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Current Affairs Report: June 9-15, 2025

This report provides a detailed and engaging overview of the significant events in India from June 9-15, 2025, tailored for aspirants preparing for UPSC, SSC, Banking, and other government exams. Covering politics and governance, economy, science and technology, international relations, environment, defense, and sports, the content is sourced from credible publications like The Hindu, Indian Express, Business Standard, and others. The report is structured to enhance readability, with key terms bolded for quick reference, and aims to provide a competitive edge for exam preparation.

Politics and Governance

The week was marked by significant efforts to address regional stability and legislative reforms. On June 9, 2025, the Union Home Ministry held a pivotal meeting with representatives of the Kuki-Zo insurgent groups in Manipur. This discussion, the first in two years, focused on revising the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement, reopening national highways, and facilitating the surrender of weapons. The goal is to restore peace in the region by addressing local concerns and ensuring access to essential services. This move is critical for Manipur’s development and could set a precedent for conflict resolution in other areas (The Hindu).

In the legislative sphere, the Income Tax Bill 2025 saw progress with proposed amendments to streamline the tax refund process. Section 433 of the bill mandates that refunds be claimed through filed returns, even if belated, aiming to reduce litigation and enhance efficiency for taxpayers. Announced on June 15, 2025, this amendment reflects the government’s commitment to simplifying tax laws, a topic likely to appear in exam questions on economic governance (Business Standard).

Additionally, Rahul Gandhi praised the Election Commission of India (ECI) for sharing electoral-roll data for Haryana and Maharashtra but urged a specific handover date, highlighting transparency in electoral processes (The Hindu). These developments underscore the government’s focus on governance and accountability, key areas for exam aspirants.

Economy

The economic landscape was shaped by bold monetary policy decisions and market fluctuations. On June 7, 2025, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), under Governor Sanjay Malhotra, reduced the repo rate by 50 basis points, a significant cut aimed at stimulating economic growth. This reduction, part of a series of cuts totaling 100 basis points since February 2025, is expected to lower borrowing costs, benefiting sectors like real estate and encouraging homebuyers. The RBI also cut the cash reserve ratio by 100 basis points to 3%, freeing up liquidity for banks (Indian Express).

The stock market experienced volatility during the week. On June 9, 2025, the Sensex closed at 82,445, up 256 points, with the Nifty at 25,103, reflecting optimism following the RBI’s rate cut. However, by June 13, the Sensex fell to 81,118.60, losing 573.38 points, due to rising geopolitical tensions and fluctuating crude oil prices. This volatility highlights the impact of global events on India’s markets, a critical topic for Banking exams (The Hindu Business Line).

Inflation trends offered positive news, with retail inflation easing to 2.82% in May 2025, the lowest in over six years, driven by declining food prices. Experts predict inflation will remain around 2.5% in June 2025, providing stability for consumers and policymakers. The RBI projects CPI inflation for 2025-26 at 3.7%, with the first quarter at 2.9%, indicating a balanced growth-inflation outlook (Moneycontrol).

Economic Indicator	Value	Date	Source
Repo Rate Cut	50 bps	June 7, 2025	Indian Express
Sensex (June 9)	82,445	June 9, 2025	The Hindu Business Line
Sensex (June 13)	81,118.60	June 13, 2025	The Hindu Business Line
Inflation (May)	2.82%	May 2025	Moneycontrol

Science and Technology

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) achieved significant milestones, reinforcing India’s position in global space exploration. The NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) satellite arrived at its launch site in Bengaluru on June 12, 2025, after a 220-mile journey from the ISRO Satellite Integration and Test Establishment (ISITE). This $1.5 billion mission aims to monitor ecosystems, ice-sheet dynamics, and natural hazards like earthquakes and tsunamis, offering valuable data for climate and disaster management (NASA).

The Axiom-4 (Ax-04) mission, featuring Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, was rescheduled for June 19, 2025, after a postponement due to weather conditions. This mission, a collaboration with NASA, Axiom Space, and SpaceX, marks a historic step for India’s human spaceflight program, enhancing its presence on the International Space Station (ISS) (ISRO).

On June 14, 2025, ISRO, in partnership with Thrust Tech India Pvt. Ltd., conducted the first payload launch from Uttar Pradesh, expanding India’s space infrastructure to new regions. This achievement highlights ISRO’s efforts to decentralize space activities and foster private-sector collaboration (Universal Institutions).

