Daily Current Affairs – 18 & 19 June 2025
- TPP
- Jun 19
- 29 min read
Updated: Jun 20
Welcome to your one-stop destination for crisp, reliable, and exam-relevant Daily Current Affairs. The PRESS Pad delivers daily updates and smart summaries that go beyond the headlines and align perfectly with the evolving pattern of UPSC and other state-level examinations.
Today's edition features key updates including 2025 G7 Leaders' Summit in Kananaskis, India and Canada agree on restoration of High Commissioners, Global Drought Outlook, 2025, Bihar adopt E-Voting for Urban Polls, Ocean Darkening ,National Mission for a Green India, Hindi as the third language, Performance Grade Index (PGI) 2.0, Reverse Flipping, Front Running, INS ARNALA, Operation Sindhu, FASTag Annual Pass, Sahitya Akademi, Agarwood, 50 years of Crocodile Conservation Project and more…
Click Here to read the Current Affairs Pointers (CAP) for January 2025- April 2025.
2025 G7 Leaders' Summit in Kananaskis, Canada |
The 51st G7 Leaders’ Summit (2025) concluded recently in Kananaskis, Canada, with India participating as an Outreach Country, reinforcing its role in global governance and sustainable development dialogues.
A major outcome of the summit was the endorsement of the Kananaskis Wildfire Charter, which aligns with the Glasgow Leaders' Declaration on Forests and Land Use (2021), aiming to halt and reverse global deforestation and land degradation by 2030—a commitment also supported by India.
Another significant development was the launch of the G7 Critical Minerals Action Plan, which builds upon the Five-Point Plan for Critical Minerals Security introduced during Japan’s G7 Presidency in 2023, to strengthen global mineral supply chains essential for clean energy technologies.
India endorsed the Action Plan, alongside G7’s broader commitment to enhance global supply chain resilience through the World Bank-led RISE (Resilient and Inclusive Supply Chain Enhancement) Partnership, emphasizing inclusive and secure trade systems.
The G7 also issued a strong condemnation of Transnational Repression (TNR)—defined as the use of intimidation, harassment, or coercion by states or their proxies against individuals or communities beyond their own borders, marking it as a serious threat to human rights and international norms.
On migration governance, G7 nations pledged to prevent and counter migrant smuggling by reinforcing the G7 Coalition to Prevent and Counter the Smuggling of Migrants and implementing the 2024 G7 Action Plan dedicated to tackling this issue comprehensively.
As part of its G7 Presidency, Canada launched the ‘G7 GovAI Grand Challenge’, an initiative aimed at designing innovative and scalable AI solutions for public sector use, with a focus on reducing digital divides in alignment with the United Nations Global Digital Compact.
Canada will also host a series of ‘Rapid Solution Labs’ to explore practical strategies for AI adoption in governance, ensuring digital technologies are inclusive, ethical, and accessible.
Addressing the G7 Outreach Session, the Indian Prime Minister raised critical questions on global terrorism, asking whether the international community would act only after becoming victims themselves and questioning the silence of global institutions in the face of terrorism.
The PM further emphasized the injustice in equating terror perpetrators and their victims, urging collective international resolve to counter terrorism in all its forms.
The G7 Summit, held annually, brings together leaders of the Group of Seven (France, USA, UK, Germany, Japan, Italy, Canada) and the European Union, with rotating presidencies—Canada presiding in 2025.
Originally formed in the 1970s in response to the global energy crisis, the G7 was established to coordinate policies on macroeconomic stability, currency issues, global trade, and energy security, and has since evolved to address a wide range of global challenges.
In conclusion, the 2025 G7 Summit in Canada not only reaffirmed collective commitments to sustainability, digital inclusion, and supply chain security, but also provided a platform for India to voice concerns on terrorism and global governance reform, reinforcing its growing influence in international affairs.
India and Canada agree on restoration of High Commissioners |
India and Canada have agreed to restore the presence of High Commissioners, marking a significant step in mending bilateral ties that had deteriorated in 2024 due to serious diplomatic strains.
This announcement followed a meeting between the Prime Ministers of India and Canada on the sidelines of the G7 Summit, where both leaders reaffirmed the strategic value of India-Canada relations.
It is widely viewed as the first calibrated move towards re-establishing stable and structured diplomatic relations, after a year marked by diplomatic expulsion, mistrust, and security concerns.
A key highlight of the discussion was their mutual commitment to a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific, which is a term referring to the region stretching from the Indian Ocean to the Pacific, emphasizing security, economic cooperation, and rules-based order.
They also explored possibilities for future collaboration in key sectors such as clean energy (including renewable technologies), education (academic exchanges and institutional partnerships), and supply chain resilience (ensuring stable and diversified sourcing of critical goods and materials).
In addition, there was agreement on restarting stalled negotiations on trade agreements, notably the Early Progress Trade Agreement (EPTA) and broader economic frameworks.
The deterioration in India-Canada ties was primarily driven by the issue of Khalistani extremism, referring to a separatist movement seeking an independent Sikh state ("Khalistan"), with India objecting to the presence and activities of such extremist elements on Canadian soil.
