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CURRENT AFFAIRS : BANKING, FINANCE & BUSINESS

Private Sector Companies Now Eligible to Become Renewable Energy Implementing Agencies

• Private sector Indian companies with a net worth above ₹500 crore and a long-term credit rating of A and above can be designated as Renewable Energy Implementing Agencies (REIAs).
• So far, four Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) — NTPC, SJVN, Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI), and NHPC — are designated as REIAs.
• A company is designated as REIA for a period of five years, subject to termination by the Centre.
• The designation is based on guidelines released by the Ministry of Power, which now allows private companies registered under the Companies Act to apply for REIA status.

Key Highlights :

• REIAs act as intermediary procurers (IPs) under the tariff based competitive bidding (TBCB) framework, aggregating power from generators (Gencos) and selling it to end procurers such as Discoms and consumers.
• REIAs are responsible for:
• Conducting RE project bidding processes
• Signing back-to-back Power Sale Agreements (PSAs) with renewable energy developers
• Signing Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) with Discoms or consumers
• Ensuring payment security to RE developers.
• Trading licence requirement: Applicant entities must hold a valid Category-l electricity trading licence issued by the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC).

Additional eligibility conditions:

• Net worth of over ₹500 crore (excluding revaluation reserves)
• Board of directors’ approval for REIA designation.
• Procurement by REIAs must be conducted exclusively through e-bidding platforms prescribed by the CERC under Section 63 of the Electricity Act, 2003.
• REIA’s subsidiaries or group companies cannot participate as bidders in their own bidding processes.
• Changes in ownership, mergers, or demergers of an REIA must still meet the eligibility criteria.
• Upon termination, the REIA remains responsible for duties towards RE developers and procurers as per existing bidding contracts.
• Government-backed agencies like SECI, NTPC-RE, NHPC, and SJVN have successfully led RE tenders and power procurement, increasing market confidence.

RBI Study Finds Operating Profit Margins of Indian Private Firms in Manufacturing and Services Sectors Declined in FY25 Due to Rising Input Costs

• According to an RBI study, the Operating Profit Margin (OPM) of Indian private corporations across manufacturing and services sectors moderated in FY25 due to high input costs.
• The pace of operating profit growth for listed non-government non-financial (NGNF) companies also slowed in FY25.
• Manufacturing firms’ OPM declined by 20 basis points (bps) to 14.2% in FY25 from 14.4% in FY24.
• The IT services sector saw a sharper margin decline of 80 bps to 21.9%, while non-IT services margins reduced by 30 bps to 22.1%.
• The study analysed 3,902 listed NGNF companies’ abridged financial results.
• Manufacturing companies experienced input cost pressures, with raw material expenses rising by 6.6% in FY25.
• The raw-material-cost-to-sales ratio increased from 54.2% to 55.7% in manufacturing firms.
• Staff costs rose by 10% for manufacturing firms, 4.4% for IT firms, and 12% for non-IT services firms.
• The staff-cost-to-sales ratio remained stable for manufacturing companies, but moderated for services companies.
•  

Sagarmala Finance Corporation Becomes India’s First Maritime-Focused Non-Banking Financial Company

• SMFCL (Sagarmala Maritime Finance Corporation Limited) is India’s first sector-specific Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) in the maritime sector, registered with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on June 19, 2025.
• Formerly known as Sagarmala Development Company Limited, SMFCL is a Mini Ratna, Category-I Central Public Sector Enterprise.
• SMFCL aims to bridge financing gaps in the maritime sector and catalyse economic growth.
• It will provide financial products including short, medium, and long-term funding to various stakeholders such as port authorities, shipping companies, MSMEs, startups, and maritime educational institutions.
• SMFCL will support strategic sectors like shipbuilding, renewable energy, cruise tourism, and maritime education.
• The corporation aligns with the government’s Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 and the goal of making India a leading global maritime power and Viksit Bharat.
• SMFCL will create a focused and accessible financial ecosystem for maritime growth, promoting sustainable development, innovation, and national logistics efficiency.
• The launch was inaugurated by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, accompanied by Minister of State Shantanu Thakur and Secretary TK Ramachandran.

Equitas Small Finance Bank partners with Edelweiss Life Insurance to provide life insurance solutions to its customers

• Equitas Small Finance Bank and Edelweiss Life Insurance have entered into a bancassurance partnership to offer life insurance solutions to the bank’s customers.
• This partnership enables Equitas SFB’s vast customer base to access Edelweiss Life’s comprehensive insurance products.
• The tie-up aligns with Equitas SFB’s strategy to provide holistic financial solutions covering savings, investments, and insurance.
• Together, Equitas SFB and Edelweiss Life Insurance aim to create a strong ecosystem for protection, wealth creation, and best-in-class insurance advisory.
• The partnership will offer diverse plans, including protection plans, savings, endowment policies, and ULIPs (Unit Linked Insurance Plans).

Recent News :

• In May 2025, Aditya Birla Sun Life Insurance Company Limited (ABSLI) partnered with Equitas Small Finance Bankto expand life insurance accessibility through the bank’s branch network.

About Equitas Small Finance Bank :

• Founded : 2007
• Headquarters : Chennai, Tamil Nadu
• MD & CEO : Vasudevan P N

India’s Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Inflows Surge to $8.8 Billion in April

• • Gross Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows into India surged to $8.8 billion in April 2025, up from $5.9 billion in March 2025 and $7.2 billion in April 2024.
  • Manufacturing and business services accounted for nearly 50% of the gross FDI inflows in April 2025.

  Key Highlights :

  • India ranked 16th globally in FDI inflows.
  • India recorded $114 billion in greenfield investments in digital economy sectors between 2020-2024, the highest among all Global South
  • Foreign Portfolio Investment (FPI) saw net inflows of $1.7 billion in May 2025, mainly driven by the equity segment.
  • Equities gained for the third consecutive month, supported by factors like the India-Pakistan ceasefire, US-China trade truce, and better-than-expected corporate earnings in Q4 FY 2024-25.
  • Top recipient sectors of investment included telecommunication, services, and capital goods.
  • The debt segment paused net withdrawals in May 2025 despite a yield differential between Indian and US government bonds staying below 2%.
  • Non-Resident Indian (NRI) deposits rose to $165.43 billion in April 2025, up from $164.68 billion in April 2024.
  • The build-up in foreign exchange reserves helped to strengthen the rupee and reflects a strong external balance position, sufficient to finance more than 11 months of exports.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman Unveils Fifth Edition of National Time Release Study in New Delhi

• Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, released the fifth edition of the National Time Release Study (NTRS) during the CBIC Conclave in New Delhi.

What is Time Release Study?

• Time Release Study (TRS) is a performance measurement tool that assesses the time taken for cargo release, helping evaluate the efficiency of clearance processes.

Key Highlights :

• Since 2019, TRS has been conducted at 15 major locations including seaports, Air Cargo Complexes (ACCs), Inland Container Depots (ICDs), and Integrated Check Posts (ICPs).
• The fifth edition introduced advanced methodologies enabling stage-wise and process-specific evaluations.
• The study expanded its geographical coverage to include three new locations: Kochi Seaport, Garhi Harsaru ICD, and Jaigaon LCS.
• In the import segment, the Average Release Time (ART) declined between 2023 and 2025 across:
• Seaports by approximately 6 hours
• Air Cargo Complexes (ACCs) by approximately 5 hours
• Integrated Check Posts (ICPs) by approximately 18 hours
• However, ICDs saw an increase of about 12 hours.
• Against NTFAP 3.0 targets, the percentage of import cargo meeting time targets was:
• ICPs: 93.33% within 48 hours
• Air Cargo Complexes: 55.03% within 24 hours
• Seaports: 51.76%
• ICDs: 43.70%
• The fastest regulatory clearance (from arrival to Let Export Order) occurred at:
• Air Cargo Complexes: under 4 hours
• Integrated Check Posts (ICPs): 6 hours 10 minutes

About Ministry of Finance:

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

CURRENT AFFAIRS: NATIONAL AND STATE NEWS

National e-Governance Division Launches AI in Governance Training Programme for Government Officials at IIT Delhi

• The National e-Governance Division (NeGD) under MeitY inaugurated a 2-day AI in Governance workshop at IIT Delhi’s Department of Management Studies from June 26–27 2025 to equip 59 central- and state-level officers with practical knowledge for deploying artificial intelligence in public service delivery.

