UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 12 July 2025
Kartavya Desk Staff
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 12 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 1 : (UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 12 July (2025)
• India’s Gender Gap: Challenges and the Way Forward
India’s Gender Gap: Challenges and the Way Forward
GS Paper 2:
• WHO Roadmap on AI in Traditional Medicine
WHO Roadmap on AI in Traditional Medicine
Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):
• TN – KET Program
TN – KET Program
• MeitY launched whitepaper titled Transitioning to Quantum Cyber Readiness
MeitY launched whitepaper titled Transitioning to Quantum Cyber Readiness
Facts for Prelims (FFP):
• India 44th World Heritage Site – Maratha Military Landscapes of India
India 44th World Heritage Site – Maratha Military Landscapes of India
• Operation Fire Trail
Operation Fire Trail
• Operation SHIVA
Operation SHIVA
• The Sanchar Mitra Scheme
The Sanchar Mitra Scheme
• Astra Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM)
Astra Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM)
• Rhino Horn
Rhino Horn
Mapping:
• Vulnerability of Delhi-NCR to Earthquakes
Vulnerability of Delhi-NCR to Earthquakes
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 12 July 2025
#### GS Paper 1:
India’s Gender Gap: Challenges and the Way Forward
Syllabus: Women and related issues
Source: TH
Context: India ranked 131 out of 148 countries in the Global Gender Gap Report 2025 released by the World Economic Forum (WEF), reflecting widening disparities in economic participation and women’s health.
About India’s Gender Gap: Challenges and the Way Forward:
About the Global Gender Gap Report 2025:
• Published by: World Economic Forum (WEF)
• Objective: Measures gender parity across 4 dimensions — Economic Participation, Educational Attainment, Health & Survival, and Political Empowerment.
• Global Trend: World has closed 68.8% of the gender gap, but full parity will take 123 years at the current pace.
• India’s Rank: 131st, with low parity in economic and health indicators despite educational improvements.
Key Issues Highlighted in India’s Ranking:
• Economic Participation: India ranks 143rd, with women earning less than one-third of men and FLFP under 25%.
E.g. McKinsey (2015) estimated India could add $770 bn to GDP by closing gender gaps.
• Health & Survival: Poor sex ratio and high anaemia rates reflect deep-seated son preference and reproductive health neglect.
E.g. NFHS-5 shows 57% women aged 15–49 are anaemic.
• Unpaid Care Work: Women perform 7x more domestic work than men (Time Use Survey), yet it remains invisible in GDP accounting.
• Leadership Gap: Women underrepresented in boardrooms, judiciary, and legislature, limiting inclusive decision-making.
• Policy Blind Spots: Gender budgeting, social protections, and care infrastructure remain fragmented or underfunded.
Consequences of Gender Inequality in India:
• Economic Underutilisation: Excluding women from the formal workforce wastes over 50% of India’s productive human capital, slowing GDP growth.
E.g. McKinsey projected $770 bn GDP gain if gender gaps are closed.
• Demographic Strain: With rising elderly population and declining fertility, low female participation raises the dependency ratio, straining fiscal resources.
• Health Productivity Deficit: Poor reproductive health and high anaemia rates reduce women’s learning, work ability, and intergenerational health outcomes.
E.g. 57% of women aged 15–49 are anaemic (NFHS-5).
• Policy Blind Spots: Low female presence in decision-making leads to underinvestment in care economy, health, and safety infrastructure.
• Intergenerational Inequality Trap: Girls growing up in inequitable systems face limited education, poor nutrition, and fewer opportunities, perpetuating poverty cycles.
Way Forward:
• Invest in Women’s Health: Prioritise reproductive health, nutrition, and preventive care via public health funding.
• Formalise Care Economy: Develop childcare, elderly care, and maternity benefits to reduce unpaid work burden.
E.g. Uruguay’s National Care System model.
• Enhance Labour Inclusion: Offer skill training, flexible work, and equal pay enforcement to boost female labour force participation.
• Institutional Reforms: Integrate Time Use Surveys, gender budgeting, and targeted welfare schemes at central and state levels.
• Change Social Norms: Launch campaigns and media narratives to challenge patriarchal stereotypes and workplace bias.
