UPSC Daily Current Affairs: 1st July 2025 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly PDF Download

GS3/Science and Technology

Altermagnets

Source: Nature

Why in News?

Researchers have recently discovered an intriguing electrical and thermal transport phenomenon in the high-quality single-crystalline altermagnet, chromium antimonide (CrSb), marking a significant advancement in the study of magnetic materials.

Key Takeaways

• Altermagnets possess unique properties combining features of both ferromagnets and antiferromagnets.
• CrSb is identified as a leading candidate for future electronic applications due to its remarkable attributes.

Additional Details

• Definition of Altermagnets: A newly identified class of magnetic materials that exhibit zero net magnetism externally, yet display useful electron behaviors internally, particularly beneficial for spintronics.
• Unique Properties: Altermagnets showcase a dual nature, resembling antiferromagnets with no net magnetization and ferromagnets with spin splitting, resulting from complex atomic interactions within their crystal structures.
• Spin Polarization: This refers to the tendency of electron spins to align in a specific direction, which is significant in both real space (physical arrangement) and momentum space (distribution of spins).
• Research suggests that altermagnets could play a crucial role in spin caloritronics, a field examining the relationship between spin and heat flow, offering advantages over traditional magnetic materials.
• CrSb Characteristics: As one of the most notable altermagnets, CrSb is metallic, sustaining magnetic order at temperatures exceeding twice that of room temperature and exhibiting the highest altermagnetic spin-splitting.
• CrSb is the first known altermagnet to display direction-dependent conduction polarity, making it exceptionally promising for practical applications.
• Constructed from earth-abundant and non-toxic elements, CrSb represents an environmentally friendly option for future electronic technologies.

In conclusion, the discovery of altermagnets, particularly CrSb, opens new avenues in the field of electronic materials, highlighting their potential in enhancing information processing and storage technologies.

GS3/Environment

What is a Mud Volcano?

Source: Live Science

The recent eruption of the Wandan mud volcano in Taiwan has captured local interest as bubbling mud shot into the air, prompting locals to ignite the ejected gases with burning rags. This event highlights the dynamic nature of mud volcanoes and their unique geological phenomena.

Key Takeaways

• A mud volcano is typically a small cone formed from mud and clay.
• These volcanoes can erupt mud and gases, sometimes reaching impressive heights.
• Approximately 1,000 mud volcanoes are identified globally, both on land and underwater.

Additional Details

• Definition: A mud volcano is a geological structure formed by a mixture of hot water and fine sediment that can either pour gently from the ground or be violently ejected due to volcanic gas pressure.
• Eruptions: These eruptions can rebuild the cones continuously and can be powerful enough to spew flames and gases into the atmosphere.
• Gas Emissions: Common gases released during eruptions include methane, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen, with the liquid often being water that may be acidic or salty.
• Geographical Distribution: Mud volcanoes are found in regions such as southeastern Ukraine, Italy, Romania, Azerbaijan, Iran, Pakistan, Indonesia, China, and across North and South America, including Alaska and Venezuela.
• Formation: Mud volcanoes, also called "sedimentary volcanoes," are formed from geologically excreted liquids and gases at lower temperatures compared to igneous processes.

Understanding mud volcanoes not only enriches our knowledge of geological processes but also emphasizes the unique environmental interactions at play within our planet's crust.

GS2/Governance

NAKSHA Programme

Source: PIB

Why in News?

The Department of Land Resources (DoLR), under the Ministry of Rural Development, is preparing to launch the second phase of capacity building for the NAKSHA programme (NAtional geospatial Knowledge-based land Survey of urban HAbitations).

Key Takeaways

• The NAKSHA programme was launched on 18th February 2025 as a geospatial land survey initiative.
• It aims to modernize urban land records, enhance transparency in property ownership, and improve urban governance.
• The initiative is 100% centrally funded with a projected budget of ₹194 crore.
• It addresses the challenges posed by India's rapidly increasing urban population, expected to surpass 600 million by 2031.

Additional Details

• Pilot Coverage: The programme is being implemented in 157 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), covering an area of 4,142.63 sq km, targeting towns with an area of less than 35 sq km and populations under 2 lakh.
• Drone-Based Survey: The initiative employs drones equipped with LiDAR sensors and 5 cm resolution cameras to conduct aerial surveys.
• Three-Stage Survey Process:
  • Drone Survey & Data Collection
  • Field Verification & Draft Mapping
  • Public Review & Finalisation
• Integration with Legal Records: Field surveys are utilized to validate and update property tax, ownership, and registration data.

In reference to the Digital India Land Records Modernisation Programme, consider the following statements:

• 1. To implement the scheme, the Central Government provides 100% funding.
• 2. Under the Scheme, Cadastral Maps are digitised.
• 3. An initiative has been undertaken to transliterate the Records of Rights from the local language to any of the languages recognized by the Constitution of India.

