“Global Unity Tested” – G7 Summit in Canada Amid Heightened Geopolitics

What’s New?

• The 51st G7 Summit took place from June 16–17, 2025, in Kananaskis, Alberta, Canada, marking the 50th anniversary of the group’s founding.
• Prime Minister Mark Carney made his debut as host during a tumultuous week overshadowed by the Israel–Iran escalation.
• Key focus: realigning EU–US sanctions on Russia, managing Israel–Iran tensions, and addressing AI governance, global trade, and energy security.

Strategic Context & Key Discussions

• Israel–Iran conflict soared up the agenda after missile exchanges; G7 leaders urged de-escalation and backed Israel’s right to defend itself.
• Coordinated 18th EU sanctions package and anticipated US sanctions on Russia spotlighted EU‑US alignment.
• Economic resilience discussed alongside:
  • Central bank policy stability (Fed, BoE, BoJ)
  • AI regulation
  • Climate change
  • Digital governance.
• Transnational repression, migrant smuggling, and border security also received attention .

India’s Role & Bilateral Engagements

• PM Narendra Modi attended as an invitation guest—his sixth consecutive G7 appearance, strengthening India‑Canada ties and global diplomacy.
• Modi held sideline bilateral talks, including with Croatia, boosting EU‑India engagement .

Additional Info

• About G7:
  • Comprises "Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, UK, and US, plus EU representation.
  • Origins in the 1975 oil crisis, formalised as G7 in 1976 with Canada’s inclusion; Russia was part from 1998–2014.
  • Informal consensus-driven forum without a permanent secretariat.
• Summit Dynamics:
  • 50th anniversary celebrated in 2025.
  • Hosted previously by Canada in 2002 (as G8 at Kananaskis).
  • Next host: France, scheduled in June 2026 in Évian-les-Bains.

Simplified Summary

• G7 leaders gathered in Canada amid rising conflict in the Middle East and ongoing Russia‑Ukraine war.
• Summit action points:
  • Support for Israel and counter Iran aggression
  • EU and US sanctions coordination on Russia
  • AI ethics, climate action, economic resilience, and borders/migration
• India participated actively, signalling diplomatic recovery and engagement.

Exam Focus Points

• What is G7? Informal group of seven advanced democracies focused on collective action.
• 51st Summit details: Held on June 16–17, 2025, in Kananaskis, Canada; Canada chaired.
• Major agendas: Israel‑Iran crisis response; EU‑US Russia sanctions; AI/digital governance; climate; migration.
• India's role: Invited guest; PM Modi participated alongside bilateral engagements.
• Outcome implications:
  • Reinforced Western unity on sanctions and Middle East tension.
  • G7's soft-power in shaping norms on AI, climate, and border security.
• Future path: Track follow-through on sanctions, Middle East diplomacy, AI frameworks, and upcoming G7 in France (2026).

“One-Stop Toll Solution” – NHAI Unveils ₹3,000 Annual FASTag Pass for Private Vehicles

What’s New?

• On June 18, 2025, Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari announced the launch of an annual FASTag-based toll pass for non‑commercial private vehicles, priced at ₹3,000.
• The pass will be valid for one year from activation or up to 200 trips, whichever comes first. It becomes effective from August 15, 2025.
• Activation/renewal will be available via the Rajmarg Yatra App and official NHAI/MoRTH websites, requiring no extra paperwork like address proof.

Cost-Benefit Analysis

• Compared to monthly passes (₹340/month -> ₹4080/year) (₹1,080 annually; Gadkari estimates total savings of up to ₹7,000 for frequent users.
• Private vehicles contribute 53% of highway traffic but only 21% of toll revenue—indicating underutilised convenience for private commuters.

Convenience & Efficiency

• Enables uninterrupted travel on national highways, reducing stop-and-pay friction at toll booths.
• Aims to decrease traffic congestion, transaction time, and toll-related disputes.

Technology & Infrastructure

• Integrates with existing RFID FASTag system, with no additional installation or documentation needed.
• Aligns with government push for barrier-free tolling, using technologies like ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) and satellite/GPS tolling.
• Earlier considered lifetime pass (₹30,000 for 15 years) has been shelved; focus now is on annual model.

Additional Info

• FASTag System:
  • Introduced in 2014, mandated by MoRTH from February 2021.
  • Utilises RFID technology linked to accounts for contactless toll payments.
• NHAI & MoRTH: Responsible for national highway tolling and digital transitions.
• Toll Products:
  • Monthly passes restricted to specific toll plazas vs. the new all-network annual pass.
  • Scheme aligns with global push for smarter, digital infrastructure.

