Daily GK Update- 16th June, 2025

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. ADB Approves $109.97 Million Loan to Boost Gujarat’s Skill Development and Industrial Workforce Readiness: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $109.97 million (approx. ₹927 crore) results-based loan to support Gujarat’s goal of becoming a global industrial hub by strengthening its workforce.The Gujarat Skills Development Programme, led by the state’s Labour, Skill Development and Employment Department in collaboration with Kaushalya: The Skill University (KSU), focuses on imparting advanced, industry-relevant skills to enhance job readiness in high-growth sectors.The initiative aims to boost institutional and managerial capacity within the KSU network and expand access to high-quality training, making Gujarat’s youth future-ready and globally competitive.

 

2. Govt Forms High-Level Panel to Probe Air India AI-171 Crash: The Government of India has constituted a multi-disciplinary high-level committee, chaired by the Union Home Secretary, to investigate the causes of the Air India Flight AI-171 crash that claimed 241 lives.The panel will review existing SOPs and recommend improvements for aviation safety and emergency protocols.The committee will assess flight data, maintenance records, and witness testimonies, review past air crashes, and evaluate rescue operations and inter-agency coordination. It aims to formulate a comprehensive SOP aligned with international best practices and is expected to submit its report within three months.

 

3. Karnataka Tops Nation in Wind Power Growth with 1,331 MW Addition in FY 2024–25: Karnataka achieved the highest wind power capacity addition in India during FY 2024–25, with 1,331.48 MW added, followed by Tamil Nadu (1,136.37 MW) and Gujarat (954.76 MW); the award was presented during Global Wind Day 2025 celebrations in Bengaluru.The state’s total installed wind power capacity has now reached 7,351 MW, with plans to implement 17 GW of additional wind projects, including over 5 GW under the Renewable Energy Cluster Programme.Karnataka signed ₹4 lakh crore worth of renewable energy investment agreements at the 2025 Global Investors Meet, comprising nearly 40% of the state’s total investment commitments.India currently ranks 4th in global wind energy generation with 51.5 GW installed capacity and aims to achieve 500 GW of renewable energy by 2030, including 100 GW from wind, as highlighted by Union Minister Pralhad Joshi.

 

4. Sun Pharma Appoints Kirti Ganorkar as New MD; Dilip Shanghvi to Continue as Executive Director: Sun Pharmaceutical has appointed Kirti Ganorkar as its new Managing Director, effective from September 1, for a tenure of five years, subject to shareholder approval at the AGM on July 31.Dilip Shanghvi, the current Managing Director, will continue as Executive Director and Chairman of the Board, while Ganorkar, who has led the company’s India business since 2019, will now take over top leadership.The company also announced that Richard Ascroft will become the new CEO of Sun Pharma North America, replacing Abhay Gandhi, who resigned after 30 years of service.

4. Ganesh Baliga appointed as Managing Director of Citi India Solutions: Citi has appointed Ganesh Baliga as the Managing Director and Head of Citi India Solutions, reinforcing its focus on expanding technology and operations capabilities in India.In his new role, Baliga will lead the growth, innovation, and delivery of Citi’s global technology and solutions hubs across major Indian cities, aligning with Citi’s global tech strategy.Baliga’s previous roles as Global Head of Architecture and SVP – Application Development reflect his expertise in enterprise-level technology transformation and strategic leadership.

 

5. Yes Bank CEO Prashant Kumar’s Tenure Extended by RBI for Six Months: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved a six-month extension for Prashant Kumar as MD and CEO of YES Bank, effective October 6, 2025, or until a new CEO takes charge.Under section 35 B of the Banking Regulation Act 1949, Indian private banks need permission from the RBI to appoint a Chairman, Managing Director, or Chief Executive Officer.

 

6. Former Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani Dies in Air India Plane Crash; Second Such Tragedy After 1965: Former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, who served from August 2016 to September 2021, tragically died in an Air India Dreamliner crash shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad en route to London.The incident marks a historical parallel, as Rupani becomes the second former Gujarat CM to die in a plane crash, the first being Balwantrai Mehta in 1965.Vijay Rupani served as the 16th chief minister of Gujarat from August 2016 to September 2021.Rupani had resigned from his CM post ahead of the 2022 Gujarat Assembly elections, making way for new leadership within the state.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Katrina Kaif Named Global Brand Ambassador for Maldives Tourist : Bollywood actress Katrina Kaif has been appointed as the global brand ambassador for Maldives tourism by the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC), alongside the launch of their summer sale campaign aimed at attracting global tourists.Katrina Kaif, with her widespread international appeal, is expected to boost the Maldives’ image as a luxury destination; she described the country as a perfect blend of “elegance and tranquility.”

 

2. Global Out-of-School Population: The latest report from UNESCO’s Global Education Monitoring Team marks rise in the global out-of-school population. As of 2025, the figure stands at 272 million, an increase of over 21 million from previous estimates. This alarming trend raises concerns about educational access and equity worldwide. The report indicates that 11% of primary school-age children, 15% of lower secondary adolescents, and 31% of upper secondary youths are out of school. The increase is attributed to two main factors – updated enrolment data and revised UN population estimates. New data reveals that 8 million of the increase stems from new enrolments, while 13 million is due to population adjustments.

