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The Saudagari block print, a traditional textile art form, has been officially granted a Geographical Indication (GI) tag. This craft is practised by artisans in Jamalpur, Ahmedabad, and has been preserved for nearly 300 years. The art involves intricate hand-carved wooden block prints on fabric using natural dyes, with designs deeply rooted in Gujarat’s cultural heritage. The recognition highlights Ahmedabad’s rich tradition in textile arts, with families like the Banglawalas playing key roles in keeping this craft alive and relevant in contemporary fashion.

The Registration of Births and Deaths (RBD) Act was enacted in 1969 to provide a uniform law for the compulsory registration of births and deaths across India. The Act lays out a clear framework, assigning responsibilities to national, state, district, and local-level registrars to ensure timely and accurate registration. It has since undergone amendments, including a significant one in 2023 that mandates digital registration through the Civil Registration System (CRS). The Act also stipulates a 21-day reporting window, penalties for delays, and provisions for Indian citizens residing abroad. The year 1969 marks the beginning of formal, centralized registration of vital events in India.

The Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024 aims to amend the Disaster Management Act, which was originally enacted in 2005. This act laid the foundation for disaster preparedness, response, and mitigation in India, including the establishment of key bodies like the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs). The amendments are designed to enhance disaster governance, improve risk assessment strategies, and strengthen regulatory powers, ensuring a more effective and resilient response to natural and man-made disasters.

Parag Jain, a senior IPS officer from the 1989 Punjab cadre, has been appointed as the new Chief of RAW, India’s external intelligence agency. His appointment follows the retirement of Ravi Sinha on June 30, 2025. Jain earned high-level recognition for his instrumental role in Operation Sindoor, a strategic counterterrorism operation launched in response to the Pahalgam terror attack. With over two decades of experience within RAW and a solid background in counterterrorism, cross-border intelligence, and international espionage networks, his leadership is seen as a move to further strengthen India’s external security and intelligence operations amid evolving regional threats.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) approved a $109.97 million loan to enhance the skills development infrastructure in Gujarat, India. This funding supports a large-scale initiative aimed at aligning technical and vocational education with industry demands across sectors such as IT, healthcare, renewable energy, and logistics. Partnering with Gujarat’s Labor Department and Kaushalya: The Skill University, the project will upgrade 11 Industrial Training Institutes and create Centers of Excellence. ADB's involvement brings global expertise and financial strength to help establish a replicable, future-ready model for workforce development, advancing India's goals under the National Education Policy and regional economic ambitions.

The current share of central tax revenues allocated to states is 41%. However, the Union government is considering reducing this share to at least 40% from the fiscal year 2026-27, aiming to address rising expenditure needs at the Centre. This proposal will be presented to the Finance Commission of India, and if approved, it could increase the Centre's revenue by approximately ₹350 billion. This move is part of the Centre's broader fiscal strategy amidst growing spending demands.

National Handloom Day 2025 is celebrated on August 7 to honour India’s weaving heritage and commemorate the launch of the Swadeshi Movement in 1905. This historic date marks the call for boycotting foreign textiles and promoting indigenous handloom products as a symbol of economic self-reliance and cultural pride. The 2025 theme, “Handlooms – Empowering Women, Empowering the Nation,” recognises the pivotal role of women, who make up over 70% of the sector’s workforce. The day also highlights the significance of sustainable, community-based textile production in preserving regional identities and fostering economic empowerment across rural India.

World No Tobacco Day is observed every year on May 31, as designated by the World Health Organization (WHO) and its Member States. It was established in 1987 to raise global awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco use and to advocate for effective policies to reduce tobacco consumption. In 1988, the WHO passed Resolution WHA42.19, formally calling for the annual observance of this day. The day serves to highlight the dangers of tobacco and promote actions to reduce its use. For 2025, the theme is ‘Bright products. Dark intentions. Unmasking the Appeal’.

Namibia is the first country where the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) entered into a technology agreement with the central bank to implement a UPI-like digital payments system. This move is part of a broader initiative to deepen economic ties between India and Namibia. In addition to digital payments, the two nations signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) in several other areas, including health, medicine, entrepreneurship development, and bilateral cooperation. Establishing a digital payments framework reflects growing global interest in India's fintech solutions and marks a milestone in strengthening Indo-African economic and technological partnerships.

In 2024, Japan's birth rate hit a record low for the ninth consecutive year. The country saw 720,988 births, a five per cent decline from the previous year's 758,631 births. This marks the lowest number of births since the Japanese government began tracking birth data in 1899. The decline in births in Japan is a significant demographic trend, reflecting challenges such as an ageing population and fewer young people starting families.

