Current Affairs Quiz 26th June 2025 Quiz

Exp. C R Patil Chairs 15th Meeting of Empowered Task Force (ETF) on Ganga Conservation

Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil chaired the 15th meeting of the Empowered Task Force on Ganga conservation, where he reviewed the progress made by NMCG and appreciated the accelerated pace of infrastructure implementation. During this period, 10 projects were either inaugurated or had foundation stones laid in Bihar.

Shri Patil also launched two new initiatives: Riverathon 1.0, a national hackathon in collaboration with Amity University focused on river rejuvenation solutions, and eight ecological status and trends booklets for key rivers in the Ganga basin, developed with the Wildlife Institute of India.

Exp. CCI approves combination involving acquisition in Aakash Educational Services Limited by Manipal Health Systems Private Limited

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved a proposed combination involving the acquisition of equity shares in Aakash Educational Services Limited by Manipal Health Systems Pvt Ltd and Manipal Education and Medical Group India Pvt Ltd.

Manipal Health Systems Pvt Ltd (Acquirer-1) is an Indian company involved in operating hospitals and delivering healthcare services across the country.

Manipal Education and Medical Group India Pvt Ltd (Acquirer-2) provides management consultancy services in India; both acquirers are Indian-owned and controlled entities.

Exp. EPFO Raises Auto-Settlement Limit for Advance Claims to ₹5 Lakhs

The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has increased the auto-settlement limit for advance claims from ₹1 lakh to ₹5 lakhs, enabling quicker disbursal of funds to members in need.

Originally introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic, the auto-settlement facility now covers claims for illness, education, marriage, and housing, and operates fully automatically without human intervention.

In the financial year 2024–25, EPFO processed a record 2.34 crore advance claims through auto-settlement—a 161% increase from the previous year—with 59% of all such claims settled via this mode.

With the new ₹5 lakh limit, more claims will now qualify for auto-settlement, ensuring that members receive financial assistance within three days of submission, especially during emergencies.

Exp. 25 June – Day of the Seafarer

Observed annually on 25th June, the Day of the Seafarer is an initiative by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) to recognise the invaluable contributions of seafarers to global trade, the economy, and daily life.

The theme for 2025 is “My Harassment‑Free Ship”, focusing on promoting respectful, safe, and inclusive environments at sea by addressing issues of bullying, harassment, and discrimination faced by seafarers.

Exp. Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla Becomes First Indian to Reach ISS Aboard Axiom-4 Mission After 41 Years

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla became the first Indian astronaut to visit NASA’s International Space Station (ISS) and the second Indian ever in space, following Rakesh Sharma’s 1984 mission. The Axiom-4 spacecraft, carrying four astronauts, docked with the ISS at 4:30 PM IST.

The Axiom-4 mission lifted off from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 12:01 PM IST, with a diverse crew including Peggy Whitson (USA), Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski (Poland), and Tibor Kapu (Hungary). Shukla is piloting the mission.

Born in Lucknow on 10 October 1985, Group Captain Shukla joined the Indian Air Force in 2006 and has over 2,000 hours of flying experience on various aircraft including MiGs, Sukhois, Dorniers, Jaguars, and Hawks.

During the two-week mission, the Ax-4 crew will carry out 60 scientific experiments, including seven from India, focusing on areas like microgravity and space biology. One major experiment will study the impact of spaceflight on six types of crop seeds.

Exp. Neeraj Chopra Wins Ostrava Golden Spike 2025 with 85.29m Throw

Neeraj Chopra won the Javelin Throw title at the Ostrava Golden Spike 2025 in the Czech Republic with a best throw of 85.29 metres, defeating South Africa’s Douw Smit (84.12m) and Grenada’s Anderson Peters (83.63m).

This win marks Neeraj’s second consecutive gold medal, following his historic 90.23-metre throw at the Paris Diamond League, where he crossed the 90m mark for the first time in his career.

Neeraj is now set to compete in the Neeraj Chopra Classic, India’s first global javelin competition, scheduled for July 5th at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium, Bengaluru.

Exp. Govt Demotes Union Bank ED Pankaj Dwivedi to GM Post Over Lack of Vigilance Clearance

The central government has demoted Pankaj Dwivedi, Executive Director (ED) of Union Bank of India, back to his earlier position as General Manager (GM) in Punjab & Sind Bank.

The Department of Financial Services, Ministry of Finance, cancelled his ED appointment made on March 27, 2024, citing regulatory violations.

The demotion followed a court observation that his appointment lacked proper vigilance clearance, thereby violating appointment norms.

Exp. S&P Raises India’s FY26 GDP Growth Forecast to 6.5% Citing Strong Domestic Demand and Policy Support

S&P Global Ratings has revised India’s FY26 GDP growth forecast upward to 6.5% (from 6.3%), attributing the boost to resilient domestic demand, expectations of a normal monsoon, income-tax relief, declining crude oil prices, and potential monetary easing.

