- Govt extended Old Pension Scheme (OPS) benefits to Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) subscribers on June 18, 2025. As per Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 2021, this applies for death, invalidation, or disablement during service. Eligible employees will receive retirement and death gratuity, with gratuity capped at ₹25 lakh.
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- India’s first hydrogen fuel cell buses were flagged off in Leh, Ladakh on June 20, 2025. NTPC Limited deployed five buses, powered by a green hydrogen station at 11,562 ft. This marks the first commercial use of hydrogen buses in India’s high-altitude terrain. The project targets CO₂ reduction and supports the Carbon Neutral Ladakh mission.
- The DHE formed a 9-member expert panel on June 17, 2025, to reduce dependency on private coaching for entrance exams. The panel will examine issues like dummy schools, fairness of tests, and misleading coaching ads. It will also study school education gaps and boost career counselling initiatives.
- Akash, Anant, and Isha Ambani top the 2025 India’s Under-40 Wealth Icons List. The list was released by 360 ONE Wealth and CRISIL on June 20, 2025. Akash and Anant each have ₹3,59,127 crore, while Isha holds ₹3,58,318 crore net worth. It features 143 young wealth creators, highlighting India’s new-age leadership and innovation.
- On June 19, 2025, UP govt approved a ₹1.5 crore Rhino Conservation Project in Dudhwa National Park. It includes creating two new Rhino Rehabilitation Areas (RRA-3 & RRA-4) in semi-wild habitats. Funds will go toward habitat upkeep, anti-poaching, medicines, and monitoring equipment.
- On June 20, 2025, PM Modi launched 28 development projects worth ₹5,900 crore in Siwan, Bihar. Key highlights include the Vaishali–Deoria railway line, Vande Bharat Express, and Namami Gange STPs worth ₹1,800 crore. He also laid the foundation for a 500 MWh Battery Energy Storage System and ₹3,000 crore in water and sanitation works.
- On June 20, 2025, PM Modi launched and laid the foundation for projects worth ₹18,600 crore in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, marking one year of the BJP-led state government. Key sectors included drinking water, irrigation, health, roads, railways, and electric buses under the CRUT scheme. He unveiled Odisha Vision Documents 2036 & 2047 and launched schemes like PM Matsya Sampada Yojana and PM Janman Yojana.
- Sudan, South Sudan, Mali, Palestine, and Haiti face critical hunger crises due to conflict, climate shocks, and economic collapse. Over 25 million in Sudan and 7.7 million in South Sudan are at risk, with many in famine-like conditions. Mali struggles with rising grain prices and insecurity, threatening lives by August 2025.
- Jio Financial Services Ltd (JFSL) acquired State Bank of India’s (SBI) entire 17.8% stake in Jio Payments Bank Ltd (JPBL) on June 18, 2025, for ₹104.54 crore. The deal involved purchase of 7.91 crore equity shares, post RBI approval granted on June 4, 2025. JFSL’s stake in JPBL rose from 82.17% to 100%, making it a wholly owned subsidiary.
- Bajaj Allianz launched India’s first State-Wise Health Insurance Policies on June 19, 2025, offering customised plans tailored to local healthcare needs. Policies feature regional branding like Mee Kosam and AapKe Liye, with coverage from ₹5–20 lakh and lifetime renewability.
- Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and the Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB) partnered on June 16, 2025, to modernize reconciliation operations. TCS will implement its BaNCS platform to automate transaction matching, exception handling, and reporting. The AI-powered solution enables real-time visibility and integrates with CEB’s core systems.
- UGRO Capital announced on June 17, 2025, its ₹1,400 crore all-cash acquisition of Profectus Capital to boost secured MSME lending. The deal adds a ₹3,468 crore loan book and expands UGRO’s AUM by 29%, with operations across 7 states and 28 branches. UGRO expects ₹150 crore in annual profit and ₹115 crore in cost savings post-acquisition. Funding comes from internal accruals, a ₹400 crore rights issue, and CCDs
- On 18th June 2025, Investment Information and Credit Rating Agency (ICRA) projected Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth at 6.2% for Financial Year 2025–26 (FY26). Gross Value Added (GVA) is expected at 6.0%, and Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation likely above 4.2%. Fiscal Deficit is projected at 4.4% of GDP, and Current Account Deficit (CAD) at 1.2%–1.3%.
