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CURRENT AFFAIRS : BANKING, FINANCE & BUSINESS

AU Small Finance Bank to Offer LIC Insurance Products

• The LIC (Life Insurance Corporation of India) and AU Small Finance Bank have entered into a corporate agency tie-up.
• Under this arrangement, AU Small Finance Bank will distribute LIC’s products such as annuity, ULIP, term insurance, and savings across its branches and digital channels.
• The partnership was officially launched on 14th July, 2025
• This collaboration aims to enhance financial inclusion and increase insurance penetration, especially in underserved and rural areas.
• AU Small Finance Bank has a strong presence in rural and underserved segments, which will help expand LIC’s reach.
• The tie-up is expected to benefit customers by providing wider access to LIC’s insurance products through the bank’s physical and digital platforms.

About LIC :

• Founded : 1 September 1956
• Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

About AU Small Finance Bank :

• Founded: 1996
• Headquarters : Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
• MD & CEO : Sanjay Agarwal

Ageas Federal Life Insurance Unveils India Sector Leaders Fund                            

• Ageas Federal Life Insurance launched the India Sector Leaders Fund targeting investors with a medium- to long-term investment horizon.
• The fund’s New Fund Offer (NFO) starts from July 14, with a flat ₹10 Net Asset Value (NAV) at launch.
• The fund aims to deliver strong returns by investing in leading stocks of the BSE India Sector Leaders Index.
• It covers 22 diverse sectors based on the India Industry Classification Structure, ensuring a broad and sector-diversified portfolio.
• The diversification helps minimise concentration risk while capturing opportunities across the market spectrum.

Wholesale Price Index slips into negative territory with June reading at -0.1%

• Wholesale Price Index (WPI) based inflation turned into deflation after 19 months, recording -0.13% in June 2025.
• The deflation is mainly due to price decreases in food articles, mineral oils, basic metals, crude petroleum, and natural gas.
• WPI inflation was 0.39% in May 2025 and 3.43% in June 2024.
• Food articles saw a deflation of 3.75% in June, with a sharp drop in vegetable prices by 22.65%.
• Manufactured products inflation stood at 1.97% in June, slightly down from 2.04% in May.
• Fuel and power recorded deflation of 2.65% in June, compared to 2.27% in May.
• Retail inflation (CPI) was at 5.5% in June, within the RBI’s upper tolerance limit of 6%.
• Core WPI inflation (non-food manufactured items) inched up marginally to 1% in June from 0.9% in May, but remained subdued.
• International crude oil prices eased in July due to cooling tensions in West Asia but remain deflationary on a year-on-year basis.
• Softening WPI inflation is expected to reduce operational costs for companies, boost domestic demand, and support economic growth (Hemant Jain, PHDCCI).
• RBI mainly considers retail inflation (CPI) for monetary policy decisions, not WPI.

National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development initiates RuralTech CoLab to boost rural technology start-up ecosystem

• The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) has launched RuralTech CoLab, a unified portal to bring together the rural tech start-up ecosystem.
• The portal provides a platform for fintech, agritech, and digital capability partners to promote innovation and co-create smart, scalable, and inclusive solutions.
• These solutions are tailored specifically for agriculture, rural development, and rural financial services.
• RuralTech CoLab will enable partners to work with NABARD through a structured and transparent empanelment and onboarding process.
• The portal offers access to NABARD’s grassroots network, which includes: Self-help groups (SHGs), Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), Non-governmental organisations (NGOs), Cooperative banks, Other rural institutions
• RuralTech CoLab was launched as part of NABARD’s 44th Foundation Day celebrations held in Chennai.
• Along with RuralTech CoLab, NABARD also launched a WhatsApp channel to provide market advisories and information related to FPOs.
• NABARD Chairman Shaji K V emphasized the bank’s commitment to digital transformation, supporting rural enterprises, nurturing the entrepreneurial ecosystem, and focusing on sustainability in development.

About NABARD:

• It is an All India Development Financial Institution (DFI) and an apex Supervisory Body for overall supervision of Regional Rural Banks, State Cooperative Banks and District Central Cooperative Banks in India.
• Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
• Founded: July 12, 1982 by the Government of India
• Chairman: Shaji K V

CURRENT AFFAIRS: NATIONAL AND STATE NEWS

Gujarat Tops India in Processed Potato Production (2024–25)

• Gujarat emerged as the leading producer of processing-grade potatoes—used in French fries and chips—in 2024–25, reducing import reliance and opening new export avenues through modern cultivation and strong infrastructure.

