UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 2 June 2025
Kartavya Desk Staff
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 2 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 1 : (UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 2 June (2025)
• Urban Drainage Crisis in India
Urban Drainage Crisis in India
GS Paper 3:
• Technology Industry and Climate Goals
Technology Industry and Climate Goals
Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):
• Philosophy of Integral Humanism
Philosophy of Integral Humanism
Facts for Prelims (FFP):
• Lokmata Devi Ahilyabai Holkar
Lokmata Devi Ahilyabai Holkar
• International Air Transport Association (IATA)
International Air Transport Association (IATA)
• RBI New Draft Rules for Gold Loans
RBI New Draft Rules for Gold Loans
• Jharkhand Has Proposed Its First-Ever Tiger Safari
Jharkhand Has Proposed Its First-Ever Tiger Safari
• Asian Development Bank (ADB)
Asian Development Bank (ADB)
Mapping:
• Paraguay
Paraguay
• Nigeria
Nigeria
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 2 June 2025
#### GS Paper 1:
Urban Drainage Crisis in India
Syllabus: IE
Source: Urbanisation
Context: Indian cities including Delhi and Mumbai are witnessing frequent urban flooding due to dysfunctional drainage systems, climate change, and rising concretisation, prompting renewed focus on urban flood management.
About Urban Drainage Crisis in India:
• What it is? Urban drainage refers to the infrastructure and systems used to manage rainwater and prevent urban flooding. These systems are now failing across major Indian cities.
• Urban drainage refers to the infrastructure and systems used to manage rainwater and prevent urban flooding. These systems are now failing across major Indian cities.
• Recent Trends:
• As per MoHUA, over 70% of urban areas lack scientifically planned stormwater drains. Mumbai: Stormwater drains built in 1860s handle only 25 mm/hour rainfall and city now frequently experiences over 100 mm/hour. Has lost 80% of its natural water bodies in the past 40 years. Delhi: Drainage standards are based on 1976 norms, designed for 50 mm/day and May 2025 saw 185.9 mm rainfall in one day, 9x above normal. Bengaluru: Lacks a natural river system; outdated and narrow stormwater drains (SWDs) are easily overwhelmed. Over 65% of interlinked lakes encroached; Bellandur and Varthur lakes now surrounded by concrete.
• As per MoHUA, over 70% of urban areas lack scientifically planned stormwater drains.
• Mumbai: Stormwater drains built in 1860s handle only 25 mm/hour rainfall and city now frequently experiences over 100 mm/hour. Has lost 80% of its natural water bodies in the past 40 years.
• Has lost 80% of its natural water bodies in the past 40 years.
• Delhi: Drainage standards are based on 1976 norms, designed for 50 mm/day and May 2025 saw 185.9 mm rainfall in one day, 9x above normal.
• Bengaluru: Lacks a natural river system; outdated and narrow stormwater drains (SWDs) are easily overwhelmed. Over 65% of interlinked lakes encroached; Bellandur and Varthur lakes now surrounded by concrete.
• Over 65% of interlinked lakes encroached; Bellandur and Varthur lakes now surrounded by concrete.
Reasons Behind Drainage Failures:
• Natural Causes:
• Intensifying Rainfall: Climate change has increased frequency and intensity of short-duration, high-volume rainstorms.
E.g., IMD recorded 100mm+ rainfall in Delhi in less than an hour (2023).
• Low-lying Topography: Certain zones like Bengaluru and Mumbai are naturally prone to
• Man-made Issues:
• Unplanned Urbanisation: Encroachment on floodplains and concretisation has reduced ground permeability.
• Poor Design Standards: Drainage designed for 1-in-2-year events is insufficient for today’s storm intensities.
• Illegal Constructions: Unauthorized covers on drains make desilting and maintenance difficult.
• Infiltration of Sewage: Lack of separate sewerage and drainage lines in cities like Patna and Bhopal.
Government Initiatives to Tackle the Drainage Crisis
• Manual on Stormwater Drainage Systems (2019): Recommends higher return periods (1-in-5 or 1-in-10 years) for new infrastructure.
• AMRUT 2.0 Scheme: Mandates creation of integrated stormwater networks and harvesting around clean water bodies.
• Jal Shakti Abhiyan & Atal Bhujal Yojana: Promotes groundwater recharge via check dams, recharge pits in urban areas.
