Author name: Ajay Gulia

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Neeraj Chopra Wins Javelin Gold at Ostrava Golden Spike 2025 with 85.29m Throw

In Athletics, two-time Olympic medallist Neeraj Chopra clinched the Javelin Throw title at the Ostrava Golden Spike 2025 meet in the Czech Republic on 25 June 2025. The 27-year-old Indian athlete secured the gold medal with a best throw of 85.29 metres.

  • Douw Smit (South Africa) came second with 84.12 metres
  • Anderson Peters (Grenada) finished third with 83.63 metres

This marks Neeraj’s second consecutive win, following his remarkable 90.23-metre throw at the Paris Diamond League last week—his first-ever throw beyond 90 metres.

Neeraj Chopra’s next event will be the Neeraj Chopra Classic, India’s first global javelin competition, scheduled for 5 July 2025 at Sree Kanteerava Stadium, Bengaluru.

“The Emergency Diaries – Years that Forged a Leader” Launched: Focus on Modi’s Resistance to Emergency

On 25 June 2025, Union Home Minister Amit Shah released the book “The Emergency Diaries – Years that Forged a Leader”, which explores Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s role during the Emergency as a young RSS Pracharak.

The book is divided into five chapters and examines how the 1975–77 Emergency shaped Modi’s understanding of state power, political mobilization, and the importance of a healthy opposition.

It presents the Emergency as a critical turning point in India’s democratic journey, highlighting the threat to civil liberties and institutional independence under a centralized and dynastic rule.

The book quotes Modi’s reflections, emphasizing:

  • The spirit of democracy among Indians
  • The long struggle of pro-democracy activists during the Emergency
  • The importance of preserving constitutional rights and democratic values

It concludes that remembering the Emergency is essential as a reminder of the need to safeguard democracy and resist any erosion of constitutional freedoms.

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla Becomes First Indian to Visit ISS on Axiom-4 Mission

The Axiom-4 (Ax-4) mission, carrying Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, is scheduled to dock with the International Space Station (ISS) today at 4:30 PM IST, according to ISRO.

With this mission, Shukla becomes the first Indian to visit NASA’s orbiting laboratory ISS and the second Indian in history to travel to space, following Rakesh Sharma who flew in 1984 aboard a Russian Soyuz spacecraft.

The Axiom-4 crew launched from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 12:01 PM IST on 25 June 2025, and includes:

  • Shubhanshu Shukla (India)
  • Peggy Whitson (USA, former NASA astronaut)
  • Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski (Poland)
  • Tibor Kapu (Hungary)

Shukla, born on 10 October 1985 in Lucknow, joined the Indian Air Force in 2006 as a fighter pilot and has over 2,000 hours of flying experience on aircraft such as MiGs, Sukhois, Dorniers, Jaguars, and Hawks.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the mission, saying Shukla carries the hopes of 1.4 billion Indians. In Lucknow, his parents watched the launch with local students amid celebrations.

While on the two-week mission aboard the ISS, the Ax-4 crew will conduct 60 scientific experiments, including seven from India. Key experiments by ISRO include studying the effects of microgravity on biology and six varieties of crop seeds.

Shukla’s flight marks India’s return to space after 41 years, and highlights the growing international collaboration in human spaceflight.

CBSE Introduces Two-Term Class 10 Board Exams

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced a new exam pattern for Class 10 board exams, starting from the next academic year (2026). The exams will now be conducted in two terms:

  • The first exam in February will be compulsory for all students.
  • The second exam in May will be optional, meant for students who wish to improve their scores.

Students will be allowed to improve their performance in up to three subjects out of Science, Mathematics, Social Science, and languages.

  • Results of the two exams will be declared in April and June, respectively.

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan praised the move, stating it will:

  • Reduce exam-related stress
  • Offer flexibility
  • Create a more student-friendly and joyful learning environment

This reform is in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which recommends twice-a-year board exams as a student-centric and globally aligned approach to education.

India Marks 10 Years of AMRUT Mission: Transforming Urban Infrastructure Since 2015

India celebrates a major milestone as the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) completes 10 years on 25 June 2025. Launched in 2015, AMRUT aimed to improve urban infrastructure and quality of life across 500 cities and towns, focusing on water supply, sewerage, urban mobility, and green spaces.

