UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 13 August 2025
Kartavya Desk Staff
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 13 August 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 – 13 August (2025)
• India’s unique genetic legacy
India’s unique genetic legacy
GS Paper 3:
• Satellite Internet
Satellite Internet
Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):
• Toda Tribe – Preserving India’s Endangered Languages
Toda Tribe – Preserving India’s Endangered Languages
Facts for Prelims (FFP):
• 18th International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics
18th International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics
• UPSC Marking 100 Years of Commitment to Merit and Public Service
UPSC Marking 100 Years of Commitment to Merit and Public Service
• SHRESTH – State Health Regulatory Excellence Index
SHRESTH – State Health Regulatory Excellence Index
• African trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness)
African trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness)
• Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA)
Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA)
• India Semiconductor Mission (ISM)
India Semiconductor Mission (ISM)
• Rabies
Rabies
• Open-Book Assessments (OBE)
Open-Book Assessments (OBE)
Mapping:
• Mud Wave
Mud Wave
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 13 August 2025
#### GS Paper 2:
India’s unique genetic legacy
Syllabus: Health + Anthropology
Source: TH
Context: A recent Cell study revealed India’s unparalleled genetic diversity—stemming from ancient migrations, interbreeding with archaic humans, and centuries of endogamy—has profound implications for health, ancestry mapping, and personalised medicine.
About India’s Unique Genetic Legacy:
Definition – India’s genetic wealth arises from ancient migrations, mixing with Neanderthals and Denisovans, and the practice of marrying within defined social groups (endogamy). This heritage makes it a living archive of evolutionary history.
Key Features:
• Over 5,000 ethnic groups each have distinct DNA signatures, reflecting millennia of isolation and adaptation.
• Founder mutations—rare genetic changes preserved within communities—are highly prevalent due to limited gene flow.
• Holds millions of rare variants that influence disease resistance, metabolism, and environmental adaptation.
• Positions India to lead in personalised medicine and global genomics research.
Charting India’s Genetic Landscape:
• The first settlers from Africa (~50,000 years ago) formed the core population, later enriched by diverse ancient gene flows.
• Genetic blending between Ancestral North Indians (ANI) and Ancestral South Indians (ASI) created a distinct Indian genome.
• Inputs from hunter-gatherers, Iranian farmers, and Steppe herders added complexity to the genetic fabric.
• Despite this richness, India is poorly represented in global genome projects, limiting medical and historical insights.
Endogamy and Genetic Diseases:
• Preservation & Similarity – Endogamy maintained ancient genetic traits but also increased relatedness within groups, concentrating certain genetic patterns.
• Founder Effects – This led to stronger founder events and higher identical gene copies compared to most global populations.
• Rare Disorders – Community-specific rare diseases, like butyrylcholinesterase deficiency in the Vysya community, are far more prevalent.
• Unique Variants – Large-scale genome mapping identified over 1.6 lakh unique variants linked to congenital, metabolic, and neurological conditions.
India’s Genetic Mosaic:
• Natural Genetic Labs – Each community functions as an isolated genetic repository, preserving rare variants for centuries.
• Research Opportunity – Enables direct study of natural gene functions without lab-induced mutations.
• Medical Innovation – Opens pathways for novel drugs, targeted disease prevention, and personalised treatment protocols.
• Economic Impact – Strengthens public health systems while boosting India’s biotech and pharmaceutical competitiveness.
Future Perspectives:
• Scaling Genome Sequencing – Extend genome mapping to millions, capturing diversity across geography and disease categories.
• National Biobank – Build a comprehensive, long-term health data repository, modeled on the UK Biobank, for research and healthcare planning.
• Genomics in Healthcare – Integrate genetic screening into public health policy for early detection and customised treatment.
• Global Leadership – Position India as a key hub for genome-driven innovation, attracting biotech and pharmaceutical investment.
