Daily current affairs for UPSC, SSC, BPSC, Railway and all competitive exams
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Topic-wise Current Affairs
july 2025 — 13 Categories
The Finance Ministry conducted a mid-year review of Union Budget 2025-26 in July 2025. Capital expenditure targets were on track at 45% utilised in the first quarter. Social sector spending (health, education, rural development) was performing well. GST revenue remained buoyant above ₹1.8 lakh crore per month, supporting fiscal consolidation targets.
Exam Tip: Union Budget: presented on February 1 (since 2017, changed from end-February by Arun Jaitley). Finance Minister presents it. Budget divisions: Revenue Budget (tax + non-tax revenue + revenue expenditure) and Capital Budget (capital receipts + capital expenditure). Fiscal deficit target: 4.5% of GDP (FY26).
Under PMAY-Urban 2.0 (launched September 2024), 10 lakh houses were completed in the first phase, with beneficiaries receiving homes under the Beneficiary-Led Construction (BLC) and Affordable Housing in Partnership (AHP) components. PMAY-Urban 2.0 targets 1 crore houses in urban areas with central assistance ranging from ₹1.5-2.5 lakh.
Exam Tip: PMAY-Urban 2.0: launched Sept 2024. Target: 1 crore houses in 5 years. 4 verticals: BLC (Beneficiary-Led Construction), AHP (Affordable Housing in Partnership), ARHC (Affordable Rental Housing), ISS (In-Situ Slum Redevelopment). Mission Housing for All by 2030.
Self-Help Groups (SHGs) under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihood Mission (DAY-NRLM) crossed 10 crore members. Each SHG typically has 10-15 women members who save collectively and access micro-credit. SHGs form the foundation of India's rural micro-finance sector and women's empowerment.
Exam Tip: DAY-NRLM (Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana - National Rural Livelihoods Mission): launched 2011. Previously SGSY. Ministry of Rural Development. 10+ crore SHG members. NULM: urban equivalent. SHG-Bank Linkage Programme: NABARD manages, world's largest microfinance programme.
BharatNet, the world's largest rural broadband project, reached major milestones in July 2025, connecting gram panchayats across the country with optical fibre. The project aims to connect all 2.5 lakh gram panchayats with broadband connectivity to enable digital delivery of government services, healthcare, and education.
Exam Tip: BharatNet: launched 2014, formerly National Optical Fibre Network (NOFN). Phase I: 1 lakh GPs; Phase II: remaining 1.5 lakh. Implemented by BSNL, RailTel, PGCIL. Ministry of Communications. Target: 100 Mbps speed to each GP. Connects with Common Service Centres (CSCs).
India celebrated the 26th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas on July 26, 2025. Operation Vijay (named the Kargil War) was fought between India and Pakistan from May to July 1999. Indian forces recaptured all Pakistani-occupied positions along the Line of Control in Kargil and Drass sectors. The war ended on July 26, 1999, with India's decisive victory. Over 500 Indian soldiers made the supreme sacrifice.
Exam Tip: Kargil War 1999: Pakistan-backed intrusions in Kargil-Drass, Ladakh. Indian response: Operation Vijay. Ended July 26, 1999. India recaptured all positions. Over 500 Indian soldiers martyred. Tiger Hill (Drass), Tololing: famous battles. Award: 4 Param Vir Chakra during Kargil — Captain Vikram Batra, Rifleman Sanjay Kumar, Grenadier Yogendra Singh Yadav, Lt Manoj Kumar Pandey.
Parliament's Monsoon Session began in July 2025 with a packed legislative agenda. Key bills on the agenda included amendments to the Waqf Act (passed 2024), data protection implementation rules, and amendments to the Right to Information Act. The Opposition raised issues about Operation Sindoor, bilateral relations with Pakistan, and economic policy.
Exam Tip: Parliament Monsoon Session: typically July-August. Three sessions annually: Budget (Jan-May), Monsoon (Jul-Aug), Winter (Nov-Dec). Important legislative work done in Monsoon Session. Rajya Sabha passes money bills in Monsoon Session along with other legislation.
The government notified the Rules under the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 in July 2025. The Act creates India's first comprehensive data protection framework, establishing duties of Data Fiduciaries (entities processing data), rights of Data Principals (individuals), and the Data Protection Board of India for adjudication.