 

3. India’s Aviation Safety Standards: India’s aviation industry has recently garnered attention for its impressive safety ratings. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) conducted an audit in November 2022. The results showcased India’s advancements in aviation safety. India surpassed the global average in key categories such as operations and airworthiness. India’s Effective Implementation score rose to 85.65% from 69.95% in 2018. This score indicates improvements in aviation safety measures. The ICAO assesses countries on various criteria. These include legislation, organisation, licensing, operations, airworthiness, accident investigation, air navigation services, and aerodromes. India scored above the global average in all eight categories during the audit.

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. US’ Military Parade: The US Army is set to commemorate its 250th anniversary with a grand military parade in Washington on June 14. This date coincides with US President Donald Trump’s 79th birthday and Flag Day. The parade marks moment in American history, celebrating the establishment of the Army by the Second Continental Congress. It is the first military parade since 1991’s Victory Celebration and is expected to cost between $25 million and $45 million. The 19th century saw the rise of nationalism in Europe, transforming military parades into expressions of national pride. The Prussian army played important role in shaping modern military parades. They introduced formations and styles that became standard in military displays. The goose-step, a hallmark of the Nazi army, originated from these early Prussian practices. Parades became a way for nations to galvanise public sentiment and demonstrate military strength.

 

SPORTS 

 

1. Arunachal’s Yajik Hillang Creates History with Gold at South Asian Bodybuilding Championship 2025: Yajik Hillang from Arunachal Pradesh made history by winning the Gold medal in the Women’s Model Physique (up to 155 cm) category at the 15th South Asian Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Championships 2025 held in Thimphu, Bhutan.She became the first female Physique Sports athlete from Arunachal Pradesh to win a Gold medal at an international event, marking a significant achievement for the state in the field of bodybuilding and fitness.The 5-day championship, organized by the South Asian Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Federation, saw participation from multiple South Asian countries and is officially recognized by the World Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Federation (WBPF).

 

2. BCCI Forms Committee to Draft Victory Celebration Guidelines After Bengaluru Stampede: Following the tragic stampede during RCB’s IPL victory celebrations in Bengaluru, the BCCI has formed a committee to draft comprehensive guidelines for conducting safe and orderly celebration events. The decision was made at the 28th Apex Council Meeting.The newly formed BCCI committee will be chaired by Devajit Saikia, with Prabhtej Singh Bhatia and Rajeev Shukla as members. The committee has been given 15 days to submit the proposed guidelines.

3. South Africa Win First ICC Title in 27 Years, Clinch WTC 2025: The South African men’s cricket team won the 3rd ICC World Test Championship, defeating defending champion Australia by five wickets.This was the first major cricket title for the South African team, also known as Proteas, since the 1998 ICC Knockout Championship (later renamed ICC Champions Trophy), held in Kenya.Also, it was the first time in the last 15 years that Australia lost in an ICC Tournament. England defeated Australia in the 2010 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup final in the West Indies.The 2023-25 ICC World Test Championship final was played at the Lord’s cricket ground in London, England, from 11 to 14 June 2025.Man of the Match – Aiden Makram of South Africa

 

4. Fourth ICC Test Championship 2025-27 Cycle: The fourth ICC Test Championship 2025-27 cycle will commence with the Sri Lanka and Bangladesh Test match starting on 17 June 2025 in Galle, Sri Lanka.Seventy-one test matches will be played over the next two cricketing seasons, with the top nine-ranked teams on the ICC Test Team ranking.India will play 18 Test matches in the 2025-27 World Test Championship cycle.India will host the West Indies, South Africa, and Australia and play away series in England, Sri Lanka, and New Zealand.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. RBI Directs Banks to Enable KYC Updates and Account Reactivation at All Branches, Including Non-Home Locations: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has instructed all banks to provide facilities for KYC updation and activation of inoperative accounts and unclaimed deposits at all branches, including non-home branches.Banks have been encouraged to adopt video-based customer identification processes (V-CIP) and involve authorised Business Correspondents (BCs) to help customers update KYC and reactivate accounts, especially in remote areas.The RBI has asked banks to organise special KYC updation camps, particularly in rural and semi-urban branches, where pendency of periodic KYC updation is significantly high.These instructions were issued in response to high KYC pendency in accounts linked to Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT), scholarship schemes, and accounts opened under PM Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), aiming to make the process more convenient and accessible.

 

2. Maruti Suzuki Signs MoU with Equitas Small Finance Bank to Boost Retail Vehicle Financing: Maruti Suzuki India Limited (MSIL) has signed an MoU with Equitas Small Finance Bank to establish a strategic vehicle financing partnership aimed at providing retail financing solutions for new cars, used cars, and commercial vehicles.This collaboration will enhance the accessibility and affordability of Maruti Suzuki vehicles by leveraging Equitas Bank’s growing customer base and offering competitive, tailored financing solutions.The partnership was formalized in the presence of senior officials from both organisations, including Partho Banerjee (Senior Executive Officer, MSIL) and Jagadesh J (Head Retail Assets, Equitas Bank).

