Daily Current Affairs – 8 & 9 July 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 world’s Rare Earth Element (REE) Reserves, MoU between India-Brazil, Kaladan Multimodal Transit Transport Project, Bitchat, Court Ruling on Phone Tapping, District SDG Index, Industry 4.0 Technologies, Youth in Agrifood, Patterns of flood, Enemy Properties Act and more...

India holds 8 per cent of the world’s Rare Earth Element (REE) Reserves: CareEdge Report

1. According to the CareEdge report, India holds 8% of the world's total Rare Earth Element (REE) reserves, ranking third globally in terms of reserves.

2. Despite this significant reserve base, India contributes less than 1% to global REE mining, reflecting a major gap between potential and actual extraction.

3. In contrast, China dominates the REE sector, holding 49% of global REE reserves, mining 69% of the world's REEs, and controlling 90% of global refining capacity.

4. In India, REE deposits are primarily found in monazite sands, a mineral source that also contains thorium, a mildly radioactive element used in nuclear fuel.

5. These monazite-rich sands are mostly located along the coastal states—notably Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha—as per the 2023 Indian Minerals Yearbook.

6. One major reason India lags in REE production is the complexity of the extraction process, as REEs are often bound with radioactive elements, making mining technically challenging, time-consuming, and cost-intensive.

7. While India has basic infrastructure for mining, separation, and refining REEs into oxides, and can even extract REE metals, it lacks the downstream capacity to manufacture intermediate products like alloys and permanent magnets, which are crucial for electronics, renewable energy, and defense.

8. Moreover, India’s REE reserves are rich in Light Rare Earth Elements (LREEs) like lanthanum and cerium, but lack commercially viable quantities of Heavy Rare Earth Elements (HREEs) like dysprosium and terbium, which are rarer and more valuable for high-tech applications.

9. Additionally, mining activities in REE-rich coastal zones are restricted by Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) norms, which are environmental safeguards limiting industrial operations near the shoreline.

10. Another limiting factor is that Indian Rare Earths Limited (IREL), a Mini Ratna public sector enterprise, remains the sole agency processing monazite to produce REE compounds, indicating a lack of private or diversified participation.

    

⁠⁠India, Brazil sign Six key pacts

1. During the Indian Prime Minister’s state visit to Brazil, six key agreements were signed to deepen bilateral cooperation.

2. The Indian PM was also honoured with Brazil’s highest civilian award, the Grand Collar of the National Order of the Southern Cross, highlighting the strength of India-Brazil ties.

3. One agreement focuses on cooperation in combating international terrorism and transnational organized crime, enhancing security collaboration.

4. A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed for exchanging large-scale digital solutions to support the ongoing digital transformation in both countries.

5. Another MoU was inked between Brazil’s EMBRAPA (Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation) and India’s Council of Agricultural Research to collaborate on renewable energy and agricultural research.

6. The two nations agreed on the exchange and mutual protection of classified information, reinforcing trust in sensitive matters.

7. An MoU on intellectual property was signed, alongside the announcement of a ministerial-level mechanism to monitor trade, commerce, and investment, boosting economic ties.

8. The cooperation will focus on priority pillars for the next decade, including defence and security, food and nutritional security, energy transition, and climate change.

9. India-Brazil relations are built on a strategic partnership since 2006, working closely at plurilateral forums such as BRICS, BASIC, G-20, G-4, IBSA, and in global bodies like the UN, WTO, UNESCO, and WIPO.

10. Bilateral trade reached USD 12.20 billion in 2024-25, with India maintaining a trade surplus, indicating stronger exports than imports from Brazil.

11. Defence cooperation was formalized with a 2006 defence agreement that created the Joint Defence Committee (JDC) as a platform for ongoing collaboration.

12. In renewable energy, Brazil is a co-founder of the Global Biofuel Alliance and ratified the International Solar Alliance (ISA) agreement in 2022, aligning with India on sustainable energy initiatives.

