Catch the top UPSC-linked current affairs for 26 June 2025 from PIB, The Hindu, and Indian Express—covering economy, space, polity, health, and governance in a crisp format for Prelims & Mains. 1. India’s MSMEs: “Small Engines, Big Dreams” What’s the News? India’s Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are gaining significant attention as key enablers of India’s economic future. With the government recognising them as potential growth engines, especially in strategic sectors like defence, civil aviation, and space, the focus on empowering MSMEs is sharper than ever. Key Points for UPSC (Mains & Prelims) MSMEs contribute around 30% to India’s GDP and nearly half of its exports. They are instrumental in generating rural employment and encouraging grassroots innovation. There are around 7 crore MSMEs, widely spread across urban and rural India. Key challenges include: Lack of timely and affordable credit (RBI) Limited domestic/international market access (CII) Technological backwardness (MSME Dev Institutions) Complex regulatory burdens (World Bank) Inadequate skilled manpower (NSDC) COVID-19 impact causing closures and stress (SIDBI) Recent Developments & Global Context Global economic downturn due to the pandemic led to the collapse of many small businesses. Governments worldwide are investing in MSMEs to drive recovery. India’s RAMP (Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance) scheme launched with World Bank collaboration. E-commerce integration and startup platforms are empowering MSME exports. Relevant Conventions and Treaties United Nations designated June 27 as World MSME Day to highlight their global importance. WTO discussions focus on fair trade access for MSMEs in developing countries. Implications for India and the World MSME empowerment will boost India’s self-reliance under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. With proper support, MSMEs can become globally competitive and resilient. Their growth is vital to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on poverty reduction, employment, and innovation. Way Forward Expand credit options via MUDRA, CGTMSE, and digital financing. Simplify compliance via single-window clearances. Improve market access through GeM, TReDS, and ODOP platforms. Promote skill training through PMEGP and Entrepreneurship Skill Development. Provide innovation grants and R&D tax incentives. 2. Decoding the Governor's Role in Indian Polity What’s the News? A dispute in Kerala involving the Governor and the state government over a symbolic representation of ‘Bharat Mata’ has reignited the debate on the constitutional role and political neutrality of Governors in India. Key Points for UPSC (Mains & Prelims) The Governor is the constitutional head of a state (Article 153). Appointed by the President on the advice of the Union Cabinet; not elected. Acts as a vital link between the Centre and the states. Entrusted with powers such as assent to bills, appointing the Chief Minister, and recommending President’s Rule. Challenges Politicisation of appointments often undermines neutrality. Use of discretionary powers leads to conflicts (e.g., delaying bill assent, premature dissolutions). Governors are immune from judicial scrutiny under Article 361. Reform Proposals Judicial Oversight: SC rulings (e.g., BP Singhal vs Union of India) mandate non-arbitrary removals. Appointment Transparency: Commissions like Sarkaria, Venkatachaliah, and Punchhi recommend CM consultation. Fixed Terms: Advocating completion of 5-year term unless removed with cause. Impeachability: Some propose making the Governor accountable to state legislatures. Global Context Unlike India, most federal democracies avoid central appointments to state leadership. Need for neutrality to uphold cooperative federalism. Implications Friction between Centre and States erodes democratic functioning. Implementing reforms will restore the constitutional sanctity and legitimacy of the office. 3. India Joins BRICS Statement on Iran What’s the News? India participated in a collective BRICS statement concerning Iran, marking its increasing role in global multilateral forums and South-South cooperation. Key Points for UPSC BRICS: Formed in 2009 (as BRIC); South Africa joined in 2010. Members: Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa; expanded in 2024 to include Iran, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Ethiopia. Objectives: Global financial reform, multipolarity, South-South collaboration. Key Institutions: BRICS Summit (rotational presidency) New Development Bank (NDB) Contingent Reserve Arrangement ($100 billion fund) Global Context Counters dominance of Western blocs like G7 and IMF. Increasing relevance amid global geopolitical realignment. Conventions and Institutional Mechanisms Not treaty-based, but operates on consensus. Works through annual declarations and joint positions on international issues. Implications India strengthens its diplomatic voice in West Asia. Enables economic collaboration beyond the West-centric system. 