UPSC Daily Current Affairs: 30th July 2025 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly PDF Download

GS1/Indian Society

Mera Gaon Meri Dharohar Initiative

Source: DD News

Why in News?

The Central Government has successfully documented the cultural heritage of over 4.7 lakh villages through the ‘Mera Gaon Meri Dharohar’ (MGMD) initiative, which aims to celebrate and promote India's diverse cultural landscape.

Key Takeaways

• Mera Gaon Meri Dharohar is a nationwide initiative led by the Ministry of Culture.
• It was launched on 27th July 2023 as part of the 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav'.
• The main goal is to culturally map India's 6.5 lakh villages on a comprehensive virtual platform.

Additional Details

• Objective: The project aims to encourage appreciation for India’s culture and traditions, which can lead to economic growth, social harmony, and artistic development in rural areas.
• Implementation: The initiative is executed by the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) under the National Mission on Cultural Mapping (NMCM).
• Categories of Mapping:Information is collected under various categories including:
  • Arts and Crafts Village
  • Ecologically Oriented Village
  • Scholastic Village linked with Textual and Scriptural Traditions of India
  • Epic Village linked with Ramayana, Mahabharata and/or Puranic legends and oral epics
  • Historical Village linked with Local and National History
  • Architectural Heritage Village
  • Other distinctive characteristics, such as fishing or horticulture villages.

This initiative not only aims to preserve the intangible cultural assets of India but also seeks to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of the rich heritage present in the nation's villages.

GS3/Science and Technology

NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR)

Source: The Hindu

Why in News?

The NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) is scheduled for launch from Sriharikota, India, utilizing the GSLV Mk-II launch vehicle.

Key Takeaways

• Launch Vehicle: GSLV Mk-II
• Launch Site: Sriharikota, India
• Mission Life: Planned for 3 years, with a design lifespan of over 5 years
• Orbit: Sun-synchronous polar orbit at an altitude of 747 km with an inclination of 98.4°
• Data Access: Free and near real-time data, with disaster maps provided in under 5 hours

Additional Details

• Objective: High-precision monitoring of Earth's surface changes, including tectonics, agriculture, ecosystems, ice, floods, and landslides.
• Hardware Contributions:
  • NASA: L-band SAR, 12-meter antenna, avionics.
  • ISRO: S-band SAR, satellite bus, launch services.
• Development Timeline:
  • Initial Concept: 2007 (NASA); ISRO joined in 2012.
  • Formal Agreement: 2014.
  • Investment: NASA - ~$1.16 billion; ISRO - ~$90 million.

Key Features of NISAR

• What is Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR)?
  • Operates day/night and in all weather conditions.
  • Simulates a large radar antenna through motion.
  • Pierces clouds, vegetation, and soil.
• Dual-Band SAR:
  • L-band SAR (1.257 GHz): Provides deeper penetration, ideal for forests, tectonic shifts, and permafrost.
  • S-band SAR (3.2 GHz): Focuses on surface details, aiding in agriculture, flood mapping, and biomass tracking.
• Radar Antenna: 12-meter deployable mesh reflector.
• Resolution: 3-10 m spatial; cm-level vertical resolution.
• Swath Width: 240 km.
• Imaging Frequency: Global land/ice coverage every 12 days, less frequent in polar zones.
• Data Output: Generates 80 TB/day, which is three times the capacity of current Earth observatories.

Applications and Impact

• Disaster Relief: Provides before-and-after imagery for effective planning.
• Climate Monitoring: Tracks glacier melt and forest degradation.
• Agriculture: Monitors crop health, rotation, and food security.
• Infrastructure: Detects land subsidence in areas such as dams and cities.
• Strategic Value: Represents one of the most powerful Earth-observing radar satellites, the first with dual SAR payload, and enhances the India-US space partnership.

The NISAR mission exemplifies a significant collaboration in space technology, combining resources from NASA and ISRO to achieve groundbreaking advancements in Earth observation and monitoring.

UPSC 2010

Question: In the context of space technology, what is Bhuvan, recently in the news?

• (a) A mini satellite launched by ISRO for promoting distance education in India
• (b) The name given to the next Moon Impact Probe for Chandrayaan-II
• (c) A geoportal of ISRO with 3D imaging capabilities of India*
• (d) A space telescope developed by India

GS3/Economy

India Rethinks China Blockade to Boost Tech Manufacturing

Source: Indian Express

India is reassessing its previously strict policies regarding Chinese investments in electronics manufacturing. This shift aims to enhance domestic production capabilities and better integrate into global supply chains.

Key Takeaways

• India is signaling a change in its restrictive stance towards Chinese investments in light of its electronics manufacturing ambitions.
• Recent developments suggest a pragmatic openness to Chinese participation in select sectors.
• India continues to rely heavily on Chinese components, despite previous restrictions.

Additional Details

• Background of the Blockade: In April 2020, India implemented Press Note 3, requiring government approval for all FDI from countries sharing a land border with India, primarily targeting Chinese investments. This policy was intended to prevent opportunistic takeovers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Emerging Signs of Policy Recalibration: Recent approvals, such as Dixon Technologies forming a joint venture with China-based Longcheer, indicate a shift towards welcoming Chinese expertise in manufacturing.
• Dependency on Chinese Components: In FY2023-24, India imported over $12 billion worth of electronic parts from China, demonstrating a significant reliance on Chinese suppliers for its assembly operations.
• Policy Drivers Behind the Rethink: Key factors influencing India's change in policy include aspirations to become a global electronics hub, the need for foreign collaboration in manufacturing, and the realignment of global supply chains.
• Challenges and Repercussions: India faces challenges such as potential retaliation from China, including difficulties in importing capital goods and a need to balance strategic autonomy with manufacturing dependency.

This reassessment of the blockade reflects India's commitment to fostering a robust electronics manufacturing ecosystem while navigating complex geopolitical realities.

GS1/Indian Society

National Population Register (NPR)

Source: TOI 

Why in News?

The Government of India has recently clarified in the Lok Sabha that a final decision regarding the updation of the National Population Register (NPR) has not been made for the upcoming Population Census 2027.

Key Takeaways

• The NPR is a register of "usual residents" in India.
• It is conducted by the Office of the Registrar General of India (RGI) under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
• Registration in the NPR is compulsory for all usual residents.
• Assam is excluded from the NPR as it has completed the National Register of Citizens (NRC) process.

Additional Details

• Overview: The NPR is a record of individuals who have lived in an area for at least 6 months or intend to stay for the next 6 months.
• Legal Basis: It is prepared under the Citizenship Act, 1955, and the Citizenship Rules, 2003.
• Historical Background: The NPR was first created in 2010 during the House Listing phase of Census 2011 and was updated in 2015-16 through a door-to-door survey.
• Database Size: The NPR contains data of approximately 119 crore residents.
• Aadhaar Link: Biometric data collection in NPR is linked to Aadhaar; however, the collection of ration card data was omitted in the 2020 plan.
• Current Status: NPR update plans from 2020 are on hold, as its priority has decreased due to the expanded utility of Aadhaar in benefit delivery.

Scope and Data Collected

• Coverage Levels: The NPR is conducted at local, sub-district, district, state, and national levels.
• Demographic Data: It includes information such as name, age, gender, relationship, and marital status.
• Biometric Data: This data is sourced via Aadhaar enrollment, which includes fingerprints, iris scans, and photographs.

NPR vs National Register of Citizens (NRC)

Consider the following statements:

• 1. Between Census 1951 and Census 2001, the density of the population of India has increased more than three times.
• 2. Between Census 1951 and Census 2001, the annual growth rate (exponential) of the population of India has doubled.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Options: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2

This information provides a comprehensive understanding of the National Population Register, its significance, and its current status in the Indian context.

