Daily Current Affairs - 23rd July 2025

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Today's edition features key updates including environmental destruction as ecocide, Legacy of Rajendra Chola I, third US exit from UNESCO, World Bank report , Intellectual Property (IP), winter warming, stray dogs, Mhadei/Mahadayi River, Financial Inclusion Index, Section 498A of IPC, Winter Fog Experiment (WiFEX), Great Ruaha River, Article 143, Biostimulant and more...

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Vanuatu (Capital: Port Vila)

Vanuatu (Capital: Port Vila)

1. Vanuatu, a Pacific island nation, has taken a significant step in global environmental advocacy by approaching the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to classify environmental destruction as ecocide (a proposed international crime involving serious harm to the environment).

2. Geopolitically, Vanuatu is located in the South Pacific Ocean, forming part of Melanesia (a subregion of Oceania that includes countries like Fiji, Papua New Guinea, and Solomon Islands), strategically situated east of northern Australia and west of Fiji.

3. It comprises an archipelago (a group or chain of islands), and is surrounded by an extensive Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), granting Vanuatu special rights over marine resources in the surrounding waters.

4. The country features islands of volcanic origin, resulting in a mix of mountainous terrains and coastal plains, contributing to both its ecological richness and vulnerability.

5. Among its many islands, the major ones include Espiritu Santo, Malakula, and Efate — with Efate housing the capital city, Port Vila.

Celebrating the Glorious Legacy of Rajendra Chola I: Aadi Thiruvathirai Festival (23rd–27th July, 2025)

Commemorating 1000 Years of a Visionary Emperor’s Achievements

1. The Tamil Nadu government has announced the development of the Chola Gangam Lake, also known as Ponneri (Golden) Lake.

2. This lake was originally constructed by Rajendra Chola I in Gangaikonda Cholapuram, the capital city he founded.

3. Gangaikonda Cholapuram was established by Rajendra Chola I to commemorate his successful northern expedition and conquest of the Gangetic plains.

4. According to the Tiruvalangadu Copper Plates, the Chola Gangam Lake was considered the "liquid pillar of victory", signifying Rajendra’s military triumph.

5. The lake spans an area of 700 acres and historically served as a major irrigation source.

6. The renovation project, announced on 22 July 2025, includes a funding allocation of ₹12 crore for lake development.

   • An additional ₹7.25 crore has been allotted for tourist infrastructure around the lake.

7. The restoration will benefit farmers cultivating 1,374 acres of land in the surrounding region.

8. The Chola Gangam Lake reflects the hydraulic engineering capabilities of the Chola dynasty and their focus on water resource management.

Historical Context: Rajendra Chola I and Gangaikonda Cholapuram

1. Rajendra Chola I (1014–1044 CE) was one of the greatest monarchs of South India, known for military conquests, maritime expansion, and temple construction.

2. Gangaikonda Cholapuram served as the imperial capital of the Chola Empire for over 250 years after its establishment.

3. The city marked the zenith of Chola imperial power, especially after Rajendra’s Ganga expedition and military campaigns in South and Southeast Asia.

4. The Brihadisvara Temple at Gangaikonda Cholapuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was built to commemorate his northern conquests.

5. This temple showcases Dravidian architecture, Chola bronzes, and Shaiva devotion (a sect of Hinduism that worships Lord Shiva).

Cultural Revival: 1000-Year Commemoration

1. In 2025, the Aadi Thiruvathirai Festival is being organized to mark 1000 years of Rajendra Chola’s reign and the founding of Gangaikonda Cholapuram.

2. The festival is held from 23rd to 27th July 2025, coinciding with Thiruvathirai (Ardra), Rajendra’s birth star in the Tamil month of Aadi.

3. The festival is a tribute to Chola legacy, Tamil identity, and Shaiva philosophy promoted under Rajendra’s rule.

4. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is curating special exhibitions on Chola Shaivism and Dravidian temple architecture.

5. Heritage walks and guided tours are being organized to provide public awareness about Chola contributions to art, religion, and governance.

6. Devaram hymns, composed by Tamil Shaivite saints called Nayanmars, are being chanted during the event, highlighting their importance in Chola religious life.