The 23rd Asia Regional Meeting of National Authorities of States Parties was hosted in New Delhi by the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) in collaboration with India’s National Authority of the Chemical Weapons Convention (NACWC). This gathering brought together representatives from Asian member states to enhance cooperation and compliance with the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), which came into effect in 1997. OPCW, awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2013, plays a critical role in global chemical weapons disarmament. Hosting the event in New Delhi highlights India's commitment to international peace and non-proliferation efforts.

Nepal’s long-standing ties with India’s education system, particularly during the Rana regime when many Nepalese elites pursued education in Indian cities. The first college in Nepal, Tri-Chandra College, was initially affiliated with Calcutta University and later Patna University. Despite efforts to make education more relevant to Nepal’s national needs, Indian universities remain a key destination for Nepalese students. These connections have shaped the country’s academic landscape and influenced its educational policies.

The first-ever river dolphin survey in India recorded a total of 6,327 dolphins across 28 rivers in eight states, with over 8,500 km surveyed. The survey, which involved 3,150 man-days, highlighted the importance of conservation efforts. Uttar Pradesh had the highest number of river dolphins, followed by Bihar, West Bengal, and Assam. The survey's findings are critical for promoting eco-tourism, conservation, and raising awareness about wildlife, as emphasized by the Prime Minister.

Banu Mushtaq was honored with the International Booker Prize for her Kannada short story collection Heart Lamp, translated into English by Deepa Bhasthi. This collection, originally titled Hridaya Deepa, consists of twelve compelling stories that showcase the richness of regional literature. Banu Mushtaq’s recognition is a milestone as she is the first Indian author writing in Kannada to receive this prestigious international literary award. Her win highlights the growing global appreciation for diverse linguistic and cultural narratives from India, and the crucial role of translators in bringing such stories to a wider audience.

MS Dhoni, the legendary former Indian captain, was among seven cricketers inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame in 2025, recognizing his exceptional contributions to the sport. Known for his calm leadership, explosive batting, and sharp wicketkeeping, Dhoni led India to multiple ICC titles, including the 2007 T20 World Cup, 2011 ODI World Cup, and 2013 Champions Trophy. He was honoured alongside cricketing greats like Matthew Hayden, Graeme Smith, Hashim Amla, Daniel Vettori, Sarah Taylor, and Sana Mir, cementing his legacy as one of cricket's all-time greats.

The Serbian government has denied claims that police used sonic weapons to control anti-government protests. Sonic weapons, including Long-Range Acoustic Devices (LRAD), are used for crowd control by emitting concentrated, amplified sound over long distances. These weapons can cause hearing damage and other health issues, with the LRAD producing sounds as high as 160 decibels. Serbia, located in Eastern Europe, has been at the centre of political controversies, particularly concerning its stance on Kosovo's independence, which it does not recognize.

Gujarat conducted its 16th lion population census and recorded 891 Asiatic lions spread across 11 districts. The announcement was made by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, highlighting the success of conservation efforts in the region. The extensive survey covered key areas such as Junagadh, Gir Somnath, Amreli, Bhavnagar, and several others, reaffirming Gujarat’s position as the only natural habitat for Asiatic lions in the world. This growing population underscores the effectiveness of the state's long-standing wildlife protection and monitoring programs, especially in the Gir Forest and surrounding landscapes.

Mizoram made history with the first-ever export of Anthurium flowers to Singapore. This export was a significant milestone for India’s floriculture sector, particularly for the North Eastern Region (NER). Facilitated by APEDA in collaboration with the Department of Horticulture, Government of Mizoram, the consignment of 1,024 cut flowers highlighted the state’s floriculture potential. The export not only boosts India’s agricultural exports but also provides economic benefits to local farmers, especially women. This achievement also underscores the growing role of Mizoram in the global floriculture market.

The 'Bodhi Yatra' was organized by the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department in collaboration with the Union Ministry of External Affairs under the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation (MGC) framework. The event aimed to highlight Uttar Pradesh's rich Buddhist heritage on the global stage, attracting 50 delegates from five ASEAN countries. This initiative reflects the state's efforts to boost cultural tourism and strengthen international ties through its historical and spiritual significance in Buddhism. Uttar Pradesh is home to key Buddhist sites like Sarnath and Kushinagar, making it a focal point for such heritage promotions.

Maharashtra has given its approval for the merger of Konkan Railway Corporation Limited (KRCL) with Indian Railways. This move addresses the financial difficulties faced by KRCL, including low revenue generation and increasing infrastructure costs, which had hindered further development and modernization efforts. With this decision, all the states served by the Konkan Railway—Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, and now Maharashtra—have supported the integration. The merger is expected to streamline operations, reduce administrative overheads, and enhance the efficiency of railway services along the Konkan coast, thereby benefiting both passengers and freight logistics in the region.