Current Context : Recently, Khichan (Phalodi) and Menar (Udaipur), Rajasthan, were declared Ramsar Sites, taking India’s total to 91—the highest in Asia.

ABOUT

Khichan Wetland (Phalodi, Rajasthan)

• Famous for hosting thousands of Demoiselle Cranes each winter, making it a crucial stopover on the Central Asian Flyway.
  • Birdwatching hub—boosts local eco-tourism.
• Local Management: Community-led habitat maintenance and seasonal water management ensure continued suitability for migratory birds.

Menar Wetland (Udaipur, Rajasthan)

• Known as “Bird Village”, supporting 150+ bird species (flamingos, pelicans, storks).
• Comprises Brahma Talab and Dhand Talab—seasonal lakes fed by monsoon rains.

What Are Ramsar Sites?

• Designated under the Ramsar Convention (1971, Ramsar, Iran) as “wetlands of international importance.”
• Objective: Promote conservation and wise use through national actions and international cooperation.
• India & the Ramsar Convention : Joined in 1982; now boasts 91 Ramsar Sites (highest in Asia).

Current Context: From 10 June 2025, Shipki-La (mountain pass at ~3,930 m on the India-China border) will open to Indian tourists (Aadhaar verification required) to boost local tourism and reinforce border presence.

ABOUT

• Location: Northernmost tip of Kinnaur district, Himachal Pradesh; marks where the Sutlej River(Langqên Zangbo) enters India from Tibet.
• Elevation: Approximately 3,930 m above sea level (some sources note 3,840 m).
• Ancient Trade Route: Historically a barter trade corridor with Tibet; operational until 2020 closure due to COVID-19.
• Entry Conditions: Only Indian nationals allowed (no foreign tourists).

Current Context: The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change officially notified an Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) around Tral Wildlife Sanctuary in Pulwama District, Jammu & Kashmir, covering 0 to 3.26 km from its boundary (approximately 127.10 sq. km, including 26 villages).

ABOUT Tral Wildlife Sanctuary

Location : Situated in Pulwama District, Jammu & Kashmir, about 26 km from Pulwama town and 44 km from Srinagar.

• Terrain: Himalayan foothills; altitudinal range ~1,600–3,500 m.
• Vegetation Types:
  • Himalayan Moist Temperate Forest (oak, conifers).
  • Sub-Alpine Forest (fir, birch).
  • Alpine Forest/Meadows (rhododendron, juniper).

Flora

• Trees: Aesculus indica (Indian horse chestnut), Fraxinus hookeri (Himalayan ash), Parrotiopsis jacquemontiana, Juglans regia (walnut).
• Shrubs & Understory: Indigofera heterantha, Lonicera spp., Viburnum spp., Skimmia laureola, Jasminum spp.

Current Context: Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra (javelin gold, Tokyo 2020) was named brand ambassador for Audi India, underscoring a partnership between a world-class athlete and a luxury automobile brand.

ABOUT

Neeraj Chopra

• Achievements:
  • Olympic Gold (Tokyo 2020); first Indian track-and-field athlete to do so.
  • World Champion (2022); multiple Asian Games medals.
• Brand Values:
  • Embodies precision, speed, and relentless pursuit of excellence.

Audi India Presence: Division of Audi AG (Germany); luxury carmaker established in India in 2007.

Current Context: Rajiv Memani, Chairman & CEO of EY India, was appointed President of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) for FY 2025–26, ushering in new leadership at India’s premier industry association.

ABOUT the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)

• Founded in 1895 as a non-governmental, industry-led, not-for-profit organization.
• Headquarters: New Delhi.
• Objective :
  • Policy Advocacy: Engages with central and state governments to shape pro-industry policies.
• Structure & Governance:
  • Membership: Over 9,000 direct members and 300,000 indirect members across various industry sectors.
  • Leadership: President elected annually; supported by a Governing Council and sector-specific councils.

Current Context: Historian T.C.A. Srinivasa Raghavan released “Indira Gandhi and the Years that Transformed India”, timed ahead of the Emergency’s 50th anniversary (26 June 1975–1977), offering an objective account of 1970s Indian politics.

