UPSC Daily Current Affairs: 29th August 2025 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly PDF Download

GS3/Environment

What are Prairies?

Why in News?

Recent initiatives, including the launch of a new database, aim to enhance the comprehensive restoration of prairies.

Key Takeaways

• Prairies are flat, temperate grasslands primarily found in North America.
• These ecosystems thrive in areas with low annual precipitation and are maintained by factors such as grazing, fire, drought, and low temperatures.
• Prairie vegetation is dominated by grasses but also includes lichens, mosses, forbs, and some shrubs.

Additional Details

• Vegetation Characteristics:The predominant vegetation consists of grasses that possess several adaptations:
  • Deep or extensive root systems.
  • Growing points located at or near the soil surface, often tucked within the crown of the plant.
  • Narrow leaves that reduce water loss.
  • Small flowers arranged in dense heads, primarily pollinated by wind.
  • Tough stems and leaves enriched with silica phytoliths, providing strength.
  • Strategies to optimize photosynthesis while conserving moisture.
• Wildlife Adaptations: Prairie wildlife has adapted to a semi-arid, windy, and open environment, with species such as elk, deer, coyotes, bobcats, badgers, jackrabbits, ground squirrels, and pocket gophers.
• Prairies are comparable to other temperate grasslands around the world, known as Pampas in South America, velds in Africa, and steppes in Asia.

In summary, prairies represent some of the most productive and diverse terrestrial ecosystems on Earth, characterized by their unique vegetation and wildlife adaptations.

GS2/International Relations

An Overview of the India-Japan Relationship

Why in News?

Prime Minister Modi is set to visit Japan on August 29-30, 2025, for the 15th India-Japan Annual Summit, marking his first summit with Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. This visit will be PM Modi's eighth to Japan, with his last attendance at the Annual Summit in 2018, although he has participated in other multilateral events in Japan, like the G20 Osaka in 2019 and G7 Hiroshima in 2023. Following the summit, he will proceed to China for the Heads of State Council meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in Tianjin.

Key Takeaways

• Strengthened ties through various strategic initiatives.
• Active collaboration in defence, trade, and cultural exchanges.
• Increasing focus on shared regional security and infrastructure development.

Additional Details

• India–Japan Ties: The relationship has evolved into one of India's oldest mechanisms for Annual Summits, alongside Russia, with progressive elevation to a Global Partnership in 2000, and further to a Special Strategic and Global Partnership by 2014.
• Indo-Pacific Cooperation: India's Act East Policy and Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative align with Japan's Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) vision, emphasizing connectivity and development assistance.
• Multilateral Cooperation: Both nations collaborate in various platforms such as the Quad, International Solar Alliance (ISA), and Supply Chain Resilience Initiative (SCRI), underlining their roles as leading democracies.
• Defence and Security: Key agreements have fortified defence ties, including the Joint Declaration on Security Cooperation (2008), and regular joint exercises like Malabar and JIMEX enhance military collaboration.
• Trade and Investment: Bilateral trade reached $22.8 billion in 2023-24, with Japan being a major source of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in India.
• Development Cooperation: Japan has been India's largest ODA donor since 1958, providing significant support for infrastructure projects like the Mumbai–Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail.
• Cultural and Educational Ties: The Year of Tourism Exchange in 2023-24 and numerous academic partnerships highlight the growing cultural connections between the two nations.

As India navigates a complex geopolitical landscape, its partnership with Japan and other Indo-Pacific countries is poised to enhance strategic autonomy and foster collaborative growth.

GS2/International Relations

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

Why in News?

The head of the UN's nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), announced that a team of inspectors has returned to Iran, highlighting ongoing international concerns regarding nuclear energy and its potential military applications.

Key Takeaways

• The IAEA is the leading global organization for nuclear scientific and technical cooperation.
• It operates under a statute approved on October 23, 1956, and became effective on July 29, 1957.
• As an autonomous entity within the United Nations, the IAEA reports to both the UN General Assembly and the UN Security Council.
• The agency's main objective is to prevent the diversion of nuclear energy for weapons purposes.

Additional Details

• Member Countries: The IAEA currently has 180 member states, enhancing its international credibility and mandate.
• Institutional Structure:
  • General Conference: This assembly of all member states meets annually to approve budgets and set policies.
  • Board of Governors: Composed of 35 members, it meets approximately five times a year to oversee safeguards agreements and appoint the Director General.
  • Secretariat: Led by the Director General, it is responsible for the agency's daily operations.
• Functions of the IAEA:The agency ensures nuclear technology is used solely for peaceful purposes through comprehensive safeguards, including:
  • Monitoring activities
  • Conducting on-site inspections
  • Information analysis
  • Employing various techniques to verify peaceful use of nuclear energy.
• Headquarters: The IAEA is headquartered in Vienna, Austria.

