Current Affairs 14,15 & 16 June 2025

We are here for you to provide the important Recent and Latest Current Affairs 14,15 & 16 June 2025, which have unique updates of Latest Current Affairs 2025 events from all newspapers such as The Hindu, The Economic Times, PIB, Times of India, PTI, Indian Express, Business Standard and all Government official websites.

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NATIONAL AFFAIRS

India Hosted 3rd ITU FG-AINN Meeting in New Delhi to Advance AI-Native Telecom NetworksOn 11 June 2025, India hosted the 3rd meeting of the International Telecommunication Union – Telecommunication Standardization Sector (ITU-T) Focus Group on Artificial Intelligence Native for Telecommunication Networks (FG-AINN) in New Delhi(Delhi), to explore the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in improving telecom network efficiency.

• The three-day event, held from 11-13 June 2025, was organised by the New Delhi based Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC), the technical arm of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Ministry of Communications (MoC), Government of India (GoI).

i.During the event, India also proposed to host the International Telecommunication Union Plenipotentiary Conference 2030 (ITU PP-30) and sought continued membership in the ITU Council for 2027-2031.
ii.Furthermore, India nominated M. Revathi, Joint Wireless Advisor (JWA), DoT, MoC, as a candidate for the position of Director, ITU Radiocommunication Bureau (BR) (2027–2030), marking the first time a woman and regional candidate has been proposed for this role.
About International Telecommunication Union (ITU):
Secretary-General – Doreen Bogdan-Martin
Headquarters – Geneva, Switzerland
Established – 1865
>>Read Full News

India’s Tea Exports Rise by 9.92% to 254.67 Million Kg in CY24
In June 2025, Kolkata, West Bengal(WB) based Tea Board of India (TBI), a statutory body under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoC&I), released data showing a 9.92%Year-on-Year (YoY) increase in tea exports from India, reaching 254.67 Million kilograms (kg) in Calendar Year 2024(CY24)(January to December 2024), compared to 231.69 million kg in CY23.

• North India produced 154.81 million kg of tea in CY24, showing a 9.79% YoY increase compared to 141 million kg in CY23.
• South India reported tea production of 99.86 million kg in CY24, registering a 10.11% YoY growth from 90.69 million kg in CY23.

Provisional Data for Q1 2025 (January–March):
i.The all-India tea production during Quarter 1 of the year 2025(Q1 2025) stood at 69.22 million kg, slightly higher than the 67.53 million kg recorded in Q1 2024.
ii.North India recorded a 14.38% increase, producing 45.35 million kg in Q1 2025 compared to 39.65 million kg in Q1 2024.
iii.In contrast, South India’s production declined by 14.38%, with 23.87 million kg produced in Q1 2025, down from 27.88 million kg in Q1 2024.
Note: India ranks as the second-largest tea producer globally, next to China, with a production of around 1,374.97 million kg in CY23. In terms of exports, India emerged as the second-largest tea exporter by volume in CY24, exporting approximately 255 million kg, just behind Kenya.

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

IN Conducts PASSEX with UK’s CSG in North Arabian Sea
In June 2025, the Indian Navy(IN) participated in a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with the United Kingdom’s (UK) Carrier Strike Group (CSG) in the North Arabian Sea. The exercise demonstrated the advanced combat readiness of both navies and strengthened strategic naval cooperation beyond regular joint drills.

• The two-day drill, held from June 9 to 10, 2025, aimed at enhancing operational coordination and interoperability between the two naval forces.

i.Participating Forces:

• The IN deployed its stealth frigate Indian Naval Ship(INS) Tabar, a submarine, and the P-8I long-range maritime patrol aircraft.
• The UK’s Royal Navy contributed its aircraft carrier  His/Her Majesty’s Ship(HMS) Prince of Wales and frigate HMS Richmond.

ii.Key Exercises Conducted:

• Tactical Surface Manoeuvres: Improved coordination through synchronized naval movements.
• Helicopter Operations: Included cross-deck operations and unified control.
• Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW): Strengthened underwater defence capabilities.
• Professional Exchanges: Naval officers from both sides shared expertise to foster better understanding.

