Daily Current Affairs (DCA) 1 & 2 June, 2025

Daily Current Affairs Quiz
1 & 2 June, 2025

International Affairs

1. Indus Waters Treaty at UN Glacier Conference

Context:

At the first UN Conference on Glaciers in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, India strongly rebutted Pakistan’s claims over the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), asserting that cross-border terrorism from Pakistan is the real impediment to the treaty’s implementation.

India’s Arguments at the UN Forum

• Changed circumstances since the signing of the treaty in 1960 justify a reassessment:
  • Technological advancements.
  • Demographic pressures.
  • Climate change.
  • Persistent cross-border terrorism.
• The treaty’s preamble emphasized “goodwill and friendship,” but:
  • “Unrelenting terrorism from Pakistan interferes with its provisions.”

Background: India’s Suspension of the IWT

• India suspended the IWT on April 22, 2025, following the Pahalgam terrorist attack that killed 26 people.
• Suspension part of broader punitive measures against Pakistan post-Operation Sindoor.

About the Indus Waters Treaty

• Signed in 1960 by India, Pakistan, and the World Bank.
• Governs the distribution of the Indus river system waters.
• Considered one of the most successful transboundary water-sharing agreements.

Significance of the UN Glacier Conference

• Aimed at highlighting the role of glaciers in water security and ecological balance.
• Attended by 2,500 delegates from 80 countries and 70 international organizations.
• India used the platform to integrate climate resilience with geopolitical accountability.

TH

National Affairs

1. Osaka World Expo 2025

Context:

At the ongoing World Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan, India has taken a unique approach by emphasizing its soft power and civilisational heritage rather than solely technological advancements. The Expo runs from April 13 to October 13 under the central theme: “Designing Future Society for Our Lives.”

About the Osaka World Expo 2025

• A global exhibition held every five years to promote cross-cultural exchange and innovation.
• Focuses on addressing global challenges and achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• Intended as a “Living Lab” for collaborative solution-building between nations.

India Pavilion: A Civilisational Experience

• Curated by the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA).
• Described as an “immersive civilisational experience”, focusing on India’s ancient philosophies and global identity rooted in compassion and wisdom.
• IGNCA likened its role to that of a modern-day sutradhar (narrator)—connecting ancient traditions with contemporary aspirations.

Key Themes and Symbolism

• The pavilion’s central inspiration is ‘Bodhisattva Padmapani’ from the Ajanta Caves:
  • Symbol of compassion, enlightenment, and knowledge.
• Reflects India’s fusion of spiritual heritage and modern ambitions.
• Aligns with the sub-theme “Connecting Lives”, promoting values like:
  • Inclusivity
  • Sustainability
  • Progress

Highlights of India’s Soft Power Projection

• Presentation of India’s cultural renaissance through art, heritage, and philosophical storytelling.
• Integration of India’s space programme, showcasing its scientific achievements alongside spiritual legacy.

TH

2. Union Education Ministry Urges Jharkhand and Bihar to Address Unrecognised Schools

Context:

The Ministry highlighted the large number of unrecognised private schools in Jharkhand and Bihar during the Project Approval Board (PAB) meetings in March and April 2025. These meetings discussed the Annual Work Plan and Budget for the Samagra Shiksha scheme (2025-26) under the chairmanship of Sanjay Kumar, Secretary (School Education and Literacy).

Data from UDISE+ (Unified District Information System for Education Plus)

• Jharkhand:
  • 5,879 unrecognised schools
  • 8,37,897 students enrolled
  • 46,421 teachers
• Bihar:
  • 4,915 unrecognised schools
  • 7,75,704 students enrolled
  • 42,377 teachers

What is an Unrecognised School?

• A private school operating without official government licence or recognition.

Legal Framework: Right to Education (RTE) Act Provisions

• Section 19 of RTE Act (2009) requires schools established before 2009 to comply with RTE norms within 3 years of the Act’s commencement.
• RTE Norms include:
  • Adequate infrastructure and maintenance
  • Prescribed teacher-student ratio
  • Qualified teachers
  • 25% reservation in Class 1 for economically weaker sections
  • Official government recognition
• Failure to meet norms leads to withdrawal of recognition and cessation of school operations.

What does Article 21A say? 

• It guarantees free and compulsory education for children between the ages of 6 and 14
• It prohibits discrimination in education
• It ensures equal opportunities for education
• It removes financial barriers to education
• It provides adequate infrastructure, facilities, and qualified teachers

Right to Education Act (RTE) of 2009 

The Right to Education Act (RTE) of 2009 guarantees free and compulsory education for children between the ages of 6 and 14. 

