UPSC Daily Current Affairs: 18th June 2025 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly PDF Download

GS3/Science and Technology

Lac Insect and Its Role in Pigment Production

Why in News?

A recent study conducted by researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) has unveiled the mechanisms through which the lac insect synthesizes laccaic acid, a key component in the production of lac pigment.

Key Takeaways

• The lac insect undergoes a hemimetabolous life cycle, consisting of stages such as egg, nymph instars, pupa, and adult.
• It reproduces through an ovoviviparous method, completing its life cycle in approximately six months.

Additional Details

• Lac Insect Characteristics: Lac insects thrive in cavities or cells formed from the resin they secrete on their host plants, primarily certain trees like the flame of the forest. They feed on the sugary sap and produce a sticky resin known as shellac, along with laccaic acid, which imparts a bright red hue.
• Strains of Lac Insect: In India, the two prominent strains are kusumi and rangeeni. There are six genera of lac insects, but only five can produce lac, with Laccifer being the sole genus for commercial lac production.
• Distribution: Lac insects are primarily found in South-East Asian countries, including India, Thailand, and parts of China. India and Thailand are the main producers of lac, with over 90% of production occurring in states such as Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, and others.
• Uses of Lac Pigment: The lac pigment is highly valued in various industries, including food coloring, textiles, dyes, handicrafts, and folk art.
• Research Insights: The colorful pigment is believed to be produced by a symbiotic yeast-like organism residing within the insect. The synthesis of laccaic acid requires an amino acid called tyrosine, which the lac insect cannot produce or obtain from tree sap. This essential compound is supplied by symbiotic fungi or bacteria that inhabit the insect's body.

This research highlights the complex interactions between the lac insect and its symbiotic partners, shedding light on the biological processes that contribute to the production of valuable pigments.

GS3/Environment

Ancient Assam Fossils Link to Western Ghats Biodiversity

Why in News?

Recently, scientists from the Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences (BSIP) discovered fossil leaves in Assam's Makum Coalfield that are believed to be 24-23 million years old. These fossils resemble the modern-day Nothopegia, a tropical plant currently found exclusively in the Western Ghats.

Key Takeaways

• The fossil leaves date back to the late Oligocene epoch.
• Nothopegia is now endemic to the Western Ghats and is not found in Northeast India today.

Additional Details

• Identification Methods: Researchers utilized morphological analysis, herbarium comparisons, and cluster analysis to identify the fossil leaves.
• Tropical Legacy: Nothopegia belongs to the Anacardiaceae family and indicates the presence of ancient tropical ecosystems in Northeast India.
• Climate Reconstruction: The Climate Leaf Analysis Multivariate Program (CLAMP) confirmed that the region once enjoyed a warm and humid climate similar to today's conditions.

Understanding the reasons for the disappearance of Nothopegia from Northeast India provides insights into historical climate changes:

• Tectonic Disruption: The collision of the Indian and Eurasian plates led to the rise of the Himalayas, which drastically altered climate, rainfall, and wind patterns.
• Habitat Loss: These geographical shifts caused the region to cool and dry, making it unsuitable for tropical flora like Nothopegia.
• Southward Migration: Over time, Nothopegia migrated to the Western Ghats, which provided a stable climate and refuge for its survival.

Significance of the Study

• Climate Lessons: The extinction and migration patterns of Nothopegia serve as an example of how species respond to long-term climate changes.
• Scientific Value: Insights into ancient plant resilience can help predict survival pathways in the face of current global warming scenarios.
• Refuge Significance: The study underscores the importance of climate refuges in preserving ancient lineages during significant environmental changes.

This discovery not only highlights the historical biodiversity of India but also serves as a crucial reminder of the impacts of climate change on ecosystems.

UPSC 2025

Which of the following are the evidence of the phenomenon of continental drift?

• I. The belt of ancient rocks from the Brazil coast matches with those from Western Africa.
• II. The gold deposits of Ghana are derived from the Brazil plateau when the two continents lay side by side.
• III. The Gondwana system of sediments from India is known to have its counterparts in six different landmasses of the Southern Hemisphere.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

• Options: (a) I and III only
• (b) I and II only
• (c) I, II and III
• (d) II and III only

GS3/Science and Technology

What is Project Vishnu?

