NATIONAL AFFAIRS
Government Policies and Initiatives
National Cooperative Policy 2025 Launched: Union Minister Amit Shah unveiled the comprehensive National Cooperative Policy 2025 at Atal Akshay Urja Bhawan in New Delhi. The policy aims to build a Viksit Bharat by 2047 through ‘Sahkar Se Samriddhi’ (prosperity through cooperation). The initiative replaces the 2002 policy and focuses on creating professional, transparent, and technologically advanced cooperative units across rural areas.
President’s Rule Extended in Manipur: The Government of India extended President’s Rule in Manipur till February 2026. This decision state.
Defence and Security Updates
DRDO Tests Advanced UAV-Launched Missile: The Defence Research and Development Organisation successfully conducted flight trials of the UAV-Launched Precision Guided Missile (ULPGM-V3) at the National Open Area Range in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh described the achievement as a “major boost” to India’s defence capabilities and indigenous missile technology.
Kargil Vijay Diwas Celebrations: India observed the 26th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas, commemorating the victory in the 1999 Kargil War. The day honors the bravery and sacrifice of Indian soldiers who fought in Operation Vijay. Various ceremonies and tributes were held across the country, with special events in Drass, Jammu and Kashmir.
Diplomatic Relations
PM Modi’s Maldives Visit: Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded his two-day state visit to the Maldives, participating as the guest of honor in the country’s 60th Independence Day celebrations. The visit marks a significant reset in India-Maldives relations after earlier tensions. Key outcomes included the extension of a Rs 4,850 crore Line of Credit, initiation of Free Trade Agreement negotiations, and inauguration of several India-assisted development projects.
INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
Middle East Developments
Gaza Peace Talks Breakdown: The United States and Israel withdrew from Gaza peace talks with Hamas, citing the Palestinian group’s unwillingness to reach a ceasefire agreement. This development comes as humanitarian organizations warn of mass starvation in Gaza.
France Recognizes Palestine: French President Emmanuel Macron announced that France will formally recognize Palestine as a state. The declaration is scheduled for the UN General Assembly in September 2025, reflecting growing international concern over the Gaza humanitarian crisis.
Regional Conflicts
Thailand-Cambodia Border Clashes: Fighting between Thailand and Cambodia over disputed border areas entered its second day, resulting in at least 15 deaths and displacing over 58,000 people. Both countries called for urgent ceasefire negotiations.
Turkey Wildfire Crisis: Fresh wildfires erupted along Turkey’s Mediterranean coast, prompting the government to declare two western provinces as disaster zones due to extensive fire damage.
Global Political Changes
Trump’s Scotland Visit: US President Donald Trump arrived in Scotland for meetings with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, focusing on trade discussions. The visit included stops at Trump’s golf properties in Scotland.
Russian Legislative Changes: Russia’s parliament approved legislation punishing online searches for information officially deemed “extremist,” raising concerns about internet freedom and information access.
BANKING AND FINANCIAL SECTOR NEWS
Reserve Bank of India Updates
RBI Conducts Surprise Liquidity Auction: The Reserve Bank of India conducted an unexpected Variable Rate Repo auction on July 23, 2025, injecting Rs 50,000 crore into the banking system. The move addressed temporary liquidity stress caused by GST-related outflows and funds locked in reverse repo auctions.
Digital Banking Regulations: The RBI proposed new guidelines prohibiting banks from displaying third-party products on their digital platforms. Banks will now require prior RBI approval before launching new digital banking channels for transactional purposes.
Bank Holiday Information: Banks across India remained closed on July 26, 2025, being the fourth Saturday of the month. Sikkim experienced a three-day holiday due to the Drukpa Tshe-zi festival celebration.
Financial Sector Appointments
Ajay Seth Appointed IRDAI Chairman: Former Finance Secretary Ajay Seth was appointed as Chairman of the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India for a three-year term. His appointment is expected to drive significant reforms in the insurance sector.
ECONOMY AND BUSINESS
Stock Market Performance
Market Decline Continues: Indian stock markets experienced significant losses on July 25, 2025, with the BSE Sensex declining by 721.08 points (0.88%) to close at 81,463.09. The NSE Nifty 50 fell by 225.10 points (0.90%) to settle at 24,837.00. Foreign institutional investors continued their selling streak, while domestic institutional investors provided support.
Trade Agreements
India-UK Free Trade Agreement: India and the United Kingdom signed the landmark Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) during PM Modi’s UK visit. The agreement aims to double bilateral trade to $120 billion by 2030. Key benefits include 99% of Indian goods receiving duty-free access to the UK market, while India will reduce tariffs on British products including Scotch whisky, automobiles, and consumer goods.
Government Schemes
Solar PLI Scheme Success: The government reported that the solar Production Linked Incentive scheme has generated over Rs 48,000 crore investment and created 38,500 jobs till June 2025. The scheme supports India’s renewable energy targets and domestic manufacturing capabilities.
SPORTS UPDATES
Cricket News
India vs England Test Series: The fourth Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy continued at Old Trafford, Manchester. England posted 544/7 in their first innings, taking a substantial 186-run lead over India’s first innings total of 358. Joe Root scored a magnificent 150, moving to second place on the all-time Test run-scorers list.
FIDE Women’s World Cup Final: India created history with Koneru Humpy and Divya Deshmukh facing each other in the FIDE Women’s World Cup final. This marks the first time two Indian players will contest the final of this prestigious tournament.
Other Sports
Badminton Success: India’s Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty advanced to the semifinals of the China Open Super 1000, defeating Malaysian pair Ong Yew Sin and Teo Ee Yi in straight sets.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Space and Research
ISRO-NIOT Collaboration: The Indian Space Research Organisation’s Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre and the National Institute of Ocean Technology signed an MOU to develop the ‘MATSYA-6000’ submersible vessel for deep-ocean exploration.
Agricultural Technology
Monsoon Forecast Update: The India Meteorological Department forecasted above-normal rainfall for July 2025, exceeding 106% of the Long Period Average. This favorable monsoon is expected to benefit agricultural productivity across major crop-producing states.
IMPORTANT APPOINTMENTS AND CHANGES
Key Personnel Changes
IOA Leadership: The Indian Olympic Association ratified the appointment of Raghuram Iyer as its CEO and established an Anti-Doping Panel to strengthen sports governance.
Rwanda Government: Rwanda President Paul Kagame appointed Justin Nsengiyumva as the new Prime Minister, marking a significant political transition in the East African nation.
Corporate Appointments: Nirmal Minda was appointed as Senior Vice President of the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry (ASSOCHAM), bringing extensive business leadership experience to the organization.
NOTABLE OBITUARIES
Entertainment Industry
Hulk Hogan (71): The legendary WWE wrestler and entertainment icon passed away due to cardiac arrest at his Florida home. Hogan was instrumental in WWE’s rise to global fame during the 1980s and remained a six-time WWE Champion throughout his career.
Arts and Culture
Dame Cleo Laine (97): The renowned English jazz singer passed away, leaving behind a rich musical legacy spanning several decades. She was celebrated for her distinctive voice and contributions to jazz music.
WEATHER AND ENVIRONMENT
Monsoon Updates
Above-Normal Rainfall: India received 9% above-normal monsoon rainfall in June 2025. The IMD predicted continued above-normal precipitation for July, benefiting agriculture but also posing risks of flooding and landslides in vulnerable areas.
Regional Variations: While Northwest and Central India received surplus rainfall, East and South India experienced deficient precipitation patterns during the early monsoon period.
