NATIONAL AFFAIRS
Cabinet Approves Rs. 6,405 Crore for Two Railway Doubling Projects
In June 2025, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, greenlit two significant railway doubling initiatives under the Ministry of Railways, with a combined investment of Rs. 6,405 crore. These projects aim to bolster rail infrastructure, enhancing both freight and passenger connectivity across Jharkhand, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh, covering 318 km and seven districts. Completion is targeted within three years.
Project Breakdown:
- Koderma–Barkakana Doubling (133 km, Rs. 3,063 crore):
- Connects coal-rich regions in Jharkhand (Koderma, Chatra, Hazaribagh, Ramgarh).
- Establishes the shortest rail route between Patna (Bihar) and Ranchi (Jharkhand).
- Ballari–Chikjajur Doubling (185 km, Rs. 3,342 crore):
- Facilitates transport of iron ore, steel, cement, fertilizers, and petroleum.
- Links Ballari, Chitradurga (Karnataka), and Anantapur (Andhra Pradesh).
Strategic and Economic Impact:
- Aligns with the PM Gati Shakti-National Master Plan for integrated multi-modal connectivity.
- Enhances line capacity, reduces congestion, and improves freight and passenger flow.
- Connects 1,408 villages, impacting 28.19 lakh people, and boosts freight by 49 MTPA.
- Generates 10.8 million human-days of employment during construction.
- Promotes eco-friendly rail transport, saving 52 crore liters of oil and reducing CO₂ emissions by 264 crore kg (equivalent to planting 11 crore trees).
Ministry of Railways Leadership:
- Union Minister: Ashwini Vaishnaw (Rajya Sabha, Odisha)
- Ministers of State: V. Somanna (Tumkur, Karnataka), Ravneet Singh Bittu (Rajya Sabha, Rajasthan)
India’s First E-Waste Eco Park in Delhi
Delhi’s Environment Minister, Manjinder Singh Sirsa, announced in June 2025 the establishment of India’s pioneering e-waste eco park in Holambi Kalan, North Delhi. With a capital outlay of Rs. 150 crore and an operational budget exceeding Rs. 325 crore, the park is slated for completion in 18 months. It aims to handle 25% of Delhi’s e-waste within five years, serving as a national model.
Key Features:
- Spans 11.4 acres, developed via a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) under the Design, Build, Finance, Operate, Transfer (DBFOT) model for 15 years.
- Equipped to process 51,000 metric tonnes of e-waste annually, covering all 106 categories under E-Waste Management Rules, 2022.
- Expected to generate Rs. 350 crore in revenue and create thousands of green jobs.
- Delhi State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (DSIIDC) will issue a global tender to attract advanced green tech providers.
E-Waste Context:
- India is the third-largest e-waste producer globally, generating 1.6 million metric tonnes annually, with Delhi contributing 9.5%.
- Only 7.4% of global e-waste is recycled scientifically, leading to resource loss (e.g., copper, lithium, rare earth metals).
Delhi Governance:
- Chief Minister: Rekha Gupta
- Lieutenant Governor: Vinai Kumar Saxena
- Capital: New Delhi
- Wildlife Sanctuary: Asola-Bhatti
INS Guldar: India’s First Underwater Museum and Coral Reef
In June 2025, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis virtually launched a unique project to convert the decommissioned INS Guldar into India’s first underwater museum and artificial coral reef off Nivati Rock, Vengurla Taluka, Sindhudurg, Maharashtra. This initiative blends heritage, ecology, and tourism, promoting scuba diving and marine conservation.
Project Highlights:
- Led by Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) with marine and environmental experts.
- Funded with Rs. 46.91 crore by the Ministry of Tourism under the Special Assistance to States scheme (December 2024).
- INS Guldar, a Kumbhir-class ship (1,120 tonnes, 83.9m long, 9.7m wide), served the Indian Navy from 1985 to 2024.
INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
WEF Global Gender Gap Report 2025: India at 131st, Iceland Leads
The World Economic Forum’s 19th Global Gender Gap Report, released on June 12, 2025, ranked India 131st among 148 countries, down two spots, with a score of 0.644. Iceland topped the list for the 16th time (0.926), followed by Finland, Norway, the UK, and New Zealand.
Report Insights:
- Benchmarks gender parity across 148 economies, covering two-thirds of global economies.
- Top 10 economies have closed at least 80% of their gender gaps.
- Global gender gap narrowed to 68.8%, but full parity is projected to take 123 years.
ILO Data: India’s Social Security Coverage Reaches 64.3%, 2nd Globally
According to the ILO’s 2025 ILOSTAT database, India’s social security coverage surged to 64.3% (94 crore beneficiaries), up from 19% in 2015, ranking second globally. Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya highlighted this during the 113th International Labour Conference (June 10–12, 2025, Geneva).
Key Achievements:
- India was the first to update 2025 social protection data in ILOSTAT, showcasing digital governance.
- Coverage represents Phase-I, focusing on central and women-centric schemes in eight states, with projections to exceed 100 crore beneficiaries.
- Strengthens India’s global engagements, aiding Social Security Agreements for professionals abroad.
- Meets ILO criteria: legislatively mandated schemes, cash benefits, and verified data for three years.
ILO Overview:
- Director-General: Gilbert F. Houngbo
- Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland
- Established: 1919
- Members: 187
NATO’s BALTOPS 25 Exercise in Latvia
NATO launched its 53rd Baltic Operations (BALTOPS 25) exercise in Latvia from June 5–20, 2025, to enhance maritime interoperability, rapid response, and Baltic Sea security. Organized by STRIKFORNATO (Portugal) and hosted by Latvia, it involves 16 NATO members, 40+ ships, 25 aircraft, and 9,000 personnel, focusing on unmanned systems, air defense, and mine countermeasures. Latvia has participated since 1996.
BANKING & FINANCE
Groww Launches India’s First Nifty Internet ETF
Groww Mutual Fund introduced the Groww Nifty India Internet ETF, India’s first ETF tracking the Nifty India Internet Index, targeting digital economy sectors like e-commerce, fintech, and digital payments.
Scheme Details:
- Aims for long-term capital growth by mirroring the Nifty India Internet Index.
- New Fund Offer: June 13–27, 2025; minimum investment: Rs. 500; no exit load.
SEBI’s ‘Valid’ UPI and ‘SEBI Check’ Tools
SEBI Chairperson Tuhin Kanta Pandey announced the ‘Valid’ UPI payment system and ‘SEBI Check’ verification tool to ensure secure transactions with registered intermediaries, effective October 1, 2025.
‘Valid’ UPI Features:
- Unique UPI IDs with ‘@valid’ handle, issued by NPCI, featuring a green thumbs-up icon.
- Daily UPI limit for capital market transactions: Rs. 5 lakh.
- ‘SEBI Check’ verifies UPI IDs via QR codes or manual entry.
NSE’s Monthly Electricity Futures Contracts
SEBI approved NSE’s launch of monthly electricity futures contracts to hedge price volatility and support power sector reforms under the Electricity Act, 2003. Jio BlackRock Investment Advisers also received SEBI approval to operate as an investment advisor.
RBI Grants Scheduled Bank Status to Vishweshwar Sahakari Bank
On June 11, 2025, RBI designated Vishweshwar Sahakari Bank (Pune) as a Scheduled Bank under the RBI Act, 1934, making it the 50th cooperative bank and third from Pune to achieve this status.
Bank Details:
- Chairperson: Anil Bharatsheth Gadve
- Headquarters: Pune, Maharashtra
- Established: 1972
SBI’s Rs. 8,076.84 Crore Dividend to GoI
SBI paid a FY25 dividend of Rs. 8,076.84 crore to the Government of India (57.43% stakeholder), presented to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. SBI’s FY25 net profit was Rs. 70,901 crore, up 16% from FY24. Dividend per share: Rs. 15.90 (FY25) vs. Rs. 13.70 (FY24).
Poonawalla Fincorp’s ‘Business Loan 24/7’ for MSMEs
Poonawalla Fincorp launched a fully digital ‘Business Loan 24/7’ for MSMEs, offering instant loan approval and disbursal using GST, credit bureaus, and account aggregators. It targets retail, manufacturing, trade, and services in Tier 1–3 cities.