 

3. MSC Bank Launches India’s First Cyber-Security Operation Centre for Cooperative Banks in Navi Mumbai: Maharashtra State Cooperative Bank (MSC Bank) has launched the country’s first dedicated cybersecurity centre for cooperative banks, named ‘Sahakar Suraksha’, located in Vashi, Navi Mumbai, with an investment of ₹50 crore to counter rising cyber threats.The AI-powered C-SOC provides 24×7 threat detection, real-time alerts, and free cybersecurity services to 31 district central cooperative banks in Maharashtra, especially targeting rural and small banks that lack technical and financial resources.

 

Daily GK Update- 15th June, 2025

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. CCEA Approves ₹6,405 Crore Railway Doubling Projects to Boost Connectivity Across Jharkhand, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by PM Narendra Modi, approved two key multi-tracking railway projects worth ₹6,405 crore, under the Ministry of Railways to boost rail infrastructure.The projects include the Koderma–Barkakana doubling (133 km) in Jharkhand and the Ballari–Chikjajur doubling (185 km), spanning parts of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, aimed at improving connectivity, especially for coal and freight movement.Together covering 318 km across 7 districts, the projects will enhance line capacity, ease congestion, and benefit 1,408 villages with a population of over 28 lakh, enabling smoother freight and passenger services.These projects, part of the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, are expected to handle 49 million tonnes of additional freight per year and ensure seamless multimodal connectivity across regions.

 

2. What is Black Box?: The recent crash of an Air India flight from Ahmedabad to London has raised concerns about aviation safety. The incident occurred shortly after takeoff, resulting in a tragic loss of life and extensive damage. Firefighting teams quickly responded to the scene. Investigators will rely heavily on data from the aircraft’s black box to determine the cause of the crash. The black box is important device in aviation safety. It consists of two main components – the cockpit voice recorder (CVR) and the flight data recorder (FDR). The CVR captures audio from the cockpit, including pilot conversations and engine sounds. The FDR monitors various flight parameters, such as altitude and airspeed. Together, they provide invaluable information for accident investigations.

 

3. Cholera Outbreak in Odisha: The outbreak has led to five confirmed deaths and around 500 hospitalisations. A 14-member central team, including experts from various health organisations, is deployed to manage the situation. The outbreak primarily affects four blocks and one urban local body in Jajpur, with cases also reported in neighbouring districts. Cholera is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. It spreads through contaminated food and water. Symptoms include severe watery diarrhoea, vomiting, and dehydration. If untreated, cholera can lead to death within hours. However, proper hydration can prevent fatalities.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Israel Launches ‘Operation Rising Lion’ Striking Iran’s Nuclear Sites: Israel launched “Operation Rising Lion” on 13 June 2025, targeting over 100 Iranian nuclear and military sites, including the Natanz nuclear facility; Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared a national emergency fearing Iranian retaliation.The U.S. denied involvement in the attack and confirmed American and Iranian negotiators will meet in Oman on 15 June 2025 for the sixth round of nuclear programme talks.Top Iranian military and nuclear figures killed, including IRGC commander Hossein Salami, armed forces chief Mohammad Bagheri, and six nuclear scientists such as Fereydoon Abbasi and Mohammad Mahdi Tehranchi.

 

2. Jacinda Ardern Releases Memoir ‘A Different Kind of Power’: Jacinda Ardern, former Prime Minister of New Zealand, has released her memoir titled “A Different Kind of Power”, reflecting on her journey from a small-town upbringing to global leadership while balancing motherhood, crises, and personal burnout.In the book, she candidly explains her resignation in January 2023, revealing that it stemmed from both exhaustion and a belief that her departure might lead to a less polarized, calmer New Zealand and better electoral prospects for her party.

 

3. 13 June – International Albinism Awareness Day: International Albinism Awareness Day (IAAD) is observed every year on 13th June to raise global awareness about albinism — a rare, genetically inherited condition that affects the production of melanin in the skin, hair, and eyes.

Theme 2025 – Demanding our rights: Protect our skin, Preserve our lives.The day is also dedicated to promoting the human rights and dignity of people with albinism worldwide.The United Nations officially declared June 13 as International Albinism Awareness Day in 2014, through a resolution adopted by the UN General Assembly.

 

4. 15 June – World Wind Day: World Wind Day is observed every year on 15th June to raise global awareness about wind energy and its potential to power a cleaner, more sustainable future.Theme 2025 – Day of Community ActionThe event is coordinated by WindEurope and the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) to educatethe public and advocate for supportive wind energy policies.It highlights how wind power can reduce dependence on fossil fuels, cut greenhouse gas emissions, and create sustainable green jobs aligned with global climate goals like Net Zero.

 

5. 15 June – World Elder Abuse Awareness Day: World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) is observed every year on June 15th to raise global awareness about the abuse, neglect, and exploitation faced by older persons.Theme 2025 –Addressing Abuse of Older Adults in Long Term Care Facilities: Through Data and ActionThe day was officially recognised by the United Nations General Assembly in 2011, following its initiation by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (INPEA) in 2006.

