1 IPS Parag Jain becomes the new chief of RAW, will take charge from July 1
The central government has appointed Parag Jain, a 1989 batch IPS officer of Punjab cadre , as the new chief of India’s foreign intelligence agency Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) . He will replace the current chief Ravi Sinha , whose term ends on June 30, 2025. Parag Jain will take over this responsibility for two years from July 1. Parag Jain is considered a counter-terrorism expert, especially he has a deep understanding and grasp of the Afghanistan-Pakistan region.
2 India has reduced under-five mortality rate by 78% compared to 61% globally
India has reduced the mortality rate of children under five years of age by 78 per cent as compared to 61 per cent globally . According to the UN Child Mortality Estimation Report , neonatal mortality rate has also reduced by 70 per cent as compared to 54 per cent globally . The Union Health Ministry said that with a continued focus on improving immunization, India has adopted a proactive and inclusive approach to reach out to the underprivileged population. The percentage of children with ‘ zero dose ‘ in India’s total population has also been reduced from 0.1 per cent in 2023 to 0.0.6 per cent in 2024 due to the consistent implementation of the vaccination drive .
3 New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 100th birth anniversary celebrations of renowned Jain saint Acharya Vidyanand Ji Maharaj
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 100th birth anniversary celebrations of renowned Jain saint Acharya Vidyanand Ji Maharaj in New Delhi . A special commemorative coin and postage stamp were also released on this occasion. With this, the year-long National Tribute Celebration has formally begun. This program is being organized by the Central Government in collaboration with Bhagwan Mahavir Ahimsa Bharti Trust . Acharya Vidyanand Ji Maharaj was a renowned Jain spiritual guru and social reformer. During this period, cultural, literary, educational and spiritual programs will be organized across the country. On this occasion, the program organizers conferred the title of ‘Dharma Chakravarti’ to the Prime Minister. Acharya Vidyanand Maharaj was a saint, scholar and social reformer of Jainism. He was born on 22 April 1925 in Shedbal village, Belgaum (now Karnataka) . On 28 June 1987 , Acharya Vidyanand Muniraj received the title of ‘ Acharya ‘ . Acharya Vidyanand Ji Maharaj has written more than 50 books on Jain philosophy and ethics. He worked especially for education in Prakrit, Jain philosophy and classical languages, and played an important role in the renovation and revival of ancient Jain temples across the country.
4 CBI busts mule bank accounts in cyber fraud under Operation Chakra-5
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has launched searches in five states under Operation Chakra V to bust mule bank accounts linked to cyber crime and digital arrest scam . CBI officials conducted searches in five states – Rajasthan, Delhi, Haryana, Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh – under Operation Chakra V. According to the CBI, about 8.5 lakh mule accounts have been opened in various banks across the country to launder the money extorted by criminals through cyber crime and digital arrest. Mule bank account refers to bank accounts opened by money mules for the purpose of money laundering. Money mules are persons who have bank accounts and who knowingly or unknowingly help in transferring illegally earned money on behalf of criminals to the accounts of other people. The money of criminals is deposited in the bank accounts of mules, and they are asked to transfer it to another person’s bank account with the promise of a certain commission.
5 Lieutenant General DS Rana, Commander-in-Chief, Andaman & Nicobar Command took over as Colonel of the Regiment, Garhwal Rifles
In a ceremony reflecting the glorious traditions and spirit of the Indian Army , Lieutenant General Dinesh Singh Rana, Commander-in-Chief, Andaman and Nicobar Command, took over as the 23rd Colonel of the Regiment of the Garhwal Rifles . He will succeed Vice Army Chief Lieutenant General NS Raja Subramani. The baton was ceremonially handed over with full military honours at the Garhwal Rifles Regimental Centre in Lansdowne, Uttarakhand.
6 Meghalaya: Two-day Rasong National Tribal Music Festival concludes at Soso Tham Auditorium
The two-day Rasong National Tribal Music Festival concluded at Soso Tham Auditorium in Meghalaya . In this festival, people from tribal communities of 12 states performed traditional music and dance. Apart from the Northeast, artists from tribal communities of Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Kerala and Madhya Pradesh were also present.
7 Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited will acquire Sri Lanka’s Colombo Dockyard
Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited, the country’s largest government company that builds warships and submarines, will acquire Sri Lanka ‘s Colombo Dockyard . The deal has been done for Rs 442 crore for a decisive 51 percent stake in the Sri Lankan company . This includes the purchase of shares of Japan ‘s Onomishi Dockyard . Onomishi Dockyard has decided to exit Colombo Dockyard. Apart from this, Mazagon Dock Limited will buy new securities issued by the Sri Lankan company. Out of the total investment, about $23 million will be invested in the Sri Lankan company.
8 Australian researchers grew heart tissue in the lab
Australian researchers have grown heart tissue resembling adult heart muscle in the laboratory , a major breakthrough for the treatment of genetic heart diseases in children . These ” cardiac organoids ” created from human stem cells were matured using biological signals that simulate exercise. The study, conducted in Melbourne, showed that the organoids can mimic conditions such as desmoplakin cardiomyopathy. The diseased tissue has responded to experimental BET inhibitors, raising hopes for new treatments. The work, published in Nature Cardiovascular Research, could speed up drug development and improve outcomes for young heart patients.
9 Hockey India Masters Cup: Men’s title was won by Tamil Nadu and Women’s title was won by Hockey Association of Odisha
The final of Hockey India Masters Cup 2025 concluded with a thrilling match. The Tamil Nadu hockey team won the men’s title , while Hockey Association of Odisha won the women’s title. In the men’s final, host Tamil Nadu defeated Maharashtra 5-0. At the same time, Chandigarh defeated Odisha to finish third. In the women’s final, Odisha defeated Punjab 1-0 to win the trophy. Apart from this, Haryana secured third place with a win over host Tamil Nadu.