UPSC Daily Current Affairs: 17th July 2025 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly PDF Download

GS3/Science and Technology

What is YD One?

Source: India Today

Why in News?

In a significant advancement in mobility solutions, IIT Madras has recently introduced YD One, which is recognized as India's lightest wheelchair.

Key Takeaways

• YD One is India’s lightest active wheelchair, weighing only nine kilograms.
• It is the first indigenously developed precision-built mono-tube rigid-frame wheelchair in the country.
• Developed by IIT Madras’ TTK Center for Rehabilitation Research and Device Development (R2D2) in collaboration with Thryv Mobility.
• The wheelchair is fully customized to meet each user’s unique body, posture, and mobility needs.
• Constructed from aerospace-grade materials, it offers maximum strength and energy efficiency.
• Can support users weighing up to 120 kilograms.
• The compact design facilitates easy lifting and accommodation in various vehicles, enhancing portability.
• YD One aims to deliver high-performance mobility at a significantly lower cost compared to imported alternatives.

Additional Details

• Customization: Each YD One wheelchair is tailored specifically for the user, ensuring optimal comfort and functionality.
• The lightweight structure addresses longstanding issues of portability, allowing users to travel more freely in cars, auto-rickshaws, and public transport.
• YD One is designed to provide users with greater independence and dignity, making mobility more accessible.

This innovative wheelchair represents a major step forward in mobility technology, combining advanced engineering with user-centric design.

GS3/Science and Technology

Key Facts about Antimatter

Source: The Hindu

Why in News?

Recently, an international team of scientists in Europe has made a groundbreaking observation. They found that the matter and antimatter versions of a specific type of subatomic particle known as a baryon decay at different rates for the first time.

Key Takeaways

• Antimatter has properties opposite to those of ordinary matter.
• Antimatter particles include positrons, antiprotons, and antineutrons, collectively known as antiparticles.
• Antimatter cannot coexist with matter without annihilating each other, resulting in significant energy release.
• Antimatter was formed alongside matter after the Big Bang but is scarce in the current universe.
• Humans can create antimatter using high-energy collisions in particle accelerators like the Large Hadron Collider.

Additional Details

• Antimatter: Antimatter is fundamentally similar to ordinary matter but possesses an opposite electric charge. For instance, the positron (e⁺) is the antimatter counterpart of the electron, carrying a positive charge, while the antiproton (p) has a negative charge.
• Annihilation: When matter and antimatter come into contact, they annihilate each other, releasing large amounts of energy in the form of gamma rays or other elementary particles.
• Creation of Antimatter: Antimatter can be produced in controlled environments, such as particle accelerators, where high-speed collisions facilitate its formation.

In summary, while antimatter was created during the Big Bang, it remains rare in the universe today. The ability to generate antimatter in laboratories opens up exciting avenues for research in physics and cosmology.

GS3/Environment

India Achieves Clean Energy Target Ahead of Schedule

Source: TOI

Why in News?

India has successfully reached a significant milestone by achieving 50% of its installed electricity capacity from non-fossil fuel sources, surpassing its Paris Agreement target by five years. This accomplishment underscores India's firm dedication to climate action and sustainable development.

Key Takeaways

• As of June 30, 2025, non-fossil fuel sources account for 50.1% of India’s installed electricity capacity.
• India's total installed power capacity stands at 485 gigawatts (GW), with substantial contributions from renewable sources.
• Thermal power, primarily from coal and gas, has decreased significantly in contribution, dropping from 70% in 2015 to 49.9%.

Additional Details

• Renewable Energy Growth: The growth in renewable energy, especially solar and wind, has played a crucial role in this achievement. India has become the fourth-largest country in renewable installed capacity by 2024, following China, the US, and Brazil.
• Challenges in Energy Storage: Despite the increase in renewable energy, India faces grid stability issues due to inadequate energy storage systems. As of 2024, India had less than 5 GW of storage capacity, which is insufficient for managing peak demands and surplus generation.
• Government Initiatives: To enhance energy storage capabilities, the Central Electricity Authority has recommended co-locating storage systems with new solar projects. Additional funding has also been allocated to support battery storage development.
• Barriers to Progress: Major constraints include high upfront costs, import duties, strict domestic content rules, and delays in project approvals, which hinder the commissioning of battery storage projects.

In conclusion, while India has made remarkable progress toward its clean energy goals ahead of schedule, significant challenges remain in stabilizing and strengthening its electricity grid. Addressing these challenges, particularly in storage and transmission infrastructure, will be vital for sustaining the momentum of renewable energy growth and achieving future targets.