• The RTE Act was effective from April 1, 2010.
• The RTE Act prohibits denial of admission to any child, irrespective of the time of year.
• The RTE Act also prohibits holding back or expulsion of any child until he completes elementary education.
• Globally
  • The Abidjan Principles on the Right to Education were adopted in 2019 by a committee of international human rights law experts.
  • The UN‘s Human Rights Council has passed a decision to establish a working group to consider the possibility of including early childhood care and education explicitly within the right to education.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

• Running a school after recognition is withdrawn may attract a fine of up to ₹1 lakh.
• Continuing violations may lead to a further fine of ₹10,000 per day until compliance.

TH

3. “NITI Aayog to Release National Brain Health Blueprint to Combat Rising Cognitive Disorders”

Context:

NITI Aayog is in the final stages of drafting a National Brain Health Blueprint to address the rising burden of neurological and cognitive disorders in India. The blueprint will focus on early identification, prevention, and management of conditions like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, epilepsy, and stroke.

Key Objectives

• Improve early diagnosis of cognitive disorders through dedicated brain health clinics.
• Strengthen healthcare delivery across primary, secondary, and tertiary levels.
• Bridge gaps in treatment access and affordability.
• Promote awareness and preventive interventions for dementia and other brain health conditions.

Stakeholders Involved

• NITI Aayog (lead policy maker)
• IBHAS, NIMHANS, AIIMS
• Mental health professionals and psychologists from private sector

Proposed Model

• Creation of a “Brain Health Service Model”, similar to physical or digital mental health clinics.
• Professionals will be trained to identify early cognitive decline and reduce risk of dementia.
• Integration of services for lifestyle modification, affordability, and interventions (both digital and in-person).

4. NAKSHA (National Geospatial Knowledge-Based Land Survey of Urban Habitations) Programme

Why in News?

The Department of Land Resources (DoLR) under the Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India, launched the second phase of capacity-building under the NAKSHA (National Geospatial Knowledge-Based Land Survey of Urban Habitations) programme. This training phase begins 2nd June 2025 and will be conducted across five national Centres of Excellence (CoEs).

NAKSHA: Urban Land Records Digitization Initiative

NAKSHA (National Urban Digital Mission for Land Records) is a pioneering initiative launched in 2024 under the Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP). It aims to digitally create and update land records in urban areas, ensuring reliable ownership documentation and enabling transparent, dispute-free governance.

Key Features of NAKSHA

Purpose:

• Modernize urban land records through digital mapping and data integration.
• Provide legal proof of ownership for urban residents.

1. Pilot Programme:
   • Duration: 1 year
   • Coverage: 152 Urban Local Bodies across 26 States and 3 Union Territories
   • Post-Pilot: Nationwide rollout based on pilot’s success.
2. Technical & Administrative Framework:
   • Survey of India: Conducts aerial surveys and supplies orthorectified imagery.
   • Madhya Pradesh State Electronics Development Corporation (MPSEDC): Developing an end-to-end web-GIS platform.
   • State-Level Committee (SLC): Formed under the Chief Secretary to monitor implementation.

Highlights of the Second Phase

• Objective: Equip 304 nominated ULB-level and district officers from 157 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) with practical skills in geospatial technologies for urban land surveys.
• Inauguration:
  • Virtually inaugurated by Shri Manoj Joshi, Secretary, Department of Land Resources,
  • On 2nd June 2025 at 10:00 AM.
• Duration: 1 week of hands-on training.

Training Modules Include

• NAKSHA programme framework and objectives
• GNSS and ETS-based surveying techniques
• Use of Web-GIS applications
• Land parcel mapping
• Legal and administrative protocols for land surveys

PIB

5. India Emerges as Major Hub for Illegal Online Gambling, Says CUTS Report

Context:

Over 5.4 billion visits were recorded in FY25 to the top 15 unauthorised gambling platforms, including 1xBet, Parimatch, Stake, Fairplay, and BateryBet, according to a report by CUTS International.

• Estimated annual deposits on these illegal platforms: $100 billion.
• High direct traffic share (66% of 5.4 billion visits) shows strong brand recall and engagement, largely bypassing search engines or regulated app ecosystems.

Major Policy and Enforcement Gaps

• No central regulator for online betting/gambling in India.
• Lack of:
  • KYC norms
  • Age verification protocols
  • Payment-blocking mechanisms
  • Monitoring of advertising and domain activity
• Minors and young adults have unregulated access due to absence of safeguards.
• Some platforms (e.g., Parimatch) use cash-on-delivery payment models, further easing access for underage users.