   • These hymns are part of the Shaiva Bhakti tradition, which was actively promoted by the Cholas in temple rituals and religious practice.

Historical Decline and Colonial Losses

1. After the fall of the Chola dynasty, Gangaikonda Cholapuram gradually lost its prominence.

2. According to the 1855 Gazetteer of South India, the city’s ruins resembled the remains of ancient Babylon, indicating its former grandeur.

3. In 1832, the British dismantled the temple’s outer walls for use in constructing the Lower Kollidam Anaicut, a dam-like irrigation structure.

4. Granite sculptures and carved stones were repurposed, despite local resistance, which was suppressed by the British authorities.

5. Although the British promised to rebuild the wall using bricks, the promise was never fulfilled, resulting in a permanent cultural loss.

US decides to pull out of the UN Cultural agency UNESCO

1. In a significant diplomatic move, the United States announced its withdrawal from UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization), citing concerns over the agency’s alleged support for woke and divisive causes and perceived anti-Israel bias.

   • This marks the third US exit from UNESCO, and notably the second such exit under the current U.S. administration, reflecting a recurring pattern of disengagement.

   • Beyond UNESCO, the US has also initiated withdrawal from other UN bodies, such as the World Health Organization (WHO), and has drastically reduced funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine (UNRWA).

2. The budgetary impact of this move is significant, as the US contributes nearly 8% of UNESCO’s total budget, raising concerns over funding gaps for key global initiatives.

3. On the geopolitical front, the US exit potentially opens up space for increased influence by other major powers, particularly China, within UNESCO and similar multilateral platforms.

4. This move also raises questions about the future of multilateralism (a system where multiple countries work together on global issues), as repeated withdrawals may weaken trust in international institutions and signal a broader retreat from global cooperation by the US.

5. UNESCO, a specialized agency of the United Nations, plays a vital role in promoting peace and security through education, science, and culture, fostering international collaboration.

   • The headquarters of UNESCO is located in Paris, serving as its central administrative hub.

   • The organization currently includes 194 Member States and 12 Associate Members, highlighting its global reach and participation.

   • UNESCO is also known for key global initiatives and reports such as the Global Education Monitoring Report, World Trends in Freedom of Expression and Media Development, and its designation of UNESCO World Heritage Sites (cultural or natural sites of outstanding universal value).

   • Another flagship initiative is the Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme, which promotes sustainable development through the conservation of biodiversity and improved human-environment interaction.

World Bank report highlights need for more investment in resilient and green Urban Infrastructure

1. A recent World Bank report titled “Towards Resilient and Prosperous Cities in India” has underscored the urgent need for significant investment in resilient and green urban infrastructure, estimating a requirement of $2.4 trillion by 2050.

2. This call to action aligns with the evolving urban landscape of India, where as of 2020, over 480 million people—more than one-third of the population—reside in cities.

3. A concerning trend from 1985 to 2015 reveals that settlement extent in high flood-risk areas increased by 102%, reflecting unsafe and unregulated urban expansion.

4. Looking ahead, India’s urban population is projected to nearly double to 951 million by 2050, intensifying pressure on infrastructure and services.

5. By 2030, cities are expected to generate 70% of all new employment, and by 2050, they are forecasted to contribute 75% to the country’s GDP, reinforcing the importance of sustainable urban development.

6. However, Indian cities face mounting climate risks, starting with a projected 3.6 to 7-fold increase in pluvial flooding (flooding caused by surface water due to intense rainfall) by 2070, attributed to climate change and the rise of impervious surfaces (surfaces like concrete that prevent water absorption).

7. Additionally, extreme heat poses a serious threat, with one-fifth of working hours in major cities potentially falling under high heat stress conditions by 2050, affecting productivity and health.

8. To address these escalating challenges, the City Climate Action Plan outlines a roadmap for climate-resilient urban development, starting with climate and disaster risk assessments that promote hazard-specific investment plans and the integration of disaster risk data into land use planning.

9. The plan emphasizes prioritizing vulnerable populations, especially the urban poor living in informal settlements, by mapping high-risk zones and tailoring local support programs.

10. It also advocates for green city expansion through transit-oriented development (urban planning that promotes public transport and walkability), energy-efficient technologies like LED lighting, and restrictions on construction in risk-prone zones.

