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CURRENT AFFAIRS : BANKING & FINANCE

Reserve Bank of India Launches Scheme to Promote Original Hindi Books on Economics, Banking, and Finance

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has launched a Scheme for writing books originally in Hindi on Economics, Banking, and Financial subjects to encourage original writings and research in Banking Hindi.
• The scheme awards three prizes of ₹1,25,000 each to working or retired professors (including Assistant and Associate Professors) from UGC-recognized Indian universities.

Key Highlights :

• Eligible participants must have authored at least one Hindi book of 200+ pages on relevant subjects, published between April 1, 2024, and March 31, 2025.
• Authors who receive the award for two consecutive years will have to observe a one-year cooling period.
• An evaluation committee consisting of:
• Two professors of Economics/Banking/Finance,
• One professor of Hindi Literature/Linguistics,
• And RBI officials will assess the entries.
• The assessment gives 60% weightage to content and 40% to language and style.
• Professors must submit nominations with five copies of the book by June 30, 2025.

Recent News :

• In June 2025, The RBI launched the 2024-25 round of its annual survey on Foreign Liabilities and Assets (FLA) of Mutual Funds and Asset Management Companies (AMCs).

About RBI :

• Established : 1 April 1935
• Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
• Governor : Sanjay Malhotra

Thomas Cook Partners with Muthoot Forex to Expand Payment Network

• Travel companyThomas Cook has announced a strategic partnership with Muthoot Forex, the foreign exchange division of the Muthoot Group.
• The partnership aims to expand the reach of Thomas Cook's Borderless Travel Card and Study Buddy Card (both prepaid forex cards).
• These forex cards will now be available across Muthoot’s extensive network of over 7,000 branches, including 43 full-fledged forex branches.
• The distribution network spans across metro cities, mini-metros, and Tier II to Tier IV markets across India.
• This move is intended to increase accessibility of forex services for customers in smaller cities and towns, supporting students, travelers, and international spenders.

TransUnion CIBIL and Sa-Dhan Launch Credit Awareness Program for Microfinance Sector

• TransUnion CIBIL, a leading credit information company, has partnered with Sa-Dhan, a self-regulatory organisation (SRO) for microfinance institutions (MFIs).
• The partnership aims to launch a credit awareness initiative to promote credit literacy and responsible lending across India.
• The initiative will empower MFIs with data-driven insights, training, and tools for better credit assessment and monitoring.
• It will also help microfinance borrowers by encouraging responsible credit behaviour and improving access to financial services in underserved communities.
• As part of the program, TransUnion CIBIL and Sa-Dhan will:
• Co-develop multilingual digital content
• Conduct community outreach programs
• Host joint regional workshops and state-level events
• The focus will be on increasing awareness of:Credit scores, Data-based underwriting, Financial discipline
• Bhavesh Jain, Managing Director and CEO, TransUnion CIBIL Limited.

About Sa-Dhan :

• Executive Director and CEO : Jiji Mammen
• Sa-Dhan, headquartered in Delhi, represents over 230 members, including MFIs, NBFCs, and banks.
• The initiative supports the goal of building a resilient and inclusive credit ecosystem, contributing to financial inclusion in India.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: NATIONAL AND STATE NEWS

Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan Launches Major Development Projects in Sehore, Madhya Pradesh

• Union Minister for Agriculture, Farmers Welfare, and Rural Development, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, along with Madhya Pradesh CM Dr. Mohan Yadav, inaugurated and laid foundation stones for multiple rural development projects in Sehore district, reaffirming the commitment toward “Viksit Bharat by 2047.”

Key Highlights :

• Narmada Water Supply Initiative: Continuous efforts are being made to bring Narmada river water to Sehore and supply it to the agricultural fields in Ashta and Ichhawar
• Urban Development Boost:Bhopal is being upgraded to a metropolitan city, a move expected to benefit Sehore through shared growth and connectivity.

Housing for the Poor – PMAY:

• 14 lakh homes were earlier sanctioned under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) from the 2018+ list.
• Approval granted for remaining 7,85,356 homes.
• Ongoing survey and verification to include new eligible families.

MGNREGA Allocation:

• ₹6,262 crore allocated to Madhya Pradesh under MGNREGA for 2025.

