UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 18 June 2025
Kartavya Desk Staff
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 18 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 – 18 June (2025)
• SIPRI Yearbook 2025
SIPRI Yearbook 2025
• Inclusive Pension System for India
Inclusive Pension System for India
Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):
• The Sana Yousaf TikTok Murder Case
The Sana Yousaf TikTok Murder Case
Facts for Prelims (FFP):
• Bonn Climate Change Conference 2025
Bonn Climate Change Conference 2025
• International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA)
International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA)
• India’s Quantum Leap in Communication
India’s Quantum Leap in Communication
• Nothopegia Leaves
Nothopegia Leaves
• Exercise Shakti 2025
Exercise Shakti 2025
• Lightning
Lightning
Mapping:
• Strait of Hormuz
Strait of Hormuz
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 18 June 2025
#### GS Paper 3:
SIPRI Yearbook 2025
Syllabus: National Security
Source: BT
Context: The SIPRI Yearbook 2025 revealed that India now possesses more nuclear warheads than Pakistan, but significantly fewer than China.
• The report warns of an emerging global nuclear arms race amid weakened arms control regimes.
About SIPRI Yearbook 2025:
India’s Status in SIPRI Yearbook 2025:
• Total Warheads: India has 180 stored nuclear warheads as of January 2025.
• Modernization: India continues to develop new nuclear delivery systems, including canisterised missiles capable of carrying multiple warheads.
• Triad Development: India’s nuclear capability is structured into a mature nuclear triad—land-based missiles, aircraft, and sea-based submarines (SSBNs).
• Strategic Shift: Indications suggest a move toward mating warheads with launchers in peacetime, changing India’s traditional de-alerted posture.
Pakistan’s Nuclear Capability:
• Total Warheads: Estimated at 170 warheads as of January 2025.
• Trends: Pakistan is expanding fissile material production and developing new delivery systems, with the arsenal likely to grow this decade.
• Primary Focus: Pakistan’s nuclear strategy remains cantered on deterring India, with emphasis on short-range tactical weapons.
China’s Expanding Arsenal:
• Total Warheads: China has 600 nuclear warheads, growing at ~100 per year since 2023.
• ICBM Silos: Around 350 new ICBM silos developed across desert and mountain bases.
• Shift in Posture: China may now keep warheads mounted on missiles during peacetime, departing from past practices.
Global Trends in Nuclear Forces:
• Total Global Inventory: 12,241 nuclear warheads globally and ~9,614 in military stockpiles.
• Top Powers: Russia (5,459) and USA (5,177) hold over 90% of global warheads.
• Deployment Rate: Around 2,100 warheads are in high operational alert states.
• Modernization Across Board: All 9 nuclear powers—including UK, France, Israel, and North Korea—are actively upgrading or expanding their arsenals.
• Arms Control Crisis: The New START treaty expires in 2026, with no successor in sight, risking unregulated nuclear growth.
Rising Risk of Nuclear Conflict:
• Regional Flashpoints: Early 2025 saw India-Pakistan tensions over Operation Sindoor, risking escalation due to strikes on nuclear-linked sites.
• Technology Multipliers: Use of AI, cyberwarfare, quantum systems, and space assets is making nuclear deterrence more fragile and unpredictable.
• Escalation Risk: Disinformation and compressed decision-making timelines increase chances of miscalculation or accidental conflict.
• Misinformation Warfare: The spread of disinformation and propaganda during conflicts can distort threat perceptions.
Policy Implications:
• India’s Defence Posture: Must balance deterrence and restraint, avoiding crisis instability while modernizing delivery systems.
• Need for Dialogue: Reviving arms control talks and regional nuclear risk reduction measures is urgent amid global mistrust.
• Strategic Autonomy: India should enhance indigenous technological capabilities to reduce dependency and maintain credible minimum deterrence.
• Global Governance Role: India, as a responsible nuclear power, should actively engage in non-proliferation and disarmament forums.
Conclusion:
The SIPRI Yearbook 2025 signals an alarming return to nuclear arms build-up amidst weakening control frameworks. India’s measured but firm modernization must go hand-in-hand with global advocacy for nuclear restraint and multilateral security dialogue. Nuclear security today is no longer about numbers alone—but about speed, misinformation, and emerging tech risks.
