Daily Current Affairs - 25 August 2025
- TPP
- Aug 25
- 26 min read
Welcome to The PRESS Pad – your trusted one-stop destination for Daily Current Affairs tailored for UPSC 2026, IAS, PCS, and other competitive exams.
In today’s Daily Current Affairs – 25th August 2025, we cover a wide spectrum of national, international, environmental, economic, and defence developments. Highlights include the IPC’s famine declaration in Gaza, the Supreme Court’s rulings on sand mining and stray dog management, and ISRO’s breakthrough tests for the Gaganyaan Mission alongside the unveiling of its future space roadmap and the development of the LMLV heavy rocket. Defence updates feature DRDO’s Integrated Air Defence Weapon System and the India–Safran collaboration on AMCA jet engines.
On the governance and policy front, we examine the Parliamentary Committee’s findings on indigenous cattle and buffalo productivity, the expansion of the Sundarbans Tiger Reserve, and RBI’s review of the Flexible Inflation Targeting framework.
Other key updates include rulings empowering consumer forums, ecological studies on crop residue burning, and international cooperation through the International Big Cat Alliance. From the Kursk nuclear plant drone strike to disruptions in the Druzhba oil pipeline, and from the deployment of AI-enabled decoy systems in Operation Sindoor to the James Webb’s discovery of Uranus’ 29th moon, we bring you developments across geopolitics, defence, and space.
We also cover pressing constitutional and administrative issues like dismissal of J&K employees under Article 311(2)(c), tribal rights in the Great Nicobar Infrastructure Project, and India’s recalibration of the Free Movement Regime with Myanmar.
Click Here to read the Monthly Current Affairs Pointers (CAP).
Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) |
The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) has officially confirmed Famine in Gaza.
This declaration means more than half a million people in Gaza are experiencing catastrophic levels of food insecurity.
These people are trapped in famine conditions, which are characterized by widespread starvation, extreme destitution, and preventable deaths.
The IPC is a standardized international tool used to measure and communicate the severity of food insecurity in any country or region.
The term food insecurity refers to the lack of reliable access to sufficient, affordable, and nutritious food.
The IPC tool helps governments, humanitarian organizations, and other stakeholders to make evidence-based decisions in addressing food crises.
The IPC was developed in 2004 by the Food Security and Nutrition Analysis Unit (FSNAU).
The FSNAU is managed by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations in Somalia.
The IPC is an innovative 21-partner initiative, consisting of UN agencies and international NGOs working together.
UN agencies are United Nations bodies like FAO, WFP, and UNICEF, while NGOs are non-governmental organizations that operate independently of governments.
The IPC High Level Executive Committee serves as the highest authority within the IPC global governance structure.
The IPC Global Steering Committee acts as the main governing body of the IPC initiative.
Supreme Court Rules No Sand Mining Clearance Without Mandatory Replenishment Study to Ensure Sustainable Extraction and Environmental Protection |
The Supreme Court of India has ruled that no sand mining clearance can be granted without a replenishment study.
This decision upholds the National Green Tribunal’s (NGT) cancellation of a 2022 environmental approval in Jammu & Kashmir.
The Court emphasized that replenishment data is a mandatory prerequisite for environmental clearance, in addition to the District Survey Report (DSR).
A replenishment study estimates the natural rate at which sand deposits are restored in a river or mining area.
The Court stated that the absence of a replenishment study makes the DSR fundamentally defective.
A defective DSR lacks essential foundational data needed to determine sustainable extraction limits.
The Court invoked the Natural Regeneration Principle, stating that resources must naturally regenerate before further extraction.
This principle means that just as trees must regrow before being cut, rivers must undergo recharge before allowing sand mining.
Sand mining refers to the removal of natural sand, stones, and minerals from riverbeds, land areas, or other natural environments.
Sand is primarily used in construction and industrial processing activities.
The Supreme Court referred to its earlier ruling in Deepak Kumar v. State of Haryana (2012) to highlight the environmental impact of unregulated sand mining.
Unchecked sand mining causes riverbank erosion and loss of habitat for wildlife and plants.
It also leads to lowering of groundwater tables and can damage aquifers, which are underground water storage zones.
Biodiversity is threatened, especially fish breeding grounds, which are disrupted by excessive mining.
Destabilized riverbeds increase the risk of floods due to changes in the natural flow and structure of rivers.
Water quality deteriorates due to higher turbidity, which is the cloudiness caused by disturbed sediments.
The legal framework for sand mining in India is based on multiple laws, court rulings, and guidelines.
The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 provides broad safeguards for the protection of the environment from harmful activities.
In the Deepak Kumar case (2012), the Supreme Court made environmental clearance mandatory for all minor mineral extractions, including sand.
