Daily GK Update- 2nd July, 2025

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Maharashtra Launches Hedging Desk in Pune to Protect Farmers from Price Fluctuations: Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis inaugurated a dedicated Hedging Desk in Pune under the Balasaheb Thackeray Agribusiness and Rural Transformation Project to help farmers protect themselves against market price fluctuations.The desk will initially cover cotton, turmeric, and maize crops, with plans to expand to more crops, and is supported by the National Commodity and Derivatives Exchange (NCDEX) and its research wing, NICR.The initiative prioritises key agricultural districts like Yavatmal, Sangli, Akola, and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, aiming to modernize agriculture and provide price security to farmers in Maharashtra.

 

2. Ladakh’s First Astro Tourism Festival Concludes in Leh: The first Ladakh Astro Tourism Festival was held in Leh to promote Ladakh as a top astro tourism destination, thanks to its high altitude, dry weather, and low light pollution ideal for stargazing.The festival featured expert talks from ISRO, Indian Institute of Astrophysics, and Kashmir University, offering learning sessions for tourists and astronomy enthusiasts at Leh and Hanle Dark Sky Reserve.Night Sky Observation at Ladakh University’s Leh campus allowed participants to view constellations, planets, and deep-sky objects through guided telescope sessions.

 

3. Cabinet Approves ₹1 Lakh Crore RDI Scheme to Boost Private Sector Research and Innovation: The Union Cabinet approved the Research Development and Innovation (RDI) Scheme with an outlay of ₹1 lakh crore to boost India’s research and innovation ecosystem by encouraging private sector participation, especially in strategic and sunrise sectors.The scheme offers long-term financing or refinancing at low or nil interest rates to address funding challenges faced by private companies in undertaking research projects, aiming to accelerate technological adoption, enhance competitiveness, and support economic self-reliance. RDI Scheme will fund projects at higher Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) and support acquisition of critical technologies; it will also establish a Deep-Tech Fund of Funds to promote technology-driven ventures and startups.The scheme will follow a two-tier funding model with a Special Purpose Fund (SPF) under ANRF allocating funds to second-level managers; oversight will be provided by Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF)’s Governing Board chaired by the Prime Minister, supported by its Executive Council and an Empowered Group of Secretaries led by the Cabinet Secretary.

 

4. Cabinet Approves ₹99,446 Crore Employment Linked Incentive Scheme: The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the Employment Linked Incentive (ELI) Scheme with an outlay of ₹99,446 crore, aiming to create over 3.5 crore jobs in two years, focusing especially on manufacturing and providing social security coverage to new employees.

Under Part A, first-time employees registered with EPFO and earning up to ₹1 lakh monthly salary will receive incentives equivalent to one month’s EPF wage (up to ₹15,000), paid in two installments after 6 and 12 months of service, with a portion kept in a savings account to encourage financial discipline.Part B will incentivise employers hiring additional employees with salaries up to ₹1 lakh; they will receive monthly incentives of ₹1,000–₹3,000 per additional employee for two years, with extended benefits up to four years for the manufacturing sector.The ELI Scheme benefits apply to jobs created between August 1, 2025, and July 31, 2027, and requires establishments to hire at least two additional employees (if fewer than 50 staff) or five additional employees (if 50 or more staff), retained for at least six months to qualify for incentives.

 

5. Railways Minister launches ‘RailOne’ app as one-stop platform for all passenger services: Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has launched the RailOne app, which is a one-stop solution for all passenger services. The App offers ease of access for services like ticketing, enquiries of trains, PNR, Journey Planning, Rail Madad Services and Food on Train.The passengers can also book the unreserved ticket through the RailOne app. The app not only combines all services in one place but also has several integrations between services to give the user a complete package of Indian Railway services.

 

6. 1 July – National Postal Worker Day: National Postal Worker Day is observed on 1st July every year to recognise and celebrate the dedication, hard work, and vital role of postal workers in ensuring the timely delivery of mail and essential services across the country.The day was established in 1997 by the Seattle-area postal carriers in the United States, but over the years, it has gained recognition globally as a way to appreciate postal workers’ efforts.

