11th July 2025

1. Maharashtra Government Declares Ganeshotsav as State Festival
2. Assam Launches ‘Gajah Mitra’ to Protect People and Elephants
3. Ujjain to Boost Broadcasting with New Akashvani Kendra
4. Carnac Bridge Renamed as Sindoor in Mumbai
5. World Horse Day 2025
6. UN Expert Francesca Albanese Sanctioned by US
7. NESTS and UNICEF Start TALASH for Tribal Youth Development
8. NESTS, UNICEF and Tata Motors Launch New Student Programs
9. Veteran Leader N. Tippanna Passes Away at 97
10. India’s Solar Power Grows 4,000%, Says Piyush Goyal
11. India Drops to 133rd in FIFA Rankings, Worst Since 2016
12. India to Host Shooting World Cup in 2027 and Junior Worlds in 2028
13. BPCL Awards Solar and Battery Project to Volks Energie
14. Uttarakhand to Launch Operation Kalanemi Against Fake Saints
15. Priya Nair to Take Over as CEO and MD of HUL
16. Sachin Tendulkar’s Portrait Unveiled at Lord’s
17. World Population Day
18. Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy Inaugurated New Office of MSTC in New Delhi; Launched Upkaran E-Portal
19. UNESCO Removes Three African Sites from World Heritage in Danger List
20. WHIF Joins BRICS+ Manufacturing Working Group
21. Telecom Egypt Signs MoU with KareXpert to Launch National Digital Healthcare Platform
22. JSW Energy Joins FTSE4Good Index for Strong ESG and Sustainability Focus
23. TIME 100 Creator List: Prajakta Koli Becomes the Only Indian to Feature in the list
24. SSCPL Receives IN-SPACe Approval for Commercial Satellite Broadband Services in India
25. Alyssa Carson: Youngest Astronaut-in-Training Aiming for NASA’s First Human Mission to Mars
26. National Fish Farmer’s Day 2025 – July 10
27. India, Brazil sign six key pacts with focus on terror, trade, and tech
28. India, Namibia sign 4 MoUs to deepen economic partnership by exploring new areas of cooperation
29. PM Modi conferred with Namibia’s highest civilian award; 4th during ongoing tour

National News

1. TALASH Initiative Launched for Tribal Students

• What:
  • The National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS), in partnership with UNICEF India, launched the TALASH (Tribal Aptitude, Life Skills and Self-Esteem Hub) program for students in Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs).
• Why:
  • The initiative aims to support the all-round development of tribal students by improving education, personal growth, and career clarity.
• Tell me more:
  • TALASH is a digital platform designed to help EMRS students with self-discovery, career planning, and building life skills.
  • The program includes psychometric assessments inspired by NCERT’s ‘Tamanna’ initiative, providing Career Cards based on students’ strengths and interests.
  • The program will be rolled out in phases, and by the end of 2025, it will be active in all EMRSs across 28 States and 8 Union Territories.
  • TALASH is the first national initiative of its kind focused specifically on tribal students in India.

Source: PIB DD

2. 11th India Energy Storage Week (IESW) 2025 in New Delhi

• What:
  • Union Minister Piyush Goyal highlighted India’s achievements in renewable energy and energy storage at the 11th India Energy Storage Week (IESW) 2025 in New Delhi.
• Why:
  • The focus was on showcasing India’s progress in clean energy, meeting climate commitments, and advancing towards energy independence.
• Tell me more:
  • India’s renewable energy capacity has reached 227 GW, with a major increase in solar installations.
  • India is likely the first G20 nation to meet its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement.
  • Palli village in Jammu and Kashmir became India’s first carbon-neutral panchayat using solar energy.
  • The PM Surya Ghar Yojana aims to provide rooftop solar panels to 1 crore households, and the PM Kusum Yojana supports solar pumps in agriculture.
  • The government has launched a Production Linked Incentive (PLI) programme to boost manufacturing of Advanced Chemistry Cells (ACC).

Source: PIB

3. MSTC Launches New Office and Upkaran E-Portal

• What:
  • Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy inaugurated MSTC Ltd’s new corporate office in New Delhi and launched the Upkaran E-Portal.
• Why:
  • The initiatives aim to modernise government inventory management and strengthen MSTC’s role as a digital enabler for transparent and efficient trade.
• Tell me more:
  • MSTC started in 1964 as a scrap trading agency and has become a Mini Ratna CPSE and trusted digital auction platform.
  • The Upkaran E-Portal is a digital marketplace for equipment and machinery, supporting MSMEs and public sector units in listing, transferring, or disposing of surplus assets.
  • The portal is designed to improve resource use, cost-efficiency, and sustainability in government operations.
  • The new office at the World Trade Center, Narojinagar, brings MSTC closer to national policy makers and stakeholders.

