Welcome to your daily UPSC Current Affairs dose for 17th June 2025, covering the most important topics curated from The Hindu, Indian Express, and official government sources. This comprehensive summary includes major news relevant for Prelims, Mains, Essays, and Ethics. Topics include India's stance on transgender blood donation bans, Rajasthan’s Cash Plus Model, the Global Gender Gap Index, the Crocodile Conservation Project at 50, and updates on the India-EU strategic partnership. 1. FATF condemns Pahalgam attack, to release report on 'state-sponsored terror' for first time What’s the News? The Financial Action Task Force (FATF), the global watchdog on money laundering and terror financing, has officially condemned the Pahalgam terror attack that occurred on April 22, 2025. This is a rare move—marking only the third time in two decades that FATF has issued a public condemnation of a terrorist attack. More significantly, FATF has announced that it will release a report on state-sponsored terrorism for the first time in its history, acknowledging its role in financing global terror. Key Points for UPSC (Mains & Prelims): About FATF: An inter-governmental body founded in 1989 during the G7 Summit in Paris. Aims to combat money laundering, terrorist financing, and threats to the international financial system. Currently has 39 members (37 countries + 2 regional organizations: EC & GCC). Maintains “Grey List” and “Black List” to monitor high-risk and non-cooperative jurisdictions. Pahalgam Attack & FATF Response: The attack in Jammu & Kashmir’s Pahalgam region claimed several lives, prompting international condemnation. FATF stated: “Such attacks are not possible without funding channels and cross-border financial support.” This rare public condemnation underscores the growing international pressure on countries suspected of terror sponsorship. State-Sponsored Terrorism Report: For the first time ever, FATF will publish a report identifying state sponsorship as a source of terrorist financing. India’s National Risk Assessment had already flagged Pakistan for state-sponsored terrorism. FATF’s report is expected to validate India’s concerns and potentially pave the way for tougher scrutiny on Pakistan. Recent Developments & Global Context: International Backdrop: The move follows increasing geopolitical pressure post-Hamas-Israel conflict and continued terror activity in South Asia. FATF previously sanctioned nations like Iran and North Korea for aiding proxy militias and terror groups. Countries globally are pushing for universal frameworks to counter illicit financial flows to non-state actors. India’s Diplomatic Efforts: India submitted a dossier to FATF containing evidence of cross-border terror finance, especially highlighting Pakistan’s links. Indian agencies like the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU-IND) and NIA collaborated to provide evidence. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) coordinated with international partners to lobby for stricter FATF norms. 2. WPI Inflation Dips to 14-Month Low of 0.39% in May What’s the News? India’s Wholesale Price Index (WPI) inflation cooled to 0.39% in May 2025, marking a 14-month low, driven by falling prices of food articles, fuel, and power. The fall in WPI follows April’s 0.85% and highlights easing wholesale pressures in the economy, although experts caution against global geopolitical risks that could reverse the trend. Key Points for UPSC (Prelims + Mains): What is WPI? WPI (Wholesale Price Index) measures the price of goods at the wholesale stage, before they reach consumers. Published monthly by the Office of Economic Adviser, Ministry of Commerce and Industry. It covers three major groups: Primary articles (food, minerals) Fuel and power Manufactured products WPI vs CPI: WPI reflects inflation at the producer level; CPI (Consumer Price Index) measures retail inflation from a consumer perspective. CPI is the benchmark for RBI’s monetary policy decisions (inflation targeting under Monetary Policy Framework Agreement). Latest Trends in May 2025 Vegetables like onion, potatoes, and pulses witnessed steep deflation. Manufacturing and electricity prices contributed to positive inflation, offsetting the fall in primary goods. Recent Developments and Global Context: Geopolitical Risks: Ongoing conflicts (e.g., Ukraine-Russia, Middle East tensions) continue to affect global oil prices and supply chains. India remains vulnerable to imported inflation due to its dependence on energy and food imports. Domestic Agricultural Trends: Good Rabi harvest and improved supply chains reduced food prices. However, concerns over El Niño impact on monsoon could affect Kharif crop output in the coming months. Relevant Reports and Bodies: Economic Survey 2023–24: Highlighted the transition of inflation drivers from food to fuel and now to global uncertainty. RBI Monetary Policy Committee (MPC): Monitors CPI trends, but WPI affects wholesale producers and supply chains. FAO Food Price Index (global): Also reported a decline due to improved global harvests and stable energy costs. 