Stay ahead in your SSC and RRB exam prep with our weekly current affairs roundup from June 15 to 20, 2025. Covering national, international, government schemes, and static GK, this update is essential for exams like SSC CGL, CHSL, RRB NTPC, and more.
Cyprus confers highest civilian honour “Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III’ upon Prime Minister Modi
▪ Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with the Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III of Cyprus, the country’s highest civilian honour.
▪ Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides conferred the award on the Prime Minister.
▪ The Order of Makarios III is the senior order of knighthood awarded by the country named after the first President of Cyprus, Archbishop Makarios III.
16th census to be held in two phases beginning from 1st October 2026
▪ The government has formally announced that the 16th Census of India will take place in two phases , with the
reference dates set as March 1, 2027, for most of the country and October 1, 2026
▪ This census marks a significant milestone: it will include the first nationwide caste enumeration since 1931.
Operation True Promise 3
▪ Context: Iran launched Operation True Promise 3, escalating military strikes on Israel for the third consecutive day.
▪ Launched by:
▪ Operation True Promise 3 is Iran’s latest retaliatory military campaign targeting Israeli cities and infrastructure in
response to Israeli airstrikes on its nuclear and command facilities.
Launched by: Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)
under the directive of Iran’s supreme military leadership.
head of the U.K.’s foreign intelligence agency
▪ Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that Blaise Metreweli will be the next head of the U.K.’s foreign
intelligence agency, and the first woman to hold the post since its founding in 1909.
▪ She is currently the MI6 director of technology and innovation
U Mumba clinches their maiden Ultimate Table Tennis title
▪ Mumbai-based franchise, U Mumba, clinched their maiden Ultimate Table Tennis title with a dominant 8-4 win over the Jaipur Patriots in the Season 6 grand finale
▪ Akash Pal and Bernadette Szocs were named the Indian and Foreign Player of the Final.
▪ Jeet Chandra was awarded the Shot of the Final.
South Africa Win First ICC Title in 27 Years, Clinch WTC 2025
▪ South Africa have clinched their first ICC title in 27 years, beating Australia to win the World Test Championship (WTC) final 2025 at Lord’s Cricket Ground, London.
▪ The Proteas’ last piece of ICC silverware was the 1998 Knock Out Trophy, later renamed as the ICC Champions
Trophy.
Vietnam officially Joins BRICS As ‘Partner Country’
▪ Brazil’s Foreign Ministry has announced that Vietnam has officially joined BRICS as a partner country.
▪ Vietnam has now become the 10th BRICS partner.
▪ The partner country category was created at the 2024 BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia.
▪ The current list of partners includes Vietnam, Belarus, Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Cuba, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand,
Uganda, and Uzbekistan.
Punjab Launches ‘Udyog Kranti’ to Propel Industrial Growth
▪ The Punjab government launched the Punjab Udyog Kranti
initiative, claiming to be the first in the country to introduce such a
comprehensive industrial revolution.
▪ The initiative is aimed at simplifying, reducing, and expediting the
statutory processes required to set up industry in the state
Mukhya Mantrir Jiban Anuprerana Scheme
▪ The Mukhya Mantrir Jiban Anuprerana Scheme was launched by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma in 2025.
▪ This initiative aims to provide financial support to research
scholars in Assam, particularly focusing on those with disabilities.
▪ The scheme is notable for being the first of its kind in the state, designed to boost research and development.
▪ The scheme offers a one-time financial grant of Rs 25,000 for full time research scholars.
▪ Divyang researchers are eligible for a higher amount of Rs 40,000. This financial support is crucial for scholars to pursue their research without financial burdens.
▪ The scheme is open to permanent residents of Assam enrolled in public institutions, including state and central universities.
▪ Alongside the launch of the Mukhya Mantrir Jiban Anuprerana Scheme, the Chief Minister introduced the Swagata Satirtha
Portal.
▪ This platform simplifies the mutual transfer process for government employees. It aims to make the transfer system more transparent and efficient
▪ Y-Break is a 5-minute guided Yoga module developed by the Ministry of Ayush to promote well-being and
productivity in workplace settings.
▪ Aims to help working professionals de-stress, refresh, and refocus during office hours
India Reappoints Ambassador to North Korea After Four Years
▪ India has appointed Aliawati Longkumer as its next ambassador to North Korea, marking a step in reestablishing diplomatic engagement with Pyongyang after a four-year hiatus
▪ Longkumer, a 2008-batch Indian Foreign Service officer, is currently serving as the Charge d’affaires at
the Indian Embassy in Asuncion, Paraguay
Radio Nellikka
▪ The Kerala State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (KeSCPCR) will launch Radio Nellikka, an exclusive internet radio station for children. Objective:
▪ Radio Nellikka is a child-centric internet radio platform initiated by KeSCPCR to spread awareness, education, and rights-based content tailored for children and their guardians.
▪ The objective of Radio Nellikka is to promote child rights, safety, and empowerment through accessible, engaging audio content.
▪ It aims to create a child-friendly Kerala by spreading awareness on laws, mental health, and responsible parenting
Vijay Kumar wins James Beard Award for Best Chef in New York
▪ James Beard Awards, one of the US culinary community’s highest accolades, often called the Oscars of the food world.
▪ for the first time ever, an Indian restaurant has taken the top spot
Sahitya Akademi announces Bal Sahitya, Yuva Puraskar for 2025
▪ Sahitya Akademi announced the names of 23 writers, including
▪ English writer Advait Kottary and Hindi author Parvati Tirkey, who will receive the prestigious Yuva Puraskar across as many languages.
▪ Kottary has been named winner for his novel “Siddhartha: The Boy Who Became the Buddha”
▪ Tirkey has been named for her book of poetry, “Phir Ugna”.
▪ The National Academy of Letters also announced the names of 24 authors for its Bal Sahitya Puraskar.
▪ Nitin Kushalappa MP has been named the winner of the Bal Sahitya Puraskar for his book of stories in English – “Dakshin South Indian Myths and Fables Retold”,
▪ Sushil Shukla has won the award for “Ek Batey Bara” in Hindi.
▪ The winners will receive a casket containing an engraved copper plaque and an award of Rs 50,000 at a special function on a later date
Anuradha Thakur Appointed to SEBI Board, Set to Join RBI Central Board Soon
▪ Economic Affairs Secretary designate Anuradha Thakur will be new member in the Board of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), the government has notified.
▪ Her appointment to the board will be effective from July 1.
▪ She will replace, outgoing Finance and Economic Affairs Secretary Ajay Seth who is retiring on June 30.
Bihar State Election Commission decides to roll out an e-voting system using an Android-based mobile.
▪ In a paradigm shift to the voting process, the Bihar State Election Commission has decided to roll out an evoting system using an Android-based mobile.
▪ Bihar will be the country’s first state to adopt this revolutionary change in the voting process.
▪ The entire e-voting process will be executed through two mobile apps, namely “e-Voting SECBHR”, one developed by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) and another by the Bihar State Election Commission.
▪ Migrant labourers, migrant voters, divyang voters, pregnant female voters, elderly and senior citizens, and seriously ill electorates will be able to cast their votes using the e-voting process.
▪ It will help to increase voter turnout and make elections more inclusive.
PM-WANI Scheme
▪ The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) recently prescribed a cap on tariffs charged to Public Data Offices (PDOs) under the PM-WANI scheme, in order to keep public Wi-Fi affordable.
▪ The Prime Minister Wi-Fi Access Network Interface (PM WANI) scheme was launched by the Department of Telecommunication in December 2020
▪ The scheme aims to enhance the proliferation of public WiFi hotspots to create robust digital communications infrastructure in the country, especially in rural areas.
▪ Through better access to public hotspots, the government aims to increase employment for small and micro-entrepreneurs and provide low-cost internet to the underserved urban poor and rural households.
▪ The scheme encourages local shops and establishments to provide Wi-Fi for last-mile internet delivery, which does not require a licence or charge a registration fee.
International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA)
▪ The first Assembly of the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) was held in New Delhi, chaired by Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, who was also elected as the President of IBCA.
