This is the current affairs of 26 June 2025. Here are questions and answers of daily current affairs for better preparation of competitive exams for government jobs.
PDF Download: Click here
1. Who became the second Indian to go into space?
a. Ajit Krishnan
b. Shubhanshu Shukla
c. Angad Pratap
d. Prashant Balakrishnan
Answer: b. Shubhanshu Shukla
First Indian: Rakesh Sharma
– The first Indian to reach space was Rakesh Sharma.
– He flew on April 3, 1984, under the Soviet Intercosmos program aboard Soyuz T-11.
He was an officer in the Indian Air Force.
– He spent 7 days, 21 hours, and 40 minutes on the space station Salyut 7.
Second Indian: Shubanshu Shukla
– 41 years after Rakesh Sharma’s space mission, Shubanshu Shukla reached space.
– On June 26, 2025, he went to space along with 3 other astronauts as part of the Axiom-4 mission.
– He went to the International Space Station (ISS) to conduct research.
– The mission used the Falcon 9 rocket.
– The Axiom-4 mission was launched from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
– All astronauts flew aboard the Dragon capsule attached to SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket.
– The spacecraft docked with the ISS on June 26 at 4:30 PM after about 28.5 hours.
What Shubanshu said
– After reaching space, Shubanshu said, “What a ride! The tricolor flag on my shoulder tells that I am with all of you.”
– When the launch was successful, Shubanshu’s parents, Asha Shukla and Shambhu Dayal Shukla, became emotional and expressed their happiness by applauding.
Other pilots of the mission
– Slawosz Uznański (Poland)
– Peggy Whitson (USA)
– Tibor Kapu (Hungary)
————–
2. Name the first Indian to go to International Space Station (ISS)?
a. Ajit Krishnan
b. Angad Pratap
c. Shubhanshu Shukla
d. Prashant Balakrishnan
Answer: c. Shubhanshu Shukla
Who is Shubanshu Shukla?
– Shubanshu was born in 1986 in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.
– He completed his education at the National Defence Academy (NDA).
– He joined the Indian Air Force in 2006 and has experience flying fighter jets.
– He has also been selected for ISRO’s Gaganyaan mission, India’s first human space mission.
– To become an astronaut, he received specialized training in Russia and the USA, where he learned to work in microgravity, handle emergencies, and conduct scientific experiments.
Experiments by Shubanshu on the ISS
– Shubanshu will conduct 7 experiments over 14 days.
– Most are biological studies, such as observing the effects of space on human health and living organisms.
– Additionally, there are 5 experiments with NASA.
– These experiments are aimed at gathering data for long-duration space missions.
– The research carried out during this mission will strengthen India’s Gaganyaan mission.
How much has India spent on this mission?
– India has spent approximately 548 crore rupees on this mission so far.
– This amount includes the training expenses for Shubanshu and his backup group Captain Prashant Nair.
– The funds have been spent on training, equipment, and international partnerships.
How important is this mission for India?
– Shubanshu’s experience will be very helpful for the Gaganyaan mission, planned for 2027.
– The data and experience he brings back can help advance India’s space program.
Is this a private space mission?
– Yes, Axiom Mission 4 is a private spaceflight mission.
– It is being conducted through a collaboration between the American private space company Axiom Space and NASA.
– This is Axiom Space’s fourth mission.
—————
3. What is India’s rank in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Index 2025?
a. 68
b. 77
c. 89
d. 99
Answer: d. 99
– Report Name: Sustainable Development Report (SDR) 2025
– Issued by: UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network
– Countries included in SDG Index 2025: 167
– India’s rank in 2025: 99 (previously 109 in 2024)
– This index measures each country’s performance against the 17 SDGs and gives them an overall score.
What are the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?
– The United Nations (UN) set 17 global goals in 2015.
– The target is to achieve these by the year 2030.
– The goals aim to end poverty worldwide, protect the planet, and ensure peace and prosperity for all people.
The 17 SDG Goals
1. No Poverty
2. Zero Hunger
3. Good Health and Well-being
4. Quality Education
5. Gender Equality
6. Clean Water and Sanitation
7. Affordable and Clean Energy
8. Decent Work and Economic Growth
9. Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
10. Reduced Inequalities
11. Sustainable Cities and Communities
12. Responsible Consumption and Production
13. Climate Action
14. Life Below Water
15. Life on Land
16. Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
17. Partnerships for the Goals
India Enters Top 100 for the First Time
– For the first time, India has entered the top 100 in the SDG (Sustainable Development Goals) Index.
– This report by the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network was released on June 24, 2025.
– In this edition, India ranked 99th out of 167 countries.
– India received a score of 67 points in the report.
– In 2024, India was ranked 109th.
– In 2023, India ranked 112th, in 2022 it was 121st, in 2021 it ranked 120th, and in 2020 it was 117th.
– The United States ranks 44th with a score of 75.2 points.
Top 10 countries
1) Finland
2) Sweden
3) Denmark
4) Germany
5) France
6) Austria
7) Norway
8) Croatia
9) Poland
10) Czechia
Note – South Sudan ranks the lowest, placed at 167.
