National News
India’s Longest Animal Overpass Corridor Unveiled on Delhi-Mumbai Expressway
- India has successfully integrated wildlife conservation into infrastructure through the construction of its first animal overpass corridor on the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway.
- Built by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), the corridor features multiple overpasses and underpasses tailored to the natural terrain, enabling the safe movement of species like tigers and leopards.
- The project sets a national precedent in eco-sensitive development, with other states like Punjab and Maharashtra adopting similar models.
- Key features such as animal monitoring, natural contour alignment, noise barriers, and green engineering reinforce India’s commitment to sustainable infrastructure.
Centre Launches ‘Adi Karmyogi’ to Train Officials for Better Tribal Scheme Execution
- In an effort to close the gap between tribal welfare policies and their on-ground implementation, the Ministry of Tribal Affairs has launched the Adi Karmyogi programme.
- Announced during the Adi Anveshan conference, the initiative aims to train over 20 lakh stakeholders and build a motivated cadre of officials across India.
- The move addresses the key insight that the real obstacle in tribal development lies in poor implementation, not the absence of schemes.
- With its focus on capacity building and purposeful delivery, Adi Karmyogi could mark a transformative step in tribal governance.
India to Host Global Potato Research Hub in Agra
- The Indian government has approved the setting up of the CIP-South Asia Regional Center in Agra to advance research and innovation in potato and sweet potato cultivation.
- With India being the world’s second-largest producer and consumer of potatoes, the center will focus on improving yields, developing climate-resilient varieties, reducing import dependence on seeds, and boosting exports.
- This global partnership will also benefit India’s potato belt states and strengthen post-harvest processing and value addition in the food sector.
State News
Kerala Tops National Evaluation of Protected Areas for 2020–2025
- Kerala has secured the top rank in the Management Effectiveness Evaluation (MEE) 2020–2025, becoming the only state rated “Very Good” with a score of 76.22%.
- Eravikulam National Park emerged as the best-managed protected area in India with a 92.97% score, followed closely by Mathikettan Shola NP.
- The evaluation covered 438 National Parks and Sanctuaries, assessing their biodiversity conservation, management performance, and ecological sustainability.
- The recognition underscores Kerala’s leadership in wildlife protection, habitat management, and community-led conservation efforts.
Elusive Return: Asiatic Wild Dog Spotted Again in Kaziranga Landscape
- In a significant discovery for Indian wildlife conservation, the Asiatic wild dog (dhole) has been confirmed to have returned to Assam’s Kaziranga-Karbi Anglong Landscape, once thought to be devoid of the species.
- A 2022 camera-trap survey by the Wildlife Institute of India detected the elusive predator in the Amguri animal corridor, highlighting the area’s ecological value.
- The finding sheds light on the need to protect forest linkages that support a wide variety of endangered and lesser-known species.
- Habitat loss, prey scarcity, and fragmentation continue to threaten the dhole’s global survival, making this rediscovery a critical conservation milestone.
Bihar Forms Trust to Oversee Construction of Grand Janaki Temple at Punaura Dham
- The Bihar government has constituted a nine-member trust named Shree Janaki Janm Bhumi Punaura Dham Mandir Nyas Samiti to oversee the construction of a grand Maa Janaki temple at Punaura Dham, Sitamarhi, believed to be the birthplace of Goddess Sita.
- Chaired by the Chief Secretary, the trust includes top officials and religious representatives.
- Announced after Chief Minister Nitish Kumar unveiled the temple’s final design on June 22, the project aims to boost religious tourism, enhance infrastructure, and position Sitamarhi as a major spiritual destination modeled on the Ram temple in Ayodhya.
Banking News
UPI on Track to Surpass Visa in Daily Transactions
- Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has achieved a landmark milestone by surpassing Visa in daily digital transaction volume, crossing 650 million transactions per day as of June 2025.
- Experts forecast UPI to handle 439 billion transactions annually by FY29, accounting for over 90% of India’s digital retail payments.
- Its zero-cost, real-time payment infrastructure, combined with innovations like UPI-based credit and growing global presence, cements UPI’s rise as the world’s most used payment system by volume.
RBI e-Rupee: How to Use India’s Central Bank Digital Currency
- Launched in December 2022, the e-rupee (CBDC) has rapidly evolved from a pilot project into a mainstream digital currency, crossing Rs 1,000 crore in circulation by March 2025.
- Unlike UPI or traditional banking, it functions as a token-based, sovereign digital currency offering cash-like features and tax neutrality, being exempt from GST and capital gains tax.
- However, due to its anonymity, it may attract penalties under sections like 269SS/269ST if used for high-value transactions, unless formally recognized under existing tax laws.
- Thus, regulatory clarity and policy alignment are essential for its safe and widespread adoption.
Major Credit Card Rule Changes Effective July 2025
- From July 2025, major Indian banks are changing credit card policies. SBI will remove air accident insurance, HDFC is introducing transaction fees on gaming and wallet recharges while capping reward points, and Kotak Mahindra Bank is replacing the Myntra credit card with a generic card.
- These revisions reflect a shift in how banks manage card benefits, and users must reassess their card usage to maintain optimal value.
Business News
JioBlackRock Broking Gets SEBI Nod to Launch Brokerage Operations
- JioBlackRock Broking Pvt. Ltd. has received SEBI approval to start operations as a brokerage firm, marking a significant milestone in the joint venture between Jio Financial Services Ltd. and BlackRock Inc.
- The brokerage arm complements the group’s existing asset management and investment advisory services, furthering its mission to democratise investing in India.
- Through technology-led, cost-efficient, and digital-first platforms, JioBlackRock aims to serve retail and self-directed investors, delivering a full spectrum of financial solutions under one roof.
