UPSC Current Affairs: Comprehensive Analysis & Updates for June 2025

June 2025 has seen significant developments across India’s political, economic, international, environmental, scientific, and social landscapes, all crucial for UPSC aspirants. Key highlights include ongoing judicial reform debates and electoral system enhancements by the ECI, coupled with policy relaxation in SEZ rules to boost semiconductor manufacturing.

In foreign affairs, India’s consistent participation in the G7 Summit, the SIPRI Yearbook 2025’s insights into global nuclear trends, and joint military exercises like “Shakti – 2025” with France underscore its growing global engagement and security focus.

Economically, India continues to be the world’s fastest-growing major economy, driven by robust IPO markets, the revised Green India Mission, and advancements in AI and biomanufacturing, while facing challenges in pension reforms and environmental degradation, as highlighted by the “State of India’s Environment in Figures 2025” report.

Technological strides are evident in quantum communication, hypersonic missile development, and the push for “Ease of Doing Research,” alongside critical discussions on AI’s role in criminal justice. Socially, issues like rising juvenile violent crime, mental health challenges, and women’s political reservation remain pertinent. Culturally, the reopening of Shipki La Pass for tourism and new archaeological discoveries further enrich India’s diverse heritage.

UPSC Current Affairs: A Comprehensive Overview (June 2025)

Current affairs form the backbone of the UPSC Civil Services Examination, demanding continuous and analytical engagement from aspirants. As of mid-June 2025, several key developments across national and international domains hold significant relevance for both Prelims and Mains.

I. Polity and Governance

Judicial Reforms and Accountability: Recent discussions surrounding judicial transparency and accountability, potentially influenced by Supreme Court observations on issues like bail denial and student suicides, continue to be a focal point. Debates on the role of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and its implications for federalism and democratic institutions remain pertinent. (GS Paper II)

Electoral System Enhancements: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has unveiled a significant technological upgrade to its Index Card system, aiming for greater efficiency and transparency in electoral processes. (GS Paper II)

Special Economic Zones (SEZ) Rules Relaxation: The Ministry of Commerce and Industry’s amendments to the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) Rules, aimed at supporting India’s semiconductor ambitions, signify a policy push for economic growth and manufacturing. (GS Paper III)

Government Schemes and Initiatives: Ongoing implementation and impact analysis of various government schemes are crucial. Recent data highlights the reach of initiatives like PMGKY (free foodgrains), MUDRA loans (especially to SC/ST/OBC), Jal Jeevan Mission, and PM Awas Yojana. The “SMILE” scheme for comprehensive rehabilitation of transgender persons and individuals engaged in begging also holds importance. (GS Paper II, GS Paper III)

Pension Reforms: The Economic Survey 2025-26 has brought attention to India’s fragmented and inadequate pension system, with experts calling for an inclusive national pension system to address rising old-age dependency. Comparisons with global models like Australia’s pension literacy in schools or UK’s auto-enrolment system are relevant. (GS Paper II, GS Paper III)

II. International Relations and Security

G7 Summit and India’s Role: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s sixth consecutive participation in the G-7 Outreach Summit, focusing on “protecting our communities around the world,” “building energy security and accelerating the digital transition,” and “securing the partnerships of the future,” underscores India’s growing engagement in global governance. (GS Paper II)

Global Nuclear Landscape: The SIPRI Yearbook 2025’s revelations about India’s nuclear warhead count, modernization efforts, and the global trend of an emerging nuclear arms race amidst weakened arms control regimes are critical. Discussions around the expiration of the New START treaty in 2026 and potential regional flashpoints like India-Pakistan tensions are vital. (GS Paper II, GS Paper III)

Strait of Hormuz Significance: The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical global energy lifeline and a strategic chokepoint. Ongoing geopolitical developments and India’s Operation Sankalp to escort Indian vessels through the Strait highlight its continued relevance for India’s energy security. (GS Paper II)

India-France Joint Military Exercise Shakti – 2025: The 8th edition of Exercise Shakti, involving a 90-member Indian Army contingent in France, emphasizes joint training in semi-urban terrain and mimicking modern asymmetric conflict scenarios, strengthening bilateral defense ties. (GS Paper II, GS Paper III)

FATF (Financial Action Task Force): The role of FATF in issuing global standards for anti-money laundering and counter-terror financing, its grey and blacklists, and India’s standing in these assessments remain important for understanding international financial security. (GS Paper II)

III. Economy and Development

Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) Market: Despite market volatility, 2025 has seen a robust year for IPOs in India, with 70% of IPOs listing at a premium. Key sectors include IT, Telecom, and Financial Services. (GS Paper III)

Green India Mission (GIM) Revision: Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav released the revised Green India Mission (GIM) document for the 2021-2030 period, highlighting the government’s continued focus on environmental conservation and climate resilience. (GS Paper III)

AI and Biomanufacturing: India’s BioE3 Policy and IndiaAI Mission signal a significant push to integrate artificial intelligence tools with the nation’s biomanufacturing capabilities. India’s existing strength in vaccine production and the specialty chemicals sector positions it well for this. (GS Paper III)

Nuclear Liability Law Amendments: India is considering amendments to its nuclear liability law to ease supplier liability, aiming to attract foreign investment in its growing nuclear energy sector. The Budget 2025-26 also proposed ₹20,000 crore for developing small modular reactors (SMRs). (GS Paper III)

Ease of Doing Research: Policy reforms to boost the ease of doing research, including doubling direct purchase limits and increasing departmental committee purchase limits, aim to foster a more conducive environment for scientific advancements. (GS Paper III)

PM-WANI Scheme: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) prescribed a cap on tariffs for Public Data Offices (PDOs) under the PM-WANI scheme, aiming to keep public Wi-Fi affordable and increase employment for small and micro-entrepreneurs. (GS Paper III)

