Daily GK Update- 20th June, 2025

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. 2.35 lakh houses approved under PMAY-Urban 2.0 in third CSMC meeting: The Central Sanctioning and Monitoring Committee (CSMC) has approved the construction of 2,34,864 houses under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Urban 2.0 (PMAY-U 2.0). The meeting was chaired by Srinivas Katikithala, Secretary, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA).These houses have been sanctioned across 9 states—Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh—under the Beneficiary Led Construction (BLC) and Affordable Housing in Partnership (AHP) components.With this new approval, the total sanctioned houses under PMAY-U 2.0 has reached 7,09,979, contributing to the government’s larger target of housing for all in urban areas.The scheme continues to promote women’s empowerment and inclusivity, with over 1.25 lakh houses sanctioned in the name of women, including single women and widows. Additionally, 44 houses have been approved for transgender persons.

 

2. Professor Anantha Chandrakasan Becomes First Indian-American Provost of MIT: Professor Anantha Chandrakasan has been appointed as the first Indian-American Provost of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). He will officially take charge from July 1, succeeding Cynthia Barnhart, who resigned earlier this year.Born in Chennai and later moving to the U.S., Chandrakasan earned his B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences from UC Berkeley, and has held several key roles at MIT, including Dean of the School of Engineering since 2017.He has launched notable academic programs such as SuperUROP, Rising Stars for women, Postdoc6, and StartMIT, and leads a research group focused on energy-efficient circuits, secure hardware, and biomedical electronics.An IEEE Fellow and member of the National Academy of Engineering, he has received multiple prestigious awards, including the IEEE Donald O. Pederson Award, SIA University Researcher Award, and UC Berkeley EE Distinguished Alumni Award.

 

3. Sivasubramanian Ramann assumes charge as the Chairperson, PFRDA: Sivasubramanian Ramann has officially assumed charge as the new Chairperson of the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) for a term of five years or until the age of 65, whichever comes earlier. He succeeds Deepak Mohanty, who was appointed in March 2023.An officer of the Indian Audit and Accounts Service (IA&AS), 1991 batch, Ramann brings extensive experience in public finance, regulation, and technology, having held top positions at SIDBI, SEBI, NeSL, and the CAG of India.As PFRDA chief, he will work towards strengthening India’s pension system, addressing the challenge of low retirement savings in India—only 5.7% of household assets are currently allocated to provident and pension funds.

 

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Four Indian universities make to global top 100 in THE Impact rankings 2025: Four Indian universities have secured places in the Top 100 of the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings 2025, which assess global institutions on their contributions to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, ranked 41st, and Lovely Professional University (LPU), ranked 48th, are the only two Indian institutions to make it to the top 50 globally.Other Indian universities in the top 100 include JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research and Shoolini University, both ranked 96th.The rankings evaluate universities on parameters like research, outreach, and campus operations across SDGs such as climate action, clean energy, quality education, and gender equality.Amrita scored a perfect 100 in lifelong learning and water sustainability, while LPU ranked 5th globally for clean energy, 6th for sustainable cities, and 8th for zero hunger.

 

2. Sampath Kumar Becomes First Indian MD of Nippon Koei India: Sampath Kumar has been appointed as the Managing Director of Nippon Koei India (NKI), becoming the first Indian to hold this position at the wholly-owned subsidiary of Japan’s ID&E Holdings.Katsuya Fukasaku, the outgoing Managing Director, will now take over as Chairman of the company, as part of the leadership transition plan.With this appointment, NKI aims to expand its footprint across India, West Asia, and the Asia-Pacific region, leveraging Sampath Kumar’s 35+ years of experience in civil engineering and IT consultancy; he is an alumnus of IIT-BHU.

 

3. 20 June – World Refugee Day: World Refugee Day is observed every year on June 20 to raise awareness about the struggles faced by refugees globally and to promote empathy, inclusion, and support in host societies.Theme 2025 – For a World Where Refugees Are WelcomedRefugees are individuals who are forced to flee their homes due to conflict, persecution, violence, or human rights violations, often leaving behind everything they know in search of safety and dignity.

 

4. 19 June – International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict: Observed annually on 19 June, this day aims to raise awareness about sexual violence used as a tactic of war and terrorism, and to honour the survivors and those working to end such crimes.The day recognises the long-term impact of sexual violence in conflict, including trauma, stigma, displacement, and the breakdown of families and communities.The United Nations established this day in 2015, marking 19 June 2008, when the UN Security Council adopted Resolution 1820, which acknowledged sexual violence as a threat to international peace and security.

