Jun-2025

Fiscal Health Index

• The Fiscal Health Index (FHI), developed by NITI Aayog, serves as a tool to promote fiscal discipline and prudent financial management among Indian states.
• It ranks states based on performance across key pillars including revenue mobilisation, quality of expenditure, fiscal prudence, and debt sustainability.
• The index encourages competitive federalism by making state fiscal performance publicly visible and comparable, motivating states to improve.
• FHI is crucial for maintaining India’s overall sovereign risk profile, especially as the central government targets reducing its debt-to-GDP ratio from 2026-27.
• By fostering transparency and supporting policy reforms, the FHI helps align state fiscal strategies with national goals and promotes macroeconomic stability.
• Recently published FHI rankings act as a policy nudge and a credible benchmark for sub-national fiscal discipline, boosting investor confidence.

SHGs India

• MoU Signed between MoRD and MSDE: This is news because two key ministries (Rural Development and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship) have formally joined forces to boost a major rural empowerment initiative.
• Focus on Empowering SHG Women for Lakhpati Didi: The collaboration specifically targets women in Self Help Groups (SHGs) to help them achieve the Lakhpati Didi goal (earning ₹1 lakh+ annually). This is news as it signifies a strategic push for a defined economic target for rural women.
• Goal to Create 3 Crore Lakhpati Didis: The MoU directly supports the national target, recently increased from 2 crore, highlighting the government’s elevated ambition for women’s economic self-reliance. This is a significant policy target.
• Strategic Convergence for Skilling: The partnership aims to align skill development infrastructure with rural women’s aspirations through structured training, entrepreneurship support, and market-aligned interventions. This is news because it brings formal skilling resources directly to grassroots level SHGs.
• Key Actions Under MoU: Includes customized training modules, training of trainers, formal certification via Skill India Digital Hub, integration into district plans, and joint outreach. These are the practical steps being taken, making it actionable news.
• Strengthening DAY-NRLM: The MoU is under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM), emphasizing that this skilling push is part of the existing large-scale rural livelihoods program, not a separate scheme. This clarifies the implementation framework.
• Vision for Viksit Bharat@2047: The initiative is framed as a step towards a developed India by 2047, positioning women’s economic empowerment via SHGs as crucial to national development. This provides the broader ‘why’ or context for the news.

Golden Jubilee Official Lang

• Union Home Minister Amit Shah addressed the Golden Jubilee celebration of the Department of Official Language in New Delhi, marking 50 years of its journey.
• The event highlighted the department’s role in promoting the use of Indian languages in governance and administration to awaken national self-respect.
• Emphasis was placed on language being the soul of the nation, essential for preserving culture, history, and identity, and crucial for freeing India from a ‘mentality of slavery’.
• The importance of Indian languages (Hindi and regional) as a powerful medium to unite the country was stressed, rather than divide.
• The Modi government’s efforts were highlighted, including boosting languages in technology, education, and administration, initiatives like ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’ and Bhasha Sangam, introducing technical/medical education in Indian languages, and recognising 11 classical languages.
• The department’s contributions in implementing the Official Languages Act and preserving linguistic diversity were acknowledged.
• A call was made for continued efforts to strengthen the use of Hindi and regional languages, reinforcing the government’s commitment to linguistic inclusivity and national unity.

Rhone Glacier

• The Rhone Glacier, a significant source of the Rhône River in the Swiss Alps, is making news due to rapid changes caused by climate change.
• It currently resembles “Swiss cheese,” characterized by internal holes that collapse, a phenomenon attributed to the glacier’s lack of dynamic regeneration as ice melts faster than it forms.
• The glacier has shrunk dramatically since the 19th century and is projected to disappear by the end of the 21st century.
• It is experiencing significant melting rates, losing meters of ice height per year, reflecting an accelerating trend observed in Swiss glaciers.
• Its decline is a key indicator of wider glacial retreat in the Alps and raises concerns about impacts on vital water resources for agriculture, drinking water, and hydroelectric power.

MSME Day 2025

• President Droupadi Murmu will preside over the MSME Day 2025 – Udyami Bharat event on June 27, 2025, in New Delhi, highlighting the government’s commitment to the sector.
• The event acknowledges the crucial role of MSMEs as the backbone of India’s economy, contributing nearly 30% to GDP, 48% to exports, supporting ~110 million jobs, and driving inclusive growth and entrepreneurship.
• Launch of the Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) Portal to enable micro and small businesses to resolve payment disputes quickly and cost-effectively, addressing the significant capital locked up due to delayed payments.
• Release of a Commemorative Stamp and celebration of CGTMSE@25, marking 25 years of the Credit Guarantee Fund Trust which has provided significant credit support (~₹9.80 lakh crore in guarantees), vital for MSMEs’ access to finance.
• Launch of MSME Hackathon 5.0 to foster innovation and entrepreneurship among MSMEs, aligned with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision, building on the results of Hackathon 4.0.
• Release of ‘MSME Patrika’ and ‘Know Your Lender’ publications to enhance credit literacy and provide useful information to MSME entrepreneurs.
• The event reinforces the objective of building a digitally empowered, resilient, and competitive MSME ecosystem to drive India’s economic development.

Cancer Drugs

• Investigation revealed many cancer drugs shipped globally have failed quality tests.
• This impacts common chemotherapy drugs used for various cancers like testicular, ovarian, bladder, lung, breast, leukemia, lymphoma, and sarcoma.
• Examples of drugs mentioned include platinum-based drugs like Cisplatin and Oxaliplatin, Cyclophosphamide, Doxorubicin, and Methotrexate.
• These drugs work by damaging or interfering with cancer cell DNA to block division but have known significant side effects.
• Leucovorin, used to reduce the toxicity of some chemotherapy drugs, was also noted.
• The quality issue is relevant to cancer care systems, such as in India, where cancer is a major public health challenge with ongoing efforts in treatment and infrastructure development.

MSME Driving India Growth

• MSMEs are crucial to India’s growth, contributing 30% to GDP, 45.73% to exports, and employing over 25 crore people – driving national economic growth, international trade, and employment creation across sectors and regions.
• Revised classification criteria (higher investment/turnover limits) – enables MSMEs to scale up operations while retaining access to vital government benefits and incentives, thus supporting broader economic expansion.
• MSME status provides significant benefits (collateral-free loans, lower interest rates, subsidies, preferential procurement, protection against delayed payments, tax benefits) – these facilitate easier access to finance, reduce operational costs, improve cash flow stability, and enhance market opportunities for sustained growth.
• Government schemes (PMEGP, CGTMSE, MSE-CDP, RAMP, etc.) – offer targeted support addressing key areas like credit access, technology adoption, market development, and skill enhancement.
• Union Budget 2025-26 reinforces support (increased credit guarantee limits, new MSME Credit Card, Fund of Funds) – designed to improve access to finance, boost entrepreneurship, and support labour-intensive and clean technology sectors.
• Despite support, challenges remain (inadequate finance, delayed payments, low tech integration, infrastructure gaps, limited market access, regulatory hurdles) – these impede productivity, limit competitiveness, and strain working capital.
• Strategic solutions (CGTMSE, TReDS, ZED certification, digital initiatives, cluster development, simplified regulations) – are necessary to provide easier credit, faster payments, technological upgrades, and better market access.
• Ultimately, MSMEs are a cornerstone of the economy, and addressing their challenges through coordinated efforts is vital for achieving inclusive and resilient growth.

Second Indian in Space

• Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla becomes the second Indian to travel to space (after Rakesh Sharma in 1984) and the first Indian to reach the International Space Station (ISS). Why: Marks a historic milestone for India’s human spaceflight program and global presence in space.
• Shukla is part of the Axiom-4 commercial spaceflight mission to the ISS, operated by Axiom Space. Why: Signifies India’s participation in private sector space initiatives and international collaboration in space exploration.
• The mission provides critical hands-on experience for India’s planned Gaganyaan mission. Why: Offers vital learning in crew operations, microgravity research, and space biology, laying groundwork for future independent Indian human space missions.
• Human spaceflight is a key strategic capability for India. Why: Strengthens India’s global standing, supports long-term goals like establishing its own space station by 2035 and a human lunar mission by 2040, and ensures India is not excluded from future space opportunities.
• ISRO was an equal partner in the Axiom-4 mission planning and execution. Why: Showcases India’s technological competence and boosts its international standing, opening avenues for private sector participation and economic growth.
• The mission promotes space tourism, private research, and inspires youth. Why: Supports the expansion of the commercial space sector, helps build a skilled talent pipeline for India’s space industry, and promotes STEM education.
• This trip marks the start of a new phase for ISRO. Why: Aims to make human spaceflight more routine and energizes the agency towards achieving bigger feats in space.

CHPV: Favipiravir Promise

• ICMR-National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune, identified Favipiravir as a potential therapeutic drug against Chandipura virus (CHPV).
• Why: There is currently no specific antiviral drug or vaccine for CHPV; treatment is only symptomatic and supportive.
• Preclinical mouse studies showed Favipiravir reduced viral load and improved survival rates in infected animals.
• Why: CHPV is a neurotropic RNA virus causing rapid, severe encephalitic illness, particularly in children, with high fatality rates if untreated.
• CHPV is endemic to central India, transmitted by sandflies, and major outbreaks occurred recently in 2024 in Gujarat and Maharashtra, highlighting the need for effective treatments.
• Why: Favipiravir is a broad-spectrum antiviral that inhibits the enzyme essential for RNA virus replication and has been repurposed for other emerging RNA viruses like Covid-19.
• The findings are preliminary; further validation in other animal models is required before human clinical trials can proceed, which is expected to take several months.

Harihara Lamp

• A rare 15th-century dual-faced lamp depicting Shiva-Vishnu syncretism was discovered at Perdoor Anantapadmanabha Temple, Udupi, Karnataka. Why: It’s a rare artistic blend reflecting the daily rituals and fusion of Shaiva and Vaishnava traditions.
• The lamp dates to 1456 CE, confirmed by an inscription detailing its donation. Why: Provides precise historical context and authenticity.
• The first face narrates Shiva’s Pralaya Tandava (destructive dance), featuring Shiva (Nataraja), Parvati, Ganapati, Bringi, and Khadga Ravana seated on Goddess Mari. Why: Depicts a significant Puranic story related to Shiva’s cosmic role.
• The second face shows Brahma, Indra, Anantapadmanabha (Vishnu), Agni, and Varuna pleading with Vishnu to pacify Shiva. Why: Symbolizes cosmic harmony and Vishnu’s role as protector calming the destructive force.
• Figures are shown in Samabhanga pose with distinct headgear; the base includes Garuda, and Shiva is depicted praying to Anantapadmanabha at the back. Why: Highlights artistic details and completes the narrative of peace restoration.
• The presence and depiction of Khadga Ravana-Mari, who is still worshipped in the temple’s outer prakara, is notable. Why: Shows the survival and integration of ancient folk-deity traditions alongside mainstream Hinduism.

Poverty Line Issues

• Poverty figures in India are highly debated due to varied calculation methods and conflicting reports.
• Recent claims of lifting millions out of poverty (Govt/World Bank) are based on the World Bank’s international poverty line, revised to $3/day (PPP-adjusted).
• The issue arises from misunderstanding PPP (Purchasing Power Parity) vs. market exchange rates; $3 is ₹62/day in India based on PPP (20.6), not ₹255 using the market rate (₹85), leading to confusion.
• Poverty lines are crucial for gauging poverty extent and evaluating policy effectiveness (Governance/Economy).
• India lacks an officially adopted, updated domestic poverty line since the Tendulkar Committee’s 2011-12 estimates (₹36/₹30 rural/urban), despite Rangarajan Committee suggesting a higher line in 2014.
• This policy vacuum means India relies on the World Bank’s global standard or the NITI Aayog’s non-income based Multidimensional Poverty Index, which may not fully capture India-specific deprivation.
• The absence of a context-specific domestic line hinders accurate assessment of economic well-being beyond extreme poverty and leads to competing narratives regarding the actual state of poverty reduction (Economy).

Sagarmala Finance

• Sagarmala Finance Corporation Limited (SMFCL) has been established as India’s first maritime sector-specific Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC). This is key as it provides the first dedicated financial institution tailored specifically for the unique needs of the maritime ecosystem.
• SMFCL is a Mini Ratna (Category-I) Central Public Sector Undertaking (CPSU) under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, formerly known as Sagarmala Development Company Ltd. Its status as a government undertaking provides strategic importance and backing. It is formally registered with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) as of June 19, 2025, ensuring regulatory compliance.
• Its core mandate is to bridge financing gaps and provide customized financial solutions (short, medium, long-term) to a diverse range of maritime stakeholders, including port authorities, shipping companies, MSMEs, startups, and educational institutions. This fulfills a long-standing industry demand for accessible and sector-specific funding.
• SMFCL will support strategic sectors like shipbuilding, renewable energy in the maritime domain, cruise tourism, and maritime education. This highlights its role in fostering innovation and growth in critical areas.
• The establishment aligns with India’s Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 and other national maritime strategies, reinforcing the goal of making India a leading global maritime power by accelerating infrastructure development and unlocking investment opportunities.
• As an NBFC, it functions as a financial institution regulated by the RBI, engaged in lending and investment activities, different from banks as it cannot accept demand deposits. This defines its operational framework.

Financing Development

• The 4th UN International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4) is set for June 30-July 3, 2025, in Seville, Spain. Why: This is the specific event being reported.
• It aims to discuss urgent reforms to strengthen financing for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and unlock affordable development finance. Why: Addresses the critical global need for funding sustainable development.
• Key focus areas include reforming the international financial architecture, addressing debt sustainability, implementing tax reforms, and closing the $4 trillion annual SDG financing gap. Why: These are the main challenges and solutions on the agenda.
• The conference brings together global leaders, financial institutions, businesses, and civil society. Why: It’s a high-level, multi-stakeholder platform for global financial dialogue.
• An outcome document, ‘Compromiso de Sevilla’, has already been agreed upon by UN Member States ahead of the summit. Why: This indicates a degree of pre-negotiated consensus on the way forward.
• The conference is part of an ongoing UN process dating back to 2002, building on previous agreements like the Addis Ababa Action Agenda. Why: Places the event within a historical context of global efforts to fund development.
• The United States is not participating in the FfD4 process. Why: This is a notable absence from a major international financial discussion.

Nano-Fert

• News: Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative (IFFCO) is setting up its first overseas nano fertiliser plant in Brazil.

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  • Why in News: This marks a significant step in IFFCO’s global expansion, following successful exports to over 40 countries and capitalising on growing international interest.

• News: The plant in Curitiba, Brazil, will have an annual capacity of 4.5 million litres.

  • Why in News: This highlights the scale of IFFCO’s international manufacturing ambitions and the potential impact on fertilizer supply in the region.

• News: Brazil has seen positive results using Indian nano fertilisers, including reduced conventional fertilizer use and increased crop yields (corn, soybean, sugarcane).

  • Why in News: This success story in a major agricultural nation like Brazil demonstrates the potential effectiveness of nano fertilisers and is driving demand, justifying the overseas plant investment.

• News: Nano fertilisers offer potential benefits for India, such as reducing the large fertilizer subsidy burden and decreasing import dependency.

  • Why in News: This provides the domestic context and strategic importance of nano fertilisers for India’s economy and agricultural sustainability.

• News: India is seeing steady adoption of Nano Urea and Nano DAP, with IFFCO planning further variants like Nano Zinc and Nano Copper.

  • Why in News: This shows the ongoing progress and future direction of nano fertiliser technology and market penetration in India.

• News: Challenges remain regarding farmer awareness, inconsistent results in audits, and potential food chain risks associated with nano fertilisers.

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  • Why in News: These points represent critical factors influencing the wider adoption and regulatory landscape of nano fertilisers, adding complexity to their rollout.

Fungicide Drug Resistance

• A study links the widely used agricultural fungicide tebuconazole to increased resistance in Candida tropicalis, an important fungal pathogen associated with a 55-60% mortality rate in infections.
  • Why: This shows that agricultural practices can contribute to resistance against clinically used antifungal drugs like fluconazole and voriconazole, making treatment for severe human infections harder.
• Tebuconazole promotes drug resistance in C. tropicalis by causing unexpected genetic changes, specifically aneuploidy (alterations in chromosome number).
  • Why: These changes lead to the overexpression or deletion of genes related to drug resistance, allowing the fungus to survive exposure to antifungals despite slower growth in their absence.
• Resistant strains developed through tebuconazole exposure showed cross-resistance to medical azole drugs used for treating C. tropicalis infections.
  • Why: This directly impacts public health by reducing the effectiveness of standard medical treatments for potentially deadly fungal infections.
• Overuse of tebuconazole in agriculture is identified as a key driver of this resistance.
  • Why: The widespread use of this fungicide, which works similarly to medical antifungals, creates selective pressure for resistant fungal strains to emerge and spread, posing a risk to human health.
• Some tebuconazole-resistant strains were unexpectedly found to be stable haploids (having one set of chromosomes) capable of mating.
  • Why: This discovery suggests a potential new mechanism for resistant traits to be passed on and spread among fungal populations through sexual reproduction.

Axiom-4

• Launch scheduled for June 25, 2025, from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center on SpaceX’s Falcon 9 and Crew Dragon “Grace”. Why: Utilizes modern commercial space technology and NASA facilities.
• Crew includes Peggy Whitson (USA), Sławosz Uznański (Poland), Tibor Kapu (Hungary), and Shukla (India). Why: Represents international collaboration and includes an Indian astronaut returning to space after 41 years.
• Mission duration is 14 days aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Why: Longer duration than Rakesh Sharma’s 1984 mission, allowing for more extensive work.
• Objectives include conducting over 60 scientific, educational, and commercial experiments. Why: Focus on diverse research including seven experiments from Indian researchers selected by ISRO, contributing to science and technology development.
• Shukla is the first Indian to visit the International Space Station (ISS). Why: A historic milestone for India in space exploration, differing from the previous mission to a Soviet station (Salyut 7).
• Broader scientific goals and international/commercial involvement compared to the 1984 mission. Why: Reflects the evolving nature of space missions, incorporating diverse research areas and partnerships beyond national government programs.

Chilka Mud Crab MSC

• Chilka Lake’s mud crab fishery is seeking MSC certification through a joint initiative by ICAR-CIFRI and Chilika Development Authority.
• Why: To boost India’s inland fisheries.
• MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) is an international non-profit promoting sustainable fishing through its eco-label and certification program.
• MSC certification ensures sustainable fish stocks, low environmental impact, and effective management for wild-capture fisheries.
• Why: It promotes responsible fishing to secure healthy oceans and sustainable seafood for future generations.
• Certification enhances export value, supports biodiversity conservation, and ensures livelihood security for the fishery.
• The Chilika mud crab is India’s first inland fishery nominated for MSC’s sustainability certification.
• India is the second-largest fish producer globally, with inland fisheries accounting for over 75% of its total production.

Enhanced Rock Weathering

• Enhanced Rock Weathering (ERW) is a technique spreading crushed basalt rock on farmland to speed up natural CO2 capture from the atmosphere.
• It’s seen as a promising method to combat climate change by accelerating the process where rocks lock away carbon dioxide.
• Tech giants and industries are showing significant investor interest, buying carbon credits from ERW projects to offset their emissions.
• Specific examples like Google’s large carbon credit deal and an Indian startup winning the $50 million X Prize highlight the growing financial interest.
• ERW is being trialled globally, from India to Brazil and the US, indicating widespread efforts to implement the technique.
• Brazil has issued the first verified ERW carbon removal credits, marking a step towards market validation.
• Besides carbon capture, it offers benefits like improving soil alkalinity, boosting crop yield, and potentially preventing downstream CO2 emissions from soil acidity.
• However, its carbon removal effectiveness shows mixed results in studies, raising concerns about accurate measurement and the risk of overestimating carbon capture, which could inflate carbon credits.
• There are risks like potential heavy metal release from some rocks, though the technique is generally considered safe as it mimics a natural process.

GST Council

• The upcoming 56th GST Council meeting, expected in late June or early July 2025, is set to consider a proposal to eliminate the 12% GST slab.
• Why: The primary goal is to simplify India’s Goods and Services Tax structure, reducing the current four-rate system (5%, 12%, 18%, 28%) to a three-tier structure.
• Why: This move aligns with long-standing demands from industry and states for a less complex GST system and is supported by consistently strong GST collections.
• Proposal: Items currently taxed at 12% would likely be shifted to either the 5% slab (for essential/common-use items) or the 18% slab (for non-essential/higher-value items).
• Alternative: A less favored option involves merging the 12% and 18% slabs to create a new 15% slab.
• Possible Impact: Rates on items like butter, ghee, fruit juice, processed food, and mobile phones, currently under the 12% slab, may be revised depending on which new slab they are moved to.
• Context: The GST Council is the constitutional body established under Article 279A, responsible for making key decisions regarding GST rates and administration in India through a process involving both central and state governments.

