Ace your UPSC, BPSC, SSC, Banking, and Railways exams with concise, exam-focused updates on governance, finance, technology, and global developments.
National Affairs
DRDO Inaugurates Quantum Technology Research Centre (QTRC)
On 2 June 2025, Dr. Samir V Kamat, Chairman of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), launched the Quantum Technology Research Centre (QTRC) at Metcalfe House, New Delhi. Operated by DRDO’s Solid State Physics Laboratory (SSPL), QTRC advances India’s National Quantum Mission (NQM) by focusing on quantum communication, sensing, and timekeeping, with testbeds for Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) and ultra-small atomic clocks.
- Key Features: Laser characterization, atomic magnetometers, single-photon source testing.
- Significance: Bolsters indigenous defence tech, reducing ₹10,000 crore in foreign imports.
- Ministry: Defence (Union Minister: Rajnath Singh, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh)
India Expands Diplomatic Outreach Post-Operation Sindoor
On 2 June 2025, multi-party delegations led by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) continued global visits to explain Operation Sindoor, India’s response to the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack. Former Union Minister Salman Khurshid emphasized securing international support for India’s anti-terrorism stance, countering Pakistan’s narrative.
- Objective: Gain explicit backing from nations like the US and EU.
- Significance: Strengthens India’s global diplomatic leverage.
- MEA Spokesperson: Randhir Jaiswal
Jharkhand Board Announces Class 12 Results
On 2 June 2025, the Jharkhand Academic Council (JAC) declared Class 12 results for Science and Commerce streams, accessible via jacresults.com and DigiLocker. Despite regional security disruptions, results impact over 2 lakh students’ higher education prospects.
- Pass Percentage: Expected to mirror 2024’s 72.7% (Science), 90.6% (Commerce).
- JAC Chairman: Anil Kumar Mahto
- Significance: Key for college admissions amid competitive academic landscape.
International Affairs
ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East Air Connectivity Ranking 2024
On 2 June 2025, the Airports Council International (ACI) Asia-Pacific & Middle East ranked Dubai International Airport (DXB) first in the Air Connectivity Ranking 2024, with Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA), New Delhi, at 10th among hub airports. A 14% connectivity growth in APAC and MID regions reflects robust international demand.
- Top 3: Dubai (DXB), Shanghai Pudong (PVG), Hamad International (DOH).
- New Metric: Hub Connectivity Index for transfer efficiency.
- ACI Headquarters: Hong Kong SAR, China (Director-General: Stefano Baronci)
India-Pakistan Ceasefire Holds with Troop Reduction Talks
On 2 June 2025, the Indian Army confirmed the India-Pakistan ceasefire, effective since 10 May 2025, remains stable, with talks to reduce Line of Control (LoC) troop deployments post-Operation Sindoor. Sporadic drone activities in Jammu and Punjab pose risks.
- Key Figures: Lt. Gen. Rajiv Ghai (DGMO, India), Air Marshal A.K. Bharti (DG Air Operations).
- Significance: Eases tensions despite diplomat expulsions in May 2025.
- Context: Follows BrahMos missile strikes on terror targets in Pakistan.
Ukraine’s Operation Spider’s Web Targets Russian Airbases
On 1 June 2025, Ukraine’s Operation Spider’s Web used drones to strike five Russian airbases, including Olenegorsk in Murmansk, 4,000 km from the frontlines, escalating the Russia-Ukraine conflict. India maintains neutrality, balancing ties with both nations.
- Significance: Risks global energy market disruptions, with Brent crude at $70/barrel.
- Indian Context: Impacts India’s $120 billion energy imports.
Banking & Finance
RBI Annual Report 2024-25 Shows 8.2% Balance Sheet Growth
On 2 June 2025, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released its Annual Report 2024-25, reporting an 8.2% balance sheet increase to ₹76.25 lakh crore, driven by a 52.09% rise in gold assets and 14.32% in domestic investments. Income grew 22.77% to ₹3.38 lakh crore, with a ₹2,68,590.07 crore surplus transferred to the government.
- Key Driver: Increased notes issued and revaluation accounts.
- RBI Governor: Sanjay Malhotra
- Significance: Reflects financial resilience amid global volatility.
ZET and SBM Bank India Launch FD-Backed Credit Card
On 2 June 2025, ZET (Bengaluru) and SBM Bank India (Mumbai) introduced the SBM ZET Credit Card, a RuPay-powered, FD-backed card for first-time borrowers. Requiring no credit history, FDs start at ₹5,000 with 7% interest, insured up to ₹5 lakh by DICGC.
- Features: No annual fees, UPI linkage, in-app rewards.
- Significance: Empowers 19 crore unbanked adults, boosting financial inclusion.
- Context: Aligns with RBI’s digital payment push.
Economy & Business
Crisil Forecasts 6.5% GDP Growth for FY26
On 2 June 2025, Crisil Limited projected a 6.5% GDP growth for FY26, driven by robust consumption, a 106% above-normal monsoon, and expected 50-basis-point RBI repo rate cuts. Global crude oil prices at $65-70/barrel support stability, though US tariff wars pose risks.
- Significance: Reinforces India’s status as the fastest-growing major economy.
- Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Context: Aligns with RBI’s FY26 growth outlook.
IndiGo’s ₹1,100 Crore MRO Facility in Bengaluru
On 2 June 2025, IndiGo signed an MoU with Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) for a ₹1,100 crore Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility at Kempegowda International Airport (KIA), Bengaluru. Spanning 31 acres, it will service IndiGo’s 400+ aircraft.
- Objective: Enhance Bengaluru’s aviation hub status.
- IndiGo CEO: Pieter Elbers
- Significance: Supports India’s 300 million passenger aviation market by 2030.
Retail Inflation Drops to 3.16% in April 2025
On 2 June 2025, the National Statistical Office (NSO) reported a 3.16% CPI-based retail inflation in April 2025, a six-year low, driven by cheaper vegetables, fruits, and pulses. This fuels expectations for a third RBI repo rate cut in June 2025.
- Previous Rates: 3.34% (March 2025), 4.83% (April 2024).
- Significance: Enhances consumer spending, supporting 60% of GDP.
- NSO Parent: Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation
FPIs Invest ₹14,167 Crore in Indian Equities
On 2 June 2025, foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) injected ₹14,167 crore into Indian equities in April 2025, following ₹35,098 crore in March, driven by strong domestic fundamentals. The BSE Sensex crossed 80,000 in May 2025.
- Source: Depository data
- Significance: Signals global confidence in India’s 6.5% FY26 growth.
- Context: Supports India’s $81.04 billion FDI inflows in FY24.
TCS and Google Lead Sovereign Cloud Market
On 2 June 2025, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and Google emerged as leaders in India’s sovereign cloud market, providing secure data storage for government entities. This aligns with TCS’s Q4 growth and India’s $17 billion cloud market projection by 2027.
- Significance: Advances Digital India and data sovereignty.
- TCS CEO: K Krithivasan
- Context: Supports India’s 1.2 billion monthly digital transactions.
Appointments & Resignations
Luis Montenegro Reappointed Portugal’s PM
On 2 June 2025, Luis Montenegro, leader of the Democratic Alliance (AD), was reappointed Prime Minister of Portugal after securing 91 seats in the 18 May 2025 elections. He will lead a coalition with Chega and the Socialist Party.
- Background: Former Social Democratic Party leader (2011-2017).
- Portugal: President: Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa; Capital: Lisbon; Currency: Euro
- Significance: Stabilizes Portugal’s governance post-elections.
WADA Re-elects Witold Banka and Yang Yang
On 2 June 2025, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) re-elected Witold Banka (President) and Yang Yang (Vice President) for a 2026–2028 term. Banka, a former Polish athlete, and Yang, a Chinese Olympic gold medalist, ensure global anti-doping standards.
- WADA: Headquarters: Montreal, Canada; Established: 1999
- Significance: Promotes fair play in international sports.
- Context: Supports India’s hosting of global sports events.
S. Padmanabhan Named Tata Motors Chairman
On 2 June 2025, S. Padmanabhan became Chairman of Tata Motors, succeeding N. Chandrasekaran, effective 30 May 2025. With 40+ years in the Tata Group, he strengthens leadership in India’s ₹20 lakh crore automotive sector.
- Additional Appointment: Modan Saha as Additional Director.
- Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Significance: Drives Tata Motors’ EV and global expansion.
HGS Appoints Venkatesh Korla as CEO, Mahesh Kumar Nutalapati as CFO
On 2 June 2025, Hinduja Global Solutions (HGS) named Venkatesh Korla (Global CEO) and Mahesh Kumar Nutalapati (Global CFO), replacing Partha DeSarkar and Srinivas Palakodeti. Korla’s digital expertise and Nutalapati’s financial acumen enhance HGS’s global CX services.
- Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Significance: Positions HGS in the $400 billion global CX market.
- Context: Aligns with India’s IT sector growth.
Science & Technology
DRDO’s ARDE Transfers Pinaka MBRL Technology to NIBE
On 2 June 2025, DRDO’s Armament Research & Development Establishment (ARDE) signed a Transfer of Technology (LAToT) agreement with NIBE Limited for the Pinaka Multi Barrel Rocket Launcher (MBRL) and Battery Command Post (BCP), replacing Russia’s Grad BM-21 in the Indian Army.
- Location: Pune, Maharashtra
- Significance: Boosts India’s ₹23,000 crore defence exports in FY24.
- Context: Named after Lord Shiva’s bow, Pinaka enhances artillery precision.
China’s Tianwen-2 Asteroid Mission Launched
On 2 June 2025, the China National Space Administration (CNSA) launched Tianwen-2 from Xichang, Sichuan, targeting asteroid 2016HO3 (Kamo’oalewa) for sample collection by 2027, followed by studies of 311P/PanSTARRS by 2032.
- Rocket: Long March 3B
- Significance: China joins Japan and USA in asteroid sample retrieval.
- CNSA: Headquarters: Beijing; Administrator: Zhang Kejian
Books & Authors
‘Indira Gandhi and the Years That Transformed India’ Published
On 2 June 2025, Penguin Random House India released “Indira Gandhi and the Years That Transformed India” by Srinath Raghavan, chronicling Indira Gandhi’s tenure (1966–1984), including the Emergency and electoral milestones.
- Author: Srinath Raghavan, Ashoka University, New Delhi
- Significance: Insights into India’s post-independence socio-political evolution.
- Publisher: New Delhi, Delhi
Sports
Punjab Kings Qualify for IPL 2025 Final
On 2 June 2025, Punjab Kings defeated Mumbai Indians by five wickets in IPL Qualifier 2, chasing 204, led by Shreyas Iyer’s unbeaten 87 (41 balls). The final is set for 3 June 2025 at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad.
- Significance: Reflects IPL’s resilience amid India-Pakistan tensions.
- BCCI President: Roger Binny
- Context: Tournament extended due to April 2025 disruptions.
India A Dominates England Lions in Unofficial Test
On 2 June 2025, India A led England Lions by 320 runs (237/2) at stumps on Day 2 of the first unofficial Test in Ahmedabad, preparing players for the 2025-26 World Test Championship.
- Key Players: Abhimanyu Easwaran (India A), Jacob Bethell (England Lions).
- Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium
- Significance: Showcases India’s cricketing depth.
Important Days
World Multiple Sclerosis Day – 30 May
World Multiple Sclerosis Day on 30 May 2025 raised awareness about MS, affecting 28 lakh people globally, with the theme “My MS Diagnosis” and tagline “Navigating MS Together”, promoting patient support.
- Organized by: Multiple Sclerosis International Federation (MSIF)
- CEO: Lydia E Makaroff; Headquarters: London, UK
- Significance: Encourages MS research and care.
International Week of Solidarity with Non-Self-Governing Territories – 25–31 May
The International Week of Solidarity with Non-Self-Governing Territories (25–31 May 2025) advocated self-determination for 17 NSGTs, like Gibraltar, under UNGA Resolution A/RES/54/91.
- Significance: Supports UN’s decolonization and human rights goals.
- UN Headquarters: New York, USA
- Context: Reinforces global solidarity with NSGT populations.
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Recent Exam Relevance
UPSC Prelims 2026: Questions on defence technology (DRDO initiatives), India-Pakistan relations (LoC, diplomacy), and economic indicators (inflation, FPI).
- BPSC Prelims 2025: Diplomatic outreach (MEA initiatives), sports (IPL, cricket), and education (board results).
- IBPS PO 2025: RBI policies (repo rate, financial inclusion), cloud computing, and aviation sector growth.
- SSC CGL 2025: Geopolitical conflicts (Russia-Ukraine), important days, and economic trends (GDP, FDI).
Stay updated with cracktarget.com to ace these topics in 2025 exams.