Over the past decade:

  • ₹77,640 crore in State Annual Action Plans (SAAPs) approved
  • ₹35,990 crore committed as Central Assistance
  • ₹79,401 crore worth of projects completed with ₹72,656 crore spent

Key achievements include:

  • Universal tap water and sewer connections
  • Parks developed with 2.5% of project costs for children and the elderly
  • Projects in stormwater drainage, non-motorized transport, and green spaces
  • Capacity building in Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) for better governance

To scale up its impact, AMRUT 2.0 was launched on 1 October 2021, with an expanded scope to cover all ULBs in India. It aims for:

  • Universal water security and sewerage coverage
  • Outlay of ₹2.99 lakh crore, with ₹76,760 crore as Central share

Under AMRUT 2.0:

  • 3,568 water supply projects worth ₹1.14 lakh crore approved
  • 181 lakh tap connections, 10,647 MLD water treatment capacity added
  • 592 sewerage projects worth ₹67,607 crore approved
  • 67.11 lakh new sewer connections and 6,739 MLD sewage treatment capacity created
  • SCADA technology used in 1,487 projects for real-time monitoring
  • 120 start-ups shortlisted for innovative pilots in 82 cities

Cumulatively, AMRUT and AMRUT 2.0 have:

  • 14,828 projects sanctioned worth ₹2.73 lakh crore
  • ₹1.02 lakh crore in Central Assistance (₹47,625 crore disbursed)
  • 2.03 crore tap water connections and 1.5 crore sewerage connections provided
  • 544 water bodies rejuvenated, covering 9,511 acres
  • AMRUT Mitra initiative engaged 10,000+ women from Self-Help Groups
  • ‘Drink from Tap’: 381 projects worth ₹23,490 crore to benefit 8 lakh households
  • 90,000+ individuals trained across states

AMRUT@10 marks a paradigm shift in India’s urban transformation—blending infrastructure development, inclusivity, sustainability, and citizen well-being, laying the groundwork for resilient, future-ready cities.

Defence Minister Authorises CDS to Issue Joint Orders for Army, Navy & Air Force

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on 24 June 2025 authorised the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and Secretary of the Department of Military Affairs to issue joint instructions and orders applicable to all three armed services — Army, Navy, and Air Force.

This move represents a major step toward the modernisation and transformation of India’s Armed Forces.

According to the Defence Ministry, the change replaces the previous system, where each service issued separate instructions even on matters concerning multiple services.

The joint order aims to:

  • Streamline procedures
  • Eliminate redundancies
  • Enhance cross-service cooperation

It lays the foundation for:

  • Improved transparency and coordination
  • Greater administrative efficiency
  • A new era of jointness and integration in the Indian Armed Forces

This marks a unified approach to national defence and reinforces the Armed Forces’ unity of purpose.

Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas: Remembering the Emergency of 1975

Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas (Constitution Murder Day) is observed on 25th June to commemorate one of the most controversial and defining moments in Indian democratic history—the proclamation of the Emergency in 1975. This day serves as a solemn reminder of the period when constitutional rights were suspended, civil liberties were curtailed, and democratic institutions were undermined.

Historical Context

On June 25, 1975, then-President Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed, on the advice of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, declared a National Emergency under Article 352 of the Constitution, citing internal disturbances. This marked the beginning of a 21-month period during which:

  • Fundamental rights under Article 19 were suspended.
  • Press censorship was imposed, and the Press Council of India was abolished.
  • Opposition leaders and activists were jailed without trial.
  • Judicial scrutiny of the Prime Minister’s election and Emergency declaration was barred through constitutional amendments.

Significance of the Day

Declared officially in 2024, Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas is intended to:

  • Pay tribute to those who suffered and resisted during the Emergency.
  • Educate citizens about the importance of constitutional safeguards and democratic values.
  • Reaffirm commitment to never allow such authoritarian overreach again.

Unified Pension Scheme Opt-In Date Extended Till 30th September 2025

The Government of India has extended the cut-off date for opting into the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) to 30th September 2025, offering eligible individuals additional time to make an informed decision.

What is the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS)?

The UPS is a newly introduced pension framework under the National Pension System (NPS), designed to provide assured pension benefits similar to the Old Pension Scheme (OPS). It became operational on 1st April 2025 and was officially notified on 24th January 2025.

Who Can Opt for UPS?

The scheme is open to:

  • Existing central government employees covered under NPS as of 1st April 2025
  • New recruits joining on or after that date
  • Past retirees and legally wedded spouses of deceased retirees

Key Features of UPS

  • Assured monthly pension: 50% of the average basic pay of the last 12 months before retirement (for 25+ years of service)
  • Minimum pension: ₹10,000/month for those with at least 10 years of service
  • Family pension: 60% of the employee’s basic pay in case of premature death
  • Inflation indexation: Applied to all pension components
  • Gratuity: Lump-sum payment on superannuation, calculated as per old rules

Why the Extension?

The original deadline was 30th June 2025, but the government extended it by three months in response to requests from stakeholders seeking more time to evaluate the scheme.

Israel and Iran Agree to Ceasefire: Claims US President Donald Trump

United States President Donald Trump announced on 23 June 2025 that Iran and Israel have agreed to a complete and total ceasefire, set to begin within hours. This came shortly after an Iranian missile strike on a US airbase in Qatar.

According to Trump’s statement on Truth Social:

  • The ceasefire will be implemented in stages.
  • Iran will initiate the ceasefire.
  • Israel will follow 12 hours later.
  • A formal end to the 12-day war will be marked after 24 hours.

However, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi denied any such agreement, stating:

  • No final decision on halting military operations has been made.
  • Iran will stop its response only if Israel halts aggression.

INS Nilgiri Joins Eastern Naval Command at Visakhapatnam

INS Nilgiri, the first indigenously built stealth frigate under Project 17A, arrived at Visakhapatnam on 22 June 2025.

  • Built in Mumbai, it will now serve as part of the Eastern Naval Command’s Sunrise Fleet.
  • The ship’s motto is “Adrish Yabalam, Ajeya Shauryam” (Invisible Strength, Unconquerable Valor).
  • More ships of the Project 17A class will be inducted soon to enhance Eastern Fleet capabilities.

Operation Sindhu: India Continues Evacuation from Iran

Minister of State for External Affairs, Pabitra Margherita, welcomed 285 Indian nationals who arrived in New Delhi from Mashhad, Iran, on a special flight on 22 June 2025.

  • So far, 1,713 Indian nationals have been evacuated from Iran under Operation Sindhu.
  • 2–3 more evacuation flights are scheduled from Iran in the next two days.

The Indian Embassy in Iran is actively helping citizens relocate from conflict-hit areas to safer regions, coordinating evacuations accordingly. Indian nationals are advised to remain in contact with the Indian Embassy in Tehran and the 24/7 MEA Control Room in New Delhi for assistance.

Iran-Israel conflict update as on 22 June 2025

⚔️ Military Escalation

  • Israel launched a second wave of airstrikes on Iran’s Esfahan Nuclear Technology Center on June 21, targeting centrifuge sites (previously hit on June 13).
  • Iran retaliated with a missile and drone barrage; some hit Tel Aviv and Beit She’an, though most were intercepted.
  • Three senior Iranian commanders, including a top Hamas financier, were killed by Israel.

🇺🇸 U.S. Enters the Conflict

  • On June 22, the U.S. military struck Iran’s Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan nuclear sites using bunker-busters and cruise missiles.
  • President Trump warned of “far greater” strikes unless Iran seeks peace.

💣 Iran’s Response & Global Impact

  • Iran’s Foreign Minister condemned the U.S. strikes as illegal and vowed retaliation.
  • Evacuations of U.S., Indian, and other foreign nationals are ongoing.

⛔ Strait of Hormuz Threat

  • On June 22, Iran’s Parliament unanimously voted to close the Strait of Hormuz—a vital oil and gas shipping lane.
  • The move awaits final approval from the Supreme National Security Council.

QS World University Rankings 2026: IIT Delhi Tops Among Indian Institutes

The QS World University Rankings 2026 have been released, evaluating over 1,500 institutions from 106 countries, highlighting a dynamic shift in global academic leadership.

🌍 Top 3 Global Universities:

  1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) – Retains #1 for the 14th consecutive year.
  2. Imperial College London – Maintains the 2nd position.
  3. Stanford University – Jumps from 6th to 3rd, with notable gains in sustainability and international faculty.

🇮🇳 India’s Top Performers:

  • IIT Delhi – Now ranked 123, improved from 150.
  • IIT Madras – Climbs to 180 from 227.
  • IIT Kanpur – Rises to 222 from 263.
  • University of Delhi – Holds steady at 328.

🔹 41% of Indian institutions improved their global rankings.

🔍 Global Trends:

  • Sunway University (Malaysia) saw the largest jump: +129 positions.
  • Adelaide University (Australia) debuted at 82nd after a strategic merger.
  • Key ranking factors include sustainability, research impact, and international diversity.

These rankings reflect the evolving priorities in global higher education, emphasizing innovation, inclusivity, and environmental responsibility.

11th International Yoga Day 2025 Celebrations Led by PM Modi

On 21st June 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the 11th International Day of Yoga celebrations from Visakhapatnam, emphasizing that in today’s stressful world, Yoga offers a path to peace. He highlighted Yoga’s role in connecting the world, with 175 countries supporting India’s proposal to observe June 21 as International Yoga Day at the United Nations.

Key Highlights:

  • Theme: Yoga for One Earth, One Health
  • Location: Stretch from RK Beach to Bheemunipatnam, Visakhapatnam
  • Participants: Over 2.72 lakh people joined; the event aimed for a Guinness World Record for the largest yoga gathering.
  • Guests Present: Andhra Pradesh CM N. Chandrababu Naidu, Minister of AYUSH Prataprao Jadhav, and other dignitaries.
  • Special Features:
    • A 45-minute Yoga session led by PM Modi using the Common Yoga Protocol.
    • Fly-past by the Eastern Naval Command
    • Commemorative stamp released by the Department of Posts
    • Yogandhra campaign in Andhra Pradesh trained 2 crore people in yoga practices.

