Current Affairs - July 8, 2025 Current Affairs

Kerala’s first skin bank will be inaugurated on July 15, 2025, at the Government Medical College Hospital in Thiruvananthapuram. This specialized facility is designed to collect and store donated skin for the treatment of patients suffering from severe burns. The initiative marks a major advancement in burn care within the state, as donated skin can significantly reduce pain, prevent infections, and accelerate healing for burn victims. The project has received approval from the Kerala State Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (K-SOTTO), and further plans are in place to expand such services to other parts of the state, including Kottayam.

On July 7, 2025, Trinidad & Tobago became the first Caribbean country and the eighth overall to offer Unified Payments Interface (UPI) services for Indian travellers. This development allows Indian tourists to use UPI apps like BHIM or PhonePe to pay directly in Indian rupees while shopping or dining in Trinidad & Tobago. The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) manages UPI and has partnered with various nations to expand its reach globally. The initiative helps Indian travellers avoid cash exchanges and international card fees, making transactions more seamless and cost-effective abroad.

The WE WISE initiative, focused on promoting women in innovation, science, and entrepreneurship, was launched by the Women Empowerment Vertical of the BRICS Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI). This initiative is designed to support women in taking leadership roles in technology-driven fields, particularly artificial intelligence. The program was unveiled during the BRICS Women Business Alliance (WBA) Annual Plenary Meeting held in Brazil. By encouraging female leadership in emerging tech sectors, BRICS aims to foster inclusive growth and diversify leadership representation in science and business within its member nations.

The Grand Renaissance Dam, recognized as Africa’s largest hydroelectric power plant, has been completed by Ethiopia. The dam is strategically constructed on the Blue Nile, a major tributary of the Nile River, which originates from Lake Tana in the Ethiopian Highlands. This massive project highlights Ethiopia’s ambition to harness its water resources for sustainable energy development. The Blue Nile flows northward to join the White Nile at Khartoum in Sudan, forming the Nile River, which then continues through Egypt. The dam has been a focal point of regional discussions due to its potential impact on water distribution and regional geopolitics.

Magnus Carlsen, the world number one chess player, secured victory in the SuperUnited Rapid and Blitz 2025 tournament held in Zagreb, Croatia. He clinched the title with a round to spare by drawing against R Praggnanandhaa and defeating Ivan Saric in the final round. Carlsen’s total score was 22.5 out of 36, placing him ahead of Wesley So, who finished second. This win reinforced Carlsen’s dominance in fast-format chess. The tournament is part of the prestigious Grand Chess Tour, which includes top global players. Carlsen’s performance once again demonstrated his consistent brilliance and strategic mastery in competitive chess.

World Bioproduct Day is celebrated globally on July 7 to raise awareness about sustainable and eco-friendly bioproducts made from renewable resources. Since its inception in 2021, the day has promoted the use of bioproducts as alternatives to fossil fuel–based items. These include both conventional products like wood and emerging technologies like biofuels and bioplastics. The observance supports the global push toward cleaner technologies and a circular economy. India has taken a leadership role in this area, with significant contributions in bio-agriculture, bio-industrial innovation, and biotechnology services, reinforcing its commitment to environmental sustainability and climate-friendly practices.

India made history by becoming the first Asian team to win a Test match at Edgbaston, Birmingham, defeating England by a massive margin of 336 runs. This victory was particularly significant as it marked India's first-ever win at the venue in nine attempts since 1967. The match also saw Shubman Gill, at just 25 years and 301 days old, become the youngest Indian captain to secure an away Test win, surpassing the record previously held by Sunil Gavaskar. Gill's outstanding performance with the bat, scoring 430 runs, earned him the Man of the Match award and solidified the win’s historical importance.

Colombia and Uzbekistan became the newest members of the New Development Bank (NDB) just before the 17th BRICS Summit, increasing the total membership to 11 countries. Their inclusion marks a strategic expansion of the NDB, reflecting its growing global reach and commitment to supporting development in emerging economies. Originally formed by the BRICS nations in 2015, the NDB has since welcomed several countries outside the BRICS core. With Colombia and Uzbekistan on board, the bank aims to strengthen ties with the Global South and provide more infrastructure and development financing, particularly in areas like digital technology, clean energy, and sustainability.

World Rural Development Day is observed annually on July 6, as declared by the United Nations. The day highlights the urgent need to address challenges faced by rural communities, including poverty, hunger, poor healthcare, lack of education, and digital exclusion. With over 80% of the world’s poorest living in rural areas, the day serves as a global call to action to ensure these populations are not left behind. It supports the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals by encouraging initiatives that improve infrastructure, empower rural women and youth, and promote equitable access to resources. The observance aims to create lasting, inclusive rural progress.

World Swahili Language Day is celebrated annually on July 7 to honour the significance of the Swahili language in promoting unity, culture, and communication across Africa. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) officially recognized this day in 2022, making Swahili the first African language to be globally celebrated by the UN. The date also marks a key historical moment in African history—on July 7, 1954, Swahili was adopted as a unifying language during the fight for independence, especially by leaders like Julius Nyerere of Tanzania and Jomo Kenyatta of Kenya. The day reflects Swahili's deep roots in African identity and heritage.

HIMCARE is a health insurance scheme implemented by the government of Himachal Pradesh to provide financial assistance for medical treatment, particularly aimed at supporting poor and needy families. The scheme ensures access to quality healthcare services and aims to reduce the financial burden on households. The state government has announced that registration for HIMCARE cards will now be open quarterly, in the months of March, June, September, and December. Additionally, principals of medical colleges and medical superintendents have been authorized to approve the creation of HIMCARE cards, streamlining access to this essential health benefit.

V.S. Ravi, a retired IPS officer and literary columnist, launched his book Confessions of a Shakespeare Addict on July 7, 2025, in Hyderabad. The book is a heartfelt reflection of his lifelong passion for William Shakespeare’s works. During the launch event, Ravi shared personal stories about how his love for Shakespeare grew over the years, including memorable moments like reciting Hamlet to a Nobel Laureate. The event was attended by respected dignitaries and literature enthusiasts, all celebrating Ravi’s dedication to making Shakespeare's writings accessible and relevant to today’s readers. His book aims to inspire both students and literature lovers alike.