Daily Current Affairs- 5th June 2025

Daily Current Affairs- 5th June 2025

India to Conduct Population Census 2027 in Two Phases with Caste Enumeration

In the News: On June 4, 2025, the Government of India announced that the long-delayed national population census will be conducted in two phases, commencing in April 2026 and concluding by March 1, 2027. Significantly, this census will include comprehensive caste enumeration for the first time since 1931, marking a pivotal shift in India's demographic data collection practices.

Key Points:

• Two-Phase Census Schedule:
  • Phase I – House Listing: Scheduled from April to September 2026, this phase involves enumerators collecting information about households, including housing conditions and basic amenities.
  • Phase II – Population Enumeration: Set for February 2027, this phase will gather detailed demographic data on individuals, such as age, sex, occupation, and education.
  • Reference Dates:
    • March 1, 2027: For most parts of the country.
    • October 1, 2026: For snow-bound regions like Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Ladakh.
  • Inclusion of Caste Enumeration: This census will collect data on all castes, including Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), Other Backward Classes (OBCs), and General category castes. The decision aims to provide updated and comprehensive data to inform policies on affirmative action, resource allocation, and social justice initiatives.
  • Digital Data Collection: For the first time, the census will employ digital tools, allowing enumerators to use mobile applications and tablets for data collection, enhancing efficiency and accuracy.
  • Impact on Policy and Representation: The collected data will be instrumental in redrawing parliamentary and state legislative constituencies to reflect population changes. It will also support the implementation of the 2023 Women's Reservation Bill, which mandates reserving one-third of seats for women in legislatures.
  • Political and Social Implications: The inclusion of caste data is expected to influence debates on reservation policies, with potential demands to reassess the current 50% cap on quotas. Political leaders, such as Tejashwi Yadav in Bihar, have called for increasing reservation limits based on updated caste data. 

India's New National Policy for Senior Citizens in Draft Stage

In the News: On June 4, 2025, the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment announced the drafting of a new National Policy for Senior Citizens. This initiative aims to address the evolving needs of India's rapidly growing elderly population, ensuring their welfare, dignity, and inclusion in society.

Key Points:

• Demographic Imperative: As per the 2011 Census, senior citizens (aged 60 and above) constituted 8.6% of India's population. Projections estimate this figure will rise to 12.16% by 2026 and 20% by 2047, highlighting the urgency for comprehensive policy measures.
• Policy Development:
  • The policy is being formulated under the aegis of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, incorporating inputs from various stakeholders, including NGOs, senior citizen associations, and experts.
  • The fourth meeting of the National Council for Senior Citizens served as a platform for discussing key areas of focus for the policy.
• Core Focus Areas:
  • Digital Inclusion: Bridging the digital divide by enhancing digital literacy among seniors to facilitate access to essential services.
  • Elder Abuse Redressal: Establishing robust mechanisms to prevent and address instances of elder abuse and neglect.
  • Standards for Care Facilities: Setting and enforcing minimum standards for old age homes and senior care institutions to ensure quality care.
  • Community Engagement: Promoting intergenerational bonding and community participation to combat social isolation among the elderly.
• Review of Existing Schemes:
  • Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY): Provides free assistive devices to economically weaker senior citizens suffering from age-related disabilities.
  • Integrated Programme for Senior Citizens (IPSrC): Offers financial assistance to NGOs for running senior citizen homes and providing essential services.
  • Elderline (14567): A national helpline launched in 2021 for grievance redressal and support for senior citizens.
  • Seniorcare Ageing Growth Engine (SAGE): Supports startups in developing products and services tailored for the elderly.
• Legal Framework: The Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007, mandates children and legal heirs to provide maintenance to senior citizens, with provisions for legal recourse in cases of neglect. 

Nicaragua Becomes 101st WTO Member to Accept Fisheries Subsidies Agreement

In the News: On June 2, 2025, Nicaragua formally accepted the World Trade Organization's (WTO) Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, becoming the 101st member to do so. This milestone brings the agreement closer to its implementation, requiring just 10 more acceptances to reach the necessary threshold for entry into force.

Key Points:

• Historic Agreement Overview: Adopted at the WTO's 12th Ministerial Conference in 2022, the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies is the first WTO accord with a primary focus on environmental sustainability. It aims to curb harmful subsidies that contribute to overfishing and the depletion of global fish stocks.
• Prohibited Subsidies Under the Agreement:
  • Subsidies for illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing activities.
  • Subsidies for fishing overfished stocks.
  • Subsidies for fishing in unregulated high seas areas beyond national jurisdictions.
• Nicaragua's Commitment: Ambassador Rosalía Bohorquez Palacios presented Nicaragua's instrument of acceptance to WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala in Geneva. Nicaragua's acceptance underscores its dedication to sustainable marine resource management, crucial for the nation's food security, employment, and economic development.
• WTO Fisheries Funding Mechanism: With the agreement nearing implementation, the WTO plans to activate the Fisheries Funding Mechanism, also known as the WTO Fish Fund. This fund will support developing and least-developed countries in meeting their obligations under the agreement, including enhancing legal frameworks, monitoring systems, and enforcement capabilities.
• Next Steps: The agreement requires acceptance by two-thirds (111) of WTO members to enter into force. With Nicaragua's acceptance, only 10 more are needed. Ongoing negotiations aim to expand the agreement's scope, addressing subsidies that contribute to overcapacity and overfishing, with discussions expected to conclude at the WTO's 13th Ministerial Conference in February 2026. 

