Major Policy Initiatives Launched
The Union Government has introduced the Pradhan Mantri Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDDKY), a significant agricultural reform initiative outlined in the Union Budget 2025-26. This scheme consolidates 36 existing programs from 11 ministries into a unified, data-driven, and district-centric model. With an annual outlay of ₹24,000 crore for six years, PMDDKY aims to enhance agricultural productivity, promote climate-resilient farming, and improve farmer incomes for approximately 1.7 crore farmers across the nation.
In a move to strengthen governance and civil services, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh launched the National Standards for Civil Service Training Institutes (NSCSTI) 2.0. Developed by the Capacity Building Commission (CBC) under Mission Karmayogi, this framework is designed to standardize and enhance the quality of civil service training across India.
Further, the Department of Legal Affairs inaugurated the Mahila Aarogyam Kaksh at Shastri Bhawan in New Delhi, an initiative aimed at enhancing wellness for women in the workplace.
Economic and Regulatory Developments
The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has established new panels comprising whole-time members to investigate regulatory breaches by insurers and intermediaries. This decision, made during IRDAI's 132nd meeting, addresses increasing concerns over mis-selling, particularly through bancassurance, and issues related to claim settlements.
Economically, India has shown robust growth in exports, with cumulative exports rising by 5.94% to $210.31 billion in the April–June 2025 quarter. Looking ahead, the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and the four-nation European bloc, the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), is set to be implemented from October 1st, a significant step for India's international trade relations.
Infrastructure and Judicial Directives
Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently inaugurated infrastructure projects worth ₹7,200 crore in Motihari, Bihar. These projects focus on urban renewal, improved connectivity, and housing development, aligning with the broader Viksit Bharat Mission. The Prime Minister also flagged off four Amrit Bharat Express Trains and dedicated multiple rail projects aimed at increasing sectional capacity and improving connectivity in North Bihar.
In a crucial judicial development, the Supreme Court of India has emphasized the necessity of prior environmental clearances for project work, underscoring the importance of environmental protection in developmental activities.
International Engagements
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to undertake a two-nation tour to the United Kingdom and the Maldives from July 23 to July 26. During his visit to the UK, a bilateral trade pact, previously announced on May 6, is expected to be unveiled. Domestically, the government has expressed its readiness to discuss all issues raised by the Opposition during the upcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament, following an all-party meeting.
Other Notable Updates
In the healthcare sector, India successfully performed its first inter-hospital liver swap surgery in Coimbatore, marking a significant medical milestone. Furthermore, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Maharashtra Chief Minister jointly inaugurated the first campus of the Indian Institute of Creative Technology (IICT) at the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) Complex in Mumbai.