UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 7 June 2025
Kartavya Desk Staff
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 7 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 – 7 June (2025)
• 4th India-Central Asia Dialogue
4th India-Central Asia Dialogue
GS Paper 3:
• Quantum Computing: Journey from bits to qubits
Quantum Computing: Journey from bits to qubits
Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):
• Zimbabwe Elephant Culling
Zimbabwe Elephant Culling
Facts for Prelims (FFP):
• 52nd G7 Summit
52nd G7 Summit
• National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA)
National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA)
• 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum
12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum
• INS Arnala
INS Arnala
• Starlink
Starlink
• Fusarium graminearum
Fusarium graminearum
Mapping:
• Mithi River
Mithi River
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 7 June 2025
#### GS Paper 2:
4th India-Central Asia Dialogue
Syllabus: International Relations
Source: ET
Context: India hosted the 4th India-Central Asia Dialogue in New Delhi under the chairmanship of EAM Dr. S. Jaishankar.
• The conclave focused on regional security, critical minerals, connectivity, counter-terrorism, and economic integration with the five Central Asian nations.
About 4th India-Central Asia Dialogue:
• What It Is? A multilateral platform for foreign ministers of India and Central Asian countries to engage in structured dialogue. Launched in 2019 (Samarkand) to deepen strategic, political, and economic cooperation.
• A multilateral platform for foreign ministers of India and Central Asian countries to engage in structured dialogue.
• Launched in 2019 (Samarkand) to deepen strategic, political, and economic cooperation.
• Members: India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan.
• Objectives: Enhance cooperation in trade, transport, security, energy, IT, health, and people-to-people ties. Serve as a mechanism for regional stability and sustainable development.
• Enhance cooperation in trade, transport, security, energy, IT, health, and people-to-people ties.
• Serve as a mechanism for regional stability and sustainable development.
Major Outcomes of the 4th Dialogue:
• Counter-Terrorism Cooperation: Condemned Pahalgam attack and called for early adoption of UN Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism.
• Rare Earth & Critical Minerals: Expressed joint interest in exploration and investment in rare earths; Second India-Central Asia Rare Earth Forum to be convened soon.
• Connectivity & Trade Facilitation: Emphasized optimum use of INSTC and Chabahar Port; supported Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan’s entry into INSTC.
• Financial and Digital Integration: Agreed on enhancing digital payment systems, interbank cooperation, and trade in national currencies.
• Health & Traditional Medicine: Discussed Universal Health Coverage, medical tourism, and support for traditional medicine integration.
• Energy & Technology Partnership: Supported cooperation on India Stack, solar alliance, and biofuels, enhancing resilience in digital and clean energy sectors.
• Support for India’s Global Role: Reaffirmed backing for India’s permanent UNSC membership and greater role in multilateral platforms like SCO and UN.
Challenges In India–Central Asia Relations:
• Geographical Disconnect: Lack of direct land borders and Pakistan’s denial of transit limits overland connectivity.
• Chinese Strategic Depth: China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and financial clout dominate infrastructure and trade corridors.
• Security Volatility in Afghanistan: Instability in Afghanistan hinders trans-regional connectivity projects and cooperation frameworks.
• Low Trade Volume: Bilateral trade is below potential (India–Central Asia trade was under $2 billion in 2022–23).
• Language & Bureaucratic Barriers: Cultural and regulatory differences slow project implementation and policy coordination.
Way Forward:
• Strengthen Chabahar and INSTC Integration: Enhance usage of Shahid Beheshti Terminal, streamline customs via TIR Convention for smooth transit.
• Deepen Digital Diplomacy: Leverage India Stack and DPI models to build tech-based governance partnerships.
• Strategic Energy & Minerals Partnership: Fast-track critical mineral agreements, encourage joint R&D and green energy investments.
• Cultural and Academic Exchange: Expand ITEC programs, language training, and higher education scholarships to deepen soft power ties.
• Institutional Mechanisms: Regularize Joint Working Groups on health, fintech, climate, and counter-terrorism for actionable outcomes.
Conclusion:
The 4th India-Central Asia Dialogue reaffirms India’s strategic vision for regional cooperation rooted in shared civilizational ties. To counter geopolitical constraints, India must strengthen multimodal connectivity, economic linkages, and institutional frameworks. A proactive, resilient approach can anchor India-Central Asia relations in long-term stability and mutual growth.