Exam Tip: DPDP Act 2023: Digital Personal Data Protection Act. Key concepts: Data Principal (individual), Data Fiduciary (entity), Consent Manager, Data Protection Board. Based on: Justice BN Srikrishna Committee report (2018). GDPR (EU 2018) influenced India's framework. Children's data: enhanced protection.
The PM-DevINE scheme (PM-Development Initiative for North East India) achieved significant milestones in July 2025, funding connectivity, livelihoods, social development, and industry projects in the eight northeastern states (Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, Tripura). Total outlay: ₹6,600 crore for 2022-27.
Exam Tip: Northeast India: 8 states (ASIAN MAT: Arunachal, Sikkim, Assam, Nagaland, Manipur, Meghalaya, Tripura, Mizoram) + sometimes Darjeeling hills. DONER Ministry: Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region. PM-DevINE: ₹6,600 crore (2022-27). Act East Policy focuses on Northeast as bridge.
India-China relations showed cautious progress in July 2025, building on the October 2024 patrolling agreement on the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Diplomatic contacts between the foreign ministers and special representatives continued. Trade between India and China remained significant ($118 billion in FY24) despite security concerns.
Exam Tip: India-China LAC standoff: began 2020 (Galwan Valley clash, June 2020, 20 Indian soldiers, 4+ Chinese soldiers killed). October 2024: patrolling agreement at Depsang and Demchok. LAC (Line of Actual Control): de facto boundary. McMahon Line: 1914 India-Tibet boundary. India-China border: ~3,488 km.
Progress on the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), announced at the G20 New Delhi Summit in September 2023, continued with bilateral meetings and feasibility studies. IMEC aims to connect India via UAE, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Israel (Eastern Corridor) and onwards to Greece and Europe (Northern Corridor). It is seen as an alternative to China's BRI.
Exam Tip: IMEC: India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor. Announced G20 New Delhi Sept 2023. Two parts: Eastern Corridor (India-UAE-Saudi-Jordan-Israel), Northern Corridor (Jordan/Israel to Greece). Countries: India, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Israel, Italy, France, Germany, USA, EU. Alternative to China's BRI.
India-Russia strategic partnership continued with trade in rupee-ruble mechanism, defence supplies (S-400, remaining deliveries), fertiliser imports, and energy cooperation. India is Russia's second-largest oil customer after China, buying crude at discounted prices. India-Russia trade crossed $65 billion in FY24.
Exam Tip: India-Russia: Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership (2010). India-Russia trade: $65B+ FY24 (primarily energy, defence). Vostok (Eastern) Economic Forum: Russia's Far East engagement platform. India buys Russian crude (Urals oil) at a discount despite Western sanctions.
India-ASEAN relations deepened under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership framework (declared 2022). Key areas: maritime security, digital economy, sustainable development, and people-to-people connectivity. India-ASEAN trade reached $130 billion, below the $200 billion target. FTA review was in progress.
Exam Tip: India-ASEAN: Comprehensive Strategic Partnership since 2022 (upgraded from Strategic Partnership 2012). India-ASEAN FTA: goods 2010, services 2014, investment 2014 (all below potential). ASEAN-India Summit: annual. India participates in: EAS (East Asia Summit), ARF (ASEAN Regional Forum). Act East Policy anchor.
India's GDP growth for Q1 FY2025-26 (April-June 2025) was estimated at 6.7%, supported by strong government capital expenditure, rural demand recovery, and manufacturing growth under PLI schemes. Construction and infrastructure drove growth, while exports showed mixed results. The CSO (now MOSPI) releases advance GDP estimates quarterly.
Exam Tip: GDP growth India: Q1 FY26: 6.7%. GDP measured at constant prices (base year 2011-12) = Real GDP. GDP at current prices = Nominal GDP. MOSPI: Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation. NSO: National Statistical Office (under MOSPI). PFCE (Private Final Consumption Expenditure): largest GDP component.
First advance tax instalments for FY2025-26 (due June 15) showed strong collections, suggesting corporate profit growth. India's direct tax collection in FY24 was ₹19.58 lakh crore (budget estimate exceeded). The Union Budget 2025-26 targeted direct taxes at ₹22 lakh crore. Direct taxes (income tax + corporate tax) now exceed indirect taxes.
