Observed annually on 23  June since 2010.

• Aim : to address discrimination and hardship faced by widows and to raise awareness of human‑rights violations (e.g., inheritance laws, forced remarriage).
• Global Scope: ~ 258  million widows worldwide, many facing poverty, property deprivation, and social exclusion.

Observed every year on 23  June.

• Aim : To celebrate the value and virtue of public service.
• Adopted on 20 December 2002; first observed in 2003.
• Global Impact: Reinforces the role of a competent civil service in sustaining democratic institutions and SDG 16.

Observed every year on 23  June.

• Aim : To commemorate the founding of the modern Olympic Movement in 1894 and to promote physical activity worldwide.
• Origins: Established by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in 1948; date marks creation of IOC on 23 June
• 2025 Theme: “Let’s Move?” — encourages individuals to invite a “+1” to walk, run, dance, or play together.

Celebrated every year on 22 June.

• World Rainforest Day was established in 2017 by the Rainforest Partnership to galvanise global action for rainforest protection.
• Theme 2025: “Forests and Food” – highlights rainforests’ role in sustaining food systems and livelihoods.
• Ecological Value:
• Cover ~ 6 % of global land area but support > 50 % of terrestrial species.
• Act as major carbon sinks, storing ~ 300 billion tonnes of carbon.

General Studies Paper-2

Context

• Two years after a major rupture in ties, India and Canada have agreed to restore the High Commissioners, and discussed restarting talks for a trade agreement, visa services, and other dialogue mechanisms.

About

• The decisions came during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s talks with Canada’s newly elected Prime Minister Mark Carney on the sidelines of the G7 outreach session.
• The leaders also discussed the importance of restarting the stalled negotiations on the Trade Agreement (EPTA), with a view to paving the way for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
• The two Prime Ministers discussed collaborations in “clean energy, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, LNG, food security, critical minerals, higher education, mobility, and supply chain resilience”.

Background of the Issue

• Khalistani separatist activities in Canada have strained ties; India has repeatedly raised concerns over Canada’s inaction.
• 2023 Diplomatic Row: Relations deteriorated after the Canadian PM alleged Indian involvement in the killing of a Canadian citizen linked to Khalistan extremism.
  • India dismissed the allegations and expelled Canadian diplomats.
  • Talks on trade and economic agreements were suspended due to the diplomatic fallout.

Brief on India-Canada Relations

• Historical Relations: India and Canada established diplomatic relations in 1947.
  • Shared democratic values and Commonwealth membership have underpinned ties.
  • Relations were historically strained after India’s nuclear tests in 1974 and 1998, due to Canada’s non-proliferation stance.
• Economic Cooperation: In 2024 (January – August), total bilateral trade in goods amounted to USD 8.55 billion (India’s exports: USD 5.22 billion and India’s imports: USD 3.33 billion).
  • Negotiations continue on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and a Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA).
• Civil Nuclear Cooperation: Nuclear Cooperation Agreement (NCA) signed in 2010, operational since 2013.
  • A Joint Committee oversees implementation of the 2010 Agreement on “Cooperation in Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy”.
• Space Cooperation: MoUs signed in 1996 and 2003 between ISRO and Canadian Space Agency (CSA).
  • Cooperation includes satellite tracking, space astronomy, and commercial satellite launches.
  • ISRO’s commercial arm ANTRIX has launched multiple Canadian nanosatellites.
• Science and Technology: Department of Earth Science and Polar Canada have started a programme for exchange of knowledge and scientific research on Cold Climate (Arctic) Studies.
  • A Memorandum of Cooperation between National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) and POLAR Canada was signed in 2020.
• People-to-People Links: There are around 1.8 million Indo-Canadians and one million non-resident Indians in Canada, making up over 3% of its population.
  • India is the largest source of international students in Canada, with Indians making up around 40% of that group.
  • Strong cultural exchanges and vibrant diaspora influence bilateral perceptions.
• Multilateral Cooperation: Both countries cooperate in forums like the G20, Commonwealth, United Nations, and International Solar Alliance.

Conclusion

• India–Canada relations have strong foundations and significant potential, especially in trade, education, and clean energy. However, bilateral ties remain fragile, with political and security concerns acting as key irritants.
• The future of the relationship depends on how both countries manage these differences while leveraging shared interests.

Current Context : On 20  June  2025, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw inaugurated India’s largest automobile cargo terminal at Maruti Suzuki, Manesar, under the PM Gati Shakti initiative.

 About Gati shakti Cargo Terminal

• Infrastructure: Dedicated 10 km rail link to Patli station, part of 7 km Haryana Orbital Rail Corridor.
• Capacity: Handles 450,000 vehicles/year; stockyards, container handling, and customs facilities on‑site.
• Investment: ₹684 crore by Haryana Rail Infrastructure Development Corporation; ₹116 crore by Maruti

About: PM Gati Shakti

• Launched by: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 13 October 2021.
• Objective: To institutionalize holistic infrastructure planning across ministries and departments, reducing delays and cost overruns through data-driven decision-making.

Current Context : At the 78th World Health Assembly, Member States unanimously passed a resolution on “Skin Diseases as a Global Public Health Priority.”

About Skin Diseases Resolution

• Need: Affects 9 billion people; under‑recognized in global health agendas.
• Key Provisions:
  • Develop Global Action Plan for prevention, early detection, treatment, and long‑term care.
  • Mobilise resources, enhance surveillance and research.
  • Collaboration with International League of Dermatological Societies.

About Skin Disease

Definition : Skin diseases are disorders that affect the skin, hair, or nails. They can be infectious or non-infectious, acute or chronic, and mild or severe in impact.

Types of Skin Diseases

1. Infectious
   • Bacterial: Impetigo, Cellulitis, Leprosy
   • Fungal: Ringworm (Tinea), Candidiasis
   • Viral: Herpes, Chickenpox, Measles-related rashes
   • Parasitic: Scabies, Lice infestation
2. Non-Infectious
   • Inflammatory: Eczema, Psoriasis, Dermatitis
   • Autoimmune: Vitiligo, Lupus
   • Genetic: Ichthyosis, Albinism
   • Cancers: Melanoma, Basal Cell Carcinoma

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.