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

GS3/Defence & Security

Extended Range Attack Munitions (ERAM) Missile

Why in News?

The Trump administration has recently greenlighted the sale of 3,350 Extended Range Attack Munitions (ERAM) missiles to Ukraine, marking a significant development in military support for the nation.

Key Takeaways

• ERAM missiles are advanced, air-launched, precision-guided munitions.
• The missile combines the impact of a heavy bomb with the extended range capabilities of a cruise missile.

Additional Details

• Range: Depending on the flight profile, ERAM missiles can travel between 240 and 450 kilometers, enhancing their operational flexibility.
• Warhead: Each missile is equipped with a 500-pound high-explosive warhead, designed to effectively destroy fortified targets such as bunkers, fuel depots, and ammunition stores.
• Guidance: ERAM employs a sophisticated guidance system that combines GPS, inertial navigation, and a terminal seeker, achieving accuracy within approximately ten meters, even in the presence of electronic jamming by adversaries.
• Launch Platforms: The missiles are compact and modular, allowing for deployment on various Western fighter jets, including the F-16s, which Ukraine is currently receiving. They may also be retrofitted to operate on existing Soviet-era aircraft.
• ERAM missiles are designed for mass production, making them more cost-effective and compatible across multiple aircraft types.

This approval signifies a strategic enhancement of Ukraine's military capabilities amid ongoing tensions, reflecting the U.S. commitment to supporting its allies in the region.

GS3/Economy

Rising Disposable Income of Indian Households in 2025

Why in News?

Chief Economic Advisor V. Anantha Nageswaran has announced that the disposable income of Indian households is expected to rise significantly in 2025 compared to the previous year. This increase is largely attributed to easing inflation and recent tax cuts, along with anticipated further reductions. The rise in disposable income is considered a positive indicator for household spending and overall economic growth.

Key Takeaways

• The rise in disposable income is driven by lower inflation and tax cuts.
• Increased disposable income positively impacts household spending and economic growth.
• Urban and rural demand trends show varied patterns in consumption.

Additional Details

• Understanding Disposable Income: Disposable income refers to the amount of money households have after paying taxes. It is the net income available for spending and saving. In simple terms, it represents the cash available for daily expenses such as food, rent, healthcare, and education.
• Formula: Disposable Income = Total Income – Taxes
• Impact of Inflation: Even if disposable income remains unchanged, high inflation can diminish its real value. For instance, if disposable income is ₹50,000, but inflation rises, that same ₹50,000 will purchase fewer goods and services. This results in a lower real disposable income, leading households to cut back on non-essential spending, which can slow down demand and economic growth.
• High inflation can also hinder savings, as more disposable income is allocated to essential expenses, thereby reducing long-term investments and financial security.

Overall, a higher disposable income is crucial as it boosts consumer spending, improves living standards, supports savings and investments, encourages business growth, enhances economic resilience, and drives economic growth. The recent announcements from CEA regarding the projected increase in disposable income in 2025 are as follows:

• Attributable factors include lower inflation and direct tax cuts from the 2025 Union Budget.
• Expected GST rate rationalization is also anticipated to enhance household spending and support economic growth.

India's GDP growth for the April–June 2025 quarter reached 7.8%, marking the highest growth in five quarters and exceeding expectations. Despite concerns regarding weak urban demand expressed at the RBI's August MPC meeting, the CEA asserts that urban consumption may have been underestimated due to reliance on traditional surveys. Evidence from UPI merchant payment data indicates strong growth in digital transactions across various categories.

Rural demand has shown resilience, aided by favorable monsoon conditions, while urban consumption trends are mixed—strong in sectors like hospitality and trade but softer in housing and consumer durable loans.

From August 27, 2025, tariffs on Indian goods entering the US market have doubled to 50% (25% duty plus a 25% penalty linked to India's Russian oil imports). This poses risks for labor-intensive export sectors such as textiles, potentially affecting jobs, wages, consumption, and dampening private investment. Economists caution about a possible negative domino effect on economic growth.

The government's policy response includes a two-pronged strategy: boosting domestic consumption through income tax cuts (with an estimated revenue loss of ₹1 lakh crore) and GST rationalization to lower inflation, while also exploring alternatives to US markets and enhancing domestic resilience to reduce vulnerability to external shocks.

GS2/Polity

Grant of Bail in India

Why in News?

The recent decision by the US President to halt federal funding for cashless bail has sparked discussions regarding the fairness of the system, particularly concerning its impact on economically disadvantaged individuals.

Key Takeaways

• The cashless bail system eliminates the need for upfront cash, relying instead on non-financial conditions like monitoring and assurance of court appearance.
• The traditional cash bail system disproportionately affects the poor, often leading to the detention of individuals accused of minor offenses due to their inability to pay.

