Daily Current Affairs - 4th August 2025

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 Sharda Script, Notch Signaling, C-295 Transport Aircraft, Cold Pools, District Flood Severity Index, Mount Lewotobi, 'Matri Van' Initiative, Kopili River (NW 57), Mahanadi water dispute, Fish Production, HOPE Analog Mission, Edible Oil Regulations, India's rank in organ transplantation, Policy for Transgender People and more...

Click Here to read the Monthly Current Affairs Pointers (CAP).

ISRO inaugurates HOPE Analog Mission in Tso Kar Valley, Ladakh

1. ISRO has inaugurated the HOPE Analog Mission in the Tso Kar Valley, Ladakh.

   • HOPE stands for Himalayan Outpost for Planetary Exploration.

2. The mission includes a specially designed Habitat Module, which serves as living quarters for the crew. It also includes a Utility Module that supports operations and various support systems.

   • Both modules are interconnected to ensure a seamless workflow for the crew.

3. The HOPE station aims to simulate space-like conditions on Earth to support research for future interplanetary missions.

4. This mission is led by ISRO’s Human Space Flight Centre (HSFC) in collaboration with industry partners and top Indian institutions.

5. One key objective is to simulate extraterrestrial environments like the Moon and Mars for testing purposes.

6. The mission enables testing of human survival, health protocols, and equipment in conditions similar to space.

7. Several scientific studies will be conducted, including epigenetics (study of gene expression changes), genomics (study of genomes), physiology, and psychology.

8. The mission will also focus on techniques for sample collection and microbial analysis in space-like environments.

9. Another objective is the validation of health monitoring systems and protocols for planetary surface operations.

10. The Tso Kar Valley was chosen due to its Mars-like environmental conditions: high ultraviolet (UV) radiation, low atmospheric pressure, extreme cold, and saline permafrost.

11. These conditions allow for both technological testing and research in astrobiology (study of life in the universe).

12. HOPE is part of a global trend of analog missions, which prepare for long-term human space missions beyond Earth.

    • Other famous analog research stations include the Mars Desert Research Station (USA), Flashline Mars Arctic Station (Canada), and BIOS-3 (Russia).

13. The HOPE mission aligns with India’s broader human spaceflight ambitions under the Indian Human Spaceflight Programme.

14. The flagship of this programme is the Gaganyaan mission, which aims to demonstrate India’s capability for human spaceflight.

    • Gaganyaan plans to launch a crew of three astronauts into orbit at an altitude of 400 km for a mission lasting 3 days.

    • The astronauts will return safely to Earth by landing in Indian sea waters.

    • The launch vehicle selected for the Gaganyaan mission is the LVM3 rocket.

    • Key planned milestones for Gaganyaan include Integrated Air Drop Tests, Test Vehicle Mission, Pad Abort Tests, Unmanned Flights, and finally the Manned Flight.

Notch Signaling

1. A team of scientists at Harvard recently engineered a synthetic activator of a key cellular pathway called Notch Signaling.

   • Notch Signaling is a cell-to-cell communication system found in multicellular organisms.

2. It is vital for various developmental processes that govern how tissues and organs form during growth.

3. It also plays a crucial role in maintaining tissue homeostasis.

   • Homeostasis refers to the process by which living organisms maintain a stable internal environment, despite changes in the external surroundings.

4. Notch Signaling is central to cell fate determination, which is the process by which a cell becomes specialized in form and function.

5. It also regulates cell proliferation, which means the increase in cell number through growth and division.

6. Additionally, it controls cell differentiation, which is the process where a less specialized cell becomes a more specialized cell type.

7. The pathway also influences apoptosis, which is the programmed cell death essential for removing damaged or unnecessary cells.

8. However, abnormalities in Notch Signaling can lead to birth defects.

9. It is also associated with the development of diseases like cancer, due to its role in controlling cell growth and death.

