28th-30th June 2025

1. Parag Jain Appointed as New RAW Chief After Key Role in Operation Sindoor
2. India to Host Global Potato Research Hub in Agra
3. India’s Longest Animal Overpass Corridor Unveiled on Delhi-Mumbai Expressway
4. India’s Coffee Exports Surge 125% in a Decade: Government Data
5. India Flags Off First Export of Rose-Scented Litchi from Pathankot to Qatar
6. India’s Strategic Autonomy on Display at SCO 2025
7. IRDAI Fines Edelweiss Life ₹1 Crore for Corporate Governance Violations
8. Amitabh Kant Joins Fairfax as Senior Adviser After G20 Sherpa Role
9. JioBlackRock Broking Gets SEBI Nod to Launch Brokerage Operations
10. Praggnanandhaa Wins UzChess Cup, Becomes India’s Top-Ranked Chess Player
11. Kerala Tops National Evaluation of Protected Areas for 2020–2025
12. National Statistics Day 2025: Honouring Data for Development
13. International Day of the Tropics 2025: Celebrating Diversity and Confronting Challenges
14. Union Minister Amit Shah Addressed ‘Golden Jubilee Celebration’ of the DoL
15. World Bank, IAEA Signed Agreement to Collaborate on Nuclear Energy for Safe Development
16. The Netherlands Hosted NATO Summit from June 24 to 25, 2025
17. UN Launched ‘UN80 Initiative’ to Reform Global Governancea
18. UNEP Launches NDC Cooling Guidelines 2025
19. PhonePe, HDFC Bank Launched Co-branded RuPay Credit Card with UPI Integration
20. ICRA Retains India’s FY26 GDP Forecast at 6.2%
21. ICG Inducted 1st FPV ‘Adamya’ under 08 FPV Project at GSL
22. Italy’s iRonCub3 Becomes World’s First Jet-Powered Flying Humanoid Robot
23. Safran Establishes Rafale Engine MRO Facility in Hyderabad
24. India Won 3 Gold Medals at 2nd Asian Squash Doubles Championships 2025 in Malaysia
25. Union Labour Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya Chaired 196th Meeting of ESIC at Shimla, HP
26. Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman Chaired the Annual Review Meeting with MDs & CEOs of PSBs in New Delhi
27. MoRTH Mandates ABS for all Two-Wheelers from January 1, 2026
28. Union Minister Pralhad Joshi Inaugurates 5 GWH BESS Manufacturing Facility in Bengaluru
29. MEPZ SEZ and C-DAC Signs MoU to Bridge the Digital Skill Gap
30. Instifi Fintech Secures RBI License to Operate as PA
31. RBI Penalizes Four Co-Operative Banks for Regulatory Non-Compliance
32. SEPC & IAMAI Sign MoU to Boost India’s Digital Services Exports
33. HDFC MF Buys 0.65% Stake in Sundram Fasteners for Rs.137 Crore
34. ICC Approves New Playing Conditions for International Cricket from July 2025
35. Inaugural Hockey Masters Cup 2025: Odisha Women, Tamil Nadu Men Crowned Champions
36. Jagadish Shukla’s Book “A Billion Butterflies: A Life in Climate and Chaos Theory” Released
37. National Insurance Awareness Day 2025 – June 28

National News

1. India’s First Wildlife Corridor on National Highway Launched

• What:
  • The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) created the country’s first dedicated wildlife corridor on a 12-km stretch of the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway through Ranthambore Tiger Reserve’s buffer zone.
• Why:
  • To ensure safe animal movement and protect wildlife habitat while allowing human travel on the expressway.
• Tell me more:
  • The corridor includes five wildlife overpasses, each 500 meters long, and India’s longest 1.2-km underpass exclusively for animals.
  • About 5 km of the expressway is elevated or sunken to maintain natural terrain, with 4-meter-high walls and 2-meter sound barriers to reduce wildlife intrusion and noise.
  • The project was developed with the Wildlife Institute of India and the Ministry of Environment and Forests.
  • This is the first expressway in India designed to balance infrastructure development with wildlife conservation.

