Daily Current Affairs – 14 & 15 July 2025

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 Fraternity and social media, India’s Central Role in a Multipolar World, Digital Sovereignty vs. Digital Dependence, 10 years of PMKVY, implication of US Tariff, Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD), Shinkansen Technology, Silent Salt Consumption epidemic, State of New Caledonia, Nano-fertilisers and Biostimulants and more…

Click Here to read the Monthly Current Affairs Pointers (CAP).

Supreme Court’s Stand on Fraternity and social media

1. The Supreme Court of India recently emphasized the need to promote fraternity among citizens to reduce rising hatred and polarization on social media platforms.

2. The Court underscored that while freedom of speech is a constitutional right, its abuse—particularly on digital platforms—is fueling unnecessary litigation and overburdening law enforcement agencies.

3. It stressed the importance of citizens exercising self-restraint and practicing self-regulation while expressing opinions online, especially on volatile or divisive issues.

4. The Court cautioned that if self-regulation fails, the State may be compelled to intervene to curb divisive and harmful online behavior.

5. Referencing Article 19 of the Indian Constitution, the Court clarified that the freedom of speech and expression is not just enforceable against the State (vertical application) but also against other individuals (horizontal application).

6. The concept of horizontal application of fundamental rights—i.e., when one citizen can enforce their rights against another—was firmly established in the Kaushal Kishor Case (2023).

Impact of Social Media on Freedom of Speech

1. Social media has led to the democratization of voice, empowering marginalized and underrepresented communities to share their views and challenges.

2. It significantly strengthens participative democracy, enabling citizens to engage actively in political and social discourse beyond traditional media filters.

3. Platforms also facilitate accountability and transparency, allowing users to question public authorities, flag injustices, and amplify issues of public interest.

4. However, these positives are offset by the rapid spread of misinformation and fake news, which can incite panic, communal tension, or defame individuals.

5. Social media has also become a breeding ground for hate speech, online abuse, and trolling, often leading to mental health issues and social alienation.

6. Moreover, algorithmic bias—where content algorithms prioritize engagement over accuracy—amplifies polarizing content and limits users' exposure to diverse perspectives.

The Supreme Court's observations serve as a timely reminder that freedom of speech must be balanced with responsibility, especially in a digitally connected society.

Upholding fraternity, encouraging self-regulation, and understanding the constitutional limitations of online expression are essential to preserving both individual rights and societal harmony.

India’s Growing Global Role in a Multipolar World Order

1. Singapore’s Foreign Minister, during a meeting with India’s External Affairs Minister, acknowledged India’s expanding influence in shaping the evolving multipolar global order.

2. A multipolar world refers to an international system where multiple nations hold significant power, unlike bipolarity (e.g., US vs USSR during Cold War) or unipolarity (e.g., post-Cold War US dominance).

3. In this system, regional powers pursue diverse interests and values, leading to dynamic cooperation or competition across issues such as trade, security, and climate.

Emergence of a Multipolar World Order

1. The global transition to multipolarity appears inexorable, as the dominance of Cold War-era bipolar structures becomes increasingly outdated.

2. Institutions established in the post-WWII era—like the United Nations (UN), International Monetary Fund (IMF), and World Bank—face criticism regarding their current relevance and representativeness.

3. For instance, the rise of the New Development Bank (NDB)—established by BRICS nations—serves as a notable alternative to the World Bank, reflecting shifting financial architectures.

4. Similarly, the growing influence of plurilateral fora—coalitions involving several countries focused on specific agendas—challenges the rigidity of traditional blocs like NATO and the Warsaw Pact.

5. Prominent examples of such plurilateral groupings include BRICS+, the Quad, and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), emphasizing flexible alignments over fixed alliances.

India’s Central Role in a Multipolar World

1. India has shifted from its historical policy of non-alignment to a more pragmatic strategy of multi-alignment, engaging with both Western-led and Eurasian-led groupings.

2. This strategic approach allows India to be an active member of the Quad (with the US, Japan, Australia) and also engage with SCO and BRICS, balancing ties with diverse power centres.

3. India’s active participation in minilateral groupings—smaller, focused, and agenda-specific collaborations such as IPEF (Indo-Pacific Economic Framework) and I2U2 (India-Israel-UAE-USA)—shows its growing regional clout.

4. At the heart of India’s strategy is the belief in a multipolar Asia as the foundation for a multipolar world, reinforcing its leadership aspirations in the region.

Challenges to India’s Multipolar Strategy

1. However, geopolitical headwinds—such as the Russia-Ukraine war—are reviving bloc-based politics, reminiscent of Cold War-style divisions.

2. This emerging bipolar resurgence, with the US and allies on one side and a Russia-China axis on the other, threatens to reduce India’s strategic space to maneuver independently.

3. India faces strategic pressure to choose sides, making its balancing act between Western frameworks (Quad, Indo-Pacific) and Eurasian blocs (SCO, BRICS) increasingly complex.

4. Moreover, the weakening of Russia due to Western sanctions and growing dependence on China diminishes its value as a strategic partner for India, thereby narrowing India’s options in Eurasian geopolitics.

As the world shifts steadily toward multipolarity, India aims to remain at the center of this transformation by pragmatically engaging with all major powers, while navigating the risks of renewed bipolar tensions.

Digital Sovereignty vs. Digital Dependence: Vice President's Warning on Digital Sovereignty

1. Sovereignty today is not lost through traditional invasions, but through dependence on foreign digital infrastructure, as cautioned by the Vice President.

