theIASHub | 17 Jun, 2025 | 27
Get expert-curated videos and notes directly on your phone.
Never miss any important exam-related topic.
India’s Trade Deficit : Recently, India’s trade performance showed marked improvement as the overall trade deficit narrowed to $6.6 billion in May 2025, reflecting a sharp 30% drop compared to the same month last year.
o This was driven by a decline in oil import costs and a strong surge in services exports, according to data from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
o Covers both goods (physical products like machinery, oil, etc.) and services (such as tourism, IT services, banking, etc.), making it a comprehensive measure of external trade imbalance.
o Formula : Trade Deficit = Total Imports − Total Exports (If the result is positive, it indicates a trade deficit; if negative, it suggests a trade surplus)
o India’s total merchandise imports declined by 1.7%, reflecting the reduced burden of crude oil prices.
o Services imports also edged up by 1.5%, indicating a steady demand for cross-border services.
Portulaca Bharat : Recently, scientists discovered a new species of flowering plant, Portulaca bharat, in the rocky landscapes of the Aravalli Hills near Jaipur.
o Leaf Structure: Characterized by opposite, slightly concave leaves.
o Flowers: Display pale yellow petals with creamish-white tips.
o Distinctive Traits: Includes glandular hairs on the stamen filaments and thick, robust roots, possibly an adaptation to the harsh terrain.
o Threats include urban expansion, mining activities, and climate change.
o Considered as micro-endemic and highly vulnerable, given its extremely limited distribution and small population.
o Currently listed as "Data Deficient" under IUCN Red List criteria due to the lack of comprehensive population data.
Obstructive Sleep Apnoea: Recently, an international study published in Nature Communications revealed that rising global temperatures could substantially increase the prevalence and severity of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA).
o The study warns that if climate change continues unchecked, it could lead to serious consequences for public health, the economy, and overall well-being.
o It occurs when throat muscles intermittently relax during sleep, blocking the airway and interrupting breathing.
o These episodes cause a drop in blood oxygen levels and repeatedly disturb sleep, often without the person being fully aware.
o Cardiovascular Diseases: Increases the risk of high blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke.
o Anxiety and Depression: Chronic sleep disruption can contribute to or worsen mental health conditions.
o Cognitive Disorders: Linked to a higher risk of dementia, memory loss, and Parkinson’s disease.
o Reduced Quality of Life: Daytime fatigue, mood swings, and impaired concentration.
Shipki La Pass: Recently, Shipki La Pass, one of India's historic mountain trade routes with Tibet, has been reopened to domestic tourists after decades of restricted access.
o Geographical Significance: It is one of the highest motorable mountain passes in India.
ü The Sutlej River, known as Langqen Zangbo in Tibet, enters Indian territory through this pass, enhancing its geographical and strategic importance.
o Historical Importance: Known as Pema La or the Shared Gate, the pass symbolized centuries of Indo-Tibetan trade and cultural exchange, long before the establishment of modern national boundaries.
o Strategic Relevance: Following the 1962 Indo-China war, Shipki La was designated as part of the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
ü It was later officially named Shipki La by the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) due to its continued strategic and border management significance.
SIPRI Report: Recently, the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) released its 2025 yearbook, highlighting significant developments in global nuclear arsenals.
o A key finding is that India now possesses more nuclear warheads than Pakistan, while China's nuclear stockpile is expanding at a rapid pace.
o Established in: 1966
o Vision: SIPRI envisions a world where sources of insecurity are recognized, conflicts are preempted or resolved, and peace is enduring.
o Provision of Data and Analysis: SIPRI provides data, analysis, and recommendations sourced from open channels, offering valuable insights into global security trends.
o Target Audience: SIPRI's research serves policymakers, researchers, media, and the general public, contributing to informed decision-making and public discourse
Bonn Climate Change Conference : Recently, the annual Bonn Climate Change Conference began as a key mid-year summit under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
o It serves as an important platform for technical negotiations and agenda-setting ahead of COP30, scheduled for November 2025 in Brazil.
o It is one of the two key annual summits under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)—the other being the Conference of the Parties (COP).
o While COP focuses on high-level political negotiations and commitments, the Bonn Conference is more technical in nature, laying the scientific, procedural, and policy groundwork for COP decisions.
o Established as part of the UNFCCC framework signed in 1992.
o Subsidiary Body for Implementation (SBI): Focuses on reviewing the implementation of climate decisions and enabling technical and financial support, especially for developing nations.
o Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice (SBSTA): Acts as a bridge between scientific research (mainly from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change – IPCC) and policymakers, guiding evidence-based decisions on climate action.