Source: PIB

State News

1. Maharashtra Declares Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav State Festival

• What:
  • The Maharashtra government has declared Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav as the state festival and announced this in the Legislative Assembly.
• Tell me more:
  • Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav in Maharashtra was started by Lokmanya Tilak in 1893 to promote social unity and pride.
  • Ganesh Chaturthi will be celebrated on August 26 this year.

Source: IE

2. Assam Approves ‘Gajah Mitra’ Scheme for Elephants

• What:
  • The Assam Cabinet has approved the ‘Gajah Mitra’ scheme to address human-elephant conflict in the state.
• Why:
  • The scheme aims to ensure peaceful coexistence and safety for both people and elephants by reducing conflict and protecting habitats.
• Tell me more:
  • The scheme will focus on creating sustainable habitats for elephants in conflict-prone areas by planting bamboo and Napier grass, which are important for elephant diets.
  • The scheme will be implemented in several districts including Goalpara, Udalguri, Nagaon, Baksa, Sonitpur, Golaghat, Jorhat, and Biswanath.

Source: NDTV

3. Centre and Madhya Pradesh Discuss Broadcasting Development

• What:
  • Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs, Dr. L. Murugan, met with Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav in New Delhi to discuss ongoing and future development initiatives in Madhya Pradesh.
• Why:
  • The meeting aimed to strengthen collaboration between the Centre and Madhya Pradesh in media outreach, public communication, and broadcasting infrastructure.
• Tell me more:
  • The leaders discussed how central media platforms like Akashvani and Doordarshan can better showcase development stories from Madhya Pradesh.
  • Plans for a new Akashvani Kendra in Ujjain were discussed, to be supported under the Broadcasting Infrastructure and Network Development (BIND) scheme.
  • The BIND scheme provides financial support to Prasar Bharati for expanding and upgrading broadcasting infrastructure and content development.

Source: PIB

4. Sindoor Bridge Inaugurated in Mumbai

• The new Carnac Bridge in Mumbai has been inaugurated and renamed as Sindoor Bridge after Operation Sindoor.
• The bridge was renamed to remove the old association with British governor Carnac, who was linked to oppression against Indians.
• The bridge connects the port area with Crawford Market, Kalbadevi, and Dhobi Talao in South Mumbai.

Source: TH

5. Uttarakhand Launches Operation Kalanemi for Kanwar Yatra

• Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami announced ‘Operation Kalanemi’ to take strict action against imposters deceiving people in the name of ‘Sanatan Dharma’ ahead of the Kanwar Yatra.
• The Kanwar Yatra is a major annual pilgrimage during Shravan, drawing millions of devotees to Uttarakhand.

Source: TP

International News

1. US Sanctions UN Expert on Palestinian Rights

• What:
  • The United States has imposed sanctions on Francesca Albanese, a UN special rapporteur investigating human rights abuses in the Palestinian territories.
• Why:
  • The sanctions were imposed due to Albanese’s efforts to engage the International Criminal Court (ICC) against the US and Israel, which the US called “illegitimate and shameful.”
• Tell me more:
  • Francesca Albanese is an international lawyer and has been the UN special rapporteur on human rights in occupied Palestinian territories since May 2022.

Source: IE

2. Three African Heritage Sites Removed from UNESCO Danger List

• What:
  • The World Heritage Committee has removed the Rainforests of the Atsinanana (Madagascar), Abu Mena (Egypt), and the Old Town of Ghadams (Libya) from UNESCO’s list of endangered sites.
• Why:
  • The removal recognises successful efforts by these countries, with UNESCO’s support, to reduce threats and restore the sites’ cultural and ecological integrity.
• Tell me more:
  • The decision was made during the 47th session of the World Heritage Committee in Paris.
  • The Rainforests of the Atsinanana were listed as endangered in 2010 due to illegal logging and deforestation affecting key species like lemurs.
  • Abu Mena was listed in 2001 after rising water tables caused structural damage.
  • The Old Town of Ghadams was listed in 2016 due to conflict, wildfires, and flooding.

Source: BS

3. WHIF Joins BRICS+ Manufacturing Working Group

• What:
  • The World Health Innovation Forum (WHIF), based at Andhra Pradesh MedTech Zone (AMTZ), has been selected to join the BRICS+ Manufacturing Working Group.
• Why:
  • The selection recognises India’s leadership in medical technology and aims to boost collaboration in manufacturing and health innovation among BRICS and Global South nations.
• Tell me more:
  • WHIF’s inclusion supports India’s role as a co-creator of next-generation healthcare solutions for the Global South.
  • The forum will help lead joint research and development corridors and expand access to India’s advanced testing and manufacturing facilities.
  • WHIF’s model at AMTZ connects the needs of the Global South with world-class health tech capabilities.
  • Partnerships with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Kalam Institute, a WHO Collaborating Centre, are part of this initiative.
  • The announcement comes as India prepares to assume the BRICS presidency in 2026.

