UPSC Daily Current Affairs: 8th September 2025 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly PDF Download

GS3/Economy

India’s Generic Medicines: A Pillar of Global Healthcare

Why in News?

The Indian pharmaceutical sector, which heavily depends on the U.S. market, is facing significant challenges due to potential sector-specific duties. With the U.S. accounting for over 31% of Indian pharmaceutical exports and sourcing nearly half of its generics from India, these concerns threaten India's status as a major supplier of affordable medicines. As the global generic market is projected to reach $614 billion by 2030, the outcome of ongoing trade negotiations with the U.S. is vital for the future of this industry.

Key Takeaways

• India contributes around 20% of the global supply of generic drugs, earning the title "pharmacy of the world."
• Indian generics dominate U.S. prescriptions, especially in critical areas like diabetes, anxiety, depression, and cancer.
• Generics from India have saved the U.S. healthcare system $219 billion in 2022 alone, highlighting their importance in global healthcare affordability.

Additional Details

• U.S. Tariff Threats: The U.S. administration has raised concerns regarding high drug prices and India's intellectual property (IP) regime. There are calls for international reference pricing (IRP) and stronger IP protections, which could increase drug costs and delay generic entries.
• India has resisted these norms and must continue to safeguard TRIPS flexibilities, including compulsory licensing provisions.
• To protect its exports, India is considering concessions, such as supplying generics at 20–25% of branded prices for three years post-patent expiry.

India's approach to its Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) with the U.S. needs a shift from transactional dealings to a more strategic position. By emphasizing the global public good of Indian generics, India can potentially enhance its bargaining power. Moreover, joint ventures with various regions, including the U.S. and EU, could alter the trade dynamics favorably for India.

In conclusion, as India seeks to diversify its pharmaceutical trade beyond the U.S. and strengthen its market presence globally, it must focus on technology transfer, collaborative R&D, and promoting generics as a global public good. This strategy will not only protect public health but also secure India's interests in the pharmaceutical sector.

GS2/International Relations

Indo-China Border Dispute: Challenges in Defining the Line of Actual Control

Why in News?

The India-China border dispute has remained unresolved despite decades of discussions and agreements since 1993, particularly regarding the definition of the Line of Actual Control (LAC), which continues to fuel tensions between the two nations.

Key Takeaways

• The India-China border dispute is one of the most intricate territorial conflicts in Asia.
• Efforts to define the LAC have resulted in recurring confrontations, highlighting the complexities of the issue.
• Historical negotiations and agreements have failed to bring about a clear resolution.

Additional Details

• Early Efforts: The border negotiations gained traction after Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi's visit to Beijing in 1988, marking a significant shift in bilateral relations.
• Border Peace and Tranquillity Agreement (BPTA): Signed in September 1993 during Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao's visit, this agreement emphasized peaceful consultation and the non-use of force.
• 1996 Agreement: This agreement introduced military confidence-building measures but highlighted the failure to achieve a mutual understanding of the LAC.
• Attempts to clarify the LAC between 2000 and 2002 through map exchanges failed, leading to ongoing disputes over key areas like Depsang and Pangong Tso.
• The current structural problem arises from the unwillingness of both nations to concede territory in strategically sensitive regions, exacerbated by China's infrastructure advantages.

While the agreements from 1993 and 1996 temporarily alleviated tensions, the ongoing inability to define the LAC has kept the border situation unstable. Both countries have developed mechanisms to avert escalation, yet a lack of political resolve to finalize the boundary complicates peace efforts. The recurring standoffs underscore the urgent need to either clarify the LAC or implement robust measures to prevent patrol confrontations from escalating into conflicts.

GS1/Indian Society

Apatani Tribe in the News

Why in News?

The Apatani Tribe, known for their unique facial tattoos and wooden nose plugs traditionally worn by women, is in the limelight as these practices, banned in the 1970s, are now only observed among the older generations. This has led to their significance in anthropological studies.

