Daily Current Affairs 12th June 2025, Important News Headlines (Daily GK Update)

National News

11 Years of Digital India: A Tech Revolution Empowering the Poorest

• The Digital India Mission, now in its 11th year, has profoundly reshaped how governance is delivered in India.
• From DBT and Aadhaar to platforms like UMANG, DigiLocker, and Jeevan Pramaan, the initiative has made government schemes more transparent, efficient, and inclusive, benefiting millions—especially the rural poor.
• With crores of users and billions of digital transactions, Digital India has successfully bridged the digital divide and laid the foundation for a tech-driven welfare state.

Aadhaar OTP Must for Tatkal Bookings from July 15: Railways Issues New Rules

• Starting July 15, 2025, Tatkal ticket bookings through the IRCTC platform will require Aadhaar-based OTP verification, as per new rules announced by the Ministry of Railways.
• The move is aimed at reducing fraudulent bulk bookings and ensuring genuine passengers benefit from the high-demand Tatkal service.
• Additionally, agents are barred from booking tickets during the first 30 minutes of the Tatkal booking window.
• These changes will be implemented with support from IRCTC and CRIS, ensuring smoother, secure, and transparent ticketing for all.

Cabinet Approves ₹6,405 Cr Rail Projects to Boost Connectivity Across Three States

• The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved two strategic multitracking projects under Indian Railways, totaling ₹6,405 crore, to enhance connectivity and freight movement across Jharkhand, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh.
• Spanning 318 km, the Koderma–Barkakana and Ballari–Chikjajur doubling lines will improve logistics efficiency, benefit over 28 lakh people, and cut carbon emissions, aligning with India’s sustainability goals and economic self-reliance vision.

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

• India is developing its first underwater museum and artificial coral reef near Nivati Rocks, Sindhudurg, by submerging the decommissioned naval ship INS Guldar.
• Backed by ₹46.91 crore from the Union Tourism Ministry, the initiative will enhance marine biodiversity, promote eco-tourism, and provide attractions like scuba diving.
• The project is being led by the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation, aiming to blend naval heritage with marine conservation in line with the country’s Blue Economy and sustainable tourism goals.

State News

Puducherry Adopts NeVA: A New Era of Digital Legislative Governance Begins

• On June 9, 2025, Puducherry became the 19th legislature in India to adopt the National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA), a digital platform for paperless legislative functioning, inaugurated by Union Minister Dr. L. Murugan.
• The initiative supports the Digital India vision, enabling real-time legislative transparency, livestreaming, and saving paper, with 100% central funding.
• NeVA represents a step toward “One Nation, One Application”, furthering eco-friendly governance, citizen access, and institutional efficiency.

Banking News

SEBI to Launch ‘SEBI Check’ to Verify UPI IDs and Curb Investment Frauds

• On June 11, 2025, SEBI announced the development of “SEBI Check,” a UPI verification tool designed to help investors authenticate UPI IDs of registered intermediaries and avoid falling prey to financial frauds.
• The regulator also mandated a new UPI payment structure, effective from October 1, 2025, to ensure all fund collections within the securities market are routed through verified and secure channels.
• This initiative aims to bolster investor confidence, increase digital transaction security, and deter impersonation by unregistered entities.

₹5,000 Cr Green Bonds in RBI’s ₹30,000 Cr G-Sec Auction to Fund Eco Projects

• The RBI will conduct a ₹30,000 crore government securities auction on June 13, 2025, which includes the re-issuance of ₹5,000 crore Sovereign Green Bonds (SGrBs) maturing in 2054.
• These bonds are earmarked for environmentally sustainable projects. The auction will use the multiple price method via the e-Kuber platform.
• This step demonstrates India’s firm commitment to green financing, climate resilience, and its net-zero goals under global climate agreements.

French and UAE Banks Set to Expand Footprint in GIFT City’s Financial Landscape

• India’s GIFT City has witnessed a surge in global interest, with banks from France and the UAE applying to set up IFSC Banking Units (IBUs).
• The International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) has approved Natixis and Credit Agricole, while other foreign and domestic banks await clearances.
• The total number of IBUs has doubled from 15 in 2022 to 31 in 2025, with $88.5 billion in assets.
• This reflects global trust in India’s economic reforms, and supports the country’s ambition to make GIFT City a world-class financial centre.

SBI General Insurance Appoints Mohd. Arif Khan as Deputy CEO

• SBI General Insurance has appointed Mohd. Arif Khan as its Deputy CEO to steer the company through a phase of growth and innovation.
• With over 25 years at SBI, Khan has expertise across retail banking, digital systems, and leadership training.
• His appointment is expected to strengthen customer experience, drive technological innovation, and expand SBI General’s footprint in emerging markets.
• Holding multiple certifications and academic accolades, his entry signifies SBI General’s push towards excellence in insurance services and leadership transformation.

Economy News

Centre Slashes Customs Duty on Crude Edible Oils to Ease Inflation

• The Government of India has halved the customs duty on crude edible oils—such as palm, sunflower, and soybean oils—from 20% to 10% in a bid to reduce retail prices, promote domestic refining, and curb inflation.
• This move increases the duty gap between crude and refined oils, encouraging local processing and supporting farmers. An advisory has been issued to edible oil stakeholders to ensure consumers receive the full benefit of this tax relief.

Business News

IREDA Raises ₹2,005.90 Crore via QIP to Power Renewable Energy Push

• The Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA) has raised ₹2,005.90 crore through a QIP issue, attracting strong participation from domestic and international institutional investors.
• The funds will enhance IREDA’s Tier-I capital and enable expanded green energy financing.
• This development follows IREDA’s IPO in 2023 and reaffirms the agency’s growing significance in India’s clean energy transition, strengthening its ability to support renewable energy initiatives across the country.

