NATIONAL UPDATES:
1. India’s First E-Waste Eco Park to Be Built in Delhi’s Holambi Kalan under PPP-DBFOT Model: Delhi’s Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa announced the development of India’s first electronic waste (e-waste) eco park in Holambi Kalan, North Delhi, to be built on 11.4 acres under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model and the Design, Build, Finance, Operate, and Transfer (DBFOT) approach for a concession period of 15 years.The facility will process up to 51,000 tonnes of e-waste annually, covering all 106 categories listed under the E-Waste Management Rules, 2022, and is expected to generate over ₹350 crore in revenue.The eco park will feature dedicated zones for dismantling, refurbishing, plastic recovery, a second-hand electronics market, and skilling centres aimed at formally training informal workers currently engaged in hazardous e-waste handling.Expected to be completed within 18 months, the project will create over 1,000 green jobs and serve as a symbol of Delhi’s transition to a circular economy, where no resource is wasted and no worker is left behind.
2. Assam Considers Expulsion Law for Illegal Migrants: Assam’s Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced plans to utilise the Immigrants (Expulsion from Assam) Act of 1950. This law allows for the direct expulsion of illegal migrants without court involvement. The initiative aims to address ongoing concerns about illegal immigration in Assam, particularly from Bangladesh. The Immigrants (Expulsion from Assam) Act was enacted on 1 March 1950. It emerged in response to the influx of migrants from East Bengal following the Partition of India in 1947. This movement was driven by communal violence and socio-political instability. The Act grants the Central Government the authority to expel individuals deemed harmful to public interest or the rights of Scheduled Tribes.
3. Smart Cities Mission SPVs: The initiative aimed to encourage innovation and improve infrastructure in selected cities. By March 2025, the SCM had achieved remarkable progress, with over 93% of its 8,000 projects completed and nearly 99.44% of its ₹48,000 crore budget disbursed. This success is attributed to the establishment of Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) and Integrated Command and Control Centres (ICCCs) in 100 cities. SPVs were created under the Companies Act, 2013. They are joint ventures between State/UT governments and Urban Local Bodies (ULBs). The SPVs manage the implementation of SCM projects. They have demonstrated agility and innovation in delivering complex urban projects. The collaboration has strengthened institutional capacity in urban management.
4. Mathura-Vrindavan Railway Project: The Indian Railway Ministry has permanently closed the Mathura-Vrindavan railway line conversion project. This ambitious undertaking aimed to convert the metre gauge line to broad gauge at an estimated cost of Rs 402 crore. The decision was made due to the project being deemed “uneconomical” and facing opposition from local residents. The conversion project was initiated in 2017-18. It aimed to enhance connectivity between Mathura and Vrindavan. The original metre gauge line was over 100 years old and operated a rail bus service twice daily until early 2023. The project involved dismantling the existing tracks and laying new ones on an embankment. The project was expected to incur costs of Rs 402 crore. A contract worth Rs 191 crore was awarded in February 2023 for the conversion work. Another contract for Rs 38 crore was designated for constructing station facilities. Significant financial resources had already been invested before the project’s cancellation.
INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:
1. Bangladesh Removes Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s Image from Banknotes for First Time in 50 Years: For the first time since 1971, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s image has been removed from Bangladesh’s banknotes, with the new designs showcasing Hindu and Buddhist temples, national artwork, and cultural landmarks — reflecting a shift from political iconography to heritage-focused imagery.The redesigned currency (Tk 1000, Tk 50, Tk 20) was introduced by the interim government led by Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus, following the ouster of former PM Sheikh Hasina, and aligns with the administration’s aim to depoliticize national symbols.The currency overhaul coincides with heightened political tension, including Sheikh Hasina’s indictment over the 2024 student protest crackdown, her exile to India, and the banning of the Awami League — marking a broader transformation in Bangladesh’s governance and national narrative.
2. World Bank Retains India’s FY26 Growth at 6.3% Amid Global Trade Tensions and Slowing Economy: The World Bank has retained India’s FY26 economic growth projection at 6.3%, down from its earlier January estimate of 6.7%, citing rising tariffs and policy uncertainty as significant global headwinds.Despite a strong 7.4% growth in Q4, India’s overall FY25 growth stood at 6.5%, the slowest since the COVID-19 period, due to global trade disruptions and slowing demand.The World Bank lowered its global GDP growth forecast to 2.3%, the weakest pace since 2008 (excluding global recessions), warning that prolonged uncertainty could severely impact living standards worldwide.
3. IOB Launches ‘Locate IOB’ Online Tool to Help Customers Find Nearest Branches, ATMs & Offices Easily: Indian Overseas Bank (IOB) has launched an online tool called “Locate IOB” to help customers easily find the nearest branches, ATMs etc. The tool provides access to branch addresses, directions, IFSC codes, and even allows users to directly call a branch from the website, enhancing convenience for tech-savvy customers.IOB has also created mini-websites for each branch location, catering to the growing mobile and internet user base in India and improving local banking accessibility.
