Comprehensive Current Affairs Digest: July 11, 2025
For aspirants preparing for competitive examinations such as UPSC, SSC, and Banking, staying abreast of daily developments is indispensable. Below is an exhaustive compilation of the most significant events from July 11, 2025, encompassing national and international affairs, policy announcements, and notable appointments.
National Developments
Exponential Growth in India’s Solar Energy Capacity
Union Minister Piyush Goyal, during his address at the India Energy Storage Week (IESW) in New Delhi, revealed that India’s solar power capacity has surged by an unprecedented 4,000%. The nation’s cumulative renewable energy capacity now stands at an impressive 227 GW. Minister Goyal underscored the pivotal role of initiatives such as the PM Surya Ghar Yojana and PM Kusum Yojana in driving this growth. Additionally, he introduced a ₹1 lakh crore Innovation Fund aimed at fostering advancements in next-generation battery technologies. The government emphasized the necessity of robust supply chains and energy storage systems to sustain India’s transition toward clean energy.
Empowering Tribal Youth Through Digital Education
The National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS), in collaboration with UNICEF India, launched TALASH—a digital initiative designed to enhance the educational prospects of tribal students enrolled in Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs) across 28 states and 8 union territories. This program encompasses aptitude assessments, career counseling, life skills training, and professional development for educators. With an anticipated reach of over 138,000 students, TALASH aligns with the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and is slated for full implementation by the end of 2025.
State-Level Updates
Uttarakhand’s Crackdown on Religious Fraud
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami announced the launch of ‘Operation Kalanemi,’ a statewide campaign targeting individuals masquerading as spiritual leaders. Named after a mythological figure known for deceit, this initiative seeks to curb exploitation, particularly of women, and uphold the sanctity of religious practices. The Uttarakhand Police will spearhead the operation to ensure social harmony and protect devotees.
Mumbai’s Carnac Bridge Rechristened
The historic Carnac Bridge, originally constructed in 1868, has been reconstructed and renamed ‘Sindoor Bridge’ in commemoration of a military operation against terror camps in Pakistan. The renaming also reflects a broader effort to dissociate from colonial legacies. Inaugurated by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, the 328-meter-long structure is expected to alleviate traffic congestion in South Mumbai.
Maharashtra Elevates Ganeshotsav to State Festival Status
The Maharashtra government declared Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav, a festival initiated by Lokmanya Tilak in 1893, as an official state festival. Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar announced that the state would now provide funding and promotional support for the celebrations, reinforcing its cultural and communal significance.
International Affairs
Sanctions on UN Rapporteur Francesca Albanese
The United States imposed sanctions on Francesca Albanese, the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Palestinian territories, citing allegations of anti-Israel bias. This move has drawn criticism from the UN and human rights organizations, who argue that it undermines the independence of international investigators. Albanese, known for her critiques of Israel’s policies, denounced the sanctions as an act of intimidation.
UNESCO’s Conservation Milestone
During its 47th session in Paris, UNESCO removed three African sites—the Rainforests of Atsinanana (Madagascar), Abu Mena (Egypt), and the Old Town of Ghadames (Libya)—from its List of World Heritage in Danger. This decision acknowledges successful restoration efforts addressing threats such as illegal logging and conflict-related damage.
Corporate and Economic Highlights
Leadership Transition at Hindustan Unilever
Priya Nair, currently President of Beauty & Wellbeing at Unilever, will assume the role of CEO and Managing Director of Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) effective August 1, 2025. She succeeds Rohit Jawa, who led the company through significant growth under the ASPIRE strategy.
Kumar Mangalam Birla’s Appointment to USISPF
Aditya Birla Group Chairman Kumar Mangalam Birla was inducted into the Executive Committee of the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF). Recognized for his contributions to bilateral economic ties, Birla also received the 2025 Global Leadership Award.
Environmental and Social Initiatives
Assam’s ‘Gajah Mitra’ Scheme
The Assam Cabinet approved the ‘Gajah Mitra’ initiative to mitigate human-elephant conflicts, which have resulted in over 1,400 human and 1,200 elephant fatalities since 2000. The program will focus on habitat restoration, rapid response teams, and community awareness in 80 high-risk zones.
World Population Day 2025
Observed on July 11, this year’s World Population Day theme—"Empowering Young People to Create the Families They Desire"—highlights the importance of reproductive rights and gender equality. With India now the world’s most populous nation, the observance underscores the interplay between demographic trends and sustainable development.
Sports and Culture
Sachin Tendulkar Honored at Lord’s
Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar’s portrait was unveiled at the MCC Museum at Lord’s Cricket Ground, commemorating his storied career. Tendulkar also inaugurated the day’s play in the India-England Test match, lauding captain Shubman Gill’s leadership.
India’s Upcoming Shooting Championships
The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) confirmed that India will host the 2027 Shooting World Cup and the 2028 World Junior Championship, following decisions by the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF).
Obituaries
Veteran Leader N. Tippanna Passes Away
N. Tippanna, a prominent legal and political figure in Karnataka, passed away at 97. His six-decade career included leadership roles in the Karnataka Legislative Council and advocacy for educational advancement.
