Author name: Ajay Gulia

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India Shines at 66th International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) 2025

India won 3 gold, 2 silver, and 1 bronze medals at the 66th IMO, held in Sunshine Coast, Australia in July 2025. This marks one of India’s strongest performances at the IMO since its debut in 1989.

🏅 Medal Winners:

  • Gold:
    • Kanav Talwar (Delhi)
    • Arav Gupta (Delhi)
    • Aditya Mangudi (Maharashtra)
  • Silver:
    • Abel George Mathew (Karnataka)
    • Adish Jain (Delhi)
  • Bronze:
    • Archit Manas (Delhi)

🌍 Global Impact:

  • Total Participants: 630 students (including 69 girls)
  • India’s Rank: 7th globally
  • Total Score: 193 out of 252 — India’s highest-ever score
  • This is the second time since 1998 India won three gold medals
  • India has now won 23 golds since 1989, with 12 golds from 2019–2025

56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI), Goa 2025

The 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) will take place in Goa from Nov 20–28, 2025. Organized by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, NFDC, and Goa government, it will spotlight global cinema, young filmmakers, and India’s rising role as a content hub through the newly named WAVES Film Bazaar.

Top prizes include the Golden Peacock for Best Film (₹40 lakh) and Silver Peacocks in other key categories. Film submissions close on August 31, 2025.

India to Participate in 32nd Edition of SIMBEX in Singapore

The Indian Navy will participate in the 32nd edition of SIMBEX (Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise) in July 2025. Formerly known as Exercise Lion King, this long-standing bilateral maritime drill with the Republic of Singapore Navy underscores India’s Vision SAGAR and Act East policy.

Indian naval ships INS Delhi, INS Satpura, INS Kiltan, and INS Shakti have already arrived in Singapore under Rear Admiral Susheel Menon, commanding the Eastern Fleet.

India Successfully Test-Fires Strategic Missiles: Prithvi-II, Agni-I & Akash Prime

On 17 July 2025, India conducted successful test-firings of nuclear-capable ballistic missiles Prithvi-II and Agni-I from the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur, Odisha, under the Strategic Forces Command. The tests validated all operational and technical parameters, reinforcing India’s nuclear deterrence capabilities.

  • Prithvi-II
    • Range: ~350 km
    • Payload: Up to 500 kg (nuclear/conventional)
  • Agni-I
    • Range: 700–900 km
    • Payload: 1,000 kg (nuclear/conventional)

These missile systems are integral to India’s strategic deterrent posture.

🚀 Akash Prime Successfully Tested in Ladakh (16 July 2025)

On July 16, 2025, India test-fired the Akash Prime missile in Ladakh, capable of operating at altitudes above 4,500 meters. This variant of the Akash air defence system is customized for high-altitude warfare, especially significant given its proximity to the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

  • Equipped with indigenous radio frequency seeker
  • Upgraded based on operational feedback
  • Proven effective during Operation Sindoor

Indore Declared India’s Cleanest City for 8th Time in a Row

At the Swachh Survekshan 2024–25 Awards held on 17 July 2025, Indore was once again crowned India’s cleanest city, marking its eighth consecutive win. Surat and Navi Mumbai followed in second and third positions, respectively.

President Droupadi Murmu conferred the awards at a ceremony in New Delhi, highlighting cleanliness as a key element of the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision and India’s cultural values.

🏆 Key Highlights:

  • Top 3 Cleanest Cities (Overall):
    1. Indore
    2. Surat
    3. Navi Mumbai
  • Cities with Population Over 10 Lakh:
    🥇 Ahmedabad ranked first
  • Cities with Population Between 3–10 Lakh:
    🥇 Noida
    🥈 Chandigarh
    🥉 Mysore
  • A total of 78 awards were distributed across four categories, including:
    • Super Swachh League Cities
    • Top three cleanest cities in five different population categories

UIDAI Urges Mandatory Biometric Update for Children Aged 7+

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has issued a reminder to parents and guardians to complete the Mandatory Biometric Update (MBU) for children aged 7 years and above.

🧒 Biometric Policy Details:

  • No biometrics are taken for children under 5 years due to developmental factors.
  • After turning 5, children must update biometrics (fingerprints and iris scans).
  • The biometric update is free if done between ages 5 and 7.
  • If the update is not completed after age 7, the Aadhaar number may be deactivated.

PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana Launched to Boost Agriculture in 100 Districts

On 16 July 2025, the Union Cabinet approved the Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana, a transformative six-year agricultural scheme starting in FY 2025–26, targeting 100 low-productivity districts across India.

