Content:

1. India will never accept a mediation: PM to Trump
2. Why are oil prices rising amid Iran-Israel war?
3. What was decided at the UN Oceans Conference?
4. India launches Operation Sindhu, evacuates 110 students from Iran
5. In a reset, India, Canada agree to appoint High Commissioners
6. Chandigarh tops school education index, Meghalaya comes last: report

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India will never accept a mediation: PM to Trump

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Context & Trigger

• U.S. President Donald Trump claimed he “stopped a war” between India and Pakistan post-Operation Sindoor.
• Indian PM Narendra Modi firmly rejected this claim and reiterated India’s long-standing opposition to third-party mediation on bilateral issues with Pakistan.

Relevance : GS 3(Internal Security ) , GS 2(International Relations)

India’s Clear Position on Mediation

• PM Modi, during a 35-minute phone call, categorically told Trump:
  • “India does not and will never accept mediation.”
  • There is complete political consensus in India across party lines on rejecting external mediation (especially on Kashmir or Pakistan).
• Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri conveyed this message through an official statement from PM’s aircraft – ‘India 1’.

Trump’s Contradictory Remarks

• Despite the phone call:
  • Trump repeated his claim publicly: “I stopped a war between Pakistan and India.”
  • Also added: “I love Pakistan… Modi is a fantastic man.”
  • Claimed both Modi and Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir were helpful in de-escalation — blurring diplomatic clarity.

U.S. Invitation to Pakistan Army Chief

• General Asim Munir reportedly invited to lunch by Trump.
  • Claimed he suggested Trump deserves a Nobel Peace Prize for preventing nuclear conflict.
• Seen as a provocative move by India, given Munir’s symbolic and strategic role in Pakistan’s military-political complex.

Diplomatic Concerns for India

• Trump’s public narrative undermines India’s sovereign position on bilateral issues.
• The return of the India–Pakistan “hyphenation” — which India has consistently worked to dismantle — risks becoming part of U.S. discourse again.
• India’s emphasis on strategic autonomy is tested by such diplomatic unpredictability.

Domestic & Strategic Significance

• The issue carries domestic political weight, with Opposition parties reacting sharply to Trump’s repeated claims.
• Highlights a growing unease in India–U.S. relations due to:
  • Diplomatic miscommunication or distortion.
  • Trump’s impulsive rhetoric and inconsistent foreign policy.

Broader Implications

• Undermines India’s image as a confident regional power capable of handling its own security matters.
• Raises questions on the seriousness of U.S. diplomacy, especially under unpredictable leadership.
• Might lead India to reassess the utility of high-level bilateral engagements when strategic clarity is lacking.

Key Takeaway

• India remains committed to bilateral resolution of issues with Pakistan, per the Simla Agreement (1972) and Lahore Declaration (1999).
• External attempts to mediate are diplomatically unacceptable and politically sensitive in the Indian context.
• India’s diplomatic doctrine prioritizes sovereignty, non-interference, and strategic autonomy.

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Why are oil prices rising amid Iran-Israel war?

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Context & Trigger

• The Iran-Israel conflict has escalated, leading to fears of global oil supply disruptions.
• Result: Brent crude futures jumped ~9% on June 13, reaching $78.50/barrel intraday (a five-month high).

Relevance : GS 3(Energy , Economy)

Role of the Strait of Hormuz

• Critical maritime chokepoint connecting the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea.
• ~20 million barrels/day of oil pass through it – ~25% of global supply.
• Iran has repeatedly threatened to block the strait, triggering global market panic.
• Disruption = delayed shipments, higher insurance + transport costs → rising oil prices.

Global Impact of Closure Threats

• Affects key oil exporters: Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, Iraq, Qatar, and Iran itself.
• 84% of oil and 83% of LNG via Hormuz go to Asian countries, including India and China.
• Alternatives (like rerouting) exist but are costlier and slower.

Global Supply Outlook

• IEA (June 2025 report): Oil markets “well supplied“ if no major disruptions.
  • Demand ↑ by 720 kb/d; Supply ↑ by 1.8 mb/d → reaching 104.9 mb/d.
  • Inventory build-up offers short-term buffer (93 million barrels in May).
• However, geopolitical risks remain high, especially if Hormuz is blocked.

