National News
RailOne App Launched: Indian Railways Unifies Passenger Services Under One Platform
- On July 2, 2025, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw launched the RailOne mobile application, providing a unified digital platform for various Indian Railways services such as ticket booking, PNR enquiry, meal ordering, and freight enquiries.
- With features like single sign-on, biometric login, and R-Wallet integration, the app is designed to enhance passenger convenience, reduce dependency on multiple applications, and support the Digital India initiative through a smart, user-friendly interface.
State News
Union Cabinet Approves ₹1,853 Crore Four-Lane Highway Project in Tamil Nadu
- The Union Cabinet’s approval of the ₹1,853 crore project to upgrade the Paramakudi–Ramanathapuram road in Tamil Nadu marks a significant step toward infrastructure modernization.
- Developed under the Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM), the project will convert 46.7 km of NH-87 into a four-lane corridor, improving connectivity between key towns and religious destinations like Rameshwaram.
- This initiative is expected to decongest traffic, boost tourism, enhance road safety, and generate over 18 lakh employment person-days, making it a cornerstone for regional development and economic integration in the state.
CM Nitish Kumar Unveils Youth and Cultural Welfare Schemes Ahead of Assembly Elections
- The Bihar Cabinet, chaired by CM Nitish Kumar, approved major schemes including the Mukhya Mantri Pratigya Yojana for internship support, offering up to ₹6,000/month, and the Kalakar Pension Yojana granting ₹3,000/month to senior artists.
- Additionally, ₹882.87 crore was sanctioned for the integrated development of the Punaura Dham temple in Sitamarhi.
- The Cabinet also amended the Bihar Factory Rules to enable women’s participation in hazardous industries.
- These moves aim to boost employment, support cultural heritage, and enhance religious tourism ahead of the 2025 Assembly elections.
Gujarat Launches Jan Suraksha Santrupti Abhiyan to Expand Welfare Reach
- Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel launched the Jan Suraksha Santrupti Abhiyan to expand the reach of key government welfare schemes such as PMJJBY, PMSBY, APY, and Jan Dhan Yojana.
- Running from July 1 to September 30, 2025, the campaign targets 100% coverage of eligible individuals, with added focus on KYC updates, digital fraud awareness, and financial inclusion.
- With 1.93 crore Jan Dhan accounts and over ₹21,000 crore disbursed in Gujarat alone, the campaign underscores a robust effort to ensure equity in public service delivery, making it a cornerstone in India’s social welfare architecture.
International News
India, UAE Forge Strategic Partnership in Green Steel & Aluminium Sector
- India and the UAE have initiated strategic cooperation in the production of green steel and high-grade aluminium under the India-UAE CEPA framework.
- The meeting between Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy and UAE Economy Minister Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri highlighted joint goals in sustainable manufacturing, resource security, and expanding trade in automotive and strategic sectors.
- Key Indian CPSEs like SAIL, NMDC, and MECON are set to anchor this partnership, with plans for a joint working group to streamline collaboration and contribute to India’s $5 trillion economic vision.
Pakistan Assumes UN Security Council Presidency for July 2025
- Pakistan has assumed the Presidency of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for July 2025 as part of its non-permanent membership.
- Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar will lead key debates focused on multilateralism, peaceful dispute resolution, and OIC cooperation.
- The presidency aligns with Pakistan’s additional leadership of the Taliban Sanctions Committee and comes at a crucial time of global instability, positioning Pakistan to play a central role in fostering peace, dialogue, and inclusive diplomacy.
Zohran Mamdani Stuns NYC: Wins Democratic Mayoral Primary Over Cuomo
- Zohran Mamdani’s victory in the NYC Democratic Mayoral Primary marks a major political upset, defeating former Governor Andrew Cuomo by a 12-point margin after a ranked choice vote.
- His progressive platform, including free public services, rent freeze, and higher taxation on the wealthy, resonated with working-class voters.
Banking News
UPI Sees Minor Dip in June 2025 Amidst Strong Yearly Growth
- India’s UPI ecosystem recorded 18.40 billion transactions worth ₹24.04 lakh crore in June 2025, reflecting a minor monthly dip but strong yearly growth.
- Experts attribute this moderation to seasonal effects and believe UPI is now reaching a mature scale, preparing for its next expansion through innovative use cases like IoT-based payments, embedded credit, and B2B transactions.
- With an average of 613 million daily transactions, UPI remains a cornerstone of India’s digital economy.
Appointments News
Kesavan Ramachandran Appointed as RBI’s New Executive Director
- The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has appointed Kesavan Ramachandran as Executive Director (ED) effective July 1, 2025.
- With over three decades of experience in key areas such as risk monitoring, currency management, and banking supervision, Ramachandran’s appointment reinforces RBI’s commitment to regulatory excellence.
- He will oversee the Prudential Regulation Division under the Department of Regulation, a vital post for maintaining financial stability amid evolving challenges in the sector.