 

7. 1 July – Chartered Accountants Day: Chartered Accountants Day is celebrated every year on 1st July in India to commemorate the foundation of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), the country’s premier accounting body.The ICAI was established on 1st July 1949 under the Chartered Accountants Act, 1949, making this day significant for the accounting profession and marking the birth of one of the largest accounting bodies in the world.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. FM Sitharaman embarks on official visit to Spain, Portugal, Brazil for FFD4, BRICS, NDB meets: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will visit Spain, Portugal, and Brazil from 30 June to 5 July 2025 to attend key international meetings, including the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development (FFD4), the 10th Annual Meeting of the New Development Bank (NDB), and the BRICS Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting.In Seville, Spain, Sitharaman will address the United Nations 4th FFD4, a global conference focused on innovative strategies for resource mobilisation and supporting development in emerging and developing countries. During her stop in Lisbon, Portugal, Sitharaman will hold a bilateral meeting with Portugal’s Finance Minister Fernando Medina to discuss economic cooperation and strengthen financial ties.In Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, she will represent India at the 10th Annual Meeting of the New Development Bank’s Board of Governors, the highest decision-making body of the NDB, established by BRICS nations in 2015, which now includes nine member countries.

 

1. 2 July – World UFO Day: World UFO Day is celebrated every year on July 2nd.The day aims to raise awareness about Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) and encourages people to think about, discuss, and share information on the topic.The date marks the anniversary of the famous Roswell incident on July 2, 1947, when reports emerged of a UFO crash near Roswell, New Mexico, USA. This event sparked worldwide interest and debates about UFOs and extraterrestrial life.

 

2. ASEAN-India Cruise Dialogue: The inaugural ASEAN-India Cruise Dialogue took place in Chennai, in 2025. This event marks step towards enhancing maritime cooperation between India and ASEAN member nations. The dialogue aims to improve cruise connectivity and promote sustainable tourism across the Indo-Pacific region. It was attended by delegates from all ASEAN nations, including Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, and Vietnam, among others. The event is hosted aboard the MV Empress at Chennai Port and will continue in Mamallapuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The primary objective is to strengthen maritime cooperation among ASEAN nations and India. The dialogue seeks to enhance cruise connectivity and promote sustainable tourism. It aims to develop an integrated cruise network linking Indian ports with ASEAN destinations. The dialogue also focuses on regulatory alignment and the identification of cruise routes that connect cultural and commercial centres.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. Air Marshal S Sivakumar assumes charge as Air Officer-in-Charge Administration: Air Marshal S Sivakumar VSM assumed the appointment of Air Officer-in-Charge Administration (AOA) at Air Headquarters, New Delhi, taking charge of key administrative responsibilities in the Indian Air Force.Commissioned into the Administration branch of the IAF in June 1990, he brings over 35 years of experience in various important command and staff roles within the service.

 

2. Quad Nations Launch First-Ever “Quad-at-Sea” Mission to Boost Indo-Pacific Maritime Security: The coast guards of India, the US, Australia, and Japan have launched the first-ever Quad-at-Sea Ship Observer Mission under the 2024 Wilmington Declaration to enhance maritime security, operational coordination, and interoperability across the Indo-Pacific region.This cross-embarkation mission marks an unprecedented step in Quad Coast Guard cooperation, deepening joint readiness and domain awareness while promoting a free, open, inclusive, and rules-based maritime order.The mission reflects the vision set at the Quad Leaders’ Summit in September 2024, demonstrating stronger operational ties among the Indian Coast Guard, Japan Coast Guard, US Coast Guard, and Australian Border Force.India’s participation aligns with its SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) doctrine and the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI), reaffirming its commitment to maritime capacity-building, humanitarian outreach, and respect for international maritime laws.

 

SPORTS

 

1. Cabinet approves National Sports Policy 2025: The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the National Sports Policy (NSP) 2025, a landmark initiative aimed at reshaping the country’s sporting landscape and empowering citizens through sports.The new policy supersedes the existing National Sports Policy, 2001, and lays out a visionary and strategic roadmap to establish India as a global sporting powerhouse and a strong contender for excellence at international sporting events, including the 2036 Olympic Games.The NSP 2025 is the outcome of extensive consultations involving Central Ministries, NITI Aayog, State Governments, National Sports Federations (NSFs), athletes, domain experts, and public stakeholders. The policy is anchored on six key pillars.Excellence on the Global StageSports for Economic Development Sports for Social Development Sports as a People’s Movement Integration with Education (NEP 2020) Strategic Framework

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Jyotiraditya Scindia Inaugurates Ericsson’s First India-Made Antenna Facility at VVDN Innovation Park: Union Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia has inaugurated Ericsson’s state-of-the-art antenna manufacturing facility at VVDN’s Global Innovation Park in Manesar, marking Ericsson’s first India-made antenna facility. Developed through collaboration between Ericsson and VVDN Technologies, the facility will begin shipments of passive antennas for global markets starting July 2025, highlighting India’s role in global telecom supply chains.More than 50% of passive antenna production for the domestic market will be localized at this facility, meeting rigorous standards and strengthening India’s position as a trusted global manufacturing and innovation hub.Ericsson’s Head of Antenna Systems- Mikael Eriksson.