- India’s WPI inflation fell to a 14-month low of 0.39% in May 2025, as per data released on June 16. This decline was driven by negative inflation in primary articles (-2.02%) and fuel & power (-2.27%). Food inflation eased to 1.72%, with sharp drops in vegetable and potato prices. It marked the third consecutive month of softening wholesale price pressures.
- Honda R&D successfully tested a 6.3-meter reusable rocket in Taiki, Hokkaido, on June 17, 2025. It achieved 271 meters altitude, landed just 37 cm off target, and flew for 56.6 seconds. The test showcased Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTVL) tech—crucial for future space missions.
- The International Energy Agency (IEA) released its World Energy Investment 2025 report on June 19, 2025. India ranked third globally in power generation growth—after China and the United States (US). The report highlights India’s clean energy transition, with 83% of power sector investment in 2024 going to renewables. India attracted $5 billion in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and $2.4 billion in development finance for clean energy.
- Neeraj Chopra won the javelin gold at Paris Diamond League on June 20, 2025. Held at Stade Sébastien Charléty, he threw a stunning 88.16m on his first attempt. He outperformed Julian Weber (Germany) and Luiz da Silva (Brazil).
- World Music Day is celebrated on June 21 each year, aligning with the summer solstice. It began in France in 1982 as Fête de la Musique, promoting free, public musical performances. The day unites amateur and professional musicians across public spaces worldwide.
- World Hydrography Day is celebrated every year on June 21 to honor the founding of the IHO. It highlights hydrography's role in safe navigation, marine data, and ocean sustainability. The 2025 theme is “Seabed Mapping: Enabling Ocean Action” for informed marine governance.
- The Summer Solstice on June 21 marks the longest day in the Northern Hemisphere. In 2025, it occurred at 8:12 AM IST as the Sun reached its highest point. It signals the start of summer in the north and winter in the Southern Hemisphere.
- Prof. Suman Chakraborty was appointed Director of IIT Kharagpur on June 19, 2025. A J.C. Bose Fellow, he's known for innovations like Covirap and HemoQR diagnostic tools. He has served IIT-KGP since 2002 in roles like Dean (R&D) and Head of SMST.
- Sivasubramanian Ramann took charge as PFRDA Chairperson on June 20, 2025, for a five-year term. A 1991-batch IA&AS officer, he brings vast experience in finance, regulation, and tech. He earlier led SIDBI, NeSL, and held roles at SEBI and as Deputy CAG.
- Skechers appointed Kartik Aaryan as its brand ambassador for India on June 19, 2025. He will promote their Hands Free Slip-ins® footwear featuring Heel Pillow® technology. The move highlights Skechers’ push for convenient, stylish footwear in the Indian market.
- Tamil Nadu CM M.K. Stalin launched “Varalaru Koorum Tamil Nattu Kaasugal” on June 18, 2025. Co-authored by Minister Thangam Thennarasu and Arumuga Sitharaman, the book spans 2,000 years of coinage. It explores the historical and cultural evolution of Tamil Nadu’s monetary heritage.
Questions:
Q.1 According to the International Energy Agency (IEA) World Energy Investment 2025 report, India ranks ____ in global power generation growth.a) First
b) Second
c) Third
d) Fifth
Answer: c) India ranks third after China and the US, with 83% of 2024 power sector investments in renewables.
Q.2 Who co-authored the book “Varalaru Koorum Tamil Nattu Kaasugal” launched in June 2025?
a) M.K. Stalin and T. R. Baalu
b) Arumuga Sitharaman and Thangam Thennarasu
c) C. Rajagopalachari and E.V. Ramasamy
d) Kanimozhi and A. Raja
a) M.K. Stalin and T. R. Baalu
b) Arumuga Sitharaman and Thangam Thennarasu
c) C. Rajagopalachari and E.V. Ramasamy
d) Kanimozhi and A. Raja
Answer: b) Tamil Nadu CM M.K. Stalin launched “Varalaru Koorum Tamil Nattu Kaasugal” on June 18, 2025. Co-authored by Minister Thangam Thennarasu and Arumuga Sitharaman, the book spans 2,000 years of coinage.