Additional Details

• Bail Provisions in India: Under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, bail serves as a mechanism to release an accused from custody with assurances against absconding or tampering with evidence.
• Types of Bail under BNSS:
  • Regular Bail: For bailable offenses, bail is a right (Sec. 478); for non-bailable offenses, it is at the court’s discretion (Secs. 480, 483).
  • Anticipatory Bail (Sec. 482): Granted before arrest in non-bailable offenses, with conditions imposed to ensure no interference with investigations.
  • Interim Bail: Temporary release while waiting for the decision on regular or anticipatory bail applications.
  • Statutory/Default Bail (Sec. 187): An accused has the right to bail if the chargesheet is not filed within the stipulated time.
• Bail Mechanisms in Practice:
  • Bond: The accused signs a bond and deposits cash as a guarantee, refundable after trial unless terms are violated.
  • Bail Bond: Surety provided by a friend, family member, or employer, requiring verification of their financial stability and residence.
  • Personal Recognisance (PR) Bond: The accused is released without an immediate cash deposit but must arrange the money within a specified time.
• Challenges in India’s Bail System:
  • Many undertrials remain in jail despite being eligible for bail due to their inability to furnish surety or small amounts (e.g., ₹5,000 or less).
  • Prison overcrowding is a significant issue, with Maharashtra prisons reporting over 12,000 excess prisoners as of July 2025.
• Judicial Concerns: The 268th Law Commission Report (2017) deemed the monetary bail system discriminatory and unconstitutional, violating the right to a fair trial.
• Supreme Court Guidelines (2023): If an accused remains in jail for more than one week despite bail, the jail superintendent must inform the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), which can facilitate their release.
• Reform Under BNSS (2023): Jail authorities are mandated to apply for bail for undertrial prisoners who have served a specified portion of their maximum sentence, with exceptions for life imprisonment or death penalty cases.

In summary, the bail system in India is undergoing significant scrutiny and reform as it seeks to balance the rights of the accused with the integrity of the judicial process. The challenges faced by undertrials highlight the urgent need for legal and systemic improvements.

GS3/Science and Technology

ClassGPT: How AI is Reshaping Campuses

Why in News?

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in higher education has sparked a debate surrounding its benefits and challenges. With students increasingly turning to AI for various academic tasks, institutions are compelled to reassess their policies to foster originality and critical thinking while embracing technological advancements.

Key Takeaways

• High student and faculty usage of AI tools.
• Concerns about academic integrity and critical thinking.
• Varied institutional responses to AI integration.
• Global perspectives on AI's role in education.

Additional Details

• AI Usage Among Students: A recent survey from IIT Delhi (2024) revealed that four out of five students utilize AI tools frequently, with some opting for premium subscriptions.
• Faculty Engagement: Approximately 77% of educators reported using AI for tasks such as summarizing papers and drafting communications.
• Student Motivations: Students find AI beneficial for simplifying complex concepts, summarizing material, creating mind maps, and simulating scenarios.
• Concerns Raised: Issues include mathematical inaccuracies, flawed debugging, and inadequate context handling, leading to questions about originality and academic integrity.
• Institutional Innovations: Various Indian institutions are experimenting with AI in their curricula, introducing workshops, and reevaluating assessment methods to incorporate AI responsibly.
• Global Trends: In countries like the USA, Australia, and the UK, educational institutions are adapting their policies to integrate AI while emphasizing transparency and ethical use.

In conclusion, as generative AI becomes an integral part of classrooms in India, the focus must shift from whether to ban or allow its use to how it can be effectively regulated and ethically integrated into learning environments. The future of education will depend on finding a balance that promotes critical thinking while leveraging the advantages of AI technology.

GS3/Science and Technology

Cordualadensa acorni: A New Dinosaur-era Dragonfly Fossil

Why in News?

Recently, researchers from McGill University made a significant discovery by identifying a new dinosaur-era dragonfly fossil named Cordualadensa acorni. This fossil was found in Alberta’s Dinosaur Provincial Park, marking an important milestone in paleontological studies.

Key Takeaways

• First Mesozoic dragonfly fossil: It is the first dragonfly fossil from the Mesozoic era identified in Canada.
• Evolutionary significance: This fossil helps fill a 30-million-year gap in dragonfly evolutionary history.