C-295 Transport Aircraft

1. India has received the final batch of 16 Airbus C-295 military transport aircraft in Spain.

2. The C-295 is a new-generation tactical airlifter, designed for light and medium transport missions.

   • A tactical airlifter is an aircraft used to transport troops, equipment, and supplies directly to combat zones or forward bases.

3. The aircraft is designed and built by Airbus, which is a European multinational aerospace corporation.

4. The C-295 is known for being an efficient tactical transport aircraft, suitable for various military operations.

5. It offers a flight endurance of up to 11 hours, allowing it to cover long distances without the need for frequent refueling.

6. The aircraft is set to replace the Indian Air Force’s ageing Avro fleet, which consists of older-generation transport aircraft.

   • Avro aircraft were originally inducted into the IAF in the 1960s and are now considered obsolete due to age and limitations.

Cold Pools

1. A new study by researchers at the University of Washington highlights how rain can make the ocean’s surface heavier and more stable. This effect is caused by a phenomenon known as Cold Pools.

2. Cold Pools are small-scale areas of evaporatively cooled downdraft air that form beneath precipitating clouds.

   • A downdraft refers to a downward current of air, often occurring during thunderstorms or rain events.

3. These cold pools form when rain falls during a storm and some of the rain evaporates before reaching the ground.

4. The evaporation process cools the surrounding air, as it absorbs heat from the environment.

5. This cooled air becomes denser and heavier than the surrounding warm air.

6. The cool, heavy air sinks due to gravity and then spreads out across the ground or surface.

7. This spreading creates a shallow, cold, bubble-like layer, which is known as a Cold Pool.

8. In oceanic environments, the formation of cold pools can increase the surface water density, making it more stable.

9. This increased stability can temporarily suppress ocean mixing, affecting weather patterns and climate feedbacks.

Mount Lewotobi

1. Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki volcano recently erupted twice, sending ash up to 18,000 meters into the sky.

2. Mount Lewotobi is located in Indonesia, a country known for frequent volcanic activity.

3. It is one of Indonesia’s 127 active volcanoes, making it part of the country's significant volcanic landscape.

4. The mountain is composed of two adjacent stratovolcanoes, named Laki-Laki and Perempuan.

   • A stratovolcano is a type of volcano built up by many layers of hardened lava, ash, and rock, known for explosive eruptions.

5. Laki-Laki and Perempuan lie less than 2 kilometers apart, forming a twin volcanic structure.

   • The Laki-Laki stratovolcano has been frequently active since the 19th century, making it the more active of the two.

   • The Perempuan volcano had notable eruptions in the years 1921 and 1935, but has remained relatively quiet since.

6. Indonesia is highly prone to volcanic eruptions because it lies along the Ring of Fire.

7. The Ring of Fire is a string of volcanoes and seismic activity zones that encircle the Pacific Ocean.

8. It is characterized by frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, due to intense tectonic plate movements in the region.

India’s second position in Fish Production

1. The Union Minister recently reiterated that India is the second largest fish producing country in the world after China.

2. India contributes around 8% of global fish production, highlighting its significant role in the global fisheries sector.

Fisheries Sector in India

1. The fisheries sector in India is listed under the State List in the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution.

2. However, the Union Government supplements the efforts of States and Union Territories for the sector’s development.

   • The inland fisheries sector is almost entirely managed by State Governments.

   • The marine fisheries sector is a shared responsibility between the Central Government and Coastal State Governments.

3. Inland fish production accounts for about 75% of India's total fish production.

4. The sector contributes approximately 1.12% to the national Gross Value Added (GVA).

5. It also constitutes 7.26% of the agricultural GVA, showing its importance in rural and agrarian economies.

6. Nearly 30 million people are involved in fish production across the value chain, including harvesting, processing, and marketing.

7. The Union Budget 2025–26 proposed the highest ever total annual budgetary support for the fisheries sector, aiming to boost growth and infrastructure.

