India experienced a dynamic 24 hours with crucial developments across various sectors, impacting defence, economy, governance, and international relations. These events are particularly relevant for students preparing for competitive examinations.
*Defence and Security*
India's defence capabilities received a significant boost with the successful test-firing of the *Akash Prime Missile*, which effectively destroyed two aerial high-speed unmanned targets at high altitude in Ladakh. Furthermore, India's Strategic Forces Command successfully test-fired nuclear-capable *Prithvi-II* and *Agni-I* missiles from Chandipur, Odisha, validating key operational parameters and enhancing India's deterrence capability. In a move towards self-reliance in defence, Vimananu Ltd and CYGR partnered to establish advanced drone manufacturing in Navi Mumbai, focusing on various UAV types for domestic and export needs. The Indian Navy's indigenously designed and constructed Survey Vessel (Large), *INS Sandhayak*, made its maiden port call in Port Klang, Malaysia, from July 16-19, 2025, demonstrating India's growing role in regional hydrographic capacity building. Additionally, *INS Nistar*, India's first indigenous Diving Support Vessel, was commissioned, joining the Navy.
*Economic and Developmental Initiatives*
India's economic outlook remains encouraging, with the country recording the highest year-on-year growth in investment confidence (12.6%) among 32 economies surveyed for Q3 2025, according to the Dun & Bradstreet Global Business Investment Confidence Index. Union Electronics and Information Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that India's first domestically produced semiconductor chip is expected to be unveiled in 2025, positioning India as a significant global player in the semiconductor industry. The Union Government launched the ₹1,000 crore *ADEETIE (Assistance for Deployment of Energy Efficient Technologies in Industrial Establishments)* scheme to boost energy efficiency, particularly in Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) introduced the *VCF Settlement Scheme 2025*, offering a one-time window to resolve compliance issues for Venture Capital Funds (VCFs) that migrated to the Alternative Investment Fund (AIF) regime but haven't liquidated investments. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issued revised rules allowing the voluntary pledge of gold and silver as collateral for agriculture and MSME loans. The Union Cabinet approved the *PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PM-DDKY)* for a period of six years, involving the merger of 36 existing schemes across 11 departments to boost agricultural growth and productivity. The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) launched key initiatives, *NIVARAN* and *RuralTech CoLab*, on its 44th Foundation Day, focusing on innovation and financial inclusion in rural development. Tesla inaugurated its first India showroom in Mumbai's BKC, debuting the Model Y. The Adani Group sold a 20% stake in AWL Agri Business to Wilmar International for ₹7,150 crore. Economists note India's economy is entering a "Goldilocks" phase, characterized by moderate growth and subdued inflation, with retail inflation in June 2025 falling to 2.1%.
*Governance and Social Welfare*
The President of India conferred the *Swachh Survekshan 2024-25 Awards*, recognizing cities for their urban cleanliness. Indore, Surat, and Navi Mumbai secured the top spots as the cleanest cities, while Ahmedabad, Bhopal, and Lucknow were declared the new generation of top clean cities. Prayagraj was honored as the Best Ganga Town. Maharashtra became the first state in India to grant agricultural status to livestock and poultry farming, aiming to provide subsidies and lower tariffs to over 37 million farmers. Gujarat launched India's first *Tribal Genome Sequencing Project* to improve healthcare for tribal communities through genetic research and early detection of hereditary diseases. The Bihar government announced free electricity up to 125 units per month for domestic consumers, effective from August 1, 2025, benefiting over 16.7 million households. The Union Government ordered the transfer and repatriation of 18 High Court judges across various states, following recommendations from the Supreme Court Collegium. India observed *AI Appreciation Day* on July 16, highlighting AI's role in various sectors and promoting skill development in the field. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated infrastructure projects worth ₹7,200 crore in Motihari, Bihar, boosting the state's development. The National Standards for Civil Service Training Institutes (NSCSTI) 2.0 Framework was launched to upgrade civil services training in India. Significant updates to government policies and schemes for renewable energy in 2025 were highlighted, including enhanced capital subsidies for rooftop solar under the *PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana* and a major funding boost for the Green Hydrogen Mission. In an educational development, Raziyya Sultan and Nur Jehan have been excluded from the new Class 8 NCERT history textbook.
*International Relations*
India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar visited China, holding meetings with top Chinese leaders, including President Xi Jinping and Foreign Minister Wang Yi. These discussions aimed at stabilizing and rebuilding bilateral relations, with a focus on border management and economic cooperation. India supported the US decision to designate The Resistance Front (TRF), linked to Lashkar-e-Tayyiba, as a terrorist group, reinforcing global anti-terror cooperation. India is increasingly focusing on strengthening relations with Latin American countries as part of a broader push for diversified global engagement and South-South cooperation. The European Union imposed sanctions on India's Nayara Energy refinery, the second-biggest single-location oil refinery in India, as part of its 18th set of sanctions against Russia due to Rosneft's stake in the refinery.
*Political Developments*
The INDIA bloc parties are scheduled to hold an online meeting on July 19, 2025, to discuss the prevailing political situation in the country and strategize for the upcoming Parliament session, focusing on issues such as the restoration of full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, rising atrocities against women, farmers' problems, and unemployment.