This is the current affairs of 14 to 17 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. In how many phases did the Home Ministry issue notification for caste census?
a. One
b. Two
c. Three
d. Four
Answer: b. Two (the first phase will start on October 1, 2026 and the second phase will start on March 1, 2027)
– This will be the first caste-based census in the country after independence. Before this, a caste census was conducted in 1931.
Census in these states in Phase One and Two
– The first phase will begin from 1st October 2026.
– It will include 4 hilly states – Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jammu & Kashmir, and Ladakh.
– The second phase will begin from 1st March 2027. The census will begin in the remaining states of the country in this phase.
Census will be conducted through digital medium
– The Ministry of Home Affairs said that the upcoming census will be conducted through digital medium using a mobile application, where the provision of self-enumeration will also be made available to people.
– Before the caste census, the central government will prepare a list of castes so that organized data can be collected.
– To achieve political consensus on castes, it will also be placed in an all-party meeting.
– An approved list of castes is necessary because Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes are already included in the count. But there is confusion regarding the castes under Other Backward Classes.
– The census process in the country is likely to begin in 2026.
Data not released in 2011
– During the Manmohan Singh government in 2011, a socio-economic and caste census was conducted.
– It was carried out by the Ministry of Rural Development, Ministry of Urban Development, and Ministry of Home Affairs.
– However, the data from this survey was never made public.
– Only the SC-ST household data was released on the Ministry of Rural Development’s website.
– Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi was the first to demand a caste census in 2023.
29 columns in the census form
– Until 2011, the census form had a total of 29 columns. These included questions on name, address, occupation, education, employment, and migration, with only SC and ST categories being recorded.
– Now, extra columns may be added for the caste census.
Last census was in 2011
– The last census in the country was conducted in 2011. It is done every 10 years.
– Accordingly, the next census was due in 2021, but it was postponed due to COVID-19.
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2. Who has been appointed by India as the next ambassador to North Korea in June 2025 after four years?
a. Aliawati Longkumar
b. B. Muthamma
c. Vikram Doraiswami
d. Ruchira Kamboj
Answer: a. Aliawati Longkumar
– Aliwati is an Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer from the 2008 batch.
– This appointment is an important step towards reactivating diplomatic dialogue between India and North Korea.
– Currently, Aliwati is the charge d’affaires at the Indian Embassy in Paraguay.
– India closed its embassy in Pyongyang, the capital of North Korea, on July 2, 2021. The reason was disruptions related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
– At that time, Atul Gotsurve was posted there as the ambassador.
– Earlier, in 2017, India stopped all trade with North Korea to comply with United Nations sanctions, but did not sever diplomatic ties. This relationship is linked to strategic concerns, especially Pyongyang’s historic support for Pakistan’s missile development program.
North Korea is dependent on China.
– Dictator: Kim Jong-un
– Population: 26.5 million (2024)
– Currency: North Korean won
– Language: Korean
– Neighboring countries: China, Russia, and Korea!
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3. Which country’s international women cricketer Sophie Devine has announced her retirement from ODI?
a. Australia
b. India
c. New Zealand
d. England
Answer: c. New Zealand
– New Zealand Women’s captain Sophie Devine announced her retirement from ODI format on 17 June 2025.
– 35-year-old Sophie Devine will continue to play T-20.
– Devine made her ODI debut in 2006.
– She has 8 ODI centuries to her name. Played 152 matches in which she scored 3990 runs and took 107 wickets.
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4. Who was the winning team of the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025?
a. New Zealand
b. England
c. Australia
d. South Africa
Answer: d. South Africa
– South Africa’s cricket team has finally shed the tag of “chokers” and earned the title of “World Champions.”
– On June 14, 2025, at London’s Lord’s Stadium, they won the title by defeating eight-time world champions Australia in the final match across all formats.
– South Africa successfully chased the target of 282 runs, losing just 5 wickets.
– Aiden Markram scored 136 runs, while captain Temba Bavuma played a crucial innings of 66 runs.
– This is the first time South Africa has become world champions in any format of cricket.
– Not only that, the team has won an ICC tournament after 27 years.
– The last time they won was in 1998, when they lifted the Champions Trophy.
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5. Which catching rules have been changed by the Marylebone Cricket Club?
a. Catching catches inside the boundary
b. Catching catches on the boundary
c. Catching catches by the wicket keeper
d. Catching catches by the bowler
Answer: b. Catching catches on the boundary
Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC)
– The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) is the organization responsible for creating the laws of cricket, which are followed by the International Cricket Council (ICC).
– Until 1993, MCC was the global governing body for cricket, but now it serves as the guardian of the game’s laws and spirit.
– The ICC enforces the rules, but they are determined by the MCC.
– The MCC has made changes to the rules regarding catches taken near the boundary.
– These relate to catches involving the fielder jumping outside the boundary and throwing the ball back in.
– MCC will officially include this change in October 2026.
– However, the ICC has already implemented the rule starting June 17, 2025, in the Test match between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.
Two conditions for boundary catches involving airborne throws:
– First Condition – Previously, fielders standing near the boundary would touch the ball inside the field, then jump over the boundary and tap the ball back into play while airborne, re-enter the field, and complete the catch. This will no longer be considered a valid catch, and the batter will be awarded runs.
– Second Condition – If a player jumps outside the boundary and throws the ball back in the air, and another player catches it inside the field, the catch will only be valid if the first player also re-enters the field before the second player completes the catch.
Boundary catch controversy in the Big Bash League (BBL)
– In 2023, during the Big Bash League (BBL), a boundary catch taken by Michael Neser sparked controversy. Following this, the ICC asked the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) to review the rules related to such catches.
– Explaining Neser’s catch, MCC stated that the fielder performed a “bunny hop” before completing the catch inside the boundary.
– A bunny hop refers to when a player, after going beyond the boundary, jumps in the air to throw the ball back inside and then completes the catch.
– While the catch was legal according to the existing rules, the MCC noted that it appeared the fielder had gone significantly outside the boundary before throwing the ball back, raising questions.
Similar controversy in 2020
– A similar incident occurred in 2020 during a BBL match between the Hobart Hurricanes and Brisbane Heat.
– In the first innings, Hurricanes captain Matthew Wade hit a shot toward the boundary on the fourth ball of the 15th over.
– Brisbane Heat’s Matt Renshaw, positioned on the boundary, leapt into the air and tossed the ball back into the field. His teammate Tom Banton caught the ball.
– The third umpire ruled Wade out, even though Renshaw landed outside the boundary.
– This catch also drew criticism and raised questions regarding the fairness and clarity of the rule.
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6. When is Sustainable Gastronomy Day celebrated?
a. 18 June
b. 19 June
c. 20 June
d. 21 June
Answer: a. 18 June
– The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted this day on 21st December 2016.
– The purpose of this day is to recognize practices related to sustainable food consumption.
– Gastronomy is also referred to as the art of food. It can also refer to a style of cooking associated with a particular region.
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7. RBI reduced the repo rate by how many basis points to 5.50% in the bi-monthly monetary policy review (May 2025)?
a. 75
b. 50
c. 25
d. 5
Answer: b. 50
– The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) held its meeting on June 6, 2025.
– Following the meeting, the RBI reduced the repo rate by 50 basis points, bringing it down from 6% to 5.50% in May 2025.
– The interest rate cut of 50 basis points was aimed at boosting economic growth.
– Until December 2024, the RBI had kept the policy repo rate unchanged at 6.50% for the 11th time.
Note: In April 2025, the RBI had already cut the repo rate by 25 basis points, reducing it from 6.25% to 6%.
Why was the repo rate reduced?
– The rate cut was prompted by the announcement of reciprocal tariffs (import duties matching others’) by U.S. President Donald Trump, which created a global atmosphere of uncertainty.
– Many experts are predicting a global recession as a result of these developments. Higher tariffs could potentially increase inflation rates.
– RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra stated, “The global economic landscape is changing rapidly. The beginning of FY26 has been concerning, and some global trade wars appear to be materializing.”
What is the Repo Rate (Repurchase Rate or Repo Rate)?
– In simple terms, banks give us loans, and we have to pay interest on those loans.
– Similarly, banks also need large amounts of money for their daily operations, and they borrow this money from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
– The interest rate at which the RBI lends money to these banks is called the Repo Rate.
How does the Repo Rate affect the common man?
– The RBI uses the repo rate as a powerful tool to fight inflation.
– When inflation is very high, the RBI increases the repo rate to reduce the flow of money in the economy.
– If banks get loans from the RBI at a lower interest rate — meaning if the repo rate is low — they can offer cheaper loans to their customers.
– On the other hand, if the RBI increases the repo rate, borrowing becomes more expensive for banks, and they, in turn, raise loan interest rates for customers.
What is the Reverse Repo Rate?
– It is the opposite of the repo rate.
– At the end of the day, if banks have surplus money left, they deposit it with the Reserve Bank.
– The RBI pays interest to the banks on this deposited amount.
– The rate at which the RBI pays interest on this money is called the Reverse Repo Rate.
Note:
– The six-member Monetary Policy Committee is chaired ex-officio by the RBI Governor (Sanjay Malhotra).
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8. When is the International Day for Countering Hate Speech observed?
a. 21 June
b. 20 June
c. 19 June
d. 18 June
Answer: d. 18 June
– This day is declared by the United Nations.
– According to the United Nations (UN), hate speech is any form of speech or writing that attacks an individual or group on the basis of religion, ethnicity, nationality, race, colour, descent, sex, or any other identifying factor.
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9. India signed an agreement with which country’s company Kongsberg to indigenously design and manufacture the first Polar Research Vehicle (PRV)?
a. France
b. Sweden
c. Norway
d. Russia
Answer: c. Norway
– Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Limited (GRSE), based in Kolkata, signed an agreement with Norwegian company Kongsberg on June 3, 2025.
– This agreement has been made to indigenously design and build India’s first Polar Research Vessel (PRV).
– The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed in the presence of Union Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, in Oslo, the capital of Norway.
Polar Research Vessel (PRV)
– A Polar Research Vessel (PRV) is a specialized ship used for conducting research in icy regions such as Antarctica and the Arctic.