In summary, the IAEA plays a crucial role in promoting safe and peaceful use of nuclear technology, maintaining international peace and security regarding nuclear materials.

GS3/Defence & Security

Nimbrix Missile Overview

Why in News?

Swedish defense company Saab has recently unveiled the development of a new missile known as the Nimbrix, specifically designed to address the challenges posed by small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) on the battlefield.

Key Takeaways

• Nimbrix is a counter-unmanned aircraft system (C-UAS) missile.
• It is designed to counter the increasing threat from small drones.
• Developed by Saab, this missile is aimed at minimizing costs through innovative manufacturing techniques.

Additional Details

• Fire-and-Forget Technology: The Nimbrix missile utilizes a fire-and-forget guidance system, allowing it to autonomously track and engage targets after launch.
• Range and Targeting: It boasts a range of up to 5 km and employs an active seeker for precise target tracking.
• Warhead Design: The missile is equipped with an air-burst warhead, designed to detonate near small drones and UAS, effectively neutralizing multiple threats simultaneously.
• Operational Flexibility: Nimbrix is intended for ground-based operations and can function independently or as part of broader air defense systems.
• Adaptable Deployment: It features versatile mounting options, enabling installation on various vehicles or fixed positions to cater to different operational needs.

The introduction of the Nimbrix missile underscores Saab's commitment to enhancing defense capabilities against evolving aerial threats, reflecting a strategic response to contemporary military challenges.

GS3/Environment

Challenges of Monsoon Variability and Disaster Preparedness

Why in News?

In August 2025, heavy rains have caused significant destruction across North India, resulting in the isolation of Himachal Pradesh, over 40 deaths in Jammu and Kashmir, submerged farmland in Punjab, and the swelling of the Yamuna River in the capital. These floods underscore the growing unpredictability of the southwest monsoon, characterized by concentrated bursts of rainfall that overwhelm infrastructure and natural landscapes. This situation highlights systemic governance challenges, including unplanned infrastructure in vulnerable areas, inadequate early warning systems, and a tendency towards reactive disaster management.

Key Takeaways

• Erratic Rainfall Patterns: Rainfall is increasingly concentrated rather than evenly distributed, leading to overwhelming impacts on slopes, rivers, and urban areas.
• Environmental Fragility: The Himalayan ecosystems are becoming more fragile due to deforestation and inadequate engineering practices.
• Disaster Preparedness Gaps: Despite improved forecasting, effective ground-level alerts and proactive measures are lacking.
• Policy Implications: Current policies promote infrastructure expansion in unstable regions, exacerbating vulnerabilities.

Additional Details

• Increasing Monsoon Erraticism: The shift to concentrated bursts of rainfall has led to amplified erosion and destabilization of slopes in the Himalayas, indicating that such extreme weather patterns are becoming the norm rather than the exception.
• Insufficiencies in Disaster Management: There are significant gaps in early warning systems and pre-emptive relief measures, with a focus on post-disaster responses rather than proactive strategies.
• Need for Policy Reforms: Improved governance is essential, focusing on preventive measures and systematic preparedness, including community drills and resilient infrastructure.

The floods of 2025 in North India are not isolated incidents; they reflect a larger trend of climate-driven extreme weather. Treating each disaster as unprecedented hinders learning and perpetuates cycles of loss. To build resilience, it is crucial to transition from reactive post-disaster relief to preventive strategies, including sustainable infrastructure, community engagement, and enhanced early-warning systems. Without a shift from reactive governance to anticipatory measures, the monsoon seasons will likely continue to result in significant destruction.

PYQ Relevance

[UPSC 2019] Disaster preparedness is the first step in any disaster management process. Explain how hazard zonation mapping will help disaster mitigation in the case of landslides.

The 2025 North India floods highlight how slope instability and unchecked construction in Himalayan states amplify landslide risks. Hazard zonation mapping could have facilitated slope-safe engineering, restricted high-risk land use, and improved early warning capabilities. This directly connects preparedness to mitigation, aligning with the UPSC 2019 question.

GS3/Environment

Discovery of New Springtail Species: Salina aurantiamaculata and Salina pseudomontana

Why in News?

Recently, scientists at the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) have announced the discovery of two new species of Collembola, commonly known as springtails. The newly identified species are named Salina aurantiamaculata and Salina pseudomontana, marking an important addition to the biodiversity of India after more than four decades since the last Salina species was recorded in 1979.

