NATIONAL NEWS
Prime Minister Modi’s International Tour
Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on a significant three-nation diplomatic tour starting with Cyprus on June 15, 2025
This marks the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Cyprus in over two decades, since former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s visit in 2002
The tour includes participation in the G7 Summit in Canada (June 16-17) and concludes with a historic first-ever visit to Croatia by an Indian PM on June 18
Modi will hold bilateral talks with Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides in Nicosia and address business leaders in Limassol
The visit aims to strengthen India’s engagement with the Mediterranean region and the European Union
This represents Modi’s first foreign tour following Operation Sindoor, making it diplomatically significant
Air India Tragedy Shakes Nation
A devastating Air India flight crash occurred near Ahmedabad airport on June 12, 2025, killing at least 290 people
Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner bound for London, crashed shortly after takeoff with 242 passengers and crew aboard
Only one survivor, British citizen Vishwash Rames of Indian descent, remains hospitalized in stable condition
The aircraft struck a medical college hostel, causing additional casualties among ground personnel
Former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani is believed to be among the deceased
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau has launched a comprehensive investigation with international assistance
Kashmir Security Concerns
Security forces initiated a search operation in Rajouri, Jammu and Kashmir, following suspicious activities near the Line of Control
This comes in the wake of the tragic Pahalgam terrorist attack in April 2025, which killed 26 civilians
The attack was one of the deadliest on civilians since the 2008 Mumbai attacks
Security measures have been intensified across the region
Banking and Financial Updates
State Bank of India reduced its External Benchmark Lending Rate by 50 basis points to 8.15% following RBI’s repo rate cut
Home loan rates now range between 7.5-8.45% based on borrower credit scores
Special deposit scheme ‘Amrit Vrishti’ interest rate reduced by 25 basis points to 6.60%
The changes became effective from June 15, 2025
Tax and Financial Deadlines
The first installment of advance tax for FY 2025-26 falls due on June 15, 2025
Since June 15 is a Sunday, taxpayers can make payments on June 16 without penalty under CBDT Circular No. 676
This flexibility applies to all taxpayers with income tax liability exceeding Rs 10,000
Electronic payment facilities remain available throughout the weekend
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
Israel-Iran Conflict Escalates
Israel launched ‘Operation Rising Lion’ on June 13, 2025, targeting over 100 Iranian military and nuclear facilities
The strikes reportedly killed senior Iranian officials including IRGC commander Hossein Salami and nuclear scientists
Iran retaliated with ‘Operation True Promise III,’ launching over 150 ballistic missiles and 100 drones at Israel
The conflict has triggered global concerns about regional war and disrupted international shipping routes
Oil prices have spiked significantly due to the tensions
Both nations have moved from proxy warfare to direct military confrontation
US Political Developments
President Trump attended the 250th Anniversary of the US Army Grand Military Parade in Washington DC on June 14
The celebration featured 6,600 soldiers, tanks, and aircraft displays
Trump and Putin held a 50-minute phone conversation discussing Israel-Iran tensions and Ukraine ceasefire efforts
‘No Kings’ protests were organized across multiple US cities opposing the military parade
Immigration raids continued across the US with National Guard deployment in several states
Global Nuclear Concerns
The International Atomic Energy Agency declared Iran in breach of non-proliferation obligations on June 12
This represents the first such finding in nearly two decades
The decision raises prospects of reporting Iran to the UN Security Council
Nuclear facilities at Natanz and Isfahan suffered significant damage in Israeli strikes
SPORTS UPDATES
Cricket Highlights
The ICC World Test Championship Final 2025 between South Africa and Australia reached a thrilling conclusion at Lord’s
South Africa achieved a historic victory, ending their 27-year ICC trophy drought
Captain Temba Bavuma lifted the Test mace after defeating Australia
Aiden Markram scored an unbeaten century in the final innings
