UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 28 June 2025
Kartavya Desk Staff
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 28 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 – 28 June (2025)
• India’s Refusal to Sign SCO Draft Statement
India’s Refusal to Sign SCO Draft Statement
• India’s New Challenge: China-led Trilateral Nexus
India’s New Challenge: China-led Trilateral Nexus
GS Paper 3:
• Skills for the Future Report
Skills for the Future Report
Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):
• Statistical Report on Value of Output from Agriculture and Allied Sectors
Statistical Report on Value of Output from Agriculture and Allied Sectors
Facts for Prelims (FFP):
• Court of Arbitration on the Kishenganga and Ratle Hydroelectric Projects
Court of Arbitration on the Kishenganga and Ratle Hydroelectric Projects
• Sugamya Bharat App
Sugamya Bharat App
• Litchi
Litchi
• Kolhapuri Chappal
Kolhapuri Chappal
• Operation Deep Manifest
Operation Deep Manifest
Mapping:
• Dhole (Asiatic Wild Dog)
Dhole (Asiatic Wild Dog)
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 28 June 2025
#### GS Paper 2:
India’s Refusal to Sign SCO Draft Statement
Syllabus: International Relations
Source: HT
Context: Defence Minister refused to endorse the SCO joint statement during the Qingdao meet, objecting to the omission of India-specific terror concerns.
About Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO):
• What is it? The SCO is a Eurasian intergovernmental organisation focused on political, economic, security, and defence cooperation, particularly in Central and South Asia.
• The SCO is a Eurasian intergovernmental organisation focused on political, economic, security, and defence cooperation, particularly in Central and South Asia.
• Established in: Formally founded on 15 June 2001, evolving from the 1996 Shanghai Five initiative.
• Founding Members: China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan.
• Current Members (2025): 10 countries — India, China, Russia, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Iran, and Belarus.
• Objectives: Promote regional security, counter terrorism and extremism, resolve border issues, foster economic cooperation, and advocate for multipolarity in global governance.
• Promote regional security, counter terrorism and extremism, resolve border issues, foster economic cooperation, and advocate for multipolarity in global governance.
• Governing Body: The Heads of State Council (HSC) and Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) are key decision-making and security cooperation bodies.
India’s Refusal to Sign SCO Draft Statement:
• What Happened? India declined to sign the draft declaration at the SCO Defence Ministers’ Meet in Qingdao, chaired by China.
• India declined to sign the draft declaration at the SCO Defence Ministers’ Meet in Qingdao, chaired by China.
• Why India Refused? The draft excluded the Pahalgam terror attack while highlighting the Jaffar Express hijack in Pakistan. India sought balanced representation of terror threats from all member states, but one country (likely Pakistan) blocked the inclusion.
• The draft excluded the Pahalgam terror attack while highlighting the Jaffar Express hijack in Pakistan.
• India sought balanced representation of terror threats from all member states, but one country (likely Pakistan) blocked the inclusion.
• India’s Stance: Defence Minister reiterated India’s zero tolerance for terrorism, demanding accountability for state-sponsored terrorism and cross-border proxy groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba.
• Defence Minister reiterated India’s zero tolerance for terrorism, demanding accountability for state-sponsored terrorism and cross-border proxy groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba.
Significance of India’s Action at SCO:
• Sends a Strong Diplomatic Signal: India’s refusal reaffirms its non-negotiable stance on terrorism, even within a forum influenced by China and Pakistan.
• Assertive Multilateral Diplomacy: India disrupted consensus in a 10-member bloc, challenging the China-Pakistan narrative control within the SCO.
• Strategic Autonomy in Action: Aligns with India’s policy of strategic assertiveness, as seen during Operation Sindoor and other post-Galwan diplomatic moves.
• Undermines Anti-India Propaganda: By refusing to accept a selective and biased joint statement, India weakens attempts to internationalize internal security matters through SCO platforms.
• Signals to Upcoming SCO Summit: This stand sets the tone for the SCO Heads of State Summit in Tianjin, where India will push for terrorism-centric reforms in RATS.