Key Takeaways

• Salina aurantiamaculata: Known for its vivid orange markings, this species exhibits a unique pigment pattern among its relatives.
• Salina pseudomontana: This species bears a striking resemblance to the previously known Salina montana.
• Both species are part of the cosmopolitan “celebensis” group of Collembola.
• The discovery increases India's total number of Salina species to 17.

Additional Details

• Collembola (Springtails): These organisms are among the oldest land-dwelling hexapods, with a history spanning hundreds of millions of years. They play a critical role in enhancing soil structure, facilitating nutrient cycling, and serving as indicators of ecosystem health.
• Habitat: Springtails thrive in environments that are often overlooked, such as leaf litter, decaying wood, and soil.
• Significance: Their population dynamics and sensitivity to environmental changes make them essential for monitoring pollution, climate change, and agricultural sustainability.

This discovery not only enriches the biodiversity of India but also emphasizes the ecological importance of springtails in maintaining healthy ecosystems.

GS1/Indian Society

India’s School Enrolment Declines Amid Falling Birth Rates & Demographic Shifts

Why in News?

India's school enrolment has dropped significantly, with a decline of 25 lakh students in the 2024-25 academic year. This decrease is attributed to falling birth rates and an increasing preference for private schooling, as reported by UDISE+ data from the Ministry of Education.

Key Takeaways

• School enrolment fell for the third consecutive year.
• Total enrolment across Classes 1-12 reached its lowest since 2018-19.
• Government schools saw a decrease in enrolment, while private schools experienced growth.

Additional Details

• Declining Birth Rates: The National Family Health Survey 2021 indicated India's Total Fertility Rate (TFR) at 1.91, below the replacement level of 2.1. This decline in fertility rates has led to a smaller pool of primary school-age children.
• Methodology Changes: UDISE+ has adopted a new methodology that captures individual student data, which has resulted in more accurate enrolment figures by eliminating duplicate entries.
• Migration Patterns: Urban migration and the rise of private pre-primary institutions have also impacted enrolment statistics, as many children are now enrolled in private nurseries not included in official data.

The decline in school enrolment reflects significant changes in India's demographic landscape. As the population ages, educational policies may need to adjust to focus more on quality education rather than merely increasing enrolment numbers. Strengthening government schools will be essential to retain students, especially in light of the growing appeal of private education. The upcoming Census 2026 data will further clarify these demographic shifts and their implications for the education system.

GS1/Indian Society

UDISE+ Report, 2025

Why in News?

The latest round of Unified District Information System for Education Plus (UDISE+) data was released by the Ministry of Education (MoE), highlighting significant developments in the Indian educational landscape.

Key Takeaways

• Teachers' numbers have surpassed 1 crore, indicating a 6.7% increase from the previous year.
• Dropout rates have significantly decreased, showcasing improvements in student retention.
• Gender representation in schools has seen a positive trend, with an increase in female enrolment and teachers.

Additional Details

• Launch: UDISE+ was introduced in the academic year 2018-19 as an upgraded version of UDISE, which was initiated in 2012-13.
• Purpose: The system collects and monitors comprehensive school-level data across India, focusing on enrolment, dropout rates, teacher statistics, infrastructure, and gender indicators.
• Infrastructure Improvements: As of 2025, 64.7% of schools have computer access, and 63.5% are equipped with internet facilities.
• Gender Representation: Girls' enrolment has risen to 48.3%, while female teachers constitute 54.2% of the teaching workforce.

The UDISE+ 2025 report represents a crucial step towards enhancing the quality of education in India by providing valuable data for policy-making and educational reforms. The improvements in the pupil-teacher ratio and retention rates reflect a commitment to achieving better educational outcomes.

GS1/History & Culture

Mahatma Ayyankali: A Pioneer of Social Justice

Why in News?

On August 28, marking his Jayanti, Prime Minister paid tribute to Mahatma Ayyankali, reflecting on his significant contributions to social justice and education in Kerala.

Key Takeaways

• Mahatma Ayyankali was born on August 28, 1863, in Venganoor, Travancore (now Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala).
• He belonged to the Pulayar caste, which was among the most oppressed groups facing severe caste discrimination.
• Ayyankali is remembered as a Dalit leader who championed social justice, education, and labor rights.

