21st-23rd June 2025

1. India’s First Hydrogen Buses Flagged Off In Leh, Ladakh
2. DHE Forms Panel to Reduce Private Coaching Dependency
3. Sudan, South Sudan and Mall Among Five Global Hunger Hotspots of Highest Concern
4. Bajaj Alllanz Launches Indla’s First State-Wise Health Insurance Policies
5. Skechers Appoints Kartik Aaryan as Brand Ambassador for Indian Market
6. UGRO Capital to Acquire Profectus Capital for Rs.1,400 Crores
7. UP Govt Approved Rs 1.5 Crore Rhino Conservation Project in Dudhwa National Park
8. BoM Partners with SBI Card to Launch Co-Branded Credit Cards
9. FAB Implemented eMACH.ai Lending Platform for Digital Transformation
10. Tata Elxsi & Infineon Technologies Partner to Develop EV Solutions for India
11. HAL Secures Rs. 511 Crore ToT Deal from ISRO to Build and Operate SSLV
12. Bengaluru Space Startup GalaxEye to build 2nd EO Satellite with 0.5 metres resolution
13. NASA’s Space Probe Voyager1 hits a ‘Wall of Fire’
14. Neeraj Chopra Wins Paris Diamond League 2025 with 88.16m Javelin Throw
15. PCI Unveils Logo, Mascot for New Delhi World Para Athletics Championship
16. Hockey India & TN Ink MoU and Reveal Official Logo for FIH Men’s Junior World Cup 2025
17. International Day of Yoga 2025 Celebrations
18. World Hydrography Day 2025 – June 21
19. International Day of the celebration of Solstice 2025 – June 21
20. World Music Day 2025 – June 21
21. Sivasubramanian Ramann Takes Charge as New PFRDA Chairperson for Five-Year Term
22. Indian Animated Film Desi Oon Wins Jury Award at Annecy 2025
23. Karnataka Hikes Housing Quota for Minorities from 10% to 15%
24. PNB Supports Martyrs’ Families with ₹17 Crore Aid Under Rakshak Plus Scheme
25. PM Modi Launches ₹18,600 Crore Projects in Odisha, Unveils Vision 2047 Plan
26. Professor Suman Chakraborty Appointed Director of IIT Kharagpur
27. UPSC Launches ‘Pratibha Setu’ to Connect Top Candidates with Private Employers
28. GST Evasion Detection Hits ₹2.23 Trillion in FY25
29. RBI Imposes ₹29.6 Lakh Penalty on Fino Payments Bank for Regulatory Lapses

National News

1. Committee Formed to Review Coaching Centres in India

• What:
  • The education ministry has set up an eleven-member committee to study issues related to coaching centres, including gaps in the schooling system, limited seats in top institutions, and the influence of entrance exams on the coaching industry.
• Why:
  • The committee aims to reduce students’ reliance on coaching centres and address concerns linked to the education system and coaching practices.
• Tell me more:
  • The committee will review the advertising practices of coaching centres, including misleading claims and selective success stories.
  • It will examine the rising demand for quality higher education and how limited seats drive students towards coaching institutes.
  • The committee is chaired by Higher Education Secretary Vineet Joshi.
  • Members include the CBSE chairman, representatives from IIT Madras, IIT Kanpur, NIT Trichy, NCERT, and principals from Kendriya Vidyalaya, Navodaya Vidyalaya, and a private school.

