13th June 2025

1. Kashmiri Music Legend Ustad Ghulam Nabi Shah, ‘Hamle Bulbul’, Passes Away
2. India–US Air Force Special Forces Conclude First Joint Exercise ‘Tiger Claw’
3. Operation Rising Lion: Israel Targets Iranian Nuclear Sites in Escalated Strikes
4. NPCI & IDRBT Join Forces to Strengthen Cyber Security in Digital Payments
5. Wimbledon Sets New Prize Money Record at $73 Million
6. NCC Cadets Scale Mount Everest, Felicitated by Defence Minister
7. ESIC Sanath Nagar Sets New Benchmark in Public Healthcare
8. 137th OSCC Meeting Focuses on Energy Infrastructure Protection
9. Scapia & Federal Bank Launch Dual-Network RuPay-Visa Credit Card
10. Alexander Payne to Receive Honorary Leopard Award at Locarno
11. Priyanka Goswami Clinches Season’s First Win at Austrian Race Walking Championships
12. Retail Inflation Hits 6-Year Low of 2.82% in May
13. Veteran Urdu Newsreader Salim Akhtar Passes Away at 76
14. Lok Samvardhan Parv: Celebrating the Cultural and Economic Empowerment of Minority Communities
15. Bill Atkinson, Apple Pioneer Behind Graphical Interfaces, Dies at 74
16. CEC Gyanesh Kumar Showcases India’s Electoral Transparency at Stockholm Conference
17. NATO Launches Annual Military Exercise BALTOPS 25 in Latvia
18. Groww Launches India’s First Nifty Internet ETF Targeting Digital Economy
19. Poonawalla Fincorp Launched Industry-First ‘Business Loan 24/7’ for MSMEs
20. Padma Awardee Javed Akhtar Honoured with Dostoevsky Star Award
21. Sumit Madan Appointed as MD & CEO of Axis Max Life Insurance
22. India’s Reliance Defence Partners with Germany’s Diehl Defence to Manufacture Vulcano 155mm PGM in India
23. GRSE Secures Contract to Build Two Coastal Research Vessels for GSI
24. Russia Patents Drone Spacecraft Platform for Orbital Station; To Support Lunar Missions
25. West Indies Cricketer Nicholas Pooran Retires from International Cricket
26. Book on “Kashmir Insurgency – Deconstructing the State Response Revisiting 1989–90” Released
27. International Albinism Awareness Day

National News

1. Lok Samvardhan Parv Showcases Minority Artisans and Culture

• What:
  • The Ministry of Minority Affairs is organising Lok Samvardhan Parv from 11th to 15th June 2025 in New Delhi to celebrate 11 years of government efforts in empowerment, inclusion, and cultural pride.
• Why:
  • The event aims to promote inclusive development, highlight achievements of the Ministry, and support the economic empowerment of minority communities, especially artisans and craftspeople.
• Tell me more:
  • Over 50 artisans from Northern States will exhibit and sell traditional crafts, engage with buyers, and build market linkages.
  • The event features flagship initiatives like PM VIKAS and NMDFC schemes, and includes participation from artisans and culinary experts from Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh.
  • There will be exhibition-cum-sale of art such as Laakh ki Chudiyan, Wooden Painting, Blue Pottery, Embroidery, Banarasi Brocade, Phulkari, Leather Crafts, Carpet, Jewellery, and Wood Carving.

Source: pib

International News

1. Operation Rising Lion: Israeli Airstrikes Target Iran

• What:
  • Israeli jets carried out Operation Rising Lion, launching airstrikes on Iran and targeting key nuclear and military sites including the Natanz uranium enrichment complex.
• Tell me more:
  • The Natanz facility is central to Iran’s nuclear programme and has faced international scrutiny.

Source: ndtv

2. Stockholm International Conference on Electoral Integrity 2025 in Sweden

• What:
  • Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar emphasised the annual sharing of India’s Electoral Roll with all recognised political parties during revision and before elections since 1960.
• Why:
  • This process ensures transparency, accuracy, and integrity in the electoral process by allowing claims, objections, and appeals.
• Tell me more:
  • The mechanism is considered one of the world’s most rigorous and transparent, reinforcing electoral credibility across the country.
  • Gyanesh Kumar addressed the Stockholm International Conference in Sweden on Electoral Integrity, attended by representatives from around 50 countries.
  • The Election Commission of India also conducts capacity-building programmes for Election Management Bodies globally.
  • Bilateral meetings were held with counterparts from several countries to discuss voter participation, electoral technology, diaspora voting, and capacity-building.

Source: NOA

3. NATO Begins BALTOPS 25 Maritime Exercise in Baltic Region

• What:
  • Sixteen NATO allies, over 40 ships, 25 aircraft, and about 9,000 personnel have started the 54th Baltic Operations (BALTOPS 25), the main annual maritime-focused military exercise in the Baltic Sea region.
• Why:
  • The exercise aims to strengthen cooperation, improve joint training, and show the collective readiness of NATO allies to defend the region and ensure freedom of navigation.
• Tell me more:
  • BALTOPS 25 began with a pre-sail conference on June 3, and the exercise starts from June 5 in the Baltic Sea region.
  • The exercise includes training in amphibious operations, gunnery, air defense, anti-submarine warfare, mine countermeasures, explosive ordnance disposal, and medical response.
  • It will also use unmanned surface and underwater vehicles in different scenarios.
  • The event is led by U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. Sixth Fleet and coordinated by Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO, headquartered in Oeiras, Portugal.

Source: nato

Banking and Economy

1. NPCI and IDRBT Join Hands for Cybersecurity in Digital Payments

• What:
  • National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) and Institute for Development and Research in Banking Technology (IDRBT) have formed a joint venture to boost cybersecurity in India’s digital payments ecosystem.
• Why:
  • The collaboration aims to strengthen cyber resilience and payment security by training professionals and sharing threat intelligence.
• Tell me more:
  • NPCI and IDRBT will jointly train technology and cybersecurity professionals in banking and digital payments on cybersecurity, data privacy, and cyber resiliency.
  • IDRBT will provide ‘सचेत’ (IBCART 3.0 threat intelligence services) to NPCI and its ecosystem partners.
  • ‘सचेत’ (IBCART 3.0) will offer contextualised threat intelligence feeds to organisations working with NPCI.
  • A certification programme for payment security will be developed by NPCI, focusing on industry demands and regulatory standards.
  • The partnership will help build structured capacity through training, certifications, and sharing of threat intelligence.

Source: et

2. Scapia and Federal Bank Launch Dual-Network Credit Card

• What:
  • Scapia, in partnership with Federal Bank, has launched a new credit card that supports both RuPay and Visa networks and enables UPI payments.
• Why:
  • The card aims to offer a unified platform for managing credit and UPI transactions, making payments more convenient and efficient for users.
• Tell me more:
  • The card provides zero foreign exchange markup on international transactions, unlimited domestic lounge access, and rewards on eligible purchases.
  • It is designed to attract frequent travelers and tech-savvy users who book flights, hotels, and travel services.
  • The card brings together Visa’s global reach and RuPay’s UPI innovation for a seamless payment experience.
  • The Scapia app has been updated to include smart train bookings, map-based hotel searches, and special fares for students and senior citizens.

Source: bt

3. Retail Inflation Drops to Six-Year Low in May 2025

• What:
  • India’s retail inflation fell to a six-year low of 2.82% in May 2025, mainly due to easing food inflation and lower price increases in essential items.
• Why:
  • The decline reflects favourable base effects, improved food supply, and government efforts to control price rises.
• Tell me more:
  • Food inflation dropped to 0.99% in May, the lowest since October 2021, with both rural and urban food inflation below 1%.
  • May 2025 marked the fourth consecutive month with inflation below the RBI’s 4% target and the seventh month under the 6% upper limit.
  • The RBI’s Monetary Policy Committee cut the repo rate by 50 basis points to 5.5% and shifted its stance from “accommodative” to “neutral.”
  • Vegetable prices fell by 13.7% year-on-year, cereal inflation eased, and pulses saw a significant decline.
  • Rural inflation dropped to 2.59% and urban inflation to 3.07% in May.

Source: et

4. Groww Launches India’s First Nifty Internet ETF

• What:
  • Groww Mutual Fund has launched the Groww Nifty India Internet ETF, the first exchange-traded fund to track the Nifty India Internet Index.
• Why:
  • The fund aims to invest in internet-first businesses across sectors, capturing the growth of the digital economy in India.
• Tell me more:
  • The New Fund Offer opens on June 13, and the ETF will be listed on NSE after the offer.
  • The Nifty India Internet Index includes 21 listed companies from sectors such as e-commerce, fintech, online travel, digital payments, stockbroking, and entertainment.
  • The index is free float market capitalization-weighted, capped at 20% per company, rebalanced quarterly, and reconstituted semi-annually.
  • Over 83% of the portfolio is in mid and large-cap stocks, and the index delivered a one-year CAGR of 26% and a three-year CAGR of 23% as of May end.
  • The minimum investment in the NFO is ₹500, with no exit load.

Source: hbl

5. Poonawalla Fincorp Launches Business Loan 24/7 for MSMEs

• What:
  • Poonawalla Fincorp has introduced Business Loan 24/7, a fully digital loan product designed to meet the credit needs of MSMEs with speed and convenience.
• Why:
  • The initiative aims to remove barriers for MSMEs by offering easy, paperless, and risk-calibrated credit access using advanced technology and analytics.
• Tell me more:
  • Business Loan 24/7 uses a Straight Through Processing (STP) model, allowing digital onboarding and approval without branch visits or physical paperwork.
  • The product leverages advanced analytics and a robust risk assessment framework to evaluate creditworthiness using digitised data from sources like credit bureaus, GST, and account aggregators.
  • The digital model is integrated with India’s public infrastructure to streamline verification and support responsible credit allocation.
  • The offering is intended to gradually build into the company’s portfolio in a risk-calibrated manner.

Source: hbl

6. Reliance Defence, Diehl Defence to Make Vulcano 155mm Shells in India

• What:
  • Reliance Defence has signed a strategic agreement with Germany’s Diehl Defence to locally produce the Vulcano 155mm precision-guided munition system in India.
• Why:
  • The partnership aims to boost India’s defence manufacturing, reduce reliance on imports, and support the country’s indigenisation goals.
• Tell me more:
  • The Vulcano 155mm shell uses laser and GPS guidance for high-accuracy, long-range strikes.
  • Reliance Defence will manufacture the system at a new facility in Ratnagiri, Maharashtra, as part of Dhirubhai Ambani Defence City.
  • Diehl Defence will provide core technology and expertise, while Reliance Defence will be the main contractor.
  • The project is expected to generate up to ₹10,000 crore in revenue and include over 50% indigenous value addition.
  • The collaboration aligns with India’s target of ₹50,000 crore in defence exports by 2029.

Source: et

Defence News

1. India-US Conduct First Special Forces Exercise “Tiger Claw”

• What:
  • Indian Air Force and United States Air Force conducted the first independent Special Forces exercise called “Tiger Claw” across North India.
• Why:
  • The exercise aimed to strengthen the partnership between the two Air Forces through joint training and sharing best practices in special operations.
• Tell me more:
  • The exercise took place from May 26 to June 10 at various locations in North India and concluded at the Garud Regimental Training Centre (GRTC).
  • The GRTC, located at Air Force Station Chandinagar in Uttar Pradesh, is the main training facility for the IAF’s Garud Commandos.
  • The Armed Forces Special Operations Division (AFSOD) was approved in 2019 and includes commandos from the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

Source: ie

2. NCC Cadets Felicitated for Mount Everest Summit

• What:
  • Defence Minister Rajnath Singh felicitated National Cadet Corps (NCC) cadets in New Delhi who recently summited Mount Everest.
• Tell me more:
  • The NCC Mountaineering Expedition Team, consisting of five girls and five boys with an average age of 19 years, scaled Mount Everest on 18th last month.
  • The Defence Minister presented a cheque of 10 lakh rupees to the cadets for their achievement in harsh conditions without any injury.

Source: noa

3. Indian Coast Guard Chairs 137th Offshore Security Meeting

• What:
  • Indian Coast Guard chaired the 137th meeting of the Offshore Security Coordination Committee (OSCC) in New Delhi.
• Why:
  • The meeting aimed to review and enhance the security and joint response mechanisms for India’s offshore installations and vital energy infrastructure.
• Tell me more:
  • The OSCC has played a key role in policy-making and resolving offshore defence issues since its formation.
  • The OSCC was constituted in 1978 for effective offshore security arrangements.

Source: pib

4. Garden Reach Shipbuilders to Build Two Research Vessels for GSI

• What:
  • Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd. has signed a contract to construct two coastal research vessels (CRVs) for the Geological Survey of India (GSI).
• Why:
  • The vessels will support offshore geological mapping, mineral exploration, ocean environment monitoring, and research.
• Tell me more:
  • Each vessel will be 64 metres long, 12 metres wide, have a deadweight tonnage of about 450 tonnes, and an endurance of 15 days with a top speed of 10 knots.
  • The shipyard is also building an ocean research vessel for the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research and an acoustic research ship for the Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory under DRDO.

Source: cnbc

5. Indian Navy to Induct Multiple Warships in 2025

• What:
  • The Indian Navy is set to induct around 10 new warships in 2025, starting with the commissioning of ASW-SWC Arnala.
• Why:
  • The inductions aim to strengthen the Indian Navy’s maritime capabilities, support domestic shipbuilding, and enhance operational readiness.
• Tell me more:
  • Most of the new vessels are built domestically under strategic partnerships, featuring advanced systems from Indian defence firms.
  • INS Arnala is the first of sixteen Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC) ships, with over 80% indigenous content and contributions from more than 55 MSMEs.
  • Other vessels expected for induction include Talwar-class stealth frigate INS Tamal, a diving support ship, and Nilgiri-class frigates.
  • The Indian Navy plans to have 175 ships by 2035, with a focus on indigenisation and modernisation.

