Month: July 2025

EU Sanctions Russia-backed Gujarat refinery, India Criticises the Action

EU Sanctions Russia-backed Gujarat refinery, India Criticises the Action

On Friday, July 18, 2025, the European Union (EU) announced fresh sanctions. These sanctions include the Gujarat refinery owned by Nayara Energy Ltd. This is an action targeting Russia’s energy sector.  This comes at a time when the US is also debating further sanctions on purchasers of Russian crude oil. India, China and Brazil could face penalties in such a situation. Oil Price Cap Tightens The new EU sanctions also include a lowering of the oil price cap. This specifies the highest price countries can pay for Russian oil. This is while using shipping and insurance from the advanced economies…
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Operation Sindoor aftermath: Rahim Yar Khan Airbase Still Shut, Airspace Ban on India Extended

Operation Sindoor aftermath: Rahim Yar Khan Airbase Still Shut, Airspace Ban on India Extended

Over two months ago, India hit Pakistan’s Rahim Yar Khan airbase. It was a part of the airstrikes under Operation Sindoor. Launched as a counter terrorism operation, it escalated to military engagement with Pakistan when the neighbour escalated the situation. Even now, the Rahim Yar Khan airbase, which was hit by Indian missiles, remains inoperational. NOTAM Reveals Deep Damage The Pakistan Airport Authority has issued another Notice to Airmen (NOTAM). They confirm that the sole runway will stay closed until 5 August. The airbase is located approximately 230 km south of Bahawalpur holding strategic importance due to its proximity to…
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Pakistan Denies Link with LeT after US Announces TRF as Foreign Terrorist Organisation

Pakistan Denies Link with LeT after US Announces TRF as Foreign Terrorist Organisation

In a statement on Friday, July 18, Islamabad condemned “all forms and manifestations” of terrorism. It claimed it has dismantled terror groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba. It further said that there is no concrete proof of LeT being linked to Operation Sindoor. Decreasing the significance of terror outfits that work against India, it highlighted the Pakistan government’s issue. The statement called for action against separatist groups like the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA). These groups have been working against the Pakistan government for years. The statement comes a day after the US designated The Resistance Front (TRF). TRF is a proxy of the…
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First indigenous Diving Support Vessel – INS Nistar – Commissioned into the Indian Navy

First indigenous Diving Support Vessel – INS Nistar – Commissioned into the Indian Navy

India’s first indigenously built Diving Support Vessel, Nistar was commissioned on Friday, July 18, 2025. Hindustan Shipyard Limited built INS Nistar as the first of two diving support vessels. This marks a major maritime achievement for India. Also read: PM to dedicate three frontline naval combatants INS Surat, INS Nilgiri and INS Vaghsheer to the nation at the Naval Dockyard, Mumbai A Legacy Reborn Originally built on March 29, 1971, Nistar played a crucial role during the Indo-Pak war of 1971. It helped in identifying Pakistan’s sunken submarine PNS Gazi outside Visakhapatnam harbour. This marks the rebirth of INS Nistar.…
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Pratibha Setu: UPSC’s New Initiative Connects Non-Recommended Candidates with Job Opportunities in Public and Private Sectors

Pratibha Setu: UPSC’s New Initiative Connects Non-Recommended Candidates with Job Opportunities in Public and Private Sectors

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has launched an initiative called Pratibha Setu. The portal aims to bridge the gap between qualified but non-recommended candidates of various UPSC examinations. It connects these candidates with potential employers in the private and public sectors. In 2018, UPSC launched the Public Disclosure Scheme (PDS), which has now been expanded as Pratibha Setu. This initiative aims to provide employment opportunities. It targets talented young people in government organisations and Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs). But there aren’t many placement offers in the few PSUs and the government sector. To expand this scheme, the commission began…
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Prithvi-II and Agni-I Ballistic Missiles Successfully Tested off Odisha

Prithvi-II and Agni-I Ballistic Missiles Successfully Tested off Odisha

The Ministry of Defence confirmed on Thursday, July 17, 2025, that short-range ballistic missiles, Prithvi-II and Agni-I, were successfully test-fired. The tests took place at the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur, Odisha. These tests were conducted under the aegis of the Strategic Forces Command. The launches validated all operational and technical parameters. Prithvi-II Prithvi-II is a surface-to-surface short-range ballistic missile. It is developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) under India's Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme. The Prithvi-II missile has a range of around 350 km. It is capable of carrying a payload of up to 500 kgs.…
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US recognises The Resistance Front, Offshoot of LeT, as a Terrorist Organisation

US recognises The Resistance Front, Offshoot of LeT, as a Terrorist Organisation

The US has designated The Resistance Front (TRF) as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation (FTO). TRF initially claimed responsibility for the 22nd April Pahalgam attacks, which had claimed 26 lives. This US step against the offshoot of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) comes as a diplomatic win for India. India has been pushing for a no tolerance policy against terror. On Thursday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio made a statement. He described the group as a “front and proxy” for Lashkar-e-Taiba. LeT has already been designated a terrorist organisation by both Washington and the United Nations (UN). Also read: Modi and Trump Discuss…
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Countries Facing Population Decline: Solutions and Challenges

Countries Facing Population Decline: Solutions and Challenges

India is the most populous country in the world - with a population of more than 140 crore. But there are nations which are facing opposite circumstances - declining populations. In response, governments in these countries are providing incentives to people to have more children. These are the countries in which high ambitions and busy lives have left no space for parenthood. But an old population, with little youth to support it, will bring an economic crisis to these nations. Some even risk vanishing from the global landscape. Some such countries include South Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Mauritius, Spain,…
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Israel Strikes Syria; Targets Defense Ministry and Military HQ

Israel Strikes Syria; Targets Defense Ministry and Military HQ

The Israeli military struck the Syrian defence ministry in Damascus twice on Wednesday, July 16. Israel is trying to intervene in the clashes between the Syrian army and Druze fighters in southern Syria. The strikes collapsed four floors of the defence ministry, killed one person and injured 18. This is the third day in a row that Israel has conducted air strikes on Syria and the first time it has targeted Damascus since May. https://videopress.com/v/HhgxeoO4?resizeToParent=true&cover=true&preloadContent=metadata&useAverageColor=true Why does Israel Care? The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) confirmed it is conducting ongoing strikes in the area. These actions are carried out “in accordance…
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Nitish Kumar’s Major Pre-Poll Promise: Free Electricity for Bihar

Nitish Kumar’s Major Pre-Poll Promise: Free Electricity for Bihar

The Bihar government has taken a major step before elections. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has announced a new initiative. The government will provide free electricity up to 125 units to the general public.  Relief to 1.67 Crore Families The decision will bring relief to the general public and has been welcomed by them. It will come into effect on August 1, 2025. In a post on X, the CM himself shared the good news. "We have been providing electricity to everyone at cheap rates since the beginning. Now all domestic consumers of the state will not have to pay any…
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