Conclusion:
India’s genetic diversity is both a scientific treasure and a public health imperative. Harnessing it requires large-scale sequencing, ethical frameworks, and inclusive healthcare strategies. With the right investments, India can become a global epicentre for genomics-led innovation.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 13 August 2025 GS Paper 3:
Satellite Internet
Syllabus: Science and Tech
Source: TH
Context: Starlink, Elon Musk’s satellite internet service, is set to enter India, marking a major shift in digital connectivity and strategic communication capabilities.
About Satellite Internet:
What is Satellite Internet?
Satellite internet is a wireless communication technology that delivers internet access via satellites in space, instead of traditional cables or fiber-optic lines. It consists of satellites in orbit, ground stations, and user terminals.
Need for Satellite Internet:
• Bridging Digital Divide – Delivers internet to remote, rural, and island communities where building terrestrial networks is costly and slow.
• Disaster Resilience – Restores communication quickly after floods, earthquakes, or cyclones disrupt ground-based infrastructure.
• On-the-Move Connectivity – Provides stable internet to moving ships, aircraft, and defence convoys in any terrain.
• Strategic Security – Maintains secure links in high-altitude conflict zones like Siachen, enhancing military readiness.
• Economic Inclusion – Boosts e-governance, e-commerce, and telemedicine for underserved populations.
Key Features:
• Global Coverage – Operates seamlessly across oceans, deserts, mountains, and polar regions.
• Dual-Use Technology – Serves both civilian needs and sensitive military operations.
• Rapid Deployment – Can be activated within hours to meet urgent connectivity demands.
• Resilience – Functions independently of local cables and towers, avoiding physical damage risks.
• Mega-Constellations – Uses thousands of satellites to lower latency and ensure network redundancy.
How it works?
• Space Segment: Satellites equipped with communication payloads orbit the Earth, capturing signals from the ground and transmitting them to other satellites or down-to-Earth stations. The payload includes antennas, transponders, and onboard processors that handle data routing.
• Ground Segment: This includes user terminals, antennas, and ground stations that link devices to the satellites. User terminals can be fixed or portable, enabling households, vehicles, or ships to connect without traditional telecom towers.
• Data Flow: When a user sends a request (like loading a webpage), the signal travels from the terminal to the satellite, which relays it to a ground station connected to the internet backbone. The return signal follows the same path in reverse, ensuring global data exchange.
• Seamless Handover: Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites move quickly, staying over a user’s location for only a few minutes. As one satellite moves out of range, the system automatically hands over the connection to the next satellite in line, ensuring uninterrupted service without user intervention.
Differences Between Satellite Orbits:
Orbit Type | Altitude | Advantages | Limitations | Example
GEO | ~35,786 km | Large coverage; stable position | High latency; no polar reach | Viasat Global Xpress
MEO | 2,000–35,786 km | Balanced coverage & latency | Needs multiple satellites | O3b Network
LEO | <2,000 km | Low latency; cheaper satellites | Small footprint; needs mega-constellation | Starlink
Applications:
• Civilian – Extends broadband to villages, aids smart farming, and supports environmental monitoring.
• Disaster Management – Coordinates rescue and relief in hurricane, flood, and earthquake zones.
• Defence – Enables secure battlefield communication, drone operations, and intelligence sharing.
• Transport – Improves safety and navigation in aviation, shipping, and autonomous vehicles.
• Healthcare – Facilitates telemedicine and real-time health monitoring in remote areas.
• Space Economy – Strengthens global trade, tourism, and exploration capabilities.
Conclusion:
Satellite internet is not just a technological upgrade—it’s a strategic enabler for national security, economic growth, and digital equity. India must integrate it into national resilience plans while strengthening indigenous capabilities to ensure autonomy in this emerging domain.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 13 August 2025 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)
Toda Tribe – Preserving India’s Endangered Languages
Context: The Toda tribe of the Nilgiri Hills is leading preservation efforts for India’s endangered languages under the Scheme for Protection and Preservation of Endangered Languages (SPPEL).