India Participates in 2nd Session of the IALA Council as Vice President in Nice, FranceIn June 2025, India, as Vice President of the Saint (St) German en Laye (France) based International Organization for Marine Aids to Navigation (IALA), actively participated in the 2nd session of the IALA council, held in Nice, France.

• The IALA council is the key decision-making body of the intergovernmental organization responsible for marine aids to navigation.
• The Indian delegation was led by T.K. Ramachandran, Secretary, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW); and comprised Mukesh Mangal, Joint Secretary, Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships (DGLL), MoPSW; and Karthik Chensudar, Director of DGLL.

Note: In February 2025, during its session held in Singapore, Brazil was elected as the President and India as the Vice President of the IALA.
Key Points:
i.During the opening session, T.K. Ramachandran delivered a keynote address, emphasizing the initiatives of DGLL, including Integration of Vessel traffic services across 12 major ports and planned international training programs at the Marine Navigation Training Institute (MNTI) in West Bengal, Kolkata.
ii.He also extended a formal invitation to all member states to attend the 3rd IALA General Assembly in December 2025 and the 21st IALA Conference in 2027, which are to be held in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
iii.The council discussed technical matters, including

• Harmonization of marine aids to navigation
• Conservation of lighthouse heritage
• Emerging developments such as the Harmonized Internet of Things (IoT) protocol for visual Aids to Navigation (AtoN)
• Maritime Service Registry specifications
• Programme schedule for IALA activities planned for 2025 and 2026.

About International Organization for Marine Aids to Navigation (IALA):
i.The IALA was originally established in 1957 as a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) under the name International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities (IALA).
ii.In August 2024, following the ratification or accession of its founding Convention by 30 member states, IALA officially transitioned into an intergovernmental organisation (IGO).

• With this transition, the organisation adopted a new name: International Organisation for Marine Aids to Navigation (IALA).

iii.India has been a longstanding and committed member of IALA since its inception in 1957 and a Council member since 1980 through the DGLL.
Secretary-General – Francis Zachariae
Headquarters – Saint-Germain-en-Laye, France

BANKING & FINANCE

Jupiter–CSB Bank & Scapia–Federal Bank Launch RuPay Credit Cards with UPI IntegrationIn June 2025, Bengaluru(Karnataka)-based Jupiter Money, a digital-first money management platform, has announced the launch of the ‘Edge+ CSB Bank RuPay Credit Card’ in collaboration with Thrissur(Kerala)-based CSB Bank Limited. This card is designed to integrate Unified Payment Interface (UPI) and traditional card transactions.

i.It offers users best experience with over Rs 50,000 in annual rewards and financial insights into their personal finances.

• The obtained rewards can be redeemed flexibly across statement credit, bill payments, cash, and Digital Gold.

ii.Also Bengaluru based fintech Scapia Technology Private Limited partnered with Aluva(Kerala) based Federal Bank Limited to launch RuPay Credit Card with UPI and travel features.
iii.It is one of the first credit card in India to combine Visa and RuPay networks with Unified Payments Interface (UPI) functionality in a single card.
About CSB Bank:
It is formerly known as Catholic Syrian Bank Limited.
Managing Director (MD) & Chief Executive OfficerCEO) – Pralay Mondal
Headquarters – Thrissur, Kerala
Established – 1920
>>Read Full News

ADB approves USD 109.97 Million loan to Gujarat for skill development programmesOn 13th June 2025, the Manila (Philippines) based Asian Development Bank (ADB) approved a loan of USD 109.97 million (Rs. 927 crores) to support Gujarat in shaping a future-ready workforce aligned with its vision of becoming a global industrial hub.

• This loan will be utilised for theGujarat Skills Development Program (GSDP), led by Gujarat’s Labour, Skill Development and Employment Department in collaboration with Gandhinagar (Gujarat)-based Kaushalya: The Skill University (KSU).
• The programme will strengthen the institutional and managerial capacity of the KSU network and broaden access to high-quality, industry-relevant training courses that integrate frontier technologies.

