Month: July 2025

India and the United Kingdom signed a landmark Free Trade Agreement (FTA) on July 24, marking a major milestone in bilateral economic relations. The agreement, finalized after more than three years of negotiations, is expected to significantly boost trade, investment, and cooperation between the two countries.   The pact was signed in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, with both leaders hailing the deal as a transformative step toward deepening strategic and economic ties.   The FTA is projected to double bilateral trade…

Shri Nitin Gupta, former Chairperson of the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), has officially assumed charge as the Chairperson of the National Financial Reporting Authority (NFRA). A 1986-batch Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer, Shri Gupta was appointed by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), with his appointment approved on July 17, 2025. He will serve a term of three years or until attaining the age of 65, whichever is earlier. Along with Shri Gupta, three full-time members also took charge at NFRA: Smt. Smita Jhingran Dr. P. Daniel Shri Sushil Kumar Jaiswal Shri Gupta brings with…

In a major boost to India’s maritime environmental protection capabilities, Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL)  launched ‘Samudra Prachet’, the second indigenous Pollution Control Vessel (PCV) designed and built for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG).   The launch ceremony was held at GSL’s shipyard in Vasco da Gama, Goa, with Smt Priya Paramesh as the ceremonial Chief Guest. The event was presided over by Director General Rakesh Pal, Director General of the Indian Coast Guard, in the presence of senior dignitaries from the Ministry of Defence, Coast Guard, and GSL.   ‘Samudra…

In a major medical breakthrough, scientists at Osmania University have developed a nano-based sensor that can detect life-threatening infections such as sepsis in under 30 minutes — a game-changer in the fight against rapid-onset diseases.   The innovative diagnostic tool, built using gold nanoparticles, works by detecting specific proteins associated with sepsis. Unlike traditional methods, which can take up to 48 hours for lab results, this sensor provides accurate detection in about half an hour — and at a cost of just ₹500 per test. Researchers report a detection accuracy…

The keel-laying ceremony of Yard 16401, the first of six Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels (NGOPVs) for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), was held at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL), Mumbai on July 22, 2025. The 117-meter-long vessel will have a range of 5,000 nautical miles, a crew capacity of 11 officers & 110 personnel, and a top speed of 23 knots. They will be equipped with advanced technologies such as AI-based predictive maintenance, Remote Piloted Drones, Integrated Bridge System (IBS), and Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS).   Chief Staff…

Indian researchers have identified a gene in pineapple that can provide a powerful, homegrown line of defence to the fruit against devastating fungal attacks. The pineapple (Ananas comosus L. Merr.) is the most economically significant fruit of the Bromeliaceae family that provides various health benefits alongside a delicious juicy flavour, resulting in a nutritious diet including all vital components.  One of the biggest threats to pineapple farming is a disease called Fusariosis, caused by the aggressive fungus Fusarium moniliforme. It warps the plant’s stem, blackens the leaves and rots the…