National Security & Consumer Harm

• Platforms siphon crores of rupees abroad, raising national security concerns.
• Psychologically manipulative design increases risk of gambling addiction, particularly among:
  • Youth
  • Sensation-seeking and impulsive individuals
• These sites offer high-stakes, immersive experiences designed to promote risky betting behavior.

Alarming Online Visibility

• In March 2025, Parimatch’s traffic surpassed major Indian domains like:
  • amazon.in
  • wikipedia.org
  • google.co.in
  • flipkart.com
  • linkedin.com

Aggressive User Acquisition & Engagement Strategies

• Use of:
  • Mass media advertising (TV, billboards)
  • Celebrity endorsements
  • Private channel link sharing (WhatsApp, Telegram, etc.)
• These platforms create an illusion of credibility, attracting repeat and long-term users.

Recommendations from CUTS International

1. Establish a central gambling regulator
2. Ban advertising of illegal betting platforms
3. Implement payment gateway restrictions
4. Strengthen age and KYC compliance
5. Launch public awareness campaigns

Banking/Finance

1. RBI’s Draft Directions on Gold Loans (April 2025)

Context:

On April 9, 2025, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released draft guidelines on loans against gold collateral.

• Objective: Harmonise gold loan regulations across banks and NBFCs, ensure transparency, and curb irregularities observed in FY24.

Why RBI Intervened

• Alarm over irregular practices and rapid portfolio expansion:
  • Gold loan portfolio of banks and NBFCs grew over 50% in FY24.
  • Bank gold loan books alone surged 104%, raising regulatory concerns.
• Rising gold prices and growing credit demand in the informal economy further complicated risk monitoring.

Key Provisions in the Draft

1. LTV Ratio
   • Cap remains at 75%.
   • For bullet loans (especially for consumption), interest must be included in LTV, reducing disbursable amount.
2. Collateral & Valuation
   • Gold to be valued based on 22 carat price.
   • Mandatory proof of ownership for pledged gold.
   • Uniform standards for gold purity and weight assessment.
3. Loan Structuring & Renewals
   • No concurrent loans for both consumption and income generation.
   • Top-up/renewal allowed only if the existing loan is standard and within LTV.
   • Fresh loan only after complete repayment of principal and interest.
4. Timely Return of Collateral
   • If the lender delays return of gold beyond 7 working days, a ₹5,000/day penalty must be paid to the borrower.

Impact on Regulated Entities

• Reduced borrower flexibility; especially affects rural/agricultural borrowers dependent on gold loans.
• NBFCs face constraints in liquidity due to tougher renewal norms.
• Higher compliance costs from documentation, purity checks, and DSCR norms.
• Smaller NBFCs may face funding issues, leading to industry consolidation.
• Likely interest rate hikes to offset increased operational burden.

Critical Assessment

• Experts suggest the RBI consider differentiated norms:
  • Micro gold loans (used by rural poor) vs. high-ticket urban loans.
  • Blanket regulations may hurt financial inclusion and informal sector liquidity.

TH

2. India’s Crypto Landscape and Regulatory Challenges

Strong Crypto Adoption Amid Regulatory Uncertainty

• India ranks first globally for grassroots crypto adoption for the second year, according to Chainalysis (2024).
• Indian retail investors infused $6.6 billion into crypto assets, with the sector poised to create over 800,000 jobs by 2030 (NASSCOM).
• India also hosts one of the largest and fastest-growing cohorts of web3 developers.

Regulatory Environment and Judicial Remarks

• Despite vibrant market growth, India’s crypto regulation remains fragmented and unclear.
• The Supreme Court in May 2025 criticized the lack of clear crypto policy, stating “Banning may be shutting your eyes to ground reality,” underscoring the disconnect between market realities and policy.

Challenges with Regulatory and Monetary Controls

• RBI expressed early concerns (since 2013) over crypto risks due to lack of central bank authorization.
• A 2018 RBI circular banning financial institutions from crypto dealings was overturned by the Supreme Court in 2020.
• The government introduced stringent tax policies in 2022:
  • 1% TDS on VDA transactions above ₹10,000 (Section 194S).
  • 30% capital gains tax without loss offsetting (Section 115BBH).
• These taxes aimed to improve transparency and limit speculation but have had limited success.

Continued Offshore Trading and Tax Leakage

• From July 2022 to December 2023, over ₹1.03 trillion of VDAs were traded on non-compliant (mostly offshore) platforms.
• Only 9% of VDAs were held on domestic exchanges, resulting in an estimated ₹2,488 crore loss in tax revenue.
• Between December 2023 and October 2024, ₹2.63 trillion was traded offshore, with uncollected TDS exceeding ₹60 billion.
• Efforts to block non-compliant platforms (e.g., URL blocking) failed as users circumvented restrictions via VPNs, mirrors, and platform migration.

Importance of Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs)

• Global bodies (IMF, FSB, FATF) advocate for comprehensive, risk-based crypto regulation harmonized with international norms, relying on compliant domestic intermediaries (VASPs).
• VASPs act as regulatory bridges, enabling oversight, enforcement, and risk mitigation.
• India’s current policies push users offshore, eroding regulatory control and tax compliance.
• Indian VASPs are rapidly maturing, collaborating effectively with the Financial Intelligence Unit-India to strengthen AML/CFT controls.
• Post the $230 million crypto hack in 2024, Indian exchanges enhanced cybersecurity, established insurance funds, and implemented industry-wide security standards.

3. FD-Backed Credit Card Launched by ZET in Partnership with SBM Bank

Context:

ZET, a fintech platform focused on credit score building, has partnered with SBM Bank (India) to launch a fixed deposit-backed credit card — the SBM ZET Credit Card. The product is aimed at new-to-credit users, individuals without income proof, and those looking to build or repair their credit score.

Key Features

• FD-Linked Credit Limit:
  • Users must open a fixed deposit (FD) starting at ₹5,000 with SBM Bank.
  • The credit limit is up to 90% of the FD amount.
  • FD earns up to 7% annual interest.
• No Credit History or Income Proof Required:
  • Ideal for first-time borrowers or users with poor/no credit history.
• Zero Annual Charges:
  • Lifetime free card with no joining or annual fees.
• UPI-Enabled RuPay Card:
  • Operates on the RuPay network.
  • Fully UPI compatible, can be used on UPI apps like PhonePe, Google Pay, etc.
• Instant Digital Issuance:
  • Virtual credit card issued within minutes after online FD creation and video KYC.

Credit Score Benefits

• Helps users build and maintain a credit score above 750 through responsible usage.
• Credit behaviour is reported to credit bureaus, aiding formal financial inclusion.

Security & Regulation

• FD is insured up to ₹5 lakh under RBI’s DICGC scheme.
• Card transactions are secured and regulated under SBM Bank’s banking license.

User Engagement Benefits

• Offers rewards and discounts on partnered brands and categories.
• Enables disciplined credit usage backed by a collateral FD.

Target Audience

• Students and gig workers with no credit history.
• Salaried/self-employed individuals without formal documentation.
• Users seeking to rebuild a poor credit profile.

4. UPI’s Share in India’s Digital Transactions

Context:

Unified Payments Interface (UPI) continued to dominate India’s digital payments landscape in FY25, recording a 41.7% annual growth in volume and expanding its share of total digital transactions to 83.4%, up from 79.4% in FY24.

Regulatory and Policy Developments

• Survey on Digital Payments:
  • RBI to launch a nationwide survey to understand user preferences, behaviour, and challenges.
• Digital Payments Intelligence Platform (DPIP):
  • RBIH (Reserve Bank Innovation Hub) is building a prototype in collaboration with 5–10 banks.
  • Goal: Detect and mitigate frauds, improve ecosystem trust.
• Authorisations Granted by RBI in FY25:
  • 26 Online Payment Aggregators (PAs)
  • 5 Cross-Border Payment Aggregators (PA-CB)
  • 11 Non-bank PPI issuers
  • 1 TReDS platform
  • 84 On-site inspections of payment system operators conducted.

UPI Internationalization

• Led by NPCI International Payments Ltd (NIPL).
• Indian UPI apps now accepted in:
  • France, Nepal, Bhutan, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, UAE via QR codes.
• More international tie-ups expected in FY26.
• Goal: Expand UPI presence to more countries by FY29.

Significance

• Reflects India’s global leadership in real-time digital payments.
• Enhances financial inclusion, payment system efficiency, and consumer convenience.
• Strong regulatory oversight continues to strengthen trust and security in digital payments.

5. RBI to Strengthen Liquidity Stress Tests and Assess Climate Risk for Financial Stability

Context:

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is set to bolster the financial system’s resilience by enhancing stress testing frameworks for Scheduled Commercial Banks (SCBs), NBFCs, and cooperative banks, alongside integrating climate transition risks into regulatory oversight.

Key Initiatives:

1. Liquidity Stress Testing for SCBs:
   • RBI will introduce a cash flow analysis framework.
   • Objective: Simulate extreme but plausible scenarios to test liquidity resilience.
   • Aims to assess:
     • Banks’ ability to meet short-term obligations
     • Adequacy of liquidity buffers
     • Depositor protection and systemic risk containment
2. Extension to NBFCs & Co-operative Banks:
   • RBI will develop an in-house liquidity stress test framework for NBFCs.
   • Similar frameworks will be designed for:
     • Rural Co-operative Banks
     • Mid-sized Urban Co-operative Banks (UCBs)
3. Climate Risk Stress Testing:
   • RBI will assess the impact of climate transition risk on:
     • Carbon-intensive sectors
     • Banks’ balance sheets with exposure to high-emission industries
4. Prudential Guidelines on Climate Risk:
   • RBI may issue final guidelines covering:
     • Disclosure of climate-related financial risks
     • Climate scenario analysis
     • Climate stress testing frameworks
5. Market Liquidity Risk Assessment:
   • Development of a framework for liquidity risk stress testing of market portfolios.
   • Will use scenarios based on past market stress events to detect vulnerabilities.
6. ‘Growth-at-Risk’ (GaR) Model:
   • RBI to develop a macrofinancial tool that:
     • Links current economic and financial indicators
     • With probabilities of future adverse economic outcomes

Significance:

• Enhances forward-looking risk management in Indian banking.
• Strengthens crisis preparedness for systemic financial institutions.
• Aligns India’s financial regulation with global climate and ESG norms.
• Reinforces depositor confidence, financial stability, and macroprudential supervision.

6. Razorpay Relocates Parent Entity to India

Context:

Fintech unicorn Razorpay has completed the relocation of its parent company from the United States to India, positioning itself for a domestic Initial Public Offering (IPO) planned by the end of calendar year 2026. The move marks a key milestone in India’s growing trend of fintech companies shifting their base back to India.

Key Highlights

• Parent Entity Shift to India:
  • Razorpay has officially reversed flipped its parent entity to India from the US.
  • The move supports regulatory alignment and easier access to Indian capital markets.
• Tax Liability on Domicile Shift:
  • Tax liability estimated at $150 million (₹1,275 crore).
  • Will be paid from internal cash reserves.
  • Earlier speculation pegged the tax burden at $200 million.
• IPO Timeline:
  • Razorpay targets an IPO before December 2026 (end of CY2026).
• Reverse Flip Trend in Fintech Sector:
  • PhonePe: Shifted from Singapore to India in 2022
  • Groww: Relocated from Delaware to Bengaluru in FY24
  • Zepto: Recently completed a reverse flip from Singapore to India

Significance

• Reinforces India as a preferred jurisdiction for high-growth fintech startups planning to list locally.
• Enhances regulatory transparency, governance, and investor confidence.
• Aligns Razorpay with Indian IPO and capital market compliance frameworks ahead of public listing.

7. SBI Research Projects Net Financial Savings to Hit ₹22 Lakh Crore in FY25

Context:

According to the SBI Research Report, India’s household sector net financial savings are projected to reach ₹22 lakh crore in FY 2024-25, reflecting growing economic resilience and macroeconomic stability.

Key Highlights

• Household Net Financial Savings:
  • Expected to be ₹22 lakh crore in FY25.
  • Equivalent to 6.5% of Gross National Disposable Income (GNDI).
  • Up from:
    • 5.1% of GNDI in FY24
    • 4.9% of GNDI in FY23
• Macroeconomic Significance:
  • Increased savings provide a vital capital pool for financing government and corporate deficits.
  • Plays a key role in maintaining fiscal and monetary stability.
• RBI Surplus & Balance Sheet Expansion:
  • RBI’s balance sheet expanded by 8.19% in FY25, below nominal GDP growth of 9.9%.
  • RBI transferred ₹2.69 lakh crore in surplus to the government, enhancing fiscal space and reducing the need for market borrowing.
• Fraud Statistics in Financial System:
  • Fraud cases fell in number but tripled in value to ₹36,014 crore in FY25.
  • Card & Internet frauds:
    • Declined from 29,802 cases in FY24 to 13,516 cases in FY25, indicating stronger security protocols.
• Systemic Stability:
  • The report underscores that India’s financial system is robust and undergoing a transformative phase, driven by reforms, better risk management, and digital adoption.

8. Fintechs Seek Easier Provisioning Norms for DLG-Backed Loan Pools

Context:

Fintech companies and digital lenders are urging the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to relax provisioning requirements for loan pools backed by Default Loss Guarantees (DLGs). They argue that current norms may result in double provisioning, reducing lending efficiency and capital deployment.

Key Issues Raised by Fintechs

Accounting Interpretation Differences

• Fintechs cite variability in interpreting Ind-AS standards.
• Ind-AS permits factoring in risk mitigants like DLGs while calculating Expected Credit Loss (ECL) provisions.
• RBI, however, insists that ECL provisions must be made in full, regardless of the DLG support.

Double Provisioning Concern

• Both the fintechs (LSPs) and regulated lenders (banks/NBFCs) are required to provision for the same loan pool.
• This redundancy impacts capital efficiency and may crowd out lending due to excess buffers being locked.