Kaladan Multimodal Transit Transport Project (KMTTP) to be Operational by 2027: Union Minister

1. The Kaladan Multimodal Transit Transport Project (KMTTP), a strategic infrastructure initiative jointly identified by India and Myanmar, is expected to be operational by 2027, as announced by the Union Minister.

2. The project enables multi-modal cargo transport from Eastern ports of India to Myanmar, and further to India’s North-Eastern Region (NER), improving regional connectivity through a mix of waterways and roadways.

3. KMTTP was formalized with a Framework Agreement signed in 2008, with the Ministry of External Affairs acting as the Nodal Ministry, overseeing the entire implementation.

4. The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) serves as the Project Development Consultant (PDC), providing technical and operational expertise.

5. The project includes two key transit components:

   • A Waterway Component along the Kaladan River, connecting Sittwe Port in Rakhine State (Myanmar) to Paletwa, an inland river terminal.

   • A Road Component from Paletwa to Zorinpui on the India-Myanmar border in Mizoram, enabling seamless overland transit.

6. One of KMTTP's major advantages is its potential to end the geographic isolation of India’s North-Eastern Region (NER), which is currently connected to mainland India only via the “Chicken’s Neck”, a vulnerable 21 km wide Siliguri Corridor.

7. KMTTP aligns with India’s Act East Policy (AEP), announced in 2014, which aims to enhance economic and strategic engagement with the South-East Asian region through improved connectivity.

8. It will reduce logistics cost and time drastically—transporting goods from Kolkata to Aizawl (Mizoram’s capital) will take over 50% less time and cost, offering a viable trade route alternative.

9. The project is set to transform the NER into a commercial hub, attracting investments, encouraging export-oriented manufacturing, and agro-processing industries, thus boosting local employment and development.

10. Apart from KMTTP, several other regional connectivity projects complement this vision:

    • The India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway, linking Moreh (Manipur) to Mae Sot (Thailand) via Myanmar, strengthens overland connectivity.

    • The Protocol on Inland Water Transit and Trade (PIWT&T) with Bangladesh allows vessels from either country to navigate designated inland waterways of the other, enhancing cross-border trade.

    • Additional mechanisms include the Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal (BBIN) Motor Vehicle Agreement, and MoUs allowing India to use Bangladesh's Chattogram and Mongla Ports for easier access to the Northeast.

Bluetooth messaging app, Bitchat

1. Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey has introduced Bitchat, a new-age peer-to-peer messaging app that enables communication without relying on centralized servers or phone networks.

2. Bitchat uses a cutting-edge technology called Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) Mesh Networking, which allows devices to communicate directly over short-range wireless connections.

3. A Bluetooth Mesh Network, also known as a multi-hop network, is a decentralized network where each connected device acts as a node and can transmit data to others across multiple hops.

4. In this setup, messages are broadcast and relayed from node to node until they reach their intended recipient, allowing many-to-many communication even without internet or mobile signals.

5. One key strength of this design is its resilience—even if one or more devices drop off, the network continues to function, making it ideal for offline or disaster-resilient communication.

6. Bitchat’s architecture ensures no central database exists, meaning all messages are stored locally on users' devices and are automatically deleted after a short time, ensuring enhanced privacy and data control.

7. To further secure communication, messages are end-to-end encrypted, ensuring that only the sender and receiver can read the content, and messages never leave the mesh network.

8. Another standout feature is complete anonymity—users can use Bitchat without registering an email address or phone number, eliminating typical identity-based data tracking.

9. Additionally, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology ensures low power consumption, making it practical for continuous background use without significantly draining battery.

10. Despite its benefits, Bluetooth Mesh Networking also faces some technical limitations—including higher latency (delays in message delivery), low data transfer speeds, and complex network management when multiple devices are involved.

    

    Bluetooth Mesh Network

Court Ruling on Phone Tapping

1. Recently, both the Madras High Court and the Delhi High Court dealt with cases related to phone tapping, focusing on the legal ground of “preventing incitement to commit a crime,” which is one of the authorized reasons for interception.

