Here are the Top 5 Daily Current Affairs for 12 June 2025, curated specially for IAS/UPSC aspirants. From a rare Buddhist archaeological discovery in Karnataka to cutting-edge sustainable nickel extraction and water conservation success in Rajasthan, today’s roundup blends science, environment, governance, and global diplomacy. Ideal for Prelims revision and Mains enrichment, these topics are sourced from The Hindu, The Indian Express, and top journals.
1. Buddhism in Karnataka: The Kadri Discovery
What Happened?
In June 2025, archaeologists discovered a headless Buddha statue and three rock-cut caves in Kadri, Mangaluru. These artifacts date back to the 4th–6th century CE, placing them in the Gupta–post-Gupta era.
Why It Matters:
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Reveals early Hinayana Buddhist presence in coastal Karnataka.
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Suggests Buddhist influence predated Jainism in the region.
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Kadri Manjunatha Temple is believed to have Buddhist origins.
Key Buddhist Sites in Karnataka (with Locations)
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Sannati – Maha Stupa (Kalaburagi district, NE Karnataka)
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Banavasi – Early Kadamba rule (Uttara Kannada, Western Karnataka)
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Aihole, Badami, Pattadakal – Rock-cut caves (Bagalkot district, North Karnataka)
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Dambal – Viharas and chaityas (Gadag district, Central Karnataka)
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Kadri – 2025 Buddha discovery (Dakshina Kannada, Coastal Karnataka)
Patron Dynasties
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Mauryas: Ashokan edicts.
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Satavahanas: Cave architecture.
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Kadambas & Western Gangas: Buddhist patronage.
2. Sustainable Nickel Extraction: Hydrogen Plasma Technology
What’s the Breakthrough?
Researchers from the Max Planck Institute (Germany) have developed a hydrogen plasma method to extract nickel — an innovation published in Nature (April 2025).
Why It’s Important:
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84% reduction in CO₂ emissions
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18% higher energy efficiency
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Produces water instead of carbon dioxide
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Particularly suitable for India’s low-grade laterite ores
Uses of Nickel:
Stainless steel, EV batteries, coinage, catalysts, aircraft engines.
India’s Resource Hotspots:
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Jharkhand, Nagaland, Karnataka (minor presence)
Technical Highlights
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Plasma reduces nickel oxide directly.
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Avoids carbon emissions by producing water.
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Useful for low-grade ores (0.4–0.9% Ni).
3. Rajasthan’s Farm Pond Model: Water Conservation in Action
What’s the Initiative?
In Kukas village, Jaipur, a scientific water harvesting model was introduced. It involves plastic-lined farm ponds built on 5% of farmland, each 10 feet deep.
Impact Highlights:
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Stores 10 crore litres of monsoon runoff
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Enables Rabi and Kharif irrigation
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Reduces deep groundwater extraction
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Promotes livestock and horticulture
Schemes Linked:
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Jal Shakti Abhiyan
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PMKSY – Watershed & Per Drop More Crop
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MGNREGA – infrastructure support
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Atal Bhujal Yojana – groundwater management
Government Support
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Linked to schemes like Jal Shakti Abhiyan, PMKSY, MGNREGA, and Atal Bhujal Yojana.
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Strengthens India’s goal of UN SDG 6 (Clean Water & Sanitation).
4. India’s Climate Warning: Heatwaves & Rainfall Extremes by 2030
Key Findings:
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Heatwave days to double by 2030
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43% increase in extreme rainfall
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72% Tier-I/II cities vulnerable to climate extremes
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69% of coastal districts at heat stress risk during JJAS months
Drivers:
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Urban heat island effect
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Deforestation, mangrove destruction
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Unplanned urban expansion
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Stronger El Niño/La Niña cycles
Impact:
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Public health crises (heatstroke, respiratory distress)
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Agricultural losses, migration, infrastructure damage
Solutions Suggested:
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Climate Risk Observatory (CRO)
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Urban greening and rooftop gardens
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GIS-based planning, zoning reforms
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School curricula, public awareness programs
5. Russia-Ukraine War: The Endgame Diplomacy
Current Scenario:
In its fourth year, the Russia-Ukraine conflict sees revived diplomatic movement via the Istanbul Peace Process, mediated by the U.S. in 2025.
Key Negotiation Points:
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Ukraine: Ceasefire, NATO exclusion, U.S. security guarantees
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Russia: Ukrainian neutrality, demilitarization, halt in Western military aid
Rising Tensions:
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Ukrainian drone attacks (Operation Spiderweb) inside Russian territory
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Russia’s call for security buffer zones
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Nuclear risk increases as the NEW START Treaty approaches expiry (2026)
Global Responses:
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U.S.: Aims to redirect focus to China-Indo-Pacific
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Europe: Divided stance
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India: Advocates diplomacy, maintains balanced ties with both sides
Way Forward
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Inclusive peace talks with NATO, EU, and affected nations.
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Build trust through prisoner swaps and ceasefires.
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Global diplomacy over militarism.