Challenges in the Fisheries Sector

1. Environmental challenges include overfishing, habitat destruction, and climate change impacts.

2. Economic challenges involve market fluctuations, limited access to finance, and Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing.

   • IUU fishing refers to fishing activities that are not regulated, not reported, or conducted in violation of conservation laws.

3. Social challenges include issues of food security, gender inequality, and community displacement, especially in coastal regions.

4. Other issues involve infrastructure gaps, inefficient resource management, and the need for modern fishing techniques.

Major Initiatives

1. The Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) is the flagship scheme for sustainable development of fisheries.

2. A Central Sector Sub-scheme under PMMSY is the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana, aimed at empowering fish farmers.

3. Aquaculture parks have been established under PMMSY to promote modern fish farming infrastructure.

4. The Blue Revolution Scheme was launched earlier to increase fish production and ensure sustainable practices.

5. The Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF) supports the creation of robust infrastructure for the sector.

6. The 5th Marine Fisheries Census is being conducted to enable data-driven policymaking.

7. India has endorsed the Regional Plan of Action on IUU Fishing, to combat illegal fishing in the Bay of Bengal region.

8. This regional effort is being implemented jointly with Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Maldives to ensure sustainable fisheries management.

Mahanadi water dispute

1. Odisha and Chhattisgarh have recently expressed willingness to resolve the Mahanadi water dispute amicably.

2. The dispute dates back to 2016, when Odisha, a lower riparian state, raised concerns about water flow reduction.

   • A lower riparian state is one that lies downstream on a river and relies on upstream flow for its water needs.

3. Odisha alleged that Chhattisgarh, being an upper riparian state, unilaterally constructed multiple barrages in the upper catchment areas of the Mahanadi River.

4. These constructions allegedly led to reduced water flow during non-monsoon seasons, affecting agriculture and drinking water supply in Odisha.

5. In response, the Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal (MWDT) was constituted in 2018 to adjudicate the matter.

6. The tribunal was formed under the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956, which provides a legal framework to address such disputes. As of now, the final decision of the MWDT is still pending.

7. The resolution of interstate water disputes in India is governed by constitutional and statutory provisions.

8. Article 262 of the Indian Constitution empowers Parliament to adjudicate disputes related to inter-state rivers and river valleys.

9. Under this Article, Parliament enacted the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956, which authorizes the Central Government to constitute tribunals for specific disputes.

10. In addition, the River Boards Act, 1956 provides for the establishment of River Boards.

11. These River Boards are meant to advise on the regulation and development of inter-state rivers and promote coordinated planning.

Kopili River (NW 57)

1. National Waterway 57 (NW-57) on the Kopili River has been operationalised in Assam with successful cargo trials.

2. This development is aligned with the goals of Maritime India Vision 2030 and the PM Gati Shakti initiative.

   • Maritime India Vision 2030 is a roadmap to boost India's port and logistics sector, aiming for increased efficiency and sustainability.

   • PM Gati Shakti is a national infrastructure master plan to integrate various modes of transport and enhance multi-modal connectivity.

3. With the operationalisation of NW-57, four National Waterways in Assam are now functional.

4. These include the Brahmaputra River (NW-2), Barak River (NW-16), Dhansiri River (NW-31), and Kopili River (NW-57).

5. The Kopili River is a major left bank tributary of the Brahmaputra, contributing significantly to its water flow.

6. A left bank tributary refers to a river that joins the main river from the left side when facing downstream.

7. The Kopili is an interstate river in Northeast India, which flows through both Meghalaya and Assam.

8. The river originates from the Saipong Reserve Forest, located in the southeastern part of Meghalaya.

9. It plays a crucial role in regional water transport, ecology, and connectivity, especially in the hill and valley regions of Assam.

'Matri Van' Initiative

1. The 'Matri Van' Initiative has been launched in Gurugram to create a 750-acre urban forest in the Aravalli Hills.

2. This initiative is a part of the national programme titled ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’, which promotes environmental awareness and tree plantation.

