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 23 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 Launches ₹18,600 Crore Projects in Odisha, Unveils Vision 2047 Plan

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on a visit to Bhubanehswar, Odisha on June 20, 2025 and under good political conditions launched 105 development projects costing approximately ₹18,600 crore. Prime Minister Modi also launched the Odisha Vision Document which is going to a long term roadmap to transform Odisha into a $500 billion economy by 2036 and $1.5 trillion by 2047, which happen to be Odisha’s centenary and the 100th year of Indian independence.

PM Modi’s sixth visit to Odisha (since the BJP was successful in forming a state government in June 2024), as this was arguably the commencement of scoped based development initiatives. Launch of wide scale public infrastructure and social development projects was visible. The Odisha Vision Document 2047 was presented outlining the long term economic and developmental social targets and priorities for Odisha. The Prime Minister facilitated women achievers who qualified under the Lakhpati Didi initiative, and promoted the importance of cultural heritage and eco-mobility.

Major Highlights

Total Project Value: ₹18,600+ crore.

Sector Coverage

• Drinking water & irrigation
• Health infrastructure
• Rural roads, bridges & national highways
• Railways and urban transport

Infrastructure Projects

• Flagged off first passenger train to Boudh district via Sonepur-Purunakatak railway line.

Launched,

• Third & fourth lines between Sarla–Sason
• Fourth line between Jharsuguda–Jamga
• Flagged off 100 electric buses under CRUT to boost green mobility in urban Odisha.

Odisha Vision Document

Goal by 2036 (100 years of Odisha formation): $500 billion economy

Goal by 2047 (100 years of Indian Independence): $1.5 trillion economy

The Vision Document is based on public consultations, and is aimed to achieve inclusive growth, infrastructure development, and to revive cultural heritage.

Cultural & Heritage Project launched: Baraputra Aitihya Gram (unearthed legends project)

– will convert birth places of Odia renowned icons into cultural sites.

– sites will include museums, statues, libraries, interpretation centres.

– Bhutan, tourism, and culture by gracing cultural tourism.

Women Empowerment – Lakhpati Didi

– Facilitation of women-self-help group (SHG) members attaining annual incomes in excess of ₹1 lakh.

– initiative of organizationally, rural development and women empowerment through livelihood providing income streams.

Public Engagement

– Participation in Tiranga Yatra and roadshow with mammoth public engagement (turn out)

– First visit after ‘Operation Sindoor’ otherwise known as Operation checkmate depicting significance of the visit.

Daily Current Affairs – 23 June 2025

India Moves to ‘One Nation, One Time’: IST to Become Mandatory

In a historic step toward digital sovereignty and national security, the Government of India will soon enforce the use of Indian Standard Time (IST) in all legal, commercial, digital, and administrative contexts. The Indian Standard Time (Legal Metrology) Rules, 2025 will soon be notified, with the goal of transitioning away from reliance on foreign time sources and establishing a secure national unified time of reference using atomic clocks and indigenous protocols.

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi said as the Indian Standard Time (Legal Metrology) Rules, 2025 will be notified soon, this will institutionalize IST as the only official legal time in India. We will tackle digital discrepancies, cybercrime and national security by removing our reliance on foreign time sources i.e. GPS.

Aims and Objectives

• To ensure consistent and unified timekeeping within sectors using Indian Standard Time (IST).

• To decrease cyber-security risk exposure associated with foreign time resources.

• Ensure accurate billing, security during transactions, and timestamps that are traceable across digital infrastructure.

• Ensure time sovereignty within the nation, and enhance fairness and transparency.

Key Elements to the IST Mandate

The Indian Standard Time (Legal Metrology) Rules, 2025 will,

• Provide mandatory reference time across sectors.

• Prohibit and use of alternative sources of time, unless provided permission to do so.

• Be applied in transportation, telecom, financial markets, utilities, etc.

Time dissemination infrastructure.

• Five Regional Reference Standard Laboratories (RRSLs) in:
• Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Bhubaneswar, Faridabad, and Guwahati
• Equipped with atomic clocks and secure synchronization systems.
• Uses Network Time Protocol (NTP) and Precision Time Protocol (PTP).
• Offers millisecond to microsecond level accuracy.

