Daily current affairs for dt-16.06.25.For Upsc, pcs, ssc,& all competetive exam

1.PM Modi Honoured by Cyprus: Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with Cyprus’ highest civilian honour, the Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III, during his official visit to the Mediterranean nation on June 16, 2025. This prestigious award was presented by Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides at a special ceremony in Nicosia.

About the Award

• Name: Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III
• Country: Republic of Cyprus
• Named After: Archbishop Makarios III, the first President of Cyprus
• Significance: The highest civilian honour in Cyprus, awarded to global leaders and dignitaries for outstanding contributions to international relations and peace.
• Categories: The Order includes distinctions such as Grand Collar, Grand Cross (awarded to PM Modi), Grand Commander, Commander, Officer, and Knight.

Ceremony Highlights

• PM Modi accepted the award on behalf of 1.4 billion Indians, dedicating it to the enduring friendship between India and Cyprus.
• In his acceptance speech, he emphasized that the award symbolizes the shared values, mutual trust, and strong diplomatic ties between the two nations.
• PM Modi highlighted India’s philosophy of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (the world is one family) as guiding its vision for global peace and cooperation.

Significance of the Honour

• This is the first time an Indian Prime Minister has visited Cyprus in over two decades, marking a historic milestone in bilateral relations.
• The award recognizes PM Modi’s efforts in strengthening India-Cyprus relations, promoting global cooperation, and supporting peace, security, and prosperity.
• Cyprus has consistently supported India on international platforms, including backing India’s bid for permanent membership in an expanded UN Security Council.

Key Outcomes of the Visit

• High-level Talks: PM Modi and President Christodoulides held discussions on innovation, energy, technology, trade, and strategic partnerships.
• Business Collaboration: PM Modi addressed the India-Cyprus CEO Forum and welcomed the creation of the India, Cyprus, and Greece Business and Investment Council to boost trilateral economic cooperation.
• Diaspora Engagement: The Prime Minister received a warm welcome from the Indian community in Cyprus, further strengthening people-to-people ties.

Quotes

“Humbled to receive the ‘Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III’ of Cyprus. I dedicate it to the friendship between our nations.” – PM Narendra Modi

“This honour is not just mine, it is the honour of 140 crore Indians… I dedicate this honour to the friendly relations between India and Cyprus and our shared values and mutual understanding.” – PM Modi’s acceptance speech.

Quick Reference Table

Conclusion

PM Modi’s recognition with Cyprus’ highest civilian award marks a significant moment in India’s diplomatic history. It not only celebrates the strong and growing partnership between India and Cyprus but also underscores India’s rising stature in global affairs and its commitment to peace, cooperation, and shared prosperity

2.India’s Digital and Caste-Inclusive Census Announced: All You Need to Know

India is set to conduct its first digital and caste-inclusive census in 2027, marking a historic shift in how the country’s population data is collected and used. The Union Home Ministry officially notified the schedule and methodology on June 16, 2025, making this the first nationwide caste enumeration since 1931 and the first census since 2011.

Key Features of the 2027 Census

1. Two-Phase Census Operation

• Phase 1 (Houselisting Operation): Begins October 1, 2026. Collects data on assets, family income, housing conditions, and amenities. For the first time, this phase will be conducted digitally, allowing respondents to answer queries from home via a dedicated portal or mobile app.
• Phase 2 (Population Enumeration): Starts March 1, 2027 (reference date for most regions; October 1, 2026, for snow-bound areas). This phase gathers demographic, socio-economic, cultural, and personal data—including caste details for every individual.

2. Digital-First Approach

• Self-Enumeration: Households can log into a government portal or use a mobile app to fill out their details, generating a unique ID for verification by enumerators.
• Mobile Apps & Real-Time Monitoring: Enumerators will use handheld devices preloaded with the census app, enabling real-time data collection, error alerts, and GPS/geotagging for accuracy.
• Languages: Apps are available in English and 15 regional languages to ensure inclusivity.

3. Caste Enumeration

• For the first time since 1931, caste data will be collected for all communities, not just SC/ST, making it a landmark exercise for social policy and welfare.
• The inclusion of caste data is expected to influence future welfare policies, reservations, and governance structures.

4. Policy Implications

• Women’s Reservation Bill: The census paves the way for the implementation of the Women’s Reservation Bill, which reserves one-third of seats in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies for women. This can only take effect after the census and a subsequent delimitation exercise.
• Delimitation: The census will be the basis for redrawing electoral constituencies, a process frozen since 1971 and now scheduled to resume after 2027.
• National Population Register (NPR): The census will also update the NPR, which was cleared by the cabinet in 2019.

5. Budget and Manpower

• Estimated Budget: Rs 4,000 crore (as per Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs).
• Enumerators: Approximately 30–34 lakh personnel, primarily school teachers, will be deployed for the exercise.

How Is This Census Different?

Why Does the Census Matter?

• Policy & Planning: Determines allocation of central grants, welfare schemes, and infrastructure planning.
• Electoral Representation: Used for constituency delimitation and seat reservation for SC/ST and women.
• Socio-Economic Data: Informs ministries and agencies for targeted development and resource allocation.

Timeline & Process

• Preliminary Activities: Pre-testing, app development, and training already completed.
• Houselisting Operation: October 1, 2026
• Population Enumeration: March 1, 2027 (most regions)
• Provisional Data Release: Within 10 days of enumeration completion
• Final Data Release: Within six months after enumeration

Conclusion

India’s 2027 Census will be a watershed moment, combining digital innovation with a comprehensive social survey. The inclusion of caste data and the digital-first approach are poised to reshape policy, governance, and representation for the next decade and beyond.CategoriesNational Current Affairs

3.Totapuri Mangoes Dispute

1. Andhra Pradesh Bans Karnataka’s Totapuri Mangoes

• AP’s Chittoor district authorities imposed a unilateral ban on the transportation of Totapuri mangoes from Karnataka, enforced at inter-state checkposts.
• In response, Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah appealed to CM Chandrababu Naidu to lift the ban, warning of potential retaliatory disruptions in vegetable and agricultural supply chains

2. Farmers Protest & Plummeting Prices

• Farmers in Kolar district dumped mangoes on highways after prices crashed from ₹12,000 to ₹3,000–₹4,000 per quintal, falling well below production costs (~₹5,466)
• Andhra’s Chittoor & Tirupati regions recorded Totapuri prices at ₹4,000/ton, a sharp fall from ₹18,000–₹30,000 last year—highlighting severe distress among growers

3. Policy Responses & Federalism Issues

• Karnataka requested the Centre to implement the Price Deficiency Payment Scheme (PDPS) under MIS and direct procurement to cover shortfalls .
• Political tensions escalated, with Karnataka viewing AP’s actions as a violation of cooperative federalism, especially since local processing units in Chittoor depend on cross-border supply

UPSC Relevance

GS Paper 1 — Agriculture & Rural Issues

• Highlights agrarian distress, impact of price crashes, and limitations of support structures like MSP and PDPS.

GS Paper 2 — Federalism & Governance

• Illustrates inter-state coordination failure, unilateral policy action, and conflict in agricultural trade routes.

GS Paper 3 — Economy & Policy Measures

• Explores food price stabilization, market intervention schemes, role of MSP, and agrarian subsidies.

GS Paper 4 — Ethics in Admin

• Raises questions on government responsibility to farmer livelihoods and handling of policy disputes ethically.

UPSC Mains Answer Snapshot

Q. Analyse the Totapuri mango dispute between Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh from the perspective of agrarian distress and cooperative federalism.

Answer points:

1. Intro: Describe key events—ban, protests, price fall, cross-border dependency.
2. Agrarian Distress: Cite market crash, MSP vs actual prices, farmer protests.
3. Policy Interventions: Assess PDPS call, procurement, role of central schemes.
4. Federal Dynamics: Critique unilateral action vs cooperative governance, supply chain disruptions.
5. Recommendations:
   • Strengthen federal dialogue mechanisms.
   • Standardize MSP and procurement during distress.
   • Institutionalize inter-state agri trade pacts.
   • Promote processing infrastructure in growing regions.
6. Conclusion: Emphasize integrated policy, cooperative structures, and farmer-centric approach

4.Punjab Launches “Punjab Udyog Kranti

What is Udyog Kranti?

• A comprehensive drive led by the AAP government in Punjab to turbocharge industrial development, streamline approvals, and attract investments
• Central to this is the FastTrack Punjab Portal, part of the initiative, to enforce time-bound clearances and reduce red‑tapism.

Key Features & Reforms

1. Single-Window Fast Track Portal
   • Facilitates approvals for land-use change, pollution, fire safety, etc., through Invest Punjab.
   • Timeline: Standard clearances within 45 days, deemed approved if delayed; CLU and fire NOCs in 15 days.
2. Deemed Approval Mechanism
   • If departments miss the deadline, approvals are automatically granted, binding as official decisions .
3. Right to Business Act Expansion
   • Covers projects up to ₹125 crore with 3–15 day in-principle approvals.
   • ₹150 crore in incentives disbursed since April, targeting ₹250 crore by end‑June
4. One-Time Settlement (OTS) & Financial Relief
   • OTS scheme waives penalties for industrial plot dues, facilitating smoother business reentry
   • ₹250 crore allocated to support infrastructure and implementation through Invest Punjab
5. Attracting Massive Investment
   • Over ₹1 lakh crore proposals since 2022, promising ~4 lakh jobs

UPSC Relevance

GS Paper 2 – Governance & Public Administration

• Ease of Doing Business: Single-window system enhances transparency; deemed approvals enforce accountability.
• Right to Business Act: Decentralising decision-making and transforming business rights.
• Federal Innovation: State-led policy experimentation balancing regulation and investor facilitation.

GS Paper 3 – Economy

• Industrial Growth & MSMEs: Focus on rapid approvals, incentives, and job creation.
• Fiscal Measures: OTS as a financial tool to revive stalled investments; state support strengthens industrial ecology.

GS Paper 1 – Social Context

• Employment & Social Well-being: Projected ~4 lakh jobs can curb youth unemployment and reduce agrarian distress.
• Education & Skill Linkages: Complementary initiatives like “Sikhiya Kranti” (₹2,000 crore education upgrade) show holistic development

UPSC Mains Q Outline

Q. Critically assess the effectiveness of Punjab’s “Udyog Kranti” reforms in promoting industrialization and job creation.

Structure:

1. Introduction – Define Udyog Kranti and its key arms (portal, legislations, schemes).
2. Body:
   • Fast-track portal: efficiency, accountability.
   • Policy support: financial incentives, OTS, Right to Business.
   • Investment impact: proposal inflows, job potential.
   • Holistic state development links (education, infrastructure).
3. Challenges:
   • Bureaucratic inertia despite timelines.
   • Financial sustainability of incentives.
   • Ensuring real job outcomes beyond promises.
4. Recommendations:
   • Strengthen monitoring and grievance redressal.
   • Align with skill development and local industries.
   • Public‑private partnerships for infrastructure.
5. Conclusion – Highlight potential & replicability, with caution for implementation

5.Blaise Metreweli Appointed First Female MI6 Chief

Key Facts & Appointment

• Date & Context: On June 15, 2025, Reuters and AP reported that Blaise Metreweli (47) has been appointed the first-ever female Chief (“C”) of MI6 – the UK’s foreign intelligence agency – effective October 1, 2025, succeeding Sir Richard Moore .
• Current Role: She is presently the Director General of Technology & Innovation (MI6’s “Q”), with prior leadership roles in MI5, and holds an anthropology degree from Cambridge

2. Strategic & Institutional Significance

• Symbolic Milestone: A powerful move toward gender equality in intelligence—a domain historically male-dominated. MI5 and GCHQ already have women chiefs; MI6 is now joining this trend .
• Merit + Diversity: Her selection follows a policy push by outgoing Chief Richard Moore to end all-male shortlists, stressing merit-based selection and inclusivity
• Technology Leadership: As head of the “Q” branch, Metreweli brings vital tech expertise—cybersecurity and innovation are critical amid threats from Russia, China, and others

3. UPSC Relevance

GS Paper 2 — Governance & International Relations

• Shows institutional reform and gender mainstreaming in national security.
• Reinforces the narrative of the UK balancing tradition with modernity in global diplomacy.

GS Paper 4 — Ethics & Integrity

• Illustrates the breaking of glass ceilings, aligning institutional ethos with equality.
• Highlights the importance of representation, meritocracy, and inclusive leadership.

GS Paper 3 — Technology & Security

• Reflects the centrality of technology—cybersecurity, espionage tools, digital intelligence—in modern statecraft.
• Provides a case study in the evolving nature of threats and institutional adaptation.

UPSC Mains Question Snapshot

Q. Evaluate the significance of Blaise Metreweli becoming the first female chief of MI6, in the context of institutional reform, gender equality, and technological adaptation in national security.

Answer Structure:

1. Introduction – Contextualise the first female chief appointment in MI6’s 116-year history.
2. Institutional Reform – All-male shortlist policy, gender diversity, alignment with MI5/GCHQ reforms.
3. Meritocratic Principle – Selection based on credentials, not symbolism.
4. Tech Leadership – Importance of her background (“Q” role) amid rising cyber threats.
5. Strategic Message – Soft power projection; modernising intelligence governance.
6. Conclusion – A milestone reflecting progressive institutional culture and future-readiness.

UPSC Prelims Target Facts

• Name: Blaise Florence Metreweli
• Effective Term: October 1, 2025
• Unique Identifier: First female Chief of MI6, known by code name

6.Vietnam Joins BRICS as ‘Partner Country

1. What Happened?

• On June 13, 2025, Brazil (the current BRICS chair) confirmed that Vietnam has been officially admitted as a BRICS “Partner Country”—the 10th nation to receive this status
• This new rank lets Vietnam take part in BRICS summits and dialogues, enhancing its engagement with the grouping.

2. Why It Matters (UPSC Relevance)

BRICS Expansion & Global South Dynamics

• Reflects BRICS’s strategy to broaden its footprint across the Global South, emerging as a counterweight to Western-led institutions.
• Brings an important Southeast Asian economy into the fold, strengthening geopolitical and economic ties .

Alignment with Vietnam’s Foreign Policy

• Resonates with Vietnam’s doctrine of “multilateralism and diversification”, fostering wider engagement beyond Western blocs .
• Status reflects Vietnam’s growing South-South cooperation agenda and sustainable development efforts .

Balancing Great Power Relations

• Vietnam is cautious, balancing ties with BRICS (China–Russia) while preserving its strategic relationship with the US
• Illustrates nuanced diplomacy, exercising agency in the Indo-Pacific through non-alignment and hedging between power centers.
• Economic & Strategic Opportunities
• Potential for deeper access to BRICS-led mechanisms such as the New Development Bank, interconnectivity corridors, and multilateral trade forums.
• Builds on existing cooperation, like Vietnam’s attendance at the BRICS+ outreach summit in Kazan (2024) and Russia’s earlier push for its partner status

UPSC Mains Question

Q. “Assess the strategic and diplomatic significance of Vietnam becoming a BRICS Partner Country. What implications does this status hold for India’s policy in Southeast Asia?”

Answer Outline:

1. Introduction – Define BRICS structure and Partner Country tier.
2. Vietnam’s Objectives – Multilateral outreach + economic diversification.
3. Geostrategic Balance – Southeast Asia pivot, Indo‑Pacific linkages.
4. India’s Angle – Shared membership fosters ASEAN–India–BRICS synergy.
5. Risks & Cautions – Vietnam balancing US relations; implications for India’s China–ASEAN ties.
6. Conclusion – A step in regional multipolarity—call for India to deepen strategic cooperation via ASEAN–BRICS dialogue.

UPSC Prelims Fact-sheet

• Date: June 13, 2025
• Status: Partner Country (not full member)
• Tenth Partner Country, after Algeria, Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Thailand, Turkey, Uganda, Uzbekistan
• Participation Rights: Can attend summits, meetings, but lacks full voting power

7.India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) in Focus

1. Air India Boeing 787 Crash — Ahmedabad

• Incident: Boeing 787 Dreamliner operating AI 171 crashed minutes after takeoff from Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025 — killing ~270 (241 onboard + 29 on ground); 1 survivor
• AAIB’s Role: Leading the probe under Annex 13, with support from Boeing, UK & US investigators .
• Government Oversight: PM’s Principal Secretary P.K. Mishra visited site, pushed for fast investigation, families’ support, and body identification via DNA

2. Helicopter Crash in Uttarakhand

• Scenario: A Bell 407 helicopter carrying pilgrims crashed near Kedarnath on June 15, 2025, killing 7 (including a child) .
• AAIB’s Action: Lead investigation; DGCA suspended operator’s licence amid poor weather and fog concerns.
• Safety Concerns: Poor ATC, lack of radar, and over-reliance on visual flight in challenging terrain under scrutiny .

3. AAIB Capacity & Tech Upgrades

• Flight Recorder Lab: Launched in April 2025 for CVR/FDR analysis—supports domestic aircraft and future regional manufacturing..
• Data Analytics System: AAIB acquiring software for granular aviation data analysis (types of incidents, airports, operators) to enhance predictive safety mechanisms ..
• Human Resources: Recruitment of expert consultants for lab work, safety investigations, and accident prevention .
• Regulatory Framework: Draft Aircraft (Investigation) Rules, 2025 emphasize no-blame investigation, mandatory reporting, and state participation in probes .

4. Transparency & Governance Push

• A PIL in Delhi HC urges DGCA and AAIB to publicly publish investigation reports and penalty decisions under ICAO Annex 13 norms, highlighting independence and accountability concerns .
• Debate over technical qualifications of DG-AAIB has questioned leadership appointments

UPSC Relevance

UPSC Mains Questions

• “Evaluate the role of AAIB’s new digital and forensic capabilities in enhancing aviation safety in India.”
• “Critically examine the importance of no-blame investigation in aviation and how India’s AAIB is aligning with international standards.”

8.AI and Biomanufacturing Policy Debates.

1. BioE3 Policy & Bio‑AI Hubs – A Strategic Leap

• In August 2024, the Union Cabinet approved the BioE3 Policy (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment, and Employment). This high-performance biomanufacturing policy seeks to foster innovation through Bio‑AI hubs, biofoundries, and eco-friendly bioindustrial ecosystems .
• It covers six thematic areas: bio‑chemicals, smart proteins, precision therapeutics, climate‑resilient agriculture, carbon capture, and marine/space biotech
• Bio‑AI hubs (“मूलांकुर”), launched under DBT/BIRAC, will integrate AI/ML with biotechnology—for drug design, genomics, synthetic biology, agri‑bio, and environment tech .

2. AI–Biotech Convergence: Opportunities & Risks

• The Bio‑AI model helps scale R&D into commercial biotech: eco‑friendly chemicals, proteins, vaccines, resilient agriculture, circular economy, and space biosystems .
• In UPSC terms, it is key for:
  • GS Paper 3 – Innovation in biotech, eco‑manufacturing and green growth.
  • GS Paper 1 – Food security, climate resilience, sustainable development.
  • GS Paper 2 – Policy frameworks and governance for emerging technologies.
• Cautionary voices point to dual-use risks: AI-enabled synthetic biology increases the threat of biologically engineered hazards or misuse . This necessitates adaptive governance—balancing innovation and biosafety.

3. Governance & Regulatory Framework

• The policy emphasizes global-standard alignment, IP transparency, bioethics, and safety in hub development.
• Yet scholars label this a “whack‑a‑mole” challenge in AI‑bio governance: as threats evolve fast, regulations must be adaptive and cross-sectoral.

4. Emerging Debates & UPSC Angles

Balancing Innovation vs Safety

• How to fast‑track AI‑biotech hubs without compromising on biosafety and ethical standards?
• Importance of frameworks covering dual-use oversight, transparent regulation, stakeholder involvement.

Research-Industry Ecosystem

• India’s genome sequencing, synthetic pathways, and biotech IP growth align with Atmanirbhar Bharat goals.
• But there’s a challenge: ensuring infrastructure, skilled manpower, and commercialization pipelines are effective.

Holistic Policy Integration

• BioE3 sits at the intersection of AI, green growth (LiFE), agriculture, health, and Make in India—making it a transdisciplinary test case.
• It supports flagship schemes: Green Hydrogen, IndiaAI Mission, Green Growth agenda

UPSC Mains Question Snapshot

Q. Analyse the implications of India’s BioE3 Policy with Bio‑AI hubs, focusing on innovation, national bio‑security, and sustainable development.

Outline:

1. Intro: Define BioE3, Bio‑AI hubs.
2. Innovation gains: biopharma, agritech, circular bioeconomy.
3. Governance challenges: dual-use biosecurity, ethics, regulatory agility.
4. Policy synergy: integration with green, AI, biotech missions.
5. Recommendations: dynamic regulation, multi-stakeholder frameworks, capacity enhancement.
6. Conclusion: Striking a balance—leading innovation while safeguarding society.

Prelims Factbox

• BioE3 Policy approved: August 2024.
• Bio‑AI hubs (“मूलांकुर”): DBT + BIRAC initiative, integrated in Bio‑RIDE.
• Six sectors: biochem, smart proteins, precision therapeutics, agri, carbon capture, marine/space biotech.

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