2. While the Delhi High Court upheld the order for phone tapping, the Madras High Court quashed it, highlighting differences in judicial interpretation.

3. The Madras Court emphasized that telephone tapping violates the right to privacy, a Fundamental Right under Article 21 of the Constitution, unless it is backed by a procedure established by law.

   • Right to Privacy (Article 21): A fundamental right guaranteeing personal privacy and dignity.

4. In India, laws governing phone tapping include the Telecommunications (Procedures and Safeguards for Lawful Interception of Messages) Rules, 2024, issued under the newly enacted Telecommunications Act, 2023, which specify the procedure and due process for lawful interception.

5. The Information Technology Act, 2000 governs the interception of digital communications such as WhatsApp messages and emails.

6. The Supreme Court ruling in People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) v. Union of India, 1997 upheld the constitutional validity of Section 5(2) of the Telegraph Act and laid down essential procedural safeguards for its application.

7. Under these laws, phone tapping orders can only be authorized by the Home Secretary of the State or Central Government, ensuring executive oversight.

8. Additionally, such orders have a limited validity and cease to have authority after two months unless renewed, protecting against indefinite surveillance.

NITI Aayog releases the District SDG Index 2023–24 for the North East Region (NER)

1. NITI Aayog has released the District Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Index 2023–24 specifically for the North Eastern Region (NER), aiming to assess and localize progress towards the UN’s Agenda 2030.

2. In this index, Hnahthial district in Mizoram emerged as the best-performing district across the NER, reflecting strong local-level development efforts.

3. Furthermore, all districts of Mizoram, Sikkim, and Tripura have achieved "Front Runner" status, indicating substantial progress in achieving the 17 SDGs at the district level.

4. This milestone highlights India’s commitment to localising global goals through a bottom-up approach, where district and community-level planning becomes central to national SDG progress.

5. Localisation of SDGs refers to the process of translating global goals into actionable plans and outcomes at the state, district, and village levels, ensuring inclusive and context-specific development.

6. Local areas act as the key sites for delivery, with several states—like Mizoram—using state-level Vision and Agenda documents, and Village Level Monitoring Committees to track goal implementation.

7. The bottom-up approach empowers subnational governments (states and districts) to bridge the gap between national goals and community needs, while also engaging civil society, academia, and private sector stakeholders.

8. Additionally, mobilising local resources by aligning state budgets and schemes with SDG priorities enhances ownership, efficiency, and long-term sustainability.

9. Local-level SDG achievement also helps address intra-regional and inter-district disparities, thereby narrowing development gaps and pushing progress towards the national average.

10. However, SDG localisation faces multiple challenges—the foremost being financial constraints, as local bodies often prioritize essential services like healthcare and education over long-term sustainability programs.

11. Another challenge is the intersectionality of goals, where local governments must balance economic development with environmental sustainability and social inclusion, which can lead to policy conflicts.

12. Moreover, lack of reliable and updated data—especially socio-economic and gender-disaggregated data—limits evidence-based decision-making at the local level.

13. Strengthening local governance and adopting innovative financial mechanisms (like SDG-aligned budgeting or green bonds) can help tailor strategies to fit the unique socio-economic and cultural landscapes of districts.

14. At the national level, India’s commitment to SDG localisation is led by NITI Aayog, which promotes cooperative and competitive federalism and publishes the SDG India Index to track progress.

15. Complementing this are central initiatives like the Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI) and flagship schemes such as Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA) and Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, supporting rural empowerment and infrastructure.

16. States have also launched region-specific programs, such as Assam’s CM’s Samagra Gramya Unnayan Yojana, aimed at holistic village development aligned with the SDG framework.

Industry 4.0 Technologies could Transform Food Processing: Report

1. A recent ASSOCHAM-PwC report highlights the transformative potential of Industry 4.0 technologies in the food processing sector, especially in addressing inefficiencies and food scarcity.

2. Despite the global food processing market being valued at around USD 10 trillion by 2025, widespread issues like post-harvest losses and limited infrastructure still contribute to food insecurity.

3. One of the sector’s biggest concerns is food wastage, costing the global economy nearly USD 936 billion annually, while food-borne illnesses add another USD 110 billion in losses each year.

4. In India specifically, supply chain inefficiencies remain severe—post-harvest losses alone account for an estimated ₹1.53 trillion worth of agricultural produce annually.

5. Moreover, food processing operations often involve high environmental and operational costs, particularly due to heavy energy and water consumption, making the sector resource-intensive.

6. However, the integration of next-generation technologies under Industry 4.0—which includes AI, Machine Learning, Blockchain, and IoT—can greatly enhance sector efficiency and sustainability.

7. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) enable non-invasive food inspection (detecting spoilage without contact) and can automate repetitive tasks like sorting, packaging, and labelling, improving speed and accuracy.

8. Changing consumer preferences are also driving demand for smart foods—processed using innovative techniques that enhance shelf life, nutritional value, and convenience.

9. Blockchain technology ensures real-time supply chain transparency, allowing stakeholders to track and verify product movement, authenticity, and safety, thereby building consumer trust.

10. These technologies also hold the key to feeding the projected global population of 9.8 billion by 2050 (as per United Nations), by making food systems more efficient and less wasteful.

11. Despite these benefits, the adoption of advanced technologies in food processing faces regulatory, operational, and skill-related challenges, including high initial investment and compliance burdens.

12. Frameworks such as the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023 can help manage data privacy and enable safe digital integration, while skilled manpower will be essential to operate and maintain smart systems.

13. In India, the food processing sector has shown consistent momentum, recording an Average Annual Growth Rate (AGR) of 5.35% over the eight years ending 2022–23.

14. Furthermore, processed food exports accounted for 23.4% of total agri-food exports in 2023–24, indicating a growing contribution to India’s foreign trade.

15. Government support through schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY) and the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Food Processing is helping to enhance infrastructure, competitiveness, and employment.

Status of Youth in Agrifood Systems: FAO

1. The FAO's “Status of Youth in Agrifood Systems” Report offers a global assessment of how engaging youth (ages 15–29) in agrifood systems can help combat rising youth unemployment.

2. This issue is particularly critical as approximately 85% of the world's 1.3 billion youth live in low- and middle-income countries, and nearly 46% of them still reside in rural areas, where agrifood systems are dominant.

3. The report notes that enhancing youth employment in agrifood systems could boost global GDP by 1.4%, with about 45% of that growth directly resulting from increased youth participation.

4. Currently, 44% of employed youth work within agrifood systems, which include activities across the food supply chain—such as farming, food processing, logistics, and retail—compared to 38% among working adults.

5. However, there is a declining trend in youth participation; the share of working youth in agrifood systems has dropped from 54% in 2005 to 44% in 2021, raising concerns over sectoral attractiveness.

6. Simultaneously, food insecurity has increased significantly—from 16.7% (2014–16) to 24.4% (2021–23)—indicating deeper systemic issues in food access, production, and livelihoods.

7. A major barrier is the perceived low social status of farmers, which discourages many young individuals from viewing agriculture as a viable or prestigious career option.

8. Climate change further aggravates the issue, as unpredictable weather patterns, soil degradation, and disaster risks make farming a high-risk and uncertain profession for the younger generation.

9. In countries like India, there is evidence of skewed internal migration, where youth from Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (SC/STs), aged 16–40, are overrepresented in short-term, often informal migration, reflecting economic distress and limited rural opportunities.

10. Gender inequality also persists in rural areas—young women frequently relinquish their legal share of inherited land to male relatives, leading to limited ownership and decision-making power.

11. Landlessness remains a structural barrier, as most young entrants to agriculture do not own land and begin farming on rented plots, which affects long-term stability and investment in productivity.