Coordinated by

• Department of Consumer Affairs
• CSIR-NPL (National Physical Laboratory)
• ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation)

Strategic Significance

• Reduces digital mismatches and investigation delays.
• Counters spoofing and jamming vulnerabilities in foreign time systems.
• Secures power grids, railways, financial systems, and communication networks.
• Improves fairness in billing and trust in digital transactions.
• Aligns with the Digital India and Atmanirbhar Bharat vision.

MDNIY Launches ‘Yoga Bandhan’ to Strengthen Global Unity Before IDY 2025

In a major step towards uniting the world through the ancient practice of yoga, the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY) launched ‘Yoga Bandhan’, a flagship international program under the Ministry of Ayush. As a Signature Event leading up to the International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2025, the initiative brought together yoga ambassadors from 15 countries to strengthen global partnerships in yoga education, diplomacy, and wellness, reflecting India’s continued leadership in promoting cultural unity and holistic health worldwide.

MDNIY has launched ‘Yoga Bandhan’, a Signature Event for IDY 2025. The program aims to foster global institutional partnerships and promote yoga diplomacy. It hosted over 15 international yoga ambassadors and experts. The initiative aligns with the IDY 2025 theme of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”—the world is one family.

Objectives of ‘Yoga Bandhan’

• Strengthen international collaboration through yoga-based cultural and academic exchanges.
• Promote global awareness of India’s Ayush systems, especially yoga.
• Position India as the global hub of yoga knowledge and training.
• Encourage institution-to-institution partnerships in yoga research, education, and certification.

Highlights of the Event

• Held at the MDNIY campus in Delhi.
• Featured delegates from 15 countries, including Australia, Brazil, China, and Kazakhstan.

Included,

• A keynote address by Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush.
• Remarks from Nandini Singla, DG of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR).
• Presentations on Ayush usage and yoga adoption in India (35% active yoga practitioners per NSSO).
• Cultural performances and guided campus tours.
• Interactive sessions on yoga communication and fusion yoga demonstrations.

Key Themes and Initiatives Discussed

• Harit Yoga, Yoga Connect, and Samyoga: campaigns under IDY 2025 to promote sustainability, collaboration, and inclusivity through yoga.
• Upgrades to the Yoga Certification Board (YCB) to meet global demand for certified professionals.
• Proposal to introduce short-term yoga courses for international tourists.
• Use of yoga for India’s cultural diplomacy—yoga demonstrations at iconic sites like Varanasi and Jaipur.

Notable International Participants

• Josh Pryor, President & CEO, Yoga Australia
• Prof. Danilo Forghieri Santaella, University of São Paulo, Brazil
• Yin Yan, Founder, Yogi Yoga, China
• Vidya Volkova, Director, Shakti Yoga Studio, Kazakhstan

Significance

• Reinforces India’s role as a global thought leader in health and wellness.
• Builds a network of international yoga ambassadors ahead of IDY 2025.
• Demonstrates the soft power of yoga in fostering diplomacy, peace, and collaboration.

PNB Supports Martyrs’ Families with ₹17 Crore Aid Under Rakshak Plus Scheme

Punjab National Bank (PNB), one of India’s prominent public sector banks, has provided financial support of ₹17.02 crore to the families of 26 defence and paramilitary employees who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. PNB is providing this support through the bank’s customized Rakshak Plus Scheme to provide helpful financial and insurance support to uniformed personnel and their families in the case of loss of life or injury. In providing this support, PNB represents the love, respect, and gratitude for the sacrifice of the nation’s valiant soldiers.

On June 11, 2025, PNB had disbursed ₹17.02 crore to families of 26 martyrs under the Rakshak Plus Scheme. The bank reaffirmed its commitment to providing support to defence employees with ample insurance coverage and financial support in emergencies. The help provided also included martyrs of high-risk operations like Birli Gali. PNB said that the support was a way to demonstrate respect and responsibility by the nation for our armed risk employees.