The EIA Notification (2016 Amendment) introduced cluster-based environmental assessments for mining projects.
This amendment also made replenishment studies an essential component of the District Survey Report (DSR).
The Sustainable Sand Mining Management Guidelines, 2016 outline methods to ensure ecologically responsible mining.
The Enforcement & Monitoring Guidelines for Sand Mining, 2020 require calculation of the annual replenishment rate.
The replenishment rate is used to determine safe and sustainable mining limits that do not exceed natural regeneration.
Supreme Court Revises Stray Dog Policy: Feeding Banned in Public, Sterilized Dogs to be Relocated, Uniform National Approach Enforced |
The Supreme Court (SC) has issued modified directions to address the stray dog menace across India.
The Court’s previous order, which directed that all stray dogs be shifted to shelters without return, has now been referred to a three-judge bench for review.
In its updated directive, the SC has prohibited the feeding of stray dogs in public places or on the streets.
The Court has mandated the creation of dedicated feeding zones to be set up by municipal authorities in every municipal ward.
As per the revised directions, stray dogs that are sterilized, dewormed, and vaccinated must be relocated back to their original pick-up location.
This relocation policy excludes dogs that are diagnosed with rabies, suspected to have rabies, or display aggressive behavior.
The Supreme Court has expanded the scope of the case to include all States and Union Territories for comprehensive resolution.
All related cases pending before various High Courts have been clubbed together to formulate a uniform national policy on stray dogs.
The Court has also permitted animal lovers to adopt stray dogs by applying to their respective municipal bodies.
India’s stray dog population was recorded at 1.5 crore (15 million) as per the 2019 Livestock Census.
The growing number of dog attacks, particularly by aggressive or rabid dogs, has raised serious public safety concerns.
India contributes to 36% of the world’s rabies deaths, according to global health data.
Dog bites and scratches are responsible for 99% of all human rabies cases in India.
The Indian Constitution empowers municipal bodies under Article 243W to manage and control the stray dog population.
Article 243W relates to the functions and responsibilities of municipalities, including animal control.
Article 51A(g) of the Constitution enshrines the Fundamental Duty to show compassion for all living creatures.
The Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023 have been notified under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.
These rules promote the sterilisation and vaccination of stray dogs as a humane and lawful method of population control.
In the Jallikattu judgment (2014), the Supreme Court interpreted Article 21 to include the right to life and liberty of animals.
In the case of People for Elimination of Stray Trouble v. Animal Welfare Board of India, the Court prohibited the killing of all street dogs, even those considered troublesome.
ISRO Successfully Conducts Gaganyaan’s First Integrated Air Drop Test, Unveils Ambitious Human Spaceflight and Exploration Roadmap |
ISRO has successfully completed the first Integrated Air Drop Test (IADT-01) for the Gaganyaan Mission.
This test was a joint effort involving ISRO, Indian Air Force, DRDO, Indian Navy, and the Indian Coast Guard.
The Integrated Air Drop Test (IADT-01) was conducted to demonstrate the parachute-based deceleration system.
A deceleration system helps reduce the speed of the spacecraft during its descent, ensuring a safe landing.
This test was critical for validating the parachute system that will be used to safely bring back astronauts under the Gaganyaan mission.
ISRO is also preparing for the upcoming second Test Vehicle Demonstration mission (TV-D2).
Alongside TV-D2, ISRO is gearing up for the first uncrewed Gaganyaan mission (G1).
The Gaganyaan Mission aims to demonstrate India’s human spaceflight capability.
It plans to launch a three-member crew to low Earth orbit (LEO) at an altitude of 400 km for a duration of 3 days.
After the mission, the crew will be brought back safely to Earth, completing a full cycle of human spaceflight.
The launch will use the Human-rated LVM3 (HLVM3) as the launch vehicle.
HLVM3 is a modified version of LVM3, which was formerly known as GSLV Mk-III.
The HLVM3 is a three-stage rocket, consisting of a solid stage, liquid stage, and cryogenic stage.
These stages have been reconfigured and tested to meet the strict safety requirements for human-rated spaceflight.
A human-rated launch vehicle is one that meets all standards to safely carry astronauts to space and bring them back.
A successful Gaganyaan mission would make India the fourth country, after the United States, Russia, and China, to independently send humans to space.
On National Space Day (August 23), the Union Minister for Science & Technology unveiled India’s future space exploration roadmap.
One of the key missions is the Bharat Antariksh Station, a space station proposed to be established by 2035.
Another major goal is to place an Indian astronaut on the Moon by 2040, a milestone aligned with India’s vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047.
Other upcoming missions include Chandrayaan-4, a mission to Venus, and several other deep space exploration initiatives.
