NATIONAL UPDATES:
1. Puducherry Assembly Goes Paperless with Launch of NeVA by Union Minister L. Murugan: Union Minister L. Murugan has inaugurated the National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA) in the Puducherry Legislative Assembly, aiming to digitize legislative proceedings.With the implementation of NeVA, the Puducherry Assembly will function paperlessly, promoting efficiency and environmental sustainability.The platform is part of the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs’ (MoPA) initiative to introduce ‘One Nation – One Application’ across all 37 State and UT legislatures in India.A trial run was successfully conducted during the 6th assembly session, and hands-on training is being provided to both MLAs and government officials for smooth adoption.
2. Kiren Rijiju Launches UMEED Central Portal to Digitize and Reform Waqf Property Management Across India: Union Minister Kiren Rijiju launched the UMEED Central Portal in New Delhi, aimed at transforming the management of Waqf properties in India by introducing digital transparency, real-time monitoring, and public accountability.The portal—named after Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency, and Development (UMEED) Act, 1995—enables geo-tagging, digital inventory, online grievance redressal, and GIS-based mapping to ensure efficient and transparent Waqf governance.The initiative is intended to uplift underprivileged sections of the Muslim community, especially women and children, by ensuring proper utilization of community-owned Waqf assets for education, healthcare, and livelihood.
3. Amit Shah Launches Bharatiya Bhasha Anubhag to Empower Local Languages: Home Minister Amit Shah has launched Bharatiya Bhasha Anubhag in New Delhi, emphasizing its role as a milestone to free administration from the dominance of foreign languages.The initiative aims to provide a strong, organized platform for all Indian languages, promoting linguistic diversity while encouraging the use of technology that preserves the spirit and richness of these languages.
4. Tamil Nadu, Tripura & Delhi Lead in Adult Literacy Certification: FLNAT 2025 Report: According to the Foundational Literacy Numeracy Assessment Test (FLNAT) data, Tamil Nadu, Tripura, and Delhi rank among the top performers in adult literacy certification, while Uttarakhand, Gujarat, and Himachal Pradesh lag behind.FLNAT is a nationwide assessment that evaluates foundational literacy and numeracy skills—reading, writing, and numeracy—of registered non-literate adult learners, with each subject scored out of 50 marks (total 150).The assessment was conducted in phases from July 2024 to March 2025, testing over 1.77 crore adult learners across India; however, only about 34.31 lakh learners (approximately 19.4%) were officially certified by May 2025.Tamil Nadu achieved a 100% certification success rate by certifying all 5,09,694 learners tested; Tripura followed closely with a 98.1% success rate, certifying 13,909 out of 14,179 learners, while Delhi had a 99.3% certification rate.States like Uttarakhand (85.7%), Gujarat (87.1%), and Himachal Pradesh (88.3%) recorded comparatively lower certification rates despite moderate learner participation, indicating challenges in adult literacy certification.
5. Asirvad Microfinance Appoints Roy Varghese as CEO: Kerala-based Asirvad Microfinance, a subsidiary of Manappuram Finance, has appointed Roy Varghese as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Unnikrishnan Janardanan as Chief Operating Officer (COO).Roy Varghese brings vast experience in retail and corporate banking, foreign exchange, and financial inclusion, having held leadership roles at Axis Bank, IDBI Bank, Jana Small Finance Bank, and CSB Bank.
6. PhonePe appoints former CEO of Standard Chartered Bank Zarin Daruwala: PhonePe has appointed Zarin Daruwala, former CEO of Standard Chartered Bank with over 30 years of banking experience, to its board ahead of its potential IPO.The company, India’s largest mobile payment platform with nearly 50% market share, began preparatory steps for listing on Indian stock exchanges in February 2025.
7. Ashwani Lohani Appointed Director of Prime Minister’s Museum and Library: Former Railway Board Chairman and ex-Air India CMD Ashwani Lohani has been appointed as the Director of the Prime Minister’s Museum and Library (PMML) for a three-year term on a contractual basis, with the rank of Secretary to the Government of India.Lohani, a 1980-batch officer of the Indian Railway Service of Mechanical Engineering (IRSME), is celebrated for his turnaround expertise and leadership roles in major public sector undertakings.
