UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 10 July 2025
Kartavya Desk Staff
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 10 July 2025 covers important current affairs of the day, their backward linkages, their relevance for Prelims exam and MCQs on main articles
InstaLinks : Insta Links help you think beyond the current affairs issue and help you think multidimensionally to develop depth in your understanding of these issues. These linkages provided in this ‘hint’ format help you frame possible questions in your mind that might arise(or an examiner might imagine) from each current event. InstaLinks also connect every issue to their static or theoretical background.
Table of Contents
GS Paper 2 : (UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 10 July (2025)
• PARAKH Rashtriya Sarvekshan Report
PARAKH Rashtriya Sarvekshan Report
• India & the Global South
India & the Global South
GS Paper 3:
• Draft Petroleum & Natural Gas Rules, 2025
Draft Petroleum & Natural Gas Rules, 2025
Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):
• Study on Banning Problematic Plastics
Study on Banning Problematic Plastics
Facts for Prelims (FFP):
• Extended Range Anti-Submarine Rocket (ERASR)
Extended Range Anti-Submarine Rocket (ERASR)
• Catastrophe Bonds (Cat Bonds)
Catastrophe Bonds (Cat Bonds)
• Optical Atomic Clock
Optical Atomic Clock
• Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) Drones
Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) Drones
• Order of the Most Ancient Welwitschia Mirabilis
Order of the Most Ancient Welwitschia Mirabilis
• Tarragona Province
Tarragona Province
Mapping:
• Mahisagar (Mahi) River
Mahisagar (Mahi) River
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 10 July 2025
#### GS Paper 2:
PARAKH Rashtriya Sarvekshan Report
Syllabus: Education
Source: TH
Context: The PARAKH Rashtriya Sarvekshan Report has revealed significant learning deficits among Indian students, especially in mathematics, language, and science across Grades 3, 6, and 9.
About PARAKH Rashtriya Sarvekshan Report:
PARAKH Report:
• What it is? A national-level, competency-based student assessment under PARAKH – Performance Assessment, Review, and Analysis of Knowledge for Holistic Development – earlier known as the National Achievement Survey (NAS).
• A national-level, competency-based student assessment under PARAKH – Performance Assessment, Review, and Analysis of Knowledge for Holistic Development – earlier known as the National Achievement Survey (NAS).
• Released by: Ministry of Education, Government of India; conducted in December 2024 by NCERT under the national assessment body PARAKH.
Key Summary of Findings:
Grade 3:
• Language: 60% could read and comprehend short stories and instructions. 67% could use vocabulary in daily interactions.
• 60% could read and comprehend short stories and instructions.
• 67% could use vocabulary in daily interactions.
• Maths: Only 55% could arrange numbers up to 99 correctly. 58% could add and subtract two-digit numbers; only 54% understood multiplication/division concepts. 50% could identify geometric shapes and perform money transactions up to ₹100.
• Only 55% could arrange numbers up to 99 correctly.
• 58% could add and subtract two-digit numbers; only 54% understood multiplication/division concepts.
• 50% could identify geometric shapes and perform money transactions up to ₹100.
Grade 6:
• Maths: Just 38% could solve daily-life arithmetic problems. Only 29% could work with fractions; 42% could estimate area, perimeter, and volume.
• Just 38% could solve daily-life arithmetic problems.
• Only 29% could work with fractions; 42% could estimate area, perimeter, and volume.
• EVS & Social Understanding: 44% could observe and describe natural and social elements. 38% could identify patterns in environment (moon phases, rituals, climate change, etc.). 56% could explain functions of institutions like panchayats, banks, schools.
• 44% could observe and describe natural and social elements.
• 38% could identify patterns in environment (moon phases, rituals, climate change, etc.).
• 56% could explain functions of institutions like panchayats, banks, schools.
Grade 9:
• Language: 54% could extract main ideas from editorials or reports.
• 54% could extract main ideas from editorials or reports.
• Maths: Only 28–31% could apply percentage or fractions in real life. 31% understood number sets (integers, rational, real).
• Only 28–31% could apply percentage or fractions in real life.
• 31% understood number sets (integers, rational, real).
• Science: Just 34% could distinguish between living and non-living traits. 37% could explain pressure, temperature, and density-based phenomena. One-third explained electric circuits, hormonal changes, and magnetic effects.
• Just 34% could distinguish between living and non-living traits.
• 37% could explain pressure, temperature, and density-based phenomena.
• One-third explained electric circuits, hormonal changes, and magnetic effects.
Top and Bottom Performers:
• Top States/UTs: Punjab, Kerala, Himachal Pradesh, Chandigarh, Dadra & Nagar Haveli-Daman & Diu (all three grades).
• Low-performing Districts: Meghalaya (Garo Hills), Shi Yomi (Arunachal), Reasi & Rajouri (J&K), Sahebganj (Jharkhand).