ISRO Developing Heaviest Rocket LMLV for Lunar Missions, Set for 2035 Launch |
ISRO is developing its heaviest rocket, named the Lunar Module Launch Vehicle (LMLV), which is expected to be ready by 2035.
The LMLV is designed as an improved version of the Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV).
The rocket will be as tall as a 40-storey building, making it one of the tallest launch vehicles developed by ISRO.
The primary purpose of LMLV is to support lunar missions, including India’s first human mission to the Moon, targeted by 2040.
The LMLV will be capable of carrying a payload of 80 tonnes to low Earth orbit (LEO).
It can also transport approximately 27 tonnes to the Moon, enabling heavy cargo and crew modules for lunar exploration.
The LMLV will be a three-stage rocket, featuring liquid propellant for its first two stages.
The third stage will use cryogenic propellant, which operates at extremely low temperatures for high-efficiency thrust.
Cryogenic propulsion allows for better payload capacity and is typically used in long-range or high-energy missions.
ISRO’s other key launch vehicles also serve different mission needs based on payload weight and orbit requirements.
The PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle) is ISRO’s workhorse and belongs to the third generation of launch vehicles.
PSLV uses liquid-fueled stages and is capable of launching satellites into Sun-synchronous Polar Orbits, LEO, and even Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO).
It has been used in successful missions like Chandrayaan-1 and the Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan).
The GSLV (Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle) is a fourth-generation, three-stage rocket used mainly for launching 2.0-ton class communication satellites into GTO.
The LVM3 is a heavy-lift, three-stage launch vehicle and can carry 4-ton class satellites to GTO and 10 tonnes to LEO.
It has been successfully used in major missions like Chandrayaan-2 and Chandrayaan-3.
The LVM3 is also proposed to be the launch vehicle for the Bharatiya Antariksh Station, India’s upcoming space station.
The SSLV (Small Satellite Launch Vehicle) is designed as a three-stage rocket using all-solid propellants.
The SSLV is intended for launching Mini, Micro, or Nano satellites, with payloads ranging from 10 to 500 kg.
Each of ISRO’s launch vehicles plays a distinct role in supporting India’s growing space ambitions, from Earth observation to deep space exploration.
DRDO Successfully Tests Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS) with Multi-Layered Aerial Threat Protection |
DRDO has successfully conducted the maiden flight-tests of the Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS).
The IADWS is designed to provide multi-layered air defence protection across India's borders and critical installations.
It combines surveillance, threat identification, and air defence systems into one integrated platform.
The system is capable of detecting and destroying various aerial threats, including long-range missiles, aircraft, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
The IADWS comprises multiple components, each designed to engage targets at different altitudes and ranges.
One key component is the Indigenous Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM) system developed by DRDO.
The QRSAM is a short-range missile system with an engagement range of 5 to 30 km.
It is specifically designed to protect moving armoured columns from enemy aircraft and aerial threats.
The QRSAM system is mounted on a mobile platform, making it capable of providing air defence on the move.
Another component is the Advanced Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS).
The VSHORADS is a Man-Portable Air Defence System (MANPADS) developed by Research Centre Imarat (RCI).
MANPADS are lightweight, shoulder-fired missile systems used by infantry to target low-altitude threats such as drones or helicopters.
VSHORADS is designed to neutralize aerial threats at very short ranges, typically in low-altitude airspace.
A third critical component is the laser-based Directed Energy Weapon (DEW).
This high-power Laser-DEW is developed by the Centre for High Energy Systems and Sciences.
The Directed Energy Weapon uses a focused laser beam to damage or destroy targets by cutting through their structure.
It can engage targets at the speed of light, offering high precision and near-instant response.
The laser system becomes even more effective if it targets the warhead section, causing greater structural damage.
The centralized control of all IADWS components is managed by a Command and Control Centre.
This centre is developed by the Defence Research & Development Laboratory (DRDL).
The DRDL is the nodal laboratory overseeing the overall coordination and integration of the IADWS programme.
India to Co-Develop Advanced Jet Engines with Safran for AMCA Fifth-Generation Stealth Fighter |
India will jointly manufacture advanced jet engines for its upcoming fifth-generation fighter aircraft under the AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft) programme.
The engine development will be carried out in collaboration with French aerospace major Safran.
The Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) is a fifth-generation, medium-weight, stealth fighter jet being developed by DRDO.
The AMCA project is valued at approximately ₹15,000 crore, highlighting its strategic and financial significance.
The prototype of AMCA is expected to be ready by 2028–29, according to the current development timeline.
The final induction of AMCA into the Indian Air Force is planned for the period 2034–35.
As a fifth-generation fighter jet, AMCA will feature stealth capabilities to evade radar detection.
It will be twin-engine powered, providing enhanced speed, thrust, and redundancy for high-performance missions.