11. Further, cities are encouraged to enhance municipal services by conducting city-level analysis of sectors such as water supply for energy efficiency, and by investing in low-carbon Solid Waste Management (SWM) systems.

12. Complementary measures include climate-sensitive new urban development, promoting the private sector’s role in risk transfer (like insurance) and building long-term urban resilience through coordinated action and innovation.

Intellectual Property filings in India surge 44% in last 5 Years

1. India has witnessed a 44% surge in Intellectual Property (IP) filings over the last 5 years, reflecting the growing focus on innovation and legal protection of intellectual assets.

2. As recently informed in the Lok Sabha by the Minister of State for Commerce & Industry, the highest growth was recorded in Geographical Indications (GI) with a remarkable 380% increase, followed by strong gains in Designs, Patents, Copyrights, and Trademarks.

3. This rising trend is largely attributed to strategic reforms by the government aimed at strengthening IP activities, fostering innovation, and encouraging more entities to file and protect their intellectual property.

4. Under procedural reforms, the government has streamlined processes by setting fixed timelines for patent grants and reducing the number of Trademark registration forms from 74 to just 8, enhancing user convenience.

5. To encourage wider participation, especially from smaller entities, significant fee concessions have been introduced—80% fee reduction on patents for Startups, MSMEs, and Educational Institutions, along with a 75% fee cut on designs for Startups and MSMEs (Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises).

6. Advancing further, digitalization efforts include the launch of the IP Dashboard, offering real-time data on IP applications, and the deployment of AI-powered Trademark Search Technology to speed up and refine the examination of trademark filings.

7. The government has also rolled out various programmes and schemes such as the National Intellectual Property Awareness Mission (NIPAM) to promote IP literacy, IPR Internship Programme, Start-Ups Intellectual Property Protection (SIPP) Scheme, and the National Intellectual Property (IP) Awards to recognize excellence.

8. To align India’s IP framework with global practices, the country has adopted international classification standards under the Locarno Agreement for Industrial Designs.

9. The Locarno Agreement, signed in 1968 and administered by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), is an international treaty that establishes a classification system for industrial designs, aiding harmonization across jurisdictions.

Arctic is encountering unprecedented winter warming

1. In February 2025, the Arctic experienced unprecedented winter warming, with unusually high air temperatures and rainfall over Svalbard (a Norwegian archipelago in the Arctic Ocean), which led to widespread snowmelt and pooling of meltwater.

2. This alarming event is part of a broader trend driven by human-induced global warming, which is amplified in the Arctic—a phenomenon known as Arctic Amplification (a process where the Arctic warms faster than the global average).

3. One of the primary causes of Arctic Amplification is the reduction in albedo (the reflectivity of Earth's surface), where melting snow and ice expose darker land and ocean surfaces, which absorb more solar energy, creating a positive feedback loop that accelerates further warming and ice loss.

4. Another contributing factor is the lapse rate feedback, where greenhouse gas-induced warming is most intense near the surface in polar regions, unlike the Tropics, where vertical convection helps distribute heat more evenly through the atmosphere.

5. The Water Vapour Triple Effect also plays a key role—water vapour, a potent greenhouse gas, not only traps heat, but also releases heat during condensation, and increases cloud cover, all of which contribute to additional Arctic warming.

6. Furthermore, enhanced atmospheric heat transport—driven by increased moisture in the Tropics—is transferring greater amounts of heat to the Arctic, compounding regional temperature rise.

7. The impacts of Arctic Amplification are global and severe, starting with the acceleration of global warming through permafrost thawing, which releases carbon dioxide (CO₂) and methane (CH₄) from long-frozen organic carbon reservoirs.

8. Ecologically, warmer Arctic winters and rain-on-snow events are removing the insulating snow layer, exposing tundra vegetation and microbial communities to greater temperature fluctuations and ecosystem stress.

9. For countries like India, the consequences of Arctic changes are far-reaching, including disruption of the Indian monsoon system, as declining Arctic sea ice has been linked to stronger and erratic monsoons, resulting in extreme rainfall events.

10. Additionally, melting Arctic ice contributes to global sea-level rise, posing threats to coastal cities, increasing the risk of salinization of fertile agricultural lands, and undermining food and water security.

