On June 16th, 2025, India witnessed significant developments across various sectors. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has commenced a significant three-nation international tour, with Cyprus being his first destination, where he is actively engaging with leadership to strengthen bilateral cooperation across various sectors. Concurrently, back in India, the second batch of the NAKSHA Phase-2 Training program is set to begin today, underscoring ongoing national initiatives aimed at development and capacity building.

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:

India-Cyprus Bilateral Cooperation

Source: The Hindu

Syllabus: GS Paper II (International Relations)

IN NEWS

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, currently in Cyprus on the first leg of his three-nation tour, has explicitly called for strengthening bilateral cooperation between India and Cyprus. This emphasis came during his engagements with Cypriot leadership, aiming to deepen ties across various sectors.

Strengthening Bilateral Cooperation

• PM's Call: Prime Minister Modi's statements highlighted the mutual desire to enhance cooperation, reflecting India's proactive diplomacy in the Eastern Mediterranean region.
• Key Discussion Areas: Discussions between the leaders are expected to encompass a wide spectrum of cooperation, including:
  • Trade and Investment: Exploring avenues for boosting economic exchanges and reciprocal investments to mutual benefit.
  • Defence and Security: Collaborating on strategic security interests, which may involve defence technology, maritime security, and counter-terrorism measures.
  • Digital Transformation: Sharing expertise and fostering partnerships in emerging technologies, cybersecurity, and digital governance.
  • Cultural and People-to-People Ties: Promoting cultural understanding, educational linkages, and facilitating greater interaction between citizens.

Strategic Importance of Cyprus

Cyprus holds significant geopolitical importance due to its strategic location in the Eastern Mediterranean. Strengthening ties with Cyprus is crucial for India's extended neighbourhood policy, energy security considerations, and regional stability.

Historical Context

India and Cyprus share a history of strong diplomatic relations, underpinned by shared democratic values and a commitment to multilateralism. This call for enhanced cooperation builds upon this existing foundation.

Read the article on India's Relations with Neighbouring Countries!

NAKSHA Phase-2 Training Commences

Source: AIR

Syllabus: GS Paper II (Governance)

IN NEWS

The second batch of the NAKSHA Phase-2 Training program is slated to commence today. This development signifies the continued progress and implementation of a significant national initiative focused on specialized skill development.

Know more about the National Land Records Modernization Programme NLRMP!

NAKSHA Phase-2 Training Highlights

• Program Identification: NAKSHA is a key national training initiative, the specific scope of which (e.g., related to mapping, land records, or geospatial technology, given the name 'NAKSHA' meaning map) is implied.
• Phase and Batch: The training marks the beginning of the second batch under Phase-2 of the program. This indicates a structured and multi-stage approach to the initiative's implementation.
• Objective: While detailed objectives are typically provided in official program documents, such training programs generally aim to:
  • Enhance specialized skills and knowledge among participants.
  • Facilitate the adoption of new technologies or methodologies.
  • Build capacity within a specific sector or government department.

Significance

The commencement of subsequent batches underscores a sustained commitment to human resource development and the successful scaling of the program. This continued investment in training is vital for modernizing processes, improving efficiency, and achieving long-term national development goals, particularly in areas requiring updated technical expertise and data management.

PM Modi Begins Three-Nation Tour in Cyprus

Source: The Hindu

Syllabus: GS Paper II (International Relations)

IN NEWS

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in Cyprus today, marking the official commencement of his much-anticipated three-nation international tour. Cyprus is the first destination on this diplomatic itinerary.

PM Modi Begins Three-Nation Tour in Cyprus

• Tour Commencement: The Prime Minister's arrival in Cyprus officially kicks off his multi-country visit, signaling a new phase of diplomatic engagements.
• First Leg: Cyprus serves as the inaugural stop of the tour, highlighting its importance in India's foreign policy considerations, especially within the Eastern Mediterranean region.

Purpose of the Tour

While specific details for all three nations will unfold, such high-level visits generally aim to:

• Strengthen bilateral relations with partner countries.
• Discuss regional and global issues of mutual concern.
• Promote economic cooperation, trade, and investment opportunities.
• Foster cultural understanding and people-to-people connect.
• Engage with the Indian diaspora.

Diplomatic Significance

A multi-nation tour by the head of government is a significant diplomatic exercise, allowing for direct engagement, resolution of issues, and forging new alliances or partnerships across different geographical areas. The selection of countries often reflects evolving strategic priorities.

Subsequent Destinations

The names of the other two nations on the tour will be revealed as the visit progresses, each carrying its own set of bilateral and multilateral objectives.