Source: MoC

2. Golden Jubilee of Department of Official Language Celebrated

• What:
  • Union Home Minister Amit Shah addressed the Golden Jubilee Celebration of the Department of Official Language in New Delhi and highlighted its 50-year journey from 1975 to 2025.
• Why:
  • The event aimed to showcase the department’s efforts to promote governance in Indian languages and inspire cultural pride through language.
• Tell me more:
  • The department’s original aim was to ensure governance in the people’s language and preserve culture.
  • Initiatives like “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat,” Kashi-Tamil Sangamam, and Bhasha Sangam have promoted linguistic unity.
  • Hindi Shabdsindhu was developed to enrich Hindi, and Bharatiya Bhasha Anubhag was formed to help states use Indian languages in governance.
  • Technical education is now offered in 12 Indian languages, and medical education in Hindi has started in Madhya Pradesh.
  • The Modi government has recognized Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese, and Bengali as classical languages, raising India’s total to 11.

Source: PIB

3. ESIC Approves New Schemes and Policy Changes in Shimla

• What:
  • Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya chaired the 196th ESIC meeting in Shimla, approving schemes and policy changes to improve coverage, healthcare, and compliance.
• Why:
  • The approvals aim to widen ESI coverage, reduce court cases, make rules simpler, and include holistic healthcare for beneficiaries.
• Tell me more:
  • The SPREE Scheme is re-launched to register more employers and employees, including temporary and contractual staff, from 1st July to 31st December 2025.
  • The Amnesty Scheme – 2025 will resolve disputes from 1st October 2025 to 30th September 2026 to lower court cases and encourage compliance.
  • The damages framework is changed to a fixed 1% per month rate, replacing the old graded rates.
  • The revised AYUSH Policy will include traditional medicine in ESIC healthcare.
  • A pilot project with charitable hospitals in underserved areas will improve healthcare access for ESI beneficiaries.

Source: PIB

4. Govt Mandates ABS and Helmets for New Two-Wheelers

• What:
  • The ministry of road transport and highways notified draft rules making ABS mandatory for all new two-wheelers from January 1, 2026 and requiring two protective headgears with every purchase.
• Tell me more:
  • ABS is designed to prevent wheel lock-up during sudden braking, reducing skidding and crashes.
  • Currently, ABS is mandatory only for two-wheelers above 150cc.
  • The Bureau of Indian Standards sets specifications for the protective headgears.
  • ABS works by rapidly pulsing the brakes to prevent wheel lock-up.
  • The rules apply to all two-wheelers manufactured on or after January 1, 2026.

Source: ET

State News

1. Kerala Tops National Parks Management Effectiveness Evaluation

• What:
  • Kerala has been declared the best-performing state in the Management Effectiveness Evaluation (MEE) 2020–2025 of National Parks and Protected Areas.
• Why:
  • The recognition highlights Kerala’s strong efforts in biodiversity conservation and ecological management.
• Tell me more:
  • Kerala scored 76.22% and was the only state to receive a “Very Good” rating in the MEE report.
  • Eravikulam National Park in Kerala and Dachigam National Park in Jammu & Kashmir were the top-rated protected areas, each scoring 92.97%.
  • The MEE report covered 438 protected areas across India and used 32 parameters based on global standards.
  • Kerala’s performance was based on consistent biodiversity protection in 21 protected areas.
  • Other high-performing states included Karnataka, Punjab, and Himachal Pradesh, all rated “Good.”