12. The report emphasizes the urgent need to make agrifood systems more inclusive, resilient, and attractive for youth, through policy support, skill development, land access, and climate-smart innovations.

Making Agrifood Systems Work For Youth

Patterns of flood in terms of magnitude, size and intensity undergoing changes: IIT Study

1. A joint study by IIT Delhi and IIT Roorkee has revealed that riverine flood patterns in India have undergone significant changes in magnitude, size, and intensity over the past four decades (1970–2010).

2. Based on data from over 170 river monitoring stations across the country, the study observed that 74% of stations recorded a decline in flood magnitude, while 26% showed increasing trends.

3. Interestingly, larger river catchments—areas where rainfall collects and drains into rivers—are seeing a more pronounced reduction in flood magnitudes, indicating possible shifts in regional hydrology.

4. Region-specific insights show that the West and Central Ganga Basin experienced a 17% decline per decade in monsoon flood magnitudes, largely due to falling rainfall and reduced soil moisture.

5. In the Narmada Basin, flood magnitudes have also consistently declined, with the study attributing this to dam construction, which regulates water flow and alters natural flood cycles.

6. The Marathwada region is witnessing significant river flow reductions—8% during monsoon and a steep 31% during the pre-monsoon season, potentially threatening water availability.

7. On the other hand, pre-monsoon flood intensity is rising in the Malabar Coast, particularly in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, with an 8% increase per decade, linked to increasing pre-monsoon rainfall.

8. Rivers like the Chaliyar, Periyar, and Bharathapuzha are increasingly affected by these early-season floods, raising new challenges for coastal and riverine planning in the region.

9. The study also found a shift in flood timing—with delayed floods in the Upper Ganga, earlier floods in Central India, and a general trend of later floods in Southern India, indicating changing seasonal dynamics.

10. These evolving patterns have critical implications for reservoir operations and water security, as declining flood volumes may lead to lower reservoir levels, impacting irrigation, drinking water, and hydropower generation.

11. As a response, the study underscores the need to overhaul India’s flood management system, focusing on early warning systems, green buffer zones, climate-smart urban planning, and resilient infrastructure to adapt to these changing flood regimes.

Enemy Properties Act ,1968

1. In a recent case, the Madhya Pradesh High Court dismissed an actor’s objection to a government notification that declared his property as ‘enemy property’ under the Enemy Property Act, 1968.

2. The Enemy Property Act, 1968 was enacted to deal with properties left behind by people who migrated to enemy countries, specifically Pakistan and China, during or after wars with India.

3. Under the Act, an ‘enemy’ is defined as a country or citizen of a country that has committed external aggression against India—currently, this includes Pakistan and China.

4. The law designates ‘enemy property’ as any property owned, held, or managed on behalf of an enemy, an enemy subject, or an enemy firm (i.e., a company with enemy interests).

5. Once identified, such properties are vested in the Custodian of Enemy Property for India, a statutory authority under the Ministry of Home Affairs, who manages and safeguards these assets.

6. In 2017, a significant amendment to the Act was introduced, which expanded the definition of ‘enemy’, making the law more stringent and far-reaching.

7. The amended law now includes the legal heirs or successors of an enemy—even if they are Indian citizens or belong to countries that are not classified as enemies.

8. Additionally, the amendment covers enemies who have changed their nationality, ensuring that former citizens of enemy states cannot reclaim or claim rights over enemy properties through legal or personal means.

9. This legal framework ensures that properties deemed hostile to national interest remain under government control, preventing commercial or strategic misuse by persons with links to enemy nations.

10. The MP High Court’s decision reaffirms the legal finality of enemy property vesting and reflects the judiciary’s alignment with the national security rationale of the Act.

Red Sea

1. The Red Sea, a strategically important marginal sea (a sea partially enclosed by land), is currently witnessing renewed security threats as Houthis from Yemen claim to have sunk a cargo vessel.

2. Geographically, the Red Sea lies in the north-western part of the Indian Ocean, serving as a vital maritime corridor for global trade and energy transport.

