Daily Current Affairs- 17th June 2025

Daily Current Affairs- 17th June 2025

India Launches 'DhartiAaba Janbhagidari Abhiyan' – Largest‑Ever Tribal Empowerment Campaign

In the News: On June 16, 2025, the Ministry of Tribal Affairs launched the DhartiAaba Janbhagidari Abhiyan, a historic, nationwide benefit‑saturation campaign aimed at empowering tribal communities across India.

Key Points:

• Campaign Launch: Initiated by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs under union minister Jual Oram, with support from Minister of State Durga Das Uikey, the campaign commenced on June 15, 2025 and will run through June 30, 2025.
• Massive Coverage: Reaches across 549 tribal‑dominated districts, 2,900+ blocks, and 207 districts with Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs), covering around 100,000 villages and habitations.
• Objectives: Ensure benefit saturation—that every eligible tribal household receives entitlements—through integrated delivery of government schemes at doorstep via camps.
• Entitlements Delivered: Services include Aadhaar enrolments/updates, Ayushman Bharat cards, Jan Dhan bank accounts, PM‑Kisan enrollment, pensions, scholarships, life/accident insurance, skill training, and livelihood program registrations.
• Community‑Led Implementation: Over 125 District Magistrates and Deputy Commissioners have mobilized Panchayati Raj Institutions, tribal leaders, and local staff to ensure last‑mile delivery with active community participation (Janbhagidari).
• Integration with Major Schemes: Operates under the broader frameworks of PM‑JANMAN and DAJGUA and is part of the Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh, celebrating tribal heritage and dignity.
• Camp‑Based Model: Village/ habitation‑level benefit saturation camps provide real‑time grievance redressal and scheme enrollment.

Lucknow Aims for UNESCO City of Gastronomy Title

In the News: Lucknow—India’s historic capital of Awadh—was officially nominated by India’s Ministry of Culture and the Uttar Pradesh government for inclusion in UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network under the "City of Gastronomy" category.

Key Points:

• Nomination Submitted: The detailed nomination dossier, compiled by consultant Abha Narain Lambah, was submitted to UNESCO’s World Heritage Centre in early June 2025, marking India’s official bid.
• Heritage Cuisine Highlighted: Lucknow’s rich culinary heritage—cantered on royal Awadhi traditions—is the core of the proposal. Featured delicacies include Tunday, Kakori, Galawati, and Seekh kebabs; aromatic biryani; nihari; chaats; breads like Bajpai ki Puri; and sweets such as kulfi, jalebi, imarti, and Motichur ke laddoo.
• Cultural and Culinary Identity: The nomination emphasizes the city's various communities—Brahmins, Baniyas, Kayasthas, Khattris, and working classes—who contribute to the vibrant continuation of Awadhi techniques like dum‑pukht cooking and refined spice layering.
• Global Context: If approved, Lucknow will become the second Indian city after Hyderabad to earn the UNESCO creation “City of Gastronomy” title and will join other global gastronomic hubs like Alba (Italy) and Arequipa (Peru).
• Next Steps: Additional data is being submitted by the end of June 2025. Pending UNESCO review, field visits by experts may follow to validate the city's culinary heritage .
• Tourism & Recognition Impact: The bid is expected to foster cultural tourism and emphasize sustainable culinary traditions at a time when Lucknow hosts international events like G20 and UP Investors’ Summits—drawing approximately 48 million visitors annually .
• UNESCO Criteria Alignment: The nomination aligns with UNESCO’s requirements—leveraging indigenous ingredients, traditional practices, vibrant food scenes, culinary festivals, and sustainability—to showcase Lucknow’s distinct food identity . 

Iran to Exit Nuclear Non‑Proliferation Treaty

In the News: On June 16, 2025, amid escalating Israeli airstrikes and an IAEA resolution declaring Iran non‑compliant, Iran’s parliament began drafting a bill to withdraw from the Nuclear Non‑Proliferation Treaty (NPT)—a move that could significantly alter the international nuclear order.

