Daily Current Affairs 19th June 2025, Important News Headlines (Daily GK Update)

National News

Operation Sindhu: India Evacuates Nationals from Conflict-Hit Iran

• India has initiated Operation Sindhu to evacuate its nationals from Iran amid the growing threat of conflict with Israel. Over 100 Indian students have already been safely evacuated via Armenia, reflecting the government’s swift and well-coordinated response.
• The operation emphasizes India’s commitment to the safety of its citizens abroad, effective diplomacy, and robust crisis management strategies.

Anantha Chandrakasan Becomes First Indian-Born Provost of MIT

• Anantha Chandrakasan, a Chennai-born academic and MIT’s School of Engineering Dean, has been appointed as the first Indian-born Provost of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
• Taking office on July 1, 2025, he will oversee MIT’s academic and financial strategy. A renowned engineer and researcher, Chandrakasan leads MIT’s Energy-Efficient Circuits and Systems Group, and has been instrumental in promoting innovation, entrepreneurship, and inclusion through programs like SuperUROP and Rising Stars.
• His appointment marks a milestone in diverse leadership and underscores his impact on global academic excellence.

ECI’s New SOP Ensures EPIC Delivery Within 15 Days

• On June 18, 2025, the Election Commission of India (ECI) unveiled a new SOP to deliver Elector Photo Identity Cards (EPICs) within 15 days of any electoral roll update.
• Powered by the ECINet platform and integrated with the Department of Posts, the system provides real-time tracking and SMS notifications to voters.
• This tech-driven step aims to improve voter convenience, ensure timely delivery, and bolster digital transparency in India’s electoral services.

State News

Hyderabad Becomes Google’s Cybersecurity Hub with GSEC Launch

• Google inaugurated its first Asia-Pacific Safety Engineering Centre (GSEC) in Hyderabad on June 18, 2025, solidifying India’s role in global cybersecurity and responsible AI development.
• Inaugurated by CM A Revanth Reddy, the centre will combat online fraud, ensure infrastructure safety, and develop AI-driven security solutions like real-time scam alerts and SynthID watermarking.
• With its Hyderabad operations since 2007, Google reaffirmed its commitment to user safety, job creation, and skilling.
• The launch aligns with India’s AI transformation strategy and Telangana’s vision of becoming a $1 trillion economy by 2035.

Maharashtra Makes Hindi ‘General’ Third Language in Schools

• The Maharashtra government’s new directive under the State Curriculum Framework 2024 declares Hindi as the default third language from Classes 1 to 5 in Marathi and English medium schools, with the option to study another Indian language if 20 students per class request it.
• While aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the move has been criticized by the opposition and language activists as a veiled attempt to reimpose Hindi despite earlier assurances that it wouldn’t be mandatory.
• The controversy highlights ongoing tensions in India’s language politics, particularly around regional identity, educational autonomy, and cultural pluralism.

Calcutta High Court Orders Resumption of MGNREGA in West Bengal from August 1

• In a landmark decision, the Calcutta High Court has ordered the Centre to resume MGNREGA operations in West Bengal starting August 1, 2025, after a three-year suspension due to alleged irregularities.
• The court stressed the need to separate past misconduct from the future right to livelihood, restoring work opportunities to over 25 million rural workers.
• The scheme’s revival is seen as a victory for civil rights, with advocates hailing it as a turning point for rural employment, economic justice, and public accountability in India’s flagship social welfare programme.

Centre Approves ₹2,006.40 Crore Assistance to Himachal Pradesh for 2023 Disaster Recovery

• The Government of India has approved a ₹2,006.40 crore relief package for Himachal Pradesh under the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) to support recovery and reconstruction following the 2023 monsoon disasters.
• Over 550 people died during the floods and landslides. The decision, made by a high-level committee led by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, includes ₹1,504.80 crore as the Centre’s share.
• The state had earlier sought ₹9,042 crore under PDNA. This move reflects a national commitment to disaster resilience and follows similar packages to Uttarakhand and Sikkim.