ABOUT the Book

• Scope & Focus:
  • Constitutional Struggle: Examines the executive-legislature-judiciary dynamics during the Emergency.
  • Key Personalities: Profiles N. Haksar, Sanjay Gandhi, Nani Palkhivala, A.N. Ray, and other decision-makers.
  • Post-Emergency Policies:
    • 1970s: Adoption of leftist economic policies (bank nationalization, poverty alleviation).
    • 1980s: Shift towards secularism and foreign policy reorientation.
  • Historical Context:
    • Emergency Imposed: 26 June 1975, following Allahabad HC verdict (12 June 1975) invalidating Indira Gandhi’s 1971 election.
    • End of Emergency: 21 March 1977.
    • Critique: Analyzes state coercion, press censorship, and legacy of citizen rights sensitivity in modern India.

Current Context: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Ghatampur Thermal Power Project in Kanpur Nagar district, Uttar Pradesh, marking a milestone in India’s energy infrastructure.

ABOUT Ghatampur Thermal Power Project

• Location : Kanpur Nagar district, Uttar Pradesh.
  • A joint venture of Neyveli Uttar Pradesh Power Ltd (Neyveli Lignite Corporation subsidiary), NLC India Ltd, and UP Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Ltd.
• Project Components:
  • Three Supercritical Units: Each 660 MW, totaling 1,980 MW installed capacity.
  • Technology: Supercritical boilers ensure higher thermal efficiency and reduced emissions compared to subcritical units.

Current Context : ICRISAT launched its Centre of Excellence for South-South Cooperation in Agriculture(with RIS) and signed an MoU with DAKSHIN to strengthen development partnerships.

ABOUT

• Founded in the 1970s under the CGIAR consortium; headquartered in Hyderabad, Telangana.
• Functions under the governance of an international Board of Trustees representing partner countries and donor agencies.
  • Goal: Improve food security and livelihoods of smallholder farmers in semi-arid tropics.
  • Focus Crops: Sorghum, pearl millet, chickpea, pigeon pea, groundnut, and finger millet.
  • Research Areas:
    • Crop improvement (drought-resilient varieties).
    • Natural resource management (water-use efficiency).
    • Climate-smart agriculture and digital agronomy tools.
  • Key Achievements :
    • Africa Food Prize 2021 for contributions to African agricultural productivity.
    • Developed the world’s first pigeon pea hybrid, significantly increasing yields and resilience in dry regions. (user data)
    • Pioneered millet value chains in East and West Africa to diversify diets and income sources.

Current Context : Recently, J&K Lt Governor dismissed three employees under Article 311(2)(c) for alleged terror links.

ABOUT  Article 311

Constitutional Position:

• Dismissal, removal or reduction in rank of persons employed in civil capacities under the Union or a State
  • Falls under Part X – Services Under the Union and the States, Chapter I.
  • Applies to:
    • All India Services (e.g., IAS, IPS, IFS)
    • Civil services of the Union/State (Group A, B, C, D posts).
  • Key Provisions:
    • Clause (1): No member of a civil service can be dismissed or removed by a subordinate authority; must be by the appointing authority.
    • Clause (2): “Right to an informed inquiry”:
      • Service member must receive written charges and a reasonable opportunity to be heard before dismissal, removal, or reduction in rank.
      • Applies to both Union and State civil servants.
    • Exceptions (Clause 2(a)–(c)):
      • (a) No inquiry if convicted of a criminal offence.
      • (b) No inquiry if authority certifies that holding an inquiry is not reasonably practicable (must record reasons in writing).
      • (c) No inquiry if President/Governor is satisfied that, in the interest of state security, it is not expedient to hold one.
    • Value Addition
      • Remember Article 311 relates to safeguarding civil services.
      • Clause 2(c) is used when state security is at stake (no inquiry).
      • Distinguish between appointment authority (Clause 1) and inquiry provisions (Clause 2).

Observed globally on 5 June.

• Theme : “Ending Plastic Pollution”.
• Significance: Raises awareness on environmental protection and supports SDGs (e.g., clean water, responsible consumption).
• Background: Established by UNEP in 1972 (first celebrated 1973).