Conclusion:
India’s SCO dissent underscores its unwavering red lines on terrorism in global diplomacy. It reflects a calculated assertion of strategic interests in a China-heavy regional bloc. As tensions evolve, India’s multilateral diplomacy will continue shaping the regional security narrative.
• Virus of Conflict is affecting the functioning of the SCO. In the light of the above statement point out the role of India in mitigating the problems. (2023)
India’s New Challenge: China-led Trilateral Nexus
Syllabus: International Relations
Source: TH
Context: China recently hosted the first China-Pakistan-Bangladesh trilateral dialogue in Kunming, soon after a China-Pakistan-Afghanistan meet, signaling a strategic push to consolidate Beijing’s influence in South Asia.
About India’s New Challenge: China-led Trilateral Nexus:
What is the Nexus?
• The emerging China-Pakistan-Bangladesh and China-Pakistan-Afghanistan trilaterals are Beijing’s strategic mechanism to expand its geopolitical leverage in South Asia.
• China drives the agenda and Pakistan gains strategic relevance; and Bangladesh & Afghanistan are pulled into China’s orbit for political, economic, and connectivity influence.
Mutual Interests Behind the Trilateralism:
• China: Seeks to dilute India’s influence, expand BRI projects, and use Pakistan to complicate India’s neighbourhood strategy.
• Pakistan: Gains strategic cover and economic aid from China to counterbalance India, especially post-Islamabad’s international isolation.
• Bangladesh & Afghanistan: Seek Chinese infrastructure investments and political assurances in a multipolar South Asia.
Historical Context & Evolution:
• 1962 Indo-China War Legacy: Post-1962, China backed Pakistan as a regional counterweight to India. This set the stage for long-term military and strategic convergence.
• Siliguri Strategy (1965): Pakistan attempted to isolate India by roping in Nepal, China, and East Pakistan to disrupt India’s connectivity via the Siliguri Corridor — a concept now resurrected.
• Terror Shielding & UNSC Diplomacy: China has shielded Pakistan-based terror entities like Lashkar-e-Taiba at the UNSC, reinforcing strategic trust between the two.
• 2025 Escalations: In Operation Sindoor, Pakistan used Chinese drones and radars, and Beijing criticized India’s counterstrike, reaffirming the alliance.
Implications of the Nexus
• On India Security Threat Intensification: Trilateral setups give legitimacy to China-Pakistan coordination on cross-border terrorism (e.g., Pahalgam attack, 2025). Diplomatic Disruption: China’s involvement complicates India’s outreach in Bangladesh and Afghanistan, traditionally seen as Indian strategic depth. BRI Encroachment: Enhanced trilateralism strengthens BRI’s southern flank, marginalizing India-led alternatives like BBIN or Chabahar route.
• Security Threat Intensification: Trilateral setups give legitimacy to China-Pakistan coordination on cross-border terrorism (e.g., Pahalgam attack, 2025).
• Diplomatic Disruption: China’s involvement complicates India’s outreach in Bangladesh and Afghanistan, traditionally seen as Indian strategic depth.
• BRI Encroachment: Enhanced trilateralism strengthens BRI’s southern flank, marginalizing India-led alternatives like BBIN or Chabahar route.
• On South Asian Stability: Strategic Polarization: Smaller countries are forced to balance between India and China, risking long-term regional fragmentation. Proxy Conflict Risks: Pakistan may exploit Chinese backing to re-intensify state-sponsored terrorism, destabilizing regional peace. Undermining SAARC-Like Platforms: China’s encroachment could render regional initiatives ineffective and externally influenced.
• Strategic Polarization: Smaller countries are forced to balance between India and China, risking long-term regional fragmentation.
• Proxy Conflict Risks: Pakistan may exploit Chinese backing to re-intensify state-sponsored terrorism, destabilizing regional peace.
• Undermining SAARC-Like Platforms: China’s encroachment could render regional initiatives ineffective and externally influenced.