 

2. Japan Launches Climate Satellite on Final H-2A Rocket Flight, Paves Way for Next-Gen H3: Japan successfully launched the GOSAT-GW climate monitoring satellite aboard the H-2A rocket’s 50th and final flight; the satellite will monitor greenhouse gases like carbon and methane, providing high-resolution climate data globally within a year.The H-2A rocket, which began service in 2001 with a 98% success rate, retires after this mission and will be replaced by Japan’s new flagship H3 rocket, developed with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to offer larger payload capacity at roughly half the launch cost, boosting global competitiveness.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Govt Keeps Small Savings Rates Unchanged for 6th Straight Quarter to Shield Savers Amid Falling Market Rates: Ministry of Finance has decided to keep interest rates on small savings schemes unchanged for the July–September 2025 quarter, marking the sixth consecutive quarter without any change, despite a sharp decline in market interest rates driven by RBI’s recent repo rate cuts and liquidity infusions.The central government’s decision comes even as the RBI has reduced the repo rate by 100 basis points in 2025 to 5.5%, alongside injecting liquidity to help banks transmit lower lending rates; the unchanged small savings rates aim to protect savers, especially senior citizens who rely on guaranteed returns.Small savings are crucial for government financing; as per the 2025-26 Union Budget, the government plans to mobilize ₹3.43 lakh crore through small savings to partly fund its fiscal deficit, though this is lower than the ₹4.12 lakh crore raised in the previous fiscal year.

 

2. June GST Collection Rises 6.2% YoY to ₹1.85 Lakh Crore: India’s gross GST collection for June 2025 stood at ₹85 lakh crore, reflecting a 6.2% increase compared to June last year, although it showed a decline from April’s record ₹2.37 lakh crore and May’s ₹2.01 lakh crore.Collections of Central-GST, State-GST, Integrated-GST, and cess all registered year-on-year growth in June, indicating a broad-based increase in tax compliance and economic activity.As GST completes 8 years since its rollout in July 2017, the government reported that GST collections doubled over the past five years, reaching a record ₹22.08 lakh crore in FY25 — a 9.4% rise from ₹20.18 lakh crore in FY24, marking the highest-ever annual GST revenue.

Daily GK Update- 1st July, 2025

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Govt launches ‘GoIStats’ app for easy access to official data on the Go: The government has launched the ‘GoIStats’ mobile app, developed by the National Sample Survey Office (NSO) under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, to provide stakeholders with seamless access to official statistics on the go.The GoIStats app features an interactive “Key Trends” dashboard with dynamic visualisations of critical socio-economic indicators such as GDP, inflation, and employment, enhancing the accessibility and user experience of official data.The Android version of GoIStats is now available free on the Google Play Store, with an iOS version expected soon, reflecting India’s commitment to making official statistics more user-centric and widely accessible.

 

2. Jindal Steel Commissions Odisha’s First Continuous Galvanising Line, Boosts Value-Added Steel Production: Jindal Steel has commissioned its first continuous galvanising line at the Angul integrated steel complex in Odisha as part of a ₹3,400 crore investment in a cold rolling mill complex, marking a significant step in expanding its value-added steel product portfolio.The new galvanising line will produce galvanised and galvalume products under the Jindal Panther Galvanised and Zinkalume brands, catering to key sectors including appliances, automotive, infrastructure, and construction industries.With this commissioning, Jindal Steel aims to boost its downstream capabilities for higher-margin products, while the crude steel capacity at Angul is set to rise to 12 million tonnes per annum by the end of 2025 as the company adds another 6 mtpa.

 

3. 1 July – National Doctors’ Day: National Doctors’ Day in India is celebrated every year on 1st July to honour the invaluable contributions of doctors and healthcare professionals in serving humanity.Theme 2025 – Behind the Mask: Who Heals the HealersThe day commemorates the birth and death anniversary of Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy (B.C. Roy) — a renowned physician, freedom fighter, educationist, and the second Chief Minister of West Bengal, who was awarded Bharat Ratna in 1961.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Western Ghats Ecologically Sensitive Areas: The Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage site, are facing critical discussions on the designation of Ecologically Sensitive Areas (ESAs). An expert panel is actively reviewing proposals from Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Goa. This follows a prolonged period of indecision concerning environmental protection in this vital region. The panel, led by Sanjay Kumar, is considering separate notifications for these states, which could expedite the protection process. The Western Ghats stretch over six states in India. They are known for their rich biodiversity and unique ecosystems. In 2012, the Madhav Gadgil report proposed extensive ecological protection. This report suggested that the entire region should be designated as ecologically sensitive. However, political resistance has hindered its implementation. The panel is evaluating the extent of ESAs in Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Goa. Reports indicate that Gujarat has the least area designated as ESA. Maharashtra has been proactive in submitting information, while Goa has also complied with the panel’s requests. The committee aims to resolve these states’ issues before addressing the remaining three states – Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu.