Additional Details

• Fossil Description: The fossil is a partial wing impression preserved in the 75-million-year-old Dinosaur Park Formation, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Alberta, Canada.
• New Family: The discovery led to the establishment of a new family called Cordualadensidae, highlighting its unique anatomical features.
• Wingspan: The wingspan of Cordualadensa acorni is roughly the width of a human hand.
• Anatomical Adaptation: Its wing structure indicates an adaptation for gliding flight, a feature commonly seen in migratory dragonflies.
• Ecological Role: Despite its small size, it played an important role in the Cretaceous ecosystem, potentially serving as prey for raptors.
• Distribution: It is the first dinosaur-aged dragonfly fossil found in North America, belonging to the dragonfly group Cavilabiata.
• Previous Discoveries: Prior to this, only one insect fossil (a microscopic aphid in amber) had been reported from the region.

The discovery of Cordualadensa acorni not only expands our understanding of ancient insect life but also emphasizes the ecological diversity that existed during the Cretaceous period.

GS2/Polity

National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)

Why in News?

The Prime Minister of India has recently nominated two new members to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and has re-nominated three existing members to serve for an additional three years.

Key Takeaways

• The NDMA is the apex body for disaster management in India.
• It was established under the Disaster Management Act, 2005.
• The Prime Minister serves as the chairperson of the NDMA.

Additional Details

• Establishment: The NDMA was formed to oversee disaster management policies and is chaired by the Prime Minister of India.
• Objectives: The NDMA is tasked with creating national policies, plans, and guidelines for effective disaster management and ensuring their implementation across various ministries and agencies.
• Vision: The vision of NDMA is to build a safer and disaster-resilient India through proactive and sustainable strategies involving all stakeholders.
• Organisation Structure: The NDMA includes a Vice-Chairperson of Cabinet Minister rank and up to eight members of Minister of State rank. It operates through specialized divisions such as Policy & Plans, Mitigation, and Operations.
• Functions and Responsibilities: NDMA is responsible for laying down policies, approving disaster management plans, coordinating implementation, and providing recommendations for funding and capacity building.

In conclusion, the NDMA plays a crucial role in ensuring the country's preparedness and response to disasters, fostering resilience at both the national and local levels.

GS2/Governance

Detoxifying India’s Entrance Examination System

Why in News?

The entrance examination system in India has become a source of immense stress and competition, with approximately 70 lakh students competing annually for a limited number of undergraduate seats. The current model not only fuels a vast coaching industry but has also led to serious issues such as financial exploitation, mental health crises, and tragic student suicides. This situation prompts a need to reimagine admissions to prioritize fairness and student well-being.

Key Takeaways

• The entrance examination system promotes a culture of hyper-competition.
• Coaching centers impose financial burdens on families, charging exorbitant fees.
• There is a growing concern over the mental health impact on students.
• Current admissions often favor affluent students over equally capable rural ones.

Additional Details

• Coaching Crisis: The coaching industry has become a significant issue, with fees reaching ₹6-7 lakh for two years. Students as young as 14 are subjected to intense academic pressure, leading to stress and social isolation.
• Illusion of Meritocracy: The belief that success is solely based on individual merit ignores the advantages of privilege and resources, creating a skewed competitive landscape.
• Global Models: Countries like the Netherlands and China have implemented reforms such as weighted lotteries and reduced private tutoring to balance access and equity in education.
• Proposed Reforms: Simplifying admissions by relying on Class 12 board exams and implementing a lottery system could provide a fairer approach. Additionally, integrating reservation policies for underprivileged students could enhance social justice.

Ultimately, India faces a choice: continue the toxic rat race that harms its youth or adopt a fairer system that promotes equity and well-being. Transitioning to a lottery-based admissions process could alleviate pressure on students, making elite education accessible to all qualified candidates while fostering an environment conducive to learning and growth.

GS3/Economy

India's First EMI-Based Credit Card

Why in News?

BharatPe and Unity Small Finance Bank have recently unveiled the Unity Bank BharatPe Credit Card, marking a significant innovation as India's first credit card that allows users to opt for equated monthly instalments (EMIs) on their purchases.

Key Takeaways

• Launch of India’s first EMI-driven credit card on the RuPay network.
• Partnership between Unity Bank and BharatPe, developed with NPCI.
• Availability for both salaried and self-employed individuals.

Additional Details

• Auto-EMI Conversion: Purchases can be split into EMIs for up to 12 months, providing users with flexible repayment options.
• Zero Fees: The card comes with no joining, annual, or foreclosure fees, making it a lifetime free card.
• UPI Integration: The credit card can be linked to the Unified Payments Interface, ensuring ease of payments at various merchants across the country.
• Reward Program: Users can earn a flat 2% reward on EMI transactions, which can be redeemed via the BharatPe app.
• Premium Benefits: The card offers complimentary access to domestic and international lounges, along with preventive health checkups.
• Digital Onboarding: Users can complete the application process, including KYC and activation, seamlessly through the BharatPe app.

