Daily Current Affairs - Week 26, 2025 (23 Jun 2025 - 29 Jun 2025)

• Mizoram Signs MoU with BHASHINI to Promote Digital Governance in Mizo Language.
• Tripura becomes India’s third state after Mizoram and Goa to achieve full functional literacy under ULLAS.

International Yoga Day 2025 Highlights Yoga’s Role in Global Health and Sustainability.

Ram Bahadur Rai Honoured with Padma Bhushan for Contributions to Literature and Education.

Indian Navy to Commission New Stealth Frigate ‘Tamal’ in Russia on July 1.

• Former England Pacer David Lawrence Dies at 61 from Motor Neurone Disease.
• FedEx Founder Frederick Smith Passes Away at Age 80.

• Delhi Gets IMD Approval to Begin Artificial Rain Project for Pollution Control.
• Hindustan Copper Welcomes Chile’s CODELCO Team for Mining Collaboration.
• HAL to Manufacture ISRO’s SSLV After ₹511 Crore Tech Transfer Deal.

• India Launches 'Operation Sindhu' to Evacuate Citizens Amid Escalating Israel-Iran Conflict.
• Iran Approves Closure of Strait of Hormuz Amid Rising Tensions.
• India and Kenya unveil India-Africa Commemorative Pillar in honour of World War I martyrs in East Africa.

• Delhi CM Unveils Logo and Mascot ‘Viraaj’ for World Para Athletics Championship 2025.
• Neeraj Chopra wins gold at Ostrava Golden Spike 2025 with a throw of 85.29m.

• UPSC launches ‘Pratibha Setu’ to connect qualified but unselected candidates with job opportunities.
• Bihar becomes first Indian state to implement mobile-based e-voting system for urban elections.
• PM Modi chairs 48th PRAGATI meet, calls for faster health infra development in tribal and remote areas.
• ECoR launches ‘ECoR Yatra’ app to provide real-time railway services for Rath Yatra pilgrims in Puri.

• Neeraj Chopra Wins Gold in Paris Diamond League 2025 with 88.16m Javelin Throw.
• BSNL Soft Launches India’s First Indigenous SIM-less Quantum 5G FWA Service.
• Pakistan Finalizes $1 Billion ADB-Backed Syndicated Loan Amid Economic Crisis. 
• IPPB Wins Digital Payments Award 2024–25 for Expanding Financial Inclusion.
• RBI Launches Unified Lending Interface to Boost MSME Credit.
• India Rises to 15th Spot in Global FDI Ranking for 2024 Despite Minor Dip.
• SECI to Finalize Tender for Annual 7.24 Lakh Tonnes of Green Ammonia Production.
• India’s coffee exports surge by over 25% in early FY25–26, maintaining strong growth momentum.
• SEBI eases norms for foreign investors in government bonds and simplifies PSU delisting process.
• CCI approves Manipal Health Systems’ acquisition in Aakash Educational Services.

Under the centrally sponsored ULLAS – Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram, Tripura has been officially declared a fully literate state. With its literacy rate rising dramatically to 95.6% from just 20.24% in 1961, Tripura becomes the third Indian state after Mizoram and Goa to accomplish this major educational milestone.

On June 23, 2025, India’s Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth and Kenya’s Defence Cabinet Secretary Ms. Roselinda Soipan Tuya, EGH, unveiled the India-Africa Commemorative Pillar at Mile 27, Taita Taveta County, Kenya. The tribute memorialises the valour and sacrifices of unidentified Indian and African soldiers who fought and died in East Africa during the First World War.

Indian javelin ace and two-time Olympic medallist Neeraj Chopra secured the gold medal at the Ostrava Golden Spike athletics meet in the Czech Republic with a top throw of 85.29 metres. The 27-year-old outperformed South Africa’s Douw Smit (84.12m) and Granada’s Anderson Peters (83.63m) in the high-stakes international competition.