Exam Tip: Direct Tax: Income Tax + Corporate Tax + Capital Gains Tax + STT. Indirect Tax: GST + Customs + Excise. Advance Tax: paid in 4 installments (June 15: 15%, Sept 15: 45%, Dec 15: 75%, March 15: 100%). Self-Assessment Tax: filed by July 31 for individuals. CBDT: Central Board of Direct Taxes.
Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InvITs) and Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) expanded significantly in July 2025, with new listings and investors. InvITs allow retail investors to invest in infrastructure assets like highways and power lines, which generate stable toll/tariff revenues. SEBI regulates InvITs and REITs in India.
Exam Tip: InvIT: Infrastructure Investment Trust (highways, power, telecom). REIT: Real Estate Investment Trust (commercial real estate, malls). Both regulated by SEBI. InvITs: PowerGrid InvIT, India Grid Trust (IndiGrid), IRB InvIT. REITs: Embassy REIT, Mindspace REIT, Brookfield REIT. Dividend income from InvITs: partially tax-exempt.
The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) reported record UPI transaction volumes in July 2025, crossing 25 billion transactions per month with a monthly value exceeding ₹25 lakh crore. UPI is expanding globally: acceptance in Singapore, UAE, France, UK, USA (pilot), Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan. NPCI International manages global UPI expansion.
Exam Tip: NPCI: National Payments Corporation of India. Not-for-profit company under RBI. Products: UPI, RuPay, IMPS, NACH, BBPS, AePS, FASTag (National Electronic Toll Collection). UPI: 2016. NPCI International: takes NPCI products global. RuPay: used in UPI credit cards too.
The RBI Monetary Policy Framework, under the Inflation Targeting regime, came up for review. The flexible inflation target of 4% (±2%) was set under the MPC framework established in 2016. The government sets the target after consulting RBI for a 5-year period. Retail inflation (CPI) had moderated to below 4% by mid-2025, giving RBI room for rate cuts.
Exam Tip: RBI's Monetary Policy Framework: flexible inflation targeting (FIT). Target: 4% CPI (±2%). Set by Government after consulting RBI. 5-year review cycle. MPC (Monetary Policy Committee): 6 members (3 RBI + 3 government-appointed external). Decisions: simple majority, governor casting vote in tie.
The government clarified its stance on public sector bank privatisation in July 2025 — the privatisation of IDBI Bank (partially divested to LIC/FPIs) remained in process. Large PSBs (SBI, PNB, Bank of Baroda) would not be privatised. The 2021 Budget had announced privatisation of 2 PSBs, but progress remained limited due to political and operational considerations.
Exam Tip: India has 12 PSBs (after 2019 merger: SBI, PNB, Bank of Baroda, Canara, Union, Indian, IOB, Bank of Maharashtra, UCO, Bank of India, Central, Punjab & Sind). IDBI Bank: majority held by LIC. FPO: government selling stake in IDBI Bank to strategic investor via divestiture.
Several High Courts received new Chief Justices in July 2025, through the Collegium system. The collegium system, evolved through Supreme Court judgments (Second Judges case 1993, Third Judges case 1998), gives primacy to the CJI and senior judges in judicial appointments. The government has been seeking greater transparency and accountability in the process.
Exam Tip: Collegium System: Supreme Court-evolved mechanism for judicial appointments. Not in Constitution — evolved through SCAOR 1993 and Presidential Reference 1998. NJAC (National Judicial Appointments Commission): created by 99th Amendment, struck down in 2015 (4-1). CJI presides collegium of 5 senior judges.
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) announced results for Civil Services Examination 2024, with new officers joining the IAS, IPS, IFS, and other All India Services in July 2025 for foundation training. UPSC conducts 13 major exams including CSE, CDS, NDA, CAPF, and SCRA. Foundation training for IAS is at Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA), Mussoorie.
Exam Tip: UPSC: constituted under Article 315. Chairperson + members (up to 10). Civil Services Exam: Prelims (June) + Mains (Sept) + Interview (Jan-Feb). IAS training: LBSNAA, Mussoorie. IPS: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy (SVPNPA), Hyderabad. IFS: NAFL, Dehradun + Embassy training.
Several state assembly by-elections were conducted in July 2025 for vacant seats. The Election Commission of India (ECI) follows constitutional timelines for by-elections — must be held within 6 months of vacancy. By-election results affect state government stability and provide a bellwether for public sentiment.
Exam Tip: By-elections: held within 6 months of vacancy (unless remaining term < 1 year). Regulated by ECI under RPA 1951 (Representation of the People Act 1951). Constituency boundaries: Delimitation Commission. Currently frozen at 2001 Census boundaries until 2026 (when census-based delimitation happens).
