Current Affairs

INS Tamal Commissioned in Russia, Enhances Indian Navy’s Stealth and Strike Capabilities

INS Tamal Commissioned in Russia – A Boost to Indian Navy’s Strength

  • INS Tamal, an advanced stealth frigate, was commissioned on 1 July 2025 at Yantar Shipyard, Kaliningrad, Russia.
  • It is the 8th ship under Project 1135.6 and 2nd of the Tushil-class follow-on frigates.
  • Equipped with BrahMos cruise missile and Humsa-NG Sonar system for superior strike and detection capabilities.
  • Successfully tested Shtil-1 surface-to-air missiles, artillery, and torpedoes.
  • Designed for blue water operations and fitted with automated nuclear, biological, and chemical defence systems.
  • A symbol of Indo-Russian defense cooperation, the ship will soon sail to its homeport Karwar, Karnataka.

RailOne App Launched as Unified Platform for Indian Railway Passenger Services

Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw launched the RailOne app on 1 July 2025 as a unified platform for all passenger services.

Key features include ticket booking (including unreserved tickets), train enquiry, PNR status, journey planning, Rail Madad, and food ordering.

Union Cabinet Approves Major Schemes for Employment, Innovation, Sports, and Infrastructure

Key Cabinet Decisions – 1 July 2025 :

₹1 lakh crore Employment-Linked Incentive (ELI) Scheme approved to create over 3.5 crore jobs in 2 years.

  • 1.92 crore first-time employees to benefit.
  • Jobs created between 1 Aug 2025 – 31 July 2027 will be covered.
  • First-time employees to get one month’s wage (up to ₹15,000).
  • Employers to receive up to ₹3,000/month/employee for 2 years, extended to 4 years in manufacturing.
  • Scheme part of ₹2 lakh crore youth employment package from Union Budget 2024-25.

Research Development and Innovation Scheme with ₹1 lakh crore corpus approved to boost private sector R&D investment. Managed by Anusandhan National Research Foundation, chaired by the Prime Minister.

National Sports Policy 2025 approved to position India among top 5 sporting nations. Focus on grassroots to elite training, infrastructure, leagues, and sports tourism.

₹1,853 crore Paramakudi–Ramanathapuram 4-lane highway project in Tamil Nadu approved. 46.7 km stretch to enhance religious tourism and economic connectivity to Rameshwaram and Dhanushkodi.

Divyanshi Bhowmick Wins Gold for India at Asian Youth Table Tennis Championships 2025

India’s Divyanshi Bhowmick won gold in U-15 Girls’ Singles at the 29th Asian Youth Table Tennis Championships in Tashkent, defeating China’s Zhu Qihi 4-2 on 1 July 2025. With this win, she also qualified for the World Youth Championships.

India finished with one gold, one silver, and two bronze medals.

Indian Railways Revises Passenger Train Fares Effective July 1, 2025

The Ministry of Railways has announced the rationalisation of passenger train fares effective from July 1, 2025, aiming to streamline fare structures and improve the financial viability of operations while maintaining affordability.

  • No change in fares for suburban single journey tickets or season tickets (suburban/non-suburban).
  • For non-AC classes (second class, sleeper), a minor increase of 0.5 paisa/km is introduced:
    • No fare hike for travel up to 500 km.
    • ₹5 increase for 501–1500 km, ₹10 for 1501–2500 km, and ₹15 for 2501–3000 km.
  • Mail/Express trains will see:
    • 1 paisa/km increase for non-AC classes.
    • 2 paisa/km increase for AC classes.
  • Fare revision applies to premium trains like Rajdhani, Shatabdi, Vande Bharat, Duronto, etc.
  • No changes to reservation fees, superfast surcharges, or GST rates.
  • Applicable only to tickets booked on or after July 1, 2025.
  • PRS and UTS systems are being updated; Zonal Railways are directed to inform passengers through station displays and notices.

Q. From which date will the revised Indian Railways fare structure come into effect in 2025?
A) June 30
B) July 1
C) July 15
D) August 1
✅ Answer: B) July 1

Statistics Day 2025 (June 29): Celebrating 75 Years of NSS and Mahalanobis’ Legacy

Every year on June 29, India celebrates Statistics Day to commemorate the birth anniversary of Professor Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis, widely regarded as the Father of Indian Statistics. This observance, initiated in 2007 by the Government of India, highlights the critical role of statistics in shaping public policy, economic planning, and evidence-based governance.

Why It Matters

Statistics Day serves as a reminder of how data drives decisions in sectors like health, education, agriculture, and employment. It promotes statistical literacy, especially among youth, and encourages the use of data for inclusive and sustainable development.

2025 Theme: 75 Years of National Sample Survey

This year’s theme celebrates the 75th anniversary of the National Sample Survey (NSS), a cornerstone of India’s statistical infrastructure. The NSS has been instrumental in collecting reliable socio-economic data that informs government programs and policy frameworks.

