Which Country Has Most Powerful Nuclear Force? SIPRI Shares 2025 Report
As per the latest report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), India continues to have an edge over Pakistan in nuclear capabilities. The report said that as of January 2025, the US has the most powerful nuclear force in the world, followed by Russia. The UK stands at the 3rd rank, and France comes at 4th. China has the 5th rank, followed by India 6th rank in the list of the most powerful nuclear forces in the world. Pakistan is after India on 7th position.
Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) is an international institute based in Stockholm, Sweden. It was founded in 1966 and provides data, analysis and recommendations for armed conflict, military expenditure and arms trade as well as disarmament and arms control.
Meta Appoints Arun Srinivas as India Head to Lead Business Expansion
Meta appointed Arun Srinivas as its new Managing Director and Head of India, effective July 1, 2025. Currently heading Meta's ads business in India, Srinivas will now oversee the company's overall business, innovation, and revenue strategy in one of its largest global markets. His elevation follows the resignation of Shivnath Thukral, and came at a time when Sandhya Devanathan took charge of Meta's operations across India and Southeast Asia.
RBI Relocates Andhra Pradesh Regional Office to Vijayawada
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) officially relocated its Andhra Pradesh regional office to Vijayawada. The new office was inaugurated by Deputy Governor T. Rabi Sankar, marking a significant step in enhancing the central bank's operational effectiveness and outreach in the state.
The RBI's decision to shift its Andhra Pradesh regional office to Vijayawada from the earlier location reflects an effort to streamline regional financial operations and boost accessibility in the heart of Andhra Pradesh. The move is also in alignment with the region's growing economic importance.
TCS Joins Hands with CEB to Streamline Financial Operations
Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) partnered with the Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB), headquartered in Paris, to streamline the bank's complex financial transactions. As part of this collaboration, TCS will implement its AI-driven solution, TCS BaNCSTM for Reconciliations, to automate and modernise CEB's reconciliation processes and increase operational transparency, efficiency, and control.
The collaboration between TCS and the CEB is significant for several reasons: It showcases India's IT leadership in global financial transformation. It introduces AI and automation into core banking functions of a major European development bank. It aligns with CEB's mission of improving operational efficiency to support social development projects across Europe.
India Ends Third in Medal Tally with Four Medals at 2025 ISSF World Cup in Munich
The 36-member Indian shooting contingent returned from the 2025 ISSF World Cup in Munich with a total of four medals, two gold and two bronze, which saw them end in third spot at the overall standings behind People's Republic of China and Norway.
The 2025 ISSF World Cup in Munich was held from June 7 to 15, 2025.
Armand Duplantis Sets 12th World Record with 6.28m Vault
Sweden's pole vault sensation Armand Duplantis once again etched his name in the history books by breaking his own world record with a stunning 6.28-meter leap at the Diamond League meet in Stockholm. Duplantis achieved the feat on his very first attempt, marking the 12th time he has set a new world record in his event.
Taylor Fritz Clinches the Stuttgart Open 2025 Title
American tennis star Taylor Fritz clinched the Stuttgart Open 2025 title with a straight-sets win over Germany's Alexander Zverev, marking his ninth ATP career title and fourth on grass. The victory not only extended Fritz's winning streak over Zverev to five matches but also gave him a confidence boost ahead of Wimbledon.
Amitabh Kant stepped down as India's G20 Sherpa, ending a 45-year career in government service. The former NITI Aayog CEO, who represented India at the G20 since 2022 and played a key role during its 2023 presidency, announced that he will now engage with start-ups, think tanks, and academic institutions in a personal capacity.
Kant served as NITI Aayog's longest-tenured CEO, holding the post for over six years from February 2016 to June 2022, before being appointed India's G20 Sherpa in July 2022.
India Appoints Ambassador to North Korea after 4 Years
India appointed Aliawati Longkumer as its next ambassador to North Korea, marking a step in re-establishing diplomatic engagement with Pyongyang after a four-year hiatus.
India reopened its embassy in Pyongyang in December 2024, nearly four years after it was shut down in July 2021 amid pandemic-related disruptions. Atul Malhari Gotsurve was the last ambassador posted in North Korea before the closure. Ahead of resuming operations, New Delhi undertook security assessments and anti-surveillance measures.
Operation Rising Lion: Israel Targets Iranian Nuclear Sites in Escalated Strikes
In pre-dawn strikes termed Operation Rising Lion, dozens of Israeli jets launched a sweeping aerial assault across Iranian territory, hitting multiple high-value nuclear and military targets. Chief among them was Iran's principal uranium enrichment site at Natanz.
In a sudden escalation of hostilities between the two countries, Iranan also confirmed the death of Major General Hossein Salami, chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), in what it called "a direct assassination by Zionist forces."
Fifth FPV 'Achal' Built by Goa Shipyard Ltd Launched for ICG
The Indian Coast Guard's fleet received a significant boost with the launch of 'Achal', the fifth in a series of eight Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs) being built by Goa Shipyard Ltd (GSL) under a Rs. 473 crore contract.