About Toda Tribe – Preserving India’s Endangered Languages:
What it is?
• A pastoral tribal community of the Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu, speaking the Toda language — a proto-South-Dravidian tongue without a native script.
• Engaged with SPPEL (CIIL, Ministry of Education) to document, digitise, and promote literacy in Toda using the Tamil script.
Features:
• Cultural Preservation – Oral traditions, songs, and folklore integrated with linguistic material.
• Digital Tools – Use of high-end recording, linguistic software, and the Sanchika online repository for public access.
• Educational Integration – Toda primers for children, trilingual dictionaries, and multilingual literacy promotion.
Significance:
• Cultural Identity – Protects intangible heritage and traditional ecological knowledge.
• Linguistic Diversity – Strengthens India’s status as a multilingual nation with over 1,300 recorded languages.
UPSC Exam Relevance
• Indian Society – Diversity of India, tribal communities, and cultural heritage preservation. Art & Culture – Oral traditions, indigenous knowledge systems, language diversity.
• Indian Society – Diversity of India, tribal communities, and cultural heritage preservation.
• Art & Culture – Oral traditions, indigenous knowledge systems, language diversity.
• GS-II:
• Governance – Role of Ministries (Education, Tribal Affairs, Culture) in policy implementation. Government Schemes – SPPEL, TRI-ECE, National Mission for Cultural Mapping.
• Governance – Role of Ministries (Education, Tribal Affairs, Culture) in policy implementation.
• Government Schemes – SPPEL, TRI-ECE, National Mission for Cultural Mapping.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 13 August 2025 Facts for Prelims (FFP):
18th International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics
Source: PMI
Context: India is hosting the 18th International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics (IOAA) in 2025, welcoming over 300 young astronomers from 64 countries.
About 18th International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics:
• What it is?
• The IOAA is a premier global competition for high-school students in the fields of astronomy, astrophysics, and observational sciences. It tests theoretical knowledge, data analysis skills, and practical observational abilities.
• The IOAA is a premier global competition for high-school students in the fields of astronomy, astrophysics, and observational sciences.
• It tests theoretical knowledge, data analysis skills, and practical observational abilities.
• Host Country: Mumbai, Maharashtra.
• Organised by: Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE) and Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), in collaboration with the Union Ministry of Education.
• Objectives:
• Promote scientific thinking and problem-solving skills in astronomy and astrophysics. Foster international cooperation and cultural exchange among young scientists. Inspire careers in space sciences and research. Showcase India’s advancements in space missions, observatories, and STEM initiatives.
• Promote scientific thinking and problem-solving skills in astronomy and astrophysics.
• Foster international cooperation and cultural exchange among young scientists.
• Inspire careers in space sciences and research.
• Showcase India’s advancements in space missions, observatories, and STEM initiatives.
• Features of the 18th IOAA:
• Largest Edition Yet – Over 300 students from 64 nations. Blend of Theory & Practice – Written exams, data analysis, and night-sky observations. Highlighting India’s Legacy – From Aryabhatta’s theories to modern missions like Chandrayaan-3 and Aditya-L1. STEM Empowerment – Showcasing initiatives like Atal Tinkering Labs and One Nation One Subscription. Global Science Partnerships – Collaboration in mega-projects like the Square Kilometre Array and LIGO-India.
• Largest Edition Yet – Over 300 students from 64 nations.
• Blend of Theory & Practice – Written exams, data analysis, and night-sky observations.
• Highlighting India’s Legacy – From Aryabhatta’s theories to modern missions like Chandrayaan-3 and Aditya-L1.
• STEM Empowerment – Showcasing initiatives like Atal Tinkering Labs and One Nation One Subscription.
• Global Science Partnerships – Collaboration in mega-projects like the Square Kilometre Array and LIGO-India.
