Jitendra Singh Leads High-level Indian Delegation at the International Meet on Oceans
Earth Sciences Minister Jitendra Singh is leading a high-level Indian delegation at the International Meet on Oceans being held from June 9 to 13 in Nice, France. The high-level international gathering brings together leaders, scientists, policymakers, and civil society actors from across the globe to discuss sustainable ocean governance and concrete actions for the health of the world's oceans.
The third edition of the UN Ocean Conference, co-hosted by France and Costa Rica, focuses on key themes such as restoring marine ecosystems, reducing marine pollution, promoting ocean-based scientific cooperation, and mobilising resources for the conservation and sustainable use of the oceans, seas, and marine resources, in line with Sustainable Development Goal 14. The conference features 'Ocean Action Panels' involving governments, UN bodies, researchers, industry leaders, and NGOs to forge partnerships and propose practical, scalable solutions.
India Pavilion among the Top Pavilions at World Expo Osaka
At the ongoing World Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan, the India Pavilion, titled 'Bharat Mandap,' secured a place among the top five most admired pavilions, according to a review shared by Mr. Yamamoto-san, Deputy Pavilion Director and representative of the Japan Travel Bureau (JTB). Ranked alongside global heavyweights such as the United States, Italy, France, and Japan, the India Pavilion's popularity is based on feedback from Expo officials, Japanese citizens, and online engagement on social media platforms.
RBI Raises Gold Loan LTV Ratio to 85% for Loans below Rs. 2.5 Lakh
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced a major revision in its gold loan norms by increasing the loan-to-value (LTV) ratio for loans up to Rs. 2.5 lakh to 85%, effective from April 1, 2026. This decision follows extensive consultations and aims to ease credit access for small-ticket borrowers, while also imposing stricter valuation, documentation, and monitoring frameworks on lenders to tackle the surge in non-performing assets (NPAs) in the gold loan segment.
This move addresses concerns from the Department of Financial Services (DFS) and aims to balance financial inclusion with credit risk management, especially in the wake of rising NPAs in the sector.
World's Largest Container Ship MSC IRINA Arrives at Vizhinjam International Seaport
The world's biggest container ship, MSC IRINA, docked at Vizhinjam International Seaport in Kerala, marking a milestone moment for India's newest deepwater port.
The vessel's arrival is the first time a container ship of this size has called at an Indian port, and it puts Vizhinjam firmly on the global shipping map. Built to carry 24,346 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units), MSC IRINA holds the record for the highest container capacity in the world.
The port, operated by Adani Ports and SEZ Ltd (APSEZ), is India's first Mega Transshipment Container Terminal. It sits just 10 nautical miles off one of the busiest east-west shipping lanes, connecting Europe, the Persian Gulf, Southeast Asia and the Far East.
At nearly 400 metres long and 61 metres wide, MSC IRINA is nearly four times the length of a football pitch. It can stack containers up to 26 tiers high, and is powered by energy-efficient tech that cuts emissions by around 4%. Flying the Liberian flag, the ship was launched in March 2023 and set out on its maiden voyage a month later.
Sat Pal Bhanoo Takes Interim Charge as LIC MD & CEO for Three Months
The Government of India appointed Sat Pal Bhanoo, currently Managing Director at Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC), as the interim CEO and Managing Director of the corporation. This decision follows the completion of the tenure of Siddhartha Mohanty, who served as the previous CEO & MD. Bhanoo assumed this key leadership role for a period of three months from June 08, 2025, or until a permanent successor is appointed, whichever occurs earlier.
Starlink Gets Green Light to Launch Satellite Internet in India
In a major boost to satellite-based internet connectivity in India, Elon Musk's Starlink secured the Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite (GMPCS) licence from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT). With this approval, Starlink becomes the third company authorised to provide satellite communication services in India, alongside Bharti Airtel-backed OneWeb and Reliance Jio's Satellite Communications. The company is expected to receive trial spectrum within 15–20 days to demonstrate its technical and security compliance before commencing full-scale operations.
Muhammad Waseem and Chloe Tryon Named ICC Players of the Month for May 2025
The International Cricket Council (ICC) named Muhammad Waseem of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Chloe Tryon of South Africa as the ICC Men's and Women's Players, respectively, of the Month for May 2025. Waseem, a dynamic top-order batter and captain, delivered standout performances in both ODIs and T20Is, while Tryon impressed as an all-rounder during South Africa's tour of Sri Lanka. The award recognises their consistency, match-winning efforts, and growing impact on international cricket.
Coco Gauff Wins French Open
Coco Gauff won the first French Open singles title of her career by fighting back and beating world number one Aryna Sabalenka in a rollercoaster final.
American second seed Gauff claimed a 6-7 (5-7) 6-2 6-4 victory after a tense battle between the WTA Tour's two leading players in testing conditions.
It is the second Grand Slam singles triumph of Gauff's career, adding to the US Open title she won in 2023, also by beating Belarus' Sabalenka.
Portugal Wins UEFA Nations League Title
Portugal won its second UEFA Nations League title after beating Spain 5-3 on penalties at the Allianz Arena in Munich.
The inaugural edition of the competition took place between 2018 and 2019. The Nations League was instituted to make international friendly matches between European countries more competitive.
T. Rabi Sankar Appointed as Part-time Member of the 16th Finance Commission
The President appointed T. Rabi Sankar, Deputy Governor, Reserve Bank of India (RBI), as a part-time Member of the 16th Finance Commission (XVIFC). He shall hold office until the submission of the Commission's Report or October 31, 2025, whichever is earlier.