GS3/Environment

Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve

Source: The Print

Why in News?

An innovative artificial intelligence-based system has been implemented in 20 villages within the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) to alert residents about the movement of tigers via loudspeakers. This initiative aims to enhance safety and prevent human-wildlife conflicts.

Key Takeaways

• Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve is the largest and oldest tiger reserve in Maharashtra.
• The reserve is known for its rich biodiversity and significant wildlife species, including tigers and leopards.

Additional Details

• Location: The reserve is situated in the Chandrapur district of Maharashtra and encompasses both the Tadoba National Park and the Andhari Wildlife Sanctuary.
• Significance of Name: The name 'Tadoba' is derived from the local deity "Tadoba" or "Taru," revered by the region's tribal communities, while 'Andhari' refers to the river flowing through the area.
• Habitat: The reserve is characterized by its undulating terrain and falls within the Central Plateau province of the Deccan Peninsula, supporting a diverse range of flora and fauna.
• Vegetation: Dominated by Southern Tropical Dry Deciduous forests, the area is rich in various tree species, including teak, salai, and tendu.
• Lakes and Rivers: The reserve features two lakes, Tadoba Lake and Kolsa Lake, along with the Tadoba River, providing essential water sources for wildlife.
• Fauna: The reserve is home to a variety of wildlife, including notable species like the tiger, leopard, sloth bear, wild dog, gaur, chital, and sambar.

This AI-based warning system represents a significant step towards reducing human-animal conflicts in the region, promoting coexistence between local communities and wildlife.

GS1/Geography

Tanimbar Islands Earthquake

Source: TOI

Why in News?

Recently, a significant seismic event occurred when an earthquake measuring 6.7 struck off the coast of Indonesia's Tanimbar Islands region, raising concerns about the geological activity in this area.

Key Takeaways

• The earthquake occurred in the Tanimbar Islands located in Indonesia.
• Indonesia is known for its high seismic activity due to its position on the Pacific Ring of Fire.

Additional Details

• Tanimbar Islands: This group comprises around 30 islands, situated in the Indonesian province of Maluku, positioned between the Banda and Arafura seas. The largest island, Yamdena, extends approximately 70 miles in length and 40 miles in width at its broadest point.
• Geography: The eastern coast of Yamdena features thickly wooded hills, while the western coast is characterized by lower, often swampy terrain.
• Seismic Activity: Indonesia lies along the Pacific Ring of Fire, a region where multiple tectonic plates converge, leading to frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

This recent earthquake highlights the ongoing seismic challenges faced by Indonesia, particularly in the Tanimbar Islands region, which is part of the broader geological dynamics of the area.

GS2/Governance

Safe Havens No More: Sexual Violence in Workplaces and Educational Institutions

Source: The Hindu

Why in News?

Recently, a tragic incident occurred where a 20-year-old student from Odisha died after setting herself ablaze due to ignored sexual harassment complaints. This highlighted the failures of redress mechanisms, particularly the Internal Complaint Committees (ICCs), raising concerns about the effectiveness of systems meant to protect individuals in educational and workplace settings.

Key Takeaways

• Rising sexual violence despite stringent laws indicates systemic failures.
• Inadequate implementation of ICCs contributes to the problem.
• Social stigma and underreporting hinder accurate crime statistics.
• Lack of awareness about rights and reporting mechanisms exacerbates the issue.

Additional Details

• Inadequate Implementation of Legal Mechanisms: Many institutions either do not establish ICCs or form them without properly trained members, leading to ineffective responses. For instance, the University Grants Commission (UGC) reported in 2022 that over 150 colleges in India had not constituted ICCs, despite the mandatory provisions of the 2013 POSH Act.
• Institutional Apathy and Lack of Accountability: ICCs, mandated under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013, often fail to function proactively, as demonstrated by the Odisha incident where the state government had to compel colleges to form ICCs within 24 hours.
• Underreporting and Social Stigma: Fear of backlash, victim-blaming, and lack of faith in legal systems lead many women to avoid reporting crimes. According to the NCRB 2022, there were 445,256 registered crimes against women, reflecting a 4% increase from 2021, with many cases unreported.
• Lack of Awareness and Sensitisation: A 2023 survey by the All India Democratic Women’s Association (AIDWA) revealed that over 60% of women students in rural colleges were unaware of the existence of ICCs, indicating a significant gap in education regarding rights and reporting procedures.