3. The primary aim of Matri Van is to enhance ecological preservation in the region.

4. It also seeks to foster community participation, encouraging local people to contribute to environmental conservation.

5. This marks a significant step towards urban sustainability, by integrating green cover into expanding city landscapes.

6. The initiative involves comprehensive ecological restoration efforts tailored specifically to the Aravalli ecosystem.

7. Key components of ecological restoration include the removal of invasive species, which are non-native plants that disrupt local biodiversity.

8. It also includes the plantation of native trees, which are species naturally found in the Aravalli region.

9. The project further focuses on restoring Aravalli-specific biodiversity, aiming to bring back indigenous plant and animal species that have declined.

Ministry of Consumer Affairs notifies Amendments in Edible Oil Regulations

1. The Ministry of Consumer Affairs has notified amendments in the Edible Oil Regulations.

2. These amendments seek to revise the Vegetable Oil Products Production and Availability (Regulation) Order, 2011.

3. This order was originally issued under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, which regulates supply and pricing of essential goods.

4. The amendments aim to enhance transparency in the edible oil market.

5. They also focus on preventing supply disruptions to ensure consistent availability of edible oils.

6. Another key objective is to ensure fair prices for consumers across India.

7. The notification also aims to bring accountability among stakeholders and stabilize edible oil supplies.

8. India is highly dependent on imports to meet its edible oil needs.

9. It is the world’s largest importer of vegetable oils, followed by China and the USA.

10. Among imports, palm oil dominates with a 59% share.

11. It is followed by soybean oil at 23% and sunflower oil at 16%.

12. India’s import dependence on edible oils has decreased from 63.2% in 2015-16 to 54.9% in 2021-22.

13. There are nine major edible oil crops cultivated in India: groundnut, rapeseed-mustard, soybean, sunflower, sesame, safflower, nigerseed, castor, and linseed.

14. Among these, soybean (34%), rapeseed & mustard (31%), and groundnut (27%) contribute over 92% of the country’s total oilseed production.

15. A major reason for high import dependence is that nearly 72% of oilseed cultivation is rainfed farming.

    • Rainfed farming refers to agriculture that relies solely on natural rainfall without irrigation.

    • This farming is mostly done by marginal and small farmers, which limits scale and productivity.

16. Poor productivity also results from lack of appropriate technologies and cultivation under input-starved conditions (lack of fertilizers, quality seeds, etc.).

17. To reduce import dependence, India has launched initiatives to boost domestic edible oil production.

18. One such initiative is the National Mission on Edible Oils – Oil Palm (NMEO-OP), aimed at increasing oilseed production and achieving self-reliance.

19. Another is the National Food Security Mission – Oilseeds & Oil Palm (NFSM-OS&OP), which focuses on increasing production and productivity of nine oilseed crops.

    • NFSM-OS&OP also promotes area expansion under Oil Palm and Tree Borne Oilseeds (oilseeds produced by trees rather than annual crops).

India Ranks 3rd Globally in Organ Transplants

1. India achieved 18,900 organ transplants in 2024.

2. This achievement ranks India third globally in total organ transplantation.

3. Only the United States of America and China have higher total organ transplant numbers.

4. India ranks first in living donor organ transplantation worldwide.

   • Organ transplantation is a life-saving therapy used for patients with end-stage organ failure (when an organ stops functioning completely).

   • Organ transplantation involves the grafting of a human organ from a living or deceased donor to a recipient for therapeutic purposes.

5. In India, organ donation and transplantation are regulated by the Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act, 1994, which was amended in 2011.

   • This Act was introduced by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to regulate organ removal, storage, and transplantation.

   • The law strictly prohibits any commercial dealing (buying or selling) of human organs.

6. The National Organ Transplant Program (NOTP) was established to increase access to organ transplants.

   • NOTP also aims to improve awareness about organ donation and strengthen transplant infrastructure.

