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National AffairsAyush Suraksha Portal Launched
On 1 June 2025, Union Minister of AYUSH, Prataprao Jadhav, launched the Ayush Suraksha Portal in New Delhi to curb misleading advertisements and ensure drug safety in traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy. The portal enables public reporting of false claims, strengthens regulatory oversight under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, and promotes consumer trust in Ayush products, aligning with the goal of integrating traditional medicine into mainstream healthcare.
- Ministry of AYUSH:
- Union Minister: Prataprao Jadhav (Buldhana, Maharashtra)
- Headquarters: New Delhi
Odisha’s ANKUR Initiative for Urban Development
The Odisha government launched the ANKUR (Atal Network for Knowledge, Urbanisation and Reforms) initiative on 1 June 2025 to promote smart, citizen-centric urban growth. Developed through stakeholder consultations, ANKUR focuses on capacity building, knowledge sharing, implementation support, and innovation in urban planning. It aligns with the Viksit Bharat
@2047 vision for sustainable development. Key figures include Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Deputy Chief Ministers KV Singhdeo and Pravati Parida, and Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati.
- Objective: Enhance urban infrastructure, governance, and livability in Odisha’s cities.
- Significance: Supports India’s urban population, projected to reach 590 million by 2030.
AIIMS Bhopal’s ‘Code Emergency’ App
On 1 June 2025, coinciding with World Emergency Day, AIIMS Bhopal launched the ‘Code Emergency’ App under Madhya Pradesh’s ‘One State One Health One Emergency’ policy. Available in Hindi and English with offline functionality, the app provides audio-visual CPR instructions, emergency helpline access, and hospital navigation, improving response times for cardiac arrests and other emergencies. It supports the National Health Mission’s goal of accessible healthcare.
- Leadership: AIIMS Bhopal Director: Dr. Ajai Singh
- Impact: Addresses India’s low CPR awareness, where only 2% of the population is trained.
Gujarat’s Karmayogi Swasthya Suraksha Yojana
On 1 June 2025, Gujarat launched the Karmayogi Swasthya Suraksha Yojana, offering ₹10 lakh cashless health cover to All India Services (AIS) officers, state government employees, and pensioners under the PM-JAY “G” category. Enrollment requires a PM-JAY “G” card, issued through designated portals. The scheme, announced by Chief Minister Bhupendra Rajnikant Patel and Governor Acharya Devvrat, enhances healthcare access for over 15 lakh beneficiaries.
- Ministry: Health and Family Welfare, Gujarat
- Significance: Strengthens employee welfare, supporting Gujarat’s high HDI ranking.
Swachh Survekshan Grameen (SSG) 2025
Union Minister of Jal Shakti, CR Patil, launched Swachh Survekshan Grameen (SSG) 2025 on 1 June 2025 in New Delhi, the largest rural sanitation survey to evaluate cleanliness and sanitation practices across Indian villages. Covering over 6 lakh villages, it assesses waste management, sanitation infrastructure, and community participation, aligning with the Swachh Bharat Mission-Grameen Phase II.
- Objective: Achieve Open Defecation Free (ODF) Plus status for all villages by 2026.
- Ministry: Jal Shakti
- Union Minister: CR Patil (Navsari, Gujarat)
Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) for NPS Retirees
On 1 June 2025, the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) was introduced for retired National Pension System (NPS) subscribers among central government employees. Offering a guaranteed pension of 50% of the average basic pay of the last 12 months for 25 years of service, UPS enhances financial security compared to the market-linked NPS. Over 23 lakh employees are expected to benefit.
- Ministry: Finance
- Union Minister: Nirmala Sitharaman (Rajya Sabha, Karnataka)
MHA’s Honorary Promotion for CAPFs & AR
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) announced a one-rank honorary promotion for retiring personnel of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and Assam Rifles (AR) on 1 June 2025. Applicable to forces like CRPF, BSF, and ITBP, the policy recognizes service contributions without financial benefits, boosting morale for over 10 lakh personnel.