Source: ET

2. International Day of Yoga 2025 Celebrations

• What:
  • The 11th International Day of Yoga was celebrated on 21st June 2025 with the theme “Yoga for One Earth, One Health,” highlighting global well-being, environmental harmony, and sustainable living.
• Tell me more:
  • Events were organised at 40 significant tourist sites across India.
  • Union Ministers led sessions at 11 locations, and Healthy Food Festivals promoted regional, nutritious cuisines and mindful eating.
  • Signature Events of IDY 2025
    • Yoga Sangam: Mass Common Yoga Protocol (CYP) demonstrations at 1 lakh+ locations, led by PM Modi from Visakhapatnam, held on June 21 from 6:30 to 7:45 AM.
    • Yoga Bandhan: International yoga exchange programs between Indian institutions and foreign partners, with immersive yoga experiences culminating on IDY.
    • Yoga Park: Transformation of public parks into Yoga Parks with trained instructors, inclusive infrastructure, and self-practice resources.
    • Yoga Samavesh: Targeted yoga interventions for groups with special needs like diabetic patients, senior citizens, children, women, and mental health cases.
    • Yoga Prabhav: A decadal research assessment of IDY’s public health impact, providing strategic inputs for policy formulation, released at Yoga Connect summit.
    • Yoga Connect: A hybrid global summit held on June 14, 2025, involving international yoga leaders and institutions, promoting global collaboration.
    • Harit Yoga: Environment-themed yoga drives involving tree plantations, clean-up campaigns, and educational sessions on climate change and sustainability, launched on April 7, 2025.
    • Yoga Unplugged: Youth-focused offline and online initiatives like festivals, contests, workshops, and Yoga Fusion performances to promote yoga in modern, accessible ways.
    • Yoga Maha Kumbh: Festive yoga celebrations in 10 cities with thematic focus on Environment, Youth, and Inclusiveness, in collaboration with public sector enterprises.
    • Samyoga: Cross-disciplinary dialogue between yoga and traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda, Unani, Homoeopathy, culminating in a shared repository of wellness practices.
    • PM Yoga Awards 2025:
      • 4 Awards (2 National, 2 International)
      • Each winner receives ₹25 lakh, a trophy, and a certificate
      • Winners were announced on June 21, 2025

Source: PIB1 PIB2

3. UPSC Launches ‘Pratibha Setu’ for Employer-Candidate Link

• What:
  • The Union Public Service Commission has launched ‘Pratibha Setu’, a platform that allows verified employers to access details of non-recommended willing candidates who cleared all stages of UPSC exams but did not make it to the final merit list.
• Why:
  • The initiative aims to help employers find talented candidates and provide a second opportunity for UPSC aspirants to get selected for jobs beyond the examination.
• Tell me more:
  • ‘Pratibha Setu’ was earlier called the Public Disclosure Scheme (PDS).
  • The public disclosure scheme has been in force since August 2018 and was first used for the Combined Medical Services Examination, 2017.
  • The scheme includes candidates who qualify the written exams but are not recommended after the interview.
  • The scheme provides a platform for talented candidates to be noticed by employers even if they are not in the final merit list.
  • The initiative is open to both central government and private organisations.

Source: TOI

State News

1. Hydrogen Fuel Cell Buses Begin Operations in Ladakh

• What:
  • Five hydrogen fuel cell-based buses started commercial operations in Leh district, Ladakh, marking India’s first commercial use of hydrogen-powered buses in extreme terrains.
• Why:
  • The initiative aims to promote sustainable mobility and help achieve a carbon-neutral Ladakh.
• Tell me more:
  • The buses were handed over by NTPC Limited to the State Industrial Development Corporation (SIDCO) at NTPC’s hydrogen mobility station in Palam, Leh.
  • The world’s first high-altitude hydrogen fuelling station, at 11,562 feet, was launched by NTPC in November last year.
  • The project is expected to cut carbon emissions by about 350 metric tonnes each year and add 230 metric tonnes of pure oxygen, equal to planting nearly 13,000 trees.

Source: TOI

2. Two New Rhino Rehabilitation Areas Approved in Dudhwa

• What:
  • Uttar Pradesh government has approved the creation of two new Rhino Rehabilitation Areas (RRA-3 and RRA-4) in Dudhwa National Park, Lakhimpur, with a budget of Rs 1.5 crore.
• Why:
  • The project aims to protect and preserve the natural habitats of rhinos and other endangered species, strengthen anti-poaching efforts, and raise local community awareness.
• Tell me more:
  • The new centres will follow the models of RRA-1 and RRA-2, enabling close monitoring of rhinos in semi-wild environments and benefiting other endangered species.
  • The project includes training personnel for wildlife monitoring and organizing programmes to involve local communities in conservation efforts.
  • Dudhwa National Park is located in Lakhimpur, Uttar Pradesh.