2. He emphasized a new form of colonisation — not by armies, but by algorithms, signaling rising concerns over Digital Colonialism.

What is Digital Colonialism?

1. Digital Colonialism refers to the domination of less developed countries by powerful nations and tech giants through control over digital platforms and data.

2. It represents a form of Neo-Colonialism, especially of the Global South, where control is no longer territorial, but digital.

3. For instance, U.S.-based companies like Google and Amazon gather data from developing nations and reshape their local industries, economies, and even public opinion.

How the Global North Benefits from Global South’s Digital Data

1. Through Profiling and Predictive Power (PPP), data is used to analyze user behavior, giving firms in the Global North a competitive edge in both economic and political arenas.

2. This data fuels Advancement of Artificial Intelligence, as massive datasets from the Global South are used to train AI models, enhancing productivity and innovation in developed countries.

3. The rise of Data Monetisation has made data as valuable as currency, enabling companies to sell, trade, or leverage user data for immense profit.

Key Concerns Arising from Digital Colonialism

1. One major issue is the Loss of Digital Sovereignty, where tech giants and developed countries dictate global digital norms.

   • Example: In 2024, WhatsApp threatened to leave India over the traceability clause in India’s 2021 IT Rules.

2. Cultural Imperialism is another concern, as social media platforms and search engines often promote the worldview of the Global North, eroding local cultures and identities.

3. The model of Surveillance Capitalism — a term describing how companies extract user data without consent — results in privacy violations and erosion of civil liberties.

How Can Countries Tackle Digital Colonialism?

1. Strengthening Digital Sovereignty is key; India is building indigenous digital frameworks like ONDC (Open Network for Digital Commerce) and India Stack, reducing reliance on foreign platforms.

2. Enforcing Data Localisation—where data is stored and processed within the country—is critical.  — India's move: Refusal to sign the Osaka Track on cross-border data flows and enactment of the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023 are major steps.

3. Reducing Import Dependence in strategic sectors such as defence, space, and technology helps.  — Initiatives like Make in India and Chips to Startup (C2S) promote local production and innovation.

4. Lastly, Policy Modernisation is essential. The UNCTAD 2021 report urges nations to frequently review data flow policies to balance public interest, economic growth, and digital interdependence.

5. As the Vice President rightly highlighted, the real threat to national sovereignty in the digital age is not territorial invasion but digital dependence—a silent colonisation through code, data, and infrastructure.

Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) – Celebrating 10 Years of Transforming India’s Skill Landscape

1. Launched in 2015 by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), PMKVY aimed to encourage and promote skill development across India.

2. Currently in its fourth phase – PMKVY 4.0, the scheme has become a core component of the Central Sector Scheme of the Skill India Programme, strengthening India’s workforce ecosystem.

3. Alongside PMKVY, two key complementary schemes under Skill India are:

   • Pradhan Mantri National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (PM-NAPS) – provides financial support for apprentice stipends to promote hands-on experience.

   • Jan Shikshan Sansthan (JSS) – delivers vocational training to non-literates, neo-literates, and school dropouts, empowering the most underserved.

4. PMKVY offers three types of training to cater to diverse skilling needs:

   • Short-Term Training (STT) – Offers NSQF-aligned (National Skills Qualification Framework – standardization of skill levels) courses and on-the-job training.

   • Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) – Provides industry-recognized certification to individuals with existing skills gained through informal means.

   • Special Projects – Delivers customized skill training for marginalized groups, remote regions, and specialized/future job roles.

5. PMKVY 4.0 is guided by modern design principles to enhance relevance and impact:

   • Industry-Connect & On-the-Job Training to ensure real-world application.

   • Digitalization of the Training Ecosystem for transparency, tracking, and scalability.

   • Entrepreneurship Focus to build job creators, not just job seekers.

   • Creation of National Pool of Assessors and Trainers – Over 80,000 trained experts ensuring quality training and evaluation.

   • Emphasis on New-Age Skills like AI, IoT, Robotics, 5G, Cybersecurity, Green Hydrogen, and Drones to future-proof India's workforce.

6. Over the past decade, PMKVY has trained over 1.63 crore youth, significantly improving access to quality skill training nationwide.

7. It has demonstrated targeted skilling success by reaching Bru-tribe members in Tripura, prison inmates in Assam and Manipur, and achieving 70% women participation under the PANKH project (empowering women through skilling).

8. The scheme has actively promoted social equity and inclusion, with 45% women beneficiaries and strong representation from SCs, STs, and OBCs, making it a true driver of inclusive growth.

9. With its focus on emerging technologies, PMKVY is helping create a future-ready workforce, aligned with the demands of Industry 4.0 and beyond.

10. Additionally, it has helped in the revival and promotion of traditional crafts, with upskilling projects for artisans and weavers in Nagaland and Jammu & Kashmir, preserving heritage while enhancing livelihood.

Need to increase set up rate of Global Capability Centre (GCC) in India: Finance Minister

1. India's Finance Minister has urged both industry and government stakeholders to collaborate and accelerate the setup rate of Global Capability Centres (GCCs) to attract more Fortune 500 companies that have yet to establish operations in India.

2. In 2024, India witnessed a steady pace with 1 new GCC being set up every week, but the government now aims to further amplify this momentum.