Why in News?

India is preparing to test the Extended Trajectory-Long Duration Hypersonic Cruise Missile (ET-LDHCM), a sophisticated hypersonic missile developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) as part of the classified Project Vishnu.

Key Takeaways

• Project Vishnu aims to advance India's hypersonic missile technologies.
• The initiative seeks to bolster India's strategic deterrence against regional threats, particularly from China and Pakistan.
• It features multi-platform deployment capabilities, allowing launches from land, air, and naval systems.

Additional Details

• Overview: Project Vishnu is a highly confidential program led by DRDO to create hypersonic missile systems that enhance India's defense capabilities.
• Strategic Purpose: The project is designed to strengthen India's capacity for both conventional and nuclear strike options, thereby enhancing its deterrent posture.
• Technological Integration: The missile combines advanced technologies such as scramjet propulsion, materials science, and precision guidance into one system.
• ET-LDHC Hypersonic Missile: This is the flagship missile of Project Vishnu, capable of reaching speeds up to Mach 8 (~11,000 km/h) with a strike range of 1,500 km.
• Payload Versatility: The missile can carry a payload of 1,000–2,000 kg, accommodating both conventional and nuclear warheads for various mission profiles.
• Propulsion: Utilizing an indigenously developed scramjet engine, it improves fuel efficiency by relying on atmospheric oxygen for combustion.
• Next-Gen Materials: The missile is constructed from materials that can withstand temperatures exceeding 2,000°C, ensuring both oxidation resistance and structural integrity.
• Launch Platforms: It is adaptable for use with land systems, fighter jets, and naval vessels, providing operational flexibility.

This project signifies India's transition towards technology-driven warfare and aligns with its credible minimum deterrence doctrine, enhancing national security in a complex geopolitical landscape.

GS3/Defence & Security

Cyber Suraksha

Why in News?

The Defence Cyber Agency has initiated 'Cyber Suraksha', a comprehensive cybersecurity exercise aimed at enhancing the cybersecurity framework at the national level. This initiative is organized under the Integrated Defence Staff headquarters.

Key Takeaways

• Cyber Suraksha represents a multi-phased proactive approach to strengthen national cyber resilience.
• The exercise includes targeted training sessions, evaluations, and leadership engagement to simulate real-world cyber threats.
• Participants will engage in a gamified environment designed to enhance their analytical and cyber defense skills.
• The Defence Cyber Agency plans to conduct these exercises regularly to foster a culture of security awareness.

Additional Details

• Defence Cyber Agency (DCyA): A tri-service command of the Indian Armed Forces established in 2019 to address cybersecurity threats. Its formation marked a significant advancement in the country's cybersecurity capabilities.
• The DCyA is fully operational with dedicated Cyber Emergency Response Teams (CERT) formed by each military branch and is comprised of personnel from all three branches of the Armed Forces.
• The head of the DCyA holds a two-star rank and reports to the Chief of Defence Staff through the Integrated Defence Staff.
• Headquarters are located in New Delhi.

This exercise is a crucial step in not only preparing military personnel but also in promoting a comprehensive security-first culture across all levels of the defense establishment.

GS3/Science and Technology

Quantum Communication Breakthrough

Why in News?

Recently, the Ministry of Defence announced that scientists from IIT-Delhi, in collaboration with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), successfully demonstrated quantum communication over a distance exceeding 1 km in free space.

Key Takeaways

• Quantum communication utilizes photons to transmit information securely.
• This technology leverages principles of quantum physics, particularly entanglement, to create secure communication channels.
• Any attempt to intercept the communication will be immediately detected, enhancing security.

Additional Details

• Quantum Key Distribution (QKD): A vital technique in quantum communication that ensures secure transmission of keys used for encrypting messages.
• Quantum Entanglement: A unique phenomenon where pairs of particles, like photons, become interconnected, such that the state of one particle instantly influences the state of the other, regardless of distance.
• This technology is particularly valuable in defense settings, providing robust security against potential threats.

Applications of Quantum Communication

• Military and Government: Enables the secure transmission of highly sensitive information, making it immune to eavesdropping.
• Banking: Protects financial transactions from cyber-attacks using QKD for online banking security.
• Power Grids: Secures communication within the power industry, preventing cyber-attacks that could disrupt services.
• Consumer Privacy: Enhances the security of personal data during online transactions and cloud services.
• Scientific Collaboration: Facilitates secure sharing of proprietary research data between institutions.
• Navigation: Improves the security of GPS signals, ensuring tamper-proof navigation data.

In conclusion, quantum communication represents a significant advancement in secure communication technologies, with potential applications across various fields, including defense, banking, and personal data security.

GS3/Environment

Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki

Why in News?

Recently, Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki in Indonesia experienced a significant volcanic eruption that released an ash cloud reaching heights of 11 kilometers.

Key Takeaways

• Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki is located in East Nusa Tenggara province on Flores Island, Indonesia.
• It is part of the 'Ring of Fire' in the Pacific region and is one of the most active volcanoes in the area.

Additional Details

• Geographical Features: The volcano has two peaks arranged on a NW-SE line, separated by 2 km and connected by a 1,232 m high saddle, leading to its name "Lewotobi," which means "husband and wife."
• The two peaks are known as Lewotobi Lakilaki (man, 1584 m) and Lewotobi Perempuan (woman, 1703 m). The summit crater of Lewotobi Lakilaki is 400 m in diameter and open to the north, while Lewotobi Perempuan's crater measures 700 m wide.
• Historical Activity: Lewotobi Lakilaki has been frequently active during the 19th and 20th centuries, whereas the taller Lewotobi Perempuan has erupted only twice in recorded history.
• In addition to historical eruptions, small lava domes have formed in the summit craters of both volcanoes throughout the 20th century.

This recent eruption highlights the ongoing volcanic activity of Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki, drawing attention to its geographical significance and the need for continuous monitoring of volcanic hazards in the region.

GS2/International Relations

What is Netanyahu’s Endgame in Iran?

Why in News?

The recent escalation of hostilities between Israel and Iran, particularly Israel's air strikes targeting Iran's nuclear facilities, has raised significant concerns regarding regional stability. Israel's actions are viewed as an attempt to prevent Iran from advancing its nuclear capabilities, which has implications for global security and local geopolitics.

Key Takeaways

• Israel launched air strikes on Iran to cripple its nuclear program and military leadership.
• The conflict poses a risk of escalating into a broader regional war involving multiple actors.
• Global powers, particularly the U.S., are navigating a complex relationship with both Israel and Iran in this context.

Additional Details

• Israel's Objectives: Israel aims to dismantle Iran's nuclear capabilities by targeting key sites involved in uranium enrichment and military leadership. For example, attacks on the Natanz facility and missile sites have been crucial in this strategy.
• Impact on Regional Security: The ongoing conflict has the potential to destabilize already fragile states like Iraq and Syria, and may disrupt peace efforts between Israel and Arab nations.
• Global Powers' Involvement: The U.S. has provided indirect support to Israel, using the conflict to apply pressure on Iran for stricter nuclear negotiations.
• Military and Diplomatic Options: Israel may choose to escalate military action or pause strikes to allow for diplomacy, while seeking greater U.S. involvement in the conflict.

This situation highlights the delicate balance of power in the Middle East and the significant consequences that arise from military actions, not only for the involved countries but for global security as a whole. The pursuit of peace and stability in the region remains a complex challenge.

GS2/Polity

Magna Carta: The ‘Blueprint for Democracy’

Why in News?

On June 15, 1215, King John of England signed a pivotal document known as the Magna Carta, which laid the groundwork for the principles that would shape modern democracies.

Key Takeaways

• The Magna Carta, meaning "Great Charter" in Latin, was signed at Runnymede near London.
• Originally consisting of 63 clauses, it included critical provisions protecting against arbitrary arrest and ensuring justice.

Additional Details

• Historical Context: The Magna Carta was established in response to military defeats and excessive taxation, particularly after the Battle of Bouvines in 1214.
• Initial Setback: Although annulled by Pope Innocent III, it was reissued multiple times, notably under King Henry III, becoming part of English statutory law.
• Scope of Protection: Initially aimed at protecting free men, it mainly benefited land-owning nobles and barons, excluding women, serfs, and commoners.
• Radical Impact: Despite its limited scope, historians view it as one of Europe’s earliest checks on monarchical power.
• Legal Influence: The charter has influenced future legal systems, including the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights, establishing principles like habeas corpus.
• Modern Relevance: Clauses 39 and 40 of the Magna Carta are still part of UK law today.
• Significance: Considered one of the first documents to limit royal power, it laid the foundation for the rule of law and constitutional governance.

The Magna Carta's legacy extends to the Indian Constitution as well. Part III, often referred to as the "Magna Carta of India," encompasses Articles 12 to 35, guaranteeing justiciable Fundamental Rights that protect citizens from arbitrary state actions and form the core of Indian democracy.

Why it’s called India’s Magna Carta?

• Historical Parallel: Similar to the 1215 charter, Part III restricts governmental power and guarantees individual freedoms.
• It is inspired by the U.S. Bill of Rights, providing one of the most comprehensive rights charters globally.
• Legal Enforceability: The rights are enforceable by courts, allowing them to uphold citizens’ rights and nullify unconstitutional laws.

Six Categories of Fundamental Rights:

• Right to Equality (Articles 14-18): Ensures equality before law and prohibits discrimination.
• Right to Freedom (Articles 19-22): Guarantees freedoms of speech, movement, assembly, and more.
• Right against Exploitation (Articles 23-24): Prohibits forced labor and child labor.
• Right to Freedom of Religion (Articles 25-28): Allows individuals the freedom to practice and propagate religion.
• Cultural and Educational Rights (Articles 29-30): Protects the rights of minorities to preserve their culture and establish educational institutions.
• Right to Constitutional Remedies (Article 32): Empowers individuals to approach the Supreme Court for the enforcement of their rights.

In summary, the Magna Carta has not only shaped legal frameworks throughout history but also serves as a fundamental reference point for rights and liberties in contemporary governance.

GS3/Science and Technology

Rice Reveals Surprise Ability to Adapt to Cold Faster Than Evolution

Why in News?

Recent scientific research has uncovered that exposure to cold can induce changes in rice plants that enhance their stress tolerance, and these modifications can be inherited over five generations. This finding supports Lamarck's historical theory of acquired characteristics, which suggests that traits developed during an organism's life can be passed down to offspring.

Key Takeaways

• Cold exposure in rice leads to inherited stress tolerance improvements.
• The study supports Lamarck's theory of acquired characteristics.
• Significant implications for crop improvement and climate resilience.

Additional Details

• Lamarck’s Theory of Acquired Characteristics: Proposed by Jean-Baptiste Lamarck in 1809, this theory posited that traits developed through use, disuse, or environmental factors could be inherited. For example, a giraffe's effort to reach higher leaves would lead to offspring with longer necks.
• Scientific Challenges: Later research, including Weismann’s tail-cutting experiment, which showed that mice with cut tails still had offspring with tails, challenged Lamarck's ideas. Additionally, Mendel's laws of heredity demonstrated that traits are inherited through stable genes, not acquired traits influenced by the environment.
• DNA and Mutations: The identification of DNA as the hereditary material and the role of mutations in causing heritable changes further clarified the mechanisms of inheritance, rendering Lamarckian inheritance scientifically unsupported.

The recent study on cold-tolerant rice is significant for several reasons:

• Proof of Heritable Epigenetic Change: Cold exposure led to epigenetic modifications (methylation) that were inherited for five generations without altering DNA sequences.
• Reinforced Role of Epigenetics: This finding suggests that gene expression regulation through epigenetic marks may lend credence to Lamarck's theories regarding environmental inheritance.
• New Directions for Crop Improvement: The research opens avenues for developing non-genetic methods for crop adaptation to climate change, potentially enhancing food security.

Government Initiatives

• Multigenerational Cold-Stress Breeding: Researchers employed a directional selection process over multiple generations, exposing rice to cold conditions during its vulnerable meiotic stage, resulting in rice lines with stable cold tolerance.
• Epigenetic Mapping: Scientists used multi-omics analysis to identify hypomethylation at the ACT1 promoter, confirming that removing methyl tags restored cold tolerance.