• School Type Trends: Grade 3: Lowest math scores in Kendriya Vidyalayas. Grade 6: Weak math outcomes in state-run and aided schools. Grade 9: Kendriya Vidyalayas performed best in language.
• Grade 3: Lowest math scores in Kendriya Vidyalayas.
• Grade 6: Weak math outcomes in state-run and aided schools.
• Grade 9: Kendriya Vidyalayas performed best in language.
India & the Global South
Syllabus: International Relations
Source: DH
Context: Indian Prime Minister five-nation tour across Ghana, Trinidad & Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia marked a strategic outreach to the Global South, strengthening India’s leadership in the developing world.
About India & the Global South:
• What is Global South? The Global South refers to a grouping of developing and emerging countries—mostly in Asia, Africa, Latin America, and Oceania—that share similar developmental challenges and seek greater representation in global decision-making platforms.
• The Global South refers to a grouping of developing and emerging countries—mostly in Asia, Africa, Latin America, and Oceania—that share similar developmental challenges and seek greater representation in global decision-making platforms.
• Origin:
• The term emerged in the 1960s, first used by Carl Oglesby during the Vietnam War. Gained prominence with the Brandt Line (1980), which demarcated the wealthy North from the underdeveloped South. Popularised in recent decades due to dissatisfaction with the global governance system, especially after COVID-19, Ukraine war, and climate crises.
• The term emerged in the 1960s, first used by Carl Oglesby during the Vietnam War.
• Gained prominence with the Brandt Line (1980), which demarcated the wealthy North from the underdeveloped South.
• Popularised in recent decades due to dissatisfaction with the global governance system, especially after COVID-19, Ukraine war, and climate crises.
Key Characteristics:
• Geographic Fluidity: Not strictly southern—includes countries like India and China in the northern hemisphere.
• Economic & Political Marginalisation: Limited voice in global institutions like UN, IMF, and World Bank.
• Development Priorities: Focused on poverty reduction, food and energy security, climate justice, and equitable trade.
• Institutional Platforms: Represented by G77 (134 countries), Non-Aligned Movement (120 nations), and India-led Voice of the Global South summits.
Key Challenges to the Global South:
• Climate Vulnerability: Developing nations bear the brunt of climate change despite low per capita emissions.
E.g., African nations contribute <4% to global CO₂ emissions but face severe climate shocks.
• Debt Distress: Many nations face external debt burdens, worsened by COVID-19 and global inflation.
E.g., Sri Lanka’s economic crisis and Zambia’s debt default highlight structural fragility.
• Resource Weaponisation: Strategic minerals like lithium and rare earths are monopolised, limiting access to green energy tech.
E.g., China controls 70% of rare earth processing globally.
• Digital Inequality: Lack of digital infrastructure widens the AI and fintech divide between North and South.
• Geopolitical Marginalisation: The Global South lacks permanent representation in key global institutions like the UNSC.
India’s Role in the Global South:
• Diplomatic Voice: India hosted Voice of the Global South Summits (2023 & 2024) and backed African Union’s G20 membership. E.g. India’s G20 Presidency in 2023 amplified Southern concerns.
• E.g. India’s G20 Presidency in 2023 amplified Southern concerns.
• Strategic Partnerships: Ghana: Rare earth mineral mining, maritime security Argentina: Lithium exploration deal via KABIL in Catamarca Namibia: UPI fintech rollout, biofuels, and critical minerals Brazil: Defence deals, including interest in Akash missile system
• Ghana: Rare earth mineral mining, maritime security
• Argentina: Lithium exploration deal via KABIL in Catamarca
• Namibia: UPI fintech rollout, biofuels, and critical minerals
• Brazil: Defence deals, including interest in Akash missile system
• Cultural Diplomacy: PM Modi’s addresses to foreign parliaments, yoga promotion, and diaspora engagement boost India’s soft power.
• Balanced Foreign Policy: India has hedged its position on Gaza and Iran at BRICS, retaining strategic autonomy while retaining Global South trust.
• Technology & Infrastructure Export: Initiatives like Digital Public Infrastructure (UPI, telemedicine) and support for climate-resilient infra via CDRI are bridging divides.
Way Ahead:
• Champion Multilateral Reform: India must lead efforts for UNSC, WTO, and IMF reforms to reflect Global South aspirations.
• Secure Equitable Mineral Access: India should de-risk mineral supply chains through strategic investments in Africa and Latin America.
• Expand South-South Finance: Use platforms like BRICS Bank and ISA to finance clean energy, tech, and health projects.
• Institutionalise Voice of Global South: Create a permanent Global South forum, led by India, to coordinate positions in global summits.
• Deepen Regional Ties: Strengthen ties with CARICOM, AU, ECOWAS, and Mercosur to promote shared development agendas.