3. To its south, it connects with the Gulf of Aden through the narrow and geopolitically sensitive Strait of Bab el-Mandeb, a key chokepoint for international shipping.

4. In the north, it links to the Mediterranean Sea via the Suez Canal—one of the world’s busiest trade routes, making the Red Sea critical for Europe–Asia maritime trade.

5. The Red Sea is bordered by several countries—Egypt, Sudan, and Eritrea on the western shore, and Saudi Arabia and Yemen along the eastern coast.

6. In the northeast, the Red Sea connects with Israel and Jordan through the Gulf of Aqaba, providing both nations with limited but vital access to maritime trade routes.

7. The northern part of the Red Sea splits into two arms—the Gulf of Suez in the northwest (leading directly to the Suez Canal) and the Gulf of Aqaba in the northeast.

8. The Red Sea is known for having one of the world’s highest salinity levels, primarily due to high evaporation, low rainfall, and no significant river inflow.

9. Unlike many other large water bodies, the Red Sea receives very little precipitation in any form, and no rivers discharge into it, making it a unique marine ecosystem.

10. These geographical and environmental features, combined with current regional instability, underscore the Red Sea’s growing importance—and vulnerability—in both geopolitical and economic terms.

Maritime exercise Jaa Mata

1. The Japanese Coast Guard ship 'Itsukushima' recently docked in Chennai, India, to participate in the bilateral maritime exercise ‘Jaa Mata’, marking a growing collaboration between the two nations.

2. ‘Jaa Mata’, which means ‘See you later’ in Japanese, is a joint sea exercise conducted between the Indian Coast Guard and the Japan Coast Guard.

3. The primary objective of the exercise is to enhance operational capabilities, particularly in areas such as search and rescue, maritime law enforcement, and disaster response.

4. It also aims to refine combat and tactical skills, ensuring both coast guards are prepared for coordinated action during maritime emergencies or security challenges.

5. Most importantly, the exercise strengthens interoperability—the ability of two forces to operate together effectively—through joint drills, knowledge exchange, and real-time coordination.

6. As maritime security becomes increasingly vital in the Indo-Pacific region, such bilateral exercises help build mutual trust, improve response efficiency, and support a free, open, and rules-based maritime order.

Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO)

1. The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) recently recommended that 17 drugs, primarily narcotic medications like Fentanyl, Tramadol (a painkiller), and Diazepam (an anti-anxiety medication), be flushed down the sink to prevent harm to pets and people.

2. The CDSCO is the central drug regulatory authority under the Directorate General of Health Services in the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, responsible for ensuring the safety and efficacy of drugs in India.

3. It operates under the framework of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act of 1940, which governs the regulation of drugs and cosmetics in India.

4. While the manufacture, sale, and distribution of drugs fall primarily under state authorities, the CDSCO handles the central government’s functions, including the approval of new drugs.

5. Key functions of CDSCO include regulatory control over drug imports, such as issuing import licenses and enforcing import regulations to ensure quality and safety.

6. The organisation is also responsible for the approval of new drugs and clinical trials, which involves evaluating the safety and effectiveness of new medications before they enter the market.

7. Additionally, CDSCO has the authority to ban drugs and cosmetics that are found to be unsafe or ineffective, protecting public health.

8. The agency oversees important advisory bodies such as the Drugs Consultative Committee (DCC) and the Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB), which help guide drug regulation policies and technical decisions.

Kharai camels

1. Recently, Kharai camels were rescued in Gujarat after being caught in the rising sea tide, highlighting concerns for this unique breed.

2. The Kharai camel is a domesticated camel breed distinguished by its rare ability to swim in the sea and graze on mangroves, which are coastal salt-tolerant trees.

3. Indigenous to Gujarat, particularly the Kutch region, the camel’s name comes from the local word “Khara” meaning saline, reflecting its exceptional adaptability to both desert and coastal ecosystems.

