NATIONAL UPDATES:
1. India Flags Off First Consignment of Rose-Scented
Litchi from Pathankot to Qatar: India flagged off its
first consignment of 1 metric
tonne of rose-scented litchi from Pathankot, Punjab to Doha, Qatar, with
an additional 0.5 metric tonne exported to Dubai, UAE, marking a twin export
milestone that reinforces India’s position in global fresh fruit markets.The
initiative was coordinated by APEDA under the Ministry of Commerce &
Industry, in collaboration with the Department of Horticulture, Government of
Punjab, Lullu Group, and progressive farmer Shri Prabhat Singh, who supplied
the high-quality litchi produce.Punjab produced 71,490 metric tonnes of litchi
in FY 2023–24, contributing 12.39% to India’s total litchi output; during FY
2024–25, India’s fruits and vegetables exports reached USD 3.87 billion,
growing 5.67% year-on-year, with rising international demand for litchis,
cherries, and jamun alongside traditional exports like mangoes and bananas.
2. About Banaras Locomotive Works: Banaras Locomotive Works (BLW), formerly known as Diesel Locomotive
Works (DLW), is located in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, and was established with
the foundation stone laid by President Rajendra Prasad in 1956; it began
production in 1961 and delivered its first locomotive in 1964.Originally
focused on manufacturing diesel locomotives, BLW started producing electric
locomotives in 2017 to meet modern railway needs, reflecting its evolution with
the changing demands of the Indian Railways.BLW has manufactured over 10,000
diesel and electric locomotives to date and has exported locomotives to several
countries, including Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Myanmar, Angola, Sudan,
Mozambique, and Tanzania, showcasing India’s global railway capabilities.
3. Dhole Returns to Kaziranga-Karbi Anglong
Landscape: Recent
research has confirmed the return of the dhole, or Asiatic wild dog, to the
Kaziranga-Karbi Anglong Landscape (KKAL) in Assam. This species, once thought
to be locally extinct, was documented through camera-trap evidence in the
Amguri corridor. The study marks the ecological importance of this area for the
conservation of various threatened
species. The dhole (Cuon alpinus)
is a social carnivore classified as endangered by the IUCN. It is known for its
rusty-red coat and bushy black-tipped tail. Dholes typically form packs that
can consist of up to 30 individuals, although they may hunt alone or in pairs
depending on prey availability. This species plays important role in
maintaining the balance of prey populations within forest ecosystems.
4. Patna’s Water Metro: The introduction of water metro services
in Patna is poised to revolutionise the city’s transport landscape. Union
Minister Sarbananda Sonowal’s recent announcement marks step towards utilising
the Ganga for inland water transport. This initiative aims to alleviate the
chronic traffic congestion that plagues Patna’s roadways. With a growing
population and limited road expansion options, the water metro presents a
sustainable alternative for urban mobility. The water metro model, first
implemented in Kochi, involves electric or hybrid ferries operating on
scheduled routes. Kochi’s successful system connects islands to the mainland,
serving over 40 lakh passengers since its launch in 2023. The Patna project
seeks to replicate this model, focusing on the city’s east-west axis along the
Ganga and potentially extending to cross-river routes.
INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:
1. 27 June – International Day of
Deafblindness: International Day
of Deafblindness is observed every year on 27 June to raise awareness about the
unique challenges faced by people with combined hearing and vision impairments
and to advocate for their rights and inclusion in society.The day commemorates
the birth anniversary of Helen Keller, a renowned deafblind activist who became
a global symbol of courage, education, and empowerment for persons with
disabilities.The General Assembly adopted resolution A/RES/79/294, proclaiming
27 June of each year the International Day of Deafblindness. This day
commemorates the birth of renowned author Helen Keller (1880 – 1968), one of
the most iconic figures in the deafblindness community.
2. India-Africa Partnership in Agriculture
and Food Security: The
India-Africa partnership has gained prominence in recent years. This collaboration
focuses on addressing food insecurity and transforming agriculture. Both
regions face challenges such as climate
change, weak infrastructure, and
limited access to finance. Africa’s agriculture employs a large portion of its
workforce but contributes minimally to GDP. This paradox marks the urgent need
for effective agricultural strategies. India and Africa have a long history of
collaboration in agriculture. This partnership has evolved through government
initiatives and private sector involvement. India has provided soft loans and
technical assistance to various African nations. The aim is to improve farming
practices and enhance food security. Africa’s agriculture is highly vulnerable
to climate risks. Extreme weather events have disrupted agricultural
productivity. Droughts and erratic rainfall are frequent threats. These
challenges lead to sharp declines in crop yields. Additionally, farmers often
lack access to modern infrastructure and market data. This results in high
post-harvest losses and low competitiveness.
3. Sustainable Agricultural Intensification
in Senegal: Recent
studies show the potential of sustainable agricultural intensification (SAI) in
Senegal. Researchers from the International Food Policy Research Institute
(IFPRI) have identified methods to improve food
security and conserve land.
