20th June 2025

1. US News & World Report 2025 Global Rankings: Harvard Topped; IISc Bangalore tops among Indian Universities
2. WMO Recognizes 20 New Centennial Stations to Preserve Climate Data & Global Memory
3. IFC Invests USD 60 million in Motllal Oswal Alternates’s USD 750 million fifth fund
4. Bata Group Appoints Panos Mytaros as Global CEO
5. Sachin Tendulkar Joins Reddit as Brand Ambassador
6. Padma Shri Awardee & Environmentallst Maruti Chitampalli Passed Away
7. Global Cybersecurity Alert: 16 Billion Logins Exposed in Historic Data Breach
8. Prof M Satish Kumar Appointed First Dean of Queen’s University Belfast’s GIF City Campus
9. Ambani Heirs Dominate India’s Under-40 Wealth Icons List 2025
10. India-Cyprus Sign MoU to Enable UPI Services for Cross-Border Payments
11. Sampath Kumar Becomes First Indian MD of Nippon Koei India
12. Honda Successfully Tests Reusable Rocket: A New Challenger in Space Tech
13. Delhi Set for First Cloud-Seeding Trial by June-End
14. The Hindu Named Champion of Digital Media Awards South Asia 2025
15. PM Modi Flags Off India’s First Locomotive Export to Guinea from Bihar
16. SBI Foundation Backs Prayoga’s Science Learning Mission
17. DU Launches JAIHIND Scheme to Empower ST Students with Digital & Higher Ed Skills
18. PM Modi’s Historic Croatia Visit: Strengthening India’s Gateway to Europe
19. India to Induct 300-km Range Pinaka Missile System
20. India Emerges as Third-Largest Power Generator Globally: IEA Report
21. Centre Approves ₹2,006.40 Crore Assistance to Himachal Pradesh for 2023 Disaster Recovery
22. Most Liveable Cities in the World in 2025
23. Global Peace Index 2025 by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP)
24. India Ranks 71st in WEF Energy Transition Index 2025 Despite Efficiency Gains
25. ECI’s New SOP Ensures EPIC Delivery Within 15 Days
26. World Kidney Cancer Day 2025 – Understanding Kidney Health
27. Reliance Infra & Dassault Aviation to Build Falcon 2000 Jets in India
28. THE Impact Rankings 2025: 4 Indian Universities in Global Top 100 for Sustainability
29. QS World Rankings 2026: Top 10 & Best Indian Universities
30. International Yoga Day 2025
31. International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict 2025 – June 19
32. World Sickle Cell Day 2025 – June 19
33. National Reading Day 2025 – June 19
34. World Refugee Day 2025

National News

1. PM Modi’s Historic Visit to Croatia Strengthens Ties

• What:
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi made the first-ever visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Croatia and held talks with Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic in Zagreb.
• Why:
  • The visit aimed to deepen the partnership between India and Croatia across trade, investment, science, technology, defense, culture, and people-to-people ties.
• Tell me more:
  • Four Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) were signed in agriculture, science & technology, culture, and renewal of a Hindi Chair.
  • The leaders exchanged views on global issues, including UN reforms, climate change, and terrorism, and supported early conclusion of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement.

Source: PIB

2. Election Commission Introduces Faster EPIC Delivery System

• What:
  • The Election Commission of India (ECI) has launched a new Standard Operating Procedure to deliver Electors Photo Identity Cards (EPICs) within fifteen days of any update in the electoral rolls.
• Why:
  • The initiative aims to provide prompt and efficient electoral services for the convenience of electors.
• Tell me more:
  • The new system enables real-time tracking of EPICs from generation by the Electoral Registration Officer to delivery through the Department of Posts.
  • Electors will get SMS notifications at each stage to stay informed about their EPIC status.
  • A dedicated IT module on the ECINet platform has been introduced to streamline the process and replace the old system.
  • The Department of Posts’ Application Programme Interface will be integrated with ECINet for seamless delivery.

