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CURRENT AFFAIRS : BANKING, FINANCE & BUSINESS

Securities and Exchange Board of India Requires Registered Intermediaries to Have Dedicated UPI Address

• The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) will introduce a validated UPI handle for investor-facing intermediaries to ensure secure payments and prevent fraud.
• The new UPI handle will use the suffix “@valid”, for example:
  bkr@validhdfc where “abc.bkr” is the intermediary’s name and “hdfc” is the self-certified syndicate bank.
• The UPI handles will be allocated by NPCI (National Payments Corporation of India).
• A valid payment will display a thumbs-up symbol inside a green triangle to help non-English speaking users recognize authenticity.
• Approximately 8,000 to 9,000 intermediaries (including brokers, bankers to an issue, research analysts, investment advisors) will transition to the new UPI handle.
• The mandate will come into force from October 1, 2025.

Key Highlights :

• Existing SIPs (Systematic Investment Plans) will not be affected, but old UPI IDs will be discontinued from December 11, 2026.
• SEBI will conduct investor awareness campaigns and cyber fraud prevention efforts over the next two years, with an allocated budget.
• Intermediaries are required to create awareness about the new UPI handle and prominently display it.
• Investors must verify UPI IDs before making payments using the SEBI Check application to ensure transactions are only with verified intermediaries.
• SEBI plans to collaborate with the Google Play Store to ensure only valid apps are available to investors.

Recent News :

• In May 2025, SEBIhas tightened and standardised the internal audit mechanism norms for Market Infrastructure Institutions (MIIs) to strengthen governance.

About SEBI :

• Established : 12 April 1988 as an executive body and was given statutory powers on 30 January 1992 through the SEBI Act, 1992
• Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra
• Chairman : Tuhin Kanta Pandey
• SEBI is the regulatory body for securities and commodity markets in India under the ownership of the Ministry of Finance (MoF), GoI.

NTPC Secures $750 Million External Commercial Borrowing Loan

• NTPC Limited signed a Facility Agreement to raise an unsecured $750 million External Commercial Borrowing (ECB) syndicated term loan.
• ECBs refer to the borrowing of funds by Indian companies from foreign sources in the form of loans, bonds, or other financial instruments.

Key Highlights :

• The facility consists of a base issue of $500 million and a greenshoe option of $250 million.
• The loan has a door-to-door tenor of 10 years and an average maturity of 7 years.
• Bank of Baroda acted as the mandated lead arranger and underwriter for the $500 million base issue.
• HDFC Bank was the mandated lead arranger and bookrunner for the $250 million greenshoe portion.
• The transaction was executed through the IFSC Banking Units (IBU) of Bank of Baroda and HDFC Bank in GIFT City, Gandhinagar.
• The loan proceeds will be used for:Financing capital expenditure on existing or new capacity addition programmes, Funding flue gas desulphurisation projects, Supportingrenewable energy projects, including hydro-based projects, Refinancing existing ECBs for capital expenditure.

Recent News :

• In June 2025, Adani Airports Holdings Limited (AAHL), a subsidiary of Adani Enterprises, raised $750 million through External Commercial Borrowings (ECB).

Reserve Bank of India Stops Daily VRR Auctions Due to Rs 3 Lakh Crore Liquidity Surplus

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has discontinued daily Variable Rate Repo (VRR) auctions from June 11, 2025.
• The decision was taken due to a liquidity surplus in the banking system estimated between ₹2.75 lakh crore to ₹3 lakh crore.
• Daily VRR auctions were introduced on January 16, 2025, to manage short-term liquidity tightness caused by tax outflows and foreign exchange interventions.
• Recent daily VRR auctions witnessed very low demand with banks borrowing only ₹3,711 crore on June 9 and ₹3,853 crore on June 10 against a notified amount of ₹25,000 crore.
• The move follows the RBI’s decision to cut the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) by 100 basis points, which will inject about ₹2.5 lakh crore liquidity into the system gradually.
• Despite ending daily VRR auctions, RBI will continue to manage liquidity using tools such as:14-day VRR auctions, Open Market Operations (OMO), Standing Deposit Facility (SDF)

Recent News :

• In May 2025, The RBIhas introduced the “Framework for Formulation of Regulations” to standardize the regulatory formulation and public feedback process.

