“AWARDS & HONORS”

Varsha Deshpande Wins 2025 UN Population Award

Varsha Deshpande, an advocate from Satara, Maharashtra, has won the 2025 United Nations Population Award for her lifelong work in promoting gender equality and preventing sex-selective abortions. The award was presented on World Population Day (July 11, 2025) in New York, recognizing her powerful campaigns to protect the girl child and uplift Dalit women in India.

“SPORTS”

Italy and Netherlands Qualify for ICC T20 World Cup 2026

On the final day of the Europe Qualifiers for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, Italy and the Netherlands secured their spots in next year’s tournament, which will be hosted by India and Sri Lanka. While the Netherlands won their match, Italy’s net run rate advantage helped them qualify for the first time ever in the history of the tournament. The last day of the Europe Qualifiers saw all four teams still in the race for qualification. Despite a strong fight from Jersey and a historic win over Scotland, they missed out on qualification

Harikrishnan A Becomes India’s 87th Grandmaster

Harikrishnan A. Ra., a 23-year-old chess player from Chennai, has officially become India’s 87th Grandmaster. He earned his final Grandmaster (GM) norm at the La Plagne International Chess Festival in France on July 11, 2025, completing a long seven-year journey from International Master (IM) to GM. Harikrishnan had been an International Master for seven years, chasing the Grandmaster title by competing in many tournaments.

“DEFENCE”

DRDO, IAF Successfully Test Astra Missile from Su-30 MKI

On July 11, 2025, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Air Force (IAF) successfully test-fired the indigenous Astra missile from a Su-30 MKI fighter jet off the Odisha coast. The Astra, fitted with a Radio Frequency (RF) seeker, hit its targets with great accuracy. This test is important for strengthening India’s air combat abilities. The missile test was conducted over the Bay of Bengal, where the Astra missile was fired twice from the Su-30 MKI aircraft.

“APPOINTMENTS”

Babitha B P Joins SBI as Deputy Chief Information Security Officer

Babitha B P has been appointed as the Deputy Chief Information Security Officer (General Manager – Infrastructure Security & Special Projects) at the State Bank of India (SBI). The appointment was made in June 2025, marking an important step by India’s largest bank to improve its cybersecurity and digital safety systems. This move reflects the rising importance of cyber protection in India’s financial sector.

 “NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL NEWS”

Indian Army Launches Operation SHIVA 2025 for Amarnath Yatra Security

The Indian Army has launched Operation SHIVA 2025 to ensure the safe and smooth conduct of the Shri Amarnath Yatra in Jammu and Kashmir. The operation, announced on Friday, involves heavy deployment of troops, modern surveillance tools, and disaster response measures. The security drive is vital due to increased threats from Pakistan-backed groups this year.

Arthunkal Police Station Becomes India’s First ISO-Certified Station

Arthunkal Police Station in Alappuzha district, Kerala, has become the first police station in India to receive the IS/ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System (QMS) certification, awarded by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). The certificate was officially presented on July 10, 2025, recognising the station’s dedication to delivering quality service in policing and public safety.