In News:

The Ministry of Coal recently launched C CARES Version 2.0, a significant upgrade to the Coal Mines Provident Fund Organization’s (CMPFO) digital platform. The new system aims to enhance transparency, efficiency, and accessibility in provident fund (PF) and pension disbursement for coal sector workers.

Key Features of C CARES Version 2.0

• Developed by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) in collaboration with the State Bank of India (SBI).
• Provides a unified digital interface for coal workers, coal companies, and CMPFO.
• Enables real-time claim tracking, automated ledger updates, and direct benefit transfers to workers’ bank accounts.
• Includes a mobile application for CMPF members, offering:
  • PF balance checks
  • Profile viewing
  • Grievance redressal
  • Claim status tracking
  • A chatbot assistant for easy navigation

Benefits to Stakeholders

• For Workers: Faster claim settlement, improved access, and reduced delays in PF/pension disbursement.
• For Coal Companies and CMPFO:
  • A prescriptive dashboard to generate custom reports.
  • Analytics to track settlement trends.
  • Support for data-driven decision-making.

About CMPFO

• Full Form: Coal Mines Provident Fund Organization
• Established: 1948
• Parent Ministry: Ministry of Coal
• Function: Administration of PF and pension schemes for coal sector employees.
• Coverage:
  • Serves around 3.3 lakh PF subscribers
  • Supports over 6.3 lakh pensioners

Significance

Union Minister for Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy launched the portal on June 4, 2025, stating that it aligns with the Government's vision of “Minimum Government, Maximum Governance” under the Digital India initiative. The platform strengthens social security delivery for coal workers and brings administrative reform to a critical sector of the economy.

In News:

India has secured the Presidency of the International Institute of Administrative Sciences (IIAS) for the term 2025–2028, marking a historic first for the country since becoming a member in 1998. The victory affirms India’s growing influence in the field of global public administration.

About IIAS

• Established: 1930
• Headquarters: Brussels, Belgium
• Nature: A global federation of 31 Member States, 20 National Sections, and 15 Academic Research Centres, dedicated to collaborative scientific research in public administration.
• Core Objectives:
  • Promote collaboration on public governance solutions.
  • Accredit academic and professional training programs in public management.
  • Disseminate research and best practices in administrative sciences.

Although not formally affiliated with the United Nations, IIAS actively participates in UN mechanisms like the Committee of Experts on Public Administration (CEPA) and the UN Public Administration Network (UNPAN).

India’s Role and Election to Presidency

• India has been a Member State of IIAS since 1998, represented by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG).
• For the 2025–2028 term, Prime Minister Narendra Modi nominated V. Srinivas, Secretary, DARPG, as India's candidate in November 2024.
• Election Process:
  • Hearings were held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi in February 2025.
  • Four countries—India, South Africa, Austria, and Bahrain—submitted nominations.
  • The final vote on June 3, 2025, saw India and Austria advance to the final round.
  • Out of 141 votes, India secured 87 votes (61.7%), while Austria received 54 votes (38.3%).

Significance for India

• This marks India’s first Presidency of IIAS.
• The victory enhances India's position in global governance and showcases its administrative capabilities on an international platform.
• It also aligns with India’s focus on reforming and modernizing public administration through digital governance and institutional capacity-building.

In News:

Recently, the Union Ministry of Environment announced that Kichan (Phalodi) and Menar (Udaipur) wetlands in Rajasthan have been recognized as Ramsar Sites, bringing India’s total to 91 Ramsar-designated wetlands—the highest in Asia.

About Menar Wetland:

• A freshwater monsoon wetland complex in Udaipur district, Rajasthan.
• Formed by three primary ponds: Braham Talab, Dhand Talab, and Kheroda Talab; the latter two are connected by flooded agricultural land during the monsoon.
• Habitat for endangered and migratory birds such as:
  • Critically Endangered: White-rumped vulture (Gyps bengalensis), Long-billed vulture (Gyps indicus)
  • Other species: Himalayan griffon, Egyptian vulture, Dalmatian pelican, Ferruginous pochard, Black-tailed godwit
• Home to over 70 plant species, including mango trees (Mangifera indica) that host colonies of Indian flying foxes (Pteropus giganteus).
• Community-led conservation: Menar village residents prevent poaching and fishing, earning it the title "Bird Village".

About Kichan Wetland:

• Located in Phalodi, Jodhpur, in the northern Thar Desert of Rajasthan.
• Comprises:
  • Ratri Nadi (river)
  • Vijaysagar Talab (pond)
  • Riparian and scrub habitats
• Notable for supporting drought-resistant flora and over 150 bird species.
• Globally known for hosting over 22,000 migratory demoiselle cranes (Anthropoides virgo) each winter.
• A hub for birdwatchers, tourists, scientists, and students.

Ramsar Convention Overview:

• An intergovernmental treaty for the conservation of wetlands, signed in 1971 in Ramsar, Iran.
• Headquartered in Gland, Switzerland.
• Wetlands listed under the convention are known as Ramsar Sites—of international importance.
• Member countries (Contracting Parties) commit to identifying and protecting these wetlands.

In News:

The World Wealth Report 2025, released by the Capgemini Research Institute, highlights a significant surge in global and Indian high-net-worth individual (HNWI) wealth. The report covers 71 countries, representing over 98% of global Gross National Income (GNI) and 99% of world stock market capitalization.

India’s HNWI Landscape in 2024

• HNWI Wealth Growth: India witnessed an 8.8% increase in HNWI wealth in 2024.
• Total Millionaires: The country had 378,810 HNWIs by the end of 2024, with a cumulative wealth of $1.5 trillion.
• Millionaires Next Door: Among them, 333,340 individuals fell under the "Millionaires Next Door" category (investable assets between $1M–$5M), holding $628.93 billion in wealth.
• Ultra HNWIs: India was home to 4,290 Ultra-HNWIs (assets ≥ $30M), with combined assets worth $534.77 billion.

Global Trends in HNWI Wealth

• Global Growth: HNWI population worldwide rose by 2.6%, driven largely by a 6.2% rise in Ultra-HNWI numbers.
• Investment Trends: Alternative investments (private equity, cryptocurrencies) formed 15% of HNWI portfolios, signaling diversification beyond traditional assets.
• Top Contributors:
  • United States added 562,000 millionaires, recording a 7.6% rise, reaching a total of 7.9 million HNWIs.
  • The U.S. also holds 36% of centi-millionaires (net worth ≥ $100M) and 33% of the world's billionaires.
  • India and Japan saw 5.6% growth, while China recorded a 1.0% decline in HNWI population.

Shifting Dynamics in Wealth Management

• A massive “great wealth transfer” is underway globally.
  • 81% of global next-gen HNWIs and 85% of Indian next-gen HNWIs plan to switch wealth management (WM) firms within 1–2 years of inheritance.
  • Key reasons include:
    • Lack of preferred channel services (51%)
    • Ineffective digital transaction tools (41%)
• Digital Transformation Need: The evolving expectations of next-gen clients are pushing firms toward AI-enabled advisory models and advanced digital infrastructure.

Offshore Wealth Allocation

• By 2030, 98% of Indian next-gen HNWIs plan to increase their offshore assets by over 10%.
  • Motivations include:
    • Superior investment options (55%)
    • Better wealth management services (65%)
    • Improved market connectivity (54%)
    • Tax efficiency and political-economic stability (49%)

In News:

Every year on June 5, people across the globe unite to celebrate World Environment Day, an initiative led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

Key Highlights:

• Observed on: June 5 annually
• Initiated by: United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
• First celebrated: 1973 (following the 1972 Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment)
• Objective: Promote global awareness and action for environmental protection

Theme for 2025: "Beat Plastic Pollution"

• Focuses on the escalating crisis of plastic pollution and its adverse impact on ecosystems, wildlife, and human health.
• Highlights the need to transition away from single-use plastics, promote sustainable consumption, and adopt eco-friendly alternatives.

Key Statistics:

• Plastic production: Increased from 2 million tonnes (1950) to 430 million tonnes (2025)
• Marine pollution:19–23 million tonnes of plastic enter aquatic ecosystems annually
• Microplastics detected in oceans, mountains, and the human body

Host Country for 2025: Republic of Korea

• Chosen for its leadership in green innovation and sustainable practices.
• Initiatives include:
  • Advanced waste segregation and recycling systems
  • Bans on single-use plastics in major outlets
  • Promotion of tech-driven eco-solutions

By hosting, South Korea aims to showcase scalable models for combating plastic pollution globally.

Historical Background

• Stockholm Conference 1972 laid the foundation for modern environmental governance.
• UNEP assigns a theme and host country annually to align global action.
• Over 150 countries now participate through:
  • Clean-up drives
  • Tree plantation campaigns
  • Policy forums
  • Environmental education programs

Significance

World Environment Day plays a vital role in:

• Raising awareness on climate change, pollution, deforestation, and sustainability
• Encouraging individual and community-level action
• Facilitating policy dialogue and regulatory reform
• Mobilizing youth leadership in environmental movements