Context: In a significant move to catalyse grassroots development in one of India’s Aspirational Districts, the District Development Manager (DDM) Office of NABARD was formally inaugurated in Kiphire, Nagaland on June 16, 2025. The event was graced by P. Bulte, General Manager, NABARD Nagaland Regional Office, alongside key district officials, heads of Agri & Allied Departments, SHGs, NGOs, and local stakeholders.
Daily Current Affairs (DCA) 17 June, 2025
Daily Current Affairs Quiz17 June, 2025 National Affairs 1. India’s Next Census to Be Conducted in 2027 Context: The Union Home Ministry has formally announced that India’s next Census will be conducted in 2027, marking a significant administrative and technological transition for the country’s decennial population survey. This will be India’s first digital Census, with self-enumeration options for citizens. Boundary Freeze Comes Into Effect As per the Gazette notification issued under Section 3 of the Census Act, 1948, the freezing of administrative boundaries has come into immediate effect. This means: Digital Census and Self-Enumeration The 2027 Census will introduce digital data collection for the first time: Constitutional and Legal Framework Constitutional Basis Legal Framework: Census Act, 1948 2. New Endemic Flowering Plant Discovered in Aravalis: Portulaca bharat Context: A team of Indian botanists has discovered a new endemic flowering plant species, Portulaca bharat, in the rocky, semi-arid slopes of the Aravalli Hills near Jaipur. The discovery, now published in the international journal Phytotaxa, unveils a previously undocumented element of India’s floristic diversity. TH 3. Three Tech Platforms to Boost Disaster Management Precision and Response Context: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday launched three cutting-edge technology platforms to strengthen India’s disaster management framework. The announcement was made during the Annual Conference of Relief Commissioners, Disaster Management Secretaries, and State Disaster Response Forces. Newly Launched Platforms Significance 4. Microgravity Experiments During AX-4 Mission Context: India is poised to take a significant leap in space science and human spaceflight with Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the country’s first astronaut aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Scheduled to launch on June 19, 2025, the mission is part of Axiom-4 (AX-4), coordinated by Axiom Space in partnership with NASA and ISRO. Scientific Research on Board ISRO has shortlisted seven pioneering microgravity research experiments to be conducted by Shukla during his 14-day stay aboard the ISS. These were proposed by Indian principal investigators (PIs) from national R&D labs and academic institutions: 5. Digital News Report 2025 Context: The 2025 Digital News Report by the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism reveals a transformative shift in global news consumption patterns — with India emerging as a critical case study in the rise of alternative media, influencer-driven content, and AI-based information sources. Based on surveys of 100,000 respondents across 48 countries, the findings underscore the declining relevance of traditional news media amid the ascent of social media and generative AI. Key Highlights from India Implications for Indian Media 6. India’s Unemployment Rate Rises to 5.6% in May: PLFS Survey Context: India’s unemployment rate for individuals aged 15 years and above rose to 5.6% in May 2025, up from 5.1% in April, as per the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) Monthly Bulletin. The labour force participation rate (LFPR) also declined, indicating tighter labour market conditions exacerbated by extreme summer heat and seasonal shifts in employment patterns. Key Labour Market Indicators (May 2025) Sectoral and Gender Trends Contributing Factors The Indian Express 7. Dharti Aaba Janbhagidari Abhiyan Context: In a landmark initiative to advance tribal inclusion and last-mile governance, the Government of India has launched the ‘Dharti Aaba Janbhagidari Abhiyan’, a nationwide benefit saturation campaign. The initiative is a flagship component of the ongoing Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh, commemorating the cultural legacy and contributions of India’s tribal communities. Fact: Bhagwan Birsa Munda is known as Dharti Aaba, which translates to “Father of the Earth” in the tribal language. Key Objectives Major Components of the Campaign Vision AlignmentThe Abhiyan operationalizes Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision under PM-JANMAN and Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (DAJGUA), reaffirming the government’s commitment to: Banking/Finance 1. ATM Growth Stagnates Amid Digital Shift, But Bank Branches Still Vital in Rural India Context: Even as banks continue to expand their physical branch networks, the growth of automated teller machines (ATMs) has plateaued in recent years. This trend reflects a structural transformation in India’s banking ecosystem, driven by changing consumer preferences and the rapid adoption of digital payment modes, particularly Unified Payments Interface (UPI). Branch Expansion vs ATM Stagnation According to Reserve Bank of India (RBI) data: This divergence highlights a decoupling of ATM and branch expansion strategies, with branches continuing to play a vital role in financial inclusion, especially in semi-urban and rural India. Why ATM Growth Has Slowed ATM Demand Remains in Rural India Despite stagnation in overall growth, the demand for ATMs remains strong in Tier-II, Tier-III, and rural areas, where: BS 2. TRAI Teams Up with RBI to Digitise Legacy User Consent in Banks Context: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), in collaboration with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and select banks, has launched a pilot project aimed at digitising legacy user consents for receiving commercial communications. This initiative marks a significant step toward curbing rising incidents of financial frauds linked to spam calls and messages. Why It Matters? Paper-based user consents—still widely used in banking and financial services—pose a significant challenge in traceability and verification, often becoming a loophole exploited by fraudsters. By digitising these legacy records, TRAI and RBI aim to: Key features of the pilot include: The model may be extended to other high-risk sectors such as: 3. RBI Releases Draft Norms for Rupee Interest Rate Derivatives Context: On June 17, 2025, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issued draft regulations for the Rupee Interest Rate Derivatives (IRD) market. The move aims to update and align the existing regulatory framework—last revised in June 2019—with evolving financial market dynamics, product innovation, and increased foreign participation. Background The 2019 IRD framework was a major milestone in streamlining derivative transactions linked to rupee interest rates. However, since then, the market has witnessed: What Are Rupee Interest Rate Derivatives? Interest Rate Derivatives are financial contracts whose value is derived from: These tools are widely used by financial institutions, corporations, and investors to hedge interest rate risk or speculate on future movements in interest rates. Key Objectives of the Draft Regulations BS 4. FPIs Seek Relaxation in Disclosure Norms and Renewal Tenure Context: Foreign
