UPSC Daily Current Affairs: 28th July 2025 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly PDF Download

GS3/Science and Technology

Deep-Brain Stimulation

Source: Nature

Why in News?

Deep-Brain Stimulation (DBS) has gained attention as an innovative medical technique that has been employed by over 160,000 individuals globally to address specific neurological and psychiatric disorders.

Key Takeaways

• DBS involves the implantation of electrodes in targeted brain areas.
• The technique is primarily used for treating movement disorders.
• DBS can also be used for certain psychiatric conditions.

Additional Details

• What is Deep-Brain Stimulation? DBS is a medical procedure where electrodes are surgically implanted into specific regions of the brain to help treat various disorders. These electrodes are linked to a device, similar to a pacemaker, which is placed under the skin and delivers controlled electrical impulses to the brain.
• How does it work? The device sends mild electrical impulses to targeted brain regions, helping to correct abnormal brain activity or chemical imbalances. This is particularly effective for conditions where faulty electrical signals cause symptoms.
• Applications: DBS is most widely recognized for its effectiveness in movement disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, essential tremor, and dystonia, particularly for patients whose symptoms are unresponsive to medication. It has also been approved for treating obsessive-compulsive disorder and is being researched for conditions like severe depression and epilepsy.
• Advantages of DBS: One significant benefit of DBS is its reversible nature; if the device is turned off, the stimulation ceases, unlike traditional surgeries that destroy brain tissue. It is believed to help normalize disrupted brain circuits at both the cellular and network levels.

Overall, Deep-Brain Stimulation holds promise for enhancing the quality of life for individuals with challenging neurological and psychiatric disorders by providing a method to manage and alleviate symptoms effectively.

GS2/Governance

Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) under POSH Act

Source: The Hindu

Why in News?

A tragic incident in Odisha, where a student died by suicide following the rejection of her sexual harassment complaint by her college's Internal Complaints Committee (ICC), has highlighted an urgent need for more effective grievance mechanisms.

Key Takeaways

• The ICC is established under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 (POSH Act).
• It is mandatory for all organizations with 10 or more employees to have an ICC in place.
• The ICC aims to provide a safe and dignified workplace for women by addressing harassment complaints.

Additional Details

• Legal Basis: The ICC was mandated by the POSH Act, which provides a framework for addressing sexual harassment at the workplace.
• Composition: The ICC must include a presiding officer who is a senior woman employee, at least two internal members with legal or social expertise, and one external member with knowledge of sexual harassment issues. A minimum of 50% of the members must be women.
• Powers and Functions: The ICC can accept complaints within 3 months of the incident, offer conciliation, and initiate formal inquiries. It has powers similar to a civil court, including summoning witnesses and collecting evidence. The inquiry must be completed within 90 days while maintaining confidentiality.
• Post-Inquiry Actions: After the inquiry, the ICC recommends disciplinary actions or closure of the case, and the employer must act on these recommendations within 60 days. The ICC can also assist in filing FIRs if the complainant seeks criminal action.

This news underlines the critical need for effective implementation of the ICC provisions to ensure a safe environment for women in educational institutions and workplaces. The POSH Act serves as a vital legal framework to uphold gender justice and provide necessary redressal mechanisms.

GS1/History & Culture

Ancient India's Chola Dynasty and Its Legacy

Source: The Hindu

Why in News?

Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Gangaikonda Cholapuram in Tamil Nadu during the valedictory ceremony of the Aadi Thiruvathirai festival to commemorate the birth anniversary of Emperor Rajendra Chola I. He highlighted the historical achievements of the Chola dynasty and linked their legacy to India’s vision of becoming a developed and united nation. Furthermore, he emphasized the democratic traditions of the Chola Empire, particularly the Kudavolai system, comparing it to Western ideals such as the Magna Carta (1215 CE) and Enlightenment-era political thought.

Key Takeaways

• The Chola Dynasty was a prominent Tamil empire that thrived in South India from the 9th to the 13th centuries CE.
• Prime Minister Modi honored the contributions of Chola emperors Rajaraja Chola I and Rajendra Chola I.
• The Kudavolai system exemplified early forms of grassroots democracy.

