Daily Current Affairs (30/29 – June – 25)
1. UN Charter Is Not A-La-Carte Menu: Guterres –
• At the UN Charter’s 80th anniversary event, Secretary-General António Guterres criticized member states for selectively following the Charter, likening their approach to treating it as an “à la carte menu.”
United Nations
• The UN is an intergovernmental organization founded to promote global cooperation, and to maintain peace and security among nations.
• Members: 193 countries are UN members, including all undisputed independent states except Vatican City. South Sudan is the newest member (joined in 2011).
• Observer States: The Holy See (Vatican City) and the State of Palestine hold non-member observer status.
• Admission Criteria: Open to peace-loving states that accept and can fulfill the obligations of the UN Charter. Admission requires General Assembly approval based on a Security Council recommendation.
• India is a charter member of the United Nations and participates in all of its specialised agencies and organizations.
2. Cloudburst and Flash floods in Himachal Pradesh –
• Heavy monsoon rains due to multiple cloudbursts triggered the flash floods in Himachal Pradesh, causing widespread damage to properties and loss of life.
• The Indira Priyadarshini Hydroelectric Project has been impacted.
About Cloudburst
• A cloudburst is defined as “Rainfall of 10 cm or more in one hour over a roughly 10 km x 10 km area.”
• Mechanism: Common in hilly areas due to a process called orographic lift:
• Warm air rises along mountain slopes.
• It expands due to low pressure at altitude and cools.
• Cooling causes condensation and release of moisture.
• If warm moist air keeps rising, it may delay rainfall until a large volume suddenly condenses and falls as torrential rain.
• Occurrence in India: In India, cloudbursts are frequently observed during the monsoon season, particularly over regions like the Himalayas, the Western Ghats, and the northeastern hill states.
• Linkage with Flash floods: Cloudbursts often result in flash floods and have become increasingly common from May-September when the southwest monsoon season prevails in much of the country.
Impacts:
• Sudden, localized heavy rain.
• Often leads to flash floods and landslides due to drainage overload and rapid water accumulation.
• Prediction: Difficult to detect due to the small area and short time frame.
Flash Floods
• According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), a flash flood is a sudden, rapid flooding event that typically occurs within a short period, generally less than 6 hours, due to intense rainfall, often associated with cloudbursts or heavy thunderstorms.
3. Amit Shah Inaugurates Turmeric Board HQ in Nizamabad –
• The inauguration of the National Turmeric Board’s headquarters in Nizamabad is a significant development, especially since it was a long-standing demand of local farmers. The board’s launch fulfills a key poll promise made by BJP during the 2019 elections and reflects the Centre’s renewed push to promote Indian spices in international markets.
• Aims and Objectives
• To boost turmeric exports to $1 billion by 2030
• Ensure remunerative prices to turmeric farmers
• Promote branding, packaging, and marketing
• Facilitate research and development for quality improvement
Background and Context
• Nizamabad is a key turmeric-growing region in Telangana.
• Farmers had long demanded a dedicated Turmeric Board to address their issues.
• BJP MP D. Arvind promised the board in 2019 and defeated K. Kavitha, daughter of ex-CM K. Chandrasekhar Rao, largely riding on this issue.
• PM Modi earlier announced the board’s creation; now it has been formally launched.
4. Post Offices to Accept UPI Payments Nationwide by August 2025 –
• The announcement marks a significant step in expanding the reach of digital financial services to the rural and semi-urban population. It follows the successful pilot rollout in Karnataka’s Mysore and Bagalkot districts, demonstrating the system’s efficiency and scalability. By embracing digital payments, the Department of Posts is aligning itself with the national vision of Digital India and a cashless economy.
Key Highlights of the Initiative
• Implementation Date: Nationwide rollout by August 2025.
• Technology Used: IT 2.0 system upgrade with dynamic UPI-linked QR codes.
• Successful Pilot: Mysore and Bagalkot (Karnataka) implemented dynamic QR-based payments at head and branch offices.
• Previous Attempt: Static QR codes were tried earlier but discontinued due to customer complaints and technical issues.
• Scope of Services: Digital payments will cover postage, parcel booking, savings deposits, and other services.
• Customer Support: Staff will assist customers in using digital payment methods.
5. India Bans Jute Imports from Bangladesh via Land and Sea Ports –
• India has blocked jute imports from Bangladesh through all land and sea ports except Nhava Sheva. The move follows an earlier restriction on apparel imports via land ports announced on May 17, 2025. India cites unfair trade practices, dumping, and continued subsidies by Bangladesh as the key reasons for the decision.
Objectives of the New Trade Restriction
• To protect the Indian jute industry, which employs around 4 lakh workers.
• To counteract the effects of artificially low prices caused by dumped and subsidized imports from Bangladesh.
• To ensure fair trade practices and uphold livelihood security for Indian jute farmers and mill workers.
• Key Features of the Restriction
Effective Date: June 27, 2025
• Covered Products
• Flax tow and waste (incl. yarn waste)
• Jute and other textile bast fibers
• Single yarn of jute
• Woven/unbleached woven fabrics of jute