Brief Summary
This news bulletin covers a range of topics, including Prime Minister Modi's visit to the UK and Maldives, disruptions in Parliament due to opposition protests, growth in electronics production, the commencement of the vice presidential election process, renewed peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, and the ongoing cricket test match between India and England. It also touches on economic updates, weather forecasts, and various other national and international events.
- Prime Minister Modi's visit to the UK and Maldives focuses on strengthening strategic partnerships and economic ties.
- Parliament is facing disruptions due to opposition protests over various issues.
- India's electronics production has seen significant growth in the last decade.
- The Election Commission has initiated the process for the election of the Vice President.
- Peace talks between Russia and Ukraine are set to continue in Istanbul.
Prime Minister's Visit to the UK and Maldives
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is en route to London as part of his two-nation visit to the United Kingdom and the Maldives. During his stay in the UK, Modi will engage in discussions with his British counterpart, Keith Starmer, and meet with King Charles III. The Indian diaspora is set to welcome the Prime Minister with cultural performances from Assam, Gujarat, Bihar, and Odisha, including Dhul Tasha drums. Winners of the "Know India" programme are also expected to meet Modi. The visit aims to enhance the economic partnership between India and the UK, fostering prosperity, growth, and job creation in both countries. A future free trade agreement may also be signed, positively impacting both economies. The focus is on positioning the relationship for the next 10 years, with key drivers including trade, investment, technology, education, science, research, and defence. Following the UK visit, Modi will travel to the Maldives from 25th to 26th July to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Maldivian independence and advance a comprehensive economic and maritime security partnership with President Mohmad Muizu.
Parliamentary Disruptions
Parliament proceedings in both houses were disrupted for the third consecutive day due to ongoing protests by the opposition. The opposition is demanding a discussion on the special intensive revision of electoral roles (SIR) in Bihar and other related issues. The Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha both experienced two adjournments before being adjourned for the day. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla appealed for order to allow question hour, expressing concern over the continued disruptions. Rahul Gandhi accused the government of not addressing the opposition's questions and raised concerns about the Election Commission's special intensive revision of electoral rules in Bihar.
Growth in Electronics Production and Sports Bills
The production and export of electronic goods, including mobile manufacturing, have seen rapid growth in the last 10 years. Production of electronic goods has reached over 11 lakh crore rupees in the last financial year, a six-fold increase from 1 lakh 90,000 crore rupees in 2014-15. Exports of electronic goods have reached 3 lakh 27,000 crore rupees, with mobile phone exports surging 127 times to 2 lakh crore rupees. Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya introduced two bills in the Lok Sabha: the National Sports Governance Bill 2025 and the National Anti-Doping Amendment Bill 2025. The sports governance bill aims to promote sports development, welfare measures for sports persons, and ethical practices based on good governance principles.
Election Commission and International Matters
The Election Commission has initiated the process for the election of the Vice President following the resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar. The process began after the Ministry of Home Affairs notified Dhankhar's resignation. The External Affairs Ministry addressed the Air India crash in Ahmedabad, stating that authorities followed established protocols for victim identification and handled all mortal remains with professionalism and respect. The Indian side is working with UK authorities to address any related concerns. The Indian embassy in Ireland is in contact with Irish authorities regarding an attack on an Indian national in Dublin, offering all necessary assistance to the victim and their family.
Arrests and Environmental Regulations
The Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has arrested four individuals allegedly linked to the banned terror outfit al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS). The arrests followed a coordinated operation based on intelligence inputs and surveillance of their online activities. The accused were actively propagating terrorist ideology through social media platforms and suspicious applications. The Maharashtra government informed the Bombay High Court that only Ganesh idols above 5 ft will be allowed for immersion in natural water bodies. Approximately two lakh idols made of Plaster of Paris (POP) must be immersed in artificial ponds, while 7,000 large idols can be immersed in natural water. The court questioned the numbers and sought clarification on immersing 8-foot idols in artificial lakes, citing environmental concerns.
Prasar Bharati and Russia-Ukraine Peace Talks
Prasar Bharati has invited all newspapers, periodicals, and television channels across India to register on its newswire platform, Prasar Bharati Shared Audio Visuals for Broadcast and Dissemination (PBS Shabbd), to access high-quality news and multimedia content free of cost. Launched in March of the previous year, PBS Shabbd offers over 800 news stories daily in multiple Indian languages, covering more than 40 diverse categories. The third round of renewed direct peace talks between Russia and Ukraine is set to take place in Istanbul, Turkey. Previous rounds resulted in an agreement to exchange prisoners, but little progress was made towards a ceasefire or comprehensive peace agreement. Russia is demanding Ukrainian neutrality, withdrawal from military alliances, and recognition of Russian control over occupied territories, while Ukraine rejects enforced neutrality and insists on its right to pursue NATO and EU membership.
Weather Forecast and Sports Updates
The India Meteorological Department has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places over coastal Karnataka, Konkan, Goa, and Madhya Maharashtra. Parts of Delhi, Chandigarh, Haryana, Jammu, Kashmir, Bihar, Gujarat, and northeastern states are also likely to receive heavy rainfall in the next 2-3 days. In Jammu and Kashmir, a weather advisory predicts light to moderate rain and thunderstorms across the union territory over the next 48 hours, with warnings of flash floods, landslides, and rising water levels in rivers and streams. In badminton, PV Sindhu won her opening match at the China Open Super 1000 against Japan's Tomoko Miyazaki. Other Indian players, including Unnati Hooda and the men's doubles pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, also advanced. In cricket, India were 182 for three in their first innings of the fourth test against England at Old Trafford in Manchester, with openers Yashasvi Jaiswal (58) and KL Rahul (46) providing a strong start. India are currently trailing 1-2 in the five-match series.
Economic Indicators and Other News
Indian equity benchmark indices ended higher, following a positive trend in Asian markets after Japan secured a trade deal with the US. The BSE Sensex soared 540 points to close at 82,727 points, and the NSE Nifty gained 159 points to settle at 25,220 points. The rupee closed at 86.41 against the US dollar. In the Indian bullion market, 24-karat gold was trading at 1 lakh 900 rupees per 10 grams. Brent crude was trading at $68.11 per barrel, and WTI crude was at $64.84 per barrel. India has achieved 20% ethanol blending in petrol five years ahead of schedule, saving 1.36 lakh crore rupees in forex, paying 1.18 lakh crore rupees to farmers, and cutting 698 lakh tons of carbon dioxide emissions. The Department of Posts Delhi Circle has made special arrangements for Rakhi mail ahead of Raksha Bandhan, setting up special post counters at 34 key post offices in Delhi.