Way Ahead for India:
• Reassert Strategic Redlines: India must clearly communicate that any neighbour aligning against its sovereignty will face economic, political, and military consequences.
• Strengthen Regional Partnerships: Boost engagement through platforms like BIMSTEC, IORA, and IPRU, bypassing Chinese influence.
• Counter with Economic Diplomacy: Offer targeted investments, credit lines, and market access to South Asian nations to dilute Chinese influence.
• Expand Defence Engagement: India should deepen military ties with Bangladesh, Maldives, and Afghanistan, showcasing credible alternatives to Chinese military aid.
• Narrative Building & Strategic Communication: Project India as a non-hegemonic, inclusive partner, countering Chinese propaganda in the region.
Conclusion:
The China-led trilateral nexus marks a shift in regional power play aimed at restraining India’s strategic ascent. India must blend hard power, diplomacy, and economic leverage to prevent encirclement. Only a confident, proactive India can shape a secure and multipolar South Asian order free from coercive trilateralism.
• “The USA is facing an existential threat in the form of a China, that is much more challenging than the erstwhile Soviet Union.” Explain. (2021)
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 28 June 2025 GS Paper 3:
Skills for the Future Report
Syllabus: Skill and Economy
Source: PIB
Context: Union Minister launched the “Skills for the Future: Transforming India’s Workforce Landscape” report by the Institute for Competitiveness.
About Skills for the Future Report:
Importance of Skills in India’s Development
• Demographic Dividend: India has one of the world’s youngest populations. By 2047, skilling is crucial to convert this into productive human capital before ageing sets in.
• Economic Growth: Higher education boosts long-term GDP. A 1% rise in GER at tertiary level raises GDP by 0.511% (Parika, 2020).
• Employment Demand: India must create 5 lakh non-farm jobs annually till 2030 (Economic Survey 2023–24), needing skilled and job-ready workers.
• Global Competitiveness: To lead in EVs, AI, and green tech, India needs a workforce equipped for Industry 4.0 and sustainable sectors.
Key Findings from the Report:
• Skill Level Distribution (PLFS 2023–24): 88% of India’s workforce is in low-competency jobs (Skill Levels 1 & 2). Only 10–12% are in high-skill roles (Skill Levels 3 & 4). 9.76% of population has education beyond secondary level; 52.4% have only primary education.
• 88% of India’s workforce is in low-competency jobs (Skill Levels 1 & 2).
• Only 10–12% are in high-skill roles (Skill Levels 3 & 4).
• 9.76% of population has education beyond secondary level; 52.4% have only primary education.
• Severe Skill Mismatch: Only 8.25% of graduates (Skill Level 3) work in matching roles. Over 50% of graduates are employed in lower-skill jobs (e.g., shopkeepers, operators). Overqualification is more prevalent than underqualification.
• Only 8.25% of graduates (Skill Level 3) work in matching roles.
• Over 50% of graduates are employed in lower-skill jobs (e.g., shopkeepers, operators).
• Overqualification is more prevalent than underqualification.
• Low Penetration of TVET (Technical & Vocational Education & Training): Only 4.5% of the workforce has formal vocational training. TVET is often limited to Skill Level 2 roles; lacks alignment with modern industry needs.
• Only 4.5% of the workforce has formal vocational training.
• TVET is often limited to Skill Level 2 roles; lacks alignment with modern industry needs.
• Income Inequality by Skill Level: Skill Level 1 Avg. Wage: ₹98,835 Skill Level 2 Avg. Wage: ₹1.26 lakh Skill Level 3 Avg. Wage: ₹2.81 lakh Skill Level 4 Avg. Wage: ₹3.94 lakh 46% of workforce earns less than ₹1 lakh annually.
• Skill Level 1 Avg. Wage: ₹98,835
• Skill Level 2 Avg. Wage: ₹1.26 lakh
• Skill Level 3 Avg. Wage: ₹2.81 lakh
• Skill Level 4 Avg. Wage: ₹3.94 lakh
• 46% of workforce earns less than ₹1 lakh annually.