PM Modi emphasized the growing scientific research on yoga in India’s top medical institutions, aiming to integrate yoga into the modern medical system. He urged citizens to adopt yoga daily as a means of building physical and mental well-being for a healthier future for all generations.

Neeraj Chopra Wins Paris Diamond League 2025 Men’s Javelin Throw

India’s star javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra claimed victory at the Paris Diamond League 2025 held on 20 June at Stade Sébastien Charléty with a best throw of 88.16 meters on his first attempt.

🥇 Top 3 Results:

  • Neeraj Chopra (India) – 88.16 m (Gold)
  • Julian Weber (Germany) – 87.88 m (Silver)
  • Luiz Maurício da Silva (Brazil) – 86.62 m (Bronze, South American Record)

📈 Performance Highlights:

  • Neeraj followed his winning throw with:
    • 85.10 m (2nd attempt)
    • Three fouls
    • 82.89 m (final attempt)
  • First time in 2025 that Neeraj defeated Julian Weber, who had beaten him at the Doha Diamond League last month.
  • In Doha, Weber threw 91.06 m, while Neeraj achieved a personal best and Indian record of 90.23 m.

World Refugee Day 2025 – “Solidarity with Refugees”

World Refugee Day 2025 is being observed on Friday, 20 June, under the theme “Solidarity with Refugees.” The day honors the courage, resilience, and rights of millions of people forced to flee their homes due to conflict, persecution, or violence.

🌍 Background and Significance

  • First observed globally in 2001, marking the 50th anniversary of the 1951 Refugee Convention.
  • Originally called Africa Refugee Day, it became a global observance under the United Nations in 2000.

📈 Global Refugee Crisis

  • According to UNHCR, over 122 million people are currently displaced.
  • Among them, 42.7 million are recognized as refugees.
  • Major displacement regions include Sudan, Syria, Afghanistan, Ukraine, and Palestine.

✨ Stories of Strength

  • Highlighted individuals:
    • Zahra Nader – Afghan journalist and founder of a women-led newsroom in exile.
    • Barthelemy Mwanza – Congolese youth leader advocating for refugee rights in the U.S.

🛡️ Call to Action

  • UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged the world to act: “Let us choose solidarity. Let us choose courage. Let us choose humanity.”

Panel Recommends Impeachment of Justice Yashwant Varma Over Misconduct

A Supreme Court-appointed inquiry panel has recommended removal proceedings against Justice Yashwant Varma, a sitting judge of the Allahabad High Court and former judge of the Delhi High Court, over serious misconduct allegations.

🔍 Key Allegations & Findings:

  • A large amount of half-burnt cash was discovered after a fire incident on March 14, 2025, at his official residence in New Delhi.
  • The cash was located in a storeroom at 30 Tughlak Crescent, under the active or covert control of Justice Varma and his family, according to the panel.
  • The panel cited deliberate removal of evidence on March 15, based on witness testimony and electronic evidence.
  • The misconduct violated the “Restatement of Values of Judicial Life” (1997), holding judges to the highest ethical standards.

👩‍⚖️ Inquiry Panel Members:

  • Chief Justice Sheel Nagu (Punjab and Haryana High Court)
  • Chief Justice G.S. Sandhawalia (Himachal Pradesh High Court)
  • Justice Anu Sivaraman (Karnataka High Court)

📜 Next Steps:

  • A 64-page report recommending impeachment has been submitted by former CJI Sanjiv Khanna to President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
  • If accepted, it may lead to a rare impeachment of a sitting High Court judge in India.

India to Celebrate 11th International Day of Yoga with 10 Signature Events

India will commemorate the 11th International Day of Yoga (IDY) on June 21, 2025, with ten Signature Events under the theme “Yoga for One Earth, One Health.” These initiatives aim to expand yoga’s global outreach and reinforce its role in health, culture, and sustainable living.

Key Signature Events:

Yoga Sangam:
A nationwide synchronized yoga demonstration at over 1 lakh locations based on the Common Yoga Protocol; PM Modi to lead from Visakhapatnam.

Yoga Bandhan:
Promotes international collaboration, with Indian yoga experts visiting partner nations and foreign delegates participating in India’s IDY celebrations.

Yoga Park:
Transforms public parks into yoga zones in rural and urban areas, with trained instructors and self-practice materials.

Yoga Samavesh:
Offers specialized yoga modules for diverse groups like children, elderly, pregnant women, and those with lifestyle diseases.

Yoga Prabhav:
A research-based review of IDY’s 10-year impact on health, policy, and awareness, launched at the Yoga Connect summit.

