Staying updated with current affairs is crucial, especially when it comes to understanding how political, economic, social, and technological changes impact our world. In this article, we dive deep into some of the most important events that took place on June 8–9, 2025, covering topics such as Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Jammu and Kashmir, the launch of the Ayush Nivesh Portal, the inauguration of South Asia’s largest utility-scale battery energy storage system (BESS) in Delhi, and more. This detailed breakdown will help students, professionals, and general readers stay informed about the latest happenings across India and beyond.
1. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Visit to Jammu and Kashmir
On June 6, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on an official visit to Jammu and Kashmir, where he dedicated and inaugurated several developmental projects worth ₹46,000 crores. The event took place in Katra, a significant religious and tourist hub due to its proximity to the famous Mata Vaishno Devi shrine.
Key Highlights:
- Chenab Bridge Inauguration: One of the major highlights was the unveiling of the world’s highest railway arch bridge, standing at 359 meters above the Chenab River. This engineering marvel not only enhances connectivity but also boosts tourism and employment opportunities in the region.
- Infrastructure Development: These projects are expected to improve road connectivity, promote tourism, and generate employment across Jammu and Kashmir.
- Leadership Representation: During the event, the Lieutenant Governor of J&K, Manoj Sinha, was present alongside Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
This visit reaffirmed the government’s commitment to developing the Union Territory through strategic infrastructure investments.
2. Launch of the Ayush Nivesh Portal
In a significant move towards promoting traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy (AYUSH), the Indian government launched the Ayush Nivesh Sathari Portal. This platform aims to boost investment in the traditional medicine sector by facilitating research, development, and commercialization of Ayush-based products.
Key Details:
- Purpose: To attract domestic and foreign investments into the Ayush sector.
- Developed By: Ministry of Ayush in collaboration with DPIIT (Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade).
- Features: The portal provides investors with comprehensive information on investment opportunities, regulatory frameworks, and policy incentives within the Ayush industry.
The initiative supports India’s efforts to globalize its traditional medical practices while ensuring scientific validation of their benefits.
3. South Asia’s Largest Utility-Scale Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) Inaugurated in Delhi
Delhi has now become home to South Asia’s largest utility-scale battery energy storage system, marking a milestone in India’s journey toward sustainable and clean energy.
Project Details:
- Capacity: 20 MW / 40 MWh BESS
- Location: Rohini, Delhi
- Significance: This system helps stabilize the power grid, store excess renewable energy, and provide reliable electricity during peak hours.
- Initiative: Part of India’s broader push toward green hydrogen production and decarbonization, aligning with the National Green Hydrogen Mission.
Delhi Power Minister Ashish Sood emphasized that this project would enhance grid stability and support the city’s growing energy demands sustainably.
4. Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) Between Telangana and Kitakyushu City, Japan
To promote sustainable development, India’s Telangana state signed a strategic partnership with Kitakyushu City, Japan. This MoU focuses on inclusive economic growth, zero-emission initiatives, urban innovation, and eco-town development.
Key Components:
- Eco-Town Development: An 80-acre eco-town model will be developed in Telangana, emphasizing waste management, recycling technologies, and sustainable economic practices.
- Musee River Revival: Another major component involves rejuvenating the Musie River, which flows through Hyderabad.
This collaboration reflects India’s growing partnerships with global leaders in sustainability and technology.
5. Eighth Session of the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (GPDRR 2025)
Held in Geneva, Switzerland, from May 27 to June 2, 2025, the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (GPDRR) brought together experts, policymakers, and scientists to discuss strategies for reducing disaster risks globally.
Key Themes:
- Theme: “Everyday Counts – Act for Resilience Today”
- Indian Participation: Dr. Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, Director General of Meteorology (IMD), received the UN Sasakawa Award for Disaster Risk Reduction in the individual category.
This session underscored the importance of early warning systems, climate resilience, and international cooperation in mitigating natural disasters.
6. National Green Hydrogen Mission and Industrial Decarbonization
India continues to make strides in its National Green Hydrogen Mission, aiming to position the country as a global leader in green hydrogen production and export. As part of this mission, the World Economic Forum (WEF) has partnered with Tata Steel SEZ Limited to accelerate green industrialization and decarbonization in India.
Key Initiatives:
- Gopalpur Industrial Park: Located in Odisha, this park has been inducted into the WEF’s Transitioning Industrial Clusters Initiative.
- Partnerships: Collaborations with institutions like the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), USA, and Essentra, Netherlands, aim to drive green industrial growth and job creation.
