National

The 14th edition of Exercise Bold Kurukshetra between India and Singapore began on 27 July 2025 in Jodhpur and will run till 4 August. This tabletop and computer-based wargame aims to enhance joint operational readiness in mechanised warfare under a UN mandate.

The 42 Singapore Armoured Regiment and India’s Mechanised Infantry Regiment are participating. The exercise will conclude with an equipment display and aims to boost interoperability, training, and bilateral defence cooperation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit the United Kingdom and Maldives from July 23–26, 2025, to strengthen strategic ties and regional cooperation.

• In the UK (July 23–24), at the invitation of PM Keir Starmer, talks will focus on the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, including trade, defence, climate, health, and education.
• The India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and a meeting with King Charles III are also expected.
• In the Maldives (July 25–26), at the invitation of President Mohamed Muizzu, Modi will attend the country’s 60th Independence Day as Guest of Honour.
• Talks will cover the India-Maldives Joint Vision on economic and maritime security, part of India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and Vision MAHASAGAR.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 has established its first Equine Disease-Free Compartment (EDFC) at the RVC Centre & College in Meerut Cantonment, Uttar Pradesh, officially recognized by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH).

The EDFC was created through collaboration between the Department of Animal Husbandry, Ministry of Defence, Equestrian Federation of India (EFI), and Uttar Pradesh Government.

The facility ensures biosecurity, veterinary surveillance, and disease exclusion as per WOAH standards. It has been certified free from major equine diseases like:

• Equine Infectious Anemia
• Equine Influenza
• Equine Piroplasmosis
• Glanders
• Surra

India is also free from African Horse Sickness since 2014.

🔹 This recognition allows Indian sport horses to compete internationally and promotes equine trade and breeding.
🔹 The EDFC success complements India’s efforts to create HPAI-Free Compartments for poultry exports.
🔹 It positions India as a leader in animal health systems, aligning with global biosecurity and trade standards.

INS Tamal Commissioned in Russia – A Boost to Indian Navy’s Strength

• INS Tamal, an advanced stealth frigate, was commissioned on 1 July 2025 at Yantar Shipyard, Kaliningrad, Russia.
• It is the 8th ship under Project 1135.6 and 2nd of the Tushil-class follow-on frigates.
• Equipped with BrahMos cruise missile and Humsa-NG Sonar system for superior strike and detection capabilities.
• Successfully tested Shtil-1 surface-to-air missiles, artillery, and torpedoes.
• Designed for blue water operations and fitted with automated nuclear, biological, and chemical defence systems.
• A symbol of Indo-Russian defense cooperation, the ship will soon sail to its homeport Karwar, Karnataka.

Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw launched the RailOne app on 1 July 2025 as a unified platform for all passenger services.

Key features include ticket booking (including unreserved tickets), train enquiry, PNR status, journey planning, Rail Madad, and food ordering.

Key Cabinet Decisions – 1 July 2025 :

₹1 lakh crore Employment-Linked Incentive (ELI) Scheme approved to create over 3.5 crore jobs in 2 years.

• 1.92 crore first-time employees to benefit.
• Jobs created between 1 Aug 2025 – 31 July 2027 will be covered.
• First-time employees to get one month’s wage (up to ₹15,000).
• Employers to receive up to ₹3,000/month/employee for 2 years, extended to 4 years in manufacturing.
• Scheme part of ₹2 lakh crore youth employment package from Union Budget 2024-25.

Research Development and Innovation Scheme with ₹1 lakh crore corpus approved to boost private sector R&D investment. Managed by Anusandhan National Research Foundation, chaired by the Prime Minister.

National Sports Policy 2025 approved to position India among top 5 sporting nations. Focus on grassroots to elite training, infrastructure, leagues, and sports tourism.

₹1,853 crore Paramakudi–Ramanathapuram 4-lane highway project in Tamil Nadu approved. 46.7 km stretch to enhance religious tourism and economic connectivity to Rameshwaram and Dhanushkodi.

The Ministry of Railways has announced the rationalisation of passenger train fares effective from July 1, 2025, aiming to streamline fare structures and improve the financial viability of operations while maintaining affordability.

• No change in fares for suburban single journey tickets or season tickets (suburban/non-suburban).
• For non-AC classes (second class, sleeper), a minor increase of 0.5 paisa/km is introduced:
  • No fare hike for travel up to 500 km.
  • ₹5 increase for 501–1500 km, ₹10 for 1501–2500 km, and ₹15 for 2501–3000 km.
• Mail/Express trains will see:
  • 1 paisa/km increase for non-AC classes.
  • 2 paisa/km increase for AC classes.
• Fare revision applies to premium trains like Rajdhani, Shatabdi, Vande Bharat, Duronto, etc.
• No changes to reservation fees, superfast surcharges, or GST rates.
• Applicable only to tickets booked on or after July 1, 2025.
• PRS and UTS systems are being updated; Zonal Railways are directed to inform passengers through station displays and notices.

Q. From which date will the revised Indian Railways fare structure come into effect in 2025?
A) June 30
B) July 1
C) July 15
D) August 1
✅ Answer: B) July 1