Daily Current Affairs – 12 July 2025
- TPP
- Jul 12
- 15 min read
Welcome to your one-stop destination for crisp, reliable, and exam-relevant Daily Current Affairs. The PRESS Pad delivers daily updates and smart summaries that go beyond the headlines and align perfectly with the evolving pattern of UPSC and other state-level examinations.
Today's edition features key updates including Species Recovery Programme, UNESCO World Heritage List, e-Truck Incentive Scheme, Frontiers 2025, Geo-Thermal Energy Policy 2025, WHO Pandemic Agreement, Trans fat, Astra Misiile, TEPA, AI Alliance Network, Pir Panjal Range, ISRWD Act, 1956, RhoDIS, India programme, Fentanyl and more…
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Gharial and Sloth Bear recommended for inclusion under Species Recovery Programme |
The Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife (SC-NBWL), established under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, has recommended the inclusion of the Gharial and the Sloth Bear under the Species Recovery Programme of the Centrally Sponsored Scheme for Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats (CSS-IDWH).
The SC-NBWL, a statutory body, advises on policies related to wildlife conservation and forest protection in India.
The CSS-IDWH aims to provide both financial and technical assistance to State/UT Governments for initiatives focused on wildlife conservation, with a special focus on protected areas, wildlife outside protected areas, and species recovery.
Under the Species Recovery Programme—a key component of CSS-IDWH—22 species, including the Snow Leopard, Asiatic Lion, and Great Indian Bustard, have already been prioritized for conservation.
About Gharial
The Gharial (Gavialis gangeticus) is a unique freshwater crocodilian species, distinguished by its extremely elongated and narrow snout, the thinnest among all crocodilians.
Mature males have a bulbous nasal growth at the tip of their snout known as a 'ghara', which is used to produce vocal sounds and attract females.
Gharials are the most aquatic of all crocodilian species, depending almost entirely on riverine habitats.
Their habitat is restricted to freshwater rivers, with key populations found in the Chambal and Girwa Rivers in India, and the Rapti-Naryani River in Nepal—tributaries of the Ganga River system.
Conservation status:
IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered – indicating an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild.
Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I – providing the highest level of legal protection in India.
CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora): Appendix I – banning international trade except under exceptional circumstances.
About Sloth Bear
The Sloth Bear (Melursus ursinus) is a shaggy-coated, insectivorous bear species, native to India, Sri Lanka, and Nepal.
In India, it inhabits five major biogeographic zones: Peninsular India, Western Ghats, Deccan Plateau, Gangetic Plain, and North East India—representing diverse ecosystems.
Characterized by its shaggy black coat, long claws, and a diet primarily consisting of termites and ants, the Sloth Bear plays an important ecological role as an insect predator.
These are solitary and nocturnal mammals, meaning they usually live alone and are active at night.
Conservation status:
IUCN Red List: Vulnerable – facing a high risk of extinction in the medium term.
WPA, 1972: Schedule I – granting maximum protection under Indian wildlife law.
CITES: Appendix I – restricting international trade to protect the species.
About CSS-IDWH (Centrally Sponsored Scheme for Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats)
The CSS-IDWH is a flagship scheme by the Government of India aimed at comprehensive wildlife habitat management through financial and strategic support.
Its core components include:
Assistance to Protected Areas (such as National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, Conservation Reserves, and Community Reserves).
Measures for protection of wildlife outside protected zones, and resolving Human-Wildlife Conflicts (situations where wild animals pose threats to human life or property).
Implementation of species-specific recovery programmes to safeguard critically endangered species and their habitats.
With the Gharial and Sloth Bear now recommended for inclusion, the Species Recovery Programme continues to expand its conservation reach across India’s vulnerable fauna.
'Maratha Military Landscapes' added to UNESCO World Heritage List |
India’s cultural heritage received global recognition as the Maratha Military Landscapes were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List, marking it as India’s 44th site on the prestigious global register.
This inscription showcases the living cultural tradition of the Maratha military system, highlighting its architectural ingenuity, regional adaptation, and technological innovation in historic military planning.
These landscapes, dating from the 17th to 19th centuries CE, represent Strategic Military Heritage—a network of twelve forts that reflect a deep understanding of geography and defensive architecture.
