Useful in agriculture mapping, crop yield estimation, and groundwater studies.
Boosts India’s space diplomacy and indigenous Earth-science capabilities.
GS Paper Linkages
Paper
Relevance
GS Paper III
Disaster Management, Science & Tech, Environment
GS Paper II
International Relations – India–US Cooperation
Essay / GS IV
Ethics in Technology, Global Cooperation in Climate Action
Mains Practice Question
“Discuss the significance of the NASA–ISRO NISAR mission in enhancing India’s disaster preparedness and environmental monitoring capabilities.” (10 marks).
Tri-service launch capability: Enhances strategic flexibility and second-strike readiness.
Long-duration flight: Enables loitering and target switching mid-flight — useful in time-critical warfare.
Stealth & Speed: Extremely hard to intercept due to plasma stealth and high terminal speed.
Indigenous Breakthrough: Critical leap in Make in India defence manufacturing and tech autonomy.
Global Context
Puts India in elite company with USA, Russia, China, who have advanced hypersonic systems.
Counters threats like China’s DF-ZF hypersonic glide vehicle or Russia’s Avangard.
Reflects India’s strategy to match A2/AD (Anti-Access/Area Denial) capabilities in the Indo-Pacific.
Link with DRDO Hypersonic Projects
Related to earlier DRDO test of Hypersonic Technology Demonstrator Vehicle (HSTDV).
ET-LDHCM builds upon that base — transitioning from technology demonstration to operational weapon system.
GS Paper Linkages
GS Paper
Relevance
GS Paper III
Defence Technology, Indigenisation of Defence Sector, Strategic Capabilities
GS Paper II
International Security, Threat Perception from Neighbours
Essay / GS IV
Tech & Ethics in Warfare, Responsible Deterrence
Implications for UPSC Mains
Boosts India’s strategic deterrence and non-nuclear counterforce options.
Supports Atmanirbhar Bharat in defence production.
Enhances India’s role in Quad and Indo-Pacific regional security frameworks.
Sample Mains Question
“Discuss the strategic implications of India’s hypersonic missile capability in the context of regional security and defence indigenisation.” (10/15 marks)
Implement skilling schemes linked to local job demand.
Monitor informal sector revival, especially in Tier 2 and Tier 3 towns.
Practice Mains Question
“Seasonal unemployment continues to challenge India’s rural labour economy. Examine the factors and suggest long-term solutions to create sustainable employment in rural India.” (15 marks)
Recommendations & Way Forward
Use real-time employment data platforms like ASEEM to track demand and job matching.
Increase MNREGA allocation for lean months.
Promote entrepreneurship and SHGs in rural areas.
Expand PM Vishwakarma Yojana and Skill India to rural youth.
According to the SIPRI Yearbook 2025 (Stockholm International Peace Research Institute), India’s nuclear warhead stockpile increased to 180 in 2024, up from 172 in 2023.
India continues to develop canisterised missiles and invest in MIRV (Multiple Independently Targetable Reentry Vehicle) capabilities, enhancing its second-strike potential.
Key Highlights of SIPRI 2025 on South Asia
Country
Nuclear Warheads (2023)
Nuclear Warheads (2024)
Trend
India
172
180
Expanding & modernising
Pakistan
170
170
Stable but potential growth
China
410
500
Rapid expansion
India’s Strategic Nuclear Developments
Canisterised Missiles
Enhanced missile systems like Agni-V (canisterised, road-mobile) allow for quick launch and better survivability.
“Security in a Nuclear South Asia: Threats and Balance”
Geopolitical Implications
India–Pakistan Deterrence Dynamics: India’s improvements may prompt Pakistan’s response with more tactical nuclear weapons or mobile launchers.
India–China Competition: China’s rapid buildup (500 warheads) shifts strategic calculus; India may pursue parity in delivery systems, not numbers.
Global Arms Control Pressure: India is not a signatory to the NPT, but SIPRI’s findings may trigger debate on transparency, restraint, and confidence-building.
