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Current Affairs Report: June 26, 2025 – A Must-Know for Exam Aspirants

For students preparing for competitive exams like UPSC, SSC, Banking, and other government tests, staying updated with current affairs is not just a task—it’s a strategy to gain an edge. The events of June 26, 2025, brought a cascade of developments across science, diplomacy, economy, governance, environment, defense, and sports. This detailed report weaves these stories into a narrative that’s engaging, informative, and optimized for exam preparation, ensuring you have the knowledge to outshine others.

Science and Technology: Reaching for the Stars

India’s space ambitions soared to new heights on June 26, 2025, as the Dragon spacecraft, part of the Axiom-4 mission, successfully docked with the International Space Station (ISS) (Axiom-4 Mission). Carrying Indian astronaut _

Shubhanshu Shukla and three others, the spacecraft achieved soft capture at 4:01 p.m. IST and completed docking at 4:15 p.m. IST over the north Atlantic Ocean. This milestone underscores India’s growing stature in global space exploration, a topic likely to appear in science and technology sections of exams. The mission’s success highlights international collaboration, with Shubhanshu Shukla becoming a symbol of India’s scientific prowess.

Closer to home, technology made strides with the launch of the ECoR Yatra app for the Rath Yatra 2025, available from June 25 to July 7, 2025, on the Google Play Store. This app offers real-time train updates, ticket booking, and accommodation details, easing the journey for millions of devotees. Additionally, Bihar is set to host India’s first Small Modular Reactor (SMR)-based nuclear power plant, part of the ₹20,000 crore Nuclear Energy Mission. This initiative, supported by a 1,000 MW battery project, marks a significant step in sustainable energy, blending science with economic goals.

International Relations: A Firm Stand on Global Stages

India’s diplomatic resolve was on full display at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Qingdao, China, on June 26, 2025 (SCO Summit). Defence Minister Rajnath Singh refused to sign the joint statement, citing its failure to mention the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people on April 22, 2025, while referencing Balochistan militant activities. This decision, rooted in India’s zero-tolerance policy on terrorism, led to the launch of Operation Sindoor on May 7, 2025, to counter regional threats. The SCO, comprising members like India, China, and Russia, focuses on peace and counter-terrorism, making this a critical topic for international relations questions.

Globally, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei made his first public statement since the Israel-Iran ceasefire, claiming victory after Israel’s attack on June 13, 2025, targeted Iran’s nuclear and military facilities (Iran Ceasefire). This development adds complexity to Middle Eastern geopolitics, a frequent exam topic. Meanwhile, Oman announced plans to introduce a 5% personal income tax from 2028, becoming the first GCC nation to do so, aligning with its Vision 2040 to diversify revenue (Oman Tax).

Politics and Governance: Shaping India’s Future

The Election Commission of India (ECI) took a bold step by initiating proceedings to delist 345 registered unrecognised political parties (RUPPs) that have not contested elections since 2019 (ECI Delisting). This move aims to declutter the political landscape, ensuring only active parties remain, a key point for governance-related questions.

The Bombay High Court delivered a landmark ruling on June 18, 2025, made public on June 26, stating that earning women are entitled to financial support from estranged husbands to maintain their pre-separation living standards (Bombay HC Ruling). This decision strengthens women’s rights in matrimonial disputes, a potential topic in social justice sections.

In Jammu and Kashmir, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah urged the central government to conclude discussions on restoring statehood, a critical issue since the region’s reorganization in 2019 (J&K Statehood). This development is vital for understanding federalism and regional politics.

The NITI Aayog unveiled the “India’s Data Imperative: The Pivot Towards Quality” report, introducing a Data-Quality Scorecard and Maturity Framework to enhance data-driven policymaking (NITI Aayog Report). Launched by V.R. Subrahmanyam, Dr. Saurabh Garg, and Debjani Ghosh, this initiative is a game-changer for governance efficiency.

The Dharti Aaba Janbhagidari Abhiyan (DAJA) 2025, running from June 15 to July 15, 2025, reached over 5 crore tribal citizens across 1 lakh+ villages, 550+ districts, and 700+ communities, including 75 Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs). This initiative promotes inclusive development, a key focus for social welfare questions.

In Madhya Pradesh, a new policy mandates digital attendance for teachers via the Humare Shikshak platform from July 1, 2025, with non-compliance leading to a half-day leave deduction. Andhra Pradesh launched Vidya Shakti, a program for slow learners in 4,424 schools and 576 KGBVs, supported by IIT-Madras Pravartak. Bihar’s Chief Minister Nitish Kumar inaugurated a 4.57 km six-lane Ganges bridge, connecting Patna with Raghopur, boosting infrastructure development.

Economy and Finance: A Robust Outlook

The economy showed resilience as S&P Global revised India’s FY26 GDP growth forecast to 6.5% from 6.3%, signaling confidence in sustained growth (GDP Forecast). The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) had projected a 5% growth rate, with quarterly estimates of 6.5% for Q1, 6.7% for Q2, 6.6% for Q3, and 6.3% for Q4. India’s 6.5% growth in FY25 sets a strong foundation.

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) basket expanded from 299 to 407 items, with the base year shifting from 2012 to 2024, effective from Q1 2026. Current weights include Food & Beverage at 54.2%, with Services (40 items) at 23.36% and Goods (259 items) at 76.6%, ensuring accurate inflation tracking.

To manage liquidity, the RBI scheduled a 7-day Variable Rate Reverse Repo (VRRR) auction on June 27, 2025, to absorb ₹1 lakh crore of surplus liquidity, following a surplus of ₹2.43 lakh crore on June 23. The HSBC Flash India Composite PMI rose to 61 in June from 59.3 in May, with manufacturing PMI at 58.4, indicating robust private sector activity.

Non-Resident Indian (NRI) deposits grew by 8.4% in March 2025, driven by a 27.5% increase in FCNR(B) deposits to $32.81 billion. NRO deposits rose 13.1% to $31.1 billion, and NR(E)RA deposits grew 2.1% to $100.7 billion. The EPFO increased its advance claim auto-settlement cap from ₹1 lakh to ₹5 lakh, with an 8.25% interest rate for FY 2024-25, benefiting millions of subscribers.

Economic Indicator	Details
FY26 GDP Growth Forecast	S&P Global: 6.5% (up from 6.3%); RBI: 5% (Q1: 6.5%, Q2: 6.7%, Q3: 6.6%, Q4: 6.3%)
CPI Basket	Expanded from 299 to 407 items; base year 2012 to 2024; effective Q1 2026
VRRR Auction	June 27, 2025; absorb ₹1 lakh crore; surplus liquidity ₹2.43 lakh crore on June 23
NRI Deposits	FCNR(B): $32.81B (+27.5%); NRO: $31.1B (+13.1%); NR(E)RA: $100.7B (+2.1%)
Composite PMI	June: 61 (May: 59.3); Manufacturing PMI: 58.4 (May: 57.6)

Environment and Sustainability: Green Steps Forward

The Environment Ministry approved funding to manage human-tiger conflicts outside tiger reserves, addressing the delicate balance between wildlife conservation and human safety (Human-Tiger Conflict). This initiative is crucial for biodiversity questions in exams.

The Southern Command unveiled India’s first geothermal net zero building in Jhansi, constructed in under four months using geothermal energy for temperature regulation (Geothermal Building). This project exemplifies sustainable infrastructure, a growing focus in environmental policy.

India’s rank in the 2025 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Index improved to 99th from 109th in 2024, reflecting progress in sustainability targets (SDG Index). This achievement aligns with global climate goals, making it a key point for environmental sections.

Defense and Security: Strengthening National Resilience

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) proposed 28 indigenous weapon systems for emergency procurement, including 14 for the Army, 8 for the Navy, and 6 for the Air Force, aligning with Atmanirbhar Bharat (DRDO Proposal). Systems like BrahMos, MRSAM, and Akash highlight India’s push for self-reliance in defense.

However, a security breach raised alarms as an Indian Navy staffer was arrested in Jaipur on June 26, 2025, for leaking Operation Sindoor details to a Pakistani handler for money (Navy Arrest). This incident underscores the importance of cybersecurity, a critical exam topic.

Sports: Celebrating Victories

In sports, Abhay Singh and Velavan Senthilkumar clinched the men’s title at the Asian Squash Doubles Championship, defeating Pakistan’s Noor Zaman and Nasir Iqbal (Squash Championship). This victory showcases India’s rising prominence in squash.

The India vs England cricket series remained in the spotlight, with Yashasvi Jaiswal scoring a century but facing criticism for fielding errors (Jaiswal Criticism). Ravindra Jadeja was critiqued for inconsistent bowling (Jadeja Critique). England added Jofra Archer to their squad for the second Test, intensifying the competition (Archer Addition). India’s bid for the 2036 Olympics faced a delay as the IOC paused the bidding process (Olympics Bid).

Sports Event	Details
Asian Squash Doubles Championship	Abhay Singh and Velavan Senthilkumar defeated Pakistan’s Noor Zaman and Nasir Iqbal
India vs England Cricket Series	Yashasvi Jaiswal: Century, criticized for fielding; Ravindra Jadeja: Bowling critique; Jofra Archer added to England squad
2036 Olympics Bid	IOC pauses bidding process, delaying India’s hosting plans

Conclusion: A Day of Impactful Developments

June 26, 2025, was a day of significant milestones, from Shubhanshu Shukla’s space journey to India’s bold diplomatic stance at the SCO summit. Economic optimism, governance reforms, environmental initiatives, defense advancements, and sports triumphs paint a picture of a dynamic India. For exam aspirants, these events offer a treasure trove of facts and insights to master current affairs sections and excel in their preparations.

