📊 Index & Rankings
India has achieved a Gini Index score of 25.5, placing it as the 4th most equal country globally, surpassing all G7 nations in income equality.
Since 2011, around 171 million people have been lifted out of poverty in India.
Key welfare schemes contributing to this achievement include:
- Jan Dhan Yojana – Financial inclusion program
- Ayushman Bharat – Health insurance coverage
- PMGKAY – Free food grain distribution
- Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT) – Subsidy delivery mechanism
However, challenges like wealth inequality, outdated poverty metrics, and uneven access to opportunity persist.
🇮🇳 National News
The Ministry of Education, through the IKS (Indian Knowledge Systems) division of Central Sanskrit University, has launched the Setubandha Scholar Scheme.
The initiative integrates traditional Gurukul-trained scholars into research roles at IITs, bypassing the need for formal degrees.
Benefits under the scheme:
- Fellowships – Up to ₹65,000 per month
- Research Grants – Up to ₹2 lakh annually
Eligibility criteria:
- Minimum five years of Gurukul education
- Demonstrated excellence in Shastras
- Candidates must be below 32 years of age
On July 30, 2025, the Lok Sabha approved an extension of President’s Rule in Manipur for another six months past August 13.
Minister of State Nityanand Rai reported:
- A significant improvement in peace and order
- Only one fatality in the past four months
- No major casualties recorded recently
The government emphasizes dialogue-based resolution to tackle ethnic tensions and bring lasting peace.
Kaziranga National Park in Assam conducted the nation’s first grassland bird census from March to May 2025.
The survey used acoustic monitoring technologies to identify bird species and was carried out by forest officials, researchers, and conservationists.
The study documented 43 bird species, including the critically endangered Finn’s Weaver.
This census is a major advancement in biodiversity tracking, highlighting the successes and challenges in grassland habitat conservation.
The Maharashtra government has designated August 7 as Sustainable Agriculture Day, honoring Dr. M.S. Swaminathan, the father of India’s Green Revolution.
Key initiatives:
- Establishment of Dr. MS Swaminathan Bio-Happiness Research Centres in state agricultural universities
- Focus areas: sustainable agriculture, climate adaptation, and food security
- Statewide events and awards in his honor
The Indian Naval Ship (INS) Satpura has docked in Singapore to participate in the 32nd Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise, known as SIMBEX-25.
SIMBEX is a long-standing symbol of the strong naval partnership between India and Singapore.
The exercise began with the Harbour Phase, featuring:
- Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEEs)
- Professional-level interactions
- Discussions on operational tactics
- Deck familiarisation visits aboard RSN ships Vigilant and Supreme
These engagements align with India’s MAHASAGAR vision and Act East Policy, which prioritize collaboration with regional partners.
India and the United Arab Emirates signed a landmark Maritime Security and Safety Cooperation Agreement in New Delhi.
The deal was formalized during the 13th Joint Defence Cooperation Committee (JDCC) meeting.
Signatories:
- DG Paramesh Sivamani – Indian Coast Guard
- Brigadier Staff Khalid Obaid Shamsi – UAE Coast Guard
Key areas of cooperation:
- Maritime Search and Rescue (SAR)
- Law enforcement and maritime crime control
- Pollution response
- Capacity building and training
This is the 10th such maritime agreement India has signed with friendly foreign nations.
💼 Business & Economy
The Andhra Pradesh Tourism Department hosted a strategic workshop with MasterCard at its Vijayawada headquarters.
Objectives of the collaboration:
- Develop immersive, high-quality tourism experiences
- Attract global tourists, especially MasterCard holders
🌐 International News
US President Donald Trump announced a 25% tariff on Indian goods, effective August 1, 2025.
Reasons cited by Trump:
- India’s continued oil and defense trade with Russia amid the Ukraine conflict
- India’s high tariff regime
- Non-tariff trade barriers
- Strong diplomatic and trade ties with Moscow
The announcement follows India’s refusal to finalize a trade agreement during the 90-day extension granted by Trump.
India dispatched 5 Metric Tonnes of humanitarian aid to Syria.
Aid includes:
- Anti-cancer drugs
- Antibiotics
- Medications for hypertension
According to MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, this support is part of India’s ongoing humanitarian commitment to the Syrian people.
While imposing tariffs on India, the USA signed an agreement with Pakistan to help develop its oil reserves.
Strategic context:
- India’s growing role in BRICS
- India’s continued energy dealings with Russia
US objectives:
- Contain China’s influence
- Deepen strategic ties with Pakistan
- Address its own trade imbalance
Beginning September 1, 2025, the World Athletics Council will require all female athletes to take a once-in-a-lifetime SRY gene test to confirm biological sex.
The rule was first applied during the World Athletics Championships Tokyo 2025.
To protect the fairness and integrity of women’s sports.
The Gender Diverse Athlete Working Group helped shape the regulation, ensuring:
- Privacy of all athletes
- Dignity in testing processes
- Confidentiality of results
👔 Appointments
Nikhil Ravishankar, currently the Chief Digital Officer of Air New Zealand, will assume the role of CEO on October 20, 2025.
Ravishankar is an Indian-origin executive and a graduate of the University of Auckland.
He replaces Greg Foran, as the airline faces:
- Climate-related challenges
- Rising operational costs
- Changing customer expectations
The board praised his digital leadership and global perspective.
Anant Ambani, son of Mukesh Ambani, has been appointed Executive Director of Reliance Industries (RIL) for a five-year term starting May 1, 2025.
Existing board positions held by Anant Ambani:
- Jio Platforms
- Reliance Foundation
- Reliance New Energy
- Reliance New Solar Energy
The appointment reflects succession planning and strategic continuity in RIL’s ventures in digital tech, renewable energy, and global markets.
🔬 Science & Technology
India has successfully developed its first scientifically validated monofloral lavender honey.
The project was led by the CSIR–Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (CSIR-IIIM) at its Pulwama station in Jammu & Kashmir.
This initiative promotes sustainable agriculture, encourages rural entrepreneurship, and contributes to the functional food market.
📅 Important Days
World Wide Web Day is celebrated every year on August 1 globally.
The day is dedicated to web browsing and the digital transformation it has enabled.
Commemorates the invention of the World Wide Web in 1989 by Sir Tim Berners-Lee, marking the beginning of a communication system that revolutionized global information exchange.
World Breastfeeding Week is observed annually from August 1 to 7 in over 120 countries.
“Prioritise Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support Systems”
The week aims to:
- Promote the health benefits of breastfeeding
- Emphasize its importance for infant and child development
🕊️ Obituaries
Padma Shri awardee T N Manoharan, former President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), passed away on July 30, 2025, in Mumbai.
Key roles held:
- President of ICAI (2006–07)
- Chairman of the Accounting Research Foundation (ICAI)
- Chairman of CII’s National Committee on Accounting Standards
- Member of the IRDAI Board during 2006–07
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