UPSC Marking 100 Years of Commitment to Merit and Public Service
Source: PIB
Context: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) will mark its centenary year from 1 October 2025 to 1 October 2026, celebrating 100 years of transparent, merit-based recruitment for India’s civil services.
About UPSC Marking 100 Years of Commitment to Merit and Public Service:
• What it is? The UPSC is India’s premier constitutional authority for recruiting top-level government officers through a fair, competitive examination process.
• The UPSC is India’s premier constitutional authority for recruiting top-level government officers through a fair, competitive examination process.
• Established in: 1 October 1926, following the recommendations of the Lee Commission (1924) and provisions of the Government of India Act, 1919.
• Objective:
• Ensure meritocracy and fairness in public service recruitment. Select candidates through rigorous, impartial, and transparent examinations and interviews. Maintain the highest standards of integrity and competence in public administration.
• Ensure meritocracy and fairness in public service recruitment.
• Select candidates through rigorous, impartial, and transparent examinations and interviews.
• Maintain the highest standards of integrity and competence in public administration.
Historical Evolution of Civil Services in India
• Pre-1854 – Patronage System East India Company civil servants were nominated, trained at Haileybury College (London), and sent to India.
• East India Company civil servants were nominated, trained at Haileybury College (London), and sent to India.
• 1854 – Macaulay Reforms Introduction of competitive exams for the Indian Civil Service (ICS) held in London (from 1855). First Indian to succeed: Satyendranath Tagore (1864).
• Introduction of competitive exams for the Indian Civil Service (ICS) held in London (from 1855).
• First Indian to succeed: Satyendranath Tagore (1864).
• 1922 – Exams in India Civil Service exams began in Allahabad and later Delhi, alongside London exams.
• Civil Service exams began in Allahabad and later Delhi, alongside London exams.
• 1926 – Public Service Commission Established First Chairman: Sir Ross Barker. Initially had 4 members + chairman and functions under Public Service Commission (Functions) Rules, 1926.
• First Chairman: Sir Ross Barker.
• Initially had 4 members + chairman and functions under Public Service Commission (Functions) Rules, 1926.
• 1937 – Federal Public Service Commission Created under Government of India Act, 1935 for the Federation of India.
• Created under Government of India Act, 1935 for the Federation of India.
• 1950 – Union Public Service Commission Came into existence with the Constitution of India; powers defined in Articles 315–323.
• Came into existence with the Constitution of India; powers defined in Articles 315–323.
SHRESTH – State Health Regulatory Excellence Index
Source: News on Air
Context: The Union Health Ministry launched SHRESTH – State Health Regulatory Excellence Index, the first national framework to benchmark and strengthen state drug regulatory systems through transparent, data-driven evaluation.
About SHRESTH – State Health Regulatory Excellence Index:
• What it is? A virtual gap assessment tool to evaluate, rank, and improve state drug regulatory authorities, ensuring medicine safety, quality, and efficacy.
• A virtual gap assessment tool to evaluate, rank, and improve state drug regulatory authorities, ensuring medicine safety, quality, and efficacy.
• Ministry: Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (Implemented by CDSCO – Central Drugs Standard Control Organization)
• Objective:
• Benchmark state/UT drug regulatory systems. Drive targeted improvements in human resources, infrastructure, and digitisation. Strengthen public trust in medicines manufactured and distributed in India.
• Benchmark state/UT drug regulatory systems.
• Drive targeted improvements in human resources, infrastructure, and digitisation.
• Strengthen public trust in medicines manufactured and distributed in India.
• Criteria for Evaluation:
• Manufacturing States: 27 indicators under 5 themes – Human Resources, Infrastructure, Licensing, Surveillance, Responsiveness. Distribution States/UTs: 23 indicators under the same thematic areas. Monthly data submission to CDSCO; monthly scoring and feedback loop.
• Manufacturing States: 27 indicators under 5 themes – Human Resources, Infrastructure, Licensing, Surveillance, Responsiveness.
• Distribution States/UTs: 23 indicators under the same thematic areas.