GS3/Environment

International Tiger Day, 2025

Source: Economic Times

Why in News?

On July 29, 2025, India joined 12 other nations in celebrating International Tiger Day, a significant global event aimed at raising awareness about the importance of tiger conservation.

Key Takeaways

• International Tiger Day promotes global efforts to protect tigers and their habitats.
• The theme for 2025 emphasizes the role of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities in tiger conservation.
• India holds the largest population of wild tigers in the world.

Additional Details

• About International Tiger Day: This day is observed annually to foster a collaborative approach toward safeguarding tigers and ensuring they coexist peacefully with humans.
• History: International Tiger Day, also known as Global Tiger Day, was established during the Saint Petersburg Tiger Summit in 2010, where 13 tiger-range countries convened to address the alarming decline in tiger populations.
• Tiger Population in India: As of now, India is home to 75% of the world's wild tigers, with over 3,600 tigers inhabiting approximately 138,200 square kilometers of forested area.
• The increase in the tiger population is attributed to extensive conservation initiatives, particularly the national program known as Project Tiger.

This day serves as a crucial reminder of the ongoing efforts required to ensure the survival of tigers, highlighting the need for sustained conservation strategies and community involvement.

GS2/Governance

Setubandha Scholar Scheme

Source: India Today

Why in News?

The Setubandha Scholar Scheme aims to integrate traditional scholars from gurukuls into the research ecosystem of Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) without the requirement of conventional degrees. This initiative provides an opportunity for students who have studied in traditional settings to gain recognized qualifications and scholarships for further research.

Key Takeaways

• First national-level program to connect traditional scholars with IITs.
• Offers fellowships of up to Rs 65,000 per month across various interdisciplinary fields.
• Eligibility based on a minimum of five years of study in recognized gurukuls.

Additional Details

• Fellowship Amount: Scholars under Category 1 (postgraduate level) will receive a monthly fellowship of Rs 40,000 and an annual research grant of Rs 1 lakh. Those under Category 2 (PhD level) will receive Rs 65,000 per month and an annual grant of Rs 2 lakh.
• Fields of Study: The scheme supports research in diverse fields including ayurveda, cognitive science, architecture, political theory, grammar, strategic studies, performing arts, mathematics, physics, and health sciences.
• Age Limit: The maximum age to apply for this scheme is 32 years.
• This initiative represents a significant shift in India's education policy, facilitating access to elite research opportunities for scholars rooted in classical learning.

The Setubandha Scholar Scheme not only recognizes the value of traditional knowledge but also provides a platform for these scholars to contribute to modern scientific and academic inquiries. This initiative is backed by the Ministry of Education and implemented by the Indian Knowledge System division of the Central Sanskrit University.

GS3/Defence & Security

Pralay Missile

Source: NDTV

Recently, the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted two consecutive flight tests of the Pralay missile from Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Island, located off the coast of Odisha. This achievement marks a significant milestone in India's defense capabilities.

Key Takeaways

• The Pralay missile is an indigenously-developed quasi-ballistic missile.
• It employs advanced guidance and navigation systems for high precision targeting.

Additional Details

• Features:
  • It is a solid propellant quasi-ballistic missile capable of carrying multiple types of warheads.
  • The missile has a range of 150-500 km and can be launched from mobile platforms.
  • It has a payload capacity of 500-1,000 kg, allowing it to carry conventional warheads.
  • Equipped with guidance systems, it achieves a Circular Error Probable (CEP) of less than 10 meters.
  • The missile can reach terminal speeds of Mach 6.1 and engage various targets, including radar installations, command centers, and airstrips.
  • It has the ability to change its flight path midair after covering a specified distance.
• Development: The missile was developed by the Research Centre Imarat in collaboration with other labs of the DRDO, along with industry partners such as Bharat Dynamics Limited, Bharat Electronics Limited, and numerous MSMEs.

The successful tests of the Pralay missile enhance India's defense preparedness and showcase the country's advancements in missile technology.