Key Highlights :

• Banaskantha Leads Production: The district harvested 18.70 lakh tonnes from 61,000 ha (Productivity: 30.65 t/ha), up from 15.62 lakh tonnes in 2023–24.
• Other Top Districts: Sabarkantha produced 12.97 lakh tonnes and Aravalli delivered 6.99 lakh tonnes, both achieving high yields through favourable climate and facilities.
• Cold‐Chain Infrastructure: Northern Gujarat’s modern cold storage ensures year-round freshness for frozen food companies and QSRs, supporting domestic processing.
• High-Quality Varieties: Cultivars like Lady Rosetta, Kufri Chipsona, and Santana—valued for high dry matter and low sugar—meet global standards and boost exports, especially to the Middle East.
• Government Support: Central and state schemes under PM Narendra Modi and CM Bhupendra Patel have provided training, inputs, and market linkage to farmers for processing-grade potato cultivation.
• Model for Agri-Industry Linkages: Collaboration between the Agriculture Department, Gujarat Agro Industries Corporation, and local growers has turned Gujarat into a benchmark for value-added agriculture and farm income growth.

RECENT NEWS

• Gujarat has become the first state in India to join the Cruise Bharat Mission, a national initiative to boost cruise tourism. This move, announced in Ahmedabad, is expected to help Gujarat tap into its long coastline and develop new cruise circuits.

India to Pioneer E10 Shinkansen on Mumbai–Ahmedabad Bullet Train with E5 Trials

• India will become the first country outside Japan to operate the new E10 (Alfa-X) Shinkansen on the Mumbai–Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail corridor in the early 2030s, following trial runs of older E5 Hayabusa trains slated for early 2026 to assess performance under Indian conditions.

Key Highlights :

• E5 Train Trials (2026): Two E5 Hayabusa sets, capable of 320 km/h, will arrive for testing in India’s dusty, high-temperature environment, gathering data on inspection systems and local adaptations.
• E10 Commercial Launch: The Alfa-X E10 series, designed for 400 km/h, will be the main service trains when the corridor opens in the early 2030s, showcasing advanced safety, energy efficiency, and passenger comfort.
• Mumbai–Ahmedabad Corridor: India’s first bullet train line—508 km long (352 km in Gujarat, 156 km in Maharashtra)—is being built at a cost of ₹1.1 lakh crore.
• Civil Works Progress:
  • 21 km tunnel (Ghansoli–Shilphata) completed
  • 310 km viaduct constructed
  • 15 river bridges ready; several more and 5 out of 12 stations nearing completion
• Tech Partnership: Collaboration with JR East (East Japan Railway Company) ensures transfer of cutting-edge Shinkansen technology and India-specific engineering solutions.

India Launches First Weather Derivatives Market

• The National Commodity and Derivatives Exchange (NCDEX), in partnership with the India Meteorological Department (IMD), has introduced India’s first weather derivatives, enabling stakeholders to hedge against weather-related revenue risks and enhance resilience in climate-sensitive sectors.

Key Highlights :

• Weather Derivatives Defined: Financial contracts based on weather variables—such as temperature, rainfall, snowfall, or wind speed—that pay out according to pre-agreed indices rather than actual asset losses.
• Primary Traded Variables:
  • Temperature: Measured using Heating Degree Days (HDD) and Cooling Degree Days (CDD).
  • Precipitation: Based on cumulative rainfall totals or deviations from long-term averages.
• Contract Mechanics: Payouts triggered when the observed weather index crosses set thresholds, with IMD data serving as the transparent reference for settlements.
• Insurance vs. Derivatives:
  • Insurance: Covers catastrophic, asset-specific losses (e.g., flood damage).
  • Derivatives: Protect recurring revenue risks (e.g., poor monsoon) by providing cash-flow support based on weather indices.

BITS Pilani to Launch India’s First AI Plus Campus in Amaravati

• Birla Institute of Technology & Science (BITS) Pilani has announced the establishment of India’s first AI Plus Campus in Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh, with admissions beginning in 2027.
• The project, backed by an investment of ₹1,000 crore, aims to create a digital-first, AI-centric education hub aligned with global standards.