Rankings of Neighboring Countries
– China: Ranked 49th with a score of 74.4
– Bhutan: Ranked 74th with 70.5 points
– Nepal: Ranked 85th with 68.6 points
– Bangladesh: Ranked 114th with 63.9 points
– Maritime neighbors: Maldives and Sri Lanka are ranked 53rd and 93rd, respectively.
Progress on Development Goals Has Stalled
– The lead author of the report, world-renowned economist Jeffrey Sachs, stated that global progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) has stalled.
– Of the 17 goals adopted by UN member states in 2015, only 17% are likely to be achieved by 2030.
European Countries Lead the Rankings
– European countries, particularly those in the Nordic region (Northern Europe and North Atlantic), dominate the top ranks of the index.
– Finland ranks first, Sweden is second, and Denmark is third.
– 19 out of the top 20 countries in the index are from Europe.
————-
4. What is the mascot of World Para Athletics Championships 2025?
a. Viraj
b. Savaj
c. Blaze
d. Tonk
Answer: a. Viraj
When and Where is the World Para Athletics Championship?
– India is hosting the event for the first time.
– It will be held at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Delhi,
– From September 27 to October 5, 2025.
– There will be a total of 186 medal events.
Mascot ‘Viraj’
– On June 20, 2025, the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) unveiled the logo and mascot in New Delhi.
– Viraj, a young elephant, is the mascot. He is shown with a prosthetic blade (artificial leg).
– Symbolizing strength, courage, and victory, Viraj represents the indomitable spirit of para-athletes who overcome every challenge.
– With his bold stance and fearless eyes, he inspires the nation to believe, celebrate, and dream bigger than ever before.
– PCI President Devendra Jhajharia stated that over 100 countries are expected to participate.
————–
5. Which country appointed a civilian leader as Defense Minister for the first time after 64 years?
a. South Korea
b. Iran
c. Singapore
d. Japan
Answer: a. South Korea
– On June 23, 2025, South Korean President Lee Jae-myung appointed Ahn Kyu-baek, a civilian, as Defense Minister — a first in the country’s history.
– This has happened for the first time in 64 years in South Korea.
– Ahn Kyu-baek is a five-time Member of Parliament and a leader of the Democratic Party.
– Until now, the position of Defense Minister has always been held by retired military generals.
– This decision comes at a time when several top military officials, including former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun, are facing criminal charges.
– These officials are reportedly involved in efforts to impose martial law during the tenure of former President Yoon Suk-yeol.
– Yoon Suk-yeol has been accused of treason and was removed from office.
– Ahn Kyu-baek has long been associated with the National Assembly’s Defense Committee.
– He also headed the parliamentary investigation committee that probed the 2024 martial law incident under Yoon’s administration.
– Capital: Seoul
– Prime Minister: Lee Ju-ho
– Population: 51.7 million (2023)
– Language: Korean
– Currency: South Korean Won (KRW)
————–
6. Which of the following is set to overtake the euro as the second largest reserve holder among the world’s central banks in 2024 after the US dollar, according to a European Central Bank report?
a. Rupee
b. Yuan
c. Gold
d. Ruble
Answer: c. Gold
– The European Central Bank released this report on June 11, 2025.
– Gold has now officially secured the second-largest position among global reserve assets.
Global Reserve Composition (2024):
47% – US Dollar
16% – Euro
19% – Gold
Why Gold?
– It is considered a safe-haven asset.
– Especially during times of economic instability, it offers liquidity and long-term value.
– Due to heavy gold purchases by central banks and the rising price of the precious metal, gold has become the second-largest reserve by value, following the US dollar.
Emerging Economies Are Leading the Change
– Countries concerned about currency sanctions (like Russia and China) have turned to gold.
– This shift is driven by fears of a decline in the dominance of the US dollar and the euro.
– A major turning point for gold came in February 2022, when Russia launched a large-scale invasion of Ukraine, triggering expectations of rising inflation and interest rates, which in turn fueled a flight to safer assets.
– Since then, geopolitical and economic uncertainty has remained persistently high.
What Does Gold as a Reserve Signal?
– For decades, currencies like the US dollar and euro have dominated the holdings of central banks worldwide.
– Gold moving into second place signals a significant shift in how countries seek to secure their wealth.
– This change is being driven by record central bank purchases, rising prices, and a growing desire among nations—especially those wary of sanctions—to reduce reliance on reserve currencies.
Several factors are responsible for the change:
– Since 2022, central banks have been in a gold-buying spree, accumulating over 1,000 tonnes per year — twice the average annual purchase rate of the previous decade.
– By 2024, total global gold reserves stood at 36,000 tonnes, slightly below the peak of 38,000 tonnes in 1965.
Major Gold Buyers
– China, India, and Turkey have added over 600 tonnes of gold since the end of 2021.
– Countries closely aligned with China and Russia have shown the fastest increase in the share of gold in their foreign reserves.
– Unless another geopolitical shock occurs, the pace of purchases may slow down.
