On June 28th, 2025, India & the world witnessed important developments across various sectors. A major investigation revealed that commonly used cancer drugs are failing quality tests, raising significant health concerns. Concurrently, nations gathered at the Bangkok Conference on Civil Registration and Vital Statistics reaffirmed their commitment to achieving universal registration goals by 2030. Amidst these, India notably declined to sign the joint statement at the SCO Defence Ministers’ Meeting, signaling its firm position on cross-border terrorism.

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:

Cancer Drugs Failing Quality Tests

Source: The Hindu

Syllabus: GS Paper III (Science & Technology)

IN NEWS

A global investigation by the Bureau of Investigative Journalism, published by The Hindu, revealed that commonly used chemotherapy drugs have failed quality tests after being exported to over 100 countries. The investigation highlights serious concerns over drug efficacy, patient safety, and regulatory oversight in the global cancer treatment ecosystem.

Most Commonly Used Cancer Drugs (Chemotherapy Agents)

These are some of the frequently used chemotherapy drugs and their key characteristics:

• Cisplatin:
  • Type: Platinum-based agent.
  • Uses: Treats testicular, ovarian, bladder, and lung cancers.
  • Action: Works by binding to DNA, which prevents cancer cells from dividing.
  • Side Effects: Can cause kidney damage, nausea, hearing loss, and weaken the immune system.
• Oxaliplatin:
  • Type: Also a platinum-based agent.
  • Uses: Primarily used for colorectal cancer.
  • Action: Similar to Cisplatin, it damages DNA to stop cell replication.
  • Side Effects: Known for causing peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage), kidney, and gastrointestinal issues.
• Cyclophosphamide:
  • Type: Alkylating agent.
  • Uses: Treats breast cancer, leukemia, lymphoma, and sarcoma.
  • Action: Damages DNA, stopping cells from replicating.
  • Side Effects: Can cause bladder problems, weaken the immune system, and increase infection risk.
• Doxorubicin (Adriamycin):
  • Type: Anthracycline antibiotic.
  • Uses: Used for breast cancer, leukemia, sarcoma, and lymphoma.
  • Action: Interferes with DNA replication.
  • Side Effects: Can lead to heart toxicity, hair loss, and severe suppression of bone marrow (reducing blood cell production).
• Methotrexate:
  • Type: Antimetabolite.
  • Uses: Treats leukemia, lymphoma, and osteosarcoma (bone cancer).
  • Action: Blocks an enzyme needed for DNA synthesis.
  • Side Effects: Can cause liver toxicity, mucositis (inflammation of mucous membranes), and bone marrow suppression.
• Leucovorin (Folinic Acid):
  • Type: Supportive drug (not chemotherapy itself).
  • Uses: Used to reduce the toxic effects of Methotrexate and enhance the effects of another chemotherapy drug called 5-FU.
  • Side Effects: Generally well-tolerated.

Issues with these Cancer Drugs

The investigation revealed several critical problems with the quality of these widely used cancer drugs:

• Failed Quality Tests:
  • Substandard (poor quality) active ingredients were found.
  • Improper storage leading to drug degradation (breakdown) was observed.
  • Variations in manufacturing standards across different exporting countries.
• Side Effects and Toxicity:
  • Immunosuppression: Weakening of the immune system, leading to a higher risk of infections for patients.
  • Organ Toxicity: Damage to vital organs, such as the heart (e.g., from Doxorubicin), kidneys (e.g., from Cisplatin), and liver (e.g., from Methotrexate).
  • Neurological and Gastrointestinal Distress: Problems affecting nerves and the digestive system.
• Regulatory Gaps:
  • A lack of global standards for drug quality and manufacturing.
  • Weak monitoring systems in many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where these drugs are often exported.

Civil Registration and Vital Statistics

Source: The Hindu

Syllabus: GS Paper III (Science & Technology)

IN NEWS

At the 3rd Ministerial Conference on Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) for Asia and the Pacific, held in Bangkok, member countries extended their commitment to achieving universal registration of births and deaths by 2030. The conference was convened by UNESCAP (United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific).

Current Situation in Asia-Pacific (CRVS)

• Progress since 2014 (start of CRVS Decade):
  • The number of children under 5 without birth registration has significantly dropped from 135 million (in 2012) to 51 million (in 2024), showing over a 60% reduction.
  • Currently, 29 countries in the region have over 90% birth registration, and 30 countries report over 90% death registration.
• Remaining Challenges:
  • Despite progress, 14 million children still do not have their birth registered by their first birthday.
  • An estimated 6.9 million deaths go unrecorded each year in the region.

Key Decisions Taken in 2025 Bangkok Declaration

• Extension of CRVS Decade: The roadmap for CRVS development has been extended from 2024 to 2030.
• Universal Goal: The declaration sets an ambitious goal to register 100% of all births and deaths by 2030.
• Key Focus Areas for Action:
  • Inclusive Service Delivery: Ensuring CRVS services reach everyone, especially those in rural/remote areas and marginalized groups.
  • Digital Transformation: Developing secure and interconnected digital CRVS systems.
  • Gender Equity: Promoting equal access and recognition in civil registration for all genders.
  • Data Privacy and Protection: Ensuring personal data within CRVS systems is protected.
  • Legal Recognition for All Children: Ensuring all types of children (e.g., orphaned, surrogate, adopted) have legal recognition.

India’s CRVS System

India has made important progress in strengthening its CRVS system:

• Authorities Involved:
  • Registrar-General and Census Commissioner: The main authority responsible for civil registration.
  • Ministry of Health & Family Welfare: Provides support through the National Health Mission (NHM).
• Legal Framework:
  • Governed by the Registration of Births and Deaths (RBD) Act, 1969, which has been updated.
  • The Act makes registration mandatory for:
    • All births (including adopted, orphaned, and surrogate children).
    • All deaths (the cause of death must be officially certified by health institutions).
• Recent Initiatives:
  • A digital registration system has been implemented with support from UNICEF.
  • There is no fee for birth registration if done within 21 days.
  • A new central CRVS portal has been launched to make processes easier.
  • Documents can be stored in DigiLocker, removing the need for physical copies and improving accessibility.
• Achievements:
  • Birth registration coverage significantly increased from 86% (in 2014) to over 96% (in 2024).
  • India's digital innovations in CRVS have been praised by UNESCAP as examples for other nations.

India Declines to Sign Joint Statement at SCO Meet

Source: The Hindu

Syllabus: GS Paper II (International Relations)

IN NEWS

India refused to sign the joint statement at the SCO Defence Ministers’ Meeting 2025 in Qingdao, China. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh objected to the omission of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack and the inclusion of Balochistan-related concerns, which allegedly diverted attention from cross-border terrorism. India demanded tougher language on terrorism, particularly state-sponsored cross-border terrorism, but consensus was not reached, especially due to Pakistan’s opposition.

Key Details of the 2025 SCO Defence Ministers' Meet

• Venue: Held in Qingdao, China.
• India's Stance: India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh highlighted the Pahalgam terror attack (April 22, 2025) by The Resistance Front (TRF), which is believed to be linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).
  • India asked for strong words against countries that support terrorism, but Pakistan and China disagreed.
  • The Minister also criticized nations that use terrorism as a state policy and warned that India has a right to defend itself.

Why India Declined to Sign the SCO Joint Statement?

India chose not to sign the joint statement for several important reasons:

• Pahalgam Attack Omitted: The statement did not mention the terror attack in Jammu & Kashmir’s Pahalgam, where 26 civilians, including a Nepali national, were killed.
• Balochistan References Included: India saw the inclusion of mentions related to Balochistan as an attempt by Pakistan to shift the focus away from cross-border terrorism.
• Lack of Agreement: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) explained that one country (Pakistan) blocked India’s proposals, which meant a common agreement could not be reached.
• Against India's Position: India believes in "zero tolerance" for terrorism and did not want to weaken its stand for diplomatic reasons.
• Strategic Signal: By not signing, India showed its firm commitment to its national security and anti-terrorism principles, even if it meant not joining a consensus.

🎯 Question No. 1

The recent global investigation by the Bureau of Investigative Journalism, highlighted quality concerns with which category of drugs?

(a) Antivirals for tropical diseases

(b) Commonly used chemotherapy drugs

(c) Antibiotics for bacterial infections

(d) Immunosuppressants for autoimmune conditions

✅ Correct Answer: (b)

ℹ️ Explanation: The news clearly states, "A global investigation... revealed that commonly used chemotherapy drugs have failed quality tests."

🎯 Question No. 2

With reference to the Bangkok Declaration on Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS), consider the following statements:

1. The conference was convened by UNESCAP.
2. Member countries extended their commitment to achieving universal registration of births and deaths by 2030.
3. It aims to prevent child marriage and trafficking by verifying identity and age.

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: (d)

ℹ️ Explanation:

• Statement 1 is correct: The news states, "The conference was convened by UNESCAP".
• Statement 2 is correct: The news states, "member countries extended their commitment to achieving universal registration of births and deaths by 2030".
• Statement 3 is correct: The "Importance of CRVS" section mentions it "Protects against exploitation: Prevents child marriage, trafficking, and modern slavery by verifying identity and age."

🎯 Question No. 3

India declined to sign the joint statement at the SCO Defence Ministers’ Meeting 2025 for which of the following reasons?

1. Omission of the Pahalgam terror attack from the statement.
2. Inclusion of Balochistan-related concerns in the statement.
3. Lack of consensus on stronger language against state-sponsored cross-border terrorism.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

✅ Correct Answer: (d)

ℹ️ Explanation: The section explicitly lists all three points: "Pahalgam attack not mentioned", "Inclusion of Balochistan-related references", and "Consensus not achieved" due to opposition to "tougher language on terrorism, particularly state-sponsored cross-border terrorism."

🎯 Question No. 4

Which of the following is NOT a vital event recorded under Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) as per the provided information?

(a) Births

(b) Deaths

(c) Divorces

(d) Property transfers

✅ Correct Answer: (d)

ℹ️ Explanation: Births, Deaths (and causes of death), Marriages and divorces, Adoption and other legal family events are vital events.

🎯 Question No. 5

Which of the following chemotherapy agents is specifically mentioned to have potential cardiotoxicity (harm to the heart) as a side effect?

(a) Cisplatin

(b) Oxaliplatin

(c) Cyclophosphamide

(d) Doxorubicin (Adriamycin)

✅ Correct Answer: (d)

ℹ️ Explanation: Under "Most Commonly Used Cancer Drugs (Chemotherapy Agents)", Doxorubicin is listed with "Side effects: Cardiotoxicity, hair loss, severe bone marrow suppression."