Source: MoC

2. BESS Facility Launched in Bengaluru to Boost Renewable Storage

• What:
  • Union Minister inaugurated a large Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) manufacturing facility in Bengaluru, with advanced automated production and 5 GWh annual capacity.
• Why:
  • The facility aims to support grid stability, integrate renewable energy, manage peak demand, and help India achieve its target of 500 GW non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030.
• Tell me more:
  • The plant features a fully automated cell-to-pack assembly line for high-quality, precise production.
  • Government announced an additional ₹5,400 crore VGF to support 30 GWh of battery storage, on top of the existing ₹3,700 crore VGF for 13.2 GWh.
  • India is adding 25–30 GW of renewable capacity every year.
  • India Energy Storage Alliance projects ₹4.79 lakh crore investment in the sector by 2032.
  • Central Electricity Authority estimates a need for 411.4 GWh of energy storage by 2032, with 236.22 GWh from BESS and 175.18 GWh from pumped storage.

Source: ET

International News

1. SCO Summit 2025

• What:
  • Defence Minister Rajnath Singh presented a four-point plan to ease border tensions and improve diplomatic ties with China during a meeting with Chinese Defence Minister Admiral Dong Jun at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in Qingdao.
  • China plans to host the SCO leaders’ summit in Tianjin. It will be the fifth time that China hosts the annual SCO summit.
• Why:
  • The plan was suggested to maintain positive momentum in India-China relations, resolve border issues, and avoid adding new complexities to the bilateral relationship.
• Tell me more:
  • The four-point plan includes following the 2024 disengagement plan, continuing de-escalation efforts, speeding up border demarcation and delimitation, and using the special representative mechanism to manage differences.
  • Rajnath Singh raised the issue of Pakistan-sponsored cross-border terrorism and stated that Operation Sindoor is now India’s principled position against it.
  • The Defence Minister expressed happiness at the restart of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra after nearly six years.
  • Rajnath Singh gifted a Madhubani painting from Bihar to Admiral Dong Jun.

Source: IT ET

2. World Bank and IAEA Partner for Nuclear Energy in Developing Nations

• What:
  • The World Bank Group and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have signed an agreement to work together for the safe, secure, and responsible use of nuclear energy in developing countries.
• Why:
  • The partnership aims to help developing countries access reliable, affordable, and low-emission electricity by including nuclear energy as part of their energy solutions.
• Tell me more:
  • The agreement is the World Bank Group’s first major step to reengage with nuclear power in decades.
  • Thirty-one countries currently operate nuclear power plants, producing about 9% of the world’s electricity and almost a quarter of all low-carbon power.

Source: IEAE

3. Netherlands Hosts First-Ever NATO Summit in The Hague

• What:
  • The Netherlands hosted the NATO Summit 2025 at the World Forum in The Hague for the first time since NATO’s founding.
• Why:
  • The summit aimed to strengthen international peace and security, highlight the Netherlands as a reliable NATO ally, and increase the country’s diplomatic visibility.
• Tell me more:
  • The summit took place on 24 and 25 June and was attended by around 9,000 people, including 45 heads of state and government, 45 foreign ministers, and 45 defence ministers from 32 allies and partner countries.
  • The NATO Public Forum was held alongside the summit to engage politicians, experts, journalists, and youth in debates and discussions on security topics.
  • The NATO Summit Defence Industry Forum (NSDIF) brought together leaders and industry to discuss transatlantic cooperation.

Source: NATO

4. UN80 Initiative Launches Major UN Reform Process

• What:
  • The UN80 Initiative, led by Under-Secretary-General for Policy Guy Ryder, is a reform process to strengthen the United Nations and make it ready for today’s global challenges.
• Why:
  • The initiative aims to improve the UN’s efficiency, restore credibility, and ensure it can address issues like conflict, displacement, inequality, climate shocks, and rapid technological change.
• Tell me more:
  • UN80 works through three main tracks: boosting internal efficiency, reviewing nearly 4,000 current mandates, and examining structural changes across the UN System.
  • Artificial intelligence and data analysis are being used for the first time to help identify outdated or duplicate mandates.
  • The UN80 Task Force has seven thematic clusters covering peace, security, humanitarian aid, development, human rights, training, and research.
  • The initiative involves the entire UN system, with proposals for better coordination and realignment.
  • A revised 2026 programme budget will include funding and staffing cuts to balance financial sustainability with continued impact.

