Daily Current Affairs - 8th & 9th 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 Ni-Cu-PGE) sulphide, Centenary of MS Swaminathan, Joint Doctrines for Cyberspace and Amphibious Operations, Universal Banking Space, Awaza Programme of Action 2024-2034, New Lichen Species Allographa effusosoredica, UN Women’s SheLeads Programme, and more...

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India's First Discovery of Ni-Cu-PGE Sulphide in Chhattisgarh

1. India has made its first-ever discovery of Nickel-Copper-Platinum Group Element (Ni-Cu-PGE) sulphide in the Bhalukona-Jamnidih block of Mahasamund district, located in Chhattisgarh.

   • Nickel (Ni) is one of the key elements found in this sulphide deposit.

   • Nickel is primarily used in the production of stainless steel and specialty alloys.

   • It is also a critical component in lithium-ion batteries, especially for electric vehicles (EVs).

2. Copper (Cu) is the second important element present in the discovery.

   • Copper is widely used in electrical wiring, electronics, plumbing, and construction due to its excellent electrical and thermal conductivity.

3. The third category of elements found are the Platinum Group Elements (PGEs), which include platinum, palladium, rhodium, ruthenium, iridium, and osmium.

4. PGEs are rare and highly valuable, used extensively as catalysts in automobile exhaust systems to reduce harmful emissions.

5. They are also important in jewellery, electronic components, and hydrogen fuel cell technologies.

   • Hydrogen fuel cells are devices that convert chemical energy from hydrogen into electricity, emitting only water as a by-product.

6. The Ni-Cu-PGE group is classified as a strategic mineral group.

7. These elements are critical for clean energy technologies, especially as the world transitions away from fossil fuels.

8. They are also vital in the production of electric vehicles (EVs), supporting global efforts toward sustainable transportation.

9. Additionally, Ni-Cu-PGEs have applications in defence technologies, making them important for national security.

10. The discovery enhances India’s position in the global supply chain of critical and strategic minerals.

11. It supports India's goals under the energy transition roadmap, aiming for a low-carbon and sustainable future.

Centenary of MS Swaminathan Celebrated with Global Conference on Green and Evergreen Revolutions

1. Prime Minister inaugurated the MS Swaminathan Centenary International Conference on the occasion of his 100th birth anniversary.

2. The theme of the conference is "Evergreen Revolution, The Pathway to Biohappiness", reflecting his vision for sustainable agriculture and human well-being.

3. MS Swaminathan (1925–2023) is globally recognized as the Father of the Green Revolution in India.

   • He was awarded the Ramon Magsaysay Award in 1971, honoring his contributions to food security.

   • He received the World Food Prize in 1987, becoming its first-ever recipient.

   • In 1994, he was conferred the UNEP Sasakawa Environment Prize for promoting environmentally sustainable farming.

   • In 1999, he was honored with the UNESCO Gandhi Gold Medal for his efforts towards food and livelihood security.

   • He was posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna in 2024, India's highest civilian award.

4. Between 1980–1982, he served as a Member of the Planning Commission of India, contributing to national agricultural policies.

5. He chaired the UN Commission on Science and Technology for Development, guiding global research direction.

6. He also served as the Director General of the International Rice Research Institute in the Philippines.

7. He founded the M. S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) to promote sustainable agriculture and rural development.

Key Scientific Contributions:

1. In the 1950s, he developed frost-resistant potato hybrids, enhancing crop resilience in cold climates.

2. During the same period, he successfully crossed fragile indica rice with hardier japonica varieties, leading to robust, high-yield rice strains.

3. In 1963, alongside Norman Borlaug, he initiated a wheat breeding program using dwarfing genes.

4. Dwarfing genes produce shorter and sturdier wheat plants, which prevent lodging (falling over) and lead to higher grain yields.

5. These breakthroughs laid the foundation for the Green Revolution in India, which began in the 1960s.

   • The Green Revolution refers to the adoption of high-yield varieties, modern farming techniques, and irrigation and fertilizer use to significantly increase food production.

6. He introduced the concept of "Crop Cafeterias", where multiple crop varieties are grown together to ensure diet diversity and better nutrition.

7. He promoted "Crop Distribution Agronomy", a flexible method that allows mid-season adjustments in crop selection to optimize yield and quality.

Policy & Institutional Work:

• He chaired the National Commission on Farmers, which submitted the Swaminathan Report outlining ways to improve productivity, profitability, and sustainability in Indian farming.

