APPOINTMENTS
Deepak Bagla Appointed as Head of Atal Innovation Mission
• Deepak Bagla has stepped in as the new Mission Director for the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM).
• Previously, he served as MD & CEO at Invest India, where he played a key role in attracting global investments.
• His contributions span participation in elite government panels and global representation of India’s economic vision.
• Bagla also led WAIPA (World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies) as its President.
• AIM, under the Government of India, is tasked with nurturing innovation and entrepreneurial growth across sectors.
• The Union Cabinet has expanded AIM’s mandate for broader, result-oriented outreach.
• The mission will now concentrate on amplifying sectoral innovation impacts.
• All AIM efforts are in sync with India’s national growth priorities.
Ajay Seth Becomes New Chairperson of IRDAI
• On July 24, Ajay Seth, a retired 1987-batch IAS officer, took over as Chairman of the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI).
• The Cabinet's Appointments Committee approved his three-year tenure.
• Seth had retired as Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, in June 2025.
• He takes over from Debasish Panda, who completed his term in March, leaving the top post vacant for months.
• His term will run until three years, reaching age 65, or as per further directions—whichever comes first.
• IRDAI, based in Hyderabad, was established in 1999 following the Malhotra Committee’s guidance.
• Since April 2000, it has functioned as a statutory and autonomous regulator for India’s insurance sector.
• It oversees the insurance industry’s development, aiming for fair policyholder practices and sound governance.
SPORTS
Divya Deshmukh Makes History at 2025 Women’s World Chess Cup
• Indian chess star Divya Deshmukh became the first Indian woman to enter the final of the FIDE Women’s World Cup.
• She defeated China’s Tan Zhongyi in the semifinal with a 1.5–0.5 score, drawing one game and winning the next.
• The event is hosted in Batumi, Georgia, as part of the 2025 tournament edition.
• With this achievement, Divya qualified for the 2026 Candidates Tournament—key to the World Championship cycle.
• Her remarkable run also earned her first-ever Grandmaster norm, moving her closer to the GM title.
• She will face either top-seed Lei Tingjie or India’s Koneru Humpy in the final clash.
• The tournament awards three spots for the Candidates, making it a vital part of the chess calendar.
• This edition (July 5–29, 2025) is the third instalment of the FIDE Women’s World Cup, following a knockout format.
Suhani Shah Wins Global Magic Championship in Italy
• Mentalist Suhani Shah made headlines by winning the ‘Best Magic Creator’ award at the FISM World Magic Championship.
• Her fame skyrocketed after a viral appearance on Australian TV show The Project, where she showcased her unique skills.
• She impressed the audience by revealing a phone passcode and a presenter’s secret crush live on air.
• Suhani hails from Udaipur and started her magic journey at just six, encouraged by her magician father.
• Her FISM win places her among the top global performers in mentalism and magic.
• FISM (est. 1948) is the world’s foremost magic federation and hosts its championships every three years.
• It has held 28 global competitions, featuring top magicians from different countries.
• Suhani’s achievement shines a global spotlight on Indian talent in magic and performance arts.
DEFENCE
Army Reviews Operation Shiva to Secure Amarnath Yatra
• Northern Army Commander Lt Gen Pratik Sharma inspected Operation Shiva’s security arrangements in Doda, Ramban, and Kishtwar.
• He was joined by Lt Gen P. K. Mishra of the White Knight Corps for the operational assessment.
• Operation Shiva ensures a safe pilgrimage during the Amarnath Yatra (July 3–August 9).
• A visit to Delta Force HQ in Batote helped monitor on-ground coordination and response.
• Forces including the Army, local police, and paramilitary units are running joint anti-terror operations.
• The leadership has pushed for high-tech, forward-looking strategies to handle emerging risks.
• Numerous missions have been carried out recently to neutralize threats in sensitive zones.
• Operation Shiva remains a vital step in securing the annual 38-day yatra through the Jammu region.
STATE NEWS
Jharkhand Launches India's First Mining Tourism Project
• Chief Minister Hemant Soren unveiled India’s first-ever mining tourism plan, drawing inspiration from Spain’s Gava Museum.
• The launch, in partnership with Central Coalfields Limited, will begin at the North Urimari (Birsa) open-cast mine in Ramgarh.
• Routes such as Rajrappa and Patratu will offer tours blending mine visits with scenic and religious spots.
• Tours will accommodate 10–20 people twice weekly, with packages priced between ₹2,500–2,800 plus GST.
• Tours will accommodate 10–20 people twice weekly, with packages priced between ₹2,500–2,800 plus GST.
• A formal MoU has been signed, and plans are underway to extend the model with Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL).
• The initiative promotes employment, boosts local tourism, and celebrates Jharkhand’s mineral legacy.
• It also aims to educate the public on mining’s role in India’s economic growth.
NATIONAL NEWS
India Sees Sharp Decline in Mother-to-Child HIV Transmission
• Between 2010 and 2024, India witnessed an 84% drop in mother-to-child HIV transmission.
• The vertical transmission rate fell by 74.5%, significantly surpassing the global average reduction of 56.5%.
• Minister Anupriya Patel shared the success in a written statement in the Rajya Sabha.
• The National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) drives awareness through kiosks, nukkad nataks, and multimedia outreach.
• NACO also uses digital platforms to connect with younger demographics on HIV education.
• Across the country, 1,619 targeted intervention projects focus on vulnerable and high-risk populations.
• ASHA workers, anganwadi staff, SHGs, and Panchayati Raj institutions are actively trained to support awareness and care.
• To tackle stigma, ombudsmen are in place across 34 states and UTs to address complaints related to discrimination.
ECONOMY NEWS
India Poised to Become 3rd Largest Global Economy by 2028
• Morgan Stanley predicts India will emerge as the world’s third-largest economy by 2028, with GDP reaching $10.6 trillion by 2035.
• States like Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Uttar Pradesh could each exceed $1 trillion in output.
• Currently, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Telangana top the state-level GDP chart.
• Chhattisgarh, MP, and UP have shown remarkable economic momentum in recent years.
• India is expected to contribute 20% of global growth in the next decade, attracting strong global investor attention.
• Central capital expenditure has risen from 1.6% to 3.2% of GDP (FY15 to FY25), fuelling infrastructure.
• Road length, airports, and metro systems have expanded rapidly across the country.
• Mega infrastructure programs like Gati Shakti, Bharatmala, and Sagarmala are being implemented in state collaboration.
