Current Affairs Exam

Daily Current Affairs and News Analysis 31-07-2025

rawan239

ICJ Climate Advisory

  • Reinforced Multilateral Climate Framework: ICJ emphasized the combined legal force of UNFCCC, Kyoto Protocol, and Paris Agreement, rejecting the notion that only the Paris Agreement is binding.
    • Why: Developed countries often try to downplay older agreements to reduce their obligations.
  • Reinforced Obligations for Developed Countries: ICJ reaffirmed that developed nations must provide climate finance, technology transfer, and capacity building to developing countries, flowing from UNFCCC Articles.
    • Why: This upholds the principle of CBDR&RC and rejects attempts to dilute historical responsibilities.
  • CBDR-RC as Core Principle: The Court declared Common But Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDR-RC) as the central guiding principle for climate treaties, affirming its foundational role for climate justice.
    • Why: CBDR-RC is crucial for equitable burden-sharing in climate action.
  • Interpretation of Temperature Goals: The ICJ stated that countries must now focus on the 1.5°C target, seeing post-agreement COP decisions as an unofficial update to the Paris Agreement’s original temperature goal.
    • Why: This is controversial as the world is likely to exceed 1.5°C soon, and it’s unusual for implementation decisions to change treaty terms.
  • Nature of Obligations: The Court classified climate actions like emission reduction and finance as “obligations of conduct” (requiring effort, not guaranteed success), with only procedural duties (like submitting NDCs) being stronger.
    • Why: This limits enforceability, as success isn’t legally mandated, though the ICJ suggested conduct obligations can be stringent.
  • Neglect of Global South’s Development Challenges: The opinion failed to adequately address the development needs of the Global South, such as access to carbon space for poverty eradication and the large-scale finance/technology required for low-carbon development.
    • Why: This limits the practical application of climate action for developing nations.
  • Public Policy Challenges for India: The verdict may lead to increased litigation for stronger climate action, highlighting the need to strengthen India’s legal preparedness and environmental law enforcement, and a re-evaluation of fossil fuel subsidies.
    • Why: India’s existing legal framework and enforcement capacity need enhancement to meet potential new demands and ensure compliance.

Public Service Ethics

  • Maharashtra Govt. Directive: Maharashtra government issued guidelines restricting state employees’ social media use, banning criticism of government policies and sharing confidential documents without approval. Violations face disciplinary action.

    • Why in News: This directive reignited the debate on ethical digital conduct for public servants, paralleling an advisory from LBSNAA for civil servants on caution and integrity online.

  • Key Pillars of Ethical Digital Conduct:

    • Transparency: Clear, accessible digital communications build public trust.
    • Accountability: Public servants are responsible for their online actions.
    • Impartiality: Avoiding bias and maintaining political neutrality online is crucial.
    • Integrity: Honesty and fairness in all digital interactions are paramount.

  • Regulation Justification:

    • Pro-Regulation: Preserves political neutrality, protects sensitive information, maintains institutional integrity, and prioritizes public interest.
    • Anti-Overregulation: Risks violating freedom of expression, erodes transparency and public scrutiny, creates a generational disconnect, and can harm morale.

  • Existing Regulatory Mechanisms:

    • Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1964: Prohibits criticism of government and mandates political neutrality.
    • All India Services (Conduct) Rules, 1968: Mandates dignified conduct and prohibits information disclosure.
    • RTI Act, 2005 & Official Secrets Act, 1923: Protect classified information.

  • Promoting Ethical Digital Conduct:

    • Frame clear, specific guidelines distinguishing personal from official.
    • Promote constructive social media use for public awareness and grievance redressal.
    • Integrate digital ethics training for all employees.
    • Implement department-specific protocols.
    • Use graded accountability mechanisms.
    • Reinforce virtue-based self-regulation (restraint, integrity).

GDP Update

  • New GDP Base Year: India will adopt FY 2022–23 as the new base year for its GDP series, replacing the current 2011–12 base.
    • Why: This aims to enhance the accuracy and relevance of macroeconomic statistics, facilitating better policy formulation and analysis by reflecting the current economic structure.
  • New Base Year for IIP: The Index of Industrial Production (IIP) will also shift to a 2022–23 base year, with the revised series starting in FY 2026–27.
    • Why: Similar to GDP, this update ensures the IIP accurately represents the current industrial landscape.
  • New CPI Base Year and Weights: The Consumer Price Index (CPI) will use 2024 as its new base year, incorporating updated weights from the 2023–24 Household Consumption and Expenditure Survey (HCES).
    • Why: This recalibration will make the CPI a more precise measure of inflation by reflecting current consumption patterns.
  • Release Timeline: The new CPI series is scheduled for release in Q1 of 2026.
  • Understanding GDP and GVA:
    • GDP: Measures the total monetary value of all final goods and services produced domestically. It’s a demand-side measure.
    • GVA: Measures the value added in the production process by different sectors. It’s a supply-side measure, calculated at basic prices (excluding product taxes and subsidies). Sectoral performance is first gauged through GVA.

Mangrove Life

  • Mangroves: Natural Coastal Defense: They act as crucial natural barriers protecting India’s coastlines from cyclones, tidal surges, and erosion, significantly bolstering coastal security.
  • Climate Change Warriors: Mangroves are potent carbon sinks, trapping and storing “blue carbon” in their biomass and soils, making them vital for climate change mitigation.
  • Biodiversity Havens: These ecosystems are hotspots for marine life, serving as essential breeding and nursery grounds for fish, crabs, and molluscs, supporting coastal livelihoods.
  • Socio-Economic Pillars: Local communities depend on mangroves for fishing, farming, and traditional practices, highlighting their cultural and economic significance.
  • Threats Looming: Urban expansion, pollution, shrimp farming, altered hydrology, and climate change pose severe threats, with over 50% of global mangroves at risk by 2050.
  • India’s Mangrove Cover: India boasts approximately 4,975 sq km of mangroves, with West Bengal (Sundarbans) and Gujarat holding the largest shares.
  • Unique Adaptations: Mangroves thrive in saline, waterlogged conditions due to specialized root systems and salt-excreting leaves, allowing them to adapt to dynamic tidal zones.

Lakshadweep Coral Loss

  • 50% Decline in Coral Cover: A 24-year study found Lakshadweep’s coral cover dropped from 37.24% in 1998 to 19.6% in 2022.

    • Why in News: This alarming drop highlights the severe impact of climate change on these vital ecosystems.

  • Key Findings:

    • Marine Heatwaves Drive Loss: El Nino events (1998, 2010, 2016) and climate change are primary causes, slowing reef recovery.
    • Six Coral Response Clusters: Corals show varied responses to heatwaves, recovery rates, depth, and wave exposure.
    • Local Factors Matter: Wave exposure and depth influence reef resilience and recovery, but global emission cuts are crucial for recovery time.

  • Key Reasons for Depletion:

    • Rising Sea Temperatures: Heatwaves cause bleaching by disrupting coral-algae symbiosis.
    • Ocean Acidification: Increased CO₂ weakens coral skeletons.
    • Pollution & Runoff: Fertilizers and sewage promote algal blooms; sedimentation blocks sunlight.
    • Human Activities: Destructive fishing and tourism damage reefs.

  • Implications:

    • Biodiversity Loss: Threatens 25% of marine life, impacting fisheries and food webs.
    • Economic Impact: Hurts tourism and coastal economies reliant on reefs.
    • Reduced Coastal Protection: Reefs are natural barriers against erosion and storms.
    • Lost Scientific Discoveries: Potential medicines from coral species are at risk.
    • Water Quality & Climate Regulation: Degraded reefs impair water filtration and carbon cycling.

  • Measures:

    • Tackle Climate Change: Reduce carbon emissions and protect blue carbon ecosystems.
    • Reduce Local Stressors: Control pollution, ban destructive fishing, enforce MPAs.
    • Active Restoration: Coral gardening, artificial habitats, super-corals.
    • Community-Led Conservation: Promote eco-tourism, reef-friendly practices, alternative livelihoods.

Kamchatka Quake

  • Magnitude 8.8 Earthquake: A powerful earthquake struck Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula.

    • Why it’s news: It was one of the strongest earthquakes in recent history, with only five quakes of magnitude 8.5+ occurring globally in the last 20 years. The last similar event in Kamchatka was in 1952.

  • Location on the Ring of Fire: The quake occurred on the Circum-Pacific Seismic Belt, also known as the Ring of Fire.

    • Why it’s news: This zone is responsible for 80% of the world’s strongest earthquakes and 75% of volcanoes, making Kamchatka a highly active seismic region.

  • Caused by Subduction: The earthquake was triggered by the Pacific Plate subducting (diving) beneath surrounding plates.

    • Why it’s news: Subduction zones are the primary cause of high-magnitude earthquakes, and the Pacific Ocean bed is the most seismically active area due to this continuous tectonic process.

  • Tsunami Generated: The earthquake triggered tsunami waves, reaching 3-4 meters in parts of Kamchatka and 2 feet in Hawaii.

    • Why it’s news: Tsunamis are a significant secondary hazard of undersea earthquakes, particularly those caused by vertical displacement of the seafloor in subduction zones.

  • No Casualties Reported: Despite significant flooding from the tsunami, no casualties were reported.

    • Why it’s news: This is a positive outcome that highlights preparedness or the specific nature of the flooding.

  • Geographical Context: Kamchatka is part of the Circum-Pacific Belt, which also includes vulnerable regions like Japan, Chile, and Alaska.

    • Why it’s news: This places the Kamchatka event within a broader pattern of seismic activity affecting numerous populated coastlines.

  • Unknown Domain Structure: The specific structural details of the affected area’s crust were not fully understood.

    • Why it’s news: This suggests a knowledge gap in understanding the precise geological conditions that led to or were impacted by the earthquake, potentially affecting future risk assessment.

NISAR: Earth’s Watch

  • Why in News: The NISAR satellite, a joint Earth observation mission by NASA and ISRO, was launched from Sriharikota by ISRO’s GSLV-F16 rocket on July 30, 2025.

  • Key Facts About NISAR:

    • Joint Development: Developed by ISRO and NASA.
    • Dual-Frequency SAR: First satellite to use L-band (NASA) and S-band (ISRO) radar from a single platform.
    • Technical Features: Uses a 12-meter unfurlable antenna and SweepSAR technology for high-resolution, all-weather imaging with a 242 km swath.
    • Launch Vehicle: GSLV Mk II (GSLV-F16), marking the first time GSLV is used for a sun-synchronous polar orbit mission.
    • Mission Life: 5 years.
    • Objectives: Monitor land changes, track ground deformation (earthquakes, landslides), measure forest biomass/carbon stock, monitor agriculture, assess wetland changes, and study cryosphere dynamics.
    • Data Access: Data will be freely accessible within 1-2 days, or near real-time for emergencies.

  • Significance for India:

    • Indo-US Ties: Strengthens India-US space cooperation and India’s global science partnerships (‘Vishwa Bandhu’).
    • Applications: Aids disaster management, agriculture, and climate monitoring.
    • Technological Advancement: Showcases ISRO’s growing technical capabilities.
    • Global Contribution: Provides critical data for global scientific research and decision-making, especially for developing countries.

India Hydro Revival

  • Project Revival & Tendering: NHPC has started the tendering process for the 1,856 MW Sawalkote Hydroelectric Project on the Chenab River in Jammu & Kashmir.
    • Why: This signals a significant push to revive a project conceived over 40 years ago, amidst India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) with Pakistan.
  • Strategic Water Use: The project is a major strategic move to optimize India’s use of the Indus waters, particularly the western rivers allocated to Pakistan under the IWT.
    • Why: India aims to leverage its rights for water utilization when the treaty is in abeyance, maximizing benefits from the Chenab River.
  • Cost & Development: The project, a run-of-river type, is estimated to cost Rs 22,704.8 crore and will be developed in two phases.
    • Why: This substantial investment highlights the project’s scale and national importance, with benefits expected for J&K and the entire nation.
  • Forest Land Clearance: The Forest Advisory Committee has given in-principle approval for diverting 847 hectares of forest land for construction.
    • Why: This crucial clearance removes a major hurdle, allowing the project to move forward after past delays.
  • Overcoming Hurdles: The project has faced long delays due to IWT objections from Pakistan, along with regulatory, administrative, and environmental issues.
    • Why: The current revival suggests these past obstacles, including compensation and relocation issues, have been addressed, enabling progress.
  • National Importance: The government designates the Sawalkote project as one of national importance.
    • Why: This recognition underscores its significance for India’s energy security and water management strategy.

Satpura at SIMBEX-25

  • INS Satpura Participates in SIMBEX-25: The Indian Naval Ship Satpura has arrived in Singapore for the 32nd edition of the Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX-25).

    • Why in News: This marks a significant event in the ongoing maritime cooperation between India and Singapore.

  • Focus on Bilateral Partnership: SIMBEX-25 underscores the strong and enduring maritime partnership between the Indian Navy and the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN), celebrating 60 years of bilateral ties.

    • Why in News: It highlights the deepening strategic trust and professional synergy between the two nations.

  • Comprehensive Exercise Structure: The exercise includes a Harbour Phase with Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEEs), professional interactions, and operational discussions, alongside a Sea Phase featuring advanced naval operations.

    • Why in News: This demonstrates the commitment to enhancing interoperability and operational coordination through a wide range of complex drills.

  • Alignment with India’s Vision: The exercise aligns with India’s ‘MAHASAGAR’ vision and Act East Policy, emphasizing robust engagement with neighboring countries.

    • Why in News: It signifies India’s strategic approach to regional security and its commitment to a rules-based maritime order.

  • Advanced Naval Operations: The Sea Phase includes air defense exercises, cross-deck helicopter operations, precision targeting, complex maneuvering drills, and VBSS operations.

    • Why in News: These advanced operations are crucial for enhancing collective maritime security capabilities in the Indo-Pacific.

Rupee Drop

  • Rupee Depreciates Significantly: The Indian rupee fell by 61 paise, closing at ₹87.42 against the US dollar, marking its biggest single-day drop in nearly three months.

  • Cause: Trump Tariffs: US President Donald Trump’s warning of 20-25% tariffs on Indian goods created market uncertainty.

  • Contributing Factors:

    • Month-end dollar demand.
    • Aggressive selling by Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) amounting to ₹16,370 crore in a week.
    • Increased dollar demand from importers, particularly oil companies.
    • A globally stronger US dollar.

  • Impact on Inflation: A depreciating rupee makes imports like oil, electronics, and capital goods more expensive, potentially fueling imported inflation (cost-push inflation).

  • Broader Economic Impact:

    • Exports: Boosted competitiveness (positive).
    • Imports: Become more costly (negative).
    • Current Account Deficit: May worsen.
    • Foreign Investment: Could be deterred if perceived instability increases.

  • RBI Intervention: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) may sell US dollars from its reserves to stabilize the rupee and curb imported inflation. Monetary policy tools like increasing the repo rate can also be used to attract foreign capital and control inflation.

NISAR Mission

  • Joint India-US Earth Observation Satellite: NISAR, a collaboration between ISRO and NASA, was successfully launched on July 30, 2025.
  • World’s Most Powerful Earth-Observation Satellite: With a $1.5 billion cost, NISAR is designed to monitor Earth’s changes in near real-time.
  • Advanced Radar Technology: It utilizes both L-band SAR (NASA) for deep penetration into vegetation/ice and S-band SAR (ISRO) for high-resolution surface mapping, operating in two frequency bands simultaneously for 3D imaging.
  • Scientific Applications: NISAR will aid in studying Earth’s crust deformation, glacial movement, forest biomass, groundwater levels, agricultural changes, and disaster impacts.
  • Significant Collaboration and Investment: NASA contributed $1.1 billion (L-band SAR, launch planning) while ISRO invested ₹900 crore (S-band SAR, satellite bus, launch).
  • Technological Innovations: Key features include a large 12m radar antenna reflector and deployable solar arrays.

India’s GLOF Preparedness

  • Why in News: Increased GLOF incidents in Nepal, driven by climate change, are raising concerns for India’s Himalayan Region (IHR), which has numerous vulnerable glacial lakes.

  • GLOF Cause: Sudden release of water from glacial lakes, often due to moraine dam failure. Climate change accelerates glacial melt, creating more lakes. Other causes include cloudbursts, avalanches, landslides, seismic activity, internal seepage, and unregulated infrastructure development.

  • India’s Vulnerability:

    • IHR has over 7,500 glacial lakes, mostly above 4,500m, making them remote and difficult to monitor.
    • Satellite data shows many glacial lakes have significantly expanded, increasing GLOF risk.
    • Past GLOFs (Sikkim 2023, Uttarakhand 2013) caused widespread destruction of infrastructure, including hydropower projects, and loss of life.
    • Lack of robust, real-time early warning systems due to high costs and difficult terrain.
    • GLOFs damage infrastructure, reduce river carrying capacity, and increase downstream flood risk.

  • Mitigation Efforts:

    • National GLOF Mitigation Programme: NDMA’s $20 million program targets 195 high-risk glacial lakes.
    • Shift to Risk Reduction: Focus on pre-disaster mitigation rather than just post-disaster relief.
    • Scientific Interventions: Expeditions use bathymetry, ERT, and UAVs for monitoring. Promoting indigenous technologies like SAR interferometry.
    • Monitoring Systems: Installing Automated Weather and Water Stations (AWWS) for real-time data.
    • Security Forces & Local Participation: ITBP personnel trained for manual early warnings; community engagement in planning and awareness.

  • Way Forward: Implement advanced monitoring, automated alerts, controlled drainage, develop resilient infrastructure, foster transboundary collaboration (especially with Nepal and China), and mandate GLOF impact assessments.

Anamudi Shola NP

  • Road Project Stalled, Isolating Tribal Settlements: A crucial 13km road project connecting tribal settlements within Anamudi Shola National Park is stalled, severely impacting access to basic services for nearly 330 Muthuvan families.

  • Life-Threatening Consequences: The lack of proper roads led to an incident where an injured tribal woman had to be carried for six kilometers on a bamboo stretcher due to the absence of an ambulance, highlighting the life-threatening realities faced by these communities.

  • Development Obstruction Allegations: Local representatives allege the Forest Department is obstructing the road construction, citing the need for permissions through the Parivesh portal and redirecting allocated funds.

  • Impact on Education: The absence of a road forces children from these settlements to be relocated to hostels at a young age to attend school, preventing them from living with their families.

  • Forest Department’s Stance: The Munnar Wildlife Warden states that road construction requires 3.5 hectares of forestland. While one hectare can be provided by the DFO, further land requires an application through the Parivesh portal, and the department does not oppose the construction.

  • Park’s Significance: Anamudi Shola National Park is a biodiversity hotspot and part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to the highest peak in South India and critical for watershed conservation.

Exit mobile version