Current Affairs 16 July 2025

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NATIONAL AFFAIRS

ICG & JCG Conduct Joint Exercise ‘Jaa Mata’ off Chennai CoastIn July 2025, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and Japan Coast Guard (JCG) conducted a joint maritime exercise named ‘Jaa Mata’ (meaning “see you later”) off the coast of Chennai, Tamil Nadu (TN) .

• The aim of the exercise is to enhance operational synergy and deepen maritime cooperation between India and Japan.

About Exercise ‘Jaa Mata’:
i.The maritime exercise featured boarding operations, firefighting drills, and station-keeping, demonstrating coordination and operational synergy between the ICG and JCG.
ii.The activities were coordinated by the Headquarters, Coast Guard Region (CGRHQ) (East), under the leadership of Inspector General Datwinder Singh Saini, Commander, CGRHQ (East).
iii.The drill marked the conclusion of a six-day port visit by JCG’s training vessel Itsukushima, held from July 7 to 12, 2025, as part of its Global Ocean Voyage Training.Vice Admiral Kanosue Hiroaki, Vice Commandant (Operations), JCG, led the Japanese delegation.
Key Highlights of Port Visit:
The week-long port visit of Itsukushima includes high-level bilateral meetings, joint professional & cultural exchanges, and a sea exercise aimed at boosting interoperability between the two forces.
1.Objectives: The visit of JCG aimed to enhance maritime cooperation and interoperability with the ICG through joint drills focused on maritime security, anti-piracy operations, and disaster response, while also facilitating professional exchange for over 50 Japanese trainee officers at various ICG facilities.
2.High-Level Delegation:The visiting delegation held discussions with Paramesh Sivamani, Director General (DG) of the ICG, to explore strategic cooperation within the existing bilateral framework.
3.Activities:
i.As part of the joint engagement, crew members participated in courtesy calls, reciprocal ship visits, joint training sessions, yoga, and sporting events.
ii.As part of an ongoing professional exchange, four ICG officers will sail to Singapore aboard the JCG ship Itsukushima, highlighting the strengthening maritime ties between India and Japan.
4.India–Japan Maritime Cooperation: This engagement is based on the 2006 Memorandum of Cooperation between India and Japan and aligns with India’s SAGAR (Security And Growth for All in the Region) vision and the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI).
About Indian Coast Guard (ICG):
Director General (DG) – Paramesh Sivamani
Headquarters – New Delhi, Delhi
Established – 1978

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari Inaugurated India’s 2nd Longest Cable-Styled Bridge in KarnatakaIn July 2025, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, Ministry of Road, Transport and Highways (MoRTH), inaugurated the ‘Sigandur Bridge’ over the Sharavathi River(backwaters) in Shivamogga district, Karnataka, marking it as India’s second-longest cable-stayed bridge.

• The bridge is also the 8th extra-dosed cable-styled cum-balanced cantilever bridge in India, approved by the MoRTH.

Key Dignitaries: 
The inauguration ceremony of the new bridge was attended by Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE); and former Chief Minister (CM) of Karnataka, Bookanakere Siddalingappa (B.S.) Yediyurappa.
Key :
i.During the event, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari also laid the foundation stone for nine National Highway(NH) projects, covering a total length of 99 kilometres(km) and involving a cumulative investment of over Rs.2,000 crore.
ii.He informed that the total length of National Highways (NHs) in Karnataka has increased from 6,707 kilometers (kms) in 2014 to 9,424 kms (2025).
About Sigandur Bridge:
i.The newly inaugurated bridge, constructed at a cost of Rs 472 crore (USD 54.88 million), is expected to significantly reduce travel time from Sagara town to the villages around Singandur, a place which is famous for the Chowdeshwari temple.
ii.This is Karnataka’s first cable-stayed bridge built using the extradosed balanced-cantilever design, combining advanced engineering with aesthetic appeal.
iii.The bridge fulfills the long-standing demand from local residents, following a loss of road connectivity after the construction of the Linganmakki dam to generate power in the 1960s.
About Karnataka:
Chief Minister (CM)- Siddaramaiah
Governor- Thawar Chand Gehlot
Capital- Bengaluru
National Parks (NPs)- Bandipur NP, Nagarhole NP

Assam CM Inaugurated India’s First Aqua Tech Park to Boost Fishery Sector
In July 2025, Assam Chief Minister (CM) Himanta Biswa Sarma inaugurated India’s first-ever water technology park, named ‘Aqua Tech Park’, at Bagibari in Sonapur, Assam to boost fish production and promote aquaculture-based livelihood opportunities in the state.