Appointments News

FSIB Picks R Doraiswamy as MD & CEO of LIC

• On June 11, 2025, the Financial Services Institutions Bureau (FSIB) recommended R Doraiswamy, a seasoned executive with 38 years of experience, for the role of Managing Director and CEO of LIC.
• This decision is part of a wider leadership revamp at LIC, India’s largest insurer. The final appointment awaits approval from the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet.
• The move is considered critical for LIC’s strategic future, especially in areas of governance, expansion, and market stability.

Cipla Health Launches ‘Cipladine – Aapka Fast Aid Expert’ Campaign with Neena Gupta

• Cipla Health has launched a powerful new campaign for Cipladine, titled “Aapka Fast Aid Expert”, featuring Neena Gupta.
• The campaign emphasizes Cipladine’s quick action, 30-second effectiveness, and deep wound healing with its Povidone Iodine formula.
• Backed by relatable and witty ads crafted by Lowe Lintas, the initiative redefines traditional first aid as fast aid, reinforcing Cipladine’s leadership in India’s antiseptic market.

Defence News

ICG Battles Fire on Drifting Cargo Vessel off Kerala Coast

• A major marine emergency has unfolded off Kerala’s coast as the Singaporean vessel MV Wan Hai 503, engulfed in flames since June 9, 2025, continues to drift with a dangerous cargo of fuel and hazardous containers.
• The Indian Coast Guard has deployed multiple ships, aircraft, and salvage teams to control the fire and tow the ship away from the shore.
• Despite reducing the visible flames, internal fires still pose significant risks, underscoring the urgent need for continued aerial, sea, and technical operations to avert an environmental and maritime crisis.

Indian Army Participates in Exercise Khaan Quest 2025 in Mongolia

• The Indian Army has joined Exercise Khaan Quest 2025 in Mongolia, a prestigious multinational peacekeeping operation scheduled from June 14–28, 2025.
• Represented by 40 personnel—including women soldiers—the contingent will train in U.N.-mandated drills such as civilian evacuation, cordon and search, counter-IED operations, and combat medical care.
• This exercise strengthens India’s global peacekeeping role, enhances military interoperability, and reflects the country’s commitment to international defense diplomacy.

Ranks & Reports News

India Slips to 131st in WEF Gender Gap Index 2025

• India’s position in the Global Gender Gap Report 2025 has worsened, falling to 131st out of 148 countries, with a gender parity score of 64.1%.
• While there were marginal improvements in economic participation and education, the decline in female political representation significantly impacted the score.
• India now ranks among the lowest in South Asia, even trailing behind Bhutan, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.
• Despite global progress in closing the gender gap to 68.8%, India’s challenges highlight the urgent need for structural reforms to uplift women in politics and leadership.

Summits & Conferences News

India Hosts ITU’s FG-AINN Meet: Shaping the Future of AI-Native Telecom Networks

• India hosted the 3rd ITU FG-AINN meeting in New Delhi from June 11–13, 2025, marking a key moment in the global advancement of AI-native telecom networks.
• Organized by TEC under DoT, the event included top international experts and Indian innovators. Discussions ranged from AI’s role in 6G, network automation, to federated learning, while the Build-a-Thon 2025 invited collaborative AI solution development.
• India also proposed to host ITU PP-30 and nominated Ms. M. Revathi for a top ITU post. These steps underline India’s leadership in building secure, inclusive, and intelligent telecom networks for the future.

1st Task Force Meeting Held to Boost India’s Textile Exports

• India took a major step toward strengthening its textile exports with the first meeting of the Task Force on Textiles Exports, chaired by Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal on June 10, 2025.
• The meeting addressed issues across the textile value chain, from ESG infrastructure and e-commerce expansion to fibre innovation and regulatory simplification.
• Stakeholders unanimously supported forming issue-specific sub-task forces to craft actionable strategies. The initiative is a cornerstone of India’s export and sustainability goals under the Viksit Bharat 2047 roadmap.

Important Days News

World Day Against Child Labour 2025: A Global Call to Action

• World Day Against Child Labour 2025 was observed on June 12, emphasizing the urgent need to eliminate child labour globally.
• With 138 million children still affected, this year’s theme — “Progress is clear, but there’s more to do: let’s speed up our efforts!” — serves as a powerful reminder that global efforts must intensify.
• Initiated by the ILO in 2002, the observance aims to promote child rights, ensure education, and reduce poverty-driven exploitation, while in India, various national policies and acts are already supporting the cause.

Miscellaneous News

CEC Gyanesh Kumar Showcases India’s Electoral Transparency at Stockholm Conference

• Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar presented India’s robust and transparent electoral roll system at the Stockholm International Conference on Electoral Integrity, stressing its role in ensuring credibility and accuracy in elections through legally mandated revisions, claims, and appeals.
• With delegates from 50 countries, the event also provided a platform for bilateral meetings where India shared insights on voter participation, technology, diaspora voting, and capacity-building.
• His engagements affirmed India’s global leadership in democratic practices.

Obituaries News

Bill Atkinson, Apple Pioneer Behind Graphical Interfaces, Dies at 74

• Bill Atkinson, a key architect of Apple’s early software innovations, passed away on June 5, 2025, at the age of 74.
• Known for creating QuickDraw, a core graphics engine for the Apple Lisa and Macintosh, and for introducing GUI elements like pull-down menus, Atkinson’s contributions were pivotal in shaping user-friendly computing.
• His work laid the groundwork for the modern desktop environment, influencing operating systems worldwide. His death marks the end of a transformative chapter in technology history.

Current Affairs Today | 12 June Current Affairs 2025 | Daily Current Affairs By Ashish Gautam