Simplified Summary

• Big news for highway commuters: an affordable ₹3,000 annual FASTag pass offers unlimited toll-free travel for 200 trips or 12 months starting August 15, 2025.
• It reduces travel costs, wait times, and traffic jams, while promoting digital toll systems.
• No new tags needed—this wraps up convenience and upgrades infrastructural efficiency.

Exam Focus Points

• Initiative: ₹3,000 annual FASTag pass for non-commercial private vehicles, valid for 200 trips or one year.
• Launch date: Announced June 18, 2025; effective August 15, 2025.
• Benefits: Saves up to ₹7,000/year, reduces congestion, quicker toll transactions, nationwide coverage.
• Tech integration: RFID FASTag, ANPR, GPS, barrier-free tolling.
• Strategic shift: Moves away from monthly and lifetime passes, focusing on annual model to suit regular users.

“Acknowledging Her Harvest” – Women Farmers Key to Food Security

What’s New?

• The UN General Assembly has declared 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer, backed by over 100 countries, to spotlight women’s pivotal role in agriculture and food security.

Why It Matters

• In developing nations, women contribute 60–80% of food production and make up around 39% of agricultural labour in South Asia.
• In India, about 80% of economically active rural women work in agriculture, yet only 14% (NFHS data) own land, limiting their access to credit and government schemes.
• Empowering women is essential for enhancing food production, boosting household nutrition, and building climate resilience.

Challenges Faced

• Land ownership gap: Only ~14% of women in India own farmland; globally, women own under 20% .
• Credit and financial exclusion: Lack of land-holding prevents women from accessing bank loans, forcing reliance on informal sources .
• Technological divide: Women often lack mobile phones and access to agricultural advisories, blocking them from climate-smart tips.
• Climate burden: Climate change disproportionately affects women—adding to workloads at home and on the farm.

Encouraging Solutions & Initiatives

• ENACT project (Assam): A WFP‑Assam program, with Norway’s funding, aiding 300+ women across 17 villages with weekly mobile agro‑climate advisories, climate‑resilient seeds, digital support centres
• Government Schemes:
  • Mahila Kisan Sashaktikaran Pariyojana (MKSP): Skill-building & sustainable agriculture training.
  • Sub-mission on Agricultural Mechanisation: 50–80% subsidies for farm equipment.
  • National Food Security Mission: 30% budget earmarked for women farmers.
• Land reforms: The 2005 Hindu Succession Amendment and 2006 Forest Rights Act grant daughters land inheritance rights.
• Tech & digital inclusion: Mobile platforms for advisory services, e‑markets, women-led agri‑startups.
• Community empowerment: Women-only cooperatives (only 8k vs. 450k total) and self-help groups amplify access and collective action ..

Additional Info

• Global impact: FAO research shows equal access to resources by women could boost yields by 20–30%, increasing overall output by 2.5–4%.
• Time use: Indian women combine ~30 hours unpaid household work weekly with equal farm labor to men.
• Recommendations:
  • Collect gender-disaggregated data for responsive planning.
  • Ensure legal land rights and easy access to credit.
  • Invest in digital literacy.
  • Support women-led value chains, climate-smart tools, and childcare support.

Simplified Summary

• Women are agricultural powerhouses but face deep-rooted barriers in land, finance, technology, and climate.
• The upcoming 2026 declaration is a global signal to prioritize women farmers through legal, financial, and technological reforms.
• Targeted programmes like ENACT, MKSP, and mechanisation subsidies are steps toward a more inclusive food system.

Exam Focus Points

• Definition: International Year of the Woman Farmer – 2026, UN‑backed.
• Stats: Women produce 60–80% of food in developing countries; 80% rural women in India work in agriculture, but only 14% own land.
• Key barriers: Land rights, credit access, digital and advisory reach, climate vulnerability.
• Initiatives:
  • ENACT (WFP-Assam-Norway)
  • MKSP, mechanisation support, NFSM earmark
  • Land-rights reforms (HSA 2005, FRA 2006)
  • Digital tools, cooperatives, SHGs
• Impact potential: FAO estimates 20–30% productivity gains with equal resource access.
• Policy recommendations: Gendered data, legal rights, financial inclusion, tech access, community support, infrastructure for care/domestic burden.

“Think Before You Eat” – Sustainable Gastronomy Day, June 18

What’s New?

• Designated by UNGA on 21 December 2016 (Resolution A/RES/71/246), June 18 is observed annually as Sustainable Gastronomy Day, marking its first official celebration in 2017.
• The day celebrates the intersection of food, culture, and sustainability, with active support from UNESCO, FAO, and other UN bodies.

Why It Matters

• "Gastronomy = art of food: cooking, culture, and local cuisine.
• Sustainable Gastronomy = food systems that:
  • Use seasonal, local ingredients,
  • Minimize resource wastage,
  • Preserve biodiversity,
  • Support health & nutrition,
  • And sustain cultural heritage.
• Underpins SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) by reinforcing food security, agriculture, and conservation.

Key Aspects & UN Actions

• UNESCO: Mobilizes its Creative Cities Network, designating cities for culinary heritage and promoting clean energy use in food services.
• FAO: Encourages green diets, integration of sustainability in national dietary guidelines.
• Partnerships: Member states and civil society collaborate on promoting public awareness, ecosystem-friendly cooking practices, and food culture exhibitions

Real‑World Examples

• UNESCO‑designated Gastronomy Cities: 49 cities (as of 2024) share best practices in cultural and sustainable food preservation.
• Local and global campaigns highlight themes like “More Taste, Less Waste” through restaurant weeks, public cook-offs, and food festivals

Additional Info

• Date & Resolution:
  • Declared in 2016 (Resolution A/RES/71/246), observed from 2017.
• UN Entities:
  • UNGA – formal declaration,
  • UNESCO & FAO – lead implementation
  • Civil society – critical role in awareness
• Five Principles of Sustainable Agriculture & Food (FAO): Productivity, resource protection, inclusive growth, resilience, responsive governance.
• Broader benefits: Conservation of biodiversity, reduced food waste, healthier diets, cultural preservation, rural development.

Simplified Summary

• June 18 honours the vital role of sustainable gastronomy—ensuring food systems are healthy, cultural, equitable, and eco-friendly.
• UNESCO and FAO guide nations in adopting sustainable cooking habits, local sourcing, and food heritage conservation.
• Observed through restaurant initiatives, awareness campaigns, and policy integration that support SDGs and climate goals.

Exam Focus Points

• What? An annual UN‑declared day promoting eco-friendly and culturally rooted food systems.
• When & How? June 18; UNGA 2016 Resolution A/RES/71/246.
• Who leads? UNESCO (Creative Cities), FAO (green diets), UNGA (oversight), member states and civil society.
• Why it matters: Connects food policy to SDG 2, biodiversity conservation, nutrition, and cultural identity.
• Examples to note:
  • UNESCO Creative Cities of Gastronomy network,
  • Restaurant campaigns reducing food waste,
  • Initiatives promoting local ingredients and sustainable energy in kitchens.

“Guarding a Plague-Free Future” – India Strengthens Global Rinderpest Containment

What’s New?

• On May 29, 2025, during the 92nd WOAH General Session in Paris, India’s ICAR‑NIHSAD, Bhopal was designated a Category A Rinderpest Holding Facility (RHF) by WOAH and FAO.
• India formally applied for RHF status in 2019, and after a joint inspection in March 2025, achieved the designation for a one-year term.
• This places India among just six global labs vetted to securely store Rinderpest Virus-Containing Material (RVCM) .

Why It Matters

• Rinderpest, aka cattle plague, was one of the deadliest livestock diseases until its global eradication in 2011.
• Even post-eradication, the virus persists in labs; any accidental release could threaten animal health and livelihoods worldwide.
• This move reinforces India's role in upholding biosecurity, One Health, and animal disease surveillance.

Global Facility Network

• The other five Category A RHFs are located in the UK, USA, France, Japan, and Ethiopia .
• Facilities must meet rigorous standards: BSL‑3 infrastructure, inventory tracking, emergency preparedness, and annual reporting.

India’s Preparedness & Legacy

• NIHSAD, established in 2012 as India’s national RVCM repository, is already a WOAH reference lab for avian influenza.
• India became clinically free of rinderpest in June 1995, with OIE certification following in May 2006.

Historical Context

• First recorded in India in the mid-18th century, rinderpest had 90–100% mortality in cattle and buffaloes.
• Mass vaccination began in 1954, significantly cutting outbreaks and contributing to overall agricultural prosperity.
• It became only the second disease globally eradicated, after smallpox.

Additional Info

• RHF Mandate (Category A) includes:
  • Secure storage and detailed inventory control of RVCM,
  • Annual reporting and sharing records with WOAH/FAO,
  • Emergency and breach notification plans,
  • Global coordination and technical training responsibilities.
• The Global Rinderpest Action Plan guides international cooperation to prevent re-emergence.

