This is the current affairs of 12 & 13 July 2025. Here are questions and answers of daily current affairs for better preparation of competitive exams for government jobs.
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1. What is the cause of the accident as stated in the preliminary investigation report of Air India Flight AI 171 (Ahmedabad crash)?
a. Storm
b. Fuel switch cutoff
c. Engine failure
d. None of these
Answer: b. Fuel switch cutoff (how the cutoff happened is not disclosed, detailed investigation will be done later)
– India’s AAIB (Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau) is leading the preliminary investigation of this crash. It is an agency under the Ministry of Civil Aviation. They have released a report. The report is detailed and spans 15 pages. It is a preliminary report.
Supporting teams in the investigation:
– Boeing: Providing technical support as the aircraft manufacturer.
– GE (General Electric): The engine supplier, providing technical input.
– Indian Air Force: Assisting with local support and logistics.
– HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Limited): Providing technical expertise.
– NTSB (National Transportation Safety Board, USA): Involved as international aviation safety experts.
What does the preliminary report say?
– The preliminary investigation states that both engines of Flight AI 171 (a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner) shut down immediately after takeoff. In other words, they turned off. The main cause of the crash was the fuel control switch moving to the “CUTOFF” position, which caused the engines to shut down.
– How exactly this happened is still unclear, but it could be due to human error, a technical fault, or a design issue.
– There was no problem with fuel, weather, or any other aspect of the aircraft.
– Ram Air Turbine: This was activated, indicating that there was a power failure when the engines shut down, and the emergency ram air turbine had to be deployed.
– A 2018 FAA advisory, which Air India did not follow, is now under focus. The investigation is ongoing, and final details will be released later.
Incident Details:
– Date and Location: On June 12, 2025, Air India Flight AI 171, en route from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, crashed just seconds after takeoff.
– Aircraft: Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner.
– Casualties: Out of 230 passengers and 12 crew members, 241 died. Only one passenger (Vishwas Kumar Ramesh, a British citizen) survived. Additionally, 19 people on the ground were killed. Total fatalities: 260.
– Historical Context: This is the deadliest accident involving an Indian airline in the past 40 years and the most fatal crash involving a Boeing 787.
Primary Cause:
– Fuel Switch Problem: Shortly after takeoff, both engine fuel control switches moved from the ‘RUN’ position to ‘CUTOFF,’ cutting off fuel supply and shutting down the engines.
– Cockpit Recording: The cockpit audio recording confirms that one pilot asked the other, “Why did you cut off?” (referring to the engines). The other pilot responded, “I didn’t.”
– This indicates that at least one pilot stated on record that he did not shut down the engines.
– The pilots had very little time to react.
– Remember: the aircraft took off and crashed almost immediately—so the conversation was very brief.
Key Questions Raised:
– The biggest question is: How did the engines shut down?
– Was it due to a switch malfunction?
– Or was it pilot error?
– The pilot clearly states in the report: “I did not shut them off.”
– The investigation must determine whether this was a mechanical fault, or a failure in the switch itself—and how the switch could move to ‘CUTOFF’ on its own.
– Lack of Time: An attempt was made to switch the controls back to ‘RUN’, but the aircraft was only 400 feet above ground, and the engines could not be restarted in time.
– The pilots attempted to relight the engines within those few seconds.
– Engine 1 showed signs of recovery—meaning it began trying to come back online.
– Engine 2 could not sustain—it failed to recover at all.
– One engine was trying to restart, but the second engine never responded.
– The aircraft was airborne for only 32 seconds before crashing 0.9 nautical miles from the runway.
Pilots and Crew:
– Captain: Sumeet Sabharwal (56 years old, 15,600 flight hours total, including 8,600 hours on the Boeing 787).
– Co-pilot: Clive Kundar (32 years old, 3,400 total flight hours, including 1,100 on the Boeing 787).
– Status: Both pilots had received adequate rest, passed breathalyzer tests, and had no issues with medical fitness or training.
Aircraft and Maintenance:
– Maintenance: The aircraft underwent regular maintenance and had no major technical defects.
– FAA Advisory: In 2018, the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration, USA) issued an advisory regarding the fuel switch locking system on the Boeing 737, which was similar to that of the 787. Since it was not mandatory, Air India did not act on it.