Key Points:

• Withdrawal Underway: Iran’s Foreign Ministry confirmed that its parliament is preparing legislation to exit the NPT, though no final decision has been made yet.
• Triggering Factors: The draft legislation was prompted by recent Israeli airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear and military facilities, coupled with a rebuke from the IAEA for alleged non‑compliance.
• NPT Obligations Affected: Exiting the treaty would free Iran from IAEA oversight, transparency obligations, and the prohibition against pursuing nuclear weapons—heightening global proliferation concerns.
• Iran’s Stance: Tehran asserts its nuclear program remains peaceful and governed by Supreme Leader Khamenei’s religious ban on nuclear weapons. Officials stress that withdrawal doesn’t equate to weaponization but remains a strategic option.
• Geopolitical Ramifications: Analysts warn that Iran’s exit could undermine the credibility of the NPT, trigger regional nuclear proliferation, and complicate diplomatic efforts involving the U.S., Europe, Russia, and China.
• Iran’s Strategic Options: In addition to treaty withdrawal, Iran may seek leverage through threats to block the Strait of Hormuz—endangering global oil flows.

Global Out‑of‑School Population

In the News: According to UNESCO’s 2025 Global Education Monitoring (GEM) report, an estimated 272 million children, adolescents, and youth were out of school in 2023—21 million more than previously estimated.

Key Points:

• Scale of the Issue: As of 2023, approximately 272 million young people were not enrolled in education. This includes roughly 78 million of primary-school age, 64 million of lower secondary age, and 130 million of upper secondary age.
• Revised Estimates: The count was adjusted upward by 21 million due to improved data collection and modelling by UIS and GEM, revealing more extensive exclusion than earlier thought.
• Slow Progress Toward Targets: Despite global efforts, the out‑of‑school population has declined only around 1% over the past decade, leaving about 251 million excluded as of late 2024.
• Regional Disparities: Sub-Saharan Africa has seen rising exclusion. In 2021, about 244 million children and youth aged 6–18 was out of school globally; over 98 million of them were in Sub-Saharan Africa.
• Gender Imbalance: Globally, girls are disproportionately affected, with an estimated 7 million more girls than boys out of school, driven by barriers such as early marriage, poverty, and cultural norms.
• Impact of COVID‑19 and Crisis Shocks: The pandemic, which affected 1.6 billion learners, severely disrupted education—many children never returned, and recovery efforts remain uneven, especially for marginalized groups and regions lacking remote learning infrastructure.
• SDG 4 Benchmarks Missed: Countries collectively aim to reduce out‑of‑school numbers by 165 million by 2030. But by 2025, they are projected to be 75 million short of national targets in primary and secondary age cohorts.

3rd UN Ocean Conference (UNOC3) — Nice, France

In the News: The third United Nations Ocean Conference convened in Nice, co-hosted by France and Costa Rica. The summit brought together 175 countries and over 12,000 participants, including heads of state, ministers, scientists, NGOs, and private sector leaders, all united to accelerate action on SDG 14: Life Below Water.

Key Points:

• Theme & Structure: Framed around “Accelerating action and mobilizing all actors,” the conference featured plenary sessions, Ocean Action Panels, alongside special events such as the One Ocean Science Congress, Blue Economy & Finance Forum, and Ocean Rise & Coastal Resilience Summit.
• Nice Ocean Action Plan: Delegates adopted a two-part plan that included a political declaration titled “Our Ocean, Our Future: United for Urgent Action” and more than 800 voluntary commitments aimed at protecting marine biodiversity, combating plastic pollution, promoting sustainable fisheries, and expanding marine protected areas (MPAs).
• High Seas Treaty Progress: During the conference, 18 new countries ratified the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Treaty (High Seas Treaty), bringing total ratifications to 49. Ratification by 60 countries is needed for the treaty to enter into force—expected by January 2026 after ratification thresholds are met.
• Marine Protected Areas ("30×30"): Commitments were made to significantly expand MPAs. Oceans currently have about 8–10% protection; the goal is to reach 30% by 2030, with several new sites pledged around the world.
• Deep-Sea Mining Moratorium: Over 33 countries supported a call for a precautionary moratorium on deep-sea mining and regulatory frameworks for high seas resource management.
• Financing Gap & Commitments: Financial pledges totaled around US $10 billion, including €3 billion from the European Investment Bank and Asian Development Bank for plastic pollution, and $2.5 billion from CAF (Latin America & Caribbean). An additional €8.7 billion was announced in Monaco to support a blue economy over five years—still far short of the estimated $175 billion annual requirement.
• Governance & Accountability: Calls intensified for robust ocean governance, clearer international regulation, and strengthened data systems to attract private investment. Stakeholders emphasized that ocean protection will require transparent enforcement and systemic policy frameworks.
• Leadership & Advocacy: UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned that current ocean exploitation must switch to protection, highlighting the ocean’s critical role in climate mitigation. President Macron announced that once ratified, the High Seas Treaty would enter into force on 1 January 2026.

G7 Summit Begins (51st G7 Leaders' Summit) – Kananaskis, Canada, 16–17 June 2025

In the News: The 51st G7 Summit kicked off in Kananaskis, Alberta, Canada, on June 16, 2025, hosted by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. Leaders from G7 nations and invited partners—including PM Modi—gathered to discuss global issues like climate, AI, security, and trade amidst tensions in the Middle East and shifts in U.S. diplomacy.

Key Points:

• Summit Opening & Attendance: The summit began June 16–17, with Mark Carney hosting. Participating leaders include PM Modi (India invited), Donald Trump (USA), Keir Starmer (UK), Macron (France), Merz (Germany), Meloni (Italy), and Shigeru Ishiba (Japan), along with outreach invitees such as Zelenskyy, Albanese, Sheinbaum, Ramaphosa, Lee Jae-myung, and Lula.
• Key Themes: Major agendas include energy security, AI- energy nexus, climate change, global trade stability, and security challenges arising from conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East.
• PM Modi’s Engagement: Prime Minister Modi—attending his sixth G7—will engage with leaders on energy, tech innovation, and security, sharing India’s perspective as the world’s fifth-largest economy.
• Trump’s Abrupt Departure:S. President Trump left the summit early on June 16, citing escalating Israel–Iran tensions, evacuation warnings for Tehran, and pressing issues back in Washington. His exit disrupted discussions and highlighted U.S.–allied strains.
• Diplomatic Ripples: His departure cast a shadow over the summit, prompting efforts by remaining leaders to reaffirm the G7’s role in addressing global crises—from Gaza conflict to Russia‑Ukraine war—while maintaining trade and climate commitments.
• Notable Interactions: The summit included informal rapport moments—such as South Korean President Lee Jae‑myung joking with Australian PM Albanese—and a strong presence from the Indian diaspora during PM Modi’s arrival 

Blaise Metreweli Becomes MI6’s First Female Chief in Historic Appointment

In the News: On June 15, 2025, Prime Minister Keir Starmer and the UK government announced that Blaise Metreweli, currently Director-General of Technology & Innovation at MI6, will become the first-ever female Chief (codenamed ‘C’) of the Secret Intelligence Service, starting October 1, 2025, succeeding Sir Richard Moore.

Key Points:

• Historic Advancement: Metreweli’s appointment marks a milestone as MI6’s 18th chief and first woman in the 116-year history of the agency.
• Professional Background: Joined MI6 in 1999; served in both operational roles in the Middle East and Europe, and as a director in MI5. Current role: Director-General, Technology & Innovation (“Q”) at MI6. Education: BA in Anthropology from Pembroke College, Cambridge; 1997 Women's Boat Race winner.
• Leadership Transition: Metreweli will formally take office on October 1, 2025, when Sir Richard Moore retires after a five-year tenure.
• Official Endorsements: PM Starmer called the appointment “historic,” highlighting global threats from state and cyber adversaries. Foreign Secretary David Lammy praised her “wealth of experience” in intelligence and technology.
• Reflecting Agency Shift: MI6 now aligns with MI5 and GCHQ, which have both previously been led by women—Stella Rimington, Eliza Manningham-Buller, and Anne Keast‑Butler respectively—marking a broader cultural shift.
• Mandate & Mandate: As Chief, Metreweli will oversee international espionage operations and report directly to the Foreign Secretary, navigating heightened threats from nations such as China, Russia, Iran, and emerging cyber actors.
• Cultural Resonance: Dubbed a case of life mirroring fiction, her rise mirrors iconic portrayals like Judi Dench’s “M” in James Bond, bringing real-world representation to the intelligence community. 

Amitabh Kant Steps Down as G20 Sherpa After 45 Years of Public Service

In the News: On June 16, 2025, Amitabh Kant formally resigned from his role as India’s G20 Sherpa, marking the culmination of a remarkable 45-year career in public administration. He expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Modi and announced plans to pursue opportunities in think tanks, startups, and academic spheres.

Key Points:

• Resignation Timeline: Kant submitted his resignation on June 16, 2025. He assumed the Sherpa role in July 2022 for India’s G20 Presidency.
• 45-Year Bureaucratic Career: A 1980-batch IAS officer (Kerala cadre), Kant held roles including Tourism Secretary (Kerala), Joint Secretary, Secretary of DIPP, CEO of NITI Aayog (2016–2022), and finally G20 Sherpa.
• G20 Achievements: As Sherpa, he led preparations for the 2023 New Delhi Summit—achieving unanimous agreement on the Leaders’ Declaration, expanded meetings across all Indian states/UTs, and secured inclusion of the African Union in the G20.
• Landmark Initiatives: At NITI Aayog, Kant spearheaded the Aspirational Districts Programme, digital public infrastructure, PLI schemes, Atal Innovation Mission, Green Hydrogen Mission, Advanced Chemistry Cells—and previously launched Make in India, Startup India, Ease of Doing Business, Incredible India, and Kerala: God’s Own Country campaigns

State of India’s Environment 2025 in Figures

In the News: The Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) and Down To Earth (DTE) released the State of India’s Environment in Figures 2025, presenting a data-driven snapshot across four thematic areas—environment, agriculture, public health, and human development—using 48 indicators to evaluate all 36 states and union territories.

Key Points:

• Overall Performance: No state achieved a score above 70/100 in environmental performance. Even top-ranked states struggle with untreated sewage, river pollution, and waste management.
• Top Performers & Regional Gaps: While Andhra Pradesh, Sikkim, and Goa lead in select domains, populous states like Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Bihar, and West Bengal—together accounting for nearly half the population—performed poorly across most indicators.
• Freshwater Crisis: Punjab saw rampant groundwater exploitation—156.87% extraction rate—with over 75% of its administrative blocks deemed overexploited. Contamination with uranium, fluoride, arsenic, nitrates, and iron impacted several districts.
• Agricultural & Land Trends: Agricultural land declined from 62.33% in 1952–53 to 58.69% by 2022–23. There’s been a shift toward tubewell irrigation—43.34% dependency nationally, with Punjab among the most dependent.
• Forest & Mangrove Cover: India’s total forest cover stands at approximately 21.7% of its land area (~80.9 million hectares). Mangrove cover remains around 4,992 km², with concerns about marginal declines.
• EnviStats Launch: The government’s MoSPI released EnviStats India 2025 on June 5, offering statistics on annual mean temperature (up 0.69 °C since 2001), renewable vs. thermal power production, fish production, electricity, sanitation, and Ramsar wetland sites (91 in number).
• Temperature & Climate Signals: Mean annual temperatures rose from 25.05 °C in 2001 to 25.74 °C in 2024, with both highs and lows trending upward. Rainfall remained variable without clear long-term pattern.
• Power & Renewable Energy Shift: Between 2013–14 to 2023–24, thermal energy output increased from ~792 TWh to ~1,326 TWh, while renewable energy rose from ~65.5 TWh to ~225.8 TWh.
• Fishery & Wetland Preservation: Inland fish production rose from 6.14 million to 13.91 million tonnes (2013–14 to 2023–24). India now has 91 Ramsar sites—totaling 1.36 million hectares
• Urgent Call: CSE Director Sunita Narain warned that the nation cannot afford complacency; most states remain vulnerable across multiple environmental and development dimensions.

