Daily Current Affairs - 14th August 2025
- TPP
- Aug 14
- 19 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 EDE Antibodies, Project Kusha, First Cadre Review for BSF, India-Singapore Ministerial Roundtable, RBI's FREE-AI Vision, India’s First Private EOS Network, NASA’s OCO Missions, MNRE Launches ALMM, Rare Blue Pinkgill and more...
Click Here to read the Monthly Current Affairs Pointers (CAP).
Western Australia’s Record Coral Bleaching Event |
Western Australia recently experienced a record coral bleaching event marked by the longest, largest, and most intense marine heatwave along its West Coast.
The Ningaloo Reef, a World Heritage site on Australia’s West Coast, has suffered major coral bleaching in recent years.
This bleaching event is part of the ongoing fourth mass coral bleaching event, which was officially announced by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in 2024.
Meanwhile, the Great Barrier Reef, the world’s largest coral system stretching over 2,300 km along Australia’s East Coast, has also experienced its biggest coral decline in four decades.
Types of Coral Reefs
Coral reefs are diverse underwater ecosystems made by colonies of tiny marine animals called coral polyps.
Coral reefs support vibrant marine life and help protect coastlines from erosion.
The Fringing Reef is the most common type of coral reef and is directly attached to the shore.
Fringing reefs typically grow near coastlines and have few lagoons. (Note: Lagoons are shallow bodies of water separated from larger bodies by reefs or barriers.)
The Barrier Reef is separated from the land by a lagoon and is larger than fringing reefs.
Barrier reefs usually run parallel to the coastline, with the Great Barrier Reef being a famous example.
The Atoll Reef is a ring-shaped reef that surrounds a central lagoon.
Atolls form around sunken volcanic islands and are usually found in open oceans.
About Corals and Coral Bleaching
Corals are marine organisms that have a symbiotic relationship with microscopic algae called zooxanthellae living inside their tissues.
These algae provide corals with their primary food source and give them their vibrant colors.
Coral bleaching occurs when corals are stressed by changes in environmental conditions like temperature, light, or nutrient levels.
When stressed, corals expel their zooxanthellae, causing them to turn completely white.
This expulsion removes their main food source, severely weakening the coral.
Ideal Conditions for Coral Survival
Clean water is essential for coral health, as polluted runoff can harm corals or block sunlight needed by zooxanthellae.
Most reef-building hard corals thrive in warm water temperatures between 23° and 29° Celsius.
Healthy populations of wildlife, such as herbivores like parrotfish and sea turtles, are vital for coral survival as they graze on algae, preventing overgrowth that can suffocate reefs.
Rare Blue Pinkgill and Shuttlecock Mushrooms Spotted in Telangana Forests |
Rare fungal species – the Blue Pinkgill and Shuttlecock Mushrooms – were recently spotted in the forests of Telangana, marking significant biodiversity records.
The Blue Pinkgill Mushroom is native to New Zealand, making its presence in India an unusual ecological event.
Its vibrant blue colour is due to the presence of azulene, a rare natural pigment commonly found in some flowers and plants, but uncommon in fungi.
This pigment, azulene, gives the mushroom an almost unreal or surreal hue, making it easily distinguishable.
In Telangana, the Blue Pinkgill was spotted in the Kadamba Reserve Forest, indicating a possible range extension.
It was also recorded in other regions of the Kagaznagar forest division, which is known for its rich fungal diversity that thrives due to monsoon-driven ecological conditions.
The second species, the Shuttlecock Mushroom, was recorded in the Kawal Tiger Reserve, adding to the list of rare fungi in the area.
This sighting is significant as it is the first confirmed record in the Eastern Ghats, a mountain range in India, marking a notable eastward extension of its known range.
Earlier, the Shuttlecock Mushroom was only known from the Western Ghats and western India, making this discovery a new geographical occurrence.
