UPSC Daily Current Affairs: 21st June 2025 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly PDF Download

GS2/Governance

Centre Pushes for QR Codes on PMGSY Roads to Boost Transparency and Tracking

Source: Indian Express

Why in News?

The Union Ministry of Rural Development has mandated that all states implement QR codes on maintenance display boards for PMGSY roads. This initiative aims to enhance transparency and facilitate the tracking of maintenance details.

Key Takeaways

• The QR code system is designed to improve public feedback mechanisms regarding the quality and upkeep of rural roads.
• It promotes greater citizen engagement in the monitoring process of road maintenance.

Additional Details

• Prime Minister Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY): Launched on December 25, 2000, by the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government, this rural road development program focuses on enhancing connectivity through all-weather roads.
• Phases of PMGSY:
  • Phase I (2000): Aimed at connecting rural areas with all-weather roads.
  • Phase II (2013): Focused on strengthening the existing road networks.
  • RCPLWEA (2016): Targeted areas affected by Left-Wing Extremism (LWE).
  • Phase III (2019): Emphasized the consolidation of existing networks.
  • Phase IV (2024): Approved on September 11, 2024, aims to connect 25,000 unconnected habitations based on specific population criteria.
• Funding Pattern: Initially a Centrally Sponsored Scheme, the cost-sharing model was revised in 2015-16 to a 60:40 ratio between the Centre and states (different ratios apply for NE and Himalayan states).
• Achievements: Since its inception, PMGSY has sanctioned a total road length of 836,850 km, with 781,209 km completed.
• Current Maintenance System: The e-MARG system is a mobile and web-based platform for tracking road maintenance, where contractors maintain roads for five years post-construction.
• Citizen Engagement Through QR Codes: Users can scan QR codes to access road details, upload maintenance issue photos, and submit feedback, with instructions provided in both English and local languages.

This initiative not only aims to increase transparency in the maintenance of rural roads but also encourages public participation, ensuring better road upkeep during the mandated five-year maintenance period.

GS3/Defence & Security

What are Cluster Bombs?

Source: NDTV

Why in News?

Iran's reported use of a cluster bomb during a missile strike on Israel has heightened concerns regarding the nature and dangers associated with these weapons.

Key Takeaways

• Cluster bombs, or cluster munitions, disperse smaller explosives called submunitions or bomblets over a wide area.
• These weapons are designed to explode upon impact or after a delay, but many fail to detonate, posing long-term risks to civilians.
• Cluster bombs can be delivered through air-drops or ground-launches, affecting large areas, particularly in densely populated regions.

Additional Details

• Design and Function: Cluster bombs typically release multiple bomblets that are often grenade-sized and equipped with fins or streamers for stabilization. They are intended to damage both personnel and unarmored vehicles.
• Dud Rate: The controversy surrounding cluster bombs largely stems from their high dud rate, which is the percentage of munitions that fail to explode on impact. Estimates vary from as low as 2% to as high as 40%, turning unexploded bomblets into de facto landmines.
• Civilian Impact: When deployed, these explosive bomblets cannot distinguish between military targets and civilians, making their use especially devastating in populated areas.
• International Response: The 2008 Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM), effective since 2010, prohibits the use, development, production, acquisition, and transfer of cluster munitions. As of now, 111 countries and 12 entities have signed this treaty, although key nations like Israel, Iran, the United States, Russia, China, and India have not.
• According to the United Nations, 99% of declared global stockpiles of cluster munitions have been destroyed under this treaty.

In conclusion, the use of cluster bombs remains a contentious issue due to their indiscriminate nature and the long-term dangers they pose to civilian populations, particularly in conflict zones.

GS3/Science and Technology

Quantum 5G Fixed Wireless Access Broadband

Source: The Hindu

Why in News?

BSNL has recently announced the soft launch of its Quantum 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) broadband service in Hyderabad, marking a significant development in India's telecommunications sector.

Key Takeaways

• It is India’s first SIM-less fixed wireless access broadband service.
• Developed entirely by Indian vendors under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
• Delivers fibre-like internet over 5G radio technology.

