Weekly Current Affairs (8th to 14th June 2025) | General Test Preparation for CUET UG - CUET Commerce PDF Download

IAF’s Indigenous I-STAR Aircraft

Why in News?

• The Indian Air Force (IAF) is on the brink of significantly enhancing its operational capabilities through the anticipated acquisition of the I-STAR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance) aircraft. This initiative is part of a Rs 10,000 crore project that is expected to receive approval from the Defence Ministry, especially in light of escalating tensions and ongoing military operations.

Key Takeaways

• The I-STAR aircraft will allow the IAF to perform precise strikes on critical enemy targets from a safe distance.
• Three advanced aircraft will be procured from top international manufacturers like Boeing or Bombardier.
• Indigenous sensor and electronic systems developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) will be integrated into the aircraft.

Additional Details

• Capabilities of I-STAR: These aircraft are designed for multi-spectral surveillance, enabling them to detect, track, and engage enemy assets, including radar installations and command posts, effectively day or night and in complex terrains.
• Strategic Importance: The operational capacity of the I-STAR aircraft will provide the IAF with real-time battlefield overviews, which is essential for modern warfare, allowing for precision strikes without the need to enter hostile airspace.
• Such advanced aerial capabilities are currently possessed only by a few countries, including the United States and Israel.

The I-STAR system combines both airborne and ground-based components and is engineered to operate from high altitudes and stand-off ranges. This design minimizes risk while facilitating the identification and engagement of high-value targets deep within enemy territory. The intelligence, surveillance, targeting, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities of this system are expected to bolster India's military effectiveness significantly.

Furthermore, the introduction of I-STAR aircraft is anticipated to enhance India’s deterrence strategy, enabling rapid military responses in potential conflict scenarios while limiting the scale of warfare. This capability is crucial for strengthening national security and addressing various threats along India’s borders.

In conclusion, the I-STAR aircraft represent a major advancement in India's defence technology, positioning the IAF among elite military forces globally. This project underscores India’s commitment to indigenisation in defence and reflects its strategic ambitions in the region.

Zyeth Atham - A Celebration of Cultural Significance

Why in News?

• Zyeth Atham, also referred to as Jyeshtha Ashtami, is a significant festival celebrated by the Kashmiri Pandit community. This event is observed on the eighth day of Shukla Paksha in the month of Jyeshtha, usually falling in early June. The festival is centered around the worship of Goddess Kheer Bhawani, who holds a special place as a family deity for the community. The primary celebrations take place at the Kheer Bhawani temple located in Tulmulla, Jammu and Kashmir.

Key Takeaways

• Zyeth Atham celebrates Goddess Kheer Bhawani, an incarnation of Mata Durga.
• The Kheer Bhawani temple is a historic and spiritual site for the Kashmiri Pandit community.
• The temple features a unique hexagonal spring that changes color, reflecting the community's fortunes.
• Devotees participate in rituals and gather to reinforce their cultural identity.

Additional Details

• Kheer Bhawani: Goddess Kheer Bhawani is worshipped as the Kuldevi (family deity) of the Kashmiri Pandits, deeply revered for her protective qualities. The temple is surrounded by chinar trees and is built over a sacred spring.
• The Sacred Spring: The hexagonal spring at the temple changes colors, with lighter shades like blue and green symbolizing prosperity, while darker hues indicate potential troubles, linking the community's fate to these waters.
• Rituals and Celebrations: During Zyeth Atham, rituals include performing hawan (fire offerings) and presenting traditional prasad, such as kheer made from rice and milk. Participants also scatter flowers into the sacred spring.
• Historical Context: The current structure of the Kheer Bhawani temple was constructed by Maharaja Pratap Singh in the early 20th century, highlighting its significance through history.
• Community Resilience: The annual mela (fair) at the temple draws thousands of devotees, symbolizing the enduring spirit and faith of the Kashmiri Pandit community, especially during challenging times.

In summary, Zyeth Atham is not just a religious observance but a vital cultural event that brings together the Kashmiri Pandit diaspora, reinforcing their identity and faith in the face of historical adversities.

Impact of RBI Rate Cut

Why in News?

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has recently implemented a significant rate cut of 100 basis points (bps). This action is aimed at stimulating loan demand and encouraging consumption within the economy. However, this decision could pose challenges for retail depositors as it is anticipated that deposit rates will decrease, coinciding with a lower savings rate. The broader ramifications of this policy on bank credit, overall economic growth, and consumer behavior are critical to understand.

Key Takeaways

• The RBI's rate cut is designed to spur demand for loans.
• Retail depositors may face declining deposit rates.
• Bank credit growth remains sluggish despite lower lending rates.
• The RBI maintains its GDP growth forecast for FY26 at 6.5%.
• Consumer behavior may shift towards spending due to lower loan costs.

Additional Details

• Bank Credit Dynamics: The reduction in the repo rate is expected to lower lending rates, encouraging more borrowers to seek bank credit. However, as of May 2025, credit growth has only reached 7 percent, indicating a sluggish response to lower rates. Historical trends show that when the repo rate was at 4 percent, lending rates were similarly low, with home loans available at 6.5 percent.
• Economic Growth Forecast: Despite the rate cut, the RBI has kept its GDP growth estimate for FY26 at 6.5%. The economic growth recorded in Q4FY25 was 7.4%, raising concerns about its sustainability due to ongoing geopolitical tensions and trade issues.
• Retail Consumer Impact: For consumers, the repo rate cut means lower costs for loans. While existing loans may see reduced interest rates, the immediate impact could vary. The decision on whether to invest savings from lower interest costs will depend on household confidence.
• Banking Sector Challenges: The banking sector faces obstacles in managing deposit rates. Larger banks may reduce rates while maintaining growth, whereas smaller banks might struggle. With over 50% of loans linked to deposit costs, careful navigation of rate cuts is essential for banks to ensure continued growth.

In conclusion, the RBI's recent decision to cut rates could have far-reaching implications for the economy and consumers. While it aims to stimulate demand and consumption, challenges in the banking sector and subdued credit growth could temper the expected benefits. Monitoring the situation over the next six months will be crucial to understanding the full impact of these policy changes.

Non-Binary AI Chip

Why in News?

• On June 10, 2025, China has made significant advancements in artificial intelligence with the introduction of non-binary AI chips, developed by Professor Li Hongge's team at Beihang University. This innovation is based on a novel computing approach known as Hybrid Stochastic Number (HSN) computing, aimed at overcoming the limitations of traditional computing methods.

Key Takeaways

• China has deployed non-binary AI chips, enhancing AI capabilities.
• HSN computing merges binary logic with probabilistic logic for better efficiency.
• The technology addresses the power wall and architecture wall challenges in conventional chips.
• Applications span various sectors including medical, aviation, and display technology.

Additional Details

• Hybrid Stochastic Number Computing: This approach integrates traditional binary logic (using 1s and 0s) with probabilistic logic. While binary systems are energy-intensive, stochastic computing uses voltage signal frequencies for representation, leading to lower energy use but often slower performance. HSN strikes a balance between energy efficiency and computational reliability.
• Addressing Limitations: Conventional chips face two main challenges: the power wall, which is the excessive energy demand, and the architecture wall, which complicates the integration of non-silicon chips with existing CMOS technology. HSN computing helps mitigate energy consumption while ensuring performance is maintained.
• Applications:
  • In touch display systems, non-binary AI chips improve user interaction by effectively filtering noise and detecting weak signals.
  • In medical and industrial displays, they facilitate rapid, low-power data processing for accurate readings.
  • In aviation, these chips provide reliable navigation and fault tolerance, which are essential for aerospace operations.
  • In-memory computing capabilities reduce the need for energy-intensive data transfers, addressing traditional system bottlenecks.
• Technological Advancements: Despite facing US export restrictions, the team successfully used 110nm and 28nm manufacturing processes from Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation (SMIC) to develop the chip. This allows for innovation within existing technological frameworks.
• Future Developments: The team is currently designing a custom instruction set architecture (ISA) for hybrid probabilistic computing, which will enhance capabilities in advanced applications like AI model acceleration and neural networks.

This development could enable China to realize greater self-reliance in semiconductor technology, fostering innovation independently from foreign technologies and potentially reshaping global chip development methodologies.

Discovery of a New Beetle Species: Spathaspina noohi

Why in News?

• The scientific community is abuzz with excitement following the identification of a new beetle species named Spathaspina noohi. This remarkable discovery was made in the forests of Meghalaya, highlighting the rich biodiversity of Northeast India. The beetle is particularly notable for its unique sword-like spine, a characteristic so uncommon that it led to the establishment of a new genus, Spathaspina. The species was found at an elevation of 781 meters in the Ri Bhoi district, emphasizing the ecological significance of this region.

Key Takeaways

• The new beetle species Spathaspina noohi has been discovered in Meghalaya.
• It features a distinctive sword-like spine, prompting the creation of a new genus.
• This discovery underscores the biodiversity present in Northeast India.

Additional Details

• Taxonomy and Classification:Spathaspina noohi is part of the weevil family, Curculionidae, which comprises over 60,000 species globally. Weevils are important for their ecological roles, particularly in controlling invasive plant species. The name Spathaspina derives from the Latin words for sword (spatha) and spine (spina), reflecting its unique anatomical feature.
• Ecological Significance: Weevils play crucial roles in maintaining ecological balance. While some are agricultural pests, many contribute positively by regulating plant dynamics. Spathaspina noohi is part of the Ceutorhynchinae subfamily, which contains over 1,300 species worldwide, mainly found in Europe and parts of Asia.
• Morphological Features: Beetles in the Ceutorhynchinae subfamily are characterized by compact bodies and the behavior of retracting their snouts between their legs when at rest. A notable identifying trait is the visibility of their mesanepimera, although exceptions exist in some genera.
• Tribute to P. B. Nooh: The species name Spathaspina noohi honors P. B. Nooh, IAS, the Director of Tourism for Kerala, in recognition of his contributions to promoting eco-tourism. This naming highlights the importance of balancing ecological conservation with responsible tourism and sustainable development.

This discovery not only enriches our understanding of biodiversity but also emphasizes the need for conservation efforts in the face of ecological challenges.

Assam’s New Arms Licence Scheme for Indigenous Citizens

Why in News?

• The Assam cabinet has recently approved a scheme designed to enhance the security of indigenous citizens residing in vulnerable areas. This initiative responds to growing safety concerns, particularly in districts close to Bangladesh, where indigenous communities have faced increased threats.

Key Takeaways

• The scheme allows original inhabitants of Assam to obtain arms licences for self-protection.
• Areas identified as vulnerable include Dhubri and Barpeta, affected by demographic changes.
• The scheme aims for immediate implementation following official notification.
• The government is adopting a lenient approach to application processing.

Additional Details

• Eligibility Criteria: Applicants must be original inhabitants of Assam and reside in designated vulnerable areas. The government aims to facilitate access to protection for those in need.
• Historical Context: The demand for arms licences has historical roots, dating back to the Assam Agitation (1979-1985). Previous administrations were reluctant to implement such measures, which could have mitigated the displacement of indigenous families due to safety concerns.
• Government’s Rationale: This initiative serves as a response to heightened fears following recent incidents in Bangladesh, with the government viewing the provision of arms licences as essential for boosting personal security and community confidence.
• Potential Impact: By enabling indigenous residents to acquire arms, the government aims to empower marginalized communities and restore a sense of safety among those living in vulnerable regions.

This new arms licence scheme represents a significant step toward addressing the security needs of indigenous populations in Assam, reflecting both historical demands and contemporary challenges. The government’s prompt action underscores the urgency of safeguarding these communities amidst rising threats.

Agri Ministry to Launch CROPIC

Why in News?

• The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare in India is preparing to introduce CROPIC, a cutting-edge initiative designed to improve crop monitoring and loss assessment. CROPIC, which stands for Collection of Real-Time Observations & Photo of Crops, aims to utilize artificial intelligence and crowd-sourced data to enhance agricultural practices and provide better financial support for farmers.

Key Takeaways

• CROPIC will focus on crop health monitoring through field photographs.
• The initiative will initially target the kharif 2025 and rabi 2025-26 seasons.
• A mobile application will facilitate real-time data collection from farmers.

Additional Details

• Functionality of CROPIC: The CROPIC mobile application will allow farmers to capture images of their crops, which will be analyzed to identify the crop type, its growth stage, and any potential damage.
• AI Integration: An AI-based cloud platform will process the photographs, extracting critical information regarding crop health and displaying it on a web-based dashboard for easy access by farmers and officials.
• Purpose: CROPIC primarily aims to assist the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) by automating crop loss assessments and expediting compensation for farmers, thereby enhancing their financial resilience.
• Implementation Timeline: Pilot studies will begin in at least 50 districts representing various agro-climatic zones, covering three major notified crops for each season, with a nationwide rollout expected by 2026.
• Funding: The initiative will be financed through the Fund for Innovation and Technology (FIAT), which has allocated Rs 825 crore for technological innovations in crop insurance.