 

2. India-Pakistan Prisoner Exchange: India and Pakistan conducted their biannual exchange of prisoner lists. This exchange is part of the Agreement on Consular Access established in 2008. It aims to enhance transparency and cooperation regarding humanitarian issues between the two nations. The lists included number of civilian prisoners and fishermen from both sides. The Agreement on Consular Access was signed in 2008. It mandates both countries to share lists of prisoners in their custody twice a year. This initiative aims to address humanitarian concerns and improve relations. The agreement reflects a commitment to uphold human rights and ensure the welfare of prisoners.

 

3. Canada Scraps Digital Services Tax: Canada announced the withdrawal of its Digital Services Tax (DST) just before its implementation. This decision came after pressure from the United States, particularly from President Donald Trump. The DST was designed to impose a 3% levy on revenues generated by foreign digital companies from Canadian users. The tax was controversial due to its retroactive payments clause and the potential financial burden it would impose on major American tech firms. The Digital Services Tax was introduced to address the taxation gap for large international tech companies operating in Canada. It aimed to collect a 3% tax on revenues exceeding $20 million from Canadian users. The tax was intended to ensure that digital companies contributed fairly to the Canadian economy. However, its implementation was met with strong opposition from the US government.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. Parag Jain Appointed as New RAW Chief: Senior IPS officer Parag Jain has been appointed as the new chief of the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), succeeding Ravi Sinha, who retires on June 30; Jain will serve a two-year tenure.Jain, a 1989-batch IPS officer from the Punjab cadre, currently heads RAW’s Aviation Research Centre (ARC) and is the second senior-most officer in the agency.He played a key role in intelligence operations during Operation Sindoor, launched after the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, which led to retaliatory strikes by India.Jain’s extensive experience includes handling the Pakistan desk, tenures in J&K during Article 370 abrogation, and stints in Indian missions in Sri Lanka and Canada monitoring Khalistani terror networks.

 

2. Reliance Infra, US Firm Seal ₹20,000 Crore Pact to Modernise India’s Jets and Choppers: Reliance Defence Limited, backed by Reliance Infrastructure, has signed a strategic partnership with US-based Coastal Mechanics Inc (CMI) to jointly address India’s ₹20,000 crore defence market for maintenance, repair, overhaul (MRO), and upgrades of critical defence platforms.The collaboration will focus on providing comprehensive MRO, upgrades, and lifecycle support for key assets like over 100 Jaguar and MiG-29 fighter jets, Apache attack helicopters, L-70 air defence guns, and other legacy systems needing modernisation and long-term sustainment.A joint venture will be established at MIHAN in Nagpur, Maharashtra, enabling the companies to offer end-to-end MRO and upgrade services to the Indian Armed Forces and tap opportunities in both domestic and export defence markets.

 

3. INS Udaygiri: On 1 July 2025, the Indian Navy received INS Udaygiri, the second ship of Project 17A stealth frigates. This delivery signifies a major advancement in India’s naval capabilities. Udaygiri is built at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited, Mumbai, and is part of a series of seven ships designed for modern naval warfare. The frigate is a successor to the Shivalik class and is equipped to operate in a ‘Blue Water’ environment, addressing both conventional and non-conventional threats. Project 17A is a follow-on to the earlier Shivalik class (Project 17) frigates. The project includes the construction of seven multi-mission frigates. These ships are designed with enhanced stealth features and advanced weaponry. The capabilities of the Project 17A frigates represent upgrade from their predecessors.

 

SPORTS

 

1. Lando Norris Clinches Austrian Grand Prix Victory: Lando Norris won the Austrian Grand Prix, overtaking his McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri in an intense battle and converting his pole position into victory despite pressure; this marked Norris’ third win of the season and his first since the Monaco Grand Prix.The race saw drama early on with Max Verstappen eliminated on the first lap, while Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc finished third, Lewis Hamilton fourth, and Mercedes’ George Russell fifth, signaling a strong return for Ferrari at the Red Bull Ring.

