Daily Current Affairs- 25th June 2025

Daily Current Affairs- 25th June 2025

DAJA 2025: India’s Largest‑Ever Tribal Empowerment Movement

In the News: From June 15 to July 15, 2025, India launched the Dharti Aaba Janbhagidari Abhiyan (DAJA)—a nationwide, camp‑based campaign aimed at empowering tribal communities. It reaches over 5.5 crore tribal citizens in more than 1 lakh villages and PVTG habitations, across 31 states and UTs.

Key Points:

• Campaign Launch & Scope: Launched June 15, 2025, running until July 15, 2025. Covers over 1 lakh tribal villages, including particularly vulnerable tribal group (PVTG) habitations across 31 states and Union Territories.
• Reach & Service Delivery:  More than 22,000 empowerment camps organized; engaged over 53 lakh tribal individuals. Facilitated welfare enrolments: ~1.38 lakh Aadhaar, ~1.68 lakh Ayushman Bharat cards, ~46,000 PM‑Kisan registrations, ~22,000 PM‑Ujjwala beneficiaries, and ~32,000 PM‑Jan Dhan accounts.
• Goals & Cultural Significance: Aims for full saturation of central welfare schemes among tribal populations. Marks a tribute to tribal icon Bhagwan Birsa Munda (“Dharti Aaba”) and celebrates tribal pride during Janja Tiya Gaurav Varsh (Nov 15, 2024–Nov 15, 2025).
• Five Governance Pillars: Jahangiri – Community-driven planning, Saturation – Universal coverage of eligible beneficiaries, Cultural Inclusion – Promotion of tribal arts, traditions, languages, Convergence – Cooperative inter-ministry & civil society coordination, Last‑Mile Delivery – Bringing services directly to remote habitations.
• Interactive & Cultural Engagement: Uses real‑time digital dashboards to track progress.
  • Camps feature tribal dance, handicrafts, cuisines—promoting cultural revival.
• Implementation & State Participation: Coordinated by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, supported by state leaders. Example – East Singhbhum (Jharkhand) launched 275 camps covering 231 panchayats to register beneficiaries for 35+ central and state schemes.

 

Global Peace Index 2025: A Deep Dive into Global Stability and Rising Tensions

In the News: The Institute for Economics & Peace's Global Peace Index 2025 highlights a troubling decline in global peace, driven by 59 active conflicts—the highest since World War II. The economic cost of violence reached nearly $20 trillion in 2024, equivalent to 11.6% of global GDP.

Key Points:

• Global Peace Landscape: Peace deteriorated by 0.36% globally—highest annual drop since 2008. Rise in conflicts: 59 active conflicts, involving 78 countries; ~152,000 conflict-related deaths in 2024. Militarisation and ongoing conflicts worsened; safety and security saw marginal improvement.
• Top & Bottom Rankings: Most peaceful countries: Iceland (#1), Ireland, New Zealand, Austria, Switzerland, Portugal, Denmark, Slovenia, Finland, Singapore. Least peaceful countries: Russia (#163), Ukraine, Sudan, DRC, Yemen, Afghanistan, Syria, South Sudan, Israel, Mali.
• Regional Trends: Most peaceful region: Western & Central Europe. Least peaceful: Middle East & North Africa (MENA) with highest tension in Gaza, Israel‑Iran, Sudan, Yemen. South Asia saw the largest regional decline due to unrest in Bangladesh and Pakistan South America was the sole region to improve, led by Peru and Argentina.
• Economic Cost of Violence: Global violence cost neared $20 trillion PPP, or $2,446 per person. Only nine countries improved; 87 deteriorated in peacefulness.
• Positive Peace & Resilience: Emphasis on “Positive Peace”: quality of institutions and governance linked to sustained peace. Countries like Uzbekistan, Armenia, Ireland led improvements in governance and corruption indices.

Global Tobacco Epidemic Report 2025

In the News: On June 23, 2025, WHO released its 10th Global Tobacco Epidemic Report, authored with support from Bloomberg Philanthropies. It highlights both achievements and nascent threats, such as the rising influence of vapes and gaps in anti-tobacco regulation.