Key Highlights :

• Duration & Venue: 2-day course held 26–27 June 2025 at IIT Delhi (DMS).
• Organiser & Scheme: Conducted by NeGD under the Capacity Building Scheme Phase III of the Digital India Programme.
• Participants: 59 government officials representing multiple ministries, departments, and agencies.
• Objectives:
  • Build capacity for responsible AI adoption in governance.
  • Foster understanding of AI policy, ethics, and legal frameworks.
  • Enable data-driven decision-making and citizen-centric service delivery.
• Programme Features: Expert-led interactive sessions, real-world case studies, and group exercises to contextualise AI solutions for government use.

Project Elephant Review Reveals Major Conservation Advances in India

• The Union Environment Ministry’s 21st steering-committee meeting in Dehradun, chaired by Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, confirmed significant progress under Project Elephant, including the completion of Phase I of the synchronized elephant census in Northeast India and new initiatives to curb elephant-train collisions and expand species-recovery efforts.

Key Highlights :

• Phase-I Census Completed: Over 16,500 dung samples collected for DNA-based elephant population estimation across the Northeast.
• Railway Risk Mapping: 3,452 km of tracks surveyed; 77 high-risk zones pinpointed to cut elephant-train collisions (73 deaths, 2019-24).
• Captive Elephant Profiling: 1,911 DNA profiles created in 22 states for long-term monitoring.
• Human-Elephant Conflict Plans: Regional action strategies drafted for Southern and Northeastern India with agencies such as Indian Railways and NHAI.
• Species Recovery Expansion: Sloth bear and gharial newly added to India’s Species Recovery Programme to restore dwindling populations and habitats.

RECENT NEWS

• On February 18, 2025, Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Bhupender Yadav, inaugurated the ‘Waste Recycling and Climate Change 2025’ conclave, organized by the Recycling and Environment Industry Association of India (REIAI).

NITI Aayog Releases ‘India’s Data Imperative’ Report to Improve Data Quality in Governance

• NITI Aayog unveiled the third edition of its Future Front insights series titled “India’s Data Imperative: The Pivot Towards Quality”, in New Delhi.
• The report emphasizes that poor data quality significantly affects public trust, service delivery, and policy-making, and highlights the urgent need to establish a data-first culture in governance.

Key Highlights :

• Purpose of the Report: Released to raise awareness about poor data quality in India’s public systems and offer practical solutions to improve digital governance.
• Public Trust & Policy Impact: The report links data quality directly with citizen trust, efficient policy targeting, and service delivery effectiveness.
• Data Gaps & Fragmentation: Highlights issues like outdated, inconsistent, and siloed datasets, leading to inefficient governance and resource allocation.
• Toolkit for Practitioners: Introduces simple, easy-to-use digital tools designed for real-time validation, analysis, and improved decision-making by government officials.
• Call for Data as a Public Good: Urges all institutions to treat data as a shared national asset and implement a “data-first” institutional mindset.

RECENT NEWS

• NITI Aayog released a report titled Enhancing Competitiveness of MSMEs in India, in collaboration with the Institute for Competitiveness (IFC). The report provides a comprehensive analysis of India’s Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), identifying key challenges and presenting a set of systemic reforms aimed at boosting their competitiveness.

Udyami Bharat – MSME Day 2025: Empowering MSMEs for Sustainable Growth and Innovation

• India celebrated ‘Udyami Bharat – MSME Day’ on June 27, 2025, with the theme "Enhancing the Role of MSMEs as Drivers of Sustainable Growth and Innovation."
• Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), which contribute ~30% to GDP, 45%+ to exports, and serve as the second-largest employer after agriculture, were spotlighted for their vital role in inclusive development and economic transformation.

Key Highlights :

• Theme for 2025: "Enhancing the Role of MSMEs as Drivers of Sustainable Growth and Innovation."
• Sector Significance: MSMEs represent 6.3 crore enterprises, contributing significantly to employment, exports, and grassroots entrepreneurship.
• International MSME Day: Observed annually on June 27, declared by the United Nations in 2017.

India to Host 2029 World Police & Fire Games in Gujarat

• India has successfully secured the bid to host the 2029 World Police & Fire Games (WPFG), which will be held across Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, and Ekta Nagar in Gujarat.
• The announcement follows a successful presentation by Indian authorities in Birmingham, USA, marking a major milestone for India in international sports diplomacy.

