UPSC Current Affairs 25 June 2026

GS 2: International Relations GS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements GS3: Effects of Liberalization on the Economy

‘Progress’ made in U.S. trade deals: govt., Pg1

USTR and Commerce Minister review India-U.S. trade deals, noting 'substantial progress' on market access and supply chains, yet no new deadlines.

GS 2: International Relations GS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements GS3: Effects of Liberalization on the Economy

‘Progress’ made in U.S. trade deals: govt., Pg1

USTR and Commerce Minister review India-U.S. trade deals, noting 'substantial progress' on market access and supply chains, yet no new deadlines.

GS 3: Environment & Ecology GS 3: Economy GS 2: GovernancePrelimsGS3: Major Crops, Cropping Patterns and Irrigation Systems GS3: Biotechnology GS3: Conservation, Pollution and Degradation

Kingmakers: meet the insects that make India’s favourite mangoes, Pg2

Pesticides imperil India's ₹2.6 lakh crore mango industry as vital insect pollinators face severe threats, new study reveals.

GS 3: Environment & Ecology GS 3: Economy GS 2: GovernancePrelimsGS3: Major Crops, Cropping Patterns and Irrigation Systems GS3: Biotechnology GS3: Conservation, Pollution and Degradation

Kingmakers: meet the insects that make India’s favourite mangoes, Pg2

Pesticides imperil India's ₹2.6 lakh crore mango industry as vital insect pollinators face severe threats, new study reveals.

GS 2: Governance GS 3: Disaster Management GS 1: Indian SocietyPrelimsGS1: Urbanization, Problems and Remedies GS2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors GS2: Education Sector GS3: Disaster and Disaster Management

Viksit and Surakshit, Pg8

Lucknow fire tragedy exposes India's regulatory failures, unplanned urban growth, and inadequate fire safety, questioning the 'Viksit Bharat' vision amidst rising aspirations.

GS 2: Governance GS 3: Disaster Management GS 1: Indian SocietyPrelimsGS1: Urbanization, Problems and Remedies GS2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors GS2: Education Sector GS3: Disaster and Disaster Management

Viksit and Surakshit, Pg8

Lucknow fire tragedy exposes India's regulatory failures, unplanned urban growth, and inadequate fire safety, questioning the 'Viksit Bharat' vision amidst rising aspirations.

GS 2: Polity GS 2: Governance GS 2: Social JusticePrelimsGS2: Union State Relations and Federal Structure GS2: Structure and Functioning of Executive and Judiciary GS2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors GS2: Health Sector

Clearing the road to timely trauma care in India, Pg8

Supreme Court mandates trauma care as Article 21 right, issues binding directions for integrated emergency response system across states.

GS 2: Polity GS 2: Governance GS 2: Social JusticePrelimsGS2: Union State Relations and Federal Structure GS2: Structure and Functioning of Executive and Judiciary GS2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors GS2: Health Sector

Clearing the road to timely trauma care in India, Pg8

Supreme Court mandates trauma care as Article 21 right, issues binding directions for integrated emergency response system across states.

GS 2: International Relations GS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS2: India and its Neighbourhood Relations GS2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements GS2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests

PACOM, the deeper meaning behind a dropped prefix, Pg8

U.S. drops 'Indo' from PACOM, signaling major foreign policy shifts impacting Quad, West Asia, and South Asia, urging India to revise strategy.

GS 2: International Relations GS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS2: India and its Neighbourhood Relations GS2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements GS2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests

PACOM, the deeper meaning behind a dropped prefix, Pg8

U.S. drops 'Indo' from PACOM, signaling major foreign policy shifts impacting Quad, West Asia, and South Asia, urging India to revise strategy.

GS 1: Physical Geography GS 3: Economy GS 3: Environment & Ecology GS 2: GovernancePrelimsGS1: Important Geophysical Phenomena like Earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic Activity and Cyclones GS2: Union State Relations and Federal Structure GS3: Major Crops, Cropping Patterns and Irrigation Systems GS3: Farm Subsidies and Minimum Support Prices

Razor’s edge, Pg8

El Niño-driven monsoon deficit threatens India's kharif crops, sparking food inflation fears and demanding urgent water-centric agricultural reforms and inter-ministerial coordination.

GS 1: Physical Geography GS 3: Economy GS 3: Environment & Ecology GS 2: GovernancePrelimsGS1: Important Geophysical Phenomena like Earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic Activity and Cyclones GS2: Union State Relations and Federal Structure GS3: Major Crops, Cropping Patterns and Irrigation Systems GS3: Farm Subsidies and Minimum Support Prices

Razor’s edge, Pg8

El Niño-driven monsoon deficit threatens India's kharif crops, sparking food inflation fears and demanding urgent water-centric agricultural reforms and inter-ministerial coordination.

GS 2: Polity GS 1: Indian Geography GS 2: GovernancePrelimsGS2: Union State Relations and Federal Structure GS2: Separation of Powers and Dispute Redressal Mechanisms

Furore over the Mekedatu project, Pg9

Tamil Nadu Assembly opposes Karnataka's Mekedatu dam project, reigniting Cauvery water dispute; seeks tribunal under Inter-State River Water Disputes Act.

GS 2: Polity GS 1: Indian Geography GS 2: GovernancePrelimsGS2: Union State Relations and Federal Structure GS2: Separation of Powers and Dispute Redressal Mechanisms

Furore over the Mekedatu project, Pg9

Tamil Nadu Assembly opposes Karnataka's Mekedatu dam project, reigniting Cauvery water dispute; seeks tribunal under Inter-State River Water Disputes Act.

GS 1: Indian Society GS 2: Social Justice GS 2: Governance GS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS1: Population and Associated Issues GS2: Union State Relations and Federal Structure GS2: Vulnerable Sections GS2: Health Sector

Sustaining India’s low-fertility future, Pg9

India's TFR plummets to 1.9, below replacement, sparking an aging population crisis demanding robust social security and portable welfare for migrants.

GS 1: Indian Society GS 2: Social Justice GS 2: Governance GS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS1: Population and Associated Issues GS2: Union State Relations and Federal Structure GS2: Vulnerable Sections GS2: Health Sector

Sustaining India’s low-fertility future, Pg9

India's TFR plummets to 1.9, below replacement, sparking an aging population crisis demanding robust social security and portable welfare for migrants.

GS 2: Polity GS 2: Governance GS 2: International RelationsPrelimsGS2: E Governance GS2: Indian Diaspora

‘Passport is a travel document, not proof of citizenship’, Pg12

MEA clarifies Indian passport is a travel document, not citizenship proof, amidst voter list exclusion concerns, while boosting global job opportunities and ethical migration.

GS 2: Polity GS 2: Governance GS 2: International RelationsPrelimsGS2: E Governance GS2: Indian Diaspora

‘Passport is a travel document, not proof of citizenship’, Pg12

MEA clarifies Indian passport is a travel document, not citizenship proof, amidst voter list exclusion concerns, while boosting global job opportunities and ethical migration.

GS 2: International Relations GS 3: Internal SecurityPrelimsGS2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements GS3: Indigenization of Technology and New Technology Development

India and UAE explore ways to strengthen defence ties, Pg14

India and UAE deepen strategic defence partnership, discussing BrahMos missile exports and enhancing maritime security cooperation.

GS 2: International Relations GS 3: Internal SecurityPrelimsGS2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements GS3: Indigenization of Technology and New Technology Development

India and UAE explore ways to strengthen defence ties, Pg14

India and UAE deepen strategic defence partnership, discussing BrahMos missile exports and enhancing maritime security cooperation.

GS 2: International Relations GS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements GS3: Effects of Liberalization on the Economy

Market access to non-tariff barriers: India, US review trade core elements, Pg1

India and US conclude two-day trade talks, reviewing market access, digital trade, and non-tariff barriers, aiming for an interim agreement amid Section 301 tariff concerns.

GS 2: International Relations GS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements GS3: Effects of Liberalization on the Economy

Market access to non-tariff barriers: India, US review trade core elements, Pg1

India and US conclude two-day trade talks, reviewing market access, digital trade, and non-tariff barriers, aiming for an interim agreement amid Section 301 tariff concerns.

GS 3: Environment & Ecology GS 3: Disaster Management GS 2: GovernancePrelimsGS1: Urbanization, Problems and Remedies GS3: Conservation, Pollution and Degradation GS3: Disaster and Disaster Management

Ecological concerns as city runs out of space to dispose drain silt, Pg3

Delhi's monsoon de-silting drive creates ecological crisis as 30.91 lakh MT contaminated silt overwhelms disposal sites, forcing new bio-remediation solutions.

