UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 14 June 2025
Kartavya Desk Staff
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 14 June 2025 covers important current affairs of the day, their backward linkages, their relevance for Prelims exam and MCQs on main articles
InstaLinks : Insta Links help you think beyond the current affairs issue and help you think multidimensionally to develop depth in your understanding of these issues. These linkages provided in this ‘hint’ format help you frame possible questions in your mind that might arise(or an examiner might imagine) from each current event. InstaLinks also connect every issue to their static or theoretical background.
Table of Contents
GS Paper 2 : (UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 14 June (2025)
• Israel Iran Conflict
Israel Iran Conflict
GS Paper 3:
• CPCB Drafts India’s First Solar Waste Playbook
CPCB Drafts India’s First Solar Waste Playbook
Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):
• Y-Break for Workplace Wellness
Y-Break for Workplace Wellness
Facts for Prelims (FFP):
• Black Box
Black Box
• SEBI’s New Verified UPI Mechanism
SEBI’s New Verified UPI Mechanism
• Servants of India Society
Servants of India Society
• Forest Rights Act Cells
Forest Rights Act Cells
• IREL (India) Limited
IREL (India) Limited
Mapping:
• Operation Rising Lion
Operation Rising Lion
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 14 June 2025
#### GS Paper 2:
Israel Iran Conflict
Syllabus: International Relations
Source: NDTV
Context: Israel launched “Operation Rising Lion,” a full-scale military strike on Iran targeting nuclear and missile infrastructure.
• This comes immediately after the IAEA declared Iran in violation of its nuclear safeguard’s agreement.
About Israel Iran Conflict:
• Foundational Rivalry: Hostilities began after Iran’s 1979 Islamic Revolution, which adopted a theocratic and anti-Israel stance.
• Proxy Network: Iran supports Hezbollah (Lebanon), Hamas (Gaza), Houthis (Yemen), and militias in Iraq to encircle Israel without direct confrontation.
• Past Israeli Strikes: Israel has previously struck nuclear facilities in Iraq (1981) and Syria (2007); Iran has remained a red line due to complexity.
• Abraham Accords Outcome: Iran’s threat prompted Sunni Arab nations to normalize ties with Israel, sidelining the Palestine issue temporarily.
• October 7 Aftermath: Iran-backed Hamas’ Gaza offensive intensified regional hostilities, drawing global attention to Iran’s proxy warfare.
Causes Behind Recent Confrontation:
• IAEA Resolution: The IAEA Board formally declared Iran non-compliant under the 1974 Safeguards Agreement after finding enriched uranium traces at unreported sites.
• Nuclear Negotiation Breakdown: Talks between the US and Iran in Oman stalled over uranium enrichment disputes. Israel viewed this as a diplomatic loophole exploited by Tehran.
• Military Escalation Logic: Israel believes targeting Iranian proxies is ineffective and has thus chosen to strike at their patron—Tehran.
• Domestic Politics in Israel: PM Netanyahu, under political pressure, leveraged security threats to avoid elections and consolidate internal control.
• Strategic Timing: Israel acted before the expiry of nuclear deal sanctions on October 18, potentially undermining Western diplomatic re-engagement.
IAEA Decision and Its Implications:
• Non-Compliance Declaration: The IAEA expressed “grave concern” over Iran’s uranium traces and lack of transparency at Lavisan-Shian, Varamin, and Turquzabad.
• IAEA Statute Invoked: Under Article XII.C, this is the 7th time IAEA found a country non-compliant, setting the stage for a UNSC escalation.
• Sanctions Risk: European powers may trigger snapback sanctions under the JCPOA, expiring in October.
• Iran’s Reaction: Tehran denounced the resolution, threatened to exit the NPT, and initiated new deep-underground uranium enrichment projects.
• IAEA’s August Report Awaited: IAEA chief Grossi will flag non-compliance in August if Iran remains evasive, intensifying global scrutiny.