3. Global Capability Centres (GCCs)—also referred to as Global In-house Centres (GICs) or Captives—are offshore hubs set up by multinational corporations to serve their internal operations through services such as IT support, Research & Development (R&D), finance, and customer care.

4. These centres operate within the internal corporate ecosystem of global companies, rather than serving external clients like traditional outsourcing firms.

5. India currently hosts over 1,800 GCCs, making it the global leader by accounting for nearly 50% of all GCCs worldwide, showcasing the country's strategic importance in the global value chain.

6. Their economic footprint is notable, with a direct Gross Value Addition (GVA) of $68 billion, which is projected to surge to $150–200 billion by 2030, reflecting their growing contribution to India’s economy.

7. GCCs are also a major source of employment, currently employing around 2.16 million professionals, with estimates suggesting a rise to 2.5–2.8 million jobs by 2030.

8. The sector has been expanding at a robust Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 11% over the last five years, significantly contributing around 1.6% to India’s national GDP.

9. India’s attractiveness as a GCC destination is driven by cost efficiency, digital and policy readiness (supported by initiatives like Digital India and Smart Cities Mission), abundant skilled and English-speaking talent, and a vast consumer market.

10. Despite this strong foundation, challenges remain—such as limited skilled workforce in Tier-II and Tier-III cities, infrastructure gaps (especially in physical and digital connectivity), complex regulatory processes, and increasing concerns around cybersecurity threats.

11. To overcome these barriers and sustain long-term growth, strategic interventions are needed—starting with the adoption of Next-Generation Technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), automation, and cloud computing, which are transforming how GCCs operate.

12. Additionally, there is a need to navigate geopolitical complexities through agile governance models, allowing faster responses to dynamic international regulations and uncertainties.

13. Redefining workforce strategies is equally critical—focusing on upskilling, embracing new-age digital skills, and implementing hybrid work models to attract and retain talent across diverse locations.

14. Lastly, aligning GCC operations with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals will ensure long-term sustainability, social responsibility, and compliance with global investor expectations.

SC-NBWL Seeks Review of Eco-Sensitive Zone Guidelines to Allow a More Flexible, Site-Specific Approach

1. The Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife (SC-NBWL) has recommended revisiting the 2011 Guidelines for declaration of Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs) issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), to enable a more flexible, site-specific approach.

2. SC-NBWL emphasized that the blanket rule of 10-km ESZ around all Protected Areas (PAs) is often impractical, as it fails to account for local ecological, social, and developmental contexts.

   • For instance, in Himachal Pradesh, where about 65% of the land is already under forest cover or protected status, rigid ESZ boundaries may impede essential development without yielding proportional ecological gains.

3. The concept of Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs) was first introduced in the Wildlife Conservation Strategy, 2002, and further detailed in the National Environment Policy, 2006.

   • Definition: ESZs are areas adjacent to protected sites that host valuable environmental resources—including biodiversity, landscape, wildlife, and cultural heritage—and require targeted conservation efforts.

4. The core objective of ESZs is to function as a “Shock Absorber” to buffer the ecologically sensitive areas such as National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries, and also act as a transition zone between areas of high and low environmental protection.

5. As per Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, land within 10 km from the boundary of a PA is to be identified for ESZ notification; however, in 2023, the Supreme Court allowed State governments to revise the ESZ width based on public interest and site-specific needs.

6. The Court, however, upheld strict restrictions on mining, banning it within the PA and within one kilometre from its boundary, to maintain the ecological integrity of the region.

7. The 2011 ESZ Guidelines classify activities into Prohibited, Regulated, and Permitted, to ensure clarity and consistency in ecological planning (see classification below):

   • PROHIBITED Activities in ESZs (Not allowed under any circumstances)

     • Commercial mining

     • Setting up of sawmills

     • Pollution-causing industries (air, water, soil, noise)

     • Major hydroelectric projects

     • Certain tourism activities like aerial rides (hot-air balloons, low-flying aircraft) over protected zones

   • REGULATED Activities(Allowed with permissions and safeguards)

     • Tree felling, setting up hotels, and large-scale changes in agriculture systems

     • Use of natural water resources for commercial purposes

     • Installation of electrical cables

     • Night vehicular movement

     • Display of hoardings and signboards

   • PERMITTED Activities(Supported and encouraged)

     • Ongoing traditional agriculture and horticulture by local communities

     • Rainwater harvesting systems

8. The MoEF&CC is responsible for officially notifying ESZs based on recommendations from State Governments, reflecting local needs and priorities.

9. Each State is mandated to prepare a Zonal Master Plan (ZMP) for its respective ESZs, which must also integrate a Tourism Master Plan and list out heritage sites for balanced ecological and cultural management.

10. Importantly, the ESZ framework ensures no displacement of local populations, focusing instead on regulatory control, sustainable coexistence, and community participation in conservation efforts.

NITI Aayog report analyses implication of US Tariff on India’s Trade

1. A recent NITI Aayog report provides a detailed analysis of the implications of the current U.S. tariff regime on India’s trade, while also offering strategic insights to enhance India’s export competitiveness.

2. Despite global uncertainties, the report notes that India is well-positioned to expand its market share in 61% of the value of its exports to the U.S., indicating a strong trade opportunity.

3. This is supported by a clear competitive advantage, as India enjoys a tariff edge over key global competitors like China, Mexico, and Canada in high-impact sectors such as nuclear reactors, iron and steel, textiles, electrical machinery, and vehicles.