Source: toi

Awards

1. ESIC Sanath Nagar Hyderabad Sets Benchmark in Healthcare

• What:
  • Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) Medical College and Hospital, and Super Specialty Hospital at Sanath Nagar, Hyderabad, have been highlighted for their exceptional achievements in healthcare and education.
• Why:
  • The recognition showcases the government’s commitment to providing affordable, accessible, and high-quality healthcare for the working class and their families.
• Tell me more:
  • The hospitals have been awarded Best Performing ESIC Hospital (more than 500 beds) since 2019 and hold NABH, NABL, and ISO certifications.
  • Advanced medical procedures are performed in cardiology, nephrology, neurology, surgery, and oncology, with mortality rates lower than national benchmarks.
  • IT-based solutions like PACS, Laboratory Information System, home drug delivery, online consultation, and 5G-enabled ambulances are implemented for better service.

Source: PIB

2. Alexander Payne to Receive Honorary Leopard Award

• What:
  • Acclaimed filmmaker Alexander Payne will be honoured with the Honorary Leopard Award (Pardo d’Onore) at the 78th Locarno Film Festival (August 6 to 16).
• Why:
  • The award recognises Payne’s significant contribution to modern American cinema and his unique voice as a writer-director.
• Tell me more:
  • The award ceremony will take place on August 15 during the Locarno Film Festival in Switzerland.
  • Payne is known for films like “Election”, “The Descendants”, “Nebraska”, and “The Holdovers”.
  • He has won two Academy Awards for best adapted screenplay for “Sideways” and “The Descendants”, as well as a BAFTA Award and two Golden Globes.

Source: toi

Important Days

1. International Albinism Awareness Day – June 13

• Theme: Demanding our rights: Protect our skin, Preserve our lives

Source: un

Sports

1. Wimbledon 2025 Announces Record Prize Money

• What:
  • Wimbledon has announced a record prize money pool of 53.5 million pounds for 2025, with singles champions set to receive three million pounds each.
• Why:
  • The increase in prize money addresses player demands for a larger share of Grand Slam profits and reflects rising earnings in tennis.
• Tell me more:
  • The prize for singles champions has risen by 7% from last year and is double the amount from a decade ago.
  • First-round losers in singles will get 66,000 pounds, a 10% increase from the previous year.
  • Wimbledon 2025 will be held from June 30 to July 13.
  • For the first time, electronic line-calling will replace traditional line judges at the tournament.

Source: toi

2. Indian Racewalkers Shine at Austrian Racewalking Championships

• What:
  • Indian racewalkers won medals at the Austrian Racewalking Championships in Innsbruck, with Priyanka Goswami securing gold in the women’s 10km race.
• Tell me more:
  • Priyanka Goswami won the women’s 10km race with a time of 47:54, marking her first win of the season.
  • In the men’s 35km event, Sandeep Kumar won silver and Ram Baboo took bronze.
  • Jaromír Morávek of the Czech Republic won gold in the men’s 35km event.

Source: noa

Appointments

1. Sumit Madan Appointed MD & CEO of Axis Max Life

• Sumit Madan has been appointed as the next managing director and chief executive officer of Axis Max Life Insurance for a five-year term starting October 1, 2025, subject to shareholder approval.

Source: et

Miscellaneous

1. Passing Away of Renowned Kashmiri Singer Hamle Bulbul

• Renowned Kashmiri singer Ustad Ghulam Nabi Shah, known as Hamle Bulbul, passed away at his ancestral home in Baramulla’s Dangiwacha Rafiabad.
• In 2011, he received the Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah Award for his significant contribution to Kashmiri Lok Sangeet (folk music).
• Shah was popularly called the ‘Bulbul of Kashmiri music and art’.

Source: TT

2. Veteran Urdu Newsreader Salim Akhtar Passes Away at 76

Source: noa

3. Bill Atkinson, Apple Software Pioneer, Passes Away

• Legendary software pioneer Bill Atkinson died at the age of 74 at his home in Portola Valley, California.
• Bill Atkinson was the Apple Computer designer who had programmed QuickDraw, a foundational software layer used for both the Lisa and Macintosh computers.

Source: LM

4. Book on “Kashmir Insurgency – Deconstructing the State Response Revisiting 1989–90” Released

• Author: Colonel Yoginder Kandhari (retired)

Source: ie

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