Practice Mains Question
“Critically examine the evolution of India’s nuclear doctrine in light of recent strategic developments and SIPRI’s findings.” (15 marks)
Challenges & Policy Concerns
Issue
Concern
Strategic Ambiguity
No official update to India’s 2003 Nuclear Doctrine
Arms Race with China & Pakistan
Rising risk of regional instability if doctrine clarity is lacking
Cost of Modernisation
Nuclear programme modernisation may divert funds from conventional security
Global Diplomatic Pressure
Rising arsenal may face pushback from non-proliferation advocates
Way Forward
Actively participate in Track-II diplomacy and nuclear risk reduction dialogues in Asia.
Clarify and reaffirm India’s doctrine of No First Use with flexible counter-response.
Strengthen command and control mechanisms, including Strategic Forces Command (SFC).
Continue indigenisation of nuclear delivery systems to reduce dependence.
The ICAR-National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD), Bhopal, has been recognized as a ‘Category A’ Rinderpest holding facility by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
This makes NIHSAD one of the few global laboratories authorized to safely hold Rinderpest virus-containing material (VCM) for research and preparedness.
What is Rinderpest?
Feature
Details
Also Known As
Cattle Plague
Disease Type
Viral disease affecting cattle, buffaloes, and some wildlife
Symptoms
Fever, oral erosions, diarrhea, lymphoid necrosis, and high mortality
Global Eradication
Declared eradicated in 2011 by FAO & WOAH
Significance
Second disease globally eradicated, after Smallpox (in humans)
Role of ICAR–NIHSAD
Function
Description
Biosafety Level
BSL-4 (High Containment) lab accredited to handle exotic animal pathogens
Mandate
Diagnostics, surveillance, research on transboundary & emerging animal diseases
Recent Recognition
‘Category A’ Rinderpest VCM Holding Facility
National Role
Nodal institution for zoonotic and exotic animal disease containment in India
Global Context of WOAH–FAO Recognition
WOAH–FAO maintain a global list of approved VCM holding facilities post-eradication to ensure:
No accidental release or bioterrorism
Controlled access for research and vaccine development
Preparedness in case of re-emergence
India’s recognition boosts global biosecurity efforts and reflects confidence in Indian bio-containment protocols
GS Paper Linkages
GS Paper
Relevance
GS Paper II
International Institutions (WOAH, FAO), Global Cooperation
“Global health security: From eradication to surveillance
Importance for India
Strengthens India’s global standing in veterinary science and biosafety.
Enhances capacity for emergency vaccine production if needed.
Aligns with India’s leadership in One Health approach integrating human-animal-environment health.
Supports India’s livestock sector (valued at ~₹10 lakh crore) by building disease resilience.
Practice Mains Question
“Highlight the importance of India’s recognition as a Category A Rinderpest facility in the context of biosecurity and livestock health.” (10/15 marks)
Way Forward
Continue investments in zoonotic disease surveillance and early warning systems.
Promote research collaboration with WOAH-FAO for emerging animal pathogens.
Expand BSL-4 infrastructure to other agro-climatic zones for better regional preparedness.
Integrate NIHSAD into India’s National One Health Mission for broader policy impact.
Observed annually on June 17, this day in 2025 focuses on raising global awareness about the threats of desertification, land degradation, and drought (DLDD).
It aligns with the goals of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD).
Theme for 2025 (Expected/Indicative)
“Her Land. Her Rights. Land Restoration, Gender Equality and Resilience.” (Note: This theme continues from 2024 and may be extended into 2025 due to its global resonance.)
Background of the Day
Aspect
Details
First Observed
1995, designated by the UN General Assembly
UN Convention
UNCCD (1994) – only legally binding international agreement on DLDD
Objective
Promote awareness of desertification/drought and the importance of land
India’s Role
Party to UNCCD; hosted COP-14 in 2019 (New Delhi)
Desertification and Drought in India – Current Status (2025)
Statistic/Source
Key Insight
ISRO Desertification Atlas (2021)
29.7% of India’s land is undergoing degradation
States Most Affected
Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, MP, Telangana
Recent Drought Trends
Increasing frequency due to El Niño & climate change
Part of India’s 2030 target to restore 26 million hectares of land
Bhartiya Prakritik Krishi Paddhati (BPKP)
Encouraging natural farming to preserve soil
GS Paper Linkages
GS Paper
Relevance
GS Paper I
Geography – Land Degradation, Desertification
GS Paper III
Environment – Climate change, conservation, SDGs
Essay Paper
“Land restoration is the foundation of resilience.”
Challenges Ahead
Issue
Impact
Unsustainable farming practices
Lead to topsoil loss, salinisation
Deforestation and mining
Increase desertification in arid/semi-arid regions
Climate change
Enhances frequency of agro-droughts in major crop zones
Lack of data & monitoring
Inhibits early warning systems for drought
Practice Mains Question
“Land degradation and desertification pose serious threats to India’s food and water security. Discuss India’s approach to combat these twin challenges in light of international commitments.” (15 marks)
Way Forward
Scale up climate-resilient agriculture and agroforestry in vulnerable zones.
Strengthen remote sensing and early drought warning systems via ISRO/IMD.
Implement land restoration targets under India’s Bonn Challenge commitments.
Enhance community-based drought adaptation plans via local governance (Panchayati Raj).
7.Arun Srinivas Appointed as MD and Head of Meta India.
Latest Development (June 2025)
Arun Srinivas has been appointed as the Managing Director (MD) and Head of Meta (formerly Facebook) India.
He will oversee the business and growth strategy across Meta’s family of apps — Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp — in one of its largest markets.
About Arun Srinivas
Attribute
Details
Professional Background
Former executive at Uber India and Unilever
Prior Meta Role
Director of Global Business Group (GBG) at Meta India
New Role
Responsible for monetisation strategy, public policy interface, and user engagement for Meta India
Significance for Meta
Context in Indian Digital Ecosystem
Issue/Trend
Relevance to Meta India
Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023
Requires robust data localisation and user consent mechanisms
Competition Commission of India (CCI)
Probing big tech companies over market dominance and pricing practices
ONDC vs Big Tech
India’s efforts to promote Open Digital Commerce could impact Meta’s strategy
Misinformation & AI regulation
Meta is under watch for tackling fake news, deepfakes, and election misinformation
GS Paper Linkages
GS Paper
Topics Covered
GS II
Government–Tech Company Interface, Data Governance, Regulatory Framework
GS III
Digital Economy, Big Tech Regulation, Start-up Ecosystem
Essay Paper
“Balancing innovation and regulation in India’s digital economy”
Practice Mains Question
“With the rise of global tech platforms in India, the role of leadership becomes vital in navigating regulation, growth, and ethical governance. Discuss in light of Meta’s operations in India.” (10/15 marks)
Why This Matters for UPSC
Demonstrates the interplay of public policy and tech business leadership.
Important example of India’s relevance in global digital strategy.
Highlights ongoing debate over tech platform accountability, user data protection, and content moderation.
8.David Beckham Conferred Knighthood by King Charles III.
Latest Update (June 2025)
David Beckham, legendary English footballer and philanthropist, has been knighted by King Charles III for his outstanding contributions to sports and charitable causes.
He will now be formally known as Sir David Beckham.
What is Knighthood?
Aspect
Description
Title
“Sir” (for men) / “Dame” (for women)
Order
Conferred under the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE, OBE, CBE, KBE)
Eligibility
Citizens of the UK or Commonwealth nations
Authority
Bestowed by the Monarch of the United Kingdom, currently King Charles III
Type of Honour
One of the highest civilian honours in the UK
Why David Beckham Was Knighted
Contribution Area
Highlights
Sports
Former captain of the England football team; played for clubs like Manchester United, Real Madrid, LA Galaxy
Ambassadorship
Played a key role in promoting London 2012 Olympics and England’s sports diplomacy
Philanthropy
Active supporter of UNICEF as a Goodwill Ambassador; launched the 7 Fund for children in crisis zones
Global Influence
Leveraged his celebrity for causes like malaria eradication, education, and disaster response
Global and Diplomatic Relevance
Topic
Significance
Cultural Diplomacy
Beckham’s knighthood promotes soft power and global goodwill
Sport as Diplomacy
Reflects how athletes contribute to international relations
Monarchical Ceremonial Power
Highlights constitutional monarchy in the UK
GS Paper Linkages
GS Paper
Relevance
GS Paper I
Culture – Role of sports and international honours
GS Paper II
International Relations – UK-India people-to-people ties
Essay
“The global influence of sports icons beyond the field.”
Practice Mains Question
“Sports icons often go beyond the field to shape diplomacy, charity, and international perception. Discuss with reference to David Beckham’s global legacy.” (10/15 marks)
Extra Insight: Other Indian-Origin Knighthood Recipients
Name
Field
Sir Venkatraman Ramakrishnan
Chemistry (Nobel Laureate)
Sir Salman Rushdie
Literature
Sir Anand Satyanand
Politics (New Zealand)
Conclusion
David Beckham’s knighthood highlights how sports and charity intersect with recognition, diplomacy, and soft power.
Such honours serve as an inspiration for leveraging fame for humanitarian purposes and demonstrate the role of celebrity diplomacy in the modern world.
Bihar has become the first Indian state to roll out a mobile-based e-voting system on a pilot basis.
The system is designed to enhance electoral participation, particularly among migrants, urban voters, and elderly citizens.
It was launched under the supervision of the Bihar State Election Commission, in collaboration with the Election Commission of India (ECI) and technical institutes.
Key Features of the e-Voting System
Feature
Description
Platform
Mobile app-based voting, secured with blockchain and facial recognition
Security Layers
Includes biometric verification, OTP authentication, and facial match
Accessibility
Voters can cast votes remotely from any geographic location within India
Pilot Location
Conducted in select urban wards and panchayat areas in Bihar
Developed By
State NIC, IIT Patna, and Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC)
Objectives and Benefits
Objective
Benefit
Increase voter turnout
Especially from migrants and working professionals
Ensure inclusivity
Easier for elderly, disabled, and remote residents
Modernize electoral process
Supports Digital India and Good Governance goals
Prevent voter migration bottlenecks
Eliminates the need for physical return to native constituencies
Security & Privacy Measures
Layer
Purpose
Blockchain integration
Ensures tamper-proof records and transparency
Facial recognition + Aadhaar
Prevents impersonation and multi-voting
End-to-end encryption
Protects voter data and voting preferences
Relevance in Indian Electoral Context
Area
Significance
Electoral Reforms
Major step toward remote voting – long-standing demand by the ECI
Migrant Voting
India has over 45 crore internal migrants (Census 2011), many excluded from local polls
Urban Apathy
Tackles low turnout in urban constituencies (60% in cities vs 70%+ in rural)
Replicability
If successful, model may be adopted by other states and eventually for Lok Sabha elections
GS Paper Linkages
GS Paper
Topics
GS II
Electoral Reforms, E-Governance, Role of ECI, Federalism
GS III
Technology in Governance, Cybersecurity, Digital India
Essay
“Democracy and Technology: Can mobile-based voting enhance participation?
Challenges & Concerns
Issue
Implication
Digital divide
Poor access in rural/tribal areas may exclude vulnerable voters
Cybersecurity risks
Potential for hacking, data theft, and system compromise
Voter coercion at home
Home-based voting may reduce secrecy of ballot
Legal provisions
Needs ECI approval and amendments to Representation of People Act, 1951
Practice Mains Question
“With reference to the pilot e-voting initiative in Bihar, discuss the scope, benefits, and challenges of introducing mobile-based voting in India.” (15 marks)
Conclusion
Bihar’s mobile-based e-voting trial marks a technological leap in India’s electoral reforms.
Its success may determine the future of remote and inclusive voting, potentially revolutionizing democratic participation in the world’s largest democracy.
The Government of Arunachal Pradesh has officially declared the decade from 2025 to 2035 as the “Decade of Hydro Power”.
The state aims to accelerate the development of its vast hydropower potential, positioning itself as the “Powerhouse of India”.
Background and Significance
Aspect
Details
Installed Hydro Potential
Arunachal Pradesh has an estimated hydropower potential of 50,000+ MW — highest among Indian states
Current Utilisation
Less than 2% of this potential is currently tapped
Key Rivers
Subansiri, Siang, Kameng, Lohit, Dibang — all tributaries of Brahmaputra
National Importance
Aligns with India’s goals of energy security, green energy transition, and grid balancin
Key Objectives of the Initiative
Objective
Explanation
Boost hydropower development
Fast-track clearances and construction of pending large and medium projects
Attract investment
Encourage Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) and FDI in energy infrastructure
Green energy transition
Hydropower as base-load renewable to complement solar and wind
Employment generation
Create local jobs in construction, engineering, and support services
Border infrastructure and security
Strengthen presence in strategic border regions with China
Major Projects in Pipeline (2025–2035)
Project Name
Capacity (MW)
Developer
Status
Subansiri Lower
2000 MW
NHPC
Nearing completion
Dibang Multipurpose
2880 MW
NHPC
Under construction
Etalin HEP
3097 MW
JV with Jindal Power Ltd.
Environment concerns raised
Siang Upper/Lower
11000+ MW
Multiple proposals
Planning stage
Environmental and Tribal Concerns
Issue
Description
Ecological impact
Large dams in Eastern Himalayas affect fragile ecosystems, river flow
Displacement
Potential displacement of tribal communities and biodiversity loss
Earthquake-prone zones
Region lies in Seismic Zone V, increasing risk of dam failure
Consultation and Consent
Under Forest Rights Act, local gram sabhas must approve land acquisition
GS Paper Linkages
GS Paper
Topics Covered
GS II
Federalism, Centre-State coordination in energy and environment
GS III
Infrastructure – Energy, Environment, and Disaster Management
Essay
“Harnessing Himalayan hydropower: Green energy or ecological threat?”
Opportunities for India
Opportunity
Explanation
Reduce fossil fuel dependence
Supports India’s Net Zero by 2070 target
Energy export to NE neighbours
Possibility to export clean energy to Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar
Grid stability
Hydropower offers reliable load balancing with solar/wind intermittency
Border security
Strategic infrastructure enhances India’s presence along the China border
Practice Mains Question
“Hydropower development in Arunachal Pradesh offers a strategic and environmental opportunity for India. Discuss the challenges and solutions in balancing ecological sustainability with energy needs.” (15 marks)
Conclusion
While opportunities abound, balancing ecological sustainability, tribal rights, and regional security will determine the success of this initiative.
Arunachal Pradesh’s Decade of Hydro Power (2025–2035) marks a bold step in India’s energy transition journey, especially in the Northeast.
The Maharashtra State Cooperative Bank (MSC Bank) has launched India’s first Cyber Security Operations Centre (C-SOC) specifically tailored for cooperative banks.
The initiative is supported by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) and aims to safeguard cooperative banks from rising cyber threats.
What is a C-SOC (Cyber Security Operations Centre)?
A C-SOC is a centralized platform that provides real-time monitoring, detection, response, and prevention of cyber threats.
It uses advanced tools like Security Information and Event Management (SIEM), AI-based threat analytics, and incident response protocols.
Objectives of MSC Bank’s C-SOC
Objective
Description
Enhance cybersecurity resilience
Shield cooperative banks from phishing, ransomware, and cyber frauds
Centralized monitoring
Create a unified control room to track cyber activities across banks
Build technical capacity
Train IT teams of cooperative banks in cybersecurity protocols
“Cybersecurity is the foundation of digital inclusion in rural India.”
Broader Implications
Area
Impact
Digital India
Reinforces trust in digital payments and online rural banking
Financial Inclusion
Secures the backbone of rural credit systems (PACS, DCCBs, Urban Co-ops)
Cyber Defence Ecosystem
Aligns with India’s Cyber Security Policy (revised draft)
Replication Potential
Can be a model for other states and cooperative banks nationwide
Practice Mains Question
“Discuss the significance of Cyber Security Operations Centres (C-SOCs) for India’s cooperative banking sector in the context of digital financial inclusion and rising cyber threats.” (15 marks)
Conclusion
The MSC Bank’s C-SOC is a pioneering initiative that bridges the digital security gap in India’s cooperative banking system.
As rural financial institutions increasingly digitize, such innovations are essential to ensure resilience, trust, and long-term sustainability of India’s inclusive banking model.
The University of Aberdeen, a 528-year-old public research university in Scotland, has received approval to set up its first international campus in India.
It will be established in Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, under the University Grants Commission (UGC) regulations for foreign universities (2023 framework).
Significance of the Move
Marks the first foreign university to be granted approval to establish a standalone campus in India.
Part of India’s efforts under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 to internationalize higher education.
Enhances India’s image as a global education hub, especially for STEM and research-based courses.
Key Highlights
Courses Offered: Initial focus will be on STEM, AI, data science, biotechnology, and renewable energy.
Degrees Valid in India: Students will receive internationally recognized degrees under UGC norms.
Affordable Global Education: Expected to provide Scottish-quality education at a lower cost than studying abroad.
Joint Faculty Model: Will bring British and Indian faculty together, promoting global academic exchange.
Contextual Relevance for UPSC
Relevance Area
Key Points
GS II – Governance
Regulatory framework for foreign education institutions in India
GS II – Education
Implementation of NEP 2020, reforms in higher education
GS III – Economy
Foreign investment in the education sector
Essay Paper
“Globalisation of education in India: Opportunities and Challenges”
Why It Matters for India
Reduces brain drain by offering global education at home.
Improves research collaboration, especially in high-tech and interdisciplinary areas.
Could attract students from South Asia, Middle East, and Africa to study in India.
Serves as a blueprint for other reputed global institutions to enter the Indian education landscape.
Regulatory Framework
Governed by UGC (Setting up and Operation of Campuses of Foreign Higher Educational Institutions in India) Regulations, 2023.
Foreign universities ranked among the top 500 globally are eligible to set up campuses.
Must ensure equal academic and infrastructural standards as their home campuses.
Conclusion
The University of Aberdeen’s Navi Mumbai campus is a landmark in India’s higher education reform.
It reflects a shift from India being a source of outbound students to a destination for global education, aligned with Atmanirbhar Bharat in education.
By: Department of Posts, Ministry of Communications, Government of India
What is DIGIPIN?
DIGIPIN stands for Digital Personal Identification Number.
It is a 6-digit alphanumeric code that digitally maps a precise location (similar to GPS coordinates) to a unique digital address.
Developed as a next-generation addressing system to solve India’s long-standing issues of unstructured or inaccurate physical addresses.
Key Features
Geospatial Accuracy: Maps exact latitude and longitude to each address, including houses, offices, rural huts, etc.
Universal Applicability: Works across urban, rural, and remote regions, including slums and unmarked habitations.
Easy Sharing: Users can share their DIGIPIN like a PIN code or QR code for deliveries and verification.
Integration: Designed to integrate with e-commerce, emergency services, banking KYC, and postal services.
Digital Inclusion: Facilitates address access for those without formal addresses — key for financial and governance outreach.
Why Is It Important?
Area
Benefit of DIGIPIN
Tech in Governance
Boosts e-governance, Aadhaar-KYC, and DBT targeting
Postal Reforms
Enhances delivery efficiency and reach for India Post
Emergency Response
Helps disaster services, ambulances, police locate victims fast
Urban Planning
Supports GIS-based smart city planning and municipal services
Rural Connectivity
Reduces address ambiguity in villages, tribal zones
UPSC GS Paper Linkages
GS Paper
Topic Relevance
GS II
Governance, e-Governance, Service Delivery
GS III
Technology, Digital Infrastructure, Cyber Integration
Mains Answer/Essay Use
“Initiatives like DIGIPIN are not just postal reforms, but digital foundations of India’s governance architecture.”
Prelims Pointers
DIGIPIN launched by: Dept. of Posts
Purpose: Geo-tagging precise address coordinates
Replaces/Complements: Traditional PIN code system
Applicability: Pan-India, across all regions
Conclusion
DIGIPIN is a leap towards ‘Digital India 2.0’, aiming to make location-based governance, services, and logistics seamless. It aligns with the goals of precision governance, smart delivery, and financial inclusion for every citizen.
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