11. These changes also amplify economic and social vulnerabilities, through agricultural losses, health impacts, and damage to critical infrastructure, highlighting the interconnected nature of Arctic climate dynamics and global sustainability.

Supreme Court gave its observations on balancing protection of stray dogs with concerns of citizens

1. The Supreme Court of India recently made important observations on the need to balance the protection of stray dogs with public concerns, especially relating to safety.

2. The Court stated that citizens wishing to feed stray dogs should ideally do so within their own premises, to prevent public inconvenience or aggression in shared spaces.

3. The Court further observed that while laws mandate protection of street dogs, authorities must also consider the concerns of the general public, particularly the risk of dog attacks hampering free movement on streets.

4. This issue highlights an ethical divide between compassionate treatment of stray dogs and maintaining public order and safety in urban settings.

5. On one hand, many citizens feed stray dogs out of compassion, yet others argue this promotes territorial aggression and creates public nuisance.

6. There is a moral conflict between animal welfare—recognizing the right to life and dignity of stray dogs—and the need for public safety, particularly from dog bites and rabies.

7. According to the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), over 37 lakh dog bite cases were reported in India in 2024, underscoring the seriousness of the public health challenge.

8. An additional concern is the imbalance between ecological carrying capacity (the number of animals an environment can support without degradation) and uncontrolled feeding, which can increase stray dog populations.

9. Simultaneously, unethical methods of animal control have also been criticized, raising questions about humane alternatives.

10. The conflict also reflects a philosophical dilemma between utilitarianism (prioritizing the greatest good for the greatest number) and the deontological approach (focusing on duties and moral obligations).

11. The weakening of the utilitarian component in the human-dog bond has resulted in increased abandonment of pet dogs into the streets.

12. In contrast, the deontological perspective emphasizes the responsibility of humans to care for and not abandon stray animals, regardless of convenience.

Legal and Constitutional Provisions Regarding Stray Dogs in India

1. Article 243(W) of the Indian Constitution assigns urban local bodies (municipalities) the duty to manage stray dog populations.

2. At the same time, Article 51A(g) places a fundamental duty on every citizen "to have compassion for living creatures", reflecting the moral responsibility of society.

3. The Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023, framed under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, aim to control stray dog populations through sterilisation and vaccination.

4. These rules also aim to prevent the spread of rabies, a life-threatening disease often transmitted through dog bites.

5. The ABC Rules, 2023 address the issue of feeding community animals, by assigning clear responsibilities to Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) and Local Bodies.

6. In its 2014 Jallikattu judgment, the Supreme Court interpreted Article 21 (Right to Life and Personal Liberty) as extending to animals, thus recognizing animal rights under the Constitution.

Mhadei/Mahadayi River

1. The state of Goa is currently considering approaching the Supreme Court in response to the Mhadei river water dispute.

2. The dispute arises from Karnataka’s Kalasa-Banduri Project, which Goa claims will adversely impact its share of river water.

3. The Kalasa-Banduri Project aims to construct barrages across the Kalasa and Banduri tributaries of the Mhadei River.

4. The purpose of the project is to divert water from these tributaries to the Malaprabha River, which supplies drinking water to parts of northern Karnataka.

5. The Mhadei River, also referred to as Mahadayi, is a significant west-flowing river in peninsular India.

6. The river originates in Jamboti Ghat, located in the Western Ghats of Karnataka, which is a biodiversity hotspot and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

7. From its origin, the Mhadei flows westward and drains into the eastern Arabian Sea, contributing to the coastal ecosystem.

8. The river passes through three Indian states—Karnataka, Goa, and Maharashtra, making it an inter-state river.

9. Disputes over inter-state rivers fall under the purview of Article 262 of the Constitution, and are often adjudicated by tribunals or the Supreme Court.

Financial Inclusion Index

1. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has released the latest Financial Inclusion Index (FI-Index) for FY 2025.

2. The index has shown an improvement from 64.2 in FY 2024 to 67 in FY 2025, indicating progress in financial inclusion.

3. This growth is attributed to increased usage of financial services and improvements in quality, reflecting a deeper and more effective outreach.

4. It also highlights the impact of sustained financial literacy initiatives, which aim to improve public understanding of financial products and services.

5. The Financial Inclusion Index was first introduced by RBI in 2021 to comprehensively measure the extent of financial inclusion across India.

6. It is published annually in July, providing a regular benchmark to assess inclusion trends.

7. The FI-Index is a composite index, covering multiple sectors including banking, investments, insurance, postal, and pension services.

8. The index uses a scoring range of 0 to 100, where 0 indicates complete exclusion and 100 indicates full financial inclusion.

9. It is constructed without any base year, allowing for absolute measurement rather than relative year-on-year comparison.

10. The FI-Index is structured across three key parameters: Access (35%), Usage (45%), and Quality (20%).

    • Access refers to the availability and reach of financial services such as bank branches, ATMs, or mobile banking.

    • Usage measures the actual adoption and utilization of services like credit, savings, and insurance.

    • Quality evaluates aspects like financial literacy, customer grievance redressal mechanisms, and service delivery standards.

Section 498A of IPC

1. The Supreme Court has ordered the implementation of the Allahabad High Court’s 2022 guidelines in cases under Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

   • Similar provisions are included in Section 85 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, which is a proposed new criminal law code.

2. These guidelines direct the police to refrain from taking any action, including arrest, during a two-month “cooling period” in matrimonial cruelty cases.

3. Section 498A of IPC aims to protect women from cruelty inflicted by their husband or his relatives.

4. Under this section, if a woman faces cruelty, the husband or his relatives can be punished with imprisonment up to three years and a fine.

5. The offense under Section 498A is cognizable, meaning the police can register a case without prior approval from a magistrate.

6. It is also non-bailable, implying the accused does not have an automatic right to bail.

Winter Fog Experiment (WiFEX)

1. The Winter Fog Experiment (WiFEX) has completed 10 years of focused research on the dense winter fog affecting North India.

2. WiFEX is one of the world’s few long-term open-field experiments dedicated exclusively to studying fog.

3. The experiment is led by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES).

4. The main objective of WiFEX is to improve now-casting, which means predicting weather conditions in the next 6 hours, and enhance the forecasting of winter fog.

Great Ruaha River

1. The Great Ruaha River in Tanzania is drying up due to climate change and mismanagement caused by increasing human activities.

2. It is one of Tanzania’s major rivers and serves as an important tributary of the Rufiji River, which is the largest river basin in Tanzania.

3. The Great Ruaha River is the main water source for the Ruaha National Park, a significant wildlife reserve.

Article 143

1. The Supreme Court recently issued notices to the Union and State Governments regarding a Presidential Reference under Article 143 of the Indian Constitution.

2. A Presidential Reference is a formal question posed by the President to the Supreme Court seeking its opinion on important legal or factual matters.

3. Article 143(1) empowers the President to refer any question of law or fact that is of public importance to the Supreme Court for its advisory opinion.

4. The term advisory opinion means that the Supreme Court provides its expert view or interpretation but does not decide the issue as a binding judgment.

5. Such a reference by the President is always made based on the advice of the Union Council of Ministers, which is the executive body headed by the Prime Minister.

6. While the Supreme Court may provide its opinion on the matter referred, this opinion is not binding on the President.

7. The current reference concerns the powers of the President and Governors in dealing with state bills, highlighting a constitutional query of significant public importance.

Biostimulant

1. The Union Agriculture Minister has urged states to stop the mandatory tagging of Biostimulants with Fertilisers.

2. A Biostimulant is defined as any substance that stimulates physiological processes in plants to help enhance the yield from a harvest.

3. The term physiological processes refers to natural functions and activities within the plant that promote growth and development.

4. Biostimulants are regulated under the Fertiliser (Inorganic, Organic or Mixed) (Control) Order, 1985, which governs the manufacture and sale of fertilisers in India.

5. Biostimulants can improve nutrient availability and use efficiency, meaning they help plants absorb and utilize nutrients better.

6. They also enhance a plant’s tolerance to stress, such as drought or disease, improving survival and productivity under adverse conditions.

7. Additionally, Biostimulants contribute to improving crop quality, which includes factors like size, taste, and nutritional content of the harvested produce.

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