NATIONAL NEWS
Setubandha Scholar Scheme Introduced
- 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 include:
- Fellowships of up to ₹65,000 per month
- Annual research grants of up to ₹2 lakh
- Eligibility criteria:
- Minimum five years of Gurukul education
- Demonstrated excellence in Shastras
- Candidates must be below 32 years of age
Lok Sabha Extends President’s Rule in Manipur
- 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.
India Surpasses G7 in Income Equality
- India has achieved a Gini Index score of 25.5, placing it as the 4th most equal country globally.
- Key welfare schemes contributing to this include:
- Jan Dhan Yojana
- Ayushman Bharat
- PMGKAY
- Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT)
- Since 2011, around 171 million people have been lifted out of poverty.
- Nonetheless, issues like wealth inequality, outdated poverty metrics, and uneven access to opportunity persist.
India’s First Grassland Bird Census Conducted
- 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.
- Carried out by forest officials, researchers, and conservationists, the study documented 43 bird species, including:
- The critically endangered Finn’s Weaver
- The census is a major advancement in biodiversity tracking, highlighting the successes and challenges in grassland habitat conservation.
MS Swaminathan’s Birth Anniversary to be Celebrated as Sustainable Agriculture Day
- The Maharashtra government has designated August 7 as Sustainable Agriculture Day, honoring Dr. M.S. Swaminathan, the father of India’s Green Revolution.
- Initiatives include:
- 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.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
Trump Imposes Tariffs on India Over Russia Ties
- US President Donald Trump announced:
- A 25% tariff on Indian goods effective August 1, 2025
- Additional penalties due to India’s continued oil and defense trade with Russia amid the Ukraine conflict
- Trump criticized 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 Sends Medical Aid to Syria
- India dispatched 5 Metric Tonnes of humanitarian aid to Syria, which 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.
USA Partners with Pakistan on Oil Development
- While imposing tariffs on India, the USA signed an agreement with Pakistan to help develop its oil reserves.
- The move is tied to:
- India’s growing role in BRICS
- India’s continued energy dealings with Russia
- The agreement reflects broader US efforts to:
- Contain China’s influence
- Deepen strategic ties with Pakistan
- Address its own trade imbalance
DEFENCE NEWS
INS Satpura Participates in SIMBEX-25 Naval Exercise
- The Indian Naval Ship (INS) Satpura has docked in Singapore to take part 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, which featured:
- Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEEs)
- Professional-level interactions
- Discussions on operational tactics
- Deck familiarisation visits aboard RSN ships, Vigilant and Supreme
- These engagements aim to enhance professional synergy and mutual trust, aligning with India’s MAHASAGAR vision and Act East Policy, which prioritize collaboration with regional partners.
APPOINTMENTS NEWS
Nikhil Ravishankar Becomes CEO of Air New Zealand
- Nikhil Ravishankar, currently the Chief Digital Officer of Air New Zealand, will assume the role of CEO on October 20, 2025.
- He 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. Ravishankar expressed gratitude and excitement for his new role.
Anant Ambani Appointed Executive Director at Reliance Industries
- Anant Ambani, son of Mukesh Ambani, has been appointed Executive Director of Reliance Industries (RIL) for a five-year term starting May 1, 2025.
- He already holds board positions in:
- 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.
AGREEMENTS NEWS
India-UAE Maritime Cooperation Pact Signed
- India and the United Arab Emirates inked 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 agreement India has signed with friendly foreign nations.
Andhra Pradesh Tourism Collaborates with MasterCard
- The Andhra Pradesh Tourism Department hosted a strategic workshop with MasterCard at its Vijayawada headquarters.
- The objective:
- Develop immersive, high-quality tourism experiences
- Attract global tourists, especially MasterCard holders
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
India Produces Its First Monofloral Lavender Honey
- India has successfully developed its first scientifically validated monofloral lavender honey.
- Led by the CSIR–Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (CSIR-IIIM) at its Pulwama station in Jammu & Kashmir.
- Highlights of the development:
- Promotes sustainable agriculture
- Encourages rural entrepreneurship
- Contributes to the functional food market
- This initiative is part of CSIR’s Floriculture Mission.
SPORTS NEWS
New SRY Gene Testing for Female Athletes
- 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 applied during the World Athletics Championships Tokyo 2025.
- Aim: To protect the fairness and integrity of women’s sports.
- The Gender Diverse Athlete Working Group helped shape the regulation, ensuring:
- Privacy
- Dignity
- Confidentiality of all athletes involved
IMPORTANT DAYS
World Wide Web Day 2025 – August 1
- Celebrated every year on August 1 globally.
- A day 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.
- Marks the beginning of a communication system that revolutionized global information exchange.
World Breastfeeding Week 2025 – August 1 to 7
- Observed annually from August 1 to 7 in over 120 countries.
- The 2025 theme: “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
T N Manoharan Passes Away
- 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:
- 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