Key Takeaways

• The Apatani Tribe is primarily located in Ziro Valley, Arunachal Pradesh.
• They speak a dialect from the Tani linguistic group, part of the Tibeto-Burman family.
• The tribe follows a paganistic belief system, worshipping natural elements like the Sun and Moon.
• Global recognition for Ziro Valley includes its proposal as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Additional Details

• Cultural Identity: Women of the Apatani Tribe historically wore facial tattoos and nose plugs, which have become rare since the 1970s.
• Sustainable Farming Practices: The tribe engages in integrated rice-fish farming on terraced fields, cultivating rice varieties such as Mipya, Emoh, and Emeo, alongside fish species like Ngihi.
• Weaving Tradition: Women utilize a loin loom (Chichin) to create fabrics characterized by geometric and zig-zag designs, dyed using natural extracts.
• Bamboo Culture: Bamboo plays a crucial role in daily life and rituals, representing ecological harmony.
• Community Systems: The tribe maintains sustainable social forestry and village institutions to conserve their culture and environment.

The Apatani Tribe's rich cultural heritage and sustainable practices provide valuable insights into biodiversity and traditional ecological knowledge, reinforcing the importance of preserving such unique identities in the face of modernization.

GS3/Science and Technology

New Horizons and Stellar Parallax Navigation

Why in News?

A recent study has demonstrated that spacecraft can determine their location using a straightforward stellar parallax method involving just two nearby stars, eliminating the need for Earth-based navigation systems.

Key Takeaways

• Stellar parallax allows for the measurement of a star's position from different vantage points.
• New Horizons successfully demonstrated this navigation technique in deep space.
• The method is particularly beneficial for future interstellar missions.

Additional Details

• What is Stellar Parallax?: Stellar parallax refers to the apparent shift in a star's position relative to background stars when viewed from two different locations. Example: This phenomenon is observable from Earth every six months as our planet orbits the Sun.
• Parallax Angle: The angle of this shift indicates the distance of the star; a larger parallax angle signifies that the star is closer to us.
• Application in Space: By comparing observations of stars from both Earth and a spacecraft, which can be billions of kilometers apart, we can calculate the spacecraft's distance.
• About the New Horizons Demonstration:
  • Spacecraft: Launched in 2006, New Horizons explored Pluto in 2015 and is currently over 60 AU (astronomical units) away.
  • Observation: On April 23, 2020, astronomers measured the parallaxes of Proxima Centauri (4.2 light years) and Wolf 359 (7.9 light years) using Earth-based telescopes and New Horizons’ onboard instruments.
  • Results:
    • Proxima Centauri's parallax: 32.4 arcseconds
    • Wolf 359's parallax: 15.7 arcseconds
    • Derived spacecraft position: 46.89 AU, closely matching the Deep Space Network's reading of 47.11 AU.
  • Requirements: Only a camera, onboard computer, and stellar catalogue are needed—no special equipment required.
• Significance:
  • Self-sufficient Navigation: This method enables spacecraft to calculate their position independently of Earth-based radio signals.
  • For Future Missions: Particularly advantageous for interstellar missions where communication with Earth will be impractical.
  • Simplicity: Unlike more complex methods such as astrometric or pulsar navigation, this approach requires minimal hardware.
  • Educational Value: While not yet precise enough for real-time navigation, it serves as a proof of concept for future deep-space autonomy.

This innovative method highlights the potential for autonomous navigation in deep space, paving the way for future exploration missions beyond our solar system.

GS3/Environment

Future of Indian Cities - Building Climate-Resilient and Inclusive Urban Growth

Why in News?

Cities are pivotal to India's future, projected to generate 70% of new jobs by 2030. By 2050-2070, India's urban population is expected to approach 1 billion, with megacities growing larger than entire countries. This rapid urbanization necessitates a strategic approach to designing infrastructure, housing, and services that are capable of supporting growth while addressing vulnerabilities to climate change.

Key Takeaways

• India will require 144 million new homes by 2070, necessitating substantial infrastructure development.
• Urban areas face significant flooding risks, which could lead to economic losses of $5 billion by 2030 and $30 billion by 2070.
• Extreme heat is exacerbated by the urban heat island effect, leading to dangerously high nighttime temperatures.
• Investment in climate-resilient infrastructure is projected to be around $10.95 trillion by 2050-2070.

Additional Details

• Urban Infrastructure Needs: By 2070, India will need more than double its current housing stock along with transportation systems and municipal services that can handle the influx of residents. The new infrastructures must be designed to withstand climate change impacts, such as floods, heatwaves, and other extreme weather events.
• Transportation Challenges: Approximately 25% of urban roads are vulnerable to flooding, where even minimal inundation can disrupt over 50% of city transport systems. Solutions like flood risk mapping, improved drainage, and alternative routes are essential for maintaining mobility.
• Climate Change Risks: A significant portion of urban dwellers is at risk of pluvial flooding, necessitating an integrated approach that includes flood warning systems and nature-based solutions.
• Extreme Heat Measures: Cities can mitigate the urban heat island effect by increasing tree cover, implementing cool roofs, and adjusting working hours for outdoor laborers.
• Way Forward: Modernizing municipal services and fostering collaboration between government, citizens, and the private sector is crucial for sustainable urbanization and improving living standards.

In conclusion, India's cities face a critical juncture of rapid growth and significant climate challenges. Proactive investments in climate-resilient, inclusive, and sustainable urban planning are essential for safeguarding lives, reducing economic losses, and unlocking the demographic and entrepreneurial potential of the nation. Building compact, resilient, and efficient cities is not only an environmental necessity but also a strategic imperative for India's economic future.

GS2/International Relations

Katchatheevu Island Dispute

Why in News?

The recent visit of Sri Lankan President Dissanayake to Katchatheevu Island marks the first time a head of state has visited this disputed territory, reigniting discussions about the island's historical context and ownership.

Key Takeaways

• Katchatheevu Island is a small, uninhabited landmass of approximately 285 acres located in the Palk Strait, around 33 nautical miles from Jaffna (Sri Lanka) and near Ramanathapuram (Tamil Nadu, India).
• The island has a complex history, previously under the Raja of Ramnad and later becoming disputed during British colonial rule.

Additional Details

• Historical Agreements: Through the 1974 and 1976 agreements, India, under the leadership of Indira Gandhi, recognized Sri Lanka's sovereignty over Katchatheevu and relinquished traditional fishing rights.
• Religious Significance: Katchatheevu is home to St. Anthony’s Catholic Shrine, which sees annual visits from Indian and Sri Lankan fishermen during a joint festival, facilitated by a visa waiver.
• Ecological Importance: Although barren and uninhabited, the island serves as a crucial resting point for fishermen and supports marine biodiversity.

Current Disputes

• Fishing Conflicts: Tamil Nadu fishermen frequently cross into Sri Lankan waters due to declining fish populations in Indian waters, often leading to arrests by the Sri Lankan Navy.
• Bottom-Trawling Issue: Indian trawlers engage in bottom-trawling, a practice banned in Sri Lanka, which harms marine ecosystems and exacerbates tensions.
• Political Demands: There is a strong political push in Tamil Nadu for the retrieval of Katchatheevu, with claims that past governments have “easily given away” the island.
• Official Position: India clarified in 2013-14 that no sovereign territory was ceded, as the island was disputed and not fully under India’s control.
• Core Problem: The main issue is not sovereignty but rather the unsustainable bottom-trawling practices and the livelihood crisis faced by Tamil Nadu fishermen.

This dispute remains a significant aspect of India-Sri Lanka relations, highlighting the complexities of historical agreements, ecological practices, and local livelihoods.

GS1/Geography

‘Blood Moon’ and Lunar Eclipse

Why in News?

On 8th September, a stunning Blood Moon was visible across Asia, Australia, and parts of Africa, marking a significant total lunar eclipse event.

Key Takeaways

• A Blood Moon occurs during a total lunar eclipse when the Earth is positioned directly between the Sun and the Moon.
• The event highlights the phenomena of eclipses and their types, such as total, partial, and penumbral.

Additional Details

• Lunar Eclipse:This phenomenon transpires when the Earth blocks sunlight from reaching the Moon. There are three types of lunar eclipses:
  • Total Eclipse: The Moon completely passes through the Earth's umbra, resulting in a full shading.
  • Partial Eclipse: Only a portion of the Moon enters the umbra, leading to a partial shading effect.
  • Penumbral Eclipse: The Moon moves through the Earth's penumbra, causing a subtle dimming of its brightness.
• The frequency of lunar eclipses is generally 2-4 times a year, with visibility varying by location.
• Why Don’t Lunar Eclipses Occur Every Month? Lunar eclipses are infrequent due to the Moon’s orbital tilt of about 5 degrees relative to the Earth's orbit, leading to misalignment during most full moons.

What is Blood Moon?

• Meaning: The term "Blood Moon" refers to the reddish hue of the Moon observed during a total lunar eclipse.
• Cause: This coloration is due to Rayleigh scattering in the Earth's atmosphere, where shorter wavelengths of light scatter away, allowing longer wavelengths like red and orange to light up the Moon.
• Colour Intensity: The intensity of the red shade can vary based on atmospheric conditions, such as the presence of dust or volcanic ash.
• Historical Insight: Records of Blood Moons from medieval times have been used to identify volcanic eruptions between 1100-1300 CE, corroborated by a 2023 study from the University of Geneva.

Significance

• Scientific: Blood Moons serve as natural indicators of atmospheric composition, aiding in the modeling of planetary atmospheres.
• Historical/Environmental: They provide valuable evidence of past volcanic events and climate changes.
• Cultural: Blood Moons are often associated with myths and superstitions, though they pose no scientific harm.
• Public Engagement: These celestial events are widely followed, fostering interest and awareness in astronomy.

In summary, the occurrence of a Blood Moon during a total lunar eclipse not only captivates audiences worldwide but also contributes to scientific understanding and cultural narratives surrounding astronomical phenomena.

GS3/Environment

The Making of an Ecological Disaster in the Nicobar

Why in News?

The Great Nicobar mega-infrastructure plan has garnered criticism for its potential to displace indigenous communities and significantly damage a unique ecosystem in India. With an estimated cost of ₹72,000 crore, this project raises serious concerns about environmental sustainability and social justice.

Key Takeaways

• The project threatens the existence of indigenous groups, specifically the Nicobarese and the Shompen.
• It undermines constitutional protections and environmental laws, leading to potential ecological disaster.
• Construction in a seismically active zone raises serious safety concerns for human lives.

Additional Details

• Displacement of Indigenous Communities: The Nicobarese and Shompen face significant threats to their existence due to this project. The Nicobarese have already suffered displacement from their ancestral lands since the 2004 tsunami, and the Shompen are at risk of losing their cultural and economic continuity as their resources are compromised.
• Bypassing Constitutional Protections: Required consultations with the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes have not occurred, reflecting a disregard for legal processes.
• Environmental Safeguards: The project infringes on the Coastal Regulation Zone 1A, where construction is prohibited to protect vital ecosystems such as coral reefs and turtle nesting grounds.
• Ecological Devastation: The plan threatens to destroy between 8.5 lakh to 32-58 lakh trees and promotes compensatory afforestation that is ecologically unsuitable.
• Seismic Vulnerability: Situated in a region prone to earthquakes, the potential for disaster increases significantly, as demonstrated by past seismic events such as the 2004 tsunami.

The situation surrounding the Great Nicobar project highlights a significant conflict between development ambitions and the need for ecological preservation and social justice. The survival of indigenous tribes and the health of unique ecosystems are at stake, necessitating urgent action and advocacy against such projects.

GS3/Science and Technology

RNA–Amino Acid Link Clues to Origin of Life

Why in News?

A recent study published in Nature suggests that simple molecules known as aminoacyl-thiols may have facilitated the attachment of amino acids to RNA (ribonucleic acid) without the need for enzymes. This discovery provides insights into the initial processes of protein synthesis on early Earth.

Key Takeaways

• Discovery of aminoacyl-thiols enabling direct attachment of amino acids to RNA.
• Modern cellular processes involve aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases linking amino acids to RNA before protein synthesis.
• This creates a "chicken-and-egg problem" where proteins are essential for their own production.

Additional Details

• Chemical Mechanism:
  • Thioesters: Facilitate the attachment of amino acids to RNA, known as "charging RNA".
  • Thioacids: Enable the formation of peptide bonds between amino acids.
• Robustness: The mechanism operates at neutral pH and shows selectivity for RNA despite the presence of other reactive molecules.
• Significance for Origin of Life:
  • RNA World Hypothesis: Supports the theory that RNA and amino acids interacted directly prior to the evolution of enzymes.
  • Chemical Advantage: Indicates that RNA had a favorable position under early Earth conditions, highlighting its central role in the origin of life.
  • Prebiotic Plausibility: Aminoacyl-thiols could have formed from simple nitriles and thiols, with reactions occurring in cold environments resembling early Earth.
  • Evolutionary Pathway: Suggests that life likely originated with short peptides, followed by the evolution of RNA to control protein synthesis.

This research enhances our understanding of the origins of life by illustrating the potential interactions between RNA and amino acids in prebiotic conditions, paving the way for the development of coded protein synthesis and the emergence of ribosomes.

GS1/History & Culture

100 Years of the Self-Respect Movement in Tamil Nadu

Why in News?

This year marks the centenary of the Self-Respect Movement in Tamil Nadu, a transformative socio-political reform movement initiated to challenge societal inequalities.

Key Takeaways

• The Self-Respect Movement was founded in 1925 by E.V. Ramasamy Periyar.
• It aimed to dismantle Brahminical dominance, caste hierarchy, and patriarchal norms.
• The movement advocated for women's rights and rational social practices.

Additional Details

• Overview: The Self-Respect Movement was established in 1925 by E.V. Ramasamy Periyar in Tamil Nadu following his departure from the Indian National Congress.
• Aim: Its mission was to challenge and eradicate Brahminical dominance, caste hierarchies, and the patriarchy, promoting a rational and egalitarian society.
• Methods:
  • Promotion of Self-Respect Marriages that did not involve priests or caste rituals.
  • Advocacy for women’s rights including widow remarriage, divorce, property rights, and inter-caste marriage.
  • Utilization of the Kudi Arasu journal to disseminate progressive ideas and reformist propaganda.
• Significance: The movement laid the groundwork for the Dravidian movement in Tamil Nadu, prioritizing social reform ahead of political independence while providing marginalized communities and women a platform for dignity and equality.

E.V. Ramasamy Periyar, often referred to as Thanthai Periyar (Father Periyar), was a pivotal social reformer and political thinker who advocated for rationalism, atheism, and the eradication of caste. His legacy continues to influence Tamil Nadu’s social justice policies and movements.

Question: Who among the following was the founder of the ‘Self-Respect Movement’?

• (a) ‘Periyar’ E. V. Ramaswamy Naicker*
• (b) Dr. B. R. Ambedkar
• (c) Bhaskarrao Jadhav
• (d) Dinkarrao Javalkar

GS1/Indian Society

How Much is Spent on Children’s Education in India

Why in News?

The issue of educational expenditure in India highlights the persistent gender inequities in education, revealing a disparity where families invest more in boys' education compared to girls, despite improvements in enrollment ratios.

Key Takeaways

• Households consistently spend more on boys across various educational stages.
• The recent National Sample Survey (NSS) revealed significant gaps in expenditure reflecting deep-rooted gender biases.
• Despite enrollment successes for girls, financial priorities remain skewed towards boys.

Additional Details

• Significance of the recent NSS report: The 2024 survey involved 52,085 households and 57,742 students, providing extensive data on education spending patterns.
• Urban vs. Rural Spending: In urban areas, families spend ₹2,791 less per girl than on boys, while in rural settings, boys receive 18% more investment in education.
• Tuition Classes: Although enrollment in coaching classes is similar (26% for girls vs. 27.8% for boys), expenditure on tuition for boys is 22% higher by higher secondary level.
• State-Level Variations: States like Delhi and Rajasthan show over a 10 percentage point gap in private school enrollment favoring boys, while Tamil Nadu and Kerala exhibit gender parity.
• Coaching Expenditure: Average spending on higher secondary tuition is ₹9,813 for boys compared to ₹1,550 for girls, indicating a significant disparity.
• Broader Implications: The lack of investment in girls’ education perpetuates gender inequality in the workforce and limits human capital development.

In conclusion, while the enrollment of girls in education has improved, the financial discrimination against them remains a significant barrier. To achieve true gender equality in education, families must prioritize investment in daughters' education equally with sons, supported by effective policies and awareness campaigns.