08th July 2025

1. Kerala’s First Skin Bank to Open in Thiruvananthapuram
2. Bank Liquidity Surplus Crosses ₹4 Trillion
3. Colombia and Uzbekistan join NDB ahead of 17th BRICS Summit
4. Govt Partners with Sri Aurobindo Society to Support Inclusive Education
5. Eternal Appoints Aditya Mangla as Food Delivery CEO
6. PM Modi Honored With ‘Key to the City of Buenos Aires’
7. India Wins 11 Medals at World Boxing Cup 2025
8. Mexico Beats USA In Final to Win 10th Gold Cup
9. IndiGo Names Amitabh Kant as Non-Executive Director
10. India to Bid for 2029 and 2031 World Athletics Championships
11. India Ranked Among World’s Most Equal Countries by World Bank
12. India Becomes 4th Largest Biofuel User in 2024
13. India Creates History with First Test Win at Edgbaston
14. Jennifer Geerlings-Simons Becomes Suriname’s First Woman President
15. Himachal Becomes First State to Use Face ID for Ration
16. Indian Bank, PNB Remove Minimum Balance Charges
17. India Launches National Biobank for Health Research
18. PM Modi Attends 17th BRICS Summit in Brazil
19. TN Becomes India’s First State to Implement Predictive Death Model for TB Patients
20. Sanjog Gupta Appointed as CEO of ICC
21. McLaren’s Lando Norris Wins F1 British GP 2025
22. Magnus Carlsen Wins SuperUnited Rapid & Blitz Croatia 2025; D Gukesh Secures Third Place
23. Neeraj Chopra Won Gold in the Inaugural Edition of Neeraj Chopra Classic 2025 in Bengaluru
24. Former MP and MLA Kunwar Anand Singh Passed Away
25. World Rural Development Day 2025 – July 6
26. World Kiswahili Language Day 2025 – July 7
27. UP Govt to Launch Two New Pilgrimage Assistance Schemes
28. Haryana to Develop Asia’s Largest Jungle Safari in Aravalli Hills

National News

1. India Ranked Fourth Most Equal Society by World Bank

• What:
  • World Bank has ranked India as the fourth most equal country in the world with a Gini Index of 25.5.
• Why:
  • The ranking reflects India’s progress in reducing income inequality and sharing economic growth more evenly across its population.
• Tell me more:
  • India’s Gini Index improved from 28.8 in 2011 to 25.5 in 2022, placing it just behind the Slovak Republic, Slovenia, and Belarus.
  • India’s score is better than China (35.7), the United States (41.8), and all G7 and G20 countries.
  • The Gini Index measures income distribution on a scale from 0 (perfect equality) to 100 (maximum inequality).
  • About 171 million Indians moved out of extreme poverty between 2011 and 2023, and the poverty rate dropped from 16.2% to 2.3%.
  • Government schemes like PM Jan Dhan Yojana, Aadhaar, Ayushman Bharat, Stand-Up India, PM Vishwakarma Yojana, and PMGKAY have supported this progress.

Source: NOA TOI

2. India Becomes World’s Fourth Largest Biofuel Consumer

• What:
  • India became the world’s fourth largest biofuel consumer for the second year in a row in 2024, overtaking China in consumption but still behind in production.
• Tell me more:
  • India’s biofuel consumption increased by 40% year-on-year to 77 thousand barrels of oil equivalent per day in 2024.
  • Biofuel use in India grew at an average annual rate of 31.8% between 2014 and 2024.
  • India is the world’s third largest energy consumer.
  • The data comes from the Statistical Review of World Energy 2025 by The Energy Institute, Kearney, and KPMG.

Source: HBL

3. Phenome India National Biobank Launched at CSIR-IGIB

• What:
  • Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh inaugurated the Phenome India “National Biobank” at CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (IGIB) in New Delhi.
• Why:
  • The Biobank aims to build India’s own health database and enable personalised treatment based on genetic, lifestyle, and clinical data.
• Tell me more:
  • The Biobank will collect data from 10,000 individuals across India, covering diverse geography, ethnicity, and socio-economic backgrounds.
  • It is inspired by the UK Biobank model but tailored for India’s unique diversity.
  • The initiative will help with early diagnosis, better therapies, and research on diseases like diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular and rare genetic disorders.
  • The Phenome India Project is a long-term study to track health over several years and understand gene-environment interactions.
  • The Biobank will support AI-driven diagnostics and gene-guided therapies.

Source: PIB

State News

1. Skin Bank to Open at Thiruvananthapuram Medical College

• What:
  • Kerala’s first skin bank will be opened at Thiruvananthapuram Government Medical College on July 15, to help burn victims by providing donated skin for treatment.
• Why:
  • The skin bank aims to reduce pain and infection risks for burn victims who cannot use their own skin for grafting.
• Tell me more:
  • The inauguration will take place on World Plastic Surgery Day.
  • The centre has received approval from Kerala State Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (K-SOTTO) to receive skin donations.

