Daily Current Affairs- 26th June 2025

Daily Current Affairs- 26th June 2025

India’s First Butterfly Sanctuary Inaugurated in Kerala’s Aralam Forest

In the News: On 18 June 2025, the Kerala State Wildlife Board officially renamed the Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary in Kannur as the Aralam Butterfly Sanctuary, making it India’s first protected forest dedicated entirely to butterflies.

Key Points:

• Sanctuary Designation: The switch to "Aralam Butterfly Sanctuary" reflects its unique status, recognising more than 266 butterfly species in its 55 km² tropical and semi-evergreen habitat—over 80% of Kerala's butterfly diversity.
• Migration Phenomenon: Every December to February, the sanctuary witnesses a remarkable butterfly migration, including species like the Common Albatross and Danaine butterflies, with surveys reporting 5,000–12,000 butterflies passing a single point in just minutes.
• 25-Year Conservation Effort: Since its establishment in 1984, and through annual surveys led by the Forest Department and Malabar Natural History Society, Aralam has stood out as a critical area for butterfly conservation.
• Ecotourism & Education: The sanctuary features a Butterfly Safari Trail and guided walks, offering educational insights into butterfly behaviour, host plants, and conservation. It also supports broader biodiversity—housing elephants, leopards, giant squirrels, and diverse birdlife.
• Conservation Funding & Focus: Official butterfly sanctuary status brings greater funding, regulatory protection, and targeted attention to the fragile ecosystem. 

India’s First Quantum Computing Valley to Launch in Amaravati by January 2026

In the News: Andhra Pradesh will inaugurate India’s first integrated Quantum Valley in Amaravati on 1 January 2026, aligning with the National Quantum Mission (NQM). The 50-acre hub, backed by ₹4,000 crore investment, aims to foster innovation in quantum computing, AI, semiconductor research, and more—supported by partnerships with IBM, TCS, L&T, and leading academic institutions.

Key Points:

• Launch Timeline & Location: The hub, dubbed the Quantum Valley Tech Park, will officially open on January 1, 2026 in Amaravati, spearheaded by CM  Chandrababu Naidu and supported under the ₹6,000 crore National Quantum Mission.
• Infrastructure & Partnerships: Spanning 50 acres, the Valley will house IBM’s 156-qubit Quantum System Two, built by L&T, and supported by TCS for quantum applications—promoting a full-stack technology ecosystem.
• Academic & Industry Collaboration: The project features collaborations with IIT Madras, the University of Tokyo, Purdue, and others, linking research labs, startups, and deep-tech enterprises within Amaravati’s innovation corridor.
• Curriculum Integration: The Andhra Pradesh State Council for Higher Education (APSCHE) is integrating quantum computing and AI curriculum across universities, training over 500 faculty members and launching minor programmes to prepare students for the emerging sector.
• Economic & Sustainable Vision: Designed to create 90,000–100,000 high-end jobs, the Valley supports sectors like healthcare, logistics, cybersecurity, while advancing renewable energy, smart infrastructure, and quantum-enabled public administration

TATA Group Becomes India’s First $30‑Billion Brand: Brand Finance 2025

In the News: On 21 January 2025, Brand Finance announced that the TATA Group achieved a brand valuation of USD 31.6 billion—marking the first time an Indian brand has surpassed the USD 30 billion milestone. This positioned TATA at 60th place in the global Brand Finance Global 500 ranking, while maintaining a AAA- brand strength rating.

Key Points:

• Milestone Valuation: TATA Group’s brand value rose 10%, from USD 28.6 billion in 2024 to USD 31.6 billion in 2025—making it the first Indian brand to break the USD 30 billion threshold.
• Global Ranking: With this valuation, TATA secured the 60th spot in the Brand Finance Global 500 and retained its AAA- brand strength score.
• Consistent Leader: This marks the 16th consecutive year that TATA has been ranked as India’s most valuable brand, reinforcing its enduring reputation.
• Sectoral Growth: TATA’s performance reflects strong national momentum: other Indian brands like LIC, HDFC, SBI, and ICICI also gained recognition, though none crossed USD 30 billion.
• Brand Value Definition: Brand Finance defines brand value as the net economic benefit a trademark owner can realize by licensing the brand—highlighting TATA’s intangible value.
• International Benchmarking: By becoming the first Indian brand above USD 30 billion, TATA joins global elite such as Apple, Microsoft, and Google, underscoring India’s growing influence in the global brand economy.

Bihar to Host Its First Nuclear Power Plant Under India’s New SMR Mission⁠

In the News: On June 25, 2025, Union Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar announced that Bihar will soon establish its first-ever nuclear power plant under India’s new Small Modular Reactor (SMR)-based Nuclear Energy Mission, making it one of the first six states selected.

Key Points: 

• SMR Announcement: The plant will be based on Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology—compact, cost-effective, safer, and flexible—suitable for states with growing power needs. Bihar's Selection: Following a formal request by the Bihar government, the Centre approved the SMR plant. Exact location and capacity are pending finalisation. 
• Mission Funding: The Nuclear Energy Mission, announced in the Union Budget 2025–26, has a ₹20,000 crore allocation aimed at setting up at least one nuclear plant in every state.
• Energy and Regional Impact: Bihar has historically faced power deficits. The plant will help stabilize the local grid, support industrialisation, and improve energy access.
• Complementary Infrastructure: Alongside the SMR plant, the Centre approved a 1,000 MW battery storage project in Bihar with viability-gap funding of ₹18 lakh per MW. PM Modi also laid the foundation for a 500 MWh BESS in Siwan on June 20, 2025.  
• Short-Term Relief Measures: The Centre will supply an additional 500 MW of electricity to Bihar over the next six months to meet peak demand and bolster grid reliability. 
• Reform Recognition: Khattar praised Bihar’s power sector reforms—8 million smart meters installed and lower technical and commercial losses—citing them as progress toward modernisation.

