DEFENCE NEWS
- India, along with 18 other nations, is participating in Talisman Sabre 2025, a major bilateral military drill led by Australia, starting July 13, 2025.
- The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) rescued the U.S.-flagged vessel ‘Sea Angel’ stranded 52 nautical miles southeast of Indira Point (A&N Islands) on July 10, 2025.
- India submitted a Letter of Request to the U.S. for co-production of Javelin Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGMs).
- On July 16, 2025, India destroyed two Aerial High-Speed Unmanned Targets in Ladakh using Akash Prime, the upgraded Akash Weapon System.
- On July 17, 2025, the Ministry of Defence confirmed successful test-firing of Prithvi-II and Agni-I ballistic missiles from ITR Chandipur, Odisha.
- The Indian Navy will participate in the 32nd SIMBEX (Singapore–India Maritime Bilateral Exercise) later in July in Singapore.
- INS Delhi, Satpura, Shakti, and Kiltan, led by Rear Admiral Susheel Menon, arrived in Singapore (July 16, 2025) for the exercise.
- The first set of LCA Mk1A wing assemblies, produced by Larsen & Toubro (L&T), was handed over to HAL in Coimbatore (July 17, 2025).
- INS Nistar, the first indigenously designed and built Diving Support Vessel, was commissioned (July 18, 2025) at Visakhapatnam.
- INS Sandhayak, the first indigenously designed Survey Vessel Large (SVL), made its maiden port call at Port Klang, Malaysia (July 16–19, 2025).
NATIONAL NEWS
- India became the first country to launch a Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL) integrating AI-powered tools for preserving Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, Sowa Rigpa, and Homoeopathy.
- The Assam Cabinet sanctioned multiple welfare schemes targeting rural governance, social protection, wildlife conservation, and cultural heritage under the 2025–26 Budget.
- Gujarat became the first state to join the Cruise Bharat Mission, a national plan to make India a global cruise hub by 2029.
- According to CREA, Byrnihat (Assam–Meghalaya border) had India’s worst air pollution (Jan–June 2025), followed by Delhi.
- During a three-day Saudi Arabia visit (July 11–13, 2025), Union Minister JP Nadda signed long-term fertilizer supply deals and expanded health and pharma cooperation.
- Gujarat became the top producer of processing-grade potatoes (2024–25), boosting exports and reducing imports.
- India will become the first country outside Japan to operate the E10 (Alfa-X) Shinkansen on the Mumbai–Ahmedabad corridor, following E5 Hayabusa trial runs (2026).
- NCDEX, in partnership with IMD, launched India’s first weather derivatives to hedge climate-related revenue risks.
- BITS Pilani announced India’s first AI Plus Campus in Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh, with admissions starting 2027.
- The 75th PM Divyasha Kendra (PMDK) inaugurated at Govt. Medical College, Badaun (UP) by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment.
- Yakten village (Sikkim) declared India’s first Digital Nomad Village.
- The Cabinet approved the PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PM-DDKY) — a ₹24,000 crore annual scheme (2025–31) to strengthen farm infrastructure.
- Manginapudi Greenfield Port (Machilipatnam, AP) is 48% complete, to open by late 2026, boosting trade for AP & Telangana.
- Goa launched India’s first Ro-Ro ferry on the Mandovi River, linking Chorao Island–Ribandar.
- Union Minister Nitin Gadkari inaugurated the Sigandur cable-stayed bridge over Sharavathi backwaters, Karnataka.
- Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma opened India’s first Aqua Tech Park (Sonapur) to promote aquaculture R&D.
- The ADEETIE scheme, under the Power Ministry, launched for energy-efficient industrial tech deployment via BEE.
- Bihar CM Nitish Kumar announced free electricity (up to 125 units/month) from August 1, 2025, for 7 million+ homes.
- IIM Kozhikode launched Gyanodaya, a Vision 2047 initiative for management education innovation.
- Gujarat initiated the Tribal Genome Sequencing Project to enhance tribal healthcare.
- Maharashtra became the first state to give agricultural status to livestock & poultry farming.
- CM Devendra Fadnavis laid the foundation for Vidarbha’s first steel plant (Gadchiroli) by Lloyds Metals & Energy Ltd.
- Vijayawada (AP) ranked 4th in Swachh Survekshan 2024–25, titled ‘Super Swachh League City’.