(Strategic Military Heritage refers to historical sites that were purposefully built for defense, warfare, and territorial control)
Spread across diverse terrains in Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu, the included forts are: Salher, Shivneri, Lohgad, Khanderi, Raigad, Rajgad, Pratapgad, Suvarnadurg, Panhala, Vijaydurg, and Sindhudurg in Maharashtra, along with Gingee Fort in Tamil Nadu.
These forts are located in strategic and varied landscapes, ranging from coastal outposts like Suvarnadurg and Sindhudurg to hilltop strongholds like Rajgad and Pratapgad—demonstrating the Marathas’ mastery in adapting military architecture to terrain.
With this addition, India now ranks 6th globally and 2nd in the Asia-Pacific region for the highest number of World Heritage Sites, reflecting the richness and global value of its cultural and natural treasures.
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) serves as the nodal agency overseeing all matters related to World Heritage Sites in the country.
(A nodal agency is a central authority responsible for coordination and implementation of specific tasks—in this case, heritage conservation and UNESCO coordination)
To be included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, a site must possess Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) and satisfy at least one of the ten selection criteria set by UNESCO.
(Outstanding Universal Value means the site must have cultural or natural significance so exceptional that it transcends national boundaries and is important for all humanity)
Only countries that are signatories to the World Heritage Convention are eligible to nominate sites; India is one such country, actively participating in the process.
Each nomination undergoes a rigorous independent evaluation by two key advisory bodies: the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) for cultural sites, and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) for natural sites.
(ICOMOS and IUCN are global expert organizations that assess whether nominated sites meet UNESCO's criteria for heritage status)
The final decision for inscription lies with the World Heritage Committee, where India is serving as a member for the term 2021–2025, giving it a key role in global heritage deliberations.
First-Ever e-Truck Incentive Scheme Launched in India |
In a major step towards green mobility, India has launched its first-ever e-Truck Incentive Scheme under the broader PM E-DRIVE initiative, aimed at accelerating the transition to electric commercial vehicles.
The scheme is designed to promote the deployment of electric trucks (e-trucks), while also supporting indigenous EV manufacturing, reducing logistics costs, and minimizing the carbon footprint of road transport.
This shift is crucial as diesel trucks, although only 3% of the total vehicle population, are responsible for a staggering 42% of transport-related greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in India.
Under this scheme, financial incentives will be provided for two major categories of e-trucks:
N2 category – vehicles with Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) above 3.5 tonnes and up to 12 tonnes.
N3 category – vehicles with GVW above 12 tonnes and up to 55 tonnes.
(Gross Vehicle Weight refers to the total weight of the vehicle including its load; N2 and N3 are international classifications for medium and heavy-duty trucks)
The maximum incentive is set at ₹9.6 lakh per e-truck, which will be offered as an upfront reduction in purchase price, making the transition financially attractive for fleet operators.
This e-truck scheme is a part of the larger PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE) initiative led by the Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI).
PM E-DRIVE focuses on a wider range of electric vehicle (EV) segments beyond passenger cars, covering:
e-2 Wheelers (e-2Ws)
e-3 Wheelers (e-3Ws)
e-ambulances
e-trucks, e-buses, public EV charging infrastructure, and EV testing systems.
Its primary objectives are to accelerate EV adoption, develop robust EV charging infrastructure, strengthen India’s EV manufacturing ecosystem, and promote sustainable, clean, and efficient public transport systems.
Unlike the earlier FAME-II (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles) scheme, PM E-DRIVE has a broader scope, as it also includes e-trucks, e-ambulances, and development of public EV charging networks.
A notable feature of PM E-DRIVE is the scrapping-linked incentives:
For e-trucks, these incentives are mandatory, encouraging the replacement of older, polluting diesel trucks.
For e-buses, preference will be given to operators opting for vehicle scrapping.
Additionally, the scheme provides for upgradation of EV testing agencies, ensuring that India develops high-quality testing and certification infrastructure for the growing EV sector.
Overall, this first-of-its-kind e-truck incentive scheme under PM E-DRIVE is a strategic move to drive sustainable freight transport, while simultaneously fostering clean technology, domestic industry growth, and environmental responsibility.
UN Environment Programme released Frontiers 2025: The Weight of Time Report |
The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) has released its Frontiers 2025: The Weight of Time Report, which aims to spotlight emerging environmental challenges before they escalate into full-blown global or regional crises.
The report identifies three major areas of concern: warming cryosphere-linked microbial threats, ecological impacts of river barriers, and the vulnerability of ageing populations to climate stress—each tied to long-standing environmental pressures now intensifying with time.
