Stay updated with the latest national and international developments! From breakthroughs in animal health to advancements in digital infrastructure and global summits, here’s a concise overview of key events in June 2025.
National Affairs
1. ICAR-NIHSAD Recognized as Category A Rinderpest Facility by WOAH-FAO
The Indian Council of Agricultural Research-National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (ICAR-NIHSAD) in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, has been designated as a Category A Rinderpest Holding Facility by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). This prestigious recognition was announced during WOAH’s 92nd General Session in Paris (May 25–29, 2025).
| Key Details | Description |
|---|---|
| Recognition | Category A Rinderpest Holding Facility for secure storage of rinderpest virus-containing materials (excluding vaccines). |
| Presented to | Alka Upadhyaya, Secretary, Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD). |
| Significance | India joins an elite group of six global facilities for rinderpest virus custody. |
| About WOAH | Established: 1924; Headquarters: Paris, France; President: Dr. Susana Pombo; Director General: Dr. Emmanuelle Soubeyran. |
Why It Matters: This milestone strengthens India’s role in global animal health and biosecurity, ensuring the safe management of rinderpest, a eradicated but highly dangerous cattle disease.
2. 11 Years of Digital India: Empowering the Poor Through Technology
In June 2025, India celebrated 11 years of the Digital India initiative, launched on July 1, 2015, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to create a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy.
| Key Achievements | Details |
|---|---|
| Digital Economy Contribution | 11.74% of national income (2022–23), projected to reach 13.42% by 2024–25. |
| Telephone Connections | From 93.3 crore (March 2014) to over 120 crore (April 2025). |
| Internet Connections | From 25.15 crore (March 2014) to 96.96 crore (June 2024), a 285.53% growth. |
| Aadhaar IDs | 141.88 crore generated by April 2025. |
| Coordinating Ministry | Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). |
Why It Matters: Digital India has transformed access to services, boosted economic growth, and empowered marginalized communities through technology.
3. Ministry of AYUSH Hosts Global Yoga Connect 2025 Summit
The Central Council for Research in Yoga and Naturopathy (CCRYN) under the Ministry of AYUSH hosted the Yoga Connect 2025 Summit in New Delhi ahead of the 11th International Day of Yoga (June 21, 2025).
| Key Details | Description |
|---|---|
| Theme | “Yoga for One Earth, One Health” |
| Participants | Over 1,000 in-person and virtual attendees from Bahrain, USA, UK, South Korea, etc. |
| Inaugurated by | Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat (MoC & MoT) and MoS Prataprao Ganpatrao (AYUSH). |
| Thematic Sessions | Yoga for NCDs, Women’s Health, Tech Innovations, Commercial Growth, Common Yoga Protocol, Vision for All. |
| Launched Reports | “Yoga Prabhava,” “Surveykshan,” Scientometric Analysis, E-books, and Yoga Samavesh Video. |
| Main IDY Event | To be held in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. |
Why It Matters: The summit promotes yoga’s global impact on health and sustainability, reinforcing India’s leadership in holistic wellness.
4. Pondicherry University and RIS Sign MoU
Pondicherry University (PU) and the Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS) signed an MoU during the Conference on Global South & Triangular Cooperation in New Delhi.
| Key Details | Description |
|---|---|
| Objective | Strengthen academic-policy collaboration through joint research and capacity-building. |
| Focus Areas | Global economic development, South-South cooperation, international public policy. |
| Coordinated by | Prof. Subramanyam Raju, UMISARC, PU. |
| Context | Part of RIS University Connect Hub; 21 universities selected for MoU partnerships. |
Why It Matters: This collaboration enhances policy-oriented research, fostering India’s role in global development dialogues.
5. University of Aberdeen to Set Up Campus in Navi Mumbai
The University of Aberdeen (Scotland) received approval from the Maharashtra Government to establish its first Indian campus in Navi Mumbai, set to be operational by 2026.
| Key Details | Description |
|---|---|
| Programmes Offered | UG/PG in computing, data science, business management, economics, AI, and MBA. |
| Future Expansion | Mathematics, international business, public health, film studies, psychology, information systems. |
| Significance | First Scottish university campus in India, fostering research and student exchange. |
Why It Matters: The campus will boost India’s education ecosystem and strengthen academic ties with the UK.
6. MSC Bank Launches India’s First C-SOC for Cooperative Banks
Maharashtra State Cooperative Bank (MSC Bank) launched Sahakar Suraksha, India’s first Cyber-Security Operation Centre (C-SOC) for cooperative banks in Vashi, Navi Mumbai.
| Key Details | Description |
|---|---|
| Cost | Rs. 50 crore |
| Operated by | 35 cybersecurity professionals, 24/7. |
| Technology | AI-driven platform for real-time threat detection and alerts. |
| Coverage | 31 District Central Cooperative Banks (DCCBs) in Maharashtra, free of cost. |
| Partner | Sequretek IT Solutions Pvt. Ltd. |
Why It Matters: This initiative enhances digital security for cooperative banks, protecting them from rising cyber threats.
International Affairs
1. 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference (UNCO3) in Nice, France
The 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference was held from June 9–13, 2025, in Nice, France, co-hosted by France and Costa Rica.
| Key Details | Description |
|---|---|
| Theme | “Accelerating action and mobilizing all actors to conserve and sustainably use the ocean.” |
| Key Highlights | FAO’s “State of World Marine Fisheries Resources-2025” report released; Brazil-France launched Blue NDC Challenge; 18 countries ratified High Seas Treaty; 96 countries signed Nice Wake-up Call for Plastics Treaty (India not a signatory). |
| Leadership | Li Junha (China) as Secretary General; Miguel de Serpa Soares (Portugal) as Special Adviser. |
Why It Matters: UNCO3 drives global efforts for ocean conservation and sustainable climate action.
2. 113th ILO Conference in Geneva
The 113th International Labour Conference was held in Geneva, Switzerland, from June 2–13, 2025, focusing on labour standards and workers’ rights.
| Key Details | Description |
|---|---|
| India’s Role | Represented by Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya; highlighted labour reforms and social security progress. |
| Outcomes | Adopted resolution for formal employment; approved 7 amendments to Maritime Labour Convention (2006); set first international standards for workplace biological hazards. |
Why It Matters: The conference shapes global labour policies, with India showcasing its employment and social security advancements.
3. SIPRI Report 2025: India’s Nuclear Arsenal Expansion
The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) released its 2025 Yearbook, highlighting India’s growing nuclear capabilities.
| Key Details | Description |
|---|---|
| India’s Nuclear Arsenal | Expanded from 172 warheads (2024) to 180 (2025). |
| Advancements | Canisterised MIRV missiles for enhanced nuclear readiness. |
| Global Context | All 9 nuclear-armed nations (USA, Russia, UK, France, China, India, Pakistan, North Korea, Israel) modernizing arsenals. |
| Arms Revenue | Top 100 arms companies earned USD 632 billion in 2023, up 2.8% from 2022. |
Why It Matters: India’s nuclear advancements strengthen its strategic position amid global arms modernization.
4. Vietnam Joins BRICS as 10th Partner Country
Vietnam became the 10th partner country of BRICS, joining Belarus, Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Cuba, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Uganda, and Uzbekistan.
| Key Details | Description |
|---|---|
| Status | Partner country, participating in BRICS summits and projects without full voting rights. |
| Context | Introduced at 16th BRICS Summit (2024, Kazan, Russia) to engage emerging economies. |
| BRICS Members | Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, UAE, Indonesia. |
Why It Matters: Vietnam’s inclusion enhances BRICS’ global influence and diplomatic outreach.
5. UNGA Declares 2026 as International Year of the Woman Farmer
The United Nations General Assembly declared 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer to recognize women’s role in agriculture.
| Key Details | Description |
|---|---|
| Significance | Highlights women’s 60–80% contribution to food production in developing countries; 80% of economically active women in India work in agriculture. |
| Challenges | Only 14% of agricultural landowners in India are women. |
| Support | Backed by over 100 countries. |
Why It Matters: This declaration promotes gender equality and addresses challenges faced by women farmers globally.
6. Union Minister Piyush Goyal’s Visit to Switzerland and Sweden
Union Minister Piyush Goyal visited Switzerland and Sweden from June 9–13, 2025, to strengthen economic and strategic ties.
| Key Details | Description |
|---|---|
| Switzerland | Co-chaired MEM industry roundtable with Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin; attended 18th Swissmem Industry Day in Zurich. |
| Sweden | Co-chaired 21st India-Sweden JCEISC in Stockholm. |
| Objective | Promote trade, investment, and sustainable growth. |
Why It Matters: The visit deepens India’s partnerships with key European nations.
