UPSC Daily Current Affairs: 31st August 2025 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly PDF Download

GS2/Governance

Kerala’s Digital Literacy Feat: How the State Achieved Widespread Inclusion

Why in News?

Recently, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan declared Kerala as the first fully digitally literate state in India after the completion of the initial phase of the Digi Kerala programme. This initiative, which was executed through local self-government bodies, aimed to reduce the digital divide. As a result, 21.87 lakh individuals identified as digitally illiterate received training and successfully passed evaluations, marking a significant achievement in grassroots digital empowerment.

Key Takeaways

• Kerala is the first state in India to achieve full digital literacy.
• The Digi Kerala programme trained over 21 lakh digitally illiterate individuals.
• Training included essential skills like making calls, using WhatsApp, and accessing government services.

Additional Details

• Origins of Kerala’s Digital Literacy Drive: The initiative started from a local project in Pullampara panchayat in Thiruvananthapuram, where officials aimed to alleviate the hardships faced by daily-wage and MGNREGS labourers in accessing banking services.
• Digi Pullampara Project: This project identified 3,917 digitally illiterate residents, with 3,300 receiving training through 15 activities across three modules that covered essential digital tasks.
• Role of Volunteers: Training was facilitated by volunteers, including NSS students and Kudumbashree members, conducted in various community settings to ensure comprehensive outreach.
• Success Rate: Pullampara achieved a remarkable success rate of 96.18%, becoming Kerala’s first fully digitally literate panchayat by September 2022.
• Statewide Expansion: Following Pullampara's success, the initiative was expanded statewide, with plans to train 2.57 lakh volunteers through master trainers.
• Inclusivity of the Programme: Unlike national standards that limit training to those under 60, Kerala's initiative included all age groups, training individuals over 100 years old.
• Wide Participation: The program saw participation from over 13 lakh women, 8 lakh men, and 1,644 transgender persons, demonstrating a commitment to inclusivity.
• Future Plans: The Digi Kerala programme will extend beyond basic skills, addressing cyber fraud awareness and digital literacy for accessing government services.
• Smartphone-Focused Approach: Prioritizing smartphones reflects the realities of daily life, contrasting with national programs focusing on computer literacy.
• Integration with Broader Projects: The initiative aligns with Kerala’s larger digital vision, which includes the Kerala Fibre Optic Network (KFON) and the K-SMART Project to enhance digital accessibility.

This comprehensive approach not only positions Kerala as India's first fully digitally literate state but also serves as a model for bridging the digital divide across the nation.

GS2/Governance

Adi Vaani: AI-Powered Language Translator for Tribal Languages

Why in News?

The Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India, has launched the Beta Version of “Adi Vaani,” an innovative language translation tool aimed at supporting tribal languages.

Key Takeaways

• Adi Vaani is India's first AI-based translator specifically designed for tribal languages.
• The initiative aims to facilitate communication between tribal and non-tribal communities.
• It incorporates advanced AI technologies to protect and revitalize endangered tribal languages.

Additional Details

• Project Development: The project is led by a consortium of prestigious institutions, including IIT Delhi, BITS Pilani, IIIT Hyderabad, and IIIT Nava Raipur, in collaboration with Tribal Research Institutes (TRIs) across various states.
• Aims of Adi Vaani:
  • Enable real-time translation (text and speech) between Hindi/English and tribal languages.
  • Provide interactive language learning resources for students and early learners.
  • Digitally preserve folklore, oral traditions, and cultural heritage.
  • Enhance digital literacy and communication in healthcare and civic matters within tribal communities.
  • Raise awareness about government schemes and significant speeches.
• Supported Languages: The Beta launch currently supports Santali (Odisha), Bhili (Madhya Pradesh), Mundari (Jharkhand), and Gondi (Chhattisgarh).
• Methodology: The project employs refined AI language models, including No Language Left Behind (NLLB) and IndicTrans2, for low-resource tribal languages, emphasizing community participation in data collection and validation.
• Functional Features:
  • Text-to-Text, Text-to-Speech, Speech-to-Text, and Speech-to-Speech translations.
  • Optical Character Recognition (OCR) for digitizing manuscripts and educational materials.
  • Bilingual dictionaries and curated repositories for better language support.
  • Subtitles for Prime Minister's speeches and health advisories, promoting awareness in tribal languages.

Adi Vaani represents a significant step towards bridging communication gaps and preserving the rich linguistic heritage of India's tribal communities.

GS3/Environment

Gangotri Glacier Shows Signs of Earlier Snowmelt

Why in News?