The Shuttlecock Mushroom is named for its unique shape, resembling a shuttlecock, which is the object hit in the game of badminton.
It has a distinct crisscross lattice structure, a physical feature that plays an important functional role.
This lattice-like structure helps the mushroom efficiently release spores into the air, aiding in its reproductive process.
Spores are the fungal equivalent of seeds, used for reproduction and dispersal in fungi.
Both discoveries highlight the exceptional fungal biodiversity of Telangana, especially during the monsoon season, which provides the moisture-rich conditions ideal for fungal growth.
Environment Ministry Appoints New Members to National Green Tribunal Amid Vacancies |
The Union Environment Ministry has issued an order appointing 2 judicial members and 4 expert members to the National Green Tribunal (NGT).
These appointments come at a time when the NGT is functioning below its sanctioned strength, affecting its case disposal capacity.
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) is a specialised judicial body established to adjudicate environmental disputes in India.
It was established under the NGT Act, 2010, which provides the legal framework for its creation and functioning.
The NGT is headquartered in New Delhi, with regional benches located in various parts of the country.
It has the powers of a Civil Court under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, which allows it to summon witnesses, enforce attendance, and examine evidence.
However, the NGT is not bound by the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, or by the Indian Evidence Act, 1872.
Instead, the tribunal is guided by the Principles of Natural Justice, which focus on fairness, transparency, and the right to be heard.
Members appointed to the NGT hold office for a fixed term of 5 years, ensuring periodic infusion of fresh expertise.
However, they are not eligible for re-appointment, promoting judicial independence and reducing the risk of external influence.
The eligibility criteria for the Chairperson of the NGT require the person to be either a Judge of the Supreme Court or a Chief Justice of a High Court.
This ensures that the tribunal is led by individuals with high judicial integrity and experience in complex legal matters.
MNRE Launches ALMM (Wind) to Boost Local Manufacturing and Data Security in Wind Sector |
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has updated its wind turbine approval framework to promote local manufacturing and data security.
The existing Revised List of Models and Manufacturers (RLMM) 2018 has now been renamed as the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (Wind) or ALMM (Wind).
The original RLMM mechanism was introduced to ensure the quality and reliability of wind turbines installed across India.
Key Features of ALMM (Wind)
The updated policy mandates the development of domestic supply chains for key wind turbine components.
These components include blades, towers, gearboxes, generators, and special bearings, all of which must be sourced from MNRE-approved Indian suppliers.
A strict data localisation requirement has been introduced, making it compulsory to store all operational data within India.
Additionally, operational control centres for managing wind turbine operations must also be located within Indian territory.
Manufacturers are required to establish Research and Development (R&D) centres within one year to design turbines suited to Indian wind conditions.
From September 2026 onwards, all wind turbine components must be certified under Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) to ensure uniform quality standards.
Exemptions Under ALMM (Wind)
Projects that have already been bid out, as well as captive or open access projects commissioned within the next 18 months, are exempted from the new rules.
To encourage innovation, new manufacturers or new turbine models are granted an exemption for a capacity of 800 MW over a period of 2 years.
India’s Wind Energy Sector: Current Status
India currently ranks 4th globally in terms of installed wind power capacity, reflecting its growing role in clean energy.
As of June 2025, India’s installed wind capacity has increased from approximately 21 GW in 2014 to 51.3 GW.
Wind energy contributes about 4.69% to the country’s total electricity generation, supporting national energy security.
According to the National Institute of Wind Energy, India has an estimated wind energy potential of 1164 GW, measured at a height of 150 metres above ground level.
Looking ahead, India aims to supply 10% of the global demand for wind energy equipment by the year 2030, boosting exports and domestic manufacturing.
Proposed Shutdown of NASA’s OCO Missions Threatens Global Carbon and Climate Monitoring |
The Trump administration has proposed to shut down NASA’s Orbiting Carbon Observatory (OCO) missions, a move that could affect global climate monitoring efforts.
