1. India Reaffirms Commitment to Glacier Preservation
Context:
India participated in the High-Level International Conference on Glaciers’ Preservation held in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, co-organized by UNESCO and WMO.
Why Important?
- Freshwater Source: 3% of Earth’s water is fresh, two-thirds in glaciers.
- Monsoon Influence: Himalayan temperature gradients influence SW monsoon.
- River Systems: Hindu Kush Himalayas feed ~40% of Indus flow.
- Climate Archives: Glaciers record 800,000+ years of climate data.
India’s Initiatives:
- NMSHE: Part of NAPCC, addresses Himalayan ecosystem.
- Cryosphere & Climate Change Centre: For glacier monitoring.
- Disaster Preparedness: GLOF risk mapping in vulnerable zones.
Global Initiatives:
- International Year of Glacier Preservation – 2025 (UNESCO, WMO).
- Paris Agreement: Limit warming to 1.5°C.
- ICIMOD: Supports HKH preservation efforts.
UPSC Relevance:
- GS III: Environment, Climate Change
- Prelims: HKH, GLOF, NMSHE, ICIMOD
2. IndiaAI Mission – Compute Capacity Surpasses 34,000 GPUs
Context:
IndiaAI mission’s capacity boosted with over 34,000 GPUs to support indigenous AI development.
About IndiaAI Mission:
- Launch: 2024 by MeitY.
- Objective: Democratize AI compute, data access, and R&D.
7 Pillars:
- IndiaAI Compute, Innovation Centres (3 areas), AI Kosh Dataset (367+), Application Development (e.g. Sarvam-1), Startup Financing, FutureSkills, Safe & Trusted AI.
Challenges:
- High infrastructure cost, bias in LLMs, energy intensity, narrow LLM focus.
Way Forward:
- Promote responsible AI via public AI safety institutes.
UPSC Relevance:
- GS III: Science & Tech
- Prelims: IndiaAI, Sarvam-1, AI Kosh
3. Women-led Development Emphasized by PM
Context:
On Ahilyabai Holkar’s 300th birth anniversary, PM highlighted shift from “women’s development” to “women-led development”.
Comparison:
| Women’s Development | Women-led Development |
| Top-down schemes | Bottom-up leadership |
| Passive beneficiaries | Active change agents |
Significance:
- Could raise GDP by 30% (NFHS).
- Role models like Col. Sophia Qureshi, Wg Cdr Vyomika Singh.
- High women presence in Khadi and Sericulture sectors.
UPSC Relevance:
- GS I: Women Empowerment
- GS II: Government Initiatives
4. Landslide Vulnerability in India
Context:
Landslides in NE and Karnataka prompt attention to India’s vulnerability.
Data (ISRO – Landslide Atlas):
- 12.6% of India’s land (0.42 million sq km) is landslide-prone.
- NW Himalayas: 66.5%, NE Himalayas: 18.8%, Western Ghats: 14.7%.
Causes:
- Natural: Rain, earthquakes, groundwater.
- Human: Deforestation, construction, vibrations.
Mitigation:
- National Landslide Risk Management Strategy (2019)
- Landslide Risk Mitigation Scheme (NDMA)
- NLSM (Susceptibility Mapping)
UPSC Relevance:
- GS III: Disaster Management
- Prelims: ISRO Atlas, NLSM
5. Laser Weapon Breakthrough by Israel
Context:
Israel becomes first nation to use laser (Iron Beam) to shoot down drones.
About Iron Beam:
- 100kW High Energy Laser Weapon System (HELWS)
- Destroys RAMs, drones, missiles at light speed
- Near-zero cost per intercept
Challenges:
- Weather sensitivity, overheating, limited use in cloudy conditions.
Global Context:
- USA (HELIOS), China (Silent Hunter), India (IDD&IS Mk2A – DRDO)
UPSC Relevance:
- GS III: Defence Technology
- Prelims: HELWS, Iron Beam
6. Integral Humanism – 60 Years Since Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya’s Vision
Context:
Nation marks 60 years of Integral Humanism — philosophy of balanced, culturally rooted development.
Core Principles:
- Primacy of the Whole
- Supremacy of Dharma
- Autonomy of Society
Relevance Today:
- Decentralised economy, participatory governance
- Antyodaya focus
- Environmental justice via sustainable resource use
UPSC Relevance:
- GS I: Indian Thinkers, Political Philosophy
- GS II: Welfare Schemes
Sure! Here’s a more elaborate and UPSC-relevant continuation of the remaining current affairs topics from VisionIAS Daily Current Affairs – 1 & 2 June 2025, written in the same structured format:
7. Operation Shield – Mock Drills Along Western Border
Context:
The Government of India conducted multi-layered emergency preparedness drills called Operation Shield in states and UTs bordering western India.
Objective:
- To assess India’s readiness to handle external threats and improve civil defence mechanisms.
Key Components:
- Simulation of enemy air raids, drone incursions, missile strikes.
- Mass evacuation protocols and emergency communication drills.
- Involvement of civil defence volunteers for real-time assessment.
Significance:
- Enhances disaster resilience and coordination among civil-military-police units.
- Strengthens India’s border security posture amid growing regional tensions (esp. with Pakistan).
- Aligns with modern hybrid warfare preparedness.
UPSC Relevance:
- GS III: Internal Security, Disaster Management
- Prelims: Operation Shield, civil defence protocols
8. Personality Rights Protected by Delhi High Court
Context:
The Delhi High Court upheld the personality and publicity rights of the founder of Isha Foundation.
