Daily Dispatch: Yesterday, Across India – July 5, 2025

 1. National Politics

Centre Tables Digital ID Bill Amid Opposition Uproar
The Union Government introduced the National Digital Identity Authority Bill, 2025 in the Lok Sabha on Friday, triggering protests from several opposition parties over concerns related to privacy and surveillance. The Bill seeks to centralise citizens' digital identity under a single framework, including Aadhaar, voter ID, PAN, and driving licence. Home Minister Amit Shah assured that "data will be protected with the highest standards of encryption and legal oversight."

Congress-Aligned States Oppose Uniform Civil Code Draft
Five Congress-ruled states — Rajasthan, Karnataka, Himachal Pradesh, Telangana, and Chhattisgarh — submitted formal objections to the Law Commission’s draft of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC). They argued that the proposed legislation requires deeper consultation with minority communities and tribal groups before implementation.

2. External Affairs & Diplomacy

India Condemns Chinese Incursion in Arunachal Sector
The Ministry of External Affairs on Friday issued a strong protest to Beijing after Indian surveillance teams detected a temporary encampment by the PLA near the Tawang region in Arunachal Pradesh. The matter has been raised through military hotlines and diplomatic channels. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stated, “India will respond with strength and restraint.”

Jaishankar Meets Iranian Counterpart Over Chabahar Expansion
In Tehran, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with Iran’s Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian to finalise the framework for the long-term Chabahar Port lease agreement. India has pledged an additional $450 million for port and rail infrastructure to strengthen trade connectivity with Central Asia.

3. Defence & Security

Naxalite Ambush Kills 6 CRPF Personnel in Chhattisgarh
Six CRPF jawans were martyred in a deadly ambush by Maoist insurgents in Bijapur district, marking the most serious rebel attack in two months. The Naxalites reportedly used IEDs and automatic weapons. Reinforcements have been deployed, and operations are ongoing to track down the attackers.

INS Vikrant Conducts First Joint Drill with French Navy
India’s indigenously built aircraft carrier INS Vikrant conducted joint naval drills with the French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle in the Arabian Sea. The exercise focused on interoperability, air defence, and maritime security operations, reflecting growing Indo-French strategic cooperation.

4. Economy & Infrastructure

GST Revenue Hits ₹1.84 Lakh Crore in June, Beating Expectations
India’s GST collection for June 2025 reached ₹1.84 lakh crore, marking a year-on-year growth of 12.5%. Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu led the state-wise contributions. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman termed it a "strong indicator of post-monsoon recovery and industrial momentum."

Mumbai Metro Line 11 Inaugurated
Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated Mumbai Metro Line 11, connecting Wadala to CSMT. The ₹10,986 crore project is expected to significantly decongest central Mumbai and integrate with key suburban rail lines.

5. Science, Health & Environment

ISRO Announces Lunar Rover ‘Vikram II’ for 2026 Mission
ISRO Chairman Dr. S. Somanath announced that India’s next moon mission, Chandrayaan-4, will feature a more advanced rover named Vikram II, designed for extended lunar surface operations. The mission is slated for launch in December 2026, with a key focus on polar ice exploration.

Heatwave in North India Intensifies, Red Alerts in 6 States
Severe heatwave conditions continued in parts of Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh, with temperatures touching 47°C in Gwalior. The IMD has issued Red Alerts for several districts. Health advisories have been issued amid rising cases of dehydration and heatstroke.

6. Sports

India Qualifies for T20 World Cup Final After Beating South Africa
Team India stormed into the final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2025, defeating South Africa by 23 runs in a thrilling semi-final at Barbados. Captain Hardik Pandya credited the win to “team discipline and killer instinct.” India will face either England or Australia in the final on Sunday.

Neeraj Chopra Wins Gold at Paris Diamond League
Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra added another feather to his cap by clinching gold at the Paris Diamond League with a throw of 88.36 metres. This marks his third gold of the season and a major confidence booster ahead of the Paris 2025 World Athletics Championships.

7. Culture & Society

Kerala Declares State Mourning After Death of Padma Vibhushan K.J. Yesudas
The nation mourned the passing of legendary playback singer K.J. Yesudas, who passed away in Kochi at the age of 85. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan declared two days of state mourning, and tributes poured in from across the music and film industry. Prime Minister Modi said, “His voice was the soul of Indian cinema.”

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—Compiled by the Daily Dispatch India Desk: