📊 Index & Rankings
Forbes, on July 13, 2025, reported that eight billionaires of African origin feature among America’s 125 richest immigrants.
South Africa leads the list with Elon Musk, Patrick Soon-Shiong, and Rodney Sacks, while Nigeria, Egypt, Morocco, and Kenya also have representatives.
Immigrant billionaires constitute 14% of U.S.-based billionaires, controlling 18% of their combined wealth. Elon Musk tops the global rich list with $393.1 billion in net worth.
A study by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) found Byrnihat and Delhi as the most polluted Indian cities in the first half of 2025, with PM2.5 levels exceeding 40 µg/m³.
The analysis covered 293 cities, revealing 259 cities had already breached their annual air quality limit.
Aizawl (Mizoram) emerged as the cleanest city. The findings stress the urgent need for stronger anti-pollution measures and public health initiatives.
🇮🇳 National News
On July 12, 2025, President Droupadi Murmu nominated four distinguished individuals to the Rajya Sabha under Article 80 of the Indian Constitution.
| Nominee | Field of Expertise |
|---|---|
| Ujjwal Nikam | Law |
| C. Sadanandan Master | Education |
| Harsh Vardhan Shringla | Foreign Policy |
| Dr. Meenakshi Jain | History |
PM Narendra Modi congratulated the appointees. This initiative aims to bring specialists from diverse fields into the Upper House for well-informed and balanced deliberations.
Gujarat has officially become the first state to support the Cruise Bharat Mission, launched on September 30, 2024, by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal.
The mission targets a tenfold increase in cruise tourism by 2029.
Gujarat plans to establish multiple coastal cruise circuits, connecting destinations like Diu, Porbandar, Dwarka, and Padala Island. This boosts Gujarat’s maritime economic development.
India has become the first country to introduce the Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL), an initiative praised by the World Health Organization (WHO).
The digital platform uses artificial intelligence to preserve and promote India’s traditional medicine systems such as Ayurveda and Unani.
Key technological advancements:
- Ayurgenomics
- AI-powered diagnostics
- Digital health innovations
This initiative reinforces PM Modi’s vision of “AI for All”, positioning India as a leader in digital health and traditional medicine integration.
During JP Nadda’s visit to Dammam and Riyadh from July 11–13, 2025, India finalized long-term agreements with Saudi Arabia.
The deal ensures an annual supply of 3.1 million metric tons of DAP fertilizer from Maaden for five years starting 2025–26, with a possible extension.
The visit also promoted healthcare collaboration, pharmaceutical trade, and joint research projects, strengthening strategic ties.
India participated for the first time in Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025, a major multinational defense exercise in Australia starting July 13.
The drill involves 35,000 troops from 19 countries, including the US, UK, Japan, and France.
Key activities:
- Live-fire drills
- Amphibious landings
- Aerial combat operations
This move highlights India’s commitment to Indo-Pacific security and stronger bilateral defense cooperation with Australia.
The Assam Cabinet approved several programs to support rural employment, traditional workers, and education:
- Gaon Pradhan pay – Raised from ₹9,000 to ₹14,000
- Anganwadi workers & helpers – To receive ₹8,000 and ₹4,000 respectively
- Gaja Mitra Scheme – To tackle human-elephant conflict in eight districts
- Prerona Aasoni Scheme – Class X students to get ₹300 per month
- Monks in Satras – To receive ₹1,500 monthly allowance
- GST refund – For bell metal artisans
- Rabindranath Tagore University – Renamed as Rabindranath Thakur Vishwavidyalaya
Chelsea FC defeated PSG 3-0 in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 final on July 13, 2025, at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey.
Cole Palmer starred with two goals and one assist for Joao Pedro.
Chelsea claimed a $40 million prize, and Cole Palmer won the Golden Ball award. PSG’s Joao Neves was sent off during the match.
On July 13, 2025, Jannik Sinner beat defending champion Carlos Alcaraz in the Wimbledon final, with scores 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4.
This is Sinner’s first Wimbledon title and fourth Grand Slam overall, breaking Alcaraz’s 24-match win streak.
MI New York beat Washington Freedom by 5 runs to win the 2025 Major League Cricket title on July 14.
Quinton de Kock scored 77 runs, and Rushil Ugarkar bowled a brilliant final over to secure the victory.
🌐 International News
France has signed a new agreement granting state status within the French Republic to New Caledonia, offering more autonomy while remaining under French sovereignty.
The accord requires approval from the French Parliament and New Caledonian electorate.
Key provisions:
- Introduction of New Caledonian nationality
- Provision for dual citizenship
- Plans for a fresh referendum
This decision follows 2024 protests concerning voting rights and aims to reduce tensions between the Kanak Indigenous population and French authorities. It reflects President Emmanuel Macron’s approach to maintaining unity while honoring local identity.
👔 Appointments
On July 13, 2025, the Central Government appointed Dr Abhijat Sheth as the new Chairperson of the National Medical Commission (NMC).
He replaces Dr B N Gangadhar, who continued in office temporarily due to a lack of suitable candidates after his resignation.
This leadership change occurs amid a CBI probe into corruption and bribery linked to medical college inspections.
Sonali Mishra, a 1993-batch IPS officer, has made history as the first woman Director General of the Railway Protection Force (RPF).
Her appointment was confirmed by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet on July 13, 2025, and she will serve until October 31, 2026.
Mishra previously served in the BSF and Madhya Pradesh Police, bringing vast experience to the RPF, which has been operational since 1957 for safeguarding railway passengers and assets.
On July 14, 2025, President Droupadi Murmu appointed:
| Name | Position |
|---|---|
| Prof. Ashim Kumar Ghosh | Governor of Haryana |
| Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju | Governor of Goa |
| Kavinder Gupta | Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh |
The President also accepted the resignation of Brigadier (Dr) BD Mishra (Retd) from the Ladakh post. These appointments aim to enhance governance in two states and one Union Territory.
🔬 Science & Technology
A new butterfly species named Zographetus mathewi (Sahyadri Spotted Flitter) was discovered in the Western Ghats of Kerala.
Named after entomologist George Mathew, it thrives in forests below 600 m and its larvae feed on Aganope thyrsiflora.
This discovery adds to the rich biodiversity of the Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its endemic species.
Research led by Edward Doddridge shows Antarctica’s summer sea ice has fallen to unprecedented levels since 2016.
Causes: Rising ocean temperatures
Impacts: Marine ecosystem disruption and global climate risks
Scientists urge immediate climate action to address the accelerating ice loss and its cascading effects on global weather patterns.
🕊️ Obituaries
Veteran Telugu actor and former MLA Kota Srinivasa Rao passed away in Hyderabad at age 83 after a celebrated four-decade career in the film industry.
The iconic actress B. Saroja Devi, who starred in 190+ films and was awarded the Padma Bhushan, died on July 14, 2025, in Bengaluru at age 87.
Muhammadu Buhari, who ruled Nigeria as both a military leader and elected President (2015–2023), died on July 13, 2025, in London at age 82.
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