• Model Building Bye Laws (MBBL), 2016: Rainwater harvesting made compulsory for plots over 100 sq. m.
• Amrit Sarovar Mission: Rejuvenation of urban waterbodies to aid stormwater retention.
• GIS-Based Drainage Mapping: Cities like Delhi are adopting simulation models to redesign drainage based on land-use dynamics.
Way Forward
• Underground Storage: Build rainwater retention tanks under public spaces to reduce surface runoff.
• Enforce Building Codes: Ensure mandatory compliance with MBBL and zoning laws.
• Decentralised Solutions: Promote rooftop gardens, permeable pavements, and bioswales.
• Periodic Drain Maintenance: Timely desilting and cleaning of both visible and covered drains.
• Public Awareness: Launch city-level campaigns on waste disposal and water conservation.
Conclusion:
The drainage challenge in India is a complex outcome of outdated infrastructure, haphazard development, and climate extremes. While solutions exist, their success hinges on multi-level coordination, robust enforcement, and proactive urban planning. Transforming drainage from a reactive to a resilience-based approach is the need of the hour.
• Does urbanization lead to more segregation and/or marginalization of the poor in Indian metropolises? (2023)
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 2 June 2025 GS Paper 3:
Technology Industry and Climate Goals
Syllabus: Environment & Technology
Source: TH
Context: A landmark study by Microsoft and WSP Global has shown that advanced cooling technologies can significantly reduce emissions, energy, and water use in data centres.
About Technology Industry and Climate Goals:
• What it is? The tech industry, a major global emitter, is adopting climate-smart practices to reduce its carbon footprint, particularly from data centres and supply chains.
• The tech industry, a major global emitter, is adopting climate-smart practices to reduce its carbon footprint, particularly from data centres and supply chains.
• Climate Goals: Cut greenhouse gas emissions by 42% by 2030 (from 2015 levels) Achieve net-zero emissions by mid-century Shift to 100% renewable energy in operations (e.g., Google by 2030)
• Cut greenhouse gas emissions by 42% by 2030 (from 2015 levels)
• Achieve net-zero emissions by mid-century
• Shift to 100% renewable energy in operations (e.g., Google by 2030)
How the Tech Industry Is Meeting Climate Goals?
• Advanced Cooling Systems: Microsoft’s cold plate and immersion cooling tech reduce emissions by 15–21% and water usage by up to 52%.
• Carbon Credits Adoption: Companies like Google and Netflix use verified carbon credits to offset emissions and invest in conservation projects.
• Blockchain in Carbon Markets: Ensures transparency in credit issuance; supported by Gold Standard and used by Indian tech firms for ESG compliance.
• Renewable Energy Integration: Tech giants commit to sourcing 100% renewable power—Amazon, Apple, and Meta already operate some green campuses.
• Indian Tech Industry Leadership: Infosys, Reliance, and Tech Mahindra pioneer sustainable tech via AI, blockchain, and energy-efficient operations.
Challenges Ahead:
• Lifecycle Trade-offs: Cooling tech may reduce emissions but could shift the burden through coolant production impacts.
• High Capital Cost: Green retrofitting of data centres and R&D for emerging tech are expensive and time-intensive.
• Regulatory Bottlenecks: Lack of global standards for coolant fluids and fragmented carbon credit policies hamper scalability.
• Dependence on Grid Power: If the electricity source remains coal-based, tech improvements have limited climate benefits.
• Deployment Lag: Complex design and supply chain issues slow adoption of green cooling systems and renewable transitions.
Way Forward:
• Promote Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs): Encourage all firms to assess environmental trade-offs across the full lifespan of technology solutions.
• Unified Global Framework: Harmonise carbon credit certification and climate disclosures for global tech companies.
• Government Incentives: Offer tax credits, subsidies, and green finance for early adopters of sustainable tech.
• Strengthen R&D in Cooling: Focus on low-impact fluids, scalable designs, and AI-based cooling control systems.
• Public-Private Collaboration: Foster innovation ecosystems where governments, startups, and tech majors co-develop climate solutions.
Conclusion:
The tech sector is at a critical juncture—balancing innovation with climate responsibility. Carbon credits, clean cooling, and renewables are proving pivotal to climate-smart operations. With policy push and tech-led innovation, the industry can steer global sustainability goals.