ECONOMY & BUSINESS
Gig Workforce to Reach 62 Million by 2047
A VV Giri National Labour Institute study projects India’s gig and platform workforce to grow to 62 million by 2047, comprising 15% of non-agricultural workers. Based on NITI Aayog’s 2022 report, the gig economy is expected to reach 23 million by 2030.
Ministry of Labour & Employment:
- Union Minister: Mansukh Mandaviya (Porbandar, Gujarat)
- Minister of State: Shobha Karandlaje (Bangalore North, Karnataka)
AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS
Javed Akhtar Receives Dostoevsky Star Award
In June 2025, Javed Akhtar became the first Indian to receive Russia’s Dostoevsky Star Award for promoting cultural dialogue. A Russian translation of his poetry was released.
Achievements:
- Padma Shri (1999), Padma Bhushan (2007), Sahitya Akademi Award (2013).
- Five National Awards for Best Lyrics; Richard Dawkins Award (2020).
APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS
Katrina Kaif: Maldives Tourism Ambassador
Katrina Kaif was named Global Tourism Ambassador by Visit Maldives to promote the “Sunny Side of Life” campaign, targeting markets like India, the UK, and Europe.
Sumit Madan: MD & CEO, Axis Max Life Insurance
Sumit Madan was appointed MD & CEO of Axis Max Life Insurance, effective October 1, 2025, succeeding Prashant Tripathy. He has 25+ years in financial services.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
Reliance Defence and Diehl Defence Partner for Vulcano 155mm PGM
Reliance Defence and Germany’s Diehl Defence signed a Rs. 10,000 crore deal to produce Vulcano 155mm Precision-Guided Munitions in Ratnagiri, Maharashtra, with 50% indigenous content, supporting Atmanirbhar Bharat and defense exports.
GRSE to Build Coastal Research Vessels for GSI
GRSE signed a contract with GSI to construct two Coastal Research Vessels (64m long, 450-tonne capacity) for geological mapping and mineral exploration within India’s EEZ.
GSI Overview:
- Director General: Asit Saha
- Headquarters: Kolkata, West Bengal
- Established: 1851
Russia’s Drone Spacecraft Platform
Russia patented a drone spacecraft platform for its Russian Orbital Station (ROS), set for deployment by 2027–2033, to support lunar missions and replace the ISS by 2030.
SPORTS
Nicholas Pooran Retires from International Cricket
West Indies cricketer Nicholas Pooran retired from international cricket in June 2025 at 29 to focus on T20 leagues. He scored 1,983 ODI runs, 2,275 T20I runs, and led West Indies as captain.
BOOKS & AUTHORS
“Kashmir Insurgency” by Yoginder Kandhari
Colonel Yoginder Kandhari’s book, launched in June 2025, analyzes the 1989–90 Kashmir insurgency, detailing administrative failures and the Kashmiri Pandit exodus.
IMPORTANT DAYS
World Day Against Child Labour 2025: June 12
Observed globally to combat child labour, the 2025 theme is “Progress is clear, but there’s more to do: let’s speed up efforts!” Established by ILO in 2002, it marks the 26th anniversary of ILO Convention No. 182. In 2024, 138 million children were engaged in child labour, down 22 million since 2020.
25 MCQs Based on the Post (with Answers)
- What is the total investment for the two railway doubling projects approved by CCEA in June 2025?
A) Rs. 5,405 crore
B) Rs. 6,405 crore
C) Rs. 7,405 crore
D) Rs. 8,405 crore
Answer: B - Which states are covered by the Koderma–Barkakana railway doubling project?
A) Jharkhand only
B) Jharkhand and Bihar
C) Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh
D) Jharkhand and Karnataka
Answer: A - How much freight traffic increase is expected from the railway doubling projects?
A) 39 MTPA
B) 49 MTPA
C) 59 MTPA
D) 69 MTPA
Answer: B - Where will India’s first e-waste eco park be established?
