NATIONAL UPDATES:
1. Andhra Pradesh Launches ‘Digi-Lakshmi’ Scheme to
Empower Urban Poor Women: The Andhra Pradesh government launched
the ‘Digi-Lakshmi’ scheme to
digitally empower urban poor women by setting up 9,034 Common Service Centres
(CSCs) across all Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in the state, as per G.O. MS. No.
117 issued.These CSCs will be operated by eligible Self-Help Group (SHG) women
under the ‘One Family, One Entrepreneur’ vision, aiming to transition SHGs into
Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and promote economic self-reliance among
urban women.
2. Rajasthan launches ‘Poverty-Free Village Scheme’ to
empower rural BPL Families: The Rajasthan government has launched
the ‘Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay
Poverty-Free Village Scheme’ targeting 5,000 villages in its first
phase, with a ₹300 crore budget to uplift Below Poverty Line (BPL) families
through livelihood opportunities, skill development, and financial inclusion.So
far, 30,631 BPL families have been identified across 5,002 villages, with each
village getting a tailored ‘Poverty-Free Village Action Plan’ based on
comprehensive surveys and BPL Census 2002 data to ensure targeted
support.Families rising above poverty through their efforts will receive
₹21,000 as an incentive via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT); they’ll also get a
‘Self-Reliant Family Card’, while assistance of up to ₹1 lakh for
self-employment and ₹15,000 working capital for SHG women is included to boost
economic self-reliance.
3. NITI Aayog releases second edition of the North
Eastern Region District SDG Index (2023-24): NITI Aayog and MoDoNER, with support
from UNDP, released the second
edition of the North Eastern Region District SDG Index (2023–24) to
monitor district-wise progress on the Sustainable Development Goals across
eight North Eastern states.
4. The Index covers 121 districts, ranking them into four categories: Achiever (Score = 100), Front Runner (65–99), Performer (50–65), and
Aspirant (<50). Hnahthial (Mizoram) scored highest (81.43) while Longding
(Arunachal Pradesh) scored the lowest (58.71).All districts in Mizoram, Sikkim,
and Tripura achieved Front Runner status, with no districts falling under
Aspirant or Achiever, reflecting strong yet consistent performance across the
region.The Index acts as a critical policy tool for evidence-based planning,
monitoring, and resource allocation, especially through initiatives like the
Aspirational Districts Programme and supports the broader vision of Viksit
Bharat @2047.The report highlights intra-state performance consistency, with
Sikkim showing the narrowest district score range (5.5 points) and Tripura
having minimal variation (6.5 points), while Nagaland and Mizoram showed higher
variations in performance.
5. Banakacherla Project: The Banakacherla project,
aimed at linking the Godavari and Krishna river basins, has reignited water sharing tensions
between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana in 2025. Andhra Pradesh seeks to divert
surplus Godavari floodwaters to drought-prone Rayalaseema, while Telangana
alleges violations of inter-state water agreements. The project faces
environmental, legal, and interstate challenges. The Banakacherla project plans
to transfer Godavari floodwaters to the Krishna basin. It involves enhancing
canals, reservoirs, and lift irrigation schemes. Water will be diverted from
the Polavaram Dam to the Krishna river at Vijayawada, then pumped through
canals and tunnels under the Nallamala forests to Banakacherla reservoir. The
project aims to benefit Rayalaseema’s Kadapa and Kurnool regions. Estimated
costs exceed ₹80,000 crore, requiring over 40,000 acres of land, including
forests.
INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:
1. Colombia and Uzbekistan Join New Development Bank: Colombia and Uzbekistan have officially joined
the New Development Bank (NDB), expanding its membership to 11 countries
ahead of the 17th BRICS Summit.Founded in 2015 by the original BRICS nations,
the NDB’s mission is to fund infrastructure and sustainable development
projects in emerging economies.Headquartered in Shanghai, the NDB has approved
over 120 projects across clean energy, transport, environmental protection,
water and sanitation, and digital infrastructure, benefiting member countries
like India, Brazil, Russia, China, South Africa, Bangladesh, UAE, Egypt, and
Algeria.
