NATIONAL UPDATES:
1. Indore Launches India’s First Digital House Address
Project With QR Codes: The Indore Municipal Corporation (IMC)
in Madhya Pradesh has launched a digital house address project, with
officials claiming it to be the first such initiative in the country.The
project involves the installation of special digital plates with unique QR codes
outside every house in the city. It was launched on a pilot basis
from ward number 82 in Sudama Nagar area.The project aims to empower
‘smart’ administration by connecting citizen services with digital technology.
Necessary changes will be made in the digital address project based on the
people’s suggestions.
2. Third Edition of Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2027 Set
to Showcase Innovations in Sustainable and Inclusive Mobility in Delhi-NCR: The third edition of the Bharat Mobility Global Expo
(BMGE) will be held from 4th to 9th February 2027 in Delhi-NCR,
aiming to bring together industry representatives, policymakers, and technology
experts to discuss advancements in the mobility sector.Organized with support
from the Ministry of Commerce & Industry and the Ministry of Heavy
Industries, BMGE 2027 will build on the success of earlier editions by
featuring exhibitions, technical sessions, and new segments like “Multi-Modal
Mobility and Logistics” and agricultural mobility solutions.Coordinated by the
Engineering Export Promotion Council of India (EEPC) with support from
major industry bodies like SIAM, ACMA, and NASSCOM, the Expo will continue to
serve as a platform for partnerships and discussions aligned with India’s goals
for sustainable and inclusive mobility.
3. India Establishes First Internationally Recognised
Equine Disease-Free Compartment at RVC Centre, Meerut: India has established its first Equine Disease-Free
Compartment (EDFC) at the Remount Veterinary Corps Centre & College in
Meerut Cantonment, Uttar Pradesh, which was officially recognized by the World
Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) on 3rd July 2025, enabling Indian sport
horses to travel and compete internationally in compliance with global
biosecurity standards.The EDFC has been declared free from major equine
diseases including Equine Infectious Anemia, Equine Influenza, Equine
Piroplasmosis, Glanders, and Surra, reflecting India’s robust biosecurity
protocols and disease surveillance, and positioning the country’s equestrian
sector for enhanced participation in global competitions.This achievement is
the result of collaboration among central ministries, the Equestrian Federation
of India, and the Uttar Pradesh Animal Husbandry Department, and aligns with
WOAH standards; India is also extending the compartmentalisation approach to
poultry, supporting safe exports and strengthening national biosecurity
frameworks.
INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:
1. 6-Year-Old Teghbir Singh Sets World Record as Youngest
to Summit Mount Elbrus: Teghbir Singh, a 6-year-old from Punjab, set
a new world record as the youngest mountaineer to scale Mount Elbrus (18,510
ft), Europe and Russia’s highest peak.His training, guided by coach
Bikramjit Singh Ghuman and supported by his parents, was crucial in this
achievement, earning him certification from the Mountaineering Federation of
Kabardino-Balkarian Republic in Russia.
Earlier,
in 2024, Teghbir became the youngest Asian to scale Mt Kilimanjaro and also
trekked to the Everest Base Camp, securing his place in the Asia Book of
Records and India Book of Records.
2. Suriname Becomes First Amazon Country Certified
Malaria-Free by WHO: Suriname has
become the first country in the
Amazon region to receive malaria-free certification from the World Health Organization (WHO),
marking the culmination of nearly 70 years of dedicated efforts to eliminate
malaria across its rainforests and diverse populations.With Suriname’s
certification, the total number of WHO-certified malaria-free countries and
territories has risen to 47, including 12 countries in the Region of the
Americas, showcasing global progress in the fight against malaria.
3. Great Nicobar Infrastructure Project
Earthquake Risks: The Great Nicobar
Infrastructure Project (GNIP), valued at ₹72,000 crore, plans major development
on Great
Nicobar Island. These include a
trans-shipment port, international airport, township, and power plant. The
project faces scrutiny due to seismic risks in this highly active zone. The
region is prone to earthquakes and tsunamis, a fact brought into light by the
devastating 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. Recent Environment
Impact Assessment (EIA) reports have
downplayed the chances of a mega earthquake, but scientific experts urge
caution. The EIA report, nearly 900 pages long, was prepared by Vimta Labs for
the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Integrated Development Corporation. It states
the probability of a mega earthquake similar to the 2004 event is low. This
conclusion relies heavily on a 2019 Indian Institute of Technology-Kanpur (IIT-Kanpur)
study. The study estimates a return period of 420–750 years for magnitude 9 or
above earthquakes and 80–120 years for earthquakes above 7.5 magnitude in the
region
4. Made in China 2025: The recent recall of Chinese engineers
from Foxconn’s iPhone factories in India marks tensions in global manufacturing
shifts. Apple’s move to boost production in India aligns with the government’s
‘Make in India’ initiative. Meanwhile, China’s ‘Made in China 2025’ policy,
launched in 2015, quietly continues to shape global industry despite its low
profile. Understanding this policy’s goals, success, and challenges offers
valuable insights for India’s manufacturing ambitions. The policy is rarely
mentioned openly by Chinese officials due to international criticism. Western
countries view it as protectionist and unfairly advantageous to Chinese firms.