- INCOIS received the National Geospatial Practitioner Award 2025 for marine geospatial innovation.
- The Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi announced 2023 classical art awards, reaffirming support for Kathakali and traditional arts.
- Mahila Aarogyam Kaksh inaugurated by Dept. of Legal Affairs (Law Ministry) at Shastri Bhawan for women employees’ wellness.
- PM Modi launched ₹7,200 crore projects in Motihari (Bihar) under Viksit Bharat Mission, boosting housing, connectivity, and urban renewal.
- Union Minister Jitendra Singh unveiled National Standards for Civil Service Training Institutes (NSCSTI) 2.0 under Mission Karmayogi.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
- Australia’s policymakers are recalibrating to match the fast-growing India–Australia partnership.
- Switzerland ratified the India–EFTA Trade & Economic Partnership (TEPA).
- India and UAE expanded strategic cooperation in nuclear energy and advanced tech.
- The Steering Committee meeting for IFFI 2025 (Goa) was held at NFDC HQ, Mumbai.
APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS
- Manish Chopra appointed CEO, Sabyasachi Couture (Aditya Birla Group).
- Abhijat Sheth appointed Chairperson, National Medical Commission (NMC).
- President Droupadi Murmu nominated four eminent personalities to the Rajya Sabha (Article 80).
- Sonali Mishra (IPS) became the first woman DG, Railway Protection Force (RPF).
- The Centre approved transfers of several Chief Justices & High Court judges.
- Kavinder Gupta appointed Lieutenant Governor, Ladakh, replacing B.D. Mishra.
- Raghavendra S. Bhat appointed MD & CEO, Karnataka Bank (July 16, 2025) for 3 months.
- Bhanu Vohra resigned as MD, Citigroup India; Dilipkumar Khandelwal joined Celonis as Chief Customer Officer.
- Shekhar Bhende stepped down from Lynk Logistics (Swiggy).
- Hemant Rupani to join Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages (HCCB) as CEO (Sept 8, 2025).
- R. Doraiswamy took charge as MD & CEO, LIC.
- Ukraine PM Denys Shmyhal resigned (July 15, 2025) amid a cabinet reshuffle.
- Puneet Kumar Goel (IAS, 1991) appointed Chief Secretary, Manipur;
- Nitin Gupta (IRS) named Chairperson, National Financial Reporting Authority (NFRA).
AWARDS & HONOURS
- Leila Aboulela (Sudanese–Scottish) won the PEN Pinter Prize 2025 for literature exploring faith, migration, and women’s lives.
- Former CJ Kalyan Shrestha received Hem Bahadur Malla Award 2080 (Nepal) for judicial reform leadership.
- President Droupadi Murmu conferred the Kalinga Ratna Award 2024 to Dharmendra Pradhan in Cuttack.
- Deepika Sehrawat became the first Indian (male or female) to win the Poligras Magic Skill Award for her solo goal vs. Netherlands in FIH Hockey Pro League 2024–25.
SPORTS NEWS
- Chelsea FC won its 2nd FIFA Club World Cup, defeating PSG 3–0 at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey.
- Jannik Sinner (Italy) won his first Wimbledon title, defeating Carlos Alcaraz (Spain).
- MI New York beat Washington Freedom by 5 runs to win its 2nd MLC title.
- ICC named Aiden Markram (SA) and Hayley Matthews (WI) as June 2025 Players of the Month.
- Andre Russell (WI) announced retirement from international cricket, final match July 22, 2025.
- India won 2 Gold, 2 Silver at 57th International Chemistry Olympiad (Dubai).
- Bihar won both U18 Boys & Girls titles at the 10th Junior National Rugby 7s (Dehradun).
- India won 6 medals at the 66th IMO 2025 (Australia) — its highest-ever total.
- Srihari Nataraj and B. Benediction Rohit set national swimming records at the FISU World University Games (Germany).
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
- Microsoft launched BioEmu, an AI system to accelerate protein behavior studies.
- Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla became the first Indian to visit the ISS, orbiting 18 days aboard SpaceX’s Axiom Mission 4.
- India received the 2nd GE-F404 engine (July 15, 2025) for the LCA Mk1A fighter program.
- IIA astronomers discovered new data on Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) causing May 2024 auroras.
