Daily Current Affairs and News Analysis 05-08-2025

AI Immune Builder

• AI-Designed Proteins Generate Immune Cells: Harvard scientists used AI to create synthetic proteins that boost immune cell production.

  • Why it’s news: This breakthrough offers a novel way to enhance the body’s defense against diseases like cancer and viral infections.

• Key to T Cell Development: The proteins activate the Notch signalling pathway, crucial for converting immune progenitors into T cells.

  • Why it’s news: Notch signalling is vital for immune defense, but effective molecular activators were previously unavailable for therapeutic use.

• Scalable T Cell Production: The AI-designed proteins enable large-scale T cell generation in lab bioreactors.

  • Why it’s news: This is essential for the growing demand for T cells in CAR-T cell cancer therapies.

• Enhanced Vaccine Efficacy: In animal trials, the proteins improved T cell responses and boosted the production of long-lasting memory T cells.

  • Why it’s news: This indicates potential for more effective vaccines with enduring protection.

• Future Therapeutic Potential: Researchers aim to engineer these proteins to target cancer cells directly, enhancing anti-tumor immunity and overcoming tumor-induced immune suppression.

  • Why it’s news: This opens doors for next-generation immunotherapies and cancer vaccines.

• Leveraging Nobel Prize-Winning Tech: The AI-driven protein design techniques used are based on work for which David Baker received the 2024 Nobel Prize in Chemistry.

  • Why it’s news: Highlights the cutting-edge nature of the technology.

World Energy

• Why in News: The IEA’s Electricity Mid-Year Update 2025 predicts a significant surge in global electricity demand driven by heatwaves, air conditioners, data centers, and EVs, while renewable energy sources like solar and wind are rapidly transforming the energy landscape.

• Key Highlights of IEA Update:

  • Rising Demand: Global electricity demand is forecast to grow by 3.3% in 2025 and 3.7% in 2026, significantly exceeding the 2015-2023 average of 2.6%. Heatwaves, ACs, data centers, and EVs are primary drivers.
  • India & China Lead Growth: These two countries will account for 60% of global demand growth through 2026. India’s demand is projected to grow by 4% in 2025 and 6.6% in 2026.
  • Renewables Overtake Coal: Solar and wind power are projected to surpass coal generation by 2025 or 2026, with their combined share reaching 20% by 2026, up from 15% in 2024. They will also drive over 90% of the electricity demand increase in 2025. Coal’s share in total generation will drop below 33%.
  • Nuclear Power Milestone: Global nuclear power generation is expected to hit a record high in 2025, with a 2% increase driven by new reactors and plant restarts.
  • Electricity Security Concerns: Blackouts in Chile and Spain/Portugal highlight the need for robust grid infrastructure and flexible supply chains.
  • Emissions Trend: While global emissions rose by 1.2% in 2024, low-emission sources are starting to offset fossil fuel use, though extreme weather remains a factor.

• India’s Energy Landscape:

  • Capacity Mix: As of June 2025, India’s installed capacity is 484.82 GW, with thermal power at 49.92% and non-fossil fuels (RE, LH, Nuclear) at 50.08%.
  • Renewable Dominance: Solar power is the largest contributor to renewable energy, followed by wind. India ranks 4th globally in renewable energy installed capacity.
  • Energy Access & Efficiency: Power shortages have dramatically reduced, and per capita electricity consumption has increased significantly. India has achieved 100% village electrification.
  • Key Initiatives: Schemes like PM-KUSUM, PM-Surya Ghar, Solar Parks, PLI for Solar Modules, National Bioenergy Programme, and the National Green Hydrogen Mission are driving India’s renewable energy push.
  • Bioenergy Growth: Significant increases in LPG connections, ethanol blending, and biogas capacity are noted.

Article 370 Repeal

• Six Years Post-Abrogation: August 5, 2025, marks six years since Article 370, which granted special autonomous status to Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), was revoked.

• Politics & Representation:

  • Democratic processes have resumed, but with reduced powers for the elected government, as the Lieutenant Governor retains control over police and services.
  • Major political parties like the National Conference (NC) and People’s Democratic Party (PDP) have re-entered electoral politics with differing strategies.

• Security:

  • Civilian deaths have significantly decreased (24 in 2024 vs. 129 in 2015), a key objective of abrogation.
  • However, the Pahalgam terror attack in April 2025 impacted security gains and tourism confidence, with ongoing concerns about infiltration and militant activity.

• Economy & Development:

  • Industrial development shows progress with 359 operational units and 1,424 in the pipeline.
  • Government investment surged to ₹2.15 lakh crore in 2024–25.
  • Revenue indicators are improving, with GST collections up by 39% and rising per capita income.

• Tourism:

  • 2023 saw a record 2.21 crore tourists, contributing 7% to GSDP.
  • The Pahalgam attack raised concerns about the perception of normalcy, despite efforts like hosting the G20 and Miss World pageant to project stability.

• Article 370 Background: It was a temporary provision granting J&K significant autonomy, including its own constitution and flag, with limited applicability of Indian laws and provisions for permanent residents (Article 35A).

• Abrogation Impact: Revoked Article 370, split J&K into two Union Territories (J&K with legislature, Ladakh without), leading to uniform application of Indian laws and opening land ownership/jobs to all Indian citizens. Critics cite weakened federalism, while supporters emphasize national integration and development.

Breastfeeding Governance

• Low Exclusive Breastfeeding Rates: Despite high initiation, only 63.7% of infants are exclusively breastfed for six months (NFHS-5), with an average duration of 4.9 months. This gap highlights systemic failures, not mother’s choices.
• Significance of Breastfeeding: Initiating breastfeeding within the first hour (golden hour) provides crucial colostrum, boosts immunity, and reduces infant mortality. Breastmilk is the perfect food, protecting against infections and supporting optimal growth and brain development. It also reduces cancer and diabetes risk in mothers.
• Structural Challenges:
  • Poor Post-Natal Awareness: Rapid hospital discharge leaves mothers without adequate guidance, leading to misinterpretation of challenges like poor latch as insufficient milk.
  • Physical & Emotional Barriers: Latching difficulties, nipple pain, and stress (which inhibits milk production) require trained help, often unavailable.
  • Field Worker Capacity Deficit: ASHAs and ANMs lack sufficient training and resources (visual tools, helplines) to effectively support lactation.
  • Marginalization & Communication Gaps: Tribal, migrant, and urban poor communities face poor access to tailored, culturally sensitive information.
  • Informal Sector Issues: Lack of maternity leave, clean spaces, and supportive facilities forces early weaning, despite the Maternity Benefit Act’s provisions.
• Reforms Needed:
  • Integrated Healthcare Support: Embed breastfeeding support at all levels (hospitals, homes, workplaces).
  • Routine Counselling: Make breastfeeding counselling a standard part of antenatal visits and immunisation check-ups.
  • Enhanced Training: Provide practical, hands-on training for frontline health workers on lactation support.
  • Public Health Right: Treat breastfeeding as a public health right, not solely a mother’s responsibility.
  • Supportive Infrastructure: Establish clean, private feeding rooms in public spaces and workplaces.
  • Tailored Communication: Use local languages, folk media, and community leaders for effective messaging.
  • Strengthen Schemes: Integrate better lactation support and incentives into schemes like PMMVY and MAA.
• Government Initiatives: Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) and Mothers’ Absolute Affection (MAA) program aim to promote breastfeeding and maternal health.
• Conclusion: Effective breastfeeding requires scientific, emotional, and structural support. Integrated, evidence-based interventions are crucial for improving outcomes and protecting national health.

Battery Waste Control

• Context: India’s rapid electrification (EVs, renewables) drives massive battery demand (139 GWh by 2035 from 4 GWh in 2023). This generates significant e-waste (700,000 tonnes lithium batteries in 2022).
• Challenge: Lack of a robust battery recycling ecosystem, particularly a fair Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) floor price, threatens environmental safety and economic sustainability.
• Battery Waste Management Rules (BWMR) 2022: Aims for sustainable management and recycling, covering all battery types, based on EPR. Producers are responsible for collection, recycling, and using recovered materials, with landfill/incineration prohibited.
• Key Issue – Skewed EPR Floor Price: The current EPR floor price is too low to support safe, high-quality recycling of lithium batteries, which require advanced technology and skilled labor.
  • Why News: This low price makes legitimate recycling unviable, encouraging informal/fraudulent operators, fake certificates, and hazardous dumping. It could cost India over $1 billion in foreign exchange losses by 2030 due to import dependence and improper recycling.
• Resistance to Compliance: Large multinational producers exhibit double standards, complying in developed nations but neglecting responsibilities in developing ones like India.
  • Why News: This hinders the development of sustainable battery ecosystems in the Global South.
• Need for Fair Pricing: A fair, globally comparable EPR floor price is crucial, reflecting real recycling costs. This can be absorbed by manufacturers without raising consumer prices, as they haven’t passed on metal price reductions.
• Strengthening Enforcement: Digitizing EPR certificates, robust audits, and stringent penalties are needed to prevent fraud.
• Integrating Informal Sector: Training and supporting informal recyclers can improve safety and expand capacity.
• Policy Reform: Policymakers, industry, and recyclers need to collaborate on a viable pricing structure, drawing from international best practices (e.g., UK’s ~₹600/kg for EV battery recycling vs. India’s much lower proposed rates).
• Conclusion: Addressing battery waste requires a fair EPR price, better enforcement, and formalizing the informal sector to turn waste into a strategic asset for India’s Net Zero goals.

Army’s Two-Front Strategy

• Two-Front Threat Adaptation: The Indian Army is enhancing its capabilities to counter simultaneous threats from China and Pakistan, especially after “Operation Sindoor.”

• Integrated Battle Groups (IBGs): The Army is restructuring units into self-contained, agile, brigade-sized formations (IBGs) to launch swift offensive strikes. These will combine infantry, tanks, artillery, engineers, UAVs, and Special Forces.

• ‘Rudra’ All-Arms Brigades: Existing single-arm brigades are being converted into integrated combat units with all necessary fighting elements, permanently deployed together for specific operational roles.

• ‘Bhairav’ Light Commando Battalions: Plans are underway to raise 40-50 agile, lethal commando battalions for swift border incursions, supplementing existing Special Forces units.

• Artillery and Drone Enhancement: The Army is establishing ‘Shaktibaan’ artillery regiments with ‘Divyadrishti’ surveillance and loitering munitions for precision strikes. Over 400 infantry battalions will receive dedicated drone platoons, emphasizing UAV integration.

• Strengthened Air Defence: Army Air Defence (AAD) is being bolstered with Akash Prime and Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM) regiments for high-altitude and rapid response capabilities, crucial for countering aerial threats.

• Modernization Rationale: These upgrades aim to transform the Army into a “future-ready force” capable of rapid mobilization and effectiveness in modern, high-tempo warfare, driven by the changing nature of conflicts globally with drone warfare.

Pollution Boards

• PCBs can impose restitutionary/compensatory damages: Supreme Court ruled PCBs can collect damages to restore polluted air/water.
  • Why in news: This empowers PCBs to enforce the “polluter pays” principle and actively restore ecosystems.
• Powers derived from Water and Air Acts: Sections 33A (Water Act) and 31A (Air Act) grant these powers.
  • Why in news: Clarifies the legal basis for PCB actions, strengthening their authority.
• Subordinate legislation required: Powers must be exercised after framing rules/regulations and following natural justice.
  • Why in news: Ensures fair and transparent implementation of these significant powers.
• Reversal of Delhi High Court ruling: The Supreme Court’s decision overrides the earlier ruling that the Delhi PCB lacked this authority.
  • Why in news: Sets a precedent for other states and strengthens PCB capabilities nationwide.
• “Polluter pays” principle emphasized: Restoration should mimic the damaged ecosystem.
  • Why in news: Reinforces accountability for polluters and a focus on effective environmental recovery.
• Broad statutory powers of PCBs: PCBs can regulate or shut down polluting industries.
  • Why in news: Highlights the comprehensive role PCBs play in environmental protection and enforcement.

