National News
India’s Maratha Forts Added to UNESCO World Heritage List
- The Maratha Military Landscapes of India — made up of 12 forts in Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu — were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List on July 11, 2025, during a session in Paris.
- These forts, built from the 17th to 19th centuries, show the smart military planning of the Maratha Empire.
- The decision brings global recognition to India’s historical forts, many of which are connected to leaders like Shivaji Maharaj.
- The listing is expected to boost tourism, improve conservation, and spread awareness about India’s rich heritage.
Indian Army Launches Operation SHIVA 2025 for Amarnath Yatra Security
- The Indian Army has launched Operation SHIVA 2025 to ensure the safe conduct of the Amarnath Yatra in Jammu and Kashmir.
- The operation began on July 12, 2025, and includes the deployment of 8,500+ troops, anti-drone systems, medical facilities, and engineering support.
- With coordination from CAPFs and civil administration, the operation addresses security threats from Pakistan-backed groups.
- The Army’s efforts include surveillance, disaster readiness, and emergency response, reflecting its dedication to the safety of pilgrims during this sacred journey.
State News
Arthunkal Police Station Becomes India’s First ISO-Certified Station
- Arthunkal Police Station in Alappuzha, Kerala, became the first police station in India to receive the IS/ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System certification from the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).
- The award acknowledges the station’s excellent service in crime control, law and order, public response, and grievance redressal.
- The certification is part of the Modernised Cherthala Police Programme, led by ASP Harish Jain, which aims to upgrade policing standards.
- Senior police officers, including State Police Chief Ravada Azad Chandrashekhar, attended the event, highlighting the importance of quality standards in public safety.
Uttarakhand to Plant Over 5 Lakh Saplings on Harela Festival
- Uttarakhand will celebrate the Harela festival on July 16, 2025, by planting over 5 lakh saplings across the Garhwal and Kumaon regions.
- The event, guided by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, will focus on the themes “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” and “Harela Ka Tyohar Manao, Dharti Maa Ka Rin Chukao.”
- The plantation drive will involve students, villagers, and government bodies.
- This green initiative aims to break the previous record and highlight the state’s commitment to environmental protection and community participation.
Gingee Fort Named UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Gingee Fort, located in Villupuram district of Tamil Nadu, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site on July 11, 2025, as part of the Maratha Military Landscapes.
- The decision was made during the 47th session of the World Heritage Committee in Paris.
- Known as the “Troy of the East”, the fort stands out for its unique architecture, strong military design, and deep historical roots.
- The recognition brings global attention, expected tourism boost, and preservation support to one of India’s iconic heritage sites.
International News
Khmer Rouge Sites in Cambodia Added to UNESCO Heritage List
- UNESCO added three sites in Cambodia—Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, M-13 prison, and Choeung Ek Killing Fields—to its World Heritage List on July 11, 2025 during its 47th committee session in Paris.
- These places were once used by the Khmer Rouge regime (1975–1979) for torture and executions.
- The move comes on the 50th anniversary of the regime’s rise to power.
- Prime Minister Hun Manet and several leaders welcomed the recognition.
- This marks Cambodia’s first modern historical nomination and aims to educate youth, honor victims, and promote peace.
Banking News
RBI Fines HDFC Bank and Shriram Finance for Breaking Rules
- Reserve Bank of India (RBI) imposed monetary penalties on HDFC Bank and Shriram Finance for violating regulatory norms.
- HDFC Bank was fined ₹4.88 lakh for issues involving foreign investment in term loans, while Shriram Finance was penalised ₹2.70 lakh for digital lending rule violations discovered during a routine inspection.
- The action highlights RBI’s commitment to ensuring that all financial entities follow proper rules and maintain transparency in their operations.
Economy News
Government’s Tax Collections Dip Due to Higher Refunds
- The Government of India’s net direct tax collections fell by 1.3% as of July 10, 2025, mainly because refunds grew by 38%, even though gross collections rose by 3.2% to ₹6.6 lakh crore.
- The dip was caused by lower tax inflows from both corporate and non-corporate sources.
- The Central Government released this data on July 11, highlighting a trend where higher refunds are impacting revenue in the early months of the financial year.
SWFs and Pension Funds to Enjoy Tax Exemption Until 2030
- Indian government extended the tax exemption for Sovereign Wealth Funds (SWFs) and Pension Funds on their investments in India until March 31, 2030.
- This policy covers dividends, interest, and long-term capital gains and aims to attract long-term foreign investment in sectors like telecom, logistics, and energy.
- The rule was first introduced in 2020 under Section 10(23FE) of the Income Tax Act, and the latest extension was officially notified by the Department of Revenue.
- According to NSDL, assets held by SWFs in Indian companies have grown by 60% year-on-year, reaching ₹4.7 lakh crore by April 2024, showing strong investor confidence.
Awards News
Varsha Deshpande Wins 2025 UN Population Award
- Varsha Deshpande, an advocate from Satara, Maharashtra, received the 2025 United Nations Population Award on July 11, 2025, in New York, for her work in gender equality, saving the girl child, and empowering Dalit women.
- She is the secretary of Dalit Mahila Vikas Mandal, known for her sting operations, work under the PCPNDT Act, and legal reforms.
- The UNFPA praised her courage in tackling gender and caste-based discrimination.
- The UN Population Award, now in its 40th year, honours major contributions to reproductive health and rights globally.