Source: UN

5. NDC Cooling Guidelines Launched for Sustainable Cooling

• What:
  • The NDC Cooling Guidelines have been launched to help governments include sustainable cooling in their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
• Why:
  • The guidelines aim to address climate, health, and development challenges by promoting access to life-saving cooling and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
• Tell me more:
  • The guidelines provide a six-stage, step-by-step framework supported by country case studies.
  • Policymakers can assess hydrofluorocarbon and energy-related emissions, set targets, and develop National Cooling Action Plans (NCAPs).
  • Key actions include Minimum Energy Performance Standards, Kigali-compliant refrigerant phase-down, passive solutions, and climate-responsive urban planning.
  • The guidelines stress cross-ministerial coordination and a strong Measurement, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) system.

Source: UNEP

6. World’s First Flying Humanoid Robot, iRonCub3, Developed

• What:
  • Scientists at the Italian Institute of Technology have made a humanoid robot, iRonCub3, fly using four mini jet engines.
• Why:
  • The achievement aims to advance robotics, with potential future use of flying robots in disaster zones.
• Tell me more:
  • iRonCub3 has a human-like structure, movable limbs, and uses artificial intelligence and advanced control systems for stability.
  • The robot lifted 50 cm off the ground and maintained balance despite a shifting center of gravity.
  • The project took two years, including AI modeling and wind tunnel tests, before achieving flight.
  • This breakthrough was published in Communications Engineering.
  • iRonCub3 is still in early stages and not yet ready for real-world deployment.

Source: TP

Banking and Economy

1. Penalty on Edelweiss Life Insurance by IRDAI

• What:
  • IRDAI has imposed a ₹1 crore penalty on Edelweiss Life Insurance Company for violating certain corporate governance guidelines.
• Why:
  • The penalty was given to ensure insurers avoid conflicts of interest, follow proper due diligence, and comply with regulatory requirements.
• Tell me more:
  • Insurers must have systems, policies, and procedures to handle conflicts of interest and follow the Companies Act, 2013.
  • Edelweiss Life Insurance failed to capture bank account details of policyholders at the proposal stage for premiums above ₹10,000.
  • Compliance with the Companies Act, 2013 is mandatory for insurers.

Source: TH

2. Jio BlackRock Broking Gets SEBI Approval to Operate

• What:
  • Jio BlackRock Broking Pvt Ltd has received approval from SEBI to start operations as a brokerage firm.
• Why:
  • The approval allows Jio BlackRock Broking to provide affordable, transparent, and technology-driven investment services to investors.
• Tell me more:
  • Jio BlackRock Broking is a wholly owned subsidiary of Jio BlackRock Investment Advisers Pvt Ltd.
  • The parent company is a 50:50 joint venture between Jio Financial Services Ltd and BlackRock Inc.
  • The broking license adds to recent approvals for Jio BlackRock Asset Management and Jio BlackRock Investment Advisers.

Source: BS

3. PhonePe and HDFC Bank Launch Co-Branded Credit Card

• What:
  • PhonePe and HDFC Bank have launched a co-branded RuPay credit card, marking PhonePe’s entry into the co-branded card segment.
• Why:
  • The card aims to meet the financial needs of Indian consumers by offering rewards on UPI spending and making credit cards more accessible and user-friendly.
• Tell me more:
  • The card offers 10% reward points on select categories like bill payments, recharges, and travel bookings on the PhonePe app.
  • The ‘Ultimo’ variant offers two domestic airport lounge accesses per quarter.
  • Users get 5% reward points on leading online merchants and 1% on all UPI scan and pay transactions.