These missions are critical as they track atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO₂) and monitor plant health, providing essential data to scientists, policymakers, and farmers.
The OCO-2 satellite was launched in 2014 as a dedicated mission to observe CO₂ levels across the globe.
The OCO-3 instrument was launched in 2019 and installed on the International Space Station (ISS) to continue and enhance the carbon monitoring efforts.
Both satellites use Hubble-like technology, referring to advanced space-based optical instruments known for their high resolution and sensitivity.
These observatories are among the most sensitive and accurate CO₂ monitoring systems in the world, offering near real-time atmospheric data.
One of their key roles is global carbon tracking, which helps scientists understand where CO₂ is emitted and where it is absorbed by natural sinks.
The data revealed that the Amazon rainforest, once considered a major carbon sink, now emits more CO₂ than it absorbs, due to deforestation and climate stress.
In contrast, boreal forests in Canada, Russia, and melting permafrost regions have shown to absorb more CO₂ than they emit, playing a critical role in climate regulation.
The OCO missions also contribute to plant health monitoring through detection of the photosynthesis “glow”, which is a faint light emitted by plants during photosynthesis.
This photosynthetic glow is a direct indicator of plant productivity and can be used to assess drought conditions and forecast food shortages.
Monitoring this glow enables scientists to predict agricultural stress before visible signs appear, which is crucial for food security and farming decisions.
The potential shutdown of these missions threatens the continuity of climate data that supports climate action, disaster preparedness, and agricultural resilience.
IN-SPACe Selects Consortium to Build India’s First Private Earth Observation Satellite Network |
The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe) has selected a PixxelSpace India-led consortium to build India’s first fully indigenous commercial Earth Observation (EO) satellite constellation.
The consortium includes four private firms: PixxelSpace India, Piersight Space, Satsure Analytics India, and Dhruva Space.
This marks a significant milestone in India's space journey by enabling private sector leadership in EO satellite development.
The project will deploy 12 satellites, each with all-weather, day-night imaging capability, ensuring uninterrupted Earth observation.
These satellites will be equipped with advanced sensors, including panchromatic, multispectral, and hyperspectral sensors, along with Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR).
Panchromatic sensors capture black-and-white images with high spatial resolution.
Multispectral and hyperspectral sensors detect data across various wavelengths, allowing detailed analysis of Earth’s surface features.
SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) is a type of radar that produces high-resolution images, even through cloud cover or at night.
The constellation is being built under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, combining the strengths of both sectors.
Under this model, the government provides strategic, technical, and policy support to the initiative.
Meanwhile, the private sector is responsible for owning and operating the EO systems, including manufacturing, launches using Indian platforms, ground infrastructure, and data commercialisation.
The satellite network aims to deliver Analysis Ready Data (ARD) and Value-Added Services (VAS).
These services will support climate change monitoring, disaster management, agricultural planning, and high-quality geospatial intelligence, among other applications.
The full deployment of the EO constellation is planned over a period of four years.
About India’s Private Space Industry
India’s space economy is currently valued at $8 billion, with the potential to reach $100 billion by 2040, driven by robust private sector participation.
There has been a surge in private involvement, with over 200 space startups emerging across the country.
A notable example is Vikram-S, India’s first private rocket, launched under Mission Prarambh.
Industry bodies, like the Indian Space Association (ISpA), play a critical role in promoting collaboration and policy advocacy within the sector.
Government Support for Private Space Sector
IN-SPACe was established to facilitate and promote private sector participation in India’s space activities.
The Indian Space Policy 2023 provides regulatory clarity, policy stability, and a roadmap for private investment in the sector.
The government has introduced liberalisation measures, including 100% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the space sector.
A dedicated Venture Capital Fund of ₹1,000 crore has been approved to support space startups with financial backing.
Significance of India's Private Space Sector
In terms of economic growth, the sector attracts investment, generates employment, and enhances global competitiveness.
