India-Ukraine Hold First Joint Working Group Meeting on Agriculture Cooperation
India and Ukraine held their first Joint Working Group (JWG) meeting on Agriculture in June 2025, via virtual mode, marking a significant step towards strengthening bilateral cooperation in the agriculture and allied sectors.
Co-chaired by Shri Ajeet Kumar Sahu from India and Ms. Oksana Osmachko from Ukraine, the meeting focused on mutual collaboration in areas such as digital agriculture, mechanisation, plant breeding, and food processing.
India highlighted its innovative agricultural reforms, while Ukraine emphasized its willingness to deepen partnerships through technology exchange and knowledge sharing.
At a time when food security and agricultural innovation are global priorities, this step reflects India's growing international agricultural outreach and Ukraine's intent to explore synergies with India in key agri-tech and food value chain sectors.
The Bonn Climate Change Conference 2025 commenced on June 16 in Bonn, Germany, bringing together more than 5,000 government delegates, scientists, Indigenous leaders, and civil society actors.
This mid-year gathering under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) plays a crucial role in shaping the global climate agenda.
Officially known as the Sessions of the Subsidiary Bodies (SBs), this event is second only to the COP (Conference of the Parties) in terms of global importance in climate negotiations.
The meeting is led by the SBs of the UNFCCC. There are two permanent SBs of the UNFCCC, the Subsidiary Body for Implementation (SBI) and the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice (SBSTA).
OpenAI Secures $200 Million AI Contract with U.S. Defense Department
OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, was awarded a $200 million contract by the U.S. Department of Defense to develop advanced artificial intelligence (AI) tools tailored to national security and military operations. Announced by the Pentagon, the deal positions OpenAI at the forefront of defense-related AI innovation, with work expected to continue through July 2026, primarily near Washington, D.C.
The contract showcases the deepening ties between tech firms and defense institutions.
It marks OpenAI's entry into national security AI systems, signaling a shift beyond commercial use.
Swiggy Names Saurav Goyal SVP to Head Driver and Delivery Organisation
Swiggy Ltd, one of India's largest on-demand convenience platforms, appointed Saurav Goyal as Senior Vice President and head of its Driver and Delivery Organisation, the company said.
Goyal, who joined Swiggy in June 2020, has been serving as head of the business finance function. In that role, he played a key part in advancing the company's strategic objectives, working closely with operational leaders to align financial planning with business outcomes.
Bank of Maharashtra Signs MoU with SBI Card for Co-Branded Credit Cards
State-owned Bank of Maharashtra entered into a strategic co-branding partnership with SBI Card to launch co-branded credit cards tailored to meet the evolving financial and lifestyle needs of its customers.
Under this partnership, bank customers will be able to access a range of co-branded credit cards, designed with attractive features including reward points, cashback offers, fuel surcharge waivers, EMI facilities, and exclusive merchant discounts across key spending categories like dining, travel, and e-commerce.
Hyderabad Becomes Google's Cybersecurity Hub with GSEC Launch
In a significant boost to India's digital and cybersecurity landscape, Google launched its first Safety Engineering Centre (GSEC) in the Asia-Pacific region in Hyderabad in June 2025.
The centre, inaugurated by Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, is Google's fourth GSEC globally and aims to drive advancements in cybersecurity, responsible AI, and user safety.
The launch follows the company's announcement of its "Safety Charter for India's AI-led Transformation," reinforcing its commitment to protecting digital citizens.
The inauguration of Google's GSEC in Hyderabad marks a milestone for India's role in the global cybersecurity landscape.
With rising online threats and expanding AI capabilities, this centre positions India as a strategic digital defence hub, while promoting responsible technology development across the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region.
Russell Claims Victory in Canada as McLaren Duo Norris & Piastri Collide
In a dramatic turn of events at the 2025 Canadian Grand Prix, Mercedes driver George Russell secured his first victory of the season while McLaren teammates Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri collided late in the race. Norris, attempting to overtake Piastri for fourth place, misjudged the move and crashed into his teammate.
The Canadian Grand Prix 2025 was held at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, Montreal.
1st: George Russell (Mercedes)
2nd: Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
3rd: Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes)
4th: Oscar Piastri (McLaren)
Retired: Lando Norris (McLaren) — due to crash
Ministry of Panchayati Raj Sign MoU with Bhashini to Deepen Multilingual Access in e-Governance at the Grassroots
The Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR) formalised a significant collaboration with Bhashini, the National Language Translation Mission under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to harness cutting-edge AI-powered language technologies for greater inclusivity and improved accessibility in Panchayati Raj governance at Constitution Club of India Annexe, New Delhi.