In a landmark electoral reform, Bihar has become the first Indian state to implement an Android-based mobile e-voting system for urban local body elections. The system involves two applications—‘e-Voting SECBHR’ by C-DAC and another app by the Bihar State Election Commission—enabling citizens to cast their votes securely and remotely using smartphones.

To enhance travel convenience for pilgrims attending the iconic Rath Yatra in Puri, the East Coast Railway (ECoR) has introduced a user-friendly mobile application titled ‘ECoR Yatra’. This app aims to provide real-time updates, comprehensive travel assistance, and seamless access to railway services during the high-traffic pilgrimage period.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the 48th edition of PRAGATI (Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation), an ICT-based governance platform. The meeting included a review of the PM-Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission, during which the PM called on states to fast-track development of healthcare systems, especially in aspirational districts and difficult-to-reach tribal and border regions.

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has launched ‘Pratibha Setu’, a revamped initiative of the former Public Disclosure Scheme. This platform enables over 10,000 highly qualified candidates—who cleared all stages of prestigious exams like Civil Services, Engineering, Forest Services, CAPF, Medical Services, Geo-Scientist, and IES/ISS but missed the final cut—to be visible to government departments and private employers for suitable job placements.

The Competition Commission of India has approved a proposed combination involving Manipal Health Systems Private Limited and Manipal Education and Medical Group acquiring significant stakes in Aakash Educational Services Limited. Manipal Health Systems, an Indian-owned entity operating in hospital and healthcare management, will thus expand its footprint into the education and test-prep sector through this acquisition.

India’s coffee sector is seeing continued momentum with export volumes increasing by over 25% in the initial phase of the 2025–26 fiscal year, according to data from the Coffee Board of India. This comes after a notable 40.20% export surge in FY2024-25, which saw total exports climb to USD 1803 million (₹15,292 crores) from USD 1286 million (₹10,645 crores) in FY2023-24.

In a key policy move, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has eased regulatory requirements for foreign portfolio investors investing exclusively in Indian government bonds. During its board meeting in Mumbai, SEBI also approved simplified delisting norms for public sector undertakings (PSUs), streamlining exit processes from stock exchanges.

The Indian Navy is set to induct its newest stealth multi-role frigate, Tamal, on 1 July 2025 in Kaliningrad, Russia. The commissioning ceremony will be led by Vice Admiral Sanjay J Singh. Tamal is the eighth Krivak-class ship acquired over two decades and the second of the upgraded Tushil class, following the Talwar and Teg series.

David Valentine Lawrence, who played five Tests and one ODI for England between 1986 and 1991, has passed away aged 61 after a battle with Motor Neurone Disease. A fearsome fast bowler, Lawrence took 18 Test wickets at an average of 37.55 and four in his lone ODI appearance.

Frederick W. Smith, the visionary founder and longtime Executive Chairman of FedEx Corporation, passed away at 80. FedEx CEO Raj Subramaniam paid tribute on the company’s website, expressing profound sorrow and highlighting Smith’s transformational legacy in global logistics.

Hindustan Copper Limited (HCL) welcomed a three‑week delegation from CODELCO, the Chilean state copper producer, in New Delhi. The experts will tour HCL’s operational units to study mining practices and discuss knowledge exchange and potential technology integration.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) secured a ₹511 crore contract from IN‑SPACe to manufacture and commercialise ISRO’s Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV). HAL will produce 6–8 rockets annually for Indian and overseas customers and becomes the first Indian entity to own full SSLV launch vehicle technology, estimated at $6.5 million revenue per launch.

Iran’s Majlis has authorised, and referred for final approval to its Supreme National Security Council, a move to close the Strait of Hormuz. This strategic waterway sees nearly 20% of global oil exports, making the potential closure a major concern for energy markets. The decision follows U.S. airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities.

The Paralympic Committee of India, with Delhi CM, inaugurated the logo and mascot “Viraaj” for the 2025 World Para Athletics Championships, scheduled from September 27 to October 5 at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. Viraaj, a young elephant with a blade prosthesis, represents strength and resilience. India becomes the fourth Asian nation to host, after Qatar, UAE, and Japan.