Their findings suggest that strategic crop choices can enhance farmers’ incomes
while reducing environmental impacts linked to land expansion. This innovative
approach is vital for addressing the challenges of food production in the face
of climate variability and population growth. Sustainable agricultural
intensification aims to increase food production without compromising
environmental health. It focuses on improving land-use efficiency. The approach
promotes high-value crops, such as fruits and vegetables, over traditional
staple crops. This shift can lead to better economic returns and reduced
reliance on food imports.
OTHER UPDATES:
DEFENCE
1. Rwanda and Congo Sign Peace Agreement: Rwanda and the Democratic
Republic of Congo (DRC) signed peace agreement, brokered by the United States.
This agreement aims to end years of conflict that have resulted in thousands of
deaths and widespread displacement. The deal is important step towards
stability in the region, which is rich in valuable minerals. The conflict
between Rwanda and the DRC has deep historical roots, dating back to the 1994
Rwandan genocide. Following the genocide, tensions escalated, leading to
multiple violent confrontations. The M23 rebel group has been player in
this ongoing conflict, seizing control of key areas in eastern Congo. The peace
agreement was signed in Washington, D.C., with the presence of U.S. Secretary
of State Marco Rubio. Key provisions include the withdrawal of Rwandan troops
from eastern Congo within 90 days and the establishment of a joint security
coordination mechanism. The agreement also outlines a framework for regional
economic integration.
SPORTS
1. ICC Introduces New Powerplay Rules
for Shortened T20 Matches to Ensure Fair Play in Rain-Affected Games: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has
announced revised powerplay rules for shortened T20 matches, updating the
number of overs with restricted fielding based on the reduced length of each
innings.Under the new Playing Conditions effective from July, an
eight-over innings will feature 2.2 overs of powerplay with only two fielders
allowed outside the 30-yard circle.For five-over innings, the powerplay will
last 1.3 overs; for ten-over innings, it will remain at three overs; and for
15-over innings, 4.3 overs will constitute the powerplay phase.These changes
aim to provide clarity and consistency in shortened T20 games, which typically
occur when matches are reduced due to interruptions like rain or poor light,
ensuring fair competition under all circumstances.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1. Punjab govt signs MoU to set up Data Intelligence unit
for tackling drug menace: The Punjab
Government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Dr. B.R.
Ambedkar Institute of Medical Sciences, Mohali, and Vidyasagar Institute of
Mental Health, Amritsar, to establish a Data Intelligence and Technical Support
Unit aimed at combating the drug menace in the state.The new unit will develop a
comprehensive model of psycho-social care to support rehabilitation efforts and
design informed policies and effective strategies for tackling drug addiction
challenges.Renowned experts from AIIMS’ National Drug Treatment Centre, IIT
Ropar, Tata Institute of Social Sciences Mumbai, and PGI Chandigarh will
provide technical support to ensure the success and impact of the unit’s
initiatives.
2. Sugamya Bharat App: The Sugamya Bharat App
(SBA) is a vital initiative by the Government of India aimed at improving
accessibility for persons with disabilities and elderly citizens. Launched in
2021 by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, this app
has undergone revamp to enhance user experience and effectiveness. As of June
2025, the app has achieved remarkable milestones, including over 14,358
registered users and 83,791 downloads, predominantly from Android devices. The
revamped SBA introduces several features designed to improve accessibility. It
now boasts a more intuitive user interface that simplifies navigation. An
AI-powered chatbot has been integrated to provide real-time assistance to
users. This feature allows users to receive immediate support for their
queries. Additionally, the app includes notifications about new initiatives
aimed at enhancing accessibility. It also offers a compilation of government
schemes and resources beneficial for persons with disabilities.
BANKING AND FINANCE
1. IRDAI Slaps ₹1 Crore Fine on
Edelweiss Life Insurance for Violating Corporate Governance Norms: The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India
(IRDAI) has imposed a penalty of ₹1 crore on Edelweiss Life
Insurance Company for violating corporate governance norms, highlighting
serious lapses in adherence to regulatory standards.In its order, IRDAI
directed the company to categorise certain transactions as outsourcing in line
with applicable regulations and to report these transactions to the Authority
as required.IRDAI also instructed Edelweiss Life Insurance to implement a
Board-approved outsourcing policy with provisions for periodic reviews, along
with a vendor management policy that includes clear standard operating
procedures for cost allocations.
2. 2025 World Investment Report: The 2025 World Investment Report marks challenges in the global investment landscape. It reveals that foreign direct investment (FDI) is not reaching the nations and sectors that require it the most. Despite a notable increase in FDI in Africa, overall investment in developing countries has stagnated. The report puts stress on the urgent need for investment to support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Foreign direct investment is crucial for economic growth. In 2024, FDI in Africa rose by 75% to $97 billion. This increase was largely driven by megaproject in Egypt. However, FDI flows to developing nations remained flat overall. The stagnation in investment hampers job creation and infrastructure development. The investment gap is a pressing issue. In 2024, investments related to the SDGs in developing countries dropped by over 25%. Key sectors such as infrastructure, renewable energy, and agrifood systems saw substantial declines. Only the health sector experienced growth, increasing by 25%. This trend indicates a misalignment between investment flows and development needs.
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