Current Affairs - National

Chlorpyrifos, an organophosphate insecticide widely used in India since 1977, became the centre of global debate during the 2025 BRS Conventions in Geneva. While many countries supported its inclusion under Annex A of the Stockholm Convention due to its association with serious health risks such as neurological damage, developmental issues, and cancer, India opposed the ban. The country argued that removing Chlorpyrifos without suitable alternatives would jeopardize food security and agricultural output, particularly for key crops like rice, cotton, and sugarcane. This reflects the ongoing global tension between environmental health priorities and national agricultural needs.

In the 2025 World Press Freedom Index, India ranks 151st, reflecting ongoing challenges related to press freedom. This marks an improvement from its 159th position in 2024 but still indicates a concerning climate for journalists. The index highlights issues such as economic hardship faced by media outlets, leading to closures, as well as growing threats and restrictions on independent reporting. Globally, the report identifies the Middle East and North Africa as the most dangerous regions for journalists, with severe media suppression, especially in conflict zones like Gaza. India's rank underscores the urgent need for stronger protections for press freedom.

The first National Mediation Conference will take place in New Delhi and will be inaugurated by President Droupadi Murmu. The event is a significant step toward promoting mediation as an effective alternative dispute resolution mechanism. Organized by the Attorney General’s office and the Ministry of Law, the conference aims to facilitate the exchange of best practices in mediation and highlight its role in reducing the burden on the judiciary. With participation from key legal figures like Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, the event underscores the government’s commitment to legal reforms and faster justice delivery.

In a significant move to enhance last-mile connectivity and reduce urban pollution, 400 electric buses under the Delhi Electric Vehicle Interconnector Service (DEVI) were flagged off in New Delhi. The event was attended by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta. The initiative aims to strengthen links between metro stations and bus terminals, providing a cleaner and more efficient public transport option for residents of the National Capital. This aligns with broader efforts to promote electric mobility and environmental sustainability in urban areas.

Yoga Mahotsav 2025 was organized in Nashik, Maharashtra, to celebrate the 50-day countdown to the 11th International Day of Yoga (IDY), which is observed globally on June 21. The event was conducted by the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga under the Ministry of Ayush. A mass yoga demonstration following the Common Yoga Protocol (CYP) was held at Gauri Maidan in the Ramkund Parisar, Panchavati area. This initiative underscores the government's continued efforts to promote yoga as a global health and wellness practice, involving large-scale community participation leading up to the IDY.