• A number of outside powers have entrenched themselves in Central Asia, which is a zone of interest to India. Discuss the implications, in this context, of India’s joining the Ashgabat Agreement, 2018. (2018)
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 7 June 2025 GS Paper 3:
Quantum Computing: Journey from bits to qubits
Syllabus: Science and Technology
Source: IE
Context: Quantum computing has drawn global attention after Google, IBM, and China’s Jiuzhang showcased systems crossing 100 qubits.
About Quantum Computing: Journey from bits to qubits:
What Is Quantum Computing?
• Quantum computing uses the principles of quantum mechanics—not classical physics—to perform complex computations using qubits (quantum bits).
• Origin: Proposed by Richard Feynman in 1981, it aims to simulate quantum systems using machines that follow quantum rules like superposition and entanglement.
How It Works?
• Superposition: Qubits can represent both 0 and 1 simultaneously, unlike classical bits (0 or 1), enabling massive parallel processing.
E.g. A 100-qubit system can represent 2¹⁰⁰ (~10³⁰) states at once.
• Entanglement: Qubits become interlinked so that the state of one instantly affects another, regardless of distance — a feature Einstein called “spooky action at a distance”.
• Quantum Gates and Circuits: Logical operations are performed using quantum gates that manipulate qubits’ phase and entangled state.
Applications of Quantum Computing:
• Drug Discovery & Material Science: Simulate molecular interactions to design drugs and materials at the atomic level.
E.g. Pfizer and IBM collaborate on quantum simulations for drug development.
• Logistics and Optimization: Solve complex problems in supply chains, traffic control, and portfolio management.
• Cybersecurity: Enables quantum key distribution (QKD) for secure communication and could break existing encryption using Shor’s Algorithm.
• High-Precision Sensing: Used in mineral detection, gravitational field mapping, and medical imaging.
Progress So Far:
• Google’s Sycamore (2019) performed a task in 200 seconds that would take a supercomputer 10,000 years.
• IBM has built systems with over 100 qubits and targets 1,000-qubit machines.
• China’s Jiuzhang achieved quantum advantage using photonic qubits.
• Startups like IonQ, PsiQuantum explore trapped ions and photonic methods for scalability.
Challenges in Implementation:
• Decoherence and Fragility: Qubits collapse quickly under environmental noise—lasting only 10⁻⁴ seconds in some cases.
• Error Correction Overhead: Requires many physical qubits to build one stable logical qubit.
• Scalability: Current machines with 100–200 qubits only deliver 5 reliable logical qubits—not enough for real-world applications.
• Infrastructure Cost: Requires ultra-cold environments, vacuum chambers, and advanced quantum labs.
Global Race in Quantum Computing:
• China: Leads with $15 billion public funding, investing in national quantum networks.
• USA: Spent $4 billion; firms like IBM, Google, Microsoft dominate the private sector.
• EU: Runs a €1 billion “Quantum Flagship” program.
• UK, Japan, Canada: Invested in quantum-safe encryption and hybrid computing.
India’s Status:
• Launched National Quantum Mission (2020) with ₹8,000 crore funding.
• Institutes like IITs, IISc, TIFR run 5–10 qubit systems and goal set for 50–100 qubits by 2030.
• Working on quantum-safe cryptography, sensing systems, and post-quantum communication.
• India is among the top five global investors, alongside China, US, EU, and UK.
Future Outlook:
• Full-scale, fault-tolerant quantum computers with millions of qubits are expected by 2040s.
• Quantum will augment classical computing, solving tasks like quantum simulations, decryption, and complex optimizations.
• Global push is on for quantum-safe systems, cross-border collaborations, and indigenous R&D.
Conclusion:
Quantum computing signifies a paradigm shift that can transform science, defence, and economy. India’s early commitment positions it to become a key quantum power if it sustains investment and research. From bits to qubits, the future belongs to those who decode the quantum universe.