International News

India-Ukraine Hold First Joint Working Group Meeting on Agriculture Cooperation

• India and Ukraine held their first Joint Working Group meeting on agriculture on June 18, 2025, to expand cooperation in digital agriculture, agri-mechanisation, and food processing.
• Co-chaired by officials from both nations, the dialogue explored technology transfer, knowledge sharing, and joint research in climate-resilient agriculture, soil fertility, and plant breeding.
• India showcased flagship schemes like e-NAM and the National Mission on Edible Oils, while Ukraine expressed interest in capacity building and market access. The meeting strengthens bilateral ties and positions India as a global agri-tech partner.

Banking News

RBI’s Supervisory Data Quality Index (sDQI) Report – March 2025 Update

Economy News

ICRA Predicts 6.2% GDP Growth for India in FY26

• ICRA’s latest report forecasts India’s GDP growth to dip slightly to 6.2% in FY2025–26, citing weak merchandise exports, trade policy uncertainty, and moderating inflation.
• However, strong rural demand, a 10.1% increase in capital expenditure, and household tax reliefs are expected to support growth. Services exports are likely to outperform, while the fiscal deficit is projected at 4.4% of GDP.
• Overall, India’s macroeconomic fundamentals remain resilient despite global headwinds.

Business News

Starlink Gets Licence Nod in India as Airtel and Jio Join Hands with SpaceX

• India has granted operating license to Starlink, the satellite internet service by SpaceX, paving the way for widespread rural and remote broadband access.
• Following this, Jio Platforms and Bharti Airtel partnered with SpaceX to retail Starlink kits and offer support services, aiming to connect schools, hospitals, and businesses.
• While the move aligns with the Digital India vision, spectrum allocation disputes between Elon Musk and Mukesh Ambani highlight ongoing regulatory challenges.
• With this, India steps into the era of LEO-based satellite broadband, powered by AI, innovation, and international collaboration.

TVS iQube Debuts in Indonesia: A Milestone in Global EV Expansion

• TVS Motor Company has entered Indonesia’s electric two-wheeler market with the launch of the TVS iQube, an electric scooter offering a 115 km range and 78 kmph top speed.
• Priced at IDR 29.9 million, the scooter will be assembled locally in East Karawang and aligns with the Indonesian government’s EV adoption goals.
• As Indonesia’s EV market grows at 101% CAGR, this marks a major milestone for TVS’s global EV expansion, with the iQube already boasting a 6 lakh global customer base.

Jio Financial Becomes Sole Owner of Jio Payments Bank

• Jio Financial Services (JFSL) has acquired State Bank of India’s 17.8% stake in Jio Payments Bank for ₹104.54 crore, resulting in full ownership of the digital bank.
• Approved by the Reserve Bank of India, the move marks a significant milestone in Jio’s fintech expansion. Alongside, Jio BlackRock Mutual Fund introduced Aladdin, a global risk analytics platform, to the Indian market.
• While JFSL shares dipped 1%, the company is rapidly strengthening its digital finance ecosystem through strategic collaborations and acquisitions.

Reliance Infra & Dassault Aviation to Build Falcon 2000 Jets in India

• In a historic aerospace collaboration, Reliance Aerostructure and Dassault Aviation will manufacture Falcon 2000 business jets in Nagpur, India, marking the first production of these aircraft outside France.
• With the first delivery by 2028, this aligns with the ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ goals. The venture will transform DRAL into a Center of Excellence, generate employment, and strengthen India’s role in the global aerospace value chain.

Awards News

Padma Bhushan Conferred on Veteran Journalist Ram Bahadur Rai at IGNCA

• The Padma Bhushan was awarded to Shri Ram Bahadur Rai, veteran journalist, cultural thinker, and President of IGNCA Trust, in a special ceremony organized by the Ministry of Home Affairs on June 18, 2025.
• Acknowledging his over 40 years of service in journalism and his active participation in the JP Movement, the event celebrated his impact on Indian media, democracy, and intellectual thought.
• Through numerous editorial roles, publications, and leadership in cultural institutions, Shri Rai has left an indelible mark on India’s journalistic landscape.