Source: TOI

3. Delhi Launches First Artificial Rain Pilot Project

• What:
  • Delhi Government is launching its first artificial rain pilot project after the India Meteorological Department approved cloud seeding over the National Capital Region.
• Why:
  • The project aims to test cloud seeding as a method for reducing pollution in Delhi NCR.
• Tell me more:
  • The project is titled “Technology Demonstration and Evaluation of Cloud Seeding as an Alternative for Delhi NCR Pollution Mitigation.”
  • IIT Kanpur is leading the scientific and technical operations, using Cessna aircraft equipped with flare-based cloud seeding systems containing Silver Iodide nanoparticles, iodised salt, and rock salt.
  • Five sorties are planned, each covering about 100 square kilometres in northwest and outer Delhi, with real-time support from IMD for cloud and weather data.
  • Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Stations will track changes in PM2.5 and PM10 pollution levels before and after the flights.
  • This is the first artificial rain pilot project by any Indian state government.
  • The project is fully funded by the Department of Environment, Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi.

Source: DP

4. Karnataka Government Approves 15% Minority Housing Reservation

• The Karnataka government has decided to increase minority reservation in housing from 10% to 15%, based on central government directives.
• The quota hike aims to implement the 2006 Sachar Committee report and directions from the National Minority Commission, ensuring better housing access for minorities.
• The new 15% quota will be implemented only after the chief minister allocates fresh targets for the housing department and will not affect ongoing projects.

Source: TOI

5. PM Modi Launches Key Projects in Odisha Visit

• What:
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Odisha to mark one year of the BJP-led government and launched development projects worth over ₹18,600 crore across sectors like water, irrigation, agriculture, healthcare, roads, and railways.
• Tell me more:
  • Rail connectivity was extended to Boudh district for the first time, and new train services were flagged off to improve regional access.
  • 100 electric buses were launched under the Capital Region Urban Transport (CRUT) system to promote eco-friendly urban transport in Bhubaneswar and nearby areas.
  • The Odisha Vision Document was released, outlining a long-term plan for the state’s development, with goals for 2036 and 2047.
  • The Baraputra Aitihya Gram Yojana was launched to turn the birthplaces of famous Odia personalities into heritage villages with museums and libraries.
  • Over 16.5 lakh “Lakhpati Didis,” women who achieved economic self-reliance through government programs, were honoured during the event.

Source: DD

International News

1. First Abu Dhabi Bank Implements eMACH.ai Lending Platform

• What:
  • First Abu Dhabi Bank has implemented Intellect Design Arena’s eMACH.ai Lending platform to automate and digitise its credit processes.
• Why:
  • The move aims to improve operational efficiency and customer experience by shifting from manual to automated digital lending workflows.
• Tell me more:
  • The platform integrates with more than ten subsystems in the bank, providing real-time visibility and advanced collection strategies for loans and cards.
  • Features include AI-based credit scoring, automated document verification, and advanced data analytics.
  • The system uses a cloud-native, composable architecture for agility, scalability, and regulatory compliance.
  • First Abu Dhabi Bank is the largest bank in the United Arab Emirates.

Source: BFSI

2. NASA’s Voyager 1 Finds Superheated Plasma at Solar Edge

• What:
  • NASA’s Voyager 1 has discovered a thin shell of superheated plasma at the boundary of the heliopause, where the Sun’s influence ends and interstellar space begins.
• Why:
  • The finding helps scientists better understand the transition zone between the solar system and interstellar space, and how the Sun’s magnetic field connects with the galaxy.
• Tell me more:
  • Voyager 1 detected the region through instruments that track cosmic rays and magnetic fields, showing a drop in solar wind ions, a spike in cosmic rays, and a bending magnetic field.
  • Voyager 2 observed the same pattern, confirming the presence of the plasma shell, which is about 1 AU thick.

