Prelims: Current events of national importance and international importance
Why in News?
INS Tabar takes part in a rescue mission as it responds to a distress call from Pulau-flagged MT Yi Cheng 6, in the Gulf of Oman, which caught a fire in the engine room and total power failure onboard.
INS Tabar is a Talwar-class frigate of the Indian Navy, designated as F44.
It was built in Russia and commissioned into the Indian Navy in 2004.
It is the 1st naval vessel to take deterrent action against piracy.
It is a stealth frigate equipped with advanced weapons and sensors for anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine warfare.
INS Tabar is part of the Indian Navy's Western Fleet and is based in Mumbai.
Capabilities - Equipped with advanced weapons, sensors, and electronic warfare suites for various warfare operations.
It also has aviation assets like helicopters and advanced firefighting and damage control systems.
Notable Activities
INS Tabar has been involved in counter-piracy operations,
Participated in exercises with other navies, and
Represented the Indian Navy at international events like the Russian Navy Day celebrations.
Recent Activities - In July 2024, INS Tabar visited Hamburg, Germany, and conducted a Maritime Partnership Exercise with the German Navy.
Prelims: Current events of National and International Importance
Why in News?
Recently, on the occasion of 19th Statistics Day (29th June), the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation released various publications on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Released by– Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation.
Objectives - To present the time series data on the SDG national indicators, which will be instrumental in monitoring the national-level progress of the 17 SDGs.
4 mains sections
Overview summary & Executive summary
Data Snapshots
Metadata
Data Tables
Expansion in social security coverage – The population covered by social protection systems/floors has increased to 64.3% in 2025.
Improved agricultural productivity & income per worker – The Gross Value Added in agriculture per worker (in Rs.) has increased from 61,247 in 2015-16 to 94,110 in 2024-25.
Universal safe water access in rural India – Percentage of population using an improved drinking water source in rural areas has increased to 99.62% in 2024-25.
Cleaner and sustainable energy generation – The renewable energy share in the total installed electricity generation has increased to 22.13% in 2024-25.
Waste management infrastructure – Number of waste recycling plant installed have increased to 3036 in 2024- 25.
Growth in entrepreneurship – The number of start-ups recognised under start-up India have increased to 34,293 in 2024.
Reduced income inequality – The Gini coefficient of household expenditure has decreased in rural areas and in urban areas.
The Gini index, or Gini coefficient, measures income inequality innations by determining how income is distributed across their populations.
Low-carbon economy – The reduction in emissions intensity of GDP in 2020 over 2005 level is 36%.
Rise in digital connectivity – The total number of internet subscriptions (in millions) has increased to 954.40 in 2024.
Rise in the country’s forest areas – The forest cover a percentage of total geographical area has increased from 21.34% in 2015 to 21.76% in 2023.
Prelims: Current events of National and International Importance
Why in News?
Recently, 19th Statistics day was celebrated to commemorate 132nd Birth Anniversary of Prof. P. C. Mahalanobis with the theme ‘75 Years of National Sample Survey’.
National Statistics Day is celebrated on June 29th every year in India.
Established in – 1950, by the Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation.
It was inspired by the vision of P.C. Mahalanobis
Objectives – To provide reliable, timely, and comparable socio-economic statistics through sample surveys.
4 divisions
Survey Design and Research Division (SDRD)
Field Operations Division (FOD)
Data Processing Division (DPD)
Survey Coordination Division (SCD)
Headed by – A Director General, who is responsible for conduct of large scale sample surveys in diverse fields on All India basis.
Data collection – They are collected through nation-wide household surveys on various socio-economic subjects, Annual Survey of Industries (ASI), etc.
It also collects data on rural and urban prices.
Significance – It plays a significant role in the improvement of crop statistics through supervision of the area enumeration and crop estimation surveys of the State agencies.
It also maintains a frame of urban area units for use in sample surveys in urban areas.
It is designed to create a comprehensive system for managing and sharing data, facilitating the easy dissemination of official statistics across the country.
GoIStat mobile App – It was launched to enhance the ease of access of official statistical data.
It represents NSO’s vision of creating an inclusive data ecosystem where every stakeholder can seamlessly access official data.
Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis (1893-1972)
Contribution – He played a key role in establishing the
National Sample Survey
Central Statistical Organization
These institutions continue to shape India's statistical landscape.
His influence on India's Planning Commission, particularly the 2nd Five-Year Plan (1956-1961), was significant.
He served as the chairman of the United Nations Sub-Commission on Sampling from 1947 to 1951.
Recognition - He was known as the "Father of Statistics" in India.
