10th July 2025

1. Stamp Released to Honour Syama Prasad Mookerjee’s 125th Birth Anniversary
2. 11th Maize Summit: Big Plans to Boost Maize Farming in India
3. Switzerland Clears First Malaria Medicine for Small Babies
4. Japan and India Coast Guards Begin Sea Exercise in Chennai
5. ‘Das Paise ka Postcard’ Book Brings Back the Postcard Era
6. Public Sector Banks to Raise ₹45,000 Crore via Share Sale in FY26
7. India and Namibia Sign Key Deals During PM Modi’s Visit
8. Delhi Launches ‘Saheli Card’ for Free Bus Travel
9. Union Minister Pradhan Inaugurates Agritech Innovation Hub in Meerut
10. PM Modi Sets $20 Billion Trade Target with Brazil by 2030
11. ISRO Successfully Conducts Hot Tests of Gaganyaan Propulsion System
12. Sabih Khan Appointed as Apple’s Next Chief Operating Officer (COO)
13. International Umpire Bismillah Jan Shinwari Passes Away at 41
14. Indian Navy Signs Agreement with BEL for NMDA Project
15. TN Govt, HMIL & IIT Madras Collaborate to Establish Hyundai HTWO Innovation Centre in Chennai
16. Yamaha Motor Unveiled New Logo to Commemorate 70 Years of Innovation
17. Indian Navy Successfully Tests Indigenous Anti-Submarine Rocket ‘ERASR’
18. Gujarat becomes 1st State in India to Join Cruise Bharat Mission to boost Maritime Tourism

National News

1. Prime Minister Modi’s Historic Visit to Namibia

• What:
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Namibia on July 9, marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the country in almost thirty years, as part of a five-country outreach trip to the Global South.
• Why:
  • The visit aims to strengthen cooperation between India and Namibia in technology, health, infrastructure, development, and security.
• Tell me more:
  • India and Namibia share a long history of friendship, including support for Namibia’s independence and partnership through the Non-aligned Movement.
  • India has provided material assistance, military training, and capacity-building support to Namibia, and has invested in mineral resources and development projects.
  • Two-way trade between India and Namibia reached $654 million between April and November 2023, with India’s investments in Namibia around $800 million.
  • India and Namibia signed a memorandum in 2022 for the translocation of cheetahs, leading to the world’s first intercontinental transfer of a major carnivore species.
  • Namibia is a major producer of uranium, lithium, zinc, and rare earth metals, making it important for India’s energy security and critical minerals partnership.

Source: IE

2. India and Brazil Set Target to Boost Bilateral Trade

• What:
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva agreed to increase India-Brazil bilateral trade from 12.2 billion to 20 billion dollars in the next five years during a state visit to Brazil.
• Why:
  • The goal is to expand trade, improve market access, and strengthen cooperation in key sectors between the two countries.
• Tell me more:
  • Both countries will work to expand the Mercosur preferential trade agreement to include more products and enhance market access for Indian exporters.
  • India plans to enable Unified Payments Interface adoption in Brazil, and focus on cooperation in agriculture, food processing, digital public infrastructure, and space technology.
  • Prime Minister Modi received Brazil’s highest civilian award, the Grand Collar of the National Order of the Southern Cross, for strengthening bilateral relations.
  • Three MoUs were signed on exchanging intelligence on terrorism and transnational crime, biofuel including ethanol blended fuel, and renewable energy.

Source: NOA

State News

1. Saheli Smart Card to Offer Free Bus Rides for Women in Delhi

• What:
  • Delhi government will launch the Saheli Smart Card, a digital travel pass with the holder’s name and photo, to provide free bus rides for women and transgender residents aged 12 and above on DTC and cluster buses.
• Why:
  • The new card aims to digitise and streamline the existing free travel scheme for women, making the process modern and transparent.
• Tell me more:
  • The Saheli Smart Card will be issued under the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) platform and will not replace the pink ticket system but serve as an additional facility.
  • The card can be topped up for use on other transport like the Delhi Metro, but free rides are limited to buses under this scheme.
  • Banks may charge a nominal fee for issuing or maintaining the card, and lost cards must be reported for replacement.