A recent study has reconstructed the long-term discharge flow of the Gangotri Glacier System (GGS), which is the source of the upper Ganga basin feeding the Bhagirathi River in the central Himalayas. Climate change is accelerating glacier melt globally, prompting glaciologists to investigate the implications of changes in Gangotri's discharge patterns on water availability, river flow, and the sustainability of the region's ecosystems and livelihoods.

Key Takeaways

• The GGS is composed of four glaciers: Meru (7 km²), Raktavaran (30 km²), Chaturangi (75 km²), and the largest glacier covering 140 km².
• Combined, these glaciers span 549 km², with approximately 48% glacierized area, and range in elevation from 3,767 m to 7,072 m.
• Precipitation in the region primarily comes from winter western disturbances (October–April) and the Indian summer monsoon (May–September).
• The average seasonal rainfall is around 260 mm, with a mean temperature of 9.4°C recorded from 2000 to 2003.

Additional Details

• Climatic Impact: The Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) region contains essential snow and ice reserves that nourish major rivers like the Indus, Ganga, and Brahmaputra, supporting millions of people.
• Recent climatic changes have affected the cryosphere and hydrological cycles, resulting in accelerated glacial retreat and altered seasonal discharge patterns.
• The new study, titled “Hydrological Contributions of Snow and Glacier Melt from the Gangotri Glacier System and Their Climatic Controls Since 1980”, was published in the Journal of the Indian Society of Remote Sensing.
• The study utilized the Spatial Processes in Hydrology (SPHY) model alongside the Indian Monsoon Data Assimilation and Analysis (IMDAA) dataset (1980–2020) to analyze GGS discharge trends.

The findings indicate that maximum discharge occurs in July, with a peak of 129 m³/s. The mean annual discharge was estimated at 28±1.9 m³/s, primarily from snow melt (64%), followed by glacier melt (21%), rainfall-runoff (11%), and base flow (4%). A decadal analysis revealed a shift in discharge peaks from August to July after 1990 due to reduced winter precipitation and enhanced early summer melting. The research highlights the need for continuous field monitoring and advanced modeling to manage glacier-fed river basins effectively, ensuring resilience against future hydrological and climatic changes.

GS2/Polity

Supreme Court’s Social Media Regulation Order: Free Speech and Accountability

Why in News?

The Supreme Court of India has mandated the Centre to formulate guidelines for regulating social media, emphasizing that the right to free speech should not be exploited for commercial purposes at the expense of public dignity.

Key Takeaways

• The Supreme Court directed the Union government to draft comprehensive social media regulations.
• The court's decision comes amid rising concerns about the misuse of free speech by digital creators for profit.
• The ruling balances constitutional rights with accountability in the digital landscape.

Additional Details

• Supreme Court's Directive: A two-judge bench highlighted that while free speech is a constitutional right under Article 19(1)(a), it should not be used for commercial gain in ways that offend vulnerable groups.
• The case arose from a petition by a non-profit advocating for individuals with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), who claimed that derogatory remarks from comedians violated their dignity.
• The court ordered the Centre to consult with the National Broadcasters and Digital Association (NBDA) while drafting regulations and instructed the comedians involved to issue public apologies on their social media.
• Constitutional Framework on Free Speech:Article 19(2) of the Constitution allows restrictions on free speech under specific grounds, including:
  • Sovereignty and integrity of India
  • Security of the State
  • Friendly relations with foreign states
  • Public order
  • Decency and morality
  • Contempt of court
  • Defamation
  • Incitement to offences
• The Supreme Court has consistently maintained that restrictions must not exceed these grounds. In Shreya Singhal v. Union of India (2015), the court invalidated Section 66A of the IT Act, affirming that even speech that "offends, shocks, or disturbs" remains protected.
• The Debate on Commercial Speech:The regulation of commercial speech has evolved in India:
  • In Hamdard Dawakhana v. Union of India (1959), the court ruled that advertisements linked to trade do not qualify as free speech.
  • Conversely, Tata Press v. MTNL (1995) acknowledged commercial speech as constitutionally protected, as it serves public interest by providing information.
  • Subsequent cases like A. Suresh v. State of Tamil Nadu (1997) emphasized the need to balance commercial expression with societal interests.
• Existing Legal Framework for Digital Media: Social media platforms in India are already regulated under the IT (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, which mandate the restriction of obscene and harmful content. Influencers face legal consequences if their speech constitutes defamation or incitement.
• Experts warn that new guidelines must be crafted carefully to avoid infringing on free speech, given the Supreme Court's robust history of protecting it.

