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Current Affairs Report: June 20, 2025 – A Must-Know for Competitive Exams

For students preparing for UPSC, SSC, Banking, and other government exams, staying updated with current affairs is like having a map in a maze. The events of June 20, 2025, offer a wealth of information across politics, economy, science, international relations, environment, defense, and sports. This detailed report, sourced from credible outlets like The Hindu (The Hindu), The Indian Express (Indian Express), Times of India (Times of India), and others, weaves these events into a narrative to keep you engaged and informed. Let’s explore the day’s key developments, structured to help you grasp the big picture and fine details for your exam preparation.

Politics and Governance: Shaping India’s Future

India’s legislative landscape is buzzing with new bills that could redefine key sectors. The Indian Ports Bill, 2025 (PRS India) aims to modernize port infrastructure, crucial for boosting trade and economic growth. Ports handle over 90% of India’s trade by volume, making this bill a game-changer for logistics and connectivity. Similarly, the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025 (PRS India) seeks to streamline immigration processes, addressing the complexities of global mobility and national security. This bill could impact how India manages its borders and foreign residents.

Taxation is another area of focus with the Income-tax Bill, 2025 (PRS India), which proposes updates to tax laws affecting millions of taxpayers. While specific clauses are still under discussion, changes could influence deductions and income from house property, making it a topic to watch for UPSC aspirants under GS Paper 3: Economy. The Protection of Interests in Aircraft Objects Bill, 2025 (PRS India) aligns India with the Convention on International Interests in Mobile Equipment, facilitating aircraft financing and leasing, a boost for the aviation sector.

In the digital realm, the Draft Digital Personal Data Protection Rules, 2025 (PRS India) are set to strengthen data privacy, a pressing issue as India’s digital economy grows. These rules aim to protect citizens’ personal data, aligning with global standards and addressing concerns about cyber threats. Meanwhile, Telangana’s Draft Gig and Platform Workers (Registration, Social Security, and Welfare) Bill, 2025 (PRS India) is a pioneering step to provide social security to gig workers, who form a significant part of the modern workforce. This bill could set a precedent for other states, making it relevant for GS Paper 2: Governance.

Government initiatives are also making waves. A tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS), and National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) focuses on inclusive education for children with disabilities (Insights on India). With 7% of Indian children aged 0–19 years having disabilities (Census 2011), and only 1% enrolled at the primary level (UDISE+ 2019-20), this initiative addresses critical gaps in infrastructure and teacher training. It’s a vital topic for GS Paper 2: Vulnerable Sections.

In Kerala’s Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary, the Thaliru Libraries Initiative (Insights on India) has launched three community libraries for 623 tribal families. Themed “Reading is the true addiction,” this scheme promotes literacy and empowerment, aligning with GS Paper 2: Tribal Welfare and GS Paper 4: Empathy.

The Bhashini project, under the National Language Translation Mission (NLTM) (Insights on India), uses AI to provide multilingual tools for rural governance. By integrating with platforms like eGramSwaraj, it enhances transparency and inclusivity, a key point for GS Paper 2: E-Governance.

In West Bengal, the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) resumed after a three-year hiatus, following a Calcutta High Court directive (The Hindu). This scheme, providing 100 days of wage employment to rural households, is a cornerstone of rural development and a frequent topic in GS Paper 3: Economy.

Economy: Resilience Amid Global Challenges

India’s economy showed robust performance on June 20, 2025. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) reported that foreign exchange reserves rose by $2.29 billion to $698.95 billion for the week ending June 13, 2025 (Economic Times). This increase strengthens India’s ability to manage external economic shocks, a key point for Banking and UPSC exams.

The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) minutes, released on June 20, highlighted RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra’s push for growth-backed policies (Economic Times). He noted that economic growth recovered to 7.4% in Q4 2025 from 6.4% in Q3, closing FY25 at 6.5%. This resilience, driven by services and construction, is crucial for GS Paper 3: Economy.

The stock market also reflected optimism, with the Sensex settling 1046 points higher (Economic Times). Companies like Swiggy and Wipro were among top trading ideas, indicating investor confidence (Economic Times). However, core sector growth slowed to 0.7% in May 2025, with cement, steel, coal, and refinery products showing positive but modest gains (Economic Times).

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) introduced new Determination of Cost of Production Regulations, 2025, to combat predatory pricing (Insights on India). Using Average Total Cost (ATC)-based norms, these regulations aim to protect consumers and support MSMEs, aligning with OECD practices and SDG 8. This is a critical reform for GS Paper 3: Economy.

Economic Indicator	Details	Source
Forex Reserves	Increased by $2.29 billion to $698.95 billion (week ending June 13, 2025)	Economic Times
GDP Growth	6.7% in March quarter, 6.5% in FY25	Economic Times
Sensex	Settled 1046 points higher on June 20, 2025	Economic Times
Core Sector Growth	0.7% in May 2025	Economic Times

Science and Technology: Innovating for Tomorrow

India’s space sector took a giant leap forward as Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) won a ₹511 crore bid to manufacture ISRO’s Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) (Reuters). This transfer of technology allows HAL to build and commercialize rockets, marking a significant step toward privatizing India’s space ambitions. This development is a must-know for GS Paper 3: Science & Technology.

