Daily Current Affairs- 30th June 2025

Daily Current Affairs- 30th June 2025

Amit Shah Inaugurates Turmeric Board HQ in Nizamabad

In the News: On June 29, 2025, Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the National Turmeric Board headquarters in Nizamabad, Telangana—a milestone long awaited by farmers after about 40 years of advocacy.

Key Points:

• Historic Milestone: After nearly four decades of campaigning, turmeric farmers finally saw their demands met. The Board was officially approved by the Centre on January 14, 2025, virtually launched by Union Minister Piyush Goyal, and its physical headquarters was inaugurated by Amit Shah recently .
• Location & Leadership: Situated in Vinayak Nagar, Nizamabad, the headquarters reinforces the city’s stature as the turmeric capital of India. Amit Shah highlighted that a Telangana native has been appointed as the Board’s chairman .
• Objectives & Government Support: Operating under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, the Board will focus on: Quality enhancement, modern planting techniques, and research with an allocated budget of ₹200 crore. Strengthening the entire turmeric value chain—from planting material to branding, packaging, market access, and export promotion.
• Market and Export Drive: Amit Shah announced an ambitious target of US$1 billion in turmeric exports by 2030, aiming to elevate farmers’ incomes by ₹6,000–7,000 per quintal over the next three years
• Local Impact: The Board intends to free farmers from intermediaries by providing direct market linkages, training for harvesting, compliance with global standards, and support from cooperatives like Bharat Cooperative Exports Ltd. and National Cooperative Organics Ltd.
• Leadership and Political Commitment: Amit Shah credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for fulfilling the 40-year-old promise and reiterated the central government’s dedication to the welfare of turmeric farmers. 

⁠India Bans Jute Imports from Bangladesh via Land and Sea Ports

In the News: On June 27–29, 2025, India’s Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) banned the import of specific jute products and woven fabrics from Bangladesh via all land and seaports except Nhava Sheva. This policy aims to prevent rerouting through informal channels and curb subsidized, low-cost imports undermining domestic producers.

Key Points

• Scope of Ban: The restriction covers a range of items—raw jute, bast fibres, jute yarn (single and multiple fold), woven jute fabrics, and allied textile products. Importantly, the Nhava Sheva seaport in Maharashtra remains the only legal entry point.
• Rationale Behind Decision: The move aims to protect India's jute industry—including farmers and mills—from unfair competition, especially subsidized Bangladeshi imports that bypass anti‑dumping duties. There’s also concern over rerouting via third countries to circumvent trade barriers.
• Economic Disruption: Land-route trade between India and Bangladesh is a cost‑effective mode for small exporters. The ban forces a shift to sea routes, potentially raising logistics costs and delivery time, especially affecting exporters dependent on Kolkata and land routes.
• Domestic Industry Impact: Despite anti-dumping duties imposed earlier, Indian jute prices dropped below the Minimum Support Price (₹5,335/quintal). Mills faced under-utilization and debt accumulation. This restriction is designed to stabilize domestic prices and revive jute mills.
• Policy & Political Context: The ban coincides with rising India‑Bangladesh tensions—including geopolitical concerns and trade friction after statements by Bangladesh's interim PM Muhammad Yunus. India’s action reflects both economic and strategic motivations.

 NIF Progress Report 2025

In the News: On June 29, 2025, marking the 19th Statistics Day, the Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation (MoSPI) released the National Indicator Framework (NIF) Progress Report 2025, highlighting India’s progress on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through 284 national indicators covering 17 SDGs.