Evergreen Revolution:

1. The term "Evergreen Revolution" was coined by MS Swaminathan, defined as increasing agricultural productivity in perpetuity without ecological harm.

2. He emphasized the need for Organic Agriculture, which avoids synthetic chemicals, and Green Agriculture, which integrates eco-friendly practices.

3. Integrated Pest Management (IPM), Integrated Nutrient Supply, and Integrated Natural Resource Management are central to this approach.

   • IPM involves controlling pests using biological, physical, and cultural methods, reducing reliance on chemical pesticides.

   • Integrated Nutrient Supply combines organic and inorganic fertilizers to maintain soil fertility sustainably.

   • Integrated Natural Resource Management promotes the balanced use of land, water, and biodiversity for long-term sustainability.

4. He introduced Village Knowledge Centres, providing real-time, localized agricultural information to farmers.

5. He also proposed the concept of Biovillages, which focus on sustainable natural resource use and promoting farm and non-farm rural livelihoods.

6. His model emphasizes social equity, economic viability, and gender equality in agricultural development.

RBI Clears Path for AU SFB to Enter Universal Banking Space

1. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has granted ‘in-principle’ approval to AU Small Finance Bank for its transition from a Small Finance Bank (SFB) to a Universal Bank.

2. A Universal Banking Licence allows a financial institution to offer a wide array of banking services, including commercial and investment banking, under one roof.

3. The last time such licences were granted was in 2014, to Bandhan Bank and IDFC Bank, which later became IDFC First Bank.

4. To be eligible for this transition, an SFB must have scheduled status for at least five years.

   • Scheduled status means the bank is included in the Second Schedule of the RBI Act, which confers certain privileges like access to RBI facilities.

5. The bank’s shares must be listed on a recognised stock exchange. It should have a minimum net worth of ₹1,000 crore.

6. The bank must show net profits in the last two financial years (FYs).

7. Its asset quality must be strong, with Gross Non-Performing Assets (G-NPA) and Net NPA (N-NPA) less than or equal to 3% and 1%, respectively, over the last two FYs.

   • Non-Performing Assets (NPAs) refer to loans on which the borrower is not making interest or principal repayments.

8. During the transition, there should be no addition or change in promoters.

9. SFBs with a diversified loan portfolio will be given preference.

   • Small Finance Banks (SFBs) were first announced in the Union Budget of 2014-15 to promote financial inclusion.

10. SFBs are registered as public limited companies under the Companies Act, 2013.

11. They are licensed and regulated under the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.

12. The minimum capital requirement for most SFBs is ₹200 crore.

13. Eligible promoters of SFBs are usually resident individuals or professionals with at least 10 years of experience in banking and finance.

Ad Valorem Duty

1. The United States has announced it will impose an additional 25% ad valorem duty on certain Indian goods.

2. This new duty will be applied above the existing 25% reciprocal tariffs that are already in place on imports from India.

3. The term ‘Ad Valorem’ is derived from Latin, meaning “According to Value”.

4. An ad valorem duty is a type of tax levied as a percentage of the value of the imported goods or services.

5. Unlike specific duties, it is not based on quantity, weight, or volume, but rather on the monetary value of the item.

   • For example, if an item is valued at $100, a 25% ad valorem duty would amount to $25 in tax.

6. Such duties are commonly used in international trade to regulate imports and protect domestic industries.

7. The imposition of ad valorem duties can lead to higher costs for importers and consumers in the target country.

8. This move by the USA reflects ongoing trade tensions and efforts to balance trade relationships with India.

Virgin Polymers

1. According to a study, India contributes 4% to the global production of four major Virgin Polymers.

2. In this sector, China is the largest producer of Virgin Polymers globally.

3. A Virgin Polymer is a type of plastic material made directly from raw petrochemical feedstocks.

   • Petrochemical feedstocks are raw materials like natural gas or crude oil used in the chemical industry.

4. Virgin polymers have not been previously used or processed, unlike recycled plastics.

5. Common examples of virgin polymers include polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polystyrene (PS), and polycarbonate (PC).

6. These polymers are widely used across various industries due to their versatile properties.

   • Virgin polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) are heavily used in packaging materials.

   • Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is commonly used in bottles and textile fibers.

   • Polystyrene (PS) is used in disposable containers, insulation, and packaging.

   • Polycarbonate (PC) finds applications in medical devices, automotive components, and electronics.