This marks a critical step in India’s transition to a low-carbon economy.
7. RBI’s Second Bi-Monthly Monetary Policy for FY26
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced its second bi-monthly monetary policy for fiscal year 2025–2026, chaired by Governor Shri Sanjay Malhotra.
Policy Highlights:
- Repo Rate: Maintained at 5.50%
- Reverse Repo Rate: Held at 5.25%
- Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR): Kept unchanged at 3%
- Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR): Maintained at 18%
- Bank Rate: Fixed at 5.75%
The policy aims to balance inflation control with economic growth, maintaining stability in the financial markets.
8. NSC Launches ESG Ratings for Listed Companies
The National Stock Exchange (NSE) Sustainability Council (NSC) has introduced Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) ratings for listed companies in India.
Importance:
- Enhances transparency and accountability.
- Encourages sustainable business practices.
- Helps investors assess long-term risks and opportunities.
This initiative aligns with global trends and strengthens India’s position in sustainable finance.
9. Air India Signs Codeshare Agreement with Icelandair
Air India, under the Tata Group, has signed a codeshare agreement with Icelandair, enhancing air connectivity between India and Europe via Iceland.
Benefits:
- Passengers can travel seamlessly across 15 routes connecting India and Europe.
- Flights will carry the AI flight code, offering greater flexibility and convenience.
This partnership opens new avenues for tourism and business travel between India and European destinations.
10. IIT Kharagpur and Singapore IME Institute Sign MoU for Semiconductor Research
To strengthen India’s position in semiconductor technology, IIT Kharagpur signed a memorandum of understanding with IME Institute of Microelectronics, Singapore.
Objectives:
- Joint research and development in semiconductor technology.
- Specialized training workshops and student exchange programs.
- Collaboration with the India Semiconductor Mission to position India as a global semiconductor leader.
This partnership is expected to boost India’s electronics manufacturing capabilities.
11. Andhra Pradesh and ISRO Collaborate for Space Technology Integration
The Andhra Pradesh Government and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) have entered into a strategic alliance to integrate space technology into the Real-Time Governance System (RTGS).
Applications:
- Weather forecasting and early warning systems using satellite imagery.
- Real-time data analysis for better governance and disaster preparedness.
This integration will significantly improve decision-making in agriculture, disaster management, and public administration.
12. World Food Safety Day 2025
Observed on June 5, 2025, World Food Safety Day focused on the theme “Food Safety: Science in Action”, highlighting the role of science in ensuring safe food practices globally.
Key Message:
- Promote awareness about foodborne diseases.
- Encourage scientific research and policy-making to ensure food safety standards.
The day was jointly observed by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO).
13. Tamil Nadu Declares Greater Flamingo Sanctuary at Dhanushkodi
In a major conservation effort, the Tamil Nadu Government declared the Greater Flamingo Sanctuary at Dhanushkodi, located in the Ramanathapuram District.
Conservation Goals:
- Protect migratory birds along the Central Asian Flyway.
- Promote eco-tourism in the region.
- Preserve biodiversity in wetland ecosystems.
This sanctuary is expected to attract thousands of flamingos annually and raise awareness about wildlife conservation.
14. Sports Updates: Chess, Cricket, and Weightlifting
🎻 Norway Chess 2025:
- Magnus Carlsen (Norway) won the Men’s Category.
- Anna Muzychuk (Ukraine) won the Women’s Category.
⚾ Piyush Chawla Announces Retirement:
- Former Indian cricketer Piyush Chawla retired from all forms of cricket after a distinguished career.
🏋️♂️ 2026 Asian Weightlifting Championship Host City:
- The championship will be hosted by Guwahati, India.
These updates reflect India’s growing presence in international sports.
15. International Events and Appointments
- 2031 FIFA Women’s World Cup: Will be hosted by the USA.
- Dr. Mangilal Jat appointed as the new Director General of ICAR (Indian Council of Agricultural Research).
- Saurav Sarin wins the 18th edition of the Tashkent Open Chess Tournament.
- Nihal Sarin wins gold in the 25m Pistol Event at the ISSF World Cup in Argentina.
Conclusion
The period of June 8–9, 2025, witnessed several landmark developments across various sectors in India and globally. From boosting renewable energy with the Battery Energy Storage System in Delhi, promoting sustainable development through international collaborations, to advancing healthcare and traditional medicine with the Ayush Nivesh Portal, these events highlight India’s multidimensional progress. Keeping up with such news is essential for competitive exams, policymaking, and staying informed about the world around us.