NATIONAL UPDATES:
1. India hosts second Blue Talks ahead of UN Ocean Conference 2025: The Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) in collaboration with the Embassies of France and Costa Rica, organized the “second Blue Talks” in New Delhi. This high-level event marked a significant step in the lead-up to the Third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3), which is scheduled to be held in Nice, France, from June 9 to 13.The event provided a platform to accelerate action and forge concrete commitments towards the sustainable use and protection of ocean resources, aligning closely with Sustainable Development Goal 14 and the broader objectives of the UN Ocean Decade.The event was chaired by Dr. M. Ravichandran, Secretary of the Ministry of Earth Sciences, and co-chaired by Néstor Baltodano Vargas, Ambassador of Costa Rica to India, and Damien Syed, Deputy Head of Mission at the French Embassy.
2. India Assumes Chairmanship of Asian Productivity Organization at 67th Governing Body Meeting in Jakarta: India has assumed the Chairmanship of the Asian Productivity Organization (APO) for the 2025–26 term during the 67th Governing Body Meeting, with representation led by Amardeep Singh Bhatia, APO Director for India and Secretary, DPIIT.As Chair, India will support APO Vision 2030 and promote the Green Productivity 2.0 framework, while focusing on digital transformation, innovation, sustainability, and entrepreneurship across the Asia-Pacific region.APO, headquartered in Tokyo, is an intergovernmental organization with 21 member economies, including India, a founding member actively contributing to productivity enhancement and regional cooperation since the organization’s inception.
3. WHO Certifies India as free from Trachoma as a Public Health Problem: India has been awarded the Certificate of Elimination of Trachoma as a Public Health Problem by the World Health Organisation (WHO) at the 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva.This recognition is a testament to India’s sustained efforts in disease elimination, preventive healthcare, and commitment to ensuring health for all.India also became the third country in the Southeast Asia region to reach this public health milestone. The government has taken various steps under the National Programme for Control of Blindness and Visual Impairment (NPCBVI) to eliminate Trachoma.
4. India’s Renewable Energy Growth and Challenges: However, actual electricity generation from these sources remains lower than expected. A recent analysis by Climate Action Tracker marks the challenges faced by India in achieving its renewable energy goals amid rising electricity demand and extreme weather conditions. As of 2023, India has installed approximately 175 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy capacity. This includes 73 GW of solar, 45 GW of wind, 47 GW of hydro, and 10 GW of bioenergy. Despite this impressive capacity, renewables accounted for only about 18% of the total electricity generated. In contrast, coal continues to dominate the energy mix, contributing 75% of the total generation by 2024. Several factors contribute to the gap between installed capacity and actual generation. Rising electricity demand, particularly during extreme heat events, has driven up power consumption. In May 2024, electricity demand surged by 14% compared to the previous year. Limited storage capacity further exacerbates the issue, as night-time demand is largely met by fossil fuels. Additionally, variable weather patterns have led to lower-than-expected solar and wind generation.
INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:
1. HCLTech Appoints Kiran Cherukuri as Global GCC Practice Leader: HCL Technologies has appointed Kiran Cherukuri as the Global GCC Practice Leader, entrusting him with the responsibility of expanding the company’s Global Capability Center (GCC) practice.In this role, Kiran will focus on leveraging HCLTech’s services, technology portfolio, and corporate functions to strengthen its partnership with over 200 GCCs in India.
2. 22 May – Internation Day for Biological Diversity: The International Day for Biological Diversity is observed every year on 22 May to increase understanding and awareness of biodiversity issues.The date commemorates the adoption of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in 1992.Theme 2025 – Harmony with nature and sustainable development
3. Siang Upper Multipurpose Project: The Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) has become a focal point of conflict in Arunachal Pradesh. The project aims to construct an 11.2 GW dam on the Siang River, which is part of the Brahmaputra basin. This initiative has sparked opposition from local communities and student organisations. Residents of over 27 villages along the river express concerns about the potential irreversible impact on their homes and lands. The Arunachal government and central authorities argue that the dam is essential for national security, especially in light of China’s construction of the Medog Dam upstream. The Siang Upper Multipurpose Project is designed to generate substantial hydroelectric power. The proposed capacity is 11.2 GW, positioning it as contributor to India’s energy needs. The project is also expected to aid in flood control and irrigation. However, the environmental and social implications have raised alarms among local populations.
4. Niallia tiangongensis: The new bacterium was isolated from surface samples on the Tiangong Space Station. This is the first instance of a new microbial species being identified in this Chinese space station. The discovery marks the potential for life to exist and adapt in extreme environments beyond Earth. Niallia tiangongensis is an aerobic, spore-forming, rod-shaped bacterium. It closely resembles Niallia circulans, a species found on Earth. However, genetic variations indicate adaptations that allow survival in space. The bacterium’s ability to decompose gelatine is particularly noteworthy, as it suggests potential for life in nutrient-poor conditions.
OTHER UPDATES:
DEFENCE
1. Integrated Theatre Commands: Recently, the Indian armed forces are undergoing transformation with the introduction of Integrated Theatre Commands (ITC). This restructuring aims to enhance operational efficiency and inter-service collaboration. CDS, General Anil Chauhan, has outlined the roles of theatre commanders and Service Chiefs in this new framework. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to modernise India’s military capabilities. Integrated Theatre Commands are designed to streamline military operations by combining resources from different branches of the armed forces. The theatre commanders will focus on operational execution. In contrast, Service Chiefs will manage the functions of ‘Raise, Train and Sustain’ (RTS). This dual approach aims to optimise resource utilisation and improve overall effectiveness.
SPORTS
1. Shooter Kanak wins India’s first gold medal at Junior World Cup in Germany: Shooter Kanak has bagged India’s first gold medal at the ongoing International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) Junior World Cup in Suhl, Germany.Kanak, the silver medalist at the junior world championship in Lima last year, scored 239 in the Women’s 10 metre Air Pistol final to claim the yellow metal. She outperformed Anna Dulce of Moldova, a two-time Olympian and reigning European Champion, by 1.7 points. Chen Yen-Ching of Chinese Taipei won the bronze medal.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1. Sagar Bhavan” and “Polar Bhavan: India is enhancing its role in ocean geopolitics through advancements in polar and ocean research. The inauguration of “Sagar Bhavan” and “Polar Bhavan” at the National Centre of Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) in Goa marks a very important moment. These facilities are designed to improve India’s capabilities in studying climate change and weather patterns. The government aims to integrate ocean science with national development, aligning with global climate initiatives. The NCPOR has introduced two major facilities. Polar Bhavan spans over 11,378 square metres, housing advanced laboratories and a conference hall. It serves as a hub for polar research. Sagar Bhavan, covering 1,772 square metres, includes specialised ice core laboratories. These structures are essential for storing and analysing climate data.
2. Tropical Rainforest Loss Hits Record Levels in 2024: In 2024, the world witnessed unprecedented loss of tropical rainforests. Approximately 6.7 million hectares of primary rainforest vanished, primarily due to massive wildfires. This loss represents increase compared to previous years, with tropical forests disappearing at an alarming rate of 18 football fields per minute. The data, sourced from the University of Maryland and Global Forest Watch, marks the dire state of tropical ecosystems. The primary drivers of rainforest loss have shifted dramatically. In 2024, wildfires accounted for nearly half of the total loss. Previously, agriculture was the largest contributor to deforestation. The combination of prolonged drought and high temperatures exacerbated fire conditions, particularly in Brazil, which experienced the worst drought in seventy years.
BANKING AND FINANCE
1. India Imposes Import Restrictions on Bangladeshi Goods: This decision limits the entry points to just two sea ports – Kolkata and Nhava Sheva. It effectively blocks 11 traditional land routes in the Northeast, marking a major shift in trade dynamics between the two countries. The move follows Bangladesh’s increasing restrictions on Indian goods and signals a recalibration of bilateral trade relations. India’s restrictions are a response to Bangladesh’s curbs on Indian imports. The Government of India scrapped a trans-shipment pact with Bangladesh, which allowed goods to move more freely. Trade experts suggest that this decision may increase costs for consumers and businesses alike. The restrictions affect over $770 million worth of imports from Bangladesh, with ready-made garments alone accounting for $660 million last year.
2. Judicial Accountability and the Veeraswami Ruling: In recent developments, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar has raised concerns regarding the accountability of judges in India. Following the Supreme Court’s in-house inquiry into Justice Yashwant Varma, Dhankhar questioned the constitutional validity of the inquiry. He suggested that an FIR should be filed against the judge, denoting the need for a reevaluation of the Supreme Court’s 1991 K Veeraswami ruling. This ruling established guidelines for prosecuting judges, creating a complex relationship between judicial independence and accountability. Judicial independence is a mainstay of democracy. Judges must operate free from external pressures. However, this independence can lead to challenges in holding judges accountable for misconduct. The Constitution of India provides a high threshold for initiating actions against judges, primarily through impeachment. This process is largely political and has rarely been successful in practice.
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