Key Highlights :

• Land Allocation: The Capital Region Development Authority (CRDA) has allotted 70 acres for the new campus.
• Leader Behind the Vision: The initiative was unveiled by Kumar Mangalam Birla, Chancellor of BITS and Chairman of the Aditya Birla Group.
• Course Offerings: Programmes will include Data Science, Robotics, Cyber-Physical Systems, and Computational Linguistics.
• Smart Infrastructure: The campus will feature IoT-based smart buildings, renewable energy, and modern digital infrastructure.
• AI for Societal Impact: The campus will explore AI solutions in agriculture, climate change, and healthcare.
• Architectural Blend: The design will merge traditional Indian temple architecture with contemporary features.
• Improved Access: A new access road will be developed for better connectivity to the campus.
• Expansion Plans: Under Project Vistar, BITS will invest an additional ₹1,200 crore in expanding its Pilani, Goa, and Hyderabad campuses.

RECENT NEWS

• The Government of Andhra Pradesh has started a new scheme called ‘Digi-Lakshmi’ on June 30, 2025, to help urban poor women become digital service providers. The State plans to set up 9,034 Common Service Centres (CSCs) across all Urban Local Bodies (ULBs).

75th Pradhan Mantri Divyasha Kendra Inaugurated at Badaun, Uttar Pradesh

• The Union Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment inaugurated the 75th Pradhan Mantri Divyasha Kendra (PMDK) at Government Medical College, Badaun, Uttar Pradesh.
• The centre was launched by Union Minister of State Shri B.L. Verma, marking a key step in empowering Divyangjan (persons with disabilities) and senior citizens through integrated support services.

Key Highlights :

• Integrated Support Services: PMDK provides assessment, evaluation, counselling, assistive device distribution, and post-distribution care—all under one roof.
• Schemes Implemented: Services are delivered under two major government schemes:
  • ADIP Scheme for Divyangjan
  • Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY) for senior citizens
• Free Assistive Devices Offered: Includes tricycles, wheelchairs, hearing aids, walkers, artificial limbs, and mobility aids, distributed at no cost to eligible beneficiaries.
• Implemented by ALIMCO: The initiative is run through Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO), a PSU under the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD).
• National Outreach: With this centre, 75 PMDKs are now operational across India, having served over 1.40 lakh beneficiaries with assistive devices worth ₹179.15 lakh.

RECENT NEWS

• In a landmark decision aimed at supporting the reintegration of military-trained youth into civil services, the Uttar Pradesh Cabinet on June 3, 2025, approved a proposal granting 20% horizontal reservation to former Agniveers in direct recruitment for posts in the Uttar Pradesh Police, including roles such as Constable, PAC, Mounted Constable, and Fireman.

Yakten Declared India’s First Digital Nomad Village under “Nomad Sikkim” Initiative

• Yakten village in Pakyong district, Sikkim, was officially designated as India’s first Digital Nomad Village.
• The Nomad Sikkim project—launched by the Pakyong district administration and NGO Sarvahitey—aims to support remote workers in a tranquil hill‐top environment and bolster the local economy during the off‐tourist season.

Key Highlights :

• “Nomad Sikkim” Launch: Jointly initiated to promote homestays and provide year-round income for villagers between April and October.
• Digital Infrastructure: Installation of high-speed broadband, village-wide Wi-Fi, and uninterrupted power backup tailored for digital professionals.
• Water Supply Upgrade: Jal Jeevan Mission partnership to enhance potable water availability across the village.
• Accessibility: Easily reachable by road and located in proximity to Pakyong Airport, facilitating seamless travel for nomads.
• Homestay Experience: Offers local cuisine, cultural immersion, and promotes rural tourism through community-run accommodations.