Conclusion:
India’s renewed outreach signals its transition from aid receiver to agenda setter in the Global South. Through strategic diplomacy, economic cooperation, and cultural leadership, India is positioning itself as a trusted partner in a multipolar world. This momentum must now translate into lasting institutions and inclusive governance reforms.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 10 July 2025 GS Paper 3:
Draft Petroleum & Natural Gas Rules, 2025
Syllabus: Terrorism
- •Source: FE*
Context: The Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas has released the Draft Petroleum & Natural Gas Rules, 2025, aimed at modernising India’s upstream oil and gas regulatory framework.
About Draft Petroleum & Natural Gas Rules, 2025:
Key Features of Draft Petroleum & Natural Gas Rules, 2025:
• Stabilisation Clause: Protects exploration licensees from future hikes in taxes/royalties by allowing compensation or deductions.
• Third-Party Access: Lessees must declare underutilised pipeline and facility capacity and permit fair access under government oversight.
• Integration of Renewables: Allows solar, wind, hydrogen, and geothermal projects within oilfields, ensuring synergy with decarbonisation.
• Environmental Norms: Mandatory GHG monitoring, carbon capture & storage (CCS) frameworks, and site restoration funds with 5-year post-closure monitoring.
• Data Governance: All operational data will be owned by the Government of India; external use requires prior approval and confidentiality of up to 7 years.
• Adjudication Mechanism: A dedicated Adjudicating Authority (Joint Secretary rank) to resolve disputes, enforce compliance, and penalise violations.
• Contractual Reforms: Revised Model Revenue Sharing Contract (MRSC) and Petroleum Lease formats include provisions for lease mergers, unitisation, and relinquishment.
• Replaces Outdated Laws: To supersede the Petroleum Concession Rules, 1949 and PNG Rules, 1959, and aligns with the amended Oilfields Act, 1948.
Importance of Petroleum & Natural Gas Industry in India:
• Energy Security Backbone: Accounts for over 35% of India’s total energy mix, meeting crucial transportation and industrial demand.
• Employment & Investment: Major driver of FDI inflows, domestic employment, and infrastructure development.
• Strategic Significance: Supports India’s diplomacy through energy partnerships in West Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
• Revenue Contribution: Contributes significantly to the exchequer through taxes, royalties, and dividends from PSU oil firms.
• Transition Enabler: Forms the base for hybrid infrastructure that can later integrate green hydrogen and CCS systems.
Why Reforms Were Needed?
• Outdated Framework: The previous rules (1949 & 1959) lacked clarity on modern exploration, renewables, and investor protection.
• Global Energy Transition: India’s upstream rules needed alignment with net-zero goals and global climate commitments.
• Ease of Doing Business: Investors demanded regulatory clarity, fiscal stability, and faster approvals.
• Underutilised Assets: Need to unlock shared use of pipeline infrastructure to avoid duplication and reduce costs.
• Upcoming OALP Round X: India’s largest-ever E&P bidding round needed updated norms to attract global participation.
Implications of New Draft Rules:
• Boost to Private Investment: Stability clauses and simplified lease processes make India a more attractive E&P destination.
• Green Energy Integration: Aligns fossil fuel operations with India’s net-zero roadmap via hybrid energy projects.
• Transparency and Accountability: Data ownership, third-party oversight, and adjudicating authority improve sector governance.
• Operational Flexibility: Encourages unitisation of reservoirs, infrastructure-sharing, and lease optimisation across blocks.
• Climate Resilience: Mandates CCS and GHG tracking, reinforcing India’s global leadership on sustainable fossil fuel use.
Conclusion:
The Draft Petroleum & Natural Gas Rules, 2025, represent a structural overhaul of India’s upstream energy sector. They aim to make the ecosystem more investor-friendly, environmentally compliant, and globally aligned. As India targets both energy security and decarbonisation, these reforms offer a vital bridge for balanced growth.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 10 July 2025 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)
Study on Banning Problematic Plastics
Context: A new WWF-commissioned study by Earth Action reveals that banning or phasing out problematic plastic products could result in $4.7–$8 trillion in global savings between 2025 and 2040.
About Study on Banning Problematic Plastics:
• Commissioned by: World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF)
• Conducted by: Earth Action (EA) using the Plasteax dataset
• Objective: Assess costs, benefits, and timelines of immediate bans vs phased approaches to eliminate high-risk plastic products.
• Key Findings: Massive Savings: Up to $8 trillion saved through an immediate global ban, $7 trillion via phased ban, and $4.7 trillion in staggered model. Plastics Targeted: Includes expanded polystyrene, PVC, polystyrene packaging, and single-use items like straws and cotton buds. Environmental Gains: Estimated reduction of 173–224 million tonnes in plastic use and 51–74 million tonnes in mismanaged waste. Economic Impact: Business-as-usual plastic use would cost $10 trillion (2025–2040), ban scenario only $2 trillion, with $50 billion saved in waste management. Private Sector Cost: Transition would cost $143 million, offset by long-term savings and new market opportunities.