About GSDP:
i.The programme aims to provide Gujarat’s workforce with advanced, industry-relevant skills to improve job readiness in high-growth sectors and to reform the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) system by creating a scalable model for use in other Indian states.
ii.It will focus on seven high-priority industries, namely Logistics, Automotive, Manufacturing, Information Technology (IT), Renewable Energy, Healthcare, and Agri-tech.
iii.It also includes upgrading 11 mega Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs), establishing Centres of Excellence (CoE), and collaborating with affiliated private training providers through a hub-and-spoke model anchored by KSU.
iv.Under this programme, courses will be designed in close collaboration with industry to ensure alignment with market demands and job trends.

• They are aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and GSDP (2025–2030).

v.This programme will support increased participation of women and socioeconomically disadvantaged groups in engineering and frontier technology trades.

• By 2030, it aims to graduate at least 60,000 students with advanced skills, increase female enrollment in engineering disciplines, and provide 175,000 disadvantaged individuals with training that enhances their employment prospects.

About Asian Development Bank (ADB):
President – Masato Kanda (Japan)
Headquarters – Mandaluyong City, Manila, Philippines
Establishment – 1966
Members – 69

RBI Discontinued Daily VRR Auctions Amid Banking Liquidity Surplus
In June 2025, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) discontinued its daily Variable Rate Repo (VRR) auctions due to a liquidity surplus of Rs. 2.75 to Rs. 3 lakh crore in the banking system, exceeding 1% of Net Demand and Time Liabilities (NDTL), effective from 11 June 2025.

• With the current surplus and easing liquidity conditions, the RBI’s move to withdraw daily VRRs aligns with its objective to maintain neutral policy support while allowing market-based instruments like call money and Tri-Party Repos (TREPS) to function more actively.

i.From 9th to 10th June 2025, daily VRR auctions received limited participation, with banks borrowing only Rs 3,711 crore and Rs 3,853 crore, respectively, against a notified amount of Rs 25,000 crore each day.
ii.While daily VRRs have been halted, the RBI will continue using other tools for liquidity management, including:

• 14-day Variable Rate Repo (VRR) auctions
• Open Market Operations (OMO)
• Standing Deposit Facility (SDF)

iii.The RBI recently reduced the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) by 100 basis points (bps) to 3%, a move expected to inject around Rs. 2.5 lakh crore of primary liquidity into the banking system in phases by end-November 2025.
Note: The Daily VRR Auction is a short-term liquidity management tool introduced by the RBI in January 2025 to address temporary liquidity tightness in the banking system, primarily due to tax outflows and foreign exchange market interventions.

NPCI & IDRBT Partner to Boost Cyber Security in India’s Digital Payment Ecosystem
In June 2025, the Mumbai (Maharashtra) based National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) and the Hyderabad (Telangana) based Institute for Development and Research in Banking Technology (IDRBT) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance cybersecurity and resilience within India’s rapidly expanding digital payments landscape.
Key Features:
As part of the strategic partnership, NPCI and IDRBT will jointly:
i.Conduct targeted training programs for professionals in banking and payment systems, focusing on cybersecurity, resilience, and data privacy.
ii.Develop a new NPCI-certified payment security certification tailored to evolving regulatory and industry needs.
iii.Extend IDRBT’s Indian Banks Center for Analysis of Risks and Threats (IBCART 3.0) threat intelligence services to NPCI and its ecosystem partners, providing contextual and enriched cyber threat feeds.
Note: IDRBT, established in 1996 by the RBI, is India’s premier institution for banking technology research, training, and certification, serving as a key enabler of technology adoption in the financial sector.

Vedanta Aluminium Signed an MoU with CBI for MSME Financing
In June 2025, Jharsuguda (Odisha) based Vedanta Aluminium, a unit of Vedanta Limited and India’s largest producer of aluminium, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Mumbai(Maharashtra) based Central Bank of India (CBI) to provide collateral-free financing to Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) through its subsidiary Bharat Aluminium Company Limited (BALCO) in Korba (Chhattisgarh).