Source: ET

4. Finance Minister Reviews PSB Performance and Plans

• What:
  • Union Finance Minister chaired a meeting to review Public Sector Banks’ performance, credit growth, inclusion, digital banking, and customer service, and issued new directions.
• Why:
  • The meeting aimed to strengthen banks’ financial health, improve customer service, expand credit, and advance financial inclusion across India.
• Tell me more:
  • PSBs’ total business rose from ₹203 lakh crore to ₹251 lakh crore, net NPAs fell from 1.24% to 0.52%, and net profit increased from ₹1.04 lakh crore to ₹1.78 lakh crore between FY 2022–23 and FY 2024–25.
  • Dividend payouts increased from ₹20,964 crore to ₹34,990 crore, and CRAR stood at 16.15% as of March 2025.
  • Banks were urged to focus on renewable energy, small modular nuclear reactors, and financial inclusion schemes like PM MUDRA Yojana, PM Vishwakarma, PM Surya Ghar, PM Vidyalaxmi, and KCC.
  • A Financial Inclusion saturation campaign will start from July 1, 2025, covering 2.7 lakh Gram Panchayats and Urban Local Bodies.
  • PSBs were instructed to improve digital platforms, grievance redressal, multilingual services, and fill vacancies, especially in underserved areas.

Source: PIB

5. Instifi Gets RBI Nod for Online Payment Aggregator in Goa

• What:
  • Instifi, a Goan fintech, received RBI authorization to operate as an online payment aggregator, becoming the only licensed firm in Goa.
• Why:
  • The authorization aims to boost Goa’s digital economy and marks a milestone for local innovation and service excellence.
• Tell me more:
  • Instifi was co-founded by Goan entrepreneur Mohit Aggarwal.
  • The leadership team includes Prakash Ravindran (CEO), Anushree Chandra (CBO), Arbaaz Jamal (COO), and Faisal Nomani (director).
  • Instifi is the only RBI-authorized online payment aggregator in Goa.

Source: BS

6. RBI Fines Four Cooperative Banks for Rule Violations

• What:
  • RBI imposed penalties on four cooperative banks for breaking various regulatory rules and directions.
• Why:
  • The penalties aim to ensure banks follow regulatory norms and protect depositors by maintaining system integrity.
• Tell me more:
  • Pusad Urban Cooperative Bank fined Rs 7.50 lakh for not following rules on income recognition, asset classification, and deposit interest rates.
  • Siddheshwar Urban Co-operative Bank fined Rs 50,000 for violating guidelines on placing deposits with other banks.
  • Hindusthan Co-operative Bank fined Rs 3 lakh for not maintaining deposit accounts as required.
  • Deccan Merchants Co-operative Bank fined Rs 2 lakh for giving loans to directors and their relatives.
  • RBI used powers under the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 to impose these penalties.

Source: IC

7. HDFC Mutual Fund Buys Stake in Sundram Fasteners

• What:
  • HDFC Mutual Fund bought 13.70 lakh shares of Sundram Fasteners for Rs 137 crore through an open market transaction.
• Why:
  • The purchase increased HDFC Mutual Fund’s stake in Sundram Fasteners and added to its investment portfolio.
• Tell me more:
  • The shares were bought at an average price of Rs 1,000 each, taking the deal value to Rs 137.02 crore.
  • The stake bought was 0.65% of Sundram Fasteners, raising HDFC Mutual Fund’s holding from 4.37% to 5.02%.
  • Sundram Fasteners is a Chennai-based auto components supplier.
  • Sundram Fasteners’ share price closed at Rs 999.25 on the BSE after the deal.
  • HDFC Mutual Fund now holds over 5% in Sundram Fasteners.
  • The deal value was above Rs 100 crore.

Source: BS

GDP Forecasts

1. ICRA Retains India’s GDP Growth Forecast for FY2026

• What:
  • Rating agency Icra has kept India’s GDP growth forecast for 2025-26 at 6.2%, assuming good monsoons and crude oil prices around USD 70 per barrel.
• Why:
  • The forecast reflects expectations of steady economic activity, but notes that risks from global tensions, market volatility, and trade policy uncertainty have increased.
• Tell me more:
  • Only 9 out of 17 non-agri indicators improved in the first two months of FY2026, though summer crop output is expected to grow well.
  • Icra projects CPI inflation to fall to 3.5% in FY2026 from 4.6% in FY2025, below the Monetary Policy Committee’s forecast.

Source: ET

Defence News

1. Indian Coast Guard Rescues Sri Lankans, Inducts FPV ‘Adamya’

• What:
  • The Indian Coast Guard rescued three Sri Lankan nationals abandoned on a sandbar near Adam’s Bridge off Dhanushkodi and inducted the first Fast Patrol Vessel ‘Adamya’ under the 08 FPV Project.
• Why:
  • The rescue and induction of ‘Adamya’ strengthen India’s maritime security, highlight indigenous shipbuilding, and support the nation’s self-reliance vision.
• Tell me more:
  • The three Sri Lankans were dropped off by an unidentified boat and rescued by the Coast Guard, then handed over to the Coastal Security Group Police for investigation.
  • ‘Adamya’ was designed and built by Goa Shipyard Limited with over 60% indigenous content, showing progress in the ‘Make in India’ initiative.
  • ‘Adamya’ is the first in its class to have Controllable Pitch Propellers and indigenously developed gearboxes for better performance.
  • The vessel is equipped with advanced systems like a 30mm gun, remote-control guns, Integrated Bridge System, and Automated Power Management System.
  • Fast Patrol Vessels like ‘Adamya’ will help in law enforcement, coastal surveillance, search and rescue, and protection of India’s Exclusive Economic Zone.

Source: ET

2. Safran to Set Up Rafale Engine MRO Facility in Hyderabad

• What:
  • French aerospace company Safran is establishing Safran Aircraft Engine Services India for maintenance and overhaul of Rafale fighter jet’s M88 engines in Hyderabad.
• Why:
  • The new MRO facility aims to support Rafale engine upkeep, create jobs, and strengthen India’s aerospace manufacturing ecosystem.
• Tell me more:
  • The MRO will create about 150 jobs by end of 2026, with potential for 750 more in later phases.
  • Dassault Aviation recently signed agreements with Tata Advanced Systems Ltd to manufacture Rafale fuselage parts in Hyderabad starting FY 2027-28.
  • Safran already operates two manufacturing units in Hyderabad producing components for LEAP engines and Rafale jets.
  • The addition of the MRO facility will position Hyderabad as a key hub for production and export of critical Rafale engine components.
  • Telangana IT & Industries Minister Duddilla Sridhar Babu announced the development after meeting Safran’s general manager Pierre Fernandez.

Source: TOI

Agriculture and Rural Development

1. Establishment of CIP-South Asia Regional Center in Agra

• What:
  • The Union Cabinet approved the establishment of the CIP-South Asia Regional Center (CSARC) in Singna, Agra district, to support potato farmers in India and South Asia.
• Why:
  • The center aims to improve productivity, post-harvest management, and value addition for potato and sweet potato crops.
• Tell me more:
  • CSARC will be developed by the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare with support from the Uttar Pradesh government.
  • The project is estimated at ₹171 crore, with ₹111.5 crore from India and ₹60 crore from the International Potato Center (CIP).
  • The center will use global scientific expertise and innovation networks to develop climate-resilient and disease-free varieties.
  • India is the world’s second-largest potato producer, but current yields are much below the potential.
  • The center will help India access CIP’s germplasm resources, improve seed production, and boost exports.