 

2. Ayush Shetty Wins First BWF World Tour Title at US Open 2025: Ayush Shetty clinched his maiden BWF World Tour title by winning the US Open 2025, a BWF Super 300 tournament, defeating Canada’s World No. 33 Brian Yang 21-18, 21-13 in a 47-minute final; his stellar run also included a remarkable semifinal win over World No. 6 Chou Tien Chen, avenging his earlier loss at the Taipei Open 2025.The 20-year-old fourth seed started strong with victories over Denmark’s Magnus Johannesen, compatriot Tharun Mannepalli, and Chinese Taipei’s Kuo Kuan Lin before his semifinal and final triumphs, cementing his status as a rising star in Indian men’s badminton.

In women’s singles, 16-year-old Tanvi Sharma impressed the world by becoming the youngest Indian to reach a BWF World Tour final, defeating multiple higher-ranked opponents before narrowly losing to 34-year-old veteran Beiwen Zhang 11-21, 21-16, 10-21, continuing her streak after two BWF International Challenge titles and a final appearance at the Odisha Masters.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Om Birla inaugurated CPA Zone-2 conference on good governance in digital era at Dharamshala: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has inaugurated the annual conference of Zone-2 of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) at Tapovan, Dharamshala. This zone includes the states of Delhi, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, and Punjab.The Conference aims to serve as a vital platform for strengthening democratic institutions, sharing best practices, and exploring innovative approaches to governance and legislative functioning in the contemporary era.

 

2. The theme of the Conference is – Good Governance in the Digital Era: Managing Resources, Defending Democracy, and Embracing Innovation. The CPA is a global organisation that brings together parliamentarians to strengthen parliamentary democracy.MiPhi Becomes India’s First Homegrown Enterprise SSD Manufacturer, Boosting Digital Sovereignty: MiPhi Semiconductors, a joint venture between Micromax Informatics and Taiwan’s Phison Technology, has begun designing and manufacturing enterprise-grade SSDs in India, becoming the country’s first homegrown brand to produce such advanced storage solutions.The company stated that this achievement marks a major milestone in India’s journey toward digital sovereignty and technological leadership, showcasing Indian innovation backed by engineering excellence and global collaboration.MiPhi’s enterprise SSDs are purpose-built for data centres, high-performance computing, and mission-critical environments, making it the only brand currently designing and manufacturing enterprise SSDs entirely within India.

 

3. Italy Unveils iRonCub MK3: World’s First Jet-Powered Flying Humanoid Robot for Disaster Response: Italian researchers have unveiled iRonCub MK3, the world’s first jet-powered flying humanoid robot, standing 3 feet tall, weighing 22 kg, and controlled remotely; its child-like appearance has unsettled many viewers online.Developed over two years by the Italian Institute of Technology, iRonCub MK3 is designed with applications in disaster response, combining aerial mobility with ground-based locomotion to assist in search and rescue missions by clearing debris and locating victims.Researchers highlight that flying humanoid robots like iRonCub MK3 could perform tasks in hazardous or hard-to-reach environments, such as repairs on bridges’ undersides or operations in areas affected by nuclear or chemical leaks; the robot has been tested outdoors and in wind tunnels.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Bank of Baroda Launches bob Flexi Systematic Deposit Plan: Bank of Baroda has launched the bob Flexi Systematic Deposit Plan (SDP), a recurring deposit scheme that combines disciplined savings with flexible monthly contributions, allowing customers to deposit more based on their liquidity.The plan offers minimum instalments starting at ₹500, with top-ups in multiples of ₹100, and customers can increase deposits up to 10 times the base amount, capped at ₹1 lakh per month.Senior citizens enjoy preferential interest rates on deposits below ₹3 crore, while the scheme also offers a loan or overdraft facility of up to 95% of the outstanding balance.

Additional features include nomination facilities for eligible account holders and the option to open accounts for minors aged 10 years and above, with a deposit limit of ₹1 lakh for minors.

 

2. PhonePe, HDFC Bank Launch Co-Branded RuPay Credit Card with UPI Integration and High Rewards: PhonePe and HDFC Bank have launched a co-branded RuPay credit card—available in ‘Ultimo’ and ‘UNO’ variants—marking PhonePe’s entry into the co-branded card segment with features designed for the evolving needs of Indian digital consumers.The cards offer high rewards on PhonePe spends, including up to 10% reward points on bill payments, recharges, travel bookings, and purchases on Pincode (PhonePe’s hyperlocal delivery app), plus seamless UPI integration for payments via the PhonePe platform.

 

3. India’s GST Collections Double in Five Years to Record ₹22.08 Lakh Crore: Gross GST collection reached a record ₹08 lakh crore in FY 2024-25, doubling from ₹11.37 lakh crore in FY 2020-21, with average monthly collections rising to ₹1.84 lakh crore in FY25 from ₹1.68 lakh crore in FY24 and ₹1.51 lakh crore in FY22, reflecting strong revenue growth.GST recorded its highest-ever monthly collection of ₹37 lakh crore in April 2025, followed by ₹2.01 lakh crore in May 2025; June’s numbers are expected to be released on July 1, 2025.Since GST’s rollout on July 1, 2017, the number of registered taxpayers has more than doubled from 65 lakh to over 1.51 crore by 2025, demonstrating significant expansion of the tax base over eight years.By subsuming 17 local taxes and 13 cesses into a unified five-tier structure, GST has simplified India’s indirect tax regime, improved transparency, and strengthened the country’s fiscal position, according to the government’s statement on eight years of GST.

 

4. States/UTs to borrow Rs 2.86 lakh crore in Jul-Sep quarter: RBI: States and Union Territories in India will raise approximately ₹86 lakh crore from the markets during the July–September 2025 quarter, as per the Reserve Bank of India’s plan finalised after consultations with state governments and UTs.The borrowing drive begins on July 1, with ₹18,100 crore to be raised by 10 states, including Maharashtra (₹6,000 crore), Andhra Pradesh (₹2,000 crore), Kerala (₹2,000 crore), Tamil Nadu (₹2,000 crore), and others.Of the gross market borrowing budgeted at ₹82 lakh crore for FY 2025-26, ₹8.00 lakh crore (54%) is set to be borrowed in the first half of the fiscal through 26 weekly auctions of dated securities spanning maturities from 3 to 50 years.The borrowing distribution will include 10-year securities (26.2%), 15-year and 40-year securities (each at 14%), along with smaller shares in other tenures, ensuring a balanced debt profile across different durations.

Daily GK Update- 30th June, 2025

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. CBSE to Conduct Class 10 Board Exams Twice a Year from 2026 Session: CBSE will conduct Class 10 board exams twice a year starting from the 2026 session, with the first phase in mid-February (results in April) and the second phase in May (results in June).The first phase of exams will be mandatory for all students, while the second phase will be optional, allowing students to improve performance in any three subjects out of science, mathematics, social science, and languages.This change aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which aims to reduce the “high-stakes” pressure of board exams by giving students two opportunities in an academic year.

 

2. Kerala tops the Management Effectiveness Evaluation of national parks and protected areas: Eravikulam National Park (ENP) in Kerala emerged as the highest-scoring protected area in India’s Management Effectiveness Evaluation (MEE) 2020-2025, with a top score of 92.97%, sharing the spot with Dachigam National Park in Jammu & Kashmir.Kerala secured the highest “Very Good” state rating with an overall MEE score of 76.22% for effective management of its 21 protected areas, outperforming Karnataka, Punjab, and Himachal Pradesh, which received “Good” ratings.

Mathikettan Shola National Park in Kerala scored 90.63% and was recognized among “other well-managed sites”; the park plays a vital role as an elephant corridor and houses the rare Galaxy Frog, though systematic ecological monitoring is lacking.The MEE covered 438 national parks and wildlife sanctuaries across India, with recommendations for protected areas like ENP including expanding adjoining regions, enhancing eco-tourism, eradicating invasive species, and improving collaboration for ecological monitoring and conservation awareness.

 

3. Adani Group Emerges as Fastest-Growing Indian Brand in 2025: Adani Group was named the fastest-growing Indian brand in the Brand Finance India 100 2025 report, with its brand value surging by 82% to USD 6.5 billion, climbing from 16th to 13th place due to aggressive infrastructure expansion and green energy focus.Tata Group retained its position as India’s most valuable brand for 2025, with brand value rising 10% to USD 31.6 billion, making it the first Indian brand to cross the USD 30 billion mark.Infosys secured the second spot with a 15% increase in brand value to USD 16.3 billion, maintaining leadership in the IT services sector, while HDFC Group ranked third with 37% growth post-merger, reaching USD 14.2 billion.LIC showed strong performance, placing fourth with a 35% brand value increase to USD 13.6 billion, while HCLTech climbed to eighth with 17% growth to USD 8.9 billion; L&T and Mahindra followed with notable brand value gains.The collective brand value of India’s top 100 brands reached USD 236.5 billion in 2025, with emerging brands like L&T, JSW, Indian Oil, Adani, and others increasingly recognized globally, reflecting the growing strength of “Brand India” on the world stage.

 

4. Amit Shah Inaugurated the National Turmeric Board in Telangana: Amit Shah has inaugurated the National Turmeric Board in Nizamabad, Telangana, and unveiled its official logo to mark a new chapter in farmer innovation and boosting the global competitiveness of Indian turmeric.Shah also unveiled the statue of veteran leader D Srinivas, recognising his decades of service to the people of the region.