Iran Suspends Cooperation With IAEA

In the News: Iran’s parliament passed, and the Guardian Council ratified, a new law requiring an immediate suspension of cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The move comes after U.S. and Israeli airstrikes damaged Iranian nuclear sites, and reflects Iran’s accusations that the IAEA leaked sensitive information aiding the strikes.

Key Points:

• Parliamentary Approval: Iran’s Majlis unanimously backed the bill, which halts inspections, surveillance, and reporting to the IAEA unless the Supreme National Security Council grants approval.
• Guardian Council Endorsement: Iran’s constitutional watchdog confirmed the law aligns with Islamic principles and the constitution, making the suspension official.
• Reason for Suspension: Iranian officials accuse the IAEA of political bias, failing to condemn the airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, and even leaking intelligence to Israel—claims rejected by IAEA head Rafael Grossi.
• Strategic & Legal Implications: Analysts warn that halting cooperation could severely impede international nuclear oversight, weaken the Non‑Proliferation Treaty (NPT) framework, and enable Iran to advance its nuclear programme unchecked .
• International Reactions: France, Germany, and other Western states have urged Iran to reverse course and resume cooperation, citing the suspension as a threat to global security . Environment

Asia Warming at Twice the Global Rate, Warns WMO in New Climate Report

In the News: The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) released its “State of the Climate in Asia 2024” report, warning that Asia is warming nearly twice as fast as the global average, driven by severe land and sea temperature increases.

Key Points:

• Accelerated Land Warming: Asia’s land temperatures surged by 04 °C above the 1991–2020 baseline in 2024, nearly double the global warming rate over the same period.
• Intense Heatwave Impact: India recorded its warmest year since 1901, with heatwaves causing over 44,000 heatstroke cases and 450+ deaths; Myanmar hit a record of 2 °C.
• Escalating Marine Heatwaves: Millions of square kilometres faced marine heatwaves, driving record-high sea surface temperatures and accelerating sea-level rise along Asia’s coasts.
• Glacier Melting & Flood Risks: 23 of 24 monitored glaciers in the Himalayas and Tian Shan lost mass, raising glacial lake flood risks and threatening freshwater reserves.
• Extreme Weather Events: Asia faced cyclones (e.g., Cyclone Yagi), intense floods, and droughts. In Nepal, early-warning systems saved 130,000+ lives, showcasing resilience.
• Urgent Climate Services: WMO highlighted that meteorological and hydrological services are now essential for planning adaptation, protecting lives and infrastructure.

India Hosts ICCON 2025 to Tackle Urgent Biodiversity Challenges

In the News: The Indian Conservation Conference (ICCON) 2025 was held at the Wildlife Institute of India in Dehradun. Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav inaugurated the event and released the latest Management Effectiveness Evaluation (MEE) report for 438 national parks and sanctuaries, assessing the conservation quality over 2020–2025.

Key Points:

• MEE Report Launch: The updated Management Effectiveness Evaluation, following IUCN guidelines, showed a rise in India’s average MEE score to 41% (from 60.52%), indicating improved governance of protected areas between 2020–2025. A total of 84 parks earned a “very good” rating, while only 18 rated “poor”, with Ladakh the lowest at 34.9%..
• Top & Low Performers: Leading sites included Eravikulam National Park (Kerala) and Dachigam National Park (J&K); by contrast, Hemis National Park (Ladakh) and Ringba‑Roba Wildlife Sanctuary (Arunachal Pradesh)
• Youth & Science Focus: Minister Yadav emphasised the need for science-driven, youth-led conservation, inaugurating new “Herbarium Gallery” and a Tusker indoor gym facility at WII to further research and education.
• Conference Scope: ICCON 2025 engaged hundreds of participants, including scientists, students, forest officers, NGOs, and intern.

Global Science‑Policy Panel on Chemicals, Waste, and Pollution Established in Punta del Este

In the News: From 15–20 June 2025, an intergovernmental meeting at Punta del Este, Uruguay, convened under UNEP, formally established the Intergovernmental Science‑Policy Panel on Chemicals, Waste, and Pollution (ISP‑CWP)—as the UN’s third major science‑policy body, alongside IPCC and IPBES.

Key Points:

• Purpose & Mandate: The panel is designed to deliver independent, policy‑relevant scientific assessments on chemicals, waste, and pollution. It aims to identify research gaps, conduct horizon scanning, and promote capacity‑building in developing nations.
• Filling Governance Gaps: It fills a critical void in global environmental governance, addressing the 'triple planetary crisis' by focusing on pollution and hazardous waste—complementing climate and biodiversity efforts.
• Panels & Procedures: Established through UNEA resolution (2022) and finalized in Punta del Este via multiple rounds of OEWG negotiations, its founding documents, rules of procedure, and plenary structure were adopted.
• Member Support: The initiative drew strong international backing—including from Belgium—and was hailed by UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen as a landmark for environmental multilateralism.
• Critical Role in Policy: The panel will help governments translate scientific evidence into actionable policy, anticipate emerging chemical threats, and strengthen sound chemicals and waste management globally.
• Health and Environmental Stakes: With chemical pollution contributing to disease and ecological degradation, the panel’s assessments aim to mitigate risks to human well‑being, air, water, and soil quality