4. However, the report also points out a minor tariff disadvantage, with India facing an average 1% higher tariff in some categories—though this is considered manageable and not significantly trade-restrictive.

5. Key opportunities for export growth lie in both high-value sectors like electronics and nuclear reactors, and labour-intensive goods such as apparel and textiles, which align with India’s strengths in scale and workforce availability.

6. To fully capitalise on these openings, the report suggests comprehensive policy measures across both merchandise and service trade domains.

Policy Measures for Boosting Merchandise Trade

1. Enhancing Export Competitiveness: Expand the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme to cover labour-intensive sectors (e.g. garments, footwear), and rationalise electricity tariffs by reducing cross-subsidisation, which currently burdens industrial users with higher rates.

2. Improving Trade Facilitation & Market Access: Strengthen the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programme—a World Customs Organization initiative that streamlines trade for compliant businesses—and implement targeted schemes under the Export Promotion Mission to simplify export procedures.

3. Diversifying Trade Partners & Agreements: Proactively integrate into global value chains, fast-track negotiations on key trade deals such as the India–EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA), and launch Jan Vishwas 2.0, aimed at improving trust and ease of doing business.

Policy Measures for Boosting Service Trade

1. Negotiating Services-Focused FTAs: Prioritise bilateral trade deals focused on services, modelled on the India–UK agreement, to gain access to sectors like IT, healthcare, finance, and education.

2. Expanding Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs): Broaden MRAs that allow Indian professionals’ qualifications to be accepted abroad, thus unlocking job markets in partner countries.

3. Simplifying Licensing & Regulatory Compliance: Address key hurdles such as data localisation rules, IPR-related concerns, and non-transparent service regulations that restrict India’s service exports.

4. Promoting Innovation & Skill Development: Invest in upskilling initiatives and emerging technologies like digital health, fintech, cloud computing, and ed-tech, to future-proof India’s service exports and strengthen human capital.

Eased Norms for Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) in Thermal Power Plants

1. The Ministry of Environment has recently relaxed norms regarding the installation of Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) systems in thermal power plants, following recommendations from an expert committee set up by the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India.

2. The new FGD installation rules apply to 600 units across 180 thermal power plants and divide them into three categories based on location and pollution criteria.

FGD Installation Categories

1. Category A (11%) – Mandatory Installation

   • Covers units within 10 km of the National Capital Region (NCR) or cities with a population over 21 million (as per the 2011 Census).

   • These areas are considered densely populated and high-risk for air pollution exposure.

   • Deadline for FGD installation: December 30, 2027.

2. Category B (11%) – Conditional Installation

   • Applies to plants located near:

     • Critically Polluted Areas (CPA) – regions identified by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) with extremely high pollution levels.

     • Non-Attainment Cities (NAC) – 131 cities that have not met the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) consistently for the last five years.

   • Installation subject to Environmental Appraisal Committee (EAC) recommendation.

   • Deadline: December 30, 2027.

3.      Category C (78%) – Fully Exempted

• The majority of units fall under this category.

• No FGD installation required, thus no deadline applicable.

Rationale for Relaxing FGD Norms

1. Ambient SO₂ levels in India currently range between 10–20 µg/m³, which is well below the national standard of 80 µg/m³, reducing the urgency for strict SO₂ control.

2. Additionally, Indian coal is naturally low in sulphur content, which results in comparatively lower SO₂ emissions during combustion.

3. A scientific perspective adds that sulphate aerosols, formed from SO₂, may have a climate-cooling effect by reflecting solar radiation.

   • However, IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) cautions that while this may offset global warming, it also comes with negative environmental trade-offs like acid rain.

4. Operational and economic challenges are also factors, such as:

   • High installation and maintenance costs for FGD systems.

   • Shortage of qualified vendors to supply and install these systems.

   • Potential increase in electricity tariffs, which could burden consumers.

What is Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD)?

1. FGD is a pollution control technology used to remove sulphur dioxide (SO₂) from flue gas, which is the exhaust emitted from the combustion of fossil fuels like coal.

2. It works by using an alkaline reagent (commonly calcium-based, such as limestone, or sodium-based) to neutralize the acidic SO₂ gas.

   • This is a form of chemical scrubbing.

3. The three main types of FGD systems are:

   • Dry Sorbent Injection – involves injecting dry chemicals into the flue gas.

   • Wet Limestone Treatment – uses a slurry of limestone and water.

   • Seawater Treatment – uses seawater’s natural alkalinity to absorb SO₂.

Understanding Sulphur Dioxide (SO₂)

1. SO₂ is a harmful air pollutant primarily released from the burning of fossil fuels by thermal power plants and industrial facilities.

2. Health impacts of SO₂ include respiratory issues, particularly bronchitis, and aggravated asthma.

3. Environmental impact includes formation of acid rain, which harms vegetation, aquatic ecosystems, and infrastructure.

4. While volcanoes and certain industrial processes like metal ore extraction are smaller contributors, thermal power generation remains the dominant source of SO₂ emissions.

India achieves 50% of its installed electricity capacity from non-fossil fuel sources

1. India has achieved a major clean energy milestone by reaching 50.08% of its total installed electricity capacity—484.82 GW—from non-fossil fuel sources, as per the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).

2. This achievement comes five years ahead of schedule, surpassing the target set under India’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to the Paris Agreement, a global climate accord aimed at limiting global warming.

