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One Liners 26-06-2025
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Geography
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Uttarakhand High Court Halts Illegal Sand Mining in Kosi River
Recently,Uttarakhand High Court ordered a halt to illegal sand mining in the Kosi River in Bazpur tehsil following a public interest petition.
- Origin - The Kosi River originates from the confluence of tributaries in the Nepal and Tibet Himalayan regions.
- States it Flows Through - It flows through China (Tibet), Nepal, and India, primarily in Bihar.
- Key Feature - Known as the “Sorrow of Bihar,” the Kosi is infamous for its frequent, devastating floods and braided, shifting channels.
- Tributary of - The Ganges River, merging with it in Bihar.
- Economic Impact - Its fertile sandy soils support extensive maize cultivation, but illegal mining threatens the ecosystem.
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Polity & Governance
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Small Modular Reactor (SMR)-based nuclear power plant to be hosted in Bihar
Recently, Union Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar announced that Bihar would be among the first six states to get a Small Modular Reactor (SMR)-based nuclear power plant.
- SMR - Are advanced, compact, and cost-effective nuclear reactors ideal for regions with smaller power grids, offering enhanced safety and scalability.
- Strategic Vision - This project is part of the Nuclear Energy Mission, backed by a ₹20,000 crore budget, with the goal of establishing a nuclear plant in every state.
- Why Bihar - The plant will address Bihar's chronic power shortages, stabilize its grid, and support industrial growth.
- Complementary Initiatives - The Centre also sanctioned a 1,000 MW battery storage project for grid stability and renewable energy integration.
- Power Vision 2035 - This aligns with India’s long-term Power Vision 2035, a multi-energy roadmap integrating thermal, solar, wind, and nuclear power for sustainable growth.
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International Relations and Issues
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World Drug Day
Is observed annually on June 26th, World Drug Day raises global awareness against drug abuse and illicit trafficking?
- Theme for 2025 - Is "Break the Cycle: Stop Organized Crime," linking the drug trade to other crimes.
- Significance - The day highlights the threat drugs pose to public health and global security, emphasizing a drug-free world.
- UNODC's Role - The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) leads the global fight and publishes the annual World Drug Report.
- National Efforts - In India, the "Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan" (Drug-Free India Campaign) raises awareness, especially among youth.
- Key Focus - The day promotes collaborative efforts in prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation programs.
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UN Charter Day
United Nations Charter Day is observed annually on June 26th.
- Commemorates- The signing of the UN Charter in San Francisco on June 26, 1945.
- UN Charter - The UN Charter is the UN's founding document, outlining its purposes and principles.
- Core Aims - Its core aims are to maintain international peace, uphold law, promote human rights, and foster global development.
- Significance - The day reaffirms the Charter's principles and emphasizes the importance of multilateralism.
- UN Day - The Charter officially came into force on October 24, 1945, which is celebrated as United Nations Day.
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Iran Suspends Cooperation with IAEA
Recently,Iran’s Parliament voted to suspend all cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) following military strikes by the US and Israel on its nuclear sites.
- Triggering Events - The decision was triggered by recent US airstrikes on June 22 and Israeli attacks on June 13, targeting Iranian nuclear facilities.
- Parliament's Action - The approved bill demands security guarantees for Iran’s nuclear sites before resuming cooperation and accelerates the nuclear program.
- Impact on Oversight - This legislation would halt IAEA inspections, surveillance, and reporting, creating a significant gap in international oversight.
- Shifts in Policy - The move represents a major setback for the 2015 JCPOA, with Iran leveraging IAEA access for political gain.
- Global Implications - The decision has prompted calls for a UN Security Council meeting, raising concerns about nuclear proliferation and regional stability.
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India Requests Pause on Indus Waters Treaty Proceedings
Recently,India has requested a pause in the World Bank-mediated proceedings concerning the Ratle and Kishanganga hydropower projects.
- Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) - The 1960 Indus Waters Treaty governs water sharing from the Indus River system between India and Pakistan.
