11th June Current Affairs

1India Becomes World’s Second-Largest Solar Growth Market in 2025: International Renewable Energy Agency Report

According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), India became the world’s second-largest solar growth market in 2025 for the first time.

India surpassed the United States in annual solar capacity additions during 2025.

India added more than 37 GW of solar capacity in 2025, compared to 34 GW added by the United States.

China remained the global leader, adding nearly 315 GW of solar capacity during the year.

India's installed solar capacity increased from 98.5 GW in 2024 to 135.5 GW in 2025.

The United States expanded its solar capacity from 177.6 GW to 211.6 GW during the same period.

Globally, solar power capacity increased by 512 GW, rising from 1,880 GW in 2024 to 2,392 GW in 2025.

According to the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), India also surpassed Japan to become the world’s third-largest solar power producer in 2025.

India generated 108,494 GWh of solar power in 2025, compared to 96,459 GWh generated by Japan.

In FY26, India recorded its highest-ever annual solar capacity addition of 44.6 GW, significantly higher than 23.8 GW added in FY25.

IRENA(International Renewable Energy Agency)

Headquarters: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Established: 2009

2APEDA Facilitates First Export of GI-Tagged Tezpur Litchi from Assam to Dubai

The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, facilitated the first export consignment of GI-tagged Tezpur Litchi from Assam to Dubai

GI-tagged Tezpur Litchi is one of Assam's most celebrated horticultural products, renowned for its exceptional sweetness, bright-red appearance, distinctive aroma and superior eating quality.

The region cultivates several notable varieties, including Bombaya, Bilati, Elaichi, Piyaji and Sahi, which are widely appreciated for their distinctive flavour and quality characteristics

A key outcome of the initiative has been improved returns for farmers. Growers associated with the export supply chain received nearly 10 per cent higher prices compared to prevailing domestic market rates despite strong local demand.

The shipment has created new marketing opportunities for litchi growers and is expected to encourage greater participation in export-oriented value chains, contributing to enhanced incomes and sustainable livelihood opportunities.

The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA)

APEDA was established under the APEDA Act, 1985, under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry.

It is mandated to promote the export of scheduled agricultural and processed food products and supports exporters, farmers and FPOs through quality development, capacity building, infrastructure assistance and market promotion initiatives.

Through these efforts, APEDA continues to drive value addition, market diversification and enhanced export opportunities for Indian agricultural products.

3Oilseed kisan mitra

Oilseeds Kisaan Mitra, the WhatsApp-based AI advisory service developed by ICAR-Indian Institute of Oilseeds Research (ICAR-IIOR), Hyderabad, is emerging as a powerful tool bringing trusted, research-based knowledge about oilseed cultivation directly to farmers’ mobile phones, anytime and in their own language.

The service was launched by the Secretary, DARE & Director General, ICAR during the National Oilseeds Conference, New Delhi

Farmers can save the number +91 4024598180 as ‘Oilseeds Kisaan Mitra’ on WhatsApp and ask questions in any Indian language about groundnut, mustard, sesame, sunflower, soybean, niger, and other oilseed crops.

The AI-powered chatbot responds instantly with research-based guidance on variety selection, crop management, pest and disease control, irrigation, and post-harvest practices, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, free of cost.

4PM chairs 11th Governing Council Meeting of NITI Aayog

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi chaired the 11th Governing Council Meeting of NITI Aayog at Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre, New Delhi, earlier today.

This year’s theme was Inclusive Human Development for Viksit Bharat@2047. It was attended by Chief Ministers, Lt. Governors and Administrators representing 28 States and 5 UTs.

This was the first time when Chief Ministers of all 28 States participated in the Governing Council Meeting of NITI Aayog.

Prime Minister also drew attention to concerns arising from El Niño conditions and appealed to States to promote water conservation and encourage natural and organic farming practices.

He noted that the purchase of 11 lakh tonnes of organic manure by farmers during the current Kharif season

Prime Minister urged States to focus on One District One Product (ODOP) initiatives and develop export-oriented strategies around

Emphasizing women-led development, Prime Minister called upon States to work towards increasing the number of and stressed the importance of ensuring a safe and secure environment for Nari Shakti.

The NITI Aayog

(National Institution for Transforming India) is the premier public policy think tank of the Government of India.



Established in 2015 to replace the erstwhile Planning Commission, it serves as the nodal agency for catalysing economic development and fostering cooperative federalism by involving State Governments in policymaking.