AMCA will support supercruise capability, which allows it to fly at supersonic speeds without using afterburners.
The aircraft will be equipped with advanced avionics, including AI-enabled systems for improved situational awareness and decision-making.
It will also feature AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) radars, enabling long-range target detection and tracking.
AESA radars use electronic beam steering for faster response, multi-target tracking, and greater resistance to jamming.
The AMCA is a crucial step in India's journey towards self-reliance in next-generation fighter aircraft technology.
Boosting Indigenous Cattle and Buffalo Productivity: Parliamentary Panel Highlights Challenges and Solutions |
A Parliamentary Standing Committee on Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, and Food Processing has highlighted the issue of low productivity among India’s cattle and buffalo population.
The Committee's report reviewed the National Dairy Development Board’s (NDDB) role in conserving and developing indigenous cattle breeds.
The findings are linked to the targets set under the Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM), a national programme for indigenous breed development.
As of now, India officially recognises 53 indigenous cattle breeds and 21 indigenous buffalo breeds.
By 2023–24, the average daily milk productivity for indigenous cattle reached 3.54 kg.
During the same period, buffaloes recorded an average productivity of 5.92 kg per day.
Despite improvement, these figures remain significantly lower than exotic or crossbred cattle, which averaged 8.52 kg/day in 2023–24.
International productivity benchmarks are much higher, with Israel at 13,656 kg/year and the USA at 10,954 kg/year per cow (2022 data).
A key reason for low productivity is limited Artificial Insemination (AI) coverage, which reaches only about 30% of breedable bovines.
There is also a shortage of AI technicians; only 1,16,586 technicians are available against a requirement of 2,02,469.
Scalability remains poor because over 80% of low-yielding indigenous animals are reared by small, marginal farmers and landless labourers.
The Committee recommends revising the population threshold for defining critical cattle and buffalo breeds to a minimum of 50,000 animals.
A higher population threshold ensures a sufficient reference base for genomic selection and acts as a buffer against disease-driven eradication.
The report calls for inclusive breed improvement programmes covering state-dominant indigenous breeds across all states.
This approach would prevent replacement by a limited number of high-yielding breeds, ensuring biodiversity and local adaptability.
The Committee urges authorities to fix accountability for recurring issues in semen production and distribution.
It also recommends disincentivizing shortfalls and ensuring production and availability of sex-sorted semen.
The Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM), launched in 2014, remains the flagship scheme for conservation and genetic improvement of indigenous breeds.
The government is also implementing Accelerated Breed Improvement Programmes using In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) and sex-sorted semen technologies.
Tools like “GAUCHIP” for cattle and “MAHISHCIP” for buffaloes enable genomic selection, helping accelerate genetic gains.
Genomic selection refers to identifying animals with superior genetic potential using DNA-based technology for faster breed improvement.
The Bharat Pashudhan App serves as an integrated digital platform for livestock identification, breeding tracking, and health management.
Sundarbans Tiger Reserve: India’s Second-Largest After Area Expansion Approved by NBWL |
The Sundarbans Tiger Reserve (STR) has now become India’s second-largest tiger reserve after its area was expanded.
The expansion proposal was approved by the National Board of Wildlife (NBWL), which is chaired by the Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
The approval came following a request by the West Bengal government to increase the notified area of the reserve.
With this expansion, STR moves up from being the seventh-largest to the second-largest among India’s 58 tiger reserves.
It now ranks just behind the Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve in Andhra Pradesh, which remains the largest in India.
Tiger Reserves in India are declared by State Governments under Section 38V of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
Such declarations are made on the advice of the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).
The procedure begins with the State Government submitting a proposal for declaring or altering a tiger reserve.
The NTCA gives in-principle approval and requests a detailed proposal under Section 38V of the Act.
After due scrutiny, the NTCA recommends the proposal back to the State Government.
The State Government then officially notifies the area as a tiger reserve.
For any alteration in the boundaries of an existing tiger reserve, Section 38W(1) of the Act requires NTCA’s recommendation and NBWL’s approval.
These proposals for alteration must also originate from the concerned State Government.
The Sundarbans Tiger Reserve (STR) is located in the coastal districts of West Bengal.
STR is the only mangrove forest in the world, apart from Bangladesh, that supports a significant population of tigers.
It shares its eastern boundary with Bangladesh, demarcated by the rivers Harinbhanga, Raimangal, and Kalindi.
To the south lies the Bay of Bengal, forming a natural maritime border.
The western boundary of STR is marked by the Matla River.
In the north-west, the reserve is bordered by the Bidya and Gomdi rivers.
The core National Park area of STR is recognised as a natural World Heritage Site.
It also forms a part of the Sundarban Biosphere Reserve, a larger conservation landscape designated under UNESCO’s Man and Biosphere Programme.
