CURRENT AFFAIRS
16 June, 2025
1. GFW 2024 REPORT ON INDIAN FORESTS –
• The Global Forest Watch (GFW), an open-source forest monitoring platform developed by the US-based research organisation World Resources Institute (WRI), has recently released data highlighting India’s deforestation and forest degradation trends from 2001 to 2024.
Key Findings of the WRI Report on India’s Forests:
• Extent of Forest & Tree Cover Changes (2001–2024):
• Between 2001 and 2024, India lost 2.31 million hectares of tree cover, a 7.1% decline since 2000, causing 1.29 gigatonnes of CO₂ emissions.
• In 2024 alone, India lost 150,000 hectares of natural forest, resulting in approximately 68 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions.
• Primary forest loss increased from 17,700 hectares in 2023 to 18,200 hectares in 2024.
• Between 2002 and 2024, 348,000 hectares (5.4%) of humid primary forests (mature tropical forests not recently cleared) were lost, accounting for 15% of total tree cover loss.
• Tree cover loss due to fires amounted to 36,200 hectares from 2001 to 2024, peaking at 2,770 hectares in 2008.
• Despite losses, India gained 1.78 million hectares of tree cover between 2000 and 2020, contributing 1.4% to global net gains (Top 3 Gainers: Russia, Canada, US).
2. AUKUS SUBMARINE AGREEMENT –
• The United States has launched a formal review of the AUKUS submarine agreement with Australia and the United Kingdom.
Reasons for the US Review
• “America First” Alignment: The review aims to ensure the agreement aligns with the “America First” priorities of the current US administration.
• Production and Spending Concerns: The review will examine the production rate of Virginia-class submarines, which are behind schedule, raising concerns about the US ability to meet its own fleet demands while supplying Australia.
• Australia’s Defense Spending: The US is pressuring Australia to increase its defense spending from 2% to 3.5% of GDP.
What is Aukus?
• AUKUS is a trilateral security partnership between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
• The AUKUS pact was officially announced in September 2021.
• Countering China: Its primary goal is to counter China’s growing influence in the Indo-Pacific.
3. KARNATAKA LEADS INDIA IN WIND POWER CAPACITY GROWTH –
• Karnataka has emerged as a frontrunner in wind energy production in India. In the financial year 2024-25, the state added an impressive 1,331.48 MW of wind power capacity. This achievement was recognised during the Global Wind Day 2025 celebrations in Bengaluru.
Karnataka’s Renewable Energy Milestones
• Karnataka’s total installed wind power capacity now stands at 7,351 MW. This positions the state as a leader in India’s renewable energy sector. The recent addition of over 1,300 MW in a single year puts stress on Karnataka’s momentum in harnessing wind energy.
• The state aims to support India’s national target of achieving 500 GW of renewable energy by 2030.
4. PM MODI CONFERRED WITH CYPRUS’ HIGHEST CIVILIAN HONOUR — ORDER OF MAKARIOS III –
• PM Narendra Modi received Cyprus’ top civilian award during his first-ever official visit to the Mediterranean nation. The award, Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III, recognizes his efforts in strengthening India-Cyprus relations and promoting global cooperation.
• Modi’s visit marks a historic milestone, as he is the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Cyprus.
About the Award
• Name: Order of Makarios III
• Country: Republic of Cyprus
• Named after: Archbishop Makarios III, first President of Cyprus.
• Purpose: Awarded for meritorious service to the nation and strengthening diplomatic ties.
5. LT COMMANDER YASHASVI SOLANKEE BECOMES FIRST WOMAN ADC TO PRESIDENT OF INDIA –
• Yashasvi Solankee became the first woman ADC to the President of India, taking charge on May 9, 2025. Her appointment reflects President Droupadi Murmu’s commitment to women’s empowerment in the armed forces. The move is a significant step toward gender parity in ceremonial and military positions at the highest levels of government.
Background & Selection Process
• ADCs are elite officers selected from the Army (3), Navy (1), and Air Force (1).
• For the first time, women Naval officers were considered for the role.
Selection criteria included,
• Physical fitness and minimum height of 173 cm.
• Evaluation of intelligence, adaptability, presence, and communication.
• 15-day evaluation at the Presidential Estate and a personal interview with the President.
• Solankee was among three shortlisted women officers, all from the Navy.
Role of an ADC
• Acts as liaison officer between the President and external visitors or officials.
• Prepares the President’s briefing for each engagement.
• Accompanies the President during ceremonial, diplomatic, and official events.
• Assigned a duty room near the President’s office and is on call 24×7.
• Coordinates with various military branches and government agencies.
MCQ QUIZ
Q1. Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is a government agency established under which ministry ?
a) Ministry of Home Affairs
b) Ministry of Civil Aviation
c) Ministry of Defence
d) Ministry of Science and Technology
Q2. Totapuri mangoes are primarily cultivated in which states ?
a) Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu
b) Assam, Sikkim and Nagaland
c) Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh
d) Rajasthan, Gujarat and Punjab
Q3. Which two countries are the co-hosts of the fourth UN Ocean Conference in 2028 ?
a) China and Colombia
b) South Korea and Chile
c) New Zealand and Peru
d) India and Brazil
Q4. With reference to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), consider the following statements:
1. It was signed by Iran and six major powers including Germany and Russia.
2. It required Iran to stop all uranium enrichment.
3. It allowed Iran to reclaim frozen financial assets.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 1 and 3 only
c) 2 and 3 only
d) 1, 2, and 3
Explanation-
• Statement 1 is correct — the deal was signed with six powers including Germany and Russia. Statement 3 is also correct — Iran regained access to billions in frozen assets under sanctions relief.
• Statement 2 is incorrect — Iran was allowed limited uranium enrichment (up to 3.67%), not a complete stop.
Q5. Consider the following statements regarding PMDevINE:
1. It is a centrally sponsored scheme focused only on infrastructure.
2. It was launched in the 2022–23 Budget.
3. It promotes youth and women’s livelihoods in the Northeast.
Which of the above statements is/are correct ?
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) Only 1 and 3
d) 1, 2, and 3
Explanation-
• PMDevINE is a central sector scheme (not centrally sponsored) launched in 2022–23. It focuses on infrastructure aligned with PM GatiShakti, but also includes social services, livelihood generation, and bridging regional development gaps. Thus, while it supports infrastructure, it is not solely focused on it.
Answer Key
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
B | A | B | B | B |