One Liner Current Affairs
National
- Supreme Court issued directions on regulating AI-driven deepfakes citing national security concerns.
- Government cleared a proposal to set up National Urban Health Mission 2.0 to integrate city healthcare.
- Cabinet approved Bharat Semiconductor Mission Phase II to boost chip manufacturing hubs in Gujarat and Tamil Nadu.
- NITI Aayog released a draft on Social Stock Exchange norms to enhance funding for NGOs.
- Railways announced 100% electrification milestone on broad-gauge routes by March 2026.
- Centre decided to extend free foodgrain scheme under NFSA till December 2025.
- Ministry of Education launched One Nation One Student ID (APAAR ID) initiative for tracking academic progress.
- CBI took up probe into misuse of PM Kisan Samman Nidhi funds in some states.
International Relations (IR)
- India and ASEAN signed Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) agreement.
- BRICS foreign ministers’ meet in Moscow saw India urging reform of global financial institutions.
- India–Nepal inaugurated the Butwal–Gorakhpur cross-border transmission line.
- U.S. and India finalised talks on Artemis Accords for lunar exploration cooperation.
- India criticised China’s new standard map showing Arunachal & Aksai Chin.
- Sri Lanka sought India’s support at IMF debt restructuring talks.
- India sent humanitarian aid to Iran earthquake victims.
- Pakistan trade chamber proposed resumption of limited trade with India.
Environment
- IMD reported monsoon deficit at 12%, raising drought concerns in central India.
- National Green Tribunal directed states to submit action plan on river pollution abatement.
- Cyclone “Samiran” alert issued for Odisha-Andhra coast.
- UNEP report flagged plastic waste dumping in Bay of Bengal.
- Ministry of Power launched Green Energy Corridor-II for renewable power evacuation.
- New census recorded a rise in Asiatic lion population in Gir.
- Himachal Pradesh landslides linked to unregulated construction in eco-sensitive zones.
- Environment Ministry cleared Ken–Betwa interlinking Phase I under eco-safeguards.
Science & Technology (S&T)
- ISRO announced launch schedule for Chandrayaan-4 sample return mission in 2026.
- DRDO tested long-endurance solar-powered UAV.
- CSIR developed a low-cost graphene-based water filter.
- Indian biotech firms filed record patents in CRISPR applications.
- Startups showcased indigenous 6G prototypes under BharatNet trials.
- AIIMS launched AI-powered cancer detection platform.
- NASA–ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) satellite set for early 2026 launch.
- DPIIT set up National AI Innovation Sandbox.
Governance
- Government notified Digital Personal Data Protection Rules, 2025.
- New Jan Vishwas portal launched to ease compliance for MSMEs.
- Lok Sabha passed Whistleblower Protection Amendment Bill.
- Centre rolled out e-Shram 2.0 portal integrating gig workers.
- Election Commission proposed remote voting machine pilot for migrants.
- MHA announced a scheme for modernisation of police communication systems.
- MoHUA released ranking of cleanest Indian cities under Swachh Survekshan 2025.
- Govt approved National Logistics Policy Phase-II roadmap.
Economy
- Retail inflation eased to 4.6% in July 2025.
- RBI announced pilot for Central Bank Digital Currency (retail) in Tier-2 cities.
- India’s exports crossed $500 bn in FY 2024–25.
- SEBI eased rules for FPIs in corporate bonds.
- Rupee strengthened to 81.3/$ on FDI inflows.
- Centre to set up Unified Gold Exchange in Mumbai.
- Govt launched Skill India Digital 2.0 platform for youth skilling.
- GST Council rationalised rates on fertilisers and EVs.
Social
- NFHS-6 data showed decline in fertility rate to 2.0.
- SC ordered states to submit report on implementation of POSH Act.
- UNICEF report flagged child malnutrition in tribal belts.
- MoWCD launched Saksham Anganwadi 2.0 scheme.
- Delhi HC ruled on same-sex marriage recognition of adoption rights.
- National Commission for Women raised concern on acid attack cases.
- New reservation policy announced for transgender students in universities.
- National campaign launched on mental health awareness in schools.
Defence
- India commissioned INS Varun (indigenous destroyer).
- IAF received first batch of C-390 Millennium transport aircraft.
- Army conducted joint mountain warfare drills with France in Uttarakhand.
- Defence Ministry cleared purchase of swarm drones for infantry.