About Personality Rights:
- Right to Publicity (Article 19): Control over use of name, image, and voice.
- Right to Privacy (Article 21): Freedom from unwanted exploitation of personal identity.
Legal Basis in India:
- No specific statute; derived from Copyright Act, 1957, and Trademark Act, 1999.
- Often invoked in cases involving celebrities or public figures.
Significance:
- Protection against unauthorized commercial exploitation.
- Balances freedom of expression with personal dignity.
UPSC Relevance:
- GS II: Fundamental Rights, Judiciary
- Prelims: Personality Rights, Article 19 vs 21
9. Ahilyabai Holkar’s 300th Birth Anniversary
Context:
India celebrated the tercentenary of Lokmata Devi Ahilyabai Holkar, the Philosopher Queen of Malwa.
Key Contributions:
- Administration: Ruled Indore from 1767; known for wise, just governance.
- Architectural Legacy: Built/restored over 100 temples, including Kashi Vishwanath and Somnath (Juna).
- Textile Sector: Promoted Maheshwari sarees and Maheshwar’s weaving industry.
- Women Empowerment: Formed a women’s army for law enforcement and state defence.
Legacy:
- Symbol of benevolent leadership, women empowerment, and cultural preservation.
UPSC Relevance:
- GS I: Indian History, Women Leaders
- Prelims: Ahilyabai Holkar, Maheshwar Fort, Juna Somnath
10. Asian Development Bank (ADB) Commits $10 Billion to India
Context:
ADB pledged a $10 billion package to accelerate urban development and metro expansion in India.
Key Areas of Investment:
- Urban Challenge Fund: To catalyse private sector investment in Tier-2/3 cities.
- Metro Infrastructure: Expansion of green and smart public transport networks.
About ADB:
- HQ: Manila, Philippines
- Members: 69 (50 from Asia-Pacific)
- India Shareholding: ~6.3%
- Other major shareholders: Japan & USA (15.6% each)
UPSC Relevance:
- GS II: International Institutions
- Prelims: ADB HQ, members, Urban Challenge Fund
11. Acquired Immunity and WHO Statement on COVID-19
Context:
WHO Chief Scientist stated there’s no major threat from COVID-19 anymore, due to widespread acquired immunity.
What is Acquired Immunity?
- Also called adaptive or specific immunity.
- Develops post-exposure to antigens (pathogens/vaccines).
- Mediated by T cells and B cells (Lymphocytes).
Contrast with Innate Immunity:
- Innate: Present from birth; non-specific.
- Acquired: Develops after exposure; highly specific.
Significance:
- Immunological memory allows faster response during reinfection.
- Justifies transition from pandemic response to endemic management.
UPSC Relevance:
- GS II: Health, Governance
- Prelims: Acquired vs Innate Immunity, T & B cells
12. Concerns Over Satellite Communication Pricing
Context:
Private telecom operators raised objections regarding pricing norms of satellite-based communication (SATCOM) networks in India.
What is SATCOM?
- Uses artificial satellites to relay communication signals across large distances.
- Operates in LEO, MEO, and GSO orbits.
Applications:
- Emergency communication, rural telephony, disaster zones, military ops.
- E-commerce and fintech in remote areas.
Challenges:
- High license fees and spectrum costs.
- Potential monopolization by a few satellite providers.
UPSC Relevance:
- GS III: Infrastructure – Telecom
- Prelims: SATCOM, Orbits (LEO, MEO, GSO)
13. Operation Spider Web – Ukraine’s FPV Drone Offensive
Context:
Ukraine’s SBU agency carried out drone attacks on Russian airbases under Operation Spider Web.
Details:
- Used First-Person View (FPV) drones for high-precision strikes.
- Targeted bomber airbases like Belaya (Irkutsk).
What is FPV?
- Also called Remote Person View.
- Drones stream live camera feed to a pilot’s headset.
- Offers real-time navigation in contested environments.
Significance:
- Demonstrates asymmetrical warfare and drone-centric combat.
- Raises questions on airbase security even deep within national territory.
UPSC Relevance:
- GS II/III: IR, Defence Technology
- Prelims: FPV, Operation Spider Web
14. Neolithic Metallurgy Discovery in Assam
Context:
At Daojali Hading in Assam, iron slag and a furnace were found — hinting at early metallurgical practices during the Neolithic Age.
About Daojali Hading:
- Located in Dima Hasao, near Brahmaputra valley.
- Known for cord-marked pottery, double-shouldered Celts.
Neolithic Period (6000–1000 BC):
- Last stage of Stone Age.
- Introduction of agriculture, polished tools, and permanent settlements.
Other Sites:
- Kashmir: Burzahom, Gufkral
- Ganga Valley: Koldihwa, Lehuradeva, Chopani Mando
UPSC Relevance:
- GS I: Ancient History
- Prelims: Daojali Hading, Neolithic Features
15. Gaza Humanitarian Foundation Criticised by UN
Context:
The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, backed by the US and Israel, has been called an “aid-washing” effort by UN officials.
About the Foundation:
- Legal status: Stiftung (charity form) under Swiss law.
- Established in 2025.
- Focus: Grants in health, disaster relief, non-profits.
Concerns Raised:
- Violates humanitarian principles of neutrality, independence.
- Seen as a tool to politicize aid amid Israeli siege.
UPSC Relevance:
- GS II: International Organisations, Human Rights
- Prelims: Gaza Foundation, Humanitarian Aid Principles