The National Bravery Awards were presented to children aged below 18 years who displayed exceptional courage in saving lives or fighting antisocial elements. The awards are presented by the Bharat Scouts and Guides and the Indian Council for Child Welfare (ICCW). The children are honoured on Republic Day and given scholarships for education.
Exam Tip: National Bravery Awards: Indian Council for Child Welfare (ICCW). Bharat Award: highest (for extraordinary courage + social service). Sanjay Chopra Award: for bravery against violent opposition. Geeta Chopra Award: for girls. Republic Day parade: awardees participate. Up to age 16 (school-going children).
The Dadasaheb Phalke Award, India's highest film honour, was announced for an eminent personality from Hindi cinema. The award is given at the National Film Awards ceremony. Named after Dhundiraj Govind Phalke (Dadasaheb Phalke), who made India's first feature film — Raja Harishchandra (1913).
Exam Tip: Dadasaheb Phalke Award: highest film honour, given by Ministry of Information and Broadcasting since 1969. Annual National Film Awards. Recent recipients: Asha Parekh (2022), Waheeda Rehman (2023). India's first film: Raja Harishchandra (1913, silent, directed by Dadasaheb Phalke).
ISRO launched a communication satellite on GSLV Mk III (also called LVM3 — Launch Vehicle Mark 3) in July 2025. GSLV Mk III is India's heaviest launch vehicle with 10-tonne payload to LEO and 4-tonne to GTO. It uses a cryogenic upper stage (CE-20 engine). GSLV Mk III has launched multiple commercial missions including OneWeb satellites and Chandrayaan-3.
Exam Tip: GSLV Mk III (LVM3): heaviest Indian rocket. 4-tonne to GTO, 10-tonne to LEO. 3 stages: S200 (solid), L110 (liquid), CE-20 cryogenic. First flight: 2014 (suborbital). Operational from 2017. Launched: Chandrayaan-2, Chandrayaan-3, OneWeb satellites. GSLV: Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle.
The National Quantum Mission (NQM), approved in April 2023 with ₹6,003 crore budget for 2023-2031, achieved key milestones. Quantum computers with 50-1000 physical qubits, satellite-based quantum communication, quantum sensors, and quantum cryptography are the mission targets. C-DOT demonstrated Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) for secure communications.
Exam Tip: National Quantum Mission: ₹6,003 crore, 2023-31. 4 Technology Hubs: QCT (Computing), QCoS (Communication & Sensing), QMAC (Materials, Devices, Components), QMT (Metrology). Quantum supremacy: Google's Sycamore (2019, 53 qubits). India target: 50-1000 qubit computer by 2031.
The Tejas Mk2 (Medium Weight Fighter — MWF) programme made progress in July 2025, with detailed design review and testing of GE F414 engine integration. Tejas Mk2 is a heavier, more capable version than Tejas Mk1/1A, with active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, enhanced weapons load, and in-flight refuelling. Target: 108 jets for Indian Air Force.
Exam Tip: Tejas: HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Limited) indigenous fighter. Tejas Mk1: in service with IAF and Navy. Tejas Mk1A: 83 jets ordered, delivery started 2024. Tejas Mk2 (MWF): heavier, GE F414 engine, 2031 entry. AMCA: 5th generation fighter (under development). LCA: Light Combat Aircraft.
The IndiaAI Mission continued implementation with India's first AI computing infrastructure going online. NASSCOM and IITs partnered to develop India-specific AI datasets and models. India's open-source Bhashini project, using AI for language translation across 22 official languages, expanded to include voice-based services for rural India.
Exam Tip: Bhashini: India's AI-powered translation platform, 22 official languages. Launched 2022. Under Digital India. IndiaAI Mission: ₹10,372 crore. AI Supercomputer: Param AI (under NSM — National Supercomputing Mission). NASSCOM: IT industry body. NITI Aayog: AI for All (2021) national strategy.
On the 26th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas (July 26), India held commemorative events and a review of high-altitude warfare capabilities. Siachen Glacier, where India maintains troops at 20,000+ feet, was highlighted. India's high-altitude warfare training includes the High Altitude Warfare School (HAWS) at Gulmarg, Kashmir.
