National Turmeric Board 

• Amit Shah inaugurates the National Turmeric Board headquarters in Telangana, pledging significant support for farmers and a boost in exports. 
• It will lead turmeric-related initiatives, enhance ongoing efforts, and promote better coordination with the Spices Board and other government agencies for the development and expansion of the turmeric sector. 
• The Board will be headed by a Chairperson appointed by the Central Government and will include representatives from the Ministry of AYUSH, Department of Pharmaceuticals, Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, and Department of Commerce, along with senior representatives from three states on a rotational basis. 
• Turmeric, popularly known as the “Golden Spice,” offers significant economic opportunities for Indian farmers, especially in 20 states such as Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, and Meghalaya. 
  

19th Statistics Day 

• Statistics Day is observed every year on 29th June to honour the birth anniversary of the late Professor Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis. Celebrated since 2007, the day recognises his significant contributions to economic planning, statistics, and policymaking. 
• This year, the 19th Statistics Day is being celebrated with the theme “75 Years of National Sample Survey.” 
• This year, the National Sample Survey is also marking its 75th anniversary with the theme “NSS – A Glorious Past to a Promising Future for a Viksit Bharat.” 

The key aim of Statistics Day is to raise public awareness, especially among youth, about the importance of statistics in socio-economic planning, policymaking, and data-driven development.

 
Professor Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis 
 

Mullaperiyar Dam 

• All 13 shutters of the Mullaperiyar Dam were opened on Sunday to release 250 cusecs of water by the evening. 
• The 126-year-old Mullaperiyar Dam is situated at the confluence of the Mullayar and Periyar rivers in Kerala’s Idukki district, standing 53.66 metres high and 365.85 metres long. 
• Although located in Kerala, the dam is owned, operated, and maintained by Tamil Nadu for purposes such as irrigation, drinking water supply, and hydro-power generation. 

Graphical Representation of Mullaperiyar Dam 

Rasong National Tribal Music  

• The two-day Rasong National Tribal Music Festival 2025 recently concluded, showcasing the richness of India’s tribal music and cultural heritage. 
• Rasong aims to honour and promote the rich and diverse traditions of tribal music from across India. 
• The festival focuses on reviving and preserving tribal music, fostering cultural unity, and encouraging future generations to value and uphold tribal heritage.  
  

University Grants Commission (UGC) 

• The University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued notices to 89 institutions nationwide-including four IITs, three IIMs, and Aligarh Muslim University for not adhering to anti-ragging regulations. 
• India’s initial attempt to build a national education system started with the Sergeant Report of 1944, which proposed the establishment of a University Grants Committee. 
• It was granted statutory status in 1956, with its headquarters established in New Delhi. 
• The UGC consists of a Chairman, a Vice-Chairman, and 10 additional members, all appointed by the Central Government.
  

Bodoland CEM Cup 

• Prime Minister Nrendra Modi praised the Bodoland CEM Cup in Assam as a symbol of unity and the growing power of sports in the Bodo Territorial Area. 
• The Bodoland Chief Executive Member’s (CEM) Cup is a major football tournament organized by the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) to promote peace, unity and youth empowerment in the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR).  
• Held across various levels, it nurtures grassroots football talent and encourages participation from both boys and girls. The CEM Cup reflects BTC’s vision of using sports as a tool for social change and community development.