Daily Current Affairs and GK | 11 July 2025

Topic: Summits/ Conferences/ Meetings

1. A national-level Vice Chancellors’ Conference for Central Universities is being held in Kevadia, Gujarat from 10-11th July 2025.

• The Ministry of Education is organizing the event. It marks five years since the launch of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
• The conference is being attended by key government leaders. These include Education Minister Shri Dharmendra Pradhan and Minister of State Dr. Sukanta Majumdar.
• The conference will focus on the evolving role of Central Universities. It will highlight their part in advancing educational reform.
• One key aim is to evaluate the progress made under NEP 2020. Another is to define the direction for the next phase of implementation.
• There will be discussions on aligning university strategies with policy objectives. The event will promote the sharing of ideas and best practices.
• It will prepare institutions for future challenges and regulatory changes.
• Ten thematic sessions will take place over the two days. They will cover teaching, research, and governance in higher education.
• Each session will reflect core values of NEP 2020. These include equity, quality, accountability, access, and affordability.
• Universities such as Delhi University, JNU, and University of Allahabad will attend. Other participants include Central University of Haryana and Assam University.
• Visva-Bharati and Central University of Kashmir will also take part. Institutions like National Sanskrit University and Central University of Rajasthan will be involved.
• Sikkim University, Tripura University, and IGNTU will also join the discussions.

Topic: Summits/Conferences/Meetings

2. India Maritime Investment Meet held in London to strengthen global maritime partnership.

• The Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways (MoPSW), Government of India, successfully organized the India Maritime Investment Meet at India House, London.
• It aimed to deepen maritime cooperation and attract global investments into India's growing maritime ecosystem.
• The meeting was inaugurated by Indian High Commissioner Vikram K. Doraiswami, who stressed the significance of building resilient blue economy corridors.
• Secretary T.K. Ramachandran outlined India's maritime growth strategy under the Maritime India Vision 2047 and invited global partnerships.
• Key incentives such as 100% FDI, a 10-year tax holiday, and zero GST on ship imports were showcased as investment benefits.
• The Secretary underlined India’s efforts to modernize its port ecosystem through public-private partnership.
• This includes expanding the current cargo handling capacity of 2,760 MTPA to 3,500 MTPA by 2030 and 10,000 MTPA by 2047.
• The development of three Green Hydrogen Hub Ports at Deendayal, Chidambaranar, and Paradip and the implementation of the Green Tug Transition Program were noted as significant achievements in India’s decarbonization efforts.
• India's ranking in shipbuilding has improved from 23rd to 16th globally, and ongoing reforms, including the Maritime Development Fund and dedicated shipbuilding clusters, are attracting interest from global industry to expand capacity in Indian shipyards.

Topic: Important Days

3. World Population Day 2025: 11 July

• Every year on July 11, World Population Day is observed to spread awareness about population issues around the world.
• The theme of World Population Day 2025 is "Empowering young people to create the families they want in a fair and hopeful world.”
• The then-Governing Council of the United Nations Development Programme established World Population Day in 1989.
• The Day was established as an outgrowth of the interest generated by the Day of Five Billion, which was observed on 11 July 1987.
• The day was first marked on 11 July 1990. In December 1990, the UN General Assembly (UNGA) decided to continue observing World Population Day.
• The world's population crossed five billion on July 11, 1987.
• Dr. K. C. Zachariah, a senior demographer at the World Bank, suggested the idea of World Population Day.
• The global population reached the 7 billion mark in 2011, is approximately 7.9 billion in 2021, and is expected to grow to approximately 8.5 billion in 2030, 9.7 billion in 2050, and 10.9 billion in 2100.

(Source: News on AIR)

Topic: Summits/Conferences/Meetings

4. Amit Shah reiterated the goal of eliminating Naxalism by March 2026.

• On 10 July, the 27th Eastern Zonal Council meeting chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Ranchi.
• A renewed commitment was expressed by Mr. Shah to make India Naxal-free by 31st March next year.
• The tremendous success achieved against Naxalism was attributed to the bravery of the security forces and cooperation between the states.
• States of the Eastern region were urged by the minister to ensure effective implementation of the three new criminal laws.
• He stated that regional councils have transformed into functional platforms for resolving issues.
• He said that between 2004 and 2014, a total of 25 meetings of the regional councils were held, while between 2014 and 2025, the number of meetings will double to 63.
• Long-standing issues like Masanjore Dam, Taiyabpur Barrage, and Indrapuri Reservoir were reviewed thoroughly.
• Discussions on financial liabilities between Bihar and Jharkhand were held, and mutual resolutions were agreed upon.

Topic: State News/Andhra Pradesh

5. The ‘Digi-Lakshmi’ scheme unveiled by the Andhra Pradesh government to empower urban women.

• A new digital empowerment scheme called ‘Digi-Lakshmi’ was launched by the Andhra Pradesh government.
• Under the initiative, 9,034 Common Service Centers (CSCs) will be established across Urban Local Bodies in the state.
• The scheme was formally notified via G.O. MS. No. 117 issued by the Principal Secretary of MA&UD, S. Suresh Kumar.
• These Common Service Centers will be managed by eligible Self-Help Group (SHG) women.
• This is part of the government’s ‘One Family, One Entrepreneur’ (OF-OE) approach, which aims to convert SHGs into small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
• Each center is designed as a standardized ‘Atom Kiosk,’ which will provide around 250 public services.
• As per the scheme, Digi-Lakshmi operators are required to be members of self-help groups with at least three years of active participation, aged between 21 and 40 years, and married.
• They must also be permanent residents of their operational areas and possess a graduate degree along with technical qualifications.
• The government order authorized the mission director of MEPMA to implement the program.
• MEPMA will provide training and financial assistance, allowing women to get loans of ₹2 to ₹2.5 lakh to set up their own centers.

