Current Affairs Exam

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.

Urban Transit Challenge

• Urbanisation is central to India’s Viksit Bharat by 2047 vision. Why? Over 60% of the population expected in cities by 2060s requires sustainable and efficient urban mobility for economic productivity and inclusive growth.
• Demand for urban transit is rapidly increasing. Why? Rapid population inflow, growing distance between housing/jobs, and unplanned sprawl strain existing systems and necessitate more/better options.
• Government initiatives like PM e-Bus Sewa and PM e-Drive aim to boost electrification. Why? To introduce mass, clean mobility solutions in expanding urban areas, a step towards sustainable transport.
• India faces a significant urban bus shortfall (35,000 vs 2,00,000 needed). Why? Undermines efforts to provide adequate public transport capacity for mass transit needs.
• Metro expansion projects have seen large investments but often struggle with low ridership and financial sustainability. Why? Due to poor last-mile connectivity, high fares, lack of integration, and high operating costs, questioning their sole sufficiency.
• Alternative modes like trams and trolleybuses are being overlooked. Why? Life cycle analysis suggests trams are financially viable (45% profitable over 70 years), and trolleybuses outperform e-buses in long-term cost efficiency, offering potentially more sustainable options.
• Despite current focus, e-buses show high long-term net losses (82%). Why? High maintenance, battery replacement, and energy costs challenge their cost-effectiveness over extended periods.
• Cities like Kochi and Kolkata are exploring/maintaining older tram systems. Why? Offer working models for modernizing cost-effective, climate-friendly, and commuter-friendly transit solutions by leveraging existing infrastructure and learning from experience.
• Need to diversify urban transit solutions beyond metro/e-bus and integrate planning with urban design. Why? Essential for creating resilient, affordable, and climate-aligned transport systems that match the scale of India’s urban transition and support the Viksit Bharat goal.

KHAAN QUEST

• Indian Army contingent (Kumaon Regiment, 40 personnel including women) reached Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia for Exercise KHAAN QUEST (June 14-28, 2025). Why: Marks India’s participation in this year’s significant multinational military exercise focused on peacekeeping.
• It’s the 22nd iteration of the exercise, hosted by the Mongolian Armed Forces, which originated as a bilateral exercise between the USA and Mongolia in 2003 and became multinational from 2006. Why: Shows the long-standing nature and evolution of the exercise into a key platform for international peacekeeping training.
• Objective is to enhance peacekeeping capabilities, interoperability, and military readiness under Chapter VII of the UN Charter. Why: Prepares participating forces for potential deployment in complex United Nations peace support operations dealing with threats to international peace.
• Exercise includes joint planning, tactical drills like checkpoints, cordon and search, civilian evacuation, counter-Improvised Explosive Device (IED), and casualty management. Why: Focuses on practical skills and coordination essential for operating effectively in challenging peacekeeping environments.
• Significance includes promoting exchange of Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs) and strengthening military cooperation and camaraderie among participating nations. Why: Improves combined operational effectiveness and builds crucial relationships between international forces.

PASSEX 2025

• Passage Exercise (PASSEX) 2025 was conducted by the Indian Navy and the UK Royal Navy in the North Arabian Sea on June 9 and 10.
• Indian participants included the stealth frigate INS Tabar, a conventional submarine, and a P-8I maritime patrol aircraft.
• The UK formation comprised the aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales and frigate HMS Richmond.
• The exercise featured unified control of helicopters, tactical manoeuvres, coordinated anti-submarine operations, and professional officer exchanges.
• Why it’s news: It strengthens interoperability, communication, and strategic collaboration between the two navies at sea.
• It aims to enhance tactical manoeuvres, maritime domain awareness, and reaffirm commitment to Indo-Pacific maritime security.
• The exercise demonstrates deepening cooperation and robust bilateral ties between India and the UK, supporting a secure and stable maritime environment.
• It aligns with the India–UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, the 2030 Roadmap, and India’s SAGAR vision for regional security and growth.

Heat-Tolerant Pigeonpea

• New heat-tolerant pigeonpea variety ICPV 25444 developed using speed breeding. Why: Enables cultivation in high temperatures (up to 45°C) and significantly reduces development time (5 years vs 15), allowing faster adoption.

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• It can utilize 12 million hectares of rice fallows post-kharif previously left uncultivated due to heat and water scarcity. Why: Opens up vast tracts of land for pulse production, increasing overall output potential.

• The variety doubles yields from around 1.1-1.2 to 2 tonnes/ha and has a faster harvest cycle (4 months vs 6-7). Why: Increases farmer profitability and allows for better integration into crop rotations.

• Has potential to drastically reduce India’s significant pigeonpea imports (USD 800 million annually) and bridge the 1.5 million tonne domestic shortfall. Why: Supports India’s national goal of achieving self-reliance in pulses by 2028, saving foreign exchange.

Global Gender Gap 2025

• India ranked 131st out of 148 countries with a parity score of 64.1%, a slip of two places from 129th in 2024. Why: The report evaluated gender parity across 148 countries.
• The Global Gender Gap Index is an annual benchmark measuring gender gaps across four dimensions: Economic Participation, Educational Attainment, Health & Survival, and Political Empowerment. Why: It acts as a strategic tool for tracking progress and setting priorities.
• In subindices, India showed gains in Economic Participation (40.7%), Educational Attainment (97.1%), and Health & Survival. Why: Improvement in estimated earned income parity (28.6% to 29.9%), near-parity in literacy and tertiary enrolment, and better sex ratio/life expectancy contributed to these gains.
• India’s Political Empowerment score fell by 0.6 points. Why: Female representation in Parliament decreased from 14.7% to 13.8%, and ministerial representation fell from 6.5% to 5.6%.
• Within South Asia, India ranks lower than Bhutan (119), Nepal (125), and Sri Lanka (130), but better than Maldives (138) and Pakistan (148). Bangladesh is the region’s top performer at 24th globally. Why: Provides regional context and comparison; Bangladesh’s rise driven by political and economic gains.
• Globally, the gender gap has closed by 68.8%, marking the strongest post-COVID-19 pandemic progress. Why: Reflects recent momentum towards parity, although full parity is estimated to be 123 years away at the current rate.
• Iceland leads the global ranking for the 16th consecutive year, followed by Finland, Norway, UK, and New Zealand. Why: These countries consistently show high performance in closing gender gaps across the evaluated dimensions.

Lesser Flamingos

• Large numbers of Lesser Flamingos recently arrived at Chhaya pond in Porbandar, Gujarat. Why: This indicates their current location before their next crucial migratory phase.
• They will migrate from Porbandar to the Great Rann of Kutch for breeding. Why: This is a key stage in their annual life cycle, focusing on reproduction in a specific region.
• The Lesser Flamingo is the smallest species and inhabits brackish and coastal water bodies in India. Why: These details help identify the specific bird and understand its preferred environment in the region.
• It is classified as Near Threatened by the IUCN and listed under CITES Appendix II and WPA, 1972 Schedule IV. Why: This highlights its vulnerable conservation status, making its movements and populations important to monitor.

Healthcare AI

• News Highlight: Indian researchers developed Garbhini-GA2, an AI model predicting fetal age from ultrasound images with high accuracy (half-day error), significantly outperforming existing methods and showcasing AI’s potential in Indian healthcare.
• Applications:
  • Early Disease Detection: AI analyzes medical images quickly for diseases like cancer (AIIMS iOncology), TB, pneumonia (Qure.ai), crucial in areas with specialist shortages.
  • Telemedicine: AI chatbots and assistants offer symptom guidance and advice, improving access in rural areas (e.g., Practo, Apollo).
  • Drug Discovery/Treatment: AI helps develop affordable, patient-specific therapies (e.g., InnAccel SAANS for infant breathing support).
  • Wearables: AI-powered devices help manage chronic diseases like diabetes, providing real-time recommendations (e.g., BeatO glucometer).
  • Hospital Efficiency: AI streamlines operations, predicts disease progression, improving patient care (e.g., Microsoft AI predicting diabetic retinopathy).
  • Medical Training: AI simulations and personalized learning enhance medical education and competency (e.g., FundamentalVR).
• Challenges:
  • Lack of Quality Data: Fragmented, non-digital records and data bias limit effective AI training for the Indian context.
  • Limited Rural Infrastructure: Poor internet connectivity and lack of digital systems in remote areas hinder AI deployment.
  • Regulatory/Ethical Concerns: Absence of clear AI governance framework raises issues of patient privacy, bias, and accountability.
  • Language Barrier: India’s diverse languages challenge AI implementation and accurate communication.
  • Professional Resistance: Doctors/nurses show distrust towards AI, fearing job loss or misdiagnosis, slowing adoption.
• Solutions:
  • Build Local Data: Standardize digital health records (ABDM), leverage platforms, and share anonymized data for better AI training.
  • Strengthen Rural Tech: Improve infrastructure (internet, 5G), equip healthcare workers with AI tools, and enable offline capabilities.
  • Establish Regulations: Create clear approval processes for AI medical tools and enforce ethical guidelines to ensure safe and responsible AI use.
  • Train Healthcare Staff: Integrate AI into medical education and training programs to build trust and competence.
  • Public Awareness: Conduct campaigns to inform the public about AI in healthcare benefits and limitations.

Global Gender Gap

• India ranked 131st out of 148 countries in the 2025 Global Gender Gap Index, slipping two spots from 2024 (129th). Why: Indicates India is falling behind other nations in closing its overall gender gap.
• Political Empowerment saw a significant drop, with fewer women in Parliament and Ministerial roles. Why: This decline shows women’s representation and influence in political decision-making is decreasing.
• Economic Participation remains very low, placing India in the bottom five globally, despite a slight improvement in estimated earned income. Why: Highlighting the persistent major challenge of low female labour force participation compared to men.
• Achieved high parity in Educational Attainment (97.1%) and improved Health and Survival scores (aided by better sex ratio at birth). Why: Shows relative progress in basic access to education and health compared to other areas.
• Ranked below neighbours like Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, and Sri Lanka within South Asia. Why: Demonstrates India’s relatively poor performance in gender equality compared to most countries in its region.
• Globally, India is among the bottom 20 countries; the index shows it will take over 120 years to achieve global gender parity at the current pace. Why: Underscores the vast challenges remaining both worldwide and particularly for India in closing gender gaps.
• The Global Gender Gap Index is an annual WEF report measuring gender-based disparities across economic, education, health, and political dimensions. Why: Provides context for the framework used to assess gender parity progress.

CPI May 2025

• Headline Retail Inflation (CPI Combined) is 2.82% in May 2025: This is the main figure released by MoSPI (NSO).
• Lowest CPI since Feb 2019: The 2.82% figure marks a significant drop, reaching a multi-year low.
• Sharp decline from April 2025 (3.16%) and May 2024 (4.80%): Shows a clear downward trend in retail inflation both month-on-month and year-on-year.
• Consumer Food Price Index (CFPI) at 0.99%: Food inflation is also very low, down significantly from April 2025 (1.78%) and drastically lower than May 2024 (8.69%). This is the lowest food inflation since October 2021.
• Driven by price falls in key food items: Vegetables (-13.7%), Pulses (-8.22%), and moderation in cereals, fruits, sugar, eggs, etc., are primary reasons for the decline in food inflation and the overall CPI.
• Favorable base effect contributed: The high inflation figures from May 2024 (4.80% overall, 8.69% food) make the current year-on-year numbers appear lower by comparison.
• Gives RBI policy space: The sharp fall in inflation provides room for the Reserve Bank of India to potentially consider future interest rate cuts from the current repo rate of 5.5%.
• Outlook is optimistic: Supported by projections of a good monsoon and subdued global commodity prices, which could help keep inflationary pressures low.
• Data released by MoSPI (NSO): The official source for the CPI figures in India, using the 2012 base year.

Green Fuel for Viksit Bharat

• Context: India aims for ‘Viksit Bharat’ (developed nation) by 2047 and Net Zero by 2070, requiring significantly increased, clean energy.
• Why: Future energy needs (28,000 TWh/year by 2070) vastly exceed current supply (9,800 TWh, mostly fossil fuels). Renewables alone cannot meet the gap, making nuclear essential (projected 70% of clean energy needed).
• Key Target: Government sets an ambitious goal of 100 GW nuclear power capacity by 2047.
• Why: Positions nuclear as a central pillar to achieve the massive clean energy target and decarbonize the sector.
• Challenge: India has low-grade uranium, requiring significant imports (20,000 tonnes/year needed for 100 GW).
• Why: Import dependency is risky due to limited global supply, geopolitical tensions, and rising demand elsewhere.
• Strategic Steps: Focus on scaling up indigenous PHWRs, promoting ‘Make in India’ for reactors, accelerating Thorium MSR-based SMR development, seeking global collaboration on advanced fuels (HALEU), involving private players, and streamlining regulations.
• Why: To overcome fuel dependency, leverage India’s large thorium reserves (Stage 3), reduce costs, enable faster deployment (SMRs), and ensure supply security.
• Innovation: Developing ‘Bharat SMRs’ and simpler ‘Bharat BSRs’.
• Why: Provides flexible, decentralized clean power, potential for process heat/hydrogen, acts as testbeds for advanced designs, and offers export potential.
• Overall: Nuclear energy is crucial for India’s development and climate goals, but achieving the target requires overcoming fuel challenges through a multi-pronged strategy focusing on indigenous tech, international collaboration, and regulatory changes. Safety remains paramount.

Kabir Jayanti 648

• The 648th Birth Anniversary of Sant Kabir Das (Kabirdas Jayanti) was observed on June 11, 2025. Why: Marking a significant cultural commemoration of a pivotal historical figure revered across India.
• Prime Minister paid tribute to Sant Kabir Das. Why: Emphasizing the national recognition of his enduring legacy, particularly his lifelong dedication to social harmony and reform.
• Sant Kabir Das (1440–1518) was a revered mystic poet, saint, and social reformer from Varanasi. Why: He played a crucial role in shaping spiritual and social thought during the Bhakti movement.
• He was a prominent proponent of Nirguna Bhakti (devotion to a formless God) and challenged religious orthodoxy, blind rituals, and social divisions, including casteism. Why: His teachings advocated a universal, inclusive path to God based on truth, compassion, and equality, making spirituality accessible to all.
• He popularized devotional worship in vernacular languages through his dohas and bhajans, significantly influencing Hindi literature and Indian consciousness. Why: Using accessible language helped spread his message widely among common people.
• His legacy promotes communal harmony, being revered by Hindus, Muslims, and Sikhs alike, and led to the formation of the Kabir Panth. Why: His universal message of love, equality, and inner spiritual awakening transcends religious boundaries and continues to inspire unity.

CCEA

• The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by the Prime Minister, approved two railway multitracking (doubling) projects.
• These projects are Koderma–Barkakana Doubling (Jharkhand) and Ballari–Chikjajur Doubling (Karnataka & Andhra Pradesh).
• Total investment is ₹6,405 crore, adding approximately 318 km to the railway network.
• Why: Improve connectivity to around 1,408 villages, benefiting about 2.8 million people.
• Why: Enhance freight transport capacity by 49 million tonnes per annum, vital for moving coal, minerals, and commodities.
• Why: Increase operational efficiency, reduce congestion, and improve reliability for both passenger and freight services.
• Why: Contribute to environmental goals by reducing fuel consumption (520 million litres) and CO2 emissions (2,640 million kg annually), equivalent to planting 110 million trees.
• Why: Generate significant direct employment, estimated at 108 lakh human-days during construction.
• Why: Aligned with the PM-Gati Shakti Master Plan to boost logistics, regional development, and create employment.
• CCEA’s role: As one of the key cabinet committees, it approves major economic policies and high-value investment projects crucial for national economic development.

