UPSC Daily Current Affairs: 24th July 2025 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly PDF Download

GS1/History & Culture

Chola Gangam Lake Development

Why in News?

The Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu has announced the development of the ‘Chola Gangam’ lake in honor of the birth anniversary of the legendary Tamil king, Rajendra Chola I.

Key Takeaways

• Chola Gangam Lake is located near Gangaikonda Cholapuram in the Ariyalur District of Tamil Nadu, India.
• The lake, also known locally as Ponneri lake, was constructed during the reign of Rajendra Chola I.

Additional Details

• Historical Significance: The lake was excavated by King Rajendra Chola I as part of his northern campaign, as referenced in the Tiruvalangadu Copper Plates.
• Water Supply System: A carefully planned canal was built to connect the lake to the Kollidam River, ensuring a reliable water source for the lake.
• The lake relies on surface water collected during the rainy season and historically irrigated 1,564 acres of land, primarily serving as a drinking water source for Gangaikonda Cholapuram.

Rajendra Chola I, often referred to as Rajendra the Great, ruled from 1014 to 1044 CE, succeeding his father Rajaraja I. He is known for his military conquests, earning titles such as Gangaikonda Cholan, which means "Bringer of the Ganges River," and Kadaram Kondan, meaning "Conqueror of Kedah." To honor his victories and establish his legacy, he founded the city of Gangaikondacholapuram and dedicated a temple to Lord Shiva, named Gangaikondacholeshwaram Mahadev.

GS2/Governance

Takeaways From the Swachh Survekshan

Why in News?

The ninth edition of Swachh Survekshan, recognized as the world’s largest cleanliness survey, highlights significant advancements in India’s urban sanitation. Conducted under the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM)-Urban, the survey has expanded from a competition among fewer than 100 cities in 2016 to an extensive assessment of over 4,500 urban centers in 2024-25. While rankings attract attention, the true value lies in the insights provided regarding urban waste management, governance, and evolving behavioral patterns among citizens and policymakers.

Key Takeaways

• The Swachh Survekshan serves as a critical assessment tool for city managers and policymakers.
• It evaluates cities based on ten parameters related to waste management and sanitation.
• Public participation and competition have been enhanced through the introduction of the Super Swachh League.
• Best practices from cities like Indore and Surat highlight the potential for innovation in waste management.
• Challenges remain in changing public behavior towards waste minimization and recycling.

Additional Details

• Super Swachh League: This new framework categorizes cities into five population brackets, allowing cities like Ahmedabad and Bhopal to improve their rankings. For instance, Bhubaneswar's rise from 34th to 9th place showcases the effectiveness of this approach.
• Best Practices: Notable innovations include Indore's six-way waste segregation model and Surat's monetization of treated sewage, demonstrating how creativity and community engagement can transform waste into resources.
• Economic Implications: The thematic focus on Reduce, Reuse, Recycle (RRR) emphasizes the economic benefits of waste management, essential for enhancing tourism and public health.
• Challenges: The survey reveals ongoing challenges, such as the need for behavioral change in waste management practices and the management of 1.5 lakh tonnes of solid waste generated daily.

In conclusion, Swachh Survekshan 2024-25 illustrates India’s journey towards urban cleanliness, signifying that with effective competition, data utilization, and public engagement, substantial improvements in waste management are achievable. Cities like Surat exemplify that transformation is not only possible but also replicable across various urban settings.

GS3/Defence & Security

Javelin Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGMs)

Why in News?

India has formally submitted a Letter of Request (LoR) to the United States seeking the co-production of Javelin anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs) under the ‘Make in India’ initiative.

Key Takeaways

• The Javelin is an American-made, man-portable anti-tank guided missile (ATGM).
• It was jointly developed by Raytheon and Lockheed Martin.
• The missile is designed to defeat heavily armoured vehicles, including main battle tanks.
• It is effective against bunkers, fortifications, and even helicopters.
• The Javelin has been in operational use with the U.S. military since 1996.

Additional Details

• Range: The standard effective range is approximately 2.5 km, while advanced variants can reach up to 4 km.
• Weight: The missile weighs around 5.11 kg, making it portable for soldiers.
• Technology: It employs a “fire-and-forget” system, meaning no operator guidance is required after launch.
• Target Engagement Modes: - Direct attack mode: For conventional engagement. - Top-attack mode: Targets the weaker top armour of tanks.
• The Javelin allows soldiers to relocate or reload immediately after launch, using infrared guidance for quick post-launch cover.