The appointment of T. Rabi Sankar is consequent to the resignation of one of the full-time Members of the XVIFC, Ajay Narayan Jha.
The XVIFC was constituted on December 31, 2023, with Arvind Panagariya, former Vice-Chairman of NITI Aayog, as its chairman. The XVIFC is mandated to submit its recommendations by October 31, 2025, for the award period of five years commencing from April 1, 2026.
All India Institute of Ayurveda Hosts Iyengar Yoga Workshop under 'Yoga Samavesh'
As part of the International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2025 celebrations, the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) organise a special three-day Iyengar Yoga Workshop under the inclusive theme of 'Yoga Samavesh'. The workshop is being held from June 9 to 11, 2025.
The sessions are being led by renowned Iyengar Yoga teacher Amit Sharma from Lifeyoga Centre, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi. The workshop focuses on precision in body alignment techniques and enhancing mental wellness, hallmarks of the Iyengar Yoga tradition.
Padmanabhaswamy Temple Performs Rare Grand Consecration After 270 Years
Hundreds of devotees thronged the famous Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Kerala to witness Maha Kumbhabhishekam held at the shrine after 270 years.
This grand consecration took place following the completion of long-overdue renovation work at this ancient temple.
Dedication of "thazhikakudams", (the three domes above the sanctum sanctorum), the reinstallation of the Vishwaksena idol, and the 'Ashtabandha Kalasam' at the Thiruvambady Sree Krishna Temple (located within the main shrine complex) were held.
The Vishwaksena idol, renovated and reinstalled now, is about 300 years old and was built in "katu sarkara yogam", a traditional method involving a unique combination of materials to create idols.
India, Mongolia Holding Joint Military Drill 'Nomadic Elephant 2025'
The 17th edition of the joint military exercise 'Nomadic Elephant 2025' between India and Mongolia is underway at the Special Forces Training Centre in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
According to the Indian Army, the training focuses on conducting non-conventional operations in semi-urban and mountainous terrain under a United Nations mandate. The objective is to enhance the operational capabilities of both forces. Participating contingents are actively exchanging best practices in counter-terrorism operations and precision sniping, thereby improving interoperability.
The 'Nomadic Elephant 2025' exercise began on May 31 and is concludes on June 13, 2025.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tributes to legendary tribal leader and freedom fighter Bhagwan Birsa Munda on his 125th death anniversary, also known as 'Balidan Diwas', calling his life a symbol of courage, sacrifice, and commitment to tribal welfare and national pride.
Birsa Munda, born on November 15, 1875, in Ulihatu village – now in Jharkhand – emerged as a formidable force against British colonial rule in the late 19th century.
Known as 'Dharti Aaba' or the 'Father of the Earth' by tribal communities, Birsa Munda laid down his life for the cause of Indigenous empowerment and resistance to colonial oppression.
He passed away at the young age of 25 in British custody but left behind a legacy of resistance that continues to inspire tribal and non-tribal Indians alike.
The 78th annual Tony Awards were hosted by Cynthia Erivo in New York City.
Below is a short Tony Awards 2025 winners list:
Best New Musical: "Maybe Happy Ending"
Best New Play: "Purpose"
Best Leading Actress in a Musical: Nicole Scherzinger for "Sunset Blvd"
Best Leading Actor in a Musical: Darren Criss for "Maybe Happy Ending"
Best Actor in a Play: Cole Escola for "Oh Mary!"
Best Actress in a Play: Sarah Snook for "The Picture of Dorian Gray"
Best Musical Revival: "Sunset Boulevard"
Best Featured Actress in a Play: Kara Young for "Purpose"
The Tony Awards are the New York theatre industry's equivalent to the Emmy Awards for television, the Grammy Awards for music, and the Academy Awards (Oscars) for film.
IIT Bhilai Partners with French Institute for International Degree Collaboration
The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bhilai signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Institut Mines-Tlcom (IMT) Nord Europe in France to enhance academic and research cooperation between India and France. The agreement was signed by Prof. Rajiv Prakash, Director of IIT Bhilai, on behalf of the institute.
This MoU aims to promote mutual collaboration in areas of common interest. It will support both institutions in their academic goals and also contribute to the broader educational, social, and cultural development of their regions.
As part of the agreement, undergraduate and postgraduate students from IIT Bhilai will get a chance to study in France and pursue joint degrees.
The collaboration will focus on specific subject areas including Mechanical Engineering, Polymer and Composite Materials, Mechatronics, and Computer Science with Artificial Intelligence.
D. Y. Chandrachud Takes Key Role in German Energy firm vs Russia Dispute
In a significant development in the ongoing arbitration between German energy company Wintershall and Russia, former Chief Justice of India D. Y. Chandrachud was designated as the appointing authority under the Energy Charter Treaty, a multilateral pact that works under a framework for cooperation in the energy sector.
D. Y. Chandrachud, who demitted office as the Chief Justice in November 2024, is widely regarded for his contributions to constitutional law and international philosophy of law. His appointment signals the continued involvement of eminent jurists from diverse legal traditions in resolving high-stakes international investment disputes.
The development came following the resignation of Eduardo Siqueiros as the appointing authority on May 22, 2025.
The designation of the appointing authority comes under the rules of the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA), which frequently provides administrative support in disputes between investors and states under the Energy Charter Treaty framework.