National Affairs

  • President Droupadi Murmu gave assent to the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025. The law promotes e-sports and social gaming while banning harmful online money gaming activities and advertisements, imposing penalties including up to three years imprisonment and fines up to Rs 1 crore. This aims to protect youth and vulnerable populations from negative social and economic impacts.
  • The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) introduced its first all-women commando unit, strengthening gender diversity in security forces.
  • Sharvari Somnath Shende won the Under-18 gold medal at the World Youth Archery Championship, marking a significant achievement in Indian sports.
  • Union Finance Ministry introduced a one-time switch facility from Employees’ Provident Fund Scheme (EPS) to National Pension Scheme (NPS), enhancing flexibility for subscribers.
  • Three high-level committees were set up by the Government of India to commemorate the 150th birth anniversaries of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Birsa Munda, and the birth centenary of Atal Bihari Vajpayee, with PM Modi chairing each panel.
  • Ajay Kumar Bhalla took oath as the 22nd Governor of Nagaland, contributing to the state's administrative leadership.
  • India and Fiji strengthened their relations with bilateral talks emphasizing zero tolerance for terrorism and enhanced defense cooperation.
  • The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) approved the reclassification of LIC as a public shareholder in IDBI Bank, impacting regulatory and financial sectors.

International Affairs

  • Nepal officially joined the India-led International Big Cat Alliance, an initiative to protect seven species of big cats including tiger, lion, and leopard, enhancing regional ecological cooperation.
  • India signed a Letter of Intent with the United Nations World Food Programme to supply fortified rice for humanitarian aid as part of global hunger elimination efforts.
  • India-Zambia joint venture announced by Akums Drugs and Pharmaceuticals to set up a pharmaceutical facility in Lusaka, supporting bilateral trade and healthcare manufacturing.

Science and Technology

  • ISRO successfully conducted its first Integrated Air Drop Test for the Gaganyaan mission, crucial for validating astronaut recovery systems. This involved coordination with the Indian Air Force, DRDO, Indian Navy, and Coast Guard.

Economy and Banking

  • Fitch Ratings retained India's investment grade BBB- rating with a stable outlook, projecting strong GDP growth of 6.5% for 2025-26 supported by robust domestic demand and government spending.
  • India’s crude oil imports in July fell by 8.7%, an 18-month low attributed to reduced fuel demand and geopolitical factors including U.S. tariff tensions.

Important Appointments

  • Former CRPF Director General Anish Dayal Singh appointed as Deputy National Security Advisor.
  • SEBI appointed Amit Pradhan, Avneesh Pandey, and Sanjay Chandrakant Purao as its Executive Directors.
  • Japan’s SMBC received RBI approval to acquire 25% stake in Yes Bank, marking a significant foreign investment in Indian banking.

Sports & Culture

  • Durand Cup 2025 concluded with Northeast United FC retaining the title by defeating Delhi FC in the final held in Kolkata.
  • Cheteshwar Pujara, Indian cricketer, announced retirement from all formats of international cricket.
  • India hosted the 1st-ever Asian Short Track Speed Skating Trophy in Uttarakhand, marking a milestone in winter sports.