7. Virgin polymers are also crucial in the production of textiles, medical equipment, and various consumer goods.

8. One of the key advantages of virgin polymers is that they offer uniform physical and chemical properties.

9. They are free from impurities and provide superior mechanical strength compared to recycled plastics.

10. However, despite these benefits, virgin polymers pose significant environmental concerns.

11. They have a higher carbon footprint, which refers to the total greenhouse gas emissions caused during their production.

12. Their production relies heavily on non-renewable fossil resources like oil and natural gas.

13. In addition, virgin polymers are non-biodegradable, contributing to long-term plastic pollution.

14. The environmental impact of virgin polymers has led to increasing interest in recycled and biodegradable alternatives.

New Lichen Species Allographa effusosoredica Discovered in India’s Western Ghats

1. A new species of lichen, named Allographa effusosoredica, has been discovered in the Western Ghats.

2. Lichen is a unique organism formed by a symbiotic association between two components: a fungus called the mycobiont and at least one photosynthetic partner known as the photobiont.

   • The photobiont can be a microalga, usually a green alga, or a cyanobacterium, or sometimes both.

3. This partnership allows lichens to survive in harsh environments by combining fungal protection with photosynthetic energy production.

4. Lichens are valuable to humans as a source of drugs, medicines, and perfumes.

5. They are also used in the production of foodstuffs, dyes, and various useful chemical compounds.

6. Ecologically, lichens play a role in invading bare areas such as rocks, helping to initiate soil formation.

7. Due to their sensitivity to air quality, lichens serve as effective bio-monitors for air pollution.

8. This means they can help scientists track environmental health by indicating levels of pollutants in the air.

Decline of Starfish Populations Due to Vibrio Infection

1. Starfish, also known as Sea Stars, are marine animals named for their distinctive star-like shape.

2. They belong to a group of marine invertebrates called echinoderms, which also includes sea urchins and sea cucumbers.

3. Recently, starfish populations have been dying due to infection from the bacterium Vibrio pectenicida.

4. This bacterium is related to the group of Vibrio bacteria that also cause cholera in humans.

5. Starfish are primarily predatory organisms in marine ecosystems.

6. They feed mainly on invertebrates such as mussels and clams, using their unique feeding mechanisms.

7. One remarkable ability of starfish is regeneration, which means they can regrow damaged or lost arms.

8. Some species can even regenerate an entire new body from just one arm under certain conditions.

9. Starfish do not have a blood-based circulatory system like humans.

10. Instead, they use a water vascular system, which is a network of fluid-filled canals that transport oxygen and nutrients using seawater. This system also helps in movement and feeding.

11. Ecologically, starfish play the role of important predators in their marine habitats. They help maintain balance in marine ecosystems by controlling populations of other invertebrates.

Second Edition of UN Women’s SheLeads Programme Launched in India

1. The second edition of the SheLeads programme, a flagship initiative by UN Women, was recently inaugurated in India.

2. SheLeads is a capacity-building programme designed to strengthen the skills and confidence of women leaders.

3. The programme aims to advance gender equality in public and political leadership.

4. It specifically supports women's participation in elections, both as candidates and leaders.

5. The initiative promotes the active involvement of women in political decision-making processes.

6. UN Women is the lead United Nations entity dedicated to gender equality and women’s empowerment.

   • It was formally established in July 2010 by the United Nations General Assembly.

   • The organization works globally to uphold women’s rights and ensure equal opportunities for all women and girls.

   • UN Women's core focus areas include promoting leadership and political participation among women.

   • Another focus area is economic empowerment, which refers to improving women’s access to income and economic resources.

   • It also works to ensure freedom from violence for women and girls, particularly addressing gender-based violence.

   • Women, peace and security is another priority area, ensuring women’s roles in conflict resolution and peace-building.

   • UN Women also engages in humanitarian action, integrating gender perspectives in emergency responses and recovery efforts.

New Coastal Shipping Bill 2025

1. The Parliament of India has cleared the Coastal Shipping Bill, 2025 to strengthen the coastal economy of the country.

2. The bill was proposed for adoption by the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW).

3. It aims to reduce India’s dependence on foreign vessels for domestic cargo movement along its coastline.

4. The bill seeks to simplify and modernise the legal framework governing coastal shipping operations in India.

   • Coastal shipping refers to the movement of cargo and passengers between ports located on the Indian coast, without crossing international waters.

5. One of the key components of the bill is the introduction of a National Coastal and Inland Shipping Strategic Plan.

6. This strategic plan offers a long-term policy and infrastructure roadmap for the development of the shipping sector. It aims to improve connectivity, efficiency, and the competitiveness of India’s coastal and inland waterways.