In technology, Apple unveiled new OS upgrades and Apple Intelligence features at the WWDC 2025 on June 9, 2025, which could influence India’s tech market, given its growing digital economy (The Hindu).

International Relations

Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on a three-nation tour, starting with a historic visit to Cyprus on June 15-16, 2025. Invited by President Nikos Christodoulides, PM Modi attended a business roundtable in Limassol, emphasizing India’s potential to become the world’s third-largest economy. The visit aimed to advance trade corridor plans, particularly the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), and strengthen bilateral ties. This move is seen as strategic amid tensions involving Turkey and Pakistan, reflecting India’s proactive foreign policy (The Hindu).

PM Modi’s subsequent visits to Canada for the G7 summit and Croatia, the first since 1991, underscore India’s engagement in global forums like G20, BRICS, and QUAD. These diplomatic efforts are crucial for understanding India’s role in international relations, a key exam topic (Reuters).

Environment

Environmental concerns were highlighted during the week, building on World Environment Day 2025, celebrated on June 5 with the theme “Beat Plastic Pollution”. India launched campaigns to reduce plastic waste, aligning with global efforts led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). These initiatives emphasize sustainable practices, a recurring theme in UPSC exams (UN India).

The release of the State of India’s Environment in Figures 2025 report on June 4, 2025, painted a grim picture, warning of worsening climate, health, and development indicators. The report highlighted air pollution, water scarcity, and deforestation, with per capita freshwater availability expected to fall below 1,000 cubic meters by 2025, signaling a looming water crisis. It urged immediate action to ensure sustainable development, making it a critical resource for environmental studies (Down To Earth).

Environmental Issue	Status	Source
Freshwater Availability	Below 1,000 cubic meters by 2025	Down To Earth
World Environment Day Theme	Beat Plastic Pollution	UN India

Defense

The Indian Armed Forces bolstered their capabilities with plans to acquire additional long-range loitering munitions, following successful strikes. These advanced weapons enhance India’s military modernization, aligning with its 2025 defense strategy to counter regional threats (IDRW).

On June 13, 2025, defense stocks surged by up to 8% after reports of Israeli airstrikes against Iran, reflecting investor confidence amid geopolitical tensions. This rally underscores the defense sector’s economic significance, a potential exam question in economy or international relations (Bajaj Broking).

The Indian Air Force also ordered new fighter jets equipped with Israeli technology, enhancing its operational capabilities. These developments highlight India’s strategic partnerships and military advancements (FDD).

Sports

Sports activities provided moments of national pride. On June 15, 2025, the Indian men’s and women’s hockey teams competed in the Pro League, a crucial platform for preparing for future tournaments like the Olympics. These matches are significant for assessing team performance and strategy (ESPN).

The India vs England Test series, set to begin on June 20, 2025, generated excitement, with preparations underway for the first Test in Leeds. This series is a key event in cricket, a sport often featured in current affairs questions (NDTV Profit).

The Indian Premier League (IPL) final on June 3, 2025, saw Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) clinch the title, though a tragic stampede at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on June 4 resulted in 11 deaths, highlighting safety concerns at large events (The Hindu). Additionally, M.S. Dhoni was inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame on June 9, 2025, a proud moment for Indian cricket (The Hindu).

Conclusion

The week of June 9-15, 2025, was rich with developments that reflect India’s dynamic role in global and domestic spheres. From peace talks in Manipur to space missions by ISRO, and from economic reforms to environmental challenges, these events provide critical insights for exam aspirants. Understanding these topics in depth equips students with the knowledge to excel in competitive exams, offering a comprehensive view of India’s progress and challenges.

Key Citations:

Daily quiz on current affairs with answers

Question 1: Which recent diplomatic visit by PM Modi focused on boosting trade and the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC)?
Option 1: Canada
Option 2: Croatia
Option 3: United Kingdom
Option 4: Cyprus
Option 5: Greece
Answer: Option 4
Explanation: On June 15–16, 2025, PM Narendra Modi visited Cyprus as part of a three-nation tour. The visit emphasized bilateral relations and trade, with a focus on advancing the IMEC — a crucial trade corridor project linking India to Europe via the Middle East. The visit holds strategic significance due to tensions in the eastern Mediterranean and shows India’s growing interest in Europe’s economic integration.

Question 2: What was the revised Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) announced by the RBI in its June 2025 monetary policy update?
Option 1: 4%
Option 2: 3%
Option 3: 2.5%
Option 4: 3.5%
Option 5: 2%
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: The RBI, in a proactive move to enhance liquidity, reduced the CRR by 100 basis points, bringing it down to 3%. This measure, announced alongside a 50 bps repo rate cut on June 7, 2025, aims to boost credit growth and ease funding for banks, supporting economic recovery.