GS3/Defence & Security

Exercise Divya Drishti Overview

Source: New Indian Express

Why in News?

The Indian Army has recently organized a military exercise in the high-altitude regions of East Sikkim, aimed at testing and demonstrating advanced military technologies.

Key Takeaways

• The exercise is focused on high-altitude technology demonstration.
• It aims to enhance battlefield awareness, real-time surveillance, and quick decision-making.
• Troops from the Trishakti Corps participated, utilizing both ground and aerial systems.
• AI-enabled sensors played a crucial role in the exercise.

Additional Details

• Purpose: The exercise was designed to assess the army's readiness to implement AI and modern technologies in realistic combat scenarios.
• Technology Used: A combination of ground-based systems and aerial platforms, including UAVs and drones, were employed to simulate authentic battle conditions.
• AI Integration: The use of AI-enabled sensors connected with advanced communication systems was a highlight, ensuring secure data flow and improved situational awareness.
• This setup fosters a strong sensor-to-shooter link, facilitating quicker and more effective decision-making in the field.

The exercise reflects the Indian Army's commitment to integrating cutting-edge technologies in military operations, thereby enhancing its overall combat effectiveness.

GS1/Indian Society

Five Years of National Education Policy (2020)

Source: AIR

Why in News?

It has been five years since the introduction of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which replaced the earlier National Policy on Education from 1986.

Key Takeaways

• Drafted by a committee chaired by Dr. K. Kasturirangan under the Ministry of Education.
• Built on five core pillars: Access, Equity, Quality, Affordability, and Accountability.
• Aims to create a knowledge society by unlocking every learner’s potential.
• Aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4 for Education for All.

Additional Details

• School Education: Introduces a new curriculum structure known as the 5+3+3+4 design, replacing the older 10+2 model.
• Focus on Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE): Emphasizes play-based learning through Jaadui Pitara kits.
• Vocational Training: Starts from Grade 6, including internships.
• Basic Literacy & Numeracy: Achieved through the National Initiative for Proficiency in Reading with Understanding and Numeracy.
• Language Medium: Emphasis on teaching in the mother tongue or regional language until Grade 5.
• Assessment Reform: Launch of PARAKH for holistic development evaluation.

Higher Education Provisions

• Four-Year Degree: Multidisciplinary courses with multiple exit points.
• Credit Bank: Facilitates credit mobility across institutions through the Academic Bank of Credit.
• Research Boost: Supported by the National Research Foundation to encourage innovation.
• Single Regulator: Proposal for a Higher Education Commission of India to streamline governance.
• Language Promotion: Establishes the Indian Institute of Translation and Interpretation for regional languages.

Implementation Initiatives

• NIPUN Bharat: Aims for basic literacy and numeracy by Class 3.
• Unified Credit System: Rollout of the Academic Bank of Credit and National Credit Framework.
• Common Entrance Test: Introduction of a Common University Entrance Test for fair admissions.
• Early Preparation: Vidya Pravesh – a three-month play-based module for Grade 1 entrants.
• Tech Education in Regional Languages: Promoted by the All-India Council for Technical Education.
• Digital Backbone: Launch of the National Digital Education Architecture for e-learning support.
• SAFAL Assessments: Competency-based testing in Grades 3, 5, and 8 by the Central Board of Secondary Education.

Key Achievements

• Curriculum and Textbooks: NCERT released new content for Classes 1-8.
• ECCE Adoption: Early childhood curriculum implemented in various states.
• Language Expansion: Increased regional language instruction at foundational levels.
• Academic Flexibility: Credit-based transfer systems are now in use via the Academic Bank of Credit.
• Global Presence: Indian Institutes like IIT Zanzibar and IIM Dubai have established themselves internationally.
• International Collaboration: Foreign universities are encouraged to set up campuses in India under new regulations.

This policy marks a significant transformation in India's educational landscape, focusing on inclusivity and quality to enhance learning outcomes across all levels of education.

