Daily Current Affairs and GK | 14 June 2025

Topic: Important Days

1. More than 100,000 yoga sessions will be held on International Day of Yoga on June 21, 2025.

• These events will happen simultaneously to mark International Day of Yoga.
• They will follow a common yoga protocol. The sessions will run from 6:30 to 7:40 in the morning.
• This year’s theme for International Yoga Day is 'Yoga for One Earth, One Health.'
• Union AYUSH Minister Prataprao Jadhav announced the main event will be in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to attend the main celebration.
• Over 65,000 organisations across India have signed up to host Yoga Sangam events.
• Representatives from about 40 countries will join the main Yoga Day event in Visakhapatnam.
• In Delhi, Yoga Day will be observed at 111 locations.
• These include notable sites like the Red Fort, Kartavya Path, and Lodhi Garden.
• The United Nations General Assembly declared June 21 as International Day of Yoga in 2014.
• Since 2015, the day has grown into a global health movement.
• Yoga originated in India as an ancient practice. It combines physical, mental, and spiritual elements.

Topic: Government Schemes and Initiatives

2. 'Gyan Post' launched by Dept. of Posts to deliver educational books at affordable rates.

• A new postal service named ‘Gyan Post’ has been introduced by the Department of Posts to facilitate the affordable delivery of educational, cultural, religious, and social books across India.
• This initiative has been aligned with the objectives of the New Education Policy (NEP), aiming to promote equitable access to printed educational resources.
• The service has been launched to bridge the educational divide by making books available even in rural and remote areas at low delivery costs.
• ‘Gyan Post’ is operational through all post offices across the country.
• A minimum rate of ₹20 has been fixed for book packets weighing up to 300 grams, while a maximum rate of ₹100 applies to packets up to 5 kilograms, excluding applicable taxes.
• To ensure transparency and trust, a tracking facility will be provided with every parcel sent under the Gyan Post service.
• For more details, customers can contact their nearest post office or visit the official website of India Post, www.indiapost.gov.in.

Topic: MoUs and Agreements

3. NPCI and IDRBT partner to strengthen cybersecurity in digital payments.

• On 12 June, an MoU was signed between the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) and the Institute for Development and Research in Banking Technology (IDRBT).
• An MoU was signed to work together to strengthen cybersecurity and resilience in India's rapidly growing digital payments ecosystem, including UPI.
• The aim of this partnership is to improve the overall security of digital transactions by focusing on training, awareness, and proactive risk management.
• This collaboration with IDRBT is a step towards enhancing cyber resilience not only through technology but also through people and preparedness.
• The partnership will provide specialized training for professionals in cybersecurity, data privacy, and system resiliency.
• A new NPCI-certified payment security certification program will be launched to align with current industry and regulatory needs.
• Apart from this, IDRBT will extend its cyber threat intelligence service platform to NPCI and its partner organizations.
• This service will provide real-time, contextual threat intelligence to help prevent cyberattacks and strengthen defense mechanisms in digital payment networks.
• NPCI:
  • The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) is the central body responsible for overseeing retail payment and settlement systems in India. It was set up in 2008 by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Indian Banks' Association (IBA).
• IDRBT:
  • The Institute for Development and Research in Banking Technology (IDRBT) is an autonomous organization set up by the Reserve Bank of India in 1996. It focuses on research and development, training, and consultancy in banking technology, particularly for the Indian banking and financial sector

Topic: Summits/Conferences/Meetings

4. Key infrastructure projects reviewed in the 95th PM Gatishakti NPG meeting.

• On 12 June, the 95th meeting of the Network Planning Group was held to evaluate infrastructure projects under the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan.
• It aims to enhance multimodal connectivity across India and improve logistics efficiency.
• Five major proposals, including two highway projects, two logistics parks, and a metro rail extension, were reviewed.
• The Ahmedabad Metro Rail Project Phase-2A will extend the metro line by 6.032 km from Koteshwar to the airport, improving access and urban mobility.
• The project aims to reduce congestion and strengthen Ahmedabad’s public transport system.
• The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has proposed two major highway projects.
• First, an 8-lane access-controlled highway along NH-248S will be built to connect with the upcoming Vadhavan Port in Maharashtra, enhancing cargo movement.
• It will handle over 57,000 PCUs daily by 2030 and link with the Delhi–Mumbai Expressway and NH-48.
• Second, a 4-lane elevated corridor of 7.63 km will be constructed in Jodhpur from Mahamandir to Akhaliya Chouraha to ease urban traffic.
• It will bypass 28 junctions, reduce peak-hour travel by 20 minutes, and enhance regional connectivity.
• Two proposals for Multi-Modal Logistics Parks to support India's broader logistics modernization efforts were also reviewed.
• First, MMLP Hyderabad will be developed over 315 acres in Parkibanda village, Telangana, to handle 1.47 MMT cargo annually by 2028.
• Its location near NH-44, Manoharabad Railway Station, and the Regional Ring Road offers strong connectivity to Hyderabad’s industrial hubs.
• Second, MMLP Patna is planned at Jaitiya village in Bihar’s Fatuah Taluka, spanning 106 acres to handle 5.43 MMT of cargo annually by 2071.
• Its proximity to railways, highways, and Patna Airport will make it a key logistics hub connecting Eastern India to major ports like Kolkata and Haldia.
• The projects have been aligned with the GatiShakti principles of integration, connectivity, and sustainability.

