“What’s Up, India? From Parliament Clashes to Foreign Pitches”
Hey there, Reader!
Namaste! From the halls of Parliament to the monsoon-soaked fields, India is buzzing with activity. In this edition, we’ll unpack the key political debates, economic trends, diplomatic engagements, social developments, and what’s on the horizon for the world’s fastest-growing major economy.
🏛️ Politics & Governance
Monsoon Session Kicks Off (July 21): Parliament reconvenes amid high drama over the Pahalgam terror attack (“Operation Sindoor”), electoral roll revisions in Bihar, and a new tax amendment bill. The Opposition’s INDIA bloc, which held a virtual strategy meet on July 19, plans to spotlight law-and-order issues and challenge the government’s handling of justice delays.
Rajya Sabha Elections Underway: Between July and August, nine seats will be filled in the Upper House, with shifts expected in Tamil Nadu (DMK), Andhra Pradesh (BJP gains), and an inaugural seat for the newly floated Makkal Needhi Maiam party.
🌍 Foreign Affairs
PM Modi’s UK & Maldives Visit (July 23–26): Mr. Modi will meet UK PM Keir Starmer and King Charles III, aiming to finalize the long-awaited India–UK Free Trade Agreement and deepen collaboration in defense, technology, education, and people-to-people ties. He’ll then proceed to the Maldives to reinforce maritime security cooperation in the Indian Ocean.
US Trade Deal Talks in Washington: A high-level Indian delegation, led by Chief Negotiator Rajesh Agrawal, is negotiating a “first-phase” trade pact to avert looming US tariffs, part of Washington’s broader strategy to rebalance its trade relations.
💹 Economy & Markets
Inflation Hits Six-Year Low: Retail inflation dipped to its lowest in six years in June, driven by subdued demand in autos and real estate. Analysts now expect the RBI to cut rates again by September or October, after a 50 bp reduction in June.
Trade Surplus Widens: Exports to the US jumped 25.6 % in the first five months of 2025, while imports rose 8.2 %, swelling India’s surplus to $28.9 billion even as higher US tariffs loom.
Central Bank Climate Rules: The RBI is poised to mandate climate-risk disclosures for banks, aligning India with global efforts to push finance toward a low-carbon economy.
☔ Society & Environment
Above-Average Monsoon Forecast: After 9 % above-normal rains in June, July is expected to deliver above-average rainfall vital for agriculture but raising flood-alert levels in Kerala and Karnataka.
HPV Vaccination Drive in Ladakh: For the first time, adolescent girls in Ladakh will receive HPV shots as part of a broader push to curb cervical cancer in India’s Himalayan regions.
💡 Technology & Innovation
Startup Fundraising Dips, But Fin-Tech Shines: Q2 VC investments cooled compared to record highs in Q1, yet sectors like fintech and generative AI continue to attract marquee rounds. Keep an eye on neo-banks and AI-driven lending platforms. (Research sources: Various market reports)
Semiconductor Ambitions: India plans to invite global chipmakers to set up fabrication units under the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, part of its drive to reduce import dependence and boost high-tech manufacturing.
🎭 Culture & Sports
India vs. England Test Thriller at Lord’s: Despite a valiant effort, India fell short by 58 runs in the third Test, showcasing encouraging performances from young pacers and the middle order.
2036 Olympics Bid Update: Ahmedabad leads a multi-city plan to host events like aquatics, athletics, and shooting, bolstering India’s profile as a future global sports hub.
🔭 What’s Next?
Parliament: Watch for the fate of the tax amendment and debates on electoral reforms.
RBI Policy: July inflation data and Q2 GDP prints will shape the timing of the next rate cut.
Diplomacy: Outcomes of the UK visit may unlock stronger trade, defense, and tech ties.
Monsoon Monitoring: Stay alert for flood advisories and their impact on agriculture and rural livelihoods.
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