 

6. 15 June 2025 – Father’s Day : Father’s Day is a global celebration held every year on the third Sunday of June to honor and appreciate fathers, father figures, and the role of paternal bonds in families and society. In 2025, Father’s Day falls on 15 June.The celebration originated in the United States in the early 20th century, with Sonora Smart Dodd of Washington credited as one of the first people to campaign for such a day in 1910.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. Shipki La Pass: Himachal Pradesh opened the Shipki La Pass to domestic tourists. This pass, located at an altitude of 3,930 metres in Kinnaur district, aims to boost border tourism and revive India-China trade. The initiative was launched by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu. It also serves as a potential route for the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra, pilgrimage for many. The opening of Shipki La marks a very important moment for the local economy and cultural exchange. Shipki La has a rich history as a trade corridor between India and Tibet. It facilitated the exchange of various goods, including agricultural tools and textiles from India and wool and herbal medicines from Tibet. The pass was historically important for trade relations, especially before the 1962 India-China war when trade was disrupted.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. DGT and Shell India Collaborate to Launch Nationwide Green Skills and EV Training Initiative: The Directorate General of Training (DGT), under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, in partnership with Shell India and Edunet Foundation, launched a structured green energy and electric vehicle (EV) training program across select NSTIs and ITIs in Delhi-NCR, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka.The program features a 240-hour advanced EV Technician course, a 90-hour job-oriented course, and a 50-hour foundational module. It includes hands-on training through specialised EV skill labs, joint certification by Shell and DGT, and Training of Trainers (ToT) for over 250 instructors.This initiative aligns with India’s net-zero goals and schemes like FAME by building a future-ready, climate-conscious workforce. It enhances employability through structured placement support and equips youth to lead in the green economy through practical, industry-relevant skilling.

 

2. Quantum Secure Communication: Recent advancements in quantum secure communication have marked milestone in data transmission security. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi have successfully tested this technology over a free-space optical link. This breakthrough promises to revolutionise secure communications, particularly in military and national security contexts. Quantum secure communication is a method of transmitting information that is theoretically immune to hacking. It leverages the principles of quantum physics, particularly quantum entanglement. In this process, two particles remain linked regardless of the distance between them. Any attempt to intercept the communication alters the quantum state, alerting both the sender and receiver.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. RBI allows KYC updation for low-risk customers till 30 June 2026: RBI has directed all regulated entities to continue processing transactions for low-risk individual customers, but they must ensure KYC details are updated by 30 June 2026 or within one year of due date, whichever is later, especially for accounts linked to DBT, PMJDY, and scholarship schemes.To ensure timely KYC updates, banks must send at least three advance and three post-due reminders, including one by physical letter, and are encouraged to organise special KYC camps in rural and semi-urban areas with high pendency.RBI has permitted the use of Business Correspondents (BCs) to help with KYC updates and activation of inoperative accounts, with provisions for self-declaration in cases where only address or no changes are involved.To enhance ease for customers, banks are advised to expand facilities for KYC updation at all branches (including non-home branches) and through Video-Customer Identification Process (V-CIP), with a deadline for full implementation before January 1, 2026.

 

2. RBI allows trading of state govt securities in STRIPS: RBI has allowed state government securities to be traded in STRIPS format (Separate Trading of Registered Interest and Principal of Securities), enabling traders to separate and trade principal and interest components of bonds individually.This move comes after consultation with state governments, Union Territories, and market participants, aiming to deepen the bond market and enhance liquidity in state government securities.While STRIPS trading in eligible central government securities has been allowed since April 2010, this is the first time it’s being extended to state-level securities.Only fixed-coupon state government bonds with a residual maturity of up to 14 years and a minimum outstanding amount of ₹1,000 crore — and that qualify for Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR) — are eligible for STRIPS.

 

3. Scapia & Federal Bank Launch Dual-Network RuPay Credit Card with Zero Forex Markup and UPI Integration: Scapia, in partnership with Federal Bank, has launched the Scapia Federal RuPay Credit Card, a dual-network card offering both Visa and RuPay functionality for online, offline, UPI, and international transactions with a single credit card statement.The card offers zero forex markup on international transactions and includes unlimited domestic airport lounge access, along with complimentary dining, shopping, and spa benefits at airports.Users can earn Scapia Coins as rewards on eligible transactions and access exclusive travel benefits through the Scapia app, which has recently enhanced its features with student/senior fare customisation and improved hotel booking tools.Founded in 2022, the Bengaluru-based fintech raised $40 million in Series B funding (April 2025) and has continued to innovate after previously launching a Visa-only card in 2023. The new dual-network card can now be used in over 150 countries.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Javed Akhtar honoured with Dostoevsky Star Award for his influence on ‘cultural dialogue’.: Lyricist and writer Javed Akhtar has been awarded the prestigious Dostoevsky Star Award. Javed was chosen for the honour in ‘recognition of his remarkable influence on cultural heritage and literary dialogue.’Considered as one of the greatest screenwriters in the history of Hindi Cinema, Javed has won numerous awards in the course of his decades-long career as a lyricist, poet and screenwriter. He has won five National Film Awards for Best Lyrics.He was also honoured by the Padma Shri by the Government of India in 1999, and the Padma Bhushan in 2007. He went on to win India’s second-highest literary honour- the Sahitya Akademi Award in Urdu for his poetry collection Lava.He is also the only Indian to receive the prestigious Richard Dawkins award, in 2020.