• Massive Savings: Up to $8 trillion saved through an immediate global ban, $7 trillion via phased ban, and $4.7 trillion in staggered model.
• Plastics Targeted: Includes expanded polystyrene, PVC, polystyrene packaging, and single-use items like straws and cotton buds.
• Environmental Gains: Estimated reduction of 173–224 million tonnes in plastic use and 51–74 million tonnes in mismanaged waste.
• Economic Impact: Business-as-usual plastic use would cost $10 trillion (2025–2040), ban scenario only $2 trillion, with $50 billion saved in waste management.
• Private Sector Cost: Transition would cost $143 million, offset by long-term savings and new market opportunities.
Relevance to UPSC Syllabus
• GS Paper III – Environment:
• Pollution Control: Aligns with topics on plastic waste management, circular economy, and climate change mitigation. International Treaties: Highlights UN Plastics Treaty, building awareness of multilateral environmental agreements.
• Pollution Control: Aligns with topics on plastic waste management, circular economy, and climate change mitigation.
• International Treaties: Highlights UN Plastics Treaty, building awareness of multilateral environmental agreements.
• GS Paper II – Governance & Policy:
• Public Policy: Helps understand impact analysis of bans, economic cost-benefit frameworks, and regulatory reforms.
• Public Policy: Helps understand impact analysis of bans, economic cost-benefit frameworks, and regulatory reforms.
• Essay & Ethics:
• Useful for themes like sustainable living, intergenerational equity, climate justice, and responsible consumption.
• Useful for themes like sustainable living, intergenerational equity, climate justice, and responsible consumption.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 10 July 2025 Facts for Prelims (FFP):
Extended Range Anti-Submarine Rocket (ERASR)
Source: TOI
Context: India conducted successful user trials of the Extended Range Anti-Submarine Rocket (ERASR) from INS Kavaratti, demonstrating its enhanced underwater strike capabilities.
About Extended Range Anti-Submarine Rocket (ERASR):
• What is ERASR? The Extended Range Anti-Submarine Rocket (ERASR) is a state-of-the-art underwater weapon system developed indigenously by DRDO to target hostile submarines. It can be launched from Indian naval warships equipped with Indigenous Rocket Launchers (IRLs).
• The Extended Range Anti-Submarine Rocket (ERASR) is a state-of-the-art underwater weapon system developed indigenously by DRDO to target hostile submarines.
• It can be launched from Indian naval warships equipped with Indigenous Rocket Launchers (IRLs).
• Developed by: Developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
• Objective: To equip Indian naval forces with long-range, high-precision capability to neutralize underwater threats using indigenous technology and reduce reliance on foreign defence imports.
• Key Features of ERASR:
• Twin Rocket Motor System: Allows engagement of both short- and long-range underwater targets effectively. Electronic Time Fuze: Designed entirely in India, ensuring precise timed detonation upon nearing submarine threats. High Operational Accuracy: Proven consistency in performance under real maritime warfare conditions. Warhead Reliability: Warheads detonated successfully in all trial scenarios, confirming battlefield readiness. Compatible Launch Platforms: Can be fired from frontline warships using Indian-made rocket launchers.
• Twin Rocket Motor System: Allows engagement of both short- and long-range underwater targets effectively.
• Electronic Time Fuze: Designed entirely in India, ensuring precise timed detonation upon nearing submarine threats.
• High Operational Accuracy: Proven consistency in performance under real maritime warfare conditions.
• Warhead Reliability: Warheads detonated successfully in all trial scenarios, confirming battlefield readiness.
• Compatible Launch Platforms: Can be fired from frontline warships using Indian-made rocket launchers.
• Highlights from the Sea Trials:
• A total of 17 rockets were tested from INS Kavaratti under simulated combat conditions. Trials evaluated: Range precision Fuze timing reliability Warhead detonation effectiveness Indian Navy confirmed all performance objectives were achieved.
• A total of 17 rockets were tested from INS Kavaratti under simulated combat conditions.
• Trials evaluated: Range precision Fuze timing reliability Warhead detonation effectiveness
• Range precision
• Fuze timing reliability
• Warhead detonation effectiveness
• Indian Navy confirmed all performance objectives were achieved.
• Significance of ERASR:
• Strengthens Indian Navy’s ASW capabilities in the Indian Ocean Region. Promotes Atmanirbharta (self-reliance) in high-tech defence manufacturing. Efficient use of defence budget by replacing costly imports with scalable domestic systems. Reflects DRDO’s innovation in producing battle-ready technologies suited to Indian maritime needs.
