14 JUNE 2025 - Daily Current Affairs Updates

GS 1 – Society, Geography, and Culture

1. Global Gender Gap Report 2025 – India Ranks 131/148 Topic: Society | Gender Equality | Global Indices

   India’s score stands at 64.4%, with declines in Political Empowerment (13.8% female MPs) despite gains in education (almost full parity) and health.

   India improved in Economic Participation (40.7%), mainly due to increased estimated female income, though workforce participation remained stagnant.

   India trails neighbours like Bhutan (119), Nepal (125), and even Sri Lanka (130).

   Iceland tops the chart for the 16th consecutive year.

Value Add:Use as a citation in Mains GS1 society, GS2 governance, or Essay on inclusive development. Reinforces gaps in gendered policy outcomes.

🧭 GS 2 – Polity, IR, and Governance

2. Narco-Analysis & Article 20(3) – Amlesh Kumar vs. State of Bihar Topic: Polity | Rights | Criminal Justice
   

   SC reiterates that forced narco-analysis violates right against self-incrimination under Article 20(3) and dignity under Article 21.

   Builds on Selvi v. State of Karnataka (2010) precedent.

   Even voluntary narco cannot be sole evidence; inadmissible without corroboration.

Value Add:Perfect case law for answers on due process, forensic reform, and balancing technology with liberty in criminal law.

3. Exercise Khaan Quest – Mongolia Topic: IR | Peacekeeping | Defence Diplomacy

   India is sending 40 Army personnel for the 22nd edition of this UN-focused multinational peacekeeping exercise.

   Hosted in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia; first initiated in 2003 (US–Mongolia), now a major multinational drill under Chapter VII of the UN Charter.

Value Add:Showcases India’s commitment to UNPKO, contributes to GS2 answers on peace diplomacy, Act East Policy, and global military cooperation.

4. Exercise Shakti 2025 – India–France Military Drill Topic: Bilateral Defence | Strategic Ties

   8th edition; to be held at La Cavalerie, France (18 June–1 July); focuses on Multi-Domain Operations in sub-conventional settings.

   Complements India–France strategic partnership (other drills: Garuda, Varuna, Desert Knight).

Value Add:Important example in GS2 IR, India–EU ties, and Indo-Pacific security collaborations.

🧭 GS 3 – Environment, S&T, Health, Defence, Economy

5. Eurasian Otter Rediscovered in Kashmir Topic: Biodiversity | Conservation | Ecology

   Found after 30 years in Kashmir; locally called “Vuder”; previously thought extinct in the region.

   Listed as Near Threatened (IUCN), Schedule II (WPA 1972), and Appendix I (CITES).

   Indicator of freshwater ecosystem health and aquatic biodiversity.

Value Add:Use in case studies on species rediscovery, Himalayan biodiversity, and conservation beyond tiger-centric models.

6. Cathepsin B – Enzyme Linked to Ovarian Reserve Loss Topic: Health | Biochemistry | Female Fertility

   Cathepsin B is a lysosomal protease involved in protein degradation; its inhibition preserves egg cell longevity.

   Implicated in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and brain injury.

   Offers potential for extending female reproductive health window.

Value Add:Integrate in GS3 answers on biotech in reproductive health, or science-driven solutions to age-related fertility decline.

7. CROPIC – AI-Enabled Crop Monitoring Initiative Topic: Agriculture | Technology | Governance

   CROPIC = Collection of Real Time Observations and Photos of Crops.

   Combines AI + geotagged farmer images to assess crop loss and automate claim settlement under PMFBY.

   Funded under FIAT with ₹825 crore budget.

Value Add:Excellent example of AgriTech + Digital India; adds value in GS3 (agriculture, AI in governance), Essay (“AI for All”).