Magnus Carlsen has once again demonstrated his dominance in the world of chess by clinching the Norway Chess Title 2025. The prestigious tournament, held annually in his home country, saw Carlsen display exceptional form and strategic brilliance. His consistent performance throughout the rounds helped him outplay top contenders, including former world champions and rising stars. With this victory, Carlsen reinforces his legacy as one of the greatest chess players of all time. The win also marks another proud moment for Norwegian chess on the international stage.

• Seventh Norway Chess Title: Magnus Carlsen secured his record seventh victory at the prestigious Norway Chess tournament in 2025, reaffirming his dominance in the chess world.
• Dramatic Final Round: The win came after a highly dramatic final round where Carlsen secured a draw against Arjun Erigaisi, while his closest rival, D. Gukesh, blundered and lost to Fabiano Caruana.
• Overcoming Setbacks: Carlsen's victory was a "relief" after a "rollercoaster" tournament that included an earlier loss to the young Indian sensation D. Gukesh, a game Carlsen described as "not a positive memory."
• Close Competition: Carlsen finished with 16 points, narrowly ahead of Fabiano Caruana (15.5 points) and Gukesh (14.5 points), highlighting the intense competition from the new generation of chess players.

The Population Census 2027 is set to be conducted in two distinct phases across the country. For the first time in decades, it will include the collection of detailed caste-based data. This move aims to provide a clearer picture of the socio-economic status of various communities. The government has stated that the data will help in better policy formulation and targeted welfare schemes. Preparations are underway to ensure transparency, accuracy, and the secure handling of sensitive information.

• Two-Phase Process: The census will be conducted in two phases. The first phase, focusing on house listing, will begin in October 2026 for snow-bound and hilly areas, while the second phase, for population enumeration, will commence in March 2027 for the rest of the country.
• Caste Enumeration Included: For the first time since 1931 (and the first post-independence census), the 2027 census will officially include the collection of caste data, specifically for groups beyond just Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
• First Digital Census: This will be India's first fully digital census, utilizing mobile and web applications for data collection, with an option for self-enumeration for households.
• Basis for Delimitation: The data collected in this census is expected to serve as the basis for the redrawing of Lok Sabha and State Assembly constituencies (delimitation) after 2026, which will significantly impact political representation.

Legendary music composer Ilaiyaraaja was honored with the Vocational Excellence Award by the Rotary Club in Coimbatore on June 7, 2025, recognizing his outstanding contributions to Indian music. With a career spanning over four decades, Ilaiyaraaja has composed music for more than a thousand films, significantly influencing Tamil and Telugu cinema. During the felicitation ceremony, various organizations and industrialists paid tribute to the maestro with flower bouquets and shawls. Born as R. Gnanathesikan on June 3, 1943, in Pannaipuram, Tamil Nadu, Ilaiyaraaja is celebrated for his unique ability to blend folk rhythms with classical music, transforming the soundscape of South Indian cinema.

• Honored in Coimbatore: Legendary music composer Ilaiyaraaja was honored with the Vocational Excellence Award in Coimbatore on June 7, 2025.
• Award by Rotary Club: The award was presented by the Rotary Club in recognition of his immense and decades-long impact on the music industry.
• Four Decades of Musical Impact: Ilaiyaraaja's illustrious career spans over four decades, during which he has composed music for over a thousand films, leaving an indelible mark on both Tamil and Telugu cinema.
• Celebrated as a Maestro: Widely regarded as one of India's greatest composers, his work is known for its unique ability to blend folk rhythms with classical music and has deeply influenced Indian culture.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the Bharatiya Bhasha Anubhag (Indian Languages Section) in New Delhi. This initiative aims to reduce the dominance of English in official communications and promote the use of regional Indian languages in government operations. The new section is designed to provide a strong and organized platform for all Indian languages, reflecting the nation's linguistic diversity. Shah emphasized that Indian languages are integral to the country's culture and that their development is interconnected.

