What is the recent announcement made by Bihar CM Nitish Kumar?

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has announced a threefold increase in the monthly pension for the elderly, widows, and disabled under the state's Social Security Pension Scheme. The pension has been increased from ₹400 to ₹1,100 per month.

Daily Current Affairs 23rd June 2025, Important News Headlines (Daily GK Update) |

National News

Govt to Set Up Centre of Excellence to Tackle Human-Wildlife Conflict

In a major step toward mitigating human-wildlife conflict, Union Minister Bhupendra Yadav announced the creation of a Centre of Excellence at WII–SACON, focusing on the use of AI-driven solutions, public sensitisation, and rapid response mechanisms.
Backed by previous advisories (2021) and detailed guidelines (2022), the initiative comes amid rising fatalities due to tiger and elephant attacks, particularly in states like Maharashtra, Odisha, and Uttar Pradesh.
The minister also launched efforts to bolster Gharial conservation in UP, linking the mission with broader goals of aquatic ecosystem restoration and river rejuvenation.

State News

CM Yogi Inaugurates ₹7,283 Cr Gorakhpur Link Expressway in Azamgarh

On June 20, 2025, U.P. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inaugurated the 91.35 km Gorakhpur Link Expressway, built at a cost of ₹7,283 crore, highlighting the state’s transformation from BIMARU status to an ‘Expressway State’.
Connecting Azamgarh, Gorakhpur, Sant Kabir Nagar, and Ambedkar Nagar, the expressway strengthens infrastructure, boosts trade, and paves the way for investment and regional upliftment.
The initiative reflects the double-engine government’s focus on inclusive development, positioning U.P. as a national growth engine.

Boudh District Connected to Rail Network for First Time, Thanks to New Line

On June 20, 2025, PM Modi launched multiple rail projects worth ₹2,750 crore in Odisha, marking a significant push toward regional connectivity and development.
The inauguration of the Sonepur–Purunakatak rail line connected Boudh district to India’s rail network for the first time. Other highlights include freight facilities, road over bridges, and new weekly train services.
These projects aim to strengthen logistics, improve healthcare and education access, and boost economic activity in rural and industrial zones, reaffirming the Centre’s commitment to a ‘Viksit Bharat – Viksit Odisha’.

Nitish Kumar Announces 3X Hike in Social Security Pensions Ahead of Bihar Polls

In a pre-election welfare boost, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has raised social security pensions from ₹400 to ₹1,100 per month, benefiting over 1 crore elderly, widows, and disabled citizens starting July 2025.
The hike, the first since 2005, coincides with Assembly elections later this year and is aimed at strengthening NDA’s political positioning amid Opposition welfare promises.
Additional decisions, such as higher allowances for panchayat leaders and enhanced financial powers, further demonstrate Nitish’s strategy to secure support in rural Bihar.

International News

Gold Becomes World’s Second-Largest Reserve Asset After U.S. Dollar

In a landmark shift in global finance, gold has risen to become the second-largest reserve asset after the U.S. dollar, according to a European Central Bank (ECB) report.
Central banks, especially from emerging economies, increased gold holdings as a hedge against inflation, geopolitical risks, and currency sanctions.
Gold’s share in reserves grew to 19% in 2024, surpassing the euro’s 16%.
Although demand was strong post-2022 due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict and market instability, analysts now foresee a slowdown in gold-buying momentum.
Central banks currently hold historic levels of gold, signaling both confidence in its value and caution over future price volatility.

Banking News

NPCI Launches NACH 3.0 to Enable Faster Salary, EMI, and SIP

From July 2025, the National Automated Clearing House (NACH) will transition to NACH 3.0, offering a more secure, efficient, and transparent framework for recurring financial transactions such as salary credits, SIPs, EMIs, and utility payments.
With improved features like PGP encryption, real-time alerts, and optimized file handling, the new system by NPCI is poised to enhance customer experience, minimize errors, and handle increased transaction volumes.
For both banks and consumers, NACH 3.0 marks a significant leap in digital financial infrastructure.