– Throttle Module: Replaced in 2019 and again in 2023, but no issues related to the fuel switch were recorded.
Further Investigation Details:
– Fuel: No problems found during quality checks.
– Weather: Normal conditions at the time of the flight.
– Aircraft Condition: No hazardous cargo on board, takeoff weight was within limits, and flap setting (5 degrees) was correct.
Investigation Status:
– Progress: Drone photography and videography of the crash site has been completed. The wreckage has been moved to a secure location.
– Black Box: Investigation of the Flight Data Recorder and Cockpit Voice Recorder is ongoing.
– Investigation Team: Led by India’s AAIB, with support from Boeing, GE, the Indian Air Force, HAL, and the US NTSB.
– Final Report: Expected within 12 months.
Reactions and Actions Taken:
– Safety Checks: The Ministry of Civil Aviation has ordered additional safety checks for Air India’s Boeing 787-8 and 787-9 fleet. These include checks on takeoff parameters, flight controls, and power systems.
– Boeing: Has pledged full support and is working closely with the AAIB.
– Air India: Set up help centers for the families of the victims and is cooperating with the investigation.
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2. Which place has been recognized by UNESCO as the 44th World Heritage Site of India?
a. Fossils Park, Sonbhadra
b. Maratha military landscape (12 forts)
c. Rock art sites of Chambal Valley
d. Palaces-forts of Bundelas
Answer: b. Maratha military landscape (12 forts)
Inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage List
– UNESCO has declared the ‘Maratha Military Landscapes’ as India’s 44th World Heritage Site.
– It was inscribed into the UNESCO World Heritage List on July 11, 2025, during the 47th session of the World Heritage Committee held in Paris.
– Maratha Military Landscape – A group of 12 forts:
– 11 forts in Maharashtra: Salher, Shivneri, Lohgad, Khanderi, Raigad, Rajgad, Pratapgad, Suvarnadurg, Panhala, Vijaydurg, and Sindhudurg.
– 1 fort in Tamil Nadu: Gingee Fort.
– Historical Period: These forts were developed between the 17th and 19th centuries, showcasing the military strategy of the Maratha Empire.
– Maratha Military Vision: They reflect the strategic and architectural expertise of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and other Maratha rulers.
– Diverse Geographical Locations: The forts are spread across coastal regions, hills, and plateaus, highlighting the strength and adaptability of the Maratha defense system.
44th World Heritage Site: Maratha Military Architecture (12 forts)
1) Salher Fort, Nasik, Maharashtra (It is the highest fort in the Sahyadri range)
2) Shivneri Fort, Pune, Maharashtra
3) Lohagad, Pune, Maharashtra
4) Khanderi Fort, Raigad, Maharashtra (Island fort)
5) Raigad, Raigad, Maharashtra (Capital of the Maratha Empire, where Chhatrapati Shivaji was crowned and declared Chhatrapati of the Maratha Empire in 1674.)
6) Rajgad, Pune, Maharashtra (First capital of the Maratha Empire)
7) Pratapgad, Satara, Maharashtra
8) Suvarnadurg, Ratnagiri, Maharashtra (On a small island in the Arabian Sea between Mumbai and Goa)
9) Panhala Fort, Kolhapur, Maharashtra
10) Vijaydurg, Sindhudurg District, Maharashtra
11) Sindhudurg, Sindhudurg District, Maharashtra (a historical sea fort located in the Arabian Sea)
12) Gingee Fort, Villupuram District, Tamil Nadu
List of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India: 44
1) Agra Fort
2) Ajanta Caves
3) Ellora Caves
4) Taj Mahal
5) Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram
6) Sun Temple, Konark
7) Kaziranga National Park
8) Keoladeo National Park
9) Manas Wildlife Sanctuary
10) Churches and Convents of Goa
11) Fatehpur Sikri
12) Group of Monuments at Hampi
13) Khajuraho Group of Monuments
14) Elephanta Caves
15) Great Living Chola Temples
16) Group of Monuments at Pattadakal
17) Sunderbans National Park
18) Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks
19) Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi
20) Humayun’s Tomb, Delhi
21) Qutub Minar and its Monuments, Delhi
22) Mountain Railways of India
23) Mahabodhi at Bodh Gaya Temple complexes
24) Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka
25) Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park
26) Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (formerly Victoria Terminus)
27) Red Fort complex
28) Jantar Mantar, Jaipur
29) Western Ghats
30) Hill forts of Rajasthan
31) Great Himalayan National Park Conservation Area
32) Rani-ki-Vav (Rani ki Baoli) in Patan, Gujarat.
