26th June 2025

1. IFFCO Sets Up First Overseas Nano Fertiliser Plant in Brazil
2. India’s First Butterfly Sanctuary Inaugurated in Kerala’s Aralam Forest
3. Adani and Reliance Join Forces to Share Fuel Infrastructure
4. NABARD & NIRCA Launch Training for Chilli, Turmeric Farmers on Post-Harvest Tech
5. Asia Warming at Twice the Global Rate, Warns WMO in New Climate Report
6. Amit Shah Releases ‘The Emergency Diaries’
7. India Hosts ICCON 2025 to Tackle Urgent Biodiversity Challenges
8. India’s FDI Inflows Surge to $8.8 Billion in April 2025: RBI Bulletin
9. AICF Launches Monthly Stipend Scheme to Boost Young Chess Talent
10. NPCI Surplus Crosses ₹1,500 Crore in FY25, Revenue Rises to ₹3,270 Crore
11. Tata Group Becomes India’s First $30-Billion Brand: Brand Finance 2025
12. India’s First Quantum Computing Valley to Launch in Amaravati by January 2026
13. Neeraj Chopra Wins Ostrava Golden Spike 2025 Javelin Title with 85.29m Throw
14. EPFO Raises Advance Withdrawal Limit to ₹5 Lakh for Faster Fund Access
15. 7th Helicopter & Small Aircraft Summit Held in Pune, Maharashtra
16. EXIM Bank Organizes Trade Conclave 2025 to Strengthen Export Growth
17. Global Tobacco Epidemic 2025: Tobacco Control Efforts Protect 6.1 billion People
18. India and South Africa Conduct 9th JDC Meeting in Johannesburg
19. Botswana becomes 1st African Country to Achieve WHO Gold Tier in Ending HIV Transmission
20. World Bank launches USD 426 million programme to boost water security in Bengaluru
21. AAHL Raised USD 1 Billion Project Finance for MIAL
22. HDFC, SINE, IIT Bombay Launches ‘HDFC Life InsuREka’
23. Tata Power-DDL & Japan’s Nissin Electric Commissions India’s First Micro Substation
24. World Vitiligo Day 2025 – June 25
25. Passport Seva Divas 2025 – June 24
26. Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas 2025 – June 25

National News

1. IFFCO to Set Up First Overseas Nano Fertiliser Plant in Brazil

• What:
  • IFFCO is setting up its first overseas plant for manufacturing nano-soil nutrients in Brazil through a joint venture with NANOFERT, aiming to produce nano-fertilisers annually.
• Why:
  • The plant aims to increase global market presence, reduce costs, and boost crop productivity in Brazil by providing advanced nano-fertiliser solutions.
• Tell me more:
  • The joint venture is structured as a partnership between IFFCO Nanoventions and NANOFERT, with the plant located in Curitiba, Parana province.
  • IFFCO launched nano urea in liquid form in June 2021 as an alternative to conventional urea, and nano-DAP in April 2023 to reduce import dependence.

Source: FE

2. Indian Conservation Conference 2025 Begins at Wildlife Institute

• What:
  • The Indian Conservation Conference (ICCON) 2025 is being held from 25 to 27 June 2025 at the Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
• Why:
  • The conference aims to bring together experts, policymakers, and stakeholders to discuss and find solutions for India’s urgent biodiversity challenges.
• Tell me more:
  • ICCON 2025 will be inaugurated by the Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav.
  • TechBridge, a new wildlife technology forum, will showcase innovative tools for field application.

Source: PIB

3. 7th Helicopter & Small Aircraft Summit Held in Pune

• What:
  • The Ministry of Civil Aviation, along with Maharashtra State Government, Pawan Hans, and FICCI, hosted the 7th Helicopter & Small Aircraft Summit in Pune.
• Why:
  • The summit aimed to promote the role of helicopters and small aircraft in building a modern, inclusive, and connected aviation ecosystem in India.
• Tell me more:
  • Union Minister Rammohan Naidu Kinjarapu announced a dedicated Helicopter Directorate under DGCA for single-window regulatory oversight and improved safety.
  • Initiatives like the Heli Sewa Portal and award of RCS UDAN helicopter routes were highlighted to improve efficiency and regional connectivity.

Source: PIB

State News

1. Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary Renamed as Kerala’s First Butterfly Sanctuary

• The state wildlife board has approved renaming Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary as Aralam Butterfly Sanctuary, making it Kerala’s first butterfly sanctuary.
• The sanctuary is located in the valley of the Brahmagiri mountain ranges and benefits from mineral-rich water that supports butterfly breeding.

Source: TOI

2. Andhra Pradesh Announces India’s First Quantum Valley

• What:
  • Andhra Pradesh government has announced the launch of India’s first full-stack Quantum Valley in Amaravati under the National Quantum Mission, with the project set to begin in January 2026.
• Why:
  • The initiative aims to position Andhra Pradesh as a leader in quantum and deep-tech innovation, create high-end jobs, and promote sustainable, intelligent infrastructure.
• Tell me more:
  • Quantum Valley will cover fifty acres and integrate quantum computing, artificial intelligence, semiconductor research, and defence innovation.
  • The project will feature India’s most powerful quantum computer, industry collaborations with IBM, TCS, and L&T, and renewable energy systems powering Amaravati.
  • All key buildings will have mandatory rooftop solar panels, and the ecosystem will include district cooling, electric vehicle infrastructure, and circular economy practices.
  • Andhra Pradesh universities will introduce quantum computing curricula, with Andhra University starting degree programmes from the 2025-26 academic year.

Source: ET

3. World Bank Approves Water Security Program for Bengaluru

• What:
  • The World Bank has approved a $426 million program to improve water security and resilience for over four million residents in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
• Why:
  • The program aims to help Bengaluru manage water resources better, address frequent floods and droughts, and support the city’s growing population and economy.
• Tell me more:
  • The program will revive 183 lakes to act as natural sponges during heavy rainfall and build nine sewage treatment plants to prevent pollution.
  • Treated wastewater will be reused for industry and groundwater recharge, and over 100,000 households will get sewerage connections for the first time.
  • The initiative will increase revenues for the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board and attract $5 million in private capital.
  • The $426 million loan from the International Bank of Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) has a 20-year maturity and a 5-year grace period.

Source: WB

International News

1. Botswana Achieves Gold Tier Status for HIV Transmission Elimination

• What:
  • Botswana has become the first country to achieve gold tier status on the Path to Elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV as a public health problem, as recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO).
• Why:
  • This recognition highlights Botswana’s success in reducing new HIV infections in children and increasing healthcare service coverage for pregnant women living with HIV.
• Tell me more:
  • Botswana reduced annual new HIV paediatric infections to less than 250 per 100,000 live births and raised antenatal care, HIV testing, and treatment coverage to 95%.
  • The achievement was made possible by strong efforts from the Ministry of Health, partners, and community stakeholders within three years.
  • Botswana was the first to reach silver tier status in 2021 and has since improved primary healthcare and community-based HIV interventions.
  • Countries with high maternal HIV prevalence must show robust healthcare services, quality data systems, and respect for human rights to attain tier status.
  • The Path to Elimination has three levels: bronze, silver, and gold; Namibia was awarded bronze for HIV and silver for hepatitis B virus elimination in 2023.

Source: WHO

Banking and Economy

1. Adani and Reliance Partner for Fuel Distribution

• What:
  • Adani Group and Reliance Industries have announced a partnership for fuel distribution, where select Adani Total Gas outlets will offer Jio-bp’s petrol and diesel, and some Jio-bp stations will install Adani Total’s CNG units.
• Why:
  • The partnership aims to provide consumers access to a complete range of high-quality fuels and enhance customer experience by leveraging each company’s infrastructure.
• Tell me more:
  • This is the second major collaboration between the two groups, following Reliance’s earlier acquisition of a stake in Adani Power’s Mahan Energen.
  • Adani Total is a joint venture between Adani and TotalEnergies, with a strong presence in natural gas distribution.
  • Adani Total covers thirty-four geographical areas directly and nineteen more through a joint venture with Indian Oil.

Source: ET

2. India Sees Strong FDI Inflows in April 2025

• What:
  • India attracted significant foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows in April, helping the Reserve Bank of India rebuild foreign exchange reserves.
• Why:
  • The increased FDI supports India’s external sector resilience and helps protect the rupee from excess volatility.
• Tell me more:
  • FDI inflows in April were higher compared to the same month last year, contributing to a rise in India’s forex reserves.
  • Non-resident deposit inflows slowed in April, while net external commercial borrowing by Indian companies increased.
  • The Reserve Bank of India reported that India’s external sector vulnerability indicators have improved, and the country is confident of meeting external financing needs.
  • Gross FDI inflows remained strong in the financial year, but net FDI moderated due to higher repatriation by foreign investors.
  • Foreign portfolio investment to India dropped as investors booked profits, but non-resident deposits saw higher net inflow for the year.

Source: ET

3. NPCI Reports Strong Revenue Surplus in FY25

• What:
  • The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) reported a 41.7% increase in its net profit, referred to as revenue surplus, reaching Rs 1,552 crore for fiscal year 2025.
• Why:
  • The growth in revenue surplus is due to higher transaction volumes and increased use of digital payment platforms operated by NPCI.
• Tell me more:
  • NPCI’s standalone revenue rose to Rs 3,270 crore, and its net worth increased to Rs 6,412 crore as of March 31, 2025.
  • The total number of transactions processed by NPCI grew by 33% to 213 billion in FY25.
  • NPCI operates major digital payment infrastructures such as UPI, IMPS, AePS, BBPS, and NCMC, earning revenue from transaction values and membership fees.
  • UPI transactions remain free for users, with the Finance Ministry dismissing speculation about introducing merchant discount rates (MDR).
  • NPCI has two subsidiaries: NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) and NPCI Bharat BillPay Limited (NBBL), focusing on international expansion and digital bill payments.

Source: ET

4. Tata Group Becomes First Indian Brand Above $30 Billion

• What:
  • Tata Group has become India’s most valuable brand, crossing the $30 billion mark in brand value according to Brand Finance.
• Why:
  • This achievement highlights Tata Group’s dominance across multiple sectors and reflects India’s growing economic strength and global presence.
• Tell me more:
  • Tata Group’s brand value rose by 10 percent to $31.6 billion, making it the first Indian brand to reach this milestone.
  • Brand Finance defines brand value as the net economic benefit a brand owner would get by licensing the brand in the open market.

Source: BS

5. EPFO Increases Auto-Settlement Limit for Advance Claims

• What:
  • The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has raised the auto-settlement limit for advance withdrawal claims from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 5 lakh.
• Why:
  • The move aims to provide faster fund access for EPFO members, especially during urgent needs.
• Tell me more:
  • Members can now get advance withdrawal claims of up to Rs 5 lakh settled within three days through the auto-settlement mode.
  • The auto-settlement facility, introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic, covers claims for illness, education, marriage, and housing.
  • In FY25, EPFO processed a record number of advance claims through auto-settlement, showing strong growth in automation and service delivery.
  • In the first 2.5 months of FY26, a large share of advance claims have already been settled automatically.
  • Auto-settlement ensures quick processing without human involvement, increasing efficiency and transparency.

Source: BS

6. CBDT Acts on Foreign Assets and Income Reporting

• What:
  • The Finance Ministry announced that the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) is taking action against people with foreign income, as 5,483 taxpayers filed belated returns reporting foreign assets worth Rs 29,208 crore and additional income of Rs 1,089.88 crore.
• Why:
  • The initiative aims to ensure proper reporting of foreign assets and income, increase voluntary compliance, and combat offshore tax evasion.
• Tell me more:
  • The number of taxpayers reporting foreign assets and income in their returns grew by 45.17 percent for assessment year 2024-25 compared to the previous year.
  • India receives information about foreign accounts and assets from over 100 tax jurisdictions, including Switzerland, under the Automatic Exchange of Information (AEOI) framework.
  • CBDT compared data received under AEOI with income tax returns and sent SMS and emails to taxpayers for verification.
  • Switzerland has provided annual financial information about Indian residents since 2018, with regular data exchange starting in September 2019.
  • Enforcement and statutory actions are being taken against non-compliant taxpayers, including search, survey, and open inquiries.

Source: ET

7. EXIM Bank Hosts Trade Conclave 2025 to Boost Exports

• What:
  • Export Import Bank of India (EXIM) hosted the Trade Conclave 2025, highlighting its Trade Assistance Programme (TAP) and new initiatives to support Indian exporters and export-led growth.
• Why:
  • The event aimed to promote export-led growth for Viksit Bharat by bridging financing gaps, supporting MSMEs, and improving access to global markets.
• Tell me more:
  • TAP has enabled Indian exporters to access high-risk markets, with partnerships with over 100 overseas banks and over 1,100 export transactions across 51 countries since 2022.
  • The Finance Minister virtually inaugurated new EXIM Bank offices in Lucknow, Indore, and São Paulo, Brazil, to help exporters reach new markets.
  • The government is supporting MSMEs through initiatives like Udyam registration, revamped Credit Guarantee Schemes, TReDS, and the Ubharte Sitaare Programme.
  • Cluster development under the Districts as Export Hubs initiative allows exporters to operate directly from local districts.
  • The event included the release of EXIM Bank research publications on critical minerals, defence equipment, and textiles, and the signing of a technical assistance agreement with IIT Kanpur for startups.