India’s Water Crisis

• Severe water stress: 600 million Indians face high to extreme stress. Why: India has only 4% of global freshwater for 18% of the population, demand projected to double by 2030 creating a huge gap.
• Groundwater depletion: Over 60% irrigation/85% drinking water relies on groundwater, which is rapidly depleting. Why: Unsustainable extraction due to lack of surface water availability and policy/crop choices.
• Poor water quality: 70% of sources contaminated, leading to 2 lakh deaths annually. Why: Untreated sewage and pollution, posing major public health risks.
• Climate change impacts: Erratic monsoons, extreme rainfall (floods), increasing drought-prone areas, glacier melt. Why: Affects water availability for agriculture and rivers, projected to cut India’s GDP significantly by 2050.
• Agricultural vulnerability: Agriculture uses 80% freshwater, highly exposed to shortages. Why: Water-intensive crops, low adoption of efficient irrigation (9% micro-irrigation), rainfall drops heavily impact farmer income.
• Urban crisis: Major cities face shortages, some nearly ran dry. Why: Over-extraction, poor infrastructure, lack of planning exacerbate urban water stress.
• Policy gaps: National Water Mission efficiency target lacks tracking; funding for adaptation is low; large gap in water financing. Why: Existing policies are insufficient or lack effective implementation to tackle the scale of the crisis.
• Governance challenge: Success requires integrated management, community engagement, and policy alignment across sectors. Why: Crisis is not just environmental but rooted in mismanagement and fragmented efforts.

Migrant Voting Rights

• Migrants, constituting a significant part of the population, are often unable to vote in their registered constituencies due to temporary movement for work or family, leading to disenfranchisement and undermining universal adult franchise.
• They face challenges in registering at their current location due to lack of permanent address proof, complicated procedures, lack of awareness, and insufficient ECI support campaigns.
• Enabling migrant voting is vital to ensure their equal participation in democracy, uphold universal adult franchise, ensure representation for accountability on welfare issues, correct low voter turnout in source states like Bihar, and include groups like women migrants.
• Proposed mechanisms include enforcing polling-day holidays and providing transport support for intra-state migrants to return home to vote.
• Remote Electronic Voting Machines (RVMs) are being piloted for inter-state migrants but face political and logistical challenges regarding transparency and integrity.
• Extending postal ballots, similar to the armed forces model, is administratively easier but requires extensive systems for registration and ballot management.
• Allowing constituency change for long-term migrants based on residence promotes local representation but may face political resistance and requires robust documentation.
• Targeted electoral drives are necessary for women migrants (marriage-related) to facilitate their registration in new areas.
• A mixed approach combining various methods is needed due to the diverse migrant population, requiring collaboration and leveraging technology for simplified registration and voting.
• Politically including migrants is seen as a democratic imperative, not just a logistical issue, essential for strengthening democracy and achieving economic justice.

Global SciPol CW&P Panel

• Key Point: The Global Science-Policy Panel on Chemicals, Waste, and Pollution has been established under the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) in Uruguay.
  • Why in News: It fills a crucial gap in global environmental governance by specifically addressing pollution and waste, which, along with climate change and biodiversity loss, forms the triple planetary crisis.
• Key Point: It complements existing bodies like the IPCC (climate change) and IPBES (biodiversity), creating a comprehensive set of science-policy panels for major environmental challenges.
  • Why in News: This unified approach allows for better coordination and evidence-based policymaking across the interconnected threats of the triple planetary crisis.
• Key Point: The panel aims to strengthen global efforts against pollution, managing hazardous chemicals and waste, and protecting health.
  • Why in News: Rising chemical use and waste generation pose significant and growing health and ecological risks (e.g., projected surge in municipal solid waste, increased pollution-related deaths).
• Key Point: Its functions include providing independent scientific advice, conducting assessments, identifying research gaps, supporting capacity building for developing countries, and horizon scanning for emerging threats.
  • Why in News: These functions ensure that policies on chemicals, waste, and pollution are based on robust science, aiding effective control measures and preventive action globally.

CRISPR

• CRISPR technology is revolutionizing agriculture by enabling precise and rapid gene editing to create crops resistant to biotic (diseases) and abiotic (heat, drought) stresses, offering a faster alternative to traditional breeding.
• This involves editing specific genes, such as disabling disease susceptibility genes (e.g., BoBPM6 in cabbage) or enhancing stress tolerance genes (e.g., SiEPF2 in foxtail millet), which improves plant immunity and stabilizes yields under challenging conditions.
• A new, modified CRISPR tool (dCas9) has been developed that acts as a “smart switch” instead of cutting DNA, specifically activating plant defense and heat tolerance genes only when the plant is under stress.
• This smart switch uses a natural biological mechanism (a protein domain acting as a tether) to ensure it only enters the plant’s control center (nucleus) and turns on protective genes (like CBP60g, SARD1 for defense; NAC2, HSFA6b for heat) exactly when needed.
• The dCas9 smart switch was successfully tested in crops like tomatoes, potatoes, and tobacco, proving effective in helping tomatoes fight bacterial disease during heat waves, addressing a major challenge intensified by climate change.
• These advancements, particularly the development of the smart gene switch, pave the way for ‘smart agriculture,’ enabling food crops to better withstand environmental threats and ensuring more stable production in a changing climate.

Payment Intelligence

• Digital Payment Intelligence Platform (DPIP) is a new RBI-led Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI).
• Why: Aims to curb surging digital payment frauds in India.
• Why: Needed because bank frauds tripled in FY25 to ₹36,014 crore, showing the scale of the problem.
• Why: Addresses specific fraud types affecting public (loan) and private (internet/card) banks.
• Development: Built by Reserve Bank Innovation Hub (RBIH) in partnership with 5–10 major banks.
• Why: Collaborative approach leverages industry expertise.
• Oversight: Guided by a high-level committee chaired by A.P. Hota.
• Why: Ensures expert supervision for effective implementation.
• Timeline: Expected to be operational within a few months.
• Why: Reflects urgency in addressing the fraud issue.
• Key Feature: Real-Time Intelligence Sharing between banks.
• Why: Allows instant sharing and action on fraud data to prevent escalation.
• Key Feature: AI-Powered Risk Analysis.
• Why: Detects patterns to identify potential scams proactively.
• Expected Impact: Strengthens digital transaction security and promotes trust in the payment ecosystem.
• Why beneficial: Creates a unified industry response and reduces dependency on delayed manual reporting.

Strengthen Committees

• Lok Sabha Speaker highlighted Parliamentary Committees are complementary to the government, urging serious consideration of recommendations for Prelims (Speaker of Lok Sabha).
• Parliamentary Committees are bodies constituted by Parliament, deriving authority from Article 105 (powers/privileges) and Article 118 (business rules) of the Constitution, relevant for Prelims (Parliament Committees, Article 105, Article 118).
• Types include Standing (permanent, e.g., DRSCs, Financial Committees) and Ad hoc (temporary, specific task, e.g., JPCs) committees for Prelims.
• Committees significantly enhance Executive Accountability (scrutiny, public record), facilitate Informed Lawmaking (expert consultation, detailed scrutiny), act as Mini-Parliaments (bipartisan, proportional), and aid Capacity Building for MPs, crucial for Mains (Parliament Committees and its Significance).
• Key Challenges include Limited Powers (recommendations non-binding, weak follow-up), Resource & Research Constraints, Low MP Participation (around 50% attendance), Inadequate Parliamentary Time leading to less scrutiny of bills, Political Influence, and Overburdened DRSCs with fragmented oversight, important for Mains (Related Challenges).
• Measures for effective functioning include Strengthening Institutional & Research Support, Institutionalizing Accountability (mandating Action Taken Reports), Increasing Referral of bills & DRSC Specialization, Improving MP Participation & Capacity Building, and Promoting Transparency & Citizen Engagement, vital for Mains (Measures for their Effective Functioning).
• Committees are crucial for legislative oversight and democratic accountability, needing revitalization as noted by the Speaker for effective governance.
• Relevant for Prelims are concepts like Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha in relation to committee constitution.

World Drug Day 2025

• International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking (World Drug Day) was commemorated on June 26th, 2025, with events like the national one organized by India’s Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE), highlighting its continued importance.
• The day was established by the UN General Assembly in 1987 to promote global cooperation towards a drug-free world and increase action against illicit drug use.
• The 2025 theme, “Break the Cycle. #StopOrganizedCrime,” calls for focused, long-term action against organized drug networks and encourages tackling root causes by investing in prevention through justice, education, healthcare, and alternative livelihoods.
• Global drug use is a growing concern, with the UNODC reporting 292 million users globally in 2022, a 20% increase over the past decade, emphasizing the scale of the challenge.
• Commonly used drugs include cannabis, opioids, amphetamines, cocaine, and ecstasy; significant drug-affected regions like the Golden Crescent and Golden Triangle persist.
• India demonstrates a zero-tolerance policy through efforts led by MoSJE as the nodal agency for demand reduction, implementing programs like Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan and using digital tools like NIDAAN and NCORD portals to combat the issue.
• The global observance aims to raise public awareness about the significant threat illegal drugs pose to society and encourages worldwide support and collaboration.

NATO Security

• At a summit in The Hague on June 25, 2025, NATO members agreed to significantly increase defence and security spending to 5% of GDP by 2035.
• This commitment is the alliance’s largest military spending rise since the Cold War.
• The 5% target is broken down into 3.5% for core defence (troops, weapons) and 1.5% for broader security (innovation, civil preparedness).
• Member countries will undergo annual progress reviews, with a formal check-in set for 2029.
• The decision reaffirms collective defence amid rising threats from Russia, terrorism, and cyber warfare.
• It follows long-standing U.S. pressure for greater burden-sharing among European allies.
• While broadly supported, some countries like Spain, Belgium, and Slovakia anticipate difficulties meeting the 5% target due to budget constraints.
• The move supports NATO’s rearmament efforts and aims to enhance deterrence, readiness, and adaptability to modern threats like the war in Ukraine and cyberattacks.
• NATO, founded in 1949, is a political and military alliance based on collective defence under Article 5.

CAR T Therapy

• New method engineers CAR T-cells directly inside the body (in vivo) using mRNA delivered by lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), bypassing complex and expensive lab processing (ex vivo).
• Why: This makes therapy significantly cheaper (compared to ₹60–70 lakh for traditional methods), faster, and more scalable for wider accessibility, particularly in resource-limited settings.
• The technique targets specific T-cells in the bloodstream, avoiding the need to collect and modify cells externally.
• Why: Simplifies the process, eliminates risks associated with viral vectors used in traditional methods (like immune suppression), and reduces manufacturing complexity.
• Preclinical trials in monkeys and mice showed significant tumor clearance (up to 85-95%) against cancers like B-cell lymphoma.
• Why: Demonstrates the potential effectiveness of this in vivo approach in fighting cancer.
• The in vivo approach could revolutionize cancer and autoimmune disorder treatment globally and in India, addressing the growing burden of these diseases.
• Why: Offers a more affordable and accessible alternative to current therapies, potentially overcoming infrastructure challenges in countries like India.
• Potential risks exist, including a severe reaction observed in one monkey trial, highlighting the need for careful dosing and clinical monitoring.
• Why: While promising, safety must be carefully managed during clinical development.

Urban Bureaucracy: Gender Equity

• India undergoing rapid urbanization with half the population projected to be urban by 2050.
• Constitutional reforms (73rd/74th Amendments) boosted women’s political representation in ULBs to 46%.
• However, bureaucratic representation in urban administration is significantly low (e.g., 20% women IAS, 11.7% police).
• Why: This administrative disparity undermines inclusive urban governance despite political gains.
• Structural underrepresentation in technical roles (planning, engineering) perpetuates male-centric urban design.
• Why: City infrastructure often fails to meet women’s needs, like last-mile safety and lighting, despite their high public transport usage.
• Gender-Responsive Budgeting (GRB) implementation is tokenistic, lacking integration and monitoring.
• Why: Leads to under-prioritization of essentials (childcare, sanitation, safety) critical for women.
• Need for affirmative action in technical roles and institutionalizing GRB.
• Why: To ensure diverse perspectives in planning, equitable resource allocation, and build inclusive, equitable cities with women.

Dharti Aaba Abhiyan

• The Dharti Aaba Janbhagidari Abhiyan (DAJA) is the largest-ever tribal empowerment campaign launched by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs. Why: It’s a historic initiative covering over 1 lakh tribal villages and habitations across 31 States/UTs, including remote PVTG areas, indicating unprecedented scale and reach.
• Its primary objective is to achieve complete saturation of key Central government welfare schemes (like Aadhaar, Ayushman Bharat, PM-Kisan, Jan Dhan, Ujjwala Yojana) and tribal-specific entitlements. Why: This ensures universal access to essential services and benefits for tribal communities, addressing long-standing gaps in delivery.
• It follows a camp-based, community-driven model involving district administrations, youth volunteers, CSOs, and tribal leaders. Why: This approach facilitates last-mile delivery by bringing services directly to people’s doorsteps and promotes active local participation for effective implementation.
• The campaign is part of the Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh and honours Bhagwan Birsa Munda (Dharti Aaba). Why: It celebrates tribal pride, identity, and heritage, providing cultural context and historical significance to the empowerment efforts.
• The campaign is based on 5 pillars: Janbhagidari (community participation), Saturation (universal coverage), Cultural Inclusion (integrating tribal heritage), Convergence (inter-ministry coordination), and Last-Mile Delivery (reaching remote areas). Why: These pillars outline a comprehensive and strategic approach to tribal development and welfare.
• Initial results from the month-long drive (June 15-July 15, 2025) show significant enrolments in schemes, reaching over 53 lakh citizens through 22,000+ camps in the first 9 days. Why: Demonstrates tangible, early outcomes and the effectiveness of the camp-based model in delivering benefits rapidly.

Strait of Hormuz

• The Strait of Hormuz is in the news due to escalating tensions between Iran and Israel, following Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear/military sites (e.g., under Operation Midnight Hammer) and Iran’s retaliation.
• Iran’s parliament approved a proposal to close the Strait in response to perceived threats like the US strikes.
• It’s a critical choke point connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman, vital for global oil and LNG shipments, carrying about 20-25% of the world’s oil supply (approx. 20 million bpd in 2024).
• Major Persian Gulf exporters use it, with over 80% of oil going to Asian markets (India, China, Japan, South Korea).
• India is highly dependent on the Strait, with around 40% of its crude oil and 54% of its LNG imports passing through it.
• Historically, the region has seen disruptions during conflicts, notably the “Tanker War” in the Iran-Iraq War (1980-88), where ships were attacked.
• Iran has repeatedly threatened to block the Strait during geopolitical tensions (e.g., 2011-12, post-2018 US sanctions) and has seized vessels like the British tanker Stena Impero in 2019.
• While a complete shutdown is unprecedented, ongoing conflict increases the risk of disruptions, delays, and potential spikes in oil prices.
• Some alternate pipeline routes exist (Saudi ARAMCO, UAE, Iran’s Goreh-Jask), but they cannot fully replace the Strait’s capacity.

Karnataka 15th-C Lamp

• Discovery: A rare 15th-century sculptural lamp found at Anantapadmanabha Temple, Perdur, Udupi, Karnataka.
  • Why: Significant as an archaeological find dating back to the 15th century, providing a tangible link to the past.
• Iconography: Features a unique fusion of Shaiva and Vaishnava elements.
  • Why: Illustrates the syncretic religious traditions and peaceful coexistence between different Hindu sects in medieval Karnataka.
• Cultural and Artistic Value: Highlights temple art, religious life, and devotional practices of the era.
  • Why: Enriches understanding of the region’s temple heritage, religious art, and the cultural landscape during the 15th century, reflecting Udupi’s spiritual significance.

India Income Survey 2026

• India’s first comprehensive Household Income Survey will be conducted in 2026 by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) through the National Sample Survey (NSS).
• Aims to collect reliable data on income earned by households from various sources like wages, business, agriculture, property, and remittances.
• Intends to address the historic income-consumption mismatch by adopting global best practices from countries like the USA, Canada, and Australia.
• Will assess the impact of technology on wages for the first time in India, with a focus on informal sector earnings and technology-driven income generation.
• The primary objective is to capture accurate data on income levels, distribution patterns, and structural disparities to aid economic policymaking and welfare planning.
• Background: India has not conducted a nationwide income survey since 1950 due to operational challenges and data inconsistencies, particularly the mismatch where reported income was lower than consumption and savings estimates. Previous attempts in the 1980s were also not continued.
• The survey is considered an “urgent need” by MoSPI to plug data gaps, generate vital information for deriving income distribution, and better understand the profound structural changes in the Indian economy over the past 75 years.
• An Expert Group, chaired by economist Surjit Bhalla, has been constituted to provide guidance on finalising concepts, methodology, sampling, estimation, and final reporting, incorporating best global practices.
• This survey is part of MoSPI’s recent initiatives to generate vital information and plug data gaps in different spheres, supplementing regular macroeconomic data collection efforts.

India Mining Reforms

Why in News: India auctioned its first potash block in May 2025, highlighting ongoing mining sector reforms to boost economic growth.

For Prelims:
– Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Acts, 2015 & 2021: Introduced auction-based allocation, DMF, automatic lease extensions, commercial coal mining, increased lease terms, Composite License (CEMP).
– District Mineral Foundation (DMF): Created by MMDR 2015 for local area development in mining-affected regions using mining revenues.
– National Mineral Policy (NMP) 2019: Focuses on sustainable mining, private participation, ease of doing business, tech adoption, value addition.
– PARIVESH Portal: Single-window clearance for faster environmental approvals.
– Khanan Prahari App: Allows citizens to report illegal mining.
– National Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET): Funds exploration projects, promotes private sector/MSME participation.
– National Critical Minerals Mission (NCMM): Launched to secure critical minerals (lithium, cobalt, nickel, REEs) vital for energy/tech sectors.
– M-Sand (Manufactured Sand): Promoted to reduce river sand mining.
– Forest Rights Act, 2006: Mentioned as a hurdle in land acquisition and tribal rights issues in mining areas.
– Rare Earth Elements (REEs): Critical minerals facing import dependence and supply chain issues (China export controls).

For Mains:
– Reforms undertaken: Auction-based allocation, CEMP, removing end-use restrictions, NMP 2019 goals (sustainability, ease of business, tech), commercial coal mining, PARIVESH, satellite/drone monitoring, Khanan Prahari, NMET funding, NCMM, offshore mining, Star Rating, mine closure plans, M-Sand promotion.
– Significance: Contributes to GVA (1.97%), generates state revenue (Rs 4 lakh cr), provides raw materials for key industries (steel, cement, electronics), creates employment/rural development via DMF and MSMEs, crucial for energy transition (critical minerals), enhances global competitiveness (auctions, KABIL overseas acquisitions).
– Challenges: Regulatory delays (environmental/forest/wildlife), land acquisition issues (FRA 2006, local resistance), policy uncertainty, illegal/unsustainable mining (weak enforcement, corruption, environmental damage), low exploration (low OGP exploration, low global spending share), logistics bottlenecks (poor transport, port constraints), import dependence for critical minerals, social/environmental conflicts, poor working conditions, skilled labour shortage.
– Steps needed: Increase exploration budget (GSI, NMET), incentivize private exploration, improve logistics (rail, road, ports, corridors), adopt tech (AI, drones, data portal), promote sustainable practices (ESG, mine closure funds, DMF spending), tackle illegal mining (surveillance, penalties, whistleblowers), secure critical minerals (global partnerships, domestic refining, policy).