LakhpatiDidis Initiative:

• 1.48 crore women across India have become ‘LakhpatiDidis’ (annual income of ₹1 lakh+).
• Government aims to expand this figure further to reduce poverty among women.

Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan:

• 16,000 agricultural scientists mobilized to engage directly with farmers in rural areas.
• Objective: Share research insights and enhance farm productivity.

RECENT NEWS

• In a landmark move aimed at securing water resources and promoting inter-State cooperation, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra signed an MoU on May 10, 2025, to jointly implement the Tapti Basin Mega Recharge Project.
• Madhya Pradesh has taken a significant leap towards forest conservation with the launch of India’s first AI-based real-time forest alert system. This system uses satellite data, AI, and mobile-based field reporting to detect land encroachment, deforestation, and other changes in forest areas.

Amit Shah Launches Bharatiya Bhasha Anubhag to Promote Indian Languages in Governance

• Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched the Bharatiya Bhasha Anubhag (BBA), in New Delhi, to reduce the dominance of foreign languages, especially English, in Indian administration and to strengthen regional languages in decision-making and official communication.

Key Highlights :

Objective and Vision:

• Aims to reduce dependence on English in governance.
• Promotes decision-making and analysis in Indian mother tongues.
• Seeks to foster inclusivity and unity through linguistic diversity.

Translation Infrastructure:

• Enables universal translation between Indian languages and Hindi.
• Will assist Centre-State communication using regional languages, particularly important for Region C States (like Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka).

Support and Budget Allocation:

• Developed with the support of Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC).
• Backed by a ₹56 crore allocation in the Union Budget 2024–25.

Policy Alignment:

• Supports the Official Languages Rules, 1976, and addresses long-standing concerns of linguistic marginalization.
• Aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which advocates for education and administration in the mother tongue.

RECENT NEWS

• In a significant step to bolster national security and counter-terrorism efforts, Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the revamped Multi Agency Centre (MAC) on May 16, 2025. Developed at a cost of ₹500 crore, the upgraded MAC is a centralised, AI-powered intelligence platform housed under the Intelligence Bureau (IB).
• Union Home Minister Amit Shah unveiled a series of development projects and welfare schemes worth over Rs 800 crore in Bihar on the occasion of International Cooperative Day.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Attend G-7 Summit in Canada, Signalling Diplomatic Reset

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Canada to participate in the G-7 Summit 2025 at Kananaskis, Alberta, following an invitation from Canadian PM Mark Carney.
• This marks his first trip to Canada since 2015 and comes amid efforts to normalise relations after recent tensions.

Key Highlights:

• Summit Details: G-7 Summit 2025, mid-June at Kananaskis, Alberta.
• Invitation & Visit: Invited by PM Mark Carney; first bilateral engagement in a decade.
• Objective:Reset India-Canada ties strained by Khalistan-related protests, Nijjar’s 2023 killing, and diplomatic expulsions.
• Context: Comes around two key anniversaries—Nijjar assassination (June 18, 2023) and Air India bombing (June 23, 1985)—that have underscored past discord.
• Leaders’ Remarks: Carney stressed security cooperation and people-to-people links; Modi pledged to work with “renewed vigour guided by mutual respect.”
• Broader Implications: Potential side-meetings with the US President and UK PM, and discussion on restoring High Commissioner exchanges.

Kerala Develops In-House Molecular Kits to Detect Fatal Brain-Infecting Amoeba

• The State Public Health Laboratoryin Thiruvananthapuram has, for the first time in Kerala, developed PCR-based test kits capable of identifying five deadly free-living amoeba species.
• Using these in-house kits, the lab confirmed Acanthamoeba spp. in a human cerebrospinal fluid sample, enabling rapid, precise diagnosis without relying on external centres.