A flashpoint was an unofficial referendum in Canada in 2023 by Khalistani groups, which India viewed as a challenge to its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Tensions peaked in October 2024 following Canada's public allegation of Indian involvement in the killing of a Sikh separatist leader in British Columbia, prompting both countries to expel several diplomats, further souring ties.
India has also raised concerns over Canada’s lack of responsiveness to multiple extradition requests for individuals accused of terrorism and other serious offenses, which has hampered security cooperation.
Despite political tensions, India and Canada share long-standing and multi-faceted relations rooted in democratic values, cultural diversity, people-to-people ties, and expanding economic engagement.
Economic ties have remained significant, with India exporting goods worth USD 7.53 billion to Canada in 2023, while imports from Canada stood at CAD 5.12 billion, indicating robust two-way trade.
On the legal and consular front, both countries have established frameworks through the Extradition Treaty (1987) and the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (1994), enabling cooperation on legal procedures and criminal matters.
In the field of science and technology, India and Canada collaborate in areas like Polar and Arctic research, and sustainable fuels, with a notable milestone being ISRO’s 2018 launch of Canada’s first Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite during its historic 100th PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle) mission.
Civil nuclear cooperation has also been a cornerstone, underpinned by the Nuclear Cooperation Agreement (NCA) signed in 2010 and in force since 2013, allowing for the export of Canadian uranium to India for peaceful energy use.
With diplomatic channels now reopening, the recent developments signal a cautious but constructive shift in India-Canada ties, driven by shared interests in strategic, economic, and technological cooperation while acknowledging the need to address core security and sovereignty concerns.
Global Drought Outlook, 2025 |
The Global Drought Outlook 2025, recently released by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), paints a concerning picture of increasing drought risks and their widespread impacts.
According to the report, 40% of the world’s land area is now experiencing more frequent and severe droughts, with notable examples in recent years such as Europe (2022), California (2021), and the Horn of Africa including Somalia, illustrating the global scale of the crisis.
The economic impact of droughts is also rising, with an estimated 3% to 7.5% annual increase in the cost of an average drought episode, affecting multiple sectors and national economies.
Countries like India and Australia may face operational disruptions in hydroelectric power plants due to water shortages, demonstrating the interlinkage between drought and energy security.
Similarly, drought severely affects inland water transport, as seen in the recent drought in the Panama Canal, disrupting global shipping and trade routes.
In the agricultural sector, crop yields can decline by up to 22%, posing threats to food security, livelihoods, and farmer incomes, especially in drought-prone and agrarian economies.
On the ecological front, there has been a 37% decline in global soil moisture levels since 1980, indicating long-term degradation of land and reduced agricultural productivity.
Alarmingly, 62% of the world’s monitored aquifers — underground layers of water-bearing rock — are in decline, highlighting the unsustainable exploitation of groundwater resources, which are critical for drinking water and irrigation.
Droughts are not only environmental and economic events but also humanitarian crises, accounting for 34% of all disaster-related deaths globally, according to a 2021 report by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).
These prolonged water shortages also exacerbate poverty, inequality, and displacement, especially among vulnerable communities in developing countries.
To address the growing drought risk, global initiatives like the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)’s Drought Initiative are working towards building resilience in affected regions.
Additionally, the International Drought Management Program, jointly coordinated by the World Meteorological Organization and the Global Water Partnership, supports nations in creating integrated drought management strategies.
In India, several key drought mitigation programs are in place, including the National Agricultural Drought Assessment and Monitoring System (NADAMS), which uses satellite data to monitor drought conditions.
Other Indian initiatives include the Watershed Development Component of the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (WDC-PMKSY), aimed at improving soil and water conservation, and the Atal Bhujal Yojana, which promotes community-based groundwater management.
In summary, the Global Drought Outlook 2025 serves as a critical wake-up call, urging collective international and national action to mitigate drought risks through sustainable water management, climate resilience, and proactive policy frameworks.
Bihar: 1st State to adopt E-Voting for Urban Polls |
Bihar is set to become the first state in India to adopt electronic voting (e-voting) for urban local body elections, marking a significant step in electoral modernization.
The Bihar State Election Commission has announced the rollout of a mobile-based e-voting system for the upcoming municipal and urban body polls scheduled later this month.
Electronic Voting (e-voting) refers to the process of casting votes using electronic devices such as computers, smartcards, and Direct-Recording Electronic machines (DREs), which help streamline and digitize electoral participation.
In Bihar’s case, the system will rely on two Android-based mobile applications – namely “e-Voting SECBHR”, developed jointly by C-DAC (Centre for Development of Advanced Computing) and the Bihar State Election Commission, enabling voters to cast their votes via smartphones.
To ensure robust digital security, the platform incorporates advanced features like Blockchain technology (a decentralized and tamper-proof ledger system), liveness detection (to confirm the person is physically present and not using a static image), and facial verification through live scanning and face matching.
Additionally, the system includes an audit trail similar to the VVPAT (Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail) used with EVMs, which allows each vote to be digitally tracked, verified, and recorded to uphold transparency and electoral integrity.
One of the key advantages of e-voting is improved accessibility, particularly for migrant workers, the elderly, persons with disabilities, and others who often face challenges in reaching traditional polling booths.
The system also aligns well with the preferences of young, tech-savvy, and mobile-first voters, making it easier for first-time voters to participate and potentially fostering long-term democratic engagement.
