Daily GK Update- 16th July, 2025

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Yakten in Sikkim Declared India’s First Digital Nomad Village Under ‘Nomad Sikkim’ Initiative: Yakten village in Sikkim’s Pakyong district has been officially declared India’s first digital nomad village, marking a significant step towards promoting remote work tourism in the Himalayan region.The initiative is a collaboration between the district administration and NGO Sarvahitey under the ‘Nomad Sikkim’ project, aimed at turning remote locations into year-round digital work hubs for professionals from India and abroad.

 

2. Coal India’s First All-Women Operated Dispensary Inaugurated at SECL Headquarters, Bilaspur: Coal India’s first fully women-operated dispensary was inaugurated at the Vasant Vihar Dispensary in SECL Headquarters, Bilaspur.The dispensary is run by a dedicated 14-member all-women team comprising doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and support staff, aiming to set a precedent for gender-inclusive healthcare services.The facility offers comprehensive medical services including OPD, emergency care, dressing and injection room, ECG, blood collection for pathology tests, and an OPD pharmacy.

 

3. President Murmu Grants ₹7,500 Aid to 823 EMRS Toppers Under NESTS Discretionary Fund Initiative: President Droupadi Murmu has sanctioned a discretionary fund to the National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS), providing ₹7,500 each as one-time financial assistance to 823 top-performing students of Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) across India.The beneficiaries were selected from Class XII board toppers in Science, Commerce, and Humanities streams, with two meritorious students per stream per school, and special preference given to girl students in the event of tie-breakers.The amount, totalling ₹62.40 lakh, was directly transferred to the students’ bank accounts within 2–3 weeks of the board exam results, reinforcing NESTS’ commitment to transparency and timely support.Administered by NESTS under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, the EMRS scheme currently operates 470+ residential schools for tribal students nationwide, and is part of the government’s broader push to empower Scheduled Tribe youth through quality and inclusive education.

 

4. Maharashtra Grants Agricultural Status to Livestock Farming: The Maharashtra Cabinet has granted agricultural status to livestock farming, including dairy, poultry, goat, and pig rearing, aiming to support small-scale rural farmers while excluding large commercial entities like hatcheries.The move, announced by Animal Husbandry Minister Pankaja Munde, is expected to benefit around 76.41 lakh families and generate an additional ₹7,700 crore in income through increased livestock production. Maharashtra becomes the first state in India to take this step.Livestock farmers meeting specific capacity limits (e.g., up to 100 dairy animals, 25,000 broilers, or 500 goats/sheep) will now be eligible for agricultural electricity rates, subsidies on solar pumps and equipment, and a 4% interest subsidy on project loans via Kisan Credit Cards.

 

5. Doraiswamy Assumes Charge as LIC’s New CEO and MD: Doraiswamy officially took charge as the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC), following his appointment by the Department of Financial Services, Ministry of Finance, for a tenure of three years or until he turns 62, whichever is earlier.With his assumption of charge, Sat Pal Bhanoo ceases to hold the financial and administrative responsibilities of the CEO and MD at LIC.A 17th batch direct recruit officer with over 39 years of experience, Doraiswamy has handled key domains in LIC, including operations, marketing, technology, academics, bancassurance, group business, customer relations, finance, and compliance.

 

6. Hemant Rupani Appointed CEO of Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages: Hemant Rupani has been appointed as the new CEO of Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages Pvt Ltd (HCCB), effective from September 8, 2025. He will succeed Juan Pablo Rodriguez, who is moving to a new role within the Coca-Cola system.Rupani is currently serving as the Business Unit President for Southeast Asia at Mondelez International Inc., overseeing operations across Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand. He joined Mondelez in 2016 as Director of Sales for India and rose to senior leadership positions.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. France Signs Historic Accord to Recognize New Caledonia as a State Within the Republic: France and New Caledonia have signed a historic 13-page accord proposing the creation of a “State of New Caledonia” within the French Republic, to be inscribed in the French Constitution, including the introduction of a Caledonian nationality alongside French nationality.The agreement includes an economic and financial recovery pact, focusing on reviving nickel processing capabilities, and is seen as a significant step towards redefining New Caledonia’s political and economic future.Although French President Emmanuel Macron hailed the deal as historic, it still requires final approval in New Caledonia, where a referendum may be held in February 2026; the last independence vote occurred in 2021.