 

5. 19 June – World Kidney Cancer Day: World Kidney Cancer Day is observed every year on 19 June to raise global awareness about kidney cancer, its prevention, early detection, and available treatments.This day serves as a platform to educate people about the risk factors associated with kidney cancer, such as smoking, obesity, high blood pressure, and genetic predisposition.Theme 2025- Show Your Kidneys Some LoveWorld Kidney Cancer Day 2025 focuses on empowering patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals with the latest knowledge, promoting early diagnosis and better treatment outcomes.

 

6. 19 June – World Sauntering Day: World Sauntering Day is observed every year on 19th June to remind people to slow down, relax, and enjoy life at a leisurely pace, rather than rushing through it.The day was created in the 1970s by W.T. Rabe, reportedly as a light-hearted response to the growing popularity of jogging and the fast-paced lifestyle. It encourages people to appreciate the small joys of life — like walking slowly, observing nature, and spending mindful time with loved ones.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. INS Arnala Commissioned into Indian Navy, Boosting Coastal Defence and ASW Capabilities: INS Arnala, the first Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC), was commissioned into the Indian Navy’s Eastern Naval Command at Naval Dockyard, Visakhapatnam, in the presence of Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Anil Chauhan.Built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) in collaboration with Larsen & Toubro Shipbuilding, INS Arnala is designed for multiple roles, including sub-surface surveillance, search and rescue missions, and low-intensity maritime operations (LIMO).With a length of 77 meters and a displacement of over 1,490 tonnes, it is the largest Indian Navy warship to use a Diesel Engine-Waterjet propulsion system, making it fast, agile, and efficient in shallow waters.Named after the historic Arnala Fort off the coast of Maharashtra, the ship’s induction signifies a strategic boost in India’s coastal defense and anti-submarine warfare capabilities, aligning with future maritime force objectives.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Delhi Gets Green Light for First-Ever Artificial Rain Pilot Project to Combat Air Pollution:Delhi has received official approval for its first-ever artificial rain (cloud seeding) pilot project, aimed at combating severe air pollution and managing weather conditions in the national capital.The project is being spearheaded by the Delhi government in collaboration with IIT Kanpur, leveraging scientific techniques to artificially induce rainfall using cloud seeding methods.The primary objective is to reduce toxic air pollution levels, especially during the winter months when smog and PM2.5 levels reach hazardous limits.Aircraft will be used to spray silver iodide or other cloud-seeding agents into moisture-laden clouds to trigger rainfall under suitable weather conditions.The pilot is expected to be conducted in late 2025, subject to cloud availability and meteorological approvals, marking a technological milestone in India’s environmental management efforts.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. India and Cyprus Sign MoU to Launch UPI Services, Boosting Cross-Border Digital Payments: India and Cyprus signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enable the introduction of UPI services in Cyprus, developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).The MoU aims to facilitate real-time international digital payments via NPCI’s UPI platform, making transactions easier for tourists, businesses, and the Indian diaspora.This move is part of India’s broader vision to globalize NPCI’s UPI services, following similar agreements with countries like France, UAE, Singapore, and Sri Lanka.The agreement also focuses on strengthening cybersecurity and regulatory collaboration between NPCI and financial authorities in Cyprus to ensure safe digital payments.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. India Post Payments Bank Bags Digital Payments Award 2024–25 for Excellence in Financial Inclusion: India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) has been awarded the Digital Payments Award 2024–25 by the Department of Financial Services (DFS), Ministry of Finance, for its exceptional efforts in promoting digital payments and financial inclusion nationwide.IPPB secured the 1st position among all Payments Banks in India in the Performance Index for FY 2024–25 and also received a ‘Special Mention’ Award for FY 2023–24, recognizing consistent excellence.IPPB is a 100% Government of India-owned entity, operating under the Department of Posts, Ministry of Communications, and was launched on September 1, 2018, with the mission to serve every Indian with secure, accessible, and affordable banking services.The award highlights IPPB’s critical role in bridging the digital divide and reaching underserved sections of the population through a wide network of post offices and digital payment solutions.