Additional Details

• The Chola Dynasty: This empire was known for its military strength, maritime dominance, and significant cultural contributions including advancements in art, architecture, and literature. At its height, the empire extended from the Maldives to the Ganges River in Bangladesh, under the leadership of Rajaraja I and Rajendra I.
• PM’s Tribute to Chola Emperors: Modi commemorated Rajaraja and Rajendra Chola I for their military and administrative innovations and announced a commemorative coin and statues to honor their legacy.
• Chola Achievements as a Model for Modern India: The Chola era's advancements in trade, defense, and local governance are seen as templates for India's future development, emphasizing a commitment to national security and democratic foundations.
• The Kudavolai System: This electoral system involved a ballot pot mechanism where names were drawn publicly to ensure transparency. It featured stringent eligibility criteria to maintain integrity in governance.
• Rediscovering Ancient Indian Democracy: The Chola Empire is credited with practicing structured electoral governance long before modern democracies, with evidence from the Uttaramerur inscriptions illustrating local self-governance.
• Cultural Unity and Preservation: Initiatives like the Kashi Tamil Sangamam highlight efforts in cultural integration, while the return of heritage artifacts signifies a revival of cultural pride.

In conclusion, PM Modi's speech, invoking the achievements of the Chola emperors, reaffirmed the significance of historical strength in building a self-reliant, united, and culturally rich India. The Chola Dynasty's sophisticated local governance systems and democratic principles provide a compelling counter-narrative to Western-centric views of political evolution.

GS3/Defence & Security

Key Facts about Barents Sea

Source: EurAsian Times

Why in News?

Russia has recently deployed its Bastion coastal defense missile launchers along the rugged coastline of the Barents Sea. This action marks a significant start to a navy-wide exercise named "July Storm."

Key Takeaways

• The Barents Sea is a marginal sea of the Arctic Ocean, situated along the northern coasts of Norway and Russia.
• Covers an area of approximately 1.4 million square kilometers.
• Named after Willem Barents, a 16th-century Dutch navigator who explored the sea in search of a northeast passage to Asia.
• Historically referred to as the Murmean Sea by Vikings and medieval Russians.

Additional Details

• Boundaries:The Barents Sea is bordered by several significant landmasses:
  • The Svalbard archipelago in the northwest
  • The Franz Josef Land islands in the northeast
  • The Novaya Zemlya archipelago in the east
  • The Norwegian Sea and the Greenland Sea in the west
  • The Kola Peninsula in the south
• Major Parts:The Barents Sea includes the White Sea and the Pechora Sea.
  • The White Sea acts as a southern arm of the Barents Sea, separating the Kola Peninsula from the Russian mainland.
  • The Pechora Sea is located in the southeastern area of the Barents Sea.
• Dimensions: The sea spans a maximum width of 1,050 kilometers and is approximately 1,300 kilometers in length.
• Geography: It features a relatively shallow continental shelf along the Eurasian landmass, with an estimated average depth of 230 meters.
• Climate: The Barents Sea has a subarctic climate with waters exhibiting high salinity of 34 parts per 1,000.
• Biological Diversity:The region is home to rich biological diversity, including:
  • Numerous seabird colonies such as puffins and guillemots
  • Vibrant seafloor communities, including kelp forests and deepwater coral reefs
  • A unique variety of marine mammals, including walruses, bowhead whales, and polar bears

The Barents Sea is not only significant for its geopolitical relevance but also for its ecological importance, hosting a diverse range of marine life and ecosystems.

GS3/Science and Technology

India’s First Hydrogen Train Coach: A Step Towards Green Railways

Source: The Hindu

Why in News?

Indian Railways has achieved a significant milestone by successfully testing its first hydrogen-powered coach at the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai. This initiative represents a crucial advance towards the launch of India’s inaugural hydrogen-powered train, supporting the nation's objectives of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing the use of renewable energy sources.

Key Takeaways

• The hydrogen train project is currently in the final testing stage before commercial rollout.
• Hydrogen, as a clean fuel, aims to reduce India’s dependence on fossil fuels.
• Only a few countries have embarked on similar hydrogen projects, most of which remain experimental.

