📊 Index & Rankings
PhonePe handled over 8.54 billion UPI transactions in June 2025, claiming a 46.46% market share, according to NPCI data.
| Platform | Market Share |
|---|---|
| PhonePe | 46.46% |
| Google Pay | 35.56% |
| Paytm | 6.90% |
Overall UPI volumes declined slightly to 18.39 billion. Newer players like Navi and Super.money continue to grow. Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Uttar Pradesh contributed the most to UPI usage.
Gujarat has topped the nation in processed potato production during 2024–25.
District-wise rankings:
- Banaskantha – Leads in production
- Sabarkantha – Second position
- Aravalli – Third position
The state produced 48.59 lakh tonnes of potatoes, with over 25% used for processing. Supportive government policies, quality seeds, and cold storage systems have helped Gujarat meet both national and global demand.
🇮🇳 National News
Akten village in Sikkim has been transformed into India’s first digital nomad village under the ‘Nomad Sikkim’ initiative.
Key features:
- High-speed internet
- Reliable power backup
- Locally managed homestays for remote workers
The initiative aims to generate income in rural areas, encourage eco-friendly tourism, and demonstrate how digital connectivity can revitalize village economies.
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare launched a campaign on snack nutrition at AIIMS Nagpur.
The campaign features posters placed beside food stalls, highlighting the sugar, fat, and trans-fat content of popular snacks such as samosas and biscuits.
The initiative is part of broader efforts to address obesity and non-communicable diseases. According to The Lancet, projections estimate 450 million obese Indians by 2050.
India will be the first country outside Japan to operate the new-generation E10 Shinkansen bullet trains, starting with the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) project in the early 2030s.
Key developments:
- Two E5 trains will arrive in 2026 for testing under Indian conditions
- E10 (Alfa-X model) can reach speeds up to 400 kmph
- Equipped with cutting-edge safety and comfort features
The ₹1.1-lakh-crore MAHSR project has achieved significant construction milestones: 310 km of viaducts, 15 bridges, and 5 stations. This marks an important Indo-Japan collaboration in transport infrastructure.
On July 15, 2025, Union Minister B.L. Verma inaugurated the 75th Pradhan Mantri Divyasha Kendra (PMDK) in Badaun, Uttar Pradesh.
These centres provide free aids such as wheelchairs, hearing aids, and tricycles under the ADIP Scheme and Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana.
So far, PMDKs have served over 1.40 lakh beneficiaries across the country, exemplifying the government’s focus on inclusive development.
BITS Pilani has announced plans to establish India’s first ‘AI Plus Campus’ in Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh.
The ₹1,000 crore project was unveiled on July 14, 2025, with student admissions scheduled to begin in 2027.
Curriculum highlights:
- AI, Robotics, Data Science
- Emphasis on sustainability and global education standards
CM Chandrababu Naidu and Chancellor Kumar Mangalam Birla hailed the project as a landmark for advanced education. It is part of BITS’ broader expansion under Project Vistar.
The Indian Army’s Ram Division held a demonstration titled ‘Prachand Shakti’ at the Kharga Corps Field Training Area in Meerut.
Technologies showcased:
- AI systems
- UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles)
- Loitering munitions
- Autonomous platforms for Strike Corps missions
Part of the Army’s ‘Year of Tech Absorption’ initiative to integrate indigenous technologies for modern warfare readiness.
The Indian Navy (INS Tarkash) and the Greek Navy (HS Psara) participated in a PASSEX (Passing Exercise) near Mumbai in the Arabian Sea.
Activities included:
- Tactical drills
- Live firing exercises
- Helicopter landing exercises
This marks a milestone in India-Greece defense relations, especially since their 2023 strategic partnership.
NCDEX and the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) have signed an MoU to develop India’s first weather derivative instruments.
These contracts, based on rainfall patterns, aim to financially safeguard farmers and weather-sensitive sectors.
The initiative will also offer research, training, and market tools. Leaders from both organizations see this as a major step toward building a climate-resilient economy.