Key Highlights :

• Confirmed by: Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel
• Host Cities: Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, and Ekta Nagar, Gujarat
• Organizers: Gujarat Government with support from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs
• Bid Presentation Venue: Birmingham, USA

About WPFG:

• Founded: 1985
• First Edition: San Jose, California, USA
• Frequency: Biennial
• Participants: Police, firefighters, customs & correctional officers
• Scale: 70+ countries, 10,000+ participants
• Sports Events: Over 60, including athletics, swimming, martial arts, cycling, and tactical competitions

Recent news

• In a significant move to strengthen India’s trade education ecosystem, the Ministry of Education has approved the establishment of an off-campus centre of the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT), New Delhi, at Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City), Gandhinagar.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : INTERNATIONAL NEWS

India declines to endorse Shanghai Cooperation Organisation statement over Pahalgam attack                           

• India declined to endorse the joint statement at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ meeting held in Qingdao, China due to concerns over terrorism language.

Key Highlights :

• Defence Minister Rajnath Singh refused to sign the joint communique as it did not mention the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 civilians, including a Nepali national.
• The document included references to militant activities in Balochistan, which India opposed, stating it would dilute India’s position on terrorism and regional security.
• The Pahalgam terror attack was carried out by The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of the UN-designated Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).
• India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7,2025 targeting terror and military installations in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) in response to the Pahalgam attack, leading to a four-day military confrontation ending on May 10.
• Rajnath Singh called for proactive steps to combat radicalisation among youth and acknowledged the role of RATS (Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure) under the SCO in counter-terrorism.
• The SCO is a 10-nation Eurasian security and political grouping including China, Russia, India, Pakistan, and Iran.
• The Defence Ministers’ meeting was a precursor to the annual SCO leaders’ summit scheduled for autumn.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: AWARDS AND HONOURS

Kerala Sahitya Akademi Announces 2024 Literary Award Winners

• The Kerala Sahitya Akademi has declared the 2024 literary award recipients, recognizing excellence across genres in Malayalam literature.
• The awards, announced, in Thrissur, highlight outstanding works in fiction, poetry, drama, essays, and more, showcasing both established writers and new voices.

Key Highlights :

• Best Novel: G R Indugopan – Aano
• Poetry: Anitha Thampi – Muringa Vazha Kariveppu
• Short Story: V Shinilal – Garisappa Aruvi Athava Oru Jalayathra
• Essay (Sibi Kumar Endowment Award): M Swaraj – Pookkalude Pusthakam
• Drama: Sashidharan Naduvil
• Literary Criticism: G Dileep
• Scientific Literature: Deepak V
• Biography/Autobiography: Dr K Rajashekharan Nair
• Travel Writing: K R Ajayan
• Translation: Chinthu Prakash
• Children’s Literature: E N Sheeja
• Humour: Niranjan
• Akademi Fellowship: K V Ramakrishnan
• Major Lifetime Contribution Award: Ezhacheri Ramachandran
• Other Lifetime Contribution Awardees:
  • P K N Panicker
  • Payyannur Kunhiraman
  • M M Narayanan
  • T K Gangadharan
  • K E N
  • Mallika Yunis
• Awards Value:
  • Regular Awards: ₹25,000 + plaque + certificate
  • Fellowship & Major Lifetime Awards: ₹50,000 + 2-sovereign gold medal + shawl + citation + plaque
  • Other Lifetime Awards: ₹30,000 + plaque + shawl + certificate
• Note: No recipient was selected for the Vilasini Award this year.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : DEFENCE NEWS

Indian Coast Guard inducts ‘Adamya’, the first of eight Fast Patrol Vessels built by Goa Shipyard Limited

• ‘Adamya’, the first Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV) under the eight FPV project at Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL), was inducted into the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) on June 26, 2025, in Goa.
• It is the first ship in its class in the ICG fleet to feature Controllable Pitch Propellers (CPPs) and indigenously developed gearboxes, providing superior maneuverability, operational flexibility, and enhanced performance at sea.
• The vessel is equipped with advanced technology including:
• 30mm CRN-91 gun
• Two 7mm stabilized remote-control guns with fire control systems
• Integrated Bridge System (IBS)
• Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS)
• Automated Power Management System (APMS)
• These systems enable the ICG to carry out its duties with increased precision, efficiency, and responsiveness across India’s extensive maritime domain
• Designed and built entirely by GSL, ‘Adamya’ highlights India’s growing shipbuilding capability and supports the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India).
• The eight FPVs will act as force multipliers in the ICG’s operational fleet, enhancing capabilities for:Maritime law enforcement, Coastal surveillance, Search and rescue operations, Protection of India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)

Recent News :

• In June 2025, The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has equipped the Indian Army with weapons systems worth ₹1,981.90 crore through the Emergency Procurement-6 (EP-6) route to boost operational readiness for counter-terrorism (CT) operations.

