Tue Jul 29 06:10:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here are a summary of the provided text and a news article based on it:
**Summary:**
The provided text is a collection of current affairs highlights from the Indian Express’ UPSC Essentials section for the week of July 14-20, 2025. Key points include: an increase in India’s Financial Inclusion Index; a World Bank report projecting massive infrastructure investment needs for Indian cities facing climate challenges; India improving its ranking in the Henley Passport Index; recommendations for changes at the National Institute of Rural Development & Panchayati Raj (NIRD&PR); the unveiling of a new national cooperative policy; the launch of a legal aid program for soldiers’ families; the practice of polyandry among the Hatti tribes; the upcoming Aadi Thiruvadhirai festival at Gangaikonda Cholapuram; the signing of the India-UK trade agreement (CETA); a call to stop forced tagging of nano-fertilizers; planned launches of navigation satellites by ISRO; the delivery of Apache helicopters to the Indian Army; the phasing out of MiG-21 fighter jets; ICMR developing a promising Malaria vaccine called AdFalciVax; notable appointments and departures of important figures; tensions along the Thailand-Cambodia border; construction of the world’s biggest hydropower dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo; a visit to Gangaikonda Cholapuram Shiva temple; and Indian students winning medals at the International Chemistry Olympiad.
**News Article:**
**Key Indicators Show Progress, Challenges Ahead for India: Week in Review**
**New Delhi –** From economic indicators to international relations and domestic policies, the past week has brought a mix of progress and challenges for India, according to data compiled by the Indian Express’ UPSC Essentials.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) reported an improvement in the Financial Inclusion Index (FI-Index), rising to 67 in March 2025, indicating greater access to financial services across the country.
However, a World Bank report paints a concerning picture for Indian cities, estimating a $2.4 trillion investment need by 2050 to build climate-resilient infrastructure amidst rapid urbanization and the threat of increased flooding and extreme heat.
On the global stage, India’s passport power saw a boost, climbing eight places to 77th in the Henley Passport Index, allowing visa-free access to 59 destinations.
Domestically, a parliamentary panel has called for an overhaul of the administration at the NIRD&PR, a key think tank for rural development. A new national cooperative policy was also unveiled, aiming to boost prosperity through cooperation. In a show of support for the armed forces, NALSA launched a program to provide free legal aid to soldiers’ families.
Other developments included the upcoming Aadi Thiruvadhirai festival at Gangaikonda Cholapuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which also commemorates 1,000 years of the legendary maritime expedition of Rajendra Chola I to South East Asia.
On the economic front, the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) was signed, aiming to significantly boost trade between the two nations. The agricultural sector saw action with a call to halt the forced tagging of nano-fertilizers with conventional ones. ISRO continues its satellite program with upcoming navigation satellite launches. The Indian Army bolstered its capabilities with the delivery of Apache attack helicopters, while the aging MiG-21 fighter jets are set to be phased out.
In the realm of health, the ICMR announced the development of AdFalciVax, a promising new Malaria vaccine. Several notable appointments have been made, including Ajay Seth as the Chairman of IRDAI and Uma Kanjilal as the Vice Chancellor of IGNOU.
On the international front, tensions flared along the Thailand-Cambodia border, while China’s plans to build the world’s largest hydropower dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo River have raised concerns in India and Bangladesh.
Finally, Indian students have excelled on the global stage, securing top honors at the International Chemistry Olympiad.
First Piper 