The vessel was launched at the GSL facility in Goa in the presence of Additional Director General Anil Kumar Harbola, Coast Guard Commander (Western Seaboard). The event was attended by top officials from the Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard, and GSL, including GSL Chairman and Managing Director Brajesh Kumar Upadhyay.
Renowned ISRO Scientist and Tamil Author Nellai S. Muthu Passes Away
Nellai S. Muthu, a former ISRO scientist, acclaimed Tamil author, and recipient of numerous literary accolades, passed away at the age of 74. Known for his multifaceted contributions to science communication, children's literature, and Tamil writing, Muthu leaves behind an enduring legacy of over 170 books across genres, reflecting his passion for both space science and Tamil culture.
He served as a senior scientist at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, and worked alongside Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, contributing to India's space missions.
He is a recipient of the Kavimamani Award from the World Tamil Poets Association, Malaysia, and multiple awards from the Tamil Development Department, Government of Tamil Nadu.
World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought is observed every year on June17 to raise public awareness about international efforts to tackle desertification, land degradation, and drought (DLDD).
The United Nations General Assembly established World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought in 1994. This was in response to the adoption of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). The World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought 2025 holds special significance as it falls at the midpoint of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021–2030).
The theme for World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought 2025 is 'Restore the Land. Unlock the Opportunities.'
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with the 'Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III', the highest civilian honour of the Republic of Cyprus. The award was presented by Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides during the Prime Minister's official visit to the country.
Instituted in 1981 by then President Spyros Kyprianou, the Decoration of the Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III is one of the most prestigious awards conferred by the Cypriot state.
IIT Bombay Most Preferred again in JEE Advanced 2025 First Seat Allotment
The results of the first round of seat allotment by the Joint Seat Allocation Authority (JoSAA) for 2025 reaffirm a familiar pattern: IIT Bombay continued to be the top choice among the country's highest JEE Advanced rankers.
According to the data released by IIT Kanpur, which is overseeing the JEE Advanced and JoSAA counselling process this year (2025), 78 of the top 100 candidates have chosen to study at IIT Bombay. Amongst the top 10 rankers, nine had registered for JoSAA, and all nine opted for this Mumbai-based IIT—cementing its reputation as the most sought-after institute in the country.
IIT Guwahati to Host Indo-Danish Research Centre with Joint Postgraduate Programmes
Strengthening its global academic ties, IIT Guwahati partnered with the University of Southern Denmark (SDU) to launch collaborative efforts in research, education, and innovation. The agreement marks a notable step in Indo-Danish academic relations, with both institutions aiming to work on sustainable technologies and future-ready education models.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was formally signed by Professor Devendra Jalihal, Director of IIT Guwahati, and Professor Henrik Bindslev, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at SDU.
The MoU also opens the door to joint Master's and PhD programmes, where students will be co-supervised and their academic credits recognised across both institutions. Additionally, student and faculty exchange programmes will enable cross-cultural learning and skill development.
Launch of the Book 'Reimagining Jammu & Kashmir: A Pictorial Journey'
Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), under the aegis of the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, hosted a book launch and photo exhibition titled 'Reimagining Jammu & Kashmir: A Pictorial Journey' by noted photojournalist Ashish Sharma, published by Bloomsbury. Organised by the Kala Nidhi Division of IGNCA, the event took place at Samvet Auditorium, IGNCA, New Delhi, and brought together esteemed dignitaries, scholars, and cultural practitioners in celebration of the visual narrative and evolving identity of Jammu & Kashmir.
The event was graced by Manoj Sinha, Lieutenant Governor of the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir, as the Chief Guest, and Meenakshi Lekhi, former Minister of State for Culture and External Affairs.
The purpose of this book is to portray the changing landscape of Jammu and Kashmir—its cultural heritage, natural beauty, and the resilience and hope of its people. The author, Ashish Sharma, is himself a native of Kashmir and has witnessed decades of struggle, fear, and transformation up close. His inspiration was to present to the world the true image of his homeland—its peace, progress, and vibrant life.
Himachal Pradesh opened the Shipki La pass, a motorable mountain pass at an altitude of 3,930 metres in the tribal Kinnaur district, to domestic tourists, a significant step towards revitalising border tourism and reviving hopes of resuming India-China trade through the route stalled since 2020.
The strategic pass near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) may also work as a new route for the sacred Kailash Manasarovar Yatra. The tourism initiative, launched by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, also aims to bolster the local economy and foster cultural exchange in the remote border region.
NLU Delhi Appoints Dr. Sidharth Luthra as KL Arora Chair Professor in Criminal Law
The National Law University Delhi (NLU Delhi) appointed Senior Advocate, Dr Sidharth Luthra, as the KL Arora Chair Professor in criminal law. The Chair is dedicated to fostering excellence in teaching, research, and advocacy in the field of criminal law.
The Chair was set up in 2011 by former Supreme Court Justice DP Wadhwa and has served as a platform to advance scholarly dialogue, legal education, and public engagement on critical issues in criminal justice.
Prominent scholars like Prof BB Pande, Prof K. Chockalingam, and Prof G. S. Bajpai have held the Chair earlier.