• Sectoral Skilling Concentration: Five sectors make up 66% of vocational enrolments: Electronics, IT/ITeS, Textiles & Apparel, Healthcare & Life Sciences, and Beauty & Wellness
• Five sectors make up 66% of vocational enrolments: Electronics, IT/ITeS, Textiles & Apparel, Healthcare & Life Sciences, and Beauty & Wellness
• Regional Skill Inequality: States like Bihar, Assam: 95% of workforce in low-skill roles. States like Kerala, Chandigarh have higher shares in Skill 3 & 4. Brain drains and migration are prominent in low-skill, low-growth regions.
• States like Bihar, Assam: 95% of workforce in low-skill roles.
• States like Kerala, Chandigarh have higher shares in Skill 3 & 4.
• Brain drains and migration are prominent in low-skill, low-growth regions.
• Educational Transition Challenges: Transition from secondary to higher secondary level is weak: GER at higher secondary is only 57.56% (2021–22). GER at higher education remains below 30%, limiting pipeline to Skill Levels 3 and 4.
• Transition from secondary to higher secondary level is weak: GER at higher secondary is only 57.56% (2021–22).
• GER at higher education remains below 30%, limiting pipeline to Skill Levels 3 and 4.
• Sector-Specific Workforce Readiness Deficit: Many states show <5% workforce in Skill 3 roles. In IT, healthcare, and green jobs (EVs, biotech), India lacks skilled technicians, supervisors, and associate professionals.
• Many states show <5% workforce in Skill 3 roles.
• In IT, healthcare, and green jobs (EVs, biotech), India lacks skilled technicians, supervisors, and associate professionals.
Challenges Associated with Skilling in India:
• Skill-Education Mismatch: Overqualified youth work in low-skill jobs; underqualified workers fill skilled roles via informal pathways, reducing efficiency.
• Weak TVET-Industry Linkage: TVET programs are outdated and poorly aligned with digital, green, and advanced manufacturing sector needs.
• Informal Jobs & Wage Inequality: 46% of the workforce earns under ₹1 lakh/year; most low-skill jobs lack social security and upward mobility.
• Regional Imbalances & Migration: Skilling gaps in states like Bihar and UP fuel migration, burdening urban economies and worsening rural stagnation.
• Data & Access Gaps: Absence of real-time tracking, outcome-based metrics, and low skilling access for women, SC/STs, and rural youth.
Recommendations:
• Institutional Reforms: Launch a Skill Gap Survey and create a Central Skill Data Repository for real-time policy inputs.
• Curriculum Overhaul: Update NCO codes and align TVET content with modern tech and green economy job roles.
• TVET Revamp: Integrate vocational learning in schools, boost NAPS apprenticeships, and tie industry hiring to PMKVY certifications.
• Higher Education Push: Raise GER at higher secondary/tertiary levels; scale flexible, remote skilling for working populations.
• Inclusive, Targeted Skilling: Empower states through Skill Missions, prioritize women and SC/ST training, and focus on high-job-growth sectors like logistics and healthcare.
Conclusion:
A future-ready India hinges on bridging its skill gaps through inclusive, data-driven, and industry-aligned interventions. Skilling must evolve beyond education to enable meaningful employment and economic mobility. With focused reforms, India can transform its demographic potential into a global workforce advantage by 2047.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 28 June 2025 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)
Statistical Report on Value of Output from Agriculture and Allied Sectors
Context: The National Statistics Office (NSO) released the annual Statistical Report on Value of Output from Agriculture and Allied Sectors (2011–12 to 2023–24).
About Statistical Report on Value of Output from Agriculture and Allied Sectors (2011–12 to 2023–24):
Overall Agricultural GVA Growth:
• Gross Value Added (GVA) of agriculture and allied sectors rose 225% at current prices, from ₹1,502 thousand crore (2011–12) to ₹4,878 thousand crore (2023–24).
• At constant prices, GVO grew 54.6%, from ₹1,908 thousand crore to ₹2,949 thousand crore over the same period.
