Income Tax Day 2025

1 Income Tax Day 2025

India  is celebrating   its  166th Income Tax Day  on July 24 , the day  commemorates the introduction of income tax in India by  Sir James Wilson in 1860.  This year, the theme of Income Tax Day 2025 is “ A Journey of Digital Transformation ”. The day reminds us of the historic journey and progress of India’s tax system. Income tax is not just a revenue source but the cornerstone of building an empowered, inclusive and self-reliant India.

2 Jharkhand government launched country’s first mining tourism project

Jharkhand   is set to become  the first state in India to  launch  a mining tourism project . The project aims to showcase the state’s rich mineral heritage  by taking people inside mines on guided tours and providing cultural experiences. The initiative  is a joint effort of the state government  and  Central Coalfields Limited (CCL). The project aims to develop tourism in a new form that will not only increase economic opportunities but also educate the general public about mining processes and Jharkhand’s mineral history. The initiative is a unique step towards making mining a medium of education and cultural awareness rather than just an industrial process.

3 Ambrosia beetle threatens rubber plantations in Kerala

Kerala  ‘s  rubber plantations  are under   serious threat from  an invasive pest,  the ambrosia beetle  (Euplatypus parallelus) , which  is carrying harmful fungi and causing   widespread damage to the trees  . The infestation is affecting latex production  and also impacting the local economy, raising concerns among scientists and farmers.  The ambrosia beetle, which is native to Central and South America  ,  was first seen in India in 2012 on cashew trees in Goa  . The pest usually targets stressed or dead trees, tunneling into them and releasing fungal spores. The beetle  carries Fusarium ambrosia  and the recently identified  Fusarium solani  fungi, which are proving to be highly destructive to the trees.

4 MiG-21 fighter jets are being retired after 62 years of service

The Indian Air Force will retire  the Russian-made MiG-21 fighter jets  in  September  .  After serving the Indian Air Force  for about  62 years , the MiG-21 will be bid farewell in a special ceremony at the Chandigarh Airbase . The MiG-21 was  inducted into the Air Force in 1963.  This aircraft  has participated in all major military operations of 1965, 1971, 1999 and 2019.  The MiG-21  is  a light single pilot fighter jet  . Soviet Russia  ‘s  Mikoyan-Gurevich Design  Bureau  started making it in 1959. This aircraft  can fly at an altitude of up to 18 thousand meters  . It is capable of carrying air-to-air missiles and bombs. Its maximum speed can be up to 2,230 kilometers per hour i.e. 1,204 knots (Mach 2.05). MiG-21 aircraft were used in the Indo-Pak wars of 1965 and 1971. In 1971, Indian MiG shot down a Chengdu F aircraft (this was also another variant of MiG made by China). This aircraft was made by Russia but it crashes due to many flaws in it. This aircraft   was retired by Russia in 1985 .

5 Trump takes a tough stand on ‘woke AI’, bans it through executive order

US President Donald Trump  has  issued a strict executive order to ban the use of Woke AI in government agencies  . In his order, Trump has alleged that such AI affects facts. Trump said in his order, many AI systems are influenced by ideological agendas such as diversity, equity, inclusion (DEI), which harms the credibility of history, science and facts.  The word woke  was originally a positive social word, which means  to make people aware of issues like social injustice, racism, gender discrimination, separatism , but in recent years its meaning and usage has changed. These days this word is used in an attempt to prove  oneself  politically correct.

6 India shines at Guyana Biodiversity Summit, ISRO-CSIR gets global platform

The Indian High Commission in Guyana  organized an exhibition on Thursday.   Technologies developed by  the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) and the  Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) were showcased here. This exhibition was organized on the occasion of the ‘ Global Biodiversity Alliance Summit ‘  being held in Georgetown , the capital of Guyana . The exhibition showcased new technologies in resource mapping, climate adaptation, agriculture and other related subjects. The ISRO team has gone to Guyana to participate in the ‘Global Biodiversity Alliance Summit’, which promotes international cooperation for biodiversity conservation.

7 Assam launches foreign language skill scheme for youth seeking jobs abroad

 With an aim to address the unemployment problem  in  Assam and create   employment opportunities in the foreign market for the unemployed youth of the state  ,  the  Assam government has launched a scheme to train the youth of Assam in foreign languages  . The scheme called Chief Minister’s Foreign Language Initiative for Global Human Talent (CM-FLIGHT) was announced by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on 23 July 2025. The CM-FLIGHT scheme was approved in the state cabinet meeting held in Dibrugarh on 23 July 2025. The cabinet meeting was chaired by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

8 4th World Food India 2025 will be held in New Delhi in September 2025

The fourth edition of World Food India   will be held in  New Delhi from 25-28 September 2025. The event, which was  first held in New Delhi in 2017  , showcases India’s rich food culture and the investment potential of its food processing sector to domestic and international investors. New Delhi  hosted the second World Food India in 2023 and the third edition in 2024. A preview event for the upcoming fourth World Food India 2025  was held  in New Delhi on 23 July 2025  , which was addressed by Union Minister for Food Processing Industries Chirag Paswan. Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said that the fourth edition will be the largest of all World Food India events held so far. The fourth edition is expected to attract participants from over 90 countries, along with over 2,000 exhibitors and stakeholders from the entire food value chain, from farm to table.