Source: IE

4. Alyssa Carson Aspires to Join First Human Mars Mission

• Alyssa Carson, a young astrobiologist from Louisiana, is aiming to be one of the first humans to go to Mars.
• She became the youngest graduate of the Advanced PoSSUM Space Academy and earned certifications for suborbital research missions.

Source: India CSR

Banking and Economy

1. BPCL Awards Solar and Battery Project to Volks Energie

• What:
  • Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) has awarded a contract to Volks Energie for installing solar photovoltaic and lithium-ion battery systems for the Irugur-Devangonthi Pipeline (IDPL) project.
• Why:
  • The project aims to provide reliable off-grid power backup for pipeline control stations and essential infrastructure in remote locations.
• Tell me more:
  • This is the second contract BPCL has given to Volks Energie, following a previous project in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
  • The IDPL project covers pipeline infrastructure across Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.
  • The integrated solar and battery systems will supply power to critical equipment like SCADA systems and cathodic protection.

Source: ET

1. Telecom Egypt and India’s KareXpert Launch Digital Healthcare Platform

• What:
  • Telecom Egypt has signed an agreement with India’s KareXpert to launch a digital healthcare platform managed through a secure national cloud in Egypt.
• Why:
  • The platform aims to improve hospital efficiency, unify medical records, and ensure data privacy while supporting Egypt’s digital transformation goals.
• Tell me more:
  • KareXpert’s platform includes a Hospital Information Management System (HIMS), unified electronic medical records, and revenue cycle management.
  • The system integrates with existing hospital setups, simplifies billing, and accelerates revenue collection.
  • All data is hosted locally on a secure national cloud, allowing future upgrades with AI and IoT applications.
  • The MoU was signed during the Africa Health ExCon 2025 in Cairo.
  • KareXpert is backed by Reliance Jio and serves over 500 hospitals and 15 million patients across six countries.

Source: ET

3. JSW Energy Included in FTSE4Good Index Series

• What:
  • JSW Energy has been included in the FTSE4Good Index Series, which recognises companies with strong environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices.
• Tell me more:
  • The FTSE4Good Index Series is created by FTSE Russell and is used by investors to assess responsible investment funds.
  • FTSE Russell evaluates companies on criteria such as Corporate Governance, Health & Safety, Anti-Corruption, and Climate Change.
  • JSW Energy aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.
  • The company targets 30 GW of generation capacity and 40 GWh of energy storage by FY2030.
  • JSW Energy is expanding its renewable energy portfolio to drive long-term sustainable value.

Source: BS

4. Starlink Gets Final Approval to Launch Services in India

• What:
  • Elon Musk’s Starlink (Starlink Satellite Communications Private Limited [SSCPL]) received satellite authorisation from IN-SPACe, clearing the final hurdle to launch services in India.
• Why:
  • The approval allows Starlink to set up ground infrastructure and begin satellite internet services in the country.
• Tell me more:
  • Starlink had earlier received a license from the Department of Telecom to offer satellite services in India.
  • The IN-SPACe authorisation is valid for five years or until the operational life of the Starlink Gen1 satellite constellation.
  • The Gen1 constellation consists of over 4,400 satellites orbiting at altitudes between 540-570 km and can provide high-speed internet across India.

Source: TOI

Awards

1. Sachin Tendulkar’s Portrait Unveiled at Lord’s Pavilion

• What:
  • Sachin Tendulkar had his portrait unveiled at the Lord’s Pavilion in London, marking a special recognition at the iconic cricket ground.
• Tell me more:
  • The portrait, created by artist Stuart Pearson Wright, is a larger-than-life depiction of Tendulkar’s head and shoulders, based on a photograph from the early 2000s.
  • The artwork will be displayed at the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) Museum before being moved to the Pavilion’s grand walls.
  • The Lord’s Portrait Programme has been running for three decades, with the MCC Museum being the oldest sporting museum in Europe.

Source: IT

2. Prajakta Koli Only Indian on TIME 100 Creators List

• What:
  • Prajakta Koli, known as “MostlySane,” became the only Indian to feature on TIME Magazine’s first-ever TIME 100 Creators list in 2025.
• Why:
  • The recognition highlights her influence as a digital creator and celebrates her impact on global storytelling and advocacy.
• Tell me more:
  • The TIME 100 Creators list includes global digital stars like MrBeast, Khabane Lame, Jay Shetty, Kai Cenat, and Mel Robbins.
  • In 2025, she published her debut novel “Too Good To Be True” and is known for her activism in climate change and gender equality.
  • Koli has worked with global campaigns, including Michelle Obama’s girls’ education initiative, and was named India’s first UNDP Youth Climate Champion.
  • She has hosted the YouTube Originals fitness series Pretty Fit.