Dominance of Crop Sector:
• Crop sector remains the largest contributor, with ₹1,595 thousand crore (54.1%) in 2023–24 GVO.
• Cereals and fruits & vegetables together made up 52.5% of total crop output value.
Cereal Output & State Contributions:
• Paddy and wheat contribute ~85% of cereal GVO.
• Top 5 states (Uttar Pradesh, MP, Punjab, Telangana, Haryana) made up 53% of cereal GVO in 2023–24.
• Uttar Pradesh retained the top spot despite a drop from 18.6% to 17.2% share.
Fruits & Vegetables Dynamics:
• Banana (₹47.0k Cr) overtook mango (₹46.1k Cr) in fruit GVO.
• Potato led the vegetable category throughout the period and its GVO rose from ₹21.3k Cr to ₹37.2k Cr.
• Floriculture nearly doubled in value from ₹17.4k Cr to ₹28.1k Cr.
Shifts in State-wise Production:
• Significant changes in leading states for fruits, vegetables, and floriculture, indicating regional diversification in production.
Condiments & Spices:
• Madhya Pradesh emerged as the top contributor with 19.2% share in 2023–24 GVO.
• Karnataka (16.6%) and Gujarat (15.5%) followed closely.
Livestock Sector Surge:
• Livestock GVO almost doubled: ₹488k Cr (2011–12) to ₹919k Cr (2023–24).
• Milk remained dominant (share reduced from 67.2% to 65.9%), while meat rose from 19.7% to 24.1%.
Forestry Sector Trends:
• GVO increased from ₹149k Cr to ₹227k Cr.
• Industrial wood share rose sharply from 49.9% to 70.2%, showing commercial focus.
Rise in Fisheries:
• Fisheries’ share in total agricultural GVO rose from 4.2% to 7.0%.
• Marine fish share increased to 49.8%, inland fish share declined to 50.2%.
• Notable state shifts: West Bengal and Andhra Pradesh saw major changes in output.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 28 June 2025 Facts for Prelims (FFP):
Court of Arbitration on the Kishenganga and Ratle Hydroelectric Projects
Source: NDTV
Context: India has rejected a “supplemental award” issued by a Court of Arbitration on the Kishenganga and Ratle hydroelectric projects, citing its illegality and breach of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) 1960.
About Court of Arbitration on the Kishenganga and Ratle Hydroelectric Projects:
• What is it? The Court of Arbitration is an ad-hoc international dispute resolution mechanism under Annexure G of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), 1960, meant to resolve differences when bilateral means fail.
• The Court of Arbitration is an ad-hoc international dispute resolution mechanism under Annexure G of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), 1960, meant to resolve differences when bilateral means fail.
• Legal Basis: The COA can only be formed with the agreement of both India and Pakistan and in strict accordance with procedures under IWT.
• India’s Stand: India terms the current court as “illegally constituted”, as it was formed unilaterally at Pakistan’s request, bypassing IWT norms.
• Recent Verdict: The so-called “supplemental award” questions the design and functioning of India’s Kishenganga and Ratle hydro projects. India rejected it, stating it violates India’s sovereign rights and has no legal binding.
• The so-called “supplemental award” questions the design and functioning of India’s Kishenganga and Ratle hydro projects. India rejected it, stating it violates India’s sovereign rights and has no legal binding.
About Ratle Hydroelectric Project
• Location: Situated on the Chenab River in Kishtwar district, Jammu and Kashmir.
• Capacity: An 850 MW run-of-the-river hydro project.
• Significance: Key for clean energy, water security, and regional development. The project is supported through a joint venture between National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) and JKPDC.
• Pakistan’s Objection: Islamabad claims design features, like spillway structure and pondage, violate the IWT, which India strongly contests.
About Kishenganga Hydroelectric Project:
• Location: Built on the Kishenganga River (called Neelum in Pakistan) in Bandipora district, Jammu and Kashmir.
• Capacity: A 330 MW run-of-the-river project.
