National News

India's Internet Subscriber Base

• According to the data released by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), India's internet subscriber base increased by 1.54% in the financial year 2024–25, rising from 954.40 million in March 2024 to 969.10 million in March 2025.

Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI):

Launch of Agritech Innovation Hub

• The Agritech Innovation Hub was inaugurated on 8th July 2025 at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology (SVPUAT), Meerut.
• This hub has been established in collaboration with IIT Ropar, and its objective is to empower the agricultural sector across North India, including Uttar Pradesh, through technology, innovation, and startups.

Key Facts:

State Special News

‘Plantation Mega Campaign – 2025’

• Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath launched the ‘Plantation Mega Campaign – 2025’ on 9th July 2025 from Ayodhya and Azamgarh districts.
• This year’s theme is “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0”, with a target to plant 37 crore saplings in a single day.

Key Facts:

Increase in Number of Taxpayers: Gujarat

• According to the Gujarat government, there has been a 145% increase in the number of taxpayers in the eight years since the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST).
• While there were over 5.15 lakh taxpayers in 2017, the number rose to 12.66 lakh by 2024–25.

Key Facts:

Approval for Formation of ‘Bihar Youth Commission’

• The Bihar government has approved the formation of the ‘Bihar Youth Commission’ with the objective of making youth self-reliant and employment-oriented.

Composition of the Commission:

Approval of Amaravati Quantum Valley Declaration

• The Andhra Pradesh government has officially approved the Amaravati Quantum Valley Declaration (AQVD) with the objective of transforming Amaravati into India’s first Quantum Valley and a global hub for quantum technologies.

Andhra Pradesh :

35% Reservation for Women in All Government Jobs

• On 8th July 2025, the Bihar government announced a historic decision to provide 35% reservation for women who are permanent residents of the state in all government jobs.
• This reservation will apply to direct recruitments at all levels and in all departments, from Class 1 to Class 4 government services.

Key Facts:

International News

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Arrives in Windhoek

• On 9th July 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Windhoek, the capital of Namibia, marking the final leg of his eight-day diplomatic tour covering five countries.
• From 2nd to 9th July 2025, the Prime Minister is on a visit to five nations: Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia.

Related Facts:

India-Brazil Bilateral Trade Target

• India and Brazil have set an ambitious target to increase their bilateral trade to USD 20 billion over the next five years.

Brazil:

Awards and Honours

Honoured with Brazil’s Highest Civilian Award

• Brazil has conferred its highest civilian award, the "Grand Collar of the National Order of the Southern Cross", on Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
• This award marks Modi’s 26th international honour and is the third honour received during his five-nation tour that began on 2nd July 2025.

Defense News

DSV 'Nistar'

• The Indian Navy inducted its first indigenously designed and built Diving Support Vessel (DSV), 'Nistar'.
• The 'Nistar' is 118 metres long and is capable of diving up to 300 metres deep and carrying out rescue operations up to 1000 metres.

Indian Navy :

Science And Technology

World’s First Malaria Drug for Infants Approved

• The world’s first malaria drug, specifically designed for newborns and small children (weighing 4.5 kg or less), has been officially approved by Swissmedic, the drug regulatory authority of Switzerland.
• This medicine has been developed by Novartis and is named Coartem Baby (also known as Riamet Baby in some countries).

About Malaria:

Environment News

Asia’s Oldest Elephant ‘Vatsala’ Passes Away

• ‘Vatsala’, Asia’s oldest known elephant, passed away on 8th July 2025 at Panna Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh.
• Vatsala was believed to be over 100 years old and was regarded as the oldest elephant in Asia.

Related Facts:

Book and author

‘Confessions of a Shakespeare Addict’ Book Launched

• Retired IPS officer V.S. Ravi launched his book titled ‘Confessions of a Shakespeare Addict’ on 7th July 2025 in Hyderabad.