 

2. ‘Desi Oon’ Puts Indian Animation on Global Map with Historic Win at Annecy Festival 2025: ‘Desi Oon’, an animated film by renowned Indian filmmaker Suresh Eriyat, won the Jury Award for Best Commissioned Film at the prestigious Annecy International Animation Festival 2025 in France — a historic moment that spotlighted Indian animation on the global stage.The film emerged from the Create in India Challenge, an initiative by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting under WAVES 2025, aimed at promoting India’s AVGC-XR ecosystem (Animation, VFX, Gaming, Comics & Extended Reality) and drawing participation from over 60 countries.In addition to the Annecy win, ‘Desi Oon’ was also awarded Best Film at the WAVES Awards of Excellence 2025, shortlisted at Cannes Lions 2025, and selected for archival at MoMA, New York through the AICP Show Winner 2025 honour.The film, produced by Studio Eeksaurus, has also secured major creative awards including 2 Blue Elephants & 1 Baby Black Elephant at the Kyoorius Creative Awards, and a D&AD Wooden Pencil for global design excellence — marking a new era for Indian animation internationally.

 

Daily GK Update- 19th June, 2025

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. MoTA Launches Largest Tribal Empowerment Campaign – DhartiAaba Janbhagidari Abhiyan : The Ministry of Tribal Affairs launched Dharti Aaba Janbhagidari Abhiyan (June 15–30), India’s biggest benefit saturation campaign covering over 1 lakh villages across 549 tribal-dominated and 207 PVTG districts, aimed at inclusive development and empowerment of tribal communities.As part of Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh, the initiative ensures doorstep access to services like Aadhaar, Ayushman Bharat, Jan Dhan, PM-Kisan, pensions, scholarships, and skill training through benefit saturation camps under a synchronized multi-ministerial effort.Termed a “historic step” by Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram, the campaign emphasizes Janbhagidari (people’s participation) and operates within the framework of PM-JANMAN and DAJGUA, with over 125 District Magistrates actively mobilizing tribal leaders and local bodies.

 

2. Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw inaugurates India’s largest Gatishakti Cargo Terminal in Manesar: India’s largest automobile Gati Shakti Cargo Terminal was inaugurated by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw at Maruti Suzuki’s Manesar plant, connected via a ₹800 crore, 10-km dedicated rail link forming part of the 121.7 km Haryana Orbital Rail Corridor.The terminal can handle up to 4.5 lakh vehicles annually, significantly boosting automobile logistics efficiency; HRIDC invested ₹684 crore in the project, with the rest by Maruti Suzuki.Vaishnaw highlighted major railway investments in Haryana, including ₹3,416 crore allocation this year, 100% network electrification, 34 station upgrades under the Amrit Bharat Scheme, and ₹11,800 crore worth of ongoing projects.

 

3. UIDAI Extends Free Online Aadhaar Document Update Service Till June 14, 2026 via myAadhaar Portal: Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has extended the free online document update service for Aadhaar holders till June 14, 2026, allowing users to update their Proof of Identity (PoI) and Proof of Address (PoA) on the myAadhaar portal at no cost; this extension aims to improve document hygiene and support users with changes due to events like marriage or relocation.Only PoI and PoA updates can be done online, such as name (if eligible), address, and other demographic details; for updates related to mobile number, email ID, biometrics, or photograph, users must visit an Aadhaar Seva Kendra and pay standard charges.To update online, users must log in to myAadhaar portal using Aadhaar and OTP, upload scanned documents (max 2 MB), and submit the request to receive a 14-digit Update Request Number (URN) for tracking the update status.

 

4. Bihar to Get Six New Airports Under UDAN Scheme: Six more cities in Bihar — Madhubani, Birpur (Supaul), Munger, Valmiki Nagar (Bettiah), Muzaffarpur, and Saharsa — will soon get air connectivity under the Centre’s UDAN scheme, following state cabinet approval for an MoU with the Airports Authority of India (AAI).The Bihar cabinet, led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, has authorised the state’s Directorate of Aviation to sign the agreement with AAI to develop these regional airports and improve intra-state and inter-state connectivity.A total budget of ₹150 crore has been sanctioned for this project, with ₹25 crore allocated for each airport.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Bhupendra Yadav elected President of International Big Cat Alliance: Bhupendra Yadav, Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, was unanimously elected President of the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) during its first Assembly held in New Delhi.The IBCA, launched by PM Narendra Modi on 9 April 2023 in Mysuru, is a multinational alliance comprising 95 countries and partners focused on the conservation of big cats.The alliance officially came into force on 23 January 2025, after the required number of countries ratified its framework; S.P. Yadav was elected as the first Director General of IBCA.So far, nine countries including India, Bhutan, Guinea, Liberia, and Kazakhstan have ratified the framework and attended the first Assembly, which finalized key institutional decisions such as rules of procedure and budget approval.

 

2. 16 June – International Day of Family Remittances : The International Day of Family Remittances (IDFR) is observed annually on 16th June to honour the millions of migrant workers across the globe who send money back to their families in their home countries.These remittances play a crucial role in reducing poverty, improving living standards, and boosting local economies in developing nations.Theme 2025 – Remittances Financing Development

 

3. 18 June – Autistic Pride Day: Autistic Pride Day is celebrated every year on 18 June to recognise the dignity, rights, and unique identity of people with autism.It emphasizes self-advocacy, acceptance, and the celebration of neurodiversity, shifting the focus from “curing” autism to embracing it as a different way of thinking and experiencing the world.The day was first initiated by the Aspies for Freedom (AFF) group in 2005, and has since been observed globally by autistic individuals, families, and advocacy groups. The infinity symbol with a rainbow is often used to represent the diversity of the autism spectrum.

 

4. 18 June- International Picnic Day: International Picnic Day is celebrated every year on 18 June to encourage people to step outdoors, spend quality time with family and friends, and enjoy a natural meal.Though not an officially recognised holiday by any government, it is widely observed in many parts of the world as a simple, joyful celebration of leisure and togetherness.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. Cyber Suraksha Exercise : The Defence Cyber Agency (DCA) of India initiated the ‘Cyber Suraksha’ exercise on June 16, 2025. This comprehensive cybersecurity drill is organised under the Integrated Defence Staff headquarters and will run until June 27, 2025. Aimed at enhancing national cyber resilience, the exercise involves over 100 participants from various national agencies and defence sectors. The primary goal of Cyber Suraksha is to simulate real-world cyber threats. This exercise focuses on reinforcing secure practices and evaluating the analytical and defensive skills of participants. It is structured in multiple phases, including targeted training sessions and leadership engagement. Over 100 professionals from national agencies and defence domains are participating. This diverse group includes Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs), cybersecurity experts, and defence personnel. Their collective expertise is essential for addressing the complexities of cyber threats.

 

SPORTS 

 

1. Nishant Dev wins 2nd professional fight in Super Welterweight bout in New York: Indian boxer Nishant Dev clinched his second professional win by defeating Josue Silva via unanimous decision (60-54) in a Super Welterweight bout at Madison Square Garden, New York.The 24-year-old pugilist, who made his professional debut in January 2025 with a first-round stoppage win over Alton Wiggins, continues to impress in the pro boxing circuit.Nishant rose to prominence during the 2024 Paris Olympics, where he reached the quarterfinals, narrowly losing to Mexico’s Marco Verde, showcasing his potential on the global stage.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Ola-Backed Krutrim Launches AI Assistant ‘Kruti’ with Voice, Multilingual, and Task Execution Capabilities: Krutrim, the AI unicorn backed by the Ola group, has launched an advanced agentic AI assistant named Kruti, capable of executing real-world tasks like cab booking, food ordering, bill payments, and image creation. It is available in 11+ Indian languages, supports both voice and text inputs, and remembers previous user interactions.Kruti is powered by Krutrim V2 LLM and other open-source models, offering multimodal capabilities, scalable performance, and personalization features like understanding intent, providing relevant recommendations, and adapting over time to user preferences.A developer version of Kruti will be launched soon, featuring a fully embeddable SDK that allows third-party platforms to build and deploy AI agents while offloading LLM orchestration, memory handling, and tool execution with minimal coding.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. First Abu Dhabi Bank Accelerates Digital Transformation with eMACH.ai Lending Platform for Seamless Credit Automation: First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), the UAE’s largest bank, has implemented Intellect Design Arena’s eMACH.ai Lending platform, marking a major step in its shift from manual to automated credit operations.The new system enables end-to-end automation of lending workflows, significantly improving FAB’s operational efficiency and customer experience.The eMACH.ai platform has been integrated with over ten internal subsystems within FAB, ensuring a smooth and connected credit management process.

2. SEBI approves NSE’s expiry to Tuesday, BSE to Thursday: NSE (National Stock Exchange) has received SEBI approval to shift its equity derivatives expiry day from Thursday to Tuesday, starting with contracts expiring after 1 September 2025.BSE (Bombay Stock Exchange) has also been permitted by SEBI to move its expiry day from Tuesday to Thursday, effectively swapping the expiry days with NSE for upcoming contracts.Existing contracts expiring on or before 31 August 2025 will continue with their current expiry schedules, ensuring no disruption in the near-term trading calendar.Only long-dated index options will be realigned to match the new expiry day rules; other contracts will transition smoothly post-September 2025 as per the revised schedule.

