UPSC Daily Current Affairs: 25th August 2025 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly PDF Download

GS2/Polity

The Constitution (One Hundred and Thirtieth Amendment) Bill, 2025

Why in News?

The recent introduction of the Constitution (One Hundred and Thirtieth Amendment) Bill, 2025, in the Lok Sabha on August 20, 2025, aims to tackle the issue of accountability among political leaders in India, amidst growing concerns about the integrity of elected representatives.

Key Takeaways

• The Bill proposes automatic removal of Ministers, Chief Ministers, and the Prime Minister if they remain in custody for over thirty consecutive days due to serious criminal charges.
• It draws upon Articles 75, 164, and 239AA of the Indian Constitution, which outline the appointment and tenure of ministers.
• The Bill raises concerns about undermining the presumption of innocence and introducing inconsistencies between the treatment of legislators and ministers.

Additional Details

• Constitutional Foundations: The Bill's basis lies in judicial interpretations from landmark cases, such as S.R. Bommai v. Union of India, emphasizing constitutional morality in governance.
• Presumption of Innocence: The Bill faces criticism for potentially violating the presumption of innocence, as it may lead to penalizing individuals before a conviction is secured.
• Political Manipulation: The dual mechanism for removal could allow political leaders to manipulate the process, shielding allies while targeting rivals.
• Practical Dilemmas: The possibility of a revolving door effect due to reappointments could create instability in governance.
• Need for Reform: While addressing the issue of criminalization in politics is essential, the approach should ensure fairness and stability; linking removal to judicial milestones could be a more balanced solution.

The Constitution (One Hundred and Thirtieth Amendment) Bill, 2025, attempts to legislate accountability in Indian politics but must be refined to avoid compromising fundamental rights and governance stability. Without proper safeguards, it risks exacerbating existing issues rather than resolving them.

GS3/Defence & Security

INS Kadmatt Completes Port Call at Surabaya, Indonesia

Why in News?

The Indian Naval Ship INS Kadmatt has successfully concluded a three-day port visit to Surabaya, Indonesia, highlighting its operational capabilities and strengthening international naval relations.

Key Takeaways

• INS Kadmatt is an indigenous stealth anti-submarine warfare corvette.
• It is the second of four corvettes built under Project 28 by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers in Kolkata.
• The vessel was commissioned into the Indian Navy in January 2016.
• It plays a crucial role in protecting naval convoys and ports from submarine threats.

Additional Details

• Role: The primary mission of INS Kadmatt is to conduct anti-submarine warfare, ensuring the safety of maritime operations against enemy submarine attacks.
• Features:
  • The ship is equipped with advanced weapons, sensors, and machinery.
  • It is designed to operate the Sea King anti-submarine helicopter.
  • INS Kadmatt includes systems such as early warning, navigation, and fire control radars, along with underwater sensors and integrated communication systems.
  • It minimizes its underwater noise emissions, enhancing stealth capabilities.
  • The vessel boasts an arsenal that includes anti-aircraft guns, torpedoes, and rocket launchers.
• This port call signifies India's commitment to enhancing maritime security in the region.

The successful port visit of INS Kadmatt not only demonstrates its operational readiness but also underscores the importance of international naval cooperation in maintaining regional stability.

GS3/Science and Technology

Bloom Syndrome

Why in News?

A 12-year-old girl recently diagnosed with Bloom Syndrome underwent a successful bone marrow transplant using stem cells from her younger brother at a private hospital in Chennai, highlighting the ongoing need for research and awareness about this rare genetic disorder.

Key Takeaways

• Bloom Syndrome is a genetic disorder caused by mutations in the BLM gene.
• It leads to growth delays, increased susceptibility to infections, and a higher risk of certain cancers.