• Strengthens Indian Navy’s ASW capabilities in the Indian Ocean Region.
• Promotes Atmanirbharta (self-reliance) in high-tech defence manufacturing.
• Efficient use of defence budget by replacing costly imports with scalable domestic systems.
• Reflects DRDO’s innovation in producing battle-ready technologies suited to Indian maritime needs.
Catastrophe Bonds (Cat Bonds)
Source: TH
Context: India’s growing vulnerability to climate disasters has reignited policy interest in catastrophe bonds (cat bonds) as a financial instrument for disaster-risk financing.
About Catastrophe Bonds (Cat Bonds):
• What are Cat Bonds? Catastrophe bonds (cat bonds) are insurance-linked securities that convert disaster risk into tradable financial products. They transfer the financial risk of natural disasters—like earthquakes, cyclones, and floods—from governments or insurers to global capital markets.
• Catastrophe bonds (cat bonds) are insurance-linked securities that convert disaster risk into tradable financial products. They transfer the financial risk of natural disasters—like earthquakes, cyclones, and floods—from governments or insurers to global capital markets.
• How Do Cat Bonds Work?
• Sponsorship: A government or insurance entity (the sponsor) issues the bond and pays a premium. Issuance: Intermediaries like the World Bank or ADB issue the bond to investors to reduce counterparty risk. Trigger Event: If a predefined disaster occurs (e.g., a 7.0 magnitude earthquake), investors lose part or all of the principal, which goes to the sponsor for relief and recovery. No Disaster: If no disaster occurs, investors receive regular high-yield interest (coupon payments), and the principal is repaid at maturity.
• Sponsorship: A government or insurance entity (the sponsor) issues the bond and pays a premium.
• Issuance: Intermediaries like the World Bank or ADB issue the bond to investors to reduce counterparty risk.
• Trigger Event: If a predefined disaster occurs (e.g., a 7.0 magnitude earthquake), investors lose part or all of the principal, which goes to the sponsor for relief and recovery.
• No Disaster: If no disaster occurs, investors receive regular high-yield interest (coupon payments), and the principal is repaid at maturity.
• Key Features of Cat Bonds:
• High-Yield Returns: Investors earn higher interest rates due to the risk of principal loss. Parametric Triggers: Pay-outs are linked to measurable event thresholds (e.g., wind speed, Richter scale magnitude). Independence from Market Risk: Natural hazards are uncorrelated with stock market fluctuations, offering true portfolio diversification. Fast Disbursal: Enables quick financial assistance post-disaster, reducing reliance on slow government processes.
• High-Yield Returns: Investors earn higher interest rates due to the risk of principal loss.
• Parametric Triggers: Pay-outs are linked to measurable event thresholds (e.g., wind speed, Richter scale magnitude).
• Independence from Market Risk: Natural hazards are uncorrelated with stock market fluctuations, offering true portfolio diversification.
• Fast Disbursal: Enables quick financial assistance post-disaster, reducing reliance on slow government processes.
• Significance of Cat Bonds:
• Disaster-Resilient Public Finance: Shields national budgets from sudden fiscal shocks after natural calamities. Regional Risk Pooling: A South Asian cat bond can distribute risk and lower premiums for countries with shared vulnerabilities. Investment Diversification: Pension funds and global investors prefer cat bonds to hedge against financial market risks.
• Disaster-Resilient Public Finance: Shields national budgets from sudden fiscal shocks after natural calamities.
• Regional Risk Pooling: A South Asian cat bond can distribute risk and lower premiums for countries with shared vulnerabilities.
• Investment Diversification: Pension funds and global investors prefer cat bonds to hedge against financial market risks.
• Limitations:
• Payout Gaps: Bonds with narrowly defined triggers may deny pay-outs despite real damage. Perception of Waste: If no disaster occurs, high premiums may be politically questioned. Design Sensitivity: Requires transparent modelling, actuarial accuracy, and robust data to avoid failure.
• Payout Gaps: Bonds with narrowly defined triggers may deny pay-outs despite real damage.
• Perception of Waste: If no disaster occurs, high premiums may be politically questioned.
• Design Sensitivity: Requires transparent modelling, actuarial accuracy, and robust data to avoid failure.
Optical Atomic Clock
Source: TH
Context: An international team of 65 scientists successfully conducted the largest optical clock comparison across three continents, paving the way to redefine the SI unit of time — the second — using optical atomic clocks.
About Optical Atomic Clock:
• What is an Optical Atomic Clock? An optical atomic clock is a next-generation timekeeping device that uses light waves from atoms (in the optical frequency range) instead of microwaves (as in caesium clocks) to measure time with ultra-high precision.
• An optical atomic clock is a next-generation timekeeping device that uses light waves from atoms (in the optical frequency range) instead of microwaves (as in caesium clocks) to measure time with ultra-high precision.
