The US has said that it will leave the United Nations' culture and education agency UNESCO, accusing it of supporting woke, divisive cultural and social causes.
UNESCO's Director General Audrey Azoulay described the decision as regrettable but anticipated.
The move is the latest step in the Trump administration's efforts to cut ties with international bodies, after removing the US from the World Health Organisation and Paris Climate Agreement, as well as cutting funding for foreign relief efforts.
UNESCO has 194 member states around the world, and is best known for listing world heritage sites. The US' decision will take effect from December 2026.
India Submits TEPA Ratification Document to Norway
India officially deposited the Instrument of Ratification of the Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) between India and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Norway, the depository entity of TEPA.
With this development, all five parties to the agreement have submitted their original instruments of ratification, setting the stage for the treaty to take effect within the next three months.
Industry Giant "UNIPACK Corrugated" Enters India's Packaging Market
UniPack Corrugated, a global leader in smart packaging engineering & automation solutions, announced its entry into India's fast growing packaging industry through the strategic acquisition of Congzhou Machinery the leading manufacturer of corrugated board equipment. This move establishes UniPack India as a dedicated entity serving the nation's Rs. 50,000 crore packaging sector with advanced technology and 360° comprehensive support.
Patrik Antoni New CEO of Ikea India as Susanne Pulverer Resigns
Ikea India, part of leading Swedish home furnishings retailer, announced the appointment of Patrik Antoni as its next CEO.
Antoni, whose appointment will be effective from August 2025, will also work as Country Retail Manager & Chief Sustainability Manager (CSO), Ikea India said.
He will replace incumbent Susanne Pulverer, current Country Retail Manager & CSO, who has decided to leave her role at Ikea.
She was associated with Ikea for 28 years and has spent over eight years in India in three stints.
Tata Communications Partners with AWS for AI-Ready Network Rollout in India
Tata Communications partnered with Amazon Web Services (AWS) to deploy an advanced, AI-ready long-distance network across India.
The project, which is likely to involve a capital investment of about Rs. 430 crore from Tata Communications, is expected to be completed by the end of FY26.
The collaboration will establish a new high-capacity, long-distance network to connect three AWS infrastructure locations to boost generative AI adoption and cloud innovation in India.
The 15th DGC Junior/Sub-Junior Golf Tournament 2025 Kickstarts in Delhi
The 15th Delhi Golf Club (DGC) Junior/Sub-Junior Golf Tournament 2025, started at the iconic Delhi Golf Club in New Delhi.
Over 180 golfers, aged between 6 and 22 years, are participating in this three-day, 18-holes-per-day tournament played on both the Lodhi and Peacock Courses.
A test of skill, focus, and grit, the tournament saw some of India's most promising young golfers in action.
Harmanpreet Kaur Becomes First Visiting Batter to Slam 3 ODI Centuries in England
Indian skipper Harmanpreet Kaur became the first visiting batter to score three Women's ODI centuries in England. She achieved this feat in her outing against England in the 3rd ODI at Riverside Ground.
Kaur smashed bowlers all over the Riverside Ground and completed 4000 ODI runs, becoming only the third Indian woman batter to slam 4000 runs behind Smriti Mandhana and legendary Mithali Raj.
Mamata Banerjee Launches New Programme, Allots Rs 10 Lakh A Booth
Ahead of elections in the state, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced a new government initiative -- 'Amader Para, Amader Samadhan' (Our locality, our solution).
Terming it the first of its kind in the country, Banerjee said that the new programme will look at resolving public grievances at the grassroot level - like a broken tap creating water supply issue, or broken road.
The programme, she said, will begin from August 2, and camps will be set up every three blocks.
The state government will sanction Rs. 10 lakh per booth and the project will cost Rs. 8,000 crore.
Indian Army Receives First Batch of Apache Helicopters from US
The Indian Army received the first batch of three AH-64E Apache attack helicopters from the United States, marking a significant enhancement to its combat capabilities. The helicopters were formally inducted, following their arrival at Hindon Air Force Station near Delhi.
The AH-64E Apache is among the world's most advanced multi-role attack helicopters, manufactured by Boeing. Equipped with advanced targeting, navigation, and communications systems, it carries a 30mm chain gun, Hellfire missiles, rocket pods, and Longbow radar, enabling precision strikes in day, night, and adverse weather conditions.
National Broadcasting Day, observed on July 23 every year, commemorates the start of organised radio broadcasting in India with the formation of the Indian Broadcasting Company (IBC) in 1927. It celebrates the role of All India Radio (AIR) in shaping public communication, education, and national integration over nearly a century. From Akashvani to modern digital broadcasting, India's radio journey has seen transformative milestones.
Meri Panchayat App Wins WSIS Champion Award 2025 for Digital Governance
India's Meri Panchayat mobile application earned global recognition by winning the WSIS Prizes 2025 Champion Award under the category Cultural Diversity and Identity, Linguistic Diversity, and Local Content. Developed by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj in collaboration with the National Informatics Centre (NIC), the app is a vital step in strengthening grassroots governance and digital participation in rural India. The award was conferred at the WSIS+20 High-Level Event 2025 in Geneva, Switzerland, organised by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
The World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) is a global platform launched to promote inclusive and people-centered information societies. The 2025 event marked 20 years since WSIS's inception and aimed to review digital progress. The Meri Panchayat App was chosen as a Champion Project among global digital innovations that support inclusivity and local empowerment.
