Daily Current Affairs – 26 June 2025
- TPP
- Jun 26
- 16 min read
Updated: Jun 27
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 AI-powered Advanced Traffic Management System (ATMS), AXIOM-4 mission, International Space Station (ISS), UNESCO Tentative List for World Heritage Sites, 50 years since the Proclamation of Emergency, Cloudburst, NATO, Paris Agreement, International Potato Centre (CIP), e‑Passport, Business Responsibility & Sustainability Reporting, Brent Crude, Weight Loss Drug, Enhanced Rock Weathering (ERS) and more…
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AI-Powered Advanced Traffic Management System |
Dwarka Expressway has become the first highway in India to implement an AI-powered Advanced Traffic Management System (ATMS), marking a significant advancement in traffic management.
The system is being implemented by Indian Highways Management Company Ltd. (IHMCL), a key organization responsible for highway infrastructure management.
Advanced Traffic Management Systems (ATMS) encompass a range of technologies and techniques designed to enhance the efficiency, safety, and reliability of traffic flow on roads and highways.
Key components of ATMS include Traffic Monitoring Cameras for real-time observation, and the Video Incident Detection and Enforcement System (VIDES) which automatically detects traffic incidents and violations.
Additionally, the system uses a Vehicle Actuated Speed Display System (VASD) that dynamically shows vehicle speeds to alert drivers, helping to control speed limits.
Communication across the system is maintained through a robust Communication Network with Optical Fiber Backbone, ensuring fast and reliable data transfer.
All these components are centrally coordinated via the ATMS Command and Control Center, which monitors, analyzes, and manages traffic to ensure smooth operations.
The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) enhances decision-making and responsiveness by predicting and managing traffic conditions proactively.
The AXIOM-4 mission to International Space Station (ISS) launched |
The AXIOM-4 mission, launched to the International Space Station (ISS), marks a milestone in private spaceflight and international collaboration in space exploration.
Organized by Texas-based startup Axiom Space in partnership with SpaceX, this mission reflects the growing role of commercial companies in human spaceflight.
AXIOM-4 is NASA’s fourth all-private astronaut mission to the ISS, highlighting a new era where private entities increasingly contribute to space research.
The multinational crew of AXIOM-4 includes astronauts from the USA, India, Poland, and Hungary, reinforcing global cooperation in space exploration.
Notably, Shubhanshu Shukla becomes India’s second national astronaut in space after Rakesh Sharma, who flew aboard the Soviet Union’s Soyuz spacecraft in 1984—India’s last human spaceflight until now.
This mission represents a collaborative effort between Axiom Space, NASA (U.S. space agency), ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation), and ESA (European Space Agency), showcasing public-private and international synergy.
The AXIOM-4 crew will stay for 14 days aboard the ISS, engaging in scientific and educational activities under microgravity—a near weightless condition experienced in orbit that enables unique scientific research.
Their schedule includes microgravity research, technology demonstrations, and public outreach engagements to enhance understanding and promote space science.
For India, the mission is a significant step forward, as it aims to study biological processes in space, vital for planning long-duration missions, such as future lunar or Martian exploration.
The experiments conducted are expected to advance space science and technology, while also inspiring future generations of Indian scientists, engineers, and space professionals.
India's participation strengthens its global space presence and reaffirms its commitment to contributing to international scientific progress.
The International Space Station (ISS), where AXIOM-4 is headed, is a habitable artificial satellite orbiting Earth at an altitude of 370–460 km, functioning as a laboratory and living space in orbit.
The ISS is a joint project involving major space agencies—NASA (USA), ESA (Europe), JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency), CSA (Canadian Space Agency), and Roscosmos (Russia)—demonstrating a legacy of international space cooperation.
Since the launch of its first module in 1998, the ISS has served as a hub for scientific innovation, and it is expected to remain operational until at least 2030.
Salkhan Fossil Park Added to UNESCO Tentative List for World Heritage Sites |
Salkhan Fossil Park, officially known as Sonbhadra Fossils Park, has recently been added to the UNESCO Tentative List for World Heritage Sites, highlighting its global geological importance.
Located in the Sonbhadra District of Uttar Pradesh, the site lies in the ancient Kaimur Range, a part of the Vindhya mountain system, and sits next to the Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary.
The park qualifies as a geo-heritage site—a location with significant geological features—under the IUCN’s 2020 guidelines for the theme "Evolution of Life", and aligns with UNESCO’s 2021 framework on Earth's history and the evolution of life.