4. Poonawalla Fincorp Launches ‘Business Loan 24/7’ for MSMEs with Fully Digital: Poonawalla Fincorp Ltd (PFL) has launched Business Loan 24/7, a fully digital loan solution aimed at meeting the credit needs of MSMEs through a Straight Through Processing (STP) model, eliminating branch visits and physical paperwork.The product uses advanced analytics and a robust risk assessment framework, relying on direct digitised data like GST info and credit bureau records to improve the credit evaluation of MSMEs and self-employed individuals.
5. 11 June – International Day of Play: The International Day of Play is celebrated globally on June 11 to recognize and promote the fundamental right of every child to engage in play for healthy development and well-being.Theme 2025 – Choose Play – EverydayThe day highlights how play contributes to children’s learning, creativity, physical health, emotional strength, and social skills, making it essential in homes, schools, and communities.In 2024, the United Nations officially recognized June 11 as the International Day of Play, following campaigns by organizations like LEGO Foundation, UNICEF, and Save the Children.
6. 9 June – World Accreditation Day: World Accreditation Day is observed every year on June 9 to raise awareness about the importance of accreditation in improving quality, safety, and trust across various sectors like healthcare, education, industry, and trade.Theme 2025– Accreditation: Empowering Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) The day is jointly established by the International Accreditation Forum (IAF) and the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) to promote the value of accreditation worldwide.
OTHER UPDATES:
DEFENCE
1. DRDO transfers technologies of nine systems to 10 industries: Defence Research and Development Organisation’s Vehicle Research and Development Establishment (VRDE) in Ahilyanagar, Maharashtra, has transferred technologies of nine defence systems to 10 Indian industries.The systems include the Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear (CBRN) Recce Vehicle, Mounted Gun System, Anti-Terrorist Vehicle, and Vajra-Riot Control Vehicle, among others.The technology transfer ceremony was attended by DRDO Chairman Dr. Samir V Kamat. Speaking on the occasion, Dr Kamat complimented DRDO and the industry for the exceptional performance of indigenous systems during Operation Sindoor. VRDE also signed a memorandum of understanding with COEP Technological University, Pune, to collaborate on emerging technologies.
SPORTS
1. Nicholas Pooran Announces Retirement from International Cricket: Nicholas Pooran, one of West Indies’ most explosive T20 batsmen and record-holders, has announced his retirement from international cricket, marking the end of a notable career in the West Indies jersey across formats.Nicholas Pooran has not represented his country in the Tests, but has played 61 ODIs scoring 1,983 runs at an average of 39.66 with three centuries at a strike rate of 99.15.He also has represented in 106 T20 internationals scoring 2275 runs at an average of 26.14 with 98 being his highest score. His strike rate in T20Is is 136.39. He has also taken 6 wickets in ODIs.Representing Lucknow Super Giants in the just concluded IPL, Nicholas Pooran has hit the most number of sixes in the tournamnet viz. 40.
2. Priyanka Goswami Wins Gold at Austrian Racewalking Championships: Priyanka Goswami clinched gold in the women’s 10km race at the Austrian Racewalking Championships in Innsbruck with a time of 47:54, marking her first win of the seasonIn the men’s 35km event, Sandeep Kumar won silver with a time of 2:38:45, while Ram Baboo secured bronze with 2:41:47; the gold was taken by Jaromír Morávek (Czech Republic).Sandeep Kumar, a Tokyo Olympian and national 50km record holder, and Ram Baboo, India’s 35km record holder, continue to establish India’s strength in international racewalking.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1. Nuclear Fusion Breakthrough in Germany: Scientists in Germany have recently made strides in this field. The Wendelstein 7-X reactor in Greifswald has set a new record by sustaining a fusion plasma for 43 seconds. This achievement is a notable leap towards harnessing fusion as a viable energy source. Nuclear fusion is the process where light atomic nuclei combine to form heavier nuclei, releasing vast energy. This reaction powers the Sun and has the potential to provide clean, limitless energy on Earth. Unlike nuclear fission, which splits heavy atoms and produces harmful waste, fusion promises minimal environmental impact. The Wendelstein 7-X is the world’s largest operational stellarator. It utilises powerful external magnets to confine superheated plasma. The reactor achieved temperatures exceeding 20 million degrees Celsius, peaking at 30 million. This performance led to a record high triple product, important measure of fusion efficiency.
BANKING AND FINANCE
1. SBI Pays ₹8,076.84 Crore Dividend to Govt for FY25: The State Bank of India (SBI) has paid a dividend of ₹8,076.84 crore to the Government of India for the financial year 2024-25, marking a significant increase from last year’s ₹6,959.29 crore. The dividend cheque was formally handed over to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman by SBI Chairman C.S. Setty.For FY 2024-25, SBI declared a dividend of ₹90 per share, which is higher than the ₹13.70 per share dividend announced for the previous year, reflecting the bank’s improved financial performance and shareholder returns.SBI reported a record net profit of ₹70,901 crore in FY25, up from ₹61,077 crore in FY24, registering a 16% year-on-year growth, making it one of the most profitable years in the bank’s history.
No comments:
Post a Comment