Current Affairs Exam

Trilingual Policy

• Maharashtra scraps mandatory three-language policy: The state government has removed the requirement for schools to compulsorily teach Marathi, Hindi, and English.
  • Why: This change aims to give schools greater flexibility in language selection, allowing choices based on specific school boards and student preferences. It may also reduce the academic burden on students.
• Shift towards flexibility: Instead of a fixed set of three languages, schools now have more autonomy in deciding their language curriculum.
  • Why: This allows schools to potentially focus more on regional languages like Marathi and globally relevant languages like English, aligning with diverse educational board requirements and student needs.
• Impact on students and schools: Students may experience a reduced load of compulsory languages, allowing for focus on other subjects or chosen languages. Schools will need to revise their language teaching plans.
  • Why: The move necessitates curriculum adjustments by schools and directly affects the language learning path of students in Maharashtra, potentially increasing emphasis on specific languages deemed more relevant.
• Context of National Policy: The Three-Language Policy is a national framework introduced in 1968 (and reiterated) to promote multilingualism and national integration by typically requiring students to learn their regional language, Hindi, and English or another Indian language.
  • Why: Understanding the national policy provides context for Maharashtra’s decision, showing it’s a departure from a long-standing national educational guideline regarding language instruction.

Plastic & Endocrine Disruptors

• Endocrine Disruptors (EDCs) in Plastics: Chemicals like BPA, Phthalates, and PFAS in common plastic items interfere with human hormones (estrogen, testosterone, thyroid), disrupting vital bodily functions.
• Microplastics are Not Inert: Plastic particles <5mm, formed from waste breakdown, are biologically active and enter the body via ingestion and inhalation. Why: Previously underestimated, they now show significant biological activity and widespread presence.
• Widespread Human Contamination: Microplastics found in 80-89% of blood samples (Amsterdam 2022, India 2024) and various organs (lungs, heart, placenta, reproductive fluids). Why: Demonstrates pervasive exposure and internal bioaccumulation.
• Severe Reproductive Health Impacts: Linked to reduced male fertility (sperm count/motility), female issues (reduced egg quality, PCOS, miscarriage risk), and detected in semen and ovarian fluid. Why: Direct threat to human reproductive capacity, supported by declining trends and presence in reproductive tissues.
• Increased Cancer & Chronic Disease Risks: Some plastic additives classified as probable carcinogens; EDCs linked to increased risks of breast, prostate, uterine cancers and metabolic disorders (obesity, diabetes, thyroid issues). Why: EDCs mimic hormones or alter metabolic pathways, driving chronic illnesses.
• Significant Impact on Wildlife: Microplastics found in organs of marine and terrestrial animals, causing biochemical and structural damage, leading to organ dysfunction. Why: Highlights the broader ecological impact and biomagnification potential.
• India’s High Vulnerability & Cost: India’s status as a major plastic waste generator leads to high exposure (inhalation/ingestion), linked health problems (early puberty, learning disorders), and substantial annual health costs (₹25,000 crore). Why: The scale of pollution directly translates into a public health and economic crisis for India.
• Urgent Need for Action: Requires policy amendments for low-dose EDC effects, monitoring programmes, public education, infrastructure for waste management (segregation, recycling, filtration), and promoting EDC-free alternatives. Why: Current regulations and awareness are insufficient to tackle the pervasive and insidious nature of this pollution.

Indian Ocean Security

• News is a Parliamentary Standing Committee report highlighting the growing presence of extra-regional players, especially China, in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) as a significant strategic challenge for India.
• China is expanding its footprint through dual-use infrastructure like ports (Hambantota, Gwadar) and logistics hubs near India’s maritime boundaries, military expansion including the Djibouti base and increased naval deployments, debt-trap diplomacy via BRI projects, and strengthening security partnerships and joint exercises.
• This presence threatens India’s interests by enabling Chinese naval monitoring and potential blockade of sea lanes, disrupting trade routes crucial for India’s energy security, facilitating intelligence and surveillance near Indian waters, and potentially isolating India diplomatically by leveraging influence over neighbouring states.
• The IOR is strategically vital for India’s maritime security, economic lifeline (trade routes), geopolitical influence (countering China’s ‘String of Pearls’), and environmental management.
• India is countering this challenge by enhancing its naval capabilities, promoting economic alternatives to BRI like IMEC and investing in regional ports, strengthening alliances like QUAD and regional groupings, improving technological surveillance, and leveraging soft power through cultural diplomacy and HADR efforts.

National Turmeric Board

• National Turmeric Board headquarters inaugurated in Nizamabad, Telangana. Why: Establishes the board in a major growing region, fulfilling a 40-year farmer demand.
• Board aims to boost farmer income, free them from middlemen, and increase prices (target +₹6k-7k/quintal). Why: Directly addresses key economic challenges for farmers.
• Focus on market access, packaging, branding, marketing, value addition, and exports. Why: Creates a complete value chain to enhance domestic and international trade.
• Target set for $1 billion in turmeric exports by 2030, promoting Indian turmeric’s quality and medicinal properties globally. Why: Aims to significantly enhance India’s global market presence and trade value.
• Promotes research, quality improvement, and sustainable farming practices. Why: Essential for meeting global standards and leveraging turmeric’s health benefits.
• Board structure includes representation from government, states, research, farmers, and exporters. Why: Ensures comprehensive input and policy alignment across the industry.
• Nodal Ministry is Department of Commerce. Why: Defines the administrative lead focused on trade and market development.

RUPPs

• ECI initiating de-listing of 345 Registered Unrecognised Political Parties (RUPPs). This is news because it targets inactive parties potentially misusing benefits like income tax exemptions.
• RUPPs are registered under Section 29A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. They must declare allegiance to the Constitution.
• Key benefits for RUPPs include income tax exemption, common election symbol, and donation benefits. This is why their status matters and inactivity/de-listing is significant.
• The 345 RUPPs are being de-listed because they haven’t contested elections in the last six years (since 2019) and their offices cannot be physically located, deeming them ‘inactive’.
• This action highlights the issue of potentially over 1000 other ‘active’ RUPPs who may also not contest elections.
• Current law lacks explicit power for ECI to de-register parties, even those inactive for long periods (like the recommended 10 years by Law Commission/ECI), making ECI’s current steps notable but limited. Legal amendments to the RP Act may be needed.

CRISPR Climate Crops

• Scientists developed a novel CRISPR-dCas9-based molecular tool to enhance plant resistance to heat stress and pathogen attacks. This is key because climate change increases these threats, impacting crop yield.
• The tool uses CRISPR-dCas9, a modified version that acts as a gene switch instead of cutting DNA. This is important as it allows specific stress-response genes to be turned on only when needed, saving energy and improving efficiency without permanently altering the plant’s DNA.
• It incorporates a part of a tomato protein (TM domain) which keeps the dCas9 “switch” outside the plant’s nucleus under normal conditions. This is crucial as it ensures the defense genes are only activated when stress occurs, providing a smart, targeted response.
• Under stress, the TM domain releases dCas9, which enters the nucleus and activates specific defense genes. This is vital because activating genes like CBP60g/SARD1 boosts immunity against pathogens and NAC2/HSFA6b improves heat tolerance, water retention, and leaf greenness.
• Tested effectively in tomato, potato, and tobacco plants, showing highest efficiency in tomato. This demonstrates its potential application for improving climate resilience in important food crops.
• This technology can help plants “outsmart” heat and disease, paving the way for climate-resilient crops and smart agriculture. This is significant for ensuring food security in the face of rising global temperatures and unpredictable weather.

ECI Party Delisting

• ECI initiated de-listing of 345 Registered Unrecognised Political Parties (RUPPs) that haven’t contested elections in six years or have identifiable offices.
• This is news because it’s a ‘clean-up drive’ to ensure electoral integrity and address issues with numerous non-functioning parties.
• RUPPs are registered political parties (under RP Act 1951) that don’t meet criteria for recognition. They enjoy benefits like tax exemptions (under Section 13A, IT Act) and common election symbols.
• The de-listing targets ‘letter pad parties’ – RUPPs that exist primarily on paper, potentially misusing tax benefits or involved in financial irregularities. As of May 2025, there are over 2,800 RUPPs, but many don’t contest elections.
• A key challenge is the lack of explicit statutory power for ECI to de-register parties merely for not contesting elections or lacking internal democracy, as affirmed by the Supreme Court (2002). ECI can only de-register under exceptional circumstances (fraud, disloyalty to Constitution).
• The current de-listing criteria include being ‘non-existent’ at the registered address or ‘inactive’ (e.g., not updating details since 2014, not contesting elections since 2019).
• The purpose is to prevent misuse of registration and financial benefits.
• Legislative changes have been recommended by the Law Commission (255th Report) to empower ECI to de-register parties inactive for a significant period (e.g., 10 years) and strengthen internal democracy norms.

Bonnet Macaque

• Kerala is planning mass sterilisation of Bonnet Macaques to manage their rising population locally and reduce human-wildlife conflict.
• This action is driven by farmers’ complaints about crop damage and the presence of macaques in eco-tourism areas causing nuisance.
• The proposal, part of “Mission Bonnet macaque,” needs permission from the Union Ministry because the species is listed under Schedule I of India’s Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
• Despite localised population issues causing conflict, the Bonnet Macaque is globally classified as ‘Vulnerable’ by the IUCN due to an overall decline in its population from various threats.
• The plan is to sterilise monkeys in specific conflict locations and release them, unlike proposed culling for species like wild pigs.
• Additional measures include improving waste management and discouraging people from feeding monkeys in conflict areas.
• Bonnet Macaques, native to southern India and omnivorous, often raid human food sources near settlements, contributing to conflicts.

Mahalanobis Stats Day

• 19th Statistics Day celebrated on June 29th: Why? To mark the 132nd birth anniversary of PC Mahalanobis and raise awareness about the role of statistics in policy-making and national development.
• Theme was ‘75 Years of National Sample Survey’: Why? To highlight NSS’s key role and enduring legacy in strengthening India’s statistical system.
• Launch of GoIStat app: Why? To improve accessibility and engagement with official statistical products and enhance the ease of access to official statistical data for stakeholders.
• Prof. C.R. Rao Award for 2025 conferred: Why? To Dr. Prajamitra Bhuyan for excellence and remarkable contributions in the field of statistics.
• Release of SDG National Indicator Framework Progress Report, 2025: Why? To monitor and report progress towards Sustainable Development Goals using the national statistical framework.
• Commemorative coin and stamp for NSS released: Why? To symbolize and commemorate the enduring 75 years of legacy of the National Sample Survey.
• PC Mahalanobis (1893–1972) honored: Why? As an eminent Indian scientist and statistician, his contributions significantly shaped India’s statistical system and economic planning.
• Key Contributions of PC Mahalanobis:
  • Mahalanobis Distance: Why? A measure used in multi-dimensional data, useful in areas like pattern recognition (e.g., face recognition).
  • Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) founded in 1931: Why? Became a global hub for statistics, economics, and data science, founding Sankhya journal in 1933.
  • Advised on the Second Five-Year Plan (1956–61): Why? Emphasized heavy industries based on the Mahalanobis Model for industrialization and long-term self-reliance.
  • Recommended the launch of the National Sample Survey (NSS) in 1950: Why? Led to the establishment of NSSO (now NSO) for conducting large-scale nationwide sample surveys crucial for data collection for policy and governance.
• MoSPI’s focus on technology and data dissemination: Why? To change the paradigm of data-driven policy making and support the national vision of a transparent and ever-improving National Statistical Office en-route to ‘Viksit Bharat’.
• Statistical agencies can contribute to governance: Why? By creating uniform methodology for normalization of scores in competitive exams and validation of online voting, which can create public trust and facilitate smooth governance.

Indo-SA Sub Pact

• India and South Africa signed two agreements on submarine cooperation during the 9th Joint Defence Committee (JDC) meeting in Johannesburg.
• Why: This strengthens bilateral defence ties, building on formal cooperation established in 1996 and rooted in a shared anti-colonial history.
• The JDC is a key bilateral mechanism under the 2000 MoU on Defence Cooperation.
• Why: It serves as a high-level platform to review ongoing collaboration, identify new areas of mutual interest (like defence policy, training, production, research), and oversee related sub-committees. It also supports India’s strategic outreach to Africa.
• The meeting discussed various areas of mutual interest and ways to further strengthen relations.
• Why: It allowed both countries to review progress in defence cooperation and set the agenda for detailed discussions within the JDC’s sub-committees on policy/military cooperation and acquisition/production/R&D.

Kolhapuri Chappals

• Italian luxury brand Prada acknowledged being inspired by traditional Indian handcrafted footwear for its men’s sandals after facing backlash for resemblance to GI-tagged Kolhapuri chappals.
• This follows accusations of cultural appropriation and potential violation of the GI tag.
• Prada stated the collection is in early design stages and expressed commitment to responsible design, cultural engagement, and dialogue with artisans.
• Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (MACCIA) communicated with Prada, requesting public acknowledgement, exploration of collaboration/compensation, and support for ethical practices.
• MACCIA is now planning to patent Kolhapuri chappals internationally, stating the Indian GI tag is not sufficient globally.
• Artisans welcome Prada’s acknowledgement but hope for more support, such as direct export channels and a share of international profits.
• Kolhapuri Chappals are traditional handcrafted leather sandals from Kolhapur, Maharashtra, dating back centuries, known for their T-strap design and fully handmade process.
• They received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2019, protecting their name for products originating from specific districts in Maharashtra and Karnataka.

Cardamom Thrips Biopest

• ICAR-Indian Institute of Spices Research (ICAR-IISR) developed an eco-friendly biopesticide using the fungus Lecanicillium psalliotae to control cardamom thrips.
• Why: Cardamom thrips are a major pest causing significant damage (up to 90% of capsules, 48% yield loss, Rs 2-4 lakhs/acre loss), impacting farmer income and export quality.
• The biopesticide, isolated from cardamom thrips, infects the pest (larvae, pupae, adults) on contact.
• Why: It provides an effective alternative to chemical insecticides, which pose health risks and leave residues, hindering export compliance.
• It is eco-friendly, non-toxic, cost-effective, reduces chemical dependence, and promotes plant growth and soil health.
• Why: Supports sustainable agriculture, Integrated Pest Management (IPM), and ensures compliance with international residue standards necessary for cardamom export.
• The granular formulation is ready for commercialisation, with ICAR-IISR seeking industry partners.

Equality in Indian Constitution

• Constitutional courts, like the Supreme Court and High Courts, are actively interpreting and enforcing the principle of equality, particularly regarding gender justice and anti-discrimination, making it a current legal focus.
• Key constitutional articles like 14 (equality before law), 15 (prohibition of discrimination), 16 (public employment), and 39(d) (equal pay for equal work) form the basis for this enforcement.
• Courts have moved beyond formal equality (same rules for all) to substantive equality, acknowledging the need for affirmative action and special provisions to address real-life disadvantages, which is a significant evolution in judicial practice.
• Landmark judgments in cases like Sabarimala (challenging gender exclusion), P.B. Vijay Kumar (upholding women’s reservations), Vishakha (sexual harassment guidelines), Dharwad PWD (enforcing equal pay), and Charu Khurana (extending principles to private bodies) demonstrate the judiciary’s ongoing role in applying and expanding equality rights.
• These judicial pronouncements and the principle of substantive equality underpin key actions like upholding affirmative action, striking down discriminatory practices, and ensuring the right to equal pay, highlighting the continuous application and evolution of equality in India’s legal system.

Climate Impact on Food

• Global temperatures rising by 1°C could reduce per capita calorie availability by 4% by 2100. This is why climate change poses a significant threat to future food security.
• Staple crops like wheat, rice, maize, and soybean face severe impacts. This is why production of key food sources is at risk globally.
• Farmer adaptation, such as using heat-resistant crops and adjusting planting/watering, can reduce losses by up to 34% by 2100. This is why these measures are crucial mitigation strategies.
• Despite adaptation, losses remain significant across most crops and regions, except possibly rice in some areas. This is why adaptation alone is insufficient to fully counter climate change impacts.
• Major yield drops (e.g., 30-40% for wheat in key producing countries, >50% for rice in some regions) are projected by 2050-2100. This illustrates the severity and scale of the problem in specific areas and crops.
• Losses will affect not just poor countries but also major modern breadbaskets like the US, Europe, and China. This is why the impact is a widespread global challenge, not limited to vulnerable regions.
• There is an urgent need for innovation, cropland expansion, and climate-resilient practices. This is why proactive measures and investments are essential to safeguard future food production.

GLP-1R

• GLP-1 drugs like semaglutide achieve exceptional weight loss (15-17%), sustained up to two years, significantly exceeding older methods. Why: Represents a major breakthrough in obesity treatment efficacy.
• They mimic natural GLP-1 hormones, activating receptors in the brain, pancreas, and gut to enhance insulin secretion, suppress glucagon, slow gastric emptying, and reduce appetite. Why: This mechanism effectively controls metabolism and food intake by leveraging the body’s own system.
• Beyond weight loss, they provide significant cardiometabolic benefits, including reduced risk of cardiovascular events (up to 20%), improved blood pressure, lipids, and reduced risks of diabetes and heart failure. Why: Offers comprehensive health improvements for patients with obesity and type 2 diabetes.
• Emerging evidence suggests benefits for conditions like kidney disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, obstructive sleep apnoea, and potentially neurological effects like reduced dementia risk and decreased cravings. Why: Expands the potential therapeutic scope far beyond current uses, highlighting broad systemic impact.
• Generally well-tolerated with mostly mild gastrointestinal side effects, making them suitable for long-term use in managing chronic conditions. Why: Favorable safety profile supports their consistent application.
• The success of current drugs is driving development of new GLP-1 receptor agonists and dual/triple agonists (targeting GIP, glucagon), including oral options and less frequent injections. Why: Points to a rapidly evolving field promising even more effective or convenient future treatments.

India-US Trade Deal

• Talks are in final stages for a limited trade deal before the July 8, 2025 deadline. Why: To enhance bilateral trade and resolve ongoing frictions.
• U.S. seeks lower barriers: Wants India to reduce tariffs on items like autos, medical devices, farm goods (soy, corn), and allow market access for GM crops. Why: To boost American exports and market share in India.
• India protects sensitive sectors: Resists broad tariff cuts on agriculture and dairy. Why: To safeguard domestic farmers’ interests and food security.
• India offers limited concessions: Willing to reduce tariffs on some items like almonds and defense/energy goods. Why: To show flexibility while protecting core interests.
• India seeks U.S. tariff rollbacks: Wants the U.S. to remove tariffs on Indian steel and auto parts. Why: To gain reciprocal benefits and market access.
• Sticking points: Key disagreements remain over tariffs on farm goods, steel, and auto components, and the pace of market access (U.S. wants immediate, India phased). Why: Fundamental differences in protecting domestic industries vs. opening markets.
• Potential impasse: May require intervention from top leaders (Modi-Trump) to resolve. Why: Indicates significant difficulty in lower-level talks.
• Risk of 10% tariff: If no deal by the deadline, the U.S. might reimpose a 10% tariff on certain Indian goods. Why: A potential pressure tactic or consequence of failed talks, though impact expected to be limited due to resilient exports.
• Strategic relationship: The trade talks occur within a broader context of a robust and growing $190+ billion bilateral trade relationship, where the U.S. is India’s largest partner and India a key market/ally for the U.S. Why: Trade is a significant component of the overall strategic partnership, despite frictions.

RGI Birth Directives

• RGI Directives on Birth Certificates: States directed to issue birth certificates within 7 days of registration, preferably before hospital discharge (especially government hospitals).

  • Why: To ensure timely registration and provide immediate legal identity to newborns. Government facilities are key as they handle over 50% of institutional births.

• Increased Birth Registration: Registration rate in India has risen from 86% (2014) to over 96% (2024).

  • Why: Indicates improved system effectiveness and public awareness over the decade.

• Legal Framework (RBD Act, 1969 & 2023 Amendment): Birth registration is free within 21 days. The 2023 amendment mandated digital registration and recognized electronic certificates.

  • Why: Simplifies the process, ensures comprehensive registration including vulnerable children (adopted, orphaned, etc.), and provides legal backing for digital documentation.

• Digital Birth Certificate as Sole Proof: Since Oct 1, 2023, digital certificates are the only proof for school admissions, jobs, marriage, driving licenses, and passports.

  • Why: Standardizes identity verification across crucial services and transitions towards a digital-first approach.

• Central Civil Registration System (CRS) Portal: Developed to centralize registration data.

  • Why: This data will feed into major national databases (NPR, ration cards, electoral rolls) to strengthen governance and improve service delivery.

• Global Alignment: The efforts align with UN ESCAP’s “Get everyone in the picture” goal and SDG Target 16.9 (“By 2030, provide legal identity for all, including birth registration”).

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  • Why: Demonstrates India’s commitment to international standards for civil registration and legal identity for its citizens.

SCO Summit 2025

India’s strong stance on terrorism, potentially leading to non-consensus on joint statements, as seen in a recent summit over concerns not being reflected. Why: India follows a zero-tolerance policy and demands specific condemnation of all forms and sources of terrorism, contrasting with selective focus or omission in drafts.

Tensions between member states, particularly India-Pakistan and India-China, limiting consensus building on key initiatives like connectivity masterplans mentioned in the context of 2025. Why: Bilateral disputes and mistrust hinder cooperation within the multilateral framework.

Growing influence of Russia and China, potentially shaping the agenda and outcomes, especially with China potentially chairing in 2025. Why: Russia’s shift in focus and China’s economic and strategic leverage impact the group’s direction and dominance.

Challenges in achieving deeper economic integration and harmonisation despite objectives. Why: Lack of infrastructure coordination and tariff barriers persist, slowing down initiatives like regional trade facilitation and connectivity projects.

SCO’s role as a platform for dialogue despite rivalries, but its effectiveness is constrained by these internal dynamics and geopolitical complexities. Why: Fundamental disagreements limit the organisation’s ability to fully address security threats and implement cooperation goals.

Global Ed India

• Foreign universities are entering India, a significant shift enabled by NEP 2020 and UGC regulations.
• This is driven by India’s large youth population and growing higher education market potential, coupled with foreign universities seeking new revenue sources and global expansion amidst challenges in their home countries.
• Benefits include providing Indian students access to internationally recognised degrees and quality education without high overseas costs, helping retain talent and foreign exchange.
• Entry promotes enhanced research collaboration, academic standards, and industry-aligned programs, improving graduate employability.
• India is strategically positioned to become a global education hub by attracting regional students and fostering competition among top institutions.
• Key challenges involve ensuring affordability and equity, preventing socio-economic inequality if fees are high, and the potential for limited short-term impact on overall education access.
• Other concerns include the risk of commercialisation overriding academic quality and the need for effective regulation, local integration, and overcoming infrastructure hurdles.
• Sustainable success requires ensuring inclusive access through scholarships, maintaining regulatory oversight on quality and ethics, and fostering genuine collaboration with Indian institutions.

Green Bonds

• Emerging as a key financial tool in Africa for climate resilience, funding projects like renewable energy and infrastructure. Why: Enables investment in vital climate action and sustainability.
• Countries like Nigeria, South Africa, and Morocco are successfully using them for flagship projects. Why: Reflects growing interest and application of sustainable finance on the continent.
• They mobilize finance specifically for climate mitigation and adaptation projects (e.g., solar, hydropower). Why: Provides dedicated funding for initiatives addressing climate change impacts.
• Drive private sector engagement, with banks and companies now contributing over 60% of issuance value. Why: Expands the pool of potential investors and increases market participation.
• Align with Africa’s Paris Agreement commitments and help address the significant climate finance gap. Why: Provide a mechanism to fund climate goals and meet funding needs.
• Face challenges including a risk premium demanded by investors (due to credit risk, currency, political instability), increasing borrowing costs. Why: Raises the cost of capital for African issuers.
• Growth is hindered by structural barriers like weak capital markets, poor regulatory frameworks, and lack of standardized green finance norms. Why: Create difficulty and uncertainty for market development.
• Limited overall private climate investment in Africa (only 18%) and an imbalance with most funds going to mitigation (~7% to adaptation) are issues. Why: Shows a need for broader private participation and better funding for adaptation projects, which have uncertain returns.

MM Hills Sanctuary

• A tigress and four cubs were found dead in the sanctuary, suspected to have been poisoned.
• The deaths are linked to escalating human-wildlife conflict in the region.
• The sanctuary is located in Chamarajanagar district, southeast Karnataka, near the Tamil Nadu border.
• It was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 2013 and features diverse forests including dry deciduous and evergreen types.
• Ecologically, it’s important as it connects BRT Tiger Reserve and Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary (Karnataka) with Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve (Tamil Nadu), serving as a critical tiger corridor.
• It is home to tigers, leopards, elephants, and prey species.
• A proposal to upgrade it to a Tiger Reserve has been pending for about 15 years.
• If approved, Chamarajanagar district would uniquely have three tiger reserves (Bandipur, BRT, MM Hills).
• Karnataka is significant for having India’s second-largest tiger population (563).
• The area includes human settlements of Soligas and Lingayats communities.

Proj. Elephant Review

• Union Environment Ministry reviewed key initiatives under Project Elephant – Why News: Signals a formal assessment and update on the progress of a major conservation program for India’s National Heritage Animal.
• Completion of Phase-I of synchronized elephant population estimation in Northeastern states highlighted – Why News: Indicates a significant step taken in conducting a comprehensive census to understand elephant numbers and distribution in a key region.
• Mortality mitigation measures reviewed, including surveying railway tracks – Why News: Focuses on addressing a major threat, elephant-train collisions, which caused 73 deaths from 2019-2024, showing efforts to reduce preventable deaths.
• Review included progress on genetic profiling of captive elephants – Why News: Highlights the use of advanced techniques for managing and conserving captive populations.
• Efforts on regional action plans for human-elephant conflict and protecting corridors discussed – Why News: Shows active work being done to manage conflict and conserve crucial habitat links in areas like Southern and Northeastern India, addressing a significant human-wildlife challenge.

Kazi-KA Dhole

CATEGORY: ENVIRONMENT
CONTEXT: Researchers have documented the first camera-trap evidence of the endangered dhole (Asiatic wild dog) in the Kaziranga-Karbi Anglong Landscape, Assam.
SIGNIFICANCE: Rediscovery of a species previously believed locally extinct in the region, confirming its presence.
LOCATION: Captured in the Amguri corridor, a vital wildlife linkage, notably just 375 metres from a national highway.
WHY this matters: Emphasizes the critical importance of preserving wildlife corridors for species survival and highlights threats posed by human infrastructure near key habitats.
CONSERVATION STATUS: Dhole is classified as Endangered (IUCN) and protected under Schedule I of India’s Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
THREATS: Decline due to habitat loss, prey depletion, and human-wildlife conflict.
BROADER IMPACT: Enhances the conservation value of the Kaziranga area (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and underscores the importance of connectivity for biodiversity in Northeast India.

NATO Summit 2025

• Agreement on a 5% GDP defence spending target (3.5% core, 1.5% defence-related expenditure). Why: Aims to significantly increase defence capabilities and ensure allies contribute more equitably to collective security, addressing ongoing and future threats.
• Leaders reaffirmed “ironclad commitment” to Article 5, the collective defence clause. Why: This core principle of mutual defence is fundamental to NATO’s deterrence posture and assures members that an attack on one is met by the response of all.
• The Ukraine issue was reported to be sidelined at the summit. Why: Suggests a potential shift in the alliance’s immediate focus or strategy regarding Ukraine aid and membership discussions at the highest level, potentially reflecting changing geopolitical considerations or influence of future policy directions mentioned in the text.

Fiscal Health Index

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

SHGs India

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

Golden Jubilee Official Lang

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

Rhone Glacier

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

MSME Day 2025

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

Cancer Drugs

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

MSME Driving India Growth

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

Second Indian in Space

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

CHPV: Favipiravir Promise

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

Harihara Lamp

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

Poverty Line Issues

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

Sagarmala Finance

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

Financing Development

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

Nano-Fert

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fungicide Drug Resistance

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

Axiom-4

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

Chilka Mud Crab MSC

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

Enhanced Rock Weathering

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

GST Council

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

India’s Water Crisis

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

Migrant Voting Rights

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

Global SciPol CW&P Panel

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

CRISPR

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

Payment Intelligence

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

Strengthen Committees

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

World Drug Day 2025

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

NATO Security

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

CAR T Therapy

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

Urban Bureaucracy: Gender Equity

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

Dharti Aaba Abhiyan

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

Strait of Hormuz

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

Karnataka 15th-C Lamp

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

India Income Survey 2026

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

India Mining Reforms

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

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

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

India’s Emergency Lessons

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

Emergency 50th

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

Asia Climate 2024

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

Global SDG Ranks

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

10th SDR 2025 & SDGs

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

Thirst Waves

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

Guru Gandhi Dialogue

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

India’s 1st Income Survey

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

NAVYA

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

SAARC Critical Analysis

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

Grassroots Change via Food Proc

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

Iran Votes Hormuz Close

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

Asia Climate 2024

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

Zonal Councils

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

e-Rakt Kosh Rare Donors

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

Iran Parliament: Suspend IAEA

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

India Organ Transplant

• Prelims Points:

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

• Mains Points (Challenges & Steps):

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

Adriatic Gem

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

Okinawa Battle

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

Insect Feed

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