Source: IE

2. Himachal Pradesh Launches Aadhaar Face Authentication for Ration

• What:
  • Himachal Pradesh became the first state in India to introduce Aadhaar-based face authentication for distributing ration under the Public Distribution System (PDS).
• Why:
  • The new system aims to make ration distribution easier and faster by solving problems faced with OTP and biometric methods.
• Tell me more:
  • Face authentication uses a mobile camera through an app on the fair price shop owner’s smartphone.
  • Earlier, OTP-based and biometric methods caused issues like SMS failures and mismatches.
  • The initiative was launched by the Department of Digital Technologies and Governance, Himachal Pradesh.
  • Himachal Pradesh is the first state in the country to implement this system.

Source: BS

3. Tamil Nadu Launches India’s First TB Death Prediction Model

• What:
  • Tamil Nadu has become the first state in India to implement a tuberculosis (TB) death prediction model, now integrated with the TB SeWA application.
• Why:
  • The model aims to reduce the time from TB diagnosis to hospital admission and lower the mortality rate among TB patients.
• Tell me more:
  • The TB death prediction model was developed by ICMR’s National Institute of Epidemiology (NIE).
  • It is part of Tamil Nadu’s differentiated care model initiative called TN-KET.
  • The model helps triage patients at diagnosis by predicting the probability of death for adults with TB.
  • Severely ill patients have a predicted death probability ranging from 10% to 50%, while not severely ill patients have a probability of 1% to 4%.
  • The TB SeWA application has been in use since 2022.

Source: TW

4. UP Launches Pilgrimage Schemes for Buddhist and Sikh Devotees

• What:
  • Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced the launch of ‘Buddhist Tirtha Darshan Yojana’ and ‘Panch Takht Yatra Yojana’ to support pilgrimage travel for Buddhist and Sikh devotees.
• Why:
  • The schemes aim to help citizens reach important religious sites, promote spiritual upliftment, social harmony, and inclusive development.
• Tell me more:
  • ‘Buddhist Tirtha Darshan Yojana’ will provide financial assistance to Buddhist devotees, especially monks, for visiting key pilgrimage sites in India.
  • ‘Panch Takht Yatra Yojana’ will help Sikh devotees visit the five holy Takht Sahib sites.
  • Each devotee will receive a minimum grant of Rs 10,000.
  • The application process will be fully online, with priority for economically weaker sections.
  • The schemes will be run in collaboration with IRCTC.

Source: ET

5. Haryana to Develop 10,000-Acre Jungle Safari in Aravalli

• What:
  • Haryana is developing a large jungle safari project in the Aravalli Hills to promote green tourism and wildlife conservation.
• Why:
  • The project aims to protect biodiversity, boost eco-friendly tourism, and create new employment opportunities for local youth.
• Tell me more:
  • The Haryana government is also planning other projects like a world-class Disneyland in Delhi-NCR and expanding the International Gita Mahotsav.
  • Three annual Melas are proposed at Surajkund to promote pilgrimage tourism.

Source: ET

International News

1. Colombia and Uzbekistan Join New Development Bank

• What:
  • Colombia and Uzbekistan have officially joined the New Development Bank (NDB), increasing the bank’s membership to 11 countries.
• Why:
  • The expansion aims to strengthen the NDB’s mission to fund infrastructure and sustainable development in emerging economies.
• Tell me more:
  • The announcement comes ahead of the 17th BRICS Summit.
  • NDB was founded in 2015 by the original BRICS nations.
  • The NDB President emphasized support for the Global South and focus on innovation, science, and technology.
  • NDB has approved over 120 projects in sectors like clean energy, transport, environmental protection, water and sanitation, and digital infrastructure.

Source: NoA

2. 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

• What:
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged BRICS nations at the 17th BRICS Summit to ensure critical mineral supply chains remain secure, reliable, and free from geopolitical coercion.
• Why:
  • The call aims to prevent the weaponisation of strategic resources and reduce dependency on any single country for rare earth supplies.
• Tell me more:
  • China currently controls over 90% of the world’s rare earth processing capacity, raising concerns about global supply security.
  • India is actively seeking alternatives to reduce reliance on Chinese mineral supply lines.
  • Modi also called for reforms in global governance institutions like the UN Security Council, IMF, World Bank, and WTO to better represent developing nations.
  • The summit ended with consensus on enhancing multilateral cooperation, though differences on minerals and trade controls remain.