IAEA

• IAEA board censured Iran: The Board of Governors passed a resolution formally criticizing Iran.
  • Why news: This is the first such censure in 20 years, highlighting a major breakdown in cooperation between the IAEA and Iran over its nuclear activities.
• Reason for censure: Iran failed to fully cooperate with the IAEA regarding undeclared nuclear materials and sites since 2019.
  • Why news: This lack of cooperation violates Iran’s Safeguards Agreement under the NPT, raising concerns about the peaceful nature of its nuclear program.
• Implications of censure: The action raises the possibility of referring Iran to the UN Security Council, potentially leading to renewed sanctions and increased geopolitical tensions.
  • Why news: It escalates the long-standing dispute over Iran’s nuclear program and could have significant international security consequences.
• Iran’s response: Iran rejected the censure, announced plans for a new enrichment facility and advanced centrifuges, and threatened further retaliation.
  • Why news: This shows Iran’s defiance and intent to further expand its nuclear program in response to international pressure, complicating diplomatic efforts.
• IAEA’s role: The IAEA is mandated to prevent nuclear weapons proliferation and ensures compliance with Safeguards Agreements through inspections.
  • Why news: The censure underscores the IAEA’s critical function in verifying states’ nuclear activities and the challenges it faces in countries like Iran.

AI171 Ahmedabad Crash

• Air India Flight AI171 crashes after takeoff from Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025: Why? This is the central event, a major aviation disaster reported in the news.
• High fatality count: 241 out of 242 people on board died: Why? Highlights the tragic and severe scale of the accident.
• Sole survivor identified as a British national of Indian origin: Why? A significant human element, focusing on the miraculous survival amidst widespread loss.
• Flight issued a “mayday” call and crashed minutes after takeoff: Why? Provides crucial details about the sequence of events leading to the crash, indicating immediate distress.
• Witnesses reported the plane flying unusually low before impact: Why? Adds external observation supporting the unusual nature of the flight path before the crash.
• PM Modi and Civil Aviation Minister ordered immediate response and investigation: Why? Shows the high-level government reaction and prioritization of rescue and inquiry.
• DGCA will lead the investigation with Boeing and international support: Why? Identifies the key authority responsible for determining the cause and indicates the involvement of relevant experts and entities.
• Former Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani is presumed dead among the passengers: Why? Notes a prominent personality among the victims, adding a political dimension to the casualty list.
• Multiple Indian aviation bodies like DGCA, AAIB, MoCA are involved in safety and investigation: Why? Provides context on the structured system in India for handling such incidents and ensures regulatory oversight and independent inquiry.

KATRIN

• The Karlsruhe Tritium Neutrino (KATRIN) Experiment in Germany aims to measure the absolute mass of neutrinos. Why: Neutrinos are fundamental, elusive particles, and their exact mass is a crucial unknown in particle physics, impacting our understanding of the universe.
• KATRIN works by precisely analyzing the energy spectrum of electrons emitted during the radioactive decay of tritium. Why: The shape of this spectrum, particularly near its maximum energy, is directly influenced by the neutrino’s mass.
• The experiment recently set a new upper limit on the sum of the masses of the three neutrino types (8.8 x 10^-7 times the electron mass). Why: This provides the most stringent, model-independent constraint on neutrino mass from direct measurement to date, improving previous limits by a factor of two.
• Measuring neutrino mass is significant because it challenges the Standard Model of particle physics. Why: The Standard Model predicts neutrinos are massless, but experimental observations of neutrino oscillations prove they have mass, suggesting the existence of new physics beyond the current framework.
• The experiment requires a massive, sensitive spectrometer (200-tonne). Why: Detecting the tiny effect of neutrino mass on electron energies requires an extremely precise and large-scale instrument, highlighting the difficulty of the measurement.
• KATRIN’s result is considered robust compared to limits derived from cosmology or other decay experiments. Why: It is a direct measurement of mass that does not rely on cosmological assumptions or assumptions about the neutrino being its own antiparticle.

Ocean Treaty 2025 Conf

• India is actively moving towards ratifying the High Seas Treaty (BBNJ Agreement), confirming its commitment contrary to any suggestion of reluctance.
• At the 2025 UN Ocean Conference, India reaffirmed its commitment to the treaty and proposed a six-point action plan focusing on science-based, inclusive, and sustainable ocean governance.
• India’s commitments include enhancing marine research, expanding marine protected areas, tackling marine pollution, promoting climate resilience, supporting renewable ocean energy, and integrating indigenous knowledge.
• India also endorsed the ‘Nice Ocean Action Plan’, emphasizing actionable steps for SDG-14 (Life Below Water).
• The High Seas Treaty aims to conserve and sustainably use marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction (high seas).
• Key features of the treaty include establishing Marine Protected Areas, ensuring fair sharing of Marine Genetic Resources, mandating Environmental Impact Assessments, and supporting capacity building.
• The treaty needs 60 ratifications to come into force; as of mid-2025, 49 countries have ratified it.
• The treaty fills a major legal gap in international maritime law (UNCLOS) and is critical for protecting the “global commons” against threats like overfishing and climate change.

Empowering Women in Ag

• Why in News: The United Nations General Assembly declared 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer, recognising their critical yet often overlooked role and the need to address their challenges. This declaration, supported by over 100 countries, brings global attention to the topic. Discussions like the WFP/Royal Norwegian Embassy symposia further highlight ongoing efforts and challenges.
• Significant Role: Women contribute nearly half of the global food supply, making up 60-80% of food production in developing countries and a large part of the agricultural labour force globally (39% in South Asia) and in India (around 80% rural women, feminisation of agriculture due to male migration).
• Major Challenges: Despite high participation, women face significant gender inequality in land ownership (only 14% nationally, 8.3% NFHS-5), limiting access to credit, technology, and services. They also struggle with limited access to education, skills, and financial literacy, an overburdened/unrecognised workload, market exclusion, and increased vulnerability to climate change.
• Indian Initiatives: India has implemented programs like MKSP & SMAM (skill enhancement, machinery subsidies), NFSM (30% budget allocation), ENACT project (tech-based advisories), promoting resilient crops/market linkages, SHGs/Microfinance, Lakhpati Didi, Namo Drone Didi, and specific allocations in irrigation/farming schemes to support women farmers. Rashtriya Mahila Kisan Diwas also celebrates their contributions.
• Steps for Empowerment: Leveraging the 2026 declaration is crucial. Policymaking needs to be gender-focused, based on disaggregated data. Enhancing women’s access to resources (credit, tech, info) and supporting collective action through SHGs are key to increasing their decision-making power and resilience.
• Overall Importance: Strengthening women’s role is vital not just for gender equality but also for ensuring food security, fostering rural prosperity, and building climate resilience, requiring rights-based and inclusive policies.

WPA 1972 Amendment Call

• Kerala has requested the Union Government to amend the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 (WPA) to allow controlled killing of wild animals that pose a threat to human life or agriculture.
  • Why: Human-wildlife conflict has intensified in Kerala, resulting in significant casualties (919 killed, 8,967 injured between 2016 and 2025) and forcing farmers to abandon land due to crop raids by animals like wild boars and bonnet macaques.
• The current WPA is seen as having challenges that prevent timely action against dangerous animals.
  • Why: Animals listed under Schedule I receive high protection, requiring lengthy approvals under Section 11 before lethal measures can be considered, only after confirming capture/relocation isn’t feasible. Court orders also limit the ability of district collectors to act promptly. Wildlife wardens are restricted from taking proactive action against Schedule I animals like bonnet macaques.
• Kerala seeks flexibility to declare specific problem animals as vermin and simplify procedures for others.
  • Why: The state wants an easier process to declare animals like wild boar as vermin under Section 62 due to population explosion and failed control measures. They also request removing bonnet macaque from Schedule I (where it was placed in 2022) to allow wardens to easily manage the species which causes significant agricultural damage.

Puducherry NeVA Launch

• National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA) platform was launched for Puducherry Legislative Assembly by Union Minister Dr. L. Murugan. Why: Marks a major step towards transparent, efficient, and environment-friendly governance.
• Puducherry is the 19th legislature to adopt NeVA, which is a workflow-based digital platform funded 100% by the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs under the “One Nation, One Application” initiative. Why: To digitise legislative functioning and align with the vision of Digital India.
• The platform provides real-time access to legislative documents like bills, questions, and reports, enabling paperless operations. Why: Saves an estimated 3-5 tonnes of paper annually, supporting Go Green and Good Governance initiatives.
• NeVA is device-neutral, member-centric, and includes features like live-streaming and the mNeVA mobile app. Why: Enhances transparency, ensures 24×7 access to legislative data, and strengthens democracy by allowing public view of proceedings.
• It serves as a unified digital repository for legislative data across adopting states/UTs, hosted securely on NIC Cloud – MeghRaj. Why: Eliminates redundant systems and provides a consolidated digital resource.

State of World Population 2025

UNFPA’s State of World Population (SOWP) 2025 report, titled “The Real Fertility Crisis,” is in news for highlighting global demographic shifts, reaffirming India as the world’s most populous nation, and emphasizing unmet fertility goals and reproductive autonomy over fears of population decline.

• Most Populous Nation: India’s population estimated at 146.39 crore in April 2025, surpassing China, projected to peak around 170 crore in the early 2060s.
• Fertility Below Replacement Level: India’s Total Fertility Rate (TFR) has dropped to 1.9, below the replacement level of 2.1, though states show significant regional disparities (e.g., Bihar high, Kerala low).
• Youthful Demographics & Workforce: India benefits from a demographic dividend with 68% of the population in the working-age group (15-64) and a large youth cohort (26% aged 10-24).
• Barriers to Reproductive Choices: Millions are unable to realize their fertility goals due to challenges like financial, housing, and job insecurity (40%, 22%, 21% respectively), health issues (infertility, poor maternal care), social pressure, and rising anxiety.
• Focus on Reproductive Rights: The report urges India to prioritize reproductive rights, ensuring universal access to contraceptives, maternal/infertility care, and safe abortion, and addressing structural barriers and gender inequality.
• Demographic Statistics: Key data points include a median age of 28.2 years, 77.7% overall literacy (15+), 41.7% female labor force participation (15+), and a dependency ratio of 47%.
• Vulnerabilities: Highlights that over 80% of India’s population lives in climate-vulnerable areas, and significant percentages suffer from non-communicable diseases and mental health issues.
• Life Expectancy: Projected at 71 years for men and 74 years for women.

Sudan Refugee Crisis

• Sudanese refugees are increasingly fleeing Egypt towards Libya and Europe.
• Why: Egypt tightened refugee policies with stricter visas, costly residency, and government-controlled registration, leading to detentions and fear for asylum seekers.
• Libya is now a major, dangerous transit route.
• Why: Instability, abuse, extortion, violence, and detentions by militias and smugglers make the journey perilous.
• The humanitarian response is overwhelmed, facing severe shortages.
• Why: Rising refugee numbers exceed available aid and funding.
• Egypt’s actions are criticized for potentially violating international obligations.
• Why: Policies causing displacement raise concerns, including potential European complicity through funding border control.
• The root cause is Sudan’s civil war (since April 2023).
• Why: Conflict between SAF and RSF caused mass displacement, violence, and state collapse, forcing millions to flee Sudan initially, many to neighboring Egypt.

Green Nickel

• New Extraction Method: A hydrogen plasma-based method is a breakthrough for nickel extraction from low-grade laterite ores.
  • Why: It replaces carbon, drastically cutting CO₂ emissions by 84% and improving energy efficiency by 18%, moving towards “green metallurgy.”
• Addressing High Emissions: Traditional nickel production is highly carbon-intensive (>20 tonnes of CO₂ per tonne of nickel).
  • Why: This offsets the environmental benefits of clean tech like EVs that rely heavily on nickel, shifting the pollution burden. The new method offers a cleaner alternative.
• Essential for Clean Tech: Nickel is critical for rechargeable batteries (especially in EVs) and demand is surging (>6 million tonnes/year by 2040).
  • Why: Sustainable production methods like this are vital to meet future demand without exacerbating climate change.
• Utilizing Abundant Ores: The method works efficiently on laterite ores, which are abundant globally (like in Odisha, India) but difficult to process with conventional methods.
  • Why: This opens up new sources of nickel, reducing reliance on depleting sulphide ores and maximising the use of domestic resources.
• Potential for India: India has significant laterite reserves (Sukinda Valley, Odisha) but relies on imports for primary nickel.
  • Why: This technology could enable domestic production from currently underutilised reserves, aligning with industrial growth and net-zero goals by reducing import dependency and carbon footprint.
• Simplified Process: It is a one-step process using hydrogen plasma in an electric arc furnace, yielding water as a byproduct.
  • Why: This bypasses the multi-step, energy-intensive traditional methods (calcination, smelting, reduction, refining), saving energy and time while being carbon-free.
• Enabling Sustainable Future: Without such innovations, the shift to green technologies risks relying on carbon-intensive material sourcing.
  • Why: This method is crucial for ensuring that the materials underpinning the green revolution are produced sustainably, truly reducing overall environmental impact.

Velpur Model: Child Labour

• World Day Against Child Labour (June 12): Observed by ILO to draw attention to the persistent issue and mobilize action against it globally.
• Scale of Problem: 160 million children globally are in child labour; over 4.3 million in India (Census 2011), mainly in agriculture, domestic work, and informal sectors. Why: Highlights the vastness and urgency of the problem.
• Causes: Driven by poverty, family debt, lack of quality education access, social acceptance of child work, and weak law enforcement. Why: These are the root factors requiring systemic solutions.
• Impact: Deprives children of education/skills, leads to physical/psychological harm, and perpetuates intergenerational poverty. Why: Severe consequences for children’s development and future.
• Legal Framework: Indian Constitution (Arts 21A & 24) and Child Labour Act (1986/2016) prohibit child labour and ensure right to education. Why: Provides the legal basis to protect children.
• Government Initiatives: Include NCLP (special schools for rescued children), PENCIL portal (online tracking/monitoring), RTE Act (free education 6-14), and schemes like Mid-Day Meals to keep children in school. Why: Multi-pronged efforts to remove children from work and retain them in education.
• Challenges: Difficulties include hidden nature of child labour, inadequate rehabilitation, economic pressures on families, social tolerance, and weak coordination among agencies. Why: Explain why eradication remains complex despite laws and schemes.
• Velpur Model (Telangana): A successful, community-led initiative in Velpur Mandal declared child labour-free in 2001 and sustained for over two decades. Why: Demonstrates that complete eradication is achievable through local action and community ownership.
• Velpur Approach: Involved identifying/enrolling every child, using bridge schools, public awareness campaigns, persuading employers to write off parent debts (often linked to child labour), and formal commitments from local leaders (Sarpanchs) and government. Why: Shows the practical steps combining community pressure, education, and local governance support that made it work.
• Recognition: The model has been recognized nationally and internationally (ILO, President Kalam, NHRC) and is incorporated into training modules. Why: Validates its effectiveness and potential for replication in other areas.
• Way Forward: Emphasizes strengthening universal education, providing family livelihood support, improving inter-departmental coordination, and replicating successful community-driven models like Velpur. Why: Points to comprehensive strategies for sustainable eradication.