Yoga Connect:
A global hybrid summit fostering dialogue, collaborations, and cultural exchange on making yoga globally relevant.

Harit Yoga:
Combines yoga with environmental actions like tree planting and cleanliness drives, linking wellness with sustainability.

Yoga Unplugged:
Designed for urban youth, using festivals, contests, and social media to make yoga engaging and contemporary.

Yoga Mahakumbh:
A festival-style yoga event in 10 Indian cities, each themed around issues like youth, inclusivity, and environment.

Samyoga:
Promotes integration of yoga with Ayurveda, Homeopathy, Unani, Siddha, and modern medicine, aiming for holistic health interventions.

India Launches Operation Sindhu to Evacuate Citizens from Conflict-Hit Iran

Amid the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel, the Government of India has launched Operation Sindhu to evacuate Indian nationals from Iran.

  • In the first phase, 110 Indian students were safely evacuated from northern Iran to Yerevan, Armenia, and have now departed for New Delhi on a special flight.
  • The operation is being coordinated by the Indian Embassies in Iran and Armenia, with gratitude expressed to both countries for facilitating the evacuation.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) reaffirmed that the safety of Indian nationals abroad is a top priority. The Indian Embassy in Tehran continues to assist citizens in moving from conflict zones to safer areas and will evacuate them as needed.

FASTag-Based Annual Pass for Private Vehicles Announced

The Government will launch a FASTag-based Annual Pass priced at ₹3,000, starting 15th August 2025, to enable seamless and cost-effective travel across National Highways.

  • The pass will be valid for one year or up to 200 trips, whichever comes first.
  • It is exclusively for non-commercial private vehicles like cars, jeeps, and vans.
  • Announced by Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari, who called it a transformative step for hassle-free highway travel.

A dedicated link for activation and renewal will be available on the Rajmarg Yatra App and official websites of the NHAI and Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.

The policy:

  • Addresses toll plaza issues within a 60 km range.
  • Simplifies toll payment via a single affordable transaction.
  • Reduces wait times, eases congestion, and minimizes disputes at toll plazas, offering a smoother travel experience for private vehicle owners.

Indian Animation Film Desi Oon Wins Best Commissioned Film at Annecy 2025

Desi Oon, an animated film by Indian filmmaker Suresh Eriyat, has brought global recognition to Indian animation by winning the Jury Award for Best Commissioned Film at the Annecy International Animation Festival 2025 in France on June 18, 2025.

The film had earlier won Best Film at WAVES 2025 – India’s premier animation and design platform under the Create in India Challenge, organized by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

Desi Oon has also been shortlisted at Cannes Lions 2025 in the Film Craft Lions category, marking a milestone for India’s animation industry. The filmmaker noted that recognition at WAVES-2025 played a key role in driving India’s creative momentum.

The Create in India Challenge is now seen as a transformative platform that is taking Indian creativity and animation to global platforms.

Indo-French Joint Military Exercise Shakti-VIII Begins in France

A 90-member Indian Army contingent, led by the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles, departed for Exercise Shakti-VIII, a joint Indo-French military exercise held from June 18 to July 1, 2025, at Camp Larzac, La Cavalerie in southern France. The French side is represented by the 13th Foreign Legion Half-Brigade.

The biennial exercise focuses on joint operations in sub-conventional warfare under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, conducted in semi-urban terrain. It aims to enhance interoperability, tactical coordination, and operational understanding between the two armies through shared drills and training in modern military technologies.

Beyond military synergy, the exercise aims to strengthen strategic ties and camaraderie between India and France, reinforcing their growing defence partnership.

PM Modi’s Bilateral Engagements at G7 Summit 2025

On June 17, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the importance of strengthening India-Canada relations during a bilateral meeting with Canadian PM Mark Carney on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Kananaskis. He highlighted the shared commitment to democracy, freedom, and rule of law, and the potential for cooperation in sectors like trade, clean energy, critical minerals, and fertilizers.

Key Bilateral Meetings:

  • Germany: Discussed strengthening cooperation in trade, defence, green energy, innovation, and counter-terrorism with Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
  • Mexico: Met President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo; focused on start-ups, AI, semiconductors, critical minerals, and global South issues.
  • South Korea: With President Lee Jae-Myung, discussed boosting the Special Strategic Partnership, especially in green hydrogen, shipbuilding, and emerging technologies.
  • France: Brief meeting with President Emmanuel Macron; committed to global collaboration.
  • UK: With PM Keir Starmer, focused on strengthening trade and commerce ties.
  • Japan: PM Shigeru Ishiba and Mr. Modi agreed to further deepen bilateral cooperation.
  • Also interacted with leaders of South Africa, Australia, Italy, and Brazil during the G7 Outreach.

INS Arnala Commissioned as India’s First ASW Shallow Water Craft

The Indian Navy is commissioning INS Arnala, the country’s first Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC), on June 18, 2025, at the Naval Dockyard, Visakhapatnam. The ceremony is being presided over by Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan.