Source: PIB

State News

1. Delhi Government to Conduct Cloud-Seeding Pilot Trial

• What:
  • The Delhi government is set to conduct a pilot cloud-seeding trial by the end of the month after receiving most required approvals.
• Why:
  • The trial aims to test if cloud-seeding can increase rainfall in specific areas of Delhi and determine its effectiveness.
• Tell me more:
  • The Ministry of Defence has allowed the use of Hindon Air Base for the project, and the final DGCA clearance is awaited.
  • The India Meteorological Department (IMD) will provide a six-hour plan to identify the right time and area for the trial based on cloud and moisture analysis.
  • IIT Kanpur is partnering in the trial, using a custom seeding mixture of silver iodide, powdered rock salt, iodized salt, and a free-flowing agent.
  • The project has a sanctioned outlay of ₹3.21 crore, with five flights planned to cover 100 sq km in the outer parts of Delhi.
  • The trial will avoid restricted airspace and will not be held during natural rainfall; water samples will be collected after rain to assess silver iodide concentration.

Source: HT

2. PM Modi Launches Major Development Projects in Bihar

• What:
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone and inaugurated several development projects in Bihar, focusing on rail connectivity, sanitation, power infrastructure, and affordable housing.
• Why:
  • The projects aim to boost regional connectivity, improve sanitation and water quality, modernize energy infrastructure, and provide affordable housing in Bihar.
• Tell me more:
  • A state-of-the-art export locomotive built at the Marhowra Plant was flagged off for export to the Republic of Guinea under the “Make in India – Make for the World” initiative.
  • The Vande Bharat Express between Patliputra and Gorakhpur was flagged off, and the Vaishali–Deoria railway line was inaugurated, with a new train service launched to strengthen connectivity.
  • Six Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) worth over ₹1,800 crore were inaugurated under the Namami Gange programme to enhance sanitation in towns along the Ganga River.
  • A 500 MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project was launched, with units to be installed at 15 grid substations in various locations to help meet peak electricity demand.
  • The first instalment under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Urban (PMAY-U) was released to over 53,600 beneficiaries, and keys were handed over to select recipients for over 6,600 new houses.

Source: DD

3. Prayoga’s Kriya Initiative Boosts Science Education in Karnataka

• What:
  • Twelve government schools in Raichur district, Karnataka, will receive science lab stations and curated science courseware as part of Prayoga Institute of Education Research’s Kriya initiative.
• Why:
  • The initiative aims to enhance science education in rural areas and promote practical, experiential learning for students.
• Tell me more:
  • The Kriya initiative targets over 11,000 students across 77 schools in Karnataka, focusing on classes 6 to 10.
  • The programme is supported by State Bank of India Foundation (SBIF) and SBI Funds Management Pvt. Ltd.
  • The initiative includes a structured Teacher Empowerment Programme (TEP) for continuous academic mentoring.
  • The Kriya initiative is now in its 10th year and is part of SBIF’s Integrated Learning Mission (ILM) project called ‘Reimagining Science Education’.
  • The programme aligns with state and NCERT syllabi to ensure relevant and quality content.

Source: IT

4. Delhi University Launches JAIHIND Scheme for Tribal Students

• What:
  • Delhi University has launched the JAIHIND scheme to empower Scheduled Tribe school students through skill development and higher education readiness.
• Why:
  • The scheme aims to provide practical skills and orientation for the Common University Entrance Test (CUET), preparing students for sustainable livelihoods and access to higher education.
• Tell me more:
  • The first batch includes 25 meritorious students from the Tangkhul Naga tribe in Manipur’s Ukhrul district, selected on academic merit from four government schools.
  • The curriculum is tailored to local needs, featuring skills like artificial container-based pisciculture and fish feed production.
  • The scheme was launched at Delhi University with Vineet Joshi, Secretary, Ministry of Education, as chief guest.
  • The programme also informed students about the Pradhan Mantri Vidyalakshmi Yojana for financial assistance in higher education.
  • JAIHIND stands for Janajati Immersive Holistic Intervention for Novel Development.

Source: TP

5. Centre Approves Rs 2,006 Crore Aid for Himachal Pradesh

• What:
  • A high-level committee led by Union Home Minister Amit Shah approved central assistance of Rs 2,006.40 crore to Himachal Pradesh for recovery and reconstruction after floods, landslides, and a cloudburst in 2023.
• Why:
  • The assistance aims to support the state’s recovery and reconstruction activities following severe natural disasters.
• Tell me more:
  • Out of the total amount, Rs 1,504.80 crore will come from the Recovery and Reconstruction Funding Window under the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF).
  • Earlier, the Ministry of Home Affairs had approved an additional Rs 633.73 crore from the NDRF for Himachal Pradesh.
  • The committee included the Finance Minister, Agriculture Minister, and NITI Aayog Vice-Chairman.
  • The Centre previously approved Rs 1,658.17 crore for Uttarakhand and Rs 555.27 crore for Sikkim for similar disaster recovery efforts.
  • In 2024-25, the Centre released Rs 20,264.40 crore to 28 states under the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) and Rs 5,160.76 crore under the NDRF to 19 states.