IV. Environment and Geography

Bonn Climate Change Conference 2025: The annual Bonn Climate Change Conference is crucial as it focuses on operationalizing the Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA) from the Paris Agreement, aiming to set measurable and equitable adaptation targets for vulnerable countries. (GS Paper III)

World Day to Combat Desertification & Drought: India’s reaffirmation of its commitment to sustainable land management and climate resilience on World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought (June 17) highlights the ongoing efforts against environmental degradation. The 2025 theme is ‘Restore the Land. Unlock the Opportunities’. (GS Paper III)

Kerala High Court on Single-Use Plastics: The ban on single-use plastics in hilly tourist destinations and regulation of plastic bottles at large gatherings by the Kerala High Court emphasizes regional efforts towards environmental protection, especially in ecologically fragile areas. (GS Paper III)

AC Temperature Control Guidelines: The Indian government’s plan to cap AC temperature settings between 20 and 28 degrees Celsius aims to reduce peak power demand and promote energy efficiency. (GS Paper III)

Kali Tiger Reserve: Concerns raised by conservation activists over tourism promotion through wildlife safari in Kali Tiger Reserve highlight the ongoing human-wildlife conflict and the need for sustainable tourism practices. (GS Paper III)

Discovery of New Earthworm Species: The discovery of two new earthworm species, Kanchuria tripuraensis and Kanchuria priyasankari, in Tripura underscores the rich biodiversity of the Eastern Himalaya–Northeastern Hills. (GS Paper III)

Nothopegia Leaves: The local extinction of Nothopegia leaves in Northeast India due to tectonic shifts and Himalayan uplift offers insights into climate change impacts and species migration. (GS Paper I, GS Paper III)

V. Science and Technology

AI in Criminal Justice: The application of AI in criminal justice in India is a significant topic, raising questions about governance, ethics, and potential societal impacts. (GS Paper II, GS Paper III, GS Paper IV)

Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR): NASA-ISRO SAR mission’s arrival at ISRO’s spaceport highlights advancements in Earth observation, disaster monitoring, environmental studies, and military surveillance. Understanding its working and advantages is key. (GS Paper III)

Hypersonic Missiles: India’s preparation to test its advanced indigenously developed Extended Trajectory-Long Duration Hypersonic Cruise Missile (ET-LDHCM) signifies a major leap in its defense capabilities, placing it among a select group of nations. (GS Paper III)

Quantum Communication: Developments in quantum communication, including India’s quantum leap in the field, are crucial for future secure communication and technological advancements. (GS Paper III)

DNA Identification Process: The use of DNA analysis in identifying victims of the recent Air India plane crash underscores its importance in forensic science and disaster management. (GS Paper III)

Cyber Suraksha: The comprehensive cybersecurity exercise ‘Cyber Suraksha’ organized under the Integrated Defence Staff headquarters, emphasizes India’s focus on bolstering its cyber defenses. (GS Paper III)

Rinderpest Virus Containment: ICAR-NIHSAD Bhopal achieving WOAH–FAO Category A RHF status for Rinderpest Virus-Containing Material (RVCM) containment signifies India’s commitment to global disease surveillance and prevention. (GS Paper III)

ACT1 gene in Rice Plants: The discovery of the ACT1 gene helping rice plants survive in cold conditions when epigenetically switched on has implications for crop improvement strategies and climate resilience. (GS Paper III)

VI. Social Issues and Culture

Global Education Monitoring Report 2025: The findings and recommendations of the Global Education Monitoring Report 2025 are vital for understanding global education trends and India’s position within them. (GS Paper II)

Reframing Religious Freedom: USCIRF Annual Report: The USCIRF Annual Report on religious freedom provides an external perspective that can be analyzed in the context of India’s constitutional provisions and societal realities. (GS Paper I, GS Paper II)

Preventive Detention & Public Order: Ongoing discussions on preventive detention and its implications for public order and individual liberties remain a sensitive and important topic. (GS Paper II)

Role of Education in Imparting Values: The ongoing debate and analysis of the role of education in imparting values is relevant for GS Paper IV (Ethics) and broader social studies. (GS Paper IV)

Mental Health Crisis: The issue of mental health crisis among various sections of society, including sex workers, highlights the need for robust public health interventions and social support systems. (GS Paper I, GS Paper II)

Child Rights and Protection: Bridging the gap between child rights and protection in India, and the role of statutory institutions like KeSCPCR, remain crucial for social justice. (GS Paper II)

Sana Yousaf TikTok Murder Case: This case can be used as an illustration of challenges faced by women in digital spaces, gender stereotyping, and how platforms like TikTok can provide financial and social agency. (GS Paper I, GS Paper II)

VII. History and Art & Culture

Shipki La Pass Reopening: The reopening of Shipki La Pass for domestic tourism not only has economic implications but also connects to religious tourism (Kailash Mansarovar) and cultural diplomacy, reflecting shared heritage with Tibet. (GS Paper I)

Archaeological Discoveries: The unearthing of an 800-year-old Shiva temple of the later Pandya period in Tamil Nadu highlights the rich historical and architectural heritage of India. (GS Paper I)

Historical Figures in News: Continuing relevance of figures like Gopal Krishna Gokhale (Servants of India Society) and Rani Durgavati due to anniversaries or related news provides opportunities to revisit their contributions. (GS Paper I)

UPSC aspirants are advised to consistently follow multiple credible news sources (The Hindu, Indian Express, Live Mint, PIB, Yojana, Kurukshetra, etc.), make comprehensive notes, and practice answer writing to effectively cover the dynamic nature of this section. The interdisciplinary approach is key to linking these current events with the static syllabus.