Additional Details

• Hydrogen Train Project: Launched by Northern Railway in 2020-21, the project involves retrofitting two 1600 HorsePower (HP) diesel power cars into hydrogen fuel cell-powered units.
• The project includes establishing a hydrogen storage and fuelling facility at Jind, Haryana, with a capacity of 3,000 kg of hydrogen.
• The Research Design & Standards Organisation (RDSO) is overseeing the design, testing, and validation processes.
• The retrofitted train will have 10 coaches and can accommodate over 2,600 passengers, operating between Jind and Sonepat in Haryana with two daily round trips covering 356 km.
• Safety Measures: Given hydrogen's flammability, safety protocols include pressure relief valves, leak detection sensors, temperature monitors, and optimized ventilation systems. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) studies simulate worst-case leak scenarios.
• To ensure adherence to global safety standards, the German firm TUV-SUD has been appointed as an independent safety auditor, with engineering led by Medha Servo Drives at ICF Chennai.
• The hydrogen fuelling facility at Jind will have two storage sections: 2,320 kg at low pressure and 680 kg at high pressure, complying with the Petroleum Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) standards.
• Supporting infrastructure, such as power supply lines and firefighting tanks, is being developed to optimize facility operations.
• The initiative is part of the “Hydrogen for Heritage” project, which plans to deploy 35 hydrogen-powered trains on heritage and hill routes, each costing around ₹80 crore, with an additional ₹70 crore allocated for infrastructure per route.
• Although the operational costs of hydrogen-powered trains are high, they are expected to decrease with advancements in scale and efficiency.
• Hydrogen's appeal lies in its zero carbon emissions, aligning with India's green energy aspirations.
• India's hydrogen initiatives extend beyond railways; in 2024, a hydrogen-fueled bus was presented to Bhutan’s Prime Minister, highlighting India's broader commitment to sustainable mobility.

This innovative step towards hydrogen-powered transportation reflects India's commitment to sustainable development and reducing carbon footprints in various sectors.

GS2/International Relations

Understanding Russia’s Taliban Gauntlet

Source: The Hindu

Why in News?

On July 3, 2025, Russia officially recognized the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA), becoming one of the first major powers to do so since the Taliban's return to power in 2021. This significant shift in Russia's Afghanistan policy follows the accreditation of the Taliban's ambassador to Moscow and marks a departure from its previous designation of the Taliban as a terrorist organization.

Key Takeaways

• Russia acknowledges the Taliban as the de facto rulers of Afghanistan.
• Recognition aimed at counterterrorism cooperation against threats like the Islamic State-Khorasan (IS-K).
• Strategic influence in Central and South Asia is sought through this recognition.
• Legal and diplomatic frameworks have softened prior to this formal recognition.

Additional Details

• Acknowledging Ground Reality: Russia views the Taliban as the legitimate authority in Afghanistan, having maintained control over Kabul and provinces since 2021, thus being the sole entity managing internal order.
• Counterterrorism Cooperation: Russia considers the Taliban a potential ally in combatting IS-K, particularly after incidents like the Moscow concert hall attack in March 2024, which heightened security coordination with the Taliban.
• Maintaining Strategic Influence: By recognizing the Taliban, Russia aims to counteract Western influence and the rise of China, enhancing its role in regional dialogues regarding Afghanistan.
• Legal and Diplomatic Softening: The suspension of the 2003 ban on Taliban activities by Russia’s Supreme Court in April 2025 paved the way for this recognition.

Russia's recognition of the Taliban alters the regional power dynamics, potentially encouraging other nations such as Iran and China to formalize ties with the Taliban, thereby reshaping the diplomatic landscape.

Implications for Regional Players

• India – Strategic Marginalisation: Russia's recognition may diminish India's diplomatic influence in Afghanistan, where it has historically supported a democratic setup, making its previous investments less strategically valuable.
• China – Regional Leverage: With Russia's backing, China is likely to strengthen its diplomatic and economic relations with the Taliban, ensuring its interests in security and resource extraction are met.

