26th-28th July 2025
DoP NIPL inward remittances, India UK CETA trade agreement, RBI withdraws Religare Finvest conditions, Federal Bank biometric ecom authentication, Nirmal Minda ASSOCHAM senior vice president, ISRO NIOT MATSYA-6000 submersible vessel, Turkey Tayfun Block-4 hypersonic missile, IOA Raghuram Iyer CEO anti-doping panel, World In Vitro Fertilization Day 2025, International Day for Judicial Well-being 2025, President’s Rule Manipur extended 2026, Maritime Financing Summit 2025 New Delhi, hydrogen-powered train coach ICF Chennai, Nirmala Sitharaman Income Tax Day 2025, MoD BEL Indian Army contract, COP-33 Cell UN Climate Summit 2028, Exercise Drone Prahaar Indian Army, Xflow RBI cross-border payments aggregator, BEML HSL marine engineering MoU, ISRO V Narayanan GP Birla Memorial Award, Anuradha Thakur RBI Central Board Director, Russia 20 satellites Iran launch, International Day Women Girls African Descent 2025, International Day Conservation Mangrove Ecosystems 2025, World Mangrove Day, England Women Euro 2025 champions, India Maldives 6 MoUs cooperation, India Maldives fisheries aquaculture MoU, India Maldives 60 years friendship stamp, India ₹4,850 crore line of credit Maldives, Madhya Pradesh unemployment assistance youth, Modi Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam King Charles, India gold FISU World University Games archery, Tanvi Vennala badminton records, Riley Powell IBSF snooker win, Geetanjali Shree PEN Translates Award, Uma Kanjilal IGNOU woman vice-chancellor, India Singapore Bold Kurukshetra exercise 2025, hydrogen-powered train coach India, Modi UK visit July 2025
- DoP and NIPL Sign Agreement to Revolutionize Inward Remittances to India
- India & UK Sign CETA to Boost Bilateral Trade and Investment
- RBI withdraws conditions on Religare Finvest under Corrective Action Plan
- Federal Bank Launches India’s First Biometric Authentication for Ecom Card Transactions
- Nirmal Minda Appointed as Senior Vice President of ASSOCHAM
- ISRO-VSSC & NIOT Signed MoU to Develop ‘MATSYA-6000’ Submersible Vessel
- Turkey Unveils Indigenous Hypersonic Missile “Tayfun Block-4”
- IOA Ratifies Appointment of Raghuram Iyer as its CEO, Sets Up Anti-Doping Panel
- World In Vitro Fertilization Day 2025 – July 25
- International Day for Judicial Well-being 2025 – July 25
- MoPSW Hosted the Maritime Financing Summit 2025 in New Delhi
- India Successfully Tests First Hydrogen-Powered Train Coach at ICF Chennai
- Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman Presided 166th Income Tax Day Celebrations in New Delhi
- MoD Signs Rs.2,000 Crore Contract with BEL for Indian Army
- India Established COP-33 Cell to Host UN Climate Summit in 2028
- Indian Army Conducts ‘Exercise Drone Prahaar ‘to Validate Battlefield Drone Integration
- Xflow Received RBI Approval to Operate as Cross–Border Payments Aggregator
- BEML Signed MoU with HSL to Advance Next-Gen Marine Engineering Capabilities
- ISRO Chairman Dr. V. Narayanan Honoured with GP Birla Memorial Award 2025
- GoI appointed Anuradha Thakur as RBI’s Central Board Director
- Russia Launches 20 Satellites into Orbit, including One from Iran
- International Day of Women and Girls of African Descent 2025 – July 25
- International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystems 2025 – July 26
- England Women Won Euro 2025
- India Signs 6 MoUs with Maldives to Enhance Cooperation; Extends Rs. 4,850 Crore LoC
- India & Maldives Celebrate 60 Years of Friendship With Stamp Release!
- India Extends ₹4,850 Crore Line of Credit to Maldives – Strengthening Bilateral Ties
- Madhya Pradesh Unveils Monthly Assistance for Unemployed Youth
- PM Modi’s ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ Gift to King Charles III – Strengthening Green Diplomacy
- India’s First Gold at FISU World University Games 2025 in Archery
- Tanvi & Vennala Smash Records – India’s Golden Badminton Moment!
- Riley Powell Defeats Pankaj Advani at IBSF World 6-Red Snooker Championship 2025
- Geetanjali Shree Wins PEN Translates Award for ‘Once Elephants Lived Here’
- Prof Uma Kanjilal Appointed as First Woman Vice-Chancellor of IGNOU
- India–Singapore Joint Military Exercise ‘Bold Kurukshetra 2025’
- India on the UK’s proposed carbon border tax
Table of Content
National News
- India–UK CETA Signed to Boost Trade and Jobs
- What:
- India and the UK signed a free trade agreement in July 2025 to increase trade, jobs, and growth, cutting tariffs on 99% of Indian exports and improving access for goods and services.