- Current Disputes - Pakistan alleges that the Ratle and Kishanganga projects in Jammu and Kashmir violate the IWT’s water flow requirements.
- India's Stance - India's decision to put the treaty in abeyance is contingent on Pakistan ceasing support for cross-border terrorism.
- Pakistan's Response - Pakistan has opposed India's request, insisting that the dispute resolution process must continue to protect its rights.
- Future Implications - This standoff could escalate regional water security concerns and bilateral tensions, with India reportedly planning further water diversion projects.
- International Mediation - Michel Lino, a neutral expert appointed by the World Bank, is a crucial mediator whose decision will shape the future of the treaty.
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Economy
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India’s First Quantum Computing Valley to Emerge in Amaravati
The announcement for India’s first Quantum Computing Valley was recently made during a high-profile workshop in Vijayawada on June 25, 2025.
- Aim - Is to establish a national quantum innovation hub in Amaravati by January 2026, fostering research and industry applications across sectors like healthcare and agri-tech.
- Key Highlights - The new Amaravati Quantum Valley Tech Park will create jobs, support startups, and provide training through the Ratan Tata Innovation Hub. Quantum computing is seen as a complementary, not a replacement, technology.
- Partners - IBM will deploy quantum computers, while LTIMindtree and TCS will focus on real-world applications.
- Use Cases - Quantum computing's applications include pharmaceutical research, EV battery optimization, logistics, and cryptographic security.
- National Quantum Mission Alignment - This initiative supports the National Quantum Mission’s objectives to develop infrastructure, enhance computing capacity, and foster talent.
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RBI Relaxes Priority Sector Lending Norms for SFBs
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has recently reduced the Priority Sector Lending (PSL) target for Small Finance Banks (SFBs) from 75% to 60%.
- Purpose - This relaxation provides SFBs with greater flexibility to diversify their loan portfolios and deploy capital in other sectors.
- Impact on SFBs - The move frees up approximately ₹40,000 crore for SFBs, allowing them to expand into new areas like personal and vehicle loans.
- Future Strategy - SFBs can now diversify into different asset classes, potentially improving their asset quality and profitability.
- Conversion to Universal Banks - The RBI also introduced a new pathway for SFBs to convert into universal banks, encouraging expansion.
- Revenue Stream - SFBs can now earn revenue by selling Priority Sector Lending Certificates (PSLCs) if they exceed their targets.
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Environment
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Wildfire on Chios Island, Greece
On June 22, a wildfire erupted on Chios Island in Greece, leading to emergency evacuations due to strong winds.
- Emergency Response - Over 100 firefighters, supported by helicopters and planes, were deployed to battle the blaze. Reinforcements were also dispatched from other Greek cities.
- Cause - The fire was exacerbated by strong winds, making containment extremely challenging for ground and aerial crews.
- Climate Change Link - The increasing frequency and size of wildfires in Greece are linked to a hotter, drier climate, a direct result of climate change.
- Historical Context - Greece has a history of devastating wildfires, with the tragic 2018 Mati fire highlighting the severe risks to communities.
- Future Outlook - The country is now focusing on improving firefighting capabilities, prevention strategies, and community preparedness to mitigate future risks.
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Index
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India Ranks 99th in Global SDG Index
Recently,India secured the 99th position out of 193 countries in the 2025 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Index, scoring 67 points.
- SDG Index - The index, produced by the U.N. Sustainable Development Solutions Network, measures nations’ progress across 17 SDGs, including poverty and health.
- Global Comparisons - India lags behind China (49th) and the US (44th). Among its South Asian neighbors, Bhutan ranks highest at 74th.
- Progress and Challenges - Globally, only 17% of SDG targets are on track for the 2030 deadline due to conflicts and financial limitations.
- Areas of Improvement - The report notes global progress in electricity access and reduced child mortality but highlights setbacks in areas like press freedom.
- Global Concerns - The report highlights a need for reform in the global financial architecture and notes the US ranks last in commitment to multilateralism.
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