Table of Contents

Current Affairs Report: 19 June 2025

Politics and Governance

India’s Operation Sindhu has emerged as a critical response to the escalating Israel-Iran conflict. Launched to ensure the safety of Indian nationals, the operation successfully evacuated over 110 students from Urmia University in Iran, who were transported to Yerevan, Armenia, before arriving at Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi on June 19, 2025. The journey, spanning nearly 52 hours, involved 94 students from Jammu and Kashmir and others from Delhi, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has extended the operation to include Indians in Israel, facilitating their return through land borders and air travel. The Indian Embassy in Tel Aviv has provided contact numbers (+972 54-7520711, +972 54-3278392) and an email (cons1.telaviv@mea.gov.in) for registration, emphasizing vigilance and safety (Operation Sindhu). This mission showcases India’s robust crisis management and diplomatic outreach, a key topic for exam aspirants studying international relations.

A major controversy in the judiciary has captured national attention. An inquiry committee, constituted by the Chief Justice of India, found large piles of currency notes in the gutted storeroom of Justice Yashwant Varma’s official residence at 30 Tughlak Crescent, New Delhi. The committee’s report, released on June 19, 2025, rejected Varma’s claims of planted evidence, accusing him of misconduct. Eyewitnesses, including fire officials and police, reported cash stacks 1.5 feet high, partially burnt after a fire on March 14–15, 2025. The findings have triggered calls for Varma’s impeachment, with proposals for a removal motion in Parliament. This incident raises serious questions about judicial integrity and accountability, making it a significant topic for governance-related questions in competitive exams (Justice Varma Inquiry).

On the global stage, U.S. President Donald Trump hosted Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, Asim Munir, for an unprecedented lunch at the White House on June 19, 2025. This meeting, described as a “tactical romance” by some analysts, has sparked concerns about its implications for India-Pakistan relations. The Congress party labeled it a “huge blow to Indian diplomacy,” especially amid the Israel-Iran conflict and regional tensions. The meeting suggests a potential reset in U.S.-Pakistan ties, which could influence India’s foreign policy and security strategies in South Asia. Students should note the geopolitical nuances of this development for international relations topics (Trump-Munir Meeting).

Economy

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) introduced new Project Finance Directions on June 19, 2025, effective from October 1, 2025, to harmonize financing norms across banks and non-banking financial companies (NBFCs). These guidelines mandate specific provisioning: 1.25% for commercial real estate (CRE) projects under construction, 1% for infrastructure projects, 1% for operational CRE, 0.75% for CRE-residential housing (CRE-RH), and 0.40% for other operational projects. Compared to the earlier draft from May 2024, which proposed higher provisions (5% for under-construction projects), the revised norms are softer, offering relief to lenders. The directions also set ceilings for Date of Commencement of Commercial Operations (DCCO) extensions—three years for infrastructure and two years for non-infrastructure projects—with increased provisioning for delays. This framework aims to address risks in project financing and promote financial stability, a critical topic for banking and economic policy questions (RBI Norms).

The Indian stock market experienced a slight decline on June 19, 2025. The BSE Sensex closed at 81,361.87, down 82.79 points (0.10%), while the Nifty ended at 24,793.25, losing 18.80 points (0.08%). The MidCap and SmallCap indices saw sharper declines of 1.57% and 1.93%, respectively, reflecting market volatility due to geopolitical tensions and cautious central bank outlooks. Specific stocks like Swiggy Ltd. gained over 5%, driven by positive market sentiment, while trading volumes on the NSE cash market were 13% lower than average. This performance highlights the impact of global and domestic factors on India’s financial markets, relevant for banking and economic analysis in exams (Stock Market).

Science and Technology

The Axiom-4 mission, a collaborative effort between ISRO, NASA, Axiom Space, and SpaceX, was tentatively scheduled for June 19, 2025, to send Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla to the International Space Station (ISS). However, the launch faced another delay due to technical issues, including a liquid oxygen leak in the Falcon-9 rocket and a snag in the Zvezda service module aboard the ISS. Initially planned for May 29, 2025, the mission was postponed multiple times, with June 22, 2025, announced as the next target, only to be delayed again with no new date confirmed as of June 20, 2025. This setback underscores the complexities of space missions and India’s growing role in global space exploration, a key area for science and technology questions (Axiom-4 Delay).

In artificial intelligence, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw delivered a keynote address at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) on June 19, 2025, advocating for the democratization of AI. He emphasized that “equity and accessibility are central to our AI vision,” aiming to ensure AI benefits all sections of society. The INDIAai Mission, India’s national AI strategy, focuses on ethical, transparent, and responsible innovation to align with socio-economic and sustainability goals. Vaishnaw highlighted India’s young, tech-savvy population as a driver for AI innovation, positioning the country as a global AI leader. Additionally, a study by AWS revealed that 83% of Indian organizations have appointed a Chief AI Officer (CAIO) to accelerate generative AI adoption, reinforcing India’s AI ambitions (AI Strategy).

Environment

India has revamped its Green India Mission, launched in 2014 under the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC), to address climate change and land degradation. The revised mission, announced on June 19, 2025, prioritizes restoring critical ecosystems like the Aravalli ranges, Western Ghats, Indian Himalayas, and mangrove ecosystems. It integrates the Aravalli Green Wall Project, aimed at combating desertification and restoring 8 lakh hectares across 29 districts in four states at an estimated cost of ₹16,053 crore. The mission addresses the degradation of 97.85 million hectares of land, as reported by ISRO’s Desertification and Land Degradation Atlas, and supports India’s UNFCCC commitment to restore 26 million hectares by 2030. It aims to create an additional carbon sink of 2.5–3 billion tonnes of CO₂ by 2030, building on the 2.29 billion tonnes achieved between 2005 and 2021. This initiative is crucial for environmental policy and climate change questions in competitive exams (Green India Mission).

Defense

India is advancing its defense capabilities with plans to acquire directed energy weapons (DEWs) developed by the Indian Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) and Larsen & Toubro. These weapons, with power levels of 4, 10, and 30 kilowatts, can target unmanned aerial systems (UAS), larger aircraft, and missiles at ranges up to 5 kilometers. The 10-kW system is mobile and can be installed on a 4×4 vehicle, while the 30-kW laser system enhances counter-drone capabilities along the China border. Tenders for these systems are expected to be announced soon, reflecting India’s focus on self-reliance in defense technology, a vital topic for defense-related questions (DEWs).

Sports

The India vs England Test series, marking the start of the 2025–27 World Test Championship, has generated significant buzz. Led by new captain Shubman Gill, the Indian team is preparing for a challenging series against England, captained by Ben Stokes. Stokes acknowledged India’s strength, despite the absence of veteran players, stating, “India is still dangerous without their veteran trio.” Concerns have been raised about batter Karun Nair’s form in the nets, but the team remains optimistic. The series, starting soon after June 19, 2025, is a key focus for sports-related questions, given cricket’s prominence in India (Test Series).

Additionally, the Bengaluru Bravehearts and Hyderabad Heroes secured wins in the Rugby Premier League, and Bengaluru is set to host the BJK Cup Playoffs in November 2025, highlighting India’s growing presence in diverse sports (Rugby News).

Conclusion

The events of 19 June 2025 offer a wealth of information for competitive exam aspirants. From Operation Sindhu’s diplomatic success to the Green India Mission’s environmental focus, these developments span critical areas of study. By understanding these topics in depth, students can gain a competitive edge in their preparation. Regularly following credible sources like The Hindu, The Indian Express, and The Economic Times will ensure a comprehensive grasp of current affairs.

Key Data Table

Category	Key Event	Details
Politics & Governance	Operation Sindhu	Evacuated 110 students from Iran; extended to Israel (MEA).
Politics & Governance	Justice Varma Cash Discovery	Inquiry found cash in storeroom, proposed impeachment (The Hindu).
Politics & Governance	Trump-Munir Meeting	U.S.-Pakistan talks may impact India (The Hindu).
Economy	RBI Project Finance Norms	1–1.25% provisioning for projects, effective October 2025 (The Hindu).
Economy	Stock Market Performance	Sensex at 81,361.87, Nifty at 24,793.25, down slightly (Moneycontrol).
Science & Technology	Axiom-4 Mission Delay	Launch postponed from June 19, new date pending (The Hindu).
Science & Technology	AI Democratization	INDIAai Mission promotes accessible AI (Economic Times).
Environment	Green India Mission Revision	Focus on Aravalli, Western Ghats; ₹16,053 crore project (Vajiram).
Defense	Directed Energy Weapons	DRDO, L&T develop 10–30 kW systems (Defense Post).
Sports	India vs England Test Series	Shubman Gill leads in 2025–27 WTC cycle (Reuters).

Key Citations

Daily quiz on current affairs with answers

Question 1: What was the key objective of India’s Operation Sindhu, launched in June 2025?
Option 1: To evacuate Indian tourists from Israel during the civil unrest
Option 2: To assist Iranian authorities with humanitarian aid
Option 3: To deploy Indian armed forces for regional peacekeeping
Option 4: To evacuate Indian nationals from conflict zones in Iran and Israel
Option 5: To provide medical support to Indian students in Armenia
Answer: Option 4
Explanation: Operation Sindhu was launched to ensure the safety of Indian nationals amid the escalating Israel-Iran conflict. On June 19, 2025, over 110 Indian students, including 94 from Jammu & Kashmir, were successfully evacuated from Urmia University in Iran. The mission included transit via Yerevan, Armenia, and also extended support to Indians in Israel. The operation showcased India’s diplomatic agility and crisis response capabilities.

Question 2: Which key provision was part of the RBI’s new Project Finance Directions announced on June 19, 2025?
Option 1: 5% provisioning for under-construction real estate projects
Option 2: 1.25% provisioning for commercial real estate under construction
Option 3: 0.25% provisioning for all operational infrastructure
Option 4: No cap on DCCO extensions for infrastructure projects
Option 5: Mandatory credit guarantees for all CRE projects
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: The RBI’s new guidelines introduced harmonized provisioning rates to mitigate financial risk. One key feature was the 1.25% provisioning requirement for under-construction commercial real estate (CRE) projects. These softer norms, compared to the earlier draft, aimed to support lenders while ensuring financial discipline in project financing.

Question 3: What issue caused the delay in the Axiom-4 mission that was initially scheduled for June 19, 2025?
Option 1: International regulatory hurdles over astronaut selection
Option 2: ISRO’s withdrawal from the mission due to budget constraints
Option 3: A protest at NASA’s headquarters by climate activists
Option 4: Weather-related complications near the launch site
Option 5: Technical issues including a liquid oxygen leak in Falcon-9
Answer: Option 5
Explanation: The Axiom-4 mission, involving ISRO, NASA, Axiom Space, and SpaceX, faced another delay due to technical problems—a liquid oxygen leak in the Falcon-9 rocket and issues with the Zvezda service module on the ISS. The Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla’s participation in this mission has been postponed with no new launch date confirmed.

Question 4: What serious charge is being considered against Justice Yashwant Varma following recent findings?
Option 1: Impeachment for misconduct after cash was found in his residence
Option 2: Suspension for delaying court cases
Option 3: Removal from judiciary for biased judgments
Option 4: Transfer to a non-judicial administrative post
Option 5: Fine for failing to disclose income
Answer: Option 1
Explanation: Following a fire incident in March 2025, an inquiry committee discovered large amounts of cash in the storeroom of Justice Yashwant Varma’s official residence. The report, released on June 19, 2025, rejected claims of planted evidence and accused him of misconduct. As a result, calls for his impeachment have gained momentum, making it a critical governance issue.

Question 5: What strategic concern has arisen from U.S. President Donald Trump’s meeting with Pakistan’s Army Chief Asim Munir?
Option 1: Pakistan’s influence in NATO
Option 2: A defense pact between the U.S. and Pakistan
Option 3: Potential recalibration of U.S.-Pakistan ties impacting India
Option 4: U.S. military base proposed in Islamabad
Option 5: Nuclear arms control agreement between U.S. and Pakistan
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: The meeting between President Trump and General Asim Munir at the White House on June 19, 2025, was seen by many as a geopolitical shift. The Congress party criticized it as a setback to Indian diplomacy, given the backdrop of the Israel-Iran crisis. It indicates a possible reset in U.S.-Pakistan relations, which may influence India’s foreign and security policy.

Question 6: Which company’s stock saw a significant rise on June 19, 2025, contributing positively to the Indian stock market despite an overall decline?
Option 1: Tata Steel
Option 2: Reliance Industries
Option 3: Infosys Ltd.
Option 4: Adani Enterprises
Option 5: Swiggy Ltd.
Answer: Option 5
Explanation: On June 19, 2025, Swiggy Ltd. registered a gain of over 5%, bucking the trend of a broadly declining market. The Sensex and Nifty dipped slightly due to global uncertainties and cautious sentiments, but Swiggy’s rise reflected strong investor confidence in consumer tech. MidCap and SmallCap indices fell more steeply, highlighting sectoral volatility.

Question 7: What is the aim of India’s revised Green India Mission announced in June 2025?
Option 1: Increase carbon trading among Indian states
Option 2: Promote urban rooftop solar projects
Option 3: Restore degraded ecosystems and expand forest cover
Option 4: Replace thermal power with hydropower
Option 5: Create national eco-tourism zones
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: The revised Green India Mission aims to restore critical ecosystems like the Aravallis, Western Ghats, Himalayas, and mangroves. It includes the Aravalli Green Wall Project to combat desertification and pledges to restore 26 million hectares by 2030. The mission seeks to create an additional carbon sink of 2.5–3 billion tonnes of CO₂.

Question 8: What key policy theme did Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw emphasize at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF)?
Option 1: Regulation of cryptocurrency by developing nations
Option 2: Democratization and inclusive access to AI technology
Option 3: Bilateral trade agreements with Russia
Option 4: Cybersecurity frameworks for military networks
Option 5: Creation of AI-powered surveillance for border control
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: Speaking at SPIEF, Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted that India’s AI strategy is centered around democratization, aiming for equity and accessibility. The INDIAai Mission focuses on responsible innovation, ensuring that AI benefits all sections of society. A supporting survey showed 83% of Indian organizations have appointed Chief AI Officers to lead generative AI adoption.

Question 9: What notable step has India taken in developing Directed Energy Weapons (DEWs)?
Option 1: Procured foreign laser weapons for testing
Option 2: Signed a joint venture with the U.S. for electromagnetic railguns
Option 3: Developed indigenous DEWs with DRDO and L&T for counter-UAS roles
Option 4: Deployed 100-kW laser systems along the border
Option 5: Initiated laser-guided satellite weapon programs
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: India, through DRDO and Larsen & Toubro, has developed indigenous DEWs with power levels of 4, 10, and 30 kW. These systems can target drones and aircraft at up to 5 km range. The 10-kW system is mobile, while the 30-kW version enhances border defense. This development aligns with India’s strategic focus on indigenous defense technology.

Question 10: Who is leading the Indian cricket team in the 2025–27 World Test Championship series against England?
Option 1: Rohit Sharma
Option 2: Rishabh Pant
Option 3: Hardik Pandya
Option 4: Shubman Gill
Option 5: Karun Nair
Answer: Option 4
Explanation: Shubman Gill has taken over as captain for the Indian team in the 2025–27 WTC cycle. India is preparing for a series against England, with Ben Stokes acknowledging India’s strength despite the absence of veteran players. The spotlight is also on Karun Nair’s form, though team confidence remains high. Gill’s leadership marks a generational shift in Indian cricket.

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