Weekly Current Affairs (8th to 14th August 2025) - 1 | Weekly Current Affairs - UPSC PDF Download

GS1/Geography

Key Facts about Bhagirathi River

Why in News?

A significant cloudburst event in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand has led to the formation of a water body resembling a lake, stretching over a kilometer on the Bhagirathi River near Harsil. This situation has prompted authorities to initiate urgent drainage operations to manage the water levels.

Key Takeaways

• The Bhagirathi River is one of the two primary headstreams of the Ganges River, the other being the Alaknanda.
• According to Hindu mythology, Bhagirathi is regarded as the source stream of the Ganges, whereas hydrological studies identify Alaknanda as the true source due to its flow and length.
• The river originates from the Gaumukh Glacier, located at the base of the Khatling and Gangotri Glaciers in the Garhwal Himalayas.
• Major tributaries of the Bhagirathi include Kedar Ganga, Jadh Ganga, and Asi Ganga.
• The river joins the Alaknanda at Devprayag, where they collectively flow as the Ganges River towards the Bay of Bengal.

Additional Details

• Religious Significance: The confluence of the Bhagirathi and Alaknanda rivers is a sacred site in Hindu mythology and forms a vital part of the Panch Prayag Yatra, which includes visits to the five holy confluences of Uttarakhand: Devprayag, Rudraprayag, Nandprayag, Karnaprayag, and Vishnuprayag.
• The banks of the Bhagirathi are home to numerous sacred cities and sites, including Gangotri, which is recognized as one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites.
• Major dams on the river include Maneri Dam, Koteshwar Dam, and Tehri Dam.

The Bhagirathi River not only plays a crucial role in the hydrology of the region but also holds immense cultural and spiritual significance for millions, making it an essential topic of study.

GS3/Science and Technology

Tritium and Its Impact on Ocean Waters

Why in News?

A recent study conducted by researchers from the University of Tokyo and Fukushima University has concluded that the release of tritium wastewater from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant has a minimal impact on ocean waters.

Key Takeaways

• Tritium is a radioactive isotope of hydrogen.
• It occurs naturally and can also be produced through human activities.
• The recent study affirms the safety of tritium wastewater release.

Additional Details

• Tritium: Tritium is a radioactive isotope of hydrogen that contains the same number of protons and electrons as hydrogen but has two neutrons, making it unstable and radioactive.
• Natural Production: Tritium is formed naturally through the interaction of cosmic rays with gases in the upper atmosphere.
• Human Production: It can be produced during nuclear weapon explosions and in reactors designed to create tritium for weapons.
• Physical Properties: Tritium is a colorless and odorless gas with a half-life of 12.3 years. It can easily move through the environment in liquid form.
• Environmental Presence: Tritium exists in very low concentrations in the environment.

Uses of Tritium

• Glow-in-the-Dark Lighting: Tritium can be combined with phosphor to create lighting solutions such as exit signs and emergency lights.
• Medical Applications: It is utilized as a tracer in biomedical research for diagnosing conditions like heart disease, cancer, and AIDS.
• Electricity Generation: Tritium may also be harnessed for electricity generation in fusion reactors.

In conclusion, the research indicates that while tritium is a radioactive substance, its release from the Fukushima plant poses little risk to ocean health, affirming the safety measures in place.

GS2/International Relations

Africa is Challenging China’s Mining Hegemony

Why in News?

For the past two decades, China has dominated Africa's mining sector, acquiring significant stakes in minerals such as cobalt, lithium, copper, and iron ore. However, African governments and civil society are now contesting issues surrounding opaque contracts, environmental degradation, and a lack of value addition, signaling a shift from the traditional "raw resources for infrastructure" model to a demand for local processing, transparency, and economic sovereignty.

Key Takeaways

• China's dominance in African mining is facing challenges for the first time in decades.
• Nations like the DRC, Namibia, and Zimbabwe are renegotiating deals and enforcing environmental standards.

Additional Details

• Significance: In 2024, the DRC lost $132 million due to tax exemptions for Chinese companies, highlighting the financial impact of these shifts.
• Control over Critical Minerals: The DRC produces 80% of the world’s cobalt, with China controlling around 80% of that output through agreements like Sicomines.
• Infrastructure-for-Resources Model: Chinese firms have historically exchanged infrastructure development for mining rights, often yielding minimal local benefits.