• Discuss the work of ‘Bose-Einstein Statistics’ done by Prof. Satyendra Nath Bose and show how it revolutionized the field of Physics. (2018)
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 7 June 2025 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)
Zimbabwe Elephant Culling
Context: Zimbabwe has approved the culling of 50 elephants in Save Valley Conservancy due to ecological overcapacity and human-wildlife conflict.
About Zimbabwe Elephant Culling:
What Is Happening?
• Zimbabwe’s wildlife authority (ZimParks) is conducting a culling operation in Save Valley Conservancy.
• The reserve hosts 2,550 elephants, far exceeding it carrying capacity of 800.
Reason Behind the Culling:
• Overpopulation of elephants stressing local biodiversity.
• Increased incidents of human-wildlife conflict due to food and water scarcity.
• Failed relocation efforts (200 elephants moved in 5 years).
• Drought and climate change worsening habitat pressure.
Arguments On Animal Culling:
Arguments For Culling | Arguments Against Culling
Controls overpopulation and protects ecological balance | Violates animal rights and disrupts social animal structures
Reduces human-wildlife conflict and saves human lives | Damages nation’s wildlife tourism reputation
Provides food and resources to local communities | Alternative solutions like sterilization or relocation exist
Prevents habitat degradation and loss of other species | May normalize use of lethal solutions to conservation
Complies with scientific wildlife management policies | Risks increased poaching under guise of sanctioned culling
Relevance In UPSC Syllabus:
• GS Paper 3 – Environment & Biodiversity
• Wildlife conservation, protected area management Human-wildlife conflict and ethical environmental governance Climate change impacts on ecosystems
• Wildlife conservation, protected area management
• Human-wildlife conflict and ethical environmental governance
• Climate change impacts on ecosystems
• GS Paper 4 – Ethics
• Ethics of animal rights vs. environmental sustainability Conflict resolution in ecological governance
• Ethics of animal rights vs. environmental sustainability
• Conflict resolution in ecological governance
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 6 June Facts for Prelims (FFP)
52nd G7 Summit
Source: NDTV
Context: Prime Minister of India will attend the 52nd G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Canada from June 15–17, 2025, following an invite from Canadian Prime Minister.
• India has attended the G7 as a special invitee since 2019.
About 52nd G7 Summit:
• What is G7?
• G7 is an informal intergovernmental group of the seven richest democracies. It discusses major economic and geopolitical challenges. It is not a treaty-based body and has no permanent secretariat.
• G7 is an informal intergovernmental group of the seven richest democracies.
• It discusses major economic and geopolitical challenges.
• It is not a treaty-based body and has no permanent secretariat.
• When Was It Launched?
• Formed in 1975 as the Group of Six (France, Germany, Italy, Japan, UK, USA). Canada joined in 1976, making it the G7.
• Formed in 1975 as the Group of Six (France, Germany, Italy, Japan, UK, USA).
• Canada joined in 1976, making it the G7.
• Current Members:
• USA, UK, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Canada European Union participates as an invitee (non-member).
• USA, UK, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Canada
• European Union participates as an invitee (non-member).
• History and Evolution:
• 1970s: The G7 was formed in response to the global oil crisis to enable the world’s top economies to coordinate macroeconomic strategies. 1980s: It expanded its agenda to address geopolitical concerns, including arms control, global security, and human rights violations. 2000s onward: G7 began engaging with developing nations, emphasizing issues like climate change, financial inclusion, and digital transformation. 1998–2014: Russia joined to form the G8, but was removed post-Crimea annexation, signalling a return to G7’s democratic alignment.
• 1970s: The G7 was formed in response to the global oil crisis to enable the world’s top economies to coordinate macroeconomic strategies.
• 1980s: It expanded its agenda to address geopolitical concerns, including arms control, global security, and human rights violations.
• 2000s onward: G7 began engaging with developing nations, emphasizing issues like climate change, financial inclusion, and digital transformation.
• 1998–2014: Russia joined to form the G8, but was removed post-Crimea annexation, signalling a return to G7’s democratic alignment.
• Key Functions of G7:
• Macroeconomic Coordination: G7 provides a platform for the world’s advanced economies to stabilize markets, reduce inflation, and ensure fiscal discipline. Global Issue Response: It drives action on global crises—like climate change, AI regulation, cybersecurity threats, and public health emergencies. Democracy and Development: Promotes liberal democratic values, gender equity, and sustainable development across partner countries. Donor and Policy Signalling: Acts as a key forum for aligning donor priorities and signalling coordinated global policy shifts to international institutions.
