This is the current affairs of 20 & 21 June 2025. Here are questions and answers of daily current affairs for better preparation of competitive exams for government jobs.
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1. UNESCO included the 1.4 billion year old Fossils Park in the tentative list of World Heritage, it is located in which state and its district?
a. Sonbhadra of Uttar Pradesh
b. Sitamarhi of Bihar
c. Angul of Odisha
d. Sagar of Madhya Pradesh
Answer: a. Sonbhadra of Uttar Pradesh
What is a fossil?
– Fossils are the ancient remains of plants and animals that are preserved in rocks.
– They usually form when an organism dies and is quickly covered by sediment (such as mud, sand, or ash).
– Over time, the sediment hardens to form rock, and the remains of the organism turn into stone.
What kind of fossil is there in Sonbhadra
– The Fossil Park of Sonbhadra has a rich repository of 1.4 billion years old fossils.
– There are algae and stromatolites fossils here.
About Fossils Park, Sonbhadra
– This Fossils Park is located near Salkhan village, approximately 15 kilometers from the district headquarters of Robertsganj in Sonbhadra district.
– Spread over about 25 hectares, the park is situated within the Vindhya mountain range.
– Its unique features include rugged terrain, steep slopes, and a distinctive geological landscape.
– The park is a rich repository of fossils dating back approximately 1.4 billion years, making it one of the oldest and best-preserved fossil sites in the world.
– This site falls under the protection of the Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary (KWLS).
– Being located in the Gurma Range of the sanctuary, it benefits from a multi-layered legal protection framework for the preservation of its fossils and surrounding ecosystem.
– The site has seen minimal human interference, which has allowed the fossils to remain in their natural state.
Tentative World Heritage Site
– These are sites that have been proposed by the government of a country to be included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in the future.
– They are placed in the Tentative List.
– For a site to become an official World Heritage Site, it must first be on the Tentative List.
– This is a preliminary stage.
UNESCO World Heritage Site
– These are the sites that have been officially recognized as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO.
– These sites are of exceptional cultural, historical, natural or mixed (both) importance.
– They are selected by UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee.
Earlier, 6 sites were included in the Tentative List of World Heritage in March 2025.
1) Kanger Valley National Park (Chhattisgarh)
2) Mudumal Megalithic Menhir (Telangana)
3) Ashoka inscription sites along Maurya routes (Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Delhi, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat)
4) Sixty-four Yogini temples (Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Odisha)
5) Gupta temples in North India (Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar)
6) Palace-forts of Bundelas (Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh {Bundelkhand region})
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UNESCO Tentative World Heritage Sites in India: 63
– Fossils Park, Sonbhadra (UP)
– Kanger Valley National Park (Chhattisgarh)
– Mudumal Megalithic Menhirs (Telangana)
– Ashokan Inscription Sites along Mauryan Routes (Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Delhi, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat)
– Chausath Yogini Temples (Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Odisha)
– Gupta Temples in North India (Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar)
– Palace-Forts of the Bundelas (Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh {Bundelkhand region})
– Gwalior Fort, Madhya Pradesh
– Khooni Bhandara, Burhanpur
– Rock Art Sites of the Chambal Valley
– Bhojeshwar Mahadev Temple, Bhojpur
– Gond Monuments of Ramnagar, Mandla
– The Historic Ensemble of Dhamnar
– Sequential nomination of coastal fortifications along the Konkan coast, Maharashtra
– Sun Temple, Modhera and its surroundings Monuments of
– Rock-cut sculptures and reliefs of Unakoti, Unakoti Range, Unakoti District
– Vadnagar – a multi-layered historic town, Gujarat
– Geoglyphs of the Konkan region of India
– Jingkieng Zari: Living Root Bridge Cultural Landscapes
– Sri Virabhadra Temple and Monolithic Bull (Nandi), Lepakshi (Vijayanagara – Sculpture and Painting Art Tradition)
– Iconic riverfront of the historic city of Varanasi
– Temples of Kanchipuram
– Hire Benkal, Megalithic Site
– Bhedaghat-Lametaghat in the Narmada Valley
– Satpura Tiger Reserve
– Serial nomination of Maratha military architecture in Maharashtra
– Historic heritage of Orchha
– Garo Hills Conservation Area (GHCA)
