UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 23 June 2025
Kartavya Desk Staff
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 23 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 – 23 June (2025)
• Reshaping West Asia Geopolitics
Reshaping West Asia Geopolitics
GS Paper 3:
• Reforming India’s Food and Fertiliser Subsidies
Reforming India’s Food and Fertiliser Subsidies
Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):
• A Tale of Healthcare Inequality
A Tale of Healthcare Inequality
Facts for Prelims (FFP):
• Operation Midnight Hammer
Operation Midnight Hammer
• Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)
Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)
• Insect-Based Livestock Feed
Insect-Based Livestock Feed
• US Issue Level 2 Travel Advisory for India
US Issue Level 2 Travel Advisory for India
• Estimate Committee
Estimate Committee
• US military bases in West Asia
US military bases in West Asia
Mapping:
• Subarnarekha River
Subarnarekha River
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 23 June 2025
#### GS Paper 2:
Reshaping West Asia Geopolitics
Syllabus: International Relations
Source: NIE
Context: The latest Israel-Iran conflict and closure of the Strait of Hormuz are reshaping West Asia’s energy and geopolitical landscape, with major implications for global markets and India’s strategic interests.
About Reshaping West Asia Geopolitics:
• What it is? A transformation in power dynamics, alliances, and energy politics in West Asia, triggered by the escalation of military conflict and shifting global energy trends.
• A transformation in power dynamics, alliances, and energy politics in West Asia, triggered by the escalation of military conflict and shifting global energy trends.
• Recent Events: Israel’s strikes on Iranian nuclear sites: Israel launched targeted airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, escalating regional tensions and provoking Iranian retaliation. Iran’s robust retaliation with ballistic missile attacks: Iran responded with extensive missile strikes on Israeli military targets and infrastructure, signalling a new phase of direct conflict. Rising threat of a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz: Iran blocking this vital oil shipping route, through which ~20% of global oil passes, risking a global energy supply shock. Potential for oil embargoes and attacks on Gulf energy infrastructure: Fears grow over Iranian-backed militias attacking rival Gulf oil facilities or coordinated embargoes against Western powers.
• Israel’s strikes on Iranian nuclear sites: Israel launched targeted airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, escalating regional tensions and provoking Iranian retaliation.
• Iran’s robust retaliation with ballistic missile attacks: Iran responded with extensive missile strikes on Israeli military targets and infrastructure, signalling a new phase of direct conflict.
• Rising threat of a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz: Iran blocking this vital oil shipping route, through which ~20% of global oil passes, risking a global energy supply shock.
• Potential for oil embargoes and attacks on Gulf energy infrastructure: Fears grow over Iranian-backed militias attacking rival Gulf oil facilities or coordinated embargoes against Western powers.
Earlier Geopolitics in West Asia
• Dominated by Cold War rivalries and US-Soviet influence: Regional dynamics were shaped by superpower competition and alliances, often fuelling local conflicts.
• Oil diplomacy and the 1973 Arab oil embargo shaped global markets: The 1973 OPEC embargo demonstrated West Asia’s power to influence global energy prices and political outcomes.
• Israel-Iran relations were covert but pragmatic post-1979: Despite public hostility, secretive arms deals and intelligence sharing occurred during the Iran-Iraq war.
• Regional instability driven by Iraq-Iran war, Gulf wars, Arab-Israeli conflict: West Asia faced decades of war and turmoil, keeping energy markets volatile and alliances fluid.
New Geopolitics in West Asia:
• Shift toward multi-polar alignments (BRICS, SCO, China-Russia-Gulf links): Emerging alliances reflect growing Gulf ties with China and Russia, diluting traditional US dominance.
• Decline in US influence, emergence of Gulf regional autonomy: Gulf nations increasingly chart independent foreign policies, seeking diversified partnerships.
• Weaponisation of energy supplies as geopolitical tool: Oil and gas flows are now used strategically, with threats of embargoes or supply disruptions to gain leverage.
• Rising importance of non-state actors (Iran-backed militias): Militias, proxies, and hybrid warfare shape regional conflicts, adding layers of instability.
• Fragile balances between Gulf monarchies, Iran, and Israel: Tense but pragmatic co-existence among regional players risks tipping into wider conflict.
Factors / Causes for New Geopolitics:
• Energy Transition Pressures: Though renewables grow, oil and gas remain crucial, prompting Gulf states to maximise control and profits.
• Military Escalation: Israel-Iran hostilities now threaten key maritime routes like Hormuz, destabilising global energy trade.
• Regional Realignments: Warming Iran-Gulf relations may reshape oil alliances and affect traditional bloc politics.
• US Strategic Shifts: Erratic US policies create uncertainty, encouraging regional powers to hedge their bets and seek new partners.
• Public Sentiment: Pro-Palestinian, anti-West sentiment forces Gulf rulers to balance domestic opinion with external alliances.