2. Elon Musk Launches ‘America Party’ to Disrupt
Traditional U.S. Political Landscape: Elon Musk has announced the formation of a new political party called the
‘America Party’, signalling his formal entry into U.S. politics with an
agenda focused on economic growth, innovation, and national unity.The ‘America
Party’ aims to appeal to voters dissatisfied with traditional Democratic and
Republican platforms, positioning itself as a centrist alternative prioritizing
technology, energy independence, and freedom of speech.The party will promote
policies encouraging entrepreneurship, technological advancement, and reduced
bureaucracy, arguing these are key to keeping America competitive in the global
economy.
3. Microsoft shuts down operations in Pakistan after 25
years: Global technology giant Microsoft has officially shut down
its operations in Pakistan after 25 years, as part of its global
restructuring plan.Microsoft first opened in Pakistan on March 7, 2000, playing
a key role in the country’s digital growth.
4. Indian Mango Mania 2025 launched in Abu Dhabi to
promote premium Indian mangoes globally:
The Commerce and Industry Ministry launched
the ‘Indian Mango Mania 2025’ festival
in Abu Dhabi, in collaboration with the Embassy of India in the UAE and
the Lulu Group, to boost the global reach of Indian mangoes.The Mango Promotion
Programme aims to showcase premium Indian mango varieties like Banarasi Langda,
Dasheri, Chausa, Amrapali, Malda, and Mallika to international buyers,
especially the Indian diaspora in the Gulf region.In 2024, India exported over
12,000 tonnes of mangoes to the UAE, worth 20 million USD, reflecting the
strong demand for Indian mangoes abroad.
5. Jennifer Simons elected Suriname’s 1st woman President: Jennifer Simons has
been elected as Suriname’s first
woman president, marking a historic moment for the South American
country as it prepares for a potential oil boom.She was elected by Suriname’s
parliament through a coalition deal, after the National Democratic Party (18
seats) and Progressive Reform Party (17 seats) nearly tied in the May 25
elections.In Suriname, the president is chosen indirectly by the National
Assembly, where a candidate must secure a two-thirds majority vote to assume
office.‘Eternal Light’: Dalai Lama’s new biography
to release in September: Marking
his 90th birthday, publishing house Westland Books announced a new biography of the 14th Dalai Lama.
Written
by senior journalist and author Arvind Yadav, “Eternal Light: The Life and Times of His Holiness the 14th Dalai
Lama”, scheduled to be released in September.
OTHER UPDATES:
DEFENCE
1. FATF Flags E-Commerce in Terror Financing
Risks: The Financial Action Task
Force (FATF) has issued a critical report in 2025 denoting the growing threat
posed by the misuse of e-commerce and digital payment platforms for terrorist
financing. This comprehensive update reveals that terror groups are
increasingly exploiting online systems to fund operations and evade detection.
The report stresses the urgent need for global cooperation and improved
detection mechanisms to counter these evolving methods. Terrorist financing
techniques are rapidly changing. Traditional funding like cash smuggling and
informal transfers are now supplemented by digital tools. Online
shopping, social
media, gaming platforms, and
digital wallets are being used to move and launder funds. These methods are
tailored to local contexts, making detection harder. Many countries lack the
capacity to fully identify and disrupt these activities.
SPORTS
1. Sanjog Gupta Appointed as CEO of ICC: Sanjog Gupta has
been appointed as the new CEO of
the International Cricket Council (ICC), succeeding Australia’s
Geoff Allardice, who stepped down earlier this year after serving since
2021.Gupta previously served as CEO of JioStar Sports, taking up the job after
Reliance Industries and Walt Disney’s $8.5 billion merger of their Indian media
assets in November last year.His ICC predecessor, Allardice, who was appointed
CEO in November 2021 after an interim period of eight months following the
suspension of Manu Sawhney, stepped down earlier this year.
2. Aryaveer Dewan Ends 13-Year Drought, Wins U17 Title at
Asian Junior Squash Championships: In Squash, India’s Anahat Singh clinched
the Asian U19 Squash Championship title
with a dominant 3–0 victory over Hong Kong China’s Cheung TC in the final. She
won the gold medal in Gimcheon, South Korea.In the U-17, Aryaveer Dewan made
history for India by winning the U17 boys’ title at the Asian Junior Squash
Championships, ending the country’s 13-year wait for the crown in this
category.Dewan defeated the defending champion Nikhileswar Moganasundharam of
Malaysia. Two more Indian players – Ayaan Dhanuka in boys’ U13 and Saanvi
Kalanki in girls’ U15 – had to settle for silver medals after losing in their
respective finals.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1. Earth’s Rotation Speeds Up: Recent observations show
that Earth’s rotation is accelerating. On 9 July 2025, the planet completed one
full spin faster than ever before. This day was shorter by approximately 1.6
milliseconds. Scientists attribute this change to the gravitational influence
of the Moon. The phenomenon has implications for timekeeping and scientific
study. Earth’s day length is not constant. It varies due to factors such as
gravitational forces, seismic activity, and changes in atmospheric conditions.