Is Iran’s Production a Factor?

• Iran’s direct impact is limited due to U.S. sanctions.
• Its main buyer is China, who enjoys discounted Iranian crude.
• Hence, the real threat is Iran disrupting global flows, not its own export capacity.

India’s Exposure & Preparedness

• India imports ~80% of its oil → highly vulnerable to price shocks.
• No direct imports from Iran currently (due to U.S. sanctions).
• However, global price spikes = costlier imports for India.
• Diversification efforts:
  • Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri stated India has widened its oil import basket.
  • But price volatility remains a concern.

Economic Implications for India

• Short-term spike not alarming: Prices rose from “benign levels”.
• ICRA’s GDP forecast (6.2%) not affected yet.
• But prolonged high prices could:
  • Hurt corporate profitability,
  • Delay private investment (capex),
  • Increase import bills and inflation, possibly impacting fiscal deficit.

Strategic Takeaways

• India must:
  • Strengthen strategic petroleum reserves (SPRs).
  • Deepen energy diplomacy (esp. with Gulf & alternative suppliers).
  • Push for domestic production (exploration, renewables) to enhance energy security.

Conclusion

• The Iran-Israel war has reignited oil market fears, mainly via Hormuz threats.
• India remains vulnerable to external energy shocks despite diversification.
• A watchful energy strategy is crucial to safeguard economic stability and trade resilience amid global uncertainties.

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What was decided at the UN Oceans Conference?

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Context: UNOC 2025 – A Global Push for Ocean Conservation

• The 3rd United Nations Oceans Conference (UNOC) concluded in France.
• Aim: Accelerate action to protect marine biodiversity, especially beyond national jurisdiction (high seas).
• Major focus: Ratification of the BBNJ Agreement (High Seas Treaty).

Relevance : GS 2(International Relations)

Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Treaty – What & Why

• Also known as the High Seas Treaty, first adopted in 2023.
• Targets protection of biodiversity in areas beyond national EEZs (international waters = ~2/3 of ocean surface).

• Key features:
  • Creation of marine protected areas (MPAs) on the high seas.
  • Mandatory environmental impact assessments for high-seas projects.
  • Regulation of marine genetic resources (MGRs).
  • Support for capacity-building in developing nations.

• Ratification milestone: Needs 60 ratifications to become legally binding.
  • As of now: 56 countries ratified, incl. France, Germany, Spain.
  • India and the U.S. yet to ratify (India says it’s “in process”).
  • First BBNJ COP (Conference of Parties) expected by late 2026.

Why BBNJ is Crucial for Marine Conservation

• High seas = global commons, but underregulated.
• Home to rich, exotic biodiversity; risk of deep-sea mining, overfishing, and biopiracy.
• Needed to fulfil CBD’s 30×30 goal: Protect 30% of marine & coastal ecosystems by 2030.
• Helps address ocean threats:
  • Illegal fishing, climate change impact, noise pollution, carbon storage loss.

Key Hurdle: Equitable Sharing of Marine Resources

• MGRs from high seas (e.g., microbes, enzymes) could lead to commercial bio-products.
• Disputes arise over:
  • Who benefits? How to share profits fairly?
  • Developed vs. developing country concerns over technology access, intellectual property, and equity.
• Critics argue: Without a ban on deep-sea extraction, marine conservation is incomplete.

Major Announcements & Voluntary Commitments at UNOC

• European Commission: €1 billion for ocean science, sustainable fishing.
• French Polynesia: Declared entire EEZ (~5 million sq. km) as a marine protected area — largest ever.
• New Zealand: $52 million for Pacific Islands’ ocean governance and science.
• Germany: €100 million for removal of old munitions from Baltic/North Sea seabeds.
• Spain: 5 new MPAs → protects 25% of marine territory.
• Canada: $9 million to enhance climate resilience for Small Island States.
• Italy: €6.5 million to improve marine surveillance (Coast Guard).
• Panama + Canada (with 37 nations): Launched High Ambition Coalition for a Quiet Ocean — first global push against ocean noise pollution.
• UN agencies: Co-launched One Ocean Finance to unlock blue economy investments.

Strategic Significance for India

• India hasn’t ratified BBNJ yet → risks being a passive observer in shaping rules for global commons.
• As a major blue economy player, India must:
  • Engage in marine diplomacy,
  • Push for equitable resource-sharing norms,
  • Ensure sovereign interests are protected while aligning with sustainable ocean governance goals.

Conclusion / Key Takeaway

• The UNOC 2025 marks a turning point for ocean conservation diplomacy.
• The BBNJ treaty, once in force, can become for oceans what the Paris Agreement is for climate.
• Success depends on ratification momentum, fair implementation, and real conservation action, not just voluntary pledges.

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India launches Operation Sindhu, evacuates 110 students from Iran

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Operation Sindhu – India’s Evacuation Response

• Launch: Operation Sindhu initiated amid rising Israel–Iran hostilities.
• Objective: Safely evacuate Indian nationals, primarily students and pilgrims, from conflict-hit Iran.
• Phase 1:
  • 110 Indian students evacuated from northern Iran to Yerevan, Armenia by road.
  • Special flight (via Doha) to New Delhi on June 19, early morning.

Relevance : GS 2(Governance ) , GS 3(Disaster Management)

Who Were Evacuated?

• 90 students from Jammu & Kashmir, rest from Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh.
• Most were medical students studying in Iranian universities.
• Student dormitories near Tehran reportedly hit during Israeli airstrikes – two Kashmiri students injured.

Diplomatic Coordination

• MEA & Indian Embassy in Tehran worked in coordination with Iranian authorities.
• Iranian Deputy Ambassador stated full cooperation in ensuring safe passage and logistics.
• Evacuees temporarily relocated to Qom, then bussed to Armenia.

Stranded Pilgrims Still Await Assistance

• Tatheer Fatima, a pilgrim from Lucknow, reports:
  • Stuck with 96 pilgrims, including elderly women and minors, in Qom.
  • No clarity or communication from Indian authorities on their evacuation.
  • Facing shortages of medicine and child-care essentials amid deteriorating conditions.

Context: Israel–Iran Conflict Escalation

• Evacuation triggered after Israeli airstrike on Tehran.
• Worsening security situation in Iran’s urban centres, especially around student housing and public areas.

India’s Crisis Response Capacity

• Reflects India’s swift consular action and experience in complex evacuation ops (e.g., Operation Ganga, Vande Bharat).
• Shows geostrategic reach and reliance on third-party countries like Armenia and Qatar for logistics.

Strategic & Humanitarian Significance

• Upholds India’s responsibility to protect its diaspora, especially students and pilgrims.
• Reinforces bilateral goodwill with Iran despite geopolitical turbulence.
• Raises concerns over crisis preparedness for vulnerable groups like pilgrims with limited embassy access.

Key Takeaway

Operation Sindhu demonstrates India’s agile evacuation strategy, but highlights the need for broader crisis communication, particularly for non-student evacuees. As West Asia remains volatile, India must maintain robust contingency plans for diaspora safety and diplomatic responsiveness.

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In a reset, India, Canada agree to appoint High Commissioners

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Reset in India–Canada Relations

• After a 2-year diplomatic standoff, both countries agreed to:
  • Restore High Commissioners in Delhi and Ottawa.
  • Restart talks on trade (EPTA/CEPA), visas, and people-to-people dialogue.
• Decision made during PM Modi’s meeting with new Canadian PM Mark Carney on the sidelines of the G-7 Outreach in Kananaskis, Canada.

Relevance : GS 2(International Relations)

From Crisis to Calibration

• Diplomatic ties ruptured over Canada’s accusation of Indian involvement in the 2023 killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar (a Khalistani separatist).
• India:
  • Denied all allegations.
  • Suspended visa services for Canadians.
  • Expelled several Canadian diplomats for “interference in internal matters.”
• Carney’s election in April 2025 replaces Justin Trudeau, creating space for diplomatic thaw.