Prelims: Current events of National and International Importance
Why in news?
Recently 36 workers were killed at the factory in the explosion of the Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC) drying unit at Sigachi Industries, Hyderabad.
Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC)– It is a chemically inert, derived from purified and partially depolymerized cellulose, commonly sourced from wood pulp or cotton linters.
Chemically inert means that a substance has very low reactivity and does not readily form chemical bonds with other substances.
The human body does not absorb it and so the skin shows no reaction.
Unique property – Its ability to form strong compacts and facilitate drug release, make it an essential component in various drug products.
Key Applications
Pharmaceuticals– It is widely used as a binder, filler, Disintegrant and texturiser.
Binder – It helps in forming cohesive mass of powder during tablet manufacturing, holding the drug and other excipients together.
Disintegrant – It aids in the breakdown of tablets in the body, allowing for faster drug release.
It also helps to maintain drug weight
Filler – It provides bulk to the tablet, especially when the drug dose is low, and ensures active ingredients function effectively.
Food industry– It is used as an anti-caking agent and fat substitute.
It also adds texture to processed foods.
Cosmetics– It is used in creams, powders, and makeup for consistency and texture.
Safety concerns in manufacturing – Though MCC is safe for consumers, its manufacturing involves hazardousprocesses.
It requires strict safety protocols, trained personnel, and equipment maintenance.
Concerns– Global scrutiny expected on manufacturing standards and adherence to safety norms.
India’s pharma industry is a major foreign exchange earner.
Recommended safety practices – HAZOP (Hazard and Operability Study) must be conducted by qualified experts.
Continuous monitoring of plant data for abnormalities.
Operators must be trained and maintain high safety awareness.
Strict adherence to global safety standards to avoid future tragedies.
Prelims: Current events of National and International Importance| Agriculture
Why in news?
Recently National Statistics Office (NSO), Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI)released the annual publication of “Statistical Report on Value of Output from Agriculture and Allied Sectors (2011-12 to 2023-24).
Major Trends in Fruits and Vegetables
Gross Value Added (GVA) – GVA of agriculture and allied sectors at current prices registered a growth of about 225%, increasing from Rs 1,502 thousand crore in 2011-12 to Rs 4,878 thousand crore in 2023-24.
Gross Value of Output (GVO) – GVOfrom the agriculture and allied sector at constant prices has shown steady growth of approximately 54.6%.
Gross Value of Output (GVO) represents the total value of production of goods in agriculture and allied sectors, before deducting the cost of inputs.
Crop sector – It remains the largest contributor to total GVO (at constant prices) of agriculture and allied sectors with share of 54.1% in 2023-24.
Cereals and fruits & vegetables together accounted for 52.5% of total crop GVO in 2023-24.
Five States namely Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Telangana and Haryana contributed nearly 53% of GVO (at constant prices) of cereals in 2023-24.
Among the cereals, only paddy and wheat constitute approximately 85% of GVO (at constant prices) of all cereals in 2023-24.
Other Notable Fruits,
Watermelon - 119%
Cherry - 99%
Banana & Mosambi - 88% each
Muskmelon - 87%
Rising share of animal products – The share of meat in agriculture GVO rose from 5% (2011-12) to 7.5% (2023-24) (constant prices).
Decline in traditional staples – The share of cereals in agriculture GVO fell from 17.6% to 14.5% over the same period.
It reflects a structural shift away from staple crops toward high-value crops like fruits, vegetables, spices, and animal products.
Changing food consumption patterns
Rural– The share of fresh fruits in Monthly Per Capita Consumption Expenditure (MPCE) rose from 2.25% to 2.66%.
About 63.8% of rural households consumed fresh fruits in 2011-12; rose to 90.3% by 2022-23.
Sharp fall in share of cereals in MPCE from 10.69% to 4.97%.
Urban– The share of fresh fruits in MPCE slightly declined from 2.64% to 2.61%.
Sharp fall in share of cereals in MPCE from 6.61% to 3.74%.
Structural shifts– The report indicates a nutritional shift and growing emphasis on high-value crops likely due to,
Technological advancements in agriculture.
Evolving consumer preferences toward fruits, vegetables, meat, and spices.
Rising incomes, especially among rural households.
A 5,300-year-old Early Harappan settlement and burial site was found recently in Lakhapar village, Kutch, Gujarat.
Findings - Archaeologists unearthed an Early Harappan living area and a unique burial from around 3300-2600 BCE.
Unique Burial - The burial, a first for Gujarat, was directly in a pit with pottery linked to older Chalcolithic cultures.
