Daily Current Affairs- 27th June 2025

Daily Current Affairs- 27th June 2025

Establishment of CIP‑South Asia Regional Centre in India

In the News: India’s Union Cabinet approved setting up the CIP‑South Asia Regional Centre (CSARC) of the International Potato Center (CIP) at Singna, Agra, Uttar Pradesh.

Key Points:

•  Cabinet Approval & Location: Approved by the Cabinet under the Agriculture & Farmers Welfare Ministry; 10 ha of land allocated in Agra district. The centre will serve farmers from UP, Bihar, West Bengal, and neighbouring South Asian nations .
•  Purpose & Objectives: Aims to boost food and nutrition security, increase farmer incomes, and generate rural jobs by enhancing potato and sweet potato productivity, post‑harvest management, and value chains . 
• Funding & Infrastructure: Total investment of ₹171 crore – ₹111 crore from India, ₹60 crore from CIP – with infrastructure supported by UP government land allocation . 
• Advantages for India & Region: As the world’s second‑largest potato producer, India stands to benefit from enhanced seed quality, climate‑resilient/disease‑free varieties, reduced import dependance, better export potential, and access to CIP’s global germplasm repository .
•  CIP Background & India Partnership: Founded in 1971 in Lima (Peru), CIP focuses on potato, sweet potato and Andean tubers. Active in India since 1975 through collaboration with ICAR .
• South Asia Regional Strategy: CSARC is CIP’s second major regional wing outside Peru (after China Asia Pacific in 2017), underlining a broader South Asian focus .
• CIP’s Work & Projects in India: Zero‑tillage potato farming with straw mulching: Piloted in Bihar, this method enhances soil health, conserves water, cuts CO₂ emissions, and is women‑friendly by reducing labor intensity .
• Centre of Excellence at UHSB, Bagalkot (Karnataka): Equipped with breeding, in vitro labs, greenhouses, seed‑production and processing facilities to promote heat‑tolerant, high‑yielding, nutri‑rich varieties, mechanization, and value‑chain linkages.
• Sweetpotato Agri‑food Systems Program: Aiming to improve diets and incomes for 15 million resource‑poor households in Asia and Africa through nutritious sweet potato cultivation .
• India Country Leadership: Dr Neeraj Sharma appointed CIP Country Manager for India (May 2025) demonstrating expansion of CIP presence and linkages . 

Rajnath Refuses to Sign SCO Draft Statement

In the News: Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh declined to sign the joint communique at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ meeting in Qingdao, China, citing omission of references to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack and a lack of explicit acknowledgment of terrorism .

Key Points:

• Draft Rejection: Singh refused to endorse the draft statement that failed to mention the Pahalgam terror attack — which killed 26 mostly Hindu pilgrims — but included mention of militant activity in Balochistan .
• Demand for Terrorism Acknowledgment: He emphasized that the SCO must explicitly address terrorism and hold both perpetrators and their sponsors accountable. India’s position was that “peace and prosperity cannot co‑exist with terrorism...” and condemned countries using cross‑border terrorism as policy.
• MEA & Jaishankar Context: The Ministry of External Affairs clarified that consensus was blocked by “one particular country” (widely understood to be Pakistan) that objected to language on terrorism. EAM S. Jaishankar backed Singh, stating that terrorism references are central to the SCO’s purpose.
• Regional Diplomatic Signal: By refusing to sign in a China-chaired meeting, India asserted its principled stand even in a forum dominated by China and Pakistan. It marks the first time since May’s border clashes that senior defence ministers from India and Pakistan shared a stage without issuing a joint communiqué.
• Operation Sindoor Highlighted: In his speech, Singh cited India’s retaliatory Operation Sindoor launched after Pahalgam, reinforcing his message that “terror epicentres are no longersafe. 

10 Years of AMRUT: Transforming Urban India

In the News: On June 25, 2025, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) marked a decade since the launch of AMRUT, highlighting its achievements in revolutionizing urban infrastructure and improving living standards across Indian cities.

Key Points:

• Mission Launch & Coverage: AMRUT was initiated by PM Modi on June 25, 2015, targeting 500 (now 485) cities with a focus on water supply, sewerage, stormwater drainage, non-motorized transport, and green spaces.
• Funding & Project Totals: State Action Plans worth ₹77,640 crore were approved (₹35,990 crore from the Centre), with total project outlay reaching ₹2.99 lakh crore under AMRUT 2.0.
•  Infrastructure Achievements: Across AMRUT and AMRUT 2.0, 14,828 projects sanctioned (₹2.73 lakh crore)—₹1.12 lakh crore executed, 2.03 crore new tap connections; 1.5 crore sewer connections, 544 water bodies rejuvenated (9,511 acres); ~3,000 parks across 6,869 acres.
• AMRUT 2.0 Enhancements: Launched October 1, 2021, extended to all urban local bodies (ULBs), 3,568 water projects worth ₹1.14 lakh crore (181 lakh new tap connections; 10,647 MLD treatment capacity), 592 sewer/septage projects worth ₹67,608 crore (67.11 lakh new connections; 6,739 MLD STP), 1,487 SCADA‑enabled water projects, 235 SCADA‑enabled sewer projects. 
• Technology & Innovation: Through the Technology Sub‑Mission, 120 start‑ups were piloted in 82 cities
• Community Engagement & Capacity Building: 'AMRUT Mitra' involved 10,000+ SHG women in 1,762 projects, 'Drink from Tap' approved 381 projects (₹23,490 crore) to directly supply safe water, Training for 90,000+ individuals (plumbers, officials, youth, etc.) . 
• State-Level Progress & Ongoing Initiatives:Tamil Nadu has initiated ₹3,360 crore sewerage work across 14 corporations (3,000+ km pipelines; ~500k+ households) under AMRUT 2.0. Kochi’s ₹17.5 crore overhead tank (1.5 lakh litres) aims to deliver piped water to ~25,000 families. 