Way Forward for India

• Pragmatic Diplomatic Channels: India should engage through back-channel discussions to protect its strategic interests, focusing on counter-terrorism and regional connectivity.
• Conditional Development Cooperation: India can offer developmental aid in sectors like health and education, contingent upon the Taliban's commitments to human rights and countering terrorism.

Understanding Russia's recognition of the Taliban is crucial for analyzing shifts in regional geopolitics, particularly its implications for Central Asian relations and the strategic maneuvers of powers like India and China.

GS2/International Relations

China’s Mega Dam on Brahmaputra & Concerns in India

Source: Indian Express

China has officially begun construction on a colossal hydropower dam on the Brahmaputra River, with an estimated cost of $167.8 billion, located near the Indian border in Arunachal Pradesh. The groundbreaking ceremony, attended by Premier Li Qiang, marks the initiation of what will become the world’s largest dam upon completion. This project has sparked significant concerns in India and Bangladesh regarding its potential effects on the river's natural flow and the availability of water downstream.

Key Takeaways

• China's dam is projected to generate 60,000 MW of power, raising alarms in India.
• Arunachal Pradesh's Chief Minister labeled the project an "existential threat" to local communities.
• India's Ministry of External Affairs has expressed concerns regarding transparency and consultations.

Additional Details

• Arunachal Pradesh's Concerns: The Chief Minister has described the dam as a potential "water bomb" that could lead to devastating floods and threaten local livelihoods. He warns that sudden water releases could inundate the Siang region and drastically reduce river flow over time.
• Environmental Risks: Experts highlight the risks of flooding associated with dam operations, especially given the seismically active region where the dam is located.
• Assam's Perspective: The Chief Minister of Assam has downplayed immediate threats, noting that the Brahmaputra only becomes a major river after entering Assam, where it is fed by tributaries and monsoon rains. He estimates that China's contribution to the river's flow is limited, about 30-35% from glacial melt and Tibetan rainfall.
• India's Diplomatic Stance: Although India has not issued a formal response to the dam's groundbreaking, it continues to monitor developments closely. The MEA has reiterated the need for transparency from China regarding its actions affecting downstream nations.
• China's Position: China asserts that the dam project falls within its sovereign rights and has committed to cooperating with downstream nations on hydrological data and disaster management.

In conclusion, the construction of the dam on the Brahmaputra has raised significant geopolitical and environmental concerns for India and Bangladesh. Continuous diplomatic efforts and scientific assessments are recommended to address potential impacts, while India pursues strategies to manage water flow and mitigate risks associated with the dam.

GS2/Polity

Not the Way Criminalising Adolescent Sex Will Undermine the Aim of the POCSO Act

Source: The Hindu

Why in News?

The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012 is currently under examination by the Supreme Court to determine whether consensual sexual activities between adolescents aged 16-18 should be decriminalised.

Key Takeaways

• Criminalising consensual relationships among adolescents leads to misuse of the law.
• Adolescents are denied their sexual autonomy and agency over consensual decisions.
• Legal exceptions for consensual relationships exist based on evolving capacities recognized by international norms.

Additional Details

• Unjust Persecution of Consensual Relationships: Criminalisation results in unnecessary legal actions against young individuals in voluntary relationships. Courts have noted that rather than being protected, teenagers are treated as offenders, contradicting the protective intent of the POCSO Act.
• Denial of Sexual Autonomy: Adolescents are seen as lacking agency in their consensual decisions, which are equated to sexual offences. According to Section 2(d) of POCSO, individuals under 18 are classified as children, rendering their consent legally meaningless.
• Evolving Capacity of Adolescents: The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) acknowledges that adolescents possess evolving capacities and may have the maturity to make informed decisions regarding consensual relationships. The Madras High Court has suggested that consensual relationships among adolescents should not be criminalised, especially when the age difference is minimal (within 5 years).
• Legal Recommendations: The Law Commission of India has advocated for "guided judicial discretion" in such cases, allowing judges to consider the consensual nature of relationships when determining penalties, thus avoiding harsh sentences for adolescent partners.