Key Highlights :

• Five-Species Detection: Kits target Naegleria fowleri, Acanthamoeba spp., Vermamoebavermiformis, Balamuthia mandrillaris, and Paravahlkampfiafrancinae—among the six known pathogenic FLAs.
• First Local Confirmation: Marked the first-ever in-state PCR confirmation of Acanthamoeba spp., replacing previous dependence on national reference labs.
• Faster Turnaround: In-house testing cuts down diagnostic delays, crucial for starting targeted drug therapy and improving survival in amoebic meningoencephalitis.
• Public Health Directive: All Acute Encephalitis Syndrome samples in Kerala will now be screened for amoebic pathogens at the State lab.
• Clinical Impact: Moves away from presumptive microscopy to definitive molecular diagnosis, allowing clinicians to optimize treatment regimens immediately.
• Environmental Safeguard: Positive detection of Naegleria fowleri will trigger waterbody testing and public health advisories to prevent further infections.

RECENT NEWS

• The Kerala government has launched the ‘Jyothi’ scheme, a comprehensive campaign aimed at enrolling migrant children into the state’s education system and anganwadis.
• The Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) is working towards a groundbreaking initiative in integrating Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology into the state’s power system. This innovative move comes in the wake of the increasing integration of renewable energy, particularly solar, into Kerala’s grid.
• In a major collaborative conservation effort, the states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu are set to conduct a synchronised Nilgiri Tahr census from April 24 to 27, 2025.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Veterans Assemble in Normandy to Commemorate 81 Years Since Pivotal D-Day Landings That Led to Hitler’s Defeat

• Veterans gathered in Normandy to mark the 81st anniversary of the D-Day landings, a crucial moment in World War II leading to the collapse of Adolf Hitler’s regime.
• Tens of thousands of onlookers attended commemorations that included parachute jumps, flyovers, remembrance ceremonies, parades, and historical reenactments near the D-Day landing beaches.
• Many attendees cheered the dwindling number of surviving veterans, most in their late 90s and older.
• Harold Terens, a 101-year-old U.S. veteran, was present.
• He served as a radio repair technician for a P-47 Thunderbolt fighter squadron and helped repair planes on D-Day.
• U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth commemorated the event at the American Cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer, France.
• French Minister for the Armed Forces, Sébastien Lecornu, acknowledged France’s gratitude to the American allies and veterans who helped free Europe.
• The D-Day invasion on June 6, 1944, involved the largest-ever armada of ships, troops, planes, and vehicles to breach Nazi defenses in western Europe.
• 4,414 Allied troops were killed on D-Day itself.
• The Battle of Normandy followed, resulting in 73,000 Allied deaths and 153,000 wounded.
• The battle and Allied bombings caused approximately 20,000 French civilian deaths between June and August 1944.
• German casualties during D-Day are estimated between 4,000 and 9,000 (killed, wounded, or missing).
• Nearly 160,000 Allied troops landed on D-Day:
• 73,000 U.S. troops
• 83,000 British and Canadian troops
• Additional forces from other countries, including French troops under Gen. Charles de Gaulle.
• The Allies faced about 50,000 German defenders on the beaches.
• Overall, more than 2 million Allied personnel from around a dozen countries participated in Operation Overlord, the campaign to liberate western France starting on D-Day.

BRICS Parliamentary Forum Condemns Pahalgam Terror Attack, Pledges United Fight Against Terrorism

• The BRICS Parliamentary Forum held on June 4-5,2025 in Brasilia, Brazil, strongly condemned the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir.
• Representatives from 10 countries attended: India, Brazil, Russia, China, South Africa, Iran, UAE, Egypt, Ethiopia, and Indonesia.
• The forum reached a broad consensus on key global issues including:
• Responsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
• Global trade and economy
• Inter-parliamentary cooperation
• Global peace and security
• India’s firm policy on countering terrorism was strongly acknowledged during the meeting.
• The forum issued a joint declaration condemning the Pahalgam terror attack and reaffirmed the commitment of member parliaments to act collectively against terrorism.
• India assumed the chairmanship of the BRICS Parliamentary Forum and will host the 12th meeting next year.
• The chairmanship was formally handed over to Om Birla at the 11th BRICS Parliamentary Forum in Brasilia.

Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal Holds High-Level Talks with Italian Deputy PM Antonio Tajani in Brescia

• Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal, held a high-level meeting with Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Mr. Antonio Tajani, in Brescia, Italy’s manufacturing hub.
• The two leaders co-chaired the 22nd session of the India-Italy Joint Commission for Economic Cooperation (JCEC) during Shri Goyal’s 2-day visit to Italy (concluded June 5, 2025).
• The JCEC involved senior officials, policymakers, and stakeholders from both nations, reinforcing the strategic economic partnership.
• Discussions aligned with the Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025–29, focusing on:
• Economic resilience
• Industrial partnerships
• Inclusive and sustainable growth
• Priority sectors for cooperation included:
• Industry 4.0
• Aerospace
• Energy transition
• Sustainable mobility
• Emphasis was placed on skill development, digital transformation, migration and mobility, and global connectivity projects such as the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).
• A high-level Growth Forum brought together CEOs and industry leaders to explore business opportunities and industrial collaboration.
• The Indian delegation included leadership from nearly 90 companies, who visited Italian industries and held meetings with local firms.
• Shri Goyal held one-on-one interactions with Italian corporate leaders, who showed interest in expanding operations and manufacturing in India.
• On World Environment Day, Shri Goyal and Deputy PM Tajani visited A2A, a leading Italian waste-to-energy company in Brescia, highlighting clean energy collaboration.
• Both leaders planted saplings under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Ek Ped Maa ke Naam” initiative at the Santa Giulia UNESCO heritage complex.

About Ministry of Commerce and Industry :

• Cabinet Minister : Piyush Goyal
• Minister of State : Jitin Prasada

About Italy :

• President : Sergio Mattarella
• Prime Minister : Giorgia Meloni
• Capital : Rome
• Currency : Euro

CURRENT AFFAIRS : APPS & PORTALS

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju Launches UMEED Portal for Waqf Management

• Union Minister for Minority Affairs, Kiren Rijiju, launched the Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency and Development (UMEED) portal on June 6, 2025.

About the UMEED portal :

• The UMEED portal is a centralised digital platform for real-time uploading, verification, and monitoring of Waqf properties across India.
• The portal aims to bring a paradigm shift in the administration of Waqf assets by enhancing transparency, accountability, and public participation.
• Kiren Rijiju stated that the portal will especially benefit common Muslims, including women and children.
• Developed by the Ministry of Minority Affairs, the portal features:
• Digital inventory with geo-tagging of all Waqf properties
• Online grievance redressal system for improved responsiveness
• Transparent leasing and usage tracking of Waqf assets
• Integration with GIS mapping and other e-Governance tools
• Public access to verified records and reports related to Waqf properties
• The launch took place in New Delhi in the presence of Union Minister of State for Minority Affairs, Shri George Kurian.
• The UMEED portal is named after the Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency and Development Act, 1995.

About Ministry of Minority Affairs :

• Cabinet Minister : Kiren Rijiju
• Minister of State : George Kurian

India Unveils ‘Ayush Nivesh Saarthi’ Portal to Promote Investment in Traditional Medicine Sector

• The Government of India launched the ‘Ayush Nivesh Saarthi’ portal on May 29, 2025, during the Ayush Stakeholder/Industry Interaction Meet at Vanijya Bhawan, New Delhi.
• The portal was jointly launched by:
• Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Piyush Goyal
• Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ayush, Prataprao Jadhav
• The portal is an investor-centric digital platform developed by the Ministry of Ayush in collaboration with Invest India.
• It aims to transform India’s traditional wellness systems into a robust economic driver.
• The portal provides investors with:Real-time data, Transparent policy guidance, Access to a vibrant, expanding market
• The Ayush sector ranks among the top five health services in India.
• Ayush is a key driver of India’s USD 13 billion medical value travel (MVT) sector
• The launch reaffirms the Government’s vision of making Ayush a pillar of public health and economic growth.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Japanese Researchers Create Plastic That Dissolves in Seawater

• Japanese scientists from the RIKEN Center for Emergent Matter Science and the University of Tokyo have developed a new plastic that dissolves quickly in seawater, leaving no harmful residue.
• The plastic has the strength of conventional petroleum-based plastics but breaks down into original components when exposed to saltwater.
• This plastic is based on supramolecular polymers, developed through three decades of research led by Takuzo Aida.