Moreover, by reducing the time, travel, and effort typically involved in voting, e-voting can help increase overall voter turnout, especially among marginalized and geographically mobile populations.
However, concerns persist around cybersecurity threats, such as hacking, manipulation, and digital fraud, which could compromise the credibility of the election if not adequately addressed.
Voting from home also raises issues of privacy and voter coercion, since it becomes harder to guarantee that individuals are voting freely and without external pressure in an unsupervised environment.
There's also the risk of digital exclusion, where citizens without internet access or basic digital literacy may be left out of the electoral process, thereby widening existing socio-digital divides.
In conclusion, while the adoption of e-voting in Bihar represents a transformational leap in electoral technology, its success will ultimately depend on safeguarding cybersecurity, ensuring digital inclusivity, and maintaining voter autonomy to build public trust and uphold democratic principles.
Global Ocean Darkening threatens underwater Ecosystems |
A recent study by researchers from a UK university has revealed that 21% of the global ocean experienced darkening between 2003 and 2022, with the most significant changes observed in the Arctic, Antarctic, and Gulf Stream regions.
This phenomenon, known as “Ocean Darkening”, refers to a reduction in light penetration into the ocean waters, resulting in a shrinking of the photic zone — the sunlit upper layer of the ocean (approximately up to 200 meters deep) where nearly 90% of marine life thrives.
The study suggests that this darkening is being driven by ecological shifts, possibly linked to the increase in phytoplankton and zooplankton blooms — microscopic plant-like and animal-like organisms that can cloud ocean waters when they reproduce in large numbers.
In coastal oceans, darkening is largely attributed to excessive nutrient, organic material, and sediment loading, caused by factors like agricultural runoff, urban discharge, and increased rainfall that washes soil and pollutants into the sea.
On the other hand, open ocean regions are affected by climate change-induced factors, such as surface ocean warming, which promotes algal blooms, and disruptions in ocean circulation patterns, both of which reduce light availability in deeper layers.
This decline in ocean clarity poses a direct threat to marine ecology and productivity, as it hampers light-dependent biological processes like photosynthesis, reproduction, growth, and communication in marine organisms.
The fisheries industry is also at risk, as fish stocks may decline due to habitat compression (reduced habitable depth caused by shrinking light zones) and the disruption of reproductive cycles, affecting marine population dynamics.
Additionally, ocean darkening can undermine the ocean’s role in climate regulation, by reducing its ability to absorb atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO₂) through photosynthesis and produce oxygen, which are essential functions in maintaining global climate balance.
Revised Mission Document of the National Mission for a Green India unveiled |
On the occasion of World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought (June 17), the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) unveiled the Revised Mission Document of the National Mission for a Green India (GIM), marking a renewed push toward climate-resilient forest management.
The Green India Mission (GIM), launched in 2014, is one of the eight core missions under India’s National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC), aimed at addressing climate change through ecological restoration.
The core objectives of the mission include increasing forest and tree cover on both forest and non-forest lands, improving ecosystem services like biodiversity, water retention, and carbon sequestration—the natural process of capturing and storing atmospheric CO₂.
In line with India’s climate commitments, GIM aims to create an additional carbon sink of 2.5 to 3.0 billion tonnes of CO₂ equivalent by 2030, a goal directly linked to India’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement.
The mission outlines three strategic sub-missions:
i. Improving forest quality and ecosystem services.
ii. Increasing forest/tree cover and restoring degraded ecosystems.
iii. Enhancing and diversifying livelihoods of forest-dependent communities.
The implementation follows a bottom-up approach, involving Joint Forest Management Committees (JFMCs) at the village level, ensuring community participation and ownership of restoration efforts.
The mission is set to be implemented over a 10-year period (2021–2030), combining long-term planning with flexibility to adapt to evolving environmental needs.
Funding will come partly from the mission's budget and significantly from the National CAMPA Fund (Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority), which pools money from developers for ecological compensation of diverted forest land.
A key innovation is the Micro-Ecosystem Approach, which prioritizes restoration in ecologically vulnerable regions such as the Aravallis, Western Ghats, Indian Himalayan Region (IHR), mangroves, and arid zones of Northwest India, ensuring interventions are region-specific and ecosystem-sensitive.
To encourage broader participation, the mission promotes Private Sector Involvement, including the use of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds to restore degraded lands or support eco-villages through partnerships with committed individuals or institutions.
Another forward-looking strategy is leveraging Voluntary Carbon Markets, which allow entities to sell carbon credits generated from forestry or agroforestry projects—turning ecological restoration into a revenue-generating opportunity.
The mission also proposes the formation of a “Pro-active Green India Force”—a cadre of trained, dedicated youth volunteers who will aid in implementing afforestation measures and ensure the upkeep of ecological assets, creating both environmental and employment benefits.
In summary, the Revised Green India Mission strengthens India’s climate and biodiversity commitments by combining scientific, community-driven, and market-based approaches to restore ecosystems, enhance rural incomes, and build a resilient green economy.
A New Landmark Study Has Pinpointed the Location of the Universe's "missing" Ordinary Matter |
In a breakthrough astronomical discovery, researchers from Harvard & Smithsonian (Center for Astrophysics - CfA) and Caltech have, for the first time, located the universe’s "missing" ordinary matter using powerful cosmic signals known as Fast Radio Bursts (FRBs).
