First Indian astronaut on a private mission to ISS: Why: Marks a historic moment for India’s human spaceflight program and is a key outcome of the India-USA strategic partnership.
Multinational crew including India, Poland, and Hungary: Why: Underlines the diverse nature of participation and fosters global cooperation in space exploration, with some nations returning to space after 40 years.
Advances commercial spaceflight: Why: Demonstrates the viability of commercial space stations as platforms for business and research and promotes commercial activities in low Earth orbit.
Focus on extensive scientific research: Why: Conducts experiments in areas like health, materials science, and space technology vital for understanding space environments and benefiting future missions.
Specific experiments for ISRO: Why: Provides a first-time opportunity for ISRO to run customised tech and life sciences experiments in space, generating results relevant for Gaganyaan and future deep-space missions.
Significant for India’s space future: Why: Serves as a crucial stepping stone towards India’s Human Moon mission by 2040, aids in establishing an Indian space station, and encourages private sector participation.
Positions India in the new space age: Why: Provides tangible knowledge, operational experience, and global visibility, strengthening India’s scientific, strategic, and economic standing in space.
Axiom-4 Tardigrade Test
ISRO is sending tardigrades (water bears) aboard the Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station.
Why in News? This is a key experiment for ISRO, part of the mission involving Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, to study how these extremely hardy microscopic organisms survive in the extreme environment of space, validating research for the Gaganyaan mission.
Tardigrades are known for surviving extreme conditions like vacuum, radiation, and vast temperature ranges.
Why in News? Their extraordinary resilience makes them ideal subjects for testing the limits of life in space, advancing astrobiology research and providing insights into survival mechanisms applicable elsewhere.
Studying tardigrade behaviour and response in space.
Why in News? Research on their unique survival mechanisms (like cryptobiosis and protective proteins) could potentially lead to breakthroughs like climate-resilient crops, advanced UV protection, and improved organ preservation, feeding into India’s future scientific needs.
This experiment strengthens Indo-US space collaboration through the ISRO-NASA partnership.
Why in News? Conducting critical experiments like tardigrade studies together validates research and positions India as a key player in future space exploration and commercial space stations.
India SEZ Reforms
Ministry of Commerce & Industry amended SEZ Rules, 2006 to boost investment in semiconductor and electronics component manufacturing. Why: These sectors are capital-intensive, import-dependent, and require long gestation periods.
Minimum land requirement for SEZs in these sectors reduced from 50 Ha to 10 Ha. Why: Lowers entry barriers and facilitates unit setup.
Board of Approval can relax encumbrance-free land rule if land is mortgaged/leased to government agencies. Why: Offers greater flexibility in land acquisition and financing.
Free-of-cost goods can be included in Net Foreign Exchange (NFE) calculations. Why: Improves the SEZ unit’s NFE performance by adding value to exports or subtracting from imports.
SEZ units can supply to Domestic Tariff Area (DTA) after paying duties. Why: Enhances viability by accessing the Indian market and reducing export dependence.
These changes aim to boost high-tech manufacturing, spur the semiconductor ecosystem, and create high-skilled jobs.
Following amendments, Micron will develop a semiconductor SEZ in Sanand, Gujarat (37.64 Ha, Rs 13,000 cr investment).
Aequs Group will set up an electronics component SEZ in Dharwad, Karnataka (11.55 Ha, Rs 100 cr investment).
Himalayan Rail Marvels
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Chenab rail bridge and Anji Khad bridge in Jammu and Kashmir.
Chenab Rail Bridge is the world’s highest railway arch bridge, standing 359 metres tall over the Chenab River in Reasi district.
It is designed for high durability, able to withstand magnitude 8 earthquakes, significant blasts, extreme temperatures, and high winds.
A unique feature is its ability to remain operational at reduced speed even if one pier fails.
It was constructed by Konkan Railway Corporation, with design and analysis contributions from IISc Bengaluru, IIT Delhi, IIT Roorkee, and DRDO (blast-proof).
Anji Khad bridge is India’s 1st cable-stayed rail bridge and the country’s 2nd-highest railway bridge (after Chenab) over the Anji River.
Both bridges are part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project.
Their significance lies in providing crucial all-weather rail connectivity between Kashmir and the rest of India.
The inauguration marks a historic milestone in India’s infrastructure development.
Giant Planet Red Dwarf
Astronomers discovered a Saturn-sized gas giant planet orbiting the red dwarf star TOI-6894, based on data from NASA TESS and the VLT.
This is significant because TOI-6894 is the smallest-known star (~21% of the Sun’s mass) found to host such a large planet, challenging existing planetary formation theories which suggest small stars should only form rocky planets.
The finding implies there might be more giant planets in the galaxy than expected, given that red dwarfs like TOI-6894 are the most common star type.
The planet, TOI-6894b, orbits very quickly (every three days) and is relatively cool (<150°C), making it a unique target for study.
Its cooler temperature makes atmospheric analysis easier, potentially allowing the detection of chemicals like ammonia using the James Webb Space Telescope, which could provide unprecedented insights into exoplanet composition.
Discoveries like this help astronomers test and refine models of how planetary systems form, improving our understanding of our own solar system’s origins.
Drone Warfare
Drones are now a decisive tool in modern warfare, notably in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
They are projected to be responsible for 60–70% of damage to Russian military equipment by 2025 due to their dominant battlefield role.
Ukraine mass-produces affordable FPV drones (approx. 200,000/month at $200–$400), making them highly effective and cost-efficient against expensive Russian assets like tanks.
Ukrainian drones have advanced capabilities, serving multiple roles including bombing, reconnaissance, relay, and AI-enabled targeting, demonstrating high adaptability.
Strategic innovations like Ukraine’s GOGOL-M “mothership” drone extend reach up to 300 km for deep strikes using smaller FPVs.
Russia has developed counter-drones like the EW-resistant Tyuvik and fiber-optic models, but faces challenges, such as AI issues in Lancet-3.
Naval drones like Ukraine’s Magura V7 have expanded drone warfare, reportedly achieving unprecedented feats like downing aircraft.
Tactical evolution includes Ukraine employing “drone walls” and conducting long-range strikes against enemy infrastructure.
The conflict’s drone impact is reshaping global military doctrine, prompting countries to prioritize drone and counter-drone strategies.
Axiom Mission 4
Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), a private astronaut mission to the ISS organized by Axiom Space, NASA, and SpaceX, is launching. This is news as it represents continued commercial spaceflight to the station.
The launch, initially set for June 10, 2025, was postponed due to poor weather and is now scheduled for June 11, 2025, at 8:00 a.m. EDT. The delay and new time are key news updates.
The crew includes astronauts from India (Shubhanshu Shukla), Poland (SĹ‚awosz UznaĹ„ski-WiĹ›niewski), and Hungary (Tibor Kapu), marking their nations’ first involvement in an ISS mission and return to government-sponsored spaceflight after four decades. This international participation and historical context are significant news points.
The mission will conduct over 60 experiments in various scientific fields and promote international cooperation during its ~14-day duration. The scientific goals and collaboration aspect make it newsworthy under science and technology.
India Food Safety Progress
India shifted from adulteration control to a science-based, consumer-focused food safety system under FSSAI (why: to align with global standards and protect consumers).
Standards are now risk-based and align with global benchmarks (why: to define clear limits for residues and additives).
Scientific studies like Total Diet Studies are being conducted (why: to reflect local diets and exposures).
Regulations are increasingly matching international norms (why: for global harmonization).
Digital platforms like FoSCoS manage licensing and compliance (why: for oversight and efficiency).
Training programs like FoSTaC enhance industry standards (why: to ensure food handlers are certified and knowledgeable).
Public campaigns like Eat Right India and SNF promote healthy and safe diets (why: to transform the food system and spread awareness).
Sustainability initiatives like RUCO and Jaivik Bharat are in place (why: to address broader health, environmental goals, and promote authentic organic food).
Challenges include data gaps, poor risk communication, and a trust deficit (why: require India-specific studies, simpler language, and more transparency).
Goa Fully Literate
Goa has been declared fully functionally literate under the Ministry of Education’s ULLAS (Understanding of Lifelong Learning for All in Society) – Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram programme on May 30, 2025.
Why: This is a significant milestone marking a step towards India’s goal of achieving full literacy by 2030 as envisioned in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
The state crossed the nationally prescribed 95% benchmark for full functional literacy, confirmed by a state-level ULLAS survey, although its general literacy rate was 93.60% (PLFS 2023-24).
Why: Achieving the specific functional literacy benchmark of 95% under the ULLAS program is the criteria for this declaration; Goa is the second state after Mizoram to do so.
The achievement was facilitated by a “Whole-of-Government” approach, collaborating across multiple state departments and engaging volunteer-driven campaigns.
Why: Highlights the effective strategies like inter-departmental cooperation and community volunteerism that contributed to identifying non-literates and ensuring certification.
ULLAS is a centrally sponsored scheme (2022-2027) focused on empowering adults aged 15+ by providing foundational literacy, numeracy, critical life skills, basic education, vocational skills, and continuing education through volunteerism and technology like the DIKSHA platform and ULLAS app.
Why: This national program provides the framework, resources, and assessment mechanisms (like FLNAT) that enabled Goa’s success in reaching underserved populations.
Goa’s success sets a precedent and serves as a beacon of progress for other states.
Why: Demonstrates the potential of implementing the ULLAS program effectively through collaboration and volunteer effort, inspiring others towards achieving the national goal of “Jan-Jan Sakshar”.
Great Indian Bustard
Rajasthan Forest Department named four Great Indian Bustard (GIB) chicks Sindoor, Vyom, Mishri, and Sophia. This is news because it honours Operation Sindoor and military personnel, linking wildlife conservation with national interest.
The GIB is critically endangered, India’s most threatened bird, and Rajasthan’s state bird. Its global population is estimated to be fewer than 150, highlighting the urgency of conservation efforts.
Major threats contributing to its decline include habitat loss and, significantly, collisions with power lines. This identifies the key challenges being addressed.
Conservation efforts like Project GIB and captive breeding centers employing advanced technology (AI, incubators) are actively working to increase the population, especially improving chick survival rates.
The GIB serves as an indicator species for grassland ecosystems, meaning its survival reflects the health of these crucial habitats.
Aizawl Rail Link
Aizawl, Mizoram’s capital, has been successfully connected to the national railway network via the Bairabi–Sairang rail line.
This makes Aizawl the 4th Northeastern state capital with rail access, following Assam (Dispur), Tripura (Agartala), and Arunachal Pradesh (Itanagar).
The formal inauguration is expected after June 17, following the final Commission of Railway Safety (CRS) inspection; a successful trial run occurred on May 1.
The 51.38-km Bairabi–Sairang project faced significant engineering challenges due to Mizoram’s difficult terrain, involving numerous tunnels and high bridges (including one taller than Qutub Minar).
Connecting Aizawl is part of Indian Railways’ broader, accelerated push to connect all Northeastern state capitals and enhance regional infrastructure.
Election Commission
ECI faces scrutiny over election conduct: Why? Concerns raised by opposition (Rahul Gandhi) regarding potential anomalies in voter rolls and turnout in recent polls, challenging the transparency of the process.
Debate on voter roll integrity and turnout: Why? Claims of unexplained spikes in voter rolls and high turnout post-5 p.m. during the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly polls have prompted calls for thorough verification by the ECI.
Transparency in election processes questioned: Why? Issues like limited access to CCTV footage of polling stations fuel concerns about the ECI’s openness and handling of election-related data.
Appointment process of ECI members changed: Why? A new law (2023 Act) replaced the Supreme Court’s interim collegium, altering how the Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners are selected.
Exclusion of CJI from selection panel: Why? The 2023 Act removed the Chief Justice of India from the selection committee, leading to concerns about increased executive influence and potential impact on the ECI’s independence.
Legal challenges to new appointment law: Why? The validity of the 2023 Act is being legally contested, highlighting ongoing debate about whether the changes weaken the ECI’s autonomy and credibility.
Terms and conditions for ECI officials altered: Why? The 2023 Act set their salary equivalent to the Cabinet Secretary and restricted them to a single term, impacting their service structure.
Rare Earths
China has restricted exports of rare earth metals and related magnets since April 2025, linked to trade tensions with the US.
This has caused disruptions in global supply chains, particularly impacting the automotive sector.
Suzuki suspended production of its Swift model in Japan due to shortages of parts like motors and sensors relying on rare earth magnets.
Other automakers globally, including EV manufacturers, are facing similar disruptions and potential production delays or price hikes.
Rare earth magnets, especially Neodymium-Iron-Boron (NdFeB), are vital for efficient EV motors and other car components.
China has a near monopoly on the processing and production of these critical magnets.
The export restrictions create difficulties in procurement, requiring special permits or forcing companies to consider buying entire motor assemblies.
Countries like India are highly dependent on China for these materials, leading to industry discussions with the government to manage supply.
India’s Poverty Decline
Extreme poverty in India sharply declined from 27.1% in 2011-12 to 5.3% in 2022-23, according to World Bank estimates based on HCES data. This shows significant progress even with the extreme poverty benchmark raised to $3/day.
Poverty measured at the higher $4.2/day threshold for lower-middle-income countries also fell substantially from 57.7% to 23.9%, indicating a broader reduction across income levels.
These findings are backed by the new Household Consumption Expenditure Surveys (HCES) 2022-23 by NSO, which are the primary data source for poverty estimates in India, filling a crucial data gap since 2011-12.
Both monetary poverty and multidimensional poverty (MPI), measuring deprivations in health, education, and living standards, showed significant declines, suggesting improvements beyond just income. Inequality also declined.
Continued progress requires improving data quality and frequency, expanding social security, focusing on urban poverty which is often overlooked, promoting inclusive growth through job creation, and ensuring data transparency for effective policymaking.
Accreditation Day 2025
Event: World Accreditation Day (WAD) 2025 celebrated by the Quality Council of India (QCI) in New Delhi on June 9th.
Theme: “Accreditation: Empowering Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)”. Why: Highlights accreditation’s strategic role in enhancing competitiveness, market access, and credibility for SMEs.
Key Launches/Initiatives:
Revamped NABL Portal launched. Why: To streamline the accreditation process and enhance digital accessibility, especially for laboratories and MSMEs.
Gunvatta Samarpan initiative featured. Why: Encourages organisations to publicly pledge adherence to accredited standards, reinforcing commitment to quality.
Accreditation’s Role: Formal verification of compliance with quality standards in testing, inspection, certification. Why: Crucial for Indian SMEs to access domestic and global markets, uphold quality, support exports, reduce rejection rates, boost productivity, and contribute to Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat goals.
QCI’s Role: As the national custodian of accreditation, QCI develops and manages the structure, working with boards like NABL and NABCB, and partners with global bodies (ILAC, IAF). Why: Ensures India’s quality infrastructure aligns with international benchmarks and provides reliable data for decision-making.
Statements: Officials like the DPIIT Secretary and QCI Chairperson emphasized accreditation as vital for global trust and enabling MSME growth across sectors. Why: Reinforces the government and industry’s view on accreditation’s importance for trade, innovation, and sustainable growth.
Birsa Martyr Day
Why in News: Prime Minister paid tribute to Bhagwan Birsa Munda on June 9th, observed as his Martyr’s Day. The PM highlighted his dedication to tribal welfare and rights and his inspiring sacrifice.
Who was Birsa Munda: A significant tribal leader, religious reformer, and freedom fighter from the Chotanagpur region.
Known as Dharti Abba (Father of the Earth), he mobilised Adivasi communities against British colonial policies and exploitation by zamindars, focusing on land rights and social reform.
He founded the Birsait religion, promoting monotheism, hygiene, and challenging superstitions and forced labour (beth begari).
Led the Ulgulan movement (1895-1900), employing guerrilla tactics against British authority and advocating for a self-governed tribal state (“Birsa Raj”).
Captured in February 1900, he died in British custody on June 9, 1900, at the young age of 25.
His resistance was instrumental in the enactment of the Chotanagpur Tenancy Act (1908), which protected tribal land rights (Khuntkatti) and abolished forced labour.
His birth anniversary, November 15, is celebrated as Janjatiya Gaurav Divas (Tribal Pride Day) since 2021.