 

2. Dr. Sonal Mansingh Honoured with Srimanta Sankardeva Award for Cultural Contributions in Assam: Sonal Mansingh, a renowned Indian classical dancer and cultural icon, was conferred the Srimanta Sankardeva Award by the Government of Assam in a prestigious ceremony held at Srimanta Sankardeva Kalakshetra, Guwahati, for her exemplary contribution to Indian art and culture.Dr Sonal Mansingh was honoured for her immense contribution to Indian classical dance, social reform and for cultural advocacy.The Srimanta Sankardeva Award, named after the 15th-century saint-reformer, is among Assam’s highest cultural honours and is awarded to individuals who embody Sankardeva’s values of unity, inclusivity, and cultural integrity through their societal contributions.

 

Daily GK Update- 14th June, 2025

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. CCEA Approves ₹6,405 Crore Railway Doubling Projects to Boost Connectivity Across Jharkhand, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by PM Narendra Modi, approved two key multi-tracking railway projects worth ₹6,405 crore, under the Ministry of Railways to boost rail infrastructure.The projects include the Koderma–Barkakana doubling (133 km) in Jharkhand and the Ballari–Chikjajur doubling (185 km), spanning parts of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, aimed at improving connectivity, especially for coal and freight movement.Together covering 318 km across 7 districts, the projects will enhance line capacity, ease congestion, and benefit 1,408 villages with a population of over 28 lakh, enabling smoother freight and passenger services.These projects, part of the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, are expected to handle 49 million tonnes of additional freight per year and ensure seamless multimodal connectivity across regions.

 

2. DGT and Shell India Collaborate to Launch Nationwide Green Skills and EV Training Initiative: The Directorate General of Training (DGT), under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, in partnership with Shell India and Edunet Foundation, launched a structured green energy and electric vehicle (EV) training program across select NSTIs and ITIs in Delhi-NCR, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka.The program features a 240-hour advanced EV Technician course, a 90-hour job-oriented course, and a 50-hour foundational module. It includes hands-on training through specialised EV skill labs, joint certification by Shell and DGT, and Training of Trainers (ToT) for over 250 instructors.This initiative aligns with India’s net-zero goals and schemes like FAME by building a future-ready, climate-conscious workforce. It enhances employability through structured placement support and equips youth to lead in the green economy through practical, industry-relevant skilling.

 

3. Jacinda Ardern Releases Memoir ‘A Different Kind of Power’: Jacinda Ardern, former Prime Minister of New Zealand, has released her memoir titled “A Different Kind of Power”, reflecting on her journey from a small-town upbringing to global leadership while balancing motherhood, crises, and personal burnout.In the book, she candidly explains her resignation in January 2023, revealing that it stemmed from both exhaustion and a belief that her departure might lead to a less polarized, calmer New Zealand and better electoral prospects for her party.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Israel Launches ‘Operation Rising Lion’ Striking Iran’s Nuclear Sites: Israel launched “Operation Rising Lion” on 13 June 2025, targeting over 100 Iranian nuclear and military sites, including the Natanz nuclear facility; Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared a national emergency fearing Iranian retaliation.The U.S. denied involvement in the attack and confirmed American and Iranian negotiators will meet in Oman on 15 June 2025 for the sixth round of nuclear programme talks.Top Iranian military and nuclear figures killed, including IRGC commander Hossein Salami, armed forces chief Mohammad Bagheri, and six nuclear scientists such as Fereydoon Abbasi and Mohammad Mahdi Tehranchi.

 

2. 13 June – International Albinism Awareness Day: International Albinism Awareness Day (IAAD) is observed every year on 13th June to raise global awareness about albinism — a rare, genetically inherited condition that affects the production of melanin in the skin, hair, and eyes.

Theme 2025 – Demanding our rights: Protect our skin, Preserve our lives.The day is also dedicated to promoting the human rights and dignity of people with albinism worldwide.The United Nations officially declared June 13 as International Albinism Awareness Day in 2014, through a resolution adopted by the UN General Assembly.

 

3. 14 June – World Blood Donor Day: World Blood Donor Day is observed annually on 14 June to raise awareness about the importance of safe blood donation and to thank voluntary, unpaid blood donors for their life-saving contributions.Theme 2025 – Give blood, give hope: together we save livesThe date commemorates the birth anniversary of Karl Landsteiner, the Nobel Prize-winning scientist who discovered the ABO blood group system.

 

4. 15 June – World Wind Day: World Wind Day is observed every year on 15th June to raise global awareness about wind energy and its potential to power a cleaner, more sustainable future.Theme 2025 – Day of Community ActionThe event is coordinated by WindEurope and the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) to educate the public and advocate for supportive wind energy policies.It highlights how wind power can reduce dependence on fossil fuels, cut greenhouse gas emissions, and create sustainable green jobs aligned with global climate goals like Net Zero.

 

5. 15 June – World Elder Abuse Awareness Day: World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) is observed every year on June 15th to raise global awareness about the abuse, neglect, and exploitation faced by older persons.Theme 2025 –Addressing Abuse of Older Adults in Long Term Care Facilities: Through Data and ActionThe day was officially recognised by the United Nations General Assembly in 2011, following its initiation by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (INPEA) in 2006.