India must transition from service-driven economy to becoming a product nation |
The current geopolitical landscape, marked by conflicts, trade wars, and unilateral tariffs, has reinforced the need for India to shift from a service-driven economy to a product-driven economy.
This transformation aims to position India as a Product Nation, which is critical for enhancing strategic, economic, and innovation-based capabilities.
A Product Nation refers to a country that produces and exports high-value goods at scale, becoming a net producer rather than a net importer.
Such a nation not only focuses on manufacturing but also on innovation, creating and exporting IP (Intellectual Property)-driven products across diverse sectors.
The first need for this transition is to gain strategic leverage, where ownership of critical products translates into global influence.
For example, Taiwan’s dominance in advanced semiconductor chips and China’s control over rare earth minerals offer both nations significant geopolitical power.
Secondly, India must aim to increase its share in global supply chains by building its own branded, high-value products, designed and curated through IP-based innovation.
Thirdly, transitioning to a product economy will enhance India’s economic resilience, making it more resistant to global economic shocks and disruptions.
To enable this shift, India has launched the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Schemes, covering 14 critical sectors to promote domestic manufacturing through performance-based financial incentives.
Additionally, the Design Linked Incentive Scheme supports semiconductor design by providing financial aid and infrastructure for design development.
India is also investing in Key Innovation Missions such as the National Quantum Mission, Atal Innovation Mission, and IndiaAI Mission to promote cutting-edge research and product development.
The National Logistics Policy has been introduced to strengthen infrastructure, reduce logistics costs, and improve India’s competitiveness in manufacturing and exports.
As a way forward, India must actively foster global partnerships with countries like Taiwan to learn from their manufacturing excellence and innovation ecosystems.
India also needs to prioritise Research and Development (R&D) by increasing public and private funding for research.
Collaboration between academia, industry, and government should be encouraged to drive innovative product development.
There must be sustained investment in human capital, with reforms in education and skill development to prepare a workforce suitable for a product-oriented economy.
Lastly, India needs to enhance policy support by formulating clear, industry-friendly regulations and removing regulatory bottlenecks that hinder manufacturing growth.
RBI Reviews India’s Flexible Inflation Targeting Framework Amid Debate on Inflation Benchmarks and Targets |
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) recently released a discussion paper initiating the second five-yearly review of India’s Flexible Inflation Targeting (FIT) framework.
The FIT framework was established in May 2016 through an amendment to the RBI Act, 1934.
The mandate of the FIT framework is to maintain price stability while considering the objective of economic growth.
From the start of FIT in 2016 until the end of 2019, inflation in India remained low and stable, averaging around 4 percent.
Inflation breached the target range of 4 ± 2 percent during the 2020s.
This breach was mainly due to food and fuel shocks amid the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Inflation later receded because of targeted supply-side interventions, anti-inflationary monetary policies, and falling international commodity prices.
The paper raises a key debate on whether headline inflation should remain the target benchmark.
Headline inflation refers to the total inflation in the consumer price index (CPI), including volatile items like food and fuel.
An alternative to headline inflation is core inflation, which excludes volatile items such as food and fuel to reflect underlying inflation trends.
The optimality of maintaining a 4 percent inflation target is also discussed.
The tolerance band of ±2 percent around the target and the idea of range targeting (for example, 2% to 6%) are further points of consideration.
Arguments in favor of retaining the current target include that food and fuel constitute over 50 percent of India’s consumption basket.
Raising the target might undermine the credibility of monetary policy.
Lowering the target is seen as not credible given ongoing global food inflation risks.
The current tolerance band provides flexibility to accommodate shock-induced fluctuations in inflation.
This flexibility helps manage the trade-offs between growth and inflation.
India’s high share of food in the consumption basket further supports the use of headline inflation as a target.
Range targeting offers greater flexibility for central banks to respond to economic shocks.
It also acknowledges the inherent uncertainties in forecasting inflation.
However, there are arguments against using headline inflation as the target.
Food and fuel inflation are volatile, supply-driven, and less responsive to monetary policy, making core inflation a potentially better benchmark.
Lower inflation targets may negatively affect long-term growth prospects, so some argue for higher targets.
Since the adoption of FIT, the volatility of headline inflation has declined.
The revised Consumer Price Index (CPI) series with a potentially lower food share could further reduce headline inflation volatility.
Shifting from a fixed point target to a range target could add ambiguity.
Such ambiguity might undermine the credibility of monetary policy. It could also diminish fiscal policy discipline.
Maharashtra Partners with IIT Madras Startup to Develop Hyperloop System Connecting JNPT and Vadhavan Port |
Maharashtra has signed a deal with an IIT Madras startup, TuTr Hyperloop Pvt Ltd, to develop a hyperloop system.
