Current Affairs - July 14, 2025 Current Affairs

Jannik Sinner defeated Carlos Alcaraz in four sets to win his first Wimbledon title on July 13, 2025. This victory marked a major moment in his career as it ended Alcaraz’s impressive 24-match winning streak and his dominance at Wimbledon. Sinner, who had lost to Alcaraz in the French Open final just a month earlier, showed incredible mental toughness and physical endurance, especially when saving two break points in a tense fourth set. With this win, Sinner not only captured his fourth Grand Slam title but also solidified his place as a leading force in men’s tennis.

Tesla is set to mark its formal entry into the Indian market by launching its first experience centre in Mumbai. The showroom will be located in the Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), one of the city's major commercial hubs. This strategic move comes as Tesla begins testing the Indian market with electric vehicle (EV) and merchandise imports worth around $1 million, mainly sourced from China and the United States. While no manufacturing commitment has been made yet, the Mumbai launch is significant as it signals Tesla's intent to establish a strong retail presence and gauge consumer interest in India’s growing EV sector.

Saudi Arabia signed a significant 5-year agreement with India in July 2025 to supply 3.1 million metric tons of Diammonium Phosphate (DAP) fertilizer annually. The deal, finalised during Union Minister JP Nadda’s visit, was made with Saudi firm Maaden and includes major Indian partners like IPL, KRIBHCO, and CIL. This agreement marks a considerable increase from the 1.9 million metric tons supplied the previous year and aims to enhance India's fertilizer security. In addition to DAP, both nations discussed expanding into other fertilizers like Urea, along with joint investment opportunities and cooperation in health and pharmaceuticals.

India made history on July 12, 2025, by launching the world’s first Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL), a groundbreaking initiative that digitally preserves and protects the country’s ancient medicinal systems like Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, and more. The platform uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to analyse, organise, and apply traditional knowledge in modern healthcare. It also aims to prevent biopiracy and promote scientific innovation. The World Health Organisation recognised this achievement as a model for blending traditional wisdom with modern technology. India’s leadership in combining AI with traditional medicine has set a new global standard for health innovation and cultural preservation.

Dr Abhijat Sheth has been appointed as the new Chairperson of the National Medical Commission (NMC) by the Central Government in July 2025. This leadership change comes at a time when the NMC is under investigation for serious corruption allegations, including bribery and misuse of inspection data. Dr Sheth was previously serving as the President of the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS), an institution responsible for conducting key medical exams like NEET-PG. He takes over from Dr B.N. Gangadhar, who had resigned in October 2024 but remained in office until a suitable successor was found.

Sonali Mishra, a 1993 batch IPS officer from the Madhya Pradesh cadre, has been appointed as the first woman Director General of the Railway Protection Force (RPF). She will assume charge on August 1, 2025, after the retirement of Manoj Yadava. Her appointment is a historic milestone, as it marks the first time a woman will lead the RPF since its establishment. Mishra has held several significant roles in Indian policing, including being the first woman BSF commander along the India-Pakistan border and leading BSF formations in Kashmir. Her exemplary service has earned her top police honours for both distinguished and meritorious service.

On July 11, 2025, the Assam Cabinet approved several major welfare initiatives aimed at enhancing rural livelihoods, supporting traditional industries, and conserving wildlife. Key measures include salary hikes for Gaon Pradhans and Anganwadi workers, the introduction of the Gaja Mitra Scheme in eight districts to reduce human-elephant conflicts, and stipends for celibate monks in Satras. The government also introduced schemes to support artisans and students, including GST reimbursements for bell metal industries and monthly payments for Class X students. These actions align with Assam’s broader 2025–26 Budget goals and aim to uplift various segments of society while preserving cultural identity.

In July 2025, France and New Caledonia finalised a landmark agreement aimed at resolving long-standing tensions over independence. The deal grants New Caledonia more autonomy by establishing it as a state within the French Republic, offering a compromise between full independence and continued integration. The move comes in response to deadly protests in 2024 and seeks to preserve peace while protecting the rights of the Indigenous Kanak population. The agreement includes provisions for dual nationality, voting rights based on residency, and future referendums. Strategically located and rich in nickel, New Caledonia remains crucial to France’s Indo-Pacific presence.

The Uttar Pradesh government has initiated a comprehensive river revival program targeting 75 small rivers and tributaries, involving premier technical institutes like IIT Kanpur, IIT BHU, and IIT Roorkee. These institutions are developing customised revival plans considering geographical, ecological and social parameters. The multi-departmental effort represents one of India's most systematic attempts at aquatic ecosystem restoration, combining scientific expertise with coordinated governmental action. This large-scale environmental intervention underscores UP's commitment to water resource management, particularly focusing on smaller water bodies that are crucial for rural water security but often overlooked in conservation programs.

Gujarat became the first Indian state to officially join the Cruise Bharat Mission, a national initiative launched to make India a global cruise tourism hub by 2029. With a coastline stretching 2,340 km—the longest among Indian states—Gujarat is now focusing on building cruise infrastructure and developing new cruise circuits. Key destinations in the state, like Diu, Dwarka, Veraval, and Jamnagar, will be connected through coastal routes, enhancing tourist accessibility. The state’s early involvement sets a strong example for other coastal regions and is expected to generate economic benefits through tourism, job creation, and infrastructure investment.

Australia hosted Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025, its largest bilateral military drill, where India participated for the first time. The exercise involved 35,000 troops from 19 nations, including the US, Japan, and Germany, with activities spanning multiple Australian regions. This participation strengthens India-Australia defence ties and enhances Indo-Pacific security cooperation. The drills included live-fire exercises, amphibious landings, and air combat operations, showcasing advanced military capabilities. India's inclusion reflects its growing strategic role in regional security partnerships alongside key allies. The opening ceremony was held aboard HMAS Adelaide in Sydney, led by Australian and US military officials.