Source: IE

2. India’s Coffee Exports Rise Sharply Over 11 Years

• What:
  • India’s coffee exports increased by about 125% to USD 1.8 billion in the last 11 years due to measures taken by the Coffee Board of India.
• Why:
  • The rise in exports is because of initiatives to simplify export processes, address exporter issues, and promote value-added coffee.
• Tell me more:
  • Coffee exports were over USD 800 million in 2014-15, reached USD 1.14 billion in 2022-23, and grew to USD 1.28 billion in 2023-24.
  • Europe is the top destination for Indian coffee, with major importers including Italy, Germany, Belgium, Middle East nations, Korea, and Japan.
  • The Coffee Board provides export incentives, such as Rs 3 per kg for value-added products and Rs 2 per kg for high-value green coffee exports to distant markets.
  • The board supports value addition by giving 40% of the machinery cost (up to Rs 15 lakh) for roasting, grinding, and packaging.
  • Coffee is mainly produced in Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu, and about two million people are employed in the sector.

Source: ET

3. Punjab Litchi Exported to Doha and Dubai for First Time

• What:
  • India exported 1.5 tonnes of litchi fruit from Punjab to Doha and Dubai for the first time in June.
• Tell me more:
  • APEDA facilitated the export with Punjab’s horticulture department and Lullu Group, sending 1 tonne to Doha and 0.5 tonne to Dubai.
  • Punjab produced 71,490 tonnes of litchi in 2023-24, making up 12.39% of India’s total litchi production.
  • In 2023-24, India exported a total of 639.53 tonnes of litchi.
  • India’s fruit exports in 2024-25 rose by 5.67% year-on-year to USD 3.87 billion.

Source: HT

Important Days

1. National Statistics Day 2025 (19th edition) – June 29

• Theme: 75 Years of National Sample Survey

Source: MoSPI

2. International Day of the Tropics 2025 – June 29

Source: UN

3. National Insurance Awareness Day 2025 – June 28

Source: N18

Sports

1. Praggnanandhaa Becomes India’s No. 1 Chess Player

• What:
  • Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa became India’s No. 1 chess player after winning the UzChess Cup Masters title.
• Why:
  • The victory marked a significant moment in Indian chess history and established Praggnanandhaa as the new leader of Indian chess.
• Tell me more:
  • Praggnanandhaa defeated Uzbekistan’s Nodirbek Abdusattorov in the final round with the Black pieces.
  • His live rating rose to 2778.3, making him World No. 4, his highest-ever ranking.
  • He surpassed world chess champion D Gukesh in the live classical ratings.
  • Praggnanandhaa had earlier defeated Gukesh at the Tata Steel Masters in the Netherlands in 2025.
  • The UzChess Cup Masters win confirmed his arrival among the world’s elite players.

Source: TOI

2. India Wins All Golds at 2nd Asian Squash Doubles

• What:
  • India made history by winning all three events at the 2nd Asian Squash Doubles Championships in Malaysia, with Abhay Singh winning both men’s doubles and mixed doubles.
• Tell me more:
  • Abhay Singh and Velavan Senthilkumar won the men’s doubles final against Pakistan after a challenging 88-minute match.
  • Abhay Singh and Anahat Singh won the mixed doubles final, overcoming physical cramps and a tough Malaysian pair.
  • The Indian team showed strong teamwork and planning, with crucial support from the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu.
  • Abhay Singh is focused on the upcoming Asian Games and aims for Olympic qualification.

Source: IE

3. ICC Updates Cricket Playing Conditions for All Formats

• What:
  • The ICC has updated cricket rules for ODIs, Tests, boundary catches, concussion replacements, DRS, and deliberate short runs, effective from June 17, 2025.
• Why:
  • The updates aim to improve game pace, player safety, and fairness, and to support bowlers when batters move before delivery.
• Tell me more:
  • In ODIs, two new balls will be used for the first 34 overs; after that, one ball will be chosen to finish the innings.
  • In Tests, a stop clock gives 60 seconds to start the next over; after three delays, a five-run penalty applies.
  • For boundary catches, fielders must land inside the boundary after catching the ball while airborne.
  • Concussion replacements must be nominated before the match, and players must observe a seven-day stand-down after concussion.
  • From October 2025, trials will allow replacement players for serious injuries in domestic first-class cricket and adjust the wide ball rule.