The proposed system is based on a Linear Induction Motor (LIM) technology.
This hyperloop mobility system will connect Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) in Navi Mumbai to the upcoming Vadhavan Port in Palghar district.
The concept of the hyperloop was introduced in 2013 by Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX, as an ultra-high-speed rail (UHSR) system.
Elon Musk open-sourced the hyperloop concept, allowing others to develop it further.
The hyperloop is essentially a magnetic levitation (maglev) system.
In a maglev system, pods travel at ultra-high speeds while levitating using magnetic forces, reducing friction.
The hyperloop pods move inside low-pressure tubes to minimize air resistance.
The system functions inside a sealed tube where the air pressure is drastically reduced, around 100 Pa (Pascal), to create a near vacuum.
The vacuum inside the tube helps reduce air resistance, enabling higher speeds.
The pods are propelled by Linear Induction Motors (LIM), which use electromagnetic forces to push the pods forward silently.
LIM technology allows pods to theoretically reach speeds of up to 1,200 km/h.
Key components of the hyperloop include steel tubes maintaining low pressure, pressurized capsules (pods) for passengers or cargo, a compressor to manage airflow, and an air bearing suspension to reduce friction.
The air bearing suspension creates a thin layer of air under the pods to enable smooth movement without physical contact.
The hyperloop system offers advantages like ultra-high speeds—for example, traveling from Mumbai to Pune in just 25 minutes.
It is also potentially energy-efficient and can operate with near zero carbon emissions, making it environmentally friendly.
The technology also helps reduce noise pollution compared to conventional rail systems.
The hyperloop can redefine logistics by enabling the fast and efficient movement of cargo.
Despite its promise, the hyperloop technology remains mostly conceptual and is not yet commercially operational.
One major challenge is the high cost, estimated at around $25-$27 million per mile to build the infrastructure.
Safety concerns include risks such as fires inside the pods and difficulties in evacuating passengers during emergencies.
Maintaining the vacuum inside the tubes poses significant technical challenges.
The system requires long, straight-line infrastructure, which is difficult to implement in existing urban landscapes.
New regulations and policies are necessary to safely integrate hyperloop technology into current transport frameworks.
Overcoming these hurdles demands substantial financial investment, ongoing research and development, and a supportive regulatory environment.
Global Economic Impact of Invasive Species Exceeds $2.2 Trillion |
A recent study revealed that invasive species cause economic damage exceeding $2.2 trillion worldwide.
Among invasive species, plants have emerged as the most economically impactful, followed by arthropods and mammals.
Invasive species are defined as plants, animals, or microorganisms that are not native to a region but, once introduced, spread rapidly and disrupt the local ecosystem balance.
In India, common invasive plants include Lantana camara, which clogs forests.
Another example is Parthenium hysterophorus (also called Congress grass), which spreads extensively on farmland.
The aquatic invasive plant Eichhornia crassipes (water hyacinth) chokes water bodies.
The African catfish, an invasive animal species, threatens native fish diversity in Indian waters.
Invasive species affect the food web by outcompeting native species for resources, which can degrade ecosystems.
They also reduce agricultural yields and can contribute to the spread of diseases.
By pushing native species to the margins, invasive species upset the ecological balance and reduce biodiversity.
However, in rare cases, invasive species can help ecosystems by supporting declining native species.
For example, non-native honey bees act as surrogate pollinators, providing essential ecosystem services.
To control invasive species, the first step is prevention by stopping new introductions.
This includes stricter checks on trade, travel, and shipping, such as managing ballast water to prevent aquatic invasions.
If prevention fails, control measures include biological control, which uses natural enemies like plant diseases, insect predators, parasitoids, or pathogens.
Other control methods are mechanical control (physical removal) and chemical control using herbicides, pesticides, insecticides, or fungicides.
Early eradication of invasive species is crucial to prevent their spread.
After removal, ecosystem restoration is needed by reintroducing native species and improving habitats.
Supreme Court Empowers Consumer Forums to Enforce All Orders Like Civil Courts |
The Supreme Court recently ruled that consumer forums have the authority to enforce all their orders, not just interim ones.
This ruling means consumer forums' orders are now treated like civil court decrees, which are legally binding and enforceable.
This decision corrects the effect of the 2002 amendment to the Consumer Protection Act, 1986, which had previously limited the enforcement powers of consumer forums.
The original Consumer Protection Act, 1986 has been replaced by the Consumer Protection Act (CPA), 2019.
The CPA 2019 introduced the creation of the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA).
The CCPA is a regulatory body empowered to promote, protect, and enforce consumer rights.
CPA 2019 also simplifies the adjudication process in Consumer Commissions, making it easier for consumers to seek redressal.