– Keibul Lamjao Conservation Area
– Cold Desert Cultural Landscapes India
– Sites along the Uttarapath, Badshahi Road, Sadak-e-Azam, Grand Trunk Road
– Evolution of Temple Architecture – Aihole-Badami-Pattadakal
– Deccan Monuments and Forts of the Sultanate
– Cellular Jail, Andaman Islands
– Iconic Saree Weaving Clusters of India
– Apatani Cultural Landscape
– Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Srirangam
– Monuments of Srirangapatna Island Town
– Chilika Lake
– Padmanabhapuram Palace
– Sites of Satyagraha, India’s non-violent freedom movement
– Thembang Fortified Village
– Narcondam Island
– Ekamra Kshetra – City of Temples, Bhubaneswar
– Neolithic Settlement of Burzahom
– Archaeological Remains of Harappan Port-Town, Lothal
– Mountain Railway of India (Extension)
– Village Clusters of Chettinad, Tamil Merchants
– Baha’i House of Worship in New Delhi
– Delhi – A Heritage City
– Mughal Gardens in Kashmir
– Qutb Shahi Monuments of Hyderabad Golconda Fort, Qutb Shahi Tombs, Charminar
– Silk Road Sites in India
– Neora Valley National Park
– Desert National Park
– Namdapha National Park
– Wild Ass Sanctuary, Kutch Little Rann
– River island of Majuli in the middle of Brahmaputra river in Assam
– Sri Harimandir Sahib, Amritsar, Punjab
– Temple at Bishnupur, West Bengal
– Mattancherry Palace, Ernakulam, Kerala
– Group of Monuments at Mandu, Madhya Pradesh
– Ancient Buddhist site, Sarnath, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
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UNESCO World Heritage Sites: 43
– Agra Fort
– Ajanta Caves
– Ellora Caves
– Taj Mahal
– Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram
– Sun Temple, Konark
– Kaziranga National Park
– Keoladeo National Park
– Manas Wildlife Sanctuary
– Churches and Convents of Goa
– Fatehpur Sikri
– Group of Monuments at Hampi
– Khajuraho Group of Monuments
– Elephanta Caves
– Great Living Chola Temples
– Group of Monuments at Pattadakal
– Sunderbans National Park
– Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks
– Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi
– Humayun’s Tomb, Delhi
– Qutub Minar and its Monuments, Delhi
– Mountain Railways of India
– Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodh Gaya
– Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka
– Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park
– Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (formerly Victoria Terminus)
– Lal Fort Complexes
– Jantar Mantar, Jaipur
– Western Ghats
– Hill Forts of Rajasthan
– Great Himalayan National Park Conservation Area
– Rani-ki-Vav (Rani ki Bawdi) in Patan, Gujarat.
– Archaeological Site of Nalanda Mahavihara in Nalanda, Bihar
– Khangchendzonga National Park
– The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier, an Outstanding Contribution to the Modern Movement*
– Historic City of Ahmedabad
– Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai
– City of Jaipur, Rajasthan
– Dholavira: A Harappan City
– Kakatiya Rudreshwara (Ramappa) Temple, Telangana
– Santiniketan, West Bengal
– Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas (Group of Three Temples)
– Charaideo Moidam (Mound-burial System of the Ahom Dynasty), Assam
UNESCO
– Headquarters- Paris, France
– Established- Year 1945
– Director General- Audrey Azole
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2. In which country will Defense Minister Rajnath Singh go to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Defense Ministers’ meeting to be held from 25 June 2025?
a. Belarus
b. Russia
c. Kyrgyzstan
d. China
Answer: d. China
– Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will attend the SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organisation) Defence Ministers’ Meeting being held in Qingdao, China, from June 25 to 27.
– Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif will also participate in this meeting.
– This will mark the first visit by an Indian minister to China in seven years.
– The last visit was by then External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj in April 2018.
– The visit comes at a time when India and China are trying to normalize relations—with trade, travel, and dialogue gradually resuming.
Bilateral Talks with Chinese Defence Minister
– Rajnath Singh is also scheduled to hold bilateral talks with China’s Defence Minister Admiral Dong Jun.
– Discussions may cover issues such as visa policy, Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage, sharing of hydrological data, and restoration of air connectivity.
– The two leaders last met during the ADMM-Plus (ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus) summit in Laos, which was the first direct interaction since the border dispute.
India-China Tensions Since 2020
– Tensions between India and China began in 2020 over the border dispute in Eastern Ladakh.