Source: ET

Banking and Economy

1. Bajaj Allianz Launched State-wise Health Insurance Policy

• What:
  • Bajaj Allianz General Insurance has launched a unique ‘State-wise Health Insurance Policy’ tailored to the healthcare needs of each Indian state.
• Why:
  • The policy aims to provide meaningful, accessible, and affordable health coverage that matches the different healthcare needs and conditions across India.
• Tell me more:
  • The policy is available in 25 states and 5 Union Territories, with each policy named to reflect the local language and culture.
  • It offers both individual and floater options, with sum insured choices from ₹5 lakh to ₹20 lakh, and covers all age groups.
  • The policy can be purchased through branches, banking and agency channels, digital platforms, the website, and the ‘Caringly Yours’ mobile app.

Source: BS

2. UGRO Capital to Acquire Profectus Capital for Rs 1,400 Crore

• What:
  • UGRO Capital will acquire 100% stake in Profectus Capital for Rs 1,400 crore in an all-cash deal to strengthen its secured MSME lending segment.
• Why:
  • The acquisition aims to enhance UGRO Capital’s core NBFC pillars and accelerate growth in secured lending and new business segments.
• Tell me more:
  • The acquisition will result in a 29% immediate growth in assets under management and diversify the loan book.
  • UGRO will enter school financing with a medium-term potential of Rs 2,000 crore.
  • Operational efficiencies are expected, with projected cost savings of Rs 115 crore and an incremental profitability boost of Rs 150 crore.
  • Post-merger, UGRO expects a 0.6% to 0.7% increase in return on assets due to a stronger secured asset mix.

Source: BS

2. Bank of Maharashtra and SBI Card Launch Co-branded Credit Cards

• Bank of Maharashtra has partnered with SBI Card to launch co-branded credit cards for its customers.

Source: BS

3. Tata Elxsi and Infineon Partner for India EV Solutions

• What:
  • Tata Elxsi and Infineon Technologies have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to jointly develop application-ready electric vehicle solutions for the Indian market.
• Why:
  • The partnership aims to speed up the adoption of safe, cost-effective, and advanced EV subsystems across key mobility segments in India.
• Tell me more:
  • The collaboration will focus on developing high-voltage inverters, scalable battery management systems, bi-directional onboard chargers, and thermal management solutions for electric vehicles.
  • Tata Elxsi will provide design, system integration, and validation, while Infineon will offer access to its latest semiconductor technologies.
  • The solutions will serve India’s fast-growing two-wheeler, three-wheeler, passenger vehicle, and commercial vehicle segments, with future plans to address eVTOL, energy, and off-highway sectors.
  • The partnership ensures compliance with safety standards like ASIL-D under ISO 26262 for functional safety of road vehicles.

Source: tata

5. PNB Provides Financial Aid to Families of Fallen Soldiers

• What:
  • Punjab National Bank has given Rs 17.02 crore to the families of 26 defence and paramilitary personnel who died in the line of duty under its Rakshak Plus Scheme.
• Why:
  • The assistance aims to support and honour the families of soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice for the nation.
• Tell me more:
  • The Rakshak Plus Scheme is a special financial product for defence and paramilitary personnel, offering personal accidental insurance, air accidental coverage, partial disability benefits, and timely help for bereaved families.
  • The scheme provides Rs 1 crore in case of death or permanent disability, Rs 1.5 crore for death during air travel, and additional tailored benefits for uniformed personnel.
  • The covers incidents like the Birli Gali operation.

Source: BS

6. CBIC Detects Record ₹2.23 Trillion GST Evasion in FY25

• What:
  • The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs detected Goods and Services Tax evasion worth ₹2.23 trillion in the financial year 2024-25, marking an all-time high.
• Why:
  • The increase in detection aims to strengthen tax compliance and curb revenue leakage in the GST system.
• Tell me more:
  • GST evasion rose by 10% compared to the previous year’s ₹2.02 trillion and doubled from ₹1.01 trillion in FY23.
  • Voluntary payments by taxpayers amounted to ₹28,909 crore in FY25.
  • Audit coverage under GST increased from 62.21% in FY23 to 88.74% in FY25, with no taxpayer audited more than once in three years.
  • Refund claims processing improved, with 85% of claims settled within the statutory 60-day limit.
  • The national average for GSTR-3B return filing reached 94.3% in FY25, and grievance redressal disposal time reduced to nine days from 21 days.
  • CBIC has been ranked among the top five central ministries for CPGRAMS appeal disposal.

Source: BS

7. RBI Fines Fino Payments Bank for Regulatory Violations

• The Reserve Bank of India has imposed a fine of Rs 29.6 lakh on Fino Payments Bank Limited for not following certain rules related to the Licensing of Payments Banks.
• The RBI conducted a Statutory Inspection for Supervisory Evaluation as of March 31, 2024, and found that Fino Payments Bank allowed end-of-day balances in some accounts to go beyond the permitted limit for payments banks on several occasions.

Source: ET

Reports and Indices

1. Hunger Hotspots: FAO-WFP Early Warning on Acute Food Insecurity — June to October 2025 Outlook Report

• What:
  • A new UN report identified Sudan, South Sudan, Mali, Palestine, and Haiti as global hunger hotspots of highest concern due to conflict, economic shocks, and climate hazards.
• Why:
  • The report aims to warn about extreme food shortages and the risk of hunger and death in these regions unless urgent humanitarian aid is provided.
• Tell me more:
  • The Hunger Hotspots report was released by the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and World Food Programme (WFP) on June 16, 2025.
  • The report forecasts worsening food insecurity in 13 countries and regions, mainly due to armed conflict.
  • The Democratic Republic of the Congo has been added back to the list because of increased conflict and displacement.
  • Ethiopia, Kenya, Lebanon, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Zambia, and Zimbabwe are no longer on the list due to improved conditions, but these gains are fragile.
  • The report includes country-specific recommendations for emergency responses and actions to protect farms and animals in crisis areas.

Source: DTE

Defence News

1. HAL Wins ISRO’s SSLV Technology Transfer Contract

• What:
  • Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) has won a contract worth Rs 511 crore to acquire Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) technology.
• Why:
  • The agreement aims to enable HAL to independently build, own, and operate SSLV rockets, marking a major step in transferring launch vehicle technology from ISRO to a commercial entity.
• Tell me more:
  • HAL will receive training and support from ISRO for the first two missions over the next two years.
  • HAL’s bid surpassed two consortiums led by Alpha Design Technologies and Bharat Dynamics.
  • HAL plans to manufacture 6-8 SSLV rockets per year, with each launch expected to generate about $6.5 million in revenue.
  • SSLV is a three-stage, solid-propulsion rocket designed to launch small satellites of about 500 kg into a 500 km orbit, offering cost-effective and flexible launch options.
  • The technology transfer will involve HAL, ISRO, NewSpace India Ltd (NSIL), and IN-SPACe, and does not affect HAL’s current operations.

Source: ET

Science and Technology

1. GalaxEye to Build Second High-Resolution Earth Observation Satellite

• What:
  • Bengaluru-based startup GalaxEye has announced plans to build its second Earth observation satellite with a sharp resolution of 0.5 metres and a revisit time of under three days.
• Why:
  • The new satellite aims to provide improved, all-weather, day-and-night imagery for critical sectors like defence, disaster response, maritime surveillance, and urban security.
• Tell me more:
  • The launch is planned for late 2026 or early 2027, and the satellite will be built entirely in-house, showing GalaxEye’s growing manufacturing capabilities.
  • The satellite will use GalaxEye’s SyncFusion technology, combining Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and Optical data for persistent imagery.
  • The company is expanding into international defence markets, including the US, West Asia, and Europe.
  • The first satellite, Mission Drishti, is expected to launch later this year with a resolution of 1.25 metres and will validate GalaxEye’s core technology stack.

Source: TOI

Awards

1. Desi Oon Wins Top Animation Award at Annecy Festival

• What:
  • Desi Oon, an animation film by Suresh Eriyat, won the Jury Award for Best Commissioned Film at the Annecy International Animation Festival 2025 in France.
• Tell me more:
  • Desi Oon was also named Best Film at the WAVES 2025 summit in Mumbai, India’s leading animation and design recognition platform under the Create in India Challenge.
  • The film has been shortlisted at Cannes Lions 2025 in the Film Craft Lions category.
  • The Create in India Challenge, launched by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, aims to showcase and elevate Indian creative talent globally.