Sir C. Sankaran Nair

• Resigned from Viceroy’s Executive Council: Why? In protest against the Jallianwala Bagh massacre (1919), showing his principled dissent against British atrocities despite holding a high office.
• First Malayali President of Indian National Congress (1897): Why? Highlights his early prominence and leadership role in the nationalist movement.
• Jurist and Judge of Madras High Court: Why? Known for landmark judgments emphasizing due process, justice, legal integrity, and civil rights within the British system.
• Advocated Social Reform: Why? Promoted inter-caste marriage, women’s rights, and eradication of caste discrimination, demonstrating his commitment to social justice.
• Critic of Gandhi’s Methods: Why? Preferred constitutional and legislative paths over mass civil disobedience and the Khilafat Movement, showing his distinct approach to nationalism.
• Author of “Gandhi and Anarchy”: Why? Outlined his fundamental disagreements with dominant nationalist strategies, highlighting his independent critical stance.
• Underappreciated Figure: Why? Despite his significant contributions as a jurist, nationalist, and reformer, his legacy was largely sidelined in mainstream historical narratives until recently.
• Embodied Contradiction and Courage: Why? Was an insider in the British legal system yet a principled dissenter who challenged the empire, showing his complex role in the freedom struggle.

Emergency at 50

June 12, 1975: Allahabad High Court found Prime Minister Indira Gandhi guilty of electoral malpractice for misusing government resources in her 1971 campaign.
Justice Jagmohan Lal Sinha set aside her election to Lok Sabha and barred her from holding office for six years – the first time an Indian PM’s election was invalidated.
This judgment, stemming from Raj Narain’s petition, posed a severe threat to her political career and triggered a major constitutional crisis.
Facing growing protests and opposition, Indira Gandhi advised the President to declare a national Emergency on June 25, 1975, under Article 352.
The Emergency, lasting 21 months, suspended civil liberties, censored the press, led to arrests, and curtailed judicial independence, marking a period of authoritarian rule.
The 50th anniversary marks this pivotal legal event that directly led to the imposition of the Emergency, a significant period in India’s history.
The case highlighted the tension between political power and judicial review.

Etalin Hydro Project

• The Forest Advisory Committee (FAC) has granted in-principle forest clearance for the 3,097 MW Etalin Hydropower Project in Arunachal Pradesh. Why: This is the primary news development, signifying official progress for the long-proposed project.
• The project is located in the Dibang Valley, part of the Eastern Himalaya Global Biodiversity Hotspot, and involves dams on the Dri and Talo (Tangon) rivers. Why: Highlights its location in an environmentally sensitive area and the rivers it will impact.
• It is a Run-of-the-River project but requires felling approximately 270,000 trees and diverting over 1,100 hectares of forest land. Why: Details the significant environmental impact despite the project type.
• The region is rich in biodiversity, home to globally threatened mammal species and a large percentage of India’s bird species, making the deforestation a major concern. Why: Explains the ecological significance of the affected area.
• The project faces persistent opposition from the indigenous Idu Mishmi community. Why: Notes the local social resistance.
• This approval is significant because the same FAC had rejected the proposal in December 2022, citing biodiversity and wildlife concerns and demanding fresh studies. Why: This is the key controversy, showing a reversal of the previous decision.
• The recent approval relied on existing studies, including a Wildlife Institute of India study that was criticized by conservationists, overlooking the FAC’s earlier recommendations for more comprehensive, multi-seasonal assessments. Why: Explains how the approval was reached despite past concerns and criticized data.

Inflation Below 3%

• India’s CPI inflation dropped below 3% (estimated ~2.7%) in May 2025, the lowest level since April 2019 (2.99%).
• Why: Primarily driven by easing food prices, specifically falls in cereals and pulses, despite some increases in vegetable prices.
• Why: Favorable year-on-year base effect contributed to a price decline in essential commodities compared to the previous year.
• Why: Core inflation (excluding food and fuel) remained moderate (~4.2%) due to weak domestic demand and soft global commodity prices.
• This low inflation data allowed the RBI to cut interest rates significantly in 2025 (100 bps).
• The RBI revised its FY26 inflation forecast down to 3.7%, reflecting a benign outlook.
• Despite low headline inflation, the RBI shifted its policy stance from ‘accommodative’ to ‘neutral’.
• Potential risk: Prices of some vegetables like tomato and potato showed month-on-month increases in May, needing close monitoring.

CFRs End Naxalism

• Government aims to end Naxalism by March 2026, urging states to focus on infrastructure, rehabilitation, and operations.
• Naxalism stems from issues like land alienation, exploitation of forest resources, poverty, social exclusion, and lack of political voice for tribal communities.
• Community Forest Rights (CFRs) under FRA, 2006, recognize tribal communities’ traditional rights over forest resources and management.
• The Gadchiroli model uses CFR recognition combined with development and empowerment to counter Naxalism effectively.
• Why it works: CFRs address key Naxal causes by:
  • Granting legal rights over traditional lands/forests, reducing alienation (a major cause).
  • Providing exclusive rights over Minor Forest Produce (MFP), creating livelihood security and reducing poverty (economic driver for Naxal recruitment).
  • Empowering Gram Sabhas (village councils) for resource management, ensuring democratic control and reducing political marginalization.
  • Promoting sustainable resource management by the community itself.
• Gadchiroli achievements include the highest CFR recognition in India, significant community control over forests (5,110.07 sq km), improved livelihoods (₹7,000/month income from MFP), better forest conservation, and transparent, decentralized governance through Gram Sabhas.
• This approach fosters local ownership and economic upliftment, countering the narrative and conditions that fuel Naxal recruitment and activity.
• The model’s success in Gadchiroli suggests replication can reduce alienation and empower communities in other Naxal-affected areas, thereby tackling a root cause of the insurgency.

Indian Grey Wolf

• Key point: Indian Grey Wolf (Canis lupus pallipes) sighted near the Yamuna floodplains in Delhi. Why: This is the first recorded sighting in Delhi since the 1940s, marking a rare return of the species to the region.
• Key point: The wolf was photographed by wildlife enthusiast Hemant Garg on May 15, 2025, in Palla village, on the banks of the Yamuna near the Delhi-Haryana-Uttar Pradesh border. Why: This provides the specific details of the discovery and the person who documented the sighting.
• Key point: Experts from Wildlife Institute of India and wolf specialists confirmed the animal is likely an Indian grey wolf, specifically a subadult (year-old). Why: Confirmation by experts validates the significance of the sighting and rules out common misidentifications like a dog or jackal.
• Key point: The animal exhibited characteristics typical of a subadult wolf, including its coat colour, dentition, and behaviour (stealthy, shy, hiding from humans). Why: These details helped experts identify the species and age, distinguishing it from other canids or hybrids.
• Key point: While hybridisation with dogs is a potential concern for the species, experts believe this individual is likely a wild wolf, noting its dispersal behaviour away from human settlements. Why: Addresses the possibility of a wolf-dog hybrid but leans towards a wild origin based on the animal’s behaviour and typical dispersal patterns of young wolves.
• Key point: The Indian Grey Wolf is a Schedule I species under India’s Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. Why: This highlights its high conservation status and the importance of protecting its habitat.
• Key point: The species faces threats including habitat loss (grasslands), depletion of prey, and diseases from feral dogs. Why: Provides context on the challenges facing the Indian Grey Wolf, making its appearance in an urban periphery like Delhi even more notable.

Core-Mantle Coupling

• Study by German researchers reveals precious metals like gold, platinum, and ruthenium are leaking from Earth’s core to the surface via volcanic activity.
• Why in News: This challenges the long-standing belief that the Earth’s core is geochemically isolated from the mantle and crust.
• Key finding: Researchers analyzed volcanic rocks from Hawaii (formed by mantle plumes) and found high levels of Ruthenium-100, an isotope mainly found in the Earth’s core.
• This detection indicates core materials are traveling upward through mantle plumes, revealing greater core-mantle connectivity than earlier assumed.
• The Earth’s core contains the vast majority of the planet’s precious siderophile (iron-loving) metals, traditionally thought to be inaccessible due to a thick rock barrier. The study suggests some are reaching the surface.

Indigenous Heeng Breakthrough

• First successful flowering and seed setting of heeng (asafoetida) reported at CSIR-IHBT Palampur after approximately 5 years of effort.
• Why: This is a landmark milestone demonstrating that the plant has successfully acclimatized to Indian conditions, crucially completing its reproductive cycle outside its native cold desert environment, even in mid-altitude regions like Palampur (1300m).
• This achievement proves the potential for sustainable indigenous cultivation.
• Why: Flowering and seed setting enable domestic seed production, which is vital for large-scale propagation, long-term domestication, and building a self-reliant supply chain.
• The breakthrough significantly helps India reduce its heavy import dependence.
• Why: Despite being the world’s largest consumer, India previously relied entirely on imports (mainly from Afghanistan, Iran). Domestic cultivation capability is key to self-sufficiency.
• It opens new income avenues for farmers in suitable regions by offering a valuable cash crop.
• Background: Heeng is an essential ingredient in Indian cuisine and an ancient Ayurvedic herb prized for its digestive properties.

Amrit Bharat Stations

• Prime Minister recently inaugurated 103 redeveloped railway stations across 86 districts in 18 States/UTs.
• This is part of the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS), launched by the Ministry of Railways in December 2022.
• The scheme aims to redevelop 1,309 railway stations across India into modern integrated transport hubs and city centres.
• It focuses on integrating regional architecture, enhancing passenger amenities, promoting inclusivity, and supporting urban development.
• Redevelopment is customised with location-specific plans, blending modern facilities with regional architectural themes (e.g., Dwarka inspired by temple, Ahmedabad by Modhera Sun Temple).
• Improved passenger amenities include modern waiting halls, clean toilets, roofed platforms, Wi-Fi, escalators, lifts, executive lounges, business areas, and better signage for a seamless experience.
• Designs are inclusive and accessible, aligned with the Accessible India Campaign, featuring ramps, lifts, Braille signage, and accessible toilets.
• Stations are being developed as multimodal hubs connecting with bus and metro systems and integrating both sides of cities to support urban mobility.
• The 103 inaugurated stations were redeveloped at a cost of over Rs 1,100 crore, covering multiple states like UP (19), Gujarat (18), and Maharashtra (15).
• Financial spending under customer amenities head was significant in recent years, with over Rs 12,000 crore allocated for FY 2025-26.
• Some stations previously redeveloped served as pilot projects for the scheme.

Kerala Wildlife Law Reform

• Kerala seeks amendment to the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, from the Centre to allow culling of dangerous or crop-damaging animals.
• Why: Rising human-animal conflict in Kerala poses a major threat, with 273 village bodies as hotspots and significant loss of life (919 deaths 2016-2025) and livelihood due to attacks by animals like elephants, tigers, wild boars, and bonnet macaques.
• Current national issue: Human-animal conflicts are increasing across India due to habitat degradation, changes in land use near forests, and population growth of certain species like wild boars and monkeys.
• Existing law challenges: The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, especially Schedule I protection, makes timely action difficult, requiring complex procedures (capture, translocation attempts, chief wildlife warden approval, following central advisories) before lethal control is considered. Court orders also restrict local executive powers.
• Kerala’s demands: They want relaxed rules for culling man-eating/crop-damaging animals, seasonal/regional permissions, eased emergency procedures, declaration of wild boars as ‘vermin’ (allowing easier culling), and removal of bonnet macaques from Schedule I.
• Why amend: The current framework is seen as too rigid to effectively manage urgent conflict situations and protect human life and agricultural land from escalating wildlife threats.

UN Reform

• Global conflicts highest since WWII (over 233k dead, 120M displaced in 2024) reveal the UN’s failure to prevent/resolve crises like Russia-Ukraine, threatening development and SDGs.
• Weak enforcement, reliance on voluntary troops (Rwanda delay), and sanctions hurting civilians (Iraq) undermine peace and human rights, causing massive humanitarian crises (Yemen, Sudan).
• Failure to address economic ($19.3T cost in 2023) and environmental fallout (military emissions, war damage excluded from climate frameworks) shows major policy gaps.
• Outdated structure (1945), P5 veto blocking action (Israel-Hamas), and exclusion of major powers (India, Brazil) reflect power imbalance and lack adaptation to modern challenges.
• Rise of minilateral forums (Quad, BRICS) bypasses UN framework, weakening its legitimacy, transparency, and representation.
• Chronic underfunding due to delayed/cut contributions (US to UNRWA) hinders peacekeeping, climate resilience, and aid efforts.
• Crucial reforms include reforming veto power (limit unilateral use, GA override) for transparency and accountability.
• Expanding Security Council permanent membership (India, Brazil, etc.) and adding rotating seats for vulnerable states enhances equity and representation.
• Mandating military emissions reporting (UNFCCC) and setting decarbonization targets addresses climate impact of conflict.
• Establishing automatic funding mechanisms and exploring global taxes ensures stable resources for UN activities.
• Implementing fair decision-making processes (universal jurisdiction for war crimes, ‘veil of ignorance’) minimizes bias and self-interest.
• Strengthening partnerships with regional organizations (AU, EU) improves effectiveness in addressing regional conflicts.

PDS Digital Enhancement

• Union Minister launched three digital initiatives: Depot Darpan Portal, Anna Mitra Mobile App, and Anna Sahayata Grievance Redressal System.
• These initiatives aim to enhance transparency, efficiency, and accessibility within India’s Public Distribution System (PDS).
• They are designed to benefit over 81 crore people under the National Food Security Act and streamline operations for stakeholders like FCI, CWC, FPS dealers, and government officials.
• Depot Darpan Portal: A self-assessment and monitoring tool for FCI/CWC food grain depots using tech like IoT and CCTV. This is key as it helps optimize storage, evaluate performance, identify infrastructure gaps, and is projected to create significant savings (₹275 cr for FCI) and generate revenue (₹140 cr for CWC) by improving depot management.
• Anna Mitra App: A mobile app for FPS dealers, District Food & Supply Officers (DFSOs), and Food Inspectors with role-based functions. This enhances transparency and accountability at the distribution level by allowing tracking of stock, sales, inspections, and grievance handling.
• Anna Sahayata Platform: A grievance redressal system for beneficiaries (NFSA/PMGKAY). It is important because it uses accessible channels like WhatsApp, IVRS, and ASR, making it easier for over 81 crore people to register complaints, thereby improving accountability and efficiency in addressing beneficiary issues.
• The initiatives are aligned with the Digital India vision, aiming to leverage technology for good governance and ensuring welfare schemes reach the most vulnerable.
• Pilots for Anna Mitra (4 states) and Anna Sahayata (5 states) are underway, with plans for pan-India deployment and integration with state systems.

KATRIN

• What Happened: The KATRIN experiment in Germany set a new world record for the smallest upper limit on the mass of the electron neutrino.
• Key Result: The electron neutrino mass is less than 0.45 eV/c² (at 90% confidence).
• How it Works: KATRIN measures the energy spectrum of electrons from tritium decay. By analyzing the highest energy electrons, it can determine the neutrino mass.
• Why it’s Significant: This is the most precise direct and model-independent measurement of neutrino mass so far.
• Why Neutrino Mass Matters: Neutrinos having mass is crucial for understanding physics beyond the Standard Model and explaining aspects like cosmic evolution and matter-antimatter asymmetry. Direct measurement like KATRIN’s avoids theoretical dependencies found in cosmological estimates.
• Future: KATRIN continues data collection to improve sensitivity further, potentially opening doors to new physics.