 

2. WHO Endorses Lenacapavir for Global HIV Prevention: The World Health Organization (WHO) has updated its HIV prevention guidelines in 2025. It now recommends lenacapavir, a new long-acting antiretroviral, for people at high risk and areas with high HIV infection rates. This announcement was made at the 13th International AIDS Society Conference in Kigali, Rwanda. Lenacapavir was approved by the US FDA as a twice-yearly injectable pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) treatment. This marks a key advancement in HIV prevention worldwide. Lenacapavir is a long-acting injectable drug developed by Gilead Sciences in New Delhi. It belongs to the capsid inhibitor class. This drug blocks multiple steps in the HIV replication process. Initially approved for HIV treatment in 2022, lenacapavir gained approval for prevention in 2024. Unlike daily oral PrEP pills, lenacapavir requires only two injections per year. This feature improves adherence and benefits those with limited healthcare access or stigma concerns.

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. Israel Launches Dror-1: Israel marked a major milestone in 2025 by launching Dror-1, its first fully government-funded and domestically built communications satellite. The launch took place from Cape Canaveral, Florida, using a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. Dror-1 represents a strategic leap in Israel’s space capabilities and communication infrastructure. Dror-1 is a geostationary satellite orbiting about 36,000 km above the Earth’s equator. It provides continuous coverage over Israel and nearby regions. The satellite weighs approximately 4.5 tonnes and spans 17.8 metres. Designed for a 15-year mission, it will serve Israel’s communication needs into the late 2030s. The project began in 2018 with an estimated cost of Rs 1,670 crore.

 

SPORTS

 

1. Aiden Markram and Hayley Matthews Win ICC Player of the Month Awards for June 2025: South Africa’s Aiden Markram was named ICC Men’s Player of the Month for June 2025 after his match-winning 136-run knock and all-round performance in the WTC Final vs Australia, helping South Africa secure their first ICC title since 1998.West Indies captain Hayley Matthews won the ICC Women’s Player of the Month for June 2025, becoming the second cricketer to win the award four times, following her impactful performances in both the ODI and T20I series against South Africa.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. EU’s General-Purpose AI Code of Practice: The General-Purpose AI (GPAI) Code of Practice was published on 10 July 2025. It aims to help AI industry players comply with the European Union’s AI Act. This voluntary framework addresses safety, transparency, and copyright obligations for providers of general-purpose AI models. Member States and the European Commission are currently reviewing the Code’s adequacy. Following endorsement, AI providers who adopt the Code can demonstrate legal compliance more easily and reduce administrative burdens. The Code assists providers of general-purpose AI models to meet legal duties under the AI Act. It is designed through a multi-stakeholder process involving independent experts. The Code is voluntary but offers legal certainty and easier compliance proof. It focuses on three main areas – transparency, copyright, and safety and security. The latter applies specifically to providers of highly advanced AI models with systemic risks.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. India’s wholesale price inflation dips to -0.13% in June: Retail inflation in June 2025 fell to a 77-month low of 2.1%, driven mainly by easing food prices, as per the Consumer Price Index (CPI) released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation.Wholesale inflation turned negative at -0.13% in June 2025, marking a contraction after 20 months, with falling crude oil and food prices being key contributors, according to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.The food and beverages category in the CPI registered a 0.2% contraction in June 2025, a sharp decline from 8.4% inflation in June 2024, making it the eighth consecutive month of easing food inflation.

 

2. NABARD Launches RuralTech CoLab to Drive Innovation and Digital Transformation in Rural India: NABARD has launched RuralTech CoLab, a unified portal aimed at bringing together fintech, agritech, and digital partners to co-create smart, scalable, and inclusive solutions for agriculture and rural development.The platform ensures a structured and transparent onboarding process, enabling rural tech ecosystem partners to work effectively with NABARD’s grassroots network including SHGs, FPOs, NGOs, rural banks, and cooperatives.As part of its 44th Foundation Day celebrations in Chennai, NABARD also launched a WhatsApp channel to deliver market advisories and updates related to Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs).

