Current Affairs 23.06.2025

🇮🇳 India

• Operation Sindhu — 161 Indian nationals evacuated from Iran
  Under “Operation Sindhu,” 292 Indians were flown out of Mashhad, Iran, arriving in Delhi today aboard a special flight — marking a significant evacuation effort.

• Home Minister Amit Shah convenes Central Zonal Council meeting
  In Varanasi, Shah inaugurated discussions with UP, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Chhattisgarh representatives, focusing on cross-state collaboration on education, women’s and child safety, ERSS‑112, and rural banking access.

• India–Vietnam defence boost with BrahMos missile deal
  India is finalizing a US $700 million BrahMos missile export deal to Vietnam, strengthening strategic ties and boosting Indo‑Pacific security cooperation.

• DGCA flags air safety issues
  The Directorate General of Civil Aviation audit has revealed concerns over worn aircraft tires, faded runway paint, and deficient ground-handling procedures.

• PM Modi highlights 'Operation Sindur' at terrorism policy event
  Modi emphasized India’s robust anti-terror stance, reiterating the significance of recent counter-terrorist measures in charting national policy direction.

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🌍 World

• Israel–Iran ceasefire announced by Trump
  Former US President Trump declared a phased ceasefire between Israel and Iran. The US also targeted Iranian nuclear sites, triggering missile exchanges and global diplomatic outreach.

• Explosions heard in Tehran after ceasefire declaration
  Despite Trump's ceasefire call, explosions continued in Tehran as Israeli and Iranian military actions persisted.

• Oil and equity markets react favorably
  Oil prices fell below $70/barrel and stock markets surged after positive indications of de-escalation. However, UK Bank of England governor warned that Trump-era trade unpredictability could undermine forecasts.

• Dangerous bridge collapse in China
  A truck driver was caught hanging from a dangling cabin following a sudden bridge collapse in China — shocking footage circulated globally.

• Germany pledges defence spend increase
  Germany’s finance minister announced a plan to ramp defence spending to 3.5% of GDP by 2029, aligning with NATO targets.

• Ukraine attacks deepen into Russian territory
  Kyiv launched attacks inside Russia while Putin's forces struck Ukrainian civilians, killing at least 18 — tensions persist.

• Australia supports ceasefire, but domestic issues simmer
  PM Albanese backed the Iran‑Israel ceasefire. Domestically, flight disruptions from Middle East tension, housing budget criticism in NSW, overcrowding in QLD jails, and online safety concerns for youth dominated headlines.

  Other Current Events

  1.       The GENIUS Act Bill was passed by the US Senate in June 2025. This bill aims to regulate stablecoins, which are cryptocurrencies backed by reserves. The passage signifies a major shift in the US government’s approach to digital assets. The bill’s approval has led to a notable increase in the market capitalisation of stablecoins and the shares of cryptocurrency firms.

  2.       The Strait of Hormuz is a vital waterway that connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman. It is currently in the spotlight due to escalating tensions between Iran and Israel. Iran’s potential closure of the strait raises concerns regarding global oil trade and regional stability. This narrow passage is crucial for the transport of approximately 20% of the world’s oil supply

  3.       In 2024, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into India remained stable at $28 billion. This figure was consistent with 2023 levels despite a global decline in FDI flows by 11%. The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) brought into light India’s resilience in attracting investment, moving up to the 15th position in global FDI rankings. This article provides a detailed overview of the FDI landscape in India, focusing on key statistics and trends.

  4.       The Union Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) initiated a new system to improve road maintenance under the Prime Minister Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY). The system involves attaching QR codes to maintenance information display boards for roads constructed under the scheme. This innovation aims to collect public feedback on road quality and maintenance.

  PMGSY

  The Prime Minister Gram Sadak Yojana began on December 25, 2000. It was designed to enhance rural infrastructure through road construction. The programme has undergone multiple phases, with the first phase focusing on connecting unconnected habitations. Subsequent phases expanded the scope to include areas affected by Left Wing Extremism and aimed for all-weather road connectivity

  The Government of India has recently progressed in gender budgeting with the launch of the Gender Budgeting Knowledge Hub. This initiative aims to enhance the understanding and implementation of gender budgeting processes across various sectors. The launch occurred during a national consultation held in New Delhi, denoting the government’s commitment to inclusive governance.

  Gender Budgeting

  Gender budgeting is a strategy that integrates gender considerations into the budgetary process. It seeks to allocate resources in a way that promotes gender equality. Initially viewed as a fiscal exercise, it has evolved into a vital tool for policy-making. This shift reflects a growing recognition of the importance of women’s empowerment in national development.

  For the financial year 2025–26, the Government of India has allocated ₹4.49 lakh crore for gender budgeting. This represents 37 per cent increase from the previous year. Over the past eleven years, gender budget allocations have quadrupled, rising from ₹0.98 lakh crore in 2014–15 to the current allocation. This financial commitment puts stress on the government’s dedication to gender equality