4. NATO to Increase Defence Spending What’s the News? NATO has decided to ramp up its defence spending in response to heightened threats from geopolitical adversaries, particularly Russia. Key Points for UPSC NATO: Established 1949, 32 members including Finland (2023) and Sweden (2024). Headquarters: Brussels. Collective Defence under Article 5: "Attack on one = attack on all." Global Context Initially a Cold War alliance against USSR. Modern roles include cyber warfare, peacekeeping, and hybrid threats. Relevant Treaty Washington Treaty (1949) Article 5 invoked only once (post 9/11). UN approval not mandatory for operations. Implications Encourages other countries to reconsider security alignments. May strain diplomatic neutrality of nations like India. 5. International Potato Center (CIP) What’s the News? The International Potato Center is being recognised for its contributions to food security, especially in the face of climate challenges. Key Points for UPSC Founded: 1971; HQ: Lima, Peru. Part of CGIAR group. Focus: Potato breeding, biotechnology, and sustainable farming. Global Context Potatoes: 4th largest food crop globally. Importance rising with climate-resilient agriculture needs. Implications for India India is one of the largest producers. Collaboration potential with CIP in biotech and agri-innovation. 6. National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) What’s the News? The NHRC continues its mission to uphold human rights and address abuses through statutory interventions. Key Points for UPSC Set up under PHRA, 1993. Chairperson: Former CJI or SC Judge. Powers: Investigations, jail inspections, and human rights education. Challenges Non-binding recommendations. Resource and staffing shortages. Lack of enforcement power. Global Context Complies with UN’s Paris Principles. Implications Critical for ensuring state accountability. Vital for India’s democratic and global human rights image. 7. ECINET: Digital Reform in Elections What’s the News? ECINET, a tech initiative by the Election Commission of India, aims to digitalise electoral coordination and information exchange. Key Points for UPSC Facilitates seamless data sharing within the Election Commission. Improves efficiency and transparency. Supports internal administrative coordination and monitoring. Global Context Inspired by digital election systems in Estonia, Brazil. Aligned with UNDP’s democratic governance goals. Implications Helps address logistical issues during elections. Enhances trust in the electoral process. 8. Rural Demand Likely Recovered What’s the News? Recent economic indicators such as rising FMCG sales, increasing tractor purchases, and positive agri-input demand suggest that rural consumption in India is making a steady comeback after setbacks caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, high inflation, and stagnant income growth. Key Points for UPSC (Mains & Prelims) Rural demand makes up approximately 50% of India’s total consumption. Signs of recovery are visible in automotive, retail, and agriculture-linked sectors. Declining rural inflation is improving real purchasing power. Schemes like MGNREGA and PM-KISAN are supporting income stability in rural households. Recent Developments & Global Context Global supply chains stabilising post-pandemic are improving export-linked rural jobs. Similar consumption-driven recoveries are seen in other developing nations with rural economies. Relevant Conventions, Treaties, and Schemes MGNREGA: Guarantees 100 days of rural employment. PM-KISAN: Provides ₹6,000 annual income support to farmers. NRLM: Promotes women-led SHGs to build livelihoods. World Bank Rural Development Report (2024): Highlights rural resilience as a post-pandemic growth driver. Implications for India and the World Rural consumption revival will boost national GDP. Reduces urban migration and strengthens inclusive growth. Sets a model for consumption-led recovery in emerging economies. 9. In Historic Leap, Indian Astronaut Heads to ISS What’s the News? India is set to send its first astronaut to the International Space Station (ISS) through a joint mission with NASA. This marks a key milestone for India’s space diplomacy and the Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme. Key Points for UPSC (Mains & Prelims) First Indian astronaut to visit ISS under US-India space cooperation. Advances Gaganyaan, India’s first crewed mission planned by ISRO. Enhances Indo-US strategic tech collaboration under iCET. Recent Developments & Global Context India joined the Artemis Accords in 2023 for peaceful space exploration. The success of Chandrayaan-3 boosted India’s global space standing. Space is emerging as a vital