Dr. Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar Showcases India's DPI as Global Benchmark for Inclusive Digital Governance at BRICS
India reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive, sustainable, and future-ready digital development during the 11th BRICS Communications Ministers Meeting held in Brasília, Brazil. Representing the Government of India, Dr. Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar, Minister of State for Communications and Rural Development, delivered the country's statement, aligning India's priorities with the overarching theme set by Brazil's BRICS presidency: Universal and Meaningful Connectivity, Space Sustainability, Environmental Sustainability, and the Digital Ecosystem.
He called upon BRICS nations to deepen collaboration in harnessing digital public infrastructure to drive inclusive growth and build resilient digital economies. He underscored that India's DPI model—built on open, interoperable platforms—serves as a catalyst for financial inclusion, good governance, and digital innovation, while also guarding against monopolistic practices.
Annalena Baerbock Elected President of 80th UN General Assembly Session
Former German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock was elected as the President of the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). Her election marked a significant moment in UN history as she became the first woman from the Western European group to assume the post and the fifth woman overall to lead the UNGA. Baerbock took over at a time when global governance faces multiple crises ranging from geopolitical conflicts to sustainable development setbacks.
Lee Jae-myung Elected South Korean President
South Korea elected Lee Jae-Myung as its new President after a snap election held just six months after the country faced one of its most turbulent political periods. His conservative opponent, Kim Moon-soo of the People Power Party, conceded defeat and congratulated Lee.
Speaking to supporters in Seoul, Lee expressed gratitude and promised to push for peaceful dialogue with North Korea. He also committed to preventing future military interventions.
Telangana Notifies Kumram Bheem Conservation Reserve to Boost Tiger Corridor
The Telangana State government declared the tiger corridor area connecting the Kawal Tiger Reserve in the State with the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra as 'Kumram Bheem Conservation Reserve', as per the provisions of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
Spanning nearly 1,493 sq. km, this newly declared reserve strengthens efforts to protect India's big cat population and other critical biodiversity in the central Indian landscape.
Delta Electronics Signs Deal with Ventus Energy to Reduce Carbon Footprint
Energy and power management solutions provider Delta Electronics India signed a power purchase agreement with Ventus Energy Consultancy to reduce its carbon footprint in the country.
A power purchase agreement is a long-term deal between a power supplier and a power consumer. It outlines the terms of electricity sale, including the price, volume, and duration of the agreement.
Delta Electronics would source a combined 9.6 million units of wind power annually to power its manufacturing facilities in Tamil Nadu.
Deutsche Bank Appoints Stefan Schaffer as CEO of India GCC
Deutsche Bank appointed Stefan Schaffer as the new CEO of its India Global Capability Centre (GCC). Schaffer will also operate as the Global CIO for Corporate Functions and Head of Global Technology Centres at Deutsche Bank.
Since joining Deutsche Bank in 2020, Stefan has held several senior leadership roles within the Technology, Data and Innovation (TDI) division. His tenure includes serving as Head of the Bucharest Technology Centre and President of the Board of Directors in Romania.
Canara Bank Removes Minimum Balance Rule for All SB Accounts
Canara Bank announced the removal of charges for non-maintenance of minimum balance across all types of Savings Bank (SB) accounts, including regular, salary, and NRI accounts.
Effective June 1, 2025, the move made Canara Bank the first major public sector bank to implement a blanket waiver on minimum balance penalties for all SB account categories.
Previously, account holders were required to maintain a specified Average Monthly Balance (AMB) or face penalties. With this policy change, such fees will no longer apply, offering more flexibility and financial relief to customers.
Krunal Pandya First to Win 'Player of the Match' Award in Two IPL Finals
Krunal Pandya emerged as a true clutch player for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, leading them to their first Indian Premier League (IPL) title in 18 years after RCB beat Punjab Kings in the IPL 2025 final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
With a terrific performance with the ball, Krunal was chosen the Player of the Match (PoTM) in the final and became only the first player in the history of the league to have won two PoTM in an IPL final.
ICC Unveils Dates, Venues for Women T20 World Cup 2026
The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced the venues and dates for the Women's T20 World Cup 2026, which is scheduled to be held in England.
Hosts England will kick off the extravagant cricket tournament on June 12, which will be held at Edgbaston in Birmingham. The famed Oval in London will host both the semi-finals on June 30 and July 2, respectively, while the final will be held at the iconic Lord's Cricket Ground on July 5.
The marquee tournament will last 24 days, and 33 matches will be played at seven different venues in England, including Old Trafford Cricket Ground in Manchester, Headingley in Leeds, Edgbaston in Birmingham, The Hampshire Bowl in Southampton, Bristol County Ground in Bristol, and The Oval and Lord's in London.