• This initiative is in line with the state’s vision of a resurgent and self-reliant Assam (Atmanirbhar Assam).

i.Aqua Tech Park, India’s first dedicated facility for advanced water and fishery technologies, aims to equip fish farmers in Assam with modern aquaculture solutions to improve productivity and income.
ii.The park has been established through a collaborative effort involving Kolong-Kopili (a non-governmental organisation, NGO in Assam), National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (CIFA), Assam’s Department of Fisheries and Selco Foundation.
iii.The park features innovative technologies including aquaponics, biofloc systems, modern fish production methods, and ornamental fish breeding, promoting sustainable and scientific fish farming practices.

CIL Inaugurates India’s First All-Women Operated Dispensary at SECL, Bilaspur
In July 2025, Coal India Limited (CIL), through its subsidiary South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL), inaugurated India’s first fully women-operated dispensary, named Vasant Vihar Dispensary, at the SECL headquarters in Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh.

• The facility was formally inaugurated by Harish Duhan, Chairman-cum-Managing Director (CMD), SECL, in the presence of other senior officials of the organization.

i.The Vasant Vihar Dispensary is entirely managed by a 14-member all-women team, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and support staff.
ii.The dispensary offers a wide range of healthcare services, such as Outpatient Department (OPD) Services, Casualty & Emergency Medical Services, a Dressing and Injection Room, Electrocardiogram (ECG) Facilities, a Blood Collection Centre for Pathology Tests, and an OPD Pharmacy.
iii.This initiative is a significant step toward women’s empowerment and aims to enhance both the quality and sensitivity of healthcare delivery within the coal sector.

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

New Caledonia to Become a State Within French Republic
In July 2025, the representatives of France and New Caledonian political forces signed the “Bet on Trust” agreement in Paris, France, redefining New Caledonia as a “State of New Caledonia” within the French Republic.

• The accord aims to provide stability and international recognition to the Pacific territory.

i.New Caledonia will be formally recognized in the French constitution as a state within the Republic, with its own “Caledonian” nationality alongside French citizenship.
ii.Under the agreement, New Caledonia will assume responsibility for foreign affairs immediately. The additional sovereign powers over defence, currency, security, and justice are retained by the French government.
iii.The agreement also calls for an economic and financial recovery pact that would include a renewal of the territory’s nickel processing capabilities.
iv.France colonized the Pacific archipelago in the 1850s, and it became an overseas territory after World War II, with French citizenship granted to all Kanaks in 1957. The last independence referendum in New Caledonia was held in 2021.

BANKING & FINANCE

Groww MF launches India’s first power-focused ETF and FoFIn July 2025, Groww Mutual Fund (MF), the asset management arm of the investment platform, Groww, has launched two new passive investment schemes: the ‘Groww BSE (Bombay Stock Exchange) Power ETF (Exchange Traded Fund)’ and the ‘Groww BSE Power ETF FoF (Fund of Fund)’.

• These are India’s first ETF and FoF dedicated exclusively to the power sector. The funds are jointly managed by Nikhil Satam, Aakash Chauhan, and Shashi Kumar.
• The New Fund Offer (NFO) for both schemes will open for subscription on July 18, 2025 and close on August 1,2025.

About Newly Launched Schemes:
i.Groww BSE Power ETF: It is a fund that invests directly in the BSE Power Index’s underlying companies.

• It is designed for investors aiming for long-term capital growth by investing in equities and equity-related instruments included in the BSE Power Index.

ii.Groww BSE Power ETF FoF: It is a MF that invests in the units of ETF.