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*

GS3/Economy

GST Reform and Unfinished Business in Tobacco Control

Source: The Hindu

As India observes the eighth anniversary of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on July 1, 2025, it is crucial to assess the impact of this significant tax reform. Initiated in 2017 under the slogan 'One Nation, One Tax', GST aimed to simplify the complex landscape of indirect taxes, thereby creating a unified national market and standardizing tax frameworks across various states. While the economic and administrative benefits of GST are notable, its inadequacies, particularly in the area of tobacco taxation, highlight urgent areas needing reform.

Key Takeaways

• GST has replaced multiple indirect taxes, simplifying tax collection and reducing compliance burdens.
• Despite its successes, GST has not adequately addressed tobacco taxation, leading to increased affordability of tobacco products.
• The average GST revenue from tobacco is significantly lower than the economic costs associated with tobacco use.

Additional Details

• Goods and Services Tax (GST): A transformative tax reform that has streamlined multiple taxes, improving business efficiency and transparency through digitization.
• Tobacco Taxation and Public Health: Tobacco use causes over 3,500 deaths daily in India and represents a substantial economic burden, yet GST has not resulted in increased tobacco taxes.
• Structural Flaws: GST’s reliance on ad valorem taxation is inadequate for controlling harmful products like tobacco; fixed specific excise taxes are more effective in global contexts.
• Need for Reform: Increasing GST rates on tobacco to the maximum allowed and raising specific excise duties is crucial for aligning public health goals with fiscal policy.
• Illicit Trade Concerns: The tobacco industry argues that higher taxes lead to illicit trade; however, studies indicate that illicit tobacco products account for only a small fraction of the market.

In conclusion, as the GST Council considers necessary reforms, it is essential to prioritize public health. The eighth anniversary of GST should not only be a moment for reflection but also a call to action to ensure that GST serves as a tool for both economic efficiency and social responsibility.

GS3/Economy

India Energy Stack Initiative

Source: Business Standard

Why in News?

The Ministry of Power has recently announced the establishment of a task force to design and implement the India Energy Stack (IES), marking a significant step towards modernizing India's energy sector.

Key Takeaways

• The India Energy Stack aims to create a unified, secure, and interoperable digital infrastructure for the energy sector.
• This initiative will serve as a Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), providing a standardized and open platform for managing the electricity value chain.
• It will facilitate unique identification for consumers, assets, and transactions, along with real-time data sharing.

Additional Details

• Unique Features of IES: The India Energy Stack will provide tools for consumer empowerment, market access, and innovation through open APIs that allow seamless integration of systems.
• The Ministry will conduct a 12-month Proof of Concept (PoC) to showcase the IES in action through real-world use cases, collaborating with selected utilities.
• The initiative will include the pilot of the Utility Intelligence Platform (UIP), an analytics-driven application designed to support utilities, policymakers, and consumers with real-time insights for improved energy management.
• A dedicated Task Force has been formed by the Ministry, consisting of experts from technology, the power sector, and regulatory domains to oversee the development and nationwide implementation of IES.

This initiative is poised to revolutionize how energy is managed in India, driving innovation and efficiency across the sector.

GS3/Science and Technology

Essential Tremors and the MRgFUS Procedure

Source: TOI

Why in News?

The recent successful use of Magnetic Resonance-guided Focused Ultrasound (MRgFUS) for treating essential tremors has garnered attention as a promising non-surgical intervention for this neurological disorder.

Key Takeaways

• Essential tremors are common neurological disorders affecting approximately 1% of the global population.
• The MRgFUS procedure offers a non-invasive treatment option for individuals suffering from essential tremors.

Additional Details

• Essential Tremors: This neurological disorder causes uncontrollable shaking in various body parts, such as hands, head, and voice. It primarily affects individuals over 65 but can occur at any age.
• Causes: The exact cause of essential tremors remains unknown, but it is believed to involve improper communication within the cerebellum, which controls muscle coordination. Genetic factors play a role, with a 50% chance of inheritance if a parent has the disorder.
• Treatments: While there is no cure for essential tremor, treatment options include medications, assistive devices, botulinum toxin, deep brain stimulation, and focused ultrasound.
• MRgFUS Procedure: This non-surgical intervention utilizes MRI-guided focused ultrasound to target and ablate specific brain tissue in the thalamus, significantly reducing tremors, often within the same treatment session.

The advent of MRgFUS represents a significant advancement in the management of essential tremors, providing hope for patients whose daily lives are disrupted by this condition.

GS3/Economy

Financial Stability Report (FSR) - June 2025

Source: ET Now

Why in News?

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has recently published the Financial Stability Report for June 2025, providing insights into the resilience of the Indian financial system and potential risks to financial stability.