33) Archaeological Site of Nalanda Mahavihara at Nalanda, Bihar
34) Khangchendzonga National Park
35) Architectural Work of Le Corbusier, an Outstanding Contribution to the Modern Movement*
36) Historic City of Ahmedabad
37) Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai
38) City of Jaipur, Rajasthan
39) Dholavira: A Harappan City
40) Kakatiya Rudreshwara (Ramappa) Temple, Telangana
41) Santiniketan, West Bengal
42) Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas (Group of three temples)
43) Charaideo Moidam (Mound-burial system of the Ahom dynasty), Assam
44) Maratha Military Landscapes (11 forts in Maharashtra and one in Tamil Nadu)
UNESCO Tentative World Heritage Sites in India: 62
1) Fossils Park, Sonbhadra (UP)
2) Kanger Valley National Park (Chhattisgarh)
3) Mudumal Megalithic Menhirs (Telangana)
4) Ashokan Inscription Sites along Mauryan Routes (Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Delhi, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat)
5) Sixty-four Yogini Temples (Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Odisha)
6) Gupta Temples in North India (Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar)
7) Palace-Forts of the Bundelas (Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh {Bundelkhand region})
8) Gwalior Fort, Madhya Pradesh
9) Khooni Bhandara, Burhanpur
10) Rock Art Sites of the Chambal Valley
11) Bhojeshwar Mahadev Temple, Bhojpur
12) Gond Monuments of Ramnagar, Mandla
13) The Historic Ensemble of Dhamnar
14) Konkan Coast, Maharashtra Serial nomination of coastal fortifications along the
15) Sun Temple, Modhera and its surrounding monuments
16) Rock-cut sculptures and reliefs of Unakoti, Unakoti Range, Unakoti District
17) Vadnagar – a multi-layered historic town, Gujarat
18) Geoglyphs of the Konkan region of India
19) Jingkieng Jari: Living Root Bridge Cultural Landscapes
20) Sri Veerabhadra Temple and Monolithic Bull (Nandi), Lepakshi (Vijayanagara – Sculpture and Painting Art Tradition)
21) Iconic riverfront of the historic city of Varanasi
22) Temples of Kanchipuram
23) Hire Benkal, Megalithic site
24) Bhedaghat-Lametaghat in the Narmada Valley
25) Satpura Tiger Reserve
26) Historic heritage of Orchha
27) Garo Hills Conservation Area (GHCA)
28) Keibul Lamjao Conservation Area
29) Cold Desert Cultural Landscapes India
30) Uttarapath, Sites along Badshahi Road, Sadak-e-Azam, Grand Trunk Road
31) Evolution of Temple Architecture – Aihole-Badami-Pattadakal
32) Monuments and Forts of the Deccan Sultanates
33) Cellular Jail, Andaman Islands
34) Iconic Sari Weaving Clusters of India
35) Apatani Cultural Landscape
36) Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Srirangam
37) Monuments of Srirangapatna Island Town
38) Chilika Lake
39) Padmanabhapuram Palace
40) Sites of Satyagraha, India’s Non-Violent Independence Movement
41) Thembang Fortified Village
42) Narcondam Island
43) Ekamra Kshetra – City of Temples, Bhubaneswar
44) Neolithic Settlement of Burzahom
45) Archaeological Remains of Harappan Port-Town, Lothal
46) Mountain Railways of India (Extension)
47) Chettinad, Village Clusters of Tamil Merchants
48) Baha’i Worship in New Delhi Home
49) Delhi – A Heritage City
50) Mughal Gardens in Kashmir
51) Qutb Shahi Monuments of Hyderabad Golconda Fort, Qutb Shahi Tombs, Charminar
52) Silk Road Sites in India
53) Neora Valley National Park
54) Desert National Park
55) Namdapha National Park
56) Wild Ass Sanctuary, Little Rann of Kutch
57) River Island of Majuli in the middle of Brahmaputra River in Assam
58) Sri Harimandir Sahib, Amritsar, Punjab
59) Temple at Bishnupur, West Bengal
60) Mattancherry Palace, Ernakulam, Kerala
61) Group of Monuments at Mandu, Madhya Pradesh
62) Ancient Buddhist Site, Sarnath, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
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3. Which state launched the ‘Gaj Mitra’ scheme to protect elephants?
a. Tamil Nadu
b. Karnataka
c. Kerala
d. Assam
Answer: d. Assam
– On July 9, 2025, the Assam Cabinet approved the ‘Gaj Mitra’ (Elephant Friend) Scheme.