• This is suitable for investors aiming for long-term capital appreciation by investing in units of the Groww BSE Power ETF.

iii.The minimum application amount for both the ETFs is Rs.500, with no exit load.
About the index:
i.Both ETF funds aim to track the BSE Power Index – Total Return Index (TRI), offering investors low-cost exposure to companies in India’s power sector.

• This index offers exposure to 14 companies engaged in power generation, transmission, utilities and infrastructure.

ii.The index represents India’s electricity sector, which has witnessed rapid growth driven by economic growth, policy reforms and a transition toward Renewable Energy(RE).
Important Terms:
i.Exchange Traded Fund(ETF): It is an investment fund that owns a collection of assets (like stocks or bonds) and is traded on a stock exchange, similar to how individual stocks are traded. It allows investors to diversify their portfolio by investing in a basket of securities with a single purchase
ii.Fund of Fund(FoF): A FoF is a type of mutual fund that invests in units of other mutual fund schemes instead of directly investing in stocks, bonds, or other securities.
About Groww Mutual Fund:
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) –Varun Gupta
Headquarters – Mumbai, Maharashtra
Establishment – 2011

RBI Imposes Penalty on HDFC Bank and Shriram Finance for Regulatory Non-Compliance
In July 2025, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) imposed monetary penalties on two financial institutions, HDFC Bank Limited and Shriram Finance Limited, for violations of regulatory guidelines under different frameworks.

• The RBI clarified that these penalties were imposed for regulatory compliance failures only and do not affect the legality of the underlying loan agreements or customer transactions.

i.The RBI levied a penalty of Rs. 4.88 lakh on HDFC Bank for non-compliance with regulations under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), 1999 concerning Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in India.

• The violation involved the bank extending a term loan to a client without following the prescribed procedure under Paragraph 9.3.6 of the Master Direction – Foreign Investment in India issued in January 2018.

ii.In a separate case, Shriram Finance was fined Rs. 2.70 lakh for breaching the RBI (Digital Lending) Directions, 2025.

• A statutory inspection, based on the company’s financial position as of 31 March 2024, revealed that it allowed loan repayments through third-party accounts, which is against digital lending norms that require direct repayment by borrowers.

ECONOMY & BUSINESS

Cypriot Shipping Firms Announced Rs 10,000 Crore Investment in Indian Shipping
In July 2025, Cyprus-based two major shipping firms, Interorient Navigation Co Limited and Danship & Partners Limited, have announced Rs 10,000 crore investment in the Indian shipping industry.

• This marks the largest Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the Indian shipping sector since the Government of India (GoI) opened this sector to 100% FDI in 2005.

i.As part of this investment, all ships purchased under the initiative will be registered under the Indian flag, which will help India in expanding its shipping capacity.
ii.The freight income generated by moving India’s export and import cargo will remain within the domestic economy, which will further support trade and employment.
iii.The announcement follows Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi’s visit to Cyprus in June 2025.

S&P’s Data: NSE Ranked 4th on the Global IPO Offering League Table in H1-CY25
In July 2025, S&P Global Market Intelligence data ranked India’s National Stock Exchange (NSE) ranked 4th globally in Initial Public Offering (IPO) fundraising during the 1st Half of Calendar Year 2025 (H1-CY25).

• NSE has raised USD 5.51 billion through IPO in H1-CY25, accounting for 8.9% of the total global IPO fundraising of USD 61.95 billion.

i.NSE is ranked just behind the Nasdaq Global Market(USD 12.96 billion), New York Stock Exchange (NYSE)(USD 8.62 billion), and Nasdaq Global Select Market(USD 7.37 billion).
ii.As per S&P’s data, NSE outperformed all global exchanges in terms of the number of IPOs, by hosting 73 IPOs during H1-CY25, surpassing Nasdaq Global Market’s 66.
iii.S&P data further revealed that Indian markets saw 119 IPOs during H1-CY25, raising a total of Rs 51,150 crore.

• This marks a significant Year-on-Year (Y-o-Y) increase in capital raised, compared to Rs 37,682 crore from 157 listings in H1-CY24.

AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS

MoC&I Conferred National ODOP Awards 2024; AP Secured 10 AwardsIn July 2025, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoC&I) organised the National One District One Product (ODOP) Awards 2024 in New Delhi (Delhi).

