Current Affairs: June 4, 2025 – A Comprehensive Overview for Competitive Exams
On June 4, 2025, India witnessed a flurry of developments that are highly relevant for aspirants preparing for UPSC, SSC, Banking, and other government exams. From groundbreaking policies in Ladakh to advancements in artificial intelligence and environmental initiatives like the Aravalli Green Wall, these events shape India’s trajectory across multiple domains. This article provides an in-depth, engaging, and student-friendly analysis of the day’s key news, drawn from credible sources such as The Hindu, Indian Express, Business Standard, and others, ensuring accuracy and relevance for exam preparation.
Politics and Governance: New Horizons for Ladakh
The Central Government made headlines by notifying five new regulations for the Union Territory of Ladakh under Article 240, a move that could redefine regional governance. These regulations introduce domicile-based job reservations, requiring individuals to have 15 years of residency or 7 years of schooling in Ladakh, or be children of long-term Central Government employees stationed there. This policy aims to prioritize local employment but may spark debates about fairness and accessibility, especially for non-residents. Additionally, an 85% caste-based reservation in public employment and educational institutions, excluding 10% for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), seeks to address social equity while balancing economic inclusivity. The recognition of English, Hindi, Urdu, Bhoti, and Purgi as official languages, alongside efforts to promote Shina, Brokskat, Balti, and Ladakhi, reflects a commitment to preserving Ladakh’s cultural diversity. A significant step toward gender inclusivity is the reservation of one-third of seats in the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) for women, potentially setting a precedent for other regions. These changes, reported by Insights on India, are likely to feature in exam questions on federalism and regional autonomy.
Another notable discussion in governance circles is the potential reform of the Civil Services Examination (CSE), conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). An article from NextIAS highlighted ongoing debates about modernizing the exam to better align with contemporary administrative needs. While no concrete changes were announced on June 4, 2025, this topic is critical for aspirants, as it underscores the evolving nature of India’s bureaucratic framework.
Economy: Powering India’s Future
India’s energy security strategy was a focal point, with the Petroleum Minister outlining a robust plan to ensure sustainable growth. As India, now the fourth-largest global economy with a $4.3 trillion GDP, is projected to account for 25% of global energy demand by 2047, this strategy is pivotal. The approach includes diversifying energy sources, expanding domestic oil and gas production, transitioning to renewables, and ensuring affordability. Key achievements include increasing ethanol blending to 19.7% in 2025, up from 1.5% in 2013, saving ₹1.26 lakh crore in foreign exchange and reducing 643 lakh metric tonnes of emissions. The PM Ujjwala Yojana has kept LPG cylinder prices at ₹553 for beneficiaries, despite a 58% global price rise, ensuring accessibility for millions. Exploration coverage for oil and gas has doubled from 8% in 2021 to 16% in 2025, with a target of 1 million square kilometers by 2030. The SATAT initiative has established over 100 compressed biogas (CBG) plants, aiming for 5% CBG blending by 2028, while green hydrogen production reached 8.62 lakh tonnes in 2025. These developments, detailed in an op-ed from The Hindu, highlight India’s commitment to energy self-reliance, though challenges like infrastructure gaps and high initial costs for renewable projects remain.
Economic Indicator | Details |
---|---|
GDP in 2025 | $4.3 trillion, making India the fourth-largest economy |
Ethanol Blending | 19.7% in 2025, saving ₹1.26 lakh crore |
Exploration Coverage | 16% in 2025, up from 8% in 2021 |
Green Hydrogen | 8.62 lakh tonnes produced in 2025 |
Science and Technology: Bharat Gen’s Leap Forward
On June 2, 2025, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh launched Bharat Gen, an artificial intelligence (AI)-based multimodal Large Language Model (LLM), at the BharatGen Summit in New Delhi. Developed under the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems by the TIH Foundation for IoT and IoE at IIT Bombay, Bharat Gen supports 22 Indian languages, integrating text, speech, images, and video processing. This initiative, backed by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), aims to revolutionize sectors like healthcare, education, agriculture, and governance. For instance, an AI doctor in Udhampur communicates in patients’ native languages, enhancing trust in remote healthcare. In governance, Bharat Gen improves platforms like CPGRAMS for citizen feedback. Reported by Business Standard, this development positions India as a leader in inclusive AI, though scaling it to rural areas remains a challenge.
Another scientific breakthrough was the discovery of antibiotic-producing thermophilic bacteria in Rajgir hot spring, Bihar, by the Vellore Institute of Technology. These bacteria, thriving at 45°C to 70°C, produce heat-stable antibiotics like diethyl phthalate, with applications in combating Listeria, improving soil fertility, and supporting industrial processes like PCR and biofuel production. This finding, noted by Insights on India, underscores India’s growing role in addressing antimicrobial resistance.
India also announced plans to develop its first polar research vessel in collaboration with Norway’s Kongsberg, to be built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata. This polar-class, ice-breaking vessel will explore depths up to 6 km, equipped with seabed samplers, seismic profilers, and multibeam sonar, aligning with IMO norms and green fuel usage. This initiative, reported by Insights on India, enhances India’s Arctic and Antarctic research capabilities, supporting the Blue Economy.
Environment: Greening the Aravalli Range
The Aravalli Green Wall project, set to launch on June 5, 2025, was a key topic on June 4, with preparations reported by Indian Express. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lead a tree plantation drive at Bhagwan Mahavir Vanasthali Park in Delhi, planting a Banyan sapling under the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam initiative. This project aims to restore 700 km of degraded land across 29 districts in Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Delhi, covering a 5 km buffer zone over 6.45 million hectares. In Haryana, 25,000 hectares of degraded forest land, including 3,852.73 hectares in Faridabad and 6,063.73 hectares in Gurgaon, will be reforested in the first phase, with a total cost of ₹16,053 crore. The initiative, inspired by Africa’s Great Green Wall, aims to create a carbon sink of 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent, enhancing biodiversity and combating desertification. However, logistical challenges during monsoon planting could affect its success.
In Himachal Pradesh, Raja Khas in Kangra district was declared the state’s first solar model village under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana. With a ₹1 crore central grant, all public institutions in the village are solarized, promoting clean energy and rural self-reliance, as reported by Insights on India.
A rare sighting of the Caspian Gull (Larus cachinnans), a migratory bird, was reported, highlighting India’s biodiversity. This event, noted by GKToday, underscores the importance of wildlife conservation efforts.
Environmental Initiative | Key Details |
---|---|
Aravalli Green Wall | Restores 700 km across 29 districts, costs ₹16,053 crore |
Raja Khas Solar Village | ₹1 crore grant, fully solarized public institutions |
Caspian Gull Sighting | Rare migratory bird, boosts conservation awareness |
Defense: Strengthening National Security
India’s defense capabilities advanced with the delivery of three out of five S-400 Triumf missile system squadrons from Russia, part of a $5.43 billion deal signed in 2018. This system, capable of countering aerial threats, is a cornerstone of India’s military modernization, as reported by Guidely. However, the deal’s geopolitical implications, particularly with Western allies, remain a topic of discussion, making it a potential exam question on defense diplomacy.
International Relations: India on the Global Stage
New Delhi solidified its global presence by hosting the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Annual General Meeting and World Air Transport Summit from June 1 to 3, 2025, at Bharat Mandapam. This event, covered by PMF IAS, brought together aviation leaders to discuss sustainability, safety, and technological advancements. India’s role as host highlights its growing influence in the global aviation sector, with implications for economic growth and international cooperation.
Sports: IPL 2025 Triumph
The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 concluded with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) defeating Punjab Kings in a thrilling final, marking their first IPL title. Suryakumar Yadav was named Player of the Tournament for his stellar performances, as reported by Jagran Josh. This victory is a cultural milestone, likely to resonate in exam questions on sports and national pride.
Health: Phasing Out Polio Surveillance
The National Polio Surveillance Network (NPSN), established in 1997 with World Health Organization (WHO) support, is set to phase out from June 2025, reducing from 280 units to 140 by 2026-27. This transition, reported by The Hindu, will integrate polio surveillance into the Integrated Diseases Surveillance Programme (IDSP), raising concerns among experts like Dr. Jacob John about monitoring in polio-prone neighboring countries like Afghanistan and Pakistan. The NPSN also supports measles-rubella elimination and child vaccination programs, making its phase-out a critical topic for health policy questions.
Conclusion
The events of June 4, 2025, reflect India’s multifaceted progress, from governance reforms in Ladakh to technological leaps with Bharat Gen and environmental commitments like the Aravalli Green Wall. These developments, drawn from credible sources, provide aspirants with a comprehensive resource to excel in competitive exams. By understanding these topics, students can gain a competitive edge in tackling current affairs questions.
Key Citations
- The Hindu: Latest News and Updates
- Indian Express: Aravalli Green Wall Project Details
- Business Standard: Bharat Gen AI Model Launch
- Insights on India: Current Affairs for UPSC
- Jagran Josh: IPL 2025 and Other Updates
- NextIAS: Daily Current Affairs Analysis
- PMF IAS: Current Affairs for June 2025
- GKToday: Daily Current Affairs Quiz
- Guidely: Daily Current Affairs News
Daily quiz on current affairs with answers
Question 1: What is the minimum eligibility required for domicile-based job reservation in Ladakh under the new regulations notified by the Central Government?
Option 1: 10 years of residence or 5 years of schooling in Ladakh
Option 2: Children of parents born in Ladakh
Option 3: Permanent voter registration in Ladakh
Option 4: Working in Ladakh for at least 3 years
Option 5: 15 years of residence, 7 years of schooling, or being a child of a long-term Central Government employee posted there
Answer: Option 5
Explanation: The new domicile-based reservation criteria in Ladakh require a candidate to have either resided in Ladakh for 15 years, completed 7 years of schooling there, or be the child of a long-term Central Government employee posted in the region. This aims to prioritize employment opportunities for locals but raises debates over inclusivity and fairness for non-residents.
Question 2: Which Indian state declared Raja Khas as its first solar model village under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana?
Option 1: Uttarakhand
Option 2: Himachal Pradesh
Option 3: Sikkim
Option 4: Punjab
Option 5: Arunachal Pradesh
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: Raja Khas, located in Kangra district, was declared Himachal Pradesh’s first solar model village. Under the PM Surya Ghar scheme, all public institutions in the village have been solarized with the help of ₹1 crore in central funding, promoting clean energy and rural self-reliance.
Question 3: Which official languages were newly recognized in Ladakh as part of the recent governance reforms?
Option 1: Hindi, Urdu, Punjabi, Dogri
Option 2: English, Ladakhi, Pali, Sanskrit
Option 3: English, Hindi, Urdu, Bhoti, and Purgi
Option 4: Hindi, Dogri, Balti, Bhoti
Option 5: English, Urdu, Sanskrit, Purgi
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: The newly recognized official languages in Ladakh are English, Hindi, Urdu, Bhoti, and Purgi. Additionally, there is an effort to promote Shina, Brokskat, Balti, and Ladakhi to preserve the region’s linguistic diversity and cultural heritage.
Question 4: What percentage of India’s global energy demand is projected by 2047, according to the Petroleum Minister?
Option 1: 10%
Option 2: 25%
Option 3: 15%
Option 4: 5%
Option 5: 20%
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: India is expected to account for 25% of the global energy demand by 2047, as per the Petroleum Minister’s address. This underscores the importance of diversifying energy sources and investing in renewable technologies to meet future requirements sustainably.
Question 5: Which country is collaborating with India to develop its first polar research vessel?
Option 1: Germany
Option 2: United States
Option 3: Japan
Option 4: France
Option 5: Norway
Answer: Option 1
Explanation: India has partnered with Norway’s Kongsberg to develop its first polar research vessel. To be built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata, this vessel will support deep-sea exploration, comply with green fuel norms, and boost India’s capabilities in polar research and blue economy initiatives.
Question 6: Under the SATAT initiative, what is the target year to achieve 5% compressed biogas (CBG) blending in India?
Option 1: 2025
Option 2: 2028
Option 3: 2030
Option 4: 2027
Option 5: 2026
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: The SATAT (Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation) initiative aims for 5% CBG blending by 2028. Over 100 compressed biogas plants have already been established, and the initiative is part of India’s broader push for renewable energy and energy independence.
Question 7: Which recent discovery in Bihar is noted for its potential in producing heat-stable antibiotics?
Option 1: Blue algae in Sunderbans
Option 2: Rare fungi in Manipur hills
Option 3: Thermophilic bacteria in Himalayan glaciers
Option 4: Sulphur microbes in Andaman volcanic springs
Option 5: Thermophilic bacteria in Rajgir hot spring
Answer: Option 5
Explanation: Researchers from Vellore Institute of Technology discovered thermophilic bacteria in the Rajgir hot spring, Bihar, that can produce heat-stable antibiotics such as diethyl phthalate. These can help combat bacterial infections and support industrial processes including biofuel production.
Question 8: What is the primary application of Bharat Gen, India’s AI-based multimodal Large Language Model launched in June 2025?
Option 1: Climate modeling
Option 2: Military communication
Option 3: Governance, healthcare, and education in Indian languages
Option 4: Translation of ancient manuscripts
Option 5: Disaster prediction systems
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: Bharat Gen is designed to serve sectors like governance, education, and healthcare by integrating text, speech, image, and video in 22 Indian languages. For example, AI doctors are already being used in rural Udhampur to interact with patients in their native tongue, improving trust and access to medical care.
Question 9: What is the target carbon sink potential of the Aravalli Green Wall project?
Option 1: 1 to 2 billion tonnes
Option 2: 5 billion tonnes
Option 3: 1.5 to 2.5 billion tonnes
Option 4: 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes
Option 5: 3 to 4 billion tonnes
Answer: Option 4
Explanation: The Aravalli Green Wall project aims to create a carbon sink of 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent. Spanning 700 km across 29 districts, this initiative is modeled after Africa’s Great Green Wall and aims to combat desertification and restore degraded forest land.
Question 10: Which team won the IPL 2025, marking its first title victory?
Option 1: Royal Challengers Bengaluru
Option 2: Chennai Super Kings
Option 3: Rajasthan Royals
Option 4: Punjab Kings
Option 5: Kolkata Knight Riders
Answer: Option 1
Explanation: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) won their first IPL title in 2025 by defeating Punjab Kings in the final. Suryakumar Yadav was declared Player of the Tournament for his consistent and impactful performances throughout the season, marking a historic moment in Indian cricket.