CURRENT AFFAIRS 25 June 2025

CURRENT AFFAIRS

25 June, 2025

1.      RARE DONOR REGISTRY INTEGRATED WITH E-RAKT KOSH –

•        The Union Health Ministry is integrating the Rare Donor Registry of India (RDRI) with e-Rakt Kosh to enable real-time access to rare blood types (such as Bombay, Rh-null, P-Null) and improve nationwide coordination among blood banks.

What is Rare Donor Registry of India (RDRI)?

•        About: The Rare Donor Registry of India (RDRI) is a national database of rare blood group donors.

•        It was developed by the Indian Council of Medical Research–National Institute of Immunohaematology (ICMR-NIIH) in collaboration with leading medical institutes.

•        Purpose and Need: RDRI supports patients who require specially matched transfusions, particularly those suffering from thalassemia, sickle cell disease, and other rare conditions.

•        Scope & Coverage: The registry includes over 4,000 screened donors, tested for more than 300 rare blood markers.

•        It focuses on blood groups that either lack high-frequency antigens or have uncommon antigen combinations.

•        Significance for People with Rare Blood Types: Rare blood groups are difficult to match. Transfusing incompatible blood may cause alloimmunisation, where the patient develops antibodies against transfused blood, complicating future treatments.

2.      ALCOHOL REGULATION IN INDIA –

•        India is witnessing a steady rise in alcohol consumption, which, despite its well-documented links to health risks, violence, crime, suicides, and financial distress, remains unregulated by a unified national strategy, prompting urgent calls for a comprehensive National Alcohol Control Policy and Programme.

What are the Key Driving Factors for Alcohol Consumption in India ?

•        Alcohol Prevalence in India: As per the NFHS-5, 14.6% of people aged 10–75 (16 crore) consume alcohol in India with 23% of men and 1% of women.

•        India ranks among the highest globally in heavy episodic drinking, with 2.6 million DALYs (Disability-Adjusted Life Years) and a societal cost of Rs 6.24 trillion (2021).

•        High-use States: Chhattisgarh, Tripura, Punjab, Arunachal Pradesh, Goa; High disorder prevalence (>10%): Tripura, Andhra Pradesh, Punjab, Chhattisgarh, Arunachal Pradesh.

3.      GLOBAL PEACE INDEX 2025: A DEEP DIVE INTO GLOBAL STABILITY AND RISING TENSIONS –

•        The Global Peace Index (GPI) 2025, now in its 19th edition, remains the world’s leading measure of national and regional peacefulness. Developed by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP), the index offers invaluable insight into the peacefulness of 163 countries, covering 99.7% of the global population.

•        In a world experiencing an uptick in geopolitical instability, the GPI serves as a crucial indicator of current global trends in conflict, safety, and militarisation.

What is the Global Peace Index?

•        The Global Peace Index is an annual quantitative analysis that evaluates peace based on 23 indicators across three main domains:

•        Societal Safety and Security

•        Ongoing Domestic and International Conflict

•        Degree of Militarisation

•        Published by the Institute for Economics & Peace (IEP)—a non-partisan, independent think tank based in Sydney—the GPI has become a widely respected benchmark for governments, researchers, and institutions working towards sustainable peace and security reforms.

4.      DRDO OFFERS 28 INDIGENOUS WEAPONS FOR EMERGENCY PROCUREMENT BY ARMED FORCES –

•        DRDO has released a list of 28 indigenous weapon systems for emergency procurement. Comes after successes in Operation Sindoor, where Indian-made systems performed exceptionally. It supports the ongoing military readiness following Pakistan’s retaliation and terror activities in Pahalgam. Aligned with the Government of India’s self-reliance and indigenisation goals in defence.

Objective and Significance

•        To strengthen operational preparedness across all three defence services.

•        To streamline procurement under emergency conditions, ensuring rapid deployment and replenishment.

•        Reduces dependence on foreign arms while empowering Indian defence manufacturers (both private and PSUs).

List of Offerings

•        Total: 28 weapon systems

•        Army: 14 systems

•        Navy: 8 systems

•        Air Force: 6 systems

Includes

•        Rockets, missiles, grenades

•        Anti-drone systems, air defence systems, and more

5.      INDIA MAKES HISTORIC ENTRY INTO TOP 100 IN GLOBAL SDG RANKINGS –

•        India has entered the top 100 SDG rankings for the first time, achieving a score of 67 out of 100. The 2025 SDG Index comes at a critical juncture ahead of the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4) in Seville. It reflects India’s progress in basic infrastructure, health, education, and digital access, despite global SDG slowdowns.

Background on the SDG Index

•        Introduced in 2015, the SDGs consist of 17 goals aimed at ending poverty, protecting the environment, and ensuring prosperity by 2030.

•        The SDG Index ranks countries based on their progress toward these goals.

India’s 2025 Rank

•        India Rank: 99th (up significantly from previous years)

•        Score: 67.0

This marks a significant leap in India’s global sustainability reputation.

•        Neighbouring Country Rankings

•        China 49th

•        Bhutan 74th

•        Nepal 85th

•        Sri Lanka 93rd

•        Bangladesh 114th

MCQ QUIZ

Q1.  Which state government has launched Majhi Vasundhara Campaign 6.0 to strengthen environmental conservation efforts ?

          a) Telangana

          b) Maharashtra

          c) Karnataka

          d) Jharkhand

Q2.  Tomahawk is a subsonic cruise missile developed by which country ?

          a) United States

          b) Russia

          c) Ukraine

          d) India

Q3.  Where is the Indian Navy set to commission its latest stealth multi-role frigate “Tamal” ?

          a) India

          b) Russia

          c) Vietnam

          d) Malaysia

Q4.  Which of the following statements is/are correct with respect to Green Hydrogen ?

          1. Fossil fuels are used in the process of producing green hydrogen.

          2. It is produced by electrolysis, in which the electrical energy used comes entirely from renewable sources.

          3. It can also be a medium of energy storage and can be converted back into energy as required.

           Choose the correct option:

          a) 2 and 3 only

          b) 1 and 2 only

          c) Only 3

          d) 1, 2, and 3

Explanation-

•        Statement 1 is incorrect: Fossil fuels are not used in the production of green hydrogen. If fossil fuels are used then it is called “grey” or “blue” hydrogen.

•        Statement 2 is correct: Green hydrogen is produced by electrolysis of water, in which the electricity used is completely obtained from renewable sources like solar, wind etc.

•        Statement 3 is correct: Green hydrogen can be used as an energy storage medium. It can be stored and converted into electricity or other energy as per requirement.

Q5.  With reference to India’s performance in the World Investment Report 2025, how many of the following statements are correct ?

          1. India’s FDI inflows increased in 2024 compared to 2023.

          2. India rose in global FDI rankings despite a dip in actual inflows.

          3. India ranked among the top five in international project finance deals.

          4. India was the highest recipient of greenfield project announcements.

          a) Only 1

          b) Only 2

          c) Only 3

          d) All four

Explanation-

•        Statement 1 is incorrect — India’s FDI inflows declined slightly from $28.1 billion in 2023 to $27.6 billion in 2024.

•        Statements 2 and 3 are correct — India moved up to 15th in global rankings and was among the top five in project finance deals.

•        Statement 4 is incorrect — the United States had the highest number of greenfield announcements, not India.

Answer Key