4. For over 400 years, the breed has been preserved and nurtured by the Rabari and Fakirani Jat tribes, who rely on it for livelihood and cultural heritage.

5. Additionally, the milk of Kharai camels is noted for being nutrient-rich and is believed to have therapeutic benefits, making it valuable beyond traditional uses.

Indian Telecom Services Yearly Performance Indicators

1. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has released the Indian Telecom Services Yearly Performance Indicators for the year 2024-25, providing a comprehensive overview of the sector’s growth.

2. The number of internet subscribers in India increased from 954.40 million in 2024 to 969.10 million in 2025, indicating continued digital penetration.

3. Similarly, telephone subscribers rose marginally from 1,199.28 million in 2024 to 1,200.80 million in 2025, reflecting a steady demand for telecom services.

4. Despite the rise in subscribers, the overall tele-density—defined as the number of telephone connections per 100 individuals—slightly decreased from 85.69% in 2024 to 85.04% in 2025.

5. This tele-density gap varies between urban and rural areas, where urban tele-density stands at a high 131.45%, often due to multiple connections per person, while rural tele-density remains significantly lower at 59.06%, highlighting persistent connectivity challenges.

BIND Scheme

1. Under the BIND Scheme (2023), a new Akashvani Kendra (radio station) is set to be established in Ujjain, aimed at strengthening regional broadcasting.

2. The BIND Scheme is a Central Sector Scheme implemented by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, focusing on improving India’s public broadcasting infrastructure.

3. Its main objective is to provide financial support to Prasar Bharati, the country’s public broadcaster that operates All India Radio (AIR) and Doordarshan (DD), for expanding and upgrading broadcasting facilities and content development.

4. This initiative enhances Prasar Bharati’s ability to reach wider audiences through better technology and enriched programming, contributing to national information dissemination and cultural promotion.

⁠National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC)

1. The National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) submitted its Annual Report for 2023-24 to the President of India, highlighting its ongoing work for Scheduled Castes (SC).

2. The NCSC was established under the Constitution (Eighty-Ninth Amendment) Act, 2003, which replaced the earlier combined National Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes with two separate bodies:

   • NCSC under Article 338

   • National Commission for Scheduled Tribes under Article 338-A.

3. The key functions of the NCSC include investigating and monitoring all matters relating to the safeguards provided for Scheduled Castes, ensuring their rights and protections under the law.

4. Additionally, it has the authority to inquire into specific complaints concerning the deprivation of rights and safeguards of Scheduled Castes, acting as a watchdog for their welfare.

5. The commission’s composition consists of a Chairperson, a Vice-Chairperson, and three other members, all appointed by the President of India to oversee its mandate.

6. Importantly, the NCSC is vested with the powers of a civil court in certain matters, enabling it to summon witnesses, require documents, and adjudicate issues related to SC rights effectively.

Carrying Capacity

1. The Uttarakhand government has initiated assessments of the carrying capacity of its cities to monitor and prevent ecological imbalances caused by overpopulation or resource overuse.

2. Carrying capacity refers to the maximum size of a population or community that an ecosystem can sustainably support over an indefinite period using its available resources and services.

3. This capacity is generally determined by three key factors:

   • The number of resources (like water, food, and shelter) available in the ecosystem;

   • The size of the population or community relying on those resources; and

   • The per capita consumption—that is, how much each individual in the community consumes from those resources.

India Maize Summit 2025

1. The Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare emphasized the significance of Maize during the India Maize Summit 2025, highlighting its crucial role in agriculture.

2. Maize, primarily a Kharif crop (monsoon season crop), is valued both as a staple food and as fodder for livestock.

3. Globally, maize is known as the “queen of cereals” due to its highest genetic yield potential among cereal crops, making it a vital food source.

4. It thrives best in well-drained sandy loamy to silty loamy soils, particularly old alluvial soils, with an ideal soil pH range of 5.5 to 7.5, which measures soil acidity or alkalinity.