3. The current energy mix includes 242.04 GW (49.92%) from thermal sources (like coal, gas, diesel), 8.78 GW (1.81%) from nuclear, 49.38 GW (10.19%) from large hydro, and 184.62 GW (38.08%) from Renewable Energy (RE), totaling 484.82 GW.

4. The surge in renewable energy capacity is largely due to key policy initiatives and infrastructure development rolled out in recent years.

5. The PM Surya Ghar Scheme, for example, has enabled around 7 lakh rooftop solar installations, promoting distributed solar power generation at household level.

6. The PM-KUSUM scheme has empowered farmers by deploying solar-powered irrigation pumps, enhancing energy security in agriculture and reducing dependency on diesel.

7. Growth in the sector has been supported by domestic manufacturing expansion, especially in solar PV (photovoltaic) modules and wind turbines, driven by Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Schemes, which offer financial incentives to manufacturers.

8. To accommodate the growing RE capacity, the government invested significantly in transmission infrastructure, particularly inter-state transmission systems, to move electricity from renewable-rich states to demand centers.

9. Additionally, the Green Energy Open Access Rules 2022 have facilitated easier direct access to renewable energy for consumers, including industries, reducing their reliance on fossil-based electricity.

10. India’s FDI (Foreign Direct Investment) policy in renewables has also played a crucial role, allowing 100% FDI through the automatic route, encouraging global capital flow into clean energy projects.

11. To further diversify the RE portfolio, the Viability Gap Funding (VGF) scheme was introduced to support offshore wind energy projects, covering part of project costs to make them financially viable.

12. This landmark progress positions India as a global climate leader, demonstrating that a developing country can lead the clean energy transition without compromising on economic growth or development goals.

13. It also helps reduce India’s import dependence on fossil fuels, enhancing energy sovereignty and protecting the economy from global fuel price shocks.

14. A diversified energy portfolio—spanning solar, wind, hydro, and nuclear—makes India’s power sector more resilient and sustainable.

15. Finally, this transition has led to significant job creation and industrial growth across the renewable energy value chain, from manufacturing and installation to operations and maintenance.

WHO Recognises India’s Efforts In Integrating AI With Traditional Medicine

1. In a significant recognition, the World Health Organization (WHO) has acknowledged India’s leadership in integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) with AYUSH systems—which include Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, Sowa Rigpa, and Homoeopathy—to modernize traditional medicine.

2. This appreciation is reflected in WHO’s first-ever technical brief titled “Mapping the Application of Artificial Intelligence in Traditional Medicine (TM)”, which was released following a proposal initiated by India.

3. The brief has been developed under the Global Initiative on AI for Health (GI-AI4H)—a collaboration launched by WHO, International Telecommunication Union (ITU), and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) to guide ethical and effective use of AI in healthcare globally.

4. Within this framework, India has emerged as a frontrunner by applying AI to enhance traditional diagnostic techniques, such as pulse reading, tongue analysis, and Prakriti (body constitution) assessment, combining them with machine learning and deep learning technologies.

5. A key innovation is Ayurgenomics, which merges genomics (study of genes and DNA) with Ayurvedic principles, using AI to identify disease risk markers and offer personalized health recommendations based on a person’s doshic constitution.

6. AI is also enabling the development of chemical sensors to interpret Ayurvedic pharmacological concepts such as Rasa (taste), Guna (qualities), and Virya (potency)—paving the way to scientifically understand herbal drug action pathways.

7. However, deploying AI in Traditional Medicine (TM) comes with key challenges that need to be addressed for responsible and effective integration.

8. One concern is the risk of biopiracy, where indigenous knowledge or natural resources may be exploited commercially without proper recognition or benefit-sharing.

9. Other barriers include digital infrastructure gaps, especially in rural areas, and low digital literacy, which restrict both data collection and AI tool adoption in TM systems.

10. Another significant hurdle is the lack of quality datasets, as AI relies on large, accurate, and well-labeled data—something that traditional practices have historically lacked in digital formats.

11. Additionally, a core issue lies in balancing localization (context-specific relevance) of AI tools with the need for global integration and standardization, which can be technically and culturally complex.

12. To realize AI's full potential in TM, it is vital to adapt WHO’s guidance on frontier technologies to the unique knowledge structures of traditional systems, while ensuring strong data governance that protects Indigenous Peoples’ rights and encourages global cooperation.

13. India has already launched foundational digital infrastructure to support this, including the Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL), which digitizes documented practices from Ayurveda, Siddha, Sowa Rigpa, and Yoga, safeguarding them from misuse.

14. The Ayush Grid, launched in 2018, is another key digital backbone that integrates TM services across India, facilitating digital access, health records, and research in traditional medicine.

15. Under Ayush Grid, platforms like the AYUSH Health Management Information System (AHMIS) offer a cloud-based system used by clinics to manage patient data and services effectively.

16. The SAHI Portal helps in the standardization of Ayurveda health data, while the NAMASTE Portal supports global promotion of traditional medicine services, and the Ayush Research Portal provides centralized access to TM-related studies.

17. For public engagement, India also introduced user-friendly tools like the Ayush Sanjivani app (for self-assessment and health tracking) and the Yoga Locator app (to find certified yoga centers and practitioners).

18. Complementing these efforts, India co-hosted the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI) Summit in 2023, a multilateral platform focused on translating AI research into real-world implementation—especially in sectors like health and traditional knowledge.

