NATIONAL NEWS

University of Delhi Launches JAIHIND Scheme

The University of Delhi has launched the JAIHIND (Janajati Immersive Holistic Intervention for Novel Development) scheme, with the aim of enhancing digital literacy and CUET preparedness among Scheduled Tribe (ST) students from remote rural areas.

The first pilot batch includes 25 students from Ukhrul district of Manipur, marking a key step toward inclusive higher education access.

It bridges the digital divide and support CUET preparation for ST students from underserved areas.

It provides training in computer skills, online form-filling, and admission-related communication.

It promotes equitable access to Central University admissions, especially after the CUET mandate in 2022.

It includes students from Classes 9 to 12, belonging to Scheduled Tribes.

First batch: 25 students (12 girls, 13 boys) selected based on academic merit.

Delhi to Conduct First-Ever Cloud-Seeding Trial for Artificial Rain

The Delhi government is preparing to conduct its first cloud-seeding trial by June 2025, aimed at testing the feasibility of inducing artificial rain to tackle pollution and water scarcity.

The project, developed with IIT Kanpur and supported by IMD and the Ministry of Defence, awaits final clearance from DGCA.

The initiative primarily aims to test cloud-seeding feasibility during peak pollution periods, though it is not directly targeting air quality improvement in this phase.

A custom cloud-seeding mix will be deployed, consisting of silver iodide (AgI), powdered rock salt, and iodized salt with hygroscopic and glaciogenic properties.

Trials will target Nimbostratus clouds at altitudes between 500–6000 meters, requiring at least 50% moisture content for effectiveness.

IIT Kanpur will analyse post-rain water samples for silver iodide residue, with initial studies showing no significant environmental risk.

 

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

WACE Has Become The First Foreign Government-Supported School Board

Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE) has become the first foreign government-supported school board to begin operations in India in over two decades.

This marks a significant development in Australia’s expanding education footprint in India, following the entry of Deakin University and University of Wollongong as the first foreign universities to establish campuses in India.

WACE has received formal equivalence for its Class X and XII qualifications from the Association of Indian Universities (AIU).

This equivalence allows WACE credentials to be recognised across India.

The approval enables Australian-style school education to be delivered through international partner schools under the Western Australian International School System (WAIS).

Under the WAIS curriculum, students typically take five subjects in classes XI and XII, with the option to take six.

WACE is currently operational in 16 countries

India-Cyprus Sign MoU to Enable UPI-Based Cross-Border Payments

The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Eurobank Cyprus to enable Unified Payments Interface (UPI) services in Cyprus.

The agreement was finalized during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Cyprus, aiming to strengthen fintech and bilateral cooperation.

The pact aims to introduce UPI-based digital payment systems in Cyprus to support cross-border transactions, especially for Indian tourists, students, and businesses.

The MoU was signed between NPCI International Payments Ltd. (NIPL) and Eurobank Cyprus, enhancing India’s digital payments reach in Europe.

Cyprus is a top-10 foreign direct investor in India, with nearly $15 billion in cumulative inflows. This partnership boosts India’s fintech presence in the European and Mediterranean regions.

The MoU is one of the major economic outcomes of PM Modi’s Cyprus visit and reflects India’s growing global influence in digital public infrastructure.

 

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Adobe Launches Firefly App on iOS and Android

Adobe has launched its Firefly app for iOS and Android devices, enabling users to create AI-generated images and videos directly on smartphones.

Firefly was already available as a web app before the mobile launch.

Users can input text prompts to generate or edit content using Adobe’s tools and models from OpenAI, Google, Flux, and others.

A new feature, Firefly Boards, is currently in beta on the web version.

Adobe Inc., formerly known as Adobe Systems Incorporated, is a US-based software company headquartered in San Jose, California.

 

BANKING

RBI Announces Relaxation for Import of Shipping Vessels Through New Circular

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued a circular introducing a relaxation for the import of shipping vessels.

The amendment is made to the Master Direction – Import of Goods and Services (MD-Imports), originally dated January 1, 2016.

It allows Authorised Dealer Category-I (AD Category-I) banks to permit importers to make advance remittances for shipping vessel imports.

The significant change is that remittances up to USD 50 million can be made without requiring a bank guarantee or an unconditional, irrevocable standby Letter of Credit (LC).

This decision aims to enhance ease of doing business and address sector-specific constraints in the shipping industry.

The directions in this circular are issued under Section 10(4) and Section 11(1) of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), 1999.

ADB and World Bank Sanction $1.5 billion Loans to Bangladesh

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the World Bank (WB) approved loans totaling $1.5 billion to support Bangladesh’s banking sector reforms, climate change initiatives, and other projects.

The ADB approved $900 million in loans:

$500 million for stabilizing and reforming Bangladesh’s banking sector, focusing on strengthening governance, asset quality, and system stability.

$400 million for the second phase of the Climate-Resilient Inclusive Development Programme (CRIDP), which promotes climate adaptation, emissions reduction, and inclusive economic growth.

The World Bank approved $640 million on June 19, 2025, for projects aimed at:Enhancing gas supply, Improving air quality in Bangladesh.

In Combined, these approvals amount to more than $1.5 billion, which will help ease the pressure on Bangladesh’s foreign currency reserves?

NABARD To Provide ₹10,000 Crore Funding For Green Initiatives In FY26

The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) plans to lend about ₹10,000 crore in FY26 under its Green Lending Facility.

The facility was launched in FY25 to fund projects by Central and State governments, government agencies, and private entities aimed at achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs).

The minimum loan amount under this facility is ₹100 crore.

NABARD’s green loans support projects such as:Ethanol plants, Electric vehicle

The Green Lending Facility focuses on promoting environmentally sustainable and climate-friendly initiatives.

 

AWARDS & PRIZES

WAN-IFRA Digital Media Awards South Asia 2025

The Hindu earned the prestigious title of Champion of Digital Media Awards South Asia 2025 at the WAN-IFRA Digital Media Awards held in Chennai, clinching 10 awards across various categories.

This recognition highlights the publication’s leadership in digital storytelling, innovation, and audience engagement.

It was organised by World Association of News Publishers (WAN-IFRA).

Total Awards Won by The Hindu: 10, 4 Gold, 3 Silver, 3 Bronze

Gold Awards:           

Best Use of Video – The Hindu Made of Chennai

Best Native Advertising Campaign – The Hindu Made of Chennai

Best Use of AI in Revenue Strategy

Best Podcast – In Focus: Why does the Election Commission need seven phases to conduct the General Election?

 

APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

Anuradha Thakur Appointed as Economic Affairs Secretary Effective July 1, 2025

Anuradha Thakur, a 1994-batch IAS officer from the Himachal Pradesh cadre, has been appointed as the new Economic Affairs Secretary, effective from July 1, 2025.

She will replace Ajay Seth, who retires on June 30, 2025.

She will also become an ex-officio member of the SEBI Board and will be notified shortly as a member of the Central Board of the RBI, joining M Nagaraju as a government nominee.

Anuradha Thakur is originally from Bihar and will be the first woman Economic Affairs Secretary.

The post of Economic Affairs Secretary has previously been held by former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Montek Singh Ahluwalia, ex-Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission.

She has served in key roles in the Corporate Affairs Ministry, Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO), DIPAM, and has been involved in:Air India’s disinvestment, Bharat Bond ETF, PM Internship Programme, 3Is Initiative (Inquiry, Inspection, and Investigation)

As Economic Affairs Secretary, she will represent the government on the boards of both SEBI and RBI.

 

IMPORTANT DAYS

World Hydrography Day

Every year on June 21st, World Hydrography Day is commemorated to promote awareness about the importance of hydrography, safe navigation, and maritime environmental conservation.

The theme this year is "Seabed Mapping: Enabling Ocean Action".

The International Hydrographic Bureau was founded in 1921 with the goal of providing a forum for states to confer on issues such as safe navigation, technical standards, and the conservation of the maritime environment.

In 1970, the name was changed to the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO).

In 2005, the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution calling for the International Hydrographic Organization to commemorate World Hydrography Day on June 21st.

The international commemoration of World Hydrography Day began in 2006.

The day honors hydrographers' efforts and raises awareness about the vital importance of hydrography in people's lives.