Key Takeaways

• The Indian economy continues to be a significant contributor to global growth, supported by sound macroeconomic fundamentals and prudent policies.
• Risks to growth include geopolitical tensions, uncertainty in trade, and weather-related challenges.
• The non-performing loans (NPL) ratio is at a historic low, indicating the strength of the financial system.
• Capital adequacy in the banking sector remains well above regulatory requirements, providing a buffer against economic shocks.

Additional Details

• Non-Performing Assets (NPA): As of March 2025, the gross non-performing asset (GNPA) ratio stands at 2.3%, with projections suggesting it could rise to 2.5% under baseline conditions.
• For 46 banks, which make up 98% of scheduled commercial banks' assets, GNPAs might increase to 2.6% by March 2027.
• Capital Adequacy: The capital adequacy ratios of banks are expected to remain comfortably above minimum requirements, even in severe stress scenarios, demonstrating the sector’s capability to withstand economic challenges.
• The outlook for food inflation is positive, with prices softening and crop production reaching record levels, contributing to domestic demand.
• The financial system remains stable, characterized by healthy balance sheets across both banks and non-banking financial companies (NBFCs).

In conclusion, despite facing several challenges, the Indian financial system exhibits resilience and preparedness, with robust indicators supporting ongoing growth and stability.

GS3/Defence & Security

Space-Based Surveillance-III Programme (SBS-III)

Source: The Hindu

The Union Government has recently prioritized the launch of 52 dedicated surveillance satellites as part of the Space-Based Surveillance-III (SBS-III) programme, aimed at enhancing India's defense capabilities through advanced satellite technology.

Key Takeaways

• The SBS-III programme was approved in October 2023 by the Prime Minister-led Cabinet Committee on Security.
• It includes the construction and launch of 52 satellites: 21 by ISRO and 31 by private companies.
• The first satellite is expected to be launched by April 2026, with the full constellation targeted for completion by the end of 2029.
• The programme aims to improve surveillance over China, Pakistan, and the Indian Ocean Region.

Additional Details

• Objective of SBS-III: The primary goal is to cover larger areas with shorter revisit times, enabling better resolution in surveillance activities.
• Enhanced Surveillance: The new satellites will leverage AI for improved interaction and GeoIntelligence gathering.
• The project is projected to cost approximately ₹26,968 crore.
• Defence Space Agency (DSA): This agency, formed in 2019, leads the project and coordinates with ISRO, DRDO, and the armed forces to develop military space strategies.
• The DSA has replaced the Integrated Space Cell and is responsible for overseeing India’s military space operations.

The SBS-III programme represents a significant advancement in India’s strategic capabilities, particularly in countering potential threats and enhancing national security through advanced surveillance technologies.

GS3/Environment

ZSI Records 683 Faunal Discoveries in Its 110th Year

Source: TOI

Why in News?

The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) has recently released Version 2.0 of the Checklist of Fauna of India, which documents an impressive total of 105,244 species and subspecies. This significant update highlights the ongoing efforts of the ZSI in cataloging and understanding the biodiversity of India.

Key Takeaways

• The ZSI was established in 1916 by British zoologist Thomas Nelson Annandale.
• It is the leading taxonomic research organization in India, located in Kolkata.
• The ZSI aims to advance knowledge of India's rich animal diversity through surveys and research.

Additional Details

• History of ZSI: The ZSI originated from the Zoological Section of the Indian Museum in Calcutta in 1875. Since its inception, it has focused on documenting the diverse fauna of India.
• Recent Discoveries: In the years 2024-2025, the ZSI reported the discovery of several significant new species, including a new genus of skink named Dravidoseps gouensis from the Western Ghats and a new snake species Anguiculus dicaprioi, named after actor Leonardo DiCaprio.
• Additionally, the survey identified 2 new genera and 37 new species of reptiles, 5 new amphibian species, and multiple new insect species, particularly among beetles, moths, flies, and bees.
• The highest representation of newly discovered species was among insects, specifically those in the orders Coleoptera (beetles), Lepidoptera (moths and butterflies), Diptera (flies), and Hymenoptera (ants, bees, wasps).

Overall, the ZSI continues to play a crucial role in enhancing our understanding of India's biodiversity, underscoring the importance of ongoing exploration and taxonomic research in the field of zoology.

GS2/Polity

India’s Constitution - Secular in Spirit, Beyond the Word

Source: Indian Express

Why in News?

The Vice President of India, Jagdeep Dhankhar, has recently criticized the inclusion of the terms “socialist” and “secular” in the Preamble of India’s Constitution, describing it as a "sacrilege to the spirit of Sanatan." These terms were introduced during the Emergency period through the 42nd Constitutional Amendment, which made significant alterations to the Constitution. While many of these changes were reversed by the 44th Amendment in 1978, the additions to the Preamble have remained unchanged.

