INTERNATIONAL NEWS
1. New Nuclear reactors in Iran:
Why in news?
Russia to Build eight nuclear reactors in Iran
About the construction of New Nuclear reactors and its aim:
- President of the Atomic Energy Organisation of Iran (AEOI) Mohammad Eslami has announced that Russia will construct eight nuclear power plants in Iran under a previously signed contract between the two countries.
- The move underscores a growing Russia-Iran alliance shaped by military cooperation, sanctions evasion, and shared global opposition to U.S. pressure.
2. Thailand’s National Bird in Uttarkhand:
Why in news?
India welcomes Thailand’s national bird for the first time in Uttarakhand
About the news in brief:
- The Siamese Fireback, Thailand’s national bird, has been spotted for the first time in the forests of Ranikhet, Uttarakhand.
- Scientific Name: ‘Lophura diardi’
- IUCN Status: ‘Least Concern’
NATIONAL NEWS
3. India’s first underwater museum:
Why in news?
INS Guldar set to become India’s first underwater museum in Maharashtra
Special features of India’s New Underwater Museum:
- India’s first underwater museum and artificial coral reef will be developed around the decommissioned warship INS Guldar near Nivati Rocks at Vengurla in Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra.
Key points:
- The main objective of this project is to preserve the glorious heritage of the Indian Navy and convert it into a tourism and ecological educational resource.
- This will be the first time in the country that a naval ship will be submerged and converted into an artificial coral reef and underwater museum.
- Through this, marine life will get a new habitat and eco-friendly tourism will be promoted. Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, has sanctioned ₹46.91 crore for this project.
- The INS Guldar was built at the Gdynia Shipyard in Poland and was commissioned in the Indian Navy in December 1985.
- It was a Magar-class ship that was designed for amphibious warfare.
- Indian Navy decommissioned the ship in January 2024.
4. National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA):
Why in news?
Puducherry becomes 29th Legislature of India to adopt National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA)
Aim of National e-Vidhan Application:
- is a 100% centrally funded Union Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs project that aims to create a paperless and digital legislative process in the country.
- Nagaland legislative assembly in 2022 became the first state assembly to implement NeVA.
5. Poson Poya festival:
Why in news?
Sri Lanka celebrates sacred Poson Poya festival
About the Festival and its cultural importance:
- Sri Lanka celebrated the sacred Poson Poya festival, marking the historic arrival of Buddhism over 2,000 years ago.
- Observed on the June full moon, the festival commemorates the first sermon preached by Arahat Mahinda, son of Emperor Ashoka, to King Devanampiyatissa at Mihintale, marking the arrival of Buddhism to Sri Lanka.
IMPORTANT DAYS
6. World Blood Donor Day:
Why in news?
World Blood Donor Day is celebrated on June 14th
About the day and its importance:
- The day was established by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2004 to promote voluntary blood donation and thank donors worldwide for their life-saving contributions.
- The date, 14th June, was chosen to honour the birthday of Karl Landsteiner (14 June 1868), an Austrian scientist who discovered the ABO blood group system in 1901.
- This discovery laid the foundation for safe blood transfusions and modern blood banking.
- The official theme for 2025 is “Give blood, give hope: together we save lives.”
7. International Day of Play:
Why in news?
International Day of Play is celebrated on 11th June
About the day and its importance:
- The International Day of Play was established by the United Nations in 2024 and was first celebrated globally on June 11, 2024
- This is a global celebration that recognizes the vital role of play in the lives of children and people of all ages.
- Theme 2025: “Choose play – every day”