Digest for 13 July, 2025
US Aid Cuts Halt Promising HIV Vaccine Research in South Africa
The US administration's decision to cut foreign aid has abruptly halted a $46 million HIV vaccine research project in South Africa, a global hub for such trials. The move dismantled the 'BRILLIANT' program just a week before clinical trials were set to begin, leaving the project's future uncertain. The funding withdrawal threatens the jobs of around 100 researchers and jeopardizes decades of progress, with significant global implications for developing a vaccine against one of history's deadliest pandemics.
Election Commission Finds Foreign Nationals on Bihar's Voter Lists
The Election Commission of India (EC) has discovered a large number of individuals from Nepal, Bangladesh, and Myanmar on voter lists during a special house-to-house verification drive in Bihar. The discovery was made as part of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls ahead of state elections. The EC has asserted that these individuals will be investigated and will not be included in the final electoral roll, raising significant concerns about electoral integrity, illegal immigration, and national security.
North Korea Pledges 'Unconditional' Support for Russia's War in Ukraine
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has reaffirmed his country's "unconditional support" for Russia's actions in its war against Ukraine. The pledge was made during a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Wonsan. This statement reinforces the comprehensive strategic partnership treaty the two nations signed in June, solidifying their political and military alignment and deepening concerns in the West about their growing cooperation on the international stage.
Ex-Diplomat, 26/11 Prosecutor Among Four Nominated to Rajya Sabha
The President of India has nominated four new members to the Rajya Sabha. The appointees are former Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla, renowned lawyer Ujjwal Nikam who was the special public prosecutor in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks case, historian Meenakshi Jain, and Kerala BJP leader C. Sadanandan Master. These nominations fill vacancies in the upper house of Parliament with prominent figures from diplomacy, law, academia, and politics, reflecting the government's choices for the Council of States.
Electronics and Pharma Sectors Receive 70% of PLI Scheme Payouts
Government data for FY25 reveals that the electronics and pharmaceutical sectors have cornered approximately 70% of the total fiscal incentives disbursed under the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes. Of the total Rs 10,114 crore disbursed, large-scale electronics manufacturing received Rs 5,732 crore and pharma received Rs 2,328 crore. The figures underscore the strategic focus and success of the government's flagship policy in boosting domestic manufacturing and exports in these key areas.