03rd July 2025

1. PM Modi Honoured in Ghana with ‘Order of the Star’
2. Gujarat Launches Jan Suraksha Santrupti Abhiyan to Expand Welfare Reach
3. Pakistan Assumes UN Security Council Presidency for July 2025
4. Renowned Hypnotist Dr. BV Pattabhiram Passes Away at 75
5. Union Cabinet Approves ₹1,853 Crore Four-Lane Highway Project in Tamil Nadu
6. India, UAE Forge Strategic Partnership in Green Steel & Aluminium Sector
7. Office of PSA to GoI Releases Report on ‘ZET’ Adoption in India & Its Impact on Emission and Energy
8. AU SFB Partners with LIC to Expand Life Insurance Access
9. IndusInd Bank Launched Digital Banking Platform ‘INDIE for Business’ to Empower MSMEs
10. AIIB Invests Rs 1,301 Crore in Aditya Birla Capital for Green Infrastructure
11. WHO SEAR Regional Director Saima Wazed Receives Mental Health Award 2025 at 24th IMHC, Thailand
12. RBI Appoints Kesavan Ramachandran as ED
13. ACC Extends FSIB Chairperson Bhanu Pratap Sharma and Members’ Tenure by One Year
14. AM Green Acquires 17.5% Stake in Greenko from ORIX for USD 1.4 Billion
15. INS Tamal Commissioned into Indian Navy in Kaliningrad, Russia
16. Indian Navy Receives Indigenous Stealth Frigate ‘Udaygiri’ under P17A
17. MiPhi launches India’s first locally designed, manufactured enterprise SSDs
18. India Added 683 Faunal Species and 433 Flora Taxa to Biodiversity Records in 2024
19. Renowned Cricketer V.V. Kumar Honoured on 90th Birthday with Commemorative Book Launch
20. World Sports Journalists Day 2025 – July 2
21. AP Launches Digi-Lakshmi Scheme for Urban Women Empowerment

National News

1. India-UAE Discuss Industrial Cooperation in Steel Sector

• What:
  • Union Minister of Steel, Shri H.D. Kumaraswamy, met UAE’s Minister of Economy, H.E. Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, to advance India-UAE industrial cooperation under the CEPA framework.
• Why:
  • The meeting aimed to expand trade, ensure resource security, and promote collaborative innovation in steel and aluminium between India and UAE.
• Tell me more:
  • India is the world’s second-largest steel producer and is focusing on green steel, high-value manufacturing, and supply chain resilience.
  • The discussion covered joint development of high-grade steel and aluminium for automotive and strategic sectors.
  • India’s CPSEs—SAIL, NMDC, and MECON—have opened international offices in Dubai to support trade and technology exchange.
  • SAIL imports about 2.5 million tonnes of limestone annually from UAE’s Stevin Rock LLC and is exploring long-term supply tie-ups.

Source: PIB

2. ZET Adoption Report Released for Indian Truck Sector

• What:
  • The Office of Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India released the “ZET Adoption in India and Its Impact on Emission and Energy Report (June 2025)” on July 1, 2025.
• Why:
  • The report aims to highlight the importance of adopting zero-emission trucking (ZET) to reduce emissions, save fuel, and help India reach its net-zero goals.
• Tell me more:
  • The report focuses on the transition of India’s Medium and Heavy-Duty Truck (M&HDT) sector to Battery Electric Trucks (BET) as the main zero-emission technology.
  • India’s freight sector, mainly using M&HDTs, accounts for nearly 70% of logistics operations and about 40% of fuel consumption and emissions.
  • The study is based on expert input, historical data from various ministries, and interviews with industry stakeholders.
  • The report recommends supportive policies, fiscal incentives, and robust charging solutions to boost BET adoption.

Source: PIB

3. India Adds 683 New Fauna and 433 Flora Species in 2024

• What:
  • India discovered 683 new fauna species and 433 flora taxa in 2024, including new species and new records.
• Why:
  • The discoveries aim to document and highlight India’s rich biodiversity and support conservation efforts.
• Tell me more:
  • Kerala recorded the highest new fauna discoveries with 101 species, followed by Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
  • The Western Ghats and North-Eastern regions contributed 35% of total discoveries.
  • New fauna included two new genera, 37 reptile species, and five amphibian species; significant reptile discoveries included Dravidoseps gouensis and Anguiculus dicaprioi.
  • New flora discoveries included 154 angiosperms, 63 lichens, 156 fungi, and important orchids such as Bulbophyllum gopalianum and Gastrodia indica.
  • The discoveries were announced by the Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change in Kolkata.