• The initiative aims to enhance working capital accessibility for OEMs and MSMEs that make up over 60% of Vedanta’s downstream customers.

i.The financing will offer one of the lowest interest rates in the aluminium sector of Loans ranging from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 10 crore will be provided based on parameters such as business turnover, customer history, and recommendation from BALCO.
ii.The loan programme will be delivered through Vedanta Metal Bazaar, a digital platform developed for the sale of aluminium products.
ii.It includes a standard repayment period of 90 days, with an additional 15-day grace window.
Note: Vedanta Limited, headquartered in Mumbai(Maharashtra), is a prominent Indian multinational mining and metals conglomerate and a subsidiary of United Kingdom(UK) based Vedanta Resources Limited. It was founded in 1979, with its origins linked to Sesa Goa, established in 1963.

CreditAccess Grameen Secures USD 100 million syndicated loan from South Asian and Far East Banks
In June 2025, Bengaluru (Karnataka) based CreditAccess Grameen (CA Grameen), India’s largest Non Banking Financial Company – Microfinance Institution( NBFC-MFI), has raised USD 100 million multi-currency syndicated social loan facility, qualifying as External Commercial Borrowing (ECB), under the automatic route of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), from banks in South Asia and the Far East.

• It is CA Grameen’s second loan facility, led by SCB. The bank had previously bid for CA Grameen’s landmark USD 200 million syndicated ECB in 2023.

Key Points:
i.The syndicated loan facility was structured in dual currencies such as Japanese Yen (JPY) and United States Dollar (USD) and was led by London (England) based Standard Chartered Bank (SCB).

• This multi-currency ECB, the first of its kind in India’s microfinance sector, highlights CreditAccess Grameen’s strategic focus on broadening its funding base while reinforcing its commitment to promoting financial inclusion across rural communities.

ii.The loan facility was initially planned for a base size of USD 70 million in November 2024 but was later upgraded to USD 100 million, invested by seven banks, especially from Korea and Japan.
iii.The funds will be allocated to eligible social development initiatives in accordance with CreditAccess Grameen’s Social Loan Framework, which adheres to the globally recognized Social Loan Principles 2023.
Note: The company, qualifying as an External Commercial Borrower, will allocate the loan proceeds to approved social development initiatives under its established framework.

NTPC Raises USD 750 Million Via ECB Loan to Fund Capacity Extension, Green Projects
In June 2025, New Delhi (Delhi) based NTPC Limited (formerly known as National Thermal Power Corporation Limited), a Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) under Ministry of Power (MoP), has raised an unsecured USD 750 million through an External Commercial Borrowing (ECB) syndicated loan facility, to finance its capital expenditure for capacity addition and Renewable Energy (RE) projects.

• The facility comprises a base issue of USD 500 million and a greenshoe option of USD 250 million, with a door-to-door tenor of 10 years and average maturity of 7 years.

i.Vadodara (Gujarat) based Bank of Baroda (BoB) acted as the Mandated Lead Arranger and Underwriter for the USD 500 million portion.
ii.Mumbai (Maharashtra) based HDFC Bank Limited was the Mandated Lead Arranger and Underwriter for the greenshoe portion of USD 250 million.
iii.BOB and HDFC executed the transaction through their International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) Banking Unit (IBU) in Gujarat International Finance Tech-City in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
iv.The loan will be used to fund NTPC’s capital expenditure towards capacity expansion, including flue gas desulphurization projects, RE projects such as hydro-based facilities and refinancing of existing ECBs.
Note: Green shoe option allows the underwriters to sell more shares than initially planned if demand is high.

AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS

Chanel’s Global CEO Leena Nair Awarded Commander of British Empire HonourIn June 2025, Indian-origin British, Leena Nair, Global Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of French Luxury brand Chanel, Inc., has been awarded the Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) honour in recognition of her exceptional leadership in the retail and consumer sector.

• She received the award from Prince William, the Prince of Wales, during an investiture ceremony held at Windsor Castle in the United Kingdom (UK).