Defense News
India Commissions Second Project 17A Stealth Frigate in Record Time
- INS Udaygiri, India’s latest stealth frigate, was inducted into the Indian Navy on July 1, 2025. Built in a record 37 months under Project 17A, the warship showcases advanced stealth design, indigenous weapon systems, and multi-mission capabilities suited for blue-water operations.
- With contributions from over 200 MSMEs, this induction highlights India’s push for defence indigenisation and the growing strength of its naval shipbuilding ecosystem.
INS Tamal Commissioned in Kaliningrad
- India has commissioned INS Tamal, a state-of-the-art stealth guided missile frigate, in Russia, representing the last foreign-built major warship for the Indian Navy.
- Built under Project 1135.6, Tamal underscores the shift toward defence indigenisation, integrating systems like BrahMos missiles and HUMSA-NG sonar.
- The vessel enhances India’s blue-water capabilities and reinforces the Indo-Russian defence partnership, having become the 51st ship built under the collaboration.
- The Western Fleet now gains a powerful asset, while future warships will be constructed domestically, propelling India closer to its Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision.
Ranks & Reports News
Global Unicorn Index 2025: Top 10 Countries with the Most Billion-Dollar Startups
- The Hurun Global Unicorn Index 2025 reveals a record 1,523 unicorns (startups valued over $1 billion) across 52 countries and 307 cities, collectively worth $5.6 trillion.
- This marks a 120% rise in country participation and 160% growth in city-level presence since 2019, showcasing the global expansion of the startup ecosystem.
- The top 3 countries are the United States (758 unicorns), China (343), and India (64), with major startup hubs like San Francisco, Beijing, and Bengaluru.
- Other nations in the top 10 include the UK, Germany, France, Canada, Israel, South Korea, and Singapore, reflecting a geographically diversified innovation landscape.
UN Sustainable Development Goals Index 2025: Top 10 Best and Worst Performing Countries
- The UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Index 2025, released by the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN), reveals that none of the 17 SDGs are on track to be fully achieved by 2030, with only 17% of targets progressing as planned.
- While there has been improvement in basic services, infrastructure, and healthcare, the world is facing setbacks in press freedom, corruption perception, nutrition, and environmental sustainability.
- Finland tops the index, followed by Sweden and Denmark, showcasing Europe’s leadership, while countries like South Sudan, Central African Republic, and Chad rank lowest due to conflict, economic instability, and lack of basic services.
Schemes News
Cabinet Approves ELI Scheme to Generate 3.5 Crore Jobs Across India
- On July 1, 2025, the Union Cabinet approved the Employment Linked Incentive (ELI) Scheme, targeting job creation, employability enhancement, and social security expansion across India.
- With an outlay of ₹99,446 crore, the scheme aims to generate 3.5 crore jobs over two years.
- It includes incentives for first-time employees (up to ₹15,000) and employers (up to ₹3,000/month), especially in the manufacturing sector.
- Payments will be made through DBT and PAN-linked accounts, contributing to a more formal and financially secure workforce under India’s employment reform agenda.
Union Cabinet Approves ₹1 Lakh Crore RDI Scheme to Boost Private Sector Innovation
- On July 1, 2025, the Union Cabinet approved the Research Development and Innovation (RDI) Scheme with an outlay of ₹1 lakh crore to drive private sector innovation in sunrise and strategic sectors.
- The scheme provides long-term concessional loans through a two-tiered funding structure, supervised by the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF).
- It seeks to support high-TRL R&D, technology acquisition, and the establishment of a Deep-Tech Fund of Funds, making it a cornerstone initiative in India’s journey towards self-reliance and global competitiveness in research and innovation.
Sports News
Union Cabinet Clears New National Sports Policy to Boost India’s Sporting Ecosystem
- On July 1, 2025, the Union Cabinet approved the National Sports Policy to transform India into a global sports powerhouse.
- The policy emphasizes athlete-centric development, mass fitness participation, sports tourism, and transparent governance.
- It envisions a robust ecosystem driven by education integration, corporate involvement, and the manufacture of sports goods, aligning sports with economic growth and social well-being.
Important Days News
World Sports Journalists Day 2025: Honoring the Voice Behind Every Victory
- World Sports Journalists Day 2025, observed on July 2, celebrates the unsung heroes of the sports world who inform, inspire, and ignite global passion through their storytelling.
- With the theme “Championing Fair Play: Reporting with Integrity and Impact,” the day promotes ethical journalism, media freedom, and honors the vital role of sports reporters in shaping public engagement with sports.
Obituaries News
Renowned Hypnotist Dr. BV Pattabhiram Passes Away at 75
- Dr. BV Pattabhiram, a renowned hypnotist, psychologist, and motivational speaker, passed away at 75 in Hyderabad due to cardiac arrest.
- A pioneer in hypnosis and mental wellness, he conducted life-changing workshops across India and the world, helping thousands conquer stress and self-doubt.
- He held advanced degrees in psychology and philosophy, founded India’s first magic school, and earned global recognition, including an honorary doctorate and citizenship awards.
- His passing has left a profound void in the field of mind sciences and personal development.
Current Affairs Today | 2 July Current Affairs 2025 | Daily Current Affairs By Ashish Gautam