Salkhan Fossil Park is among the oldest and best-preserved fossil sites globally, with fossils dating back approximately 1.4 billion years, offering an exceptional window into early life on Earth.
A major highlight of the site is its rich presence of Stromatolites—layered sedimentary formations created by Cyanobacteria (blue-green algae), one of the earliest known life forms.
These stromatolitic fossils serve as natural records of the “Great Oxidation Event”, a turning point in Earth’s history when oxygen began accumulating in the atmosphere around 2.4 billion years ago.
The site displays various stromatolite forms—including domal (dome-shaped), columnar (pillar-like), and stratiform (layered) types—each providing clues about ancient water depth, wave activity, and sedimentation patterns.
Scientifically, the park plays a critical role in understanding Earth's early environment, aiding researchers in reconstructing the biosphere during the Precambrian era—the vast time period before complex life evolved.
The Precambrian era, which spans nearly 85% of Earth’s history, is significantly underrepresented in the global fossil record, and Salkhan helps fill this gap, making it invaluable to paleontologists and geologists worldwide.
Its inclusion in the UNESCO Tentative List strengthens the case for India’s unique natural heritage, as the park showcases life’s earliest biological and environmental developments.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site is a place recognized for its "Outstanding Universal Value", meaning it holds cultural, historical, scientific, or natural significance important to all of humanity.
These sites are designated under the World Heritage Convention (Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage), which guides global preservation efforts.
World Heritage Sites fall under three categories: Cultural (e.g., monuments, historic buildings), Natural (e.g., landscapes, ecosystems), and Mixed Heritage (a blend of cultural and natural values).
With Salkhan Fossil Park’s tentative nomination, India moves closer to gaining international recognition for one of the most ancient and scientifically valuable records of early Earth life.
Union Cabinet passes resolution on the observance of 50 years since the Proclamation of Emergency |
The Union Cabinet has passed a resolution to commemorate 50 years since the Proclamation of National Emergency on June 25, 1975, a turning point in India’s constitutional and democratic history.
The Emergency was declared under Article 352 of the Indian Constitution, citing internal disturbance as a threat to national security, leading to significant restrictions on civil liberties.
Prior to this, National Emergency had been proclaimed twice—during the India-China war in 1962 and the India-Pakistan war in 1971, both based on external aggression.
The Indian Constitution provides for three types of emergencies:
National Emergency (Article 352) in cases of war, external aggression, or armed rebellion,
President’s Rule (Article 356) in case of breakdown of constitutional machinery in states,
Financial Emergency (Article 360) in case of financial instability.
A National Emergency is proclaimed by the President if he or she is satisfied that the security of India or any part is under threat from war, external aggression, or armed rebellion.
The term “armed rebellion” was introduced by the 44th Constitutional Amendment Act (CAA), 1978, replacing the earlier, broader term “internal disturbance”, to prevent misuse.
Once proclaimed, the Emergency must be approved by both Houses of Parliament within one month, and thereafter requires parliamentary reapproval every six months.
Such approval must be through a special majority—i.e., a majority of the total membership and two-thirds of members present and voting—a safeguard introduced by the 44th CAA to ensure greater legislative oversight.
During an Emergency, certain Fundamental Rights can be suspended to give the state extraordinary powers to maintain security and public order.
Under Article 358, the state can suspend Article 19 rights (freedom of speech, expression, etc.), while Article 359 empowers suspension of enforcement of other Part III rights, except Articles 20 and 21—the right to life and protection from retrospective criminal laws and self-incrimination, which were safeguarded by the 44th CAA.
The Emergency period (1975–77) also saw a series of controversial constitutional amendments that expanded executive powers and curtailed judicial review.
The 38th Constitutional Amendment Act (CAA) barred courts from questioning the President’s satisfaction in proclaiming or continuing an Emergency.
The 39th CAA excluded the election of the Prime Minister and Speaker of the Lok Sabha from judicial scrutiny, effectively shielding top political leaders from legal accountability.
The 42nd CAA, often referred to as the “Mini Constitution,” expanded the powers of the central government, extended the terms of Lok Sabha and State Assemblies, and barred judicial review of constitutional amendments—consolidating authority in the executive.
After the Emergency ended, the 44th CAA (1978) reversed many of these changes, restoring judicial review, protecting fundamental rights, and tightening conditions under which Emergency can be proclaimed.
As India observes the 50th anniversary of the 1975 Emergency, the Cabinet’s resolution serves as a reminder of the need to safeguard democracy, constitutional rights, and institutional checks and balances.