Additional Details

• Caste Defiance: He led the famous Villuvandi Yatra in 1893, an ox-cart ride on caste-restricted roads, which ignited riots but also mobilized mass support for Dalit rights.
• Education Movement: Ayyankali advocated for Dalit children's access to public schools, leading to a 1907 order from the Travancore government that was implemented by 1910.
• Sadhu Jana Paripalana Sangham (SJPS): Founded in 1907, this organization aimed at promoting Dalit education, legal aid, and social upliftment, expanding to hundreds of branches over time.
• Legislative Role: In 1910, he became the first Dalit member of the Sree Moolam Popular Assembly (Travancore Legislative Council).
• Labour Reforms: Ayyankali fought for better wages and dignity for agricultural laborers.
• Social Reforms: He campaigned for Dalit women's right to cover their upper bodies in public, a right that had been denied to them.
• Temple Entry Movement: His early campaigns from 1895 contributed to the 1936 Temple Entry Proclamation, which ended the exclusion of Dalits from temples in Travancore.
• Ayyankali was admired by Mahatma Gandhi, who referred to him as the "Pulaya King," and was later recognized by Indira Gandhi as "India's greatest son."

Mahatma Ayyankali's legacy continues to inspire movements for social justice and equality in India, making his contributions essential to the history of Kerala and the broader fight against caste discrimination.

Question: Who among the following was the founder of the ‘Self-Respect Movement’?

• (a) ‘Periyar’ E. V. Ramaswamy Naicker *
• (b) Dr. B. R. Ambedkar
• (c) Bhaskarrao Jadhav
• (d) Dinkarrao Javalkar

GS3/Science and Technology

India’s Aquanauts to Lead Deep-Sea Exploration under Samudrayaan

Why in News?

Recently, two Indian aquanauts, Cdr (Retd) Jatinder Pal Singh and R Ramesh, completed training dives aboard the French vessel Nautile, achieving depths of 5,002 and 4,025 metres in the Atlantic Ocean. These dives are preparatory steps for India's ambitious Samudrayaan project, which aims to send three humans to a depth of 6,000 metres by 2027. This initiative parallels how Axiom-4 supports the Gaganyaan mission, providing crucial insights for enhancing India's deep-sea exploration capabilities.

Key Takeaways

• The Samudrayaan mission aims for deep-ocean exploration, reaching 6,000 metres.
• Matsya-6000 is the crewed submersible being developed for this mission.
• India's deep-sea exploration aligns with its Blue Economy Vision.

Additional Details

• Samudrayaan Mission: This mission is part of India's Deep Ocean Mission, approved in 2021, with a budget of ₹4,077 crore over five years. Its goals include developing technologies for deep-sea mining and underwater vehicles.
• Matsya-6000: This submersible is designed to carry three aquanauts to depths of 6,000 metres. It is shaped like a large fish and contains a 2.1-metre diameter personal sphere for the crew, ensuring life support for 12-hour missions.
• Challenges: The mission faces significant challenges such as developing a pressure-resistant vessel and maintaining a livable environment for the aquanauts.
• Health and Safety: Aquanauts must undergo rigorous physical conditioning and manage food and water intake carefully during missions.
• Communication: Traditional communication methods fail underwater; thus, India is developing an acoustic telephone system for reliable communication.

The Samudrayaan Mission positions India among a select group of nations, including the United States, Russia, China, Japan, and France, with advanced capabilities in deep-sea exploration. This initiative not only aims to explore the largely uncharted deep ocean, which holds vast reserves of resources, but also supports India's vision of achieving a Viksit Bharat.

GS2/Governance

Unified District Information System for Education Plus (UDISE+)

Why in News?

The Ministry of Education has published a report on the Unified District Information System for Education Plus (UDISE+) for the academic year 2024-25, highlighting that the total number of teachers in India has surpassed the 1 crore mark as of 2024-25.

Key Takeaways

• UDISE+ is an educational management information system under the Ministry of Education.
• It serves as a central platform for schools to record and submit essential data.
• All recognized schools across India participate in real-time data entry.

Additional Details

• Unique UDISE Code: Each school is assigned a distinct 11-digit UDISE code to facilitate data entry and modifications.
• School User Directory Module: This module manages the onboarding of schools and designated users who are responsible for data submission on UDISE+.
• Data Reporting Modules:The information is categorized into three modules:
  • School Profile & Facilities: This module records infrastructure details and available services in schools.
  • Student Module: It maintains a general and academic profile for each student, including extracurricular activities, tracked using a Permanent Education Number.
  • Teacher Profile: This module keeps individual records of all teaching and non-teaching staff, documenting their general, academic, and appointment details.

The UDISE+ system enhances the efficiency of educational data management in India, ensuring that critical information about schools, students, and teachers is accurately recorded and monitored at various administrative levels.