IMPORTANT DAYS

World Environment Day 2025 celebrated on June 5.

• World Environment Day 2025 was celebrated worldwide on 5 June to promote environmental protection and sustainability.

• The day has been marked annually on 5 June since 1973 under the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

• It serves as a platform to raise awareness and encourage global efforts to safeguard the environment.

• The 2025 theme, "Beat Plastic Pollution", highlights the urgent need to tackle plastic waste and promote eco-friendly alternatives.

• South Korea (Republic of Korea) hosted the global observance of World Environment Day this year.

• The roots of this day go back to 1972, when the UN declared 5 June as Environment Day during the Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment.

• Events, campaigns, and clean-up drives were held globally to inspire positive environmental action.

• The observance continues to remind individuals, communities, and governments of their role in protecting Planet Earth.

AWARDS

Kumar Mangalam Birla Receives Global Leadership Recognition in the U.S.

• Kumar Mangalam Birla, Chairman of the Aditya Birla Group, was honoured with the Global Leadership Award by the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) at its 8th Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C.

• He shared the stage with Arvind Krishna (IBM CEO) and Toshiaki Higashihara (Hitachi Executive Chairman), acknowledging their roles in advancing U.S.-India economic cooperation.

• The award highlighted Mr. Birla’s enduring leadership and his group’s significant contributions to economic growth in the U.S.

• Over the past 18 years, the Aditya Birla Group has expanded its presence in the United States, investing more than $15 billion.

• The company now operates across 15 states, generating over 5,400 jobs across sectors.

• Mr. Birla expressed that this honour reflects the group’s deep-rooted commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and promoting shared prosperity.

• The recognition underscores the growing influence of Indian multinationals in shaping global economic partnerships.

• Aditya Birla Group’s success story in the U.S. showcases a model of sustainable investment and long-term collaboration.

APPOINTMENTS

Lee Jae-myung Becomes South Korea’s 21st President

• Lee Jae-myung has officially assumed office as the 21st President of South Korea, beginning a five-year term representing the Liberal Democratic Party.

• He secured victory over Kim Moon-soo of the People Power Party in a closely contested election.

• The National Election Commission validated the election outcome following the removal of former president Yoon Suk-yeol.

• Yoon was ousted for attempting to declare martial law, an act Lee condemned as a near coup attempt.

• President Lee vowed to safeguard democracy and prevent any future misuse of power.

• He expressed his intention to resume diplomatic talks with North Korea to ease regional tensions.

• At the same time, Lee reaffirmed his commitment to maintaining a strong defense partnership with the United States.

• South Korea, governed as a unitary presidential republic, shares a border with North Korea, has Seoul as its capital, and uses the South Korean won as currency.

NATIONAL NEWS

India to Launch First-Ever Digital Census by 2027

• India’s next population census is scheduled for March 1, 2027, marking the country’s first fully digital census.

• This edition will also include caste-based data, which was not part of earlier censuses—a significant shift in demographic data collection.

• The previous census was conducted in 2011, while the 2021 round was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

• The process will unfold in two phases: the first phase (House Listing) begins on June 16, 2025, and ends on February 28, 2026.

• The second phase (Population Enumeration) is set from February 27 to March 1, 2027.

• Special regions, including Ladakh and parts of Jammu & Kashmir, will follow a separate timeline with October 1, 2026, as their reference date.

• The digital format aims to streamline data collection and improve accuracy in India’s most comprehensive population survey to date.

STATE NEWS

Raja Khas Becomes Himachal Pradesh’s First Solar Model Village

• Raja Khas village in Kangra has been declared Himachal Pradesh’s first Solar Model Village under the PM Surya Ghar – Muft Bijli Yojana.

• It was selected from 43 villages after showcasing the best solar adoption performance in a six-month competition.

• The village achieved an impressive solar installation capacity of 3,700 kilowatts.

• A grant of ₹1 crore will be provided to further boost its solar infrastructure and development.

• The initiative aims to promote clean energy and reduce dependency on conventional power sources in rural India.

• The programme is part of the Centre’s push for renewable energy and environmental sustainability.

• Raja Khas’ recognition marks a major step towards energy self-reliance in the state’s villages.

SPORTS

Oscar Piastri Claims Victory at 2025 Spanish Grand Prix

• Oscar Piastri secured his fifth win of the season at the Spanish Grand Prix, bringing his championship tally to 186 points.

• Lando Norris finished second, keeping the title fight alive with 176 points overall.

• Max Verstappen received a 10-second penalty for a late-race clash with George Russell, demoting him from fifth to tenth place.

• George Russell benefited from the incident, moving up to fourth position in the final classification.

• Charles Leclerc staged a strong comeback, overtaking Verstappen after the final restart to secure third place.

• Nico Hulkenberg delivered his best performance of the year, storming from 16th to fifth for Haas.

• The Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya hosted the night race, adding drama to an already action-packed event.

• McLaren’s form remained dominant, with both drivers finishing on the podium, reinforcing their strength this season.