Key Points:

• MPOWER Progress: Over 6.1 billion people are now protected by at least one MPOWER measure—WHO’s tobacco control package including monitoring use, smoke-free laws, cessation support, warnings, advertising bans, and taxation.  Graphic health warnings have seen the most widespread adoption: 110 countries (up from 9 in 2007), covering about 62% of the global population. Meanwhile, only 25 countries require plain packaging.
• Coverage and Implementation Gaps: 155 countries have implemented at least one MPOWER measure at best-practice level, but 40 countries still have none, and 36% of the global population lives where such measures were last updated before 2022. WHO warns of inconsistent policing of these measures—especially for smokeless tobacco products.
• E‑Cigarettes & Vaping Concerns: Aggressive marketing of vapes and novel nicotine products is undermining tobacco control efforts, especially among youth. Only 133 countries now regulate vapes; 62 countries have no regulations at all. WHO recommends extending graphic health warnings to all nicotine products and raising tobacco taxes to at least 75%, yet pricing has become more affordable in many regions.
• Health & Economic Burden : Tobacco caused over 7 million deaths in 2023, including 1.77 million women . In select low- and middle-income countries, tobacco-related mortality and morbidity accounted for 41,000 deaths and a financial loss of $4.3 billion—about 1% of their GDP.
• Civil Society Guidance: The NCD Alliance emphasizes taxation as a "triple‑win" solution—reducing consumption, saving lives, and boosting government revenue—but flags reluctance in many countries. WHO urges renewed investment in mass-media campaigns and quit-support services, especially given rising industry interference

Adani Group Pioneers India’s Clean Energy Future with First Off‑Grid Green Hydrogen Plant

In the News: The Adani Group, via Adani New Industries Limited (ANIL), inaugurated India’s first off‑grid 5 MW green hydrogen pilot plant in Kutch, Gujarat. Completely solar-powered and integrated with Battery Energy Storage, it marks a major breakthrough in decentralized renewable hydrogen production.

Key Points:

• Project Launch & Location: Commissioned on June 23, 2025, in Kutch, making it India’s first off‑grid green hydrogen facility. Features a 5 MW electrolyser powered entirely by solar energy with Battery Energy Storage (BESS) to manage intermittency.
• Innovative Technology:  Employs a fully automated, closed‑loop electrolyser system that adjusts in real time to solar generation, ensuring high safety and efficiency. Operates completely off‑grid, showcasing how renewable hydrogen production can be decentralized and independent of conventional power supplies.
• Strategic Alignment: Supports India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission, seeking energy security, reduced imports, and decarbonisation of hard‑to‑abate sectors.  Acts as a proof of concept ahead of the planned large-scale Green Hydrogen Hub in Mundra, targeting derivatives like ammonia, methanol, and sustainable aviation fuel.
• Decarbonising Heavy Industries: Green hydrogen emits only water vapor, offering a clean alternative for energy-intensive industries like fertilisers, refining, and heavy transport .
  The pilot signifies a strategic move away from fossil‑based grey hydrogen, aligning with India’s climate goals.
• Integrated Ecosystem:  ANIL plans an integrated industrial hub in Mundra covering solar cell/module manufacturing, electrolysers, and green‑hydrogen derivatives. Leverages the Gujarat Hybrid Renewable Energy Park in Kutch, already hosting ~30 GW of wind and solar infrastructure.

⁠State of Climate in Asia 2024 Report

In the News: The World Meteorological Organization published the State of the Climate in Asia 2024 report, revealing that Asia warmed nearly 1.04 °C above its 1991–2020 average—almost double the global warming rate. The report underscores Asia’s rising climate risks—from heatwaves and sea-level rise to glacier loss and extreme weather events.

Key Points:

• Record Warming & Heatwaves: 2024 ranked as Asia’s warmest or second-warmest year on record, heating at almost twice the global pace.  India marked its hottest year since 1901, enduring its longest heatwave since 2010—over 44,000 heatstroke cases and 450+ deaths.
• Ocean & Sea-Level Impacts: Marine heatwaves surged over ~15 million km², causing accelerated sea-level rise in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. India’s coast is rising faster than the global average: Arabian Sea ~3.9 mm/yr, Bay of Bengal ~4.0 mm/yr (global average ~3.4 mm/yr).
• Glacier Melt & Water Security Risks: 23 of 24 monitored glaciers in the Himalayas and Tian Shan are retreating, increasing glacial lake flood hazards and threatening downstream water supply.
• Extreme Weather Events : Asia was hit by 2024’s strongest cyclones and floods: Tropical Cyclone Yagi, record-breaking floods in Central Asia, and heavy monsoon rains in India, causing landslides and fatalities (e.g., 350+ in Kerala) .
• Disaster Preparedness Improvements: Some nations like Nepal showcased positive outcomes from enhanced early-warning systems—protecting over 130,000 people during extreme events. 