GS 3: Environment & Ecology GS 3: Disaster Management GS 2: GovernancePrelimsGS1: Urbanization, Problems and Remedies GS3: Conservation, Pollution and Degradation GS3: Disaster and Disaster Management

Ecological concerns as city runs out of space to dispose drain silt, Pg3

Delhi's monsoon de-silting drive creates ecological crisis as 30.91 lakh MT contaminated silt overwhelms disposal sites, forcing new bio-remediation solutions.

GS 3: Environment & Ecology GS 3: Economy GS 2: International Relations GS 1: Indian GeographyPrelimsGS2: India and its Neighbourhood Relations GS3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.GS3: Environmental Impact Assessment

Panel recommends in-principle nod for Kirthai-II hydel project, Pg5

Forest panel greenlights 820 MW Kirthai-II hydel project on Chenab, diverting 197 hectares of forest, impacting chilgoza pines and Himalayan wildlife in J&K.

GS 3: Environment & Ecology GS 3: Economy GS 2: International Relations GS 1: Indian GeographyPrelimsGS2: India and its Neighbourhood Relations GS3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.GS3: Environmental Impact Assessment

Panel recommends in-principle nod for Kirthai-II hydel project, Pg5

Forest panel greenlights 820 MW Kirthai-II hydel project on Chenab, diverting 197 hectares of forest, impacting chilgoza pines and Himalayan wildlife in J&K.

GS 1: Physical Geography GS 3: Environment & Ecology GS 3: Disaster ManagementPrelimsGS1: Urbanization, Problems and Remedies GS1: Important Geophysical Phenomena like Earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic Activity and Cyclones GS1: Changes in Critical Geographical Features, Water Bodies, Ice Caps, Flora and Fauna

What's driving Europe heatwave, and why is it struggling to cope?, Pg9

Europe reels under deadly heatwave, with 50 deaths, as Omega Block and rapid climate warming expose unprepared infrastructure and urban heat islands.

GS 1: Physical Geography GS 3: Environment & Ecology GS 3: Disaster ManagementPrelimsGS1: Urbanization, Problems and Remedies GS1: Important Geophysical Phenomena like Earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic Activity and Cyclones GS1: Changes in Critical Geographical Features, Water Bodies, Ice Caps, Flora and Fauna

What's driving Europe heatwave, and why is it struggling to cope?, Pg9

Europe reels under deadly heatwave, with 50 deaths, as Omega Block and rapid climate warming expose unprepared infrastructure and urban heat islands.

GS 2: International Relations GS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS2: India and its Neighbourhood Relations GS2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements

After Op Sindoor freeze, a thaw in India-Turkey ties, Pg9

India and Turkey mend strained ties post-Operation Sindoor, resuming consultations and economic cooperation after diplomatic rift over Kashmir and Pakistan.

GS 2: International Relations GS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS2: India and its Neighbourhood Relations GS2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements

After Op Sindoor freeze, a thaw in India-Turkey ties, Pg9

India and Turkey mend strained ties post-Operation Sindoor, resuming consultations and economic cooperation after diplomatic rift over Kashmir and Pakistan.

GS 1: Indian Geography GS 3: Environment & Ecology GS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS1: Important Geophysical Phenomena like Earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic Activity and Cyclones GS1: Changes in Critical Geographical Features, Water Bodies, Ice Caps, Flora and Fauna GS3: Major Crops, Cropping Patterns and Irrigation Systems

In dry monsoon, a test of resilience, Pg9

India's monsoon faces 40% June deficit, MJO blamed over El Niño, testing national resilience and economic stability.

GS 1: Indian Geography GS 3: Environment & Ecology GS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS1: Important Geophysical Phenomena like Earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic Activity and Cyclones GS1: Changes in Critical Geographical Features, Water Bodies, Ice Caps, Flora and Fauna GS3: Major Crops, Cropping Patterns and Irrigation Systems

In dry monsoon, a test of resilience, Pg9

India's monsoon faces 40% June deficit, MJO blamed over El Niño, testing national resilience and economic stability.

GS 2: Polity GS 2: Governance GS 1: Indian SocietyPrelimsGS1: Social Empowerment, Communalism, Regionalism and Secularism GS2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors GS2: Development Processes and Role of NGOs, SHGs and Other Stakeholders

How government's overhaul of FCRA rules puts focus on religious conversion, Pg9

Union Home Ministry overhauls FCRA rules, explicitly banning foreign funds for religious conversion and tightening NGO oversight with new penalties.

GS 2: Polity GS 2: Governance GS 1: Indian SocietyPrelimsGS1: Social Empowerment, Communalism, Regionalism and Secularism GS2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors GS2: Development Processes and Role of NGOs, SHGs and Other Stakeholders

How government's overhaul of FCRA rules puts focus on religious conversion, Pg9

Union Home Ministry overhauls FCRA rules, explicitly banning foreign funds for religious conversion and tightening NGO oversight with new penalties.

GS 3: Environment & Ecology GS 2: Governance GS 1: Indian GeographyPrelimsGS1: Salient Features of World's Physical Geography GS2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors GS3: Conservation, Pollution and Degradation

On Western Ghats, South must break impasse, Pg10

Western Ghats protection plan faces 12-year impasse; Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa relent on ESA, urging southern states to act after floods and landslides.

GS 3: Environment & Ecology GS 2: Governance GS 1: Indian GeographyPrelimsGS1: Salient Features of World's Physical Geography GS2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors GS3: Conservation, Pollution and Degradation

On Western Ghats, South must break impasse, Pg10

Western Ghats protection plan faces 12-year impasse; Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa relent on ESA, urging southern states to act after floods and landslides.

GS 2: International Relations GS 3: Economy GS 1: World GeographyPrelimsGS2: India and its Neighbourhood Relations GS2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests

Rubio defends deal on Gulf tour, Israel bent on troops in Lebanon, Pg12

US Secretary Rubio defends controversial Iran peace deal to skeptical Gulf allies, as Israel defies withdrawal from Lebanon, threatening regional stability.

GS 2: International Relations GS 3: Economy GS 1: World GeographyPrelimsGS2: India and its Neighbourhood Relations GS2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests

Rubio defends deal on Gulf tour, Israel bent on troops in Lebanon, Pg12

US Secretary Rubio defends controversial Iran peace deal to skeptical Gulf allies, as Israel defies withdrawal from Lebanon, threatening regional stability.

GS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS3: Indian Economy, Planning, Mobilization of Resources, Growth, Development and Employment

Rules to compute banks' forex risk exposure revised, Pg13

RBI revises banks' forex risk exposure rules, mandating capital adjustments for global alignment and consistent implementation across entities.

GS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS3: Indian Economy, Planning, Mobilization of Resources, Growth, Development and Employment

Rules to compute banks' forex risk exposure revised, Pg13

RBI revises banks' forex risk exposure rules, mandating capital adjustments for global alignment and consistent implementation across entities.

GS 3: Economy GS 2: GovernancePrelimsGS2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors GS2: Vulnerable Sections GS3: Basics of Cyber Security

Digital fraud: RBI revamps rules, widens framework, Pg13

RBI unveils revamped digital fraud compensation rules, offering 85% for losses up to Rs 50,000, effective January 2027, widening liability framework.

GS 3: Economy GS 2: GovernancePrelimsGS2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors GS2: Vulnerable Sections GS3: Basics of Cyber Security

Digital fraud: RBI revamps rules, widens framework, Pg13

RBI unveils revamped digital fraud compensation rules, offering 85% for losses up to Rs 50,000, effective January 2027, widening liability framework.

GS 3: Economy GS 2: GovernancePrelimsGS2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors GS3: Government Budgeting

Nine Years of GST: More reforms sought, Pg13

As GST turns nine, businesses urge reforms for tax clarity, uniform audits, and faster refunds, addressing inverted duty structure concerns.

GS 3: Economy GS 2: GovernancePrelimsGS2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors GS3: Government Budgeting

Nine Years of GST: More reforms sought, Pg13

As GST turns nine, businesses urge reforms for tax clarity, uniform audits, and faster refunds, addressing inverted duty structure concerns.

GS 3: Economy GS 3: Environment & Ecology GS 2: International RelationsPrelimsGS2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests GS3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

Why Grid India is turning to more gas-based power, Pg13

Grid India advises gas power surge for June, as below-normal monsoon and West Asia conflict strain India's energy security, hiking spot gas prices.

GS 3: Economy GS 3: Environment & Ecology GS 2: International RelationsPrelimsGS2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests GS3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

Why Grid India is turning to more gas-based power, Pg13

Grid India advises gas power surge for June, as below-normal monsoon and West Asia conflict strain India's energy security, hiking spot gas prices.

GS 3: Economy GS 2: GovernancePrelimsGS2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors GS3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

India eyes simulator-led pilot licencing, document shows, Pg13

Indian government panel proposes simulator-led Multi-Crew Pilot Licence, slashing real flight hours to address severe pilot shortage and boost aviation growth.

