Daily GK Update- 28th June, 2025

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. CM Yogi Adityanath Lays Foundation for ₹1,000-Crore Green Data Centre in Ghaziabad: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Union Science & Technology Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh laid the foundation stone for a state-of-the-art Green Data Centre at Sahibabad, Ghaziabad, a collaboration between Central Electronics Limited (CEL) and ESDS.The ₹1,000-crore project will have a capacity of 30 MW and is designed to minimize environmental impact and maximize energy efficiency through the use of renewable energy sources, energy-efficient technologies, and sustainable practices.The centre will feature a 40 Gbps ring fibre network supported by multiple ISPs, dual 10 Gbps links for seamless cloud integration, and disaster recovery replication, ensuring robust connectivity and resilience.

 

2. Punjab govt signs MoU to set up Data Intelligence unit for tackling drug menace: The Punjab Government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Institute of Medical Sciences, Mohali, and Vidyasagar Institute of Mental Health, Amritsar, to establish a Data Intelligence and Technical Support Unit aimed at combating the drug menace in the state.The new unit will develop a comprehensive model of psycho-social care to support rehabilitation efforts and design informed policies and effective strategies for tackling drug addiction challenges.Renowned experts from AIIMS’ National Drug Treatment Centre, IIT Ropar, Tata Institute of Social Sciences Mumbai, and PGI Chandigarh will provide technical support to ensure the success and impact of the unit’s initiatives.

 

3. Aralam Renamed as India’s First Butterfly Sanctuary: The Kerala State Wildlife Board has renamed the Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary in Kannur as the Aralam Butterfly Sanctuary, making it India’s first protected forest dedicated entirely to butterflies after 25 years of dedicated efforts by wildlife enthusiasts and forest officials.Spread across 55 square kilometers of lush tropical and semi-evergreen forests in the Western Ghats, the sanctuary hosts over 266 butterfly species more than 80% of Kerala’s total — including rare and endangered species that migrate here between October and February, turning the sanctuary into a vibrant spectacle. Since 1984, Aralam has attracted researchers, with annual butterfly surveys and a Butterfly Migration Study held every year to better understand and protect these pollinators.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India Flags Off First Consignment of Rose-Scented Litchi from Pathankot to Qatar: India flagged off its first consignment of 1 metric tonne of rose-scented litchi from Pathankot, Punjab to Doha, Qatar, with an additional 0.5 metric tonne exported to Dubai, UAE, marking a twin export milestone that reinforces India’s position in global fresh fruit markets.The initiative was coordinated by APEDA under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, in collaboration with the Department of Horticulture, Government of Punjab, Lullu Group, and progressive farmer Shri Prabhat Singh, who supplied the high-quality litchi produce.Punjab produced 71,490 metric tonnes of litchi in FY 2023–24, contributing 12.39% to India’s total litchi output; during FY 2024–25, India’s fruits and vegetables exports reached USD 3.87 billion, growing 5.67% year-on-year, with rising international demand for litchis, cherries, and jamun alongside traditional exports like mangoes and bananas.

 

2. India Dispatches Two Locomotives to Mozambique Under $37.7 Million Export Deal: Indian Railways has dispatched two modern locomotives to Mozambique, manufactured at Banaras Locomotive Works (BLW), Varanasi, as part of a $37.7 million contract for 10 locomotives secured by RITES through international competitive bidding in November 2023.The locomotives, built to Mozambique’s specifications with modern amenities, are financed by loans from the African Development Bank, based in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, to strengthen Mozambique’s rail infrastructure.This export continues India’s record of supplying locomotives to Mozambique, with BLW having first exported diesel locomotives there in 2008 and successfully delivering six 3000 HP locomotives between 2021 and 2023.

 

3. 27 June – MSME Day: MSME Day, observed every year on 27 June, highlights the vital contribution of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises to global and national economies, especially in promoting innovation, employment, and sustainable development.The day aims to raise awareness about the challenges faced by MSMEs, including access to finance, technology, and markets, and to encourage policies that support their growth and resilience.MSMEs account for over 90% of businesses and more than 50% of employment worldwide, underscoring their critical role in reducing poverty and fostering inclusive economic growth.

 

4. 27 June – International Day of Deafblindness: International Day of Deafblindness is observed every year on 27 June to raise awareness about the unique challenges faced by people with combined hearing and vision impairments and to advocate for their rights and inclusion in society.The day commemorates the birth anniversary of Helen Keller, a renowned deafblind activist who became a global symbol of courage, education, and empowerment for persons with disabilities.The General Assembly adopted resolution A/RES/79/294, proclaiming 27 June of each year the International Day of Deafblindness. This day commemorates the birth of renowned author Helen Keller (1880 – 1968), one of the most iconic figures in the deafblindness community.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. ICG Inducts ‘Adamya’, First Indigenous Fast Patrol Vessel with Advanced Capabilities to Boost Maritime Security: The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) inducted ‘Adamya’, the first Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV) of eight being built at Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL); it is the first ICG ship to feature Controllable Pitch Propellers (CPPs) and indigenously developed gearboxes for superior maneuverability and operational flexibility.Equipped with advanced technology like a 30mm CRN-91 gun, 12.7mm stabilized remote-control guns, Integrated Bridge System (IBS), Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS), and Automated Power Management System (APMS), ‘Adamya’ enhances the ICG’s capability for precision maritime operations.Designed and built entirely by GSL, ‘Adamya’ exemplifies India’s progress in indigenous shipbuilding under Aatmanirbhar Bharat and will strengthen the ICG’s fleet for coastal surveillance, maritime law enforcement, search and rescue, and protection of India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

 

SPORTS

 

1. ICC Introduces New Powerplay Rules for Shortened T20 Matches to Ensure Fair Play in Rain-Affected Games: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced revised powerplay rules for shortened T20 matches, updating the number of overs with restricted fielding based on the reduced length of each innings.Under the new Playing Conditions effective from July, an eight-over innings will feature 2.2 overs of powerplay with only two fielders allowed outside the 30-yard circle.For five-over innings, the powerplay will last 1.3 overs; for ten-over innings, it will remain at three overs; and for 15-over innings, 4.3 overs will constitute the powerplay phase.These changes aim to provide clarity and consistency in shortened T20 games, which typically occur when matches are reduced due to interruptions like rain or poor light, ensuring fair competition under all circumstances.

 

2. Indian Wrestlers Shine with 35 Medals, Three Team Titles at Asian U23 & U17 Championships 2025: The young Indian wrestling contingent wrapped up the U23 and U17 Asian Wrestling Championships 2025 in Vung Tau, Vietnam, with an impressive total of 35 medals — 18 gold, 10 silver, and 7 bronze — demonstrating India’s rising dominance in the sport.Organized by the Vietnam Wrestling Federation, the championships took place from June 18 to 26, 2025, with separate competitions for U23 (June 18–21) and U17 (June 23–26) categories at the same venue in Vung Tau.India fielded a 60-member squad comprising both men and women wrestlers, who competed across various weight categories and styles in the prestigious continental event.Indian wrestlers secured three team titles: the men’s U23 freestyle team title, the women’s U23 team title, and the women’s U17 team title, highlighting a strong all-round performance.In detailed results, the Indian women’s U23 team won 10 medals (4 gold, 5 silver, 1 bronze), the men’s U23 team clinched 7 medals (6 gold, 1 bronze), and the women’s U17 team amassed 18 medals (8 gold, 4 silver, 6 bronze), underlining India’s depth in wrestling talent.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports Launches WhatsApp Chatbot Integration with MY Bharat Portal: The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has integrated a WhatsApp chatbot with the MY Bharat portal to simplify youth access to services like experiential learning, volunteering, CV creation, mentorship, organisation creation/joining, issue reporting, and platform support; users can start by sending ‘Hi’ to 7289001515.Upcoming updates will enable in-app registrations, media uploads for events, certificate and document delivery, task completion tracking, downloadable notifications, and reminders, along with real-time updates on government schemes, events, and volunteering opportunities.MY Bharat, developed by the Department of Youth Affairs and the Digital India Corporation under MeitY, aims to empower India’s youth with ‘Seva Bhav’ (spirit of service) and ‘Kartavya Bodh’ (sense of duty), encouraging active participation in nation-building through capacity building, mentorship, and service initiatives.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Reserve Bank of India Extends Call Money Market Hours to 7 PM Starting July 1, 2025: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) formed a Working Group chaired by Radha Shyam Ratho to comprehensively review the trading and settlement timings of financial markets regulated by the central bank, aiming to improve market development, price discovery, and liquidity optimization.

Based on the committee’s suggestions and stakeholder feedback, the RBI announced that from July 1, 2025, the trading hours for the call money market will be extended until 7:00 PM, revising market hours to 9:00 AM–7:00 PM.Additionally, from August 1, 2025, the trading hours for market repo and Tri-Party Repo (TREP) will be extended until 4:00 PM (9:00 AM–4:00 PM), while trading hours for the Government securities, forex, and interest rate derivatives markets will remain unchanged.

 

2. IRDAI Slaps ₹1 Crore Fine on Edelweiss Life Insurance for Violating Corporate Governance Norms: The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has imposed a penalty of ₹1 crore on Edelweiss Life Insurance Company for violating corporate governance norms, highlighting serious lapses in adherence to regulatory standards.In its order, IRDAI directed the company to categorise certain transactions as outsourcing in line with applicable regulations and to report these transactions to the Authority as required.IRDAI also instructed Edelweiss Life Insurance to implement a Board-approved outsourcing policy with provisions for periodic reviews, along with a vendor management policy that includes clear standard operating procedures for cost allocations.