Must Read | India Leads Global Innovation in AI-Driven Traditional Medicine: Featured in WHO’s Landmark Brief

Counterfeit Goods

1. In a recent legal move, German footwear brand Birkenstock filed a civil suit in the Delhi High Court against certain manufacturers and traders in Delhi and Agra for allegedly selling counterfeit versions of its signature sandals.

2. This case draws attention to the broader issue of counterfeit goods in India—a persistent and growing problem impacting both consumers and legitimate businesses.

3. According to a 2022 report by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), India is listed as one of the key origin countries for counterfeit goods being traded globally, along with China, Turkey, and the UAE.

4. Reinforcing the scale of the issue, a 2022 CRISIL study estimated that 25–30% of India’s retail market is comprised of counterfeit products, posing serious challenges to brand integrity, tax revenues, and consumer safety.

5. Counterfeit goods refer to fake or imitation products sold under a brand name without authorization, often replicating logos, designs, or trademarks to deceive consumers.

6. To combat this, Indian law provides brands with protection mechanisms under the Trademarks Act, 1999 and the Designs Act, 2000—two key legislations that uphold intellectual property rights (IPR) in product design and branding.

7. The Trademarks Act, 1999 allows a registered brand owner to take legal action against unauthorized use of its brand name, including the right to seek injunctions, damages, and seizure of counterfeit goods.

8. Meanwhile, the Designs Act, 2000 protects unique industrial designs (such as the shape or aesthetic of a product), enabling companies to secure exclusive rights and pursue legal remedies in case of imitation.

9. Together, these legal tools empower businesses like Birkenstock to defend their intellectual property, deter counterfeit networks, and maintain consumer trust and brand authenticity.

Quantum Noise

1. A recent study has revealed an intriguing insight—that under certain conditions, quantum noise can actually generate or even revive quantum entanglement, challenging long-held assumptions in quantum physics.

2. Quantum noise refers to unwanted disturbances or random fluctuations in a quantum system, which typically lead to errors in quantum computations and loss of information.

3. Traditionally, quantum noise is considered harmful, especially in systems exhibiting quantum entanglement, as it leads to 'decoherence'—a process where entangled particles lose their correlation and behave classically.

4. Quantum entanglement, on the other hand, is a fundamental quantum phenomenon where two or more particles become interconnected such that the state of one instantly influences the other, no matter how far apart they are—a concept famously termed “spooky action at a distance” by Einstein.

5. Surprisingly, the new findings suggest that under specific scenarios, quantum noise can act constructively—rather than destructively—by either creating entanglement where there was none or restoring lost entanglement, opening up novel possibilities for quantum computing and communication.

6. This counterintuitive behavior offers potential breakthroughs in error-tolerant quantum systems, where instead of only trying to eliminate noise, researchers might also learn to harness it strategically.

Consumer Price Index

1. Retail inflation in India fell to a remarkable 6-year low of 2.10% in June 2025, according to data released by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI).

2. This significant drop is measured using the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which serves as a key indicator for tracking price movements in a country’s economy.

3. The CPI measures the change over time in the general price level of a fixed basket of goods and services typically consumed by households, making it a direct reflection of cost of living.

4. As a critical macroeconomic indicator, CPI plays multiple roles—most notably as a tool for measuring inflation, which helps governments and central banks manage price stability.

5. It also serves as an essential input for inflation targeting, a policy approach used by central banks like the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to control inflation within a specified range.

6. Additionally, CPI is used in national accounting as a deflator—adjusting economic aggregates like GDP for inflation—and for indexing dearness allowance for salaried employees and pensioners.

7. To ensure the index remains relevant and reflective of current consumption patterns, the base year for CPI was revised to 2012, aligning it with more contemporary expenditure data.

8. The steep decline in CPI to 2.10% signals improved price stability, easing pressure on household budgets and potentially influencing monetary policy decisions, such as interest rate adjustments by the RBI.

Talisman Sabre Exercise

1. Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025, Australia’s largest and most complex military exercise, has officially commenced in Sydney, showcasing multinational defense collaboration on an unprecedented scale.

2. The exercise features participation from 19 nations and involves over 35,000 military personnel, conducting operations across land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace—making it a truly multi-domain operation.

3. Key participating countries include the United States, Canada, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, and the United Kingdom, highlighting a strong network of Indo-Pacific and NATO-aligned partners.

4. Additionally, Malaysia and Vietnam are joining the exercise as observers, signaling growing interest in regional security cooperation and strategic alignment.

5. The exercise comprises a variety of high-intensity joint drills, such as live-fire exercises, field training activities, amphibious landings, ground force manoeuvres, as well as air combat and maritime operations.

6. By simulating real-world combat scenarios, Talisman Sabre enhances interoperability—the ability of different countries' forces to operate together effectively—while reinforcing readiness and rapid response capabilities.

7. The 2025 edition underscores the importance of collective defense, strategic deterrence, and military preparedness in a time of evolving global and regional security dynamics, particularly in the Indo-Pacific.

National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA)

1. In a move to make essential medicines more affordable, the Central Government has fixed prices of 71 key drug formulations through the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA).

2. The NPPA, established in 1997, functions as an independent regulator under the Department of Pharmaceuticals (DoP), Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers, through a Government of India resolution.

3. Its primary objective is to ensure the availability, accessibility, and affordability of medicines for the public, particularly life-saving and essential drugs.

4. The NPPA operates under the framework of the Drugs (Prices Control) Order (DPCO), which empowers it to fix and revise the prices of scheduled drug formulations.

