Daily Current Affairs — 19 June 2025
5 articles • UPSC Prelims & Mains
Third United Nations Oceans Conference (UNOC)-2025
Context Recently, the third United Nations Oceans Conference (UNOC), held in Nice, France, concluded with commitments aimed at safeguarding the planet’s marine ecosystems. Key Outcomes of the Conference (2025) High Seas Treaty Nears Enforcement: Fifty-six of the required sixty countries have ratified the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement (aka High Seas Treaty). It enables the creation of marine protected areas (MPAs) in international waters, regulate marine genetic resou
Global Drought Outlook
Context The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has released its Global Drought Outlook, highlighting the increasing frequency, and geographical spread of droughts globally. Impacts of Drought Environmental Consequences: Droughts severely degrade ecosystems such as forests, wetlands, and grasslands, leading to loss of biodiversity and reduction in plant biomass. Economic Consequences: Droughts also impact hydropower production, industrial operations, and fluvial trade,
Lateral Entry Policy Still Active
In News Union Minister Jitendra Singh clarified that the government has not given up on the idea of lateral entry into government departments. Lateral entry It refers to the hiring of specialists, including professionals from the private sector, to take up senior roles in the government. It aims to bring in fresh talent and strengthen middle management by appointing specialists with domain expertise for specific roles.
India and Croatia to Make Long-term Plans for Deepening Defence Ties
Context India and Croatia have agreed to develop a long-term defence cooperation plan. Significance of the Engagement Evolving European Strategy: PM Modi’s visit reflects India’s expanding European outreach beyond traditional Western partners. The focus is on newer EU members like Croatia that influence the EU’s consensus-driven decision-making.
India-Canada Ties
Context Two years after a major rupture in ties, India and Canada have agreed to restore the High Commissioners, and discussed restarting talks for a trade agreement, visa services, and other dialogue mechanisms. About The decisions came during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s talks with Canada’s newly elected Prime Minister Mark Carney on the sidelines of the G7 outreach session. The leaders also discussed the importance of restarting the stalled negotiations on the Trade Agreement (EPTA), with a