🎯 Key Objectives

  • Improve crop productivity and cropping intensity
  • Promote sustainable farming and crop diversification
  • Enhance post-harvest infrastructure and irrigation
  • Expand credit access for farmers

🏞️ District Selection & Coverage

  • Inspired by NITI Aayog’s Aspirational Districts Programme
  • At least one district from each state/UT
  • Allocation based on net cropped area and operational holdings

🔧 Implementation Mechanism

  • Convergence of 36 central schemes from 11 ministries
  • Coordination with state programs and private sector
  • District-level planning via Dhan-Dhaanya Samitis including progressive farmers

📊 Monitoring and Evaluation

  • Tracked using 117 KPIs via a digital dashboard
  • Supervised by Central Nodal Officers
  • Regular guidance from NITI Aayog

Skill India Mission Marks 10th Anniversary on World Youth Skills Day 2025

The 10th Anniversary of the Skill India Mission was observed on 15 July 2025. Launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2015, the mission aims to equip youth with industry-relevant, job-ready skills. Over 6 crore youth have been trained through various initiatives like PM Kaushal Vikas Yojana and Skill India Digital Hub, with 45% of beneficiaries being women and a large share from SC/ST/OBC communities.

India’s job-readiness among college students improved from 34% in 2014 to 51% in 2024. With 65% of the population under 35, skilling is key to national development.

Also, World Youth Skills Day 2025 was celebrated on the same day with the theme “Youth empowerment through AI and digital skills”, as declared by the United Nations in 2014.

Indian Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla Returns After ISS Mission

Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla and three other crew members of the Axiom-4 mission safely returned to Earth on 15 July 2025 after completing an 18-day historic mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS). The SpaceX Dragon spacecraft made a safe splashdown in the Pacific Ocean off San Diego, California. The crew will now undergo a 7-day rehabilitation program to readjust to Earth’s gravity.

The Axiom-4 mission began on 25 June 2025, when the Falcon-9 rocket launched the Dragon capsule from Florida toward the ISS.

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla became the first Indian to visit the ISS, and only the second Indian in space after Rakesh Sharma in 1984. During his stay, Shukla conducted seven India-specific microgravity experiments to aid future planetary exploration and long-duration space missions.

The mission, called Akash Ganga, was a joint collaboration between Axiom Space, NASA, and the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO). At a farewell ceremony aboard the ISS, Mr. Shukla described the journey as “truly incredible.”

Ancy Sojan wins third place in women’s long jump at Lignano Continental Tour event

In Athletics, India’s Ancy Sojan secured third place in the women’s long jump at the Lignano Meeting, part of the World Athletics Continental Tour Bronze event held in Italy on 13 July 2025.

Ancy recorded a best jump of 6.36m on her fourth attempt, showing strong consistency with five of six jumps crossing 6.15m. Her jump sequence: 6.26m, 6.35m, 6.19m, 6.36m, 6.18m, 6.11m.

Australia’s Delta Amidzovski won gold with a 6.47m jump, while South Africa’s Danielle Nolte took silver with 6.44m, below her season best of 6.54m.

Ancy improved from her previous 6.21m jump in Spain earlier this season. Her personal best is 6.71m, achieved in Bengaluru in September 2024.

She currently holds the final qualifying spot in the Road to Tokyo 25 rankings for the 2025 World Athletics Championships.

India’s 2nd-Longest Cable-Stayed Sigandur Bridge Inaugurated

On July 14, 2025, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari inaugurated the Sigandur Bridge, now recognized as India’s second-longest cable-stayed bridge and Karnataka’s longest. Spanning 2.25 km, with a 740-meter cable-stayed section, it connects Ambaragodlu to Kalasavalli, drastically reducing travel time to the temple town of Sigandur.

India’s longest overall cable-stayed bridge: Bandra-Worli Sea Link in Mumbai, measuring 5.6 km, including its 500-meter cable-stayed span.

President Appoints New Governors and LG

On 14 July 2025, President Droupadi Murmu appointed:

  • Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju – Governor of Goa
  • Prof. Ashim Kumar Ghosh – Governor of Haryana
  • Kavinder Gupta – Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh

This follows the resignation of Brig. (Retd.) Dr. B.D. Mishra, the outgoing LG of Ladakh.

Chelsea Win First-Ever FIFA Club World Cup Title (2025)

On 14 July 2025, Chelsea Football Club made history by winning the first-ever FIFA Club World Cup, defeating Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) 3–0 in the final at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey.

