UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 20 June 2025
Kartavya Desk Staff
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 20 June 2025 covers important current affairs of the day, their backward linkages, their relevance for Prelims exam and MCQs on main articles
InstaLinks : Insta Links help you think beyond the current affairs issue and help you think multidimensionally to develop depth in your understanding of these issues. These linkages provided in this ‘hint’ format help you frame possible questions in your mind that might arise(or an examiner might imagine) from each current event. InstaLinks also connect every issue to their static or theoretical background.
Table of Contents
GS Paper 2 : (UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 20 June (2025)
• Inclusive Education for Children with Disabilities
Inclusive Education for Children with Disabilities
GS Paper 3:
• Predatory Pricing
Predatory Pricing
Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):
• Thaliru Libraries Initiative in Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary
Thaliru Libraries Initiative in Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary
Facts for Prelims (FFP):
• Bhashini
Bhashini
• Green India Mission
Green India Mission
• QS World University Rankings 2026
QS World University Rankings 2026
• 11th International Day of Yoga
11th International Day of Yoga
• Delhi Artificial Rain Project
Delhi Artificial Rain Project
Mapping:
• Armenia
Armenia
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 20 June 2025
#### GS Paper 2:
Inclusive Education for Children with Disabilities
Syllabus: Vulnerable Sections & Education
Source: ET
Context: The Centre signed a tripartite MoU between DEPwD, NIOS, and NCERT to strengthen inclusive education for children with disabilities, focusing on curriculum reform, accessibility, and institutional partnerships.
About Inclusive Education for Children with Disabilities:
• What it is? Inclusive education ensures that children with and without disabilities learn together in a common environment, supported by adapted curricula and teaching methods (RPWD Act, 2016).
• Inclusive education ensures that children with and without disabilities learn together in a common environment, supported by adapted curricula and teaching methods (RPWD Act, 2016).
• Key Data Point: 7% of Indian children (0–19 yrs) have disabilities — Census 2011. Only 98% of enrolled primary students are children with disabilities — UDISE+ 2019-20. 21 lakh CWSN covered under Samagra Shiksha — 2018-19. 27,774 special/resource teachers available for CWSN support — Samagra Shiksha data
• 7% of Indian children (0–19 yrs) have disabilities — Census 2011.
• Only 98% of enrolled primary students are children with disabilities — UDISE+ 2019-20.
• 21 lakh CWSN covered under Samagra Shiksha — 2018-19.
• 27,774 special/resource teachers available for CWSN support — Samagra Shiksha data
Need for Inclusive Education for Children with Disabilities:
• Right to Education: Article 21A and RTE Act 2009 guarantee free, compulsory education for all children aged 6–14, including CWSN — fulfilling constitutional and legal obligations.
• Equity & Inclusion: UNESCO reports 29 million out-of-school children in South Asia, many with disabilities — inclusion ensures no child is left behind.
• Breaking Social Barriers: Inclusive schooling reduces stigma, fosters empathy, and builds community acceptance toward persons with disabilities.
• Human Capital: Educating CWSN unlocks their potential, enabling them to become active contributors to economic growth and innovation.
• International Commitments: India’s obligations under CRPD 2007, SDG 4, and NEP 2020 mandate inclusive, equitable, and quality education for CWSN.
Government Initiatives
• Tripartite MoU (2025): DEPwD-NIOS-NCERT signed MoU to adapt curriculum and recognise DDRS-run special schools as SAIEDs to expand academic options.
• NEP 2020: NEP 2020 integrates disability inclusion across all education levels, emphasising equity and universal access.
• Samagra Shiksha: Supports ₹3500/child/year, expanded girl stipend (Classes I–XII), special educators, resource rooms, and home-based education.
• Barkha Series: NCERT’s “Barkha” UDL-based reading series provides accessible, inclusive learning material in print and digital formats.
• RPWD Act 2016: Mandates inclusive learning environments with accessible infrastructure and provision of assistive devices and support.