About RBI :

• Established : 1 April 1935
• Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
• Governor : Sanjay Malhotra

DFCC Bank Becomes First Overseas Firm to List Bond on NSE International Exchange

• DFCC Bank PLC became the first foreign corporate to list a bond on the National Stock Exchange – International Exchange (NSE IX) at GIFT City, India.
• The bond is a Green Bond, previously issued in Sri Lanka and dual-listed on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange.
• This listing enhances DFCC Bank’s access to international capital markets and supports cross-border sustainable finance.
• The bell-ringing ceremony was held on 9 June 2025 at the Grand Mercure, GIFT City, attended by dignitaries including K Rajaraman (IFSCA Chairperson).
• Proceeds from the bond will fund renewable energy projects, specifically ground and rooftop-mounted Solar PV electricity generation.
• Projects funded conform to the Sri Lanka Green Finance Taxonomy and support Sri Lanka’s goal of sourcing 70% energy from renewables by 2030.
• The issuance aligns with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
• DFCC Bank’s Green Bonds follow the Green Bond Principles by the International Capital Market Association (ICMA).
• This move reinforces DFCC Bank’s commitment to sustainable development, regional climate resilience, and green growth.

About DFCC Bank:

• DFCC Bank PLC was established in 1955 and has been listed on the Colombo Stock Exchange since 1956.
• In 2025, DFCC Bank celebrated 70 years of service, marking seven decades of innovation, resilience, and contribution to Sri Lanka’s national development.
• The Bank is regulated by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka.

About NSE International Exchange (NSE IX):

• NSE IX is an international multi-asset exchange established at GIFT City on June 5, 2017.
• It is recognized by the International Financial Services Centre Authority (IFSCA).
• NSE IX holds a dominant market share of over 99% in GIFT IFSC, demonstrating its leadership in the international financial services sector.

Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited Raises ₹2,005.90 Crore Through Qualified Institutions Placement to Strengthen Green Financing Initiatives

• Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited. (IREDA) successfully raised ₹2,005.90 crore through a Qualified Institutions Placement (QIP).
• The QIP involved issuing 12.15 crore equity shares at a price of ₹165.14 per share (including a premium of ₹155.14 over the face value of ₹10).
• The issue price was at a 5% discount to the floor price of ₹173.83 per share.
• The QIP was launched on June 5, 2025, and closed on June 10, 2025.
• The issue was oversubscribed with bids of ₹2,005.90 crore against the base issue size of ₹1,500 crore, achieving a subscription of 1.34 times.
• The capital raised will strengthen IREDA's Tier-I capital and overall Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR).
• This capital boost will enhance IREDA’s capacity to support the expanding renewable energy sector in India.
• The QIP attracted a diverse group of domestic and foreign qualified institutional buyers (QIBs), including insurance companies, scheduled commercial banks, and foreign portfolio investors.

Recent News :

• In May 2025, The IREDA has been awarded an ‘Excellent’ ratingby the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE) for its performance in FY 2023-24.

About IREDA :

• Founded : 1987
• Headquarters : New Delhi, India
• Chairman & Managing Director : Pradip Kumar Das

About Ministry of New and Renewable Energy :

• Cabinet Minister ;Pralhad Joshi
• Minister of State : Shripad Yesso Naik

Centre cuts Basic Customs Duty on key imported crude edible oils from 20% to 10%

• The Basic Customs Duty (BCD) on crude edible oils such as crude sunflower, soybean, and palm oils has been reduced from 20% to 10%.
• This change increases the import duty differential between crude and refined edible oils from 8.75% to 19.25%.
• The reduction aims to address the escalating edible oil prices caused by the September 2024 duty hike and rising international market prices.
• An advisory was issued to edible oil associations and industry stakeholders to ensure the full benefit of the reduced duty is passed on to consumers.

Key Highlights :

• The 19.25% duty differential encourages domestic refining capacity utilization and reduces imports of refined oils.
• Import duty affects the landed cost of edible oils, which impacts domestic prices and inflation.
• By lowering duty on crude oils, the government intends to reduce retail prices of edible oils and provide consumer relief.
• The policy also promotes domestic refining and ensures fair compensation to farmers.
• The revised duty structure discourages import of refined Palmolein, redirecting demand to crude edible oils, especially crude palm oil, boosting the domestic refining sector.
• A meeting chaired by the Secretary, Department of Food and Public Distribution (DFPD), Government of India involved edible oil industry associations and emphasized passing benefits to consumers.
• Industry stakeholders were instructed to adjust Price to Distributors (PTD) and Maximum Retail Price (MRP) promptly, sharing weekly updates with the DFPD.
• The policy aims to stabilize edible oil prices, reduce food inflation, and ensure consumers benefit from the duty reduction.

About Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution :

• Cabinet Minister :Pralhad Joshi
• Minister of State :NimubenBambhaniya, Banwari Lal Verma

CURRENT AFFAIRS: NATIONAL AND STATE NEWS

Punjab Government Launches FastTrack Punjab Portal to Expedite Industrial Approvals

• The Punjab government has introduced the FastTrack Punjab Portal to speed up industrial approvals and minimize bureaucratic delays.
• Launched jointly by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal, the platform aims to provide time-bound clearances for industrial projects while emphasizing accountability and automation.

