Daily Current Affairs 24th June 2025, Important News Headlines (Daily GK Update)

National News

India to Integrate Rare Blood Donor Registry with e-Rakt Kosh

• India is set to integrate its Rare Donor Registry with the e-Rakt Kosh national blood platform to ensure quicker, safer, and more cost-effective access to rare blood groups like Bombay, Rh-null, and P-null.
• Developed by ICMR-NIIH, the registry contains over 4,000 rare donors, screened using advanced DNA testing kits.
• The integration will benefit patients with thalassemia, hemophilia, and sickle cell disease, while upgraded point-of-care tests have significantly reduced diagnosis costs.
• The move marks a milestone in India’s goal toward a digitally connected, self-reliant blood management system.

IIT-Delhi Launches First Special PhD Admission Drive for SC/ST Candidates

• In a historic move to promote educational equity, IIT-Delhi has introduced a special PhD admission drive for Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) candidates.
• This initiative, which runs until June 30, 2025, addresses a persistent shortfall in reserved seat intake at the doctoral level, as revealed to a parliamentary committee.
• Despite relaxed eligibility norms, the institute has received fewer applications, prompting department-wide changes to encourage supernumerary admissions.
• This marks a significant shift in institutional policy toward fulfilling constitutional safeguards, boosting inclusivity, and supporting marginalised communities in accessing premier research opportunities.

Tripura Declared Fully Literate Under ULLAS

• In a historic stride towards educational equity, Tripura has been declared fully literate under the ULLAS – Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram, joining Mizoram and Goa in achieving over 95% literacy among individuals aged 15 and above.
• The success is attributed to robust community participation, widespread door-to-door mobilization, and digital tools like the ULLAS app.
• Launched in 2022, the ULLAS scheme aligns with NEP 2020 and supports Viksit Bharat @2047 by empowering youth and adults with foundational skills and lifelong learning opportunities.
• This milestone reflects Tripura’s commitment to inclusive, transformative education and serves as a model for other states.

India to Launch First All-India Household Income Survey in 2026

• The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) will launch India’s first All-India Household Income Survey in 2026, a major step toward understanding income distribution, economic inequality, and the impact of technology on household earnings.
• Overseen by a Technical Expert Group (TEG) led by Surjit Bhalla, the survey will align with global best practices and correct shortcomings in past income data collection.
• By leveraging inputs from countries like the US, Canada, and South Africa, this effort aims to improve policy design, welfare targeting, and economic planning under a data-driven governance model.

India’s Northeast to Pioneer Vegan Leather Manufacturing with CSIR & NECTAR Pact

• In a landmark move to boost the circular economy, CSIR-NIIST and NECTAR have signed an MoU to establish vegan leather manufacturing units in Meghalaya and the Northeast region, utilizing agro-waste such as rice straw and fruit residues.
• This initiative aligns with Atmanirbhar Bharat, Make in India, and Swachh Bharat, focusing on sustainable production, women empowerment, and MSME support.
• Additionally, CSIR-NIIST’s partnership with GIZ India will launch a Centre of Excellence for Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV), accelerating India’s clean energy transformation.
• These collaborations underscore India’s commitment to green innovation, climate action, and inclusive development.

State News

Assam Announces OBC Status for Trans Community and Reservations for Anganwadi Workers

• Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has announced two landmark reforms aimed at gender inclusion and grassroots empowerment.
• The transgender community will now be classified under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category, enabling access to education, jobs, and welfare benefits.
• Additionally, Anganwadi workers will receive 50% reservation in supervisor-level positions within the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), recognizing their contributions in nutrition and child care.
• These initiatives, unveiled during a ceremonial event in Guwahati, mark a progressive shift in Assam’s welfare and recruitment policy.

International News

South Korea Appoints First Civilian Defence Minister in 64 Years

• In a historic shift toward civilian leadership, South Korea’s President Lee Jae Myung has named Ahn Gyu-back as the nation’s first civilian Defence Minister in 64 years, alongside a sweeping Cabinet overhaul.
• This move follows the removal of former President Yoon Suk Yeol, who was impeached for a failed martial law attempt.
• Lee’s administration, prioritizing democracy, civilian oversight, and pragmatic diplomacy, also appointed ministers for foreign affairs, labour, and environment, positioning South Korea for restored international trust and economic resilience in the face of global trade tensions.

Economy News

India to Revise CPI Basket and Base Year for Better Inflation Tracking

• India is preparing to revise its Consumer Price Index (CPI) framework by changing the base year to 2024 and expanding the CPI basket to reflect modern consumption patterns.
• This revamp is based on the findings of the Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES) 2023–24, which covered around 407 items.
• The new CPI series is expected by early 2026, replacing the current 2012-based series.
• The Economic Survey 2023–24 also recommended exploring the removal of food from inflation targeting, considering its volatile supply-side price movements.

India’s Private Sector PMI Hits 14-Month High in June 2025

• The private sector in India saw a significant surge in economic activity in June 2025, with the Flash Composite PMI reaching 61, the highest in over a year.
• This growth was led by manufacturing, supported by new domestic and international orders, rising employment, and increased tech investments. While input and output prices continued to rise, they did so at a moderated pace, indicating improved cost management.
• Capacity pressures and backlogs remained high, prompting companies to hire more, particularly in the manufacturing sector.
• This development marks the 47th straight month of expansion, reaffirming India’s economic resilience.

