INTERNATIONAL NEWS
1. Ban to 12 countries:
Why in news?
Donald Trump bans 12 countries from entering the United States
About the news and its effect of implementation:
- With effect from June 9, 2025, US President Donald Trump put a new travel ban into action.
- This ban stops people from 12 countries from entering the United States.
- Full Ban Countries: Afghanistan, Chad, Congo- Brazzaville, Eritrea, Equatorial Guinea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Myanmar, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen
- It also imposes a partial ban on travellers from Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan and Venezuela. Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra
NATIONAL NEWS
2. Air craft crash 2025:
Why in news?
An Air India flight crashed near the Ahmedabad airport on 12 June 2025, with initial inputs suggesting around 242 passengers were onboard.
About the incident in brief:
- The incident is believed to have occurred when the flight was taking off for London.
- Heavy smoke is visible from Dharpur near the Meghaninagar area.
- The fire brigade has rushed to the spot, and emergency response teams are being mobilised.
- Authorities are yet to confirm the cause of the crash.
REPORTS & INDICES
3. India’s Population Report by UN:
Why in news?
India’s population touches 1.46 billion: Report by UN
About the report and its details in brief:
- The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) released its 2025 State of World Population (SOWP) Report, titled “The Real Fertility Crisis.”
- In 2025, India’s population is estimated to reach 1.46 billion, making it the most populous country in the world.
- This number is expected to peak at 1.7 billion in the early 2060s and then slowly start to decline.
Fertility Rate Falls Below Replacement Level:
- India’s Total Fertility Rate (TFR) is now 1.9 births per woman, which is below the replacement level of 2.1.
- This means women in India are, on average, having fewer children than needed to keep the population stable in the long term.
- The Total Fertility Rate (TFR) is a demographic measure that estimates the average number of children a woman would have over her lifetime (usually ages 15-49).
IMPORTANT APPOINTMENTS
4. Global Brand Ambassador for Maldives tourism:
Why in news?
Bollywood actress Katrina Kaif appointed as the Global Brand Ambassador for Maldives tourism
Aim of Promotion for tourism:
- This marks an important step by the Maldives National Tourist Board to promote tourism.
- The decision comes a month before Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Maldives.
- Last year, the row between New Delhi and Male erupted after three Maldivian deputy ministers made derogatory comments against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, over his pictures from the visit to Lakshadweep.
DEFENCE NEWS
5. Deputy Chief of Army Staff (Strategy):
Why in news?
Gen Rajiv Ghai appointed Deputy Chief of Army Staff (Strategy)
About the position and its importance:
- Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai is a well known face, who Pakistan contacted for a ceasefire during India’s strikes on Pakistani airbases in Operation Sindoor.
- He will also continue to serve in his current role as Director General of Military Operations (DGMO).
- The Deputy Chief of Army Staff is a highly significant position in the Indian Army.
- It is considered the second most senior responsibility after the Army Chief.
- The officer holding this position is responsible for military operations, strategy formulation, administrative management, and liaison with the Ministry of Defence.
IMPORTANT DAYS
6. International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations:
Why in news?
United Nations celebrates first-ever International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations on June 10th
About the day and its importance:
- Under the influence of China, the inaugural celebration was marked by a UNESCO-hosted event in Paris on 5 June 2025, in collaboration with the Permanent Delegation of the People’s Republic of China.
- The symposium titled “Youth Dialogue on the Future along the Silk Roads” aims to revive the spirit of cooperation, cultural exchange, and dialogue among civilizations, particularly through the eyes of the youth.
China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI):
- China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), sometimes referred to as the “New Silk Road,” encompasses a network of land and sea routes that aim to enhance trade and connectivity between China and other nations.
- India’s relationship with China regarding the Silk Road is a multifaceted one
- While India recognizes the historical significance of the Silk Road and the potential benefits of connectivity initiatives, it also navigates concerns about China’s expanding influence and pursues its own regional development strategies.