8. Sat Pal Bhanoo Given Interim Charge as LIC MD & CEO for Three Months: The central government has entrusted Sat Pal Bhanoo, Managing Director at LIC, with the financial and administrative powers of the MD & CEO position after Siddhartha Mohanty’s term ended.Interim tenure duration: Bhanoo will hold the interim charge for three months—from 8 June to 7 September 2025—or until a new permanent MD & CEO is appointed, whichever comes first.
INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:
1. 8 June – World Oceans Day: World Oceans Day is celebrated every year on 8 June to raise awareness about the crucial role oceans play in sustaining life on Earth and to promote their sustainable management.Theme 2025- Wonder: Sustaining what sustains usThe day was officially recognized by the United Nations in 2008, although it was first proposed at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 1992.Oceans cover over 70% of the planet’s surface, generate at least 50% of the oxygen we breathe, and are home to most of the Earth’s biodiversity.
2. Genetic Legacy of North Africa in Iberia: Recent studies highlight the deep-rooted genetic connections between Iberia and North Africa. This relationship persisted for centuries until event in history altered it. Researchers analysed ancient DNA from individuals in eastern Spain to understand this genetic lineage, particularly during the periods of Al-Andalus and the Reconquista. The study involved DNA analysis from 12 individuals across three burial sites in Valencia. These samples spanned over a millennium, covering pre-Islamic, Islamic, and post-Reconquista periods. The findings revealed North African genetic markers in all samples, indicating a longstanding connection between the Iberian Peninsula and North Africa. The Islamic conquest intensified the cultural and genetic intermingling between North Africa and Iberia. The researchers noted that the presence of Romance languages in North Africa facilitated this rapid conquest. The genetic data showed that this relationship was not a one-time event but had existed long before 711 CE.
3. Growth of Gig Workforce in India by 2047: This will represent about 15 per cent of the total non-agricultural workforce. Technological advancements and changing labour preferences are key drivers of this growth. The VV Giri National Labour Institute conducted a study using data from a 2022 NITI Aayog report. This study indicates doubling of gig workers in the coming years. The gig economy in India began with sectors like ride-sharing and food delivery. It has now expanded into healthcare, education, creative services, and professional consulting. In 2020, over 3 million workers were employed by around 11 platform companies. By 2030, this number is expected to grow to 23 million, making up 7 per cent of the non-agricultural workforce. The VVGNLI study suggests a compounding growth pattern. Under optimistic conditions, the gig workforce could reach 90.8 million jobs by 2047. However, external factors such as technological disruptions and economic shocks could limit growth to 32.5 million. This uncertainty marks the volatility of the gig economy.
OTHER UPDATES:
DEFENCE
1. IAF’s Indigenous I-STAR Aircraft: The Indian Air Force (IAF) is poised to enhance its operational capabilities with the upcoming acquisition of I-STAR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance) aircraft. This Rs 10,000 crore project is set to be approved by the Defence Ministry amidst rising tensions and ongoing military operations. The I-STAR aircraft will empower the IAF to conduct precise strikes on critical enemy targets from safe distances. The I-STAR project involves procuring three advanced aircraft from leading international manufacturers such as Boeing or Bombardier. These aircraft will be equipped with indigenous sensor and electronic systems developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The integration of these systems is expected to be swift due to their successful testing. The I-STAR system combines airborne and ground-based components. It is designed to operate at high altitudes from stand-off ranges. This design minimizes risk while enabling the identification and engagement of high-value targets deep within enemy territory. The system’s intelligence, surveillance, targeting, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities will enhance India’s military effectiveness.
SPORTS
1. MS Dhoni Becomes Brand Ambassador for Dettol’s ‘Icy Cool’ Range: Cricket legend Mahendra Singh Dhoni has been appointed as the brand ambassador for Dettol’s new ‘Icy Cool’ product range, strengthening the brand’s presence in the hygiene and personal care segment.The ‘Icy Cool’ range is designed to provide a refreshing experience and includes hygiene products aimed at offering cooling relief during hot and humid conditions.
2. Magnus Carlsen Clinches Seventh Norway Chess Title; Anna Muzychuk Wins Women’s Event: Magnus Carlsen, the Norwegian grandmaster and world No. 1, won his seventh Norway Chess tournament title in Stavanger by finishing with 16 points after a crucial draw against Arjun Erigaisi in the final round.American Grandmaster Fabiano Caruana secured second place with 15.5 points, following a key victory over Indian player D. Gukesh, who finished third with 14.5 points—matching his performance from the 2023 edition.In the Women’s event, Anna Muzychuk from Ukraine won the title, with China’s Lei Tingjie finishing second and India’s Koneru Humpy securing third place.