💼 Business & Economy
CTBC Bank, Taiwan’s largest private bank, has applied to establish an IFSC Banking Unit in GIFT City, Gujarat.
The application includes 3,100 sq ft of space in Brigade Towers. Already active in New Delhi, the bank plans to expand services to India’s financial hub.
As of March 2025, 31 international banks have set up operations in GIFT City, indicating its growing global appeal.
ACKO has been selected as Tesla’s official insurance partner ahead of its India launch.
The partnership will offer seamless digital insurance services tailored for Tesla owners.
This move highlights the shared vision of both companies to enhance user experience, promote clean mobility, and expand the EV ecosystem in India.
Retail inflation in India fell to 2.1% in June — the lowest since 2018 — driven by declining vegetable and pulse prices.
Wholesale inflation dipped slightly into the negative zone.
Despite lower food costs, prices for gold, healthcare, and transport remain high. The RBI, having already reduced rates this year, may pause further rate cuts. Economists forecast continued low inflation.
Income tax refunds for FY2024–25 reached ₹4.77 lakh crore, a 474% rise over 11 years.
Key improvements:
- Digital upgrades have shortened refund processing from 93 to 17 days
- Rise in tax return filings
- Increased share of refunds in total collections indicates greater efficiency
The reforms have resulted in a faster, more transparent, and user-friendly tax system.
🌐 International News
OpenAI, Google, Anthropic, and xAI have received contracts worth $200 million from the US Department of Defense.
The agreement, managed by the Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office (CDAO), focuses on developing autonomous AI tools for military applications.
The aim is to maintain a global edge in defense by deploying safe and efficient AI systems. The move aligns with broader White House efforts to build a robust AI innovation ecosystem in the US.
Former Chief Justice Kalyan Shrestha received the Hem Bahadur Malla Award 2080 in Kathmandu for his contributions to judicial reforms, inclusive democracy, and transitional justice.
Presented by Chief Justice Prakashman Singh Raut, the award includes Rs 200,000 and a certificate.
Jointly conferred by Nepal Public Administration Association and Salt Trading Corporation. At the event, Shrestha emphasized the ongoing challenges of good governance in Nepal.
Sudanese-Scottish author Leila Aboulela has been awarded the 2025 PEN Pinter Prize for her insightful writing on themes like migration, faith, and Muslim women’s experiences.
The award will be officially presented at the British Library on October 10, 2025.
Known for books such as The Translator, Minaret, and River Spirit. She will also choose a Writer of Courage to share the award.
👔 Appointments
R Doraiswamy has been appointed as the MD and CEO of LIC until August 28, 2028.
Selected by FSIB and approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, he succeeds interim CEO Sat Pal Bhanoo.
With over 38 years at LIC, his leadership is expected to enhance the institution’s contribution to India’s financial landscape.
Hemant Rupani will take over as CEO of Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages Pvt Ltd (HCCB) from September 8, 2025, replacing Juan Pablo Rodriguez.
He brings vast experience from Mondelez International, PepsiCo, Vodafone, Infosys, and Britannia.
His appointment follows Coca-Cola’s strategic deal with Jubilant Bhartia Group to localize its India operations.
📅 Important Days
World Youth Skills Day is celebrated on July 15.
2025 Theme: “Youth Empowerment Through Artificial Intelligence and Digital Skills”
The day marked its 10th anniversary this year and emphasized the importance of training youth in AI and digital competencies.
The observance underscored the role of TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) in improving employment outcomes, especially for women in underserved areas. Global events promoted education, employment, and empowerment for the next generation.
🕊️ Obituaries
Fauja Singh, aged 114, passed away on July 14, 2025, in a road accident on the Jalandhar-Pathankot highway.
He began marathon running at age 89 and inspired countless individuals through his fitness and perseverance.
His passing was confirmed by Khushwant Singh and mourned by notable leaders like PM Narendra Modi and Captain Amarinder Singh.
📤 Found this useful? Help your friends stay updated too!