Source: ET

Important Days

1. World Horse Day – July 11

Source: UN

2. World Population Day – July 11

• Theme: “Empowering young people to create the families they want in a fair and hopeful world”

Source: UN

3. National Fish Farmer’s Day 2025 – July 10

• What:
  • The Department of Fisheries celebrated National Fish Farmers Day 2025 at ICAR-CIFA, Bhubaneshwar, and launched 17 new fisheries clusters under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana.
• Tell me more:
  • The total number of fisheries clusters in India has increased to 34 with the addition of these new clusters.
  • The Union Minister inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for 70 projects with an outlay of Rs 105 crore across 11 states.
  • India is now the second-largest fish producer in the world, with inland fisheries contributing nearly 75% of the total production.
  • The government has invested ₹38,572 crore in the fisheries sector through various schemes.

Source: PIB

Sports

1. Indian Men’s Football Team Drops to 133rd in FIFA Rankings

• What:
  • The Indian men’s football team has dropped six places to 133rd in the latest FIFA rankings after two losses in June.
  • World champions Argentina top the overall FIFA rankings, followed by Spain, France, England, Brazil, Portugal, the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, and Croatia.
• Tell me more:
  • India’s last worse ranking was 135 in December 2016, and the best ever was 94 in February 1996.
  • India now holds 1113.22 rating points and stands 24th among 46 Asian countries, with Japan leading Asia at 17th rank.
  • The next international match is scheduled against Singapore in the third round of Asian Cup qualifiers in October.

Source: ET

2. India to Host ISSF World Cup and Junior Championships

• What:
  • India has secured the hosting rights for the ISSF World Cup in 2027 and the Junior World Championships in 2028.
• Why:
  • The International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) awarded these events to New Delhi, recognizing India’s capability to organize major global shooting competitions.
• Tell me more:
  • The combined World Cup and Junior World Championships will be held at the Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range in New Delhi.
  • New Delhi will also host the Junior World Cup (Rifle/Pistol/Shotgun) in September-October this year.
  • The Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range hosted the World Cup Final in October last year.
  • India previously hosted the ISSF World Cup in Pistol/Rifle and Shotgun in 2021 before the Tokyo Olympics.
  • The dates for the 2027 World Cup and 2028 Junior Championships will be announced later.

Source: NOA

Memorandum of Understanding

1. India and Brazil Sign Six MOUs

• What:
  • India and Brazil signed six agreements during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit, covering security, digital infrastructure, renewable energy, agriculture, and intellectual property.
• Tell me more:
  • Both countries agreed to collaborate in renewable energy and agricultural research, with an MoU between Brazil’s EMBRAPA and India’s Council of Agricultural Research.
  • An agreement was signed for the exchange and mutual protection of classified information.
  • An MoU on intellectual property was inked between India’s DPIIT and Brazil’s Secretariat of Competitiveness and Regulatory Policy.
  • A ministerial-level mechanism will monitor trade, commerce, and investment between the two countries.

Source: DD

2. India and Namibia Sign Four MOUs

• What:
  • India and Namibia signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) in health, medicine, entrepreneurship development, and cooperation during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Namibia.
• Tell me more:
  • A digital payments system will be launched in Namibia later this year, with Namibia becoming the first country to implement a UPI-like system through a technology agreement with NPCI.
  • Letters of acceptance were presented for Namibia’s joining of the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) and the Global Biofuels Alliance.
  • Prime Minister Modi paid tribute to Sam Nujoma, the founding father of Namibia, at the National Memorial Heroes’ Acre in Windhoek.
  • Prime Minister Modi received Namibia’s highest civilian award, the Order of the Most Ancient Welwitschia Mirabilis. This award marked the 27th honour received by Modi and the fourth during his ongoing tour.

Source: NOA1 NOA2

Appointments

1. Priya Nair Appointed First Woman CEO of HUL

• Hindustan Unilever Ltd (HUL) has named Priya Nair as its next Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, effective August 1, 2025.
• Priya Nair’s appointment marks the first time in HUL’s 92-year history that a woman will lead the company as CEO and MD.

Source: IT

Miscellaneous

1. Former Karnataka Legislative Council Chairman N. Thippanna Passes Away

• N. Thippanna, veteran statesman, legal expert, and former Chairman of the Karnataka Legislative Council, passed away in Ballari due to age-related ailments.

Source: TH

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