In its Asia-Pacific Economic Outlook, S&P noted that India’s low reliance on goods exports will cushion it from global economic slowdowns, making it relatively insulated from external shocks.

Updated GDP List

• ICRA – 6.2% (FY26)
• World Bank – 6.3% (FY26)
• OECD – 6.3 % (FY26)
• UBS – 6.4% (FY26)
• CRISIL – 6.5% (FY26)
• Morgan Stanley – 6.2% (FY26)
• UN – 6.3% (CY25), 6.4% (CY26)
• Deloitte’s – 6.6% (FY26)

Exp. East Coast Railways launches ‘ECoR Yatra’ app for Rath Yatra

East Coast Railway (ECoR) has launched a dedicated mobile app called ‘ECoR Yatra’ to provide real-time, reliable, and user-friendly railway services for pilgrims traveling to Puri during the Rath Yatra festival.

The app serves as a one-stop digital platform offering comprehensive information such as special and regular train schedules, live train and platform updates, ticket counters, booking assistance, lodging, and tourist facilities.

Designed specifically for the Rath Yatra, ‘ECoR Yatra’ enhances convenience for passengers by enabling them to plan their journey effectively and stay updated throughout their pilgrimage.

Exp. Zou Jiayi Elected as President of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank

Zou Jiayi has been elected as the next President of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and will assume office on January 16, 2026, succeeding founding President Jin Liqun after his second five-year term ends.

A former Chinese Vice Minister of Finance, Zou brings over 30 years of experience in global financial policy, having represented China in top institutions like the World Bank, ADB, New Development Bank, AIIB, and IFAD.

Under President Jin’s leadership, AIIB has expanded to 110 members, invested $60 billion in 322 projects across 38 economies, with over 50% of recent investments focused on climate finance, and earned AAA ratings from major credit agencies.

About the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB)

• The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) is a multilateral development bank established in 2016, focused on financing sustainable infrastructure and promoting “infrastructure for tomorrow.”
• AIIB has 110 approved member countries, a total capitalization of USD 100 billion, and holds a AAA credit rating from major international agencies, reflecting its strong financial standing.
• The Bank works in collaboration with global partners to mobilize capital and invest in infrastructure and productive sectors that support sustainable economic growth and regional connectivity.

Exp. Bajaj Consumer Care Appoints Naveen Pandey as Managing Director

Bajaj Consumer Care has appointed Mr. Naveen Pandey as its new Managing Director for a five-year term starting July 1, 2025, succeeding Mr. Jaideep Nandi, whose term ends on June 30, 2025.

This decision was made during the company’s board meeting, marking a significant leadership transition for the organisation.

Exp. Amit Shah Chairs 25th Central Zonal Council Meeting in Varanasi

The 25th Central Zonal Council meeting was held in Uttar Pradesh and was chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah; the council discussed 19 key national and regional issues.

The Central Zonal Council comprises Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Uttarakhand, and is notable for being the only regional council with no disputes among member states.

The meeting was attended by the Chief Ministers of all four member states—Yogi Adityanath (UP), Pushkar Singh Dhami (Uttarakhand), Vishnu Deo Sai (Chhattisgarh), and Dr. Mohan Yadav (MP)—along with senior central and state government officials.

The first meeting of the Central Zonal Council was held in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, on 1 May 1957.

Exp. Centre approves ₹417-cr electronics manufacturing cluster under Yamuna Expressway

The Central Government has approved a ₹417-crore Electronics Manufacturing Cluster (EMC 2.0) at Sector 10, Yamuna Expressway, Gautam Budh Nagar, aimed at boosting local electronics production and innovation; the project will be developed by YEIDA on 206.4 acres.

Expected to attract ₹2,500 crore in investments and generate around 15,000 jobs, the EMC 2.0 project aligns with PM Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Viksit Bharat’ and focuses on Make in India, employment, and infrastructure development.

Exp. 26 June – International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking

The International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is observed every year on June 26, as designated by the United Nations General Assembly in 1987 to strengthen global action against drug abuse and illegal trafficking.

Theme 2025 – Break the Cycle. #StopOrganizedCrime”, highlighting the urgent need to disrupt the links between drug abuse and organized criminal networks.

The day promotes awareness, prevention, and rehabilitation strategies and calls for international cooperation to address the health, social, and economic impacts  

Exp. 26 June – International Day in Support of Victims of Torture

International Day in Support of Victims of Torture is observed annually on 26 June, marking the day in 1987 when the UN Convention Against Torture came into effect.

The day reaffirms that torture is a crime under international law and is absolutely prohibited under all circumstances, including war, threat of terrorism, or political instability.

It aims to honor and support victims and survivors of torture, raise awareness about their rights, and promote access to rehabilitation and justice.