The Javelin ATGM represents a significant advancement in anti-tank warfare, combining advanced technology with effective engagement capabilities, and its potential co-production under the 'Make in India' initiative could enhance India's defense capabilities.

GS3/Science and Technology

What is Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD)?

Why in News?

The Pune district is currently facing the challenge of Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD), with more than 900 cattle reported as infected and new cases emerging daily. This situation poses a significant risk to the local milk supply.

Key Takeaways

• Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD): A highly infectious viral disease affecting cattle and water buffalo.
• Causative Agent: Caused by the lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV), a member of the Capripoxvirus genus.
• Transmission: Spread by blood-feeding insects and contaminated feeding and watering sources.
• Symptoms: High fever, enlarged lymph nodes, and multiple skin nodules.
• Treatment: No specific treatment; prevention through vaccination is crucial.

Additional Details

• Causative Agent: LSDV is not zoonotic, meaning it cannot be transmitted to humans. It is part of the Poxviridae family, which includes smallpox and monkeypox viruses.
• Endemic Regions: LSD is endemic in Africa and the Middle East, with increasing cases reported in Europe and Southeast Asia. It is especially prevalent during the wet summer and fall months, particularly in low-lying areas near water bodies.
• Economic Impact: The disease can lead to a temporary reduction in milk production, temporary or permanent sterility in bulls, damage to hides, and in severe cases, death.
• Transmission Details: Infected animals can shed the virus through oral and nasal secretions, contaminating common feeding and watering troughs, facilitating further spread.
• Supportive Care: Infected animals may receive supportive care, including antibiotics, painkillers, and wound care sprays to manage symptoms.

In summary, Lumpy Skin Disease poses a serious threat to cattle health and local economies, highlighting the importance of awareness and proactive vaccination strategies to mitigate its impact.

GS3/Economy

Financial Inclusion Index: FY 2025 Update

Why in News?

The Reserve Bank of India has announced that the Financial Inclusion Index (FI Index) for the Financial Year 2025 has improved to 67 percent, up from 64.2 percent in the previous fiscal year, FY 2024. This increase indicates a positive trend in financial inclusion across various sectors in India.

Key Takeaways

• The FI Index has risen from 64.2% in FY 2024 to 67% in FY 2025.
• The index is a comprehensive measure that includes data from banking, investments, insurance, postal services, and pensions.

Additional Details

• Financial Inclusion Index (FI Index): This index was conceptualized to provide a comprehensive overview of financial inclusion in India. It ranges from 0 to 100, where 0 indicates complete financial exclusion and 100 represents full financial inclusion.
• The FI Index comprises three broad parameters:
  • Access (35%): Evaluates the availability of financial services.
  • Usage (45%): Measures how effectively financial services are utilized.
  • Quality (20%): Assesses the quality of financial services, including aspects like financial literacy and consumer protection.
• The index is calculated based on 97 indicators, reflecting the cumulative efforts of various stakeholders aimed at enhancing financial inclusion.
• The FI Index is published annually in July, showcasing the progress in financial inclusion over the years.

In conclusion, the improvement in the Financial Inclusion Index indicates significant progress in making financial services accessible and usable for a larger segment of the population, which is crucial for economic growth and development in India.

GS1/History & Culture

Paika Rebellion Row: NCERT Omission Sparks Political Uproar in Odisha

Why in News?

Former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has vocally protested against the omission of the 1817 Paika Rebellion from the NCERT's new Class VIII history textbook, calling it a "huge dishonour" to the courageous Paikas. The NCERT has responded by stating that the rebellion will be included in a forthcoming second volume of the textbook, set to be released later this year.

Key Takeaways

• The Paika Rebellion is a significant event in Odisha's history, representing a resistance against British colonial rule.
• Political reactions in Odisha highlight the importance of this historical event in regional identity and pride.

Additional Details

• The Paikas: These were traditional foot soldiers in Odisha, recruited since the 16th century by the Gajapati kings. They were granted hereditary rent-free lands known as nish-kar jagirs, which they cultivated during peacetime.
• Decline Under British Rule: The erosion of their privileges and the imposition of new land revenue policies by the British East India Company created widespread discontent among the Paikas, culminating in the rebellion.
• British Betrayal: In 1803, Colonel Harcourt's forces captured key territories in Odisha after a deal with Mukunda Deva II of Khurda, which the British failed to honor, leading to increased tensions.
• The uprising began in March 1817, with around 400 Kondhs joining the Paikas under the leadership of Bakshi Jagabandhu Bidyadhar. They launched attacks on British establishments, but the rebellion was eventually suppressed.
• The legacy of the Paika Rebellion has evolved into a symbol of Odia nationalism, with recent calls for its recognition as India's "first war of independence."

