National Affairs
- Supreme Court sought the Centre’s response on the NEET-UG grace marks issue following nationwide protests.
- Government to present the Union Budget 2025-26 in July, focusing on job creation and infrastructure.
- Parliament’s monsoon session to be held in the new building under tightened security.
- Election Commission proposed remote voting for migrant workers to enhance electoral inclusivity.
- ‘Ayushman Bhav’ Phase-2 launched to expand public healthcare benefits and insurance coverage.
- NGT ordered action against illegal forest land constructions in Delhi.
- Centre announced a ₹10,000 crore fund to modernize anganwadi centres under the Saksham scheme.
International Affairs
- PM Modi at the G7 Summit emphasized ethical AI use and equitable global governance reforms.
- India and Italy pledged to boost defence cooperation and renewable energy collaboration.
- India strongly condemned the terrorist attack in Afghanistan’s Kandahar that killed 30 civilians.
- Israel launched “Operation Rising Lion” targeting Iran’s nuclear and missile infrastructure after the IAEA flagged violations.
- IAEA declared Iran non-compliant with the 1974 Nuclear Safeguards Agreement, escalating global nuclear tensions.
- Iran threatened to exit the NPT following Israel’s strikes and the IAEA resolution.
Economic & Finance
- India’s forex reserves rose by $4.3 billion, reaching a historic $651.5 billion.
- GST collections touched ₹1.76 lakh crore in May 2025, showing strong economic activity.
- FDI inflow rose 6.7% in Q1 2025, with top sectors being telecom, services, and pharma.
Environment
- Delhi recorded an AQI of 213 as pollution levels surged due to stagnant air and rising temperatures.
- Yamuna water level rose near the warning mark due to heavy rainfall in upstream areas.
- NGT asked NCR states to act swiftly on illegal tree felling in residential colonies.
- CPCB released India’s first draft ‘Solar Waste Playbook’ under E-Waste Rules 2022 for PV panel disposal.
- Solar waste in India is expected to exceed 34,600 tonnes by 2030 due to rapid solar capacity expansion.
Science & Technology
- ISRO to launch GSAT-27 communication satellite on June 22 from Sriharikota.
- DRDO successfully tested air-launched drone ‘Pushpak’ for precision attack capability.
- SEBI launched a new Verified UPI ID system effective October 1, 2025, to prevent cyber fraud in the securities market.
Sports
- Vinesh Phogat secured her Paris Olympics 2024 berth in the women’s 50kg wrestling category.
- India defeated South Africa in the first T20 series held in Durban.
- Neeraj Chopra will skip the next Diamond League event to focus on Olympic training.
Miscellaneous
- Over 2,000 challans issued by Delhi Police for drunk and rash driving over the weekend.
- Delhi Metro introduced an AI-based crowd control system on the Yellow and Blue Lines.
- 324 Forest Rights Act Cells sanctioned across 18 states to accelerate implementation under Dharti Aba Abhiyan.
- FRA Cells will expedite land rights claims, scheme integration, and coordinate demarcation at the district level.
- “Y-Break” yoga protocol by the Ministry of AYUSH promotes 5-minute workplace wellness and stress reduction.
- IREL (India) Ltd halted rare earth exports to Japan to prioritize domestic needs and cut Chinese dependency.
- IREL operates key rare earth units in Odisha, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu under the Department of Atomic Energy.
Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) – India’s Participation in ISS Commercial Mission
Mission Details
- Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) is scheduled to launch on June 19, 2025 (tentative).
- Mission will carry Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla and three others to the International Space Station (ISS).
Launch Agency & Technical Issues
- Launch to be conducted by SpaceX, in collaboration with ISRO and Axiom Space.
- A potential oxygen leak was detected during an engine test on June 8; ISRO recommended:
- On-site repairs or replacement
- Low-temperature leak test before clearance.
ISRO–SpaceX Coordination
- Union Minister Jitendra Singh said there is “optimum cooperation” between ISRO and SpaceX.
- The initial launch date was declared and then removed by ISRO amid ongoing readiness reviews.
Escalating Israel–Iran Conflict
Recent Attacks & Civilian Impact
- Iran: 60 people killed in one attack on a 14-storey building in Tehran, including 30 children.
- Israel: 13 civilian deaths in two days; missile hit Bat Yam, killing 6 people, including children.
Targeted Infrastructure
- Israel struck Iran’s oil and gas sector, causing large fires in Tehran; risk to global oil markets.
- Israel claims it destroyed Natanz, Iran’s principal uranium enrichment facility.
Political & Diplomatic Developments
- Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian vowed more “severe” responses if Israel continues aggression.
- PM Netanyahu warned that Iran “will pay a heavy price” for civilian deaths.
- U.S. President Donald Trump claimed peace talks ongoing, but Iran cancelled Sunday’s nuclear talks due to Israeli attacks.
Geopolitical Significance
- Conflict raises fears of regional spillover in West Asia and impacts global oil prices and energy security.
- U.S. continues to press Iran to accept stricter nuclear restrictions, which Tehran rejects under current hostilities.
AI & Biomanufacturing in India
Strategic Importance & Industry Evolution
- India, known as the global hub for generic drugs, is now aiming to lead in AI-driven biomanufacturing.
- AI is transforming biological manufacturing by using biosensors, predictive models, digital twins, and process automation to reduce waste and improve quality.
Key Industry Players
- Biocon: Uses AI for predictive analytics in fermentation and quality control.
- Strand Life Sciences: Applies machine learning in genomics and personalised medicine.
- Wipro & TCS: Develop AI tools for drug discovery and clinical trial optimisation.
Government Initiatives
- BioE3 Policy (2024): Focus on setting up biofoundries, Bio-AI hubs, and scaling biotech startups.
- IndiaAI Mission: Promotes explainable and responsible AI, especially for health & biotech sectors.
Global Models for Regulation
- EU AI Act (2024): Classifies AI applications into risk tiers.
- US FDA AI Guidelines (2025):
- Introduced 7-step framework for AI validation.
- Includes Predetermined Change Control Plans for evolving AI systems.
Challenges & Gaps in India
- Current drug regulations don’t align with AI-based systems (e.g., bioreactor AI control, vaccine yield prediction).
- Lack of:
- Dataset diversity standards
- Model validation protocols
- Adaptive regulatory framework
- The Digital Personal Data Protection Act (2023) exists, but lacks a sector-specific AI focus for biotech.
Risks from Unregulated AI in Biomanufacturing
- Example: AI trained on urban plant data may fail in rural conditions (e.g., Baddi vs Bengaluru) due to context mismatch.
- Without oversight, risks include production failures, regulatory backlash, and reputational harm.
Policy Recommendations
- Develop context-aware, risk-based AI regulation.
- Strengthen data quality norms, especially for diverse and clean training datasets.
- Enhance collaboration between regulators, industry, and academia.
- Expand AI & biotech infrastructure and talent development beyond metros.
Vision for the Future
- AI has the potential to help India predict viral mutations, optimise enzyme production, streamline clinical trials, and deliver rural diagnostics.
- India must “create, not just copy”, aligning innovation with regulation to lead global biomanufacturing.
Muscle Repair & Aging: Role of Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2)
Background: Aging and Muscle Loss
- Muscle stem cells (MuSCs) lose repair ability with age, contributing to sarcopenia.
- Sarcopenia leads to frailty, delayed recovery, and hospital readmissions in older adults.
Breakthrough Finding (Cell Stem Cell)
- Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) — a molecule used clinically to induce labour — restores MuSC function in aged mice.
- 5-day PGE2 injection led to:
- Increased muscle fibre size
- 20% improvement in muscle strength
- Sustained effects beyond 2 weeks
Mechanism of Action
- In aging, natural PGE2 signals fade, leaving stem cells inactive.
- PGE2 “woke up” aged MuSCs, which resumed division and tissue repair.
- Ex vivo treatment of MuSCs with PGE2 restored regenerative function comparable to young cells.
Molecular Insights
- PGE2 re-opened aging-inaccessible genome regions.
- Dialled down AP-1, a stress-related gene pathway overactive in aging cells.
- Reprogrammed cells to regain youthful function.
Implications
- Suggests aging in MuSCs is reversible and cell-intrinsic, not only environment-driven.
- Opens the possibility for short-term therapy to enhance muscle healing in older adults.
- No existing approved therapies currently restore MuSC function — PGE2 could be a candidate.
U.S.–Iran–Israel Tensions
Donald Trump’s Warning
- U.S. President Donald Trump warned Iran of “unprecedented military retaliation” if it attacks the U.S.
- Reiterated: “U.S. had nothing to do with Israel’s strike on Iran” (Truth Social post).
Conflict Context
- Israel’s Friday operation targeted Iranian nuclear and military sites, killing dozens, including top commanders and scientists.
- Iran retaliated with missile barrages; regional conflict continues to escalate.
Trump on Diplomacy
- Claimed: “A Deal between Iran and Israel can be easily achieved to end the conflict.”
- Warned Iran to choose negotiation or face “more brutal” Israeli attacks.
Iran’s Position on Nuclear Deal
- Iranian FM Abbas Araghchi stated:
- Tehran is open to a deal that ensures no nuclear weapons.
- But Iran will not give up its nuclear rights (i.e., peaceful nuclear technology).
Historical Context
- Trump withdrew from the 2015 Iran nuclear deal (JCPOA) in 2018, reimposing sanctions.
- Current efforts for renewed nuclear diplomacy are complicated by ongoing conflict and mistrust.
G-7 Summit 2025
- G-7 Summit 2025 begins in Kananaskis, Canada (near Calgary), hosted by Prime Minister Mark Carney.
- The summit occurs amid growing U.S. tensions on trade and foreign policy, particularly with Canada.
Key Issues on Agenda
- Peace and security
- Critical mineral supply chains
- Job creation
- Likely flashpoints:
- U.S. steel and aluminium tariffs
- Israel–Iran conflict
- Russia–Ukraine war
Tensions with the U.S.
- U.S. President Donald Trump attends amid strained ties:
- In 2018, Trump denounced Justin Trudeau and withdrew U.S. approval of the final G-7 communique.
- Carney has warned of trade reprisals if U.S. tariffs are not lifted.
Geopolitical Undercurrents
- Israel’s strike on Iran (June 13) complicates U.S. diplomacy; seen as undermining Trump’s peace efforts.
- Expectation management: Canadian analysts say the summit would be a success if Trump doesn’t cause disruption.
South China Sea Tensions
Chinese Military Activity
- China’s PLA Southern Theatre Command conducted joint sea and air patrols in the South China Sea on June 15, 2025.
- China accused Philippines of “courting external forces” and raising security risks through joint patrols.
PLA’s Official Statement
- Spokesperson Tian Junli said China is “resolutely safeguarding sovereignty and maritime rights“.
- Claimed all military activities “that stir trouble” are “under control”.
Philippines–U.S. Joint Drills
- Philippines and the U.S. held their 7th joint maritime exercise in the South China Sea earlier this month.
Strategic Significance
- South China Sea is a highly contested waterway, with $3 trillion+ in annual shipborne trade.
- China–Philippines tensions remain high over territorial disputes and maritime claims.
India–Cyprus Bilateral Visit
Diplomatic Engagement
- PM Narendra Modi arrived in Nicosia, Cyprus on June 16, 2025, marking the first Indian PM visit to Cyprus since 2002.
- He was welcomed by Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides.
Focus Areas
- PM Modi stated the visit will boost ties in trade, investment, and strategic cooperation.
- Attended India–Cyprus Roundtable Discussion with the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce & Industry.
- Emphasised support from the Indian diaspora in Cyprus, including solidarity post Pahalgam terror attack (April 2025).
Strategic Context
- Visit is diplomatically significant vis-à-vis Turkey, which opposes India’s position on Kashmir and supported Pakistan during Operation Sindoor.
- India’s visit signals support for Cyprus’ sovereignty, especially amid Turkey–Cyprus tensions.
Rajasthan’s Cash Plus Model
Overview
- India’s first State-led model to combine Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) with Social and Behaviour Change Communication (SBCC) for maternal and child nutrition.
- Augments the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY).
- Initially launched in 5 districts (2020); scaled statewide in 2022.
Impact (As per 2021–2024 study)
- Early breastfeeding improved by 49% — now reaches 90% of newborns.
- Dietary diversity among pregnant women improved by 49%.
- 54% more women used cash assistance specifically for nutrition.
- 44% increase in home-based counselling receptiveness.
- 80% women reported better affordability & access to nutritious food.
Target Group & Budget
- Covers second-time pregnant women (unlike PMMVY).
- Announced budget: ₹210 crore/year for ~3.5 lakh women annually.
- To date, the initiative has benefited 3.3 million women.
Service Components
- Home-based and group counselling on maternal/child health.
- Use of digital media to involve youth and male family members.
- Anganwadi support ensures early registration, vaccinations, and checkups.
Challenges
- Incomplete maternal death data.
- Rural–urban disparity in care access.
- Persistent poverty and low education levels in parts of Rajasthan.
India Census 2027
- Census notification to be published in the official Gazette on June 17, 2025.
- The Census will be completed by March 1, 2027.
- It will be India’s first digital census, allowing self-enumeration via mobile apps.
Scale of Operation
- Around 34 lakh enumerators & supervisors and 1.3 lakh Census functionaries to be deployed.
- Census to be conducted in two phases:
- House Listing Operation (HLO) – data on housing, amenities, and assets.
- Population Enumeration (PE) – data on demographic, social, cultural, and economic indicators.
Caste Enumeration
- For the first time, caste enumeration will be included in the national Census.
- Approved by the Union Cabinet on April 30, 2025.
Data Security & Technology Use
- Census 2027 will involve digital data collection with strict data security protocols during collection, transmission, and storage.
Political & Constitutional Relevance
- Census 2027 is critical as post-2026 population data can be used for redrawing Lok Sabha constituencies.
- This will impact representation and delimitation before the 2029 general elections.