RECENT NEWS

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) organized the 8th State Level Coordination Committee (SLCC) Meeting in Gangtok, Sikkim, on March 26, 2025.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Australia unveils Maitri Grants, establishes India Chair at leading think tank

• Australia’s public policy makers are working to catch up with the rapid changes in the India-Australia relationship.
• Australia has announced ‘Maitri Grants’, which will fund several activities including the recruitment of a distinguished scholar for the new India Chair at the Sydney-based Lowy Institute.
• The Lowy Institute is known for high-quality research in international studies from an Australian perspective.
• The India Chair initiative aims to promote understanding about India in Australia and strengthen the bilateral partnership.
• Herve Lemahieu, Director of Research at Lowy Institute, described India as an anchor for strategic balance for both Australia and the broader Indo-Pacific region.
• Understanding India’s trajectory, power, and diffuse interests is becoming increasingly important for Australia.
• The India Chair program will bring in new talent, fresh perspectives, and deepen research on how Australia engages with the Indo-Pacific region.
• Australia and India are partners in the Quad grouping, which also includes Japan and the United States.
• The two countries share a history of cooperation dating back to the post-independence years of India.
• Australia and India work closely on issues related to the Indo-Pacific region and the ASEAN grouping, particularly concerning the Myanmar crisis.
• Other projects under the Maitri Grants include:
• An exhibition of paintings by Raja Ravi Varma
• An annual leadership dialogue
• Innovative research in fields like clean energy solutions and biomanufacturing
• Australia’s High Commissioner Philip Green praised the initiative, stating the India Chair will deepen Australians’ understanding of India through research, scholarship, and analysis, helping maximize shared interests despite societal differences.

About Australia :

• Prime Minister : Anthony Albanese
• Capital : Canberra
• Currency : Australian dollar

CURRENT AFFAIRS : APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

Centre approves transfers and appointments of Chief Justices and judges across multiple High Courts

• The Central Government on July 14, 2025, approved the transfers and appointments of Chief Justices and judges across various High Courts in India.
• The decision was made in consultation with the Chief Justice of India, under the powers of the Constitution of India.
• The recommendations were made by the Supreme Court Collegium, headed by Chief Justice B.R. Gavai

Key Transfers of Chief Justices:

• Justice K.R. Shriram (Chief Justice of Madras High Court) → Rajasthan High Court
  
• Justice Manindra Mohan Shrivastava (Chief Justice of Rajasthan High Court) → Madras High Court
  
• Justice M.S. Ramachandra Rao (Chief Justice of Jharkhand High Court) → Tripura High Court
  
• Justice Aparesh Kumar Singh (Chief Justice of Tripura High Court) → Telangana High Court

New Appointments of Chief Justices:

• Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva → Chief Justice of Madhya Pradesh High Court
  
• Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan → Chief Justice of Jharkhand High Court
  
• Justice Vibhu Bakhru → Chief Justice of Karnataka High Court
  
• Justice Ashutosh Kumar → Chief Justice of Gauhati High Court
  
• Justice Vipul Manubhai Pancholi → Chief Justice of Patna High Court

Other Notable Judge Transfers:

• Justice Anil Kshetarpal → From Punjab & Haryana HC to Delhi HC
  
• Justice Suman Shyam → From Gauhati HC to Bombay HC
  
• Justice Ashwani Kumar Mishra → From Allahabad HC to Punjab & Haryana HC
  
• Justice Om Prakash Shukla → From Allahabad HC to Delhi HC
  
• Justice Jayant Banerji → From Allahabad HC to Karnataka HC
  
• Justice Sudhir Singh → From Punjab & Haryana HC to Patna HC (Parent HC)
• Justice Sanjeev Prakash Sharma → From Punjab & Haryana HC to Rajasthan HC (Parent HC)
• Justice Sujoy Paul → From Telangana HC to Calcutta HC
  
• Justice V. Kameswar Rao → From Karnataka HC to Delhi HC
  
• Justice Dinesh Kumar Singh → From Kerala HC to Karnataka HC
  
• Justice Vivek Kumar Singh → From Madras HC to Madhya Pradesh HC
  
• Justice Vivek Chaudhary → From Allahabad HC to Delhi HC
  
• Justice Battu Devanand → From Madras HC to Andhra Pradesh HC
  
• Justice Arun Monga → From Rajasthan HC to Delhi HC
  
• Justice Shree Chandrashekhar → From Rajasthan HC to Bombay HC
  
• Justice Lanusungkum Jamir → From Gauhati HC to Calcutta HC

Goa and Haryana get new Governors; Ladakh appoints new Lieutenant Governor

• Kavinder Gupta, former Deputy Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, has been appointed Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, replacing B.D. Mishra.
• B.D. Mishra had been serving since February 12, 2023, after replacing R.K. Mathur.
• His resignation was accepted by the President.
• Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju, former Civil Aviation Minister, has been appointed the Governor of Goa.
• He replaces P.S. Sreedharan Pillai, who became Governor on July 15, 2021.
• Raju is a senior TDP (Telugu Desam Party) leader from Andhra Pradesh.
• He served as Civil Aviation Minister from May 27, 2014 to March 10, 2018.
• Ashim Kumar Ghosh, a senior BJP leader from West Bengal, has been appointed Governor of Haryana.
• He replaced Bandaru Dattatreya, who became Governor on July 15, 2021.