 

5. Ravi Agrawal Re-appointed as CBDT Chairman for One Year: The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved the re-appointment of Ravi Agrawal as Chairman of the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) on a contract basis for one year, from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, or until further orders.Ravi Agrawal, a 1988 batch IRS officer, has been a CBDT member (Administration) since July 2023 and succeeded 1986 batch IRS officer Nitin Gupta as CBDT Chairman in June 2024.

 

6. 29 June – National Statistics Day: National Statistics Day is celebrated annually in India on 29 June to highlight the importance of statistics in socio-economic planning and policy-making.

Theme 2025 – 75 Years of National Sample SurveyThe date marks the birth anniversary of the legendary statistician Prof. Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis (1893–1972), regarded as the father of Indian statistics.He introduced the Mahalanobis distance in statistics, founded the Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) in Kolkata, and played a crucial role in India’s second five-year plan with his statistical models for economic planning.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India, South Africa Sign Submarine Cooperation Pacts: India and South Africa signed two agreements on submarine cooperation during the 9th Joint Defence Committee (JDC) meeting held in Johannesburg, marking a significant step in bilateral defence ties.Indian delegation, led by Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, showcased India’s advances in defence manufacturing and exports, reaffirming commitment to stronger relations with South Africa.The meeting, chaired on the South African side by Acting Secretary for Defence Dr. Thobekile Gamede, identified areas of mutual interest and mapped a path for deeper cooperation in the defence sector.

 

2. NATO Leaders Commit to Historic 5% Defence Spending Target by 2035 at Hague Summit: NATO leaders officially agreed to raise annual defence spending to 5% of GDP by 2035, a significant increase from the previous 2% targetOf the 5%, 3.5% is earmarked for core military expenditures like troops, equipment, and ammunition, while the remaining 1.5% will go toward broader defence-related areas such as infrastructure and cybersecurityThe new spending commitment—which gained momentum under pressure from former US President Donald Trump—was hailed as a “transformational” move to enhance NATO’s collective defence, especially in response to threats from Russia.While most allies reached consensus, Spain opted out, choosing to maintain defence spending at around 2.1% of GDP, drawing criticism from partners who argued full adherence was crucial.Private Firms Eligible as REIAs to Boost Renewable Energy, But Experts Urge Strong Oversight on

 

3. Trading Margins and National Priorities: Private Indian companies with a net worth over ₹500 crore and long-term credit rating of A or above can now be designated as Renewable Energy Implementing Agencies (REIAs) for five years, expanding eligibility beyond PSUs like NTPC, SJVN, SECI, and NHPC.REIAs act as intermediary procurers, aggregating renewable power through tariff-based competitive bidding, signing back-to-back power sale agreements with developers and power purchase agreements with Discoms or consumers, and ensuring payment security for RE projects.Designated REIAs must have a valid Category-I electricity trading licence from the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC), board approval for REIA designation, and follow e-bidding procurement processes as per Section 63 of the Electricity Act 2003.

 

4. 29 June – International Day of the Tropics: The International Day of the Tropics is observed every year on 29 June to celebrate the extraordinary diversity of the tropics while highlighting unique challenges and opportunities faced by tropical regions around the world.The tropics — regions located between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn — are home to around 40% of the world’s population, 80% of Earth’s biodiversity, and some of the fastest-growing economies.

 

5. 30 June – World Asteroid Day: World Asteroid Day is observed every year on 30 June to raise awareness about asteroids, their potential threat to Earth, and the importance of finding, tracking, and studying them.The date marks the anniversary of the Tunguska event (30 June 1908), when a massive explosion caused by an asteroid or comet flattened around 2,000 square kilometers of Siberian forest — the largest asteroid impact on Earth in recorded history.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. Lt Gen DS Rana Assumes Role as 23rd Colonel of Garhwal Rifles Amidst Grand Ceremony in Lansdowne: Commander-in-Chief of Andaman & Nicobar Command, Lt Gen Dinesh Singh Rana, has taken over as the 23rd Colonel of the Regiment of Garhwal Rifles, succeeding Lt Gen NS Raja Subramani.The ceremonial handing over of the baton was held at the Garhwal Rifles Regimental Centre in Lansdowne, Uttarakhand, with full military honours, highlighting the proud legacy of the regiment.Lt Gen DS Rana received the Guard of Honour and paid homage at the War Memorial, honouring the supreme sacrifice of the bravehearts of the regiment, which comprises 27 Battalions including a Scouts Battalion.