Awards & Recognitions
King Charles III Confers Knighthood on David Beckham
David Beckham received a Knighthood from King Charles III in June 2025 for his contributions to football and charity.
| Key Details | Description |
|---|---|
| Honoree | David Beckham, alongside Gary Oldman and Roger Daltrey. |
| Career Highlights | Played for Manchester United, Real Madrid, AC Milan, LA Galaxy, and Paris Saint-Germain. |
| Process | Honours list prepared by UK government, approved by the monarch. |
Why It Matters: The knighthood celebrates Beckham’s global impact in sports and philanthropy.
Appointments & Resignations
Arun Srinivas Appointed as MD and Head of Meta India
Arun Srinivas was appointed Managing Director and Head of Meta India, effective July 1, 2025, succeeding Sandhya Devanathan.
| Key Details | Description |
|---|---|
| Role | Drive Meta’s business, innovation, and revenue in India. |
| Experience | 30 years in sales and marketing; roles at Reebok, HUL, Ola, and Meta (since 2020). |
| Reporting to | Sandhya Devanathan, VP, India and South-East Asia, Meta. |
Why It Matters: Srinivas’ leadership will shape Meta’s growth in India’s digital market.
Science & Technology
1. China Launches Zhangheng 1-02 Satellite
China launched the Zhangheng 1-02 satellite on June 2025 from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center to monitor natural disasters.
| Key Details | Description |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Monitor global electromagnetic fields, ionosphere, and atmosphere for disaster early warning. |
| Payloads | 9 scientific instruments, including Electric Field Detector (China-Italy) and Ionospheric Optical Instrument. |
| Collaboration | China-Italy project under Belt and Road Initiative. |
| Mission Life | 6 years. |
Why It Matters: The satellite enhances global disaster preparedness through advanced space technology.
2. GSL Launches ICGS Achal for Indian Coast Guard
Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) launched ICGS Achal, the fifth of eight Fast Patrol Vessels for the Indian Coast Guard.
| Key Details | Description |
|---|---|
| Cost | Rs. 473 crore (~USD 62 million). |
| Specifications | 52m length, 8m breadth, 320 tons, 27 knots speed. |
| Launched by | Kavita Harbola at GSL, Goa. |
Why It Matters: The vessel strengthens India’s maritime security capabilities.
Sports
India’s Team MGD1 Wins FIDE World Rapid Team Championship 2025
Team MGD1, led by Grandmaster Arjun Erigaisi, won the Rapid section of the 2025 FIDE World Rapid & Blitz Team Championship in London, UK.
| Key Details | Description |
|---|---|
| Achievement | First Indian-sponsored team to win; secured 21 match points. |
| Format | 12-round Swiss (Rapid); 13-round pool + knockout (Blitz). |
| Other Winners | Blitz: WR Chess (gold), KazChess (silver), Hexamind (bronze). |
| Prize Fund | €500,000 (Rapid: €310,000; Blitz: €190,000). |
Why It Matters: This victory marks a historic milestone for Indian chess on the global stage.
Books & Authors
Jacinda Ardern’s Memoir: A Different Kind of Power
Former New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern released her memoir, A Different Kind of Power, published by Virago Press and Crown Publishing.
| Key Details | Description |
|---|---|
| Content | Chronicles Ardern’s political journey, leadership principles, and key events like Christchurch massacre and Zero-COVID strategy. |
| Significance | Redefines empathy and vulnerability as leadership strengths. |
Why It Matters: The memoir offers insights into transformative leadership and global governance.
Important Days
| Day | Date | Theme | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| International Day of Family Remittances | June 16 | “Remittances Financing Development” | Highlights migrant workers’ contributions to poverty alleviation and SDGs. |
| World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought | June 17 | “Restore the land. Unlock the opportunities” | Promotes land degradation neutrality and sustainable land management. |
| World Crocodile Day | June 17 | “Connecting crocodiles and communities” | Raises awareness about crocodile conservation; marks 50 years of Odisha’s programme. |
State News
Arunachal Pradesh Declares 2025–35 as Decade of Hydro Power
Arunachal Pradesh declared 2025–2035 as the Decade of Hydropower to harness 58,000 MW of electricity potential.
| Key Details | Description |
|---|---|
| Revenue Strategy | 12% free power + 1% for local development from HEPs. |
| Investment | ~Rs. 2 lakh crore for 19 GW projects; estimated Rs. 4,525 crore annual revenue by 2035. |
| Objective | Economic growth and employment through hydropower development. |
Why It Matters: This initiative positions Arunachal Pradesh as a key player in India’s renewable energy landscape.
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