• The event was graced by Union Minister Piyush Goyal, MoC&I; Union Minister of State (MoS) Jitin Prasada, MoC&I; and Rekha Gupta, Chief Minister (CM) of Delhi.

About ODOP Awards 2024:
i.The awards honoured outstanding contributions in the fields of handlooms, handicrafts, and agriculture.
ii.A total of 34 winners were honoured under the second edition of the ODOP Awards, across three categories: Districts, States and UTs, and Indian Missions Abroad (through virtual participation).
iii.Andhra Pradesh (AP) emerged as a top performer, clinching 10 awards, including seven district-level recognitions.
>>Read Full News

Former CJ of Nepal Kalyan Shrestha Conferred with Hem Bahadur Malla Award 2080
In July 2025, Former Chief Justice (CJ) of Nepal Kalyan Shrestha was honoured with the “Hem Bahadur Malla Award 2080”, a prestigious national award of Nepal. The award was presented by the current CJ of Nepal, Prakash Man Singh Raut, during a ceremony jointly organized by the Public Administration Association of Nepal (PAAN) and Salt Trading Corporation (STC) in Kathmandu, Nepal.

• The award carries a cash prize of Nepalese Rupee (NPR) 200,000 and a certificate of honour.

i.The award recognizes his impactful contributions to judicial leadership, institutional development, transitional justice, inclusive democracy, and environmental justice.
ii.The Hem Bahadur Malla Award was established in 2003 (2075 BS in Nepal’s Bikram Sambat (BS) calendar) to honour the legacy of a renowned administrator and former STC head. The winner of the award is selected by PAAN.
iii.Kalyan Shrestha served as a judge at the district, appellate, and supreme courts of Nepal and became the 25th CJ of Nepal.

APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

LIC appoints R Doraiswamy as new MD& CEO, first to hold full-term role under new frameworkIn July 2025, the Government of India(GoI), based on the recommendation of the Financial Services Institutions Bureau (FSIB), has appointed R. Doraiswamy as the new Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of India’s largest life insurer, Life Insurance Corporation (LIC).

• His appointment is effective from July 15, 2025, and will continue until he attains the age of 62 years (August 28, 2028), or until further orders, whichever occurs earlier.

Key Highlights:
i.R.Doraiswamy became the first full-term MD & CEO under the new regulatory framework of the LIC Act, 1956 that merged the roles of chairman and MD into a single executive position.
ii.He succeeds Sat Pal Bhanoo, who had taken over as interim CEO following the retirement of Siddhartha Mohanty, who officially resigned on June 30, 2024.
iii. LIC has entered into a Corporate Agency agreement with AU Small Finance Bank(AU SFB), one of India’s leading small finance banks, to distribute its insurance products through the bank’s extensive network.
>>Read Full News

Senior IPS Officer Sonali Mishra to Become the First Woman to lead RPFIn July 2025, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the appointment of Sonali Mishra, senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officer, as the first female Director General(DG) of the Railway Protection Force (RPF).

• She will succeed Manoj Yadava, who will superannuate on July 31, 2025, and serve in the position until her superannuation on October 31, 2026.
• She is currently serving as the Additional Director General (ADG) (Selection) in the MP Police.

About Sonali Mishra:
i.Sonali Mishra is a 1993 batch IPS officer from the Madhya Pradesh (MP) cadre.
ii.In July 2021, she became the first woman commander to lead a Border Security Force (BSF) formation along the India-Pakistan border in Punjab.

• She has also headed the BSF Intelligence Wing in the Kashmir Valley as Inspector General (IG).

iii.In 2023, she took charge as ADG of Eastern Command, BSF, in Kolkata, West Bengal(WB).
Awards and Recognitions:
i.In 2020, Sonali Mishra was conferred with the President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service (PPMDS) while serving as IG, BSF Intelligence and Kashmir Frontier Commander.
ii.In 2021, she was conferred PPMDS for her leadership in Punjab Frontier.
iii.She is also the recipient of the Police Medal for Meritorious Service (PMMS).
About Railway Protection Force (RPF):
The RPF, based in New Delhi(Delhi), is a central armed police organization functioning under the Ministry of Railways (MoR). Established by the RPF Act of 1957, the force was granted authority in 1966 to investigate, arrest, and prosecute individuals involved in the unlawful possession of railway property.

