UPSC Daily Current Affairs: 27th June 2025 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly PDF Download

GS3/Environment

India Launches Pilot Scheme to Tackle Human-Tiger Conflict Outside Reserves

Why in News?

The Union Environment Ministry has approved funding for the ‘tigers outside of tiger reserve’ pilot scheme, which aims to improve the management of human-tiger conflicts through enhanced monitoring and protection measures.

Key Takeaways

• The scheme has an outlay of Rs. 88 crore until 2026-27.
• It focuses on regions where tigers are found outside official tiger reserves.
• 80 forest divisions across 10 states have been identified for initial funding.

Additional Details

• Scheme Objectives:Key objectives include:
  • Strengthening monitoring systems through technology.
  • Capacity building of forest staff to manage conflicts effectively.
  • Collaboration with civil society organizations and expert veterinarians.
  • Support for prey base augmentation to minimize livestock predation.
• The implementation will be managed by the Chief Wildlife Wardens in collaboration with the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).
• Human-tiger conflicts are exacerbated by tigers inhabiting agricultural landscapes near human settlements, where they often push other predators into human spaces, leading to increased conflict risks.
• Major conflict hotspots include:
  • Chandrapur near Tadoba Tiger Reserve, Maharashtra
  • Sugarcane fields around Dudhwa and Pilibhit, Uttar Pradesh
  • Forest divisions near Ranthambore, Rajasthan
  • Wayanad, Kerala
• Between 2020 and 2024, 382 fatalities occurred due to tiger-related incidents, highlighting the urgent need for proactive measures.
• Institutional Support: The scheme is backed by the National CAMPA, which manages funds collected for non-forest land diversions, previously utilized for wildlife initiatives like the Great Indian Bustard recovery and Project Cheetah.
• Government discussions on this scheme took place during a National Board for Wildlife meeting in March 2025.

The pilot scheme aims to address the pressing challenge of human-tiger conflict by implementing region-specific strategies and enhancing cooperation between state authorities and conservation experts, ultimately striving for better coexistence between humans and tigers.

GS3/Science and Technology

Substandard Cancer Drugs: A Global Public Health Alarm

Why in News?

A recent global investigation has uncovered that essential chemotherapy drugs utilized in more than 100 countries have failed crucial quality tests, which poses life-threatening risks to cancer patients.

Key Takeaways

• Vital chemotherapy drugs have been found to fail quality standards.
• 17 manufacturers, primarily in India, have been flagged for producing substandard drugs.
• 20% of tested generic samples were found to be either under or over the required active ingredient concentration.

Additional Details

• Cisplatin: A platinum-based drug discovered in the 1960s used to treat testicular, ovarian, bladder, and lung cancers. It can cause kidney damage, hearing loss, and immune suppression.
• Oxaliplatin: Another platinum compound primarily for advanced colorectal cancer, similar to cisplatin but may cause nerve-related side effects.
• Cyclophosphamide: Used for breast cancer, leukaemia, sarcoma, and lymphoma. It damages DNA in cancer cells and decreases white blood cell counts, leading to immune system weakening and potential bladder inflammation.
• Doxorubicin: Known as “Red Devil,” this drug disrupts DNA replication and is used against sarcomas. Side effects include heart damage and hair loss.
• Methotrexate: Blocks enzymes in DNA synthesis for leukaemia, lymphoma, and various tumors. Often followed by leucovorin to protect normal cells from damage.
• Leucovorin: A supportive agent that reduces toxicity when used with methotrexate. It is a form of vitamin B9 introduced in the 1950s.

This alarming situation underscores the critical need for stringent quality control in cancer treatment drugs to ensure patient safety and efficacy of therapies.

GS3/Science and Technology

Understanding Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)

Why in News?

Recent research has identified nearly 20 species of bacteria capable of breaking down Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are commonly referred to as "Forever Chemicals." This discovery highlights the potential for biological solutions in addressing environmental contamination caused by these persistent substances.

Key Takeaways

• PFAS are a group of over 4,700 man-made chemicals known for their persistence in the environment.
• These chemicals have been used since the 1950s in various consumer products.
• PFAS exposure is linked to several health risks, including hormonal interference and increased cancer risk.

Additional Details

• PFAS Characteristics: PFAS are composed of chains of carbon and fluorine atoms. The strength of the carbon-fluorine bond makes these substances highly resistant to degradation in the environment.
• Sources of Exposure:Human exposure to PFAS can occur through:
  • Consumption of contaminated water or food.
  • Use of products containing PFAS.
  • Inhalation of air polluted with PFAS.
• Health Impacts:Exposure to PFAS has been associated with:
  • Decreased fertility.
  • Developmental issues in children.
  • Hormonal disruptions and elevated cholesterol levels.
  • Increased risk of certain cancers.
• Regulatory Measures: Some PFAS compounds, including Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) and Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), are recognized as persistent organic pollutants (POPs) under the Stockholm Convention.

The discovery of bacteria that can degrade PFAS opens new avenues for bioremediation strategies to combat the environmental and health impacts of these hazardous substances.

GS2/International Relations

The Israel-Iran Ceasefire — Managing the Blowback

Why in News?

The recent cessation of hostilities between Israel and Iran, announced by U.S. President Donald Trump, represents a potential turning point in regional dynamics. Despite this announcement, the geopolitical landscape remains complex and unstable, necessitating strategic restraint from the involved parties to avoid further disruptions.

Key Takeaways

• The military gains by Israel, supported by the U.S., may lead to a precarious regional balance.
• Questions about Iran's future and its role in the region remain unresolved.

Additional Details

• Military Gains and Strategic Realignments: Over the past 21 months, Israel has achieved significant military victories, including the degradation of Hamas in Gaza and the neutralization of Hezbollah in Lebanon. However, these victories may not lead to long-term stability.
• Iran’s Future: Iran remains a pivotal state despite facing sanctions and military pressure. Its ideological opposition to Israel ensures its continued relevance in West Asia, posing challenges for U.S. and Israeli strategies.
• Dilemma of Regime Change: Advocating for regime change in Iran is risky, given the complexities of its political structure. Efforts to internally influence the regime face significant obstacles, particularly from the Revolutionary Guards and entrenched leadership.
• The Compounded Crisis of Gaza: The ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict remains dire, with Gaza suffering from humanitarian crises exacerbated by recent conflicts and settler violence in the West Bank.
• The Way Ahead: The region stands at a crossroads; embracing moderation could lead to stability and economic benefits, while failure to consolidate peace risks a return to violence.

Ultimately, if Israel, Iran, and the U.S. choose to prioritize rebuilding and cooperation over posturing, a new era of peace may be possible, offering global advantages through reduced conflict and better regional cooperation.

GS1/Indian Society

Vaccinating India: On Zero-Dose Children

Why in the News?

India has made remarkable advancements in vaccine coverage, reducing the percentage of zero-dose children from 33.4% in 1992 to 6.2% in 2023. Despite these achievements, India still has the second-highest number of children without any vaccinations globally, indicating that challenges remain.

Key Takeaways

• Significant progress in reducing zero-dose children over the decades.
• India's second-highest ranking in absolute numbers of zero-dose children despite improved coverage.
• Global trends reflect a substantial decrease in zero-dose children, with a 75% reduction worldwide since 1980.

Additional Details

• Zero-dose Children: These are children who have not received the first dose of the diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTP) vaccine. Their numbers serve as a crucial indicator of a nation’s immunization infrastructure and highlight disparities in vaccine access.
• Importance in Vaccination Assessment:
  • A high number of zero-dose children indicates that vaccination programs are not reaching all population segments.
  • Data from NFHS-5 (2019–21) revealed significant disparities in immunization coverage, particularly lower rates in rural and tribal areas compared to urban centers (e.g., Nagaland at 57.8% vs. Tamil Nadu at 89.8%).
  • The presence of zero-dose children points to social and economic barriers, such as low maternal education and marginalization, particularly in urban slums with high migrant populations.
  • Regions with many zero-dose children face greater risks of vaccine-preventable diseases, with measles outbreaks being more prevalent in areas with poor immunization rates.
• Challenges Persisting in India:
  • High birth rates contribute to the large absolute number of zero-dose children, with approximately 23 million births annually.
  • Geographical and logistical barriers hinder access to vaccinations, especially in remote tribal and urban slum areas.
  • Socio-cultural factors, including low maternal education and misinformation, contribute to vaccine hesitancy in certain communities.
• Trends Over Time:
  • From 1992 to 2016, India saw a steady decline in zero-dose children, reducing their percentage from 33.4% to 10.1%.
  • However, the COVID-19 pandemic caused a sharp increase, with zero-dose children rising from 1.4 million in 2019 to 2.7 million in 2021, reversing years of progress.
  • A partial recovery occurred post-pandemic, with numbers decreasing to 1.1 million in 2022 but rising again to 1.44 million in 2023.
• Geographic Concentration: High numbers of zero-dose children are primarily found in northern and central states such as Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat, as well as in northeastern states like Meghalaya and Nagaland.

To meet the WHO’s immunization target for 2030, India must expand vaccination drives, engage communities through tailored outreach programs, and utilize digital health monitoring systems to improve tracking and efficiency. The journey of immunization in India presents a mixed reality; while the country leads in vaccine development, ensuring comprehensive vaccination coverage for all children remains a pressing challenge. Addressing this issue is vital for public health and overall development, especially considering India has the highest number of newborns globally. The Immunization Agenda 2030 should be prioritized as a national imperative.