The effectiveness of ICCs varies across institutions, often limited by a lack of proper training and awareness. Legal reforms, such as the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act of 2013, and institutional mechanisms like the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, aim to address these issues, but enforcement remains inconsistent.

Steps for Improvement

• Strict Enforcement of ICC Guidelines: Ensure timely formation and training of ICCs with regular audits and penalties for non-compliance.
• Transparent Grievance Redressal Systems: Establish time-bound complaint resolution mechanisms, publicly accessible reporting channels, and third-party oversight to reduce bias.
• Protection and Support for Victims: Guarantee anonymity and non-retaliation, and ensure access to counselling and legal aid for complainants to build trust in the system.

Mains PYQ

[UPSC 2017] Is the National Commission for Women able to strategize and tackle the problems that women face at both public and private spheres? Give reasons in support of your answer.

This question highlights the worrying trend of sexual violence occurring in spaces often considered safe, such as school and college campuses or workplaces. It directly addresses the effectiveness of institutional mechanisms by asking about the ability of the National Commission for Women (NCW) to tackle the challenges women face in both public and private spheres.

GS3/Defence & Security

Key Facts about the Javelin Missile

Source: The Hindu

Why in News?

India has recently submitted a request to the United States for co-production of Javelin anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs) within its own territory, highlighting the importance of this advanced military technology.

Key Takeaways

• The Javelin is an American-made, man-portable anti-tank guided missile.
• It was developed and produced collaboratively by Raytheon and Lockheed Martin.
• Designed to effectively combat heavily armored vehicles, it can also target fortifications and helicopters.
• The missile first entered service with the U.S. military in 1996.

Additional Details

• Effective Range: The Javelin has a notable effective range of 2.5 kilometers, with newer variants capable of reaching up to 4 kilometers.
• Weight: It weighs approximately 5.11 kg, making it manageable for individual soldiers.
• Guidance System: The missile employs “fire-and-forget” technology, which allows it to autonomously guide itself to the target without requiring further commands after launch. This feature enables soldiers to reposition immediately or reload to engage additional threats.
• Attack Modes: The Javelin can engage targets in both direct and top-attack modes. The top-attack mode is specifically designed to exploit vulnerabilities in the thinner armor on the tops of tanks.

The introduction of the Javelin missile into India's defense strategy marks a significant step in enhancing the country’s military capabilities, especially in countering armored threats.

GS2/Polity

Supreme Court Allows Secretly Recorded Spousal Conversations as Court Evidence

Source: Indian Express

Why in News?

The Supreme Court of India has made a significant ruling that allows the use of secretly recorded conversations between spouses as admissible evidence in matrimonial disputes, including divorce cases.

Key Takeaways

• The Supreme Court’s ruling overturns a previous High Court decision regarding the admissibility of secret recordings.
• The decision emphasizes the balance between the right to privacy and the right to a fair trial in matrimonial disputes.
• Concerns about the implications for gender equality and digital access in legal proceedings have been raised.

Additional Details

• Spousal Privilege: This legal concept, codified under Section 122 of the Indian Evidence Act, protects private communications between spouses. It states that one spouse cannot be compelled to disclose conversations made by the other during marriage, unless there is consent or the case is between the married individuals themselves.
• Scope and Limitations: In divorce cases, spouses can present corroborative evidence for allegations such as cruelty or adultery. Recently, electronic evidence like texts and recordings have been included, although some High Courts had previously hesitated to admit secret recordings due to privacy concerns.
• The Supreme Court’s Ruling: The Court ruled that secret recordings are admissible if they are relevant and verifiable. This ruling aligns with a precedent set in a 1973 bribery case, indicating that such recordings act like a "digital eavesdropper."
• Privacy vs. Fair Trial: The ruling raises questions about privacy, which the Supreme Court recognized as a fundamental right in 2017. The judges acknowledged that when spouses resort to snooping, it reflects an eroded trust in the relationship.
• Gender Disparities: The Mobile Gender Gap Report indicates that women in India are significantly less likely to own smartphones than men, potentially disadvantaging them in cases where digital evidence is critical.
• Legal and Social Implications: This ruling redefines spousal privilege, emphasizing the protection of marital sanctity rather than privacy. The judgment highlights the need for legislative clarity on the boundaries of surveillance in domestic relationships.