 

3. EximPe Secures RBI Licence to Offer Regulated Cross-Border Payment Services Across Asia: EximPe, a fintech startup focused on cross-border payments, has received the RBI’s In-Principle Payment Aggregator for Cross-Border (PA-CB) licence for both export and import operations, becoming one of the first firms to do so without prior payment authorisations.This regulatory approval allows EximPe to offer compliant pay-in and pay-out services tailored for digital services, e-commerce, and B2B trade across emerging markets in Asia.With this licence, EximPe transitions from a payment technology provider to a fully regulated cross-border payments infrastructure platform, strengthening its position in the India-Asia trade ecosystem.

 

4. LIC Partners with AU Small Finance Bank to Boost Insurance Access in Rural and Underserved Areas: LIC (Life Insurance Corporation of India) has entered into a corporate agency tie-up with AU Small Finance Bank, allowing the bank to distribute LIC’s insurance products including annuity, ULIPs, term insurance, and savings plans through its branches and digital platforms.The partnership aiming to boost insurance penetration and promote financial inclusion, particularly in rural and underserved areas. Through this alliance, AU Small Finance Bank will leverage its strong rural presence to expand LIC’s reach, offering customers easier access to a wide range of life insurance solutions.

Daily GK Update- 15th July, 2025

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. IIFL Home Finance Secures $100 Million from AIIB: IIFL Home Finance has secured $100 million (approx. ₹858 crore) funding from the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) to enhance access to affordable housing for economically weaker sections (EWS) and lower income groups (LIG).The funding will support both demand and supply sides — offering home loans to low-income families in urban and semi-urban areas, and financing affordable housing developers promoting green-certified projects to boost sustainability.This collaboration aligns with India’s climate goals and supports the green housing portfolio of IIFL HFL, reinforcing its mission for responsible, climate-conscious, and accessible housing finance.The investment complements the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Urban (PMAY-U 2.0) initiative, helping bridge the housing gap and promote sustainable urban development across India.

 

2. HAL and CeNS Collaborate to Launch Advanced Academic Centre in Karnataka: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and the Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS) have signed a MoA to set up the HAL Advanced Academic Initiation Centre at CeNS’ Arkavathi Campus in Karnataka under HAL’s CSR initiative to promote science education, especially for rural students.

The new centre will support science outreach through CeNS’s Vigyaani Vidyarthi Vichar Vinimay (V4) programme, which has already benefited over 20,000 students from more than 200 institutions.The MoA was signed by HAL’s GM (HR) Pradeep Kumar and CeNS’s Director Prof. BLV Prasad, in the presence of HAL CMD Dr. DK Sunil and Director (HR) MG Balasubrahmanya.

 

3. Dr. Abhijat Sheth Appointed as Chairperson of National Medical Commission (NMC): Abhijat Sheth, a cardiothoracic surgeon and current president of NBEMS, has been appointed as the new chairperson of the National Medical Commission (NMC), succeeding Dr. Suresh Gangadhar.Sheth emphasized that his key priorities would include enhancing the quality of medical education, promoting good governance, and encouraging teamwork to fulfill government goals.

 

4. President Murmu Nominates Harsh V Shringla, Ujjwal Nikam, Meenakshi Jain & C Sadanandan Master to Rajya Sabha: President Droupadi Murmu has nominated Harsh V Shringla, Ujjwal Nikam, Meenakshi Jain, and C Sadanandan Master to the Rajya Sabha under Article 80 of the Constitution, which allows nomination of individuals with special knowledge in fields like literature, science, art, and social service.Harsh V Shringla, a 1984-batch IFS officer and former Foreign Secretary, was praised by PM Modi for his diplomatic acumen and contributions to India’s foreign policy and G20 Presidency.Ujjwal Nikam, a renowned criminal lawyer known for handling high-profile cases like the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks and 1993 Bombay blasts, was lauded for his lifelong devotion to justice and Constitutional values.Meenakshi Jain, a reputed historian and academic, and C Sadanandan Master, a courageous teacher and social worker from Kerala, were recognized for their impactful contributions to historical research and youth empowerment, respectively.