Ag: Women’s Power

• The UN declared 2026 the International Year of the Woman Farmer to recognize their vital, underappreciated role and highlight challenges.
• Agriculture is experiencing ‘feminisation’ as men migrate, leaving women to take on multiple roles as cultivators, labourers, and managers.
• Despite high participation (e.g., 80% economically active women in agri, 64.3% female workers per PLFS 22-23), women own only a small percentage of land (12.8% operational holdings, 8.3% NFHS-5), showing a significant gender disparity.
• Limited land ownership is a major barrier, preventing women from accessing essential credit, insurance, and government subsidies.
• Poor access to information and technology, like mobile advisories, limits technology adoption and hinders resilience-building among women farmers.
• Women face higher climate vulnerability due to added domestic responsibilities, fewer resources, and disproportionate exposure to risks in agriculture.
• Government initiatives like MKSP, machinery subsidies (50-80%), budget allocations (e.g., 30% in NFSM), and promotion of SHGs (NMNF) aim to empower women by upgrading skills, providing financial support, promoting technology, and improving access to resources and extension services (ATMA, AC&ABC subsidy 44%).
• The Women’s Empowerment in Agriculture Index (WEAI) is used to measure women’s empowerment, agency, and inclusion, helping identify barriers and link empowerment to food security and growth.
• Gender-sensitive policies, support for women-managed value chains/SHGs, and investment in climate resilience are crucial steps forward to address the specific needs of women farmers.
• Empowering women in agriculture is key to ensuring food security, climate resilience, and achieving overall gender equality and sustainable development in the sector.

BHASHINI

• BHASHINI (Digital India Bhashini Division – DIBD) and CRIS (Centre for Railway Information Systems) signed an MoU.
• Objective is to develop and deploy next-generation multilingual AI solutions for Indian Railways’ digital platforms.
• Integrates BHASHINI’s language AI technologies (ASR, Text-to-Text Translation, TTS, OCR) into CRIS systems like NTES and RailMadad.
• Enables access to railway services and information in 22 Indian languages across mobile apps, websites, kiosks, and call centers.
• Why it’s news: It removes language barriers for millions of railway passengers, enhancing digital access and inclusion, particularly for non-English speakers.
• Includes the introduction of multilingual chatbots, voice assistants, and real-time voice interaction systems for passenger support.
• Supports the Digital India mission by facilitating citizen-centric digital transformation in public services.
• Leverages BHASHINI’s role as the implementer of the National Language Translation Mission (NLTM) to build indigenous language AI capabilities.

UNFPA Report

• India most populous country: Reached 1.4639 billion population in 2025, surpassing others officially. This marks a major demographic milestone with long-term implications.
• Low fertility rate: Fertility rate is 1.9 births per woman, below the replacement level of 2.1. Shows a significant drop from the 1960s due to education, healthcare, and empowerment.
• Demographic dividend opportunity: 68% of the population is in the 15-64 working-age group. Offers economic potential if employment and skilling are effectively managed.
• Unmet reproductive needs: 36% experience unintended pregnancies, 30% report unmet desires. Indicates ongoing inequality in access and reproductive autonomy despite falling fertility.
• Policy shift urged: Report advocates moving from population control to focusing on reproductive rights. Empowering individuals with informed choices is key to realizing the demographic dividend.
• Population peak expected: India’s population is projected to peak around 1.7 billion in the early 2060s before declining. Shows the long-term trajectory after current growth phase.

TN 800-Yr Shiva Temple

• An 800-year-old Shiva temple from the later Pandya period (1216–1345) was discovered in Udampatti village, Tamil Nadu.
• Why: It offers significant insights into the region’s history and socio-economic dynamics during that era.
• Identified as Thennavanisvaram temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, dated to 1217–1218 CE during Maravarman Sundara Pandya’s reign based on inscriptions and Shilpa Sastram.
• Why: Confirms the temple’s identity, age, and indicates royal support (“Thennavan” title used by Pandyas).
• Inscriptions record the sale of a waterbody and mention that the land tax was to be paid to the temple deity.
• Why: These details reveal the ancient name of the village (Attur) and show the temple’s mechanism for financial independence through land endowments.
• The discovery is significant as many ancient temples previously documented in this area are now in ruins or have disappeared.
• Why: Provides a tangible link to a historical site that was previously only partially known or in decline.

SC/ST Progress

• What: The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment held its 28th Coordination Committee meeting.
• Why: To devise strategies to curb untouchability offences and atrocities against Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs).
• Key Focus: Discussion on the implementation and shortcomings of existing laws like the Protection of Civil Rights (PCR) Act, 1955, and the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989.
• Meeting Discussions: Covered issues like charge sheet rates, case pendency in courts, status of Exclusive Special Courts, Vigilance & Monitoring Committee meetings, grievances on the National Helpline, and action plans for improving law implementation.
• Ministerial Emphasis: Union Ministers stressed the importance of regular State/District level Vigilance and Monitoring Committee meetings, taking measures against exploitation, increasing Special Police Stations, and fixing accountability for negligent officials under the PoA Act.
• Government Commitment: The meeting reaffirmed the government’s resolution to provide dignity to vulnerable sections and a commitment from participants to uphold the spirit of the Acts and deliver justice to victims of caste-based discrimination.
• Background: The committee was established in 2006 to find ways to curb atrocities and ensure effective administration of the PCR and PoA Acts.

Dollar Floored 2025

• The U.S. dollar has fallen nearly 10% in 2025, making it one of the weakest major assets.
• Why: Global investors significantly increased hedging against their U.S. asset holdings, reducing demand for the dollar.
• Why: Confidence in the U.S. economic narrative has decreased due to shifting policies and trade tensions, leading to “fading U.S. exceptionalism.”
• Why: The typical correlation broke, with both the dollar and U.S. stocks falling together, weakening the dollar’s status as a portfolio hedge.
• Why: Large foreign pension funds sharply increased currency hedges on U.S. assets, causing massive dollar outflows.
• Why: Persistent geopolitical tensions, especially U.S.-China, increased foreign investor caution and accelerated capital outflows from the U.S.

Tech Textiles

• India’s Technical Textiles sector is experiencing rapid growth and attracting significant attention, highlighted by PM Modi sharing an article on its progress. This indicates a strategic focus on a high-value, innovation-driven industry.
• Two major government initiatives, the National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM) and the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, are key drivers behind this transformation. These programs aim to make India a global leader in this segment.
• The sector shows tangible progress with a projected 10% annual domestic market growth, attracting ₹5,218 crore in total investment, and generating over 8,500 jobs by 2025. These metrics demonstrate the success of the government’s efforts.
• NTTM has actively built the ecosystem by supporting research (168 projects), skill development (50,000+ trained), and market expansion through mandated use of technical textiles in public projects. This strengthens the domestic base.
• The PLI scheme focuses on boosting domestic manufacturing of high-value products like carbon fiber and automotive safety textiles to reduce import dependence and enhance global competitiveness. This targets critical areas for self-reliance.
• The sector is becoming crucial for India’s strategic interests across defence, infrastructure, health, and sustainability, signifying its importance beyond just economic growth as it transitions from import-dependent to self-reliant and competitive.

Ax-4 Mission

• First Indian astronaut on a private mission to ISS: Why: Marks a historic moment for India’s human spaceflight program and is a key outcome of the India-USA strategic partnership.
• Multinational crew including India, Poland, and Hungary: Why: Underlines the diverse nature of participation and fosters global cooperation in space exploration, with some nations returning to space after 40 years.
• Advances commercial spaceflight: Why: Demonstrates the viability of commercial space stations as platforms for business and research and promotes commercial activities in low Earth orbit.
• Focus on extensive scientific research: Why: Conducts experiments in areas like health, materials science, and space technology vital for understanding space environments and benefiting future missions.
• Specific experiments for ISRO: Why: Provides a first-time opportunity for ISRO to run customised tech and life sciences experiments in space, generating results relevant for Gaganyaan and future deep-space missions.
• Significant for India’s space future: Why: Serves as a crucial stepping stone towards India’s Human Moon mission by 2040, aids in establishing an Indian space station, and encourages private sector participation.
• Positions India in the new space age: Why: Provides tangible knowledge, operational experience, and global visibility, strengthening India’s scientific, strategic, and economic standing in space.

Axiom-4 Tardigrade Test

• ISRO is sending tardigrades (water bears) aboard the Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station.
  • Why in News? This is a key experiment for ISRO, part of the mission involving Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, to study how these extremely hardy microscopic organisms survive in the extreme environment of space, validating research for the Gaganyaan mission.
• Tardigrades are known for surviving extreme conditions like vacuum, radiation, and vast temperature ranges.
  • Why in News? Their extraordinary resilience makes them ideal subjects for testing the limits of life in space, advancing astrobiology research and providing insights into survival mechanisms applicable elsewhere.
• Studying tardigrade behaviour and response in space.
  • Why in News? Research on their unique survival mechanisms (like cryptobiosis and protective proteins) could potentially lead to breakthroughs like climate-resilient crops, advanced UV protection, and improved organ preservation, feeding into India’s future scientific needs.
• This experiment strengthens Indo-US space collaboration through the ISRO-NASA partnership.
  • Why in News? Conducting critical experiments like tardigrade studies together validates research and positions India as a key player in future space exploration and commercial space stations.

India SEZ Reforms

• Ministry of Commerce & Industry amended SEZ Rules, 2006 to boost investment in semiconductor and electronics component manufacturing. Why: These sectors are capital-intensive, import-dependent, and require long gestation periods.
• Minimum land requirement for SEZs in these sectors reduced from 50 Ha to 10 Ha. Why: Lowers entry barriers and facilitates unit setup.
• Board of Approval can relax encumbrance-free land rule if land is mortgaged/leased to government agencies. Why: Offers greater flexibility in land acquisition and financing.
• Free-of-cost goods can be included in Net Foreign Exchange (NFE) calculations. Why: Improves the SEZ unit’s NFE performance by adding value to exports or subtracting from imports.
• SEZ units can supply to Domestic Tariff Area (DTA) after paying duties. Why: Enhances viability by accessing the Indian market and reducing export dependence.
• These changes aim to boost high-tech manufacturing, spur the semiconductor ecosystem, and create high-skilled jobs.
• Following amendments, Micron will develop a semiconductor SEZ in Sanand, Gujarat (37.64 Ha, Rs 13,000 cr investment).
• Aequs Group will set up an electronics component SEZ in Dharwad, Karnataka (11.55 Ha, Rs 100 cr investment).

Himalayan Rail Marvels

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Chenab rail bridge and Anji Khad bridge in Jammu and Kashmir.
• Chenab Rail Bridge is the world’s highest railway arch bridge, standing 359 metres tall over the Chenab River in Reasi district.
• It is designed for high durability, able to withstand magnitude 8 earthquakes, significant blasts, extreme temperatures, and high winds.
• A unique feature is its ability to remain operational at reduced speed even if one pier fails.
• It was constructed by Konkan Railway Corporation, with design and analysis contributions from IISc Bengaluru, IIT Delhi, IIT Roorkee, and DRDO (blast-proof).
• Anji Khad bridge is India’s 1st cable-stayed rail bridge and the country’s 2nd-highest railway bridge (after Chenab) over the Anji River.
• Both bridges are part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project.
• Their significance lies in providing crucial all-weather rail connectivity between Kashmir and the rest of India.
• The inauguration marks a historic milestone in India’s infrastructure development.

Giant Planet Red Dwarf

• Astronomers discovered a Saturn-sized gas giant planet orbiting the red dwarf star TOI-6894, based on data from NASA TESS and the VLT.
• This is significant because TOI-6894 is the smallest-known star (~21% of the Sun’s mass) found to host such a large planet, challenging existing planetary formation theories which suggest small stars should only form rocky planets.
• The finding implies there might be more giant planets in the galaxy than expected, given that red dwarfs like TOI-6894 are the most common star type.
• The planet, TOI-6894b, orbits very quickly (every three days) and is relatively cool (<150°C), making it a unique target for study.
• Its cooler temperature makes atmospheric analysis easier, potentially allowing the detection of chemicals like ammonia using the James Webb Space Telescope, which could provide unprecedented insights into exoplanet composition.
• Discoveries like this help astronomers test and refine models of how planetary systems form, improving our understanding of our own solar system’s origins.

Drone Warfare

• Drones are now a decisive tool in modern warfare, notably in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
• They are projected to be responsible for 60–70% of damage to Russian military equipment by 2025 due to their dominant battlefield role.
• Ukraine mass-produces affordable FPV drones (approx. 200,000/month at $200–$400), making them highly effective and cost-efficient against expensive Russian assets like tanks.
• Ukrainian drones have advanced capabilities, serving multiple roles including bombing, reconnaissance, relay, and AI-enabled targeting, demonstrating high adaptability.
• Strategic innovations like Ukraine’s GOGOL-M “mothership” drone extend reach up to 300 km for deep strikes using smaller FPVs.
• Russia has developed counter-drones like the EW-resistant Tyuvik and fiber-optic models, but faces challenges, such as AI issues in Lancet-3.
• Naval drones like Ukraine’s Magura V7 have expanded drone warfare, reportedly achieving unprecedented feats like downing aircraft.
• Tactical evolution includes Ukraine employing “drone walls” and conducting long-range strikes against enemy infrastructure.
• The conflict’s drone impact is reshaping global military doctrine, prompting countries to prioritize drone and counter-drone strategies.

Axiom Mission 4

• Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), a private astronaut mission to the ISS organized by Axiom Space, NASA, and SpaceX, is launching. This is news as it represents continued commercial spaceflight to the station.
• The launch, initially set for June 10, 2025, was postponed due to poor weather and is now scheduled for June 11, 2025, at 8:00 a.m. EDT. The delay and new time are key news updates.
• The crew includes astronauts from India (Shubhanshu Shukla), Poland (Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski), and Hungary (Tibor Kapu), marking their nations’ first involvement in an ISS mission and return to government-sponsored spaceflight after four decades. This international participation and historical context are significant news points.
• The mission will conduct over 60 experiments in various scientific fields and promote international cooperation during its ~14-day duration. The scientific goals and collaboration aspect make it newsworthy under science and technology.

India Food Safety Progress

• India shifted from adulteration control to a science-based, consumer-focused food safety system under FSSAI (why: to align with global standards and protect consumers).
• Standards are now risk-based and align with global benchmarks (why: to define clear limits for residues and additives).
• Scientific studies like Total Diet Studies are being conducted (why: to reflect local diets and exposures).
• Regulations are increasingly matching international norms (why: for global harmonization).
• Digital platforms like FoSCoS manage licensing and compliance (why: for oversight and efficiency).
• Training programs like FoSTaC enhance industry standards (why: to ensure food handlers are certified and knowledgeable).
• Public campaigns like Eat Right India and SNF promote healthy and safe diets (why: to transform the food system and spread awareness).
• Sustainability initiatives like RUCO and Jaivik Bharat are in place (why: to address broader health, environmental goals, and promote authentic organic food).
• Challenges include data gaps, poor risk communication, and a trust deficit (why: require India-specific studies, simpler language, and more transparency).

