NATIONAL NEWS

Indian Flag Flies High at Seattle’s Space Needle for the First Time

• The Indian national flag was raised atop the 605-foot-tall Space Needle in Seattle to mark India’s 79th Independence Day celebrations.

• It was a historic first, as no other foreign flag had ever been flown at this famous American landmark.

• The event was organized by the Indian Consulate in Seattle as part of the Independence Day commemorations.

• Attendees included Consul General Prakash Gupta, Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell, and other prominent city officials.

• The Space Needle, an iconic tower from the 1962 World Fair, represents Seattle’s futuristic and technological identity.

• Located in Washington State, it is a major tourist attraction and one of the city’s best-known architectural landmarks.

• The ceremony was seen as a symbol of deepening India-U.S. cultural relations and a proud moment for Indian Americans.

SPORTS

India to Host 2025 Asian Short Track Skating Trophy – A Landmark Event

• India is set to host the Asian Open Short Track Speed Skating Trophy for the first time, scheduled from August 20 to 23, 2025.

• The competition will be held at the Maharana Pratap Sports College in Raipur, Dehradun.

• It marks India’s largest-ever international winter sports event.

• Over 11 Asian nations, including China, Japan, and Singapore, are expected to participate.

• Other competing countries include Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Hong Kong.

• The tournament will feature nine events, with races ranging from 222 meters to 5000 meters.

• Both individual and relay races will be part of the competition under this international format.

• Amitabh Sharma, President of ISAI, called this a major step forward for India in global winter sports.

Devika Sihag Wins First International Challenge Title in Malaysia

• Indian shuttler Devika Sihag earned her first International Challenge title by triumphing in the 2025 Malaysia International Challenge in Ipoh.

• She defeated fellow Indian and 5th seed Isharani Baruah in straight sets, finishing the match 15-7, 15-12.

• The tournament followed the BWF’s experimental 3x15 scoring format, where each game is limited to 15 points.

• This title adds to her growing list of wins, following her 2024 victories at the Swedish Open and Portugal International, both International Series events.

• Her performance in Malaysia further cements her position in the BWF Continental Circuit.

• This international success comes on the heels of her Senior National Championship win in Bengaluru last year.

• Sihag’s achievements mark her emergence as a strong force in Indian women’s badminton.

• Her consistent performance is a reflection of her growth, form, and determination on the global stage.

ECONOMY NEWS

India’s Wholesale Inflation in July Drops for Second Month in a Row

• WPI inflation in India declined to -0.58% in July 2025, marking the second consecutive month of deflation.

• The decrease was influenced by falling costs of food items, crude oil, natural gas, mineral oils, and basic metals.

• The food inflation component of WPI dropped further to -2.15%.

• Prices of primary articles also saw a steep decline, recording a 4.95% deflation.

• The fuel and power sector experienced a reduction in prices by 2.43%.

• Meanwhile, manufactured goods saw inflation rising to 2.05%, reflecting divergent trends across sectors.

• Unlike CPI, which tracks retail prices, WPI focuses on wholesale price changes in the economy.

• This decline mirrors the drop in retail inflation, which fell to 1.55% in July, its lowest in eight years, mainly due to falling food prices.