NATIONAL UPDATES:
1. About Rashtrapati Tapovan: It is a 19-acre forest area that is adjacent to the Rashtrapati Niketan.
It has been developed as a forest area in collaboration with the Uttarakhand
Forest Department.The Tapovan is rich in native vegetation, featuring natural
bamboo groves and undisturbed woodland ecosystems. Around 117 plant species, 52
butterflies, 41 bird species, and 7 wild mammals are found here.The Tapovan has
been designed to be a place of quiet and meditation with silent zones,
forest trails, meditation huts.
2. Google Launches First Asia-Pacific Safety Engineering
Centre in Hyderabad to Boost Cybersecurity and AI Safety: Google has established its
first Asia-Pacific Safety Engineering Centre (GSEC) in Hyderabad,
Telangana, making it the fourth such centre globally after Munich (Germany),
Malaga (Spain), and Dublin (Ireland); it was inaugurated by Telangana CM A.
Revanth Reddy.The Hyderabad GSEC will serve as a strategic hub for
cybersecurity and end-user safety, focusing on preventing online fraud,
securing enterprise and government infrastructure, and promoting responsible AI
across the Asia-Pacific region.The centre will leverage AI and large language models
to enable real-time scam alerts through Gemini Nano on Android, improve fraud
detection on Google Pay, Gmail, and Search, and strengthen protections like
Google Play Protect.
3. Shaktipeeth Expressway: The Shaktipeeth
Expressway is infrastructure project in Maharashtra. Approved by the
Maharashtra Cabinet on June 24, 2025, it aims to connect 12 districts from
Pawnar in Wardha to Patradevi on the Maharashtra-Goa border. The project has a
budget of ₹20,787 crore, with ₹12,000 crore earmarked for land acquisition.
However, it faces strong opposition from farmers in the proposed corridor. The
Shaktipeeth Expressway spans 802 kilometres. It is designed to reduce travel
time between Nagpur and Goa from 18 hours to 8 hours. The expressway will
connect key pilgrimage sites known as Shakti Peethas, enhancing religious
tourism. It will link 18 religious shrines across Maharashtra and Goa. The
Maharashtra Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) is responsible for
implementing the project. A substantial loan of ₹12,000 crore will be sourced
from the Housing and Urban Development Corporation (HUDCO). The total estimated
cost of the project is over ₹84,000 crore. The project is modelled after the
Nagpur-Mumbai Samruddhi Mahamarg, an access-controlled highway.
INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:
1. 23 June – United Nations Public Service Day: United Nations Public Service Day is observed every year on
23rd June to recognize the value and virtue of public service in
the community and to highlight the contribution of public servants in the
development process.The day aims to promote professionalism, innovation, and
integrity in public administration and encourages youth to pursue careers in
the public sector.It was established by the United Nations General Assembly in
2003 (Resolution A/RES/57/277), acknowledging that an efficient, accountable,
and inclusive public administration is vital for achieving the Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs).
2. India’s Progress Towards SDG 3: India has made strides in
health under the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3). This
goal focuses on ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all ages.
Recent reports indicate that India is on track to achieve several health targets.
Key indicators show improvements in maternal and child health, immunisation
rates, and disease control. India’s Human
Development Index (HDI) has risen by over
53 per cent since 1990. This increase surpasses both global and South Asian
averages. Economic growth and welfare initiatives like the National Rural
Health Mission and Ayushman Bharat have driven this progress. As of 2023, life
expectancy in India reached 72 years, the highest recorded since the HDI’s
inception. According to the NITI Aayog SDG Index, India’s score rose from 52 in
2018 to 77 in 2023. Several states have emerged as “front-runners” in health
outcomes. Maternal mortality has decreased to 97 per 100,000 live births.
States like Kerala and Tamil Nadu have already met the 2030 target of 70.
3. India’s SDG Ranking in 2025: India achieved milestone
by securing a position among the top 100 countries in the United Nations Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs) Index. This
ranking is part of the Sustainable Development Report, which evaluates the
progress of nations in achieving the 17 SDGs established in 2015. India ranks
99th out of 193 countries, scoring 67 points. This marks a notable improvement
in its commitment to sustainable development. The SDG Index measures countries
based on their performance across various sustainable development indicators.
The index includes metrics related to poverty, education, health, and
environmental sustainability. The report is produced by the U.N. Sustainable
Development Solutions Network, with renowned economist Jeffrey Sachs leading the analysis.
4. Global Tobacco Epidemic Report: India has emerged as a
leader in tobacco control, as brought into light by
the World Health Organisation’s Global Tobacco Epidemic report. The report
identifies India’s graphic health warnings on tobacco products as among the
most effective globally. This reflects commitment to public health and the
fight against tobacco-related illnesses. The WHO’s MPOWER framework outlines
six essential measures to combat tobacco use. These include monitoring tobacco
use, protecting people from tobacco smoke, offering help to quit, warning about
the dangers of tobacco, enforcing bans on advertising, and raising taxes on
tobacco products. India has made notable progress in several of these areas.
Graphic health warnings are crucial in informing consumers about the dangers of
tobacco. India mandates that 85% of cigarette packaging must display these
warnings. This is one of the largest requirements globally. The size and
prominence of these warnings have increased since 2007, contributing to greater
awareness among the population.
OTHER UPDATES:
DEFENCE
1. Operation Midnight Hammer: US Launches Massive
Airstrikes on Iran’s Nuclear Sites in Largest Middle East Campaign Since 2003: The United States launched Operation Midnight Hammer, targeting
Iran’s three most fortified nuclear facilities—Fordow, Natanz, and
Isfahan—marking the largest American air campaign in the Middle East since the
2003 Iraq War.The strike involved over 125 aircraft, including seven B-2
stealth bombers and submarine-launched Tomahawk missiles. For the first time in
combat, the GBU-57 bunker-busting bomb was used to hit deeply buried nuclear
sites.The U.S. strike followed Israel’s
Operation Rising Lion, launched to stop Iran’s alleged nuclear
advancements.Operation Midnight Hammer now joins a growing list of high-profile
Middle East military actions, including Operation True Promise (Iran),
Operation Rising Lion and Iron Wall (Israel), and Operation Poseidon Archer
(US-UK coalition), all escalating tensions in the region.
2. Indian Navy to Commission Stealth Frigate ‘Tamal’ in
Russia on 1st July 2025: The Indian Navy will commission
the stealth multi-role frigate Tamal on 01 July 2025 in Kaliningrad, Russia,
with Vice Admiral Sanjay J Singh presiding over the ceremony, alongside top
Indian and Russian defence officials.Tamal is the eighth Krivak-class frigate
acquired from Russia and the second in the upgraded Tushil-class, following the
Talwar and Teg classes, each of which had three ships.As part of the
Tushil-class project, India is also constructing two similar frigates
(Triput-class) at Goa Shipyard Limited with Russian technology support, aiming
to operate ten ships with common weapons and sensors.Built at Yantar Shipyard,
Tamal features 26% indigenous content, including the BrahMos missile, and comes
equipped with modern armaments such as vertical-launch SAMs, advanced radars,
EW systems, torpedoes, and support for multi-role helicopters.
3. India’s Indus Waters Treaty Dispute with
Pakistan: India requested a pause in
proceedings regarding the Ratle and Kishanganga hydropower projects, which are
under dispute with Pakistan. This request was made to Michel Lino, the neutral
expert appointed by the World Bank to oversee the disputes. The Government of
India’s decision to place the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) in abeyance has
intensified tensions between the two nations. The IWT governs water sharing
from the Indus River system, which is vital for both countries. The Ratle and Kishanganga
hydropower projects are located in Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan alleges that
these projects violate the IWT, particularly concerning minimum water flow
requirements. India argues that the projects conform to the treaty’s
stipulations. The disputes have been ongoing since 2022, with Lino tasked to
evaluate the compliance of the projects with treaty provisions.
SPORTS
1. India scripts historic finish at U23 Asian Wrestling
Championships with double team titles: India’s young wrestlers delivered
a stellar performance on the final
day of the Under-23 Asian Wrestling Championships in Vung Tau, Vietnam,
winning six medals in men’s freestyle. Five wrestlers, Nikhil, Sujeet, Jaideep,
Chander Mohan, and Sachin, clinched gold.India also topped the team rankings in
men’s freestyle and won the women’s freestyle team title, marking a historic
finish at the continental event.Indian women wrestlers won the team title at
the Under-23 Asian Championship by winning a medal in each of the 10
categories, including four gold and five silver in Vung Tau, Vietnam.Priyanshi
Prajapat in 50kg category, Reena in 55kg category, Shrishti in 68kg and Priya
in 76kg category sealed the top podium places. Five Indian women wrestlers
settled for runner-up finishes.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1. Adani Commissions India’s First Off-Grid 5 MW Green
Hydrogen Plant in Gujarat, Advancing Clean Energy Goals: Adani New Industries Limited (ANIL) has commissioned India’s
first off-grid 5 MW green hydrogen pilot plant in Kutch, Gujarat, powered
entirely by solar energy and integrated with a Battery Energy
Storage System (BESS), marking a significant step toward the National Green
Hydrogen Mission.The plant uses a fully automated, closed-loop electrolyser
system that dynamically adjusts to renewable energy inputs, showcasing
technological feasibility, operational flexibility, and efficiency in managing
solar power variability.This 100% green-powered facility produces hydrogen
without any carbon emissions and serves as a proof of concept ahead of ANIL’s
upcoming large-scale Green Hydrogen Hub in Mundra, Gujarat.The project
strengthens India’s position in the global green hydrogen economy, aiming to
decarbonise hard-to-abate sectors like fertilisers, refineries, and heavy
transport, while supporting the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision and reducing
dependence on energy imports.
2. Favipiravir Shows Promise Against
Chandipura Virus: Recent
studies have brought into light the potential of Favipiravir as a treatment for the Chandipura virus (CHPV).
Conducted by the National Institute of Virology in Pune, these preclinical
trials indicate that Favipiravir can reduce viral load and improve survival
rates in infected animals. The Chandipura virus is endemic to central India and
primarily affects children, leading to severe symptoms such as high fever and
seizures. The Chandipura virus belongs to the Rhabdoviridae family and is
transmitted by sandflies. It was first identified in 1965 in Nagpur,
Maharashtra. The virus causes encephalitis, leading to inflammation of the
brain. Symptoms include fever, vomiting, altered consciousness, and
convulsions. CHPV is primarily transmitted by female Phlebotomine sandflies,
which are most active during the early monsoon season. Studies have indicated
that certain mosquito species, particularly Aedes aegypti, could also transmit
the virus under laboratory conditions. However, no direct isolation from
mosquitoes has been confirmed.0
3. EMM-Negative Blood Group System: The International Society
of Blood Transfusion officially recognised a new blood group system named
EMM-negative, also known as Gwada negative. This designation emerged from the
unique case of a woman from Guadeloupe who is the only known individual to possess
this rare blood type. The discovery puts stress on advancements in transfusion
medicine and genetic research. Gwada negative refers to the EMM-negative blood
group system, identified by the absence of the EMM antigen on red blood cells.
This antigen is a high-incidence antigen, present in almost all humans. The
lack of such a common antigen is medically and has led to the classification of
this blood type as the 48th globally recognised system in transfusion science.
BANKING AND FINANCE
1. Centre and RBI Push for Unified Lending Interface (ULI) to Revolutionize Credit Delivery Across India: The Department of Financial Services (DFS) and RBI co-chaired a high-level meeting in New Delhi to discuss scaling up Unified Lending Interface (ULI) — a Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) aimed at streamlining and democratizing credit access across India.ULI is envisioned as a transformative platform that integrates technology, data, and policy to deliver seamless, data-driven, and inclusive credit, particularly benefiting underserved borrowers by leveraging trusted government datasets.RBI Deputy Governor T. Rabi Sankar emphasized ULI’s potential to surpass the impact of UPI, urging ministries and states to view it as a collaborative, two-way innovation and contribute relevant datasets to unlock its full potential.The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to digitally integrate government datasets, nominate nodal officers, digitise land and property records, and align other credit initiatives with ULI to build a unified national lending ecosystem.
No comments:
Post a Comment