Current Context :The Ministry of Education released PGI 2.0 scores for 2022–23 and 2023–24, evaluating school systems across States and UTs.

 About PGI 2.0

• Launch: 2017; revamped as PGI 0 in 2021.
• Structure:
  • 1,000 points across 73 indicators in 6 domains – Learning Outcomes, Access, Infrastructure & Facilities, Equity, Governance Processes, Teacher Education & Training.
• Grades: 10 performance grades from Akanshi‑3 (lowest) to Daksh (highest).
• Key Findings (2023–24):
  • Chandigarh topped with Prachesta‑1.
  • Meghalaya bottom at Akanshi‑3.
  • 24 States/UTs improved; 12 saw declines (e.g., Bihar, Jharkhand).

Current Context :The Bihar State Election Commission announced India’s first Android‑based e‑voting trial for upcoming municipal elections.

ABOUT BIHAR E‑VOTING

• System: Dual Android apps (“e‑Voting SEC BHR”) developed by Centre for Development of Advanced Computing and State Commission.
• Security: Blockchain ledger, facial‑verification liveness checks, and tamper‑proof audit trail akin to VVPAT.
• Eligibility: Urban voters with Aadhaar‑linked registration; demo in select wards before wider roll‑out.
• Benefits:
  • Enhanced accessibility for migrant, elderly, and disabled
  • Potential to boost turnout and reduce Booth‑level time.
• Challenges: Cybersecurity risks; digital divide concerns; ensuring privacy and non‑coercion.

Current Context : The Summer Solstice, falling on 21 June, marks the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, heralding the start of astronomical summer.

• Astronomical Basis: Sun’s maximum declination (+23.5°) over Tropic of Cancer; longest daylight hours.

Current Context

Celebrated on 21 June, since 2015,

• Aim : To promotes the practice of yoga’s physical, mental, and spiritual benefits globally.
• 2025 Theme: “Yoga for One Earth, One Health”

Observed on 21 June

• Aim : To raise awareness of hydrography’s role in safe navigation and sustainable marine resource management.
• Established by the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) in 2005; recognized by IM
• 2025 Theme: “Seabed Mapping: Enabling Ocean Action.”

Celebrated annually on 21 June.

• Aim : To promotes live music performances and cultural exchange worldwide.
• Origin: Launched in 1982 by France’s Ministry of Culture; adopted globally by UNESCO and cities in 120 countries.

Current Context : The 113^th session of the International Labour Conference convened in Geneva in June 2025, adopting key instruments on occupational health, maritime labour, platform work, and informality.

 About ILC 2025

• ILO Convention No. 192: Convention on Biological Hazards in the working environment—the first binding global instrument on biosafety at work.
• Maritime Labour Convention Amendment: Enhanced shore leave, seafarer repatriation, and recognition of seafarers as essential workers.
• Platform Economy Discussion: First standard‑setting debate on decent work for digital platform workers.
• Resolution on Informality: Calls for urgent action to reduce informal employment, extend social protection, and create decent jobs for vulnerable workers.

Current Context : New Delhi hosted the inaugural Assembly of the International Big Cat Alliance, endorsing India’s Environment Minister as its President.

 About International Big Cat Alliance

• Launched on April 2023 on 50th anniversary of India’s Project Tiger.
• Membership: 95 big‑cat range and interested countries; founding 16 include Bangladesh, Bhutan, Kenya, Nepal, and South American nations.
• Mandate:
  • Share best practices in conservation of seven big cats (tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard, cheetah, jaguar, puma).
  • Strengthen habitat protection, anti‑poaching efforts, and community engagement.
• Governance: Biennial Assembly as decision‑making body; rotating Presidency; Secretariat hosted by India.

Current Context : The Indian Army participated in Exercise Shakti VII at Camp Larzac, France, as part of the biennial India–France defence cooperation.

ABOUT EXERCISE SHAKTI

• Type: Joint field training exercise focusing on counter‑terrorism and high‑altitude operations.
• Location: Camp Larzac plateau, southern France.
• Participants: ~ 300 troops each from Indian Army and French Army.
• Key Drills:
  • Mountain warfare, joint patrolling, humanitarian assistance, and evacuation (HAAE) operations.
  • Cross‑training in tactics, communications, and live‑fire drills.

Current Context : The Organisation for Economic Co‑operation and Development released its Global Drought Outlook 2025, forecasting increased drought severity and economic impacts.

About Global Drought Outlook

• Severity & Extent: 40 percent of land facing more frequent/severe droughts.
• Economic Cost: Annual drought episode costs rising 3–7.5 percent of GDP in affected regions.
• Agricultural Impact: Crop yields may decline up to 22 percent; hydro‑power disruptions in India and Australia.
• Hydrology:
  • Soil moisture down across 37 percent of land since 1980.
  • 62 percent of monitored aquifers showing groundwater decline.
• Disaster Statistics: Droughts cause 34 percent of disaster‑related deaths (WMO 2021).
• Global & Indian Responses:
  • UNCCD Drought Initiative; IDMP by WMO & Global Water Partnership.
  • India’s NADAMS, Watershed Development under PMKSY, Atal Bhujal Yojana.