KARNATAKA

• Apsarakonda–Mugali is set to become Karnataka’s first marine wildlife sanctuary, covering around 838 ha of land and up to 5,960 ha of marine area along an 8.2 km Honnavar-Kasarkod coastline. It aims to protect 11 IUCN-threatened species including Olive-Ridley turtles, rays, seahorses, and coral reefs, with vital nesting zones and biodiversity near Netrani Island. The sanctuary includes ecologically rich laterite plateaus and 5,400 ha of mangroves. Proposed in 2020, it was approved by the Wildlife Board but awaits cabinet clearance. Sanctuary status is expected to curb environmentally harmful laterite mining and promote long-term coastal conservation.

SCHEMES

• On 23 June 2025, Tripura was officially declared a fully literate state under the ULLAS Scheme, becoming the third Indian state after Mizoram and Goa to achieve this feat. ULLAS, a Centrally Sponsored Scheme aligned with NEP 2020, focuses on foundational literacy for adults aged 15+, critical life skills, and digital literacy. Through massive community participation, mobile app-based learning, and strong state support, Tripura surpassed the 95% benchmark, setting a national model for inclusive adult education.
• On 24th June 2025, the Government of India launched NAVYA (Nurturing Aspirations through Vocational Training for Young Adolescent Girls) in Sonbhadra, Uttar Pradesh, under the Viksit Bharat@2047 vision. Aimed at skilling girls aged 16–18 years (Class 10 pass) in non-traditional sectors, NAVYA seeks to reduce gender disparity in the workforce and foster women-led development. Implemented across 27 districts in 19 states, the initiative is a joint effort of the Ministry of Women and Child Development and the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, drawing support from schemes like PMKVY and PM Vishwakarma to promote inclusive and convergent skill-building.

ECONOMY

• The Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has announced India’s first comprehensive Household Income Survey, scheduled for 2026, to be conducted by the National Sample Survey (NSS). This historic effort aims to fill a critical data gap, as NSS has traditionally focused on consumer expenditure rather than income. The survey will provide detailed insights into income levels, sources, and distribution, supporting targeted welfare policies and better understanding of economic inequality. Previous attempts since the 1950s faced methodological limitations and were discontinued. The 2026 survey forms part of NSS’s broader initiative to strengthen data on unincorporated sectors and macroeconomic trends.

INTERNATIONAL

• Iran’s parliament has proposed closing the Strait of Hormuz following U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites, though the final decision rests with its Supreme National Security Council. This comes amid rising Iran-Israel tensions, threatening global energy security. The Strait, a vital oil chokepoint, handles ~20% of global oil and LNG transit, especially from the Gulf to markets like India. Governed by UNCLOS, it guarantees freedom of navigation. India, importing over 85% of its crude, would face supply shocks, increased fuel prices, higher CAD, and inflation if the Strait is blocked, impacting transport, manufacturing, and power sectors significantly.

MISCELLANEOUS

• The new International Olympic Committee president, Kirsty Coventry, pledged to strengthen and extend the reach of the Games, as Zimbabwe’s Olympic swimming champion took over from Thomas Bach in a ceremony . Coventry became the first woman and the first African to be elected head of the Olympic ruling body in March.
• Dhinidhi Desinghu and Shoan Ganguly claimed top honors at the National Aquatics Championships in Bhubaneswar, setting ‘India best’ times. Dhinidhi, 15, improved her meet record in the women’s 200m freestyle with a time of 2:02.97, just shy of World championships qualifying mark. She overcame a disappointing previous day to surge ahead after the first 50m. Shoan, trained under his father, clocked 2:04.34 to win the men’s 200m medley, bettering his earlier performance. Karnataka also set a meet record in the 4x100m mixed freestyle relay, while Tamil Nadu made a mark in the medley relay, showcasing the rising talent across states.
• Indians bagged seven medals, including three gold, to finish on top of the standings at the Seychelles National Day boxing tournament at Mahe. India also clinched three silver and one bronze, finishing one medal ahead of Mauritius in the overall tally.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the 47th Annual General Meeting of the PMML Society at Teen Murti Bhawan, New Delhi. He emphasized the importance of museums in experiencing history and proposed a “Museum Map of India” to unify cultural efforts. He suggested developing a national museum database, organizing capacity-building workshops, and forming a youth committee for fresh ideas. The PM highlighted the creation of Prime Minister museums, including that of Jawaharlal Nehru, and urged engaging influencers and embassies to promote heritage. He also proposed preserving legal documents related to the Emergency’s 50th anniversary and planted a Kapur tree symbolizing growth and sustainability.