- Ministry: Home Affairs
- Union Minister: Amit Shah (Gandhinagar, Gujarat)
Economic and Financial Updates
GST Collections Reach ₹2.01 Lakh Crore
In May 2025, India’s gross GST collections surged by 16.4% to ₹2.01 lakh crore, driven by a 13.7% rise in domestic transactions (₹1.50 lakh crore) and a 25.2% increase in imports (₹51,266 crore). This reflects robust consumption and trade, supporting India’s economic growth targets.
- Authority: Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC)
- Significance: Highest monthly collection since April 2024’s ₹2.10 lakh crore.
GDP Growth at 6.5% for FY25
India’s GDP growth for FY25 was recorded at 6.5%, the slowest since the Covid-19 pandemic, with Q4 (Jan-Mar 2025) at 7.4%. Crisil projects 6.5% for FY26, citing strong consumption, easing inflation (3.16% retail in May 2025), and a favorable monsoon. The RBI reduced the repo rate by 25 basis points to 6.25% in February 2025 to stimulate growth.
- Source: Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation
- Impact: Balances growth with fiscal stability amid global uncertainties.
Hero FinCorp IPO Approved
On 1 June 2025, Hero FinCorp, a non-banking financial company, received SEBI approval for a ₹3,668 crore IPO, comprising a ₹2,100 crore fresh issue and a ₹1,568 crore Offer for Sale. The IPO aims to expand lending operations and digital services.
- Headquarters: New Delhi
- Significance: Strengthens India’s NBFC sector, valued at ₹54 lakh crore in 2024.
Defence Developments
Miniratna Status for MIL, AVNL, and IOL
On 1 June 2025, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh granted Miniratna Category-I status to Munitions India Limited (MIL), Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited (AVNL), and India Optel Limited (IOL). This allows investments up to ₹500 crore without government approval, boosting defence production. In FY 2024-25, MIL earned ₹8,282 crore, AVNL ₹4,986 crore, and IOL ₹1,541.38 crore.
- Ministry: Defence
- Union Minister: Rajnath Singh (Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh)
Nomadic Elephant Exercise with Mongolia
The 17th India-Mongolia joint military exercise, Nomadic Elephant, commenced on 31 May 2025 in Ulaanbaatar, running until 13 June 2025. It focuses on interoperability in semi-urban and mountainous terrains, strengthening defence ties under the India-Mongolia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
- Significance: Enhances counter-insurgency and tactical skills.
- Participants: Indian Army and Mongolian Armed Forces
Science and Technology
IIT Kharagpur-Singapore MoU for Semiconductor Research
On 1 June 2025, IIT Kharagpur signed an MoU with Singapore’s Institute of Microelectronics to advance semiconductor research, focusing on post-CMOS technologies and AI hardware. The collaboration supports India’s Semiconductor Mission, aiming for $110 billion industry growth by 2030.
- Significance: Positions India in the global semiconductor supply chain.
- Leadership: IIT Kharagpur Director: Prof. V K Tewari
IndiaAI Mission Selects Startups
The IndiaAI Mission, launched in 2023 by MeitY and Nasscom, selected three startups on 1 June 2025 to develop India’s Foundation Model, a large-scale AI framework for indigenous applications. With a ₹10,372 crore outlay, the mission aims to make India a global AI hub.
- Ministry: Electronics and Information Technology
- Union Minister: Ashwini Vaishnaw (Rajya Sabha, Odisha)
Awards and Recognitions
National Florence Nightingale Awards 2025
On 1 June 2025, President Droupadi Murmu conferred the National Florence Nightingale Awards 2025 to 15 nursing professionals in New Delhi. Each received ₹1,00,000, a medal, and a certificate for exemplary public health contributions, recognizing their role in India’s healthcare system.
- Organized by: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
- Significance: Honors frontline healthcare workers.
