UPSC Prelims Current Affairs for 11 June 2025

India’s First E-Waste Recycling Park in Delhi

June 11, 2025

First E-Waste Recycling Park Latest News

In a major step towards sustainable development and circular economy, the Delhi government has announced plans to develop India’s first integrated E-Waste Eco Park at Holambi Kalan in north-west Delhi.

About First E-Waste Recycling Park

This state-of-the-art facility will be India’s first integrated E-Waste Eco Park and will be built under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, at Holambi Kalan in north-west Delhi.
It will be covering 11.4 acres, and is expected to process up to 51,000 metric tonnes of e-waste annually.
The project will be developed by the Delhi State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (DSIIDC) on a Design, Build, Finance, Operate, and Transfer (DBFOT) basis, with a 15-year concession period.
Zones: Dedicated areas for dismantling, refurbishing, component testing, plastic recovery, and a second-hand electronics market.
Employment: Creation of over 1,000 green jobs and skilling/training centres for informal recyclers.
Significance: Aims to manage nearly 25% of Delhi’s e-waste, set a national benchmark for smart waste processing, and promote sustainable urban infrastructure.
Environmental Impact: Reduces dependency on landfills, minimises hazardous waste, and promotes resource recovery and reuse.

First E-Waste Recycling Park FAQs

Q1. Where is India’s first e-waste recycling park being set up?

Ans. Holambi Kalan, North-West Delhi.

Q2. What is the processing capacity of the e-waste eco park?

Ans. Up to 51,000 metric tonnes of e-waste annually.

Q3. Which government agency is developing the e-waste eco park?

Ans. Delhi State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (DSIIDC).

Source: NIE

Keeladi Excavation Findings

June 11, 2025

Keeladi Findings Latest News

Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat has stated that the report on the Keeladi excavations, submitted by archaeologist Amarnath Ramakrishna, is not yet “technically well-supported” and requires further scientific studies

About Keeladi Findings

Location: Keeladi is a village in Sivaganga district, Tamil Nadu, situated along the Vaigai River, about 12 km southeast of Madurai.
Excavation History: Excavations began in 2015, initially led by the ASI and later by the Tamil Nadu State Department of Archaeology after a period of administrative dispute.
Artefacts Unearthed: Over 18,000 artefacts have been discovered, including pottery, inscribed potsherds, gold ornaments, copper articles, semi-precious stones, shell and ivory bangles, glass beads, spindle whorls, terracotta seals, and weaving tools.
Pottery and Inscriptions: The site has yielded heaps of pottery and over 120 potsherds with Tamil Brahmi inscriptions, indicating the long survival of the script and literacy in the region.
Urban Settlement: Findings suggest Keeladi was a well-planned urban settlement with evidence of industries such as pottery, weaving, dyeing, and bead-making.
Trade and Lifestyle: Artefacts like agate and carnelian beads indicate trade networks, while items such as dice and hopscotch pieces reveal leisure activities.
Chronology: The findings have pushed the Sangam Age in Tamil Nadu back to around 800 BCE, suggesting a much older and advanced civilization than previously thought.
Link to Other Civilisations: Some symbols on Keeladi artefacts resemble those of the Indus Valley Civilization, though a cultural gap of about 1,000 years remains. Scholars hope further studies will clarify these connections.

Sangam Age

The Sangam Age, often referred to as the Tamil Sangam period, marks an important chapter in South Indian history.
Named after the assembly of Tamil poets and scholars known as the Sangam, this era witnessed a rich cultural and literary flourishing in the southern regions of India.
It is broadly estimated to have spanned from around 300 BCE to 300 CE.

Keeladi Findings FAQs

Q1. What did they find in Keezhadi?

Ans: Ancient urban settlement remains, including pottery, ornaments, tools, and Tamil-Brahmi inscribed potsherds.

Q2. What are the things found in Keezhadi?

Ans: Artefacts like pottery, gold and copper ornaments, beads, tools, figurines, coins, gamesmen, and inscribed potsherds.

Q3. What is the importance of the findings in Keezhadi?

Ans: They prove an advanced urban civilization with literacy, industry, and trade existed in Tamil Nadu during the Sangam age.

Q4. What names were found in Keezhadi?

Ans: Names in Tamil-Brahmi script, such as ‘Sathan Esiri Kathiran Ilabu’, were found inscribed on potsherds.

Source: TH

Poson Poya

June 11, 2025

Poson Poya Latest News

Sri Lanka celebrated Poson Poya on June 10–11, 2025, marking over 2,000 years since the arrival of Buddhism on the island.

