Daily Current Affairs – 19 July 2025
- TPP
- Jul 19
- 13 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 Genius Act, Offshore Areas Atomic Minerals Operating Right Rules, 2025, digital arrest, Quantum Cybersecurity, social organizations , NMMS, INVICTUS, NSCSTI 2.0, Consumer Price Index for Agricultural Labourers, Javelin Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGMs), Pact for the Future, Netra MkII and more...
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Genius Act enacted in US to regulate Stablecoins |
The Genius Act has been enacted in the United States to establish a regulatory framework for stablecoins.
The Act aims to bring legal clarity and oversight to the issuance and use of stablecoins.
Stablecoins are a type of cryptocurrency whose value is linked to another asset such as a currency, commodity, or financial instrument.
For example, Tether (USDT) is a stablecoin pegged to the US dollar, meaning its value is designed to closely follow the dollar’s value.
Because of their stable value, stablecoins are seen as having potential to improve payment efficiency and reduce transaction costs.
To understand stablecoins, it is essential to understand how cryptocurrencies work.
Cryptocurrencies operate on a distributed public ledger system known as blockchain.
A blockchain is a shared and constantly updated digital record of all transactions.
This public ledger is maintained by a network of users, known as currency holders.
Cryptocurrencies are created through a process called mining.
In mining, powerful computers solve complex mathematical problems to generate new coins.
Alternatively, users can buy cryptocurrencies from brokers using fiat money.
These digital assets are stored and transacted using cryptographic wallets, which are secure digital tools.
The use of stablecoins has increased in recent years for several reasons.
A key reason is that stablecoins are backed by underlying assets, which makes their value more stable than typical cryptocurrencies.
This stability makes stablecoins a more reliable medium of exchange compared to highly volatile assets like Bitcoin.
The underlying assets of stablecoins are typically issued by identified and regulated entities.
These entities can include banks, non-bank financial institutions, or large technology firms.
Most stablecoin arrangements are governed by a formal governance body responsible for oversight and decision-making.
In contrast, the regulation of cryptocurrency in India remains at a different stage.
Currently, crypto assets are unregulated by any specific law in India.
However, the Indian government took steps to address their use through taxation policies.
The Finance Act, 2022 introduced a comprehensive tax regime for Virtual Digital Assets (VDAs).
A 30% tax was imposed on capital gains arising from the transfer of VDAs.
As per the Income Tax Act, 1961, a Virtual Digital Asset is any code, number, or token generated cryptographically and traded electronically.
This definition covers cryptocurrencies, Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs), and similar digital assets.
In 2023, VDAs were also brought under the scope of the Prevention of Money-Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA).
This move was intended to curb illegal activities and improve transparency in crypto transactions.
Offshore Areas Atomic Minerals Operating Right Rules, 2025 Notified |
The Offshore Areas Atomic Minerals Operating Right Rules, 2025 have been officially notified by the government.
These rules are issued under the Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and Regulation) Act, 2002.
The primary objective of the rules is to regulate the exploration and mining of atomic minerals in offshore regions.
The term atomic minerals refers to naturally occurring radioactive elements such as uranium and thorium.
These rules apply specifically when the concentration of atomic minerals exceeds a defined minimum threshold.
Only in such qualifying cases can mining or exploration activities proceed under this regulatory framework.
Under the new rules, entities nominated by the government are eligible to receive exploration licences or production leases.
In the case of foreign entities, prior approval must be secured from relevant government authorities before they undertake exploration.
This provision ensures national security and regulatory oversight in sensitive resource areas.
India holds significant strategic interest in atomic minerals due to their role in nuclear energy and research.
Uranium is one of the most critical atomic minerals used as fuel in nuclear reactors.
Major uranium reserves in India are located in Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh, Meghalaya, and Rajasthan.
The Jaduguda mine in Jharkhand was the first in India to commercially produce uranium ore.
Other important uranium sites include the Lambapur-Peddagattu mine in Andhra Pradesh and the Bagjata mine in Jharkhand.
However, most of India's uranium deposits are small in size and low in grade compared to global standards.
This poses challenges for self-sufficiency in nuclear fuel supply.
India also has access to abundant thorium resources, which provide a long-term alternative to uranium.
Thorium is not fissile on its own but can be converted into a usable nuclear fuel through a breeder reactor process.
A key source of thorium is monazite, a mineral that contains about 8–10% thorium content.
Rich monazite deposits are found in the beach sands of Kerala and Odisha.
These reserves offer potential for developing thorium-based nuclear power in the future.
West Bengal Delivers First Conviction in Digital Arrest Scam |
West Bengal has achieved a significant milestone by delivering its first conviction in a digital arrest scam case.
This conviction marks progress in tackling emerging cybercrime threats across India.
The convicted individuals were part of a cyber fraud gang operating on a national scale.
The gang defrauded over ₹100 crore from more than 100 victims using deceptive digital tactics.
The scam followed a method known as Digital Arrest, which is growing in frequency and sophistication.
A digital arrest is a form of cyber-extortion that manipulates victims using fear, impersonation, and urgency.
Victims are contacted via phone calls, emails, or messages claiming to be from law enforcement or government agencies.
The message falsely informs the victim that they are under investigation for crimes such as identity theft or money laundering.
Scammers pose as police officers or officials to create panic and compliance through threats of arrest.
This mental pressure often forces victims to act without verifying the situation.
The victims are then asked to transfer large sums of money to fake accounts, allegedly to “clear their name” or provide a “refundable security deposit.”
Addressing such scams requires clear understanding of the administrative responsibilities.
As per the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution, Police and Public Order fall under the jurisdiction of the State Governments.
However, the Central Government plays a supportive role by issuing advisories and providing financial and technical assistance.
This is done through various capacity-building schemes aimed at strengthening cybercrime response.
One of the key institutional responses is the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C).
I4C was established by the Ministry of Home Affairs to serve as a central agency for coordinating cybercrime control across India.
Under I4C, a specialized unit called the Cyber Fraud Mitigation Centre (CFMC) has been set up.
CFMC brings together banks, telecom operators, and law enforcement agencies to collaborate on real-time fraud detection and prevention.
To improve interstate cooperation, the Samanvaya Platform has been introduced.
It acts as a centralised data repository for linking and tracking cybercrime cases across state boundaries.
In parallel, a Suspect Registry has been launched in coordination with banks.
This registry helps in monitoring identifiers such as phone numbers, emails, and account details used by cybercriminals.
Additionally, the ‘Report and Check Suspect’ feature on cybercrime.gov.in allows citizens to verify suspicious entities using official databases.
To promote public awareness and digital hygiene, CERT-In (Indian Computer Emergency Response Team) has issued important safety guidelines.
Citizens are advised to always verify the identity of unknown callers claiming to be officials.
People should never panic or act under pressure to transfer money immediately.
It is critical to pause and evaluate the situation calmly before making decisions.
One must also avoid sharing personal or financial information during such interactions.
Individuals are strongly advised to not hand over their mobile devices to strangers under any circumstances.
Quantum Cybersecurity: Preparing for the Post-Quantum Era |
A whitepaper titled “Transitioning to Quantum Cyber Readiness” has been unveiled.
It has been jointly released by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), CERT-In, and cybersecurity firm SISA.
The focus of the whitepaper is on preparing India for the post-quantum cybersecurity era.
Quantum cybersecurity includes two main approaches.
The first is Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC).
PQC refers to encryption methods designed to resist quantum computer attacks.
These methods are also compatible with current classical computer systems.
The second approach is Quantum Cryptography.
Quantum Cryptography uses principles of quantum mechanics to secure communication.
A key method in this is Quantum Key Distribution (QKD).
QKD allows two parties to share encryption keys in a way that is theoretically unbreakable.
There is a growing need for Quantum Cyber Readiness.
One major threat is Harvest Now, Decrypt Later (HNDL) attacks.
HNDL involves collecting encrypted data today for decryption in the future using quantum computers.
Such attacks target digital certificates, blockchains, and cryptocurrencies.
Traditional encryption algorithms like RSA (Rivest–Shamir–Adleman) are at risk.
RSA is a widely used encryption method for securing digital communications.
Experts believe RSA and similar algorithms may become obsolete within a few years due to quantum advancements.
The whitepaper also outlines a roadmap for achieving quantum cyber readiness.
The first phase is Foundational Assessment and Strategic Planning.
This includes activities like the identification of quantum-vulnerable assets.
The second phase is Technology Readiness and Capability Building.
It includes infrastructure evaluation and upgrade planning.
The third phase is a Phased Organizational Rollout.
This phase suggests a multi-stage transformation aligned with organizational architecture.
It must also align with strategic priorities, available resources, and risk appetite.
The final phase is Resilience, Monitoring, and Futureproofing.
This involves steps like the implementation of Quantum Key Distribution (QKD).
Lok sabha Speaker emphasizes role of Social Organisations in development of Nation and Society |
The Lok Sabha Speaker recently emphasized the crucial role of social organizations in the development of the nation and society.
Social organization refers to the way individuals and groups are structured and interact within a society.
These organizations can be formal, such as religious institutions, educational bodies, and labour unions.
They can also be informal, such as families, peer groups, and friendships.
Each social institution contributes uniquely to shaping the social, economic, and cultural landscape of society.
These institutions influence both the individual lives of citizens and the collective fabric of communities.
Recognizing their importance is essential for building sustainable, inclusive, and resilient societies.
Such societies are better equipped to adapt to future challenges and transformations.
Role of Social Institutions in Nation Building
The family serves as the primary channel for transmitting social norms and values.
It plays a vital role in encouraging moral behavior and responsible citizenship.
A strong family structure contributes to social harmony and inclusiveness in society.
Religious institutions provide a moral framework for individuals and communities.
They strengthen values such as compassion, forgiveness, and charity.
These institutions help promote social order and community cohesion.
Through charitable and welfare activities, they contribute to poverty alleviation and support vulnerable groups.
Educational institutions focus on the transmission of knowledge and essential skills.
They promote values like discipline, hard work, and teamwork.
Education prepares individuals to take on various roles and responsibilities in nation building.
Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) play an important role in policy advocacy and influence.
For example, Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan (MKSS) influenced the enactment of the Right to Information (RTI) Act.
NGOs are also active in awareness generation and capacity-building among marginalized communities.
For instance, SEWA, a women-led trade union, has worked extensively on gender-related issues.
NGOs contribute to improving service delivery in sectors like education and health.
Pratham, for example, has improved learning outcomes in primary education across India.
NGOs also help in strengthening democracy by promoting transparency and accountability.
The Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) has played a key role in decriminalization of politics through electoral reforms.
National Mobile Monitoring System (NMMS) |
The National Mobile Monitoring System (NMMS) was launched by the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD).
It is used to record the attendance of workers under the MGNREGS (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme).
The app captures geo-tagged and time-stamped photographs of workers twice a day at the worksite.
The main objective is to prevent fake attendance and eliminate ghost beneficiaries.
The app helps promote transparency in wage payments and work verification.
It is currently available in English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and other regional languages.
MoRD has recently reported instances of misuse and manipulation of the NMMS.
One concern is the uploading of irrelevant or unrelated photographs on the app.
Another issue is the repetition of the same worker’s photograph, which questions the data's reliability.
There are also accountability concerns and chances of financial irregularities in some areas.
Technical issues such as internet connectivity problems have been reported in remote regions.
Frequent software glitches have also led to the exclusion of genuine workers from records.
These challenges affect the proper implementation of MGNREGS at the grassroots level.
There is a need for technical improvements in the app’s functionality. There is also a need for training and awareness among field-level functionaries.
INVICTUS |
The European Space Agency (ESA), in collaboration with UK-based Frazer-Nash, has launched INVICTUS, a project aimed at advancing hypersonic technology development.
INVICTUS is designed as a fully reusable experimental aerospace vehicle capable of achieving Mach 5, which means it can fly at five times the speed of sound, a key threshold for hypersonic flight.
The project is funded through ESA’s General Support Technology Programme (GSTP) and Technology Development Element (TDE), both of which support high-potential, cutting-edge innovations in space and aerospace domains.
A major highlight of INVICTUS is its ability to sustain hypersonic flight within Earth’s atmosphere, which involves extreme temperatures and aerodynamic pressures.
The vehicle is upgradable by design, allowing flexible replacement or enhancement of materials, propulsion systems, and onboard software across different flight test campaigns.
A central objective of the project is to demonstrate the feasibility of a hydrogen-fuelled precooled air-breathing propulsion system, which is critical for enabling horizontal take-off and sustained hypersonic travel in future reusable aerospace vehicles.
The precooled air-breathing engine combines the features of a jet engine and a rocket, drawing in atmospheric oxygen to burn hydrogen fuel more efficiently at very high speeds—reducing the need for carrying oxidizer onboard.
Overall, INVICTUS is expected to pave the way for future reusable hypersonic vehicles, contributing to faster, cleaner, and more cost-effective aerospace transportation and research capabilities.
Consumer Price Index (CPI) for AL/RL |
The Labour Bureau under the Ministry of Labour and Employment has revised the base year of the Consumer Price Index for Agricultural Labourers (CPI-AL) and Rural Labourers (CPI-RL) from 1986-87=100 to 2019=100, to reflect more recent consumption patterns.
This updated series replaces the older CPI-AL/RL base year of 1986-87=100, ensuring the indices remain relevant to current economic conditions.
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) tracks the change over time in the general price level of goods and services purchased by households for consumption, helping to monitor inflation.
The CPI-AL and CPI-RL are specifically designed to capture the cost of living and price trends for agricultural labourers and rural labourers, two key segments in rural India.
An agricultural labourer is defined as someone engaged in one or more agricultural occupations on a hired basis, receiving wages in cash, kind, or both.
A rural labourer, on the other hand, is one who performs manual work in rural areas, including both agricultural and non-agricultural tasks, also in exchange for cash, kind, or a mix of both.
These indices play a crucial role in wage revision, policy formulation, and rural economic analysis, especially concerning government welfare schemes and inflation-linked benefits.
By adopting 2019 as the new base year, the Labour Bureau aims to ensure that the CPI-AL and CPI-RL accurately represent the current consumption basket and price structure of rural India.
NSCSTI 2.0 |
The Union Minister has officially unveiled the National Standards for Civil Service Training Institutes 2.0 (NSCSTI 2.0) Framework, aimed at transforming public sector training ecosystems.
This framework has been developed by the Capacity Building Commission (CBC), which is the nodal body for modernizing and enhancing the training of civil servants in India.
The primary objective of NSCSTI 2.0 is to build future-ready Civil Services Training Institutes by upgrading their standards, methodologies, and delivery systems.
Key features of the framework include streamlined evaluation metrics, which enable consistent performance assessment across institutes, and inclusive design, ensuring accessibility for diverse learner needs.
It is also digitally aligned with hybrid learning models, combining both physical and virtual learning to match evolving training needs and technology trends.
The Capacity Building Commission, established in 2021, plays a central role in implementing the National Programme for Civil Services Capacity Building (NPCSCB), also known as Mission Karmayogi.
Mission Karmayogi is a national initiative focused on creating a professional, tech-enabled, and citizen-centric civil service through continuous capacity building.
The CBC functions as an independent body with full executive power, allowing it to drive reforms in public administration training systems without bureaucratic delays.
Pact for Future |
India has reaffirmed its strong commitment to the ‘Pact for the Future’ during a recent United Nations dialogue, underlining its dedication to global cooperation and sustainable progress.
The ‘Pact for the Future’ was officially adopted at the Summit of the Future in 2024, a high-level UN event aimed at shaping long-term global priorities.
This landmark pact includes two key components: the Global Digital Compact, which is the first comprehensive global framework for digital cooperation, and the Declaration on Future Generations, focusing on safeguarding the rights and interests of coming generations.
The pact stands out for making clear commitments and ensuring concrete deliverables across various global challenges, with strong emphasis on human rights, gender equality, and sustainable development.
It outlines commitments across several core areas, starting with sustainable development and financing for development, ensuring fair resource allocation and inclusive growth.
It also addresses international peace and security, highlighting the need for collective action to maintain global stability.
Another major focus is on science, technology, and innovation, along with digital cooperation, crucial for bridging the global digital divide and promoting ethical tech use.
Additionally, the pact includes measures to empower youth and future generations, ensuring their voices are integrated into policy-making and long-term planning.
Finally, it emphasizes the importance of transforming global governance, calling for more inclusive, transparent, and accountable international institutions.
Netra MkII |
The Government of India has approved the production of the next-generation Airborne Early Warning and Control System (AEW&C) under the Awacs India programme, marking a significant step in strengthening national air defence capabilities.
This upgraded system, officially known as Netra MkII, is designed to enhance India’s aerial surveillance and command operations.
The Netra MkII will be mounted on the Airbus A321 platform, a reliable and spacious commercial aircraft adapted for military mission needs.
Equipped to detect, track, and monitor potential threats across vast distances, it provides long-range situational awareness to the armed forces.
Far more than just a surveillance aircraft, Netra MkII functions as a flying command centre, enabling real-time coordination and extending national vigilance deep into enemy territory.
A core feature of the system is the Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, a highly advanced radar technology that can simultaneously track multiple targets with greater speed and precision than traditional radars.
Alongside the radar, the aircraft integrates sophisticated mission control systems, which allow onboard teams to analyze incoming data and support operational decision-making instantly.
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