Implications on India
• Positive Potential opportunities in diversified energy sourcing and strategic reserves building: India can use this crisis to expand energy partnerships and build buffer reserves for supply security. Space to play balancer role in BRICS, SCO diplomacy: India’s non-aligned stance offers a platform to mediate and strengthen multilateral engagements.
• Potential opportunities in diversified energy sourcing and strategic reserves building: India can use this crisis to expand energy partnerships and build buffer reserves for supply security.
• Space to play balancer role in BRICS, SCO diplomacy: India’s non-aligned stance offers a platform to mediate and strengthen multilateral engagements.
• Negative Possible disruption in oil/LNG supplies (40-50% of India’s energy imports via Hormuz): Any blockade or supply cut through Hormuz will critically disrupt India’s energy imports. Rising energy costs leads to inflationary pressures on Indian economy: Surging oil prices may trigger inflation, raising costs for transport, manufacturing, and food. Risk to Indian investments in Chabahar Port, INSTC, IMEC Corridor: Heightened conflict could derail India’s key connectivity and trade initiatives in the region. Strain on India’s balanced relations with both Israel and Iran: Growing polarisation forces India into difficult diplomatic choices, risking ties with either side. Possible erosion of remittance flows from Gulf nations: Regional instability may affect jobs and remittances from Gulf-based Indian workers, impacting household incomes.
• Possible disruption in oil/LNG supplies (40-50% of India’s energy imports via Hormuz): Any blockade or supply cut through Hormuz will critically disrupt India’s energy imports.
• Rising energy costs leads to inflationary pressures on Indian economy: Surging oil prices may trigger inflation, raising costs for transport, manufacturing, and food.
• Risk to Indian investments in Chabahar Port, INSTC, IMEC Corridor: Heightened conflict could derail India’s key connectivity and trade initiatives in the region.
• Strain on India’s balanced relations with both Israel and Iran: Growing polarisation forces India into difficult diplomatic choices, risking ties with either side.
• Possible erosion of remittance flows from Gulf nations: Regional instability may affect jobs and remittances from Gulf-based Indian workers, impacting household incomes.
Conclusion:
West Asia’s fast-evolving geopolitical landscape demands that India adopt a pragmatic, flexible, and interest-driven approach. Balancing diplomacy, energy security, and economic interests will be crucial to safeguard India’s strategic stakes in the region.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 23 June 2025 GS Paper 3:
Reforming India’s Food and Fertiliser Subsidies
Syllabus: Economics
Source: IE
Context: With poverty levels now at historic lows (5.3%) and subsidy bills rising steeply, there is a growing policy debate on reforming India’s food and fertiliser subsidies to improve efficiency.
About Reforming India’s Food and Fertiliser Subsidies:
A subsidy is a financial support or incentive provided by the government to individuals, businesses, or sectors to make goods or services more affordable or to encourage desired economic activities. It helps lower the cost of production or consumption and is aimed at achieving social welfare, economic efficiency, or public policy goals.
Types of Subsidies:
• Direct Subsidy:
• Government provides cash transfers or direct payments to beneficiaries.
• Example: PM-KISAN income support to farmers.
• Indirect Subsidy:
• Government reduces the cost of goods/services via tax exemptions or price controls.
• Example: Subsidised foodgrains under NFSA, subsidised LPG cylinders.
Data points:
• Food Subsidy FY26: ₹2.03 lakh crore (source: Ashok Gulati article).
• Fertiliser Subsidy FY26: ₹1.56 lakh crore (source: Ashok Gulati article).
• Poverty Decline: Extreme poverty reduced from 27.1% in 2011 to 5.3% in 2022 (source: Ashok Gulati article).
• Current PDS Coverage: Free foodgrains given to 800 million people (source: Ashok Gulati article).
• Public Distribution System Reach: 84% households had ration cards in FY 2022–23, with 59% under BPL, AAY, or PHH categories (source: Economic Survey 2025).
• Gini Coefficient Improvement: Rural Gini coefficient improved from 0.266 in 2022–23 to 0.237 in 2023–24 (source: Economic Survey 2025).
Need for Reforms in Food and Fertiliser Subsidy:
• Poverty Trends: With extreme poverty falling to 5.3%, providing blanket subsidies to 800 million people is fiscally inefficient and fails to reflect actual poverty levels.
• Leakages: Despite digitisation (84% ration card coverage), PDS leakages and ghost beneficiaries persist (e.g., Jharkhand’s cancelled cards), leading to poor targeting.
• Nutrition Gap: Current PDS focuses heavily on cereals (rice, wheat) but neglects protein-rich and micronutrient foods, failing to address nutrition security.
• Fertiliser Imbalance: Overuse of nitrogen-based fertilisers (urea) and underuse of P and K have damaged soil health, leading to declining yields and soil nutrient depletion.
• Fiscal Pressure: High food and fertiliser subsidies crowd out capital investment in critical rural infrastructure like roads, irrigation, and storage facilities.