Steps Agreed Upon

• Appointment of High Commissioners to be completed by July 2025.
  • India has nominated Dinesh Patnaik (currently Ambassador to Spain).
• Revive Early Progress Trade Agreement (EPTA) negotiations aiming for CEPA.
• Resumption of high-level dialogues in:
  • Clean energy, AI, digital transformation
  • Critical minerals, LNG, food security
  • Higher education, mobility, supply chains

Sensitive Themes Still Linger

• Nijjar case not explicitly mentioned in official readouts, but indirectly referred under:
  • G-7 Joint Statement on Transnational Repression – condemns violence against dissidents, journalists, diaspora members.
  • PM Carney’s remarks on “security” and “rules-based order.”
• A Canadian intelligence report, expected soon, reaffirms suspicion of India’s involvement in Nijjar’s killing – may continue to strain trust.

Earlier Flashpoints

• Canada expelled Indian HC Sanjay Verma; India expelled 6 Canadian diplomats in return (Oct 2024).
• Allegations included involvement of Indian Home Minister Amit Shah, as per RCMP probe.
• India accused Canada of harbouring Khalistani extremism and failing to protect its diplomats.

Trudeau to Carney: Diplomatic Opening

• Transition from Trudeau to Carney offered Delhi a political off-ramp to de-escalate.
• Carney, though from the same party, has taken a more nuanced approach.

Key Takeaways

• The Modi–Carney meeting marks a measured reconciliation, prioritising trade and people-to-people ties.
• Structural irritants like Khalistani extremism, diaspora politics, and transnational repression remain unresolved.
• A true reset will depend on:
  • Canada’s ability to manage extremist elements.
  • India’s willingness to engage despite deep-seated mistrust.
  • Avoiding further escalatory leaks and allegations.

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Chandigarh tops school education index, Meghalaya comes last: report

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What is PGI 2.0?

• PGI (Performance Grading Index) 2.0 evaluates school education quality across States and UTs.
• Total score: 1,000 points, across six domains:
  • Learning outcomes & quality
  • Access
  • Infrastructure
  • Equity
  • Governance processes
  • Teacher education and training

Relevance : GS 2(Education , Governance)

Top Performer

• Chandigarh topped the index with 719 points.
  • Only region to enter Grade Prachesta-1 (score: 701–760).
  • Indicates relatively better performance in learning outcomes and governance.

Bottom Rung

• Meghalaya scored the lowest with 417 points.
  • Falls in Akanshi-3 (score: 401–460) — worst performing category.
  • Reflects persistent gaps in quality, access, and infrastructure.

Overall Trends

• 24 States/UTs improved their scores over 2022–23.
• 12 States/UTs showed declining performance, signaling uneven progress.
• No State/UT crossed the 761+ range, the highest possible band — showing significant scope for nationwide improvement.

Grading Distribution

• Prachesta-3 (581–640) – 10 States/UTs:
  • Punjab, Delhi, Gujarat, Odisha, Kerala, Dadra Nagar Haveli & Daman Diu, Haryana, Goa, Maharashtra, Rajasthan
• Akanshi-1 (521–580) – 14 States/UTs:
  • TN, Karnataka, WB, MP, UP, J&K, Uttarakhand, Puducherry, HP, Sikkim, Ladakh, A&N Islands, Lakshadweep
• Akanshi-2 (461–520) – Several low-performing States:
  • Telangana, Assam, Jharkhand, Tripura, Manipur, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, Nagaland, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh
• Akanshi-3 (401–460) – Only Meghalaya

Notable Improvements

• Access domain:
  • Bihar and Telangana showed the highest gains — indicates better school enrolment and outreach.
• Infrastructure domain:
  • Delhi, J&K, and Telangana made substantial progress — improved facilities like classrooms, toilets, digital tools.

Areas of Concern

• Absence of any State in the highest scoring band reflects:
  • Gaps in quality of education delivery.
  • Need for focused investment in teacher training, digital access, and learning outcomes.
• North-Eastern States and Tribal regions consistently lag — calls for region-specific interventions.

Key Takeaways

• PGI 2.0 is a crucial policy tool to benchmark school education performance.
• Chandigarh’s success shows strong governance and educational infrastructure yield results.
• Meghalaya and other lagging States require urgent attention and targeted reforms.
• India’s school education system needs systemic upgradation to meet national learning goals by 2030 (SDG 4).

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