Source: Ambitious Baba, June 2025
Sports Achievements
Parul Chaudhary’s Asian Athletics Medals
At the Asian Athletics Championships 2025 in Gumi, South Korea, Parul Chaudhary won silver medals in the 3000m Steeplechase (9:12.46, new national record) and 5000m (15:15.33) on 1 June 2025, showcasing India’s rising athletics prowess.
- Significance: Bolsters India’s medal tally in international athletics.
- Event Dates: 30 May–2 June 2025
Source: Sportstar, June 2025
Neeraj Chopra Named Audi India Ambassador
On 1 June 2025, Olympic gold medalist Neeraj Chopra was appointed brand ambassador for Audi India, reflecting his global appeal and India’s growing sports influence.
- Significance: Strengthens brand-sport collaborations.
- Sport: Javelin Throw
Important Days
World No Tobacco Day – 31 May
World No Tobacco Day, observed on 31 May 2025, was led by WHO with the theme “Bright products. Dark intentions. Unmasking the Appeal”, highlighting tobacco’s harmful marketing tactics. India, with 26 crore tobacco users, emphasized stricter regulations.
- Significance: Supports India’s Tobacco-Free Youth Campaign.
- Organized by: World Health Organization
Hindi Journalism Day – 30 May
Hindi Journalism Day on 30 May 2025 marked the 199th anniversary of ‘Udant Martand’, India’s first Hindi newspaper, launched in 1826, celebrating Hindi media’s role in public awareness.
- Significance: Highlights regional language journalism’s impact.
- Founder: Pandit Jugal Kishore Shukla
Goa Statehood Day – 30 May
Goa Statehood Day on 30 May 2025 commemorated Goa’s formation as India’s 25th state in 1987, celebrating its cultural heritage and 100% literacy achievement.
- Significance: Recognizes Goa’s socio-economic progress.
- Governor: PS Sreedharan Pillai
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Recent Exam Relevance
UPSC Prelims 2024: Questions on Swachh Bharat Mission (sanitation initiatives) and defence PSUs (Navratna/Miniratna status).
- BPSC Prelims 2023: Healthcare schemes (e.g., PM-JAY) and agricultural innovations.
- IBPS PO 2024: GST collections, RBI regulations, and economic indicators like GDP.
- SSC CGL 2024: Important days (e.g., World Health Days) and sports achievements.
These trends highlight the importance of staying updated with cracktarget.com for 2025 exams.
MCQs with Answers
- Who launched the Ayush Suraksha Portal on 1 June 2025?
- A) Jagat Prakash Nadda
- B) Prataprao Jadhav
- C) CR Patil
- D) Amit Shah
- Answer: B) Prataprao Jadhav
- What is the full form of ANKUR launched by Odisha?
- A) Atal National Knowledge for Urban Reforms
- B) Atal Network for Knowledge, Urbanisation and Reforms
- C) Advanced Network for Knowledge and Urbanization
- D) Atal National Urban Reforms
- Answer: B) Atal Network for Knowledge, Urbanisation and Reforms
- Which app was launched by AIIMS Bhopal on World Emergency Day 2025?
- A) HealthSync
- B) Code Emergency
- C) CPR Guide
- D) Emergency Connect
- Answer: B) Code Emergency
- What is the health cover amount under Gujarat’s Karmayogi Swasthya Suraksha Yojana?
- A) ₹5 lakh
- B) ₹7.5 lakh
- C) ₹10 lakh
- D) ₹12 lakh
- Answer: C) ₹10 lakh
- Which ministry launched Swachh Survekshan Grameen 2025?
- A) Ministry of Rural Development
- B) Ministry of Jal Shakti
- C) Ministry of Health
- D) Ministry of Environment
- Answer: B) Ministry of Jal Shakti
- What was India’s GDP growth rate for FY25?
- A) 6.0%
- B) 6.5%
- C) 7.0%
- D) 7.4%
- Answer: B) 6.5%
- Which DPSUs received Miniratna Category-I status on 1 June 2025?
- A) HAL, BEL, BDL
- B) MIL, AVNL, IOL
- C) DRDO, BHEL, NTPC
- D) ONGC, SAIL, GAIL
- Answer: B) MIL, AVNL, IOL
- Where was the Nomadic Elephant exercise held in 2025?
- A) New Delhi
- B) Ulaanbaatar
- C) Jaipur
- D) Kathmandu
- Answer: B) Ulaanbaatar
- Which institute signed an MoU with IIT Kharagpur for semiconductor research?
- A) MIT, USA
- B) Institute of Microelectronics, Singapore
- C) TSMC, Taiwan
- D) Fraunhofer, Germany
- Answer: B) Institute of Microelectronics, Singapore
- What was the theme of World No Tobacco Day 2025?
- A) Protect Youth from Tobacco
- B) Bright products. Dark intentions. Unmasking the Appeal
- C) Tobacco-Free Future
- D) Say No to Smoking
- Answer: B) Bright products. Dark intentions. Unmasking the Appeal
UPSC/BPSC Mains Questions with Detailed Answers
Question 1: Discuss the significance of the Ayush Suraksha Portal in enhancing consumer trust and regulatory oversight in India’s traditional medicine sector. (15 marks)
The Ayush Suraksha Portal, launched on 1 June 2025 by Union Minister Prataprao Jadhav, is a pivotal initiative to regulate India’s traditional medicine sector, encompassing Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy (AYUSH).
Significance:
- Combating Misleading Advertisements: The portal allows public reporting of false claims, addressing violations under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, which prohibits unverified health claims. This protects consumers from fraudulent products, a concern in India’s ₹50,000 crore AYUSH market.
- Strengthening Regulatory Oversight: By integrating with state drug controllers, it ensures compliance with quality standards, reducing the circulation of substandard or unsafe AYUSH drugs.
- Enhancing Consumer Trust: Transparent reporting and swift action against violators build confidence among India’s 80 crore AYUSH users, promoting wider adoption of traditional medicine.
- Integration with Mainstream Healthcare: The portal supports the National Health Policy 2017, which aims to integrate AYUSH into primary healthcare, aligning with WHO’s traditional medicine strategy.
- Digital Empowerment: As a Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), it leverages technology for real-time monitoring, aligning with Digital India.
Challenges:
- Limited digital literacy in rural areas may hinder public engagement.
- Ensuring coordination between central and state regulators.
- Addressing the scale of unregulated AYUSH products in e-commerce.
Conclusion: The Ayush Suraksha Portal is a transformative step towards a safer, credible AYUSH ecosystem. Sustained awareness campaigns and inter-state collaboration are essential for its success.
Question 2: Evaluate the role of the ANKUR initiative in Odisha’s urban development and its alignment with the Viksit Bharat@2047 vision. (15 marks)
The ANKUR (Atal Network for Knowledge, Urbanisation and Reforms) initiative, launched by Odisha on 1 June 2025, aims to drive smart, citizen-centric urban growth, aligning with the Viksit Bharat@2047 vision.
Role in Urban Development:
- Capacity Building: ANKUR trains urban planners and officials, addressing skill gaps in managing Odisha’s urban population, projected to grow to 20% by 2030.
- Knowledge Sharing: Creates a platform for best practices, fostering innovation in urban governance, such as smart city frameworks in Bhubaneswar and Rourkela.
- Implementation Support: Provides technical assistance for projects like waste management and public transport, enhancing livability.
- Citizen-Centric Approach: Incorporates stakeholder feedback, ensuring inclusive urban policies for Odisha’s 50 urban local bodies.
- Innovation Focus: Promotes tech-driven solutions like IoT-based utilities, aligning with India’s Smart Cities Mission.
Alignment with Viksit Bharat@2047:
- Sustainable Urbanization: Supports SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities) by promoting resilient infrastructure.