3.TRAI Caps Wi-Fi Hotspot Operator Fee What’s the News? The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has issued the 71st Amendment to the Telecommunication Tariff Order (2025), capping the charges that public Wi-Fi hotspot operators (PDOs) must pay to Internet Service Providers (ISPs). This move is expected to accelerate the deployment of affordable Wi-Fi services under the PM-WANI scheme and reduce the digital divide. Key Points for UPSC (Prelims + Mains): About the Decision: ISPs can now charge Wi-Fi hotspot providers no more than twice the rate charged to regular residential broadband users (up to 200 Mbps). Comes after years of stagnation in public hotspot deployment, attributed to ISPs overcharging PDOs—sometimes 40–80 times the residential tariffs. The cap applies only to tariffs for up to 200 Mbps broadband speed plans, which is most common in public Wi-Fi settings. Targeted Scheme: PM-WANI PM-WANI (Wi-Fi Access Network Interface) was launched in 2020 to create a decentralized Wi-Fi infrastructure. Key components: PDOs (Public Data Offices): Set up and maintain Wi-Fi hotspots. PDOAs (PDO Aggregators): Manage and authorize PDOs. App Providers: Help users discover hotspots and authenticate. Intended to boost Digital India, e-governance, rural internet access, and entrepreneurship. 4. What is the Significance of the Shipki La Pass? What’s the News? The Shipki La Pass, a high-altitude mountain pass in Himachal Pradesh’s Kinnaur district, has recently drawn attention due to its strategic and trade relevance between India and China. Historically used for trans-Himalayan trade, the pass is now a subject of geo-strategic interest amid heightened border tensions and discussions around reopening ancient trade routes for economic integration. Key Points for UPSC (Prelims + Mains): What is Shipki La? Located at an elevation of approximately 3,900 meters above sea level in Kinnaur district, Himachal Pradesh. Connects India to the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. One of the five major Indo-China border passes used historically for Silk Route trade. Lies close to the Sutlej River, which enters India from Tibet near this pass. Government Developments & Diplomatic Context: Trade through Shipki La was suspended after the 1962 Sino-Indian war. Recent diplomatic and strategic military reviews have assessed the viability of reopening such passes to boost trade and counter Chinese infrastructure in Tibet. Ministry of Commerce and MEA have examined border trade protocols, but military sensitivities have kept Shipki La closed for formal trade. International Relevance: China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has improved infrastructure on their side of the Himalayas. India’s strategic counter includes enhancing border infrastructure under: Vibrant Villages Programme Border Area Development Programme (BADP) Bharatmala Pariyojana Historical Background: Shipki La was part of the ancient Indo-Tibetan trade circuit, especially prominent from the 15th to 19th centuries. Traders exchanged barley, wool, and salt with goods from the Indian plains like rice, jaggery, and textiles. The Lavi Fair of Himachal Pradesh, still celebrated, commemorates the trade friendship signed between Bushahr state and Tibet. Reports and Global Forums: India-China Border Talks Reports (MEA White Papers) World Bank Report on Border Trade in South Asia (2023): Highlights benefits of reopening closed traditional trade routes. UNESCAP on Trans-Himalayan Connectivity: Encourages soft border integration for peaceful cooperation. 