India’s Leap Forward: Key Developments in June 2025
21st June 2025, India witnessed transformative strides across governance, sustainability, education, and technology. From extending pension benefits to launching the nation’s first hydrogen buses, pioneering health insurance policies, and advancing global rankings, these developments reflect India’s commitment to inclusive growth and innovation. Explore the highlights of these milestones shaping India’s future.
India’s dynamic progress in June 2025 showcases a blend of policy innovation, sustainable development, and global recognition. From extending pension benefits to government employees to launching India’s first hydrogen-powered buses, the nation is making significant strides toward inclusive growth, environmental sustainability, and technological advancement. Below is a concise overview of these key developments, tailored for a blog audience.
| Topic | Key Highlights |
|---|---|
| Govt Extends OPS Benefits to UPS Subscribers | The Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions announced that central government employees under the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) can now access Old Pension Scheme (OPS) benefits. This includes a minimum pension of Rs. 10,000/month for employees with 10+ years of service, and a Rs. 25 lakh gratuity for UPS pensioners in case of death during service. This move enhances financial security for government employees, marking a significant policy update. |
| MoWCD’s National Consultation on Gender Budgeting | The Ministry of Women & Child Development hosted India’s first National Consultation on Gender Budgeting in New Delhi. With a Gender Budget of Rs. 4.49 lakh crore for FY26 (a 37% increase), the event emphasized gender equality through fiscal policy. The launch of the Gender Budgeting Knowledge Hub Portal provides a digital repository for gender-focused planning, empowering stakeholders across central and state levels. |
| India’s First Hydrogen Buses in Leh, Ladakh | On June 19, 2025, NTPC flagged off five hydrogen fuel cell buses in Leh, Ladakh, marking India’s first commercial deployment of hydrogen-powered buses. Designed for high-altitude terrains, these buses reduce carbon emissions by ~350 metric tonnes annually and produce 230 metric tonnes of oxygen, equivalent to planting 13,000 trees. A solar-powered hydrogen fueling station at 11,562 ft supports this green mobility initiative. |
| ICMR’s ‘Nakshatra’ HPC Facility in Pune | The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) inaugurated the ‘Nakshatra’ High Performance Computing facility at ICMR-NIV, Pune. Built under the PM-ABHIM, it supports genomic surveillance and AI-driven public health research, reducing sequencing time to 24-48 hours. With 12 compute nodes and 1 petabyte of storage, it strengthens India’s pandemic preparedness. |
| DHE’s Panel to Curb Coaching Dependency | The Department of Higher Education formed an 11-member committee to reduce reliance on coaching centres. Led by Vineet Joshi, the panel will review competitive exams like JEE, NEET, and UPSC, and address gaps in school systems, including the rise of ‘dummy schools.’ This follows the 2024 MoE guidelines restricting coaching for students under 16. |
| WEF’s Energy Transition Index 2025 | India ranked 71st globally in the World Economic Forum’s Energy Transition Index 2025, down from 63rd in 2024, but showed significant improvements in energy access among large economies. Sweden topped the list, while India’s focus on clean energy adoption highlights its sustainability efforts. |
| QS World University Rankings 2026 | IIT Delhi emerged as India’s top university, climbing to 123rd globally in the QS World University Rankings 2026, a 70-place jump in two years. With 54 Indian universities featured, India is the 4th most represented country globally, driven by IIT Delhi’s strong performance in employer reputation and citations. |
| Global Hunger Hotspots Report | The FAO-WFP report flagged Sudan, South Sudan, Mali, Palestine, and Haiti as critical hunger hotspots, driven by conflict, economic shocks, and climate hazards. India’s absence from the list underscores its relative food security, but global challenges highlight the need for continued vigilance. |
| Bajaj Allianz’s State-Wise Health Insurance | Bajaj Allianz launched India’s first state-specific health insurance policies for 25 states and 5 UTs. Tailored to local healthcare needs, these policies offer Rs. 5-20 lakh coverage, including hospitalization, advanced treatments, and wellness incentives like 5-10% renewal discounts for active lifestyles. |
| India’s FDI Inflows (UNCTAD Report) | India’s FDI inflows dipped slightly to USD 27.6 billion in 2024, yet it climbed to 15th globally for inflows and 18th for outflows. With 1,080 greenfield projects, India ranked 4th globally, reinforcing its position as a top FDI destination in South Asia. |
| ICRA’s GDP Growth Projection for FY26 | ICRA projects India’s GDP growth at 6.2% for FY26, down from 6.5% in FY25. Supported by rural demand, tax relief (nil tax up to Rs. 12 lakh), and Rs. 11.21 lakh crore in capital expenditure, India’s economy remains resilient despite global trade uncertainties. |
| TCS Partners with Council of Europe Development Bank | TCS partnered with the Council of Europe Development Bank to modernize financial reconciliation using TCS BaNCS™. This AI-driven solution enhances transparency and efficiency, aligning with global standards like SWIFT ISO 20022, boosting India’s fintech reputation. |
| Skechers Appoints Kartik Aaryan | Skechers named Bollywood actor Kartik Aaryan as its brand ambassador to promote its Hands Free Slip-ins® footwear in India. Targeting young consumers, this move strengthens Skechers’ market presence alongside ambassadors like Ananya Panday and Sunil Chhetri. |
| UGRO Capital Acquires Profectus Capital | UGRO Capital acquired Profectus Capital for Rs. 1,400 crore, making it a wholly owned subsidiary. This deal scales UGRO’s MSME lending, leveraging Profectus’ expertise in secured lending, particularly in education. |
| JFSL Acquires SBI’s Stake in JPBL | Jio Financial Services acquired SBI’s 17.83% stake in Jio Payments Bank for Rs. 104.54 crore, gaining full ownership. Approved by RBI, this strengthens JFSL’s financial ecosystem, integrating banking, insurance, and asset management. |
| Honda R&D’s Reusable Rocket Test | Honda R&D conducted a successful reusable rocket test in Japan, reaching 271.4m and landing within 37cm of the target. Aiming for suborbital spaceflight by 2029, this test positions Honda as a player in reusable launch vehicle technology. |
| TN CM Launches Book on Tamil Coins | Tamil Nadu CM M.K. Stalin launched “Varalaru Koorum Tamil Nattu Kaasugal,” a book by Minister Thangam Thennarasu, exploring 2,000 years of Tamil coin history. Published by TN’s DIPR, it highlights cultural and historical significance. |
| World Refugee Day 2025 | Observed on June 20, 2025, with the theme “Solidarity with Refugees,” this UN-led event honors refugees’ resilience. Led by UNHCR, it emphasizes global unity in supporting displaced individuals. |
| UP Rhino Conservation Project | Uttar Pradesh approved Rs. 1.5 crore for two new Rhino Rehabilitation Areas in Dudhwa National Park. Supporting ~50 one-horned rhinos, the project enhances biodiversity and strengthens anti-poaching measures with dedicated habitat maintenance. |
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