About Ministry of Defence:

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

CURRENT AFFAIRS: SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Indian Air Force’s Shubhanshu Shukla becomes first Indian astronaut in decades to travel to space

• Indian Air Force (IAF) Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla became the first Indian astronaut in over 40 years to go to space, marking a historic milestone.
• The mission was the Axiom-4 (Ax-4) two-week mission with a four-member international crew.
• Launched aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket from NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre, Florida.
• The mission is the fourth private astronaut flight to the International Space Station (ISS).

Key Highlights :

Crew members included:

• Peggy Whitson (Commander)
• Shubhanshu Shukla (Pilot)
• Sławosz Uznański (Mission Specialist)
• Tibor Kapu (Mission Specialist)
• A toy swan named Joy served as the zero-g indicator, symbolizing wisdom and purity in India.
• The mission involved closing Dragon’s hatch, communication and suit checks, with launch confirmed on X (formerly Twitter).
• Targeted docking to ISS was scheduled for June 26, 2025.
• The mission is a collaboration between Axiom Space, SpaceX, and NASA.
• Shukla is the second Indian astronaut after Rakesh Sharma (1984).
• Shukla is a decorated test pilot, commissioned into the IAF in June 2006, with 2,000 flight hours.
• He underwent rigorous training at Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Centre, Russia.
• Selected for ISRO’s Human Spaceflight Program (HSP) and linked to the Gaganyaan mission.
• The mission is strategically important for:Operational readiness, Global integration, India’s emergence as a serious contender in human space exploration.
• The mission was postponed five times due to technical issues and weather conditions.
• Shukla will conduct seven Indian microgravity experiments onboard ISS, including:
• Impact of microgravity radiation on edible microalgae.
• Sprouting salad seeds in space.
• Human interaction with electronic displays in microgravity.
• Effects of microgravity on growth and yield parameters of food crop seeds.
• The Ax-4 crew will conduct 60 science experiments representing 31 countries.

China discovers 20 new bat viruses, including two closely related to deadly Nipah and Hendra viruses

• Scientists have discovered 20 new bat viruses in China, including two henipaviruses genetically similar to the deadly Nipah and Hendra viruses.
• These viruses were found in fruit orchards in Yunnan province, southwest China, in bats’ kidneys carrying unknown pathogens.
• The study was published in the PLOS Pathogens journal and reveals viruses that could cause high-fatality illnesses in humans.
• The findings highlight the critical zoonotic threats and emphasize the need for comprehensive microbial analyses of previously understudied organs to assess spillover risks from bats.
• The research team was led by Guopeng Kuang (Yunnan Institute of Endemic Disease Control and Prevention) and Tian Yang (Dali University).
• The proximity of bats to orchards raises concerns about transmission to humans through contaminated fruits, water, or direct contact.
• Researchers analyzed 142 bats from ten species and found a diverse range of microbes, including a new protozoan parasite (Klossiella yunnanensis) and a novel bacterium (Flavobacterium yunnanensis).
• Although it is uncertain if these viruses can jump to humans, they will be closely monitored due to their genetic similarity to dangerous viruses.

Indian Council of Medical Research Launches Its First High Performance Computing Facility at National Institute of Virology Pune

• The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) inaugurated its first High Performance Computing (HPC) facility at the ICMR-National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune.
• The computing cluster, named ‘Nakshatra’, was inaugurated by Dr Rajiv Bahl, Secretary of the Department of Health Research (DHR) and Director General of ICMR.
• Developed under the Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM ABHIM), the HPC facility is a key part of the project called “High Performance Computing Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) Hub”.
• The initiative aims to revolutionize genomic and bioinformatics data processing, addressing challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic due to limited computing infrastructure.
• Initially, the facility will support five ICMR institutes nationwide and act as a central repository for sequencing data.
• It will also extend support to Viral Research and Diagnostic Laboratories (VRDLs) across India.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: RANKING AND INDEX

Tata Group Becomes First Indian Brand to Cross $30 Billion in Brand Value – Brand Finance 2025 Report

• The Tata Group has made history by becoming the first Indian brand to surpass a $30 billion valuation, reaching $31.6 billion with a 10% year-on-year growth, as per the Brand Finance India 100 Report 2025.
• This milestone underscores the rising global stature of Indian brands, with players like Infosys, HDFC, and Adani following closely.