Source: IE

Banking and Economy

1. Banking System Liquidity Surplus Hits Two-Year High

• What:
  • Liquidity surplus in the banking system rose to ₹4.04 trillion, the highest since May 19, 2022, as banks parked more funds in RBI’s liquidity adjustment facility (LAF).
• Why:
  • The rise in liquidity surplus is mainly due to increased government spending after a record ₹2.69 trillion surplus transfer by the central bank in May.
• Tell me more:
  • On Thursday, RBI conducted a seven-day Variable Rate Reverse Repo (VRRR) auction.
  • RBI received bids worth around ₹1.7 trillion for the VRRR auction. The notified amount for the auction was ₹1 trillion.
  • RBI accepted ₹1 trillion at a cut-off rate of 5.47 per cent.

Source: BS

2. Public Sector Banks Drop Minimum Balance Requirement

• What:
  • Public sector banks like Canara Bank, Bank of Baroda, Punjab National Bank, and Indian Bank have removed the minimum balance requirement for savings accounts, so customers will not face penalties for not maintaining a minimum balance.
• Why:
  • The change aims to address concerns over declining current and savings account deposits and to make banking more customer-friendly.
• Tell me more:
  • The finance ministry questioned banks about penalising customers for not maintaining minimum balance.
  • SBI was the first public sector bank to remove this requirement in 2020 after public backlash.
  • Traditionally, public sector banks had lower balance requirements than private banks, and Jan Dhan accounts were already exempt.
  • Private banks waive the requirement for salary accounts and accounts with high relationship value.
  • Banks now recover account maintenance costs through other charges like debit card fees and transaction charges beyond free limits.

Source: ET

Awards

1. PM Modi Receives Key to City of Buenos Aires

• What:
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi was awarded the Key to the City of Buenos Aires during his visit to Argentina, marking the first bilateral trip by an Indian Prime Minister to Argentina in 57 years.
• Why:
  • The honour was given to signify friendship and mutual trust between India and Argentina, and to strengthen cooperation in key areas.
• Tell me more:
  • PM Modi was welcomed at Ezeiza International Airport and held talks with Argentine President Javier Milei.
  • Argentina was the third stop on PM Modi’s five-nation tour.

Source: TOI

Important Days

1. World Swahili Language Day 2025 – July 7

• Theme: “Kiswahili: A Bridge for Cultural Diversity and Intercultural Dialogue”

Source: UN

2. World Rural Development Day 2025 – July 6

Source: UN

Sports

1. Indian Women Boxers Shine at World Boxing Cup

• What:
  • Indian women boxers Jaismine Lamboria, Sakshi, and Nupur won gold medals, helping India secure 11 medals at the World Boxing Cup Kazakhstan 2025 in Astana.
• Why:
  • The strong performance aimed to boost India’s medal tally and ranking points for qualification to the World Boxing Cup Finals.
• Tell me more:
  • India won a total of 3 gold, 5 silver, and 3 bronze medals at the event.
  • Sakshi won India’s first gold at the meet in the women’s 54kg category.
  • Over 400 boxers from 31 countries competed, and India sent a 20-member team.
  • Boxers earn ranking points at these meets for qualification to the World Boxing Cup Finals in New Delhi.

Source: OC

2. Mexico Wins 10th CONCACAF Gold Cup Title

• What:
  • Mexico won its record-extending 10th CONCACAF Gold Cup title by defeating the United States 2-1 in the final at Houston’s NRG Stadium.
• Tell me more:
  • The United States took an early lead with a fourth-minute goal by Chris Richards.
  • Raul Jimenez equalized for Mexico in the 27th minute and paid tribute to his late teammate Diogo Jota.
  • Edson Alvarez scored the winning goal for Mexico in the 77th minute, confirmed by VAR.
  • Mexico now has three more Gold Cup titles than the United States, which has seven.

Source: ET

3. India to Bid for 2029 and 2031 World Athletics Championships

• What:
  • India will submit bids to host the 2029 and 2031 World Athletics Championships, aiming to secure the hosting rights for one of these editions.
• Why:
  • The bid is part of India’s strategy to host high-profile sports events and support its hopes of hosting the 2036 Olympics.
• Tell me more:
  • World Athletics will announce the hosts for both the 2029 and 2031 championships in September 2026.
  • Asia is already hosting the 2025 and 2027 editions in Tokyo and Beijing, making 2031 a more likely option for India.
  • India has also expressed interest in hosting the 2028 Junior World Championships, with the host to be announced in December 2025.
  • India is bidding for World Athletics Relays after the 2026 (Botswana) and 2028 (Bahamas) editions.