About 2025 King New Year Honours List:
i.In December 2024, Cabinet Office of British Government released King Charles’ 2025 New Year Honours List in London, the UK.
ii.This latest edition of the list featured over 1,200 recipients across various sectors like: sport, healthcare, academia and voluntary service. This year total 30 Indian-origin persons included in the list.
iii.The list is released annually by the Cabinet Office in the name of the British monarch includes: CBE, Order of the British Empire (OBE), and Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBEs).
>>Read Full News

APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

RBI Approves Reappointment of Pralay Mondal as MD & CEO of CSB Bank; Extends Tenure of Prashant Kumar at Yes BankOn June 12, 2025, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) approved the reappointment of Pralay Mondal as Managing Director (MD) & Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Thrissur (Kerala)-headquartered CSB Bank Limited (formerly The Catholic Syrian Bank Limited) for a three-year term, effective from September 15, 2025.

• This approval was granted under Section 35B of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.
• CSB Bank will now seek shareholder approval for this reappointment within the stipulated time frame under the Companies Act, 2013, and Securities and Exchange Board of India Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements (LODR) regulations 2025.

About Pralay Mondal: 
i.Pralay Mondal joined CSB Bank in September 2020 from Mumbai (Maharashtra)-based Axis Bank Limited, where he was Head of the retail banking division.
ii.At CSB Bank, he initially served as President (Retail, Small and Medium Enterprises (SME), Operations, and Information Technology (IT)).
iii.He was promoted to Deputy Managing Director (DMD) in February 2022 and has been serving as the interim MD and CEO since April 2022.
Yes Bank MD & CEO Prashant Kumar Receives 6-Month Extension:
On June 12, 2025, the RBI granted a six-month tenure extension to Prashant Kumar as MD & CEO of Mumbai (Maharashtra)-headquartered YES Bank Limited, effective from October 6, 2025, or until a new MD & CEO is appointed, whichever is earlier
About Prashant Kumar:
i.Prashant Kumar, a former DMD and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at Mumbai-based State Bank of India (SBI), was appointed as MD & CEO of YES Bank in 2020.
ii.He received his first RBI extension in October 2022 for a three-year period, which was set to conclude in October 2025.
About Yes Bank Limited:
Headquarters – Mumbai, Maharashtra
Founded – 2004

ACQUISITIONS & MERGERS

RIL Sell 3.64% stake in Asian Paints for Rs.7,703 crores
In June 2025, Mumbai(Maharashtra) based Reliance Industries Limited(RIL), divested a 3.64% stake (3.5 crore shares) in Mumbai-based Asian Paints through its Ahmedabad(Gujarat)-based affiliate, Siddhant Commercials Private Limited.

• The stake was acquired by Mumbai based SBI Mutual Fund Limited(SBIMFL) for Rs.7,703 crore (approximately USD 900 million) via an open market transaction at an average price of Rs.2,201 per share.

i.Following the acquisition, SBIMFL’s shareholding in Asian Paints rose from 1.51% to 5.15%, while the promoter entity Siddhant Commercials’ stake declined from 4.90% to 1.26% (equivalent to 4.7 crore shares).
ii.This represents one of the largest bilateral block deals involving an Indian asset manager, underscoring SBIMFL’s robust investment capability.
iii.As of June 2025, the shareholding pattern of Asian Paints is as follows: Promoters: 52.63%; Domestic Institutions (DIIs): 15.6%; Foreign Institutions (FIIs): 12.2%  and Retail Investors: 19.57%

TA Associates Exits AU SFB; BNP Paribas Acquires Bajaj Finserv Stake
In June 2025, Boston, the United States of America (USA)-based TA Associates sold its entire 1.26% stake in Jaipur (Rajasthan)-based AU Small Finance Bank Limited(AU SFB) via open market transactions on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE).

• The firm sold 93.90 lakh shares at an average price of Rs. 760.07 per share, generating approximately Rs. 713.78 crore.
• TA Associates has completed its full divestment from India, in line with its earlier strategic exit plans.

i.In a separate transaction on the BSE, Singapore-based Morgan Stanley Asia sold 1.25 lakh shares of Pune (Maharashtra)-based Bajaj Finserv Limited.
ii.The shares were acquired by Paris (France)-based BNP Paribas Financial Markets at an average price of Rs. 1,983.80 per share, amounting to a total transaction value of Rs. 24.80 crore.
iii.It underscores the sustained confidence of global investors in the growth potential of India’s financial services sector.