• The use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) by our adversaries across the borders. to ferry arms / ammunitions, drugs, etc., is a serious threat to the internal security. Comment on the measures being taken to tackle this threat. (2023)
Inclusive Pension System for India
Syllabus: Pension
Source: TH
Context: The Economic Survey 2025-26 highlighted that India’s pension assets are only 17% of GDP, with less than 12% workforce coverage.
• Experts call for an inclusive national pension system to address rising old-age dependency.
About Inclusive Pension System for India:
What is a Pension System?
• A pension provides financial security after retirement, ensuring income stability when earning capacity declines.
• As per Economic Survey 2025-26, India’s pension assets equal 17% of GDP vs 80% in OECD nations.
• Current coverage: Just 12% of workforce, and 5.3% of population covered by NPS and APY combined (FY24).
• Old-age dependency ratio projected to reach 30% by 2050, heightening the urgency for pension reforms.
Need for an Inclusive Pension System in India:
• Rising Old-Age Dependency: By 2050, India’s old-age dependency will rise to 30%, risking a future old-age poverty crisis.
• Gig and Informal Workforce: 85% of workforce is informal, generating over 50% of GDP, yet remains largely outside formal pension safety nets.
• Financial Security for All: A universal pension system would protect low-income households, enhance savings, and reduce dependency on public funds.
• Sustainable Growth: Inclusive pensions are key to sustainable economic growth, vital for India’s target to be a developed economy by 2047.
Initiatives Taken by India:
• National Pension System (NPS): A voluntary, market-linked scheme, now covering 4.5% of GDP assets.
• Atal Pension Yojana (APY): Aimed at the informal sector, with 629 lakh subscribers as of FY24, but 93.7% opt for ₹1,000/month pension due to affordability.
• Unified Pension Scheme (UPS): Launched in Aug 2024 for govt employees, blending old and new systems with minimum pension ₹10,000.
• Gender Inclusion: Share of female APY subscribers grew from 37.9% in FY16 to 52% in FY24.
• NPS Vatsalya: Extended coverage to children, aiming for early financial literacy and inclusion.
Issues in Indian Pension System:
• Low Coverage: Only 12% of workforce covered and NPS and APY reach only 5.3% of total population.
• Fragmentation: Multiple parallel schemes cause complexity and inefficiency.
• Voluntary Opt-In: APY is voluntary and low awareness and financial literacy hinder broader adoption.
• Inadequacy: Adequacy Index dropped from 41.9 (2023) to 34.2 (2024) in Mercer Global Pension Index.
• Fiscal Sustainability: Risks of asset-liability mismatch as demographic profile shifts, risking pension fund solvency.
Measures to Build an Inclusive Pension System:
• Unified Tiered Framework: Integrate schemes under a three-tier system — basic mandatory pension, employer-based pensions (opt-out), and voluntary savings.
• Mandatory Basic Pension: Introduce a guaranteed flat pension for all workers, irrespective of employment status.
• Financial Literacy Drives: Embed superannuation education in schools (like Australia); use UPI-enabled pension payments to boost participation.
• Tech-Driven Accessibility: Leverage digital platforms and apps for seamless enrolment, inspired by UPI’s success.
• Behavioural Nudges: Use auto-enrolment and default options (like UK’s opt-out model) to expand participation.
• Private Sector Engagement: Encourage private pension funds to complement public pensions and ensure long-term liquidity.
Conclusion:
India’s future demographic shift demands an inclusive, sustainable pension system to ensure financial dignity for retirees. With smart reforms, unified regulation, and tech-driven outreach, India can secure broad-based pension coverage for all sectors. The time to act is now — to build resilience before old-age poverty becomes an economic crisis.