As African nations assert their rights, the landscape of global supply chains for cobalt and lithium essential to the green economy could be significantly reshaped.

Drivers of the Pushback Against Chinese Projects

• Civil Society Pressure: Activist groups such as Congo Is Not for Sale have highlighted significant revenue losses.
• Market-Linked Risks: Contracts tied to commodity prices may leave nations vulnerable during downturns.
• Government Renegotiations: The DRC has increased its stake in joint ventures, such as with Sinohydro and China Railway Group.

African Nations Taking Assertive Measures

• DRC: Cancelled the sale of Chemaf Resources to China’s Norin Mining after pushback from the state miner Gecamines.
• Namibia: Allegations of a $50 million bribe by Xinfeng Investments and failure to deliver promised processing facilities.
• Huayou Cobalt Lithium Plant: A $300 million investment that may benefit China without adequate local safeguards.

Environmental and Social Concerns from Chinese Mining

• Pollution Incidents: An acid spill in Zambia contaminated the Kafue River.
• Biodiversity Protection: The coal permit in Hwange National Park was blocked for ecological reasons.
• Community and Heritage Impacts: The Lobé-Kribi Iron Ore Project in Cameroon faced opposition from NGOs due to health and cultural threats.

Policy Shifts for Economic Sovereignty

• Export Bans: Zimbabwe (2022) and Namibia (2023) have banned unprocessed lithium exports to encourage local beneficiation.
• Retention of Value: Policies aim to bolster domestic processing, although risks of elite capture persist without broader reforms.

While China remains Africa’s largest mining partner, the continent is increasingly asserting control through renegotiations, environmental enforcement, and local value addition. If these trends continue, Africa may transition from being a mere supplier of raw materials to a significant player in global supply chains for the green economy.

China’s Role in Mining in Africa (2000–2024)

• Scale of Presence: China is the largest external mining partner, operating in over 15 African countries.
• Dominance in Cobalt & Lithium: China controls about 80% of DRC’s cobalt output and holds substantial stakes in lithium mines in Zimbabwe and Namibia.
• Investment Model: Infrastructure-for-resources deals, such as the Sicomines agreement in DRC, involve trading mining rights for infrastructure development.

Strategic Objectives

• Securing Supply for EV & Battery Industries: Critical minerals are directed towards Chinese manufacturing hubs.
• Vertical Integration: Ownership spans from extraction to processing facilities, primarily located in China.

Criticism & Concerns

• Limited Local Benefits: There is minimal skills transfer and inadequate job creation for local populations.
• Environmental Damage: Incidents, such as the acid spill in Zambia, raise significant ecological concerns.
• Opaque Contracts: Alleged bribery and a lack of transparency in revenue flows have been major points of contention.

Shifts & Resistance

• Renegotiations and Policy Pushback: The DRC is increasing its stakes in ventures, and export bans are being implemented in Zimbabwe and Namibia.
• Activist Coalitions: Groups are exposing revenue losses and advocating for fairer contracts.

Critical Minerals Geopolitics

• Strategic Importance: Minerals like cobalt, lithium, and copper are crucial for EV batteries, renewable energy storage, and electronics manufacturing.
• Global Competition: Control over supply chains influences technological dominance in the clean energy transition.
• China’s Leverage: With significant control over cobalt and lithium reserves, China holds a strategic advantage over competitors such as the US, EU, and Japan.

Resource Nationalism

• Definition: A policy approach where nations assert control over natural resources to maximize domestic benefits and minimize foreign dependency.
• African Examples: Zimbabwe and Namibia's bans on unprocessed lithium exports; DRC’s efforts to renegotiate mining contracts for greater state ownership.
• Implications: Could enhance domestic processing industries but might deter foreign investment if not aligned with stable policy frameworks.

In conclusion, Africa's policy shifts in mineral governance could significantly alter global supply chains for critical minerals, positioning the continent as a key player in the ongoing transition to a green economy.

Practice Mains Question

Examine how Africa’s policy shift in mineral governance could alter global supply chains for critical minerals.