• Macroeconomic Coordination: G7 provides a platform for the world’s advanced economies to stabilize markets, reduce inflation, and ensure fiscal discipline.
• Global Issue Response: It drives action on global crises—like climate change, AI regulation, cybersecurity threats, and public health emergencies.
• Democracy and Development: Promotes liberal democratic values, gender equity, and sustainable development across partner countries.
• Donor and Policy Signalling: Acts as a key forum for aligning donor priorities and signalling coordinated global policy shifts to international institutions.
National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA)
Source: PIB
Context: Union Minister will inaugurate the National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA) for Puducherry Legislative Assembly on 9th June 2025.
About National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA):
• What is NeVA?
• NeVA is a digital platform that enables paperless conduct of legislative business across India’s State and UT legislatures. It embodies the vision of ‘One Nation – One Application’ by integrating all houses on a single interface.
• NeVA is a digital platform that enables paperless conduct of legislative business across India’s State and UT legislatures.
• It embodies the vision of ‘One Nation – One Application’ by integrating all houses on a single interface.
• Developed and Implemented By:
• Developed by the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs (MoPA). Supported by MeitY and powered by BHASHINI for AI-based translation.
• Developed by the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs (MoPA).
• Supported by MeitY and powered by BHASHINI for AI-based translation.
• Established in: Approved by the Public Investment Board on 15 January 2020.
• Total project cost: ₹673.94 crore, under a centrally sponsored model for equitable state support.
• Aim of NeVA:
• To digitize legislative proceedings and make Houses paperless. To create a unified national repository of all legislative data on one platform.
• To digitize legislative proceedings and make Houses paperless.
• To create a unified national repository of all legislative data on one platform.
• Key Features of NeVA: End-to-End Paperless Functioning: NeVA enables complete digitization of legislative business including uploading of agenda, bills, speeches, and responses. AI/ML-Powered Real-Time Translation via BHASHINI: Integrated with BHASHINI, NeVA provides instant translation of speeches and documents into multiple Indian languages. Unified Digital Workspace: NeVA creates a single digital platform for legislators, government departments, and Assembly secretariats. Secure Document Management & Searchable Archives: All records are digitally stored with multi-layered security and role-based access control. Training Modules & Simplified Workflows: The application includes hands-on training for MLAs and staff to ensure smooth adoption.
• End-to-End Paperless Functioning: NeVA enables complete digitization of legislative business including uploading of agenda, bills, speeches, and responses.
• AI/ML-Powered Real-Time Translation via BHASHINI: Integrated with BHASHINI, NeVA provides instant translation of speeches and documents into multiple Indian languages.
• Unified Digital Workspace: NeVA creates a single digital platform for legislators, government departments, and Assembly secretariats.
• Secure Document Management & Searchable Archives: All records are digitally stored with multi-layered security and role-based access control.
• Training Modules & Simplified Workflows: The application includes hands-on training for MLAs and staff to ensure smooth adoption.
12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum
Source: NIE
Context: India has officially taken over the chairmanship of the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum, to be hosted in 2026.
• This follows the 11th BRICS Parliamentary Forum in Brazil, where member parliaments condemned the Pahalgam terror attack.
About 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum:
• What is the BRICS Parliamentary Forum? It is a platform for dialogue among parliaments of BRICS member countries. Facilitates discussions on terrorism, AI governance, economic development, and inter-parliamentary cooperation.
• It is a platform for dialogue among parliaments of BRICS member countries.
• Facilitates discussions on terrorism, AI governance, economic development, and inter-parliamentary cooperation.
• Established in: The first BRICS Parliamentary Forum was held in 2015, as a parallel institution to the BRICS summits.
• Period of Chairmanship: Chairmanship rotates annually among BRICS countries. India will serve as chair until the conclusion of the 12th forum in 2026.
• Chairmanship rotates annually among BRICS countries.
• India will serve as chair until the conclusion of the 12th forum in 2026.
• Functions: Encourages parliamentary diplomacy and alignment on global policy issues. Promotes democratic dialogue, cooperation in lawmaking, and consensus on global peace and security. Acts as a voice for the Global South in parliamentary affairs.
