Daily Current Affairs - 1st August 2025
- TPP
- Aug 1
- 15 min read
Welcome to your one-stop destination for crisp, reliable, and exam-relevant Daily Current Affairs. The PRESS Pad delivers daily updates and smart summaries that go beyond the headlines and align perfectly with the evolving pattern of UPSC and other state-level examinations.
Today's edition features key updates including GHP Plant, DTOL Project, Starlink Satellite Internet Services in India, IBRRI, Project 17A, ABHA ID, Cromer Blood Group, Flagellin, Additional Judges in HC and more...
Indigenously-Built Green Hydrogen Power Plant (GHPP) Commissioned at Kandla Port |
A 1 MW Indigenously-Built Green Hydrogen Power Plant (GHPP) was recently commissioned at Kandla Port in Gujarat.
This plant has the capacity to produce approximately 140 metric tonnes of green hydrogen annually.
It has been developed under the National Green Hydrogen Mission to promote clean energy innovation in India.
Green hydrogen refers to hydrogen produced by electrolysis, a process that splits water molecules (H₂O) into hydrogen and oxygen using electricity.
This electricity must come from renewable energy sources like solar, wind, or hydropower to qualify as “green.”
Applications of Green Hydrogen
In industry, green hydrogen can replace coking coal in steel production, helping reduce carbon emissions.
It also acts as a substitute for fossil fuel-based hydrogen in refineries and fertiliser plants, particularly in the production of ammonia and methanol.
In transport, hydrogen can power trucks and buses through hydrogen fuel cells, which generate electricity without combustion.
In the energy sector, green hydrogen is used for electricity storage and grid balancing during periods of high demand or low renewable generation.
Challenges in Green Hydrogen Adoption
The economic viability of green hydrogen is a major challenge, with current production costs ranging between $4 to $6 per kg, which is relatively high.
Hydrogen storage is technically difficult, as it requires high-pressure tanks or cryogenic (ultra-low temperature) conditions.
Water scarcity is a concern, since producing 1 kilogram of green hydrogen requires approximately 9 liters of purified water.
The electrolysis process demands a high amount of energy — approximately 48 kWh of electricity per kilogram of hydrogen produced.
Way Forward
To reduce costs, measures like lowering GST, offering low-cost open-access electricity, and enabling green debt financing must be adopted.
Incentives such as the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for green steel can help develop export-oriented green industries.
India must invest at least $1 billion by 2030 to support commercial-scale technologies for green hydrogen production and storage.
Market creation mechanisms like Green Hydrogen Purchase Obligations (GHPOs) can be introduced for sectors like steel and fertilisers.
About National Green Hydrogen Mission
The National Green Hydrogen Mission aims to make India a Global Hub for the production, usage, and export of green hydrogen and its derivatives.
The mission has set a target to produce 5 Million Metric Tonnes (MMT) per annum of green hydrogen by 2030.
It is implemented by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).
A key component is the Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition (SIGHT) programme.
The SIGHT programme provides incentives for both the domestic manufacturing of electrolysers and the production of green hydrogen.
The mission also supports pilot projects in priority sectors such as steel, mobility, and shipping.
Additionally, it promotes the development of Green Hydrogen Hubs across strategic locations in the country.
Darwin Tree of Life (DTOL) Project – Genome Sequencing for Biodiversity |
The first phase of the Darwin Tree of Life (DTOL) project is nearing completion.
The DTOL project aims to sequence the genomes of 70,000 species of eukaryotic organisms found in Britain and Ireland.
A genome refers to the complete set of genetic material (DNA) present in a cell or organism.
The DTOL is part of a broader international effort called the Earth BioGenome Project (EBP).
The Earth BioGenome Project (EBP) is a global initiative to sequence, catalog, and characterize the genomes of all eukaryotic species on Earth.
The EBP is planned to be implemented over a period of ten years.
A eukaryotic organism is an organism whose cells have a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles, such as mitochondria.
Examples of eukaryotes include plants, animals, fungi, and protists.
The EBP is carried out by a global network of researchers, institutions, and affiliated projects working collaboratively.
The DTOL project contributes to the EBP by focusing on the biodiversity of the UK and Ireland, aiding global genome mapping efforts.
Starlink Satellite Internet Services in India |
Starlink, a project by SpaceX, has received a license to launch satellite internet services in India.
The project is based on a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellation system, which refers to a network of satellites orbiting at altitudes between 500–2,000 km above Earth.
The aim of Starlink is to provide global internet coverage, including connectivity in remote and underserved regions.
Satellite Internet or Satellite Broadband is a wireless internet service delivered via communication satellites orbiting the Earth.
Significance of Satellite Internet in India
Satellite internet plays a key role in bridging the digital divide by offering location-independent connectivity.
It ensures internet access in geographically isolated and rural areas, where terrestrial internet infrastructure is not viable.
Satellite broadband can significantly support disaster management by enabling communication in disaster-prone or inaccessible regions, such as Siachen or parts of North-East India.
It can enhance the implementation of emerging technologies like IoT (Internet of Things), which involves connecting physical devices to the internet to collect and exchange data.
It facilitates telemedicine, enabling remote diagnosis and treatment of patients through telecommunications technology.
It supports distance education by offering online learning access to students in rural and remote areas.
It promotes smart agriculture by enabling real-time data access for farmers in underserved regions.
Satellite internet also serves military and national security needs, with current use by the Indian Army in strategic locations such as the Siachen Glacier for reliable high-altitude internet connectivity.
Challenges Facing Satellite Internet Services
The biggest challenge is the high cost for end-users, making the service more expensive than traditional broadband.
This high cost leads to limited affordability in rural and economically weaker regions.
There exists a demand-supply imbalance, as urban users already have access to cheaper and faster broadband alternatives.
Infrastructure and technical barriers such as high satellite and terminal hardware costs pose significant limitations.
Latency (delay in data transfer) and bandwidth issues (data transfer capacity) further hinder performance when compared to fiber or mobile broadband.
There are data security concerns due to the transmission of sensitive information via satellite networks.
Regulatory hurdles and national security concerns also complicate satellite internet deployment in India.
Way Forward: Making Satellite Internet Viable in India
Satellite internet should be treated as a complementary solution, especially for rural, remote, and disaster-prone areas, not as a primary substitute for terrestrial broadband.
Adoption of hybrid models combining satellite and terrestrial networks can improve efficiency and coverage.
Efforts must be made to ensure affordability, especially by reducing hardware and terminal costs.
Localised pricing models should be introduced to match rural users' purchasing capacity.
Collaboration with Indian telecom companies can help bring down costs and boost distribution and service reach.
Cabinet Approves Additional Outlay for PMKSY (2021–22 to 2025–26) |
The Union Cabinet has approved an additional total outlay of ₹6,520 crore for the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY).
This outlay covers the 15th Finance Commission Cycle, which spans from 2021–22 to 2025–26.
PMKSY is a Central Sector Scheme, meaning it is fully funded by the Central Government without cost-sharing from states.
It is being implemented by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries since 2017–18.
Objective, Nature and Key Components of PMKSY
The primary objective of PMKSY is to create modern infrastructure for food processing with an efficient supply chain.
This supply chain aims to connect the farm gate to retail outlets, improving the flow of agricultural produce to consumers.
PMKSY is a demand-driven scheme, meaning projects are selected based on market demand rather than pre-fixed state, district, or crop allocations.
PMKSY comprises several components including Integrated Cold Chain and Value Addition Infrastructure (ICCVAI).
It also includes Food Safety and Quality Assurance Infrastructure (FSQAI), Agro Processing Clusters, and Operation Greens.
Another key component is the Creation/Expansion of Food Processing and Preservation Capacities, aimed at increasing food processing potential.
Cabinet Approval Highlights (2021–26)
Under the ICCVAI component, ₹1,000 crore has been allocated by the Cabinet.
This funding supports the establishment of 50 Multi Product Food Irradiation Units across the country.
Food Irradiation is a process that uses ionizing radiation to eliminate pathogens and increase shelf life of food products.
FSQAI Component Support
Under the FSQAI component, support is provided for the establishment of 100 Food Testing Labs (FTLs).
These FTLs must obtain NABL accreditation to ensure quality and standardization.
NABL stands for National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories, which certifies labs for competence.
The FTLs will be equipped to test food samples for safety and quality, ensuring compliance with national standards.
This will enhance the supply of safe and high-quality food products to consumers.
As of June 30, 2024, a total of 1217 food processing projects have been approved under PMKSY.
These projects have attracted a significant private investment of ₹22,610.06 crore, promoting industry participation in food processing.
Cabinet Approves “Grant-in-Aid to National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC)” Scheme |
The Union Cabinet has approved a new Central Sector Scheme titled “Grant-in-Aid to National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC)”.
A Central Sector Scheme is fully funded by the Government of India and implemented directly by a central agency.
The scheme has a total financial outlay of ₹2,000 crore for four financial years, from FY 2025-26 to FY 2028-29.
Under this outlay, ₹500 crore will be allocated annually, sourced from the Government of India’s budgetary support.
The objective of the scheme is to grant loans to cooperatives for setting up new projects, expanding existing plants, and meeting working capital requirements.
Working capital refers to funds needed for daily business operations like paying wages, buying materials, and managing cash flow.
The grant-in-aid will be utilized by NCDC to raise an additional ₹20,000 crore from the open market during the same four-year period.
Open market mobilization means borrowing funds from public financial institutions or investors through bonds or other instruments.
The executing agency of the scheme is the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC).
NCDC will be responsible for disbursing loans, monitoring project implementation, and recovering the loan from cooperatives.
Nature of Loans Provided Under the Scheme
Loans under the scheme will include long-term credit for setting up, modernization, technology upgradation, and expansion of project facilities.
These project facilities will span across various sectors, including agriculture, livestock, storage, and allied industries.
Loans will also include working capital support to ensure cooperatives run their businesses efficiently and profitably.
Implications and Benefits of the Scheme
The scheme will help bridge socio-economic gaps, particularly in rural and underdeveloped areas.
It aims to increase women’s participation in the workforce by supporting inclusive cooperative ventures.
The scheme will enable the creation of income-generating capital assets through cooperative development.
It will also provide liquidity to cooperatives by supporting their working capital needs.
It will promote capacity augmentation, which means increasing the scale of production or services.
It will also drive modernization and diversification, improving the quality and variety of cooperative business activities.
These measures are expected to lead to higher productivity and increased profitability for cooperatives.
About National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC)
The NCDC was established in 1963 as a statutory corporation under an Act of Parliament.
A statutory corporation is a government-established body created by a special law to perform specific functions.
NCDC operates under the Ministry of Cooperation, Government of India.
Its headquarters are located in New Delhi.
The core objective of NCDC is to plan and promote cooperative programs related to production, processing, marketing, storage, export, and import of agricultural produce, livestock, and allied sectors.
All these functions are carried out on cooperative principles, which emphasize mutual help, democratic control, and shared benefit among members.
Apex Court recommends Parliament to reconsider entrusting Speaker with decision on Disqualification |
The Supreme Court recently addressed delays by the Speaker in deciding disqualification petitions in the case of Padi Kaushik Reddy v. State of Telangana (2025).
The petitions concerned the disqualification of 10 Telangana MLAs (Members of Legislative Assembly).
The Court criticized the Speaker’s inaction, quashing a related High Court order.
It directed that the disqualification proceedings must be concluded within three months from July 31, 2025.
The Court emphasized that the Speaker, while acting as a Tribunal, must not unduly delay proceedings.
It warned against an "operation successful, patient died" scenario, meaning delays can undermine the law’s purpose.
The Court recommended that Parliament reconsider entrusting the Speaker alone with disqualification decisions.
It suggested exploring alternative, independent mechanisms to prevent delays and frustration of the Tenth Schedule’s objectives.
The Tenth Schedule is known as the Anti-Defection Law, added by the Constitution (Fifty-Second Amendment) Act, 1985.
This law was enacted to combat political defections and protect the stability of democracy.
The Schedule entrusts the Speaker or Chairman to act as an adjudicator for fearless and expeditious decisions.
This role was intended to avoid lengthy delays common in courts.
Grounds for disqualification under the Tenth Schedule include:
Voluntarily giving up party membership;
Defying party whip during voting (party instructions);
An independently elected legislator joining a political party;
A nominated member joining a political party after six months from becoming a legislator.
In the related landmark case, Kihoto Hollohan v. Zachillhu (1992), the Supreme Court ruled that while the Speaker acts as a Tribunal, judicial review is allowed only for jurisdictional errors.
The Court also ruled that "quia timet actions" (preventive legal actions before harm occurs) are generally barred before the Speaker’s decision.
In the Keisham Meghachandra Singh Case (2020), the Court directed Speakers to decide disqualification petitions within a strict three-month limit.
This case also suggested replacing the Speaker with an independent tribunal to ensure swifter and impartial decisions.
Indo-Burma Ramsar Regional Initiative (IBRRI) |
The Ramsar COP15 concluded recently with a side event focused on the Indo-Burma Ramsar Regional Initiative (IBRRI).
The side event highlighted efforts for wetland conservation and restoration under IBRRI.
The Indo-Burma Ramsar Regional Initiative (IBRRI) aims to support the implementation of the Strategic Plan of the Ramsar Convention.
The Ramsar Convention is an international treaty focused on the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) serves as the Secretariat for IBRRI.
IBRRI is supported by IUCN’s BRIDGE project, which stands for Building River Dialogue and Governance.
The Member States of IBRRI include Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand, and Viet Nam.
At COP15, the Strategic Plan 2025–2030 was launched under IBRRI.
The plan’s goal is to halt and reverse the loss of wetlands across the member states.
The BRIDGE project aims to catalyse the sustainable management and development of shared water resources.
BRIDGE also focuses on safeguarding water security, conserving biodiversity, and promoting peaceful cooperation across borders.
Project 17A |
The Indian Navy recently received the advanced guided-missile frigate Himgiri.
Himgiri is the third ship of the Nilgiri-class under Project 17A.
Frigates are warships primarily used to protect other ships in the fleet.
They are especially designed to counter threats from submarines and ensure fleet security.
Project 17A is the follow-on project to the earlier Shivalik-class frigates developed under Project 17.
A total of seven frigates are being built under Project 17A.
These are being indigenously constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mumbai and Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata.
The ships are designed with stealth features, which means they are built to be less visible to enemy radars.
They are also equipped for modern warfare, capable of handling both conventional (state-based threats) and non-conventional threats (such as terrorism or piracy).
These frigates are built for blue-water operations, meaning they can operate in deep ocean areas far from home ports.
They are armed with the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, known for its high speed and precision strike capability.
They are also equipped with the Barak 8 missile system, an advanced surface-to-air missile system developed jointly by India and Israel.
The integration of these weapon systems enhances the ships’ ability to defend against aerial and surface threats.
Nomination of Panel of Chairpersons in Lok Sabha |
The Speaker of Lok Sabha nominates a Panel of Chairpersons from among Members of Parliament (MPs).
This nomination is done at the beginning of a session or as and when necessary during the session.
As per Section 9 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha, the Speaker can nominate up to 10 MPs to the panel.
These nominated MPs are authorized to preside over the House proceedings.
They can preside only in the absence of both the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker.
They can do so only when specifically requested by the Speaker, or in the Speaker’s absence, by the Deputy Speaker.
The Panel of Chairpersons continues to remain in office until a new panel is nominated by the Speaker.
If none of the nominated Chairpersons are present, then any other person as determined by the House may act as the presiding officer.
However, when the offices of both the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker are vacant, then the President of India appoints any MP to act as the Speaker for that purpose.
The Panel of Chairpersons cannot preside over the House during such a vacancy in the Speaker’s or Deputy Speaker’s office.
ABHA ID – Enabling Digital Health Identity in India |
The National Medical Commission (NMC) has directed all medical colleges and institutes to record the Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) ID during patient registration.
This applies to all patients, regardless of the nature of their visit or treatment.
The ABHA ID is a 14-digit unique identification number assigned to individuals under India’s digital healthcare ecosystem.
This ID is designed to uniquely identify each patient across different healthcare systems.
The ABHA ID is interoperable, meaning it will be accepted by healthcare providers across the country, both public and private.
Participation in the ABHA system is completely voluntary, ensuring informed consent of the patient.
Patients have the right to opt out at any time, either through permanent deletion or temporary deactivation of their ABHA number.
Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) – Backbone of Digital Health Infrastructure
The ABHA ID is part of the broader framework of the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM).
The objective of ABDM is to develop the digital infrastructure required to enable integrated and accessible healthcare services across India.
ABDM aims to digitally connect patients, healthcare providers, and health facilities, promoting seamless exchange of medical information.
The mission supports real-time access to health records, better continuity of care, and data-driven healthcare policies.
Cromer Blood Group – Discovery of a New Rare Blood Type |
A new rare blood group has been discovered that was previously unidentified anywhere in the world.
This blood group belongs to the Cromer Blood Group System (CR).
The Cromer system is a collection of red blood cell (RBC) antigens carried on the decay-accelerating factor (DAF), also known as CD55.
Blood group antigens are molecules found on the surface of red blood cells that can trigger immune responses during blood transfusions.
The Cromer blood group system consists of 12 high-prevalence antigens, which are commonly found in the population.
It also includes three low-prevalence antigens, which occur very rarely.
The newly discovered blood group has been officially named ‘CRIB’.
In the name ‘CRIB’, CR stands for Cromer, and IB stands for India, Bengaluru, recognizing the place of discovery.
A rare blood type is defined as one that is present in only 0.1% of the population, making such discoveries medically significant.
Identifying rare blood groups like CRIB is crucial for safe blood transfusions and advanced immunohematology research.
Additional Judges in High Courts – Constitutional Provision and Role |
The President of India appoints Additional Judges in the High Courts under powers granted by the Constitution of India.
An Additional Judge is appointed under Article 224 of the Constitution.
Article 224 allows the appointment of additional judges for a period not exceeding two years.
An Additional Judge continues in office only until the age of 62 years, which is the retirement age for High Court judges.
The appointment of Additional Judges is done to manage temporary increases in the workload of a High Court.
It is also done to clear arrears of cases, i.e., the pending backlog of judicial work.
The sanctioned strength of judges in each High Court is divided into Permanent Judges and Additional Judges.
This distribution is done in consultation with the Chief Justice of India (CJI), who is the head of the Indian judiciary.
The ratio of Permanent to Additional Judges is maintained at 75:25, respectively.
Permanent Judges hold office until retirement, while Additional Judges are appointed temporarily to handle excess workload.
Flagellin and a New Gut-Brain Communication Pathway |
A Duke University study has identified a potential new “sense” in the gut, rooted in communication between the gut microbiome and the brain.
The microbiome refers to a community of bacteria, fungi, viruses, and archaea that live in the body, especially in the digestive system.
This microbiome plays a crucial role in immunity, digestion, and mental health.
Within the microbiome, some bacteria possess flagella, which are tail-like structures that help bacteria move.
These bacterial flagella release an ancient protein known as flagellin.
Flagellin is detected by specialized sensory cells in the gut called neuropods.
Neuropods are unique gut cells that can communicate directly with the brain by converting gut stimuli into neural signals.
These neuropods detect flagellin using a specific receptor called TLR5 (Toll-like receptor 5), which is part of the body’s innate immune system.
After detecting flagellin, the neuropods send electrical signals to the brain through the vagus nerve.
The vagus nerve is the body’s longest autonomic nerve, connecting the brain to various internal organs, including the gut.
This flagellin-triggered signaling helps regulate appetite by influencing brain activity.
The discovery of this gut-to-brain signaling mechanism may lead to new treatments for obesity, a condition involving excess body fat.
It could also contribute to therapies for depression and anxiety, which are common mental health disorders.
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