- Why:
- The deal aims to double trade by 2030, support job creation, and provide wider opportunities for MSMEs, women, farmers, and start-ups.
- Tell me more:
Key Highlight | Details |
---|---|
Bilateral Trade Value | USD 56 billion (Goods: USD 23 billion, Services: USD 33 billion); Goal: Double trade by 2030 |
Tariff Elimination | - India gets duty-free access on 99% of exports to UK - India opens 89.5% of tariff lines (91% of UK’s exports), with safeguards for dairy, cereals, phones, energy, etc. |
Job Creation | Boost in employment expected for MSMEs, women-led enterprises, farmers, startups, and artisans |
Services Boost | - Eases mobility for IT, finance, education, yoga instructors, chefs, etc. - 1,800 Indian professionals allowed annually - Double Contribution Convention saves INR 4,000 crore |
Simplified Trade Rules | - Self-certification of origin - No origin documentation needed for consignments under £1,000 - Product-specific rules aligned with Indian supply chains |
Sector-Wise | Benefits |
---|---|
Agriculture & Food Processing | - Zero-duty access on 2,422 tariff lines - >50% export rise expected in 3 years - Competitive with EU, Turkey, Canada - States Benefiting: Maharashtra, Gujarat, Kerala, NE states |
Plantation Sector | - Growth in instant coffee, tea, spices - Competes with EU suppliers (Germany, Spain) - Boost to value-added exports like Indian instant coffee |
Oilseeds | - Tariff cuts open new market - Enhances global competitiveness of Indian oilseed exporters |
Marine Products | - India exported USD 8.09 Bn in FY23; UK is high-value market - FTA removes 4.2–8.5% tariffs on shrimp, tuna, fishmeal, feeds etc. - Doubling of seafood processing capacity expected - States Benefiting: Kerala, AP, Gujarat, TN, Odisha - Push for women employment in seafood processing |
Textiles & Clothing | - 0% duty on 1,143 tariff lines (earlier, duty was up to 12%) - Removes disadvantage vis-à-vis Bangladesh, Pakistan, Cambodia - India’s share: $1.79 Bn vs UK’s $26.95 Bn imports - Focus: RMG, home textiles, carpets, handicrafts - Hubs: Tirupur, Surat, Ludhiana, Bhadohi, Moradabad |
Leather & Footwear | - 0% duty (earlier, duty was up to 16%) - Access to $8.5 Bn UK market - Exports may double from $440 Mn to $900 Mn - Target 5% market share in 1–2 years - Key states: Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Delhi NCR |
Engineering Goods | - 0% duty on 1,659 lines (17% of total) - Current exports in UK: $4.28 Bn vs UK’s $193.5 Bn total imports (showing high potential for expansion) - Target: $7.5 Bn by 2029–30 - Boost to MSMEs, aerospace, defence |
Electronics & Software | - Duty-free exports: smartphones, optical fiber, inverters - Software services: 15–20% projected growth - Electronics and Telecom Exports to UK to double to $4 Bn by 2030 - Indian testing bodies recognised |
Pharmaceuticals & Medical Devices | - 0% duty on high-value items - UK pharma imports: $30 Bn; India exports to UK less than $1 Bn - Medical devices duty is reduced to 0% from current 2-6% - India’s global medical devices exports are $2.2 Bn (exports to UK are $37 Mn) |
Chemicals | - 0% tariff duty - Currently, 1,206 tariff lines at 12.4% duty - Access to $28.35 Bn UK market - Gains over US, China, Germany - Expected export growth: 30–40%, reaching ~$750 Mn by 2025-26 |
Sports Goods & Toys | - Target: $186.97 Mn by 2030 - 15% projected growth - Duty-free edge over China, Vietnam - Emphasis on UK/EU safety standards |
Steel & Iron Products | - Duties (up to 10%) eliminated - UK demand: $18.46 Bn; India supplies $887 Mn - Export goal: $7.5 Bn (30–40% market share) - Supports ferrous MSMEs |
Gems & Jewellery | - Duties reduced from ~4% to 0% - India exports: $941M → Aim: Double in 2–3 years - UK imports ~$3B; India holds ~$400M - Boost to artisan and traditional sectors |
Strategic Safeguards | - Gradual tariff reduction (5–10 years) for Make in India & PLI sectors - Sensitive items protected: dairy, pulses, phones, lab-grown diamonds - Bilateral safeguard mechanism for sudden import surges |
Services Sector Benefits | Details |
---|---|
Context | - India’s Services Share in GVA: 55% - UK’s Services Share in GVA: 81% - India’s Trade Surplus: $6.6B (Exports: $19.8 Bn) |
1. Market Access Commitments | India Gains Access To: 137 sub-sectors in 12 sectors (IT, finance, education, healthcare, etc.) UK Gains Access To: 108 sub-sectors; FDI: 74% (finance), 100% (telecom); national treatment; no local presence needed |
2. Boost for Digitally Delivered Services | - UK commits to IT, consultancy, education, telecom - Expands India’s $14 Bn IT/business services trade - Supports start-ups and Global Capability Centres (GCCs) |