Additional Details

• Bloom Syndrome (BSyn): A genetic disorder characterized by mutations in the BLM gene, which is crucial for DNA maintenance and repair. Individuals with this condition often experience growth delays and an increased risk of developing cancers at an early age.
• Inheritance Pattern: The disorder is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner, meaning both parents must carry the mutation for the child to be affected. It is most prevalent in the Eastern European (Ashkenazi) Jewish population.
• Signs and Symptoms: Common symptoms include poor growth (both pre- and post-natal), below-average height, skin sensitivity to sunlight, and physical abnormalities such as prominent facial features.
• Health Risks: Individuals are at a higher risk for infections, insulin resistance, and reproductive issues, with potential male sterility and female infertility.
• Treatment Approach: Currently, there is no specific cure for Bloom Syndrome. Management focuses on a multidisciplinary approach to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life.

In summary, Bloom Syndrome is a serious genetic condition that requires comprehensive management strategies to address its various health implications. Awareness and research are essential for better understanding and treatment options for affected individuals.

GS3/Defence & Security

DRDO Tests Indigenous Air Defence System

Why in News?

The Ministry of Defence has reported that the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted the inaugural flight tests of the Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS). These tests took place off the coast of Odisha, where the system effectively destroyed three targets at different ranges and altitudes, marking a pivotal achievement for India's indigenous defence technology.

Key Takeaways

• The IADWS comprises three main components: Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missiles (QRSAM), Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) missiles, and a laser-based Directed Energy Weapon (DEW).
• The system was able to simultaneously neutralise multiple aerial threats, underscoring its operational capabilities.

Additional Details

• Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS): A multi-layered defence system that integrates advanced weaponry for effective aerial threat neutralisation.
• Component Overview:
  • Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM): Developed by DRDO, this missile provides a protective shield for moving Army armoured columns against aerial threats, with a range of 3-30 km.
  • Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS): A fourth-generation, man-portable air defence system (MANPAD) with a range of 300 m – 6 km, capable of neutralising drones and other aerial threats.
  • Directed Energy Weapon (DEW): A laser-based system that can destroy UAVs and swarm drones within a range of less than 3 km, positioning India among a select few nations with operational directed-energy capabilities.
• The IADWS demonstrates significant strategic importance by effectively neutralising a diverse range of aerial threats within a 30 km radius, thus contributing to India's defence self-reliance.

This successful test not only validates the integration of missiles and directed energy weapons but also enhances India's air defence capabilities with a quicker response time and decreased dependence on foreign technology. The test is seen as a crucial advancement in indigenous defence capabilities, paving the way for future initiatives such as Mission Sudarshan Chakra, which aims to establish a robust, networked defence framework across multiple domains.

GS1/History & Culture

Who was Vithalbhai Patel?

Why in News?

The Delhi Legislative Assembly recently hosted a two-day conference titled ‘Vithalbhai Patel: His Role in Shaping India's Constitution and Legislative Institutions’ in New Delhi, highlighting his significant contributions to Indian politics and the freedom movement.

Key Takeaways

• Vithalbhai Patel was born on 27 September 1873 and was a notable Indian legislator and political leader.
• He was the elder brother of Sardar Patel and a co-founder of the Swaraj Party.
• Despite differences with Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy, he joined the Indian National Congress to fight for independence.
• He gained prominence through his oratory skills and was elected to the Central Legislative Assembly in 1923.
• Vithalbhai Patel became the first Indian President of the Central Legislative Assembly in 1925.
• He passed away in Geneva, Switzerland, on October 22, 1933.

Additional Details

• Swaraj Party: Founded by Vithalbhai Patel along with Chittaranjan Das and Motilal Nehru, the party aimed to enter legislative councils and abolish British governance in India.
• His speeches not only resonated with the masses but also drew international attention to India's struggle for freedom.
• Vithalbhai’s contributions were essential in laying the groundwork for legislative institutions in India.

In summary, Vithalbhai Patel played a pivotal role in India's independence movement and the establishment of legislative frameworks, making a lasting impact on the country's political landscape.

GS2/International Relations

Nepal Officially Joins IBCA

Why in News?

Nepal has officially joined the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA), a global initiative led by India aimed at protecting seven species of big cats.

Key Takeaways

• Nepal's membership enhances the collaborative efforts to conserve big cat species.
• The IBCA focuses on multiple aspects of big cat conservation, including habitat protection and conflict mitigation.

Additional Details

• International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA): A multi-country, multi-agency coalition involving 95 countries that aims to conserve big cats and their habitats, launched in April 2023 during Project Tiger’s 50th anniversary.
• Conservation Scope: The alliance works to protect seven big cat species: tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard, cheetah, jaguar, and puma.
• Functions: The IBCA operates through advocacy, knowledge-sharing, promoting eco-tourism, and mobilizing resources.
• Conflict Mitigation: The alliance aims to reduce human-wildlife conflict and restore degraded habitats.
• Governance Structure: Managed by a General Assembly, an elected Council, and a Secretariat led by a Secretary-General with its headquarters in India.
• Global Participation: Members include countries from Asia, Africa, the Americas, and Europe, such as India, China, and Kenya.
• India's Role: India is a biodiversity hub, hosting five of the seven big cat species and contributing significantly to global conservation efforts.
• Funding: The Indian government has committed ₹150 crore for the period 2023-2028 to support the initiative.

This collaboration marks a significant step in international wildlife conservation, showcasing the commitment of participating nations to protect big cats and their ecosystems.

UPSC 2024

Consider the following statements:

• 1. Lions do not have a particular breeding season.
• 2. Unlike most other big cats, cheetahs do not roar.
• 3. Unlike male lions, male leopards do not proclaim their territory by scent marking.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

• (a) 1 and 2 only
• (b) 2 and 3 only
• (c) 1 and 3 only
• (d) 1, 2, and 3

GS1/History & Culture

NCERT Textbooks Introduce Indian Art Forms

Why in News?

For the first time, the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has included Indian classical music, dance, theatre, and visual arts in the primary and middle school textbooks for Classes 3 to 8. This initiative aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasizes integrating education with India's cultural heritage.

Key Takeaways

• Inclusion of classical arts in school curriculum.
• Focus on exposure, appreciation, and creativity in arts education.
• Content covers various classical music and dance forms.

Additional Details

• Music Content: Includes concepts such as swar, laya, shabd, and features Sanskrit shloka recitations, folk songs, and ragas from Hindustani and Carnatic music.
• Dance Content: Covers eight classical dance forms: Bharatnatyam, Kathak, Kathakali, Kuchipudi, Manipuri, Mohiniyattam, Odissi, and Sattriya. Draws inspiration from ancient texts like Natyashastra, Brihaddeshi, Sangita Damodara, and Abhinaya Darpanam.
• Pedagogy: Emphasizes storytelling, expressions (abhinaya), theatre, and group performances rather than skills mastery.

Classical Dance Forms Mentioned

• Bharatnatyam (Tamil Nadu): The oldest dance form with temple origins, characterized by fixed torso, bent legs, intricate footwork, and devotional themes.
• Kathak (North India): A storytelling tradition known for fast spins (chakkars) and rhythmic footwork, evolved in temples and Mughal courts.
• Kathakali (Kerala): A dance-drama form featuring elaborate costumes and gestures, based on epics like the Ramayana.
• Kuchipudi (Andhra Pradesh): Combines dance and drama, includes dialogue, and features the famous Tarangam item.
• Manipuri (Manipur): A graceful form linked to the Ras Lila of Krishna, known for lyrical movements.
• Mohiniyattam (Kerala): Known as the "Dance of the Enchantress," characterized by soft and gentle movements.
• Odissi (Odisha): A temple dance associated with Jagannath worship, recognized for its sculptural qualities.
• Sattriya (Assam): Introduced by Srimanta Sankardev, recognized as a classical form in 2000, combines dance, drama, and music.

For examination preparation, consider the following question:

How do you distinguish between Kuchipudi and Bharatanatyam dances?

• 1. Dancers occasionally speaking dialogues is found in Kuchipudi dance but not in Bharatanatyam.
• 2. Dancing on the brass plate by keeping the feet on its edges is a feature of Bharatanatyam but Kuchipudi does not have such movements.

The correct answer is: (a) 1 only

GS2/International Relations

Exercise Maitree: 14th Edition

Why in News?

The 14th edition of Exercise Maitree, a joint military exercise between India and Thailand, is set to take place in Umroi, Meghalaya, from September 1 to 14, 2025. This exercise marks a significant return to India after a five-year hiatus.

Key Takeaways

• The exercise will focus on enhancing joint operational capabilities between the Indian and Thai armies.
• This edition emphasizes counter-terrorism operations in semi-urban terrain.
• The last Maitree exercise was conducted in Tak Province, Thailand, with equal troop deployment from both nations.

Additional Details

• Joint Military Exercise: Exercise Maitree is designed to facilitate the exchange of best practices in tactics, techniques, and procedures for conducting joint operations.
• Significance: This edition is notable as it signifies the return of the exercise to Indian soil after five years, further enhancing bilateral military cooperation.
• Previous Edition: The last Maitree exercise involved the deployment of 76 soldiers from both sides, including India's Ladakh Scouts and Thailand's 1st Battalion of the 14th Infantry Regiment.

Overall, Exercise Maitree serves as a crucial platform for fostering collaboration between India and Thailand in military operations, particularly in counter-terrorism efforts.

GS2/Governance

Nourish to Flourish: The Nutrition and Cognition Link

Why in News?

The initial 1,000 days of life, from conception until a child's second birthday, represent a critical period for establishing lifelong health, cognitive abilities, and productivity. Research indicates that by age two, the brain has reached 80% of its adult size, and any nutritional deficiencies during this phase can result in irreversible damage to both nutrition and cognitive development. Despite some advancements, India continues to experience high rates of stunting and inadequate early learning, making investments in early childhood a priority for national development.

Key Takeaways

• India has made progress in reducing malnutrition since the 1990s, but the current pace is insufficient.
• Initiatives like Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi and Navchetana aim to integrate nutrition with cognitive development.
• Persistent gaps in service coverage and quality, particularly in urban areas, highlight the urgency of this issue.

Additional Details

• Brain Growth: By the age of two, a child's brain reaches 80% of its adult size, with rapid synapse formation and frontal lobe development that influence planning, memory, and self-regulation.
• Nutritional Deficits: Nutritional deficiencies occurring before the age of three can have lifelong impacts that are often irreversible.
• Cohort Study Evidence: A study in Tamil Nadu linked early childhood iron deficiency with poor verbal skills and slower cognitive processing.
• Neuroplasticity: This developmental phase allows for rapid and lasting learning, such as acquiring languages or nursery rhymes.
• Limits of Nutrition-Only Interventions: Stand-alone nutrition programs yield only low-to-moderate outcomes; combining nutrition with cognitive stimulation shows significantly better results.
• India’s Policy Response: The Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme aims to provide comprehensive nutrition and early learning support.
• Navchetana Framework: Offers a structured 36-month stimulation calendar with 140 age-appropriate activities for children aged 0-3, delivered through home visits by caregivers.
• Home-based Play Learning: Encourages learning through play rather than formal education, thus fostering social and cognitive skills.

Despite existing policies and frameworks, challenges persist in ensuring comprehensive child care, including slow progress towards the target of reducing stunting to 10%, service saturation issues, urban service gaps, and the need for enhanced workforce empowerment. The urgency for investment in early childhood development is amplified in light of future job market trends, which will likely offer fewer opportunities for low-skilled workers. Investing in the first 1,000 days is not only crucial for individual development but also for societal well-being and poverty reduction.

GS2/International Relations

Integrated Food Security Phase Classification

Why in News?

A recent analysis from the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) has revealed that over half a million individuals in Gaza are experiencing famine, characterized by widespread starvation, destitution, and preventable deaths.

Key Takeaways

• The IPC is a globally recognized system for assessing the severity of hunger crises.
• It is supported by 19 major humanitarian organizations and regional bodies.
• The IPC classifies food insecurity on a five-phase scale, with Phase 5 indicating famine.

Additional Details

• Famine Determination:For an area to be classified as experiencing famine, the following criteria must be met:
  • At least 20% of the population must be suffering from extreme food shortages.
  • One in three children must be acutely malnourished.
  • Two out of every 10,000 people must be dying daily from starvation, malnutrition, or disease.
• The IPC does not formally declare famine but provides critical analysis to assist governments and organizations in making declarations.
• The data used by the IPC is sourced from the World Food Programme and other relief organizations, ensuring comprehensive and accurate assessment.
• The IPC's protocols are standardized across three individual scales: IPC Acute Food Insecurity, IPC Chronic Food Insecurity, and IPC Acute Malnutrition.

This alarming situation underscores the need for immediate action to address food security challenges and prevent further humanitarian crises in affected regions.

GS2/Polity

Jan Vishwas 2.0 - Towards Trust-Based Governance

Why in News?

The Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2025, was recently introduced in the Lok Sabha. This Bill is an extension of the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2023, which decriminalized 183 provisions across 42 Acts. The new Bill aims to amend 16 Central Acts overseen by 10 ministries and departments, further enhancing trust-based governance to simplify living and doing business in India.

Key Takeaways

• The Bill seeks to decriminalize and rationalize certain offences and penalties.
• It addresses the issue of over-criminalization in Indian laws.
• Key features include the removal of imprisonment clauses for minor offences.

Additional Details

• Over-criminalization: According to the Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy, out of 882 central laws, 370 contain criminal provisions, leading to over 7,305 defined crimes. Over 75% of these laws regulate areas beyond core criminal justice, such as shipping and taxation.
• Disproportionate Punishments: For trivial acts, such as milking a cow on the street, arrest is possible, violating the principle of proportionality in crime and punishment.
• Business Hindrance: A report from the Observer Research Foundation in 2022 states that over 50% of business laws carry imprisonment clauses, discouraging entrepreneurship and job creation.
• Judiciary Burden: With over 3.6 crore pending criminal cases in district courts, minor procedural lapses disproportionately delay justice for serious offences.

The Jan Vishwas Bill 2025 proposes amendments to 355 provisions, with 288 aimed at facilitating ease of doing business. It covers significant Acts like the RBI Act 1934, Drugs and Cosmetics Act 1940, and others. Key features include warnings for first-time offenders and the removal of imprisonment clauses for minor infractions, replacing them with financial penalties. The government aims to align with its philosophy of "minimum government, maximum governance," supporting initiatives like Make in India and Ease of Doing Business. The Bill is currently under review by a Select Committee of the Lok Sabha, and if enacted, it could enhance trust between the state and citizens while improving India's business environment.

GS3/Environment

Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (MTR)

Why in News?

A 12-year-old tigress, which had been unwell and wandering near the forest boundary in the Singara forest range of the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (MTR), has recently passed away.

Key Takeaways

• Mudumalai Tiger Reserve is located in the Nilgiris District of Tamil Nadu.
• The reserve spans an area of 321 sq. km. at the tri-junction of Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.
• It is part of the Nilgiris Biosphere Reserve, the first biosphere reserve in India.

Additional Details

• Geographical Significance: Mudumalai lies on the Northeastern and Northwestern slopes of the Nilgiri hills, which are a component of the Western Ghats.
• Terrain: The terrain is undulating, with elevations ranging from 960m to 1266m.
• Habitat Diversity: The reserve encompasses tropical evergreen forests, moist deciduous forests, dry teak forests, secondary grasslands, and swamps.
• Flora: The area is home to tall grasses known as “Elephant Grass,” giant bamboo, and valuable timber species such as Teak and Rosewood. It also includes wild relatives of cultivated plants like wild rice, ginger, turmeric, and cinnamon.
• Fauna: The reserve hosts a rich variety of fauna including elephants, gaurs, sambars, four-horned antelopes, spotted deer, barking deer, blackbucks, wild pigs, and predators such as tigers, leopards, and wild dogs. Approximately 8% of India’s bird species can be found in this region.
• The acclaimed film ‘Elephant Whisperers,’ which won an Oscar, was filmed at the Theppakadu Elephant Camp located within the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve.

Mudumalai Tiger Reserve plays a crucial role in biodiversity conservation and is an essential habitat for numerous species, making it a significant area for ecological studies and wildlife preservation efforts.