This innovative credit card aims to enhance the financial flexibility of consumers in India, making it easier for them to manage their expenses through EMI options while enjoying various benefits.

GS3/Science and Technology

Mitochondrial Protein Import

Why in News?

Recent research conducted at Caltech University has revealed new insights into the rules governing the import of proteins into mitochondria, challenging the previously accepted understanding of this fundamental biological process.

Key Takeaways

• Mitochondria are essential organelles responsible for generating ATP, the primary energy currency of cells.
• Traditionally, it was believed that mitochondrial proteins were imported only after their synthesis was complete in the cytosol.
• New findings indicate that approximately 20% of mitochondrial proteins are actually imported while they are still being synthesized.

Additional Details

• Mitochondria: These double-membraned organelles originated through endosymbiosis over a billion years ago, with most of their genes transferred to the host nucleus over time.
• Cotranslational Import: This new mechanism primarily affects large and complex proteins that require assistance during their folding process. If these proteins fold completely in the cytosol, they may form irreversible structures that hinder their import into mitochondria.
• For cotranslational delivery, proteins must have a mitochondrial targeting sequence, along with a second signal: the first large protein domain that emerges during translation. This domain acts as a "code to unlock the boarding pass," guiding the protein into mitochondria at an early stage.
• Experiments confirmed that transplanting these domains onto other proteins can redirect them for cotranslational import.

These new findings redefine our understanding of mitochondrial protein import and could have significant implications for the study of cellular energy metabolism and related disorders.

GS3/Science and Technology

LUPEX Mission Overview

Why in News?

The Prime Minister of India has recently acknowledged the collaboration between the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) for the upcoming Chandrayaan-5 mission, which is part of the Lunar Polar Exploration (LUPEX) program.

Key Takeaways

• The LUPEX mission is a joint initiative between ISRO and JAXA.
• Its primary objective is to explore the moon's southern polar region.
• The mission will investigate the presence of water and other elements, possibly in the form of surface ice.
• It aims to showcase innovative technologies for lunar surface exploration, focusing on vehicular transport and lunar night survival.
• The mission will include a lander and a rover.

Additional Details

• Rover Development: JAXA is responsible for developing and operating the rover, as well as the lander that will transport the rover to the lunar surface.
• Rover Functionality: The rover will autonomously navigate the lunar surface to identify areas likely to contain water, and it will sample the soil using a drill.
• Data Collection: The rover will analyze the collected samples with observation equipment that is mounted on it.
• Advanced Instruments: It will be equipped with tools to measure water content in lunar regolith, perform drilling and sampling, and utilize cutting-edge technologies for its driving system and batteries.
• International Collaboration: The rover will carry instruments not only from ISRO and JAXA but also from NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA).

The LUPEX mission represents a significant step forward in lunar exploration, combining efforts from multiple space agencies to enhance our understanding of the moon's resources.

GS3/Environment

Mount Etna Eruption

Why in News?

Mount Etna has recently erupted again following its last significant eruption in June, drawing attention due to its ongoing volcanic activity.

Key Takeaways

• Mount Etna is located on the east coast of Sicily, Italy, near the city of Catania.
• It is classified as a stratovolcano, characterized by layers of hardened lava, volcanic ash, and rocks.
• The volcano stands at approximately 3,300 meters, making it the tallest volcano in Europe south of the Alps.
• It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2013 and has a documented history of volcanic activity spanning at least 2,700 years.
• Mount Etna has a record of almost constant activity, with notable eruptions occurring in years such as 1400 B.C., 1669, 2001, 2018, 2021, and anticipated in 2024 and 2025.

Additional Details

• Volcanic Activity Style: Mount Etna is known for Strombolian and effusive eruptions, alongside occasional Plinian eruptions, which are rare and more explosive.
• Reasons Behind the Eruption: This recent eruption is classified as either a Strombolian or possibly a Plinian eruption based on observations of the eruption's characteristics, such as a large ash column reaching the stratosphere.
• Eruption Trigger: The eruption likely initiated due to pressure buildup from gas within the magma chamber, resulting in the collapse of the southeast crater and subsequent lava flows.

In summary, Mount Etna's ongoing eruptions highlight its status as one of the most active volcanoes in the world, with significant implications for the surrounding region and ongoing geological studies.

Consider the following geological phenomena:

• 1. Development of a fault
• 2. Movement along a fault
• 3. Impact produced by a volcanic eruption
• 4. Folding of rocks

Which of the above causes earthquakes?

Options: (a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 2 and 4 (c) 1, 3 and 4 (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4*