Conclusion:
The Global Gender Gap Report is more than a global scoreboard — it’s a wake-up call for India to realign economic, demographic, and social priorities. Without integrating women fully into the development model, India risks forfeiting its demographic dividend and growth potential. Gender equality must now be seen not only as a right — but a national economic strategy.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 12 July 2025 GS Paper 2:
WHO Roadmap on AI in Traditional Medicine
Syllabus: Health
Source: TOI
Context: The WHO released its first technical roadmap titled “Mapping the Application of AI in Traditional Medicine” on the use of Artificial Intelligence in traditional medicine, adopting India’s proposal under the GI-AI4H initiative.
• It also recognised India’s key digital initiatives like TKDL and Ayurgenomics in the global framework.
About WHO Roadmap on AI in Traditional Medicine:
• Definition & Aim: The roadmap titled “Mapping the application of AI in traditional medicine” provides a strategic guide for safe, ethical, and effective AI integration in traditional healthcare systems.
• India’s Role: India led the proposal through Ministry of AYUSH, emphasizing digitisation, personalised medicine, and global AI standards in Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, and other practices.
• Global Relevance: First of its kind under WHO’s Global Initiative on AI for Health (GI-AI4H) with partner countries.
Status of Traditional Medicine Globally:
• Global Usage: Over 80% of the world’s population uses some form of traditional medicine (WHO).
• India’s Share: Home to over 500,000 AYUSH practitioners; strong push through National AYUSH Mission, TKDL, and collaborations with WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine (GCTM), Jamnagar.
• Market Size: Global traditional medicine market expected to cross $200 billion by 2030.
Need for AI in Traditional Medicine:
• Personalized Care: AI enables custom treatment by aligning Ayurveda’s prakriti with modern genomics (Ayurgenomics).
• Evidence Creation: AI can analyze large classical texts and clinical data to validate traditional practices.
• Cost-effective Tools: Chatbots, mobile diagnostics, and virtual support systems increase access, especially in rural areas.
• Global Acceptance: AI offers a standardized clinical language for integrating traditional systems in modern care.
• Data Management: AI simplifies classification of herbs, symptoms, and diagnostics from thousands of classical sources.
Challenges in AI-Enabled Traditional Medicine:
• Ethical Concerns: Risk of data bias, consent violation, and incorrect predictions using unverified datasets.
• Lack of Evidence Base: Many traditional therapies lack clinical trials or structured outcome data for AI training.
• Regulatory Ambiguity: No clear legal norms governing AI use in Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, etc.
• Cultural Fragmentation: Variations between global traditional systems make interoperability difficult.
• Trust Issues: AI-generated advice may erode traditional practitioner-patient trust without adequate explainability.
Key Features of WHO’s AI Roadmap:
• Use Case Mapping: AI tools categorized into diagnostics, clinical support, text digitization, and public health.
• Governance Principles: Includes transparency, safety, explainability, accountability, and fairness in AI systems.
• Technical Enablers: Emphasis on interoperable data sets, skilled workforce, regulatory frameworks.
• Innovation Models: Encourages co-creation between AI engineers and traditional medicine practitioners.
• Country-Specific Examples: Recognizes India’s TKDL, Ayurgenomics, and planned AYUSH AI Chatbots.
Conclusion:
India’s leadership in combining ancient wisdom with cutting-edge AI has received global validation. WHO’s roadmap lays the foundation for a secure and inclusive AI transition in traditional medicine. The challenge now lies in balancing innovation with ethical safeguards for long-term global health integration.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 12 July 2025 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)
TN – KET Program
Context: Tamil Nadu has significantly reduced TB-related deaths by implementing the TN-KET (TB Death-Free Initiative) using a simple triage tool and a differentiated care model.
About TN – KET Program:
• What is TN-KET? TN-KET (Kasanoi Erappila Thittam) is a state-level TB mortality reduction initiative launched by Tamil Nadu in 2022, focused on early detection and differentiated care for severe TB cases.
• TN-KET (Kasanoi Erappila Thittam) is a state-level TB mortality reduction initiative launched by Tamil Nadu in 2022, focused on early detection and differentiated care for severe TB cases.
• Key Features:
• Paper-Based Triage Tool: Assesses 5 quick parameters (BMI, oxygen level, respiratory rate, leg swelling, ability to stand) to classify patients as “severely ill.” Fast-Track Care: 98% of identified severe cases admitted within 7 days. Severe TB Web App: Calculates mortality risk and helps guide urgent interventions. Simplified Assessment: No lab needed and saves 6–7 days over older 16-parameter tools. Differentiated Care Model: Offers customized treatment based on age, BMI, severity, and comorbidities.
