What is the Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III?

It is Cyprus' highest civilian honour, awarded to heads of state and dignitaries for outstanding service to the country or for strengthening international relations. It is named after Archbishop Makarios III, the first President of Cyprus.

Daily Current Affairs 16th June 2025, Important News Headlines (Daily GK Update) |

National News

PM Modi Conferred with Cyprus’ Highest Civilian Honour — Order of Makarios III

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was awarded the Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III, Cyprus’ highest civilian honour, by President Nikos Christodoulides on June 16, 2025, in recognition of his efforts to deepen India-Cyprus ties.
During his historic visit — the first by an Indian Prime Minister — Modi engaged in strategic discussions focused on innovation, trade, and economic reform.
The award, named after Archbishop Makarios III, symbolizes the strengthening of diplomatic friendship and paves the way for enhanced bilateral and global cooperation.

India on Track to Become Global Arbitration Hub, Says Law Minister

At the Institutional Arbitration Conference held in New Delhi on June 14, 2025, Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal emphasized India’s ambition to become a global arbitration hub.
Highlighting the need for alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods such as arbitration, mediation, and conciliation, the Minister stressed reduced court burden and investor convenience.
ONGC Chairman Arun Kumar Singh and other stakeholders underlined the importance of time-bound, corporate-style arbitration.
The Law Ministry is actively promoting institutional arbitration and minimal judicial interference, marking a pivotal step in enhancing India’s legal and economic competitiveness.

India’s 16th Census Announced for 2027

The Ministry of Home Affairs will issue a notification on June 16, 2025, to commence Census 2025, India’s first digital and caste-inclusive population count. The two-phase operation, involving over 34 lakh personnel, will gather detailed data on housing, assets, demographics, and caste.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah reviewed the preparations with senior officials. With a reference date of March 1, 2027, the Census will play a key role in future constituency delimitation and policy formulation, aligning with the constitutional mandate post-2026.
The last Census was held in 2011, with the 2021 edition delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

India Marks 10 Years of IDY: Visakhapatnam Chosen as National Host

Visakhapatnam will host the 11th International Day of Yoga (IDY 2025) on June 21, celebrating 10 years of this global wellness event.
Senior officials from the Ministry of Ayush and the Andhra Pradesh Government recently reviewed preparations at key venues.
The state’s ambitious “Yogandhra” initiative targets yoga outreach to 2 crore people and aims to train 20 lakh certified practitioners.
With more than 1 lakh locations participating across the state and 5 lakh attendees expected in Visakhapatnam alone, IDY 2025 promises to exemplify India’s commitment to “Yoga for One Earth, One Health.”

PM Modi’s Visit to Cyprus: A Strategic Signal Amid Turkey-Pakistan Nexus

PM Narendra Modi’s visit to Cyprus in June 2025 marks a strategic recalibration in India’s foreign policy.
As Turkey strengthens its alliance with Pakistan, India’s outreach to Cyprus — a nation that has consistently backed India on the global stage — is both symbolic and strategic.
Cyprus’ role in the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), its geographical proximity to West Asia, and its upcoming presidency of the EU Council in 2026 amplify its significance.
The visit underscores India’s commitment to counter-terror diplomacy, multilateral engagement, and trade connectivity in a rapidly evolving global order.

International News

Blaise Metreweli Becomes MI6’s First Female Chief in Historic Appointment

The UK government has appointed Blaise Metreweli as the first female chief of MI6, marking a historic moment in the agency’s 116-year legacy.
Announced by Prime Minister Keir Starmer at the G7 Summit, Metreweli brings 25 years of intelligence experience and currently heads MI6’s technology and innovation division.
Her leadership arrives as the agency grapples with rising cybersecurity threats, espionage from nations like China and Russia, and a shifting global landscape.
Her appointment aligns with ongoing efforts to increase diversity, modernize operations, and promote institutional transparency in British intelligence agencies.

Economy News

Wholesale Inflation Slows to 0.39% in May as Food Prices Ease

India’s wholesale price inflation (WPI) dropped to 0.39% in May 2025, reflecting a cooling in food prices, fuel costs, and manufactured goods.
The deflation in vegetable prices at -21.62% played a major role in lowering the overall WPI from 0.85% in April. Simultaneously, the retail inflation fell to a six-year low of 2.82%, offering positive signals for both economic stability and monetary policy flexibility.
The Commerce Ministry cited rising prices in select manufacturing sectors and electricity as offsetting factors, but the broad trend shows disinflationary momentum in India’s wholesale markets.

Appointments News

Meta Appoints Arun Srinivas as India Head to Lead Business Expansion

Meta has appointed Arun Srinivas as its India Head and Managing Director, effective July 1, 2025, marking a key leadership reshuffle.
He succeeds Shivnath Thukral, and will report to Sandhya Devanathan, who now oversees India and Southeast Asia. Srinivas brings nearly three decades of experience and has led Meta’s ads business in India since 2020, playing a pivotal role in the company’s AI, Reels, and messaging initiatives.
This move reinforces Meta’s focus on business innovation, digital transformation, and local partnerships in its largest user market.