 

SPORTS

 

1. Odisha Women, Tamil Nadu Men Clinch Titles in Inaugural Hockey India Masters Cup 2025 in Chennai: Hockey Association of Odisha and Hockey Unit of Tamil Nadu won the women’s and men’s titles, respectively, in the inaugural edition of the Hockey India Masters Cup 2025.The inaugural edition of the Hockey India Masters Cup was held at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, from June 18 to 27, 2025.The Master Cup was for male players above 40 years of age, and for women, the age criterion was above 35 years.

 

2. Shikhar Dhawan Releases Autobiography “The One”: Former Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan has released his autobiography titled “The One: Cricket, My Life and More”, published by HarperCollins India.The memoir provides a behind-the-scenes look at Dhawan’s cricketing career, highlighting key professional milestones, emotional challenges, and moments of personal transformation.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Santhal Hul: The Santhal Hul, event in tribal history, marks its 170th anniversary in 2025. This rebellion, which began in 1855, is celebrated annually in Jharkhand as ‘Hul Diwas’ on June 30. It represents a very important moment of resistance against colonial oppression in India. The Santhal Rebellion, known as ‘Hul’, initiated in 1855, two years before the 1857 uprising. This rebellion was a structured war against colonialism. It was led by the Santhal community, who faced severe exploitation from British authorities and local zamindars. The rebellion was spearheaded by two brothers, Sidhu and Kanhu, who united various castes and communities. The roots of the Santhal rebellion trace back to 1832 when the East India Company designated the Damin-i-Koh region for Santhal settlement. Promised agricultural land, the Santhals were instead subjected to land-grabbing and bonded labour. These oppressive practices led to widespread discontent among the Santhal population, igniting the rebellion.

 

2. Altermagnets: Recent advancements in material science have revealed intriguing properties of altermagnets, a novel class of magnetic materials. These materials have the potential to transform electronic devices . Researchers have particularly focused on chromium antimonide (CrSb), an altermagnet that exhibits remarkable characteristics. This discovery brings forth new opportunities in the field of spintronics and electronic device manufacturing. Altermagnets combine features of both ferromagnets and antiferromagnets. Unlike ferromagnets, which exhibit external magnetism, altermagnets do not show net magnetism on the surface. However, their internal electron behaviour can be highly beneficial for future technologies. This dual nature of altermagnets presents a unique opportunity for innovation in electronic applications. CrSb stands out due to its metallic nature and superior magnetic order. It maintains magnetic properties at temperatures exceeding double that of room temperature. Notably, CrSb demonstrates the largest altermagnetic spin-splitting recorded, exceeding 30 times that of room temperature. Such attributes position CrSb as a leading candidate for practical applications in electronics.

 

3. GPS Interference: Recent incidents show the rising threat of GPS interference. A Delhi-Jammu flight had to turn back due to navigation issues. Similarly, two tankers collided near the Strait of Hormuz. A container ship ran aground off Jeddah. All these incidents stemmed from GPS interference, which has become challenge for maritime and aerial navigation. GPS interference involves two main types – jamming and spoofing. Jamming occurs when a device emits strong radio signals to overpower GPS signals. This prevents GPS receivers from determining accurate location or time. Spoofing, on the other hand, involves sending false GPS signals to mislead receivers. While jamming disrupts signals, spoofing deceives devices into trusting incorrect data.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. NIF Progress Report 2025: India has made notable strides in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as brought into light in the National Indicator Framework (NIF) Progress Report 2025. Released on Statistics Day, this report outlines time series data on various SDG indicators. It reflects improvements in sectors like health, education, and social protection since 2015–16. However, challenges remain in areas such as clean energy and inequality. The report indicates a substantial increase in social protection coverage. The proportion of the population covered rose from 22% in 2016 to 64.3% in 2025. Maternal and child health indicators have also improved , showcasing the effectiveness of health initiatives. The number of senior citizens receiving institutional assistance surged to 157,000 in 2023–24, up from 23,000 in 2015.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. The Kerala Sahitya Akademi announced the 2024 literary awards: The Kerala Sahitya Akademi announced the 2024 literary awards, honouring both new and established Malayalam writers across 14 categories, including novel, poetry, short story, drama, essay, biography, and more.G R Indugopan won best novel for Aano, Anitha Thampi was awarded best poetry for Muringa Vazha Kariveppu, and V Shinilal received the short story award for Garisappa Aruvi Athava Oru Jalayathra.Each award carries a cash prize of ₹25,000, a plaque, and a certificate, while Fellowship and Lifetime Contribution Awards include ₹50,000, a gold medal, a citation, a shawl, and a plaque.