National News
President Murmu Nominates Four Members to Rajya Sabha
- President Droupadi Murmu has nominated four new members—Ujjwal Nikam, C. Sadanandan Master, Harsh Vardhan Shringla, and Dr. Meenakshi Jain—to the Rajya Sabha on July 12, 2025, based on the Council of Ministers’ advice.
- The announcement was made under Article 80 of the Constitution. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated them and praised their contributions in fields such as law, education, foreign policy, and history.
- These nominations aim to ensure that the Rajya Sabha includes experts from diverse fields who can offer unique and informed viewpoints during discussions.
State News
Gujarat Becomes First State to Support Cruise Bharat Mission
- Gujarat has become the first state in India to officially align with the Cruise Bharat Mission, launched on September 30, 2024, by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal.
- The mission aims to boost cruise tourism tenfold by 2029. Gujarat plans to create multiple coastal cruise circuits, linking destinations like Diu, Porbandar, Dwarka, and Padala Island.
- This move not only supports India’s tourism goals but also helps develop Gujarat’s maritime economy.
International News
India Launches World’s First Traditional Knowledge Digital Library
- India became the first country to launch the Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL), earning praise from the World Health Organization (WHO).
- The platform uses AI to protect and expand India’s traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda and Unani.
- The WHO’s report highlighted India’s success in merging ancient knowledge with modern technology, mentioning innovations like Ayurgenomics, AI diagnostics, and digital health platforms.
- These efforts support PM Modi’s vision of AI for all and make India a leader in digital health and traditional medicine integration.
France Grants More Autonomy to New Caledonia
- France announced a new agreement with New Caledonia that would make the territory a state within the French Republic, giving it more freedom while staying under French control.
- The plan must be approved by both the French Parliament and New Caledonian voters.
- The move comes after 2024 protests over voting rights and aims to ease tensions between Indigenous Kanak people and French authorities.
- The agreement introduces New Caledonian nationality, dual citizenship, and plans for a new referendum.
- It highlights President Emmanuel Macron’s effort to balance unity and respect for local identity.
Appointments News
Centre Appoints Dr Abhijat Sheth as New NMC Chief
- Dr Abhijat Sheth has been appointed as the new Chairperson of the National Medical Commission (NMC) by the Central Government on July 13, 2025.
- He takes over from Dr B N Gangadhar, who had earlier resigned but stayed on in the role due to a shortage of qualified candidates.
- The change in leadership comes during a CBI investigation into bribery and corruption linked to medical college inspections.
Sonali Mishra Becomes First Woman to Lead RPF
- Sonali Mishra, a 1993 batch IPS officer, has been appointed as the first woman Director General of the Railway Protection Force (RPF).
- Her appointment was approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet on July 13, 2025.
- She will replace Manoj Yadava and serve until October 31, 2026.
- With a distinguished record in the BSF and Madhya Pradesh Police, Mishra brings rich experience to the role.
- The RPF, created in 1957, plays a key role in protecting railway passengers and property.
President Murmu Appoints New Governors for Haryana, Goa, and Ladakh
- President Droupadi Murmu on July 14, 2025, appointed Prof. Ashim Kumar Ghosh as Governor of Haryana, Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju as Governor of Goa, and Kavinder Gupta as the new Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh.
- The President also accepted the resignation of Brigadier (Dr) BD Mishra (Retd) from the Ladakh post.
- The appointments are part of a key reshuffle in two Indian states and one Union Territory, aimed at boosting governance and leadership in these regions. All three appointees bring significant administrative and political experience to their new roles.
Agreements News
India Secures 5-Year DAP Fertilizer Agreement with Saudi Firm Maaden
- India and Saudi Arabia signed long-term fertilizer agreements during JP Nadda’s visit to Dammam and Riyadh from July 11–13, 2025.
- The agreement with Saudi company Maaden will supply 3.1 million metric tons of DAP fertilizer each year for five years starting 2025–26, with the option to extend.
- The visit also strengthened ties in the health and pharmaceutical sectors, and both countries agreed to increase investments and explore research collaboration.
- These efforts will improve India’s fertilizer security and expand strategic cooperation in key sectors.
Defense News
India-Australia Defence Ties Grow Stronger with Joint Military Exercise
- India has taken part for the first time in Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025, held in Australia from July 13. This major military exercise includes over 35,000 troops from 19 nations, such as the US, UK, Japan, and France.
- Activities include live firing, amphibious landings, and air combat drills across various Australian regions and in Papua New Guinea.
- India’s involvement is a key step in strengthening defence ties with Australia and boosting cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.
Ranks & Reports News
8 African-Born Billionaires Among America’s Richest Immigrants
- A Forbes report released on July 13, 2025, listed eight African-born billionaires among America’s 125 richest immigrants.
- These billionaires come from six African countries, with South Africa leading through names like Elon Musk, Patrick Soon-Shiong, and Rodney Sacks. Nigeria, Egypt, Morocco, and Kenya also have representatives.
- Immigrant billionaires now form 14% of U.S.-based billionaires and control 18% of their total wealth. Elon Musk, originally from South Africa, is the world’s richest person with a net worth of $393.1 billion.
- Most of these billionaires are self-made, showing the impact of the immigrant mindset—a mix of hard work, new ideas, and drive for success.
Byrnihat, Delhi Most Polluted Cities in First Half of 2025
- A new report by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) has named Byrnihat and Delhi as the two most polluted cities in India from January to June 2025, with PM 2.5 levels far above the national limit of 40 ug/m3.
- The report analysed data from 293 cities using CAAQMS, finding that 259 cities had already crossed their annual safe air quality limit.
- In contrast, Aizawl in Mizoram was ranked the cleanest city.
