News of The Day – 13th June 2025

SOURCES: The Hindu, Indian Express, Live Mint, Business Standard, Economic Times, and PIB.

• Recent plane crash concerns, safety protocols
• Recent developments in India’s civil aviation safety measures
• Role of DGCA: Regulations, audits, compliance
• International standards: ICAO, FAA benchmarks
• Challenges: Aging aircraft, pilot training, infrastructure
• Government initiatives: UDAN, airport modernization
• Impact on passenger confidence and aviation growth

• Urbanization trends: India’s 35% urban population (2021)
• Urban Mobility Challenge
• Cost-Effective Alternatives: Metro rail, BRT, e-mobility
• Government initiatives: Smart Cities Mission, AMRUT
• Case studies: Delhi Metro, Ahmedabad BRTS
• Sustainability: Low-carbon urban transport, last-mile connectivity
• Policy recommendations: Integrated urban planning

• Key Findings of the report
• Global & Regional Context
• Decline in political empowerment:
• Challenges: Gender stereotypes, political representation
• Government Initiatives
• Way forward: Policy reforms, grassroots empowerment

• New Guidelines for Central Schemes
• Sunset Clause for Government Schemes
• Evaluation Criteria for Scheme Continuation
• Challenges: Data gaps, inter-state disparities
• Role of NITI Aayog: Monitoring, evaluation frameworks
• Implications: Fiscal discipline, better governance

• Key Findings of the Report
• Major Displacement Crises
• India’s role: Hosts refugees (e.g., Rohingya, Tibetans)
• Challenges: Statelessness, repatriation, border policies
• Global frameworks: 1951 Refugee Convention, Global Compact

• About the AUKUS Pact
• US Review Under Trump Administration
• Strategic Implications: On India
• Challenges: China’s response, non-proliferation norms

• Moody’s Downgrade of U.S. Credit Rating
• Why the Downgrade Matters
• Global Implications
• India’s Fiscal Vulnerabilities
• Lessons for India

• Mettur Dam Water Release
• Significance: Irrigation for Cauvery delta, drinking water
• Challenges: Inter-state disputes (Tamil Nadu-Karnataka)
• Governance: Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA)
• Environmental concerns: Sedimentation, climate variability

• Outcomes of 95th NPG meeting
• About PM GatiShakti:
• Benefits: Reduced logistics costs, faster project execution
• Challenges: Land acquisition, environmental clearances

• Proposed Temperature Restrictions on ACs
• Science: Human thermal comfort, heat exchange principles
• Energy implications: Higher settings reduce power consumption
• Health Risks of Low AC Temperatures
• Thermal Comfort Standards
• Challenges: Consumer behavior, urban heat islands
• Environmental impact: Reduced carbon footprint