5. The DPCO, issued by the DoP, is a legal mechanism to regulate prices of medicines in India and to prevent profiteering in the sale of critical pharmaceuticals.

6. By capping prices, NPPA seeks to maintain a balance between industry sustainability and public health needs, ensuring that vital medications remain within the reach of all sections of society.

7. The latest intervention—fixing prices of 71 drug formulations—reaffirms the government's commitment to price regulation in the pharmaceutical sector and universal access to healthcare.

Ram Air Turbine

1. The Preliminary report by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) on the recent Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad mentioned the deployment of the Ram Air Turbine (RAT) during the emergency.

2. The Ram Air Turbine (RAT) is a small turbine typically housed in a compartment within the fuselage (the main body of the aircraft) or the wing.

3. Its primary function is to provide emergency power to the aircraft if the plane’s main power systems fail, ensuring essential systems remain operational.

4. The RAT generates power by using the airflow (airstream) created by the aircraft’s speed, which turns the turbine connected either to an electrical generator or a hydraulic pump.

5. Deployment of the RAT can occur either manually by the pilot or crew, or it can activate automatically in response to a complete loss of main power.

6. This emergency power source is critical for maintaining flight controls, communications, and other vital aircraft functions during power outages, contributing to flight safety.

Must Read | Tragic Confusion: Air India Crash Linked to Engine Fuel Cutoff, AAIB Preliminary Report Reveals

Shinkansen Technology

1. The next-generation E10 Shinkansen trains will be introduced simultaneously on India’s 508 km Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train corridor and in Japan, symbolizing a significant milestone in high-speed rail technology collaboration.

2. Known as Japan’s bullet train, the Shinkansen is globally acclaimed as the world’s safest and most reliable high-speed rail system, notable for its capacity to handle high passenger volumes with frequent, punctual services.

3. A key pillar of Shinkansen’s safety framework is the Crash Avoidance principle, which depends on two critical systems operating in tandem to prevent accidents.

4. First, the trains run on dedicated tracks, which are fully segregated from other rail or road traffic, eliminating level crossings—places where roads intersect with train tracks—to drastically reduce collision risks.

5. Second, the Automatic Train Control (ATC) system automatically monitors and regulates train speed, ensuring safe distances between trains and preventing collisions by enforcing speed limits.

6. Beyond safety, the E10 trains feature aerodynamic optimization through the specially designed leading nose shape, which reduces air resistance (drag) to improve speed and energy efficiency.

7. These trains also emphasize vehicle noise reduction, minimizing sound pollution for passengers inside the train and communities living near the railway.

8. Additionally, the E10 Shinkansen employs energy-efficient traction systems, which optimize power consumption to support sustainable and environmentally friendly operation without compromising performance.

9. Lastly, the E10 trains are engineered for superior ride comfort, providing smooth and stable travel at very high speeds, thus enhancing the overall passenger experience.

Behdeinkhlam festival

1. The sacred Behdeinkhlam Festival was recently celebrated in Meghalaya, marking an important cultural and spiritual event for the region.

2. The name Behdeinkhlam translates to “driving away the plague,” symbolizing a ritual of spiritual cleansing and community resilience against evil forces and disease.

3. This festival is the most important dance festival of the Pnars (also known as Jaintias), celebrated annually in July, typically after the sowing period in the agricultural calendar.

4. A key ritual during Behdeinkhlam involves young men beating the roofs of every house with bamboo poles, a symbolic act meant to drive away evil spirits, plague, and disease from the community.

5. Traditional games like Dat-lawakor, a football-like sport played with a wooden ball, and Iatan-Bhang, which is a form of tug of war, are played as part of the festivities, promoting unity and physical endurance.

Nominated Members of Rajya Sabha

1. The President of India has recently nominated four new members to the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of Parliament.

2. As per Article 80 of the Indian Constitution, the Rajya Sabha consists of up to 238 elected members and 12 nominated members, making a total of 250 members.

3. Specifically, Article 80(3) empowers the President to nominate 12 individuals who possess special knowledge or practical experience in fields like literature, science, art, or social service.

4. The responsibility of handling these nominations falls under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), as per the Allocation of Business Rules, 1961.

5. After the President nominates the members, the MHA officially notifies their appointments, completing the nomination process.

6. The practice of nomination under Article 80(3) has been legally upheld, as seen in the 2012 Delhi High Court case of Ram Gopal Singh Sisodia vs. Union of India, which confirmed the nomination of Sachin Tendulkar.

Must Read | President Nominates Ujjwal Nikam, Sadanandan Master, Harsh Vardhan Shringla, and Meenakshi Jain to Rajya Sabha

Don’t Miss |  President Droupadi Murmu Appoints New Governors and Lieutenant Governor

Weather derivatives

1. India is set to launch its first weather derivatives, with the National Commodity and Derivatives Exchange Ltd (NCDEX) partnering with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to develop rainfall-based derivative products.

2. These weather derivatives will help farmers and allied sectors hedge risks related to irregular rainfall, heatwaves, and unseasonal weather, providing financial protection against unpredictable climate impacts.

3. By leveraging historical and real-time weather data from IMD, these derivatives will offer location-specific, seasonal contracts that are supported by statistically verified datasets to ensure accuracy and reliability.

4. Unlike traditional derivatives tied to financial assets like stocks or commodities, weather derivatives use meteorological parameters such as rainfall and temperature as their underlying asset, linked to a predefined weather index.