diplomatic and technological frontier. Relevant Conventions and Treaties Outer Space Treaty (1967): Ensures peaceful use of space. Artemis Accords (2020): Sets standards for future lunar and space exploration. Schemes & Institutions Gaganyaan Mission: India’s human spaceflight programme. IN-SPACe & NSIL: Encourage private sector participation. Implications for India and the World Strengthens India’s space capabilities and STEM education. Enhances geopolitical relevance in space governance. Encourages investment and private involvement in space tech. 10. State- and Sex-wise Liver Disease Data Hint at Underlying Factors What’s the News? The Indian government has released granular data on liver disease incidence across states and genders, highlighting regional patterns linked to lifestyle, alcohol consumption, and stress-related factors. Key Points for UPSC (Mains & Prelims) States with high alcohol consumption show elevated liver disease rates. Male cases are predominant, but some regions report rising female incidence. Data indicates gaps in preventive public health services. Recent Developments & Global Context WHO warns of global rise in liver diseases, especially NAFLD. Urbanisation, processed food, and sedentary lifestyles are major causes. Relevant Conventions, Schemes, Reports National Health Policy (2017): Focuses on NCD prevention. Ayushman Bharat HWCs: Promote early screening and intervention. WHO Global Hepatitis Report (2024): Highlights urgent need for national action. Eat Right India (FSSAI): Encourages nutritious diets. Implications for India and the World Calls for targeted public health strategies and local awareness. Contributes to achieving SDG 3: Ensure healthy lives and well-being. Need for inter-state best practice exchange and data-driven policymaking. 11. Enabling Voting Rights for Migrants What’s the News? To empower internal migrant workers, the Election Commission of India is developing a remote voting system, aiming to allow voting from outside home constituencies. Key Points for UPSC (Mains & Prelims) Estimated 30 crore internal migrants often lose voting rights. ECI is testing Remote Electronic Voting Machines (RVMs). Supports inclusive democracy and universal suffrage. Recent Developments & Global Context IIT Madras is collaborating on the development of remote voting tech. Pilot runs expected in upcoming state elections. Estonia and Switzerland use online voting successfully. Relevant Laws, Schemes, and Treaties Article 326: Guarantees universal adult suffrage. Representation of the People Act (1951) SVEEP: Voter education program by ECI. Implications for India and the World Could transform voting participation in urban and industrial hubs. Protects migrant dignity and political agency. Sets a precedent for tech-enabled democracy in the global South. 13. Cause and Effect: Need for Critical Thinking What’s the News? An editorial raises concern that society’s weakening grasp of cause-and-effect reasoning is contributing to misinformation, flawed debates, and weak policymaking. Key Points for UPSC (Mains & Prelims) Social media and biased reporting distort public understanding. Data illiteracy leads to poor civic engagement. Fake narratives impact elections and governance. Recent Developments & Global Context Rise in AI-generated misinformation. UNESCO and UN initiatives promoting digital and media literacy. Relevant Policies and Reports IT Act (2000) and Intermediary Guidelines (2021) PIB Fact Check Unit UNESCO Media and Information Literacy Curriculum Implications for India and the World Highlights ethical need for informed public reasoning. Article 51A (h): Promotes scientific temper and rational thought. Supports ethical governance and responsible citizenship. 14 .Qualified Cheer: Literacy Without Learning What’s the News? Despite improved enrolment rates and rising literacy, India faces a learning crisis where basic skills like reading and arithmetic remain low, as highlighted in the ASER Report. Key Points for UPSC (Mains & Prelims) Foundational literacy remains weak despite higher school attendance. Teacher training, pedagogy reform, and assessment tools need revamp. Digital divide persists, especially in rural and tribal areas. Recent Developments & Global Context NEP 2020 targets foundational learning by Grade 3. UN SDG-4 emphasizes inclusive, equitable, quality education. Reports and Schemes ASER Report 2024: Reveals gaps in basic learning. Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan PM SHRI Schools UNESCO GEM Report Implications for India and the World Threatens to nullify India’s demographic dividend. Education is key to innovation, equality, and social mobility. India must boost public education spending (currently ~2.9% of GDP). [caption id="attachment_26295" align="aligncenter" width="200"] Daily Current Affairs 26 June 2025 | UPSC, PIB, Hindu, IE[/caption]