This resolves a long-standing puzzle in cosmology, where scientists estimated that at least half of the universe’s ordinary or baryonic matter—the matter that makes up all visible things—had been unaccounted for since the Big Bang.
According to this new study, the distribution of ordinary matter across the universe is now mapped as:
76% in the Intergalactic Medium (IGM)—the vast, thin gas that exists in the space between galaxies,
15% in galaxy halos—the outer envelopes of galaxies that extend beyond visible stars, and
9% within galaxies, where it forms stars, planets, gas clouds, and dust, all bound together by gravity.
The key tool in this discovery was Fast Radio Bursts (FRBs)—short, intense blasts of electromagnetic radiation in radio wave frequencies, typically lasting milliseconds to a few seconds, and originating from galaxies far beyond our Milky Way.
These FRBs acted like “cosmic flashlights”: as they traveled through the universe, their signals dispersed into various wavelengths—similar to how a prism spreads sunlight—depending on the amount of matter they encountered.
By measuring the dispersion level, scientists were able to calculate the total ordinary matter along the FRBs' paths, thereby mapping the invisible "cosmic web" and confirming the previously untraced matter.
This achievement marks the first direct measurement of the baryonic matter spread across the universe and establishes FRBs as a reliable cosmological probe—a new tool for large-scale structure studies in space.
To clarify, Ordinary Matter (or baryonic matter) refers to matter composed of baryons—particles like protons and neutrons that make up atoms—and includes everything from stars and planets to gas, dust, and even water.
Ordinary matter accounts for roughly 15% of all matter in the universe, as it interacts with electromagnetic radiation (light) and is thus visible and detectable through telescopes.
In contrast, Dark Matter is a mysterious, invisible form of matter that makes up the remaining ~85%; it does not emit, absorb, or reflect light, making it undetectable by traditional means.
Despite being unseen, dark matter is known to exist due to its gravitational effects on galaxies and cosmic structures, and it interacts very weakly (if at all) with ordinary matter.
Similarities between ordinary and dark matter include that both have mass, occupy space, and exert gravitational pull, playing essential roles in shaping galaxies and the universe.
Maharashtra Government has issued Government Resolution (GR) making Hindi the third Language in Schools |
The Maharashtra Government has issued a Government Resolution (GR) mandating the inclusion of Hindi as the third language in schools, aligning with the newly adopted State Curriculum Framework for School Education 2024.
This move is part of the broader implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which promotes multilingual education and emphasizes flexibility and choice in language learning.
According to the order, students from Classes 1 to 5 in Marathi and English medium schools will now be taught Hindi as a third language, marking a notable shift in early school curriculum.
However, the resolution provides flexibility, stating that if at least 20 students per grade in a school opt for another Indian language, they can be exempted from Hindi and study their chosen language instead.
This initiative reflects the principles of the Three Language Formula, first introduced in NEP 1968 based on the Kothari Commission’s recommendations, which aimed to promote linguistic diversity and national integration.
Under this formula, students are encouraged to learn three languages: the mother tongue or regional language, an official Indian language, and a modern Indian or foreign language, typically starting from the early school years.
The NEP 2020 version of this formula emphasizes flexibility and local context, encouraging at least two native Indian languages, while clearly stating no language will be imposed on any student or state.
NEP 2020 also recommends that the medium of instruction should, wherever possible, be the home language, mother tongue, or regional language until at least Grade 5, and preferably until Grade 8 and beyond.
The need for such a multilingual approach is supported by constitutional provisions, such as Article 350A, which directs states to ensure instruction in mother tongue at the primary stage, especially for linguistic minorities, and Article 351, which promotes the development of Hindi as a means of national expression.
Beyond legal backing, the policy aims to enhance cultural inclusivity and cognitive development, promoting multilingualism, multiculturalism, and national unity, while also offering intellectual and linguistic benefits to young learners.
However, implementing the three-language policy comes with challenges, such as politicisation of language education, where efforts to introduce certain languages are seen as threats to regional identity — as seen in “son-of-the-soil” movements in states like Maharashtra and Karnataka.
Another concern is the tension between choice and imposition, as many argue that language learning should be voluntary, not mandated, especially in linguistically diverse states.
Additionally, the inclusion of three languages at the primary education level may overburden children, especially in regions still struggling with basic literacy and foundational learning outcomes.
There are also logistical and implementation challenges, particularly in tribal areas, remote regions, and linguistically diverse states like Nagaland, where teacher availability, curriculum design, and resources remain limited.
Ministry of Education releases ‘Performance Grade Index (PGI) 2.0’ for 2022-23 & 2023-24 |
The Ministry of Education has released the 'Performance Grading Index (PGI) 2.0' for the years 2022–23 and 2023–24, offering a comprehensive assessment of school education systems across all States and Union Territories (UTs).
The PGI evaluates educational performance by integrating data from multiple official sources including UDISE+ (Unified District Information System for Education Plus), National Achievement Survey (NAS), PM-POSHAN portal, PRABAND portal, and the Vidyanjali portal, ensuring holistic and data-driven analysis.
The Performance Grading Index (PGI) was first launched in 2017 and later revamped in 2021 as PGI 2.0, to better reflect evolving priorities in education quality, governance, and inclusivity.
The structure of PGI 2.0 comprises a total weightage of 1000 points distributed across 73 key indicators, grouped under two broad categories – Outcomes and Governance & Management.
These categories are further classified into six specific domains:
i. Learning Outcomes (LO) – measures student performance,
ii. Access (A) – tracks student enrollment and retention,
iii. Infrastructure & Facilities (IF) – evaluates physical and digital school infrastructure,
iv. Equity (E) – assesses inclusive education across demographics,
v. Governance Processes (GP) – looks into policy and administrative functioning, and
vi. Teacher Education & Training (TET) – focuses on teacher quality and training systems.
States and UTs are graded on a 10-level scale out of 1000 points, with performance bands such as Daksh (highest), Utkarsh, Atti-Uttam, Uttam, down to Akanshi-3 (lowest).
According to the latest PGI 2.0 report, no State or UT managed to reach the top four performance grades – namely Daksh, Utkarsh, Atti-Uttam, or Uttam – indicating scope for improvement across all regions.
Chandigarh emerged as the top performer, being the only State/UT to secure the Grade Prachesta-1, highlighting relatively strong governance and outcome scores.
On the other end, Meghalaya was identified as the lowest performer, being the only State placed in the lowest grade, Akanshi-3, reflecting challenges in multiple education domains.
In terms of progress, the report observed that 24 States and UTs improved their PGI scores in 2023–24 compared to 2022–23, signaling a positive trend in school education quality and administration.
However, 12 States/UTs including Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Karnataka, and Andaman & Nicobar Islands witnessed declines in their performance scores, underlining the need for targeted interventions and policy support.
Reverse Flipping |
In a move to boost startup IPOs and attract global capital back to domestic markets, SEBI has relaxed certain compliance norms in the stock market to promote the practice of ‘Reverse Flipping’.
Reverse Flipping refers to the process where startups that had previously set up their corporate structure in offshore jurisdictions — such as Singapore, the U.S., or the Cayman Islands — shift their domicile back to India, typically to list on Indian stock exchanges or benefit from domestic policies.
This trend is gaining momentum as Indian startups increasingly recognize the advantages of a domestic base, driven by a combination of regulatory support and favorable economic conditions within India.
Several factors are contributing to the rise in reverse flipping, including the potential to list on Indian stock exchanges, which are witnessing growing investor confidence and rising valuations for tech-based startups.
India's robust macroeconomic environment, marked by stable policies, rising GDP, and digital expansion, offers startups a more predictable and encouraging operating landscape.
The shift is also supported by India’s expanding local consumer market, which offers startups access to a large and diverse customer base for scaling their products and services.
Additionally, India’s evolving tax regime and simplified compliance framework are making it more attractive for companies to operate from within the country, as compared to the complex international tax laws they often face offshore.
The growing strength of India’s domestic investor ecosystem, including increased participation by retail investors, domestic venture capital, and institutional funds, further reduces the dependence on foreign capital and motivates startups to return.
By easing regulatory burdens, SEBI aims to make domestic capital markets more startup-friendly, reinforcing India’s vision to become a global hub for innovation and entrepreneurship.
Front Running |
In a recent regulatory action, SEBI has banned the Director of IIFL Securities and others for their alleged involvement in front running, highlighting its ongoing crackdown on unethical market practices.
Front Running is an illegal trading practice where an individual, typically a broker or insider, uses advanced, non-public information about a forthcoming large transaction to buy or sell a security before the client’s order is executed.
This tactic exploits confidential knowledge of large trades—for example, a broker placing personal trades just before executing a client’s substantial stock order, thereby benefiting from the anticipated price movement.
Such behavior is classified as market manipulation, as it results in artificial price changes driven by insider access rather than genuine market demand or supply.
Front running undermines market integrity, since it creates an unfair advantage for insiders and distorts the level playing field essential for efficient and transparent financial markets.
Over time, these practices erode investor trust, discourage participation, and damage the credibility of capital markets, making regulatory vigilance critical.
SEBI’s action in this case sends a strong message that it will continue to safeguard investor interests and ensure fairness and transparency in the securities market.
In conclusion, front running is not only a breach of fiduciary duty but also a violation of market regulations, and its strict enforcement is key to maintaining ethical conduct and investor confidence in India's financial ecosystem.
Mount Lewotobi Lakilaki |
Recently, Indonesia’s Mount Lewotobi Lakilaki volcano erupted.
About Mount Lewotobi Lakilaki
Type: Mount Lewotobi is made up of two closely situated stratovolcanoes—Lewotobi Lakilaki (man) and Lewotobi Perempuan (woman).
Location: It is located on Flores Island in Indonesia.
Geological Setting: The volcano is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, a zone known for intense volcanic and earthquake activity.
INS ARNALA: India’s first Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft |
The Indian Navy recently commissioned INS Arnala, marking a significant milestone in India’s drive towards self-reliance in naval defense capabilities.
INS Arnala is India’s first Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC), specifically designed for operations in littoral (coastal) waters, where traditional warships may not effectively maneuver.
Named after the historic coastal fort of Arnala in Maharashtra, the vessel symbolizes India’s maritime heritage and regional naval legacy.
