🇮🇳 National News
On July 18, 2025, Dr. Jitendra Singh launched NSCSTI 2.0, an upgraded training framework for civil services, developed by the Capacity Building Commission under Mission Karmayogi.
Key features:
- Simplified evaluation metrics for better transparency
- Integration of digital technologies and AI tools
- Alignment with advanced models such as KCM and AGK
- Outcome-driven assessments
The initiative aims to position India as a global leader in administrative reforms and is adaptable across all levels of government.
In July 2025, Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal inaugurated the Mahila Aarogyam Kaksh, a women-centric wellness facility launched by the Department of Legal Affairs.
Located at Shastri Bhawan, the facility includes:
- A gymnasium for fitness
- A lactation room to support working mothers
The initiative promotes physical and mental well-being of women employees and an inclusive workplace culture, aligned with the Fit India Movement and the Viksit Bharat vision.
NIEPID and Jai Vakeel Foundation signed an MoU in July 2025 to provide structured and scalable education for Children with Intellectual Disabilities (CwID) through the DISHA Abhiyan initiative.
Agreement highlights:
- Development of Individualized Education Plans (IEPs)
- Introduction of multi-sensory curriculum and digital portal
- Training modules for educators and caregivers
Aligns with SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and the Viksit Bharat vision. Materials will be published under the DALM Scheme.
On July 18, 2025, INS Nistar was commissioned as India’s first indigenous Diving Support Vessel.
Built by Hindustan Shipyard Limited, it offers:
- Deep-sea diving capabilities
- Submarine rescue operations up to 300 meters
- Support as a mother ship for DSRVs (Deep-Submergence Rescue Vehicles)
80% indigenous components with contributions from 120+ MSMEs. Strengthens India’s underwater maritime security and aligns with Aatmanirbhar Bharat goals.
The government approved PMDDKY in July 2025, merging 36 existing schemes from 11 ministries.
Key details:
- Total allocation – ₹24,000 crore over six years
- Focus – 100 low-performing districts
Core objectives:
- Irrigation improvement
- Post-harvest infrastructure development
- Easier credit access
- Promotion of organic farming
Encouraging public-private partnerships, district-level planning, and climate-smart agriculture. Supports Atmanirbhar Bharat and farmer income doubling.
At the World University Games 2025 in Germany, Indian swimmers achieved historic milestones:
| Swimmer | Event | Record |
|---|---|---|
| Srihari Nataraj | 200m freestyle | 1:48.22 (Best Indian Performance) |
| B. Benediction Rohit | 50m butterfly | 23.96s (First Indian male under 24s) |
These records mark a historic milestone for Indian swimming on the international stage.
👔 Appointments
Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) appointed Dr. J Ravishankar, a 2001-batch IAS officer, as its new Managing Director, succeeding Maheshwar Rao.
Context of leadership change:
- Comes amid public criticism of metro fare hikes
- Precedes the much-delayed Yellow Line launch
Current Metro status: 77 km operational
Phase 2 and Phase 3 expansions underway, aiming for 220.2 km by 2029. Key priorities include timely project execution and improved transparency and connectivity.
🔬 Science & Technology
Scientists from MACS-Agharkar Institute discovered a new lichen species, Allographa effusosoredica, in the Western Ghats.
Key traits:
- First Indian Allographa species confirmed through DNA sequencing
- Contains rare chemical compounds
- Associated with Trentepohlia algae
- Morphologically mimics other Graphidaceae species
Supported by ANRF, the study underscores the importance of integrative taxonomy and the need for molecular-level research to document India’s lichen biodiversity.
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