14 June 2025 : Daily Current Affairs

1. Black Box Recovered from Ahmedabad AI Crash Site

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

Topic: GS Paper 3 – Disaster Management; GS Paper 2 – Governance

Context

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has recovered the black box from the Air India flight AI-171 wreckage in Ahmedabad, initiating a formal probe into the tragic crash that killed over 260 people.

Content: 

• Accident Overview:

  • The Boeing 787-8 aircraft crashed shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad, en route to London.

  • The crash has raised global concern due to the aircraft type’s generally good safety record.

• Investigation Measures:

  • AAIB is leading the investigation; NIA and central agencies visited the crash site.

  • DNA profiling is underway as most bodies are charred.

  • A single survivor has been identified; PM Modi visited the site and chaired a review meeting.

• Safety & Accountability:

  • Editorial criticism of India’s aviation safety mechanisms—DGCA, MoCA, and airline management—highlight lack of accountability and persistent systemic issues.

  • Past accidents (Mangaluru 2010, Kozhikode 2020) have failed to trigger reforms.

• Policy Concerns:

  • The need for professional leadership in DGCA and AAI.

  • Improved training, transparent crash investigation, and adherence to ICAO standards.

Practice Question:

“In light of recent aviation accidents, critically analyze the institutional and policy challenges in ensuring aviation safety in India. Suggest a roadmap to improve air safety infrastructure and accountability mechanisms.”  (250 words / 15 marks)

2. Israel-Iran Escalation: Implications for India and the Region

Source: Page 1, The Hindu, June 14 2025

Topic: GS Paper 2 – International Relations; GS Paper 3 – Energy Security

Context

Israel conducted major air strikes targeting Iranian nuclear and military sites. Iran retaliated with missiles and drone attacks. This has raised regional security tensions.

Content:

• Attack Details:

  • Israel struck Natanz nuclear facility, missile sites, and residences of top Iranian scientists.

  • Iran responded with drones and missile strikes; air raid sirens sounded across Israel.

• Geopolitical Fallout:

  • Threat of full-scale regional war with consequences on global oil markets.

  • India abstained from voting in UNGA, maintaining strategic autonomy.

  • PM Modi urged “restoration of peace” in a call with Netanyahu.

• Impact on India:

  • India risks curtailed oil supply and rising prices (40–50% increase estimated).

  • Millions of Indian workers in Gulf countries are exposed to conflict escalation.

  • Strategic interests (Chabahar Port, INSTC) may be affected.

• Editorial Standpoint:

  • Israel’s actions called “reckless and illegal”; US silence criticized.

  • Urgent need for international mediation to de-escalate the crisis.

Practice Question:

Discuss the strategic and economic implications of the escalating Israel-Iran conflict on India. How should India navigate its diplomacy and energy security amid rising West Asian tensions? (250 words / 15 marks)

3. Kerala Seeks Amnesty for Declaring Wildlife Trophies

Source: The Hindu, Page 6, June 14, 2025

Topic: GS Paper 3 – Environment and Ecology; GS Paper 2 – Governance

Context

Kerala will approach the Centre to allow another chance for individuals to declare wildlife trophies in their possession, as the last such opportunity ended in 2003.

Content:

• Legal Framework:

  • Under Section 40 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, individuals must declare any possession of animal articles.

  • Failure can result in 3–7 years imprisonment and fine.

• Current Issues:

  • Legal heirs of individuals with valid trophy licenses face problems transferring ownership.

  • Several public figures (e.g., actor Mohanlal) are facing legal scrutiny over possession.

• Proposal:

  • Kerala’s Forest Department seeks central approval for a limited amnesty scheme.

  • Intended to regularize genuine inheritance cases.

• Ethical and Environmental Considerations:

  • Balancing conservation imperatives with cultural and property rights.

  • Risk of misuse under guise of amnesty—needs strict scrutiny.

Practice Question:

“Critically examine the legal and ethical challenges surrounding wildlife trophy ownership in India. Should amnesty schemes be considered, and under what safeguards?” (150 words / 10 marks)

Prelims Facts

1. Black Box Recovered from Ahmedabad AI Crash Site

Source: Page 1, The Hindu

Topic: GS Paper 3: Disaster Management; GS Paper 2: Governance

Context

AAIB recovered the black box from the Air India flight AI-171 wreckage that crashed shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad.

Analysis of the news:

• Aircraft: Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, AI-171 en route to London

• Investigation: Formal probe initiated by Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB)

• DNA profiling for charred bodies is underway

• PM Modi chaired a review meeting and visited the site

• Safety Concerns: Editorials highlighted systemic failures in Indian aviation safety mechanisms—lack of accountability, insufficient regulatory enforcement

• DGCA named pilots in violation of ICAO norms

• Previous major Indian aviation accidents mentioned: Mangalore (2010), Kozhikode (2020), etc.

2. Israel Strikes Iran, Tehran Retaliates

Source: Page 1, The Hindu

Topic: GS Paper 2: International Relations; GS Paper 3: Energy Security

Context

In a dramatic escalation, Israel launched attacks on Iranian nuclear and military targets. Iran responded with drone and missile strikes.

Analysis of the news:

• Attack involved 200 Israeli aircraft; retaliation from Iran included missile strikes in Tel Aviv

• UN atomic watchdog had censured Iran before the strike

• India’s Response: PM Modi called for peace; India abstained from voting at the UNGA

• Oil Impact: Potential 40–50% rise in crude oil prices, possible disruption in Gulf region oil exports

• Indian Concerns: Strategic assets (Chabahar), diaspora safety, energy imports at risk

• Editorial called the attack “illegal, reckless” and emphasized need for diplomacy

Check more: 13 June 2025 : Daily Current Affairs