Key Points:

• Annual Framework Publication: NIF Progress Report 2025 presents time-series data sourced from line ministries and statistics agencies, serving as a key tool for evidence-based policymaking.
• Social Protection: Coverage under social protection schemes surged from 22% in 2016 to 3% in 2025, reflecting broader access to safety nets like pensions, maternity benefits, and health insurance.
• Agricultural Productivity: Gross Value Added (GVA) per agricultural worker improved from ₹61,247 (2015–16) to ₹94,110 (2024–25), indicating gains in productivity and rural incomes.
• Access to Safe Water: Rural population access to improved drinking water rose from 57% (2015–16) to 99.62% (2024–25), nearing universal access.
• Renewable Energy Uptake: Renewable energy’s share in electricity generation increased from 02% to 22.13%, and per‑capita installed capacity rose from 64 W to 156 W between 2015–16 and 2024–25.
• Waste Management Growth: Recycling of plants rose from 829 to 3,036, and waste processing coverage improved from 17.97% to 80.7%, indicating major improvements in solid waste treatment infrastructure.
• Start-up Ecosystem Expansion: Recognized start-ups under “Startup India” increased from 453 in 2016 to 34,293 in 2024, reflecting entrepreneurship growth.
• Inequality Reduction: Gini coefficients for household expenditure declined from 283 to 0.237 (rural) and from 0.363 to 0.284 (urban), showing more equitable distribution.
• Emissions Intensity & Digital Access: Emissions intensity dropped by 36% (2020 vs. 2005), and internet subscriptions increased from 302 million to 954 million, underlining strides in climate efficiency and digital inclusion.
• Forest Cover: Forest cover rose slightly from 34% (2015) to 21.76% (2023), indicating consistent environmental improvement. 

⁠G7 Nations Agree to Exempt U.S. Firms from Global Minimum Tax

In the News: At the June 26–28, 2025 G7 summit, the member nations agreed to a "side-by-side" approach that exempts U.S.-headquartered multinationals from the 15% global minimum corporate tax (Pillar Two). In return, the U.S. committed to removing its proposed retaliatory “revenge tax” (Section 899) from its domestic legislation

Key Points:

• Side‑by‑Side System: G7 countries endorsed a system where S. parented firms are exempt from the OECD’s Income Inclusion Rule (IIR) and Undertaxed Profits Rule (UTPR), recognizing their domestic minimum tax mechanism (GILTI)
• Retaliatory Tax Withdrawal: In exchange, the S. Treasury, led by Secretary Scott Bessent, pushed to remove Section 899 from the “Big, Beautiful Bill”—a US tax proposal that would have penalized foreign countries targeting American firms
• Revenue Protection for US Firms: The exemption is expected to save U.S. multinationals approximately $100 billion over a decade, avoiding potential double taxation
• OECD’s Inclusive Framework: While maintaining their role, the G7 stated that this side‑by‑side system will still require approval from all 147 Inclusive Framework member states to be globally implemented.
• Geopolitical & Economic Implications: The exemption reflects U.S. negotiating power and may influence future global digital tax regulations. For other G7 members, it ensures stability in international tax norms while protecting economies from U.S. retaliation.

⁠India–South Africa Submarine Cooperation Agreements

In the News: During the 9th India–South Africa Joint Defence Committee (JDC) meeting held in Johannesburg on June 23–24, 2025, the nations signed two key agreements on submarine cooperation, reinforcing their bilateral defence relationship.

Key Points:

• Strategic Institutional Forum: The agreements were formalised under the JDC framework, which operates based on the 2000 MoU on Defence Cooperation, co-chaired by the Defence Secretaries of both nations to strengthen ties through defence policy, training, production, and R&D collaboration.
• Scope of Cooperation: The submarine cooperation involves: Joint operational sea training (OST) programs, Shared rescue and surveillance cooperation, Collaborative defence production and R&D efforts, Implementation of submarine rescue protocols and equipment exchange.
• Deep‑Sea Rescue Support: India will provide its Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle (DSRV) to assist South Africa in emergencies—building upon an earlier 2024 submarine-rescue implementation agreement.
• Operational Training: In May 2025, the first joint submarine operational sea training took place in Simon’s Town, where Indian and South African submariners conducted block training to enhance underwater operational readiness.
• Maritime Security & Indo‑Pacific Reach: The partnership advances blue‑water naval capability across the Indian and Atlantic Oceans, aligning with India’s maritime strategy and South Africa’s naval modernisation goals
• Historical & Diplomatic Context: The defence collaboration traces back to a 1996 MoU on defence equipment, deepening over decades via exercises like IBSAMAR and participation in forums such as BRICS and G20. The 2025 agreements further heighten strategic convergence. 