Source: PIB

8. Adani Airports Secures $1 Billion for Mumbai Airport

• What:
  • Adani Airports Holdings (AAHL) has secured USD 1 billion financing for Mumbai International Airport (MIAL) through a project finance structure.
• Why:
  • The financing will provide financial flexibility for the development, modernization, and capacity enhancement of Mumbai International Airport.
• Tell me more:
  • The transaction includes USD 750 million in notes maturing in July 2029 for refinancing, with provision to raise an additional USD 250 million.
  • This is India’s first investment grade rated private bond issuance in the airport infrastructure sector.
  • The deal was led by Apollo-managed funds, with participation from BlackRock-managed funds, Standard Chartered, and other global investors.
  • The notes are expected to be rated BBB-/stable, backed by MIAL’s stable assets and cash flows.

Source: BS

9. HDFC Life and SINE IIT Bombay Launch InsUReka Challenge

• HDFC Life, in partnership with SINE, IIT Bombay, has launched the ‘HDFC Life InsUReka’ innovation challenge for startups to create technology-driven solutions for the life insurance sector.
• SINE is a technology business incubator at IIT Bombay.

Source: TI

10. India’s First Micro Substation with PVT Commissioned

• What:
  • Tata Power-Delhi Distribution Ltd and Japan-based Nissin Electric Co Ltd have set up India’s first micro substation with a power voltage transformer (PVT) to supply low-cost and reliable power in Delhi.
• Why:
  • The project aims to provide stable and reliable electricity to remote areas that are far from or not fully connected to the power grid.
• Tell me more:
  • The micro substation can convert high-voltage power from transmission lines directly to low-voltage power for homes.
  • This technology avoids the need for large networks, big budgets, and large installation spaces.
  • The project is part of the International Demonstration Project on Japan’s Energy Efficiency Technologies by NEDO.

Source: TOI

Reports and Indices

1. Asia Warming Twice as Fast as Global Average

• What:
  • Asia is warming nearly twice as fast as the global land and ocean average, with 2024 being one of the warmest years on record.
• Why:
  • The rapid warming is causing more extreme weather events, glacier loss, and rising sea levels, leading to serious risks for people and the environment.
• Tell me more:
  • In 2024, Asia’s mean temperature anomaly was over one degree Celsius above the 1991–2020 average, with land areas warming faster than oceans.
  • Countries like Japan, China, Thailand, and India saw record-breaking heat, deadly heatwaves, and high numbers of heat-related deaths.
  • Oceans around Asia are warming at double the global rate, with strong marine heat waves covering a large area and sea levels rising faster than the global average.
  • Glaciers in Asia, especially in the Himalayas and Tian Shan, are shrinking rapidly, raising risks of water shortages and natural disasters.
  • Extreme events in 2024 included deadly cyclones, floods, landslides, lightning strikes, and droughts affecting millions across the continent.

Source: DTE

2. WHO Releases Tenth Global Tobacco Epidemic Report

• What:
  • The World Health Organization (WHO) released its tenth Global Tobacco Epidemic Report, focusing on country progress in tobacco control and highlighting the importance of warning about tobacco dangers.
• Why:
  • The report aims to encourage countries to strengthen tobacco control policies and fully implement the MPOWER package to reduce tobacco-related deaths and health risks.
• Tell me more:
  • Over 6.1 billion people are now protected by at least one MPOWER measure at best-practice level, with 155 countries adopting at least one measure since 2007.
  • Only four countries—Brazil, Mauritius, Türkiye, and the Netherlands—have fully implemented all MPOWER measures; seven others are one step short.
  • Graphic health warnings on tobacco are now required in 110 countries, covering 62% of the global population, but smokeless tobacco packaging remains weakly regulated.
  • Taxation progress is slow, with only three countries raising taxes to best-practice levels since 2022, and just 33% of the global population has access to cost-covered quit services.
  • Regulations or bans on electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) exist in 133 countries, but over 60 countries still lack any ENDS regulatory framework.