Launch of Sagarmala Finance Corporation Ltd (SMFCL)

In the News: On June 26–27, 2025, India inaugurated its first maritime sector–focused Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC), Sagarmala Finance Corporation Ltd (SMFCL), through the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, led by Minister Sarbananda Sonowal.

Key Points:

•  Entity Launch: SMFCL, formerly Sagarmala Development Company Ltd, is now a Mini-Ratna Category I Central Public Sector Enterprise registered with the RBI on June 19, 2025.
• Mandate & Purpose: Created to bridge critical financing gaps in India’s maritime ecosystem, offering tailored short-, medium-, and long-term credit to port authorities, shipping firms, MSMEs, startups, maritime educational institutions, and related stakeholders.
• Sectoral Scope: Supports strategic areas under the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047—such as shipbuilding, cruise tourism, green energy, renewable energy projects, maritime R&D, digital ports, and PPP—aligning with the Sagarmala programme.
• Capital Strength: Equipped with ₹680 crore in Tier I capital and targeting ₹3,400 crore through borrowings and consortium partnerships.
• Strategic Fit: As the first maritime-specific NBFC, SMFCL addresses a long-standing industry demand and complements port-led development, blue economy growth, and maritime infrastructure goals.  
• Official Statements: Minister Sonowal described it as "fulfilling a long-standing demand of the maritime industry" and emphasized its role in empowering ports, MSMEs, startups, and institutions. 

Zou Jiayi Appointed as New AIIB President, Succeeds Jin Liqun

In the News: On June 24, 2025, during the AIIB’s 10th Annual Governors’ Meeting, Zou Jiayi was elected as the second President of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), becoming its first female leader. She will take office on January 16, 2026, succeeding founding President Jin Liqun, whose decade-long tenure began in January 2016.

Key Points:

• Single Nominee Election: Zou was the only candidate nominated and elected by the Board of Governors to lead the institution for a five-year term.
• Professional Background: A former Vice Finance Minister of China and senior figure in the CCP’s anti-corruption agency, Zou brings over three decades of experience in international financial policy, including roles linked to the World Bank, ADB, and New Development Bank.
• Historic First Female President: Her appointment marks the first time a woman has been elected to lead the AIIB.
• Global Expansion Agenda: She is expected to reinforce AIIB’s global presence by aligning more closely with major international development institutions and expanding offices in Singapore, Hong Kong, London, and Abu Dhabi.
• Institutional Context: Under Jin Liqun, AIIB grew from 57 to 110 members, approved over $60 billion across ~322 projects, achieved AAA ratings, and emphasized climate finance and partnerships.
• Strategic Moment: Zou’s ascent comes amid China’s efforts to enhance its influence in international development finance and respond to geopolitical shifts in global economic leadership 

NATO Conclude Historic Summit in The Hague

In the News:  On 24–25 June 2025, NATO held its summit in The Hague, marking a historic meeting under Secretary-General Mark Rutte. Member states closed the summit by adopting a landmark commitment to increase defense and security related spending to 5% of GDP by 2035, the most ambitious financial pledge in the alliance’s history.

Key Points:

• New 5% Defense Spending Target: NATO members agreed to allocate 3.5% of GDP to core defense and 1.5% for broader security costs—totalling 5%—with progress reviews slated for 2029.
•  Commitment to Article 5: All 32 NATO nations reaffirmed their “ironclad” obligation to mutual defense under Article 5.
•  Support for Ukraine: While Ukraine wasn't offered membership, leaders agreed to include aid and defense industry support for Ukraine in national defense calculations.
• S. Influence & Trump Diplomacy: U.S. President Trump, attending amid personal-focused diplomacy (e.g. calling him “Daddy”), secured the spending commitment and reaffirmed the U.S. role in Article 5.
• Spain’s Exception: Spain resisted the 5% mandate, opting to maintain its defense budget around 2.1%, generating friction but not blocking consensus. 
• Focus on Iran & Middle East: The summit followed U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and addressed the fragile Israel-Iran ceasefire. Bilateral meetings, including Trump–Zelensky, underscored strategic alignments. 