– After two years of prolonged talks, an agreement was reached in December 2024.
– It was decided that both armies would withdraw from the disputed points Depsang and Demchok.
Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)
– The SCO is a regional international organisation.
– It is a Eurasian political, economic, international security, and defence alliance established by China and Russia.
– It is an expansion of the Shanghai Five, formed in 1996 by the People’s Republic of China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, and Tajikistan.
– The SCO currently has 10 member countries.
– It has emerged as a powerful economic and security bloc, and is one of the largest inter-regional international organisations in the world.
Member countries
– China
– Russia
– Kazakhstan
– Kyrgyzstan
– Tajikistan
– Uzbekistan
– India
– Pakistan
– Iran
– Belarus
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3. In which country the volcano ‘Lewotobi Laki-Laki’ erupted again in June 2025 and its ash reached a height of 11 kilometers?
a. Indonesia
b. United States
c. Japan
d. Russia
Answer: a. Indonesia (Flores Island)
– A powerful eruption occurred at the Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki volcano in Indonesia on June 17, 2025.
– Multiple eruptions continued from June 17 to 18, sending plumes of smoke and ash up to 11 kilometers into the sky.
– The ash cloud resembled a mushroom shape and was visible from as far as 150 kilometers away.
– This volcano is located on Flores Island in Indonesia.
High-Level Warning Issued
– Due to the intensity of the eruption, authorities have issued the highest level of warning.
– Areas within 8 kilometers of the volcano have been declared danger zones.
– Ash and small rocks have been falling in this region, with debris reaching villages outside the danger zone as well.
– Some residents of Nurabelen village have taken shelter in relief camps in Konga.
– As a result of the eruption, evacuations were carried out, and several flights were cancelled.
When did the explosions happen
– This volcano has erupted several times before. In the November explosion, 9 people died and dozens were injured.
– Earlier in March 2025, this volcano erupted thrice.
Twin volcano
– Lewotobi Laki-Laki is a twin volcano.
– This volcano is located in the southeastern part of Flores Island in Indonesia. This island is very popular among tourists.
– The volcano is 1,584 meters (5,197 feet) high.
Indonesia has the most active volcanoes
– There are 1500 active volcanoes in the world.
– Indonesia has the most active volcanoes, 130 of them.
– Seven volcanoes have been erupting continuously for two years. These are- Krakatau, Merapi, Lewotolok, Karangetang, Semeru, Ibu and Dukono.
Ring of Fire
– This country is situated on the Pacific Ring of Fire.
– Most geographical and geological activities take place in this area.
– The Eurasian tectonic plate is shifting towards the south at the place where Indonesia is located.
– The Indian-Australian tectonic plate is shifting towards the north. The Philippines plate is moving towards the west.
– Now due to collision or shifting of these three plates, volcanoes keep erupting.
What is a Volcano and How Does It Erupt?
– A volcano is an opening or rupture on the Earth’s surface that allows magma—a hot liquid or semi-liquid rock—along with volcanic ash and gases, to escape from inside the Earth.
– In other words, a volcano is a vent or crack on the Earth’s surface through which lava, ash, molten rocks, and gases are released from the Earth’s interior.
– The Earth’s mantle (one of its three main layers) contains a weaker zone called the asthenosphere, where magma is found.
– Volcanic hotspots are specific locations, often where tectonic plates meet, where volcanoes are commonly found.
– There are an estimated one million volcanoes beneath the ocean, most of which are located near tectonic plate boundaries.
– When tectonic plates collide, they generate intense heat and pressure, forming magma—a molten material inside the Earth’s surface.
– When this magma reaches the Earth’s surface, it is then called lava.
Effects of Volcanic Eruptions:
1. Seismic Activity (Earthquakes):
– The movement of lava beneath a volcano can trigger earthquakes, which can cause ground cracks and destruction, especially in populated areas.
2. Climate Impacts:
– Volcanic eruptions release gases that can disrupt weather patterns, potentially leading to unpredictable climate changes.
3. Pyroclastic flows:
– Hot, fast-moving clouds of gas and debris (pyroclastic flows) can destroy everything in their path due to high speed and temperature.
4. Volcanic ash:
– Ash particles can cause serious respiratory problems if inhaled and in high concentrations, they can be fatal.
5. Health hazards:
– Volcanic gases and ash can cause long-term health problems, including lung damage and respiratory illnesses.
