What are the recent reforms announced by Indian Railways?

Indian Railways has introduced reforms to make the reservation system more passenger-friendly, transparent, and efficient, including early charting of waitlisted tickets, a modern PRS system by December 2025, and verified-user-only Tatkal bookings.

Daily Current Affairs 1st July 2025, Important News Headlines (Daily GK Update) |

National News

Why the ECI Is Cleaning the Political Register: A Move to Strengthen Electoral Integrity

In a sweeping reform move, the Election Commission of India (ECI) is de-listing 345 Registered Unrecognised Political Parties (RUPPs) that have not contested elections since 2019 and are untraceable.
While registered under Section 29A of the RP Act, 1951, many RUPPs exploit benefits like tax exemptions, common symbols, and star campaigners despite being inactive.
The ECI lacks explicit de-registration powers, but parties are being removed for non-compliance and non-existence.
Legal and electoral reform bodies like the Law Commission and the ECI’s 2016 Memorandum have recommended amending the RP Act to empower de-registration.
This clean-up drive supports electoral transparency and curbs misuse of public provisions.

India’s First Wooden Gurdwara Opens in Fazilka, Symbol of Devotion and Design

India’s first wooden Gurdwara, Sri Nanak Niwas, constructed in Fazilka, Punjab, is a remarkable fusion of spirituality, architectural brilliance, and personal devotion.
Made from Finnish Deodhar wood, it was conceptualized and built by SSP Bhupinder Singh Sidhu in just three months, making it a beacon of faith and an example of inclusive, sustainable religious architecture.
With its daily rituals, global devotees, and community role, the shrine stands as a testament to seva, resilience, and unity.

Indian Railways Ticket Booking Gets Smarter: New Charting System, Tatkal Ticketing & Modern PRS by 2025

The Indian Railways has unveiled a series of passenger-centric reforms to modernise its reservation system, enhance transparency, and boost efficiency.
Key changes include early charting of waitlisted tickets—8 hours before departure (or 9 PM for morning trains)—to reduce uncertainty and aid planning.
A new Modern Passenger Reservation System (PRS) by December 2025 will boost booking capacity 5X and enquiry capacity 10X, with features like seat selection, fare calendar, and multilingual interface.
From July 1, 2025, Tatkal bookings will be allowed only for verified users via OTP and DigiLocker, curbing fraud and ensuring fair access for genuine passengers.

International News

QUAD Launches First-Ever At Sea Observer Mission to Boost Maritime Security

The QUAD nations—India, Japan, the US, and Australia—have launched their first-ever ‘At Sea Observer Mission’, marking a strategic leap in maritime cooperation under the Wilmington Declaration.
The mission, carried out aboard the USCGC Stratton, features cross-deck participation of officers, including women, from each country.
It aims to enhance interoperability, promote a rules-based Indo-Pacific, and align with India’s SAGAR vision and Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative.
As maritime challenges intensify, this initiative strengthens collective readiness, fosters mutual trust, and sets a blueprint for future QUAD coast guard collaborations.

Banking News

SBI to Solarize 4 Million Indian Homes by 2027

The State Bank of India (SBI) has taken a major step towards supporting India’s clean energy transition by launching a Solar Rooftop Programme that will solarize 4 million homes by FY27.
This aligns with India’s Net Zero 2070 targets and showcases SBI’s expanded role beyond banking — from agricultural support and CSR outreach to sustainable infrastructure development.
With over ₹610 crore in social investments, a vision for green technology finance, and a deep commitment to environmental sustainability, SBI is setting a benchmark for socially responsible and forward-looking financial institutions in India.

India’s Bank GNPAs Fall to Multi-Decade Low of 2.3%: RBI

India’s gross non-performing assets (GNPAs) fell to a multi-decade low of 2.3% in March 2025, according to the RBI’s Financial Stability Report.
This improvement stems from increased loan write-offs, reduced slippage ratios, and sustained regulatory efforts. Despite this progress, the central bank warns that GNPAs may rise to 2.6% by FY27.
The agriculture sector continues to report the highest bad loan levels, while public sector banks face stress in credit card loans.
Large borrowers’ asset quality improved significantly, and none of the top-100 borrowers were NPAs.
These findings highlight both resilience and emerging risks in the Indian banking sector.

Bank Lending to Industry Slows to 4.9% Amid Broader Economic Caution

The RBI’s sectoral credit report for May 30, 2025, shows a slowdown in bank credit growth across key segments.
Industrial credit rose by only 4.9%, while personal loans, services sector lending, and NBFC loans also experienced declines.
However, medium enterprises and renewable energy sectors showed strong growth.
This trend underscores cautious lending practices, reduced investment appetite, and changing sectoral dynamics in the Indian economy.

Economy News

India’s GST Collections Hit Record ₹22.08 Lakh Crore in FY25

India’s gross GST collections surged to a record ₹22.08 lakh crore in FY25, marking a 9.4% growth from the previous year and doubling the revenue seen in FY21.
With average monthly collections rising and the taxpayer base expanding to over 1.51 crore, the GST system has significantly contributed to fiscal consolidation and tax transparency.
Celebrating eight years of GST, this achievement showcases India’s success in building an efficient, unified tax framework that supports its economic ambitions.