• Materials Used:
• Strontium-87 (Sr), Ytterbium-171 (Yb), Ytterbium ions (Yb⁺ E2, Yb⁺ E3), Strontium, 88 ions (Sr⁺), and Indium-115 ions (In⁺).
• Strontium-87 (Sr), Ytterbium-171 (Yb), Ytterbium ions (Yb⁺ E2, Yb⁺ E3), Strontium, 88 ions (Sr⁺), and Indium-115 ions (In⁺).
• These atoms and ions are chosen for their stable electronic transitions, critical for accurate frequency measurement.
• Objective of Optical Clocks:
• To replace caesium-based atomic clocks as the new international standard for defining the second. To support high-precision applications in GPS, climate science, space navigation, and radio astronomy. To improve global time synchronization with enhanced stability and reliability.
• To replace caesium-based atomic clocks as the new international standard for defining the second.
• To support high-precision applications in GPS, climate science, space navigation, and radio astronomy.
• To improve global time synchronization with enhanced stability and reliability.
• How Does It Work?
• Atoms are held in an optical lattice or ion trap and are stimulated by a laser tuned to a specific optical frequency. When the atom absorbs and emits this energy, it oscillates at a consistent and ultra-fast rate — hundreds of trillions of times per second (Hz). The clock counts these light-wave oscillations to define “one second” with 18-decimal-place accuracy. Backup systems (like GPS-based clocks) maintain continuity during maintenance breaks.
• Atoms are held in an optical lattice or ion trap and are stimulated by a laser tuned to a specific optical frequency.
• When the atom absorbs and emits this energy, it oscillates at a consistent and ultra-fast rate — hundreds of trillions of times per second (Hz).
• The clock counts these light-wave oscillations to define “one second” with 18-decimal-place accuracy.
• Backup systems (like GPS-based clocks) maintain continuity during maintenance breaks.
• Why Optical Clocks Are Superior to Caesium Clocks?
• Greater Frequency: Optical transitions use light waves (~10¹⁵ Hz), which are 10,000 times faster than microwave transitions in Cs clocks (~10⁹ Hz). Higher Stability: Some optical clocks lose just 1 second in 15 billion years. Better Precision: Measurements consistent across nations within 10⁻¹⁶ to 10⁻¹⁸ range. More Reliable Timekeeping: Essential for quantum tech, deep space missions, and Earth observation.
• Greater Frequency: Optical transitions use light waves (~10¹⁵ Hz), which are 10,000 times faster than microwave transitions in Cs clocks (~10⁹ Hz).
• Higher Stability: Some optical clocks lose just 1 second in 15 billion years.
• Better Precision: Measurements consistent across nations within 10⁻¹⁶ to 10⁻¹⁸ range.
• More Reliable Timekeeping: Essential for quantum tech, deep space missions, and Earth observation.
• Global Relevance: Institutions from Germany, France, Japan, Italy, Finland, and the UK took part in the 45-day experiment using advanced optical fibre links and GPS precision techniques.
• Institutions from Germany, France, Japan, Italy, Finland, and the UK took part in the 45-day experiment using advanced optical fibre links and GPS precision techniques.
• Findings identified both synchrony and system errors, ensuring transparency for future standard-setting. By 2030, these optical clocks are expected to officially redefine the SI second, revolutionizing global timekeeping.
• Findings identified both synchrony and system errors, ensuring transparency for future standard-setting.
• By 2030, these optical clocks are expected to officially redefine the SI second, revolutionizing global timekeeping.
Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) Drones
Source: ET
Context: India has fast-tracked the ₹20,000 crore procurement of 87 Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) drones from domestic firms to strengthen border surveillance.
About Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) drones:
• What is a MALE Drone? MALE (Medium Altitude Long Endurance) drones are unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that operate at medium altitudes (up to ~35,000 feet) and are capable of sustained flights for over 30 hours. They are used for Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance (ISR) and limited combat missions.
• MALE (Medium Altitude Long Endurance) drones are unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that operate at medium altitudes (up to ~35,000 feet) and are capable of sustained flights for over 30 hours.
• They are used for Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance (ISR) and limited combat missions.
• Developed By: Under the Make in India initiative Previously, such drones were sourced from Israeli firms
• Under the Make in India initiative
• Previously, such drones were sourced from Israeli firms
• Key Features of MALE Drones: Endurance: Operate for over 30 hours Altitude: Fly at 35,000 feet or more. Payload: Equipped with EO/IR cameras, radar, and combat modules. Real-time ISR: Enables persistent monitoring across terrains. Indigenous Content: Over 60% locally manufactured, reducing import dependency. Remote Ops: Controlled via ground stations with secure communication links.
• Endurance: Operate for over 30 hours
• Altitude: Fly at 35,000 feet or more.
