CURRENT AFFAIRS
26 June, 2025
1. 50 YEARS OF THE 1975 EMERGENCY –
• On the 50th anniversary of the 1975 Emergency, the Indian Prime Minister paid tribute to Indians who defended democracy during a dark period in India’s history.
• June 25th is observed as Samvidhan Hatya Diwas.
About 1975 Emergency
• Date of Declaration: June 25, 1975
• Duration: The Emergency lasted for 21 months, from June 25, 1975, to March 21, 1977.
• Declared by: President Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed under Article 352, on the advice of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
• Reason for Declaration: Cited as a response to “internal disturbances” threatening national security.
Key Reasons for the Emergency of 1975:
• Electoral and Legal Challenges: Indira Gandhi’s 1971 election was challenged by Raj Narain.
• The Allahabad High Court in State of Uttar Pradesh v. Raj Narain (1975) found her guilty of electoral malpractices, disqualifying her from Parliament and barring her from re-election for six years.
• Political Instability and Opposition Movements: Jayaprakash Narayan (JP) led a “Total Revolution” movement.
• Widespread student protests in Gujarat and Bihar against inflation, unemployment, and corruption created political chaos.
• External Geopolitical Factors: The Bangladesh War (1971) led to economic strain.
• The US aid cessation and rising global oil prices worsened India’s financial challenges.
• Economic Crisis: High inflation (23% in 1973, 30% in 1974) caused hardship.
2. NUCLEAR NON-PROLIFERATION TREATY (NPT) –
• Iran’s Parliament is drafting a bill to withdraw from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty due to escalating tensions with Israel and IAEA scrutiny over its nuclear program.
About Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT)
• The NPT is an international treaty aimed at preventing the spread of nuclear weapons, promoting peaceful nuclear energy, and encouraging disarmament.
• It was signed in 1968 and entered into force in 1970.
• As of 2025, 191 countries are signatories.
• Four states—India, Israel, Pakistan, and South Sudan—have never signed the treaty.
• The U.N. nuclear watchdog, IAEA, polices the global nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.
Objectives of the NPT
• Non-Proliferation: Prevent the spread of nuclear weapons.
• Disarmament: Work toward nuclear disarmament.
• Peaceful Use: Promote nuclear technology for peaceful purposes under safeguards.
Structure of the NPT
• Nuclear Weapon States (NWS): The treaty defines nuclear-weapon states as those that have built and tested a nuclear explosive device before 1 January 1967;
• These are the United States (1945), Russia (1949), the United Kingdom (1952), France (1960), and China (1964) but must work toward disarmament.
• Non-Nuclear Weapon States (NNWS): Countries that agree not to develop or acquire nuclear weapons.
• They can use nuclear technology for peaceful purposes under IAEA safeguards.
• NNWS must conclude a Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement (CSA) with the IAEA, which ensures that their nuclear programs are used exclusively for peaceful purposes.
3. SHAKTIPEETH EXPRESSWAY –
• The Shaktipeeth Expressway is infrastructure project in Maharashtra. Approved by the Maharashtra Cabinet on June 24, 2025, it aims to connect 12 districts from Pawnar in Wardha to Patradevi on the Maharashtra-Goa border.
• The project has a budget of ₹20,787 crore, with ₹12,000 crore earmarked for land acquisition. However, it faces strong opposition from farmers in the proposed corridor.
Project Overview
• The Shaktipeeth Expressway spans 802 kilometres. It is designed to reduce travel time between Nagpur and Goa from 18 hours to 8 hours. The expressway will connect key pilgrimage sites known as Shakti Peethas, enhancing religious tourism. It will link 18 religious shrines across Maharashtra and Goa.
4. INDIA’S PROGRESS TOWARDS SDG 3 –
• India has made strides in health under the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3). This goal focuses on ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all ages. Recent reports indicate that India is on track to achieve several health targets. Key indicators show improvements in maternal and child health, immunisation rates, and disease control.
Human Development Index Growth
• India’s Human Development Index (HDI) has risen by over 53 per cent since 1990. This increase surpasses both global and South Asian averages. Economic growth and welfare initiatives like the National Rural Health Mission and Ayushman Bharat have driven this progress. As of 2023, life expectancy in India reached 72 years, the highest recorded since the HDI’s inception.
NITI Aayog’s SDG 3 Score
• According to the NITI Aayog SDG Index, India’s score rose from 52 in 2018 to 77 in 2023. Several states have emerged as “front-runners” in health outcomes. Maternal mortality has decreased to 97 per 100,000 live births. States like Kerala and Tamil Nadu have already met the 2030 target of 70.
5. INDIA’S FDI INFLOWS SURGE TO $8.8 BILLION IN APRIL 2025: RBI BULLETIN –
• The news is significant as it highlights A notable increase in FDI inflows into India in April 2025. Strong performances in greenfield investments, NRI deposits, and foreign portfolio investments (FPI).
• India’s emergence as a major investment destination, especially in the digital economy and capital goods sectors. Strengthening of the Indian rupee and external balance, contributing to macroeconomic stability.
Key Highlights from RBI Bulletin
• FDI Inflows
• April 2025: $8.8 billion
• March 2025: $5.9 billion
• April 2024: $7.2 billion
Sectors Receiving FDI
• Manufacturing and Business Services: ~50% of total inflows
• Telecommunication, Capital Goods, and Services also prominent
MCQ QUIZ
Q1. The Price Support Scheme (PSS) is part of which umbrella scheme ?
a) Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN)
b) Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY)
c) Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)
d) Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA)
Q2. What is the rank of India in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Index 2025 ?
a) 77th
b) 88th
c) 95th
d) 99th
Q3. The Ambubachi festival is celebrated in which state annually ?
a) Assam
b) West Bengal
c) Arunachal Pradesh
d) Sikkim
Q4. Consider the following statements with reference to the Sustainable Development Report 2025 (SDG Index):
1. India has ranked among the top 100 countries in the SDG Index for the first time.
2. India’s overall score in the report released by the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network (UN SDSN) is 74.4.
3. Globally, only 17% of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are likely to be achieved by 2030.
Which of the above statements are correct?
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 1 and 3 only
c) 2 and 3 only
d) All of the above
Explanation-
• Statement 1 is correct – India has ranked 99th in the SDG Index 2025, indicating its inclusion in the top 100 for the first time.
• Statement 2 is incorrect – India has a score of 67, while China has a score of 74.4.
• Statement 3 is correct – According to the report, only 17% of SDG targets are likely to be achieved globally by 2030.
Q5. Which of the following statements is correct regarding the Global Peace Index (GPI) 2025 ?
a) India’s ranking in GPI 2025 is 126th, which shows a decline compared to 2023.
b) Global peace level has declined by 1.36 percent in the year 2025.
c) According to the report, South Asia has recorded the highest peace improvement among all regions.
d) India’s ranking in GPI 2025 is 115th and peace level has improved by 0.58%.
Explanation-
• Option A: False — India’s ranking in GPI 2025 is 115th, while in 2023 India’s rank was 126th. This means that India’s position has improved, not declined.
• Option B: Incorrect — The report says that global peacefulness has declined by 0.36%, not 1.36%. Hence, it is factually incorrect.
• Option C: Incorrect — South Asia has seen the biggest decline in peace, especially in Bangladesh and Pakistan. It is the second least peaceful region in the world, according to the report. Hence, it is also incorrect.
• Option D: Correct — India has been ranked 115th in GPI 2025 and has improved by 0.58%. This improvement indicates progress in India’s internal security, political stability, and border management.
• So, the correct answer is D.
Answer Key
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
D | D | A | B | D |