The Supreme Court's ruling on the admissibility of secretly recorded conversations represents a pivotal change in Indian matrimonial law. It reflects the judiciary's adaptation to modern realities while underscoring the importance of addressing privacy issues, gender inequalities, and ethical considerations in the legal process.

GS3/Science and Technology

Coronal Mass Ejections

Source: Earth Sky

Why in News?

Astronomers have recently explained the fascinating phenomena behind Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs), which led to spectacular northern lights observed in Ladakh during May 2024.

Key Takeaways

• CMEs are significant ejections of magnetized plasma from the Sun's corona.
• They are formed through magnetic reconnection, similar to solar flares.
• CMEs can travel at speeds between 250 km/s and 3000 km/s.
• When directed towards Earth, they can cause geomagnetic storms affecting technology.

Additional Details

• Formation of CMEs: These eruptions occur due to the twisting and realignment of the Sun's magnetic field, which can create strong localized magnetic fields that puncture the solar surface in active regions.
• CMEs typically occur near sunspot groups and often coincide with solar flares, although they do not always happen together.
• Speed and Size: CMEs can reach Earth in as little as 15-18 hours if they are directed at our planet, expanding to sizes that can span nearly a quarter of the distance from the Earth to the Sun.
• These events are most frequent during the solar maximum phase of the Sun's 11-year activity cycle.

In summary, CMEs are powerful solar phenomena with the potential to disrupt technological systems on Earth, highlighting the importance of monitoring solar activity.

GS2/Polity

Fencing Out the Voter in Bihar’s Poll Roll Preparation

Source: The Hindu

Why in News?

The ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar poses a significant risk of disenfranchisement for millions of citizens. Announced by the Election Commission of India (ECI) in June 2025, this revision has raised serious concerns regarding the right to vote, which is fundamental to democratic participation.

Key Takeaways

• The SIR is criticized for being opaque and hastily implemented, potentially violating constitutional norms.
• Exclusion of commonly held identification documents from acceptable proof creates unnecessary barriers for voters.
• The Supreme Court has expressed concern about the revision process and its implications for voter rights.

Additional Details

• Electoral Roll Revision: This process is essential for ensuring that only eligible voters are included and ineligible names are removed. However, the current SIR raises doubts about its adherence to fairness and legality.
• Arbitrary Classifications: The ECI's notification lists 11 acceptable forms of identification while excluding common documents like Aadhaar and ration cards, which lacks logical justification.
• Judicial Oversight: The Supreme Court's intervention is crucial, as the ambiguity surrounding document acceptance risks disenfranchisement and requires urgent legal clarity.

The SIR in Bihar illustrates how electoral processes can significantly impact democratic engagement. The ECI's approach, marred by arbitrary classifications and burdensome documentation requirements, threatens to disenfranchise citizens. It is imperative for the Supreme Court to uphold the right to vote as a fundamental democratic guarantee, ensuring equality and fairness in the electoral process.

GS1/Indian Society

Silent Salt Consumption Epidemic

Source: The Hindu

Why in News?

The National Institute of Epidemiology (ICMR-NIE) has initiated a community-driven campaign to raise awareness and promote the adoption of low-sodium salt substitutes due to the rising concern over excessive salt consumption in India.

Key Takeaways

• The epidemic of silent salt consumption is linked to chronic diseases, particularly hypertension and heart ailments.
• There is a significant urban-rural disparity in salt consumption levels across India.
• WHO recommends a maximum daily salt intake of 5 grams per person, while many exceed this limit.

Additional Details

• About the Silent Salt Consumption Epidemic: This epidemic refers to the widespread, unmonitored intake of excess salt, which leads to health issues that develop gradually and often unnoticed.
• Cultural and Behavioral Factors: Traditional dietary practices and a general lack of public awareness contribute to the ongoing issue of high salt consumption.
• Salt Consumption in India: Urban Indians have an average salt intake of about 9.2 grams per day, while rural populations consume around 5.6 grams, both of which are above safe limits.
• Gender-Based Consumption Data: A national survey conducted in 2023 revealed daily salt consumption of 8.9 grams for men and 7.1 grams for women.
• Health Impact: High salt intake is associated with several health problems, including kidney stones, osteoporosis, high blood pressure, cardiovascular diseases, and strokes.
• Mortality Burden: Excess salt intake is estimated to cause approximately 5 million deaths worldwide each year.

In conclusion, addressing the silent salt consumption epidemic requires concerted efforts in public education and the promotion of healthier dietary practices, particularly the adoption of low-sodium salt substitutes.