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

SDAL Successfully Conducts Hybrid VTOL UAV ‘Rudrastra’ Trial in RajasthanIn June 2025, Nagpur (Maharashtra) based Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited (SDAL), a wholly owned subsidiary of Solar Industries India Limited (SLIN), successfully completed the trial of its Hybrid Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)  named ‘Rudrastra’, an advanced drone, at the Pokhran Firing Range in Pokhran, Rajasthan.

• The trial was conducted in line with performance parameters laid out by the Indian Army (IA), including VTOL, high endurance, precision targeting, and mission flexibility.
• ‘Rudrastra’ marks a crucial advancement in India’s drive for indigenous defence production, complementing the goals of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)’s Rustom UAV programme aimed at strengthening self-reliant aerospace capabilities.

About the Trial:
i.The UAV demonstrated robust operational capability, covering a mission radius of over 50 kilometre (km) with a stable real-time video link and successfully returning to the original launch point.
ii.The total range, including loitering at the target area, exceeded 170 km, with an estimated endurance of approximately 1.5 hours.
iii.A significant highlight of the trial was the successful deployment of a precision-guided anti-personnel warhead.
iv.The munition, dropped from medium altitude, executed an airburst detonation at low height, achieving a lethal effect over a wide radius, meeting tactical effectiveness benchmarks.
About Hybrid VTOL UAV  :
i.It is an advanced type of drone that combines the vertical lift capabilities of rotary-wing systems and the forward flight efficiency of fixed-wing aircraft.
ii.The unique design of Hybrid VTOL UAV enables it to take off and land vertically in confined spaces while transitioning seamlessly to efficient forward flights for long distances.
iii.It can be used for Aerial Mapping and Surveying, including Land Surveying, Agriculture field mapping, Environmental monitoring; Emergency Response and Disaster Relief; Cargo and Logistics; Defence and Security; Inspection and Monitoring.
Note: In May 2025, SDAL had earlier tested a new cost-effective counter-drone solution in hard-kill mode, named ‘Bhargavastra’ at Seaward Firing Range in Gopalpur, Odisha. It is designed to neutralize hostile drone swarms; the system employs micro-rockets to deliver rapid and effective responses.
About Solar Aerospace and Defence Limited (SDAL):
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) – Manish Satyanarayan Nuwal
Headquarters – Nagpur, Maharashtra
Established – 1995

Google-backed Pixxel Signed iDEX SPARK Grant to Develop Hyperspectral, MWIR Payloads for IAF
In June 2025, Google-backed space-tech startup Pixxel based in Bengaluru (Karnataka) has signed a 2nd agreement with the Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) under Ministry of Defence (MoD), to develop advanced hyperspectral and Mid-wave Infrared (MWIR) payloads for the Indian Air Force (IAF).

• This new Support for Prototype and Research Kickstart (SPARK) Grant was awarded to Pixxel’s subsidiary Space Pixxel Private Limited under iDEX DISC 8 Challenge 6.2.

Key Points:
i.With this, Pixxel will use its cutting-edge optical engineering and in-house satellite manufacturing capabilities to design and develop next-generation Earth Observation (EO) payloads with security-grade performance.
ii.The High-resolution Hyperspectral and MWIR payloads will help in enhancing India’s airborne and space-based imaging capabilities across a wide range of operational and strategic applications.
iii.The grant through the iDEX scheme is designed to boost the development of next-generation prototypes and technologies by Indian startups, and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), which will further help in fostering a self-reliant and innovation-driven landscape in the country.
Note: iDEX is a flagship initiative of the Government of India (GoI), launched in 2018 and implemented by the Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO) under the Department of Defence Production (DPP), MoD.

OBITUARY

Former Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani died in Air India Plane CrashVeteran Indian politician and Former Chief Minister (CM) of Gujarat, Vijay Ramniklalbhai Rupani died in Air India flight ‘AI171’ operated by a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, which crashed into a residential area in Meghani Nagar after taking off  from the Ahmedabad Airport officially Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, Gujarat on June 12, 2025.

