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Current Affairs 06 June 2025
1. Ashwani Lohani appointed as Director of Prime Ministers Museum & Library
Ashwani Lohani has been appointed as the Director of the Prime Ministers
Museum & Library, a prestigious institution dedicated to preserving the legacy of India’s Prime Ministers. Known for his leadership roles in the aviation and tourism sectors, Lohani brings extensive administrative experience to this new position. He previously served as the Chairman of the Railway Board and also held top positions in Air India and the India Tourism Development Corporation. His appointment is expected to enhance the museum’s outreach, modernization, and educational value. The museum, located in New Delhi, showcases the lives, contributions, and journeys of India's Prime Ministers.
Museum & Library, a prestigious institution dedicated to preserving the legacy of India’s Prime Ministers. Known for his leadership roles in the aviation and tourism sectors, Lohani brings extensive administrative experience to this new position. He previously served as the Chairman of the Railway Board and also held top positions in Air India and the India Tourism Development Corporation. His appointment is expected to enhance the museum’s outreach, modernization, and educational value. The museum, located in New Delhi, showcases the lives, contributions, and journeys of India's Prime Ministers.Foot notes:
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Experienced Bureaucrat: Lohani is a retired Indian Railway Service of Mechanical Engineering (IRSME) officer (1980 batch) with a distinguished career.
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"Turnaround Specialist": He is widely known for his ability to revitalize struggling organizations, having successfully led entities like Air India, Railway Board, India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC), and Madhya Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (MPTDC).
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Successor to Sanjiv Nandan Sahai: Lohani takes over the role after the tenure of former power secretary Sanjiv Nandan Sahai ended, with Lily Pandeya serving as interim director.
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Part of PMML Reconstitution: His appointment comes at a time when the PMML Society and its executive council have undergone a reconstitution, expanding to include new prominent members.
2. First centre fuselage for LCA Tejas Mk IA handed over to HAL
In a significant boost to India's indigenous defence manufacturing, Hyderabad-
based VEM Technologies has delivered the first centre fuselage assembly for the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1A to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). This marks the first time a major sub-assembly for the Tejas has been produced by a private Indian company, highlighting a critical shift towards deeper industry collaboration in defence production . The handover ceremony, held in Hyderabad, was attended by Secretary (Defence Production) Sanjeev Kumar and HAL Chairman and Managing Director Dr. D.K. Sunil.
based VEM Technologies has delivered the first centre fuselage assembly for the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1A to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). This marks the first time a major sub-assembly for the Tejas has been produced by a private Indian company, highlighting a critical shift towards deeper industry collaboration in defence production . The handover ceremony, held in Hyderabad, was attended by Secretary (Defence Production) Sanjeev Kumar and HAL Chairman and Managing Director Dr. D.K. Sunil.Foot notes:
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Indigenous Manufacturing Boost: This is the first time a major sub-assembly for the LCA Tejas has been manufactured by a private Indian company, VEM Technologies in Hyderabad.
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Increased Production Capacity: The delivery signifies the establishment of a fourth production line for the LCA Mk1A, supplementing the existing two lines at HAL Bengaluru and one at HAL Nashik.
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Private Sector Collaboration: The successful production by VEM Technologies highlights HAL's strategy of nurturing a national aerospace ecosystem by collaborating with private partners and providing them with critical inputs and technical know-how.
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Key Component for Advanced Variant: The centre fuselage is a vital structural component of the Tejas Mk1A, which is an upgraded version of the LCA Tejas.
3. India Secures Presidency of IIAS for 2025–2028 Term
India has achieved a historic milestone by securing the presidency of the
International Institute of Administrative Sciences (IIAS) for the 2025–2028 term. In a landmark election held on June 3, 2025, in Brussels, V. Srinivas, Secretary of the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG), was elected president, garnering 87 out of 141 votes, defeating Austria's candidate who received 54 votes. India has been an institutional member of the IIAS since 1998, actively contributing to its mission of promoting good governance, innovation, and evidence-based policy reforms globally.
International Institute of Administrative Sciences (IIAS) for the 2025–2028 term. In a landmark election held on June 3, 2025, in Brussels, V. Srinivas, Secretary of the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG), was elected president, garnering 87 out of 141 votes, defeating Austria's candidate who received 54 votes. India has been an institutional member of the IIAS since 1998, actively contributing to its mission of promoting good governance, innovation, and evidence-based policy reforms globally.Foot notes:
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Historic First: This is the first time in the nearly 100-year history of the IIAS that India will hold the presidential post, marking a significant milestone for the country's global administrative leadership.
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Recognition of India's Governance Reforms: The win is seen as a strong endorsement of India's administrative evolution and its reform-oriented governance, particularly the "Maximum Governance, Minimum Government" approach promoted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration.
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V. Srinivas to Lead: V. Srinivas, Secretary of India's Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG), contested and won the presidency with a decisive mandate, reflecting the international community's trust in India's expertise.
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Shaping Global Discourse: India's presidency will provide a platform to shape global discourse on public administration reforms, with a focus on areas like sustainable development, digital governance
4. PM Modi Inaugurates World’s Highest Railway Arch Bridge in Jammu & Kashmir
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Chenab Railway Bridge in
Jammu and Kashmir, marking a significant milestone in India's infrastructure development. Standing at 359 meters above the Chenab River, the bridge surpasses the height of the Eiffel Tower, making it the world's highest railway arch bridge . This engineering marvel is a crucial component of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, which aims to connect the Kashmir Valley with the rest of India by rail.Constructed at a cost of 1,486 crore, the bridge spans 1,315 meters and is designed to withstand extreme conditions, including earthquakes and high wind speeds .
Jammu and Kashmir, marking a significant milestone in India's infrastructure development. Standing at 359 meters above the Chenab River, the bridge surpasses the height of the Eiffel Tower, making it the world's highest railway arch bridge . This engineering marvel is a crucial component of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, which aims to connect the Kashmir Valley with the rest of India by rail.Constructed at a cost of 1,486 crore, the bridge spans 1,315 meters and is designed to withstand extreme conditions, including earthquakes and high wind speeds . Foot notes:
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World's Highest Railway Arch Bridge: The Chenab Rail Bridge stands at an astonishing height of 359 meters above the Chenab River, making it the world's highest railway arch bridge.
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Part of USBRL Project: The bridge is a crucial link in the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, a long-standing initiative aimed at providing all-weather, seamless rail connectivity between the Kashmir Valley and the rest of India.
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Engineering Marvel in Challenging Terrain: Constructed in a highly seismic zone with complex geological conditions and extreme weather, the bridge is designed to withstand high wind speeds (up to 266 km/h) and earthquakes (up to magnitude 8).
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Boost to Connectivity and Economy: The bridge significantly reduces travel time between Katra and Srinagar (to approximately 3 hours with the new Vande Bharat services also flagged off), fostering greater connectivity.
5. India-England Test Series Renamed Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy
The historic Test cricket rivalry between India and England has been renamed
the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, honoring two of the sport's most iconic figures: James Anderson and Sachin Tendulkar. This change, jointly announced by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), replaces the previous titles—the Pataudi Trophy (in England) and the Anthony de Mello Trophy (in India). The upcoming five-match Test series between India and England, commencing on June 20 at Headingley, Leeds, will be the first contested under this new title.
the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, honoring two of the sport's most iconic figures: James Anderson and Sachin Tendulkar. This change, jointly announced by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), replaces the previous titles—the Pataudi Trophy (in England) and the Anthony de Mello Trophy (in India). The upcoming five-match Test series between India and England, commencing on June 20 at Headingley, Leeds, will be the first contested under this new title.Foot notes:
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Honoring Icons: The renaming is a tribute to England's prolific fast bowler James Anderson, who recently retired, and India's batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar. Both players have made monumental contributions to Test cricket, embodying longevity, excellence, and sportsmanship.
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Unveiling at WTC Final: The new trophy is expected to be jointly unveiled by Sachin Tendulkar and James Anderson themselves at Lord's on June 11, 2025, during the World Test Championship (WTC) final, adding a symbolic touch to the new era.
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Aligning with Global Trends: This move follows a growing trend in Test cricket to name bilateral series after legendary players, such as the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (India vs. Australia) and the recently introduced Crowe-Thorpe Trophy (England vs. New Zealand).
6. President Droupadi Murmu presented Distinguished Service Awards at Defence Investiture Ceremony-II
President Droupadi Murmu conferred 92 Distinguished Service Decorations
during the Defence Investiture Ceremony-II at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The awards included 30 Param Vishisht Seva Medals (PVSM), five Uttam Yudh Seva Medals (UYSM), and 57 Ati Vishisht Seva Medals (AVSM), recognizing exceptional service across the Indian Armed Forces, Indian Coast Guard, and Border Roads Organisation (BRO). Notable recipients of the PVSM included Lieutenant Generals Manoj Kumar Katiyar, Dhiraj Seth, and Anindya Sengupta from the Army; Vice Admirals Sanjay Jasjit Singh and Suraj Berry from the Navy; and Air Marshals Narmdeshwar Tiwari and Balakrishnan Manikantan from the Air Force.
during the Defence Investiture Ceremony-II at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The awards included 30 Param Vishisht Seva Medals (PVSM), five Uttam Yudh Seva Medals (UYSM), and 57 Ati Vishisht Seva Medals (AVSM), recognizing exceptional service across the Indian Armed Forces, Indian Coast Guard, and Border Roads Organisation (BRO). Notable recipients of the PVSM included Lieutenant Generals Manoj Kumar Katiyar, Dhiraj Seth, and Anindya Sengupta from the Army; Vice Admirals Sanjay Jasjit Singh and Suraj Berry from the Navy; and Air Marshals Narmdeshwar Tiwari and Balakrishnan Manikantan from the Air Force.Foot notes:
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Honoring Distinguished Service: The ceremony was held to honor and recognize the exceptional service, leadership, and devotion to duty displayed by personnel of the Indian Armed Forces, Indian Coast Guard, and Border Roads Organisation (BRO).
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Total 92 Awards Presented: President Murmu conferred a total of 92 Distinguished Service Decorations. These included the Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM), Uttam Yudh Seva Medal (UYSM), and Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM).
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Breakdown of Awards: Specifically, 30 Param Vishisht Seva Medals, 5 Uttam Yudh Seva Medals, and 57 Ati Vishisht Seva Medals were presented to both serving and retired personnel.
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Highest Peacetime and Conflict Awards: The PVSM is India's highest peacetime military award for distinguished service of the most exceptional order, while the UYSM is conferred for distinguished service during conflict or hostilities.
7. Saurabh Kumar appointed as Director in the Department of Revenue
Saurabh Kumar, a 2009-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer from
the Chhattisgarh cadre, has been appointed as Director in the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance, Government of India. His appointment, made under the Central Staffing Scheme, is for a tenure of five years from the date he assumes charge or until further orders . Prior to this, Kumar has held various administrative positions in Chhattisgarh, gaining extensive experience in governance and public administration. His new role in the Department of Revenue will involve contributing to the formulation and implementation of fiscal policies, overseeing revenue collection, and enhancing tax administration.
the Chhattisgarh cadre, has been appointed as Director in the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance, Government of India. His appointment, made under the Central Staffing Scheme, is for a tenure of five years from the date he assumes charge or until further orders . Prior to this, Kumar has held various administrative positions in Chhattisgarh, gaining extensive experience in governance and public administration. His new role in the Department of Revenue will involve contributing to the formulation and implementation of fiscal policies, overseeing revenue collection, and enhancing tax administration.Foot notes:
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IAS Officer (2009 Batch, Chhattisgarh Cadre): He is an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer from the 2009 batch, allocated to the Chhattisgarh cadre. This background brings significant administrative experience to his new role.
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Key Role in Revenue Administration: As Director in the Department of Revenue, he will play a crucial role in overseeing and implementing policies related to taxation, customs, and other revenue-generating functions of the government.
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Part of Recent Bureaucratic Reshuffle: This appointment is part of a series of appointments and recommendations by the Government of India, indicating a regular process of bureaucratic changes and new postings.
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Focus on Governance and Policy Implementation: His role will involve contributing to the efficient functioning of the revenue department, which is vital for the nation's economic stability and development.
8. Sudarshan Venu to take over as TVS Motor Chairman & MD
Sudarshan Venu, currently the Managing Director of TVS Motor Company, has
been appointed as the Chairman and Managing Director (CMD), effective August 25, 2025. This decision, unanimously approved by the company's Board of Directors, acknowledges Venu's pivotal role in steering the company's growth and strategic evolution during his tenure as Director. Under Venu's guidance, TVS Motor is expected to continue its focus on innovation, customer-centricity, and technological advancement, reinforcing its position as a global mobility leader.
been appointed as the Chairman and Managing Director (CMD), effective August 25, 2025. This decision, unanimously approved by the company's Board of Directors, acknowledges Venu's pivotal role in steering the company's growth and strategic evolution during his tenure as Director. Under Venu's guidance, TVS Motor is expected to continue its focus on innovation, customer-centricity, and technological advancement, reinforcing its position as a global mobility leader.Foot notes:
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Succession from Sir Ralf Speth: He will succeed Sir Ralf Speth, who has served as the Chairman for the past three years and has decided not to seek re-appointment at the upcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM) on August 22, 2025.
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Sir Ralf Speth to be Chief Mentor: To ensure continuity and benefit from his vast experience, Sir Ralf Speth will transition to the role of Chief Mentor for TVS Motor Company for a period of three years, effective August 23, 2025.
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Recognition of Past Contributions: The Board's decision to appoint Sudarshan Venu acknowledges his exemplary contributions to the company's sustained growth and strategic development during his tenure as Managing Director.
9. Flipkart secures NBFC license from RBI
Flipkart, the Walmart-owned e-commerce giant, has secured a Non-Banking
Financial Company (NBFC) license from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), marking a significant milestone in its expansion into financial services. The license, granted in March 2025 to Flipkart Finance Private Limited, empowers the company to offer loans directly to customers and sellers on its platform, eliminating the need for intermediary financial institutions. This development positions Flipkart as the first major Indian e-commerce platform to receive such authorization from the RBI, allowing it to extend credit from its own financial resources.
Financial Company (NBFC) license from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), marking a significant milestone in its expansion into financial services. The license, granted in March 2025 to Flipkart Finance Private Limited, empowers the company to offer loans directly to customers and sellers on its platform, eliminating the need for intermediary financial institutions. This development positions Flipkart as the first major Indian e-commerce platform to receive such authorization from the RBI, allowing it to extend credit from its own financial resources.Foot notes:
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First Indian E-commerce Player with Direct Lending: Flipkart is the first major Indian e-commerce company to receive an NBFC license, enabling it to offer direct lending services. Previously, e-commerce platforms primarily offered loans through partnerships with banks and other NBFCs.
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Issued to Flipkart Finance Private Limited: The license was granted to Flipkart Finance Private Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Flipkart, by the RBI on March 13, 2025.
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Enhanced Profitability and Control: With the NBFC license, Flipkart can now retain the full margin on loans issued, which was previously shared with partner banks. This move is expected to significantly boost the company's profitability and provide greater control over its credit offerings and customer experience.
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Strategic Expansion into Fintech: This development marks a major stride in Flipkart's ambition to become a full-stack fintech player.
10. Canada's first astronaut, Marc Garneau passed away
Marc Garneau, Canada's first astronaut and former federal cabinet minister,
passed away on June 4, 2025, at the age of 76 following a brief but challenging battle with cancer. His wife, Pam Garneau, confirmed the news, stating that he faced his final days with the same strength and grace that defined his life. Transitioning to politics, Garneau was elected as a Liberal Member of Parliament in 2008, representing Montreal-area ridings until his retirement in 2023. He held significant cabinet positions, including Minister of Transport from 2015 to 2021 and Minister of Foreign Affairs in 2021.
passed away on June 4, 2025, at the age of 76 following a brief but challenging battle with cancer. His wife, Pam Garneau, confirmed the news, stating that he faced his final days with the same strength and grace that defined his life. Transitioning to politics, Garneau was elected as a Liberal Member of Parliament in 2008, representing Montreal-area ridings until his retirement in 2023. He held significant cabinet positions, including Minister of Transport from 2015 to 2021 and Minister of Foreign Affairs in 2021.Foot notes:
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Distinguished Military and Engineering Background: Before his astronaut career, Garneau served as a naval officer in the Canadian Armed Forces and was an electrical engineer, graduating from the Royal Military College of Canada and holding a PhD from Imperial College London.
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Head of Canadian Space Agency: Following his successful space flights, Garneau served as the President of the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) from 2001 to 2005, playing a crucial role in shaping Canada's space program.
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Prominent Political Career: After his time in space and at the CSA, Garneau transitioned into politics. He was elected as a Member of Parliament in 2008 and held significant cabinet positions, including Minister of Transport and Minister of Foreign Affairs, under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
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