UPSC Daily Current Affairs - 30th July 2025

Table of Contents
1. N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) and Its Implications
2. Mera Gaon Meri Dharohar Initiative
3. Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE)
4. Kyoto Protocol
5. Interrupted Growth: Industrial Growth Tied to Government Spending on Infrastructure
6. International Tiger Day, 2025
7. Grassland Bird Census in Kaziranga
8. National Population Register (NPR)
9. Exercise Divya Drishti: Military Technology Demonstration
10. SOFI Report 2025
11. Setubandha Scholar Scheme
View more

GS3/Science and Technology

N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) and Its Implications

Why in News?

The drug regulatory authority, DCGI, has instructed drug controllers across all States and Union Territories to mandate manufacturers to monitor the presence of N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) in antacid Ranitidine, due to its potential carcinogenic nature.

Key Takeaways

• NDMA is classified as a probable human carcinogen based on animal studies.
• This chemical can form from reactions between secondary or tertiary amines and nitrite ions under acidic conditions.
• It is commonly found in the environment and can be ingested through certain foods and contaminated medications.

Additional Details

• N-Nitrosodimethylamine: A volatile organic compound that is a yellow, odourless liquid. It was once utilized in rocket fuel production and is also a byproduct of various manufacturing processes and water chlorination.
• Exposure to NDMA typically occurs through environmental sources, food like cured meats, beer, fish, cheese, and even vegetables, as well as some medications.
• NDMA is generated when certain chemicals found in food and water are processed in the stomach.
• This compound tends to break down upon exposure to sunlight, reducing its persistence in the environment.

In summary, the monitoring of NDMA presence in medications like Ranitidine is crucial due to its potential health risks, particularly regarding cancer, necessitating vigilance from manufacturers and regulators alike.

GS1/Indian Society

Mera Gaon Meri Dharohar Initiative

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. This initiative plays a vital role in preserving and promoting the rich cultural diversity of India.

Key Takeaways

• The MGMD initiative is part of the Ministry of Culture's efforts under the National Mission on Cultural Mapping.
• Launched on 27th July 2023 as a component of 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav'.
• Aims to culturally map India's 6.5 lakh villages on a virtual platform.
• Focuses on enhancing appreciation for India's cultural heritage and traditions.

Additional Details

• Core Objective: To promote economic growth, social harmony, and artistic development in rural communities through cultural appreciation.
• Implementation: The programme is being executed by the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) under the National Mission on Cultural Mapping (NMCM).
• Categories of Mapping:
  • 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
  • Any other characteristic that may need highlighting, such as fishing village, horticulture village, shepherding village, etc.

This initiative not only documents the cultural assets of the villages but also encourages a deeper understanding and appreciation of India\'s diverse heritage, ultimately contributing to the socio-economic upliftment of rural regions.

GS3/Science and Technology

Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE)

Why in News?

The recent tragic shooting incident at the NFL's headquarters in New York City has brought attention to Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), as the 27-year-old suspect reportedly left a suicide note citing this degenerative brain condition as a significant factor influencing his actions.

Key Takeaways

• CTE is a degenerative brain disorder linked to repeated head injuries.
• Most commonly affects athletes in contact sports and military veterans.
• Symptoms can range from mild depression to severe cognitive and motor impairments.

Additional Details

• Definition of CTE: CTE is characterized by the degeneration of nerve cells in the brain due to repeated trauma. This condition develops over time, often years after the initial injuries.
• Symptoms: Early symptoms include mild depression, suicidal thoughts, mood swings, and personality changes. As CTE progresses, affected individuals may experience confusion, memory loss, and impaired decision-making. Advanced stages can lead to movement disorders.
• Treatment Options: While there is currently no cure for CTE, medications and therapies are available to help alleviate some of the symptoms.

In summary, CTE is a serious brain condition that poses significant risks to those with a history of repeated head trauma, particularly in contact sports and military settings. Awareness and understanding of CTE are crucial for prevention and management of its effects.

GS3/Environment

Kyoto Protocol

Why in News?

The recent passing of Vijai Sharma, a prominent 1974-batch IAS officer and a key figure in India's climate diplomacy, has brought attention to the Kyoto Protocol. Sharma played a significant role in its formation, advocating for the interests of developing nations such as India.

Key Takeaways

• The Kyoto Protocol was adopted on December 11, 1997, during the UNFCCC COP-3 in Kyoto, Japan, and came into force on February 16, 2005.
• It is a legally binding agreement that primarily affects developed countries (Annex I countries).
• The protocol aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change, adhering to the principle of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDR-RC).
• A total of 192 parties have ratified the protocol, although notable non-parties include the United States and Canada.