India’s Emergency Lessons

• The Emergency (June 25, 1975 – March 21, 1977) was declared amidst economic crises, public dissatisfaction, corruption charges, and widespread protests like the JP Movement challenging the government. Why: These factors created a volatile political environment and challenged the legitimacy of Indira Gandhi’s rule.
• The immediate trigger was the Allahabad High Court convicting Indira Gandhi of electoral malpractice. Why: Facing calls for resignation, she opted to declare Emergency using Article 352 citing “internal disturbance” instead of stepping down.
• Article 352 allowed the Centre to override federal norms, suspend democratic rights, control states, and make laws on State List subjects. Why: This constitutional tool was used to concentrate power with the central government.
• Civil liberties were suspended (Article 19), press was censored, and over 1.12 lakh people including major opposition leaders were arrested under draconian laws like MISA. Why: To silence dissent, control the narrative, and consolidate the government’s authority.
• The 42nd Amendment Act (1976) drastically curtailed judicial review, gave Parliament unchecked amendment powers, and allowed Directive Principles to override Fundamental Rights. Why: This “Mini-Constitution” weakened checks and balances and aimed to make the Executive/Parliament supreme.
• Sanjay Gandhi’s programmes led to state excesses like forced sterilisation drives and violent slum clearance (e.g., Turkman Gate). Why: These were implemented coercively, highlighting the lack of accountability during the period.
• The Emergency ended with unexpected elections in 1977, resulting in the Janata Party winning and forming the first non-Congress government. Why: Public backlash against the excesses led to a decisive electoral defeat for Congress.
• Lessons included the 44th Amendment (1978) replacing “internal disturbance” with “armed rebellion” for Emergency grounds and restoring judicial review. Why: To prevent future misuse of Emergency powers.
• The period shattered the myth of Congress invincibility, paved the way for multi-party democracy, saw the rise of new leaders, and led to institutional introspection, particularly strengthening the judiciary. Why: It exposed the weaknesses in the system and fostered new political dynamics and reforms.
• The episode serves as a reminder of the fragility of democratic institutions, the dangers of concentrated power, and the critical need for robust checks and balances and constant vigilance. Why: It demonstrated how quickly civil liberties and constitutional norms can be eroded.

Emergency 50th

• June 25, 2025, marks 50 years since the declaration of the National Emergency in India (1975-1977) by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
• It was declared under Article 352 of the Constitution, citing “internal disturbance,” following widespread political agitation (JP Movement, railway strike) and the Allahabad High Court ruling against Gandhi’s election.
• During the Emergency, the Centre assumed sweeping powers, effectively making the federal structure unitary.
• Fundamental rights were curtailed; Article 19 was suspended, and enforcement of most others could be suspended (Articles 20 & 21 later protected by 44th Amendment).
• Thousands, including opposition leaders, were detained under draconian laws like MISA.
• Press censorship was imposed; some newspapers like The Indian Express protested by publishing blank spaces.
• Constitutional changes were enacted (like the 42nd Amendment) weakening the judiciary and concentrating power. Controversial programs including forced sterilization were implemented.
• The Emergency was lifted in 1977, leading to Indira Gandhi’s electoral defeat and the formation of the first non-Congress government.
• Post-Emergency safeguards were added by the 44th Amendment (1978), requiring written cabinet recommendation, parliamentary approval by special majority, and replacing “internal disturbance” with “armed rebellion.”
• The 50th anniversary serves as a reminder of this period’s impact on Indian democracy, its constitutional evolution, and its enduring political legacy.

Asia Climate 2024

• Asia warmed nearly twice as fast as the global average, making 2024 its hottest or second-hottest year, with temperatures 1.04°C above the 1991–2020 average and warming rates doubling since 1961–1990. Why: Indicates accelerated, significant regional climate change impacting a vast population.
• Extreme heatwaves in India caused over 450 deaths, pushing temperatures to 45–50°C, while lightning killed around 1,300. Why: Highlights the severe direct human cost and health impacts of extreme weather.
• Marine heatwaves impacted a record ~15 million sq km, particularly severe in the northern Indian Ocean and seas near Japan, China. Why: Shows the vast scale and intensity of impact on marine ecosystems.
• Asia saw 29 tropical cyclones; the deadliest, Yagi, affected multiple countries causing billions in damage. Four cyclones hit the Indian subcontinent, resulting in deaths and flooding. Why: Demonstrates widespread vulnerability to intense storms, leading to loss of life and significant economic damage.
• Glaciers in High Mountain Asia continued to lose mass, with 23 out of 24 declining, and Urumqi Glacier No. 1 recording its worst melt since 1959. Why: Points to critical impacts on future water resources for densely populated regions.
• The report emphasizes that changes in climate indicators will have major repercussions for societies, economies, and ecosystems in the region. Why: Underlines the broad, severe consequences of the documented climate trends.

Global SDG Ranks

• India entered the top 100 in the Global SDG rankings for the first time, securing 99th position (out of 193 countries) in the 2025 report.
• This is a significant improvement from previous ranks: 109th (2024), 112th (2023), and 121st (2022).
• The improvement is attributed to progress in poverty reduction, clean energy access, healthcare, housing, and infrastructure.
• Effective implementation of government welfare schemes also contributed to the progress.
• India’s rank places it ahead of regional neighbours like Bangladesh (114th) and Pakistan (140th), though behind Maldives (53rd), Bhutan (74th), Nepal (85th), and Sri Lanka (93rd).
• Globally, only 17% of SDG targets are on track, making India’s progress crucial due to its large population and influence.
• The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are 17 goals adopted by UN member states in 2015 to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure peace and prosperity by 2030.

10th SDR 2025 & SDGs

• Why in News: According to the 10th Sustainable Development Report (SDR) 2025 by the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network, India ranks 99th in the SDG Index out of 167 countries, entering the top 100 for the first time, showing significant improvement from previous years.
• Key Points:
  • India scored 67 out of 100 on the SDG Index, measuring progress towards achieving all 17 goals.
  • Globally, only 17% of SDG targets are projected to be met by 2030, indicating a significant slowdown driven by conflicts, structural vulnerabilities, and limited fiscal space.
  • Nordic countries (Finland, Sweden, Denmark) lead the rankings; 19 of the top 20 are European.
  • East and South Asia show the fastest regional progress since 2015. India ranks ahead of Bangladesh and Pakistan but trails Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Maldives.
  • Progress has been strong in basic services like internet, electricity access, and reducing child mortality.
  • Significant reversals since 2015 include obesity rates, press freedom, nitrogen management, Red List Index, and corruption perception.
  • Barbados, Jamaica, and Trinidad & Tobago are top in commitment to UN multilateralism; the US ranks last (193rd) for opposing SDGs and withdrawing from agreements.
  • 190 out of 193 UN member states have participated in the Voluntary National Review (VNR) process.
  • The report criticizes the Global Financial Architecture for directing capital disproportionately to rich nations.
  • The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), adopted in 2015, are 17 interconnected goals aiming to tackle global challenges like poverty, inequality, and climate change by 2030.
  • Historical context includes the 1987 Brundtland Report, 2000 MDGs, and 2012 Rio+20 Summit.
  • Core principles include Universality, Integration, Leave No One Behind, Multi-Stakeholder Approach, and Monitoring.
  • Progress is hindered by global conflicts, climate finance gaps (USD 6 trillion needed by developing nations), pandemic setbacks on poverty, health, and education, environmental pressures, and increasing natural disasters.
  • Strategies to accelerate progress include reforming multilateral institutions, increasing financing via mechanisms like Green Bonds and debt relief, promoting sustainable agriculture, and localizing SDG implementation with community participation.

Thirst Waves

• A “thirstwave” is a new term for prolonged periods (3+ consecutive days) of extreme atmospheric evaporative demand—how thirsty the air is for moisture.
• Unlike heatwaves, thirstwaves are driven by multiple factors: temperature, humidity, solar radiation, and wind speed, reflecting complex atmospheric drying potential.
• Recent research indicates that thirstwaves are becoming more intense, frequent, and lasting longer, particularly during crop growing seasons, due to global warming.
• They are measured by standardised short-crop evapotranspiration, indicating increased water loss from land surfaces driven by the atmospheric conditions.
• Stronger thirstwaves lead to faster soil moisture depletion, increased irrigation requirements, and a higher risk of crop stress and yield reduction, impacting agriculture and water security.
• Evaporative demand is increasing in parts of India, and while past humidity helped, future warming is expected to intensify this. Research on extreme thirstwaves in India is ongoing.
• Surprisingly, the worst thirstwaves may not occur in areas with the highest average evaporative demand, suggesting a need to re-evaluate climate preparedness strategies.
• Identifying and understanding thirstwaves is vital for managing water resources and protecting crops in a warming world, especially in climate-vulnerable regions.

Guru Gandhi Dialogue

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the centenary celebration of the historic June 24, 1925, meeting between Sree Narayana Guru and Mahatma Gandhi.
• Why in News: This commemorates a significant historical event that influenced India’s freedom movement and its social and moral foundations.
• PM paid tribute to both leaders, highlighting the meeting’s lasting inspiration for social unity and national development.
• Why: To underscore the continued relevance of their ideals for contemporary India.
• Sree Narayana Guru was described as a spiritual beacon championing equality, truth, service, and harmony.
• Why: To emphasize his enduring legacy and its guidance for India’s inclusive growth.
• PM linked Guru’s fight against social evils to the government’s commitment to uplifting the marginalized through ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’.
• Why: To connect historical social reform principles with current government policies aimed at social justice and inclusion.
• Emphasis was placed on eradicating social discrimination and empowering youth through initiatives like Skill India.
• Why: To demonstrate practical steps taken to realize the vision of an egalitarian society.
• Both Guru and Gandhi shared commitments to social justice, upliftment of the oppressed, non-violence, and inclusion.
• Why: To highlight their combined legacy as a moral force for social harmony and national unity.
• PM called for holistic national progress—economic, social, and military—inspired by India’s reformist traditions, towards a developed India.
• Why: To frame national goals within the context of India’s rich tradition of social and spiritual reform led by figures like Guru and Gandhi.

India’s 1st Income Survey

• India’s Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) will conduct the nation’s first comprehensive Household Income Survey in February 2026.
• Why: This aims to bridge a critical gap in national income data. India has collected data on consumption, employment, etc., for decades, but a nationwide income-specific survey was never completed due to past methodological challenges.
• Key Objectives: To assess household income distribution, understand technology’s impact on wages, and support informed economic planning and resource allocation at both central and state levels.
• Why now: MoSPI identified an “urgent need” for a dedicated income distribution survey to better understand the “profound structural changes” in the economy over the past 75 years. Past efforts in the 1980s didn’t result in a national survey.
• Significance: It will enable precise analysis of income inequality, economic mobility, and structural shifts, providing vital information for deriving income distribution and welfare insights.
• Guidance: An 8-member Technical Expert Group chaired by economist Dr. Surjit S. Bhalla will guide the survey design, methodology, sampling, and implementation based on international best practices.
• Distinction: While MoSPI/NSO conducts various surveys (PLFS, CES, GDP, CPI, etc.), this will be the first full-scale survey specifically collecting direct household income data.

NAVYA

• NAVYA (Nurturing Aspirations through Vocational Training for Young Adolescent Girls) is a new initiative launched as a joint pilot by the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD) and the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE). This is significant as it formalizes inter-ministerial coordination for skilling girls.
• It provides vocational training to adolescent girls aged 16–18 years who have completed at least Class 10, specifically focusing on non-traditional job roles. This aims to equip young women with skills for diverse and potentially higher-paying careers.
• The pilot covers 27 districts across 19 States, including Aspirational Districts and those in the North-Eastern region. This indicates a targeted approach to reach underserved areas and vulnerable populations.
• The initiative draws on existing successful schemes like Pradhan Shakti Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) and PM Vishwakarma Yojana. This leverage helps institutionalize skilling efforts and utilize established frameworks.
• NAVYA aligns with the Viksit Bharat@2047 vision and promotes women-led development. It is important because it reinforces the government’s commitment to building a skilled, self-reliant, and inclusive workforce by positioning young girls as agents of socio-economic transformation.
• The pilot was launched on 24th June 2025 in Sonbhadra, Uttar Pradesh. This marks the formal start of this focused effort to empower adolescent girls through skills.

SAARC Critical Analysis

• Intra-regional trade in South Asia is very low (5-7%), significantly below potential ($23bn vs $67-172bn). Why: Highlights the deep failure of SAARC in achieving its economic integration goals despite geographic proximity, hindering collective prosperity.
• Trade costs within SAARC are excessively high (114% of goods value), even higher than trading with the US. Why: Acts as a major disincentive for businesses, preventing the formation of regional value chains and reducing competitiveness compared to other blocs like ASEAN.
• Political tensions, border disputes, and terrorism (India-Pakistan tensions causing trade drop from $2.41bn to $1.2bn) cripple regional cooperation. Why: Leads to postponed summits, non-implementation of agreements (like SAFTA, Motor Vehicles Agreement), making SAARC largely symbolic and ineffective.
• Significant untapped trade potential (e.g., Bangladesh 93%, Pakistan 86%) remains unrealized. Why: Failure to leverage this potential limits economic growth, innovation, production, and investment opportunities across the member states.
• Agreements are signed but rarely implemented due to a lack of institutional effectiveness and political will. Why: Demonstrates the fundamental weakness of SAARC mechanisms in translating intent into tangible results.
• Addressing challenges requires reforming SAARC, investing in cross-border infrastructure, depoliticizing trade, and encouraging people-to-people links. Why: These steps are crucial to build the necessary trust and facilitate real economic integration needed to unlock the region’s potential.

Grassroots Change via Food Proc

• Acts as a powerful engine driving silent transformation in rural India.
• Augments farmers’ income by providing better prices for produce, reducing distress sales, and encouraging crop diversification.
• Empowers rural communities, especially women, by creating significant employment opportunities in both formal and informal sectors; women’s share is particularly high in unregistered industries.
• Integrates agriculture and manufacturing, linking farmers directly to markets and ensuring a steady flow of agricultural products.
• Increased Gross Value Addition (GVA) from ₹1.34 lakh crore to ₹2.24 lakh crore shows its growing economic impact, stemming from grassroots activities.
• Adds value to raw produce, reduces post-harvest wastage, and extends shelf life, benefiting farmers by reducing losses and increasing profitability.
• Government initiatives like PMKSY, PMFME, AIF, FPOs, and ODOP directly support infrastructure development, formalization of micro-enterprises, and market access for local produce, fostering transformation at the ground level.
• Contributes to inclusive growth, employment generation, and food security by connecting local production with national and global markets.

Iran Votes Hormuz Close

• Iran’s parliament (Majlis) approved a proposal to close the Strait of Hormuz.
• Why: This is in retaliation for recent U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.
• The Strait of Hormuz is a critical maritime chokepoint located between Iran and Oman.
• Why it matters: It handles 20-30% of global seaborne oil shipments (17-18 million barrels/day) and a significant share of global LNG exports.
• Closure would cause a major global energy supply shock and significantly spike oil prices (potential Brent crude price range: $110–$130 per barrel).
• Impact on India: India imports a large portion (~50% crude oil, ~60% natural gas) via this Strait. Disruption could lead to domestic fuel inflation, increased costs, and impact GDP growth.
• The final decision to close the Strait rests with Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, not just the parliament.
• India’s Petroleum Minister stated India has diversified supplies and sufficient stock to mitigate immediate impact.
• Past threats by Iran to close the Strait have occurred during tensions with the West.
• News reported on June 22, 2025.

Asia Climate 2024

• Asia is warming at nearly twice the global average rate, making 2024 potentially the warmest or second warmest year on record for the continent, indicating a significant acceleration in climate change compared to the 1961-1990 period.
• This rapid warming has intensified extreme weather events, including heatwaves, floods, droughts, extreme rainfall, and tropical cyclones across the region.
• Intense heatwaves led to thousands of deaths (including over 450 in India) and nearly 48,000 cases of heatstroke, causing significant human toll.
• Deadly events like lightning strikes (killing about 1,300 in India) and tropical cyclones (such as Yagi causing billions in damages and others like Remal causing deaths) resulted in substantial loss of life and economic damage.
• Glaciers in the central Himalayas and Tian Shan are experiencing accelerated melt and mass loss, threatening long-term water resources in the region.
• Sea surface temperatures reached record highs, resulting in the most severe marine heatwaves on record, impacting vast areas and marine ecosystems.
• Sea levels on Asia’s Pacific and Indian Ocean coasts are rising faster than the global average, increasing the risk to coastal populations and economies.
• Overall, these climate impacts have caused thousands of deaths, significant economic losses, and worsened food insecurity across the region.

Zonal Councils

• Why in News: The 25th meeting of the Central Zonal Council was held in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, chaired by the Union Home Minister. This highlights their active role in inter-state coordination.
• What are Zonal Councils: They are statutory bodies, not constitutional, established under the States Reorganisation Act, 1956.
• Why they exist (Purpose): They serve as a high-level advisory forum to foster cooperative working among states and create a healthy inter-State and Centre–State environment. They provide a structured platform for dialogue and discussion.
• Role: Though advisory, they function as important instruments of cooperative federalism, promoting mutual understanding and cooperation and contributing to the idea that strong states make a strong nation.
• Structure: There are five Zonal Councils plus the North Eastern Council. The Union Home Minister chairs all five Zonal Councils. Members include Chief Ministers, L-Gs, Administrators, and nominated state ministers. They have Permanent Committees to discuss issues.
• Issues Discussed: They address issues involving multiple states or the Centre and states, including national importance topics like speedy investigation of sexual offenses, financial inclusion, Emergency Response Support System (ERSS-112), and regional matters like nutrition, education, and health.

e-Rakt Kosh Rare Donors

• The Union Health Ministry is integrating the Rare Donor Registry of India (RDRI) with e-Rakt Kosh.
• Why: To enable real-time access to rare blood types (such as Bombay, Rh-null, P-Null) nationwide and improve coordination among blood banks.
• Why: The move aims to be life, time, and cost saving for people with rare blood groups, helping patients needing specially matched transfusions, particularly those with thalassemia or sickle cell disease.
• RDRI is a national database by ICMR-NIIH and partners with over 4,000 screened donors tested for more than 300 rare blood markers, including ultra-rare types.
• Rare blood groups are difficult to match, and incompatible transfusions can cause alloimmunisation, complicating future treatments.
• e-Rakt Kosh is a centralized digital blood bank management system providing real-time information on blood availability across India, connecting donors, hospitals, and blood banks.
• The integration allows patients to quickly find rare blood matches and helps blood banks manage resources and donors effectively.

Iran Parliament: Suspend IAEA

• Iran’s Parliament is considering legislation to suspend cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
• Why it’s news (Key Points of Suspension): The bill proposes halting IAEA surveillance camera installation, on-site inspections, and reporting to the agency.
• These measures would be suspended until Iran receives “objective guarantees” on IAEA neutrality and security assurances for its nuclear sites.
• Why it’s news (Iran’s Standpoint): Iranian leaders accuse the IAEA of bias and political influence, viewing the move as a response to perceived threats to their nuclear program and sovereignty.
• Why it’s news (Implications): If passed, this would significantly reduce transparency into Iran’s nuclear activities, potentially increasing nuclear proliferation risks, heightening regional instability, and deepening Iran’s international isolation.
• The IAEA and Western nations have expressed concern, urging diplomacy.

India Organ Transplant

• Prelims Points:

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  • Organ Transplantation Programme / NOTTO: India has a national program (NOTP) run by NOTTO to promote donation/transplantation. Why: NOTTO is the apex body for coordination and registry, crucial for regulating and tracking transplants. The NOTTO-ID system is mandatory for deceased donor allocation. Why: Ensures transparency and traceability.
  • Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act, 1994 (THOT Act): Regulates organ donation and transplantation. Why: It is the legal framework governing the entire process in India, including rules and penalties. Recent amendments removed age/domicile restrictions. Why: Aims to ease access to deceased donor organs.
  • Ayushman Bharat: A major health scheme. Why: Currently excludes costly procedures like liver/heart transplants and lifelong immunosuppressants, highlighting a significant gap in financial access for the poor.
  • Status/Numbers: India is 3rd globally in total transplants. Why: Shows significant activity but also highlights the large gap between need (1 lakh kidney transplants needed) and actual performance (13,476 done in 2024), indicating a persistent shortage. Deceased donation rate is very low (<1 per million). Why: A key challenge hindering supply.

• Mains Points (Challenges & Steps):

  • Infrastructural Deficiencies: Many government hospitals lack dedicated facilities (ICUs, OTs, labs) and face overburdening. Why: Direct impediment to performing more transplants, especially for deceased donors and post-op care. Steps: Upgrade infrastructure, standardize protocols, digitalize approvals.
  • Shortage of Skilled Professionals: Lack of trained surgeons, intensivists, etc., and high staff turnover. Why: Limits the capacity and continuity of transplant programs. Steps: Recruit/retain specialists, provide specialized training, reduce transfers.
  • Procedural Bottlenecks: Delays in BSD committee approvals and handling medico-legal cases. Why: Hinders timely deceased organ retrieval, leading to wasted organs. Steps: Fast-track approvals, simplify medico-legal procedures.
  • Financial Strain: High cost of transplants and immunosuppressants, limited coverage by schemes. Why: Makes transplants unaffordable for many patients, creating inequity. Steps: Include procedures/drugs in Ayushman Bharat, increase funding, provide drug subsidies.
  • Access and Awareness Gaps: Private sector dominance limits affordable access, low public awareness, misconceptions. Why: Reduces potential donor pool and creates disparities in access. Steps: Strengthen government sector, launch nationwide awareness campaigns, engage community leaders.
  • Ethical/Legal Challenges: Organ trafficking, black market persistence despite laws. Why: Undermines legitimate donation and transplant systems. Steps: Strict enforcement of THOT Act, transparent processes, ethical guidelines.
  • Promoting Research: Need for advancements in organ preservation, rejection prevention, alternative organs. Why: To improve long-term success rates and increase organ viability. Steps: Invest in research (bioengineered organs, AI matching), promote PPPs.

