“IMPORTANT DAYS”

World Blood Donor Day 2025: Honouring Life-Saving Heroes

Every year on June 14, countries around the globe observe World Blood Donor Day to recognise and appreciate the life-saving contributions of voluntary blood donors. This day also aims to raise awareness about the constant need for safe blood and blood products. The 2025 theme, “Give Blood, Give Hope”, highlights the emotional and life-sustaining power of blood donations, showing how a single act of generosity can give someone another chance at life and healing.

“DEFENCE”

Indian Army Successfully Tests Rudrastra VTOL Drone for Precision Strikes

In a significant step towards boosting indigenous defence capabilities, the Indian Army has successfully conducted trials of the Rudrastra, a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) designed for deep-strike missions. Developed by Solar Aerospace and Defence Limited (SDAL), this indigenous drone demonstrated its capacity to carry out cross-border attacks and neutralize high-value targets, reflecting the armed forces’ growing reliance on homegrown technology for modern warfare.

India–US Air Force Special Forces Conclude First Joint Exercise ‘Tiger Claw’

In a landmark step toward bolstering bilateral defence cooperation, the first joint military exercise “Tiger Claw” between the Garud Special Forces of the Indian Air Force and the United States Air Force (USAF) Special Forces concluded on June 10, 2025. Conducted from May 26 to June 10 across North India, this exercise represents a significant evolution in the India–US strategic partnership, especially in the domain of air-based special operations.

France to Host 8th Edition of Indo-French Military Exercise ‘Shakti’ at La Cavalerie

France will host the 8th edition of the India-France joint military exercise “Shakti” from 18 June to 1 July 2025 at La Cavalerie. The 7th edition was held in Umroi, Meghalaya (India) in May 2024. Exercise Shakti, launched in 2011, is a biennial exercise alternately hosted by both nations. It aims to enhance interoperability and joint capability in sub-conventional operations like counter-terrorism.

“APPOINTMENTS”

Sun Pharma Appoints Kirti Ganorkar as MD

In a major leadership transition, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd, India’s largest pharmaceutical company, has appointed Kirti Ganorkar as its Managing Director, effective September 1, 2025. The move marks the culmination of a carefully planned succession process, with founder Dilip Shanghvi transitioning to the role of Executive Chairman. While Ganorkar will oversee day-to-day business operations, Shanghvi will continue guiding the company’s long-term strategy and its specialty portfolio.

Cristiano Ronaldo Named Global Ambassador for Esports World Cup 2025

Football icon Cristiano Ronaldo has been officially announced as the Global Ambassador for the Esports World Cup 2025 (EWC) by the Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF). The appointment marks a significant crossover between traditional sports and esports, as the five-time Ballon d’Or winner joins efforts to promote competitive gaming on a global scale. The tournament is set to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from July 7 to August 24, 2025, featuring elite players, global clubs, and record-breaking prize money.

 “NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL NEWS”

India slips to 131st position in Global Gender Gap Index 2025

India ranked 131st out of 148 countries in the Global Gender Gap Index 2025, slipping from its previous rank of 127 in 2024, according to the World Economic Forum (WEF) report. The ranking reflects a decline in gender parity across key areas like economic participation, educational attainment, health and survival, and political empowerment.

Punjab Government Launches ‘FastTrack Punjab Portal’ to Accelerate Industrial Approvals and Boost Ease of Doing Business

Punjab Government launched the FastTrack Punjab Portal to streamline industrial approvals and reduce bureaucratic delays, ensuring investors get time-bound clearances with a guaranteed approval timeline of 45 days. If missed, deemed approval is automatically granted. The portal features a strong accountability mechanism, where delays are escalated to the Chief Secretary and trigger internal inquiries against responsible officials. The portal offers a Single-Window Clearance System, integrated with the Invest Punjab Portal, to issue statutory approvals like CLU, fire safety, forest, and pollution certificates within 15 days using just one stamp paper.