Question 3: Which satellite, a joint project between ISRO and NASA, recently arrived at the launch site in Bengaluru?
Option 1: CARTOSAT-3
Option 2: Chandrayaan-4
Option 3: Aditya-L1
Option 4: Gaganyaan-1
Option 5: NISAR
Answer: Option 5
Explanation: The NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) satellite arrived in Bengaluru on June 12, 2025. Valued at $1.5 billion, it is a landmark collaboration for earth observation. The satellite will monitor critical issues like climate change, earthquake zones, and ice dynamics, making it a crucial asset in global environmental surveillance.

Question 4: What amendment was introduced in Section 433 of the Income Tax Bill 2025?
Option 1: Refunds must be claimed through filed returns, even if belated
Option 2: Removal of TDS on capital gains
Option 3: Standard deduction for all categories
Option 4: Tax exemption for pensioners
Option 5: Increase in basic exemption limit
Answer: Option 1
Explanation: The amendment to Section 433 mandates that tax refunds can only be claimed through filed returns, including belated ones. This change, announced on June 15, 2025, is aimed at streamlining processes, reducing litigation, and improving efficiency in India’s tax administration.

Question 5: What is the forecasted CPI inflation rate for Q1 of FY 2025-26 as projected by the RBI?
Option 1: 2.5%
Option 2: 3.5%
Option 3: 2.9%
Option 4: 3.2%
Option 5: 2.7%
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: The RBI projected Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation at 2.9% for the first quarter of FY 2025-26. With retail inflation falling to 2.82% in May 2025 — the lowest in over six years — this reflects a stable inflation outlook, aided by lower food prices and supportive monetary policy.

Question 6: Which Indian cricketer was inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame on June 9, 2025?
Option 1: Sachin Tendulkar
Option 2: Virat Kohli
Option 3: Yuvraj Singh
Option 4: Rohit Sharma
Option 5: M.S. Dhoni
Answer: Option 5
Explanation: M.S. Dhoni, one of India’s most successful captains, was inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame on June 9, 2025. This honor recognizes his contributions to Indian and world cricket, including winning the 2007 T20 World Cup, 2011 ODI World Cup, and 2013 Champions Trophy.

Question 7: Which region witnessed the first payload launch in collaboration with Thrust Tech India Pvt. Ltd.?
Option 1: Gujarat
Option 2: Odisha
Option 3: Uttar Pradesh
Option 4: Andhra Pradesh
Option 5: Tamil Nadu
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: On June 14, 2025, ISRO launched a payload from Uttar Pradesh in collaboration with Thrust Tech India. This marks an expansion of India’s space launch geography and signifies the push toward decentralization and private-sector participation in space missions.

Question 8: Which upcoming space mission features Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla?
Option 1: Gaganyaan-2
Option 2: Axiom-4 (Ax-04)
Option 3: Artemis-3
Option 4: Chandrayaan-3
Option 5: Vega-X
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: The Axiom-4 mission, now scheduled for June 19, 2025, will include Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla. This mission is a joint effort by Axiom Space, NASA, and SpaceX and represents a major milestone for India’s human spaceflight aspirations.

Question 9: What critical issue does the State of India’s Environment in Figures 2025 report highlight regarding water?
Option 1: 100% rural access to piped water
Option 2: Groundwater recharge exceeding extraction
Option 3: Per capita freshwater availability below 1,000 cubic meters
Option 4: Major river rejuvenation success
Option 5: Increased rainfall due to El Niño
Answer: Option 1
Explanation: The report, released on June 4, 2025, highlights that India’s per capita freshwater availability is expected to fall below 1,000 cubic meters — the threshold for water scarcity. This alarming statistic signals an urgent need for sustainable water management policies.

Question 10: What caused Indian defense stocks to surge on June 13, 2025?
Option 1: Launch of indigenous aircraft carrier
Option 2: Announcement of new defense export policy
Option 3: Israeli airstrikes on Iran
Option 4: India-US joint military exercise
Option 5: Approval of Agnipath 2.0 scheme
Answer: Option 4
Explanation: On June 13, 2025, defense sector stocks surged by up to 8% following reports of Israeli airstrikes on Iran. Geopolitical tensions often trigger market responses in defense-related industries, and this incident bolstered investor confidence in India’s defense manufacturing sector.

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