– However, gold is still expected to remain a key reserve asset.
Gold Reserves as per World Gold Council (February 2025)
1) United States: 8,133.46 tonnes
2) Germany: 3,351.53 tonnes
3) Italy: 2,451.84 tonnes
4) France: 2,437.00 tonnes
5) China: 2,279.56 tonnes
6) Switzerland: 1,039.94 tonnes
7) India: 876.18 tonnes
8) Japan: 845.97 tonnes
9) Netherlands: 612.45 tonnes
10) Poland: 448.23 tonnes
————–
7. Which of these days is celebrated on 25 June?
a. Balidan Diwas
b. Emergency Diwas
c. Samvidhan Hatya Diwas
d. Anti-Sikh Riots Day
Answer: c. Samvidhan Hatya Diwas
– Actually on 25 June 1975, the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi declared emergency in the country.
– It was in force till 21 March 1977 i.e. 21 months.
– BJP celebrates this day as Samvidhan Hatya Diwas.
– In the cabinet meeting held on 25 June 2025 under the chairmanship of PM Modi, a condemnation motion was also passed on the completion of 50 years of emergency.
– After this, two minutes of silence was observed as a tribute to the victims of emergency.
————-
8. Which became the third fully literate state of the country after Mizoram and Goa?
a. Assam
b. Tamil Nadu
c. Tripura
d. Arunachal Pradesh
Answer: c. Tripura
– The Union Ministry of Education has granted Tripura the status of a fully literate state under the ULLAS (Understanding Lifelong Learning for All in Society) – Nav Bharat Literacy Program.
– Tripura was declared a fully literate state on June 23, 2025.
– The ULLAS program has been run by the Central Government since 2022.
– Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha said, “After Mizoram and Goa, Tripura has now become the third fully literate state in the Indian Union. I congratulate everyone who contributed to this mission.”
– Preeti Meena, Director of the Adult Literacy Department in the Ministry of Education, stated that the Central Government has set a target to make India fully literate by 2030.
– “In Tripura, we identified 23,184 illiterate adults and helped them achieve this goal,” she added.
Tripura
– Capital: Agartala
– Chief Minister: Manik Saha
– Governor: Nallu Indrasena Reddy
– Population: 3.67 million (2011)
– Languages: Bengali and Kokborok
– Neighboring States: Assam, Mizoram
————-
9. When is International Widows Day observed?
a. 21 June
b. 22 June
c. 23 June
d. 24 June
Answer: c. 23 June
– This day was recognized by the United Nations General Assembly in the year 2011.
Why International Widows Day?
– This day is observed to raise awareness in order to improve the condition of widows and provide them with opportunities.
– In fact, widows — especially in developing countries — often face discrimination, social isolation, and economic hardship after the death of their husbands.
– They may face barriers in inheriting property, accessing education and healthcare, and participating in the workforce, and many widows and their children are trapped in a cycle of poverty and marginalization.
————–
10. Dilip Doshi died on 23 June 2025. He was associated with which sport?
a. Shooting
b. Football
c. Hockey
b. Cricket
Answer: d. Cricket
– 77-year-old left-arm spinner Dilip Doshi passed away in London following a heart attack.
– Dilip Doshi made his Test debut in 1979 and played the last of his 33 matches in 1983.
– He completed 100 wickets in just 28 Tests.
————–
11. When is the International Day of the Seafarer celebrated?
a. 23 June
b. 24 June
c. 25 June
d. 26 June
Answer: c. 25 June
– This day is celebrated to honour the vital contribution made by seafarers to the global trade and economy.
– Day of the Seafarer was first celebrated in 2011.
————–
12. Which country’s company Beta Technologies flew the first low-cost electric aircraft in June 2025?
a. India
b. USA
c. France
d. Germany
Answer: b. USA
– Beta Technologies’ Alia CX300 has become the first all-electric aircraft to successfully carry passengers.
– For the first time in aviation history, an electric aircraft has traveled such a long distance at such a low cost.
– Beta Technologies’ founder and CEO Kyle Clark said, “This is a 100% electric aircraft.”
Most Affordable
– The cost to cover 70 nautical miles (i.e., 130 kilometers) in 30–35 minutes was only around ₹700 (approximately $8).
– In comparison, if the same journey were made by helicopter, the estimated fuel cost alone would be ₹13,885 (about $160).
– A key feature of the aircraft was that, due to the absence of noisy engines and propellers, passengers could easily converse during the flight.
– It costs just $8 in energy to charge and fly the aircraft.
– Clark stated that electric planes can offer a clean, quiet, and affordable option for short trips between cities or suburbs.
– Due to low operating costs and minimal noise, these aircraft could become popular among passengers and residents near airports.
————–
13. When is the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking observed?
a. 26 June
b. 27 June
c. 28 June
d. 29 June
Answer: a. 26 June
– This day was declared by the United Nations in 1987.
– Drug abuse is a complex issue that affects millions of people worldwide.
– Many people who use drugs face stigma and discrimination, which can further harm their physical and mental health.
PDF Download: Click here
