🇮🇳 National News
The Union Government has prolonged the Prime Minister Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-Drive) Scheme until March 2028.
Financial support for electric two-wheelers and three-wheelers will end on March 31, 2026.
This move signals a policy shift toward allowing these segments to operate more independently as the market matures.
- Scheme Extension: Until March 2028
- 2W/3W Subsidy End: March 31, 2026
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Nagpur–Pune Vande Bharat Express, the country’s longest-route Vande Bharat train.
Two other train services were also launched during the event. The inauguration was conducted via video conferencing.
The ceremony at Nagpur Central Railway Station was attended by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari and Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis.
The Nagpur–Pune Vande Bharat Express becomes India’s longest-route semi-high-speed train service.
The Maharashtra Government has successfully rolled out the Disha Abhiyan, an initiative for inclusive education targeting students with intellectual disabilities.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced that the programme is already active in 453 special schools across the state.
The scheme ensures equal access to quality education for differently-abled students.
Tamil Nadu CM M. K. Stalin officially launched the State Education Policy (SEP) as a state-specific alternative to the National Education Policy (NEP).
The unveiling took place at the Anna Centenary Library Auditorium, Kotturpuram.
The SEP was prepared over more than a year by a 14-member committee headed by retired Justice Murugesan.
The state has decided to retain the two-language formula, diverging from the NEP’s three-language approach.
💼 Business & Economy
ICICI Bank has significantly increased the Minimum Average Balance (MAB) requirements across metro, urban, semi-urban, and rural branches.
Changes will be effective August 2025.
The bank has also tightened penalty rules and revised transaction limits. The move will impact millions of customers.
For the third consecutive year, ICICI Bank has reported the lowest employee attrition among large private banks.
| Financial Year | Attrition Rate |
|---|---|
| FY23 | 30.9% |
| FY24 | 24.5% |
| FY25 | 18% |
Data source: Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting (BRSR) report.
Kerala State Financial Enterprises (KSFE) has become India’s first diversified NBFC to achieve a turnover of ₹1 lakh crore.
The state-owned company doubled its turnover from ₹50,000 crore in just four years.
KSFE becomes the first diversified NBFC in India to reach the ₹1 lakh crore turnover milestone.
🌐 International News
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has warned of severe extreme heat conditions affecting millions worldwide.
Key threats identified:
- Rising global temperatures
- Prolonged heatwaves
- Declining air quality
The WMO has urged nations to adopt early warning systems and heat–health action plans to mitigate risks.
The World Meteorological Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international cooperation on atmospheric science and meteorology.
🔬 Science & Technology
ISRO announced the successful static test of KALAM 1200, the first-stage solid rocket motor of the Vikram-1 launch vehicle.
The test was carried out at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC), Sriharikota.
Vikram-1 is developed by Skyroot Aerospace Pvt. Ltd., Hyderabad.
| KALAM 1200 Specifications | Value |
|---|---|
| Length | 11 metres |
| Diameter | 7 metres |
| Solid Propellant | 30 tonnes |
KALAM 1200 is the longest monolithic motor ever built at the Solid Propellant Plant, Sriharikota.
📅 Important Days
Observed annually on August 12 to promote awareness on elephant conservation and welfare.
Established in 2012 by Patricia Sims and the Elephant Reintroduction Foundation.
Focus areas:
- Habitat protection
- Anti-poaching measures
- Welfare of elephants in captivity
- Strengthening conservation laws
In India, elephants are endangered and protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
Key initiatives: Project Elephant, Gaj Yatra, and elephant corridors.
Celebrated every August 12 to address youth-related issues and recognize their role in building a sustainable future.
Originated in 1991 during the UN’s first World Youth Forum and formally adopted in 1998.
“Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond” — focuses on youth participation in local governance.
Key highlights:
- Marks 30 years of the World Programme of Action for Youth (WPAY)
- Discusses issues such as unemployment, education gaps, mental health, and climate change
🏅 Sports News
Minerva Academy FC, Chandigarh, created history by winning the U-14 Norway Cup 2025.
Defeated SIF (Norway) with a record 14–1 victory in the final.
- Scored 130 goals in 8 matches
- Averaged 16.57 goals per game
- Set a new tournament record for total goals
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