– The scheme will be implemented in 80 sensitive zones across 8 districts of the state where human-elephant encounters are frequent.
– Under this initiative, crops favored by elephants, such as bamboo and Napier grass, will be cultivated to prevent elephants from entering villages.
– Additionally, rapid response teams will be deployed in these areas to help villagers safely and non-violently drive elephants away.
– Rising Human-Elephant Conflict in Assam
In recent years, Assam has witnessed numerous incidents of human-elephant conflict, many of which have resulted in fatalities on both sides.
– According to a report by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), over 1,400 human deaths and 1,209 elephant deaths were recorded in Assam between 2000 and 2023.
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4. Where was the 27th Eastern Zonal Council meeting held in July 2025, which was chaired by Home Minister Amit Shah?
a. Patna
b. Lucknow
c. Guwahati
d. Ranchi
Answer: d. Ranchi
– When was the meeting held: 10 July 2025
– Where: Ranchi, Jharkhand
– Which meeting: 27th
– Where was the previous one held: The 26th meeting was held on 10 December 2023 in Patna.
– Who attended the 27th meeting: Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren, Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi, Bihar Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary, West Bengal Minister of State for Finance Chandrima Bhattacharya, and other officials.
What was discussed
– About 20 issues were discussed.
– The Indrapuri Barrage water dispute on the Son River between Bihar and Jharkhand was resolved. Out of the 7.75 MAF (million acre feet) water of the Son River that came to the share of joint Bihar, 5.75 MAF will be given to Bihar and 2.0 MAF water will be given to Jharkhand. Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary gave this information.
– Note: Indrapuri Barrage (also known as Son Barrage) is located on the Son River in Rohtas district of Bihar state of India.
Home Minister said –
– While presiding over the Eastern Zonal Council meeting, Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah reiterated that due to the unity among states and the bravery of security forces, we have achieved unprecedented success against Naxalism.
– He said, “We will make the country free from Naxalism by 31 March 2026.”
– Jharkhand, Bihar, and Odisha have largely become free from Naxalism.
About Zonal Councils
– India is a federal country, where powers are divided between the central and state governments.
– However, on many occasions, disputes arise between states or there is a need for coordination between the Centre and the states or among the states themselves.
– In such situations, Zonal Councils provide a platform for mutual cooperation and dialogue.
– Zonal Councils are statutory bodies (not constitutional).
– They were established by an Act of Parliament – the States Reorganisation Act, 1956.
– This Act divided the country into five zones – Northern, Central, Eastern, Western, and Southern – and provided for a Zonal Council for each region.
Note: Later, under the North-Eastern Council Act, 1971, a separate North-Eastern Council was established for the North-Eastern states.
Zonal Councils and States/Union Territories
– Northern Zonal Council: Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan, and the National Capital Territory of Delhi, Chandigarh, Jammu & Kashmir, and Ladakh
– Central Zonal Council: Chhattisgarh, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh
– Eastern Zonal Council: Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, and West Bengal
– Western Zonal Council: Goa, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and the Union Territories of Daman & Diu and Dadra & Nagar Haveli
– Southern Zonal Council: Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and the Union Territory of Puducherry
Organizational Structure
– Chairperson: The Union Home Minister acts as the Chairperson of all Zonal Councils.
– Vice-Chairperson: Among the Chief Ministers of the states included in each Zonal Council, one serves as the Vice-Chairperson on a rotational basis for one year.
– Members: Chief Ministers, Lieutenant Governors, or Administrators of the participating States/Union Territories
– Additionally, two Ministers from each state are nominated as members of the council by the Governor of that state.
Functions of the Zonal Councils
– These are advisory bodies, and their recommendations are not binding on the government.
