Daily Current Affairs - 21 July 2025

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Today's edition features key updates including World’s largest Dam, India-EFTA, Kashi Declaration, AdFalciVax, Bitra Island, invitro biotransformation (ivBT), BioEmu-1,Mangarh Massacre, 1913, M23 Rebels, Codex Alimentarius Commission and more...

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China begins construction of World’s largest Dam on Brahmaputra River (Yarlung Tsangpo)

1. China has begun construction of the world's largest dam on the Brahmaputra River, known as Yarlung Tsangpo in Tibet.

2. The dam is located across a massive gorge in the Himalayas where the river makes a sharp U-turn near the Indian border in Arunachal Pradesh.

3. Once completed, the dam is expected to surpass the size and capacity of China’s Three Gorges Dam on the Yangtze River.

4. The Brahmaputra River originates from the Tibetan Plateau and flows through the deepest canyon on Earth, carved by the river itself.

Key Concerns Associated with the Dam:

1. The dam's location on the Tibetan Plateau, a region prone to seismic activity, increases disaster risks related to earthquakes.

2. The area lies on active tectonic plates, making it vulnerable to major quakes.

   • For example, the 1950 Assam-Tibet Earthquake was one of the most powerful earthquakes in the region.

3. Construction in such zones raises the possibility of catastrophic failures in case of seismic events.

4. The project also poses serious environmental challenges by disrupting local ecology and natural water flow downstream.

5. Altered water flow can negatively affect biodiversity in the river ecosystem.

6. It may also impact agriculture in downstream regions that rely on consistent water supply.

7. There are significant geopolitical concerns, as China could potentially use the dam as a “water bomb” during conflict.

   • A "water bomb" refers to the strategic release of large volumes of water to cause floods, thereby weaponizing the dam.

8. The dam threatens cultural heritage, particularly for indigenous communities like the Adi Tribe in the Siang Valley of Arunachal Pradesh.

9. The project may lead to displacement and loss of traditional livelihoods for local tribes.

Diplomatic and Legal Context

1. To address concerns over shared rivers, China and India established the Expert Level Mechanism (ELM) in 2006.

   • The ELM facilitates the exchange of hydrological data on the Brahmaputra and Sutlej Rivers, especially during flood seasons.

   • In response to China’s project, India is also constructing a hydropower dam on the Brahmaputra River in Arunachal Pradesh.

   • This marks a significant development in the hydropower race between the two countries.

2. Both India and China are not signatories to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Non-Navigational Uses of International Watercourses, 1997.

3. This convention provides a framework for the equitable and sustainable use of transboundary watercourses.

Read More | China Begins Construction Of Mega-Dam On Brahmaputra River In Tibet

India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) to come into effect from October 1, 2025

1. India-EFTA TEPA is a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) signed in March 2024 between India and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA).

   • An FTA (Free Trade Agreement) is a pact between countries to reduce or eliminate trade barriers like tariffs and import quotas.

2. TEPA will come into effect from October 1, 2025, as announced by India’s Commerce Minister.

3. TEPA focuses on market access for goods and services between India and EFTA nations.

4. It also covers rules of origin, which are criteria to determine the national source of a product.

5. The agreement addresses trade facilitation, which refers to simplifying and streamlining customs procedures and regulations.

   • It includes provisions on trade remedies, which are measures like anti-dumping duties to protect domestic industries.

   • It also covers sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures, which ensure food safety and prevent the spread of diseases among animals and plants.

About EFTA (European Free Trade Association)

1. EFTA is an inter-governmental organization promoting free trade and economic integration among its members.

2. EFTA member states are Switzerland, Iceland, Norway, and Liechtenstein.

3. EFTA members are not part of the European Union (EU).

4. EFTA was founded in 1960 by the Stockholm Convention.

5. The original founding members of EFTA were Austria, Denmark, Great Britain, Norway, Portugal, Sweden, and Switzerland.

Key Provisions of TEPA

1. TEPA includes the first-ever binding commitment of $100 billion in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in India over the next 15 years.

   • Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) refers to investment made by a company or individual in one country into business interests in another country.

2. The agreement also includes a commitment to generate 1 million direct jobs in India in the same period.

3. In return, India will reduce or eliminate import duties on Swiss watches, chocolates, and cut and polished diamonds.

4. EFTA will provide 100% market access to India's non-agricultural products.

5. It will also offer tariff concessions on Processed Agricultural Products (PAP).

   • Processed Agricultural Products (PAP) are food products derived from raw agricultural materials through physical or chemical processes.

   • Sensitive sectors such as dairy, soya, coal, and certain agricultural products are kept in the exclusion list, meaning no tariff concessions are given in these areas.

6. EFTA will eliminate or reduce import tariffs on 99.6% of India’s exports.

7. India will eliminate or reduce tariffs on 95.3% of EFTA’s exports to India.

8. TEPA includes commitments on Intellectual Property Rights (IPR), which protect creations of the mind such as inventions, designs, and artistic works.

9. The agreement provides for Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs) in Professional Services.

   • An example of MRAs under TEPA includes nursing, where qualifications from one country will be recognized in the other.

India-EFTA Trade Relations

1. In 2024–25, total trade between India and EFTA countries was USD 24.4 billion.

2. India had a large trade deficit with EFTA during this period.

3. A trade deficit means a country imports more than it exports in terms of value.

4. The deficit is mainly due to imports of gold from Switzerland.

5. Among EFTA countries, Switzerland is India’s largest trading partner.

6. Norway is India’s second-largest trading partner within EFTA.

Read More | India-EFTA trade deal to come into force from October 1

Kashi Declaration adopted in Youth Spiritual Summit for Drug-Free India

1. The Kashi Declaration was adopted during the Youth Spiritual Summit for Drug-Free India.

2. The summit was conducted under the broader framework of Mera Yuva (MY) Bharat.

   • MY Bharat is an autonomous body established by the Government of India.

   • It provides an institutional mechanism powered by technology for youth development and youth-led development.

3. The summit laid the foundation for a national anti-drug campaign led by Indian youth.

Key Provisions of the Kashi Declaration

1. The Kashi Declaration sets a 5-year roadmap for a nationwide De-Addiction Movement.

   • It affirms a national consensus to treat substance abuse as a multi-faceted public health and societal challenge.

   • The declaration proposes the formation of institutional mechanisms for multi-ministerial coordination.

   • It calls for establishing a Joint National Committee to oversee policy implementation.

   • It mandates annual progress reporting to monitor the effectiveness of anti-drug efforts.

   • It proposes a national platform to connect affected individuals to support services such as counseling and rehabilitation.

2. The declaration promotes integration of spiritual, cultural, educational, and technological efforts to prevent drug addiction.

Major Government Initiatives to Combat Drug Abuse in India

1. The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985 regulates production, distribution, and consumption of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.

2. The Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1988 strengthens legal measures against drug trafficking.

3. The National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR), 2018–25 focuses on awareness generation, treatment, and rehabilitation.

4. The Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA) was launched in 2020 as a community-driven national movement to make India drug-free.

Status of Drug Abuse in India (Based on National Survey on Substance Use, 2019)

1. 14.6% of Indians aged 10–75 years are current users of alcohol.

2. Cannabis is the second most commonly used drug in India.

3. Opioids, such as heroin, follow as the next most commonly consumed substances.

Driving Factors Behind Drug Abuse in India

1. Social factors such as peer pressure, family conflicts, and social isolation contribute significantly to substance abuse.

2. Economic factors like unemployment and poverty increase vulnerability to drug addiction.

3. Psychological factors, including anxiety, depression, and mental health disorders, are major triggers for drug use.

4. Academic and work-related stress plays a crucial role, especially among youth and students.

5. Easy availability of drugs also contributes to rising substance use in India.

6. India’s geographic location between the Golden Crescent and the Golden Triangle makes it highly vulnerable to drug trafficking.

7. The Golden Crescent refers to the major illicit opium-producing areas in Afghanistan, Iran, and Pakistan.

8. The Golden Triangle refers to the region covering Myanmar, Laos, and Thailand, known for illegal drug production and smuggling.

ICMR is developing indigenous multi-stage Malaria vaccine named 'AdFalciVax'

1. ICMR is developing an indigenous multi-stage malaria vaccine named AdFalciVax.

2. The vaccine is being developed through ICMR's Regional Medical Research Centre, Bhubaneswar.

3. It is also being developed by the National Institute of Malaria Research (NIMR).

4. The project is in partnership with Department of Biotechnology – National Institute of Immunology (DBT-NII).

About AdFalciVax Vaccine

1. AdFalciVax targets the Plasmodium falciparum parasite, the deadliest malaria species.

2. It is a dual-stage vaccine, targeting two critical stages of the parasite's life cycle.

3. The first stage targeted is the pre-erythrocytic (liver) stage, which occurs before the parasite enters the bloodstream.

4. The second stage targeted is the transmission (sexual) stage, which helps block spread via mosquitoes.

5. The vaccine is a recombinant chimeric vaccine.

   • A chimeric vaccine combines antigens (proteins) from different life stages of the parasite into one single vaccine molecule.

6. It is made using recombinant DNA technology, which means combining DNA from different sources to create new genetic sequences.

Significance of Indigenous Development

1. AdFalciVax represents India’s entry into the global league of advanced malaria vaccine R&D.

2. The vaccine is indigenously developed, strengthening self-reliance in vaccine technology.

Advantages over Existing Malaria Vaccines

1. Existing WHO-recommended malaria vaccines include RTS,S/AS01 (Mosquirix) and R21/Matrix-M.

2. These existing vaccines target only one life stage of the parasite.

3. AdFalciVax provides broader protection by targeting two life stages.

4. This reduces the risk of immune evasion by the parasite.

5. It also offers potential for longer-lasting immunity.

6. The vaccine shows extended thermal stability, maintaining functionality for over 9 months at room temperature.

7. It is manufactured using Lactococcus lactis, a safe and scalable bacterial system.

8. This ensures cost-effective production.

About Malaria Disease

1.      Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by Plasmodium parasites.

2.      Malaria does not spread directly from person to person.

3.      It spreads mostly through bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes.

4.      The disease is geographically prevalent in tropical countries.

5.      Five species of Plasmodium cause malaria in humans:

• Plasmodium falciparum

• Plasmodium vivax

• Plasmodium malariae

• Plasmodium ovale

• Plasmodium knowlesi

Read Also | AdFalciVax: First indigenous recombinant chimeric Malaria Vaccine

Bitra island

1. Bitra Island is being considered for acquisition by the Lakshadweep administration for defence purposes.

2. Bitra is the smallest inhabited island in the Union Territory of Lakshadweep.

3. The land area of Bitra Island is 0.105 square kilometres.

4. Bitra is located in the Arabian Sea, near Agatti Island, another island in Lakshadweep.

5. The island experiences a tropical savannah climate, classified as 'Aw' under the Köppen-Geiger climate classification system.

   • A tropical savannah (Aw) climate is characterised by a distinct wet and dry season, with generally high temperatures year-round.

6. Bitra Island receives an average annual rainfall of approximately 1600 millimetres.

7. Lakshadweep is India’s smallest Union Territory, both in area and population.

   • The Lakshadweep group comprises 36 coral islands, situated in the Arabian Sea.

   • The major geographical features of Lakshadweep include atolls, lagoons, and coral reefs.

   • An atoll is a ring-shaped coral reef that encircles a lagoon, either partially or completely.

   • A lagoon is a shallow body of water separated from a larger sea by barrier reefs or islands.

   • A coral reef is a marine structure made of living coral organisms, found in shallow, warm ocean waters.

Invitro bioTransformation(ivBT)

1. Chinese researchers have developed an in vitro biotransformation (ivBT) system that synthesizes sucrose from methanol.

2. The methanol used in this process is derived from industrial waste or carbon dioxide (CO₂).

3. This artificial conversion of CO₂ into food and chemicals has the potential to address environmental and population-related challenges.

4. Biotransformation is the process where a substance is chemically altered by the metabolic activity of biological agents, mainly enzymes.

5. When biotransformation is carried out outside the living body (in vitro) using isolated cells or enzymes, it is called in vitro biotransformation (ivBT).

Biomolecular Emulator (BioEmu)

1. A new deep learning system called BioEmu-1 has been developed to accurately predict protein structures and their dynamic conformations.

2. BioEmu-1 was developed by Microsoft, Rice University (US), and Freie Universität (Germany).

3. The system predicts the full range of shapes that a protein naturally explores under biological conditions.

4. BioEmu-1 enables high-resolution modelling of protein flexibility, capturing how proteins move and change shape.

5. For training, BioEmu-1 used the AlphaFold database, an AI model created by Google DeepMind that predicts protein structures.

6. AlphaFold is a notable AI system that determines the 3D structure of proteins from their amino acid sequences.

7. BioEmu-1 is faster and cheaper than previous methods, enabling large-scale protein structure predictions.

8. The system can generate thousands of protein structures per hour using a single graphics processing unit (GPU).

9. Additionally, BioEmu-1 is available as an open-source model, allowing free access for researchers worldwide.

Mangarh Massacre, 1913

1. Tribal communities from Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Maharashtra gathered at Mangarh Dham to demand a separate Bhil Pradesh.

2. Mangarh Dham is located in the Banswara district of Rajasthan.

3. The massacre is often referred to as the "Jallianwala Bagh of Rajasthan," highlighting its brutal nature.

4. The Bhil tribals, under the leadership of Guru Govindgiri, assembled at Mangarh hill to demand higher wages from their landlords.

5. Rumors spread that the tribal assembly was planning a revolt against the rulers and British government.

6. As a result, British forces attacked, using bombs and firing directly into the crowd of tribals.

7. The incident resulted in the death of approximately 1,000 to 1,500 tribals.

8. The massacre is a significant event in India's tribal and colonial history, symbolizing resistance against exploitation and oppression.

Hatti tribe

1. Recently, a traditional polyandrous marriage called ‘Jajda’ was performed among the Hatti tribe, a Scheduled Tribe (ST) in Himachal Pradesh.

2. The local revenue laws officially recognize this practice as ‘Jodidara’.

3. Polyandry is a form of polygamy where a woman is married to more than one man simultaneously.

4. The reasons for practicing polyandry include ensuring ancestral land is not divided and promoting brotherhood and joint family systems.

5. The Hatti tribe is a close-knit community residing in the Trans-Giri region, near the Giri and Tons rivers in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.

6. The tribe derives its name from its traditional occupation of selling homegrown produce, meat, and other goods at small markets called Haats.

7. A Haat is a local market where people trade goods, especially in rural and tribal areas.

M23 Rebels

1. The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda-backed M23 rebels have committed to a permanent ceasefire in eastern Congo.

2. M23, or the March 23 Movement, is a major armed group operating in the mineral-rich eastern region of the DRC.

3. The group primarily consists of ethnic Tutsis, an ethnic minority group in the region.

4. M23 is named after March 23, 2009, the date on which an accord was signed between the Congolese government and the CNDP.

5. CNDP stands for National Congress for the Defence of the People, a Tutsi-led rebel group in the DRC.

6. The 2009 accord was intended to end a Tutsi-led revolt and bring the rebels into the national fold.

7. In 2012, former CNDP members formed the M23 movement in protest against the failure to implement the 2009 peace accord.

8. M23’s stated goals included protecting minority communities and ensuring fair distribution of resources in the region.

Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC)

1. India’s leadership in developing standards for Millets was recognized at the 88th Session of the Executive Committee of the CAC.

2. The session was held at the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Headquarters in Rome, Italy.

3. CAC stands for Codex Alimentarius Commission, which is an international food standards body.

4. It was established jointly by the FAO and the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1963.

5. The CAC is responsible for implementing the Joint FAO/WHO Food Standards Programme.

6. The Codex Alimentarius refers to international food standards, guidelines, and codes of practice.

7. These standards aim to ensure the safety, quality, and fairness of international food trade.

8. The Codex standards are used to protect consumer health and promote fair practices in the food trade.

9. The Codex Alimentarius Commission currently has 189 members, which include 188 countries and 1 organization (the European Union).

Kamchatka Peninsula

1. Five powerful earthquakes recently struck offshore near Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula.

2. The Kamchatka Peninsula is located in the Russian Far East.

3. It is bordered by the Bering Sea and the Pacific Ocean to the east.

4. To the west, it is flanked by the Sea of Okhotsk.

5. The peninsula lies on the Pacific Ring of Fire, a major area in the Pacific Ocean basin known for frequent earthquakes and active volcanoes.

6. Because of its volcanic activity and glaciers, Kamchatka is often referred to as the land of fire and ice.

7. The Kuril Archipelago extends from the southern tip of the Kamchatka Peninsula to the northeastern coast of Japan’s Hokkaido Island.

   • The Kuril Islands are a territorial dispute between Russia and Japan.

   • Both nations claim sovereignty over parts of the archipelago, making it a point of geopolitical tension in the region.

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