Samarth : Recently, the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), officially launched the ‘Samarth’ Incubation Program—a flagship initiative designed to foster innovation and entrepreneurship in the telecom and ICT ecosystem.
ü 5G/6G and emerging telecom technologies
ü Cybersecurity and quantum computing
ü Artificial Intelligence and IoT applications
o The program is conducted in two cohorts annually, each lasting six months and supporting up to 36 startups in total.
o Execution Partners: Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) and TiE Delhi-NCR (The Indus Entrepreneurs)
o A hybrid format, it combines financial support, expert mentoring, lab infrastructure, investor connect, and office space to convert innovative ideas into market-ready solutions.
India’s Wind Energy : Recently, on World Wind Day 2025 (June 15), India crossed a significant milestone by surpassing 51 GW of installed wind energy capacity, retaining its position as the 4th largest wind power market globally.
o However, achieving the ambitious 2030 target of 140 GW remains a major challenge due to persistent systemic, infrastructural, and policy-related obstacles.
ü Gujarat: 12,677 MW (↑ 8.14%)
ü Tamil Nadu: 11,739 MW (↑ 10.71%)
ü Karnataka: 7,351 MW (↑ 22.13%) — Fastest growing
o Underutilised Manufacturing Capacity: Only 4.15 GW of wind projects installed in 2024–25, compared to 18 GW annual manufacturing capacity.
o Lack of PLI Scheme: No Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme exists for the wind energy component sector.
o Cybersecurity Concerns: Equipment from China raises concerns about data security and system vulnerability.
Period Labour Force Survey (PLFS): Recently, India’s unemployment rate for those aged 15 and above rose to 5.6% in May 2025, up from 5.1% in April, according to the MoSPI under its revamped Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS).
o Conducted by: The National Statistical Office (NSO) under MoSPI.
o Objective: Estimate key employment and unemployment indicators—Worker Population Ratio (WPR), Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR), and Unemployment Rate (UR)—for urban areas quarterly using the Current Weekly Status (CWS), and annually for both rural and urban areas using both Usual Status (principal + subsidiary status) and CWS..
→ Rural UR increased to 5.1% (from 4.5%) → Urban UR stood at 6.9% (↑ 40 bps).
→ Worker Population Ratio (WPR) Dropped to 51.7% in May from 52.8% in April.
Refine your answer writing skills and elevate your UPSC preparation with personalized support and expert feedback.
Fill out the form to get started with the program or any other enquiries !
Are you dreaming of becoming an IAS officer? Then, IAShub can be your best guide. It is one of the Best IAS Coaching in Delhi. Many students who want to clear the UPSC exam join IAShub for learning. The institute gives both online and offline classes. Their teachers are experienced and helpful. They easily explain every topic. Students also get notes, tests, and tips to do well in the exam.
IAShub is in Delhi and is trusted by many UPSC students. It offers coaching for every part of the UPSC exam – Prelims, Mains, and Interview. The classes are simple and easy to understand. The teachers are experts and guide students in the right way. IAShub is also known for its helpful notes, test series, and answer-writing practice. IAShub is the best coaching in Delhi and also gives UPSC Online Classes. This helps students from any place in India to learn. The online classes are live and also recorded. So, students can watch them anytime. These classes cover the full UPSC syllabus.
Here are some important services provided by IAShub:
The UPSC Civil Services Exam has three parts:
This exam is tough, but with the right guidance, it becomes easy to manage. Students must study smart and stay regular.
IAShub supports students from the beginning to the end. It gives the right books, tests, and notes. The classes are easy to follow, and the teachers are always ready to help. Students get personal doubt sessions too. The test series and answer checking help students learn where they need to do better. Also, free study materials save time and money.
IAShub also guides students during the final stage – the interview. Experts take mock interviews and give useful tips. This full support makes IAShub one of the best IAS coaching in Delhi.
Detailed Solutions & Explanations
Improve Your Answer Writing & Strategy