The Paika Rebellion remains a vital part of Odisha's historical narrative and continues to evoke strong sentiments, as evidenced by the recent political uproar regarding its representation in educational materials.

GS2/International Relations

China Commences Construction of Mega Dam over Brahmaputra

Why in News?

China has initiated the construction of a significant hydropower project on the Yarlung Tsangpo river, known as the Brahmaputra in India, located in southeastern Tibet.

Key Takeaways

• Location: Nyingchi, southeastern Tibet, along the Yarlung Tsangpo River.
• Project Size: Estimated investment of 1.2 trillion yuan (approximately USD 167 billion).
• Components: Includes five cascade hydropower stations.
• Power Generation: Expected to generate 300 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity annually.
• Objective: Aims to support China's carbon neutrality target by 2060 and meet local power demands in Tibet.

Concerns

• Environmental Risks: The project poses potential threats in a seismically active and ecologically sensitive area.
• Geopolitical Tensions: Raises issues with downstream countries, particularly India and Bangladesh.
• Impact on Water Resources: Concerns regarding alterations in river flow and water availability downstream.
• Strategic Significance: The dam's proximity to the India-China border heightens anxieties amid ongoing border disputes.

What if China Stops Brahmaputra Water?

Understanding the implications of China's control over the Brahmaputra River is crucial. For context, consider:

• Three Gorges Dam: Located on the Yangtze River in Hubei province, China.
• Completion: Fully operational since 2012.
• Type: A hydroelectric gravity dam, recognized as the world's largest power station by installed capacity.
• Power Generation Capacity: Approximately 22.5 gigawatts (GW).
• Notable Impact: Contributed to flood control, navigation, and electricity supply but has faced criticism for ecological damage, displacing over 1 million people, and increasing seismic risk.

The Brahmaputra, Irrawaddy, and Mekong rivers originate in Tibet and traverse narrow mountain ranges in their upper courses. Notably, the Brahmaputra makes a unique “U” turn to flow into India due to:

• (a) Uplift of folded Himalayan series
• (b) Syntaxial bending of geologically young Himalayas
• (c) Geo-tectonic disturbance in the tertiary folded mountain chains
• (d) Both (A) and (B) above

This ongoing project highlights not only the infrastructural ambitions of China but also the broader geopolitical dynamics in South Asia.

GS3/Environment

Lantana camara: An Invasive Threat to Biodiversity

Why in News?

The invasive species Lantana camara, initially introduced as an ornamental plant, now infests approximately 325,282 hectares of forests in Himachal Pradesh, threatening the state's native biodiversity.

Key Takeaways

• Lantana camara is an invasive alien species native to Central and South America.
• This pantropical weed aggressively proliferates, forming dense thickets.
• It was first introduced to India in the early 18th century and has since spread throughout tropical regions of the country.
• Its spread is moving from lower elevations to higher altitudes.

Additional Details

• Ecological Impact: Lantana camara produces allelochemicals that inhibit the growth of other plant species beneath its canopy, leading to a decline in biodiversity by replacing native flora.
• Management strategies include utilizing its biomass for socioeconomic benefits, such as making furniture and fuelwood.
• Its biomass can also be transformed into organic compost and vermicompost, providing an alternative to chemical fertilizers in organic farming.

In conclusion, the invasion of Lantana camara poses significant ecological challenges, but with effective management and utilization strategies, its impact can be mitigated while also benefiting local economies.

GS2/International Relations

US Withdraws from UNESCO

Why in News?

The United States has officially withdrawn from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for the third time, citing perceived bias against Israel as the primary reason for its departure.

Key Takeaways

• The withdrawal marks the third instance of the US exiting UNESCO.
• UNESCO was established in 1945 and has 194 member states.
• India has been a member of UNESCO since 1946.

