The Economic Survey 2023-24, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, forecasts India's GDP growth at 7% and inflation at 4.5% for FY25. The report highlights India's resilience amid global challenges, with a strong emphasis on private investment, agriculture, and MSME growth. Structural reforms like GST and IBC have begun to yield results. The survey underscores the need for domestic economic efforts, improved fiscal discipline, and addressing key policy areas including job creation and skill development to sustain growth.

In an interim order, the Supreme Court has suspended Uttar Pradesh's directive requiring shop owners along Kanwar Yatra routes to display their names. The order now mandates only the display of the type of food served. This decision follows a plea by an NGO, citing the directive as arbitrary and potentially discriminatory. Similar orders in Uttarakhand and Madhya Pradesh have also been questioned. The court has issued notices to these states for clarification. Critics argue the directive unfairly targets minorities and raises concerns about identity-based exclusion.

A terrorist attack on an Army post in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district was foiled early Monday, resulting in one soldier injured. The attack occurred less than 24 hours after Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi's visit to Jammu to address the recent surge in terrorist attacks. Security forces initiated a cordon and search operation in the Gundha area following the 4 am attack. This incident follows a series of recent attacks, including one on a temporary army camp in Doda and multiple ambushes in Kathua. Additional troops, including special forces, have been deployed to combat the escalating threat.

The Haryana government suspended mobile internet and bulk SMS services in Nuh district from 6 pm Sunday to 6 pm Monday, ahead of the Braj Mandal Jalabhishek Yatra. This measure aims to prevent misinformation and ensure public peace following last year's violent clashes during the same event. Extensive security, including police, commando units, and surveillance drones, is in place. Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini urged public cooperation for the peaceful conduct of the religious event. Notably, cow vigilante Bittu Bajrangi has been denied permission to attend the yatra.

A landslide on the Kedarnath Yatra route in Uttarakhand’s Rudraprayag district claimed three lives and injured eight others on Sunday morning. The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) reported that the incident occurred near Chirbasa while pilgrims were walking from Gaurikund to the Kedarnath temple. The deceased, identified as Kishore Arun Parate, Sunil Mahadev Kale, and Anurag Bisht, were among those buried under debris. The SDRF, led by Inspector Anirudh Singh Bhandari, conducted rescue operations, evacuating the injured to a hospital and handing over the victims' bodies to district police. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed condolences and assured ongoing relief efforts.

Kartik Kansal, a candidate with muscular dystrophy, has cleared the UPSC civil services exam four times but was denied service. Despite ranking high in 2021, he was not allocated a service due to his disability. Kartik, an IIT Roorkee graduate and ISRO scientist, uses a wheelchair and meets all physical requirements for the IAS. A retired IAS officer, Sanjeev Gupta, highlighted the issue on social media. Kartik's case is pending in the Central Administrative Tribunal. New merged criteria from 2024 might rectify the oversight and allow him to join the IAS.

A massive landslide hit pilgrims near Cheedwasa on their way to Kedarnath, killing three and injuring eight on Sunday morning. The State Disaster Response Force quickly started rescue operations, and the injured were taken to a nearby hospital. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed grief and offered condolences to the victims' families. He assured continuous monitoring of the rescue efforts and promised all necessary assistance to the injured. The pilgrims had started their journey from Gaurikund when the landslide struck.

Seven bodies have been recovered from a landslide-hit area in Uttara Kannada district, Karnataka. The landslide occurred on July 17 following incessant rains. Rescue operations are ongoing, with three people still missing. Deputy Commissioner Lakshmi Priya confirmed the involvement of NDRF, Navy, Coast Guard, and local authorities. Continuous landslides and river flow are complicating efforts, said SP Narayan. Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy visited the affected Shirur village. A red alert for heavy rainfall is in effect for July 20, with an orange alert for July 21, issued by the Regional Met Centre of Bengaluru.

An investigation into trainee IAS officer Puja Khedkar's disability certificates has revealed discrepancies. Khedkar obtained three certificates between 2019 and 2022, claiming different disabilities. She used two names, Puja Khedkar and Puja Gaikwad, while applying. The certificates were issued by different hospitals in Maharashtra. The UPSC filed a complaint, leading to a Delhi Police case against Khedkar and her family. The authenticity of her certificates and eligibility for the IAS position are now in question. The matter is under investigation, with Khedkar's selection as an IAS officer hanging in the balance.

The Uttar Pradesh government is set to install a 51-feet tall bronze alloy statue of Lord Buddha in Kaushambi to boost religious tourism. The State Lalit Kala Academy has initiated the e-tender process, and the installation is expected to be completed within seven months. The giant statue aims to attract tourists and pilgrims, promoting Kaushambi as a major Buddhist destination. The project is part of the state government's efforts to develop religious tourism in Uttar Pradesh. The iconic statue will be a significant addition to the state's cultural landscape.