Industry Representation

• Unified Fintech Forum (UFF) and Fintech Association for Consumer Empowerment (FACE) have made formal representations to the RBI.
• They highlight the need for data-based regulatory clarity and emphasize that DLGs reduce effective credit risk.

RBI’s Stand

• In April, RBI wrote to four major non-bank lenders with high delinquencies in DLG-backed pools.
• Directed full provisioning under ECL norms for all third-party sourced loans, irrespective of DLGs.
• Concerns include:
  • Elevated delinquencies and high DLG payouts
  • Deterioration in asset quality of NBFCs
  • Misuse of FLDG (First Loss Default Guarantee) arrangements as securitisation substitutes

Regulatory Perspective

• RBI supports DLGs as a risk-sharing mechanism, not as a replacement for robust underwriting.
• The aim is to ensure fintechs have ‘skin in the game’ but without compromising asset quality or provisioning discipline.

Mint

Economy

1. India’s Economic Performance in 2025

Headline Growth vs. Ground Reality

• IMF Projection (2025): India is set to overtake Japan to become the world’s 4th largest economy by absolute GDP, reaching $4.2 trillion.
• Caveat: Absolute GDP size does not reflect individual well-being, development quality, or income distribution.

GDP vs. GDP Per Capita

• Chart 1A: India’s GDP grew from $468 billion (2000) to $4,187 billion (2025).
• Chart 1B: Despite overtaking Japan in GDP size, India’s GDP per capita remains 12 times lower than Japan’s and 9 times lower than Poland’s.
• Implication: Economic size does not equate to broad-based prosperity.

Employment Structure

• Agricultural Dependency (Chart 2A-C):
  • India (2023): ~45% of workforce in agriculture.
  • Japan & Poland: <10%, with majority in industry/services.
• Formal Employment (Chart 3):
  • India: 23.9% in regular wage/salaried work.
  • Japan: 91%, Poland: 80.1% — highlighting better formal job markets abroad.

Education Outcomes

• Gross Enrolment Ratio (Chart 4):
  • India (2022): 32.7% in college-level education.
  • Poland: ~75%, Japan: ~65% — India lags in higher education access.

Health Indicators

• Life Expectancy (Chart 5):
  • India: 72 years, Japan: 84, Poland: 78.5.
• Infant Mortality Rate (IMR):
  • India (2023): 24.5 deaths per 1,000 live births.
  • Japan & Poland: <5 deaths per 1,000 — underscoring healthcare gaps.

Human Development Index (Chart 6)

• India (2023 HDI): 0.685 – Medium human development.
• Japan & Poland: >0.9 – Very high human development.
• HDI incorporates health, education, and standard of living, offering a truer reflection of citizens’ quality of life.

TH

Agriculture

1. Agricultural Households in India Increasingly Rely on Non-Farm Income: PRICE Report

Context:

52% of agricultural households now earn additional income from non-agricultural activities, reflecting a growing trend toward income diversification.

• The working paper titled “Reimagining Annadata Households and Their Livelihoods Beyond the Farm” was published by People Research on India’s Consumer Economy (PRICE).
• The shift aims to build financial resilience against farming uncertainties caused by:
  • Market volatility
  • Climate events
  • Economic shocks

Top States by Share of Agricultural Households with Non-Farm Income (2024–25)

• Nagaland: 98%
• Tripura: 94%
• Meghalaya: 85%
• Tamil Nadu: 83%
• Sikkim & Uttarakhand: 80% each

States With Highest Dependence on Farming Alone

• Arunachal Pradesh: 82%
• Punjab: 78%
• Assam: 77%
• Karnataka & Manipur: 73% each

Income Inequality Among Agricultural Households

• Average annual income (2024–25): ₹7.31 lakh
  • Poor farmers: ₹2.03 lakh
  • Rich farmers: ₹26 lakh
• Share of income from farming-related activities: 80% (₹5.77 lakh)
  • Direct farming: 67.1%
  • Allied activities (dairy/livestock): 7.4%
  • Agricultural labour: 4.4%
• Share from non-farm sources:
  • Non-agricultural business: 7.1%
  • Salaried jobs: 3.4%
  • Pension: 1.4%
  • Remittances: Balance

States With Highest Average Annual Income for Agricultural Households

• Punjab: ₹20.1 lakh (₹16.2 lakh from farming alone)
• Haryana: ₹16.7 lakh
• Kerala: ₹11 lakh
• Mizoram & Tamil Nadu: Follow closely

States With Lowest Agricultural Household Income

• Chhattisgarh: ₹3.2 lakh
• Odisha: ₹4.15 lakh
• Jharkhand: ₹4.77 lakh

BS

2. Crystal Crop Launches RICEACT Herbicide and JIVORA Insecticide for Rice and Cotton Farmers

Context:

Crystal Crop Protection Limited (CCPL), India’s leading agrochemicals solutions company, today announced the launch of a herbicide and insecticide, both major research-driven products. CCPL has launched RICEACT, a solution tailored specifically for rice cultivation, and JIVORA, a next-generation insecticide, designed to address the rising challenges of sucking pests in cotton, said a statement from the company.

About RICEACT (Herbicide for Rice)

• Composition: Triafamone (20%) + Ethoxysulfuron (10%)
• Mode of Action:
  • Dual-action: Root and foliage absorption
  • Inhibits Acetolactate Synthase (ALS) enzyme
  • Systemic disruption of weed development
• Target Weeds: Grasses, sedges, and broadleaf weeds
• Application Window: Early post-emergence; ideal at 1–3 leaf stage of weeds
• Recommended Dose: 90 grams per acre
• Benefits:
  • Season-long residual weed control
  • Effective in both transplanted and wet direct-seeded rice
  • Reduces labour costs
• Coverage: Expected usage on approx. 3 lakh hectares of paddy
• Available Pack Sizes: 45g, 60g, and 90g

About JIVORA (Insecticide for Cotton)

• Target Pests: Whiteflies, Jassids, and Aphids
• Timing: Designed for 2nd and 3rd spray windows
• Development: Based on extensive field trials and market research
• Coverage: Estimated adoption by 4.5–5 lakh cotton farmers
• Benefits:
  • Strong residual control
  • High efficacy in critical pest attack periods
• Available Pack Sizes: 50g, 100g, 250g, 500g, and 1kg

Strategic Impact

• Portfolio Expansion:
  • Herbicide segment: +8%
  • Insecticide segment: +7%
• Market Outlook:
  • India’s crop protection market expected to grow from $2.59 billion (2025) to $3.21 billion (2030)
  • CAGR: 4.35%
• Target Markets: Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Rajasthan, Haryana, West Bengal

Business Line

3. IRRI Scientists Discover Rice Varieties with Antioxidant and Anti-Cancer Properties

Context:

Scientists at the Philippines-based International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) have identified a few rice varieties with anti-oxidant and anti-cancer properties.

• Institute:
  International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), Philippines
• Research Publication:
  Journal – Food Hydrocolloids and Health

Key Research Highlights

• Sample Size:
  • Screened 1.32 lakh rice accessions worldwide.
  • Focused on 800 pigmented (coloured) rice varieties for detailed analysis.
• Discovery:
  • Identified 6 pigmented rice lines with very high antioxidant levels comparable to superfoods like blueberries and chia seeds.
  • These six rice lines exhibited strong anti-cancer effects in laboratory tests on colorectal and breast cancer cell lines.
• Unique Feature:
  • Extracts showed cytotoxicity (killing effect) only in cancer cells, sparing healthy cells, unlike many chemotherapeutic drugs which harm healthy cells too.
  • This suggests a safer treatment profile.

Testing and Supplement Development

• In Vitro Bioavailability:
  • Tests showed antioxidant and anti-cancer biomolecules were absorbed during the gastric phase.
• Rice Bran Extract Supplement:
  • Produced by safe ethanol extraction and microencapsulation, forming a water-soluble multi-nutrient supplement.
  • 7.5 μg/mL dose showed anti-cancer effects comparable to some chemotherapy drugs in cell line tests.
• Retention of Properties:
  • Cooking the rice retains about 70% of antioxidant and anti-cancer benefits.

Notable Rice Varieties Identified

• Ketan Hitam (purple rice): Origin – Indonesia
• Balatino (purple rice): Origin – Philippines
• Kintuman (red rice): Origin – Philippines

Significance

• Potential development of functional foods and nutraceuticals targeting cancer prevention.
• Promotes dietary solutions with fewer side effects compared to traditional chemotherapy.
• Offers new opportunities for agricultural and health sectors to combat cancer through natural foods.

BL

4. Krishi Nivesh Portal

Context:

Ministry’s circular requests states and ministries to identify and share agriculture investment schemes for inclusion. Emphasis on regular updates to maintain portal’s effectiveness.

Objective

To consolidate all Central and State government schemes related to agricultural investment into a single digital platform for easy access and streamlined investment.

Background

• Launched in September 2024 by the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare.
• Aims to bring schemes from various ministries and states under one window.
• Currently includes schemes from 7 ministries:
  • Agriculture & Farmers Welfare
  • Food Processing Industries
  • Rural Development
  • New and Renewable Energy
  • Jal Shakti
  • Chemicals & Fertilisers
  • Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying
• Other ministries expected to join:
  • Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME)
  • Cooperation
  • Panchayati Raj
  • Commerce
  • Development of North Eastern Regions
• States yet to onboard; urged to share scheme details urgently for portal inclusion.

Key Features

• One-Stop Access: Centralized access to investment schemes from multiple government departments.
• Open Source & Standards: Built as an interoperable platform using open-source technology.
• Powered by BI, Analytics, AI/ML: Provides business intelligence, data analytics, and artificial intelligence/machine learning for better decision-making.
• User-Friendly: Helps investors, farmers, and agri-startups to find suitable schemes easily.
• Application Tracking: Stakeholders can track scheme application status and seek guidance digitally.
• Digital DPR Submission: Enables submission of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) online, streamlining investment proposals.

Significance

• Boosts Private Investment: Encourages private sector participation to enhance productivity, infrastructure, and value chains in agriculture.
• Transparency & Efficiency: Simplifies investment process with greater transparency and timely information updates.
• Supports Modernisation: Aligns with the vision of modernizing Indian agriculture through technology and innovative practices.
• Categorized Investment Opportunities: Sorted by geography and available subsidies for targeted investments.

Science & Tech

1. Polluted Rivers Can Turn Into Airborne Hazards, New Study Warns

Context:

A new study published in Science Advances (May 28, 2025) reveals a disturbing environmental link: polluted river water can become aerosolised upon entering the ocean, releasing harmful compounds into the air that humans can inhale. This discovery significantly expands the known risks of river pollution, particularly in urban-industrial regions like parts of India.

Background

• Historically, human settlements grew around rivers for agriculture, water, and sanitation.
• Today, however, many rivers, especially in developing countries, have become channels for untreated sewage and industrial effluents, harming ecosystems and public health.

Study Location and Methodology

• Conducted by scientists in California on the Tijuana River, which flows from Mexico into the Pacific Ocean.
• Timeframe: January to March 2020
• Methods:
  • Daily seawater sampling and 24-hour air filtration using quartz-fibre filters at five locations along 35 km of coast.
  • Special focus during rain events, which intensify pollution flow.

Contaminants Monitored

• 12 common wastewater-related human-made compounds were tracked using high-resolution liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry.
• Substances included:
  • Octinoxate (sunscreen ingredient)
  • Dibenzylamine (tire rubber additive)
  • Methamphetamine, illicit drugs
  • Benzoylecgonine (cocaine metabolite used as sewage proxy)
  • Prescription drugs and agricultural biocides

Key Findings

• 10 out of 12 compounds were more concentrated in river-influenced seawater.
• Aerosols from river-adjacent sites had the highest pollution loads.
• Strong correlations found between benzoylecgonine and levels of methamphetamine, octinoxate, and dibenzylamine, suggesting a common source: untreated wastewater.
• Estimated air emissions per 1 km of coastline:
  • 1 kg of octinoxate
  • 100 g of methamphetamine
  • Several grams of tire additives

Global Implications

• Globally, such coastal pollution could aerosolise and release approximately:
  • 40,000 tonnes of octinoxate
  • 50 tonnes of dibenzylamine into the air each year.
• Chronic inhalation risks remain unquantified, especially for fisherfolk and marginalised communities living near polluted coasts.

India-Specific Relevance

• Many rivers in India, such as the Yamuna, Ganga, and Mithi, are heavily polluted and flow into seas, raising concerns about similar airborne toxic exposure in densely populated coastal zones like Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata.
• Environmental justice concerns emerge as the poor bear disproportionate health burdens from both water and now air pollution.

TH

Facts To Remember

1. Opal Suchata Chuangsri of Thailand is Miss World 2025

Miss Thailand Opal Suchata Chuangsri was crowned Miss World 2025 at the 72nd edition of the Miss World pageant at the HITEX Exhibition Centre in Hyderabad.

2. Valmik Thapar, wildlife and tiger conservationist, dies at 73

Valmik Thapar, 73, wildlife and tiger conservationist, died in Delhi on Saturday. He was ailing from cancer.

3. Deepak and Naman punch gold in Thai Open boxing

Deepak (75kg) and Naman Tanwar (90kg) clinched gold medals at the Thailand Open International boxing tournament in Bangkok.

4. RBI Penalties in FY25: ₹54.78 Crore Fines Imposed on 353 Regulated Entities

• Total penalties imposed: ₹54.78 crore
• Number of enforcement actions: 353
• Time period: Financial Year ending March 31, 2025
• Entities penalised: Banks and other RBI-regulated entities (REs)