What did UNESCO announce in July 2025?

UNESCO announced the removal of three African sites from the World Heritage in Danger List during its 47th session held in Paris on July 9, 2025.

Daily Current Affairs 11th July 2025, Important News Headlines (Daily GK Update) |

National News

India’s Solar Power Grows 4,000%, Says Piyush Goyal

Union Minister Piyush Goyal announced at India Energy Storage Week (IESW) in New Delhi that India’s solar capacity has grown by 4,000%, with total renewable energy capacity now at 227 GW.
He spoke about major schemes like PM Surya Ghar Yojana and PM Kusum Yojana, and introduced a ₹1 lakh crore Innovation Fund to support next-generation battery technologies.
The government also stressed the need for strong supply chains and energy storage systems to support India’s clean energy goals.

NESTS and UNICEF Start TALASH for Tribal Youth Development

National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS) and UNICEF India launched TALASH, a digital program aimed at helping tribal students in Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs) across 28 states and 8 union territories.
TALASH includes aptitude tests, career counselling, life skills training, and support for teachers. Over 1.38 lakh students are expected to benefit.
The program supports the goals of NEP 2020 and will be fully rolled out by the end of 2025, making it a big step towards inclusive and holistic education for tribal youth.

State News

Uttarakhand to Launch Operation Kalanemi Against Fake Saints

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami announced the launch of ‘Operation Kalanemi’, a police campaign to catch fake saints and religious impersonators in the state.
The operation is named after Kalanemi, a demon from Hindu mythology who disguised himself as a saint to mislead others.
Dhami said these individuals cheat people, especially women, and harm the image of Sanatana Dharma.
The Uttarakhand Police will lead this operation across the state.
The move is meant to protect devotees, ensure religious respect, and maintain social harmony.

Carnac Bridge Renamed as Sindoor in Mumbai

Mumbai’s Carnac Bridge, originally built in 1868, has been rebuilt and renamed as Sindoor Bridge to honour Operation Sindoor, a military strike on terror camps in Pakistan.
The new name also reflects an effort to erase the colonial legacy of Governor Carnac, who was linked to atrocities against Indians.
The new 328-metre-long bridge, inaugurated on July 10, 2025, by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, will improve traffic in South Mumbai.
Earlier delays in opening were due to signage and railway clearance, despite public protests.
The renaming marks a symbolic step toward reclaiming India’s history and honouring its present-day achievements.

Ujjain to Boost Broadcasting with New Akashvani Kendra

The Central Government has announced that a new Akashvani Kendra will be set up in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, under the BIND scheme.
The decision was made during a meeting on July 8, 2025, between Union Minister L. Murugan and Chief Minister Mohan Yadav.
The goal is to improve regional broadcasting, reach more people with reliable information, and boost media infrastructure in the state.
Akashvani Ujjain will help share news, education, culture, and government messages more effectively with the public.

Maharashtra Government Declares Ganeshotsav as State Festival

Maharashtra Government Declares Ganeshotsav as State Festival

The Maharashtra government, on July 10, 2025, declared Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav as a state festival, as announced by Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar in the Legislative Assembly.
The festival, started by Lokmanya Tilak in 1893, is a symbol of unity, culture, and pride in Maharashtra.
The government will now fund and promote the grand celebrations across the state.
This step aims to support traditional community spirit, enhance cultural heritage, and involve more people in the joyful occasion.

International News

UN Expert Francesca Albanese Sanctioned by US

UN Expert Francesca Albanese Sanctioned by US: Background, Reactions, and Implications

The United States has imposed sanctions on Francesca Albanese, the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in the occupied Palestinian territories, accusing her of anti-Israel bias and links to extremism, which she denies.
The move, announced amid the Gaza conflict, has drawn condemnation from the UN, NGOs, and legal experts for threatening the independence of UN investigators.
Albanese, a seasoned international human rights lawyer, has accused Israel of genocide and apartheid and supported ICC arrest warrants against Israeli leaders.
She responded defiantly, calling the sanctions intimidation and vowed to continue her mission.

UNESCO Removes 3 African Sites from Danger List

UNESCO Removes 3 African Sites from Danger List

On July 9, 2025, during the 47th session in Paris, UNESCO removed three African sites—the Rainforests of Atsinanana in Madagascar, Abu Mena in Egypt, and the Old Town of Ghadames in Libya—from the World Heritage in Danger List.
These sites had faced serious threats such as illegal logging, rising water levels, and war damage. UNESCO’s Director-General Audrey Azoulay praised the countries for restoring their sites and noted that Africa is receiving special support.
This success shows the positive results of ongoing global efforts to protect cultural and natural heritage.

Awards News

Telangana Wins National Award for Battery Manufacturing

Telangana won the IESA Industry Excellence Award 2025 in the State Leadership – Battery Manufacturing category at the India Energy Storage Week (IESW) 2025 in New Delhi.
The award, received by S.K. Sharma, highlights the state’s achievements in promoting battery production, EV development, and green energy policies.
With support from its EV and Renewable Energy Policies and dedicated industrial clusters, Telangana has emerged as a hub for energy storage and electric mobility, setting an example for other states in India.

Appointments News

Priya Nair to Take Over as CEO and MD of HUL

Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) announced that Priya Nair will become the new Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director from August 1, 2025.
She is currently President of Beauty & Wellbeing at Unilever and has been with the company since 1995.
She will succeed Rohit Jawa, who is stepping down after leading HUL for two years.
During his time, Jawa introduced the ASPIRE strategy and drove competitive growth.
HUL Chairman Nitin Paranjpe thanked Rohit and welcomed Priya, expressing confidence in her leadership for the company’s next phase of growth.

