NATIONAL NEWS

PM Modi Emerges as Most Popular Democratic Leader Globally

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi has secured the top spot in global democratic leadership rankings with a 75% approval rating.

The data comes from a global survey by Morning Consult conducted from July 4 to 10, 2025.

• Modi surpassed South Korean President Lee Jae-myung (59%) and Argentina’s Javier Milei (57%) in the rankings.

• The survey results are based on a continuous seven-day average of adult opinions in each country.

• Modi’s consistent popularity follows his third consecutive electoral win in May 2024.

• The rating reflects his strong backing at home and growing recognition abroad.

• With 4,079 days in office, he now holds the second-longest uninterrupted term as PM, overtaking Indira Gandhi.

• Only Jawaharlal Nehru has served a longer continuous term as India’s Prime Minister.

‘Operation Mahadev’ Conducted in Srinagar; Major Appointment in Sansad TV

• On July 28, Indian para commandos neutralized three terrorists in Srinagar’s outskirts under an operation named ‘Mahadev’.

• Among the dead was Sulieman, also known as Asif, a key planner of the April 22 Pahalgam attack.

• The others, Jibran and Hamza Afghani, were high-profile operatives; Jibran had links to the 2024 Sonamarg tunnel attack.

• Security forces recovered advanced weapons, including an M4 carbine and two AK-series rifles.

• Reinforcements were called in as intelligence inputs suggested more militant presence in the area.

• The bodies were handed over to local police for formal identification and legal proceedings.

• In a key administrative change, Lok Sabha Secretary-General Utpal Kumar Singh has taken over as the new CEO of Sansad TV.

• He replaces Rajit Punhani and will now manage dual roles as per the July 23 directive from the Sansad TV Governing Council.

Amit Shah Pushes for Integrated National Security Framework

• Union Home Minister Amit Shah addressed the 8th National Security Strategies Conference in New Delhi.

• He highlighted the need to utilize integrated systems like NATGRID, NIDAAN, iMoT, and the CBI’s fugitive list to tackle internal threats.

• These digital tools are recommended for inclusion in the training of law enforcement personnel.

• Shah emphasized India’s firm stance against terrorism, supported by strong leadership and public resolve.

• He noted that with India’s increasing global influence, new types of security challenges are expected.

• The coming decade was marked as crucial for both national development and internal safety.

• Shah encouraged state and central security forces to aim for excellence in operational readiness.

• He called for a comprehensive strategy—both grassroots and top-level—to dismantle drug cartels and extradite major offenders.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

France Set to Officially Recognize Palestine at UN Meet

• France has announced it will formally recognize Palestine as an independent state at the UN General Assembly in September 2025.

• President Emmanuel Macron affirmed the move aligns with France’s consistent stance on promoting peace in the Middle East.

• Macron emphasized the urgent need for a ceasefire in Gaza and protection of civilians.

• He also demanded the release of all hostages currently held in the region.

• France called for expanded humanitarian efforts to aid Gaza’s population.

• Macron stressed disarming Hamas as essential to long-term regional security.

• He also highlighted the importance of stabilizing and reconstructing Gaza post-conflict.

• Palestine is already recognized by over 140 UN member states and includes the West Bank and Gaza, with Ramallah serving as the administrative capital.

SPORTS

Anahat Singh Wins Historic Bronze at Junior Squash Worlds

• Anahat Singh secured a bronze medal in the U-19 World Junior Squash Championships, marking India’s first medal at the event in 15 years.

• At 17, she was the only Indian to reach the semifinals and lost a close match to Egypt’s Nadien Elhammamy.

• Her straight-set quarterfinal win over Egypt’s Malika Elkaraksy ensured her a spot on the podium.

• Anahat currently holds the 54th spot in the global squash rankings.

• She is the reigning U-19 Asian girls’ champion and has multiple PSA Challenger titles.

• Singh has also earned senior-level medals in both women’s and mixed doubles categories at the Asian level.

• The last Indian to medal at this event was Dipika Pallikal in 2010.

• A 12-member Indian squad is participating, with team events ongoing until August 1; squash is set for its Olympic debut in 2028.

India Finishes Strong at 2025 FISU World University Games

• India concluded the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU Games in Germany with 12 medals: 2 gold, 5 silver, and 5 bronze, ranking 20th overall.

• Japan, China, and the USA topped the medal tally with 34, 30, and 28 golds, respectively.

• Ankita Dhyani earned silver in the women’s 3000m steeplechase with a personal best of 9:31.99.

• The women’s 20km race walk team won bronze with a combined time of 4:56:06.

• India’s men’s 4x100m relay team claimed bronze with a time of 38.89 seconds.

• Seema (5000m) and Praveen Chithravel (triple jump) each secured silver in individual track and field events.

• In compound archery, Sahil Rajesh Jadhav won gold, while Parneet Kaur bagged silver; India also secured medals in all team events.

• India made history in mixed badminton and women’s tennis, winning bronze medals in both categories for the first time.

STATE NEWS

Dinanagar Station Gets Jammu Division’s First Direct Unlocking System

• Dinanagar station has become the first in Jammu division to implement a direct unlocking system, under Northern Railways.

• The system was made operational on July 26, 2025, as confirmed by DRM Vivek Kumar.

• It aims to improve train safety and ensure smoother rail operations in the region.

• The mechanism controls signal systems and point machines automatically, reducing manual intervention.

• This automation helps reduce human error and increases operational reliability.

• Train movements are expected to be more streamlined and efficient.

• The new system significantly minimizes the risk of rail-related mishaps.

• It is also expected to enhance overall passenger travel experience through safer infrastructure.

DEFENCE

India and Singapore Launch Bold Kurukshetra 2025 Military Drill

• The 14th edition of the India-Singapore joint military exercise ‘Bold Kurukshetra’ began in Jodhpur on July 27, 2025.

• The training exercise will run until August 4 and includes both tabletop simulations and computer-driven war scenarios.

• It focuses on tactical development and coordination in mechanised warfare.

• India is represented by the Mechanised Infantry Regiment, while Singapore has deployed the 42 Armoured Regiment.

• The aim is to improve interoperability under United Nations peacekeeping standards.

• The drill fosters deeper defence collaboration and joint readiness between the two nations.

• Strategic planning and coordination between the forces are key components of the exercise.

• The exercise will wrap up with a display of Indian Army military hardware.