Additional Details

• How it Works: Customers receive a CPE (Customer Premises Equipment) device that connects wirelessly to the nearest BSNL 5G base station. The CPE auto-authenticates using Direct-to-Device technology without a SIM card, facilitating internet delivery over the air without requiring trenching or fibre installation.
• This service currently covers 85% of households in Hyderabad using BSNL's existing tower infrastructure.
• Key Features:
  • Indigenous Development: The core network, RAN, and CPE are all developed by Indian vendors.
  • High Performance: Achieves up to 980 Mbps download and 140 Mbps upload speeds with <10 ms="" latency,="" making="" it="" ideal="" for="" streaming,="" gaming,="" and="" remote="">
  • Quick Setup: Customers can self-install the device without needing physical fibre connections.
  • Enterprise Capability: Supports network slicing and SLA-backed links for MSMEs and industrial clusters.
  • Strategic Vision: Positions BSNL as a leader in next-generation broadband and enhances connectivity in both rural and urban areas.

This development not only showcases technological advancement but also aligns with India's self-reliance initiative, enhancing digital connectivity across the nation.

GS3/Science and Technology

NAKSHATRA: High-Performance Computing Facility

Source: The Hindu

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has launched its inaugural high-performance computing facility, named NAKSHATRA, at the National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune. This initiative aims to enhance virological research and improve pandemic preparedness through advanced computational capabilities.

Key Takeaways

• NAKSHATRA is a state-of-the-art high-performance computing (HPC) cluster designed for virology research.
• The facility features 12 compute nodes, 700 cores, and a total storage capacity of 1 petabyte.
• It supports advanced bioinformatics workflows, including next-generation sequencing (NGS) and metagenomics.
• NAKSHATRA aims to enhance viral genomic surveillance and national preparedness for future pandemics.

Additional Details

• Enhanced Computational Capabilities: NAKSHATRA will allow researchers to analyze complex genomic data much faster, reducing the time required for sequence analysis from weeks to just 24 to 48 hours.
• This facility is developed under the Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PMABHIM) and serves as a cornerstone for the High Performance Computing Next Generation Sequencing Hub.
• It will function as a central repository for sequencing data and provide support to Viral Research and Diagnostic Laboratories (VRDLs), initially serving five ICMR institutes across India.

The establishment of NAKSHATRA significantly boosts India's capability for genomic surveillance, which is critical for effective pandemic preparedness and response to emerging disease threats. This advancement is expected to facilitate quicker detection of new pathogens and accelerate the development of AI-driven vaccines and treatments.

GS2/Governance

QS World University Rankings 2026

Source: The Hindu

Why in News?

The QS World University Rankings has recently published its 2026 edition, showcasing the rankings of higher education institutions from around the globe. This year, the rankings feature a record number of institutions and introduce new metrics that reflect the evolving landscape of global higher education.

Key Takeaways

• The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) retains the top position for the 14th consecutive year.
• Imperial College London and Stanford University have improved their rankings, with Stanford moving up from sixth to third.
• The rankings now include a new International Student Diversity (ISD) metric.
• China maintains a strong presence with multiple universities in the top rankings.
• India has reached an all-time high with 54 institutions listed, making it the fourth most represented country globally.

Additional Details

• Ranking Overview: This year's rankings evaluated a total of 8,467 institutions, with over 1,500 institutions from more than 100 countries.
• Top Institutions: The top ten includes prestigious universities such as the University of Oxford, Harvard University, and ETH Zurich.
• India's Performance: India has seen a significant increase in its representation, with an impressive 390% growth over the past decade. The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi ranks 123rd, while IIT Bombay is at 129th.
• Employer Reputation: Five Indian universities are in the global top 100 for Employer Reputation, showcasing the quality of education and employability of graduates.

This year's QS World University Rankings not only highlight the leading institutions but also reflect significant changes and improvements in global higher education performance, particularly in the representation of countries like India and China.

GS2/International Relations

It Is Still Not Too Late for India’s Voice to Be Heard

Source: The Hindu

Why in News?

On June 13, 2025, a unilateral Israeli strike on Iranian territory highlighted the risks of militarism lacking accountability and global consensus. This event not only jeopardizes stability in West Asia but also threatens ongoing diplomatic efforts between Iran and the United States.

Key Takeaways

• The Israeli strike is viewed as unlawful and escalatory, particularly as Iran and the U.S. were progressing in diplomatic negotiations.
• The U.S. Director of National Intelligence confirmed that Iran was not actively pursuing nuclear weapons, making the Israeli action appear unjustified.
• Netanyahu’s government has a history of escalating tensions rather than seeking peace, further complicating regional dynamics.
• India's silence amidst the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza raises questions about its diplomatic stance.