Kirsty Coventry Becomes First Female and African President of the IOC

In the News: Zimbabwean Olympian Kirsty Coventry officially assumed the presidency of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), making history as both the first woman and first African to hold the position, succeeding Thomas Bach.

Key Points:

• Historic Election & Tenure: Elected unanimously in March 2025 during the 144th IOC Session in Greece. Began an eight-year mandate on June 23, becoming the 10th IOC President.
• Sporting Legacy & Background: Former swimmer with seven Olympic medals—two gold, three silver, two bronze. Most decorated Olympian from Africa and former Zimbabwean Sport Minister.
• Leadership Vision & Goals:  Emphasizes collaborative, inclusive decision-making and championing athletes’ voices. Plans to tackle issues like gender equality, host city diversity, and athlete welfare, while navigating geopolitical tensions ahead of LA 2028.
• Operational Priorities: Launched a two-day workshop in Lausanne to consult IOC members on critical issues like sponsorships, inclusion, and governance.  Aims to strengthen IOC’s financial standing and secure future commercial deals amid volatility in sponsorship.
• Global Representation Milestone : Opens a new chapter for IOC representation—ending 131 years of male European/North American presidency . 

Dangeti Jahnavi Becomes First Indian to Complete NASA’s Space Program

In the News:, Dangeti Jahnavi from Palakollu, Andhra Pradesh, became the first Indian to complete NASA’s prestigious International Air and Space Program (IASP). She has been selected as an Astronaut Candidate for a scheduled 2029 space mission by Titan Space Industries .

Key Points:

• Training & Achievement:  Jahnavi successfully finished the intensive, five-day NASA IASP at Kennedy Space Centre—becoming the first Indian ever to do so. She is now an Astronaut Candidate in Titan Space’s Class of 2025, set to launch to the space station in 2029
• Background & Education: Aged 21, she hails from Palakollu, Andhra Pradesh, and holds a degree in Electronics & Communication Engineering from Lovely Professional University, Punjab Completed early education locally; parents (Padmasri and Srinivas) reside in Kuwait supporting her journey.
• Space Mission & Role:  Chosen for the 2029 Titan Orbital Port Space Station mission, marking her role in the future of international commercial space travel. Training includes spacecraft systems, zero‑gravity preparedness, and team-based scientific research during orbital missions.
• STEM Advocacy & Analog Missions: At just 21, trained as an analogue astronaut in Poland and participated in NASA-backed asteroid detection efforts through the International Astronomical Search Collaboration (IASC).

Shubhanshu Shukla Pilots Axiom 4 on SpaceX Falcon 9 to ISS

In the News: On June 25, 2025, Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla launched aboard SpaceX Falcon 9 (Crew Dragon) as pilot of Axiom Mission 4 (Ax‑4)—India’s first mission to the International Space Station (ISS) since 1984. The private mission, organized by Axiom Space and NASA, also included astronauts from Poland, Hungary, and the US.

Key Points:

• Mission Launch & Crew: Lifted off at 12:01 PM IST on June 25, 2025, from Kennedy Space Center aboard Falcon 9 . Crew commander: former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson; mission specialists from Poland and Hungary.
• Historic Significance: Shubhanshu Shukla becomes the first Indian to pilot a mission to the ISS and the second Indian overall after Rakesh Sharma.  Marks India’s return to manned spaceflight after 41 years.
• Mission Objectives: Crew will spend ~14 days aboard ISS, conducting over 60 experiments across microgravity biology, health sciences, AI, materials science, seed germination, and human physiology. Includes seven India-led experiments coordinated by ISRO on topics like microbial adaptation, cognitive effects of screens, and algae research.
• Technical Highlights & Collaboration:  The mission ferried the Dragon capsule “Grace”—the fifth Crew Dragon—to ISS .  Represents successful partnerships between Axiom Space, NASA, SpaceX, and ISRO—supporting India’s Gaganyaan human spaceflight readiness.
• India’s Response & Pride: PM Narendra Modi expressed national pride, calling it a moment carried by “wishes of 1.4 billion Indians”. The Indian Air Force, NDA alumni, and international partners (e.g., France) hailed Shukla’s leadership as a milestone.