- Economic Growth: Enhances urban productivity, contributing to India’s $30 trillion economy goal by 2047.
- Inclusive Development: Prioritizes marginalized communities, aligning with equitable growth.
Challenges:
- Funding constraints for large-scale urban projects.
- Balancing urban expansion with environmental conservation.
- Ensuring last-mile implementation in smaller towns.
Conclusion: ANKUR positions Odisha as a model for urban development, advancing Viksit Bharat’s goals. Robust funding and public participation are key to its success.
Question 3: Analyze the economic implications of India’s 6.5% GDP growth in FY25 and the role of GST collections in sustaining fiscal stability. (15 marks)
India’s 6.5% GDP growth in FY25, with Q4 at 7.4%, and ₹2.01 lakh crore GST collections in May 2025, reflect a resilient yet moderated economic trajectory.
Economic Implications of 6.5% GDP Growth:
- Consumption-Driven Growth: Strong domestic demand (13.7% rise in GST from domestic transactions) supports retail and services, contributing 60% to GDP.
- Monsoon Boost: Favorable rainfall enhances agriculture, employing 46% of India’s workforce, and stabilizes food inflation (3.16% retail in May 2025).
- Global Challenges: Slowest growth since Covid due to export slowdowns, with merchandise exports at $437 billion in FY24.
- Investment Potential: RBI’s 25 basis point repo rate cut to 6.25% encourages private investment, vital for infrastructure.
- Job Creation: Growth supports MSMEs, but unemployment (6.7% in urban areas, CMIE 2024) remains a concern.
Role of GST Collections:
- Fiscal Stability: ₹2.01 lakh crore in May 2025, up 16.4%, strengthens government revenues for welfare schemes like PM-JAY.
- State Revenue Sharing: 41% of GST is devolved to states, supporting initiatives like Gujarat’s Karmayogi Yojana.
- Economic Indicator: High collections reflect robust consumption and compliance, with 1.4 crore registered taxpayers.
- Policy Support: Funds infrastructure, reducing fiscal deficit to 5.6% of GDP in FY25.
Challenges:
- Sustaining growth amid global economic uncertainties.
- Addressing industrial slowdown (IIP at 2.7% in April 2025).
- Enhancing tax compliance in informal sectors.
Conclusion: The 6.5% GDP growth and strong GST collections signal economic resilience. Policy measures like rate cuts and digital tax enforcement will ensure sustained stability.
Question 4: Discuss the strategic importance of the India-Mongolia Nomadic Elephant exercise and its impact on bilateral defence cooperation. (10 marks)
The 17th Nomadic Elephant exercise, held from 31 May to 13 June 2025 in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, underscores the strategic importance of India-Mongolia defence ties.
Strategic Importance:
- Geopolitical Alignment: Strengthens India’s Act East Policy and Mongolia’s Third Neighbour Policy, counterbalancing China’s influence in Central Asia.
- Interoperability: Enhances joint operational capabilities in semi-urban and mountainous terrains, critical for counter-insurgency and disaster response.
- Defence Partnership: Builds on the India-Mongolia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (2015), fostering trust in regional security.
- Capacity Building: Indian expertise in high-altitude warfare aids Mongolian forces, while Mongolia’s terrain offers unique training.
Impact on Bilateral Cooperation:
- Military Modernization: Supports Mongolia’s defence upgrades, with India supplying equipment like BEML trucks.
- Regional Stability: Promotes peace in Central Asia, aligning with India’s SCO membership.
- Soft Power: Strengthens cultural ties, with India’s Buddhist heritage resonating in Mongolia.
Challenges:
- Limited frequency of exercises due to logistical constraints.
- Balancing Mongolia’s neutral foreign policy.
Conclusion: Nomadic Elephant enhances India-Mongolia defence synergy, vital for regional security. Regular engagements and technology transfers will deepen ties.
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