5. What are the Ambiguities in India’s Nuclear Liability Law? What’s the News? India’s efforts to expand its nuclear energy program continue to be hindered by legal ambiguities in the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act (CLNDA), 2010. International suppliers remain hesitant to participate in Indian nuclear projects, citing uncertain liability provisions, especially related to supplier liability and the scope of compensation in the event of a nuclear accident. Background: CLNDA, 2010 Enacted after the India–U.S. Civil Nuclear Agreement (2008) to establish a legal framework for nuclear liability. Seeks to ensure prompt compensation to victims of a nuclear incident. India is a party to the Convention on Supplementary Compensation (CSC) but with key deviations in its domestic law. Ambiguities and Concerns: 1. Supplier Liability (Section 17b): Contradicts CSC, which supports a single point of liability—only the operator. Makes foreign suppliers vulnerable to lawsuits even after transferring ownership. 2. Overlap with Other Laws (Section 46): May allow civil or criminal proceedings under Indian Penal Code or Tort Law. Suppliers fear unlimited and parallel litigation, causing legal uncertainty. 3. Insurance Limitations: The Indian Nuclear Insurance Pool (INIP) covers ₹1,500 crore, but details on how suppliers are indemnified remain unclear. No clarity on coverage for foreign suppliers, leading to hesitancy in project participation. Government Responses and Developments: Indian Nuclear Insurance Pool (INIP) (₹1,500 crore): Formed in 2015 to mitigate supplier risk. India reaffirmed commitment to CSC in international forums but has not amended domestic laws to fully align. Projects like Jaitapur Nuclear Plant (France) and Kovvada (USA) are stalled due to liability concern Legal Precedents and Ethical Considerations: Bhopal Gas Tragedy (1984): Established India’s need for stringent liability laws for hazardous industries. Introduced the “Absolute Liability” principle in Indian environmental jurisprudence (MC Mehta vs Union of India). But nuclear industry requires balance between victim rights and incentivizing safe technology transfer. [caption id="attachment_26213" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Daily Current Affairs 17th June 2025[/caption] 6. Blanket Ban on Blood Donation by Trans People What’s the News? India’s National Blood Transfusion Council (NBTC) guidelines (2017) impose a blanket ban on blood donations from transgender persons, men who have sex with men (MSM), and female sex workers — a policy now being challenged for its scientific and ethical validity. Key Points: The policy is based on outdated HIV risk models. Modern testing (e.g., NAT, ELISA) ensures blood safety regardless of identity. Global shift: UK (2021), Canada (2022), and the U.S. (2023) moved to individual risk-based screening. Indian Legal & Policy Context: Violates Articles 14 & 21 (equality & dignity) of the Constitution. Conflicts with the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019 and related Supreme Court rulings. Global Practices: Countries have adopted inclusive, scientifically sound screening. WHO recommends risk-based donor eligibility over community bans. 7. Rajasthan’s Cash Plus Model What’s the News? Rajasthan has expanded its Cash Plus Model, which augments the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) with targeted behavioral interventions to improve maternal and child health. Key Points: Introduced in 5 districts in 2020, scaled up in 2022. Budget: ₹210 crore; targets 3.5 lakh second-time pregnant women annually. Includes Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) + behavior change (SBCC). Achievements: Early breastfeeding increased to 90%. 49% rise in dietary diversity. Over 3.3 million women benefitted so far. Government Initiatives: Complements PMMVY, POSHAN Abhiyaan, and supports SDG Goals 2 & 3. Promotes home visits, counseling, digital media engagement, and community participation. 8. Global Gender Gap Index 2025 What’s the News? India ranked 131st out of 148 countries in the Global Gender Gap Index 2025, slipping two spots. Its overall gender parity score stands at 64.1%, raising concerns over political and economic inclusion of women. Key Points: Major setback: Political empowerment. Slight gains in economic participation (+0.9%) and earned income parity. India ranks among the lowest in South Asia. Index Overview: Released by the World Economic Forum (WEF). Measures parity in 4 dimensions: economy, education, health, politics. Score ranges from 0 (inequality) to 1 (parity) Top Countries: Iceland, Norway, Finland, Sweden, New Zealand, Rwanda.