Topic: Personality in News

5. Dr. Srinivas Mukkamala became the first Indian-origin president of the American Medical Association.

• Dr. Srinivas Mukkamala, a Michigan-based otolaryngologist, has been elected as the 180th president of the American Medical Association (AMA).
• He became the first person of Indian origin to hold the top position in the AMA, the largest U.S. body of physicians.
• His election was announced during the AMA’s annual meeting in Chicago where he described the moment as humbling and inspiring.
• Mukkamala recently battled a brain tumor, undergoing successful surgery that removed 90% of the 8-cm mass.
• He shared how his personal health crisis deepened his commitment to better healthcare access in the U.S.
• He cited insurance barriers, cost of treatment, and delays in access as the major challenges facing American patients.
• The AMA also adopted a new policy encouraging education on health risks linked to ultraprocessed foods.
• The policy encourages medical schools to incorporate nutrition training into the curriculum to help physicians better advise patients.
• Founded in 1847, the AMA is the largest association of physicians and medical students in the United States.

Topic: Government Schemes and Initiatives

6. Green Skills & EV Training initiative launched by DGT and Shell India.

• The Directorate General of Training, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, has launched the Green Skills and Electric Vehicle (EV) Training Program in collaboration with Shell India.
• The program aims to equip students and teachers with future-ready competencies in green energy and e-mobility.
• On June 12, 2025, the initiative was implemented by the Edunet Foundation, Shell’s training partner, at select Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs) in Delhi-NCR, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka.
• In its first phase, the program includes a 240-hour advanced EV course and a 90-hour job-oriented training at Shell-supported labs.
• A 50-hour foundational green skills module is also being offered at other ITIs to build essential e-mobility knowledge.
• Over 250 instructors will undergo Training of Trainers (ToT) sessions to standardize and upscale the teaching process.
• The curriculum covers EV systems, diagnostics, battery tech, and safety protocols and offers co-branded certification with Shell and DGT.
• This collaboration between DGT and Shell India is a strong step towards preparing India's youth for careers in the future green economy.
• By providing a strong curriculum, industry support, and practical labs, this initiative will skill students, boost employability, and prepare them for a sustainable, innovative future.

Topic: Banking/Finance

7. Scapia has partnered with Federal Bank to launch India’s first credit card that combines RuPay, Visa, and UPI capabilities.

• This card integrates all three payment networks into a single platform.
• It allows users to view both credit and UPI transactions in one consolidated statement.
• This simplifies how people manage their spending. The card comes with several benefits.
• It offers zero foreign exchange fees on international transactions.
• Users also get unlimited access to domestic airport lounges. Reward points are earned on every eligible purchase.
• The card is designed for frequent travelers and tech-savvy users. It blends global payment convenience with local innovation.
• Scapia CEO Anil Goteti described the card as seamless and secure.
• This launch reflects a larger trend in the payment industry.
• Companies are increasingly merging multiple payment options into unified tools.
• Scapia’s card aims to replace the need for multiple cards, wallets, or apps.
• It is built to make spending smarter and more efficient. Scapia is a travel fintech platform.

Topic: Awards and Prizes

8. Alexander Payne will be honored with the Pardo d’Onore at the 78th Locarno Film Festival.

• The award presentation will be on August 15, 2025.
• Payne is a celebrated director, producer, and screenwriter. He is known for his iconic American films.
• His work has won three Academy Awards, three BAFTA awards, and eight Golden Globes.
• The festival praised his films for showcasing mid-budget cinema aimed at mature audiences.
• Giona A. Nazzaro, the festival’s Artistic Director, commended Payne for his deep knowledge of cinema.
• Nazzaro also noted Payne’s unique storytelling style.
• Payne has worked with distinguished actors such as Jack Nicholson, George Clooney, and Matt Damon.
• The Pardo d'Onore was established in 2017 to honor film personalities.
• The festival will take place from August 6 to August 16, 2025.

Topic: Personality in News

9. Salim Akhtar, a well-known Urdu newsreader from Akashvani, has passed away.

• He died in New Delhi at the age of 76.
• He had been ill for a short time before his death.
• Akhtar spent nearly 25 years working with the Urdu section of the News Services Division of Akashvani.

Topic: Defence

10. Indian Air Force (IAF) and the United States Air Force (USAF) have completed Exercise "Tiger Claw" across North India.

• It aimed to improve coordination between the two Air Forces. The joint drill was conducted from May 26 to June 10.
• It took place across several locations in northern India. The exercise concluded at the Garud Regimental Training Centre (GRTC).
• The GRTC is located at the Air Force Station in Chandinagar, Uttar Pradesh.
• The training focused on building military ties and sharing special operations expertise.
• It also involved joint missions to improve interoperability.
• During the two-week exercise, both sides trained together.
• They exchanged tactical knowledge and refined joint strategies.
• The name "Tiger Claw" symbolises strength and dominance.
• Tigers are considered powerful animals in many cultures.
• The GRTC is the main training centre for the IAF’s Garud Commandos.
• India and the US already share a strong defence partnership.
• They regularly hold joint training and exchange programmes.
• The air forces also take part in exercises like Cope India and Red Flag.
• India is working to formalise the Armed Forces Special Operations Division (AFSOD).
• AFSOD is a tri-service unit involving the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
• It is meant to enable joint special operations.
• Special Forces are trained for secret missions. They target high-value threats with speed and precision.
• AFSOD was approved in 2019. It will initially include around 3,000 commandos.
• They will be drawn from the Army’s Parachute Regiment, Navy’s MARCOS, and Air Force’s Garud unit.
• AFSOD is expected to be based in Agra. Agra already hosts the Army’s Parachute Brigade.