PNB Rakshak Plus Scheme

• PNB Rakshak Plus Scheme is a new customized insurance plan and financial plan for only defence personnel or paramilitary personnel providing access to coverage and services

• Personal Accidental Insurance: ₹1 crore for death or permanent total disability.

• Air Travel Insurance: ₹1.5 crore if death resulted during air travel for official business.

• Partial Disability Cover: Financial support if an injury occurred in-during duty.

• Consideration of Services: Many options to provide customized services available to armed forces personnel and families.

• Timely support and encouragement for bereaved families: The Rakshak Plus Scheme ensures families at home receive timely financial support.

Statements from PNB Leadership

• “It is our solemn duty to stand by the families of our martyrs. Through the Rakshak Plus Scheme, we offer more than financial assistance — it serves as a symbol of our enduring respect for their sacrifice.” Binay Gupta, Chief General Manager (BARM), PNB

Background and Significance

• Objective: Provide peace of mind to defence personnel, knowing their families will be financially protected in case of tragedy.
• Launch Intent: Create a support mechanism tailored for India’s security forces, where insurance and prompt financial help is easily accessible.
• Scope: Available to all active-duty soldiers and paramilitary personnel across the country.
• Symbolic Importance: Reinforces the social contract between the nation and its protectors.

Net Direct Tax Collection Dips by 1.39% in Q1 FY2025-26

During the first quarter of FY 2025-26, net direct tax collection by India’s government is down 1.39% year-on-year to ₹4.59 lakh crore. Update released by government on 21 June 2025 would attribute slightly greater reduction in net tax collections as a result of considerably delayed advance tax collection, notably reported from corporate sector.

The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) have recently released data that net direct tax collections as of April 1st to June 19th are lagging behind last fiscal’s figures. Nonetheless, it will be an important data suite to understand preliminary trends influencing India’s fiscal health, level of tax compliance, and whether any adaptations will be necessary in revenue policy.

Objectives & Implications

• Purpose of Advance Tax: A mechanism to allow tax authorities to collect tax with the reporting of an income stream and relieve taxpayer from the anxiety of accumulation of tax liability (tax burden) at year-end.

• Refund Blast: The significant ride in refunds will play a role in limit on net collections indicating continued strength of gross collections composition (including payments> refunds.

• Single Variable: Point in time disclosure, if broadly taken as signal indicating that corporate earnings are slowing or that businesses are more cautious in estimating tax liabilities.

• Policy Implication: Could have implications for fiscal considerations around tax policy and review of previous and current tax compliance trends.

Overall Consideration

Ultimately, this fiscal signal suggest that net direct collections are being shaped by the continued size of refunds driving down overall totals collected when stacked against previous years, however gross collections continue to rise on the strength of the position.

This signal further implies that corporate India may be signalling cautiousness requiring a policy response for possible fiscal deviation (the need for contemplating a proactive).

Key Highlights and Data Points

Net Direct Tax Collection (April 1 – June 19, 2025): ₹4.59 lakh crore

• Decrease 1.39% from ₹4.65 lakh crore in 2024
• Gross Direct Tax Collection: ₹5.45 lakh crore (↑ 4.86% YoY)
• Advance Tax Collection: ₹1.55 lakh crore (↑ 3.87% YoY)
• Last year (2024): Increased 27%
• Corporate Advance Tax: ₹1.22 lakh crore (↑ 5.86%)
• Non-Corporate Advance Tax: ₹33,928 crore (↓ 2.68%)
• Personal Income Tax Collection: ₹2.73 lakh crore (↑ 0.7%)
• Corporate Tax Collection (Overall): ₹1.73 lakh crore (↓ >5%)
• Securities Transaction Tax (STT): ₹13,013 crore (↑ 12%)
• Tax Refunds Issued: ₹86,385 crore (↑ 58%)

1st Indian reference to Halley’s Comet found in Sanskrit inscription

In an exciting discovery in India, a copper plate inscription from the year 1456 CE has been found from the Srisailam Mallikarjunaswamy temple in Andhra Pradesh. This inscription is the first epigraphical reference to Halley’s Comet in the history of India. It has been announced by Dr. K. Munirathnam Reddy, Director Epigraphy Branch, Archaeological Survey of India. The mythology of the site tells the story of common cultural and astronomical experience of comets in the Vijayanagar Period.