Indonesia
– Capital: Jakarta
– President: Prabowo Subianto
– Currency: Indonesian Rufiyaa
– Population: 280 million (2023)
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4. When is World Refugee Day observed?
a. 20 June
b. 19 June
c. 18 June
d. 17 June
Answer: a. 20 June
Theme 2025
– Migrants, missionaries of hope
– This day is dedicated to raising awareness about the situation of refugees around the world.
– It has been designated by the United Nations.
Status of Refugees Worldwide
– According to UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees), by mid-2023, over 110 million people worldwide were forcibly displaced, of which 40% were children.
– Among these displaced individuals, 75% are sheltered in low- and middle-income countries.
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5. ‘Tiger Claw’ exercise was conducted between the air forces of India and which country in Uttar Pradesh?
a. Japan
b. Russia
c. USA
d. Australia
Answer: c. USA
– The United States Air Force (USAF) and the Indian Air Force (IAF) jointly conducted the Tiger Claw exercise in North India.
– This was the first-ever independent special forces exercise between the two countries.
Details of the ‘Tiger Claw’ Exercise
– When: May 26 to June 10, 2025
– Where: Garud Regimental Training Centre, Chandighar, Baghpat, Uttar Pradesh
– Objective: The aim was to enhance cooperation between the two air forces, share best practices in special operations, and develop interoperability through joint training.
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6. What is the rank of India in the World Economic Forum (WEF) Global Energy Transition Index 2025?
a. 52
b. 82
c. 71
d. 69
Answer: c. 71
– WEF has released this index on 18 June 2025, which includes 118 countries.
– India was ranked 63rd in the 2024 list.
– But WEF has said that among the big economies, India and China have made the most improvements, especially in terms of increasing access to energy and rapid transition to green energy.
Top 5 countries in the ranking
1) Sweden
2) Finland
3) Denmark
4) Norway
5) Switzerland
– China is ranked 12th, America is 17th and Pakistan is 101st.
– Congo is at the lowest position.
Nearly Half of Global Energy Supply from Top Economies
– The World Economic Forum (WEF) stated that the top five largest economies—China, the USA, the European Union, Japan, and India—because of their vast size, will determine the pace and direction of the global energy transition.
– These countries account for nearly half of the global GDP, population, and total energy supply.
– Additionally, they contribute to around two-thirds of global carbon emissions.
India Leads in Reducing Carbon Emissions
– According to WEF, India has made progress in reducing energy intensity and carbon emissions, implementing more favorable energy regulations, and increasing clean energy investments.
– In 2025, 77 out of 118 countries improved their positions.
– However, only 28% of countries advanced across all three energy dimensions — energy security, sustainability, and equity.
Changing Scenario After Years of Slow Progress
– The United States has been the leader in energy security, while India has emerged as a front-runner in energy efficiency and investment capacity.
– The World Economic Forum (WEF) stated that after years of sluggish progress, global efforts toward secure and sustainable energy are now gaining momentum.
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7. Which state government issued a revised order to teach Hindi as a third language instead of compulsory in schools?
a. Maharashtra
b. Uttar Pradesh
c. Karnataka
d. Tamil Nadu
Answer: a. Maharashtra
– First of all, the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 was implemented in April 2025, under which the Maharashtra School Education Department made Hindi a mandatory third language for classes 1 to 5 in both Marathi and English medium schools.
– Although this policy was implemented across all states, Maharashtra and southern states opposed it, which led the Maharashtra government to issue a revised order.
Details of the Revised Order
– The government issued the revised order on 17 June 2025.
– It stated that in Marathi and English medium schools across the state, Hindi will be a “general” third language instead of being mandatory for students from Class 1 to 5.
– If more than 20 students in a class wish to learn a language other than Hindi, the teacher will provide it, or the subject will be taught online.
– It was also stated that Marathi language will remain compulsory in all mediums of instruction.
– School Education Minister Dada Bhuse said that Hindi is widely spoken in public life, and learning it will benefit students, particularly in pursuing higher education after Class 12.
About Maharashtra
– Chief Minister: Devendra Fadnavis
– Governor: C. P. Radhakrishnan
– Capital: Mumbai and Nagpur (winter capital)
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8. In which five countries did the United Nations (UN) issue a starvation warning from June to October 2025 in the Hunger Hotspot Report?
a. Sudan, South Sudan, Mali, Haiti and Palestine
b. Sudan, Iran, Yemen, Haiti and Mali
c. Nigeria, Iran, Ukraine, Haiti and Mali
d. Congo, Myanmar, South Sudan, Haiti and Mali
Answer: a. Sudan, South Sudan, Mali, Haiti and Palestine
– This report was released on June 16, 2025, by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Food Programme (WFP).