Key Highlights :

• The material is composed of sodium hexametaphosphate (a common food additive) and guanidinium ion-based monomers (used in fertilisers and soil conditioners).
• Upon degradation, the plastic releases nitrogen and phosphorus, which are:Metabolised by microbes, Absorbed by plants
• The plastic is non-toxic to humans, fire-resistant, and does not release carbon dioxide when decomposed.
• Researchers caution that excess nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) could cause algal blooms, potentially disrupting coastal ecosystems.
• The study addresses the global issue of microplastics, which are tiny plastic fragments smaller than 5 millimetres, found even in remote locations such as the Mariana Trench and Mount Everest.
• Microplastics have been detected in human brains, placentas, and deep ocean fish, raising serious concerns about environmental and health impacts.
• Scientists have called for a global emergency declaration due to the threat posed by microplastic pollution to life on Earth.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

Shri T. Rabi Sankar Named Part-Time Member of the 16th Finance Commission

• Shri T. Rabi Sankar, Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), has been appointed as a part-time Member of the 16th Finance Commission (XVIFC).
• He will serve from the date of assuming charge until either the submission of the Commission’s Report or 31st October 2025, whichever is earlier.
• His appointment follows the resignation of Shri Ajay Narayan Jha, a full-time Member, who stepped down on personal grounds.
• The 16th Finance Commission was constituted on 31st December 2023.
• Arvind Panagariya, former Vice-Chairman of NITI Aayog, is the Chairman of the XVIFC.
• The mandate of the XVIFC is to submit recommendations by 31st October 2025, for the award period of 5 years starting from 1st April 2026.

About Ministry of Finance:

• Cabinet Minister: Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman
• Minister of State (MoS): Shri Pankaj Chaudhary, Dr. Bhagwat Kishanrao Karad

CURRENT AFFAIRS : DEFENCE NEWS

Indian Navy to Commission ‘Arnala,’ First Ship of ASW-SWC Class

• The Indian Navy will commission its first Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC), named Arnala, on 18 June 2025 at Naval Dockyard, Visakhapatnam.
• The commissioning ceremony will be presided over by Chief of Defence Staff, General Anil Chauhan, and hosted by Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command.
• Arnala is the first of sixteen ASW-SWC class ships to be inducted into the Indian Navy.
• The ship is designed and constructed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata, under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) with L&T Shipbuilders.
• The project highlights the success of the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative in defence manufacturing.
• Arnala was delivered to the Indian Navy on 8 May 2025 and named after the historic Arnala Fort located off Vasai, Maharashtra.
• The ship reflects India’s rich maritime heritage and is designed for a formidable presence at sea.
• The warship incorporates over 80% indigenous content, with advanced systems integrated from Indian defence firms like Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), L&T, Mahindra Defence, and MEIL.
• Over 55 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) have contributed to the project, boosting domestic industry and economic activity.
• Arnala is designed for Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) operations including Subsurface Surveillance, Search and Rescue missions, and Low-Intensity Maritime Operations.

Specifications:

• Length: 77.6 meters
• Gross tonnage: over 1490 tonnes
• Propulsion: Diesel Engine-Waterjet combination (largest Indian Naval warship with this system).
• The commissioning of Arnala strengthens India’s coastal defence and promotes its position as a self-reliant maritime power in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

About Ministry of Defence:

• Cabinet Minister: Rajnath Singh
• Minister of State (MoS): Ajay Bhatt

CURRENT AFFAIRS: AWARDS AND HONOURS

David Beckham to Be Knighted in King Charles III’s 2025 Birthday Honours

• Former England captainDavid Beckham is set to receive a knighthood next week as part of King Charles III’s Birthday Honours, elevating him to “Sir David Beckham” in recognition of his outstanding contributions to football, charitable causes, and environmental advocacy.

Key Highlights :

• Knighthood Announcement: Expected in the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours list, fulfilling a long-awaited elevation after his OBE in 2003.
• Football Legacy: Made 115 appearances for England and starred for Manchester United, Real Madrid, LA Galaxy, AC Milan, and Paris Saint-Germain.
• Philanthropy & Advocacy:
  • UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador since 2005, launching the David Beckham UNICEF Fund in 2015.
  • Appointed ambassador for The King’s Foundation in 2024, promoting youth education and environmental stewardship.
• Personal Titles: Upon his knighthood, his wife will assume the title “Lady Beckham.”