• ‘Climate Change’ is a global problem. How India will be affected by climate change? How Himalayan and coastal states of India will be affected by climate change? (2017)
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 2 June 2025 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)
Philosophy of Integral Humanism
Context: The 60th anniversary of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya’s philosophy of ‘Integral Humanism’ was commemorated through a National Memorial Symposium in New Delhi.
About Philosophy of Integral Humanism:
• What is it? Integral Humanism is a holistic socio-political philosophy that blends material and spiritual dimensions of human life to ensure individual and collective progress.
• Integral Humanism is a holistic socio-political philosophy that blends material and spiritual dimensions of human life to ensure individual and collective progress.
• Origin:
• Propounded by Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya in 1965, adopted as the guiding philosophy of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh (now BJP). Concept emerged as a third alternative to Western capitalism and communism.
• Propounded by Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya in 1965, adopted as the guiding philosophy of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh (now BJP).
• Concept emerged as a third alternative to Western capitalism and communism.
• Key Features:
• Ekatma Manavvaad (Integral Unity): Man is not just a physical or economic being, but an integration of body, mind, intellect, and soul. Swa (Self/National Identity): Advocates development based on Indian culture, traditions, and ethos, not borrowed Western models. Decentralization: Promotes Gram Swaraj and local self-governance. Balance between Individual and Society: Upholds harmonious coexistence between personal liberty and collective good. Environment and Sustainability: Encourages symbiotic relationship with nature—Earth belongs to all beings. Self-reliance (Swavalamban): Stresses economic autonomy rooted in local resources and skills.
• Ekatma Manavvaad (Integral Unity): Man is not just a physical or economic being, but an integration of body, mind, intellect, and soul.
• Swa (Self/National Identity): Advocates development based on Indian culture, traditions, and ethos, not borrowed Western models.
• Decentralization: Promotes Gram Swaraj and local self-governance.
• Balance between Individual and Society: Upholds harmonious coexistence between personal liberty and collective good.
• Environment and Sustainability: Encourages symbiotic relationship with nature—Earth belongs to all beings.
• Self-reliance (Swavalamban): Stresses economic autonomy rooted in local resources and skills.
Relevance in UPSC Syllabus
• GS Paper 1 – Modern Indian Thought:
• Philosophies of Indian leaders like Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya.
• Philosophies of Indian leaders like Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya.
• GS Paper 2 – Governance and Ideologies:
• Role of ideological foundations in Indian political thought.
• Role of ideological foundations in Indian political thought.
• GS Paper 4 – Ethics:
• Human-centric development, harmony with nature, and ethical governance models.
• Human-centric development, harmony with nature, and ethical governance models.
• Essay Paper:
• Themes around Indianization of development models, sustainability, and human-centric growth.
• Themes around Indianization of development models, sustainability, and human-centric growth.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 2 June Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Lokmata Devi Ahilyabai Holkar
Source: PIB
Context: Prime Minister of India addressed the Mahila Sashaktikaran Mahasammelan on the 300th birth anniversary of Lokmata Devi Ahilyabai Holkar in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh.
About Lokmata Devi Ahilyabai Holkar:
• Born: 31 May 1725, Chondi village, Ahmednagar (Maharashtra).
• Father: Mankoji Rao Shinde, village head who educated her.
• Married: Khanderao Holkar, son of Malhar Rao Holkar of the Malwa kingdom.
• Became ruler of Malwa in 1767 after approval from the Peshwa.
• Kingdom and Reign:
• Ruled over the Malwa region, capital at Maheshwar (Madhya Pradesh). Known for wise, just, and inclusive governance during politically volatile times. Personally led military campaigns and founded the Holkar army in 1792.
• Ruled over the Malwa region, capital at Maheshwar (Madhya Pradesh).
• Known for wise, just, and inclusive governance during politically volatile times.
• Personally led military campaigns and founded the Holkar army in 1792.
• Administrative & Governance:
• Held daily public audiences to address people’s grievances. Introduced public welfare reforms focusing on: Farmers, Artisans, and Tribal communities. Promoted irrigation, crop diversity, and rural entrepreneurship.
• Held daily public audiences to address people’s grievances.
• Introduced public welfare reforms focusing on: Farmers, Artisans, and Tribal communities.
• Promoted irrigation, crop diversity, and rural entrepreneurship.