About Kavinder Gupta:

• Former Mayor of Jammu for three consecutive terms (2005-2010).
• National executive member of the BJP.
• The appointment follows renewed agitations in Ladakh demanding Statehood and constitutional safeguards.
• Context: After the removal of Article 370 in August 2019, Ladakh civil society groups protested for protection of land, resources, and employment.

About Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju:

• Served as Civil Aviation Minister from May 27, 2014, to March 10, 2018 under PM Narendra Modi.
• Has also held ministerial positions in the Andhra Pradesh government.

About Ashim Kumar Ghosh:

• Born in 1944, in Howrah, West Bengal.
• Educational background: Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Political Science from Vidyasagar College and University of Calcutta.
• Served as Political Science teacher for 38 years (1966-2004).
• Joined BJP in 1991; long-time member of the State Intellectual Cell.
• Held posts:
  • State Secretary of BJP in 1996.
  • State Vice-President in 1998.
  • State President of West Bengal BJP (1999-2002).
  • Tripura Observer (2003-2005).
  • Member of the BJP National Executive (2004-2006).

Raghavendra Bhat named Interim MD & CEO of Karnataka Bank for three months

• Raghavendra S Bhat appointed as Managing Director (MD) & Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Karnataka Bank for three months, effective 16 July 2025, subject to shareholders’ approval at the upcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM).
• Bhat has nearly four decades of experience at Karnataka Bank, including serving as the Chief Operating Officer (COO).
• Srikrishnan Hari Hara Sarma, former MD & CEO, resigned citing personal reasons, including his decision to relocate to Mumbai.
• Executive Director Sekhar Rao also resigned due to personal reasons and inability to relocate to Mangaluru
• In May 2025, the bank’s statutory auditors flagged certain expenditures made by whole-time directors without board approval, which may have influenced the resignations.

Citi India’s Commercial Banking Head steps down after 25-year tenure

• Bhanu Vohra, India Head and Managing Director (MD) of Commercial Banking at Citigroup India, has exited the bank after 25 years to pursue external opportunities.
• Citi confirmed Vohra’s departure and is in the process of appointing his successor
• Vohra joined Citi in November 2000

Roles and Responsibilities at Citi:

• Since March 2023, Vohra has served as MD & India Head of Citi Commercial Bank, leading over 300 banking and risk professionals.
• He managed the banking needs of mid-corporate, digital, new-age, and SME clients.
• Citi Commercial Bank offers global banking solutions to mid-sized companies aiming for rapid growth and international expansion.
• Prior roles include:
  • MD & India Head of Citi Global Subsidiaries Group (August 2020 – February 2023)
  • MD of Global Markets and Head of Forex at Citi Private Bank
• Vohra’s experience spans operations, transaction banking, and global markets.

Recent Leadership Changes at Citi India:

• Balasubramanian, former Head of Corporate Banking for ASEAN and South Asia, has been appointed as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Citi India.
• Ashu Khullar now co-leads the global asset managers team based in London.

Celonis names ex-Deutsche India CEO Dilipkumar Khandelwal as Chief Customer Officer

• Celonis, a leading Process Mining company, has appointed Dilipkumar Khandelwal as its new Chief Customer Officer.
• Khandelwal is also named Chairman of the India Advisory Board for Celonis.
• He will lead Celonis’ continued expansion in India, a key market for innovation and talent.
• This appointment follows Celonis’ recent significant investments in India, including the launch of the Celonis Garage innovation hub in Bengaluru.
• Globally, Celonis employs over 3,000 people, with around 200 employees based in India.

About Dilipkumar Khandelwal :

• Former Managing Director (MD) and CEO of Deutsche India.
• Former MD of SAP Labs India.
• Founding member of Plaksha University.
• Partner and advisor to multiple venture funds.
• Active angel investor in more than 70 startups, supporting next-generation entrepreneurs.

