Legal Current Affairs for CLAT (June 2025)

National Current Affairs

Global Potato Research Centre (CIP South Asia Regional Centre)

• Recently, the International Potato Centre (CIP) announced the establishment of the CIP South Asia Regional Centre (CSARC) at Singna, Agra, Uttar Pradesh.

About the International Potato Centre (CIP)

• CIP was founded in 1971 as a research-for-development organisation focused on potato, sweet potato and Andean roots and tubers.
• It delivers science-based solutions to improve access to nutritious food, promote inclusive sustainable businesses, and strengthen climate resilience in root and tuber systems.
• Headquartered in Lima, Peru, CIP has research presence in more than 20 countries across Africa, Asia and Latin America.
• Its work is coordinated with 13 CGIAR centres and hundreds of partner organisations.
• CIP began operations in India in 1975, under an initial cooperation agreement with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).

About the New Project

• India is the world's second-largest potato producer, and Uttar Pradesh is the top potato-producing state.
• The CSARC will be established at Singna in Agra to tap this production potential.
• The Uttar Pradesh government has provided 10 hectares of land free of cost for the centre.
• The centre will receive financial support amounting to Rs 111.5 crore and will coordinate with the state government and international agencies.
• CSARC will prioritise development of high-yielding, climate-resilient and nutrient-rich potato and sweet potato varieties.
• Research will include seed production, pest management, sustainable practices and farmer training.
• A similar CIP regional centre opened in Yanqing, Beijing, in 2017, serving China, East Asia and the Pacific.

Potato: Key Facts

• Potato is the underground stem tuber of Solanum tuberosum, a perennial in the Solanaceae family.
• It is a starchy tuberous vegetable native to the Americas and serves as a staple in many regions.
• Genetic studies indicate the cultivated potato originated in southern Peru and north-western Bolivia.
• Potatoes were domesticated about 7,000-10,000 years ago from the S. brevicaule complex.
• Spanish explorers introduced potatoes to Europe in the latter half of the 16th century.
• Selective breeding over millennia produced more than 5,000 potato varieties today.
• The potato is the world's third most available food crop after rice and wheat; sweet potato ranks sixth.
• China is the largest producer and consumer of potatoes, followed by India.
• In 2020, China produced 78.24 million tonnes and India produced 51.30 million tonnes.
• Together, China and India accounted for over one-third of global potato production of 359.07 million tonnes in 2020.

India: Production and Potential

• Potatoes reached India in the 17th century.
• India is the second-largest potato producer globally.
• Average potato yield in India is about 25 tonnes per hectare, with a potential above 50 tonnes per hectare.
• India's sweet potato yield averages 11.5 tonnes per hectare versus a potential of 30 tonnes per hectare.
• In 2020-21, top producing states were Uttar Pradesh (15 million tonnes), West Bengal (15 million tonnes) and Bihar (9 million tonnes).
• Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Punjab also contribute significant production.
• CSARC will provide India access to CIP's largest global germplasm collection.
• The centre is expected to boost domestic seed production and reduce dependence on seed imports.
• It will also expand export potential for potato and sweet potato products from India.
• ICAR centres working on tuber crops include ICAR-CPRI (Shimla) for potato and ICAR-CTCRI (Thiruvananthapuram) for sweet potato.
• CSARC will be the second major international agricultural research institution to operate in India after IRRI's regional centre in Varanasi supported in 2017.

Bihar's First Nuclear Power Plant

• Union Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar announced that Bihar will host its first nuclear power plant under the Small Modular Reactor (SMR) strategy.
• The announcement was made at the 5th Eastern Regional Energy Ministers' Conference in Patna.

Basics of Nuclear Energy and Reactors

• Nuclear energy is released from atomic nuclei, which consist of protons and neutrons.
• Energy production methods include fission, when nuclei split, and fusion, when nuclei combine.
• Commercial electricity generation today uses nuclear fission; fusion remains at the R&D stage.
• India ranks third globally in electricity production, and nuclear is the fifth-largest source of electricity in India.
• A nuclear reactor initiates and controls a chain reaction for fission or fusion and is used in power plants and marine propulsion.
• There are about 440 nuclear reactors across 32 countries plus Taiwan, with a combined capacity near 390 GWe.
• Sixty reactors are under construction and 110 are in planning, many in Asia-particularly China.
• China aims to produce 10% of its electricity from nuclear by 2035 and 18% by 2060.

Nuclear Power Plants and Their Operation

• Nuclear power plants use reactors and the Rankine cycle to convert reactor heat into steam that drives turbines and generators.
• The Rankine cycle converts heat into mechanical energy to generate electricity.
• Historically, the X-10 Graphite Reactor (Oak Ridge) was the first to produce electricity on 3 September 1948.
• EBR-I generated usable electricity in 1951, powering light bulbs and facility systems.
• Obninsk Nuclear Power Plant (27 June 1954) was the first to supply electricity to a power grid.
• Calder Hall in the UK opened on 17 October 1956 as the first full-scale nuclear power station.
• Japan's Kashiwazaki-Kariwa NPP has the largest net capacity around 7,965 MW.

