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Current Affairs: June 23–29, 2025 – A Week of Progress and Challenges

The week of June 23 to June 29, 2025, was a dynamic period for India, marked by significant strides in governance, economy, science, and international relations, alongside challenges in environmental management and public safety. For students preparing for UPSC, SSC, Banking, and other government exams, understanding these events is crucial, as they touch on key syllabus areas like politics, economy, science, and global affairs. This article dives into the major developments, weaving a narrative that connects India’s domestic achievements with its global presence, ensuring high readability and relevance for exam aspirants.

Politics and Governance: Strengthening Inclusivity Amid Challenges

India’s governance framework saw notable reflections on its progress over the past decade. On June 23, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted the democratization of civil services, with aspirants from non-traditional states like Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, and Haryana making their mark. Success stories like Parsanjit Kour (AIR 11, 2022) from Poonch and Anmol Sher Singh Bedi (AIR 2, 2016) from Punjab exemplify how governance reforms have reduced socio-economic barriers, fostering equal opportunity. These reforms align with the Viksit Bharat @2047 vision, emphasizing inclusive growth and regional integration, particularly in Northeast India and J&K through infrastructure development (Legacy IAS Academy).

The Election Commission of India (ECI) advanced digital governance by successfully implementing ECINET, a platform integrating over 40 applications, during bye-elections in Kerala, Gujarat, Punjab, and West Bengal on May 4, 2025. ECINET enabled real-time voter turnout updates and generated index cards within 72 hours, enhancing transparency and efficiency. This development is significant for exam topics like electoral reforms and digital governance (Legacy IAS Academy).

However, the week was marred by a tragic incident in Puri, Odisha, where a stampede during the Jagannath Rath Yatra on June 29 resulted in the deaths of three devotees, including two women, and injured several others. Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi apologized and ordered an immediate probe into security lapses, leading to the transfer of the Puri Collector and Superintendent of Police. This incident underscores the need for improved crowd management during large-scale events, a critical topic for governance and disaster management in exams (The Hindu).

In Bihar, political developments stirred debate as RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav announced that the Mahagathbandhan would scrap the Waqf Act if it forms the government, signaling potential shifts in state politics. This statement reflects ongoing tensions around minority rights and land reforms, a key area for UPSC aspirants studying constitutional and social issues (The Hindu).

Government Schemes and Policies: Empowering Communities

The Ministry of Tribal Affairs launched the DhartiAabaJanbhagidari Abhiyan (DAJA), a massive tribal empowerment campaign from June 15 to July 15, 2025. Covering over 1 lakh tribal villages across 550 districts, DAJA reached 53 lakh people in its first nine days, facilitating Aadhaar enrolments, Ayushman Bharat cards, and PM-Kisan registrations. With five pillars—Janbhagidari, Saturation, Cultural Inclusion, Convergence, and Last-Mile Delivery—the campaign promotes social security, livelihoods, and cultural revival, making it a focal point for exam questions on tribal welfare and inclusive development (Legacy IAS Academy).

On June 26, the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment marked the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking by highlighting the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA). This nationwide campaign has sensitized over 15.78 crore people, including 5.26 crore youth, and engaged 4.31 lakh educational institutions. Using digital tools like the NMBA App and social media, the campaign fosters a Jan Andolan approach to combat drug abuse, a critical public health issue for exam syllabi (Legacy IAS Academy).

The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs launched the Mega Monsoon Swachhata Campaign, titled Safai Apnao, Bimaari Bhagao (SABB), from July 1 to 31, 2025. Aimed at preventing water-borne and vector-borne diseases like Dengue and Malaria, the campaign focuses on drain cleaning, garbage reduction, and community engagement through the Swachhata App. This initiative, aligned with the Swachh Bharat Mission – Urban (SBM-U), emphasizes health-centric sanitation, a key topic for governance and health policy questions (Legacy IAS Academy).

Economy: Driving Growth Through Reforms and Exports

The mining sector underwent transformative reforms, with over 500 blocks auctioned since 2015, generating ₹4 lakh crore for states. The National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) was launched to achieve self-reliance in minerals like lithium and cobalt, critical for renewable energy and technology. India’s acquisition of lithium mines in Argentina and offshore mineral exploration further bolstered its strategic resources, making this a vital topic for economic reforms and resource management (Legacy IAS Academy).

On June 27, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated the Sagarmala Finance Corporation Limited (SMFCL), India’s first maritime Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC). Transformed from the Sagarmala Development Company Ltd., SMFCL aims to fund port authorities, shipping companies, and maritime startups, aligning with the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047. This development strengthens India’s maritime infrastructure, a key area for UPSC and Banking exams (Legacy IAS Academy).

India’s agricultural exports gained momentum with the first consignment of rose-scented litchi to Qatar (1 MT) and the UAE (0.5 MT) on June 28. Facilitated by APEDA and the Ministry of Agriculture, this export, valued as part of a $3.87 billion fruit and vegetable trade in FY 2024–25, enhances India’s global market presence, particularly in the Middle East (Legacy IAS Academy).

Science and Technology: Soaring to New Heights

India’s space program achieved a milestone with the Axiom-4 mission (Ax-4), launched on June 25 from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. Carrying Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the mission to the International Space Station (ISS) marked a significant step in India’s human spaceflight program, aligning with the Bharat Antariksh Station goal by 2035. This event is crucial for science and technology sections in competitive exams (The Hindu).

At the Raman Research Institute (RRI), scientists discovered that teak leaf extract, rich in anthocyanins, can serve as a natural laser shield with applications in medical, military, and industrial sectors. This eco-friendly innovation offers a sustainable alternative to synthetic optical limiters, highlighting India’s focus on green technology (Legacy IAS Academy).

The Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) in Bengaluru identified a rare helium-rich star, A980, located 25,800 light years away in Ophiuchus. With eight times higher germanium content than the Sun, this discovery challenges stellar evolution models, making it a significant topic for astronomy-related questions (Drishti IAS).

Globally, CERN achieved a breakthrough by transforming lead into gold using the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) through ultra-peripheral collisions. Though fleeting, this nuclear transmutation underscores advancements in particle physics, relevant for science and technology syllabi (Down To Earth).

In healthcare, India administered the first presymptomatic treatment for Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) to a newborn using Risdiplam. Affecting 1 in 10,000 births, SMA is a major genetic cause of infant mortality, and this treatment marks a medical milestone (The Hindu).

Environment: Addressing Natural and Global Challenges

Odisha faced severe flooding in Balasore district due to unnotified water releases from the Chandil Dam into the Subarnarekha River, marooning 50 villages and leaving one person missing. This incident highlights the need for improved water management and disaster preparedness, key for environmental and governance topics (The Hindu).

Globally, the Rice Yellow Mottle Virus (RYMV) is threatening rice crops in Africa, with yield losses up to 100%. Originating in Tanzania in the 1800s, the virus has spread across Sub-Saharan Africa and Turkey, posing a food security challenge that could impact global agricultural discussions (Down To Earth).

The Mega Monsoon Swachhata Campaign addressed monsoon-related health risks by promoting sanitation and preventing diseases like Dengue and Malaria. With six Swachhata Mantras, the campaign mobilized communities and urban local bodies, reinforcing the Swachh Bharat Mission’s goals (Legacy IAS Academy).

Defense: Bolstering National Security

The Ministry of Defence finalized 13 contracts worth ₹1,981.90 crore under the Emergency Procurement (EP) mechanism on June 24 to enhance the Indian Army’s counter-terrorism capabilities. These contracts focus on improving situational awareness, lethality, mobility, and protection, critical for defense and security topics in exams (The Hindu).

International Relations: Navigating Global Tensions

India played a pivotal role in global diplomacy amid escalating tensions. Following U.S. strikes on three nuclear sites in Iran on June 22, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, urging “immediate de-escalation” to ensure the safety of Indian citizens in Iran. This response reflects India’s strategic partnership with Iran and its balanced foreign policy (The Hindu).

On June 28, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) rebuffed Pakistan’s attempt to blame India for a suicide attack in Waziristan, where 14 security personnel were killed. This firm stance underscores India’s counter-terrorism efforts, a key area for international relations in exams (The Hindu).

The U.S. President Donald Trump called for progress in ceasefire talks in the Gaza war, with signs of an agreement emerging, while Iran expressed doubts about Israel maintaining the ceasefire, highlighting ongoing regional instability (The Hindu).

Social Issues: Addressing Public Health and Safety

A report on alcohol regulation highlighted India’s rising consumption, with 16 crore users and a societal cost of ₹6.24 trillion in 2021. High-use states like Chhattisgarh and Punjab face significant health and social challenges, calling for a National Alcohol Control Policy (Drishti IAS).

In Kolkata, a gang rape case at South Kolkata Law College prompted a visit by NCW member Archana Majumdar, raising concerns about survivor safety and police transparency. This incident is relevant for social justice and gender issues in exams (The Hindu).

Rescue operations in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand, where nine labourers went missing after a landslip, and in Jharkhand, where 162 students were saved from a flooded school, highlighted disaster response capabilities, crucial for governance and disaster management topics (The Hindu).

Education: Reforming Assessment Systems

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) approved norms for conducting Class 10 board exams twice a year starting from 2026, aiming to reduce student stress and provide more opportunities. This reform is significant for education policy questions in competitive exams (The Hindu).

Sports: Global Competitions in Focus

The week featured major motorsport events, including the Formula 1 Austrian Grand Prix and MotoGP TT Assen, held from June 27 to 29 in Spielberg, Austria, and Assen, Netherlands, respectively. These events attracted global attention, setting the stage for upcoming tournaments like Wimbledon, which began on June 30. Additionally, the Olympic Day 2025 celebration in Agartala and the National Junior (U20) Federation Athletics Championships in Prayagraj highlighted India’s sporting spirit (Score and Change; Outlook India).

Conclusion

The week of June 23–29, 2025, showcased India’s progress in governance, economy, and science, while addressing challenges in environmental management and public safety. From the Axiom-4 mission to the National Critical Mineral Mission, and from the Puri stampede to global diplomatic efforts, these events provide a comprehensive overview for students preparing for competitive exams. Staying updated on these developments will give aspirants a competitive edge in understanding India’s evolving role on the global stage.

Key Data Points

Category	Key Event	Details
Politics & Governance	Inclusive Governance Reflections	Aspirants from J&K, Punjab; Viksit Bharat @2047 vision (Legacy IAS)
Government Schemes	DhartiAabaJanbhagidari Abhiyan (DAJA)	Reached 53 lakh+ tribal citizens in 9 days (Legacy IAS)
Economy	National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM)	₹4 lakh crore earned from 500+ block auctions (Legacy IAS)
Science & Technology	Axiom-4 Mission	Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla to ISS (The Hindu)
Environment	Subarnarekha River Floods	50 villages marooned in Balasore (The Hindu)
Defense	Emergency Procurement (EP) Contracts	₹1,981.90 crore for Indian Army (The Hindu)
International Relations	Iran-Israel Conflict Response	PM Modi urged de-escalation (The Hindu)
Sports	Formula 1 Austrian Grand Prix	Held in Spielberg, Austria (Score and Change)

Key Citations

Daily quiz on current affairs with answers English

Question 1: Which technological platform was implemented by the Election Commission of India to enhance transparency during bye-elections in 2025?
Option 1: ECI-VoterLink
Option 2: DigiElect 2.0
Option 3: SmartElect Suite
Option 4: ECINET
Option 5: VoteChain
Answer: Option 4
Explanation: ECINET is a digital platform introduced by the Election Commission of India that integrates over 40 applications to streamline electoral processes. It was successfully used during the bye-elections in Kerala, Gujarat, Punjab, and West Bengal in 2025. The system enabled real-time voter turnout updates and expedited result compilation, generating index cards within 72 hours. This marks a major step forward in digital governance and electoral reforms.

Question 2: What was the key focus of the DhartiAabaJanbhagidari Abhiyan (DAJA) launched by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs?
Option 1: Tribal housing and sanitation
Option 2: Empowering tribal communities through inclusive service delivery
Option 3: Skill development for tribal youth
Option 4: Expansion of tribal forest rights
Option 5: Urban tribal migration support
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: DAJA is a massive outreach program aimed at empowering tribal communities by improving access to government services such as Aadhaar, Ayushman Bharat, and PM-Kisan. The campaign, running from June 15 to July 15, 2025, reached 53 lakh people in just 9 days, emphasizing the five pillars: Janbhagidari, Saturation, Cultural Inclusion, Convergence, and Last-Mile Delivery. This initiative focuses on integration, cultural revival, and welfare access.

Question 3: Which Indian export marked a notable milestone in agricultural trade with the Middle East in June 2025?
Option 1: Alphonso mangoes to Saudi Arabia
Option 2: Basmati rice to Oman
Option 3: Rose-scented litchi to Qatar and UAE
Option 4: Bananas to Iran
Option 5: Jackfruit to Bahrain
Answer: Option 5
Explanation: India exported 1 metric ton of rose-scented litchi to Qatar and 0.5 metric tons to the UAE, enhancing its fruit and vegetable trade, which was valued at $3.87 billion in FY 2024–25. This milestone reflects India’s growing agri-export capacity and presence in Middle Eastern markets, with efforts led by APEDA and the Ministry of Agriculture.

Question 4: Who became the first Indian astronaut to participate in the Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station?
Option 1: Shubhanshu Shukla
Option 2: Anmol Sher Singh Bedi
Option 3: Rakesh Sharma
Option 4: S Somanath
Option 5: Gagandeep Rawat
Answer: Option 1
Explanation: Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla was part of the Axiom-4 (Ax-4) mission launched on June 25, 2025, from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. His participation is a key development in India’s human spaceflight ambitions and aligns with ISRO’s goal of establishing the Bharat Antariksh Station by 2035. This mission represents India’s increasing collaboration in international space ventures.

Question 5: What was the primary aim of the Mega Monsoon Swachhata Campaign launched by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs?
Option 1: Promoting plastic-free urban zones
Option 2: Constructing new public toilets
Option 3: Preventing water- and vector-borne diseases during monsoons
Option 4: River and lake rejuvenation
Option 5: Smart city waste monitoring
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: The Safai Apnao, Bimaari Bhagao (SABB) campaign launched from July 1–31, 2025, aimed at improving public sanitation during monsoon season to prevent diseases like Dengue and Malaria. It emphasized community involvement through the Swachhata App and aligned with the Swachh Bharat Mission – Urban. Drain cleaning, garbage removal, and public awareness were central to the initiative.

Question 6: Which institution finalized 13 contracts worth ₹1,981.90 crore under the Emergency Procurement mechanism in June 2025?
Option 1: Indian Navy
Option 2: Indian Air Force
Option 3: DRDO
Option 4: Border Security Force
Option 5: Indian Army
Answer: Option 5
Explanation: The Indian Army secured 13 contracts under the Emergency Procurement mechanism to improve its counter-terrorism capabilities. Signed on June 24, 2025, these contracts focus on enhancing mobility, protection, situational awareness, and lethality. Emergency Procurement aims to address urgent operational needs without long procurement delays.

Question 7: Which discovery by the Raman Research Institute (RRI) could replace synthetic optical limiters in laser protection?
Option 1: Boron nanotubes
Option 2: Titanium doped sapphire
Option 3: Teak leaf extract
Option 4: Quantum entanglement fibre
Option 5: Bioengineered antireflective moss
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: Scientists at the Raman Research Institute discovered that teak leaf extract, rich in anthocyanins, can act as a natural optical limiter against laser radiation. This eco-friendly solution has potential applications in military, medical, and industrial sectors, offering a sustainable alternative to synthetic laser shields.

Question 8: How did India respond diplomatically to the June 22 U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites?
Option 1: Condemned the attacks
Option 2: Called for immediate de-escalation
Option 3: Supported the U.S. actions
Option 4: Requested evacuation assistance from UN
Option 5: Imposed trade restrictions on Iran
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to pursue “immediate de-escalation” following the U.S. airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear sites. India’s response aimed to protect its citizens in Iran while maintaining strategic balance in West Asia. This illustrates India’s diplomatic neutrality and prioritization of regional stability.

Question 9: What major governance reform was highlighted by Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh regarding civil services in 2025?
Option 1: Centralization of services
Option 2: Democratization and regional inclusivity
Option 3: Contractual recruitment system
Option 4: Lateral entry at higher levels
Option 5: Increased age limit for aspirants
Answer: Option 1
Explanation: Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized that the civil services have become more inclusive, with aspirants from non-traditional regions like Jammu & Kashmir and Punjab succeeding at the top levels. This reflects governance reforms aligned with Viksit Bharat @2047, focusing on equitable representation and regional development.

Question 10: Where was the 2025 Formula 1 Austrian Grand Prix held?
Option 1: Silverstone, UK
Option 2: Monza, Italy
Option 3: Hockenheim, Germany
Option 4: Spielberg, Austria
Option 5: Zandvoort, Netherlands
Answer: Option 4
Explanation: The Formula 1 Austrian Grand Prix 2025 was held in Spielberg, Austria, from June 27 to 29. It was among the major global motorsport events of the week and drew significant international attention ahead of the Wimbledon tournament. Spielberg is home to the Red Bull Ring, a regular venue for the F1 calendar.

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