🇮🇳 National News
On July 11, 2025, during a UNESCO session in Paris, the Maratha Military Landscapes of India, comprising 12 forts in Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu, were included in the World Heritage List.
These forts, built between the 17th and 19th centuries, highlight the strategic military planning of the Maratha Empire.
The recognition underscores India’s historic legacy, particularly associated with leaders like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. This is expected to boost tourism, enhance heritage conservation, and increase awareness of India’s cultural richness.
The Indian Army initiated Operation SHIVA 2025 on July 12, 2025, to safeguard pilgrims during the Amarnath Yatra in Jammu and Kashmir.
Key features of the operation:
- 8,500+ troops – Deployed for comprehensive security
- Anti-drone technology – Advanced surveillance systems
- Medical facilities – Healthcare support for pilgrims
- Engineering support – Infrastructure maintenance
Close coordination with CAPFs and civil authorities ensures comprehensive security against Pakistan-backed threats, with emphasis on disaster preparedness and emergency response.
Arthunkal Police Station in Alappuzha, Kerala, has become the first police station in India to secure IS/ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System certification from BIS.
The certification acknowledges the station’s excellence in crime control, public response, and grievance redressal.
This achievement is part of the Modernised Cherthala Police Programme, spearheaded by ASP Harish Jain. State Police Chief Ravada Azad Chandrashekhar attended the event, emphasizing quality and accountability in policing.
On July 16, 2025, Uttarakhand will celebrate the Harela festival by planting 5 lakh+ saplings across Garhwal and Kumaon regions.
Led by CM Pushkar Singh Dhami, the drive promotes the themes:
- “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam”
- “Harela Ka Tyohar Manao, Dharti Maa Ka Rin Chukao”
The initiative will engage students, villagers, and government agencies, aiming to break previous records and reinforce the state’s environmental commitment.
Gingee Fort, located in Villupuram, Tamil Nadu, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site on July 11, 2025, under the Maratha Military Landscapes category.
Recognized during the 47th World Heritage Committee session in Paris, the fort is famed as the “Troy of the East”.
Its unique architecture and defensive design make it a historic marvel. The UNESCO status is expected to increase tourism, support preservation, and bring global cultural attention.
Varsha Deshpande, a legal activist from Satara, Maharashtra, won the 2025 UN Population Award on July 11 in New York.
She was recognized for championing gender equality, girl child protection, and Dalit women empowerment.
Key contributions:
- Secretary of Dalit Mahila Vikas Mandal
- Sting operations against illegal practices
- Advocacy under PCPNDT Act
- Legal reforms for women’s rights
UNFPA lauded her boldness in challenging caste and gender discrimination.
Prasar Bharati and Handball Association of India (HAI) inked a 3-year MoU to broadcast national and international handball events.
Coverage will be available on DD Sports, Waves OTT, and other platforms.
This collaboration seeks to popularize handball, nurture young talent, and expand sports viewership in India.
Under PM E-DRIVE, India unveiled its first electric truck incentive scheme, offering up to ₹9.6 lakh per vehicle.
The scheme targets N2 and N3 category trucks to encourage green freight transport.
Key details:
- 5,600 e-trucks – Anticipated deployment
- Industry partners – SAIL, Tata Motors, Ashok Leyland
- Conditions – Scrapping old diesel trucks, strict warranty standards
From September 11–13, 2025, New Delhi (Bharat Mandapam) will host the Global Conference on Manuscript Heritage.
Theme: “Reclaiming India’s Knowledge Legacy Through Manuscript Heritage”
Organized by the Ministry of Culture, the conference will feature:
- 500+ delegates from around the world
- Rare exhibitions of historical manuscripts
- AI-based archiving sessions
The conference dates honor Swami Vivekananda’s 1893 Chicago address.
On July 11, 2025, Italy and Netherlands secured spots for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 via Europe Qualifiers.
Italy’s debut in the tournament came despite a loss, thanks to a better Net Run Rate (NRR).
The Netherlands defeated Italy chasing 134/7, with strong knocks from Roelof van der Merwe and Michael Levitt.
With 15 teams confirmed, the T20 World Cup will be held in India and Sri Lanka (2026).
Harikrishnan A. Ra., aged 23 from Chennai, achieved the Grandmaster title on July 11, 2025, at the La Plagne International Chess Festival (France).
He secured his third GM norm after previous norms in Switzerland (2023) and Spain (June 2025).
Coached by Shyam Sundar, Harikrishnan plans to compete in Spain and Portugal before pursuing an MBA in the USA. His next milestone: crossing an Elo rating of 2600.
💼 Business & Economy
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) levied penalties on two financial institutions for regulatory lapses:
| Institution | Penalty | Violation |
|---|---|---|
| HDFC Bank | ₹4.88 lakh | Irregularities in foreign investment in term loans |
| Shriram Finance | ₹2.70 lakh | Breaching digital lending guidelines |
The penalties reinforce RBI’s zero-tolerance policy for non-compliance.
As of July 10, 2025, India’s net direct tax collections fell by 1.3%, despite a 3.2% rise in gross collections to ₹6.6 lakh crore.
The decline is attributed to a 38% surge in refunds, coupled with lower inflows from corporate and non-corporate sectors.
The Central Government highlighted this trend on July 11, noting its impact on early fiscal revenue.
The government has extended tax benefits for Sovereign Wealth Funds (SWFs) and Pension Funds on investments in India until March 31, 2030.
Exemptions include:
- Dividends
- Interest income
- Long-term capital gains
This boosts investment in telecom, energy, and logistics sectors.
Originally introduced in 2020 under Section 10(23FE). As per NSDL, SWFs’ holdings in Indian firms rose 60% year-on-year, reaching ₹4.7 lakh crore in April 2024.
🌐 International News
On July 11, 2025, UNESCO inscribed three Cambodian sites on its heritage list:
- Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum
- M-13 Prison
- Choeung Ek Killing Fields
These sites were notorious under the Khmer Rouge regime (1975–1979) for torture and executions.
This inclusion coincides with the 50th anniversary of the regime’s rise. Cambodia’s first modern historical nomination aims to educate youth, honor victims, and foster peace. The move was welcomed by PM Hun Manet and global leaders.
👔 Appointments
The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), during its AGM on July 9, 2025, reappointed:
| Name | Position | Company |
|---|---|---|
| Abhijit Kishore | Chairperson | Vodafone Idea |
| Rahul Vatts | Vice Chairperson | Bharti Airtel |
Their leadership will guide the telecom sector through 5G rollouts and digital expansion.
Babitha B P has joined State Bank of India (SBI) as Deputy CISO (GM – Infrastructure Security & Special Projects).
She will lead cybersecurity initiatives, strengthen digital infrastructure, and manage strategic security programs.
The appointment marks growing female leadership in banking technology.
🔬 Science & Technology
DRDO, in collaboration with the Indian Air Force, conducted successful trials of the Astra Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM) from a Su-30 MKI fighter.
The missile, featuring an indigenous RF seeker, hit high-speed aerial targets with precision.
This achievement enhances India’s air defense capabilities, aligns with ‘Make in India’, and reduces foreign dependence.
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