The court's intervention raises significant questions about the future of free speech in the digital age, especially with around 491 million Indians active on social media. While the aim is to limit abusive or derogatory content presented as entertainment or marketing, it also places an obligation on the government to ensure that regulation does not turn into a form of censorship. Legal scholars suggest that this ruling offers a chance to consolidate accountability principles without undermining constitutional protections.

GS3/Environment

Conocarpus Tree: An Invasive Concern

Why in News?

Recently, an expert panel appointed by the government has recommended that the Supreme Court impose a ban on the Conocarpus tree, a rapidly growing exotic species known for its invasive nature.

Key Takeaways

• The Conocarpus tree belongs to the Combretaceae family and is recognized as a flowering plant.
• This species is classified as an invasive mangrove and is prevalent in various global regions.

Additional Details

• Geographical Distribution:The Conocarpus tree has two primary types:
  • One type is native to coastal regions of tropical America, extending from Bermuda and the Bahamas to Brazil, and includes parts of West Africa.
  • The other type is found in arid coastal zones of Somalia and Yemen, as well as across eastern and northern Africa and the Arabian Peninsula.
• In India, this tree is predominantly found in coastal and arid districts of Gujarat, notably Kachchh.
• Environmental Adaptability: The Conocarpus tree is notable for its dark green leaves, which remain vibrant throughout the year. It is highly adaptable, thriving in extreme temperatures and saline environments.
• This species absorbs more water from the soil compared to other plants, posing a threat to groundwater levels.
• Its extensive root system can damage communication cables, drainage lines, and drinking water pipelines.
• During its flowering season, the tree releases pollen that can worsen respiratory issues such as asthma and rhinitis, particularly affecting children and the elderly.
• Additionally, the tree's dry and brittle wood is a significant fire hazard during the summer months.

The recommendation to ban the Conocarpus tree stems from its detrimental environmental impact and potential health risks, highlighting the need for careful management of invasive species.

GS3/Economy

BioE3 Policy - India’s Push for Biomanufacturing Hubs

Why in News?

India is significantly reliant on imports for active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), fermentation-based drugs, enzymes for biofuels, and biofertilizer reagents. Following the Covid-19 pandemic, the Indian government has intensified efforts to boost domestic manufacturing through initiatives like the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme. The BioE3 Policy, which stands for Biotechnology for Economy, Environment, and Employment, aims to establish 16 biomanufacturing hubs to enhance the bioeconomy and promote self-reliance, also known as Atmanirbharta.

Key Takeaways

• India’s bioeconomy contributes 4.25% to the national GDP.
• The BioE3 Policy was launched in August 2024 to promote advanced biomanufacturing technologies.
• Six biofoundries are already operational, supporting various biotechnological innovations.

Additional Details

• India’s Bioeconomy: The bioeconomy is an economic system that leverages renewable biological resources from plants, animals, and microorganisms to produce food, feed, energy, and bio-based products. As of December 2023, India's bioeconomy has expanded from $10 billion in 2014 to $151 billion in 2023, surpassing earlier projections.
• BioE3 Policy: This policy provides a framework for adopting advanced technologies and fostering high-performance biomanufacturing across various sectors. It aligns with India’s vision for Green Growth and the LiFE initiative focused on sustainability.
• Biomanufacturing hubs: The plan includes setting up 16 hubs with large fermenters, focusing on products such as fermentation-based medicines, bioproducts, and carbon capture technologies.

The BioE3 policy aims to reduce India's dependency on imports in critical pharmaceutical and bio-based sectors, strengthen the bioeconomy, support the innovation-to-market pipeline, enhance collaboration between government and industry, and stimulate the biotechnology startup ecosystem. By integrating biofoundries with biomanufacturing hubs, India is poised to become a global leader in biotechnology-driven solutions for health, energy, and agriculture. Continued investment, collaboration, and supportive regulatory frameworks will be essential for realizing a self-reliant bioeconomy.

GS2/ Polity and Governance

SC Calls for Regulating Social Media

Why in News?

 The Supreme Court (SC) of India recently made important observations while hearing a case involving comedians accused of making derogatory remarks. The court pointed out that social media influencers often commercialize free speech, which can be harmful to the dignity of vulnerable groups. The SC urged the government to create effective guidelines that balance free speech with societal sensitivities. 

Key Observations:

• Commercialisation & Accountability: Social media influencers often monetise free speech, which can overlap with prohibited speech. The Court warned that such expression should not be used to target vulnerable groups such as the disabled, women, children, minorities, and senior citizens. 
• Humour vs. Dignity: While humour is important, derogatory jokes and insensitive remarks contribute to stigma and discrimination. These remarks undermine the constitutional principle of inclusivity and hinder the integration of disadvantaged sections of society. 
• Clear Boundaries in Digital Space: The Court stressed the need to clearly differentiate between free speech, commercial speech, and prohibited speech. Irresponsible online remarks can damage dignity, social harmony, and community trust. 