• Home-based Education: CWSN with severe disabilities can access tailored home-based education up to Class XII under Samagra Shiksha.
Challenges associated:
• Data Gaps: Current UDISE+ lacks detailed disability data by type/severity, hindering targeted interventions and resource planning.
• Infrastructure Deficit: Many schools lack ramps, accessible toilets, Braille resources, or inclusive TLM — limiting CWSN participation.
• Shortage of Trained Teachers: Nationwide, only ~27,700 special/resource teachers (2019) are available, far short of demand across all states.
• Low Enrolment: Less than 1% of children with disabilities are enrolled at primary level — reflecting systemic access gaps.
• Social Barriers: Stigma, lack of awareness, and parental reluctance continue to impede CWSN integration in regular schools.
• Inconsistent Implementation: Inclusion under NEP varies widely across states; lack of robust monitoring and accountability mechanisms.
Way Ahead:
• Improve Data: Incorporate Washington Group questions in UDISE+ for disaggregated, globally comparable disability data.
• Boost Funding: Achieve NEP’s 6% of GDP target for education, with specific earmarked allocations for inclusion initiatives.
• Infrastructure Upgrade: Mandate 100% accessible infrastructure — classrooms, toilets, playgrounds — in all government and aided schools.
• Teacher Training: Integrate UDL and disability education into all B.Ed and in-service training to build teacher competency.
• Strengthen Monitoring: Develop and track clear, measurable SDG 4 inclusion indicators at national and state levels.
• Community Engagement: Encourage parent-teacher forums, partnerships with NGOs, and community-led sensitisation to promote inclusion.
Conclusion:
Inclusive education is pivotal to fulfilling India’s constitutional vision of equality and dignity for all. The recent MoU and evolving frameworks like NEP 2020 signal progress, but addressing gaps in data, training, and community awareness is vital for meaningful change.
• The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 remains only a legal document without intense sensitisation of government functionaries and citizens regarding disability. Comment. (2022)
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 20 June 2025 GS Paper 3:
Predatory Pricing
Syllabus: Economy
Source: DH
Context: The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has notified the Determination of Cost of Production Regulations, 2025, introducing ATC-based cost norms to tackle predatory pricing and enhance competition safeguards.
About Predatory Pricing:
• Definition: Predatory pricing is a strategy where a dominant firm sets artificially low prices to eliminate competitors, thereby gaining monopoly power.
Example: NSE vs. MCX case — low-cost tactics to drive out rivals in stock exchange services.
• Core Features: Prices set below production costs Aimed to drive out market competitors Benefits to consumers are short-term Long-term monopoly leads to high prices and fewer choices
• Prices set below production costs
• Aimed to drive out market competitors
• Benefits to consumers are short-term
• Long-term monopoly leads to high prices and fewer choices
• Types of Predatory Pricing: Direct Predation: Pricing below cost to drive out competitors. Cross-subsidisation: Using profits from one product/service to subsidise losses in another. Discriminatory Pricing: Targeted lower prices for specific market segments.
• Direct Predation: Pricing below cost to drive out competitors.
• Cross-subsidisation: Using profits from one product/service to subsidise losses in another.
• Discriminatory Pricing: Targeted lower prices for specific market segments.
Factors Leading to Predatory Pricing:
• Dominant Market Power: Large firms leverage scale and deep capital reserves to sustain below-cost pricing over prolonged periods.
• Network Externalities: Digital platforms lock users through data advantages, making entry harder for new players.
• Weak Enforcement History: Pre-2025, only 1 successful predatory pricing case (NSE-MCX) — regulatory deterrence was low.
• Regulatory Ambiguity: Older rules lacked clarity on which cost metrics to apply, delaying verdicts.
• Lack of Global Coordination: Cross-border e-commerce giants exploit varying competition regimes.
• Market Myopia: Short-term consumer gains make predation socially invisible until monopolisation sets in.