• Promoting Indian Languages in Administration: The primary aim of the "Bharatiya Bhasha Anubhag" (Indian Languages Section) is to reduce the dominance of foreign languages
• Empowering the Department of Official Language: With the establishment of this new section, the Department of Official Language has now become a "complete department," signifying a significant step towards the preservation and promotion of Indian languages.
• A Milestone for Linguistic Freedom: HM Amit Shah emphasized that this initiative is a "milestone" in the direction of freeing the administration from the influence of foreign languages, enabling genuine potential to be attained through linguistic independence.
• Fostering Linguistic Diversity and Harmony: The Anubhag is intended to provide a strong and organized platform for all Indian languages, incorporating the country's rich linguistic diversity and promoting cultural harmony by recognizing each language's proper space.

Veteran leg-spinner Piyush Chawla has announced his retirement from all forms of cricket, concluding a distinguished career spanning over two decades. A key member of India's victorious squads in the 2007 T20 World Cup and the 2011 ODI World Cup, Chawla represented the national team in three Tests, 25 ODIs, and seven T20Is, amassing a total of 43 wickets. In the Indian Premier League (IPL), he became the joint third-highest wicket-taker, securing 192 wickets across 192 matches while playing for franchises such as Kings XI Punjab, Kolkata Knight Riders, Chennai Super Kings, and Mumbai Indians.

• Two-Time World Cup Winner: Chawla was a part of India's victorious squads in both the 2007 T20 World Cup and the 2011 ODI World Cup, a significant highlight of his international career.
• IPL Stalwart: He had a long and successful career in the Indian Premier League (IPL), representing various franchises including Kings XI Punjab, Kolkata Knight Riders, Chennai Super Kings, and Mumbai Indians. He is among the top wicket-takers in IPL history, with 192 wickets.
• Decades-Long Career: Chawla's career spanned over two decades, starting his competitive cricket journey at a young age and playing for India, Uttar Pradesh, and various IPL teams.
• Emotional Announcement: He announced his retirement through an emotional social media post, expressing gratitude to his coaches, family, and the various teams and franchises he played for. He stated, "After more than two decades on the field, the time has come to bid adieu to the beautiful game."

Indian Grandmaster Aravindh Chithambaram emerged victorious at the 6th Stepan Avagyan Memorial chess tournament. Demonstrating exceptional skill and strategic brilliance, he outperformed a strong field of competitors. His consistent performance throughout the event secured him the top position. This win adds another prestigious title to his growing list of achievements. Aravindh’s success highlights his rising prominence in the international chess arena.

• Clinched Title on Tiebreaks: Aravindh Chithambaram won the 6th Stepan Avagyan Memorial chess tournament in Jermuk, Armenia, by edging out fellow Indian GM R. Praggnanandhaa on tiebreaks. Both players finished with an identical score of 6.5 points from 9 rounds.
• Undefeated Performance: Chithambaram remained unbeaten throughout the prestigious 10-player round-robin event, recording four wins and five draws against strong international competition.
• Strong Finish: In the decisive final round, Aravindh, playing with black pieces, defeated Armenia's GM Aram Hakobyan to secure his critical points.
• Second Major Title of the Year: This victory marks Aravindh's second major international title in 2025, following his earlier triumph at the Prague Chess Festival Masters, highlighting his consistent strong form.

Economist S. Mahendra Dev has been appointed as the new Chairman of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM), succeeding NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Suman Bery, who held the position on an interim basis following the passing of Bibek Debroy in November 2024. Dev, a distinguished economist known for his expertise in agriculture, rural development, and public policy, resigned from his role as an independent director at Axis Bank to assume this full-time position. His academic credentials include a Ph.D. in economics from the Delhi School of Economics and post-doctoral research at Yale University.

• Reconstitution and New Leadership: S. Mahendra Dev has been appointed as the new chairperson of the EAC-PM, which has been reconstituted. He replaces Niti Aayog Vice Chairman Suman Bery, who was holding the additional charge after the passing of the previous chairman, Bibek Debroy, in November 2024.
• Eminent Economist with Rich Experience: Dev is a distinguished economist with a strong background in development economics, agriculture, and rural economy.
• Focus on Development and Rural Economy: His expertise in agriculture and rural development suggests a likely focus on these areas within the EAC-PM's advice to the Prime Minister, aligning with India's current economic needs for inclusive growth.
• Retained and New Members: The EAC-PM retains three full-time members – Sanjeev Sanyal, Sanjay Kumar Mishra, and Shamika Ravi.

