Prime Minister Narendra Modi has officially surpassed Indira Gandhi to become India’s second-longest serving Prime Minister in a single uninterrupted term. As of July 25, 2025, Modi has completed 4,078 consecutive days in office, overtaking Gandhi’s 4,077-day record from 1966 to 1977. This milestone coincides with Modi’s visit to the Maldives for its Independence Day celebrations. BJP leaders hailed the achievement, highlighting Modi’s nearly 24-year journey in elected office, including his tenure as Gujarat’s Chief Minister. He is the first PM born after Independence, the longest-serving non-Congress PM, and the only leader to win six consecutive elections. Modi now trails only Jawaharlal Nehru, who served for 16 years and 286 days. (PC: The Express Tribune & Indian National Congress)

The government said 112 Air India pilots called in sick on June 16, four days after the deadly AI-171 crash. The flight, heading to London, crashed near Ahmedabad and killed 260 people, including ex-Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani. The sick pilots included 51 commanders and 61 first officers. A minister said the DGCA already has mental health rules to support pilots and air traffic staff. These include regular checks and peer support programmes. The Black Box from the crash was decoded in India for the first time. A preliminary report has been released, and the probe is being handled by AAIB. (PC: Reuters)

In the Kolkata law student gang-rape case, investigators have confirmed that blood samples and CCTV footage match the victim’s testimony, tightening the case against prime accused Monojit Mishra. Officials revealed that Mishra had been targeting the first-year student from her first day at South Calcutta Law College, indicating premeditation. The SIT recovered the victim’s blood-stained clothes, DNA samples, and the hockey stick used in the assault. CCTV footage shows her being dragged across the corridor. Investigators also found Mishra contacted a college staffer the next morning. The court has questioned the delay in action despite earlier 2023 complaints. 

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) searched offices linked to Anil Ambani’s group companies in Mumbai on July 24. The raids are part of a money laundering probe involving a ₹3,000 crore loan from Yes Bank. While Ambani’s home was not searched, ED teams visited several company offices. The case involves possible misuse of public money and fake loan dealings. SBI recently declared Reliance Communications and Anil Ambani as ‘fraud’. Inputs from SEBI, CBI, and other agencies helped the ED. The company is already under insolvency proceedings, and SBI has also filed a personal insolvency case against Ambani in Mumbai’s NCLT. (PC: India Today)

An Air India flight from Hong Kong caught fire after landing at Delhi airport on July 22. The fire broke out in the auxiliary power unit (APU), a small engine that runs when the aircraft is on the ground. It happened as passengers had just started to get off. The fire was quickly contained. All passengers and crew are safe. The aircraft is now grounded for checks, and the aviation regulator has been informed. This incident follows several safety issues involving Air India, including a deadly crash last month. Recent inspections of other aircraft found no major faults so far. (PC: News18)

Chief Justice of India B. R. Gavai declined to hear the petition filed by Allahabad High Court judge Justice Yashwant Varma, who is challenging the in‑house inquiry report that found him complicit in the “cash‑at‑residence” scandal. Gavai recused himself from the case and directed it to be listed before a different bench. The inquiry had alleged large amounts of unaccounted-for cash were found at Varma’s Delhi residence in March. The Supreme Court will now hear the challenge to the inquiry’s findings under a newly constituted bench.  

A 15-year-old girl in Odisha’s Malkangiri district was reportedly taken into a forested area and harmed by three individuals on July 21. After escaping, she sought help from a truck driver, who also allegedly mistreated her. She was later found by locals and brought to safety. Authorities quickly launched an investigation and arrested all four accused. The girl is now receiving medical care and is under the supervision of child protection services. The incident has sparked widespread concern, prompting demands for stronger child safety protocols in remote regions. Police continue to gather evidence to ensure justice. (PC: India Today)

19‑year‑old IM Divya Deshmukh has etched history by reaching the final of the FIDE Women’s World Cup 2025 in Batumi, Georgia — making her the first teenager in 34 years to secure a spot in the upcoming Women’s Candidates Tournament . Along her journey, she defeated top-tier opponents, including GM Zhu Jiner, GM D. Harika, and ex‑World Champion Tan Zhongyi in the semifinals . Her semifinal win also earned her a maiden Grandmaster norm . This breakthrough marks a historic moment for Indian and teenage chess. (PC: The Hindu)

The Election Commission of India has officially launched the election process for a new Vice President, two days after Jagdeep Dhankhar’s sudden resignation on July 21, 2025, citing health concerns . The Home Ministry's notification on July 22 triggered Constitutional protocols under Articles 67–68. The EC is setting up the electoral college—including elected and nominated MPs of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha—and finalising returning officers; a formal election schedule is pending . Although the NDA holds a numerical edge, the opposition INDIA bloc is regrouping . The new VP is expected to assume office by late August, embarking on a full five-year term. (PC: PTI)

For seven years, Harshvardhan Jain, a 47‑year‑old MBA graduate and son of a Ghaziabad businessman, operated a bogus “embassy” from a rented bungalow in Kavi Nagar. Jain posed as a diplomat for several fictitious micro‑nations—Westarctica, Lodonia, Saborga and Poulvia—complete with luxury cars bearing fake diplomatic plates, forged passports, stamps, seals and photos morphed with world leaders. He lured victims into overseas job‑placement schemes and hawala transactions through shell companies. The UP STF arrested him on July 22, 2025, seizing ₹44–45 lakh in cash, foreign currency, four vehicles, dozens of forged documents and diplomatic insignia. His arrest exposed links to controversial figures and prior legal cases. (PC: Hindustan Times)