GS 3: Economy GS 2: GovernancePrelimsGS2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors GS3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

India eyes simulator-led pilot licencing, document shows, Pg13

Indian government panel proposes simulator-led Multi-Crew Pilot Licence, slashing real flight hours to address severe pilot shortage and boost aviation growth.

GS 3: Economy GS 3: Science & Technology GS 3: Environment & Ecology GS 2: GovernancePrelimsGS2: India and its Neighbourhood Relations GS3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.GS3: Indigenization of Technology and New Technology Development

Adani eyes 10 GW nuclear power plan, Pg13

Adani Group unveils ambitious 10 GW nuclear power plan by 2035, leveraging the SHANTI Bill to unlock private investment in India's nuclear energy sector.

GS 3: Economy GS 3: Science & Technology GS 3: Environment & Ecology GS 2: GovernancePrelimsGS2: India and its Neighbourhood Relations GS3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.GS3: Indigenization of Technology and New Technology Development

Adani eyes 10 GW nuclear power plan, Pg13

Adani Group unveils ambitious 10 GW nuclear power plan by 2035, leveraging the SHANTI Bill to unlock private investment in India's nuclear energy sector.

News Analysis

‘Progress’ made in U.S. trade deals: govt., Pg1

‘Progress’ made in U.S. trade deals: govt., Pg1

Kingmakers: meet the insects that make India’s favourite mangoes, Pg2

Kingmakers: meet the insects that make India’s favourite mangoes, Pg2

Viksit and Surakshit, Pg8

Viksit and Surakshit, Pg8

Clearing the road to timely trauma care in India, Pg8

Clearing the road to timely trauma care in India, Pg8

PACOM, the deeper meaning behind a dropped prefix, Pg8

PACOM, the deeper meaning behind a dropped prefix, Pg8

Razor’s edge, Pg8

Razor’s edge, Pg8

Furore over the Mekedatu project, Pg9

Furore over the Mekedatu project, Pg9

Sustaining India’s low-fertility future, Pg9

Sustaining India’s low-fertility future, Pg9

‘Passport is a travel document, not proof of citizenship’, Pg12

‘Passport is a travel document, not proof of citizenship’, Pg12

India and UAE explore ways to strengthen defence ties, Pg14

India and UAE explore ways to strengthen defence ties, Pg14

Market access to non-tariff barriers: India, US review trade core elements, Pg1

Market access to non-tariff barriers: India, US review trade core elements, Pg1

Ecological concerns as city runs out of space to dispose drain silt, Pg3

Ecological concerns as city runs out of space to dispose drain silt, Pg3

Panel recommends in-principle nod for Kirthai-II hydel project, Pg5

Panel recommends in-principle nod for Kirthai-II hydel project, Pg5

What's driving Europe heatwave, and why is it struggling to cope?, Pg9

What's driving Europe heatwave, and why is it struggling to cope?, Pg9

After Op Sindoor freeze, a thaw in India-Turkey ties, Pg9

After Op Sindoor freeze, a thaw in India-Turkey ties, Pg9

In dry monsoon, a test of resilience, Pg9

In dry monsoon, a test of resilience, Pg9

How government's overhaul of FCRA rules puts focus on religious conversion, Pg9

How government's overhaul of FCRA rules puts focus on religious conversion, Pg9

On Western Ghats, South must break impasse, Pg10

On Western Ghats, South must break impasse, Pg10

Rubio defends deal on Gulf tour, Israel bent on troops in Lebanon, Pg12

Rubio defends deal on Gulf tour, Israel bent on troops in Lebanon, Pg12

Rules to compute banks' forex risk exposure revised, Pg13

Rules to compute banks' forex risk exposure revised, Pg13

Digital fraud: RBI revamps rules, widens framework, Pg13

Digital fraud: RBI revamps rules, widens framework, Pg13

Nine Years of GST: More reforms sought, Pg13

Nine Years of GST: More reforms sought, Pg13

Why Grid India is turning to more gas-based power, Pg13

Why Grid India is turning to more gas-based power, Pg13

India eyes simulator-led pilot licencing, document shows, Pg13

India eyes simulator-led pilot licencing, document shows, Pg13

Adani eyes 10 GW nuclear power plan, Pg13

Adani eyes 10 GW nuclear power plan, Pg13

More News Analysis

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