• In 1985, the RPF was officially designated as an “Armed Force of the Union.”

Sanjay Kaul Appointed MD & CEO of GIFT City, GandhinagarIn July 2025, the General Administration Department (GAD) of Gujarat Government issued an official notification regarding the appointment of Sanjay Kaul, a 2001-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of Kerala cadre , as the Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Gujarat International Finance Tec-City(GIFT City) Company Limited in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.

• He has been appointed for a period of three years, or until further orders, starting from the date he assumes charge.
• Tapan Ray, current MD and CEO of GIFT City, will continue to hold additional charge as MD of GIFT City until Sanjay Kaul officially assumes charge.

About Sanjay Kaul:
i.Between 2011 and 2016, Sanjay Kaul served in Gujarat on inter-state deputation, during which he worked as the MD of the Tourism Corporation of Gujarat Limited (TCGL) and Gujarat Informatics Limited (GIL).
ii.From 2016 to 2024, he held senior positions in various departments of the Kerala government, including home, finance, ports, industries, power, tax and registration, and food and civil supplies.

• Between 2021 and 2024, he also served as the Chief Electoral Officer of Kerala.

iii. Since September 2024, he has been on central deputation as Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Culture (MoC).
About GIFT City Company Limited:
Headquarters- Gandhinagar, Gujarat
Established – 2015

Karnataka Bank Appoints Raghavendra Srinivas Bhat as Interim MD & CEO
In July 2025, Karnataka Bank Limited (KBL), a leading private sector bank, appointed Raghavendra Srinivas Bhat, the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the bank, as the interim Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO). He succeeds Srikrishnan Hari Hara Sarma, who stepped down in June 2025 due to personal reasons.

• His appointment is effective from 16 July 2025, for three months, or until the appointment of a regular MD & CEO, whichever is earlier, with the necessary approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

i.Raghavendra Srinivas Bhat has been associated with KBL for over 38 years, beginning his career as a clerk in 1981.
ii.He gradually rose through the ranks and served as COO in the Chief General Manager (CGM) cadre until 2019.
iii.He resumed his role as COO on 2 July 2025, overseeing multiple departments, including Human Resources (HR), Information Technology (IT), Treasury, Foreign Exchange (Forex) Operations, Insurance, and Rural Banking.

• He steps down from his current role as COO effective 15 July 2025, ahead of assuming the interim leadership role.

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Israel Launches Communications Satellite Dror-1 into SpaceIn July 2025, Israel has launched Dror-1, a geostationary communication satellite, developed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) in partnership with the Israeli Space Agency, into space from Cape Canaveral in Florida, United States of America (USA).

• The satellite was launched into orbit on a Falcon 9 two-stage rocket, manufactured by Space X, an American aerospace manufacturer and space transport services company.
• The launch of Dror-1 marked SpaceX’s 528th overall mission and its 88th launch of 2025. It was also the 503rd flight of the Falcon 9 rocket and the 85th Falcon 9 mission conducted this year.

Mission Highlights:
i.The mission, also called Commercial GTO-1, carried Dror-1, weighing around 4.5 tonnes (4,500 kilograms, kgs) with a 17.8 metre (m) wingspan and twin 2.8m antennas.
ii.The satellite is headed to Geostationary Transfer Orbit (GTO), approximately 36,000 kilometres (km) above the Earth’s equator.
iii.Dror-1 is expected to serve Israel’s communication needs until 2040. An estimated USD 200 million has been invested in the development of the advanced satellite since 2018, through a close collaboration between Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and the Israeli Space Agency.
About Dror-1:
i.Dror-1 is a next-generation communications satellite, designed for long-term national use, and it operates using a combination of advanced digital systems, geostationary positioning, and flexible reprogrammable payloads.
ii.It is equipped with cutting-edge signal processing technologies. It is developed with Israel’s local technologies to reduce reliance on foreign components or vendors.
iii.It can be reprogrammed from the ground during its 15-year life. It can change communication settings, coverage areas, and signal use based on need, using its Space Smartphone technology.
About Israel:
Prime Minister (PM) – Benjamin Netanyahu
Capital – Jerusalem
Currency – Israeli Shekel, ILS