• Paper-Based Triage Tool: Assesses 5 quick parameters (BMI, oxygen level, respiratory rate, leg swelling, ability to stand) to classify patients as “severely ill.”
• Fast-Track Care: 98% of identified severe cases admitted within 7 days.
• Severe TB Web App: Calculates mortality risk and helps guide urgent interventions.
• Simplified Assessment: No lab needed and saves 6–7 days over older 16-parameter tools.
• Differentiated Care Model: Offers customized treatment based on age, BMI, severity, and comorbidities.
• Significance:
• Reduction in Early Deaths: TN saw a 20% drop in early TB deaths within 6 months of implementation. National Replicability: Sets a scalable model for high-burden TB states, aligned with India’s National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP). Data-Driven Governance: Leverages real-time triage for targeted interventions.
• Reduction in Early Deaths: TN saw a 20% drop in early TB deaths within 6 months of implementation.
• National Replicability: Sets a scalable model for high-burden TB states, aligned with India’s National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP).
• Data-Driven Governance: Leverages real-time triage for targeted interventions.
Relevance in UPSC Syllabus:
• GS Paper 2 – Health & Governance
• Illustrates effective implementation of public health programs through state innovation + central guidelines (NTEP 2021). Demonstrates how data-backed decision-making and community-level health triaging can reduce mortality.
• Illustrates effective implementation of public health programs through state innovation + central guidelines (NTEP 2021).
• Demonstrates how data-backed decision-making and community-level health triaging can reduce mortality.
• GS Paper 3 – Science & Technology in Health
• Shows health-tech integration (triage tools + TB Web App) in disease surveillance and treatment optimization.
• Shows health-tech integration (triage tools + TB Web App) in disease surveillance and treatment optimization.
MeitY launched whitepaper titled Transitioning to Quantum Cyber Readiness
Context: The Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY), along with CERT-In and SISA, launched a whitepaper titled “Transitioning to Quantum Cyber Readiness” to guide India’s shift towards quantum-safe cybersecurity.
About MeitY launched whitepaper titled Transitioning to Quantum Cyber Readiness:
• What is it?
• A strategic document providing a roadmap to help public and private institutions migrate from traditional encryption to quantum-resistant algorithms.
• A strategic document providing a roadmap to help public and private institutions migrate from traditional encryption to quantum-resistant algorithms.
• Key Summary:
• Risk Analysis of Quantum Computing: Highlights how quantum computers could break RSA, ECC, and other existing cryptographic systems. Migration Roadmap: Outlines practical, step-by-step strategies for transitioning to quantum-resilient encryption protocols. Sector-Specific Guidance: Focuses on regulated sectors like BFSI, healthcare, and defence, where breach impact is highest. Cyber Resilience Framework: Provides a proactive strategy to safeguard digital infrastructure, critical services, and citizen data. Call for Collaboration: Urges public-private partnerships to accelerate quantum readiness and secure the ICT ecosystem.
• Risk Analysis of Quantum Computing: Highlights how quantum computers could break RSA, ECC, and other existing cryptographic systems.
• Migration Roadmap: Outlines practical, step-by-step strategies for transitioning to quantum-resilient encryption protocols.
• Sector-Specific Guidance: Focuses on regulated sectors like BFSI, healthcare, and defence, where breach impact is highest.
• Cyber Resilience Framework: Provides a proactive strategy to safeguard digital infrastructure, critical services, and citizen data.
• Call for Collaboration: Urges public-private partnerships to accelerate quantum readiness and secure the ICT ecosystem.
Relevance in UPSC Examination:
• GS Paper 3 – Cybersecurity & Emerging Tech
• Demonstrates India’s strategic shift towards quantum-resilient cybersecurity, relevant for digital infrastructure security. Enhances understanding of post-quantum encryption, vital for questions on national cyber defence preparedness.
• Demonstrates India’s strategic shift towards quantum-resilient cybersecurity, relevant for digital infrastructure security.
• Enhances understanding of post-quantum encryption, vital for questions on national cyber defence preparedness.
• GS Paper 2 – Governance & Policy
• Illustrates public–private coordination (MeitY, CERT-In, SISA) in proactive cybersecurity policymaking. Supports analysis on anticipatory regulation and digital trust in the governance framework.