• Payload: Equipped with EO/IR cameras, radar, and combat modules.
• Real-time ISR: Enables persistent monitoring across terrains.
• Indigenous Content: Over 60% locally manufactured, reducing import dependency.
• Remote Ops: Controlled via ground stations with secure communication links.
• Strategic Applications: Border Surveillance: Monitor India’s land and maritime boundaries with Pakistan, China, and the Indian Ocean. Tri-Services Integration: Enhances situational awareness across Army, Navy, and Air Force. Maritime Security: Tracks hostile naval activity and ensures coastal vigilance. Counter-Insurgency: Offers tactical support in Naxal-affected or insurgency-prone zones. Disaster Response: Assists in mapping and relief during natural calamities.
• Border Surveillance: Monitor India’s land and maritime boundaries with Pakistan, China, and the Indian Ocean.
• Tri-Services Integration: Enhances situational awareness across Army, Navy, and Air Force.
• Maritime Security: Tracks hostile naval activity and ensures coastal vigilance.
• Counter-Insurgency: Offers tactical support in Naxal-affected or insurgency-prone zones.
• Disaster Response: Assists in mapping and relief during natural calamities.
• Significance: Boosts Defence Preparedness: Enhances India’s 24×7 eyes in the sky. Reduces Import Burden: Shifts reliance from Israeli imports to Indian tech. Fuels Defence Manufacturing: Creates an indigenous drone ecosystem.
• Boosts Defence Preparedness: Enhances India’s 24×7 eyes in the sky.
• Reduces Import Burden: Shifts reliance from Israeli imports to Indian tech.
• Fuels Defence Manufacturing: Creates an indigenous drone ecosystem.
Order of the Most Ancient Welwitschia Mirabilis
Source: PIB
Context: Prime Minister of India was conferred with Namibia’s highest civilian honour, The Order of the Most Ancient Welwitschia Mirabilis, during his state visit to Windhoek.
• He is the first Indian leader to receive this distinction, marking a milestone in India–Namibia bilateral ties.
About Order of the Most Ancient Welwitschia Mirabilis:
• What is it? A prestigious civilian award named after Welwitschia Mirabilis, a rare and resilient desert plant native to Namibia that can survive for over a thousand years.
• A prestigious civilian award named after Welwitschia Mirabilis, a rare and resilient desert plant native to Namibia that can survive for over a thousand years.
• Conferred by: The President of Namibia, currently H.E. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah.
• Key Features:
• Symbol of endurance: Reflects the long-lasting and robust nature of Namibia’s diplomatic partnerships. Rarity & prestige: Reserved for individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to Namibia’s global partnerships. Cultural symbolism: Emphasises survival, friendship, and the test of time—values deeply embedded in India-Namibia ties.
• Symbol of endurance: Reflects the long-lasting and robust nature of Namibia’s diplomatic partnerships.
• Rarity & prestige: Reserved for individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to Namibia’s global partnerships.
• Cultural symbolism: Emphasises survival, friendship, and the test of time—values deeply embedded in India-Namibia ties.
• Importance of Namibia to India: Strategic Mineral Partnership:
• Strategic Mineral Partnership:
• Namibia holds vast reserves of uranium, rare earths, oil, and copper. India is exploring energy and critical mineral cooperation for clean energy transition and strategic security.
• Namibia holds vast reserves of uranium, rare earths, oil, and copper. India is exploring energy and critical mineral cooperation for clean energy transition and strategic security.
• Namibia holds vast reserves of uranium, rare earths, oil, and copper.
• India is exploring energy and critical mineral cooperation for clean energy transition and strategic security.
• Defence and Security Cooperation:
• Bilateral discussions now include security, defence manufacturing, and potential partnerships in maritime domain awareness. Namibia joined Indian-led platforms like the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI).
• Bilateral discussions now include security, defence manufacturing, and potential partnerships in maritime domain awareness. Namibia joined Indian-led platforms like the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI).
• Bilateral discussions now include security, defence manufacturing, and potential partnerships in maritime domain awareness.
• Namibia joined Indian-led platforms like the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI).
• Digital and Technological Collaboration: India is supporting UPI-based fintech adoption in Namibia through a technology licensing agreement.
• Health and Human Development: MoUs signed on healthcare, medicine, and entrepreneurship development.
• Conservation and Symbolism: Namibia played a key role in Project Cheetah, aiding India in the transcontinental translocation of cheetahs to Kuno National Park
Tarragona Province
Source: DD News
Context: A massive wildfire in Tarragona province, Catalonia (Spain) has forced over 18,000 people into lockdown, burning nearly 3,000 hectares of forested land.
About Tarragona Province:
• What It Is? Tarragona is a coastal province in northeastern Spain, forming the southern part of Catalonia. Known for its Roman heritage, agricultural economy, and natural landscapes, it is also prone to Mediterranean wildfires.