Source: ET

2. Uttar Pradesh Agritech Innovation Hub Inaugurated in Meerut

• What:
  • The Uttar Pradesh Agritech Innovation Hub and Agritech Startup and Technology Showcase were inaugurated at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology, Meerut, by Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Minister Jayant Chaudhary.
• Why:
  • The hub aims to use technology and innovation to support farmers, empower rural youth, and promote sustainable agriculture in Uttar Pradesh.
• Tell me more:
  • The hub is equipped with IoT sensors, smart irrigation, automation, and real-time analytics for precision farming.
  • IIT Ropar will contribute IoT, automation systems, cloud computing, and up to Rs. 75 lakhs, and will provide technical expertise and training.
  • An MoU was signed between IIT Ropar and SVPUAT for collaboration in agritech research and education.
  • The event included a technology demonstration at the Model Smart Farm, an exhibition of 20 agritech startups, and recognition of progressive farmers.
  • Training and knowledge transfer will be provided through workshops, engaging Krishi Vigyan Kendras and Farmer Producer Organisations.

Source: PIB

3. Gujarat Becomes First State to Join Cruise Bharat Mission

• What:
  • Gujarat has become the first state in India to officially align with the Cruise Bharat Mission, aiming to develop a globally competitive cruise tourism ecosystem.
• Why:
  • The move is intended to transform Gujarat into a leading cruise tourism destination and set a model for other coastal states.
• Tell me more:
  • Gujarat has the longest coastline in India and plans to create multiple cruise circuits along its western coast, connecting destinations like Diu, Veraval, Porbandar, Dwarka, Jamnagar, Okha, and Padala Island.
  • The state’s cruise routes are divided into three clusters to link religious, cultural, and natural attractions within a 100 kilometre radius for better tourism experiences.
  • Gujarat previously lacked a dedicated cruise terminal, unlike Mumbai, Cochin, Chennai, and Mormugao.
  • The Cruise Bharat Mission was launched by the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways on September 30, 2024, with a goal to increase sea cruise traffic tenfold by 2029.
  • The Ghogha Hazira Ro-Pax route is already operational in the state.

Source: IE

International News

1. Approval of Malaria Medicine for Small Infants in Switzerland

• What:
  • Switzerland’s medical products authority Swissmedic has approved a malaria medicine for small infants, developed by Novartis, for babies weighing between 2 and 5 kilograms.
• Why:
  • The approval aims to provide a safe and suitable malaria treatment for very young children and improve access to needed medicines in developing countries.
• Tell me more:
  • The medicine, called Coartem Baby, is a lower-dose version of an existing tablet for older children and combines two antimalarial drugs.
  • This is only the third time Swissmedic has used a fast-track process, working with the World Health Organization, to help developing countries.
  • Eight African countries participated in the assessment and are expected to approve the medicine within 90 days.
  • Novartis plans to roll out the medicine on a largely not-for-profit basis in malaria-endemic countries.

Source: ET

Banking and Economy

1. Government Plans Rs 45,000 Crore Fundraising for PSBs

• What:
  • The government will raise about Rs 45,000 crore for public sector banks in 2025–26 through Qualified Institutional Placements (QIPs) and will dilute stakes in selected banks.
• Why:
  • The strategy aims to ensure public sector banks have enough capital for lending and to align with disinvestment and public shareholding norms.
• Tell me more:
  • State Bank of India (SBI) will lead the fundraising with Rs 20,000 crore via QIP, after approval from the Ministry of Finance.
  • Five banks—Bank of Maharashtra, Indian Overseas Bank, UCO Bank, Central Bank of India, and Punjab and Sind Bank—are shortlisted for partial disinvestment through Offer for Sale (OFS).
  • The Inter-Ministerial Group met to appoint advisors for the stake sale process.
  • The Department of Financial Services has approved a stake sale in Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) via OFS, which will be the first since LIC’s IPO in 2022.
  • The government is working to help listed PSBs meet SEBI’s minimum public shareholding norm of 25 percent, with Bank of Maharashtra expected to comply this year.