CURRENT AFFAIRS: SPORTS NEWS

Coco Gauff Wins Maiden French Open Women’s Singles Title 2025

• American tennis star Coco Gauff won her first French Open title and second Grand Slam crown by defeating World No. 1Aryna Sabalenka in the Women’s Singles final of the French Open 2025.
• Gauff staged a comeback to win the match 6-7(5), 6-2, 6-4 and became the first American woman to win the Roland Garros title since 2015.

Key Highlights :

• Historic Achievement: Gauff became the youngest American woman to win the French Open since Serena Williams in 2002, and the first since Williams in 2015 to claim the title.
• Second Grand Slam Title: She added this win to her 2023 US Open title, making her the youngest player to win both the French Open and US Open since 2002.
• World No. 2: Gauff entered the tournament as World No. 2 and beat the top-ranked player, marking the first Grand Slam final between the top two women seeds since the 2018 Australian Open.
• Sabalenka's Streak: Aryna Sabalenka was playing her third consecutive Grand Slam final, but her first on clay.
• Men’s Final Set:Carlos Alcaraz (Defending Champion) will face World No. 1 Jannik Sinner in the men’s singles final. Alcaraz has a 7–4 head-to-head record against Sinner and has won their last four matches.
• Sinner’s Milestone: After defeating Novak Djokovic in the semifinals, Sinner became only the second Italian man to reach the Roland Garros final in the Open Era, following Adriano Panatta (1976 champion).

Women’s Doubles Final:

• Finalists: Sara Errani & Jasmine Paolini (Italy) vs Anna Danilina (Kazakhstan) & Aleksandra Krunic (Serbia)
• Errani-Paolini defeated Andreeva-Shnaider, while Danilina-Krunic beat Eikeri-Hozumi in the semifinals.

Aravindh Chithambaram Wins 6th Stepan Avagyan Memorial Chess Tournament in Armenia

• Indian Grandmaster Aravindh Chithambaram clinched the title at the 6th Stepan Avagyan Memorial Chess Tournament held in Jermuk, Armenia, finishing with 6.5 points from 9 rounds and winning on tie-breaks over fellow Indian GM R. Praggnanandhaa.

Key Highlights

• Tournament Format: 10-player round-robin format with each participant playing 9 rounds.
• Unbeaten Streak: Aravindh remained undefeated, registering 4 wins and 5 draws.
• Decisive Final Round: In the final round, Aravindh (Black) defeated Aram Hakobyan (Armenia), while Praggnanandhaa beat Robert Hovhannisyan.
• Tie-Break System: Aravindh won the title using the Sonneborn-Berger system, which considers the strength of opponents defeated.
• Back-to-Back Success: This victory follows his earlier win at the 2025 Prague Chess Festival Masters, marking an exceptional year for the 25-year-old from Chennai.
• Significance of the Tournament: The Stepan Avagyan Memorial is gaining recognition as a major international chess event, attracting top talent from around the globe.

Magnus Carlsen Wins Norway Chess 2025, Clinches Seventh Title in Stavanger

• Magnus Carlsen secured his seventh Norway Chess title in Stavanger after a tense draw against India’s Arjun Erigaisi in the final round.
• Despite fierce competition from D Gukesh and Fabiano Caruana, Carlsen’s experience and composure helped him stay ahead in one of the most competitive editions of the tournament.
• In the Women’s event, Anna Muzychuk from Ukraine won the title.
• China’s Lei Tingjie came second, and India’s Koneru Humpy finished third.

Key Highlights :

• Seventh Norway Chess Title for Carlsen:
  Carlsen ended the tournament with 16 points, showcasing his continued dominance despite stepping away from classical World Championship contention.

Crucial Draw Against Arjun Erigaisi:

• Carlsen was in a worse position for 34 moves.
• Recovered impressively with two knights and a rook, forcing a draw by threefold repetition.

D Gukesh’s Narrow Miss:

• Needed a draw or win against Caruana to force a playoff.
• Blundered on move 48, losing to a knight fork, and finished third with 14.5 points.

Caruana’s Strong Finish:

• Briefly held a winning position against Gukesh.
• Finished second with 15.5 points.