Legacy of P.C. Mahalanobis

Born in 1893, Mahalanobis pioneered the Mahalanobis distance, founded the Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) in 1931, and played a key role in India’s Second Five-Year Plan. His work laid the foundation for modern statistical systems in India, including the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) and Central Statistical Organisation (CSO).

Celebrations and Initiatives

The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) marks the day with:

  • Release of key reports like Nutritional Intake in India and SDG Progress Report 2025
  • Launch of the GoIStat app for easier access to official data
  • Seminars, workshops, and student competitions across institutions

Monsoon Covers Entire India: Early Arrival Brings Relief and Risks

On June 29, 2025, the southwest monsoon officially covered the entire country—nine days ahead of schedule, marking one of the fastest advances since 1960. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) confirmed its progression into the remaining parts of Rajasthan, Haryana, West Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi.

Agricultural Boost and Economic Implications

This early onset is expected to benefit kharif crop sowing, especially in central and northwest India, which have already received 24% to 37% excess rainfall compared to normal levels. With over 138 lakh hectares already under cultivation, farmers are optimistic about a strong start to the season.

Extreme Weather and Safety Concerns

However, the monsoon’s rapid advance has also triggered severe weather events. A cloudburst in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand, led to two deaths and seven missing persons, prompting authorities to halt the Char Dham Yatra temporarily. Himachal Pradesh has reported 20 rain-related fatalities since June 20, with landslides and flash floods disrupting transport and daily life.

Looking Ahead

The IMD has issued red alerts for heavy rainfall across multiple states, including Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Jharkhand, through July 1. While the rains bring much-needed relief from heat and support agriculture, they also demand heightened vigilance in vulnerable regions.

Parag Jain Appointed New RAW Chief

On July 1, 2025, Parag Jain, a 1989-batch IPS officer from Punjab cadre, took charge as the new Secretary of RAW (Research and Analysis Wing), India’s external intelligence agency. His appointment reflects a strategic leadership shift in India’s intelligence setup amid growing regional and global security concerns.

Jain is known for blending HUMINT (human intelligence) and TECHINT (technical intelligence) in critical operations such as the Balakot airstrike, abrogation of Article 370, and the high-precision Operation Sindoor targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and PoK.

With past roles in J&K and Punjab, and international experience in Canada and Sri Lanka (countering the Khalistan network), Jain brings operational depth to his new role. His two-year fixed term begins as India faces threats like cross-border terrorism, hybrid warfare, and China-Pakistan coordination.

Ayush Shetty Wins US Open 2025 in Badminton, Becomes First Indian BWF World Tour Title in 2025

In Badminton, 20-year-old Ayush Shetty made history by becoming the first Indian to win a BWF World Tour title in 2025, clinching the US Open 2025 on 29 June 2025.

  • He defeated Canada’s Brian Yang in the final with a straight-game victory: 21-18, 21-13.
  • In the semifinal, Ayush pulled off a major upset by beating World No. 6 Chou Tien Chen.
  • This win marks India’s first men’s singles title on the BWF Tour abroad since the Canada Open 2023.

In women’s singles, 16-year-old Tanvi Sharma finished as runner-up after losing to top seed Beiwen Zhang in a close three-game match: 11-21, 21-16, 10-21. It was Tanvi’s first BWF World Tour final, and she impressed with her resilience despite the loss.

India Rejects Court of Arbitration’s Supplemental Award on Indus Waters Treaty

On June 27, 2025, India categorically rejected a “supplemental award” issued by a Court of Arbitration constituted under the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) of 1960. The award pertained to the Kishenganga and Ratle hydroelectric projects in Jammu & Kashmir.

India’s Position

  • The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) declared the Court of Arbitration as illegally constituted, stating it was a serious breach of the IWT.
  • India emphasized it has never recognized the legal validity of this court, calling the proceedings a “charade at Pakistan’s behest”.
  • The MEA reiterated that any decisions or awards by this body are “illegal and per se void”.

Treaty in Abeyance

  • Following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, India placed the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance, citing Pakistan’s continued support for cross-border terrorism.
  • India asserted that until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably abjures terrorism, it is no longer bound by the treaty’s obligations.

Background

  • The dispute stems from Pakistan’s objections to the design of the Kishenganga (on Jhelum tributary) and Ratle (on Chenab) projects.
  • In 2016, Pakistan moved the World Bank to establish a Court of Arbitration, while India preferred resolution through a neutral expert, as per treaty provisions.
  • Despite India’s objections, the World Bank appointed both a neutral expert and a Court of Arbitration in October 2022, leading to parallel proceedings.

SCO Defence Ministers’ Meet 2025: India Opposes Joint Declaration Over Terror Concerns

Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ Meeting held on June 26, 2025, in Qingdao, China:

Key Highlights

  • Host & Venue: The 22nd meeting was chaired by Chinese Defence Minister Dong Jun in Qingdao, under China’s 2025 rotating presidency.
  • Participants: Defence ministers from all ten full SCO member states attended, including India, China, Russia, Pakistan, Iran, Belarus, and Central Asian nations.
  • Agenda: Discussions focused on regional security, counter-terrorism cooperation, joint military preparedness, and strategic communication.