• Cultural & Religious Contributions:
• Rebuilt and restored hundreds of temples, including: Kashi Vishwanath Temple (1780) and Somnath Temple (Old Juna Mandir). Commissioned ghats, tanks, wells, and dharamshalas across India. Built two Jyotirlinga temples and extended religious support nationally.
• Rebuilt and restored hundreds of temples, including: Kashi Vishwanath Temple (1780) and Somnath Temple (Old Juna Mandir).
• Commissioned ghats, tanks, wells, and dharamshalas across India.
• Built two Jyotirlinga temples and extended religious support nationally.
• Social Reforms & Women Empowerment:
• Advocated: Raising minimum age of marriage for girls Property rights for women Widow remarriage Formed women’s army and village-level safety units.
• Advocated: Raising minimum age of marriage for girls Property rights for women Widow remarriage
• Raising minimum age of marriage for girls
• Property rights for women
• Widow remarriage
• Formed women’s army and village-level safety units.
• Nation-Building Initiatives:
• Constructed roads and rest houses across pilgrimage routes: Rameshwaram, Haridwar, Kashi, Somnath Established gurukuls and schools to promote education.
• Constructed roads and rest houses across pilgrimage routes: Rameshwaram, Haridwar, Kashi, Somnath
• Established gurukuls and schools to promote education.
• Legacy:
• Died: 13 August 1795, aged 70. Founded the Maheshwari saree textile industry, still famous today. Known as the ‘Philosopher Queen’ for her wisdom and spiritual outlook. Remembered for combining development with dharma (duty). Her work continues to influence India’s cultural preservation and grassroots governance.
• Died: 13 August 1795, aged 70.
• Founded the Maheshwari saree textile industry, still famous today.
• Known as the ‘Philosopher Queen’ for her wisdom and spiritual outlook.
• Remembered for combining development with dharma (duty).
• Her work continues to influence India’s cultural preservation and grassroots governance.
International Air Transport Association (IATA)
Source: PMI
Context: Prime Minister of India will address the 81st Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) in New Delhi.
• This is the first time in 42 years that India is hosting the IATA AGM, highlighting India’s growing role in global aviation.
About International Air Transport Association (IATA):
• What is IATA? IATA is a global trade association representing the airline industry, working to simplify and standardize air travel regulations and promote safe, efficient air transport.
• IATA is a global trade association representing the airline industry, working to simplify and standardize air travel regulations and promote safe, efficient air transport.
• Established in: Founded in April 1945 in Havana, Cuba, as a successor to the 1919 International Air Traffic Association.
• Headquarters: Main office in Montreal, Canada, with executive offices in Geneva, Switzerland.
• History & Evolution:
• Initially created to help regulate the airline industry post-Chicago Convention (1944). Historically engaged in price-fixing and fare regulation during its early decades. Held its first major tariff conference in Rio de Janeiro in 1947. Modernized over time into a key platform for global policy, safety, and innovation in aviation.
• Initially created to help regulate the airline industry post-Chicago Convention (1944).
• Historically engaged in price-fixing and fare regulation during its early decades.
• Held its first major tariff conference in Rio de Janeiro in 1947.
• Modernized over time into a key platform for global policy, safety, and innovation in aviation.
• Objectives:
• Represent airline interests globally. Advocate for fair regulations and reduced operational charges. Lead the industry in creating technical and commercial aviation standards.
• Represent airline interests globally.
• Advocate for fair regulations and reduced operational charges.
• Lead the industry in creating technical and commercial aviation standards.
• Core Functions:
• Supports over 317 member airlines from 120+ countries (82% of global air traffic). Develops safety, ticketing, cargo, and financial settlement frameworks. Organizes the World Air Transport Summit (WATS) to address pressing industry issues such as: Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Energy security and decarbonization Innovations in connectivity and airport infrastructure Financing mechanisms for green aviation transitions
• Supports over 317 member airlines from 120+ countries (82% of global air traffic).
• Develops safety, ticketing, cargo, and financial settlement frameworks.
• Organizes the World Air Transport Summit (WATS) to address pressing industry issues such as: Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Energy security and decarbonization Innovations in connectivity and airport infrastructure Financing mechanisms for green aviation transitions
• Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)
• Energy security and decarbonization
• Innovations in connectivity and airport infrastructure
• Financing mechanisms for green aviation transitions
RBI New Draft Rules for Gold Loans
Source: TH
Context: The Reserve Bank of India released new draft rules for gold loans to address rising defaults and standardize lending practices.
About RBI New Draft Rules for Gold Loans:
• What is it? The RBI’s draft guidelines aim to regulate and harmonize gold loan practices across banks and NBFCs, enhance borrower protection, and reduce the risk of asset loss due to over-leveraging.
• The RBI’s draft guidelines aim to regulate and harmonize gold loan practices across banks and NBFCs, enhance borrower protection, and reduce the risk of asset loss due to over-leveraging.
• Key Features of the Draft Guidelines:
• Permitted Collateral: Loans only allowed against gold jewellery and bank-issued coins. Primary gold like bars, ingots, bullion cannot be used as collateral. Loan-to-Value (LTV) Cap: LTV ratio capped at 75% of gold’s assessed value. For bullet repayment loans, interest must be included in LTV, reducing the loan disbursed. Collateral Valuation Norms: Gold must be assayed by qualified personnel with the borrower present. Value must be based on 22-carat price, adjusted if purity is lower. Use the lower of 30-day average or previous day’s gold price. Ownership Proof: Borrowers must declare ownership or furnish original purchase bills. Loans cannot be granted on jewellery with uncertain ownership. Loan Caps and Limits: Max 1 kg of gold or 50 gm coins per borrower allowed as collateral. No concurrent loans on the same collateral for both consumption and business use. Purpose-based Monitoring: Consumption loans must follow stricter tenure norms (max 12 months). Business-purpose loans must be evaluated based on cash flow, not collateral value. Renewal and Repledge Restrictions: Fresh loans allowed only after full repayment of principal and interest. Lenders must return gold within 7 working days or pay ₹5,000/day compensation.
• Permitted Collateral: Loans only allowed against gold jewellery and bank-issued coins. Primary gold like bars, ingots, bullion cannot be used as collateral.
• Loans only allowed against gold jewellery and bank-issued coins.
• Primary gold like bars, ingots, bullion cannot be used as collateral.
• Loan-to-Value (LTV) Cap: LTV ratio capped at 75% of gold’s assessed value. For bullet repayment loans, interest must be included in LTV, reducing the loan disbursed.
• LTV ratio capped at 75% of gold’s assessed value.
• For bullet repayment loans, interest must be included in LTV, reducing the loan disbursed.
• Collateral Valuation Norms: Gold must be assayed by qualified personnel with the borrower present. Value must be based on 22-carat price, adjusted if purity is lower. Use the lower of 30-day average or previous day’s gold price.
• Gold must be assayed by qualified personnel with the borrower present.
• Value must be based on 22-carat price, adjusted if purity is lower.
• Use the lower of 30-day average or previous day’s gold price.
• Ownership Proof: Borrowers must declare ownership or furnish original purchase bills. Loans cannot be granted on jewellery with uncertain ownership.
• Borrowers must declare ownership or furnish original purchase bills.
• Loans cannot be granted on jewellery with uncertain ownership.
• Loan Caps and Limits: Max 1 kg of gold or 50 gm coins per borrower allowed as collateral. No concurrent loans on the same collateral for both consumption and business use.
• Max 1 kg of gold or 50 gm coins per borrower allowed as collateral.
• No concurrent loans on the same collateral for both consumption and business use.
• Purpose-based Monitoring: Consumption loans must follow stricter tenure norms (max 12 months). Business-purpose loans must be evaluated based on cash flow, not collateral value.
• Consumption loans must follow stricter tenure norms (max 12 months).
• Business-purpose loans must be evaluated based on cash flow, not collateral value.
• Renewal and Repledge Restrictions: Fresh loans allowed only after full repayment of principal and interest. Lenders must return gold within 7 working days or pay ₹5,000/day compensation.
• Fresh loans allowed only after full repayment of principal and interest.
• Lenders must return gold within 7 working days or pay ₹5,000/day compensation.
• Why Did RBI Propose These Changes?
• Rising Gold Loan NPAs: NPAs from gold loans surged to ₹2,040 crore for banks and ₹4,784 crore for NBFCs (2024 data). Regulatory Gaps: Lack of uniform standards in valuation, lending, and loan tracking. Market Growth Pressure: Over 100% YoY growth in gold loan portfolios created systemic concerns. Borrower Protection: To avoid loss of household gold, often emotionally and culturally significant.
• Rising Gold Loan NPAs: NPAs from gold loans surged to ₹2,040 crore for banks and ₹4,784 crore for NBFCs (2024 data).
• Regulatory Gaps: Lack of uniform standards in valuation, lending, and loan tracking.
• Market Growth Pressure: Over 100% YoY growth in gold loan portfolios created systemic concerns.
• Borrower Protection: To avoid loss of household gold, often emotionally and culturally significant.
• Implications:
• For Lenders: Increased compliance and monitoring burden. May impact NBFC liquidity and growth, especially smaller ones. For Borrowers: Could restrict easy access to credit, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas. Push for differentiated rules for small loans vs. high-value gold loans.
• For Lenders: Increased compliance and monitoring burden. May impact NBFC liquidity and growth, especially smaller ones.
• Increased compliance and monitoring burden.
• May impact NBFC liquidity and growth, especially smaller ones.
• For Borrowers: Could restrict easy access to credit, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas. Push for differentiated rules for small loans vs. high-value gold loans.
• Could restrict easy access to credit, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas.
• Push for differentiated rules for small loans vs. high-value gold loans.
Jharkhand Has Proposed Its First-Ever Tiger Safari
Source: IE
Context: Jharkhand has proposed its first-ever tiger safari in the fringe area of Palamau Tiger Reserve (PTR), aimed at boosting tourism and wildlife education.
About Jharkhand Has Proposed Its First-Ever Tiger Safari:
• What is a Tiger Safari?
• A tiger safari is a tourism model involving naturalistic enclosures to house tigers — mainly rescued, conflict-prone, or orphaned — allowing guaranteed sightings unlike traditional wild safaris. First proposed in NTCA Guidelines 2012, further refined in 2016 and later by Supreme Court directives in 2024.
• A tiger safari is a tourism model involving naturalistic enclosures to house tigers — mainly rescued, conflict-prone, or orphaned — allowing guaranteed sightings unlike traditional wild safaris.
• First proposed in NTCA Guidelines 2012, further refined in 2016 and later by Supreme Court directives in 2024.
• Legal Framework Governing Safaris:
• Governed by: Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 NTCA Guidelines (2012, 2016) CZA (Central Zoo Authority) for design, welfare, and compliance As per SC order (March 2024): Safaris must be outside core and buffer zones of tiger reserves.
• Governed by: Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 NTCA Guidelines (2012, 2016) CZA (Central Zoo Authority) for design, welfare, and compliance
• Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972
• NTCA Guidelines (2012, 2016)
• CZA (Central Zoo Authority) for design, welfare, and compliance
• As per SC order (March 2024): Safaris must be outside core and buffer zones of tiger reserves.
• Types of Tigers Safaris:
• Captive Safari: Houses rescued or zoo-bred tigers in controlled naturalistic settings. Wild Safari: Traditional open-reserve model like in Ranthambore or Jim Corbett, with no guaranteed sightings.
• Captive Safari: Houses rescued or zoo-bred tigers in controlled naturalistic settings.
• Wild Safari: Traditional open-reserve model like in Ranthambore or Jim Corbett, with no guaranteed sightings.
About Palamu Tiger Reserve (PTR):
• Palamu Tiger Reserve is one of the original nine Project Tiger reserves in India, and the only tiger reserve in Jharkhand, notified in 1974.
• Location: Latehar district, on the Chhotanagpur Plateau, Jharkhand.
• Rivers: Drained by North Koel, Burha, and Auranga rivers (Burha is perennial).
• Flora:
• Predominantly Northern Tropical Dry Deciduous forests. Dominant species: Sal (Shorea robusta).
• Predominantly Northern Tropical Dry Deciduous forests.
• Dominant species: Sal (Shorea robusta).
• Fauna:
• Flagship species: Bengal Tiger. Other key fauna: Asiatic Elephant, Leopard, Sloth Bear, Grey Wolf, Indian Pangolin, Otter, Four-horned Antelope.
• Flagship species: Bengal Tiger.
• Other key fauna: Asiatic Elephant, Leopard, Sloth Bear, Grey Wolf, Indian Pangolin, Otter, Four-horned Antelope.
• Historical Significance:
• Declared under Project Tiger in 1974. Site of the world’s first pugmark-based tiger census (1932), led by J.W. Nicholson.
• Declared under Project Tiger in 1974.
• Site of the world’s first pugmark-based tiger census (1932), led by J.W. Nicholson.
Asian Development Bank (ADB)
Source: DTE
Context: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has withdrawn a $434.25 million loan for Assam’s 1000 MW Solar Power Park following protests over tribal land acquisition in Karbi Anglong.
• The Union Finance Ministry, at the request of the Assam government, asked ADB to cancel the loan to avert further conflict and displacement of indigenous communities.
About Asian Development Bank (ADB):
• What is ADB? A regional multilateral development bank that promotes inclusive and sustainable economic growth in Asia and the Pacific. Established to eradicate poverty and promote regional cooperation and integration.
• A regional multilateral development bank that promotes inclusive and sustainable economic growth in Asia and the Pacific.
• Established to eradicate poverty and promote regional cooperation and integration.
• Headquarters: Metro Manila, Philippines
• Established: 19 December 1966
• Membership: 69 member countries (as of 2024), including 50 from Asia-Pacific. Founding inspired by the UNESCAP (United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific).
• 69 member countries (as of 2024), including 50 from Asia-Pacific.
• Founding inspired by the UNESCAP (United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific).
• Voting and Shares: Shares are weighted by capital subscription. Major shareholders (as of 2020): Japan & USA:571% each China:429% India:317% Australia:773% Core Functions: Infrastructure development: Funds roads, transport, energy, and urban infrastructure to boost connectivity and growth. Climate resilience and clean energy: Supports projects promoting renewable energy, low-carbon tech, and disaster risk reduction. Poverty alleviation and rural development: Finances social welfare, agriculture, and rural employment to reduce poverty. Regional integration and cross-border projects: Encourages cooperation through trade corridors, power grids, and joint infrastructure. ADB-Japan Scholarship Program (ADB-JSP): Provides postgraduate scholarships to students from developing member countries. Observer at the United Nations: Participates in global policymaking forums to align development with UN goals.
• Shares are weighted by capital subscription.
• Major shareholders (as of 2020): Japan & USA:571% each China:429% India:317% Australia:773%
• Japan & USA:571% each
• China:429%
• India:317%
• Australia:773%
• Core Functions: Infrastructure development: Funds roads, transport, energy, and urban infrastructure to boost connectivity and growth. Climate resilience and clean energy: Supports projects promoting renewable energy, low-carbon tech, and disaster risk reduction. Poverty alleviation and rural development: Finances social welfare, agriculture, and rural employment to reduce poverty. Regional integration and cross-border projects: Encourages cooperation through trade corridors, power grids, and joint infrastructure. ADB-Japan Scholarship Program (ADB-JSP): Provides postgraduate scholarships to students from developing member countries. Observer at the United Nations: Participates in global policymaking forums to align development with UN goals.
• Infrastructure development: Funds roads, transport, energy, and urban infrastructure to boost connectivity and growth.
• Climate resilience and clean energy: Supports projects promoting renewable energy, low-carbon tech, and disaster risk reduction.
• Poverty alleviation and rural development: Finances social welfare, agriculture, and rural employment to reduce poverty.
• Regional integration and cross-border projects: Encourages cooperation through trade corridors, power grids, and joint infrastructure.
• ADB-Japan Scholarship Program (ADB-JSP): Provides postgraduate scholarships to students from developing member countries.
• Observer at the United Nations: Participates in global policymaking forums to align development with UN goals.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 2 June 2025 Mapping:
Paraguay
Source: DD News
Context: The President of Paraguay, Santiago Peña Palacios, is visiting India from June 2 to 4, 2025, marking his first state visit.
• This is only the second-ever visit by a Paraguayan President to India and aims to strengthen bilateral ties across trade, technology, and diplomacy.
About Paraguay:
• Paraguay is a landlocked nation in south-central South America.
• Capital: Asunción, located on the east bank of the Paraguay River.
• Coordinates: Lies mostly south of the Tropic of Capricorn.
• Bordering Nations: Bolivia, Brazil, and Argentina.
• Geographical Features:
• Rivers: Major Rivers: Paraguay, Paraná, Pilcomayo, and Apa Paraguay River divides the country into: Región Oriental (Eastern Region) Región Occidental (Western Region or Chaco Boreal) Hydropower: Paraguay is among the top exporters of hydroelectricity, mainly due to river-based power stations.
• Major Rivers: Paraguay, Paraná, Pilcomayo, and Apa
• Paraguay River divides the country into:
• Región Oriental (Eastern Region)
• Región Occidental (Western Region or Chaco Boreal)
• Hydropower: Paraguay is among the top exporters of hydroelectricity, mainly due to river-based power stations.
• Mountains and Plateaus: Eastern Paraguay is part of the Brazilian Plateau. Important ranges: Amambay Mountains Mbaracayú Mountains Cordillera de San Rafael, with the highest peak Mount San Rafael (850 m). Valleys and Lakes: Paraná and Paraguay valleys dominate the central and western landscape. Notable lakes include Lake Ypoá and Lake Ypacaraí. Climate: Eastern Region: Subtropical Chaco Boreal (Western Region): Tropical Rainfall: 1,400–1,650 mm in the east, reducing to 760 mm in the west.
• Eastern Paraguay is part of the Brazilian Plateau.
• Important ranges: Amambay Mountains Mbaracayú Mountains Cordillera de San Rafael, with the highest peak Mount San Rafael (850 m).
• Amambay Mountains
• Mbaracayú Mountains
• Cordillera de San Rafael, with the highest peak Mount San Rafael (850 m).
• Valleys and Lakes: Paraná and Paraguay valleys dominate the central and western landscape. Notable lakes include Lake Ypoá and Lake Ypacaraí.
• Paraná and Paraguay valleys dominate the central and western landscape.
• Notable lakes include Lake Ypoá and Lake Ypacaraí.
• Climate: Eastern Region: Subtropical Chaco Boreal (Western Region): Tropical Rainfall: 1,400–1,650 mm in the east, reducing to 760 mm in the west.
• Eastern Region: Subtropical
• Chaco Boreal (Western Region): Tropical
• Rainfall: 1,400–1,650 mm in the east, reducing to 760 mm in the west.
Nigeria
Source: TOI
Context: Over 150 people have died in central Nigeria due to severe floods caused by torrential rain and a dam collapse in Niger State.
About Nigeria:
• Capital: Abuja
• Bordering Nations: Niger, Chad, Cameroon, Atlantic Ocean (Gulf of Guinea), and Benin.
• Flooding Causes: Intenserainfall and collapse of a dam in Mokwa (Niger State – Alau dam).
• Geographical Features of Nigeria:
• Major Rivers: Niger River: Lifeline of Nigeria, flows through Niger Delta into the Atlantic Benue River: Largest tributary of the Niger Others: Sokoto, Gongola, Kaduna, Pilcomayo
• Niger River: Lifeline of Nigeria, flows through Niger Delta into the Atlantic
• Benue River: Largest tributary of the Niger
• Others: Sokoto, Gongola, Kaduna, Pilcomayo
• Delta Region: Home to brackish mangroves, swamps, and oxbow lakes
• Man-made Lakes: Lake Kainji, Lake Bakolori
• Mountains & Highlands Jos Plateau: Central highlands with extinct volcanoes Cameroon Highlands (southeast): Chappal Waddi – Nigeria’s highest peak (2,419 m) Mount Dimlang – Second highest (2,042 m) Plains & Valleys Sokoto & Borno Plains: Northern sedimentary basins. Udi-Nsukka Plateau: Eastern escarpments above flood plains. Chad Basin: Drains northeast Nigeria, prone to waterlogging.
• Jos Plateau: Central highlands with extinct volcanoes
• Cameroon Highlands (southeast): Chappal Waddi – Nigeria’s highest peak (2,419 m) Mount Dimlang – Second highest (2,042 m)
• Chappal Waddi – Nigeria’s highest peak (2,419 m)
• Mount Dimlang – Second highest (2,042 m)
• Plains & Valleys Sokoto & Borno Plains: Northern sedimentary basins. Udi-Nsukka Plateau: Eastern escarpments above flood plains. Chad Basin: Drains northeast Nigeria, prone to waterlogging.
• Sokoto & Borno Plains: Northern sedimentary basins.
• Udi-Nsukka Plateau: Eastern escarpments above flood plains.
• Chad Basin: Drains northeast Nigeria, prone to waterlogging.
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