A) Noida, Uttar Pradesh
B) Holambi Kalan, Delhi
C) Bengaluru, Karnataka
D) Mumbai, Maharashtra
Answer: B - What is the annual e-waste processing capacity of Delhi’s eco park?
A) 41,000 MT
B) 51,000 MT
C) 61,000 MT
D) 71,000 MT
Answer: B - Which ship is being transformed into India’s first underwater museum?
A) INS Vikrant
B) INS Guldar
C) INS Viraat
D) INS Sindhurakshak
Answer: B - What is India’s rank in the WEF Global Gender Gap Report 2025?
A) 129th
B) 130th
C) 131st
D) 132nd
Answer: C - Which country topped the WEF Global Gender Gap Report 2025?
A) Finland
B) Iceland
C) Norway
D) New Zealand
Answer: B - What is India’s social security coverage percentage in 2025, per ILO data?
A) 54.3%
B) 64.3%
C) 74.3%
D) 84.3%
Answer: B - Where was NATO’s BALTOPS 25 exercise held?
A) Lithuania
B) Estonia
C) Latvia
D) Poland
Answer: C - Which sectors does the Groww Nifty India Internet ETF target?
A) Agriculture and manufacturing
B) E-commerce and fintech
C) Mining and energy
D) Textiles and pharmaceuticals
Answer: B - What is the daily UPI limit for capital market transactions set by SEBI?
A) Rs. 2 lakh
B) Rs. 3 lakh
C) Rs. 4 lakh
D) Rs. 5 lakh
Answer: D - Which bank received Scheduled Bank status from RBI in June 2025?
A) Saraswat Bank
B) Vishweshwar Sahakari Bank
C) Cosmos Bank
D) Shamrao Vithal Bank
Answer: B - What was SBI’s dividend payout to GoI for FY25?
A) Rs. 6,959.29 crore
B) Rs. 7,076.84 crore
C) Rs. 8,076.84 crore
D) Rs. 9,076.84 crore
Answer: C - What is the projected gig workforce in India by 2047?
A) 52 million
B) 62 million
C) 72 million
D) 82 million
Answer: B - Who received the Dostoevsky Star Award in June 2025?
A) Gulzar
B) Javed Akhtar
C) Amitabh Bachchan
D) Shashi Tharoor
Answer: B - Who was appointed Global Tourism Ambassador for Maldives?
A) Deepika Padukone
B) Katrina Kaif
C) Priyanka Chopra
D) Anushka Sharma
Answer: B - Who is the MD & CEO of Axis Max Life Insurance from October 2025?
A) Prashant Tripathy
B) Sumit Madan
C) Anil Gadve
D) Ashishkumar Chauhan
Answer: B - Which company partnered with Diehl Defence for Vulcano PGM production?
A) Tata Advanced Systems
B) Reliance Defence
C) Bharat Dynamics
D) HAL India
Answer: B - What is the length of the Coastal Research Vessels being built by GRSE?
A) 54 meters
B) 64 meters
C) 74 meters
D) 84 meters
Answer: B - What is the purpose of Russia’s patented drone spacecraft platform?
A) Mars exploration
B) Lunar missions
C) Asteroid mining
D) Satellite repair
Answer: B - Why did Nicholas Pooran retire from international cricket?
A) Injury concerns
B) Focus on T20 leagues
C) Dispute with board
D) Age-related issues
Answer: B - What is the theme of the book “Kashmir Insurgency” by Yoginder Kandhari?
A) Economic reforms
B) 1989–90 Kashmir insurgency
C) Indo-Pak diplomacy
D) Military modernization
Answer: B - What is the theme for World Day Against Child Labour 2025?
A) End Child Labour Now
B) Progress is clear, but there’s more to do
Let’s speed up efforts!
C) Protect Every Child
D) Education for All
Answer: B - How many children were engaged in child labour globally in 2024?
A) 116 million
B) 138 million
C) Rs.138 million
D) Rs.160 million
Answer: C
3 UPSC-Relevant Questions with 500-Word Answers
1. Evaluate the significance of railway doubling projects under PM Gati Shakti for India’s economic development and environmental sustainability.
Answer:
The railway doubling projects approved in June 2025, costing Rs. 6,405 crore, exemplify the transformative potential of the PM Gati Shakti-National Master Plan for (PMGS-NMP) in advancing India’s economic development and environmental sustainability. Covering 318 km across Jharkhand, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh, these projects—the Koderma–Barkakana and Ballari–Chikjajur doubling—enhance rail infrastructure, aligning with the plan’s vision of integrated multi-modal connectivity. Their economic and environmental contributions are multifaceted, addressing critical challenges like logistics costs, regional disparities, and climate change.
Economically, these projects decongest key rail corridors, boosting freight capacity by 49 million tonnes per annum (MTPA). This facilitates efficient transport of coal, iron ore, steel, and fertilizers, vital for industries in resource-rich regions like Jharkhand and Karnataka. By connecting 1,408 villages and 28.19 lakh people, they foster inclusive growth, integrating rural economies with national markets. The projects are expected to generate 10.8 million human-days of employment during construction, stimulating local economies and supporting India’s job creation goals. Improved rail connectivity also reduces logistics costs, which constitute 14–16% of India’s GDP, enhancing competitiveness in global trade. The Koderma–Barkakana line, linking Patna and Ranchi, strengthens inter-state commerce, while the Ballari–Chikjajur line supports mineral and agricultural supply chains, critical for southern India’s industrial hubs.
Environmentally, the projects align with India’s net-zero ambitions by promoting rail transport, which is significantly more energy-efficient than road transport. They are projected to save 52 crore liters of oil imports and reduce CO₂ emissions by 264 crore kg, equivalent to planting 11 crore trees. This contributes to India’s commitments under the Paris Agreement and its 2070 net-zero target. By reducing reliance on fossil fuels, the projects mitigate air pollution and conserve foreign exchange spent on oil imports. Additionally, enhanced freight capacity alleviates road congestion, further lowering emissions from heavy vehicles.
However, challenges remain. Timely execution within the three-year timeline requires robust project management to avoid cost overruns, a recurring issue in infrastructure projects. Land acquisition in densely populated areas, particularly in Jharkhand, may face resistance, necessitating transparent stakeholder engagement. Moreover, while rail is eco-friendly, construction activities must minimize ecological disruption, especially in biodiversity-rich regions like Karnataka.
In conclusion, these railway doubling initiatives under PM Gati Shakti are pivotal for economic integration and environmental sustainability. By enhancing connectivity, reducing logistics costs, and promoting green transport, they lay the groundwork for a resilient economy while advancing India’s climate goals. Sustained policy support, efficient implementation, and community involvement will be crucial to maximizing their impact.
2. Discuss the potential of India’s first e-waste eco park in Delhi to address environmental and economic challenges posed by electronic waste.
Answer:
The establishment of India’s first e-waste eco park in Holambi Kalan, Delhi, announced in June 2025, marks a significant stride toward tackling the environmental and economic challenges posed by India’s growing electronic waste (e-waste) crisis. With an investment of Rs. 150 crore and an operational budget of Rs. 325 crore, this 11.4-acre facility, set to process 51,000 metric tonnes of e-waste annually, offers a scalable model for sustainable waste management, resource recovery, and economic growth. As India grapples with 1.6 million metric tonnes of e-waste annually—third globally, with Delhi contributing 9.5%—the eco park’s potential is both timely and transformative.
Environmental Benefits:
E-waste, comprising discarded electronics, contains hazardous substances like mercury, cadmium, and lead, which, if mismanaged, contaminate soil, water, and air, posing health risks. Currently, only 7.4% of global e-waste is recycled scientifically, leading to environmental degradation. The eco park, equipped to handle all 106 e-waste categories under the E-Waste Management Rules, 2022, employs advanced technologies to ensure safe dismantling and recycling. By managing 25% of Delhi’s e-waste within five years, it will reduce landfill burden and prevent toxic leaching into groundwater, protecting ecosystems like the Asola-Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary. The facility’s focus on scientific recycling aligns with India’s circular economy goals, minimizing environmental harm and promoting sustainable consumption.
