Current Affairs Report: June 30 to July 6, 2025

This comprehensive report covers the major events and developments in India from June 30 to July 6, 2025, tailored for students preparing for UPSC, SSC, Banking, and other government exams. Drawing from credible sources such as The Hindu, The Indian Express, Times of India, Press Information Bureau (PIB), PRS Legislative Research, Business Standard, Livemint, The Economic Times, Reuters, and Down To Earth, this article provides an engaging and detailed overview of key topics, including politics, economy, science, international relations, environment, defense, and sports. The information is presented in a reader-friendly manner with bold formatting for important terms to aid quick revision.

Politics & Governance

The week of June 30 to July 6, 2025, was marked by significant judicial and policy developments in India, despite the absence of a parliamentary session. The Supreme Court of India played a central role with several rulings that are crucial for exam preparation. In one notable case, the Court declined to entertain a writ petition seeking to transfer the management of the Mahabodhi Mahavihara, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Bodh Gaya, to Buddhists. The Court advised the petitioners to approach the High Court, reflecting its cautious approach to sensitive cultural and religious issues. This ruling is significant for understanding the judiciary’s role in balancing heritage and governance, a potential topic in UPSC mains questions on cultural policy.

In another case, the Supreme Court permitted the withdrawal of a petition concerning the operation of stone crusher units in Eco-Sensitive Zones, allowing the issue to be raised in the Kerala High Court. This decision underscores the judiciary’s emphasis on environmental protection, a recurring theme in competitive exams. Additionally, the Court granted anticipatory bail to Tamil Nadu MLA Jegan Moorthy in an abduction case, highlighting its commitment to ensuring fair legal processes. The Court also sought an explanation from the Madras High Court Registry for not listing an anticipatory bail plea under the SC/ST Act, demonstrating its oversight of judicial procedures.

On the policy front, the Union Cabinet approved the Employment Linked Incentive (ELI) scheme on July 1, 2025, a landmark initiative announced in the 2024-25 Budget. With an outlay of Rs 99,446 crore, the ELI scheme aims to create 3.5 crore jobs over two years, addressing unemployment and stimulating economic growth. This scheme is a critical development for students studying governance and economic policies, as it reflects the government’s focus on job creation and economic stability. The absence of a parliamentary session during this period, as the Monsoon Session was scheduled to begin on July 21, meant no new bills were introduced, but these judicial and policy developments kept governance in the spotlight.

Economy

India’s economy continued to demonstrate resilience amid global challenges. According to reports, the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 6.5% in the fiscal year 2025, with the fourth quarter recording a robust 7.4% growth, surpassing expectations. The Economic Survey presented on January 31, 2025, projected GDP growth for FY26 to be between 6.3% and 6.8%, reinforcing India’s position as the world’s fastest-growing major economy. This sustained growth is a key focus for Banking and SSC exams, where questions on economic indicators and growth projections are common.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) made significant announcements during this period. On June 30, 2025, the RBI imposed a monetary penalty on Saibaba Nagari Sahakari Bank Maryadit in Sailu, Maharashtra, for non-compliance with regulatory guidelines, underscoring its role in maintaining financial discipline. Additionally, the RBI announced that the interest rate for its floating rate savings bonds would remain unchanged at 8.5% for the period from July to December 2025, providing a stable investment option for citizens. This decision is relevant for Banking exam aspirants studying financial instruments and monetary policy.

The stock market experienced fluctuations during the week. On June 30, 2025, the BSE Sensex fell by 452.44 points or 0.54% to close at 83,606.46, while the Nifty 50 declined by 0.47% to 25,517, driven by profit booking in financial stocks. By July 7, the Sensex showed signs of stabilization, closing nearly flat at 83,442.50, indicating a volatile yet resilient market. These movements are critical for understanding market dynamics, a topic often tested in Banking exams.

Science & Technology

India’s advancements in science and technology were a highlight of the week, with significant developments in space and artificial intelligence. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) continued to drive innovation. On July 3, 2025, IN-SPACe announced the transfer of 10 cutting-edge ISRO technologies to six Indian companies, a move aimed at fostering private-sector participation in the space industry. This initiative aligns with India’s vision to expand its space economy, a topic increasingly relevant for UPSC questions on science and technology policy. On July 4, 2025, Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, part of the Axiom-4 mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS), interacted with students via ham radio, inspiring the next generation and showcasing India’s growing presence in space exploration. This event, reported by Times of India, highlights ISRO’s role in global space missions.

In artificial intelligence, India took a significant step toward technological self-reliance. On July 7, 2025, training began for India’s first sovereign AI model, a development aimed at reducing dependence on foreign AI systems and enhancing national security. This milestone, reported by IT Voice, is a critical topic for exams focusing on technological advancements. Additionally, the Google for Startups Accelerator: AI First India 2025 accepted applications until June 30, 2025, encouraging AI startups to innovate in areas like agentic and multimodal AI. These developments underscore India’s push toward becoming a global leader in AI, a key area for UPSC and SSC aspirants.