Consequences of Israel-Iran Conflict:
• Global Implications: Oil Price Shock: Escalation near the Strait of Hormuz (through which 20% of world oil flows) could destabilize global markets. US Strategic Dilemma: The US faces pressure to distance itself from Israeli actions while protecting its regional assets. Nuclear Proliferation Threat: Iran’s exit from the NPT may trigger a nuclear arms race in West Asia.
• Oil Price Shock: Escalation near the Strait of Hormuz (through which 20% of world oil flows) could destabilize global markets.
• US Strategic Dilemma: The US faces pressure to distance itself from Israeli actions while protecting its regional assets.
• Nuclear Proliferation Threat: Iran’s exit from the NPT may trigger a nuclear arms race in West Asia.
• Regional Impact: Destabilisation of Middle East: Countries like Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon may face intensified drone warfare and proxy escalations. Collapse of Peace Talks: Iran-US talks in Muscat and the two-state solution dialogues face an uncertain future. Rise of Armed Militias: Groups like PMF and Houthis may intensify retaliation against Israel or US bases.
• Destabilisation of Middle East: Countries like Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon may face intensified drone warfare and proxy escalations.
• Collapse of Peace Talks: Iran-US talks in Muscat and the two-state solution dialogues face an uncertain future.
• Rise of Armed Militias: Groups like PMF and Houthis may intensify retaliation against Israel or US bases.
• Impact on India: Diaspora Risk: Nearly 8 million Indians reside in West Asia. War puts their safety and evacuation logistics at risk. Energy Dependency: Over 60% of India’s crude imports pass through the Strait of Hormuz—supply disruptions threaten inflation. Diplomatic Balancing: India’s ties with both Israel and Iran require delicate management amidst war rhetoric and sanctions.
• Diaspora Risk: Nearly 8 million Indians reside in West Asia. War puts their safety and evacuation logistics at risk.
• Energy Dependency: Over 60% of India’s crude imports pass through the Strait of Hormuz—supply disruptions threaten inflation.
• Diplomatic Balancing: India’s ties with both Israel and Iran require delicate management amidst war rhetoric and sanctions.
Conclusion:
The Israel-Iran conflict has reignited fears of full-scale war in an already volatile region. Diplomatic breakdown, proxy wars, and nuclear brinkmanship threaten global peace and economic stability. De-escalation and multilateral dialogue remain the only path forward to prevent irreversible damage.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 14 June 2025 GS Paper 3:
CPCB Drafts India’s First Solar Waste Playbook
Syllabus: Pollution
Source: DTE
Context: The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) released draft guidelines on June 4, 2025, for managing solar photovoltaic (PV) waste under the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022.
About CPCB Drafts India’s First Solar Waste Playbook:
What is Solar Waste?
Solar waste refers to end-of-life solar PV modules, panels, or cells discarded from use or manufacturing, now classified as CEEW 14 under e-waste rules. India may generate over 34,600 tonnes of solar waste by 2030 due to accelerated installations across rooftops, floating, and ground-mounted parks.
Legal & Policy Framework: E-Waste Rules, 2022:
• Coverage: Solar waste is governed under Chapter V of the E-Waste (Management) Rules.
• Exemption: Unlike other e-waste, solar panels are exempt from EPR recycling targets till 2034–35.
• Obligations: Producers must register, file annual returns, maintain collection systems, and comply with CPCB SOPs.
• Hazard Classification: Solar waste contains hazardous elements like cadmium, lead, arsenic, gallium, and tellurium.
Issues Surrounding Solar Waste in India:
• Environmental Risks: Toxic heavy metals may leach into soil/water or release fumes if panels are burnt or dumped.
E.g. Lead and cadmium are potent groundwater pollutants.
• Health Hazards: Informal or unsafe handling may cause respiratory, skin, or neurological ailments among workers.
• Data Deficiency: Lack of granular data on waste quantities, recycling infrastructure, and informal disposal.
• Lack of Infrastructure: Limited certified recyclers with tech to extract and separate silicon, silver, or polymers.
• Unregulated Storage: Stacking in open environments increases fire, contamination, and breakage risk.
Implication of Solar Waste:
Implications on People:
• Health Hazards to Informal Workers: Exposure to toxic elements like lead, cadmium, and arsenic during unregulated dismantling can cause respiratory, skin, and neurological disorders.
E.g. Informal recycling units in states like Gujarat and Maharashtra lack safety protocols, risking worker health.
• Community-Level Pollution Exposure: Improper disposal near residential or agricultural areas contaminates local air, soil, and water, impacting livelihoods.
E.g. Dumping of solar waste in rural dump yards near water bodies raises cancer and birth defect risks.
Implications on Government:
• Regulatory Burden and Gaps: Absence of dedicated solar waste policy creates legal ambiguity and enforcement challenges under existing e-waste and hazardous waste laws.
E.g. CPCB’s 2025 draft had to fill critical policy gaps due to absence of mandatory EPR targets for solar.
• Undermining Green Credentials: Mismanagement of solar waste contradicts India’s global leadership in clean energy and hinders SDG commitments on sustainable cities and responsible consumption.
E.g. India risks international scrutiny under UNFCCC and SDG 12 if recycling remains poor.
Implications on Environment:
• Soil and Groundwater Contamination: Toxic leachates from solar panel metals like selenium and tellurium pollute soil and aquifers when dumped unscientifically.
E.g. Studies show that cadmium telluride leaching from panels can persist in soil for years.
• Air Pollution from Burning Panels: Burning polymer back-sheets and soldering metals release hazardous fumes, worsening air quality and ecosystem health.
E.g. Incineration without filters emits dioxins and furans, known carcinogens under Stockholm Convention.
Solutions and Key Measures from Draft Guidelines:
• Safe Storage Infrastructure: Use covered, ventilated, dry storage areas with impervious, non-leachable floors to avoid soil/water contamination. Stack panels only up to 20 layers or 2 metres height.
• Use covered, ventilated, dry storage areas with impervious, non-leachable floors to avoid soil/water contamination.
• Stack panels only up to 20 layers or 2 metres height.
• Collection Mechanism & Take-Back: Mandatory take-back programmes by producers, with websites, helplines, and pickup logistics. Consumer database to facilitate EOL (End-of-Life) recovery.
• Mandatory take-back programmes by producers, with websites, helplines, and pickup logistics.
• Consumer database to facilitate EOL (End-of-Life) recovery.
• Transportation Standards: Use only covered trucks, preferably hazardous waste-compliant vehicles, to move waste to recycling centres. Follow the Hazardous Waste Rules, 2016 for final disposal.
• Use only covered trucks, preferably hazardous waste-compliant vehicles, to move waste to recycling centres.
• Follow the Hazardous Waste Rules, 2016 for final disposal.
• Labeling & Inventory: All containers must be clearly labelled with solar waste type; periodic inspections and inventories are mandated.
• Emergency & Fire Safety: Install fire protection systems, ERP protocols, and clear emergency exits in storage zones.
• Public Participation: CPCB has invited comments till June 25, 2025, ensuring participatory policy formulation.
Conclusion:
India’s solar success must be balanced with circular waste practices to maintain sustainability. The CPCB’s draft guidelines are a proactive attempt to institutionalise safe, scientific, and inclusive solar waste management. Effective implementation will be key to aligning India’s green ambitions with ecological responsibility.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 14 June 2025 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)
Y-Break for Workplace Wellness
Context: Union Ayush Minister highlighted the Modi government’s success in institutionalizing Yoga globally, with special mention of the Y-Break protocol for workplace wellness.
About Y-Break for Workplace Wellness:
• Y-Break is a 5-minute guided Yoga module developed by the Ministry of Ayush to promote well-being and productivity in workplace settings.
• Aims to help working professionals de-stress, refresh, and refocus during office hours.
• Key Components:
• Includes simple asana and pranayama practices: Nadi Shodhana Pranayama – calming breath balance Tadasana, Urdhva Hastasana – posture correction and stretch Skandha Chakra, Utkatasana, Kati Chakrasana – spinal mobility Ardhachakrasana, Prasarita Padottanasana – balance and flexibility Bhramari Pranayama and Dhyana – mental clarity and relaxation
• Includes simple asana and pranayama practices: Nadi Shodhana Pranayama – calming breath balance Tadasana, Urdhva Hastasana – posture correction and stretch Skandha Chakra, Utkatasana, Kati Chakrasana – spinal mobility Ardhachakrasana, Prasarita Padottanasana – balance and flexibility Bhramari Pranayama and Dhyana – mental clarity and relaxation
• Nadi Shodhana Pranayama – calming breath balance
• Tadasana, Urdhva Hastasana – posture correction and stretch
• Skandha Chakra, Utkatasana, Kati Chakrasana – spinal mobility
• Ardhachakrasana, Prasarita Padottanasana – balance and flexibility
• Bhramari Pranayama and Dhyana – mental clarity and relaxation
• Significance:
• Promotes physical and mental health among professionals. Encourages integrative health culture within institutions. Supports India’s global Yoga leadership and aligns with preventive healthcare goals.
• Promotes physical and mental health among professionals.
• Encourages integrative health culture within institutions.
• Supports India’s global Yoga leadership and aligns with preventive healthcare goals.
Relevance in UPSC Exam
• GS Paper 2 – Governance & Social Justice
• Role of Ministry of AYUSH in public health promotion. Institutional mechanisms for mental health and wellness.
• Role of Ministry of AYUSH in public health promotion.
• Institutional mechanisms for mental health and wellness.
• GS Paper 4 – Ethics & Integrity
• Application of emotional intelligence and mindfulness in administration. Wellness practices for ethical decision-making and stress management.
• Application of emotional intelligence and mindfulness in administration.
• Wellness practices for ethical decision-making and stress management.
Black Box
Source: TH
Context: The tragic crash of an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner in Ahmedabad has brought attention to the critical role of black boxes in aviation investigations.
About Black Box:
• What is a Black Box? A Black Box refers to two key devices in an aircraft: the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) and Flight Data Recorder (FDR). They record audio inside the cockpit and technical flight data respectively, offering investigators vital clues post-crash.
• A Black Box refers to two key devices in an aircraft: the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) and Flight Data Recorder (FDR).
• They record audio inside the cockpit and technical flight data respectively, offering investigators vital clues post-crash.
• Historical Evolution: 1930s: François Hussenot of France devised early photographic film-based data recorders. 1953-54: Dr. David Warren in Australia invented the modern FDR after investigating unexplained air crashes. 1960: Use of FDR and CVR made mandatory in commercial aircraft. 1990: Solid-state memory replaced magnetic tapes, enhancing durability and data capacity.
• 1930s: François Hussenot of France devised early photographic film-based data recorders.
• 1953-54: Dr. David Warren in Australia invented the modern FDR after investigating unexplained air crashes.
• 1960: Use of FDR and CVR made mandatory in commercial aircraft.
• 1990: Solid-state memory replaced magnetic tapes, enhancing durability and data capacity.
• How It Works? Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR): Records pilot and co-pilot conversations, radio transmissions, alarms, and ambient sounds. Flight Data Recorder (FDR): Collects data on altitude, speed, engine performance, flight path, and over 3,500 parameters for up to 25 hours.
• Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR): Records pilot and co-pilot conversations, radio transmissions, alarms, and ambient sounds.
• Flight Data Recorder (FDR): Collects data on altitude, speed, engine performance, flight path, and over 3,500 parameters for up to 25 hours.
• Materials & Protection: Housed in crash-protected metal casings using titanium or steel. Designed to survive: Fires up to 1,100°C Explosions and G-force impacts 30 days of underwater immersion Emits locator beacons for search and recovery teams.
• Housed in crash-protected metal casings using titanium or steel.
• Designed to survive: Fires up to 1,100°C Explosions and G-force impacts 30 days of underwater immersion
• Fires up to 1,100°C
• Explosions and G-force impacts
• 30 days of underwater immersion
• Emits locator beacons for search and recovery teams.
• Why is a Black Box is orange colour? Despite the name, black boxes are bright orange with reflective strips for easy visibility at crash sites. The term “black box” comes from early film-based recorders stored in light-tight boxes, not from their colour.
• Despite the name, black boxes are bright orange with reflective strips for easy visibility at crash sites.
• The term “black box” comes from early film-based recorders stored in light-tight boxes, not from their colour.
• Modern Innovations: Combined Recorders: Merge CVR and FDR into a single unit to meet ICAO’s 25-hour voice recording norm. Automatic Deployable Recorders: Eject from aircraft during crash and float on water, transmitting location via Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT). Data Streaming via Satellites: Being explored to transmit real-time data and avoid loss in deep-sea crashes.
• Combined Recorders: Merge CVR and FDR into a single unit to meet ICAO’s 25-hour voice recording norm.
• Automatic Deployable Recorders: Eject from aircraft during crash and float on water, transmitting location via Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT).
• Data Streaming via Satellites: Being explored to transmit real-time data and avoid loss in deep-sea crashes.
SEBI’s New Verified UPI Mechanism
Source: IE
Context: SEBI has announced a new verified UPI ID system for registered market intermediaries, effective from October 1, 2025, to curb rising cases of cyber fraud and impersonation in securities transactions.
About SEBI’s New Verified UPI Mechanism:
• What It Is? A validated UPI payment framework for SEBI-registered intermediaries featuring exclusive UPI handles ending with @valid.
• A validated UPI payment framework for SEBI-registered intermediaries featuring exclusive UPI handles ending with @valid.
• Developed By: The system is being developed in coordination with the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), which operates the UPI platform.
• How It Works?
• Every registered intermediary (broker, mutual fund, etc.) will receive a unique UPI ID: username.category@validBank
• Every registered intermediary (broker, mutual fund, etc.) will receive a unique UPI ID: username.category@validBank
E.g., abc.brk@validXYZ for a broker using XYZ Bank
• A “thumbs-up in green triangle” icon will appear when transacting with verified IDs. The system will integrate with the new ‘SEBI Check’ tool to verify UPI IDs and bank details via QR scan or manual entry.
• A “thumbs-up in green triangle” icon will appear when transacting with verified IDs.
• The system will integrate with the new ‘SEBI Check’ tool to verify UPI IDs and bank details via QR scan or manual entry.
• Key Features:
• Distinct suffixes indicate category: .brk for stock brokers .mf for mutual funds UPI IDs will only be allocated to genuine SEBI-registered entities. Visual authentication marks help users identify legitimate payees. ‘SEBI Check’ confirms both UPI ID and bank account/IFSC code authenticity.
• Distinct suffixes indicate category: .brk for stock brokers .mf for mutual funds
• .brk for stock brokers
• .mf for mutual funds
• UPI IDs will only be allocated to genuine SEBI-registered entities.
• Visual authentication marks help users identify legitimate payees.
• ‘SEBI Check’ confirms both UPI ID and bank account/IFSC code authenticity.
• Benefits:
• Investor Protection: Prevents fund diversion by fraudsters. Transparency: Allows clear identification of registered entities. Cybersecurity Boost: Cuts down fake UPI handles used for scams. Trust Restoration: Enhances confidence in digital transactions in the securities market. Mandatory Compliance: All intermediaries must adopt the system and older UPI IDs to be phased out.
• Investor Protection: Prevents fund diversion by fraudsters.
• Transparency: Allows clear identification of registered entities.
• Cybersecurity Boost: Cuts down fake UPI handles used for scams.
• Trust Restoration: Enhances confidence in digital transactions in the securities market.
• Mandatory Compliance: All intermediaries must adopt the system and older UPI IDs to be phased out.
Servants of India Society
Source: HT
Context: The Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics (GIPE) has demanded the appointment of a neutral administrator for the Servants of India Society (SIS), citing alleged financial mismanagement.
About Servants of India Society:
• What is SIS? The Servants of India Society (SIS) is a historic socio-political organisation committed to public service, civic engagement, and national education. It aimed to build a cadre of selfless leaders devoted to the upliftment of India.
• The Servants of India Society (SIS) is a historic socio-political organisation committed to public service, civic engagement, and national education. It aimed to build a cadre of selfless leaders devoted to the upliftment of India.
• Established on: June 12, 1905 (2025 marks its 120th Anniversary as well)
• Place: Pune, Maharashtra
• Founders: Gopal Krishna Gokhale, G.K. Devadhar, A.V. Patwardhan, N.A. Dravid
• Objectives: Train individuals for public service in a religious and nationalistic spirit. Promote education, civic duty, and political awareness through constitutional means. Encourage youth engagement in national development.
• Train individuals for public service in a religious and nationalistic spirit.
• Promote education, civic duty, and political awareness through constitutional means.
• Encourage youth engagement in national development.
• Activities in Pre-Independence Era: Played a pivotal role in India’s freedom movement through political education. Produced leaders like V.S. Srinivasa Sastri, Hriday Nath Kunzru, A.V. Thakkar. Gokhale mentored Gandhi and also funded Sabarmati Ashram’s setup. Advocated constitutional reforms, social service, and nation-first ethics.
• Played a pivotal role in India’s freedom movement through political education.
• Produced leaders like V.S. Srinivasa Sastri, Hriday Nath Kunzru, A.V. Thakkar.
• Gokhale mentored Gandhi and also funded Sabarmati Ashram’s setup.
• Advocated constitutional reforms, social service, and nation-first ethics.
• Post-Independence Contributions: Expanded focus to education, women’s rights, rural upliftment, and disaster relief. Operates schools, rural development programs, and child welfare initiatives. Promotes sustainable agriculture, clean water access, and healthcare camps. Stands for gender justice, fighting child marriage, widow discrimination, and inheritance inequality. Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics, a UGC-affiliated body founded under Servants of India Society.
• Expanded focus to education, women’s rights, rural upliftment, and disaster relief.
• Operates schools, rural development programs, and child welfare initiatives.
• Promotes sustainable agriculture, clean water access, and healthcare camps.
• Stands for gender justice, fighting child marriage, widow discrimination, and inheritance inequality.
• Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics, a UGC-affiliated body founded under Servants of India Society.
Forest Rights Act Cells
Source: TH
Context: For the first time since the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006, was enacted, the Centre has sanctioned 324 Forest Rights Act (FRA) cells under the Dharti Aba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyaan across 18 States and Union Territories.
About Forest Rights Act Cells:
• What It Is? District- and State-level units created to support and accelerate the implementation of FRA under the Dharti Aba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyaan (DAJGUA).
• District- and State-level units created to support and accelerate the implementation of FRA under the Dharti Aba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyaan (DAJGUA).
• Governing Framework: Established under DAJGUA operational guidelines, not directly under the principal FRA legislation.
• Funded by: The Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India.
• Authority & Location:
• Located in Tahsildar/Sub-Division/Collector offices within Tribal Sub-Plan areas. Headed by ADM or Sub-Collector at respective levels.
• Located in Tahsildar/Sub-Division/Collector offices within Tribal Sub-Plan areas.
• Headed by ADM or Sub-Collector at respective levels.
• Key Features of FRA Cells:
• Administrative Coverage: 324 district-level cells and 17 State-level cells approved. Budget Allocation: ₹8.67 lakh per district cell; ₹25.85 lakh per State cell. Highest Cells Approved: Madhya Pradesh (55), Chhattisgarh (30), Telangana (29), Maharashtra (26), Assam (25), Jharkhand (24).
• Administrative Coverage: 324 district-level cells and 17 State-level cells approved.
• Budget Allocation: ₹8.67 lakh per district cell; ₹25.85 lakh per State cell.
• Highest Cells Approved: Madhya Pradesh (55), Chhattisgarh (30), Telangana (29), Maharashtra (26), Assam (25), Jharkhand (24).
• Functions of FRA Cells:
• Accelerated Disposal: Expedite pending claims, especially post-District Level Committee (DLC) approval. Rejected Claims Review: Re-examine rejected claims and inform claimants with reasons to enable appeal. Demarcation Support: Aid in marking boundaries of vested forest lands. Title Distribution: Facilitate issuance of land titles and ensure updates in official land records. Scheme Integration: Ensure FRA titleholders benefit from government welfare schemes. Support CFR Filing: Help Gram Sabhas file claims for Community Rights and Community Forest Resources. Revenue Village Conversion: Assist in converting forest settlements into revenue villages legally. Stakeholder Coordination: Act as liaison between departments, civil societies, and claimants for smooth implementation.
• Accelerated Disposal: Expedite pending claims, especially post-District Level Committee (DLC) approval.
• Rejected Claims Review: Re-examine rejected claims and inform claimants with reasons to enable appeal.
• Demarcation Support: Aid in marking boundaries of vested forest lands.
• Title Distribution: Facilitate issuance of land titles and ensure updates in official land records.
• Scheme Integration: Ensure FRA titleholders benefit from government welfare schemes.
• Support CFR Filing: Help Gram Sabhas file claims for Community Rights and Community Forest Resources.
• Revenue Village Conversion: Assist in converting forest settlements into revenue villages legally.
• Stakeholder Coordination: Act as liaison between departments, civil societies, and claimants for smooth implementation.
IREL (India) Limited
Source: FE
Context: India has directed IREL (India) Ltd to suspend its 13-year-old rare earth supply agreement with Japan, aiming to prioritize domestic needs and reduce dependence on Chinese processing chains.
About IREL (India) Limited:
• What It Is? IREL (India) Limited is a Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) under the Department of Atomic Energy, engaged in mining, separation, processing, and extraction of rare earths and atomic minerals.
• IREL (India) Limited is a Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) under the Department of Atomic Energy, engaged in mining, separation, processing, and extraction of rare earths and atomic minerals.
• Established In: Incorporated: 18 August 1950 (as Indian Rare Earths Limited) Became a full Government of India enterprise in 1963
• Incorporated: 18 August 1950 (as Indian Rare Earths Limited)
• Became a full Government of India enterprise in 1963
• Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
• Ministry: Administrative control of the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE)
• Status & Recognition: Recognized as a profit-making CPSE (Central Public Sector Enterprise) since 1997–98 Notified as a Mini Ratna Category-I PSU
• Recognized as a profit-making CPSE (Central Public Sector Enterprise) since 1997–98
• Notified as a Mini Ratna Category-I PSU
• Core Objective: To explore, mine, process, and commercialize rare earths and strategic minerals essential for India’s energy, defence, electronics, and EV sectors.
• Key Functions & Roles: Mineral Separation Units: Operates major complexes like OSCOM (Odisha), Chavara (Kerala), and MK (Tamil Nadu) Rare Earth Extraction & Refining: Odisha unit produces ~11,000 tonnes of rare earth concentrate Aluva (Kerala) plant refines high-purity rare earth oxides Support to Indigenous Industry: Supplies minerals like Ilmenite, Zircon, Rutile, Sillimanite, Garnet Facilitating value-chain industries in Rare Earths and Titanium (e.g., Theme Park in Bhopal) Research & Development: In-house R&D division at Kollam, Kerala supports innovation in mineral and chemical processing. Exports & Trade: Exported ₹962 crore worth of minerals in FY 2023–24. Previously supplied neodymium and other critical materials to Japan for high-tech and EV industries.
• Mineral Separation Units: Operates major complexes like OSCOM (Odisha), Chavara (Kerala), and MK (Tamil Nadu)
• Rare Earth Extraction & Refining: Odisha unit produces ~11,000 tonnes of rare earth concentrate Aluva (Kerala) plant refines high-purity rare earth oxides
• Odisha unit produces ~11,000 tonnes of rare earth concentrate
• Aluva (Kerala) plant refines high-purity rare earth oxides
• Support to Indigenous Industry: Supplies minerals like Ilmenite, Zircon, Rutile, Sillimanite, Garnet Facilitating value-chain industries in Rare Earths and Titanium (e.g., Theme Park in Bhopal)
• Supplies minerals like Ilmenite, Zircon, Rutile, Sillimanite, Garnet
• Facilitating value-chain industries in Rare Earths and Titanium (e.g., Theme Park in Bhopal)
• Research & Development: In-house R&D division at Kollam, Kerala supports innovation in mineral and chemical processing.
• Exports & Trade: Exported ₹962 crore worth of minerals in FY 2023–24. Previously supplied neodymium and other critical materials to Japan for high-tech and EV industries.
• Exported ₹962 crore worth of minerals in FY 2023–24.
• Previously supplied neodymium and other critical materials to Japan for high-tech and EV industries.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 14 June 2025 Place in News:
Operation Rising Lion
Source: TH
Context: Israel launched ‘Operation Rising Lion’, a massive airstrike targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities and top military personnel.
About Operation Rising Lion:
• Operation Rising Lion is a large-scale military airstrike campaign launched by Israel targeting Iran’s nuclear and military infrastructure.
• Nations Involved: Israel and Iran
• Reason Behind the Operation: In response to IAEA’s report that Iran violated nuclear non-proliferation norms by secretly enriching uranium. Israel viewed Iran’s nuclear advancement as an existential threat, prompting pre-emptive action to cripple its enrichment capabilities and eliminate senior military leadership.
• In response to IAEA’s report that Iran violated nuclear non-proliferation norms by secretly enriching uranium.
• Israel viewed Iran’s nuclear advancement as an existential threat, prompting pre-emptive action to cripple its enrichment capabilities and eliminate senior military leadership.
Iran’s Nuclear Sites in the News:
• Natanz Nuclear Facility (Isfahan Province): Iran’s primary uranium enrichment centre, referred to as the “beating heart” of its nuclear programme. Severely damaged in Israel’s strike, including major surface infrastructure.
• Iran’s primary uranium enrichment centre, referred to as the “beating heart” of its nuclear programme.
• Severely damaged in Israel’s strike, including major surface infrastructure.
• Fordow Enrichment Plant (Qom Province): Located deep underground, this facility is critical for high-grade enrichment. Reported explosions suggest it was partially targeted in follow-up strikes.
• Located deep underground, this facility is critical for high-grade enrichment.
• Reported explosions suggest it was partially targeted in follow-up strikes.
• Bid Kaneh Missile Complex: A key site for missile development and production. Hit by precision strikes targeting strategic deterrence capability.
• A key site for missile development and production.
• Hit by precision strikes targeting strategic deterrence capability.
• Kermanshah Missile Base: Central hub for short and medium-range missile storage. Hit to restrict Iran’s retaliation capabilities.
• Central hub for short and medium-range missile storage.
• Hit to restrict Iran’s retaliation capabilities.
• Tabriz Military Bases & Research Centre: Targeted to cripple military command structures and destroy ballistic storage units.
• Tehran Command Centre: Underground base where Iran’s IRGC air force leadership was meeting key commanders killed.
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