• Encourages parliamentary diplomacy and alignment on global policy issues.
• Promotes democratic dialogue, cooperation in lawmaking, and consensus on global peace and security.
• Acts as a voice for the Global South in parliamentary affairs.
About BRICS:
• What is BRICS? BRICS is a geopolitical and economic grouping of 11 emerging nations, primarily from the Global South. It promotes multilateralism, reform of global institutions, and equity in international governance.
• BRICS is a geopolitical and economic grouping of 11 emerging nations, primarily from the Global South.
• It promotes multilateralism, reform of global institutions, and equity in international governance.
• Established In: The term BRIC was coined in 2001. The group was formally institutionalized through Foreign Ministers’ meetings from 2006. The first BRICS Summit took place in 2009 in Ekaterinburg, Russia.
• The term BRIC was coined in 2001.
• The group was formally institutionalized through Foreign Ministers’ meetings from 2006.
• The first BRICS Summit took place in 2009 in Ekaterinburg, Russia.
• Headquarters: BRICS has no permanent headquarters. The chairmanship rotates annually among members.
• BRICS has no permanent headquarters.
• The chairmanship rotates annually among members.
• Current Members (11 Members): Original Members: Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa New Members: Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, UAE
• Original Members: Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa
• New Members: Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, UAE
• Functions of BRICS: Promotes inclusive global growth, sustainable development, and reform of Bretton Woods institutions. Focuses on economic cooperation, digital transformation, energy security, and peaceful multilateralism. Enhances political coordination and civil society engagement across member states. Supports cooperation in areas like health, education, space, fintech, and AI governance.
• Promotes inclusive global growth, sustainable development, and reform of Bretton Woods institutions.
• Focuses on economic cooperation, digital transformation, energy security, and peaceful multilateralism.
• Enhances political coordination and civil society engagement across member states.
• Supports cooperation in areas like health, education, space, fintech, and AI governance.
INS Arnala
Source: IT
Context: The Indian Navy will commission INS Arnala, the first of the 16 Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Crafts (ASW-SWC) at Visakhapatnam.
About INS Arnala:
• What is INS Arnala?
• INS Arnala is the first indigenously-built Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC) ship. It will enhance India’s capabilities in coastal surveillance, mine-laying, and sub-surface operations.
• INS Arnala is the first indigenously-built Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC) ship.
• It will enhance India’s capabilities in coastal surveillance, mine-laying, and sub-surface operations.
• Built By: Designed and constructed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata in partnership with L&T Shipbuilders.
• Operational Region:
• Designed for coastal waters and the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). It supports Low-Intensity Maritime Operations (LIMO), Search and Rescue (SAR), and Subsurface Surveillance.
• Designed for coastal waters and the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
• It supports Low-Intensity Maritime Operations (LIMO), Search and Rescue (SAR), and Subsurface Surveillance.
• Key Features of INS Arnala:
• Length: 77.6 meters, Displacement: 1490+ tonnes, Speed: Up to 25 knots, Endurance: 1800 nautical miles (~3300 km). First Indian naval warship powered by Diesel Engine–Waterjet combination. Integrates 80% indigenous systems from BEL, Mahindra Defence, MEIL, and L&T. Supports AI-driven combat systems, sonar arrays, and mine-laying gear.
• Length: 77.6 meters, Displacement: 1490+ tonnes, Speed: Up to 25 knots, Endurance: 1800 nautical miles (~3300 km).
• First Indian naval warship powered by Diesel Engine–Waterjet combination.
• Integrates 80% indigenous systems from BEL, Mahindra Defence, MEIL, and L&T.
• Supports AI-driven combat systems, sonar arrays, and mine-laying gear.
About Arnala Fort:
• Located in: Arnala village, Vasai taluka, Maharashtra, near Mumbai’s northern coast. Also known as Jaldurg or Janjire Arnala, it is surrounded by sea waters.
• Also known as Jaldurg or Janjire Arnala, it is surrounded by sea waters.
• Historical Significance:
• Originally built by Sultan Mahmud Begda in 1516. Captured and ruled by Portuguese, Marathas, Mughals, and Peshwas over time.
