🇮🇳 National News
The central government has selected seven locations across Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Gujarat, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra to establish PM MITRA textile parks.
Allocated ₹4,445 crore | Duration: Until 2027–28 | Target Investment: ₹70,000 crore | Employment Generation: 20 lakh jobs
Supporting initiatives:
- Samarth Skill Development Scheme
- National Technical Textiles Mission
These efforts aim to enhance India’s textile export capabilities, reinforce domestic production, and position India as a leading textile manufacturing hub globally.
The Indian Navy inducted INS Himgiri, a stealth frigate developed under Project 17A by GRSE Kolkata.
Armament and capabilities:
- BrahMos missiles
- LR SAMs (Long Range Surface-to-Air Missiles)
- Anti-submarine torpedoes
- Modern sensors
INS Himgiri represents a vital step toward expanding the Navy’s fleet to 170–175 ships by 2035, in line with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision.
As a successor to the earlier INS Himgiri, this warship embodies India’s push for indigenous defence production.
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) appointed Khalid Jamil as the new head coach for the senior men’s national team.
He was preferred over Stephen Constantine and Štefan Tarkovič following a thorough SWOT analysis.
His leadership comes ahead of India’s participation in the CAFA Nations Cup and AFC Asian Cup qualifiers.
Jamil, supported by former football stars like IM Vijayan, is seen as a champion for homegrown coaching talent.
The winners for the 71st National Film Awards, honoring cinematic works of 2023, have been announced.
Total entries received:
- 332 – Feature Films
- 115 – Non-Feature Films
- 27 – Books category
- 16 – By critics
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Best Feature Film | 12th Fail (Hindi) |
| Best Non-Feature Film | Flowering Man (Hindi) |
| Best Documentary | God Vulture and Human (English, Hindi & Telugu) |
| Best Actor (Joint) | Shah Rukh Khan (Jawan) & Vikrant Massey (12th Fail) |
| Best Actress | Rani Mukerji (Chatterjee Vs Norway) |
| Best Supporting Actor (Joint) | Vijayaraghavan (Pookkaalam) & Muthupettai Somu Bhaskar (Parking) |
| Best Film Critic | Utpal Datta (Assamese) |
Shah Rukh Khan won his first National Award. Rani Mukerji also received her first National Award.
💼 Business & Economy
Effective from August 1, 2025, the amended Banking Laws introduce significant changes to modernize India’s banking structure.
Key amendments:
- “Substantial interest” threshold raised to ₹2 crore
- Cooperative bank board members can now serve terms of up to 10 years
- PSBs permitted to transfer unclaimed funds to the Investor Education and Protection Fund (IEPF)
- Authority for PSBs to appoint high-quality auditors
These reforms are designed to improve governance standards, safeguard depositors’ interests, and bring cooperative banks in alignment with constitutional guidelines.
Gross GST collection for July 2025 increased by 7.5% compared to the same period last year.
Net revenue growth slowed to 1.7% due to a steep 117% increase in refunds, largely attributed to issues with inverted duty structures.
Highlights:
- Consumption trends remain steady
- Strong regional performance from Sikkim and Tripura
- Concerns over subdued domestic demand and falling automobile sales
- GST rate rationalization has become a pressing issue for policymakers
👔 Appointments
Dr. Mayank Sharma, an IDAS officer from the 1989 batch, assumed the position on August 1, 2025.
Experience spanning over three decades:
- Defence accounts
- Cabinet Secretariat
- AIIMS Delhi
- International institutions like UN and IACA
His appointment is anticipated to bolster India’s financial governance in defence and enhance its global engagement.
On August 1, 2025, Vice Admiral Manish Chadha, AVSM, VSM, became the new head of the Indian Naval Academy at Ezhimala.
He succeeds Vice Admiral CR Praveen Nair.
Profile:
- 34 years of service
- Expertise in Communication and Electronic Warfare
- Led frontline warships
- Attended key military training programs in India and overseas
His leadership is expected to strengthen naval training and reinforce India’s maritime self-reliance under the AatmaNirbhar Bharat initiative.
Shashi Prakash Goyal, a 1989-batch IAS officer, took charge on July 31, 2025, replacing Manoj Kumar Singh.
Previously the Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister, he is known for his strategic administration skills.
He has vowed to adopt a strict anti-corruption stance and focus on industrial growth to help Uttar Pradesh realize its goal of becoming a $1 trillion economy.
🔬 Science & Technology
SpaceX launched NASA’s Crew-11 mission from Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
Crew composition:
- Two NASA astronauts
- One Russian cosmonaut
- One Japanese astronaut
The crew is expected to stay aboard the International Space Station for up to eight months, longer than the usual six-month stint.
This mission highlights continued collaboration between the U.S. and Russia in space, despite global tensions, and showcases SpaceX’s success in the commercial spaceflight sector.
📅 Important Days
Cloves Syndrome Awareness Day is observed on August 3.
A rare genetic disorder involving abnormal tissue overgrowth, vascular anomalies, and skeletal irregularities.
The day focuses on the importance of early diagnosis, advanced medical care, and public education to improve the quality of life for affected individuals.
🕊️ Obituaries
T. N. Manoharan, the Chairman of IDBI Bank and recipient of the Padma Shri award, passed away on July 30, 2025.
Key achievements:
- Instrumental in reviving Satyam Computers
- Led Canara Bank and other major organizations as an independent director
- Awarded the title of “Indian of the Year 2009”
His leadership left a significant legacy in Indian banking and governance.
Dr. V. Vasanthi Devi (1938–2025), an eminent academic, human rights activist, and former Vice-Chancellor of Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, died in Chennai at 86.
Legacy:
- Strong advocate for women’s rights and education reform
- Vocal critic of the National Education Policy 2020
Her passing is considered a major loss to the academic and progressive communities in India.
Popular Malayalam actor and mimicry artist Kalabhavan Navas passed away at age 51 in Chottanikkara from a suspected heart attack.
Career highlights:
- Rose to fame with the Cochin Kalabhavan troupe
- Appeared in notable films like Junior Mandrake and One Man Show
Tributes poured in from across Kerala, honoring his contributions to stage, film, and cultural entertainment.
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