• Illustrates public–private coordination (MeitY, CERT-In, SISA) in proactive cybersecurity policymaking.
• Supports analysis on anticipatory regulation and digital trust in the governance framework.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 12 July 2025 Facts for Prelims (FFP):
India 44th World Heritage Site – Maratha Military Landscapes of India
Source: PIB
Context: At the 47th Session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee in Paris, the Maratha Military Landscapes of India was inscribed as India’s 44th World Heritage Site, marking a historic recognition of India’s fortified legacy.
About India 44th World Heritage Site – Maratha Military Landscapes of India:
• What is it? A network of 12 strategic forts built between the 17th–19th centuries CE showcasing the military ingenuity of the Maratha Empire—known for their adaptability, architecture, and command over diverse terrains.
• A network of 12 strategic forts built between the 17th–19th centuries CE showcasing the military ingenuity of the Maratha Empire—known for their adaptability, architecture, and command over diverse terrains.
• Locations Covered:
• Maharashtra (11 forts): Salher, Shivneri, Lohgad, Khanderi, Raigad, Rajgad, Pratapgad, Suvarnadurg, Panhala, Vijaydurg, Sindhudurg Tamil Nadu (1 fort): Gingee Fort
• Maharashtra (11 forts): Salher, Shivneri, Lohgad, Khanderi, Raigad, Rajgad, Pratapgad, Suvarnadurg, Panhala, Vijaydurg, Sindhudurg
• Tamil Nadu (1 fort): Gingee Fort
• Historical Context:
• Developed during the rise of the Maratha Empire, these forts formed a defensive belt using natural landscapes for protection. Reflected Shivaji Maharaj’s military vision and emphasis on self-reliant fort defence systems.
• Developed during the rise of the Maratha Empire, these forts formed a defensive belt using natural landscapes for protection.
• Reflected Shivaji Maharaj’s military vision and emphasis on self-reliant fort defence systems.
• Unique Features:
• Hill Forts: Shivneri, Lohgad, Raigad, Salher, Gingee – integrated with rugged hill terrain. Island Forts: Sindhudurg, Khanderi, Suvarnadurg – surrounded by the Arabian Sea. Plateau and Forest Forts: Panhala (plateau), Pratapgad (hill-forest). Forts display adaptive design, built with local materials and regional architecture. Recognized under UNESCO Criteria (iv) & (vi) – for architectural, military, and cultural continuity.
• Hill Forts: Shivneri, Lohgad, Raigad, Salher, Gingee – integrated with rugged hill terrain.
• Island Forts: Sindhudurg, Khanderi, Suvarnadurg – surrounded by the Arabian Sea.
• Plateau and Forest Forts: Panhala (plateau), Pratapgad (hill-forest).
• Forts display adaptive design, built with local materials and regional architecture.
• Recognized under UNESCO Criteria (iv) & (vi) – for architectural, military, and cultural continuity.
About UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India:
• What is a UNESCO World Heritage Site? A site inscribed for its Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) in terms of cultural, natural, or mixed heritage, governed by the 1972 World Heritage Convention.
• A site inscribed for its Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) in terms of cultural, natural, or mixed heritage, governed by the 1972 World Heritage Convention.
• India’s Global Ranking:
• India has 44 World Heritage Sites (as of July 2025). Ranks 6th globally, 2nd in Asia-Pacific, just behind China. 62 sites currently on India’s Tentative List.
• India has 44 World Heritage Sites (as of July 2025).
• Ranks 6th globally, 2nd in Asia-Pacific, just behind China.
• 62 sites currently on India’s Tentative List.
• Governing Agencies:
• Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is the nodal agency for heritage management and proposals. India is a member of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee (2021–2025).
• Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is the nodal agency for heritage management and proposals.
• India is a member of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee (2021–2025).
Operation Fire Trail
Source: PTI
Context: In a major anti-smuggling action, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) seized ₹35 crore worth of banned Chinese firecrackers during “Operation Fire Trail” across Indian ports.
About Operation Fire Trail:
• What is it? Operation Fire Trail is a special intelligence-led enforcement operation launched by the DRI to crack down on illicit imports of Chinese firecrackers, posing environmental, legal, and safety risks.
• Operation Fire Trail is a special intelligence-led enforcement operation launched by the DRI to crack down on illicit imports of Chinese firecrackers, posing environmental, legal, and safety risks.
