1. NISAR Satellite Launch by ISRO
Subject: Defense/Science & Technology
- The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) satellite from Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, using a GSLV Mk-II rocket on July 30, 2025.
- NISAR is the first dual-frequency Earth observation satellite, utilizing L-band and S-band radar to monitor natural disasters, climate change, and resource management.
- Positioned in a polar Sun-synchronous orbit at 747 km with a 98.4° inclination, it provides high-resolution data for global environmental monitoring.
- The mission, a collaboration between ISRO and NASA since 2014, enhances India’s space diplomacy and scientific capabilities.
- NISAR will map Earth’s surface every 12 days, aiding in disaster preparedness and agricultural planning.
- The launch underscores India’s growing role in global space research and aligns with the “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” initiative for indigenous technology.
2. Tamil Nadu’s Textile Sector Boosted by PM MITRA Park
Subject: Economy/Tamil Nadu
- The Union Government approved a ₹1,894 crore development plan for the PM MITRA Park in Virudhunagar, Tamil Nadu, to strengthen the textile industry.
- The park aims to establish Tamil Nadu as a global textile hub, integrating spinning, weaving, dyeing, and garment manufacturing facilities.
- It is projected to create over 2 lakh direct and indirect jobs, enhancing employment in the state’s MSME-dominated textile sector.
- The initiative includes eco-friendly measures like water recycling to ensure sustainable operations.
- Tamil Nadu’s textile exports, valued at $34.4 billion in 2023–24, are expected to grow significantly with this infrastructure.
- The project supports Tamil Nadu’s vision of achieving a $1 trillion economy by 2030.
- It aligns with national schemes like the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) for textiles, boosting India’s global competitiveness.
3. DRDO’s Pralay Missile Tests Enhance Strategic Capabilities
Subject: Defense
- The DRDO conducted successful flight tests of the Pralay quasi-ballistic missile on July 30, 2025, off Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Island, Odisha.
- Pralay, a surface-to-surface missile with a 150–400 km range, is designed for precision strikes with advanced guidance systems.
- The tests validated its performance across minimum and maximum ranges, paving the way for induction into the Indian Army.
- The missile strengthens India’s non-nuclear deterrence, offering rapid, accurate strikes against strategic targets.
- Developed indigenously, Pralay supports the “Make in India” initiative, reducing reliance on foreign defense technology.
- The tests enhance India’s tactical capabilities amid regional security challenges along its borders.
4. IMF Revises India’s Growth Forecast Upward
Subject: Economy
- The International Monetary Fund (IMF) revised India’s growth forecast to 6.4% for FY2025–26 and FY2026–27 in its July 2025 World Economic Outlook Update.
- India remains the world’s fastest-growing major economy, driven by robust public investment, digital infrastructure, and consumer demand.
- Structural reforms, including labor market flexibility and trade policy enhancements, are key growth enablers.
- Challenges include addressing skill shortages and reducing import dependency to bolster manufacturing.
- Green energy initiatives, such as solar and wind projects, are highlighted as significant economic drivers.
- The forecast underscores India’s fiscal consolidation efforts, stabilizing debt-to-GDP ratios and boosting investor confidence.
- India’s economic resilience strengthens its role in global economic stability amidst geopolitical uncertainties.
5. India Elected Vice-Chair of IPEF Supply Chain Council
Subject: International Relations
- India was elected Vice-Chair of the Supply Chain Council under the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) on July 30, 2025.
- The IPEF, comprising 14 nations, aims to enhance supply chain resilience for critical goods like semiconductors and pharmaceuticals.
- India’s role involves coordinating efforts to mitigate disruptions and ensure economic stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
- The election reflects India’s growing influence in global trade and economic diplomacy.
- It aligns with India’s “Act East” policy, reducing dependency on single-country supply chains, particularly China.
- The council’s initiatives support India’s strategic interests in securing critical minerals and technology.
- This development strengthens India’s position in Indo-Pacific frameworks like the Quad, enhancing regional stability.
