Current Affairs - Current Affairs

Exercise : Daily Current Affairs
  • June 13, 2025 Current Affairs
1.
Which state government has digitised the National Family Benefit Scheme to enhance transparency and efficiency?
Bihar
Madhya Pradesh
Uttar Pradesh
Rajasthan
Answer: Option
Explanation:
The Uttar Pradesh government has undertaken a major step toward administrative transparency by digitising the National Family Benefit Scheme. This welfare initiative targets economically vulnerable families, ensuring they receive timely financial assistance during distress. The digital transformation of the scheme enables applicants to complete the process online—from application to the disbursal of benefits—within a 75-day window. This shift not only streamlines service delivery but also enhances accountability, reduces manual intervention, and minimizes the potential for delays or corruption. The reform aligns with broader goals of leveraging technology for inclusive governance and public welfare in India.

2.
Which country reported a Salmonella outbreak that led to the recall of 1.7 million egg cartons?
Canada
United States
Australia
United Kingdom
Answer: Option
Explanation:
The United States has experienced a Salmonella outbreak affecting 79 individuals, prompting the California-based August Egg Company to recall 1.7 million egg cartons. Salmonella, a bacteria responsible for salmonellosis, commonly spreads through contaminated food and water, impacting the intestinal tract and leading to symptoms such as diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. The recall is a preventive public health response to mitigate further spread of the infection and safeguard consumers. Such outbreaks emphasize the importance of stringent food safety protocols, timely recalls, and public awareness to manage foodborne illnesses and ensure a safe food supply chain.

3.
Which decommissioned Indian naval ship is being transformed into India’s first underwater museum in Maharashtra?
INS Guldar
INS Vikrant
INS Shakti
INS Kalvari
Answer: Option
Explanation:
INS Guldar, a 1,120-ton Landing Ship Tank that served the Indian Navy until January 2024, is being converted into India’s first submerged naval museum off the coast of Sindhudurg, Maharashtra. The ₹46.91 crore project is backed by the Union Ministry of Tourism and aims to foster marine conservation, eco-tourism, and preserve naval heritage. By intentionally scuttling the vessel near Nivati Rocks, the initiative will also help create an artificial coral reef, promoting marine biodiversity and sustainable tourism. This project is a part of India’s larger efforts under the Blue Economy framework and supports environmentally conscious development.

4.
Which company signed an MoU with IMMT to explore and produce critical minerals?
Singareni
NMDC
ONGC
Coal India
Answer: Option
Explanation:
Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) has taken a significant step by signing a memorandum of understanding with the Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology (IMMT), based in Bhubaneswar. This agreement allows SCCL to enter the critical minerals sector, focusing on the exploration and production of valuable resources using advanced technologies. These critical minerals are vital for various high-tech and clean energy applications. Through this MoU, SCCL aims to enhance its resource base and contribute to the strategic mineral supply chain, underlining the growing importance of indigenous capabilities in securing future mineral needs.

5.
Which country hosted the ITU FG-AINN meeting focused on advancing AI-native telecom networks?
Japan
Switzerland
South Korea
India
Answer: Option
Explanation:
India hosted the ITU FG-AINN (Focus Group on AI for Autonomous and Intelligent Networks) meeting in New Delhi to promote the development of AI-native telecom infrastructure. This international event highlighted India's growing role in the global tech policy arena. Alongside the meeting, India also launched the Build-a-Thon 2025, an initiative aimed at co-creating innovative solutions for future telecom networks. Additionally, India proposed to host the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference in 2030 (ITU PP-30) and nominated Ms. M. Revathi for a key leadership role, signalling its ambitions to shape global telecommunications standards through strategic participation and technological innovation.

