Current Affairs - June 26, 2025 Current Affairs

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has recognized India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) as a global model for countries aiming to build digital payment ecosystems. In a paper titled “Growing Retail Digital Payments: The Value of Interoperability,” the IMF highlighted key success factors such as UPI’s interoperability, platform-agnostic design, affordable internet, digital ID infrastructure, and inclusive banking access. It emphasized that UPI’s collaborative and scalable design offers a strong blueprint for digital transformation. The endorsement showcases India’s leadership in financial technology and suggests that countries seeking digital payment reforms should consider India’s approach while tailoring it to their unique contexts.

Adani Total Gas Ltd (ATGL) and Reliance BP Mobility Ltd (Jio-bp) have formed a strategic partnership to share fuel dispensing infrastructure across selected retail outlets in India. Under the agreement, ATGL will offer Jio-bp’s petrol and diesel at its stations, while Jio-bp outlets will dispense ATGL’s CNG. This collaboration aims to boost customer convenience, reduce duplication of infrastructure, and expand the presence of private players in India’s fuel retail market, which is predominantly controlled by public sector companies. The move is also a step toward enhancing operational efficiency and providing more energy options across their combined networks.

Scientists in China have discovered two new henipaviruses in bats located in Yunnan province, raising significant public health concerns. These viruses are genetically similar to the deadly Nipah and Hendra viruses, both of which are known to cause fatal encephalitis and respiratory illnesses in humans. Found in bat kidneys, the viruses pose a risk of transmission through contaminated fruits or water, particularly in areas where human settlements are close to bat habitats. This discovery, made through genetic sequencing of samples collected over four years, highlights the ongoing risk of zoonotic spillovers and reinforces the need for global vigilance in monitoring emerging infectious diseases.

The Indian Conservation Conference (ICCON) 2025 is being hosted by India from June 25 to 27 at the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) in Dehradun. Organised by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, the event brings together over 500 participants including scientists, policymakers, NGOs, and youth from India and the Global South. ICCON 2025 aims to foster collaboration on pressing biodiversity and wildlife management issues. Key features include 17 thematic areas, 10 workshops, and the innovative TechBridge platform to highlight wildlife technology. This event highlights India’s leadership role in global conservation efforts and inclusive environmental dialogue.

The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has raised the auto-settlement limit for advance claims from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 5 lakh. This initiative aims to facilitate faster access to funds for EPF subscribers within just 3 days. Initially introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic, the auto-settlement system was designed to address urgent financial needs such as medical emergencies, education, housing, or marriage. By increasing the limit, EPFO ensures that more substantial financial support can be provided quickly, enhancing the overall effectiveness of the provident fund as a social security mechanism for employees in times of need.

The RBI data clearly shows credit card spending in May 2025 grew by 14.5% year-on-year to reach ₹1.89 trillion, supported by 760,000 new card issuances. This growth reflects increasing digital transactions and consumer confidence. While other percentages appear in the context of individual bank performances (like HDFC's 25% growth), the overall industry growth figure was specifically 14.5%.

India and South Africa entered into two significant agreements focused on submarine cooperation during the 9th Joint Defence Committee (JDC) meeting held in Johannesburg. These agreements aim to enhance bilateral capabilities in areas such as submarine rescue operations, training, surveillance, and joint research and development. This collaboration is particularly important in strengthening maritime security and countering non-traditional threats like piracy and trafficking in strategic sea routes. The defence ties between India and South Africa reflect a growing alignment in their maritime interests and shared commitment to maintaining regional stability in the Indian Ocean and surrounding waters.

India’s first butterfly sanctuary was established in the state of Kerala by renaming the Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary to the Aralam Butterfly Sanctuary. Located in the Western Ghats’ Kannur district, the sanctuary spans 55 square kilometres and shelters more than 266 butterfly species—over 80% of Kerala’s total butterfly diversity. This transformation followed decades of surveys, conservation efforts, and advocacy aimed at protecting butterfly habitats and migration corridors. The sanctuary now serves as a hub for eco-tourism, scientific research, and community-based conservation, highlighting Kerala’s commitment to protecting pollinators vital to the ecosystem.

India’s inaugural Quantum Computing Valley is set to launch in Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh, by January 2026. This initiative, spearheaded by the Andhra Pradesh government under the National Quantum Mission, aims to foster innovation and research across industries using quantum technology. The Amaravati Quantum Valley Tech Park will serve as a national hub supporting sectors such as pharmaceuticals, EV batteries, and logistics while offering training programs to build a skilled quantum workforce. Strategic collaborations with global leaders like IBM and LTIMindtree ensure the integration of cutting-edge technology, making Amaravati a focal point for India’s quantum future.

Tata Group achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first Indian brand to cross the $30 billion mark in brand valuation, reaching $31.6 billion as reported in the Brand Finance India 100 rankings for 2025. This 10% year-on-year growth highlights Tata’s continued dominance and strong global recognition. The group also led in sustainability perception value, further enhancing its brand strength. Tata’s success reflects the rising global stature of Indian corporate houses, while also setting a benchmark for other major players like Infosys, HDFC, and the rapidly growing Adani Group, showcasing India’s expanding influence on the world economic stage.

During the NATO summit held in The Hague, all member countries committed to a significant increase in defence and security spending, aiming to reach a total of 5% of their GDP by the year 2035. This pledge is structured to include at least 3.5% for core defence requirements such as military readiness, procurement, and modernization. Additionally, up to 1.5% will be allocated to broader security-related expenditures. This strategic financial commitment highlights NATO’s unified approach to enhancing collective defence capabilities in response to evolving global threats and maintaining military superiority and preparedness among member nations.

Bangladesh participated alongside China and Pakistan in a trilateral meeting held in Kunming, China. This meeting took place during the 9th China-South Asia Exposition and the 6th China-South Asia Cooperation meeting. The three nations explored opportunities for collaboration across several sectors such as infrastructure, connectivity, trade, investment, healthcare, agriculture, maritime affairs, ICT, disaster preparedness, and climate change. This engagement highlights Bangladesh's growing involvement in regional diplomacy and multilateral cooperation in South Asia, particularly in initiatives spearheaded by China.

Neeraj Chopra, a two-time Olympic medallist and one of India’s most celebrated athletes secured the Javelin Throw title at the Ostrava Golden Spike 2025 meet held in the Czech Republic. At 27 years old, he achieved a winning throw of 85.29 metres in the one-day event, earning the gold medal. This performance also marked his second consecutive victory in international competition, reaffirming his consistency and elite status in the field of athletics. Neeraj’s success continues to inspire aspiring athletes and brings international recognition to India’s growing presence in track and field sports.