IMPORTANT DAYS
QCI Observes World Accreditation Day 2025 with Focus on Empowering MSMEs
• The Quality Council of India (QCI) celebrated World Accreditation Day 2025 on June 9 at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi.
• A key highlight was the launch of the revamped NABL portal, designed to streamline accreditation processes and enhance digital access for labs and MSMEs.
• The event also introduced “Gunvatta Samarpan,” a campaign encouraging organizations to pledge adherence to quality through accredited systems.
• This year’s theme, “Accreditation: Empowering Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs),” aimed at enhancing MSME competitiveness and global credibility.
• The celebration featured a keynote by QCI Chairperson Shri Jaxay Shah, along with video messages and the release of a special thematic film.
• A Technical Session and CEO Forum followed, bringing together industry experts for panel discussions across diverse sectors.
• QCI, as India’s apex accreditation body, includes NABL and NABCB among its key institutions working for quality assurance.
• Globally aligned, QCI collaborates with international bodies like ILAC and IAF to promote standardization and quality in trade and development.
SPORTS
MS Dhoni Inducted into ICC Hall of Fame, Joins Cricket’s Elite Legends
• MS Dhoni has been formally inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame, celebrating his exceptional impact and legacy in global cricket.
• The 2025 class of inductees includes seven cricketing greats, among them Dhoni, Matthew Hayden, Hashim Amla, Daniel Vettori, Graeme Smith, Sana Mir, and Sarah Taylor.
• Dhoni becomes the 11th Indian and 9th Indian male cricketer to receive this honour since the Hall of Fame’s inception in 2009.
• Across 538 international appearances, he amassed 17,266 runs and effected 829 dismissals, highlighting his dual excellence as a batsman and wicketkeeper.
• Known for his composed leadership, Dhoni captained India to three ICC titles: the 2007 T20 World Cup, 2011 ODI World Cup, and the 2013 Champions Trophy.
• He holds multiple records, including the most stumpings in ODIs (123) and the highest individual ODI score by a wicketkeeper with *183.
• Though retired from international cricket since 2020, Dhoni continues to play in the IPL for Chennai Super Kings, maintaining immense popularity.
• With this induction, the ICC Hall of Fame now includes 122 members, paying tribute to players who have shaped the rich history of the sport.
STATE NEWS
Delhi to Launch India’s First E-Waste Eco Park at Holambi Kalan
• India’s first e-waste Eco Park is coming up in Holambi Kalan, Delhi, covering 11.4 acres and designed to process 51,000 metric tonnes of electronic waste annually.
• The park will address all 106 e-waste categories listed in the 2022 E-Waste Management Rules, making it a comprehensive recycling hub.
• An initial investment of ₹150 crore is planned, with operational costs projected to exceed ₹325 crore, aiming for ₹350 crore in revenue.
• Delhi’s Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa emphasized its role in advancing a circular economy by converting electronic waste into valuable resources.
• The project will be implemented through a Public-Private Partnership under the DBFOT model, with a 15-year concession period.
• Construction is set to complete in 18 months, with the facility expected to handle about 25% of Delhi’s total e-waste output.
• With India generating 1.6 million tonnes of e-waste annually, and Delhi contributing 9.5%, the park is seen as vital to improving national recycling rates.
• This will be the first of four planned e-waste parks across India, aiming to establish a scalable model for efficient and eco-friendly e-waste management.
DEFENCE
Indian Army Participates in Multinational ‘Khaan Quest’ Exercise in Mongolia
• On June 11, 2025, an Indian Army contingent arrived in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, to take part in the ‘Khaan Quest’ multinational military exercise.
• The 22nd edition of the annual exercise will run from June 14 to June 28, featuring participation from armed forces of several nations.
• Originally launched in 2003 as a bilateral US-Mongolia drill, the exercise expanded in 2006 into a broader UN peacekeeping-focused training initiative.
• The Indian contingent includes 40 personnel, featuring one woman officer and two women soldiers, reflecting increasing gender diversity.
• Primarily representing the Kumaon Regiment, the team also includes members from various other arms and services.
• The exercise aims to enhance coordination and operational capabilities for UN peacekeeping missions, particularly under Chapter VII of the UN Charter.
• Training modules will cover checkpoint establishment, area patrolling, civilian evacuation, and counter-IED procedures.
• The previous edition of Khaan Quest 2024 was also held in Mongolia from July 27 to August 9, maintaining its annual tradition of strengthening global military cooperation.