Issues Surrounding Predatory Pricing:
• Consumer Welfare Trap: Initial low prices give way to monopolistic pricing post-rival exit.
• Difficult Proof of Intent: Establishing “anti-competitive intent” legally remains complex under Section 4 of Competition Act.
• Chilling Effect on Startups: Fear of market capture deters innovation in sunrise sectors like AI, FinTech.
• Fragmented Data Ecosystem: Absence of dynamic market surveillance mechanisms weakens early detection.
• Judicial Delays: Prolonged litigation reduces the effectiveness of penalties in fast-moving digital markets.
Recent 2025 Rules: CCI’s New Reforms
• Notified on: May 6, 2025 — replaces 2009 Cost Regulations.
• Key Innovations: Introduces ATC (Average Total Cost) as a clear benchmark for pricing assessment. Removes vague “market value” measure — promoting consistency. Mandates expert involvement for complex technical assessments. Requires CCI to publicly record reasons when deviating from Average Variable Cost — promotes transparency. Provides tools for real-time market monitoring — modernising CCI’s enforcement under Section 4.
• Introduces ATC (Average Total Cost) as a clear benchmark for pricing assessment.
• Removes vague “market value” measure — promoting consistency.
• Mandates expert involvement for complex technical assessments.
• Requires CCI to publicly record reasons when deviating from Average Variable Cost — promotes transparency.
• Provides tools for real-time market monitoring — modernising CCI’s enforcement under Section 4.
Significance of New Rules:
• Upholds Competitive Integrity: Protects both traditional and emerging sectors from abusive pricing practices.
• Strengthens MSME Ecosystem: Safeguards smaller players from capital-driven predation.
• Aligns with OECD Best Practices: Global standards incorporated into Indian framework.
• Addresses Digital Monopoly Risks: Equips CCI to tackle BigTech predatory moves in India’s digital economy.
• Promotes Investor Confidence: Transparent and predictable enforcement boosts FDI in competitive markets.
• Supports SDG 8 (Decent Work & Economic Growth): Fair competition fosters broader employment and market diversity.
Conclusion:
The 2025 reforms on predatory pricing mark a progressive step towards fostering transparent markets and protecting consumer welfare. With a refined cost framework and expert-driven enforcement, the CCI is now better equipped to tackle unfair pricing practices, promote healthy competition, and secure long-term market dynamism.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 20 June 2025 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)
Thaliru Libraries Initiative in Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary
Anecdote: Deep within Kerala’s Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary, tribal children of the remote Kannampadi settlement are stepping into the enriching world of books — a rare opportunity in their forested home. With three new community libraries — aptly named Thaliru (meaning sprout) — launched by the Forest Department and eco-development committees, over 623 tribal families across six settlements now have access to children’s literature, novels, academic books, short stories, and travelogues. For students who earlier faced immense hurdles in accessing even basic reading materials due to geographic isolation, these libraries represent a doorway to knowledge and empowerment. The initiative, themed “Reading is the true addiction”, demonstrates how small, thoughtful interventions can sow the seeds of educational inclusion, cognitive growth, and social transformation — even amidst the wild heart of a protected sanctuary. It reflects the power of literacy to bridge historical inequalities and nurture aspirations in India’s most marginalised communities.
Relevance in UPSC Exam:
• GS Paper 2 (Governance):
• Decentralised governance: Role of eco-development committees in grassroots education initiatives. Tribal welfare policies: Aligns with government focus on improving tribal education and human development.
• Decentralised governance: Role of eco-development committees in grassroots education initiatives.
• Tribal welfare policies: Aligns with government focus on improving tribal education and human development.
• GS Paper 4 (Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude):
• Empathy and compassion in governance: Illustrates value-driven governance — promoting dignity and opportunity for marginalised communities. Public service orientation: Example of ethical leadership by forest officials beyond routine conservation roles.
• Empathy and compassion in governance: Illustrates value-driven governance — promoting dignity and opportunity for marginalised communities.
• Public service orientation: Example of ethical leadership by forest officials beyond routine conservation roles.
• Essay Paper:
• Themes of education, empowerment, inclusion: “Education as the greatest equaliser” “Literacy as a bridge between tradition and modernity” “Social capital of a nation lies in its empowered citizens” “Grassroots innovation for inclusive development” The anecdote offers a real-life narrative to enrich such essays with concrete, humanising examples.
• Themes of education, empowerment, inclusion: “Education as the greatest equaliser” “Literacy as a bridge between tradition and modernity” “Social capital of a nation lies in its empowered citizens” “Grassroots innovation for inclusive development”
• “Education as the greatest equaliser”
• “Literacy as a bridge between tradition and modernity”
• “Social capital of a nation lies in its empowered citizens”
• “Grassroots innovation for inclusive development”
• The anecdote offers a real-life narrative to enrich such essays with concrete, humanising examples.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 20 June 2025 Facts for Prelims (FFP):
Bhashini
Source: News on Air
Context: The Ministry of Panchayati Raj signed an MoU with Bhashini to integrate AI-enabled multilingual tools into rural governance platforms, enhancing access to services for citizens in their native languages.
About Bhashini:
• What it is? Bhashini is the National Language Translation Mission (NLTM) — a digital public infrastructure enabling real-time AI-powered language translation across Indian languages.
• Bhashini is the National Language Translation Mission (NLTM) — a digital public infrastructure enabling real-time AI-powered language translation across Indian languages.
• Developed by: Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY)
• Ministries Involved in MoU: Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR) and Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY)
• Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR) and Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY)
• Objective: To create an inclusive, multilingual e-governance ecosystem for Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs). To bridge language barriers in rural governance and promote participatory democracy.
• To create an inclusive, multilingual e-governance ecosystem for Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs).
• To bridge language barriers in rural governance and promote participatory democracy.
• Key Features: AI-Driven Translation: Real-time speech-to-text and text-to-text conversion in major Indian languages. Integration with MoPR Portals: Seamless language access for platforms like eGramSwaraj and rural governance tools. Citizen-Centric: Enables citizens to interact with services in their local language, improving service delivery. Promotes Digital Inclusion: Supports rural digital literacy by making interfaces language-accessible. Enhances Transparency: Facilitates better information dissemination and boosts trust in local governance.
• AI-Driven Translation: Real-time speech-to-text and text-to-text conversion in major Indian languages.
• Integration with MoPR Portals: Seamless language access for platforms like eGramSwaraj and rural governance tools.
• Citizen-Centric: Enables citizens to interact with services in their local language, improving service delivery.
• Promotes Digital Inclusion: Supports rural digital literacy by making interfaces language-accessible.
• Enhances Transparency: Facilitates better information dissemination and boosts trust in local governance.
Green India Mission
Source: IE
Context: The Union Government released a revised roadmap for the Green India Mission, aiming to enhance forest restoration, combat climate change, and address land degradation and desertification challenges.
About Green India Mission:
• What it is? GIM is a key mission under NAPCC to enhance forest cover, restore degraded lands, and contribute to India’s climate goals.
• GIM is a key mission under NAPCC to enhance forest cover, restore degraded lands, and contribute to India’s climate goals.
• Launched in: 2014
• Ministry: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC)
• Objective:
• Increase forest/tree cover by 5 mha and improve forest quality on another 5 mha. Sequester 2.5-3 billion tonnes of CO2 by 2030. Restore degraded ecosystems and enhance biodiversity. Combat land degradation and desertification. Improve livelihoods of forest-dependent communities.
• Increase forest/tree cover by 5 mha and improve forest quality on another 5 mha.
• Sequester 2.5-3 billion tonnes of CO2 by 2030.
• Restore degraded ecosystems and enhance biodiversity.
• Combat land degradation and desertification.
• Improve livelihoods of forest-dependent communities.
• Key Features: Ecosystem Restoration: Restores degraded forests, grasslands, wetlands, and mangroves. Carbon Sink Creation: Aligns with India’s NDC target to create additional 2.5-3 billion tonnes CO2 sink. Community Participation: Focuses on livelihood enhancement of forest-fringe communities. Science-Based Planning: Uses FSI data and ecological mapping for priority restoration zones. Multi-Sectoral Convergence: Leverages synergies with other schemes like Green Wall Project, CAMPA funds.
• Ecosystem Restoration: Restores degraded forests, grasslands, wetlands, and mangroves.
• Carbon Sink Creation: Aligns with India’s NDC target to create additional 2.5-3 billion tonnes CO2 sink.
• Community Participation: Focuses on livelihood enhancement of forest-fringe communities.
• Science-Based Planning: Uses FSI data and ecological mapping for priority restoration zones.
• Multi-Sectoral Convergence: Leverages synergies with other schemes like Green Wall Project, CAMPA funds.
• New Changes in GIM 2025:
• Regional Focus: Special priority to Aravallis, Western Ghats, Himalayas, mangroves. Green Wall Project: Linked with Aravalli Green Wall to control desertification/dust pollution. Mining Rehabilitation: Focus on eco-restoration of abandoned mining areas. Open Forests: Priority to restore open forests — estimated 1.89 billion tonnes CO2 potential. Updated Targets: Alignment with India’s 26 mha land restoration commitment by 2030.
• Regional Focus: Special priority to Aravallis, Western Ghats, Himalayas, mangroves.
• Green Wall Project: Linked with Aravalli Green Wall to control desertification/dust pollution.
• Mining Rehabilitation: Focus on eco-restoration of abandoned mining areas.
• Open Forests: Priority to restore open forests — estimated 1.89 billion tonnes CO2 potential.
• Updated Targets: Alignment with India’s 26 mha land restoration commitment by 2030.
Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT)
Source: TW
Context: Amid escalating conflict with Israel, Iran’s Parliament is preparing a Bill that may trigger its withdrawal from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
About Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT):
• What it is? NPT is a global treaty that aims to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and technology, while promoting peaceful uses of nuclear energy and global nuclear disarmament.
• NPT is a global treaty that aims to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and technology, while promoting peaceful uses of nuclear energy and global nuclear disarmament.
• Established in: Signed in 1968, entered into force in 1970.
• Members: 191 countries are parties to the treaty. Notable non-signatories: India, Pakistan, Israel (North Korea withdrew in 2003).
• 191 countries are parties to the treaty.
• Notable non-signatories: India, Pakistan, Israel (North Korea withdrew in 2003).
• Objectives: Prevent nuclear weapons proliferation: Limits the spread of nuclear weapons beyond the five recognised states, ensuring global security. Promote peaceful nuclear energy: Supports international cooperation in civilian nuclear technology under strict IAEA Work toward global disarmament: Encourages progressive steps for complete nuclear disarmament through diplomatic and legal means.
• Prevent nuclear weapons proliferation: Limits the spread of nuclear weapons beyond the five recognised states, ensuring global security.
• Promote peaceful nuclear energy: Supports international cooperation in civilian nuclear technology under strict IAEA
• Work toward global disarmament: Encourages progressive steps for complete nuclear disarmament through diplomatic and legal means.
• Key Features: Nuclear States Defined: Recognises only five states (USA, UK, Russia, France, China) that tested nuclear weapons before 1967 as nuclear-weapon states. Safeguards System: IAEA monitors civilian nuclear programs to ensure nuclear materials are not diverted to weapons use. Withdrawal Clause: Article 10 allows any state to exit the treaty with 3 months’ notice if national security interests are at risk. Global Coverage: With 191 member countries, NPT is one of the world’s most universal treaties — despite criticism over the P5 monopoly. Verification Mechanism: IAEA inspectors conduct regular site visits to verify compliance and uphold the integrity of non-proliferation norms.
• Nuclear States Defined: Recognises only five states (USA, UK, Russia, France, China) that tested nuclear weapons before 1967 as nuclear-weapon states.
• Safeguards System: IAEA monitors civilian nuclear programs to ensure nuclear materials are not diverted to weapons use.
• Withdrawal Clause: Article 10 allows any state to exit the treaty with 3 months’ notice if national security interests are at risk.
• Global Coverage: With 191 member countries, NPT is one of the world’s most universal treaties — despite criticism over the P5 monopoly.
• Verification Mechanism: IAEA inspectors conduct regular site visits to verify compliance and uphold the integrity of non-proliferation norms.
• India and NPT:
• India is not a signatory to the NPT, citing its discriminatory nature (P5 privilege).
• India maintains a strong non-proliferation record through responsible nuclear policy and NSG engagement.
QS World University Rankings 2026
Source: PIB
Context: The QS World University Rankings 2026 were released, highlighting global trends in higher education quality and competitiveness; several Indian institutions showed notable improvements.
About QS World University Rankings 2026:
• What it is?
• An annual global ranking of universities that evaluates academic performance, employability, sustainability, and global impact across higher education institutions.
• Launched by: Developed and published by Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), a global education services firm based in the UK.
• Objective: To provide transparent insights into the global standing of universities. To guide students on university selection based on multiple performance indicators. To encourage universities to enhance research, teaching, internationalization, and impact.
• To provide transparent insights into the global standing of universities.
• To guide students on university selection based on multiple performance indicators.
• To encourage universities to enhance research, teaching, internationalization, and impact.
• Key Insights from QS World University Rankings 2026: India has 54 universities in the QS World University Rankings 2026, making it the fourth most represented country. Only the United States (192), the United Kingdom (90), and Mainland China (72) have more universities ranked than India. Eight Indian institutions have entered the rankings for the first time. This is the highest number of new entrants from any country this year. The number of Indian universities in the rankings has grown from 11 in 2015 to 54 in 2026. This marks a five-fold increase in just over a decade. 48 percent of India’s ranked universities improved their positions compared to the previous year. Six Indian institutions feature in the global top 250. IIT Delhi leads the Indian contingent. It is ranked 123rd globally, rising from 150th in 2025. IIT Madras recorded one of the biggest jumps, rising 47 places from 227 in 2025 to 180 in 2026. A total of 12 Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) feature in the list, highlighting their strong presence in global academia.
• India has 54 universities in the QS World University Rankings 2026, making it the fourth most represented country.
• Only the United States (192), the United Kingdom (90), and Mainland China (72) have more universities ranked than India.
• Eight Indian institutions have entered the rankings for the first time. This is the highest number of new entrants from any country this year.
• The number of Indian universities in the rankings has grown from 11 in 2015 to 54 in 2026. This marks a five-fold increase in just over a decade.
• 48 percent of India’s ranked universities improved their positions compared to the previous year.
• Six Indian institutions feature in the global top 250.
• IIT Delhi leads the Indian contingent. It is ranked 123rd globally, rising from 150th in 2025.
• IIT Madras recorded one of the biggest jumps, rising 47 places from 227 in 2025 to 180 in 2026.
• A total of 12 Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) feature in the list, highlighting their strong presence in global academia.
11th International Day of Yoga
Source: DD News
Context: The 11th International Day of Yoga (IDY) will be observed on June 21, 2025, with the theme “Yoga for One Earth, One Health”; global participation has grown from 9 crore in 2018 to 24.53 crore in 2024.
About 11th International Day of Yoga:
• What it is? An annual global observance promoting yoga as a holistic health practice for mind-body balance, harmony with nature, and sustainable well-being.
• An annual global observance promoting yoga as a holistic health practice for mind-body balance, harmony with nature, and sustainable well-being.
• Celebrated Since: Officially recognised by UNGA resolution 69/131 on Dec 11, 2014.
• First celebrated globally on June 21, 2015.
• Theme (2025): “Yoga for One Earth, One Health” — emphasising the link between personal well-being and planetary health, aligned with India’s G20 One Earth vision.
• Objectives: Promote physical, mental, emotional well-being through yoga. Foster global awareness on yoga’s health and environmental benefits. Encourage integration of yoga into daily life for sustainable living. Strengthen India’s cultural diplomacy
• Promote physical, mental, emotional well-being through yoga.
• Foster global awareness on yoga’s health and environmental benefits.
• Encourage integration of yoga into daily life for sustainable living.
• Strengthen India’s cultural diplomacy
• Key Features: Global Movement: Adopted by 175 UN member states and participation grown to 24.53 crore globally in 2024. Mass Participation: Led by Ministry of AYUSH, with support from state govts, embassies, UN bodies. Inclusive Message: Logo and theme promote unity, harmony with nature, and mind-body integration. Cultural Diplomacy: Strengthens India’s image as the cradle of yoga tradition and global wellness leader. Sustainability Alignment: Highlights yoga’s role in health, climate consciousness, and sustainable development.
• Global Movement: Adopted by 175 UN member states and participation grown to 24.53 crore globally in 2024.
• Mass Participation: Led by Ministry of AYUSH, with support from state govts, embassies, UN bodies.
• Inclusive Message: Logo and theme promote unity, harmony with nature, and mind-body integration.
• Cultural Diplomacy: Strengthens India’s image as the cradle of yoga tradition and global wellness leader.
• Sustainability Alignment: Highlights yoga’s role in health, climate consciousness, and sustainable development.
• Significance: Promotes a low-cost, accessible wellness practice Builds soft power and cultural leadership for India. Reinforces the connection between individual well-being and environmental stewardship.
• Promotes a low-cost, accessible wellness practice
• Builds soft power and cultural leadership for India.
• Reinforces the connection between individual well-being and environmental stewardship.
Delhi Artificial Rain Project
Source: BS
Context: The Delhi Government has launched its first ₹3.21 crore artificial rain pilot project in collaboration with IIT-Kanpur and IMD to reduce air pollution through cloud seeding technology.
About Delhi Artificial Rain Project:
• What it is? Artificial rain refers to the technique of inducing rainfall by dispersing substances into moisture-laden clouds — aimed at improving air quality in Delhi.
• Artificial rain refers to the technique of inducing rainfall by dispersing substances into moisture-laden clouds — aimed at improving air quality in Delhi.
• Method Used: Uses cloud seeding by aircraft, dispersing agents like silver iodide and rock salt into clouds. Conducted in partnership with IIT-Kanpur, with technical support from IMD.
• Uses cloud seeding by aircraft, dispersing agents like silver iodide and rock salt into clouds.
• Conducted in partnership with IIT-Kanpur, with technical support from IMD.
• How It Works? Small aircraft will release a seeding mixture into nimbostratus clouds (with over 50% moisture). The agents act as condensation nuclei, helping cloud droplets grow and trigger precipitation, washing out pollutants.
• Small aircraft will release a seeding mixture into nimbostratus clouds (with over 50% moisture).
• The agents act as condensation nuclei, helping cloud droplets grow and trigger precipitation, washing out pollutants.
• Key Features: Advanced Seeding: Aircraft-mounted flares with silver iodide, rock salt, iodised salt trigger rain formation. Targeted Operations: Five 90-minute flights targeting ~100 sq km of Delhi’s most polluted areas. Scientific Monitoring: Real-time air quality tracking via CAAQMS for PM2.5 and PM10 reductions. First Urban Use: Builds on successful IIT-Kanpur trials in drought regions — now adapted for pollution control. Multi-agency Effort: Collaboration of Delhi Govt, IIT-Kanpur, IMD, with military-grade operational precision.
• Advanced Seeding: Aircraft-mounted flares with silver iodide, rock salt, iodised salt trigger rain formation.
• Targeted Operations: Five 90-minute flights targeting ~100 sq km of Delhi’s most polluted areas.
• Scientific Monitoring: Real-time air quality tracking via CAAQMS for PM2.5 and PM10 reductions.
• First Urban Use: Builds on successful IIT-Kanpur trials in drought regions — now adapted for pollution control.
• Multi-agency Effort: Collaboration of Delhi Govt, IIT-Kanpur, IMD, with military-grade operational precision.
• Significance: Aimed at reducing severe PM2.5/PM10 pollution episodes in Delhi winters. Provides scientific data for scaling up cloud seeding in other polluted Indian cities. Supports Delhi’s push for ‘right to clean air’ and innovative urban environmental governance.
• Aimed at reducing severe PM2.5/PM10 pollution episodes in Delhi winters.
• Provides scientific data for scaling up cloud seeding in other polluted Indian cities.
• Supports Delhi’s push for ‘right to clean air’ and innovative urban environmental governance.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 20 June 2025 Place in News:
Armenia
Source: TN
Context: India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) facilitated the safe evacuation of Indian students and citizens from Tehran via Armenia (Operation Sindu), amid escalating Israel-Iran tensions.
About Armenia:
• Location: Armenia lies in the South Caucasus region of Eurasia, between Europe and Asia.
• Armenia lies in the South Caucasus region of Eurasia, between Europe and Asia.
• Capital: Yerevan
• Neighbouring Countries: Georgia, Azerbaijan, Iran, and Turkey. It also borders the Nakhchivan exclave of Azerbaijan
• It also borders the Nakhchivan exclave of Azerbaijan
• Geological Features: Mountains: Armenia is highly mountainous, with an average elevation of 1,800 metres (5,900 feet). It includes parts of the Lesser Caucasus Ranges and Mount Aragats (4,090 metres), its highest peak. Rivers: Main river system belongs to the Aras River basin, which forms part of Armenia’s borders with Iran and Turkey. Tributaries include the Akhuryan, Hrazdan, Arpa, and Vorotan Valleys & Plains: Ararat Plain is the country’s key agricultural zone, lying partly in Armenia and partly in Turkey. The Sevan Basin holds Lake Sevan, one of Eurasia’s largest high-altitude lakes. Armenia lies in a seismically active zone and has frequent earthquakes (1988 Spitak earthquake killed ~25,000).
• Mountains: Armenia is highly mountainous, with an average elevation of 1,800 metres (5,900 feet). It includes parts of the Lesser Caucasus Ranges and Mount Aragats (4,090 metres), its highest peak.
• Armenia is highly mountainous, with an average elevation of 1,800 metres (5,900 feet).
• It includes parts of the Lesser Caucasus Ranges and Mount Aragats (4,090 metres), its highest peak.
• Rivers: Main river system belongs to the Aras River basin, which forms part of Armenia’s borders with Iran and Turkey. Tributaries include the Akhuryan, Hrazdan, Arpa, and Vorotan
• Main river system belongs to the Aras River basin, which forms part of Armenia’s borders with Iran and Turkey.
• Tributaries include the Akhuryan, Hrazdan, Arpa, and Vorotan
• Valleys & Plains: Ararat Plain is the country’s key agricultural zone, lying partly in Armenia and partly in Turkey. The Sevan Basin holds Lake Sevan, one of Eurasia’s largest high-altitude lakes. Armenia lies in a seismically active zone and has frequent earthquakes (1988 Spitak earthquake killed ~25,000).
• Ararat Plain is the country’s key agricultural zone, lying partly in Armenia and partly in Turkey.
• The Sevan Basin holds Lake Sevan, one of Eurasia’s largest high-altitude lakes.
• Armenia lies in a seismically active zone and has frequent earthquakes (1988 Spitak earthquake killed ~25,000).
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