🇮🇳 National News
The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) conducted its second Intelligence & Investigations (I&I) Workshop in New Delhi in 2025.
Key details:
- Hosted by National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) India
- Backed by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports
- Collaborative effort with WADA, INTERPOL, and Sport Integrity Australia
- Representatives from 11 Asian countries’ anti-doping and law enforcement agencies participated
To promote intelligence-driven cooperation and safeguard the integrity of global sports.
The Ministry of Ayush continues its support to State and UT governments via the National Ayush Mission (NAM).
About NAM:
- Centrally Sponsored Scheme focused on advancement and promotion of Indian traditional medicine systems
- Covers Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy
Grant-in-aid is disbursed to States/UTs based on their proposed State Annual Action Plans (SAAPs), aligned with NAM guidelines.
President Smt. Droupadi Murmu completed her third year as the President of India.
To mark the milestone, multiple developmental projects and key initiatives were launched, particularly focusing on improvements in Rashtrapati Bhavan and the President’s Estates.
The 14th edition of the India–Singapore joint military exercise “Bold Kurukshetra” began on July 25, 2025, in Jodhpur.
Key details:
- Duration: July 25 – August 4, 2025
- Singapore: 42 Singapore Armoured Regiment (4 Singapore Armoured Brigade)
- India: Mechanised Infantry Regiment
Includes a Table Top Exercise and a Computer-Based Wargame aimed at validating mechanised warfare strategies. Concludes with an Indian Army equipment display.
💼 Business & Economy
On July 24, 2025, India and the United Kingdom signed the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA).
Signed by Indian PM Narendra Modi and UK PM Sir Keir Starmer.
Key benefits:
- Zero-duty access to 99% of tariff lines
- Benefits exports in seafood, textiles, leather, gems & jewellery
- Indian seafood exporters enjoy tariff-free entry to UK market
Expected to boost seafood exports by 70%, enhancing competitiveness of Indian exporters.
India has reached its 20% ethanol blending target in petrol by June 2025, five years ahead of its 2030 goal.
Key achievements:
- Step forward in achieving energy independence
- Lowering carbon emissions
- Strengthens rural economies through sustainable biofuel production
🌐 International News
French President Emmanuel Macron announced that France will formally acknowledge the State of Palestine during the UN General Assembly (UNGA) session in September 2025.
Key context:
- France becomes the most influential European country to support Palestinian statehood
- Joins 142 nations that already recognize or plan to recognize Palestine (AFP)
- Seen as reaction to Israel’s 2023 military actions in Gaza
The recognition has met strong opposition from Israel and the US. Israeli Deputy PM Yariv Levin condemned Macron’s move, labeling it as “shameless.”
👔 Appointments
The Central Government has appointed Anuradha Thakur as a Director on the Central Board of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
Key details:
- Current Secretary of the Department of Economic Affairs (DEA)
- 1994-batch IAS officer from Himachal Pradesh
- Replaces Ajay Seth, outgoing Finance Secretary (now IRDAI Chairman)
- Appointment effective July 24, 2025
Professor Uma Kanjilal has been named the new Vice-Chancellor of Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), becoming the first woman to hold this position.
Background:
- Serving as Acting VC since July 25, 2024
- Over 36 years of experience in Open and Distance Learning (ODL)
Previous key roles at IGNOU:
- Pro-Vice-Chancellor (March 2021–July 2024)
- Director, Centre for Online Education (2019–2021)
- Director, Inter-University Consortium (2016–2019)
Kamal Haasan, founder of Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM), took oath as a Rajya Sabha MP from Tamil Nadu.
He was elected with the support of the DMK, which allotted one seat to MNM.
Three DMK-backed members also took oath:
- P. Wilson (incumbent MP, ex-Additional Advocate General)
- Poet Rajathi (also known as Salma)
- S.R. Sivalingam
All four members were sworn in using the Tamil language.
📅 Important Days
World Nature Conservation Day is celebrated worldwide on July 28 to raise awareness about preserving natural ecosystems.
“Connecting People and Plants, Exploring Digital Innovation in Wildlife Conservation.”
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