China Develops World’s Lightest Mind-Controller ‘Cyborg Bee’
In July 2025, Chinese researchers at the Beijing Institute of Technology (BIT), China have developed the world’s lightest brain control device, ‘Cyborg bee’, weighing 74 milligrams (mg), that can be used to control the movement of bees.

• The invention, led by Professor Zhao Jieliang’s team at the BIT was published in the Chinese Journal of Mechanical Engineering.

i.The device is fixed on the bee’s back and connects to its brain using three fine needles. It emits electric signals to create sensory illusions, directing the bee to turn, move forward, and reverse.
ii.During the experiments, the device worked across nine pulse patterns. The researchers matched signals with movement in both bees and cockroaches.

• It was observed that Bees could be steered mid-air, and cockroaches walked along defined paths with little deviation.

iii.It could be utilized in tasks like search and rescue operations, spying, or environmental monitoring, particularly in areas where drones are too large or noisy.

SPORTS

TN’s Harikrishnan A. Ra. Becomes India’s 87th Chess GrandmasterIn July 2025, Harikrishnan A. Ra, a 23-year-old chess player from Chennai, Tamil Nadu (TN), achieved his third and final Grandmaster (GM) norm at the La Plagne International Chess Festival in France, becoming India’s 87th Chess GM and Tamil Nadu’s 32nd GM.

• He secured his final GM norm by drawing with fellow Indian P. Iniyan in the ninth round, which earned him fourth place overall and fulfilled the requirement of three GM norms to achieve the GM title.

About Harikrishnan A. Ra.
i.Harikrishnan earned his first FIDE rating at the age of 7, becoming the youngest Indian at the time to achieve this feat.
ii.He was awarded the International Master (IM) title in 2018.
iii.He secured his first GM norm at the Biel International Chess Festival (Switzerland) in 2023, and his second norm at the Lince Andújar Chess Open (Spain) in June 2025
Note: Viswanathan Anand became the first GM from India in 1988, while Koneru Humpy became the first Indian woman to achieve the GM title in 2002.
About FIDE Chess Titles:
i.The International Chess Federation (FIDE), the global governing body of chess, awards lifetime titles to players based on performance in FIDE-rated tournaments.
ii.The players compete in a FIDE-approved chess tournament in both standard and classical formats to earn Elo rating points.
iii.Titles are classified into four categories:
1.Grandmaster (GM) – Highest title in chess (below World Champion)

• Men: Minimum 2500 Elo rating and 3 GM norms
• Women: Minimum 2300 Elo rating and 3 GM norms

2.International Master (IM) – Second-highest title

• Men: Minimum 2400 Elo rating and 3 IM norms
• Women: Minimum 2200 Elo rating and 3 IM norms

3.FIDE Master (FM)

• Men: Minimum 2300 Elo rating (no norms required)
• Women: Minimum 2200 Elo rating (no norms required)

4. Candidate Master (CM)

• Men: Minimum 2200 Elo rating (no norms required)
• Women: Minimum 2100 Elo rating (no norms required)

Chelsea FC Won Inaugural FIFA Club World Cup 2025
In July 2025, Chelsea Football Club (Chelsea FC), England, won the 21st edition (7 teams) and the inaugural edition of the expanded 32-team Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) Club World Cup 2025, defeating French Champions Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) 3-0 in the final held at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey, the United States of America (USA).

• The victory marked Chelsea’s second FIFA Club World Cup title after their first triumph in 2021.

i.The final was dominated by Chelsea’s attacking midfielder Cole Palmer, who scored twice (22nd and 30th minutes) and assisted the third goal to João Pedro (43rd minute).