7. The program functions through a network including the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization (NOTTO), Regional Organ and Tissue Transplant Organizations (ROTTOs), and State Organ and Tissue Transplant Organizations (SOTTOs).

8. Despite progress, India’s deceased organ donation rate remains low, at less than 1 per million population.

   • For comparison, Spain has a much higher deceased donation rate of 48 per million population.

9. To improve organ transplantation, several initiatives have been launched.

10. The “One Nation One Policy” removes state domicile requirements, age limits, and registration fees for deceased donor organ transplant recipients.

11. An Aadhaar-linked digital pledge portal was launched in September 2023, allowing over 3 lakh citizens to register their organ donation pledges.

12. The “Angdaan Jan Jagrukta Abhiyan” was launched in 2024 to raise public awareness about organ donation.

Must Read

• 15th Indian Organ Donation Day 2025

• World Organ Donation Day 2025

Tamil Nadu Government launches State Policy for Transgender People

1. The Tamil Nadu Government has launched a State Policy for Transgender People.

2. The policy aims to protect the rights of transgender people in education, employment, healthcare, housing, and safety.

3. The state plans to amend the Hindu Succession Act and Indian Succession Act to ensure inheritance rights for transgender individuals.

4. The policy allows transgender and intersex people to choose their gender as male, female, or transgender without requiring medical procedures or certificates.

   • A transgender person is defined as someone whose gender identity does not align with the gender assigned at birth, as per the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019.

5. According to the 2011 Census, the transgender population in India is approximately 4.8 lakh.

6. The NALSA Judgment (2014) by the Supreme Court recognized transgender individuals as the third gender and affirmed their fundamental rights under the Indian Constitution.

7. Transgender persons face several issues including legal and identity challenges, as the 2019 Act mandates certification of gender identity by a District Magistrate, which restricts the right to self-identify.

8. They also face social discrimination and marginalization, where cultural perceptions view gender non-conformity as deviant, leading to ostracism and physical and sexual violence.

9. Barriers in education include lack of an inclusive curriculum and high dropout rates due to bullying.

10. In healthcare, transgender people often lack access to gender-affirmative care and experience high rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidal tendencies due to societal non-acceptance.

11. Economic exclusion is another challenge due to hiring biases and workplace hostility.

12. Several schemes exist for the welfare of transgender persons.

    • The SMILE (Support for Marginalized Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise) Scheme aims at their comprehensive welfare.

    • The National Portal for Transgender Persons enables online issuance of identity certificates.

    • The Gender Inclusion Fund under the National Education Policy provides quality education opportunities for girls and transgender individuals.

    • Garima Grehas are shelter homes specifically for transgender persons.

    • The PM-DAKSH (Dakshta aur Kushalta Sampann Hitgrahi) scheme provides skill training to transgender people.

District Flood Severity Index

1. Researchers from IIT Delhi and IIT Gandhinagar have developed a tool called the District Flood Severity Index (DFSI).

2. The DFSI is designed to quantify flood severity at the district level, which is a key administrative unit in India for disaster planning and management.

3. The purpose of the DFSI is to assess the overall impact of floods in a specific district.

4. It takes into account several important factors, including flood duration and historically flooded areas.

5. The composite DFSI is made up of six key factors, which are grouped into two categories.

6. The first group includes variables representing the occurrence of floods.

   • These occurrence variables are: number of flood events, mean flood duration, flooded area, and affected population.

7. The second group includes variables representing the damage caused by floods.

   • These damage-related variables are: human fatality and number of humans injured in a district.

8. By combining these six factors, the DFSI provides a comprehensive and location-specific measure of flood severity.

9. This tool can support more targeted disaster response and preparedness strategies at the district level.

 Explore more on UPSC Content

Click for Daily Quotes:

Stay updated with the latest news by joining our Telegram channel – The PRESS Pad , and follow us on Instagram