Source: TH

State News

1. Jan Suraksha Santrupti Abhiyan Launched in Gujarat

• What:
  • Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel launched the Jan Suraksha Santrupti Abhiyan in Gandhinagar to identify and provide government welfare scheme benefits to eligible citizens who have not yet received them.
• Why:
  • The campaign aims to ensure that all eligible people receive benefits under various government schemes and to achieve complete coverage.
• Tell me more:
  • The campaign will run nationwide from July 1 to September 30.
  • Schemes included are Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana, Atal Pension Yojana, and Jan Dhan Yojana.
  • Activities include updating KYC for Jan Dhan accounts, opening new accounts, and spreading awareness about digital fraud.
  • At the launch, cheques of ₹2 lakh each were given to three beneficiaries under Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana, and a Jan Dhan passbook was handed to an account holder.

Source: TH

2. Highway Project Approved Between Paramakudi and Ramanathapuram

• What:
  • The Union Cabinet approved the construction of a 4-lane highway between Paramakudi and Ramanathapuram in Tamil Nadu along NH-87.
• Why:
  • The project aims to ease congestion, improve safety, and support the growing mobility needs in the Madurai–Rameshwaram corridor.
• Tell me more:
  • The highway will cover a stretch of 46.7 km and will be developed under the Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM).
  • The estimated cost of the project is ₹1,853 crore.
  • The new road will connect with five National Highways and three State Highways, and link to transport hubs like Madurai and Rameshwaram railway stations, Madurai Airport, and the ports of Pamban and Rameshwaram.
  • The project is expected to generate 8.4 lakh person-days of direct employment and 10.45 lakh person-days of indirect employment.

Source: DD

3. Digi-Lakshmi Scheme Launched for SHG Women in Andhra Pradesh

• What:
  • The Andhra Pradesh government launched the Digi-Lakshmi Scheme, setting up 9,034 Common Service Centres (CSCs) to be operated by eligible women from self-help groups (SHGs) in urban areas.
• Why:
  • The scheme aims to develop ‘SHG to SME’ by increasing income opportunities for women and supporting the ‘One Family, One Entrepreneur’ vision.
• Tell me more:
  • Each CSC will follow a uniform ‘ATOM Kiosk’ model for consistent service delivery across the state.
  • SHG women must meet criteria such as three years of SHG membership, being married and settled in the area, age between 21 and 40 years, graduation, and technical knowledge.
  • Selected women will receive training from CSC e-Governance Services India Limited on centre operations and login procedures.
  • MEPMA will help with financial support, and SHG women are expected to take loans of Rs 2 to 2.5 lakh for setting up the kiosks.
  • Digi-Lakshmis will provide about 250 services and act as digital champions for MEPMA activities.

Source: HI

International News

1. Pakistan Assumes Key Roles at United Nations

• What:
  • Pakistan has taken over the Presidency of the UN Security Council for July 2025 and will also chair the Taliban Sanctions Committee and serve as vice-chair of the UN Counter-Terrorism Committee.
• Tell me more:
  • Pakistan’s presidency of the Security Council is part of its two-year term as a non-permanent member, which started in January 2025.
  • Pakistan also became vice-chair of the UN Counter-Terrorism Committee.

Source: N18

Banking and Economy

1. AU Small Finance Bank Partners with LIC for Insurance

• What:
  • AU Small Finance Bank has partnered with Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) to distribute LIC’s life insurance products across India.
• Why:
  • The partnership aims to increase insurance accessibility and support the national goal of ‘Insurance for All by 2047’, especially in rural and semi-urban areas.
• Tell me more:
  • AU SFB will offer LIC’s term insurance, endowment plans, whole life policies, pension and annuity products, and child-specific plans.
  • These insurance products will be available at over 2,456 AU SFB banking outlets in 21 states and four Union territories.
  • The partnership combines AU SFB’s distribution strength with LIC’s trusted products to serve unserved and underserved segments.
  • The collaboration helps AU SFB become a full-spectrum financial services provider and gives LIC a wider reach.