GS3/ Science and Technology

Semiconductor Industry in India

Why in News?

• The Union Cabinet has given the green light to four new semiconductor projects under the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM).
• These projects are set to take place in Odisha, Punjab, and Andhra Pradesh, bringing the total number of projects to ten across six states.

What are the Key Trends and Opportunities Shaping the Growth of India's Semiconductor Market?

Market Size

• India’s semiconductor consumption market is projected to grow from USD 52 billion in 2024-25 to USD 103.4 billion by 2030, with a Compounded Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 13%.
• Approximately 70% of revenue comes from mobile handsets, IT, and industrial applications, while automotive and industrial electronics present significant growth opportunities.

Global Landscape

• Taiwan, South Korea, Japan, China, and the US are the dominant players in the global semiconductor industry.
• India’s imports of Integrated Circuits (ICs), memory chips, and amplifiers have surged dramatically, with increases of 2,000%, 4,500%, and 4,800% respectively from FY16 to FY24. China is a major supplier, accounting for nearly one-third of these imports.

Key Opportunities for India

Large Market Potential

• India is the world’s second-largest market for 5G smartphones, holding a 13% share, following China’s 32%.

Surging Domestic Demand

• There is a growing demand for mobile devices, computers, and digital technologies, driven by the rollout of 5G and the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI).

Global Partnerships and Support

• Collaborations with global semiconductor leaders and countries like the US and Japan are facilitating technology transfer and enhancing India’s capabilities.

Initiatives like the Semicon India Programme

• The expansion of manufacturing and digitalization efforts is strengthening India’s semiconductor ecosystem.

What is the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM)?

About ISM

• The India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) was approved in 2021 with the goal of enhancing India’s position in the global electronics value chain and establishing the country as a global manufacturing hub for semiconductors.
• ISM operates under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).

Objectives of ISM

• The mission aims to support chip design startups, promote indigenous intellectual property (IP) and technology transfer, and foster research and innovation in the semiconductor sector.
• By reducing import dependence, ISM seeks to strengthen India’s global semiconductor presence.

Mission Focus Areas

• Establishing chip manufacturing fabs (fabrication facilities)
• Creating packaging and testing units (ATMP/OSAT)
• Supporting chip design startups
• Training engineers and technical talent
• Attracting global semiconductor investments

Key Schemes under ISM

• Semiconductor Fabs Scheme. Offers up to 50% fiscal support for wafer fabrication units.
• Display Fabs Scheme. Provides up to 50% financial assistance for AMOLED/LCD display fabs to encourage domestic innovation.
• Compound Semiconductors & ATMP/OSAT Scheme. Offers up to 50% support for compound semiconductors, MEMS/sensors, silicon photonics, and downstream packaging/testing facilities.
• Design Linked Incentive (DLI) Scheme. Promotes semiconductor design startups and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) by providing financial support of up to Rs 15 crore per company across various stages of product development.

Initiatives to Promote India’s Semiconductor Industry

• Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme. Aimed at large-scale electronics manufacturing and IT hardware to boost domestic production and exports.
• Scheme for Promotion of Manufacturing of Electronic Components and Semiconductors (SPECS). Strengthening the ecosystem for component and semiconductor manufacturing.
• Electronics Manufacturing Clusters (EMC & EMC 2.0). Developing infrastructure and ecosystem for electronics manufacturing.
• Public Procurement (Preference to Make in India) Order, 2017. Prioritizing domestically manufactured products in government procurement.
• Tax Reforms. Rationalizing tariffs, exempting basic customs duty on capital goods, and providing other incentives.
• Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Policy. Allowing 100% FDI in electronics manufacturing, subject to applicable laws and regulations.

What are the Key Challenges to India’s Semiconductor Industry?