- Strategic Forces Command tested Agni-V with MIRV technology.
- Navy inaugurated Integrated Theatre Command HQ at Karwar.
- India signed MoU with Israel for counter-UAV technology.
- HAL rolled out prototype of AMCA stealth fighter.
Art & Culture
- UNESCO added Sacred Ensembles of Kanchipuram to World Heritage list.
- Archaeological Survey of India unearthed Gupta-era coins in Bihar.
- Ministry of Culture launched Rashtriya Kala Shivir in Varanasi.
- Restoration of Sun Temple, Konark completed using digital 3D methods.
- Govt declared 2026 as Year of Classical Dances.
- Jaipur hosted International Literature Festival with focus on South Asian voices.
- Centre sanctioned funds for museum of tribal freedom fighters in Chhattisgarh.
- Rare manuscript of Kabir’s Bijak digitised by IGNCA.
Infrastructure
- Cabinet cleared Bharatmala-II highway expansion of 12,000 km.
- MoHUA approved 100 new smart city projects.
- First Bullet train tunnel breakthrough in Maharashtra.
- Solar-powered regional airports commissioned in Northeast.
- GatiShakti portal onboarded 50 ministries for infra coordination.
- Indian Railways introduced hydrogen-powered trains.
- Port expansion at Vizhinjam deep-water port achieved milestone.
- Urban Infra Bonds launched for Tier-2 city development.
Geography
- Monsoon trough shifted southwards causing floods in Bihar and Bengal.
- Retreat of Gangotri glacier documented at record pace.
- IMD mapped heatwave hotspots across Deccan plateau.
- Geological Survey found lithium reserves in Odisha.
- Seismic activity noted in Delhi-NCR fault lines.
- New Ramsar site notified in Ladakh wetlands.
- Assam witnessed Kaziranga riverine erosion crisis.
- Drought reported in Bundelkhand due to rain deficit.
Places in News
- Ayodhya: Ram temple museum inaugurated.
- Kolkata: Metro East-West underwater tunnel completed.
- Varanasi: Hosted G20 Urban Summit.
- Bengaluru: India’s first AI-centric university launched.
- Ahmedabad: Textile Expo 2025 held.
- Chennai: Cyclone preparedness drills conducted.
- Shimla: Landslide tragedy spurred SC intervention.
- Guwahati: Gateway for Act East policy logistics hub.
History
- 150th birth anniversary of Sri Aurobindo commemorated.
- Parliament celebrated 75 years of Indian Constitution adoption.
- PM unveiled the statue of Birsa Munda in Ranchi.
- New documents on the Quit India Movement digitised.
- ICHR conference held on the Maratha confederacy’s role in history.
- Govt announced year-long events on Subhash Chandra Bose’s 130th birth anniversary.
- Publication of rare Akbarnama manuscripts.
- National Archives launched Freedom Fighters Oral History Project.
Election Commission (EC) and Rahul Gandhi
Context: The Election Commission (EC) has asked Rahul Gandhi to either file an affidavit within seven days supporting his allegations of voter roll manipulation in Karnataka or apologise, rejecting demands for machine-readable voter lists and CCTV footage, citing privacy concerns. The CEC also stressed that complaints must be filed within 45 days of the results.
Key Highlights
- Ultimatum to Rahul Gandhi: EC demands affidavit in 7 days affirming his allegations of large-scale voter roll discrepancies in Mahadevapura constituency or issue an apology.
- Rejection of Opposition Demand: EC refuses to release machine-readable voter lists or CCTV footage, citing violation of voter privacy.
- No Suo Motu Action: CEC argued that without evidence, notices cannot be issued to 1.5 lakh voters accused of discrepancies.
- Consistency of Rule: Stressed that complaints must be filed under oath and within 45 days of poll results; otherwise, they are invalid.
- Question of Bias: EC did not address why similar allegations by BJP MP Anurag Thakur in Rae Bareli were not subjected to the affidavit requirement.
- Other Complaints: Dismissed BJD and SP complaints on technical grounds — either not filed under oath or past the 45-day limit.
- CEC’s Stand: Asserted that the EC treats ruling and opposition parties equally; allegations of “vote theft” without evidence insult the Constitution.
- Defense of 2024 Election: CEC highlighted transparency in the process with over one crore personnel involved, ruling out the possibility of “vote chori”.