INS Arnala is the first of 16 ASW-SWC vessels being inducted and was delivered to the Navy on May 8, 2025. It is named after the historic Arnala Fort off the Maharashtra coast.

Designed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (Kolkata) in partnership with L&T Shipbuilders, it features over 80% indigenous content, supporting the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative.

The vessel is 77.6 meters long, weighs over 1,490 tonnes, and is the largest Indian naval ship with a diesel engine-waterjet propulsion system. This commissioning enhances India’s coastal defence and strengthens its position as a self-reliant maritime power in the Indian Ocean Region.

Iran–Israel Conflict Intensifies on Day 4

The conflict between Iran and Israel has entered its fourth day on June 16, 2025, marked by heavy military exchanges and rising civilian casualties.

  • The crisis began with Israeli preemptive strikes on Friday, escalating into missile and airstrike barrages from both sides.
  • Iran reports 224 deaths, mostly civilians, while Israel has recorded over 20 deaths and more than 300 injuries.
  • On Sunday night, Iran launched missile and drone attacks on Tel Aviv, Haifa, and Petah Tikva, killing at least eight Israelis.
  • Israel retaliated with massive airstrikes on Iranian military, nuclear, and energy sites, claiming “complete operational freedom” over Iranian airspace.
  • The IDF reports destroying 120 Iranian missile launchers, about one-third of Iran’s stockpile, and intercepted weapon shipments near Tehran.
  • On Sunday evening, Israeli jets destroyed 20+ surface-to-surface missiles and struck 100 military targets in Isfahan.
  • Leaders on both sides have taken defiant positions:
  • Israel’s Defense Minister threatened that Tehran’s population will “pay the price”.
  • Iran’s President condemned Israel’s “genocidal aggression” and called for national unity.
  • The G7 Summit in Canada is prioritizing the conflict, warning of the risk of regional war.
  • Diplomacy has stalled, with Iran refusing to negotiate under attack and Russia offering to mediate, but neither side agreeing.

Nuclear tensions are rising:

The IAEA confirmed no damage to Iran’s Fordow and Khondab nuclear sites. However, Iranian lawmakers are drafting legislation that could lead to withdrawal from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), escalating global concerns.

Government Notifies Census Schedule – Reference Date Set for 2026–2027

The Government of India has officially notified the schedule for the upcoming Census, to be conducted in two phases.

  • The reference date for the Census will be 1st March 2027, except for:
    • Ladakh,
    • snow-bound non-synchronous areas of Jammu & Kashmir,
    • and the States of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, where the reference date will be 1st October 2026.

Census Phases:

  1. House Listing Operation – Information on housing conditions, assets, and amenities.
  2. Population Enumeration – Collection of demographic, socio-economic, and cultural details.
  • Caste enumeration will also be conducted in this Census.
  • Around 34 lakh enumerators and supervisors and 1.3 lakh Census functionaries will be deployed.
  • This will be the 16th national Census and the 8th Census since Independence.
  • The Census will be conducted digitally using mobile apps, and self-enumeration options will be available.
  • Strict data security protocols will be enforced to protect data during collection, transmission, and storage.

ICC Announces Schedule for 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has released the schedule for the 2025 ICC Women’s ODI World Cup, which will be held from 30th September to 2nd November in India and Sri Lanka.

Although India is the official host, Sri Lanka will host all of Pakistan’s matches due to political tensions between the two countries. This marks the fourth time India hosts the Women’s ODI World Cup and the first since 2013.

  • India’s opening match is on 30th September against Sri Lanka at M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru.
  • The much-awaited India vs Pakistan match is scheduled for 5th October at R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo.
  • Defending champions Australia will face New Zealand in their opening game on 1st October in Indore.
  • The round-robin stage ends on 26th October, with semifinals on 29th and 30th October, and the final on 2nd November.

The eight participating teams are:
India, Australia, England, South Africa, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Pakistan.

Cabinet Ministers of India 2025 PDF

Complete List of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Cabinet Ministers, and Ministers of State in the Indian Government (June 2025 Update) – Download free PDF. The list of Ministers with photo and portfolio is useful for upcoming competitive exams.

