UPSC Mains Current Affairs for 23 June 2025

by Vajiram & Ravi - 23 June 2025

Vajiram & Ravi provides Daily UPSC Mains Current Affairs for 23 June 2025, tailored for aspirants. We cover all relevant news and events crucial for the exam, ensuring you stay updated & well-prepared.

US Joins Israel in Iran Strikes: First Use of Bunker-Busting Bombs on Nuclear Sites

June 23, 2025
US Entry in Iran - Israel Conflict

US Entry in Iran - Israel Conflict Latest News

  • The United States entered the Israel-Iran conflict by bombing three Iranian nuclear facilities using advanced B-2 stealth bombers and bunker-busting bombs, including a strike on the heavily fortified Fordow Uranium Enrichment Plant. 

Key Takeaways From the US Strikes on Iran’s Nuclear Facilities

  • US President announced a major military strike on three Iranian nuclear sites—Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. 
  • The strikes, conducted using a full payload of bombs, mark the US’s entry into the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict.

US-Israel Alliance Reaches New Heights

  • The US has transitioned from support to direct military involvement in Israel’s offensive against Iran. 
  • Previously offering intelligence and defense assistance, the US now demonstrates "iron-clad" support through direct strikes, reinforcing Israel’s claims that Iran poses an existential nuclear threat.

A Shift from Trump’s ‘No Endless Wars’ Doctrine

  • President Trump, who campaigned against US involvement in foreign wars and promised military restraint, has taken a stark turn by ordering strikes on Iran. 
  • This contradicts his longstanding position, including his pledge to end the Ukraine conflict within 24 hours and avoid entanglement in the Middle East.

Strategic Victory for Israel

  • The US strike on Fordow has handed Israel a critical win, as it lacked the capability to destroy the deeply buried nuclear facility. 
  • This fulfills Israel’s long-standing objective of degrading Iran’s nuclear program and marks its strongest position against Iran since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

A Humiliated and Weakened Iran

  • Iran is reeling under the impact of continuous Israeli assaults. 
  • With over 600 casualties in just over a week and the degradation of Iran-backed groups like Hamas and Hezbollah, the Islamic Republic is facing its weakest strategic moment in over four decades.

Erosion of the 'Axis of Resistance'

  • Israel’s sustained offensive has significantly weakened Iran’s regional proxies. 
  • The decline of Hamas and Hezbollah has not only isolated Iran but also paved the way for direct strikes on Iranian soil, with little resistance—a symbolic and strategic low for Tehran.

Echoes of Iraq: Legitimacy of US Strikes Questioned

  • Iran has condemned the US strikes as violations of its sovereignty and international law. 
  • Critics draw parallels to the 2003 Iraq invasion, where the US falsely claimed Iraq had Weapons of Mass Destruction. 
  • The move raises questions about Washington’s credibility and motives in the region, especially as nuclear-armed nations target a non-nuclear state.

Iran’s Nuclear Future in Question

  • Despite decades of resilience against sanctions and attacks, Iran’s scientific community now faces its toughest test. 
  • The world is watching to see if Iran will rebuild its nuclear program—and whether it will finally take the step toward developing nuclear weapons in response to escalating threats.

Escalating Middle East Turmoil

  • Iran’s potential retaliation through ballistic missile and rocket attacks in the Persian Gulf and Red Sea could disrupt shipping lanes, raise oil prices, and destabilize the region. 
  • The partial blockade of the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday marks a significant escalation.

Risk of Wider Regional Conflict

  • If Iran targets US bases or troops, the conflict could expand, drawing in Gulf nations like Saudi Arabia, UAE, Oman, and Qatar. 
  • Such a scenario would strain diplomatic and economic stability across the Middle East.

High Stakes for India

  • India has deep strategic and economic ties to the region. 
  • With over 8 million Indians residing in the Middle East and heavy dependence on regional oil supplies (60% of total needs), escalating tensions directly threaten Indian citizens, energy security, and inflation control.

Impact on India's Regional Initiatives

  • The India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC), a key geopolitical and trade initiative, depends on regional peace. 
  • Continued conflict could derail India’s long-term strategic interests and partnerships in the region.

