National Developments and Governance:
The Indian government has introduced several key initiatives aimed at improving governance and public welfare. The NSCSTI 2.0 Framework was launched on July 18, 2025, by Dr. Jitendra Singh, a revamped framework developed by the Capacity Building Commission under Mission Karmayogi to upgrade civil services training in India. This framework simplifies evaluation metrics, incorporates digital tools and AI, and aligns with models like KCM and AGK, positioning India as a leader in civil services reform. Additionally, the Mahila Aarogyam Kaksh, a women-exclusive wellness space, was inaugurated in July 2025 by Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal at Shastri Bhawan. This initiative by the Department of Legal Affairs promotes fitness, mental well-being, and an inclusive workplace culture, aligning with the Fit India Movement and Viksit Bharat vision.
In terms of infrastructure, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated projects worth ₹7,200 crore in Motihari, Bihar, under the Viksit Bharat Mission on July 19, 2025. These developments aim to transform Bihar into a growth hub by ensuring urban parity and providing housing and infrastructure support. Another significant scheme, the PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDDKY), approved in July 2025, merges 36 schemes across 11 ministries with an annual outlay of ₹24,000 crore over six years, targeting 100 low-performing districts and aiming to double farmer incomes.
In urban development, Vijayawada has been ranked as the fourth cleanest city in India in the Swachh Survekshan 2024-25, receiving the 'Super Swachh League City' title. The Indian Navy commissioned its first indigenous diving support vessel, 'Nistar', marking a significant milestone in the country's pursuit of self-reliance in defense manufacturing. Furthermore, Indian researchers discovered a new lichen species, Allographa effusosoredica, in the Western Ghats, a discovery confirmed using molecular data, enhancing the understanding of symbiotic life forms and their genetic diversity.
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) also showcased its Trade Connect ePlatform, a digital initiative aimed at transforming international trade for Indian exporters, especially MSMEs. In a pioneering move, Gujarat launched India's first Tribal Genome Sequencing Project on July 17, 2025. Indian students achieved notable success at the 57th International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO) 2025 in Dubai, securing two gold and two silver medals, with India ranking 6th globally among 90 countries. The 2nd BIMSTEC Ports Conclave was inaugurated by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal in Visakhapatnam, focusing on the blue economy and sustainable partnerships, with plans to establish a BIMSTEC Sustainable Maritime Transport Centre in Mumbai.
Economic Outlook:
India's economic outlook remains encouraging, with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) expecting real GDP to grow by 6.5% in Fiscal Year 2025-26. Morgan Stanley forecasts India to remain the fastest-growing economy globally, projecting real GDP growth at 5.9% in 2025 and 6.4% in 2026. A report by Dun & Bradstreet indicated that India saw a strong 12.6% growth in investment confidence in Q3 2025, the highest among 32 economies surveyed. India is on track to become the 4th largest economy in 2025, surpassing Japan, and is expected to become the world's third-largest economy by 2028, moving ahead of Germany. The nation aims to add approximately $1 trillion to its GDP every 12 to 18 months over the next decade, targeting a 9% nominal GDP growth rate from 2025 to 2047.
However, the European Union has imposed sanctions on India's second-largest refinery, Nayara Energy's Vadinar refinery, as part of its 18th set of sanctions against Russia. The ADEETIE Scheme has been launched by the Government of India to enhance energy efficiency.
International Relations:
The India-European Free Trade Association (EFTA) trade pact is set to be implemented from October 1, 2025. This agreement includes an investment commitment of $100 billion over 15 years from the EFTA grouping, allowing lower or zero duties on various products.
External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar visited China on July 14, 2025, meeting with top Chinese leaders to stabilize bilateral relations. Discussions focused on de-escalation and border management, cooperation on trans-border rivers, and addressing restrictive trade measures.
Tensions between India and Pakistan continue, particularly concerning Kashmir and the Indus Waters Treaty. India temporarily suspended the treaty following a terrorist attack in Indian-controlled Kashmir in April 2025, citing national security concerns. This move reflects India's frustration with treaty limits and Pakistan's resistance to renegotiation.
Important Observances:
July 20, 2025, is observed as International Chess Day, commemorating the establishment of the International Chess Federation (FIDE) in 1924. It is also International Moon Day, which commemorates the historic first human landing on the Moon.