About Poson Poya

Poson Poya is an annual Buddhist festival celebrated on the full moon day of June, second only in importance to Vesak in Sri Lanka.
It marks the introduction of Buddhism to Sri Lanka in the 3rd century BCE by Arahat Mahinda, son of Emperor Ashoka of India, who preached to King Devanampiyatissa at Mihintale.
This event is considered a turning point in Sri Lankan history, leading to significant religious, cultural, and social transformations.
The festival is celebrated throughout Sri Lanka, but the main ceremonies are held at Mihintale and Anuradhapura, attracting thousands of pilgrims.
Devotees dress in white, make offerings at temples, meditate, and participate in community activities such as dansals (free food stalls), lantern displays, and religious pageants.
The festival promotes values such as non-violence (ahimsa), kindness, and unity.

Buddhism in Sri Lanka

Buddhism is a spiritual tradition founded by Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha) in the 6th century BCE in India.
It emphasizes the path to enlightenment (nirvana) through ethical living, meditation, and wisdom.
Core teachings include the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, guiding individuals to overcome suffering (dukkha).
Buddhism arrived in Sri Lanka over 2,300 years ago during the reign of King Devanampiyatissa, marking a profound spiritual and cultural transformation.
It was introduced by Arahat Mahinda, the son of Indian Emperor Ashoka, in 236 BCE on Poson Poya day at Mihintale.
The king embraced Buddhism, leading to its widespread acceptance across the island. Temples, stupas, and monastic traditions flourished, making Sri Lanka a major center of Theravāda Buddhism.

Poson Poya FAQs

Q1. What is special about Poson Poya Day?

Ans: It marks the arrival of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, celebrated with temple visits, lanterns, and acts of kindness.

Q2. What is the date of Poson?

Ans: Poson Poya falls on the June full moon; in 2025, it was on June 10.

Q3. What is the history of Poson?

Ans: It commemorates Arahat Mahinda bringing Buddhism to Sri Lanka and converting King Devanampiyatissa in 236 BC.

Q4. Is Vesak Poya an international holiday?

Ans: Yes, Vesak is recognised as an international holiday by the United Nations.

Source: News on AIR

Shahed Drones

June 11, 2025

About Shahed Drones

Shahed drones are Iranian-made unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs) and loitering munitions, primarily developed by Shahed Aviation Industries. Russia refers to the Shahed-136 as "Geran-2".
Design and Capabilities: These drones are designed for one-way attack missions, carrying explosive warheads that detonate upon impact.
- The Shahed-136, the most widely used variant, features a delta-wing design, weighs around 200 kg, and has a wingspan of 2.5–3 meters.
Range and Speed: The Shahed-136 can travel between 1,000 and 2,500 km at speeds up to 185 km/h. It is launched via disposable rocket boosters and then powered by a piston engine, giving it a distinctive "moped-like" sound.
Guidance: The drones use pre-programmed GPS or GLONASS coordinates, making them resistant to electronic warfare and jamming.
- Recent variants reportedly use advanced algorithms and AI for improved navigation and targeting.
Warhead Types: Shahed drones can be equipped with various warheads, including high-explosive fragmentation, thermobaric, and shrapnel-filled munitions, maximising damage to both personnel and equipment.

Shahed Drones FAQs

Q1. What is a Shahed drone?

Ans: A Shahed drone is an Iranian-made kamikaze or suicide drone used for one-way explosive attacks.

Q2. What is the difference between Shahed 136 and 131?

Ans: Shahed 136 is larger, has longer range and bigger warhead; Shahed 131 is smaller with shorter range and warhead.

Q3. What engine is in the Shahed drone?

Ans: Shahed 136 uses an MD-550 piston engine; Shahed 131 uses a smaller MDR-208 Wankel engine.

Source: REUTERS

United Nations Population Fund

June 11, 2025

United Nations Population Fund Latest News

Recently, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)’s 2025 State of World Population (SOWP) Report, titled, ‘The Real Fertility Crisis’, states that one in three adult Indians face unintended pregnancies, while 30% experience unfulfilled desire for having either more or fewer children.