NISHAD Designated as Global Rinderpest Holding Facility

In the News: On June 17, 2025, India’s ICAR–National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD) in Bhopal was formally designated by the FAO and WOAH as a Category A Rinderpest Holding Facility (RHF), placing it among an exclusive group of six labs worldwide authorised to securely hold Rinderpest Virus‑Containing Material (RVCM) .

Key Points:

• Global Recognition: NIHSAD joins premier facilities in the UK, USA, France, Japan, and Ethiopia, earning Category A status for secure storage of all RVCM (excluding vaccine seeds).
• Eradicated Yet Vigilant: Rinderpest—a highly contagious viral disease also known as cattle plague—was globally eradicated in 2011. However, preserved samples still pose biosecurity risks, necessitating strict containment.
• BSL‑3 Containment Standards: NIHSAD, India’s premier Biosafety Level‑3 laboratory, originally established in 1984 and designated as its national RVCM repository in 2012, also functions as a WOAH reference lab for avian influenza and Newcastle disease within the One Health framework.
• Rigorous Approval Process: India applied for RHF status in 2019. A joint FAO–WOAH inspection in March 2025 validated NIHSAD’s biosafety protocols, emergency preparedness, and inventory controls, granting one-year Category A designation.
• One Health Commitment: Secretary Alka Upadhyaya highlighted India’s legacy in eradicating rinderpest and now sustaining global animal health control—a responsibility affirmed by this international recognition.

Bonn Climate Change Conference Begins (SB 62) – Bonn, Germany, 16–26 June 2025

In the News: On 16 June 2025, over 5,000 delegates from nearly 200 countries, including government officials, scientists, indigenous groups, and NGOs, gathered in Bonn for the UNFCCC’s 62nd session of Subsidiary Bodies (SB 62)—a key mid‑year climate meeting shaping outcomes ahead of COP30 in Belém.

Key Points:

• Purpose & Structure: SB 62 includes the Subsidiary Body for Implementation (SBI) and for Scientific & Technological Advice (SBSTA), addressing technical and policy aspects.
  – Agenda covers climate finance mobilization, Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA), transparency frameworks, technology transfer, just transition, agriculture, and ocean-climate links.
• Opening Ceremony & Cultural Feature: Held 17 June, featuring a photography exhibition— “A Love Letter to Multilateralism”—with welcome remarks from UN Executive Secretary Simon Stiell and Bonn’s mayor.
• Sharm el‑Sheikh Dialogue Workshop: First of two 2025 workshops focusing on climate finance capacity, low-emission transition planning, and just transitions underway on 17–18 June.
• Ocean Dialogue: A two-day session on integrating ocean-based measures in NDCs, emphasizing finance, adaptation, biodiversity synergy, and capacity-building.
• Just Transition & Equity: UNFCCC health community urged nations to back fossil-fuel phaseout and prioritize finance for health/co‑benefits. Experts from University of Bristol emphasized Global North–South equity and inclusion of vulnerable voices in negotiations.
• Agenda Dispute & U.S. Absence: Sessions delayed when developing nations demanded explicit agenda items on finance from developed countries and trade-related climate measures; U.S. absence noted as Trump-era withdrawal continues.
• Setting Stage for COP30: SB 62 outcomes are being prepared to feed into COP30 in Brazil (10–21 Nov 2025), paving final decisions on adaptation metrics, finance roadmap, mitigation ambition, and transparency systems.