19th June 2025

1. EIU Global Liveablity Index 2025: Denmark’s Copenhagen Most Liveable City, Syrla’s Damascus Least Liveable City
2. U Mumba Clinches Their Maiden Ultimate Table Tennis Title
3. Sangeet Natak Akademi Awardee Kathak Exponent Mangala Bhatt Passed Away
4. World Autistic Pride Day 2025 – June 18
5. International Picnic Day 2025 – June 18
6. ICRA Predicts 6.2% GDP Growth for India in FY26
7. AK Bhattacharya’s Third Book Captures India’s Economic Journey Post-1998
8. TVS iQube Debuts in Indonesia: A Milestone in Global EV Expansion
9. Anantha Chandrakasan Becomes First Indian-Born Provost of MIT
10. FM Sitharaman Lays Foundation for Mini Planetarium and Astro Globe at Hanle Dark Sky Reserve
11. Sahitya Akademi Yuva Puraskar 2025 Winners; Bal Sahitya Puraskar 2025 Winners Announced
12. Starlink Gets Licence Nod in India as Airtel and Jio Join Hands with SpaceX
13. Maharashtra Makes Hindi ‘General’ Third Language in Schools
14. Hyderabad Becomes Google’s Cybersecurity Hub with GSEC Launch
15. India-Ukraine Hold First Joint Working Group Meeting on Agriculture Cooperation
16. Padma Bhushan Conferred on Veteran Journalist Ram Bahadur Rai at IGNCA
17. Operation Sindhu: India Evacuates Nationals from Conflict-Hit Iran
18. 51st G7 Summit 2025 – Countries, Key Issues & India’s Role
19. New Covid Variant ‘Nimbus’ Under WHO Watch: Here’s What You Need to Know
20. Bonn Climate Change Conference 2025: Everything You Need to Know
21. Axiom Mission 4 Rescheduled: Indian Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla to Fly on June 22
22. India’s Breakthrough in Cancer Treatment: Nano-Cups for Photothermal Therapy
23. India-France Joint Exercise ‘Shakti 2025’ Begins in France
24. RBI Update on UN Sanctions List – June 2025

National News

1. India, Ukraine Hold First Joint Working Group Meeting on Agriculture

• What:
  • India and Ukraine held their first Joint Working Group (JWG) meeting on agriculture in virtual mode, co-chaired by Shri Ajeet Kumar Sahu from India and Ms. Oksana Osmachko from Ukraine, to strengthen cooperation in agriculture and allied sectors.
• Why:
  • The meeting aimed to deepen collaboration in key agricultural areas and marks an important milestone in bilateral relations, focusing on innovation, technology transfer, and knowledge sharing.
• Tell me more:
  • India highlighted initiatives like e-NAM, National Mission on Edible Oils-Oilseeds, and National Food Security Mission-Pulses, along with digital solutions, climate-resilient practices, risk mitigation, and credit support.
  • Ukraine expressed interest in cooperation on food processing, mechanisation, digital agriculture, genome editing, plant breeding, soil fertility, and mapping.
  • Both sides discussed collaboration in horticulture, technology transfer, research, capacity building, market access, and food safety standards.
  • The meeting included officials from key Indian and Ukrainian ministries and agencies, such as ICAR, FSSAI, Ministry of Food Processing Industries, and Ministry of External Affairs.
  • India invited Ukraine to participate in the World Food India exhibition in September 2025.
  • The session is a lead-up to the 7th session of the Inter-Governmental Commission (IGC) scheduled for later in 2025.

Source: PIB

2. India Launches Operation Sindhu to Evacuate Nationals from Iran

• The government of India launched Operation Sindhu to ensure the safety and evacuation of Indian nationals from Iran amid the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict.

Source: TOI

State News

1. FM Lays Foundation for Mini Planetarium at Hanle, Ladakh

• What:
  • Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman laid the foundation stone for a Mini Planetarium and Astro Globe at Hanle Dark Sky Reserve in Ladakh.
• Why:
  • The initiative aims to promote scientific education, astro-tourism, stargazing, night sky programs, and generate local employment.
• Tell me more:
  • The project is sanctioned under the Special Development Package at a cost of ₹276.65 lakh.
  • The facility is located in the Changthang region of the Union Territory of Ladakh.
  • At the Baba Atomic Research Centre’s MACE Telescope facility, achievements and future plans were presented by scientists from the Indian Institute of Astrophysics and BARC.