Goa Fully Literate

• Goa has been declared fully functionally literate under the Ministry of Education’s ULLAS (Understanding of Lifelong Learning for All in Society) – Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram programme on May 30, 2025.
  • Why: This is a significant milestone marking a step towards India’s goal of achieving full literacy by 2030 as envisioned in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
• The state crossed the nationally prescribed 95% benchmark for full functional literacy, confirmed by a state-level ULLAS survey, although its general literacy rate was 93.60% (PLFS 2023-24).
  • Why: Achieving the specific functional literacy benchmark of 95% under the ULLAS program is the criteria for this declaration; Goa is the second state after Mizoram to do so.
• The achievement was facilitated by a “Whole-of-Government” approach, collaborating across multiple state departments and engaging volunteer-driven campaigns.
  • Why: Highlights the effective strategies like inter-departmental cooperation and community volunteerism that contributed to identifying non-literates and ensuring certification.
• ULLAS is a centrally sponsored scheme (2022-2027) focused on empowering adults aged 15+ by providing foundational literacy, numeracy, critical life skills, basic education, vocational skills, and continuing education through volunteerism and technology like the DIKSHA platform and ULLAS app.
  • Why: This national program provides the framework, resources, and assessment mechanisms (like FLNAT) that enabled Goa’s success in reaching underserved populations.
• Goa’s success sets a precedent and serves as a beacon of progress for other states.
  • Why: Demonstrates the potential of implementing the ULLAS program effectively through collaboration and volunteer effort, inspiring others towards achieving the national goal of “Jan-Jan Sakshar”.

Great Indian Bustard

• Rajasthan Forest Department named four Great Indian Bustard (GIB) chicks Sindoor, Vyom, Mishri, and Sophia. This is news because it honours Operation Sindoor and military personnel, linking wildlife conservation with national interest.
• The GIB is critically endangered, India’s most threatened bird, and Rajasthan’s state bird. Its global population is estimated to be fewer than 150, highlighting the urgency of conservation efforts.
• Major threats contributing to its decline include habitat loss and, significantly, collisions with power lines. This identifies the key challenges being addressed.
• Conservation efforts like Project GIB and captive breeding centers employing advanced technology (AI, incubators) are actively working to increase the population, especially improving chick survival rates.
• The GIB serves as an indicator species for grassland ecosystems, meaning its survival reflects the health of these crucial habitats.

Aizawl Rail Link

• Aizawl, Mizoram’s capital, has been successfully connected to the national railway network via the Bairabi–Sairang rail line.
• This makes Aizawl the 4th Northeastern state capital with rail access, following Assam (Dispur), Tripura (Agartala), and Arunachal Pradesh (Itanagar).
• The formal inauguration is expected after June 17, following the final Commission of Railway Safety (CRS) inspection; a successful trial run occurred on May 1.
• The 51.38-km Bairabi–Sairang project faced significant engineering challenges due to Mizoram’s difficult terrain, involving numerous tunnels and high bridges (including one taller than Qutub Minar).
• Connecting Aizawl is part of Indian Railways’ broader, accelerated push to connect all Northeastern state capitals and enhance regional infrastructure.

Election Commission

• ECI faces scrutiny over election conduct: Why? Concerns raised by opposition (Rahul Gandhi) regarding potential anomalies in voter rolls and turnout in recent polls, challenging the transparency of the process.
• Debate on voter roll integrity and turnout: Why? Claims of unexplained spikes in voter rolls and high turnout post-5 p.m. during the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly polls have prompted calls for thorough verification by the ECI.
• Transparency in election processes questioned: Why? Issues like limited access to CCTV footage of polling stations fuel concerns about the ECI’s openness and handling of election-related data.
• Appointment process of ECI members changed: Why? A new law (2023 Act) replaced the Supreme Court’s interim collegium, altering how the Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners are selected.
• Exclusion of CJI from selection panel: Why? The 2023 Act removed the Chief Justice of India from the selection committee, leading to concerns about increased executive influence and potential impact on the ECI’s independence.
• Legal challenges to new appointment law: Why? The validity of the 2023 Act is being legally contested, highlighting ongoing debate about whether the changes weaken the ECI’s autonomy and credibility.
• Terms and conditions for ECI officials altered: Why? The 2023 Act set their salary equivalent to the Cabinet Secretary and restricted them to a single term, impacting their service structure.

Rare Earths

• China has restricted exports of rare earth metals and related magnets since April 2025, linked to trade tensions with the US.
• This has caused disruptions in global supply chains, particularly impacting the automotive sector.
• Suzuki suspended production of its Swift model in Japan due to shortages of parts like motors and sensors relying on rare earth magnets.
• Other automakers globally, including EV manufacturers, are facing similar disruptions and potential production delays or price hikes.
• Rare earth magnets, especially Neodymium-Iron-Boron (NdFeB), are vital for efficient EV motors and other car components.
• China has a near monopoly on the processing and production of these critical magnets.
• The export restrictions create difficulties in procurement, requiring special permits or forcing companies to consider buying entire motor assemblies.
• Countries like India are highly dependent on China for these materials, leading to industry discussions with the government to manage supply.

India’s Poverty Decline

• Extreme poverty in India sharply declined from 27.1% in 2011-12 to 5.3% in 2022-23, according to World Bank estimates based on HCES data. This shows significant progress even with the extreme poverty benchmark raised to $3/day.
• Poverty measured at the higher $4.2/day threshold for lower-middle-income countries also fell substantially from 57.7% to 23.9%, indicating a broader reduction across income levels.
• These findings are backed by the new Household Consumption Expenditure Surveys (HCES) 2022-23 by NSO, which are the primary data source for poverty estimates in India, filling a crucial data gap since 2011-12.
• Both monetary poverty and multidimensional poverty (MPI), measuring deprivations in health, education, and living standards, showed significant declines, suggesting improvements beyond just income. Inequality also declined.
• Continued progress requires improving data quality and frequency, expanding social security, focusing on urban poverty which is often overlooked, promoting inclusive growth through job creation, and ensuring data transparency for effective policymaking.

Accreditation Day 2025

• Event: World Accreditation Day (WAD) 2025 celebrated by the Quality Council of India (QCI) in New Delhi on June 9th.
• Theme: “Accreditation: Empowering Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)”. Why: Highlights accreditation’s strategic role in enhancing competitiveness, market access, and credibility for SMEs.
• Key Launches/Initiatives:
  • Revamped NABL Portal launched. Why: To streamline the accreditation process and enhance digital accessibility, especially for laboratories and MSMEs.
  • Gunvatta Samarpan initiative featured. Why: Encourages organisations to publicly pledge adherence to accredited standards, reinforcing commitment to quality.
• Accreditation’s Role: Formal verification of compliance with quality standards in testing, inspection, certification. Why: Crucial for Indian SMEs to access domestic and global markets, uphold quality, support exports, reduce rejection rates, boost productivity, and contribute to Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat goals.
• QCI’s Role: As the national custodian of accreditation, QCI develops and manages the structure, working with boards like NABL and NABCB, and partners with global bodies (ILAC, IAF). Why: Ensures India’s quality infrastructure aligns with international benchmarks and provides reliable data for decision-making.
• Statements: Officials like the DPIIT Secretary and QCI Chairperson emphasized accreditation as vital for global trust and enabling MSME growth across sectors. Why: Reinforces the government and industry’s view on accreditation’s importance for trade, innovation, and sustainable growth.

Birsa Martyr Day

• Why in News: Prime Minister paid tribute to Bhagwan Birsa Munda on June 9th, observed as his Martyr’s Day. The PM highlighted his dedication to tribal welfare and rights and his inspiring sacrifice.
• Who was Birsa Munda: A significant tribal leader, religious reformer, and freedom fighter from the Chotanagpur region.
• Known as Dharti Abba (Father of the Earth), he mobilised Adivasi communities against British colonial policies and exploitation by zamindars, focusing on land rights and social reform.
• He founded the Birsait religion, promoting monotheism, hygiene, and challenging superstitions and forced labour (beth begari).
• Led the Ulgulan movement (1895-1900), employing guerrilla tactics against British authority and advocating for a self-governed tribal state (“Birsa Raj”).
• Captured in February 1900, he died in British custody on June 9, 1900, at the young age of 25.
• His resistance was instrumental in the enactment of the Chotanagpur Tenancy Act (1908), which protected tribal land rights (Khuntkatti) and abolished forced labour.
• His birth anniversary, November 15, is celebrated as Janjatiya Gaurav Divas (Tribal Pride Day) since 2021.

Nanozyme Anticoagulant

• Researchers at IISc. developed a metal-based nanozyme to combat abnormal blood clotting. This is significant because it offers a potential treatment for dangerous conditions like pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) and thrombosis.
• Abnormal clotting occurs when platelets over-activate, often triggered by increased oxidative stress and toxic Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) in conditions like PTE or Covid-19. This over-activation leads to excessive and dangerous clot formation.
• The developed nanozyme, a nanomaterial mimicking natural enzymes, works by scavenging ROS. This is key as it prevents the over-activation of platelets, thus controlling abnormal clot formation.
• Spherical vanadium pentoxide (V₂O₅) nanozymes proved most effective, mimicking a natural antioxidant enzyme called glutathione peroxidase. Their unique chemistry helps reduce oxidative stress.
• Testing in a mouse model of PTE showed the nanozyme significantly reduced thrombosis and increased survival rates without immediate signs of toxicity. This provides preclinical evidence of its effectiveness and safety.
• The researchers plan to explore its use for ischemic stroke and are hopeful about potential human clinical studies based on successful experiments with human platelets. This indicates potential for broad clinical application.

Unnat Bharat Abhiyan

• Unnat Bharat Abhiyan (UBA) completes a decade, why: marking its significant role in redefining higher education’s engagement with rural development.
• Aims to leverage higher education institutions (HEIs) resources for rural transformation, why: crucial as 70% of India lives in rural areas with agriculture contributing disproportionately low to GDP.
• Coordinated by IIT Delhi, involving 4,000+ institutions and 19,000+ villages, why: showing its extensive national reach and collaborative approach.
• Focuses on key areas like organic agriculture, water, healthcare, rural crafts, and e-governance, why: addressing fundamental challenges in rural communities.
• Emphasizes “Village Adhyayan” and Participatory Learning (bottom-up planning), why: ensuring solutions are based on local needs and wisdom, not imposed from above.
• Notable successes include IIT Delhi’s lemongrass cultivation (boosting income) and NIT Manipur’s water purifier (providing clean water), why: demonstrating tangible impact on livelihoods and health.
• UBA 2.0 (since 2018) uses a Challenge Mode, requiring HEIs to adopt villages voluntarily, why: significantly expanding scale and reach compared to the earlier Invitation Mode (UBA 1.0).
• Forged strategic partnerships with multiple ministries and institutions, why: integrating efforts and leveraging diverse expertise for effective implementation.
• Aims to transform higher education by moving beyond classrooms to engage directly with rural realities, why: fostering scholars attuned to rural needs and promoting action-oriented research.
• Rooted in contrasting ideas of Gandhi (village independence) and Ambedkar (caste oppression), why: reflecting the complex history and aspirations guiding India’s rural development efforts.

Food Safety Day 2025

• World Food Safety Day 2025 Theme: “Food Safety: Science in Action.”
  • Why: Highlights the shift towards a science-based approach to food safety, especially in India, moving away from a simple adulteration focus.
• India’s Evolution: From the outdated Prevention of Food Adulteration (PFA) Act (binary view, no risk assessment) to the Food Safety and Standards (FSS) Act, 2006, establishing FSSAI.
  • Why: The PFA Act was insufficient; the FSS Act adopted a risk-based framework aligned with global standards (Codex Alimentarius), incorporating MRLs, ADI, etc., essential for modern food safety.
• Challenges in India: Lack of India-specific scientific data, ineffective risk communication (confusing labels like FOPL, INR), outdated regulations (MSG), large informal sector, slow response to emerging risks (AMR, GMOs), rise of processed foods, and misleading advertising.
  • Why: These gaps weaken the scientific basis of standards, confuse consumers, hinder enforcement, and impact public health. The MSG rule, for instance, contradicts global science.
• Needed Reforms: Strengthen labelling (mandatory FOPL), curb misleading ads (empower FSSAI), improve surveillance, mainstream the informal sector, promote healthy diets, and tackle emerging risks.
  • Why: To ensure consumers make informed choices, enforce standards effectively, improve compliance, promote public health, and adapt to new threats, making the system truly science-based and consumer-centric.
• Overall Significance: Food safety is a public health imperative and a fundamental right.
  • Why: Requires multi-sectoral reforms beyond just penalties to empower consumers and build a truly safe and nourishing food system, reflecting the “Science in Action” theme.

Etna

• Mount Etna, Europe’s largest and most active volcano (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), erupted on June 2, 2025, putting on a fiery show.
• The eruption, the 14th recent phase, involved a collapsed part of the southeast crater resulting in hot lava flows and sent a smoke and ash cloud several kilometers high.
• Initially called a Strombolian eruption, the high ash plume caused some experts to suggest it might have been a more explosive Plinian eruption.
• Officials confirmed no danger to the population as the lava flows did not pass the natural containment area, and the danger was confined to the summit area which was closed.
• The volcanic activity led to a raised alert at Catania airport but no immediate flight interruptions; the ash cloud emission ended by the afternoon.
• Tremors from the eruption were widely felt in nearby towns and villages, and the visual event was captured and shared widely online.

Global Economic Outlook 2025

World Economic Situation and Prospects-2025 is in news because its mid-2025 update revised India’s GDP growth forecast down to 6.3% for 2025. The report, by UNDESA and others, gives global/regional economic outlooks.

• India’s Growth Still Highest: Despite a downward revision to 6.3% for 2025 (from 6.6% previously, and down from 7.1% in 2024), India remains the fastest-growing major economy globally, projected to reach 6.4% in 2026.
• Inflation Manageable: Inflation is expected to decrease to 4.3% in 2025, staying within RBI’s target range, indicating effective monetary policy.
• Key Growth Drivers: India’s growth is driven by strong manufacturing GVA, record total exports (especially services and non-petroleum merchandise), and increased defence exports showing rising global trust.
• Global Slowdown: Global GDP growth is projected to slow to 2.4% in 2025 due to various factors including tariffs, policy uncertainty (US), weak demand, export disruptions, and real estate stress (China).
• Other Economies Face Challenges: Many Emerging Market Economies (EMEs) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs) face downgrades or declining growth due to factors like tepid trade, falling investment, commodity price volatility, reduced aid, and debt risks.
• Persistent Issues: High food inflation (driven by climate shocks, trade protectionism, etc.) remains a global issue affecting food security for millions, with countries like India particularly vulnerable due to food being a large share of spending.
• Rising Global Risks: Increased trade tensions and US tariffs are causing a “tariff shock,” raising costs, disrupting supply chains, and disproportionately harming developing economies, weakening multilateralism.

New UNSC Members

• UN General Assembly elected Bahrain, Colombia, DRC, Latvia, and Liberia as non-permanent members of the UNSC for a 2-year term starting Jan 1, 2026.
• Why: These countries will join the UNSC, responsible for maintaining international peace and security, bringing their regional perspectives and contributing to global governance for their term.
• They will serve alongside members elected in 2024 (Denmark, Greece, Pakistan, Panama, Somalia).
• Why: Ensures continuity and rotation of non-permanent members representing various regions.
• Pakistan will chair the UNSC 1988 Taliban Sanctions Committee in 2025 and be vice-chair of the Counter-Terrorism Committee during its 2025-26 term.
• Why: Assigns specific roles to elected non-permanent members, giving them influence and responsibility over critical security issues like counter-terrorism and sanctions enforcement related to Afghanistan.
• The UNSC is the UN body primarily responsible for international peace and security, with 5 permanent members (P5) with veto power and 10 non-permanent members elected for 2 years by the UNGA based on regional distribution.
• Why: Provides context on the structure and function of the body these countries are joining.
• Decisions of the UNSC are obligatory for UN member states.
• Why: Highlights the unique authority of the UNSC within the UN system.
• The 1988 Taliban Sanctions Committee monitors targeted sanctions against individuals and entities associated with the Taliban threatening Afghanistan’s stability.
• Why: Explains the specific mandate of the committee Pakistan will chair, showing its relevance to current security challenges.

Stratosphere Injection

• Stratospheric Aerosol Injection (SAI) is a proposed geoengineering technique to cool the Earth by reflecting sunlight back into space.
• It is inspired by the cooling effect observed after large volcanic eruptions like Mount Pinatubo.
• SAI involves injecting small reflective particles (like sulfate aerosols) into the stratosphere (10-50 km altitude).
• Particles stay in the stratosphere for months to years, scattering solar radiation and increasing Earth’s reflectivity (albedo).
• Recent research explores lower-altitude (around 13 km) SAI in polar regions using existing aircraft, making it potentially faster and cheaper than high-altitude methods requiring specialized planes.
• This lower-altitude approach might require injecting significantly more aerosols (e.g., 12-21 million tonnes/year for 0.6-1°C cooling) compared to higher-altitude injections.
• SAI only masks warming; it does not address the root cause of climate change (greenhouse gas emissions).
• Associated risks include potential damage to the ozone layer, acid rain, uneven cooling (more pronounced in polar regions), alteration of precipitation/monsoon patterns, and disruption of stratospheric chemistry.
• The effects are global, making it controversial due to potential geopolitical and governance challenges; a moratorium on R&D has been called for by some groups.

Energy Investment 2025

• Record Global Investment: Total energy investment is set to hit a record $3.3 trillion in 2025, with clean energy attracting $2.2 trillion (twice fossil fuels’ $1.1 trillion). Why: Shows a significant shift towards cleaner sources driven by emission reduction efforts, energy security concerns, and cost competitiveness.
• Clean Energy Dominance: Spending on low-emissions power nearly doubled in five years, led by solar ($450 billion), sharp rise in battery storage ($65 billion), and significant growth in nuclear (50% increase to $75 billion). Why: Highlights the accelerating deployment of key technologies crucial for the energy transition.
• China’s Outsized Role: China accounts for over 25% of global energy investments in 2025, equalling the US and EU combined, and leads in both clean and fossil fuel infrastructure spending. Why: Demonstrates China’s massive influence on global energy markets and its dual focus on clean energy and energy security (including coal).
• Developing Countries Face Barriers: While global clean energy investment surges, developing countries like those in Africa struggle to mobilise capital due to currency depreciation, high interest rates, and debt servicing costs. Africa accounts for only 2% of clean energy investment despite 20% of the world population. Why: Shows unequal progress in the energy transition and highlights financial challenges hindering climate goals in vulnerable regions.
• India’s Mixed Picture: India significantly increased renewable power investment ($13bn to $37bn) and other clean sources, but fossil fuel investment also rose, and grid/storage investment declined ($31bn to $25bn). High cost of capital remains a challenge. Why: Reflects India’s efforts to diversify its energy mix for security and demand growth, but also persistent reliance on fossil fuels and infrastructure bottlenecks.
• Persistent Fossil Fuel Investment: Oil exploration investment drops, but LNG is rising sharply, and coal investment remains strong, with China approving significant new capacity. Why: Indicates ongoing investments in fossil fuels despite clean energy growth, driven by energy security concerns and regional dynamics, posing challenges to rapid decarbonisation.
• Lagging Grid Investment: While generation investment nears $1 trillion, grid spending lags at $400 billion, a gap widening due to material costs and permitting issues. Why: Grid infrastructure is critical to integrate renewables, and underinvestment risks slowing down the clean energy transition and impacting reliability.

NCC India

• Expansion of the National Cadet Corps (NCC) by three lakh cadets has been announced by Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth. This is news because it signifies a major growth initiative for the world’s largest uniformed youth organization, requiring significant effort in terms of infrastructure development and state support.
• The announcement was made at a conference in Bhopal on June 03, 2025, highlighting the government’s commitment to strengthening the NCC’s role in nation-building and youth development.
• Several states have already agreed to support the expansion, indicating a collaborative effort needed to implement this plan, which involves securing manpower, infrastructure, and funding.
• Recent NCC initiatives were highlighted, including the inclusion of Ex-Servicemen as instructors, providing employment opportunities for veterans. This is news as it introduces a new operational change and benefits scheme.
• The NCC’s active participation in national campaigns like Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and Nasha Mukti Abhiyan was lauded, showcasing its current relevance and contribution beyond military training.
• The successful summit by the NCC Mount Everest Expedition team was also mentioned, demonstrating the cadets’ courage and training effectiveness.

ULLAS Literacy

Date: 9-06-2025
Mainspedia TOPIC: ULLAS program for literacy
GS Paper II – Governance

• News Context: Goa and Mizoram declared “fully literate” under ULLAS, following Ladakh (first UT in June 2023).
• ULLAS (Understanding Lifelong Learning for All in Society): Also known as New India Literacy Programme, launched 2022 by Ministry of Education (Centrally Sponsored, runs until 2027).
• Goal: Empower 5 crore adults (15+ years) with foundational literacy, numeracy, and life skills (digital, financial) by 2027.
• Full Literacy Definition: Achieving a 95% literacy rate, including reading, writing, numeracy, comprehension, and life skills. Aligns with NEP 2020 and SDG Target 4.6 (by 2030).
• Implementation: Uses door-to-door surveys to identify learners, volunteers (students, youth, citizens) as educators, NCERT materials (local languages), and a mobile app.
• Assessment: Learners take Functional Literacy Numeracy Assessment Test (FLNAT) and are certified by NIOS upon passing.
• Status: Over 2.43 crore learners registered, ~1.03 crore certified since March 2023. National average pass rate ~90%. High participation from women (>70% in several states).
• Achievements: Ladakh (2023), Goa (99.72%), and Mizoram (98.2%) declared fully literate based on ULLAS training/assessment or PLFS data.
• Challenges: Elderly participation, state-wise performance disparities, accurately tracking non-literates.
• Significance: Modern, technology-enabled adult education initiative aligning with national (NEP 2020) and global (SDG 4.6) goals for inclusive development.

UMEED Portal

• UMEED portal (Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency and Development) launched by the Government of India.
• Acts as a centralized digital platform for real-time registration, verification, and monitoring of Waqf assets nationwide.
• Requires mandatory registration of all Waqf properties within six months, including geo-tagging and detailed documentation.
• Why News: Aims to ensure greater transparency, accountability, and public participation by making Waqf data digitally traceable and accessible.
• Why News: Designed to streamline administration, curb misuse, and empower beneficiaries by ensuring fair utilization of community-owned assets.
• Why News: Aligned with the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, implementing its reforms for improved governance and management of Waqf properties.

Satellite Internet

• Elon Musk’s Starlink has received a key licence from India’s Department of Telecommunications. Why: This clears a major regulatory hurdle for launching satellite internet services in the country.
• Starlink is now the third company to get a Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite (GMPCS) licence in India. Why: Shows market entry alongside existing players like OneWeb and Reliance Jio.
• India will allocate spectrum for satellite communication administratively, not through auction. Why: This decision is based on the technical challenges of auctioning shared satellite spectrum and supports Starlink’s stance.
• Once spectrum is allocated, Starlink can begin commercial rollout. Why: Spectrum is required to offer the service.
• The service is expected to significantly expand internet access, particularly in remote and underserved regions. Why: Traditional internet infrastructure is difficult to deploy in these areas.
• Starlink is a satellite internet constellation by SpaceX using low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites. Why: Its goal is to provide high-speed internet globally, especially where traditional broadband is limited.
• Administrative allocation is preferred for satellite internet in India. Why: Because spectrum for satellite services is shared globally, making auctioning technically unfeasible, unlike mobile services where exclusive rights are needed.

MagIC Microscopy

• MagIC Microscopy introduces a method to study biological molecules using cryo-EM even at extremely low concentrations. Why: Traditional cryo-EM requires high sample amounts, preventing research on rare or difficult-to-purify samples.
• It uses magnetic beads to bind to target molecules and magnetic fields to concentrate them. Why: This bypasses the need for high overall sample concentration, making previously inaccessible molecules visible.
• Enables analysis of samples up to 100 times more dilute. Why: Opens new avenues to study rare biological complexes, transient states, or proteins expressed in tiny amounts.
• Reduces the total amount of sample required and speeds up data collection. Why: Makes structural biology research more cost-effective, less resource-intensive, and faster.
• Broadens cryo-EM’s application range for drug discovery, vaccine development, and understanding fundamental biology. Why: Provides crucial structural insights into molecules previously impossible to image at high resolution.
• Represents a major step forward in overcoming a key limitation in structural biology. Why: Expands the power of cryo-EM to a wider array of important biological questions and samples.

Boost India Apparel Exports

• India’s apparel sector contributes significantly to employment (45M) and GDP (2.3%) but has a low (3%) and stagnant share in global trade, with recent exports declining (-2% AAGR) against a $40bn 2030 target. (Why: Highlights the sector’s potential and current underperformance gap).
• The fundamental constraint is lack of scale; over 80% are fragmented MSMEs compared to competitors’ large, vertically integrated export factories preferred by global buyers for volume, consistency, and cost. (Why: Explains why India struggles to compete internationally).
• Case studies like Shahi Exports show large-scale (100k+ employees, $1bn+ revenue), integrated operations can succeed ethically in India, demonstrating the need for more such models. (Why: Provides proof of concept and a strategic direction).
• Reforms are needed in capital access & affordability (subsidies, tax holidays) because India’s high capital cost (9%) and thin industry margins (~4-5%) hinder global competitiveness. (Why: Financial barriers need addressing).
• Labour reforms (rationalising laws, revising overtime, linking MGNREGA funds, expanding SAMARTH skilling) are crucial to ease formal hiring, improve scalability, and address labour costs (~30% of production), boosting job creation, especially for women/youth. (Why: Rigid labour framework and skill gaps limit formal growth and employment).
• Infrastructure development via designating specific PM MITRA parks as apparel hubs, ideally located near labour sources (like UP, MP), is needed to reduce logistics costs and support decentralised, inclusive industrialisation. (Why: Improves efficiency and reduces regional inequality).
• Export-focused incentives (shifting from PLI to ELI, reorienting RoDTEP, RoSCTL) should replace domestic-output focus to directly reward firms for winning in international markets. (Why: Aligns incentives with the export growth target).
• Achieving the $40bn export goal requires bold reforms enabling large-scale, export-oriented manufacturing through targeted support for capital, labour, infrastructure, and performance-linked incentives. (Why: Summarises the necessary strategic shift).

Manipur Unrest

• Violence erupted following the arrest of Kanan Singh, a Meitei leader. Why: He was linked to previous ethnic violence in 2023, suggesting the arrest reignited existing tensions.
• Protests quickly became violent, leading to government imposing curfews and internet shutdowns. Why: These measures were implemented to control the escalating situation and prevent the spread of unrest and misinformation.
• The core issue is deep-rooted ethnic tensions between the Meitei majority and Kuki-Zomi tribes. Why: This historical divide was exacerbated by a court order favouring Scheduled Tribe status for Meiteis, which triggered fears among Kukis of marginalization, particularly regarding land rights.
• Underlying drivers include disputes over land rights, political representation, and access to government benefits. Why: These are long-standing grievances contributing to the overall instability and mistrust between communities.
• The conflict remains unresolved with periodic flare-ups. Why: Despite security measures and calls for peace, the fundamental issues and fragile communal relations persist, preventing a lasting resolution.

Aerosol Geoengineering

• Stratospheric Aerosol Injection (SAI) is a controversial climate idea involving injecting reflective particles into the stratosphere (around 20 km altitude) to cool the planet.
  • Why: It aims to mimic the cooling effect of major volcanic eruptions by reflecting sunlight away from Earth, helping to reduce climate change impacts.
• A new study suggests methods to make SAI more realistic by proposing innovative ways to reduce costs and technical difficulties.
  • Why: It explores optimizing materials, timing, and injection locations, noting that existing aircraft could potentially be modified for this purpose.
• Achieving significant cooling could require injecting large amounts (e.g., 12 million tonnes of sulfur aerosols over six years) at certain altitudes (like 13 km).
  • Why: This scale is comparable to the cooling effect observed after the 1991 Mount Pinatubo eruption.
• Major risks and challenges are associated with SAI.
  • Why: Potential side effects include delaying ozone layer recovery, altering global rainfall and weather patterns (potentially causing droughts or altered monsoons), and creating complex geopolitical issues.
• SAI is contentious because its effects would be global.
  • Why: Any country implementing SAI would affect the entire planet, with consequences that may not be beneficial for all regions, raising ethical and governance challenges.
• While the study addresses technical hurdles, significant scientific, ethical, and governance challenges remain.
  • Why: The debate continues on whether the potential climate benefits of SAI outweigh the unpredictable and potentially severe global risks.

FDI India

• India’s net Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) declined sharply to USD 0.4 billion in 2024-25 from USD 10.1 billion in 2023-24, as per RBI data.
• This decline is primarily due to increased repatriation and disinvestment by foreign firms (USD 51.5 billion) combined with a rise in Outward FDI (OFDI) by Indian companies.
• Gross FDI inflows remained strong, increasing to USD 81 billion in 2024-25, concentrated in sectors like manufacturing, financial services, and energy, mainly from Singapore, Mauritius, and UAE.
• Outward FDI by Indian companies surged by 75% to USD 29.2 billion in 2024-25, driven by global expansion, resource acquisition, cost efficiency, trade agreements, and service sector globalization.
• FDI is a long-term, non-debt capital flow regulated by FDI Policy 2020 and FEMA, allowing investment via automatic or government approval routes.
• FDI is crucial for India’s growth, contributing to capital formation, jobs, technology transfer, infrastructure, exports, and domestic competition.
• Major barriers include a complex regulatory environment (taxation), infrastructure gaps, challenges in market competition, uneven distribution across regions/sectors, and environmental concerns.
• Boosting FDI requires policy reforms (single-window, dispute resolution), addressing structural issues (incentives for underdeveloped areas), encouraging reinvestment, and improving infrastructure/skills, especially in non-metro areas.

800-Yr Shiva Unearthed

• Discovery of an 800-year-old Shiva temple near Madurai. Why: This is the primary event and the core news.
• Dates back to the reign of Pandya king Maravarman Sundarapandian I (early 13th century CE). Why: Provides historical context, linking the temple to a specific period and ruler known for temple patronage.
• Reflects Pandya-style architecture. Why: Significant for understanding regional architectural traditions, known for intricate stone work.
• Inscriptions may offer details on land grants, administration, and taxation. Why: Potential to provide valuable historical data on the Pandya dynasty’s socio-economic and political systems.
• Unearthed by local villagers and archaeologists after centuries of neglect. Why: Highlights community involvement and expert contribution in historical preservation.
• Could reshape understanding of medieval South Indian temple networks. Why: The find’s potential impact on historical research, revealing connections and scope of religious infrastructure.
• Linked to the Pandya Dynasty, known for promoting Shaivism and temple patronage. Why: Places the temple within the broader historical and cultural context of a major ancient Tamil kingdom.

MPC cuts repo rate

• Repo Rate Reduced: The RBI MPC lowered the repo rate by 50 basis points to 5.5%.
  • Why: To support economic growth by lowering borrowing costs for consumers and businesses. This aims to reduce loan EMIs and make credit cheaper, encouraging spending and investment.
• Cumulative Reduction: This reduction is part of a cumulative 100 bps cut in recent months.
  • Why: Reinforces the central bank’s efforts to stimulate the economy through lower interest rates.
• Boost Credit Growth: The rate cut is expected to stimulate borrowing and lending activity.
  • Why: Increased credit availability and lower costs are intended to drive consumption and investment, supporting GDP growth.
• Support GDP & Inflation: The policy aims to support India’s projected GDP growth (6.5% for FY26). The inflation outlook has also been revised down (to 3.7%).
  • Why: Monetary policy is a key tool used by the MPC to balance price stability (inflation control) with economic growth objectives. The lower inflation outlook provides room for rate cuts to prioritize growth.
• Shift in Stance: The policy stance moved from ‘accommodative’ to ‘neutral’.
  • Why: Provides the RBI flexibility for future monetary actions based on evolving economic conditions, suggesting the significant easing phase might be moderating.
• Related Action (CRR Cut): A phased reduction in the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) was also announced (from 4% to 3%).
  • Why: To inject significant liquidity into the banking system, enabling banks to lend more easily and further supporting lower interest rates.

Ladakh Reg & 6th Sched

• Following the abrogation of Article 370 and becoming a Union Territory without a legislature, Ladakh’s people (LAB, KDA) demanded inclusion under the Sixth Schedule for constitutional protection of their land, jobs, and cultural identity, along with land ownership restrictions and a legislative assembly.
• The Centre responded by issuing regulations for Ladakh under Article 240, which include domicile-based job reservations (15 years residency criteria), overall reservation caps (85% + 10% EWS), designation of multiple official languages, and reserving one-third of LAHDC seats for women. (Why: These measures are the Centre’s attempt to address some demands like jobs and language, but are seen as less robust than constitutional protection).
• Ladakhis advocate for Sixth Schedule status over Article 240 regulations because the Sixth Schedule is constitutionally protected, providing greater autonomy and security through Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) with legislative power over land, culture, etc. (Why: Article 240 regulations can be unilaterally altered, while the Sixth Schedule ensures long-term protection, crucial for safeguarding the fragile ecosystem, tribal land rights (97% tribal population), and cultural identity from outside pressures).
• The Sixth Schedule governs tribal areas in four North-Eastern states via ADCs having powers to legislate on matters like land, forests, and social customs, offering a degree of self-governance and autonomy not available under current administrative LAHDCs or Article 240 regulations. (Why: It represents the robust framework sought for protecting Ladakh’s unique needs).
• Suggested measures to address Ladakh’s needs include enacting a customized constitutional framework, implementing strict land ownership restrictions similar to other protected states, and granting legislative and financial autonomy to LAHDCs. (Why: These are seen as necessary steps to balance development, tribal rights, and ecological sustainability in Ladakh, potentially as alternatives or additions if full Sixth Schedule inclusion is not granted).

Daojali Hading Neolithic Site

• Recent archaeological findings at Daojali Hading reaffirm its status as a significant Neolithic habitation site in Assam, confirming human presence over 2,700 years ago.
• The discovery of domestic artefacts like polished stone tools (celts, grinding stones), pottery (cord-marked, low-fired), mortars, and pestles provides insights into the daily life, technology, and practices of the people living there during the New Stone Age.
• Evidence of early metallurgical activity indicates that inhabitants were beginning to engage in metal working, a key transition phase from purely stone-based technology.
• The presence of jadeite stones, unique to the site in the region and found elsewhere like China, strongly suggests ancient trade routes and cultural links existed between Northeast India and distant East/Southeast Asian regions over two millennia ago.
• The site is identified as a prominent example of a Neolithic settlement in Northeastern India, contributing to the understanding of this period in the region.

INS Arnala SWC

• INS Arnala, India’s first Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC), is set to be commissioned by the Indian Navy at Visakhapatnam.
• It is the lead ship of a series of 16 vessels, built by GRSE, Kolkata, in partnership with L&T Shipbuilders, under a Public-Private Partnership model.
• Key to India’s self-reliance in defence, it boasts over 80% indigenous content, integrating systems from major Indian firms and contributions from over 55 MSMEs.
• Designed specifically for anti-submarine warfare, subsurface surveillance, search & rescue, and low-intensity maritime operations to enhance coastal defence capabilities. This is important for detecting and countering threats in shallow waters amid increasing submarine activity in the region.
• With a length of 77 meters and over 1,490 tonnes displacement, it is the largest Indian warship powered by a diesel engine–waterjet propulsion system.
• Named after the historic Arnala Fort, it symbolizes India’s rich maritime heritage.

India Electric Car Scheme

• The Scheme to Promote Manufacturing of Electric Passenger Cars in India (SPMEPCI) was issued by the Centre, initiated by the Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI).
• Its primary objective is to boost domestic manufacturing of electric passenger cars (e-4W). This is crucial to reduce reliance on imports and build India’s own EV industry.
• The scheme aligns with India’s broader commitments, including achieving net-zero emissions by 2070 and promoting sustainable mobility. This links the scheme to national environmental and transport policy goals.
• Eligibility is restricted to companies/groups with significant automotive revenue (min Rs 10,000 cr) and existing investment (min Rs 3,000 cr in fixed assets). This ensures that only serious and established players with the financial capacity for large-scale investment can participate.
• Approved applicants get a customs duty concession, importing expensive (> USD 35,000) electric car Completely Built-in Units (CBUs) at a reduced 15% duty for 5 years (capped at 8,000 units/year). This allows companies to introduce high-end models while they establish local manufacturing.
• A mandatory investment commitment of at least Rs 4,150 crore within 3 years is required, alongside establishing manufacturing units and commencing production. This forces rapid and substantial investment in building domestic production capabilities.
• Applicants must achieve phased Domestic Value Addition (DVA) of 25% within 3 years and 50% within 5 years. This requirement, aligned with the PLI scheme, is key to developing a strong local supply chain and ensuring that a significant portion of the car is made in India, boosting local industry and employment.
• The overarching goal is to establish India as a global EV manufacturing hub. This positions the scheme as a strategic step towards making India a significant player in the international electric vehicle market.

NITI Calls for Federalism

• NITI Aayog’s 10th Governing Council meeting, themed “Viksit Rajya for Viksit Bharat@2047”, stressed cooperative federalism’s importance for national development goals.
• Key meeting outcomes included addressing state-specific demands (like Tamil Nadu’s tax share, Punjab’s water rights), promoting trade/investment by reducing bottlenecks, enhancing security preparedness, and discussing state strategies for economic and social reforms.
• NITI Aayog supports federalism by acting as a bridge aligning state/national goals (Team India Hub) and fostering competitive federalism through data-driven rankings (like ADP) to drive sectoral improvements.
• Major challenges identified include infrequent federal dialogue leading to policy paralysis, the Centre using financial leverage undermining spirit, states demanding fairer tax devolution (50%) citing fiscal constraints, and unresolved inter-state disputes over resources like water.
• Proposed measures to strengthen cooperation involve regularizing NITI Aayog/GST Council meetings, ensuring fairer resource sharing (increased tax devolution, performance grants), encouraging state-to-state partnerships, and improving inter-state water coordination.

India Cancer Gaps

• A National Academy of Medical Sciences (NAMS) report points out major gaps in cancer care in India, especially in early diagnosis and timely treatment of breast cancer. Why: This indicates a significant challenge in effectively managing a prevalent disease among women.
• Over 60% of breast cancer patients in India are diagnosed at late stages (Stage 3 or 4), starkly different from the US where 60% are diagnosed early (in situ or Stage 1). Why: Late diagnosis severely limits treatment options and outcomes.
• More than 50% of Indian patients delay seeking medical advice for over 3 months. Why: This significant patient delay is a key reason for the high rate of late-stage diagnoses.
• India ranks 3rd globally in cancer cases and the burden is projected to rise by 57.5% by 2040. Why: This highlights the massive and growing scale of the cancer problem requiring urgent and improved care strategies.
• Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (AAMs), upgraded primary health centers, have conducted over 10 crore breast cancer screenings by 2023. Why: This shows an initiative to improve early detection and accessible services, particularly for underserved communities, as part of strengthening primary healthcare.
• AAMs offer a wide range of free, accessible health services beyond maternal and child care, including non-communicable disease treatment and palliative care. Why: This integrated approach aims to address health needs, including cancer care and support, at the grassroots level.

G7

• Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was invited by Canada to attend the 2025 G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Alberta. This is news because it signals potential improvement in India-Canada relations which were strained after the 2023 Nijjar killing controversy.
• The G7 is a forum of seven major industrialized democracies (Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, UK, US) plus the EU, formed to coordinate on global economic and political challenges. This provides context for why India is invited (as a significant global player) and the type of discussions expected.
• The invitation comes despite recent tensions, following a phone call where leaders discussed ties, law enforcement cooperation, and security concerns. This highlights the complexity of the relationship and the effort to move past recent difficulties.
• Canada emphasized India’s global economic importance and role in supply chains as key reasons for the invitation. This indicates the G7’s recognition of India’s growing influence beyond the G7 membership.
• Modi’s acceptance, acknowledging shared democratic values, reinforces the positive intent behind the move. The invitation of non-member countries like India is a regular feature, but this specific instance is news due to the bilateral context.
• G7 decisions are not legally binding but carry significant political weight, meaning India’s participation allows engagement on crucial global issues like economic stability, security, and supply chains.

Insolvency Code

• The IBC is India’s landmark law (2016) to streamline insolvency resolution for individuals, companies, and firms in a time-bound manner, crucial for economic governance.
• Its main objectives are time-bound resolution (target 330 days), maximizing asset value, promoting entrepreneurship and credit availability, and balancing stakeholder interests to improve ease of doing business.
• It provides a single framework covering all entities and establishes key institutions like IBBI (regulator), NCLT/DRT (adjudicating authorities), and Resolution Professionals (RPs) to manage the process.
• Creditors can initiate proceedings on default of ₹1 crore or more, and control shifts from management to the Committee of Creditors (CoC) on initiation, empowering creditors.
• Achievements include reducing NPAs (e.g., from 11.2% to 2.8%), promoting credit discipline, and recovering substantial amounts (over ₹3.89 lakh crore), enhancing investor confidence.
• Challenges include significant delays often exceeding the 330-day limit due to judicial backlogs, low recovery rates in recent cases (around 28.6%), inadequate infrastructure, valuation disputes, and lack of clarity on certain aspects, hindering full effectiveness.
• Its ultimate effectiveness relies on improvements in judicial efficiency, legal clarity, and institutional capacity to overcome current challenges.

India Water Source-Sea

• India faces a severe water crisis due to pollution, scarcity, overexploitation, and fragmented governance, indicating the current isolated management system is failing.
• The Source-to-Sea (S2S) approach emerges as a critical alternative, recognizing the ecological interconnectedness of systems from glaciers and mountains to the ocean.
• S2S promotes integrated governance across land, freshwater, estuarine, and marine domains because human upstream activities significantly impact downstream ecosystems and ocean health.
• India’s current water management is fragmented across departments and levels, leading to policy mismatch, coordination gaps, severe pollution, and over-extraction of resources like groundwater.
• The S2S approach is formalized under initiatives like the Manila Declaration and supported by global efforts like the UN’s International Year of Glaciers 2025 and the Decade of Ocean Science, highlighting the need for holistic action.
• Integrating S2S into India’s national water policy requires new institutional mechanisms, multi-stakeholder platforms, and science-based tools to ensure holistic, sustainable, and resilient water management.

Safe Food

• World Food Safety Day (June 7) highlights the theme “Food Safety: Science in Action,” focusing on India’s evolution from basic anti-adulteration laws to a modern, science-based framework led by the FSSAI. This shift signifies a major regulatory modernization aligning India globally.
• India’s food safety journey progressed from the binary Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954 to the risk-based, scientific Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, establishing FSSAI. This move incorporated risk analysis, MRLs, and ADIs.
• Robust food safety is crucial for public health (reducing foodborne illness, long-term issues), building consumer trust, economic impact (reducing healthcare costs, supporting trade), global trade compliance (aligning with Codex), and sustainable development (promoting safe, nutritious food).
• Key challenges remain, including a lack of India-specific data for standards (needing a Total Diet Study), poor communication of scientific concepts like MRLs to the public, legacy regulatory issues like outdated MSG labelling causing misinformation, and institutional weaknesses such as inadequate trained personnel and fragmented state implementation.
• Moving forward requires strengthening scientific research specific to India, improving risk communication to consumers, building institutional capacity, regularly revising regulations based on science, and enhancing dialogue with stakeholders. These steps are vital for effective, transparent, and trust-based food safety.

China Dams & Brahmaputra India

• Concerns raised over China’s hydroelectric projects on the Brahmaputra River, particularly near the border with India, affecting India’s water security.
• Why: China’s construction of major dams like the Medog Hydro Project near the ‘Great Bend’ could alter the river’s natural flow and course before it enters India.
• Potential alteration of water flow could reduce flow downstream into India and Bangladesh, raising concerns about water scarcity, especially as Chinese projects may have minimal storage but affect natural flood cycles.
• Why: Changes in flow impact water availability for irrigation and domestic use downstream.
• Ecological disruptions are feared due to altered water flow.
• Why: This could affect the river’s ecosystems in India, including vital wildlife habitats like Kaziranga National Park (home to rhinos), potentially disrupting fish migration patterns and the habitat of other species.
• The Brahmaputra is crucial for India, holding over 30% of the nation’s water resources and 41% of its hydropower potential, with significant flow contribution from tributaries within India.
• Why: This highlights India’s high dependence on the river downstream, making upstream activities a critical concern despite India’s own hydro projects on its tributaries.

Flamingo Sanctuary

• Tamil Nadu government notified the 524.8-hectare Greater Flamingo Sanctuary at Dhanushkodi (what). Why: Officially designates a crucial wetland area for protection.
• Announced on World Environment Day 2025, it lies within the Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve (what). Why: Reinforces environmental commitment and integrates with an existing protected area.
• The sanctuary is a key stopover along the Central Asian Flyway and hosts 128 bird species, including flamingos (what). Why: Provides vital habitat for migratory birds and supports regional biodiversity.
• It also conserves mangroves, marine life, and sea turtle nesting sites (what). Why: Protects a rich and interconnected coastal ecosystem.
• The initiative aims to conserve biodiversity, promote eco-tourism, and support local livelihoods (what). Why: Balances ecological protection with socio-economic benefits for the region.
• The forest department will be strengthened (what). Why: Ensures better protection and management of the sanctuary area.

Thermophiles AMR Treatment

• Thermophilic bacteria found in Rajgir (Bihar) hot springs are a promising source for discovering new antibiotics. Why: They thrive in extreme environments, potentially producing potent antimicrobials to outcompete other organisms.
• Researchers used 16S rRNA metagenomics to study the microbial diversity in the hot springs. Why: This technique allows identification of microbes, including antibiotic producers like Actinobacteria, directly from environmental samples without needing lab culture, which is useful for extreme conditions.
• Actinobacteria comprised a high percentage (40-43%) of the bacteria in the Rajgir hot springs. Why: This group is well-known for producing many existing antibiotics like streptomycin and tetracycline, indicating a high potential for finding new ones.
• A compound called diethyl phthalate was extracted from an Actinomycetales bacterium from Rajgir. Why: This compound showed inhibition against the dangerous foodborne pathogen Listeria monocytogenes, suggesting it could be developed into a new treatment.
• Finding new potent antibacterial compounds from sources like thermophiles is crucial to combat Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR). Why: AMR is a growing global threat making infections harder to treat, increasing healthcare costs (projected $1 trillion by 2050), and reducing the effectiveness of existing drugs.
• Thermophiles also have significant industrial and agricultural applications. Why: Enzymes from thermophiles are vital for technologies like the PCR test (used for COVID-19), and some bacterial combinations can promote plant growth due to their heat tolerance.

Disinflation Stronger

• OECD forecasts global headline inflation in G20 economies to significantly moderate in 2025 and 2026 compared to 2024.
• Eurozone inflation has cooled below the ECB’s target, suggesting potential further interest rate cuts.
• China is experiencing deflationary pressures driven by weak consumer demand.
• The combination of easing inflation globally (excluding the US), weak demand in China, and potential central bank rate cuts (like in the Eurozone) indicates disinflation is the dominant global trend currently.
• While the U.S. is an exception with inflation expected to remain above target, the broader international picture points towards a slowdown in the rate of price increases outweighing inflationary pressures for now.

TASL makes Rafale fuselage

• TASL (Tata Advanced Systems Limited) to produce Rafale fighter jet fuselages in India: This is a landmark partnership between Dassault Aviation (France) and TASL, marking the first time Rafale fuselages will be produced outside France. It signifies a major boost to India’s defense manufacturing capabilities.
• Setting up a new facility in Hyderabad: TASL will establish a cutting-edge plant specifically for manufacturing key fuselage sections (rear, central, front). This creates advanced manufacturing infrastructure and jobs in India.
• Production starts in FY 2028, targeting 2 fuselages per month: The facility will begin delivering parts soon and aims for significant output, indicating a long-term commitment and scaling up of production capacity in India.
• Supporting both Indian and global markets: The fuselages produced will serve India’s existing Rafale fleet, future naval orders, and potentially Dassault’s international customers. This positions India as a key player in the global aerospace supply chain.
• Alignment with ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’: This collaboration directly supports the government’s initiatives to enhance self-reliance in defense and aerospace manufacturing, moving towards indigenous production of complex defense systems.
• Potential implications for future Indian Air Force requirements: Establishing production capability in India could pave the way for potentially producing more Rafale aircraft locally if chosen under future procurement programs like the MRFA.

Census

• India’s next census, postponed from 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, is now targeted for completion by March 1, 2027. Why: This sets the updated timeframe for this vital national data collection exercise after a significant delay.
• The census will be conducted in two phases (house listing and population enumeration). Why: This is the standard, systematic method used for comprehensive data gathering.
• For the first time since 1931, the census will include caste enumeration. Why: This is a significant addition that can provide detailed insights into social structures and demographics, influencing policy.
• Snow-bound and non-synchronous regions will have a different reference date (October 1, 2026) and earlier data collection. Why: This ensures coverage in challenging geographical areas.
• The official notification is expected on June 16, 2025, as required by the Census Act, 1948. Why: This provides the legal basis and formal start for the extensive process.
• The census is crucial as it provides updated demographic, social, and economic data. Why: This data is foundational for government policymaking, resource allocation, welfare scheme planning, electoral boundary delimitation, and implementing new laws such as women’s reservation.

World Milk Day 2025

• World Milk Day 2025, established by the FAO, highlights the nutritional, economic, and environmental importance of milk and the dairy industry’s role.
• The 2025 theme, “Let’s Celebrate the Power of Dairy,” focuses on its contributions to nutrition, rural livelihoods, economic growth, and sustainability.
• India is the world’s top milk producer since 1998, accounting for 25% of global production and having high per capita availability (471g/day). This signifies India’s crucial role in global dairy and national food security.
• India’s dairy sector is a rural economic backbone, contributing over 6% to GDP, supporting 80 million farmers (many women), and providing 12-14% of agricultural income, promoting livelihoods and empowerment.
• Dairy is vital for nutritional security in India, providing essential protein, calcium, and vitamins, important for combating deficiencies.
• Challenges include climate impacts (heatwaves reducing yield), rising costs, low productivity, disease outbreaks (causing output drops and losses), unorganised sector dominance affecting quality, and the threat to indigenous breeds. These issues impact production, farmer income, and sustainability.
• Improvements require genetic technologies (sex-sorted semen, embryo transfer), better feed, climate-resilient native breeds, digital tech adoption (IoT, AI), strengthened infrastructure/cold chains, and targeted support for farmers to address challenges and ensure sustainable growth.

PM-PRANAM

• Initial Success in Reducing Fertilizer Use: The scheme has shown initial success with a reduction of 15.14 lakh tonnes of fertilizers in 2023-24, which is significant as it resulted in substantial subsidy savings.
• Aimed at Reducing Synthetic Fertilizer Dependency: PM-PRANAM (Programme for Restoration, Awareness, Nourishment, and Amelioration of Mother Earth), approved in June 2023 for 3 years, is in the news because it specifically targets reducing chemical fertilizer use by incentivizing states to adopt alternatives, reflecting a shift towards sustainable agriculture.
• Significant Target Savings: The scheme aims to achieve a ₹20,000 crore reduction in fertilizer spending, highlighting its ambition to curb chemical fertilizer dependency and promote balanced use with bio/organic fertilizers.
• Incentivizes States for Reduction: States are incentivized based on the reduction in urea consumption compared to their three-year average, making it newsworthy as it provides a clear mechanism for states to benefit from subsidy savings and grants by promoting chemical reduction.
• Supports Sustainable Agricultural Practices: The scheme contributes to sustainable practices by encouraging the minimization of excessive chemical inputs, allocating grants for alternative fertilizer technology and production (70% of subsidy savings grant), and rewarding stakeholders (30%) for their efforts, which helps reduce environmental risks.
• Financed by Existing Subsidies: The scheme is financed by savings from existing fertilizer subsidies from the Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers with no separate budget, notable as it leverages current expenditure to fund environmental and agricultural goals.

India’s Tiger Prey Status

• A first assessment shows decline in tiger prey (ungulates) in states like Odisha, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, while stable elsewhere. Why: This poses a threat to tiger conservation and the ecological balance of forests.
• Ungulates (hoofed mammals) are the primary food base for tigers and play a crucial role in forest ecosystems. Why: Tigers rely on them for survival; their grazing and movement maintain plant growth, disperse seeds, and recycle nutrients.
• Low prey density forces tigers to prey on livestock outside protected areas. Why: This leads to increased human-animal conflict and retaliatory killings of tigers.
• The NTCA report based on 2022 data indicates key prey like Chital are abundant, Sambar stable, but species like Hog deer, Barasingha, Wild buffalo, and Pygmy hog are declining or restricted. Why: Due to habitat loss, fragmentation, and isolation.
• Reasons for the decline include habitat degradation (deforestation, mining, infrastructure), fragmentation, subsistence hunting, human-wildlife conflict, and wetland loss. Why: These factors directly reduce ungulate numbers, survival, and habitat quality.
• Prey scarcity negatively affects forest ecology, predator balance, and biodiversity. Why: Ungulates are keystone species supporting the entire food web and ecosystem health.
• Protecting ungulates is central to India’s tiger protection and ecological sustainability strategies. Why: Their survival ensures tiger survival and the health of forest ecosystems.

India Biotech Hub

• India is positioning itself as an emerging global biotech destination, highlighted at the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) meeting in New Delhi.
• India inaugurated its first public-funded DST-ICGEB Bio-foundry to scale up bio-based innovations and support startups and researchers.
• India’s bioeconomy has grown significantly from $10 billion in 2014 to $165.7 billion in 2024, with a target of $300 billion by 2030.
• India ranks 12th globally and 3rd in the Asia-Pacific region in biotechnology and is the largest global vaccine producer.
• The number of biotech startups in India has increased dramatically from 50 in 2014 to over 10,000 in 2024.
• Key achievements include developing the world’s first DNA-based Covid vaccine (ZyCoV-D), indigenous antibiotic (Nafithromycin), cervical cancer vaccine (CERVAVAC), and pneumococcal vaccine (Pneumosil).
• The BioE3 Policy (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment & Employment) is described as a game-changer for building a resilient bio-manufacturing ecosystem.
• India is considered to have the right environment and leadership to lead the next global biotechnology revolution.

Nuclear Law Changes

• India is considering amending the Atomic Energy Act 1962 and Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act (CLNDA) 2010. Why: To facilitate greater private sector participation and align liability with international standards.
• Proposed changes aim to open the nuclear sector to private players and allow foreign firms minority stakes. Why: The current framework restricts government entities, limiting private/foreign investment needed to attract capital and technology.
• Amendments are expected to cap supplier liability under CLNDA. Why: Current potentially unlimited liability deters global vendors; capping aligns with international norms, reassuring suppliers and boosting project execution.
• These legal reforms are crucial for scaling up India’s nuclear capacity from ~8 GW to the 100 GW target by 2047. Why: Meeting this ambitious goal requires substantial investment and regulatory support.
• Greater private sector involvement facilitated by the amendments supports India’s energy transition and climate goals. Why: Nuclear power is vital for reducing emissions, and private participation can accelerate deployment of advanced technologies like SMRs.

Stampede Prevention

• A stampede is a sudden, uncontrolled crowd rush often triggered by panic, leading to serious injuries or fatalities due to trampling or asphyxiation.
• Major causes include overcrowding (exceeding capacity leads to pressure), poor planning (lack of exits causes chaos), trigger events (sudden panic), and inadequate infrastructure/facilities (exacerbate situation).
• The Bengaluru stampede likely resulted from overcrowding, inadequate/poorly marked exits, lack of communication, and insufficient security staff.
• Crowd Management is the planned handling of large gatherings to ensure safety, order, and smooth movement.
• Basic principles include assessing venue capacity, planning entry/exit routes, deploying security, using barricades/signage, surveillance, providing medical services, public communication, and coordinating with agencies.
• Shortcomings in management arise from inefficient staffing, unclear command, poor inter-agency coordination, ad hoc planning, improper communication, lack of risk assessment, and no community integration – these hinder effective response.
• NDMA guidelines provide a framework covering pre-event planning, venue layout, personnel training/deployment, infrastructure readiness (lighting, signage, medical), technology use (CCTV, tracking), public awareness, emergency response, and inter-agency coordination to systematically prevent incidents.
• The way forward involves systematic planning with defined roles, mandatory safety audits, using technology like AI for prediction, regular training, community participation, strict enforcement of NDMA norms, and integrated agency efforts to enhance safety and accountability.
• Effective crowd management is crucial for public safety (Article 21) and requires proactive implementation of guidelines, especially given frequent large gatherings in India.

Irrigation-Crop Sync

New data (2011-23) indicates farmers’ cropping decisions synchronise with irrigation availability based on immediate factors like rainfall, market prices, and policy signals, rather than irrigation alone causing shifts to water-intensive crops. Why: This dynamic understanding is crucial for effective and sustainable irrigation investments.
Reliable irrigation facilitates shifts to high-value crops (fruits, vegetables), enables multiple cropping, and supports high-yielding varieties. Why: It reduces dependence on uncertain monsoons, increasing land use efficiency and productivity, particularly in areas with developed infrastructure.
The timing of irrigation strongly impacts its effectiveness; delayed infrastructure or water release weakens its benefits. Why: Farmers make sowing choices based on current conditions, needing timely water access.
India saw a significant increase in Gross Irrigated Area and the share of irrigated sown area between 2011-23. Why: This shows expanded irrigation coverage but highlights the need to ensure it aligns with efficient and sustainable practices.
Synchronising irrigation with actual crop cycles and needs is vital. Why: It ensures efficient water use, reduces waste, increases yields, buffers against climate risks like dry spells, makes infrastructure cost-effective, and reduces environmental issues like waterlogging, salinity, and groundwater depletion.
Traditional irrigation planning suffers from delays missing sowing windows, top-down approaches ignoring local conditions (leading to groundwater depletion in some regions), lack of integration with other essential inputs (seeds, credit), absence of real-time data use, and poor drainage management causing soil salinity. Why: These flaws result in inefficient water use, environmental damage, and limited impact on overall agricultural productivity despite investment.
Reforms are needed for sustainable irrigation. Why: This involves adopting region-specific strategies, integrating irrigation with other inputs and technology (micro-irrigation, real-time data), reforming subsidies to discourage overuse, restoring traditional water systems, proactively managing drainage and salinity, and building farmer capacity.
Future irrigation planning must be climate-smart, farmer-responsive, and sustainable. Why: To ensure water, food, and livelihood security through integrated policies, behavioural change, technology, and community participation.

Flipkart NBFC Licence

• Flipkart has received a Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) licence from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
• Why: This is notable as Flipkart is the first Indian e-commerce company to obtain such a licence.
• Why: The licence empowers Flipkart to directly offer lending services to its customers and sellers.
• Why: This capability facilitates easier access to credit for platform users, potentially supporting purchases for customers and working capital for sellers.
• Becoming an NBFC requires registration under the Companies Act and maintaining a minimum Net Owned Fund of Rs 10 crore, indicating regulatory compliance.
• An NBFC is primarily engaged in lending activities, distinct from banks as it cannot accept demand deposits or issue cheques.

India Heads IIAS

• India has been elected President of the International Institute of Administrative Sciences (IIAS) for the term 2025–2028.
• This marks the first time in the IIAS’s near 100-year history that India will hold the Presidency.
• It is also the first time the IIAS Presidential election was conducted through a ballot process.
• India secured the presidency by winning 87 votes (61.7%) against Austria’s 54 votes in the election held on June 3, 2025.
• India has been a Member State of the IIAS since 1998, represented by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG).
• The IIAS, established in 1930 and headquartered in Brussels, is a global federation focused on public administration solutions and works closely with the United Nations.
• India’s candidacy, led by Secretary DARPG Shri V.Srinivas and nominated by Hon’ble Prime Minister, was supported by a wide range of member countries.
• India’s Presidency aims to promote the vision of “Maximum Governance – Minimum Government,” focusing on digital administrative reforms, and seeking to bridge the North–South Divide with a focus on unity and inclusivity in public administration research.

India Renewables Boom

• India is a global clean energy leader, ranking 3rd in solar, 4th in wind, and 4th overall with high installed and under-construction capacity, driving global sustainability.
• Renewable capacity has seen rapid growth, with solar increasing 41-fold since 2014, demonstrating successful scaling.
• Reforms like market-driven bidding reduced solar tariffs significantly, while ISTS waivers removed geographical barriers for nationwide renewable energy flow.
• Flagship programs like PLI for solar manufacturing, PM Surya Ghar, PM-KUSUM, National Green Hydrogen Mission, EBP, and SATAT are boosting domestic industry, decentralized capacity, farmer income, and promoting green fuels.
• Emerging areas like offshore wind and hybrid power policies are being developed to achieve 24/7 clean energy solutions.
• India attracts significant investment, with renewable energy accounting for a higher share of FDI and substantial commitments from global investors.
• Global initiatives like the International Solar Alliance, launched by India, unite nations towards clean energy goals.
• This transition supports key UN Sustainable Development Goals, contributing to energy security, sustainable growth, and climate action.