Source: IE

International News

1. WMO Recognizes 20 New Centennial Observing Stations

• What:
  • Several new Centennial Observing Stations have been formally recognized in addition to the existing 455 stations worldwide.
• Why:
  • The recognition aims to preserve long-term observing stations for sustaining irreplaceable climate information needed for current and future generations.
• Tell me more:
  • Newly recognized stations include five in Namibia, two in Viet Nam, five in Portugal, four in the USA, three in Norway, and one in France.
  • The oldest recognized station is the Susquehanna River hydrological station in the USA, established in 1786.
  • Many Centennial Observing Stations also contribute to the WMO World Weather Watch system, sharing weather data globally.
  • These stations provide consistent data over decades, essential for understanding the climate system.

Source: WMO

Banking and Economy

1. IFC Commits $60 Million to Motilal Oswal Fund

• What:
  • International Finance Corporation (IFC) has committed $60 million to a new private equity fund launched by Motilal Oswal Alternates to support mid-market companies in India.
• Why:
  • The investment aims to help mid-sized Indian companies grow, create jobs, and expand business activity beyond major cities into less-developed regions.
• Tell me more:
  • The deal includes a $60 million co-investment envelope for IFC to participate in individual transactions.
  • The fund, India Business Excellence Fund V G, is targeting $750 million with an option to raise an extra $150 million.
  • The capital will invest in 12 to 16 mid-sized Indian companies and promote women’s participation in the workforce.
  • IFC will assist in designing workshops and workplace standards for these companies.
  • This is IFC’s third investment in a Motilal Oswal-managed fund.

Source: ET

2. Honda Successfully Tests Experimental Reusable Rocket

• What:
  • Honda has successfully conducted a launch and landing test of an experimental reusable rocket in Japan.
• Why:
  • The test was done to demonstrate key technologies needed for rocket reusability, such as flight stability and landing capabilities.
• Tell me more:
  • The launch took place at Honda’s facility in Taiki Town, Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.
  • This is the first time a company outside the United States and China has successfully tested a reusable rocket.
  • Honda plans to work on a suborbital launch by 2029, aiming to use the rocket for Earth observation satellites and possibly satellite constellations.

Source: IE

3. Dassault and Reliance to Make Falcon Jets in India

• What:
  • Dassault Aviation and Reliance Aerostructure Limited have partnered to manufacture Falcon 2000 business jets in India, marking the first time Dassault will assemble its Falcon aircraft outside France.
• Why:
  • The collaboration aims to support the ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiatives and make India a global hub for business jet manufacturing.
• Tell me more:
  • The first ‘Made in India’ Falcon 2000 jet is expected to take flight by 2028 and will serve both corporate and military users.
  • The assembly line will be set up at Dassault Reliance Aerospace Limited (DRAL) in Nagpur, Maharashtra, which will become a global center of excellence for the Falcon series.
  • Key production processes like assembly of the fuselage, wings, and front section will be transferred to DRAL, including work for Falcon 8X and 6X jets.
  • DRAL has already delivered over 100 major Falcon 2000 sub-sections from its Mihan facility in Nagpur.
  • The new assembly line will require the recruitment of several hundred engineers and technicians over the next decade.

Source: ET

Reports and Indices

1. US News Releases 11th Edition of Best Global Universities Rankings

• What:
  • US News has published the 11th edition of its Best Global Universities rankings, evaluating 2,250 institutions from 105 countries based on 13 research-focused performance indicators.
• Why:
  • The rankings were developed to address the increasing interest in international higher education and to help students compare universities globally using research performance.
• Tell me more:
  • The latest edition includes 56 country-specific rankings, an increase from 55 last year.
  • India ranks third globally with 118 institutions featured, following China (397) and the United States (280).
  • Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore, is the top Indian university, ranked 633rd globally and 181st in Asia.
  • The rankings are powered by Clarivate™ and focus on research output, academic reputation, publication volumes, citation impact, and subject-specific research strength.