Salkhan Fossil Park Joins UNESCO’s Tentative List of World Heritage Sites

In the News: Uttar Pradesh’s Salkhan Fossil Park, also known as Sonbhadra Fossils Park, was officially added to UNESCO’s Tentative List for World Heritage Sites under criterion (viii), marking a crucial step in preserving its 1.4‑billion‑year‑old geological treasures.

Key Points: 

• UNESCO Tentative Status: Inclusion on the Tentative List was formalized in early June 2025, with detailed information now available on UNESCO’s official platform. 
• Geological Significance: The park, spread across ~25 ha in the Kaimur Range near Robertsganj (Sonbhadra), preserves exceptionally well‑preserved stromatolites and algae fossils dating back 1.4 billion years—key evidence of early life on Earth.
• Scientific and Ecotourism Value: Studies by Birbal Sahni Institute and UP’s eco‑tourism board confirm its value for early life research and potential as a global geotourism hotspot. 
• Conservation Efforts: Situated inside Kaimoor Wildlife Sanctuary, managed by Uttar Pradesh Forest Department, the park benefits from multi‑layered protection (Wildlife & Forest Acts, ESZ, conservation planning).
• Nomination Roadmap: A comprehensive nomination dossier is being finalized by the UP eco‑tourism board with support from BHU & Birbal Sahni Institute. Submitted to the Government of India, it's expected to be reviewed by UNESCO within 1–2 years.  
• Local Impact: Tentative inclusion is projected to boost regional eco‑tourism, elevate global scientific recognition, and improve local infrastructure and livelihoods. 

Project Elephant: Census Phase‑I Completed, New Wildlife Recovery Plans Launched

In the News:   The 21st Steering Committee meeting of Project Elephant was held in Dehradun, chaired by Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav. Key outcomes included completion of Phase‑I in the Northeastern elephant census, railway conflict mitigation initiatives, expanded DNA profiling, and inclusion of new species in recovery programs.

Key Points:

• Phase‑I Census in Northeast Completed: Over 16,500 elephant dung samples were collected across Northeastern states to estimate elephant populations.
• Railway Collision Mitigation: Surveyed 3,452 km of high-risk railway track; identified 77 vulnerable areas for targeted interventions. 
• DNA Profiling of Captive Elephants: Successfully completed 1,911 genetic profiles across 22 states to aid monitoring and health assessment. 
• Expanded Species Recovery Programs: Steering Committee recommended including sloth bear and gharial under the national Species Recovery Programme.
• Human‑Elephant Conflict Strategy: Emphasized community engagement, coordination with Railways, Power, NHAI, and mines, and use of traditional knowledge and community-led response teams.
• Model Conservation Plans & Reports Released: Released Elephant‑Train Collision Mitigation report, a regional action plan study (Assam, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh), and draft ECP for Nilgiri — to be finalized by December 2025. 
• Focus on Field Staff & Community Training: Stress on frontline staff welfare, awareness-building through SACON, IIFM, WII, state bodies; upcoming World Elephant Day initiatives and elephant tracking studies planned. 

Kerala Sahitya Akademi Announces 2024 Literary Award Winners

In the News: The Kerala Sahitya Akademi unveiled its 2024 literary awards in Thrissur, recognising outstanding contributions across diverse genres of Malayalam literature.

Key Points:

• Best Novel: G R Indu Gopan won for Aano.
• Best Poetry Collection: Anitha Thampi received the award for Muringa Vazha Kariveppu.
• Best Short Story: V Shinilal was recognised for Garisappa Aruvi Athava Oru Jalayathra.
• C B Kumar Essay Award: M Swaraj honoured for Pookkalude Pusthakam.
• Akademi Fellowships: Distinguished membership awarded to K V Ramakrishnan and Ezhacheri Ramachandran, each receiving ₹50,000, a two-sovereign gold medal, certificate, shawl, and plaque.
•  Lifetime Contribution Awards: Four senior writers honoured -P K N Panicker, Payyanur Kunhiraman, M M Narayanan, T K Gangadharan, K E N, and Mallika Yunis—each receiving ₹30,000, certificate, shawl, and plaque.
•  Other Genre Winners: Drama: Piththalasalabham by Sasidharan Naduvil Biography/Autobiography: Njaan Enna Bhavam by Dr K Rajasekharan Nair.
• Travelogue: Aarohanam Himalayam by K R Ajayan.
• Children’s Literature: Ammamanamulla Kanivukal by E N Sheeja, Translation: Ente Rajyam Ente Shareeram by Chinju Prakash,
• Literary Criticism: Ramayanathinte Charithrasanchaarangal by G Dileep,
• Humour Writing: Keralaathe Maidaathmakatha by Niranjan.
• Award Prizes Overview: ₹25,000 with a plaque and certificate for main categories; ₹50,000+medal for fellowships; ₹30,000 for lifetime achievers. No Vilasini Award presented this year.