RBI’s New Project Finance Norms Offer Relief to NBFCs: REC & PFC Poised for Growth

The RBI’s final guidelines on project finance have brought regulatory clarity and operational relief to major infrastructure NBFCs, especially PFC and REC.
With reduced provisioning norms, non-retrospective enforcement, and added flexibility in handling project delays, the new norms ensure financial stability without disrupting ongoing infrastructure projects.
Motilal Oswal’s buy ratings on both companies reflect their strong balance sheets, positive growth outlook, and attractive dividend yields.

Economy News

Net Direct Tax Collection Dips by 1.39% in Q1 FY2025-26

India’s net direct tax collection declined by 1.39% to ₹4.59 lakh crore in Q1 FY2025-26, largely due to slower advance tax growth and a drop in corporate tax receipts.
While gross direct tax grew by 4.86%, a significant rise in refund issuances (58%) eroded the net collection base.
Corporate advance tax rose modestly by 5.86%, while non-corporate advance tax dipped by 2.68%.
These trends highlight early fiscal pressures and the need for close monitoring of tax compliance and economic recovery in India.

Business News

Bajaj Allianz Launches State-Specific Health Insurance Plans

Bajaj Allianz General Insurance has introduced State-wise health insurance policies that tailor premiums based on regional healthcare dynamics like hospital infrastructure, treatment costs, and disease prevalence.
The initiative targets the ‘missing middle’—segments often uninsured due to high costs.
With a premium variation of 10–15% across states, the plan comes in individual and floater variants, aiming to boost affordability and accessibility.
The move aligns with the goal of universal health coverage and could redefine inclusive health insurance in India.

Appointments News

Sivasubramanian Ramann Takes Charge as New PFRDA Chairperson for Five-Year Term

Sivasubramanian Ramann, former SIDBI Chairman, has assumed charge as the Chairperson of PFRDA for a five-year term starting June 20, 2025.
With a deep background in finance, audit, and regulation, he brings leadership from institutions like SEBI, NeSL, and CAG.
His appointment comes at a crucial time when India’s pension sector is undergoing transformation through schemes like the NPS Vatsalya.
The PFRDA, established in 2003, is tasked with promoting pension access and financial security, especially as India faces a rising ageing population.
Ramann is expected to guide technology adoption, financial literacy, and broader inclusion in the retirement planning ecosystem.

Awards News

India Post Payments Bank Wins Digital Payments Award 2024–25

India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) has been honored with the Digital Payments Award 2024–25 by the Ministry of Finance, marking its leading role in expanding digital financial inclusion across India.
Topping the Payments Bank Performance Index, IPPB has leveraged its massive postal network, tech-enabled doorstep banking, and over 2 lakh field agents to deliver banking services in even the most remote areas.
This recognition reinforces IPPB’s position as a key enabler of Digital India, bridging the urban–rural banking divide and advancing the government’s cash-light economy vision.

Books & Authors News

“Woman! Life! Freedom!”: The Pulse of Iran’s 2022 Uprising Captured in Powerful New Book

“Woman! Life! Freedom!” by Chowra Makaremi, to be released captures the 2022 Iranian uprising that erupted after the death of Mahsa Amini.
With a fusion of anthropology, family narrative, and collective emotion, the book portrays Iran’s resistance, street protests, and the feminist slogan that became a global chant.
Illuminated by the orange glow of rebellion, it reflects on Iran’s long history of power, protest, and resilience.

Defense News

INS Tamal to Be Commissioned on July 1

INS Tamal, a stealth multi-role frigate, will be commissioned on July 1, 2025, in Kaliningrad, Russia, becoming the last imported warship of the Indian Navy.
Built at Yantar Shipyard, the vessel features BrahMos missiles, advanced stealth design, and increased indigenous systems.
It is part of the Krivak class and will serve with the Western Fleet.
With two sister ships under construction in Goa Shipyard, India now pivots firmly toward Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India in the defence sector.