GPS Interference Threatening Flights, Ships

In the News: Recent incidents have raised alarms about increasing GPS interference—including both jamming (signal blocking) and spoofing (false signal generation)—which have disrupted flights and maritime navigation, especially near conflict zones like the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and the Red Sea.

Key Points:

• What Is GPS Interference? Jamming: Emission of strong signals on GPS frequencies that overpower genuine satellite transmissions, causing receivers to lose location data. Spoofing: Transmission of counterfeit GPS signals that deceive receivers into locking onto false positions
• Why It Matters: For aircraft: GPS loss or deception can lead to navigation errors, missed approaches, and relied-upon cockpit systems failure, raising serious safety issues . For ships: It can cause groundings, collisions, and navigational mishaps due to loss of situational awareness.
• Hotspots of Interference: Regions near conflict zones, notably the Red Sea, Persian Gulf, Eastern Europe, and Baltic Sea, have reported sharp increases in spoofing incidents—up to 350% rise in Red Sea incidents. In 2024, up to 430,000 jamming/spoofing incidents occurred—reflecting a 62% increase.
• Mitigation in Aviation: Use of backup navigation systems: Inertial Navigation (INS), VOR/DME, and Instrument Landing Systems (ILS). Pilot training on recognizing and responding to signal anomalies; air traffic regulators like DGCA have issued advisories.
• Mitigation at Sea: Manual navigation using charts, radar, and terrestrial landmarks when GPS is compromised. Shift toward multi-GNSS receivers incorporating GLONASS, Galileo, and BeiDou alongside GPS.
• Technological Solutions: Layered Positioning- Navigation-Timing (PNT) frameworks, combining GPS with terrestrial, quantum, or magnetic navigation systems like NavIC, MagNav, and authenticated GNSS signals. Research into machine learning models to detect spoofing/jamming with 99% accuracy rates.
• Policy & Regulatory Response: Regulatory bodies such as the FCC in the U.S. are exploring alternatives to sole GPS dependency to safeguard infrastructure . International bodies like ICAO, ITU, and IATA have recommended countries adopt anti-jamming equipment, validated GNSS receivers, and issue standardized navigation guidance. 

Adani Green Becomes First Indian Firm to Cross 15 GW Renewable Energy Milestone

In the News: In June 2025, Adani Green Energy Ltd (AGEL) announced that it had crossed 15,539.9 MW (15.54 GW) of operational renewable energy capacity. This marked the first time any Indian firm achieved this feat, placing AGEL among the top 10 independent power producers globally. Key Points:

• Record Growth: AGEL added ~5 GW in just 15 months, marking the fastest renewable capacity addition by any Indian firm. During FY 2024–25 alone, it commissioned 3,309 MW.
• Capacity Composition: The operational portfolio includes approximately 11,005 MW solar, 1,977 MW wind, and 2,557 MW hybrid wind–solar projects across 12 states.
• Households Powered & Emission Reduction: This capacity can power around 9 million households and offset approx. 28.6 million tonnes of CO₂ yearly—equivalent to removing 6.3 million cars or planting 1.36 billion trees.
• Contribution to National Targets: AGEL now contributes ~15% of India’s utility-scale solar, and ~12% of combined solar and wind capacity. It aims to ramp up to 50 GW by 2030, including mega projects like the Khavda hybrid park in Gujarat.
• Global Standing & Vision: As India’s largest renewables player, AGEL ranks among the world’s top 10 green power IPPs. Its long-term vision includes gearing up for AI-driven operations to maintain rapid expansion. 