Commercial Vehicle Industry Expected to Grow 3–5% in FY26: ICRA

The Indian commercial vehicle industry is expected to register 3–5% growth in FY26, as per ICRA, driven by a revival in construction, infrastructure, and mining activity.
While M&HCV and LCV truck sales may see moderate improvement, the bus segment is forecasted to post the strongest gains at 8–10%. However, high inventory levels, geopolitical issues, and a shift toward pre-owned vehicles are restraining factors.
The outlook suggests gradual recovery but with sector-specific risks.

Business News

Reliance Infra and Coastal Mechanics Launch Defence MRO Hub in Maharashtra

Reliance Defence and Coastal Mechanics Inc. have announced a strategic joint venture to set up a defence MRO facility in Nagpur, targeting India’s ₹20,000 crore upgrade market.
The venture aims to modernize critical air and land platforms like Jaguar, MiG-29, Apache helicopters, and L-70 guns, enhancing asset longevity.
With India’s defence production hitting ₹1.46 trillion in FY25 and exports touching ₹24,000 crore, this initiative supports the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision and may offer future US defence contract access through the FMS route.
The move also aligns with Reliance’s goal of ₹3,000 crore in defence exports by 2027.

Defense News

Rear Admiral V Ganapathy Takes Command of MILIT Pune

Rear Admiral V Ganapathy has taken over as the new Commandant of the Military Institute of Technology (MILIT), Pune, India’s top tri-services training institute.
His appointment is significant in light of the armed forces’ modernization, the push for jointness, and the growing need for cutting-edge defence technology education.
With his extensive experience and academic credentials, Admiral Ganapathy is expected to lead MILIT into a new era of innovation, inter-service synergy, and strategic training aligned with modern multi-domain warfare requirements.

Ranks & Reports News

India Achieves 78% Decline in Under-Five Mortality Rate, Surpassing Global Average

India has achieved a remarkable 78% reduction in the under-five mortality rate, as reported by the UN IGME 2024, outpacing the global average decline of 61%.
It also recorded a 70% drop in neonatal mortality, attributed to its robust Universal Immunization Programme (UIP).
The country’s focus on inclusive, cost-effective vaccination and outreach to underserved communities has significantly lowered the percentage of zero-dose children.
This milestone strengthens India’s path toward SDG-3, enhances global health leadership, and showcases the power of public health interventions.

Summits & Conferences News

India Hosts First ASEAN–India Cruise Dialogue to Strengthen Maritime Ties

India hosted the first ASEAN–India Cruise Dialogue in Chennai, welcoming over 30 delegates from ASEAN nations and Timor Leste to strengthen maritime cooperation, promote sustainable cruise tourism, and integrate efforts under Sagarmala, Act East Policy, and Viksit Bharat 2047.
With a target to increase cruise passenger traffic and develop cultural cruise circuits, this initiative underscores India’s ambition to become a regional cruise tourism hub and deepen its Indo-Pacific partnerships through the blue economy.

Science & Technology News

Ladakh Hosts Its First Astro Tourism Festival to Boost Scientific Tourism

Ladakh recently concluded its first Astro Tourism Festival, held in Leh and organized by the Tourism Department in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Astrophysics.
The two-day event featured night sky observations, expert-led sessions, and educational outreach programs, aiming to transform Ladakh into a hub for astro tourism.
With ideal conditions like clear skies, high altitude, and low light pollution, this initiative not only promotes scientific awareness but also aligns with sustainable tourism development.

Important Days News

World Asteroid Day, Date, Significance, Why Celebrated?

World Asteroid Day, observed on June 30, commemorates the Tunguska explosion of 1908 and aims to raise awareness about asteroid threats and planetary defence.
Supported by the UN and global scientists, the day encourages us to learn from past impacts and prepare for future ones—with missions like NASA’s DART and events like the 2029 Apophis flyby highlighting our growing readiness.

SBI Turns 70: Celebrating India’s Banking Backbone Since 1955

On July 1, 2025, SBI celebrates 70 years since its formation in 1955 after the nationalisation of the Imperial Bank of India.
With origins tracing back to 1806, SBI has grown into India’s largest and most trusted bank, boasting ₹61 trillion in assets, 50+ crore customers, and a global footprint.
Its consistent profits, digital leadership, and diverse subsidiaries make it a symbol of India’s financial evolution.

National Chartered Accountants Day 2025

National Chartered Accountants Day 2025, celebrated on July 1, marks 76 years of ICAI’s legacy.
This day recognises the immense contribution of Chartered Accountants (CAs) in building a financially disciplined and economically strong India.
From auditing and taxation to business advisory and global competitiveness, CAs play a multifaceted role. The observance honours their ethics, expertise, and service to the nation’s growth and governance.

Goods and Services Tax Day 2025

Goods and Services Tax (GST) Day, observed on July 1, marks the anniversary of India’s landmark economic reform launched in 2017, which unified multiple indirect taxes into a single, destination-based tax system.
Proposed in 2000 and implemented after years of deliberation, GST features a dual model (CGST, SGST, IGST), Input Tax Credit (ITC), online compliance via GSTN, anti-profiteering measures, and exemptions for small businesses and essential sectors.
With a five-tier rate structure (0%, 5%, 12%, 18%, 28%) and compensation cess on sin goods, GST has streamlined taxation, boosted transparency, and enhanced compliance across India.