Signs of Interaction - The site shows Harappan-style buildings and pottery, suggesting trade and interaction with Sindh.
Wider Network - This discovery, along with a nearby cemetery, hints at a larger ancient cultural network in Gujarat.
Historical Impact - It challenges past ideas, showing different ancient groups lived together and expands our understanding of Early Harappan influence.
Geography
Ghana
India's Prime Minister will make a two-day state visit to Ghana, the first by an Indian PM in over three decades.
About Ghana Located in West Africa, Ghana's capital is Accra. It borders Burkina Faso, Togo, Côte d’Ivoire, and the Atlantic Ocean.
Land Features Ghana has ancient plains, with the Akwapim-Togo Ranges featuring Mount Afadjato, its highest peak.
Major Rivers - The Volta River system is key.
LakeVolta - Being one of the world's largest artificial lakes, formed by the Akosombo Dam.
Diverse Soils - Ghana's soils vary from common lateritic soils to fertile ochrosols, good for farming, and heavy Akuse clays.
Coastal Zones -Less fertile coastal savanna zones are dominated by vleisols and acidic gray earths.
Polity & Governance
ELI Scheme: Boosting Jobs in India
The Employment Linked Incentive (ELI) Scheme, Recently approved in aims to create jobs, especially in manufacturing.
Launched by - Ministry of Labour & Employment
Big Goal It's part of a ₹2 lakh crore initiative to help 4.1 crore youth, targeting over 3.5 crore new jobs in two years.
Two Main Parts Part A helps new employees, while Part B supports employers.
Help for New Employees (Part A) First-time employees (EPFO registered) get one month's salary (up to ₹15,000) in two payments, linked to a financial literacy program.
Support for Employers (Part B) Employers get up to ₹3,000 monthly for each new hire (up to ₹1 lakh salary) for two years, with extra benefits for manufacturing jobs.
Simple Payments Payments are made directly to employees via Aadhaar and to employers' PAN-linked accounts for transparency.
Bihar Pioneers Mobile e-Voting
Bihar has recently launched India's first mobile e-voting system for local elections, with 70.2% participation via the "E-SECBHR" app.
New system - Allows eligible voters to cast votes remotely using a secure mobile app, developed by C-DAC.
Aims to - Make voting easier for the elderly, disabled, pregnant women, and those far from polling booths, promoting digital access.
Procedure - Voters download the app, link their phone number, and verify their ID using facial recognition to vote on election day.
Security Features - It uses blockchain technology for secure, unchangeable votes, facial recognition, and strict login rules to prevent tampering.
Big Impact - This initiative sets a precedent for digital election reform, with Bibha Kumari being the first to vote by phone, potentially influencing future national elections.
International Relations and Issues
Pakistan Leads UN Security Council
On July 1, 2025, Pakistan started its month-long role as President of the UN Security Council. This is a big moment in their two-year term.
Pakistan's leadership -is important as global conflicts and crises are increasing.
Main Goals - Pakistan aims for transparent leadership, focusing on UN rules, peaceful solutions, and global teamwork.
Key Meetings Pakistan's Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad will lead, with Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar chairing major debates on peace, Palestine, and cooperation with the OIC.
Strategic Focus Pakistan plans to discuss India's actions and will influence Afghan peace as chair of the Taliban Sanctions Committee.
Crucial Time This presidency happens amid growing global conflicts and demands for UN changes.
Security
INS Udaygiri
On July 1, 2025, the Indian Navy received INS Udaygiri, a new stealth warship. It's the second of seven advanced Project 17A frigates.
Advanced Warships - Project 17A frigates are upgraded versions with better stealth and weapons, capable of operating in deep seas.
Smart Construction - Udaygiri was built quickly using a smart "Integrated Construction" method, reflecting India's own design skills.
Powerful Features - It has a larger hull, a combined diesel and gas engine, and advanced missiles for defense.
Made in India - This project boosts self-reliance, creating over 4,000 direct and 10,000 indirect jobs, involving many small businesses.
More to Come - Five more such warships are being built, expected by late 2026, further strengthening India's navy.
Brazil Eyes India's Akash Missile System
Recently Brazil has shown Interest to buy India's Akash Air Defence System after its success in 'Operation Sindoor,' ahead of the 17th BRICS Summit.
Akash is - A medium-range, mobile missile system built in India. It protects against enemy aircraft, drones, and missiles.
Made in India - DRDO, BDL, and BEL developed Akash as part of the 'Make in India' initiative for self-reliance in defence.
Key Features - It has a range of 4.5 to 25 km, flies at supersonic speeds, and can be quickly deployed on mobile platforms.