The 10th edition of the Women's T20 World Cup is the biggest ever, with 12 teams competing for the prestigious trophy. Eight teams have already qualified for the tournament, including hosts England, Australia, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, South Africa, the West Indies, and the defending champions, New Zealand.
IPL 2025: Suryakumar Yadav Crowned MVP; Sai Sudharsan Adjudged Emerging Player of the Season
Mumbai Indians' (MI) dynamic batter Suryakumar Yadav was crowned the Most Valuable Player of the Season, while Gujarat Titans' (GT) consistent top-order star Sai Sudharsan was adjudged the Emerging Player of the Season following the conclusion of the 18th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Mansukh Mandaviya Inaugurates 'Urban Adda 2025' and Launches Landmark Books on Cycling
Union Minister of Labour & Employment and Youth Affairs & Sports, Mansukh Mandaviya inaugurated the Urban Adda 2025 conclave in New Delhi. A three-day conclave aims to unite young voices, experts, and leaders to forge sustainable urban futures.
During the event, coinciding with World Bicycle Day, Mandaviya formally launched two landmark publications:
Cycling, Children & Cities, authored by Dr. Bhairavi Joshi
Road to Cycle2School, authored by Dr. Bhairavi Joshi and Ar. Kush Parikh
These books advocate the urgent redesign of urban environments to support active mobility, healthier lifestyles, and safer public spaces for children.
The Urban Adda 2025, running from June 3 to 5, features thematic sessions on climate-resilient cities, gender and mobility, clean air and water, waste management, and inclusive transport.
India Wins Presidency of International Institute of Administrative Sciences
India won the Presidency of the International Institute of Administrative Sciences (IIAS). The International Institute of Administrative Sciences, a notable global institution, is a federation of 31 member countries, 20 national sections, and 15 academic research centres jointly collaborating on scientific research in public administration.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had nominated the Indian candidate, Secretary DARPG (Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances), Shri V. Srinivas, for the 2025-2028 Presidency of IIAS in November 2024. Following Presidency hearings in February 2025, the candidacies of India, South Africa, and Austria were forwarded to the IIAS General Body. Subsequently, South Africa withdrew its candidacy in favour of India in May 2025.
The election between India and Austria was held, in which 141 votes were polled. India secured 87 votes (61.7 per cent of the vote), while Austria received 54 votes (38.3 per cent of the vote). India's candidacy received widespread support from across the membership.
Shailendra Nath Gupta Appointed as New Director General of Defence Estates
Shailendra Nath Gupta, a 1990-batch officer of the Indian Defence Estates Service (IDES), was appointed as the Director General of Defence Estates (DGDE). With over three decades of experience in cantonment administration and defence land management, Gupta officially assumed charge in June 2025, bringing a seasoned leadership approach to managing India's vast defence land assets spread across the country.
His appointment is significant as DGDE oversees the management of approximately 18 lakh acres of defence land across India.
TCL India Extends its Partnership with Rohit Sharma as its Brand Ambassador
TCL, a leading consumer electronics brand and a global player in the TV industry announced the extension of Rohit Sharma as its brand ambassador for the second year in a row. This collaboration marks a significant step between the hit-man and TCL India, reinforcing the brand's commitment to innovation and excellence deeply-rooted in Indian culture.
International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression
Every year, International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression is observed on June 4.
On August 19, 1982, the UN General Assembly's special session focused on the plight that Palestinian and Lebanese children faced due to Israeli aggression during the Lebanon war. The assembly further pledged to protect the rights of the children in Lebanon. The UN General Assembly announced that every year, on June 4, International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression will be observed.
IGNOU Launches MBA in Hindi and Odia to Break Language Barriers
In a step toward inclusive education, the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) introduced its flagship MBA programme in Hindi and Odia. This move aligns with the goals of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which champions multilingual learning and broader access to professional courses.
The aim is clear: make management education more accessible to students who are more comfortable learning in their native languages. With these new offerings, IGNOU hopes to make business studies less intimidating and more relatable for learners from non-English-speaking backgrounds.
Mahindra University Appoints Dr. Jayaram Raghunath as Dean of its School of Law
Mahindra University announced the appointment of Dr. Jayaram Raghunath as the new Dean of its School of Law.
Dr. Raghunath is an academician, legal educator and researcher with over 25 years of diverse experience in law, spanning corporate practice, academia and institutional leadership.
Prior to this, he served as Dean at GD Goenka University and Manipal University, Jaipur.
The 3rd Lavender Festival concluded, in Bhaderwah, Jammu and Kashmir, celebrating the region's growing role in India's Purple Revolution. Organised by CSIR-IIIM under the Aroma Mission, the two-day event highlighted the economic and social transformation lavender cultivation is bringing to remote Himalayan communities, drawing participation from over 1,200 stakeholders including farmers, scientists, investors, and policymakers.