– The Zonal Councils provide a platform for discussing matters related to:
– Social planning and the economy
– Border disputes
– Inter-state transport
– Linguistic minorities
– Issues arising from reorganization of states under the States Reorganisation Act
– To realize national integration
– To prevent the development of acute state consciousness, regionalism, and other divisive tendencies
– To enable the Centre and the States to exchange ideas and experiences, and to cooperate with each other
– To establish an atmosphere of cooperation among states for the successful and speedy implementation of development projects
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5. The Indrapuri Barrage water dispute on the Son River was resolved in the 27th Eastern Regional Council meeting. This dispute was between which states?
a. Bihar and West Bengal
b. Bihar and Jharkhand
c. Jharkhand and Odisha
d. Jharkhand and West Bengal
Answer: b. Bihar and Jharkhand
– Date of Meeting: 10 July 2025
– Location: Ranchi, Jharkhand
– Which Meeting: 27th Meeting
– Previous Meeting: The 26th meeting was held on 10 December 2023 in Patna.
– Participants in the 27th Meeting: Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren, Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi, Bihar Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary, West Bengal’s Minister of State for Finance Chandrima Bhattacharya, and other officials.
Dispute over Indrapuri Barrage Water on Son River Resolved
– The long-standing dispute related to the Indrapuri Barrage on the Son River has now been resolved.
– Under the 1973 Bansagar Agreement, undivided Bihar was allocated 7.75 Million Acre-Feet (MAF) of water.
– Jharkhand had been repeatedly demanding its share of this water, which had stalled Bihar’s Indrapuri Project.
– Now an agreement has been reached: Bihar will receive 5.75 MAF, and Jharkhand will receive 2.00 MAF of water.
– This decision will ensure irrigation stability in the districts of Bhojpur, Buxar, Rohtas, Kaimur, Aurangabad, Patna, Gaya, and Arwal.
Indrapuri Barrage
– Indrapuri Barrage is also known as the Son Barrage.
– It is located on the Son River in Rohtas district, Bihar.
– The length of the barrage is 1,407 meters (4,616 feet).
– It is claimed to be the fourth longest barrage in the world.
– Construction of this barrage began in the 1960s, and it was commissioned in 1968. A significant portion of the work still remains incomplete.
Son River
– The Son River originates from the Amarkantak Plateau located in Anuppur district, Madhya Pradesh.
– Amarkantak is also the origin point of the Narmada River and the Johila River.
– The Son River joins the Ganges River near Danapur, close to Patna, although this confluence has now shifted significantly and is currently considered to be near Pandarak (Bihar).
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6. What is the rank of the Indian men’s football team in the FIFA rankings (July 2025)?
a. 133rd
b. 131st
c. 132nd
d. 134th
Answer: a. 133rd
FIFA Full Form
– Fédération Internationale de Football Association (French name)
– International Association Football Federation (English name)
India’s Ranking
– The Indian men’s football team has reached its lowest FIFA ranking in nine years.
– On 10 July 2025, the latest FIFA rankings were released; India is ranked 133rd.
– This marks a drop of 6 places compared to the previous ranking.
– The decline is attributed to two defeats India suffered in June.
– India’s best-ever FIFA ranking was 94, achieved in February 1996.
24th rank in Asia
– India is ranked 24th among 46 Asian countries.
– Japan (17th rank in the world) is at the top among Asian countries.
Top 10 ranked countries
1) Argentina
2) Spain
3) France
4) England
5) Brazil
6) Portugal
7) Netherlands
8) Belgium
9) Germany
10) Croatia
FIFA Headquarters: Switzerland (Zurich)
– President: Gianni Infantino
Note – According to the FIFA Women’s Rankings of June 2025, the Indian Women’s team was ranked 70.
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7. After a long time, USA has decided to send weapons to which non NATO country again and NATO will bear the entire cost of these weapons?
a. Iran
b. Ukraine
c. Austria
d. Belarus
Answer: b. Ukraine
Ukraine Reconstruction Conference – July 2025 (Rome, Italy)
– Held on 10–11 July 2025 in Rome, the capital of Italy.
– Attended by representatives from 38 countries and several international organizations.
Key Outcomes:
– US President Donald Trump announced a new agreement between NATO allies and Ukraine regarding arms supply.