• Tarragona is a coastal province in northeastern Spain, forming the southern part of Catalonia. Known for its Roman heritage, agricultural economy, and natural landscapes, it is also prone to Mediterranean wildfires.
• Location & Borders
• Country: Spain Autonomous Region: Catalonia Bounded by the Mediterranean Sea, offering a long coastal stretch.
• Country: Spain
• Autonomous Region: Catalonia
• Bounded by the Mediterranean Sea, offering a long coastal stretch.
• Geographical Features:
• River: The Ebro River flows through a major valley in the region, critical for agriculture and hydropower. Mountains: The Catalan ranges and Pauls Mountains create rugged terrain, often impeding firefighting efforts. Natural Parks: Includes protected areas like the Ports Natural Park, now partly affected by the fire. Climate: Mediterranean – hot, dry summers (fire-prone) and warm, wet winters. Crops: Cereals, grapes, fruits, olives, hemp, and silk dominate the agricultural landscape. Minerals: Deposits of copper, lead, silver, and quarried limestone and marble are found.
• River: The Ebro River flows through a major valley in the region, critical for agriculture and hydropower.
• Mountains: The Catalan ranges and Pauls Mountains create rugged terrain, often impeding firefighting efforts.
• Natural Parks: Includes protected areas like the Ports Natural Park, now partly affected by the fire.
• Climate: Mediterranean – hot, dry summers (fire-prone) and warm, wet winters.
• Crops: Cereals, grapes, fruits, olives, hemp, and silk dominate the agricultural landscape.
• Minerals: Deposits of copper, lead, silver, and quarried limestone and marble are found.
• Cause of the Wildfire:
• Heatwave Trigger: Spain experienced its hottest June on record, creating dry, combustible landscapes. Wind Factor: Gusts of up to 90 km/h (Mistral wind) accelerated the fire’s spread. Terrain Challenge: The rugged topography and proximity to forests made access and containment difficult.
• Heatwave Trigger: Spain experienced its hottest June on record, creating dry, combustible landscapes.
• Wind Factor: Gusts of up to 90 km/h (Mistral wind) accelerated the fire’s spread.
• Terrain Challenge: The rugged topography and proximity to forests made access and containment difficult.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 10 July 2025 Mapping:
Mahisagar (Mahi) River
Source: LM
Context: A section of the Gambhira bridge near Mujpur in Vadodara, Gujarat collapsed on 9 July 2025, causing multiple vehicles to fall into the Mahisagar River, resulting in nine confirmed deaths.
About Mahisagar (Mahi) River:
• What It Is? The Mahisagar or Mahi River is one of the few west-flowing rivers in peninsular India, revered for its cultural and ecological significance.
• The Mahisagar or Mahi River is one of the few west-flowing rivers in peninsular India, revered for its cultural and ecological significance.
• Origin: Near Minda village in Dhar district, Madhya Pradesh Approximately 500 meters above sea level in the Vindhya Range
• Approximately 500 meters above sea level in the Vindhya Range
• States It Flows Through: Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Gujarat. Mouth of the River: Empties into: Arabian Sea via the Gulf of Khambhat. Mouth Type: Wide estuary
• Mouth of the River:
• Empties into: Arabian Sea via the Gulf of Khambhat.
• Mouth Type: Wide estuary
• Length and Drainage Basin: Total Length: 583 km Total Basin Area: 34,842 sq. km
• Total Length: 583 km
• Total Basin Area: 34,842 sq. km
• Major Dams on Mahi River: Mahi Bajaj Sagar Dam (Rajasthan), Kadana Dam (Gujarat), and Wanakbori Weir.
• Cities and Districts Along the Course: Dhar, Ratlam (MP) Banswara (Rajasthan) Mahisagar, Vadodara, Kheda (Gujarat)
• Dhar, Ratlam (MP)
• Banswara (Rajasthan)
• Mahisagar, Vadodara, Kheda (Gujarat)
• Uniqueness of the Mahi River: West-flowing River: One of the rare rivers in peninsular India flowing westward into the Arabian Sea. Intersects the Tropic of Cancer twice — a rare geographic occurrence unique to Indian rivers. Cultural relevance: Referred to as Mahisagar, worshipped along its banks with several temples nearby. Biodiversity hotspot: Supports turtles, crocodiles, and island ecosystems in dam backwaters.
• West-flowing River: One of the rare rivers in peninsular India flowing westward into the Arabian Sea.
• Intersects the Tropic of Cancer twice — a rare geographic occurrence unique to Indian rivers.
• Cultural relevance: Referred to as Mahisagar, worshipped along its banks with several temples nearby.
• Biodiversity hotspot: Supports turtles, crocodiles, and island ecosystems in dam backwaters.
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