Initiatives Taken:
• For Food Subsidy: PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY): Launched in 2020 to provide 5 kg free foodgrains per person/month to all NFSA beneficiaries during COVID and now integrated into NFSA provisions. Digitisation of Ration Cards: ~84% coverage through Aadhaar seeding and ePOS machines to improve targeting and reduce leakages. Strengthening TPDS: Adoption of Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) to better focus on BPL, Antyodaya (AAY) families for subsidised grains. Expanded PDS Commodities: Some states now supply pulses, edible oils, iodised salt via PDS to improve nutritional diversity beyond cereals.
• PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY): Launched in 2020 to provide 5 kg free foodgrains per person/month to all NFSA beneficiaries during COVID and now integrated into NFSA provisions.
• Digitisation of Ration Cards: ~84% coverage through Aadhaar seeding and ePOS machines to improve targeting and reduce leakages.
• Strengthening TPDS: Adoption of Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) to better focus on BPL, Antyodaya (AAY) families for subsidised grains.
• Expanded PDS Commodities: Some states now supply pulses, edible oils, iodised salt via PDS to improve nutritional diversity beyond cereals.
• For Fertiliser Subsidy: Neem-Coated Urea: Mandatory coating to reduce black marketing and promote slow nitrogen release for better soil health. Nutrient-Based Subsidy (NBS) Policy: Subsidy linked to nutrient content (N, P, K, S) to encourage balanced fertiliser use (non-urea fertilisers). Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT): Pilots and partial rollout for DBT of fertiliser subsidy to companies and farmers buy at lower prices via retailers. Price Regulation for Key Fertilisers: Government controls prices of urea, DAP, MOP — ensuring affordable access for farmers and stability in input costs.
• Neem-Coated Urea: Mandatory coating to reduce black marketing and promote slow nitrogen release for better soil health.
• Nutrient-Based Subsidy (NBS) Policy: Subsidy linked to nutrient content (N, P, K, S) to encourage balanced fertiliser use (non-urea fertilisers).
• Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT): Pilots and partial rollout for DBT of fertiliser subsidy to companies and farmers buy at lower prices via retailers.
• Price Regulation for Key Fertilisers: Government controls prices of urea, DAP, MOP — ensuring affordable access for farmers and stability in input costs.
Measures Needed:
• Food Coupons/Digital Wallets: Shift to digital coupons for bottom 15% population (~₹700/family/month) to buy diverse foods (pulses, milk, eggs).
• Targeting & Gradation: Tailor subsidy levels based on beneficiary income data (use PM-KISAN, Aadhaar, SECC databases).
• Fertiliser Coupons: Issue fertiliser coupons to farmers and deregulate prices to promote balanced and eco-friendly use.
• Encourage Alternatives: Incentivise bio-fertilisers and natural farming.
• Strengthen Monitoring: Triangulate data (PM-KISAN, land records) to improve targeting and reduce inclusion/exclusion errors.
• Political Communication: Build trust with farmers through advance communication to avoid resistance (as seen in earlier protests).
Conclusion:
India has made remarkable progress in poverty reduction and agriculture growth. But with a bloated subsidy bill and changing rural realities, it is time for smart reforms that promote nutrition, fiscal prudence, and environmental sustainability. Timely reform in food and fertiliser subsidies will ensure that public funds deliver maximum welfare impact.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 23 June 2025 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)
A Tale of Healthcare Inequality
Anecdote: In June 2025, in Gujarat’s Chhota Udepur district, a pregnant tribal woman was carried for miles in a makeshift cloth sling through muddy, treacherous forest paths—not by trained paramedics, but by desperate villagers. Her remote hamlet had no paved roads, no ambulance access, and no healthcare facility nearby. Just months earlier, another woman in a neighbouring village had died during childbirth under the same circumstances. This grim reality unfolded in a state often showcased as a “model of development,” where, in stark contrast, helicopter ambulances and VIP maternity suites cater to the wealthy in cities like Ahmedabad and Surat. The sight of tribal women being hauled through the mud while the affluent enjoy spa-like hospital care highlights a painful divide—one India races toward “Smart Cities,” while another India still lacks the most basic path to a hospital. The story of this woman is not an isolated tragedy—it is a mirror to a nation’s conscience, where true development remains hollow until every mother’s life is valued equally.
Relevance in UPSC Exam Syllabus:
• GS2 (Governance, Social Justice, Constitution)
• Keywords: health sector, welfare schemes, vulnerable sections, governance, service delivery
• Shows governance failure in delivering basic health services to vulnerable tribal populations. Illustrates gaps in implementation of Right to Health under Article 21.
• Shows governance failure in delivering basic health services to vulnerable tribal populations.
• Illustrates gaps in implementation of Right to Health under Article 21.
• GS4 (Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude)
• Keywords: ethics in public administration, empathy, compassion, human dignity, probity in governance
• Demonstrates absence of empathy and compassion for marginalized groups. Raises questions on justice, equity, and human dignity in governance.
• Demonstrates absence of empathy and compassion for marginalized groups.
• Raises questions on justice, equity, and human dignity in governance.
• Essay Paper
• Keywords: social justice, development, governance, human values
• Strong anecdote to open essays on inequality in development, urban-rural divide, or healthcare justice. Captures the contradiction between Viksit Bharat slogans and the exclusion of the poor.
• Strong anecdote to open essays on inequality in development, urban-rural divide, or healthcare justice.
• Captures the contradiction between Viksit Bharat slogans and the exclusion of the poor.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 23 June 2025 Facts for Prelims (FFP):
Operation Midnight Hammer
Source: NDTV
Context: The US launched Operation Midnight Hammer, deploying B-2 bombers and bunker-buster bombs in a precision strike on Iran’s nuclear sites (Fordow, Natanz, Isfahan), claiming significant damage to Iran’s nuclear infrastructure.
About Operation Midnight Hammer:
• What it is? A classified US military airstrike targeting Iran’s key nuclear facilities with precision weapons.
• A classified US military airstrike targeting Iran’s key nuclear facilities with precision weapons.
• Launched by: US Department of defence.
• Objective: To severely degrade Iran’s nuclear weapons infrastructure and demonstrate US strategic air power.
• Weapons used: B-2 Spirit stealth bombers with GBU-57A/B Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP). Tomahawk Land Attack Cruise Missiles launched from a US submarine. Decoy aircraft and support fighter jets for air defence suppression.
• B-2 Spirit stealth bombers with GBU-57A/B Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP).
• Tomahawk Land Attack Cruise Missiles launched from a US submarine.
• Decoy aircraft and support fighter jets for air defence suppression.
About US B-2 Spirit Stealth Bombers:
• What it is? An advanced strategic stealth bomber of the US Air Force, capable of delivering both nuclear and conventional weapons with minimal radar detection.
• An advanced strategic stealth bomber of the US Air Force, capable of delivering both nuclear and conventional weapons with minimal radar detection.
• Developed by: Northrop Grumman during the late 1980s.
• Key Features: Cost: $2.1 billion per unit (most expensive aircraft built) Range: Over 6,000 nautical miles without refueling (global reach) Payload: Over 40,000 lbs — can carry two GBU-57A/B “bunker-busters” or 16 B83 nuclear bombs Crew: Two pilots with advanced automation Stealth: Radar cross-section as small as a bird — evades advanced air defences Weapons: Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP): 30,000 lbs, penetrates 200+ ft of reinforced concrete JDAM, JSOW, JASSM-ER for varied conventional strikes Nuclear capabilities for deterrence role in US nuclear triad Significance: Demonstrates US global strike power and technological superiority. Capable of precision strikes on heavily fortified underground targets. Plays a vital role in deterrence, first-strike, and strategic military operations. Proven effectiveness across theatres: Afghanistan, Libya, Iran.
• Cost: $2.1 billion per unit (most expensive aircraft built)
• Range: Over 6,000 nautical miles without refueling (global reach)
• Payload: Over 40,000 lbs — can carry two GBU-57A/B “bunker-busters” or 16 B83 nuclear bombs
• Crew: Two pilots with advanced automation
• Stealth: Radar cross-section as small as a bird — evades advanced air defences
• Weapons: Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP): 30,000 lbs, penetrates 200+ ft of reinforced concrete JDAM, JSOW, JASSM-ER for varied conventional strikes Nuclear capabilities for deterrence role in US nuclear triad
• Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP): 30,000 lbs, penetrates 200+ ft of reinforced concrete
• JDAM, JSOW, JASSM-ER for varied conventional strikes
• Nuclear capabilities for deterrence role in US nuclear triad
• Significance: Demonstrates US global strike power and technological superiority. Capable of precision strikes on heavily fortified underground targets. Plays a vital role in deterrence, first-strike, and strategic military operations. Proven effectiveness across theatres: Afghanistan, Libya, Iran.
• Demonstrates US global strike power and technological superiority.
• Capable of precision strikes on heavily fortified underground targets.
• Plays a vital role in deterrence, first-strike, and strategic military operations.
• Proven effectiveness across theatres: Afghanistan, Libya, Iran.
Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)
Source: NIE
Context: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched a Comprehensive Special Audit to assess the entire aviation ecosystem and strengthen safety standards in India’s fast-growing civil aviation sector.
About Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA):
• What it is? India’s apex civil aviation regulatory body, responsible for overseeing air safety, licensing, and compliance with international standards.
• India’s apex civil aviation regulatory body, responsible for overseeing air safety, licensing, and compliance with international standards.
• Established in: Originally set up in 1978 as an attached office of the Ministry of Civil Aviation. It became a statutory body under the Aircraft (Amendment) Act, 2020.
• Ministry: Operates under the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India.
• Objective: To promote safe, efficient, and secure air transportation through robust regulation and proactive safety oversight.
• Key Functions of DGCA:
• Aircraft & Pilot Licensing: Registers civil aircraft and licenses pilots, air traffic controllers, maintenance engineers, and crew. Airport Certification: Certifies airports for operational safety and efficiency. Airworthiness Standards: Formulates airworthiness standards and grants Certificates of Airworthiness. Accident Investigation: Investigates aviation incidents and promotes accident prevention measures. Safety Oversight: Monitors compliance of all licensed aviation entities under Aircraft Rules, 1937. Training Approval: Approves flying, simulator, and maintenance training organizations. Air Transport Services Regulation: Grants Air Operator’s Certificates and regulates Indian and foreign airline operations within Indian airspace. Coordination with ICAO: Engages in ICAO Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP) and represents India in global aviation forums. Indigenous Development: Promotes domestic manufacturing of aircraft and components. Advisory Role: Advises the Government on technical, regulatory, and international matters concerning civil aviation.
• Aircraft & Pilot Licensing: Registers civil aircraft and licenses pilots, air traffic controllers, maintenance engineers, and crew.
• Airport Certification: Certifies airports for operational safety and efficiency.
• Airworthiness Standards: Formulates airworthiness standards and grants Certificates of Airworthiness.
• Accident Investigation: Investigates aviation incidents and promotes accident prevention measures.
• Safety Oversight: Monitors compliance of all licensed aviation entities under Aircraft Rules, 1937.
• Training Approval: Approves flying, simulator, and maintenance training organizations.
• Air Transport Services Regulation: Grants Air Operator’s Certificates and regulates Indian and foreign airline operations within Indian airspace.
• Coordination with ICAO: Engages in ICAO Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP) and represents India in global aviation forums.
• Indigenous Development: Promotes domestic manufacturing of aircraft and components.
• Advisory Role: Advises the Government on technical, regulatory, and international matters concerning civil aviation.
Insect-Based Livestock Feed
Source:
Context: Indian researchers and ICAR institutes are scaling up insect-based livestock feed to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and lower the environmental impact of conventional animal farming.
About Insect-Based Livestock Feed:
• What it is? Feed prepared from nutritious insect species such as black soldier flies, crickets, mealworms, and grasshoppers, used as a sustainable protein source for livestock and aquaculture.
• Feed prepared from nutritious insect species such as black soldier flies, crickets, mealworms, and grasshoppers, used as a sustainable protein source for livestock and aquaculture.
• Developed by: Pioneered by ICAR and private partners like Ultra Nutri India, Loopworm, and Bhairav Renderers in collaboration with institutes such as CIBA and CMFRI.
• Principle behind working: Waste-to-protein bioconversion: Insects like black soldier fly larvae efficiently consume and metabolize organic residues (agro-waste, food waste, brewery waste), producing high-protein biomass suitable for animal feed. Rapid biomass accumulation: Larvae grow rapidly (within 12–15 days), accumulating up to 75% crude protein and essential lipids, making the conversion process time-efficient and cost-effective. Enhanced gut microbiota modulation: Insect-derived proteins enhance animal gut health by promoting beneficial microbiota and reducing dependency on antibiotic growth promoters—thus helping mitigate AMR. Closed-loop nutrient cycling: Residual frass (insect waste) can be used as organic fertilizer, creating a circular, low-waste production model that supports sustainable agriculture.
• Waste-to-protein bioconversion: Insects like black soldier fly larvae efficiently consume and metabolize organic residues (agro-waste, food waste, brewery waste), producing high-protein biomass suitable for animal feed.
• Rapid biomass accumulation: Larvae grow rapidly (within 12–15 days), accumulating up to 75% crude protein and essential lipids, making the conversion process time-efficient and cost-effective.
• Enhanced gut microbiota modulation: Insect-derived proteins enhance animal gut health by promoting beneficial microbiota and reducing dependency on antibiotic growth promoters—thus helping mitigate AMR.
• Closed-loop nutrient cycling: Residual frass (insect waste) can be used as organic fertilizer, creating a circular, low-waste production model that supports sustainable agriculture.
• Key Features: High nutritional value: Rich in proteins (up to 75%), fats, micronutrients (zinc, iron, calcium), and dietary fibre. Efficient resource use: Insects require less land, water, and feed compared to traditional livestock farming. Low environmental footprint: Emissions of greenhouse gases are significantly lower in insect farming. Waste valorization: Insects upcycle organic and food waste into usable animal feed. Economic viability: Lower cost of production with better protein digestibility than soy or fish-based feed.
• High nutritional value: Rich in proteins (up to 75%), fats, micronutrients (zinc, iron, calcium), and dietary fibre.
• Efficient resource use: Insects require less land, water, and feed compared to traditional livestock farming.
• Low environmental footprint: Emissions of greenhouse gases are significantly lower in insect farming.
• Waste valorization: Insects upcycle organic and food waste into usable animal feed.
• Economic viability: Lower cost of production with better protein digestibility than soy or fish-based feed.
• Significance: Fights AMR: Reduces the need for antibiotics in feed, helping tackle antimicrobial resistance at the source. Supports food security: Can help meet rising protein demands as global food production must grow 70% by 2050 (FAO). Enhances climate resilience: Aligns with climate-smart agriculture and helps reduce the environmental impact of animal farming. Global momentum: Already regulated in 40 countries for animal feed use, including species like black soldier flies and crickets. Indian initiatives: ICAR-led projects aim to scale insect-based feed for shrimp, seabass, poultry, and livestock.
• Fights AMR: Reduces the need for antibiotics in feed, helping tackle antimicrobial resistance at the source.
• Supports food security: Can help meet rising protein demands as global food production must grow 70% by 2050 (FAO).
• Enhances climate resilience: Aligns with climate-smart agriculture and helps reduce the environmental impact of animal farming.
• Global momentum: Already regulated in 40 countries for animal feed use, including species like black soldier flies and crickets.
• Indian initiatives: ICAR-led projects aim to scale insect-based feed for shrimp, seabass, poultry, and livestock.
US Issue Level 2 Travel Advisory for India
Source: ET
Context: The US State Department issued a Level 2 Travel Advisory for India, urging citizens to exercise increased caution due to rising violent crime and terrorism threats.
About US Issue Level 2 Travel Advisory for India:
• What it is? A Level 2 advisory is part of the US State Department’s 4-level travel alert system that advises citizens on international travel risks. Level 2 means “Exercise Increased Caution”.
• A Level 2 advisory is part of the US State Department’s 4-level travel alert system that advises citizens on international travel risks. Level 2 means “Exercise Increased Caution”.
• Published by: US Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs.
• Four Categories of US Travel Advisories: Level 1 – Exercise Normal Precautions Level 2 – Exercise Increased Caution Level 3 – Reconsider Travel Level 4 – Do Not Travel
• Level 1 – Exercise Normal Precautions
• Level 2 – Exercise Increased Caution
• Level 3 – Reconsider Travel
• Level 4 – Do Not Travel
• Key Issues in Latest Advisory on India: Violent Crime and Sexual Assaults: Reports of rape and violent attacks at tourist destinations have risen. The advisory urges travellers, especially women, to avoid solo travel. Terrorism Threats: Terror attacks may occur without warning in crowded spaces — markets, public transport hubs, religious places, and government buildings. Restricted access for US officials in parts of eastern Maharashtra, Telangana, and West Bengal due to Naxalite presence. High-Risk Areas Identified: Jammu & Kashmir: Do not travel due to terrorism and unrest. India–Pakistan Border: Do not travel due to armed conflict risk. Central & Eastern India (e.g., Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand): Terror threats by Naxalite groups. Manipur: Avoid due to ethnic violence. Northeastern states: Reconsider travel to parts of Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, and remote border regions due to insurgent activity. Legal and Travel Restrictions: Satellite phones and GPS devices are banned; violation leads to jail or fine. E-visas are not valid for land crossings. Violations of immigration rules can lead to deportation or legal action. Impacts of the Advisory: Diplomatic Implication: May strain India–US people-to-people ties and affect tourism exchanges. Tourism Sector Impact: May deter US travellers from visiting India, hurting the tourism economy. Regional Sensitivities: Highlights security lapses in border and insurgency-prone areas, prompting national response. Policy Review: Encourages India to bolster law enforcement and tourist safety, particularly in sensitive zones. Perception Challenge: Affects India’s global image as a safe tourist and business destination.
• Violent Crime and Sexual Assaults: Reports of rape and violent attacks at tourist destinations have risen. The advisory urges travellers, especially women, to avoid solo travel.
• Reports of rape and violent attacks at tourist destinations have risen.
• The advisory urges travellers, especially women, to avoid solo travel.
• Terrorism Threats: Terror attacks may occur without warning in crowded spaces — markets, public transport hubs, religious places, and government buildings. Restricted access for US officials in parts of eastern Maharashtra, Telangana, and West Bengal due to Naxalite presence.
• Terror attacks may occur without warning in crowded spaces — markets, public transport hubs, religious places, and government buildings.
• Restricted access for US officials in parts of eastern Maharashtra, Telangana, and West Bengal due to Naxalite presence.
• High-Risk Areas Identified: Jammu & Kashmir: Do not travel due to terrorism and unrest. India–Pakistan Border: Do not travel due to armed conflict risk. Central & Eastern India (e.g., Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand): Terror threats by Naxalite groups. Manipur: Avoid due to ethnic violence. Northeastern states: Reconsider travel to parts of Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, and remote border regions due to insurgent activity.
• Jammu & Kashmir: Do not travel due to terrorism and unrest.
• India–Pakistan Border: Do not travel due to armed conflict risk.
• Central & Eastern India (e.g., Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand): Terror threats by Naxalite groups.
• Manipur: Avoid due to ethnic violence.
• Northeastern states: Reconsider travel to parts of Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, and remote border regions due to insurgent activity.
• Legal and Travel Restrictions: Satellite phones and GPS devices are banned; violation leads to jail or fine. E-visas are not valid for land crossings. Violations of immigration rules can lead to deportation or legal action.
• Satellite phones and GPS devices are banned; violation leads to jail or fine.
• E-visas are not valid for land crossings.
• Violations of immigration rules can lead to deportation or legal action.
• Impacts of the Advisory: Diplomatic Implication: May strain India–US people-to-people ties and affect tourism exchanges. Tourism Sector Impact: May deter US travellers from visiting India, hurting the tourism economy. Regional Sensitivities: Highlights security lapses in border and insurgency-prone areas, prompting national response. Policy Review: Encourages India to bolster law enforcement and tourist safety, particularly in sensitive zones. Perception Challenge: Affects India’s global image as a safe tourist and business destination.
• Diplomatic Implication: May strain India–US people-to-people ties and affect tourism exchanges.
• Tourism Sector Impact: May deter US travellers from visiting India, hurting the tourism economy.
• Regional Sensitivities: Highlights security lapses in border and insurgency-prone areas, prompting national response.
• Policy Review: Encourages India to bolster law enforcement and tourist safety, particularly in sensitive zones.
• Perception Challenge: Affects India’s global image as a safe tourist and business destination.
Estimate Committee
Source: FPJ
Context: Lok Sabha Speaker inaugurated the National Conference of Estimates Committees in Mumbai to commemorate 75 years of the Parliamentary Estimates Committee.
About Estimate Committee:
• What it is? A key financial oversight committee of the Parliament of India that examines how government funds are allocated and spent, ensuring economy, efficiency, and accountability.
• A key financial oversight committee of the Parliament of India that examines how government funds are allocated and spent, ensuring economy, efficiency, and accountability.
• Established in: 1950, post-Constitution, under the Rules of Procedure of Lok Sabha.
• Members: Consists of 30 Members of Parliament (Lok Sabha) but Ministers are excluded.
• Selection Process: Members are elected annually by Lok Sabha members, through proportional representation by means of a single transferable vote. The Chairperson is appointed by the Lok Sabha Speaker.
• The Chairperson is appointed by the Lok Sabha Speaker.
• Term: One-year term and term are renewable in nature
• Key Functions Review government estimates: Examines how money is allocated and suggests reforms for economy and efficiency. Recommend policy improvements: Proposes alternative policies for better public administration and budget management. Evaluate spending efficacy: Assesses whether public funds are being spent effectively as per approved policies. Suggest improvements in presentation: Recommends ways to improve how budget estimates are presented in Parliament. Exclusions: Does not review Public Undertakings—covered by a separate committee.
• Review government estimates: Examines how money is allocated and suggests reforms for economy and efficiency.
• Recommend policy improvements: Proposes alternative policies for better public administration and budget management.
• Evaluate spending efficacy: Assesses whether public funds are being spent effectively as per approved policies.
• Suggest improvements in presentation: Recommends ways to improve how budget estimates are presented in Parliament.
• Exclusions: Does not review Public Undertakings—covered by a separate committee.
• Working Process: Committee selects estimates from Ministries/Departments/statutory bodies for scrutiny. Calls for information from government and non-official sources. Conducts Study Visits (on-ground assessments) with prior approval. Holds formal evidence sessions at Parliament. Publishes Reports to Lok Sabha with findings and recommendations. Government must respond within six months via Action Taken Reports (ATR).
• Committee selects estimates from Ministries/Departments/statutory bodies for scrutiny.
• Calls for information from government and non-official sources.
• Conducts Study Visits (on-ground assessments) with prior approval.
• Holds formal evidence sessions at Parliament.
• Publishes Reports to Lok Sabha with findings and recommendations.
• Government must respond within six months via Action Taken Reports (ATR).
• Achievements: Since inception in 1950, the Committee has presented 1184 reports: 656 Original Reports 528 Action Taken Reports Covered almost all major Ministries and Departments. Contributed significantly to strengthening financial oversight and promoting fiscal accountability.
• Since inception in 1950, the Committee has presented 1184 reports: 656 Original Reports 528 Action Taken Reports
• 656 Original Reports
• 528 Action Taken Reports
• Covered almost all major Ministries and Departments.
• Contributed significantly to strengthening financial oversight and promoting fiscal accountability.
US military bases in West Asia
Source: DH
Context: Following the US airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear sites, Tehran has threatened retaliation against US military bases in West Asia, raising regional tensions.
About US military bases in West Asia:
• Bahrain: Base: Headquarters of the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet Significance: Controls US naval operations in the Gulf, Red Sea, Arabian Sea, and Indian Ocean.
• Base: Headquarters of the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet
• Significance: Controls US naval operations in the Gulf, Red Sea, Arabian Sea, and Indian Ocean.
• Qatar: Base: Al Udeid Air Base. Significance: Forward HQ of US Central Command; houses ~10,000 troops; critical for operations from Egypt to Kazakhstan.
• Base: Al Udeid Air Base.
• Significance: Forward HQ of US Central Command; houses ~10,000 troops; critical for operations from Egypt to Kazakhstan.
• Kuwait: Bases: Camp Arifjan (HQ of US Army Central) Ali Al Salem Air Base (“The Rock”)
• Bases: Camp Arifjan (HQ of US Army Central) Ali Al Salem Air Base (“The Rock”)
• Camp Arifjan (HQ of US Army Central)
• Ali Al Salem Air Base (“The Rock”)
• Camp Buehring (Iraq War staging post)
• Significance: Supports troop deployments into Iraq and Syria.
• United Arab Emirates: Base: Al Dhafra Air Base (shared with UAE Air Force) Port: Jebel Ali Port (major US Navy logistics hub) Significance: Supports air operations against ISIS and key for US reconnaissance in the region.
• Base: Al Dhafra Air Base (shared with UAE Air Force)
• Port: Jebel Ali Port (major US Navy logistics hub)
• Significance: Supports air operations against ISIS and key for US reconnaissance in the region.
• Iraq: Bases: Ain Al Asad Air Base (western Iraq) Erbil Air Base (Kurdistan region) Significance: Aids Iraqi forces, key node in NATO mission and site of Iranian missile strikes in 2020.
• Bases: Ain Al Asad Air Base (western Iraq) Erbil Air Base (Kurdistan region)
• Ain Al Asad Air Base (western Iraq)
• Erbil Air Base (Kurdistan region)
• Significance: Aids Iraqi forces, key node in NATO mission and site of Iranian missile strikes in 2020.
• Saudi Arabia: Base: Prince Sultan Air Base Significance: Supports US air and missile defense, incl. Patriot and THAAD systems; ~2,300 US troops.
• Base: Prince Sultan Air Base
• Significance: Supports US air and missile defense, incl. Patriot and THAAD systems; ~2,300 US troops.
• Jordan: Base: Muwaffaq al-Salti Air Base (Azraq) Significance: Base for 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing and covers Levant missions.
• Base: Muwaffaq al-Salti Air Base (Azraq)
• Significance: Base for 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing and covers Levant missions.
NOTE: NO NEED TO MEMORIZE ALL THIS INFORMATION. JUST KNOW THE U.S. AIR BASE NAMES AND THEIR HOST NATIONS, WHICH COULD BE ASKED IN MATCH-THE-FOLLOWING OR PAIR QUESTIONS.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 23 June 2025 Place in News:
Subarnarekha River
Source: TH
Context: Over 50,000 people were affected in Balasore, Odisha, after a flash flood in the Subarnarekha River caused by heavy rain and release of water from Chandil Dam in Jharkhand.
About Subarnarekha River:
• Origin of River: The river originates near Piska/Nagri, close to Ranchi, Jharkhand. The name ‘Subarnarekha’ means “Streak of Gold,” linked to historical gold mining at its origin.
• The river originates near Piska/Nagri, close to Ranchi, Jharkhand.
• The name ‘Subarnarekha’ means “Streak of Gold,” linked to historical gold mining at its origin.
• States it flows through: Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Odisha.
• Tributaries of Subarnarekha: Kharkai (joins at Jamshedpur), Kanchi, Roro, Harmu Nadi, Dulunga, Karru, Karakari, Singaduba, Kodia, and Dhamra. It is an independent river system and not a tributary of any larger river.
• Kharkai (joins at Jamshedpur), Kanchi, Roro, Harmu Nadi, Dulunga, Karru, Karakari, Singaduba, Kodia, and Dhamra.
• It is an independent river system and not a tributary of any larger river.
• Mouth of River: The river empties into the Bay of Bengal near Talsari, Odisha.
• Features of River: Length: 395 km. Drainage area: 18,951 sq. km — smaller among multi-state Indian river basins. Hundru Falls: A famous waterfall on its course in Jharkhand — falls from 98 metres. Course: After originating in Jharkhand, the river traverses Paschim Medinipur (West Bengal) and Balasore (Odisha) before reaching the sea. Cultural Significance: Known for gold traces in the sands of its riverbed.
• Length: 395 km.
• Drainage area: 18,951 sq. km — smaller among multi-state Indian river basins.
• Hundru Falls: A famous waterfall on its course in Jharkhand — falls from 98 metres.
• Course: After originating in Jharkhand, the river traverses Paschim Medinipur (West Bengal) and Balasore (Odisha) before reaching the sea.
• Cultural Significance: Known for gold traces in the sands of its riverbed.
About Chandil Dam:
• What it is? A multi-purpose dam known for tourism and irrigation, built across Subarnarekha River.
• A multi-purpose dam known for tourism and irrigation, built across Subarnarekha River.
• Located in: Chandil, Seraikela Kharsawan district, Jharkhand.
• Located on River: Built on the Subarnarekha River, near its confluence with Karkori River (which originates from Hundru Falls).
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