Future efforts should focus on incorporating epigenetic breeding into national crop improvement programs, and increasing investment in long-term stress trials to ensure sustainable food security in the face of climate change.

In summary, the study on epigenetic inheritance of cold tolerance in rice represents a significant advancement in biotechnology, highlighting a novel approach to developing crops that can swiftly adapt to challenging environmental conditions.

GS3/Defence & Security

A Chance to Rebuild the Trust, Restore Faith in Air Travel

Why in News?

The crash of Air India flight AI171 on June 12, 2025, in Ahmedabad has generated significant concern within the aviation industry and among the general public. As investigators await data from flight recorders, misinformation and speculative media coverage are shaping public perception, leading to increased fear and mistrust surrounding air travel.

Key Takeaways

• The crash has prompted an analysis of potential technical causes and historical parallels.
• Misinformation on social media has exacerbated public anxiety about air safety.
• Official investigations by respected bodies like the NTSB and AAIB are essential for transparency.

Additional Details

• Misinformation Surge: Following the crash, mainstream and social media were flooded with conjecture and self-proclaimed experts, leading to a distorted public understanding of aviation safety.
• Plausible Causes: Eyewitness accounts and supplementary footage suggest an abnormality in take-off performance, potentially linked to engine malfunction or external interference.
• Environmental Factors: High temperatures on the day of the crash may have reduced the effective runway length, impacting take-off performance, especially if the aircraft was overloaded.
• Historical Parallels: The 1986 crash of Indian Airlines flight IC571 serves as a critical reminder of the decisions pilots must make under pressure, showcasing the complexities involved in aviation incidents.
• The role of the media is crucial; sensationalism can erode public trust and undermine confidence in air travel.

The crash of Air India flight AI171 serves as a critical reminder of the intricate interplay between human decisions, mechanical systems, and environmental factors in aviation. While the tragedy is devastating, it should prompt reflection rather than panic, ultimately contributing to a safer aviation ecosystem.

GS3/Economy

Reimagining India's Global Integration - Trade, Finance, and the Road Ahead

Why in News?

This article examines India's shifting relationship with the global economy, highlighting how periods of increased global integration align with heightened economic growth. It stresses the importance of achieving a balanced approach to trade and financial integration and offers insights into various sectors to inform future reform strategies, particularly in light of emerging global supply chain opportunities.

Key Takeaways

• India's economic growth has historically been linked with greater global integration.
• The protectionist shift post-2010 has hindered India's export capabilities and growth.
• Current trends indicate a one-sided integration favoring financial markets over trade.

Additional Details

• India's Global Integration Journey:
  • The Golden Decade (2000–2010): Characterized by lower import tariffs and significant improvement in India's global exports and GDP.
  • Protectionist Shift (2010–2020): Increased import duties led to reduced export shares and slower economic growth.
  • Post-Pandemic Trends: A shift towards financial integration, particularly in equities, while trade integration remains weak.
• Global Integration and Economic Volatility:
  • Greater global integration can increase exposure to external shocks, yet long-term gains often outweigh short-term volatility.
• Sector-wise Integration Analysis:
  • Consumption: High correlation (95%) with world growth, driven by discretionary spending.
  • Investment: Moderate correlation (70%) with global growth; corporate capital expenditure is highly integrated.
  • Exports: Low correlation (35%) with global growth; mid-tech exports have underperformed.
• The Trade–Finance Dichotomy:
  • Integration is strong among large firms and high-income earners, while mid-tech industries like textiles and furniture lag behind.
• Policy Recommendations:
  • Reviving mid-tech exports is crucial for enhancing mass consumption and GDP growth.
  • External reforms like lowering tariffs and accelerating free trade agreements are essential.
  • Domestic reforms should focus on regulatory deregulation to convert potential into performance.

In conclusion, India is at a critical juncture where enhancing global integration, especially in labor-intensive sectors, can drive inclusive growth. Timely policy actions—both in trade openness and regulatory reform—will be vital to leverage emerging global shifts and position India as a key player in future global value chains.