- DRDO–AIIMS Bibinagar developed India’s first carbon fibre foot prosthesis — a Make-in-India medical innovation.
- First campus of IICT (Indian Institute of Creative Technologies) launched July 18, 2025, Mumbai, inaugurated by CM Fadnavis and Union Minister Vaishnaw.
JULY 4TH WEEK CURRENT AFFAIRS – CDSE/OTA
DEFENCE NEWS
- India is enhancing military surveillance by sourcing high-resolution satellite imagery from global players like Maxar, following China’s support to Pakistan during Operation Sindoor.
- The SBS-III Programme aims to launch 52 satellites by 2029, operated by the Defence Space Agency, with a $3.2 billion budget.
- This move ensures real-time monitoring, improved border surveillance, and strategic preparedness, though data security and dependency remain challenges.
- The Indian Air Force will retire its MiG-21 fighter jets by September 2025, ending 60 years of service.
- Inducted in 1963, these aircraft played vital roles in the 1971 and Kargil wars.
- They will be replaced by the indigenous LCA Tejas Mk1A, supporting Atmanirbhar Bharat and modernizing India’s air defence capability.
- The Indian Army has received its first Apache AH-64E helicopters from the United States, boosting firepower and night operation capability.
- Equipped with advanced targeting systems and precision strike functions, these aircraft will enhance the Army Aviation Corps’ autonomy and strengthen border defence.
- The Indian Coast Guard’s new vessel ‘Samudra Prachet’, launched on July 23, 2025, is the final Pollution Control Vessel (PCV) built by Goa Shipyard Ltd (GSL).
- With a displacement of 4,170 tonnes, it enhances India’s oil spill response and maritime pollution control under MARPOL obligations, promoting indigenous shipbuilding.
- DRDO successfully test-fired the UAV-Launched Precision Guided Missile (ULPGM-V3) at Kurnool, boosting drone-based precision strike capability.
- The 12.5 kg missile uses infrared imaging, supports two-way datalink, and was developed with MSMEs and firms like Adani and BDL.
- India and Singapore launched the joint military exercise “Bold Kurukshetra 2025” in Jodhpur, focusing on urban warfare and counter-terrorism.
- This reinforces defence cooperation under the Act East Policy through modern weaponry and real-time simulations.
NATIONAL NEWS
- India ranked 7th globally at the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) 2025, winning 3 golds, 2 silvers, and 1 bronze, with a national record score of 193/252.
- PM Narendra Modi will undertake a two-nation visit (UK & Maldives, July 23–26, 2025) to strengthen strategic partnerships and attend Maldives’ 60th Independence Day as Guest of Honour.
- Key topics: trade, defence, climate, and Vision MAHASAGAR.
- Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned on July 21, 2025, transferring Rajya Sabha Chairmanship to Deputy Chairperson Harivansh under Article 91.
- A new Vice Presidential election must occur within 60 days as per Articles 63–71.
- The Election Commission of India clarified that Aadhaar, Voter ID, and Ration Cards are not valid standalone voter eligibility proofs under Article 324.
- Citizenship remains the primary eligibility for voting, ensuring purified electoral rolls.
- India’s IP filings increased by 44%, driven by reforms in patent laws, fee concessions, and digital filing.
- GI applications grew 380%, reflecting a modern innovation ecosystem.
- The Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan warned ICAR over the sale of fake biostimulants, calling for regulatory reforms and accountability after widespread farmer complaints.
- The World’s Largest Grain Storage Plan in the Cooperative Sector aims to create agri-infrastructure at PACS level with ₹2,925 crore computerization support via NABARD, boosting supply chain resilience.
- Under the National Sickle Cell Anemia Elimination Mission, 6 crore screened, 2.15 lakh diagnosed, and 2.6 crore health cards distributed, aiming for disease elimination by 2047.
- The National Cooperation Policy 2025 targets tripling GDP contribution, creating 50 crore cooperative members, and launching White Revolution 2.0 and Sahkar Taxi Scheme for rural growth.
- India–UK Vision 2035 blueprint enhances cooperation in trade, defence, technology, and education, promoting multilateral reform and youth exchange.
- India achieved 20% ethanol blending in petrol (2025) — five years ahead of schedule.