Source: MoC

2. Hyundai Unveils HTWO Innovation Centre for Green Hydrogen

• What:
  • Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL), in collaboration with IIT Madras and Guidance Tamil Nadu, unveiled the design of the Hyundai HTWO Innovation Centre, a research facility dedicated to green hydrogen technology.
• Why:
  • The centre aims to foster hydrogen innovation, nurture a skilled hydrogen workforce, and expand the hydrogen value chain through public-private partnerships to support India’s clean energy transition.
• Tell me more:
  • The 65,000 sq. ft. centre will be located within the Discovery Campus of IIT Madras at Thaiyur, Chennai, and includes advanced computational labs, pilot test rigs, and containerised demonstrators for industrial-scale hydrogen products.
  • The initiative is part of Hyundai’s ₹100 crore commitment and is developed partly through its CSR arm, Hyundai Motor India Foundation (HMIF).
  • The centre will serve as a collaborative platform uniting industry, academia, R&D institutions, and policymakers to support India’s Net Zero targets by 2070.
  • It aims to develop digital twins of hydrogen infrastructure, improve electrolyser and fuel cell technologies, and enable pilot-scale evaluations.
  • The facility will help bridge talent gaps and support the government’s vision for energy independence by 2047.

Source: ET

3. Yamaha Motor Unveils New Logo and 70th Anniversary Emblem

• What:
  • Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. has changed its corporate logo for the first time in 27 years and introduced a special logo to mark its 70th anniversary.
• Why:
  • The new logo is designed for better visibility in digital applications and to celebrate the company’s milestone anniversary.
• Tell me more:
  • The new logo uses a flat (2D) Tuning Fork Mark for greater clarity.
  • The 70th anniversary logo is inspired by racing number plates from Yamaha’s first motorcycle race.
  • Yamaha Motor was founded in 1955 and is marking 70 years of business in 2025.
  • The anniversary theme is “Everything Begins with a Challenge.”

Source: Yamaha

Defence News

1. Japan Coast Guard Ship Itsukushima Visits Chennai Port

• What:
  • Japan Coast Guard Ship Itsukushima arrived at Chennai Port on July 7, 2025, as part of its Global Ocean Voyage Training to strengthen the partnership between the Indian Coast Guard and Japan Coast Guard in the Indo-Pacific.
• Why:
  • The visit aims to boost cooperation, professional exchange, and interoperability between the Indian Coast Guard and Japan Coast Guard.
• Tell me more:
  • The port call will last a week and includes bilateral meetings, joint professional and cultural exchanges, and a sea exercise.
  • A joint sea exercise named ‘Jaa Mata’ will be held on July 12, 2025.
  • Four Indian Coast Guard officers will sail on Itsukushima to Singapore as Sea Riders.

Source: PIB

2. BEL Signs Contract for National Maritime Domain Awareness Project

• What:
  • The Indian Navy has signed a contract with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) to implement the National Maritime Domain Awareness (NMDA) project for strengthening coastal and maritime security.
• Why:
  • The project aims to upgrade and integrate maritime security systems to improve data sharing, analysis, and coordination among maritime stakeholders.
• Tell me more:
  • The NMDA project will upgrade the existing National Command, Control, Communication and Intelligence (NC3I) Network to a new NMDA Network with artificial intelligence-based software.
  • The Information Management and Analysis Centre (IMAC) in Gurugram will be developed into a multi-agency NMDA centre with staff from different national agencies.
  • The project will be executed on a turnkey basis under the Indian Navy’s administration.
  • Last month, BEL received orders worth over Rs 3,000 crore, including contracts for supplying spares for missile systems on Indian naval vessels.
  • BEL and Tata Electronics entered a partnership to explore opportunities in semiconductors and advanced electronics.

