Heritage & Culture
Maratha Military Landscapes – UNESCO Recognition
The Maratha Military Landscapes were inscribed on UNESCO World Heritage List for their strategic military planning with forts positioned across hilltops, plateaus, and coastal areas. These were not luxury residences but military strongholds showcasing innovative defense architecture across diverse terrains.
Defence & Security
Operation SHIVA 2025
Launched by the Indian Army for Amarnath Yatra security, Operation SHIVA 2025 deploys 8,500+ troops with anti-drone systems, advanced surveillance technology, medical facilities, and disaster readiness. This comprehensive approach ensures safe pilgrimage through multi-layered security measures.
Governance & Administration
ISO Certified Police Station
Arthunkal Police Station in Kerala received IS/ISO 9001:2015 certification for excellence in crime control, law and order maintenance, and public grievance redressal. This recognition under the Modernised Cherthala Police Programme sets a benchmark for quality management in policing.
Environment
Harela Festival Plantation Drive
Uttarakhand’s Harela festival plantation drive promoted themes “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” (One Tree in Mother’s Name) and “Harela Ka Tyohar Manao, Dharti Maa Ka Rin Chukao” (Celebrate Harela, Pay Mother Earth’s Debt). Over 5 lakh saplings were planted across Garhwal and Kumaon regions under CM Pushkar Singh Dhami’s leadership.
Historical Architecture
Gingee Fort – Troy of the East
Gingee Fort in Tamil Nadu is called the ‘Troy of the East’ for its exceptional defense architecture that made it impenetrable for centuries. The fort’s strategic design successfully resisted numerous invasions, comparable to the legendary city of Troy’s defensive prowess.
World Heritage
Cambodian Genocide Memorial Sites
Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, M-13 prison, and Choeung Ek Killing Fields were added to UNESCO Heritage List in 2025. These sites commemorate atrocities under the Khmer Rouge regime (1975-1979), marking Cambodia’s first modern historical UNESCO nomination focused on genocide remembrance.
Banking & Finance
RBI Regulatory Penalties
RBI imposed penalties on HDFC Bank (βΉ4.88 lakh) for foreign investment issues in term loans and Shriram Finance (βΉ2.70 lakh) for violating digital lending norms. These actions reflect RBI’s emphasis on strict compliance with financial regulations and digital lending guidelines.
Employment & Economy
Employment-Linked Incentive Scheme
The Cabinet approved a βΉ1 lakh crore scheme targeting 3.5 crore jobs (1.92 crore first-time workers) from August 2025 to July 2027. Provides βΉ15,000 wage support per employee and βΉ3,000 per month to employers, boosting formal employment creation.
Defence Technology
Astra BVRAAM Indigenous Success
The Astra Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile, tested from Su-30 MKI, features a homegrown Radio Frequency (RF) seeker. This indigenous technology reduces foreign dependence and exemplifies India’s ‘Make in India’ defense capabilities and self-reliance.
Sports
Italy’s Historic T20 World Cup Qualification
On July 11, 2025, Italy secured debut entry into the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 (to be held in India and Sri Lanka). This marks Italy’s first-ever appearance in an ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, representing a historic milestone for Italian cricket alongside the Netherlands.