Exam Tip: Siachen Glacier: world's highest battlefield (6,700m). India controls since Operation Meghdoot (1984). India-Pakistan-China tripoint area. Saltoro Ridge: India's strategic position. HAWS (High Altitude Warfare School): Gulmarg, J&K. Mountain Strike Corps: specifically for China border.
DRDO conducted successful tests of multiple weapons systems in July 2025, including an extended-range variant of the Akash missile, a new anti-drone system, and directed energy weapons in trials phase. India aims for 70% indigenisation in defence by 2027, up from current ~60%. DRDO has 52 laboratories employing 30,000+ scientists.
Exam Tip: DRDO: Defence Research and Development Organisation. Under Ministry of Defence. 52 labs. Key systems: Agni missiles, Prithvi missiles, BrahMos (joint with Russia), Akash SAM, Tejas LCA, Arjun MBT. Director General: reports to Scientific Advisor to Defence Minister. Budget: ~₹25,000 crore annually.
India's Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) continued progress on creating Integrated Theatre Commands — merging Army, Navy, and Air Force assets under unified operational commanders. India plans 4-5 theatre commands: Maritime (south/west coast), Air Defence, Western Theatre (Pakistan border), and Northern Theatre (China border). Currently only the Andaman and Nicobar Command is a joint command.
Exam Tip: CDS: Chief of Defence Staff. Created Dec 2019 (Gen Bipin Rawat, first CDS, died Dec 2021). Current CDS: Gen Anil Chauhan. CDS is permanent chairman of COSC (Chiefs of Staff Committee). Theatre Commands: unified multi-service commands. Only existing: Andaman and Nicobar Command (A&NC), Strategic Forces Command (SFC).
The Southwest Monsoon 2025 showed uneven distribution — while some regions received excess rainfall, drought conditions prevailed in central Maharashtra and parts of Rajasthan. IMD (India Meteorological Department) issued updates on monsoon progress. El Nino/La Nina oscillations continue to influence Indian monsoon patterns.
Exam Tip: Indian Monsoon: June-September (SW monsoon). Onset Kerala: June 1. Withdrawal: Sept-Oct from NW. ITCZ (Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone): drives SW monsoon. El Nino (warm Pacific): weakens Indian monsoon. La Nina (cool Pacific): generally strengthens. IMD: Met dept, under Ministry of Earth Sciences.
Compensatory Afforestation Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) funds were utilised in July 2025 for plantation drives and restoration of degraded forests. India's forest cover is approximately 21.7% of geographic area (target: 33%). CAMPA receives funds from industries that divert forest land for projects.
Exam Tip: CAMPA (National): Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority. Collects NPV (Net Present Value of forest lost) + CA (Compensatory Afforestation) funds. India forest cover: 21.7% (FSI — Forest Survey of India biennial report). State CAMPA: implements at state level.
The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) in Chennai reported progress on biodiversity conservation and benefit sharing under the Biological Diversity Act 2002. India has 4 biodiversity hotspots: Western Ghats, Eastern Himalayas (part of Himalayas hotspot), Indo-Burma region, Sundaland (Nicobar Islands). Hotspots globally: 36, as defined by Conservation International.
Exam Tip: India's biodiversity hotspots: (1) Himalayas (incl. NE India), (2) Indo-Burma (NE states), (3) Western Ghats + Sri Lanka, (4) Sundaland (Nicobar). NBA: National Biodiversity Authority, Chennai. State Biodiversity Boards (SBBs). Biodiversity Management Committees at panchayat level. COP of CBD: Convention on Biological Diversity.
A new ICC World Test Championship (WTC) cycle 2025-27 began, with India, Australia, England, South Africa, and New Zealand as top contenders. India won the WTC 2021 title (beat New Zealand) and reached the final in 2023. The WTC final is held at Lord's Cricket Ground, London every 2 years.
Exam Tip: ICC World Test Championship: inaugural cycle 2019-21 (India lost final to NZ). 2021-23: Australia won (beat India). 2023-25: South Africa won. 2025-27: new cycle. WTC Final: Lord's. WTC table based on % points. ICC also runs: ODI World Cup (every 4 years), T20 World Cup (every 2 years).
Indian athletes participated in the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo 2025. Neeraj Chopra aimed for a medal in javelin throw, having won gold at Budapest WA Championships 2023. India's athletics has grown significantly with multiple athletes qualifying for the WA Championships across disciplines.