Match Highlights:

  • Cole Palmer emerged as the star of the match, scoring two goals in eight minutes and assisting Joao Pedro for the third goal just before halftime.
  • Chelsea’s third goal was a calm chip by Pedro after a brilliant pass from Palmer.
  • PSG failed to respond, and tensions rose when Joao Neves was sent off for pulling Marc Cucurella’s hair.

Tournament Stats:

  • Chelsea ended the tournament as top scorers with 17 goals.
  • Other top-scoring teams: PSG, Manchester City, and Bayern (16 goals each).

Jannik Sinner, Iga Swiatek Clinch Wimbledon 2025 Titles

At Wimbledon 2025, Jannik Sinner defeated Carlos Alcaraz in a thrilling 4-set final to win his first Wimbledon title and fourth Grand Slam, becoming the first Italian to win the men’s singles title at Wimbledon on 13 July 2025. Sinner avenged his loss in the 2025 French Open final against Alcaraz.

On the women’s side, World No. 4 Iga Swiatek crushed Amanda Anisimova 6-0, 6-0 in just 57 minutes, claiming her maiden Wimbledon title, sixth Grand Slam, and marking her 100th Grand Slam match win. She also became the first Polish player to win Wimbledon and the first woman in the Open Era to win the final without conceding a single game.

President Droupadi Murmu Nominates 4 Eminent Personalities to Rajya Sabha

On 11 July 2025, President Droupadi Murmu nominated four distinguished individuals to the Rajya Sabha under Article 80(1)(a) and Clause (3) of the Constitution for their excellence in law, diplomacy, education, and history.

  • Ujjwal Nikam, noted public prosecutor, known for the 26/11 Mumbai trial
  • Harsh Vardhan Shringla, former Foreign Secretary and G20 Chief Coordinator
  • C. Sadanandan Master, educationist and social worker from Kerala
  • Dr. Meenakshi Jain, historian and author, recipient of the Padma Shri

Rajya Sabha Composition

Total Members: Maximum strength is 250 –Currently: 245 members (as of 2025)

  • Elected Members: 233 (from States and Union Territories)
  • Nominated Members: 12, appointed by the President of India for their expertise in art, literature, science, and social service

Air India Ahmedabad Crash: AAIB Finds Mid-Air Fuel Cutoff in Preliminary Report

On 11 July 2025, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) released its preliminary report on the Air India Flight AI 171 crash, which occurred on 12 June 2025, killing 260 people.

  • The report revealed a sudden shutdown of engine fuel: both engine fuel control switches moved from ‘RUN’ to ‘CUTOFF’ within 1 second after take-off.
  • Cockpit recordings show one pilot asking why the fuel was cut; the other denied doing so.
  • The flight lasted only 30 seconds before the Boeing 787-8 crashed into BJ Medical College hostel premises in Ahmedabad.
  • The crash killed 241 of 242 passengers and 19 people on the ground; only 1 passenger survived.
  • Fuel quality was found satisfactory and pilots had adequate rest.
  • AAIB said there are no recommended actions for Boeing 787-8 operators at this stage.
  • Further evidence is being gathered, and Air India is cooperating with the investigation.

Operation SHIVA 2025: Indian Army’s High-Intensity Security Exercise for Amarnath Yatra

The Indian Army launched Operation SHIVA 2025 on 11 July 2025 to ensure the safe and smooth conduct of the Shri Amarnath Yatra, amid increased threats from Pakistan-backed proxy groups.

  • 8,500+ troops deployed, coordinated with civil administration and CAPFs.
  • A multi-layered counter-terror grid, UAV surveillance, and drone countermeasures are in place.

The operation underscores the Army’s commitment to pilgrims’ safety and national preparedness in high-risk zones.

Maratha Military Landscapes of India Inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage Site

On 11 July 2025, the Maratha Military Landscapes of India were officially inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, becoming India’s 44th World Heritage Site.

🔹 Recognized at the 47th Session of the World Heritage Committee, this honor celebrates India’s rich cultural and architectural legacy and highlights the strategic brilliance of the Maratha Empire from the 17th to 19th centuries CE.

📍 The inscription includes 12 historic forts spread across Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu, such as:

  • Raigad, Rajgad, Shivneri, Pratapgad, Vijaydurg, Panhala, Suvarnadurg, Sindhudurg, Lohgad, Salher, Khanderi (Maharashtra)
  • Gingee Fort (Tamil Nadu)

📜 The proposal, submitted in January 2024, underwent a rigorous 18-month evaluation by UNESCO and ICOMOS, culminating in the final decision at the UNESCO headquarters in Paris.