UP and Gujarat to Lead ₹10.2 Lakh Crore Capex Push in FY26

• India’s state capital expenditure is set to reach a record ₹10.2 lakh crore in FY26, with Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Karnataka leading the charge.
• Together, they are expected to contribute nearly 50% of total state capex, marking a significant shift towards infrastructure-led growth.
• The report highlights improved revenue receipts, fiscal discipline, and a clear focus on asset creation, making India’s regional economies key players in driving national development during uncertain global conditions.

Awards News

JCB Prize for Literature Cancelled After 7 Editions: Here’s What We Know

• The JCB Prize for Literature, once hailed as India’s richest and most inclusive literary award, has been discontinued after seven successful editions.
• Established in 2018, the award not only recognized fiction in English but also celebrated translated works, thus amplifying the reach of regional Indian literature.
• With prize money of up to Rs 25 lakh for authors and Rs 10 lakh for translators, it significantly contributed to India’s literary landscape.
• The closure, following the deregistration of the JCB Literature Foundation, has shocked the literary community, raising concerns about support for regional languages and emerging writers.

Defense News

DRDO Offers 28 Indigenous Weapons for Emergency Procurement by Armed Forces

• The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has taken a strategic step by offering 28 indigenous weapon systems for emergency procurement by the Indian armed forces.
• These include advanced missiles, rockets, grenades, and anti-drone technologies, which were critical in Operation Sindoor—India’s military response to the Pahalgam terror attack.
• The systems have been categorized for the Army (14), Navy (8), and Air Force (6).
• Backed by a list of approved vendors from both PSUs and private firms, this move supports the Atmanirbhar Bharat mission and ensures swift operational readiness under geopolitical stress.

Ranks & Reports News

India Makes Historic Entry into Top 100 in Global SDG Rankings

• India has made a historic entry into the top 100 of the 2025 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Index, ranking 99th with a score of 67.
• This progress, highlighted in the Sustainable Development Report 2025, reflects India’s improved performance in areas like healthcare, digital access, and basic infrastructure.
• Despite only 17% of global SDG targets being on track, East and South Asia remain the fastest-progressing regions.
• India’s leap is a strong signal of its commitment to Agenda 2030, sustainable growth, and global development leadership.

Schemes News

Indian Railways Offers ₹1 Crore Accident Compensation to Employees Without Premium

• The Indian Railways has introduced a new welfare initiative offering ₹1 crore accident compensation to its employees, without requiring any insurance premium.
• Under the scheme, employees only need to maintain a Salary Package Account with one of the partner banks, like SBI.
• The move was publicized after the family of loco pilot Sushil Lal received the first benefit under this policy.
• Aimed at boosting financial security, the scheme will be widely promoted through railway unions and awareness campaigns, ensuring all employees are covered under this life-saving program.

Government Launches NAVYA to Skill Adolescent Girls in Non-Traditional Sectors

• In a key step toward gender empowerment and inclusive growth, the Government is launching NAVYA, a pilot skilling initiative for adolescent girls under the Viksit Bharat@2047 vision.
• Rolled out in 27 districts across 19 states, NAVYA will provide vocational training in non-traditional job roles to girls aged 16–18 with a minimum Class 10 education.
• The programme reflects a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Women and Child Development and the Ministry of Skill Development, using frameworks like PMKVY.
• NAVYA aims to empower young women with the skills, confidence, and opportunities needed to contribute meaningfully to India’s future workforce.

SECI Floats Landmark Green Ammonia Tender to Decarbonize Fertilizer Sector

• SECI has issued a landmark green ammonia tender for 724,000 tonnes/year under the SIGHT Scheme to decarbonize India’s fertilizer sector, a major consumer of fossil-based hydrogen.
• Backed by ₹1,533.4 crore incentives, long-term contracts, and a Payment Security Mechanism, the initiative provides both market confidence and environmental benefits.
• By replacing conventional ammonia with green hydrogen-derived ammonia, the project addresses climate goals, import dependency, and industrial sustainability.
• It supports India’s broader vision for Viksit Bharat, Net Zero 2070, and global clean energy leadership.

Sports News

Pant Becomes First Indian Keeper to hit centuries in both Test innings

• Rishabh Pant’s twin centuries at Headingley have not only placed him in elite company but also marked a new high in India’s Test cricket history.
• Scoring 252 runs across both innings, Pant became the highest-scoring Indian wicketkeeper in a Test and just the second in the world after Andy Flower to hit tons in both innings.
• The match also saw India record five Test hundreds, showcasing a collective batting dominance.
• Pant’s exploits further cemented his place as one of the most prolific wicketkeepers in the modern game.

Lalit Upadhyay Bids Farewell to International Hockey After a Glorious Career

• Lalit Upadhyay, a two-time Olympic bronze medalist, has retired from international hockey, ending a remarkable career marked by perseverance, resilience, and excellence.
• With over 179 caps, 40+ goals, and victories in major tournaments like the Asian Champions Trophy and Asia Cup, Lalit was a key figure in India’s hockey revival.
• Rising from humble beginnings in Varanasi, he overcame early controversies and went on to earn accolades like the Arjuna Award and a DSP post in Uttar Pradesh.
• His emotional farewell underlines a career that has inspired generations and reshaped Indian hockey’s narrative.

Important Days News

“International Widows Day 2025: Empowering the Forgotten Voices of Society”

International Day of Women in Diplomacy 2025: Breaking Barriers, Leading Change