Economic Opportunities:
The eco park is projected to generate Rs. 350 crore in revenue, leveraging the economic value of recoverable materials like copper, lithium, and rare earth metals, critical for electronics and renewable energy sectors. By fostering a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) under the Design, Build, Finance, Operate, Transfer (DBFOT) model, it attracts global green technology providers, enhancing India’s recycling capabilities. The creation of thousands of green jobs—spanning dismantling, refurbishing, and tech-driven recycling—empowers local communities, particularly informal sector workers, and supports skill development. As a replicable model for three additional planned facilities nationwide, the park positions India as a leader in e-waste management, potentially attracting foreign investment and boosting exports of recycled materials.
Challenges and Solutions:
Despite its promise, challenges include high operational costs, public awareness deficits, and integration of informal recyclers. Sustained government subsidies and awareness campaigns can address cost and participation issues. Formalizing informal workers through training and job integration will ensure inclusivity. Additionally, enforcing E-Waste Management Rules, 2022, and incentivizing producers under Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) will enhance e-waste collection rates.
Conclusion:
Delhi’s e-waste eco park is a pioneering initiative with far-reaching environmental and economic impacts. By mitigating pollution, conserving resources, and creating jobs, it addresses India’s e-waste challenge while fostering sustainable development. Scaling this model nationwide, with robust policy support and stakeholder collaboration, can position India as a global leader in circular economy practices, aligning with its vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.
3. Analyze the implications of India’s improved social security coverage (64.3% in 2025) for its global standing and domestic welfare policies.
Answer:
India’s remarkable surge in social security coverage to 64.3% in 2025, as reported by the ILO’s ILOSTAT database, marks a significant milestone in its journey toward inclusive growth and global leadership in welfare governance. Covering over 94 crore beneficiaries, up from 19% in 2015, India ranks second globally in beneficiary count, reflecting a robust expansion of social protection schemes. This achievement, highlighted during the 113th International Labour Conference in June 2025, has profound implications for India’s global standing and domestic welfare policies, reinforcing its commitment to social justice and sustainable development.
Global Standing:
India’s rapid progress in social security coverage enhances its international reputation as a leader in digital governance and welfare delivery. Being the first country to update 2025 social protection data in ILOSTAT underscores its transparency and technological prowess, setting a benchmark for developing nations. The 64.3% coverage, achieved through legislatively mandated schemes with verified data, aligns with stringent ILO criteria, strengthening India’s credibility in global forums. This facilitates negotiations for Social Security Agreements (SSAs) with developed countries, ensuring portability of benefits for Indian professionals abroad and fostering mutual recognition frameworks. Such agreements enhance India’s soft power and economic ties, particularly in labor-intensive markets. Moreover, India’s progress aligns with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 1.3 (social protection systems), positioning it as a model for the Global South.
Domestic Welfare Policies:
Domestically, the expanded coverage reflects the efficacy of central and women-centric schemes across eight states, with projections to exceed 100 crore beneficiaries in future phases. Programs like Ayushman Bharat, PM Jan Dhan Yojana, and PM Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana have democratized access to healthcare, financial inclusion, and insurance, particularly for marginalized groups. This reduces income inequality and vulnerability to economic shocks, fostering social stability. The focus on women-centric schemes empowers female workers, narrowing gender gaps in labor markets. However, the 64.3% figure represents Phase-I, indicating gaps in universal coverage, especially in informal and gig economies, projected to grow to 62 million by 2047. Addressing this requires integrating platform workers into social security frameworks, as recommended by NITI Aayog.
Challenges and Opportunities:
Challenges include data integration across states, administrative capacity, and funding sustainability. Leveraging India’s digital infrastructure, like Aadhaar and UPI, can streamline beneficiary identification and benefit delivery. Increased budgetary allocation and public-private partnerships can ensure fiscal viability. Additionally, upskilling workers and formalizing informal employment will enhance coverage quality.
Conclusion:
India’s 64.3% social security coverage in 2025 is a testament to its welfare policy innovation and global leadership aspirations. By enhancing domestic resilience and international credibility, it paves the way for a more equitable society and stronger global partnerships. Sustained efforts to achieve universal coverage, coupled with technological integration, will solidify India’s position as a welfare state, aligning with its vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.
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