India’s Fish Production Doubles in 11 Years: A Blue Revolution Success Story

India’s fish production has doubled from 95.79 lakh tonnes (2013–14) to 195 lakh tonnes (2024–25)—a growth of 104% in just 11 years, marking a major success of the Blue Revolution.

Key Highlights:

  • Inland fish farming surged 140%, and shrimp production rose 270%.
  • ₹38,572 crore invested in the fisheries sector since 2015.
  • Seafood exports crossed ₹60,500 crore, boosting rural livelihoods.

India’s Fastest Man: Animesh Kujur Clocks Historic 10.18 Seconds

Animesh Kujur, a 22-year-old sprinter from Chhattisgarh, set a new national record in the men’s 100m with a timing of 10.18 seconds at the Dromia International Meet in Greece on July 2025.

He became the first Indian to run 100m under 10.20s, breaking Gurindervir Singh’s record of 10.20s. The feat was achieved at a World Athletics Continental Tour (Silver) event.

Kujur also holds the national 200m record (20.32s) and was part of India’s record-setting 4x100m relay team (38.69s).

Guru Purnima: Celebrating the Birth Anniversary of Maharishi Ved Vyasa

On July 10, 2025, Guru Purnima is celebrated across India and the world to pay homage to spiritual gurus, teachers, and life mentors who guide us with wisdom.

Spiritual Significance

  • Marks the birth anniversary of Maharishi Ved Vyasa, who compiled the Vedas and authored the Mahabharata.
  • Buddhists observe it as the day Lord Buddha gave his first sermon at Sarnath.
  • Jains celebrate it as the day Lord Mahavira appointed Gautam Swami as his first disciple.

125th Birth Anniversary of Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee

On July 6, 2025, India marked the 125th birth anniversary of Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee, a visionary leader, nationalist, and founder of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh.

  • Born in 1901 in Kolkata, he became one of the youngest Vice-Chancellors of Calcutta University at age 33.
  • A barrister trained in London, Mookerjee served as Finance Minister of Bengal and later joined the Hindu Mahasabha.
  • After Independence, he was India’s first Industry and Supply Minister but resigned over the Nehru-Liaquat Pact.
  • In 1951, he founded the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, laying the ideological foundation for today’s BJP.
  • He strongly opposed Article 370, promoting “Ek Vidhan, Ek Nishan, Ek Pradhan”, and died in 1953 in Srinagar under controversial circumstances.

Indian Navy Inducts First Indigenous Diving Support Vessel ‘Nistar’

On 8 July 2025, the Indian Navy inducted its first indigenously designed and built Diving Support Vessel (DSV), Nistar, at a ceremony in Visakhapatnam, officially handed over by Hindustan Shipyard Limited.

Nistar, derived from Sanskrit meaning liberation or rescue, is a highly specialized warship built to perform deep sea diving and submarine rescue operations—a capability only a few navies in the world possess.

  • The vessel is 118 meters long, with a displacement of 10,000 tons.
  • It can conduct saturation diving up to 300 meters and side diving operations up to 75 meters.
  • Acts as a “Mother Ship” for Deep Submergence Rescue Vessel (DSRV), crucial for submarine emergencies.
  • Equipped with advanced ROVs (Remotely Operated Vehicles) for operations up to 1000 meters deep.

With about 75% indigenous content, Nistar represents a major step forward in India’s self-reliance in defence manufacturing and boosts the Navy’s deep sea operational capabilities.

PM Modi Conferred Brazil’s Highest Civilian Honour

On 8 July 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred Brazil’s highest civilian award, the Grand Collar of the National Order of the Southern Cross, by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in Brasilia.

PM Modi thanked Brazil’s government and citizens, calling the honour a tribute to India’s 1.4 billion people and the India–Brazil friendship.

He acknowledged President Lula’s role in founding the India–Brazil Strategic Partnership and said the award would further inspire the people of both nations to strengthen their ties.

This is PM Modi’s 26th international honour, and the third award on his current five-nation diplomatic tour that began on July 2.

Sanjog Gupta Appointed as International Cricket Council (ICC) CEO

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has named Sanjog Gupta as its new Chief Executive Officer on July 7, 2025, becoming the 7th CEO in ICC’s history.

