21 June: First International Day of Yoga observed globally

The first International Yoga Day (IYD) was celebrated across the world on 21 June 2015 with participation of crores of people in 192 countries. In this occasion India set two world records:-

  • The largest yoga session ever with 35,985 participants.
  • The most nationalities, 84, taking part at a single venue.

The United Nations General Assembly on 11 December 2014 adopted the resolution to commemorate 21 June as the International Day of Yoga every year.

June 20: World Refugee Day observed

Every year June 20 is observed as World Refugee Day to raise awareness of the situation of refugees throughout the world. The theme for year 2015 is “With courage let us all combine”. United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) had passed a resolution to observe 20 June as World Refugee Day on 4 December 2000.

India placed at 61st position in terms of foreigners’ money in Swiss banks

India was placed at 61st position in terms of foreigners’ money in Swiss banks. As per the latest data released by Switzerland’s central banking authority SNB (Swiss National Bank), Indians’ money in Swiss banks declined by over 10 per cent to about 1.8 billion Swiss francs ($1.98 billion or Rs 12,615 crore) in 2014. While the UK and the US have retained their top two positions with the largest shares of the foreign clients’ money with Swiss banks.

Sanjay Subrahmanyam selected for Sangitha Kalanidhi award for the year 2015

Renowned South Indian carnatic vocalist Sanjay Subrahmanyam has been chosen for the prestigious Sangita Kalanidhi Award from the Music Academy this year. He will receive the award on 1 January 2016.

Serbia won 2015 FIFA U-20 World Cup by defeating Brazil 

Serbia won the FIFA U­-20 World Cup by defeating Brazil at the final match held at the North Harbour Stadium in Auckland, New Zealand. It is Serbia’s first title since it became an independent nation in 2006.  France won the 2013 FIFA U­-20 World cup held in Turkey.

Roger Federer wins eighth Halle Open ATP title of Tennis in Germany

Roger Federer won the 2015 Gerry Weber Open (Halle Open) tennis title at the Gerry Weber Stadium in Halle, Germany. He defeated Andreas Seppi of Italy by 7-6 (1), 6-4. He won this title for eighth time. It was also his fourth title of the season 2015 after Brisbane, Dubai and Istanbul and overall 86th title of his career. It was also his 15th career title on grass.

Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg of Germany won Austrian Grand Prix Formula One

Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg (Germany) won the Austrian Grand Prix Formula 1 World Championship title. While his teammate Lewis Hamilton (Britain) stood at the second position, Felipe Massa (Brazil) representing the Williams team was at the third position. It is Rosberg’s eleventh overall championship title and the third win in the 2015 season. First was the Spanish Formula 1 World Championship title and second was Monaco Grand Prix.

Current Affairs One-liners

  • Only 10 days are left to exchange pre-2005 currency notes, including those of Rs. 500 and Rs. 1,000 denominations at banks, as the deadline ends on June 30.
  • India-born former Google executive Nikesh Arora has been appointed the president of Japan’s telecommunications giant SoftBank.
  • Railway minister Suresh Prabhu has flagged off India’s first diesel electric multiple unit (DEMU) train service with an air-conditioned coach in Kochi.
  • Jordan Spieth won the US Open of golf at Chambers Bay. The win was his second straight major title of 2015 after he won the Masters Tournament at Augusta National, US in April 2015.