Current Affairs - June 9, 2025 Current Affairs

The World Expo 2025 is being hosted in Osaka, Japan, where the India Pavilion has gained significant recognition by securing a spot among the top five pavilions. The pavilion highlights India’s cultural heritage, advancements in Ayurveda, space technology (ISRO), and sustainable development initiatives. Organized by the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts, it reflects India’s global soft power and innovation. The Expo serves as a platform for nations to showcase their achievements, and India’s strong presence underscores its growing influence in areas of tradition, science, and sustainability on the world stage.

Sailesh C. Mehta, Managing Director of Deepak Fertilizers and Petrochemicals Corporation Ltd., has been appointed as the new Chairman of the Fertiliser Association of India (FAI). With over 40 years of experience in the fertiliser sector, Mehta succeeds N. Suresh Krishnan (MD & CEO of Paradeep Phosphates Ltd.). Known for his expertise in sustainable agriculture and efficient fertiliser practices, Mehta aims to strengthen industry-government collaboration and promote balanced nutrient usage to enhance farm productivity. His leadership comes at a crucial time as India focuses on food security and eco-friendly fertiliser solutions.

The Greater Flamingo is the focal species of conservation in Tamil Nadu's newly declared Dhanushkodi Sanctuary (524.7 hectares). Announced on World Environment Day 2025, this sanctuary safeguards critical habitats for these migratory birds within the Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve. The area hosts over 10,700 wetland birds along the Central Asian Flyway, emphasizing India’s commitment to international biodiversity agreements. The move also aims to balance ecotourism and local livelihoods while preserving mangroves, mudflats, and sand dunes that sustain flamingo populations.

Coco Gauff secured her first French Open title by defeating world number one Aryna Sabalenka in the final. At just 21 years old, she became the youngest American woman to win at Roland Garros since Serena Williams in 2002 and the first from the U.S. since Williams in 2015. This victory marked Gauff's second Grand Slam title, further establishing her as a leading figure in women's tennis. Her triumph highlighted her growth on clay and cemented her status as one of the sport's brightest young stars.

The 'Bodhi Yatra' was organized by the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department in collaboration with the Union Ministry of External Affairs under the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation (MGC) framework. The event aimed to highlight Uttar Pradesh's rich Buddhist heritage on the global stage, attracting 50 delegates from five ASEAN countries. This initiative reflects the state's efforts to boost cultural tourism and strengthen international ties through its historical and spiritual significance in Buddhism. Uttar Pradesh is home to key Buddhist sites like Sarnath and Kushinagar, making it a focal point for such heritage promotions.

Carlos Alcaraz successfully defended his French Open title by defeating world number 1 Jannik Sinner in an epic final that lasted 5 hours and 29 minutes—the longest men's singles final in Roland Garros history. This victory marked Alcaraz's second consecutive French Open title and handed Sinner his first-ever Grand Slam final defeat. The match was hailed as an all-time classic, showcasing Alcaraz's resilience and skill on clay. This win further solidified Alcaraz's status as one of the brightest young stars in tennis, continuing his rapid rise in the sport.

India delivered an outstanding performance at the Taiwan Athletics Open, a World Athletics Continental Tour Bronze event, securing a total of 16 medals—12 gold, 3 silver, and 1 bronze. The team started strong by winning gold in all six events on Day 1 and continued their dominance by adding 10 more medals on the final day. This remarkable achievement highlighted India's growing prowess in track and field, marking one of its most successful campaigns in an international athletics meet. The victory underscored the nation's rising talent in global athletics competitions.

The World Bank's latest report highlights India's significant achievement in reducing extreme poverty from 27.1% in 2011-12 to just 5.3% in 2022-23, using an updated poverty line of $3 per day (adjusted for inflation and purchasing power parity). This decline reflects the success of economic growth, welfare schemes (like food subsidies), and targeted poverty alleviation programs. The report also notes that 171 million people were lifted out of poverty in this period, with rural-urban gaps narrowing substantially. Despite global economic challenges, India's progress sets a benchmark for poverty reduction efforts worldwide.

Squadron Leader Manisha Padhi of the Indian Air Force (2015 batch) has created history by becoming India's first female Aide-De-Camp (ADC) to a state Governor. She was formally appointed to assist Mizoram Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati in November 2024. This landmark achievement marks a significant step toward gender inclusivity in India's armed forces, breaking traditional barriers in ceremonial military roles. Previously posted at Air Force stations in Bidar, Pune, and Bhatinda, her appointment highlights the growing recognition of women officers in high-profile defence and governance positions.

Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi inaugurated Ibex Tarana 88.4 FM, a community radio station, in Jyotirmath, Uttarakhand, during his visit to assess troop readiness in the Garhwal region. This initiative, the first Army-backed community radio in a border area, aims to strengthen civil-military ties, promote local culture, and provide educational, employment, and disaster-preparedness programs. The launch underscores the Indian Army’s role in community empowerment alongside national security, particularly in strategic frontier regions like Uttarakhand.

T Rabi Sankar, currently serving as Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), has been appointed as a part-time member of the 16th Finance Commission (XVIFC) by the President of India. He fills the vacancy created by Ajay Narayan Jha's resignation and will serve until the commission submits its report (due by October 31, 2025). Sankar’s expertise in central banking and financial markets is expected to strengthen the Commission’s recommendations on Centre-State fiscal relations for 2026-2031. His reappointment as RBI Deputy Governor in May 2024 underscores his influential role in economic policymaking.