Prime Minister


Shri Narendra Modi
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions
Department of Atomic Energy
Department of Space
All important policy issues and all other portfolios not allocated to any Minister

Cabinet Ministers


Shri Raj Nath Singh
Ministry of Defence
Shri Amit Shah
Ministry of Home Affairs
Ministry of Cooperation

Shri Nitin Jairam Gadkari
Ministry of Road Transport and Highways
Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers

Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan
Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare 3Ministry of Rural Development
Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman
Ministry of Finance
Ministry of Corporate Affairs

Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar
Ministry of External Affairs
Shri Manohar Lal
Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
Ministry of Power

Shri H. D. Kumaraswamy
Ministry of Heavy Industries
Ministry of Steel
Shri Piyush Goyal
Ministry of Commerce and Industry

Shri Dharmendra Pradhan
Ministry of Education
Shri Jitan Ram Manjhi
Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises

Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh
Ministry of Panchayati Raj
Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying
Shri Sarbananda Sonowal
Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
Dr. Virendra Kumar
Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
Shri Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu
Ministry of Civil Aviation

Shri Pralhad Joshi
Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution
Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
Shri Jual Oram
Ministry of Tribal Affairs

Shri Giriraj Singh
Ministry of Textiles
Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw
Ministry of Railways
Ministry of Information and Broadcasting
Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology

Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia
Ministry of Communications
Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region
Shri Bhupender Yadav
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change

Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat
Ministry of Culture
Ministry of Tourism
Smt. Annpurna Devi
Ministry of Women and Child Development

Shri Kiren Rijiju
Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs
Ministry of Minority Affairs
Shri Hardeep Singh Puri
Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas

Shri Mansukh L. Mandaviya
Ministry of Labour and Employment
Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports

Shri G. Kishan Reddy
Ministry of Coal
Ministry of Mines

Shri Chirag Paswan
Ministry of Food Processing Industries

Shri C R Patil
Ministry of Jal Shakti

Ministers of State (Independent Charge)


Shri Rao Inderjit Singh
Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation
Ministry of Planning
Dr. Jitendra Singh
Ministry of Science and Technology
Ministry of Earth Sciences

Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal
Ministry of Law and Justice
Shri Jadhav Prataprao Ganpatrao
Ministry of Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy (AYUSH)

Shri Jayant Chaudhary
Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship

Ministers of State


Shri Rao Inderjit Singh
Ministry of Culture
Dr. Jitendra Singh Prime Minister’s Office
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions
Department of Atomic Energy Department of Space

Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal
Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs
Shri Jadhav Prataprao Ganpatrao
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare

Shri Jayant Chaudhary
Ministry of Education
Shri Jitin Prasada
Ministry of Commerce and Industry
Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology

Shri Shripad Yesso Naik
Ministry of Power
Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
Shri Pankaj Chaudhary
Ministry of Finance

Shri Krishan Pal
Ministry of Cooperation
Shri Ramdas Athawale
Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment

Shri Ram Nath Thakur
Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare
Shri Nityanand Rai
Ministry of Home Affairs

Smt. Anupriya Singh Patel
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers
Shri V. Somanna
Ministry of Jal Shakti
Ministry of Railways

Dr. Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani
Ministry of Rural Development
Ministry of Communications
Prof. S. P. Singh Baghel
Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying
Ministry of Panchayati Raj

Sushri Shobha Karandlaje
Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises
Ministry of Labour and Employment
Shri Kirtivardhan Singh
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
Ministry of External Affairs

Shri B. L. Verma
Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution
Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
Shri Shantanu Thakur
Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways

Shri Suresh Gopi
Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas
Ministry of Tourism
Dr. L. Murugan
Ministry of Information and Broadcasting
Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs

Shri Ajay Tamta
Ministry of Road Transport and Highways
Shri Bandi Sanjay Kumar
Ministry of Home Affairs

Shri Kamlesh Paswan
Ministry of Rural Development
Shri Bhagirath Choudhary
Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare

Shri Satish Chandra Dubey
Ministry of Coal
Ministry of Mines
Shri Sanjay Seth
Ministry of Defence

Shri Ravneet Singh
Ministry of Food Processing Industries
Ministry of Railways
Shri Durgadas Uikey
Ministry of Tribal Affairs

Smt. Raksha Nikhil Khadse
Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports
Shri Sukanta Majumdar
Ministry of Education
Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region

Smt. Savitri Thakur
Ministry of Women and Child Development
Shri Tokhan Sahu
Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs

Shri Raj Bhushan Choudhary
Ministry of Jal Shakti
Shri Bhupathi Raju Srinivasa Varma
Ministry of Heavy IndustriesMinistry of Stee

Shri Harsh Malhotra
Ministry of Corporate Affairs
Ministry of Road Transport and Highways
Smt. Nimuben Jayantibhai Bambhaniya
Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution

Shri Murlidhar Mohol
Ministry of Cooperation
Ministry of Civil Aviation
Shri George Kurian
Ministry of Minority Affairs
Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying

Shri Pabitra Margherita
Ministry of External Affairs
Ministry of Textiles

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Cabinet Ministers of India 2025

List of Important Days in 2025-2026 with PDF

Important Days of the Year 2025-2026 List with PDF for free download. This General Knowledge in very useful for preparation of competitive exams.