• Cole Palmer was honoured with the ‘Golden Ball award’, recognizing him as the tournament’s best player.

ii.Chelsea FC finished the tournament as the highest-scoring team with 17 goals, followed by FC PSG, FC Manchester City (England), and FC Bayern Munich (Germany) with 16 goals each.
iii.Chelsea earned prize money ranging between Rs 1,28,435 crore and Rs 1,53,815 crore (equivalent to USD 121 million) from the tournament.
Note: Chelsea had earlier won the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) Conference League in May 2025.

OBITUARY

Former Nigeria President Muhammadu Buhari Passed AwayOn July 13, 2025, Muhammadu Buhari, former president of Nigeria, has passed away at the age of 82 in London, the United Kingdom (UK). He was born on December 17, 1942, at Daura district in Katsina, Nigeria.

• He served as the President of Nigeria from 2015 to 2023.

About Muhammadu Buhari:
i.Muhammadu Bihari began his career in the military shortly after the country gained independence from British rule.
ii.He joined the Nigerian Army in 1961. He was trained as an officer between 1962 and 1963. He began his political career in 1975 after a military coup that ousted Yakubu Gowon, who ruled in 1975.
iii.He served as Minister of Petroleum from 1976 to 1978, and as Governor of Borno State in 1976. He also served as the military head of state of Nigeria from 1983 to 1985 after a coup ousted President Shehu Shagari.
iv.In 2015, he was democratically elected President under the All-Progressive Congress (APC), defeating incumbent Goodluck Jonathan, after losing in three elections in 2003, 2007, 2011. He was also re-elected in 2019.

• He made history as the first candidate in Nigeria to unseat a sitting president through democratic elections.

v.He was known for his “War Against Indiscipline” campaign. He imposed strict economic measures, controlled civil freedom and jailed many politicians.
About Nigeria:
President – Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Adekunle Tinubu
Capital – Abuja
Currency – Nigerian Naira(NGN)

IMPORTANT DAYS

World Youth Skills Day 2025 – July 15The United Nations (UN’s) World Youth Skills Day (WYSD) is annually observed across the globe on July 15 to highlight the critical importance of equipping youth with skills for employment, decent work, and entrepreneurship.

• July 15, 2025, marks the 10th anniversary of the WYSD.
• The 2025 theme for WYSD is “Youth empowerment through AI and digital skills.”

Background:
i.On 18 December 2014, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted Resolution A/RES/69/145, declaring 15 July of every year as World Youth Skills Day (WYSD) to promote youth skills development at the global level.

• The resolution was proposed by Sri Lanka, with support from the Group of 77 (G-77) and China.

ii.The first WYSD was observed on 15 July 2015.
Note: This remains the only resolution sponsored by Sri Lanka at the UN Headquarters in New York, United States of America (USA) since 1999.
>>Read Full News

STATE NEWS

HP CM Sukhwinder Sukhu Launches ‘My Deed’ Project’ to Digitize and Simplify Land Registration
In July 2025, Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, Chief Minister (CM) of Himachal Pradesh (HP) launched the ‘My Deed’ pilot project under the National Generic Document Registration System (NGDRS), aimed at simplifying and digitizing the land registration process across the state.

• This initiative allows citizens to submit documents online and complete registration with just a single visit to the office.

i.For the initial phase, the project has been launched in 10 tehsils across various districts, including, Bilaspur Sadar tehsil (Bilaspur), Dalhousie tehsil (Chamba), Galore tehsil (Hamirpur), Jaisinghpur tehsil (Kangra), Bhuntar tehsil (Kullu), Padhar tehsil (Mandi), Kumarsain tehsil (Shimla), Rajgarh tehsil
(Sirmaur), Kandaghat tehsil (Solan) and Bangana tehsil (Una).
ii.In addition to this, he also launched the new format of Jamabandi, e-Roznamcha Vakyati, and Karguzari initiatives to enhance the revenue department’s functioning and make the process more people-friendly.
iii.The format of Jamabandi has been made simpler and is available in Hindi language. Old languages such as Urdu, Arabic and Farsi have been removed for better understanding of land records for citizens.
iv.The e-Roznamcha Vakyati will enable the patwaris to keep a digital record of daily events, while Karguzari will be used to record daily attendance online.

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