– FAO and WFP are two United Nations agencies working in the field of food security and nutrition.
– Supported by the European Union, this report named “Hunger Hotspots” is published every six months.
– It provides early warnings and analysis of worsening food crises for the upcoming five months.
Risk of Starvation and Death
– According to the report, Sudan, South Sudan, Mali, Haiti, and Palestine are the most hunger-affected areas (hotspots). Among these, Sudan, South Sudan, and Mali have the worst situations.
– The report warns that if immediate humanitarian action is not taken, and international efforts are not made to reduce conflict, prevent displacement, and provide assistance, people in these five hunger-stricken hotspots could face severe hunger, starvation, and death.
Severe Food Insecurity in 13 Countries and Regions
– The report expresses concern that the situation of severe food insecurity is worsening in 13 countries and regions around the world.
– Besides the five most worrying ‘hotspots,’ Yemen, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Myanmar, and Nigeria are now classified as ‘extremely concerning hunger crisis areas.’
– Immediate action is needed here to save lives and livelihoods.
– Other countries affected by food insecurity include Burkina Faso, Chad, Somalia, and Syria, where conditions are rapidly deteriorating.
The Report is a Red Alert
– FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu said that this report is a clear signal that hunger is not a distant threat but has become a daily emergency for millions and billions of people.
– We must work together more urgently to save lives and secure livelihoods.
– WFP Executive Director Cindy McCain said, “This report is a red alert. We know where hunger is increasing and who is at the greatest risk.”
– Cindy McCain added, “We have the necessary resources and expertise, but if we do not get access to funding and aid routes, we will not be able to save lives.”
The question of hunger of crores
– In parts of Sudan, famine was confirmed in 2024, where due to war and displacement, approximately 24.6 million people are falling into severe food insecurity.
– In South Sudan, political tensions, flood threats, and economic hardship have caused 7.7 million people to be affected by high levels of food insecurity.
– In Haiti, rising mass violence has displaced thousands of people, and 8,400 are already facing extreme famine.
– Meanwhile, in Mali, high grain prices and violent clashes are impacting the most vulnerable families.
– In Gaza Strip, amidst Israeli military operations, humanitarian aid is being obstructed, leaving 2.1 million people in severe food crisis.
Sudan
Capital – Khartoum
Interim President – Abdel Fattah al-Burhan
Currency – Sudanese pound
South Sudan
Capital – Juba
President – Salva Kiir Mayardit
Currency – South Sudanese pound
Mali
Capital – Bamako
Interim President – Assimi Goita
Currency – CFA franc
Haiti
Capital – Port-au-Prince
Chairman of the Transitional Presidential Council – Fritz Jean
Prime Minister – Alix Didier Fils-Aimé
Currency – Gourde
Palestine
Capital – Jerusalem
President – Mahmoud Abbas
Prime Minister – Mohammed Mustafa
Currency – Egyptian pound, Israeli new shekel, Jordanian dinar
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9. When is International Day of Yoga celebrated?
a. 21 June
b. 22 June
c. 23 June
d. 24 June
Answer: a. 21 June
Theme 2025
– Yoga for One Earth, One Health
Why is Yoga Day celebrated on 21 June?
– Actually, 21 June is the longest day in the Northern Hemisphere. It is called the summer solstice.
– India had proposed this day to the United Nations General Assembly in 2014, which was accepted.
– After this, International Yoga Day is celebrated in the world from the year 2015.
– Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the International Yoga Day at the United Nations.
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10. When was International Solstice Celebration Day observed?
a. 18 June
b. 19 June
c. 20 June
d. 21 June
Answer: d. 21 June
– This day has been declared by the United Nations.
– There are two solstices in a year. Summer solstice is on 12 June and winter solstice is on 21 or 22 December.
Summer Solstice
– It is commonly called “Greeshma Sankranti”.
– It is the longest day and shortest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.
– In Delhi, this day is about 14 hours.
– On the other hand, winter solstice (commonly known as “Winter Solstice”, is the primary day of winter and the shortest day of the year).
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