On June 30th, 2025, India & the world witnessed important developments across various sectors. Significant expansion in social security aims to cover a wider population, while a new National Turmeric Board seeks to boost the agricultural sector. Concurrently, an innovative technological solution, artificial rain, is being planned for Delhi to address persistent air pollution concerns. These diverse initiatives reflect the government's multi-pronged approach to national development.

Awareness regarding daily UPSC current affairs is crucial for cracking the UPSC Prelims, excelling in UPSC Mains. It helps perform well in the UPSC personality test, thus becoming an informed and effective UPSC civil servant.

India’s social security coverage soars from 19 % to 64.3 %

Source: AIR

Syllabus: GS Paper II (Governance)

IN NEWS

India’s social security coverage has reportedly soared from 19% to 64.3%, benefiting over 94 crore people in the last 10 years.

India's Expanding Social Security Framework

The significant increase in social security coverage highlights a concerted effort by the government over the past decade to formalize the workforce and provide a safety net for its citizens. This growth is a key indicator of progress in financial inclusion and welfare delivery.

Key Schemes Contributing to the Surge

• Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY): While primarily a financial inclusion scheme, it provides bank accounts necessary for direct benefit transfers from social security programs.
• Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY) and Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY): These offer life insurance and accidental death/disability insurance at very affordable premiums, especially for the unorganized sector.
• Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-dhan (PM-SYM): A voluntary and contributory pension scheme for unorganised workers.
• e-Shram Portal: Launched to create a national database of unorganized workers, facilitating the delivery of social security benefits.
• Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) and Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC): Expansion of their coverage and outreach to bring more formal sector workers under the ambit of provident fund and health insurance benefits.
• Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY): Provides health cover to vulnerable families, reducing out-of-pocket health expenditure.

Significance of Enhanced Coverage

• Formalization of Economy: Bringing a larger segment of the workforce into the formal social security net.
• Poverty Reduction: Providing financial protection against various risks, thereby preventing people from falling into poverty.
• Improved Quality of Life: Access to insurance, pensions, and healthcare contributes directly to the well-being of beneficiaries.
• Data-Driven Policy Making: Better data on workers helps in designing more targeted and effective welfare schemes.
• Inclusive Growth: Ensures that the benefits of economic growth reach a wider population, including those in the informal sector.

This expansion underscores India's commitment to welfare economics and ensuring basic social protection for a vast majority of its population.

National Turmeric Board in Telangana

Source: The Hindu

Syllabus: GS Paper II (Governance)

IN NEWS

Union Home Minister Amit Shah is set to inaugurate the National Turmeric Board in Telangana.

National Turmeric Board: Boost for India's Turmeric Sector

The upcoming inauguration of the National Turmeric Board by the Union Home Minister marks a significant step towards institutionalizing support for India's turmeric industry. This move aims to enhance the cultivation, processing, and marketing of turmeric, a vital cash crop for many Indian farmers and a significant export commodity.

Background on Turmeric in India India is the world's largest producer, consumer, and exporter of turmeric. Major turmeric-producing states include Telangana, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh. Turmeric is valued for its culinary, medicinal (due to curcumin content), and cosmetic uses.

Objectives of the National Turmeric Board

The Board is expected to focus on several key areas to uplift the turmeric sector:

• Research and Development: Promoting advanced research into turmeric varieties, sustainable cultivation practices, and value-added products.
• Quality Standards: Ensuring high-quality production, processing, and packaging to meet international standards and enhance export competitiveness.
• Market Development: Identifying new domestic and international markets for turmeric and its products.
• Export Promotion: Facilitating and streamlining the export of Indian turmeric, addressing trade barriers.
• Farmer Support: Providing technical guidance, access to better farming techniques, and price stability mechanisms for turmeric farmers.
• Value Addition: Encouraging the development of turmeric-based products (e.g., curcumin extracts, essential oils) to increase farmer income.

Significance

• Farmer Income Enhancement: By improving market access and value addition, the Board can significantly boost the income of turmeric farmers.
• Global Leadership: Reinforce India's position as a global leader in turmeric production and export.
• Holistic Development: Provide a comprehensive platform for all stakeholders, from farmers to exporters, to address challenges and explore opportunities.
• Promotion of 'Make in India': Encourage processing and value addition within India, aligning with national initiatives.

The establishment of this specialized board indicates a targeted government approach to support a key agricultural commodity, aiming for both domestic benefits and stronger international trade.

Delhi To Witness Artificial Rain Through Cloud Seeding 

Source: The Hindu

Syllabus: GS Paper I (Geography)

IN NEWS

Delhi is anticipated to witness artificial rain through cloud seeding between July 4–11 to tackle severe air pollution.

Cloud Seeding for Air Pollution in Delhi

Delhi's perennial struggle with severe air pollution, particularly during the winter months, has led authorities to explore various unconventional methods. Cloud seeding, or artificial rain, is one such measure being planned to help mitigate pollutant levels.

What is Cloud Seeding? Cloud seeding is a weather modification technique that attempts to change the amount or type of precipitation that falls from clouds. It involves dispersing substances into the air that act as cloud condensation or ice nuclei, altering the microphysical processes within the cloud. Commonly used agents include silver iodide, potassium iodide, and dry ice (solid carbon dioxide). Mechanism to Combat Air Pollution The primary goal is to induce rainfall, which helps to wash down particulate matter (PM2.5, PM10) and other air pollutants from the atmosphere. This process, known as 'wet deposition', can temporarily clear the air and improve Air Quality Index (AQI) levels.

Previous Attempts and Challenges in India

• Delhi has explored cloud seeding before, but large-scale implementation has been limited.
• Other states like Maharashtra and Karnataka have used cloud seeding for drought relief.

Challenges

• Effectiveness: Scientific consensus on its effectiveness for large-scale, sustained pollution control is debated. It works best with existing cloud cover.
• Cost: It is a costly endeavor, requiring significant resources.
• Unintended Consequences: Concerns exist regarding potential ecological impacts or alterations to natural weather patterns.
• Dependency: It is a reactive measure and does not address the root causes of pollution (e.g., vehicular emissions, industrial pollution, stubble burning).

The planned artificial rain initiative underscores the multi-faceted approach being considered to provide immediate relief from high pollution levels, even as deeper systemic changes are pursued.

🎯 Question No. 1

According to recent reports, India's social security coverage has expanded significantly in the last decade. What is the approximate percentage of the population now covered?

(a) 19%

(b) 35%

(c) 64%

(d) 94%

✅ Correct Answer: (c)

ℹ️ Explanation: The reported figure for social security coverage is now approximately 64.3%. This represents a substantial increase from a previous lower percentage.

🎯 Question No. 2

The Union Home Minister is set to inaugurate the National Turmeric Board in which state?

(a) Maharashtra

(b) Tamil Nadu

(c) Telangana

(d) Andhra Pradesh

✅ Correct Answer: (c)

ℹ️ Explanation: The National Turmeric Board is planned for inauguration in Telangana. This state is a significant producer of turmeric in India.

🎯 Question No. 3

What is the primary method proposed for Delhi to tackle air pollution between July 4–11?

(a) Imposing a complete ban on vehicles

(b) Closing all industrial units in the region

(c) Inducing artificial rain through cloud seeding

(d) Launching a large-scale tree plantation drive

✅ Correct Answer: (c)

ℹ️ Explanation: The news specifies that artificial rain through cloud seeding is being planned for Delhi during the mentioned period to address air pollution.

🎯 Question No. 4

Which of the following is a primary objective of establishing the National Turmeric Board?

(a) To control the global price of turmeric.

(b) To promote research, quality, and export of turmeric.

(c) To shift all turmeric cultivation to organic farming.

(d) To provide free turmeric seeds to all farmers.

✅ Correct Answer: (b)

ℹ️ Explanation: The establishment of such a board typically aims to institutionalize support for an agricultural commodity, focusing on aspects like research, quality improvement, market development, and export promotion.

🎯 Question No. 5

Cloud seeding, as a method to combat air pollution, primarily works by:

(a) Creating a magnetic field to attract pollutants.

(b) Releasing chemicals that neutralize airborne toxins.

(c) Inducing rainfall to wash down particulate matter from the atmosphere.

(d) Generating strong winds to disperse pollutants away from the city.

✅ Correct Answer: (c)

ℹ️ Explanation: Cloud seeding is a weather modification technique used to encourage precipitation. When used for pollution control, the rainfall helps to physically remove pollutants from the air through a process known as wet deposition.