• Launched by: Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), India’s premier anti-smuggling agency under the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC).
• Objective:
• Detect and intercept illegal consignments of restricted explosives, especially Chinese fireworks. Prevent misuse of SEZs (Special Economic Zones) for unauthorized diversion into the Domestic Tariff Area (DTA). Ensure compliance with India’s Foreign Trade Policy and Explosive Rules, 2008.
• Detect and intercept illegal consignments of restricted explosives, especially Chinese fireworks.
• Prevent misuse of SEZs (Special Economic Zones) for unauthorized diversion into the Domestic Tariff Area (DTA).
• Ensure compliance with India’s Foreign Trade Policy and Explosive Rules, 2008.
• Key Features:
• Coordinated Multi-Port Seizure: Seized 100 metric tonnes of Chinese fireworks disguised as goods like “Mini Decorative Plants” and “Artificial Flowers”. SEZ Misuse Detected: Smugglers used a KASEZ unit and fake IEC holders to divert firecrackers into domestic markets without proper licensing. Legal Enforcement: Key suspect arrested and remanded to judicial custody, showcasing the DRI’s legal deterrence strategy. Safety & Environmental Risk Mitigation: Firecrackers contained banned toxic chemicals like lithium, red lead, and copper oxide—posing explosion and pollution hazards. Trade Regulation Compliance: Crackdown ensured enforcement of the ITC (HS) policy where import of fireworks is a ‘Restricted’ item, requiring DGFT and PESO approvals. Supply Chain Security: Operation prevented potential port disasters, protecting infrastructure and logistics networks.
• Coordinated Multi-Port Seizure: Seized 100 metric tonnes of Chinese fireworks disguised as goods like “Mini Decorative Plants” and “Artificial Flowers”.
• SEZ Misuse Detected: Smugglers used a KASEZ unit and fake IEC holders to divert firecrackers into domestic markets without proper licensing.
• Legal Enforcement: Key suspect arrested and remanded to judicial custody, showcasing the DRI’s legal deterrence strategy.
• Safety & Environmental Risk Mitigation: Firecrackers contained banned toxic chemicals like lithium, red lead, and copper oxide—posing explosion and pollution hazards.
• Trade Regulation Compliance: Crackdown ensured enforcement of the ITC (HS) policy where import of fireworks is a ‘Restricted’ item, requiring DGFT and PESO approvals.
• Supply Chain Security: Operation prevented potential port disasters, protecting infrastructure and logistics networks.
Operation SHIVA
Source: ITV
Context: The Indian Army launched Operation SHIVA 2025 to secure the Shri Amarnath Yatra, deploying over 8,500 troops amid rising threats from Pakistan-backed terror outfits in Kashmir.
About Operation SHIVA:
• What is Operation SHIVA?
• Operation SHIVA is a high-altitude annual security operation led by the Indian Army to ensure safe and smooth conduct of the Shri Amarnath Yatra in Jammu & Kashmir. It is one of India’s most logistically intense military-civilian coordination exercises for religious tourism safety.
• Operation SHIVA is a high-altitude annual security operation led by the Indian Army to ensure safe and smooth conduct of the Shri Amarnath Yatra in Jammu & Kashmir.
• It is one of India’s most logistically intense military-civilian coordination exercises for religious tourism safety.
• Launched By: Indian Army, in coordination with the civil administration, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), and disaster response teams.
• Objectives:
• Prevent terrorist threats and drone attacks during the Amarnath Yatra. Ensure real-time surveillance, medical readiness, and infrastructure support. Strengthen coordination among Army, CAPFs, disaster relief, and local administration.
• Prevent terrorist threats and drone attacks during the Amarnath Yatra.
• Ensure real-time surveillance, medical readiness, and infrastructure support.
• Strengthen coordination among Army, CAPFs, disaster relief, and local administration.
• Key Features of Operation SHIVA 2025:
• Troop Deployment & Multi-Layer Security: Over 8,500 soldiers deployed across both Baltal and Pahalgam routes, supported by a multi-tiered counter-terrorism grid. Drone & Air Surveillance Grid: 50+ C-UAS systems, PTZ cameras, electronic warfare tools, and UAV patrols for real-time monitoring and early threat detection. Disaster & Infrastructure Preparedness: Army engineers assigned to repair bridges, widen tracks, and execute landslide mitigation efforts. Communication & Response Teams: Signal companies, Quick Reaction Teams (QRTs), bomb disposal squads, and live drone convoy tracking from Jammu to the shrine. Logistical Readiness: Emergency rations for 25,000+ people, tent cities, helicopters on standby, water stations, bulldozers, and rescue equipment pre-positioned.
• Troop Deployment & Multi-Layer Security: Over 8,500 soldiers deployed across both Baltal and Pahalgam routes, supported by a multi-tiered counter-terrorism grid.
• Drone & Air Surveillance Grid: 50+ C-UAS systems, PTZ cameras, electronic warfare tools, and UAV patrols for real-time monitoring and early threat detection.
• Disaster & Infrastructure Preparedness: Army engineers assigned to repair bridges, widen tracks, and execute landslide mitigation efforts.
• Communication & Response Teams: Signal companies, Quick Reaction Teams (QRTs), bomb disposal squads, and live drone convoy tracking from Jammu to the shrine.
• Logistical Readiness: Emergency rations for 25,000+ people, tent cities, helicopters on standby, water stations, bulldozers, and rescue equipment pre-positioned.
The Sanchar Mitra Scheme
Source: TOI
Context: The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has expanded the Sanchar Mitra Scheme into a nationwide programme to build digital literacy and cyber safety awareness among citizens.
About The Sanchar Mitra Scheme:
• What is Sanchar Mitra Scheme? The Sanchar Mitra Scheme is a volunteer-based digital outreach initiative launched by the Ministry of Communications, Department of Telecommunications (DoT). It leverages university students as “Sanchar Mitras” to create awareness on telecom safety, cyber fraud prevention, and digital responsibility.
• The Sanchar Mitra Scheme is a volunteer-based digital outreach initiative launched by the Ministry of Communications, Department of Telecommunications (DoT).
• It leverages university students as “Sanchar Mitras” to create awareness on telecom safety, cyber fraud prevention, and digital responsibility.
• Aim of the Scheme: Promote digital literacy and cyber hygiene Bridge the gap between citizens and government telecom services Empower youth to become telecom ambassadors in their communities
• Promote digital literacy and cyber hygiene
• Bridge the gap between citizens and government telecom services
• Empower youth to become telecom ambassadors in their communities
• Key Features: Volunteer Engagement: University students from telecom, electronics, computer science, and cybersecurity streams are nominated as Sanchar Mitras. Advanced Training: Volunteers receive training from National Communications Academy–Technology (NCA-T) and DoT Media Wing in 5G, 6G, AI, cybersecurity, and EMF radiation safety. Community Outreach: Sanchar Mitras organize awareness campaigns, collaborate with NGOs, and educate the public about safe and responsible telecom usage. Recognition & Incentives: Exceptional volunteers may get internship opportunities, attend India Mobile Congress, or participate in ITU global forums. Nationwide Participation: Already active in Assam, partnering with top engineering institutes like IIT, IIIT, and NIT, with plans for further pan-India expansion.
• Volunteer Engagement: University students from telecom, electronics, computer science, and cybersecurity streams are nominated as Sanchar Mitras.
• Advanced Training: Volunteers receive training from National Communications Academy–Technology (NCA-T) and DoT Media Wing in 5G, 6G, AI, cybersecurity, and EMF radiation safety.
• Community Outreach: Sanchar Mitras organize awareness campaigns, collaborate with NGOs, and educate the public about safe and responsible telecom usage.
• Recognition & Incentives: Exceptional volunteers may get internship opportunities, attend India Mobile Congress, or participate in ITU global forums.
• Nationwide Participation: Already active in Assam, partnering with top engineering institutes like IIT, IIIT, and NIT, with plans for further pan-India expansion.
• Significance for India: Digital Inclusion: Enhances citizen participation in the digital economy by making people more informed and resilient. Youth Empowerment: Leverages the demographic dividend by involving youth in nation-building. Cybersecurity Awareness: Helps reduce rising cases of digital fraud and misinformation.
• Digital Inclusion: Enhances citizen participation in the digital economy by making people more informed and resilient.
• Youth Empowerment: Leverages the demographic dividend by involving youth in nation-building.
• Cybersecurity Awareness: Helps reduce rising cases of digital fraud and misinformation.
Astra Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM)
Source: NIE
Context: The DRDO and Indian Air Force successfully test-fired the indigenous Astra Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM) with an indigenously developed Radio Frequency (RF) seeker, validating its precision and technological reliability.
About Astra Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM):
• What is Astra?
• Astra is India’s first indigenous Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM) designed for engaging enemy aircraft beyond line-of-sight. It is a key strategic missile system integrated on fighter aircraft like the Su-30 MKI.
• Astra is India’s first indigenous Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM) designed for engaging enemy aircraft beyond line-of-sight.
• It is a key strategic missile system integrated on fighter aircraft like the Su-30 MKI.
• Developed by: Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in partnership with the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
• Key Features of Astra Missile
• Strike Range: Capable of hitting aerial targets over 100 km away, making it a long-range engagement weapon. Radio Frequency Seeker: Equipped with a fully indigenous RF seeker, enhancing target lock-on capabilities in diverse conditions. High Manoeuvrability: Designed for high-speed interception, even against agile fighter jets or UAVs. Guidance System: Uses a state-of-the-art navigation and mid-course correction system, ensuring pinpoint accuracy. Versatility: Compatible with multiple fighter platforms, including Tejas, Mirage-2000, and MiG-29 (planned upgrades).
• Strike Range: Capable of hitting aerial targets over 100 km away, making it a long-range engagement weapon.
• Radio Frequency Seeker: Equipped with a fully indigenous RF seeker, enhancing target lock-on capabilities in diverse conditions.
• High Manoeuvrability: Designed for high-speed interception, even against agile fighter jets or UAVs.
• Guidance System: Uses a state-of-the-art navigation and mid-course correction system, ensuring pinpoint accuracy.
• Versatility: Compatible with multiple fighter platforms, including Tejas, Mirage-2000, and MiG-29 (planned upgrades).
• Significance of Astra Missile:
• Strategic Self-Reliance: Strengthens India’s indigenous capability under Atmanirbhar Bharat in Defence. Reduces Import Dependency: Eliminates need for foreign BVRAAMs like Meteor or AMRAAM, saving forex and boosting local R&D. Force Multiplier: Enhances IAF’s air dominance in hostile airspace, especially in high-threat zones like the LAC or LOC.
• Strategic Self-Reliance: Strengthens India’s indigenous capability under Atmanirbhar Bharat in Defence.
• Reduces Import Dependency: Eliminates need for foreign BVRAAMs like Meteor or AMRAAM, saving forex and boosting local R&D.
• Force Multiplier: Enhances IAF’s air dominance in hostile airspace, especially in high-threat zones like the LAC or LOC.
Rhino Horn
Source: TH
Context: The Assam Forest Department, in coordination with the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), has initiated genetic analysis of 2,573 rhino horn samples stored before their destruction in 2021.
• This move will help build India’s Rhino DNA Index System (RhoDIS) to aid in conservation and anti-poaching efforts.
About Rhino Horn:
• What is a Rhino Horn?
• The horn is the most distinctive feature of a rhinoceros, made not of bone but keratin, the same protein in human nails and hair. Rhino horns grow continuously, gaining about 2 cm per year.
• The horn is the most distinctive feature of a rhinoceros, made not of bone but keratin, the same protein in human nails and hair.
• Rhino horns grow continuously, gaining about 2 cm per year.
• Key Features:
• Solid Structure: Unlike antlers, rhino horns are not hollow and are composed of compacted keratin layers. Toughened Core: Contains melanin and calcium, enhancing strength and resistance to UV damage. Shape Formation: External behaviours like scraping, grazing, and environmental exposure gradually form its cone-like shape. Identification Tool: Each horn has unique keratin layers influenced by diet and climate, aiding genetic fingerprinting under RhoDIS. Poaching Threat: Rhino horns are highly valued in illegal wildlife trade, often due to false medicinal beliefs.
• Solid Structure: Unlike antlers, rhino horns are not hollow and are composed of compacted keratin layers.
• Toughened Core: Contains melanin and calcium, enhancing strength and resistance to UV damage.
• Shape Formation: External behaviours like scraping, grazing, and environmental exposure gradually form its cone-like shape.
• Identification Tool: Each horn has unique keratin layers influenced by diet and climate, aiding genetic fingerprinting under RhoDIS.
• Poaching Threat: Rhino horns are highly valued in illegal wildlife trade, often due to false medicinal beliefs.
About Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros:
• What is it?
• Also known as the Indian Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis), it is the largest of the five rhino species. It is found only in South Asia, mainly in northeastern India and Nepal.
• Also known as the Indian Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis), it is the largest of the five rhino species.
• It is found only in South Asia, mainly in northeastern India and Nepal.
• Habitat & Distribution:
• Inhabits tropical and subtropical grasslands, savannas, and riverine floodplains.
• Inhabits tropical and subtropical grasslands, savannas, and riverine floodplains.
• Major strongholds: Kaziranga National Park (Assam), Jaldapara (West Bengal), and Chitwan (Nepal).
• IUCN Red List: Vulnerable
• Distinctive Features:
• Single Black Horn: Measures 8–25 inches, a defining trait. Armoured Appearance: Thick grey-brown hide with folded skin plates. Herbivorous: Feeds on grasses, aquatic plants, fruits, and shrubs. Semi-Solitary: Except during wallowing or grazing periods. Role in Ecosystem: Acts as a keystone grazer that shapes wetland ecosystems.
• Single Black Horn: Measures 8–25 inches, a defining trait.
• Armoured Appearance: Thick grey-brown hide with folded skin plates.
• Herbivorous: Feeds on grasses, aquatic plants, fruits, and shrubs.
• Semi-Solitary: Except during wallowing or grazing periods.
• Role in Ecosystem: Acts as a keystone grazer that shapes wetland ecosystems.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 12 July 2025 Mapping:
Vulnerability of Delhi-NCR to Earthquakes
Source: HT
Context: A 4.4 magnitude earthquake with epicentre in Jhajjar (Haryana) shook Delhi-NCR recently, reviving concerns about the region’s high seismic vulnerability.
About Vulnerability of Delhi-NCR to Earthquakes:
• What is Delhi’s seismic risk? Delhi lies in Seismic Zone IV, classified as a high-damage risk zone by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). The region is prone to moderate to strong earthquakes, with magnitudes reaching 5–6 occasionally and potential for 7+ magnitude events.
• Delhi lies in Seismic Zone IV, classified as a high-damage risk zone by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).
• The region is prone to moderate to strong earthquakes, with magnitudes reaching 5–6 occasionally and potential for 7+ magnitude events.
• How vulnerable is Delhi-NCR? Dense population, unregulated construction, and aging infrastructure make Delhi highly susceptible to earthquake-induced damage. The National Center for Seismology (NCS) has highlighted frequent tremors from shallow-focus quakes due to nearby active faults.
• Dense population, unregulated construction, and aging infrastructure make Delhi highly susceptible to earthquake-induced damage.
• The National Center for Seismology (NCS) has highlighted frequent tremors from shallow-focus quakes due to nearby active faults.
• Reasons Behind Earthquake Vulnerability: Proximity to Himalayan Frontal Thrust: Delhi is close to the tectonically active Himalayan belt, where the Indian and Eurasian plates collide, generating deep-seated stress. Active Fault Lines Across NCR: Major fault systems include the Delhi-Haridwar Ridge, Delhi-Moradabad Fault, Sohna Fault, and Mahendragarh-Dehradun Fault, increasing seismic risk. Subsurface Weak Zones: Seismic studies identify lineaments like the Yamuna and Ganga River faults, indicating deep crustal weaknesses. Historical Seismicity Pattern: Delhi has experienced at least five quakes of 5.5–6.7 magnitude since 1720, indicating recurring seismic events. Rapid Urbanisation Without Seismic Code Compliance: Unplanned growth and lack of enforcement of IS-1893 seismic design codes elevate structural vulnerability.
• Proximity to Himalayan Frontal Thrust: Delhi is close to the tectonically active Himalayan belt, where the Indian and Eurasian plates collide, generating deep-seated stress.
• Active Fault Lines Across NCR: Major fault systems include the Delhi-Haridwar Ridge, Delhi-Moradabad Fault, Sohna Fault, and Mahendragarh-Dehradun Fault, increasing seismic risk.
• Subsurface Weak Zones: Seismic studies identify lineaments like the Yamuna and Ganga River faults, indicating deep crustal weaknesses.
• Historical Seismicity Pattern: Delhi has experienced at least five quakes of 5.5–6.7 magnitude since 1720, indicating recurring seismic events.
• Rapid Urbanisation Without Seismic Code Compliance: Unplanned growth and lack of enforcement of IS-1893 seismic design codes elevate structural vulnerability.
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