ISRO also launched the Bharatiya Antariksh Hackathon 2025 on June 18, 2025, led by Dr. V Narayanan, encouraging young innovators to contribute to space technology (ISRO). This initiative fosters creativity and aligns with India’s goal of becoming a space powerhouse.

On the environmental front, the Delhi Artificial Rain Project, a ₹3.21 crore pilot with IIT Kanpur and the India Meteorological Department (IMD), uses cloud seeding to combat air pollution (Insights on India). By targeting PM2.5 and PM10 levels over 100 square kilometers, this project showcases innovative urban governance, relevant for GS Paper 3: Environment.

The Bhashini project, leveraging AI for multilingual governance tools, continues to bridge language barriers, enhancing transparency and citizen participation (Insights on India). This is a key topic for GS Paper 2: Digital Inclusion.

International Relations: Navigating Global Dynamics

India’s diplomatic efforts were in the spotlight on June 20, 2025. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is set to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ meeting in Qingdao, China, from June 25 to 27, 2025 (The Hindu). This visit, the first since Operation Sindoor, highlights India’s role in regional security dialogues, a key point for GS Paper 2: International Relations.

Amid the Israel-Iran conflict, India successfully evacuated around 1,000 students stranded in Iran via Armenia under Operation Sindu (Insights on India). This operation underscores India’s crisis management capabilities and geopolitical strategy.

U.S. President Donald Trump predicted trade deals with India and Pakistan, signaling potential economic collaborations (Reuters). This development could influence India’s trade policies, relevant for GS Paper 2: Bilateral Agreements.

The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) also came into focus, with India maintaining its non-signatory stance due to its perceived discriminatory nature (Insights on India). India’s engagement with the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) remains a critical topic for UPSC aspirants.

Environment: Balancing Development and Conservation

The Green India Mission, under the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC), released a revised roadmap aiming to increase forest cover by 5 million hectares and sequester 2.5-3 billion tonnes of CO2 by 2030 (Insights on India). With a focus on regions like the Aravallis, Western Ghats, and Himalayas, this mission is pivotal for GS Paper 3: Environment.

The Thaliru Libraries Initiative in Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary not only promotes education but also raises awareness about wildlife conservation among tribal communities, blending social and environmental goals (Insights on India).

Defense: Strengthening National Security

India’s defense sector is undergoing significant transformation. The Defence Reform 2.0 initiative aims to modernize and make the military self-reliant through an overhaul of acquisition processes (Indian Defence News). The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is set to manufacture new variants of the Pinaka rocket system with extended range, enhancing artillery capabilities (Instagram).

The Defence Secretary emphasized the need to boost production of military-grade drones, reflecting a focus on unmanned aerial technology (Babushahi). India’s acquisition of advanced weaponry, including Barak 8 defense missiles and UAVs from Israel, strengthens its defense posture amid regional tensions (DW).

An op-ed in The Hindu highlighted the need for an integrated R&D ecosystem involving DRDO, GTRE, academia, and private industry to address India’s propulsion gap (Civils Daily). This is a critical topic for GS Paper 3: Defense.

Sports: Cricket Shines Bright

Cricket dominated the sports scene on June 20, 2025, as India faced England in a Test match at Headingley. Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal scored centuries, with Jaiswal achieving his first Test hundred on English soil, powering India to 359/3 (Reuters). Sai Sudharsan made his Test debut, receiving Test Cap No. 317 (Times of India). Cricket legends Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly engaged in light-hearted banter on social media, celebrating India’s performance (NDTV Sports). This match is a key topic for GS Paper 1: Culture and Essay sections.

Education: A Global Leap

The QS World University Rankings 2026 highlighted India’s growing academic prowess, with 54 universities ranked, making India the fourth most represented country globally (Insights on India). IIT Delhi climbed to 123rd, and IIT Madras rose 47 places to 180th, reflecting improvements in research and internationalization. This is significant for GS Paper 2: Education.

Conclusion: Your Edge in Exam Preparation

The events of June 20, 2025, offer a rich tapestry of developments across multiple domains, from legislative reforms to sporting triumphs. For UPSC, SSC, and Banking aspirants, understanding these topics provides a competitive edge. Keep referring to credible sources like The Hindu, The Indian Express, and PRS Legislative Research to stay ahead. This comprehensive overview ensures you’re well-equipped to tackle questions on governance, economy, science, and more, making your preparation both thorough and engaging.