Simplified Summary

• India’s NIHSAD in Bhopal is now officially in the global elite set trusted to store eradicated rinderpest virus.
• This secures global livestock safety and honors the legacy of disease eradication efforts.
• RHF designation demands top-tier biosecurity, inventory management, emergency preparedness, and international collaboration.

Exam Focus Points

• What? Category A RHF—high-security lab for storing rinderpest virus post-eradication.
• Where & When? NIHSAD, Bhopal; certified May 29, 2025, after 2025 inspection.
• Why important? Ensures global disease-free status, prevents accidental reintroduction, supports One Health.
• India’s legacy: Rinderpest eradication (1995), OIE certification (2006), NIHSAD designated repository (2012).
• Global context: Only six labs (UK, USA, France, Japan, Ethiopia, India).
• RHF responsibilities: BSL‑3 containment, inventory, reporting, emergency response, training, global network participation.
• Policy relevance: Fits into animal health strategy and biosecurity frameworks like One Health and Global Action Plan.

“50 Years of Croc Conservation” – World Crocodile Day & India’s Landmark Progress

What’s New?

• World Crocodile Day, observed annually on June 18, marks awareness of reptilian conservation globally.
• In 2025, India—and specifically Odisha—celebrates the 50th anniversary of its pioneering Crocodile Conservation Project (CCP), launched in 1975 .

Why It Matters

• India is home to all three native crocodilian species: saltwater crocodile, mugger (marsh crocodile), and gharial—a distinction unique to Odisha.
• From a population low of ~95 saltwater crocs in 1975, Odisha now supports ~1,826 in Bhitarkanika, alongside muggers and gharials—highlighting massive recovery.

Conservation Strategy: Rear and Release

• Launched via UNDP-FAO support, the CCP focused on egg collection, captive incubation, and release into sanctuaries.
• Achieved target densities of 5–6 crocodiles/km; restored wild populations through systematic captive breeding.

Odisha's Multi-Species Success

• In 1975, three conservation programs began:
  • Saltwater crocodiles in Bhitarkanika
  • Gharials in Satkosia
  • Muggers in Similipal
• Odisha remains the only Indian state with viable wild populations of all three.

Recent Progress & Community Engagement

• A week-long celebration (seminars, workshops, exhibitions) marked the 50th anniversary, honoring conservationists like Sudhakar Kar and H. R. Bustard.
• Operations include annual nest counts, barriers/warnings, and training forest staff, particularly during nesting season to reduce conflicts and ensure safety.

Emerging Challenges

• Rising human–crocodile conflict: Bhitarkanika recorded 6–10 fatalities in recent years .
• Climate change threatens gharial habitats on Chambal and other rivers .
• Conservation now emphasizes research, community safety, conflict mitigation, and ecosystem-based management.

Additional Info

• Species Status & Habitat:
  • Saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus): IUCN Least Concern; found in Bhitarkanika, Sundarbans, Andamans.
  • Mugger crocodile (Crocodylus palustris): IUCN Vulnerable; major populations in freshwater bodies like Similipal.
  • Gharial (Gavialis gangeticus): IUCN Critically Endangered; Indian population (~2,000–2,500) thanks to kukrail and Satkosia efforts .
• Madras Crocodile Bank Trust (MCBT), Chennai: Established 1976, a key herpetology centre, bred 5,000+ crocs, educates and supports conservation across species.
• International and National Significance:
  • The project is a global conservation model—UNDP and FAO-backed, replicable for wetland and reptile habitats.
  • Supports SDG 15 (Life on Land) and demonstrates India’s leadership in biodiversity restoration.

Simplified Summary

• India marks half a century of its Crocodile Conservation Project, which has revived saltwater, mugger, and gharial populations—placing Odisha at the forefront of reptile conservation.
• The rear‑and‑release model, backed by UNDP‑FAO, transformed near-extinct species into stable, viable wild populations.
• With conservation success comes new responsibility: mitigating human-wildlife conflict and adapting to climate threats.
• Institutions like MCBT support ongoing research, education, and habitat management.

