18 June 2025 : Daily Current Affairs

1. Will Highlight Global South at G7 Meet: PM Modi

Source: The Hindu, Page 1 & 14, June 18, 2025

Topic: GS Paper 2 (International Relations)

Context

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Calgary, Canada, to participate in the G7 Outreach Summit. He asserted India’s commitment to voicing the priorities of the Global South.

Content: 

• India’s Diplomatic Agenda: PM Modi emphasized representing the interests of the Global South at the G7 platform amid global conflicts such as Israel-Iran and Russia-Ukraine wars.

• Significance of Global South Focus:

  • Reflects India’s leadership ambition in the developing world.

  • Seeks equitable global governance and reform of international institutions (UN, WTO).

• Bilateral Engagements:

  • Scheduled talks with leaders from Canada, Germany, Italy, and Ukraine.

  • Meeting with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy ahead of Russian President Putin’s expected India visit.

• Geopolitical Context:

  • The Israel-Iran conflict and its nuclear escalation.

  • US President Trump’s early exit from G7 and proposal to include Russia and China in a new ‘G9’.

Way Forward
India must balance strategic autonomy while strengthening ties with both West and emerging powers, reinforcing its neutral but vocal stand on global conflicts affecting the Global South.

Practice Question:

“India has emerged as a voice for the Global South on multilateral forums like the G7. Critically examine how this role aligns with India’s strategic and diplomatic objectives.”  (250 words / 15 marks)

2. Can’t Allow Mob Rule: SC on Thug Life Row

Source: Page 1 & 14, The Hindu, June 18 2025

Topic: GS Paper 2 (Governance; Fundamental Rights)

Context

The Supreme Court intervened in the controversy around Kamal Haasan’s film Thug Life, emphasizing the rule of law and freedom of expression.

Content:

• Issue at Hand:

  • Fringe groups threatened violence over Kamal Haasan’s alleged anti-Kannada remarks.

  • Karnataka HC was seen as appeasing by asking for an apology.

• SC’s Observation:

  • Rule of law must prevail; CBFC-certified films must be allowed to screen.

  • State must ensure law and order, not mobs.

• Constitutional Perspective:

  • Article 19(1)(a) – Freedom of speech and expression.

  • State’s duty under Article 21 and 14 to protect legal rights and prevent arbitrary violence.

• Broader Implications:

  • Highlights coercive censorship and shrinking public space for creative freedom.

  • Raises concern over state inaction under pressure from fringe groups.

Practice Question:

Discuss the constitutional safeguards for freedom of speech and expression in India. How do recent judicial pronouncements reinforce these rights against mob censorship? (250 words / 15 marks)

3. Air India Cancels 16 Flights; DGCA Finds No Major Issues

Source: The Hindu, Page 14, June 18, 2025

Topic: GS Paper 2 (Regulatory Bodies), GS Paper 3 (Disaster Management, Aviation Safety)

Context

Following the June 12 crash of Air India AI-171, DGCA initiated enhanced inspections of Boeing 787 aircraft and found no critical safety concerns.

Content:

• Post-Crash Measures:

  • 24 out of 33 Boeing 787s inspected; maintenance found compliant.

  • 83 wide-body flights cancelled since crash.

• Current Disruptions:

  • 16 flights cancelled on June 18 alone due to aircraft unavailability and inspections.

• Regulatory Response:

  • DGCA advised Air India to improve internal coordination and passenger facilitation.

  • Longer turnaround times and Iranian airspace restrictions exacerbated delays.

• Implications:

  • Need for better contingency planning by airlines.

  • Strengthening transparency and public communication during aviation crises.

Practice Question:

“In the context of recent aviation mishaps, critically evaluate the role of DGCA in ensuring flight safety in India. What reforms are needed to strengthen aviation governance?” (150 words / 10 marks)

Prelims Facts

1. Will Highlight Global South at G7 Meet: PM

Source: Page 1 & 14, The Hindu

Topic: GS Paper 2 (International Relations)

Context

PM Modi attends the G7 Outreach Summit in Canada, aiming to represent the Global South’s priorities.

Analysis of the news:

• G7 Summit 2025 held in Calgary, Canada.

• PM Modi is attending the G7 Outreach session.

• India emphasized concerns of the Global South, including development, debt, climate justice.

• Bilateral meetings scheduled with leaders from Germany, Canada, Italy, Ukraine.

• G7 comprises: Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States + EU.

• G7 is an informal bloc of industrialized democracies, established in 1975.

• Global South refers broadly to developing countries of Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

2. Can’t Allow Mob Rule: SC on Thug Life Row

Source: Page 1 & 14, The Hindu

Topic: GS Paper 2 (Governance, Polity)

Context

SC upheld right to screen films and emphasized state responsibility amid threats to the film Thug Life.

Analysis of the news:

• Supreme Court reaffirmed the Rule of Law and protection of freedom of speech.

• The case pertained to screening of Thug Life, a CBFC-certified movie.

• SC observed states must protect creators from vigilante groups.

• Relevant Articles:

  • Article 19(1)(a) – Freedom of speech & expression

  • Article 21 – Protection of life and personal liberty

• Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) functions under the Cinematograph Act, 1952.

Check more: 18 June 2025 : Daily Current Affairs