3. Indian Grandmaster Aravindh Chithambaram Clinches Title at 6th Stepan Avagyan Memorial Chess Tournament: Indian Grandmaster Aravindh Chithambaram won the 6th Stepan Avagyan Memorial chess tournament held in Jermuk, Armenia, finishing with 6.5 points from 9 rounds and remaining unbeaten throughout the event.He tied on points with fellow Indian Grandmaster R. Praggnanandhaa but clinched the title by winning on tie-breaks after scoring four wins and five draws in the 10-player round-robin format.In the final round, Aravindh, playing with the black pieces, defeated Armenia’s Aram Hakobyan, while Praggnanandhaa also won his game, marking a strong finish for both Indian players.
4. India-England Test Series Renamed as Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy to Honour Cricket Legends: The ECB and BCCI have renamed the India-England Test series as the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, replacing the Pataudi Trophy (used in England) and the Anthony de Mello Trophy (used in India).The trophy honours James Anderson (188 Tests, England’s highest Test wicket-taker) and Sachin Tendulkar (200 Tests, the most-capped Test cricketer in history).The Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy will be unveiled on June 11, 2025, at Lord’s during the World Test Championship Final, ahead of the five-Test India-England series starting on June 20 at Headingley.
5. Muhammad Waseem and Chloe Tryon Named ICC Players of the Month for May 2025: UAE batter Muhammad Waseem and South African all-rounder Chloe Tryon were awarded the ICC Men’s and Women’s Players of the Month for May 2025 for their outstanding performances.Waseem scored 169 runs in five ODIs during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2 and led UAE to a 2-1 T20I series win against Bangladesh, earning Player of the Series honors; this is his second time winning the award.Chloe Tryon scored 176 runs with a strike rate of 131.34 and took six wickets, including a five-wicket haul with a hat-trick against Sri Lanka in the Tri-Nation ODI tournament featuring India and Sri Lanka.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1. Zudpi Jungle Lands: This decision followed decades of legal disputes regarding the status of approximately 86,000 hectares of these unique shrub forests. The court’s ruling clarified the conditions under which these lands could be used, establishing that prior approval from the central government is necessary for any conversion. Zudpi jungle lands are characterised by bushy growth and are not typically utilised for agriculture. These lands are primarily found in six districts of eastern Vidarbha – Nagpur, Chandrapur, Gadchiroli, Bhandara, Wardha, and Gondia. Traditionally, they have been used for grazing and other non-forest purposes. The status of Zudpi lands has been contentious for decades. Initially classified as Gairan under the Maharashtra Land Revenue Code of 1966, their designation changed over time due to various government orders and legal interpretations. The Forest (Conservation) Act of 1980 imposed restrictions on the diversion of forest lands, complicating the legal landscape further.
2. Climate Change Projections and Global Warming Thresholds: The 1.5ºC and 2ºC thresholds are not scientifically definitive but are based on economic considerations and political negotiations. The original 2ºC limit stems from a 1970s economic model by William Nordhaus. The implications of exceeding these thresholds are complex and uncertain. Current climate models struggle to provide accurate long-term predictions due to the unpredictability of future greenhouse gas emissions. Climate models are essential for projecting future warming scenarios. These models rely on assumptions about energy consumption, population dynamics, and policy decisions. The inherent uncertainties in these projections complicate our understanding of potential warming. As a result, predictions beyond 2050 are fraught with speculation.
BANKING AND FINANCE
1. RBI rejects universal bank licence application of Annapurna Finance: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has rejected the universal bank licence application filed by Annapurna Finance. Annapurna Finance was established in 2009 and is now one of the top ten NBFC-MFIs (non-banking finance company-micro finance institution) in the country, according to its website.Currently, Fino Payments Bank has applied for a small finance bank licence, while AU Small Finance Bank (SFB) was the first to file the application for conversion to a universal bank and Ujjivan SFB’s board has approved applying for a universal SFB licence. As on March end, the MFI had Rs. 11,034 crore of loans, 2.9 million clients and 1,636 branches.
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