• Monthly data submission to CDSCO; monthly scoring and feedback loop.
• Key Features:
• Two-tier categorisation – Manufacturing States and Distribution States/UTs. Data-driven ranking with monthly updates for continuous improvement. WHO-aligned standards to move medicines to global benchmark status (ML3-equivalent). Cross-learning platform – sharing success stories from top performers. Regulatory harmonisation – uniform implementation of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act across states.
• Two-tier categorisation – Manufacturing States and Distribution States/UTs.
• Data-driven ranking with monthly updates for continuous improvement.
• WHO-aligned standards to move medicines to global benchmark status (ML3-equivalent).
• Cross-learning platform – sharing success stories from top performers.
• Regulatory harmonisation – uniform implementation of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act across states.
African trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness)
Source: DTE
Context: Kenya has been certified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as free from human African trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness), becoming the 10th African nation to eliminate the disease as a public health problem.
About African trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness):
What it is?
• A vector-borne parasitic disease caused by Trypanosoma brucei protozoa.
• Occurs only in sub-Saharan Africa, mainly in rural communities dependent on farming, fishing, and livestock.
• Fatal if untreated.
Vector:
• Transmitted by the bite of infected tsetse flies (Glossina species).
• Flies acquire the parasite from infected humans or animals and pass it on through their bites.
How it Works?
• Parasites enter the bloodstream and lymphatic system (first stage).
• Without treatment, they cross into the central nervous system, damaging the brain (second stage).
• The name “sleeping sickness” comes from disrupted sleep patterns caused in later stages.
Symptoms:
• First Stage (Haemo-lymphatic):
• Fever, headaches, joint pains, enlarged lymph nodes, itching.
• Fever, headaches, joint pains, enlarged lymph nodes, itching.
• Second Stage (Neurological):
• Confusion, behaviour changes, poor coordination. Disturbed sleep cycle (daytime sleepiness, nighttime insomnia). Without treatment, it is usually fatal.
• Confusion, behaviour changes, poor coordination.
• Disturbed sleep cycle (daytime sleepiness, nighttime insomnia).
• Without treatment, it is usually fatal.
Spread:
• Found in 24 countries (gambiense form) in West & Central Africa, and 13 countries (rhodesiense form) in East & Southern Africa.
• Rhodesiense form is acute and progresses rapidly (weeks–months).
• Gambiense form is chronic, often lasting years without major symptoms.
Treatment: Drugs exist such as pentamidine, suramin, fexinidazole, nifurtimox–eflornithine, eflornithine, and melarsoprol — provided free by WHO.
Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA)
Source: TH
Context: The Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA) has completed five years since its launch in 2020, with a special anniversary event scheduled in New Delhi.
About Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA):
• What it is? A nationwide anti-drug initiative aimed at reducing substance abuse through prevention, awareness, treatment, and rehabilitation, focusing on India’s most vulnerable districts.
• A nationwide anti-drug initiative aimed at reducing substance abuse through prevention, awareness, treatment, and rehabilitation, focusing on India’s most vulnerable districts.
• Launched in: 15 August 2020
• Organisation: Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment (MoSJE).
• Objectives:
• Curb Drug Demand: Reduce substance use through prevention, education, and outreach. Strengthen Community Response: Involve youth, women, and local institutions in anti-drug campaigns. Rehabilitation & Treatment: Ensure timely support for victims of addiction.
• Curb Drug Demand: Reduce substance use through prevention, education, and outreach.
• Strengthen Community Response: Involve youth, women, and local institutions in anti-drug campaigns.
• Rehabilitation & Treatment: Ensure timely support for victims of addiction.
• Key Features:
• Targeted Districts: Implementation in 272 high-risk districts identified via national surveys and NCB data. Three-Pronged Approach: Supply reduction (NCB), demand reduction (MoSJE outreach), and treatment (Health Department). Community-Based Implementation: District and state-level committees headed by senior officials. Technology Integration: NMBA app, website, and active social media campaigns for outreach. Mass Mobilisation: Partnerships with organisations like Art of Living, Brahma Kumaris, and ISKCON for public awareness.
