NATIONAL UPDATES:
1. HUL Launches iSight App to Track Real-Time Market Trends and Competitor Insights Across India: Hindustan Unilever (HUL) launched iSight, a new app that enables employees to report real-time market trends and competitor strategies across India.Since its launch in April, iSight has enrolled 1,000 employees and generated 300 valuable insights related to product placement and market dynamics.HUL has already conducted two brand-focused ‘missions’ using iSight for Glow & Lovely and Lifebuoy, with ongoing analysis of the collected ideas and feedback.
2. Indian Railways to Introduce Mandatory e-Aadhaar Verification for Tatkal Ticket Bookings to Curb Misuse: Indian Railways will introduce mandatory e-Aadhaar authentication for Tatkal ticket bookings later this month to curb misuse, ticket scalping, and improve access for genuine passengers.Passengers must verify their identity digitally using e-Aadhaar at the time of booking, making the process more transparent and reducing fraudulent transactions.IRCTC account holders linked with Aadhaar will get booking priority during the first 10 minutes of the Tatkal window, while even authorized agents will not be allowed to book tickets during this time.Tatkal tickets make up about 20% of total bookings and are usually sold out within 10 minutes, so this move aims to help genuine last-minute travelers secure confirmed seats.
3. UCO Bank appoints Sumit Khandelwal as CFO: State-run UCO Bank has appointed Sumit Khandelwal as its new chief financial officer (CFO).Khandelwal, who previously served as the general manager and the zonal head of the bank’s New Delhi zone, replaces Sujoy Dutta as CFO.
Khandelwal brings over 15 years of diverse banking experience, having served across multiple corporate branches, zones and departments within the bank.
4. Sailesh Mehta Appointed New Chairman of Fertiliser Association of India: Sailesh C Mehta, Managing Director of Deepak Fertilisers and Petrochemicals Corporation Ltd, has been appointed as the new Chairman of the Fertiliser Association of India (FAI).He succeeds N Suresh Krishnan, former Chairman and Managing Director of Paradeep Phosphates Ltd.With over 40 years of experience in the fertiliser and petrochemical sector, Mehta has also led FAI’s Western Region and heads Mahadhan Agri Tech Ltd, a DFPCL subsidiary.
5. Government Extends Tenure of Punjab & Sind Bank MD Swarup Kumar Saha Until February 2027: The Government has extended the tenure of Swarup Kumar Saha, MD & CEO of Punjab & Sind Bank, until February 28, 2027, surpassing his original term ending June 2, 2025.Saha has been leading Punjab & Sind Bank since June 3, 2022, after previously serving as Executive Director at Punjab National Bank from March 2021 to June 2022.The extension, announced via regulatory filing, ensures his leadership continues until superannuation or further government orders, whichever is earlier.
6. Samruddhi Mahamarg: The Samruddhi Mahamarg, also known as Hindu Hrudaysamrat Balasaheb Thackeray Maharashtra Samruddhi Mahamarg, is a monumental road infrastructure initiative in Maharashtra. This 701-km expressway connects Mumbai to Nagpur, dramatically reducing travel time to just seven hours. The project was officially inaugurated on June 5, 2025, with the final 76-km stretch from Igatpuri to Amane now operational. The Samruddhi Mahamarg was conceived in 2016 during Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’s tenure. It is a greenfield expressway designed to enhance connectivity between Maharashtra’s commercial and winter capitals. The project cost approximately Rs 55,335 crore and required the acquisition of over 8,800 hectares of land from nearly 24,000 farmers across 10 districts.
INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:
1. Mount Etna Erupts with Strombolian Explosions: Mount Etna, Europe’s most active volcano, erupted in Italy, sending ash and smoke into the Sicilian sky and causing panic among tourists.The eruption involved strombolian explosions, a type of volcanic activity characterized by frequent, moderate bursts of lava, as per Italy’s National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology.
2. 4 June – International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression: The International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression is observed every year on June 4 to acknowledge the pain and suffering of children who are victims of physical, mental, and emotional abuse, especially in conflict zones.The day was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1982, originally focused on the victims of the 1982 Lebanon War but later expanded to include all children affected by violence worldwide.The observance aims to raise awareness about the rights of children and to promote efforts globally to protect children from all forms of violence, abuse, and exploitation.
3. 5 June – World Environment Day: World Environment Day is celebrated every year on 5th June to raise awareness and encourage action for the protection of the environment globally.Theme 2025 – Putting an End to Plastic PollutionThe day was established by the United Nations in 1972, during the Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment, making it one of the biggest global platforms for environmental outreach.
4. G7 Leaders’ Summit 2025: The year 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of the Group of 7 (G7) meetings. Canada is hosting the G7 Leaders’ Summit from June 15 to 17 in Kananaskis, Alberta. This will be Canada’s seventh time as host. Notably, India has yet to receive an invitation, which could mark its first absence since 2019. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has attended every summit since then, except for the cancelled 2020 meeting. The G7 is an informal group comprising seven major economies – the United States, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United Kingdom. These nations collectively represent about 40% of the global GDP and 10% of the world’s population. The G7 has no legal status or permanent secretariat, and decisions require independent ratification from member states.