– The ship is equipped with advanced instruments that allow scientists to study the depths of the ocean, marine life, and the environment in those regions.
– Research in these cold regions is essential because they provide critical information about climate change, marine ecosystems, and the Earth’s geological structure.
– The PRV offers scientists the necessary tools and facilities to carry out such important research.
Norway
– Capital: Oslo
– Monarch: King Harald V
– Prime Minister: Jonas Gahr Støre
– Currency: Norwegian Krone
– Neighboring countries: Sweden, Finland, Russia
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10. Which country honoured PM Modi with the ‘Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III’?
a. Cyprus
b. Turkiye
c. Syria
d. Lebanon
Answer: a. Cyprus
Prime Minister’s Visit to Cyprus
– On June 15, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Cyprus for a two-day visit.
– On June 16, 2025, Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides presented Prime Minister Narendra Modi with a prestigious award.
– The award is named after Archbishop Makarios III, the first President of Cyprus.
– This is Cyprus’s highest civilian honor.
– Narendra Modi has previously received top honors from several other countries as well.
Cyprus Stands with India Against Terrorism
– PM Modi and President Nikos held a joint press conference, where they discussed:
– Bilateral relations
– India-European Union ties
– The India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC)
Trade Relations
– Cyprus has been a long-standing and trusted partner of India, with significant investment flowing from Cyprus into India.
– Many Indian companies have also set up operations in Cyprus, seeing it as a gateway to Europe.
– Bilateral trade has now reached 150 million USD.
About Cyprus
– Cyprus is a country surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea.
– Capital: Nicosia
– Population: 1.34 million (2023)
– Currency: Euro (€)
– Languages: Greek and Turkish
– Maritime Neighbors: Greece, Turkey, Syria, Lebanon, Israel, Palestine, and Egypt
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11. The team of the Women’s Sea Travel Sailing Expedition of the three armies returned home in June 2025 after completing a historic international voyage to which country?
a. Seychelles
b. Maldives
c. Mauritius
d. Madagascar
Answer: a. Seychelles
– In Seychelles, the crew participated in several high-level defence and diplomatic engagements.
– This voyage from Mumbai to Seychelles highlights the strength and resilience of women in the Armed Forces, and also serves as a tribute to India’s legendary warrior queens — Rani Velu Nachiyar, Rani Durgavati, and Rani Lakshmibai — who continue to inspire generations.
The Team: 11 Women from All Three Services
Indian Army
– Lieutenant Colonel Anuja
– Major Karamjeet
– Major Tanyah
– Captain Omita
– Captain Dolly
– Captain Prajakta
Indian Navy
– Lieutenant Commander Priyanka
Indian Air Force
– Squadron Leader Vibha
– Squadron Leader Shraddha
– Squadron Leader Aruvi
– Squadron Leader Vaishali
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12. Scholar Daaji Panshikar passed away on 6 June 2025, he was which of the following?
a. Actor
b. Writer
c. Journalist
d. Cricketer
Answer: b. Writer
– He was 92 years old and died in Thane, Maharashtra.
– He was known for his profound knowledge of Indian epics and contribution to Marathi literature.
– His insightful commentaries and lectures earned him a prominent place in the intellectual and cultural scene of Maharashtra.
Educated interpreter of the following texts
– Mahabharata
– Eknathi Bhagavata
– Bhavartha Ramayan
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13. When is the International Day for Countering Hate Speech observed?
a. 21 June
b. 20 June
c. 19 June
d. 18 June
Answer: d. 18 June
– This day is declared by the United Nations.
– According to the United Nations (UN), hate speech is any form of speech or writing that attacks an individual or group on the basis of religion, ethnicity, nationality, race, colour, descent, sex, or any other identifying factor.
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14. Which state launched India’s first mobile-based e-voting system?
a. Uttar Pradesh
b. Bihar
c. Uttarakhand
d. Madhya Pradesh
Answer: b. Bihar
– The State Election Commission of Bihar is going to conduct local body elections and by-elections.
– For the first time in the state, e-voting will be used for these elections.
– Through this, senior citizens, physically disabled persons, people suffering from incurable diseases, pregnant women, and migrant workers will be given the facility to vote safely and confidentially from their homes on a priority basis.
– This facility will be provided through an Android-based mobile application.
– Two separate mobile apps have been developed for the Municipal General Election and By-Election 2025.
– The first app, named “eVoting SECBHR”, is for the Municipal General Election 2025 and covers three districts with six Nagar Panchayats, where elections for three posts (Chief Councilor, Deputy Chief Councilor, and Ward Councilor) will be held.
– The second app, called eVoting (SECBIHAR), is for the Municipal By-Election 2025 and covers six municipalities in five districts.
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15. Which year was declared by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) as the International Year of Women Farmers?
a. 2028
b. 2025
c. 2026
d. 2027
Answer: c. 2026
– The United Nations General Assembly has taken this decision to promote gender equality in agriculture.
– The initiative aims to raise awareness about the essential role of women in food systems around the world and the challenges they face.
– This is of special importance for countries like India, where 80% of economically active women work in agriculture but own only 8.3% of agricultural land.
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