• Infrastructure and Innovation Challenges. Semiconductor fabrication is a complex process involving 500 to 1,500 intricate steps in cleanroom environments. This requires advanced infrastructure, cutting-edge technology, and a skilled workforce. The high costs associated with setting up fabs, conducting research and development, and acquiring specialized equipment pose significant challenges. Additionally, India’s reliance on imported components and intellectual property (IP) hampers innovation and technological self-sufficiency.
• Skilled Workforce Gap. Currently, India has around 220,000 semiconductor professionals. However, there is a projected shortfall of 250,000 to 350,000 skilled workers needed across the semiconductor value chain by 2027. This gap includes various roles in design, manufacturing, and testing.
• Technology and Global Competition. Global semiconductor production is predominantly led by Taiwan and South Korea, which account for 80% of chip foundries. Companies like ASML in the Netherlands dominate extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography, while firms such as Nvidia and ARM are leaders in chip design. This concentration of technology and expertise limits India’s access to advanced semiconductor technologies and enhances competition.
• Environmental and Regulatory Challenges. Semiconductor manufacturing involves the use of hazardous chemicals, toxic metals, and requires substantial energy, raising environmental concerns. Compliance with environmental regulations adds to the operational costs. Furthermore, the semiconductor industry faces complex regulatory frameworks, intellectual property issues, export controls, and policy uncertainties, which complicate manufacturing operations.

What Steps Should India Take to Strengthen Its Semiconductor Industry?

• Skill Development. India should establish specialized training programs focused on chip design, fabrication, and testing to address the skilled workforce gap in the semiconductor industry.
• Boost R&D and Indigenous IP. Increasing investments in research and development is crucial. Supporting indigenous product design and developing intellectual property will enable startups and smaller companies to compete globally.
• Incentives and Policy Support. Strengthening government initiatives like the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) and state-level policies, such as the UP Semiconductor Policy 2024, will attract investments and promote semiconductor manufacturing in India.
• Chip Diplomacy and Niche Focus. Promoting international collaboration, referred to as "chip diplomacy," and focusing on niche technologies like Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) and sensors will help position India in specialized segments of the global semiconductor market.
• Private Sector Participation and Strategic Opportunities. Encouraging private sector investments and collaborations, such as the Tata-PSMC fab project in Gujarat, will strengthen India’s semiconductor capabilities. Leveraging geopolitical shifts, such as US-China tensions, can also expand India’s semiconductor footprint.

Conclusion

India’s semiconductor sector is on a rapid growth trajectory, driven by initiatives like the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM), Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes, and rising domestic demand. Strengthening infrastructure, enhancing technology, and building a skilled workforce will be pivotal in positioning India as a global hub for semiconductor manufacturing and design.

GS3/Economics

New Income Tax Bill, 2025

Why in News?

•  The Income-tax Bill, 2025, aims to replace the Income Tax Act of 1961, introducing a simplified and modernized tax framework. 
•  Parliament has approved the Bill, with an effective date set for April 1, 2026. 

Key Objectives of the Bill

• Simplification: The Bill seeks to simplify the tax law, making it more accessible and understandable for taxpayers. 
• Modernization: It aims to modernize the tax administration, removing outdated provisions and language. 
• Reduction of Sections: The number of sections has been significantly reduced from 819 to 536, streamlining the legal framework. 

Important Features of the New Income Tax Bill

• Refunds: The Bill restores the ability to claim refunds on belated returns, removing previous restrictions. 
• Tax Collected at Source (TCS): Clarifies that there is no TCS for Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS) remittances for education funded by financial institutions. 
• Corporate Tax: Corrects errors related to inter-corporate dividend deductions for companies opting for concessional tax rates. 
• Alternate Minimum Tax (AMT): Aligns AMT provisions for Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs) with existing rates. 
• Nil-Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) Certificate: Allows taxpayers with no liability to obtain a nil-TDS certificate. 
• Transfer Pricing: Clarifies transfer pricing provisions, including the set-off of losses and alignment with Section 79 on "beneficial owner." 
• Non-Profit Organisation (NPO) Benefit: Expands exemptions for NPOs to 5% of total donations, rather than only anonymous donations. 
• House Property Income: Clarifies that a 30% standard deduction applies after accounting for municipal taxes. 
• Search Definition: Retains the definition of "virtual digital space" to include cloud storage, email, and social media accounts in the context of searches. 
• Data Handling:. Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) will be issued for handling personal digital data seized during searches. 