IRDAI Fines Edelweiss Life ₹1 Crore for Corporate Governance Violations
- The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has levied a ₹1 crore penalty on Edelweiss Life Insurance for violating corporate governance standards.
- The violations include improper outsourcing oversight and failure to obtain mandatory bank account details of policyholders.
- IRDAI’s action emphasizes the importance of regulatory compliance, policyholder protection, and adherence to the Companies Act, 2013.
- This move sends a strong signal to the insurance sector about maintaining transparency, due diligence, and accountability in business operations.
Economy News
India Flags Off First Export of Rose-Scented Litchi from Pathankot to Qatar
- India has exported its first consignment of rose-scented litchi from Pathankot, Punjab, to Qatar and the UAE, demonstrating its rising presence in the premium horticulture market.
- Supported by APEDA and the Punjab Horticulture Department, this initiative showcases India’s growing agricultural export capabilities.
- With exports of fruits and vegetables touching USD 3.87 billion in FY 2024–25, this move reinforces India’s ambition to lead in high-quality fresh produce globally.
India’s Coffee Exports Surge 125% in a Decade: Government Data
- India’s coffee export sector has grown 125% over the past decade, reaching $1.8 billion in 2024–25, fueled by initiatives from the Coffee Board of India.
- The board introduced digital export permits, offered financial incentives for value-added and specialty coffee, and encouraged shade-grown, sustainable coffee farming.
- India is now the 5th largest exporter, with top markets in Europe, Japan, and the Middle East.
- With over 2 million livelihoods tied to the industry, India’s coffee export strategy is a model of agricultural value addition and sustainability.
India Posts $13.5 Billion Current Account Surplus in Q4 FY25
- India reported a current account surplus of $13.5 billion in Q4 FY25, turning around from a deficit in the previous quarter.
- According to RBI data, the positive balance was driven by robust services exports, particularly in IT and business sectors, along with higher remittances from Indians abroad.
- The merchandise trade deficit narrowed sequentially, while net primary income outflows declined.
- Although FDI inflows moderated, the surplus strengthens India’s external stability and reflects improved economic fundamentals.
Appointments News
Amitabh Kant Joins Fairfax as Senior Adviser After G20 Sherpa Role
- Amitabh Kant, a key figure in India’s economic transformation and global diplomacy, has been appointed Senior Adviser to Fairfax Financial Holdings Ltd, a Canadian multinational.
- With a track record of spearheading national initiatives like Digital India and the Aspirational Districts Programme, Kant’s expertise will help guide Fairfax’s India investments, especially as the firm aligns with the nation’s Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.
- His experience in governance, urban development, and policy innovation makes this a strategic move for both parties.
Summits & Conferences News
India’s Strategic Autonomy on Display at SCO 2025
At the SCO Summit 2025, India’s Defence Minister took a firm stance by refusing to endorse a joint statement that omitted reference to the Pahalgam terror attack. This diplomatic decision underscored India’s zero-tolerance policy toward terrorism and its unwavering strategic autonomy. The summit revealed growing Chinese influence, the limitations of consensus-based diplomacy, and India’s pragmatic approach to multilateral cooperation. While India values the SCO’s counter-terror capabilities, its continued participation will be guided by national interests, especially in combating cross-border terrorism and maintaining regional stability.
Sports News
Praggnanandhaa Wins UzChess Cup, Becomes India’s Top-Ranked Chess Player
- R. Praggnanandhaa has won the UzChess Cup Masters 2025 in Tashkent, marking his third major classical chess title this year.
- His victory propelled him to a live rating of 2778.3, placing him at World No. 4 and making him India’s top-ranked chess player, ahead of D. Gukesh and Arjun Erigaisi.
- The tournament concluded with dramatic tiebreaks, where Praggnanandhaa’s resilience and strategic brilliance secured the crown.
- Viswanathan Anand lauded his mental strength, calling it a remarkable triumph in a high-pressure scenario.
Important Days News
International Day of the Tropics 2025: Celebrating Diversity and Confronting Challenges
- The International Day of the Tropics 2025, observed on 29 June, marks its 9th annual celebration to recognize the importance of tropical regions in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- Initiated by the United Nations through Resolution A/RES/70/267, this day highlights the biodiversity, cultural richness, and development challenges of the tropical zone, which covers 40% of the Earth’s surface and hosts 80% of global biodiversity.
- It serves as a global platform to raise awareness, promote sustainable practices, and address issues like climate change, deforestation, and urbanization affecting these vital regions.
National Statistics Day 2025: Honouring Data for Development
- India celebrates National Statistics Day every year on 29th June to honor Prof. Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis, the father of Indian statistics, for his contributions like the Mahalanobis Distance, Five-Year Plans, and founding the Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) and National Sample Survey (NSS).
- First observed in 2007, the day promotes data-driven decision-making, statistical literacy, and emphasizes the role of statistics in governance, policy formulation, and inclusive development, while encouraging youth participation and strengthening data systems for India’s future.
Obituaries News
Shefali Jariwala, ‘Kaanta Laga’ Fame Actress, Dies at 42 in Mumbai
- Shefali Jariwala, famous for her breakout performance in Kaanta Laga and a popular contestant in Bigg Boss 13, passed away suddenly at age 42 in Mumbai.
- She was taken to Bellevue Hospital but could not be saved. While the cause of death is currently unknown, her body has been sent to Cooper Hospital for postmortem, and police are investigating.
- Known for her grace, resilience, and screen presence, Shefali’s death has left the Bollywood industry and her fans in shock and mourning.
Current Affairs Today | 28 June Current Affairs 2025 | Daily Current Affairs By Ashish Gautam
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