From a strategic perspective, it promotes self-reliance, enables development of critical technologies, and ensures data sovereignty.
It also supports national security by improving domestic control over satellite surveillance and intelligence.
By shifting operational responsibilities to the private sector, it allows ISRO to focus on advanced and long-term space missions, including deep space exploration and interplanetary science.
RBI's FREE-AI Vision for Financial Sector |
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has introduced the Framework for Responsible and Ethical Enablement of Artificial Intelligence (FREE-AI).
The FREE-AI framework aims to ensure safe, fair, and accountable adoption of AI in India's financial sector.
It is guided by 7 Sutras, which are foundational principles designed to steer ethical and responsible AI adoption. (Note: Sutras here refer to guiding principles or rules.)
The framework follows a Dual Approach focused on fostering innovation and mitigating risks.
I. Fostering Innovation in AI
FREE-AI proposes the creation of a shared infrastructure to provide democratized access to data and computational resources.
This shared infrastructure may be integrated with the “AI Kosh”, a national repository developed under the IndiaAI Mission.
An AI Innovation Sandbox will be established to allow safe testing of AI solutions, including indigenous financial AI models.
RBI plans to formulate a dedicated AI policy that will offer regulatory guidance to financial institutions.
The framework emphasizes institutional capacity building, both at the board level and across the financial workforce.
To encourage adoption, compliance norms may be relaxed for low-risk AI applications, especially those promoting financial inclusion or other national priorities.
II. Mitigating AI-Related Risks
All Regulated Entities (REs) will be required to have board-approved AI policies to govern the use of AI.
AI considerations must be integrated into product approval processes, consumer protection measures, and internal/external audits.
The framework calls for enhanced cybersecurity protocols and mandatory incident reporting mechanisms. (Note: Incident reporting involves reporting any AI-related failures or security breaches.)
A strong focus is placed on AI lifecycle governance, which refers to managing AI systems responsibly across their entire development and deployment stages.
Consumers must be made aware whenever they are interacting with AI systems or services.
Why the FREE-AI Vision Matters
The financial sector’s investment in AI is projected to reach ₹8 lakh crore ($97 billion) by 2027, spanning banking, insurance, capital markets, and payments.
Generative AI (GenAI) alone is expected to attract ₹1.02 lakh crore ($12 billion) by 2033, with an annual growth rate of 28-34%. (Note: GenAI refers to AI systems that can generate text, images, code, etc., like ChatGPT.)
This rapid growth introduces emerging complex risks that traditional financial frameworks cannot adequately manage.
Such risks include data privacy violations, algorithmic bias, market manipulation, cybersecurity vulnerabilities, and AI governance failures.
Data privacy relates to protecting consumers' personal and financial data from unauthorized use.
Algorithmic bias refers to unfair or discriminatory outcomes resulting from biased AI algorithms.
Market manipulation can occur if AI is used to distort or exploit financial markets.
Cybersecurity vulnerabilities include risks of hacking, data theft, or system compromise due to AI integration.
AI governance failures occur when AI systems are not properly monitored, controlled, or made accountable.
If left unmanaged, these risks can undermine market integrity, erode consumer trust, and create systemic vulnerabilities in the financial system.
India’s Strategic Initiatives in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) |
In 2015, India launched SAGAR – Security and Growth for All in the Region.
SAGAR aims to promote regional security and economic cooperation in the IOR.
In 2025, India plans to upgrade SAGAR to MAHASAGAR, which extends its focus to the Global South.
MAHASAGAR emphasizes sustainability, trade, and mutual security among IOR nations.
India’s Indo-Pacific Policy supports a free, open, inclusive, and rules-based maritime order.
This policy promotes democratic maritime governance, aligning with regional partners.
Maritime Security and Defence Cooperation
India conducts joint EEZ patrols with Maldives, Mauritius, and Seychelles.