Amitabh Kant Steps Down as G20 Sherpa After 45 Years of Public Service

Amitabh Kant, former G20 Sherpa and a reform-oriented IAS officer, has announced his resignation after 45 years in public service.
Known for leading the Aspirational Districts Programme, Incredible India, Startup India, and playing a pivotal role in India’s G20 Presidency, Kant emphasized achievements like digital public infrastructure, climate leadership, and global inclusivity through the African Union’s G20 inclusion.
He now intends to support startups, free enterprise, and think tanks, continuing to shape Viksit Bharat from outside the government framework.

Lt Commander Yashasvi Solankee Becomes First Woman ADC to President of India

Lieutenant Commander Yashasvi Solankee made history on May 9, 2025, by becoming the first woman ADC (Aide-de-Camp) to the President of India, an appointment driven by President Droupadi Murmu’s vision for gender equality and military inclusivity.
Selected after a comprehensive evaluation process involving physical, intellectual, and ceremonial aptitude, Solankee is tasked with facilitating presidential engagements, liaising with government and military officials, and being constantly informed to support the First Citizen.

Awards News

Green Fertiliser Breakthrough Wins $2M Food Planet Prize 2025

Swedish startup NitroCapt has won the $2 million Food Planet Prize 2025 for its green fertiliser technology that eliminates fossil fuels by using plasma and renewable energy to extract nitrogen from air.
With the potential to reduce CO₂ emissions by over 90%, the innovation addresses one of agriculture’s biggest environmental challenges.
As fertilisers contribute to 2.7% of global emissions, NitroCapt’s scalable, locally-produced solution could transform food security and climate resilience worldwide. The Curt Bergfors Foundation recognised the startup’s future impact, placing it at the forefront of sustainable agricultural innovation.

Defense News

Indian Navy Executes Daring Mid-Sea Salvage Operation on Burning MV Wan Hai 503

On 13 June 2025, the Indian Navy executed a daring aerial insertion of a salvage team aboard the burning cargo ship MV Wan Hai 503 using a Seaking helicopter from INS Garuda.
The operation involved connecting the vessel to the salvage tug Offshore Warrior and successfully extracting the team post-mission.
Supported by INS Sharda, MV Triton Liberty, and Indian Coast Guard, the mission highlighted India’s maritime emergency response capabilities, ensuring the vessel could be safely towed and maritime safety maintained.

Science & Technology News

Kamlesh Paswan Inaugurates India’s First Agri-Drone Indigenization Hub in Chennai

Union Minister Kamlesh Paswan inaugurated Garuda Aerospace’s Agri-Drone Indigenization Facility in Chennai, launching 300 Centres of Excellence (CoEs) and the DGCA-approved Train the Trainer (TTT) programme.
The 35,000 sq. ft. facility is equipped to manufacture 1 lakh drones by 2026, aligning with Prime Minister Modi’s vision of making India a Global Drone Hub.
Live demonstrations by Drone Didis, collaboration with the Bharat Drone Association, and a focus on self-reliance, skilling, and innovation marked a transformative moment for the country’s drone industry.

Sports News

Everything You Need to Know About Inaugural FIFA Club World Cup 2025

The FIFA Club World Cup 2025, hosted in the United States, marks a significant expansion of the traditional club tournament, now featuring 32 teams over 63 matches across 11 cities.
With major clubs like Real Madrid, Manchester City, and Inter Miami participating, the event promises intense competition and big payouts from a $1 billion prize pool.
However, concerns over player fatigue, political tensions, and unequal reward distribution have added layers of controversy. As a precursor to the 2026 World Cup, this tournament is a major test of FIFA’s global ambitions.

Taylor Fritz Triumphs in Stuttgart, Defeats Zverev in Straight Sets

Taylor Fritz emerged victorious at the 2025 Stuttgart Open, defeating Alexander Zverev in straight sets to earn his first title of the year and ninth overall.
The match showcased Fritz’s flawless service game, as he didn’t drop serve during the entire tournament.
The win strengthens his form going into Wimbledon 2025, where he will enter with renewed confidence. Meanwhile, Zverev’s struggles on grass continued, marking his third loss in a grass-court final.
Fritz now holds an 8-5 record against Zverev and is poised to rise to World No. 4 in the ATP rankings.

MCC Bans ‘Bunny Hop’ Boundary Catches in Major Law Revision

The MCC has outlawed the “bunny hop” boundary catch in its Law 19.5.2 update, effective in ICC play from June 17, 2025, and in the MCC Laws from October 2026.
Under the new rule, a fielder may make only one airborne touch after springing from beyond the boundary and must land inside the field to complete the catch; otherwise, it is scored a boundary.
This amendment aims to uphold the spirit of fair play, eliminate unusual-looking multi-touch feats, and ensure consistency across cricket’s premier championships.