• Originally built by Sultan Mahmud Begda in 1516.
• Captured and ruled by Portuguese, Marathas, Mughals, and Peshwas over time.
• Architectural Features:
• Rectangular fort structure, three main entrances, and bastions on the north. Houses temples like Tryambakeshwar, Bhavani Mata, Kalika Mata, and Mahadev. Though food is scarce on the fort, water is available in wells, showcasing sustainable coastal defence design.
• Rectangular fort structure, three main entrances, and bastions on the north.
• Houses temples like Tryambakeshwar, Bhavani Mata, Kalika Mata, and Mahadev.
• Though food is scarce on the fort, water is available in wells, showcasing sustainable coastal defence design.
Starlink
Source: TH
Context: The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has granted a license to Elon Musk’s Starlink to begin satellite internet services in India.
• Starlink becomes the third company after Eutelsat OneWeb and Jio Satellite Communications to receive this approval.
About Starlink:
• What is Starlink?
• Starlink is a satellite-based broadband internet system developed by SpaceX. It aims to provide high-speed, low-latency internet globally, especially in rural and remote regions.
• Starlink is a satellite-based broadband internet system developed by SpaceX.
• It aims to provide high-speed, low-latency internet globally, especially in rural and remote regions.
• Parent Company: SpaceX (Space Exploration Technologies Corp.) founded by Elon Musk in 2002.
• How Starlink Works?
• Operates through a constellation of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites positioned at about 550 km altitude. Ground stations transmit data to satellites, which relay it back to user terminals on Earth using radio signals. Satellites are equipped with laser links for inter-satellite communication, forming a global internet mesh.
• Operates through a constellation of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites positioned at about 550 km altitude.
• Ground stations transmit data to satellites, which relay it back to user terminals on Earth using radio signals.
• Satellites are equipped with laser links for inter-satellite communication, forming a global internet mesh.
• Key Features of Starlink:
• High-Speed Internet: Delivers speeds up to 150 Mbps, with plans to double in future updates. Low Latency: Offers latency as low as 20–25 milliseconds, ideal for streaming and video calls. Advanced Technology: Equipped with optical space lasers, argon-powered ion thrusters, and flat-panel antennas. Rapid Deployment: Uses Falcon 9 rockets to deploy satellites regularly, keeping the network updated. Global Coverage: Planned expansion of 42,000 LEO satellites, ensuring service even in the most isolated regions.
• High-Speed Internet: Delivers speeds up to 150 Mbps, with plans to double in future updates.
• Low Latency: Offers latency as low as 20–25 milliseconds, ideal for streaming and video calls.
• Advanced Technology: Equipped with optical space lasers, argon-powered ion thrusters, and flat-panel antennas.
• Rapid Deployment: Uses Falcon 9 rockets to deploy satellites regularly, keeping the network updated.
• Global Coverage: Planned expansion of 42,000 LEO satellites, ensuring service even in the most isolated regions.
• Significance of Starlink for India:
• Enhances digital inclusion in underserved and remote rural areas. Reduces dependence on fibre and mobile networks in disaster-prone or geographically challenging terrains. Boosts competition in India’s broadband ecosystem, especially in Tier 2 and Tier 3 towns. Positions India as a key market in the global satellite internet race.
• Enhances digital inclusion in underserved and remote rural areas.
• Reduces dependence on fibre and mobile networks in disaster-prone or geographically challenging terrains.
• Boosts competition in India’s broadband ecosystem, especially in Tier 2 and Tier 3 towns.
• Positions India as a key market in the global satellite internet race.
Fusarium graminearum
Source: LM
Context: Two Chinese researchers have been charged in the US for smuggling Fusarium graminearum, a toxic crop-destroying fungus, raising fears of agro-terrorism.
About Fusarium graminearum:
• What is It? Fusarium graminearum is a fungal pathogen that causes Fusarium Head Blight (FHB), primarily in wheat, maize, barley, and other cereals.
• Fusarium graminearum is a fungal pathogen that causes Fusarium Head Blight (FHB), primarily in wheat, maize, barley, and other cereals.
• Vector Type: It is a fungus and spreads via airborne spores, contaminated seeds, and moist soil.