5. Since weather derivatives have no inherent market value on their own and depend on specific weather outcomes, they are classified as part of an incomplete market, which means they cannot be traded like conventional financial instruments.

6. Globally, over-the-counter (OTC) trading of weather derivatives began in the 1990s, and with this launch, India is making its first significant advancement in this innovative financial market.

Arboviral Diseases

1. The World Health Organization (WHO) has released its first integrated guidelines for managing arboviral diseases, aiming to improve diagnosis and treatment.

2. Arboviral diseases include illnesses such as Dengue, Chikungunya, Zika, and Yellow fever, which are primarily transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes.

3. These diseases are increasingly prevalent due to factors like climate change, urbanization, and heightened human movement, putting over 5.6 billion people at risk globally.

4. A major challenge in controlling these diseases is that they often share similar early symptoms and may occur simultaneously in some regions, making clinical diagnosis difficult.

5. Given that outbreaks are becoming more frequent, severe, and widespread, WHO emphasizes the urgent need for a unified clinical approach to effectively manage and contain these infections.

Super Earth

1. Astronomers, using data from NASA’s Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS), have discovered a new super-Earth named TOI-1846.

2. This exoplanet—a planet outside our solar system—is about twice the size of Earth and orbits a red dwarf star located approximately 154 light-years away, which may be rich in water.

3. Super-Earths refer to a category of exoplanets defined by their size and mass, not by Earth-like characteristics or habitability.

4. Typically, super-Earths are larger than Earth—up to twice its size—and more massive, weighing up to 10 times Earth’s mass, yet they remain lighter than Neptune, the solar system’s ice giant.

5. Their true composition remains uncertain, as super-Earths differ significantly from any planets within our solar system, making their internal structure and atmosphere subjects of ongoing research.

6. Some of the larger super-Earths are also known as sub-Neptunes or mini-Neptunes, highlighting their intermediate size between Earth-like planets and gas giants.

Diammonium phosphate (DAP)

1. Indian fertiliser companies have signed a five-year agreement with Saudi Arabia to secure the supply of 3.1 million metric tonnes (MT) of Diammonium Phosphate (DAP) fertiliser annually.

2. DAP is a fertiliser composed of two essential macronutrients: Phosphorus and Nitrogen, both crucial for the growth of new plant tissues and the regulation of protein synthesis in crops.

3. Globally, DAP is the most widely used phosphorus fertiliser because of its high solubility, which allows it to dissolve quickly in soil and be readily absorbed by plants.

4. India holds the position as the world’s largest agricultural consumer of DAP, reflecting its critical role in Indian farming practices.

5. Under the government’s Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) scheme, fixed annual subsidies are provided on Phosphorus (P) and Potassium (K) fertilisers like DAP, with subsidy rates determined by the nutrient content.

6. Beyond agriculture, DAP also has important industrial applications, including use as a fire retardant and in metal finishing processes.

Silent Salt Consumption epidemic

1. The Indian Council of Medical Research’s (ICMR) National Institute of Epidemiology warns that India is grappling with a silent salt consumption epidemic due to excessive salt intake.

2. Studies reveal that urban Indians consume about 9.2 grams of salt per day, while rural Indians consume around 5.6 grams daily, both exceeding the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommended limit of less than 5 grams per person per day.

3. This excessive salt intake is driving a hidden health crisis, increasing the risk of serious conditions such as hypertension (high blood pressure), stroke, heart disease, and kidney disorders.

4. A promising strategy to combat this is the use of low-sodium salt substitutes, which replace part of the harmful sodium chloride (table salt) with healthier minerals like potassium or magnesium.

5. To address this, ICMR has launched the “Community-Led Salt Reduction” initiative, complemented by a social media campaign encouraging public participation through the hashtag #PinchForAChange.

State of New Caledonia

1. France has announced an agreement to grant New Caledonia greater autonomy by creating the “State of New Caledonia” within the French Republic, offering the semiautonomous Pacific territory more freedoms while stopping short of full independence.

2. New Caledonia is a French overseas territory located in the Pacific Ocean, known for its strategic and cultural significance.

3. Historically, during the 1840s, the indigenous islanders were kidnapped by European traders for slavery or forced labor in sugarcane plantations, and in 1853, New Caledonia was formally annexed by France.

4. Currently, there are deep divisions over the issue of independence between the indigenous Kanak population—the original inhabitants—and the European-descended residents, fueling ongoing political debates.

Read More | France and New Caledonia Sign Historic Accord to Establish New State Within French Republic

Nano-fertilisers and Biostimulants

1. The Union Minister of Agriculture has directed Chief Ministers to immediately stop the forced sale of nano-fertilisers and biostimulants to farmers, emphasizing voluntary and informed use.

2. Nano-fertilisers are nutrients delivered through particles called nanomaterials, which are extremely tiny, measuring 100 nanometres or less (a nanometre is one-billionth of a meter).

3. These nanoparticles help regulate and control the release of nutrients, ensuring that plants absorb them more efficiently, which improves nutrient use and reduces wastage.

4. On the other hand, biostimulants refer to substances or microorganisms applied to plants or the soil around roots (called the rhizosphere) that enhance natural processes, thereby improving crop quality without directly providing nutrients.

5. Common examples of biostimulants include humic acids (organic compounds that enhance soil fertility), seaweed extracts, liquid manure composting, and beneficial microbes such as bacteria and fungi, all of which boost plant growth and resilience naturally.

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