 

5. Karnataka Bank Appoints Raghavendra S Bhat as Interim MD & CEO: Karnataka Bank has appointed Raghavendra S Bhat as its new MD & CEO for a period of three months.The appointment follows the resignations of MD & CEO Srikrishnan Hari Hara Sarma and Executive Director Sekhar Rao, both citing personal reasons and relocation issues.In May 2025, the bank’s statutory auditors flagged expenditures by whole-time directors made without board approval, which is believed to have contributed to the senior-level exits.

 

6. President Murmu Appoints New Governors for Goa, Haryana and Lieutenant Governor for Ladakh: President Droupadi Murmu has appointed Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju as the Governor of Goa and Prof. Ashim Kumar Ghosh as the Governor of Haryana.Kavinder Gupta has been named the new Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, replacing Brig. (Retd.) Dr. B.D. Mishra, whose resignation was accepted by the President.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India Signs Long-Term Fertilizer Supply Agreements with Saudi Arabia: India and Saudi Arabia have signed long-term fertilizer supply agreements, under which 1 million metric tons of Diammonium Phosphate (DAP) will be supplied annually for five years from 2025–26, with the possibility of a 5-year extension.The agreements, signed between Maaden and Indian firms like IPL, KRIBHCO, and CIL, mark a major rise from the 1.9 million MT of DAP imported in 2024–25, enhancing India’s agricultural supply securit

 

2. India Becomes First Country to Launch AI-Integrated Traditional Knowledge Digital Library: WHO: The World Health Organization (WHO) has acknowledged India as the first country to launch a Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL) and praised its leadership in using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to modernize traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, and Homoeopathy.The recognition came in WHO’s technical brief titled “Mapping the Application of Artificial Intelligence in Traditional Medicine”, developed following India’s proposal and leading to WHO’s first-ever AI roadmap for traditional medicine.The WHO report highlights AI-driven tools such as diagnosis support systems that blend traditional techniques like pulse reading, tongue analysis, and Prakriti assessment with machine learning and deep neural networks.A key highlight is Ayurgenomics, an emerging field that combines genomics and Ayurveda to detect disease markers and deliver personalized health advice by analyzing a person’s Ayurvedic constitution using AI.

 

3. NSE Ranks 4th Globally in IPO Fundraising in H1 2025, Raises $5.51 Billion: The National Stock Exchange (NSE) ranked 4th globally in IPO fundraising during the first half of 2025, raising $5.51 billion, which accounted for 8.9% of the total global IPO proceeds of $61.95 billion, as per S&P Global Market Intelligence.The top three global exchanges for IPO fundraising during the same period were the Nasdaq Global Market, New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), and Nasdaq Global Select Market, which together raised $28.95 billion.This performance boosts momentum for the much-anticipated public listing of NSE itself, signaling a potential landmark development in India’s capital markets.

 

4. 15 July – World Youth Skills Day: World Youth Skills Day is observed every year on 15th July to raise awareness about the importance of equipping young people with skills for employment, decent work, and entrepreneurship.Theme 2025 – Youth Empowerment Through AI and Digital SkillsThe United Nations General Assembly, through a resolution initiated by Sri Lanka and supported by several countries, declared July 15 as World Youth Skills Day on November 11, 2014. The first celebration took place on July 15, 2015, aligning with the launch of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which emphasises quality education and decent work for all.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. Sonali Mishra Appointed First Woman Director General of Railway Protection Force (RPF): Sonali Mishra, a 1993-batch IPS officer from the Madhya Pradesh cadre, has been appointed as the first woman Director General (DG) of the Railway Protection Force (RPF). Her tenure will last till October 31, 2026, succeeding Manoj Yadava.She is currently posted as Additional Director General (Selection) in Madhya Pradesh Police, and has previously served as Inspector General in Kashmir, BSF Intelligence Wing Head, and first woman commander of a BSF formation along the India-Pakistan border in Punjab.The Railway Protection Force (RPF), constituted in 1957 by an Act of Parliament, was empowered in 1966 to enquire, arrest, and prosecute for crimes involving railway property, and was designated as an armed force of the Union in 1985.Sonali Mishra has been honored with both the President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service (PPMDS) and the Police Medal for Meritorious Service (PMMS) for her exemplary contributions in policing and national security.

