UPSC Mains Current Affairs for 15 June 2025

India’s Aviation Safety Credentials Reaffirmed Amidst Air India Crash Probe

June 15, 2025

India’s Aviation Sector Latest News

India was rated well above the global average in terms of its operations and airworthiness by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) when the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) was last audited in November 2022.

Introduction

In the wake of the tragic Air India AI-171 crash in Ahmedabad that claimed 241 lives, India’s aviation safety record has come under renewed scrutiny.
However, global aviation watchdogs, the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), have reiterated India’s strong performance in airworthiness and operations.
The ongoing investigation into the accident is being handled in line with international protocols, even as India’s civil aviation safety oversight continues to receive global recognition.

India’s Global Aviation Safety Ranking

India, currently the third-largest domestic aviation market after the US and China, has shown remarkable progress in civil aviation safety over the last decade.
The ICAO, a specialised UN agency responsible for global civil aviation standards, audited India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in November 2022 under its Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP).
India received an Effective Implementation (EI) score of 85.65%, significantly up from 69.95% in 2018.
This placed India well above the global average across all eight audited areas, including legislation, organisation, licensing, operations, airworthiness, accident investigation, air navigation services, and aerodromes.

Performance in Key Parameters

Two of the most crucial categories under ICAO’s audit, operations and airworthiness, highlighted India’s strong credentials:
- Operations: India scored 94.02%, higher than the global average of 72.28%, and surpassing the US (86.51%) and China (90%) in their respective 2024 audits.
- Airworthiness: India secured 97.06%, well ahead of the US (89.13%) and China (94.83%).
Such rankings underscore India’s robust regulatory infrastructure in civil aviation, even though the country faces the unique challenges of rapid growth and infrastructure expansion.

FAA’s Category 1 Safety Assessment

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) of the United States, regarded as the foremost global aviation regulator, conducted an audit of the DGCA in October 2021.
It focused on aircraft operations, airworthiness, and personnel licensing. Following successful compliance, India retained the Category 1 status under the FAA’s International Aviation Safety Assessment (IASA) program.
In April 2023, the FAA formally informed the DGCA that India continues to meet ICAO’s international safety oversight standards, allowing Indian carriers to operate and expand services to the US and codeshare with American Airlines.
This recognition was crucial for India’s aviation ambitions and international credibility.

Air India AI-171 Crash and Investigative Response

On June 13, 2025, Air India flight AI-171 tragically crashed in Ahmedabad, killing all 241 people onboard and causing additional casualties on the ground when it struck a nearby medical college building.
It was the deadliest Indian aviation accident in more than a decade, bringing global attention to India’s aviation safety mechanisms.
In response, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) of India initiated a probe aligned with ICAO protocols. Due to the involvement of a US-made Boeing aircraft, the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) joined the investigation.
The UK’s Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB-UK) is also contributing, given the presence of British citizens among the victims. Aircraft manufacturer Boeing and engine producer GE are also participating, per ICAO guidelines.

Importance of Global Validation

The ICAO and FAA assessments are more than symbolic recognitions; they are functional validations that determine whether countries can run safe, globally interoperable aviation systems.
For India, these validations are critical not just for foreign operations and code-sharing, but also for public confidence amidst domestic tragedies.
Despite the AI-171 crash, India’s comprehensive audit scores, regulatory compliance, and collaboration with global bodies show that isolated incidents must not overshadow overall systemic progress.
As India expands airport infrastructure, introduces newer aircraft fleets, and scales its regional connectivity schemes, international trust remains a vital currency.

Way Ahead

India’s aviation regulator faces a dual challenge: managing rapid sectoral growth while ensuring uncompromised safety standards.
The AI-171 crash is a grave moment that demands full transparency and systemic learning. At the same time, India’s demonstrated adherence to international norms and its high safety ratings position it well for proactive recovery.
Enhanced training for personnel, adoption of predictive maintenance using AI, and periodic compliance checks could further reinforce India’s aviation ecosystem.
The key lies in balancing growth with vigilance, and ensuring that air safety remains a top national priority.

Source : IE

India’s Aviation Safety FAQs

Q1: What is India’s current rating by ICAO on airworthiness?

Ans: India scored 97.06% in airworthiness, significantly above the global average.

Q2: What is the FAA's current classification of India’s aviation safety status?

Ans: The US FAA has granted India Category 1 status, indicating compliance with international safety oversight standards.

Q3: Who is investigating the Air India AI-171 crash?

Ans: The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau, with support from US NTSB, UK AAIB, Boeing, and GE, is leading the probe under ICAO norms.

Q4: How did India fare in operations audits under ICAO?

Ans: India achieved 94.02% in operations, surpassing both the US and China.

Q5: Why is India’s ICAO Effective Implementation score important?

Ans: It reflects the country’s compliance with global aviation safety standards, influencing international operations and public trust.

How Iran-Israel Conflict Impacts Indian Economy, Inflation & Trade

June 15, 2025

Iran-Israel Conflict Impact on India Latest News

Just as global trade was stabilizing with shipping returning to the Red Sea, the Iran-Israel conflict has reignited fears of oil price surges and trade disruptions.
The Sensex dropped 573 points amid global market jitters. Experts caution that Iran could block the Strait of Hormuz — a vital route for 20–25% of global oil and key LNG exports from Qatar and the UAE, both crucial to India's energy needs.

Impact of Iran-Israel Crisis on Indian Economy

The escalating Israel-Iran conflict adds another layer of uncertainty, potentially affecting India's economic outlook in the coming months.

Growth and Inflation at Risk

The escalating Iran-Israel conflict may create macroeconomic challenges for India, particularly due to its heavy reliance on oil imports.
A $10/bbl increase could lower India’s real GDP growth by 0.3 percentage points and raise consumer inflation by 0.4 points.
This threatens to reverse India’s recent inflation relief — retail inflation had eased to a 75-month low of 2.82% in May 2025, prompting a 50 basis point repo rate cut by the RBI.
As oil prices climb, Indian refiners require more dollars to purchase crude, increasing dollar demand, weakening the rupee, and inflating import costs — creating a feedback loop that worsens India’s current account deficit.

Energy Supply Disruption Concerns Grow

Although energy infrastructure has not yet been directly targeted, risks remain high.
- Iran reported no immediate damage to its refineries, which have a capacity of 2.8 million barrels/day.
Still, its crude exports may drop below 1.5 million b/d this month, as per S&P Global, adding further uncertainty to global energy markets.

Broader Energy Price Spike Beyond Crude Oil

The ongoing Middle East conflict has triggered a surge not only in crude oil prices but also in other critical energy imports for India — including LPG, natural gas, petrochemicals, and fertilisers.
Any disruption could significantly impact India's rural economy and food inflation due to increased fertiliser costs.

Rural and Agricultural Impact

Higher fertiliser and LPG prices threaten to burden rural households and reduce farm productivity.
This could reverse recent gains in food price stability and drive overall inflation upward.

Manufacturing and Industrial Sectors Face Margin Pressures

Key sectors like aviation, chemicals, paints, tyres, cement, and logistics — all heavily reliant on petroleum-based inputs — are likely to see reduced profit margins due to rising raw material costs.
Crisil Ratings warns that the impact may differ across sectors depending on their oil dependency.

Sectoral Divide: Winners and Losers

While upstream oil companies may benefit from higher crude prices, downstream refiners could see their margins squeezed.
Industries indirectly linked to crude oil — including packaging, plastic products, paints, and specialty chemicals — may pass on the cost to consumers or absorb it, affecting demand or profits respectively.

Rising Costs for MSMEs and Consumers

If tensions escalate, transport fares and logistics costs may rise, hitting grocery supply chains and increasing costs for MSMEs.
These businesses may struggle with higher input costs and stagnant demand, leading to tighter margins.

Gold Prices Soar Amid Uncertainty

Gold futures in India crossed ₹1 lakh per 10 grams, driven by a weak rupee and investor flight to safe assets.
Retail jewellery demand remains subdued due to high prices, though investment demand is expected to stay strong.

Red Sea Relief Short-Lived as Conflict Escalates

In May, exporters were optimistic as conditions in the Red Sea improved and normal shipping resumed.
However, with that confrontation now a reality, traders’ fears have materialised.
For India — which imports over 80% of its crude — this poses significant macroeconomic risks.

Freight Rates and Insurance Costs Set to Surge

With vessels likely reverting to the longer Cape of Good Hope route, shipping costs are expected to stay high.
The detour adds 10–14 days per voyage, straining vessel availability and driving up freight rates and insurance premiums.

LNG Shipping Severely Impacted

LNG flows through the Suez Canal plummeted from 34.94 million tonnes in 2022 to just 4.15 million tonnes in 2024.
Meanwhile, LNG volumes via the Cape route surged over five-fold — from 11.76 million tonnes in 2022 to 59.37 million tonnes in 2024.
This shift underscores the growing logistical burden and potential energy supply risks for countries like India.

Source: IE | ET

Iran-Israel conflict impact on India FAQs

Q1: How does the Iran-Israel conflict affect India's economy?

Ans: It raises oil prices, weakens the rupee, increases inflation, and impacts GDP growth and trade balance due to import dependence.

Q2: Which sectors in India are most affected?

Ans: Aviation, chemicals, tyres, and logistics suffer from high petroleum-based input costs, reducing their profit margins significantly.

Q3: How does the conflict influence inflation in India?

Ans: Higher crude and fertiliser prices push food and transport costs up, reversing recent inflation relief and affecting rural households.

Q4: What happens to LNG shipments due to the crisis?

Ans: LNG shipping through the Suez Canal has dropped sharply, forcing rerouting via Cape of Good Hope and increasing costs.

Q5: How is the rupee impacted by rising oil prices?

Ans: Rising oil prices increase dollar demand for imports, weakening the rupee and further inflating India’s import bill and deficit.

Delhi HC Issues Comprehensive Guidelines for MTP in Sexual Assault Cases

June 15, 2025

Medical Termination of Pregnancy Latest News

The Delhi High Court has stepped in to address procedural lapses and miscommunication that led to delays in the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) for a minor rape survivor.
The case exposed systemic flaws in how hospitals and authorities handle MTP in sexual assault cases, particularly those involving minors.
It prompted the court to frame detailed guidelines aimed at ensuring timely, sensitive, and legally compliant medical care.

Background of the Case

A 17-year-old rape survivor was taken to AIIMS, Delhi, for medical examination and MTP.
Hospital authorities initially refused to conduct an ultrasound due to lack of ID documents, despite the survivor being accompanied by police and an FIR being registered.
The Child Welfare Committee (CWC) directed termination, but the hospital demanded age verification via ossification test and continued to delay.
After CWC’s personal intervention, the ultrasound revealed a gestation of 25 weeks and 4 days—beyond the legal limit of 24 weeks under the MTP Act, 1971.
The hospital refused further action without court orders.
Following court direction, a medical board assessed the gestation to be 23 weeks and 4 days, finding the survivor fit for MTP.

Lapses Identified by the Court

Hospitals applied routine diagnostic protocols rigidly, even in POCSO cases.
Discrepancy in ultrasound findings raised concerns about medical accuracy.
Administrative delays resulted in psychological and physical hardship to the survivor.

Guidelines Issued by the Delhi High Court

Directions to hospitals:
- Identity verification: No separate ID verification required if the survivor is accompanied by police with FIR and case files.
- Immediate medical attention:
  - Mandatory comprehensive examination upon presentation of a pregnant sexual assault survivor.
  - In cases where gestation appears over 24 weeks, hospitals must constitute a medical board immediately without waiting for court orders.
- Legal and procedural awareness:
  - SOPs, MTP Act, and POCSO guidelines must be accessible in Emergency and Gynaecology departments.
  - Doctors to be sensitized and trained in legal obligations under MTP and POCSO Acts.
- Training and accountability:
  - Quarterly training for medical staff in coordination with Delhi State Legal Services Authority (DSLSA) and Delhi High Court Legal Services Committee (DHCLSC).
  - Appointment of nodal officers in each government hospital to coordinate with CWC, Investigating officers (IOs), and courts.
  - Informed consent: MTP consent must be taken in a language understood by the survivor or guardian (Hindi/English).
Directions to Delhi Police:
- Biannual training: IOs in POCSO cases must undergo mandatory six-monthly training on MTP protocols and court coordination.
- Documentation: Training completion certificates to be filed in service records.
- Prompt medical action: IOs to ensure survivors are brought to hospitals or boards at the earliest opportunity with relevant documentation.
Earlier guidelines by the Court:
- April 2025 guidelines:
  - CWCs must immediately notify DHCLSC when referring to minor survivors with gestational age over 24 weeks for MTP.
  - DHCLSC to promptly decide on approaching courts for necessary permissions to avoid delay.
- January 2023 guidelines:
  - Mandatory Urine Pregnancy Tests during medical examination of sexual assault survivors.
  - Adult survivors found pregnant must be presented to the medical board the same day.
  - State governments directed to ensure medical boards are available in hospitals.

Conclusion

The Delhi High Court's proactive judicial intervention underscores the need for sensitive, efficient, and legally sound procedures in cases involving the MTP of sexual assault survivors.
These guidelines aim to bridge institutional gaps and uphold the fundamental rights of survivors, particularly minors, under the ambit of constitutional and statutory protections.

Source: TH

Medical Termination of Pregnancy FAQs

Q1: What prompted the Delhi High Court to issue guidelines regarding Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) in cases involving sexual assault survivors?

Ans: The Delhi HC acted after a minor rape survivor was denied timely MTP at AIIMS due to administrative delays, miscommunication, and insistence on identity documents despite police and CWC involvement.

Q2: What are the key directions issued by the Delhi High Court to hospitals regarding MTP procedures in sexual assault cases?

Ans: Hospitals were directed to conduct immediate medical examinations, form medical boards without court orders if pregnancy exceeds 24 weeks, and avoid rigid procedural requirements like ID verification when police FIRs are available.

Q3: How has the Delhi High Court sought to ensure legal compliance and sensitivity among medical professionals in MTP cases?

Ans: The court mandated quarterly training for medical staff, accessible SOPs and laws in emergency departments, and appointment of nodal officers to coordinate medico-legal procedures.

Q4: What measures were directed at the Delhi Police to improve their handling of MTP-related cases under POCSO?

Ans: Delhi Police officers handling sexual assault cases were ordered to undergo biannual training on MTP procedures, ensure prompt medical presentation of survivors, and maintain training certificates in service records.

Q5: What were the previously issued guidelines by the Delhi High Court to expedite MTP in cases involving minors beyond the 24-week limit?

Ans: In earlier rulings, the court directed that CWCs must immediately inform the DHCLSC for legal intervention when minors with pregnancies beyond 24 weeks seek termination, to prevent judicial delay.