Recommendations:

• Guidelines with Consequences: The Court directed the Union Government to formulate regulatory guidelines for influencers and podcasters, ensuring proportionate and enforceable consequences. These guidelines should avoid being mere formalities. 
• Sensitisation & Responsibility: The importance of awareness, sensitisation, and digital ethics among social media users was emphasised. Violators should be held accountable for the harm they cause to society. 
• Apology & Balance of Rights: Influencers were ordered to issue unconditional apologies on their platforms. The Court clarified that its intention is not to curtail free speech but to balance liberty with dignity and protect community rights in a diverse society. 

What are the Key Regulations Governing Social Media Usage in India?

Key Legislations:

• Information Technology Act, 2000: This is the main law governing electronic communication and social media in India. 
• Section 79(1): Provides “safe harbour” protection to intermediaries like Facebook, X, and Instagram, shielding them from liability for third-party content, as long as they act as neutral platforms. 
• Section 69A: Allows the Government to block online content for reasons such as protecting sovereignty, security, and public order. 
• Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021: Mandates social media platforms to ensure user safety, remove unlawful content, and raise awareness on issues like privacy and national security. 
• 2023 Amendment: Required intermediaries to remove false or misleading content about the Government of India, although its enforcement is currently stayed by the Supreme Court. 

Key Judicial Pronouncements:

• Shreya Singhal v. Union of India (2015): The Supreme Court struck down Section 66A of the IT Act for being vague and reaffirmed that criticism and dissent are protected under Article 19(1)(a) unless they fall under reasonable restrictions. 
• K.S. Puttaswamy v. Union of India (2017): The Supreme Court recognised privacy as a fundamental right, influencing data protection measures like the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, and the regulation of WhatsApp privacy policies. 

Why is there a Need for Regulating Social Media?

• Protection of Vulnerable Groups: Vulnerable groups such as women, children, senior citizens, minorities, and persons with disabilities are at risk of derogatory content, cyberbullying, trolling, and exploitation on unregulated platforms. 
• Curbing Misinformation & Hate Speech: The rapid spread of fake news, deepfakes, hate campaigns, and extremist propaganda poses a threat to social harmony, democratic discourse, and national security. Effective regulation can help mitigate disinformation and maintain public order. 
• Safeguarding Mental Health & Ethical Values: Features like endless scrolling, Fear of Missing Out (FOMO), and curated identities contribute to addiction, anxiety, and depression, especially among youth. Regulations can promote digital well-being and responsible design. 
• Ensuring Accountability of Influencers: The rise of influencer marketing brings risks of misleading financial promotions and illegitimate products. Regulation ensures transparency and consumer protection in influencer marketing. 
• Data Privacy & Security: Social media platforms often collect user data without informed consent, leading to privacy violations and surveillance. Regulation is necessary to uphold constitutional privacy rights. 
• Balancing Free Speech with Responsibility: While free speech is protected, it is subject to reasonable restrictions. Regulation helps distinguish between legitimate free expression and harmful content. 

What are the Key Challenges in Regulating Social Media in India?

• Volume & Anonymity: The vast amount of online content makes monitoring challenging. Anonymity encourages hate speech and misinformation, complicating regulatory efforts. 
• Transparency & Accountability Gaps: Social media platforms often lack transparency and accountability in content moderation. The absence of independent oversight raises concerns about arbitrary practices. 
• Defining Harmful Content: There is no consensus on what constitutes harmful content, as social and cultural differences create grey areas between acceptable expression and prohibited speech. 
• Free Speech vs. Censorship: Regulatory efforts may be perceived as censorship if criteria are not clear and objective, risking backlash. 
• Cross-Border Jurisdictional Issues: Much harmful content originates outside India, complicating enforcement under domestic law. 
• Political Neutrality Concerns: Content moderation is often accused of political bias, undermining trust in regulatory systems and platform neutrality. 

What Measures Can be Taken to Improve the Credibility and Utility of Social Media in India?