Additional Details

• Emission Targets: Annex B nations are required to cut emissions by 5% below 1990 levels during the period from 2008 to 2012. The Doha Amendment in 2012 further mandated an 18% cut for the period from 2013 to 2020.
• Greenhouse Gases Covered: The protocol addresses several greenhouse gases, including Carbon dioxide, Methane, Nitrous oxide, Hydrofluorocarbons, Perfluorocarbons, and Sulfur hexafluoride.
• Market Mechanisms: Mechanisms such as the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) and Joint Implementation (JI) allow for the trading of carbon credits, facilitating emission reductions through projects in developing nations.
• Monitoring and Enforcement: The protocol includes mandatory reporting, independent verification, and oversight by a Compliance Committee.
• Equity Element: Developing nations like India and China are not bound by emission reduction targets, while developed nations are held accountable for their historical emissions.

Vijai Sharma's contributions to climate negotiations, especially as India's chief negotiator, have left a lasting legacy in the realm of climate diplomacy. His efforts in shaping India's position during the Kyoto era and his work as Environment Secretary from 2008 to 2010 highlight his pivotal role in advancing environmental policies.

UPSC 2016 Question:

Consider the following pairs:

• Terms sometimes seen in the news : Their origin
• 1. Annex-I Countries : Cartagena Protocol
• 2. Certified Emissions Reductions : Nagoya Protocol
• 3. Clean Development Mechanisms : Kyoto Protocol

Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

• Options: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 3 only* (d) 1, 2 and 3

GS3/Economy

Interrupted Growth: Industrial Growth Tied to Government Spending on Infrastructure

Why in News?

India's Index of Industrial Production (IIP) has recorded a 10-month low growth of 1.5% in June, primarily driven by a significant decline in mining (-8.7%) and electricity output (-2.6%).

Key Takeaways

• Sharp contraction in mining and electricity output.
• Erratic monsoon and waterlogging disrupting production.
• Damage to infrastructure leading to subdued industrial activity.

What Caused the IIP Slowdown in June?

• Sharp contraction in mining and electricity output: Mining activity declined significantly, and electricity generation fell, dragging overall growth. These sectors account for 22.3% of the IIP weightage.
• Erratic monsoon and waterlogging: Unpredictable southwest monsoon flooding in mining regions such as Odisha, Jharkhand, and West Bengal disrupted production and logistics.
• Damage to infrastructure: Waterlogging resulted in damage to power distribution infrastructure, interrupting supply chains and diminishing industrial activity and power demand.

How Did Climate Events Contribute?

• Disruption of mining activities: Heavy rainfall and waterlogging in regions like Jharkhand, Odisha, and West Bengal hindered key mineral extraction and transportation. For instance, Jharkhand received 504.8 mm of rainfall (against a normal of 307 mm), affecting coal and iron ore production.
• Damage to power infrastructure: Flooding caused breakdowns in electricity distribution systems, particularly in rural and semi-industrial areas.
• Supply chain interruptions: Climate irregularities led to logistical delays and increased input costs, hampering industrial flow.

Why is India Reluctant to Link Climate Events with Economic Data?

• Institutional hesitation: Agencies like the Ministry of Statistics and RBI attribute economic fluctuations to factors such as high base effects or global demand shifts, avoiding politically sensitive climate linkages.
• Complexity of climate attribution: Linking specific climate events to economic data requires scientific modeling and probabilistic data, which are resource-intensive.
• Fear of politicisation: Acknowledging climate-linked economic slowdowns could lead to policy criticism and demands for corrective action, making policymakers cautious.

How Do Climate Disruptions Affect Industrial Output?

• Halted Mining Operations: Extreme rainfall leads to waterlogging in mining areas, making extraction unsafe. For example, mining activity contracted by -8.7% in June due to excessive rainfall.
• Damage to Power Infrastructure: Climate events disrupt power transmission and generation facilities, reducing electricity output. Electricity production shrank by -2.6% in June, affecting industrial productivity.
• Supply Chain Disruptions: Delays in raw material supply due to climate-induced logistical breakdowns affect the manufacturing cycle, contributing to sluggish industrial output growth.

What Can India Learn from Global Practices?

• Mainstream Climate Risk: Institutions like the European Central Bank (ECB) incorporate climate risk assessments into economic forecasts and financial stability reports.
• Develop Probabilistic Climate Attribution Models: Global agencies invest in models to link climate events with economic outcomes, ensuring better policy alignment.