GS2/International Relations

UN80 Initiative

Why in News?

The UN80 Initiative has been recently highlighted by the United Nations under-Secretary-General for Policy and the Chair of the UN80 Task Force. It seeks to address the pressing global challenges of our time and reaffirm the importance of multilateralism.

Key Takeaways

• The initiative emphasizes the need for enhancing the UN's capacity to tackle global issues such as conflicts, inequalities, climate shocks, and rapid technological advancements.
• Its main objective is to increase the efficiency, effectiveness, and transparency of the United Nations system.

Additional Details

• Objective: The UN80 Initiative aims to improve the impact and effectiveness of multilateralism and the UN.
• Key Workstreams:The initiative is structured around three primary workstreams:
  • Identifying efficiencies and improvements within current arrangements.
  • Reviewing the implementation of all mandates issued by Member States.
  • Considering structural changes and program realignment across the UN system.
• Seven thematic clusters have been established under the UN80 Task Force, led by senior UN leaders, focusing on areas such as peace and security, humanitarian action, development, human rights, training and research, and specialized agencies.

This initiative is crucial as it strives to renew multilateral engagement at a time when global confidence is dwindling, and the demands for effective international collaboration are at an all-time high.

GS2/International Relations

Fathoming America’s Plan to Manage AI Proliferation

Why in News?

The United States has recently withdrawn its AI export control plan known as the Framework for AI Diffusion. This decision is viewed positively, as the framework was considered detrimental to the growth of AI and global diplomatic relations. Nonetheless, new developments indicate that the U.S. will maintain some form of AI controls, albeit in different manners.

Key Takeaways

• The Biden administration's AI Diffusion Framework treated AI similarly to nuclear technology, imposing export controls that favored allies while restricting adversaries.
• The framework's intent was to centralize AI development within allied nations and limit adversaries' access to powerful computational resources.
• Despite the withdrawal of the framework, the U.S. continues to reinforce controls on AI chip access for countries like China.

Additional Details

• AI Diffusion Framework: In its final phase, the framework imposed strict export controls, which inadvertently harmed global cooperation among allies and pushed them towards seeking independence from U.S. technology.
• Counterproductive Impact: The attempt to tighten controls had the opposite effect, eroding trust and collaboration, even among allied nations.
• Technological Enforcement: The U.S. plans to implement technological measures, such as on-chip monitoring and built-in location tracking, to control AI chip usage effectively.
• Concerns: These controls raise significant issues regarding user autonomy, privacy, and the potential for increased surveillance, which may deter legitimate users while failing to prevent misuse.

The withdrawal of the AI Diffusion Framework represents a tactical adjustment rather than a fundamental shift in U.S. strategy regarding AI proliferation. Continued reliance on control-based policies risks repeating the mistakes of the past, potentially undermining the U.S.'s position as a leader in the global AI landscape.

GS3/Environment

Falkland Islands

Why in News?

Recent research has revealed the existence of a buried forest on the Falkland Islands, indicating that this unique ecosystem thrived long before the arrival of humans or livestock on the islands.

Key Takeaways

• The Falkland Islands, also known as the Malvinas Islands, are a British overseas territory located in the South Atlantic Ocean.
• They consist of two main islands, East Falkland and West Falkland, along with 776 smaller islands.

Additional Details

• Geographical Location: The islands are situated about 480 km northeast of the southern tip of South America and are positioned in both the southern and western hemispheres of the Earth.
• Population: The majority of the population is English-speaking, primarily comprising Falklanders of African-Irish descent, making up 88% of the populace.
• Economy: Historically reliant on agriculture, particularly sheep farming, the current economy is driven by fishing and tourism.
• Climate: The islands experience a cool temperate oceanic climate, characterized by a lack of extreme weather conditions.
• Historical Context: The islands have seen various colonial powers, including French, British, Spanish, and Argentine settlements. In 1982, Argentina briefly occupied the islands before British rule was restored.
• Government Structure: The executive authority is under the British crown, with a governor appointed by the crown overseeing local governance.
• Wildlife: The Falklands are rich in biodiversity, home to a variety of seabirds and marine life, including five species of penguins, sea lions, elephant seals, and albatrosses.

The Falkland Islands continue to be a subject of sovereignty disputes between Argentina and the United Kingdom, though most residents prefer to remain a UK overseas territory.

GS3/Science and Technology

India's Giant Leap - Human Spaceflight and the Expanding Horizon of ISRO

Why in News?

The participation of Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla in the Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS) marks a historic moment in India's space journey. This event signifies the dawn of India's human spaceflight era and represents a strategic leap in the ambitions of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) along with its global collaborations.

Key Takeaways

• Shubhanshu Shukla’s journey reflects a national milestone in space exploration.
• This participation is crucial for the operational launch of India’s human spaceflight programme.
• The mission serves as a stepping stone towards ISRO’s Gaganyaan mission, scheduled for 2027.

Additional Details

• Strategic Importance: Shubhanshu Shukla's involvement in Axiom-4 allows ISRO to gain firsthand exposure to launch operations and astronautics, helping to refine protocols, safety procedures, and training modules.
• International Collaborations: ISRO's team assisted in launch operations, showcasing India’s active role in global space ventures.
• Global Context: Only three countries—USA, Russia, and China—have independent human spaceflight capabilities. India is poised to become the fourth, enhancing cooperation with global agencies like NASA.
• Evolving Space Ecosystem: The Lower Earth Orbit (LEO) is increasingly crowded with commercial satellites, driving national agencies towards deep space missions.
• Technological Developments: The need for indigenous astronaut training infrastructure has been highlighted, aiming to establish a training center in India that could also serve other countries.
• Space Diplomacy: India’s growing capabilities in human spaceflight enhance its bargaining power in future multilateral collaborations.

Shubhanshu Shukla's flight is not merely a symbolic success; it represents the launchpad for a new era in Indian space exploration. As India aims for the Moon, Mars, and its own space station, the capability for human spaceflight is emerging as a strategic asset that paves the way for scientific advancement, national prestige, and enhanced global collaboration. This event signifies a critical turning point in India's evolution from a space-faring nation to a space power.

GS2/International Relations

UN's Development Conference in Seville

Why in News?

Global leaders are set to convene in Seville, Spain, for the Financing for Development (FFD4) Conference, a significant event occurring once every decade. The conference focuses on reforming global aid, tax systems, and climate finance structures, which are essential for mobilizing resources and fostering international cooperation to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Key Takeaways

• The FFD4 Conference aims to create an ambitious global development agenda.
• Leaders will adopt the "Seville Commitment," a non-binding roadmap for financing development over the next decade.
• Major challenges include U.S. absence and the need for debt and tax reforms amid a global backdrop of aid cuts and climate skepticism.

Additional Details

• The 'Seville Commitment': A 38-page political document that outlines a comprehensive strategy for global development financing.
• Past Milestones: The conference builds on previous agreements like the Monterrey Consensus (2002) and the Addis Ababa Action Agenda (2015), which set targets for Official Development Assistance (ODA) and introduced the 17 SDGs.
• Debt Reforms: Proposed measures include debt-for-climate swaps and disaster-linked debt pauses to assist poorer nations facing climate challenges.
• Global Solidarity Levies: Suggestions to tax large polluters and the ultra-rich to fund sustainable development initiatives.
• Barriers to Progress: Ongoing tensions between African nations and major lenders, particularly China, hinder unified action on debt reform.
• Global Tax Reform Challenges: Opposition from key political figures complicates the pursuit of changes to global tax rules.
• Climate Action Consensus: Despite differences, there is strong international agreement on the urgent need for increased financing for climate adaptation in vulnerable countries.
• The UN estimates a staggering $4 trillion shortfall in financing needed for sustainable development worldwide, emphasizing the need for robust financial reform.

In conclusion, the FFD4 conference represents a pivotal opportunity for global leaders to address pressing development challenges, aiming to secure the necessary funding and frameworks to support sustainable growth and resilience against climate change.

GS3/Science and Technology

What is Trigeminal Neuralgia?

Why in News?

Recently, an actor has disclosed that he is facing multiple serious health conditions, including trigeminal neuralgia, highlighting the importance of understanding this painful disorder.

Key Takeaways

• Trigeminal neuralgia, also known as tic douloureux, is characterized by intense, electric shock-like facial pain.
• The condition is often triggered by routine activities such as eating, brushing teeth, or smiling.
• It predominantly affects individuals over the age of 50 and is more common in women.

Additional Details

• Cause: Trigeminal neuralgia occurs when a blood vessel exerts pressure on the trigeminal nerve, which is responsible for transmitting sensory information from the face to the brain.
• Initially, patients may experience short, mild episodes of pain; however, the condition can progress, leading to longer and more frequent bouts of severe pain.
• Due to its debilitating nature, it is often referred to as the "suicide disease", as the pain can be extraordinarily difficult to manage, requiring medication or even surgical intervention.

Understanding trigeminal neuralgia is crucial, as it not only affects the quality of life of those who suffer from it but also emphasizes the need for effective treatment options and support for patients enduring this chronic condition.