25 June 2025 : Daily Current Affairs

1. Israel-Iran Ceasefire and the Fragile Nuclear Order

Source: The Hindu, Page 6, June 25, 2025

Topic: GS Paper 2 (International Relations) | GS Paper 3 (Security – Nuclear Policy)

Context

After a 12-day escalation involving Israeli and U.S. airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, a ceasefire has been brokered by the U.S., with both Israel and Iran reluctantly agreeing.

Content: 

• Israel conducted “pre-emptive” strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, escalating into a wider conflict.

• U.S. backed the military offensive, drawing global attention to nuclear security.

• Iran retaliated by striking U.S. bases in West Asia.

Issues with International Norms:

• Iran is a signatory of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and subjected its nuclear facilities to scrutiny.

• Israel is not a signatory to the NPT and has undeclared nuclear weapons.

Concerns:

• The U.S. and Israel’s actions could incentivize Iran to withdraw from the NPT.

• The situation reflects weakening global disarmament norms.

• The current power politics dismantle the deterrence framework and promote brinkmanship.

India’s Position:

• India called for “de-escalation” and refrained from taking sides.

• With strategic interests in both Iran (Chabahar Port) and Israel (defence ties), India maintained neutrality.

Way Forward:

• Reviving JCPOA (Iran nuclear deal) could bring balance.

• Global powers must recommit to the NPT and non-proliferation mechanisms.

Practice Question:

Discuss the implications of the recent Israel-Iran conflict on the global nuclear non-proliferation regime. How should India position itself in such evolving geopolitics?  (250 words / 15 marks)

2. The Need for Gender Equity in Urban Bureaucracy

Source: Page 6, The Hindu, June 25 2025

Topic: GS Paper 1 (Society – Role of Women) | GS Paper 2 (Governance – Gender & Urbanization)

Context

Despite significant progress in political representation through reservations, Indian urban bureaucracies remain male-dominated, impacting gender-sensitive governance

Content:

• Women comprise over 46% of elected local representatives.

• But only 20% of IAS officers and 11.7% of the police force are women.

• Urban planning often overlooks the specific needs of women, e.g., safe transport and public spaces.

Gender Responsive Budgeting (GRB):

• Introduced in India in 2005-06.

• States like Kerala, Delhi, and Tamil Nadu have implemented GRB with mixed success.

• GRB remains tokenistic due to lack of institutional capacity and monitoring.

International Best Practices:

• Philippines mandates 5% of local budgets for gender schemes.

• Rwanda and Mexico integrate GRB into national planning.

• South Korea reshaped transit policies using gender impact assessments.

Recommendations:

• Institutionalize GRB across all urban bodies.

• Reform recruitment and promotions to ensure gender parity.

• Support grassroots women-led initiatives like Kudumbashree.

Practice Question:

“Political representation without administrative presence limits true empowerment.” Examine this statement in the context of urban governance in India. (250 words / 15 marks)

3. India Breaks into Top 100 in SDG Index 2025

Source: The Hindu, Page 13, June 25, 2025

Topic: GS Paper 3 (Economic Development | Sustainable Development)

Context

India has ranked 99th out of 167 countries in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Index 2025 by UN SDSN.

Content:

Highlights:

• India’s SDG score: 67 (improved from 109th rank in 2024).

• Among neighbours: Bhutan (74th), Nepal (85th), Bangladesh (114th), Pakistan (140th).

• Global leaders: Finland, Sweden, Denmark.

Progress:

• India has improved on health, education, and clean energy.

• However, challenges remain in inequality, environment, and climate action.

Concerns:

• Globally, only 17% of SDG targets are on track.

• Conflicts, fiscal limitations, and weak institutions hamper progress.

Way Forward:

• Focused implementation of SDG-aligned policies at state and local levels.

• Data-driven decision-making and SDG localisation.

• Strengthen inter-ministerial and centre-state coordination.

Practice Question:

Evaluate India’s progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. What more needs to be done to meet the 2030 Agenda? (150 words / 10 marks)

Prelims Facts

1. Nuclear spectre: Israeli and U.S. actions against Iran amount to nuclear brinkmanship

Source: Page 6, The Hindu

Topic: GS Paper 2 (International Relations), GS Paper 3 (Security – Nuclear Policy)

Context

Israel and the U.S. bombed Iranian nuclear facilities, raising global nuclear tensions.

Analysis of the news:

• NPT (Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty): Iran is a signatory; Israel is not.

• JCPOA: Iran signed the deal with P5+1 (US, UK, France, China, Russia + Germany) to limit its nuclear program.

• Nuclear Doctrine: Israel is suspected of possessing undeclared nuclear weapons; Iran has civilian nuclear infrastructure.

• India’s Position: Called for “de-escalation”, maintains strategic ties with both countries.

• Operation Sindhu: India’s evacuation mission from Iran and Israel amid conflict.

2. The need for gender equity in urban bureaucracy

Source: Page 6, The Hindu

Topic: GS Paper 1 (Society), GS Paper 2 (Governance)

Context

Gender imbalance in Indian urban bureaucracy limits inclusive development.

Analysis of the news:

• 74th Constitutional Amendment Act: Provides for reservation for women in Urban Local Bodies.

• Current Stats: Women make up 46% of elected ULB reps, but only 20% of IAS and 11.7% of police personnel.

• Gender Responsive Budgeting (GRB): Adopted in India since 2005-06; Delhi, Kerala, TN are frontrunners.

• Safetipin Audit: 60% of public spaces in Indian cities are poorly lit.

• International Examples:

  • Philippines: 5% of local budgets earmarked for gender initiatives.

  • Rwanda: Integrated GRB into national plans.

  • Mexico: Uses results-based GRB.

Check more: 24 June 2025 : Daily Current Affairs