Final Standings (Top 6):

• Magnus Carlsen – 16 points
• Fabiano Caruana – 15.5
• D Gukesh – 14.5
• Hikaru Nakamura – 14
• Arjun Erigaisi – 13
• Wei Yi – 9.5

About Norway Chess:

• Held annually in Stavanger, Norway, Norway Chess is among the most prestigious super tournaments in the world.
• The event includes Classical games with Armageddon tiebreaks, encouraging fighting and decisive chess.

Indian Women’s Hockey Team to Begin Asia Cup 2025 Campaign Against Thailand

• The Indian women’s hockey team is set to start their 2025 Women’s Asia Cup campaign on September 5 against Thailand at the Gongshu Canal Sports Park in Hangzhou, China.
• The tournament serves as a qualifier for the 2026 Women’s FIH Hockey World Cup, with India aiming to win the continental title and secure direct entry to the global event.

Key Highlights :

Tournament Details:

• Event: Women’s Asia Cup 2025
• Dates: September 5 to 14, 2025
• Venue:Gongshu Canal Sports Park, Hangzhou, China
• Organizer: Asian Hockey Federation (AHF)

India’s Pool B Line-Up:

• Teams: India, Japan (defending champions), Thailand, Singapore
• Matches:
  • Sept 5: India vs Thailand
  • Sept 6: India vs Japan
  • Sept 8: India vs Singapore

Objectives:

• To win the Asia Cup and qualify directly for the 2026 Women’s FIH Hockey World Cup.
• To strengthen the squad’s performance by competing against Asia’s top teams, especially defending champions Japan.

Team Perspectives:

• Captain Salima Tete highlighted the pool as a crucial early test and a chance to enhance team readiness.
• Vice-Captain Navneet Kaur emphasized the team’s rigorous training and preparation for high-pressure matches.

Historical Context:

• India last won the Women’s Asia Cup in 2017 by defeating China in the final.
• In the previous edition, India secured the bronze medal, reinforcing its position among Asia’s elite teams.

Muhammad Waseem and Chloe Tryon Named ICC Players of the Month for May 2025

• The International Cricket Council (ICC) honoured Muhammad Waseem from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and South Africa’s Chloe Tryon as the Men’s and Women’s Players of the Month for May 2025.
• Their exceptional performances in recent international matches highlighted their growing influence in global cricket.

Key Highlights :

Muhammad Waseem (Men’s Player of the Month)

• Country: UAE, Age: 31
• Recognised for consistent performances in ODIs and T20Is.
• Scored 169 runs in 5 ODIs during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2.
• Key T20I scores: 54 and 82 against Bangladesh in Sharjah.
• Awarded Player of the Series in the T20I series won by UAE (2-1).
• Previously won the Player of the Month in April 2024.

Chloe Tryon (Women’s Player of the Month)

• Country: South Africa
• Awarded for all-round excellence in the Sri Lanka ODI Tri-Series.
• Scored 176 runs at a strike rate of 131.34 across 3 matches.
• Took 6 wickets, including a five-wicket haul (5/34) with a hat-trick.
• Notable innings: 67 vs India, 74 and 35 vs Sri Lanka.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : OBITUARIES

Renowned Scholar and Author Daji Panshika Passed away

• Eminent scholar and authorDaji Panshikar passed away at the age of 92 in Thane, Maharashtra after a brief illness.
• He was renowned for his deep knowledge of Indian epics and major contributions to Marathi literature.
• Panshikar was especially respected for his scholarly interpretations of texts such as the Mahabharata, Eknaathi Bhagwat, and Bhavarth Ramayan.
• He was a prominent figure in Maharashtra’s intellectual and cultural landscape.
• Panshikar played a significant role in the theatre world as a guiding force behind the organisation NatyasampadaNatya Sanstha.
• His final rites were held at the Jawahar Bagh Crematorium.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: IMPORTANT DAYS

World Oceans Day 2025: June 8

• Every year on June 8th, World Ocean Day is commemorated to raise awareness of the ocean's vital role in human life and ways to conserve it across the world.
• The 2025 theme, “Wonder: Sustaining What Sustains Us”, is a powerful reminder: the ocean not only sustains us materially—through food, energy, and trade—but also inspires, connects, and nurtures us.