• Banned/Regulated Under: While not universally banned, import and research involving F. graminearum are highly regulated under biosecurity laws in the US and many countries. Requires biosafety clearance from agriculture and customs departments.
• While not universally banned, import and research involving F. graminearum are highly regulated under biosecurity laws in the US and many countries.
• Requires biosafety clearance from agriculture and customs departments.
• Key Features: Produces a mycotoxin called vomitoxin (Deoxynivalenol or DON). Thrives in warm, humid conditions, spreading rapidly through crops. Difficult to eradicate once introduced into a crop ecosystem
• Produces a mycotoxin called vomitoxin (Deoxynivalenol or DON).
• Thrives in warm, humid conditions, spreading rapidly through crops.
• Difficult to eradicate once introduced into a crop ecosystem
• Impact on Food & Economy: Causes crop yield loss, grain rot, and contamination, rendering cereals unsafe for consumption. Contaminated grain can trigger vomiting, fever, diarrhoea, and livestock health issues.
• Causes crop yield loss, grain rot, and contamination, rendering cereals unsafe for consumption.
• Contaminated grain can trigger vomiting, fever, diarrhoea, and livestock health issues.
About Agro-Terrorism:
• Definition: Agro-terrorism refers to the deliberate use of biological agents (fungi, bacteria, pests, or toxins) to attack a nation’s agriculture sector, aiming to cause economic disruption, food insecurity, and public fear.
• Agro-terrorism refers to the deliberate use of biological agents (fungi, bacteria, pests, or toxins) to attack a nation’s agriculture sector, aiming to cause economic disruption, food insecurity, and public fear.
• Regulated By: In the US: Monitored under USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and FBI biosecurity protocols. Globally: Controlled through international phytosanitary regulations and plant quarantine acts of respective nations.
• In the US: Monitored under USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and FBI biosecurity protocols.
• Globally: Controlled through international phytosanitary regulations and plant quarantine acts of respective nations.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 7 June 2025 Mapping:
Mithi River
Source: HT
Context: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted raids at 15 locations, including the residence of actor Dino Morea, in connection with a ₹65 crore scam in the Mithi River desilting project.
About Mithi River:
• What is the Mithi River? The Mithi River is a seasonal river located in Mumbai, Maharashtra. It serves as a crucial drainage outlet for excess monsoon waters and functions as a flood-control channel.
• The Mithi River is a seasonal river located in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
• It serves as a crucial drainage outlet for excess monsoon waters and functions as a flood-control channel.
• Location: Located on Salsette Island, Mumbai. Acts as the main stormwater drain for key areas like Powai, Kurla, Dharavi, Saki Naka, Kalina, Vakola, and Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC).
• Located on Salsette Island, Mumbai.
• Acts as the main stormwater drain for key areas like Powai, Kurla, Dharavi, Saki Naka, Kalina, Vakola, and Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC).
• Origin: Originates from the overflow of Vihar Lake and later joins with runoff from Powai Lake. The combined flow travels roughly 18 km before meeting the Arabian Sea.
• Originates from the overflow of Vihar Lake and later joins with runoff from Powai Lake.
• The combined flow travels roughly 18 km before meeting the Arabian Sea.
• Mouth of the River: Empties into the Arabian Sea through the Mahim Creek, a critical estuarine zone in Mumbai.
• Tributary: It is a confluence of tailwaters and does not have a major tributary structure; instead, it receives urban runoff and lake overflows.
• Key Features: Severe pollution: Contaminated with industrial discharge, sewage, oil sludge, and municipal waste. Encroachments: Unregulated activities like scrap dumping, cattle sheds, and unauthorised discharge have degraded the river. Ecological threat: Presence of water hyacinths, silt accumulation, and chemical effluents threaten aquatic life.
• Severe pollution: Contaminated with industrial discharge, sewage, oil sludge, and municipal waste.
• Encroachments: Unregulated activities like scrap dumping, cattle sheds, and unauthorised discharge have degraded the river.
• Ecological threat: Presence of water hyacinths, silt accumulation, and chemical effluents threaten aquatic life.
• Other major cities and river flowing within it:
Please subscribe to Our podcast channel HERE
Official Facebook Page HERE
Twitter Account HERE
Instagram Account HERE
LinkedIn: HERE