• Commissioned: The project was commissioned in 2018.
• Strategic Importance: Diverts water from the Kishenganga to the Jhelum basin to maximize power generation — a provision permitted under the IWT, subject to conditions.
• International Dispute: Pakistan raised concerns on environmental and water flow impacts. The previous neutral expert (2013) allowed India’s construction with minor design modifications.
India’s Justification for Treaty Suspension:
• India has placed IWT in abeyance post the Pahalgam terrorist attack, citing Pakistan’s continued backing of cross-border terrorism.
• Sovereign right claimed under Vienna Convention on Law of Treaties, which allows suspension in case of material breach.
Sugamya Bharat App
Source: PIB
Context: The Sugamya Bharat App has been revamped with new AI features and an intuitive interface to improve accessibility support for persons with disabilities (Divyangjan) and senior citizens.
About Sugamya Bharat App:
• What is it? Sugamya Bharat App is a crowdsourced mobile platform that allows users to report accessibility-related barriers in public infrastructure, transport, and ICT systems.
• Sugamya Bharat App is a crowdsourced mobile platform that allows users to report accessibility-related barriers in public infrastructure, transport, and ICT systems.
• Launched by: Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
• Launched in: 2021, as part of the broader Accessible India Campaign (Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan).
• Primary Objective: To enable citizens to report accessibility challenges, promote inclusive infrastructure, and strengthen citizen participation (Jan-Bhagidari) in building a barrier-free India.
Key Features of the Revamped App:
• User-Friendly Design: Intuitive navigation and simplified user experience for persons with disabilities and the elderly.
• AI-Powered Chatbot: Offers instant support and real-time information on various government schemes and initiatives for Divyangjan.
• Real-time Circulars and Notifications: Updates on latest policies, accessibility programs, and DEPwD announcements.
• Complaint Redressal System: Citizens can upload geo-tagged photos to report non-accessible infrastructure. Out of 2,705 total complaints, 1,897 have been resolved till June 2025.
• Citizens can upload geo-tagged photos to report non-accessible infrastructure.
• Out of 2,705 total complaints, 1,897 have been resolved till June 2025.
Litchi
Source: ET
Context: India flagged off its first export consignment of rose-scented litchi from Pathankot (Punjab) to Doha (Qatar), facilitated by APEDA.
About Litchi:
• What it is? Litchi is a juicy, aromatic fruit rich in sugars, vitamins, and minerals. It belongs to the Sapindaceae family and is consumed fresh, canned, or dried.
• Litchi is a juicy, aromatic fruit rich in sugars, vitamins, and minerals. It belongs to the Sapindaceae family and is consumed fresh, canned, or dried.
• Origin: Native to southern China, it reached India through Myanmar and Northeast India in the 18th century.
• Agro-Climatic Conditions for Cultivation:
• Temperature: 21°C–35°C is ideal. Rainfall: Requires 1500–2000 mm annual rainfall, with dry, cool winters for flowering. Soil: Well-drained deep loamy soil with pH 5.5 to 7.
• Temperature: 21°C–35°C is ideal.
• Rainfall: Requires 1500–2000 mm annual rainfall, with dry, cool winters for flowering.
• Soil: Well-drained deep loamy soil with pH 5.5 to 7.
• Top Producing States:
• Bihar – Largest producer (~221.7 thousand MT), known for Shahi and China cultivars. West Bengal – High productivity (~10.5 MT/ha). Punjab, Assam, Tripura, Jharkhand, Uttaranchal.
• Bihar – Largest producer (~221.7 thousand MT), known for Shahi and China cultivars.
• West Bengal – High productivity (~10.5 MT/ha). Punjab, Assam, Tripura, Jharkhand, Uttaranchal.
• Punjab, Assam, Tripura, Jharkhand, Uttaranchal.
• Economic Significance:
• Rich in Vitamin C, B1, Riboflavin, and minerals like calcium and phosphorus. Used for making squash, wine, pickles, and dried litchi-nut. Valued export commodity with increasing demand in Gulf and Southeast Asian
• Rich in Vitamin C, B1, Riboflavin, and minerals like calcium and phosphorus.