GS3/ Environment and Ecology

Wildfires

• Surface Fire: This type of fire burns along the ground, consuming dry leaves, twigs, and grasses found on the forest floor.
• Underground/Zombie Fire: These are low-intensity fires that burn organic matter beneath the surface. They spread slowly and often go undetected, sometimes persisting for months.
• Canopy/Crown Fire: This fire spreads through the upper tree canopy and is often intense and difficult to control.
• Controlled Deliberate Fire: These are planned burns conducted by forest agencies to reduce fuel loads and support ecosystem health.

Causes of Wildfires: Wildfires can be caused by various factors, including:

• Geography: Regions with a Mediterranean climate are highly susceptible to wildfires, especially during the hot and dry summer months. The combination of high temperatures, low humidity, and dry winds increases the risk of wildfires. For example, the Sirocco wind, which blows from the Sahara Desert to southern Europe, heightens wildfire risk.
• Climate Change: Factors such as dry spells, erratic monsoons, unseasonal heat waves, and El Niño events can dry out vegetation and increase its flammability.
• Human-Induced Factors: Activities such as slash-and-burn agriculture, agricultural expansion, infrastructure projects, tourism, and waste mismanagement can trigger both accidental and deliberate fires.
• Weak Fire Management & Technology: Inadequate surveillance, outdated response systems, lack of AI-based prediction, and poor weather-based forecasting can delay control efforts for wildfires.
• Biodiversity Loss & Flammable Vegetation: Areas with dry deciduous forests, pine needles, bamboo groves, and monoculture plantations can act as natural fuel for wildfires, reducing native biodiversity.
• Deforestation & Habitat Fragmentation: Activities such as infrastructure development, mining, unregulated grazing, and weak policy enforcement can degrade forests, intensify human-wildlife conflict, and harm ecosystems.

Impacts of Wildfires: Wildfires can have severe impacts on various aspects of the environment and human life, including:

• Air Pollution & Climate Change: Wildfires release harmful gases such as CO₂, PM2.5, and Methane, which worsen air quality and contribute to global warming.
• Biodiversity & Habitat Loss: The destruction of forests by wildfires can kill wildlife, threaten endangered species, and disrupt ecosystems. For instance, a study found that wildfires in Brazil in 2020 killed nearly 17 million animals, including reptiles, birds, and primates, leading to significant biodiversity loss.
• Human Health Risk: Smoke inhalation from wildfires can cause respiratory problems, eye irritation, heat-related injuries, and mental stress in affected populations.
• Economic Damage: Wildfires can cause property destruction, high firefighting costs, and agricultural losses, putting a strain on economies.
• Soil & Water Degradation: Wildfires can lead to erosion and ash runoff, which pollutes water sources and harms aquatic life and drinking water supplies.

Wildfires in India: Wildfires are a significant concern in India, with a considerable portion of the country’s forest cover being prone to frequent forest fires. According to the India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2021:

• More than 36% of the country’s forest cover was estimated to be prone to frequent forest fires.
• 2.81% of the country’s forest cover was extremely prone to fires, while 7.85% was very highly fire prone.

In recent years, forest fire incidents have surged in mountain regions, with significant increases reported in:

• Himachal Pradesh: 1,339% increase
• Jammu & Kashmir: 2,822% increase
• Uttarakhand: 293% increase

Common Wildfire Control Material & Method

• Pink Fire Retardant:. chemical mixture used to slow or suppress wildfires, primarily containing ammonium phosphate-based slurry and various salts.
• The Bambi Bucket:. firefighting tool used by helicopters to tackle wildfires in hard-to-reach areas by dropping water onto the fire from a specially designed bucket.

What Steps are Needed to Tackle Wildfires? To effectively tackle wildfires, several steps and measures can be implemented: 1. Integrated Fire Management:

• Employ prescribed burning and fuel load reduction techniques to lower the risk of uncontrolled fires.
• Create firebreaks and enforce strict fire safety regulations to prevent fire outbreaks.
• Raise public awareness about fire risks and safety measures to enhance community preparedness.

2. Community & Tribal Participation:

• Involve local communities, Van Panchayats, and tribal groups in wildfire management efforts.
• Provide training and livelihood incentives to these groups to encourage early detection and response to wildfires.
• Incorporate traditional conservation practices of local communities for effective fire management.

3. Advanced Technology & Early Warning:

• Utilize AI predictive models to anticipate potential wildfire outbreaks.
• Implement satellite monitoring and drone surveillance for real-time monitoring of fire-prone areas.
• Establish real-time alert systems to facilitate rapid containment of wildfires.