India Strengthens Submarine Cooperation Through IOR Agreements

In the News: On June 23–24, 2025, during the 9th Joint Defence Committee (JDC) meeting in Johannesburg, India and South Africa signed two critical submarine cooperation agreements, marking a significant advancement in maritime defines collaboration within the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

Key Points:

• Strategic Forum & Institutional Base: Formalised under the 9th JDC, operating since 2000 under a Defence Cooperation MoU, the agreements deepen collaboration in training, research & development, and equipment sharing.
• Focused Submarine Capabilities: India and South Africa agreed on cooperation in: Operational Sea training (OST), Submarine rescue protocols and shared equipment, Surveillance cooperation and defence R&D. These efforts support both navies' underwater readiness.
• Deep Sea Rescue Vehicle (DSRV) Integration: India’s DSRV platform will now support South African rescue tasks, reinforce bilateral security capabilities and enhance maritime safety.
• Joint Training Exercise Conducted: In May 2025, both nations conducted their first operational sea training in Simon’s Town, conducting specialized block training to standardize undersea operations.
• Strategic Maritime Posture: The agreements align with India’s blue‑water naval aspirations and bolster South Africa’s efforts towards naval modernization—enhancing maritime domain awareness and operational presence.
• Geopolitical Timing & Context: These steps coincide with India’s growing maritime focus in the IOR and increased naval collaboration under mechanisms like IORA, Colombo Security Conclave, and the QUAD. It underscores a strategic balancing act amid the region's evolving defense landscape. 

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⁠India’s Farm Output Hits Rs.29.49 Lakh Crore in FY24: NSO Report

In the News: On June 27–28, 2025, the National Statistics Office (NSO), part of MoSPI, released its annual report titled Statistical Report on Value of Output from Agriculture and Allied Sectors (2011–12 to 2023–24). It revealed that India's Gross Value of Output (GVO) in the farm sector rose to ₹29.49 lakh crore in FY24, marking substantial growth since FY12.

Key Points:

• Growth Since FY12: Farm GVO increased from ₹19.08 lakh crore in FY12 to ₹29.49 lakh crore in FY24—a 6% rise at constant prices. GVA at current prices jumped about 225%, from ₹15.02 lakh crore to ₹48.78 lakh crore over the same period.
• Sectoral Contribution: The crop sector dominated with ₹15.95 lakh crore, accounting for 1% of total GVO (constant prices). Cereals, fruits, and vegetables made up roughly 52.5% of crop output.
• Leading Crops & Regions: Paddy and wheat contributed about 85% of total cereal GVO. Five states—UP, MP, Punjab, Telangana, and Haryana—together generated nearly 53% of cereal output by value.
• Horticulture Highlights: Banana overtook mango in fruit GVO (₹47,000 crore vs ₹46,100 crore). Potato remained the top vegetable, with GVO increasing to ₹37,200 crore. Floriculture nearly doubled, rising to ₹28,100 crore—signalling diversification.
• Livestock, Forestry, Fisheries: Livestock GVO nearly doubled from ₹488,000 crore to ₹919,000 crore; milk continues to lead, while meat's share rose from 7% to 24.1%. Forestry output reached ₹227,000 crore, with industrial wood accounting for 70%. Fisheries rose to 7.0% share of agri GVA, overtaking inland fish production. 

SatSure & Dhruva Space to Offer End-to-End Earth Observation Solutions

In the News: On June 30, 2025, Bengaluru’s SatSure, an Earth observation and data analytics specialist, signed a strategic MoU with Hyderabad’s Dhruva Space to jointly offer end-to-end Earth Observation-as-a-Service (EOaaS). The collaboration bridges SatSure’s data analytics capabilities with Dhruva’s satellite platform, ground infrastructure, and launch integration services.

 Key Points:

• Integrated Space Ecosystem: SatSure’s downstream analytics, powered through its subsidiary KaleidEO, will be seamlessly combined with Dhruva Space’s upstream satellite platform development, launch services, and ground station infrastructure.
• Sovereign Capability Focus: Both firms aim to build a vertically integrated, sovereign EO ecosystem—enhancing India’s ability to independently collect, analyse, and deliver satellite data with faster mission timelines and reliable service.
• Sectoral Applications: The EOaaS offerings will target high-impact segments like defence surveillance, agricultural monitoring, smart urban planning, and environmental management, supporting government and commercial users.
• Strategic Infrastructure Expansion: Dhruva Space is building a 280,000 sq ft spacecraft manufacturing facility in Hyderabad to support satellite platforms up to 500 kg, while SatSure enhances payload analytics via KaleidEO’s optical and multispectral tools.