 

2. India Receives Second GE-F404 Engine for LCA Tejas: India recently received the second GE-F404 engine from the United States for its Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mark-1A programme. This marks a key step in the ongoing effort to strengthen the Indian Air Force (IAF) with indigenous fighter jets. Despite delays caused by supply chain disruptions, deliveries of these engines are now underway. The public sector company Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is responsible for integrating these engines into the LCA Tejas Mk-1A jets. HAL took delivery of the second GE-F404 engine in July 2025. A total of 12 engines are expected by the end of the financial year. HAL had placed a ₹5,375 crore order for 99 engines with GE Aerospace in August 2021. The IAF has ordered 83 LCA Mk-1A jets and plans to procure an additional 97 aircraft. The Defence Ministry has given clearance for this expanded order, worth about ₹67,000 crore.

 

 

 

 

SPORTS

 

1. Jannik Sinner Creates History as First Italian Man to Win Wimbledon: World No.1 Jannik Sinner clinched his first Wimbledon title by defeating defending champion Carlos Alcaraz in a thrilling four-set final (4-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4) at the All England Club, becoming the first Italian man in history to win Wimbledon. Just weeks after losing to Alcaraz in the French Open final, Sinner made a powerful comeback at Wimbledon, snapping a five-match losing streak against the Spaniard and ending Alcaraz’s unbeaten 5–0 record in Grand Slam finals. With this win, Sinner now holds four Grand Slam titles and is only one title away (Roland Garros) from completing a career Grand Slam, while also strengthening his lead in the PIF ATP Rankings by 3,430 points. Poland’s Iga Świątek secured her triumph with an emphatic victory over American Amanda Anisimova.

 

2. Chelsea Clinch Historic FIFA Club World Cup Title with 3–0 Win Over PSG: Chelsea FC created history by winning the first-ever 32-team FIFA Club World Cup, defeating Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) 3–0 in the final held at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey. Cole Palmer emerged as the star of the final, scoring two quick goals and assisting Joao Pedro for the third just before halftime. Chelsea ended the tournament as the top-scoring team with 17 goals, edging past PSG, Manchester City, and Bayern, who scored 16 each. A red card to Joao Neves for pulling Marc Cucurella’s hair added to PSG’s frustration, as Chelsea’s solid defense ensured a clean sheet and a dominant victory.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Challenges in Controlling AI Chatbot Behaviour: Recent events have brought into light the difficulties in managing AI chatbot outputs. Elon Musk’s company xAI issued an apology after its chatbot Grok posted antisemitic and abusive content on the social media platform X. Despite efforts to fix the issue, Grok’s behaviour remains unpredictable, raising broader concerns about the control and alignment of large language models (LLMs) with human values. Grok was integrated into X in 2023 as an AI chatbot designed to interact with users. It has repeatedly generated harmful content, including antisemitic remarks and misogynistic slurs. These incidents have drawn public criticism and regulatory attention. The root cause was traced to a deprecated code update, but the underlying LLM remains unchanged. Grok’s issues are part of a wider pattern of AI chatbots producing inconsistent or offensive outputs.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. CPI inflation at 2.10% in June 2025: India’s retail inflation fell to 2.10% in June 2025, the lowest in over six years, with rural inflation at 1.72% and urban at 2.56%, offering relief to households under long-standing cost pressures. Food inflation remained negative for the second consecutive month, with the Combined Consumer Food Price Index (CFPI) showing a deflation of 1.06%, mainly due to falling prices of vegetables, pulses, milk, fish, and spices. Despite easing headline inflation, core sectors like health (4.43%), education (4.37%), and housing (3.24%) continued to witness a moderate rise, highlighting the need for policy vigilance. The Ministry of Statistics collected data from over 1,100 urban markets and 1,181 villages, ensuring nearly complete nationwide coverage, and confirmed that inflation remains within the RBI’s target range of 2–6%, supporting a more growth-focused monetary approach.

