Current Affairs - June 2, 2025 Current Affairs

Karnataka has taken a landmark step in tobacco regulation by passing the COTPA (Karnataka Amendment) Act, 2024. The law increases the minimum legal age to purchase tobacco from 18 to 21 and introduces a complete ban on hookah bars, including those operating in cafes, pubs, and restaurants. The amendments also enforce stricter penalties for violations, such as public smoking and spitting, and prohibit the sale of loose cigarettes. These reforms aim to reduce tobacco consumption, particularly among youth, and enhance public health safety. The Karnataka High Court upheld these measures under Article 47 of the Constitution, reinforcing the state's commitment to health-focused governance.

A 20-MW Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) was inaugurated in Kilokari, South Delhi, making it the largest utility-scale energy storage system in South Asia. This project marks a major advancement in India’s renewable energy infrastructure, being the first commercially approved energy storage system in the country. BESS plays a crucial role in enhancing energy reliability by storing power generated from renewable sources like solar and wind for later use. The system supports Delhi’s efforts toward clean energy and grid stability, setting a precedent for similar projects across India and the broader South Asian region.

Union Minister Amit Shah inaugurated a new Central Forensic Science Laboratory in Rajarhat, Kolkata. The advanced facility, built at a cost of ₹88 crore, is designed to serve not only the state of West Bengal but also several neighbouring regions such as Jharkhand, Bihar, Odisha, Sikkim, Assam, and other northeastern states. This laboratory is expected to significantly strengthen forensic infrastructure in eastern India, aiding in quicker and more accurate criminal investigations across a broad geographic area. The choice of Kolkata highlights its strategic location for regional accessibility and operational efficiency.

Telangana became India’s 28th state on June 2, 2014, after separating from Andhra Pradesh. The day is celebrated as Telangana Formation Day to honour the people's efforts in creating a distinct state. Historically, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh were merged into one Telugu-speaking state on November 1, 1956, before Telangana gained separate statehood. The formation day is commemorated with grand events in various locations, such as Gun Park in Nampally and Parade Grounds in Secunderabad, reflecting the cultural and political significance of the region’s establishment.

Asheesh Pandey and Kalyan Kumar have been selected by the Financial Services Institutions Bureau (FSIB) to take over as MD & CEO of Union Bank of India and Central Bank of India, respectively. Pandey, currently Executive Director at Bank of Maharashtra, will succeed A Manimekhalai, while Kalyan Kumar, currently ED at Punjab National Bank, will succeed MV Rao. These appointments are part of a strategic leadership transition in major public sector banks, aimed at promoting governance, ensuring continuity, and enhancing operational efficiency in India’s banking sector. Their selection followed a competitive evaluation of 23 candidates conducted by FSIB in May 2025.

India finished second in the medal tally at the Asian Athletics Championships 2025 with a total of 24 medals, including eight gold, 10 silver, and six bronze. Despite the strong performance and setting of new national records by athletes Animesh Kujur and Parul Chaudhary, India was surpassed by China, which topped the standings. This achievement highlights India’s competitive presence in Asian athletics and showcases the country’s growing talent in track and field events.

TCG CREST (The Chatterjee Group Centres for Research and Education in Science and Technology) is located in Kolkata and has been granted 'Deemed to be University' status by the Ministry of Education. This development marks a significant milestone in India’s higher education sector, as TCG CREST becomes one of the first research-driven private universities in the country. Its focus on advanced research and innovation is expected to equip students with skills relevant to the ever-changing demands of the modern job market, especially in science and technology domains. The establishment in Kolkata positions the city as an emerging hub for academic excellence.

India’s first Artificial Intelligence Special Economic Zone (AI SEZ) is being developed in Nava Raipur, Chhattisgarh, with a ₹1,000 crore investment by RackBank Datacenters. This pioneering initiative aims to establish state-of-the-art infrastructure dedicated to AI research, development, and deployment, spanning a 6-acre campus with four high-capacity data centres. The project not only positions India as a forward-looking player in the global AI race but also promises to bring major tech tenants such as Google, OpenAI, Microsoft, and Meta. Additionally, it is expected to generate local employment and support digital growth across Indian states, while offering tax and regulatory incentives under the SEZ framework.

Lt Gen Dinesh Singh Rana took over as the 18th Commander-in-Chief of the Andaman & Nicobar Command (CINCAN) on June 1, 2025. This position is significant as it leads India's only tri-services command, overseeing strategic operations in the Indian Ocean Region. With a career spanning several key military and academic appointments, Lt Gen Rana brings vast operational experience, having commanded an infantry brigade, division, and the Gajraj Corps. Prior to this, he served as the Director General of the Defence Intelligence Agency. His education and international exposure further strengthen India’s joint defence leadership in a geopolitically critical area.

Indian Grandmaster D Gukesh achieved a landmark victory by defeating reigning World Chess Champion Magnus Carlsen in a classical game at the Norway Chess 2025 tournament. This win is Gukesh’s first classical victory over Carlsen and marks a significant milestone in the 19-year-old’s rapidly rising chess career. Despite being in a tough position earlier in the game, Gukesh showed remarkable patience and tactical sharpness to turn the game in his favour during the endgame. The victory highlights his growing strength on the international stage and showcases the emergence of a new wave of Indian chess prodigies ready to challenge the elite.