3. Professional Mobility & MRAs | - No Economic Needs Test or caps - Temporary entry for Indian professionals - Mutual Recognition Agreements in nursing, accountancy, architecture (within 12 months) |
4. Financial Relief: Double Contribution Convention (DCC) | - Eliminates dual social security contributions in UK (up to 36 months) - Benefits 75,000 professionals & 900+ companies - Saves over $500M annually |
5. Sector-Specific Gains | |
IT & ITES | - Full UK commitments provide legal certainty - Reduced compliance costs - Collaboration in AI, fintech, data analytics - Talent movement supported via DCC |
Global Capability Centres (GCCs) | - India positioned as services hub - UK firms to engage in R&D partnerships - Builds on India’s 1,700+ GCCs, employing 1.9M people |
Start-ups | - Easier market entry to UK - Lower operational costs via DCC - Broader digital customer access |
Health & Education | - Enables Indian hospitals & EdTechs to enter UK - Cross-establishment of universities - Support for Indian healthcare professionals in UK workforce |
Financial Services | - UK firms to invest in Indian ecosystem - Indian firms get non-discriminatory access in UK - Growth in fintech, digital finance, diaspora services |
Cross-Sector Impact Category | Impact & Benefits |
---|---|
Supply Chains & Competitiveness | - Lower trade costs enable better integration into global value chains - Job creation in rural & semi-urban India |
Digital Trade & Innovation | - Paperless trade, e-certification, digital facilitation - Especially benefits MSMEs & start-ups |
Sustainability & Green Growth | - Cooperation in clean technologies and renewable energy |
Skilling & Inclusion | - Predictable mobility supports skill development - Promotes inclusion of women, youth, underrepresented groups |
Safeguards by India | - Sensitive sectors protected: dairy, cereals, pulses, gold, smartphones, lab-grown diamonds - Phased tariff cuts (5–10 yrs) for PLI sectors - Selective/quota-based opening for alcohol & automobiles |
Farmers | - Access to UK’s $63.4B agriculture market - Gains: meats, dairy, tea, coffee, spices, fruits, vegetables, processed foods - Sensitive items excluded - No safeguard duties - Recognition of traditional knowledge - Tech innovation support - Outcome: Higher and stable incomes |
Fisherfolk | - Duty-free access to UK’s $3B fisheries market - Exports: shrimp, seafood - States: AP, Gujarat, Karnataka, Odisha, Maharashtra - Boost to income and coastal development |
Forest Dwellers | - Recognition of forests as livelihood sources - Joint efforts on sustainable forest management |
Workers | - Sectors: gems & jewellery, textiles, leather, footwear, food processing - Job creation via tariff removal - Rights: labour protection, gender equality - Skill development and UK job mobility |
Women | - Gender-responsive trade, government procurement access - Support via working groups and best practices - Impact: Women entrepreneur empowerment |
Youth | - Mobility in IT, healthcare, finance - Qualification recognition - Employment in MSME supply chains - Global job access |
SMEs | - Dedicated SME chapter and coordination point - Digital systems, paperless trade - Cooperation in education, skills, innovation - Global competitiveness |
Businesses | - Simplified customs, Single Window clearance - Equal market access in goods/services/procurement - Regulatory certainty - Cooperation in digital trade, responsible conduct |
Professionals | - Sectors: architecture, engineering, medicine, IT, consulting - Mobility for investors, independent professionals - 1,800 visas/year (chefs, yoga instructors, classical musicians) - DCC saves ~$500M annually for 75,000 professionals |
Knowledge Nuggets |
---|
- The UK's carbon tax referred to in the article is the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), which is set to come into effect on January 1, 2027. - It is a proposed tax or charge on imports of carbon-intensive goods into the UK. - The aim is to ensure a level playing field for UK industries that follow strict environmental norms by penalising imported goods from countries with weaker carbon regulations. - It would negate tariff concessions granted to India under the FTA by increasing the cost of Indian exports to the UK. - India sees this as discriminatory and has warned it will retaliate or “rebalance” if Indian export interests are harmed. |
- Maritime Financing Summit 2025 in New Delhi
- What:
- The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways held the Maritime Financing Summit 2025 in New Delhi to discuss investment strategies for India’s maritime sector.
- Why:
- To support the government’s Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 aimed at strengthening port infrastructure, boosting shipbuilding, and making India a global maritime hub.
- Tell me more:
- Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal highlighted a structural shift with increased investment interest and policy support, and noted improvements like reduced turnaround time at ports and a 70% rise in container capacity.
- The summit proposed a Maritime Development Fund (MDF) to lower capital costs and attract long-term investment for shipyards, coastal, and inland waterways.
- Legislative reforms including the Merchant Shipping Bill, Coastal Shipping Bill, and Bills of Lading Bill 2025 are underway to promote Indian-flagged vessels and simplify shipping documentation.
- The Financial Digital Maturity Matrix (FDMM) was launched to benchmark and improve digital financial systems at ports, making infrastructure more investment-ready.
Knowledge Nuggets |
---|
- India allows 100% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in shipping and offers a favourable ecosystem through GIFT City IFSC. - The summit was attended by about 250 participants including financial institutions, shipyards, shipping companies, state maritime boards, and embassies from countries like Norway, Japan, and the Netherlands. - The Ministry’s four-pillar strategy focuses on financing, capacity-building, demand generation, and skills development through public-private cooperation. |
Source: ET
- India Sets Up Dedicated Cell for COP-33 Climate Summit
- What:
- The Environment Ministry has created a COP-33 Cell under its Climate Change Division to handle professional and logistical needs for the 2028 UN climate summit, COP 33, which India has proposed to host.
- Why:
- To efficiently manage preparations and requirements for hosting COP 33, enhancing India’s role in global climate efforts.
- Tell me more:
- The COP-33 Cell will be led by the joint secretary (Climate Change) and staffed by officers, consultants, and support personnel.
- India was proposed as the host for COP 33 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his COP 28 address in Dubai.
- If approved by the UNFCCC, COP 33 would be India’s second time hosting the UN climate conference after COP 8 in New Delhi in 2002.
- This initiative follows India’s successful presidency of the G20 summit in 2023, marking India’s growing influence in global climate talks.
Knowledge Nuggets |
---|
- India aims to reduce emissions intensity of its GDP by 45% by 2030 from 2005 levels. - The country targets 50% of installed power capacity from non-fossil fuel sources and net-zero emissions by 2070. - India's renewable energy capacity has surpassed 245 GW, meeting the 50% non-fossil capacity target five years ahead of the 2030 schedule. |
Source: TP
- India-Maldives Strengthen Ties with Strategic Agreements
- What:
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu held extensive talks and signed several agreements including India-Maldives Free Trade Agreement (FTA) terms and multiple MoUs in key sectors.
- Why:
- The agreements aim to deepen cooperation in development, capacity building, health, infrastructure, digital economy, fisheries, climate change, and renewable energy to promote peace, progress, and prosperity in the Indian Ocean region.
- Tell me more:
- A Line of Credit (LoC) of INR 4,850 crores was extended by India to Maldives, along with amendments to reduce Maldives’ debt repayment obligations on previous LoCs.
- MoUs were signed covering fisheries and aquaculture collaboration, meteorological services cooperation between Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology and Maldives Meteorological Services, and sharing digital transformation solutions.
- Cooperation extends to recognition of the Indian Pharmacopoeia by Maldives and the UPI network-to-network agreement between India’s NPCI International Payment Limited and Maldives Monetary Authority.
- PM Modi received a ceremonial welcome in Male and will be the Guest of Honour at Maldives’ 60th Independence Day celebrations. Maldives became independent on 26 July, 1965.
- Both leaders released commemorative stamps marking the 60th anniversary of India-Maldives diplomatic relations.
- The stamps feature traditional boats: the Indian Uru from Kerala and the Maldivian Vadhu Dhoni, symbolizing centuries-old maritime trade and the Maldives’ rich maritime heritage.
Knowledge Nuggets |
---|
- This visit marks PM Modi’s third to Maldives and first during President Muizzu’s term starting November 2023. - India-Maldives Joint Vision for a 'Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership' was adopted in 2024. |
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi Presents Sonoma Dove Tree Sapling to King Charles III
- What:
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi met King Charles III at Sandringham House and gifted him a sapling of the Sonoma dove tree inspired by Modi’s “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” environmental initiative.
- Why:
- The sapling gift symbolizes the initiative encouraging people to plant trees in tribute to their mothers and promotes environmental awareness.
- Tell me more:
- The Sonoma dove tree is known for its early flowering in 2-3 years and distinctive white bracts resembling handkerchiefs or doves.
- Earlier the same day, Modi and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer signed the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) and endorsed the India-UK Vision 2035.
- The CETA aims to enhance market access for Indian goods in the UK, boost opportunities for farmers, youth, MSMEs, and make UK products more affordable in India.
- The Sonoma dove tree is a celebrated ornamental variety of Davidia involucrata.
State News
- Madhya Pradesh Launches Internship-Linked Stipend Scheme for Youth
- What:
- Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav announced a new internship-linked employment scheme offering monthly stipends of Rs 6,000 for women and Rs 5,000 for men.
- Why:
- The scheme aims to empower youth by promoting employment opportunities and supporting industrial growth in the state.
- Tell me more:
- The announcement was made during the Bhoomi Pujan of six new industrial units worth Rs 416 crore in Acharpura Industrial Area near Bhopal.
- These new units in textiles, healthcare, agriculture, and garments sectors are expected to create over 1,600 direct jobs locally.
- Women eligible under the Ladli Behna Yojana will receive Rs 1,500 monthly from Diwali 2025, increasing to Rs 3,000 by 2028, with additional festival shagun payments.
- Madhya Pradesh is conducting international roadshows to attract investments, highlighting exports like jackets from Acharpura and cotton sourced by China.
- The scheme revives and expands a previously shelved youth employment initiative, aiming to benefit over 1.53 crore youth aged 20–30 in the state.
Knowledge Nuggets |
---|
- Madhya Pradesh’s cotton is recognized globally for quality. |
Source: IM
International News
- Türkiye Unveils Indigenous Hypersonic Tayfun Block 4 Missile
- What:
- Türkiye’s defence company Roketsan revealed the Tayfun Block 4, an indigenous hypersonic ballistic missile capable of flying at speeds over Mach 5.
- Why:
- The missile aims to provide Türkiye with a strategic long-range hypersonic weapon to destroy key military targets from kilometers away.
- Tell me more:
- Türkiye is the second NATO member after the USA to possess hypersonic missile technology.
- The Tayfun Block 4 was unveiled at the 17th International Defence Industry Fair (IDEF 2025) in Istanbul on July 22, 2025.
- The missile uses solid fuel and is launched from a truck-mounted VOLAT platform.
Source: ET
- Russian Rocket Launches Iranian Satellite Highlighting Partnership
- What:
- A Russian Soyuz rocket launched an Iranian communications satellite along with Russian Earth observation and smaller satellites from Vostochny launchpad.
- Why:
- The launch underlines the strong strategic partnership between Russia and Iran in space and defence cooperation.
- Tell me more:
- The 110-kilogram Iranian satellite, Nahid-2, will orbit Earth at 500 kilometers with a service life of two years.
- The mission also carried two Russian Ionosphere-M satellites and 17 smaller Russian satellites.
- Russia has launched Iranian satellites multiple times before, including the Kowsar and Hodhod satellites in 2024 and previous missions in 2022 and 2024.
- Russia and Iran signed a strategic partnership treaty in January and Russia condemned recent Israeli and US strikes on Iran.
- Russian President Putin offered to mediate peace talks regarding Iran’s atomic program and Israeli security concerns, emphasizing no military aid was requested or planned.
Source: DNA
Banking and Economy
- Department of Posts and NIPL Join for Inward Remittances
- What:
- Department of Posts and NPCI International Payments Limited have signed an NDA to work together on a new initiative to make inward remittances to India easier and cheaper.
- Why:
- The purpose is to offer a seamless, secure, and affordable way for the Indian diaspora to send money home using UPI and the postal network.
- Tell me more:
- The initiative leverages UPI and Universal Postal Union’s Interconnection Platform for real-time and secure transfers.
- NPCI International Payments Limited is the global arm of National Payments Corporation of India.
- Mr. LK Dash is DDG (International Relations and Global Business), Department of Posts.
- Mr. Ritesh Shukla is CEO of NPCI International Payments Limited.
Source: PIB
- RBI Lifts Corrective Action Plan on Religare Finvest
- What:
- RBI has withdrawn the Corrective Action Plan from Religare Finvest Limited with immediate effect on July 23, 2025.
- Why:
- The plan was lifted as Religare Finvest completed a one-time settlement with lenders and addressed the issues for which the plan was imposed.
- Tell me more:
- The Corrective Action Plan started on January 18, 2018, due to irregularities found in the 2017 inspection.
- Religare Finvest had losses of Rs 2,270 crore till March 2022 and high expenses in the last financial year.
- The family’s shareholding after the deal is 25.16% through their group companies.
- The acquisition entities include MFPL, PAPL, VIC, and MITC.
- Religare Finvest is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Religare Enterprises Limited.
Source: ET
- Federal Bank Introduces First Biometric Authentication for E-Commerce
- What:
- Federal Bank, with fintech partners M2P and MinkasuPay, launched India’s first biometric authentication for e-commerce card transactions using fingerprint or Face ID.
- Why:
- The aim is to make online payments faster, more secure, and easier by replacing OTPs with biometric verification.
- Tell me more:
- The biometric method reduces payment time to 3–4 seconds and improves user experience.
- It complies with RBI’s Two-Factor Authentication guidelines and allows fallback to OTP if needed.
Source: ET
- RBI Grants In-Principle Approval to Xflow for Cross-Border Payments
- What:
- Xflow received RBI’s in-principle authorisation to operate as an online Payment Aggregator for Cross-Border transactions covering imports and exports.
- Why:
- To strengthen Xflow’s position as a full-stack cross-border payments platform and expand its services to more businesses.
- Tell me more:
- Xflow’s CEO Anand Balaji stated the RBI nod will help scale services to 30,000 businesses by the end of the year.
- The company recently launched the FX AI Analyst, India’s first AI-powered forex insights tool for monitoring USD/INR trends and optimizing currency conversions.
- Xflow is Bangalore-based and has raised USD 16.2 million in two funding rounds, including a USD 10.2 million Seed round led by Square Peg Ventures.
- Other investors include Lightspeed, General Catalyst, Moore Strategic Ventures, and Stripe.
Source: ET
Defence News
- Indian Army Air Defence Radars Procurement from BEL
- What:
- The Ministry of Defence signed a contract with Bharat Electronics Limited for procuring air defence fire control radars worth around Rs 2,000 crore under the Buy (Indian) category.
- Why:
- This procurement aims to modernize the Indian Army’s air defence regiments, improve operational readiness, and promote indigenous defence manufacturing.
- Tell me more:
- The radars will have at least 70% indigenous content.
- These fire control radars can detect all airborne threats such as fighter aircraft, attack helicopters, and drones.
- The Buy (Indian-indigenously designed, developed and manufactured) category emphasizes local content in defence procurement.
Source: DD
- Indian Army Conducts High-Tech Drone Integration Drill
- What:
- The Indian Army conducted Exercise Drone Prahar in Arunachal Pradesh to test drone use in battlefield operations.
- Tell me more:
- The exercise was done at Rayang military station under realistic conditions to demonstrate intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, sensor-to-shooter coordination, and precision targeting using drones.
- Exercise Drone Prahar was observed by Lt Gen Abhijeet S Pendharkar, General Officer Commanding of Spear Corps.
Source: ET
- BEML and HSL Sign MoU for Advanced Marine Systems
- What:
- BEML Limited and Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to work together on developing advanced marine systems, including innovation, indigenous design, manufacturing, and end-to-end lifecycle support.
- Why:
- The collaboration aims to create global-standard marine infrastructure and shipyard logistics systems that will support both defence and commercial maritime operations.
- Tell me more:
- The MoU was exchanged at BEML’s Delhi office.
- BEML will lead the design and development of specialised systems using its expertise in platform engineering and structural optimisation.
- HSL will focus on speeding up indigenisation and use BEML’s production strengths in defence and heavy engineering.
Knowledge Nuggets |
---|
- BEML Limited is a Schedule 'A' public sector enterprise under the Ministry of Defence. - HSL’s CMD is Commodore Hemant Khatri. - BEML’s CMD is Shantanu Roy. |
Source: BS
- India-Singapore Joint Military Exercise ‘Bold Kurukshetra 2025’ in Rajasthan
- What:
- The 14th edition of the India-Singapore joint military exercise, Exercise Bold Kurukshetra, will be held in Jodhpur, Rajasthan from July 27 to August 4, 2025.
- Why:
- To enhance interoperability and joint training capabilities of the Indian and Singaporean armies under the United Nations mandate.
- Tell me more:
- The exercise involves the 42 Singapore Armoured Regiment of the 4 Singapore Armoured Brigade and the Indian Army’s Mechanised Infantry Regiment.
- It will be conducted as a tabletop exercise and computer-based wargame to validate operational procedures for mechanised warfare.
- The exercise will conclude with an equipment display by the Indian Army.
- A symbolic handing over of the regimental flag from the Singapore Armoured Regiment to the Indian contingent will mark the formal transfer of command during the exercise.