One key issue is the Reactivation of Microbes in a Warming Cryosphere, where global temperature rise is leading to the thawing of frozen regions (cryosphere) and could potentially remobilize long-dormant microbes into active ecosystems.
These microbes may alter existing microbial communities, introduce unknown pathogens, or cause biodiversity loss, especially as some organisms may not adapt to the changed conditions.
Microorganisms adapted to cold, extreme environments are called psychrophiles (cold-loving microbes that survive in sub-zero habitats like glaciers and permafrost).
Another pressing issue is the impact of River Barriers—which include dams, weirs, barrages, culverts, sluices, and other water control structures—that fragment and disrupt natural river ecosystems.
These barriers alter water flow patterns, temperature, habitat quality, and sediment transport, while also impeding fish migration and displacing indigenous riverine communities.
Recognizing this, the report promotes Barrier Removal as a proven ecological restoration method to reverse river fragmentation, which currently affects 89% of the global river volume, and to reconnect disrupted river networks.
The report also highlights the Demographic Challenge posed by climate change, warning that older adults—a rapidly growing demographic—face disproportionate risks from heatwaves, air pollution, floods, and other environmental hazards.
Compounding the crisis is the Remobilization of Legacy Pollutants during extreme flood events, where persistent toxic substances such as heavy metals and organic compounds stored in sediments are re-released into ecosystems.
These contaminants enter plants and animals, leading to bioaccumulation (the buildup of substances within an organism), and further result in biomagnification—the increase in toxin concentration as it moves up the food chain, potentially affecting human health.
Overall, the Frontiers 2025 report serves as a warning and guide to address these ticking environmental time bombs, stressing the need for early interventions, scientific awareness, and policy preparedness to avert long-term ecological and social damage.
Uttarakhand cabinet approved the Uttarakhand Geo-Thermal Energy Policy 2025 |
The Uttarakhand Cabinet has approved the Uttarakhand Geo-Thermal Energy Policy 2025, aiming to promote scientific and technological research for developing economically and environmentally viable geothermal resources.
Geothermal Energy refers to thermal (heat) energy extracted from the Earth’s subsurface, primarily sourced from residual heat from Earth’s formation and radioactive decay of isotopes deep within the core and mantle.
This heat can be utilized using geothermal technologies for electricity generation, heating and cooling, and even energy storage applications.
There are two primary categories of geothermal technology:
Conventional Geothermal Technologies exploit hydrothermal reservoirs, where underground heat is carried by naturally occurring hot water or steam to the surface.
Next-Generation Geothermal Technologies are hydrothermal reservoir-independent and extract heat from deeper rock layers by artificially circulating fluids through engineered systems.
These next-gen systems include:
Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGSs): Artificially fracture hot dry rock and inject fluid to extract heat.
Closed-Loop Geothermal Systems (CLGSs): Circulate a working fluid in sealed underground pipes, eliminating the need for fluid exchange with surrounding rocks.
Major Geothermal Spots As per the Geothermal Atlas of India, 2022, the country has an estimated geothermal potential of around 10,600 MW, with Puga and Chumathang in Ladakh being the most promising geothermal fields.
Geothermal energy offers several advantages such as 24/7 electricity generation, high utilization rates (over 75% in 2023), and low carbon emissions, making it a reliable and sustainable energy source.
However, the sector faces challenges including high initial technology costs, limited R&D capacity in India, environmental and geological concerns, and complex licensing procedures.
To address these challenges, India has undertaken multiple initiatives:
Development of the Geothermal Atlas of India to identify and map potential zones.
Formation of a Task Force specifically to promote geothermal energy development.
Launch of the Renewable Energy Research and Technology Development Programme (RE-RTD) to support innovation in geothermal systems.
On the international front, India is collaborating with Iceland, Saudi Arabia, and the Renewable Energy Technology Action Platform (RETAP) with the USA to share knowledge and develop advanced geothermal solutions.
WHO Pandemic Agreement |
Member states of the World Health Organisation (WHO) recently convened the first meeting of the Intergovernmental Working Group (IGWG) to deliberate on the formulation of the WHO Pandemic Agreement.
The WHO Pandemic Agreement aims to establish a comprehensive framework of principles, approaches, and tools to enhance international coordination in pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response.
A core objective of the agreement is to strengthen global health architecture, i.e., the systems and institutions at international levels that govern public health during crises.
It emphasizes ensuring equitable and timely access to vaccines, therapeutics (treatments for diseases), and diagnostics (tools for disease detection), especially for all countries regardless of income level.
The agreement is rooted in key guiding principles, including:
Respect for international humanitarian law, which governs the conduct of war and protects civilians.
Equity, meaning fair and just access to healthcare resources.
Solidarity, or global unity and cooperation in facing health threats.
Full respect for dignity, human rights, and fundamental freedoms, reaffirming the protection of every individual's legal and ethical entitlements during pandemics.
Through these provisions, the agreement seeks to avoid the inequalities and delays witnessed during previous global health emergencies, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
Trans fat |
Health experts have raised concerns with the United Nations (UN), warning that a blanket ban on trans fats could unintentionally undermine nutrition in developing countries, where affordable food alternatives are limited.
Trans fats—also known as trans-fatty acids (TFA)—are a type of unsaturated fatty acid, which can either occur naturally or be industrially produced.
Naturally occurring trans fats are found in animal-source foods such as meat and milk, while industrial trans fats are created through hydrogenation, a process that adds hydrogen to vegetable oils to make them more solid and shelf-stable.
Trans fats are commonly used in processed foods, baked goods, and fried snacks, especially in regions where refrigeration and food preservation infrastructure is lacking.
Health-wise, trans fats are harmful as they increase levels of bad cholesterol, specifically low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) and very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL).
Elevated LDL-c and VLDL can lead to the buildup of fatty deposits in arteries, causing them to become narrow and stiff, which significantly increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
In addition to cardiovascular risks, trans fats are also linked to inflammation, overweight and obesity, high blood pressure, type-2 diabetes, and even certain types of cancers.
While global efforts to eliminate trans fats aim to improve public health, experts emphasize the need for a balanced and context-sensitive approach, especially in low- and middle-income countries, where sudden policy shifts may negatively affect food access and nutrition.
Astra Misiile: Indigenous BVRAAM |
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Air Force (IAF) recently conducted a successful flight-test of the Astra missile, integrated with an indigenous Radio Frequency (RF) Seeker, from the Su-30 Mk-I fighter aircraft platform.
Astra is an Indigenous Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM), meaning it is capable of engaging targets at distances beyond the pilot's visual range, typically over 30 km.
Designed specifically to engage and destroy highly manoeuvring supersonic aircraft, Astra enhances India’s air-to-air combat capabilities, particularly against fast-moving, evasive aerial threats.
The missile has been fully developed by DRDO, reflecting India's growing self-reliance in advanced defence technologies.
It features all-weather and day-and-night capability, allowing it to operate effectively in diverse environmental conditions and across varying visibility levels.
Astra boasts a range exceeding 100 kilometers, enabling long-range interception of enemy aircraft before they can pose a direct threat.
It is equipped with state-of-the-art guidance and navigation systems, which ensure precision targeting by using onboard systems and the RF seeker, which helps track and lock onto enemy aircraft by detecting their radio signals.
This successful test marks a significant milestone in India's indigenous missile development program, strengthening the country’s air dominance and technological edge in aerial warfare.
Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) |
Switzerland has officially completed the ratification process for the trade agreement signed between India and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), paving the way for the implementation of the Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA).
The EFTA is a regional trade bloc consisting of four developed nations: Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Iceland, which are not part of the European Union but maintain close economic ties with it.
The TEPA was signed between India and all four EFTA countries, marking a significant step toward strengthening India’s trade and investment relations with advanced European economies.
As part of this agreement, EFTA members have made a binding commitment to invest $100 billion in India and generate 1 million direct jobs over the next 15 years, creating long-term economic impact.
TEPA also covers key regulatory and legal frameworks, including commitments related to Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs), which are aligned with the standards of the TRIPS Agreement (Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights) under the WTO, ensuring protection for patents, copyrights, and trademarks.
This agreement is expected to boost bilateral trade, promote technology transfer, enhance market access, and reinforce India's integration into global value chains with trusted partners.
AI Alliance Network (AIANET) |
The Digital India Foundation (DIF), a founding member of the AI Alliance Network (AIANET), has raised objections to the membership application submitted by Pakistan's AI Technology Centre (AITeC).
