National Highlights
C.P. Radhakrishnan Elected India's 15th Vice President
In a significant political development, C.P. Radhakrishnan has been elected as the 15th Vice President of India. He secured 452 votes, defeating the Opposition INDIA alliance's nominee, B. Sudershan Reddy, who polled 300 votes. Radhakrishnan described his victory as a triumph of "nationalistic ideology" and pledged to work towards making India a developed nation by 2047.
India and Israel Sign Bilateral Investment Agreement
India and Israel have signed a new Bilateral Investment Agreement (BIA) in New Delhi, aimed at boosting reciprocal investments and strengthening strategic economic ties. This agreement replaces the previous 1996 pact, which was terminated in 2017. Israel is the first OECD member to sign an agreement under India's revised investment treaty framework, signaling a significant step towards greater investor protection and trade expansion.
Andhra Pradesh to Develop Space City and Defence Hubs
The Andhra Pradesh government has announced an ambitious ā¹3,400 crore investment plan to establish a Space City in Tirupati and two Defence Manufacturing Hubs in Madakasira. The ā¹400 crore Tirupati Space City, in partnership with Skyroot Aerospace, will focus on private satellite launches and cost-effective small launch vehicles. The Madakasira hubs, with a ā¹3,000 crore investment, are set to produce aerospace components, defence electronics, and weapons systems, expected to create thousands of jobs.
Himachal Pradesh Achieves Full Literacy Status
Himachal Pradesh has been declared a fully literate state, achieving an impressive 99.3% literacy rate, which surpasses the national average of 95%. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu made the announcement on International Literacy Day during Ullas Mela 2025 in Shimla. The state also ranks first in the student-teacher ratio and plans to introduce educational reforms to enhance government schools.
India Unveils First Indigenous 32-bit Microprocessor 'Vikram'
Marking a significant milestone in India's chip-making journey, the nation launched its first fully 'made in India' 32-bit microprocessor, named 'Vikram', at Semicon India 2025. Developed by ISRO's Semiconductor Laboratory (SCL), 'Vikram-32' can operate across a wide temperature range and is packaged in a hermetic sealed grid array. The Semicon India 2025 conference, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, aims to accelerate India's semiconductor ecosystem.
International Relations
India-US Trade Negotiations Continue Amidst Thaw in Relations
US President Donald Trump announced that the United States and India are continuing negotiations to address existing trade barriers between the two nations. Trump expressed confidence in a successful outcome and stated his anticipation of speaking with Prime Minister Modi in the coming weeks. This signals a potential thaw in bilateral relations, which had seen tensions over tariffs and India's purchases of Russian oil.
India Monitors Nepal's Political Turmoil
Nepal's Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli has resigned amidst ongoing violent anti-corruption protests led by 'Gen Z' across the country. India has expressed sorrow over the situation and called for dialogue to resolve the crisis. Security has been tightened along the Indo-Nepal border in response to the unrest, and flights to Kathmandu have been suspended by some airlines.