What is Bonalu and where is it celebrated?

Bonalu is a traditional Hindu festival dedicated to Goddess Mahankali, celebrated prominently in Telangana, especially in Hyderabad and Secunderabad.

Daily Current Affairs 27th June 2025, Important News Headlines (Daily GK Update) |

National News

NeGD Launches AI in Governance Training for Government Officials at IIT Delhi

The National e-Governance Division (NeGD) has rolled out a 2-day ‘AI in Governance’ training programme at IIT Delhi, aiming to boost the digital capacity of 59 government officials.
Conducted under CB Phase III of Digital India, the programme includes interactive sessions, policy discussions, and group exercises to foster responsible AI adoption in governance.
The initiative reflects India’s strategic push for tech-driven governance reforms and AI integration in public administration.

Project Elephant: Census Phase-I Completed, New Wildlife Recovery Plans Launched

The Union Environment Ministry held a review of Project Elephant, confirming the completion of Phase-I elephant census in Northeast India, where over 16,500 dung samples were collected.
In efforts to reduce elephant deaths due to railway accidents, 3,452 km of tracks were surveyed and 77 high-risk areas identified.
The meeting also highlighted progress in DNA profiling of captive elephants and announced the inclusion of sloth bear and gharial in the Species Recovery Programme, showing a broader commitment to wildlife conservation and conflict mitigation.

State News

MP Government Makes E-Attendance Mandatory for School Teachers from July 1

The Madhya Pradesh government has made digital attendance mandatory for all government school teachers starting 1 July 2025 via the ‘Humare Shikshak’ platform.
Integrated with the Education 3.0 portal, the system ensures real-time tracking, with penalties such as casual leave deductions for non-compliance.
Aimed at improving transparency, record-keeping, and administrative efficiency, this move impacts lakhs of education department employees across the state.

Ambubachi Mela 2025: Celebrating Menstruation at Kamakhya Temple

The Ambubachi Mela 2025, held at Kamakhya Temple in Assam, commemorated the menstrual cycle of Goddess Kamakhya from June 22 to June 25, with temple doors reopening on June 26.
This unique festival challenges menstrual taboos by celebrating womanhood and promoting menstrual hygiene awareness.
Considered one of the 51 Shakti Peethas, the temple has deep mythological roots, and its rituals reflect Assam’s progressive approach to menstruation.
With massive turnout and government support, the event strengthens both spiritual devotion and social messaging around feminine power and dignity.

Telangana’s Folk Festival Bonalu Kicks Off with Devotion and Celebration

The Bonalu festival 2025 began with great fervour and tradition at Golconda Fort in Hyderabad, where devotees gathered at the Sri Jagadamba Mahankali temple to offer Bonams and participate in age-old rituals.
The Telangana government actively supported the event with a ₹20 crore fund for 2,783 temples, while prominent political leaders and thousands of devotees celebrated the region’s folk heritage.
The festival will continue across Secunderabad and Old City in the coming weeks, reflecting Telangana’s deep-rooted cultural pride.

Salkhan Fossils Park Joins UNESCO’s Tentative List of World Heritage Sites

Salkhan Fossils Park Joins UNESCO’s Tentative List of World Heritage Sites

Salkhan Fossils Park in Sonbhadra, Uttar Pradesh, has been added to UNESCO’s Tentative List of World Heritage Sites, recognizing its 1.4 billion-year-old stromatolite and algae fossils—some of the oldest known evidence of life on Earth.
The park’s nomination was backed by a scientific study conducted by the Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences and is supported by the UP eco-tourism board under CM Yogi Adityanath.
This move is expected to significantly enhance the state’s eco-tourism potential, bring international recognition, and contribute to scientific research.

International News

Iran Suspends Cooperation with IAEA Amid Fallout from US-Israel Conflict

Iran’s Parliament has officially suspended cooperation with the IAEA following U.S. airstrikes on its nuclear sites, despite Iran being a member of the IAEA and NPT.
This move reflects growing distrust toward Western institutions.
The Embassy of Iran in India issued a strong statement thanking Indian citizens and civil society for their support during Iran’s 12-day war with Israel.
This decision marks a turning point in Iran’s nuclear diplomacy and has implications for international atomic oversight and regional stability.

Sri Lanka’s Kataragama Esala Festival 2025 Kicks Off with Grand Flag Hoisting

The Kataragama Esala Festival 2025 began in Sri Lanka with a flag hoisting ceremony, welcoming devotees from various faiths and regions.
Celebrated around the Maha Devala temple dedicated to Lord Skanda, the festival honors interfaith traditions, drawing Hindus, Buddhists, and Muslims alike.
A central aspect of the festival is the Pada Yatra, a 500-km pilgrimage on foot.
Key events include the fire-walking ceremony on July 7 and the grand Maha Perahera procession on July 10, highlighting the festival’s spiritual intensity and cultural richness.

Economy News

Sonowal Unveils Sagarmala Finance Corporation to Boost Maritime Financing

India has launched its first maritime sector NBFC, the Sagarmala Finance Corporation Limited (SMFCL), inaugurated by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal. Aimed at bridging financial gaps in the maritime ecosystem, SMFCL will finance ports, MSMEs, and startups.
The minister also unveiled the SAGAR SETU platform for operational efficiency, a standardised tariff template for major ports, and the Gateway to Green report to advance green hydrogen adoption.
An MoU with CDAC was signed to set up a Digital Centre of Excellence, reinforcing India’s push for digital maritime transformation.