 

6. 15 June 2025 – Father’s Day: Father’s Day is a global celebration held every year on the third Sunday of June to honor and appreciate fathers, father figures, and the role of paternal bonds in families and society. In 2025, Father’s Day falls on 15 June.The celebration originated in the United States in the early 20th century, with Sonora Smart Dodd of Washington credited as one of the first people to campaign for such a day in 1910.

 

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. Rudrastra Advanced Hybrid VTOL Drone: The Rudrastra drone represents advancement in India’s military technology. Developed by Solar Aerospace and Defence Limited, it was recently tested by the Indian Army, marking a very important moment in unmanned aerial warfare. This drone combines vertical take-off and landing capabilities with long-range precision strike capabilities. Rudrastra is a hybrid drone designed for battlefield operations. It can take off like a helicopter and fly long distances like a jet. This versatility makes it difficult to detect. The drone is engineered for anti-personnel roles, targeting enemy soldiers with high accuracy.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. What is AviList?: AviList, launched on June 12, 2025, serves as the first unified global checklist of bird species. This initiative followed four years of collaborative work by the Working Group on Avian Checklists. The checklist replaces previous lists, including the International Ornithological Committee and Clements lists. It aims to provide clarity and consistency in avian taxonomy, crucial for conservation efforts. AviList compiles a comprehensive list of 11,131 bird species, 19,879 subspecies, 2,376 genera, 252 families, and 46 orders. This extensive classification reflects a global consensus on avian taxonomy. The checklist is published by BirdLife International and is available for free download.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. RBI allows KYC updation for low-risk customers till 30 June 2026: RBI has directed all regulated entities to continue processing transactions for low-risk individual customers, but they must ensure KYC details are updated by 30 June 2026 or within one year of due date, whichever is later, especially for accounts linked to DBT, PMJDY, and scholarship schemes.To ensure timely KYC updates, banks must send at least three advance and three post-due reminders, including one by physical letter, and are encouraged to organise special KYC camps in rural and semi-urban areas with high pendency.RBI has permitted the use of Business Correspondents (BCs) to help with KYC updates and activation of inoperative accounts, with provisions for self-declaration in cases where only address or no changes are involved.To enhance ease for customers, banks are advised to expand facilities for KYC updation at all branches (including non-home branches) and through Video-Customer Identification Process (V-CIP), with a deadline for full implementation before January 1, 2026.

 

2. RBI allows trading of state govt securities in STRIPS: RBI has allowed state government securities to be traded in STRIPS format (Separate Trading of Registered Interest and Principal of Securities), enabling traders to separate and trade principal and interest components of bonds individually.This move comes after consultation with state governments, Union Territories, and market participants, aiming to deepen the bond market and enhance liquidity in state government securities.While STRIPS trading in eligible central government securities has been allowed since April 2010, this is the first time it’s being extended to state-level securities.Only fixed-coupon state government bonds with a residual maturity of up to 14 years and a minimum outstanding amount of ₹1,000 crore — and that qualify for Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR) — are eligible for STRIPS.

 

3. Scapia & Federal Bank Launch Dual-Network RuPay Credit Card with Zero Forex Markup and UPI Integration: Scapia, in partnership with Federal Bank, has launched the Scapia Federal RuPay Credit Card, a dual-network card offering both Visa and RuPay functionality for online, offline, UPI, and international transactions with a single credit card statement.The card offers zero forex markup on international transactions and includes unlimited domestic airport lounge access, along with complimentary dining, shopping, and spa benefits at airports.Users can earn Scapia Coins as rewards on eligible transactions and access exclusive travel benefits through the Scapia app, which has recently enhanced its features with student/senior fare customisation and improved hotel booking tools.Founded in 2022, the Bengaluru-based fintech raised $40 million in Series B funding (April 2025) and has continued to innovate after previously launching a Visa-only card in 2023. The new dual-network card can now be used in over 150 countries.

 

4. Tata Asset Management Launches Unified Investment App Offering One-Stop Portfolio Tracking and Smart Financial Insights: Tata Asset Management has launched a new mobile app providing a unified view of investors’ financial portfolios, integrating mutual funds, equities, and bank holdings in one dashboard.The app aims to simplify the investment journey with end-to-end support — from onboarding to planning, investing, and tracking — under the theme “One App. One View. Infinite Opportunities.”It offers features like personalised insights, smart tools, and seamless tracking to help users make informed decisions and gain better control over their financial assets.Established in 1994, Tata Asset Management manages Tata Mutual Fund, which currently serves over 59 lakh folios as of April 30, 2025, across equity, debt, and hybrid categories.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Javed Akhtar honoured with Dostoevsky Star Award for his influence on ‘cultural dialogue’.: Lyricist and writer Javed Akhtar has been awarded the prestigious Dostoevsky Star Award. Javed was chosen for the honour in ‘recognition of his remarkable influence on cultural heritage and literary dialogue.’Considered as one of the greatest screenwriters in the history of Hindi Cinema, Javed has won numerous awards in the course of his decades-long career as a lyricist, poet and screenwriter. He has won five National Film Awards for Best Lyrics.He was also honoured by the Padma Shri by the Government of India in 1999, and the Padma Bhushan in 2007. He went on to win India’s second-highest literary honour- the Sahitya Akademi Award in Urdu for his poetry collection Lava.He is also the only Indian to receive the prestigious Richard Dawkins award, in 2020.