Source: TOI

2. ‘360 ONE Wealth Creators List’

• What:
  • The inaugural ‘360 ONE Wealth Creators List’ has identified over 2,000 Indian individuals, including 143 under-40 active wealth creators, with nearly Rs 100 trillion in wealth.
• Why:
  • The list highlights the rise of a new generation of young business leaders who are reshaping industries through innovation and digital-first business models.
• Tell me more:
  • Many under-40 wealth creators have significant wealth tied to publicly listed companies and are first-generation entrepreneurs leveraging the digital economy.
  • The top three under-40 icons are Aakash Mukesh Ambani, Anant Mukesh Ambani, and Isha Mukesh Ambani of Reliance Industries, each with net worths exceeding Rs 3,58,000 crore.
  • The wealth of these individuals is closely linked to their active involvement in their businesses.
  • The list was launched by 360 ONE Wealth (WAM) in collaboration with CRISIL.

Source: ET

3. IEA Report: India Ranks Third Globally in Power Generation Growth

• What:
  • India has recorded the third-largest growth in power generation capacity worldwide over the past five years, as per the International Energy Agency (IEA) report.
• Why:
  • The growth is driven by rising electricity demand from expanding commercial and residential spaces, increased use of appliances, and higher industrial needs.
• Tell me more:
  • Only China and the United States surpassed India in power generation growth during this period.
  • India’s power generation has expanded across all energy sources, with a strong push towards renewable energy, especially solar photovoltaic (PV) projects.
  • In 2024, 83% of power sector investment in India went into clean energy initiatives.
  • India received around USD 2.4 billion in development finance institution (DFI) funding for clean energy in 2024, the highest globally.
  • Foreign direct investment (FDI) in India’s power sector reached USD 5 billion in 2023, nearly double the pre-pandemic level.

Source: DD

4. Global Liveability Index 2025 by Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU)

• What:
  • The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) released the Global Liveability Index 2025, ranking 173 cities on factors like stability, healthcare, education, infrastructure, culture, and environment.
• Why:
  • The index helps identify the world’s most and least liveable cities, guiding people seeking better living standards and policymakers aiming to improve urban quality of life.
• Tell me more:
  • The global average liveability score was 76.1 out of 100, unchanged from last year.
  • Copenhagen became the world’s most liveable city in 2025, ending Vienna’s three-year run at the top.
  • Western European cities dominated the top rankings, with Asia Pacific cities and Vancouver (Canada) also in the top ten.
  • Damascus remained the least liveable city, with Tripoli, Dhaka, and Karachi also near the bottom.
  • The index saw gains in education, healthcare, and infrastructure, but stability scores dropped due to geopolitical instability and civil unrest.

Source: IE

5. Global Peace Index 2025 by Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP)

• What:
  • The Global Peace Index (GPI) 2025 by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP) reports a 0.36% decline in global peacefulness, marking the highest deterioration since World War II.
• Why:
  • Rising geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainty, and factors leading to instability have caused a steady drop in global peace over the past 17 years.
• Tell me more:
  • The average country score has declined by 5.4% since 2008, though 74 countries showed improvements this year.
  • Iceland remains the most peaceful country, maintaining its top position since 2008.
  • The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is the least peaceful for the tenth consecutive year, with four of the ten lowest-ranked countries.
  • The gap between the most and least peaceful countries has widened, with peace inequality rising by 11.7% over two decades.
  • India ranks 115th with a slight improvement, ahead of Bangladesh (#123), Pakistan (#144), and Afghanistan (#158).
  • India’s score is 2.229, a 0.58% in 2025.
  • Russia (#163) and Ukraine (#162) are the two least peaceful countries due to ongoing conflict.

Source: IE

6. WEF Energy Transition Index 2025

• What:
  • India has been ranked 71st on the World Economic Forum’s Energy Transition Index 2025, reflecting improvements in energy efficiency and investment capacity.
• Why:
  • The index benchmarks countries on security, sustainability, equity, and readiness factors like policy, finance, innovation, infrastructure, and education.
• Tell me more:
  • Sweden topped the list of 118 countries, followed by Finland, Denmark, Norway, and Switzerland.
  • India’s rank fell from 63rd last year, but it and China showed the greatest improvement among large economies.
  • India advanced in energy efficiency, investment capacity, access to clean fuels, and lowering energy intensity and methane emissions.
  • The report suggests further progress can be made by improving grid reliability, rural energy access, and reducing dependence on imported energy.