▪ The International Big Cat Alliance is a multinational initiative launched by India in 2024, aimed at protecting the world’s seven major big cat species through collective action, knowledge exchange, and capacity building.
▪ It is coordinated by the Authority
▪ Established In: National Tiger Conservation (NTCA) under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. March 2024, following PM Narendra Modi’s announcement during the 50th anniversary of Project Tiger (April 2023)
Chennai to host Hockey India Masters Cup from June 18 to 27
▪ The Hockey Unit of Tamil Nadu (HUTN), officially announced that it will host the inaugural edition of the Hockey India Masters Cup for men (40+ age group) and women (35+ age group) from June 18 to 27 at the Mayor Radhakrishnan hockey stadium
▪ The event will feature twelve men’s and eight women’s teams
Prime Minister meets Prime Minister of the Republic of Croatia
▪ Prime Minister of India reached Croatia, becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to visit the country, as part of his 3 nation tour after attending the G7 Summit in Canada.
FM Sitharaman Lays Foundation for Mini Planetarium and Astro Globe at Hanle Dark Sky Reserve
▪ FM Nirmala Sitharaman lays foundation stone for Mini Planetarium and Astro Globe at Hanle Dark Sky Reserve – Hanle, Ladakh
▪ The initiative, sanctioned under the Special Development Package (SDP), comes at an estimated cost of ₹276.65 lakh and
▪ Aims to promote scientific education, astrotourism, stargazing, night sky programs, and generate local employment.
Desi Oon wins Jury Award for Best Commissioned Film at International Animation Festival
▪ The Create in India Challenge, launched by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting as part of WAVES 2025, has emerged as a transformative platform to identify and elevate India’s creative talent onto the global stage.
▪ Desi Oon, a film by celebrated animation filmmaker Shri Suresh Eriyat, has brought international acclaim to Indian animation by winning the Jury Award for Best Commissioned Film at the Annecy International Animation Festival 2025, France
▪ Desi Oon, was recently crowned Best Film at the WAVES Awards of Excellence 2025, India’s leading animation and design recognition platform under the Create in India Challenge.
▪ In addition to the Annecy honour, the film has also been shortlisted at Cannes Lions 2025 in the Film Craft Lions category, making it a landmark achievement for India’s animation industry
India launches Operation Sindhu to evacuate Indian nationals from Iran
Launched By:
▪ India announced launching ‘Operation Sindhu’ to evacuate Indian nationals from Iran as fears of an all-out Israeli-American military strikes on Iran increased.
▪ Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India
▪ Supported by Indian Embassies in Iran and Armenia
IIT Delhi highest-ranked Indian institution in QS World University Rankings 2026
▪ For the first time in eight years, IIT Delhi emerged as the highest-ranked Indian institution in the QS World University Rankings 2026, trumping IIT Bombay, which had reigned supreme among the country’s institutions in six editions
▪ Globally, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) topped the list for the 14th year, followed by Imperial College London, Stanford University, University of Oxford and Harvard University.
Performance Grading Index (PGI) 2.0 report
▪ The Ministry of Education released the Performance Grading Index (PGI) 2.0 report for 2022-23 and 2023- 24, ranking States/UTs on school education.
▪ Chandigarh topped the index while Meghalaya was at the bottom
India Ranks 71st in WEF Energy Transition Index 2025 Despite Efficiency Gains
▪ India has been ranked 71st on a global Energy Transition Index released by the World Economic Forum
▪ Sweden topped the list of 118 countries, followed by Finland, Denmark, Norway and Switzerland in the top five
21st June International Day of Yoga
▪ 2025 Theme: Yoga for One Earth, One Health
Padmashree awardee ‘Aranya Rishi’ Maruti Chitampalli passes away at 93
▪ Noted environmentalist, wildlife expert, and Padmashree awardee Maruti Chitampalli, fondly known as ‘Aranya Rishi’, passed away at the age of 93 in Solapur, Maharashtra
▪ He dedicated his life to forests, wildlife, and conservation literature.
▪ Chitampalli received the Padma Shri from the President on April 30 this year