EEZ refers to the Exclusive Economic Zone, a maritime zone up to 200 nautical miles for resource rights.
India engages in anti-piracy operations, especially in key chokepoints like the Gulf of Aden.
The Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) is located in Gurugram, India.
IFC-IOR enables real-time maritime data sharing through White Shipping Agreements.
White Shipping Agreements refer to information exchange between navies on commercial shipping.
India has extended its security presence through Red Sea deployments for strategic watch.
Key Infrastructure Projects
India is implementing Sagarmala 2.0, a port-led development programme for maritime infrastructure.
India is developing the Chabahar Port in Iran to connect with Afghanistan and Central Asia.
India has invested in the Sittwe Port in Myanmar under the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Project.
India is also involved in the Colombo West Terminal project in Sri Lanka for regional connectivity.
Multilateral Engagements in IOR
India is an active member of IORA – Indian Ocean Rim Association, promoting regional cooperation.
India leads the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) for maritime security and economic collaboration.
India is engaging with BIMSTEC – Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation.
India collaborates with the Quad (India, US, Japan, Australia) on maritime security in the Indo-Pacific.
India hosts and participates in Ports Conclaves to enhance regional port connectivity.
The Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) serves as a dialogue platform for regional navies.
Significance of the Indian Ocean Region (IOR)
India has a coastline of 11,098.81 km and around 1,300 islands, contributing to its maritime importance.
India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) spans 2.4 million sq. km, rich in marine resources.
The Indian Ocean is the third largest ocean in the world.
It has 35 littoral states, meaning coastal countries that border the Indian Ocean.
These states together host about one-third of the world’s population, showing demographic importance.
Economic Importance of the IOR
Over 90% of India’s trade is conducted via the Indian Ocean sea routes.
Most of India’s oil imports also pass through critical Indian Ocean lanes.
Globally, 50% of container traffic passes through the Indian Ocean.
The ocean handles one-third of the world’s bulk cargo.
Around two-thirds of global oil shipments traverse the Indian Ocean routes.
Ecological Significance
The Indian Ocean is the warmest of all oceans, impacting regional climate and weather.
It is ecologically dynamic and biologically productive, supporting diverse marine ecosystems.
Key Challenges in the Indian Ocean Region
Geopolitically, China is expanding influence through port and infrastructure investments.
China’s initiatives include the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the String of Pearls strategy.
The String of Pearls refers to a network of Chinese military and commercial bases along the IOR.
China has established a military base in Djibouti and is deepening ties with Pakistan.
Maritime security threats include piracy, terrorism, and IUU fishing – Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated fishing.
The region also faces smuggling and drug trafficking challenges along sea routes.
Many small island and coastal states face infrastructure capacity gaps.
Key Recommendations by the Committee
India should upgrade SAGAR to MAHASAGAR, focusing more on sustainability and mutual prosperity.
India should deepen multilateral engagement through platforms like Quad, IORA, and BIMSTEC.
Diaspora engagement and cultural diplomacy should be enhanced for soft power projection.
India should support a rules-based maritime order in line with UNCLOS – United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
India should promote ASEAN centrality in the governance of the Indo-Pacific region.
India-Singapore Ministerial Roundtable (ISMR) Held to Strengthen Strategic Partnership |
The India–Singapore Ministerial Roundtable (ISMR) was recently held to further strengthen the strategic partnership between the two countries.
Ministers from both sides reviewed progress under six core ISMR pillars: Advanced Manufacturing, Connectivity, Digitalization, Healthcare, Skills Development, and Sustainability.
They also identified new bilateral initiatives and acknowledged the critical role of the private sector in advancing these goals.
India and Singapore established diplomatic relations in 1965, with India being among the first to recognize Singapore’s independence.
The Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) was signed in 2005, deepening trade and economic engagement.
This relationship was upgraded to a Strategic Partnership in 2015, and further elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2024.