Key Features of the FastTrack Punjab Portal

• Approval Within 45 Days:
  The portal guarantees that approvals for new business setups, expansions, and project diversifications will be granted within 45 days. If this deadline is missed, investors will automatically receive deemed approval, ensuring no unnecessary delays.
• Accountability Mechanism:
  Delays trigger an escalation involving the Chief Secretary and an internal inquiry to identify and hold responsible officials accountable for the delay.
• Single-Window Clearance System:
  Integrated with the Invest Punjab Portal, the system offers a unified application for statutory approvals such as change of land use (CLU), fire safety, forest, and pollution certificates via a single stamp paper. These clearances will be processed within 15 days.
• Self-Certification for Compliance:
  To simplify regulatory adherence, the state has introduced a self-certification mechanism for building plans, structural safety, and fire no-objection certificates.
• Expanded Right to Business Act:
  The Act now covers investments up to ₹125 crore, with in-principle approvals issued within 3 to 15 days depending on location.
• Industrial Incentives Disbursal:
  Since April 2025, Punjab has disbursed ₹150 crore in pending industrial incentives, with expectations to reach ₹250 crore by June 2025.

Ministry of Rural Development Launches ‘Naksha’ Pilot to Digitize Urban Land Records

• The Ministry of Rural Development has rolled out the ‘Naksha’ pilot programme across 157 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in 27 states and 3 Union Territories during 2024–25.
• Aimed at creating accurate, transparent, and easily accessible urban land records, the initiative leverages advanced aerial and field survey technologies to build a GIS-integrated database.

Key Highlights:

• Wide Coverage: Pilot launched in 157 ULBs, including 10 cities in Uttar Pradesh (Tanda, Nawabganj, Anupshahr, Chitrakoot Dham, Gorakhpur, Hardoi, Jhansi, Chunar, Puranpur, Tilhar).
• GIS-Integrated Surveys: Deploys drone-based aerial mapping and field surveys to capture precise land-parcel boundaries and ownership details.
• Addressing Record Gaps: Moves beyond tax-centric records by clearly defining land status and ownership, thereby reducing fraudulent transactions and aiding judicial dispute resolution.
• Urbanisation Readiness: With Uttar Pradesh’s urban population projected to rise from 22.27% to ~40% by 2031, comprehensive digital records are critical for future planning and infrastructure development.
• Revenue & Resilience: Expected to boost municipal revenues, improve disaster preparedness, and attract private investment through clear, reliable land data.
• Integration with DILRMP: Builds on the Digital India Land Records Modernisation Programme, featuring Unique Land Parcel Identification Numbers (ULPIN) with geo-coordinates and owner details, and an online system for succession, transfers, and certificate applications.
• Enhanced Transparency: Plans to link land records with Aadhaar and use a revenue court management system for online case tracking, further strengthening governance.

FAC Grants In-Principle Approval to Etalin 3,097 MW Hydropower Project in High Conservation Value Zone

• The Forest Advisory Committee (FAC) has given in-principle clearance to the Etalin Hydropower Project (3,097 MW) on the Dri and Talo rivers in Arunachal Pradesh’sDibang Valley—a high conservation value area—subject to specific environmental and social safeguards.

Key Highlights:

• Forest Diversion & Tree Felling: Approval covers diversion of 1,175.03 ha of unclassed forest land and the felling of 270,000 trees; area includes 212 ha of very dense, 310 ha of moderately dense, and 506 ha of open forest.
• Biodiversity Significance: The project site harborssix globally threatened mammal species (three endangered, three vulnerable) and 680 bird species (19 globally threatened, 10 near-threatened, including four critically endangered).
• Wildlife Management Plan: A ₹29.50 crore conservation plan by the Wildlife Institute of India has been approved; its implementation is mandatory to mitigate biodiversity impacts.
• Conditional Land Reversion:424.83 ha of forest land used for temporary construction must be handed back to the forest department post-use.
• Local Grievance Redressal: A state-level empowered committee, chaired by the Dibang Valley Deputy Commissioner, will address community concerns and ensure compliance with legal norms.
• Complementary Hydropower Clearances: FAC also approved the diversion of 313.88 ha for Tato-II HEP (700 MW) on the Siyom river, while the Attunli HEP (680 MW) diversion of 261.53 ha was deferred pending further review.

India’s First Underwater Naval Museum to Be Built Using INS Guldar in Maharashtra

• India will soon establish its first submerged naval museum and artificial coral reef using the decommissioned warship INS Guldar, off the coast of Nivati Rocks in Sindhudurg, Maharashtra.
• Backed by the Union Ministry of Tourism, this ₹46.91 crore initiative aims to promote marine biodiversity conservation, eco-tourism, and underwater adventure tourism.

Key Highlights:

Project Overview:

• The decommissioned INS Guldar will be converted into an underwater museum to showcase India’s naval heritage and promote scuba diving and submarine tours.
• The project will also create an artificial coral reef, supporting marine biodiversity and local fisheries.

About INS Guldar:

• A 1,120-ton Landing Ship Tank (LST) that served the Indian Navy until January 2024.
• The ship has undergone environmental cleaning to ensure safe submersion without harming marine life.

Location and Environmental Impact:

• The site, Nivati Rocks (Vengurla, Sindhudurg), was selected for its clear waters and rich marine ecosystems.
• The intentional sinking (scuttling) of INS Guldar will serve as the base for coral regeneration.
• Artificial reefs will rejuvenate marine habitats and help restore biodiversity.

Funding and Implementation:

• The Union Ministry of Tourism has sanctioned ₹46.91 crore for the project.
• It is being executed by the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC).
• Aligns with India’s Blue Economy goals and sustainable coastal development strategy.

India Hosts ITU’s FG-AINN Meet to Advance AI-Native Telecom Networks

• India reaffirmed its leadership in digital transformation by hosting the 3rd ITU-T Focus Group Meeting on AI-Native Networks (FG-AINN) in New Delhi from June 11–13, 2025.
• Organized by the Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC) under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), the event emphasized embedding Artificial Intelligence (AI) at the core of telecom networks, moving beyond its traditional auxiliary role.

Key Highlights:

Major Announcements:

• India proposed to host the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference 2030 (PP-30).
• Nominated Ms. M. Revathi as the first woman and regional candidate for Director of the ITU Radiocommunication Bureau (2027–2030).
• India’s candidacy for ITU Council (2027–2031) was also declared.

Event Highlights:

• Inaugurated by Mr. Sanjeev Bidwai, who emphasized India’s advancements in 3GPP AI standards, Bharat Gen LLM, and CDOT-led innovations.
• Featured global participation from ITU dignitaries including Seizo Onoe and Atsuo Okuda, along with industry experts.

Special Initiative:

• A Build-a-Thon 2025 was held to co-create AI-driven telecom solutions in real time, encouraging innovation and collaboration.

About FG-AINN:

• Established in July 2024 under ITU-T Study Group 13, the group focuses on:
• AI integration in network cores.
• Development of next-gen telecom applications like smart cities, AI-based healthcare, and disaster management.
• Tackling key challenges such as call drops, latency, and network adaptability.

Cabinet Approves ₹6,405 Crore Railway Projects to Strengthen Connectivity and Freight Capacity

• The Union Cabinet, under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved two major multitracking railway projects covering Jharkhand, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh.
• Spanning 318 km with an investment of ₹6,405 crore, the move is aligned with the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, aiming to enhance infrastructure, logistics efficiency, and green transportation.

Key Highlights:

Project Details:

• Koderma–Barkakana Doubling (133 km) – Jharkhand
• Strategically connects Patna to Ranchi through coal-rich regions.
• Ballari–Chikjajur Doubling (185 km) – Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh
• Passes through Ballari, Chitradurga (Karnataka) and Anantapur (AP).

Boost to Freight Transport:

• Additional capacity to handle 49 MTPA of goods including coal, steel, cement, fertilizers, petroleum, and agri-products.

Environmental Gains:

• Reduces oil imports by 52 crore litres.
• Expected reduction of 264 crore kg of CO₂, equivalent to planting 11 crore trees.

Employment and Rural Benefits:

• Generates 108 lakh human-days of direct employment during construction.
• Improves connectivity to 1,408 villages, benefiting 28.19 lakh people.

1st Task Force Meeting on Textile Exports Held to Boost India’s Global Trade Share

• The Ministry of Commerce convened the first meeting of the Task Force on Textiles Exports at Vanijya Bhawan, New Delhi.
• Chaired by Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal, the meeting aimed to formulate strategies for enhancing India’s textile export performance through stakeholder collaboration, policy input, and sectoral reforms.

Key Highlights:

• Unified Export Platform: The task force seeks to establish a central platform to resolve sector-specific issues, involving government departments, EPCs, and industry associations.
• Sustainability and ESG Compliance: Emphasis was laid on upgrading ESG infrastructure in textile manufacturing and promoting renewable energy use, aligning with global environmental norms.
• Regulatory Simplification: Key concerns were raised regarding compliance with the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) and the need to simplify export-related regulatory processes.
• E-commerce and Branding Push: Discussions included strategies to enhance the global presence of Indian textile brands and promote exports through digital platforms.
• Support for MSMEs: The task force recommended measures such as interest subvention schemes, testing and certification facilities, and collateral support to strengthen small exporters.
• Review of Export Incentive Schemes: Stakeholders addressed issues in schemes like RoDTEP, RoSCTL, and duty drawback, critical for improving competitiveness.
• Focus on Innovation: Deliberations included support for new jute diversified products (JDPs), allocation of separate HS codes for GI-tagged products, and boosting natural fibre productivity.
• Strategic Alignment: The initiative aligns with the government’s vision for Viksit Bharat 2047, aiming to position India as a global leader in textile exports.

National Commission for Women (NCW) Launches “Yashoda AI: Your AI SAKHI” to Boost Women’s Digital Empowerment

• Yashoda AI, launched by NCW in collaboration with Future Shift Labs, is a pioneering effort to increase women’s participation in the fields of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, and digital safety.
• About Yashoda AI:
• Location: Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Rohilkhand University, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh
• Launched by:National Commission for Women (NCW)
• In collaboration with:Future Shift Labs (FSL)

Objective:To empower women, especially in rural and semi-urban areas, with knowledge and skills in:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI)
• Cybersecurity
• Digital Safety

Key Features:

• Promotes community-driven digital education
• Trains women as leaders, not just participants, in tech
• Covers critical issues like AI-driven crimes, digital privacy, and cyber safety
• Involves students, educators, and women from the police force

Leadership:

• NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar emphasized the initiative’s role in furthering gender justice, cyber awareness, and women-led digital safety innovations.

Ministry of Panchayati Raj has launched PAI 2.0 during a national-level Writeshop held on 26–27 May 2025 in New Delhi

• The Ministry of Panchayati Raj has officially launched PAI 2.0 (Panchayat Advancement Index0) during a national-level Writeshop held in New Delhi.
• This initiative aims to strengthen data-driven governance and improve service delivery at the Gram Panchayat level.
• PAI 2.0 is designed to provide measurable indicators that assess the performance of panchayats, thereby promoting accountability, transparency, and efficiency in local self-governance.

What is PAI 2.0?

• Panchayat Advancement Index Version 2.0
• A data-driven tool to assess performance of 2.5 lakh+ Gram Panchayats
• Aligned with 9 LSDG (Localisation of Sustainable Development Goals) themes

Launch Details

• Place: Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi
• Portal:https://pai.gov.in
• Launched by: Ministry of Panchayati Raj &MoSPI

PAI 1.0 vs PAI 2.0

Element	PAI 1.0	PAI 2.0
Indicators	516	147
Data Points	794	227

9 Themes of PAI 2.0

1. Poverty-Free & Livelihoods
2. Healthy Panchayat
3. Child-Friendly
4. Water-Sufficient
5. Clean & Green
6. Self-Sufficient Infrastructure
7. Social Justice & Security
8. Good Governance
9. Women-Friendly

Ladakh Now Home to 477 Snow Leopards: A Conservation Milestone

• A recent wildlife census has placed Ladakh at the forefront of snow leopard conservation efforts. Under the Snow Leopard Population Assessment in India (SPAI) program, it has been scientifically confirmed that Ladakh is home to 477 snow leopards, making it one of the most significant habitats for this elusive big cat species globally.
• The study, released, is the first scientifically validated estimate of snow leopard numbers in the Ladakh region.
• This important survey was carried out jointly by the:
• Ladakh Forest Department
• Wildlife Institute of India (WII)
• Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
• Nature Conservation Foundation (NCF)
• With around 33% of India’s total snow leopard population found in Ladakh, the region is now recognized as a critical zone for snow leopard conservation.
• The presence of protected zones like Hemis National Park, Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary, and Zanskar provides safe havens for snow leopards to flourish.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Russia to Construct Eight Nuclear Power Plants in Iran: Atomic Chief

• Russia will construct eight nuclear power plants in Iran under a previously signed contract between the two nations.
• The announcement was made by Mohammad Eslami, President of the Atomic Energy Organisation of Iran (AEOI), during a visit by the Iranian Parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Committee to the AEOI headquarters in Tehran.
• Four out of the eight planned reactors will be built in Bushehr province, located in southern Iran.
• Units 2 and 3 at the existing Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant are under construction and being built by Iranian companies.
• The AEOI plans to triple Iran’s nuclear power generation capacity as part of a national energy development strategy.
• The existing Bushehr plant (Unit 1) was completed by Russia in May 2011 and remains Iran’s only operational nuclear facility.
• The project is being executed in cooperation with Russia’s state nuclear agency, Rosatom.

About Russia :

• President : Vladimir Putin
• Prime minister: Mikhail Mishustin
• Capital: Moscow
• Currency: Russian Ruble

Sri Lanka Observes Poson Poya Festival Commemorating Buddhism’s Arrival Over 2000 Years Ago

• Poson Poya is a sacred festival celebrated in Sri Lanka to mark the arrival of Buddhism over 2,000 years ago.
• It is observed on the June full moon day each year.
• The festival commemorates the first sermon preached by Arahat Mahinda, the son of Emperor Ashoka, to King Devanampiyatissa at Mihintale.
• This event signifies the introduction of Buddhism to Sri Lanka.
• Thousands of devotees gather at Mihintale Hill and other sacred sites like Anuradhapura, which are focal points of the celebrations.
• Streets, homes, and public places are decorated with paper lanterns and other traditional decorations.
• President Anura Kumara Dissanayake greeted the nation on this occasion, emphasizing unity and moral revival as key to national transformation.
• The Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka marked the festival with an exhibition on Indian Buddhist heritage at the National Museum in Colombo.
• To support pilgrims, free train services are operating between Anuradhapura and Mihintale throughout Poson week, along with special trains between Colombo Fort and Anuradhapura.

About Sri Lanka:

• Capital: Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte (Administrative), Colombo (Commercial)
• Currency: Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR)
• President: Anura Kumara Dissanayake
• Prime Minister: Harini Amarasuriya

CURRENT AFFAIRS : APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

Maldives Appoints Katrina Kaif as Global Tourism Brand Ambassador 

• Bollywood actress Katrina Kaif has been appointed as the Global Brand Ambassador for Maldives tourism by the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC).
• The announcement was made as MMPRC launched its global summer sale campaign to attract international tourists to the Maldives.
• Katrina Kaif, known as both an actress and entrepreneur, is expected to enhance the Maldives' image as a premium tourist destination due to her wide fanbase in India and abroad.
• The Maldives remains a popular destination for Indian tourists, and this move comes at a crucial time to boost inbound tourism from the Indian subcontinent.
• The announcement aligns with improving India-Maldives relations, which had deteriorated in early 2024 after the election of President Mohamed Muizzu, who led an “India Out” campaign and is seen as pro-China.
• The move is strategically timed ahead of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s scheduled visit to the Maldives, aiming to restore diplomatic ties.
• CEO & MD of Visit Maldives : Ibrahim Shiuree

CURRENT AFFAIRS : DEFENCE NEWS

Indian Coast Guard Steps Up Action as Burning Container Ship Drifts Near Kerala Coast

• On June 11, 2025, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) winched five salvage team members and an aircrew diver onto the burning Singaporean container vessel MV Wan Hai 503 to assist towing operations.
• The vessel caught fire off Kerala coast on June 09, 2025 and is drifting south-east within India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), about 42 nautical miles from Beypore, Kerala.
• The ship carries 2,128 metric tons of fuel and hundreds of containers, including hazardous cargo, posing a serious environmental risk and threat to regional shipping routes.
• ICG’s firefighting efforts have significantly reduced visible flames; currently only smoke is visible, but fire remains active in inner decks and near fuel tanks.
• The response involves five ICG ships, two Dornier aircraft, and one helicopter, along with support from two Directorate General of Shipping vessels.
• A salvage team appointed by the ship owners works in coordination with the ICG.
• The Indian Air Force has been requested to provide additional aerial support.

About Ministry of Defence:

• Cabinet Minister: Rajnath Singh
• Minister of State (MoS): Ajay Bhatt

Indian Army Arrives in Mongolia to Participate in Multinational Exercise Khaan Quest

• The Indian Army contingent arrived at Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia for the Multinational Military Exercise KHAAN QUEST held from 14th to 28th June 2025.
• Exercise KHAAN QUEST brings together military forces worldwide to collaborate and enhance peacekeeping capabilities.
• The exercise began as a bilateral event between the USA and Mongolia in 2003 and evolved into a multinational peacekeeping exercise from 2006
• The 2025 edition is the 22nd iteration of Exercise KHAAN QUEST.
• The Indian contingent consists of 40 personnel, mainly from the KUMAON Regiment, along with other Arms and Services
• The contingent includes one woman officer and two women soldiers.
• The exercise aims to prepare the Indian Armed Forces for UN peacekeeping missions under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter.
• Focus areas include interoperability, military readiness, joint planning, joint tactical drills, and a high degree of physical fitness.
• The 21st edition of the Khaan Quest multinational peacekeeping exercise was held in Mongolia, specifically in the Five Hills Training Area of Ulaanbaatar, from July 27 to August 9, 2024.

Indian and United Kingdom Navies Hold Bilateral Maritime Exercise in North Arabian Sea

• The Indian Navy's stealth frigate Indian Naval Ship (INS) Tabar, a submarine, and P-8I maritime patrol aircraft took part in a passage exercise with the UK’s Carrier Strike Group in the North Arabian Sea on June 9-10, 2025.
• The UK formation included the aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales and frigate HMS Richmond.
• The exercise involved unified control of integral helicopters, tactical manoeuvres, coordinated anti-submarine operations, and professional exchange of officers.
• This joint exercise highlights the deepening cooperation between the Indian Navy and the Royal Navy, showcasing their shared commitment to maritime security and bilateral ties.
• The collaboration reflects the strong relationship between the two navies and their dedication to maintaining a secure and stable maritime environment.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : APPS & PORTALS

Swathi Nelabhatla Launches Sitha App to Empower Women in Monetising Their Skills

• Swathi Nelabhatla, a techie and mother of a child with autism, started the Sitha (She Is The Hero Always) App to address challenges faced by working women in monetising their skills.
• The tech-based gig economyfavors men, while many skilled women remain underemployed due to rigid work formats, career gaps, and personal commitments.

Key Highlights :

• Sitha App is available on iOS and Android and allows women to showcase niche skills across diverse fields like coding, art, music, interiors, design, and wellness.
• The app targets over 200 million women in India seeking flexible and meaningful work across technical and non-technical domains, including home services, teaching, legal consulting, wellness, travel services, and digital gigs.
• This is Nelabhatla’ssecond venture for women; her first was SheJobs, a platform helping women tech professionals find jobs.
• Sitha App offers a dignified and flexible earning ecosystem with verified home services, community gigs, digital consulting, and handicrafts.
• Features include structured onboarding, AI-powered gig matching, secure payments, and support for skill-building, making it India’s first women-exclusive gig marketplace.
• The platform aims to empower 1 million women entrepreneurs by 2027.
• SheJobs, launched initially in the US, focuses on tech jobs and has a database of nearly 1 lakh women.
• Unlike SheJobs, Sitha focuses on flexible opportunities and helps women with non-tech skills like tailoring to monetize their abilities.
• The app allows users to list skills, find customer leads, set their own fees, and work hours independently.
• Besides services, the platform supports selling products like sarees, jewellery, and handmade paintings.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: RANKING AND INDEX

India Ranks 131st in Global Gender Gap Index 2025: Mixed Progress in Gender Parity

• In the 2025 Global Gender Gap Report released by the World Economic Forum (WEF), India slipped two spots to 131st out of 148 countries, despite minor improvements in some indicators.
• The country’s overall parity score is 64.1%, highlighting persistent gaps in political empowerment and a slow pace toward equality.

Key Highlights:

Global Context:

• Global gender gap closed to 68.8%, marking the strongest post-COVID progress.
• Full gender parity is projected to take 123 years at the current pace.
• Top 5 countries: Iceland, Finland, Norway, UK, and New Zealand.

India’s Ranking & Score:

• Rank: 131st (down from 129th in 2024).
• Score: 64.1%, among the lowest in South Asia.

Positive Developments:

• Economic Participation:
• Score rose by +0.9 percentage points, now at 40.7%.
• Estimated earned income parity improved to 29.9% (from 28.6%).
• Labour force participation: Steady at 45.9%, the highest recorded for India.
• Educational Attainment:
• Score improved to 97.1%, driven by increased female literacy and higher education enrolment.
• Health & Survival:
• Gains attributed to better sex ratio at birth and improved life expectancy.

Key Concern – Political Empowerment:

• Female MPs declined from 14.7% to 13.8%.
• Women in ministerial roles dropped from 6.5% to 5.6%.
• Political subindex score fell by 0.6 percentage points, below 2023 levels.
• India's peak political parity was 30% in 2019.

South Asia Comparison (2025 Ranks):

• Bangladesh: 24
• Nepal: 125
• Sri Lanka: 130
• India: 131
• Bhutan: 119
• Maldives: 138
• Pakistan: 148

CURRENT AFFAIRS: SPORTS NEWS

Elavenil Valarivan Clinches Bronze in Women’s 10m Air Rifle at ISSF World Cup

• Indian shooting star Elavenil Valarivan secured the bronze medal on the opening day of the ISSF World Cup, registering a final score of 231.2 in the women’s 10m air rifle event.

Key Highlights:

• Podium Finish: Elavenil finished third, behind China’s Wang Zifei (gold, 252.7) and Korea’s Kwon Eunji (silver, 252.6).
• Qualifying Performance: She ranked second in qualifications with 635.9 points, just behind Wang Zifei’sworld-record 637.9.
• Strong Start: Opened the final with 10.7 and 10.8, positioning herself 0.3 points behind the leader after five shots.
• Mid-Final Lead: Led the competition at 127.2 after 12 shots, briefly overtaking Wang.
• Key Miss: A sudden 9.8 shot in the elimination stage dropped her from first to third.
• Field Depth: Qualification top six included Wang Zifei, Elavenil Valarivan, Jeanette Hegg Duestad (635.7), Kwon Eunji (635.6), Elif Berfin Altun (634.6), and Han Jiayu (634.2).
• Team Performances: India’s Ananya Naidu (15th, 632.4), Ramita Jindal (13th, 632.6, RPO), Meghana Sajjanar (25th, RPO), and Arya Borse (60th) also competed.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: IMPORTANT DAYS

International Albinism Awareness Day 2025: June 13

• International Albinism Awareness Day 2025 is observed around the world on June 13 every year.
• This Day was organized by the United Nations to battle discrimination against those diagnosed with albinism and to create a society that is aware.
• The theme for International Albinism Awareness Day 2025, observed on June 13th, is "Demanding Our Rights: Protect Our Skin, Preserve Our Lives".

History

• In 2013, the United Nations Human Rights Council adopted a resolution that called for the prevention of discrimination against persons with albinism.
• On 18 December 2014, the General Assembly adopted a resolution proclaiming, with effect from 2015, 13 June as International Albinism Awareness Day.
• In response to the call from civil society organizations advocating to consider persons with albinism as a specific group with particular needs that require special attention, the Council created the mandate of Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism on March 26, 2015. 

Daily CA one- Liner: June 13

• The Punjab government has introduced the FastTrack Punjab Portal to speed up industrial approvals and minimize bureaucratic delays.
• The Ministry of Rural Development has rolled out the ‘Naksha’ pilot programme across 157 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in 27 states and 3 Union Territories during 2024–25.
• The Forest Advisory Committee (FAC) has given in-principle clearance to the Etalin Hydropower Project (3,097 MW) on the Dri and Talo rivers in Arunachal Pradesh’sDibang Valley—a high conservation value area—subject to specific environmental and social safeguards
• India will soon establish its first submerged naval museum and artificial coral reef using the decommissioned warship INS Guldar, off the coast of Nivati Rocks in Sindhudurg, Maharashtra
• India reaffirmed its leadership in digital transformation by hosting the 3rd ITU-T Focus Group Meeting on AI-Native Networks (FG-AINN) in New Delhi from June 11–13, 2025
• The Union Cabinet, under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved two major multitracking railway projects covering Jharkhand, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh
• The Ministry of Commerce convened the first meeting of the Task Force on Textiles Exports at Vanijya Bhawan, New Delhi
• Yashoda AI, launched by NCW in collaboration with Future Shift Labs, is a pioneering effort to increase women’s participation in the fields of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, and digital safety.
• The Ministry of Panchayati Raj has officially launched PAI 2.0 (Panchayat Advancement Index0) during a national-level Writeshop held in New Delhi
• A recent wildlife census has placed Ladakh at the forefront of snow leopard conservation efforts. Under the Snow Leopard Population Assessment in India (SPAI) program, it has been scientifically confirmed that Ladakh is home to 477 snow leopards, making it one of the most significant habitats for this elusive big cat species globally.
• In the 2025 Global Gender Gap Report released by the World Economic Forum (WEF), India slipped two spots to 131st out of 148 countries, despite minor improvements in some indicators.
• Indian shooting star Elavenil Valarivan secured the bronze medal on the opening day of the ISSF World Cup, registering a final score of 231.2 in the women’s 10m air rifle event
• International Albinism Awareness Day 2025 is observed around the world on June 13 every year.
• The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) will introduce a validated UPI handle for investor-facing intermediaries to ensure secure payments and prevent fraud.
• NTPC Limited signed a Facility Agreement to raise an unsecured $750 million External Commercial Borrowing (ECB) syndicated term loan.
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has discontinued daily Variable Rate Repo (VRR) auctions from June 11, 2025.
• DFCC Bank PLC became the first foreign corporate to list a bond on the National Stock Exchange – International Exchange (NSE IX) at GIFT City, India.
• Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited. (IREDA) successfully raised ₹2,005.90 crore through a Qualified Institutions Placement (QIP).
• The Basic Customs Duty (BCD) on crude edible oils such as crude sunflower, soybean, and palm oils has been reduced from 20% to 10%.
• Russia will construct eight nuclear power plants in Iran under a previously signed contract between the two nations.
• Poson Poya is a sacred festival celebrated in Sri Lanka to mark the arrival of Buddhism over 2,000 years ago.
• Bollywood actress Katrina Kaif has been appointed as the Global Brand Ambassador for Maldives tourism by the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC).
• On June 11, 2025, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) winched five salvage team members and an aircrew diver onto the burning Singaporean container vessel MV Wan Hai 503 to assist towing operations.
• The Indian Army contingent arrived at Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia for the Multinational Military Exercise KHAAN QUEST held from 14th to 28th June 2025.
• The Indian Navy's stealth frigate Indian Naval Ship (INS) Tabar, a submarine, and P-8I maritime patrol aircraft took part in a passage exercise with the UK’s Carrier Strike Group in the North Arabian Sea on June 9-10, 2025.
• Swathi Nelabhatla, a techie and mother of a child with autism, started the Sitha (She Is The Hero Always) App to address challenges faced by working women in monetising their skills.