Daily Current Affairs 12th July 2025: Your guide for daily General Knowledge Preparation
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This post contains the daily current affairs 12th July 2025. It includes all National, International, Business & Sports related to Current Affairs 12th July 2025. A brief explanation of every current affair is provided to further enhance your general knowledge. Once you have gone through these Current Affairs, we would recommend you to try 12th July, 2025 Current affairs test.
National News
India’s Maratha Forts Added to UNESCO World Heritage List
- 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 global acknowledgment is expected to boost tourism, enhance heritage conservation, and increase awareness of India’as cultural richness.
Indian Army Launches Operation SHIVA 2025 for Amarnath Yatra Security
- The Indian Army initiated Operation SHIVA 2025 on July 12, 2025, to safeguard pilgrims during the Amarnath Yatra in Jammu and Kashmir.
- The operation involves 8,500+ troops, anti-drone technology, medical facilities, and engineering support.
- Close coordination with CAPFs and civil authorities ensures comprehensive security against Pakistan-backed threats.
- The operation emphasizes advanced surveillance, disaster preparedness, and emergency response, reaffirming the Army’s commitment to pilgrim safety.
State News
Arthunkal Police Station Becomes India’s First ISO-Certified Station
- 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, aimed at upgrading policing standards.
- The event witnessed participation of senior officers, including State Police Chief Ravada Azad Chandrashekhar, emphasizing quality and accountability in policing.
Uttarakhand to Plant Over 5 Lakh Saplings on Harela Festival
- 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.
- It aims to break previous records and reinforce the state’s environmental and community commitment.
Gingee Fort Named UNESCO World Heritage Site
- 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 status is expected to increase tourism, support preservation, and bring global cultural attention.
International News
Khmer Rouge Sites in Cambodia Added to UNESCO Heritage List
- 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
- Foster peace and reconciliation
- The move was widely welcomed by PM Hun Manet and global leaders.
Banking News
RBI Fines HDFC Bank and Shriram Finance for Rule Violations
- The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) levied penalties on two financial institutions for regulatory lapses:
- HDFC Bank – ₹4.88 lakh for irregularities in foreign investment in term loans.
- Shriram Finance – ₹2.70 lakh for breaching digital lending guidelines during an inspection.
- The penalties reinforce RBI’s zero-tolerance policy for non-compliance.
Economy News
Government’s Tax Collections Dip Amid Higher Refunds
- 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.
Tax Exemption Extended for SWFs and Pension Funds Until 2030
- 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, and long-term capital gains, boosting investment in telecom, energy, and logistics.
- Originally introduced in 2020 under Section 10(23FE), this extension signals strong policy continuity.
- As per NSDL, SWFs’ holdings in Indian firms rose 60% year-on-year, reaching ₹4.7 lakh crore in April 2024.
Awards News
Varsha Deshpande Receives 2025 UN Population Award
- Varsha Deshpande, a legal activist from Satara, Maharashtra, won the 2025 UN Population Award on July 11 in New York.
- Recognized for championing gender equality, girl child protection, and Dalit women empowerment.
- She serves as secretary of Dalit Mahila Vikas Mandal and is acclaimed for:
- Sting operations
- Advocacy under PCPNDT Act
- Legal reforms
- UNFPA lauded her boldness in challenging caste and gender discrimination.
Appointments News
Abhijit Kishore Reappointed COAI Chairperson
- The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), during its AGM on July 9, 2025, reappointed:
- Abhijit Kishore (Vodafone Idea) as Chairperson
- Rahul Vatts (Bharti Airtel) as Vice Chairperson
- Their leadership will guide the telecom sector through 5G rollouts and digital expansion.
Babitha B P Joins SBI as Deputy Chief Information Security Officer
- 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.
Agreements News
Prasar Bharati Signs MoU with HAI to Boost Handball
- Prasar Bharati and Handball Association of India (HAI) inked a 3-year MoU to broadcast national and international handball events.
- Coverage will be on DD Sports, Waves OTT, and other platforms.
- This collaboration seeks to popularize handball, nurture young talent, and expand sports viewership in India.
Defense News
DRDO & IAF Successfully Test Astra BVRAAM
- DRDO, in collaboration with the Indian Air Force, conducted successful trials of the Astra Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile 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.
Schemes News
India Introduces First Electric Truck Incentive Scheme
- Under PM E-DRIVE, India unveiled its first electric truck incentive scheme, offering up to ₹9.6 lakh per vehicle.
- Targets N2 and N3 category trucks to encourage green freight transport.
- Anticipates deployment of 5,600 e-trucks, supported by firms like SAIL, Tata Motors, and Ashok Leyland.
- Conditions include scrapping old diesel trucks and enforcing strict warranty standards.
Summits & Conferences News
India to Host First Global Conference on Manuscript Heritage
- From Sept 11–13, 2025, New Delhi (Bharat Mandapam) will host the Global Conference on Manuscript Heritage, themed:
“Reclaiming India’s Knowledge Legacy Through Manuscript Heritage.” - Organized by the Ministry of Culture, it will feature:
- 500+ delegates
- Rare exhibitions
- AI-based archiving sessions
- The dates honor Swami Vivekananda’s 1893 Chicago address.
Sports News
Italy and Netherlands Qualify for ICC T20 World Cup 2026
- 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 NRR.
- The Netherlands defeated Italy chasing 134/7, with strong knocks from Roelof van der Merwe and Michael Levitt.
- With 15 teams confirmed, the World Cup will be held in India and Sri Lanka (2026).
Harikrishnan A Becomes India’s 87th Chess Grandmaster
- Harikrishnan A. Ra., aged 23 from Chennai, achieved the Grandmaster title on July 11, 2025, at the La Plagne International Chess Festival (France).
- 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.