India's Nuclear Plans and SMRs

• India's nuclear capacity stood at 8,180 MW as of 30 January 2025.
• India was 7th globally by reactor count in early 2025, with over 22 reactors in seven power plants producing 6,780 MW of nuclear power.
• Small modular reactors (SMRs) are smaller, factory-built, and faster to deploy than traditional reactors.
• SMRs feature passive safety systems and smaller exclusion zones, making them suitable near populated or industrial areas.
• The Nuclear Energy Mission announced in the Union Budget 2025-26 aims to boost domestic nuclear capability and private participation.
• The government allocated ₹20,000 crore to develop at least six indigenously designed SMRs by 2033.
• Bihar will be among the first six states to host an atomic plant under this mission.
• Parliament will consider amendments to the Atomic Energy Act and Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act to encourage investment and innovation.
• The government will collaborate with industry to develop Bharat Small Reactors (BSRs) and Bharat Small Modular Reactors (BSMRs).
• BSRs are 220 MW PHWRs with a proven safety record; upgrades aim to reduce land needs for industry-adjacent deployment.
• Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) will work on BSR and BSMR development; NPCIL will manage design, quality, operations and maintenance.
• The mission includes plans to scale nuclear capacity from 8,180 MW to 22,480 MW by 2031-32, including ten new reactors across several states.
• A 6 × 1,208 MW plant in Kovvada, Andhra Pradesh, has been approved in collaboration with the USA.

Milestones and Significance

• On 19 September 2024, Rajasthan Atomic Power Project Unit-7 (RAPP-7) reached criticality, starting a controlled fission chain reaction.
• A uranium deposit discovery at Jaduguda Mines extended the mine's lifespan by over 50 years.
• India's Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR 500 MWe) completed milestones including sodium filling and reactor core loading.
• NPCIL and NTPC signed a joint venture named ASHVINI to develop, own and operate nuclear plants including the 4 × 700 MWe PHWR Mahi-Banswara project.
• For Bihar, the nuclear plant promises more stable electricity, industrial support, job creation and improved infrastructure.
• The Centre has also approved a 1,000 MW battery storage project in Bihar to enhance grid stability and renewables integration.
• The government will provide viability gap funding of Rs 18 lakh per MW for the battery storage initiative.

Shaktipeeth Expressway (Maharashtra)

• Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced land acquisition amounting to Rs 20,787 crore for the Shaktipeeth Expressway on 24 June 2025.

Project Overview

• Shaktipeeth Expressway is an 802 km multi-lane expressway announced in September 2022 to reduce distance between Nagpur and Goa.
• Developed by MSRDC, it will reduce travel distance from 1,110 km to 802 km and cut travel time from 18-20 hours to 8-10 hours.
• The design speed limit is around 120 km/h.
• It will enhance connectivity across 12 districts and boost tourism and regional growth.
• Districts served include Yavatmal, Hingoli, Nanded, Parbhani, Latur, Beed, Osmanabad, Solapur, Kolhapur, Sangli, Sindhudurg and Patradevi in North Goa.
• The expressway will start from Paunar in Wardha district and end near Patradevi close to the Maharashtra-Goa border.
• It mainly covers western Maharashtra, Marathwada and Vidarbha regions.
• The route connects three important Shakti Peethas: Mahalakshmi in Kolhapur, Tuljabhavani in Tuljapur and the temple at Patradevi.
• It will pass near two Jyotirlingas at Aundha Nagnath and Parli Vaijnath.
• Estimated cost is about Rs 86,000 crore, with a projected completion of five to seven years and operational use expected from 2028-29.
• If executed timely, Maharashtra would have an extensive ring-routed expressway network by 2028.
• The expressway is modelled after the Samruddhi Expressway and will be among India's longest highways.

Maharashtra Connectivity Plan

• The state plans over 3,000 km of new highways across 36 districts.
• MSRDC was tasked with developing 10 new highways.
• The government aims to complete these networks in five years with an estimated investment of Rs 3 lakh crore.

Sahitya Akademi Yuva and Bal Sahitya Puraskar 2025

• The Sahitya Akademi announced 23 recipients for the Yuva Puraskar and 24 for the Bal Sahitya Puraskar in 2025.

About Sahitya Akademi

• Sahitya Akademi is India's National Academy of Letters, promoting literature in Indian languages.
• It was constituted by a Government of India resolution on 15 December 1952 and inaugurated in 1954.
• Initially functioning by executive order, it later registered as a society under the Societies Registration Act, 1860.
• Its governance includes a General Council, an Executive Board and a Finance Committee.
• The office is in Rabindra Bhavan near Mandi House, Delhi.
• It publishes two bimonthly journals: Indian Literature (English) and Samkaleen Bharatiya Sahitya (Hindi).
• Chandrashekhara Kambara is the current President of the Sahitya Akademi.