Additional Details

• Israeli Military Action: The recent strike has been condemned internationally for being reckless and endangering civilian lives.
• U.S. Complicity: President Trump’s statements about Iran contradict intelligence assessments, further straining diplomatic credibility.
• The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT): Israel, as a clandestine nuclear power, does not adhere to international treaties, while Iran has committed to restrictions under the JCPOA.
• India's ties with Iran and Israel position it uniquely to act as a mediator, underscoring the importance of regional stability for its national interests.

The recent Israeli strike on Iran disrupts diplomatic progress and threatens regional peace, with serious implications for India’s role on the global stage. New Delhi must reclaim its voice and advocate for peace, balancing its relationships with both nations to promote dialogue and de-escalation.

GS2/International Relations

Significance of PM Modi’s Croatia Visit and India’s Historic Ties with the Country

Source: Indian Express

Why in News?

Prime Minister Modi is visiting Croatia as part of his three-nation tour, which also includes Cyprus and Canada. This marks his first foreign trip since Operation Sindoor and is the first-ever visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Croatia.

Key Takeaways

• First-ever visit by an Indian PM to Croatia, signaling a diplomatic priority.
• Strategic gateway for India to enhance its engagement in Europe, particularly with Central and Eastern Europe.
• Efforts to counter China's growing influence through strengthened ties with Croatia.

Additional Details

• First-Ever Visit: PM Modi's visit to Croatia is significant as it demonstrates India's intent to strengthen relations with smaller, strategically important EU nations. This follows high-level engagements with the EU, including External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar's interactions with key European countries.
• Strategic Location: Croatia, located on the Adriatic Sea and a member of both the EU and NATO, serves as a vital link for India to access Central, Eastern, and Southern Europe. Ports like Rijeka and Split could become nodes for the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).
• Counter to China's Influence: The visit is part of India’s strategy to counterbalance Chinese influence in the region, particularly regarding the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Croatia is involved in the Three Seas Initiative (3SI), presenting opportunities for alternative trade and energy partnerships.

In summary, Prime Minister Modi's visit to Croatia is not just a diplomatic milestone but also a strategic move to enhance India's presence in Europe, counterbalance China's influence, and strengthen bilateral ties rooted in historical connections.

GS1/History & Culture

India’s First Epigraphical Reference to Halley’s Comet Found in Vijayanagar Period

Source: The Hindu

The first Indian inscriptional reference to Halley’s Comet has been discovered on a copper plate dated 1456 CE, which sheds light on historical celestial observations during the Vijayanagar Empire.

Key Takeaways

• The inscription was found in the Sri Mallikarjunaswamy temple at Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh.
• It describes the sighting of a comet and a meteor shower that coincided with its documented appearance in 1456 CE.
• The text records a village grant made by a Vijayanagar king to a Vedic scholar, Limgaṇarya Kaḍiyalapura.

Additional Details

• Inscription Description: The inscription, written in Sanskrit using the Nagari script, references the appearance of a comet (dhūmaketu) and indicates a meteor shower. It highlights the traditional belief that such celestial events were inauspicious.
• Grant Purpose: The inscription states that the grant was made “to mitigate the great calamity believed to arise due to the appearance of a comet and meteor shower,” emphasizing the king's response to these celestial events.
• Historical Significance: This is the earliest inscriptional record that links a comet to a specific historical date, reflecting the connection between astronomy and royal actions in ancient India.

Halley’s Comet has been a subject of interest for over 2,000 years, with records from various cultures. Its last appearance was in 1986, and it is expected to return in 2061. The discovery of this inscription marks a significant point in Indian history, showcasing how celestial observations were documented and responded to by rulers.

About Halley’s Comet

• Periodicity: Halley’s Comet is known to be a periodic comet, visible from Earth approximately every 76 years.
• Historical Observations: It has been recorded by observers in Babylonian, Chinese, and medieval European sources.
• Visibility: The comet appears as a bright streak of light with a glowing tail, resulting from solar radiation vaporizing its icy surface.
• Significance of 1456 CE Appearance: The comet's appearance in 1456 CE was particularly bright and notable across Europe and Asia, making its identification in Indian epigraphy particularly important.

Difference Between Asteroids and Comets

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

• 1. Asteroids are small rocky planetoids, while comets are composed of frozen gases held together by rocky and metallic materials.
• 2. Asteroids are primarily found between the orbits of Jupiter and Mars, whereas comets are usually found between Venus and Mercury.
• 3. Comets display a visible glowing tail, while asteroids do not.