TCL India has renewed its partnership with cricketer Rohit Sharma as its brand ambassador for the second consecutive year. This collaboration underscores TCL's commitment to innovation and excellence, aligning with Sharma's reputation for consistency and leadership on the cricket field. Philip Xia, General Manager of TCL India, expressed enthusiasm about the continued association, stating that Sharma's qualities resonate with the brand's values. Sharma, in turn, conveyed his satisfaction with the ongoing partnership, highlighting their shared vision to inspire individuals to "Master the Moment" in their lives.

Foot notes:

• Continued Partnership: TCL India has officially extended its partnership with cricket icon Rohit Sharma for a second consecutive year, reaffirming their belief in his ability to connect with Indian consumers.
• Aligning with "Master the Moment" Philosophy: The renewed collaboration is centered around TCL's brand philosophy of "Master the Moment," which aligns with Rohit Sharma's known qualities of leadership, consistency, and composure under pressure.
• Enhanced Brand Presence and Emotional Connect: The primary objective of this extension is to strengthen TCL's presence in the Indian market and build a deeper emotional connection with Indian consumers, leveraging Sharma's immense popularity and credibility.
• Focus on Smart Technology and Campaigns: Rohit Sharma will be at the forefront of TCL's upcoming marketing campaigns, product launches (including AI-powered solutions, smart TVs, and home appliances), and community-driven initiatives.

9. World Food Safety Day observed on 07^th June

World Food Safety Day is observed every year on June 7th to raise awareness about the importance of safe food practices. It highlights the need to prevent, detect, and manage foodborne risks to ensure food security, human health, and sustainable development. The day encourages governments, producers, and consumers to work together to promote food safety across the supply chain. This year's theme emphasizes the role of everyone in ensuring food is safe from farm to plate. By observing this day, we recognize that access to safe food is a shared responsibility and a global concern.

Foot notes:

• 2025 Theme: "Food Safety: Science in Action": The theme for World Food Safety Day 2025 emphasizes the critical role of scientific knowledge, research, and innovation in ensuring food safety, reducing illness, cutting costs, and saving lives by understanding and preventing foodborne diseases.
• Shared Responsibility from Farm to Fork: The day highlights that food safety is a shared responsibility among governments, producers (farmers, manufacturers, retailers), and consumers.
• Combating Foodborne Illnesses: World Food Safety Day aims to reduce the significant global burden of foodborne illnesses.

Eminent scholar and author Daji Panshikar, renowned for his profound insights into Indian epics, passed away at the age of 92 in Thane, Maharashtra, following a brief illness. His literary contributions, including works like Mahabharat – Ek Sudacha Pravas and Karna Khara Kon Hota?, offered fresh perspectives on classical texts, delving into the complexities of characters and narratives. Beyond his writings, Panshikar was a prolific speaker, delivering over 2,500 lectures worldwide on Hindu scriptures and epics. He also served as a columnist for 16 years with the Marathi daily Saamana and played a pivotal role in managing the theatre organisation 'Natyasampada Natya Sanstha'.

• Marathi Literary Luminary: He was a prominent figure in Marathi literature, widely recognized for his deep knowledge and insightful interpretations of Indian epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata, as well as Sant Vangmaya (saintly literature).
• Dedicated Public Speaker and Interpreter: Panshikar dedicated over five decades to disseminating and interpreting Hindu scriptures, delivering over 2,500 lectures globally and profoundly influencing Maharashtra's intellectual and cultural landscape.
• Prolific Writer and Columnist: He authored several notable works, including "Mahabharata Ek Sudacha Pravasa" and "Karna Khara Koon Thota?". He also contributed a celebrated column to the Marathi daily "Saamana" for 16 consecutive years.

Download Daily GK PDF of 07 & 08 June 2025