China’s state support includes subsidies, cheap loans, and tax benefits,
enabling low-cost exports that challenge foreign industries. Foreign companies
face strict conditions to operate in China, often forced to share technology.
To avoid trade conflicts and sanctions, China has downplayed the policy
publicly.
OTHER UPDATES:
DEFENCE
1. Sub Lt Aastha Poonia Becomes First Woman Inducted into
Indian Navy’s Fighter Stream: Sub Lieutenant Aastha Poonia has
made history by becoming the first
woman in the Indian Navy to be trained as a fighter pilot.Sub Lieutenant
Astha Poonia, along with Lieutenant Atul Kumar Dhull received the prestigious
‘Wings of Gold’ from Rear Admiral Janak Bevli, ACNS (Air).The first woman
combat aviator in the Army Aviation Corps was Major Abhilasha.
2. DRDO Tests Indigenous Communication
Systems: In recent
developments, the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) has
successfully conducted field trials of two advanced communication systems. The
Defence Electronics Application Laboratory (DEAL) in Dehradun executed these
trials in Joshimath, Uttarakhand. This initiative signifies a strong commitment
to indigenous technologies that boost national security. The two systems tested
are the Software Defined Radio (SDR) Manpack and the Compact Transhorizon
Communication System (CTCS). Both systems are designed to improve communication
capabilities in challenging environments. The SDR Manpack allows for secure
communication across various frequency bands, while the CTCS ensures high data
rate connectivity in remote areas lacking civil communication infrastructure.
The primary aim of the trials was to validate the performance of the SDR and
CTCS under real-world conditions. This involved testing in diverse terrains and
operational environments. The focus was on meeting user-defined operational
benchmarks established by various security agencies.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1. India Launches #100DesiDeepTechs Initiative to
Identify and Support Top 100 Deep-Tech Startups: The Startup Policy Forum,
along with Startup India (DPIIT), MEITY Startup Hub, and IIT Madras,
has launched #100DesiDeepTechs—a
national initiative to identify and support 100 leading deep-tech startups in
India.Startups selected for the cohort will engage in closed-door discussions
with policymakers, investors, industry leaders, regulators, and academic
institutions. These dialogues will culminate in a comprehensive policy
whitepaper outlining sector-specific challenges and recommendations to enable a
thriving deep-tech ecosystem, with the whitepaper to be released at the
“Deeptech Baithak” event.The initiative focuses on critical sectors such as
semiconductors, defence, quantum technologies, green hydrogen, space, drones,
electric vehicles, biotech, robotics, advanced manufacturing, and
communications. A Mentor Board of founders, investors, and domain experts will
provide guidance, and IIT Madras, Ikigai Law, and Kaio will support selection,
policy drafting, and program execution.
2. Polar Cold Wave: South America experienced
an extraordinary cold wave. Chile and Argentina recorded some of the coldest
temperatures outside polar regions. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO)
attributed this to a polar-origin anticyclone. This event sharply contrasts
with extreme heat in the northern hemisphere. It marks climate change’s growing
unpredictability and risks. The cold wave began on 26 June and peaked on 30
June. Temperatures in central and southern Argentina fell 10°C to 15°C below
seasonal averages. Some places reached lows near -15°C (5°F). Areas usually
mild in winter, such as Mar del Plata, faced freezing conditions. Even the
Atacama Desert, the driest place on Earth, saw snow for the first time in over
ten years. The event affected both high-altitude and low-lying regions. Farmers
in central Chile and northern Patagonia reported early frost damage to crops.
This threatens fruit production and winter harvests. Crop losses could affect
local economies and food supply chains. The unexpected cold also raises
concerns about long-term agricultural resilience. The event exposed
vulnerabilities in farming practices and resource management under shifting
climate conditions.
BANKING AND FINANCE
1. Centre approves Rs 1,900 crore plan for PM MITRA park
in Virudhunagar: Union Textiles
Minister Giriraj Singh announced approval of a ₹1,894 crore development plan for the PM MITRA Park in Virudhunagar,
Tamil Nadu, reinforcing the state’s ambition to remain India’s textile
powerhouse with next-generation manufacturing facilities.The 1,052-acre park
will focus on technical textiles and integrated processing units, featuring a
15-MLD zero liquid discharge effluent treatment plant, a 5-MLD sewage treatment
plant, accommodation for 10,000 workers, and 1.3 million sq ft of modern
factory space.The project, formalised in 2023 after extensive negotiations
between the Tamil Nadu government and the Union Textile Ministry, is expected
to attract ₹10,000 crore in investments and generate around one lakh jobs by
its targeted completion in September 2026.
AWARDS AND HONOURS
1. PM Modi becomes first foreign leader to be honored with the Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.: Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, the highest honour of the country.Modi became the first foreign leader to be conferred with the award. It was also the prime minister’s 25th honour by a country.The leader was conferred with the award in recognition of his global leadership, his deep engagement with the Indian diaspora and his humanitarian efforts during the Covid-19 pandemic.
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