- These findings highlight the urgent need for stronger pollution control and public health measures in India.
Schemes News
Assam Cabinet Clears New Schemes for Villages, Workers, and Students
- Assam Cabinet approved several welfare schemes to boost rural pay, support traditional workers, and improve education.
- The monthly pay for Gaon Pradhans was increased from ₹9,000 to ₹14,000, and Anganwadi workers and helpers will now get ₹8,000 and ₹4,000 respectively.
- The new Gaja Mitra Scheme will tackle human-elephant conflict in eight districts.
- Class X students will get ₹300 per month under the Prerona Aasoni Scheme, while monks in Satras will receive a ₹1,500 monthly stipend.
- The state also launched a GST refund scheme for bell metal artisans and renamed Rabindranath Tagore University to Rabindranath Thakur Vishwavidyalaya.
Sports News
Chelsea Beat PSG to Win Inaugural Edition of Club World Cup 2025
- Chelsea FC won the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 by beating PSG 3-0 on July 13, 2025, at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
- Cole Palmer was the standout player, scoring two goals and assisting Joao Pedro for the third.
- Chelsea’s tactical game plan, led by manager Enzo Maresca, completely outplayed the Champions League winners PSG.
- The match also saw Joao Neves get sent off for PSG, adding to their poor night.
- With this win, Chelsea took home the champion’s prize of $40 million, and Palmer received the Golden Ball as the best player of the tournament.
Jannik Sinner Stuns Alcaraz to Win First Wimbledon Title
- Jannik Sinner won his first Wimbledon title on July 13, 2025, by defeating two-time defending champion Carlos Alcaraz in the final.
- The match ended with a score of 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4.
- This win gave Sinner his fourth Grand Slam title and stopped Alcaraz’s 24-match winning streak.
- The two players, now the top stars in men’s tennis, have shared the last seven major titles, showing a growing rivalry.
- Sinner’s victory also came after losing to Alcaraz at the French Open, making this a sweet comeback.
Iga Swiatek Makes History With Double-Bagel Win to Capture Maiden Wimbledon Title
- Iga Swiatek won her first Wimbledon title on July 12, 2025, defeating Amanda Anisimova with a rare 6-0, 6-0 scoreline in just 57 minutes.
- The victory was Swiatek’s sixth Grand Slam title and made her the only active women’s player to win on all three surfaces.
- Anisimova, playing her first major final, couldn’t match Swiatek’s level. Despite recent struggles and a brief doping ban, Swiatek proved her strength and determination.
- Kate, the Princess of Wales, attended the final, making the event even more special.
- This win marks a major comeback and historic moment in women’s tennis.
MI New York Win Second MLC Title After Stunning Comeback
- MI New York defeated Washington Freedom by 5 runs to win the 2025 Major League Cricket (MLC) title at the Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas on July 14.
- After a poor start to the season, MI New York made a strong comeback with help from players like Quinton de Kock, Nicholas Pooran, Trent Boult, and Rushil Ugarkar.
- De Kock scored 77 runs, while Ugarkar bowled a brilliant last over to stop Freedom from reaching the target of 181. This is MI New York’s second MLC title, making their journey from bottom of the table to champions truly inspirational.
Science & Technology News
New Butterfly Species Found in Kerala’s Western Ghats
- A new butterfly species, Zographetus mathewi, has been discovered in the Western Ghats of Kerala, adding to the region’s already rich biodiversity.
- The species was confirmed after careful study by researchers from the Travancore Nature History Society, Zoological Survey of India, and others.
- It is named after George Mathew, a well-known Indian entomologist.
- This butterfly, also called the Sahyadri Spotted Flitter, is found in forests below 600 metres, and its larvae feed on the vine Aganope thyrsiflora.
- The discovery, published in Entomon, highlights the importance of conservation and continued field research in biodiversity hotspots like the Western Ghats.
Antarctic Summer Sea Ice Hits Record Lows
- A new study led by scientists, including Edward Doddridge from the University of Tasmania, has found that Antarctica’s summer sea ice is at record low levels.
- The research team used satellite data, robotic ocean sensors, and computer models to study the effects.
- Their findings show rising ocean temperatures, damage to marine ecosystems, and growing global risks.
- This worrying trend began in 2016 and is continuing.
- The scientists call for faster climate action to protect the planet from long-term harm.
Obituaries News
Veteran Actor Kota Srinivasa Rao Passes Away at 83
- Kota Srinivasa Rao, a legendary Telugu film actor and former Andhra MLA, died in Hyderabad at the age of 83.
- With a career spanning four decades, he was known for playing a wide range of roles in films and was honoured with many awards.
- His passing is being remembered as a huge loss to the world of cinema and politics.
Legendary Actress B. Saroja Devi Passes Away at 87
- B. Saroja Devi, one of the most respected and celebrated actresses in Indian cinema, died at the age of 87 on July 14, 2025, in Bengaluru due to age-related health complications.
- She had starred in over 190 films across Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Hindi languages and was honoured with the Padma Bhushan.
- Her passing brought sorrow to fans and celebrities alike, who remembered her as a symbol of beauty, talent, and grace.
- Her legacy will live on through her timeless performances.
Former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari Dies at 82
- Former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari died on July 13, 2025, in London at the age of 82. A former military ruler, he became an elected president in 2015 and served until 2023.
- Though he promised to improve security and fight corruption, his rule faced many challenges.
- His death has brought mourning and tributes from around the world. President Bola Tinubu confirmed the news and has arranged for Buhari’s body to be returned to Nigeria.
- Buhari will be remembered as a strong-willed leader who left a lasting mark on the country’s political history.
Current Affairs Today | 13-14 July Current Affairs 2025 | Daily Current Affairs By Ashish Gautam
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