Topic: Sports

6. India will host two major global shooting events.

• India has been awarded the right to host two world-class shooting events.

• New Delhi will organize the Combined World Cup in 2027 and the Junior World Championships in 2028.
• On July 10, the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) granted the rights to New Delhi during its executive committee meeting.
• New Delhi, which will also host the Junior World Cup (Rifle/Pistol/Shotgun) in September-October this year, will host the prestigious World Cup stage of all three disciplines (Rifle, Pistol and Shotgun) next year.
• The dates will be announced in due course.
• The Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range was the venue for the elite World Cup Final held in October last year.
• India had hosted the ISSF World Cup in pistol/rifle and shotgun in 2021 ahead of the Tokyo Olympics.

(Source: News on AIR)

Topic: National News

7. Central Government has approved over ₹1,066 crore in relief funds.

• These funds are meant for states affected by floods and landslides.

• Assam has been allocated over ₹375 crore. Manipur will receive more than ₹29 crore.
• Meghalaya has been granted around ₹30 crore. Mizoram will get more than ₹22 crore.
• Kerala is receiving over ₹153 crore. Uttarakhand has been sanctioned upwards of ₹455 crore.
• The funds are being released in response to damages caused by heavy monsoon rains.
• These include severe flooding, landslides, and related natural disasters.
• The Ministry of Home Affairs has reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment to helping disaster-affected states.
• So far this year, more than ₹6,166 crore has been released from the State Disaster Response Fund.
• This amount has been distributed among 14 states.
• Additionally, over ₹1,988 crore has been provided from the National Disaster Mitigation Fund. This has gone to 12 different states.
• More than ₹726 crore was also released from the State Disaster Mitigation Fund. This aid went to five states.
• The government has also provided full logistical support.
• This includes the deployment of NDRF, Army, and Air Force teams.
• Currently, 104 NDRF teams are positioned across 21 states and Union Territories.
• These teams are engaged in rescue and relief efforts.

Topic: Agriculture and Allied Sectors

8. India’s fish production more than doubled in 11 years, increasing from 95.79 lakh tonnes to 195 lakh tonnes.

• The growth reflects the success of the ‘Blue Revolution’ launched by the Central Government.
• Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh shared this achievement in Bhubaneswar.
• He was speaking at the National Fish Farmers Day event.
• Inland fish farming and aquaculture have grown by 140 percent.
• India’s seafood exports have crossed ₹60,500 crore.
• The country continues to be the world’s top shrimp exporter.
• The minister launched several new initiatives.
• These include Fisheries Clusters, the ICAR Training Calendar, and seed certification guidelines.
• He also stressed on the need of taking ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (ICAR-CIFA) research to grassroots levels. 
• Department of Fisheries, under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying celebrated National Fish Farmers Day 2025 on 10 July at the ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (CIFA) in Bhubaneswar.
• National Fish Farmers Day is celebrated every year. It recognizes the important role of fish farmers in India.
• They contribute to food security, create rural jobs, and promote sustainable aquaculture.
• The day also honors Dr. Hiralal Chaudhury and Dr. K. H. Alikunhi.
• On this day in 1957, they successfully demonstrated induced breeding in Indian Major Carps.
• They used the hypophysation technique to achieve this breakthrough.
• Their innovation brought a major shift in inland aquaculture in India.

Topic: State News/ Assam

9. Gaja Mitra Scheme has been approved by Assam Cabinet to tackle human-elephant conflict.

• The Assam Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, approved several new measures.
• These aim to address human-elephant conflicts, improve healthcare regulations, and enhance welfare schemes.
• To tackle human-elephant conflicts, the government will launch the Gaja Mitra Scheme.
• This scheme will be implemented in eight high-risk districts.
• As part of the initiative, community rapid response teams will be formed in 80 conflict-prone villages.
• Each team will consist of eight local members. The teams will operate during peak conflict periods.
• They will be especially active during the paddy cultivation season.
• Their goal is to ensure safe elephant movement and protect local livelihoods.
• The proposal to enhance the remuneration of village heads has also been approved by the Assam cabinet.
• The monthly salary for village heads will increase from ₹9,000 to ₹14,000 starting October 1.
• A new rule requires private hospitals to release the bodies of deceased patients within two hours of death certification.
• Hospitals that fail to meet this deadline will face penalties.
• Under the Prerona Aasoni scheme, Class 10 students appearing for the 2026 HSLC (High School Leaving Certificate) exams will receive ₹300 per month.
• This allowance will be paid through direct bank transfers.

Topic: Sports

10. Sprinter Animesh Kujur from Chhattisgarh has set a new national record.

• He completed the 100-meter race in just 10.18 seconds.
• This achievement took place at the Dromia International Sprint Meet in Greece.
• Chief Minister Vishnudev Sai congratulated Animesh for his performance.
• He said that Animesh’s success will encourage young people to pursue sports.
• Earlier, Animesh had also set a national record in the 200-meter race.
• He finished the 200 meters in 20.32 seconds.
• This record was set during the Asian Athletics Championship held in South Korea.