Knowledge Nuggets |
---|
- Exercise Bold Kurukshetra 2025 is part of a continuing series of joint exercises between India and Singapore. - The UN mandate underlines the peacekeeping and cooperative nature of the exercise. - Rajasthan’s Jodhpur has hosted this important bilateral exercise reinforcing India's defence engagement with foreign partners. |
Source: ET
Science and Technology
- ISRO and NIOT Collaborate to Develop Deep-Sea Submersible
- What:
- ISRO’s Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre signed an MoU with the National Institute of Ocean Technology to develop MATSYA-6000, a submersible that can carry humans up to 6 km deep in the sea.
- Why:
- The project aims to build a human-occupied vehicle for deep ocean exploration under the Ministry of Earth Sciences’ Deep Ocean Mission.
- Tell me more:
- The design and material development of the submersible’s spherical hull were done by VSSC.
- The spherical vessel is 2,260 mm in diameter with 80 mm thick walls, made from titanium alloy.
- It can withstand external pressures up to 600 bar and low temperatures of -3°C.
- The submersible can carry a crew of three people into deep ocean depths.
- MATSYA-6000 is part of the ‘Samudrayaan’ project under the Deep Ocean Mission.
Source: ET
- Indian Railways Tests First Hydrogen-Powered Train Coach
- What:
- Indian Railways successfully tested its first hydrogen-powered coach at the Integral Coach Factory in Chennai as part of its plan to build India’s first hydrogen-powered train.
- Why:
- To reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increase renewable energy use, and reduce dependence on fossil fuels in the railway sector.
- Tell me more:
- The project started in 2020-21 under Northern Railway, converting two 1600 HP diesel power cars into hydrogen fuel cell-powered cars and setting up a hydrogen fueling station at Jind, Haryana.
- The hydrogen fuelling facility at Jind has a 3,000 kg storage capacity split between low and high pressure and meets safety standards by the Petroleum Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO).
- Extensive testing of vehicle control, converters, and motors has been completed by Indian Railways’ RDSO and engineers from Medha Servo Drives, Hyderabad.
- The project cost is about Rs. 136 crore, with RDSO responsible for design, validation, and testing.
Source: IE
Awards
- Dr. V Narayanan Receives GP Birla Memorial Award
- What:
- Dr. V Narayanan, Chairman of ISRO and Secretary of Department of Space, was conferred the GP Birla Memorial Award.
- Why:
- The award honors the lasting legacy of GP Birla for his contributions to education, science, and culture.
- Tell me more:
- The felicitation was conducted by Nirmala Birla, Chairperson of the GP Birla Archaeological Astronomical and Scientific Institute.
- The award was formerly called the Lifetime Achievement Award.
- The award has been given to 32 Nobel Laureates, including Dr. Venkataraman Ramakrishnan.
- Dr. V Narayanan holds the dual positions of ISRO Chairman and Secretary of Department of Space.
Source: TT
- English PEN Announces PEN Translates Award to Geetanjali Shree’s Book
- What:
- Geetanjali Shree’s Hindi book “Once Elephants Lived Here,” translated by Daisy Rockwell, won the PEN Translates award announced by English PEN.
- Why:
- To honour outstanding English translations of literary works and promote cultural exchange through South Asian literature outside the region.
- Tell me more:
- The award selection is based on literary quality, strength of the publishing project, and contribution to UK bibliodiversity.
- The PEN Translates x SALT partnership supports South Asian literature translations published worldwide.
- The 14 winning titles come from 13 languages across 11 regions globally.
- Other winning works include books from Palestine, Ukraine, Latin America, Brazil, Germany, Chile, Russia, and more.
Knowledge Nuggets |
---|
- English PEN is a London-based human rights organisation promoting literary and cultural exchange. - Daisy Rockwell translated the book from Hindi to English. - The PEN Translates-supported book "Heart Lamp" by Banu Mushtaq, translated from Kannada by Deepa Bhasthi, won the 2025 International Booker Prize. |
Source: TW
Important Days
- World In Vitro Fertilization Day 2025 – July 25
- International Day for Judicial Well-being 2025 – July 25
- What:
- The UN General Assembly declared 25 July as the International Day for Judicial Well-being following the adoption of the Nauru Declaration on Judicial Well-being.
- Why:
- To recognize judicial well-being as a universal concern and address challenges judges face to ensure quality justice and judicial integrity.
- Tell me more:
- Justice Rangajeeva Wimalasena, convener of the Nauru Declaration Draft Committee, highlighted the challenges judges face from technology, social media, and various socio-political factors.
- The Nauru Declaration was drafted by about 18 senior judicial leaders worldwide, setting seven core principles to promote judicial well-being across all legal systems.
- It emphasizes the mental and physical well-being of judges as critical to upholding the six core judicial values: Independence, Impartiality, Integrity, Propriety, Equality, and Competence & Diligence (from the Bangalore Principles of Judicial Conduct).
- The Bangalore Principles of Judicial Conduct established core judicial standards decades ago and later recognized judicial well-being as crucial for judicial competence.
- The UN resolution for the International Day for Judicial Well-being was co-sponsored by 71 member states.
- 166th Income Tax Day Celebrated by CBDT
- What:
- The 166th Income Tax Day was celebrated by the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) in New Delhi, where the Union Finance Minister unveiled the new income tax mascot “Madhukar” and appreciated the Department’s achievements.
- Tell me more:
- The New Income Tax Bill, 2025 was drafted using simplified language and within the set timeline.
- The CBDT’s PRUDENT approach (Professional, Responsive, upgrading knowledge, Diligent, Enforcing with Empathy, Non-intrusive, Technology-driven) was emphasized.
- The Department’s “NUDGE” campaign uses data to guide and enable taxpayers.
Source: PIB
- International Day of Women and Girls of African Descent 2025 – July 25
- UN Focus: Rising Together: Women and Girls of African Descent Leading with Strength
Source: UN
- International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystems 2025 – July 26
- It is also known as the World Mangrove Day.
Source: UN
Sports
- England Wins Women’s Euro 2025 Title
- What:
- England won the Women’s European Championship 2025 by defeating Spain at St-Jakob Park, Basel, Switzerland.
- Tell me more:
- Spain’s Aitana Bonmatí was named the tournament’s best player despite Spain’s loss.
- England coach Sarina Wiegman has won three Women’s Euros titles as a coach with two different nations.
- This is England’s second consecutive Women’s Euro title won via penalty shootout.
Source: TH
- India’s Medal Success at Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU University Games
- What:
- India won 12 medals including 2 gold, 5 silver, and 5 bronze at the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games held in Duisburg, Germany.
- Tell me more:
- India earned medals in athletics, archery, badminton, and tennis.
- Ankita Dhyani won silver in the women’s 3000m steeplechase after switching from 5000m at the Paris Olympics.
- A bronze was won in the women’s 20 km race walk team event and men’s 4x100m relay.
- In archery, India won gold and silver in individual events, along with gold, silver, and bronze in team events.
- India secured its second-ever badminton medal and first tennis medal since 1979 through Vaishnavi Adkar’s bronze in singles.
Knowledge Nuggets |
---|
- India’s 2025 medal tally was lower than the 26 medals won at the 2023 Chengdu Games. - The FISU World University Games is a multi-sport event showcasing young athletic talent globally. |
Source: IT
- Indian Juniors Win Bronze Medals at Asian Junior Badminton Championships
- Indian shuttlers Tanvi Sharma and Vennala Kalagotla won bronze medals in the Asian Junior Badminton Championships held at Solo, Indonesia, ending a 13-year wait for an Indian medal in women’s singles.
Source: IE
- Riley Powell Defeats Pankaj Advani to Win IBSF 6-Red Snooker Title
- Sixteen-year-old Welsh player Riley Powell beat India’s Pankaj Advani 5-4 to win the IBSF World 6-Red Snooker Championship final in Manama, Bahrain.
- To decide the world champion in the IBSF World 6-Red Snooker Championship event.
Source: TT
Appointments
- Assocham Appoints New Leadership for 2025–26 Term
- Assocham appointed Nirmal K. Minda as senior vice president and Amitabh Chaudhry as vice president, with Minda set to become the next president.
Source: BW
- Indian Olympic Association Approves CEO Raghuram Iyer
- The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) resolved its internal conflict by formally approving Raghuram Iyer as CEO with a monthly salary of Rs 20 lakh.
Source: TOI
- Economic Affairs Secretary Anuradha Thakur Joins RBI Central Board
- The government appointed Anuradha Thakur, Economic Affairs Secretary, to the Reserve Bank of India’s central board, replacing Ajay Seth.
Source: ET
- IGNOU Appoints Prof. Uma Kanjilal as First Woman Vice Chancellor
- Prof. Uma Kanjilal has been appointed as the first woman Vice Chancellor of Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU).
- Prof. Kanjilal has over 36 years of experience in Open and Distance Learning (ODL) and has been Acting VC since July 25, 2024.
- Prof. Kanjilal coordinates key digital education projects like SWAYAM and SWAYAM PRABHA under the Ministry of Education.
Source: HT

About Anuj Jindal
━━━━━
Anuj Jindal, the founder, is an ex-manager from SBI, with an M.Com from Delhi School of Economics. He also has a JRF in Commerce & Management and NET in HRM, along with more than 5 years of experience in the field of Education.
0 Comments