Observed globally on 1st June.

• Aim : to highlight the contribution of the dairy sector to nutrition, livelihoods, and sustainable development.
• Theme 2025 : “Let’s Celebrate the Power of Dairy”
• Initiated by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in 2001.

Current Context: The Himachal Pradesh Forest Department recently paused its order imposing a user charge on visitors to the Churdhar Wildlife Sanctuary in Sirmaur district.

ABOUT CHURDHAR WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

• Location & Geography:
  • Located in Sirmaur district, Himachal Pradesh.
  • Lies in the Shivalik range of the Outer Himalayas.
  • Spread over 56 sq.km., established in 1985.
• Ecological and Cultural Significance:
  • Encompasses the Churdhar Peak (Choordhar) – the highest peak in the outer Himalayas (~3,647 meters).
  • Offers panoramic views of the Gangetic plains, Satluj River, and Badrinath.
  • Houses a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva at the summit, adding spiritual relevance.

On May 29, 2025, during the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers, two Indian peacekeepers were posthumously honored with the Dag Hammarskjöld Medal for their supreme sacrifice in the line of duty.

Key Facts:

• Honorees:
  • Brigadier General Amitabh Jha: Served with the UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) overseeing ceasefire arrangements in the Golan Heights.
  • Havildar Sanjay Singh: Deployed with the UN Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO).
• India’s Contribution: India is the fourth-largest contributor to UN peacekeeping forces, with over 5,300 military and police personnel deployed in various missions.
• Significance: The Dag Hammarskjöld Medal is awarded posthumously to UN peacekeepers who have lost their lives in the service of peace.

Current Context: Indian para-athlete Mahendra Gurjar set a new world record in the men’s F42 javelin category at the Nottwil World Para Athletics Grand Prix in Switzerland.

Key Facts:

• Record Details: Achieved a throw of 61.17 meters, surpassing the previous record of 59.19 meters set in 2022.
• Event: Nottwil World Para Athletics Grand Prix, Switzerland.
• Athlete Profile: 27-year-old Mahendra Gurjar represents India in para-athletics.
• F42 Classification: Category for athletes with moderate movement impairment in one leg, competing in field events like javelin and long jump.

About World Para Athletics Grand Prix

• It is an annual series of international track and field competitions for athletes with physical disabilities.
• Organized by World Para Athletics.

Current Context: Spiritual leader Sadhguru, founder of the Isha Foundation, was conferred the ‘Global Indian of the Year’ award by the Canada India Foundation (CIF) in Toronto.

• Reason for Award: Recognized for his significant contributions to raising human consciousness and promoting ecological sustainability through initiatives like the Conscious Planet movement.
• Utilization of Prize Money: Sadhguru dedicated the award’s cash prize of CAD 50,000 to the ‘Cauvery Calling’ project, aiming to rejuvenate the Cauvery River by supporting tree planting and sustainable agriculture.

About Global Indian of the Year Award (Canada India Foundation)

• The Global Indian of the Year award is presented annually by the Canada India Foundation (CIF) to individuals of Indian origin who have made significant global contributions across various fields.
• The award recognizes excellence in leadership, innovation, and service to humanity.

Current Context : Following the sinking of the cargo vessel MSC ELSA 3 off the Kerala coast on May 25, 2025, large quantities of plastic pellets, known as nurdles, have washed ashore along the southern coast of Kerala and into Tamil Nadu, raising significant environmental concerns.

What Are Nurdles?

• Definition: Small plastic pellets (1–5 mm) used as raw material in plastic production
• Material: Polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, PVC
• Classification: Primary microplastics

Environmental Hazards

• Pollution Risk:
  • Mistaken for food by marine animals
  • Breaks into nano/microplastics → enters food chain
• Ecosystem Damage: Threat to marine biodiversity and fisheries.

Current Context : France’s National Assembly passed a bill to legalise assisted dying for adults with incurable and unbearable illnesses.

Features of the Bill :

• Eligibility: Adults over 18, with serious, incurable, and suffering-causing illnesses
• Procedure:
  • Request → Medical Review (15 days) → Approval → 2-day waiting period
  • Patients can self-administer or get assistance.
  • Safeguards: Medical professionals may opt out on conscience grounds, but obstructing the process can lead to legal penalties.
• Countries where legal: Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Spain, Portugal

Current Context : The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is seeking government approval to allow domestic banks to lend Indian rupees to overseas borrowers, particularly in neighbouring countries like Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.

Objective

• Promote use of INR in international trade & settlements
• Reduce dependence on foreign currencies
• Strengthen India’s position in global finance

Key Proposal

• Eligible Banks: Domestic banks & their overseas branches
• Target Borrowers: Non-residents, starting with countries like Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka

Trade Context

• India’s Exports to South Asia (2024–25): ~$25 billion
• 90% of Exports directed to: Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka
• Opportunity: INR lending could ease bilateral trade & reduce forex burden

Current Context : The Union Cabinet approved the continuation of the Modified Interest Subvention Scheme (MISS) for 2025–26 to provide affordable short-term credit to farmers via Kisan Credit Cards (KCC).

Features :

• Type of Scheme: Central Sector Scheme
• Loan Limit: Short-term agri-loans up to ₹3 lakh
• Subsidised Interest Rate:
  • Nominal rate: 7%
  • Effective rate: 4% for prompt repayment (3% subvention benefit)
• Allied Sectors: For animal husbandry & fisheries, benefit up to ₹2 lakh

Budget & Implementation

• Total Outlay: ₹15,640 crore (for FY 2025–26)
• Lending Institutions: Public Sector Banks, Cooperative Banks, RRBs, and eligible Private Banks

Observed annually on May 31.

• Aim : to raise awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco use.
• 2025 Theme: “Unmasking the Appeal: Exposing Industry Tactics on Tobacco and Nicotine Products.”