Adriatic Gem

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Croatian President Zoran Milanović in Zagreb. Why: This was a key diplomatic event during the Indian PM’s multi-nation tour after the 2025 G7 Summit, highlighting the importance of India-Croatia bilateral relations.
• Leaders discussed strengthening bilateral relations, focusing on shared values like democracy and peace. Why: Reaffirms the foundation of the relationship and sets the stage for future cooperation.
• Cooperation is diversifying into new areas including defence, start-ups, sports, and innovation. Why: Indicates growth beyond traditional ties and identifies specific sectors for future collaboration and investment.
• India expressed gratitude for Croatia’s support in combating terrorism. Why: Highlights a specific instance of solidarity and mutual support on a critical global issue.
• Discussions included regional and global issues, and noted the positive impact of the deepening India-EU strategic partnership on India-Croatia ties. Why: Shows the broader geopolitical context of the relationship and how Croatia’s membership in the EU (and NATO) is relevant.
• Croatia, a republic in Central/Southeast Europe along the Adriatic Sea, gained independence from Yugoslavia in 1991 and is a member of both the European Union and NATO. Why: Provides essential background context for understanding Croatia’s political position and its relevance in regional and international affairs, particularly concerning its EU/NATO membership mentioned in the meeting context.

Okinawa Battle

• Okinawa recently commemorated the 80th anniversary of the end of the Battle of Okinawa on June 23, 2025.
• The battle, fought from April 1 to June 22, 1945, was one of World War II’s deadliest, resulting in around 200,000 deaths, including about 25% of Okinawa’s population.
• Many Okinawan civilians died, including some forced into mass suicides by the Japanese military; historians say Okinawa was sacrificed to defend mainland Japan.
• The battle led to a 27-year U.S. occupation of Okinawa and a heavy, lasting American military presence.
• Okinawa’s Governor emphasized the island’s mission to share the tragic history and advocate for peace, especially amidst escalating global tensions.
• Concerns remain about the heavy U.S. military presence and the potential for Okinawa to be embroiled in a conflict over Taiwan.
• A recent controversy involved a ruling party lawmaker’s remarks perceived as whitewashing the Japanese military’s role in civilian deaths, triggering outrage and an apology from the Prime Minister.
• The legacy of the battle is central to Okinawa’s identity and contributes to Japan’s pacifist outlook.
• Okinawa continues to face burdens from the U.S. bases, including noise, pollution, and unexploded ordnance.
• Ancient tensions with mainland Japan, which annexed the former Ryukyu Kingdom, persist alongside the burden of history.

Insect Feed

• India is promoting insect-based livestock feed (initiated by ICAR & partners) as a sustainable, climate-friendly alternative. Why: To combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and reduce the environmental footprint of animal farming.
• Insect feed (from black soldier flies, crickets, etc.) is protein-rich (up to 75%) and produced by insects rapidly converting agro/food waste. Why: Offers quick, cost-effective production and enables a circular economy where waste is used and leftover frass is organic fertiliser.
• It has high nutritional value (protein, fats, minerals), better digestibility, and requires lower land, water, and inputs than conventional feed (soy, fishmeal). Why: Significant economic value and suitability for large-scale, resource-efficient livestock and aquaculture.
• Insect feed enhances animal gut health, reducing the need for antibiotics. Why: Directly addresses antibiotic overuse in animal farming, a major driver of AMR, which is a top global health threat causing millions of deaths and high economic costs.
• Environmental benefits include lower greenhouse gas emissions, reduced land degradation, and a smaller environmental footprint. Why: Supports climate-smart agriculture and conservation of natural resources.
• It supports global food security by aligning with FAO projections of rising food demand (meat production expected to double by 2050). Why: Offers a sustainable way to meet future protein needs.
• Insect-based feed is approved in over 40 countries and being piloted in India by ICAR and startups for shrimp, poultry, etc. Why: Reflects growing global acceptance and potential for domestic scalability and adoption.

Iran Nuclear Risk

• Recent US airstrikes, following Israeli strikes, targeted major Iranian nuclear enrichment sites: Fordow, Isfahan, and Natanz. (GS Paper II – International relations)
• These facilities are crucial for producing Highly Enriched Uranium (HEU), potentially usable in nuclear weapons. (GS Paper III – Science and Technology)
• Strikes raised fears of a nuclear explosion or radiation disaster.
• A nuclear explosion did not occur because nuclear weapons require specific conditions (weapons-ready material, precise triggering) not present in enrichment facilities under attack.
• Nuclear bombs detonate via fission/fusion reactions with precise mechanisms, unlike chemical explosives or facilities holding raw/partially enriched material. (GS Paper III – Science and Technology)
• The actual risk is from nuclear radiation release if storage or processing infrastructure is damaged.
• Nuclear facilities store radioactive substances like Uranium, UF6, and radioactive waste.
• Radiation (e.g., gamma rays) is harmful, causing DNA damage, cancer, and long-term environmental contamination (soil, water, food chains). (GS Paper III – Science and Technology)
• Facilities are designed to contain radiation, but strikes pose a risk of breaching containment.
• The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed no off-site radiation increase after the strikes and is monitoring the situation. (GS Paper II – International relations)
• US reportedly used GBU-57 MOP “Bunker Buster” bombs, designed for fortified targets, delivered by B-2 bombers. (Value addition) (GS Paper III – Science and Technology)

INS Tamal

• Commissioning on July 1, 2025: Marks its official entry into service, adding a modern warship to the Indian Navy.
• Final Foreign-Built Warship: Significant as it represents the conclusion of India’s reliance on foreign warship construction, aligning with the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ focus on indigenous shipbuilding.
• Upgraded Tushil-class Frigate: Belongs to the latest evolution of the Krivak-class, designed for multi-role operations including escort, anti-submarine, anti-air, and surface combat.
• Size and Range: With 3,900 tonnes displacement and blue-water endurance, it is capable of long-range deployments crucial for projecting power in the Indian Ocean Region.
• Powerful Weaponry: Armed with BrahMos missiles, Shtil SAMs, a 100mm gun, CIWS, torpedoes, and ASW rockets, providing robust offensive and defensive capabilities.
• Advanced Systems: Equipped with modern radar, electronic warfare (EW), electro-optical systems, and network-centric warfare capability, enhancing its effectiveness and integration in naval operations.
• Indigenous Contribution: Features 26% Indian-made components, reflecting growing domestic involvement in defense manufacturing even in foreign collaborations.
• Strategic Role: As a frigate, it serves as a vital part of the Navy’s surface combat fleet, essential for protecting sea lines of communication and acting as a deterrent.

Alcohol Law India

• India is facing a growing alcohol crisis with high consumption (14.6% of adults) and significant health, social, and financial harms, contributing to 2.6 million DALYs and costing ₹6.24 trillion in 2021. This escalating problem drives calls for a unified national strategy.
• Consumption is driven by psychosocial factors (stress, peer pressure, media), commercial determinants (product innovation, easy access, advertising loopholes, affordability), and regulatory gaps like states’ dependence on excise revenue.
• Alcohol regulation falls under State jurisdiction, resulting in fragmented policies across India, including varying legal ages (18-25), limited pricing controls, and inconsistent approaches from prohibition in some states to enabling online delivery in others.
• Despite national-level policies addressing related issues (mental health, NCDs), a comprehensive, unified National Alcohol Control Policy is absent.
• Key challenges include policy inconsistency, state revenue dependency on alcohol taxes, exploitation of advertising loopholes (surrogate ads, influencers), political nexus aiding illicit trade, and low public awareness of alcohol’s harms.
• Addressing the crisis requires a coordinated approach focusing on Affordability (higher taxes), Allocation (earmarking revenue for health), curbing Accessibility (physical/digital), banning Advertisements, reducing Attractiveness (packaging), raising Awareness, and utilizing AI for monitoring.
• A National Alcohol Control Policy and Programme is urgently needed to prioritize public health, prevention, and long-term well-being over fragmented state policies and revenue generation.

RBI Monetary Policy

• In the June 2025 meeting, the RBI MPC discussed shifting the stance from Accommodative to Neutral. This is because, despite 100 bps rate cuts since February 2025, there is limited space for monetary policy to further support growth, given the fragile global economy, slow pace of inflation reduction, and external uncertainties. A neutral stance offers flexibility based on incoming data.
• There was a discussion on cutting policy rates to support growth while maintaining price stability. The rationale included the sharp fall in inflation from 6.2% (Oct 2024) to 3.2% (April 2025) and a lower projected annual average inflation.
• Different views existed within the MPC on the magnitude of the rate cut (50 bps proposed vs. 25 bps proposed). The argument for a smaller cut (25 bps) highlighted economic resilience, existing large liquidity injections by RBI aiding transmission, and the need for a cautious approach due to uncertainties.
• The global economic situation remains fragile, with slow growth and inflation receding slowly. This global uncertainty underscores the need for growth-supportive policies but also a flexible monetary stance.

SMA

• First instance in India of a newborn diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) gene mutation through prenatal screening receiving presymptomatic treatment.
• The infant is being treated with Risdiplam, a rare disease-modifying drug.
• The treatment aims to prevent or minimise potential motor neuron damage before symptoms develop, leveraging the crucial therapeutic time window.
• SMA is a genetic disorder caused by a mutation in the SMN1 gene, leading to motor neuron loss and progressive muscle weakness.
• It is typically inherited from parents who are carriers.
• SMA affects about 1 in 10,000 births and is a major genetic cause of infant mortality.
• Early diagnosis, often challenging, allows for earlier intervention which is known to improve motor function and outcomes.
• Risdiplam is an expensive drug; the state government supports patients through its KARE initiative.
• While treatments can improve life and muscle function, SMA is currently not curable, and early treatment aims to manage the disease progression.

Subarnarekha River

• Flooding in Balasore, Odisha: Caused by the alleged release of water from Chandil Dam on the Subarnarekha River in Jharkhand without prior intimation to Odisha.
• Significant area inundated: Four blocks (Baliapal, Bhograi, Basta, Jaleswar) and over 50 villages in Balasore district were flooded, affecting more than 50,000 people.
• Missing person reported: One person went missing after being swept away by floodwater in the Baliapal block area.
• River level receding: The water level of the Subarnarekha at Rajghat dropped below the danger mark on Sunday, indicating a potential improvement in the flood situation.
• Rescue and relief efforts underway: Teams from Fire Service, ODRAF, and NDRF have been deployed for operations, and health teams are distributing essentials in affected villages.
• Chandil Dam’s role questioned: Balasore MP alleged “criminal misconduct” by Chandil Dam authorities for releasing excess water without informing Odisha.
• Subarnarekha River’s geography: It originates in Jharkhand and flows through Odisha (where the flooding occurred) before emptying into the Bay of Bengal, with Chandil Dam located on its course.

Stimulus & Slowdown

• RBI cuts repo rate to 5.5%: Why: To lower borrowing costs and stimulate private investment and growth during an economic slowdown, facilitated by falling inflation.
• Government cuts income tax: Why: To increase disposable income and consumer spending, aiming for an expansionary fiscal stance to boost demand.
• Policy coordination challenge: Why: Effective macroeconomic stability requires fiscal and monetary policies to work together; opposing stances can cancel out effects.
• Household spending caution: Why: Households may delay spending tax cut gains due to uncertainty, limiting the immediate stimulus impact.
• Weak growth signals persist: Why: Despite policy support, indicators like GDP forecast (6.5%), credit growth (9%), and unemployment (5.6%) show growth remains muted.
• Risk of fiscal deficit increase: Why: Tax cuts reduce government revenue, potentially increasing the deficit unless spending is cut, which could undermine long-term fiscal health.
• Expansionary tools include spending, tax cuts, rate cuts: Why: These are standard measures governments and central banks use during slowdowns to boost aggregate demand, investment, and employment.

Quantum Comms

• India is rapidly advancing towards satellite-based quantum communication targeting operational capability by 2030. Why: To achieve ultra-secure, unhackable communication across long distances, crucial for national security and joining an elite group of nations.
• Researchers at IIT Delhi and DRDO recently demonstrated secure quantum communication over a 1-kilometer free-space link using entangled photons. Why: Proves capability for quantum communication in environments without fiber cables, like battlefields, aircraft, and ultimately, space.
• Key metrics from the free-space demo include a secure key rate of ~240 bits/sec and a quantum bit error rate below 7%. Why: Shows practical performance and viability of the free-space technology.
• Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) is a core feature, enabling two parties to share an encryption key securely using quantum particles. Why: Any attempt to intercept the quantum state alerts users, making the communication virtually unhackable.
• India is building on earlier milestones, including the first intercity fiber link (2022) and 100km QKD over fiber (2024). Why: Shows systematic progress across different types of quantum communication.
• Free-space and satellite systems are vital for secure communication where fiber is impractical or for global reach. Why: Overcomes the distance limitations of fiber, enabling applications like satellite-based secure networks.
• This technology is strategically important for military, government, and financial security. Why: Protects classified data and critical transactions from potential future quantum computing attacks.
• India’s progress helps close the gap with global leaders like China, which already has a quantum satellite (Micius). Why: Ensures India’s technological readiness and security independence in this critical area.

Lead to Gold

• Scientists at CERN’s Large Hadron Collider (LHC) briefly transformed lead nuclei into gold nuclei. Why: This demonstrates the feasibility of nuclear transmutation using extreme physics, echoing ancient alchemists’ dreams in a modern scientific context.
• The transformation happened not through direct collisions but “ultra-peripheral” near-miss interactions. Why: This shows that powerful electromagnetic fields generated by fast-moving particles can trigger nuclear changes, specifically electromagnetic dissociation, leading to proton ejection.
• Lead (82 protons) became gold (79 protons) by losing exactly three protons from its nucleus. Why: This confirms the principle that an element’s identity is determined by its number of protons and that altering this number can change one element into another at the nuclear level.
• The amount of gold created was minuscule (picograms) and existed for only a nanosecond before fragmenting. Why: This highlights that the experiment is a fundamental physics demonstration, not a practical method for producing gold, and illustrates the fleeting nature of the transformation under these conditions.
• The study provides insights into ultra-peripheral collisions, tests theoretical models of electromagnetic dissociation, and helps improve understanding crucial for particle accelerator performance. Why: Beyond the ‘gold’ fascination, the experiment yields valuable data for advancing particle physics, understanding matter under extreme conditions, and optimizing future collider technologies.

AMR

• Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) occurs when microbes like bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites no longer respond to medicines, making infections hard to treat and increasing severe illness and death risk.
• A major cause of AMR is the overuse and misuse of antibiotics, particularly in livestock and human healthcare.
• AMR is a growing global threat, projected to cause 10 million deaths annually by 2050 if left unchecked.
• Traditional livestock farming contributes to AMR due to heavy antibiotic use and also causes high greenhouse gas emissions, land, and water use.
• Insect-based livestock feed (e.g., black soldier fly larvae, crickets) is being explored as a sustainable alternative.
• Insect feed can convert organic waste, reduce emissions, use less land and water, and is cost-effective.
• Critically, promoting alternatives like insect-based feed in agriculture helps reduce the reliance on antibiotics in animal farming, addressing a key driver of AMR.
• Scientific evidence suggests insects offer good digestibility and nutrition, potentially replacing traditional feeds like soy or fish meal efficiently.
• Reducing AMR requires rational use of antibiotics, responsible use in agriculture (like promoting alternatives), improved hygiene, stronger surveillance, R&D, and public awareness.
• India has implemented measures like a National Action Plan on AMR, the Red Line Campaign, and FSSAI regulations to curb antibiotic misuse.
• Indian initiatives by CIBA and ICAR are exploring and scaling up insect feed for aquaculture to help reduce antibiotic use in shrimp and fish farming.

Midnight Hammer

• Operation Midnight Hammer Launched: The US military conducted strikes targeting Iran’s critical nuclear facilities at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. This is major news because it represents a direct, large-scale military action against Iran’s perceived nuclear weapons program infrastructure.
• Targeted Key Facilities: The operation specifically hit Fordow (deep underground enrichment), Natanz (enrichment), and Isfahan. Targeting these sites is significant because they are considered central to Iran’s nuclear capabilities, aiming to severely degrade or halt their progress.
• Used GBU-57 Bunker Busters on Fordow: 12 GBU-57 bombs were dropped by B-2 bombers on Fordow, a heavily fortified underground site, causing significant damage. This is newsworthy because the GBU-57 is the most powerful non-nuclear penetrator bomb, and its use against a deeply buried target like Fordow demonstrates a unique US capability and a clear intent to destroy hardened facilities regardless of depth. It also marks the GBU-57’s first combat use.
• Tactics Involved Stealth and Deception: The operation used stealth aircraft (B-2) and deception to bypass Iranian air defenses. This is significant because it highlights the US ability to project power deep into hostile territory with minimal detection risk, ensuring the strikes could be carried out successfully against well-defended targets.
• Demonstrated B-2 + GBU-57 Capability: The B-2, being the only aircraft capable of carrying the GBU-57, was crucial. This combination is key news as it shows the US can strike and destroy deeply buried strategic targets (like nuclear bunkers) effectively and stealthily, a capability few other nations possess.

A980 Unique Chemistry

• Star A980 is a rare cool Extreme Helium (EHe) star, located about 25,800 light years away in the Ophiuchus constellation.
• Scientists at the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) discovered singly-ionized germanium (Ge II) in A980’s spectrum, marking the first time this element has been detected in an EHe star.
• The level of germanium in A980 is unusually high, eight times more abundant than in the Sun.
• Why this is news: Existing stellar evolution and nucleosynthesis models predict that heavy elements like germanium are primarily formed in supernovae or Asymptotic Giant Branch (AGB) stars, not in rare EHe stars which are thought to form from white dwarf mergers.
• Star A980’s unique chemistry challenges these established models, suggesting element formation processes may occur during white dwarf mergers or pointing to specific s-process enhancements not well-covered in current theories, indicating a need to revise how we understand stellar evolution and element creation in such objects.

Rice Yellow Mottle Virus

• Major Threat in Africa: Rice Yellow Mottle Virus (RYMV) is a highly contagious disease ravaging rice crops across Africa, leading to severe yield losses (10-100%) and threatening food security, especially as rice is a staple food replacing maize in many regions.
• Widespread Outbreak Confirmed: A recent genomic study (June 17, 2025) revealed the extensive outbreak of RYMV across African rice ecosystems, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
• Origin and Spread: The virus originated in the Eastern Arc Mountains of Tanzania from wild grasses in the 1800s. It has spread across Sub-Saharan Africa and even reported in Turkey, facilitated by insect and animal vectors (beetles, grasshoppers, cows, rats, donkeys), mechanical means, and crucially, human activity like seed movement, trade routes, and transport, exacerbated by weak biosecurity and unstable conditions.
• Highly Adaptive Virus: RYMV is a Sobemovirus known for its high genetic variability, allowing it to evolve rapidly and overcome potential resistance measures.
• Severe Symptoms: Infection causes visible damage like yellow streaks and mottling on leaves, stunted growth, poor grain formation, sterility, and potential plant death, directly impacting yield.
• Urgent Call to Action: The study and experts emphasize the critical need to strengthen biosecurity, invest in regional genomic surveillance to track the virus, and accelerate the development of disease-resistant rice varieties to combat the spread and protect future crops.

IAEA Iran Israel Nucl

• Context: US airstrikes targeted Iran’s underground nuclear facilities (Fordo, Natanz, Isfahan) using bunker busters.
• IAEA’s Immediate Response: Issued a statement confirming no off-site radiation leak post-attacks.
• Ongoing Monitoring: Continues to monitor the sites remotely.
• Planned Action: Plans verification inspections once safety permits.
• IAEA’s Core Role: Acts as a nuclear watchdog to prevent the military use of nuclear materials and verify facilities for peaceful use under the NPT.
• Relevance in Conflict: Its verification and safeguards function is crucial during tensions to ensure nuclear material is not diverted, especially in states like Iran subject to safeguards agreements.
• Limitations Highlighted: The situation potentially exposes the IAEA’s limitations, such as limited enforcement power (it can only report violations, not impose sanctions) and vulnerability to geopolitical pressures.
• Need for Improvement: The text suggests a need for stronger enforcement powers and improved crisis response mechanisms for the IAEA in conflict zones.