 

2. Dr. Sonal Mansingh Honoured with Srimanta Sankardeva Award for Cultural Contributions in Assam: Sonal Mansingh, a renowned Indian classical dancer and cultural icon, was conferred the Srimanta Sankardeva Award by the Government of Assam in a prestigious ceremony held at Srimanta Sankardeva Kalakshetra, Guwahati, for her exemplary contribution to Indian art and culture.Dr Sonal Mansingh was honoured for her immense contribution to Indian classical dance, social reform and for cultural advocacy.The Srimanta Sankardeva Award, named after the 15th-century saint-reformer, is among Assam’s highest cultural honours and is awarded to individuals who embody Sankardeva’s values of unity, inclusivity, and cultural integrity through their societal contributions.

 

Daily GK Update- 13th June, 2025

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Goan Feni Secures GI Tag: First-of-its-Kind Recognition for India’s Iconic Local Spirit: Ozzo Feni, produced by Cazcar Distillery in Nanora village, has become the first-ever feni to receive a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, officially recognizing it as a unique product of Goa, thereby protecting it from imitation and boosting its market value.Feni is a centuries-old Goan spirit made from cashew apples or coconut sap, introduced by Portuguese missionaries in the 1600s. Traditional distillation methods used by bhatikars have now evolved into modern copper pot techniques.The GI tag places Goan feni in the league of global spirits like Scotch whisky and Champagne, with strict adherence to sourcing from Goa and production in certified equipment like stainless steel, copper, or glass, enhancing its domestic and international identity.

 

2. Punjab Government Launches ‘FastTrack Punjab Portal’ to Accelerate Industrial Approvals and Boost Ease of Doing Business: Punjab Government launched the FastTrack Punjab Portal to streamline industrial approvals and reduce bureaucratic delays, ensuring investors get time-bound clearances with a guaranteed approval timeline of 45 days. If missed, deemed approval is automatically granted.The portal features a strong accountability mechanism, where delays are escalated to the Chief Secretary and trigger internal inquiries against responsible officials.The portal offers a Single-Window Clearance System, integrated with the Invest Punjab Portal, to issue statutory approvals like CLU, fire safety, forest, and pollution certificates within 15 days using just one stamp paper.Key reforms include self-certification for compliance, coverage of investments up to ₹125 crore under the expanded Right to Business Act, and the disbursal of ₹150 crore in industrial incentives since April 2025, with a target of ₹250 crore by June 2025.

 

3. Dept of Posts introduces ‘Gyan Post’ to deliver educational books at affordable rates: The Department of Posts has launched ‘Gyan Post’, a dedicated postal service aimed at delivering educational, cultural, social, and religious books at affordable rates, supporting the objectives of the New Education Policy (NEP).Gyan Post ensures nationwide accessibility, including rural and remote areas, with charges starting from ₹20 for up to 300 grams and going up to ₹100 for up to 5 kilograms, excluding taxes.The service includes a tracking facility for transparency and is available at all post offices across India; for more details, customers  or contact their nearest post office.

 

4. SCCL Signs MoU with IMMT to Explore Rare Earth Elements and Enter Critical Minerals Sector: Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) has signed an MoU with the Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology (IMMT), Bhubaneswar to explore and produce critical minerals found in Singareni mines using advanced and eco-friendly technologies.This MoU marks SCCL’s formal entry into the critical minerals sector, with a focus on extracting rare earth elements (REEs) like lanthanum, cerium, yttrium, and dysprosium from both open-cast mines and fly ash from its thermal power plant.Preliminary surveys by SCCL and Geological Survey of India (GSI) confirm the presence of REEs in Durgam Gutta block near Manuguru, with applications in electronics, lasers, glass, magnetic materials, and various industrial uses.IMMT will provide technical expertise and ensure environmentally sustainable methods for mineral extraction, reinforcing India’s strategy for critical mineral self-reliance and clean-tech development.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India slips to 131st position in Global Gender Gap Index 2025: India ranked 131st out of 148 countries in the Global Gender Gap Index 2025, slipping from its previous rank of 127 in 2024, according to the World Economic Forum (WEF) report.The ranking reflects a decline in gender parity across key areas like economic participation, educational attainment, health and survival, and political empowerment.Despite progress in female political representation, India continues to face wide gaps in labour force participation, wage equality, and access to leadership roles for women.The report noted that India’s gender gap in economic participation and opportunity remains one of the widest globally, dragging down its overall score.Iceland topped the index for the 15th consecutive year, followed by countries like Finland, Norway, and New Zealand, while India lags behind neighbours like Bangladesh (24th), Bhutan (119th), Nepal (125th) and Sri Lanka (130th).