Key Highlights :

• Tata Group
  • Brand Value: $31.6 billion (10% increase)
  • Sustainability Perceptions Value: $4.3 billion – highest among Indian brands
• Top 5 Most Valuable Indian Brands

• Tata Group – $31.6 billion
• Infosys – $16.3 billion (15% increase)
• HDFC Group – $14.2 billion (37% increase post-merger)
• LIC
• Airtel

• Fastest-Growing Brand: Adani Group – 82% growth, driven by infrastructure and energy sectors
• Strongest Brands by Brand Strength Index (BSI)
  • Taj Hotels – BSI: 92.2/100, AAA+ rating (4th consecutive year)
  • Asian Paints – BSI: 92/100, ranked as strongest global paint brand
  • Amul – BSI: 91.2/100
• New Entrants
  • Zomato – $1 billion, ranked 39th
  • Birla Opus – Emerging in decorative paints
  • Birlasoft – $164 million, entered IT services segment
• Noteworthy Climbers
  • HMEL – Brand value: $656 million, climbed 7 ranks
  • Zetwerk – Strengthening India’s position in the ESDM sector
• Economic Insights
  • Combined brand value of India’s top 100 brands: $236.5 billion
  • Indicates India’s expanding role in the global corporate ecosystem
• Sectoral Performance
  • IT & Tech: Infosys leads, Persistent Systems up by 33%
  • Financial Services: HDFC’s growth aided by structural consolidation
  • Hospitality & FMCG: Taj and Amul dominate service and consumer trust
• Sustainability Focus
  • Infosys posted the largest positive sustainability gap ($115 million), showing brand value potential via sustainability messaging

RECENT NEWS

• In a strategic leadership development within the Tata Group, S. Padmanabhan, a seasoned executive and PGP’82 alumnus of IIM Bangalore, has been appointed as the Chairman of Tata Chemicals, effective 30 May 2025.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: SPORTS NEWS

International Cricket Council (ICC) Implements Stop Clock in World Test Championship 2025–27 to Address Slow Over Rates

• The International Cricket Council (ICC) has introduced a stop clock regulation for the 2025–27 World Test Championship (WTC) cycle to enhance the pace of play.
• This move, beginning with the Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh Test series in Galle, aims to reduce delays and promote fairness in the game.

Key Highlights :

• Stop Clock Rule Introduced: Fielding teams must start a new over within 60 seconds of the previous one ending.
• Penalty for Delay:
  • Two warnings are allowed.
  • On the third delay, 5 penalty runs will be awarded to the batting side.
  • Warnings reset after every 80 overs.
• Saliva Ban Continues: Use of saliva on the ball remains prohibited; no compulsory ball change if applied accidentally.
• DRS Referral Order: If both umpire and player opt for a review, the first referral chronologically will be considered.
• Deliberate Short Runs: Fielding side can now choose the batter to stay on strike after a deliberate short run by the batting side.

RECENT NEWS

• The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially announced the full schedule for the 2025 ICC Women’s ODI World Cup, set to take place from 30th September to 2nd November. While India holds the official hosting rights, matches involving Pakistan will be held in Sri Lanka due to diplomatic tensions, marking a dual-hosting arrangement.

About ICC

• Headquarters: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
• Founded: 15 June 1909
• The ICC Chairman in 2025 is Jay Shah. He assumed the role on December 1, 2024, succeeding Greg Barclay.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: BOOKS & AUTHORS

Shikhar Dhawan Releases Autobiography “The One: Cricket, My Life and More”

• Renowned Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan has unveiled his autobiography titled “The One: Cricket, My Life and More”, offering a deeply personal and emotional account of his journey.
• The book, published by HarperCollins India, was officially launched and provides readers with an intimate insight into Dhawan’s cricketing milestones, inner battles, and personal evolution.