• How do subsidies affect the cropping pattern, crop diversity and economy of farmers? What is the significance of crop insurance, minimum support price and food processing for small and marginal farmers? (2017)
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 18 June 2025 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)
The Sana Yousaf TikTok Murder Case
Anecdote: Sana Yousaf, a 17-year-old TikTok creator in Islamabad, was gunned down outside her home by a man whose advances she had repeatedly rejected. Her final birthday post was flooded not only with condolences but also with toxic justifications for her murder—comments blaming her for being “immoral” and “un-Islamic.” What followed was not just mourning, but an outcry over a deeper issue—a digital culture where women face violence for occupying public and virtual spaces.
Sunaina Bukhari, another Pakistani influencer with 88,000 followers, considered quitting TikTok after the incident, fearing for her safety and family disapproval. In Pakistan’s conservative landscape, where only 30% of women own smartphones, online visibility becomes both a source of empowerment and a trigger for patriarchal violence.
Relevance to UPSC Syllabus
• GS Paper 1: Indian Society
• Role of Women and Women’s Organisation – Illustrates challenges faced by women in digital spaces and gender stereotyping. Social Empowerment – Highlights how platforms like TikTok provide financial and social agency to women.
• Role of Women and Women’s Organisation – Illustrates challenges faced by women in digital spaces and gender stereotyping.
• Social Empowerment – Highlights how platforms like TikTok provide financial and social agency to women.
• Ethics Paper (GS Paper 4):
• Case Study on Gender Ethics – Useful for analyzing societal morality vs. individual rights. Moral Policing and Ethical Responsibility – Raises questions about societal complicity, online hate, and silence.
• Case Study on Gender Ethics – Useful for analyzing societal morality vs. individual rights.
• Moral Policing and Ethical Responsibility – Raises questions about societal complicity, online hate, and silence.
• Essay:
• Digital Empowerment vs Patriarchal Backlash: The case highlights how digital platforms empower women with voice and income, yet provoke violent resistance from deeply entrenched patriarchal norms. Freedom of Expression and Social Morality Conflict: It underscores the tension between individual liberty in online spaces and collective moral policing, revealing the societal discomfort with autonomous female presence.
• Digital Empowerment vs Patriarchal Backlash: The case highlights how digital platforms empower women with voice and income, yet provoke violent resistance from deeply entrenched patriarchal norms.
• Freedom of Expression and Social Morality Conflict: It underscores the tension between individual liberty in online spaces and collective moral policing, revealing the societal discomfort with autonomous female presence.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 18 June 2025 Facts for Prelims (FFP):
Bonn Climate Change Conference 2025
Source: IE
Context: The Bonn Climate Change Conference 2025 began on June 16 in Germany with over 5,000 delegates participating to review climate agreements and set the technical agenda for COP29.
About Bonn Climate Change Conference 2025:
• What It Is? An annual mid-year conference under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) focusing on scientific, technical, and implementation aspects of climate negotiations.
• An annual mid-year conference under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) focusing on scientific, technical, and implementation aspects of climate negotiations.
• Established In: First held in 1995, after the signing of the UNFCCC (1992).
• Organised By: UNFCCC Secretariat Hosted in Bonn, Germany, home to the UNFCCC headquarters.
• UNFCCC Secretariat
• Hosted in Bonn, Germany, home to the UNFCCC headquarters.
• Objectives of the Conference: Prepare for COP Summits: Sets the technical and political groundwork for the annual COP. Review Climate Agreements: Evaluates implementation of past commitments including those under the Paris Agreement. Promote Science–Policy Interface: Connects IPCC scientific assessments with policymakers. Facilitate Finance & Tech Transfer: Discusses support to developing countries. Enable Stakeholder Participation: Involves civil society, indigenous groups, and experts in climate dialogue.
• Prepare for COP Summits: Sets the technical and political groundwork for the annual COP.
• Review Climate Agreements: Evaluates implementation of past commitments including those under the Paris Agreement.
• Promote Science–Policy Interface: Connects IPCC scientific assessments with policymakers.
• Facilitate Finance & Tech Transfer: Discusses support to developing countries.
• Enable Stakeholder Participation: Involves civil society, indigenous groups, and experts in climate dialogue.
