🧭 1. India to Champion Global South at G7 Summit in Canada
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to highlight the priorities of the Global South during the G7 Summit being held in Canada. India’s focus includes promoting equity in global development, climate justice, and economic resilience for developing nations.
- The PM is scheduled for four bilateral meetings with the heads of Germany, Canada, Ukraine, and Italy.
- On the sidelines, he met South Korean President Lee Jae-myung and Mexico’s first female president, Claudia Sheinbaum.
- Leaders discussed the concept of a “G9” grouping (Russia + India), showing an emerging bloc seeking multipolarity in global geopolitics.
📝 Context: The Global South refers to nations in Latin America, Asia, Africa, and Oceania that are considered developing or less industrialized. India’s leadership among these nations has been a key foreign policy goal.
🪖 2. India-France Military Exercise 'SHAKTI' Begins
India and France have commenced the 8th edition of the joint military exercise 'SHAKTI' in La Cavalerie, France, from 18 June to 1 July 2025.
- A 90-member strong contingent from the elite J&K Rifles Regiment is participating.
- The exercise focuses on counter-terrorism operations in semi-urban environments, joint combat tactics, and military-to-military coordination.
- ‘Shakti’ is a biennial drill, alternately hosted by both nations.
🤝 Background: This exercise strengthens Indo-French defense ties and is part of a broader strategic partnership that includes joint naval patrols and space cooperation.
🚯 3. Kerala High Court Bans Single-Use Plastics in Sensitive Zones
In a landmark judgment, the Kerala High Court has banned single-use plastics in hilly areas and hotels across the state, citing growing environmental concerns.
- The ruling comes into effect from 2 October 2025 (Gandhi Jayanti).
- The court slammed the “unregulated and irresponsible” plastic disposal harming fragile ecosystems like Munnar, Wayanad, and Idukki.
- The ruling aligns with India's nationwide Swachh Bharat and Plastic-Free India campaigns.
🌱 Why It Matters: Kerala’s ecotourism and biodiversity hotspots have long been under threat from plastic waste. This ruling is expected to reduce pollution and set a precedent for other states.
☢️ 4. India Increases Nuclear Arsenal to 180 Warheads – SIPRI Report
According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), India now holds 180 nuclear warheads, marking a steady increase in its deterrence capabilities.
- India is also developing new delivery systems like MIRVs and hypersonic glide vehicles.
- Comparative global nuclear arsenal (2024):
- Russia – 5,459 warheads
- USA – 5,177 warheads
- China – 600 warheads
- Pakistan – 170 warheads
- India – 180 warheads
- Total global warheads: 12,241, with 3,912 deployed and the rest in central storage.
⚠️ Geopolitical Angle: India's growing nuclear capability comes amid increasing strategic competition with China and Pakistan, and the evolving nature of warfare including cyber and space domains.
🏏 5. Sophie Devine Announces ODI Retirement After 2025 World Cup
New Zealand Women’s cricket captain Sophie Devine will retire from ODI cricket after the upcoming 2025 ICC Women’s World Cup to be held in India and Sri Lanka.
- ODI career:
- Matches: 152
- Runs: 3,990 | Average: 31.66 | Centuries: 8
- Wickets: 107
- Played a key role in RCB Women’s title-winning campaign in WPL 2024.
- Known for her explosive batting and dependable medium-pace bowling, Devine is one of the finest all-rounders in women’s cricket history.
🏆 Legacy: She has been a pioneer in promoting women's cricket globally and a role model for young aspiring cricketers.
⚓ 6. China Set to Commission Third Aircraft Carrier 'Fujian'
China is preparing to officially commission its third and most advanced aircraft carrier, the 'Fujian', after completing nearly three years of sea trials.
- Equipped with EMALS (Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System) – the same tech used in the USS Gerald R. Ford.
- Marks a shift towards blue-water naval capabilities and maritime dominance in the Indo-Pacific.
- The carrier is conventionally powered and designed to support carrier-based stealth fighter jets and early warning aircraft.
🌊 Strategic Impact: The Fujian enhances China’s ability to project power, especially in the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait—areas already under heightened tension.