- Resulted in ₹1.36 lakh crore forex savings, 698 lakh tonnes CO₂ reduction, and ₹1.18 lakh crore to farmers.
- PM Narendra Modi became India’s second-longest-serving Prime Minister (4,078 days), surpassing Indira Gandhi’s record on July 25, 2025.
- India’s first hydrogen-powered train coach successfully tested at ICF Chennai under the Hydrogen for Heritage Initiative, marking a step toward green mobility.
- India–Maldives 60th diplomatic anniversary commemorated with stamp releases, celebrating shared maritime heritage.
- PM Modi gifted King Charles III a Sonoma Dove Tree sapling under ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’, symbolizing eco-diplomacy and cultural bonds.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
- India’s UN voting abstentions rose to 44% in 2025, showing a move toward strategic autonomy amid a polarised global order.
- Gita Gopinath to step down as IMF First Deputy MD (Aug 2025) to return to Harvard University.
- A replica of the Ashoka Pillar unveiled at Waskaduwa Sri Subhuthi Viharaya, Sri Lanka, highlighting India–Sri Lanka Buddhist ties.
- The India–UK Free Trade Agreement (CETA 2025) seeks to boost trade to $120 billion by 2030, with tariff cuts on textiles, leather, and services.
- The U.S., under President Donald Trump, withdrew from UNESCO, citing anti-Israel bias, reshaping global cultural influence.
- A 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula, prompting temporary tsunami alerts.
- China began constructing the Motuo Hydropower Station on the Yarlung Tsangpo River, raising geopolitical and environmental concerns for India and Bangladesh.
- India resumed tourist visas for Chinese nationals, signaling diplomatic thaw and tourism revival.
- France will recognize Palestine in Sept 2025, becoming the first G7 nation to do so.
- India extended a ₹4,850 crore Line of Credit to the Maldives, reducing its debt repayment burden by 40% and expanding regional cooperation.
APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS
- Sanjay Kaul appointed MD & Group CEO of GIFT City, India’s first smart financial hub.
- Deepak Bagla appointed Mission Director, Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) under NITI Aayog.
- Ajay Seth, former Finance Secretary, appointed Chairman, IRDAI.
- Prof. Uma Kanjilal became the first woman Vice-Chancellor of IGNOU since its inception in 1985.
AWARDS & HONOURS
- The Meri Panchayat App (Ministry of Panchayati Raj) won the WSIS Prizes 2025 Champion Award for local governance digitization.
- Suhani Shah, mentalist from Rajasthan, won the Best Magic Creator 2025 at the FISM World Championship (Italy) — first Indian to do so.
- Dr. V. Narayanan, ISRO Chairman, received the GP Birla Memorial Award 2025 for advancements in cryogenic propulsion and space research.
- Geetanjali Shree won the PEN Translates Award 2025 for her book “Once Elephants Lived Here”, translated by Daisy Rockwell.
SPORTS NEWS
- At the Japan Open Badminton 2025, Shi Yuqi (China) won men’s singles, An Se-young (South Korea) won women’s singles; China topped with 3 golds.
- Fit India Sundays on Cycle, launched nationwide, promotes youth fitness and anti-drug awareness, integrating cycling and yoga.
- England to host ICC World Test Championship Finals (2027, 2029, 2031), as announced at ICC Conference 2025, Singapore.
- MRF MMSC FMSCI Indian National Car Racing Championship 2025 began at Kari Motor Speedway, showcasing emerging Indian racers.
- FIDE World Cup 2025 to be held in India (Oct–Nov 2025) with 206 players, offering 3 qualification spots for the 2026 Candidates Tournament.
- The National Sports Governance Bill 2025 proposes bringing BCCI under RTI, creating a National Sports Tribunal, and mandating gender inclusion in sports governance.
- Joe Root surpassed Dravid, Kallis, and Ponting, becoming the second-highest run-getter in Test cricket.
- Riley Powell (16, Wales) defeated Pankaj Advani to win the IBSF World 6-Red Snooker Championship 2025.
- Tanvi Sharma and Vennala Kalagotla became the first Indian women’s singles duo to win medals at the Badminton Asia Junior Championships 2025.
- India won gold at FISU World University Games 2025 — Parneet Kaur & Kushal Dalal triumphed in compound mixed archery, marking India’s first-ever gold at the event.