6.
Which former Gujarat Chief Minister recently died in a plane crash after take-off from Ahmedabad?
Anandiben Patel
Keshubhai Patel
Balwantrai Mehta
Vijay Rupani
Answer: Option
Explanation:
Vijay Rupani, who served as the Chief Minister of Gujarat from 2016 to 2021, tragically lost his life in a plane crash involving a London-bound Dreamliner that crashed shortly after departing from Ahmedabad. His untimely death makes him the second former Gujarat CM to perish in an air accident, following Balwantrai Mehta in 1965. Rupani was a significant political figure in Gujarat’s recent history and held various key positions within the BJP. His demise marks a moment of profound loss for the political community and the state of Gujarat.

7.
What was India’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation rate in May 2025, the lowest since February 2019?
3.15%
2.82%
4.02%
3.65%
Answer: Option
Explanation:
In May 2025, India recorded a Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation rate of 2.82%, marking the lowest point since February 2019. This significant drop reflects a broader trend of easing inflation across most Indian states, although some like Kerala, Punjab, and Jammu & Kashmir continued to see elevated price levels. The decline in inflation could be attributed to various macroeconomic factors including stable commodity prices, improved supply chain conditions, and effective monetary policies. Such a low inflation rate is significant for the economy as it suggests increasing price stability, which can influence interest rates, purchasing power, and overall economic planning.

8.
Who will receive the Honorary Leopard Award at the 2025 Locarno Film Festival?
Wes Anderson
Martin Scorsese
Alexander Payne
Quentin Tarantino
Answer: Option
Explanation:
Alexander Payne, a distinguished American filmmaker, will be honoured with the prestigious Honorary Leopard Award at the 78th Locarno Film Festival, held from August 6 to 16, 2025. Known for his emotionally rich and character-driven narratives, Payne has directed critically acclaimed films such as Sideways, The Descendants, and Nebraska. The award celebrates his significant impact on contemporary cinema and storytelling. Beyond the award ceremony, Payne will participate in film screenings and discussions with audiences, further enriching the festival experience. This recognition places him among the most influential voices in global filmmaking today.

9.
In which country is the multinational military Exercise Khaan Quest being held with Indian Army participation?
Mongolia
Kazakhstan
Uzbekistan
Kyrgyzstan
Answer: Option
Explanation:
The multinational military Exercise Khaan Quest is hosted by Mongolia in its capital, Ulaanbaatar. Initially launched in 2003 as a bilateral effort between the United States and Mongolia, the exercise has grown into a multinational event promoting peacekeeping and military cooperation. The Indian Army's participation in Khaan Quest reflects its commitment to global peacekeeping and enhances its interoperability with armed forces from various nations. The exercise serves as a platform for sharing best practices, developing joint operational capabilities, and strengthening military-to-military ties with participating countries, particularly in the area of United Nations peace support operations.

10.
Where was the first Task Force meeting on boosting India’s textile exports held on June 10, 2025?
Mumbai
New Delhi
Ahmedabad
Tiruppur
Answer: Option
Explanation:
The inaugural meeting of the Task Force on Textiles Exports was convened by the Ministry of Commerce on June 10, 2025, at Vanijya Bhawan in New Delhi. Chaired by Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal, the meeting brought together stakeholders including government officials, exporters, and industry representatives. The gathering aimed to address key challenges facing India’s textile exports such as ESG compliance, regulatory reforms, and the need for innovation. Held in the capital, this meeting marked a coordinated step toward formulating policy recommendations and fostering collaboration across ministries and industry bodies to strengthen India’s global position in textile exports.

11.
What is the name of the first-ever unified global checklist of bird species launched to standardize bird taxonomy?
BirdTaxa
OrniList
AviList
GlobalBirds
Answer: Option
Explanation:
AviList is the first unified global checklist of bird species, launched to harmonize bird taxonomy for global conservation, biodiversity monitoring, and research efforts. Developed by the Working Group on Avian Checklists under the International Ornithologists’ Union, AviList represents the culmination of four years of collaborative research, analysis, and expert consensus. Its goal is to provide a single authoritative reference for bird species worldwide, ensuring consistent classification and data use across international platforms. This initiative marks a significant advancement in ornithology and global biodiversity management by streamlining how species are recognized and reported globally.