Cloudburst triggers flash floods in Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh |
A cloudburst triggered severe flash floods in the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh, causing widespread damage to infrastructure and loss of human life as the monsoon intensified over the region.
The incident occurred due to torrential rainfall from a sudden cloudburst, which led to swollen mountain streams and rivers, overwhelming local drainage systems.
A cloudburst refers to extremely heavy rainfall in a very short period, typically over a small geographical area, often resulting in floods and landslides in hilly regions.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), a cloudburst is defined as precipitation exceeding 100 mm per hour over an area of around 20 to 30 square kilometers.
Cloudbursts generally occur through orographic lift—a meteorological process where moist air is forced to ascend over mountain slopes, causing rapid condensation and intense rainfall.
In orographic lifting, warm, moist air rises up a mountain, expands due to lower pressure at higher altitudes, cools, and releases moisture as precipitation—sometimes suddenly, if moisture accumulates excessively without early release.
Alternatively, cloudbursts can also occur when warm, moisture-laden air collides with cooler air, causing abrupt condensation and violent downpours, especially in mountainous terrain.
In India’s context, such events are becoming increasingly frequent and intense, especially in Himalayan regions, due to a combination of climate change and unregulated development.
Recognizing the threat, the National Disaster Management Plan (NDMP), 2019 outlines comprehensive measures under Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) for cloudburst-related events.
Under “Understanding Risk”, the NDMP recommends compiling data on cloudbursts, landslides, and hazard zoning, especially in vulnerable regions like the Western Himalayas.
To reduce disaster impact, the plan emphasizes the need to repair and maintain natural drainage systems, streams, and rivulets to ensure free flow of stormwater and prevent waterlogging or flash floods.
Under “Capacity Building”, it advises strengthening local governance mechanisms, improving early warning systems, and promoting insurance and financial risk transfer tools to build community resilience.
It also calls for training local bodies and disaster response teams to effectively respond to cloudburst events, minimize casualties, and facilitate quicker post-disaster recovery.
The recent Kullu tragedy underlines the urgency of climate-adaptive infrastructure, accurate weather forecasting, and active implementation of disaster management frameworks at the grassroots level.
Parliamentary Committees are not adversarial to the government but serve as a guide: Lok Sabha Speaker |
In a recent statement, the Lok Sabha Speaker emphasized that Parliamentary Committees are not adversarial to the government, but rather function as supportive and corrective institutions that offer constructive guidance.
Parliamentary Committees are specialized panels composed of Members of Parliament (MPs), designed to ensure executive accountability and scrutinize the functioning of the government beyond the constraints of House proceedings.
These committees are broadly classified into two types:
Standing Committees, which are permanent and reconstituted regularly, include Financial Committees and 24 Departmentally Related Standing Committees (DRSCs).
Ad hoc Committees, which are temporary in nature, are formed for a specific purpose and cease to exist once their assigned task is completed—such as Select and Joint Committees on Bills.
The significance of Parliamentary Committees lies in their ability to uphold legislative oversight, enhance governance quality, and improve the lawmaking process.
One of their core functions is ensuring executive accountability, as seen in committees like the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), which examines government expenditure and financial practices.
These committees foster transparent and effective governance by providing well-researched, non-partisan recommendations, serving as a bridge between the legislature and the executive.
They help improve legislative efficiency, especially since the Parliament has limited time to discuss every issue on the floor, while committees work year-round in a more focused manner.
Additionally, committees offer a platform for consensus-building across political lines, making parliamentary functioning more collaborative and deliberative.
Despite their importance, Parliamentary Committees face several challenges that impact their effectiveness and reach.
These include short tenures, delays in their constitution, and the practice of closed-door meetings, which sometimes reduces public scrutiny and transparency.
A key issue is low MP attendance in committee meetings—data from the 17th Lok Sabha (till July 2023) shows an average attendance of just 47% in subject committee meetings.
There's also a declining trend in referring bills to committees: while 60% of bills were sent to committees in the 14th Lok Sabha, only 16% were referred during the 17th Lok Sabha, indicating reduced scrutiny of legislation.
The Venkatachaliah Commission (2000) had also pointed out institutional limitations, such as lack of dedicated resources, inadequate staff support, and absence of domain experts to assist committee work.
Addressing these structural and functional gaps is essential to strengthen the committee system, which remains vital for deep scrutiny, informed policymaking, and ensuring democratic checks and balances.
North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) |
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), a key global security alliance, has recently agreed to increase defense spending targets from 2% to 5% of each member’s GDP by 2035, marking a significant shift in its strategic priorities.
This decision reflects NATO's growing emphasis on military preparedness and deterrence, amid evolving global threats and geopolitical tensions.
Alongside the budgetary commitment, NATO members also reaffirmed their dedication to collective defence, the core of NATO’s security structure.
NATO was established in 1949 through the North Atlantic Treaty, also known as the Washington Treaty, in the aftermath of World War II.
The primary objective behind NATO’s creation was to deter Soviet expansion in Europe and to ensure mutual security cooperation among Western democracies.
Headquartered in Brussels, Belgium, NATO today has evolved into a robust political and military alliance, adapting to both traditional and modern security challenges.
NATO is composed of 32 member countries from Europe and North America, with Sweden being the most recent country to join, expanding the alliance’s reach in the Nordic region.
At its core, NATO operates on the principle of collective defense, enshrined in Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty, which states that an armed attack against one member is considered an attack against all.
Article 5 has been invoked only once in NATO’s history, in response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks in the United States, showcasing the alliance’s solidarity in times of crisis.
NATO functions not only as a military alliance but also as a political platform for dialogue and cooperation, playing a critical role in maintaining transatlantic peace and security.
Paris Agreement |
In a significant development, developing countries led by India have reopened discussions on the climate finance obligations of developed nations under the Paris Agreement, citing unmet commitments.
The focus is on Article 9.1 of the Paris Agreement, which clearly states that developed countries shall provide financial resources to assist developing nations in both climate mitigation (reducing greenhouse gas emissions) and adaptation (coping with climate impacts).
This push came during the ongoing negotiations at COP29 (29th Conference of the Parties) of the UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change), being held in Baku, Azerbaijan.
At COP29, developed countries proposed to mobilize at least USD 300 billion annually from 2035 to support climate actions in developing countries.
However, this figure falls significantly short of the actual need, as developing countries have assessed a minimum requirement of USD 1.3 trillion per year to meet their climate goals.
The large gap between promised and required climate finance has reignited long-standing tensions in global climate negotiations, with poorer nations demanding climate justice and equity in resource allocation.
Climate finance refers to funding provided by wealthier nations to developing countries to help them transition to cleaner energy, build resilience to climate impacts, and meet commitments under the Paris Agreement.
The Paris Agreement, adopted in 2015, is a landmark international treaty aimed at limiting global temperature rise to well below 2°C, with efforts to restrict it to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.
Article 9.1 forms the legal basis for developed nations' ongoing obligation to finance the climate transition in less affluent countries—a principle often emphasized by countries like India.
As climate impacts intensify globally, the pressure is mounting on high-income nations to honor their financial pledges and scale up funding in line with the principles of equity, responsibility, and capability enshrined in the UN climate framework.
International Potato Centre (CIP) |
The Union Cabinet has approved the establishment of the South Asia Regional Centre of the International Potato Centre (CIP) in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, marking a significant step for agricultural research in the region.
This decision aims to strengthen India’s capabilities in root and tuber crop research, especially in the context of climate resilience, food security, and nutritional needs.
The International Potato Centre (CIP) was founded in 1971, with the mission to enhance agricultural sustainability through research on potato, sweetpotato, and other Andean roots and tubers.
Headquartered in Lima, Peru, CIP is a leading global organization working to improve root and tuber crop systems, particularly in developing nations.
CIP operates through a wide international network, with a research presence in more than 20 countries across Africa, Asia, and Latin America, facilitating knowledge-sharing and local adaptation.
The core objective of CIP is to develop innovations and partnerships that help address key global challenges such as climate change, malnutrition, and poverty, especially in vulnerable farming communities.
Root and tuber crops—like potatoes and sweetpotatoes—are nutrient-rich, calorie-dense staple foods, and play a crucial role in ensuring food and income security for millions globally.
The new regional centre in Agra will serve as a hub for collaborative research, capacity building, and technology transfer, boosting India’s efforts in climate-smart agriculture.
This initiative aligns with India’s broader goals of agricultural innovation, sustainable farming, and support for marginal farmers, particularly in potato-growing regions of northern India.
The establishment of this centre also reinforces India’s growing role in global agricultural research partnerships, and enhances South-South cooperation in food and nutritional security.
e‑Passport |
The Ministry of External Affairs has launched the e-Passport along with an upgraded Passport Seva Programme 2.0, marking a significant modernization in passport services in India.
An e-Passport is a hybrid travel document that combines the traditional paper passport with an embedded Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chip and antenna, which securely stores the passport holder’s personal and biometric data.
The RFID chip allows for contactless reading of information at border controls, facilitating faster and more secure verification of the traveler’s identity.
The security of the e-Passport is ensured through the use of Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) technology, which is a cryptographic system that protects the data against tampering and unauthorized access.
By integrating biometric data (like fingerprints and facial recognition) and digital security features, the e-Passport helps safeguard against forgery, counterfeit passports, and identity fraud.
This advanced technology not only confirms the genuineness of the passport but also streamlines immigration and customs processes, improving border security and traveler convenience.
The rollout of Passport Seva Programme 2.0 alongside e-Passport aims to enhance the overall passport application and issuance system through digitization, faster processing, and greater transparency.
This initiative aligns with global trends where countries are adopting electronic passports as a standard to meet international aviation and security norms set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
The e-Passport represents a leap forward in India’s efforts to modernize travel documents, ensure secure cross-border movement, and combat increasing global concerns related to identity theft and terrorism.
Business Responsibility & Sustainability Reporting |
To address growing vulnerabilities from climate change, India emphasizes the role of environmental disclosure frameworks like Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting (BRSR).
The BRSR is a mandatory reporting requirement applicable to the top 1,000 listed companies in India, ensuring greater transparency on sustainability issues.
It was first introduced in 2012 by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) as Business Responsibility Reporting (BRR), which later evolved into the enhanced BRSR framework.
The primary aim of BRSR is to encourage listed companies to adopt sustainable business practices while disclosing detailed information about their Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance.
Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria refer to a set of standards measuring a company’s impact on the environment (like carbon emissions), social responsibility (such as labor practices), and governance quality (including transparency and ethics).
By mandating BRSR, SEBI promotes responsible business conduct and aligns India with global sustainability reporting standards, thereby fostering accountability and long-term value creation.
BRSR disclosures help investors and stakeholders evaluate companies based on non-financial metrics, enhancing informed decision-making and supporting sustainable development goals.
The framework also enables businesses to identify risks and opportunities related to climate change, ultimately contributing to resilience and responsible growth.
Enhanced Rock Weathering (ERS) |
To combat climate change by removing carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the atmosphere, a new technique called Enhanced Rock Weathering (ERW) involves spreading crushed rock over farmland.
ERW accelerates a natural geological process where certain types of rocks chemically react with CO₂, thereby absorbing and locking carbon from the air.
The process begins by crushing rocks into fine dust, which increases their surface area and allows them to react more rapidly with CO₂ in the atmosphere or water bodies.
Two common types of rocks used in ERW are olivine and basalt, each with distinct properties and applications.
Olivine weathers quickly, and when its dust is spread on beaches or in oceans, it can effectively capture carbon while also helping to reduce ocean acidity, a key factor in protecting marine life.
Basalt, on the other hand, is often applied to farmland where it not only captures atmospheric CO₂ but also enriches the soil with minerals, leading to improved crop yields and enhanced soil health.
By combining carbon sequestration with agricultural benefits, ERW offers a promising climate solution that supports both environmental sustainability and food security.
This innovative method represents a nature-based climate mitigation strategy that can complement existing carbon reduction efforts to tackle global warming.
Weight Loss Drug |
Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk has launched its weight loss drug Wegovy in India, providing a new option for obesity management.
Wegovy contains the active ingredient semaglutide, which is administered as a once-weekly injection for ease of use and sustained effect.
Semaglutide functions as an appetite suppressant by mimicking the action of the hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), naturally released in the intestines after eating.
GLP-1 plays a key role in regulating hunger by signaling the brain to induce a feeling of fullness, thereby reducing food intake.
In addition to Wegovy, other notable weight loss drugs include Mounjaro, which contains tirzepatide — a compound that mimics the functions of both GLP-1 and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), another hormone involved in appetite and glucose regulation.
These drugs represent advanced hormone-based therapies for weight management, offering an effective alternative for patients struggling with obesity.
Brent Crude |
Recently, Brent crude prices fell due to reduced tensions in the Middle East and eased concerns over potential global oil supply disruptions.
Brent Crude is a type of light sweet crude oil originating from the North Sea since the 1960s, widely regarded as the world’s most important benchmark for oil pricing.
As a benchmark, Brent Crude sets the price reference for the light oil markets across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, influencing global oil trade.
In comparison, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) serves as the key benchmark for light crude oil pricing in the United States, highlighting regional pricing differences.
The term light sweet crude refers to oil with low density (light) and low sulfur content (sweet), which makes it easier and less costly to refine into gasoline and diesel.
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