Source: BS

4. Shubman Gill Becomes Youngest Indian Captain to Win Overseas Test

• What:
  • Shubman Gill became the youngest Indian captain to win a Test match overseas, leading India to a 336-run victory against England at Edgbaston.
• Tell me more:
  • Gill was 25 years and 301 days old, breaking Sunil Gavaskar’s record set in 1976.
  • The win is India’s first-ever at Edgbaston and their biggest overseas victory by runs.
  • Gill scored 269 and 161 in the match, becoming the first batter in Test history to score 250 and 150 in the same match.
  • India has now won Test matches at 60 different venues, the most by any team.
  • The series against England is now level at 1-1, with the third Test to be played at Lord’s.

Source: TOI

5. Formula 1 Qatar Airways British Grand Prix 2025

• Lando Norris (British motorsports racing driver) has won the tournament by defeating Oscar Piastri (Australian motorsports racing driver).

Source: F1

6. Magnus Carlsen Wins SuperUnited Rapid and Blitz Croatia

• Magnus Carlsen won the SuperUnited Rapid and Blitz Croatia 2025 chess tournament held in Zagreb, Croatia.

Source: IE

7. Neeraj Chopra Wins Inaugural Neeraj Chopra Classic 2025

• What:
  • Neeraj Chopra won the first-ever Neeraj Chopra Classic 2025 javelin event in Bengaluru with a throw of 86.18 metres.
• Why:
  • The event aimed to bring a world-class athletics competition to India and fulfill Neeraj Chopra’s dream of hosting such an event on home soil.
• Tell me more:
  • The competition was held at Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru.
  • Kenya’s Julius Yego finished second with 84.51 metres, and Sri Lanka’s Rumesh Pathirage was third with 84.34 metres.
  • The event attracted a crowd of 14,593 spectators.
  • Neeraj’s best throw was 86.18 metres, achieved on his third attempt.
  • The Neeraj Chopra Classic is a World Athletics gold-level event.

Source: ET

Memorandum of Understanding

1. MoU Signed for Project Inclusion in Education

• What:
  • The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) signed an MoU with Sri Aurobindo Society (SAS) to support inclusive education through the ‘Rupantar Programme’ under ‘Project Inclusion’.
• Why:
  • The initiative aims to build capacity among educators and professionals to support children with disabilities in mainstream schools.
• Tell me more:
  • SAS will deliver training and awareness programmes using a mobile app and web-based platform.
  • The project focuses on innovation in teaching and research to improve education for children with disabilities.
  • The initiative will cover difficult-to-reach areas, including Leh, under the Leh Inclusion Initiative.
  • The MoU aligns with Sections 16, 17, and 47 of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016.

Source: TOI

Appointments

1. Aditya Mangla Appointed CEO of Zomato Food Delivery

• What:
  • Aditya Mangla has been appointed as the new CEO of Zomato’s food delivery business for a period of two years.
• Why:
  • The appointment comes as the company seeks strong leadership for its food delivery segment during a period of slower growth.
• Tell me more:
  • Mangla succeeds Rakesh Ranjan, who stepped down in April, and is the third CEO for the food delivery business in three years.
  • He joined Zomato in 2021 and has held roles such as head of supply and head of customer experience.
  • Zomato’s food delivery segment saw 16% year-on-year growth in gross order value to Rs 9,778 crore for the March quarter, but growth was below expectations and fell 1% sequentially.
  • The company ended its rapid food delivery experiment in May to focus on margin preservation and consolidate under Blinkit’s Bistro vertical.

Source: ET

2. Amitabh Kant Appointed Non-Executive Director at IndiGo

• What:
  • InterGlobe Aviation, parent of IndiGo airline, has appointed Amitabh Kant as a Non-Executive Director on its Board.
• Tell me more:
  • IndiGo is India’s largest airline with over 60% share in the domestic passenger market.
  • Kant was CEO of NITI Aayog for six years, leading programs like the Aspirational Districts Programme and initiatives on mobility and sustainability.
  • He recently served as India’s G20 Sherpa and played a key role in drafting the New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration in September 2023.

Source: BS

3. Jennifer Geerlings-Simons Elected First Female President of Suriname

• Jennifer Geerlings-Simons has been elected as Suriname’s first female president after a two-thirds majority vote in parliament.
• Geerlings-Simons is a 71-year-old physician and lawmaker, and leader of the National Democratic Party.
• Suriname will mark 50 years of independence from the Netherlands in November.

Source: ALJ

4. Sanjog Gupta Appointed CEO of International Cricket Council

• Indian broadcaster Sanjog Gupta has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the International Cricket Council (ICC).
• The announcement was made by ICC Chairman Jay Shah.
• The ICC is the global governing body for cricket.

Source: NOA

Miscellaneous

1. Kunwar Anand Singh, Former MP and UP Minister, Passes Away

• Kunwar Anand Singh, former Member of Parliament from Gonda and father of Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh, died in Lucknow at the age of 87.
• Singh was known as the “UP Tiger” and held significant influence in eastern Uttar Pradesh, especially in Gonda district.

Source: HT

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