Current Affairs - June 14, 2025 Current Affairs

DFCC Bank PLC of Sri Lanka made history by becoming the first foreign corporation to list a green bond on India’s NSE International Exchange (NSE IX) at GIFT City. This move marked a significant milestone in cross-border financial cooperation and sustainable development, aligning with India’s aspirations for GIFT City as a global financial hub. The LKR 2.5 billion green bond, primarily aimed at financing solar PV projects, demonstrates DFCC Bank's commitment to green financing and regional market integration. The listing also reinforces the bank’s multi-exchange strategy, having previously listed on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange.

Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the most iconic footballers globally and a five-time Ballon d'Or winner has been named the Global Ambassador for the Esports World Cup 2025. His involvement represents a significant crossover between traditional sports and esports, enhancing the global appeal and legitimacy of competitive gaming. As an ambassador, Ronaldo is expected to inspire the younger generation and promote esports as a mainstream competitive field. The tournament, scheduled to be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, will feature a massive international presence, and Ronaldo’s role is central to its global outreach and success.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) approved a $109.97 million loan to enhance the skills development infrastructure in Gujarat, India. This funding supports a large-scale initiative aimed at aligning technical and vocational education with industry demands across sectors such as IT, healthcare, renewable energy, and logistics. Partnering with Gujarat’s Labor Department and Kaushalya: The Skill University, the project will upgrade 11 Industrial Training Institutes and create Centers of Excellence. ADB's involvement brings global expertise and financial strength to help establish a replicable, future-ready model for workforce development, advancing India's goals under the National Education Policy and regional economic ambitions.

Rudrastra is the name of the vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) unmanned aerial vehicle successfully tested by the Indian Army for precision strikes and deep-target engagements. Developed by Solar Aerospace and Defence Limited (SDAL), this indigenous drone is part of India's broader effort to strengthen self-reliance in defence technology. The trials, conducted at Pokhran, validated Rudrastra's capabilities in long-range targeting, automated return, and real-time video relay. With a total range of 170 km and airburst munitions for anti-personnel roles, the Rudrastra significantly enhances the Army’s stand-off strike capacity against high-value enemy positions and cross-border threats.

The 'Udyog Kranti' initiative was launched by the state of Punjab on June 10, 2025, under the leadership of the Aam Aadmi Party government. It is India’s first comprehensive industrial reform package at the state level, aimed at making Punjab a prime industrial destination. The reform includes 12 pioneering measures such as a 45-day deemed approval system, a digital single-window FastTrack Portal, and a first-in-India colour-coded stamp paper system to consolidate all clearance payments. These initiatives focus on eliminating bureaucratic delays, enhancing investor confidence, and promoting transparent, accountable governance to stimulate industrial development across the state.

Kirti Ganorkar has been appointed as the Managing Director of Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd, effective from September 1, 2025. This leadership change marks a key phase in Sun Pharma’s succession planning, with founder Dilip Shanghvi transitioning to the role of Executive Chairman to focus on strategic oversight. Ganorkar, a long-standing executive who joined the company in 1996, has held various critical roles in business development, marketing, M&A, and project management. Most recently, he led Sun Pharma’s India Business, driving strong market performance. His appointment reflects the company’s commitment to leadership continuity and a strategic focus on sustained global growth.

World Blood Donor Day is observed every year on June 14 to honour voluntary blood donors and raise awareness about the essential need for safe blood and blood products. In 2025, the theme “Give Blood, Give Hope” highlights how blood donation not only saves lives but also offers emotional and physical hope to those in dire medical situations. The day recognises the compassion behind each donation and encourages more people to participate regularly. June 14 commemorates the birth anniversary of Karl Landsteiner, the Nobel Prize-winning scientist who discovered blood groups, making this date significant globally.

Scapia, a travel-focused fintech company based in Bengaluru, teamed up with Federal Bank to launch the Scapia Federal RuPay Credit Card. This innovative card combines the domestic UPI-enabled RuPay network with the globally accepted Visa network, offering users a seamless credit experience. Targeted at mobile-first travellers, it includes benefits like zero forex markup, integrated UPI-credit functionality, a unified credit statement, and generous reward programs in the form of Scapia Coins. The card also offers airport perks such as complimentary lounge access, making it a unique solution for modern financial and travel needs across India and internationally.

Shell India has collaborated with the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) to roll out a comprehensive training programme aimed at equipping Indian youth with skills in electric vehicle (EV) technologies and green energy. Implemented through the Directorate General of Training (DGT), this initiative covers areas such as EV systems, battery diagnostics, and safety protocols. It targets key industrial states including Delhi-NCR, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka. The programme supports India's clean energy goals by fostering a job-ready, climate-conscious workforce, aligning with the country’s net-zero emissions vision and addressing the growing demand for skilled professionals in the green mobility sector.

India decided to suspend its rare earth exports specifically to Japan, which had a long-standing bilateral agreement through Toyotsu Rare Earths India, a subsidiary of Toyota Tsusho. The suspension comes as India aims to safeguard its critical resources, especially Neodymium used in EV magnets, and develop its own rare earth processing industry amid rising domestic demand and global uncertainties triggered by China's export restrictions. Despite the friendly diplomatic ties, India’s priority is to reduce its reliance on foreign supply chains and bolster self-sufficiency, making Japan the directly affected country in this policy shift.

South Africa secured their first-ever ICC World Test Championship title by defeating Australia in the 2025 final held at Lord’s, London. This landmark win ended a 27-year drought for the Proteas in international cricket, marking their first global trophy since the 1998 ICC KnockOut. The victory was built on a stellar century by Aiden Markram, a crucial half-century by captain Temba Bavuma, and a disciplined bowling performance led by Kagiso Rabada. Overcoming a first-innings deficit, South Africa showed remarkable resilience in chasing down a challenging target of 282, making this triumph a defining moment in their cricketing history.