Yuva Puraskar: Summary

• The Yuva Puraskar is an annual award for outstanding works by writers under 35 across 24 Indian languages.
• Instituted in 2011, it aims to encourage young authors.
• The award includes a cash prize of ₹50,000 and an engraved copper plaque.
• Eligible works must be original, published within the last five years and at least 49 pages long.
• Ineligible works include translations, abridgements, theses, e-books, posthumous publications and works by NRIs, PIOs or dual citizens.
• The award is usually announced alongside the Bal Sahitya Puraskar.

Yuva Puraskar 2025: Awardees

• Assamese - Suprakash Bhuyan, Kuchiyanama (Stories)
• Bengali - Sudeshna Moitra, Ekrokha Chiruni Tollashi (Poetry)
• Bodo - Amar Khungur Boro, Ang Asur (Poetry)
• English - Advait Kottary, Siddhartha: The Boy Who Became the Buddha (Novel)
• Gujarati - Mayur Khavdu, Narsinh Tekari (Essays)
• Hindi - Parvati Tirkey, Phir Ugna (Poetry)
• Kannada - R. Dileepkumar, Pacceeya Jaguli (Criticism)
• Kashmiri - Saiqa Sehar, Harfas Harfas Zaag (Criticism)
• Konkani - Glynis Dias, Gaavgaathaa (Short Stories)
• Maithili - Neha Jha Mani, Banaras Aa Hum (Poetry)
• Malayalam - Akhil P. Dharmajan, Ram C/O Anandhi (Novel)
• Manipuri - A. K. Jiten, Khoyum Nongdam Cow (Epic)
• Marathi - Pradeep Kokare, Khol Khol Dushkal Dole (Novel)
• Nepali - Subash Thakuri, Junko Aansu (Poetry)
• Odia - Subrat Kumar Senapati, Kadambabana (Short Stories)
• Punjabi - Mandeep Aulakh, Girls Hostel (Poetry)
• Rajasthani - Poonam Chand Godara, Antas re aanganai (Poetry)
• Sanskrit - Dheeraj Kumar Pandey, Paribhashikshabd-swarasyam (Criticism)
• Santali - Fagu Baskey, Ara Sao In (Poetry)
• Sindhi - Manthan Bachani, Pandhiyado (Poetry)
• Tamil - Latshmihar, Kutonru Kutirru (Stories)
• Telugu - Prasad Suri, Mairaavana (Novel)
• Urdu - Neha Rubab, Mazharul Haque... (Historical Biography)

Bal Sahitya Puraskar: Summary

• The Bal Sahitya Puraskar honours excellence in children's literature across 22 Eighth Schedule languages plus English and Rajasthani.
• Instituted in 2010, the award includes a cash prize of Rs 50,000 and an engraved copper plaque.
• It recognises works first published in a defined five-year window; eligible works debuted between 1 January 2019 and 31 December 2023.

Bal Sahitya Puraskar 2025: Awardees

• Assamese - Surendra Mohan Das, Mahabharathar Padya (Poetry)
• Bengali - Tridib Kumar Chattopadhyay, Echhara Gaye Katha Daye (Stories)
• Bodo - Binay Kumar Brahma, Khanthi Boronn Ang Abhu Duhui (Stories)
• Dogri - P.L. Parihar "Shauq", Nachi Tor (Poetry)
• English - Nitin Kushalappa MP, Dakshin: South Indian Myths and Fables Retold (Short Stories)
• Gujarati - Kirtida Brahmbhatt, Trivak (Poetry)
• Hindi - Sushil Shukla, Ek Batey Bara (Short Stories)
• Kannada - K. Shivalingappa Handihal, Notebook (Short Stories)
• Kashmiri - Izhar Mubashir, Shure Ta Toturu Gyash (Short Stories)
• Konkani - Nayana Adarkar, Betekaddo Shankar Aani Haar Karyo (Stories)
• Maithili - Munni Kamat, Oudika (Short Stories)
• Malayalam - Sreejith Moothedath, Rangamandalache Yaadravadi (Novel)
• Manipuri - Shanto M, Anganganginage Shamahungsida (Play)
• Marathi - Suresh Sawant, Aathamanga (Poetry)
• Nepali - Sangmu Lepcha, Shanti Van (Novel)
• Odia - Rajkishore Parhi, Kete Phula Phutachi (Poetry)
• Punjabi - Pali Khadim (Amrit Pal Singh), Jadoo Patka (Novel)
• Rajasthani - Bhogilal Patidar, Panahravansh Ni Pira (Drama)
• Sanskrit - Preeti Pujara, Balviyaam (Poetry)
• Santali - Haralal Murmu, Sona Mou-ag Sandesh (Poetry)
• Sindhi - Heena Agnani 'Heer', Asman Hari (Poetry)
• Tamil - Vishnupuram Sarvanan, Ottrai Sirago Orva (Novel)
• Telugu - Gangisetti Sivakumar, Kakurla Devatha (Story)
• Urdu - Ghazanfar Iqbal, Quami Sitare (Articles)

Other Sahitya Akademi Programmes

• The Sahitya Akademi Award recognises the most outstanding books of literary merit in the recognised languages and was established in 1954.
• The award includes an engraved copper plaque, a shawl and Rs. 1,00,000; the plaque was designed by Satyajit Ray.
• Sahitya Akademi Fellowships are the Akademi's highest honour, with Fellows elected through a specialised process.
• Bhasha Samman recognises contributions to languages outside the main 24 and to classical and medieval literature; it was established in 1996.
• The Sahitya Akademi Prize for Translation honours outstanding translations into the 24 major Indian languages and was instituted in 1989.
• Premchand Fellowships, started in 2005, are named after the writer Premchand and are given to cultural figures from SAARC countries.

