Current Affairs is the most important area in all competitive exams. But the difficulty level is very high. That’s why many aspirants get confused, how to select Current Affairs for Preparation of Competitive Examination? In this Post, Daily Current Affairs 20 June 2025, we have tried to cover each and every point and also included all important facts from National/ International news that are useful for upcoming competitive examinations such as UPSC, SSC, Railway, State Govt. etc.
PM Modi’s Historic Croatia Visit: Strengthening India’s Gateway to Europe
On June 18, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was the first Indian PM to visit Croatia, underscoring a major leap in deepening India’s relationship with the Adriatic country with strategic significance. Croatia’s location at a crossroads between Europe and the Mediterranean provides opportunities for Indian engagement in economic, connectivity, and cultural fields as part of India’s larger engagement with the Central and Eastern European (CEE) region.
The Prime Minister’s visit to Croatia stands out for three particular reasons. It was the first-ever visit to Croatia by an Indian Prime Minister. It reflects India’s rising strategic interest in not only Croatia, but the CEE region, beyond its historical relationships in Western Europe. Croatia’s geographic and logistical importance aligns with India’s aspiration to grow international trade through such initiatives as the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).
India-Croatia Diplomatic History
– India recognized Croatia’s independence in May 1992, and was one of the first four non-European states to do so.
– Diplomatic Relations were put in place in July 1992, and embassies were established in 1996.
– The relationship has been historically cordial, dating back to the time of Yugoslavia, as the Yugoslavian leader Josip Broz Tito of Croat-Slovene descent, maintained good relations with Indian leadership.
Strategic Importance of Croatia
• Geostrategic advantages: access to the Adriatic sea and ports in Europe (Rijeka, Split, and Ploče).
• Central location for trade corridors, and its location along the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T).
• A possible hub for an India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) to connect India with both CEE and the Balkans.
• Croatia membership in the Three Seas Initiative (3SI); regional forum of 12 countries focused on infrastructure, energy, and digital development.
Economic Cooperation
• Total bilateral trade has not flown regularly and grew from $199.45 million in 2017 to $337.68 million in 2023.
• India exports – Pharmaceuticals, Machinery, Textiles, Chemicals.
• Croatia exports – Instruments, Chemical, Rubber, Wood Products, oils.
India to Induct 300-km Range Pinaka Missile System
India is about to expand its artillery with new long-range variations of the Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher system with range capabilities up to 300 km. Designed and developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), these new systems will provide precision strikes, quick deployment and firepower, creating a big impact on our self-reliant defence posture.
DRDO Chairman Dr. Samir V. Kamat “we will be producing upgraded Pinaka systems with 120 km range and 300 km ranges, as well as the Guided Pinaka version for the Indian Army in the next 3 – 5 years after testing. These systems will add significantly to India’s battlefield capabilities by supporting truth in our capability narrative and will be an example of the type of indigenization of defence capabilities India needs.”
Aim and objectives
• Increase artillery range, precision, responsiveness
• Establish a fully indigenous rocket artillery system
• Decrease dependence on foreign systems and enhance Atmanirbhar Bharat defence objectives
Key developments
• DRDO will produce Pinaka-3 and Pinaka-4 rocket systems with ranges of 120 km and 300 km respectively
• Guided Pinaka produced and trialed, and procurement process is officially underway
• Systems will be operational with the Indian Army in three to five years
• There’s plan to establish 22 Pinaka regiments by 2030
Technical Features of Pinaka
- Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher (MBRL) developed by DRDO, Pune.
- Firing capability: 12 rockets in just 44 seconds.
- Shoot-and-scoot ability, automatic leveling, and stabilization.
- Accurate target laying with inertial navigation system.
- Modes of operation: Fire Control Computer, Launcher Computer, Manual.
- Uses AGAPS or Dial Sight for gun alignment and pointing.
Significance
• Enhances India’s deterrence capability
• Increases India capability to have operational readiness during border stand-offs
• A response to other adversaries developing next generation precision strike artillery systems
• Supports Make in India objectives and strengthens the defence industrial ecosystem
India Emerges as Third-Largest Power Generator Globally: IEA Report
As per Latest International Energy Agency (IEA) report, India has recorded the third-largest power generation capacity growth in the world over the “past five years”, only after China and United States. The impressive growth in India is to be attributed the increased demand for energy across sectors, strong commitment to renewable energy, and high levels of foreign and domestic investment; particularly in solar photovoltaic (PV) projects.
The IEA just released its latest energy outlook and is bringing India’s progress in the power sector to the fore. India’s increase in clean energy infrastructure and being the third fastest growing power generator in the world, is a significant achievement within a global target of decarbonization and sustainability. Overall, the data showcases momentum in policies within India, the energy transition, and an emerging global power within the green energy economy.
Key Highlights from the IEA Report
- India has the third largest growth in generation capacity from 2019-2024, after China and US.
Electricity demand in India is rising rapidly due to,
- Growth in commercial and residential infrastructure.
- Increased use of air conditioners and household appliances.
- Growth in industrial activity.
Power Generation Expansion
- Growth occurred in all energy sources, fossil fuels, hydropower, renewables
- Clean energy development, specifically solar PV, was the predominant driver.
- Solar projects alone made up over 50% of the total investments in non-fossil energy in India in the past five years.
Investment & Financing
- 2024: 83% of all power sector investment in India went into clean energy.
- India was the largest recipient of DFI funding for clean energy in 2024, receiving USD 2.4 billion.
- FDI in the power sector rose to USD 5 billion in 2023, nearly double pre-pandemic levels.
- Government policy allows 100% FDI in most power-related areas (excluding nuclear).
Daily Current Affairs – 20 June 2025
Centre Approves ₹2,006.40 Crore financial aid to Himachal Pradesh for 2023 Disaster Recovery
As part of the support for post-disaster recovery in Himachal Pradesh, the central government has sanctioned ₹2,006.40 crore for the reconstruction and rehabilitation in July-August, 2023, floods, landslides and cloudbursts. The aid will be given from the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) and was agreed by a high-level committee chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
The Union Government approved a ₹2,006.40 crore recovery plan, under NDRF, for Himachal to recover from the severe natural disasters that occurred during the July-August 2023 period that resulted in loss of more than 550 lives and significant infrastructure damage.
Sanctioned Amount
• ₹2,006.40 crore, of which ₹1,504.80 crore is the Centre’s portion, from the Recovery and Reconstruction funding window of the NDRF.
Objectives
• To carry out recovery, reconstruction and rehabilitation activities in the affected areas.
• Rebuild damaged infrastructure, provide resettle to victims and improve resilience against disasters.
Committee
• Chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
Member/Committee members include;
• Union Finance Minister
• Union Minister of Agriculture
• Vice-Chairman, NITI Aayog
Background & Importance
• 2023 Season Monsoon Disaster in Himachal
• Heavy amount of rain resulted in landslides, floods & cloudbursts.
• More than 550 fatalities, infrastructure suffering massive scale damage.
• Congress led state government made a formal plea for ₹9,042 crore under the Post Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA).
World Kidney Cancer Day 2025
World Kidney Cancer Day is a worldwide opportunity to raise awareness of kidney cancer, which is a deadly disease that often goes unnoticed. In 2025 the campaign is built around the theme “Understanding Kidney Health”, and aims to help people understand kidney function, recognize signs of kidney cancer, and how to reduce risk. World Kidney Cancer Day is recognized on the second Thursday of June (6 date June 12, 2025) and is supported by the International Kidney Cancer Coalition (IKCC) and is recognized in more than 45 countries through various awareness events, health camps and educational programs.
History of World Kidney Cancer Day
- Launched in: 2017
- Launched by: International Kidney Cancer Coalition (IKCC)
Purpose
- To raise kidney cancer awareness
- To promote early diagnosis
- To support patients and caregiver
- To advocate for access to equitable healthcare
- Since its inception, this has become an important annual celebration of public health awareness internationally.
Theme of 2025: “Understanding Kidney Health”
This year’s theme focuses on,
- Educating the public about kidney functions and their role in overall health
- Encouraging lifestyle changes to protect kidney health
- Promoting early detection and screening for kidney cancer
- Addressing global healthcare disparities in kidney cancer treatment
WHO Releases First Global Guidelines to Improve Pregnancy Care for Women with Sickle Cell Disease
The World Health Organization (WHO) has released its first global guideline for the management of sickle cell disease (SCD) in pregnancy. This initiative seeks to address a maternal and infant health issue. SCD is a common inherited blood disorder involving crescent- shaped red blood cells that can block blood flow and cause dire health outcomes. The risk of mortality increases with SCD in pregnancy and pregnant women who suffer from the disease have higher rates of obstetric emergencies than those without SCD.
Sickle Cell Disease with its Effects
Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood disease. It causes red blood cells to become rigid and sickle-shaped, and these cells can block blood flow from blood vessels. Symptoms of SCD include severe pain, anaemia, and susceptibility to infections. Depending on prevalence, SCD can be found in high incidence in malaria endemic locations. Most cases of SCD are in sub-Saharan Africa.
Risks Associated with Pregnancy
Pregnancy poses additional risks for SCD disease women. Compared to women without SCD, these women have five- fold increased risk of dying during and after pregnancy. Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, pre-eclampsia, and outcomes for their babies like still birth and low birth weight are very common in SCD pregnant women. WHO would like to initiate better outcomes with targeted care offered by using the WHO guidelines.
WHO Guidelines
The new WHO guidelines contain more than 20 recommendations based on current evidence and these recommendations include areas of focus are folic acid and iron supplementation, management of pain crises, infection prevention, safeguarding women with sickle cell disease against social stigma, encouraging individualised care that respects women’s needs.
Multidisciplinary Care is Important
Providing care for SCD during pregnancy requires a team of healthcare professionals experienced in treating SCD. This team could be composed of haematologists, obstetricians, midwives, and possibly paediatricians. Each professional on a multidisciplinary team will provide comprehensive care and assist in the decision-making process for women living with SCD.
Research and Development Needs
Research investment in sickle cell disease (SCD) remains under developed and unfunded, especially as it relates to pregnant and breastfeeding women. The WHO has called for more controlled clinical trials to evaluate the safety and efficacy of treatment options for these populations. This guideline is part of a broader effort to combat noncommunicable diseases in pregnancy.
Government Initiatives – India
In India, the government has initiated the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Eradication Mission, screening millions of individuals as well as developing additional treatment options. A government investment was announced to aid the development of drugs to treat SCD; this is particularly important for tribal populations who are disproportionately affected by SCD.
Future Directions
The WHO guideline creates a framework to begin a series of guidelines focusing on management of chronic diseases in pregnancy. Future guidelines are expected to include many different conditions, given the increasing burden of chronic disease in maternal and neonatal health.