• Key Features: Two Permanent Subsidiary Bodies: SBI (Subsidiary Body for Implementation): Tracks and reviews the execution of climate actions. SBSTA (Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice): Integrates IPCC science into policy planning. Pre-COP Platform: Results here influence COP outcomes. Multilateral Participation: Involves UN members, NGOs, scientists, and industry stakeholders. Focus on Actionable Roadmaps: Bridges political goals with realistic strategies.
• Two Permanent Subsidiary Bodies: SBI (Subsidiary Body for Implementation): Tracks and reviews the execution of climate actions. SBSTA (Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice): Integrates IPCC science into policy planning.
• SBI (Subsidiary Body for Implementation): Tracks and reviews the execution of climate actions.
• SBSTA (Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice): Integrates IPCC science into policy planning.
• Pre-COP Platform: Results here influence COP outcomes.
• Multilateral Participation: Involves UN members, NGOs, scientists, and industry stakeholders.
• Focus on Actionable Roadmaps: Bridges political goals with realistic strategies.
• Theme of 2025 Conference: Operationalising the Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA) GGA was part of the Paris Agreement (2015) but gained traction only in COP28 (Dubai). Focus now is on setting measurable, equitable adaptation targets for vulnerable countries.
• Operationalising the Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA) GGA was part of the Paris Agreement (2015) but gained traction only in COP28 (Dubai). Focus now is on setting measurable, equitable adaptation targets for vulnerable countries.
• GGA was part of the Paris Agreement (2015) but gained traction only in COP28 (Dubai).
• Focus now is on setting measurable, equitable adaptation targets for vulnerable countries.
International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA)
Source: LM
Context: The first Assembly of the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) was held in New Delhi, chaired by Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, who was also elected as the President of IBCA.
About International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA):
• What is IBCA? The International Big Cat Alliance is a multinational initiative launched by India in 2024, aimed at protecting the world’s seven major big cat species through collective action, knowledge exchange, and capacity building. It is coordinated by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
• The International Big Cat Alliance is a multinational initiative launched by India in 2024, aimed at protecting the world’s seven major big cat species through collective action, knowledge exchange, and capacity building.
• It is coordinated by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
• Established In: March 2024, following PM Narendra Modi’s announcement during the 50th anniversary of Project Tiger (April 2023).
• Objective:
• Facilitate global collaboration for conservation of big cats. Replicate successful conservation practices across countries. Build a common pool of financial, technical, and institutional resources. Address gaps in capacity building, data sharing, and financing. Enhance livelihoods and climate resilience in big cat habitats.
• Facilitate global collaboration for conservation of big cats.
• Replicate successful conservation practices across countries.
• Build a common pool of financial, technical, and institutional resources.
• Address gaps in capacity building, data sharing, and financing.
• Enhance livelihoods and climate resilience in big cat habitats.
• Big Cats Covered: Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Cheetah, Jaguar, and Puma
• Membership:
• 95 Range Countries eligible (where the species naturally occur). 25 countries had joined by September 2024 (e.g., Bangladesh, Nigeria, Peru, Ecuador). All UN member states can join via Note Verbale.
• 95 Range Countries eligible (where the species naturally occur).
• 25 countries had joined by September 2024 (e.g., Bangladesh, Nigeria, Peru, Ecuador).
• All UN member states can join via Note Verbale.
• Key Functions:
• IBCA compiles proven conservation strategies from member nations into a shared repository to ensure scalable, science-based solutions. It organizes training programs, technical workshops, and institutional exchanges to build local expertise in big cat conservation. IBCA funds and promotes scientific studies, drives policy reforms, spreads conservation awareness, and links it to sustainable livelihoods. The Alliance functions as a global support system, offering financial and technical aid to countries with limited conservation resources. It introduces advanced technologies and fosters partnerships across sectors to address systemic issues like habitat degradation and prey loss. IBCA enables member countries to share data, intelligence, and joint strategies for combating poaching and illegal wildlife trade.
• IBCA compiles proven conservation strategies from member nations into a shared repository to ensure scalable, science-based solutions.
• It organizes training programs, technical workshops, and institutional exchanges to build local expertise in big cat conservation.
• IBCA funds and promotes scientific studies, drives policy reforms, spreads conservation awareness, and links it to sustainable livelihoods.
• The Alliance functions as a global support system, offering financial and technical aid to countries with limited conservation resources.
• It introduces advanced technologies and fosters partnerships across sectors to address systemic issues like habitat degradation and prey loss.
• IBCA enables member countries to share data, intelligence, and joint strategies for combating poaching and illegal wildlife trade.
• 2025 Summit Outcome:
• First General Assembly Held: The inaugural Assembly of IBCA convened in New Delhi on June 16, 2025, marking a global milestone in big cat diplomacy. Nine Nations Participated: Countries like Bhutan, Cambodia, Eswatini, and Kazakhstan joined India to discuss collaborative conservation goals. India Designated as HQ: The Headquarters Agreement was ratified, formally establishing India as the permanent secretariat of IBCA. Bhupender Yadav Elected President: India’s Environment Minister was unanimously endorsed as the first President of the Alliance, reflecting India’s leadership. Funding Commitment by India: India allocated ₹150 crore (2023–28) to support IBCA’s initial setup, coordination, and capacity building efforts globally.
• First General Assembly Held: The inaugural Assembly of IBCA convened in New Delhi on June 16, 2025, marking a global milestone in big cat diplomacy.
• Nine Nations Participated: Countries like Bhutan, Cambodia, Eswatini, and Kazakhstan joined India to discuss collaborative conservation goals.
• India Designated as HQ: The Headquarters Agreement was ratified, formally establishing India as the permanent secretariat of IBCA.
• Bhupender Yadav Elected President: India’s Environment Minister was unanimously endorsed as the first President of the Alliance, reflecting India’s leadership.
• Funding Commitment by India: India allocated ₹150 crore (2023–28) to support IBCA’s initial setup, coordination, and capacity building efforts globally.
India’s Quantum Leap in Communication
Source: BS
Context: India successfully demonstrated quantum entanglement-based secure communication over 1 km in open air. This breakthrough was achieved by DRDO and IIT Delhi, marking a leap toward unhackable networks.
About India’s Quantum Leap in Communication:
• What Is the Achievement? India has entered the quantum communication era by showcasing Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) in open air using entangled photons, enabling unbreakable encryption.
• India has entered the quantum communication era by showcasing Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) in open air using entangled photons, enabling unbreakable encryption.
• Developed By: Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi
• Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
• Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi
• How Quantum Communication Works? Utilizes quantum entanglement, where two particles remain interconnected—any change in one instantly reflects in the other. Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) ensures secure sharing of encryption keys. If an eavesdropper tries to intercept, the quantum state collapses, instantly alerting both sender and receiver.
• Utilizes quantum entanglement, where two particles remain interconnected—any change in one instantly reflects in the other.
• Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) ensures secure sharing of encryption keys.
• If an eavesdropper tries to intercept, the quantum state collapses, instantly alerting both sender and receiver.
• Key Features of the Breakthrough: One-kilometre Secure Wireless Communication: India achieved quantum communication over a 1-km distance in open air, without relying on fiber cables or lab-enclosed systems. Secure Key Rate – 240 bps: The system successfully transmitted encryption keys at a secure rate of 240 bits per second, suitable for critical data security. Low Error Rate – Below 7%: The quantum link maintained a transmission error rate under 7%, ensuring stability and reliability for practical deployments. Open-Air (Free-Space) Demonstration: Unlike fiber-based QKD, this milestone occurred outdoors, showcasing the feasibility of wireless quantum communication in real-world conditions. Indigenous Quantum Hardware: The entire setup was developed using locally sourced photonic components, marking a step toward Atmanirbhar Bharat in quantum tech.
• One-kilometre Secure Wireless Communication: India achieved quantum communication over a 1-km distance in open air, without relying on fiber cables or lab-enclosed systems.
• Secure Key Rate – 240 bps: The system successfully transmitted encryption keys at a secure rate of 240 bits per second, suitable for critical data security.
• Low Error Rate – Below 7%: The quantum link maintained a transmission error rate under 7%, ensuring stability and reliability for practical deployments.
• Open-Air (Free-Space) Demonstration: Unlike fiber-based QKD, this milestone occurred outdoors, showcasing the feasibility of wireless quantum communication in real-world conditions.
• Indigenous Quantum Hardware: The entire setup was developed using locally sourced photonic components, marking a step toward Atmanirbhar Bharat in quantum tech.
• Significance for India: Supports India’s National Quantum Mission and strategic tech autonomy. Enables development of military-grade, banking, and governance encryption systems. Prepares groundwork for urban quantum networks and battlefield-secure communication. Aligns India with global leaders like China and the US in quantum networking.
• Supports India’s National Quantum Mission and strategic tech autonomy.
• Enables development of military-grade, banking, and governance encryption systems.
• Prepares groundwork for urban quantum networks and battlefield-secure communication.
• Aligns India with global leaders like China and the US in quantum networking.
Nothopegia Leaves
Source: DD News
Context: Scientists from the Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences unearthed 24-million-year-old fossilized Nothopegia leaves in Assam’s Makum Coalfield.
• This is the oldest known fossil record of the genus, revealing ancient climate patterns and biodiversity shifts.
About Nothopegia Leaves:
• What is Nothopegia? A genus of flowering plants belonging to the Anacardiaceae family (same as mango). It includes several tropical tree species known for their ecological and medicinal importance.
• A genus of flowering plants belonging to the Anacardiaceae family (same as mango).
• It includes several tropical tree species known for their ecological and medicinal importance.
• Present Habitat: Currently found only in the Western Ghats, a biodiversity hotspot in peninsular India.
• Fossil Discovery: Fossil leaves of Nothopegia were discovered in Assam’s Makum Coalfield, dating back to the late Oligocene epoch (24–23 million years ago).
• Key Features: Broad, reticulate-veined leaves. Adapted to warm, humid tropical climates. Fossils resemble modern Western Ghats species, indicating a past distribution in Northeast India.
• Broad, reticulate-veined leaves.
• Adapted to warm, humid tropical climates.
• Fossils resemble modern Western Ghats species, indicating a past distribution in Northeast India.
• Reason for Local Extinction in Northeast: Tectonic shifts and Himalayan uplift drastically altered regional climate. Changes in rainfall, temperature, and wind patterns made the Northeast inhospitable. Nothopegia migrated southward, surviving in the climatically stable Western Ghats.
• Tectonic shifts and Himalayan uplift drastically altered regional climate.
• Changes in rainfall, temperature, and wind patterns made the Northeast inhospitable.
• Nothopegia migrated southward, surviving in the climatically stable Western Ghats.
About Makum Coalfield:
• Location: Located in Tinsukia district, Assam, within the Dibrugarh–Tinsukia coal belt.
• Features: Rich in Tertiary-period fossil records and peat-based coal deposits. A valuable site for paleobotanical and geological research. Offers insights into climatic transitions and ancient flora of India.
• Rich in Tertiary-period fossil records and peat-based coal deposits.
• A valuable site for paleobotanical and geological research.
• Offers insights into climatic transitions and ancient flora of India.
Exercise Shakti 2025
Source: ANI
Context: The 8th edition of Exercise Shakti, a joint Indo-French military drill, is being held from June 18 to July 1 at Camp Larzac in Southern France.
About Exercise Shakti 2025:
• What is Exercise Shakti? Exercise Shakti is a biennial Indo-French joint military exercise, launched to enhance bilateral military cooperation and interoperability. It focuses on sub-conventional warfare training and UN peacekeeping operations, especially under Chapter VII of the UN Charter.
• Exercise Shakti is a biennial Indo-French joint military exercise, launched to enhance bilateral military cooperation and interoperability.
• It focuses on sub-conventional warfare training and UN peacekeeping operations, especially under Chapter VII of the UN Charter.
• Host and Participating Nations: Hosted by France in 2025 at Camp Larzac, La Cavalerie. Participants include: Indian Army contingent led by the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles. French Army’s 13th Foreign Legion Half-Brigade (13th DBLE). Key Features: Joint training in semi-urban terrain, mimicking modern asymmetric conflict scenarios. Shared learning of Tactics, Techniques and Procedures (TTPs) for sub-conventional operations. Includes physically intensive activities to build endurance and team spirit. Familiarisation with modern military equipment and battlefield technologies. Promotes interoperability in UN peacekeeping and counter-insurgency Significance of the Exercise: Strengthens military diplomacy and deepens India-France defence ties. Enhances strategic cooperation in Indo-Pacific and global security architecture. Builds trust, communication, and coordination between the two professional forces.
• Hosted by France in 2025 at Camp Larzac, La Cavalerie.
• Participants include: Indian Army contingent led by the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles. French Army’s 13th Foreign Legion Half-Brigade (13th DBLE).
• Indian Army contingent led by the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles.
• French Army’s 13th Foreign Legion Half-Brigade (13th DBLE).
• Key Features: Joint training in semi-urban terrain, mimicking modern asymmetric conflict scenarios. Shared learning of Tactics, Techniques and Procedures (TTPs) for sub-conventional operations. Includes physically intensive activities to build endurance and team spirit. Familiarisation with modern military equipment and battlefield technologies. Promotes interoperability in UN peacekeeping and counter-insurgency
• Joint training in semi-urban terrain, mimicking modern asymmetric conflict scenarios.
• Shared learning of Tactics, Techniques and Procedures (TTPs) for sub-conventional operations.
• Includes physically intensive activities to build endurance and team spirit.
• Familiarisation with modern military equipment and battlefield technologies.
• Promotes interoperability in UN peacekeeping and counter-insurgency
• Significance of the Exercise: Strengthens military diplomacy and deepens India-France defence ties. Enhances strategic cooperation in Indo-Pacific and global security architecture. Builds trust, communication, and coordination between the two professional forces.
• Strengthens military diplomacy and deepens India-France defence ties.
• Enhances strategic cooperation in Indo-Pacific and global security architecture.
• Builds trust, communication, and coordination between the two professional forces.
Lightning
Source: TW
Context: 13 people were killed by lightning strikes across Bihar in the past 24 hours. The Bihar government announced Rs 4 lakh ex-gratia for each bereaved family and urged citizens to follow safety guidelines.
About Lightning:
• What is Lightning? A natural electrostatic discharge caused by static electricity build-up in thunderstorm clouds. Generates extreme heat (~50,000°F), rapidly expanding air, causing thunder.
• A natural electrostatic discharge caused by static electricity build-up in thunderstorm clouds.
• Generates extreme heat (~50,000°F), rapidly expanding air, causing thunder.
• India’s Vulnerable Regions: Eastern and Northeastern states: Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal, Assam. Parts of Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, and hill regions are also prone.
• Eastern and Northeastern states: Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal, Assam.
• Parts of Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, and hill regions are also prone.
• Principles Behind Occurrence: Charge Separation in Clouds: Inside thunderclouds, colliding water droplets, ice crystals, and hailstones create separation of electric charges—positive charges rise to the top, while negative charges accumulate at the bottom. Electrostatic Build-Up: The earth’s surface becomes positively charged in response to the cloud’s negative base, further intensifying the electrical potential. Threshold Breach: When the electric field strength exceeds the insulating capacity of the air, the energy discharges violently as lightning, balancing the charge difference. Path of Discharge: The discharge can travel cloud-to-cloud, intra-cloud, or ground-to-cloud, producing a sudden flash of light and a shockwave heard as thunder.
• Charge Separation in Clouds: Inside thunderclouds, colliding water droplets, ice crystals, and hailstones create separation of electric charges—positive charges rise to the top, while negative charges accumulate at the bottom.
• Electrostatic Build-Up: The earth’s surface becomes positively charged in response to the cloud’s negative base, further intensifying the electrical potential.
• Threshold Breach: When the electric field strength exceeds the insulating capacity of the air, the energy discharges violently as lightning, balancing the charge difference.
• Path of Discharge: The discharge can travel cloud-to-cloud, intra-cloud, or ground-to-cloud, producing a sudden flash of light and a shockwave heard as thunder.
• Significance of the Hazard: Lightning is one of India’s leading natural disaster killers, especially affecting farmers, labourers, and outdoor workers. On average, lightning causes over 2,000 deaths annually in India. It impacts agriculture, rural livelihoods, and contributes to climate vulnerability.
• Lightning is one of India’s leading natural disaster killers, especially affecting farmers, labourers, and outdoor workers.
• On average, lightning causes over 2,000 deaths annually in India.
• It impacts agriculture, rural livelihoods, and contributes to climate vulnerability.
• Key Initiatives Taken in India: Damini App (IITM): Sends real-time lightning alerts within a 40-minute window based on location. Lightning Detection Network (LLN) and Doppler radars monitor lightning strikes. IMD forecasts: Provide nowcast (2-3 hrs), short-range (1-3 days), and medium-range alerts. Lightning Resilient India Campaign (CROPC & IMD): Targets 80% reduction in deaths through rural education. NDMA guidelines: Advise states on mapping risk zones, data sharing, and safety infrastructure.
• Damini App (IITM): Sends real-time lightning alerts within a 40-minute window based on location.
• Lightning Detection Network (LLN) and Doppler radars monitor lightning strikes.
• IMD forecasts: Provide nowcast (2-3 hrs), short-range (1-3 days), and medium-range alerts.
• Lightning Resilient India Campaign (CROPC & IMD): Targets 80% reduction in deaths through rural education.
• NDMA guidelines: Advise states on mapping risk zones, data sharing, and safety infrastructure.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 18 June 2025 Place in News:
Strait of Hormuz
Source: TOI
Context: Two oil tankers, Adalynn and Front Eagle, caught fire following a collision near the Strait of Hormuz, triggering concern over energy security and trade stability.
About Strait of Hormuz:
• Location: The Strait of Hormuz is a strategic maritime chokepoint linking the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and Arabian Sea. Despite being just 33 km wide at its narrowest, it remains the world’s busiest energy transit route.
• The Strait of Hormuz is a strategic maritime chokepoint linking the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and Arabian Sea. Despite being just 33 km wide at its narrowest, it remains the world’s busiest energy transit route.
• Bordering Nations: Iran, UAE and Musandam (Oman)
• Connected water bodies: Persian Gulf (west) and Gulf of Oman (east)
• Geographical Features: Geographical Width: Varies from 33 km to 95 km, with 3 km-wide shipping lanes in each direction and buffer zones. Length: Approximately 167 kilometres long. Islands Present: Includes Qishm, Hormuz, and Hengam islands which are of military and navigational significance.
• Geographical Width: Varies from 33 km to 95 km, with 3 km-wide shipping lanes in each direction and buffer zones.
• Length: Approximately 167 kilometres long.
• Islands Present: Includes Qishm, Hormuz, and Hengam islands which are of military and navigational significance.
• Importance of the Strait of Hormuz: Global Energy Lifeline: Handles ~20% of global oil trade, or 20 million barrels/day. Facilitates ~30% of global LNG trade, largely from Qatar. Strategic Chokepoint: Vulnerable to military blockades, cyberattacks, and navigational accidents. Relevance to India: 85% of India’s crude oil and ~50% LNG is imported via this route. Qatar alone supplies 80% of India’s LNG needs. Naval Security Efforts: India conducts Operation Sankalp to escort Indian vessels through Hormuz, ensuring maritime safety amid geopolitical risks.
• Global Energy Lifeline: Handles ~20% of global oil trade, or 20 million barrels/day. Facilitates ~30% of global LNG trade, largely from Qatar.
• Handles ~20% of global oil trade, or 20 million barrels/day.
• Facilitates ~30% of global LNG trade, largely from Qatar.
• Strategic Chokepoint: Vulnerable to military blockades, cyberattacks, and navigational accidents.
• Relevance to India: 85% of India’s crude oil and ~50% LNG is imported via this route. Qatar alone supplies 80% of India’s LNG needs.
• 85% of India’s crude oil and ~50% LNG is imported via this route.
• Qatar alone supplies 80% of India’s LNG needs.
• Naval Security Efforts: India conducts Operation Sankalp to escort Indian vessels through Hormuz, ensuring maritime safety amid geopolitical risks.
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