NATIONAL AFFAIRS
Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA) Celebrates 9 Years of Impact
Launched in June 2016 by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA) marked its 9th anniversary in June 2025. This flagship program focuses on reducing maternal and neonatal mortality by ensuring early detection and management of high-risk pregnancies. By May 2025, over 61.9 million pregnant women across India benefited from free, quality antenatal care (ANC) provided on the 9th of every month, particularly in the second and third trimesters. The initiative has significantly lowered India’s Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) from 130 per 100,000 live births (2014–2016) to 80 per 100,000 live births (2021–2023), a remarkable 50-point decline. PMSMA aligns with the Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, and Adolescent Health plus Nutrition (RMNCAH+N) strategy under the National Health Mission and engages private sector practitioners to enhance service delivery and awareness.
Government Enhances Procurement Rules for Scientific Research
In June 2025, the Ministry of Finance amended the General Financial Rules (GFRs) to streamline the procurement of scientific equipment and consumables for research institutions, including those in the defense sector. Key changes include:
- Vice Chancellors and Directors of R&D institutions can now procure equipment and consumables up to ₹2 lakh without quotations.
- Purchase committees’ procurement limit increased from ₹10 lakh to ₹20 lakh.
- Limits for Limited Tender Enquiry (LTE) and advertised tender enquiry raised from ₹50 lakh to ₹1 crore.
These amendments aim to reduce delays, simplify processes, and boost scientific innovation.
Clean Plant Programme Launched to Boost Horticulture
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan launched the Clean Plant Programme during India’s first International Agri Hackathon in Pune, Maharashtra (June 1–3, 2025). The initiative will establish nine horticultural facilities across India for crops like grapes, citrus, mango, guava, and temperate fruits, with three facilities in Maharashtra (Pune, Nagpur, Solapur) at a cost of ₹300 crore. Supported by technical expertise from Israel and the Netherlands, the program aims to enhance disease-free planting material and support advanced nurseries with investments of ₹3 crore (large nurseries) and ₹1.5 crore (mid-sized nurseries). Maharashtra’s CM Devendra Fadnavis announced ₹120 crore in startup funds to foster innovation in agriculture.
Bengaluru Named India’s ‘Leopard Capital’
A 2024–2025 camera-trap survey by the Holématthi Nature Foundation revealed Bengaluru as India’s ‘Leopard Capital,’ with 80–85 free-ranging leopards in its forests and scrublands, surpassing Mumbai’s 54 leopards. Conducted across 282 sq km using 250+ camera traps, the study identified 54 leopards in Bannerghatta National Park and over 30 in surrounding areas. Bengaluru’s outskirts support a diverse range of large mammals, including tigers, elephants, and dholes, alongside 34 mammal species, with eight listed as Endangered or Near Threatened by the IUCN and 27 under Schedules I and II of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
BHASHINI and CRIS Partner for Multilingual Railway Services
On June 9, 2025, BHASHINI (under MeitY) and the Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS) signed an MoU in New Delhi to integrate multilingual AI solutions into Indian Railways’ platforms, such as the National Train Enquiry System and RailMadad. The collaboration, signed by BHASHINI CEO Amitabh Nag and CRIS MD G.V.L. Satya Kumar, leverages technologies like Automatic Speech Recognition, Text-to-Text Translation, and Text-to-Speech to offer services in 22 Indian languages, enhancing accessibility and inclusivity.
Puducherry Adopts National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA)
On June 9, 2025, Union Minister Dr. L. Murugan inaugurated NeVA for the Puducherry Legislative Assembly, making it the 19th legislature to adopt this digital platform. NeVA, fully funded by the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, promotes paperless governance with features like AI/ML-powered translations via BHASHINI, live streaming of proceedings, and digital access to legislative documents. The initiative aligns with the “One Nation, One Application” vision, fostering transparency and public engagement.
INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal Strengthens Maritime Ties in Norway and Denmark
From June 2–6, 2025, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal visited Norway and Denmark to enhance maritime cooperation. At Nor-Shipping 2025 in Oslo, he highlighted India’s ₹1.67 trillion investment in multimodal logistics and port connectivity. An MoU between GRSE (India) and Kongsberg Maritime AS (Norway) was signed to design India’s first Polar Research Vehicle. In Denmark, Sonowal discussed the Green Strategic Partnership and maritime collaboration with Minister Morten Bodskov.
World Bank Raises Poverty Line, India’s Poverty Drops
In June 2025, the World Bank updated the global poverty line to $3 per day (from $2.15). India’s extreme poverty rate fell from 27.1% to 5.3% between 2011–12 and 2022–23, lifting 269 million people out of poverty. States like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Maharashtra drove two-thirds of this reduction.
Mumbai Ranks 6th in Global Data Centre Market
The 2025 Global Data Center Market Comparison report by Cushman & Wakefield ranked Mumbai 6th globally with 335 MW of data centre capacity under construction. Virginia (USA) led with 1,834 MW. Mumbai also ranked 7th in the Asia-Pacific for established data centre markets, with Pune and Bengaluru emerging as key regional hubs.
BANKING & FINANCE
SEBI Introduces ESG Debt Framework
On June 5, 2025, SEBI rolled out a framework for ESG debt securities, covering social bonds, sustainability bonds, and Sustainability-Linked Bonds (SLBs). Aligned with international standards like ICMA and ASEAN, the framework mandates pre- and post-issuance disclosures, third-party reviews, and compliance with sustainable development goals. Social bonds target projects like healthcare and education, while SLBs tie financial incentives to sustainability targets.
APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS
S Mahendra Dev Named EAC-PM Chairperson
In June 2025, Prof S Mahendra Dev was appointed Chairperson of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister for two years, succeeding Suman Bery. Dev, a renowned economist, resigned from Axis Bank’s Board to assume the full-time role. The reconstituted EAC-PM includes new part-time members like Soumya Kanti Ghosh and Gourav Vallabh.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
Dhruva Space Partners with Sodern for HORUS Star Tracker
Hyderabad-based Dhruva Space and France’s Sodern (ArianeGroup) partnered to deploy the HORUS star tracker on a 2026 nanosatellite mission under Dhruva’s LEAP initiative. The tracker, integrated into the P-30 platform, enhances attitude sensing for telecommunications.
ENVIRONMENT
New Wasp and Bat Species Discovered
A new wasp species, Losgna occidentalis, was discovered in Chandigarh, marking the westernmost record of the genus. Additionally, the Himalayan long-tailed bat (Myotis himalaicus) was found in Uttarakhand’s Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary, advancing Himalayan biodiversity research.
SPORTS
Indonesia Open 2025
Denmark’s Anders Antonsen and South Korea’s An Se-young won the men’s and women’s singles titles, respectively, at the Indonesia Open 2025 in Jakarta (June 3–8). The tournament, with a $1.45 million prize pool, is a premier badminton event organized by the Badminton Association of Indonesia.
India Shines at Taiwan Athletics Open 2025
India dominated the Taiwan Athletics Open (June 7–8, 2025) with 16 medals (12 gold, 3 silver, 1 bronze), outpacing Australia and Japan. Athletes like Annu Rani and Jyothi Yarraji delivered standout performances.
Portugal Wins UEFA Nations League 2025
Portugal secured their second UEFA Nations League title, defeating Spain 5-3 in a penalty shootout after a 2-2 draw in Munich. Cristiano Ronaldo’s 138th international goal and Nuno Mendes’ Player of the Match performance were highlights.
Shooting League of India (SLI) Logo Unveiled
The National Rifle Association of India unveiled the SLI logo for its inaugural season (November 20–December 2, 2025). Featuring navy blue, orange, and red-pink, the logo reflects precision and passion. The league will include mixed team events across pistol, rifle, and shotgun categories.
IMPORTANT DAYS
UN International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations (June 10, 2025)
The first UN International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations promoted intercultural understanding and global solidarity. A UNESCO symposium in Paris highlighted youth dialogue along the Silk Roads.
International Level Crossing Awareness Day (June 5, 2025)
The 17th ILCAD, themed “Helping people make good decisions,” raised awareness about level crossing safety, hosted by the UK’s Network Rail and RSSB.
STATE NEWS
Assam Launches Mukhya Mantrir Jiban Anuprerana Scheme
Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma launched a scheme to provide ₹25,000 to research scholars and ₹40,000 to Divyang scholars, alongside the Swagata Satirtha Portal for transparent employee transfers.
25 MCQs Based on the Post
- When was the Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA) launched?
a) June 2014
b) June 2016
c) June 2018
d) June 2020
Answer: b) June 2016 - What is the primary aim of PMSMA?
a) Improve literacy rates
b) Reduce maternal and neonatal mortality
c) Promote agricultural productivity
d) Enhance digital literacy
Answer: b) Reduce maternal and neonatal mortality - By how many points did India’s MMR decline from 2014–2016 to 2021–2023?
a) 30
b) 40
c) 50
d) 60
Answer: c) 50 - Under the amended GFR rules, what is the new procurement limit for purchase committees?
a) ₹10 lakh
b) ₹15 lakh
c) ₹20 lakh
d) ₹25 lakh
Answer: c) ₹20 lakh - Which ministry announced the Clean Plant Programme in June 2025?
a) Ministry of Health
b) Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare
c) Ministry of Finance
d) Ministry of Environment
Answer: b) Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare - How many horticultural facilities will the Clean Plant Programme establish?
a) 6
b) 7
c) 8
d) 9
Answer: d) 9 - Which(city is known as India’s ‘Leopard Capital’ as of June 2025?
a) Mumbai
b) Bengaluru
c) Delhi
d) Hyderabad
Answer: b) Bengaluru - How many leopards were recorded in Bannerghatta National Park?
a) 44
b) 54
c) 64
d) 74
Answer: b) 54 - Which organizations signed an MoU for multilingual AI solutions in Indian Railways?
a) BHASHINI and ISRO
b) BHASHINI and CRIS
c) CRIS and DRDO
d) BHASHINI and DRDO
Answer: b) BHASHINI and CRIS - What is the purpose of the National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA)?
a) Promote agricultural exports
b) Digitize legislative processes
c) Enhance railway connectivity
d) Support startup funding
Answer: b) Digitize legislative processes - Which country did Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal visit first in June 2025?
a) Denmark
b) Norway
c) Japan
d) Netherlands
Answer: b) Norway - What is the new global poverty line set by the World Bank in June 2025?
a) $2.15 per day
b) $2.50 per day
c) $3.00 per day
d) $3.50 per day
Answer: c) $3.00 per day - Which Indian city ranked 6th globally for data centre capacity under construction?
a) Bengaluru
b) Pune
c) Mumbai
d) Delhi
Answer: c) Mumbai - What does SEBI’s ESG debt framework exclude?
a) Social bonds
b) Green bonds
c) Sustainability bonds
d) Sustainability-Linked Bonds
Answer: b) Green bonds - Who was appointed Chairperson of the EAC-PM in June 2025?
a) Suman Bery
b) Bibek Debroy
c) S Mahendra Dev
d) Poonam Gupta
Answer: c) S Mahendra Dev - Which company partnered with Dhruva Space for the HORUS star tracker mission?
a) ISRO
b) Sodern
c) DRDO
d) Kongsberg
Answer: b) Sodern - What is the name of the new wasp species discovered in Chandigarh?
a) Myotis himalaicus
b) Losgna occidentalis
c) Himalayan long-tailed
d) Ichneumonid wasp
Answer: b) Losgna occidentalis - Who won the men’s singles title at the Indonesia Open 2025?
a) Chou Tien-chen
b) Anders Antonsen
c) Wang Zhiyi
d) An Se-young
Answer: b) Anders Antonsen - How many gold medals did India win at the Taiwan Athletics Open 2025?
a) 8
b) 10
c) 12
d) 14
Answer: c) 12 - Which country won the UEFA Nations League 2025?
a) Spain
b) Portugal
c) Netherlands
d) Germany
Answer: b) Portugal - What is the Shooting League of India (SLI) logo’s primary color representing focus?
a) Vibrant Orange
b) Fiery Red Pink
c) Deep Navy Blue
d) Bright Yellow
Answer: c) Deep Navy Blue - When was the first UN International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations observed?
a) June 5, 2025
b) June 7, 2025
c) June 10, 2025
d) June 12, 2025
Answer: c) June 10, 2025 - What was the theme of ILCAD 2025?
a) Safe Crossings, Safe Lives
b) Helping people make good decisions
c) Railway Safety First
d) Protect the Tracks
Answer: b) Helping people make good decisions - What is the financial assistance for Divyang scholars under Assam’s Mukhya Mantrir Jiban Anuprerana Scheme?
a) ₹20,000
b) ₹25,000
c) ₹30,000
d) ₹40,000
Answer: d) ₹40,000 - Which portal was launched alongside the Mukhya Mantrir Jiban Anuprerana Scheme?
a) Swagata Satirtha Portal
b) Digital Assam Portal
c) Research Connect Portal
d) Employee Welfare Portal
Answer: a) Swagata Satirtha Portal
UPSC-Relevant Questions with Detailed Answers (500 Words Each)
Question 1: Discuss the significance of the Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA) in improving maternal and neonatal health outcomes in India, and evaluate its impact on India’s healthcare system.
Answer:
The Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA), launched in June 2016, is a transformative initiative by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality in India. By providing free, quality antenatal care (ANC) on the 9th of every month, particularly during the second and third trimesters, PMSMA ensures early detection and management of high-risk pregnancies. As of May 2025, over 61.9 million pregnant women have benefited, contributing to a significant 50-point decline in India’s Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) from 130 per 100,000 live births (2014–2016) to 80 per 100,000 live births (2021–2023). This progress underscores PMSMA’s pivotal role in strengthening maternal healthcare.
PMSMA aligns with the Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, and Adolescent Health plus Nutrition (RMNCAH+N) strategy under the National Health Mission, emphasizing a holistic approach to reproductive health. Its structured engagement with private practitioners enhances service delivery, bridging gaps in public healthcare infrastructure, especially in rural and underserved areas. By focusing on high-risk pregnancies, the program addresses critical issues like anemia, hypertension, and diabetes, which are leading causes of maternal and neonatal deaths. The initiative’s emphasis on comprehensive ANC, including diagnostics and counseling, empowers women with knowledge and timely interventions, reducing complications during childbirth.
The impact of PMSMA extends beyond statistics. It has fostered inter-sectoral collaboration, integrating government health facilities with private expertise, thus amplifying resource utilization. The program’s success in reducing MMR reflects improved healthcare access and quality, particularly for marginalized communities. However, challenges remain, such as ensuring consistent service quality in remote regions and addressing socio-cultural barriers that deter women from seeking timely care. The program’s scalability depends on sustained funding, trained healthcare personnel, and robust monitoring mechanisms.
PMSMA has also set a precedent for targeted health interventions, inspiring similar initiatives in other sectors. Its integration with digital health platforms and awareness campaigns has enhanced public trust in the healthcare system. By prioritizing maternal health, PMSMA contributes to India’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being). To maximize impact, the government must focus on capacity building, leveraging technology for real-time monitoring, and addressing regional disparities. PMSMA’s success is a testament to India’s commitment to inclusive healthcare, but sustained efforts are needed to achieve the global MMR target of below 70 by 2030.
Question 2: Analyze the Clean Plant Programme’s potential to transform India’s horticulture sector, and discuss its implications for agricultural innovation and economic growth.
Answer:
The Clean Plant Programme, launched in June 2025 by Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, is a landmark initiative to revolutionize India’s horticulture sector. By establishing nine horticultural facilities across India for crops like grapes, citrus, mango, and temperate fruits, the program aims to provide disease-free planting material, enhancing yield quality and quantity. With three facilities in Maharashtra (Pune, Nagpur, Solapur) at a cost of ₹300 crore, and technical support from Israel and the Netherlands, the initiative integrates global expertise with local needs. Its investment in advanced nurseries (₹3 crore for large, ₹1.5 crore for mid-sized) underscores its focus on scalability and innovation.
The program addresses a critical challenge in Indian horticulture: the prevalence of disease-affected planting material, which reduces productivity and farmer income. By ensuring access to certified, clean plants, it enhances crop resilience, reduces losses, and improves market competitiveness. This aligns with India’s goal of doubling farmers’ income and boosting agricultural exports, particularly for high-value crops like mangoes and grapes. The involvement of premier institutions like ICAR and state governments ensures robust research and implementation, fostering a science-driven approach to horticulture.
Economically, the Clean Plant Programme is poised to stimulate rural economies by creating jobs in nursery management, research, and allied industries. The ₹120 crore startup fund announced by Maharashtra’s CM Devendra Fadnavis will nurture agri-tech startups, driving innovation in precision farming and post-harvest technologies. The program’s focus on subtropical and temperate fruits caters to diverse climatic zones, promoting inclusive growth. Its international collaboration enhances India’s position in global agricultural markets, attracting foreign investment and technology transfer.
However, challenges include ensuring equitable access to clean planting material for smallholder farmers and addressing logistical barriers in distribution. The program’s success hinges on effective public-private partnerships, farmer awareness, and sustained funding. By complementing initiatives like the National Horticulture Mission, it strengthens India’s agricultural ecosystem. The Clean Plant Programme has the potential to transform horticulture into a high-growth sector, contributing to food security, export revenue, and sustainable development, while positioning India as a global leader in quality produce.
Question 3: Evaluate the role of Bengaluru as India’s ‘Leopard Capital’ in highlighting the challenges and opportunities of urban-wildlife coexistence in metropolitan cities.
Answer:
Bengaluru’s designation as India’s ‘Leopard Capital’ in June 2025, with 80–85 free-ranging leopards, underscores the complex interplay between urban expansion and wildlife conservation. The Holématthi Nature Foundation’s 2024–2025 survey revealed a thriving leopard population across 282 sq km, including 54 in Bannerghatta National Park and over 30 in surrounding areas. This distinction highlights Bengaluru’s unique position as a metropolitan city supporting diverse large mammals like tigers, elephants, and dholes, alongside 34 mammal species, eight of which are Endangered or Near Threatened.
The presence of leopards in Bengaluru’s fringes presents both opportunities and challenges. On one hand, it showcases the city’s rich biodiversity and the resilience of ecosystems like Bannerghatta National Park. This can boost eco-tourism, foster conservation awareness, and position Bengaluru as a model for urban-wildlife coexistence. The survey’s use of 250+ camera traps demonstrates the role of technology in monitoring wildlife, offering data for evidence-based conservation policies. Bengaluru’s diverse habitats, from forests to scrublands, provide a natural corridor for wildlife, emphasizing the importance of preserving green belts around urban centers.
However, rapid urbanization poses significant challenges. Habitat fragmentation due to infrastructure development threatens leopard populations, increasing human-wildlife conflict. Incidents of leopards entering residential areas highlight the need for community education and conflict mitigation strategies. The presence of Endangered and Schedule I species under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, necessitates robust legal enforcement and habitat protection. Bengaluru’s high leopard density also raises concerns about prey availability and ecological balance, requiring integrated management plans.
To address these challenges, Bengaluru can adopt measures like wildlife corridors, community-based monitoring, and urban planning that prioritizes green spaces. Collaboration between conservationists, urban planners, and local communities is crucial to mitigate conflicts and ensure safety. The city’s experience offers lessons for other Indian metros like Mumbai, which also face urban-wildlife challenges. By leveraging its ‘Leopard Capital’ status, Bengaluru can lead in developing sustainable urban ecosystems, balancing development with conservation and contributing to India’s biodiversity goals under global frameworks like the Convention on Biological Diversity.
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