Lucknow: UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy Nomination

• Lucknow has been nominated for UNESCO's Creative City of Gastronomy recognition.

About the Creative City of Gastronomy

• UNESCO's Creative Cities Network, launched in 2004, promotes cities where culture and creativity support sustainable urban development.
• The City of Gastronomy tag recognises deep-rooted culinary heritage and culinary communities.
• Cities bid to UNESCO and the designation is reviewed every four years.
• Criteria include well-developed regional gastronomy, use of indigenous ingredients, survival of traditional culinary practices, presence of traditional markets and industries, gastronomic festivals, environmental respect and nutrition promotion in education.
• The Gastronomy subnetwork has grown to 56 designated Cities of Gastronomy across 34 countries.

About the Creative Cities Network

• The network includes 350 cities in over 100 countries across seven creative fields.
• Activities and progress are reported in UCCN Membership Monitoring Reports every four years.
• Indian cities currently in the network include Jaipur (Craft and Folk Arts), Varanasi (Music), Chennai (Music), Mumbai (Film), Hyderabad (Gastronomy), Srinagar (Craft and Folk Arts), Kozhikode and Gwalior among others.
• Sustainable Development Goal 11 relates to sustainable cities and communities and urban population is projected to reach 68% by 2050.

Lucknow: Culinary and Cultural Background

• Lucknow is the capital of Uttar Pradesh and the administrative headquarters of its district and division.
• It is among India's most populous cities and has a long multicultural history dating back to ancient Kosala.
• Lucknow flourished as an art and cultural hub and as the seat of the Nawabs in the 18th and 19th centuries.
• Its cuisine reflects Awadhi traditions developed under Mughal and Nawabi patronage.
• Dum-style cooking produced breads, kormas, kebabs like Tunday and Kakori, and slow-cooked biryanis; vegetarian specialities are also prominent.
• The city's food scene balances authenticity and community, from historic restaurants to busy street-food areas such as Aminabad and Chowk.
• A dossier on Lucknow's culinary identity was prepared by Abha Narain Lambah for the Uttar Pradesh tourism department.
• If approved, Lucknow would join Hyderabad as India's Cities of Gastronomy, potentially boosting tourism and global recognition.

Prime Minister Receives the Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred the Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III, Cyprus's highest civilian honour, during his visit to Cyprus.
• The visit was part of a wider three-nation tour that included Canada and Croatia ahead of the G7 Summit.
• This was the first Indian prime ministerial visit to Cyprus in more than two decades.
• The award was the 23rd international recognition bestowed on PM Modi by a foreign country.
• He was also recently awarded Ghana's Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana earlier in 2025.

About the Order of Makarios III

• The Order of Makarios III is Cyprus's senior order of knighthood, established in 1991 and named after its first president.
• The Grand Cross is one of six grades in the order, which include the Grand Collar and Grand Commander among others.
• The order recognises exceptional service to Cyprus or the international community and lists numerous notable recipients.

India-Cyprus Relations

• India and Cyprus established diplomatic relations on 10 February 1962.
• Bilateral relations have been traditionally close and friendly.
• India named an avenue in New Delhi after Archbishop Makarios and Cyprus issued stamps commemorating Mahatma Gandhi's anniversaries.
• A bust of Gandhi stands in the Parliament garden in Cyprus and an avenue is named Jawaharlal Nehru Avenue.

Dispute Over Tansen's Tomb (Gwalior)

• The Madhya Pradesh High Court emphasised preserving the grave of Tansen and dismissed an appeal seeking permission for religious and cultural activities at Muhammad Ghawth's tomb in Gwalior.

Who Was Muhammad Ghawth?

• Muhammad Ghawth was a Sufi saint of Gwalior known for writings on mystical practices, including Al-Jawahir al-Khamsa and Bahr-ul Hayat.
• He was influential in the Shattari Sufi order and well connected to Mughal rulers such as Babur, Humayun and Akbar.
• Ghawth died in Gwalior in 1563 (some sources cite 1562) at about age 61-62.

Who Was Tansen?

• Tansen (c. 1493/1500-1589) was a legendary musician at Emperor Akbar's court, one of the Navratnas.
• Born near Gwalior, he trained under Swami Haridas of Vrindavan and gained fame as a master musician.
• He entered Akbar's court and was celebrated nationwide for his skill and compositions.