Key Highlights :

• Title: The One: Cricket, My Life and More
• Author: Shikhar Dhawan
• Publisher: HarperCollins India
• Focus:
  • Honest reflections on his cricketing career, mental health, and personal identity
  • Transformation from a young wicketkeeper in Delhi to one of India’s top opening batsmen
  • Behind-the-scenes moments, including locker room camaraderie and public scrutiny
  • Highlights a turning point during the Australia tour, marked by emotional challenges
• Contributions by Fellow Cricketers:
  • Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Yuvraj Singh, and Harbhajan Singh share reflections and stories from their time with Dhawan

CURRENT AFFAIRS: IMPORTANT DAYS

International Day of Deafblindness 2025: June 27

• The International Day of Deafblindness is observed annually on June 27 to raise awareness and advocate for the rights of individuals living with deafblindness — a unique dual disability involving both hearing and visual impairments.
• The day seeks to bring visibility, support, and policy inclusion for this often-neglected community.

Key Highlights :

• UN Proclamation:
  Declared by the United Nations General Assembly in 2024 through Resolution A/RES/79/294.
• Commemorative Date:
  Marks the birth anniversary of Helen Keller (born in 1880), the first deafblind person to earn a college degree and a global icon for disability rights.
• Objective:
  To recognize the rights of deafblind individuals and ensure their social inclusion, accessibility, and participation in global development.
• Significance:
  Calls for systemic change, policy-level inclusion, and enhanced support mechanisms to address the isolation and challenges faced by the deafblind community.

Daily CA One- Liner: June 28

• The National e-Governance Division (NeGD) under MeitY inaugurated a 2-day AI in Governance workshop at IIT Delhi’s Department of Management Studies from June 26–27 2025 to equip 59 central- and state-level officers with practical knowledge for deploying artificial intelligence in public service delivery.
• The Union Environment Ministry’s 21st steering-committee meeting in Dehradun, chaired by Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, confirmed significant progress under Project Elephant, including the completion of Phase I of the synchronized elephant census in Northeast India and new initiatives to curb elephant-train collisions and expand species-recovery efforts.
• NITI Aayog unveiled the third edition of its Future Front insights series titled “India’s Data Imperative: The Pivot Towards Quality”, in New Delhi
• India celebrated ‘Udyami Bharat – MSME Day’ on June 27, 2025, with the theme "Enhancing the Role of MSMEs as Drivers of Sustainable Growth and Innovation
• India has successfully secured the bid to host the 2029 World Police & Fire Games (WPFG), which will be held across Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, and Ekta Nagar in Gujarat
• The Kerala Sahitya Akademi has declared the 2024 literary award recipients, recognizing excellence across genres in Malayalam literature.
• The Tata Group has made history by becoming the first Indian brand to surpass a $30 billion valuation, reaching $31.6 billion with a 10% year-on-year growth, as per the Brand Finance India 100 Report 2025
• The International Cricket Council (ICC) has introduced a stop clock regulation for the 2025–27 World Test Championship (WTC) cycle to enhance the pace of play.
• Renowned Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan has unveiled his autobiography titled “The One: Cricket, My Life and More”, offering a deeply personal and emotional account of his journey
• The International Day of Deafblindness is observed annually on June 27 to raise awareness and advocate for the rights of individuals living with deafblindness — a unique dual disability involving both hearing and visual impairments.
• Private sector Indian companies with a net worth above ₹500 crore and a long-term credit rating of A and above can be designated as Renewable Energy Implementing Agencies (REIAs).
• According to an RBI study, the Operating Profit Margin (OPM) of Indian private corporations across manufacturing and services sectors moderated in FY25 due to high input costs.
• SMFCL (Sagarmala Maritime Finance Corporation Limited) is India’s first sector-specific Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) in the maritime sector, registered with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on June 19, 2025.
• Equitas Small Finance Bank and Edelweiss Life Insurance have entered into a bancassurance partnership to offer life insurance solutions to the bank’s customers.
• Gross Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows into India surged to $8.8 billion in April 2025, up from $5.9 billion in March 2025 and $7.2 billion in April 2024.
• Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, released the fifth edition of the National Time Release Study (NTRS) during the CBIC Conclave in New Delhi.
• India declined to endorse the joint statement at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ meeting held in Qingdao, China due to concerns over terrorism language.
• ‘Adamya’, the first Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV) under the eight FPV project at Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL), was inducted into the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) on June 26, 2025, in Goa.
• Indian Air Force (IAF) Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla became the first Indian astronaut in over 40 years to go to space, marking a historic milestone.
• Scientists have discovered 20 new bat viruses in China, including two henipaviruses genetically similar to the deadly Nipah and Hendra viruses.
• The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) inaugurated its first High Performance Computing (HPC) facility at the ICMR-National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune.