07.08.25

Uttarakhand Cloudburst Impacts Bhagirathi Eco-Sensitive Zone: The disaster occurred in the Dharasu-Gangotri stretch, part of a protected area safeguarding the Ganga river’s ecology.

Unregulated Construction Exacerbated Disaster: Experts point to development, particularly on river floodplains, as a major factor worsening the impact.

Over 600 People Missing: The scale of the disaster is significant, with a large number of individuals unaccounted for.

Environmental Concerns Ignored: Activists had previously warned about bypass road constructions, road widening without environmental impact assessments, and deforestation (Deodar trees).

Geographic Vulnerability: The epicentre village, Dharali, is situated in a narrow gorge of igneous rock, making it naturally susceptible to flash floods and landslides.

What is a Cloudburst: An extreme weather event characterized by heavy rainfall (≥100 mm per hour) over a small, localized area in a short period, commonly seen in mountainous regions like the Himalayas.

US Raises Tariffs on Indian Imports: The US has increased tariffs on Indian goods, citing India’s continued purchase of Russian oil. This makes India, along with Brazil, the most heavily tariffed country by the US.

Why in News:

• Russian Oil Purchases: India’s continued imports of Russian oil and defense equipment are a primary driver, impacting US sanctions enforcement.
• Stalled Trade Negotiations: Despite multiple talks, a trade agreement remains elusive, with the US concerned about India’s stance on sectors like agriculture and dairy.
• High Indian Tariffs: The US views India’s existing tariffs and non-tariff barriers in pharmaceuticals, electronics, and agriculture as creating market imbalances.
• US Trade Deficit: A $45 billion trade deficit with India influences the US decision to use tariffs to address imbalances.
• Comparative Pressure: India faces pressure to align with favorable trade deals the US has struck with other nations.

Implications for India:

• Exports Hit: Approximately 10% of India’s exports to the US ($87 billion annually) will be affected, impacting sectors like electronics, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and gems.
• Economic Growth & Jobs: Potential negative impact on India’s GDP growth and job losses in export-dependent industries (textiles, jewelry).
• Loss of Competitiveness: Indian products become less competitive compared to those from countries like Vietnam, potentially impacting India’s “China plus one” strategy.
• Strained Trade Relations: The move strains diplomatic ties and complicates future preferential trade treatment expectations.
• Financial Market Impact: Indian stock markets and export-focused companies have seen initial negative reactions.

Rajula Srivastava Awarded Maryam Mirzakhani New Frontiers Prize: An Indian-origin mathematician, Rajula Srivastava, has received this prestigious international award.

Groundbreaking Research in Harmonic Analysis and Analytic Number Theory: Srivastava’s work focuses on breaking down complex functions into simpler frequencies (harmonic analysis) and its application to higher dimensions, lattice points, and wave geometry within number theory.

Prize Honors Early-Career Women in Mathematics: The Maryam Mirzakhani New Frontiers Prize is presented annually as part of the Breakthrough Prizes to women mathematicians who have completed their PhDs within the last two years and made significant contributions.

Celebrating Maryam Mirzakhani’s Legacy: The prize is named after Maryam Mirzakhani, the only woman to have won the Fields Medal, to recognize and encourage young women in mathematics.

Promoting Gender Equity in STEM: The award aims to highlight the achievements of women in a male-dominated field and promote gender equity in mathematical sciences.

• Why it’s News: This omission is notable because Tipu Sultan and Haidar Ali were crucial figures in South Indian history and their resistance to the British East India Company was a significant event leading to the expansion of British rule.

• Why it’s News: This clarifies the rationale behind potential variations in historical narratives across different states’ educational materials, suggesting a decentralization of curriculum decisions.

• Why it’s News: Understanding these wars is fundamental to comprehending the power dynamics and the eventual British ascendancy in South India.

• Decline of Mysore: The wars led to the weakening and eventual British control of the Kingdom of Mysore.
• Expansion of British Dominance: These conflicts were instrumental in expanding the British East India Company’s territorial control and influence in South India.
• **Why it’s News: These outcomes highlight the strategic importance of these wars in shaping India’s colonial past.

Russia Formally Withdraws from 1987 INF Treaty: Russia has officially exited the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty.

• Why it’s news: This marks a significant shift in global arms control, following the US withdrawal in 2019.

Treaty’s Purpose and Demise: The INF Treaty, signed by the US and Soviet Union, eliminated ground-launched ballistic and cruise missiles with ranges of 500–5,500 km, aiming to reduce nuclear threats.

• Why it’s news: The treaty’s collapse signifies the end of a major arms control agreement that had already been weakened by US accusations of Russian violations.

Russia’s Rationale for Exit: Russia stated the treaty’s conditions are no longer met and cited US missile system deployments in the Philippines and missile drills in Australia as direct threats.

• Why it’s news: This provides Russia’s justification for leaving the treaty, framing it as a response to perceived security threats.

Implications for Global Security: The withdrawal raises concerns about a potential nuclear arms race and undermines global non-proliferation and arms control efforts.

• Why it’s news: This highlights the significant negative impact on international security and efforts to control nuclear weapons.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari accuses petrol lobby: Allegations of a fear campaign against E20 fuel due to vested interests resisting biofuel adoption.

• Why in news: This highlights a significant political pushback and the government’s defense of its biofuel policy against perceived opposition from the traditional fuel industry.

Public backlash over mileage drops and engine concerns: Surveys indicate user opposition to E20 fuel due to perceived negative impacts.

• Why in news: This shows the practical challenges and public perception hurdles the E20 fuel rollout faces, indicating potential consumer resistance.

Government downplays concerns: Official stance is that issues are minor, scientifically overstated, and driven by vested interests.

• Why in news: This contrasts the government’s optimistic outlook with public sentiment, indicating a divergence in understanding or communication regarding E20’s impact.

E20 Fuel explained: A blend of 20% ethanol and 80% petrol.

• Why in news: Provides essential context for the ongoing debate and policy.

India’s Biofuel Strategy & E20 Target: Aims to reduce oil imports, cut emissions, and support farmers through ethanol production. Target is 20% ethanol blending by 2025-26.

• Why in news: Underscores the strategic importance of E20 for national goals in energy security, environmental protection, and rural economy.

Concerns vs. Government’s View: Public worries about mileage and engine wear are acknowledged but deemed minor and exaggerated by the government.

• Why in news: This encapsulates the central conflict of the news: the clash between public experience and government policy on the ground.

Biochar’s Rising Importance: With India’s carbon market launching in 2026, biochar, a carbon-rich material from waste, is gaining traction.

• Why: Biochar can sequester carbon for centuries, improve soil, and act as a long-term carbon sink, aligning with climate goals.

Significant Carbon Sequestration Potential for India: India’s vast waste streams can yield substantial amounts of biochar.

• Why: Utilizing 30-50% of surplus agricultural and municipal waste could produce 15-26 million tonnes of biochar, potentially removing up to 0.91 gigatonnes of CO₂ equivalent annually.

Versatile Applications: Biochar and its byproducts offer multiple uses beyond carbon sequestration.

• Why: Syngas and bio-oil can generate electricity and fuel. Biochar itself can treat wastewater, reduce pollution, and be incorporated into construction and agriculture.

Challenges to Widespread Adoption: Several hurdles hinder the large-scale implementation of biochar.

• Why: Issues include limited resources, technological barriers, market uncertainties, weak policy support, lack of awareness, and insufficient monitoring and verification frameworks.

Underrepresentation in Carbon Credits: Biochar’s role in carbon markets needs further recognition.

• Why: It is currently underrepresented in existing carbon credit systems, impacting its economic viability.

• Climate Sensitivity: The Hindu Kush Himalayas are highly sensitive to warming, leading to glacier melt and increased atmospheric moisture.
• Warmer Air Holds More Moisture: Every degree Celsius of warming increases moisture-holding capacity by 7%, leading to intense, localized rainfall.
• Destabilized Weather Patterns: Climate change makes monsoon rains erratic, causing both late arrivals and extreme deluges.
• Terrain Amplification: Steep slopes, loose soil (causing landslides), and narrow valleys (funneling floodwaters) exacerbate the damage.

• Outdated Infrastructure: Traditional systems like dams and drains are insufficient for current extreme events.
• Lack of Real-Time Monitoring: Sparse Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) in high-risk areas hinder data collection.

• Strengthen Early Warning Systems: Utilize AWS and advanced models for timely alerts and evacuations (e.g., Nepal’s example).
• Embrace Ecological Solutions: Restore wetlands, mangroves, and natural sponge zones to absorb floodwaters.
• Promote Land Use Planning: Prioritize preserving forests and natural buffers in hilly areas to prevent landslides.
• Expand Reforestation/Afforestation: Replant trees in vulnerable areas to combat soil erosion.
• Empower Local Communities: Train locals in disaster preparedness and integrate traditional knowledge.
• Mainstream Climate Resilience: Embed adaptation into urban/rural planning, infrastructure, and disaster response, with focus on marginalized groups.

• Location: Near Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.
• Religious Significance: Site of Gautama Buddha’s first sermon (Dhammachakkappavattana) after enlightenment. It’s one of four key Buddhist pilgrimage sites.
• Historical Significance: Reflects architectural evolution from Mauryan to Gahadavala periods. Includes structures like Chaukhandi Stupa, Dhamek Stupa, and the Ashokan Pillar (source of India’s National Emblem).
• Restoration: Flourished under rulers like Ashoka, Kushans, Guptas, and Harshavardhana, and was restored after invasions.
• Excavations: Scientific excavations conducted by Sir Alexander Cunningham and Friedrich Oscar Oertel. The Sarnath Archaeological Museum houses important artifacts, including the Ashokan Lion Capital.

• Purpose: Locations of exceptional cultural or natural significance recognized for their value to all humanity.
• Nomination Process: Countries can nominate one site per year. Sites must demonstrate Outstanding Universal Value and meet specific criteria.
• Evaluation: Nominated sites are evaluated by advisory bodies like ICOMOS before a final decision by the World Heritage Committee.

• Why: Part of the “Emerging Space Nations’ Space for Agriculture & Agriculture for Space” payload, aiming to develop resilient crops for space and Earth.

• Why: To understand how seeds react to microgravity and their potential as a future food source for long-duration space missions, studying gene activation and metabolic pathways.

• Seabuckthorn: Known as “Wonder plant” or “Ladakh gold,” it’s hardy, drought-resistant, tolerates extreme temperatures, fixes nitrogen, prevents soil erosion, and has traditional medicinal and nutritional uses.
• Himalayan Tartary Buckwheat: More cold and drought-resistant, offers health benefits due to resistant starch, protein, minerals, and phenolic substances, helping prevent chronic diseases.
• Why: These plants are native to high-altitude, harsh environments, making them ideal candidates for developing resilient crops for space agriculture and addressing global food security and climate resilience.

• Why: To carry forward global biodiversity and cultural heritage as humanity becomes a spacefaring civilization, ensuring that ancient knowledge is integrated into future space endeavors.

• Why: Highlights India’s participation and contribution to international space agriculture research.

₹67,000 Crore Capital Acquisition Approved: The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) greenlit proposals worth ₹67,000 crore to boost combat readiness across Army, Navy, and Air Force.

Tri-Services MALE RPAs: Medium Altitude Long Endurance Remotely Piloted Aircraft approved for all three services, enabling 24×7 surveillance and combat at extended ranges.

IAF Maintenance Support: Upgrades for maintenance support for US-origin C-130J Super Hercules and C-17 Globemaster III fleets, alongside an Annual Maintenance Contract for the Russian S-400 Missile System, demonstrates India’s strategic autonomy in managing diverse military platforms.

Enhanced Air Defence: Upgrade of the SPYDER/SAKSHAM system for integration with the Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS) will improve air surveillance and missile defence in mountainous regions.

Naval Capabilities Boost: Acquisitions include Compact Autonomous Surface Craft for anti-submarine warfare and upgrades for BrahMos Fire Control Systems and Launchers, and the BARAK-1 Point Defence Missile System for improved shipborne air defence.

Army Modernization: Thermal Imager-based Driver Night Sights for Battle Mechanised Platforms will enhance night driving capabilities for the Army.

DAC’s Role: The DAC, chaired by the Defence Minister, approves major capital acquisitions, monitors projects, and grants Acceptance of Necessity (AoN).

Blocking Duplicate Connections: Over 4.08 crore duplicate, fake, or inactive LPG connections have been blocked, suspended, or deactivated due to the Direct Benefit Transfer for LPG (DBTL) scheme, also known as PAHAL. This helps curb diversion of subsidized LPG for commercial use.

Direct Subsidy Transfer: The scheme, launched in 2015, transfers LPG subsidies directly into consumers’ bank accounts after the cylinder is purchased at a non-subsidized rate.

Transparency and Leakage Reduction: DBTL, along with Aadhaar-based verification and biometric authentication, strengthens the system of targeted subsidies, ensuring transparency and reducing leakage.

Consumer Empowerment: Consumers can opt in or out of the subsidy based on eligibility, and the subsidy is credited via Aadhaar Transfer Compliant (ATC) or Bank Transfer Compliant (BTC) modes.

Large Enrolment and Efficiency: As of July 2024, over 30.19 crore LPG consumers are enrolled. The scheme shows high efficiency with a low complaint rate and a high percentage of Aadhaar seeding and compliance among active consumers.

Improved Welfare Delivery: India’s broader DBT system has saved significant amounts by curbing leakages and has expanded beneficiary coverage dramatically, driven by digital infrastructure like the JAM Trinity. This has led to improved welfare efficiency and inclusion.

Common Database Platform: A Common LPG Database Platform (CLDP) helps identify and remove duplicate connections by using Aadhaar, bank account details, and other parameters.

PMUY Integration: Biometric Aadhaar authentication is being completed for Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) beneficiaries, with all new consumers required to undergo it.

Challenges: Transaction failures can occur due to issues like deseeding of Aadhaar, bank mergers, or inactive accounts, and efforts are underway to ensure all consumers become Aadhaar transfer compliant.

ISRO to Launch LVM3 with Semi-Cryogenic Stage: ISRO plans the first flight of its LVM3 launch vehicle equipped with a semi-cryogenic propulsion stage in the first quarter of 2027.

Why in News: This marks a significant upgrade for ISRO’s heavy-lift capability, aiming to enhance performance and reduce launch costs for future missions.

Semi-Cryogenic Engine Explained: This engine uses liquid oxygen (LOX) and refined hydrocarbon fuel (like kerosene) as propellants, offering higher density impulse than cryogenic systems. It is intended for booster stages of heavy-lift vehicles and will support platforms like the Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV).

LVM3 Launch Vehicle: It is ISRO’s most powerful, heavy-lift, 3-stage rocket, formerly GSLV Mk III, capable of launching payloads up to 4000 kg to Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO).

Key Upgrades: The LVM3 upgrade replaces the L110 liquid stage with the SC120 semi-cryogenic stage. This upgrade enhances GTO payload capacity to around 5,200 kg, reduces launch costs by approximately 25%, and improves environmental safety.

Strategic Partnership Elevation: India and the Philippines elevated their bilateral ties to a Strategic Partnership in 2025 during the Philippine President’s state visit. This move strengthens cooperation across various sectors.

Why in News: The elevation of ties signifies a deepened commitment to shared interests, particularly in defense, maritime security, and regional stability, aligning with India’s Indo-Pacific strategy.

Key Outcomes:

• Plan of Action (2025-2029): A roadmap focusing on defense, trade, technology, maritime cooperation, connectivity, and climate change was adopted.
• Consular & Legal Cooperation: Philippines granted visa-free access to Indian tourists, and India extended gratis e-tourist visas to Filipinos. A Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) and Treaty on Transfer of Sentenced Persons were finalized.
• Infrastructure & Investment: India offered to share the Gatishakti platform for infrastructure development and will support the Philippines’ Sovereign Data Cloud. The Philippines was invited to join the IFC-IOR.
• Defense & Maritime: Direct flights were announced, and joint naval exercises in the South China Sea commenced. Cooperation includes capacity building and joint maritime activities.

Significance:

• Strategic Alignment: The partnership reinforces a shared vision for a free, open, and rules-based maritime order in the Indo-Pacific, particularly in the South China Sea, where both nations advocate for freedom of navigation and adherence to UNCLOS.
• ASEAN Engagement: Strengthens India’s ties with a key ASEAN member, enhancing its presence in Southeast Asia.
• Economic Potential: Opens avenues for increased trade, investment in key sectors, and collaboration in infrastructure and technology.