History

• In 1992, during the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, the notion of World Ocean Day was introduced.
• In 2008 World Ocean Day was officially created by the United Nations General Assembly to be observed yearly on June 8 to address ocean issues and conserve ocean water.
• On June 8, 2009, The United Nations General Assembly formally designated the day with Resolution 63/111.

Daily CA One- Liner: June 8^th& 9^th

• Union Minister for Agriculture, Farmers Welfare, and Rural Development, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, along with Madhya Pradesh CM Dr. Mohan Yadav, inaugurated and laid foundation stones for multiple rural development projects in Sehore district, reaffirming the commitment toward “Viksit Bharat by 2047.
• Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched the Bharatiya Bhasha Anubhag (BBA), in New Delhi, to reduce the dominance of foreign languages, especially English, in Indian administration and to strengthen regional languages in decision-making and official communication
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Canada to participate in the G-7 Summit 2025 at Kananaskis, Alberta, following an invitation from Canadian PM Mark Carney.
• The State Public Health Laboratory in Thiruvananthapuram has, for the first time in Kerala, developed PCR-based test kits capable of identifying five deadly free-living amoeba species
• Former England captain David Beckham is set to receive a knighthood next week as part of King Charles III’s Birthday Honours, elevating him to “Sir David Beckham” in recognition of his outstanding contributions to football, charitable causes, and environmental advocacy.
• American tennis star Coco Gauff won her first French Open title and second Grand Slam crown by defeating World No. 1Aryna Sabalenka in the Women’s Singles final of the French Open 2025
• Indian Grandmaster Aravindh Chithambaram clinched the title at the 6th Stepan Avagyan Memorial Chess Tournament held in Jermuk, Armenia, finishing with 6.5 points from 9 rounds and winning on tie-breaks over fellow Indian GM R. Praggnanandhaa
• Magnus Carlsen secured his seventh Norway Chess title in Stavanger after a tense draw against India’s Arjun Erigaisi in the final round
• The Indian women’s hockey team is set to start their 2025 Women’s Asia Cup campaign on September 5 against Thailand at the Gongshu Canal Sports Park in Hangzhou, China.
• The International Cricket Council (ICC) honoured Muhammad Waseem from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and South Africa’s Chloe Tryon as the Men’s and Women’s Players of the Month for May 2025
• Every year on June 8th, World Ocean Day is commemorated to raise awareness of the ocean's vital role in human life and ways to conserve it across the world.
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has launched a Scheme for writing books originally in Hindi on Economics, Banking, and Financial subjects to encourage original writings and research in Banking Hindi.
• Travel company Thomas Cook has announced a strategic partnership with Muthoot Forex, the foreign exchange division of the Muthoot Group.
• Trans Union CIBIL, a leading credit information company, has partnered with Sa-Dhan, a self-regulatory organisation (SRO) for microfinance institutions (MFIs).
• Veterans gathered in Normandy to mark the 81st anniversary of the D-Day landings, a crucial moment in World War II leading to the collapse of Adolf Hitler’s regime.
• The BRICS Parliamentary Forum held on June 4-5,2025 in Brasilia, Brazil, strongly condemned the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir.
• Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal, held a high-level meeting with Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Mr. Antonio Tajani, in Brescia, Italy’s manufacturing hub.
• Union Minister for Minority Affairs, Kiren Rijiju, launched the Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency and Development (UMEED) portal on June 6, 2025.
• The Government of India launched the ‘Ayush Nivesh Saarthi’ portal on May 29, 2025, during the Ayush Stakeholder/Industry Interaction Meet at Vanijya Bhawan, New Delhi.
• Japanese scientists from the RIKEN Center for Emergent Matter Science and the University of Tokyo have developed a new plastic that dissolves quickly in seawater, leaving no harmful residue.
• Shri T. Rabi Sankar, Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), has been appointed as a part-time Member of the 16th Finance Commission (XVIFC).
• The Indian Navy will commission its first Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC), named Arnala, on 18 June 2025 at Naval Dockyard, Visakhapatnam.
• Eminent scholar and authorDaji Panshikar passed away at the age of 92 in Thane, Maharashtra after a brief illness.