Source: GOV

2. Maharashtra Makes Hindi Mandatory in Primary Schools

• What:
  • Maharashtra government issued an order making Hindi a mandatory third language for students in Marathi and English medium schools from Classes 1 to 5.
• Why:
  • The order aims to implement the State Curriculum Framework for School Education 2024, aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
• Tell me more:
  • Students from Classes 1 to 5 in Marathi and English medium schools must study Hindi as the third language.
  • Students can choose another Indian language instead of Hindi if at least 20 students from each standard in a school opt for it.
  • If the condition is met, a teacher for that language will be provided or the language will be taught online.
  • The order was issued by the Maharashtra School Education Department.
  • Marathi language activists have criticized the move, saying it contradicts earlier statements by the School Education Minister.

Source: ET

International News

1. 51st G7 Summit 2025 in Kananaskis, Alberta, Canada

• What:
  • The G7 Summit 2025 was held in Kananaskis, Alberta, Canada, with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi participating and engaging in several high-level meetings and discussions.
• Why:
  • The summit aimed to address geopolitical tensions, economic cooperation, technology, critical minerals, and global peace, while also giving a platform for outreach to the Global South.
• Tell me more:
  • PM Modi reaffirmed India’s zero-tolerance on terrorism, highlighted India’s G20 leadership, and advocated for the Global South’s priorities.
  • Modi met with leaders from Canada, Germany, Mexico, South Korea, France, UK, Italy, South Africa, and Australia, discussing topics such as restoring diplomatic ties, counter-terrorism, trade, technology, and strategic partnerships.
  • The summit was overshadowed by the Iran-Israel conflict, with the US President leaving early and the G7 issuing a statement backing Israel and warning Iran.
  • No joint communiqué was released due to disagreements, but a Chair’s Summary and six joint statements on AI, quantum technology, minerals, wildfire recovery, foreign interference, and migrant smuggling were issued.
  • Guest nations, including India, focused on energy security, critical minerals, and investment mobilisation during the outreach session.

Source: HT IT TH

2. Nimbus Covid Variant Classified as ‘Variant Under Monitoring’

• What:
  • A new Covid variant named Nimbus (NB.1.8.1), known for causing a “razor blade throat,” has been detected and classified by the World Health Organisation as a “variant under monitoring.”
• Why:
  • The classification aims to keep global health authorities alert and track the spread and impact of the new variant.
• Tell me more:
  • Nimbus is a subvariant of Omicron and has been found in several US states, Australia, and the UK.
  • The variant is responsible for a significant share of cases in the US and has led to a rise in hospital admissions in the UK.
  • Common symptoms include congestion, fatigue, mild cough, fever, loss of taste and smell, runny nose, loss of appetite, muscle aches, and a notably painful “razor blade throat.”

Source: HT

3. Bonn Climate Change Conference 2025 Begins in Germany

• What:
  • The annual Bonn Climate Change Conference started in Bonn, Germany, bringing together over 5,000 government delegates and stakeholders to discuss climate change issues.
• Why:
  • The conference aims to discuss technical and scientific aspects of climate negotiations, set the agenda for the upcoming COP, and review the implementation of previous climate agreements.
• Tell me more:
  • The Bonn Conference is an annual mid-year meeting under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
  • It is formally known as the Sessions of the UNFCCC Subsidiary Bodies, which assist in implementing and reviewing climate agreements.
  • The meeting is attended by government officials, Indigenous representatives, international organisations, scientists, and civil society.
  • Key topics include finance mobilisation for climate action and the Global Goal on Adaptation, which seeks a common global target for climate adaptation.

Source: IE

4. NASA Delays Axiom-4 Mission with Indian Astronaut

• What:
  • NASA postponed the launch of the Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station, which includes Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla in its crew.
• Tell me more:
  • The new launch date will be announced later, as the mission was originally rescheduled for June 22 after several earlier delays.
  • The Ax-4 mission marks a historic milestone as it will be the first government-sponsored human spaceflight in over forty years for India, Poland, and Hungary.
  • Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla will become India’s second astronaut in space, following Rakesh Sharma.
  • The Axiom-4 mission is a collaboration involving NASA, Axiom Space, and SpaceX.
  • The mission includes astronauts from India, Poland, and Hungary.

Source: BS

Banking and Economy

1. RBI Update on UN Sanctions List – June 2025

• Recently, RBI informed all banks and financial institutions that a person named Hajjaj bin Fahd al Ajmi (Kuwait) has been removed from the UN terrorist sanctions list related to ISIL (Da’esh) and Al-Qaida.
• Under Section 51A of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967, Indian financial institutions must freeze assets and block accounts of people/entities named in the UNSC’s sanctions list.