The year 2025 will mark the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties between India and Singapore, highlighting a long-standing relationship.
On the economic front, Singapore is India’s largest trading partner in ASEAN, and the 6th largest globally in FY 2023–24, accounting for a 3.2% share in India’s total trade.
In digital and fintech collaboration, India and Singapore launched UPI–PayNow cross-border payments, enabling real-time fund transfers between the two nations.
Additionally, RuPay cards are accepted in Singapore, reflecting increasing financial connectivity.
Singapore also participates in key multilateral platforms like the International Solar Alliance (ISA) and the Global Biofuel Alliance, aligning with India’s green energy goals.
Defence ties are strong, with regular bilateral military exercises such as Agni Warrior (between Armies) and SIMBEX (between Navies).
People-to-people ties are deep-rooted, with the Indian diaspora comprising about 9% of Singapore’s population.
As a sign of cultural integration, Tamil is one of the official languages of Singapore, reinforcing linguistic and cultural links.
For India, Singapore serves as a vital bridge to ASEAN, enhancing trade, connectivity, security cooperation, and counterterrorism efforts.
These links also support India’s Act East Policy, which aims to deepen engagement with Southeast Asia, and its Indo-Pacific strategy, focused on regional balance.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Singapore provided medical aid and oxygen to India, while India supplied vaccines under the Vaccine Maitri initiative.
Strategically, access to the Changi Naval Base offers India a crucial maritime foothold to counterbalance China’s growing influence in the region.
Home Ministry Approves First Cadre Review for BSF, Strengthening Border Security |
The Ministry of Home Affairs has recently cleared the first-ever cadre review of the Border Security Force (BSF).
The BSF holds the distinction of being the largest border guarding force in the world.
The BSF was formed in 1965, following the attack on Gujarat by Pakistan, which highlighted the need for a dedicated border force.
It functions as a Central Armed Police Force (CAPF), which means it is a paramilitary force under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
The BSF’s primary deployment is along India’s borders with Pakistan and Bangladesh, two neighboring countries with shared, sensitive borders.
Apart from border duties, the BSF is also deployed in some Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) affected states, where it supports internal security.
Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) refers to insurgencies primarily driven by Maoist groups in certain regions, causing internal security challenges.
In peacetime, the BSF is responsible for preventing cross-border crimes such as smuggling and ensuring overall security in border areas.
During wartime, the BSF is tasked with holding border sectors until the Indian Army arrives, thereby providing crucial frontline defense.
The force also assists the Army in offensive operations, guards Prisoners of War (POWs), and protects critical supply lines and rear areas.
Supply lines refer to routes used to transport troops, weapons, and resources vital for military operations.
This cadre review marks a significant step in recognizing and strengthening the BSF’s role in India’s national security framework.
IAF Advances Project Kusha for Indigenous Long-Range Air Defence Missiles |
Following the success of Operation Sindoor, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is pushing for rapid progress on Project Kusha.
Project Kusha, also known as the Program Long Range Surface to Air Missile (PGLRSAM), was approved in 2022 with a budget outlay of ₹21,700 crore.
This project is an indigenous initiative led by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) aimed at developing a long-range air defence missile system.
The term air defence missile system refers to missiles designed to detect, track, and destroy incoming aerial threats such as enemy aircraft or missiles.
Phase 1 of the project includes the development of four interceptor missile variants with varying ranges.
These variants are M1 with a range of 150 km, M2 with 250 km, M3 with 350-400 km, and a Naval variant designed for deployment on ships with a range between 200-300 km.
The Naval variant adapts the missile technology for maritime defense, providing protection against threats in coastal and open sea environments.
Phase 2 of Project Kusha aims to develop an even more advanced interceptor missile with a range exceeding 600 km, extending the air defence envelope significantly.
The successful deployment of these missiles will strengthen India’s strategic air defence capabilities by providing long-range interception of hostile targets.