Source: ET

7. THE Impact rankings 2025

• What:
  • Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham and Lovely Professional University (LPU) are the only two Indian institutions ranked among the top fifty in the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings 2025.
• Why:
  • The rankings highlight global universities’ progress on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), encouraging institutions to advance in areas like quality education, clean energy, and climate action.
  • The rankings are also based on indicators such as research, outreach, and campus operations across several SDGs.
• Tell me more:
  • Western Sydney University, Australia, maintained its top rank for the fourth consecutive year.
  • JSS Academy of Higher Education and Shoolini University also made it to the top hundred, both ranked ninety-sixth.
  • Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham is ranked 41st and LPU is ranked 48th globally. Amrita scored a perfect hundred in lifelong learning and water sustainability, and performed strongly in quality education and clean energy.
  • LPU ranked fifth globally for clean energy, sixth for sustainable cities, and eighth for zero hunger, with an overall score of ninety-two point six.

Source: ET

8. QS World Rankings 2026

• What:
  • India featured 54 universities in the QS World University Rankings 2026, its highest ever, including 12 Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs).
• Why:
  • The increase reflects India’s rapid progress in higher education quality, research, and global academic reputation.
  • The QS rankings assess universities based on research, academic reputation, employer reputation, citations, international diversity, and sustainability.
• Tell me more:
  • India is now the fourth most represented country after the United States, the United Kingdom, and Mainland China.
  • Eight Indian universities made their debut this year, the highest number of new entrants from any country.
  • Six Indian institutions are in the global top 250, with IIT Delhi leading at 123rd and IIT Madras making a significant jump to 180th.
  • Nearly half of the ranked Indian universities improved their positions compared to the previous year.
  • Five institutions ranked among the global top 100 for Employer Reputation, and eight made it to the top 100 for Citations per Faculty.

Source: PIB

Defence News

1. DRDO to Manufacture New Pinaka Rocket Variants

• What:
  • DRDO will soon start manufacturing new Pinaka rocket system variants with extended ranges of 120 km and 300 km for induction into the Indian Army in the next three to five years.
• Why:
  • The aim is to strengthen India’s self-reliance in artillery capability and meet national defence requirements with advanced rocket systems.
• Tell me more:
  • The Indian Army has already inducted the Pinaka and its enhanced-range variant, and completed trials for the Guided Pinaka system, which delivers precision strikes.
  • Work is ongoing on Pinaka-3 and Pinaka-4 variants, which will have ranges of 120 km and 300 km.
  • The Pinaka system is a multi-barrel rocket launcher developed by DRDO in Pune, with features like shoot-and-scoot, advanced navigation, and quick response.
  • The launcher can fire 12 rockets in 44 seconds and offers high pointing accuracy, multiple operational modes, and rapid deployment.
  • The Indian Army plans to induct 22 Pinaka regiments by 2030, and DRDO is also developing layered air defence systems and the Kusha missile system.

Source: ET

Science and Technology

1. Historic Password Leak Exposes 16 Billion Credentials

• What:
  • A massive data breach has exposed more than 16 billion stolen login credentials, making it the biggest password leak ever reported.
• Why:
  • The breach puts global digital security at high risk, increasing chances of phishing, identity theft, and account takeovers worldwide.
• Tell me more:
  • The stolen credentials were found for sale online and were collected using infostealer malware.
  • The data includes new and highly structured information, not just old breaches, and is organized by URL, login, and password.
  • The breach affects access to many online services, including Apple, Facebook, Google, GitHub, Telegram, and government agencies.
  • Google is advising users to switch to secure passkeys, and the FBI is warning against clicking links in SMS messages.
  • The leak comes from 30 exposed datasets, each containing tens of millions to over 3.5 billion records.