Daily GK Update- 14th July, 2025

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Sarbananda Sonowal Inaugurates 2nd BIMSTEC Ports Conclave in Visakhapatnam: Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated the 2nd BIMSTEC Ports Conclave in Visakhapatnam, focusing on strengthening regional maritime cooperation among BIMSTEC nations.The two-day conclave, themed “Navigating the Future: Blue Economy, Innovation & Sustainable Partnerships,” brings together ministerial delegations, port authorities, and experts from member countries like Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Thailand.The event also includes the inauguration of completed port development projects and laying foundation stones for new infrastructure, highlighting India’s commitment to enhancing port connectivity and sustainable maritime growth.

 

2. Govt to set up skill centre at Aurangabad industrial area in Maharashtra: A 20,000 sq ft Skill Development Centre will be set up at Aurangabad Industrial City (AURIC), Maharashtra, as announced by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, aiming to boost skill training in the region.

The centre will be established in collaboration with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), with a formal MoU expected to be signed in the upcoming week.DPIIT Secretary Amardeep Singh Bhatia stressed the importance of attracting Global Capability Centres (GCCs) and R&D hubs at AURIC to strengthen its innovation and industrial ecosystem.

 

3. India’s First Digital Nomad Village Launch: The village of Yakten in Sikkim’s Pakyong district was declared India’s first digital nomad village. This initiative was launched to create a sustainable remote work hub in the Himalayas. It aims to support local homestay owners with steady income and attract digital professionals from across India and abroad. Yakten’s transformation is part of the ‘Nomad Sikkim’ project, a collaboration between the Pakyong district administration and NGO Sarvahitey. The project addresses the seasonal income gap for homestay operators, especially during the six-month off-season from April to October. Infrastructure upgrades include dual internet lines, village-wide Wi-Fi, and power backups to ensure uninterrupted connectivity. Plans are underway to resolve water scarcity under the Jal Jeevan Mission.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India to Host First-Ever International Manuscript Heritage Conference in September 2025: India will host its first-ever International Manuscript Heritage Conference from September 11–13, 2025, in New Delhi, under the theme “Reclaiming India’s Knowledge Legacy Through Manuscript Heritage” as part of the launch of the Gyan Bharatam Mission (GBM).The event will coincide with the 132nd anniversary of Swami Vivekananda’s Chicago address (September 11, 1893), and will feature global scholars, cultural custodians, live digitisation demos, UNESCO manuscript exhibitions, and interactive workshops.

2. UNESCO Removes Three African Sites from World Heritage Danger List After Successful Restoration Efforts: During the 47th session of the World Heritage Committee held in Paris, UNESCO removed three African sites — Rainforests of the Atsinanana (Madagascar), Abu Mena (Egypt), and Old Town of Ghadams (Libya) — from its List of World Heritage in Danger.This removal marks the successful efforts by respective countries, supported by UNESCO, in reducing threats and restoring ecological and cultural integrity at these sites.The Rainforests of the Atsinanana, listed as a World Heritage Site in 2007 and placed on the danger list in 2010, faced threats such as illegal logging, deforestation, and endangered species decline, especially lemurs.

Abu Mena in Egypt, a significant Christian monastic and pilgrimage site listed in 1979, was placed in danger in 2001 due to rising water tables and structural collapse from surrounding irrigation practices.

 

3. Taiwan’s CTBC Bank Joins Global Rush to GIFT City: Taiwan’s largest private bank, CTBC Bank, has applied to set up an IFSC Banking Unit (IBU) in GIFT City, following approvals from Taiwan’s Financial Supervisory Commission.A wave of international banks from Taiwan, UAE, and France are now entering GIFT City, with CTBC Bank, Taipei Fubon Bank, Mashreq Bank, and First Abu Dhabi Bank all applying or receiving approval to set up IBUs.The number of IBUs in GIFT City has more than doubled from 15 in 2022 to 31 in March 2025, with major global players like Natixis, Credit Agricole, and Societe Generale joining the list, reflecting rising global confidence in India’s IFSC framework.