4. Ecosystem Restoration & Resilience:

• Promote the planting of fire-resistant species to enhance ecosystem resilience to wildfires.
• Establish green firebreaks and engage in climate-resilient forestry practices.
• Restore wetlands and promote sustainable agroforestry practices to reduce fire risks.

5. Policy Enforcement & Eco-Sensitive Development:

• Enforce no-go zones for activities such as mining and infrastructure development in fire-prone areas.
• Implement watershed management practices and promote sustainable tourism to minimize fire risks.
• Utilize blockchain technology for transparent conservation funding and ensure eco-sensitive development practices.

GS3/ Economy

Cess and its Role in Union Finance

Why in News?

The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has highlighted a shortfall of Rs 3.69 lakh crore in transferring cess collections to their intended funds. This raises concerns about the purpose and proper utilization of such levies.

What is the Purpose of Levying a Cess?

About:. cess is an additional tax imposed by the Government of India for a specific purpose, as recognized under Article 270 of the Constitution. It is levied on top of existing taxes or duties listed in the Union List.

• Purpose: Cess is different from regular taxes because it is earmarked for a designated purpose. The law imposing a cess must clearly state its purpose, which should be for a Union purpose and outside the State List (List II) of the Seventh Schedule.
• Cesses are named after their intended purpose, such as Education Cess or Swachh Bharat Cess, and must be used solely for that purpose. They cannot be diverted for general government expenditure.
• Role in Union Finance: Proceeds from a cess, along with surcharges levied by the Union, are credited to the Consolidated Fund of India. These proceeds are excluded from the divisible pool of taxes and remain under the Union’s control.

Surcharge

• About: Article 271 of the Indian Constitution allows Parliament to impose a surcharge on certain taxes and duties for Union purposes. This surcharge is an additional levy on existing taxes and duties, often referred to as a “tax on tax.”
• Applicability: The surcharge is typically applied to individuals, companies, and other taxpayers in specific income brackets, usually when their income exceeds Rs 50 lakh in a financial year. The rate of the surcharge varies based on income level and type of income.
• Purpose and Nature: The surcharge is progressive in nature, meaning higher earners contribute more. It aims to promote social equity and address income disparity by increasing the total tax liability for high-income taxpayers.
• Cess vs. Surcharge: Both cess and surcharge are credited to the Consolidated Fund of India (CFI) and are not shared with the states. However, they differ in usage. Surcharge is spent like other taxes, while cess must be allocated separately and used only for its specific purpose.
• The 13th and 14th Finance Commissions supported the exclusion of surcharge from the divisible tax pool but recommended reducing the Centre’s reliance on surcharge revenues.

How do Tax and Cess Differ in Purpose and Usage?

GS2/Polity

PM Modi’s Independence Day 2025 Speech Highlights

Why in the News?

PM Modi’s speech on Independence Day 2025 introduced significant reforms aimed at economic growth and self-reliance, including GST rationalisation, a Rs. 1 lakh crore jobs scheme, a Demography Mission, and an emphasis on semiconductor and tech innovation.

Key Takeaways

• Longest speech by PM Modi at 103 minutes, outlining various reforms and initiatives.
• Focus on self-reliance as a cornerstone for a developed India by 2047.
• Introduction of a high-powered task force for next-generation economic reforms.

Additional Details

• Next-Generation Economic Reforms: A new task force will review outdated regulations to ease compliance burdens, particularly benefiting MSMEs, startups, and cottage industries.
• GST Rationalisation: The announcement of second-generation GST reforms aims to simplify tax compliance and reduce costs for essential goods.
• Employment Scheme: The Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana will allocate Rs. 1 lakh crore to create jobs, offering incentives for employers and support for first-time private sector employees.
• Protection of Farmers: PM Modi emphasized safeguarding the interests of farmers and fishermen amid international trade pressures, ensuring their livelihoods are prioritized in policymaking.
• National Security: The launch of a Demography Mission seeks to address security concerns related to demographic changes, particularly in border areas.
• Technology and Innovation: PM Modi highlighted the importance of technology, announcing the launch of Made-in-India semiconductor chips and encouraging innovation in AI and cybersecurity.