Bunker-Buster MOP and B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber

  • US used the GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP) to target Iran's deeply buried Fordow nuclear facility. 
  • The bomb, deployable only by the B-2 Spirit stealth bomber, was used for the first time.

Bunker-Buster MOP

  • The GBU-57 MOP is the US Air Force's most powerful non-nuclear bomb, capable of penetrating 60 meters of earth. 
  • It measures about 20.5 feet in length and 31.5 inches in diameter and weighs about 13,000 kgs
  • Developed post-Iraq invasion by Boeing, it targets fortified underground sites. 
  • Its first known combat use was in the recent US airstrikes on Iran’s Fordow nuclear facility.

B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber

  • The B-2 Spirit is a long-range, stealth strategic bomber designed to evade advanced air defenses and deliver heavy payloads, including the GBU-57 MOP. 
  • Operated by the US Air Force, it combines cutting-edge stealth technology with global strike capability, making it a key asset in high-value, deep-penetration missions.

Source: IE | IE | CNN

US Entry in Iran-Israel Conflict FAQs

Q1: Which nuclear sites did the US bomb in Iran?

Ans: The US targeted Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan—key sites in Iran’s nuclear program—using B-2 bombers and advanced munitions.

Q2: What bomb was used by the US in Iran strikes?

Ans: The US used the GBU-57 MOP, a powerful bunker-buster designed to destroy deeply buried fortified underground nuclear facilities.

Q3: Why is this strike significant for Israel?

Ans: Israel lacked capacity to destroy Fordow alone. US strikes fulfilled Israel's long-standing goal to cripple Iran’s nuclear program.

Q4: How does this affect regional stability?

Ans: The strike increases tensions in the Middle East, risks wider conflict, disrupts oil flow, and impacts global economic stability.

Q5: What is India's concern amid this escalation?

Ans: With 8 million citizens in the region and oil reliance, India fears instability, inflation, and risks to strategic interests.

Iran Moves to Block Strait of Hormuz: Global Oil Trade at Risk

June 23, 2025
Strait of Hormuz

Strait of Hormuz Blockade Latest News

  • Iran’s Parliament has approved a proposal to close the Strait of Hormuz, pending a final decision by the Supreme National Security Council, following US strikes on Iranian military sites. 
  • While previously seen as unlikely, the threat now appears serious.

Strait of Hormuz

  • The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow waterway that connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman, eventually leading to the Arabian Sea. 
  • It serves as a crucial maritime passage for oil-exporting countries like Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. It handles a significant portion of the world’s oil trade.
  • Its location in the territorial waters of Iran and Oman adds to its geopolitical sensitivity.

Geographic Vulnerability

  • At its narrowest, the strait is just 33 km wide, with a 3 km wide shipping lane in each direction. 
  • This limited space makes it highly vulnerable to blockades or attacks on passing vessels.

Significance of the Strait of Hormuz

  • The Strait of Hormuz is the world’s most important oil and LNG transit route.
  • In 2024–25, over 25% of global seaborne oil trade and 20% of global oil and petroleum consumption passed through it.
  • Additionally, 20% of global LNG trade, mainly from Qatar, also transited the strait.

No Sea Route Alternatives

  • Geographically, there is no direct sea route alternative to bypass the Strait. 
  • Any disruption would severely affect global oil and gas flows, causing sharp price hikes and broader inflationary impacts.

Limited Overland Alternatives

  • Saudi Arabia and the UAE have overland pipelines—the 5 million bpd East-West pipeline and the 1.8 million bpd Fujairah pipeline, respectively.
  • However, these are insufficient compared to the 20 million bpd flow through Hormuz.

Higher Shipping Costs

Perceived risks in the region increase insurance premiums and security costs, making global shipping more expensive and further impacting global trade.

Iran to Block the Strait of Hormuz

Blocking or disrupting the Strait of Hormuz could involve laying sea mines, missile or bomb attacks on passing ships, detaining vessels, or launching cyberattacks on maritime systems.

Strategic and Diplomatic Constraints for Iran

  • Despite repeated threats, Iran has never actually closed the Strait, even during wartime. 
  • Experts say such action would harm Iran itself, especially its oil exports to China—its main customer—and strain recent diplomatic gains with Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

Global Consequences of a Blockade

A blockade would not only disrupt global energy markets, especially affecting China (which sources 47% of its seaborne crude from the Gulf), but would also provoke a strong military response, likely from the US Fifth Fleet.