 

3. RBI Relocates Andhra Pradesh Regional Office to Vijayawada: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has relocated its Andhra Pradesh Regional Office from Hyderabad to Vijayawada, with Deputy Governor T. Rabi Sankar inaugurating the new facility.The Vijayawada office will house key departments such as the Integrated Banking Department (IBD), Financial Inclusion and Development Department (FIDD), Foreign Exchange Department (FED), and Department of Supervision (DoS), along with administrative and IT-related units.Currency management operations for Andhra Pradesh will still be handled from Hyderabad, while the new Vijayawada regional office, headed by Regional Director Attah Omar Basheer, will oversee supervisory and developmental functions.

 

Daily GK Update- 18th June, 2025

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. MoTA Launches Largest Tribal Empowerment Campaign – DhartiAaba Janbhagidari Abhiyan : The Ministry of Tribal Affairs launched Dharti Aaba Janbhagidari Abhiyan (June 15–30), India’s biggest benefit saturation campaign covering over 1 lakh villages across 549 tribal-dominated and 207 PVTG districts, aimed at inclusive development and empowerment of tribal communities.As part of Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh, the initiative ensures doorstep access to services like Aadhaar, Ayushman Bharat, Jan Dhan, PM-Kisan, pensions, scholarships, and skill training through benefit saturation camps under a synchronized multi-ministerial effort.Termed a “historic step” by Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram, the campaign emphasizes Janbhagidari (people’s participation) and operates within the framework of PM-JANMAN and DAJGUA, with over 125 District Magistrates actively mobilizing tribal leaders and local bodies.

 

2. Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw inaugurates India’s largest Gatishakti Cargo Terminal in Manesar: India’s largest automobile Gati Shakti Cargo Terminal was inaugurated by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw at Maruti Suzuki’s Manesar plant, connected via a ₹800 crore, 10-km dedicated rail link forming part of the 121.7 km Haryana Orbital Rail Corridor.The terminal can handle up to 4.5 lakh vehicles annually, significantly boosting automobile logistics efficiency; HRIDC invested ₹684 crore in the project, with the rest by Maruti Suzuki.Vaishnaw highlighted major railway investments in Haryana, including ₹3,416 crore allocation this year, 100% network electrification, 34 station upgrades under the Amrit Bharat Scheme, and ₹11,800 crore worth of ongoing projects.

 

3. UIDAI Extends Free Online Aadhaar Document Update Service Till June 14, 2026 via myAadhaar Portal: Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has extended the free online document update service for Aadhaar holders till June 14, 2026, allowing users to update their Proof of Identity (PoI) and Proof of Address (PoA) on the myAadhaar portal at no cost; this extension aims to improve document hygiene and support users with changes due to events like marriage or relocation.Only PoI and PoA updates can be done online, such as name (if eligible), address, and other demographic details; for updates related to mobile number, email ID, biometrics, or photograph, users must visit an Aadhaar Seva Kendra and pay standard charges.To update online, users must log in to myAadhaar portal using Aadhaar and OTP, upload scanned documents (max 2 MB), and submit the request to receive a 14-digit Update Request Number (URN) for tracking the update status.

 

4. Bihar to Get Six New Airports Under UDAN Scheme: Six more cities in Bihar — Madhubani, Birpur (Supaul), Munger, Valmiki Nagar (Bettiah), Muzaffarpur, and Saharsa — will soon get air connectivity under the Centre’s UDAN scheme, following state cabinet approval for an MoU with the Airports Authority of India (AAI).The Bihar cabinet, led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, has authorised the state’s Directorate of Aviation to sign the agreement with AAI to develop these regional airports and improve intra-state and inter-state connectivity.A total budget of ₹150 crore has been sanctioned for this project, with ₹25 crore allocated for each airport.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Bhupendra Yadav elected President of International Big Cat Alliance: Bhupendra Yadav, Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, was unanimously elected President of the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) during its first Assembly held in New Delhi.The IBCA, launched by PM Narendra Modi on 9 April 2023 in Mysuru, is a multinational alliance comprising 95 countries and partners focused on the conservation of big cats.The alliance officially came into force on 23 January 2025, after the required number of countries ratified its framework; S.P. Yadav was elected as the first Director General of IBCA.So far, nine countries including India, Bhutan, Guinea, Liberia, and Kazakhstan have ratified the framework and attended the first Assembly, which finalized key institutional decisions such as rules of procedure and budget approval.

 

2. 16 June – International Day of Family Remittances : The International Day of Family Remittances (IDFR) is observed annually on 16th June to honour the millions of migrant workers across the globe who send money back to their families in their home countries.These remittances play a crucial role in reducing poverty, improving living standards, and boosting local economies in developing nations.Theme 2025 – Remittances Financing Development

 

3. 18 June – Autistic Pride Day: Autistic Pride Day is celebrated every year on 18 June to recognise the dignity, rights, and unique identity of people with autism.It emphasizes self-advocacy, acceptance, and the celebration of neurodiversity, shifting the focus from “curing” autism to embracing it as a different way of thinking and experiencing the world.The day was first initiated by the Aspies for Freedom (AFF) group in 2005, and has since been observed globally by autistic individuals, families, and advocacy groups. The infinity symbol with a rainbow is often used to represent the diversity of the autism spectrum.

 

4. 18 June- International Picnic Day: International Picnic Day is celebrated every year on 18 June to encourage people to step outdoors, spend quality time with family and friends, and enjoy a natural meal.Though not an officially recognised holiday by any government, it is widely observed in many parts of the world as a simple, joyful celebration of leisure and togetherness.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. Cyber Suraksha Exercise : The Defence Cyber Agency (DCA) of India initiated the ‘Cyber Suraksha’ exercise on June 16, 2025. This comprehensive cybersecurity drill is organised under the Integrated Defence Staff headquarters and will run until June 27, 2025. Aimed at enhancing national cyber resilience, the exercise involves over 100 participants from various national agencies and defence sectors. The primary goal of Cyber Suraksha is to simulate real-world cyber threats. This exercise focuses on reinforcing secure practices and evaluating the analytical and defensive skills of participants. It is structured in multiple phases, including targeted training sessions and leadership engagement. Over 100 professionals from national agencies and defence domains are participating. This diverse group includes Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs), cybersecurity experts, and defence personnel. Their collective expertise is essential for addressing the complexities of cyber threats.

 

SPORTS 

 

1. Nishant Dev wins 2nd professional fight in Super Welterweight bout in New York: Indian boxer Nishant Dev clinched his second professional win by defeating Josue Silva via unanimous decision (60-54) in a Super Welterweight bout at Madison Square Garden, New York.The 24-year-old pugilist, who made his professional debut in January 2025 with a first-round stoppage win over Alton Wiggins, continues to impress in the pro boxing circuit.Nishant rose to prominence during the 2024 Paris Olympics, where he reached the quarterfinals, narrowly losing to Mexico’s Marco Verde, showcasing his potential on the global stage.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Ola-Backed Krutrim Launches AI Assistant ‘Kruti’ with Voice, Multilingual, and Task Execution Capabilities: Krutrim, the AI unicorn backed by the Ola group, has launched an advanced agentic AI assistant named Kruti, capable of executing real-world tasks like cab booking, food ordering, bill payments, and image creation. It is available in 11+ Indian languages, supports both voice and text inputs, and remembers previous user interactions.Kruti is powered by Krutrim V2 LLM and other open-source models, offering multimodal capabilities, scalable performance, and personalization features like understanding intent, providing relevant recommendations, and adapting over time to user preferences.A developer version of Kruti will be launched soon, featuring a fully embeddable SDK that allows third-party platforms to build and deploy AI agents while offloading LLM orchestration, memory handling, and tool execution with minimal coding.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. First Abu Dhabi Bank Accelerates Digital Transformation with eMACH.ai Lending Platform for Seamless Credit Automation: First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), the UAE’s largest bank, has implemented Intellect Design Arena’s eMACH.ai Lending platform, marking a major step in its shift from manual to automated credit operations.The new system enables end-to-end automation of lending workflows, significantly improving FAB’s operational efficiency and customer experience.The eMACH.ai platform has been integrated with over ten internal subsystems within FAB, ensuring a smooth and connected credit management process.

2. SEBI approves NSE’s expiry to Tuesday, BSE to Thursday: NSE (National Stock Exchange) has received SEBI approval to shift its equity derivatives expiry day from Thursday to Tuesday, starting with contracts expiring after 1 September 2025.BSE (Bombay Stock Exchange) has also been permitted by SEBI to move its expiry day from Tuesday to Thursday, effectively swapping the expiry days with NSE for upcoming contracts.Existing contracts expiring on or before 31 August 2025 will continue with their current expiry schedules, ensuring no disruption in the near-term trading calendar.Only long-dated index options will be realigned to match the new expiry day rules; other contracts will transition smoothly post-September 2025 as per the revised schedule.