Shekhar Bhende resigns as co-founder of Swiggy group company Lynk Logistics 

• Shekhar Bhende, co-founder of Lynk Logistics (a subsidiary of Swiggy), has stepped down from the company.
• Bhende is leaving to pursue studies at Stanford University Graduate School of Business.

About Lynk Logistics:

• Lynk is a tech-driven retail distribution company connecting FMCG brands with retail stores.
• Played a key role in Swiggy’s grocery retail business expansion through Instamart.
• Swiggy acquired Lynk Logistics in July 2023, marking its entry into India’s retail market.
• Lynk’s technology-led distribution platform was crucial for Swiggy’s quick commerce
• Post-acquisition, Lynk operated as an independent business led by Bhende.
• Later, Lynk’s business was transferred to Swiggy’s subsidiary Scootsy Logistics, making Lynk a step-down subsidiary of Swiggy.
• Lynk Logistics was founded in 2015 by Abinav Raja (Ramco Group scion) and Shekhar Bhende.
• The Ramco Group held about 47% stake in Lynk at the time of Swiggy’s acquisition.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: AWARDS AND HONOURS

Leila Aboulela Wins 2025 PEN Pinter Prize for Bold Writing on Faith and Migration

• Leila Aboulela, a Sudanese-Scottish author, has been awarded the 2025 PEN Pinter Prize for her impactful work on themes such as faith, migration, and the lives of Muslim women. The award was announced in London by English PEN and will be presented in October 2025 at the British Library.

Key Points:

About Leila Aboulela:

• Known for novels such as The Translator (1999), Minaret (2005), and River Spirit (2023).
• Her work often highlights the spiritual and cultural experiences of Muslim women in diaspora.
• This is the first time a Sudanese-Scottish writer has received the prize.

• Born in Cairo, raised in Khartoum, and settled in Scotland in 1990.
• First winner of the Caine Prize for African Writing.
• Recipient of the Saltire Fiction Book of the Year Award and Scottish Book Awards.
• Her works are translated into 15 languages and widely studied in academic institutions.
• She is an Honorary Professor at the University of Aberdeen and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature.

Past Winners of PEN Pinter Prize:

• Arundhati Roy (2024)
• Salman Rushdie (2014)
• Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (2018)

About the Award:

• The PEN Pinter Prize is named after Nobel Laureate Harold Pinter.
• It is presented annually by English PEN to a writer who demonstrates “a fierce intellectual determination to define the real truth of our lives and our societies.”
• The award recognizes both literary excellence and commitment to freedom of expression.

Former Chief Justice Kalyan Shrestha Receives Hem Bahadur Malla Award 2080

• Former Chief Justice Kalyan Shrestha was honoured with the Hem Bahadur Malla Award 2080 in Kathmandu, recognising his exceptional contributions to Nepal’s judicial leadership and legal reforms.

Key Highlights :

• Awarding Bodies: Presented by Chief Justice Prakashman Singh Raut at an event organised by the Nepal Public Administration Association and Salt Trading Corporation.
• Award Significance: Named after Hem Bahadur Malla, founder of the Salt Trading Corporation; conferred for outstanding service in the public or legal field.
• Judicial Contributions: As Nepal’s 25th Chief Justice, Shrestha advanced inclusive democracy, environmental justice, and transitional justice.
• Selection Process: Chosen by a committee led by Umesh Mainali, former Chairman of the Public Service Commission.
• Award Components: Includes a cash prize of Rs 200,000 and a certificate of honour.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: SPORTS NEWS

ICC Players of the Month – June 2025 announced

• The International Cricket Council (ICC) has named Aiden Markram (South Africa) and Hayley Matthews (West Indies) as the Men’s and Women’s Players of the Month for June 2025, recognizing their outstanding performances.

Aiden Markram – ICC Men’s Player of the Month

• Represented South Africa in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final at Lord’s, London.
• Scored 136 runs off 207 balls in the second innings, anchoring South Africa's successful 282-run chase against Australia.
• Shared a crucial 147-run partnership with captain Temba Bavuma.
• Also took 1 wicket in each of Australia’s two innings.
• Helped South Africa win their first ICC title since the 1998 Champions Trophy.
• Beat nominees Kagiso Rabada (South Africa) and Pathum Nissanka (Sri Lanka) to win the award.