• Used for making squash, wine, pickles, and dried litchi-nut.
• Valued export commodity with increasing demand in Gulf and Southeast Asian
• About Litchi Consignment:
• Reefer pallets used to preserve freshness. High-value produce sourced from progressive farming models. Promotes farmers’ global market integration under One District One Product (ODOP) initiative. Punjab’s output: 71,490 MT and contributes 12.39% of India’s total litchi production.
• Reefer pallets used to preserve freshness.
• High-value produce sourced from progressive farming models.
• Promotes farmers’ global market integration under One District One Product (ODOP) initiative.
• Punjab’s output: 71,490 MT and contributes 12.39% of India’s total litchi production.
Kolhapuri Chappal
Source: HT
Context: India’s traditional Kolhapuri chappal makers have objected to luxury brand Prada’s 2026 collection, alleging unauthorised imitation of their heritage footwear design.
About Kolhapuri Chappal:
• What it is? Kolhapuri chappals are handcrafted leather sandals, known for their durability, intricate design, and distinct open-toe, T-strap structure.
• Kolhapuri chappals are handcrafted leather sandals, known for their durability, intricate design, and distinct open-toe, T-strap structure.
• Region of Origin: Traditionally made in Kolhapur and adjoining districts in Maharashtra and parts of Karnataka, such as Belgaum, Bagalkot, and Dharwad.
• GI Tag:
• Received Geographical Indication (GI) status in 2019. Jointly registered by artisans from Maharashtra and Karnataka. The GI tag ensures only registered producers can market products under the “Kolhapuri” name.
• Received Geographical Indication (GI) status in 2019.
• Jointly registered by artisans from Maharashtra and Karnataka.
• The GI tag ensures only registered producers can market products under the “Kolhapuri” name.
• History & Cultural Significance:
• Traces back to 13th century during the rule of King Bijjala and Basavanna. Symbolizes rural craftsmanship and sustainable fashion, often passed down through generations.
• Traces back to 13th century during the rule of King Bijjala and Basavanna.
• Symbolizes rural craftsmanship and sustainable fashion, often passed down through generations.
• Unique Features:
• Made using vegetable-tanned buffalo hide without nails. Designs include traditional motifs and braided leather straps. The chappals are eco-friendly, breathable, and long-lasting.
• Made using vegetable-tanned buffalo hide without nails.
• Designs include traditional motifs and braided leather straps.
• The chappals are eco-friendly, breathable, and long-lasting.
• GI Issue: GI laws protect origin-linked naming and collective practices. However, monetary compensation isn’t permitted unless name or production process is misused. Since Prada didn’t use the term Kolhapuri, infringement claims are weak under current frameworks. Structural IP Issues: IP laws favour individual ownership, not community-based traditions. Traditional crafts lack documentation, novelty, and defined ownership—making them ineligible under patents or copyrights.
• GI laws protect origin-linked naming and collective practices.
• However, monetary compensation isn’t permitted unless name or production process is misused.
• Since Prada didn’t use the term Kolhapuri, infringement claims are weak under current frameworks.
• Structural IP Issues: IP laws favour individual ownership, not community-based traditions. Traditional crafts lack documentation, novelty, and defined ownership—making them ineligible under patents or copyrights.
• IP laws favour individual ownership, not community-based traditions.
• Traditional crafts lack documentation, novelty, and defined ownership—making them ineligible under patents or copyrights.
Operation Deep Manifest
Source: DD News
Context: The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has seized Pakistani-origin goods worth ₹9 crore under ‘Operation Deep Manifest’.
About Operation Deep Manifest:
• What It Is? A targeted enforcement operation by the DRI to detect and disrupt illicit trade routes being used to smuggle banned Pakistani-origin goods into India.
• A targeted enforcement operation by the DRI to detect and disrupt illicit trade routes being used to smuggle banned Pakistani-origin goods into India.
• Launched By: Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), under the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), Ministry of Finance.