About United Nations Population Fund

It is an international development agency created in 1968 to support the execution of projects and programmes in the area of population and sexual and reproductive health.
Its mission is to deliver a world where every pregnancy is wanted, everychildbirth is safe and every young person's potential is fulfilled.
In 1987, it was officially renamed as the United Nations Population Fund but the original abbreviation UNFPA (United Nations Fund for Population Activities) was retained.
It is not directly responsible for the collection of primary statistics; it plays an important role in the technical and financial support of statistical activities in countries, such as population censuses and thematic surveys etc.
Funding: It is entirely supported by voluntary contributions of donor governments, intergovernmental organizations, the private sector and foundations and individuals, not by the United Nations regular budget.
It funds assistance, research, and advocacy programs in three major areas:
Reproductive health, including family planning, safe motherhood, and the prevention and treatment of sexually transmitted diseases,
The population problems of developed and developingcountries and possible strategies for addressing them.
Issues related to the status of women, including the gender gap in education.
UNFPA assistance programs are undertaken only in response to government requests.
Headquarters: New York

United Nations Population Fund FAQs

Q1: What is the responsibility of UNFPA?

Ans: The goal of UNFPA is to ensure every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, every young person's potential is fulfilled.

Q2: What is the state of the world population report?

Ans: The State of World Population Report is UNFPA's annual flagship publication, published since 1978.

Source: TH

Nickel

June 11, 2025

Nickel Latest News

Recent study has revealed that nickel can be extracted from low-grade ores using hydrogen plasma instead of carbon.

About Nickel

It is a metallic element with a silvery-white, shiny appearance.
It is the fifth-most common element on earth and occurs extensively in the earth’s crust and core.
Nickel, along with iron, is also a common element in meteorites.
It occurs naturally in soil and water. It is also an essential nutrient for plants.
It has outstanding physical and chemical properties, which make it essential in hundreds of thousands of products.
Nickel occurs principally as oxides, sulphides and silicates in India.
India has substantial nickel laterite reserves, particularly in Odisha’s Sukinda region.
World Distribution: Indonesia (22%), Australia (21%), Brazil (17%), Russia (7%), Cuba (6%) and Philippines (5%) are the major countries having reserves of Nickel.

Applications of Nickel

Its biggest use is in alloying - particularly with chromium and other metals to produce stainless and heat-resisting steels.
Nickel is an important metal used in several clean energy technologies, especially Electric Vehicles (EVs).
It is used in batteries, including rechargeable nickel-cadmium batteries and nickel-metal hydride batteries used in hybrid vehicles.

Nickel FAQs

Q1: What is the formula for nickel?

Ans: Nickel is a chemical element with symbol Ni and atomic number 28.

Q2: What is nickel used for?

Ans: Primarily used in stainless steel production, it supports a wide range of industries and everyday products.

Source: TH

Blue Nationally Determined Contributions Challenge

June 11, 2025

Blue Nationally Determined Contributions Challenge Latest News

Recently, on the first day of the third UN Ocean Conference (UNOC3) Blue NDC Challenge initiative was launched to dramatically scale up ocean-focused climate action.

About Blue NDC Challenge

It is a landmark international initiative launched by France and Brazil.
It urges countries to incorporate ocean-focused climate measures into their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) ahead of the 30th Conference of Parties (COP30) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Belem, Brazil.
Six other countries—Australia, Fiji, Kenya, Mexico, Palau, and the Republic of Seychelles—have joined this initiative.
It is supported by Ocean Conservancy, the Ocean and Climate Platform and the World Resources Institute through the Ocean Resilience and Climate Alliance (ORCA) and has been endorsed by WWF-Brazil.

What are NDCs?

NDCs are national climate plans that outline a country’s efforts to reduce emissions and adapt to climate change under the Paris Agreement adopted by 195 Parties at UNFCCC COP21 in Paris, France, on December 12, 2015,
To hold “the increase in the global average temperature to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels” and pursue efforts “to limit the temperature increase to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.

Blue Nationally Determined Contributions Challenge FAQs

Q1: What is the Blue Economy?

Ans: It is the "sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and jobs while preserving the health of the ocean ecosystem.

Q2: What is the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)?

Ans: The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is a treaty that establishes the legal framework for international cooperation on climate change. The UNFCCC's goal is to stabilize greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere to prevent dangerous human interference with the climate system.

Source: DTE

Axiom-4 Mission (Ax-4)

June 11, 2025

Axiom Mission 4 Latest News

Just days after anticipation built around Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla’s participation in Axiom Mission 4, the launch has been postponed again.

About Axiom Mission 4

Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) is the fourth private astronaut mission to the International Space Station (ISS), organized by Axiom Space in collaboration with NASA, SpaceX, and ISRO.

- Objectives:
  - Enable commercial activities in low Earth orbit, including space tourism and private research.
  - Demonstrate the feasibility of commercial space stations as platforms for business and science.
  - Strengthen international collaboration in space exploration.
  - Conduct scientific experiments in microgravity, focusing on materials science, biology, Earth observation, and life sciences.
- Launch Vehicle & Capsule: First flight of Crew Dragon C213—the fifth and final new Dragon capsule—to be launched atop a Falcon‑9 Block 5 from LC‑39A, Kennedy Space Centre.
- Mission Timeline: Originally set for early June 2025, the mission was moved multiple times— then again postponed on June 11, due to the LOx leak, which caused further delay.

Crew (4 total):

- - Peggy Whitson (USA)
  - Shubhanshu Shukla (India)
  - Sławosz Uznański‑Wiśniewski (Poland)
  - Mission Specialist: Tibor Kapu (Hungary)

Significance:

- Marks India’s return to human spaceflight after 41 years, since Rakesh Sharma’s 1984 mission.
- First government-sponsored flights to the ISS for India, Poland, and Hungary in over four decades.

Axiom Mission 4 FAQs

Q1: What is the Axiom-4 mission?

Ans: Axiom-4 is a private spaceflight sending astronauts, including an Indian, to the International Space Station for research and collaboration.

Q2: Who are the Indian astronauts in Axiom 4?

Ans: Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is the only Indian astronaut on Axiom 4.

Q3: What is the meaning of Axiom 4?

Ans: Axiom 4 means the fourth private astronaut mission to the ISS by Axiom Space.

Q4: Who has been named as the pilot for Axiom Mission 4?

Ans: Shubhanshu Shukla from India has been named the pilot for Axiom Mission 4.

Source: MINT

BBX32 Protein

June 11, 2025

BBX32 Protein Latest News

Researchers from the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Bhopal, have found that a single protein BBX32 helps plants time their first step from darkness into light.

About BBX32 Protein

It is a B-box (BBX) protein (B-box play an important role in plant growth and development).
It helps provide leads to control the timing of seedling emergence and help maximise proper seedling establishment.

How does it work?

When a seed sprouts in darkness under the soil, its stem curves into a small hook shape that protects the delicate shoot tip as it pushes upward.
The hook needs to stay ‘closed’ until the seedling breaks through the soil and meets light.
Ethylene is a plant hormone that builds up underground and light work together to decide exactly when the hook opens.
‘BBX32’ helps in plant growth regulation by keeping its first leaves folded until they emerge from the soil and thus provide crucial aid in the seedling establishment process.
BBX32 was found to work by raising the activity of the PIF3 protein, which switched on HLS1, which kept the hook closed. If PIF3 was missing, BBX32 couldn’t prevent the hook from opening.

BBX32 Protein FAQs

Q1: What is called a protein?

Ans: Proteins are made up of hundreds or thousands of smaller units called amino acids, which are attached to one another in long chains

Q2: What is protein function?

Ans: Proteins serve as structural support, biochemical catalysts, hormones, enzymes, building blocks, and initiators of cellular death.

Source: TH

Gangotri National Park

June 11, 2025

Gangotri National Park Latest News

Residents of Uttarkashi district in Uttarakhand have written to the Union government expressing concern over a new waste incinerator in the Gangotri National Park and within the Bhagirathi Eco-Sensitive Zone.

About Gangotri National Park

It is located in the Uttarkashi District region of the state of Uttarakhand.
It sits along the upper catchment of the Bhagirathi River.
International boundary: The northeastern section of the park forms the international boundary of India and Tibet (China).
The area enclosed by the park also borders Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary and Govind National Park.
The mountains in the park are part of the Gangotri Group of the Garhwal Himalayas, which are a subrange of the eastern Himalayas.
Important Peaks: Major peaks within the park include Chaukhamba I, Satopanth, Chaukhamba II, Chaukhamba III, and Kedarnath Main.
The famous Gangotri Glacier is located in the park boundaries and is known for being one of the primary sources of the Ganges.

Flora and Fauna of Gangotri National Park

It is home to high-altitude ecosystems that are common in the Himalayas.
Western Himalayan subalpine conifer forests dominate the lower elevation landscapes. These forests are filled with fir trees intermixed with deodar, oak, spruce, and rhododendrons trees.
Higher elevations in the park are home to Western Himalayan alpine shrubs. Alpine meadows are also common beneath the massive glaciers.
Snow leopard, brown bear, blue sheep, musk deer, Asian black bear, and the Himalayan tahr etc.

Gangotri National Park FAQs

Q1: Which river passes through Gangotri National Park?

Ans: Bhagirathi River

Q2: Which national park is famous for musk deer?

Ans: Gangotri National Park:

Source: HT