Options: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 1 and 3 only* (c) 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

GS2/International Relations

Implications of Iran's Withdrawal from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty

Source: Indian Express

Why in News?

Amid escalating military tensions, Iran's Parliament is considering a Bill that would enable the country to withdraw from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). This decision follows a series of Israeli airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, which have raised alarms regarding Iran's progress towards weapons-grade uranium enrichment.

Key Takeaways

• The NPT aims to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and promote peaceful uses of nuclear energy.
• Iran's potential withdrawal could destabilize the global non-proliferation regime and set a concerning precedent for other nations.

Additional Details

• Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT): Established in 1968 and active since 1970, the NPT seeks to prevent nuclear arms proliferation, promote peaceful nuclear energy, and support disarmament efforts.
• Background: Post-World War II, the world witnessed a nuclear arms race, leading to initiatives aimed at controlling and limiting nuclear weapon proliferation.
• Safeguards and Verification: Non-nuclear weapon states are required to submit detailed reports and allow inspections to ensure compliance and prevent the diversion of materials for weapons use.
• Membership: 191 countries are parties to the NPT, but notable non-signatories include India, Pakistan, and North Korea, which has withdrawn from the treaty.
• Article 10: This provision allows a country to withdraw if extraordinary events threaten its supreme national interests, requiring notification to all treaty parties three months in advance.
• Iran's NPT Membership: Iran joined the NPT in 1970 and has faced scrutiny and censure from the IAEA for non-compliance, particularly regarding undeclared nuclear activities.
• End of IAEA Oversight: If Iran withdraws, it would no longer be subject to IAEA inspections, diminishing international oversight of its nuclear activities.
• Risk of Destabilization: Iran's exit from the NPT could embolden other states to follow suit, undermining global nuclear non-proliferation efforts.
• Weaponization Concerns: Although exiting the NPT does not guarantee that Iran will pursue nuclear weapons, historical precedents (like North Korea) raise concerns about potential weapon development.
• Scholarly Perspective: Experts suggest that, despite imperfections, the NPT plays a crucial role in delaying nuclear proliferation and maintaining international pressure against nuclear weapons development.

In conclusion, Iran's potential withdrawal from the NPT poses significant implications for international security and the future of nuclear non-proliferation efforts. The situation remains dynamic, with regional tensions and geopolitical factors influencing Iran's decisions.

GS3/Environment

Periyar Tiger Reserve (PTR)

Source: Indian Express

Recent herpetofauna surveys in the Periyar Tiger Reserve (PTR) have discovered five new amphibian species and three new reptile species, highlighting the region's rich biodiversity.

Key Takeaways

• The PTR is located in Idukki district, Kerala, bordered by Tamil Nadu.
• Established in 1982, it covers approximately 777 sq.km and encompasses the Periyar Lake, formed in 1895.
• The terrain includes high hills, with Kottamala being the highest peak at 2016 m.

Additional Details

• Geographical Features: The PTR is situated in the Cardamom and Pandalam Hills of the Western Ghats and serves as a watershed for the Pamba and Periyar rivers.
• Flora and Fauna: The reserve boasts diverse vegetation, including tropical evergreen, semi-evergreen, and moist deciduous forests, as well as grasslands and eucalyptus plantations.
• Wildlife: It is home to various animals such as Elephants, Wild Pigs, Sambar, Gaur, and Tigers. Notably, it is inhabited by four primate species, including the rare lion-tailed macaque.
• Over 260 bird species, including the great hornbill and Malabar grey hornbill, can also be found in the reserve.

The discovery of new species emphasizes the ecological significance of PTR and the need for ongoing conservation efforts to protect its unique biodiversity.

GS1/Geography

How India ‘added’ more than 3,500 km to its coastline

Source: Indian Express

Why in News?

India’s coastline has increased by about 48%, not due to the emergence of new land but because of improved digital mapping and updated measurements. The coastline has grown from 7,516 km to 11,098 km, providing a clearer view of the country’s natural borders.

Key Takeaways

• Transition from low-resolution to high-resolution mapping technology.
• Inclusion of previously omitted offshore islands.
• Understanding the coastline paradox and the irregularity of landforms.

