Current Affairs – July 29, 2025

National Developments

Security, Governance, and Social Initiatives

The Lok Sabha on July 29, 2025, discussed "Operation Sindoor," India's response to the Pahalgam terrorist attack that occurred earlier. {Link: Home Minister Amit Shah confirmed that the three Pakistani terrorists responsible for the attack were killed in Operation Mahadev https://www.thehindu.com/news/top-news-from-the-hindu-29-07-2025/article69869309.ece}. Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared India had served notice to Pakistan of retaliation through Operation Sindoor, adding that no world leader asked India to stop the operation, refuting U.S. claims of mediation. Opposition parties questioned the government on accountability for the Pahalgam terror attack and alleged security lapses. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh asserted that Operation Sindoor has been halted, not ended, and India is prepared for more intense action if Pakistan attempts further acts.

The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment issued provisional award letters for the National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) scheme to selected candidates from marginalized communities. In Bihar, controversy surrounding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter rolls continued, leading to disruptions in the Rajya Sabha. The Supreme Court, agreeing to hear pleas on the SIR, urged the Election Commission to be cautious, ensuring no genuine voters are excluded and suggested reconsidering reliance solely on Aadhaar for verification. India's climate preparedness received a boost with the unveiling of major initiatives by the Union Minister of State for Science & Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, focusing on Earth Sciences. Madhya Pradesh is setting up India's first Hindi-medium medical college in Jabalpur. The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) celebrated its 87th Foundation Day.

International Relations and Key Events

Thailand and Cambodia agreed to an immediate ceasefire to resolve border clashes. {Link: The agreement was brokered by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim as head of ASEAN https://www.thehindu.com/news/morning-digest-july-29-2025/article69866602.ece}. Syria is set to hold its first parliamentary elections since the fall of the Assad regime between September 15th and 20th, 2025. Floods and heavy rains in and near Beijing, China, resulted in at least 34 deaths. A UN conference backed a two-state solution for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, urging Israel to commit to a Palestinian state.

Economy and Business Updates

India’s industrial output growth slowed to a 10-month low of 1.5% in June 2025, largely due to contractions in mining and electricity sectors. The IMF upgraded India's FY26 and FY27 growth forecast to 6.4%, aligning with a global growth uptick. Indian benchmark equity indices, Sensex and Nifty, closed with gains after a three-day decline. AgriTech platform DeHaat reported revenue nearing ₹3,000 crore for FY25, marking an 11% year-on-year increase and achieving enterprise-level profitability. Dodla Dairy acquired Osam Dairy for ₹271 crore to expand its footprint in Eastern India. The Rupee hit an over four-month low, ending down 21 paise at 86.91 against the US dollar.

Science and Technology

{Link: The NASA-ISRO NISAR satellite was mounted on a GSLV, with all systems verified for the upcoming launch https://vajiramandravi.com/current-affairs/upsc-prelims-current-affairs/2025/07/29/}. ISRO plans to launch three more navigation satellites (NVS-03, NVS-04, NVS-05) by 2026 to enhance the IRNSS. DRDO conducted range validation tests of the indigenous 'Pralay' missile system. India's AI-driven tech layoffs could potentially disrupt middle-class dreams, as companies like TCS cut jobs amid shifts towards automation. A study revealed that insurance could improve cataract surgery outcomes for India's elderly.

Sports Highlights

{Link: Divya Deshmukh, at 19 years old, won the FIDE Women's World Cup 2025, becoming India's fourth female Grandmaster https://www.thehindu.com/news/morning-digest-july-29-2025/article69866602.ece}. She defeated fellow Indian Koneru Humpy in the tiebreakers. Oscar Piastri won the Belgian Grand Prix. The Indian Army conducted Exercise Drone Prahar in Arunachal Pradesh to evaluate the use of drones in combat operations. India qualified for the semifinals of the World Championship of Legends (WCL) in cricket. The AIFF is expected to announce the new head coach for the Indian men's football team on August 1st. The Supreme Court quashed the FIR against badminton player Lakshya Sen and his family.