On June 20th, 2025, India witnessed important developments across various sectors. Diplomatic efforts advanced marine conservation at the UN Oceans Conference, while the G7 Summit in Canada addressed crucial economic and security discussions. Amidst rising crude oil prices due to the Israel-Iran conflict, India has demonstrated its commitment to citizen safety by launching Operation Sindhu for the evacuation of its nationals from Iran.

Awareness regarding daily UPSC current affairs is crucial for cracking the UPSC Prelims, excelling in UPSC Mains. It helps perform well in the UPSC personality test, thus becoming an informed and effective UPSC civil servant.

Below are the current affairs and headlines of the day taken from The Hindu, Indian Express, Press Information Bureau & All India Radio as required for UPSC preparation:

UN Oceans Conference 2025

Source: The Hindu

Syllabus: GS Paper II (International Relations)

IN NEWS 

The third United Nations Oceans Conference (UNOC) was recently held in France in June 2025. This conference marked a major step forward for global marine conservation efforts, with out of the required 60 ratifications achieved for the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement, commonly known as the High Seas Treaty. While India has not yet ratified the treaty, it has officially stated that it is in the "process" of doing so, indicating upcoming adherence.

What is the UN Oceans Conference (UNOC)? 

The United Nations Oceans Conference (UNOC) is a key biennial (held every two years) UN conference. Its primary goal is to speed up global efforts for ocean conservation, with a special focus on international waters, also known as the high seas.

• Organization: It is organized under the framework of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which provides the legal basis for marine and maritime activities.
• Facilitates Cooperation: UNOC serves as a platform to encourage international cooperation on a range of crucial ocean-related issues, including:
  • Protecting marine biodiversity.
  • Building climate resilience in ocean ecosystems.
  • Addressing the problem of overfishing.
  • Promoting a sustainable ocean economy.
  • Controlling marine pollution.
• Focus of UNOC 2025: The third edition of UNOC in 2025 heavily focused on putting the BBNJ treaty into action (operationalizing) and encouraging countries to make voluntary commitments towards marine protection.

Objectives of UNOC 2025

The conference had several important objectives for the future of ocean governance:

• Promote Marine Protected Areas (MPAs): To encourage the establishment and expansion of MPAs in areas beyond national jurisdiction, safeguarding critical marine habitats.
• Facilitate Treaty Implementation: To speed up the ratification and effective implementation of the High Seas Treaty (BBNJ), making it legally binding for more nations.
• Achieve 30×30 Target: To enable progress towards the ambitious target of protecting 30% of the world's oceans by the year 2030. This target falls under the broader goals of the Convention on Biological Diversity.
• Enhance Ocean Governance: To improve global systems for managing oceans, including building capacity in developing countries to participate effectively, and ensuring sustainable and equitable exploitation of marine resources.

What is the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement? 

Also known as the High Seas Treaty, the BBNJ Agreement is a landmark UN treaty adopted in 2023 under the umbrella of UNCLOS. Its purpose is to establish a robust legal framework for marine areas located beyond 200 nautical miles from national coastlines, which are considered international waters (high seas).

• Key Frameworks: The treaty establishes legal frameworks for:
  • Marine Protected Areas (MPAs): Creating and managing protected zones in the high seas to conserve biodiversity.
  • Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs): Requiring assessments for activities in the high seas that could harm the marine environment.
  • Regulation of Marine Genetic Resources (MGRs): Governing access to and sharing benefits from genetic resources found in the high seas.
  • Capacity Building: Providing support and resources for developing countries to participate in marine conservation and research.
  • Benefit-Sharing Mechanisms: Ensuring fair and equitable sharing of benefits from marine resources, especially MGRs.
• Entry into Force: The treaty requires 60 ratifications (official approvals by countries) to enter into force. By June 2025, 56 ratifications were achieved, with expectations to reach 70 by September 2025, signaling its imminent global impact.
• First Conference of Parties (COP): The first COP for the BBNJ Agreement is scheduled for late 2026, where further details on its implementation will be decided.

Key Decisions and Announcements at UNOC 2025

Various countries and entities made significant commitments at the conference, showcasing global resolve towards ocean conservation:

G7 Summit 2025, Canada

Source: The Hindu

Syllabus: GS Ppaer II (International Relations)

IN NEWS

India participated in the G7 Summit 2025, held in Kananaskis, Alberta, Canada, as a special invitee. This invitation reflected India's growing strategic and economic influence on the global stage. A significant highlight was Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address on terrorism, specifically pointing to cross-border terrorism originating from Pakistan. The summit also saw key bilateral talks between PM Modi and Canadian PM Mark Carney, signaling a notable improvement in previously strained relations between the two nations. Furthermore, the summit achieved substantial progress on critical global issues, including economic security, Artificial Intelligence (AI) development, critical mineral supply chains, climate change, and continued support for Ukraine.

