Historic India–UK Free Trade Agreement Signed
India and the UK finalized a landmark deal with 99% of Indian exports to the UK becoming tariff-free and significant cuts on British goods such as scotch and cars. The pact also includes eased visa rules and qualification recognition, though agriculture remains excluded. It’s expected to be ratified and take effect mid‑2026.

Resignation of Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar
Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned on July 21 citing health reasons, becoming the first-ever Indian Vice President to step down mid-term. He’ll move from the Vice President Enclave to a high-end government bungalow in Lutyens’ Delhi, and will receive a pension plus official privileges.

RBI Policy Outlook: Repo Rate to Hold in August
A Reuters poll (July 18–24) indicates the RBI will likely maintain its repo rate at 5.50% during the August 6 meeting. With inflation subdued and growth robust at 7.4% in Q1, another rate cut later in 2025 might still occur.

Madhya Pradesh Floors ₹5,000 Crore Supplementary Budget
Ahead of the monsoon session starting July 28, MP proposes a much leaner supplementary budget (<₹5,000 cr), using a Zero-Based Budgeting approach to rationalize spending and manage its ₹4.31 lakh crore debt posture.

Karnataka Cabinet Criminalizes Minor Engagements
Karnataka’s government passed the Prohibition of Child Marriage (Amendment) Bill, criminalizing engagements involving minors. New welfare scheme for gig workers and infrastructure investments were also approved.

NDA Backs EC’s Special Revision of Bihar Poll Rolls
NDA allies including BJP and JD(U) backed the EC’s Special Intensive Revision in Bihar, aiming to remove 18 lakh dead names and duplicate registrations. Draft rolls expected by August 1, with corrections open until September 1.

Mumbai High-Tide Advisory Issued by BMC
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation warned of very high tides (above 4.5 m) between July 24–27, peaking at 4.67 m on July 26. Residents are urged to avoid shorelines during tide hours.

ADB Cuts India’s FY’25 Growth Forecast
The Asian Development Bank revised India’s FY 2024–25 GDP growth forecast downward to 6.5%, citing global trade uncertainties. India Ratings (Ind‑Ra) slashed ₹FY 26 growth outlook to 6.3%, but inflation projections eased.

Operation Abhyaas: India’s Massive Mock Drill
On May 7, civil defence drill “Operation Abhyaas” was conducted in 244 districts across India to enhance emergency preparedness—featuring blackout simulations, siren alerts, evacuations and public training.

Kosovo Plane Crash in Russia Draws PM Modi’s Condolences
Prime Minister Modi expressed grief over a deadly plane crash in Russia (49 casualties), reaffirming India’s solidarity with Russia.