Exam Focus Points

• Crocodile Conservation Project (CCP): Launched 1975 in Bhitarkanika; backbone of Indian reptile revival
• Species: Saltwater (Least Concern), Mugger (Vulnerable), Gharial (Critically Endangered)
• Strategy: Rear & release; egg collection, captive incubation, wild release
• Outcomes: Saltwater crocs in Odisha rose from ~95 to ~1,826 by 2025; gharial count ~2,000–2,500
• Key Locations: Bhitarkanika, Satkosia, Similipal; Kukrail Centre (Lucknow); MCBT (Chennai)
• Challenges: Human-crocodile conflict, climate change impacting freshwater habitats
• Policy Dimensions: Legal protection under WPA 1972, international support (UNDP, FAO), alignment with SDG 15, One Health
• Institutions: Odisha Forest Dept, MCBT, IUCN, UNDP, FAO—role of local communities and awareness programs

“Dharti Aaba Janbhagidari Abhiyan” – A Landmark Push for Tribal Empowerment

What’s New?

• From June 15 to 30, 2025, the Ministry of Tribal Affairs launched the Dharti Aaba Janbhagidari Abhiyan, a massive benefit‑saturation campaign targeting tribal regions.
• Coverage includes 549 tribal‑dominated districts, 207 PVTG districts, and over 100,000 villages, aiming to ensure seamless access to central and state welfare schemes.

Why It Matters

• This campaign is a milestone in inclusivity, aligning with PM Modi’s Antyodaya vision—uplifting the most marginalized through dignity and empowerment.
• It ensures no tribal household is left behind, especially in regions with Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).
• Multi‑ministry participation promotes synergy in delivering services like healthcare, education, financial inclusion, and livelihood support.

Key Features & Implementation

• Service-on-wheels: Camps across 100,000+ villages use mobile vans, fixed camps, and gram sabhas for on-the-spot registrations.
• Range of services:
  • Aadhaar enrolment
  • Ayushman Bharat health cards
  • PM‑Kisan farmer registrations
  • Pensions, scholarships
  • Bank accounts under PM‑Jan Dhan, skill training
  • Basic amenities like drinking water and electricity
• Grassroots engagement: Local panchayats and community leaders drive awareness and participation.

Related Parallel Schemes

• PM‑Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM‑JANMAN): Focuses on PVTGs; active in Odisha’s Malkangiri with integrated infrastructure and livelihood support.
• Year-End Review 2024: Highlights MoTA’s budget growth from ₹4,498 Cr (2014‑15) to ₹13,000 Cr (2024‑25), and launch of major schemes—Dharti Aaba Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan, PM‑JANMAN, EMRS expansion.
• Budget 2025‑26: Record tribal development outlay of ₹14,926 Cr, a 46% hike over previous year .

Additional Info

• Scheduled Tribe Population: ~10.45 Cr (~8.6% of total); 705+ tribal groups across India.
• Development Action Plan (DAPST): Central ministries allocate 4–17.5% of scheme budgets for ST development; funding surged from ₹21,525 Cr (2013‑14) to ₹1.25 Lakh Cr (2024‑25).
• PVTGs: 207 districts targeted; require focused attention due to extreme socio‑economic vulnerability.

Simplified Summary

• Dharti Aaba campaign (June 15–30) is a nationwide drive delivering 35+ services—ID, health, education, finance, pensions, connectivity—to tribal households directly.
• It represents a major effort in benefit saturation, ensuring tribal empowerment, especially for PVTGs.
• The campaign is part of a larger framework comprising PM‑JANMAN, Dharti Aaba Gram Utkarsh, EMRS, and boosted budgets—all steering inclusive and convergent development.

Exam Focus Points

• Program: Dharti Aaba Janbhagidari Abhiyan – tribal benefit-saturation campaign, June 2025.
• Coverage: 549 districts, 207 PVTG districts, 100K+ villages.
• Key components: Aadhaar, health cards, bank accounts, pensions, scholarships, skill training, drinking water, electricity.
• Related schemes:
  • PM‑JANMAN: Targeted upliftment of PVTGs.
  • Dharti Aaba Gram Utkarsh: Infrastructure & livelihood.
  • EMRS expansion: 728+ residential schools for ST children.
• Budgetary trends:
  • MoTA budget growth: ₹4,498 Cr → ₹13,000 Cr (2014‑15 to 2024‑25).
  • Budget 2025‑26: ₹14,926 Cr.
  • DAPST budget growth: ₹21,525 Cr → ₹1.25 Lakh Cr.
• Policy signals: Emphasis on Antyodaya, convergence, PVTG inclusion, digital financial inclusion.
• Constitutional/social schema: ST rights (Art 46, 15(4), 46, Fifth Schedule), FRA & PESA, realignment of tribal welfare through coordinated frameworks.