Hayley Matthews – ICC Women’s Player of the Month

• Led the West Indies women’s team as captain.
• In the ODI series against South Africa, scored 104 runs and took 4 wickets, including a half-century in the third ODI.
• In the T20I series, scored 147 runs with two fifties and claimed 2 wickets, leading her team to a 2–1 series win.
• Awarded Player of the Series in the T20Is.
• Became the second player in ICC history (after Ashleigh Gardner) to win the Player of the Month award four times.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: IMPORTANT DAYS

World Youth Skills Day 2025

• World Youth Skills Day, observed every year on July 15, spotlights the critical role of skills development in enabling young people to access decent employment, pursue entrepreneurship, and achieve personal growth.
• Theme: “Youth Empowerment Through Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Digital Skills”

History

• 2014: United Nations General Assembly proclaims July 15 as World Youth Skills Day.
• 2015–2024: Annual observances focus on themes such as “Skills for Green Jobs”, “Entrepreneurship and Employability”, and “Social Inclusion”.
• 2025: Marks the 10th anniversary of the day, reflecting on a decade of efforts to bridge the global youth skills gap and adapt to emerging technologies.

Daily CA One- Liner: July 16

• Gujarat emerged as the leading producer of processing-grade potatoes—used in French fries and chips—in 2024–25, reducing import reliance and opening new export avenues through modern cultivation and strong infrastructure
• India will become the first country outside Japan to operate the new E10 (Alfa-X) Shinkansen on the Mumbai–Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail corridor in the early 2030s, following trial runs of older E5 Hayabusa trains slated for early 2026 to assess performance under Indian conditions
• The National Commodity and Derivatives Exchange (NCDEX), in partnership with the India Meteorological Department (IMD), has introduced India’s first weather derivatives, enabling stakeholders to hedge against weather-related revenue risks and enhance resilience in climate-sensitive sectors
• BITS Pilani has announced the establishment of India’s first AI Plus Campus in Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh, with admissions beginning in 2027.
• The Union Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment inaugurated the 75th Pradhan Mantri Divyasha Kendra (PMDK) at Government Medical College, Badaun, Uttar Pradesh
• Yakten village in Pakyong district, Sikkim, was officially designated as India’s first Digital Nomad Village.
• Leila Aboulela, a Sudanese-Scottish author, has been awarded the 2025 PEN Pinter Prize for her impactful work on themes such as faith, migration, and the lives of Muslim women. The award was announced in London by English PEN and will be presented in October 2025 at the British Library
• Former Chief Justice Kalyan Shrestha was honoured with the Hem Bahadur Malla Award 2080 in Kathmandu, recognising his exceptional contributions to Nepal’s judicial leadership and legal reforms
• The International Cricket Council (ICC) has named Aiden Markram (South Africa) and Hayley Matthews (West Indies) as the Men’s and Women’s Players of the Month for June 2025, recognizing their outstanding performances
• World Youth Skills Day, observed every year on July 15, spotlights the critical role of skills development in enabling young people to access decent employment, pursue entrepreneurship, and achieve personal growth.
• The LIC (Life Insurance Corporation of India) and AU Small Finance Bank have entered into a corporate agency tie-up.
• Ageas Federal Life Insurance launched the India Sector Leaders Fund targeting investors with a medium- to long-term investment horizon.
• Wholesale Price Index (WPI) based inflation turned into deflation after 19 months, recording -0.13% in June 2025.
• The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) has launched RuralTech CoLab, a unified portal to bring together the rural tech start-up ecosystem.
• Australia’s public policy makers are working to catch up with the rapid changes in the India-Australia relationship.
• The Central Government on July 14, 2025, approved the transfers and appointments of Chief Justices and judges across various High Courts in India.
• Kavinder Gupta, former Deputy Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, has been appointed Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, replacing B.D. Mishra.
• Raghavendra S Bhat appointed as Managing Director (MD) & Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Karnataka Bank for three months, effective 16 July 2025, subject to shareholders’ approval at the upcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM).
• Bhanu Vohra, India Head and Managing Director (MD) of Commercial Banking at Citigroup India, has exited the bank after 25 years to pursue external opportunities.
• Celonis, a leading Process Mining company, has appointed Dilipkumar Khandelwal as its new Chief Customer Officer.
• Shekhar Bhende, co-founder of Lynk Logistics (a subsidiary of Swiggy), has stepped down from the company.