Daily Current Affairs and News Analysis 09-07-2025

Cooperative Stack Development: India is building a digital framework, the “Cooperative Stack,” to improve rural welfare scheme delivery.

• Why in News: This initiative signifies a major push towards digital governance and efficient service delivery in rural areas, leveraging existing grassroots institutions.

PACS as Central Hub: The Cooperative Stack is centered around Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS).

• Why in News: PACS are the established backbone of rural credit and have a direct reach to farmers, making them ideal for integrating government schemes.

Technology Integration: The framework will use digital platforms and AI-driven technologies (e.g., weather advisories).

• Why in News: This highlights the government’s commitment to modernization and utilizing technology to enhance farmer support and scheme effectiveness.

Scheme Delivery and Financial Inclusion: The goal is to provide services like credit, subsidies, and financial inclusion directly through PACS.

• Why in News: This directly addresses issues of rural access to finance and ensures welfare benefits reach the intended beneficiaries more efficiently, bypassing intermediaries.

Computerization Drive: The government aims to fully digitize 80,000 out of 1.08 lakh PACS.

• Why in News: This is a concrete step towards operationalizing the Cooperative Stack, demonstrating the practical implementation and scalability of the digital integration.

Why in News: A study presented at the 2025 Goldschmidt Conference suggests a link between melting glaciers and increased volcanic activity, especially in West Antarctica.

Subglaciated Volcanoes: Volcanoes under ice sheets (subglaciated) are sensitive to glacier retreat. West Antarctica has around 100 such volcanoes, facing increased activity as ice melts. Other at-risk regions include North America, New Zealand, and Russia.

Mechanism (Glacial Unloading): Melting ice reduces pressure on magma chambers, allowing underground gases and magma to expand, increasing eruption likelihood. This was first proposed in the 1970s.

Precipitation’s Role: Climate-change-influenced precipitation can seep underground and interact with magma systems, potentially triggering eruptions.

Historical Example: Iceland saw 30-50 times higher volcanic activity during its last major deglaciation.

Volcanic Eruption Impacts:

• Short-Term Cooling: Ash and sulfur dioxide from eruptions can temporarily cool the Earth by blocking sunlight.
• Long-Term Warming: Greenhouse gases from repeated eruptions contribute to global warming, creating a feedback loop where melting ice triggers eruptions, which in turn accelerate warming and further ice melt.

• Majority-based decision-making when consensus fails.
• Independent review of NDC implementation for transparency and accountability.
• Tying climate finance access to transparency and measurable results.
• Reframing negotiations around human needs for better developing country engagement.
• Streamlining agendas and limiting participation to enhance efficiency.

Fuel Ban on End-of-Life Vehicles (ELVs) Timeline Extended: The ban, initially slated for phased implementation from November 2024, will now start on November 1, 2025, in Delhi and five NCR districts (Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, Gautam Budh Nagar, Sonipat) and April 1, 2026, for the rest of the NCR.

Reason for Extension – Technological & Operational Challenges: The extension is due to glitches and poor coverage in the Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) system, incomplete data integration across NCR states, and the need to avoid policy loopholes where vehicle owners might refuel in neighboring areas.

New Enforcement Dates: Fuel supply to ELVs will continue until October 31, 2025. The ban applies from November 1, 2025, in Delhi and specified NCR districts, and from April 1, 2026, in the remaining NCR.

CAQM’s Decision: The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), a statutory body addressing air pollution in NCR, amended its earlier direction based on concerns raised by the Delhi government.

Delhi Government’s Concerns: The GNCTD highlighted ANPR system weaknesses, HSRP issues affecting vehicle identification, and the risk of a cross-border illegal fuel market if the ban was implemented in stages. They also questioned the legal certainty and equitable treatment of time-based ELV thresholds compared to national vehicle standards.

Action Against Identified ELVs: Despite the extension, strict enforcement action, including impounding, will be taken against identified ELVs by fuel stations or other means.

Coordination and Preparation: Transport departments in Delhi and NCR states are directed to ensure proper ANPR installation, operation, trials, and manpower training, with monthly reports on ELV liquidation efforts to CAQM.

• Why it’s news: This significantly improves crop efficiency and dramatically reduces reliance on external fertilizer inputs.

• Why it’s news: Demonstrates the application of advanced gene-editing technology for agricultural solutions.

• Why it’s news: Highlights the precision and scientific understanding behind the gene-editing approach.

• Why it’s news: Addresses critical national issues of food security, economic reliance, and environmental impact of fertilizer use.

• Why it’s news: This technology offers a potential solution to overcome widespread nutrient deficiencies in Indian agricultural land.

• Why it’s news: Moves beyond traditional methods to a more sophisticated approach.

• Why it’s news: Enables precise spraying and fogging, replacing less effective “blind” spraying.

• Why it’s news: Demonstrates innovative and practical use of drone technology in public health.

• Why it’s news: Enhances operational efficiency and coordination.

• Why it’s news: Introduces transparency and accountability in public health operations.

• Why it’s news: Underscores the critical need for effective mosquito control measures like SMoSS, especially given India’s significant dengue burden.

Great Hornbill Sighted in Ezhimala, Kannur (Kerala)

• This sighting is noteworthy as Ezhimala is outside the typical range of the Great Hornbill.
• It suggests the presence of intact or connected forest areas in the region.

Ecological Significance of the Great Hornbill

• It’s a crucial seed disperser, vital for forest regeneration.
• It serves as an indicator species for mature, healthy forests.

Conservation Concerns

• The Great Hornbill is classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN.
• Its populations are declining due to habitat loss and hunting.

Implications of the Ezhimala Sighting

• Highlights Ezhimala’s biodiversity potential and need for ecological restoration.
• Underscores the importance of protecting forest fragments and corridors.

Conservation Imperatives

• Protect existing forest patches and ecological corridors in Ezhimala.
• Promote community-based conservation efforts, including habitat monitoring.
• Strengthen wildlife laws and consider expanding protected areas.
• Utilize the Great Hornbill as a flagship species for conservation awareness.

Broader Takeaways

• Emphasizes the need to halt deforestation and habitat fragmentation.
• Reinforces the value of integrating scientific research with traditional knowledge and local participation.
• Demonstrates that wildlife recovery is achievable with dedicated conservation efforts.

PM’s Historic Visit: Indian PM’s visit to Argentina, first in 57 years, marked 75 years of diplomatic ties and 5 years of Strategic Partnership, symbolizing India’s growing global standing.

• Why in News: This visit signifies a significant deepening of relations and mutual recognition of importance.

Economic & Trade Boost: Agreement to expand India-MERCOSUR PTA to increase bilateral trade, focusing on diversification and investment in new sectors.

• Key Highlight: India-Argentina trade is growing, with India being Argentina’s 4th largest trading partner.

Energy & Critical Minerals Cooperation: Collaboration on shale energy and expansion of oil & gas cooperation. India secured lithium concessions in Argentina, vital for its energy transition.

• Key Highlight: Argentina’s critical mineral resources align with India’s energy security needs.

Defence & Digital Partnerships: Plans to boost defense manufacturing through co-development and tech transfer, and promote India’s digital public infrastructure in Argentina.

• Key Highlight: Technological synergy in defense and digital solutions strengthens strategic ties.

Shared Democratic Values: Reaffirmation of commitment to democracy, South-South cooperation, and multilateralism, underscored by a symbolic visit to a national hero’s statue.

• Key Highlight: Cultural and values-based relations are a strong foundation for the partnership.

Death at 94: Norman Tebbit, a significant figure in British politics and a loyal ally of Margaret Thatcher, has passed away at the age of 94.

Thatcher’s Enforcer: Known for his toughness and unwavering support for Thatcher’s policies, he served in key cabinet roles during the 1980s, including Employment Secretary and Conservative Party Chairman.

Trade Union Reform: Tebbit spearheaded significant reforms that reduced the power of trade unions and strengthened employer rights, a cornerstone of Thatcherism.

“Get on your bike”: His famous, though often misquoted, phrase symbolized a message of self-reliance and individual effort during a time of high unemployment.

Brighton Bombing Survivor: Tebbit and his wife were seriously injured in the 1984 IRA bombing of the Grand Hotel in Brighton, an attempt to assassinate Thatcher. He stepped back from frontline politics in 1987 to care for his wife, who was paralyzed.

Euroscepticism: He was a vocal opponent of deeper European integration, leading the Bruges Group in his later career.

Legacy: Tebbit is remembered for his combative style, intellect, and sense of duty. His contributions are seen as central to the transformation of Britain under Thatcher, but his controversial views on immigration also marked his public image.

• Why in News: This highlights one of West Africa’s most severe cases of climate-induced displacement, showcasing the direct impact of global warming on vulnerable coastal communities and ecosystems.

• Why in News: This vulnerability is directly linked to the submergence threat, emphasizing the ecological and potential economic consequences for areas like the Banana and Turtle Islands, which are important for tourism and culture.

• Why in News: This serves as a tangible example of how climate change is causing displacement and impacting nations, particularly in regions like West Africa.

• Why in News: While not directly related to the submergence, this shows Sierra Leone’s participation in international efforts to address climate change through renewable energy, highlighting a potential pathway for mitigation and adaptation.

• Why: The loss of ice reduces pressure on underground magma chambers, allowing gases and magma to expand and potentially lead to explosive eruptions.

• Example: A study of Chile’s Mocho Choshuenco volcano showed ice suppression of eruptions during the last ice age, with pressure release from melting triggering explosive events.

• Short-term cooling: Ash, dust, and sulfur dioxide block sunlight and form aerosols that reflect solar radiation.
• Long-term warming: Eruptions release greenhouse gases like CO₂, creating a cycle where warming leads to more melting, potentially causing more eruptions and further warming.

• Strengthen climate change mitigation to reduce global warming and glacier melt.
• Enhance glacial monitoring for eruption early warnings.
• Foster international cooperation for research and disaster preparedness in vulnerable regions.

NATO’s New Spending Target: NATO nations pledged to increase military spending to 5% of GDP by 2035, a significant jump from the previous 2% target.

• Why in News: This decision signals a major shift in collective defence priorities for the alliance, driven by escalating global security concerns.

Historical Context: Global military expenditure, after declining post-Cold War, is now on the rise, reaching $2.718 trillion in 2024, a 9.4% increase.

• Why in News: This surge reflects ongoing conflicts (Russia-Ukraine, Israel-Gaza) and anticipates future ones, leading to a global remilitarisation trend.

Impact on Global Peace and Development: Increased military spending threatens to reverse post-Cold War peace gains, with militarisation rising in 108 countries.

• Why in News: The focus on military expenditure diverts funds from crucial areas like health, education, and poverty alleviation, impacting Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Economic Crowding-Out Effect: Higher defence spending can negatively affect domestic government spending on public services like health, especially in middle- and low-income countries.

• Why in News: This highlights a trade-off where resources allocated to military capabilities are taken away from social welfare and development programs.

UN Funding Crisis: The UN’s budget is facing reductions due to nations prioritizing domestic needs and foreign aid cuts, exacerbated by increased military conflicts.

• Why in News: This impacts the UN’s ability to fund development, humanitarian aid, and peacekeeping, hindering global stability efforts.

Environmental Concerns: Increased defence spending contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, undermining climate goals.

• Why in News: A rise in military expenditure signifies a greater environmental footprint, potentially worsening global warming and reducing funds for climate action.

India’s Scenario: India spends more on military (2.3% of GDP) than health (1.84% of GDP), risking further reductions in public services with increased militarisation.

• Why in News: This illustrates a potential national trend where security spending is prioritized over essential public welfare, impacting citizens’ well-being.

National Biobank Inaugurated: Located at CSIR-IGIB, this is a significant step for India’s healthcare infrastructure.

• Why News: Marks the establishment of a crucial resource for research.

Creation of India’s Longitudinal Health Database: The biobank is a key component of this initiative.

• Why News: Enables tracking individuals over time to understand disease trends, treatment outcomes, and inform health policies specific to India.

Objective: Personalized Medicine and Research: Aims to build a repository reflecting India’s diversity for personalized medicine and research on Indian-relevant diseases.

• Why News: Supports tailored treatments based on genetic and lifestyle profiles, potentially leading to earlier diagnosis and more effective therapies for conditions like diabetes, cancer, and rare genetic disorders.

Scope: Diverse Data Collection: Will collect genomic, lifestyle, and clinical data from 10,000 diverse Indian participants.

• Why News: Ensures representation across regions, ages, and socio-economic backgrounds, making findings applicable to the wider Indian population.

Inspired by UK Biobank: Tailored for India’s unique population.

• Why News: Leverages successful models while adapting them to Indian specificities for targeted healthcare.

Part of Phenome India Project: Launched by CSIR to track health over time, uncover disease patterns, and develop India-specific risk models.

• Why News: Integrates the biobank into a broader, long-term scientific endeavor focused on understanding and improving Indian health.

NIPGR Develops Phosphate-Efficient Rice: Researchers at the National Institute of Plant Genome Research (NIPGR) in Delhi have used CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing on Japonica rice.

Enhanced Phosphate Uptake: The editing targeted the OsPHT1;2 phosphate transporter gene and removed a suppressor gene (OsWRKY6) to boost its expression.

Significant Yield Increase: The modified rice demonstrated a 40% higher yield using only 10% of the recommended phosphate fertilizer, with more panicles, seeds, and biomass.

Improved Nutrient Translocation: The gene editing facilitated better movement of phosphate from the roots to the shoots.

No Foreign DNA Inserted (Non-GMO): The process strictly adhered to non-GMO principles, as no foreign DNA (like bacterial vectors) was introduced. India ensures this through Mendelian segregation.

Potential to Reduce Fertilizer Dependency: This development could significantly lower reliance on phosphate fertilizers, especially beneficial for phosphorus-deficient soils.

Sustainable Food Security Solution: Gene editing offers a sustainable way to improve crop yields and address food security without sacrificing grain quality.

Regulatory Landscape: Negotiations are underway to relax regulations on such precision-bred crops, recognizing CRISPR editing without foreign DNA insertion as non-GMO.

Award Conferred: Prime Minister Narendra Modi received the Grand Collar of the National Order of the Southern Cross from Brazil.

• Why in News: This is Brazil’s highest national honour for foreign dignitaries, signifying a significant recognition from another country.

Award Details: The Grand Collar of the National Order of the Southern Cross was established in 1822 and is awarded for exceptional service to Brazil. The Grand Collar is the highest rank.

• Why in News: Understanding the history and prestige of the award highlights the importance of the recognition.

Recognition of Contributions: The award acknowledges Prime Minister Modi’s efforts in strengthening India–Brazil relations and enhancing cooperation on global platforms.

• Why in News: It points to the positive diplomatic and cooperative ties between India and Brazil.

Dedication to India: Prime Minister Modi dedicated the honour to the 1.4 billion people of India, emphasizing the deep friendship between the two nations.

• Why in News: This highlights the people-to-people connection and the broader significance of the award for India.

President Lula’s Role: Prime Minister Modi acknowledged President Lula as the architect of the India-Brazil Strategic Partnership, suggesting a strong personal rapport and leadership in bilateral ties.

• Why in News: It underscores the leadership of both countries in fostering this relationship.

EIA Downplays Earthquake Risk: The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the Great Nicobar Project (GNIP) is criticized for downplaying the significant earthquake and tsunami risks in the region.

IIT-Kanpur Report Contrasts EIA: A report by IIT-Kanpur highlights the high seismic vulnerability of Great Nicobar, estimating frequent mega-earthquakes (M9+) and large-magnitude quakes (M>7.5). This contradicts the EIA’s assessment of low mega-earthquake likelihood.

Geological Evidence Supports Risk: Sediment analysis shows at least seven major tsunami events in the past 8,000 years in the Andamans, indicating a history of significant seismic activity, a point seemingly overlooked by the EIA.

Lack of Site-Specific Studies: The IIT-Kanpur report emphasizes the need for site-specific seismic and tsunami studies, particularly in key areas like Car Nicobar and Campbell Bay, which are currently lacking such crucial assessments.

Strategic Importance vs. Safety: The Rs 72,000-crore GNIP is strategically vital for India’s maritime security and economic growth, aiming to monitor sea routes and reduce reliance on foreign ports. However, its location in a highly seismic zone raises major safety concerns, exacerbated by the EIA’s perceived downplaying of these risks.