🇮🇳 National News
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has declared that Aadhaar, voter ID, and ration cards alone cannot validate voter eligibility during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in Bihar.
Drawing from its constitutional authority under Article 324, the ECI reiterated its autonomous control over electoral processes.
Key points:
- By July 18, over 7.11 crore voters had submitted applications
- Citizenship status, not ID possession, is the core criterion for voter registration
- Refusal to register a voter does not strip them of Indian citizenship
Speaker Vijender Gupta inaugurated the NeVA Seva Centre at the Delhi Legislative Assembly to support paperless lawmaking.
NeVA (National eVidhan Application) – First phase implemented:
- Digital tools and smartphones provided to MLAs
- Training programs for legislators
The initiative supports the goals of Digital India, promoting transparency and legislative efficiency through digital transformation.
The Indian Institute of Creative Technology (IICT) launched its first campus at the NFDC Complex in Mumbai.
This is a public-private partnership between the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting and the Maharashtra government.
Focus areas (AVGC-XR):
- Animation
- Visual Effects
- Gaming
- Comics
- Extended Reality
Aligns with India’s ambition to be a global creative technology hub.
Puducherry launched the One-Time Regularisation Scheme 2025 to legalize unauthorized constructions built between May 1, 1987, and July 16, 2025.
Key features:
- Applications submitted online via OBPS
- Applicants must pay fixed fees and scrutiny charges
- Aided schools receive 50% fee concessions
Government buildings are not covered. Properties that are encroachments or lack clear legal ownership are excluded. The move aims to enhance urban planning compliance.
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has received rights to host the World Test Championship (WTC) Finals in 2027, 2029, and 2031.
Confirmed during the ICC Annual Conference 2025 in Singapore.
| Year | Venue |
|---|---|
| 2021 | The Rose Bowl |
| 2023 | The Oval |
| 2025 | Lord’s |
The move highlights England’s strong infrastructure and its role in promoting Test cricket globally.
Indian long jumper Murali Sreeshankar won the men’s long jump event at the World Athletics Continental Tour Bronze meet in Maia, Portugal.
Key details:
- Best jump: 7.5 meters
- Defeated Poland’s Piotr Tarkowski via countback
This event marked his return to international sports following a serious knee injury and surgery in 2023.
💼 Business & Economy
The Indian government is targeting an increase in tourism’s GDP contribution from 5–6% to 10% by 2047.
The goal supports India’s ambition to become a $32 trillion economy.
Focus areas:
- Cultural and natural diversity
- Medical tourism
- Employment generation
India ranks 14th globally in tourism receipts, contributing 1.8% of global revenue. Sector forecasted to grow at 24% CAGR.
Fino Payments Bank introduced the “GATI” savings account to promote easy access to digital banking.
Features:
- Instant transaction ability post-account opening
- Zero-balance requirement
- One-time opening fee: Rs 100
Primarily targets rural and semi-urban populations transitioning from physical to digital banking via UPI. Available at over 40,301 merchant outlets in West Bengal.
Tesla has officially entered the Indian market and partnered with insurance providers for customized coverage.
Insurance partners:
- Liberty General Insurance – Specialized cover tailored to Tesla’s innovation
- ACKO – Seamless, digital-only experience for Tesla owners
Zurich Kotak General Insurance also launched ‘EV Protect’, an add-on coverage under its Car Secure policy, offering premium protection for Tesla and other electric vehicles.
🌐 International News
Gita Gopinath, the First Deputy Managing Director of the IMF, will step down in August 2025.
She is returning to Harvard University as a professor of economics.
Key contributions:
- Critical role during the COVID-19 pandemic and global economic crises
- Significant work in fiscal policy, global trade, and debt analysis
Her departure presents an opportunity for the U.S. Treasury to appoint a successor. She leaves behind a strong legacy of intellectual leadership and will now focus on academic research and mentoring economists.
The Labour government of the UK has proposed reducing the voting age from 18 to 16, a significant reform since the 1969 change from 21 to 18.
The change would align the national voting age with eligibility for:
- Welsh and Scottish legislatures
- Local elections
The proposal also includes stricter political donation regulations, preventing shell companies from making contributions unless they have sufficient UK or Ireland-based income.
👔 Appointments
Yulia Svyrydenko, aged 39, has been named Prime Minister of Ukraine, making her the 19th person to hold this office and the first new PM in five years.
Her appointment follows President Zelenskyy’s cabinet overhaul aimed at better managing wartime governance.
Key tasks:
- Enhancing domestic weapons manufacturing
- Revitalizing Ukraine’s loan-dependent economy
Previously served as First Deputy Prime Minister from 2021 and is respected as a skilled technocrat.
📅 Important Days
World Brain Day is observed on July 22 every year to spread awareness on preventing and managing brain disabilities.
2025 Theme: “Brain Health for All Ages”
The initiative promotes early treatment, rehabilitation, and global brain health awareness.
🕊️ Obituaries
Renowned film director Chandra Barot passed away on July 20, 2025, in Mumbai, due to cardiac arrest, aged 86.
He started as an assistant director under Manoj Kumar, contributing to classics like:
- Purab Aur Pachhim
- Roti Kapada Aur Makaan
- Yaadgaar
- Shor
He made his directorial debut with the iconic film Don (1978) starring Amitabh Bachchan in a double role, a landmark in Indian cinema.
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