The warship represents a major shift from a "Buyer's Navy" to a "Builder's Navy", showcasing indigenous design, engineering, and manufacturing, in line with the Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) vision.
At 77 meters in length, INS Arnala holds the distinction of being the largest Indian Naval warship to be propelled using a Diesel Engine-Waterjet combination, offering improved maneuverability and speed in shallow waters.
It is equipped to carry out a range of specialized operations such as Sub-Surface Surveillance (monitoring underwater threats like submarines), Interdiction (intercepting hostile vessels), Search and Rescue (SAR) missions, and Low-Intensity Maritime Operations (LIMO)—a term referring to naval roles in counter-piracy, anti-smuggling, or disaster response scenarios.
In conclusion, INS Arnala stands as a testament to India's growing naval capabilities, enhancing the Navy's ability to secure coastal regions and respond to underwater threats with agility and precision.
Operation Sindhu |
In response to escalating tensions between Iran and Israel, India launched ‘Operation Sindhu’ to ensure the safe evacuation of its nationals stranded in the region.
Under Operation Sindhu, a total of 110 Indian nationals were successfully evacuated, with critical support from the governments of Iran and Armenia, reflecting effective diplomatic coordination.
Due to the closure of Iranian airspace amid regional hostilities, India utilized an alternative overland evacuation route, moving nationals from northern Iran to Yerevan, Armenia through the Nurduz-Agarak border crossing, a key international land link between Iran and Armenia.
The operation demonstrates India’s readiness to adapt its evacuation strategies using multi-country coordination and overland routes when air evacuation is not viable due to geopolitical constraints.
India’s ability to conduct the operation was aided by its amicable relations with Iran and two of its neighboring countries — Turkmenistan and Iraq, which offered a degree of diplomatic flexibility and logistical fallback in the region.
However, relations with other neighbors of Iran such as Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Pakistan were strained during this period, particularly following developments related to Operation Sindoor, complicating regional coordination.
Additionally, India maintains no official diplomatic relations with the Taliban regime in Afghanistan, another neighbor of Iran, which further limited India’s options in charting evacuation routes through the region.
In conclusion, Operation Sindhu reflects India’s agile and strategic approach to citizen safety during international crises, underscoring the importance of robust diplomatic networks, regional intelligence, and contingency planning in volatile geopolitical landscapes.
FASTag Annual Pass |
In a move to enhance convenience for highway commuters, the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways recently launched the FASTag Annual Pass, aimed at enabling seamless travel through toll plazas across the country.
FASTag is an electronic toll collection system that uses Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology to automatically deduct toll charges while the vehicle is in motion, thereby reducing wait times and congestion at toll booths.
The FASTag device is affixed on the windscreen of the vehicle, allowing contactless scanning by RFID readers installed at toll plazas, and the toll amount is deducted directly from the user’s linked account or wallet.
This system not only ensures cashless and hassle-free transactions but also contributes to faster traffic movement, fuel savings, and reduced emissions due to less idling.
FASTag is developed under the National Electronic Toll Collection (NETC) program, which is a joint initiative by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), and the Indian Highways Management Company Limited (IHMCL).
The NETC program aims to create a unified toll payment solution across India’s highway network, promoting digital infrastructure and enhancing transparency in toll collection.
In conclusion, the introduction of the FASTag Annual Pass further strengthens India’s push toward a technology-driven, efficient, and commuter-friendly road transport system, aligned with the broader goals of Digital India and smart mobility.
Sahitya Akademi |
The Sahitya Akademi, India’s premier institution dedicated to promoting literature, has recently announced 23 winners for the Yuva Puraskar and 24 for the Bal Puraskar, recognizing young and child authors across various Indian languages.
Established in 1954 and registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, the Sahitya Akademi serves as India’s National Academy of Letters, playing a pivotal role in preserving and promoting literary heritage.
It functions as an autonomous body under the Ministry of Culture, ensuring that its operations remain independent of political influence, while aligning with national cultural objectives.
The Akademi is unique in its scope, as it supports literary activities across 24 Indian languages — including 22 Scheduled Languages (as per the Constitution) plus English and Rajasthani, thereby fostering linguistic diversity and inclusivity.
Over the years, it has become a symbol of literary excellence in India, administering various awards, fellowships, seminars, translation projects, and publishing initiatives to encourage literary creativity and scholarship.
Among its prestigious recognitions, the Yuva Puraskar celebrates emerging young writers (below 35 years) for their contribution to Indian literature, while the Bal Puraskar is awarded to outstanding literary works for children, nurturing early literary talent.
Agarwood |
A recent study has raised concern that the global agarwood trade’s dependence on wild and endangered trees is increasingly threatening their long-term conservation and survival.
Agarwood, also known as Audh or Gaharu, is a highly fragrant, resinous wood formed in trees belonging to the Aquilaria and Gyrinops genera of the Thymelaeaceae family.
The resin is produced when these trees are naturally wounded or deliberately infected by specific fungi, triggering a defensive biochemical response that results in the formation of aromatic, dark resin within the wood.
In India, agarwood trees are predominantly found in the Northeastern states, and notably, the capital city Agartala (Tripura) derives its name from this precious wood, highlighting its cultural and economic significance in the region.
India is home to two key species — Aquilaria khasiana and Aquilaria malaccensis — both of which are biologically and commercially important for agarwood production.
Due to rising exploitation, Aquilaria malaccensis is listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List, indicating it faces an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild.
From a legal standpoint, Agarwood species are protected under Appendix II of CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) and Schedule IV of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, regulating their trade and harvest.
Despite its endangered status, India has successfully lobbied to prevent the inclusion of Aquilaria malaccensis in the Review of Significant Trade (RST) of CITES, which has helped ease certain international trade restrictions on agarwood exports.
Agarwood has wide-ranging uses, most prominently in luxury perfumes, traditional medicine systems such as Ayurveda (with references in Charaka Samhita), Chinese medicine, and Unani, reflecting its deep-rooted ethnobotanical and economic value.
In conclusion, while agarwood holds immense cultural, medicinal, and commercial importance, ensuring its sustainable harvest and conservation is crucial to balance global demand with ecological responsibility.
India marks 50 years of its Crocodile Conservation Project in 2025 |
On the eve of World Crocodile Day (June 17, 2025), India is proudly celebrating 50 years of its Crocodile Conservation Project, which has been instrumental in reviving crocodile populations across the country.
The Crocodile Conservation Project was officially launched on 1st April, 1975, following recommendations by expert H.R. Bustard, aiming to protect crocodile habitats and ensure rapid population recovery through captive breeding.
The project was supported by technical and financial assistance from UNDP/FAO (United Nations Development Programme / Food and Agriculture Organization), channeled through the Government of India.
A major success story of the project is Odisha, the only state in India that houses conservation centres for all three native crocodilian species, showcasing region-wise specialization:
Tikarpada (Satkosia) for gharials,
Dangamal (Bhitarkanika) for saltwater crocodiles, and
Ramatirtha (Similipal) for mugger crocodiles.
Among the recovered species, the saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus)—the world’s largest living reptile—has bounced back with a population of around 2,500 individuals, concentrated mainly in Bhitarkanika, and also found in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Sundarbans (West Bengal).
Similarly, the mugger crocodile (Crocodylus palustris), also known as the marsh crocodile, has shown remarkable recovery with an estimated 8,000–10,000 individuals, reclaiming much of its historical range, including the Ganga river drainage.
Gharial (Gavialis gangeticus) conservation has also seen notable progress, with 400+ gharial nests recorded annually across multiple sites including the National Chambal Sanctuary (spanning Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh), Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary, Gandak River, Corbett Tiger Reserve, and Son Gharial Sanctuary.
Today, India holds over 80% of the global wild gharial population, making it a critical player in global gharial conservation.
Building on these gains, in 2025, India launched a new Gharial Conservation Project aimed at expanding their presence across major river systems like the Ganges, Brahmaputra, Indus, and Mahanadi (in Odisha).
Institutions like the Madras Crocodile Bank, established by Romulus Whitaker, continue to play a vital role in captive breeding, public education, and reintroduction programs for various crocodile species.
Globally, there are 13 recognized crocodile species, including well-known ones like the Nile crocodile and saltwater crocodile; India is home to three native species:
Gharial (fish-eating, long-snouted species)
Mugger crocodile (broad-snouted marsh dweller)
Saltwater crocodile (largest, found in coastal and estuarine habitats)
Crocodiles are nocturnal (active at night) and poikilothermic, meaning they cannot regulate their body temperature internally and rely on external heat sources like the sun.
Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) |
The NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) mission has arrived at ISRO’s Sriharikota spaceport for launch, marking a significant step in Earth observation technology.
NISAR is designed to scan nearly all of Earth’s land and ice surfaces twice every 12 days, providing frequent and detailed monitoring.
Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) is an advanced radar imaging technique that can produce sharp images regardless of darkness or cloud cover, unlike conventional optical cameras.
Unlike traditional cameras that rely on visible light, SAR systems emit pulses of electromagnetic energy, often in the microwave spectrum, and measure the echoes reflected from the Earth’s surface, oceans, and ice.
This ability to use microwave signals allows SAR to penetrate obstacles like clouds, smoke, and light rain, enabling 24/7 data collection regardless of weather or daylight conditions.
Thus, SAR is a crucial tool for consistent and reliable remote sensing in diverse environmental and climatic situations.
Shipki La pass |
Himachal Pradesh (HP) has recently reopened Shipki La Pass, a motorable mountain pass in Kinnaur district, for domestic tourists after it was closed following the 2020 Doklam standoff (a military border dispute between India and China).
Shipki La Pass connects India with Tibet (China), and its original name was Pema La or Shared Gate, but it was renamed by the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) as Shipki La.
The strategically important Sutlej River, known as Langqen Zangbo in Tibet, enters India through this pass, highlighting its geographical significance.
Apart from Shipki La, Himachal Pradesh has other notable mountain passes including Baralacha La (linking Lahaul-Spiti with Ladakh), Rohtang La (connecting Kullu valley to Lahaul-Spiti), Shingo La/Shinku La (connecting HP to Ladakh), and Borasu Pass (linking HP to Uttarakhand).
Barak Magen |
Barak Magen (meaning Lightning Shield in Hebrew) is Israel’s advanced naval air defense system developed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) to protect against Iranian drones.
This system is designed to counter a broad range of aerial threats including Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs or drones), cruise missiles, high-trajectory projectiles, and shore-to-sea missiles.
Barak Magen complements other major Israeli defense systems such as Iron Dome, David’s Sling, Arrow System, and the Laser Iron Beam, forming a multi-layered shield against various threats.
Notably, Israel developed David’s Sling and Arrow System in collaboration with the United States, highlighting strategic defense partnerships.
Sustainable Cities Integrated Pilot Approach (SCIAP) Project |
Under the Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban (SBM-U), select cities are integrating electric vehicles (EVs) into their household waste collection systems to promote cleaner, greener urban management.
This initiative is supported by the Sustainable Cities Integrated Pilot Approach (SCIAP) Project, launched in 2016 to advance sustainable urban planning and management in line with UN-Habitat's commitments.
The SCIAP Project is funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), an international fund for environmental initiatives, and executed jointly by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and UN-Habitat, in collaboration with India’s Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA).
Currently, the project is operational in five pilot cities—Bhopal, Guntur, Mysore, Vijayawada, and Jaipur—where it aims to demonstrate sustainable urban development through innovative waste management solutions.
Exercise Shakti |
The Indian Army contingent departed to participate in the 8th edition of the biennial India-France joint military exercise, Exercise SHAKTI, scheduled from 18th June to 1st July 2025 at Camp Larzac, La Cavalerie, France.
The Indian contingent consists of 90 personnel, primarily from a battalion of the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles, along with members from other arms and services, while the French contingent also comprises 90 personnel from the 13th Foreign Legion Half-Brigade (13th DBLE).
Exercise SHAKTI is a biennial (occurring every two years) military training engagement designed to enhance interoperability (ability to operate together), operational coordination, and strengthen military-to-military relations between India and France.
This edition emphasizes joint operations in a sub-conventional environment, referring to operations that deal with irregular warfare and low-intensity conflicts, conducted under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter, which allows enforcement action to maintain or restore international peace.
The training will be held in semi-urban terrain, providing realistic conditions for rehearsing tactical drills, sharing best practices in Tactics, Techniques and Procedures (TTPs), and familiarizing troops with new generation equipment or contemporary military technologies.
Exercise SHAKTI also aims to build physical endurance and foster esprit-de-corps (a sense of unity and pride), mutual respect, and professional camaraderie between the two armies.
The exercise underscores the growing defense cooperation and will further strengthen strategic ties between India and France, highlighting their friendly bilateral relationship.
Besides Exercise SHAKTI (Army), India and France also conduct joint exercises in other domains such as Exercise Varuna (Navy) and Exercise Garuda (Air Force).
Nothopegia: Oldest known fossil record |
Researchers have discovered 24 to 23 million-year-old fossilized leaves identified as belonging to the genus Nothopegia, marking the oldest known fossil record of this genus.
Nothopegia, a plant genus now found only in the Western Ghats—a biodiversity hotspot in southwestern India—was once present in Northeast India.
The disappearance of Nothopegia from Northeast India is linked to the Himalayan uplift, which caused significant climatic cooling and altered rainfall and wind patterns, making the region inhospitable for this genus.
However, Nothopegia survived in the Western Ghats due to its stable tropical climate, which provided a suitable environment despite the climatic changes elsewhere.
The genus Nothopegia is currently distributed in India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, with 10–11 known species, of which 8 species are found in India, mostly concentrated in the Western Ghats and the southwestern regions.
Nonia rebellion |
The Union Minister for Agriculture recently paid tribute to freedom fighter Buddhu Nonia on his centenary celebrations, highlighting the significant role of the Nonia community in the historic Nonia Rebellion of the 1770s.
Responding to Mahatma Gandhi’s Salt Satyagraha (a 1930 civil disobedience movement against the British salt tax), Buddhu Nonia actively participated in salt-making, but was deceitfully arrested and later killed by the British authorities.
The Nonia Rebellion, which began around 1770, was one of two major uprisings of that time—the other being the Sanyasi Rebellion—both aimed at driving out British colonial rule.
This rebellion, which reportedly lasted for about 30 years starting around 1750, was led primarily by the Lonia community in regions of Bihar such as Hajipur, Tirhut, Saran, and Purnia.
The term Lonia is derived from the Sanskrit word "Lavan," meaning salt, reflecting the community’s traditional association with the production of saltpetre (a key ingredient in gunpowder), acid, and sulfur.
This connection to salt and related substances underscores the community’s strategic importance and motivation in resisting British salt laws and exploitation.
River Dhansiri |
Researchers have developed policy proposals aimed at reviving the Dhansiri River after conducting a detailed study of its pollution status.
The Dhansiri River originates from Laisang Peak in Nagaland and flows along the boundary between Karbi Anglong district in Assam and Nagaland.
Its important sub-tributaries include the Kakodonga and Bhogdoi rivers, which contribute to its flow.
The river ultimately meets the Brahmaputra River by joining its south bank, making it a significant tributary of this major waterway.
Ecologically, the Dhansiri River supports wildlife habitats as it is flanked by the Dhansiri Reserved Forest and the Intangki National Park, both vital for regional biodiversity.
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Great effort.