International Relations

India’s diplomatic engagements during this week strengthened its global standing. On July 1, 2025, the Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting was held in Washington, D.C., where leaders from India, the US, Japan, and Australia launched the Quad Critical Minerals Initiative. This initiative aims to secure supply chains for critical minerals essential for technology and renewable energy, a strategic move in the context of global competition. The meeting, reported by The Indian Express, was significant as it was the first since Operation Sindoor, highlighting the Quad’s role in regional stability. This is a key topic for UPSC aspirants studying international alliances.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with two prestigious honors: ‘The Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana’ and ‘The Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago’. These awards, received during his visits, underscored India’s growing ties with African and Caribbean nations. Modi’s visit to Trinidad and Tobago, the first by an Indian Prime Minister since 1999, marked a diplomatic milestone. Additionally, India and the US were set to sign a 10-year Framework for Major Defense Partnership, as reported by RTT News and the US Department of Defense, enhancing defense cooperation and aligning strategic priorities. These developments are crucial for understanding India’s foreign policy and defense strategy in competitive exams.

Environment

Environmental governance was a key focus, with the Forest Advisory Committee deferring clearance for the proposed Puri Airport in Odisha. The decision, reported by The Indian Express, was driven by concerns over potential harm to Olive Ridley turtles, Irrawaddy dolphins, and migratory birds, given the airport’s proximity to Chilika Lake, a Ramsar wetland site. This move reflects India’s commitment to balancing development with environmental conservation, a critical topic for UPSC and SSC exams under environmental policy and biodiversity conservation.

Defense

In defense, India and the US advanced discussions on a 10-year Framework for Major Defense Partnership, set to be signed soon, as reported by RTT News and the US Department of Defense. This framework aims to enhance military cooperation, technology sharing, and strategic alignment, making it a significant development for India’s military modernization. This is a key topic for UPSC aspirants studying defense and international relations.

The 2025 India–Pakistan conflict, which began on May 7 with Operation Sindoor in response to a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, continued to generate discussion. An article published on June 30, 2025, by Al Jazeera analyzed India’s military strategies and losses during the conflict, providing context for its implications on national security. These developments are essential for understanding India’s defense policies and regional security dynamics.

Sports

In sports, Neeraj Chopra continued to shine, winning the NC Classic 2025, India’s first international javelin competition, on July 5, 2025. With a throw of 86.18 meters, he outshone competitors like Kenya’s Julius Yego (84.51 meters) and Sri Lanka’s Rumesh Pathirage (84.34 meters). Reported by The Indian Express, this victory reinforces Chopra’s status as a national icon and is a key highlight for SSC and UPSC aspirants tracking sports achievements.

Conclusion

The week of June 30 to July 6, 2025, was packed with developments across multiple domains, from judicial rulings and economic growth to space exploration and international diplomacy. These events provide a wealth of material for students preparing for UPSC, SSC, Banking, and other government exams. By focusing on key terms and facts, this report aims to serve as a comprehensive and competitive resource, helping students gain an edge in their preparation.

Citations

• The Hindu
• The Indian Express
• Times of India
• Press Information Bureau (PIB)
• PRS Legislative Research
• Live Law
• The Economic Times
• ISRO
• RBI
• Business Standard
• Livemint
• Down To Earth
• Al Jazeera
• RTT News
• IT Voice

Daily quiz on current affairs with answers English

Question 1: Which Indian scheme, approved by the Union Cabinet on July 1, 2025, aims to create 3.5 crore jobs over two years with an outlay of Rs 99,446 crore?
Option 1: Pradhan Mantri Rojgar Yojana 2.0
Option 2: Employment Linked Incentive (ELI) Scheme
Option 3: National Livelihood Generation Mission
Option 4: Atmanirbhar Rozgar Abhiyan
Option 5: Mega Employment Boost Scheme
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: The Employment Linked Incentive (ELI) Scheme was approved by the Union Cabinet on July 1, 2025. With an outlay of Rs 99,446 crore, the scheme aims to generate 3.5 crore jobs in two years. It was announced in the 2024–25 Budget and is designed to address the unemployment challenge while boosting economic growth through job creation.

Question 2: Which Indian bank was penalized by the RBI on June 30, 2025, for non-compliance with regulatory guidelines?
Option 1: Saibaba Nagari Sahakari Bank Maryadit
Option 2: Saibaba Nagari Sahakari Bank Maryadit in Sailu, Maharashtra
Option 3: Nashik Gramin Bank
Option 4: Maharashtra Urban Cooperative Bank
Option 5: Latur Lokhit Sahakari Bank
Answer: Option 1
Explanation: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) imposed a monetary penalty on Saibaba Nagari Sahakari Bank Maryadit in Sailu, Maharashtra, on June 30, 2025, due to non-compliance with certain regulatory guidelines. This demonstrates RBI’s ongoing efforts to enforce financial discipline and regulatory compliance in India’s cooperative banking sector.