Kumar Mangalam Birla Joins US-India Business Forum Board

Kumar Mangalam Birla, Chairman of the Aditya Birla Group, was appointed to the Executive Committee of the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) during the Leadership Summit in Washington, DC.
He leads India’s largest greenfield investor in the US, with over $15 billion invested, including a $4.1 billion aluminium plant in Alabama.
Mr. Birla also received the 2025 Global Leadership Award for strengthening US-India economic ties.
Leaders like John Chambers, Shantanu Narayen, and Raj Subramaniam praised his visionary leadership and global business impact.

Agreements News

NESTS, UNICEF and Tata Motors Launch New Student Programs

National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS) started new projects with UNICEF India, Tata Motors, and the Ex-Navodayan Foundation to support over 1.3 lakh tribal students.
The programs include TALASH, a career guidance and life skills platform; the Kaushalya Program, a job training course with Tata Motors; and coaching for competitive exams like IIT-JEE and NEET.
These efforts will improve education, boost confidence, and prepare tribal youth for jobs and higher studies, helping them build a better future.

Ranks & Reports News

Prajakta Koli Makes TIME100 Creators List

Prajakta Koli, also known as MostlySane, has become the only Indian to be featured in the 2025 TIME100 Creators List, a global list of the most powerful digital creators.
With over 7 million YouTube subscribers, acting roles in Netflix and Bollywood, a debut novel, and work with groups like the UN and World Economic Forum, her influence spans far beyond comedy videos.
In her emotional post, she thanked her fans and younger self for the journey.

Schemes News

Assam Launches ‘Gajah Mitra’ to Protect People and Elephants

The Assam Cabinet approved the ‘Gajah Mitra’ scheme on July 11, 2025, to stop the rising number of human-elephant conflicts.
The plan will be carried out in 80 problem areas where both people and elephants have died in past years.
It includes growing elephant-friendly plants, setting up rapid response teams, and raising village awareness.
According to a Wildlife Institute of India report, over 1,400 people and 1,209 elephants died between 2000 and 2023, mainly due to human activities like illegal fencing. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the situation is serious and needs urgent action.
The scheme aims to ensure safety and harmony for both humans and elephants in Assam.

Sports News

Sachin Tendulkar’s Portrait Unveiled at Lord’s

On July 10, 2025, Sachin Tendulkar’s portrait was officially unveiled at the MCC Museum at Lord’s Cricket Ground in London, a place known as the Home of Cricket.
The painting was created by Stuart Pearson Wright, and Tendulkar also rang the bell to begin the day’s India vs. England Test match.
He shared memories of his early days in England and said the portrait was a special moment in his journey.
He also praised Shubman Gill, India’s new captain, for his calm leadership and good form.

India to Host Shooting World Cup in 2027 and Junior Worlds in 2028

National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) shared that India will host the Shooting World Cup in 2027 and the World Junior Championship in 2028, as decided by the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF).
In the meantime, India will also organize the Junior World Cup in September 2025, the Asian Rifle and Pistol Championship in February 2026, and the first-ever Shooting League of India in November 2025 in Delhi.

India Drops to 133rd in FIFA Rankings, Worst Since 2016

The Indian men’s football team has dropped six places to 133rd in the FIFA rankings, marking its worst ranking since December 2016.
The decline follows recent defeats to Thailand and Hong Kong in June 2025, which also led to coach Manolo Marquez’s exit.
India’s performance under him saw just one win in eight matches.
With the team struggling and qualification for the 2027 Asian Cup at risk, India’s next chance to bounce back will come in October against Singapore.

Obituaries News

Veteran Leader N. Tippanna Passes Away at 97

Veteran legal and political leader N. Tippanna passed away on July 11, 2025, in Ballari at the age of 97. Born in Turuvanur, he had a 60-year-long career in law, politics, and community service.
He was Chairman of the Karnataka Legislative Council, led the JD(S) State Unit, and worked to improve education in Ballari.
He was also a key leader in the Veerashaiva-Lingayat community.
His funeral will take place on July 12 in Chitradurga district. Many people across Karnataka are mourning his death and remembering his contributions.

Important Days News

World Horse Day 2025: Honoring Humanity’s Most Loyal Companion

World Horse Day, first observed on July 11, 2025, honors the historic and vital role of horses in agriculture, warfare, therapy, transport, and culture.
Established by the UN Resolution 79/291, it urges global action to protect equine welfare amid climate change and neglect.
Horses support 600 million people globally, contribute to sustainable farming, and provide emotional healing through equine therapy.
From Olympic sports to rural livelihoods, their legacy continues.
Celebrations include visits to rescue centers, sharing educational facts, and supporting horse welfare.

World Population Day 2025, Date, Theme, Significance, Background

World Population Day 2025, observed on July 11, highlights the importance of addressing global population growth and supporting young people in making family decisions.
It was started in 1989 by the UNDP, inspired by Five Billion Day in 1987.
The theme this year is “Empowering young people to create the families they want in a fair and hopeful world”, focusing on youth empowerment, reproductive rights, and gender equality.
With India becoming the most populous country in 2025, this day also draws attention to how population trends affect development and sustainability.