India’s Position

  • Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh delivered a strong message on terrorism, emphasizing that “peace and prosperity cannot co-exist with terrorism”.
  • He highlighted the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, calling for accountability of cross-border terrorism sponsors.
  • Due to lack of consensus—particularly opposition from Pakistan and China—India refused to sign the joint declaration, a rare move in SCO history.

Bilateral Engagements

  • Singh held constructive talks with Chinese Defence Minister Dong Jun, stressing the need to avoid new complications in India-China relations.
  • He also met with counterparts from Russia and Belarus, but no bilateral talks were held with Pakistan or Iran.

Broader Themes

  • The meeting underscored the importance of the “Shanghai Spirit”—mutual trust, equality, and respect for cultural diversity.
  • SCO Secretary-General Nurlan Yermekbayev emphasized deepening military cooperation, including joint exercises and military-medical collaboration.

NATO Summit 2025 in The Hague: Members Agree to Spend 5% of GDP on Defence and Security

🛡️ 2025 NATO Summit – The Hague

Dates: June 24–25, 2025
Host: The Netherlands (first time ever)
Venue: World Forum, The Hague
Theme: Strengthening deterrence, unity, and industrial resilience

🌍 Key Highlights

  • Historic 5% Pledge: All 32 NATO members committed to spending 5% of their GDP on defense by 2035—marking a significant leap in collective security investment.
  • New Secretary-General: Mark Rutte, former Dutch Prime Minister, chaired his first summit as NATO Secretary-General.
  • Global Engagement: Leaders from partner nations like Japan and New Zealand attended, alongside EU representatives.
  • Ukraine Focus: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held bilateral meetings and addressed Dutch lawmakers, reinforcing NATO’s support for Ukraine.

🔍 Strategic Outcomes

  • Defense Industry Boost: A dedicated forum brought together ministers and industry leaders to scale up production and innovation.
  • Cyber & Hybrid Threats: Emphasis on resilience against cyberattacks and infrastructure sabotage amid rising hybrid threats.
  • Transatlantic Unity: Despite differing views on Russia’s intentions, the summit reaffirmed NATO’s collective defense posture.

🇺🇸 Notable Moments

  • Trump’s Return: US President Donald Trump attended his first NATO summit since 2019. He praised the 5% pledge and emphasized burden-sharing.
  • Viral Diplomacy: Queen Máxima of the Netherlands drew attention for her candid moment with Trump, sparking online buzz.
  • “Daddy” Remark: NATO chief Rutte jokingly referred to Trump as a “stern daddy” managing global tensions—a moment both leaders laughed off.

🕊️ Looking Ahead

The summit underscored NATO’s evolution from a Cold War alliance to a dynamic force confronting 21st-century threats—from AI and cyber warfare to geopolitical instability. The Hague 2025 may well be remembered as a turning point in NATO’s strategic posture.

Khelo India University Games 2025 to Be Held in Jaipur in November

The Khelo India University Games 2025 will be held in November 2025 in Jaipur, Rajasthan, as announced by Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya.

  • The event is expected to see participation from over 4,000 athletes representing more than 200 universities.
  • Competitions will be held across 20 sports disciplines.
  • These Games serve as a national platform for under-25 athletes, helping them to showcase their talent and get noticed by scouts and national selectors.

Dr. Mandaviya emphasized that the University Games follow the Khelo India Youth Games for under-18 athletes, which were held in Bihar in May 2025, continuing the government’s mission to nurture sports talent at all levels.

International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking

Observed on: June 26
Theme for 2025: “Break the Cycle. #StopOrganizedCrime”

🧭 Background

Established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1987, this day underscores the global commitment to combat drug abuse and illicit trafficking. It aims to raise awareness about the devastating impact of drugs on individuals, families, and communities, while promoting international cooperation for a drug-free world.

🔍 Why It Matters

  • Global Impact: Over 292 million people used drugs in 2022—a 20% increase over the past decade.
  • Health Crisis: Drug use disorders affect 64 million people, with opioids being the leading cause of overdose deaths.
  • Organized Crime: Illicit drug trade fuels violence, corruption, and instability, especially in vulnerable regions.

🧩 2025 Theme: “Break the Cycle. #StopOrganizedCrime”

This year’s theme emphasizes the need to disrupt the link between drug trafficking and organized crime. It calls for:

  • Investment in prevention through education, healthcare, and justice systems
  • Community empowerment to build resilience
  • Global cooperation to dismantle criminal networks

🇮🇳 India’s Response

India observes this day through initiatives like:

  • Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan – a people-centric campaign for a drug-free India
  • Awareness rallies, seminars, and pledges across schools, colleges, and workplaces
  • Law enforcement drives led by the Narcotics Control Bureau and local police

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.”

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