The Moon’s position affects Earth’s spin by exerting tidal forces. These forces
can speed up or slow down the rotation slightly. The 9 July 2025 event marks
the shortest day since records began. Following 9 July, other days like 22 July
and 5 August 2025 are also expected to be shorter. These repeated speed-ups
show a pattern of Earth’s rotation accelerating temporarily. Scientists monitor
these changes closely to understand their causes and predict future variations.
2. Heat Anxiety: Heat anxiety has become
health concern in 2025, especially during prolonged heatwaves. This condition
involves psychological distress triggered by exposure to high temperatures. The
ongoing climate crisis and rising temperatures have intensified its impact,
particularly in India and other low- and middle-income countries. Heat anxiety
affects emotional well-being and physical health, creating complex challenges
for individuals and healthcare systems. Heat anxiety, also known as heat stress
or heat-related anxiety, arises from prolonged exposure to hot weather. It
activates the body’s fight-or-flight response, releasing stress hormones like
adrenaline and cortisol. Common physical symptoms include sweating, rapid
heartbeat, dizziness, and nausea. Emotionally, people may feel overwhelmed,
irritable, anxious, or experience mood swings. Sleep disturbances are frequent.
The condition can cause avoidance of outdoor activities and social interaction
due to fear of heat discomfort.
BANKING AND FINANCE
1. Odisha Govt Reinstates HDFC, ICICI, Axis Bank to
Handle State Business: The Odisha government has withdrawn its earlier restrictions on HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, and Axis
Bank, allowing them to resume handling state government business
and deposits.These three private banks were previously removed from the list of
empanelled banks on June 21 due to their poor performance in managing state-run
schemes and shortcomings in general banking parameters. The decision to
reinstate the banks was made after their senior officials met Chief Minister
Mohan Majhi on July 1, providing written assurances to improve performance in
priority sector lending and credit-to-deposit ratios.
2. AU Small Finance Bank Partners with LIC to Expand Life
Insurance Access Across India: AU Small Finance Bank has partnered with Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) to distribute
LIC’s life insurance products across its extensive network, aiming to
improve insurance access among underserved and unserved populations in India. Through
over 2,456 banking outlets in 21 states and 4 union territories, AU Small
Finance Bank will offer LIC’s diverse insurance solutions, including term
insurance, endowment plans, pension products, child-focused plans, and more.
3. IndusInd Bank Launches ‘INDIE for Business’ Platform
to Empower Over 60 Million MSMEs in India: IndusInd Bank has launched the ‘INDIE for Business’ digital platform to
empower MSMEs, aiming to reach over 60 million micro, small, and medium
enterprises across India with comprehensive banking solutions.The platform
offers a 360° view of business accounts, real-time tracking of loans, EMIs, and
due dates, as well as digital self-onboarding and profile switching for
entrepreneurs managing multiple businesses.Businesses can use the platform to
make bulk payments for salaries and vendors, pay GST, income tax, and customs
duties, providing greater operational flexibility within a secure digital
framework.
AWARDS AND HONOURS
1. PM Modi Honoured with ‘Key to Buenos Aires’ During Historic Argentina Visit: PM Narendra Modi received the “Key to the City of Buenos Aires“, a symbolic honour signifying friendship and trust, during his historic visit to Argentina — the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the country in 57 years.As part of his five-nation tour, PM Modi earlier received “The Order of the Republic” — Trinidad and Tobago’s highest civilian award, becoming the first foreign leader to be honoured with it. During his talks with President Javier Milei, both leaders agreed to enhance defence, trade, and energy cooperation, including lithium and shale gas supplies from Argentina, and discussed easing access to Indian medicines and collaboration in drone-based agriculture.
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