GS3/Environment

Sundarbans Set to Become India’s Second-Largest Tiger Reserve

Source: DTE

The proposal to expand the Sundarbans Tiger Reserve by 1,100 sq km has received clearance from the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) and is now awaiting approval from the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL).

Key Takeaways

• The Sundarbans Tiger Reserve (STR) is located in West Bengal, at the southern tip of the Gangetic Delta.
• The current area of STR is 2,585.89 sq km, which would expand to 3,629.57 sq km if the proposal is approved.
• It is recognized as a Tiger Reserve, National Park, and Biosphere Reserve, and is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• The STR is the only mangrove forest in the world that supports a viable tiger population.
• There are over 100 tigers in the reserve, with 80 in the core area and 21 in adjacent forests.

Additional Details

• Location: The reserve is situated in the South and North 24-Parganas districts of West Bengal.
• Landscape: It features interconnected estuaries, tidal creeks, and 105 mangrove-covered islands.
• Flora: The predominant mangrove species include Avicennia, Rhizophora, and Heritiera.
• Fauna: The reserve is home to various species such as Royal Bengal Tigers, Fishing Cats, Estuarine Crocodiles, Irrawaddy Dolphins, King Cobras, and numerous endangered reptiles and birds.
• Boundaries:
  • East: Bangladesh border (Raimangal, Harinbhanga rivers)
  • South: Bay of Bengal
  • North/West: Matla, Bidya, Gomdi Rivers

This expansion is significant as it will enhance conservation efforts and help maintain the biodiversity of this unique ecosystem.

GS3/Science and Technology

N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA)

Source: Nature

Why in News?

The Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) has mandated that drug controllers across all States and Union Territories instruct manufacturers to monitor the levels of a potentially carcinogenic chemical known as N-Nitrosodimethylamine in antacid Ranitidine.

Key Takeaways

• NDMA is a volatile organic compound commonly found in the environment.
• It is classified as a probable human carcinogen based on animal research.
• Exposure to NDMA can occur through environmental sources and contaminated food or medications.

Additional Details

• N-Nitrosodimethylamine: NDMA is a yellow, odorless liquid that was historically used in the production of rocket fuel and is a byproduct of various industrial processes, including water chlorination.
• NDMA is formed when secondary or tertiary amines react with nitrite ions under acidic conditions.
• Common sources of NDMA exposure include processed foods like cured meats (especially bacon), beer, fish, cheese, and even some vegetables.
• People are typically exposed to small amounts of NDMA through their diet and the environment.

In summary, the presence of NDMA in medications like Ranitidine poses potential health risks, especially considering its classification as a probable carcinogen. Monitoring and regulation of this compound are crucial for public health safety.

GS1/History & Culture

Mansa Devi Temple

Why in News?

A recent tragic stampede at the Mansa Devi temple in Haridwar resulted in the loss of eight lives and injuries to 28 individuals. This incident has raised concerns regarding crowd management and safety at religious sites.

Key Takeaways

• The Mansa Devi temple is a significant Hindu shrine situated in Haridwar, Uttarakhand.
• It is dedicated to the goddess Mansa Devi, a form of Shakti (Goddess Durga).

Additional Details

• Location: The temple is perched atop the Bilwa Parvat on the Sivalik Hills, which are the southernmost range of the Himalayas.
• Pilgrimage Importance: Also known as Bilwa Tirth, it is one of the Panch Tirth (Five Pilgrimages) in Haridwar, symbolizing the longstanding tradition of 'Shakti' worship in Northern India.
• Historical Significance: The current structure was built by Maharaja Gopal Singh of Manimajra between 1811 and 1815.
• The temple complex spans approximately 100 acres and features a traditional North Indian architectural style.
• It houses two principal deities: Mansa Devi and her sister Chandi Devi.

This temple not only serves as a religious site but also represents a cultural heritage, attracting numerous devotees and tourists each year.