Source: RBI

2. TVS Launches iQube Electric Scooter in Indonesia

• What:
  • TVS Motor Company launched its iQube electric scooter in Indonesia, marking its entry into the country’s electric two-wheeler market.
• Why:
  • The launch aims to expand TVS’s presence in Southeast Asia and support Indonesia’s growing demand for electric vehicles.
• Tell me more:
  • The iQube will be assembled locally at TVS’s East Karawang facility in Indonesia.
  • Indonesia’s two-wheeler EV market has grown rapidly over the last three years.

Source: ET

3. Starlink Gets Licence to Offer Internet in India

• What:
  • Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite internet service received a licence from India to provide high-speed internet using low Earth orbit satellites.
• Why:
  • The licence aims to boost connectivity in India, especially for remote areas, and marks a new step in broadband access.
• Tell me more:
  • Starlink is a satellite-based internet service created by SpaceX, which uses low Earth orbit satellites.
  • Airtel and Jio partnered with SpaceX in March to offer Starlink internet services to their customers.
  • Starlink’s equipment will be sold through Jio and Airtel’s networks, and Jio will also provide customer service and installation support.

Source: LM

4. Google Opens First Safety Engineering Centre in Hyderabad

• What:
  • Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy inaugurated Google’s first Safety Engineering Centre in India at Hyderabad.
• Why:
  • The centre aims to focus on AI-driven research, advanced online safety tools, skill development, and to strengthen digital safety in India.
• Tell me more:
  • This is the first dedicated Google Safety Engineering Centre in the Asia-Pacific region and joins similar centres in Dublin, Munich, and Malaga.
  • The centre is part of Google’s largest campus outside the United States and is expected to create thousands of jobs.
  • The facility will support Hyderabad’s IT sector and enhance the city’s global reputation.
  • IT/IT-Enabled Services exports from Hyderabad in 2024-25 were valued at Rs 2.68 lakh crore, creating 40,000 new IT jobs.
  • Seven out of the top ten global tech giants operate in Hyderabad.

Source: IE

Reports and Indices

1. Most and Least Liveable Cities Ranked for 2025

• What:
  • The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) released the 2025 list of the world’s most and least liveable cities, ranking 173 cities on healthcare, education, stability, infrastructure, and environment.
• Why:
  • The ranking helps compare cities globally based on quality of life across key factors.
• Tell me more:
  • Copenhagen, Denmark, is ranked the most liveable city in 2025, receiving perfect scores for stability, education, and infrastructure.
  • Vienna (Austria) and Zurich (Switzerland) share second place, while Melbourne (Australia) is fourth and Geneva (Switzerland) is fifth.
  • The least liveable city is Damascus, Syria, followed by Tripoli (Libya), Dhaka (Bangladesh), Karachi (Pakistan), and Algiers (Algeria).
  • Adelaide (Australia) and Vancouver (Canada) are also in the top 10, while Honolulu (USA) is the highest-ranked US city at 23rd place.
  • Calgary (Canada) dropped out of the top 10 due to lower healthcare scores.

Source: ET

GDP Forecasts

1. ICRA Projects India’s GDP Growth at 6.2% for 2025-26

• What:
  • ICRA forecasted India’s real GDP growth at 6.2% and real GVA growth at 6% for the financial year 2025-26.
• Why:
  • The forecast aims to provide an outlook on India’s economic growth, inflation, fiscal deficit, and other key indicators for 2025-26.
• Tell me more:
  • Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation is expected to be above 3.5%, while Wholesale Price Index (WPI) inflation will be over 1.8% in 2025-26.
  • Fiscal deficit is projected at 4.4% of GDP, and current account deficit is expected between 1.2% and 1.3%.
  • Rural demand is likely to remain strong due to Rabi cash flows and above-normal reservoir levels.
  • Income tax relief, lower EMIs from rate cuts, and moderation in food inflation are expected to boost household disposable incomes.
  • Merchandise exports are expected to remain weak, while services exports may grow faster; capital expenditure by the Centre is budgeted to rise by 10.1%.

Source: ET

Defence News

1. India-France Begin Eighth Edition of Exercise Shakti

• What:
  • The eighth edition of the biennial Indo-French military exercise ‘Exercise Shakti’ began at Camp Larzac, La Cavalerie in France, with participation from both Indian and French army contingents.
• Tell me more:
  • The Indian Army is represented mainly by a battalion of the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles, while the French side is represented by the 13th Foreign Legion Half-Brigade.
  • Exercise Shakti is a bilateral training engagement held every two years between India and France.
  • The focus of the 2025 edition is on sub-conventional warfare and operations under the UN Charter.

