World Population Day 2025 celebrated on July 11

• World Population Day 2025 celebrated annually on July 11, World Population Day raises awareness about global population challenges.

• The 2025 theme is “Empowering young people to create the families they want in a fair and hopeful world.”

• It was initiated in 1989 by the UNDP’s Governing Council following global interest in population growth.

• The idea stemmed from the Day of Five Billion, observed on July 11, 1987, when the world hit 5 billion people.

• The first official observance took place in 1990, and later that year, the UNGA endorsed it as an annual event.

• Credit for the idea goes to Dr. K. C. Zachariah, a senior demographer at the World Bank.

• Population milestones: 7 billion in 2011, 7.9 billion in 2021, and projected to reach 8.5 billion by 2030.

• By 2050, the population may hit 9.7 billion, and by 2100, it could reach around 10.9 billion.

27th Eastern Zonal Council Meeting

• Union Home Minister Amit Shah reaffirmed the goal to eliminate Naxalism completely by March 31, 2026.

• The meeting was held in Ranchi and marked the 27th session of the Eastern Zonal Council.

• Shah credited the bravery of security forces and state-level cooperation for the decline in Naxal activity.

• Eastern states were urged to implement the newly introduced criminal laws efficiently and without delay.

• He emphasized that regional councils have evolved into effective platforms for solving inter-state issues.

• The number of council meetings has seen a significant jump—from 25 (2004–2014) to 63 (2014–2025).

• Pending infrastructure projects like Masanjore Dam, Taiyabpur Barrage, and Indrapuri Reservoir were reviewed in depth.

• The council also addressed financial disputes between Bihar and Jharkhand, leading to mutual agreements.

India to Host Major Global Shooting Events

• India has secured the hosting rights for two major international shooting tournaments.

• New Delhi will be the venue for the Combined World Cup in 2027 and the Junior World Championships in 2028.

• The announcement was made by the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) on July 10 during its executive committee meeting.

• Prior to that, New Delhi will also host the Junior World Cup (Rifle, Pistol, Shotgun) in September–October 2025.

• In 2026, the capital will stage a World Cup event in all three disciplines — Rifle, Pistol, and Shotgun.

• The exact dates for these events will be disclosed at a later stage.

• The Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range, a prominent venue, earlier hosted the World Cup Final in October 2024.

• India had previously organized the ISSF World Cup in 2021, just ahead of the Tokyo Olympics.

Animesh Kujur Sets New National Sprint Records

• Chhattisgarh’s Animesh Kujur created a new national record in the 100m sprint by clocking 10.18 seconds.

• This feat was achieved at the Dromia International Sprint Meet held in Greece.

• Chief Minister Vishnudev Sai extended his congratulations and praised Animesh’s performance.

• The CM stated that Animesh’s success will motivate youth to take up sports seriously.

• Earlier, Animesh had also made headlines by setting a national record in the 200m sprint.

• He ran 200 meters in 20.32 seconds during the Asian Athletics Championship.

• The 200m record was set in South Korea, adding to his growing list of achievements.

• With both records, Animesh has emerged as a rising star in Indian athletics.

India Gears Up to Host Top-Tier Global Shooting Competitions

• India has been selected to host two major global shooting events, showcasing its growing sports infrastructure.

• New Delhi will conduct the Combined World Cup in 2027 and the Junior World Championships in 2028.

• The ISSF granted hosting rights on July 10 during its executive committee meeting.

• Before that, New Delhi will hold the Junior World Cup (Rifle, Pistol, Shotgun) in Sept–Oct 2025.

• In 2026, the city will also host a World Cup stage across all three disciplines — Rifle, Pistol, and Shotgun.

• Event dates for the upcoming championships will be announced later.

• The Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range had hosted the prestigious World Cup Final in October 2024.

• India previously conducted the ISSF World Cup in 2021, ahead of the Tokyo Olympics, in both rifle/pistol and shotgun events.

Andhra Pradesh Launches ‘Digi-Lakshmi’ Scheme for Urban Women Empowerment

• Andhra Pradesh rolled out the ‘Digi-Lakshmi’ scheme to digitally empower women in urban areas.

• The plan includes setting up 9,034 Common Service Centers (CSCs) across all Urban Local Bodies in the state.

• These CSCs will be run by eligible Self-Help Group (SHG) women, promoting entrepreneurship at the grassroots.

• The initiative aligns with the ‘One Family, One Entrepreneur’ (OF-OE) vision to develop SHGs into SMEs.

• Each center, called an ‘Atom Kiosk’, will offer access to around 250 public services.

• Eligible operators must be married SHG members aged 21–40, with at least three years of SHG involvement, and hold a graduate degree with technical skills.

• The program was officially launched through G.O. MS. No. 117, issued by Principal Secretary S. Suresh Kumar.

• MEPMA will oversee implementation, offering training and loans of ₹2–2.5 lakh to help women establish their centers.