Source: ET

3. DRDO Develops Indigenous Extended Range Anti-Submarine Rocket

• What:
  • Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has developed and successfully tested the indigenous Extended Range Anti-Submarine Rocket (ERASR) from INS Kavaratti for the Indian Navy.
• Why:
  • The new rocket aims to strengthen India’s naval defence by giving the Navy a powerful tool to destroy enemy submarines.
• Tell me more:
  • User trials of ERASR were conducted from INS Kavaratti, with 17 rockets tested at different ranges over 15 days.
  • The project is a collaboration between the Indian Navy and DRDO’s Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) lab in Pune.
  • Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, the Indian Navy, and industry partners for the successful development and testing.
  • The successful induction of ERASR is expected to boost the Indian Navy’s striking power.
  • The demand for Indian defence equipment has increased after Operation Sindoor, with a growing global market for indigenous products.

Source: IC

Science and Technology

1. ISRO Conducts Hot Tests for Gaganyaan Propulsion System

• What:
  • ISRO successfully conducted two hot tests of the Gaganyaan Service Module Propulsion System at the Propulsion Complex in Mahendragiri.
• Why:
  • The tests were done to validate the configuration and performance of the propulsion system for use in the Gaganyaan mission.
• Tell me more:
  • The 100-second test showed successful operation of all Reaction Control System thrusters and Liquid Apogee Motor engines in different modes.
  • The Service Module Propulsion System has five Liquid Apogee Motor engines (440N each) and sixteen Reaction Control System thrusters (100N each).

Source: BS

Agriculture and Rural Development

1. Doubling India’s Maize Production by 2047 Target

• What:
  • Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said India can more than double its maize production to 86 million tonnes by 2047 from the current 42.3 million tonnes, calling for development of high-yielding seed varieties with higher starch content.
• Why:
  • The purpose is to boost maize productivity without using genetically modified seeds and to increase starch levels for better usage.
• Tell me more:
  • India’s average maize productivity is 3.7 tonne per hectare, with some states like West Bengal and Bihar performing above the national average.
  • The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has developed 265 maize varieties, including 77 hybrids and 35 bio-fortified varieties.
  • Maize production in India has grown from 10 million tonnes in the 1900s to 42.3 million tonnes currently.
  • States like Punjab and Haryana are encouraged to diversify from paddy to maize.
  • Maize prices have increased after the government set an ethanol blending target of 20% by 2025-26.

Source: MoC

Important Days

1. Commemoration of 125th Birth Anniversary of Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee

• What:
  • An exhibition and programme were organized in New Delhi by the Ministry of Culture to mark the biannual commemoration of the 125th birth anniversary of Bharat Kesari Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee.
  • He was born on 6 July 1901 and passed away on 23 June 1953.
• Why:
  • The event was held to honour Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee’s contributions to nation building and to recognize his opposition to appeasement politics.
• Tell me more:
  • The Ministry of Culture has decided to organize programs continuously for two years in honour of Dr Mookerjee.
  • A commemorative postage stamp and coin dedicated to Dr Mookerjee were unveiled during the programme.
  • Dr Mookerjee’s struggle against the special status of Jammu and Kashmir was highlighted, noting that Article 370 was abrogated in 2019.

Source: NOA

Appointments

1. Apple Appoints Sabih Khan as Chief Operating Officer

• Apple has promoted Indian-origin Sabih Khan to the position of chief operating officer, taking over from Jeff Williams later this month.

Source: ET

Miscellaneous

1. Das Paise ka Postcard Book Released

• The book “Das Paise ka Postcard,” written by retired Indian Army officer S.N. Ahmed, was released recently by actor and director Vinay Varma as a tribute to the era when postcards were the main means of communication.
• “Das Paise ka Postcard” will be adapted into a play to revive the feelings of warmth and nostalgia linked to handwritten letters.

Source: TH

2. International Umpire Bismillah Jan Shinwari Passes Away

• International cricket umpire Bismillah Jan Shinwari, a member of the ICC International Panel of Umpires, has passed away.

Source: ICC

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