PAC Criticizes Perpetual Tolling, Calls for Transparency and Reforms |
The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has criticized the ongoing practice of perpetual tolling, calling for greater transparency and fairness.
The concept of Perpetual Tolling originated from a 2008 amendment that allowed toll collection to continue even after the recovery of project costs.
This practice was formally institutionalized in 2023, turning it into a system-wide norm rather than a case-by-case exception.
Under the current tolling system, toll rates were originally set in 2008 with a provision for a 3% annual increase, regardless of actual costs incurred.
In Build-Operate-Toll (BOT) projects, private entities build and operate highways for a fixed concession period, after which control is returned to the government.
Once the BOT concession period ends, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) takes over and continues to operate toll plazas.
The revenue collected post-concession is transferred to the Consolidated Fund of India, which is the government's primary account for public funds.
The PAC has raised concerns that this model allows toll collection to persist indefinitely, even after initial investments have been recovered.
As a solution, the PAC proposed a technology-driven mechanism for automatic toll refunds during periods when highways are under maintenance or deemed unfit for use.
Another recommendation is the creation of an independent oversight authority to review and justify any continuation of tolls beyond cost recovery.
The committee also called for a transparent assessment of the actual operation and maintenance costs involved in running the highways.
These reforms aim to ensure that tolling is justified, accountable, and fair to road users, preventing unnecessary financial burden on the public.
EDE Antibodies Identified as Key to Dengue Immunity and Vaccine Development |
Researchers have identified a group of specific antibodies called Envelope Dimer Epitope (EDE) antibodies as crucial to understanding dengue immunity.
The Envelope Dimer Epitope (EDE) refers to a unique structural region on the dengue virus that the immune system can recognize and target.
On the surface of the dengue virus, there are envelope (E) proteins, which are key structural proteins involved in viral entry into human cells.
These E proteins are arranged in pairs, a configuration known as dimers, which is common in many viruses for structural stability.
The junction where two E proteins meet forms a distinct three-dimensional (3D) structure, which is what scientists refer to as the Envelope Dimer Epitope (EDE).
This 3D structure of the EDE is highly specific and serves as a precise target for immune responses, especially for neutralizing antibodies.
EDE-specific antibodies have the ability to recognize this junction site with high accuracy.
Once they bind to the EDE, these antibodies neutralise the dengue virus, preventing it from entering and infecting human cells.
The discovery of EDE antibodies offers promising insights for developing vaccines and therapeutic strategies against dengue.
Understanding and targeting the Envelope Dimer Epitope can help create broadly neutralising vaccines, which are effective against multiple dengue virus serotypes.
India Approved to Bid for 2030 Commonwealth Games by IOA |
The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has formally approved India's bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games.
The Commonwealth Games is the world’s second-largest multi-sport event, after the Olympics, in terms of participation and scale.
It was first held in 1930 in Hamilton, Canada, and has since brought together athletes from 71 nations and territories.
The approval by IOA reflects India’s growing ambition to host major global sporting events and showcase its sporting infrastructure.
The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) is the governing body for Olympic sports in India and plays a central role in international sports coordination.
IOA was established in 1927 by Sir Dorabji Tata, who served as its Founding President.
Dr. A.G. Noehren served as the Founding Secretary General, contributing to the organisation’s foundational structure.
In the same year, 1927, IOA was officially recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the global body for Olympic affairs.
IOA operates as a non-profit organisation, meaning it works without the intention of generating profit.
It is registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, which governs the legal registration and operation of charitable and voluntary organisations in India.
The primary objective of IOA is to develop, promote, and protect the Olympic Movement in India.
The Olympic Movement refers to the global effort to promote the values of Olympism, including sportsmanship, excellence, friendship, and respect through sports.
The IOA is governed by a 32-member Executive Council, which is responsible for key decisions and administration.
This Executive Council is headed by a President, who leads the organisation and represents India in international sporting forums.
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