Here are the most important national news stories from the past 2–3 days (as of June 28, 2025) that are directly relevant for the Civil Services Examination (Prelims and Mains):
Table of Contents
- 1 1. India Launches Rare Earths Development Plan
- 2 2. Delhi Extends Existing Excise Policy Till March 2026
- 3 3. India Presses China for Permanent Border Solution
- 4 4. India Drafts Copper Supply Strategy
- 5 5. AI Mapping Urban Heat Risk in India
- 6 6. Aviation Safety Review Initiated
- 7 7. NCAER: Job Growth Linked to Skill Development
- 8 8. Election Commission Delists 345 RUPPs
- 9 9. India Diversifies Energy Sources Amid West Asia Tensions
- 10 10. Government Plans FTAs with Chile, Peru for Metal Imports
- 11 Summary Table
1. India Launches Rare Earths Development Plan
India has unveiled a 7-year roadmap to enhance rare earth extraction and reduce dependence on imports. This supports strategic autonomy in sectors like defense and electronics.
UPSC Relevance: GS-III (Resources, Economy)
Read more: India Launches Rare Earths Development Plan: A Strategic Move Toward Resource Security
2. Delhi Extends Existing Excise Policy Till March 2026
The Delhi Government has postponed a new liquor policy, retaining the current framework until a revised policy is finalized.
UPSC Relevance: GS-II (Governance, Public Policy)
3. India Presses China for Permanent Border Solution
At the SCO summit, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh urged China for a roadmap to resolve the long-standing boundary dispute.
UPSC Relevance: GS-II (International Relations, India-China)
4. India Drafts Copper Supply Strategy
India is heavily import-dependent for copper. A new national policy aims to secure access through FTAs and foreign mining investments.
UPSC Relevance: GS-III (Trade, Strategic Minerals)
5. AI Mapping Urban Heat Risk in India
Researchers are using AI and satellite data to map urban heat vulnerability down to individual buildings to aid Heat Action Plans.
UPSC Relevance: GS-I/III (Disaster Management, Urban Planning)
6. Aviation Safety Review Initiated
A high-level committee is reviewing civil aviation safety protocols following a recent Air India incident.
UPSC Relevance: GS-III (Infrastructure, Governance)
7. NCAER: Job Growth Linked to Skill Development
India can create 35 crore jobs by 2030 if skill gaps are addressed, according to a new NCAER report.
UPSC Relevance: GS-III (Demographics, Skill India)
8. Election Commission Delists 345 RUPPs
ECI has moved to deregister inactive Registered Unrecognised Political Parties (RUPPs) to clean up electoral rolls.
UPSC Relevance: GS-II (Polity, Electoral Reforms)
9. India Diversifies Energy Sources Amid West Asia Tensions
Geopolitical instability in Iran and Israel is prompting India to shift toward renewable energy and diversify oil imports.
UPSC Relevance: GS-II/III (Energy Security, International Affairs)
10. Government Plans FTAs with Chile, Peru for Metal Imports
India is pursuing new Free Trade Agreements to secure critical mineral access, focusing on Latin American suppliers.
UPSC Relevance: GS-II (Bilateral Agreements, Economy)
Summary Table
| Theme | Relevant News |
|---|---|
| Economy & Resources | Rare earths policy, copper import strategy, job-skill alignment |
| Governance & Policy | Excise law extension, aviation safety reforms |
| International Relations | India-China border diplomacy, West Asia oil crisis response |
| Climate & Urban Planning | AI mapping of urban heat islands |
| Polity & Elections | Delisting of RUPPs by Election Commission |