🇮🇳 National News
Kabak Yano, a mountaineer from Arunachal Pradesh, successfully reached the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s tallest mountain at 5,895 meters, as part of her Seven Summits challenge.
Yano, who has previously scaled Mount Everest, added another remarkable feat to her mountaineering career, representing the spirit of Arunachal Pradesh.
The expedition commenced on July 28 and was flagged off by Governor KT Parnaik, who praised her perseverance and extraordinary achievement.
AIM and Bhashini signed a Statement of Intent to advance vernacular innovation and language inclusivity in India’s innovation sector.
Key initiatives:
- Integrate Bhashini’s language technology into AIM’s programs to break language barriers
- Translate WIPO Academy content into multiple Indian languages
- Aid startups in developing multilingual products
The partnership aims to empower grassroots innovators through skill-building and inclusive platforms, furthering India’s digital empowerment goals.
During the M.S. Swaminathan Centenary International Conference in New Delhi, PM Narendra Modi introduced the award to honor scientists from developing nations contributing to hunger eradication and global peace.
Nigerian scientist Dr. Arenare was the inaugural recipient, recognized for his efforts in combating hunger in Nigeria.
Shri Giriraj Singh, Union Minister of Textiles, launched the book “Carbon Footprint Assessment in the Indian Handloom Sector: Methods and Case Studies”.
Prepared by:
- Office of Development Commissioner for Handlooms, Ministry of Textiles
- Department of Textiles & Fibre Engineering, IIT Delhi
The publication outlines practical methods to measure and reduce the carbon footprint in India’s handloom industry, supporting eco-friendly handloom production and sustainable development while preserving India’s cultural heritage.
💼 Business & Economy
AU Small Finance Bank (AU) has achieved a historic milestone by receiving the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) in-principle approval to convert into a Universal Bank.
This is the first Small Finance Bank to receive such approval, reflecting AU’s robust business model, strong governance standards, and commitment to financial inclusion.
The transition will enable AU to operate as a full-service bank, offering a comprehensive range of retail, business, and digital banking services.
Tata AutoComp Systems signed an agreement to acquire 100% stake in Slovakia-based IAC Group through its UK subsidiary, Artifex Interior Systems Limited.
While financial details were not disclosed, the acquisition will expand Tata AutoComp’s global reach in the automotive components industry.
The agreement is conditional and aims to strengthen Tata AutoComp’s presence in international markets.
Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) reported a 5% increase in standalone net profit, reaching ₹10,987 crore for Q1 FY26, compared to ₹10,461 crore in the same period last year.
| Metric | Q1 FY26 | Change |
|---|---|---|
| Net Profit | ₹10,987 crore | +5% YoY |
| Net Premium Income | ₹1.19 lakh crore | +5% YoY |
| Solvency Ratio | 2.17 | From 1.99 |
| Gross NPAs | ₹8,436.5 crore | -21% |
| Net NPAs | ₹4 crore | -36% |
Eight major cooperatives launched ‘Bharat’ Taxi, a ₹300-crore ride-hailing initiative designed to compete with Ola and Uber.
Key features:
- Managed by the Multi-State Sahakari Taxi Cooperative Ltd
- Supported by IFFCO, NCDC, and Amul
- Commission-free, community-focused model
- Promotes fair driver earnings and affordable fares
Currently, 200 drivers are onboarded, and a nationwide app launch is planned by the end of 2025. The initiative is supported by IIM-B and a technology consultant.
🌐 International News
Illinois has become the first U.S. state to ban AI platforms like ChatGPT from providing unsupervised therapy services under the Wellness and Oversight for Psychological Resources Act.
Signed by Governor JB Pritzker, the law bars AI from performing core therapeutic functions such as:
- Diagnosis
- Treatment planning
- Emotional assessments
Unless supervised by a licensed therapist.
The decision follows growing concerns from bodies like the American Psychological Association about the potential misuse of AI in mental health care.
The World Health Organization (WHO) officially classified Hepatitis D (HDV) as a cancer-causing virus due to its strong link with liver cancer when co-infected with Hepatitis B (HBV).
HDV infection accelerates liver cirrhosis and increases cancer risk up to sixfold. It spreads via blood, sexual contact, and childbirth.
Since HDV relies on HBV for replication, Hepatitis B vaccination is the most effective preventive measure.
With India’s HBV vaccine coverage at only about 50%, experts stress urgent measures in prevention, screening, and awareness campaigns.
👔 Appointments
Airbus has named Jürgen Westermeier as President and Managing Director for India and South Asia, effective September 1, 2025.
Responsibilities:
- Commercial aircraft sales
- Service expansion
- Engineering projects
- Digital innovation and training
Westermeier will lead Airbus-Tata joint ventures for manufacturing military transport aircraft and helicopters in India, and strengthen Airbus’ collaboration with ISRO.
🔬 Science & Technology
The Indian government announced plans for BharatGen AI to be fully functional in all 22 languages listed in the Eighth Schedule by June 2026.
Minister Jitendra Singh shared that the initiative, under the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems, aims to create an inclusive AI ecosystem.
This move will ensure accessibility of digital tools and resources across India’s linguistic diversity.
📅 Important Days
Marks the 83rd anniversary of the 1942 Quit India Movement led by Mahatma Gandhi’s “Do or Die” call.
The movement unified millions across India in a non-violent mass movement against British rule, involving students, farmers, and workers.
Despite arrests of leaders like Nehru and Patel and violent crackdowns, figures like Aruna Asaf Ali emerged as symbols of resilience. The movement continues to inspire democratic values and citizen participation.
Observed annually on August 9 to raise awareness and protect the rights of indigenous communities.
The date commemorates the first UN Working Group on Indigenous Populations meeting in Geneva in 1982.
Declared by the UN General Assembly on December 23, 1994.
Nagasaki Day is observed annually to remember the atomic bombing of Nagasaki on August 9, 1945 during World War II.
The attack killed and injured approximately 74,000 people, causing massive devastation. The day serves as a reminder of the need for nuclear disarmament and world peace.
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