Relationship and Monument

• Tansen was buried on the grounds of Muhammad Ghawth's tomb according to Islamic rites, though there is no evidence he converted to Islam.
• Scholars suggest Ghawth may have been Tansen's spiritual guide, reflecting an inclusive Sufi outlook.
• The tomb was constructed after Ghawth's death and financed by Emperor Akbar; it features a central chamber, wide ambulatory with jali screens, hexagonal turrets and chhatris.
• The tomb is a centrally protected monument under the AMASR Act, 1958, and has been maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) since 1962.

The Petition and Court Order

• Petitioner Syed Sabla Hasan claimed to be the Sajjada Nashin and sought permission for cultural and religious practices including the annual Urs.
• ASI opposed the petition, alleging unlawful activities and damage affecting conservation and tourism.
• The High Court agreed with ASI that events cannot be permitted at a centrally protected monument and found no legal title for the petitioner.
• The court noted the matter has been litigated repeatedly and declared finality in favour of ASI and the Union of India.

Centrally Protected Monuments and ASI

• The AMASR Act, 1958 protects monuments over 100 years old and tasks ASI with their conservation.
• ASI can inspect monuments, file police complaints, issue show-cause notices and request removal or demolition of encroachments.
• ASI was founded in 1861 by Alexander Cunningham and manages over 3,600 monuments through 36 regional circles.
• The current Director-General is Yadubir Singh Rawa and the Ministry of Culture is headed by Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat.

International Current Affairs

Shangri-La Dialogue 2025

• The 22nd Shangri-La Dialogue, Asia's premier defence and security summit, took place from 30 May to 1 June 2025 in Singapore.

About the Dialogue

• Organised by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) with Singapore's Ministry of Defence, it provides a forum for ministers and officials to discuss regional security.
• Conceived in 2001 and named after the Shangri-La Hotel, it was modelled on the Munich Security Conference.
• The dialogue allows private bilateral and multilateral engagements without a formal communique.

2025 Summit Highlights

• Forty-seven countries attended, including 40 ministerial-level delegations.
• Key speakers included France's President Emmanuel Macron and Singapore's Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing.
• China did not send its defence minister but sent a delegation from the PLA National Defence University.
• India was represented by CDS General Anil Chauhan, who spoke on future warfare and defence innovation and held bilateral meetings to enhance Indo-Pacific cooperation.

Key Takeaways

• Sino-American relations dominated discussions, with US officials warning about threats to Taiwan and several speakers expressing concerns about China-Russia alignment.
• India and Pakistan's tensions were addressed; India cited cross-border terrorism and referenced Operation Sindoor as a response.
• Ukraine's President Zelenskiy attended to rally support ahead of a planned peace summit.

Canada Rescinds Digital Services Tax (DST)

• On 29 June 2025, Canada rescinded its digital services tax to advance stalled trade talks with the United States.
• The decision came a day before payments were due and aimed to ease US-Canada trade tensions.

About Digital Services Tax

• Canada's DST, announced in 2020, targeted large technology firms and proposed a 3% levy on revenues from Canadian users above C$20 million per year.
• Payments were to be retroactive from January 2022 and could have raised roughly US$2.7 billion from US firms.
• The federal budget estimated C$5.9 billion revenue from the tax over five years.

Reason for Scrapping and Impact

• The cancellation followed threats by the US to impose tariffs after trade talks broke down.
• The move aims to resume talks and secure a trade deal important to Canada's export-oriented economy.
• Canada exported US$412.7 billion of goods to the US last year; the US is Canada's largest trading partner.

Digital Taxation in India

• India taxes digital services via the Equalisation Levy, GST on foreign digital providers and the Significant Economic Presence (SEP) concept.
• The Equalisation Levy began in 2016 for online advertising and expanded in 2020 to cover e-commerce at 2% of gross revenue from Indian users.
• GST applies at 18% to foreign digital service providers for supplies to Indian consumers.
• SEP, introduced by the Finance Act 2018, increases tax obligations for non-resident digital companies with significant Indian user presence.

Malta's Golden Passport Scheme Struck Down by ECJ

• The European Court of Justice invalidated Malta's citizenship-by-investment 'golden passport' scheme.

About the Scheme and Ruling

• The scheme allowed foreigners to obtain Maltese citizenship for minimum investments around EUR 600,000 plus property and residency conditions.
• The ECJ ruled that trading EU nationality for money undermines the foundations of European citizenship and mutual trust among member states.
• The ruling compels Malta to dismantle the scheme or face penalties.

DR Congo-Rwanda Peace Deal

• The Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda signed a US-facilitated peace deal to end fighting in eastern Congo and to enable investment access to regional minerals.

Background and Terms

• The agreement commits Rwanda to withdraw troops from eastern Congo within 90 days and to form a joint security coordination mechanism within 30 days.
• The deal seeks to implement a 2024 plan for monitoring and verifying troop withdrawals and aims to stabilise the region long affected by armed groups and mineral exploitation.