Appointments News
Abhijit Kishore Reappointed COAI Chairperson for 2025-26
- The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) has reappointed Abhijit Kishore of Vodafone Idea as Chairperson and Rahul Vatts of Bharti Airtel as Vice Chairperson for 2025–26, as announced during the Annual General Body meeting on July 9, 2025, in New Delhi.
- The COAI praised their leadership, especially as the telecom sector prepares for 5G and digital expansion.
- Kishore and Vatts bring deep experience in telecom operations and regulation, making them key leaders for guiding industry growth.
Babitha B P Joins SBI as Deputy Chief Information Security Officer
- Babitha B P joined the State Bank of India (SBI) as the Deputy Chief Information Security Officer (General Manager – Infrastructure Security & Special Projects).
- She will be in charge of managing cybersecurity efforts, building secure infrastructure, and leading strategic digital safety projects.
- This decision strengthens SBI’s security team and reflects its focus on digital safety in a fast-changing online world.
- It also highlights the growing presence of women leaders in India’s technology and financial sectors.
Agreements News
Prasar Bharati Signs MoU to Promote Handball in India
- Prasar Bharati and the Handball Association of India (HAI) have signed a three-year MoU to produce and broadcast national and international handball events in India.
- The agreement was exchanged by Gaurav Dwivedi and Anandeshwar Pande, with Navneet Kumar Sehgal present.
- All events will be shown on DD Sports, Waves OTT, and other platforms.
- This partnership is set to promote handball, help discover new talent, and bring more attention to the sport in the country.
Defense News
DRDO, IAF Successfully Test Astra Missile from Su-30 MKI
- DRDO and Indian Air Force successfully conducted flight tests of the Astra Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM) from a Su-30 MKI fighter jet off the Odisha coast.
- The missile, equipped with an indigenous Radio Frequency (RF) Seeker, accurately hit high-speed aerial targets in both tests.
- This success boosts India’s defense strength, supports the ‘Make in India’ initiative, and reduces reliance on foreign technology.
Schemes News
India Launches First Electric Truck Incentive Scheme
- India launched its first electric truck scheme under the PM E-DRIVE initiative, with a maximum incentive of ₹9.6 lakh per vehicle.
- The scheme, announced by Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy, targets N2 and N3 category electric trucks, and promotes cleaner freight transport.
- With 5,600 e-trucks expected to be deployed and support from companies like SAIL, Tata Motors, and Ashok Leyland, the scheme supports the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision and India’s net-zero goal by 2070.
- Old diesel trucks must be scrapped, and strict warranty rules will ensure quality and reliability.
Cabinet Approves ₹1 Lakh Crore Employment-Linked Scheme
- Union Cabinet approved a ₹1 lakh crore employment-linked incentive scheme to generate 3.5 crore jobs, with 1.92 crore for first-time workers, between August 2025 and July 2027.
- The scheme offers ₹3,000 per employee per month to employers and wage support of up to ₹15,000 to new employees.
- Announced by Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, it is part of the PM’s ₹2 lakh crore youth employment plan.
Summits & Conferences News
India to Host First Global Conference on Manuscript Heritage
- India will host the first Global Conference on Manuscript Heritage from September 11 to 13, 2025, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, announced by the Ministry of Culture.
- The event, titled “Reclaiming India’s Knowledge Legacy Through Manuscript Heritage,” will feature 500+ delegates, rare exhibitions, live demos, and expert talks on digitisation, conservation, and AI archiving.
- The date honors Swami Vivekananda’s historic 1893 speech and highlights India’s commitment to preserving its cultural legacy.
MoS Pankaj Chaudhary Inaugurates Trade Facilitation Conference 2025
- Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary inaugurated the Trade Facilitation Conference 2025 in New Delhi, organised by CRCL and CBIC.
- The conference, with the theme “Scientific Excellence for Seamless Trade,” focused on improving testing infrastructure to promote faster, smoother trade.
- With over 400 participants, the event showcased the government’s commitment to supporting economic growth, ensuring compliance, and boosting India’s global trade through modern scientific methods.
Sports News
Italy and Netherlands Qualify for ICC T20 World Cup 2026
- On July 11, 2025, both Italy and the Netherlands confirmed their spots in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 after the final matches of the Europe Qualifiers.
- This will be Italy’s first appearance at the global event. Despite losing to the Netherlands, Italy ensured qualification by holding their opponents till the 17th over, maintaining a better net run rate.
- The Netherlands chased down 134/7 with strong performances from Roelof van der Merwe and Michael Levitt.
- A total of 15 teams have qualified so far, with more to be confirmed through upcoming qualifiers. The World Cup will take place in India and Sri Lanka in 2026.
Harikrishnan A Becomes India’s 87th Grandmaster
- Harikrishnan A. Ra., a 23-year-old from Chennai, became India’s 87th Grandmaster after earning his third GM norm at the La Plagne International Chess Festival in France on July 11, 2025.
- Coached by Shyam Sundar, Harikrishnan had previously earned GM norms in Switzerland (2023) and Spain (June 2025).
- His final performance, including a draw with P. Iniyan and a win over Jules Moussard, secured the title. Harikrishnan, who recently finished his M.Com from SRM, plans to compete in Spain and Portugal before pursuing an MBA in the USA.
- His next goal is to reach an Elo rating of 2600.
Current Affairs Today | 12 July Current Affairs 2025 | Daily Current Affairs By Ashish Gautam
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