The WTC Final 2025-27 cycle has been announced with India scheduled for 18 matches
Formula 1 Racing
The Canadian Grand Prix is scheduled for June 15, 2025, at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal
This marks the 10th round of the 2025 Formula One World Championship
Oscar Piastri leads the Drivers’ Championship with 186 points
McLaren leads the Constructors’ Championship with 362 points
George Russell of Mercedes secured pole position for the race
Tennis and Other Sports
Wimbledon 2025 is scheduled from June 30 to July 13, 2025
The tournament will feature automated electronic line judges for the first time
Finals will start at 4:00 PM instead of the traditional 2:00 PM timing
Carlos Alcaraz and Barbora Krejčíková are the defending champions
Basketball
The 2025 NBA Draft will be held on June 25-26 at Barclays Center, Brooklyn
Dallas Mavericks hold the first overall pick despite only 1.8% lottery odds
The draft consists of 59 picks due to New York Knicks’ penalty
GOVERNMENT SCHEMES AND POLICIES
RBI Monetary Policy Impact
RBI cut repo rate by 50 basis points to 5.5% on June 6, 2025
Cash Reserve Ratio reduced by 100 basis points from 4% to 3%
Standing Deposit Facility rate reduced by 25 basis points to 5.25%
These measures aim to boost economic growth amid controlled inflation
New Government Initiatives
Department of Posts launched ‘Gyan Post’ service for educational book delivery
The initiative supports the New Education Policy by making learning materials accessible in rural areas
Includes tracking facility for transparency and timely delivery
Focus on bridging educational gaps across the country
SSC Examinations
Staff Selection Commission released exam dates for June 2025
Three major Limited Departmental Competitive Examinations scheduled for June 15, 2025
JSA/LDC Grade, SSA/UDC Grade, and ASO Grade examinations to be conducted
Candidates advised to check official website for detailed information
DEFENSE AND SECURITY
Military Developments
Indian Army successfully tested the Rudrastra Hybrid VTOL Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
The UAV demonstrated vertical takeoff, high endurance, and precision targeting capabilities
Flight range exceeded 170 km with 1.5-hour endurance capacity
Successfully deployed precision-guided anti-personnel warhead
Space Mission Updates
ISRO confirmed June 19, 2025, as the launch date for Axiom-4 mission
Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla will participate in the historic space mission
Launch from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center using SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket
Technical issues including liquid oxygen leak have been resolved
Shukla will conduct seven India-designed experiments during the mission
ECONOMIC AND BUSINESS NEWS
Market Updates
Indian stock markets showed mixed performance amid Middle East tensions
Banking and financial stocks faced pressure due to regional conflicts
Gold prices hit record highs due to global uncertainties
Metal stocks declined amid international tensions
Financial Changes
Multiple banks revised credit card reward structures and interest rates
Kotak Mahindra Bank increased interest charges from 3.50% to 3.75% per month
New cut-off timings for mutual fund redemptions implemented from June 1
SEBI enforced new regulations for overnight and liquid mutual fund schemes
EXAMINATION FOCUS POINTS
Banking Exam Relevance
RBI policy rate changes and their impact on lending rates
SBI’s EBLR reduction following monetary policy announcement
Banking sector reforms and digital initiatives
Financial inclusion measures and government schemes
UPSC Preparation
India’s foreign policy through PM Modi’s diplomatic tours
International relations amid Israel-Iran conflict
Defense capabilities and space mission achievements
Government schemes and their implementation
SSC and Other Competitive Exams
Current affairs related to sports achievements
Government policy changes and their implications
International events and their global impact
Economic developments and financial reforms
KEY TAKEAWAYS FOR JUNE 15, 2025
Prime Minister Modi’s three-nation tour strengthens India’s international relations
Air India crash highlights aviation safety concerns requiring immediate attention
Israel-Iran conflict poses global security risks and economic implications
RBI’s accommodative monetary policy supports economic growth
India’s space program continues advancing with international collaborations
Sports achievements bring national pride and international recognition
Government schemes focus on education and rural development
Financial sector reforms aim at better customer service and transparency