🔁 From Media to Cricket Governance
Gupta previously led JioStar’s Sports & Live Experiences, playing a key role in shaping major events like IPL, Pro Kabaddi, and ISL.

🗣️ ICC Chairman Jay Shah praised Gupta’s vision, tech focus, and deep understanding of modern cricket fans.

Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in Bihar – 2025

The Election Commission of India (ECI) launched the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar on June 24, 2025, ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections. This is the first such revision since 2003.

  • SIR involves door-to-door verification to include eligible voters and remove ineligible or duplicate entries, ensuring a clean and transparent electoral roll.
  • The revision addresses issues due to urbanisation, migration, and unreported deaths and aims to prevent illegal immigrants from being listed.

Process Highlights

  • Booth Level Officers (BLOs) distribute forms via home visits.
  • Proof of citizenship is mandatory for new voters (especially added after 2003).
  • 11 documents accepted (e.g., birth certificate, passport); Aadhaar is not valid for citizenship proof.

Legal & Timeline

  • SIR is conducted under Article 324 of the Constitution and Section 21 of RP Act, 1950.
  • Appeals can be made to the District Magistrate or Chief Electoral Officer.

Important Dates

  • Submit documents by: July 25, 2025
  • Draft roll release: August 1, 2025
  • Final roll publication: September 30, 2025

India to Chair BRICS 2026 as Group Welcomes Indonesia and 10 New Partners

At the 17th BRICS Summit (July 6–7, 2025) in Rio de Janeiro, Indonesia was officially inducted as a full member, making BRICS a group of 11 nations.

  • The summit focused on “Strengthening Global South Cooperation for Inclusive and Sustainable Governance.”
  • 10 new partner countries also joined BRICS cooperation: Belarus, Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Cuba, Nigeria, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Uganda, and Uzbekistan.
  • The Rio Declaration reaffirmed BRICS support for UN reform, climate action, AI governance, and health equity.
  • BRICS backed India and Brazil for permanent seats in the UN Security Council.

India to Chair BRICS in 2026

  • PM Modi announced India’s theme:
    “Building Resilience and Innovation for Cooperation and Sustainability.”
  • India’s priorities: Global South leadership, climate & health, AI governance, and people-first diplomacy.

India Defeat England by 336 Runs in 2nd Anderson-Tendulkar Test

India secured a record 336-run victory over England in the second Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy at Edgbaston, Birmingham, leveling the series 1-1.

  • It was India’s first-ever Test win at Edgbaston, ending a 58-year winless streak at the venue.
  • Despite a 100-minute rain delay on Day 5, Indian bowlers bowled out England by taking 7 remaining wickets.

🌟 Star Performers:

  • Akash Deep took a 10-wicket haul (4 in the first innings, 6 in the second), becoming the second Indian to do so in England after Chetan Sharma (1986).
  • Mohammed Siraj also starred with 7 wickets in the match.
  • Shubman Gill scored a record 430 runs across both innings (269 + 161) and was named Player of the Match.
    • His 430 is the second-highest aggregate in Test history after Graham Gooch’s 456.

India declared at 427/6 in their second innings, setting England a target of 608. England were all out for 271.

🗓️ The third Test will begin on 10 July 2025 at Lord’s.

India Among World’s Most Equal Societies: World Bank Report

The World Bank has placed India among the world’s most equal societies, based on its latest Gini Index data.

  • India ranks 4th globally in income equality with a Gini Index of 25.5, after Slovak Republic (24.1), Slovenia (24.3), and Belarus (24.4).
  • Gini Index measures how evenly income or consumption is distributed—lower values indicate more equality.
  • India falls in the “moderately low inequality” group (25–30) and is very close to joining the “low inequality” category.
  • India’s score is better than 167 countries, including China (35.7) and the USA (41.8).
  • In 2011, India’s Gini Index was 28.8, which improved to 25.5 by 2022, showing consistent progress toward a more equal society.

India Qualifies for AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 After 22 Years

On 6 July 2025, the Indian women’s football team defeated hosts Thailand 2-1 in their final Group B match of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers at the Chiang Mai Stadium.

Sangita Basfore scored both goals for India, helping the team qualify for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup main event for the first time since 2003. Thailand’s lone goal came from Chatchawan Rodhong.

With both teams level on points and goal difference before the match, it served as a virtual playoff. India now heads to the 2026 Asian Cup in Australia.

Asian Football Confederation (AFC) :It is the governing body of association football in Asia and Australia, responsible for organizing major tournaments.

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