This initiative is a strategic collaboration to expand multilingual access across MoPR's digital platforms and outreach efforts, enabling wider public participation in Panchayati Raj initiatives, programs, dialogues, and live events through advanced translation technologies.
Mizoram Signs MoU with BHASHINI for Multilingual Governance
In a significant move towards inclusive digital governance, the Digital India BHASHINI Division (DIBD) and the Government of Mizoram signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote multilingual governance and empower the Mizo community through language technology in their native tongue.
With this strategic partnership, Mizoram is set to adopt BHASHINI's innovative platform, reaffirming its commitment to preserving the state's linguistic heritage while ensuring digital access and participation for all citizens.
This MoU marks a major milestone in Mizoram's efforts to promote native language access in governance, preserve regional languages, and empower tribal communities through digital inclusion.
Operation Sindhu: India Evacuates Nationals from Conflict-Hit Iran
Amid rising tensions between Iran and Israel, the Government of India has launched 'Operation Sindhu' to ensure the safe evacuation of Indian nationals stranded in the conflict-affected regions of Iran.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has initiated coordinated efforts through Indian embassies in Tehran and Yerevan to transport evacuees to safer zones and back home.
The first batch of 110 Indian students was successfully brought to Armenia and flown to New Delhi in a special flight on June 18, 2025.
The move reflects India's prioritization of citizens' safety abroad and diplomatic agility during emergencies.
Indian Army Participates in Exercise Shakti in France
A 90-member Indian Army contingent, led by troops from the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles, is taking part in the eighth edition of the India-France joint military exercise 'Shakti', scheduled from June 18 to July 1, 2025, at Camp Larzac, La Cavalerie.
This biennial engagement between the two nations focuses on enhancing counter-terror cooperation, sub-conventional operations, and military interoperability in semi-urban terrain, under the UN Charter's Chapter VII mandate.
The French Contingent: 90 troops from the 13th Foreign Legion Half-Brigade (13th DBLE) – an elite unit known for overseas operations.
Padma Bhushan Conferred on Veteran Journalist Ram Bahadur Rai at IGNCA
On June 18, 2025, eminent journalist and cultural intellectual Shri Ram Bahadur Rai was formally presented the Padma Bhushan, India's third-highest civilian award, by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
The special presentation took place at the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) office in Delhi, as Shri Rai was unable to attend the main ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
The award ceremony witnessed the presence of prominent dignitaries and intellectuals who paid heartfelt tributes to his lifelong contributions to journalism, public discourse, and cultural thought.
Shri Ram Bahadur Rai, a towering figure in Indian journalism and the President of IGNCA Trust, has been awarded the Padma Bhushan for his distinguished service in literature and education (journalism).
Govt Launches Rs. 3000 FASTag Annual Pass for Private Vehicles
In a significant move aimed at easing toll payments and enhancing highway travel convenience, the Government of India has launched a FASTag-based Annual Pass for Rs. 3,000, exclusively for private vehicles like cars, jeeps, and vans.
Starting August 15, 2025, this scheme allows up to 200 trips or one year of travel, whichever comes first, and is designed to reduce costs, eliminate disputes at toll booths, and promote seamless, digital-first toll collection across National Highways.
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari officially announced via social media the launch of the FASTag Annual Pass.
The scheme addresses persistent issues like toll plazas placed within 60 km proximity, frequent toll disputes, and congestion.
By offering a single upfront payment for regular commuters, this initiative reflects the government's commitment to digital mobility, transparency, and ease of travel on Indian highways.
Anantha Chandrakasan Becomes First Indian-Born Provost of MIT
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has appointed Professor Anantha Chandrakasan as its next Provost, making him the first Indian-born academician to hold the prestigious position.
A pioneer in electrical engineering and computer science, Chandrakasan will take charge on July 1, 2025, succeeding Cynthia Barnhart.
In this role, he will guide MIT's academic affairs, financial planning, and strategic initiatives.
This historic appointment has garnered attention globally as Anantha Chandrakasan, an Indian-American scientist and administrator, will now oversee MIT's institutional and academic planning as Provost, one of the highest academic leadership roles at the university.
His ascension reflects MIT's commitment to global excellence and diversity in leadership.
DU Launches JAIHIND Scheme to Upskill ST Students from Across Country
Delhi University has launched an initiative to impart basic computer skills and training for higher education, including the application process for the Common University Entrance Test (CUET), to Scheduled Tribes (ST) students from Classes 9 to 12 across India, particularly those living in remote parts.
The Janajati Immersive Holistic Intervention for Novel Development (JAIHIND) scheme's first batch of 25 students, including 12 girls and 13 boys from the Ukhrul district of Manipur, selected on the basis of their academic merit, started their training on Tuesday. The inaugural two-week programme will continue till June 29, said Vice-Chancellor Yogesh Singh.