Source: ET

Awards

1. The Hindu Wins Champion of Digital Media Award 2025

• What:
  • The Hindu was named Champion of Digital Media Awards South Asia 2025, winning 10 awards at the WAN-IFRA Digital Media Awards South Asia.
• Why:
  • The awards recognise excellence in digital publishing and celebrate outstanding work by publishers across South Asia.
• Tell me more:
  • Newsrooms from South Asia competed in 12 categories, including audience engagement, native ad campaign, podcasts, use of AI, video, and data visualisation.
  • The Hindu won four gold trophies, including ‘Best Use of Video’, ‘Best Native Advertising Campaign’, ‘Best Use of AI in Revenue Strategy’, and ‘Best Podcast’.
  • The Hindu also received three silver and three bronze trophies in categories such as data visualisation, digital subscription, and audience engagement.
  • The awards were presented by WAN-IFRA leaders and received by The Hindu’s Editor and CEO.

Source: TH

Important Days

1. World Kidney Cancer Day 2025 – June 12

• Theme: “Show your kidneys some love”
• Observed annually on the second Thursday of June, this year, this day falls on June 12, 2025.

Source: BS

2. International Yoga Day 2025 – June 21

• Theme: “Yoga for One Earth, One Health”

Source: ET

3. International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict – June 19

• UN Focus: Understanding the devastating impact of Conflict-Related Sexual Violence on survivors and societies

Source: UN

4. World Sickle Cell Day 2025 – June 19

• Theme: “Global Action, Local Impact: Empowering Communities for Effective Self-Advocacy”

Source: N18

5. National Reading Day 2025 – June 19

• The day honours P.N. Panicker, the “Father of the Library and Literacy Movement,” for promoting literacy and establishing public libraries.
• While the nationwide celebration of Reading Day began only recently, Kerala has been honouring P.N. Panicker’s legacy since 1996. The state chose June 19—the day he passed away in 1995—to recognise his pivotal role in advancing literacy across Kerala.
• It was in 2017 that Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared June 19 as National Reading Day, taking the observance to the national stage.

Source: N18

6. World Refugee Day 2025 – June 20

• Theme: “Solidarity with Refugees”

Source: WHO

Memorandum of Understanding

1. NPCI and Eurobank Sign MoU for UPI in Cyprus

• What:
  • The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) and Eurobank of Cyprus have signed a memorandum of understanding to introduce Unified Payments Interface (UPI) services in Cyprus for cross-border transactions.
• Why:
  • The agreement aims to benefit tourists and businesses by enabling easier and faster cross-border payments between India and Cyprus.
• Tell me more:
  • The NSE International Exchange at Gujarat’s GIFT City also signed an MoU with Cyprus Stock Exchange to enable cross-border investment flows.
  • Cyprus is among the top 10 sources of foreign direct investment (FDI) for India, with cumulative inflows of $15 billion.
  • A business roundtable was held in Limassol, co-chaired by Modi and Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides, to enhance economic linkages.

Source: HT

Appointments

1. Bata Group Appoints Panos Mytaros as Global CEO

Source: ET

2. Reddit Names Sachin Tendulkar as Brand Ambassador

• Social media platform Reddit has announced Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar as its brand ambassador.

Source: ET

3. Queen’s University Belfast Appoints First Dean for GIFT City

• What:
  • Queen’s University Belfast has appointed Prof M Satish Kumar as the first dean of its new campus in Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City).
• Tell me more:
  • Prof Kumar will take up the role in July 2025 and will be based at the new GIFT City campus. The campus will start admissions for its first batch of students in early 2026.
  • Prof Kumar has been with Queen’s University Belfast for over 25 years and has played a key role in enhancing the university’s presence in South Asia. Queen’s University Belfast will be the first UK Russell Group University in GIFT City.
  • He was previously Director of Queen’s Academy India and of Internationalisation.
  • Prof Kumar has also served as a visiting professor at Banaras Hindu University, Jawaharlal Nehru University, and the University of Calcutta.
  • The university’s leadership includes President and Vice-Chancellor Prof Sir Ian Greer and Pro-Vice Chancellor Global Engagement Prof Margaret Topping.

Source: IE

4. Sampath Kumar Becomes First Indian MD of Nippon Koei India

Source: HBL

Miscellaneous

1. Noted Environmentalist Maruti Chitampalli Passes Away

• Noted environmentalist, wildlife expert, and Padma Shri awardee Maruti Chitampalli passed away at the age of 93 in Solapur, Maharashtra.
• Maruti Chitampalli was fondly known as ‘Aranya Rishi’.
• He received the Padma Shri from the President on April 30 this year.

Source: NOA

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