On June 25th, 2025, India & the world witnessed important developments across various sectors, marked by escalating geopolitical tensions, particularly evident in the Middle East with Iran's retaliatory missile attacks on U.S. military bases. Concurrently, new climate phenomena like "thirstwaves" are emerging, impacting agriculture and water resources. These events underscore a broader pattern highlighted by the latest "State of the Climate in Asia 2024" report, which details rapid warming and extreme weather across the continent, affecting countries like India significantly.

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.

Below are the current affairs and headlines of the day taken from The Hindu, Indian Express, Press Information Bureau & All India Radio as required for UPSC preparation:

Iran Launches Attacks on US Military Bases

Source: The Hindu

Syllabus: GS Paper II (International Relations)

IN NEWS 

• On June 23, 2025, Iran launched missile attacks on the U.S. al-Udeid air base in Qatar and Ain al-Assad base in Iraq. This direct military action was explicitly stated as retaliation for the U.S. airstrikes that had targeted Iran’s nuclear facilities just a day earlier. 

• Following these attacks, Qatar temporarily suspended its airspace, and the U.S. Embassy in Doha issued a shelter-in-place advisory for American citizens, highlighting the immediate security risks. 

• U.S. President Trump announced a "complete and total ceasefire" soon after this Iranian missile attack, following the American bombing of Iran's nuclear sites.

Details Related to the Incident

• Iranian Missile Attack
  • Targets: Iran specifically targeted al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar, which is strategically significant as it hosts 10,000 U.S. troops and serves as the headquarters of the U.S. Central Command in West Asia. The Ain al-Assad base in western Iraq was also hit.
  • Munitions: Multiple projectiles were launched by Iran.
  • Interceptions: Several of these projectiles were successfully intercepted by Qatar’s air defence systems, preventing potentially greater damage.
  • Damage Assessment: The exact extent of damage at Ain al-Assad base remains unclear in initial reports.
• Iranian Military Statement
  • Iran’s military described the strike as a direct response to "blatant U.S. military aggression."
  • They asserted Iran’s inherent right to defend its sovereignty (control over its own country) and territorial integrity (its land borders).
• Qatar’s Response
  • Qatar, typically a regional mediator, strongly condemned the attack, calling it a "flagrant violation" of its sovereignty.
  • Despite the attack, Qatar declared its airspace safe after successfully intercepting the incoming missiles.
  • It reserved its right to respond in line with international law, indicating a potential diplomatic or other response to the breach of its territory.
• United States’ Reaction
  • No immediate official military response was announced by the U.S.
  • Interestingly, U.S. President Trump remained silent on the missile attack itself in his immediate public statements but reiterated his earlier claim that the Iranian nuclear sites were "totally destroyed" by the U.S. strikes.

Strategic and Geopolitical Implications

• Escalation of U.S.–Iran Confrontation: This incident marks a major escalation, directly drawing Qatar and Iraq into the hostilities as battlegrounds or targets, moving beyond proxy warfare.
• Threat to Gulf Security: The direct attacks threaten the security of the entire Persian Gulf region, raising significant fears of global oil supply disruptions through the critical Strait of Hormuz (a separate but linked issue discussed in other news).
• Qatar’s Neutrality Tested: Qatar, known for its diplomatic efforts and attempts to maintain neutrality in regional affairs, is having its position severely tested. This situation may affect its ability to continue its regional diplomacy.
• Iran–Russia Coordination: Reports of Iran–Russia coordination signal a strengthening of an anti-U.S. bloc in West Asia. This could lead to a significant realignment of global alliances and an increase in global polarization.

Read the article on the Iran-Israel Conflict 2025!

Rising Evaporative Demand and Thirstwaves

Source: The Hindu

Syllabus: GS Paper I (Geography)

IN NEWS 

• A new study recently published in Earth’s Future highlights the increasing occurrence of "thirstwaves," defined as prolonged periods of extreme atmospheric evaporative demand (ED). 

• These extreme weather events are intensifying in both frequency and duration, posing a particular threat to agricultural seasons worldwide.

Background

The conceptual evaporative demand is gaining significant importance as the key climate indicator, especially crucial for agriculture and water resource management.

• Historical Context in India: While India has traditionally measured potential evapotranspiration (PET), which is related to how much water plants could lose, recent global warming trends indicate a shift towards much higher atmospheric "thirst." This increased demand for moisture from the air is a phenomenon that conventional monitoring methods have not fully captured until now.
• Shifting Scientific Understanding: Despite earlier studies (e.g., by Chattopadhyay and Hulme in 1997) suggesting a decline in PET in India due to rising humidity, newer climate models now predict that future increases in temperature will outweigh the effects of humidity. This means the overall evaporative demand is projected to increase significantly, leading to greater water stress.

Key Points on Rising Evaporative Demand

Rising ED has several critical implications:

• Increased Water Needs for Crops: Crops require more water to stay hydrated and grow well, putting immense pressure on irrigation systems and freshwater resources.
• Accelerated Soil Moisture Loss: Transpiration (from plants) and evaporation (from soil) increase, leading to faster drying out of soils.
• Ecosystem Stress: More atmospheric "thirst" places significant stress on natural ecosystems, particularly during dry spells or droughts, impacting forests, grasslands, and biodiversity.
• Global Warming as a Driver: Global warming is a primary cause of increased ED due to changes in how temperature and humidity interact in the atmosphere.

What is a Thirstwave? 

A "thirstwave" is a newly defined climate risk classification.

• Definition: It is specifically defined as "Three or more consecutive days of extreme atmospheric evaporative demand during the growing season."
• Origin of Term: The term was coined by researchers Kukal and Hobbins, who highlighted it as a new type of climate risk, similar to heatwaves but driven by a combination of atmospheric factors.
• Distinction from Heatwaves: Unlike heatwaves, which are primarily driven by high temperatures alone, thirstwaves result from a composite effect of:
  • High temperatures
  • Low humidity (dry air)
  • Strong winds
  • Intense solar radiation
• Impacts: Thirstwaves severely stress irrigated crops, significantly increase overall water demand, and accelerate environmental degradation by drying out landscapes.
• Research Findings (Kukal and Hobbins): Their research showed that:
  • The frequency and intensity of thirstwaves are increasing globally.
  • The chance of a growing season occurring without any thirstwaves is significantly declining.
  • Interestingly, the worst thirstwaves sometimes occurred in regions that were not experiencing the highest overall evaporative demand, suggesting the need for specific regional assessments in climate policy and planning.

Read the article on the Heatwaves!

State of Climate in Asia 2024 Report

Source: The Indian Express

Syllabus: GS Paper III (Environment) 

IN NEWS 

• The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) recently released its annual “State of the Climate in Asia 2024” report. 

• The report's key finding is that Asia experienced either its warmest or second warmest year on record in 2024, highlighting an alarming trend: the continent is now warming nearly twice as fast as the global average.

• India, in particular, bore the brunt of these changes, witnessing extreme heatwaves, deadly cyclones, landslides, floods, and lightning events, leading to significant fatalities and substantial economic losses.

What is the State of Climate in Asia 2024 Report? 

This is an annual climate assessment report published by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) in cooperation with various regional and international meteorological organizations.

• Purpose: It gathers scientific observations and climate data from across the entire Asian continent.
• Monitoring Areas: The report's key areas of monitoring include:
  • Tracking surface temperature trends.
  • Assessing changes in glacier mass (melting rates).
  • Evaluating sea-level rise along Asian coastlines.
  • Monitoring marine heatwaves and various extreme weather events (like droughts, floods, storms).
• Objective: The report also highlights the human and economic impacts of these climate changes. Its primary aim is to assist policymakers, disaster managers, and governments in developing effective strategies for climate adaptation and disaster preparedness.

Key Details from the Report

• Temperature Rise
  • Asia’s average temperature in 2024 was above the 30-year mean (average).
  • The rate of warming since 1991 is almost double that of the earlier 30-year period, indicating an acceleration of warming across the continent.
• Geographical Spread of Heat
  • Significant warming was observed across a vast geographical area, including Western China to Japan, the Indochina Peninsula, the Middle East, and Northern Siberia.
  • Japan specifically recorded its warmest year ever, surpassing even its previous record set in 2023, showcasing a continuous warming trend.
• Heatwaves
  • Asia experienced prolonged and widespread heatwaves from April to November in East Asia.
  • In India, temperatures soared, reaching 45–48∘C in many areas, and peaking at 50∘C in some specific locations.
  • These extreme heat events resulted in over 450 heatwave-related deaths in India alone.
• Lightning Strikes
  • In India, approximately 1,300 people died due to lightning strikes in 2024, largely occurring during monsoon-related storms, indicating a significant increase in such fatalities.
• Cyclones
  • A total of 29 tropical cyclones affected Asia in 2024, highlighting the high frequency of severe weather events.
  • The strongest of these was Cyclone Yagi, which impacted multiple nations, including the Philippines, Vietnam, and China, causing billions of dollars in damages.
  • India-specific cyclones: Cyclones Remal, Fengal, and Dana made landfall in the subcontinent, collectively leading to about 90 fatalities. Additionally, Cyclone Asna, originating from the Arabian Sea, caused significant flooding in Gujarat and resulted in 50 deaths.
• Marine Heatwaves
  • Marine heatwaves (periods of unusually warm ocean temperatures) covered nearly 15 million sq. km, setting a new record for their extent.
  • Severe intensities of marine heatwaves were observed in crucial marine areas, including the Northern Indian Ocean, and waters near Japan, the Yellow Sea, and the East China Sea, impacting marine ecosystems and fisheries.
• Glacial Melting
  • A concerning trend showed that 23 out of 24 glaciers in High Mountain Asia (a vast area including the Himalayas, Hindu Kush, Karakoram, and Pamirs mountain ranges) experienced mass loss.
  • Urumqi Glacier No. 1, a key reference glacier, recorded its most negative mass balance (meaning it lost more ice than it gained) since records began in 1959.
  • Causes: This accelerated melting is attributed to reduced snowfall and unusually extreme summer heat in these high-altitude regions.
• Rainfall Anomalies
  • The report noted instances of above-normal rainfall in unexpected or specific regions:
    • The Arabian desert.
    • Balochistan (in Pakistan).
    • Parts of Myanmar.
    • Western Asia (e.g., daily rainfall exceeding annual averages in April), leading to flash floods and disruptions.

Read the article on the Climate of India!

🎯Question 1:

With reference to Iran's recent missile attacks, consider the following statements:

1. Iran targeted the U.S. al-Udeid air base in Qatar.
2. The attacks were described by Iran as a direct retaliation for U.S. airstrikes on its nuclear facilities.
3. The U.S. Embassy in Baghdad issued a shelter-in-place advisory for American citizens.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 1 and 2 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

✅Correct Answer: (b)

ℹ️Explanation:

• Statement 1 is correct: The news states Iran targeted "al-Udeid air base in Qatar."
• Statement 2 is correct: The news explicitly mentions the strike was "in retaliation for U.S. airstrikes that targeted Iran’s nuclear facilities a day earlier."
• Statement 3 is incorrect: The news states the U.S. Embassy in Doha (Qatar) issued a shelter-in-place advisory, not Baghdad.

🎯Question 2:

Consider the following statements regarding "thirstwaves" and Evaporative Demand (ED):

1. A "thirstwave" is defined as three or more consecutive days of extreme atmospheric evaporative demand during the growing season.
2. Evaporative Demand (ED) is primarily governed by a combination of temperature, relative humidity, solar radiation, and wind speed.
3. Unlike heatwaves, thirstwaves are caused solely by high temperatures.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 1 and 2 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

✅Correct Answer: (b)

ℹ️Explanation:

• Statement 1 is correct: The definition of a "thirstwave" is precisely stated as "Three or more consecutive days of extreme atmospheric evaporative demand during the growing season."
• Statement 2 is correct: The article lists "Temperature, Relative Humidity, Solar Radiation, Wind Speed" as the primary climate variables governing ED.
• Statement 3 is incorrect: The article clearly states, "Unlike heatwaves (driven by temperature alone), thirstwaves result from: High temperatures, Low humidity, Strong winds, Intense solar radiation," meaning they are not caused solely by high temperatures.

🎯Question 3:

According to the WMO’s “State of the Climate in Asia 2024” report, which of the following findings is/are correct?

1. Asia experienced its warmest or second warmest year on record in 2024.
2. The continent is warming nearly twice as fast as the global average.
3. Glaciers in High Mountain Asia are generally gaining mass due to increased snowfall.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 only

(b) 1 and 2 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

✅Correct Answer: (b)

ℹ️Explanation:

• Statement 1 is correct: The news states Asia experienced "its warmest or second warmest year on record in 2024."
• Statement 2 is correct: The news states "The continent is now warming nearly twice as fast as the global average."
• Statement 3 is incorrect: The report found that "23 out of 24 glaciers in High Mountain Asia... lost mass," and attributed this to "Reduced snowfall and extreme summer heat," implying they are losing mass, not gaining it.

🎯Question 4:

Which of the following geographical features is NOT primarily located in Iran according to the provided news?

(a) Zagros Mountains

(b) Dasht-e Lut Desert

(c) Karun River

(d) Atlas Mountains

✅Correct Answer: (d)

ℹ️Explanation:

(a) Zagros Mountains: The article mentions "Zagros Mountains: Stretch from NW to SE Iran along the Iraq border."

(b) Dasht-e Lut Desert: The article mentions "Dasht-e Lut (Lut Desert): ...located in southeastern Iran; UNESCO World Heritage Site."

(c) Karun River: The article mentions "Karun River: Longest river (~950 km); navigable and crucial for irrigation and hydroelectricity" as a primary river of Iran.

(d) Atlas Mountains: The Atlas Mountains are a mountain range in the Maghreb region of North Africa, not Iran. This information is implied as not being present in the provided details about Iran's geography.

🎯Question 5:

What is the primary objective of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO)'s "State of the Climate in Asia" report?

(a) To enforce climate change mitigation policies across Asian nations.

(b) To compile scientific observations and climate data to assist policymakers in adaptation planning.

(c) To directly fund climate resilience projects in vulnerable Asian countries.

(d) To rank Asian countries based on their environmental performance.

✅Correct Answer: (b)

ℹ️Explanation:

The article states, "The report also highlights human and economic impacts, aiming to assist policy makers, disaster managers, and governments in climate adaptation planning." This aligns with option (b). Options (a) and (c) describe actions beyond the report's primary objective, and (d) is not mentioned as its main purpose.