Daily GK Update- 11th July, 2025

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Commemorative Stamp Released to Mark 125th Birth Anniversary of Syama Prasad Mookerjee: The Department of Posts released a commemorative postage stamp on the 125th birth anniversary of Syama Prasad Mookerjee during an event held at Siri Fort Auditorium, Delhi, organised by the Ministry of Culture.The event included a cultural programme with patriotic performances and an exhibition depicting the life, legacy, and contributions of Syama Prasad Mookerjee; the stamp was designed by Smt. Nenu Gupta.A First Day Cover and Brochure were also launched, and the first stamp album was presented by Col. Akhilesh Kumar Pandey, Chief Postmaster General, Delhi Circle, in the presence of senior government officials and dignitaries.

 

2. NCSC Submits Annual Report 2023–24 to President Highlighting Welfare and Safeguards for Scheduled Castes: The National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) submitted its Annual Report 2023–24 to the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, at Rashtrapati Bhawan, led by NCSC Chairman Shri Kishor Makwana.As per Article 338 of the Constitution, the NCSC is mandated to submit reports to the President regarding the functioning of Constitutional Safeguards for Scheduled Castes, including their welfare and protection.The report contains recommendations to the Union and State Governments for improving the implementation of laws and schemes aimed at the socio-economic development and protection of Scheduled Castes.It also provides a comprehensive review of issues such as atrocities and crimes against Scheduled Castes, based on field visits, consultations, and analysis of welfare scheme implementation across various states.

 

3. Maharashtra Declares Ganeshotsav as Official State Festival to Promote Cultural Heritage: The Maharashtra government has announced that the annual Ganeshotsav (Ganesh festival) will now be officially recognised as a ‘State Festival’, enabling more facilities, funding, and relaxed restrictions during the festival period.The demand was raised by BJP MLA Hemant Rasane in the state assembly, emphasizing the need to promote the rich cultural and religious legacy initiated by Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak in 1893.Declaring Ganeshotsav as a state festival acknowledges its deep-rooted significance in Maharashtra’s social, cultural, and historical identity, reflecting widespread public support and sentiment.

 

4. Babitha B P Appointed as Deputy CISO at SBI to Strengthen Cybersecurity Framework: Babitha B P has been appointed as the Deputy Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at the State Bank of India (SBI), enhancing the bank’s leadership in the cybersecurity domain.She brings extensive experience in information security and risk management, contributing to SBI’s efforts in safeguarding digital infrastructure and customer data.Her appointment reflects SBI’s commitment to bolstering its cybersecurity framework amidst growing digital threats and technological advancements.

 

5. Federal Bank Appoints V. Venkateswaran as Executive Director for Three-Year Term: Federal Bank has appointed Venkateswaran as Executive Director on the board, following the exit of Shalini Warrier, with approval from the Reserve Bank of India.Venkateswaran, currently serving as Group President & CFO, will assume charge from July 10, 2025, for a three-year term, overseeing financial reporting, credit administration, and recovery.A Chartered Accountant by profession, he joined Federal Bank in April 2021 after holding key roles at Standard Chartered, HSBC, and beginning his career in the manufacturing sector.

 

6. Abhijit Kishore Reappointed as COAI Chairperson for 2025–26: Abhijit Kishore, Chief Operating Officer of Vodafone Idea Ltd, has been reappointed as Chairperson of the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), while Rahul Vatts, Chief Regulatory Officer of Bharti Airtel, will serve as the Vice Chairperson for 2025–26.The announcement was made during the Annual General Body Meeting of COAI, where the new leadership for the year 2025–26 was formally declared.

 

7. Priya Nair to Become First Woman CEO and MD of Hindustan Unilever Limited: Priya Nair will take over as Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) from August 1, 2025, becoming the first woman to hold this position in the company’s history.She has been with HUL since 1995 and held key roles in sales, marketing, home care, and beauty segments, eventually becoming the Global Chief Marketing Officer for Beauty & Well-Being at Unilever.Current CEO and MD Rohit Jawa will step down on July 31, 2025, after over two years of leading HUL with his ‘ASPIRE’ strategy focused on high-growth demand spaces.

 

8. Arthunkal Police Station Becomes First in India to Receive ISO 9001:2015 Certification from BIS: Arthunkal Police Station in Alappuzha, Kerala, has become the first police station in India to receive the prestigious IS/ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System (QMS) certification from the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), recognising its excellence in service delivery.The certification was officially presented by Sri Praveen Khanna from BIS to Sri Ravada Azad Chandrashekhar, State Police Chief of Kerala, in the presence of senior police officials and dignitaries.The ISO 9001:2015 certification acknowledges the station’s high performance in crime prevention, investigation, law & order maintenance, traffic control, emergency response, judicial coordination, and grievance redressal, focusing on efficiency and transparency.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. 11 July – World Population Day: World Population Day is observed every year on 11th July to raise awareness about population-related issues such as family planning, gender equality, poverty, maternal health, and human rights.It emphasises the need to address the challenges posed by rapid population growth, especially in developing countries, and advocates for sustainable development through education and healthcare access.Theme 2025 – Empowering young people to create the families they want in a fair and hopeful world The day was established by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in 1989, inspired by the global milestone of the Day of Five Billion on 11 July 1987.