Study Finds Crop Residue Burning Harms Agroecological Biodiversity and Soil Health |
A new study has found that crop residue has severe negative consequences for agroecological biodiversity.
Crop residue refers to the materials left on cultivated land after harvesting crops.
The study highlights that burning crop residue depletes essential soil nutrients, which undermines long-term soil productivity.
Burning also releases air pollution that disrupts the ecological roles of important species like arthropods and birds.
Arthropods are invertebrates such as insects, spiders, and crustaceans that play key roles in ecosystems.
Natural predators such as spiders, ladybirds, frogs, and earthworms decline significantly due to these disturbances.
The reduction in these predators disturbs the ecosystem balance within agricultural fields.
The loss of insects and predators leads to cascading effects across various trophic levels—the hierarchical levels in a food web.
This disruption negatively affects the entire food web, destabilizing the relationships between species in the ecosystem.
Nepal Joins India-Led International Big Cat Alliance for Global Conservation |
Nepal has officially joined the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA), a global initiative led by India.
The IBCA was launched in April 2023 to mark the 50th anniversary of India’s Project Tiger.
The primary aim of IBCA is the global conservation of seven big cat species: Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Cheetah, Jaguar, and Puma.
The Secretariat Headquarters of IBCA is located in India.
IBCA is structured as a multi-country, multi-agency coalition involving countries where big cats naturally occur (range countries) and countries interested in big cat conservation (non-range countries).
The alliance comprises 95 big cat range countries as well as other interested nations.
So far, IBCA has 13 member countries, including India itself.
Ukrainian Drone Attack Triggers Fire at Kursk Nuclear Power Plant in Russia |
It was reported that a Ukrainian drone attack caused a short-lived fire at the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant in Russia.
The Kursk Region is located in the European part of Russia, sharing its western border with Ukraine.
The region is historically significant for the Battle of Kursk in 1943, known as the largest tank battle in history.
The Battle of Kursk was a major turning point in World War II.
Geographically, the Kursk Region lies within the basins of two major rivers: the Dnieper and the Don.
The region is notable for the Kursk Magnetic Anomaly, which is the world’s largest magnetic anomaly—an unusual variation in the Earth's magnetic field.
The Kursk Magnetic Anomaly hosts one of the richest iron ore deposits globally.
Druzhba Pipeline |
Ukrainian attack suspends Russian oil flows to Hungary, Slovakia.
About Druzhba (Friendship) Pipeline
It is one of the biggest crude oil pipeline networks in the world.
Total Length: 5500 kms
The Druzhba pipeline begins in Russia and transports oil through Belarus and Ukraine to Slovakia and Hungary.
India Deploys AI-Enabled X-Guard Fibre-Optic Towed Decoy System in Operation Sindoor |
India is believed to have deployed the AI-enabled X-Guard Fibre-Optic Towed Decoy (FOTD) system during Operation Sindoor.
The X-Guard FOTD system was developed by Israel’s Rafael defense company.
This system works synergistically with an aircraft’s onboard Electronic Warfare (EW) equipment to counter the most sophisticated radars.
Electronic Warfare (EW) refers to the use of electromagnetic signals to detect, deceive, or disrupt enemy radar and communications.
The X-Guard system can operate effectively at both low and high altitudes.
It is compatible with aircraft flying at speeds ranging from subsonic (below the speed of sound) to supersonic (above the speed of sound).
The system is deployed either when an aircraft approaches a threatened area or upon the detection of an imminent threat.
It is retractable in flight, allowing it to be extended or pulled back as needed.
Throughout the flight, the X-Guard system maintains both electrical and fiber-optic continuity, ensuring consistent functionality.
James Webb Space Telescope Discovers Uranus’ 29th Moon, S/2025 U1 |
The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) recently discovered the 29th moon of Uranus, temporarily named S/2025 U1.
The official name for this new moon is yet to be decided by the International Astronomical Union (IAU).
The JWST was launched in December 2021 as a joint mission by NASA, ESA (European Space Agency), and CSA (Canadian Space Agency).
It is designed for a mission duration of 5 to 10 years.
The JWST is an orbiting infrared observatory, meaning it studies the universe primarily in the infrared spectrum.
Unlike the Hubble Space Telescope, which orbits the Earth, JWST orbits the Sun at a distance of 1.5 million kilometers from Earth.
Its orbit is located at the second Lagrange point (L2), a stable point in space where gravitational forces balance.
The telescope’s purpose is to study every phase in the history of the universe, from the first luminous glows following the Big Bang to the formation of solar systems.
Free Movement Regime |
The Assam Rifles have mapped that 42,000 Myanmar nationals entered India under the Free Movement Regime (FMR).
The FMR is a bilateral arrangement between India and Myanmar allowing border tribes to cross without needing passports or visas.