Source: NOA

Important Days

1. World Music Day 2025 – June 21

• Theme: Seabed Mapping: Enabling Ocean Action

Source: IHO

2. International Day of the celebration of Solstice 2025 – June 21

3. World Music Day 2025 – June 21

Source: IE

Sports

1. Neeraj Chopra Wins Paris Diamond League Javelin Title

• What:
  • Neeraj Chopra won his first title of the 2025 season at the Paris Diamond League with a throw of 88.16 metres.
• Tell me more:
  • Neeraj secured the win with his first attempt, as his throw was enough to beat Julian Weber and other competitors.
  • This was Neeraj’s first Diamond League win since Lausanne 2023 and his fifth overall, including a final win in Zurich 2022.
  • Neeraj will next compete at the Golden Spike meet in Ostrava, followed by the inaugural Neeraj Chopra Classic.

Source: IT

2. World Para Athletics Championships Logo and Mascot Unveiled in India

• What:
  • The Paralympic Committee of India has unveiled the logo and mascot for the 2025 World Para Athletics Championships at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi.
• Why:
  • The unveiling marks the countdown to India’s first time hosting this global para athletics event and highlights preparations for the tournament.
• Tell me more:
  • The event will be held from September 27 to October 5 and will feature 186 medal events, including men’s, women’s, and one mixed event.
  • The official mascot, Viraaj, is a young elephant with a blade prosthesis, symbolising strength and inclusivity.
  • The athletics track at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium is being relaid, and the venue will be ready a month before the event.
  • The stadium can seat 60,000 spectators and is managed by the Sports Authority of India.

Source: TH

3. FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup 2025 Logo Unveiled

• What:
  • Hockey India and the Government of Tamil Nadu have signed an MoU and unveiled the official logo for the FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup 2025, which will be held in Chennai and Madurai.
• Tell me more:
  • The tournament will take place from November 28 to December 10, with the number of participating teams increasing from 16 to 24.
  • Chennai and Madurai will each host 12 teams in the initial phase, with the semifinals and final at Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium in Chennai.
  • The Tamil Nadu government has sanctioned Rs. 65 crore for the event and for building new infrastructure, including a synthetic turf and viewing gallery in Madurai.
  • This is the 14th edition of the FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup.

Source: TH

Appointments

1. Skechers Appoints Kartik Aaryan as Brand Ambassador

• Skechers has signed Bollywood actor Kartik Aaryan as its new brand ambassador for the Indian market.
• Kartik Aaryan will feature in an upcoming campaign for the Hands Free Slip-ins range.
• Rahul Vira is the CEO of Skechers South Asia.

Source: ET

2. Sivasubramanian Ramann Appointed as New PFRDA Chairperson

• What:
  • Sivasubramanian Ramann has assumed charge as chairperson of the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) for a tenure of five years or until he turns 65, whichever is earlier.
• Tell me more:
  • Ramann is an officer of the Indian Audit and Accounts Service (1991 batch) and has held leadership roles in SIDBI, NeSL, SEBI, and the Comptroller and Auditor General’s office.
  • The PFRDA was created in 2003 to promote, regulate, and develop the pension industry in India, initially for government employees and later expanded to all nationals and NRIs.
  • The PFRDA recently launched the NPS Vatsalya Scheme to help parents save for their children’s future. PFRDA has issued new regulations for the Unified Pension Scheme.

Source: BS

3. Suman Chakraborty Appointed Director of IIT Kharagpur

• Professor Suman Chakraborty, Institute Chair Professor in Mechanical Engineering and Sir J C Bose National Fellow, has been appointed as the new director of IIT Kharagpur for a five-year term or until the age of 70, whichever is earlier.

Source: ET

Start Quiz of 21st-23rd June 2025 on Mobile

Start Quiz of 21st-23rd June 2025 on Desktop