Key Citations:

Daily quiz on current affairs with answers

Question 1: Which bill introduced in June 2025 aims to overhaul India’s port infrastructure to improve logistics and trade?
Option 1: Indian Maritime Authority Bill, 2025
Option 2: Indian Ports Bill, 2025
Option 3: National Logistics Development Bill, 2025
Option 4: Major Ports and Terminals Reform Bill, 2025
Option 5: Coastal Trade Facilitation Bill, 2025
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: The Indian Ports Bill, 2025 was introduced to modernize India’s port infrastructure. Ports handle over 90% of India’s trade by volume, making efficient management critical. The bill proposes reforms to enhance regulatory mechanisms, encourage private investment, and integrate ports with inland transport systems.

Question 2: Who is the current RBI Governor who emphasized a growth-oriented policy in the June 2025 Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting?
Option 1: Sanjay Malhotra
Option 2: Shaktikanta Das
Option 3: Raghuram Rajan
Option 4: Nirmala Sitharaman
Option 5: Urijit Patel
Answer: Option 1
Explanation: Sanjay Malhotra, the RBI Governor, stressed the importance of growth-led monetary policy in the MPC minutes released in June 2025. He highlighted a rebound in India’s GDP growth to 7.4% in Q4 FY25, underscoring the need for accommodative policies to maintain momentum.

Question 3: Which company won the ₹511 crore bid to manufacture ISRO’s Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV)?
Option 1: Bharat Dynamics Ltd
Option 2: Larsen & Toubro
Option 3: Tata Advanced Systems
Option 4: Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders
Option 5: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
Answer: Option 5
Explanation: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) secured the ₹511 crore contract to build SSLVs for ISRO, marking a significant technology transfer and a move toward commercialization of India’s space program. This step reinforces public-private collaboration in aerospace.

Question 4: What is the key focus of the new Determination of Cost of Production Regulations, 2025 introduced by the CCI?
Option 1: Encourage FDI in core industries
Option 2: Cap production subsidies for monopolies
Option 3: Promote digital currency usage in retail trade
Option 4: Prevent predatory pricing using ATC-based norms
Option 5: Standardize GST rates across states
Answer: Option 4
Explanation: The Competition Commission of India introduced these regulations to prevent predatory pricing, particularly targeting large firms that undercut smaller players. By using Average Total Cost (ATC) as a benchmark, the framework aims to protect MSMEs and ensure fair market competition.

Question 5: In the QS World University Rankings 2026, how many Indian universities were featured?
Option 1: 45
Option 2: 38
Option 3: 54
Option 4: 61
Option 5: 49
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: India had 54 universities ranked in the QS World University Rankings 2026, becoming the fourth most represented country. Institutions like IIT Delhi and IIT Madras made notable gains, reflecting improvements in research, academic reputation, and global engagement.

Question 6: Which state’s draft bill aims to provide social security benefits to gig and platform workers as of June 2025?
Option 1: Maharashtra
Option 2: Karnataka
Option 3: Gujarat
Option 4: Tamil Nadu
Option 5: Telangana
Answer: Option 5
Explanation: Telangana introduced the Draft Gig and Platform Workers (Registration, Social Security, and Welfare) Bill, 2025. It is one of the first state-level efforts to formalize benefits like health insurance, provident fund, and pension for gig workers, setting a possible model for other states.

Question 7: The Delhi Artificial Rain Project was launched primarily to combat which issue?
Option 1: Heatwaves
Option 2: Drought
Option 3: Air pollution
Option 4: Water scarcity
Option 5: Crop failure
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: The Delhi Artificial Rain Project, a ₹3.21 crore initiative, uses cloud seeding to reduce air pollution. Conducted over 100 square kilometers, it targets high levels of PM2.5 and PM10 pollutants, aiming to provide immediate relief during critical pollution episodes.

Question 8: Under which military operation did India evacuate over 1,000 citizens from Iran amid regional conflict in June 2025?
Option 1: Operation Jal Setu
Option 2: Operation Sindoor
Option 3: Operation Trinetra
Option 4: Operation Samvedna
Option 5: Operation Kavach
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: Operation Sindoor was executed to evacuate Indian students and nationals from Iran amid the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict. India coordinated via Armenia, showcasing diplomatic agility and crisis management in conflict zones.

Question 9: Which area is not directly targeted under the revised Green India Mission roadmap as of June 2025?
Option 1: Aravallis
Option 2: Western Ghats
Option 3: Sundarbans
Option 4: Himalayas
Option 5: Deccan Plateau
Answer: Option 4
Explanation: The revised roadmap under the Green India Mission focuses on increasing forest cover in critical ecological zones like the Aravallis, Western Ghats, and the Himalayas. While Sundarbans are ecologically important, they were not a focus in the specific June 2025 roadmap.

Question 10: Which Indian cricketer made his Test debut during the India vs. England match at Headingley in June 2025?
Option 1: Sai Sudharsan
Option 2: Tilak Varma
Option 3: Rajat Patidar
Option 4: Ruturaj Gaikwad
Option 5: Devdutt Padikkal
Answer: Option 1
Explanation: Sai Sudharsan debuted in the Headingley Test match against England and received Test Cap No. 317. His inclusion highlights India’s commitment to nurturing young talent, and it was celebrated alongside stellar performances by Jaiswal and Gill.

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