📊 Index & Rankings
Ahmedabad has been recognized as the cleanest city in India among those with a population of over 10 lakh.
Super Swachh League Cities (consistent top performers):
- Indore
- Surat
- Navi Mumbai
The 2024–25 survey covered 4,589 cities, focusing on waste management, citizen engagement, and innovation. This initiative under the Swachh Bharat Mission promotes a clean, sustainable, and inclusive urban ecosystem.
The Hurun India U30 List 2025 celebrates 79 young entrepreneurs, led by Zepto’s Aadit Palicha and Kaivalya Vohra.
Key achievements of listed entrepreneurs:
- Collectively raised over $5.2 billion
- Created 64,000+ jobs
Sectors include software, fintech, and consumer goods, reflecting India’s dynamic startup ecosystem and a youth-driven shift in global business dynamics.
🇮🇳 National News
Gujarat has rolled out India’s pioneering Tribal Genome Sequencing initiative, aiming to analyze the genetic makeup of 2,000 individuals across 17 districts.
Primary objective: Identify and address genetic disorders like sickle cell anemia prevalent among tribal communities.
Spearheaded by the Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre (GBRC), the program will develop a reference genome database for personalized healthcare. Sanctioned under the 2025–26 state budget, it sets a benchmark for genomic medicine in India.
CM Nitish Kumar has announced free electricity for domestic users consuming up to 125 units/month, effective August 1, 2025.
The scheme will benefit approximately 16.7 million households in the state.
As part of the Kutir Jyoti scheme, the government will deploy solar panels for economically weaker families, aiming to add 10,000 MW of solar capacity within 3 years. A dual-purpose move for economic relief and renewable energy promotion.
Maharashtra becomes the first Indian state to recognize livestock and poultry farming as agricultural activities.
Benefits for 37 million farmers:
- Subsidized electricity
- Agricultural credit
- Tax benefits
- Solar equipment subsidies
The policy benefits poultry, dairy, fisheries, and small ruminant sectors, potentially adding ₹7,000 crore annually to the rural economy. Aligns with national livestock development goals.
The LCA Tejas Mk 1A, powered by GE-F404 engines, is central to the IAF modernization plan.
Delivery schedule:
- 12 aircraft by end-2025
- 16 units annually thereafter
Key features: AESA radar, advanced EW suite, and BVR missiles (ASTRA)
The program involves a ₹5,375 crore engine deal and a forthcoming ₹67,000 crore order, underscoring its strategic significance.
The Akash Prime air defence system was successfully tested at 15,000 ft altitude in Ladakh.
Enhanced features:
- Improved seeker
- High-altitude operability
- Proven combat track record in Operation Sindoor
This marks a milestone in India’s indigenous air defense capabilities and readiness for future induction.
Under the Ministry of Power, the ADEETIE scheme was launched by Manohar Lal Khattar, with a budget of ₹1,000 crore.
Focus areas:
- Energy efficiency improvements
- Technical audits
- Interest subvention
Coverage: 60 clusters and 14 sectors
Achieve 30–50% energy savings in MSMEs, supporting India’s low-carbon economy goals.
Effective July 21, 2025, SEBI’s VCF Settlement Scheme addresses violations during VCF migration to AIF regime.
Key details:
- One-time scheme for settlement of unliquidated investments
- Migration deadline – July 19, 2025
- Scheme open till – January 19, 2026
Fosters voluntary compliance and investor protection in the alternative investment fund space.
Andre Russell has announced his retirement after a 15-year international career.
Career highlights:
- Two T20 World Cup wins
- 84 T20Is – 1,078 runs & 61 wickets
- Dominance in global leagues
His farewell matches against Australia on July 20 & 22, 2025, mark the end of an era for West Indies cricket.
Deepika Sehrawat (21) became the first Indian recipient of the Poligras Magic Skill Award.
She was honored for a spectacular solo field goal vs Netherlands in the FIH Hockey Pro League.
Her journey from Hisar to global recognition reflects the growing global respect for Indian hockey.
💼 Business & Economy
EximPe, a leading fintech innovator, has received RBI’s in-principle PA-CB license, enabling cross-border payment solutions for e-commerce, B2B trade, and digital services.
Company achievements:
- Processed $450 million worth of transactions
- Backed by $3.5 million equity funding
- Targets 10X growth by FY26
Reinforces India’s footprint in the Asian cross-border payment ecosystem and promotes regulated fintech solutions for SMEs.
🌐 International News
Yuliia Svyrydenko, a reputed economist and seasoned negotiator, has been appointed as the Prime Minister of Ukraine.
She replaces Denys Shmyhal, who now assumes the role of Defence Minister.
Appointment comes amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, signaling President Zelenskyy’s push for trusted leadership. Known for securing a strategic mineral deal with the U.S., she brings competence and loyalty for navigating wartime governance.
👔 Appointments
Ajay Kumar Shrivastava assumes the role of Director (Engineering & R&D) at HAL, leveraging 37 years of experience in aircraft design.
Past contributions:
- Projects: Do-228, Sea King, IL-78, HS-748 upgrades
- DGCA certification leadership
His appointment supports Aatmanirbhar Bharat and strengthens HAL’s mission for indigenous aerospace advancements.
To boost voter awareness ahead of Assembly polls, the Election Commission of India has roped in actors Nitu Chandra and Kranti Prakash Jha as SVEEP icons.
Under the Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation program, the duo will leverage mass appeal and digital outreach to enhance voter engagement and turnout.
Acting on Supreme Court Collegium recommendations, the Union Government approved the transfer and repatriation of 18 High Court judges on July 14, 2025.
This move aims to strengthen judicial impartiality, balance regional representation, and accelerate case disposal.
🔬 Science & Technology
Eligible students in India can access Gemini AI Pro tools free until September 15, 2025.
Features included:
- Gemini 2.5 Pro
- Deep Research
- Workspace integration
- 2TB storage
The initiative supports exam prep, creativity, and digital learning. Students can register at gemini.google/students with valid student ID.
IIM Kozhikode has introduced Gyanodaya, a Centre for Pedagogical Innovation and Publishing.
Focus areas:
- Peer-reviewed knowledge
- Indigenous content
- Collaborative learning models
Built on the in-house platform Pandulipi, the center aligns with Vision 2047 and NEP objectives.
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla returned on July 15, 2025, after an 18-day mission on ISS under Axiom-4.
Experiments conducted:
- Microalgae studies
- Muscle atrophy research
- Plant growth experiments
- Tardigrade genetics
- Radiation effects
The mission enhances space life support systems, astronaut health solutions, and future space farming strategies.
📅 Important Days
Celebrated on July 16, the day underscores India’s AI progress across healthcare, education, and governance.
Initiatives like AI for All and Skill India AI Portal drive inclusive digital growth.
World Snake Day is observed on July 15 to promote snake conservation.
Marked with events at Bannerghatta Biological Park, including postcard releases and awareness sessions.
The focus was on urban myths reduction and youth-driven conservation efforts.
Observed on July 17 to commemorate the Rome Statute and ICC.
Promotes human rights, rule of law, and global accountability.
Nelson Mandela International Day is observed on July 18.
2025 Theme: “It’s still in our hands to combat poverty and inequity”
People are encouraged to dedicate 67 minutes to community service, honoring Mandela’s legacy of justice and equality.
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