Key Takeaways

• The Preamble serves as the vision statement of the Constitution, outlining its core values.
• The terms "socialist" and "secular" were added during the Emergency, reflecting the political context of that era.
• Judicial interpretations have affirmed the importance of these terms as fundamental features of the Constitution.

Additional Details

• Preamble: Originally described India as a “Sovereign Democratic Republic”, guaranteeing justice, equality, liberty, and fraternity to all citizens. The amendment introduced the phrases “Sovereign Socialist Secular Democratic Republic” and added the word “integrity” to emphasize national unity.
• Political Background: The 42nd Amendment was enacted during the Emergency (1975–1977) under Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, who sought to reshape the Constitution to reflect her political ideology.
• Socialist Addition: The inclusion aimed to align with Indira Gandhi's leftward shift, which included nationalization of banks and a focus on social welfare.
• Secular Addition: The rationale behind adding "secular" is debated; however, it was perceived as a response to rising political influences of groups like the Bhartiya Jan Sangh, reinforcing India's secular character.
• Judicial Endorsement: The Supreme Court has consistently upheld secularism as a basic feature of the Constitution, as seen in cases like Kesavananda Bharati (1973) and S.R. Bommai (1994).
• Recent Developments: In November 2024, the Supreme Court dismissed petitions challenging the inclusion of "secular" and "socialist," reaffirming these terms as reflective of values already embedded in the Constitution.

In conclusion, while the addition of "socialist" and "secular" during the Emergency was politically motivated, these terms have now become essential components of India's constitutional identity, supported by judicial interpretation and societal consensus.

GS3/Environment

New Flowering Plant Named After Nyishi Tribe

Source: New Indian Express

Why in News?

A new species of flowering plant, Begonia nyishiorum, has been discovered in the East Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh, highlighting the region's rich biodiversity.

Key Takeaways

• The plant is endemic to the East Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh.
• Officially described in June 2025 in Novon, a peer-reviewed journal.
• Recognized for its unique crimson, fringed scales and light green petioles.
• Thrives in moist, shaded mountain slopes at altitudes between 1,500 and 3,000 metres.
• Potentially vulnerable, known from only two forest locations, necessitating conservation efforts.
• Named in honor of the Nyishi tribe, recognized for their ecological stewardship.

Additional Details

• About Begonia nyishiorum: This newly identified flowering plant displays distinct features that set it apart from other Asian begonias, particularly its crimson, fringed scales.
• Habitat: The species flourishes on moist, shaded mountain slopes, which are critical for its survival.
• Ecological Importance: The limited range of this species highlights the need for conservation efforts to protect it from potential threats.
• Name Origin: The species name honors the Nyishi tribe, the largest ethnic group in Arunachal Pradesh, with a population of about 300,000.
• Linguistic and Cultural Identity: The Nyishi language belongs to the Sino-Tibetan family, and the term "Nyishi" signifies a "civilized human."
• Livelihood and Festivals: The Nyishi people engage in various economic activities, including slash-and-burn farming, hunting, fishing, and traditional handicrafts.

This discovery not only adds to the scientific community's understanding of biodiversity in Arunachal Pradesh but also emphasizes the cultural ties between the Nyishi tribe and their natural environment.

GS2/International Relations

At Sea Observer Mission

Source: DD News

The QUAD nations have recently initiated their first-ever At Sea Observer Mission to enhance maritime collaboration among member countries.

Key Takeaways

• The mission involves the Coast Guards of India, Japan, the United States, and Australia.
• Its primary goal is to strengthen maritime security and interoperability in the Indo-Pacific region, in accordance with the Wilmington Declaration.
• Two officers, including women officers from each participating country, are onboard the US Coast Guard Cutter (USCGC) Stratton, which is en route to Guam.

Additional Details

• Significance of the Mission: This cross-embarkation mission marks a historic step in QUAD Coast Guard collaboration, enhancing joint readiness, operational coordination, and domain awareness to support a Free, Open, Inclusive, and Rules-Based Indo-Pacific.
• The mission aligns with the vision established at the QUAD Leaders’ Summit in September 2024, deepening operational ties among the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), Japan Coast Guard (JCG), US Coast Guard (USCG), and Australian Border Force (ABF).
• India's involvement reinforces its strategic maritime vision of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and complements national efforts under the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI), focusing on capacity-building, humanitarian outreach, and maritime rule of law.
• The QUAD at Sea initiative lays the groundwork for a QUAD Coast Guard Handshake, promoting enhanced trust, coordination, and collective resilience against evolving maritime challenges in the region.

This mission not only signifies a step towards greater cooperation among the QUAD nations but also highlights the importance of maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region amidst various challenges.