Impact on India

  • India, the third-largest crude oil consumer, relies on imports for over 85% of its oil and about 50% of its natural gas. 
  • Nearly 47% of India’s May crude imports transited through the Strait, making it a lifeline for supplies from West Asian countries like Iraq, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, and Oman.

Price Volatility Is the Main Risk

  • While India has diversified oil sources—including Russia, the US, Africa, and Latin America—a blockade of Hormuz would disrupt global supply chains.
  • This, in turn, will cause oil and gas prices to spike, even if availability is not immediately compromised.
  • A price surge would impact trade deficit, forex reserves, rupee value, and inflation, stressing the overall economy.

China’s Shift Could Intensify Demand Pressure

If Iran’s exports to China are blocked, Beijing may turn to other suppliers, increasing competition and further inflating prices, impacting India’s energy costs and broader economic stability.

Ripple Effects on Freight and Refining Margins

Disruptions would lead to higher freight rates and tanker insurance premiums, shrinking refinery margins across Asia, according to S&P Global’s analysis.

India’s Preparedness Amid Strait of Hormuz Tensions

Due to rising tensions in the Middle East, oil prices could temporarily rise to USD 80 per barrel, according to analysts.

India’s Key Energy Routes Remain Largely Unaffected

  • Russian oil reaches India via the Suez Canal, Cape of Good Hope, or Pacific routes, bypassing the Strait of Hormuz.
  • Qatar’s LNG supplies to India also do not rely on the Strait.
  • Other LNG sources like Australia, Russia, and the US remain unaffected.

Diversification and Strategic Reserves Offer Cushion

  • India can:
    • Tap into its strategic oil reserves (9–10 days' worth of imports)
    • Increase imports from alternate suppliers like the US, Nigeria, Angola, and Brazil—though at higher freight costs

Potential Government Measures to Control Inflation

To offset rising domestic prices, the government may consider price subsidies, especially for diesel and LPG, to curb inflationary pressure.

Source IE | IT | HT

Strait of Hormuz Blockade FAQs

Q1: What is the Strait of Hormuz?

Ans: It’s a narrow waterway connecting the Persian Gulf to global markets, handling one-fifth of global oil and LNG trade.

Q2: Why is Iran threatening to block it?

Ans: In retaliation to US strikes, Iran’s parliament approved closure, raising fears of a serious disruption in global oil trade.

Q3: How will a blockade affect oil prices?

Ans: Analysts warn oil prices could shoot to $120–$150 per barrel, leading to inflation and economic shocks worldwide.

Q4: How is India vulnerable to this?

Ans: Nearly 47% of India’s crude flows through the strait. A blockade could hike prices, widen trade deficit, and fuel inflation.

Q5: Can Iran afford to block the strait?

Ans: Experts doubt it. Iran relies on the strait for oil exports to China and regional ties with UAE, Saudi Arabia.

India Opens Doors to Foreign Universities: Challenges and Opportunities

June 23, 2025
Foreign Universities in India

Foreign Universities in India Latest News

  • Several foreign universities are setting up branch campuses in India. 
  • So far, seven universities from the U.K., five from Australia, and one each from the U.S., Italy and Canada are in the process of obtaining necessary approvals or have done so already.

Introduction

  • India is witnessing a landmark shift in its higher education landscape as several globally renowned foreign universities gear up to establish campuses in the country. 
  • Facilitated by the UGC (Setting up and Operation of Campuses of Foreign Higher Educational Institutions in India) Regulations, 2023, and reinvigorated by the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, this development is set to diversify academic opportunities for Indian students. 
  • With campuses likely in GIFT City (Gujarat International Finance Tec-City) and Navi Mumbai, this move aligns with India's ambition to become a global education hub.

Drivers Behind Foreign University Expansion into India

  • Global Decline in Domestic Enrolments
    • Post-World War II, countries in the Global North expanded their higher education systems significantly. 
    • However, in recent decades, declining birth rates have led to stagnation or a fall in domestic student enrolments. Consequently, many institutions became increasingly dependent on international students to sustain revenues and infrastructure.
    • In 2023, international students comprised 22% of total enrolments in U.K. universities, 24% in Australia, and 30% in Canada.
    • U.S. universities had 6% international enrolments, but elite institutions like the Ivy League saw nearly 27%.
  • Recent Policy Constraints in Traditional Host Countries
    • Host nations like Australia, Canada, and the U.K. have introduced visa restrictions and capped international student admissions. 
    • These policies have adversely impacted university revenues, leading to faculty layoffs and resource cuts. 
    • In response, foreign universities are now exploring direct in-country presence in emerging markets like India.

Opportunities in the Indian Higher Education Market

  • Expansive Student Demographics
    • India’s higher education sector hosts over 40 million students. With a gross enrolment ratio of under 30% (as per AISHE 2021-22), there is vast room for growth. 
    • The increasing aspirations of a young, urban, and economically advancing population make India an attractive destination for foreign universities.
  • Lack of Quality Institutions
    • While India boasts some globally ranked institutions such as IITs and IIMs, the overall quality of its higher education landscape is uneven. 
    • Most public and private universities remain mediocre in teaching standards, infrastructure, and research output. Branch campuses from reputed foreign universities could address this quality gap by offering globally benchmarked curricula and learning environments.
  • Local Access to Global Degrees
    • Many Indian students aspire to study abroad not only for academic excellence but also to secure migration pathways. 
    • However, a growing segment prefers to stay in India due to personal or financial constraints. 
    • Foreign university campuses in India offer a valuable alternative: obtaining a foreign degree without leaving the country.

Structural and Market-Level Challenges

  • Affordability Concerns
    • Although India has a large student population, affordability remains a critical issue. 
    • The cost of foreign university education, even if offered within India, may still exceed what an average Indian household can bear. 
    • Ensuring cost-effective fee structures and scholarships will be essential for the success of these ventures.
  • Precedents of Mixed Success
    • Experiences of foreign branch campuses in regions such as China, Southeast Asia, and Central Asia have been mixed. 
    • While some ventures succeeded, others faced regulatory, financial, or student enrolment challenges and exited. India presents its own complex regulatory, cultural, and economic dynamics.
  • Limited Initial Impact
    • In the near to medium term, the actual number of branch campuses and their total enrolment figures are expected to remain modest. 
    • The initial response from Indian students will play a crucial role in determining long-term viability and scaling of such campuses.

Regulatory Framework and Policy Evolution

  • The University Grants Commission (UGC) notified the Foreign Higher Educational Institutions (FHEI) Regulations, 2023, which provide a legal and regulatory foundation for foreign universities to operate in India. Key features include:
    • Autonomy in curriculum, admission policies, and faculty recruitment.
    • Provisions for repatriation of surplus funds.
    • Requirements to be among the world’s top 500 universities in global rankings or demonstrate exceptional expertise in niche disciplines.
  • This policy marks a significant liberalization of India’s higher education governance and reflects its global ambitions outlined in the NEP 2020.

Future Outlook

  • If implemented successfully, foreign university campuses in India could:
    • Enhance student choices and academic quality.
    • Encourage Indian institutions to raise standards through competitive pressure.
    • Attract students from neighbouring South Asian and African nations.
  • However, long-term success will depend on a supportive policy environment, pricing strategies, student perception, and the ability to adapt to Indian realities without compromising academic standards.

Source: TH

Foreign Universities in India FAQs

Q1: Why are foreign universities setting up campuses in India?

Ans: Declining enrolments and policy constraints in their home countries have prompted foreign universities to explore India as a promising education market.

Q2: Where will most foreign university campuses be located in India?

Ans: The majority of planned campuses will be situated in GIFT City, Gujarat, and Navi Mumbai.

Q3: What regulations govern the entry of foreign universities into India?

Ans: The UGC’s 2023 FHEI Regulations allow top-ranked foreign universities to establish autonomous campuses in India.

Q4: What advantages do foreign university campuses offer Indian students?

Ans: They provide access to globally recognized degrees and quality education without the need to study abroad.

Q5: What are the main challenges for foreign universities entering India?

Ans: Key challenges include affordability for Indian students, regulatory compliance, and uncertain initial student demand.

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