In conclusion, CROPIC represents a significant step towards modernizing agricultural practices in India, leveraging technology to support farmers and improve the overall efficiency of crop insurance processes.

INS Tabar Joins UK Carrier Strike Group Exercise

Why in News?

• The Indian Navy recently participated in a naval exercise with the United Kingdom, highlighting their commitment to maritime security. This event, which took place in the North Arabian Sea on June 9 and 10, 2025, underscores the growing cooperation between the Indian Navy and the Royal Navy in a complex geopolitical landscape.

Key Takeaways

• The exercise, known as PASSEX, involved multiple naval assets from India and the UK.
• INS Tabar, a stealth frigate, along with a submarine and P-8I aircraft, represented the Indian contingent.
• The UK was represented by the aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales and the frigate HMS Richmond.
• Focus on enhancing interoperability and executing complex naval operations.

Additional Details

• PASSEX: The passage exercise that included unified control and cross-deck helicopter operations, tactical surface maneuvers, and anti-submarine warfare (ASW) operations.
• Professional exchanges during the exercise fostered improved communication between naval officers, enhancing mutual understanding.
• India and the UK share a long-standing maritime relationship, transforming from colonial ties to a strategic partnership with annual joint exercises.
• The strategic importance of this exercise is amplified by the advanced naval assets involved, signaling deeper collaboration aimed at regional stability.

This exercise demonstrates the commitment of both nations to maintain a free and open maritime order in response to rising security challenges in the Indo-Pacific and Western Indian Ocean. The Indian Navy and Royal Navy are expected to continue their collaborative efforts to enhance their capabilities against emerging threats.

SEBI Introduces New UPI Payment Mechanism for Investors

Why in News?

• The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) is planning to roll out a new Unified Payment Interface (UPI) address mechanism by October 1, 2025. This initiative is designed to protect investors from unregistered entities operating in the stock market, allowing them to easily identify legitimate SEBI-registered intermediaries prior to making any payments.

Key Takeaways

• SEBI's new UPI mechanism aims to enhance investor safety and confidence.
• The mechanism includes unique identifiers to distinguish registered intermediaries.
• All registered intermediaries must comply with the new UPI ID requirements.
• Investors have the option to choose various payment methods aside from UPI.
• A tool named 'SEBI Check' will be introduced for verifying UPI IDs.

Additional Details

• UPI Address Structure: The new UPI addresses will include a unique identifier, @valid, combined with the intermediary's name and a category suffix. For instance, stock brokers will use a suffix of ‘.brk’, while mutual funds will have ‘.mf’ to help investors verify the legitimacy of intermediaries.
• Benefits: The introduction of validated UPI IDs will enhance transaction safety, featuring a visual cue—a thumbs-up inside a green triangle icon—indicating registered intermediaries. This aims to prevent fraud and impersonation.
• Compliance: All registered intermediaries are mandated to implement the new UPI IDs and ensure they are the primary payment option for investors. Existing UPI IDs will cease to be accepted post-implementation.
• Investor Choices: While the new UPI mechanism is compulsory for intermediaries, investors can still use alternative payment methods such as IMPS, NEFT, and RTGS. If opting for UPI, they must utilize the newly validated IDs.
• SEBI Check Tool: This tool will allow investors to verify UPI IDs through a QR code scan or manual entry. Additionally, it will confirm bank details, such as account numbers and IFSC codes, adding another layer of security for investors.
• Implementation Timeline: The SEBI Check tool and the new UPI IDs are currently in development and are set to be available to investors starting October 1, 2025, ensuring a smooth transition.

This initiative by SEBI is a significant step towards enhancing the safety and reliability of transactions in the securities market, aiming to build greater trust among investors.

Air India Flight AI171 Crash Near Ahmedabad

Why in News?

• On June 12, 2025, Air India flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, tragically crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, while it was en route to London Gatwick Airport. With 242 individuals on board, the pilot issued a mayday call shortly after departure, but the aircraft fell just 625 feet into a nearby residential area. The cause of this unfortunate incident is currently under investigation.

Key Takeaways

• Flight AI171 crashed shortly after takeoff on June 12, 2025.
• The aircraft involved was a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner.
• There were 242 people on board, and the investigation is ongoing.