Source: ICC

4. Odisha, Tamil Nadu Win Hockey Masters Cup 2025

• What:
  • Hockey Association of Odisha and Hockey Unit of Tamil Nadu won the women’s and men’s Hockey Masters Cup 2025 respectively, defeating Punjab and Maharashtra in the finals.
• Tell me more:
  • Odisha women beat Punjab 1-0 in the final, with Ranjita Beck scoring the decisive goal.
  • Tamil Nadu men defeated Maharashtra 5-0 in the final, with goals by Muthuselvan D, Sudharsan S, Govthaman, Thamaraikannan, and Ramadoss V.
  • Hockey Haryana won bronze in women’s by defeating Tamil Nadu 4-3, while Hockey Chandigarh won men’s bronze by beating Odisha 2-1.
  • All matches were played at Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium in Chennai.
  • The women’s final was goalless in the first half, while the men’s final saw all goals scored in the second half.

Source: N18

Memorandum of Understanding

1. MEPZ SEZ and C-DAC Partner for Digital Skills

• What:
  • MEPZ Special Economic Zone signed an MoU with C-DAC to set up an IT Skill Development Centre for workforce upskilling in Tamil Nadu, Andaman and Puducherry.
• Why:
  • The partnership aims to bridge the gap between academic learning and industry needs and enhance employability under Skill India and Digital India missions.
• Tell me more:
  • The MoU was signed at Tech-Verse 2025 in New Delhi, in the presence of MeitY Secretary and C-DAC Director General.
  • The centre will provide hands-on training in advanced digital skills like High-Performance Computing, AI, IoT, Drone Tech, Quantum Computing, and Cybersecurity.
  • The initiative targets workers across the MEPZ SEZ in the TAP region.
  • The partnership will also offer structured capacity-building for SEZ personnel to keep pace with industry trends.
  • The goal is to make the TAP region a hub for digitally skilled professionals.

Source: PIB

2. SEPC and IAMAI Sign MoU to Boost Digital Exports

• What:
  • SEPC and IAMAI signed an MoU to support India’s digital services exports and strengthen the global reach of Indian digital businesses.
• Why:
  • The partnership aims to help Indian digital companies access international markets, solve trade policy issues, and build export readiness.
• Tell me more:
  • The MoU will set up joint working groups with government ministries and regulators to remove trade barriers for digital exporters.
  • Focus will be on sectors like AdTech, FinTech, HealthTech, SaaS, Digital Entertainment, Edutech, Agri Summit, and Cross-Border E-commerce.
  • The collaboration will align efforts to make India a leader in global digital trade.

Source: ET

Appointments

1. Parag Jain Appointed as New R&AW Chief

• Parag Jain has been appointed as the new chief of the Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW), India’s external intelligence agency, succeeding Ravi Sinha.
• He was the brain behind Operation Sindoor.

Source: IE

2. Appointment of Amitabh Kant as Senior Adviser at Fairfax

• Fairfax Financial Holdings has appointed former civil servant Amitabh Kant as a senior adviser to help with its plans in India.
• Fairfax’s chairman and CEO, Prem Watsa, praised Kant’s integrity and alignment with the company’s values.

Source: ET

Miscellaneous

1. Dr. Shukla’s Book ‘A Billion Butterflies: A Life in Climate and Chaos Theory’ Transforms Monsoon Forecasting

• Dr. Jagadish Shukla, a climate scientist, has dedicated his life to improving seasonal and monsoon weather predictions for India.
• The book is both a personal memoir and a record of advances in climate and weather science.

Source: TH

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