
• The award recognizes impactful innovation and technology in agriculture and allied sciences, especially for advancements that help farmers and support sustainable development.

Source: UNI

Important Days

1. International Moon Day – July 20

• What:
  • The United Nations General Assembly declared International Moon Day to be observed every 20 July, marking the anniversary of the Apollo 11 lunar mission’s first human landing on the Moon in 1969.
• Tell me more:
  • International Moon Day was designated through UN resolution 76/76 in 2021 on international cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space.
  • The 1969 Apollo 11 mission was humanity’s first successful crewed landing on the Moon.

Source: UN

2. International Chess Day – July 20

• Theme: Every Move Counts

Source: TH

Sports

1. Srihari Nataraj, Rohit Create Swim Records at FISU 2025

• Srihari Nataraj improved his own ‘Best Indian Performance’ in men’s 200m freestyle and B. Benediction Rohit became the first Indian man to swim 50m butterfly under 24 seconds at the FISU World University Games 2025 in Rhine-Ruhr, Germany.
• The records were set as part of performances in the swimming events at the ongoing FISU World University Games 2025.

Source: TH

2. Bihar Wins U18 Boys’ Title at Junior Rugby Nationals

• What:
  • Bihar won the U18 Boys’ title at the 10th Junior National Rugby 7s Championship 2025 by defeating defending champions Odisha 17-15 in the final held in Dehradun.
• Why:
  • The tournament was organised to provide a platform for junior rugby teams to showcase talent and identify future prospects for senior teams.
• Tell me more:
  • The event took place at Maharana Pratap Sports College in Dehradun.
  • Indian Rugby President Rahul Bose called the Junior Nationals a key platform for future national team selections.
  • The top four teams—Bihar, Odisha, Maharashtra, and Delhi—matched the rankings from the Khelo India Youth Games 2025.
  • Odisha was the defending champion in the U18 Boys’ category.
  • Bihar’s win brings attention to junior rugby talent development in India.

Source: NOA

3. India Wins Four Medals at 57th International Chemistry Olympiad

• What:
  • All four Indian students won medals—two gold and two silver—at the 57th International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO) held in Dubai, UAE, from July 5 to 14, 2025.
• Why:
  • The aim was to represent India at a global competition and showcase young talent in chemistry.
• Tell me more:
  • Gold medals were won by Devesh Pankaj Bhaiya (Jalgaon, Maharashtra) and Sandeep Kuchi (Hyderabad, Telangana).
  • Silver medals went to Debadatta Priyadarshi (Bhubaneshwar, Odisha) and Ujjwal Kesari (New Delhi).
  • The event had 354 students from 90 countries, including five observer nations.
  • India ranked sixth in the overall medal tally alongside Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Israel.
  • Students were mentored by Prof. Ankush Gupta (Head Mentor) and supported by a team from HBCSE, Mumbai, and other institutions.

Source: PIB

2. Aditi Chauhan Announces Retirement from Football

• Aditi Chauhan, former Indian women’s football team goalkeeper and first Indian woman to play club football in Europe, has announced her retirement after a 17-year career.
• Aditi Chauhan was the first Indian to play club football in Europe; her journey inspired others like Bala Devi, who played for Rangers in Scotland in 2020.

Source: OC

Memorandum of Understanding

1. NIEPID and Jai Vakeel Foundation Sign MOU

• What:
  • National Institute for Empowerment of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities (NIEPID) and Jai Vakeel Foundation (JVF) signed an MoU in Mumbai to launch a structured and uniform education for Children with Intellectual Disabilities (CwID) across India.
• Why:
  • The aim is to create a comprehensive curriculum for holistic development and address the absence of a uniform education system for children with intellectual disabilities in India.
• Tell me more:
  • The NIEPID DISHA Curriculum will be implemented nationally, making key resources such as an assessment checklist, multisensory curriculum, digital portal, and teacher training available to schools and organisations.
  • The Development Accessible Learning Materials (DALM) Scheme will now cover workbooks and materials for intellectual disabilities in multiple languages, not just Braille books for visual impairment.
  • Free materials and training will be provided to schools voluntarily adopting the curriculum, and teacher training will be given CRE status.
  • The initiative supports inclusive education under India’s Viksit Bharat vision and aligns with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, especially SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

Source: PIB

2. MoTA and Coal India Partner for Tribal Education in Chhattisgarh

• What:
  • The Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) and Coal India Ltd (CIL) signed a Memorandum of Understanding to enhance the quality of education for over 28,000 tribal students in 68 Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) in Chhattisgarh.
• Why:
  • The initiative aims to improve digital education, health, and entrepreneurship opportunities for tribal students, creating a modern learning environment and equal opportunities.
• Tell me more:
  • Coal India will provide ₹10 crore under CSR to support digital programs, health, and entrepreneurship.
  • Around 3,200 computers and 300 tablets will be set up in computer labs for digital education.
  • About 1,200 sanitary napkin vending machines and incinerators will be installed for girls’ health and hygiene.
  • Mentorship programmes and residential entrepreneurial boot camps will be organised at IIT, IIM, and NIT institutes.
  • The programme will be implemented through the National Scheduled Tribes Finance and Development Corporation (NSTFDC), a Section 8 company under MoTA.

Source: DD

3. UAE-India CEPA Council and BHU Collaborate to Boost Startups

• What:
  • The UAE-India CEPA Council and Banaras Hindu University (BHU) signed a Memorandum of Understanding to promote startup growth, knowledge exchange, and institutional links between India and the UAE.
• Why:
  • The partnership aims to provide global exposure and opportunities for startups, especially from emerging innovation hubs, and connect student entrepreneurs with international markets.
• Tell me more:
  • The agreement involves the Atal Incubation Centre – Mahamana Foundation for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at BHU.
  • Startups from the region will gain access to the Middle Eastern market and international investors.
  • A Start-up Showcase event was held in Varanasi to highlight innovation partnerships and launch the UAE-India Start-Up Series.
  • The program offers incubation support, fast-track UAE licensing, curated mentorship, and access to UAE-based investors.

Source: ANI

Appointments

1. Appointment of New MD for Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation

• Karnataka government has appointed Dr J Ravishankar as the new Managing Director of Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL), replacing Maheshwar Rao.

Source: IE

2. Appointment of Nitin Gupta as NFRA Chairperson

• What:
  • The government has appointed Nitin Gupta, former Chairman of CBDT, as Chairperson of the National Financial Reporting Authority (NFRA) and Smita Jhingran, P Daniel, and Sushil Kumar Jaiswal as Full Time Members.
• Tell me more:
  • Nitin Gupta is an Indian Revenue Service officer and former Chairman of the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT).
  • Smita Jhingran, also an IRS officer, previously served as a Full Time Member of NFRA.
  • P Daniel is a former Secretary of the Central Vigilance Commission and Sushil Kumar Jaiswal is the former Director General of Audit (Central Receipt).
  • The appointments are for three years or until the appointees reach the age of 65 years or until further orders.

Source: ET

Miscellaneous

1. Oscar-winning Lyricist Alan Bergman Passes Away at 99

• Oscar-winning lyricist Alan Bergman, known for classics like “The Windmills of Your Mind,” has passed away at the age of 99.

Source: LM

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