Additional Details

• Boeing 787 Dreamliner: Introduced in 2007, the Boeing 787 is a next-generation, long-haul jet designed for efficiency. It features a carbon fibre composite structure, making it lighter than traditional aluminium aircraft and consumes 25% less fuel than its predecessors. The first commercial flight occurred in 2012 after earlier delays.
• Specifications: The 787-8 variant, involved in the crash, accommodates up to 248 passengers and has a range of 13,530 km. It measures 57 meters in length and has a wingspan of 60 meters, powered by GEnx-1B or Trent 1000 engines. Known for spacious cabins and large windows, it also offers improved cabin humidity and pressure levels.
• Safety Concerns: The Boeing 787 has faced scrutiny over safety issues, with the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) conducting multiple investigations. Concerns have been raised about the fuselage assembly and parts quality, leading to a re-inspection of all 787s still in production in May 2024.
• Previous Incidents: The Dreamliner has been linked to several safety incidents, including a Latam Airlines 787 mid-flight plunge in March 2024 due to human error. In 2013, the entire fleet was grounded globally over battery concerns.

The crash of flight AI171 underscores the critical need for enhanced safety measures and regulations within the aviation industry. This incident not only raises questions about the safety of modern aircraft but may also affect public perception of Boeing, potentially leading to increased demands for transparency in aircraft manufacturing and maintenance.

Mukhya Mantrir Jiban Anuprerana Scheme

Why in News?

• The Mukhya Mantrir Jiban Anuprerana Scheme was inaugurated by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma in 2025, aimed at providing essential financial support to research scholars in Assam, particularly those with disabilities. This initiative marks a pioneering effort in the state to enhance research and development.

Key Takeaways

• The scheme offers a one-time grant of Rs 25,000 for full-time research scholars.
• Divyang (differently-abled) researchers are eligible for an increased grant of Rs 40,000.
• The initiative is open to permanent residents of Assam enrolled in public institutions, including state and central universities.
• The launch was accompanied by the introduction of the Swagata Satirtha Portal to streamline government employee transfers.

Additional Details

• Financial Assistance: The scheme provides crucial financial backing, enabling scholars to focus on their research without the burden of financial constraints.
• Government Transparency: The Swagata Satirtha Portal aims to enhance transparency and efficiency in the transfer process of government employees, benefiting a total of 9,004 Grade III and IV employees.
• The Assam government has reaffirmed its commitment to employee welfare by aligning dearness allowances and relief with those of the central government.
• Additional initiatives, such as the housing loan scheme 'Apun Ghar', have increased the loan amount to Rs 30 lakh to meet employee demands.
• The Nijut Moina scheme provides monthly financial support to students, particularly benefiting girls and promoting education.

The Mukhya Mantrir Jiban Anuprerana Scheme is set to significantly impact research and development in Assam. By alleviating financial pressures, it empowers scholars to complete their research effectively, nurturing a culture of innovation and academic excellence within the state.

Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam

Why in News?

• The Government of India is set to transform the political landscape by introducing a reservation system for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies through the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam. This initiative is linked to the forthcoming delimitation exercise following the upcoming Census, aiming to reserve one-third of the seats for women in the 2029 Lok Sabha elections.

Key Takeaways

• The Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam was enacted in September 2023.
• It mandates a one-third reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies.
• The implementation follows a delimitation process based on the Census data.

Additional Details

• Importance of the Census: The upcoming Census will be conducted digitally, utilizing mobile applications for efficient data collection. It aims to provide crucial demographic data needed for delimitation, capturing the population as of March 1, 2027, and including caste enumeration.
• The delimitation process involves redrawing electoral constituency boundaries, as mandated by Article 82 of the Constitution of India, which requires adjustment of seats post-Census.
• Concerns from Southern States: Southern states have raised apprehensions regarding potential reductions in their Lok Sabha representation, fearing that increased seats for northern states could diminish their influence. The government has assured that no southern state will lose seats on a pro-rata basis.
• Legislative Requirements: For the next delimitation to occur, Parliament must pass a Delimitation Act. This will establish a Delimitation Commission to oversee the process. If no new amendment is passed by 2026, the current freeze on delimitation will automatically end.
• Constitutional Provisions: Article 81(2)(a) stipulates that the allocation of seats should reflect the population ratio across states, ensuring fair representation. Exceptions exist for smaller states with populations below six million.

This legislative change marks a significant step towards enhancing women's representation in Indian politics, aiming for a more inclusive governance structure.