9 Mumbai airport ranked in world’s top 10 for the third consecutive year

Mumbai  ‘s  Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA)  has once again made India proud as it   has been   ranked among the top 10 international airports  in the world in the Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2025. With a score of 84.23 points , it is the only Indian airport  to feature in this prestigious list for the third consecutive year   . The recognition reflects India’s growing position in the global aviation infrastructure, passenger satisfaction and technological upgradation.  Top 10 International Airports in 2025

10 Fino Payments Bank launches “Gati” savings account to promote UPI in Bengal

Fino Payments Bank has launched   a new  digital savings account  “ Gati ” — which stands for “Speed” in several Indian languages. The initiative aims to deepen the reach of UPI transactions in rural and semi-urban areas  of  West Bengal  . This  zero balance account  facilitates quick transactions and is specially designed to empower customers who are deprived of traditional banking services but are keen to use digital means. Fino Payments Bank has built its strong presence through a merchant-based banking model, especially in areas where traditional banking facilities are limited. It has over 40,000 merchant points in West Bengal, which help ensure easy entry into the digital financial system.

11 SBI named World’s Best Consumer Bank of 2025 by Global Finance Magazine

State Bank of India (SBI) has been declared the  “ World’s Best Consumer Bank ” of the year 2025  by   the prestigious  Global Finance Magazine . The honour recognises the Bank’s customer-centric innovations and its strong digital presence. This global recognition further reinforces SBI’s commitment to inclusive and modern banking. The award, given by Global Finance, is based on in-depth research and responses from international finance experts. It reflects SBI’s excellence in consumer banking on key parameters such as customer service, innovation and accessibility.

12 Intellectual property (IP) filings in India rise 44% in five years

Intellectual Property (IP) registrations   in India  have registered  a growth of 44% in the last five years , thanks to government policy reforms, duty concessions and digitisation of IP services. This growth reflects the growing awareness in the country, vibrant startup ecosystem and efforts to protect indigenous products through Geographical Indications (GI), patents and trademarks. Total IP filings increased from 4.77 lakh to 6.89 lakh between 2020–21 and 2024–25  . The highest growth during this period was witnessed in Geographical Indications (380%), followed by Design (266%), Patents (180%) and Copyright (83%). This highlights the proactive efforts being made by the Government to promote innovation and protect intellectual property.

13 Replica of Ashoka Pillar unveiled in Waskaduwa, Sri Lanka

A replica of the Ashoka Pillar was unveiled  on  21 July 2025  at  Waskaduwa Sri Subhuti Viharaya, a famous Buddhist temple  in  Kalutara district  of  Sri Lanka  . This initiative is an important symbol of spiritual and cultural diplomacy between India and Sri Lanka,  recognizing the contribution  of  Emperor Ashoka to Sri Lankan Buddhism  . This development also reflects India’s continued efforts to promote Buddhist heritage and cultural ties in the region. The foundation stone of the replica of the Ashoka Pillar  was laid  on 28 January 2024 by Shri Santosh Jha,  High Commissioner of India   and  His Holiness Shortse Khensur Jangchup Choden Rinpoche  ,  Secretary General of  IBC (International Buddhist Conference) . The project  is fully sponsored by His Holiness Kyabje Ling Rinpoche , the Tibetan Buddhist spiritual leader  and  the seventh incarnation of  the Ling Rinpoche lineage  .

14 70% of jobs in India will be created in cities by 2030: World Bank

A recent report prepared by the World Bank  and  the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs   of  the Government of India has revealed that  70% of new jobs will be created in India’s urban areas by 2030 , but if   investments are not made on climate change adaptation  in time, floods  could cause losses of $5 billion every year. According to the report,  India’s urban population will reach 951 million by 2050. Due to increasing population and urbanization, the country’s cities will face two major shocks – floods and extreme heat – which can affect employment and economic growth. According to the report, if adaptation measures are not taken by 2070, floods could cause losses of up to $30 billion every year. Between 1983-1990 and 2010-2016, 10 major cities in India have recorded a 71% increase in dangerous heat conditions. The Urban Heat Island Effect also causes heat to increase at night, as concrete roads and buildings release heat at night.