Daily Current Affairs – 15-06-2025

Tamil Nadu

World Dugong Day 2025 – May 28

® Dugongs (Dugong dugon), known as “sea cows,” are herbivorous marine mammals that graze on seagrass beds, earning the title “farmers of the sea.” ® They are the only herbivorous marine mammals in Indian waters and are listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. ® The Dugong Conservation Reserve was established in 2022 in Palk Bay, Tamil Nadu to protect this species.

India Adopts Bharat Forecast System (BFS) for Advanced Weather Prediction

® The India Meteorological Department (IMD), under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, has adopted the Bharat Forecast System (BFS) — an indigenously developed high-resolution weather prediction model. ® BFS operates on a 6-km resolution grid, providing ultra-fine and highly accurate forecasts, surpassing global models from the UK, US, and EU, which typically run at 9–14 km resolution. ® The system is backed by India’s high-performance computing platforms – ‘Arka’ and ‘Arunika’, enhancing forecast precision and timeliness

India’s First Vistadome Jungle Safari Train Launched in Uttar Pradesh

® Indian Railways, in collaboration with the Uttar Pradesh government, launched India’s first Vistadome jungle safari train. ® The train connects Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary with the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve, enhancing eco-tourism and wildlife awareness. ® The Vistadome coaches offer panoramic views, aiming to promote sustainable tourism while preserving ecological balance.

E-Hansa Electric Aircraft – India

® India has launched the development of E-Hansa, a two-seater electric trainer aircraft under the HANSA-3 (NG) program. ® Developed by CSIR-NAL, Bengaluru, it aims to provide a cost-effective and indigenous solution for pilot training in the country.

Tamil Nadu’s GSDP Nears $341 Billion, Surpasses Pakistan’s GDP

® Tamil Nadu’s Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) for 2025 is estimated at around $341 billion, reportedly surpassing Pakistan’s GDP, which currently ranges between $338 billion to $373 billion. ® Tamil Nadu’s economy rose sharply from $48 billion in 2004–05 to $329 billion in 2024, and further to $341 billion in 2025. ® In contrast, Pakistan’s GDP was approximately $132 billion in 2004–05. ® Maharashtra’s economy also grew significantly — from $92 billion (2004–05) to nearly $490 billion in 2023–24, remaining India’s largest sub-national economy. ® This marks Tamil Nadu as one of the leading state economies, underscoring India’s regional economic strength and consistent industrial and service sector growth