Rural Body Funding Cuts

• Why in News: Parliamentary Committee flagged a “steady decline in fund allocation” to Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), urging immediate steps for adequate, untied, and performance-linked funds.

• Sources of Funds for PRIs:

  • Own Source Revenue (taxes, fees) – currently very low (1% of PRI revenue).
  • Shared/Assigned Revenue from states.
  • Central Finance Commission Grants (major source).
  • State Government Grants (recommended by State Finance Commissions – SFCs).
  • Funds under Centrally Sponsored Schemes (MGNREGS, PMAY-G etc.).
  • Special Grants (MPLADS).

• Issues in Funding:

  • Decline in Allocation: Hampers fiscal decentralization and ability to meet duties.
  • State Finance Commission (SFC) Issues: Delays in SFC constitution (only 25 states have them, 9 have 6th SFC). This delays central grant flow.
  • Inability to Meet Local Needs: Reduced untied/scheme-based transfers limit PRI capacity for local development and services.
  • Inconsistent Transfer of 11th Schedule Subjects: State governments’ fear of losing control restricts Panchayats’ decision-making.
  • Institutional Flaws: Rotating reserved seats disrupt leadership continuity; District Planning Committees (DPCs) poorly implemented; lack of training for elected representatives.
  • High Reliance on Grants: PRIs generate only 1% revenue via taxes; 95% comes from Central and State grants.

• Steps Needed:

  • Allocate sufficient, untied, performance-linked resources.
  • States to encourage timely SFC constitution and report submission.
  • Enhance PRI revenue generation through local taxes with state support.
  • Ensure transparency through audits, RTI, and robust procurement.
  • Strengthen digital infrastructure for better governance.

• Prelims Relevance: Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), 11th Schedule, State Finance Commissions (SFCs), GST, Gram Sabha, Finance Commissions.

• Mains Relevance: Issues in Funding of Rural Local Bodies and Functioning of Panchayati Raj Institutions.

Plastic Pact

• Over 190 countries meeting in Geneva for 5th round of talks (INC-5) to finalize a legally binding Global Plastics Treaty.

  • Why: This is a crucial stage in negotiating a comprehensive international agreement to tackle the escalating plastic pollution crisis.

• Objective: Address plastic pollution across its entire lifecycle (production, usage, disposal), including capping production and reducing harmful chemicals.

  • Why: Current plastic production and waste levels are unsustainable, with alarming health impacts and economic costs, requiring a holistic approach.

• Talks follow a breakdown in Busan (Dec 2023) due to disagreements on production limits and chemical additives.

  • Why: Highlights the significant challenges and differing national interests that need to be overcome for a successful treaty.

• Treaty could be the most impactful global environmental agreement since the Paris Climate Accord (2015).

  • Why: Underscores the immense potential of this treaty to drive global change in managing plastics, comparable to the significance of climate action.

• Global plastic production has doubled in two decades, and waste has risen dramatically; production may triple by 2060.

  Join Our Telegram Channel
  • Why: This data emphasizes the urgency and scale of the plastic crisis that necessitates international action.

• Health impacts of plastic pollution are severe, linked to cancer and infertility, costing $1.5 trillion annually.

  • Why: Demonstrates the direct human and economic costs of inaction, making the treaty a vital public health and economic imperative.

IPO

• Lenskart IPO: ₹2,150 crore public offering. This is the primary news event, signaling Lenskart’s transition from private to public ownership.
• Company becomes profitable in FY25. This profitability is a key factor making Lenskart attractive to public investors and a significant milestone for the company’s IPO.
• Surging Refractive Errors: Eye health issues are worsening, especially among children (21% in FY20 to 39% in FY25 for under-19s), with an expected 62% affected across all ages by FY30. This highlights a growing market need.
• Causes: Excessive screen time, less outdoor play, poor lighting, bad posture. These trends are driving the increase in eye problems, creating a larger customer base for eyewear solutions.
• Optometrist Shortage & Eyewear Access Gaps: India has a severe shortage of optometrists (15-20 per million vs. 80-100 in US/Japan) and low eyewear adoption (only 35% of affected people wear glasses). This indicates a significant underserved market and growth potential for companies like Lenskart.
• Unorganized Sector Dominance: Over 70% of eyewear is sold through unorganized channels, especially in Tier 2/3 cities. Lenskart’s organized approach offers an opportunity to capture market share and improve access.
• IPO Terminology: The context defines key IPO terms like DRHP, RHP, Fresh Issue, OFS, Book Building, Price Band, Lot Size, Underwriters, and Listing, which are crucial for understanding the process.

Matri Van

• Matri Van Initiative Launched in Gurugram: A large-scale urban afforestation project, part of the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign, launched during Van Mahotsav 2025.

• 750-Acre Aravalli Project: Focuses on creating a theme-based urban forest in the Aravalli hills, specifically along the Gurugram-Faridabad Road.

• Biodiversity and Sustainability Goals: Aims to conserve biodiversity, enhance carbon sequestration, improve public health, and promote urban sustainability in Delhi-NCR.

• Ecological Restoration: Involves removing invasive species like Prosopis juliflora and planting native Aravalli tree species.

• “Heart and Lung” for Delhi-NCR: The green cover is expected to significantly improve air quality and combat urban heat islands in the region.

• Community and Thematic Focus: Features include thematic groves (e.g., Bodhi Vatika, Bamboosetum), nature trails, cycle tracks, yoga zones, and water conservation measures.

• Support for Aravalli Green Wall: Aligns with the broader Aravalli Green Wall Project to combat desertification across multiple states.

• ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ Link: Promotes tree plantation in mothers’ names, connecting environmental action with a tribute to motherhood.

• Multi-stakeholder Collaboration: Involves CSR partners, RWAs, NGOs, MNCs, students, and government organizations for successful implementation.

NE Connectivity & Act East

For Prelims:

• Northeast Region as Gateway: India’s Act East Policy aims to make the Northeast a gateway to Southeast Asia.
• Key Connectivity Projects:
  • Bairabi–Sairang Rail line (Mizoram): Recently commissioned, it’s a major step for the Act East Policy, connecting Mizoram to the national rail network and facilitating trade with Myanmar.
  • Sittwe Port (Myanmar): The Sairang railhead will serve as a transit point for goods from Sittwe Port, boosting regional economic integration.
  • India–Myanmar–Thailand Trilateral Highway: A crucial corridor linking India to ASEAN economies.
• Siliguri Corridor: Also known as the “Chicken’s Neck,” this narrow passage is vital for Northeast connectivity but prone to disruption.
• Act East Policy: An upgrade to the Look East Policy, focusing on economic, cultural, and defense ties with Asia-Pacific and Indo-Pacific regions, particularly Southeast Asia.

For Mains:

• Connectivity Challenges in North Eastern India:
  • Geopolitical Disruptions: Myanmar’s civil conflict and Bangladesh’s political instability have delayed key connectivity projects (e.g., Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Project, Agartala–Akhaura rail link).
  • Security & Insurgency: Ethnic clashes (Manipur) and insurgencies stall projects like the Imphal–Moreh Rail Line.
  • Inadequate Infrastructure: Underdeveloped road, rail, and air linkages, and over-reliance on the Siliguri Corridor hinder potential.
  • Environmental Factors: Fragile terrain prone to floods, landslides, and earthquakes complicates infrastructure development.
  • Strategic Gaps: Rising Chinese influence and limited trade agreements weaken India’s regional engagement.
• Act East Policy and Role of Northeast India:
  • Enhanced Diplomatic & Security Ties: Connectivity projects bolster trade and security cooperation with Myanmar and Bangladesh.
  • Economic Integration: Positions Northeast India as a hub for regional trade and investment.
  • Socio-Economic Upliftment: Improved connectivity spurs job creation, reduces isolation, and improves access to services in the Northeast.
  • Measures for Enhancement: Strengthening regional diplomacy, developing disaster-resilient multi-modal infrastructure, ensuring security-sensitive development, and implementing institutional reforms are crucial.

India EV Pulse

• Why in News: NITI Aayog launched the India Electric Mobility Index (IEMI) and the report “Unlocking a $200 Billion Opportunity: Electric Vehicles in India”.

• India Electric Mobility Index (IEMI):

  • Tracks and evaluates states’ progress in achieving electric mobility goals.
  • Uses 16 indicators across three themes: Transport Electrification Progress, Charging Infrastructure Readiness, and EV Research & Innovation Status.
  • Scores range from 0-100, reflecting ecosystem development.
  • IEMI 2024 Frontrunners: Delhi, Maharashtra, Chandigarh.
  • Impact: Provides a comparative framework for states, fostering competition and supporting evidence-based policymaking.

• Key Highlights of NITI Aayog Report:

  • India’s EV share is over two-fifths of global levels in 2024, up from one-fifth in 2020.
  • India aims for 30% EV penetration by 2030 (EV30@30 campaign).
  • Manufacturing capacity has grown via schemes like PLI and ACC Battery Storage.
  • EV penetration in India rose from 0.23% (2016) to 7.6% (2024).
  • Government initiatives like FAME-II and PM E-DRIVE support EV adoption.

• Challenges Identified:

  • Financing issues, particularly for electric buses and trucks.
  • Inadequate charging infrastructure and low utilization of existing public charging stations.
  • Lack of awareness regarding EV performance.
  • Data and regulatory gaps.

• Recommendations:

  • Implement clear Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) adoption policies.
  • Focus EV saturation on 5 cities initially, then expand.
  • Create pooled funds for e-buses/e-trucks and establish charging hubs.
  • Promote battery leasing.

Rhisotope

• Rhisotope Project: Scientists are injecting low-dose radioactive isotopes into rhino horns to combat poaching.
  • Why: Makes horns detectable by radiation scanners at borders and toxic for illegal human use, reducing demand.
• Safety & Efficacy: The procedure is non-invasive, safe for rhinos, and has shown no negative health impacts in tests.
  • Why: This ensures the conservation effort itself doesn’t harm the animals it aims to protect.
• Targeting Trafficking: The project leverages existing radiation detection infrastructure at international borders.
  • Why: This makes it a practical and scalable solution for disrupting the illegal horn trade.
• Addressing Rampant Poaching: Over 27,000 rhinos have been killed since 2008 due to the illegal horn trade.
  • Why: Highlights the urgent need for innovative solutions like the Rhisotope Project to save critically endangered species.
• Scientific & Security Strategy: It’s an innovative approach that combines scientific advancement with security measures to protect rhinos.
  • Why: Represents a new front in the fight against wildlife crime by reducing the commercial value of rhino horns.

Kisan Sampada Yojana

• Budgetary Outlay Increased: The Union Cabinet has approved a total outlay of ₹6,520 crore for the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY) for the 15th Finance Commission Cycle (2021-22 to 2025-26). This marks a significant increase of ₹1,920 crore from the previous allocation.
  • Why it’s news: This substantial increase in funding highlights the government’s commitment to boosting the food processing sector and enhancing its infrastructure.
• Focus on Modern Infrastructure: The enhanced funds will be specifically utilized for developing modern infrastructure, including 50 multi-product food irradiation units and 100 NABL-accredited Food Testing Labs.
  • Why it’s news: These specific infrastructure developments are crucial for improving food safety, quality assurance, and extending the shelf life of food products, ultimately benefiting both farmers and consumers.
• Scheme Extension and Objectives: PMKSY, launched in 2017, has been extended. It is a composite scheme aimed at creating a modern, efficient farm-to-retail supply chain management system.
  • Why it’s news: The extension and increased funding signal the continued importance of PMKSY in the government’s agricultural and economic agenda, focusing on the entire food value chain.
• Major Components: The scheme encompasses key areas like Mega Food Parks, Integrated Cold Chain & Value Addition, Agro-Processing Clusters, Backward & Forward Linkages, Food Processing & Preservation Capacities, Food Safety & Quality Assurance, and Human Resource Development.
  • Why it’s news: This reiterates the comprehensive approach of PMKSY in addressing various aspects of the food processing ecosystem, from farm gate to market.