The debate surrounding the POCSO Act and the age of consent highlights the need for legal frameworks to adapt to the realities of a progressive society. It is essential to ensure that normal adolescent behavior is not criminalised while still protecting individuals from exploitation.

GS3/Environment

New Wasp Species Discovered in West Bengal

Source: The Hindu

Why in News?

Recently, scientists from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) have reported the discovery of four new species of spider-egg parasitic wasps in West Bengal, highlighting the biodiversity of the region and the ecological roles these wasps play.

Key Takeaways

• Four new species of parasitoid wasps have been identified: Idris bianor, Idris furvus, Idris hyllus, and Idris longiscapus.
• The wasps are primarily found in agroecosystems and semi-natural habitats across West Bengal.

Additional Details

• Genus Idris: These wasps belong to the genus Idris (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae) and are known for their unique reproductive behavior.
• The wasps lay their eggs inside spider egg sacs, particularly targeting jumping spiders (Salticidae).
• Notably, the phenomenon of gregarious parasitism occurs, where multiple wasps develop within a single egg sac.
• Ecological Significance: Parasitoid wasps like Idris are crucial in controlling spider populations and maintaining the balance within arthropod communities.

This discovery emphasizes the importance of parasitoids in ecosystems and contributes to our understanding of biodiversity in India.

GS3/Science and Technology

Novel Microscope Observes Molecular Motion

Source: The Hindu

Why in News?

Scientists at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) have developed a groundbreaking microscope that allows for real-time observation of molecular movements at an incredibly small scale, over a century after Albert Einstein's explanation of Brownian motion.

Key Takeaways

• This microscope showcases molecular motion in real time.
• It operates at an angstrom-level resolution, enabling detailed observation.
• The technology captures hundreds of billions of frames per second.

Additional Details

• Brownian Motion: This refers to the random movement of tiny particles in a fluid caused by constant collisions with surrounding molecules, which supports the existence of atoms and molecules as explained by Einstein in 1905.
• Particle Behavior: Smaller particles exhibit faster and more erratic movements, while larger particles move more slowly.
• Caltech Microscope Features:
  • Resolution: Angstrom-level (1 Å = 0.0000000001 m).
  • Speed: Capable of capturing hundreds of billions of frames per second.
  • Advantage: Provides wide-field, single-shot imaging without damaging the sample.
• How It Works:
  • Fluorescent molecules in water are illuminated by ultrafast lasers.
  • Scattered light is directed through a Digital Micromirror Device.
  • Light is converted to electron patterns to reveal molecular size—faster changes indicate smaller molecules, while slower changes indicate larger ones.

This innovative microscope represents a significant advancement in the field of molecular biology and materials science, allowing researchers to observe and analyze molecular dynamics in unprecedented detail.

[UPSC 2000]

Which one of the following can be used to confirm whether drinking water contains a gamma emitting isotope or not?

• (a) Microscope
• (b) Lead plate
• (c) Scintillation counter*
• (d) Spectrophotometer

GS3/Economy

World Food India 2025

Source: The Hindu

Why in News?

The Ministry of Food Processing Industries is set to host the 4th edition of World Food India 2025 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, from September 25th this year. This event continues to build on the success of its previous editions, which were held in 2017, 2023, and 2024.

Key Takeaways

• World Food India serves as a major gateway to the Indian food economy.
• It provides a platform for stakeholders including investors, manufacturers, and policymakers globally.
• The theme for WFI 2025 is “Processing for Prosperity.”

Additional Details

• Significance: The event aims to foster investment and trade opportunities in the food processing sector, crucial for both Indian and international companies.
• Make in India Initiative: The food processing sector is prioritized under this initiative, with schemes implemented by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries to attract investment and enhance infrastructure.
• Mega Food Parks: These are being established in agriculturally rich regions, providing essential utilities and common processing facilities, thereby offering a plug-and-play model for entrepreneurs.

In conclusion, World Food India 2025 promises to be a pivotal event that not only highlights India's capabilities in food processing but also creates numerous opportunities for collaboration and growth within the global food ecosystem.