RBI Holds Rates Steady as India-Philippines Partnership Elevates Regional Security Focus
"₹32,554 Crore Investment Boost as India Expands Indo-Pacific Strategic Footprint"
Dear Readers,
Welcome to Today’s India, your quick snapshot of the day’s top stories: RBI holds rates steady as India and the Philippines deepen security ties; Uttarkashi battles flash floods; Tamil Nadu lands ₹32,554 crore in new investments; and Pariksha Pe Charcha sets a Guinness World Record. Dive in for the highlights shaping our nation’s path forward.
RBI Maintains Repo Rate at 5.5%
The Reserve Bank of India's Monetary Policy Committee kept the repo rate unchanged at 5.5% in its August meeting, maintaining a neutral stance after previous rate cuts totaling 100 basis points this year. Governor Sanjay Malhotra indicated that while the current inflation forecast provides headroom for future rate cuts, the central bank will adopt a wait-and-watch approach amid global trade uncertainties.
India-Philippines Strategic Partnership
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. elevated bilateral ties to a strategic partnership during talks in New Delhi. The agreement focuses on enhanced defense cooperation, maritime security, and trade, with both nations conducting their first joint naval exercise in the South China Sea. Key agreements include defense dialogue mechanisms and cooperation in digital technologies.
President's Rule Extended in Manipur
Parliament has approved the extension of President's Rule in Manipur for another six months, effective from August 13, 2025. The decision comes amid ongoing ethnic violence and political instability that have plagued the state for nearly two years. The conflict between the Meitei community and the Kuki-Zomi tribes continues to affect peace in the region.
Science & Technology
Dhruva Space Commercial Satellite Mission
Hyderabad-based Dhruva Space is set to launch its first commercial satellite mission, LEAP-1, aboard SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket in Q3 2025. The mission will carry payloads from Australian companies using Dhruva's indigenously developed P-30 satellite platform, marking a significant milestone in Indo-Australian space collaboration.
NITI Aayog Launches Electric Mobility Index
NITI Aayog unveiled the India Electric Mobility Index (IEMI) 2025, a first-of-its-kind benchmarking tool to evaluate states' progress in electric vehicle adoption. The index assesses all states and union territories across 16 indicators covering transport electrification, charging infrastructure, and EV research ecosystem. The initiative supports India's goal of achieving 30% EV sales by 2030.
Business & Investment
Tamil Nadu Secures Major Investments
Tamil Nadu signed 41 MoUs worth ₹32,554 crore during the TN Rising Investors Conclave in Thoothukudi, expected to create nearly 50,000 jobs. Key investments include the Sakshi Group's ₹5,000 crore ammunition and propellants unit, RGE's ₹4,953 crore man-made fiber facility, and JSW's ₹5,225 crore renewable energy project. The state also announced plans for a 250-acre space park in Thoothukudi.
The TN Rising Conclave in Thoothukudi highlights the government's strategy to decentralize industrial growth beyond metropolitan centers. The focus on port-led logistics, renewable energy, and electronics manufacturing positions southern Tamil Nadu as a key industrial hub. The inauguration of VinFast's electric vehicle assembly plant marks Vietnam's first manufacturing facility outside its home country, strengthening India's position in the global EV supply chain.
PM Internship Scheme Shows Progress
Female participation in the PM Internship Scheme surged from 31% to 41% in its second round, aided by targeted outreach and improved scheme features. The scheme has extended over 71,000 internship offers in the second round, though conversion rates remain a challenge with only about one-third of candidates accepting offers.
Sports and Entertainment
Chess: The Chennai Grand Masters tournament sees rising star Vincent Keymer anticipating tough competition, while Arjun Erigaisi aims to turn around an indifferent year.
Cinema: The restored 8K trailer of Parineeta, marking Vidya Balan’s debut, was unveiled ahead of its theatrical re-release on August 29. Meanwhile, Vijay Deverakonda’s Kingdom faces protests in Tamil Nadu over its portrayal of Sri Lankan Tamils.
Regional Highlights
Delhi: Senior IPS officer S.B.K. Singh assumed the role of Delhi Police Commissioner, succeeding Sanjay Arora, as per a Ministry of Home Affairs order.
Rajasthan: The state government issued a directive allowing Sikh students to wear articles of faith, such as kirpan and kada, during competitive exams, following outrage over a recent incident.
Bengaluru: Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar conducted a recce for the upcoming inauguration of Namma Metro’s Yellow Line, aimed at easing the city’s traffic woes.
What’s Ahead
Aug 7: India Innovation Index Rankings by NITI Aayog
Aug 9: Women in Tech Conclave (Hyderabad)
Aug 10: Gaganyaan Simulation Tests to be Live Streamed
In the final words of Today’s India, we trust that you have been encouraged by the beautiful stories that have lifted the country. Be it the startups or old practices, to more sociable stories, making sure that no one is left behind, there is always a sense of progress and oneness.
As we take these strides, let’s make sure we promote kindness, creativity, and teamwork. And till the next time, may you take pleasure in bringing happiness and inquisitiveness in your day-to-day activities!
Don’t Miss Out!!! See You Tomorrow!!! ⏰
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