{"id":77272,"date":"2026-06-17T18:54:08","date_gmt":"2026-06-17T13:24:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/?p=77272"},"modified":"2026-06-18T10:51:17","modified_gmt":"2026-06-18T05:21:17","slug":"news-in-short-17-06-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/current-affairs\/17-06-2026\/news-in-short-17-06-2026","title":{"rendered":"News In Short 17-06-2026"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">Operation DRISHTI<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Syllabus: GS2\/ Health<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Context<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The Indian Army and Indian Air Force have launched a Mega Advanced Surgical Eye Camp under Operation DRISHTI at Military Hospital Namkum, Ranchi.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>About<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Operation DRISHTI is a <strong>flagship humanitarian outreach programme<\/strong> of the <strong>Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS)<\/strong> that combines advanced <strong>ophthalmic expertise <\/strong>with social service.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The initiative seeks to deliver <strong>specialized eye care services <\/strong>to remote, underserved, and geographically challenging regions of the country.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Earlier the initiative successfully conducted eight advanced surgical eye camps across the country, including in <strong>Leh, Ladakh, Lakshadweep, Bhuj, Kutch, and Bagdogra.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pib.gov.in\/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2273747&amp;reg=3&amp;lang=1\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>PIB<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">SC Seeks Response from Centre, States on Aadhaar \u2018misuse\u2019<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Syllabus: GS2\/Govenance<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Context<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The Supreme Court sought responses from the <strong>Centre and States on a plea alleging misuse of Aadhaar cards.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>About<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>An Aadhaar card is a<strong> 12-digit unique identification number<\/strong> issued by th<strong>e Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) to Indian residents.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It was introduced in <strong>2010.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It serves as <strong>valid proof of identity and address<\/strong> and is essential for availing government welfare schemes, financial services, and digital authentication.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Purpose of Aadhaar<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Unique Identification:<\/strong> The unique identification number serves as a <strong>universally accepted proof of identity and address.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Social Welfare Schemes:<\/strong> Aadhaar streamlines the distribution of government benefits and subsidies, reducing fraud and ensuring that benefits reach the rightful recipients.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Data-Driven Governance: <\/strong>Aadhaar assists in creating data-driven policies and governance by providing accurate population statistics and demographics.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Misuse<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Identity Theft and Fraud: <\/strong>Unauthorized use of Aadhaar details can enable impersonation, fake accounts, and fraudulent financial transactions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Privacy and Data Security Risks: <\/strong>Leakage of Aadhaar numbers or biometric data may compromise citizens&#8217; personal information and privacy.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Unauthorized Surveillance and Profiling: <\/strong>Excessive linking of Aadhaar with various services may raise concerns regarding tracking, profiling, and misuse of personal data.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Related Governance Framework<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Aadhaar Act, 2016: <\/strong>It is the primary law governing Aadhaar, provides the legal framework for issuance, authentication, and use of Aadhaar numbers for delivery of subsidies, benefits, and services.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Information Technology Act, 2000: <\/strong>Provides legal protection against unauthorized access, data theft, hacking, and cyber offences involving Aadhaar-related information.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023: <\/strong>Establishes safeguards for processing and protection of personal data, including Aadhaar-linked information, and recognizes individuals&#8217; data privacy rights.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Justice K.S. Puttaswamy v. Union of India (2018): <\/strong>It<strong> <\/strong>upheld the constitutional validity of Aadhaar and restricted mandatory Aadhaar linkage in several private-sector services.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Emphasized privacy as a fundamental right and required safeguards against misuse.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/newsonair.gov.in\/sc-seeks-responses-from-centre-states-on-plea-to-use-aadhaar-only-as-identity-proof\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>AIR<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Syllabus: GS2\/Regional Groupings<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Context<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Canada\u2019s application to become an observer in the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) is being examined at the 28th meeting of the Committee.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The Indian Ocean Rim Association<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>It is an <strong>intergovernmental organization<\/strong> of <strong>23 Member States and 12 Dialogue Partners, <\/strong>for regional cooperation in the Indian Ocean region.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Established in <strong>1997.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Headquarters:<\/strong> Ebene, Mauritius.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Apex Body: <\/strong>Council of Ministers (COM)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Decision Making:<\/strong> Consensus based.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>IORA focuses on six priority areas:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Maritime Safety and Security;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Trade and Investment Facilitation;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fisheries Management;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Disaster Risk Management;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Academic, Science and Technology Cooperation;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tourism and Cultural Exchanges.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Cross-Cutting Areas: <\/strong>Blue Economy and Women&#8217;s Economic Empowerment.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Major members include<\/strong> India, Australia, Indonesia, South Africa, France, Iran, Sri Lanka, United Arab Emirates, and other Indian Ocean littoral states.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It also has <strong>12 Dialogue Partners including <\/strong>the United States, Japan, China, and United Kingdom.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Importance for India<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Supports India&#8217;s SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Promotes maritime security and freedom of navigation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Enhances cooperation in the Blue Economy.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Strengthens India&#8217;s role in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Provides a platform for regional economic and strategic engagement.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/business\/Industry\/iora-examines-canadas-application-to-become-observer\/article71110138.ece\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>TH<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">GRAPES-3: A cos\u00admic-ray tracker<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Syllabus: GS3\/ Science and Technology<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Context<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Researchers from India and Japan have used the <strong>GRAPES-3 (Gamma Ray Astronomy PeV EnergieS phase-3) Telescope<\/strong> to develop a method for monitoring changes in the Earth&#8217;s upper atmosphere in real time.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What is GRAPES-3?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>GRAPES-3 (Gamma Ray Astronomy PeV EnergieS\u2013Phase 3)<\/strong> is a cosmic ray observatory located at <strong>Ooty, Tamil Nadu<\/strong> at an altitude of about <strong>2,200 metres <\/strong>above sea level.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>It is operated by the <strong>Tata Institute of Fundamental Research<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Objective:<\/strong> It is designed to <strong>study the origin, acceleration, and propagation<\/strong> of cosmic rays.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The observatory<strong> investigates extensive air showers,<\/strong> which are cascades of secondary particles produced when high-energy cosmic rays or gamma rays enter the Earth&#8217;s atmosphere.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It measures particles in the <strong>tera-electronvolt (TeV) to peta-electronvolt (PeV) energy range<\/strong>, among the highest energies observed in nature.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Besides cosmic ray research, GRAPES-3 also studies:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Solar phenomena<\/strong>, including the influence of solar activity on cosmic rays.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Thunderstorm-related phenomena<\/strong>, particularly atmospheric electric fields and their interaction with <strong>cosmic-ray muons.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>The observatory uses:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>An array of plastic scintillator detectors <\/strong>to detect extensive air showers.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>A large-area muon detector<\/strong> based on proportional counters to measure high-energy muons reaching the Earth&#8217;s surface.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-background\" style=\"background-color:#fff2cc\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p><strong>What are Muons?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Muons are <strong>elementary subatomic particles<\/strong> similar to electrons but about <strong>200 times heavier.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>They are produced when <strong>high-energy cosmic rays<\/strong> originating from outer space <strong>collide with atoms in the Earth&#8217;s upper atmosphere.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Due to their high energy and penetrating ability, many muons reach the Earth&#8217;s surface and can be detected.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"http:\/\/th\" rel=\"nofollow\"><strong>TH<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">RBI Allows Zero Risk Weight for ECLGS 5.0 Loans<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Syllabus: GS3\/Economy<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Context<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has permitted banks and other lenders to assign a <strong>zero-risk weight<\/strong> to a significant portion of loans covered under the <strong>Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme (ECLGS) 5.0.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What is Risk Weight?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A risk weight is a <strong>percentage value assigned to different bank assets or loans<\/strong> to reflect their level of credit risk.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Regulators use these percentages to determine exactly <strong>how much core capital a bank must set aside<\/strong> as a buffer against potential defaults.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>RBI\u2019s New Provision under ECLGS 5.0<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Exposures covered under ECLGS 5.0 will attract a 0% risk weight for up to <strong>75% of the guaranteed portion of the loan.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>This benefit applies where the guarantee settlement is expected within <strong>30 days of invocation.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The remaining exposure will continue to be assigned <strong>risk weights<\/strong> according to existing prudential norms.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-background\" style=\"background-color:#fff2cc\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p><strong>Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme (ECLGS) 5.0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>ECLGS 5.0<\/strong> is the latest version of the Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme, originally introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The scheme aims to provide <strong>additional working capital support <\/strong>to businesses facing temporary financial stress.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The scheme launched in <strong>2026<\/strong> addresses financial stress faced by MSMEs and the aviation sector due to disruptions arising from the ongoing West Asia conflict.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It allows eligible borrowers to obtain additional loans of up to <strong>20%<\/strong> of their existing working capital limits.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Credit Guarantee Structure<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Guarantee coverage:<\/strong> For MSMEs, the government provides a <strong>100% guarantee<\/strong> on the additional credit extended by banks. For non-MSME borrowers as well as the airline sector, the guarantee coverage is <strong>90%.<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Guarantees are provided through the <strong>National Credit Guarantee Trustee Company Limited (NCGTC).<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Tenor of Loan:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>For MSMEs\/Non MSMEs (except Airline sector): 5 years <\/strong>from the date of first disbursement including a moratorium of 1 year.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>For the airline sector: 7 years <\/strong>from the date of first disbursement including a moratorium of 2 years.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Tenure of Guarantee Cover: <\/strong>Maximum period of guarantee cover shall be co-terminus with the tenor of the loan.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.business-standard.com\/finance\/news\/rbi-eases-capital-norms-on-eclgs-5-0-loans-with-lower-risk-weight-126061601276_1.html\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>BS<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><strong>Kashmir Saffron<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>In News&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The West Asia conflict has disrupted Iranian saffron exports, triggering a global demand surge for Kashmiri saffron.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>About&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Crocus sativus<\/strong> derived spice, dried stigmas of the flower \u2014 called <em>Red Gold<\/em> or <em>bahukam<\/em> in ancient Sanskrit texts.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cultivated in the Karewa (highland plateaus) of J&amp;K, received GI tag in 2020.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>India is the world&#8217;s second-largest saffron producer, after Iran. Higher crocin content than Iranian variants: Kashmiri crocin is ~8.72% vs Iran&#8217;s ~6.82% \u2014 giving it darker colour and enhanced medicinal value.<a href=\"https:\/\/www.thekashmirmonitor.net\/finally-kashmir-saffron-gets-geographical-indication-tag\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">&nbsp;<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Three Commercial Grades are Mongra, Lachha &amp; Guchhi.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Source: TH<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p><strong><br \/>\nContext<\/p>\n<p><\/strong><\/p>\n<li class=\"ms-5\">\n<p>The Indian Army and Indian Air Force have launched a Mega Advanced Surgical Eye Camp under Operation DRISHTI at Military Hospital Namkum, Ranchi.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<p><\/p>\n<p><strong><\/p>\n<p>About<\/p>\n<p><\/strong><\/p>\n<li class=\"ms-5\"\t>\n<p>Operation DRISHTI is a flagship humanitarian outreach programme of the Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS) that combines advanced ophthalmic expertise with social service.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"ms-5\">\n<p>The initiative seeks to deliver specialized eye care services to remote, underserved, and geographically challenging regions of the country.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<p><a href=\" https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/current-affairs\/17-06-2026\/news-in-short-17-06-2026\" class=\"btn btn-primary btn-sm float-end\">Read More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[21],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-77272","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-current-affairs"],"acf":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/77272","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/15"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=77272"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/77272\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":77278,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/77272\/revisions\/77278"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=77272"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=77272"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=77272"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}