Schemes News

Over 39,000 Youths in Yadgir Receive ₹11.70 Lakh Under Yuva Nidhi Scheme

Under the Yuva Nidhi scheme, the Karnataka government has disbursed ₹11.70 lakh to 39,132 unemployed youths in Yadgir district via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
Graduates receive ₹3,000/month and diploma holders ₹1,500/month for up to two years, post a six-month grace period after course completion.
Beneficiaries must report job status monthly on the Seva Sindhu portal, ensuring transparency and accountability.
This initiative reflects the state’s commitment to youth empowerment, welfare, and inclusive governance.

Sports News

Carlos Alcaraz Clinches Second Queen’s Club Title

Carlos Alcaraz captured his second Queen’s Club title with a three-set victory over Jiri Lehecka, building momentum ahead of his Wimbledon 2025 title defence.
The 22-year-old Spaniard, now on an 18-match winning streak on grass, has claimed five titles in 2025.
Lehecka, who pushed him in a tough second set, showed signs of promise but couldn’t sustain the momentum in the decider.
Alcaraz, seeded number two at Wimbledon, is considered a strong favourite as he eyes a hat-trick of Wimbledon titles.

Thunder Win Franchise’s First NBA Title in Oklahoma City

The Oklahoma City Thunder won their first NBA championship since relocating from Seattle, defeating the Indiana Pacers 103–91 in Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the league MVP, starred with 29 points and 12 assists, earning Finals MVP honors.
The game was marked by the early Achilles injury to Tyrese Haliburton, which derailed the Pacers’ momentum.
Supported by Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren, the Thunder dominated the third quarter to seal the title, showcasing the power of their youth-driven rebuild.

India Launches Logo and Mascot ‘Viraaj’ for 2025 World Para Athletics Championships

On June 20, 2025, the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) unveiled the logo and mascot ‘Viraaj’ for the upcoming 2025 World Para Athletics Championships.
The event, to be held in New Delhi from September 27 to October 5, marks India’s debut as host.
The mascot, a prosthesis-equipped elephant, symbolizes resilience and inclusivity.
With over 100 nations expected and 186 medal events, the championship reflects India’s rising stature in accessible sports infrastructure and global event management.

Jasprit Bumrah Becomes First Asian to Claim 150 Test Wickets in SENA Countries

Jasprit Bumrah made history by becoming the first Asian bowler to reach 150 Test wickets in SENA countries (South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia), following his five-wicket haul against England at Headingley.
With a total of 210 Test wickets and 14 five-fors, Bumrah has now surpassed some of India’s greatest bowlers in terms of overseas effectiveness.
His achievement is significant in traditionally tough pace-friendly conditions, and it underlines his role as India’s pace leader in Test cricket.

Science & Technology News

Bharti Space to Invest ₹313 Cr in Eutelsat’s Satellite Expansion

Bharti Space Ltd has invested ₹313 crore in Eutelsat’s €1.35 billion capital raise, signaling a major move in the global satellite internet race.
As the French government becomes the largest shareholder, Eutelsat plans to expand its hybrid satellite fleet—including 600+ LEO satellites—to build a sovereign European space network.
Bharti’s stake will dilute, but it remains invested in both Eutelsat-OneWeb and Starlink ventures in India.

Important Days News

United Nations Public Service Day 2025

Every year on June 23, the world marks United Nations Public Service Day to honor the contributions of public servants and promote effective, inclusive governance.
Established by UNGA Resolution 57/277 in 2002, the day celebrates innovation, encourages youth participation in governance, and underscores the role of public institutions in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
A key feature is the UN Public Service Awards (UNPSA), the highest global recognition for excellence in public administration, revised in 2016 to align with the 2030 Agenda and promote knowledge exchange and professionalism in public service.

International Olympic Day 2025: Celebrating the Spirit of Sports and Unity

Observed every year on June 23, International Olympic Day celebrates the founding of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in 1894 by Baron Pierre de Coubertin, promoting Olympic values of excellence, friendship, and respect.
First celebrated in 1948, it has grown into a global movement to inspire physical activity, sportsmanship, and healthy lifestyles.
The 2025 theme, “Let’s Move?”, launched by the IOC and WHO, calls on everyone to combat inactivity through simple, inclusive forms of movement, encouraging a more active and balanced life for all.