 

2. 12 June – World Day Against Child Labour: World Day Against Child Labour is observed every year on 12 June to raise awareness about the global issue of child labour and to encourage efforts to eliminate it in all forms.The day was launched by the International Labour Organization (ILO) in 2002 to highlight the plight of millions of children forced into labour and to push for international commitment and action.Theme 2025 – Progress is clear, but there’s more to do: let’s speed up efforts

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. First Indian & US Special Forces Exercise ‘Tiger Claw’ Concludes: The first-ever joint military exercise “Tiger Claw” between the Indian Air Force’s Special Forces (Garud) and the United States Air Force Special Forces was held across North India concluding at the Garud Regimental Training Centre.The Tiger Claw exercise marks the first collaboration between the Air Forces’ Special Forces of India and the U.S., aimed at enhancing interoperability, sharing best practices in Special Operations, and strengthening bilateral military ties.India and the U.S. already conduct other bilateral Special Forces exercises such as Vajra Prahar (Indian Army & U.S. Army) and Sangam (Indian Navy MARCOs & U.S. Navy SEALs); Tiger Claw adds the Air Force Special Forces dimension to this growing defence cooperation.

 

2. France to Host 8th Edition of Indo-French Military Exercise ‘Shakti’ at La Cavalerie: France will host the 8th edition of the India-France joint military exercise “Shakti” from 18 June to 1 July 2025 at La Cavalerie. The 7th edition was held in Umroi, Meghalaya (India) in May 2024.Exercise Shakti, launched in 2011, is a biennial exercise alternately hosted by both nations. It aims to enhance interoperability and joint capability in sub-conventional operations like counter-terrorism.The joint exercise will strengthen cooperation between Indian and French armies, promoting multi-domain operational coordination and deepening military diplomacy between the two countries.

 

SPORTS 

 

1. Portugal beats Spain to win the 2024/25 UEFA Nations League Title: Portugal won their second UEFA Nations League title by defeating Spain in a thrilling final held at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, via a dramatic 5-3 penalty shootout after a 2-2 draw in regular and extra time.Cristiano Ronaldo set a new world record by becoming the oldest player to score a goal in an international men’s football match, scoring in both the semi-final against Germany and the final against Spain.Portugal reached the final after beating host nation Germany 2-1, while Spain thrashed France 5-1 in the other semi-final to set up a clash of former UEFA Nations League champions.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. India Hosts ITU FG-AINN Meeting to Advance AI-Native Telecom Networks: India hosted the 3rd meeting of the ITU-T Focus Group on AI-Native for Telecommunication Networks (FG-AINN) in New Delhi, marking a key step in advancing AI-native telecom infrastructures globally.The event was organized by the Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC), the technical arm of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), in collaboration with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).India used the platform to seek support for its bid to host the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference 2030 (PP-30), continue as a member of the ITU Council (2027–2031), and back Ms. M. Revathi as the first woman and regional candidate for Director of ITU Radiocommunication Bureau (2027–30).The FG-AINN, established by ITU-T Study Group 13 in July 2024, focuses on redefining network architecture to be AI-native, aiming to revolutionize the telecom landscape with smarter, more adaptive communication networks.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Sebi mandates verified ‘@valid’ UPI handles to tackle payment fraud: To curb payment fraud and impersonation, SEBI has mandated the use of verified ‘@valid’ UPI handles for all registered intermediaries like brokers, mutual funds, and investment advisors, effective October 1, 2025.Verified UPI handles (e.g., abc.bkr@validhdfc, xyz.mf@validhdfc) will feature a green ‘thumbs up’ icon for easy visual authentication, especially helping non-English speaking investors identify genuine payment accounts.Only banks can issue ‘@valid’ UPI IDs after verifying intermediaries via SEBI’s portal, ensuring that only authorized entities can receive investor funds; this shift will affect 8,000–9,000 intermediaries.Existing SIPs remain unaffected, but new investments must use the ‘@valid’ UPI handles. SEBI will also launch a 2-year investor awareness campaign and introduce a ‘SEBI Check’ tool to verify UPI IDs and bank details of intermediaries.

 

2. DFCC Bank’s Green Bond Debut: First Foreign Corporate Issuer at GIFT IFSC: Sri Lanka’s DFCC Bank PLC became the first foreign corporate to list green bonds on the NSE International Exchange (NSE IX) at GIFT IFSC, with a value of LKR 2.5 billion, aimed at financing solar energy projects.These bonds represent Sri Lanka’s first capital market debt instruments exclusively dedicated to renewable energy, supporting the country’s ambitious target of generating 70% of electricity from renewable sources by 2030.The listing aligns with the IFSCA’s vision to develop GIFT IFSC as a global hub for green and sustainable finance, particularly benefiting the Global South in addressing climate goals.NSE IX, launched in 2017, holds over 99% market share in GIFT IFSC, and this landmark issuance highlights its growing role in hosting innovative financial products from both domestic and international players.

 

3. Retail Inflation Drops to 2.82% in May, Lowest Since Feb 2019: India’s retail inflation fell to 82% in May 2025, down from 3.16% in April, marking the lowest year-on-year inflation rate since February 2019, mainly due to easing food prices.Food inflation dropped significantly to 0.99%, the lowest since October 2021, with rural food inflation at 0.95% (down from 1.85%) and urban food inflation at 0.96% (down from 1.64%).The decline in overall inflation was largely driven by reduced price pressures on pulses, vegetables, fruits, cereals, sugar, eggs, and household goods, coupled with a favourable base effect, as per the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation.