UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 24 June 2025
Kartavya Desk Staff
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 24 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 – 24 June (2025)
• WMO’s State of the Climate in Asia 2024 Report
WMO’s State of the Climate in Asia 2024 Report
GS Paper 3:
• UNEP launched the NDC Cooling Guidelines 2025
UNEP launched the NDC Cooling Guidelines 2025
GS Paper 4:
• UK Parliament has passed the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill
UK Parliament has passed the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill
Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):
• Women and Naxalism
Women and Naxalism
Facts for Prelims (FFP):
• NAVYA Initiative
NAVYA Initiative
• Training of Trainers (ToT) programme
Training of Trainers (ToT) programme
• India will conduct its first comprehensive Household Income Survey in 2026
India will conduct its first comprehensive Household Income Survey in 2026
• Ambubachi Mela 2025
Ambubachi Mela 2025
• Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)
Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)
• Sree Narayana Guru
Sree Narayana Guru
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 24 June 2025
#### GS Paper 1:
WMO’s State of the Climate in Asia 2024 Report
Syllabus: Environment
Source: WMO
Context: India’s eastern and western coastal regions are witnessing faster sea level rise than the global average, according to WMO’s State of the Climate in Asia 2024 report, posing an increasing threat to livelihoods and infrastructure.
Summary WMO’s State of the Climate in Asia 2024 Report:
Key Trends in India:
• Sea Level Rise: Arabian Sea rising at 3.9 ± 0.4 mm/year and Bay of Bengal at 4.0 ± 0.4 mm/year, both surpassing global average of 3.4 mm/year, threatening coastal zones.
• Coastal Impact: Low-lying regions within 50 km of India’s coast face increasing submergence risk, endangering livelihoods and urban infrastructure.
• Glacial Retreat: 23 of 24 glaciers in the Central Himalayas are losing mass, accelerating flood risk from glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs).
• Heatwaves: Over 450 deaths reported in 2024 due to prolonged and extreme heatwaves affecting multiple Indian states.
• Lightning: Lightning incidents claimed 1300 lives in 2024 and a single deadly event killed 72 people across five Indian states on July 10.
Trends in Asia:
• Warming Rate: Asia is heating at twice the global rate, amplifying regional climate impacts like droughts, floods, and storms.
• Heat Records: 2024 marked the second warmest year on record in Asia, with widespread, prolonged heatwaves across several countries.
• Natural Disasters: Increased frequency of landslides and floods, e.g., Kerala’s Wayanad landslide (350+ deaths after 500 mm rainfall in 48 hours).
• Glacial Lake Outburst: Glaciers in Himalayas and Tian Shan are melting rapidly, increasing GLOF events and downstream flooding risk.
Factors Influencing Sea Level Rise:
• Thermal Expansion: Rising ocean temperatures cause thermal expansion of water, pushing sea levels higher.
• Melting Ice Sheets: Accelerated melting of Greenland, Antarctic ice sheets, and global glaciers directly contributes to sea level rise.
• GHG Emissions: CO₂ and other greenhouse gases from fossil fuels drive global warming, fuelling further sea level rise.
• Ocean Currents Variability: Changes in regional ocean currents redistribute heat, affecting local patterns of sea level increase.
Consequences:
• For India:
• Coastal Erosion: Progressive erosion of coastlines threatens India’s eastern and western seaboards, affecting millions of residents. Livelihood Risks: Rising seas imperil fishing, agriculture, and tourism-based livelihoods in vulnerable coastal communities. Infrastructure Damage: Key ports, industrial hubs, homes, and urban infrastructure risk flooding or permanent damage. Migration: Increasing displacement of populations from coastal belts likely, triggering climate-induced migration.
• Coastal Erosion: Progressive erosion of coastlines threatens India’s eastern and western seaboards, affecting millions of residents.
• Livelihood Risks: Rising seas imperil fishing, agriculture, and tourism-based livelihoods in vulnerable coastal communities.
• Infrastructure Damage: Key ports, industrial hubs, homes, and urban infrastructure risk flooding or permanent damage.
• Migration: Increasing displacement of populations from coastal belts likely, triggering climate-induced migration.
• For Asia:
• Island Nations: Countries like the Maldives face existential threats from rising seas and coastal inundation. Urban Heat: Asian cities are seeing more frequent heatwaves, stressing public health and urban infrastructure. Agricultural Stress: Warming and erratic rainfall lead to crop yield failures, jeopardizing food security. Health Hazards: Heat-related illnesses and vector-borne diseases (malaria, dengue) are on the rise due to climate change.
• Island Nations: Countries like the Maldives face existential threats from rising seas and coastal inundation.
• Urban Heat: Asian cities are seeing more frequent heatwaves, stressing public health and urban infrastructure.
• Agricultural Stress: Warming and erratic rainfall lead to crop yield failures, jeopardizing food security.
• Health Hazards: Heat-related illnesses and vector-borne diseases (malaria, dengue) are on the rise due to climate change.
Case Study: Nepal
• Nepal’s glaciers in Central Himalayas lost significant mass in 2024, heightening flood risks.
• Increased GLOFs are threatening hydropower stations, roads, and mountain communities with devastating floods.
Recommended Measures:
• Coastal Zone Management: Develop resilient coastal infrastructure and restore mangroves to buffer sea level rise.
• Emission Reductions: Accelerate NDC targets and implement net-zero emissions pathways to mitigate warming.
• Early Warning Systems: Invest in climate monitoring, forecasting, and disaster early warning mechanisms.
• International Cooperation: Strengthen regional partnerships through UNFCCC and related climate adaptation frameworks.
• Local Capacity Building: Train communities in adaptive techniques and build local resilience to climate risks.
Conclusion:
The WMO’s State of the Climate in Asia 2024 underscores the urgent climate threat to India’s coasts. Policymakers must integrate robust mitigation and adaptation strategies to safeguard lives, livelihoods, and ecosystems.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 24 June 2025 GS Paper 3:
UNEP launched the NDC Cooling Guidelines 2025
Syllabus: Environment
Source: UNEP
Context: The UNEP launched the NDC Cooling Guidelines 2025 to help countries integrate sustainable cooling into Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), addressing rising emissions and heat-related vulnerabilities.
About UNEP launched the NDC Cooling Guidelines 2025:
• What it is? A global framework offering countries a structured process to include cooling measures in climate plans (NDCs) to balance mitigation, adaptation, and development goals.
• A global framework offering countries a structured process to include cooling measures in climate plans (NDCs) to balance mitigation, adaptation, and development goals.
• Developed by: UNEP Cool Coalition NDC Working Group with partners like UNDP.
• Objectives:
• Integrate sustainable cooling in NDCs. Cut sector emissions by 60% by 2050. Improve access to life-saving cooling for 1.1 billion people. Strengthen MRV (Monitoring, Reporting, Verification) for cooling measures. Align with Kigali Amendment and Global Cooling Pledge.
• Integrate sustainable cooling in NDCs.
• Cut sector emissions by 60% by 2050.
• Improve access to life-saving cooling for 1.1 billion people.
• Strengthen MRV (Monitoring, Reporting, Verification) for cooling measures.
• Align with Kigali Amendment and Global Cooling Pledge.
Data & Stats from the Report:
• Cooling = 7% of global GHG emissions today and could exceed 10% by 2050.
• 1.1 billion people lack access to cooling, risking lives, food security, and health.
• Cooling uses 20% of building electricity worldwide and over 50% in UAE buildings.
• By doubling appliance efficiency, cooling access can grow 6 times without proportional rise in emissions.
Key Challenges to Cooling Worldwide:
• High Emissions: Without urgent interventions, cooling-related emissions could double by 2050, exacerbating climate change and energy demand.
• Access Gaps: Over 1.1 billion people globally lack affordable access to sustainable cooling, putting lives, food security, and healthcare at risk.
• Vicious Cooling Cycle: Rising heat drives demand for inefficient cooling, which increases emissions — a self-reinforcing “vicious cycle” of climate impacts.
• Policy Gaps: Only 27% of updated NDCs include concrete energy efficiency targets for cooling, revealing gaps in national climate planning.
• Gender Inequity: Women, particularly in rural and low-income settings, face higher health risks from inadequate cooling and extreme heat.
UNEP Cooling Guidelines Summary:
Six-Stage Action Framework
• Baseline Definition: Countries must assess current HFC emissions and energy use in the cooling sector to identify priority actions.
• Target Formulation: Set measurable, time-bound cooling targets aligned with their NDCs to guide policy and investment.
• MRV Systems: Develop robust Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) tools to transparently track progress and outcomes.
• Policy Actions: Adopt Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS), Kigali-compliant refrigerant phase-down, urban greening, and passive cooling.
• Governance: Create cross-ministerial, gender-responsive coordination mechanisms for effective cooling policy implementation.
• Finance & Access: Mobilise finance and prioritise policies to ensure equitable access to affordable, sustainable cooling technologies.
Country Examples:
• Nigeria: Integrated National Cooling Action Plan (NCAP) into NDCs with focus on heat-resilient rural infrastructure.
• UAE: Prioritised district cooling systems and highly energy-efficient ACs in NDC 3.0 roadmap.
• Grenada: Committed to becoming the world’s first HFC-free nation by targeting complete phase-down
Conclusion:
The UNEP NDC Cooling Guidelines empower nations to transform cooling from a growing climate risk into an opportunity for equitable low-carbon growth. Integrating sustainable cooling in NDCs ensures climate resilience, human well-being, and progress towards SDGs. This is vital for India and global South nations facing extreme heat challenges.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 24 June 2025 GS Paper 4:
UK Parliament has passed the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill
Syllabus: Ethics
Source: TH
Context: The UK Parliament has passed the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill in the House of Commons, which allows terminally ill patients with less than six months to live to opt for assisted dying in England and Wales.
About UK Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill:
• What It Is? A legislation that enables terminally ill adults to legally end their life under strict medical and legal oversight.
• A legislation that enables terminally ill adults to legally end their life under strict medical and legal oversight.
• Features of the Bill:
• Applicable in England and Wales. Restricted to patients with less than 6 months to live. Requires approval by two doctors, a psychiatrist, a senior lawyer, and a social worker.
• Applicable in England and Wales.
• Restricted to patients with less than 6 months to live.
• Requires approval by two doctors, a psychiatrist, a senior lawyer, and a social worker.
What is Euthanasia?
The word “Euthanasia” comes from Greek, meaning “good death”. It refers to the intentional act of ending a person’s life to relieve them from unbearable pain or terminal illness, usually when there is no hope of recovery.
Types of Euthanasia:
• Active Euthanasia
• A deliberate action taken to cause a patient’s death (such as giving a lethal injection).
• Example: Administering a dose of drugs to end suffering.
• Passive Euthanasia
• Withholding or withdrawing medical treatments that prolong life (like removing a ventilator), allowing natural death to occur.
• Example: Discontinuing life support for patients in a permanent vegetative state.
• Voluntary Euthanasia
• The patient consents and requests to end their life to escape suffering.
• Example: Terminally ill patient formally requesting euthanasia.
• Involuntary Euthanasia:
• Life is ended without the patient’s consent.
• This is considered illegal and unethical (akin to murder).
Ethical Debate on Euthanasia
Arguments For:
• Right to Autonomy: Every individual should have the right to make decisions regarding their own body, including when and how to die, as an expression of personal freedom.
• Compassion: Euthanasia allows for relief from intractable pain and terminal suffering, fulfilling the moral duty to prevent unnecessary agony.
• Dignity in Death: It enables terminally ill patients to choose a peaceful and dignified death, rather than enduring a prolonged and degrading illness.
• Relief for Family & Caregivers: Families often suffer watching their loved ones in pain, euthanasia can spare emotional trauma and financial strain on families.
• Medical Resource Allocation: Permitting euthanasia may help better allocate scarce medical resources toward patients with a chance of recovery.
Arguments Against:
• Sanctity of Life: Human life is inherently sacred, and intentional killing — even to relieve suffering — violates core ethical and religious principles.
• Risk of Coercion: Vulnerable individuals, such as the elderly or disabled, may feel pressured by family or society to choose euthanasia to avoid being a burden.
• Palliative Care Alternatives: Modern palliative and hospice care can effectively manage most pain and symptoms, offering compassionate alternatives to euthanasia.
• Slippery Slope Argument: Legalising euthanasia could erode ethical boundaries and lead to abuse, where non-terminal or unwilling patients are put at risk.
• Doctor-Patient Trust: Introducing euthanasia compromises the traditional role of doctors as healers and undermines patient trust in medical professionals.
Supreme Court Judgements:
• Gian Kaur v. State of Punjab (1996): Denied “Right to Die” under Article 21.
• Aruna Shanbaug v. Union of India (2011): Allowed Passive Euthanasia under strict conditions.
• Common Cause v. Union of India (2018): Recognised Right to Die with Dignity under Article 21 and permitted Advance Directives for terminally ill patients.
Two Ethical Unknown Philosophies on Euthanasia
• Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s Humanism: Advocated valuing “meaningful existence” over biological continuation.
• Hans Jonas’ Ethics of Responsibility: Warned of technological overreach in medicine that may diminish respect for life’s natural course.
Quotes:
• “It is not death that a man should fear, but he should fear never beginning to live.” — Marcus Aurelius
• “To die will be an awfully big adventure.” — J.M. Barrie, Peter Pan
Conclusion:
Euthanasia debates globally reflect tensions between personal autonomy, ethical limits of medical practice, and societal values. As more countries revisit their laws, India too must balance dignity, compassion, and caution in this sensitive issue. Judicial clarity and public awareness will be key to shaping humane policy.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 24 June 2025 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)
Women and Naxalism
Context: There has been a sharp rise in women Maoist cadres killed in anti-Naxal operations in Chhattisgarh since 2024, as per data shared amid intensified government efforts to eliminate Maoism by 2026.
About Women and Naxalism:
• What It Is?
• Women cadres play a significant role in Naxal insurgency, especially in Bastar region and Jharkhand. Often coerced, indoctrinated, or forced into armed roles from poor tribal communities. Used as foot soldiers, human shields, and frontline fighters by Maoist leadership.
• Women cadres play a significant role in Naxal insurgency, especially in Bastar region and Jharkhand.
• Often coerced, indoctrinated, or forced into armed roles from poor tribal communities.
• Used as foot soldiers, human shields, and frontline fighters by Maoist leadership.
• Data Points:
• 2024: 217 Maoists killed in Chhattisgarh and 74 were women. 2025 (till June 20): 195 killed and 82 were women.
• 2024: 217 Maoists killed in Chhattisgarh and 74 were women.
• 2025 (till June 20): 195 killed and 82 were women.
• Factors Leading to Women Maoists:
• Coercion and threats to poor Adivasi families. Maoist practice of recruiting Bal Dastas (children’s squads). Ideological indoctrination of young girls. Patriarchal exploitation despite Maoist rhetoric of gender equality. Lack of alternative opportunities in backward regions.
• Coercion and threats to poor Adivasi families.
• Maoist practice of recruiting Bal Dastas (children’s squads).
• Ideological indoctrination of young girls.
• Patriarchal exploitation despite Maoist rhetoric of gender equality.
• Lack of alternative opportunities in backward regions.
Relevance in UPSC Exam Syllabus
• GS Paper 3: Internal Security, Left-Wing Extremism Helps analyse gender dynamics in Left-Wing Extremism and evolving tactics of Naxal outfits; useful for understanding security challenges in affected regions.
• Helps analyse gender dynamics in Left-Wing Extremism and evolving tactics of Naxal outfits; useful for understanding security challenges in affected regions.
• GS Paper 1: Indian Society — Tribal Issues, Women in Conflict Zones Highlights the intersection of gender, tribal marginalisation, and insurgency; aids in examining the socio-cultural impact of conflict on tribal women.
• Highlights the intersection of gender, tribal marginalisation, and insurgency; aids in examining the socio-cultural impact of conflict on tribal women.
• GS Paper 2: Governance — Role of NGOs, SHGs, Civil Services in Rehabilitation Illustrates the need for gender-sensitive governance approaches; informs policy-making for rehabilitation and reintegration of women Maoist cadres.
• Illustrates the need for gender-sensitive governance approaches; informs policy-making for rehabilitation and reintegration of women Maoist cadres.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 24 June 2025 Facts for Prelims (FFP):
NAVYA Initiative
Source: PIB
Context: The Government of India will launch ‘NAVYA’, a pilot initiative to skill adolescent girls, in Uttar Pradesh, under the Viksit Bharat@2047 Vision.
About NAVYA Initiative:
• What is NAVYA? NAVYA stands for “Nurturing Aspirations through Vocational Training for Young Adolescent Girls.” It is a new government pilot programme focused on skilling girls aged 16–18 years through vocational training.
• NAVYA stands for “Nurturing Aspirations through Vocational Training for Young Adolescent Girls.” It is a new government pilot programme focused on skilling girls aged 16–18 years through vocational training.
• Ministries Involved:
• Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD) Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE)
• Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD)
• Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE)
• Objectives:
• Empower adolescent girls with market-relevant vocational skills. Focus on non-traditional job roles to promote gender parity in new sectors. Build self-confidence, career aspirations, and economic independence among girls.
• Empower adolescent girls with market-relevant vocational skills.
• Focus on non-traditional job roles to promote gender parity in new sectors.
• Build self-confidence, career aspirations, and economic independence among girls.
• Key Features:
• Targets girls aged 16–18 with at least Class 10 qualification. Will be implemented in 27 districts (including Aspirational Districts and North-Eastern States) across 19 States. Leverages existing skill platforms like Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) and PM Vishwakarma Yojana. Institutionalised convergence between MWCD and MSDE for coordinated skilling efforts. Certification under PMKVY to enhance employability. Pilot launch event includes interactions with trainees and certificate distribution.
• Targets girls aged 16–18 with at least Class 10 qualification.
• Will be implemented in 27 districts (including Aspirational Districts and North-Eastern States) across 19 States.
• Leverages existing skill platforms like Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) and PM Vishwakarma Yojana.
• Institutionalised convergence between MWCD and MSDE for coordinated skilling efforts.
• Certification under PMKVY to enhance employability.
• Pilot launch event includes interactions with trainees and certificate distribution.
• Significance:
• Bridges the gender gap in non-traditional skills and industries. Focuses on underserved regions and vulnerable groups. Contributes to women-led development under the Viksit Bharat@2047 Vision. Aligns with the goal of a self-reliant and inclusive India. Enhances participation of girls in economic growth and nation-building.
• Bridges the gender gap in non-traditional skills and industries.
• Focuses on underserved regions and vulnerable groups.
• Contributes to women-led development under the Viksit Bharat@2047 Vision.
• Aligns with the goal of a self-reliant and inclusive India.
• Enhances participation of girls in economic growth and nation-building.
Training of Trainers (ToT) programme
Source: DD News
Context: The Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR), in partnership with IIM Ahmedabad, has launched a Training of Trainers (ToT) programme to strengthen Panchayats’ capacity to generate Own Source Revenue (OSR) under the Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA).
About Training of Trainers (ToT) programme:
• What is it? A new training initiative to strengthen the financial autonomy of Panchayats by enhancing their capability to generate Own Source Revenue (OSR).
• A new training initiative to strengthen the financial autonomy of Panchayats by enhancing their capability to generate Own Source Revenue (OSR).
• Ministry:
• Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR) In collaboration with IIM Ahmedabad and Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA)
• Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR)
• In collaboration with IIM Ahmedabad and Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA)
• Objective:
• Empower Panchayats to become financially self-reliant. Equip trainers with strategies for sustainable OSR generation. Promote leadership, innovation, and accountability at the Panchayat level.
• Empower Panchayats to become financially self-reliant.
• Equip trainers with strategies for sustainable OSR generation.
• Promote leadership, innovation, and accountability at the Panchayat level.
• Key Features:
• Implemented under Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA). Focus on behavioural insights, strategic revenue planning, and local innovation. Trains Master Trainers from 16 States/UTs, with future sessions planned. Lays the groundwork for a Model OSR Rules Framework and Digital Tax Collection Portal.
• Implemented under Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA).
• Focus on behavioural insights, strategic revenue planning, and local innovation.
• Trains Master Trainers from 16 States/UTs, with future sessions planned.
• Lays the groundwork for a Model OSR Rules Framework and Digital Tax Collection Portal.
About Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA):
• What is it? An umbrella Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) to develop and strengthen the Panchayati Raj System across rural India.
• An umbrella Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) to develop and strengthen the Panchayati Raj System across rural India.
• Launched in: Originally launched in 2018 and revamped for the period 2022-23 to 2025-26.
• Objectives:
• Build governance capacity of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Empower Panchayat representatives for effective leadership roles. Enhance OSR generation and financial planning capacity of Panchayats. Promote inclusive local governance through optimum resource utilisation and convergence of schemes. Strengthen Gram Sabhas as forums of citizen participation.
• Build governance capacity of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• Empower Panchayat representatives for effective leadership roles.
• Enhance OSR generation and financial planning capacity of Panchayats.
• Promote inclusive local governance through optimum resource utilisation and convergence of schemes.
• Strengthen Gram Sabhas as forums of citizen participation.
• Key Features:
• Focus on capacity-building for elected representatives. Encourages decentralisation and devolution of powers in line with PESA Act 1996. Integrates technology-driven solutions for good governance. Recognises and rewards best-performing Panchayats. Promotes exchange of ideas through partnerships with international and national bodies.
• Focus on capacity-building for elected representatives.
• Encourages decentralisation and devolution of powers in line with PESA Act 1996.
• Integrates technology-driven solutions for good governance.
• Recognises and rewards best-performing Panchayats.
• Promotes exchange of ideas through partnerships with international and national bodies.
India will conduct its first comprehensive Household Income Survey in 2026
Source: ET
Context: The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has announced that India will conduct its first comprehensive Household Income Survey in 2026.
About India will conduct its first comprehensive Household Income Survey in 2026:
• What is it? A nationwide Household Income Survey aimed at generating robust and reliable data on income distribution across India for the first time.
• A nationwide Household Income Survey aimed at generating robust and reliable data on income distribution across India for the first time.
• Ministry & Organisations Involved:
• Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) National Sample Survey (NSS) Technical Expert Group (TEG) led by Dr. Surjit S. Bhalla.
• Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI)
• National Sample Survey (NSS)
• Technical Expert Group (TEG) led by Dr. Surjit S. Bhalla.
• History of Past Efforts:
• 1950: NSS established and began large-scale household surveys. 1955–1970: Experimental surveys in the 9th, 14th, 19th, and 24th rounds, but faced underreporting issues. 1983–84: Pilot study on household income again failed to yield scalable results. Income estimates consistently fell below actual consumption and savings figures, deterring full-fledged surveys.
• 1950: NSS established and began large-scale household surveys.
• 1955–1970: Experimental surveys in the 9th, 14th, 19th, and 24th rounds, but faced underreporting issues.
• 1983–84: Pilot study on household income again failed to yield scalable results.
• Income estimates consistently fell below actual consumption and savings figures, deterring full-fledged surveys.
• Features of the 2026 Survey:
• First nationwide survey solely focused on household income distribution. Overseen by Technical Expert Group (TEG) to incorporate global best practices. Focus on developing conceptual clarity, sampling design, and estimation methodology. Incorporates digital tools to improve accuracy and capture impact of technology on wages and income. Builds on MoSPI’s recent statistical innovations (unincorporated sector surveys, services sector, private capital expenditure, and tourism data).
• First nationwide survey solely focused on household income distribution.
• Overseen by Technical Expert Group (TEG) to incorporate global best practices.
• Focus on developing conceptual clarity, sampling design, and estimation methodology.
• Incorporates digital tools to improve accuracy and capture impact of technology on wages and income.
• Builds on MoSPI’s recent statistical innovations (unincorporated sector surveys, services sector, private capital expenditure, and tourism data).
• Significance:
• Fills a critical data gap in understanding India’s evolving income patterns. Provides robust evidence to shape welfare policies and assess inclusive growth. Enhances India’s statistical infrastructure to match global standards. Supports effective economic planning and targeted fiscal interventions.
• Fills a critical data gap in understanding India’s evolving income patterns.
• Provides robust evidence to shape welfare policies and assess inclusive growth.
• Enhances India’s statistical infrastructure to match global standards.
• Supports effective economic planning and targeted fiscal interventions.
Ambubachi Mela 2025
Source: TOI
Context: Thousands of devotees are attending the Ambubachi Mela 2025 at Assam’s Kamakhya Temple, which celebrates the annual menstruation of Goddess Kamakhya, a key event in Tantrik Shaktism.
About Ambubachi Mela 2025:
• What is it?
• Ambubachi Mela is an annual religious festival held at Kamakhya Temple, Guwahati. It marks the menstrual cycle of Goddess Kamakhya, symbolising the fertility of the earth. The term “Ambubachi” means “water flowing,” linking the festival with monsoon rains and fertility.
• Ambubachi Mela is an annual religious festival held at Kamakhya Temple, Guwahati.
• It marks the menstrual cycle of Goddess Kamakhya, symbolising the fertility of the earth.
• The term “Ambubachi” means “water flowing,” linking the festival with monsoon rains and fertility.
• Uniqueness of Ambubachi Mela:
• No idol is worshipped—the natural process of menstruation is revered. Temple remains closed during the period and reopens ceremonially. Fertility and agriculture-related practices pause during this time, highlighting the festival’s deep socio-cultural significance. Cloth pieces stained with symbolic marks are distributed as protective amulets.
• No idol is worshipped—the natural process of menstruation is revered.
• Temple remains closed during the period and reopens ceremonially.
• Fertility and agriculture-related practices pause during this time, highlighting the festival’s deep socio-cultural significance.
• Cloth pieces stained with symbolic marks are distributed as protective amulets.
About Kamakhya Temple:
• What is it?
• One of the most sacred Shakti Peethas and a major Tantric worship site in India. Symbolises the union of Aryan and non-Aryan spiritual practices.
• One of the most sacred Shakti Peethas and a major Tantric worship site in India.
• Symbolises the union of Aryan and non-Aryan spiritual practices.
• Location: Situated on Nilachal Hills, around 7 km from Guwahati city, Assam.
• Built by:
• The original structure was destroyed by Kala Pahar. Reconstructed in 1565 by Chilarai, king of the Koch dynasty.
• The original structure was destroyed by Kala Pahar.
• Reconstructed in 1565 by Chilarai, king of the Koch dynasty.
• History & Legends:
• Linked to the legend of Sati, whose reproductive organ is believed to have fallen here. Associated with Goddess Kali and other forms of Shakti—Sundari, Tripura, Tara, Bagalamukhi, Chinnamasta, among others.
• Linked to the legend of Sati, whose reproductive organ is believed to have fallen here.
• Associated with Goddess Kali and other forms of Shakti—Sundari, Tripura, Tara, Bagalamukhi, Chinnamasta, among others.
• Architecture: Comprises three chambers: Rectangular western chamber Square middle chamber (with inscriptions and images of Naranarayana) Inner cave-like chamber housing the yoni-shaped cleft with a natural spring flowing through. Also houses temples dedicated to Lord Shiva (five temples) and Lord Vishnu (Kedara, Gadadhara, Pandunath).
• Comprises three chambers: Rectangular western chamber Square middle chamber (with inscriptions and images of Naranarayana) Inner cave-like chamber housing the yoni-shaped cleft with a natural spring flowing through.
• Rectangular western chamber
• Square middle chamber (with inscriptions and images of Naranarayana)
• Inner cave-like chamber housing the yoni-shaped cleft with a natural spring flowing through.
• Also houses temples dedicated to Lord Shiva (five temples) and Lord Vishnu (Kedara, Gadadhara, Pandunath).
Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)
Source: FE
Context: India sharply rejected references made by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) during its Istanbul meeting, calling on the body to refrain from commenting on India’s internal matters.
About Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC):
• What is it?
• The OIC is an intergovernmental organisation representing the collective voice of the Muslim world on international issues.
• The OIC is an intergovernmental organisation representing the collective voice of the Muslim world on international issues.
• Established in: 25 September 1969 in Rabat, Morocco.
• Headquarters: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
• Membership:
• 57 member states across four continents. India is not a member of OIC.
• 57 member states across four continents.
• India is not a member of OIC.
• Objectives:
• Promote Islamic solidarity among member states. Safeguard the interests of the Muslim Ummah. Foster international peace and harmony. Eliminate discrimination against Muslims globally. Support conflict resolution involving member nations.
• Promote Islamic solidarity among member states.
• Safeguard the interests of the Muslim Ummah.
• Foster international peace and harmony.
• Eliminate discrimination against Muslims globally.
• Support conflict resolution involving member nations.
• History:
• 1969: Founded post-Al-Aqsa incident. 1970: First foreign ministers’ meeting held in Jeddah and permanent secretariat created. 1972: First OIC Charter adopted. 2008: Current Charter adopted during the 11th Islamic Summit in Dakar to modernise OIC’s role.
• 1969: Founded post-Al-Aqsa incident.
• 1970: First foreign ministers’ meeting held in Jeddah and permanent secretariat created.
• 1972: First OIC Charter adopted.
• 2008: Current Charter adopted during the 11th Islamic Summit in Dakar to modernise OIC’s role.
• Functions: Acts as a collective platform for Muslim-majority countries. Maintains consultative status with the United Nations. Addresses issues like Palestine, counter-terrorism, poverty reduction, climate change, and human rights. Implements OIC-2025 Ten-Year Action Plan focusing on 18 priority areas with 107 goals.
• Acts as a collective platform for Muslim-majority countries.
• Maintains consultative status with the United Nations.
• Addresses issues like Palestine, counter-terrorism, poverty reduction, climate change, and human rights.
• Implements OIC-2025 Ten-Year Action Plan focusing on 18 priority areas with 107 goals.
Sree Narayana Guru
Source: PMI
Context: Prime Minister will inaugurate the centenary celebration of the historic 1925 conversation between Sree Narayana Guru and Mahatma Gandhi.
About Sree Narayana Guru:
• Who He Was?
• Sree Narayana Guru (1856–1928) was a saint, philosopher, poet, and social reformer from Kerala. A key figure in the movement against the caste system and untouchability in India.
• Sree Narayana Guru (1856–1928) was a saint, philosopher, poet, and social reformer from Kerala.
• A key figure in the movement against the caste system and untouchability in India.
• Birth:
• Born in Chempazhanthy, near Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. Belonged to the Ezhava community, a lower-caste group subject to discrimination.
• Born in Chempazhanthy, near Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
• Belonged to the Ezhava community, a lower-caste group subject to discrimination.
• Contribution in Freedom Struggle:
• His reformist ideals inspired national leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and influenced Kerala’s anti-caste and anti-untouchability movements. Played an important role in Vaikom Satyagraha, a key event in the freedom struggle linked to civil rights. Advocated non-violence and equality aligning with the broader values of India’s independence movement.
• His reformist ideals inspired national leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and influenced Kerala’s anti-caste and anti-untouchability movements.
• Played an important role in Vaikom Satyagraha, a key event in the freedom struggle linked to civil rights.
• Advocated non-violence and equality aligning with the broader values of India’s independence movement.
• Philosophies:
• Preached universal brotherhood: “One Caste, One Religion, One God for humanity.” Emphasised education, spiritual growth, and moral upliftment. Advocated religious harmony: “Whichever be the religion of a man, it suffices if it makes him a better man.”
• Preached universal brotherhood: “One Caste, One Religion, One God for humanity.”
• Emphasised education, spiritual growth, and moral upliftment.
• Advocated religious harmony: “Whichever be the religion of a man, it suffices if it makes him a better man.”
• Major Social Reforms:
• Consecrated a Shiva Lingam at Aruvippuram (1888), breaking Brahmin monopoly in temple worship. Founded over 40 temples across Kerala, accessible to all castes. Established Sivagiri Mutt (1904) and Aluva Ashram (1914) to promote education and comparative religion studies. Founded SNDP Yogam (1903), an organisation for the social and economic upliftment of lower castes. Championed education for the marginalised through schools, colleges, libraries, and literary clubs.
• Consecrated a Shiva Lingam at Aruvippuram (1888), breaking Brahmin monopoly in temple worship.
• Founded over 40 temples across Kerala, accessible to all castes.
• Established Sivagiri Mutt (1904) and Aluva Ashram (1914) to promote education and comparative religion studies.
• Founded SNDP Yogam (1903), an organisation for the social and economic upliftment of lower castes.
• Championed education for the marginalised through schools, colleges, libraries, and literary clubs.
• Literary Works: Narayana Guru authored important philosophical and devotional works such as Advaitha Deepika, Atmavilasam, Daiva Dasakam, and Brahmavidya Panchakam.
• Narayana Guru authored important philosophical and devotional works such as Advaitha Deepika, Atmavilasam, Daiva Dasakam, and Brahmavidya Panchakam.
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