MCQs with Answers
- Who inaugurated the Quantum Technology Research Centre on 2 June 2025?
- A) Rajnath Singh
- B) Samir V Kamat
- C) Amit Shah
- D) Sanjay Malhotra
- Answer: B) Samir V Kamat
- What was India’s retail inflation rate in April 2025?
- A) 3.16%
- B) 3.34%
- C) 4.83%
- D) 3.15%
- Answer: A) 3.16%
- Which airport ranked first in the ACI Air Connectivity Ranking 2024?
- A) Delhi IGIA
- B) Dubai DXB
- C) Shanghai PVG
- D) Hamad DOH
- Answer: B) Dubai DXB
- How much did FPIs invest in Indian equities in April 2025?
- A) ₹10,000 crore
- B) ₹14,167 crore
- C) ₹35,098 crore
- D) ₹20,000 crore
- Answer: B) ₹14,167 crore
- Who led Punjab Kings in IPL Qualifier 2 on 2 June 2025?
- A) Shubman Gill
- B) Shreyas Iyer
- C) Rohit Sharma
- D) KL Rahul
- Answer: B) Shreyas Iyer
- What is the target asteroid for China’s Tianwen-2 mission?
- A) Bennu
- B) 2016HO3
- C) Ryugu
- D) Vesta
- Answer: B) 2016HO3
- Who was reappointed as Portugal’s Prime Minister in 2025?
- A) Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa
- B) Luis Montenegro
- C) Antonio Costa
- D) Pedro Passos Coelho
- Answer: B) Luis Montenegro
- What was the RBI’s balance sheet size in FY25?
- A) ₹70.47 lakh crore
- B) ₹76.25 lakh crore
- C) ₹65.30 lakh crore
- D) ₹80.10 lakh crore
- Answer: B) ₹76.25 lakh crore
- Where is IndiGo’s ₹1,100 crore MRO facility being established?
- A) Delhi
- B) Bengaluru
- C) Mumbai
- D) Hyderabad
- Answer: B) Bengaluru
- What is the theme of World Multiple Sclerosis Day 2025?
- A) Navigating MS Together
- B) My MS Diagnosis
- C) MS Awareness
- D) Living with MS
- Answer: B) My MS Diagnosis
UPSC/BPSC Mains Questions with Detailed Answers
Question 1: Evaluate the strategic importance of the Quantum Technology Research Centre (QTRC) in enhancing India’s defence capabilities and its role in the National Quantum Mission. (15 marks)
The Quantum Technology Research Centre (QTRC), inaugurated on 2 June 2025 by DRDO in New Delhi, is a pivotal step towards strengthening India’s defence and technological sovereignty under the National Quantum Mission (NQM).
Strategic Importance for Defence:
- Secure Communication: QTRC’s Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) ensures unhackable military communications, critical in cyber warfare scenarios.
- Advanced Sensing: Atomic magnetometers enable precise detection of stealth threats, enhancing battlefield surveillance.
- Precision Timekeeping: Ultra-Small Atomic Clocks (USACs) support navigation in GPS-denied environments, vital for missile accuracy.
- Indigenous Innovation: Reduces ₹10,000 crore in foreign quantum tech imports, aligning with Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
- Global Competitiveness: Positions India alongside the US and China in quantum defence applications.
Role in National Quantum Mission:
- Thematic Hub: QTRC fosters collaboration among DRDO, IITs, and startups under NQM’s ₹6,000 crore framework.
- Technology Development: Advances quantum computing, sensing, and communication, targeting 50-qubit systems by 2030.
- Industry Ecosystem: Partnerships with firms like NIBE Limited drive commercialization, supporting India’s $110 billion tech market.
Challenges:
- High R&D costs and shortage of quantum experts.
- Scaling lab technologies for operational use.
- Countering global patent competition.
Conclusion: QTRC is a cornerstone for India’s defence and quantum ambitions. Sustained funding and talent development will maximize NQM’s impact.
Question 2: Discuss the implications of Operation Sindoor on India-Pakistan relations and India’s diplomatic strategy for global support. (15 marks)
Operation Sindoor, India’s response to the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack, reshaped India-Pakistan dynamics, with diplomatic efforts intensifying by 2 June 2025.
Implications for India-Pakistan Relations:
- New Deterrence: India’s BrahMos missile strikes on Pakistan’s terror infrastructure set a precedent for treating terror as war, deterring future attacks.