Importance of Climate Attribution for Economic Policymaking

• Targeted Risk Mitigation: Understanding the economic impact of climate events allows policymakers to design sector-specific interventions, enhancing infrastructure in risk-prone areas.
• Strengthens Long-term Economic Planning: Integrating climate attribution aids accurate forecasting, ensuring that disruptions are considered in growth strategies and policies.

Way Forward

• Integrate Climate Risk Frameworks: Agencies should include climate-related variables in metrics like IIP and GDP, utilizing models to capture the economic impact of extreme weather events.
• Build Institutional Capacity: Establish a dedicated climate-economic observatory to monitor and report on the effects of climate disruptions across sectors.

This analysis highlights the crucial link between infrastructure investment and economic growth, especially in the context of India\'s recent industrial performance and the impact of climate events.

GS3/Environment

International Tiger Day, 2025

Why in News?

On July 29, 2025, India joined 12 other nations to commemorate International Tiger Day, an event aimed at raising global awareness about the importance of tiger conservation.

Key Takeaways

• International Tiger Day is observed annually to promote efforts in protecting tigers and their habitats.
• The theme for 2025 is "Securing the future of Tigers with Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities at the heart."

Additional Details

• History of International Tiger Day: Established at the Saint Petersburg Tiger Summit in Russia in 2010, this day was created to address the significant decline in tiger populations, where only around 3,000 tigers were left in the wild.
• The summit convened 13 tiger-range countries, which included India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Malaysia, and Russia, to adopt the "Tx2" goal aimed at doubling the global tiger population by 2022 through collaborative conservation measures.
• The date, July 29, was selected as it marks the midpoint of the summit's duration and aligns with ongoing international campaigns for tiger conservation.
• Tiger Population in India: India is home to the largest tiger population globally, housing 75% of the world's wild tigers despite having only 18% of the tiger's natural habitat. The country has seen its tiger population rise to over 3,600, a significant increase from a decade ago.
• These tigers inhabit approximately 138,200 square kilometers of forest, sharing their environment with around 60 million people. The success of this conservation is largely credited to the Project Tiger initiative.

International Tiger Day serves as a crucial reminder of the need for ongoing conservation efforts and the importance of maintaining the ecological balance between humans and wildlife.

GS3/Environment

Grassland Bird Census in Kaziranga

Why in News?

Recently, Prime Minister Modi highlighted the landmark grassland bird census conducted in Kaziranga National Park, Assam, during his Mann ki Baat address. This unprecedented initiative aimed to evaluate the population, diversity, and habitat preferences of grassland bird species, many of which are endangered or facing a decline in numbers.

Key Takeaways

• The grassland bird census is a significant conservation effort in Kaziranga National Park.
• Innovative acoustic monitoring was used to detect elusive bird species.
• Grassland birds serve as important indicators of ecosystem health.
• Human activities and climate change pose serious threats to grassland habitats.

Additional Details

• Grassland Birds: These avian species are uniquely adapted to open, grassy landscapes and include notable examples such as the Bengal Florican, Finn's Weaver, and Great Indian Bustard. They play a critical role in indicating the health of grassland ecosystems.
• Methodology: The census employed passive acoustic monitoring, which involved placing recorders on tall trees to capture bird calls during their breeding season from March to May. This method was essential for detecting small, camouflaged birds that are often overlooked by traditional counting methods.
• The survey recorded 43 species, including 1 Critically Endangered, 2 Endangered, and 6 Vulnerable species, according to the IUCN Red List.
• Conservation Concerns: Grassland birds in India are threatened by habitat loss due to overgrazing, agricultural conversion, and natural ecological succession. The decline in grassland areas in Assam has reached approximately 70% over the last 40 years.

The findings of the Kaziranga grassland bird census highlight the ecological importance of these species and emphasize the need for ongoing conservation efforts. The discovery of a breeding colony of the endangered Finn's Weaver, with over 85 nests identified, underscores the success of this initiative and the critical need to protect their habitats for future generations.

GS1/Indian Society

National Population Register (NPR)

Why in News?

The Government of India has recently clarified in the Lok Sabha that no final decision has been made regarding the update of the National Population Register (NPR) in 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 under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
• Registration in the NPR is mandatory for all usual residents except those in Assam.

Additional Details

• Overview: The NPR records individuals who have lived in an area for at least six months or intend to stay for the next six months.
• Legal Basis: It is prepared under the Citizenship Act, 1955, and the Citizenship Rules, 2003.
• Historical Background:
  • First created in 2010 during the House Listing phase of Census 2011.
  • Updated in 2015-16 through a door-to-door survey.
• Current Status: Plans to update the NPR are currently on hold, as its priority has decreased due to the expanded utility of Aadhaar in benefit delivery.
• Data Collected:
  • Demographic data including name, age, gender, relationship, and marital status.
  • Biometric data collected via Aadhaar, including fingerprints, iris scans, and photographs.

NPR vs National Register of Citizens (NRC)

In summary, the National Population Register is an essential tool for maintaining demographic data in India, though its update plans are currently on hold. Understanding the differences between NPR and NRC is critical for grasping the implications of citizenship and residency in India.

GS3/Defence & Security

Exercise Divya Drishti: Military Technology Demonstration

Why in News?

The Indian Army recently carried out a significant military exercise in the high-altitude regions of East Sikkim to evaluate and showcase advanced military technologies.

Key Takeaways

• The exercise is aimed at demonstrating high-altitude technology capabilities.
• It was conducted by troops from the Trishakti Corps, which is based in Sukna, near Siliguri.
• Utilization of ground-based systems and aerial platforms, including UAVs and drones, was a key component of the exercise.

Additional Details

• AI-Enabled Sensors: A notable feature of the exercise was the implementation of AI-enabled sensors, which were integrated with advanced communication systems.
• This integration ensures a seamless and secure flow of data among command centers, enhances situational awareness, and facilitates quicker and more informed decision-making by establishing a robust sensor-to-shooter link.
• The primary objective was to assess the army's readiness to utilize AI and other modern technologies in realistic combat scenarios.

Overall, Exercise Divya Drishti represents a strategic initiative by the Indian Army to enhance its operational capabilities through cutting-edge technology and advanced military practices.

GS2/Polity

SOFI Report 2025

Why in News?

The State of Food and Nutrition in the World' (SOFI) report for 2025 highlights a critical global issue: hunger. According to the report, approximately 720 million individuals worldwide were affected by hunger in 2024, representing around 8.2% of the global population.

Key Takeaways

• The SOFI report is compiled annually by five UN agencies, including the FAO, IFAD, UNICEF, WFP, and WHO.
• Despite some progress, global hunger levels in 2024 are significantly higher than pre-pandemic levels and those recorded in 2015.
• Approximately 2.3 billion individuals were classified as moderately or severely food insecure in 2024.
• Asia had the highest number of undernourished people, totaling 323 million, followed by Africa with 307 million and Latin America and the Caribbean with 34 million.

Additional Details

• Global Hunger Trends: Hunger levels, although declining in regions like Southeast Asia, Southern Asia, and South America, are persistently high in several areas, particularly in Africa.
• The report indicates that an additional 96 million people are experiencing chronic hunger compared to 2015.

The SOFI Report 2025 underscores the urgent need for continued efforts to address hunger and food insecurity globally, emphasizing that significant challenges remain despite some advancements.

GS2/Governance

Setubandha Scholar Scheme

Why in News?

The Setubandha Scholar Scheme has been introduced to provide students who have studied in traditional gurukuls with the chance to earn recognized qualifications and secure significant scholarships for research at prestigious IITs.

Key Takeaways

• First national-level program integrating traditional scholars into the IIT research ecosystem.
• Scholarships up to Rs 65,000 per month available across 18 interdisciplinary fields.
• Eligibility based on a minimum of five years of study in recognized gurukuls.

Additional Details

• Program Overview: The Setubandha Scholar Scheme aims to connect India's ancient gurukul tradition with modern academic and scientific pursuits, allowing scholars to contribute to contemporary research without needing conventional degrees.
• Implementation: Backed by the Ministry of Education and executed by the Indian Knowledge System (IKS) division of the Central Sanskrit University (CSU).
• Financial Support:Monthly fellowships are categorized as follows:
  • Category 1 (Postgraduate level): Rs 40,000 monthly and Rs 1 lakh annual research grant.
  • Category 2 (PhD level): Rs 65,000 monthly and Rs 2 lakh annual research grant.
• Significance: This initiative represents a major shift in India's educational policy, creating new avenues for scholars from non-formal backgrounds who are deeply rooted in classical learning.

The Setubandha Scholar Scheme marks a significant advancement in promoting inclusivity within India's higher education landscape, offering opportunities to those who have traditionally been overlooked in formal academic settings.