 

3. RBI Relocates Andhra Pradesh Regional Office to Vijayawada: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has relocated its Andhra Pradesh Regional Office from Hyderabad to Vijayawada, with Deputy Governor T. Rabi Sankar inaugurating the new facility.The Vijayawada office will house key departments such as the Integrated Banking Department (IBD), Financial Inclusion and Development Department (FIDD), Foreign Exchange Department (FED), and Department of Supervision (DoS), along with administrative and IT-related units.Currency management operations for Andhra Pradesh will still be handled from Hyderabad, while the new Vijayawada regional office, headed by Regional Director Attah Omar Basheer, will oversee supervisory and developmental functions.

 

Daily GK Update- 17th June, 2025

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga hosts ‘Yoga Bandhan’: The Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY), under the Ministry of Ayush, Government of India, hosts ‘Yoga Bandhan’ as a highlight of the International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2025 celebrations.This initiative reflects India’s dedication to fostering global cooperation through institution-to-institution connections in Yoga, advancing collective well-being and cultural exchange.‘Yoga Bandhan’ will unite prominent Yoga leaders from across the globe, including academicians, practitioners, authors, trainers, and studio founders, to promote people-to-people exchanges and strengthen international partnerships.

 

2. Arun Srinivas Appointed as Managing Director and Head of Meta India: Meta Platforms has appointed Arun Srinivas as the new Managing Director and Head for Meta in India, effective from July 1, 2025.Srinivas has been serving as Director and Head of Ads Business for Meta India since 2022, focusing on strategic areas like AI, Reels, and Messaging.His appointment follows Meta’s expansion of Sandhya Devanathan’s role — she now oversees Southeast Asia in addition to her responsibilities in India. Srinivas will continue to report to her in his new role.

 

3. State of India’s Environment 2025 in Figures: India’s environmental performance has raised concerns as states struggle to meet the 70-mark threshold. The latest report, “State of India’s Environment 2025 in Figures,” published by Down To Earth magazine and the Centre for Science and Environment, reveals alarming gaps in sewage treatment and river health. Even the highest-ranked state, Andhra Pradesh, scored only 68.38 out of 100. This indicates that even top performers face serious environmental challenges. The State of States rankings evaluate states across four themes – environment, agriculture and land, public health, and human development and infrastructure. Each theme consists of four sub-categories. The environment theme focuses on forest and biodiversity, climate, waste management, and water quality.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Amitabh Kant resigns as G20 Sherpa after serving govt for 45 years : Amitabh Kant, former NITI Aayog CEO and retired 1980-batch IAS officer, stepped down as India’s G20 Sherpa after serving in the role for three years, beginning in July 2022.Kant expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the trust placed in him and for accepting his resignation, calling it the end of a 45-year-long career in public service.Kant stated that he is now looking to explore new opportunities and will focus on supporting free enterprise, startups, think tanks, and academic institutions as part of his next chapter.

 

2. For the 1st time, UK’s foreign intelligence agency to be led by woman: The UK’s foreign intelligence agency, MI6, will be led by a woman for the first time in its 116-year history.Blaise Metreweli, who joined the Secret Intelligence Service in 1999, will become the 18th chief of the organisation, taking over from Richard Moore later this year.Metreweli, who currently oversees technology and innovation at the agency, said she was proud and honoured to have been asked to lead.

 

3. 17 June – World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought: World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought is observed every year on 17 June to raise awareness about international efforts to combat land degradation and promote land restoration.Theme 2025 – Restore the Land. Unlock the Opportunities

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. Navy’s Yashasvi Solanki Becomes First Woman Aide-De-Camp To President: Lieutenant Commander Yashasvi Solanki has been appointed as an Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to President Droupadi Murmu, becoming the first woman officer from the Indian Navy to hold the prestigious position.The President of India chooses five ADCs – one from the Navy, one from the Air Force, and three from the Army.Yashasvi Solanki hails from Haryana and joined the Indian Navy in 2012. She has served under the Short Service Commission in the Logistics Branch.She joins the ranks of pioneering women, like Squadron Leader Manisha Padi, who was appointed as ADC to the Governor of Uttarakhand in 2023;Gen. Punita Arora, the first woman to hold the rank of Lieutenant General in the Indian Army and also Vice Admiral in the Navy; and Air Marshal Padmavathy Bandopadhyay, the first woman Air Marshal and aviation medicine expert.