Flipkart Secures NBFC Licence from RBI: Enters Direct Lending Space

In the News: On June 5, 2025, Flipkart, India's leading e-commerce platform owned by Walmart, announced that it has received a Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) licence from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). This approval allows Flipkart to directly offer loans to its customers and sellers, marking a significant expansion into the financial services sector.

Key Points:

• Regulatory Approval: The RBI granted the NBFC licence to Flipkart Finance Private Limited on March 13, 2025. This is the first instance of a major Indian e-commerce company obtaining such a licence, enabling direct lending without relying on third-party financial institutions.
• Direct Lending Capabilities: With the NBFC status, Flipkart can now extend credit directly from its own financial resources to both consumers and sellers on its platform. Previously, Flipkart facilitated loans through partnerships with banks and NBFCs like Axis Bank, IDFC Bank, and Credit Saison.
• Fintech Expansion: Flipkart plans to offer these lending services via its e-commerce platform and its fintech application, Super.money. This move aligns with Flipkart's broader strategy to deepen its presence in the digital financial services sector.
• Operational Preparations: Before commencing lending operations, Flipkart aims to complete internal processes, including appointing key management personnel and finalizing its business model. The company anticipates launching its lending services in the coming months. 

Khichan and Menar Wetlands Receive Ramsar Tag Ahead of World Environment Day

In the News: On June 4, 2025, just before World Environment Day, the wetlands of Khichan in Phalodi and Menar in Udaipur, Rajasthan, were designated as Ramsar Sites. This recognition elevates India's total to 91 Ramsar Sites, the highest in Asia, and underscores the country's commitment to wetland conservation.

Key Points:

• Significance of the Ramsar Designation: The Ramsar Convention, established in 1971 in Ramsar, Iran, is an international treaty for the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands. India became a signatory in 1982. Ramsar Sites are wetlands of international importance, recognized for their ecological significance, biodiversity, and role in supporting human life.
• Khichan Wetland, Phalodi: Khichan is renowned for hosting thousands of migratory Demoiselle cranes each winter, making it a significant site along the Central Asian Flyway. The local community has played a pivotal role in bird conservation, with traditions that protect and feed these migratory birds.
• Menar Wetland, Udaipur: Known as the "Bird Village," Menar comprises two primary lakes—Brahma Talab and Dhand Talab—and supports over 200 species of migratory and resident birds, including the Eurasian coot, spot-billed duck, and various herons. Community-driven conservation efforts have been central to Menar's ecological preservation, with locals enforcing bans on hunting and fishing.
• Rajasthan's Enhanced Ramsar Portfolio: With the inclusion of Khichan and Menar, Rajasthan now boasts four Ramsar Sites, joining the ranks of Sambhar Salt Lake and Keoladeo Ghana National Park.
• National Recognition and Support: Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded the development, emphasizing India's vigorous strides in environmental conservation powered by public participation. Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav highlighted the addition as a testament to India's commitment to a greener future. 

World Environment Day 2025: Uniting to Beat Plastic Pollution

In the News: On June 5, 2025, the global community observed World Environment Day with the theme “Beat Plastic Pollution,” emphasizing the urgent need to address the escalating plastic waste crisis. The Republic of Korea hosted the international celebrations, highlighting its commitment to sustainable practices and environmental stewardship.

Key Points:

• Theme and Global Focus: The 2025 theme, “Beat Plastic Pollution,” underscores the pervasive impact of plastic waste on ecosystems, wildlife, and human health. The campaign calls for collective action to reduce plastic consumption, promote recycling, and develop sustainable alternatives.
• Host Country – Republic of Korea: South Korea, serving as the host for the second time since 1997, showcased its advancements in waste management and eco-friendly technologies. Jeju Province, known for its environmental initiatives, was the focal point of the celebrations, reflecting the nation's dedication to a plastic-free future.
• Significance of the Day: Established in 1972 by the United Nations, World Environment Day serves as a platform to raise awareness and prompt action on pressing environmental issues. In 2025, the focus on plastic pollution aligns with global efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to responsible consumption and environmental conservation.
• Global Initiatives and Events: Around the world, various activities marked the day:
  • In Nagpur, India, the Maharashtra State Biodiversity Board organized awareness campaigns and cleanliness drives to combat plastic pollution.
  • The Nagpur Municipal Corporation launched the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0” tree plantation initiative, promoting green spaces and environmental consciousness.
  • In Geneva, Switzerland, the Geneva Environment Network hosted dialogues focusing on multilateral actions to address plastic pollution, emphasizing international cooperation.