French Open 2025: Alcaraz Triumphs

• Carlos Alcaraz defeated Jannik Sinner in the longest French Open final, winning his fifth Grand Slam title.
• The final lasted over five hours and concluded with a fifth-set tiebreak that Alcaraz dominated.

Grand Slam Overview

• The four Grand Slam tournaments are the Australian Open, French Open (Roland-Garros), Wimbledon and the US Open.
• Roland-Garros is the only Grand Slam played on clay.
• Trophies at the French Open include the Coupe des Mousquetaires for men and the Coupe Suzanne-Lenglen for women.

Recent Final Details

• The 2025 final lasted 5 hours 29 minutes, the longest in Roland-Garros history, breaking the previous record from 1982.
• Alcaraz came from behind to win; the final statistics were closely contested, with the match ending in a decisive tiebreak.
• Alcaraz's win gave him his second consecutive French Open and his fifth major overall.
• Jannik Sinner had been on a Grand Slam winning streak but fell short of a third consecutive major.

StraIt of Hormuz: Parliamentary Proposal to Close

• Iran's parliament approved a proposal to close the Strait of Hormuz, though the final decision rests with the Supreme National Security Council.
• The report followed rising tensions after regional attacks and counter-strikes.

About the Strait and Global Impact

• The Strait of Hormuz is about 33 km wide at its narrowest point and connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea.
• Over 20% of global oil and LNG exports pass through the strait, making it a critical oil chokepoint.
• A full shutdown could block millions of barrels per day and push crude prices sharply higher, with potential severe global economic impacts.
• India sources a significant share of its crude from the Gulf and would face inflationary and supply pressures from any major disruption.
• Analysts consider short disruptions more likely than a complete closure, but any interruption would cause immediate market volatility and security responses.

Prada And The Kolhapuri Controversy

• Prada showcased leather slippers in its Spring-Summer 2026 menswear collection that resembled traditional Kolhapuri chappals, prompting accusations of cultural appropriation.
• Artisans and representatives from Kolhapur raised concerns about lack of credit and benefit to local craftsmen.

About Kolhapuri Chappal And GI Protection

• Kolhapuri chappals are handcrafted leather footwear from Kolhapur, Maharashtra, traditionally made with vegetable dyes and buffalo or cow hide.
• The craft has variants produced in several local styles and received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2019.
• GI tags identify goods whose quality or reputation is linked to a geographic origin; in India, they are governed by the Geographical Indications Act, 1999.
• Protection of GIs can involve sui generis laws, collective or certification marks, administrative approvals and unfair competition laws.

Recent Developments

• Prada's footwear drew criticism because similar designs were sold without credit to Kolhapuri artisans and at much higher prices.
• Delegations of artisans have sought state and central intervention; legal action is reportedly being considered.
• Prada stated the collection was in early design stages and no final production decisions had been taken.

SCO Summit 2025

• At the SCO Defence Ministers' meeting in Qingdao, China, India raised concerns about cross-border terrorism without naming Pakistan directly.
• India urged SCO members to adopt a principled and united stance against terrorism in all forms.

About the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)

• The SCO was founded in Shanghai on 15 June 2001 by China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.
• The SCO headquarters is in Beijing and it evolved from the Shanghai Five grouping of 1996.
• Prior to Belarus's recent inclusion, the SCO comprised nine members including India, Pakistan and Iran.
• The organisation focuses on regional security, combating terrorism, economic cooperation and political dialogue, and operates the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) in Tashkent.

India's Role and 2025 Summit Outcomes

• India became an SCO member in 2017 and has promoted initiatives such as startup forums, young scientists conclaves and traditional medicine cooperation.
• At the 2025 defence ministers' meeting, India pushed counter-terrorism action, sought formal recognition of Pakistan-based terror groups and aimed to strengthen RATS.
• India and China discussed a four-point plan to ease border tensions, follow a 2024 disengagement roadmap, accelerate border demarcation and use special representative mechanisms.
• India declined to sign a joint defence document that downplayed terrorism and omitted reference to the April 22 Pahalgam attack.

Reports and Indices

UNFPA State of World Population Report 2025

• UNFPA released the 2025 State of World Population report titled "The real fertility crisis: The pursuit of reproductive agency in a changing world."
• The report calls for shifting the focus from panic about falling fertility to addressing unmet reproductive goals.

About the Report

• The State of World Population is UNFPA's annual flagship publication, published since 1978.
• The 2025 report uses academic research and a UNFPA-YouGov survey of over 14,000 people across 14 countries, including India.

Key Global Findings

• The modal desired number of children across countries is two.
• Approximately 18% of reproductive-age adults believe they will be unable to have their desired number of children.
• One in three respondents reported experiencing an unintended pregnancy.
• Many respondents faced barriers when they wanted a child but could not afford or access conditions for parenthood.