 

2. Fifth FPV ‘Achal’ built by Goa Shipyard Ltd Launched for ICG: ‘Achal’, the fifth Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV) in a series of eight being constructed by Goa Shipyard Ltd (GSL) for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), was ceremoniously launched in Goa by Smt. Kavita Harbola in the presence of Coast Guard Commander (Western Seaboard), Additional Director General Anil Kumar Harbola.Designed and constructed under stringent dual-class certification from the American Bureau of Shipping and Indian Register of Shipping, the FPV features over 60% indigenous content. The vessel measures 52 meters in length and 8 meters in breadth, with a displacement of 320 tons. Powered by a CPP-based propulsion system, the vessel can reach a top speed of 27 knots.Built at a total cost of Rs 473 crore, the project has also provided a significant boost to local industry by generating substantial employment and supporting MSMEs engaged in production activities at various factories and within GSL.

 

 

 

 

SPORTS 

 

1. India with four medals finishes 3rd at the Munich ISSF World Cup 2025 : India concluded its campaign at the ISSF World Cup Rifle/Pistol in Munich with a total of four medals – two gold and two bronze – securing 3rd position on the medal table behind China and Norway.Gold medals were won by Suruchi Singh in the women’s 10m air pistol event and the duo Arya Borse/Arjun Babuta in the 10m air rifle mixed team event.Bronze medals went to Sift Kaur Samra in the women’s 50m rifle 3 positions and Elavenil Valarivan in the women’s 10m air rifle event.The Munich World Cup (8–15 June 2025) was the third ISSF World Cup of the season, following events in Buenos Aires and Lima. The next leg is scheduled to be held in Ningbo, China, from 7–15 September 2025.

 

2. U Mumba clinches their maiden Ultimate Table Tennis title: Mumbai-based franchise, U Mumba, clinched their maiden Ultimate Table Tennis title with a dominant 8-4 win over the Jaipur Patriots in the Season 6 grand finale.Early victories by Lilian Bardet and Bernadette Szocs gave U Mumba a strong start, before Szocs teamed up with Akash Pal to sweep the mixed doubles 3-0, putting them on the brink of victory.Teenager Abhinandh PB then sealed the title with a clutch game win in the fourth match. For their contributions in the final, Akash Pal and Bernadette Szocs were named the Indian and Foreign Player of the Final. Jeet Chandra was awarded the Shot of the Final.

 

3. ICC announces schedule for Women’s ODI WC 2025: The 2025 ICC Women’s ODI World Cup will be held from 30th September to 2nd November across India and Sri Lanka, with India as the official host and Sri Lanka hosting Pakistan’s matches due to political tensions.India will kick off its campaign against Sri Lanka on 30th September at M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru, while the high-voltage India vs Pakistan match is scheduled for 5th October at R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo.Defending champions Australia will begin their title defence against New Zealand in Indore on 1st October. The round-robin stage concludes on 26th October, with semifinals on 29th and 30th October, and the final on 2nd November.The eight participating teams are: India, Australia, England, South Africa, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, promising an action-packed global cricketing showdown.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Cyber Suraksha Exercise: The Defence Cyber Agency (DCA) of India initiated the ‘Cyber Suraksha’ exercise on June 16, 2025. This comprehensive cybersecurity drill is organised under the Integrated Defence Staff headquarters and will run until June 27, 2025. Aimed at enhancing national cyber resilience, the exercise involves over 100 participants from various national agencies and defence sectors. The primary goal of Cyber Suraksha is to simulate real-world cyber threats. This exercise focuses on reinforcing secure practices and evaluating the analytical and defensive skills of participants. It is structured in multiple phases, including targeted training sessions and leadership engagement.

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Wholesale inflation falls to 14-month low in May: India’s wholesale price index (WPI)-based inflation eased to a 14-month low of 0.39 per cent in May, down from 0.85 per cent in April, according to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.Food inflation dropped to 1.72 per cent from 2.55 per cent, while primary articles saw a contraction of 2.02 per cent.The fuel and power segment registered deflation at 2.27 per cent, and inflation in manufactured products slowed to 2.04 per cent.The ministry attributed the positive inflation rate to rising prices in food products, chemicals, and transport equipment. WPI reflects wholesale-level price changes, differing from CPI which measures consumer-level price variations.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. PM Modi Conferred Cyprus’s Highest Civilian Honour – Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III : Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred the Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III, the highest civilian honour of Cyprus, by President H.E. Nikos Christodoulides.PM Modi dedicated the award to the 1.4 billion people of India and highlighted the strong and warm bilateral relations between India and Cyprus.He emphasized that the honour reflects India’s global philosophy of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (The World is One Family), promoting peace and progress worldwide.

 

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.