AIANET is an informal and voluntary network, meaning it does not operate under binding treaties or formal legal frameworks, but instead functions as a community of members who collaborate based on mutual interest.
The primary aim of AIANET is to accelerate the development and deployment of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies in order to support sustainable long-term prosperity and social and economic development globally.
The network currently includes 17 member entities, which participate in knowledge exchange, policy dialogue, and sharing of expertise in AI research, ethics, governance, and innovation.
AIANET is administered by the AI Alliance Russia, which coordinates the platform’s activities, facilitates engagement among members, and maintains the network's operational framework.
Given its strategic focus and transnational nature, the network has become a key space for shaping responsible AI development, though its non-binding structure allows for diverse viewpoints and flexible participation.
Pir Panjal Range |
Security forces are currently conducting intensive search operations in the Pir Panjal Range to track down fugitive terrorists, highlighting the strategic significance of this mountainous region.
The Pir Panjal Range is located in Jammu and Kashmir, with the Kashmir Valley situated between the Pir Panjal and the Zaskar Range.
This range is part of the Lesser Himalayas, a subsection of the greater Himalayan mountain system, and it extends geographically from the Jhelum River in the west to the upper Beas River in the east.
The Pir Panjal Range rises up to approximately 5,000 metres in elevation and is predominantly composed of volcanic rocks, indicating its unique geological history.
It features several important mountain passes, including the Pir Panjal Pass, Bidil Pass, Golabghar Pass, and Banihal Pass, which serve as critical routes for movement and connectivity in the region.
Major rivers such as the Kishanganga, Jhelum, and Chenab cut through the Pir Panjal Range, playing vital roles in the area's ecology, irrigation, and hydropower potential.
Inter-State River Water Disputes (ISRWD) Act, 1956 |
The Central Government has granted an extension to the Ravi and Beas Waters Tribunal, which was constituted to resolve the water-sharing dispute among the states of Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan.
This Tribunal was originally established in 1986 under the provisions of the Inter-State River Water Disputes (ISRWD) Act, 1956, specifically for adjudicating conflicts related to inter-state river waters.
The ISRWD Act, 1956 was enacted by the Indian Parliament to provide a legal framework for the adjudication of disputes concerning the waters of inter-state rivers and river valleys.
The Act derives its constitutional authority from Article 262, which empowers Parliament to legislate on the adjudication of disputes related to inter-state river waters.
A crucial feature of the ISRWD Act is that it bars the Supreme Court or any other court from exercising jurisdiction over any water dispute that has been referred to a tribunal, thus centralizing dispute resolution through specialized tribunals.
The ongoing extension of the Ravi and Beas Waters Tribunal underscores the complexity and prolonged nature of inter-state river water conflicts in India, requiring sustained legal and administrative intervention.
RhoDIS (Rhino DNA Index System) India programme |
The Assam Forest Department has initiated DNA profiling of rhino horns and is adding this genetic data to the RhoDIS India DNA data library to strengthen wildlife crime investigations.
The Rhino DNA Index System (RhoDIS) India Programme was launched in 2016 by the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC) in collaboration with the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), forest departments of Assam, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, and WWF India.
RhoDIS functions as a wildlife forensics tool, specifically developed to assist in investigating and solving wildlife crime cases, particularly involving rhinos.
The system uses a DNA indexing method, where genetic sequences are analyzed to generate a unique genetic signature for each individual rhino, allowing precise identification.
This genetic database helps authorities track and link seized rhino horns to specific poaching incidents, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of anti-poaching enforcement and conservation efforts.
Fentanyl |
The fentanyl crisis was cited by former US President Donald Trump as a reason to impose 35% tariffs on Canada, highlighting cross-border concerns over drug trafficking.
Fentanyl was linked to over 112,000 overdose deaths in the US in 2024 alone, underscoring its deadly impact on public health.
Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid, medically approved for use as an analgesic (pain relief) and anaesthetic (drug inducing loss of sensation).
It is approximately 100 times more potent than morphine and 50 times more potent than heroin, making it extremely powerful even in small doses.
On the streets, fentanyl is often sold under various slang names such as Apache, China Girl, China Town, Dance Fever, Goodfellas, Jackpot, and King Ivory, which helps traffickers disguise it.
An overdose of fentanyl typically results in cold and clammy skin, cyanosis (a bluish discoloration of the skin due to lack of oxygen), coma, and respiratory failure, which can quickly lead to death without immediate medical intervention.
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