Key Details of G7 Summit 2025

The G7 Summit in 2025, hosted by Canada, focused on several pressing global issues:

• Host: Canada, in Kananaskis, Alberta.
• India's Participation: India was invited as a special guest, underscoring its increasing role in global affairs.
• Core Focus Areas: The discussions at the summit centered around:
  • The ongoing Ukraine crisis.
  • Building global economic resilience against shocks.
  • Strengthening critical mineral supply chains.
  • Advancing AI and digital innovation.
  • Addressing climate change and enhancing wildfire preparedness.
  • Countering transnational repression, which involves states targeting their citizens abroad.

Key Outcomes of G7 Summit 2025

The summit concluded with concrete commitments and initiatives across its focus areas:

• Support for Ukraine:
  • Financial aid of $50 billion was pledged via the Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration (ERA) Loans mechanism.
  • Canada committed a $5 billion contribution, with $2.3 billion already disbursed through the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
  • An additional $2 billion was allocated for military assistance, including armored vehicles and drones.
  • Enhanced cooperation was agreed upon to strengthen Ukraine's cyber resilience and boost NATO collaboration.
• Climate and Wildfire Resilience:
  • Expansion of WildFireSat, a satellite system designed to monitor wildfires globally.
  • $20 million committed for fire equipment to countries in Latin America.
  • Support for indigenous fire knowledge networks and ecosystem restoration programs in Colombia and Peru, recognizing traditional ecological practices.
• Artificial Intelligence (AI) Initiatives:
  • $174 million dedicated to boosting AI adoption, particularly by Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in Canada.
  • $10 million allocated for innovation at the intersection of AI and energy.
  • $1.5 million aimed at promoting "AI for Everyone" initiatives in developing nations, ensuring equitable access to AI benefits.
• Critical Mineral Supply Chain Strengthening:
  • $50.3 million invested in research and international collaboration to secure critical mineral supplies.
  • $20 million allocated for supply chain diversification projects in developing countries, reducing reliance on single sources.
• Quantum Technologies:
  • $22.5 million committed to boosting global quantum research and development (R&D) cooperation, fostering advancements in this cutting-edge field.
• Countering Transnational Repression:
  • Establishment of a Digital Transnational Repression Academy under the G7 Rapid Response Mechanism, aimed at addressing states targeting individuals abroad.

India at the G7 Summit (PM Modi’s Keynote Address)

Prime Minister Modi's participation provided a platform for India to voice its concerns and priorities:

• Strong Statement on Terrorism: PM Modi delivered a firm statement against terrorism, particularly highlighting its cross-border manifestations from India's neighborhood (implying Pakistan).
• Condemnation of Double Standards: He condemned international double standards often applied when imposing sanctions against states supporting terrorism.
• Betrayal of Humanity: He stressed that ignoring terrorism amounts to a betrayal of humanity, urging for stronger global action.
• Global Action and Accountability: Called for decisive global action and greater accountability for those states or entities that sponsor terrorism.
• Pahalgam Attack Reference: He specifically mentioned the April 2025 Pahalgam attack as a direct assault on India’s dignity, bringing a recent domestic security concern to the international forum.

India-Canada Bilateral Reset

A notable outcome was the thawing of relations between India and Canada, which had been strained after the 2023 killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar and subsequent diplomatic fallout. PM Modi and Canadian PM Mark Carney agreed to:

• Restore Diplomatic Presence: Reinstatement of High Commissioners in Delhi and Ottawa, signaling a return to full diplomatic representation.
• Resume Trade Talks: Reopening discussions on trade agreements, specifically the Early Progress Trade Agreement (EPTA) and the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
• Reopen Broader Dialogue: Resuming talks on critical areas such as visa issues, educational exchanges, critical minerals cooperation, and clean energy initiatives. This signifies a broader effort to rebuild trust and expand cooperation.

Crude Oil Prices on the rise amid Israel-Iran Conflict

Source: The Hindu

Syllabus: GS Paper III (Economy)

IN NEWS 

Crude oil prices have recently spiked significantly, a direct consequence of escalating geopolitical tensions between Iran and Israel. A primary driver of this surge is Iran's repeated threats to close the Strait of Hormuz, a globally vital oil transit chokepoint. This tense situation has already led to a surge in benchmark Brent crude futures, triggering widespread global concerns about the security of oil supply.

Know more about the Israel-Iran Conflict!

Why are Oil Prices Rising amid the Iran-Israel Conflict? 