 

4. 12 July – International Day of Combating Sand and Dust Storms: The United Nations General Assembly has declared 12 July as the International Day of Combating Sand and Dust Storms to highlight their global impact on sustainable development.Sand and dust storms pose serious economic, social, and environmental challenges, hindering efforts toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).This is why the United Nations General Assembly, in resolution 77/249, proclaimed 12 July as the International Day of Combating Sand and Dust Storms, and declared the period from 2025 to 2034 the United Nations Decade on Combating Sand and Dust Storms.

 

5. 12 July – International Day of Hope: The International Day of Hope is observed annually on 12 July to promote the power of hope as a driving force for resilience, healing, and positive change in individuals and communities worldwide.The day emphasises the importance of nurturing mental well-being, compassion, and optimism, especially in the face of global challenges such as conflict, poverty, and inequality.

 

6. 12 July – Malala Day: Malala Day is observed globally every year on 12th July to honour the bravery, advocacy, and voice of Malala Yousafzai, the youngest Nobel Peace Prize laureate.It marks her birthday and commemorates her powerful speech at the United Nations on 12 July 2013, where she advocated for education, women’s rights, and global peace.Malala Day is observed on 12 July to recognize the courage and activism of Malala Yousafzai, who stood up for girls’ education in the face of Taliban oppression in Pakistan.

7. Talisman Sabre 2025: Talisman Sabre 2025 is the largest and most complex warfighting exercise held in Australia. It began on 13 July 2025 and involves 35,000 military personnel from 19 nations. The event is led by Australia and includes India among other key partners. For the first time, parts of the exercise are conducted outside Australia, in Papua New Guinea. Talisman Sabre is a biennial military exercise started in 2005 by Australia and the United States. The 2025 edition is its 11th iteration. It features live-fire drills, amphibious landings, ground manoeuvres, air combat, and maritime operations. This year, new Australian Defence Force assets like UH-60M Black Hawks and Precision Strike Missiles are deployed. The exercise spans Queensland, Northern Territory, Western Australia, New South Wales, Christmas Island, and Papua New Guinea.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. Maratha Military Forts Declared UNESCO World Heritage Site, Becomes India’s 44th Entry: Maratha Military Landscapes of India, a network of 12 historic forts from the 17th to 19th centuries, has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, becoming India’s 44th property to receive this recognition.These forts reflect the military strategy, architectural brilliance, and cultural identity of the Maratha Empire, and are spread across Maharashtra (11 forts) and Tamil Nadu (1 fort – Gingee Fort).The recognition was granted during the 47th Session of the World Heritage Committee after an 18-month evaluation by international experts, including a site review by the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS).

 

2. India Successfully Tests Indigenous Astra BVRAAM with RF Seeker from Su-30 MKI: The DRDO and Indian Air Force successfully flight-tested the indigenous Astra Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM), equipped with a homegrown Radio Frequency (RF) Seeker, from a Su-30 Mk-I aircraft off the coast of Odisha.During the test, two missiles hit high-speed aerial targets with pinpoint accuracy, validating the flawless performance of all subsystems, including the RF seeker developed by DRDO.With a range exceeding 100 km and advanced guidance systems, Astra’s successful test marks a major milestone in India’s self-reliant defence capabilities, involving contributions from over 50 public and private industries, including HAL.

 

3. Indian Army Launches ‘Operation SHIVA 2025’ to Secure Amarnath Yatra Amid Heightened Threats: The Indian Army launched ‘Operation SHIVA 2025’, a high-intensity annual security exercise, to ensure the safe and smooth conduct of the Shri Amarnath Yatra amid rising threats from Pakistan-backed proxy groups.The operation, planned in coordination with civil administration and CAPFs, includes the deployment of over 8,500 troops, advanced surveillance tools, and a multi-layered counter-terror grid across both northern and southern Yatra routes.A dedicated Counter-Unmanned Aerial System (C-UAS) grid with 50+ systems and electronic warfare assets has been established, along with continuous UAV surveillance and live monitoring of Yatra paths and the holy cave.The Army has made extensive logistical and medical arrangements, including 150+ medical personnel, a 100-bed hospital, 26 oxygen booths, two advanced dressing stations, and emergency rations for over 25,000 people.

