📊 Index & Rankings
India recorded a 78% decline in under-five mortality, surpassing the global average drop of 61%, as per the UN Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (IGME) 2024 report.
Neonatal mortality fell by 70%, largely attributed to the success of the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP).
This achievement reflects inclusive health strategies and enhanced outreach to marginalized communities, strengthening India’s role in global health leadership.
🇮🇳 National News
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has initiated a major reform by removing 345 Registered Unrecognised Political Parties (RUPPs) that have neither contested elections since 2019 nor can be traced.
These parties, registered under Section 29A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, often exploit privileges such as:
- Tax benefits
- Common election symbols
- Star campaigner status
Although the ECI lacks clear authority to de-register parties, the removal process is based on non-compliance and absence of functional existence.
Bodies like the Law Commission and the ECI’s 2016 Memorandum advocate amendments to the RP Act for formal de-registration powers.
This move aims to increase electoral transparency and prevent misuse of government provisions.
Sri Nanak Niwas, India’s first wooden Gurdwara, has been constructed in Fazilka, Punjab, representing a union of spiritual devotion, architectural creativity, and sustainable design.
Made from Finnish Deodhar wood, this Gurdwara was conceptualized and built in just three months by SSP Bhupinder Singh Sidhu.
The shrine attracts devotees worldwide, conducts daily rituals, and promotes community unity and resilience. It serves as an example of eco-friendly religious architecture and inclusive cultural heritage.
Indian Railways has introduced a set of reforms to modernize reservations, improve transparency, and enhance efficiency.
| Reform | Details |
|---|---|
| Charting Time | 8 hours before departure (or by 9 PM for morning trains) |
| Modern PRS | Launch by December 2025 with 5x booking capacity and 10x enquiry capacity |
| Tatkal Bookings | From July 1, 2025 – only for verified users via OTP and DigiLocker |
The new Modern PRS will offer features such as seat selection, fare calendar, and multilingual support.
The first ASEAN–India Cruise Dialogue was held in Chennai, with over 30 delegates from ASEAN countries and Timor Leste.
Key Objectives:
- Enhance maritime cooperation between India and ASEAN nations
- Develop cruise tourism circuits across the region
- Integrate efforts with Sagarmala, Act East Policy, and Viksit Bharat 2047
Make India a cruise tourism hub in the Indo-Pacific region.
💼 Business & Economy
State Bank of India (SBI) has introduced a Solar Rooftop Programme to install solar power systems in 4 million households by FY27.
This initiative aligns with India’s Net Zero 2070 commitment and illustrates SBI’s transition from a banking leader to a driver of sustainable development.
SBI has already made ₹610 crore in social investments, highlighting its focus on green finance, CSR, and sustainable infrastructure.
According to the RBI’s Financial Stability Report, Gross Non-Performing Assets (GNPAs) fell to 2.3% in March 2025, a multi-decade low.
Improvement drivers include loan write-offs, lower slippage ratios, and regulatory measures, though GNPAs may rise to 2.6% by FY27.
| Insight | Details |
|---|---|
| Highest NPAs | Agriculture sector |
| Stress Area | Public sector banks – credit card lending |
| Large Borrowers | Top-100 showed zero NPA cases |
This reflects both sectoral strength and emerging risk factors.
RBI’s sectoral credit data (as of May 30, 2025) shows industrial credit growth at just 4.9%, with personal loans, services, and NBFC lending also slowing.
Exceptions include medium enterprises and renewable energy, which saw robust lending growth.
This indicates conservative credit practices and low investment appetite in the economy.
India’s gross GST revenue reached ₹22.08 lakh crore in FY25, up 9.4% year-on-year, and nearly double FY21 figures.
| Metric | Achievement |
|---|---|
| Total GST Revenue (FY25) | ₹22.08 lakh crore |
| YoY Growth | 9.4% |
| Taxpayer Base | 1.51 crore |
This milestone underscores India’s progress in fiscal consolidation and tax transparency, celebrating 8 years of GST implementation.
According to ICRA, India’s commercial vehicle sector is projected to grow by 3–5% in FY26.
Growth Drivers:
- Revival in infrastructure spending
- Construction activity pickup
- Mining sector demand
Buses expected to see 8–10% growth, outpacing M&HCV and LCV trucks.
Challenges include high inventories, geopolitical tensions, and demand for pre-owned vehicles.
Reliance Defence and Coastal Mechanics Inc. have formed a joint venture to build a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility in Nagpur.
Platforms to be modernized:
- Jaguar aircraft
- MiG-29 jets
- Apache helicopters
- L-70 guns
India’s defence production reached ₹1.46 trillion in FY25, with exports at ₹24,000 crore.
This supports Atmanirbhar Bharat and Reliance’s target of ₹3,000 crore in defence exports by 2027, possibly enabling future US contracts via FMS.
🌐 International News
The QUAD nations—India, Japan, the US, and Australia—have launched their first ‘At-Sea Observer Mission’, a major step in maritime security cooperation under the Wilmington Declaration.
Conducted aboard the USCGC Stratton, this mission included cross-deck participation of officers, including women, from all four nations.
Strengthen interoperability, uphold a rules-based Indo-Pacific order, and support India’s SAGAR vision and Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative.
As maritime challenges increase, the initiative boosts mutual trust, operational readiness, and future QUAD coast guard collaborations.
👔 Appointments
Rear Admiral V Ganapathy has assumed charge as Commandant of the Military Institute of Technology (MILIT), Pune, India’s leading tri-services training institute.
His tenure focuses on innovation, inter-service synergy, and advanced military tech training, aligning with India’s modernization and joint warfare needs.
🔬 Science & Technology
Ladakh hosted its inaugural Astro Tourism Festival in Leh, in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Astrophysics.
Activities included:
- Night sky observation sessions
- Expert talks on astronomy
- Educational outreach programs
Ladakh’s clear skies and low light pollution make it an ideal destination for astro-tourism development.
The festival promotes scientific awareness and sustainable tourism in the region.
📅 Important Days
World Asteroid Day is observed on June 30 to commemorate the 1908 Tunguska explosion in Siberia.
The day aims to raise awareness about asteroid threats and planetary defense.
Backed by the UN, it highlights missions like NASA’s DART and upcoming events such as the 2029 Apophis flyby.
On July 1, 2025, State Bank of India (SBI) marks 70 years since its establishment in 1955 after nationalizing the Imperial Bank of India.
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Origin | 1806 (as Bank of Calcutta) |
| Total Assets | ₹61 trillion |
| Customers | Over 50 crore |
SBI is recognized for digital innovation and strong global presence.
National Chartered Accountants Day is celebrated on July 1 to honor the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), established 76 years ago on this day.
The day acknowledges the role of CAs in auditing, taxation, compliance, and economic growth.
GST Day marks the launch of GST in 2017, a major reform simplifying India’s indirect tax system.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Tax Model | Dual model (CGST, SGST, IGST) |
| Tax Slabs | 0%, 5%, 12%, 18%, 28% + cess on sin goods |
| Key Features | ITC (Input Tax Credit), compliance via GSTN |
GST improved tax transparency and reduced cascading taxes, boosting overall compliance.
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