5. The optimal temperature for maize cultivation ranges between 21°C to 27°C, suitable for its healthy growth.

6. In India, major maize-growing states include Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh, while globally, it is widely cultivated in North America, Brazil, China, Russia, Canada, and Mexico.

Battery Passport

1. NITI Aayog has initiated discussions with various ministries and departments on the proposed Battery Passport framework, aiming to enhance battery tracking and management.

2. The need for such a Battery Passport is also highlighted in the European Union Batteries Regulation (2023), which mandates it for industrial batteries with a capacity exceeding 2kWh (kilowatt-hour, a unit of energy).

3. A Battery Passport functions like an Aadhar (India’s unique identity system), assigning every battery a unique digital ID embedded in a QR code that stores detailed information such as the battery’s origin, performance metrics, chemical composition, and end-of-life status.

4. This system’s significance lies in improving safety and quality standards, accelerating the export potential of Electric Vehicles (EVs) from India, and promoting a transparent and circular supply chain—a sustainable approach where materials are reused and recycled.

Guadalupe River

1. Recent floods caused by heavy rainfall have led to significant damage in central Texas, especially along the Guadalupe River.

2. The Guadalupe River is a spring-fed river, originating from its North and South Forks in Kerr County, Texas, and eventually empties into San Antonio Bay at the Gulf of Mexico.

3. Key features of its basin include the Canyon Reservoir and the Edwards Aquifer, which lies within the Balcones Fault Zone—a geologically active area near San Antonio.

4. Historically, the river and its surrounding region are known for frequent flash flooding, earning it the nickname "Flash Flood Alley."

5. The term Flash Flood Alley describes an area with steep terrain, high rainfall, and shallow soil, all factors that combine to create sudden and severe floods.

Jal Jeevan Mission

1. The Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), launched in 2019 as a centrally sponsored scheme under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, aims to provide Functional Household Tap Connections (FHTC) across rural India.

2. The mission’s objective is to ensure safe and adequate drinking water through individual household tap connections to all rural households, with the timeline extended from 2024 to 2028.

3. Since drinking water is a State subject under the Indian Constitution, the planning, approval, implementation, operation, and maintenance of drinking water supply schemes rest primarily with the State governments.

4. To support these efforts, the Government of India provides technical and financial assistance, supplementing State initiatives to achieve JJM’s goals.

5. However, the mission currently faces major roadblocks due to funding challenges, which could slow down the progress in achieving universal tap water connectivity in rural areas.

Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Amendment Rules, 2025

1. The Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Amendment Rules, 2025 were notified by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and will come into force from 1st April 2026.

2. These rules introduce a comprehensive Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework specifically for Scrap of Non-Ferrous Metals, which include metals like aluminum, copper, zinc, and their alloys.

   • EPR, a regulatory approach making producers responsible for collecting, recycling, or disposing of products after consumer use.

   • Non-Ferrous Metals, that do not contain significant amounts of iron, such as aluminum, copper, and zinc, known for corrosion resistance and conductivity.

3. Under this EPR framework, every producer is mandated to meet progressively increasing recycling targets, starting at 10% for 2026-27 and rising to 75% by 2032-33.

4. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) will be responsible for generating EPR certificates through an online portal to verify compliance.

   • CPCB is the national authority responsible for monitoring and enforcing environmental laws in India.

5. Each EPR certificate will remain valid for two years from the end of the financial year in which it was issued.

6. The significance of this EPR framework lies in acknowledging the time industries need to adapt, representing a major step towards a circular economy—an economic system focused on reducing waste and reusing resources.

   • Circular Economy: An economic model aiming to minimize waste and make the most of resources through reuse, recycling, and sustainable design.

7. This framework also covers a broad range of products, ensuring widespread impact in managing non-ferrous metal waste responsibly.

8. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is a policy approach that holds producers accountable for the end-of-life management of their products and packaging, encouraging sustainable waste management.

9. The concept of EPR was first introduced in India under the E-Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 2011, marking the beginning of producer accountability for waste management.

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 and X.