- On Maharashtra Allegations: Pointed out that no evidence-backed objections were filed at the time, and no election petition was filed within the legal window.
- EC: Strongly combative, dismissing doubts over elections and warning against attempts to “confuse people” with unverified claims.
GST Reforms
Context: Prime Minister announced major upcoming GST reforms aimed at simplifying the tax structure and easing compliance. These changes, expected by Diwali 2025, are designed to benefit the poor, middle class, traders, and entrepreneurs.
Key Highlights of GST Reforms
- Beneficiaries: The reforms aim to benefit the poor, middle class, small and big entrepreneurs, traders, and businessmen.
- Good Governance: PM Modi stressed that reforms mean the advancement of good governance with continuous improvement.
- Timing: The new GST reforms are expected to be implemented by Diwali 2025, providing a “double bonus” to people.
- Objective: The reforms focus on simplification, rationalisation, and equity in taxation.
- Learning from Experience: The changes draw upon 8 years of GST experience, making the system more consumer-friendly.
- Fiscally Sustainable: Government assures that reduced rates will not reduce revenues due to better compliance and buoyant economy.
- Political Consensus: Centre expects States’ approval before Diwali to roll out the changes.
Proposed Tax Structure
- Major Rates: GST to primarily have 5% and 18% slabs.
- Reduction: Most goods in the 28% slab will be shifted to 18%.
- High Tax Bracket: A new 40% slab will apply to “sin goods” (e.g., tobacco, luxury items).
- Equity in Taxation: Restructuring will make the system more equitable for consumers.
- Compliance Ease: New GST is expected to simplify compliance for traders and businesses.
- Revenue Buoyancy: Centre expects higher compliance → higher collections despite lower rates.
- Consumer-Oriented Framework: The structure will be presented to States from the consumer’s perspective.
Infrastructure
- PM Modi inaugurated Delhi section of Dwarka Expressway and Urban Extension Road-II during the announcement.
- Linked infrastructure development with governance reforms, showing them as part of a larger economic vision.
- Highlighted connectivity + tax reform as tools for improving citizens’ daily lives.
Simultaneous Elections Bill
Context: The Parliamentary Committee examining the Simultaneous Elections Bill received inputs from former Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna, who stated that while the Bill’s constitutional validity may not be in question, it raises important issues of federalism and discretionary powers of the Election Commission (EC).
Key Highlights
- Constitutional Validity vs. Necessity – Justice Khanna clarified that upholding validity does not imply the provision is desirable or necessary.
- Federal Concerns – Arguments may be raised regarding dilution of India’s federal structure under the proposed Bill.
- Unfettered Discretion to EC – The Bill gives the Election Commission wide powers to decide when an Assembly poll cannot be held alongside Lok Sabha elections.
- EC’s Recommendation Role – EC can recommend to the President about decoupling polls, raising concerns of unchecked authority.
- Merit Review vs. Judicial Review – Courts only affirm whether provisions violate constitutional limits; they do not judge policy desirability.
- Expert Opinions – Most experts before the committee agreed the Bill is not unconstitutional but flagged concerns with specific provisions.
- Critical Balance – The debate highlights the tension between administrative efficiency (one nation, one election) and federal autonomy.
Neighbourhood First policy
Context: Nepal Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli is expected to visit India in September 2025, with the visit seen as part of India’s effort to deepen ties with its neighbours under the Neighbourhood First policy. The announcement comes after Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri visits Kathmandu, where he met top Nepali leadership to discuss cooperation in connectivity, trade, and security.
Key Highlights
- High-Level Engagement – Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met Nepal PM Oli, Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba, and his counterpart Amrit Bahadur Rai in Kathmandu.
- Focus Areas – Discussions centred on connectivity, trade, development cooperation, and security ties.
- Neighbourhood First – Nepal acknowledged India’s Neighbourhood First policy, underlining its importance in bilateral relations.
- Pending Visit – PM Oli’s India visit had been pending since last year; he assumed office in July 2024.
- Regional Context – The visit gains significance after political upheaval in Bangladesh (August 2024) and India’s outreach to Maldives (October 2024).
- Security Cooperation – In July 2025, India–Nepal Home Secretary-level talks decided on strengthening border management and counter-terrorism collaboration.
- Recent Collaboration – Nepal extended support to India during Operation Sindoor against terrorism, showcasing growing strategic trust.