– The United States is sending a $300 million (approx. ₹2,500 crore) aid package to Ukraine.
– This package includes Patriot missile systems and medium-range rockets.
NATO & US Contribution:
– NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) is an international military alliance.
– As of 2025, it has 32 member countries.
– Its primary goal is to ensure collective defense of member states against external threats.
– The United States contributes 66% of NATO’s total military spending.
Weapons to be Supplied Under Presidential Drawdown Authority
– This will be the first time that Donald Trump authorizes the supply of weapons to Ukraine under the Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA).
– This is a legal provision that allows the President to send weapons directly from U.S. military stockpiles during emergencies.
– Previously, the Trump administration had only sent weapons to Ukraine that were approved by former President Joe Biden.
Anger Toward the Russian President
– Donald Trump took this step due to his growing dissatisfaction with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
– In February 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine, and the war has been ongoing for nearly two years.
– Trump made multiple attempts to negotiate a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, but Putin refused.
Russia Launched Missiles on Ukraine
– On the morning of July 10, 2025, Russia launched 400 drones and 18 missiles on Ukraine.
– Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that two people were killed and 16 others were injured in the attack.
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8. Which state government has declared Ganeshotsav festival as state festival?
a. Gujarat
b. Karnataka
c. Maharashtra
d. Goa
Answer: c. Maharashtra
– On 11 July 2025, the Government of Maharashtra officially declared Ganeshotsav as a ‘Public Festival’.
– The announcement was made in the state assembly by Ashish Shelar, Minister of Cultural Affairs.
– He stated, “Public Ganeshotsav in Maharashtra was started by Lokmanya Tilak in 1893. The essence of this festival lies in social unity, nationalism, the spirit of independence, self-respect, and pride in our language.”
– Ganeshotsav is not just a festival – it is a symbol of Maharashtra’s cultural pride and identity.
– Lord Ganesha is worshipped as the ‘Vighnaharta’ (Remover of Obstacles).
– Capital: Mumbai
– Chief Minister: Devendra Fadnavis
– Governor: C.P. Radhakrishnan
– Population: 110 million (as per 2011 census)
– Official Language: Marathi
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9. Name the Union Home Secretary whose tenure has been extended by the Central Government till August 2026?
a. T.V. Somanathan
b. Govind Mohan
c. Vikram Misri
d. Ajay Seth
Answer: b. Govind Mohan
– The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has extended the tenure of Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan until 22 August 2026 or until further orders.
– He was earlier scheduled to retire on 30 September 2025.
– Govind Mohan is an IAS officer of the 1980 batch from the Sikkim cadre, originally from Uttar Pradesh.
– He was appointed Home Secretary on 22 August 2024, succeeding Ajay Kumar Bhalla.
– In the Indian bureaucratic hierarchy, the Home Secretary is considered the most important post after the Cabinet Secretary.
Key Secretaries of the Government of India (as of July 2025):
– Cabinet Secretary: T. V. Somanathan
– Home Secretary: Govind Mohan
– Foreign Secretary: Vikram Misri
– Defence Secretary: Rajesh Kumar Singh
– Finance Secretary: Ajay Seth
– Commerce Secretary: Sunil Barthwal
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10. Who became the first woman CEO-MD of Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL)?
a. Priya Nair
b. Falguni Nair
c. Kadambini Ganguly
d. Haimabati Sen
Answer: a. Priya Nair
– For the first time in 92 years, HUL has appointed a woman to this position.
– Priya Nair will replace Rohit Jawa, whose term ends on 31st July.
– Priya will assume the role from 1st August, and her tenure will be for five years.
– She is currently the President of Beauty & Wellbeing at Unilever,
– which is the company’s highest revenue-generating business globally.
– HUL also announced that Priya Nair will be inducted into HUL’s Board after receiving the necessary approvals.
– Additionally, she will continue to be a member of the Unilever Leadership Executive (ULE).
Priya Nair’s Career
– Priya Nair began her career with HUL in 1995, working in several key roles related to sales and marketing.
– From 2014 to 2020, she served as the Executive Director of Home Care.
– From 2020 to 2022, she held the position of Executive Director of Beauty and Personal Care.
– After that, she became the Global Chief Marketing Officer at Unilever,
– and since 2023, she has been serving as the President of the Beauty and Wellbeing Unit.
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