Appointments News

Zou Jiayi Appointed as New AIIB President, Succeeds Jin Liqun

China’s Zou Jiayi, an experienced official with a strong international finance background, has been appointed as the next President of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB).
She will assume office on January 16, 2026, succeeding founding president Jin Liqun. The announcement was made during the 10th Annual Meeting of the AIIB Board of Governors.
With China holding a 26.54% voting share and India as the second-largest shareholder, the AIIB continues its mission to finance sustainable infrastructure projects globally.

UGRO Capital Appoints Anuj Pandey as CEO

UGRO Capital has named Anuj Pandey as its new Chief Executive Officer, underscoring a strategic focus on risk governance and leadership continuity.
Pandey, a founding member and former Chief Risk Officer, brings over two decades of diverse experience from global institutions like Barclays and ABN AMRO.
He will report to Shachindra Nath, who continues to steer UGRO’s long-term vision and partnerships.
This move is expected to strengthen UGRO’s operational depth and support its mission to expand MSME lending in India.

Awards News

Kerala Sahitya Akademi Announces 2024 Literary Award Winners

The 2024 Kerala Sahitya Akademi Awards have been announced, honouring exceptional contributions across Malayalam literature. G R Indugopan and Anitha Thampi won in the novel and poetry categories respectively, while M Swaraj, V Shinilal, and others were recognised in diverse genres like essays, short stories, and drama.
Veteran writers like K V Ramakrishnan and Ezhacheri Ramachandran were celebrated with Fellowship and Lifetime Contribution Awards.
The announcement reinforces the Akademi’s pivotal role in nurturing Kerala’s literary heritage.

Books & Authors News

Shikhar Dhawan’s Memoir “The One” Reveals the Man Behind the Bat

In his newly released memoir “The One: Cricket, My Life and More”, Shikhar Dhawan shares a raw and honest account of his cricketing journey, personal struggles, and life beyond the sport.
Published by HarperCollins India on June 26, 2025, the book features reflections from fellow teammates and captures Dhawan’s resilience, reinvention, and mental health battles during critical phases of his life.
More than a sports biography, it’s a story of self-discovery and emotional honesty that resonates far beyond the boundary ropes.

Ranks & Reports News

NITI Aayog’s ‘India’s Data Imperative’ Report Stresses Need for Quality Data in Governance

NITI Aayog’s latest Future Front report titled “India’s Data Imperative” brings attention to the urgent need for improving data quality across India’s governance ecosystem.
Launched in the presence of key government officials, the report outlines data-related challenges like fragmentation, poor accuracy, and lack of standardization, while offering actionable tools for improvement.
It underlines the role of quality data in delivering efficient public services and building trust in digital governance frameworks.

Schemes News

10 Years of AMRUT: Transforming Urban India

India’s AMRUT Mission, launched in 2015, has completed 10 impactful years, transforming urban areas by ensuring universal access to water, sanitation, and green infrastructure.
With over ₹2.73 lakh crore worth of projects sanctioned and 2 crore+ tap connections, the mission has reshaped India’s urban landscape.
AMRUT 2.0, launched in 2021, aims for water-secure and self-reliant cities, backed by innovative approaches like SCADA, start-up pilots, and municipal bonds.
Together, AMRUT and AMRUT 2.0 have become key drivers of sustainable, inclusive, and smart urban development.

Sports News

Gujarat Secures Hosting Rights for 2029 WPFG, A Global Sporting Milestone

India will host the 2029 World Police & Fire Games (WPFG) in Gujarat, making it a landmark achievement in international sports diplomacy.
The event will be held across Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, and Ekta Nagar, following a successful pitch in Birmingham, USA.
With participation from 70+ countries, the WPFG will highlight India’s sports infrastructure, logistical strength, and cultural hospitality, further boosting Gujarat’s global standing as a premier sporting hub.

ICC Introduces Stop Clock in New WTC Cycle (2025–27)

The ICC has introduced a stop clock in Test cricket for the 2025–27 World Test Championship (WTC) cycle to curb slow over rates.
Fielding teams must begin a new over within 60 seconds; failure to comply three times results in a five-run penalty to the batting side.
Two warnings are allowed, resetting after 80 overs. The ICC also updated rules on deliberate short runs, allowing fielding teams to choose which batter faces the next ball.
The ban on saliva remains, and umpires are no longer required to change the ball if saliva is applied.

Science & Technology News

Shubhanshu Shukla Becomes 634th Astronaut To Reach Space

Shubhanshu Shukla, an Indian Air Force officer, became the 634th astronaut to enter space, marking a significant chapter in India’s space journey.
Part of the Axiom-4 mission, he successfully docked at the ISS on June 26, 2025, alongside astronauts from the USA, Poland, and Hungary.
The 14-day mission will focus on scientific research, international collaboration, and showcasing India’s growing contribution to human spaceflight.
Shukla’s achievement was celebrated widely across India, especially in Lucknow, his hometown, inspiring the next generation of space explorers.

Important Days News

“International Day of Deafblindness: Honouring Helen Keller and Promoting Inclusion”

The International Day of Deafblindness, observed annually on June 27, commemorates the birth of Helen Keller, the first deafblind person to earn a degree and a global symbol of disability rights.
Recognized by the UN through Resolution A/RES/79/294, the day highlights deafblindness as a distinct disability requiring specialized support, interpreter-guides, and inclusive policies.
It aims to raise awareness, promote independence, and ensure equal access to services for the deafblind community worldwide.

Micro-, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSME) Day – June 27

Micro-, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSME) Day – June 27

The International Day of Deafblindness, observed on June 27, honors the birth anniversary of Helen Keller and recognizes deafblindness as a unique disability involving combined vision and hearing loss.
Proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in Resolution A/RES/79/294, the day calls for inclusive support systems, policy recognition, and access to specialized interpreters, aiming to ensure the rights, independence, and visibility of the deafblind community globally.