Source: BS

2. IndusInd Bank Launches ‘INDIE for Business’ for MSMEs

• What:
  • IndusInd Bank introduced the ‘INDIE for Business’ digital platform to empower micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) with comprehensive banking services.
• Why:
  • The platform aims to transform how MSMEs manage finances and reach over 60 million enterprises in India.
• Tell me more:
  • ‘INDIE for Business’ offers payments, loans, collections, and account insights on a single platform.
  • Features include a 360° view of business accounts, real-time loan tracking, digital self-onboarding, and profile switching for entrepreneurs with multiple entities.
  • Businesses can make bulk payments, pay taxes, and authorize transactions directly from the platform.
  • Registration is instant and paperless using Aadhaar, debit card, or net banking credentials.
  • The platform enables MSMEs to accept payments via POS, QR codes, and payment links.

Source: ET

3. AIIB Invests in Aditya Birla Capital for Green Projects

• What:
  • Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) has subscribed to Rs 1,301.25 crore of Non-Convertible Debentures (NCDs) issued by Aditya Birla Capital Ltd.
• Why:
  • The investment aims to boost financing in renewable energy and e-mobility sectors to support India’s transition to sustainable infrastructure.
• Tell me more:
  • The NCDs are privately placed and have a three-year tenure.
  • AIIB supported Aditya Birla Capital in enhancing its Environmental and Social Management System (ESMS) to align with AIIB’s Environmental and Social Framework (ESF).
  • The investment supports India’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement and government initiatives like the National Infrastructure Pipeline and Renewable Energy Targets.
  • The collaboration highlights AIIB’s efforts to build sustainable infrastructure across Asia with trusted financial partners.

Source: ET

4. Orix Sells Stake in Greenko, Invests in AM Green

• What:
  • Orix Corporation has agreed to sell its 17.5% equity stake in Greenko Energy Holdings for $1.28 billion to AM Green and will invest about $731 million in a convertible note issued by AM Green’s Luxembourg-based parent.
• Why:
  • The transaction is part of Orix’s capital recycling strategy and aims to strengthen AM Green’s integration through Greenko and support growth in the green energy sector.
• Tell me more:
  • After the deal, Greenko co-founders Anil Chalamalasetty and Mahesh Kolli will hold a 28% stake in Greenko through personal and AM Green holdings.
  • Greenko is valued at $7.5 billion, with other major shareholders including Singapore’s GIC (58%) and Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (14%).
  • Greenko operates 7.3 GW of renewable energy capacity and has completed a 1.7 GW pumped storage project in Andhra Pradesh.
  • AM Green plans to produce 5 million tonnes per annum of green ammonia, with the first 1 MTPA project at Kakinada expected to be commissioned in 2026.

Source: ET

5. MiPhi Becomes First Indian Brand to Make Enterprise SSDs

• What:
  • MiPhi Semiconductors Private Limited, a joint venture between Micromax Informatics and Taiwan’s Phison Technology, has started designing and manufacturing enterprise-grade Solid State Drives (SSDs) in India, becoming the first homegrown brand to do so.
• Why:
  • The goal is to advance India’s vision of leading the global technology revolution by creating advanced data storage solutions designed and built in India for both domestic and global markets.
• Tell me more:
  • MiPhi’s SSDs are made for data centres, high-performance computing, and mission-critical enterprise environments.
  • The SSDs are designed to deliver ultra-fast speeds, high durability, and strong security to meet the needs of India’s growing data centres, cloud service providers, and AI workloads.
  • The SSDs are engineered for future growth with scalable performance and meet global quality standards.
  • The global enterprise SSD market is expected to grow from USD 27 billion in 2024 to over USD 50 billion by 2028, and India’s data centre capacity is projected to surpass 1.3 GW with over USD 10 billion in investments by 2026.
  • MiPhi’s SSDs are fully designed and manufactured in India to support the country’s needs in AI, data localisation, and edge computing.

Source: BS

Defence News

1. INS Tamal Commissioned, Boosts Indian Navy’s Power

• What:
  • The Indian Navy commissioned its latest stealth multirole frigate, INS Tamal, at the Yantar Shipyard in Kaliningrad, Russia.
• Why:
  • The induction of INS Tamal aims to strengthen India’s maritime defence, promote Indo-Russian cooperation, and support the Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make-in-India initiatives.
• Tell me more:
  • INS Tamal is the last imported warship, designed for operations in air, surface, underwater, and electromagnetic domains.
  • The frigate will join the Western Fleet on India’s west coast and is the eighth Krivak class frigate from Russia.
  • The 3,900-tonne ship is part of a $2.5-billion deal for four Krivak/Talwar class frigates, with two built in Russia and two to be built at Goa Shipyard Limited.
  • INS Tamal features advanced weapons, including BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, Shtil surface-to-air missiles, torpedoes, and rapid fire gun systems.

