Daily Current Affairs- 3rd June 2025

Daily Current Affairs- 3rd June 2025

Ladakh Land and Job Regulations of 2025: Empowering Locals and Preserving Cultural Identity

In the News: On June 3, 2025, the Government of India introduced a comprehensive set of regulations for the Union Territory of Ladakh. These measures aim to address longstanding demands from Ladakhi residents concerning employment opportunities, cultural preservation, and regional autonomy. The new policies encompass job reservations, domicile criteria, language recognition, and enhanced representation for women in local governance.

Key Points:

• 85% Job Reservation for Locals: The Union Territory of Ladakh Reservation (Amendment) Regulation, 2025, reserves 85% of government jobs and seats in professional educational institutions for local residents. This significant reservation aligns with Ladakh's demographic composition, where over 90% of the population belongs to Scheduled Tribes (STs). The reservation excludes the existing 10% quota for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), which remains applicable.
• Domicile Criteria Defined: The Ladakh Civil Services Decentralization and Recruitment (Amendment) Regulation, 2025, establishes clear domicile eligibility for government employment. An individual qualifies as a domicile if they have resided in Ladakh for 15 years, or have studied for seven years and appeared in Class 10 or 12 examinations within the UT. Children of Central Government employees who have served in Ladakh for at least 10 years are also eligible.
• Domicile Certification Process: The Ladakh Civil Services Domicile Certificate Rules, 2025, outline the procedure for obtaining domicile certificates. Tehsildars are designated as the issuing authorities, with Deputy Commissioners serving as appellate authorities. Applications can be submitted both physically and electronically.
• Women's Representation in Local Governance: The Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Councils (Amendment) Regulation, 2025, mandates that not less than one-third of the total seats in the Leh and Kargil Hill Development Councils be reserved for women. These reserved seats will be rotated among different constituencies to ensure equitable representation.
• Official Language Recognition: The Ladakh Official Languages Regulation, 2025, designates English, Hindi, Urdu, Bhoti, and Purgi as the official languages of Ladakh. Additionally, the regulation emphasizes the promotion and development of other regional languages such as Shina, Brokskat, Balti, and Ladakhi through institutional support. 

Annalena Baerbock Elected President of 80th UN General Assembly Session

In the News: On June 2, 2025, Annalena Baerbock, former German Foreign Minister, was elected President of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). She is set to assume office on September 9, 2025, succeeding Philemon Yang of Cameroon. Baerbock becomes the fifth woman to hold this prestigious position in the UN's history.

Key Points:

• Election Outcome: Annalena Baerbock secured 167 votes out of 193 member states in a secret ballot, surpassing the required simple majority of 88 votes. Her only opponent, Helga Schmid, received 7 votes, while 14 countries abstained from voting.
• Significance of the Role: The presidency of the UNGA rotates annually among five regional groups. For the 80th session, the position was designated for the Western European and Others Group, facilitating Baerbock's nomination and subsequent election.
• Theme and Vision: In her acceptance speech, Baerbock introduced the theme "Better Together," emphasizing unity and cooperation to address global challenges such as armed conflicts, climate change, poverty, and institutional inadequacies.
• Historical Context: Baerbock's election marks a significant milestone as she becomes only the fifth woman to preside over the UNGA since its inception. The last woman to hold this position was María Fernanda Espinosa of Ecuador in 2018.
• Background: Annalena Baerbock served as Germany's Foreign Minister from December 2021 to May 2025. She was also the co-leader of the Alliance 90/The Greens party from 2018 to 2022 and was the party's candidate for Chancellor in the 2021 federal elections. 

Bangladesh Introduces New Currency Notes Without Mujib, Showcasing Cultural Heritage

In the News: On June 1, 2025, Bangladesh's central bank unveiled newly designed currency notes in denominations of Taka 1,000, Taka 50, and Taka 20. Notably, these notes omit the portrait of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the nation's founding father, marking a significant departure from a longstanding tradition. Instead, the new designs feature prominent cultural and historical landmarks, reflecting a shift towards depoliticizing national symbols.

Key Points:

• Redesigned Currency Notes: The newly issued banknotes exclude any human portraits. The Taka 20 note features the 18th-century Kantajew Temple on the obverse and the Paharpur Buddhist Monastery on the reverse. The Taka 50 note showcases Ahsan Manzil and a painting by Zainul Abedin, while the Taka 1,000 note depicts the National Martyrs' Memorial and the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban.
• Historical Context: Since Bangladesh's independence in 1971, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's image has been a consistent feature on its currency. The removal of his portrait aligns with broader efforts to move away from political iconography in national symbols.
• Political Climate: The redesign follows significant political changes, including the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024 after widespread protests. The interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, has initiated several reforms aimed at depoliticizing state institutions and symbols. 

Germany Becomes the World’s Top Creditor, Overtaking Japan After 34 Years

In the News: In 2024, Germany surpassed Japan to become the world's largest creditor nation, ending Japan's 34-year reign since 1991. This shift was driven by Germany's substantial current account surplus and favorable currency movements, reflecting broader changes in global trade and investment dynamics.

Key Points:

• Germany's Net External Assets: Germany's net external assets reached ¥569.7 trillion (approximately $3.99 trillion) by the end of 2024, overtaking Japan's ¥533.05 trillion ($3.73 trillion).
• Current Account Surplus: Germany recorded a current account surplus of €248.7 billion in 2024, primarily driven by strong exports.
• Currency Exchange Impact: The euro appreciated by about 5% against the yen in 2024, enhancing the yen-denominated value of Germany's euro-based assets.
• Japan's Record Assets: Despite losing the top spot, Japan's net external assets grew by 12.9% in 2024, reaching a record high, aided by a weaker yen and robust overseas investments.
• Investment Strategies: Japan's overseas investments are largely in direct acquisitions, such as company purchases and establishing foreign operations, which are less liquid compared to Germany's preference for portfolio investments like stocks and bonds.
• Global Rankings: China remained the third-largest creditor nation with net external assets of ¥516.3 trillion ($3.6 trillion) at the end of 2024. 

Telangana Notifies Kumram Bheem Conservation Reserve to Strengthen Tiger Corridor

In the News: In May 2025, the Government of Telangana officially declared the Kumram Bheem Conservation Reserve, encompassing a critical tiger corridor that connects the Kawal Tiger Reserve in Telangana with the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra. This designation, made under Section 36(A) of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, aims to enhance tiger conservation efforts by ensuring habitat connectivity and facilitating safe movement for tigers across state boundaries.

Key Points:

• Geographical Scope: The Kumram Bheem Conservation Reserve spans an area of 1,492.88 square kilometers, covering 78 forest blocks across the Kagaznagar and Asifabad forest divisions in the Kumram Bheem Asifabad district. This area serves as a vital link between the Kawal Tiger Reserve and several protected areas in Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh, including the Tadoba-Andhari, Kanhargaon, Tippeshwar, and Chaprala Wildlife Sanctuaries, as well as the Indravati Tiger Reserve.
• Biodiversity Significance: The reserve is home to a rich array of wildlife, including apex predators such as tigers, leopards, wild dogs, sloth bears, wolves, and hyenas. It also supports a diverse herbivore population comprising gaur, sambar, nilgai, chital, four-horned antelope, and Indian gazelle. Additionally, the area hosts over 240 bird species, notably the Malabar Pied Hornbill and the Long-Billed Vulture, for which it serves as a crucial nesting site.
• Conservation Management: To oversee the management of the reserve, the state government has established a 12-member Conservation Reserve Management Committee. This committee includes the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of Kumram Bheem Asifabad as the member secretary, representatives from three Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), including the Hyderabad Tiger Conservation Society and WWF-India, and the sarpanches of Karji, Motlaguda, Murliguda, and Kammergaon panchayats. The committee also comprises the District Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Officer, the District Agricultural Officer, and the DFOs of Asifabad and Kagaznagar.
• Legal Framework: Section 36(A) of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, empowers state governments to declare any government-owned area, particularly those adjacent to national parks and sanctuaries or serving as corridors between protected areas, as conservation reserves. This provision aims to protect landscapes, flora, fauna, and their habitats while promoting sustainable coexistence with local communities. 

Royal Challengers Bengaluru Clinch Maiden IPL Title After 18-Year Wait

In the News: On June 3, 2025, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) secured their first-ever Indian Premier League (IPL) title by defeating Punjab Kings (PBKS) by 6 runs in a thrilling final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. This victory marked the end of an 18-year quest for the elusive trophy, with Virat Kohli playing a pivotal role in the team's success.

Key Points:

• Match Summary: RCB posted a total of 190/9 in their allotted 20 overs, with Virat Kohli top-scoring with 43 runs off 35 balls. In response, PBKS managed 184/7, falling short by 6 runs despite a valiant unbeaten 61 off 30 balls by Shashank Singh.
• Bowling Performances: RCB's bowlers delivered under pressure, with Krunal Pandya taking 2 wickets for 17 runs and Bhuvneshwar Kumar claiming 2 wickets for 38 runs. Their disciplined bowling in the death overs was instrumental in securing the win.
• Emotional Aftermath: Virat Kohli was visibly emotional after the victory, shedding tears of joy as he embraced his wife, Anushka Sharma. The moment was widely shared on social media, symbolizing the culmination of years of dedication and perseverance.
• Citywide Celebrations: Bengaluru erupted in celebrations, with fireworks lighting up the sky and fans chanting "Ee Sala Cup Namde" (This year, the cup is ours). Former RCB players like AB de Villiers and Chris Gayle joined the festivities, highlighting the significance of the triumph.
• Season Awards:
  • Orange Cap (Most Runs): Sai Sudharsan, with 759 runs in the season.
  • Purple Cap (Most Wickets): Prasidh Krishna, with 25 wickets.
  • Most Valuable Player: Suryakumar Yadav, recognized for his consistent performances.
  • Fair Play Award: Chennai Super Kings, acknowledged for their exemplary conduct.