Astro Parduman Honoured with National Creator Award 2025 for Excellence in Astrology, Numerology & Occult Sciences
In a landmark achievement for India's performing arts, mentalist Suhani Shah from Rajasthan became the first Indian to win the 'Best Magic Creator 2025' award at the Fédération Internationale des Sociétés Magiques (FISM)—popularly known as the Oscars for Magicians. The award was presented at the prestigious FISM World Championship held in Torino, Italy, recognising her excellence in the online category of magic.
The FISM World Championship of Magic is an international competition organized every three years by the Fédération Internationale des Sociétés Magiques. Founded in 1948, FISM is considered the highest global platform for magicians, showcasing the best talents across multiple categories such as stage magic, close-up magic, and online magic.
Astro Parduman Honoured with National Creator Award 2025 for Excellence in Astrology, Numerology & Occult Sciences
Renowned Indian astrologer and spiritual mentor Astro Parduman was conferred the National Creator Award 2025 at the prestigious Creators Lens Summit, held in Chandigarh. The award recognises his outstanding contributions in the fields of Astrology, Numerology, and Occult Sciences, as well as his deep impact on global audiences through spiritual content creation.
The award was presented in a special ceremony graced by former Union Sports Minister and MP Anurag Thakur, Speaker of the Punjab Legislative Assembly Kultar Singh Sandhwan, and Cabinet Minister Sanjeev Arora.
The Government of Puducherry launched a One-Time Regularisation Scheme (OTRS) in 2025 to address the issue of unauthorised constructions and building plan violations. Aimed at providing legal relief and ensuring urban planning compliance, the scheme applies to buildings constructed between May 1, 1987 and July 16, 2025.
Over the years, many constructions in Puducherry have been built without proper approvals or have deviated from sanctioned plans. This led to complications in accessing utilities like electricity, water, sewage, and difficulties in property registration. To resolve these issues and reduce the administrative burden, the government introduced the OTRS.
The primary aim of the scheme is to regularise existing unpermitted or deviated structures, ensure adherence to planning norms, and prevent actions like demolition, sealing, or denial of public utilities. It is also intended to bring transparency through a digital application process.
India Launches Its First Blood Donation App 'Raktsetu'
In a step toward merging digital innovation with humanitarian service, India launched its first dedicated blood donation app, 'Raktsetu,' during a record-setting blood donation drive -- Raktdan Utsav 2025 -- held at Maharaja Agrasen Bhawan, Hisar.
The event was inaugurated by Astro Parduman, a globally respected spiritual leader, astrologer, and healer, whose presence elevated the camp into a spiritual mission.
The app's development and the drive were spearheaded by Ek Kadam Zindagi ki Aur NGO led by founders Manoj Khandelwal and Rakesh Khandelwal, supported by delegate members Vishal and Manmohan Singhla.
Now live on Android, Raktsetu connects donors, hospitals, NGOs, and patients in real time, streamlining emergency responses with digital registration, live donor tracking, and automated alerts.
Professor Akhilesh Mishra Takes Charge as NIOS Chairman
Professor Akhilesh Mishra assumed charge as the Chairman of the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS).
The National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS), formerly National Open School is a national level board of education in India, controlled and managed by the Government of India. It was established by the Ministry of Education (erstwhile Ministry of Human Resource Development) of the Government of India in 1989.
IIT-Indore Launches 2 New Schools Focused on Sustainability and Biomedical Engineering
The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Indore has announced the launch of two new academic schools in partnership with the Bhupat and Jyoti Mehta Family Foundation (MFF).
The two new schools being launched are: Mehta Family School of Sustainability and the Mehta Family School of Biosciences and Biomedical Engineering.
Two major programmes that will be introduced at the undergraduate level include a BTech programmes focusing on medical devices, clinical data analytics, and artificial intelligence (AI) for healthcare applications.
Replica of Ashoka Pillar Unveiled in Waskaduwa, Sri Lanka
A replica of the Ashoka Pillar was unveiled at the Waskaduwa Sri Subhuthi Viharaya, a renowned Buddhist temple in Kalutara district, Sri Lanka. The initiative is a significant symbol of India-Sri Lanka spiritual and cultural diplomacy, acknowledging the contributions of Emperor Ashoka to Sri Lankan Buddhism. This development also reflects India's sustained efforts to promote Buddhist heritage and cultural ties across the region.
The foundation stone for the Ashoka Pillar replica was laid in January 2024 by Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha and IBC Secretary General Venerable Shartse Khensur Jangchup Choeden Rinpoche.
Jharkhand became the first Indian state to introduce mining tourism, blending its industrial legacy with a unique travel experience. Chief Minister Hemant Soren announced the launch of this pioneering project, developed in collaboration with Coal India subsidiary Central Coalfields Limited (CCL).
This initiative marks a significant shift in how Jharkhand plans to showcase its mineral-rich identity.
Through this innovative project, Jharkhand aims to bring its tourism offerings to new heights while simultaneously encouraging sustainable tourism, conserving its cultural heritage and boosting economic growth in the state.
Central Government Notifies Appointment of 7 New Rajasthan High Court Judges
The Central government notified the appointment of six lawyers and a judicial officer as judges of the Rajasthan High Court.
Advocate Sandeep Taneja was appointed as a permanent judge. Advocates Baljinder Singh Sandhu, Bipin Gupta, Sanjeet Purohit, Ravi Chirania and Anuroop Singhi were appointed as additional judges.
Judicial officer Sangeeta Sharma was also made an additional judge.
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