According to UNCTAD’s 2025 World Investment Report, India has moved up one position to rank 15th globally in foreign direct investment (FDI) destinations. Although FDI inflows fell marginally from $28.1 billion in 2023 to $27.6 billion in 2024, there was strong growth in greenfield project announcements, indicating robust investor interest.

The Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) is on the verge of issuing contracts for producing 724,000 tonnes of green ammonia annually. Green ammonia, made via renewable-powered green hydrogen, offers a low-carbon alternative to fossil-fuel–based fertiliser inputs like urea. SECI will also aggregate demand and secure long-term 10-year offtake agreements to provide producers with market assurance.

The RBI, through its Innovation Hub (RBIH), has introduced the Unified Lending Interface (ULI), a first-of-its-kind digital public infrastructure aimed at transforming lending for MSMEs. The platform will streamline the lending process by enabling efficient, transparent loan origination and risk assessment across banks and NBFCs.

The Government of Mizoram signed a key MoU with BHASHINI, the Digital India language platform, to enable multilingual governance. This initiative will ensure digital services and government communication are available in the Mizo language, promoting inclusivity and preserving local linguistic heritage.

On June 21, 2025, the world will observe the 10th International Day of Yoga, a practice rooted in ancient Indian tradition. The United Nations had adopted June 21 as Yoga Day in 2014. The 2025 theme, “Yoga for One Earth, One Health,” emphasizes the global role of yoga in promoting personal and planetary wellness, uniting body, mind, nature, and lifestyle under a sustainable model of health.

Veteran journalist and cultural figure Ram Bahadur Rai received the Padma Bhushan award from the Ministry of Home Affairs for his contribution to literature and education. Rai is the President of IGNCA Trust and Chancellor of SGT University, besides being associated with many educational and cultural institutions.

The Delhi government has received formal clearance from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) for its first artificial rain project through cloud seeding. Once favorable cloud conditions are identified, aircraft will be deployed for seeding to combat air pollution and improve weather conditions across NCR.

As tensions flare with the death of Iranian Quds Force officer Saeed Izadi in an Israeli missile strike, India has initiated 'Operation Sindhu' to evacuate not only Indian citizens but also those from Nepal and Sri Lanka stranded in Iran. Emergency helpline numbers have been issued for assistance amid the rapidly deteriorating situation in the region.

Indian javelin star Neeraj Chopra secured first place at the Paris leg of the 2025 Diamond League with a throw of 88.16 meters. This win marks his return to the top after two years, with Germany's Julian Weber trailing close behind at 87.88m. The victory strengthens Chopra’s Olympic preparations and reaffirms his global stature in athletics.

BSNL introduced its Quantum 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) solution in Hyderabad on June 18, 2025. Launched by CMD A. Robert J. Ravi, the service delivers ultra-fast internet via 5G without requiring a SIM card. It represents India’s first indigenously developed and fully customizable SIM-less 5G FWA product.

Pakistan's Finance Ministry has finalized a five-year syndicated financing deal worth $1 billion. The funding is partially guaranteed under the Asian Development Bank’s “Improved Resource Mobilisation and Utilisation Reform” initiative. Dubai Islamic Bank and Standard Chartered are key players in coordinating and arranging this crucial financial support amid Pakistan’s economic struggles.

India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) has received the Digital Payments Award 2024-25 from the Ministry of Finance for its efforts in extending digital financial services across India. As a fully government-owned entity under the Department of Posts, IPPB has significantly contributed to the financial inclusion of underserved populations.

The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) signed an MoU with Eurobank of Cyprus to roll out Unified Payments Interface (UPI) services in Cyprus. This move will streamline cross-border digital payments, benefiting Indian tourists and businesses. Separately, the NSE International Exchange signed an MoU with the Cyprus Stock Exchange to encourage financial cooperation with Gift City and European markets.