Source: ET

Science and Technology

1. Indian Scientists Develop Novel Nanoparticles for Cancer Therapy

• What:
  • Researchers have developed a new one-step method to create nanoparticles with a unique nano-cup shell structure, partly covered with polyethylene glycol (PEG), for use in photothermal therapy to treat cancer.
• Why:
  • The innovation aims to simplify the production of these nanoparticles, making cancer treatment more effective, safer, and easier to administer.
• Tell me more:
  • The method uses a biocompatible metal-organic framework (ZIF-8) as a template and mild reducing agents like ascorbic acid at room temperature, avoiding harsh chemicals and complex steps.
  • The research was a collaboration between INST Mohali, ACTREC Tata Memorial Centre, and IIT Bombay.
  • The findings were published in Communication Chemistry, a Nature group journal.

Source: PIB

Awards

1. Sahitya Akademi Announces Yuva and Bal Sahitya Puraskar Winners

• What:
  • Sahitya Akademi announced the names of 23 writers for the Yuva Puraskar and 24 authors for the Bal Sahitya Puraskar across various languages.
• Why:
  • The awards aim to recognize and encourage young and children’s literature in different Indian languages.
• Tell me more:
  • The winners will get a casket with an engraved copper-plaque and a cash award of Rs 50,000 at a special function.
  • The selection was approved by the Executive Board of Sahitya Akademi based on jury recommendations.
  • There is no Yuva Puraskar in Dogri this year.

Source: ET

2. Padma Bhushan Awarded to Journalist Ram Bahadur Rai

• What:
  • Eminent journalist and President of the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) Trust, Shri Ram Bahadur Rai, was presented the Padma Bhushan award by Shri Satpal Chauhan, Director General, Ministry of Home Affairs.
• Why:
  • The award was given to recognize Shri Rai’s outstanding contribution to Indian journalism, public discourse, and his commitment to intellectual and democratic values.
• Tell me more:
  • The award included a citation signed by the President of India and a medal, and was presented at IGNCA’s office in New Delhi as Shri Rai could not attend the official ceremony.
  • The event was attended by several dignitaries, including former Delhi Lieutenant Governor Shri Najeeb Jung, senior IGNCA officials, journalists, academics, and other intellectuals.
  • Shri Rai has served as Chancellor of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Tricentenary University, Gurugram, and has guided many other institutions.
  • He has over 40 years of experience in journalism, beginning his career with Hindusthan Samachar and later holding editorial positions at Jansatta, Navbharat Times, and other publications.

Source: PIB

Important Days

1. World Autistic Pride Day 2025 – June 18

2. International Picnic Day 2025 – June 18

Sports

1. U Mumba Wins Maiden Ultimate Table Tennis Title

• U Mumba won their first Ultimate Table Tennis title by defeating Jaipur Patriots 8-4 in the Season 6 final.
• Akash Pal and Bernadette Szocs were named Indian and Foreign Player of the Final, while Jeet Chandra received the Shot of the Final award.
• U Mumba is a Mumbai-based franchise.

Source: NOA

Appointments

1. Prof Anantha Chandrakasan Named MIT Provost

• What:
  • Chennai-born Prof Anantha Chandrakasan has been named the next provost of MIT, becoming the first Indian-American to hold this key leadership role.
• Why:
  • The appointment aims to lead MIT’s academic and budget affairs during a challenging time for research and education funding.
• Tell me more:
  • Chandrakasan currently serves as MIT’s chief innovation and strategy officer and dean of engineering.
  • He will assume charge on July 1 and was selected from top internal candidates.
  • The provost oversees academic programs, faculty affairs, strategic planning, and leads vice provosts in various areas.
  • He plans to focus on financial planning, talent retention, and enhancing interdisciplinary research and entrepreneurship.
  • He holds BS, MS, and PhD degrees in electrical engineering and computer sciences from UC Berkeley.

Source: TOI

Miscellaneous

1. Renowned Kathak Dancer Mangala Bhatt Passes Away

• Kathak exponent Mangala Bhatt, recipient of the Central Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, passed away at the age of 62 in Hyderabad.

Source: DC

2. India’s Finance Ministers Book Covers 1998-2014 Period

• A K Bhattacharya’s third book titled India’s Finance Ministers: Different Strokes (1998-2014) presents an account of Indian finance ministers during these years.

Source: BS

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