January

Date Day
4 January World Braille day
9 JanuaryPravasi Bharatiya Divas
10 JanuaryWorld Hindi day
12 JanuaryNational Youth day
15 JanuaryArmy day
23 JanuaryParakram day (Netaji Subhas Chandra Birth anniversary)
24 JanuaryNational Girl Child Day
25 JanuaryNational Voter’s Day
26 JanuaryRepublic Day (India)

February

Date Day
4 February World Cancer Day
2 February World Wetland Day
11 February Samarpan Diwas (Pandit Dindyal Upadhyay death anniversary)
14 February Valentines day
20 February World Social Justice Day
21 February World Mother language Day
28 February National Science Day

March

Date Day
3 MarchWorld Wildlife Day
4 MarchChabahar Day
8 MarchInternational Women’s Day
15 MarchWorld Consumer Rights Day
22 MarchWorld Water Day, Bihar Day
24 MarchWorld Tuberculosis Day

April

Date Day
7 AprilWorld Health Day
14 AprilEquality Day (Ambedkar Jayanti)
18 AprilWorld Heritage Day
22 AprilEarth Day
25 AprilWorld Malaria Day
26 AprilWorld Intellectual Property Day

May

Date Day
1 May International Worker’s Day
3 May International Press Freedom Day
7 May World Asthma Day
8 May World Red Cross Day
25 May World Football Day
31 May World No Tabaco Day

June

Date Day
5 June World Environment Day
7 June World Food Safety Day
12 June World Day Against Child Labour)
14 June World Blood Donor Day
20 June World Refugee Day
21 June International Day of Yoga
25 June Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas
29 June National Statistics Day

July

Date Day
1 JulyDoctor’s Day/GST Day
11 JulyWorld Population Day
12 JulyInternational Malala Day
19 JulyBank Nationalization Day
26 JulyKargil Vijay Diwas
28 JulyWorld Hepatitis Day
29 JulyInternational Tiger Day

August

Date Day
6 AugustHiroshima Day
7 AugustJavelin Day Niraj Chopra)
12 AugustInternational Youth Day
14 AugustPartition Horrors Remembrance Day
15 AugustIndependence Day (India)
20 AugustSadbhavan Diwas (Rajiv Gandhi)
23 AugustNational Space Day
29 AugustNational Sports Day (Major Dhyan Chand birth anniversary)

September

Date Day
5 September Teacher’s Day
8 September International Literacy Day
11 September Mahakavi Day (Death Anniversary ‘Subramania Bharati’)
14 September Hindi Day
17 September Social Justice Day
27 September World Tourism Day
29 September World Heart Day

October

Date Day
2 October Non-violence Day/Gandhi Jayanti
3 October World Animal Day
5 October World Dolphin Day
7 October Nilgri Tahr Day
8 October Air Force Day
11 October International Girl Child Day
14 October World standards Day
15 October World Students Day (APJ Abdul Kalam)
20 October World Statistics Day
24 October United Nations Day
31 October National Unity Day (Sardar Patel’s birth anniversary)
31 October Indira Gandhi Death anniversary)

November

Date Day
3 NovemberInternational Biosphere Reserve Day)
7 NovemberNational Cancer Awareness Day
11 NovemberNational Education Day
12 NovemberNational Bird Day
14 NovemberChildren’s Day, World Diabetes Day
15 NovemberJanjatiya Gaurav Diwas (Birsa Munda Birth Anniversary)
26 NovemberNational Constitution Day

December

Date Day
1 DecemberWorld ADIS Day
2 DecemberWorld Computer Literacy Day
4 DecemberIndian Navy Day
5 DecemberWorld Soil Day
6 DecemberMaitri Diwas (Bhar-Bangladesh)
7 DecemberFlag Day
10 DecemberInternational Human Rights Day
14 DecemberWorld Energy Day
16 DecemberVijay Day
22 DecemberNational Mathematics Day
23 DecemberNational Farmers’ Day
24 DecemberNational Consumer Rights Day
25 DecemberGood Governance Day
26 DecemberVeer Baal Diwas

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Important Days year 2025-2026

South Africa Wins First ICC World Test Championship Title

On June 14, 2025, South Africa made history by winning their first ICC World Test Championship title, defeating Australia by five wickets at Lord’s Cricket Ground. This ended a 27-year wait for a senior men’s ICC trophy.

The match was a thrilling contest:

  • Australia set a target of 282, after scoring 212 and 207 in their innings.
  • South Africa scored 138 in their first innings but made a stunning comeback in the fourth innings.
  • Aiden Markram was the hero, scoring a brilliant 136.
  • Captain Temba Bavuma contributed a valuable 66 runs.
  • Kagiso Rabada dominated with the ball, taking 9 wickets in the match.

Despite early losses on Day 4, wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne struck the winning runs, securing a 5-wicket victory and sparking jubilation across the South African camp.

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