• Robust Legal-Policy Framework: Update the IT Act through the Digital India Act to ensure platform accountability, data protection, and freedom of expression, with judicial oversight to prevent overreach. 
• Algorithmic Transparency & Accountability: Require algorithm audits, transparency reports, and independent oversight; encourage AI-driven moderation tools for neutrality and quick redressal. 
• Technological & Institutional Capacity: Enhance cyber forensic capabilities, agency capacity, and AI-enabled monitoring systems while protecting privacy and encryption standards. 
• Digital Literacy & Ethical Usage: Promote digital literacy against misinformation and cyberbullying; encourage responsible online behavior and ethical design prioritizing user well-being. 
• Global & Multi-Stakeholder Cooperation: Strengthen international collaboration on cross-border regulation and involve various stakeholders in creating an inclusive digital ecosystem. 

Conclusion:

 Balancing freedom of expression with the rights and dignity of vulnerable groups is crucial in social media regulation. A combination of strong legal frameworks, technological advancements, digital literacy, and ethical practices can ensure accountability, reduce misinformation, and create a safe and inclusive online environment. 

GS3/ Defence and Technology

Samudrayaan Project

Why is it news?

Two Indian aquanauts recently undertook a dive into the Atlantic Ocean using France's Nautile submersible as part of the preparatory phase for the Samudrayaan Project.

What exactly is the Samudrayaan Project?

The Samudrayaan Project represents India's inaugural human deep-sea mission and is a vital aspect of the broader Deep Ocean Mission. The primary goal of this project is to send a crew of three individuals in a specially designed submersible, known as Matsya-6000, to the ocean's depths of 6,000 meters by the year 2027.

By achieving this, India aims to enhance its strategic standing and join an exclusive group of nations, including the United States, Russia, China, Japan, France, and others, that possess the capability for manned deep-sea exploration.

Key Objectives of the Samudrayaan Project

The project has several key objectives, including:

• Technology Development: To create advanced technologies for deep-sea mining, submersibles, and ocean robotics.
• Mineral Surveys: Conducting surveys to locate mineral deposits, with a particular focus on polymetallic nodules containing valuable resources such as iron, manganese, cobalt, nickel, and rare earth elements.

Matsya-6000: The Manned Submersible

Matsya-6000 is India's pioneering self-propelled manned submersible, designed to carry a crew of three aquanauts for up to 12 hours, with emergency provisions extending to 96 hours. Here are some key features of Matsya-6000:

• Material and Design: The submersible is constructed from a titanium alloy and features a spherical shape, allowing it to withstand extreme conditions.
• Pressure Resistance: Matsya-6000 is engineered to endure external pressures of up to 600 bar, making it suitable for deep-sea exploration.
• Temperature Range: The submersible can operate in low-temperature conditions as low as -3°C.
• Safety and Communication: It is equipped with essential safety features such as life support systems, acoustic communication, Li-Po batteries, drop-weight escape mechanisms, and bio-vests for monitoring the crew's health.

The development of Matsya-6000 is a collaborative effort involving the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), and the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

Understanding the Deep Ocean Mission

The Deep Ocean Mission, initiated by the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) for a five-year period from 2021 to 2026, aims to develop technologies for exploring and sustainably utilizing the deep ocean's resources, both living and non-living. This mission aligns with India's Blue Economy strategy, which encompasses various marine industries such as fishing, shipping, biotechnology, and tourism. Additionally, it contributes to climate change research and is in line with the United Nations' 2021-2030 'Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development.'

The mission comprises several components, including:

• Deep Sea Mining and Manned Submersibles: The development of submersibles capable of reaching depths of 6,000 meters and the mining of polymetallic nodules. This component prepares India for future commercial deep-sea exploration under the regulations of the International Seabed Authority.
• Ocean Climate Change Advisory Services: The observation and modeling of climate variables to provide seasonal to decadal projections, supporting the Blue Economy and coastal tourism.
• Deep-Sea Biodiversity: The bio-prospecting and sustainable use of deep-sea flora, fauna, and microbes.
• Deep Ocean Survey and Exploration: Identifying multi-metal hydrothermal sulphide sites along the Indian Ocean ridges.
• Energy and Freshwater from the Ocean: Feasibility studies for Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) desalination plants, supporting the development of offshore energy resources.
• Advanced Marine Station: Building expertise in ocean biology and engineering, and facilitating the transformation of research into industrial products through on-site incubators.

Since the launch of the Deep Ocean Mission, significant progress has been made, including the deployment of the deep-water Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) Ocean Mineral Explorer (OMe 6000) for exploration purposes. In December 2022, this AUV conducted a survey of mineral-rich zones at a depth of 5,271 meters in the Central Indian Ocean Basin, specifically in the Polymetallic Manganese Nodule (PMN) site. The survey covered an area of 14 square kilometers and aimed to assess the distribution of polymetallic nodules and deep-sea biodiversity, laying the groundwork for future exploration and resource mapping endeavors.