IMPORTANT DAYS
World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought 2025 celebrated on June 17.
• World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought 2025 celebrated annually on 17 June, the day raises global awareness about land degradation and desertification.
• The 2025 theme is "Restore the land. Unlock the opportunities."
• The focus is on land restoration as a key to creating jobs, ensuring food and water security, and strengthening climate and economic resilience.
• The UN General Assembly declared this day in December 1994 to promote global action against desertification.
• The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) was also established in 1994 to address these issues globally.
• Desertification, drought, and land degradation have grown into serious environmental challenges in recent years.
• In 2007, the UN declared 2010–2020 as the “Decade for Deserts and the Fight Against Desertification.”
• The observance promotes sustainable land use and encourages international cooperation to protect Earth’s natural resources.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
Blaise Metreweli Becomes First Woman to Lead MI6 in UK History
• Blaise Metreweli has been named the first female chief of MI6, breaking a 116-year tradition.
• She was appointed by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who called it a historic milestone.
• Metreweli will officially succeed Sir Richard Moore as the 18th head of MI6 later this year.
• Known as ‘C’, the MI6 chief is the agency’s only publicly identified officer and reports to Foreign Secretary David Lammy.
• She previously held the role of Director General ('Q'), overseeing technology and innovation.
• Metreweli also served in a senior role at MI5, gaining experience across UK intelligence services.
• Her appointment comes amid growing concerns over cyber threats and international espionage.
• The leadership change reflects the UK’s shift toward diverse and tech-driven intelligence operations.
PM Modi’s Historic Visit to Cyprus Strengthens Bilateral Partnership
• PM Modi’s visit to Cyprus—the first by an Indian Prime Minister in over 20 years—led to a Joint Declaration boosting strategic ties.
• Both nations strongly condemned the Pahalgam terror attacks, with Cyprus reaffirming support for India’s anti-terror efforts.
• The two sides committed to finalizing the EU-India Free Trade Agreement by end-2025, ahead of Cyprus’s EU Council Presidency in 2026.
• The declaration emphasized shared democratic values, international law, and backing for India’s UNSC permanent seat bid.
• Agreements were made on regular diplomatic dialogues, a structured Action Plan (2025–2029), and enhanced naval cooperation.
• India and Cyprus will collaborate through multilateral platforms like the UN and Commonwealth, while supporting initiatives like IMEC.
• Plans include launching a Cyprus-India Business Forum, boosting technology research, and exploring direct flight routes.
• The nations agreed on a pilot mobility program, building on longstanding ties that began in 1962, and reinforced with tax treaties and trade links.
MISCELLANEOUS
Amitabh Kant Steps Down as India’s G20 Sherpa After Distinguished Career
• Amitabh Kant has resigned as India’s G20 Sherpa after a successful three-year tenure in the role.
• His resignation was accepted by PM Modi, who lauded his efforts, especially during India’s G20 Presidency in 2023.
• A 1980-batch IAS officer from the Kerala cadre, Kant has completed 45 years of public service across various key positions.
• He played a pivotal role in bringing the African Union into the G20, calling it a win for the Global South and global equity.
• Before his Sherpa role, he served as CEO of NITI Aayog and was Secretary, DIPP, driving industrial and policy reforms.
• He led landmark initiatives like Make in India, Startup India, and Ease of Doing Business, helping India climb 79 spots in global rankings.
• Kant was instrumental in reshaping India’s tourism image with campaigns like Incredible India and Kerala: God’s Own Country.
• Going forward, he plans to engage with startups, think tanks, academic institutions, and support free enterprise and innovation.
