Current Affairs Quiz 14th July 2025 Quiz

Exp. India Successfully Tests Indigenous Astra BVRAAM with RF Seeker from Su-30 MKI

The DRDO and Indian Air Force successfully flight-tested the indigenous Astra Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM), equipped with a homegrown Radio Frequency (RF) Seeker, from a Su-30 Mk-I aircraft off the coast of Odisha.

During the test, two missiles hit high-speed aerial targets with pinpoint accuracy, validating the flawless performance of all subsystems, including the RF seeker developed by DRDO.

With a range exceeding 100 km and advanced guidance systems, Astra’s successful test marks a major milestone in India’s self-reliant defence capabilities, involving contributions from over 50 public and private industries, including HAL.

Exp. Maratha Military Forts Declared UNESCO World Heritage Site, Becomes India’s 44th Entry

Maratha Military Landscapes of India, a network of 12 historic forts from the 17th to 19th centuries, has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, becoming India’s 44th property to receive this recognition.

These forts reflect the military strategy, architectural brilliance, and cultural identity of the Maratha Empire, and are spread across Maharashtra (11 forts) and Tamil Nadu (1 fort – Gingee Fort).

The recognition was granted during the 47th Session of the World Heritage Committee after an 18-month evaluation by international experts, including a site review by the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS).

Exp. Former Chief Justice Kalyan Shrestha Honoured with Hem Bahadur Malla Award 2080 in Nepal

Former Chief Justice Kalyan Shrestha has been awarded the ‘Hem Bahadur Malla Award 2080’ for his significant contributions to judicial leadership and institutional development in Nepal.

The award, carrying a cash prize of Rs 200,000 and a certificate of honour, was presented by Chief Justice Prakashman Singh Raut at an event in Kathmandu, jointly organised by the Nepal Public Administration Association and the Salt Trading Corporation.

Shrestha, who served as Nepal’s 25th Chief Justice, played a pivotal role in transitional justice, inclusive democracy, and environmental justice, and was recommended by a selection committee chaired by Umesh Mainali.

Exp. PhonePe Leads UPI Market in June with 46% Share;

PhonePe retained the top spot in the UPI ecosystem in June with a 46% market share, recording 854.7 crore transactions worth ₹11.98 lakh crore, despite a 1.5% drop from May.

Google Pay stood second, processing 654.1 crore transactions, down by 3% month-on-month, while Paytm secured the third position with a 7% market share, clocking 126.9 crore transactions worth ₹1.34 lakh crore.

According to NPCI data, the total number of UPI transactions in June was 18.40 billion, slightly lower than the record-high 18.68 billion in May, with a total transaction value of ₹24.04 lakh crore, down 4.4% MoM.

Newer platforms like Navi (2.24%) and super.money (1.20%), backed by Flipkart, also made a mark in the UPI app market share during June.

Exp. UNESCO Removes Three African Sites from World Heritage Danger List After Successful Restoration Efforts

During the 47th session of the World Heritage Committee held in Paris, UNESCO removed three African sites — Rainforests of the Atsinanana (Madagascar), Abu Mena (Egypt), and Old Town of Ghadams (Libya) — from its List of World Heritage in Danger.

This removal marks the successful efforts by respective countries, supported by UNESCO, in reducing threats and restoring ecological and cultural integrity at these sites.

The Rainforests of the Atsinanana, listed as a World Heritage Site in 2007 and placed on the danger list in 2010, faced threats such as illegal logging, deforestation, and endangered species decline, especially lemurs.

Abu Mena in Egypt, a significant Christian monastic and pilgrimage site listed in 1979, was placed in danger in 2001 due to rising water tables and structural collapse from surrounding irrigation practices.

The Old Town of Ghadams in Libya, recognized for its Afro-Mediterranean cultural heritage since 1986, was added to the danger list in 2016 following conflict, wildfires, and flooding.

Exp. Indian Army Launches ‘Operation SHIVA 2025’ to Secure Amarnath Yatra Amid Heightened Threats

The Indian Army launched ‘Operation SHIVA 2025’, a high-intensity annual security exercise, to ensure the safe and smooth conduct of the Shri Amarnath Yatra amid rising threats from Pakistan-backed proxy groups.

The operation, planned in coordination with civil administration and CAPFs, includes the deployment of over 8,500 troops, advanced surveillance tools, and a multi-layered counter-terror grid across both northern and southern Yatra routes.

A dedicated Counter-Unmanned Aerial System (C-UAS) grid with 50+ systems and electronic warfare assets has been established, along with continuous UAV surveillance and live monitoring of Yatra paths and the holy cave.

The Army has made extensive logistical and medical arrangements, including 150+ medical personnel, a 100-bed hospital, 26 oxygen booths, two advanced dressing stations, and emergency rations for over 25,000 people.

Other Operations in News

• Operation Rising Lion – launched by ISareal to Striking Iran’s Nuclear Sites
• Operation Sindhu – launched by India to Evacuate Citizens from Conflict-Hit Iran
• Operation Midnight Hammer –  launched by USA to Massive Airstrikes on Iran’s Nuclear
• Sites
• Operation Tikka – Indian Army Thwarts Infiltration Attempt, Kills Two Terrorists in Baramulla”
• Mission ISHAN – For ‘One Nation, One Airspace’

Exp. India to Host First-Ever International Manuscript Heritage Conference in September 2025

India will host its first-ever International Manuscript Heritage Conference from September 11–13, 2025, in New Delhi, under the theme “Reclaiming India’s Knowledge Legacy Through Manuscript Heritage” as part of the launch of the Gyan Bharatam Mission (GBM).

The event will coincide with the 132nd anniversary of Swami Vivekananda’s Chicago address (September 11, 1893), and will feature global scholars, cultural custodians, live digitisation demos, UNESCO manuscript exhibitions, and interactive workshops.

Exp. Indian and Greek Navies Conduct Joint PASSEX in Arabian Sea, Strengthening Strategic Defence Ties

The Indian Navy and Hellenic (Greek) Navy conducted a joint PASSEX (Passing Exercise) off the Mumbai coast in the Arabian Sea, highlighting growing maritime cooperation between the two nations.

The PASSEX reflects enhanced military ties following the Strategic Partnership agreement signed during PM Modi’s 2023 visit to Greece, aimed at deepening defence collaboration.

Earlier, the Hellenic Air Force participated in India’s Tarang Shakti 2024 exercise, while the Indian Air Force took part in INIOCHOS 2025, hosted by Greece, demonstrating strong bilateral air force engagement as well.

The Western Naval Command deployed INS Tarkash to conduct a PASSEX exercise with the passing Hellenic Navy Ship HS Psara.

Recent Exercise

• Joint Exercise ‘Jaa Mata’ between India and Japan Coast Guard – Off Chennai Coast
• 17^th edition of joint military exercise ‘Nomadic Elephant’ between India and Mongolia – Ulaanbaatar
• Indian Army conducted a large-scale field exercise named ‘Teesta Prahar’ – Teesta field firing range, West Bengal
• 11th of Talisman Sabre Exercise 2025 between india, Australia, Japan, & USA – Papua New Guinea
• Indian Air Force Joins Multinational ‘Desert Flag-10’ Exercise in UAE

Exp. Shalyacon 2025 Begins in New Delhi to Celebrate Sushruta Jayanti

The All-India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), New Delhi, is hosting Shalyacon 2025, a three-day national seminar beginning 15th July, to mark Sushruta Jayanti, in honour of Acharya Sushruta, the legendary Father of Surgery.

The event will feature live surgical demonstrations, including 10 general laparoscopic surgeries on Day 1 and 16 anorectal procedures on Day 2, along with over 200 oral and poster presentations on the final day, promoting hands-on learning and academic dialogue.

With the theme “Innovation, Integration, and Inspiration”, the seminar aims to bring together over 500 national and international experts, showcasing clinical advancements and emerging trends in Ayurvedic surgical practices by blending tradition with technology.

Exp. Sarbananda Sonowal Inaugurates 2nd BIMSTEC Ports Conclave in Visakhapatnam

Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated the 2nd BIMSTEC Ports Conclave in Visakhapatnam, focusing on strengthening regional maritime cooperation among BIMSTEC nations.

The two-day conclave, themed “Navigating the Future: Blue Economy, Innovation & Sustainable Partnerships,” brings together ministerial delegations, port authorities, and experts from member countries like Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Thailand.

The event also includes the inauguration of completed port development projects and laying foundation stones for new infrastructure, highlighting India’s commitment to enhancing port connectivity and sustainable maritime growth.

Exp. Govt to set up skill centre at Aurangabad industrial area in Maharashtra

A 20,000 sq ft Skill Development Centre will be set up at Aurangabad Industrial City (AURIC), Maharashtra, as announced by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, aiming to boost skill training in the region.

The centre will be established in collaboration with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), with a formal MoU expected to be signed in the upcoming week.

DPIIT Secretary Amardeep Singh Bhatia stressed the importance of attracting Global Capability Centres (GCCs) and R&D hubs at AURIC to strengthen its innovation and industrial ecosystem.

Exp. 12 July – International Day of Hope

The International Day of Hope is observed annually on 12 July to promote the power of hope as a driving force for resilience, healing, and positive change in individuals and communities worldwide.

The day emphasises the importance of nurturing mental well-being, compassion, and optimism, especially in the face of global challenges such as conflict, poverty, and inequality.

Exp. 12 July – International Day of Combating Sand and Dust Storms

The United Nations General Assembly has declared 12 July as the International Day of Combating Sand and Dust Storms to highlight their global impact on sustainable development.

Sand and dust storms pose serious economic, social, and environmental challenges, hindering efforts toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

This is why the United Nations General Assembly, in resolution 77/249, proclaimed 12 July as the International Day of Combating Sand and Dust Storms, and declared the period from 2025 to 2034 the United Nations Decade on Combating Sand and Dust Storms.  

Exp. 12 July – Malala Day

Malala Day is observed globally every year on 12th July to honour the bravery, advocacy, and voice of Malala Yousafzai, the youngest Nobel Peace Prize laureate.

It marks her birthday and commemorates her powerful speech at the United Nations on 12 July 2013, where she advocated for education, women’s rights, and global peace.

Malala Day is observed on 12 July to recognize the courage and activism of Malala Yousafzai, who stood up for girls’ education in the face of Taliban oppression in Pakistan.

Exp. Taiwan’s CTBC Bank Joins Global Rush to GIFT City

Taiwan’s largest private bank, CTBC Bank, has applied to set up an IFSC Banking Unit (IBU) in GIFT City, following approvals from Taiwan’s Financial Supervisory Commission.

A wave of international banks from Taiwan, UAE, and France are now entering GIFT City, with CTBC Bank, Taipei Fubon Bank, Mashreq Bank, and First Abu Dhabi Bank all applying or receiving approval to set up IBUs.

The number of IBUs in GIFT City has more than doubled from 15 in 2022 to 31 in March 2025, with major global players like Natixis, Credit Agricole, and Societe Generale joining the list, reflecting rising global confidence in India’s IFSC framework.

Exp. A Ra Harikrishnan Becomes India’s 87th Grandmaster

A Ra Harikrishnan has become India’s 87th Grandmaster after earning his third and final GM norm at the La Plagne International Chess Festival in France.

The 24-year-old Chennai-based player earned his first GM norm in July 2023 at the Biel International Chess Festival in Switzerland, followed by his second at the Andujar Open in Spain last month.

A Grandmaster title in chess requires three GM norms and a FIDE rating of 2500, reflecting consistent top-level performance in internationally rated tournaments.

Previous Chess Grand Masters

• 86^th – L.R. Srihari (Tamil Nadu)
• 85th – P Shyaamnikhil (Tamil Nadu)
• 84th – Vaishali Rameshbabu (Tamil Nadu)
• 83rd – Aditya S Samant (Maharashtra)
• 82nd – Vuppala Prraneeth (Telangana)
• 81st – Sayantan Das (West Bengal)
• 80th – Vignesh N R (Tamil Nadu)