Bal Sahitya Puraskar 2025 Winners Announced | Complete List of 24 Award Recipients

Sahitya Akademi Yuva Puraskar 2025 Winners | Complete List of 23 Young Authors

Books & Authors News

A.K. Bhattacharya’s Third Book Captures India’s Economic Journey Post-1998

• A.K. Bhattacharya’s latest book “India’s Finance Ministers III: Different Strokes (1998–2014)” explores India’s economic landscape through the lens of four finance ministers during a crucial post-liberalisation phase.
• Published by Penguin Business, the 556-page volume provides a clinical, narrative-driven account of the policy shifts, fiscal decisions, and governance dynamics that defined India’s growth story from 1998 to 2014.
• With a non-judgemental tone, it reflects on challenges like employment generation, infrastructure expansion, and tax reforms, making it a valuable resource for economists, historians, and civil services aspirants alike.

Ranks & Reports News

THE Impact Rankings 2025: 4 Indian Universities in Global Top 100 for Sustainability

• The Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings 2025 showcased India’s growing presence in sustainability-oriented education, with Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham (Rank 41) and Lovely Professional University (Rank 48) leading among 135 Indian participants.
• They were joined in the global top 100 by JSS Academy and Shoolini University, marking a strong performance in UN SDGs like clean energy, climate action, and quality education.
• With Asian universities dominating the top ranks and Western Sydney University retaining global leadership, the rankings highlight India’s rising academic influence on sustainability metrics.

India Ranks 71st in WEF Energy Transition Index 2025 Despite Efficiency Gains

• India ranked 71st in the Energy Transition Index 2025 released by the World Economic Forum, a drop from last year’s 63rd position.
• While the country advanced in energy efficiency, clean energy investments, and regulatory frameworks, gaps remain in energy equity, grid reliability, and import dependence.
• The report emphasized uneven global progress, with only 28% of countries improving in all three core energy dimensions.
• India remains a key player in global energy transformation, alongside the US, China, and EU.

QS World Rankings 2026: Top 10 & Best Indian Universities

• The QS World University Rankings 2026 have been released, featuring 1,500+ universities from 100+ countries. For the 14th year in a row, MIT retains the #1 global position, followed by Imperial College London and Stanford University.
• Notably, Sunway University (Malaysia) jumped over 120 spots, highlighting Asia’s rising academic stature.
• Among Indian institutions, IIT Delhi saw the greatest rise (from 150 to 123), while IIT Madras made a big leap from 227 to 180.
• The rankings assess institutions on academic reputation, employer reputation, research citations, faculty/student ratio, internationalization, and sustainability.

Science & Technology News

FM Sitharaman Lays Foundation for Mini Planetarium and Astro Globe at Hanle Dark Sky Reserve

• Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has laid the foundation stone for a Mini Planetarium and Astro Globe at the Hanle Dark Sky Reserve in Ladakh, with a project outlay of ₹276.65 lakh under the Special Development Package.
• The initiative supports astro-tourism, public astronomy education, and local employment, complementing the work of advanced observatories like MACE.
• The Minister also engaged with nomadic communities, distributing goat-shearing machines, and allocated ₹50 lakh under SBI’s CSR for constructing community tents. These efforts collectively enhance Ladakh’s profile as a hub of science-based tourism and inclusive development.

Important Days News

World Kidney Cancer Day 2025 – Understanding Kidney Health

• World Kidney Cancer Day 2025, observed on June 12, highlights the importance of kidney health awareness with the theme “Understanding Kidney Health.”
• Organized by the International Kidney Cancer Coalition (IKCC), the campaign promotes early detection, identifies key risk factors like smoking, obesity, and hypertension, and urges people to adopt a kidney-friendly lifestyle.
• As kidney cancer often shows no symptoms in early stages, routine screenings such as CT scans and urine tests are crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment.

International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict 2025

• On June 19, 2025, the world observes the 11th International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict, under the theme “Breaking the Cycle, Healing the Scars.”
• The United Nations uses this day to highlight the intergenerational trauma caused by conflict-related sexual violence, such as rape, sexual slavery, and forced marriage.
• Originating from UNSC Resolution 1820 (2008), this day seeks to end the impunity surrounding war-related sexual crimes, support survivors, and campaign for #EndRapeInWar through global awareness, healing initiatives, and justice reform.

Current Affairs Today | 19 June Current Affairs 2025 | Daily Current Affairs By Ashish Gautam