Raksha Mantri Participates in SCO Defence Ministers' Meeting in China
Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh led a high-level Indian delegation at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers' Meeting held at Qingdao, China. During the meeting, the Defence Ministers discussed a number of issues, including regional and international peace & security, counter-terrorism efforts and cooperation among the Ministries of Defence of SCO member states.
India refused to sign joint statement in the SCO summit
SCO is an inter-governmental organisation established in 2001. India became a full member in 2017 and assumed the rotating Chairmanship in 2023. The SCO membership includes Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Iran and Belarus, besides India. China assumed the Chair of the SCO for 2025 under the theme 'Upholding the Shanghai Spirit: SCO on the Move'.
Researchers discovered of a new gecko species, Dravidogecko coonoor, in the Nilgiris of Tamil Nadu. This finding adds to the biodiversity of the Western Ghats, a hotspot for endemic species.
The new species was identified through extensive field surveys across the Western Ghats. The researchers noted that Dravidogecko coonoor inhabits both urban and natural environments. This includes walls of buildings, branches of plants, and tree bark. The habitat is primarily characterised by montane forests and monoculture plantations, often influenced by human activities.
Tata Group First Indian Brand over the $30 Billion Value Mark
The Tata Group, with a brand value increase of 10 per cent to $31.6 billion once again secured the position of India's most valuable brand, by becoming the first Indian brand to have crossed the $30 billion threshold, according to the latest India 100 report by Brand Finance, a brand valuation consultancy firm.
India's top 10 most valuable brands ranked showed a remarkable double-digit growth in value.
As the second most valuable Indian brand, Infosys' brand value went up by 15 per cent to $16.3 billion, continuing to lead the IT Services sector, while the HDFC Group - third in the ranking – saw its brand value rise 37 per cent to $14.2 billion.
At the fourth place, LIC's brand value went up 35 per cent to $13.6 billion followed by HCLTech with a brand value of $8.9 billion, up 17 per cent.
IFFCO Sets Up First Overseas Nano Fertiliser Plant in Brazil
Four years after the launch of nano urea in the country, Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative IFFCO is setting up its first plant abroad for manufacturing nano-soil nutrients in Brazil.
The plant being set up under a 7:3 joint venture between IFFCO subsidiary IFFCO Nanoventions, and Brazilian company NANOFERT. It will be producing 4.5 million litres of nano-fertilisers annually.
The trial production in the Brazil plant would commence by the end of 2025.
Indian Women Wrestlers Clinch Champion Trophy at Under-17 Asian Wrestling Championships
The Indian women wrestling team emerged as the champion Team at the Under-17 Asian Wrestling Championships held in Vung Tau, Vietnam, as per the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) release.
Following the triumphant victory of the Under-23 Women Wrestling Team in Vietnam, the Under-17 Women Wrestlers showcased exceptional grit, determination, and skill to carry forward India's winning momentum.
The Indian women team dominated across weight categories, winning a total of 10 medals - 5 gold, 3 silver, and 2 bronze, thus securing the Champion Trophy with 215 points. China stood second with 151 points, while Japan secured third position with 149 points.
Salman Khan Joins ISPL as Owner of Delhi Franchise
The Indian Street Premier League (ISPL), India's pioneering tennis-ball T10 cricket league, announced Bollywood superstar Salman Khan as the new team owner for its upcoming New Delhi franchise.
The addition of a New Delhi team and the inclusion of Salman Khan marks a new chapter in the league's rapid evolution and growing cultural footprint.
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar inaugurated a six-lane bridge over the Ganges that connects the state capital Patna with Raghopur, the political stronghold of his arch-rival RJD president Lalu Prasad. This strategic infrastructure project carries deep political symbolism, linking the seat of power with the constituency of the opposition leader.
The ceremony was attended by several high-ranking officials, including Deputy Chief Ministers Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha, along with Assembly Speaker Nawal Kishor Yadav, who represents the Patna Sahib constituency under which Kachchi Dargah falls.
PM Chairs 48th PRAGATI Meeting
Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the 48th meeting of PRAGATI, the ICT-enabled, multi-modal platform aimed at fostering pro-active governance and timely implementation, by seamlessly integrating efforts of the Central and State governments, at South Block.
During the meeting, Prime Minister reviewed certain critical infrastructure projects across the Mines, Railways, and Water Resources sectors. These projects, pivotal to economic growth and public welfare, were reviewed with a focus on timelines, inter-agency coordination, and issue resolution.
ConvEx-3 (2025): IAEA and Romania Lead Largest Global Nuclear Emergency Drill
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), in partnership with Romania, conducted the largest-ever international nuclear emergency exercise named ConvEx-3. This 36-hour drill simulated a severe nuclear accident at the Cernavodă Nuclear Power Plant, Romania's sole nuclear energy facility.
The primary aim of ConvEx-3 was to test the readiness of countries to respond to nuclear or radiological emergencies, particularly those with cross-border implications.
Romania last hosted a ConvEx-3 exercise in 2005. Exactly 20 years later, the country reaffirmed its commitment to nuclear safety and global cooperation. The Cernavodă Nuclear Power Plant, located near the Black Sea, plays a central role in this effort, symbolising both energy potential and safety responsibility.
International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking
The world observes the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking annually on June 26, also known as 'World Drug Day', to raise awareness of the global drug crisis and promote multilateral action toward prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation.
In December 1987, the General Assembly of the United Nations set aside June 26 of each year as International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking to be observed worldwide.
Nawazuddin Siddiqui Wins Best Actor at the New York Indian Film Festival
Nawazuddin Siddiqui won the Best Actor award at the New York Indian Film Festival (NYIFF) for his role in I'm Not an Actor. The festival, known for spotlighting bold and meaningful cinema from the Indian diaspora, recognised Siddiqui's deeply layered performance in a film that grapples with themes of identity, authenticity, and the blurred lines between real life and performance.
The Odisha government unveiled plans to establish nine new medical institutions across the state, aiming to strengthen its healthcare infrastructure and improve access to medical education. The announcement was made by Health and Family Welfare Minister Mukesh Mahaling during the Healthcare Summit 2025, organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).
Out of the nine institutions, four will be MBBS colleges located in Jagatsinghpur, Bhadrak, Dhenkanal, and Nabarangpur districts. These colleges are expected to offer 100 seats each and will help address the shortage of doctors in underserved regions of the state.
In addition to the MBBS colleges, the state will also set up four dental colleges in Burla, Berhampur, Bolangir, and Keonjhar. An Ayurvedic medical institute will be launched in Mayurbhanj district, providing opportunities in alternative medicine and traditional healthcare systems.
Amit Shah Releases 'The Emergency Diaries', Traces PM Modi's Underground Role during Emergency
Union Home Minister Amit Shah released a book titled 'The Emergency Diaries – Years that Forged a Leader', chronicling Prime Minister Narendra Modi's experiences and involvement during the 1975-77 Emergency.
The launch, held in the capital on the occasion of 'Savidhan Hatya Diwas', was attended by several senior leaders, including Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Delhi Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena, and Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta.
Travel Agent Association of India Launches DMC Connect
Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) launched an initiative called TAAI DMC Connect to connect global DMCs, tourism boards and authorities with its outbound tour operators across India. With a network of over 2,000 members, it aims to promote destinations and boost clients' businesses.