Exam Tip: World Athletics Championships: biennial (every 2 years, odd years). 2023: Budapest, Hungary. 2025: Tokyo, Japan. 2027: Seoul, South Korea. World Athletics: governing body (formerly IAAF). Neeraj Chopra: 2023 WA gold, 2024 Paris Olympics silver. India's WA medals: very few — Neeraj Chopra is a standout.
Indian chess players dominated the global rankings in July 2025, with D. Gukesh as World Champion, R. Praggnanandha in the top-5, Arjun Erigaisi in the top-5, and Vidit Gujrathi in the top-15. India's women's team with Koneru Humpy, Harika Dronavalli, and Vaishali Rameshbabu also excelled.
Exam Tip: D. Gukesh: World Chess Champion 2024 (youngest ever at 18, beat Ding Liren). India chess history: Viswanathan Anand was 5-time World Champion (2000-2013). AICF: All India Chess Federation. FIDE (Fédération Internationale des Échecs): global chess federation, Geneva. Magnus Carlsen (Norway): previous #1.
UNDP released the Human Development Report 2025. India's HDI (Human Development Index) rank has steadily improved, reaching the medium development category. HDI measures three dimensions: health (life expectancy), education (mean/expected years of schooling), and income (GNI per capita, PPP). India's HDI (2024 report): ~0.644, rank ~134.
Exam Tip: HDI: Human Development Index (UNDP). 3 dimensions: Life Expectancy Index, Education Index, Income Index (GNI per capita PPP). Scale: 0-1. Categories: Very High (>0.800), High (0.700-0.800), Medium (0.550-0.700), Low (<0.550). India: medium development (~0.644, rank ~134/193). Top HDI: Norway, Iceland, Switzerland.
The Ministry of Finance released a mid-year economic review in July 2025 (presented by the Chief Economic Adviser). The survey highlighted India's resilience despite global headwinds, improved fiscal health, and strong private sector investment. The CEA released the "India 2047: Amrit Kaal Vision" document outlining long-term economic priorities.
Exam Tip: Economic Survey: presented by Finance Ministry (Chief Economic Adviser) before Union Budget. Two volumes: Vol 1 (analysis) and Vol 2 (data tables). CEA: Chief Economic Adviser to Government of India. Amrit Kaal: 25-year vision (2022-2047, up to centenary of independence). India 2047 Vision.
Brazil, holding the BRICS 2025 Presidency, prepared for the annual BRICS Summit. BRICS expanded from 5 to 10 members with the addition of Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and UAE from January 2024. The expanded BRICS now represents about 36% of global GDP and 45% of the world's population. BRICS has NDB (New Development Bank) as its financial institution.
Exam Tip: BRICS: Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa. Expanded 2024: +Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, UAE. Original BRIC coined by Goldman Sachs economist Jim O'Neill (2001). NDB (New Development Bank): HQ Shanghai, President Dilma Rousseff. AAA rating from major agencies. BRICS currency discussion ongoing.
India announced plans for the Commonwealth Games 2026 (to be held in Glasgow, Scotland). India's participation follows its stellar performance in CWG 2022 (Birmingham) — India won 61 medals (22 gold, 16 silver, 23 bronze), ranking 4th. CWG 2026 will have a reduced format after Australia pulled out of hosting the 2026 games from the original Victoria plan.
Exam Tip: CWG (Commonwealth Games): quadrennial, 54-nation Commonwealth. India best CWG results: New Delhi 2010 (host, 101 medals), Birmingham 2022 (61 medals). CGF: Commonwealth Games Federation. India sports bodies: IOA (Indian Olympic Association) for Olympics, equivalent for CWG.
UNESCO World Heritage Committee met in July 2025 to consider new inscriptions. India's nominations were reviewed. India currently has 40 World Heritage Sites (32 cultural, 7 natural, 1 mixed — Khangchendzonga). Notable additions in recent years: Dholavira (2021, Harappan city), Hoysala Temples (2023). India is the 6th most UNESCO WHSs.
Exam Tip: India UNESCO World Heritage Sites: 40 total. Natural: Kaziranga, Manas, Keoladeo, Sundarbans, Western Ghats, Great Himalayan NP, Nanda Devi & Valley of Flowers, Khangchendzonga (also cultural = mixed). Cultural: 32 including Taj Mahal, Qutub Minar, Red Fort, Hampi, Ajanta, Ellora. Dholavira: Harappan site (2021).