Source: HT

2. Udaygiri, Second Project 17A Stealth Frigate, Delivered to Indian Navy

• What:
  • The Indian Navy received ‘Udaygiri’, the second Project 17A stealth frigate, equipped with advanced weapons and sensors, on July 1.
• Why:
  • The ship was delivered to strengthen the Navy’s ability to handle both conventional and non-conventional threats in India’s maritime areas.
• Tell me more:
  • Udaygiri was built at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) and delivered in a record 37 months from launch.
  • The frigate features a supersonic surface-to-surface missile system, medium-range surface-to-air missile system, 76 mm gun, and rapid-fire close-in weapon systems.
  • Project 17A is an upgrade to the Shivalik class (Project 17) frigates and includes seven ships under construction at MDL, Mumbai, and GRSE, Kolkata.
  • The hull is 4.54% larger than the previous P17 class, with improved stealth and weapon systems.
  • Over 75% of the ship’s content is indigenous, supporting the #AatmanirbharBharat initiative.

Source: ET

Awards

1. PM Modi Receives Ghana’s Highest Civilian Honour

• What:
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi was awarded ‘The Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana’ during his visit to Ghana, marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the country in over 30 years.
• Tell me more:
  • The award was given to recognize Modi’s distinguished statesmanship, influential global leadership, and to strengthen the friendship between India and Ghana.
  • The award was presented by Ghana President John Mahama.
  • Modi has received 24 global awards from various countries, including Palestine and Russia.

Source: TOI

2. Saima Wazed Receives Mental Health Award 2025

• What:
  • Saima Wazed, Regional Director WHO South-East Asia, was felicitated with the Mental Health Award 2025 at the 24th Annual International Mental Health Conference in Thailand.
• Why:
  • The award recognizes her invaluable contribution, transformative leadership, and profound impact in shaping global mental health.
• Tell me more:
  • The award was presented on the opening day of the conference organized by the Department of Mental Health, Ministry of Public Health, Thailand, in collaboration with the Jittavejsart Songkrao Foundation and Somdet Chaopraya Institute of Psychiatry.
  • Initiatives mentioned include the International Mental Health Workforce Training Program, Step-by-Step program, ‘Tor-Tuem-Jai’ platform, LIVE LIFE initiative for suicide prevention, and evidence-based parenting interventions with LEGO Foundation.

Source: WHO

Important Days

1. World Sports Journalists Day 2025 – July 2

• Theme: Championing Fair Play: Reporting with Integrity and Impact

Source: SJFI

Appointments

1. Kesavan Ramachandran Appointed as RBI Executive Director

• What:
  • The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has appointed Kesavan Ramachandran as Executive Director (ED) with effect from July 1, 2025.
• Why:
  • The appointment is to assign leadership for the Department of Regulation (Prudential Regulation Division).
• Tell me more:
  • Kesavan Ramachandran was earlier Principal Chief General Manager in the Risk Monitoring Department.
  • He served as Principal of the Reserve Bank Staff College and as RBI’s nominee on the Board of Canara Bank for over five years.
  • He holds a postgraduate degree, an MBA in Banking and Finance, a diploma in International Financial Reporting from ACCA, UK, and is a Certified Associate of IIBF.

Source: ET

2. FSIB Chairperson and Members Get One-Year Extension

• What:
  • The Centre has extended the tenure of the chairperson and members of the Financial Services Institutions Bureau (FSIB) by one year, allowing them to serve till June 30, 2026.
• Tell me more:
  • Bhanu Pratap Sharma will continue as FSIB chairperson.
  • This is the second consecutive year the FSIB’s term has been extended.
  • Bhanu Pratap Sharma was first appointed as Chairman of the Banks Board Bureau (BBB) in 2018.

Source: ET

Miscellaneous

1. Dr BV Pattabhiram, Renowned Hypnotist, Passes Away

• Dr BV Pattabhiram, a well-known hypnotist, magician, and personality development expert, passed away at the age of 75 in Hyderabad following a cardiac arrest.
• He founded India’s first magic school, recognized by the Limca Book of Records.

Source: IE

2. Book on Former Cricketer V.V. Kumar Launched

• A book titled “Celebrating V.V. Kumar @ 90” was launched to celebrate the 90th birthday of former India leg-spinner V.V. Kumar.
• The book was released by C.D. Gopinath, the only surviving member of India’s first Test win in 1952, with V.V. Kumar receiving the first copy.

Source: TH

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