On June 01st, 2025, India marked three significant milestones reflecting its progress across technology, trade, and gender inclusion. The government inaugurated a national AI compute facility in Bengaluru under the IndiaAI Mission, boosting indigenous AI development. At the global stage, India raised concerns at the WTO over rising trade protectionism impacting its exports. Meanwhile, in a historic moment for the armed forces, the first batch of women cadets graduated from the National Defence Academy, signaling a major step toward gender equality in military leadership.

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:

IndiaAI Mission's Compute Facility Inaugurated; Boost for Domestic AI Development

Source: PIB

Syllabus: GS Paper III (Science & Technology; Economy)

IN NEWS

• The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) on June 1st, 2025, inaugurated the first large-scale national compute facility under the IndiaAI Mission.
• This state-of-the-art facility, located in Bengaluru, is set to provide crucial computational power for advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) research and development within the country.

Key Highlights of the Compute Facility

• Capacity: Houses petaflops of AI computing power, significantly boosting the country's capacity for complex AI model training and data processing.
• Access: Will provide accessible compute resources to researchers, startups, academic institutions, and government agencies involved in AI development.
• Indigenous Focus: Designed to support the development of indigenous AI models and applications, reducing reliance on foreign cloud services for critical AI workloads.
• Connectivity: Integrated with India's existing national research networks and data centers to ensure seamless data flow and collaboration.

Significance

• Boost to AI Ecosystem: Provides critical infrastructure, which is a major bottleneck for advanced AI research in many developing nations.
• Strategic Autonomy: Enhances India's strategic autonomy in AI development, ensuring data security and control over algorithms crucial for national interests.
• Economic Growth: Expected to spur innovation, create new industries, and generate high-skilled employment opportunities, contributing to India's digital economy.
• Societal Impact: Will enable the development of AI solutions tailored for Indian challenges, such as precision agriculture, accessible healthcare diagnostics, and smart urban management.
• Global Positioning: Positions India as a serious contender in the global AI landscape, fostering international collaborations and attracting investments.

India Expresses Concerns Over Escalating Trade Protectionism, Files WTO Notice

Source: The Hindu

Syllabus: GS Paper II (International Relations; Economy)

IN NEWS

• India on June 1st, 2025, formally registered its deep concerns at the World Trade Organization (WTO) regarding the recent surge in trade protectionist measures adopted by several major economies.
• The move included filing a notice, signaling potential formal dispute resolution processes against trade barriers perceived to be in violation of WTO rules.

Details of India's Concern and WTO Notice

• Targeted Measures: While specific countries were not immediately named in the public statement, the concerns reportedly target increased non-tariff barriers, discriminatory subsidies, and tightened import regulations affecting key Indian exports.
• WTO Framework: India emphasized the importance of a rules-based multilateral trading system and highlighted how protectionist policies undermine global economic recovery and stability.
• Consultation Phase: Filing a notice often initiates a consultation phase under WTO dispute settlement mechanisms, allowing parties to discuss and resolve issues before escalating to panel proceedings.

Significance

• Defence of National Interests: India's proactive step signals its commitment to defending its export interests and ensuring fair market access for its goods and services globally.
• Champion of Multilateralism: Reinforces India's role as a proponent of multilateral trading rules, particularly at a time when the WTO's efficacy and relevance are often questioned.
• Impact on Global Trade: This development could influence the ongoing global debate on trade liberalization versus protectionism, potentially leading to renewed discussions on trade norms.
• Economic Implications: Escalating trade protectionism could impact India's economic growth, export performance, and integration into global supply chains.

Read the article on the Protectionist Measures on Steel Imports to India!

First Batch of Women Cadets Graduates from NDA, Marking a Milestone for Armed Forces

Source: The Hindu

Syllabus: GS Paper I (Social Issues); GS Paper II (Governance; Social Justice)

IN NEWS

• In a historic moment for India's defence establishment, the first batch of women cadets successfully completed their rigorous training at the National Defence Academy (NDA) in Khadakwasla, Pune, and officially passed out on June 1st, 2025.
• This marks their formal integration into the officer cadres of the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.

Key Highlights of the Graduation

• Historic Batch: This graduating cohort holds immense symbolic and practical significance as the pioneers for full-fledged women's entry into the permanent commission of the armed forces through the NDA route.
• Officer Induction: These women officers will now proceed to their respective service academies (Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy) for further specialized pre-commission training before taking on active roles.
• Leadership Roles: Their entry opens pathways for women to assume higher leadership and combat roles within the Indian Armed Forces, expanding their career trajectory beyond traditional support roles.

Significance

• Women Empowerment & Gender Equality: Represents a monumental step towards achieving true gender equality and women empowerment in a traditionally male-dominated domain in India.
• Modernization of Armed Forces: Reflects the armed forces' commitment to adapting to contemporary societal norms and leveraging the full potential of its human resources.
• Enhanced Diversity: Brings diverse perspectives and talents into the defence leadership, potentially enhancing decision-making and operational effectiveness.
• Role Models: These women officers will serve as powerful role models, inspiring future generations of girls and women to pursue careers in defence and other challenging fields.