Additional Details

• Use of High-Resolution Mapping Technology: The shift from low-resolution (1:4,500,000) to high-resolution data (1:250,000) allows for finer measurement of the coastline’s bends and curves. For example, modern GIS software has captured intricate coastal shapes that older manual methods missed.
• Inclusion of Previously Omitted Offshore Islands: Many small offshore islands that were earlier excluded due to manual limitations are now included, particularly several minor islands around the Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep regions.
• Coastline Paradox and Irregularity of Landforms: Coastlines are naturally irregular; measuring them at a finer scale captures more detail, thus increasing total length. For instance, using a one-meter ruler instead of a one-kilometer one counts more small features, leading to a greater overall length.
• Scale-Dependent Measurement: The coastline's length varies based on the scale of measurement—the finer the scale, the longer the coastline appears. Measuring with 1:250,000 scale data yields a significantly longer length compared to 1:4,500,000 scale data.
• No Fixed Length: The paradox shows that coastlines do not have a finite length; they can always be measured in more detail, leading to ever-changing figures. Even with current high-tech tools, the actual coastline length continues to increase with better precision in future reassessments.

Reassessing the coastline and islands has significant implications for governance and security. It enables accurate administrative and developmental planning, strengthens maritime security, and aids in environmental management.

Implications for Governance and Security

• Accurate Administrative and Developmental Planning: Reassessment provides a clear understanding of territorial boundaries, which helps in efficient governance and infrastructure development, including the planning of coastal roads and disaster response systems in states like Gujarat and West Bengal.
• Strengthening Maritime Security and Surveillance: Precise mapping identifies vulnerable points, enhancing the deployment of naval and coast guard resources. Mapping remote islands also assists in establishing radar stations and surveillance posts.
• Strategic Assertion and Environmental Management: Accurate mapping supports claims over maritime zones and better management of coastal ecosystems, bolstering India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and climate resilience planning.

Challenges in Accurately Counting Offshore Islands

• Ambiguity in Definitions and Tidal Variations: Some landforms may appear as islands during high tide but get connected to the mainland during low tide, causing confusion. Features in regions like the Sundarbans and Gulf of Khambhat fluctuate between island and non-island status based on tide levels.
• Discrepancies Across Agencies and Lack of Standardisation: Different agencies, including state governments and the Coast Guard, report varying island counts due to inconsistent definitions and measurement methods. For instance, in 2016, the Surveyor General listed 1,382 islands, while other agencies reported 1,334, indicating a need for data reconciliation.

Way Forward

• Standardised Methodology and Regular Reassessment: Adopt a uniform classification system for islands and coastlines across all agencies and institutionalise periodic reassessments using high-resolution GIS and satellite data every 10 years.
• Integrated Coastal Management and Strategic Mapping: Develop a centralised coastal database linking administrative, ecological, and security data to support policy-making and maritime defence planning.

In summary, the reassessment of India’s coastline not only reflects technological advancements but also highlights the importance of accurate geographical data for effective governance, security, and environmental management.

GS2/Polity

UK Parliament Passes Assisted Dying Bill

Source: Financial Express

Why in News?

The UK House of Commons has recently passed a historic bill that legalizes assisted dying for terminally ill adults in England and Wales. This pivotal development represents a significant transformation in legislation concerning end-of-life care, amidst ongoing intense political and societal discussions.

Key Takeaways

• The Assisted Dying Bill allows terminally ill adults to choose assisted dying under strict conditions.
• It has sparked widespread debate and reactions across political and public spheres.

Additional Details

• Eligibility Criteria:The bill stipulates that individuals must meet the following conditions:
  • Be 18 years or older.
  • Be a resident of England or Wales and registered with a General Practitioner (GP) for at least 12 months.
  • Have a terminal illness with a life expectancy of six months or less.
  • Possess the mental capacity to make an informed decision.
  • Make two formal, witnessed declarations expressing their wish to die.
• The evaluation process involves assessments by two independent doctors at least seven days apart.
• Procedure: Following approval, there is a 14-day waiting period. A doctor will prepare the life-ending substance, but the individual must self-administer it. Coercion into assisted dying is a criminal offense, punishable by up to 14 years in prison.

The passage of the Assisted Dying Bill in the UK House of Commons signifies a profound shift in ethical and legislative perspectives surrounding terminal illness. As the bill moves to the House of Lords, it is set to remain a central topic of national discussion, with far-reaching implications for law, morality, and human rights.