India-Specific Findings

• India is now the world's most populous nation with nearly 1.5 billion people, projected to peak at about 1.7 billion in about 40 years (UN DESA, 2024).
• One in three adult Indians (36%) report unintended pregnancies and 30% report unfulfilled desires regarding family size.
• Financial constraints, job insecurity, housing and childcare issues limit many Indians from having desired families.
• Fertility has fallen below replacement level in 31 states and UTs but remains high in Bihar, Meghalaya, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand and Manipur.
• India overall has reached replacement-level fertility around 2.0, but many people still face barriers to reproductive choice.

Global Gender Gap Report 2025 (WEF)

• The World Economic Forum released the 2025 Global Gender Gap Report benchmarking gender parity across 148 economies.

Framework and Highlights

• The index measures gaps across economic participation, educational attainment, health and survival, and political empowerment using 14 indicators.
• Iceland topped the ranking for the 16th year and is the only economy to have closed over 90% of its gender gap.
• Global average closure stands at 68.8% in 2025; political empowerment remains the most lagging dimension.

India's Position

• India slid two places to 131st in 2025 with an overall closure of 64.1%.
• Economic participation and opportunity score improved but remains low at 40.7%, ranking 144th globally.
• Educational attainment and health scores showed improvements, but political empowerment declined with fewer women in parliament and ministerial roles.

Energy Transition Index 2025 (WEF)

• The World Economic Forum released the 2025 Energy Transition Index assessing 118 countries on system performance and transition readiness.

Global Findings

• Sweden topped the index with a score of 77.5; advanced economies dominate the top ranks.
• Global energy demand rose by 2.2% driven by heatwaves, electrification and data centre growth.
• Emerging and developing economies account for most demand growth, while most clean energy investment is concentrated in advanced economies and China.

India's Ranking

• India ranked 71st with an ETI score of 53.3, showing progress in energy efficiency and investment capacity.
• India improved in lowering energy intensity and methane emissions and in creating supportive regulations for clean energy investments.

Sustainable Development Index 2025 (SDSN)

• The UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network released the 2025 Sustainable Development Index assessing SDG progress for 167 countries.

Global Findings

• Only 17% of SDG targets are on track for 2030, indicating a global slowdown driven by conflicts and fiscal constraints.
• Northern European countries lead the rankings; Finland, Sweden and Denmark occupy the top three.

India's Performance

• India entered the top 100 for the first time, ranking 99th with a score of 66.95 in 2025.
• Progress was attributed to policy innovation, cooperative federalism and people-centred programmes; NITI Aayog's SDG India Index shows many states as front-runners.

Science and Technology

E-Rakt Kosh and Rare Donor Registry Integration

• The Central Health Ministry is working to integrate the Rare Blood Donor Registry with the national e-Rakt Kosh platform.

About e-Rakt Kosh

• e-Rakt Kosh is India's unified blood bank management system connecting over 3,800 registered blood centres across 29 states and eight union territories.
• Developed by C-DAC under the National Health Mission, it provides live blood availability, blood bank details and donor information and integrates with UMANG, e-Hospital and the National Health Portal.
• Key features include donor management with biometrics, blood processing and quality control, centralised inventory, biomedical waste management, rare donor registries and alert systems.

Rare Donor Registry of India (RDRI)

• RDRI, launched by ICMR-NIIH with partner institutes, maintains a screened database of over 4,000 donors tested for more than 300 rare markers.
• It expedites access to compatible rare blood and reduces time, cost and travel for patients needing rare blood types.

Bihar's Water Metro (Patna)

• Patna will introduce Water Metro services as an inland water transport initiative along the Ganga, announced by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal.

What Is a Water Metro?

• A water metro is a scheduled passenger ferry system using electric or hybrid vessels and terminals much like a metro rail system on water.
• Kochi launched India's first Water Metro in 2023; Patna's project is modelled on that system.
• Patna's network will primarily serve the city's east-west axis and may include cross-river links to Hajipur and Sonepur.

Project Details

• The water metro forms part of a national push to develop urban water transport and will complement Patna's rail metro.
• National Waterway-1 and the Jal Marg Vikas Project provide supporting infrastructure including terminals and dredged channels.
• Plans include 16 new jetties, two modern terminals, a vessel hub and upgrading the National Inland Waterways Institute as a centre of excellence.

GENIUS Act (Stablecoin Regulation in the US)

• The US Senate passed the GENIUS Act, a bipartisan bill to regulate stablecoins, by a 68-30 vote.

Stablecoins and the Bill

• Stablecoins are cryptocurrencies pegged to another asset, usually the US dollar, to reduce volatility.
• Major issuers include Tether (USDT) and Circle (USDC); Tether accounts for roughly 62% of the stablecoin market.
• The GENIUS Act mandates full reserve backing with safe liquid assets, monthly audits and AML compliance for stablecoin issuers.
• The bill allows banks and registered non-bank entities to issue stablecoins while prioritising stablecoin holders in bankruptcy.
• The GENIUS Act still needs House passage and presidential assent to become law.

Defence and Space

INS Tamal Commissioned

• The Indian Navy commissioned INS Tamal, built in Russia, at Kaliningrad; it is the latest of the multi-role Krivak class frigates under Project 1135.6.