PM Modi's Independence Day speech set the tone for India's future, focusing on economic empowerment, national security, and technological advancement to ensure holistic development leading up to 2047.

GS1/History & Culture

Red Fort as the Venue for Independence Day

Why in News?

On August 15, 2025, the Prime Minister delivered the longest Independence Day speech, lasting 103 minutes, from the historic Red Fort. This event continues a tradition initiated by Jawaharlal Nehru in 1947. The choice of the Red Fort as the venue highlights its importance as Delhi's seat of power and a symbol of India’s sovereignty.

Key Takeaways

• The Red Fort has been the site of India's Independence Day celebrations since 1947.
• It serves as a significant symbol of India's history and sovereignty.

Additional Details

• Construction: Built in 1648 by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, the fort served as the palace fortress of Shahjahanabad, his newly established capital.
• Material: The fort is characterized by massive red sandstone walls, which enclose royal pavilions and apartments.
• Water Feature: It originally contained the Nahr-i-Behisht, or "Stream of Paradise," a continuous water channel enhancing its beauty.
• Architectural Value: The Red Fort is a prime example of Mughal architecture, merging Islamic styles with Indian craftsmanship.
• Recognition: In 2007, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Historically, Delhi has been the seat of power for nearly a thousand years, regarded as the "capital of all Hindustan" by Babur. The Red Fort was inaugurated in 1648 and remained central to governance even after the decline of the Mughal Empire. The British took control during the 1857 Revolt, which marked the end of Mughal rule, and the Red Fort was repurposed into a military garrison, significantly damaging its interiors.

Significantly, the Red Fort hosted the INA trials in 1946, stirring nationalist sentiments. On August 15, 1947, Jawaharlal Nehru hoisted the national flag here, marking the first Independence Day address. This tradition has continued, with every Prime Minister addressing the nation from its ramparts, symbolizing India's reclamation of sovereignty from colonial rule.

In summary, the Red Fort stands not only as a historical monument but as a powerful symbol of India's independence and democratic values.

GS2/Governance

Recognising Organ Donation As a Lifeline

Why in News?

Organ transplantation represents a significant medical advancement and serves as the most effective remedy for terminal organ failure. However, India is grappling with a critical shortage of donor organs, resulting in over 500,000 preventable deaths each year. While the number of transplants has increased from 4,990 in 2013 to 18,378 in 2023, only 1,099 of these involved deceased donors. With an organ donation rate of just 0.8 per million people, significantly lower than Spain and the US (over 45 per million), the disparity between demand and supply remains alarming, leading to countless unnecessary fatalities. This article emphasizes the urgent need to tackle India’s organ shortage by dispelling myths, enhancing public trust, and implementing effective policies to elevate donation rates.

Key Takeaways

• India's organ donation rate is critically low, contributing to significant mortality.
• Myths about organ donation hinder potential donors and families.
• Public education is essential to improve organ donation rates.

Additional Details

• Dispelling Myths: Many families believe that organ retrieval disfigures the body, complicating funeral rites. In reality, organ removal is conducted respectfully, ensuring the donor's appearance is preserved for final ceremonies. Major religions view organ donation as a compassionate act aligned with spiritual values.
• Brain Death Certification: There is a false belief that doctors may rush to declare brain death to acquire organs. However, the process is governed by the Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act, 1994, which mandates multiple expert confirmations and thorough documentation to ensure ethical practices.
• Addressing Age and Health Myths: Another misconception is that only young accident victims can be organ donors. Older individuals or those who die from natural causes can also donate various organs and tissues, including kidneys, liver segments, lungs, corneas, bones, skin, and heart valves.
• Community Engagement: Sustained awareness through media campaigns, community workshops, and educational curricula can foster a culture of donation. Healthcare professionals must also engage proactively with families to facilitate informed decisions.

In conclusion, organ donation transcends medical intervention; it embodies a profound humanitarian gesture and a legacy of compassion. On World Organ Donation Day (August 13), individuals are encouraged to register as donors and families to respect that choice. By dispelling myths, reforming policies, and fostering a culture of shared responsibility, India can aspire toward a future where no life is lost due to the lack of available organs.