This arrangement was formalized in 2018 through the Agreement on Land Border Crossing.
The FMR permits free movement of people up to 16 kilometers across the border.
In February 2024, the Union Home Minister announced the withdrawal of FMR, citing security and demographic concerns.
However, the formal scrapping of FMR is yet to be officially notified.
In December 2024, the Union Government introduced a new system for movement across the India-Myanmar border.
Under the new system, the Assam Rifles will issue single-entry passes valid for 7 days within a 10-kilometer radius.
These passes must be returned at the same crossing point from where they were issued.
Each border crossing point will be manned by police, health officials, and the Assam Rifles to oversee the process.
Recent Eruption of Mount Kilauea: Hawaii’s Active Volcano |
Recently, the Kilauea volcano erupted in Hawaii, a group of volcanic islands located in the central Pacific Ocean.
Hawaii is unique as the only US state that is entirely made up of islands.
The eruptions of Kilauea have been occurring in the Halemaumau Crater, which is part of the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
Kilauea is recognized as one of the most active volcanoes in the world.
The current eruption is marked by episodic lava fountaining, a phenomenon not observed since the 1983–86 eruptions.
During eruptions, Kilauea releases high levels of volcanic gases, primarily water vapor (H₂O), carbon dioxide (CO₂), and sulfur dioxide (SO₂).
These gases can impact air quality and contribute to environmental and health concerns in the surrounding areas.
India Elected Chairman of AIBD Executive Board |
India has been elected as the Chairman of the Executive Board of the Asia-Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development (AIBD) at its 23rd General Conference held in Thailand.
The AIBD was founded in 1977 under the auspices of UNESCO, making it a unique regional inter-governmental organization.
The AIBD Secretariat is based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
The institute’s primary mandate is to promote a vibrant and cohesive electronic media environment across the Asia-Pacific region.
Currently, AIBD comprises 92 member organizations from 45 countries.
India is a founding member of AIBD.
Prasar Bharati, India’s public service broadcaster, represents the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting in this organization.
Magnitude 7.5 Earthquake in Drake Passage |
A magnitude 7.5 earthquake recently struck the Drake Passage, located near Argentina and Chile.
The Drake Passage lies between Cape Horn, the southernmost point of South America, and the South Shetland Islands, north of the Antarctic Peninsula.
The passage is named after Sir Francis Drake, a famous English navigator and circumnavigator.
Water in the Drake Passage flows mainly from west to east and is part of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current, which is the world’s most voluminous ocean current.
Historically, the Drake Passage served as a key trade route before the opening of the Panama Canal in 1914.
It is known for its stormy seas and icy conditions, making the rounding of Cape Horn one of the most challenging sailing feats.
Dismissal of Jammu and Kashmir Employees under Article 311(2)(c) |
The Jammu and Kashmir government recently fired two employees for alleged terror links.
This action was taken under Article 311 (2)(c) of the Constitution.
Article 311 deals with the dismissal, removal, or reduction in rank of persons employed in civil capacities under the Union or State government.
Civil capacities refer to government employees who serve in administrative or bureaucratic roles.
According to Article 311(1), members of the Civil Service cannot be dismissed or removed by any authority that is subordinate to the appointing authority.
The appointing authority is the official or body responsible for hiring the civil servant.
Article 311(2) states that no civil servant can be dismissed, removed, or demoted without a proper procedure.
This procedure includes conducting an inquiry, issuing prior notice of charges, and providing a fair chance to be heard.
An inquiry is a formal investigation into the charges against the employee.
Prior notice of charges means the employee must be informed in advance about the accusations.
A fair chance to be heard ensures the employee can present their defense before any action is taken.
Great Nicobar Infrastructure Project: Tribal Forest Rights and Environmental Concerns |
The tribal council has stated that the forest rights of tribal people were not settled for the Great Nicobar Infrastructure Project (GNIP).
Forest rights refer to the legal entitlements of indigenous communities over forest land and resources, recognizing their traditional use and conservation.
The Great Nicobar Infrastructure Project (GNIP) is a mega project planned for implementation at the southern end of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, specifically on Great Nicobar Island.
GNIP involves developing several major infrastructures including a transhipment port, which is a hub for transferring cargo between ships.
The project also plans to build an international airport on the island.
Along with this, GNIP includes township development to support residential and commercial needs.
It also involves setting up a 450 MVA gas and solar-based power plant; here, MVA stands for mega volt-amperes, a unit of electrical power capacity.
The project is being implemented by the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Integrated Development Corporation (ANIIDCO).
A key concern regarding GNIP is its location in a seismically active region, meaning the area is prone to earthquakes.
There is also a threat posed to the tribal communities living on the islands, including the Shompen and Nicobarese tribes, who have distinct cultures and depend on the local environment.
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