Additional Details

• About UNESCO: UNESCO promotes peace, poverty eradication, sustainable development, and cultural diversity through global cooperation.
• Key Functions:
  • Ensures inclusive and quality learning for all.
  • Fosters international scientific collaboration.
  • Promotes ethics, social justice, and human rights.
  • Preserves cultural heritage and promotes creative diversity.
  • Defends freedom of expression and ensures universal access to knowledge.
• Key Initiatives and Contributions:
  • World Heritage Program: Protects sites of cultural and natural value.
  • Major Conventions: Includes the Convention on Cultural and Natural Heritage, among others.
  • Flagship Reports: Such as the Global Education Monitoring Report and the United Nations World Water Development Report.
• UNESCO and Sustainable Development Goals: UNESCO actively supports various Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with an emphasis on education, gender equality, environmental sustainability, and peace.

In conclusion, the US's repeated withdrawal from UNESCO highlights ongoing tensions in international relations, particularly regarding issues related to Israel and Palestine, while UNESCO continues to play a critical role in global educational and cultural initiatives.

GS3/Environment

Karenia mikimotoi: Toxic Algae Outbreak in South Australia

Why in News?

A significant outbreak of toxic algae, specifically due to Karenia mikimotoi, has occurred off the coast of South Australia. This phenomenon has led to devastating effects on numerous marine species and has disrupted local tourism and fishing industries.

Key Takeaways

• Karenia mikimotoi is a prevalent red-tide dinoflagellate found mainly in the eastern North Atlantic and around Japan.
• This organism releases harmful hemolytic and ichthyotoxins, adversely affecting fisheries and marine ecosystems.
• No confirmed reports suggest direct impacts on human health from K. mikimotoi, though it causes significant marine fauna mortality.
• Large die-offs of K. mikimotoi can lead to anoxic conditions, depleting oxygen levels in surrounding waters.
• This species is less toxic overall but has been reported in many regions worldwide, including Ireland, Norway, India, Japan, Korea, Australia, South Africa, Alaska, Texas, and the east coast of the U.S.

Additional Details

• Characteristics: Karenia mikimotoi is a photosynthetic organism featuring oval to round yellow-brown chloroplasts, each containing a pyrenoid. It possesses a large ellipsoidal nucleus situated in the left hypothecal lobe.
• This algae can adapt to a range of environmental conditions, including variations in light, temperature, salinity, and nutrient levels.

This outbreak highlights the ecological challenges posed by Karenia mikimotoi and underlines the importance of monitoring and managing harmful algal blooms to protect marine environments and local economies.

GS3/Defence & Security

The Reality of the Changing Dimensions of Warfare

Why in News?

India is urged to urgently revamp its defence modernization plans due to emerging challenges from both China and Pakistan. This need for reform has been underscored by the India-Pakistan conflict of May 2025, which exposed significant gaps in India's military preparedness.

Key Takeaways

• The nature of warfare has shifted from large-scale confrontations to localized conflicts.
• Emerging technologies are transforming military operations, emphasizing cyber warfare and AI.
• India faces strategic challenges from its neighbors, necessitating a reassessment of its defence strategy.

Additional Details

• Shift from Large-Scale Wars to Regional Conflicts: The end of the Cold War led to conflicts that are more localized, such as the Gulf War in 1991, which introduced precision-based military operations.
• Rise of Technology-Driven Warfare: Modern conflicts increasingly depend on AI, drones, and cyber tools, moving away from traditional manpower-heavy tactics. For instance, the Russia-Ukraine war prominently featured cyberattacks and satellite-guided missiles.
• Multi-Domain and Asymmetric Warfare: Modern warfare integrates land, air, sea, cyber, and space domains, utilizing both conventional and irregular tactics, as seen in the Israel-Hamas skirmishes.
• Challenges for India: India's military infrastructure is lagging, particularly along its borders with China, where superior logistics allow for faster mobilization by China. The standoff at the LAC in Eastern Ladakh highlighted India's slower troop movement due to underdeveloped infrastructure.
• Defence Budget and Modernization Lag: India's defence spending is significantly lower than China's, limiting its ability to modernize and procure advanced military technologies. China's defence budget in 2024 was over three times larger than India's.
• Two-Front Security Challenge: India risks facing simultaneous conflicts with both China and Pakistan, complicating military resource allocation.

To address these challenges, India must focus on enhancing its cyber and space capabilities, promote indigenous defence innovation, and modernize its armed forces with smart technologies. The establishment of the Defence Cyber Agency and Defence Space Agency marks a step towards confronting emerging threats effectively.