IMPORTANT DAYS
World Food Safety Day 2025 celebrated on June 7.
• World Food Safety Day 2025 celebrated annually on 7th June, World Food Safety Day raises awareness about reducing foodborne risks and ensuring safe food for all.
• The 2025 theme is “Food Safety: Science in Action,” emphasizing the role of scientific methods in keeping food safe.
• The day was officially proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in December 2018, recognizing food safety as a global responsibility.
• First observed in 2019, this day has since grown into a global movement promoting health through safe food practices.
• WHO and FAO jointly lead the observance, promoting collaborative efforts across governments, organizations, and consumers.
• It encourages improved practices across the food supply chain—from production to consumption—to reduce contamination risks.
• The initiative also highlights the importance of timely detection and management of food-related hazards.
• World Food Safety Day serves as a call to action for policymakers, producers, and the public to prioritize food safety at all levels.
STATE NEWS
Shivraj Singh Chouhan Unveils Major Development Projects in Sehore
• Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan launched and laid the foundation stones for multiple development works worth crores in Sehore on June 7.
• Citizens were urged to contribute to nation-building efforts with a shared goal of achieving a developed India by 2047.
• Narmada water will soon reach Sehore, benefiting farmlands in nearby Ashta and Ichhawar regions.
• With Bhopal being elevated to metropolitan status, Sehore is expected to gain from increased regional connectivity and growth.
• Under PM Awas Yojana, an additional 7.85 lakh houses have been sanctioned, ensuring shelter for all eligible beneficiaries from the 2018 Plus list.
• Madhya Pradesh has received ₹6,262 crore under MGNREGA for employment and rural development in 2025.
• Over 1.48 crore women in India have become lakhpatis, with ongoing efforts to uplift more through various self-reliance schemes.
• Mr. Chouhan reiterated the commitment to women's economic empowerment, promising initiatives to ensure no sister remains poor.
APPOINTMENTS
RBI’s T. Rabi Sankar Appointed to 16th Finance Commission
• RBI Deputy Governor T. Rabi Sankar has been named a part-time member of the 16th Finance Commission as of June 7, 2025.
• The appointment was made by President Droupadi Murmu under Article 280(1) of the Constitution and the Finance Commission Act, 1951.
• Sankar replaces Ajay Narayan Jha, who stepped down from the Commission due to personal reasons.
• His term will last until either the Commission submits its final report or until October 31, 2025—whichever comes first.
• The Commission is headed by Arvind Panagariya, former NITI Aayog Vice Chairman, and includes four members supported by a team of senior officials.
• It was formally established on December 31, 2023, with Ritvik Pandey serving as Secretary.
• The panel is responsible for recommending fiscal allocations for the five-year term starting April 1, 2026.
• The 15th Finance Commission had previously advised allocating 41% of the central tax pool to states for the 2021–2026 period.
SPORTS
India Secures Second Spot at 2025 Asian Athletics Championships
• India claimed second place in the overall medal standings at the 26th Asian Athletics Championships held in Gumi, South Korea.
• The Indian contingent bagged a total of 24 medals — 8 gold, 10 silver, and 6 bronze.
• China topped the table with 32 medals, while Japan came third with 28, despite earning more total medals than India.
• Animesh Kujur broke the national record in the men’s 200m, clinching a bronze medal.
• Gulveer Singh delivered a stellar performance with double gold in the 5000m and 10000m races, setting a new record in the 5k.
• Avinash Sable maintained his top form by winning gold in the 3000m steeplechase.
• Indian women athletes excelled, winning golds in 4x400m relay, high jump, heptathlon, and 100m hurdles.
• India also triumphed in the 4x400m mixed relay, further boosting the medal haul in the only mixed-gender track event.
NATIONAL NEWS
India Set to Strengthen Critical Minerals Sector with MMDR Act Amendments
• India is preparing to amend the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2023 to boost the exploration of critical minerals.
• The proposed amendments are likely to be tabled during the Monsoon Session of Parliament.
• These reforms are a key step in accelerating the National Critical Minerals Mission (NCMM).
• The NCMM focuses on securing the long-term supply of strategic minerals for industrial and technological needs.
• The mission will be funded with ₹16,300 crore from FY 2024–25 to FY 2030–31.
• An additional ₹18,000 crore investment will come from Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs).
• A major thrust will be on recovering critical minerals from waste using cutting-edge technologies.
• These changes aim to reduce import dependency and support India’s clean energy and manufacturing goals.