Key Citations:

Daily quiz on current affairs with answers English

Question 1: Who refused to sign the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit’s joint statement on June 26, 2025?
Option 1: Amit Shah
Option 2: Rajnath Singh
Option 3: S. Jaishankar
Option 4: Narendra Modi
Option 5: Ajit Doval
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh refused to sign the joint statement at the SCO Summit in Qingdao because it did not mention the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam. This reflected India’s zero-tolerance stance on terrorism and its commitment to highlighting regional threats such as Operation Sindoor launched earlier in May.

Question 2: Which Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) country announced plans to introduce personal income tax from 2028?
Option 1: UAE
Option 2: Qatar
Option 3: Kuwait
Option 4: Bahrain
Option 5: Oman
Answer: Option 5
Explanation: Oman became the first GCC country to announce a 5% personal income tax from 2028. This move is part of its Vision 2040 strategy to diversify revenue sources beyond oil dependence.

Question 3: What is the name of the Indian astronaut who was part of the Axiom-4 mission that docked with the ISS on June 26, 2025?
Option 1: Shubhanshu Shukla
Option 2: Rakesh Sharma
Option 3: Sunita Williams
Option 4: Gaganyaan Singh
Option 5: Ashutosh Sharma
Answer: Option 1
Explanation: Shubhanshu Shukla was aboard the Axiom-4 mission’s Dragon spacecraft that successfully docked with the ISS. This marked a significant step for India’s space ambitions and global collaborations in scientific exploration.

Question 4: What is the revised FY26 GDP growth forecast for India by S&P Global?
Option 1: 5.5%
Option 2: 6.3%
Option 3: 6.5%
Option 4: 6.7%
Option 5: 7.0%
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: S&P Global revised India’s GDP growth forecast for FY26 to 6.5%, up from its earlier estimate of 6.3%. This reflects confidence in India’s economic trajectory, with the RBI having provided slightly conservative estimates.

Question 5: India ranked what position in the 2025 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Index?
Option 1: 109
Option 2: 102
Option 3: 95
Option 4: 99
Option 5: 89
Answer: Option 4
Explanation: India improved its ranking in the 2025 SDG Index to 99th position, up from 109th in 2024. This indicates progress in achieving sustainability targets and aligns with global environmental commitments.

Question 6: Which sports pair won the men’s title at the Asian Squash Doubles Championship in 2025?
Option 1: Saurav Ghosal and Mahesh Mangaonkar
Option 2: Abhishek Pradhan and Ravi Dixit
Option 3: Vikram Malhotra and Harinder Pal Sandhu
Option 4: Ramit Tandon and Gaurav Nandrajog
Option 5: Abhay Singh and Velavan Senthilkumar
Answer: Option 5
Explanation: Abhay Singh and Velavan Senthilkumar clinched the men’s title at the Asian Squash Doubles Championship, defeating Pakistan’s Noor Zaman and Nasir Iqbal. Their win is a major boost for Indian squash on the continental stage.

Question 7: What was the Composite PMI value for India in June 2025 as reported by HSBC Flash?
Option 1: 60.4
Option 2: 58.4
Option 3: 61
Option 4: 63.2
Option 5: 59.3
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: India’s Composite Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) for June 2025 rose to 61 from 59.3 in May. This suggests strong private sector activity and growing momentum in both manufacturing and services.

Question 8: What policy action has Madhya Pradesh implemented for teacher accountability starting July 1, 2025?
Option 1: Biometric thumb verification
Option 2: Digital attendance via the Humare Shikshak platform
Option 3: Manual logbook submission
Option 4: GPS tracking-based check-in
Option 5: QR code scanning at entry
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: Madhya Pradesh has mandated digital attendance via the ‘Humare Shikshak’ platform. Non-compliance will lead to a deduction of a half-day leave. This reform is aimed at increasing transparency and discipline in schools.

Question 9: Which organization released the “India’s Data Imperative” report introducing the Data-Quality Scorecard and Maturity Framework?
Option 1: NITI Aayog
Option 2: RBI
Option 3: Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation
Option 4: Ministry of Electronics and IT
Option 5: National Informatics Centre
Answer: Option 1
Explanation: NITI Aayog released the “India’s Data Imperative: The Pivot Towards Quality” report, introducing tools to measure and improve data accuracy and usage in governance. This framework aims to enhance evidence-based policymaking.

Question 10: Who was arrested on June 26, 2025, in Jaipur for leaking Operation Sindoor details to a Pakistani handler?
Option 1: A retired Army colonel
Option 2: An IB officer
Option 3: A naval engineer
Option 4: A Navy staffer
Option 5: An Air Force radar technician
Answer: Option 4
Explanation: A Navy staffer was arrested in Jaipur on June 26 for leaking confidential details of Operation Sindoor to a Pakistani handler in exchange for money. This highlights the ongoing threat to national security from insider breaches.

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