• Objective: To enforce India’s comprehensive import ban on Pakistani goods and prevent economic infiltration via third-country transshipment.
• Key Features:
• Container Surveillance: Intercepted 39 containers carrying 1,115 metric tonnes of goods falsely labelled as UAE-origin. Document Forensics: Tracked shipping records and revealed false declarations, container swaps, and dual-port routing via Dubai (Jebel Ali Port). Financial Intelligence: Uncovered fund flow links to Pakistani entities and their UAE collaborators. Enforcement Outcome: Arrested a key partner of an importing firm and initiated broader criminal and financial investigations.
• Container Surveillance: Intercepted 39 containers carrying 1,115 metric tonnes of goods falsely labelled as UAE-origin.
• Document Forensics: Tracked shipping records and revealed false declarations, container swaps, and dual-port routing via Dubai (Jebel Ali Port).
• Financial Intelligence: Uncovered fund flow links to Pakistani entities and their UAE collaborators.
• Enforcement Outcome: Arrested a key partner of an importing firm and initiated broader criminal and financial investigations.
• Significance:
• Protects national economic security by cutting off illicit trade networks from hostile states. Reinforces India’s zero-tolerance policy post-terror attacks. Enhances DRI’s credibility in using data analytics and AI-driven customs enforcement. Acts as a deterrent against third-country re-routing, a common strategy for evading sanctions.
• Protects national economic security by cutting off illicit trade networks from hostile states.
• Reinforces India’s zero-tolerance policy post-terror attacks.
• Enhances DRI’s credibility in using data analytics and AI-driven customs enforcement.
• Acts as a deterrent against third-country re-routing, a common strategy for evading sanctions.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 28 June 2025 Mapping:
Dhole (Asiatic Wild Dog)
Source: TH
Context: A recent study by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) confirmed the reappearance of the dhole (Asiatic wild dog) in the Kaziranga-Karbi Anglong Landscape, marking its return after being considered locally extinct.
About Dhole (Cuon alpinus):
• Species Profile: The dhole is a social carnivore, also known as the Asiatic wild dog, and is classified as Endangered by the IUCN.
• Habitat: Prefers dense forests, scrublands, and mountainous terrains; requires large, undisturbed habitats with high prey density.
• Distribution: Found in South, Central, and Southeast Asia. In India, populations exist in the Western Ghats, Eastern Ghats, central India, and parts of the northeast.
• Key Features: Rusty-red coat with a bushy black-tipped tail. Packs are matriarchal, highly coordinated hunters. Plays a vital role in maintaining prey population balance in forest ecosystems.
• Rusty-red coat with a bushy black-tipped tail.
• Packs are matriarchal, highly coordinated hunters.
• Plays a vital role in maintaining prey population balance in forest ecosystems.
About Kaziranga–Karbi Anglong Landscape (KKAL):
• Location & Extent: Spreads over 25,000 km² in Assam, touching parts of Meghalaya and Nagaland and lies south of the Brahmaputra River.
• Protected Areas Network: Includes Kaziranga National Park, Karbi Anglong, and linkages to Pakke, Nameri, Laokhowa–Burhachapori, Nambor, and Ntanki protected areas.
• Flora & Fauna: Home to tropical semi-evergreen forests, grasslands, and marshy wetlands. Rich biodiversity: one-horned rhinoceros, Bengal tiger, Asian elephant, leopard, sloth bear, and over 500 bird species.
• Home to tropical semi-evergreen forests, grasslands, and marshy wetlands.
• Rich biodiversity: one-horned rhinoceros, Bengal tiger, Asian elephant, leopard, sloth bear, and over 500 bird species.
• Ecological Significance: Acts as a genetic and movement corridor for megafauna. One of the last large continuous forest patches in northeast India. Plays a key role in long-term species survival in a fragmented landscape.
• Acts as a genetic and movement corridor for megafauna.
• One of the last large continuous forest patches in northeast India.
• Plays a key role in long-term species survival in a fragmented landscape.
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