OTHER UPDATES:
DEFENCE
1. Indian Navy and EUNAVFOR Joint Naval Exercise: The Indian Navy is set to conduct a joint naval exercise with the European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR). This exercise will involve ships and aircraft from both sides. It aims to enhance interoperability and combat non-traditional maritime threats. The collaboration is step towards reinforcing maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region. The joint exercise follows a port visit by the Spanish frigate ESPS Reina Sofia and the Italian frigate ITS Antonio Marceglia to Mumbai. This visit marked the first of its kind under the European Union’s aegis. It marks the ongoing discussions between Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi and EU President Ursula von der Leyen about international peace and security.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1. Andhra Pradesh Signs 5-Year MoU with ISRO to Integrate Space Tech for Real-Time Citizen Services: Andhra Pradesh government has signed a 5-year MoU with ISRO’s Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SHAR) to enhance its Real-Time Governance System (RTGS) by integrating satellite imagery and scientific data for citizen-centric services.Under this partnership, satellite inputs will be used across 42 applications within the AWARE platform, covering sectors like agriculture, weather forecasting, disaster management, and urban planning.The AWARE system will combine data from satellites, drones, IoT devices, mobile feeds, and CCTV to deliver real-time alerts and advisories to both citizens and the government through platforms like SMS, WhatsApp, and social media.
2. Thermophilic Bacteria: Thermophilic bacteria thrive in extreme heat. They can survive temperatures between 45 to 70 degrees Celsius. These bacteria are not only resilient but also beneficial. They play important role in antibiotic production. Hot springs around the world are rich in these microorganisms. Recent studies highlight their potential in combating antibiotic resistance. Thermophiles are found in hot springs, deep-sea vents, and compost piles. These habitats are mineral-rich and have fewer competitors. This allows thermophilic bacteria to flourish. They often produce antibiotics to fend off other microorganisms. Their ability to thrive in extreme conditions makes them unique in the microbial world. Many thermophilic bacteria produce potent antibiotics. Researchers focus on Actinobacteria, a group known for its antimicrobial properties. These bacteria are responsible for producing well-known antibiotics like streptomycin and tetracycline. Recent studies have shown that hot springs can be a treasure trove for discovering new antibiotic-producing strains.
3. ‘Trends — Artificial Intelligence’ Report: The landscape of artificial intelligence (AI) has transformed rapidly. Recent reports highlight an exceptional surge in AI adoption. Venture capitalist Mary Meeker’s latest trends report, titled ‘Trends — Artificial Intelligence,’ emphasises this unprecedented pace. The report illustrates how AI’s adoption curve is unlike previous technological advancements. It also points out challenges like biases and misinformation that accompany this rapid growth. AI platforms have achieved remarkable user numbers in a short time. For example, ChatGPT reached 100 million users in less than three months. In contrast, platforms like Instagram took 2-4 years to reach the same milestone. The report predicts that 50% of US households will adopt AI within three years, a stark difference from the 6-12 years it took for internet access.
BANKING AND FINANCE
1. OECD Lowers India’s FY26 Growth Forecast to 6.3%: The OECD has lowered India’s FY26 GDP growth projection to 6.3%, citing risks from rising global trade tensions—especially potential US tariff hikes on Indian exports like textiles, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals.In contrast, UBS Securities has upgraded its forecast to 6.4%, up from 6%, driven by stronger domestic demand, hopes of a US-India trade deal, and stable global crude oil prices.Both OECD and UBS expect private consumption to improve, aided by rising real incomes, moderate inflation, tax relief, and a strengthening labour market.
2. CCI Approves Currant Sea Investments’ 9.99% Stake Acquisition in IDFC First Bank: The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved Currant Sea Investments B.V. to acquire up to 9.99% stake in IDFC First Bank Limited.Currant Sea Investments B.V., based in the Netherlands, is an investment holding company with no direct operations in India.IDFC First Bank offers a wide range of banking services including loans, deposits, credit cards, MSME banking, NRI services, trade finance, and more.
3. HDB Financial Services Gets SEBI Nod for Rs 12,500 Crore IPO: HDB Financial Services, the NBFC arm of HDFC Bank, has received SEBI approval for a Rs 12,500 crore IPO, making it the largest NBFC IPO and the fifth-largest overall in India.The IPO consists of a Rs 2,500 crore fresh issue and a Rs 10,000 crore offer for sale by HDFC Bank, marking one of the biggest IPOs by a non-banking lender in India.Along with HDB Financial Services, five other companies including Vikram Solar, A-One Steels India, and Shanti Gold International have also received SEBI approval for their IPOs between May 27-30, 2025.
AWARDS AND HONOURS
1. Kumar Mangalam Birla Honoured with Global Leadership Award by USISPF: Kumar Mangalam Birla, Chairman of Aditya Birla Group, was honoured with the Global Leadership Award by the U.S.-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) at its eighth annual Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C.Aditya Birla Group is the largest Indian investor in the U.S., having invested over $15 billion across 15 states and creating more than 5,400 jobs.
2. Recent Awards: American Music Award (AMA) at the 51st AMA held in Los Angeles – Raja Kumari International Booker Prize 2025 – Kannada author Banu Mushtaq (for short collection – Heart Lamp)Miss World 2025 Sports Challenge Medal WinnersGold: Eliise Randmaa (Estonia) Silver: Aurélie Joachim (Martinique)Bronze: Emma Morrison (Canada)58th Jnanpith Award (2023) – Jagadguru Rambhadracharya and Gulzar
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