• He is the 2nd Gujarat CM (serving/former) to die in an Air Plane crash, following Balwantrai Gopalji Mehta (2nd CM of Gujarat of independent India) who was killed in 1965 when his plane was shot down by a Pakistani jet during the Indo-Pak war.
• Vijay Rupani was born on August 02, 1956 in Rangoon (now Yangon) in Myanmar.

About Vijay Rupani:
i.Vijay Rupani, a prominent leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) served as the 16th CM of Gujarat from August 2016 to September 2021.
ii.He started his political career as an activist of Akhil Bharatiya Vidhyarthi Parishad (ABVP), student wing of Rashtra Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and became a Municipal Corporator in Rajkot in 1987.
iii.In 1996-97, he became the Mayor of Rajkot  and later, he served as a Member of Parliament (MP) of the Rajya Sabha (Upper House of the Parliament) from 2006 to 2012.
iv.As state cabinet minister, he held various portfolios like: transport, labour, and water supply from 2014 to 2016.
v.He won his 1st state Assembly election from Rajkot West in a bypoll held in 2014.
vi.He was appointed President of BJP Gujarat in February 2016. He succeeded Anandiben Patel as CM of Gujarat following her resignation in August 2016.

BOOKS & AUTHORS

Audrey Truschke’s Book “India: 5000 Years of History on the Subcontinent” Released
Audrey Truschke, a renowned American historian and Indologist, released a book titled, “India: 5000 Years of History on the Subcontinent”. The book was published by New Jersey, the United States of America (USA) based Princeton University Press.

• The book describes how India has been continually reshaped by its astonishing diversity, religious and political innovations, and social stratification.

i.This academic work offers an extensive account of India’s history spanning 5,000 years, starting from the Indus Valley Civilization and covering major periods such as the Maurya and Gupta empires, the Islamic sultanates, the Mughal dynasty, British colonial rule, and extending into the contemporary era.
ii.The book makes Indian history accessible by blending detailed research with engaging storytelling, covering political, religious, linguistic, and socio-cultural changes across millennia.
iii.Audrey Truschke is recognized for her previous scholarly work on Indo-Persian culture and Mughal India. This new book further establishes her as an important voice in South Asian historical research.

Adish Aggarwala Releases Book on PM Modi’s Legal Reforms: ‘Modi’s Niti Shastra’
In June 2025, Senior Advocate Dr. Adish C. Aggarwala, former President of the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) and current Chairman of the All India Bar Association, has authored a book titled ‘Modi’s Niti Shastra: The World’s His Oyster’ 

• The release coincides with the completion of 11 years of Prime Minister(PM) Narendra Modi’s tenure, in June 2025 . The book was published by New Delhi(Delhi) based Lexidem Veritas Private Limited.

i.The book outlines four foundational pillars that define India’s legal transformation under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi.
ii.The book highlights the enactment of new legislations, major amendments to existing laws, the repeal of over 1,500 outdated colonial-era statutes, and the removal of more than 3,000 cumbersome compliance norms, reflecting a shift towards a streamlined and citizen-focused legal framework.

IMPORTANT DAYS

International Albinism Awareness Day 2025 – June 13The United Nations (UN’s) International Albinism Awareness Day (IAAD) is globally observed every year on June 13 to raise awareness about albinism, a rare, non-contagious, inherited genetic condition present at birth, and advocating for the human rights of persons with albinism worldwide.

• June 13, 2025, marks the 11th observance of IAAD and the 10th anniversary of the Independent Expert mandate dedicated to protecting the rights of persons with albinism.
• The theme for IAAD 2025 is “Demanding our rights: Protecting our skin, Preserving our lives.”

Background:
i.On June 13, 2013, the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) adopted its inaugural resolution focused on albinism, A/HRC/RES/23/13, addressing the prevention of attacks and discrimination against persons with albinism.
ii.On December 18, 2014, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) formally proclaimed June 13 as International Albinism Awareness Day(IAAD) through resolution A/RES/69/170.
iii.The first-ever IAAD was observed on June 13, 2015.
>>Read Full News

STATE NEWS

Maharashtra Govt Launched Geo-Tagged Unique Infra IDs for Infrastructure ProjectsIn June 2025, the Government of Maharashtra launched the Infra ID Portal to assign a geo-tagged 13-digit alphanumeric Unique Infrastructure Facility (Identifier) ID (UIFID) to each public infrastructure development project in the state.

