6 June 2025 : Daily Current Affairs

1. Modi to Inaugurate Kashmir’s First All-Weather Rail Link with Delhi

Source: The Hindu, Page 1 & 14, June 6, 2025

Topic: GS Paper 1 (Geography: Infrastructure), GS Paper 3 (Economy: Infrastructure)

Context

The Prime Minister is inaugurating the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL), which includes the iconic Chenab and Anji Khad bridges, finally connecting Kashmir to the Indian railway grid.

Content: 

• The 1,315-metre-long Chenab Bridge, the world’s highest railway arch bridge (359 metres above riverbed), is a structural marvel.

• The Anji Khad Bridge is India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge.

• Two Vande Bharat trains will operate between Katra and Srinagar from June 7, enhancing all-weather connectivity and spiritual tourism.

• The project cost is estimated at ₹46,000 crore.

Significance:

• Economic Boost: Reduces transport cost for horticultural produce; enhances regional trade.

• Strategic Importance: Facilitates troop movement and logistics in the sensitive border region.

• Tourism & Connectivity: Expected to boost tourism to Vaishno Devi and Kashmir Valley.

Challenges:

• Environmental Concerns in hilly terrain.

• Security Risks amid volatile regional climate.

Way Forward:

• Regular maintenance and climate-resilient infrastructure.

• Promoting local employment through allied rail tourism.

Practice Question:

“Discuss the strategic and economic significance of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link for Jammu and Kashmir. Also highlight the engineering challenges associated with such Himalayan infrastructure projects.”  (250 words / 15 marks)

2. Delimitation Will Address Concerns of Southern States: Centre

Source: Page 1 & 10, The Hindu, June 6, 2025

Topic: GS Paper 2 (Polity: Federalism, Electoral Reforms)

Context

The Centre has clarified that concerns of southern states over potential seat losses due to population-based delimitation will be addressed through stakeholder discussions.

Content:

• Delimitation is constitutionally scheduled post the first census after 2026, i.e., Census 2027.

• Southern states fear loss of parliamentary seats due to better population control compared to northern states.

Editorial View:

• Delay in census is seen as politically motivated.

• Caste enumeration adds complexity.

• Census 2027 will use digital tools for quicker data, raising privacy concerns.

Concerns:

• Penalizing states for population control goes against cooperative federalism.

• Political mistrust may intensify regional divides.

Recommendations:

• • Combine population size with development indices in seat allocation.

  • Ensure transparency and consensus through inter-state dialogue.

Practice Question:

Critically examine the implications of using population as the sole criterion for delimitation of constituencies in India. Suggest alternatives to ensure balanced regional representation. (250 words / 15 marks)

3. CSIR-NAL’s Hansa-3 NG: Civil Aviation Boost

Source: The Indian Express, Page 8, June 6, 2025

Topic: GS Paper 3 (Science and Technology: Indigenization of Technology)

Context

CSIR-NAL has partnered with Pioneer Clean AMPS Pvt Ltd to manufacture the Hansa-3 NG, India’s indigenous trainer aircraft for civil aviation.

Content:

• Advanced trainer aircraft for civil pilot training.

• Fuel-efficient engine, 7-hour endurance, modern digital cockpit.

Significance:

• Reduces dependency on imports for pilot training.

• Supports UDAN scheme and growing aviation demand.

• Aims to train 30,000 pilots in the next 15-20 years.

Challenges:

• High attrition in aerospace sector.

• Lack of skilled manpower and certified component manufacturers.

Way Forward:

• Public-private partnerships for skill development.

• Incentivize MSMEs in aircraft component manufacturing.

Practice Question:

“Discuss the role of public-private partnerships in promoting indigenous civil aviation technologies in India with reference to CSIR-NAL’s Hansa-3 NG project.” (150 words / 10 marks)

4. UMEED Portal to Streamline Waqf Property Records

Source: The Hindu, Page 5, June 6, 2025

Topic: GS Paper 2 (Governance: E-Governance & Minorities Welfare)

Context

The Union Government is launching the UMEED portal for better documentation and management of Waqf properties.

Content:

Objectives:

• Digitalize Waqf property records.

• Empower State Waqf Boards via a 3-tier verification system.

Concerns:

• Lack of clarity in guidelines.

• Absence of historical documentation, esp. Qutb Shahi period properties.

Analysis:

• Enhances transparency and dispute resolution.

• But may clash with federal autonomy and ongoing judicial review.

Way Forward:

• Ensure alignment with Supreme Court directives.

• Capacity-building of Waqf boards for compliance.

Practice Question:

“How can digitization help in improving the governance of religious endowments in India? Discuss with reference to the UMEED portal for Waqf properties.” (150 words / 10 marks)

Prelims Facts

1. Chenab Bridge and USBRL Project

Source: Page 1 & 14, The Hindu

Topic: GS Paper 1 (Geography: Infrastructure), GS Paper 3 (Economy: Infrastructure)

Context

The Prime Minister is inaugurating the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL), which includes the iconic Chenab and Anji Khad bridges, finally connecting Kashmir to the Indian railway grid.

Analysis of the news:

• Chenab Bridge:

  • World’s highest railway bridge (359 m above riverbed).

  • Part of Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL).

  • Arch-type bridge across Chenab River in Reasi, Jammu & Kashmir.

• Significance:

  • All-weather rail connectivity to Kashmir Valley.

  • Boosts trade, tourism, and strategic mobility.

  • Vande Bharat trains to run on Katra-Srinagar route.

2. Delimitation and Census 2027

Source: Page 1 & 10, The Hindu

Topic: GS Paper 2 (Polity: Federalism, Electoral Reforms)

Context

The Centre has clarified that concerns of southern states over potential seat losses due to population-based delimitation will be addressed through stakeholder discussions.

Analysis of the news:

• Delimitation: Redrawing of parliamentary constituencies based on population.

• Southern States’ Concern: Fear losing seats due to lower population growth.

• Census 2027: Will be used for delimitation, per constitutional mandate.

• Government’s Stand: Concerns of southern states to be addressed through stakeholder consultations.

3. Hansa-3 NG Aircraft by CSIR-NAL

Source: Page 8, The Hindu

Topic: GS Paper 3 (Science and Technology: Indigenization of Technology)

Context

CSIR-NAL has partnered with Pioneer Clean AMPS Pvt Ltd to manufacture the Hansa-3 NG, India’s indigenous trainer aircraft for civil aviation.

Analysis of the news:

Hansa-3 NG:

• Indigenous two-seater trainer aircraft.

• Upgraded features: Glass cockpit, fuel-efficient engine, 620 nm range.

• Developed by CSIR-NAL, manufactured by Pioneer Clean AMPS Pvt Ltd.

4. UMEED Portal for Waqf Property Management

Source: Page 1 & 10, The Hindu

Topic: GS Paper 2 (Governance: E-Governance & Minorities Welfare)

Context

The Centre has clarified that concerns of southern states over potential seat losses due to population-based delimitation will be addressed through stakeholder discussions.

Analysis of the news:

• UMEED: Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency and Development Portal.

• Purpose:

  • Centralized documentation and digital management of Waqf properties.

  • 3-tier approval: Mutawalli → State Waqf Board → CEO.

• Concerns:

  • Lack of clarity on document requirements.

  • Older religious properties lack documentation.

Check more: 05 June 2025 : Daily Current Affairs