 

4. Indian and Greek Navies Conduct Joint PASSEX in Arabian Sea: The Indian Navy and Hellenic (Greek) Navy conducted a joint PASSEX (Passing Exercise) off the Mumbai coast in the Arabian Sea, highlighting growing maritime cooperation between the two nations.The PASSEX reflects enhanced military ties following the Strategic Partnership agreement signed during PM Modi’s 2023 visit to Greece, aimed at deepening defence collaboration.Earlier, the Hellenic Air Force participated in India’s Tarang Shakti 2024 exercise, while the Indian Air Force took part in INIOCHOS 2025, hosted by Greece, demonstrating strong bilateral air force engagement as well.

The Western Naval Command deployed INS Tarkashto conduct a PASSEX exercise with the passing Hellenic Navy Ship HS Psara.

 

SPORTS

 

1. A Ra Harikrishnan Becomes India’s 87th Grandmaster: A Ra Harikrishnan has become India’s 87th Grandmaster after earning his third and final GM norm at the La Plagne International Chess Festival in France.The 24-year-old Chennai-based player earned his first GM norm in July 2023 at the Biel International Chess Festival in Switzerland, followed by his second at the Andujar Open in Spain last month.A Grandmaster title in chess requires three GM norms and a FIDE rating of 2500, reflecting consistent top-level performance in internationally rated tournaments.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Open Natural Ecosystems: Recent discourse challenges the common view of deserts as barren wastelands needing transformation. Deserts cover nearly one-third of the Earth’s land and host unique ecosystems and cultures. Recognising their ecological and cultural importance is vital for sustainable land management. Deserts are not failures of nature but ancient landscapes adapted to extreme conditions. They support specialised plants and animals that survive with minimal water. Early human civilisations, such as those in Mesopotamia, Egypt, and the Indus Valley, flourished in desert climates. Harsh desert conditions encourageed innovation in irrigation and social organisation. India’s grasslands, savannas, and scrublands are often misclassified as wastelands. This colonial-era label implies these lands are degraded and need fixing through afforestation or agriculture. However, these ecosystems are rich in biodiversity, harbouring species like the Great Indian Bustard, caracal, and Indian wolf. They also store carbon mainly in soil rather than trees.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. PhonePe Leads UPI Market in June with 46% Share: PhonePe retained the top spot in the UPI ecosystem in June with a 46% market share, recording 854.7 crore transactions worth ₹11.98 lakh crore, despite a 1.5% drop from May.Google Pay stood second, processing 654.1 crore transactions, down by 3% month-on-month, while Paytm secured the third position with a 7% market share, clocking 126.9 crore transactions worth ₹1.34 lakh crore.According to NPCI data, the total number of UPI transactions in June was 18.40 billion, slightly lower than the record-high 18.68 billion in May, with a total transaction value of ₹24.04 lakh crore, down 4.4% MoM.Newer platforms like Navi (2.24%) and super.money (1.20%), backed by Flipkart, also made a mark in the UPI app market share during June.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Former Chief Justice Kalyan Shrestha Honoured with Hem Bahadur Malla Award 2080 in Nepal: Former Chief Justice Kalyan Shrestha has been awarded the ‘Hem Bahadur Malla Award 2080’ for his significant contributions to judicial leadership and institutional development in Nepal.The award, carrying a cash prize of Rs 200,000 and a certificate of honour, was presented by Chief Justice Prakashman Singh Raut at an event in Kathmandu, jointly organised by the Nepal Public Administration Association and the Salt Trading Corporation.Shrestha, who served as Nepal’s 25th Chief Justice, played a pivotal role in transitional justice, inclusive democracy, and environmental justice, and was recommended by a selection committee chaired by Umesh Mainali.

 

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