Source: WHO

Defence News

1. India-South Africa Hold 9th Joint Defence Committee Meeting

• What:
  • Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh led the Indian delegation to the 9th Joint Defence Committee (JDC) meeting with South Africa in Johannesburg.
• Why:
  • The meeting aimed to strengthen bilateral defence cooperation and identify new areas for collaboration between India and South Africa.
• Tell me more:
  • Sub-committees on Defence Policy and Military Cooperation, and on Defence Acquisition, Production, Research and Development, reported their outcomes to the JDC.
  • The Indian delegation included senior officers from the Department of Defence, Defence Production, the Services, and the Indian High Commission.
  • India highlighted its progress in defence manufacturing and exports, and reiterated its commitment to deeper ties with South Africa.
  • India-South Africa defence collaboration began in 1996 with an MoU, which was upgraded in 2000.

Source: PIB

Science and Technology

1. NABARD and ICAR-NIRCA to Train Farmers on Post-Harvest Technologies

• What:
  • NABARD and the National Institute for Research on Commercial Agriculture (ICAR-NIRCA), Rajahmundry, will train Farmers’ Producers Organisations and farmers in post-harvest management and technologies for turmeric and chilli.
• Why:
  • The training aims to enhance the value of chilli and turmeric crops, which are sensitive to moisture and microbial contamination.
• Tell me more:
  • NIRCA Director M. Sheshu Madhav highlighted the importance of post-harvesting and processing technologies for these crops.
  • NABARD Assistant General Manager M. Rajasekhara Reddy and East Godavari District Manager R. Chakradhar interacted with farmers at the NIRCA campus.
  • The programme focuses on helping farmers and FPOs adopt better practices for handling and processing turmeric and chilli.

Source: TH

Important Days

1. World Vitiligo Day 2025 – June 25

• Theme: ‘Innovation for Every Skin, Powered by AI’

Source: HT

2. Passport Seva Divas 2025 (13th Edtion) – June 24

Source: MEA

3. Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas 2025 – June 25

Source: PIB

Sports

1. AICF Launches Top National Players Stipend Scheme

• What:
  • The All India Chess Federation (AICF) has launched the Top National Players Stipend Scheme (TNPSS) to provide financial support to deserving chess players across Under 7 to Under 19 categories.
• Why:
  • The scheme aims to help talented young players overcome financial barriers, focus on their training, and strengthen the foundation of chess in India.
• Tell me more:
  • AICF disbursed stipends ranging from ₹60,000 to ₹1,50,000 per player for the April to June quarter, with a total of ₹42,30,000 distributed among forty-two top-ranked players based on their national performances.
  • The scheme covers both open and girls’ categories in Under 7, Under 9, Under 11, Under 13, Under 15, Under 17, and Under 19 age groups.
  • TNPSS has a budgetary outlay of ₹6,15,60,000 and is designed to directly invest in the future of young chess talents.

Source: IE

2. Neeraj Chopra Wins Javelin Gold at Ostrava Golden Spike

• What:
  • Neeraj Chopra won the men’s javelin title at the 64th Ostrava Golden Spike meet in the Czech Republic with a throw of 85.29 metres.
• Tell me more:
  • Chopra secured the win with his third throw, becoming the only athlete to cross the 85-metre mark in the competition.
  • He competed for the first time at this World Athletics Continental Tour Gold-level event, after missing the last two editions due to fitness issues.
  • South Africa’s Douw Smit finished second and Grenada’s Anderson Peters came third.
  • Chopra’s 2025 season includes a win at the Paris Diamond League and a strong performance at the Doha Diamond League, where he crossed the 90-metre barrier.
  • The Ostrava meet is directed by his coach Jan Zelezny, a three-time Olympic gold medallist and nine-time winner of this event.

Source: TOI

Miscellaneous

1. Union Home Minister Releases Book on PM Modi’s Emergency Role

• Union Home Minister Amit Shah released a book titled “The Emergency Diaries – Years that Forged a Leader,” which chronicles Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s experiences during the 1975-77 Emergency.
• The launch event was held in the capital on ‘Savidhan Hatya Diwas’ and attended by senior leaders including Ashwini Vaishnaw, Vinai Kumar Saxena, and Rekha Gupta.

Source: DD

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