The ongoing conflict is causing oil prices to climb due to several interconnected factors:

• Geopolitical Risk: Iran has repeatedly issued threats to close the Strait of Hormuz. Such a closure would severely disrupt global oil supply routes, as a significant portion of the world's oil passes through this narrow waterway. The mere possibility of this happening creates immense market uncertainty.
• Supply Disruption Fear: Any actual or perceived closure of crucial chokepoints like the Strait of Hormuz leads to immediate consequences:
  • Increased Shipping and Insurance Costs: Transporting oil becomes riskier and more expensive.
  • Delivery Delays: Shipments face significant delays, impacting timely supply.
  • Tightened Supply: The reduced flow of oil into the market effectively tightens global supply. These factors collectively lead to sharp price hikes, as demand remains constant while supply faces potential constraints.
• Global Market Sensitivity: Even the possibility of a major disruption, rather than an actual event, is enough to trigger speculative trading in global oil markets. Traders anticipate future supply shortages and bid up oil futures prices, pushing current prices higher.

Recent Data on Crude Oil Prices (as of June 2025)

• Brent Crude (June 13, 2025): Rose approximately 9% to reach 75.65/barrel, touching an intraday high of 78.50, which marked a 5-month high.
• Brent Crude (June 17, 2025, 8 p.m.): Stood at 74.98/barrel, still 2.4% higher than the previous trading day, indicating sustained elevated levels.

Global Demand (2025 Forecast)

The International Energy Agency (IEA) forecasts global oil demand for 2025 at approximately 104.9 million barrels per day. This high demand level means any supply disruption can have a magnified impact on prices.

India’s Position amid Rising Oil Prices

India, as a major oil importer, is particularly vulnerable to crude price fluctuations:

• Import Dependency: India relies on imports for over 80% of its crude oil requirements, making it highly susceptible to international price volatility.
• Direct vs. Indirect Impact: While India's direct oil imports from Iran are minimal due to U.S. sanctions, global price hikes still affect India significantly through:
  • Higher Import Bills: The country has to pay more for its oil imports, draining foreign exchange reserves.
  • Pressure on Fiscal Deficit: Increased import bills can strain the government's budget, widening the fiscal deficit.
  • Current Account Deficit (CAD): Higher oil prices worsen the CAD, as more foreign currency flows out for imports.
  • Inflationary Trends: Increased fuel costs typically lead to higher transport costs, pushing up prices of goods and services across the economy, contributing to inflation.
• Diversified Import Basket: To manage risks, India has taken steps to diversify its oil import sources, including countries like Russia, the U.S., Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and UAE. The Union Petroleum Minister has stated that India has also used strategic petroleum reserves and long-term supply contracts to cushion itself against sudden price volatility.
• Economic Impact:
  • The current price increase is considered from "benign levels" and may not immediately alter India's GDP forecast (6.2%) unless it is sustained over a longer period.
  • If prolonged: A sustained increase in crude oil prices could have several negative impacts:
    • Reduced Profitability for India Inc.: Higher input costs for industries could reduce corporate profits.
    • Delayed Private Capital Expenditure (Capex): Businesses might delay investments due to uncertainty and higher costs.
    • GDP Growth Revisions: Prolonged high oil prices could lead to downward revisions of GDP growth forecasts for the second half of Financial Year 2025.

Operation Sindhu

Source: The Hindu

Syllabus: GS Paper II (Governance)

IN NEWS 

India recently launched 'Operation Sindhu' to evacuate its citizens, primarily students, from Iran. This emergency mission was initiated following heightened hostilities and security concerns arising from the conflict between Iran and Israel. The first phase of the operation successfully evacuated Indian students, most of whom hailed from Jammu & Kashmir, with crucial assistance provided by the Indian embassies located in Tehran (Iran) and Yerevan (Armenia).

Background to the Evacuation

The need for 'Operation Sindhu' arose due to a rapid escalation of tensions and a deteriorating security situation:

• Airstrikes on Tehran: Tensions escalated sharply after Israel reportedly launched airstrikes on Tehran, Iran, which caused significant security concerns for all foreign nationals residing there, including Indian citizens.
• Impact on Students: The strikes notably hit areas including the men’s dormitory at Tehran University, leading to injuries among some Indian students.
• Stranded Citizens: Multiple Indian pilgrims and students found themselves stranded in affected regions of Iran, particularly in cities like Tehran and Qom, prompting the urgent need for evacuation.

Evacuation Route and Process

The operation involved a carefully planned, multi-stage evacuation route to ensure the safety of the students:

• Initial Relocation: Students were first safely shifted from Tehran to Qom within Iran.
• Overland Journey: They were then moved by bus from Qom to Yerevan, the capital of Armenia. This overland journey was conducted under the direct supervision and coordination of Indian diplomatic missions in both Iran and Armenia.
• Air Departure: From Yerevan, the evacuated students boarded a special flight arranged by the Indian government on June 18, 2025, to return to India.

India’s Past Evacuation Operations (Illustrative Examples)

India has a strong track record of conducting large-scale evacuation missions to bring its citizens back from global conflict zones and crises. Some notable past operations include: