India Current Affairs Summary – July 2025: Major National, Economic, Security, Diplomatic and Socio-Political Highlights

India Current Affairs Summary – July 2025: Major National, Economic, Security, Diplomatic and Socio-Political Highlights

Summary of current affairs in India till end of July 2025, including major national, economic, security, diplomatic and socio-political developments:

National developments

1. Operation 'Sindoor' and border tensions

India launched Operation Sindoor, targeting suspected terror infrastructure linked to Pakistan-backed groups. The government described the attack as a "measured and non-escalatory" action, and a ceasefire came into effect after Pakistan initiated talks to de-escalate tensions.

2. Parliamentary dynamics

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju criticised frequent disruptions in Parliament, saying these hamper the Opposition's opportunity to hold the government accountable and affect democratic functioning.

In related news, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar abruptly resigned on July 22, leading to speculations about the political motive behind his resignation.

3. Governance in Manipur

The President's rule, imposed since February 13, 2025, following the resignation of Chief Minister Biren Singh, is set to be extended for another six months from August 13, 2025. The extension reflects the ongoing instability, with ethnic tensions between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities continuing to escalate from May 2023.

💼 Economy and Industry

4. India-UK Free Trade Agreement (CETA)
India has signed a landmark comprehensive economic and trade agreement (CETA) with the UK, providing duty-free access to 99% of Indian exports. The textile and apparel sector is among its key beneficiaries.

5. IMF Recommendations

The IMF has advised India to liberalise its import policies and foreign direct investment (FDI) regime, especially for intermediate goods, to maintain external balance, attract investment and expand trade relations. It has also recommended careful industrial policy formulation and maintaining exchange rate flexibility.

6. Odisha Tex 2025

The state has announced Odisha Tex 2025, a major textile conference in which 33 MoUs worth ₹7,808 crore were signed and is estimated to create over 53,000 jobs, establishing Odisha as the textile hub of eastern India.

🛡️ Diplomacy and Geopolitics

7. US-India-China Triangle

Under President Trump, US trade and political strategies are inadvertently undermining India-China diplomatic relations. Niti Aayog has proposed easing scrutiny of Chinese investments, and Foreign Minister Jaishankar's visit to China—his first since 2020—signals a cautious rapprochement amid strategic tensions.

🚨 Major events and social issues

8. Air India Flight 171 controversy

Following the June plane crash in Ahmedabad that killed nearly 260 people (including 53 British nationals), allegations of mishandling of victims' remains have surfaced, including cases of bodies being misidentified or multiple remains being found in a single coffin. The foreign ministry is insisting that proper protocols were followed and is coordinating with British authorities.

9. Cyclone 'Vipha' warning in Kerala

A severe weather warning has been issued for Kerala as Cyclone Vipha collides with monsoon currents, bringing heavy rain and strong winds. These alerts will remain in force till at least July 29, 2025, and travellers have been urged to exercise caution.

🏛️ Governance and Citizen Initiatives

10. Digital Governance in Bihar

On July 25, the Bihar government launched new digital platforms—an RTPS portal for public service appeals and an HRMS app for government employees. These tools include paperless workflows and CAS-supported dashboards. The second phase of expansion will cover employee benefits, pensions, insurance, promotions, and training. Additionally, a group health insurance scheme of ₹5 lakh per annum for 3,560 contract employees was signed with SBI General Insurance, generating annual funding of ₹1.42 crore.

12. Irregularities in Mumbai Tender

The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) has alleged that the ₹6,000 crore Mumbai solid waste management tender was specifically designed to benefit a firm linked to the son of a former BJP MP. A probe by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been sought into the matter.

📌 Social and Public Policy Highlights

13. Healthcare Achievements

India has crossed a significant milestone of 6 crore tests under the National Mission to Eliminate Sickle Cell Anaemia, a major step in public health efforts related to genetic disorders.

The initiative celebrates tribal heritage and promotes tribal livelihoods through marketing of indigenous products.

✅ Brief Summary (Snapshot Summary Table)

Content - Highlights

• National Security: Operation Sindoor; Disruption in Parliament; President's Rule in Manipur

• Economy and Business: India-UK Free Trade Agreement; IMF Policy Release; Odisha textile investment plans

• Diplomacy: Emerging India-China relations influenced by US policies

• Public policy: Digital governance in Bihar; healthcare and energy programmes

• Crisis and disaster: Mismanagement of Air India crash site debris; Cyclone Vipha in Kerala

• Civic governance: Mumbai waste tender dispute; Silchar infrastructure assessment

• Cultural economy: TRIFED tribal store launched in Varanasi