Specifics of INS Tamal

• INS Tamal is a 125-metre, 3,900-tonne frigate with about 26% indigenous systems.
• It was constructed at Yantar Shipyard under monitoring by an Indian Warship Overseeing Team.
• Armament and systems include BrahMos missiles, surface surveillance radar, HUMSA NG sonar, improved 100 mm gun, EO/IR systems and AK-630 CIWS.
• The SHTIL vertical launch air defence system and long-range cruise missiles enable engagements up to 450 km.
• A next-generation combat management system fuses sensor data for battlespace awareness.

Exercise Shakti 2025 (India-France)

• The 8th India-France Joint Military Exercise Shakti was held in France from 18 June to 1 July 2025.

Exercise Details

• The exercise, biennial and held alternately in India and France, enhances interoperability in sub-conventional scenarios.
• The 2025 edition involved over 500 French personnel and a 90-member Indian contingent including a battalion of the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles.
• Training focused on semi-urban and mountainous operations and combined arms tactical group exercises, including day and night drills.

Exercise Khaan Quest 2025 (Mongolia)

• The Indian Army participated in the multinational peacekeeping exercise Khaan Quest 2025 held in Ulaanbaatar from 14 to 28 June 2025.

About Khaan Quest

• Started as a bilateral exercise between the USA and Mongolia in 2003, Khaan Quest became a multinational peacekeeping exercise in 2006.
• The Indian contingent comprised 40 personnel from the Kumaon Regiment and included one woman officer and two women soldiers.
• Drills covered checkpoints, cordon and search, patrolling, civilian evacuation, counter-IED measures and casualty evacuation.

Halley's Comet: Epigraphic Mention in India

• An inscription at Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple in Srisailam has revealed what appears to be India's earliest epigraphic reference to Halley's Comet dated 28 June 1456 CE.

About Halley's Comet and the Discovery

• Halley's Comet is a short-period comet visible every 72-80 years and last appeared in 1986; it will return around July 2061.
• The Srisailam copper plate records a land grant dated śaka 1378 (28 June 1456 CE) and notes a cometary phenomenon linked to a perceived calamity.
• Astronomical data confirm a notable apparition of Halley's Comet in the summer of 1456, aligning with the plate's reference.
• The inscription is thus considered the earliest explicit epigraphic mention of Halley's Comet in India.

James Webb Telescope Discovers Planet TWA 7b

• The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) directly imaged and discovered a new planet, TWA 7b, marking its first new planet found by direct imaging.

About the Planet and Detection

• TWA 7b is the lowest-mass planet ever directly imaged, with an estimated mass about 0.3 times Jupiter (roughly 100 Earth masses).
• It orbits the young star CE Antliae (TWA 7), about 111 light-years away and aged roughly 6.4 million years.
• JWST detected infrared light corresponding to a ring gap in a three-ring debris disc, consistent with a planet at about 50 astronomical units and a temperature near 320 K.
• JWST's mid-infrared sensitivity and image-subtraction techniques allowed detection of a planet an order of magnitude lighter than previous direct images.
• Follow-up observations may reveal the planet's atmospheric composition and more details about its system.

Axiom-4 Mission And Indian Astronaut

• India's Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla travelled to the International Space Station as part of the Axiom-4 private astronaut mission.

About Ax-4 and Crew

• Axiom Space contracted SpaceX for crew transport to the ISS; Ax-4 missions last about 14-21 days and host research across biomedical and materials science themes.
• Shubhanshu Shukla is India's second national astronaut since 1984 and the first Indian to visit the ISS; Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair is his backup.
• ISRO and partner institutions support mission experiments and training; India reportedly invested to facilitate Shukla's flight as part of broader preparations for Gaganyaan.

Important Days

World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought 2025 (17 June)

• The 2025 theme was "Restore the Land. Unlock the Opportunities," highlighting land restoration's economic and environmental benefits.
• The UNCCD, established in 1994, is the only binding global framework addressing desertification and drought; India ratified it in 1996.
• The Bonn Challenge aims to restore millions of hectares of degraded land; India pledged to restore 26 million hectares by 2030.

World Day Against Child Labour 2025 (12 June)

• The 2025 theme was "Progress is clear, but there's more to do: Let's speed up efforts!"
• Child labour refers to work unsuitable for a child's age or capacity and is prohibited in hazardous occupations under Article 24 of the Indian Constitution.

World Sickle Cell Awareness Day 2025 (19 June)

• WHO released its first global guideline for managing sickle cell disease in pregnancy and issued over 20 evidence-based recommendations.
• Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood disorder affecting around 1 million people in India, concentrated in tribal regions.
• The 2025 theme was "Global Action, Local Impact: Empowering Communities for Effective Self-Advocacy."

International Yoga Day 2025 (21 June)

• The 11th International Yoga Day theme was "Yoga for One Earth, One Health," linking personal wellbeing with planetary health.
• International Yoga Day was proposed by India at the UNGA in 2014 and adopted unanimously, with 21 June designated as the day.