• This initiative is aimed at improving inter-departmental coordination, preventing duplication of projects, and ensuring transparency in infrastructure development.
• From 1st October 2025, the initiative will be extended to all districts and departments in Maharashtra.
• It has also set a deadline of 31st March 2026 to register all infrastructure projects created or approved between 2020 and 2025.

Key Features:
i.ID Structural: The UIFID is a 13-character code comprising a 1-letter state code (e.g., M for Maharashtra), 2-digit year code (e.g., 25 for 2025), 4-letter scheme/program code, 3-letter district code, 2-letter asset type abbreviation, and 3-digit serial number. Example: M25RURWRDRODW001.

• It uses geo-tagging for precise location mapping.

ii.Implementation: Nagpur (Maharashtra) based Maharashtra Remote Sensing Application Centre (MRSAC) is the nodal agency responsible for Geo-tagging of all infrastructure assets.
iii.The rollout of this system will begin in Wardha district, Vidarbha region, Maharashtra, covering six departments.

• Departments covered in First Phase: Public Works Department (PWD), Rural Development Department(RDD), Urban Development Department(UDD), Water Conservation Department(ECD), Water Supply and Sanitation Department(WSSD) and Irrigation Department.

iv.Governance: A district-level committee, headed by the District Collector, will oversee Verification of registered data, Monthly reviews and Approval or cancellation of unique IDs.
About Maharashtra:
Chief Minister(CM) – Devendra Fadnavis
Governor – C P Radhakrishnan
Capital – Mumbai
National Parks (NP) –Sanjay Gandhi NP,  Pench (Jawaharlal Nehru) NP

Punjab Launches ‘FastTrack Punjab Portal’ for 45-Day Business Approvals
In June 2025, Bhagwant Singh Mann, Chief Minister (CM) of Punjab, and Arvind Kejriwal, National Convenor of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), jointly launched the ‘FastTrack Punjab Portal’ in Mohali, Punjab. This digital platform guarantees all business approvals within 45 working days for new ventures, expansions, and industrial projects in Punjab.

• Under the Punjab Right to Business Act, 2020, eligible projects will receive in-principle approval within 3 working days for proposals located within Industrial Parks, and within 15 working days for those outside Industrial Parks.

About FastTrack Punjab Portal:
i.The portal enables a “deemed approval system”, under which if the designated authority fails to act within the stipulated timeline, the portal will automatically issue an approval the next day with legal validity.
ii.The earlier clearance timeline ranged between 60 to 120 days, but under the new system, the application will be reviewed online within 7 days.
iii.Any deficiencies will be communicated, allowing the applicant to correct them and still receive final approvals within the remaining 38 days.
iv.The portal integrates 12 transformative measures under the Punjab Udyog Kranti, India’s first comprehensive industrial reform initiative.

MP becomes 1st State in India to bring all ULBs under a Single Portal with E-Nagarpalika 2.0
In June 2025, the Urban Development and Housing Department of the Government of Madhya Pradesh (MP), has launched a single web-based ‘E-Nagarpalika 2.0’ Scheme, making MP the 1st state in India to bring state’s all Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) under a single platform.

• This newly launched initiative aims to enhance transparency and efficient citizen services, aligning with the Digital India vision.

Background:
i.The E‑Nagarpalika project was launched in June 2015 by the State’s Urban Administration & Development Department (UADD) and was rolled out across all 407 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in MP by April 2017.
ii.The previous version of E-Nagarpalika has already integrated various citizen services, public grievance systems, internal operations, among others.
About E-Nagarpalika 2.0:
i.E-Nagarpalika 2.0 is integrated with various other departments and important applications (app) like Unified Mobile Application for New-age Governance (UMANG).
ii.The new web-platform features 16 modules and 24 citizen services, using Geographic Information System(GIS) integration, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and cloud services.
iii.It is developed on open-source technology and will be maintained by the vendor for 5 years.

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