- Ceasefire Fragility: The 10 May 2025 ceasefire holds, but drone activities and diplomat expulsions (13 May) highlight persistent tensions.
- Human Cost: Civilian losses (16 in India, 40 claimed by Pakistan) along the LoC complicate peace prospects.
- Nuclear Posture: IAEA’s verification of no radiation leaks mitigates fears, but Pakistan’s nuclear rhetoric remains a concern.
India’s Diplomatic Strategy:
- Global Advocacy: Multi-party delegations, as noted by Salman Khurshid, secure US and EU support, countering Pakistan’s narrative.
- UN Leverage: Evidence presented to the UN 1267 Committee pushes for terrorist designations, enhancing India’s credibility.
- Soft Power: Highlighting Kashmiri unity counters Pakistan’s propaganda, strengthening India’s moral stance.
- Bilateral Focus: S Jaishankar’s emphasis on direct talks avoids third-party mediation, preserving autonomy.
Challenges:
- Maintaining domestic political consensus.
- Sustaining ceasefire amid violations.
- Countering Pakistan’s lobbying, e.g., at IMF.
Conclusion: Operation Sindoor has redefined India-Pakistan engagement, with proactive diplomacy bolstering India’s global position. Bilateral dialogue and UN advocacy are key for stability.
Question 3: Analyze the economic significance of the 3.16% retail inflation rate in April 2025 and its impact on RBI’s monetary policy. (10 marks)
The 3.16% retail inflation rate in April 2025, a six-year low reported on 2 June 2025, underscores India’s economic stability and shapes RBI’s monetary policy.
Economic Significance:
- Food Price Relief: A 91-basis-point drop in food inflation (vegetables, fruits, pulses) boosts purchasing power for 140 crore Indians.
- Consumption Boost: Low inflation drives 60% of GDP, aligning with Crisil’s 6.5% FY26 growth forecast.
- Investor Confidence: ₹14,167 crore FPI inflows in April 2025 reflect optimism, supporting BSE Sensex at 80,000.
- Export Edge: Inflation below 4% enhances competitiveness for $437 billion merchandise exports (FY24).
Impact on RBI’s Monetary Policy:
- Rate Cut Likelihood: Below the 4% target, a third 25-basis-point repo rate cut (from 6.25%) is expected in June 2025.
- Credit Growth: Lower rates spur MSME and housing loans, tackling 6.7% urban unemployment (CMIE, 2024).
- Monsoon Support: IMD’s 106% monsoon forecast stabilizes food prices, aiding policy flexibility.
- Global Risks: US tariff wars and oil price volatility ($65-70/barrel) may limit easing.
Challenges:
- Managing supply chain disruptions.
- Balancing growth with fiscal deficit (5.6% of GDP).
Conclusion: The 3.16% inflation rate strengthens India’s economic outlook, enabling RBI to prioritize growth. Vigilance against global risks is crucial.
Question 4: Examine the role of the SBM ZET Credit Card in promoting financial inclusion and its potential to transform India’s credit ecosystem. (10 marks)
The SBM ZET Credit Card, launched on 2 June 2025 by ZET and SBM Bank India, is a transformative tool for financial inclusion.
Role in Financial Inclusion:
- No-Barrier Access: Requires no credit history or income proof, reaching 19 crore unbanked adults.
- Affordable Entry: FDs from ₹5,000 (7% interest, DICGC-insured up to ₹5 lakh) make credit accessible.
- Credit Building: Enables users to establish credit scores, unlocking loans and financial products.
- Digital Ease: RuPay and UPI integration aligns with 1.2 billion monthly digital transactions.
Potential to Transform Credit Ecosystem:
- Market Growth: Increases credit penetration from 27% to developed nations’ 60%.
- Economic Impact: Boosts consumption, supporting India’s $7 trillion economy goal by 2030.
- Responsible Credit: Zero fees reduce default risks, lowering NPAs.
- Model for Innovation: Sets a precedent for NBFC-bank partnerships under RBI’s inclusion framework.
Challenges:
- Rural awareness and digital literacy gaps.
- Preventing over-leveraging by new borrowers.
- Scaling nationwide infrastructure.
Conclusion: The SBM ZET Credit Card is a catalyst for financial inclusion, reshaping India’s credit landscape. Outreach and education will ensure its success.
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