3rd June 2025 Current Affairs | Daily UPSC News by EverythingIAS

Daily Current Affairs – 3rd June 2025

Welcome to your trusted UPSC preparation resource, EverythingIAS. In today’s edition of current affairs, we cover major national, international, and environmental developments — including a landmark transgender ruling, strategic Indo-US digital collaboration, monsoon impacts in Northeast India, and more. This concise update helps you stay exam-ready with verified facts and simplified analysis.

1. COVID-19: Readiness, Not Panic

About:

Even though daily COVID-19 cases have decreased, the virus has not been eradicated. The emergence of new variants means India must remain prepared and proactive, especially for protecting vulnerable populations.

Why in News:

• Omicron subvariants still being reported.

• Reduced public attention and pandemic fatigue observed.

• Rural healthcare access and misinformation remain challenges.

Ministry Involved:

• Ministry of Health and Family Welfare

• Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (for awareness)

Timeline:

Recent Developments:

• Omicron subvariants continue circulating in urban clusters.

• Misinformation regarding vaccines persists in rural belts.

• Healthcare worker shortages in remote areas post-pandemic.

Key Points:

• Virus still present; Omicron subvariants are mild but transmissible.

• Elderly and immunocompromised people remain vulnerable.

• Booster vaccines and diagnostics are still relevant.

• Data transparency and healthcare communication are vital.

• Public vigilance is declining — a risk if new variants emerge.

Improvements Needed:

• Strengthen variant monitoring labs and data sharing.

• Expand rural vaccination and awareness outreach.

• Equip rural Primary Health Centres (PHCs).

• Counter fake news with scientific communication.

• Stockpile PPE and oxygen for emergency response.

Static Prelims Facts:

• COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2.

• WHO declared COVID a pandemic in March 2020.

• India’s vaccine drive began in January 2021.

• Pandemic preparedness includes surveillance, stockpiles, and trained staff.

2. U.S.-India Subsea Cable Agenda: A Digital Lifeline

About:

India and the U.S. plan to build direct and secure subsea cable infrastructure to improve digital connectivity and safeguard data from geopolitical risks and cyber threats.

Why in News:

• Plans for a direct India-U.S. cable under discussion.

• Concerns over existing cables passing through conflict-prone regions.

• Increased digital cooperation under bilateral initiatives.

Ministry Involved:

• Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY)

• Ministry of External Affairs (for bilateral collaboration)

Timeline:

Recent Developments:

• Strategic discussion underway for private and public investment.

• U.S. firms interested in India’s cable-laying projects.

• Open RAN and ICET reinforce digital ties.

Key Points:

• 99% of internet traffic flows through subsea cables.

• Direct cable ensures secure, fast, and uninterrupted internet between allies.

• Current routes pass through high-risk zones (e.g., Red Sea, Suez).

• India’s growing digital economy needs reliable infrastructure.

• Cybersecurity and physical cable protection are top concerns.

Improvements Needed:

• Fast-track environmental and legal clearances.

• Invest in secure, tamper-proof cable designs.

• Encourage Indo-U.S. private sector collaboration.

• Build cable monitoring and cybersecurity units.

• Train workforce for high-seas installation and maintenance.

Static Prelims Facts:

• Subsea cables are laid by cable-laying ships.

• India has 15+ landing stations (e.g., Chennai, Mumbai).

• Threats: fishing nets, anchoring, sabotage, and espionage.

• Secure cables ensure digital sovereignty and data security.

3. Northeast Monsoon Floods: Monsoon Woes

About:

Severe rainfall in Northeast India has triggered floods and landslides, especially in Assam, Tripura, and Sikkim. This reflects both monsoon variability and long-standing infrastructure issues.

Why in News:

• Over 3 lakh people affected by flooding in Assam.

• Landslides in Sikkim have caused fatalities.

• Warnings of continued heavy rainfall issued by IMD.

Ministry Involved:

• Ministry of Home Affairs (Disaster Management Division)

• Ministry of Jal Shakti (flood control & watershed management)

Timeline:

• Relief efforts launched by NDRF and Army.

• Bridges and roads damaged, disrupting transport.

• Agriculture losses reported; displacement camps set up.

Key Points:

• Monsoon rains are much higher than average.

• Low-lying areas, hillsides vulnerable to flooding and landslides.

• Sikkim’s tourism impacted; locals stranded.

• Poor drainage and lack of early warning worsen crisis.

• Climate change is amplifying extreme weather.

Improvements Needed:

• Build flood-resilient infrastructure (bridges, embankments).

• Expand early warning systems with real-time alerts.

• Plan urban growth with proper drainage and land-use norms.

• Conduct EIAs (Environmental Impact Assessments) for all projects.

• Strengthen inter-state coordination for relief and rehab.

Static Prelims Facts:

• Assam’s Brahmaputra basin floods annually.

• IMD monitors rainfall using Doppler radars.

• Monsoon critical for agriculture but unpredictable in timing/intensity.

• NDMA (National Disaster Management Authority) sets disaster response norms.

4. India–Pakistan Relations: Strategic Challenges in South Asia

About:

India–Pakistan ties are defined by a complex mix of historic conflicts, territorial disputes, nuclear deterrence, and shifting global alliances. The ongoing lack of dialogue raises concerns for regional stability.

Why in News:

• Recent statements from both nations highlight deepening distrust.

• Renewed China-Pakistan defense cooperation poses new challenges for India.

• Global observers emphasize the need for bilateral de-escalation.

Ministries Involved:

• Ministry of External Affairs (MEA)

• Ministry of Defence

Recent Developments:

• Pakistan signs military cooperation pact with China.

• India strengthens QUAD and Indo-Pacific partnerships.

• Ceasefire agreement on LoC holds, but mistrust persists.

Key Points:

• Kashmir remains unresolved and highly sensitive.

• Strategic alliance between China and Pakistan impacts India’s defense strategy.

• India’s growing regional role (e.g., with ASEAN, QUAD) shifts power dynamics.

• Both nations are nuclear-armed — raising global concerns.

• Past peace efforts failed due to political changes and terror incidents.

Improvements Needed:

• Resume structured dialogues (Track-I and Track-II).

• Implement Confidence Building Measures (CBMs) like visa relaxations.

• Strengthen cross-border trade and cultural diplomacy.

• Avoid provocative rhetoric in domestic politics.

• Invest in multilateral diplomacy to reduce tensions.

Static  Prelims Facts:

• India and Pakistan have fought 3 wars (1947, 1965, 1971) and a major conflict (Kargil, 1999).

• Both countries became nuclear powers in 1998.

• LoC (Line of Control) divides Jammu & Kashmir.

• SAARC has remained largely inactive due to Indo-Pak rivalry.

5. Public Sector Banks: Surge in Profits, Now Reform

About:

India’s Public Sector Banks (PSBs) have reported record profits in FY 2024–25, marking a recovery from years of NPAs and weak balance sheets. It’s now time to convert this performance into long-term structural reforms.

Why in News:

• PSBs report cumulative net profit of ₹1.4 lakh crore in FY 2024–25.

• Strong credit growth, lower NPAs, and government recapitalization drive results.

• Debate begins on next steps: privatization vs reforms vs consolidation.

Ministry Involved:

• Ministry of Finance

• Department of Financial Services

Timeline:

Recent Developments:

• Finance Ministry praises PSB performance and hints at rationalizing structure.

• Calls grow for privatization of select banks.

• FinTech tie-ups and digital banking expansion are underway.

Key Points:

• PSBs earned ₹1.4 lakh crore profit, up 35% YoY.

• Net NPAs dropped below 1.5% average.

• Loan growth driven by MSMEs and retail sectors.

• Government recapitalized PSBs and merged weak banks earlier.

• Operational efficiency and digitization improving performance.

Improvements Needed:

• Strengthen digital banking and FinTech integration.

• Improve governance with more independent directors.

• Rationalize PSB structure — consider selective privatization.

• Shift focus from just profit to service delivery.

• Strengthen credit risk evaluation and fraud prevention.

Static Prelims Facts:

• 12 PSBs in India after recent mergers.

• RBI regulates all banks; Ministry of Finance oversees PSBs.

• Banking Sector Reforms began in 1991 (Narasimham Committee).

6. Landmark Ruling: Transgender Couple Recognized as “Parents”

About:

In a historic decision, the Madras High Court ruled that a transgender man and his partner have the right to be legally recognized as parents of their biological child — affirming dignity, equality, and the rights of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Why in News:

• The court directed authorities to issue a birth certificate listing both partners as parents — one being a transgender man.

• The judgment sets a precedent for recognizing gender identity and parental rights beyond conventional definitions.

Ministry Involved:

• Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment

• Registrar of Births and Deaths (Local Government Authority)

Timeline:

Recent Developments:

• The Court emphasized that parenthood is not defined by gender but by intent and responsibility.

• Directed the issuance of a revised birth certificate naming both parents.

• Welcomed by LGBTQIA+ activists and civil society as a progressive step.

Key Points :

• Transgender man and his partner had a baby through natural conception.

• Authorities initially refused to name the transgender father as a parent.

• Court affirmed that transgender individuals can be recognized as legal parents.

• Reinforces Article 14 (equality) and Article 21 (right to life with dignity) of the Constitution.

• Highlights gender sensitivity in legal documentation and child rights.

Improvements Needed:

• Update civil registration laws to include gender-inclusive definitions of parents.

• Train officials on LGBTQIA+ rights and legal precedents.

• Ensure birth/death/marriage certificates are inclusive and free of discrimination.

• Launch awareness drives to reduce social stigma around transgender parenting.

Static Info:

• India has ~4.8 lakh self-declared transgender persons (Census 2011).

• The 2014 NALSA judgment recognized the third gender and gender self-identification.

• Transgender Act 2019 prohibits discrimination and affirms rights to healthcare, education, and identity.

 7. Centre Notifies Guidelines to Boost Electric Car Production

About:

The Government of India has released new guidelines to boost local electric car manufacturing, attract foreign investment, and support India’s shift to clean mobility.

Why in News:

• The Ministry of Heavy Industries released a new Electric Vehicle (EV) policy framework to promote domestic production and invite foreign automakers under strict localization norms.

• This follows Tesla’s intent to enter the Indian market.

Ministry Involved:

• Ministry of Heavy Industries

• Ministry of Road Transport and Highways

• Ministry of Commerce and Industry

Timeline:

Recent Developments:

• Guidelines allow foreign EV makers to import a limited number of cars with reduced customs duty, provided they set up domestic manufacturing plants within 3 years.

• Minimum investment commitment required: ₹4,150 crore (~$500 million).

• Tariff concessions linked to localization milestones.

Key Points:

• New rules aim to attract big players like Tesla, VinFast, BYD.

• Relaxed import duties on EVs (up to ₹35 lakh) — but only with Make in India commitments.

• EV makers must manufacture in India within 3 years of operations.

• Boost to employment, R&D, and EV supply chains.

• Encourages competition and price reduction in EV sector.

Improvements Needed:

• Address charging infrastructure gaps, especially in Tier-2/3 cities.

• Ensure grid capacity upgrades for EV load.

• Standardize battery swapping and charging protocols.

• Extend incentives for Indian startups in EV components.

• Build local capacity in battery production and rare earths.

Static Prelims Facts:

• FAME = Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles.

• EV market projected to reach 10 million units annually by 2030.

• PLI scheme: ₹18,000 crore outlay for advanced chemistry cell (ACC) battery storage.

• India’s EV penetration: ~2% currently (as of 2024–25).

• PSBs hold over 60% of total banking market share.