FRA Cells Setup for FRA

• Key Point: The Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs has sanctioned the setup of 324 district-level (and some State-level) Forest Rights Act (FRA) cells across 18 States/UTs.
  Why in News?: This is the first time the Union government is directly funding and establishing structural mechanisms to facilitate FRA implementation, which has historically been the responsibility of State governments.

• Key Point: These FRA cells are being established under the Central scheme ‘Dharti Aba Janjati Gram Utkarsh Abhiyaan (DAJGUA)’ and are centrally funded by the Ministry via Grants-in-aid.
  Why in News?: The cells operate based on DAJGUA guidelines, not the statutory framework of the FRA Act, raising concerns about their legal standing and integration with the existing FRA structure.

• Key Point: The cells aim to assist tribal claimants and Gram Sabhas in preparing and submitting claims, improving documentation, facilitating field work, managing data, assisting with demarcation, and speeding up claim disposal, especially for pending cases.
  Why in News?: This indicates the government’s intent to address delays and rejections in FRA claims through dedicated support units.

• Key Point: Concerns are raised that creating these cells under a Central scheme, operating outside the FRA’s statutory structure (which involves Gram Sabhas, FRCs, SDLCs, DLCs), could lead to a parallel system, confusion about roles, and overlap with existing committees.
  Why in News?: This highlights a potential administrative and legal challenge to the decentralized, bottom-up framework mandated by the FRA, potentially hindering effective implementation rather than helping.

• Key Point: Critics argue these cells may not resolve fundamental issues like irregular meetings of statutory committees or delays by Forest Departments, which are major bottlenecks in FRA implementation.
  Why in News?: This points to the potential limitations of the new initiative in addressing the core structural challenges affecting FRA implementation on the ground.

Magna Carta Democracy

• Magna Carta signed in 1215: Established the principle that the king is not above the law, limiting arbitrary power, crucial for constitutional governance.
• Triggered by Barons’ Rebellion: Response to King John’s high taxes, military failures (loss of Normandy, Battle of Bouvines), and arbitrary rule, showing it was forced by discontent.
• Introduced Rule of Law: Despite initial limitations (protecting mainly elite men), it fundamentally placed the law above the ruler.
• Key Provisions (Clause 39 & 40): Guaranteed protection from arbitrary arrest/imprisonment and assured justice wouldn’t be sold, denied, or delayed, laying groundwork for rights like habeas corpus.
• Harvard University’s Rediscovery (1300 version): Sparked renewed discussion on its enduring impact and historical significance.
• Immediate Challenge & Reissuance: King John tried to annul it, but it was later confirmed and reissued by Henry III, showing its contentious but eventual acceptance.
• Legacy and Influence: Inspired concepts like habeas corpus and significantly influenced the US Constitution and Bill of Rights, serving as a symbol of resistance to tyranny and assertion of individual rights under law globally.
• Symbolic Importance Today: While its original scope was limited (not initially covering serfs or women and not fully democratic), its enduring power lies in its symbolism for the rule of law and human rights against oppressive power.

IPPB

• Key Point: India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) received the Digital Payments Award 2024-25 from the Department of Financial Services, Ministry of Finance.
  Why: This recognizes its significant contribution to expanding digital payments and promoting financial inclusion across India.

• Key Point: IPPB secured the 1st rank among all payments banks in the Performance Index for FY 2024-25.
  Why: This highlights its strong digital banking performance and effective citizen-centric approach compared to peers.

• Key Point: IPPB utilizes the extensive postal network, including over 2 lakh Postmen and Gramin Dak Sevaks and ~1.65 lakh Post Offices.
  Why: This unique reach enables IPPB to deliver digital financial services, including doorstep banking, to remote and rural areas, effectively bridging the urban-rural banking divide and serving the unbanked/underbanked.

• Key Point: IPPB leverages technology like India Stack for paperless, cashless, and presence-less banking.
  Why: This facilitates accessible, simple, and secure delivery of basic banking services like savings accounts, money transfers, and bill payments, supporting a cash-light economy.

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• Key Point: IPPB’s efforts support the government’s vision.
  Why: By expanding digital access and financial literacy, IPPB contributes to the goal of a digitally empowered and financially included nation.

Pulse Self-Sufficiency

• Farmers are forced to sell pulses below the Minimum Support Price (MSP). Why? Due to inadequate and inconsistent government procurement compared to rice and wheat, and market prices depressed by rising imports.
• India’s pulses imports hit a record high of 7.3 million tonnes in 2024-25. Why? Domestic production fell to 24.2 mt in 2023-24 due to an El Niño-induced drought, reversing earlier self-sufficiency gains, and import duties were lowered to curb retail inflation.
• Despite being the largest producer and consumer, India remains a significant importer of pulses. Why? Persistent challenges in domestic production prevent full self-reliance.
• Key reasons for low domestic pulses production include government policies favouring rice/wheat through inconsistent MSP procurement and subsidies on water/fertilizers. Why? This disincentivizes farmers from growing pulses.
• Pulses cultivation faces low productivity (average yield 660 kg/ha vs world 909 kg/ha). Why? Factors include dependence on rain-fed areas vulnerable to climate shocks, poor seed quality, lack of high-yielding varieties, slow R&D, fragmented landholdings, and vulnerability to pests/diseases.
• Achieving self-sufficiency requires strengthening MSP procurement, rebalancing subsidies away from water-intensive crops, boosting productivity with improved varieties and technology (irrigation, precision farming), enhancing storage and market linkages, and increasing R&D. Why? To incentivize farmers, improve yields, reduce post-harvest losses, and stabilize domestic supply and prices.

Nothopegia Leaf Fossils

• Fossilized leaves of Nothopegia, dated 24-23 million years ago, were discovered in Assam’s Makum Coalfield: Why? This represents the world’s oldest known fossil record of the Nothopegia genus and shows its past presence far from its current location.
• Nothopegia is currently found exclusively in the Western Ghats, India: Why? This significant geographic separation highlights the drastic changes in the plant’s distribution over millions of years.
• Researchers used techniques like morphological comparison, cluster analysis, and CLAMP: Why? These methods were essential for identifying the fossils and reconstructing the ancient climate of Northeast India.
• The ancient climate of Northeast India (late Oligocene) was warm and humid: Why? Climate analysis revealed this, explaining why tropical species like Nothopegia could thrive in the region in the past.
• The tectonic uplift of the Himalayas led to climate shifts in the Northeast: Why? Resulting changes in temperature, rainfall, and wind made the region inhospitable for Nothopegia, causing its extinction there.
• Nothopegia survived in the climatically stable Western Ghats: Why? This demonstrates how certain regions can serve as refuges, allowing species to persist while facing extinction in other areas due to climate change.
• The discovery provides insight into how ecosystems and biodiversity evolve under pressure: Why? It serves as a historical example of climate-driven species migration and extinction, relevant for understanding present and future impacts of environmental change.
• It highlights the importance of protecting biodiversity hotspots like the Western Ghats: Why? These regions act as crucial refuges for ancient plant lineages that have survived major environmental shifts.

51st G7 Summit

• The 51st G7 Summit, held in Kananaskis, Canada in 2025, was the annual meeting of the G7 advanced economies and the EU to coordinate policies on major global challenges, significant due to the members’ economic power representing 40% of the global economy.
• India’s Prime Minister attended as an outreach country, invited for the 12th time and sixth consecutive year, highlighting India’s increasing global relevance and engagement with key international forums despite not being a member.
• The President of the European Commission was invited to attend the Summit for the first time, indicating evolving participation dynamics.
• Key outcomes addressed pressing global issues: The Kananaskis Wildfire Charter committed to tackling wildfire threats through science and nature-based solutions, crucial as wildfire frequency increases.
• The G7 Critical Minerals Action Plan focused on diversifying supply chains and boosting investment in critical minerals, essential for modern technology and energy transition, a plan also endorsed by India.
• The summit also condemned Transnational Repression (TNR) and committed to specific actions to prevent migrant smuggling, addressing significant human rights, security, and humanitarian concerns.

11th Yoga Day 2025

• The 11th International Yoga Day (IYD) on June 21, 2025, is in news as preparations gain momentum globally and nationally for its celebration.
• The theme for 2025 is ‘Yoga for One Earth, One Health’, emphasizing yoga’s contribution to universal well-being and global health.
• The main National Ceremony will be held in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi as Chief Guest, highlighting the event’s importance.
• Mass participation is planned across India, with simultaneous celebrations expected in over 1 lakh locations.
• Specific state-level events like ‘Yoga Sangam’ organized by the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) Goa involving students, officials, and citizens, showcase localized promotion efforts.
• Supporting initiatives by AYUSH/AIIA, such as Harita Yoga at heritage sites, quizzes, and medical camps, are being conducted to build awareness and engagement.
• The day remains significant due to its UN declaration (proposed by India), global recognition by UNESCO and WHO for health benefits, and its role in promoting physical, mental, and spiritual health and global harmony.
• Celebrating on June 21st coincides with the Summer Solstice, holding traditional significance in yogic philosophy for spiritual transition.
• The celebrations underscore yoga’s origins as an ancient Indian tradition traced to the Indus Valley Civilization and Patanjali’s Yogasutra.

ECI EVM SOP

• ECI issued a revised SOP for checking EVMs based on Supreme Court directions.
• The Supreme Court (April 2023) rejected 100% VVPAT counting but allowed second and third-placed candidates to seek EVM verification.
• Concerns were raised (e.g., by ADR) about the previous SOP regarding data erasure and scrutiny of Symbol Loading Units (SLUs).
• The SC accepted ECI’s proposal for a revised SOP (May 2025) incorporating data preservation.
• New SOP Key Points:
  • Data from EVMs and SLUs under verification will be preserved, not deleted.
  • Candidates can opt for self-diagnostic test or self-test + mock poll for a fee.
  • Candidates can choose symbol loading source (already loaded or original SLUs) for mock polls.
  • Related records (VVPAT slips, video) are retained for 3 months.
• Why it’s significant: Strengthens transparency, empowers losing candidates with verification rights, addresses SLU tampering concerns, reflects judicial-ECI cooperation.
• Criticism: Some critics (like ADR) argue the process is similar to routine tests and doesn’t guarantee tamper-proof assurance or thorough independent verification.

Non-Proliferation Treaty

• The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) is a key international agreement from 1970 aimed at preventing the spread of nuclear weapons, promoting peaceful nuclear energy, and pursuing disarmament.
• It is currently prominent in news due to tensions related to the Israel-Iran conflict and the potential for Iran to withdraw from the treaty.
• Iran is a signatory but has faced scrutiny; the IAEA’s Board recently stated Iran breached non-proliferation obligations regarding undeclared nuclear material/activities. Iran denies seeking weapons, claiming peaceful use.
• Potential Iranian withdrawal would end IAEA oversight and inspections, possibly allowing unrestricted nuclear development and increasing regional conflict risk, including pre-emptive strikes.
• Withdrawal could destabilize global non-proliferation norms, encourage a regional arms race (e.g., Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt), cause diplomatic polarization, and lead to Iran’s economic isolation and military vulnerability.
• The NPT recognizes five states as having nuclear weapons (US, Russia, UK, France, China) based on pre-1967 tests; non-members include India, Pakistan, Israel, and North Korea (which withdrew).
• The treaty structure recognizing only pre-1967 nuclear states and allowing withdrawal (with notice) has drawn criticism as potentially discriminatory.

India Core Sector

• India’s core sector growth slowed to a nine-month low of 0.7% in May 2025.
• Why: The primary drivers of the slowdown were contractions in electricity, fertilisers, natural gas, and crude oil output.
• Why: While sectors like steel, cement, coal, and refinery products showed growth, it was not enough to offset the declines in other key areas.
• Why: Economists attribute the reduced growth mainly to excessive rainfall and the early monsoon onset, which affected crucial activities like power generation and mining.
• Why this is news: The core sectors are foundational to India’s industrial growth, collectively accounting for about 40.27% of the Index of Industrial Production (IIP).
• Why this is news: They serve as a leading indicator for economic activity and industrial performance, supplying essential inputs to other industries and significantly impacting GDP, inflation, and employment levels.
• Why this is news: Fluctuations in these sectors have a direct impact on the overall IIP, a key measure of industrial health.

UK Assisted Dying

• The UK Assisted Dying Bill has been approved by British lawmakers, legalizing assisted dying for terminally ill adults in England and Wales.
• Key provisions apply to mentally competent adults (18+) diagnosed with a terminal illness and a life expectancy of less than six months.
• Requires approval from two doctors and a specialist panel, including medical, social, and legal experts.
• Patients must self-administer the life-ending medication.
• Includes safeguards such as independent advocates for the disabled and a disability advisory board.
• Participation is voluntary for medical professionals.
• The bill is news because it is a landmark legislative approval.
• It remains news due to being a deeply divisive issue, balancing choice against concerns over vulnerability and abuse.
• The Labour government has maintained a neutral stance, allowing MPs a conscience vote.
• Once enacted, the UK would join other countries like Canada, New Zealand, Spain, and several U.S. states in allowing assisted dying for terminally ill patients.

HAL First Full Rocket Tech

• Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) won ISRO’s bid for the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) program with an offer of ₹511 crore. Why: This is how HAL secured the opportunity to acquire the technology, outbidding other major players.
• HAL has become the first Indian company to acquire complete technology and operational autonomy to build and operate a launch vehicle. Why: This signifies a historic transfer of full rocket technology ownership from ISRO, unlike previous collaborations.
• Over the next two years, ISRO will assist HAL in developing two prototype SSLVs; after this, HAL will independently manufacture, market, and launch SSLVs globally from August 2027. Why: This outlines the transition process and HAL’s eventual role as a fully autonomous commercial launch service provider.
• HAL targets launching satellites up to 500 kg into Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and aims to produce 6–12 SSLVs annually based on demand. Why: This focuses on the growing small satellite market and indicates the potential scale of HAL’s manufacturing operations.
• This is a major step towards privatizing India’s space sector and boosting the country’s share in the global launch market. Why: It shifts significant space launch activities from a government entity (ISRO) towards a more commercial model, aligning with national policy goals.
• The SSLV offers rapid deployment and low-cost launches, supporting India’s vision of a $44 billion space economy by 2033 and strengthening public-private partnerships. Why: These are the strategic and economic benefits the program is expected to deliver.
• HAL becomes India’s third rocket manufacturer, joining private firms Skyroot Aerospace and Agnikul Cosmos. Why: This expands the domestic capability and competition in rocket manufacturing.
• NSIL will conduct 15 SSLV launches and IN-SPACe two launches for Indian private payloads before HAL takes over commercial operations. Why: These government efforts ensure market activity and demand during the technology transfer phase.

MAID Warfare

• MAID (Missiles, AI, Drones) is a new warfare model seen in recent conflicts, fundamentally changing military strategy and accessibility of high-impact tools.
• Key features include low-cost drones (under $50k) compared to expensive traditional systems, lowering the barrier to entry for state and non-state actors.
• Remote operations allow strikes from great distances, reducing risk to personnel and making the use of force easier.
• AI enables high precision and rapid strike capability, allowing real-time targeting and potentially reducing collateral damage.
• Algorithmic speed of decision-making is faster than human response, risking rapid conflict escalation bypassing diplomacy.
• Psychological detachment from remote operations may lower the emotional barrier to lethal force use.
• Existing International Humanitarian Law does not adequately address AI-based or autonomous systems, creating a legal vacuum.
• The low cost and risk of MAID technologies erode traditional deterrence logic, making states more willing to use force without fear of high casualties or domestic backlash.
• International institutions like the UN struggle to regulate MAID, leading to unilateral actions and a lack of binding agreements on lethal autonomous weapons.
• Accountability for war crimes is difficult to assign when committed by autonomous systems, blurring the chain of command.
• Risks include uncontrolled escalation, governance failing to keep pace with technology, and the empowerment of non-state actors with advanced capabilities.
• MAID is a present danger requiring new global laws, ethical frameworks, and stronger multilateral institutions to prevent more frequent and harder-to-stop conflicts.

Cobra King

• A King Cobra brought from Karnataka’s Pilikula Biological Park to Bhopal’s Van Vihar National Park as part of an animal exchange died, which is news because it was a key species in a reintroduction effort.
• The exchange involved trading two tigers for two king cobras, as Madhya Pradesh officials wanted to reintroduce the species that had vanished from the state.
• Officials believed bringing back the King Cobra, which preys on other snakes, could help control populations of other venomous snakes and potentially reduce snakebite deaths in the state.
• The death is notable as the snake was housed in a controlled environment, including temperature regulation, though the exact cause after the heat wave period is not specified.
• Following the death in Bhopal, only one King Cobra remains in Madhya Pradesh, located in Indore.
• The state had plans for ex-situ conservation and breeding programs with the arrived cobras.
• The King Cobra is the world’s longest venomous snake and is unique for building and guarding nests; its diet primarily consists of other snakes.
• The species is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List and protected under CITES and India’s Wildlife Protection Act, highlighting the conservation significance of the reintroduction attempt.
• Van Vihar National Park, where the death occurred, is a rescue centre and conservation breeding centre for other species, located next to a significant Ramsar site.

Next-Gen Propulsion

• India relies heavily on imported engines for its defense systems (air, land, sea), creating strategic vulnerability. Why: Dependency affects military readiness and makes India susceptible to supply disruptions and geopolitical pressure.
• Past efforts to develop indigenous jet engines, like for the HF-24 Marut and the Kaveri project for LCA Tejas, largely failed. Why: These historical setbacks highlight the long-standing technical challenges and the persistent gap in achieving self-sufficient propulsion technology.
• Current defense programs, such as the LCA Mk1A, face delays due to issues with imported engine deliveries (e.g., GE F404). Why: This directly demonstrates how foreign supply chain issues impact India’s defense timelines and operational readiness.
• Future projects like the 5th-generation AMCA require advanced, powerful engines, and their success hinges on securing this technology. Why: Without developing or co-developing these critical components, India’s advanced defense capabilities remain dependent on external partners, risking delays.
• Building indigenous propulsion capability is crucial for national security. Why: It ensures sustained military readiness, reduces foreign dependency for critical systems, and strengthens India’s strategic autonomy against external shocks.
• Steps like the GE-HAL partnership to manufacture GE-414 engines in India are underway. Why: This represents an effort to bridge the gap by acquiring technology and manufacturing capability domestically, addressing the critical need for propulsion self-reliance.

India’s Critical Minerals

• Critical minerals (like Lithium, Cobalt, REEs) are vital for clean energy tech (solar, wind, EVs) and digital industries, crucial for India’s future growth and energy transition goals (GS Paper III – Economy).
• High global supply chain risks exist due to concentrated production (e.g., DRC for Cobalt, Indonesia for Nickel, China for REEs/processing), making imports precarious for India (GS Paper III – Economy, GS Paper I – Geography/Resources).
• China’s near-monopoly on processing grants it significant geopolitical leverage, posing a supply security threat India must address (GS Paper II/III – International Relations/Economy).
• India is largely import-dependent for many critical minerals despite potential domestic reserves, leaving its growth vulnerable to supply disruptions (GS Paper III – Economy, GS Paper I – Geography/Resources).
• Under-exploration, slow clearances, and lack of processing infrastructure hinder India’s ability to secure domestic supply chains (GS Paper I – Geography/Resources, GS Paper III – Economy/Infrastructure).
• The National Critical Mineral Mission aims to boost domestic exploration (GSI projects), secure international sources (KABIL), and build value chains to reduce import reliance and ensure strategic autonomy (GS Paper III – Economy/Policy, GS Paper I – Geography/Resources).
• Accelerating domestic exploration, reforming policies for ease of mining, investing in processing/recycling, and international collaboration are essential steps for India to secure its mineral needs and sustain growth (GS Paper I – Geography, GS Paper III – Economy/Policy).

PGI 2.0

• The Ministry of Education released the Performance Grading Index (PGI) 2.0 report for 2022–23 and 2023–24, assessing states/UTs in school education. This is why it’s in the news.
• PGI 2.0 is an evidence-based framework by the Ministry of Education to assess state/UT school education through a structured, data-driven approach.
• Originally launched in 2017, PGI was revamped as PGI 2.0 in 2021 to align with NEP 2020 and SDGs.
• It assesses performance through 73 indicators across 2 categories and 6 domains, graded on a scale of 1,000 points into 10 levels (Daksh to Akanshi-3). Data comes from sources like NAS, UDISE+, and PM-POSHAN.
• Key findings for 2023–24:
  • Chandigarh topped with 703 points, followed by Punjab (631.1) and Delhi (623.7). Chandigarh maintained the top rank for 3 consecutive years.
  • No State/UT scored in the highest performance band (761–1,000 points).
  • Meghalaya ranked lowest (417.9), followed by Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Bihar.
  • 25 out of 36 States/UTs improved their scores in 2023–24 compared to 2022–23.
  • A gap of over 300 points between the highest (719) and lowest (417) scores highlights wide disparities.
  • Bihar and Telangana showed the best improvement in the Access domain.
  • Delhi, Jammu & Kashmir, and Telangana showed the highest gains in Infrastructure.
• The scores help states/UTs identify areas needing intervention to improve their school education system.
• PGI 2.0 results are not strictly comparable with previous PGI reports due to changes in grading and indicators.

SA Yuva Bal Puraskar 2025

• Sahitya Akademi announced the winners for its Yuva Puraskar and Bal Sahitya Puraskar for 2025 on June 18, 2025.
• Why in News: This announcement marks the selection of promising young writers and notable children’s literature authors for the year.
• 23 writers were selected for the Yuva Puraskar and 24 authors for the Bal Sahitya Puraskar.
• Awards were given across 24 Indian languages recognised by the Akademi.
• Sahitya Akademi Yuva Puraskar, instituted in 2011, is for young Indian writers (35 or below) for original literary works published within the last 5 years.
• Sahitya Akademi Bal Sahitya Puraskar, instituted in 2010, honours outstanding original children’s literature (for ages 9-16) published within the preceding 5 years.
• The awards include a cash prize of ₹50,000, an engraved copper plaque, and a citation (Bal Sahitya also includes a shawl).
• Selection was based on recommendations by language-specific juries, approved by the Akademi’s Executive Board.
• Notable winners include Advait Kottary (English, Yuva), Parvati Tirkey (Hindi, Yuva), Nitin Kushalappa MP (English, Bal Sahitya), and Sushil Shukla (Hindi, Bal Sahitya).
• The awards ceremony will be held later to present the prizes.

Revised Green India Mission

• The government released a revised roadmap for the Green India Mission (GIM), signalling an updated strategy for one of India’s key climate action programs.
• The revised mission now specifically focuses on ecological restoration in vulnerable regions like the Aravalli ranges, Western Ghats, Himalayas, and mangrove ecosystems, targeting critical biodiversity and climate-sensitive areas.
• It adopts a landscape-level, region-specific, and saturation approach for restoration, indicating a strategic shift towards tailored and thorough interventions in degraded areas.
• The revised GIM directly supports India’s national and international climate commitments, such as creating a carbon sink of 2.5–3 billion tonnes of CO₂ and restoring 26 million hectares of degraded land by 2030.
• Key interventions include syncing with the Aravalli Green Wall project (targeting 8 lakh hectares to combat desertification) and specific plans for other regions like addressing deforestation and mining impacts in the Western Ghats.
• The mission aims to sequester 1.89 billion tonnes of CO₂ by restoring 15 million hectares of open forests, providing a significant, specific target for enhancing carbon sinks.

Indus Decipher Conf

• Key Point: Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is organizing a major international conference. Why: To focus specifically on the “Decipherment of Indus Script: Current Status and Way Forward.”
• Key Point: The conference aims to gather global scholars. Why: To discuss the challenging task of deciphering the undeciphered Indus script.
• Key Point: The Indus script dates back to 3300–1300 BCE and was used by the Harappan civilization. Why: Deciphering it would reveal significant information about this ancient civilization, currently unknown due to the script remaining a mystery for over a century.
• Key Point: The conference will assess current research and plan future directions. Why: To overcome significant challenges like short inscriptions, lack of bilingual texts, and an unknown underlying language that have prevented decipherment so far.
• Key Point: The event seeks to promote collaboration and support young scholars. Why: To inject new perspectives and momentum into a long-standing problem facing renewed global interest and recent potential breakthroughs (like possible links to Tamil Nadu finds).

Global Skin Health Priority

• First-time Recognition: The 78th World Health Assembly (WHA) unanimously adopted a resolution on ‘Skin diseases as a global public health priority’. This is significant news because it marks the first time skin health has been elevated to a global priority by the WHA, shifting it from a cosmetic concern to a core public health, equity, and dignity issue.
• Massive Burden: Skin diseases affect an estimated 1.9 billion people worldwide, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This high prevalence is a key reason why the resolution is crucial news, highlighting a previously under-recognised global health burden.
• Global Action Plan: The resolution mandates the development of a Global Action Plan focusing on prevention, early detection, treatment, and strengthening environmental resilience against skin conditions by WHA-80 (2027). This future plan makes the resolution a pivotal news event as it sets the stage for concrete global initiatives.
• Integration into Primary Healthcare: The resolution urges the integration of skin disease care into primary health systems. This is news because it aims to improve access to care, especially in resource-limited settings where specialised dermatologists are scarce.
• Inclusive Research and Access: It promotes inclusive research, particularly for skin of colour and neglected diseases, and improved access to treatments and insurance coverage. This focus on equity and addressing historical neglect makes the resolution significant news.
• Addressing Stigma and Disparities: The resolution aims to address the significant stigma and socioeconomic burden associated with visible skin conditions. This focus on dignity and social equity underscores why this is news beyond just medical treatment.
• Implications for High-Burden Countries: For countries like India, with a high skin disease burden, the resolution provides a crucial opportunity to strengthen public dermatologic care, boost research, expand primary care training, and advocate for insurance coverage. This country-specific impact is important news.
• Advocacy and Collaboration: Led by countries like Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria, and Togo, and supported by international dermatology organisations, the resolution is news as it represents successful global advocacy and collaboration to bring attention to a neglected health area.

Green Hydrogen Mission

• National Green Hydrogen Mission Launched: India aims to produce 5 MMT of green hydrogen annually by 2030 with significant government investment (₹19,744 crore). This is a major national target for energy transition.
• Weak Export Demand is a Major Hurdle: Global policy uncertainties, delayed foreign incentives (like failed EU tenders), high production costs ($4-$5/kg vs $2.3-$2.5/kg for grey hydrogen), and complex logistics make Indian green hydrogen uncompetitive abroad currently. This slows project expansion.
• Focus Shifting to Building Domestic Demand: Due to weak exports, the government is prioritizing domestic use. This includes mandates for sectors like fertilizer and refineries, blending in existing supply chains, targeting niche industries (ceramics, glass), and using public procurement (green steel). Tenders are underway (e.g., SECI for 7 lakh tonnes) to ensure offtake.
• High Production Costs Make it Not Yet Commercially Viable: Green hydrogen is significantly more expensive than fossil-fuel-based grey hydrogen, meaning voluntary adoption is low. This high cost, along with nascent infrastructure and high financing costs, is a key challenge slowing momentum, similar to early stages of renewable energy.
• Government Implementing Measures to Support Mission: Actions include the SIGHT program for production/electrolyser manufacturing, developing a certification standard, and funding pilot projects across transport, shipping, and steel sectors (like hydrogen fuel cell buses) to test viability and build confidence.
• International Policy Landscape is Varied: While Europe is slowly moving with incentives and discussing FTAs for imports (ports like Rotterdam, Antwerp), the US focus is reportedly shifting towards blue hydrogen, adding to global uncertainty and making Indian exports less attractive there.

Arak Reactor

• Located near Tehran, the Arak Heavy Water Reactor was a global concern because it could produce weapons-grade plutonium, potentially enough for one nuclear bomb yearly.
• Under the 2015 Iran Nuclear Deal (JCPOA), Iran agreed to redesign the reactor to prevent plutonium production. The original core was disabled and cemented.
• The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) verified the reactor was inoperable as per the deal and monitored changes, important for non-proliferation verification.
• Recently (June 19, 2025), an Israeli airstrike damaged parts of the reactor and its heavy water plant. The ‘why’ was to prevent future weaponization, though the reactor wasn’t fueled and the IAEA confirmed no immediate radioactive risk.
• Concerns persist because Iran reportedly hasn’t fully completed the redesign, construction continues, and operation is possible by 2026, raising worries about potential renewed plutonium production capabilities.

India’s 3nm Chip Centres

• India’s first 3-nanometre (3nm) chip design centres launched in Noida and Bengaluru. Why: Positions India among a select group of nations capable of designing highly advanced chips crucial for cutting-edge computing, AI, and mobile technologies.
• Union Cabinet approved a display driver chip manufacturing unit in Jewar, UP. Why: This is the first semiconductor fabrication unit in UP and the 6th approved under the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM). It’s a ₹3,700 Cr joint venture (HCL/Foxconn) addressing a critical gap in India’s display/electronics value chain, aiming to meet about 40% of India’s capacity needs with production by 2027.
• 3nm chip technology is highlighted. Why: It incorporates more transistors than older nodes (5nm/7nm), leading to higher performance, improved energy efficiency, and lower heat generation, making it essential for advanced electronic devices.
• A new semiconductor learning kit was announced. Why: To strengthen practical hardware skills among engineering students in academic institutions already equipped with advanced Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tools via the ISM.
• Other initiatives like Chips to Startup (C2S), PLI scheme, Digital RISC-V (DIR-V), and Modified Special Incentive Package Scheme (M-SIPS) are mentioned. Why: These are part of India’s broader strategic effort under the ISM to develop a comprehensive domestic semiconductor ecosystem.

Denali

• A mountaineer from Kerala and their team became stranded on Mount Denali.
• The stranding occurred during their mission to display a banner honoring the armed forces for Operation Sindoor.
• Mount Denali is known for its severe weather and challenging steep vertical climbs, which contributes to the difficulty and risk of being stranded there.
• The mountain is significant as the highest peak in North America (6,190 meters).
• Mount Denali also has a notable history regarding its name, being formerly called Mount McKinley, renamed Denali in 2015, and scheduled to be restored to Mount McKinley in 2025 by the US President.

Revised GIM 2021-2030

• Core Purpose: Combats climate change and land degradation by increasing forest/tree cover and restoring ecosystems. Why: Part of India’s National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) and global climate commitments (Paris Agreement, UNCCD).
• Key Objectives: Afforestation/restoration on 5M ha, improving forest quality on another 5M ha, combating land degradation, enhancing ecosystem services, and improving livelihoods. Why: Aims to increase India’s green cover, boost carbon sequestration, protect biodiversity, and support forest-dependent communities.
• Revised Focus Areas: Emphasizes ecologically sensitive regions like Aravallis, Western Ghats, Himalayas, and mangroves. Why: These areas are vulnerable to degradation and crucial for ecological balance; aligns with targeted projects like the Aravalli Green Wall.
• Implementation: Uses a landscape-based approach with community participation, traditional knowledge integration, and convergence with other schemes. Why: Ensures tailored, effective interventions and synergy across government efforts.
• Progress & Challenges: Plantations/afforestation covered 11.22 M ha (2015-2021); ₹624 crore released (2019-2024). Faces challenges like funding gaps, invasive species, and protecting old-growth forests. Why: Shows ongoing efforts but highlights hurdles needing attention for successful implementation.
• Climate Significance: Contributes to India’s target of 33% forest cover and creating an additional 2.5–3.0 billion tonnes of CO₂ carbon sink by 2030. Why: Essential for meeting national climate goals and international commitments, helping offset greenhouse gas emissions.

Trade Gap

• India’s trade deficit narrowed significantly in May 2025 to $6.62 billion, down from $9.35 billion in the same month last year.
• This narrowing was driven primarily by robust growth in services exports (up 9.4%), contributing a substantial $14.65 billion surplus in the services sector.
• Total imports also saw a slight decrease (down 1.02%), further helping to close the trade gap.
• Despite a small decline in merchandise exports, strong performance in key sectors like electronics, pharmaceuticals, and textiles, supported by policy initiatives like the PLI scheme, helped overall export figures.
• The narrower deficit is viewed as a positive sign of India’s external sector resilience amid global economic challenges and volatility.

Governor’s Role

• Legislative Assent (Art. 200): Governor’s approval is mandatory for state bills to become law (as seen with Kerala’s private university plan). Why: It’s a constitutional check on state legislature, though indefinite delay is unconstitutional per SC rulings.
• Appointment of Chief Minister/Ministers (Art. 164): Governor appoints the head of the state government and cabinet. Why: Forms the executive, crucial for governance, especially discretionary in case of hung assembly.
• Head of State Executive (Art. 154): Nominal head; all executive actions are taken in their name. Why: Represents the state’s executive authority constitutionally.
• Discretionary Powers (Art. 163): Can act independently in certain situations, like reserving bills for the President or recommending President’s Rule. Why: Allows for judgment in specific circumstances, though case laws limit this power (Shamsher Singh, Nabam Rebia).
• Summoning/Proroguing Legislature (Art. 174): Controls legislative sessions. Why: Manages the functioning of the state assembly, though largely on CM’s advice.
• Link between Union and State: Appointed by the President, acts as a bridge. Why: Facilitates communication and ensures constitutional governance alignment.
• Role is Justiciable: Governor’s actions are subject to judicial review (Rameshwar Prasad case). Why: Prevents arbitrary use of power; ensures accountability.
• Bound by Aid and Advice: Must generally act on the advice of the Council of Ministers (Art. 163, Shamsher Singh). Why: Reinforces parliamentary democracy where elected government holds real power.
• Cannot Withhold Assent Indefinitely: Recent SC ruling reinforces this, addressing delays seen in states like Kerala. Why: Prevents Governors from stalling state governance unnecessarily and respects federalism.

India Census 2027

• Census 2027 Announced: The Ministry of Home Affairs has notified the next Population Census for 2027, taking place in two phases (Oct 2026 & Mar 2027).
  • Why: Census is a decennial exercise mandated by the Census Act, 1948, conducted by RGI, providing comprehensive data on demography, socio-economic factors, etc.
• First Nationwide Caste Enumeration Since 1931: The upcoming census will include caste enumeration across the country.
  • Why: Captures crucial socio-cultural data, informing policies and understanding population characteristics.
• First Digital Census: Utilising mobile apps, online self-enumeration, real-time tracking, GPS tagging, and a new digital coding system.
  • Why: Aims to reduce errors, speed up data processing, ensure uniform entries, enable quality control, and improve coverage accuracy compared to previous manual methods.
• Significance for Governance & Society: Census data is foundational.
  • Why: It’s essential for delimitation of electoral constituencies (Article 82), reservation of seats for SC/STs (Articles 330 & 332), implementation of the Women’s Reservation Bill, allocation of government grants and resources, and evidence-based policymaking for planning and social justice.

NISHAD Rinderpest Facility

• ICAR-NIHSAD, Bhopal, has been designated a Category A Rinderpest Holding Facility (RHF) by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Why: This is a significant global recognition for securely storing materials of the eradicated, highly contagious cattle plague virus.
• India is now one of only six countries globally entrusted with securely holding Rinderpest Virus-Containing Material (RVCM). Why: It reinforces India’s pivotal role in global animal health, biosecurity, and leadership in preserving the rinderpest eradication legacy.
• Rinderpest was a deadly disease eradicated in 2011, but virus samples still exist in a few high-security labs. Why: Strict regulation by FAO/WOAH is essential to prevent accidental or intentional release and potential re-emergence of the disease.
• NIHSAD, a premier BSL-3 high-containment lab and national repository for RVCM since 2012, received the designation after a comprehensive international evaluation. Why: Its robust biosafety protocols, effective inventory management, and readiness for emergency situations met the stringent standards required for Category A status.
• The designation highlights India’s commitment to international standards of disease control and prevention. Why: As stated by Secretary Alka Upadhyaya, it is a testament to India’s responsibility and readiness in safeguarding global animal health.

Shipki Pass

• Shipki La Pass (3,930m) in Himachal Pradesh, along the India-China border, has been opened to domestic tourists. Why? To boost borderland economies, enhance strategic connectivity, promote cultural tourism, revitalize tourism and trade, and create local opportunities.
• It is a motorable pass where the Sutlej River enters India, historically serving as a vital Indo-Tibetan trade route since ancient times (5th/15th century onwards). Why? It marks a significant geographical and historical connection point.
• The historic trade route through Shipki La was closed after the 1962 Sino-India War, further impacted by events like Doklam and COVID-19, and remains shut for commercial exchange. Why? This explains the disruption of its historical function and the context for the tourism opening.
• Domestic tourists can now visit using just an Aadhaar card, removing the previously mandatory permit. Why? This simplifies access and has generated optimism locally.
• Communities on both sides have deep cultural and economic connections, including shared lifestyles, surnames, and a predominantly Buddhist heritage. Why? This highlights a bond beyond trade and suggests potential for diplomacy through development and heritage.
• Historically, diverse goods like wool, livestock, grains, spices, and tools were traded, influencing local culture and crafts. Why? Illustrates the depth and value of past exchange.
• Although overall land pass trade volume with China is small, opening Shipki La offers potential benefits like shortening the journey to Mansarovar (religious tourism), boosting local employment and economy, and serving as a soft diplomatic gesture for trust-building. Why? Explains the local enthusiasm despite the commercial trade route remaining closed.

3rd UN Ocean Conf

• Declaration Adopted: “Our Ocean, Our Future: United for Urgent Action” was adopted. Why: Reinforces global commitments to SDG 14 (Life Below Water) and aims to tackle the triple planetary crisis (climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution) threatening oceans.
• Strong Push for Binding Plastics Treaty: Indigenous leaders called for a legally binding treaty with justice at its core; supported by over 95 countries. Why: To regulate plastics from production to disposal, address environmental racism impacting frontline communities disproportionately, and combat severe plastic pollution.
• Strengthening Global Ocean Governance: Declaration urged full implementation of key agreements, including the BBNJ Agreement. Why: To improve conservation and sustainable use of oceans and marine resources, especially in areas beyond national jurisdiction.
• Addressing Climate Change and Pollution: Called for enhanced global action to minimize climate impacts (like ocean acidification) and reduce marine pollution of all kinds. Why: To protect marine ecosystems from major threats and adapt to unavoidable climate effects.
• Emphasis on Inclusive Action: Highlighted the need for ocean action guided by scientific research, traditional knowledge, and Indigenous Peoples’ expertise, along with financial justice for grassroots communities. Why: To ensure effective, equitable, and sustainable management and protection of the ocean.

PM Modi in Cyprus

• PM Modi visited Cyprus, the first by an Indian PM in over two decades. Why: Signals strategy towards Turkey and strengthens outreach in the Eastern Mediterranean.
• PM Modi was awarded the Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III. Why: The country’s highest civilian honour, signifying strong bilateral ties.
• Cyprus is a strategically located EU member in the Eastern Mediterranean near Turkey and Syria. Why: Acts as a crucial bridge for trade, connectivity, and influences regional geopolitics.
• The visit counters the growing Turkey-Pakistan axis. Why: India’s ties with Turkey are strained due to Turkey’s Kashmir stance and alleged support for Pakistan, positioning Cyprus as a strategic partner against Turkish assertiveness.
• Cyprus is situated along the route of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). Why: Important for smooth Indo-European trade and a key part of India’s connectivity initiatives.
• Cyprus will hold the EU Council presidency in 2026. Why: Can facilitate India’s strategic and economic relations with the European Union across various sectors.
• Cyprus is a significant economic partner and source of FDI for India, with an advanced financial sector. Why: Serves as a gateway for Indian businesses entering the European market.
• Cyprus is key in Eastern Mediterranean natural gas exploration. Why: Important for India’s energy diversification interests amidst regional tensions.
• Cyprus offers consistent political and diplomatic support to India. Why: Supports India’s UNSC bid, nuclear deals, and anti-terrorism stance, making it a dependable friend.

Croc Conservation @ 50

• India commemorates 50 years (1975-2025) of its Crocodile Conservation Project (CCP) on World Crocodile Day (June 17), marking a major ecological success.
• The CCP was launched in 1975 in Odisha, which became the epicentre and laid the foundation for scientific conservation efforts due to crocodile populations being on the brink of extinction.
• Odisha is uniquely significant as it’s the only Indian state hosting wild populations of all three native species: Gharial, Mugger, and Saltwater crocodile.
• Key project methods included “rear and release” programmes, establishing incubation and rearing centres (e.g., Tikarpada, Dangamal in Odisha), promoting captive breeding, creating protected habitats (like Bhitarkanika, Satkosia), and community awareness.
• Odisha pioneered many initiatives, including setting up India’s first centres, conservation breeding pools, releasing captive-reared individuals, and declaring protected habitats for crocodiles.
• The project led to significant population recovery: Gharials reached around 3,000 individuals (India holds nearly 80% of the global wild population), Saltwater crocodiles recovered to about 2,500 (with Bhitarkanika having the largest share), and Muggers are estimated at 8,000-10,000.
• Crocodiles, the largest surviving reptiles, face threats like habitat destruction, poaching, dam construction, and sand mining, making conservation crucial.
• Odisha continues to be a leader, hosting conservation centres for all three species and producing India’s first PhDs in crocodilian research. A new gharial project was recently announced, potentially building on Odisha’s success.

Nuclear Liability Act 2010 Reform

• India is considering easing the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010 (CLNDA).
• Why: To reduce accident penalties on suppliers, addressing foreign firm concerns over unlimited liability.
• Goal: Revive stalled nuclear projects and advance India’s clean energy targets (500 GW non-fossil fuel by 2030).
• CLNDA 2010 ensures victim compensation, defines responsibility, aligns with international conventions (CSC 1997, Vienna 1963 principles).
• It imposes strict, no-fault operator liability (capped at Rs 1,500 crore). Government liability is also capped (approx. Rs 2,100-2,300 crore).
• Key Feature/Concern: Section 17(b) uniquely includes supplier liability for defective equipment/services, allowing operators recourse, unlike global norms which primarily hold operators liable.
• Why Concerned: Suppliers (foreign/domestic) fear unlimited liability due to Section 17(b), unclear rules, and risk of civil suits under Section 46.
• This unique liability framework deters foreign investment and slows nuclear power growth, hindering clean energy goals (e.g., delays in Jaitapur project).
• Potential Reforms: Amend Section 17(b) to limit supplier liability to intentional acts/gross negligence, expand insurance pools, sign bilateral agreements, offer financial incentives.
• Why Reforms Needed: To align with global norms, ease supplier fears, attract investment, and accelerate nuclear energy development while ensuring victim compensation and safety.

PM India Cyprus Historic

• India’s Prime Minister’s visit to Cyprus is the first by an Indian PM in 23 years, marking a significant step to bolster bilateral relations.
• Key focus areas include energy security, counterterrorism cooperation, and India-EU strategic alignment to strengthen ties.
• Cyprus’s consistent support for India on issues like UNSC bid, NSG membership, Kashmir, and terrorism is crucial as a strategic counterbalance to growing Turkey-Pakistan military ties and reinforces India’s global positions.
• Historic ties date back to 1962 diplomatic relations and shared history as NAM founders (Nehru & Makarios), providing a foundation for cooperation.
• India supports a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation for the Cyprus issue, aligning with UN resolutions and international law.
• The visit aims to add momentum, especially in trade and investment, as highlighted by the PM and his attendance at a business roundtable.
• Cyprus also recently expressed solidarity with India after the terror attack in Pahalgam, showing continued support.
• The visit occurred during regional geopolitical tensions (Israel-Iran conflict), impacting travel logistics and also sending a message to neighboring Turkey.

Census 2027

• India’s 16th Census is scheduled with House-listing in 2026 (March-September) and Population Enumeration in early 2027.
• It marks India’s first digital Census, using mobile apps, online self-enumeration, GPS tagging, and a new digital coding system for enhanced accuracy and faster data processing.
• A major political and social development is the collection of caste data for all communities, which was last done comprehensively in 1931.
• The Census is critical for governance, serving as the basis for policy-making, resource distribution, planning welfare schemes, delimitation of electoral constituencies (Articles 82, 330, 332), and allocation of Central grants to states.
• New data points will be captured, including internet access, smartphone ownership, access to drinking water source inside the dwelling, and an option for transgender identity.
• Involves training ~30 lakh enumerators and ~1.2 lakh supervisory staff, with significant focus on digital literacy and managing logistics across the country.
• The Census is conducted under the legal framework of the Census Act, 1948, providing vital socio-economic and demographic data reflecting national changes.

Bonn Climate 2025

• Held from June 16 to 26, 2025, in Bonn, Germany.
• Acts as the crucial mid-year preparatory meeting between COP29 (Baku, 2024) and COP30 (Belém, Brazil, 2025), laying technical groundwork.
• Purpose is to advance discussions on key issues before COP30, making agreement easier at the main summit.
• Focuses on finalizing indicators and moving from concept to implementation for the Global Goal on Adaptation.
• Works on creating a roadmap for mobilizing $1.3 trillion annually by 2035 for climate finance under the Baku-Belém Roadmap.
• Aims to finalize rules for UN-backed carbon markets (Article 6.4) and strengthen Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
• Includes discussions on the outcomes of the first Global Stocktake (from COP28), such as scaling up renewables and energy efficiency and transitioning away from fossil fuels.
• Provides a platform to evaluate progress on climate adaptation and resilience and keep the 1.5°C Paris goal within reach.
• Takes place amid challenges like geopolitical tensions but also signs of optimism from major economies regarding climate action, emphasizing that the 1.5°C target remains achievable.

Power Derivatives

• SEBI approved electricity derivatives on MCX. Why? To enhance electricity price risk management and support integrating renewable energy.
• These instruments allow Gencos, Discoms, and large consumers to trade on future output. Why? To hedge against power price fluctuations.
• Futures, options, and swaps will be available. Why? To enable hedging, ensure supply certainty, and improve demand forecasting, which is key for energy storage systems.
• The market will see boosted liquidity and participation from diverse players (hedgers, speculators, investors). Why? By separating financial settlement from physical delivery, deepening the short-term power market.
• The move supports India’s clean energy goals (500 GW non-fossil fuel by 2030, net-zero by 2070). Why? Effective risk management is crucial for the significant investment needed for this transition.
• Derivatives are contracts based on underlying assets like commodities (electricity output here). Why? This defines the financial instruments being launched.
• Specific types mentioned are futures (obligatory future transaction), options (right, not obligation), and swaps (exchange of cash flows). Why? These are the mechanisms players will use for risk management.

System Record

• Black boxes are in the news as they were recovered from the recent Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crash site near Ahmedabad, and are crucial evidence for the investigation.
• They are crash-resistant devices (painted bright orange for visibility) located in the tail, consisting of a Digital Flight Data Recorder (DFDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR).
• DFDR records flight data (speed, altitude, engine, etc.) for 25+ hours, while CVR records cockpit audio (conversations, sounds) for at least 2 hours (modern CVDRs store 25+ hours).
• Invented in 1954 and mandatory since 1960, their primary purpose is to provide data and audio recordings to help investigators determine the probable cause of aircraft accidents.
• They are designed to survive extreme impacts and fire, made of strong materials like steel or titanium.
• While crucial, they have limitations, such as potential signal issues (e.g., MH370) and lack of video recording.
• Recent advancements include automatic deployable recorders and combined Voice & Data Recorders (CVDRs).
• The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) uses black box data as key evidence to investigate accidents and incidents in Indian airspace, aiming solely for accident prevention.

Boko Haram Insurgency

• Boko Haram is in the news due to a recent deadly attack in Borno state, Nigeria, where militants linked to its JAS faction killed at least 57 people and abducted over 70. This highlights the group’s continued violence and threat to national security.
• The attack targeted civilians accused of collaborating with the rival ISWAP faction. This shows the internal conflict among militant groups and JAS’s shift towards terrorizing civilians for resources like ransom, as it lacks the capacity to attack military targets like ISWAP.
• The killings occurred amidst a surge in violence in Borno, including ISWAP attacks on military bases and roadside bombings. This indicates the deteriorating security situation despite government claims of progress against the insurgency.
• Years of insurgency have resulted in over 35,000 deaths and 2.6 million displaced people across four countries, primarily Nigeria. This statistic underscores the devastating humanitarian impact of the conflict and why it remains a major news story.
• Boko Haram, founded in 2002, opposes Western education and aims to establish an Islamic state, operating across Nigeria, Niger, Chad, and Cameroon. Its continued activity and expansion into central Nigeria highlight the enduring challenge it poses to regional stability.

DNA Identification

• Why in News: Used for victim identification after mass fatality events like the Air India crash where body remains were severely damaged.
• DNA Analysis Techniques: Scientific methods to examine genetic material for identification, relationship testing, or detecting traits. DNA profiling uses unique variations (0.1% of DNA) for identification.
• Gold Standard for DVI: DNA analysis is crucial for identifying individuals in mass disasters because it can work even with degraded remains, offering high accuracy.
• Short Tandem Repeat (STR) Analysis: Most common method examining repeating sequences in nuclear DNA. Why: Highly accurate for identity (15+ loci) but less reliable if DNA is severely degraded.
• Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) Analysis: Used when nuclear DNA is degraded or absent, examining maternally inherited DNA. Why: Higher survival in degraded remains due to multiple copies per cell; matches maternal relatives.
• Y-Chromosome STR Analysis: Examines paternally inherited STRs on the Y chromosome. Why: Useful for identifying male victims by matching paternal relatives, even distant ones.
• Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) Analysis: Used when DNA is highly degraded. Why: Identifies single base variations; less discriminatory but viable when other methods fail and limited reference material is available.
• Sample Collection and Storage: DNA starts degrading after death; timely collection and proper storage (cold, dry, ideally frozen or in ethanol) are vital. Why: Hard tissues (bones, teeth) preserve DNA better than soft tissues, making collection methods critical for successful analysis.
• Reference Samples: Comparison DNA samples are needed from biological relatives (parents, children ideal) or personal items for identification. Why: Victim DNA must be matched against a known sample to confirm identity.

FGD Units

• News: A committee of experts, chaired by the Principal Scientific Advisor, has recommended that India discontinue the policy of mandating Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) units in all coal-fired thermal power plants.
• Why News: This recommendation stems from concerns over the high installation cost of FGD units, approximately ₹1.2 crore per megawatt, which poses significant financial and logistical challenges given India’s large coal capacity. The government is reconsidering the mandatory policy due to these cost and feasibility issues.
• FGD Function: Flue Gas Desulphurisation units are systems designed to remove sulphur dioxide (SO₂), a harmful pollutant linked to respiratory problems and environmental damage, from the flue gases produced by burning fossil fuels in power plants.
• Context: While FGDs are important for reducing air pollution and meeting environmental standards, the substantial investment required is the key factor driving the potential shift away from mandatory nationwide implementation.

Rural Employment Guarantee

• The Finance Ministry has capped MGNREGA spending at 60% of the annual allocation for the first half of FY 2025-26, moving away from its demand-driven nature.
• Why (Government Justification): To prevent funds from being exhausted rapidly by mid-year, which has historically happened, and improve fiscal management to ensure funds last throughout the year and reduce large pending dues.
• Why (Concerns Raised): MGNREGA is a legal right to work (statutory guarantee of 100 days) and a crucial safety net.
• Why (Concerns Raised): Demand is not uniform and increases significantly during rural distress or weather crises, which the cap doesn’t account for, limiting the scheme’s buffer function.
• Why (Concerns Raised): Courts have held that financial limitations cannot override statutory entitlements; the cap could make it impossible to provide work once the limit is reached, potentially violating the legal right to work and timely wages (within 15 days of demand/work completion).
• Why (Concerns Raised): The cap, while addressing financial issues like pending dues, risks undermining the scheme’s core objective and legal basis by leading to denied work or payment delays.

DNA Study

• DNA analysis is used to identify victims of fatal accidents when visual identification is impossible, leveraging the uniqueness of individual DNA profiles.
• DNA is collected from human remains and compared with samples from biological relatives who share DNA.
• Sample collection needs to be done early as DNA degrades after death, especially in hot/humid conditions. Bone and tooth tissues preserve DNA better than soft tissues.
• Collected samples must be stored in cool/frozen conditions or in ethanol to slow degradation.
• Reference samples from close relatives like parents and children are ideal as they share 50% of the victim’s DNA.
• Different methods are used depending on the DNA quality:
  • Short Tandem Repeat (STR) Analysis: Highly accurate, used when nuclear DNA is well-preserved.
  • Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) Analysis: Used for degraded nuclear DNA, identifies maternal lineage.
  • Y Chromosome Analysis: Used for degraded DNA, identifies paternal male lineage.
  • Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) Analysis: Used when DNA is highly degraded but is less accurate than STRs.
• These techniques are crucial for identification even when samples are degraded or only distant relatives are available for comparison along the maternal or paternal lines.

Iran vs Israel

• Recent Escalation: Israel launched “Operation Rising Lion” attacks on Iranian nuclear/military sites (Tehran, Natanz, military bases) to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons.
  • Why: Israel views Iran’s nuclear program as an existential threat and seeks to halt its progress towards atomic weapons.
• Iranian Retaliation: Iran responded with ballistic missiles under “Operation True Promise 3” targeting Israel (Jerusalem, Tel Aviv).
  • Why: Retaliation for Israel’s direct strikes on its territory and facilities.
• Reasons for Conflict (Root Causes):
  • Historical/Ideological: Deep hostility since the 1979 Iranian Revolution transformed Iran from an ally to an antagonist towards Israel, rooted in religious and ideological differences (Shia Islamic vs. Jewish state).
  • Proxy Wars: Iran supports anti-Israel groups like Hamas and Hezbollah, seen by Israel as direct threats, fueling conflict through proxies.
  • Geopolitical Rivalry: Struggle for regional dominance, clashing interests in conflicts like Syria and Yemen.
  • Iran’s Nuclear Ambitions: Israel fears Iran developing nuclear weapons and actively seeks to disrupt its program.
• Implications for India:
  • Energy Security: Instability threatens oil imports via the Strait of Hormuz, causing shortages, price hikes, and inflation.
  • Indian Diaspora: Large Indian population in the Middle East faces risks to safety.
  • Connectivity Projects: Projects like Chabahar Port and IMEC are vulnerable to disruption.
  • Diplomatic Challenge: India faces pressure to take sides, complicating its balanced relations with Israel, Iran, and Gulf nations.
• Possible Solutions Mentioned: Two-state solution (for Israel-Palestine context), direct dialogue, recommitting to JCPOA (nuclear deal), regional cooperation, normalising relations.
  • Why: Aims to de-escalate tensions, build trust, address root causes, and ensure long-term regional stability.

MGNREGS Cap Rationale

• Centre imposed a spending cap on MGNREGS for the first half of FY 2025-26, limiting usage to 60% of the total budget until September.
• This is a shift from the scheme being demand-driven and exempt from budgetary caps, now under Monthly/Quarterly Expenditure Plan (MEP/QEP).
• Rationale for the cap is to address persistent financial troubles and unpaid dues.
• In past years, over 70% of the budget was spent by September, leading to supplementary funds needed by December, which still resulted in unpaid bills by year-end.
• Pending dues have ranged from ₹15,000 crore to ₹25,000 crore in the last 5 years, using up about 20% of the next year’s budget.
• The cap aims to ensure budget remains for the latter half, avoiding shortages and supplementary allocations.
• Disadvantages include ignoring fluctuating demand which spikes during drought/crop failure, restricting flexibility needed in crisis.
• Raising concerns about legal implications as MGNREGS is a statutory right under the 2005 Act, guaranteeing work and timely wages.
• Supreme Court rulings state financial constraints cannot override statutory or constitutional rights.
• Cap alters the scheme from a rights-based, demand-driven program to a supply-driven one based on fiscal convenience, potentially violating the Act and principles like Right to Livelihood.

India Aviation Security

• News: The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) cancelled the license of Celebi Aviation, a Turkish ground-handling firm operating at major Indian airports.
• Why: The cancellation was based on ‘national security concerns’. This followed Turkey’s perceived support for Pakistan after India’s Operation Sindoor, which was a response to the Pahalgam terror attack.
• BCAS Role: BCAS is the national regulator for civil aviation security under the Ministry of Civil Aviation, responsible for setting and enforcing security standards.
• Legal Basis: Under the Aircraft Rules, 1937 (framed under Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam, 2024) and Aircraft Security Rules, 2022, BCAS has the authority to suspend or cancel licenses for non-compliance or national security reasons.
• Impact on Celebi: The company faces significant operational setbacks across nine major airports where it provided services.
• Context for India’s Aviation Sector: India is the 3rd-largest domestic aviation market, rapidly growing, projected to be 3rd-largest globally by 2030, with significant economic contribution, infrastructure growth (more airports), and ongoing modernization efforts. Regulatory actions like this highlight the security focus within this crucial and expanding sector.

GFW 2024 India Forests

• Global Forest Watch (GFW) report highlights India’s forest trends from 2001-2024, significant as it’s a key independent assessment by WRI and University of Maryland.
• India lost 2.31 million hectares of tree cover (7.1% decline) between 2001 and 2024, a major environmental concern due to resulting 1.29 gigatonnes of CO₂ emissions.
• Natural forest loss in 2024 alone was 150,000 hectares, releasing 68 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions, showing recent degradation continues.
• Primary forest loss increased slightly from 17,700 ha in 2023 to 18,200 ha in 2024, concerning as primary forests are mature, carbon-rich ecosystems.
• 348,000 hectares (5.4%) of humid primary forests were lost from 2002-2024, accounting for 15% of total tree cover loss, critical due to their high biodiversity and carbon storage value.
• Major drivers of forest loss include shifting cultivation and logging in the Northeast, mining in Central India, and infrastructure/tourism in the Western Ghats, indicating diverse pressures on different forest types.
• India gained 1.78 million hectares of tree cover between 2000 and 2020, showing some areas are recovering or being reforested, though net loss remains high.
• Globally, India ranked second in deforestation between 2015-2020 (FAO data), underscoring the scale of the challenge.

PM Visits Cyprus

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit marks a significant step in revitalizing India-Cyprus relations after more than two decades to deepen cooperation.
• The visit aimed to enhance cooperation in trade, investment, technology, and security, covering strategic sectors.
• PM Modi met with President Nikos Christodoulides to strengthen bilateral ties.
• A Business Roundtable led to proposals for long-term economic collaboration between the two nations.
• The visit is strategically important given Cyprus’s upcoming EU Council presidency in 2026 and regional geopolitical shifts.
• Key cooperation areas include boosting trade and investment, using Cyprus as a gateway to Europe, collaborating on technology, and enhancing security ties against terrorism.
• Cyprus provides consistent international support for India on issues like Kashmir and UN reforms.
• Cyprus holds strategic importance for India’s outreach to Europe and initiatives like the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) due to its location and EU membership.
• Leaders reaffirmed commitment to concluding the India-EU Free Trade Agreement.
• The visit signals a new phase of strategic, economic, and diplomatic collaboration for sustained engagement.

Maritime Accident Regulation

• Recent accidents off Kerala’s coast highlight concerns about maritime accident regulation and liability. Why: These incidents make the topic timely and demonstrate the practical impact of current regulations.
• Global shipping is mainly regulated by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) through conventions. Why: IMO establishes international standards for safety, pollution, and liability.
• Member states, including India, adopt IMO conventions into domestic law. Why: This translates international rules into national legal frameworks.
• India has not ratified key conventions like the HNS Convention (Hazardous and Noxious Substances). Why: This limits India’s ability to claim compensation for specific types of environmental damage caused by such substances, as seen with the MSC ELSA 3 sinking.
• Ships often use Flags of Convenience (FOC) by registering in nations like Liberia for easier operation and less scrutiny. Why: This complicates tracking ship ownership and enforcement, despite vessels being governed by IMO norms.
• Ship owners are liable for loss of cargo and environmental damage. Why: Establishes primary responsibility for accident consequences.
• Liability is typically covered by P&I Clubs (insurer groups). Why: Provides a financial mechanism for covering claims against owners.
• While cargo loss liability is capped by conventions, compensation for environmental damage (like pollution) is often uncapped under the “polluter pays” principle (e.g., MARPOL). Why: Allows for potentially extensive claims to cover cleanup and impact costs.
• Ship owners are responsible for salvaging sunken vessels under the Nairobi Convention, which India is a signatory to. Why: Defines who must remove wrecks within a nation’s waters.
• Accidents occur due to complex factors, including human error and sea conditions, despite regulations. Why: Shows that regulations are necessary but cannot entirely prevent incidents.
• The industry learns from accidents, leading to revised IMO guidelines and conventions. Why: Ensures regulations evolve based on real-world experience to improve safety.

AI Bio Manuf

• India is actively integrating AI into biotechnology/biomanufacturing (Category: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, Context: India emerging player) because it aims to become a global leader in this ethical, AI-driven innovation (Decoding Context: BioE3, IndiaAI Mission goals).
• AI is crucial for enhancing drug discovery, optimizing production, and improving quality control in biomanufacturing (Key Highlights: AI’s Role) because firms are using it to reduce costs and speed up innovation (Key Highlights: Biocon, Strand Life Sciences examples).
• Regulatory gaps and fragmented policies are major challenges (Decoding Context: regulatory gaps) because they lack clarity on data, ownership, and licensing, which can hinder innovation or cause legal issues (Key Highlights: Regulatory Challenges).
• Data diversity and risk-based regulation are needed (Key Highlights: Data Diversity) because AI models must be trained on diverse datasets relevant to India’s varied conditions for safety and relevance (Key Highlights: Need for Data Diversity).
• Developing clear data standards and supportive frameworks is essential (Key Highlights: Future Opportunities) because it will accelerate drug development and allow India to remain globally competitive (Key Highlights: Future Opportunities).
• India’s success depends on robust, harmonized policies (Conclusion) because these are necessary to promote innovation while ensuring safety, public trust, and high data quality (Conclusion).
• Biomanufacturing is a key part of India’s bioeconomy and national policies (Learning Corner, BioE3 Policy) because it aligns with economic growth, environmental goals (green production), and employment generation (Learning Corner: BioE3 Objectives).

Eurasian Otter in Kashmir

• The sighting of the Eurasian Otter (locally ‘Vuder’) in Kashmir is news because it hadn’t been spotted in the region for 25-30 years and was thought to be locally extinct due to increased water pollution and hunting.
• Its presence was confirmed by wildlife officials through villager videos, photographic evidence, and CCTV surveillance after initial reports.
• Historically, the otter was abundant in Kashmir’s water bodies (Dachigam, Dal tributaries, Lidder river) and is a keystone species, meaning its presence is an indicator of clean water and healthy aquatic biodiversity.
• This is the third reported sighting in the Valley this year, suggesting a potential return or re-establishment of the species.
• Wildlife officials see the sighting as encouraging and believe it could help restore Kashmir’s aquatic ecology.
• The Eurasian Otter is classified as Near Threatened by the IUCN and is protected under India’s Wildlife Protection Act (Schedule II) and CITES (Appendix I), highlighting its vulnerability.

India, Gender Gap 25

• Context: The 19th Global Gender Gap Report 2025 by WEF released, measuring gender parity across 148 countries in 4 dimensions: Economic, Education, Health, Political.
• Global Snapshot: Global gender gap closed to 68.8%, strongest annual gain since COVID-19. Iceland leads globally (92.6%). Gaps remain largest in Political Empowerment (22.9%) and Economic Participation (61.0%).
• India’s Performance (GS2): India ranks 131 out of 148, slipping two places from 2024. Parity score is 64.1%. Overall score slightly improved (+0.3), but rank dropped due to decline in Political Empowerment.
• Why India Performs Poorly (GS1, GS2):
  • Economic (GS1): Low female labour force participation (45.9%) and limited leadership roles; significant income disparity (women earn only 29.9% of male income). Social norms and patriarchy hinder economic access.
  • Political (GS2): Parliamentary representation dropped (13.8%) and ministerial roles low (5.6%). Delay in implementing the Women’s Reservation Act till 2029 impacts political parity score.
  • Societal (GS1): Deep-rooted social norms, patriarchy, and safety concerns restrict women’s full participation.
• Significance (GS2): The index acts as a crucial policy diagnostic tool, highlighting areas needing urgent intervention (like political representation and economic parity in India) and enabling benchmarking.
• Way Forward (GS2): Proactive implementation of Women’s Reservation Act, investing in skills and entrepreneurship, enforcing equal pay, addressing social norms, and improving access to services are key to achieving real parity on the ground.

Meliponini

• Researchers in Nagaland found native stingless bees (Tetragonula iridipennis, Lepidotrigona arcifera) are safe and effective. Why: They boost crop yields as pollinators and produce medicinal honey ideal for Northeast India.
• They are considered safer than traditional honeybees, making them a good alternative.
• Stingless bees are small, eusocial insects found in tropical/subtropical regions, belonging to the tribe Meliponini.
• Key features include small size, dark body with yellow markings, two pairs of wings, and an oval face with a pointed chin.
• They nest in various locations like tree trunks or wall cavities using resin, mud, and wax for their nests which contain honey pots.
• Their diet consists of nectar and pollen; some species also feed on rotting fruits.
• While lacking functional stingers, they defend themselves by biting with mandibles; some can inject venom through bites.
• Stingless bees are important buzz pollinators, crucial for tropical crops and ecosystem health.

NE 2025

• The 17th edition of the India-Mongolia joint military exercise “Nomadic Elephant” concluded on June 13, 2025, in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
  • Why: Marks the successful completion of a key annual bilateral defence engagement.
• Indian Army contingent (45 personnel, mainly from Arunachal Scouts) and Mongolian Armed Forces participated.
  • Why: Demonstrates active military cooperation and mutual commitment.
• The exercise focused on enhancing interoperability in semi-conventional operations under a UN mandate in semi-urban and mountainous terrain.
  • Why: Prepares both forces for joint participation in multinational peacekeeping missions and counter-insurgency/terrorism operations in challenging environments.
• Key activities included counter-insurgency/terrorism operations, shooting, room intervention, small team tactics, rock craft, and cyber warfare modules.
  • Why: Enhanced practical skills and tactical coordination between the contingents.
• Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh attended the closing ceremony.
  • Why: Highlights the high-level importance placed on the exercise and the bilateral defence relationship by India.
• The exercise strengthens bilateral defence cooperation, trust, and reinforces shared interests in regional stability and international peacekeeping.
  • Why: Deepens the strategic partnership and enduring bond of friendship between India and Mongolia, while enhancing the Indian Army’s readiness for multinational roles and reinforcing India’s role as a responsible stakeholder in global peacekeeping efforts.
• It contributes significantly to India’s expanding defence diplomacy.
  • Why: Underscores the strategic importance of India’s partnership with Mongolia and its engagement in regional security initiatives.

Cardamom Snail Pest

• Snail infestation is threatening cardamom crops in Idukki, Kerala.
  • Why: This is significant because Idukki is a major cardamom producing region in India, and an infestation directly impacts local farmers’ livelihoods and the overall spice supply.
• The infestation is linked to recent heavy summer rains.
  • Why: This highlights a potential climate-related challenge impacting agricultural vulnerability.
• Snails feed on new panicles, flowers, and young capsules.
  • Why: This explains the mechanism of damage, showing how the infestation directly leads to reduced yield and quality of the spice.
• Farmers are resorting to chemical sprays like metaldehyde.
  • Why: This indicates the severity of the problem (requiring chemical intervention) and raises potential environmental or health concerns related to pesticide use.
• Cardamom is a valuable crop, known as the “Queen of Spices,” native to the Western Ghats.
  • Why: Provides context on the importance and origin of the crop being affected.
• India is a major global spice producer and exporter, with cardamom being one of the cultivated varieties.
  • Why: Places the local issue within the larger national and international spice market context, showing the potential broader economic impact.

Trust-Based Reg

• News Context: The Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2023 (effective Aug 2023) and proposed Jan Vishwas Bill 2.0 (Union Budget 2025–26) replace criminal penalties with fines for minor offences across many Central Acts, marking a shift towards Trust-Based Regulation.
• What it is: A governance approach assuming good faith compliance from individuals and businesses, focusing on reducing unnecessary legal burdens and promoting voluntary compliance, rather than treating them as potential offenders.
• Shift in Approach: Moves from a policing/punitive mindset (strict penalties for minor lapses) to a partnership/reformative model (encouraging compliance, reserving strict action for serious violations).
• Key Features: Involves decriminalizing minor offences, implementing risk-based enforcement, simplifying compliance, encouraging self-declaration, and reducing unnecessary government interference/harassment.
• Why in News/Needed in India:
  • Replaces colonial-era punitive laws that fostered fear and rent-seeking.
  • Enhances Ease of Doing Business by simplifying regulations and compliance, especially for MSMEs.
  • Helps decongest the judiciary by diverting minor cases from criminal courts.
  • Reduces corruption and harassment by officials seeking rent from procedural lapses.
  • Boosts economic growth by reducing the fear of criminal charges for unintentional non-compliance.
  • Aligns with the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision of ‘minimum government, maximum governance’.
• Implementation: The Jan Vishwas Act decriminalizes 183 provisions across 42 Acts, with Jan Vishwas 2.0 planning to decriminalise 100+ more. States and municipalities are urged to adopt similar reforms.

Deep Sea Exploration

• About 99.999% of the Earth’s deep seafloor (>200m depth) remains visually unexplored, highlighting the vast unknown area covering two-thirds of the planet.
• Exploration is concentrated among just 5 countries (US, Japan, New Zealand, France, Germany) and biased towards features like ridges and canyons, leaving vast abyssal plains under-studied. Why: Shows uneven global research efforts and potentially missed discoveries in less-explored areas.
• The deep ocean environment is harsh (no sunlight, cold 4°C, extreme pressure) but life thrives, sustained by ‘marine snow’ (falling organic matter). Why: Demonstrates life’s adaptability and the critical role of marine snow in sustaining ecosystems and aiding carbon sequestration for climate regulation.
• The mesopelagic zone (200–1,000m) hosts about 90% of global fish biomass. Why: Indicates the ecological importance of even the upper deep ocean layers.
• Deep ocean exploration is vital for potential resources (energy, polymetallic nodules, new antibiotics) and understanding/mitigating climate change. Why: These are significant benefits driving exploration efforts.
• India launched the Deep Ocean Mission in 2021 to explore and sustainably harness deep-sea resources. Why: Represents a national commitment to participating in deep-sea research and resource assessment.

AI in Agriculture

• India’s agriculture is undergoing a significant shift by integrating AI and digital technologies to improve efficiency and address challenges.
• The CROPIC initiative by the government exemplifies using AI for real-time crop monitoring and photo analysis to assess health and losses, aiding insurance and policy. (Why: A concrete government step leveraging technology for critical agricultural processes).
• AI applications like precision farming optimize resource use (water, fertilizers), reducing costs and environmental impact. (Why: Improves sustainability and economic viability for farmers).
• AI-driven weather forecasts and yield predictions help farmers and policymakers plan sowing, harvesting, procurement, and supply chains. (Why: Enables better planning and reduces uncertainty).
• AI tools identify pests and diseases early via image recognition, preventing widespread losses. (Why: Protects crops and ensures yield security).
• AI-powered advisory services provide customized, language-specific guidance, benefiting small and illiterate farmers. (Why: Enhances knowledge dissemination and decision-making for a large farmer base).
• AI automates crop loss assessment for insurance claims using photo analysis, aiming for faster and fairer settlements compared to subjective methods. (Why: Streamlines critical farmer support mechanisms).
• However, challenges like the digital divide, poor data quality, high costs, and inadequate infrastructure hinder widespread AI adoption among farmers. (Why: Limits the benefits of technology to a large segment of the farming population).
• Ensuring inclusive AI usage requires improved rural connectivity, developing localized models, farmer training, and robust data privacy frameworks. (Why: Necessary steps to make AI an equitable tool benefiting all farmers).

India BFSI Revamp

• Fragmented Regulatory Framework: Challenges arise from multiple regulators (RBI, SEBI, IRDAI) leading to overlapping jurisdictions, gaps, and inconsistencies. Why? This causes compliance complexities and operational inefficiencies.
• Underdeveloped Corporate Bond Market: It’s shallow, illiquid, and opaque. Why? This keeps the cost of capital high, hindering business viability and economic growth.
• Opacity in Ownership and UBO Disclosure: Current rules allow investors to avoid revealing Ultimate Beneficial Owners. Why? This hinders transparency, makes tracing control difficult, and weakens enforcement, eroding investor trust.
• Unregulated Shadow Banking: Entities like NBFCs, margin lenders, and brokers offer banking-like services without comprehensive oversight. Why? Poses a significant financial stability threat and involves opaque practices.
• Weak Insurance Penetration: Coverage is low (4.2% of GDP). Why? Indicates underutilization of insurance as a financial safety net.
• Non-Performing Assets (NPAs): High levels, especially in public sector banks. Why? Constrains lending capacity and affects system efficiency and stability.
• Need for Deep Bond Market Development: India’s bond market is small (18-20% of GDP) compared to peers. Why? Strengthening it lowers borrowing costs and improves access to long-term capital, supporting growth.
• Call for Integrated Financial Regulation: Harmonisation across regulators is needed. Why? To address oversight gaps, inconsistencies, and improve efficiency.
• Strengthening KYC and UBO Norms: Requires accurate data and strict enforcement. Why? To curb misuse, enhance transparency, and build investor trust.

Keezhadi Digs

• Excavations at Keezhadi, Tamil Nadu reveal an advanced urban civilization dating to at least 6th century BCE with findings like literacy (graffiti resembling Indus script) and planned structures, significant as it indicates early urbanisation in South India and potential links to the Indus Valley, challenging earlier beliefs.
• The archaeological report by lead archaeologist K. Amarnath Ramakrishna, dating the site to 8th-3rd century BCE, was returned by the ASI for revisions, asking for a later date (pre-300 BCE maximum), why? because the ASI cited a lack of scientific rigor and asked for more evidence.
• Ramakrishna has refused to revise his report, why? asserting its scientific validity based on existing data.
• Tamil Nadu leaders and scholars allege political interference by the central government, why? accusing them of trying to suppress evidence of Tamil civilization’s antiquity and independence because it challenges dominant Hindutva historical narratives.
• Allegations of stalling tactics include the transfer of Ramakrishna, delays in funding/approval, and delay in report processing, why? to allegedly hinder the recognition of the findings.
• Tamil Nadu CM M.K. Stalin states the Centre is undermining Tamil heritage and that the truth doesn’t serve their “script”, why? implying a political motive to control historical narratives.
• Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat denies political motives, why? stating the report needs more scientific validation and cautioning against using findings for “regional sentiments”.
• Tamil academics point to a potential double standard, why? arguing less scrutiny is applied to reports from sites like Ayodhya and Mathura, suggesting bias.

Fiscal Federalism

• Fiscal Federalism: System in India dividing financial powers/responsibilities between Union and States, grounded in the Constitution.
• Karnataka’s Grievance: Despite significant contribution (8.7% GDP, 2nd in GST), the state receives only 15 paise per rupee contributed to Union taxes, indicating inadequate fiscal returns.
• Reduced Devolution Share: Karnataka’s share of central taxes (vertical devolution) dropped from 4.71% to 3.64% under the 15th Finance Commission, resulting in a substantial loss of over ₹80,000 crore.
• Declining Per Capita Share: The state’s per capita devolution decreased significantly relative to the national average between the 14th and 15th Finance Commissions (95% to 73%).
• Demand for Increased Vertical Devolution: Karnataka proposes raising the share of taxes devolved to states from the Centre to at least 50% (from the 15th FC’s recommendation of 41% for all states).
• Cesses and Surcharges: Calls for capping these unshared taxes at 5% and including any excess amounts, along with Union non-tax revenues, in the divisible pool to be shared with states.
• Reforms in Grants and Allocation: Suggests limiting unpredictable discretionary grants (e.g., to 0.3% of total devolution) and adjusting the horizontal devolution formula to give more weight to states’ economic contribution while maintaining equity for less-developed states.
• Bengaluru Infrastructure Funding: Specific request for ₹1.15 lakh crore investment in Bengaluru’s infrastructure, citing its importance to the state and national economy.
• Why in News: Karnataka’s Chief Minister raised these issues with the Finance Commission, arguing that current devolution system is unfair to high-performing states and needs reforms for fairness, predictability, and to sustain state economies vital for national progress.

RBI Gold Loan Guidelines

• Higher LTV: Loan-to-Value (LTV) ratio increased to 85% for loans up to ₹2.5 lakh. Why: Benefits NBFCs focused on small loans by allowing greater lending against gold value.
• Bullet Loan LTV Calculation: LTV for bullet loans must include accrued interest. Why: Stricter computation, but higher LTV helps mitigate its impact.
• Increased Risk Management Focus: Higher LTV increases exposure to gold price volatility. Why: Necessitates robust risk practices and timely auctions for LTV breaches.
• No Additional Provisioning: Proposed 1% extra provisioning for LTV breaches is dropped. Why: Reduces potential capital burden, but NBFCs must define clear policies for LTV breaches and auctions.
• Uniform Rules and Timeline: Rules apply to all regulated lenders from April 1, 2026. Why: Ensures regulatory consistency and provides time for NBFCs to adapt.
• Growth Driver: The framework provides lending flexibility and clarity. Why: Supports growth for NBFCs but intensifies market competition.

Emergency 50 Years

• The news highlights the 50th anniversary of the declaration of a National Emergency in India on June 25, 1975, which lasted until March 1977.
• Why in news: The 50-year mark of this significant event in India’s democratic history.
• Why it happened: The declaration followed the Allahabad High Court’s verdict on June 12, 1975, in the Indira Nehru Gandhi v. Shri Raj Narain Case, which invalidated Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s 1971 election.
• The court found her guilty of misusing government machinery for campaigning, leading to her disqualification and subsequent political turmoil that preceded the Emergency declaration.
• The Emergency resulted in the suspension of civil liberties, press censorship, and postponement of elections.
• Key facts covered include National Emergency being proclaimed under Article 352 on grounds like war or armed rebellion.
• Amendments modified rules on grounds (44th replaced “internal disturbance” with “armed rebellion”), parliamentary approval (special majority within 1 month by 44th), duration (extendable every 6 months), and judicial review (initially barred, restored by 44th).
• Implications included the Centre exercising greater control over states (executive directions, Parliament making laws on state subjects) and potential extension of legislative terms.
• Fundamental Rights were curtailed, with Article 19 automatically suspended in external emergency (Art 358) and others suspendable by Presidential order (Art 359), except Articles 20 and 21.

India Fertility Rights

• UNFPA Report 2025 highlights the real crisis in fertility is unmet reproductive aspirations, not just declining numbers, because many cannot have the children they want or avoid unwanted pregnancies.
• India’s TFR has declined significantly (from 2.9 to 2.0), indicating population stabilisation but masking persistent state-level variations (e.g., Bihar vs Kerala) and shifting demographic challenges.
• Despite declining TFR, over one-third of Indians faced unintended pregnancies and over one-third were unable to have children when desired, showing a dual challenge of over- and under-achieved fertility.
• Reproductive rights, including access to contraception, safe abortion, healthcare, and freedom from coercion, are crucial because they enable individuals to make informed choices about their bodies and families.
• Significant issues in India include a high stigma around infertility and expensive, unregulated treatment options, making desired parenthood inaccessible for many.
• Contraception use is skewed towards female sterilization (66%), with low uptake of reversible methods due to myths and gender bias, limiting women’s control over spacing and number of children.
• Women face a gendered burden of domestic work and lack support for planning a second child, especially among educated working women, hindering reproductive autonomy and well-being.
• Workplace constraints like lack of paid parental leave, childcare, and discrimination, particularly in the informal sector, penalise women for childbearing.
• Judicial pronouncements (Suchita Srivastava, Puttaswamy, X v. Principal Secretary Health) recognise reproductive choices and privacy as fundamental rights, underscoring the legal basis for reproductive autonomy.
• The way forward requires shifting from population control to a rights-based reproductive justice approach, integrating fertility, contraception, and maternal care into public health and addressing social barriers like stigma and gender inequality.

Biggest Israel Attack Iran

• Key Point: Israel launched its largest-ever military operation targeting key Iranian nuclear and military facilities inside Iran.
  • Why: Prime Minister Netanyahu described it as a “pre-emptive action” to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, a primary concern for Israel.
• Key Point: Major sites struck included the Natanz uranium enrichment facility, missile bases, and research centers across various cities like Isfahan, Tehran, and Tabriz.
  • Why: These locations are central to Iran’s nuclear program and military capabilities, which Israel perceives as direct threats.
• Key Point: The attack followed a critical IAEA resolution against Iran for non-compliance with nuclear safeguards and killed several top Iranian officials.
  • Why: The resolution highlighted ongoing concerns about Iran’s nuclear activities, providing immediate context for heightened tensions and potential military action. The killing of officials suggests targeting of leadership linked to these programs.
• Key Point: This marks a significant escalation in the long-standing Israel-Iran conflict, shifting towards direct military engagement inside each other’s territory.
  • Why: The conflict is rooted in deep ideological rivalry, Iran’s support for anti-Israel proxies (like Hezbollah, Hamas), and its nuclear program. Recent years saw increased direct strikes, and this operation represents a major step up from previous shadow warfare.
• Key Point: The attack has critical implications for regional stability and ongoing international nuclear negotiations.
  • Why: It directly confronts Iran’s strategic assets and increases the risk of wider conflict or retaliation, potentially derailing diplomatic efforts related to Iran’s nuclear program (like the JCPOA).

IREDA Bags Excellent

• IREDA received an ‘Excellent’ rating from the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE).
  • Why: For its exceptional performance in the Power and NBFC sectors during FY 2023-24.
• This is the fourth consecutive year IREDA has achieved the ‘Excellent’ rating.
  • Why: Consistent strong performance against annual targets set by the DPE.
• The rating highlights IREDA’s leadership in its field.
  • Why: It signifies IREDA’s prominent role in green financing and its commitment to advancing sustainable energy solutions in India.
• DPE ratings are based on annual performance assessments of CPSEs.
  • Why: To evaluate parameters like profitability and efficiency against MoU targets, ensuring accountability and transparency across public sector companies.
• IREDA is India’s largest green financing NBFC.
  • Why: Its core mandate since 1987 as a Navratna PSE under MNRE is dedicated to promoting, developing, and financing renewable energy and energy efficiency projects.