 

2. Europe Accelerates River Barrier Removal Drive: Europe is intensifying efforts to remove barriers from rivers. The goal is to make 25,000 kilometres of rivers barrier-free by 2030. In 2024, 23 countries demolished 542 barriers. This is the highest number since the drive began in 2020. The push aims to restore natural river ecosystems and improve aquatic life. Rivers have been dammed for centuries to benefit human societies. Barriers like dams, weirs, culverts and sluices control water flow for irrigation, energy and flood management. However, these structures disrupt ecosystems. They block fish migration, change water temperature and sediment flow, and harm local communities relying on fisheries. The Dam Removal Europe coalition, including WWF and The Rivers Trust, leads the barrier removal campaign. By 2023, 15 countries removed 487 barriers. In 2024, 23 countries increased removals to 542. Eleven countries removed 101 barriers in early 2025. The European Union’s Water Framework Directive first recognised barriers as a major ecological pressure in 2000. The Nature Restoration Law adopted in 2023 mandates 25,000 km of barrier-free rivers by 2030.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. Indian Navy Commissions Indigenous DSV Nistar: The Indian Navy commissioned its first indigenously designed and built Diving Support Vessel (DSV) named Nistar on 18 July 2025. The event took place at the Naval Dockyard in Visakhapatnam, with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in attendance. This ship marks milestone in India’s defence self-reliance and enhances the Navy’s deep-sea diving and submarine rescue capabilities. Nistar was designed and constructed by Hindustan Shipyard Limited, Visakhapatnam. Over 120 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) contributed to the project, achieving more than 80% indigenous content. The vessel is approximately 120 metres long and displaces over 10,000 tonnes. It features a Dynamic Positioning System that allows it to maintain precise positioning at sea.

 

SPORTS

 

1. India to Host ISSF Combined World Cup 2027 and Junior World Championships 2028 in New Delhi: India has secured the hosting rights for two major ISSF events: the Combined World Cup in 2027 and the Junior World Championships in 2028, as announced by the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) during its executive committee meetingNew Delhi will also host the Junior World Cup (Rifle/Pistol/Shotgun) in September–October 2025, and the prestigious ISSF World Cup leg in all three disciplines (rifle, pistol, and shotgun) in 2026, with dates to be confirmed.The Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range in New Delhi, which previously hosted the elite ISSF World Cup Final in 2023 and the World Cup ahead of the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, will again serve as the central venue for these international competitions.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. MEITY signs MoU with BITS-Pilani to launch cybersecurity program: The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and BITS-Pilani have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to launch professional development programs in cybersecurity for professionals across government, public sector and industry.The collaboration aims to address the growing demand for structured, high-impact capacity building in cyber security in view of the evolving digital threats and cyber security challenges. The program will begin on 19th July and is open to professionals. Indian Navy Signs Pact with BEL to Launch AI-Enabled NMDA Project for Enhanced Maritime SecurityDEPwD and Sri Aurobindo Society Join Hands to Boost Inclusive Education for Children with DisabilitiesIndian Railways Partners with BHASHINI to Launch Multilingual AI Services for Enhanced Passenger ExperienceIIT Delhi, AIIMS sign MoU to establish centre to research AI in healthcareNLC India Renewables Limited (NIRL) signed a Joint Venture Agreement (JVA) with MAHAPREIT to establish a new Joint Venture Company (JVC) for green energy development.

 

2. Indian Railways Signs MoU with DFCCIL to Deploy AI-Based Inspection Systems for Enhanced Train Safety: Indian Railways and DFCCIL have signed an MoU to install Machine Vision-Based Inspection Systems (MVIS) powered by Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, aimed at improving train safety and automating rolling stock maintenance.The MVIS technology captures high-resolution images of the under-gear of moving trains and automatically detects loose, missing, or hanging components, generating real-time alerts for immediate corrective action.DFCCIL will handle the procurement and installation of four MVIS units, which are expected to reduce manual inspections, enhance operational safety, and minimize potential accidents or service disruptions.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. MCX to Launch India’s First Electricity Futures Contracts for Power Sector Hedging: India’s Multi Commodity Exchange will launch the country’s first electricity futures contracts, providing power generators, distribution companies, and large industrial consumers with a tool to hedge their risks.The exchange will initially launch cash-settled contracts for the current and next three-month periods, but they will subsequently be available for all 12 calendar months.All government payments above ₹75 crore must go via RBI’s e-Kuber from July 16: Central government departments and ministries will be required to process all payments above ₹75 crore from July 16, including to private parties, through the Reserve Bank of India’s e-Kuber system.This measure aims to enhance transparency and expedite fund reconciliation.The department also plans to lower the threshold to ₹50 crore in the next financial year.