UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 17 June 2025
Kartavya Desk Staff
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 17 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 3 : (UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 17 June (2025)
• AI and Biomanufacturing
AI and Biomanufacturing
• Indian Nuclear Liability Law
Indian Nuclear Liability Law
Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):
• Radio Nellikka
Radio Nellikka
Facts for Prelims (FFP):
• Rinderpest Virus
Rinderpest Virus
• Cyber Suraksha
Cyber Suraksha
• NAKSHA Capacity Building Programme
NAKSHA Capacity Building Programme
• Financial Action Task Force (FATF)
Financial Action Task Force (FATF)
• Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III
Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III
• Registrar-General of India
Registrar-General of India
Mapping:
• Shipki La Pass
Shipki La Pass
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 17 June 2025
#### GS Paper 3:
AI and Biomanufacturing
Syllabus: Science and Technology
Source: TH
Context: The integration of Artificial Intelligence in India’s biomanufacturing sector is accelerating with the rollout of BioE3 Policy and IndiaAI Mission.
About AI and Biomanufacturing:
What is AI in Biomanufacturing?
• It involves using AI tools like machine learning, digital twins, and predictive analytics to automate and optimize biological production processes.
• Key Features: AI models monitor fermentation, pH, temperature, and microbial growth. Digital twins simulate entire bioproduction facilities for testing changes. Predictive systems reduce waste, failure rates, and improve product consistency.
• AI models monitor fermentation, pH, temperature, and microbial growth.
• Digital twins simulate entire bioproduction facilities for testing changes.
• Predictive systems reduce waste, failure rates, and improve product consistency.
Example: Biocon uses AI for drug screening and quality control.
India’s Current Status in Biomanufacturing:
• India supplies ~60% of global vaccines and is a major hub for generics.
• The specialty chemicals sector is worth ₹2.74 lakh crore and growing.
• AI applications are already deployed in leading firms.
E.g., Wipro’s pharma AI tools, TCS’s AI for clinical trials.
Opportunities for AI in Biotechnology:
• Enhanced Productivity: AI enables real-time monitoring of bioreactors, detecting anomalies like pH or temperature drift before they impact the batch.
E.g. Strand Life Sciences uses AI to streamline biological data analysis for faster diagnostics.
• Lower Cost of Drugs: AI-driven automation reduces dependency on manual oversight and speeds up production cycles, cutting overall manufacturing costs.
• Faster Drug Discovery: AI models can simulate the effect of millions of compounds virtually, reducing lab trials and discovery time.
E.g. Wipro’s AI systems help pharmaceutical firms reduce molecule screening time.
• Rural Health Leap: AI-based tools can provide context-sensitive diagnostics and treatment recommendations in semi-urban/rural areas using region-specific data.
• Export Leadership: AI ensures product consistency and regulatory traceability, enhancing India’s brand as a trusted biomanufacturing exporter.
Government Initiatives:
• BioE3 Policy (2024): Introduces Bio-AI Hubs and biofoundries with funding mechanisms to promote next-gen biotech innovation.
• IndiaAI Mission: Aims at developing explainable, ethical, and inclusive AI models, particularly for healthcare and biotech applications.
• Digital Personal Data Protection Act (2023): Lays down principles of lawful data processing and security but lacks AI-specific safeguards for biomanufacturing.
Challenges:
• Regulatory Gaps: India’s current drug laws don’t account for AI-controlled systems, leading to ambiguity in compliance and approval processes.
• Data Diversity Issues: AI tools trained on urban data may fail to adapt to regional manufacturing variables, risking faulty decisions in diverse settings.
• Safety & Accountability: There’s no institutional mechanism to audit, certify, or red-flag AI-led errors in critical bioproduction lines.
• Intellectual Property (IP): AI-generated innovations challenge traditional IP norms on inventorship, data ownership, and licensing rights.
• Lack of Skilled Workforce: There’s a shortfall in professionals trained in both AI and life sciences, limiting cross-functional innovation.
Measures to be Taken:
• Risk-Based Regulations: Introduce tiered AI regulations similar to the EU’s AI Act or US FDA’s model based on risk-level and context of use.
E.g. Predetermined Change Control Plans allow AI updates under predefined safety checks.
• Data Quality Norms: Mandate inclusion of diverse, representative datasets to train AI for different geographies and plant settings.
• Continuous Oversight: Set up regulatory sandboxes to test and update AI models without disrupting national safety or production norms.
• Cross-Sector Collaboration: Encourage joint task forces between industry, academia, and regulators to co-develop AI benchmarks and best practices.
• IP & Data Licensing Law: Develop clear legal frameworks for AI-generated patents, licensing rights, and access to training datasets in biotech.
Conclusion:
India’s push for AI-driven biomanufacturing holds transformative potential for healthcare and exports. However, ambition must be balanced by adaptive, risk-aware regulation rooted in data integrity and public trust. The future of AI-led biotech leadership will depend on India’s ability to innovate responsibly.
• What are the research and developmental achievements in applied biotechnology? How will these achievements help to uplift the poorer sections of the society?
Indian Nuclear Liability Law
Syllabus: Nuclear Energy
Source: TH
Context: India is planning amendments to its nuclear liability law to ease supplier liability, aiming to attract foreign investment in its growing nuclear energy sector.
• Budget 2025-26 also proposed ₹20,000 crore for developing small modular reactors (SMRs) and streamlining liability frameworks.
About Indian Nuclear Liability Law:
India Nuclear Liability Framework:
• Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act (CLNDA), 2010: Provides legal backing for prompt compensation in case of nuclear accidents.
• Key Provision: Holds the operator strictly and exclusively liable for nuclear damage, with capped liability of ₹1,500 crore.
• Government Liability: Covers excess claims up to ~₹2,300 crore, in line with the Convention on Supplementary Compensation (CSC).
• Insurance Mandate: Operators must insure liability, enabling quick disbursement to victims.
• Parliament Ratification: India signed CSC in 1997, ratified it in 2016; CLNDA was enacted earlier in 2010.
Ambiguous Provisions in CLNDA:
• Section 17(b): Allows operators to seek recourse from suppliers for latent/patent defects or substandard services. Contradicts international norms where only the operator is liable.
• Allows operators to seek recourse from suppliers for latent/patent defects or substandard services.
• Contradicts international norms where only the operator is liable.
• Section 46: Permits additional civil/criminal proceedings under other laws. Lacks clarity on scope of “nuclear damage,” exposing suppliers to unlimited liability via tort law.
• Permits additional civil/criminal proceedings under other laws.
• Lacks clarity on scope of “nuclear damage,” exposing suppliers to unlimited liability via tort law.
These clauses diverge from the CSC model, creating legal uncertainty.
Key Projects Affected by Legal Uncertainty:
• Jaitapur Project (Maharashtra): MoU signed with France’s Areva in 2009, later with EDF. EDF raised concerns over legal risk and project remains stalled.
• MoU signed with France’s Areva in 2009, later with EDF.
• EDF raised concerns over legal risk and project remains stalled.
• Kovvada Project (Andhra Pradesh): Proposed U.S.-India collaboration stalled due to supplier liability fears.
• Proposed U.S.-India collaboration stalled due to supplier liability fears.
• Only operational foreign partnership: Russia-backed Kudankulam Nuclear Plant, which predates CLNDA.
• Russia-backed Kudankulam Nuclear Plant, which predates CLNDA.
Core Issues Surrounding India’s Nuclear Liability Law:
• Supplier Deterrence: Foreign suppliers refuse participation due to exposure to open-ended claims.
• Contractual vs. Statutory Conflict: Even without mention in contracts, Sections 17(b) and 46 make suppliers liable—creating regulatory conflict.
• Insurance Ambiguity: Unclear how much suppliers must set aside for liability coverage—hindering financial planning.
• Policy Contradiction: Government defends the law’s alignment with CSC, but courts rely on statutes, not legislative debates or intent.
Implications of Legal Ambiguity:
• Delays in Nuclear Expansion: Major global partnerships delayed, affecting India’s clean energy goals.
• Investment Hesitancy: Ambiguity limits participation by global nuclear firms.
• Trust Deficit: Contradictory clauses reduce India’s credibility as a nuclear partner.
Way Ahead:
• Amend CLNDA: Clearly define scope of Sections 17(b) and 46. Align fully with CSC by restricting supplier liability.
• Clearly define scope of Sections 17(b) and 46.
• Align fully with CSC by restricting supplier liability.
• Enable Private Sector Entry: Amend the Atomic Energy Act to allow private participation in SMRs.
• Launch Model Insurance Pools: Create shared risk mechanisms for suppliers and operators, modelled on global best practices.
• Legislate Damage Definition: Notify a clear, exhaustive list of ‘nuclear damage’ to limit tort claims.
• Diplomatic Engagement: Clarify law with nuclear partners like France, U.S., and Japan to revive pending deals.
Conclusion:
India’s ambitious nuclear roadmap requires urgent legal reforms to de-risk investments and accelerates international collaborations. By streamlining the CLNDA and aligning it with global norms, India can unlock foreign partnerships, ensure faster clean energy transition, and meet its 100 GW target by 2047.
• With growing energy needs should India keep on expanding its nuclear energy programme? Discuss the facts and fears associated with nuclear energy. (2018)
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 17 June 2025 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)
Radio Nellikka
Context: The Kerala State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (KeSCPCR) will launch Radio Nellikka, an exclusive internet radio station for children.
About Radio Nellikka:
• What It Is? Radio Nellikka is a child-centric internet radio platform initiated by KeSCPCR to spread awareness, education, and rights-based content tailored for children and their guardians.
• Radio Nellikka is a child-centric internet radio platform initiated by KeSCPCR to spread awareness, education, and rights-based content tailored for children and their guardians.
• Objective: The objective of Radio Nellikka is to promote child rights, safety, and empowerment through accessible, engaging audio content. It aims to create a child-friendly Kerala by spreading awareness on laws, mental health, and responsible parenting.
• The objective of Radio Nellikka is to promote child rights, safety, and empowerment through accessible, engaging audio content.
• It aims to create a child-friendly Kerala by spreading awareness on laws, mental health, and responsible parenting.
• Significance:
• Promotes mental health awareness, combats substance abuse, and educates on cyber safety. Acts as a direct communication tool to prevent misinformation about child protection laws and orders. Enhances children’s access to educational, legal, and emotional support in an engaging format. Encourages responsible parenting and societal participation in safeguarding children’s rights.
• Promotes mental health awareness, combats substance abuse, and educates on cyber safety.
• Acts as a direct communication tool to prevent misinformation about child protection laws and orders.
• Enhances children’s access to educational, legal, and emotional support in an engaging format.
• Encourages responsible parenting and societal participation in safeguarding children’s rights.
• Relevance to UPSC Exam Syllabus: GS Paper 2: Governance & Social Justice
• GS Paper 2: Governance & Social Justice
• Statutory Institutions: Role of KeSCPCR in promoting child rights. Government Policies and Interventions: Internet radio as a new media tool for social messaging. Vulnerable Sections: Children’s mental health, cyber safety, and rights-based awareness.
• Statutory Institutions: Role of KeSCPCR in promoting child rights. Government Policies and Interventions: Internet radio as a new media tool for social messaging. Vulnerable Sections: Children’s mental health, cyber safety, and rights-based awareness.
• Statutory Institutions: Role of KeSCPCR in promoting child rights.
• Government Policies and Interventions: Internet radio as a new media tool for social messaging.
• Vulnerable Sections: Children’s mental health, cyber safety, and rights-based awareness.
• GS Paper 4: Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude
• Empathy and Compassion: Use of child-friendly communication platforms. Citizen-Centric Governance: Innovative outreach for child protection and empowerment.
• Empathy and Compassion: Use of child-friendly communication platforms. Citizen-Centric Governance: Innovative outreach for child protection and empowerment.
• Empathy and Compassion: Use of child-friendly communication platforms.
• Citizen-Centric Governance: Innovative outreach for child protection and empowerment.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 17 June 2025 Facts for Prelims (FFP):
Rinderpest Virus
Source: PIB
Context: India’s ICAR-NIHSAD, Bhopal has been designated as a Category A Rinderpest Holding Facility (RHF) by World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) during the 92nd WOAH General Session in Paris.
About Rinderpest Virus:
• What is Rinderpest? Rinderpest (also called Cattle Plague) was a highly contagious viral disease affecting cattle and other ruminants. It belongs to the Morbillivirus genus, related to measles and canine distemper viruses. The disease had 100% morbidity and up to 90% mortality, making it a major livestock killer historically.
• Rinderpest (also called Cattle Plague) was a highly contagious viral disease affecting cattle and other ruminants.
• It belongs to the Morbillivirus genus, related to measles and canine distemper viruses.
• The disease had 100% morbidity and up to 90% mortality, making it a major livestock killer historically.
• Transmission & Vector: Spread via direct contact, contaminated water, and aerosols from infected animals. No insect vector and transmission is strictly animal-to-animal.
• Spread via direct contact, contaminated water, and aerosols from infected animals.
• No insect vector and transmission is strictly animal-to-animal.
• Clinical Features: Symptoms include high fever, nasal discharge, oral erosions, severe diarrhoea, and death within 10–15 days. No known zoonotic risk to humans.
• Symptoms include high fever, nasal discharge, oral erosions, severe diarrhoea, and death within 10–15 days.
• No known zoonotic risk to humans.
• Impact on Livestock and Economy: Led to massive cattle deaths, causing famine, rural poverty, and economic collapse in agrarian societies. Disrupted milk, meat, and manure supply — critical for rural livelihoods.
• Led to massive cattle deaths, causing famine, rural poverty, and economic collapse in agrarian societies.
• Disrupted milk, meat, and manure supply — critical for rural livelihoods.
• Global Eradication: Rinderpest became the second disease ever eradicated (after smallpox). Declared globally eradicated by FAO-WOAH in 2011 after a century-long effort.
• Rinderpest became the second disease ever eradicated (after smallpox).
• Declared globally eradicated by FAO-WOAH in 2011 after a century-long effort.
• India’s Recent Achievement: ICAR-NIHSAD Bhopal is now a WOAH–FAO Category A RHF, securing India’s role in RVCM containment. Recognised for robust biosafety, inventory control, and emergency readiness.
• ICAR-NIHSAD Bhopal is now a WOAH–FAO Category A RHF, securing India’s role in RVCM containment.
• Recognised for robust biosafety, inventory control, and emergency readiness.
• Relevance of Category A RHF Status: Ensures India can safely store Rinderpest Virus-Containing Material (RVCM). Prevents accidental re-emergence of the disease through global surveillance. Lays the foundation for India’s future application to Category B status, allowing vaccine development.
• Ensures India can safely store Rinderpest Virus-Containing Material (RVCM).
• Prevents accidental re-emergence of the disease through global surveillance.
• Lays the foundation for India’s future application to Category B status, allowing vaccine development.
Cyber Suraksha
Source: NIE
Context: The Defence Cyber Agency has launched ‘Cyber Suraksha’, a national-level cyber security exercise, aimed at enhancing India’s cyber defence readiness.
About Cyber Suraksha:
• What It Is? ‘Cyber Suraksha’ is a multi-phased cybersecurity drill simulating real-world cyber threats in a high-paced, gamified environment for national-level stakeholders.
• ‘Cyber Suraksha’ is a multi-phased cybersecurity drill simulating real-world cyber threats in a high-paced, gamified environment for national-level stakeholders.
• Launched By: Organised by the Defence Cyber Agency (DCyA).
• Objectives:
• Boost cyber resilience at the national security level. Train personnel to effectively respond to advanced cyberattacks. Foster a security-first culture in defence institutions.
• Boost cyber resilience at the national security level.
• Train personnel to effectively respond to advanced cyberattacks.
• Foster a security-first culture in defence institutions.
• Key Features:
• Includes targeted training, evaluation modules, and leadership capsules. Hosts a Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) Conclave for policy and strategic alignment. Integrates Table-Top Exercises to simulate crisis decision-making. Blends structured learning with hands-on scenarios to boost readiness.
• Includes targeted training, evaluation modules, and leadership capsules.
• Hosts a Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) Conclave for policy and strategic alignment.
• Integrates Table-Top Exercises to simulate crisis decision-making.
• Blends structured learning with hands-on scenarios to boost readiness.
About Defence Cyber Agency (DCyA):
• What It Is? DCyA is an integrated tri-service organisation under India’s Ministry of Defence, managing military cybersecurity operations and cyber warfare strategies.
• DCyA is an integrated tri-service organisation under India’s Ministry of Defence, managing military cybersecurity operations and cyber warfare strategies.
• Established In: Operational since November 2019.
• To safeguard Indian defence networks and digital infrastructure from cyber threats. Enhance joint cyber capabilities across Army, Navy, and Air Force.
• To safeguard Indian defence networks and digital infrastructure from cyber threats.
• Enhance joint cyber capabilities across Army, Navy, and Air Force.
• Functions:
• Acts as a central agency for cyber operations and emergency response (CERTs). Coordinates cyber intelligence, incident response, and strategic cyber defence. Supports training, audits, and threat assessments across military units. Reports to Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) via Integrated Defence Staff (IDS).
• Acts as a central agency for cyber operations and emergency response (CERTs).
• Coordinates cyber intelligence, incident response, and strategic cyber defence.
• Supports training, audits, and threat assessments across military units.
• Reports to Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) via Integrated Defence Staff (IDS).
NAKSHA Capacity Building Programme
Source: DD News
Context: The second batch of Phase 2 of the NAKSHA Capacity Building Programme, to train 128 officers in modern urban land survey techniques.
About NAKSHA Capacity Building Programme:
• What is NAKSHA? NAKSHA (National Geospatial Knowledge-Based Land Survey of Urban Habitations) is a technology-driven initiative to modernise urban land records using geospatial tools and digital platforms.
• NAKSHA (National Geospatial Knowledge-Based Land Survey of Urban Habitations) is a technology-driven initiative to modernise urban land records using geospatial tools and digital platforms.
• Developed By: Department of Land Resources (DoLR), Ministry of Rural Development
• In collaboration with: Survey of India (technical partner), MPSeDC (Web-GIS development), and NICSI (Data storage and platform support).
• Launched In: Pilot initiated in 2024 across 157 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in 27 States and 3 Union Territories. Official inauguration in Raisen, Madhya Pradesh.
• Pilot initiated in 2024 across 157 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in 27 States and 3 Union Territories.
• Official inauguration in Raisen, Madhya Pradesh.
• Objectives: Digitally map, record, and update land parcels in urban and semi-urban areas. Improve ease of living by providing reliable and accurate land ownership data. Promote transparency, dispute resolution, and urban planning through verified land documentation.
• Digitally map, record, and update land parcels in urban and semi-urban areas.
• Improve ease of living by providing reliable and accurate land ownership data.
• Promote transparency, dispute resolution, and urban planning through verified land documentation.
• Key Features: End-to-end Web-GIS system for land data mapping and storage. Use of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) and Electronic Total Station (ETS) for precision surveying. Aerial imagery provided through orthorectified drone surveys by third-party vendors. Capacity building of Urban Local Body (ULB) officers at four National Centres of Excellence. Training covers legal frameworks, land mapping, and geospatial applications.
• End-to-end Web-GIS system for land data mapping and storage.
• Use of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) and Electronic Total Station (ETS) for precision surveying.
• Aerial imagery provided through orthorectified drone surveys by third-party vendors.
• Capacity building of Urban Local Body (ULB) officers at four National Centres of Excellence.
• Training covers legal frameworks, land mapping, and geospatial applications.
• Significance: Enables citizen empowerment through access to clear land titles. Supports sustainable urban development via updated land-use planning. Reduces scope for land-related fraud and disputes.
• Enables citizen empowerment through access to clear land titles.
• Supports sustainable urban development via updated land-use planning.
• Reduces scope for land-related fraud and disputes.
Financial Action Task Force (FATF)
Source: LM
Context: The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) strongly condemned the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack and announced intensified scrutiny of countries’ efforts in countering terror financing.
About Financial Action Task Force (FATF):
• What is FATF? The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) is an intergovernmental policy-making body that sets global standards to combat money laundering, terror financing, and proliferation financing.
• The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) is an intergovernmental policy-making body that sets global standards to combat money laundering, terror financing, and proliferation financing.
• Established: 1989 at the G7 Summit in Paris.
• Mandate Expansion: In 2001, it included terrorism financing.
• Headquarters: Paris, France.
• Objectives: Develop and promote global AML/CFT standards. Evaluate compliance of member countries. Assist nations in building robust anti-financial crime frameworks. Coordinate international efforts against terror-linked financial flows.
• Develop and promote global AML/CFT standards.
• Evaluate compliance of member countries.
• Assist nations in building robust anti-financial crime frameworks.
• Coordinate international efforts against terror-linked financial flows.
• Key Functions: Issuing FATF Recommendations: FATF issues 40 global standards to guide countries on anti-money laundering and counter-terror financing. These form the core of international financial compliance. Mutual Evaluations of National Frameworks: FATF reviews member countries to assess effectiveness of their AML/CFT systems. It identifies gaps and pushes for reforms. Identifying and Monitoring High-Risk Jurisdictions: FATF places non-compliant countries on grey or black lists. This impacts their global trade and financial access. Raising Awareness on Emerging Threats: FATF alerts nations about risks like crypto misuse, crowdfunding, and digital laundering. It promotes timely regulatory action.
• Issuing FATF Recommendations: FATF issues 40 global standards to guide countries on anti-money laundering and counter-terror financing. These form the core of international financial compliance.
• Mutual Evaluations of National Frameworks: FATF reviews member countries to assess effectiveness of their AML/CFT systems. It identifies gaps and pushes for reforms.
• Identifying and Monitoring High-Risk Jurisdictions: FATF places non-compliant countries on grey or black lists. This impacts their global trade and financial access.
• Raising Awareness on Emerging Threats: FATF alerts nations about risks like crypto misuse, crowdfunding, and digital laundering. It promotes timely regulatory action.
• Lists Issued by FATF: Grey List (Increased Monitoring) For countries with strategic deficiencies in AML/CFT frameworks. Affects FDI, financial ratings, and access to global lending. Blacklist (High-Risk Jurisdictions) Countries non-cooperative in curbing terror financing and money laundering. Currently includes North Korea, Iran, and Myanmar. Significance of FATF: Enhances international cooperation in tracking illicit financial flows. Deters terror state sponsorship by impacting financial systems. Helps countries strengthen domestic legal and institutional responses. India & FATF: Joined in 2010 as a full member. Member of Asia Pacific Group (APG) and Eurasian Group (EAG). Actively engages in global CFT/AML standard setting and enforcement.
• Grey List (Increased Monitoring) For countries with strategic deficiencies in AML/CFT frameworks. Affects FDI, financial ratings, and access to global lending.
• For countries with strategic deficiencies in AML/CFT frameworks.
• Affects FDI, financial ratings, and access to global lending.
• Blacklist (High-Risk Jurisdictions) Countries non-cooperative in curbing terror financing and money laundering. Currently includes North Korea, Iran, and Myanmar.
• Countries non-cooperative in curbing terror financing and money laundering.
• Currently includes North Korea, Iran, and Myanmar.
• Significance of FATF: Enhances international cooperation in tracking illicit financial flows. Deters terror state sponsorship by impacting financial systems. Helps countries strengthen domestic legal and institutional responses.
• Enhances international cooperation in tracking illicit financial flows.
• Deters terror state sponsorship by impacting financial systems.
• Helps countries strengthen domestic legal and institutional responses.
• India & FATF: Joined in 2010 as a full member. Member of Asia Pacific Group (APG) and Eurasian Group (EAG). Actively engages in global CFT/AML standard setting and enforcement.
• Joined in 2010 as a full member.
• Member of Asia Pacific Group (APG) and Eurasian Group (EAG).
• Actively engages in global CFT/AML standard setting and enforcement.
Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III
Source: ITV
Context: Prime Minister of India was awarded the Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III, the highest civilian honour of Cyprus, during his historic visit.
About Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III:
• What is it? The Grand Cross is one of the highest distinctions under the Order of Makarios III, Cyprus’s premier national honour conferred on dignitaries for exceptional contributions.
• The Grand Cross is one of the highest distinctions under the Order of Makarios III, Cyprus’s premier national honour conferred on dignitaries for exceptional contributions.
• Awarding Nation: It is presented by the President of the Republic of Cyprus and named after Makarios III, the first President and spiritual leader of Cyprus.
• Objective: To honour global leaders for distinguished service to Cyprus or noteworthy global contributions in diplomacy, peace, and human values. Reflects Cyprus’s commitment to fostering international goodwill and alliances.
• To honour global leaders for distinguished service to Cyprus or noteworthy global contributions in diplomacy, peace, and human values.
• Reflects Cyprus’s commitment to fostering international goodwill and alliances.
• Key Features: Hierarchy: Part of a 6-tiered order—ranging from Grand Collar to Knight. Recipients: Reserved for Heads of State, global leaders, and individuals with notable service to Cyprus. Symbolism: Embodies the Cypriot spirit of independence, integrity, and international cooperation. Award Ceremony: Conferred in a formal diplomatic setting by the President of Cyprus.
• Hierarchy: Part of a 6-tiered order—ranging from Grand Collar to Knight.
• Recipients: Reserved for Heads of State, global leaders, and individuals with notable service to Cyprus.
• Symbolism: Embodies the Cypriot spirit of independence, integrity, and international cooperation.
• Award Ceremony: Conferred in a formal diplomatic setting by the President of Cyprus.
Registrar-General of India
Source: ET
Context: The Registrar-General of India has issued a formal notification for conducting the Census 2027, initiating boundary freezing and preparations.
About Registrar-General of India:
• Who is the Registrar-General of India? The Registrar-General and Census Commissioner of India (RGI) is the top authority for managing Census operations and civil registration across the country. Currently held by a senior civil servant of the rank of Additional Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs.
• The Registrar-General and Census Commissioner of India (RGI) is the top authority for managing Census operations and civil registration across the country.
• Currently held by a senior civil servant of the rank of Additional Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs.
• Establishment & Ministry: The post was formally established in 1961 under the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India.
• Historical Background: India’s first Census was conducted in 1872, and the first synchronous decennial Census was held in 1881. Until 1961, the census was conducted via ad hoc arrangements, after which the RGI office became a permanent institution.
• India’s first Census was conducted in 1872, and the first synchronous decennial Census was held in 1881.
• Until 1961, the census was conducted via ad hoc arrangements, after which the RGI office became a permanent institution.
• Key Functions of the RGI Office: Population & Housing Census: Conducts the decennial Census of India under the Census Act, 1948. Responsible for data planning, enumeration, tabulation, and dissemination. Civil Registration System (CRS): Oversees compulsory registration of births and deaths under the RBD Act, 1969. Coordinates vital statistics with States and UTs. Sample Registration System (SRS): Conducts bi-annual sample surveys to provide reliable estimates of birth rate, death rate, IMR, and MMR. Key source for demographic indicators at the state level. National Population Register (NPR): Developed under the Citizenship Act, 1955, and Citizenship Rules, 2003. Records details of all usual residents and currently includes 119 crore entries. Mother Tongue Survey of India: Documents consistently used mother tongues across Census decades. Preserves India’s linguistic diversity by mapping phonetic and cultural traits.
• Population & Housing Census: Conducts the decennial Census of India under the Census Act, 1948. Responsible for data planning, enumeration, tabulation, and dissemination.
• Conducts the decennial Census of India under the Census Act, 1948.
• Responsible for data planning, enumeration, tabulation, and dissemination.
• Civil Registration System (CRS): Oversees compulsory registration of births and deaths under the RBD Act, 1969. Coordinates vital statistics with States and UTs.
• Oversees compulsory registration of births and deaths under the RBD Act, 1969.
• Coordinates vital statistics with States and UTs.
• Sample Registration System (SRS): Conducts bi-annual sample surveys to provide reliable estimates of birth rate, death rate, IMR, and MMR. Key source for demographic indicators at the state level.
• Conducts bi-annual sample surveys to provide reliable estimates of birth rate, death rate, IMR, and MMR.
• Key source for demographic indicators at the state level.
• National Population Register (NPR): Developed under the Citizenship Act, 1955, and Citizenship Rules, 2003. Records details of all usual residents and currently includes 119 crore entries.
• Developed under the Citizenship Act, 1955, and Citizenship Rules, 2003.
• Records details of all usual residents and currently includes 119 crore entries.
• Mother Tongue Survey of India: Documents consistently used mother tongues across Census decades. Preserves India’s linguistic diversity by mapping phonetic and cultural traits.
• Documents consistently used mother tongues across Census decades.
• Preserves India’s linguistic diversity by mapping phonetic and cultural traits.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 17 June 2025 Place in News:
Shipki La Pass
Source: TH
Context: The Himachal Pradesh government has opened the Shipki La Pass in Kinnaur for domestic tourism, eliminating the need for permits, reviving hopes for cross-border trade and religious tourism.
About Shipki La Pass:
• What is Shipki La? Shipki La is a motorable high-altitude mountain pass located at 3,930 metres in Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh, forming part of the India-China border.
• Shipki La is a motorable high-altitude mountain pass located at 3,930 metres in Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh, forming part of the India-China border.
• Location: Lies on the Line of Actual Control (LAC) between India and Tibet (China). The Sutlej River (Langqen Zangbo) enters India through this pass. Previously known as Pema La or “Shared Gate”, signifying cultural unity.
• Lies on the Line of Actual Control (LAC) between India and Tibet (China).
• The Sutlej River (Langqen Zangbo) enters India through this pass.
• Previously known as Pema La or “Shared Gate”, signifying cultural unity.
• Historical Background: Historically, it was a major Indo-Tibetan trade route, documented since the 15th century. Trade continued under a folk oath of mutual trust until the Sino-India war (1962). Later disruptions occurred during the Doklam standoff and COVID-19.
• Historically, it was a major Indo-Tibetan trade route, documented since the 15th century.
• Trade continued under a folk oath of mutual trust until the Sino-India war (1962).
• Later disruptions occurred during the Doklam standoff and COVID-19.
• Features of Shipki La: Among the highest motorable passes in India. Serves as a border outpost managed by the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP). No longer requires permits for Indian citizens—Aadhaar-based access introduced.
• Among the highest motorable passes in India.
• Serves as a border outpost managed by the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP).
• No longer requires permits for Indian citizens—Aadhaar-based access introduced.
• Significance of Shipki La: Trade Revival Potential: Reopening can restore historical Indo-Tibetan trade ties via the Kinnaur-Indo-China Trade Association. Traditional items traded included Tibetan wool, yak hair, gold, borax and Indian grains, spices, and tools. Religious Tourism Boost: Can reduce Delhi to Kailash Mansarovar travel by 14 days, boosting cross-border pilgrimage routes. Cultural Diplomacy: Reflects shared Buddhist heritage and civilisational continuity between Kinnaur and Tibet. Strategic Connectivity: Reinforces India’s Himalayan frontier presence, especially in light of China’s border infrastructure push.
• Trade Revival Potential: Reopening can restore historical Indo-Tibetan trade ties via the Kinnaur-Indo-China Trade Association. Traditional items traded included Tibetan wool, yak hair, gold, borax and Indian grains, spices, and tools.
• Reopening can restore historical Indo-Tibetan trade ties via the Kinnaur-Indo-China Trade Association.
• Traditional items traded included Tibetan wool, yak hair, gold, borax and Indian grains, spices, and tools.
• Religious Tourism Boost: Can reduce Delhi to Kailash Mansarovar travel by 14 days, boosting cross-border pilgrimage routes.
• Cultural Diplomacy: Reflects shared Buddhist heritage and civilisational continuity between Kinnaur and Tibet.
• Strategic Connectivity: Reinforces India’s Himalayan frontier presence, especially in light of China’s border infrastructure push.
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