🌐 1) UPI Becomes World’s First Real-Time Payment System in Volume
India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has made history by becoming the world's largest real-time payment system by volume, overtaking global counterparts like Visa and Mastercard in peer-to-peer and merchant transactions. Developed by NPCI (National Payments Corporation of India), UPI processed over 14 billion transactions in June 2025 alone, a record figure. Its interoperability, zero-cost model, and integration with platforms like WhatsApp, Google Pay, and PhonePe have driven massive domestic and international adoption. UPI is now live in countries like France, UAE, Sri Lanka, Singapore, and Nepal — making India a global fintech leader. 🇮🇳📱
🏙️ 2) Delhi Ranked World’s Most Affordable Student City – QS 2025
In a major boost to India’s education hub status, Delhi has been named the World’s Most Affordable Student City in the QS Best Student Cities Ranking 2025. The ranking evaluates cities based on affordability, desirability, employer activity, student mix, and academic excellence. Delhi offers access to prestigious institutions like DU, JNU, and IIT-Delhi, affordable housing, public transport (like Metro), and cultural vibrancy. It has surpassed traditional education giants like Berlin, Kuala Lumpur, and Mexico City in the affordability category. 🏫📚
🚨 3) Operation Fire Trail: Chinese Crackers Seized at Nhava Sheva Port
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), under Operation Fire Trail, has seized a massive consignment of illegal Chinese firecrackers at Nhava Sheva Port (JNPT) in Maharashtra. The imported goods were falsely declared as machinery parts to evade customs duty and flout India’s ban on hazardous and non-compliant firecrackers. The crackdown is part of India's broader push to curb illegal imports, safeguard domestic manufacturing, and protect the environment during festive seasons like Diwali. 🔥🧨
⚙️ 4) ADETEI Scheme Launched for MSME Energy Efficiency
The Union Government has launched the ADETEI Scheme (Adoption and Deployment of Energy Efficient Technologies by MSMEs) to promote green transformation in the manufacturing sector. This initiative will provide financial and technical support to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to upgrade to low-carbon, energy-efficient technologies. The scheme aims to reduce India's industrial carbon footprint and support sustainable economic growth. It aligns with India's Net Zero by 2070 commitment and builds upon earlier efforts like the ZED Certification Scheme. 🌱⚙️
🏅 5) President Confers Kalinga Ratna Award on Shri Dharmendra Pradhan
Hon’ble President of India conferred the prestigious Kalinga Ratna Award to Union Minister Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, recognizing his significant contributions to education, language preservation, and public service. Originating from Odisha, the award honours individuals who have made a lasting impact on Odisha’s socio-cultural and intellectual heritage. Pradhan, currently the Union Education Minister, has led the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, and championed Odisha’s cultural and linguistic identity nationally. 🏛️🎖️
🛰️ 6) SpaceX Falcon 9 Launches Israel’s Most Advanced Satellite – Dror-1
In a major technological milestone, SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket successfully launched Israel’s Dror-1, its most advanced communications satellite to date. Developed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), Dror-1 will enhance telecommunication, broadcasting, and defense communication capabilities for the next 15 years. The satellite’s advanced design reflects Israel’s growing space ambitions, and its partnership with SpaceX underscores the latter’s dominance in global commercial launches. 🚀🇮🇱
🧑💼 7) R. Doraiswamy Appointed MD & CEO of LIC
Veteran insurance executive R. Doraiswamy has taken charge as the Managing Director and CEO of Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC), the country’s largest life insurer. With over 40 years of experience in the insurance industry, he succeeds Siddhartha Mohanty at a time when LIC is undergoing major transformation post its 2022 IPO listing on stock exchanges. Doraiswamy’s leadership is expected to focus on digital transformation, customer expansion, and global partnerships, as LIC competes with private insurers in a liberalizing market. 💼