Details of the inscription

The inscription is in Sanskrit and it describes a grant by Vijayanagara ruler Mallikarjuna during which the grant was made on 28 June 1456 CE coincidently on the same day Halley’s Comet appeared in 1456. The inscription mentions that it was during the time of Halley’s Comet, and additionally, a meteor shower, both of which would have been regarded as omens.

Cultural significance of comets

In many global and ancient cultures, Halley’s Comet and other comets have been regarded as symbols of misfortune in society. The inscription claims that there was a belief that the appearance of a comet would bring calamity and to prevent this calamity the ruler made a grant of land to a scholar of Vedic script. This action represents the common impulse in society to overcome fear associated with celestial bodies.

Astronomical context

Halley’s comet is known to appear regularly over time; the inscription gives the specific day of Halley’s Comet appearing in 1456 that has been identified in other historical sources. In addition to other ancient texts that mention comets, Dr. Reddy pointed out that this is the first mention of a comet represented in an inscription; this note provides an understanding of the scholarly conceits and the astronomical knowledge of the time.

The Scholar and the Grant

The grant was given to a Brahmin named Limgaṇarya, who was likely knowledgeable in astronomy. He received a village named Simgapura as an agrahāra. He received a village called Simgapura as an agrahāra. These grants show the patterns of patronage by a ruler toward scholars, which indicates scholarly learning and knowledge were valued in the period of the Vijayanagara Empire.

Future Research and Publication

The hodiernal discovery resulted from an overall careful analysis of a set of unpublished copper plate charters. The collection consists of 78 copper leaves, which are set to be published in book form. The publication will include further significant data about the historical and cultural context from the period of Vijayanagar.

Centre launches Gender Budgeting Knowledge Hub to promote inclusive growth

In India, as part of progress in gender budgeting, a Gender Budgeting Knowledge Hub has been launched. The purpose of the hub is to improve the understanding and functioning of the gender budgeting processes in various sectors. The launch occurred at a national consultation in New Delhi, indicating the government’s commitment to gender equal governance.

Gender Budgeting

Gender budgeting is an approach to budget making that incorporates gender into the budget process in a way that resources can be allocated based on gender equity. Gender budgeting was initially seen as a fiscal process within the budget process; but has transitioned into a means of policy making. This indicates a recognition of the significance of women’s empowerment to national development.

Launch of the Knowledge Hub

The Gender Budgeting Knowledge Hub is a digital repository, which brings together all materials regarding gender budgeting that central and state ministries and departments, and other actors would/have need for. The hub is also intended to provide access to resources and best-practices and instruction as well as encourage partnerships between various stakeholders in the process of gender budgeting.

Financial Allocation

In the Financial Year 2025–26, the Government of India allocated ₹4.49 lakh crores for their initial gender budgeting. This represented a 37 per cent increase allocation from the previous Year which was  ₹3.21 Lakh crores. The gender budget allocation in the last eleven years has increased by over 4 times, going from ₹0.98 lakh crores in 2014–15, demonstrating the government’s commitment to spending for gender equality.

Highlights of the National Consultation

The national consultation was an exciting and important event. The consultation brought together senior officials from 40 central ministries and 19 states and representatives from UN Women and the Asian Development Bank. The focus of discussions at the consultation was both on actions to strengthen gender budgeting processes as well as concrete examples of successful initiatives and good practices in implementing gender budgeting from across schemes.

Training manual development

The consultation included discussion of the draft Training Manual on Gender Budgeting. The training manual is intended as a capacity building tool, containing practical guidance on gender budgeting within the Indian context. It is envisaged that the Training Manual will provide practical support for officials to navigate the complexities of gender-sensitive budgeting.

Achievements and Challenges

At the consultation, we reflected on the journey of gender budgeting as a process that has evolved over the past 20 years. There have been accomplishments, but there are also challenges, including the need for effective implementation and monitoring of gender budgets across sectors. Continued engagement and cooperation will be needed to address these challenges.