Question 3: Which Indian astronaut interacted with students via ham radio from the International Space Station on July 4, 2025?
Option 1: Gagandeep Rajan
Option 2: Sanjay Pillai
Option 3: Shubhanshu Shukla
Option 4: Rajiv Menon
Option 5: Vikram Narayan
Answer: Option 5
Explanation: On July 4, 2025, Shubhanshu Shukla, part of the Axiom-4 mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS), interacted with students via ham radio. This initiative aimed to inspire young minds and highlighted India’s expanding role in space exploration. His participation is part of India’s increasing international presence in human spaceflight missions.

Question 4: Why was environmental clearance for the proposed Puri Airport in Odisha deferred by the Forest Advisory Committee in July 2025?
Option 1: Protests by local farmers
Option 2: Lack of financial resources
Option 3: Delay in project reports
Option 4: Threat to Olive Ridley turtles and biodiversity near Chilika Lake
Option 5: Land acquisition issues
Answer: Option 4
Explanation: The Forest Advisory Committee deferred clearance for the proposed Puri Airport citing potential environmental threats. The area is ecologically sensitive due to its proximity to Chilika Lake, a Ramsar site, and home to Olive Ridley turtles, Irrawaddy dolphins, and migratory birds. This decision underscores the balance between development and conservation.

Question 5: What was India’s GDP growth rate for the fourth quarter of FY2025, as reported in June 2025?
Option 1: 6.5%
Option 2: 7.1%
Option 3: 7.4%
Option 4: 6.3%
Option 5: 6.8%
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: India recorded a 7.4% GDP growth rate in the fourth quarter of FY2025, indicating strong economic performance. This outpaced the full-year GDP growth rate of 6.5% and exceeded expectations. Such growth further strengthens India’s position as the fastest-growing major economy.

Question 6: Who won the NC Classic 2025, India’s first international javelin competition, held on July 5, 2025?
Option 1: Julius Yego
Option 2: Rumesh Pathirage
Option 3: Arshad Nadeem
Option 4: Shivpal Singh
Option 5: Neeraj Chopra
Answer: Option 5
Explanation: Neeraj Chopra clinched the NC Classic 2025 title with a throw of 86.18 meters on July 5, 2025. This victory was significant as it marked India’s first international javelin event. He defeated top athletes like Julius Yego of Kenya and Rumesh Pathirage of Sri Lanka.

Question 7: What initiative was launched at the Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Washington, D.C., on July 1, 2025?
Option 1: Indo-Pacific Connectivity Corridor
Option 2: Green Oceans Alliance
Option 3: Quad Critical Minerals Initiative
Option 4: Quad Defence Coordination Group
Option 5: Indo-Pacific Vaccine Partnership 2.0
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: At the Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting held on July 1, 2025, the Quad Critical Minerals Initiative was launched by India, the US, Japan, and Australia. The goal is to secure supply chains for critical minerals essential for renewable energy, electronics, and defense technologies—areas vital to the strategic autonomy of the Quad nations.

Question 8: Which AI-related development was initiated by India on July 7, 2025?
Option 1: Launch of IndiaGPT 2.0
Option 2: Training of India’s first sovereign AI model
Option 3: Establishment of National AI Fund
Option 4: Collaboration with Google on AI ethics
Option 5: Launch of India-UK AI Research Mission
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: On July 7, 2025, India began the training of its first sovereign AI model to reduce dependence on foreign platforms. This move represents a significant step in enhancing technological sovereignty and national security. The model will focus on applications in governance, defense, and innovation.

Question 9: What decision did the Supreme Court of India take regarding the petition on the management of Mahabodhi Mahavihara?
Option 1: Refused to entertain it and advised approaching the High Court
Option 2: Ordered immediate transfer of management to Buddhist groups
Option 3: Reserved judgment for further hearing
Option 4: Issued notice to the Bihar government
Option 5: Formed a special committee to study the matter
Answer: Option 1
Explanation: The Supreme Court refused to entertain a petition seeking to transfer the management of Mahabodhi Mahavihara to Buddhists and directed the petitioners to approach the High Court. The decision reflects judicial prudence in sensitive cultural matters and shows the SC’s reluctance to intervene directly in heritage governance issues.

Question 10: With which two countries did Prime Minister Narendra Modi receive prestigious honors in July 2025?
Option 1: Nigeria and Guyana
Option 2: Kenya and Barbados
Option 3: Ghana and Trinidad and Tobago
Option 4: South Africa and Suriname
Option 5: Ethiopia and Jamaica
Answer: Option 4
Explanation: In July 2025, Prime Minister Modi was conferred with the Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana and The Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, recognizing India’s diplomatic outreach to Africa and the Caribbean. His visit to Trinidad and Tobago was the first by an Indian PM since 1999, reflecting enhanced global partnerships.