7. Another important provision is the creation of a National Database for Coastal Shipping.

8. This database will provide real-time and transparent data, supporting better decision-making for investors, planners, and policymakers.

9. The bill aligns with India’s broader vision of promoting green, efficient, and integrated multimodal transport systems.

Awaza Programme of Action 2024-2034 Adopted at Third UN LLDC Conference in Turkmenistan

1. The Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC3) was recently opened in Awaza, Turkmenistan.

   • This conference acts as a crucial platform to implement the newly adopted Awaza Programme of Action (APoA) for the period 2024-2034.

2. The Awaza Programme of Action (APoA) was adopted by consensus at the UN General Assembly in December 2024.

3. APoA provides a comprehensive framework aimed at addressing the persistent development challenges faced by Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs).

   • Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) are nations without direct access to the sea, which face unique trade and development obstacles.

4. One of the key deliverables of APoA is the establishment of Regional Agricultural Research Hubs.

5. These hubs are designed to strengthen food security by promoting agricultural innovation and cooperation.

6. Another significant initiative is the launch of an Infrastructure Investment Finance Facility.

7. This facility aims to mobilize critical funding for infrastructure development in LLDCs.

8. APoA also supports the development of a UNFCCC Negotiating Body to advance trade and climate resilience.

9. UNFCCC stands for the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, a global treaty addressing climate change.

10. The negotiating body will help LLDCs better integrate climate considerations into their development and trade policies.

11. Overall, the Awaza Programme of Action seeks to enhance sustainable development, connectivity, and resilience for LLDCs over the next decade.

New Joint Doctrines for Cyberspace and Amphibious Operations

1. The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) has released the Joint Doctrine for Cyberspace Operations and the Joint Doctrine for Amphibious Operations.

2. The declassification of these doctrines reflects India’s commitment to enhancing visibility, accessibility, and wider dissemination of joint war-fighting concepts.

3. These doctrines reinforce India’s strategic focus on greater jointness and integration within the armed forces.

Joint Doctrine for Cyberspace Operations:

1. This doctrine outlines a unified approach to defending national cyberspace interests.

2. It focuses on the integration of offensive and defensive cyber capabilities across the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

3. The doctrine promotes synchronised cyber operations, ensuring coordinated action among all three services.

4. Key focus areas include threat-informed planning, which means planning based on a clear understanding of potential cyber threats.

5. It also emphasises resilience building, which involves strengthening cyber infrastructure to withstand attacks.

6. The doctrine stresses real-time intelligence integration, allowing quick and informed cyber responses.

7. It advocates for the development of joint cyber capabilities, ensuring a combined cyber warfare force for national defence.

Joint Doctrine for Amphibious Operations:

1. This doctrine provides a comprehensive framework to guide amphibious operations, which involve coordinated landings by sea, air, and land forces.

2. It focuses on interoperability, or the ability of forces to operate seamlessly together, and rapid response in crisis situations.

3. The 2025 edition is a revised version of the 2008 doctrine, updated to match current geo-strategic realities and enhanced military capabilities.

4. It supports the development of a balanced amphibious capability, which helps deter threats in sensitive coastal and island regions.

5. The doctrine also enables Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations and evacuation missions during peacetime.

New Doctrines in Development:

1. The CDS has initiated the development of several new joint doctrines to enhance multi-domain operational readiness.

2. These include doctrines for Military Space Operations, Special Forces Operations, Airborne/Heliborne Operations, Integrated Logistics, and Multi-Domain Operations.

About Jointness and Integration:

1. Jointness refers to the synergised use of resources from the Army, Navy, and Air Force, while respecting each service’s unique capabilities.

2. The goal is to achieve optimum results, enhance coordination, and avoid duplication of efforts.

Key Initiatives for Jointness and Integration:

1. A proposal is under consideration for the creation of Integrated Theatre Commands (ITCs) and Integrated Battle Groups (IBGs) to enhance operational readiness.

2. The Department of Military Affairs (DMA) was created in 2020, with the CDS acting as its Secretary.

3. The DMA was established to ensure the optimal use of defence resources and promote jointness among the three services.

4. Since 2021, three Joint Logistic Nodes (JLNs) have been made operational at Mumbai, Guwahati, and Port Blair.

5. These JLNs aim to enable logistics integration and improve support efficiency among the services.

6. Additionally, the Inter-Services Organisations (Command, Control, and Discipline) Rules, 2025 have been introduced to facilitate unified command structures.