India’s Next Census to Be Conducted in 2027
Context: The Union Home Ministry has formally announced that India’s next Census will be conducted in 2027, marking a significant administrative and technological transition for the country’s decennial population survey. This will be India’s first digital Census, with self-enumeration options for citizens. Boundary Freeze Comes Into Effect As per the Gazette notification issued under Section 3 of the Census Act, 1948, the freezing of administrative boundaries has come into immediate effect. This means: Digital Census and Self-Enumeration The 2027 Census will introduce digital data collection for the first time: Constitutional and Legal Framework Constitutional Basis Legal Framework: Census Act, 1948
Israel-Iran Conflict
Context: In a dramatic escalation, Israel has launched a full-scale military operation—“Operation Rising Lion”—targeting key Iranian nuclear and missile facilities. The strike follows a formal declaration by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) that Iran is in violation of its nuclear safeguards obligations. Background Key Developments Leading to the Operation IAEA Findings and Implications Global and Regional Impact Implications for India
Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) Units
Context: A government-appointed expert committee led by Principal Scientific Advisor Ajay Sood has recommended rolling back India’s 2015 policy mandating the installation of Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) units in all coal-fired thermal power plants (TPPs). The recommendation comes amid high installation costs, sluggish compliance, and mounting power demand. What Is an FGD Unit? FGD units are designed to remove sulphur dioxide (SO₂) from flue gas produced during coal combustion. SO₂ is a key contributor to respiratory illness and air pollution. There are three major types of FGD systems: Why SO₂ Emissions Matter Implementation Status in India Is There an Alternative to FGD Units? TH
New Species of Jumping Spider Discovered in Southern India
Context: A team of Indian researchers has discovered a new species of jumping spider from the subfamily Spartaeinae, marking a significant extension of the known distribution of the genera Spartaeus and Sonoita into the Indian subcontinent. These genera were previously known only from Southeast Asia and Africa. Discovery Details The new species, named Spartaeus karigiri, was identified in Devarayanadurga, Karnataka, specifically near Karigiri (Elephant Hill)—the location after which the species is named. The discovery was led by John Caleb T.D., a researcher at Saveetha Medical College, Chennai. The research, published in the European Journal of Taxonomy on June 11, highlights the first recorded presence of Spartaeus and Sonoita spiders in India. TH
Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)
Why in News? India refused to associate itself with a statement by the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) condemning Israel’s military strikes on Iran in another show of solidarity with Israel this week, after it abstained from voting on a UN resolution seeking ceasefire in Gaza. Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) is a multilateral political, economic, security, and defence organization comprising 10 member states across Eurasia. It represents the world’s largest regional organization by area and population, covering approximately 24% of the world’s landmass and 42% of its population. Member States Origins and Development Structure and Governance Key Principles
Second Batch of Phase 2 Capacity-Building under NAKSHA Programme
Context: The Department of Land Resources (DoLR), under the Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India, has announced the launch of the second batch of Phase 2 of its capacity-building programme under the NAKSHA (National Geospatial Knowledge-based Land Survey of Urban Habitations) initiative. The programme commences on June 16, 2025, with training to be conducted across four Centres of Excellence (CoEs) nationwide. Objectives The training is designed to empower ULB-level and district officials with the technical competencies to carry out high-precision urban property surveys. Modules include: About NAKSHA The NAKSHA programme is a pioneering geospatial initiative launched by DoLR in partnership with: It is currently being piloted in 157 ULBs across 27 States and 3 Union Territories, and aims to meet the growing demand for accurate, accessible, and verifiable urban land records, especially as India’s urban population is projected to cross 600 million by 2031.
Govt Likely to Amend Refund Clause in New IT Bill, 2025
Context: In a major relief for taxpayers, the government is likely to amend the controversial refund provision in the draft Income Tax (IT) Bill, 2025, which currently denies refunds for returns filed after the due date. A senior official from the Finance Ministry has confirmed that the provision will be rectified and brought in line with the current law. Contradictory Clauses in the Draft Law The draft Bill, introduced in Parliament on February 13, 2025, contains contradictory sections: Tax experts and stakeholders flagged this inconsistency, calling it confusing and potentially unfair. BS
SEBI Likely to Announce Regulatory Relaxations
Context: The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) is expected to introduce a set of regulatory relaxations and reforms during its upcoming board meeting on June 18, the second under the chairmanship of Tuhin Kanta Pandey. Key Expected Announcements New Category of FPIs for Government Bond Investments SEBI may introduce a dedicated category of foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) called IGBFPIs, specifically for those investing in Indian government bonds (IGBs) through the Voluntary Retention Route (VRR) and Fully Accessible Route (FAR). The proposed changes include: Simplification of Delisting Process for PSUs The board is also expected to consider reforms for voluntary delisting of public sector undertakings (PSUs) where the government holds more than 90% equity. The changes may include: Currently, eight listed PSUs have over 90% government ownership, including Haryana Financial Corporation and KIOCL, making public stake dilution and fair price discovery challenging. Co-investment Reforms in AIFs SEBI will likely review recommendations from a working group on facilitating co-investments in Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs) via separate co-investment vehicles. Topics under consideration include: Relaxations for REITs and InvITs The board may also ease disclosure norms for Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) and Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InvITs) by: KRAs and Policy Updates BS
