MPORTANT DAYS

Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas: Remembering the Dark Days of the Emergency

• Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas is observed on 24 June to mark the Emergency imposed on 25 June 1975.

• The day honours those who suffered during what is considered the darkest chapter in India’s democratic history.

• It remembers the sacrifices of individuals who endured torture and suppression under the 18-month Emergency.

• The Emergency was declared by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, curbing civil liberties and press freedom.

• Lakhs of innocent citizens were jailed without trial during this period of authoritarian rule.

• The Government formally recognized 25 June as Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas to acknowledge this historical injustice.

• The observance pays tribute to defenders of democracy who resisted dictatorship at great personal cost.

• It serves as a powerful reminder to safeguard constitutional values and protect India’s democratic spirit.

RANKING AND REPORTS

NITI Aayog’s Future Front Report Highlights Urgent Need for Data Quality

• On 24 June, NITI Aayog released the 3rd edition of its Future Front series titled "India’s Data Imperative: The Pivot Towards Quality."

• The report focuses on improving data quality to strengthen digital governance and public service delivery.

• It identifies poor data quality in public systems as a persistent issue affecting decision-making.

• Two new tools were introduced — a Data-Quality Scorecard and a Data-Quality Maturity Framework for tracking and improving data standards.

• The Scorecard helps assess key data attributes, while the Framework supports self-evaluation and strategy building.

• CEO B.V.R. Subrahmanyam and other NITI Aayog officials emphasized the importance of strong data infrastructure.

• Policy experts at the event underlined data’s central role in India’s digital transformation journey.

• The report aims to align India’s data systems with global benchmarks for effective policy planning.

GOVERNMENT SCHEMES

Government Launches ‘NAVYA’ to Empower Adolescent Girls through Skill Training

• On 24 June 2025, the government launched NAVYA, a vocational training initiative for adolescent girls under Viksit Bharat@2047.

• NAVYA stands for Nurturing Aspirations through Vocational Training for Young Adolescent Girls.

• It is a joint effort by the Ministry of Women and Child Development and the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship.

• The program was inaugurated by Ministers Shri Jayant Chaudhary and Smt. Savitri Thakur.

• Aimed at girls aged 16–18 with at least Class 10 education, NAVYA focuses on training in non-traditional job roles.

• The pilot will cover 27 districts across 19 states, including aspirational and northeastern areas.

• NAVYA integrates features of PMKVY and other key skill development schemes; certificates were distributed at the launch.

• The initiative also includes trainee interactions and aims to build a self-reliant, inclusive future for young women.

NATIONAL NEWS

PM Modi Inaugurates 100 Years of Historic Gandhi–Narayana Guru Dialogue

• On 24 June 2025, PM Modi inaugurated the centenary celebrations of the 1925 Gandhi–Sree Narayana Guru conversation in New Delhi.

• The original meeting took place on 12 March 1925 at Sivagiri Mutt, focusing on social reform and spiritual dialogue.

• Key issues discussed included Vaikom Satyagraha, religious conversions, and the fight against untouchability.

• They also shared thoughts on non-violence, social upliftment, and the path to spiritual freedom.

• The event is being organised by the Sree Narayana Dharma Sanghom Trust.

• Spiritual leaders and dignitaries are participating to honour the legacy of this meaningful exchange.

• Their dialogue continues to influence India’s values of equality, compassion, and moral progress.

• Sree Narayana Guru, a Kerala-based philosopher and poet, led reforms against caste-based discrimination and authored Daiva Dasakam.

DEFENCE

India and Kenya Unveil WWI Memorial Honouring Fallen Soldiers

• A memorial pillar was inaugurated at Mile 27, Taita Taveta County in Kenya to honour Indian and African soldiers of WWI.

• The monument commemorates those who died in the East African campaign during World War I.

• It was jointly unveiled by India’s MoS for Defence Sanjay Seth and Kenya’s Defence Secretary Roselinda Soipan Tuya.

• The tribute recognises the shared military history and enduring ties between India and Kenya.

• The initiative was led by the High Commission of India in Kenya, with funding from India’s Ministry of Defence.

• Kenya Defence Forces supported the construction, ensuring close bilateral coordination.

• Local authorities from Taita Taveta also contributed actively to the project.

• The unveiling event included senior officials from both Indian and Kenyan defence establishments.

SPORTS

Jasprit Bumrah Creates History with 150 Test Wickets in SENA Nations

• Jasprit Bumrah became the first Asian bowler to take 150 Test wickets in SENA countries — South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia.

• He achieved this milestone during the first Test against England at Headingley, where he picked up his 14th five-wicket haul.

• Bumrah now leads the list of Asian wicket-takers in SENA, surpassing Wasim Akram’s 146 wickets.

• His consistent performances abroad highlight his dominance in challenging overseas conditions.

• With 210 Test wickets overall, Bumrah remains India’s go-to fast bowler on foreign soil.

• His efforts helped India restrict England to 465 runs, securing a narrow six-run first-innings lead.

• Bumrah’s success is seen as a symbol of India’s rise in fast bowling strength in Test cricket.

• He tops the SENA wickets chart among Asians, followed by Akram (146), Kumble (141), and Ishant (130).