• Targeted Districts: Implementation in 272 high-risk districts identified via national surveys and NCB data.
• Three-Pronged Approach: Supply reduction (NCB), demand reduction (MoSJE outreach), and treatment (Health Department).
• Community-Based Implementation: District and state-level committees headed by senior officials.
• Technology Integration: NMBA app, website, and active social media campaigns for outreach.
• Mass Mobilisation: Partnerships with organisations like Art of Living, Brahma Kumaris, and ISKCON for public awareness.
• Significance:
• Public Health Impact: Sensitised over 18 crore citizens, including youth and women. Capacity Building: Trained 20,000+ Master Volunteers nationwide. Social Stability: Reduced drug-related crime and strengthened social fabric.
• Public Health Impact: Sensitised over 18 crore citizens, including youth and women.
• Capacity Building: Trained 20,000+ Master Volunteers nationwide.
• Social Stability: Reduced drug-related crime and strengthened social fabric.
India Semiconductor Mission (ISM)
Source: NIE
Context: The Union Cabinet has approved ₹4,600 crore for four new semiconductor manufacturing projects in Odisha, Punjab, and Andhra Pradesh, under the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM).
About New Semiconductor Plants:
• SiCSem Pvt. Ltd. (Odisha): In collaboration with Clas-SiC Wafer Fab Ltd., UK. India’s first commercial Silicon Carbide (SiC) compound semiconductor fab.
• In collaboration with Clas-SiC Wafer Fab Ltd., UK.
• India’s first commercial Silicon Carbide (SiC) compound semiconductor fab.
• 3D Glass Solutions Inc. (Odisha): Vertically integrated advanced packaging & embedded glass substrate unit. Technology: 3D Heterogeneous Integration modules.
• Vertically integrated advanced packaging & embedded glass substrate unit.
• Technology: 3D Heterogeneous Integration modules.
• ASIP Technologies (Andhra Pradesh): Joint venture with APACT Co. Ltd., South Korea.
• Continental Device India Pvt. Ltd. (Punjab): Brownfield expansion in Mohali.
About India Semiconductor Mission (ISM):
• What it is? A government initiative to develop a robust semiconductor and display manufacturing ecosystem in India.
• A government initiative to develop a robust semiconductor and display manufacturing ecosystem in India.
• Launched in: 2021
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY)
• Key Features:
• Vision: Make India a global hub for semiconductor design, manufacturing, and innovation. Investment Incentives: Financial support for fabs, compound semiconductors, ATMP/OSAT units, and display fabs. Design Ecosystem Support: Assistance to startups, MSMEs, and academia in chip design. Talent Development: Training over 60,000 skilled professionals. Strategic Importance: Reduces import dependency, supports self-reliance under Atmanirbhar Bharat.
• Vision: Make India a global hub for semiconductor design, manufacturing, and innovation.
• Investment Incentives: Financial support for fabs, compound semiconductors, ATMP/OSAT units, and display fabs.
• Design Ecosystem Support: Assistance to startups, MSMEs, and academia in chip design.
• Talent Development: Training over 60,000 skilled professionals.
• Strategic Importance: Reduces import dependency, supports self-reliance under Atmanirbhar Bharat.
Rabies
Source: TH
Context: The Supreme Court has ordered the immediate capture and permanent confinement of stray dogs in Delhi amid rising rabies-related deaths, bringing renewed focus to this preventable yet fatal disease that kills thousands in India each year.
About Rabies:
• What it is? A fatal zoonotic viral disease caused by the Rabies virus (RABV). Classified by WHO as a Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD).
• A fatal zoonotic viral disease caused by the Rabies virus (RABV).
• Classified by WHO as a Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD).
• Vector & Transmission: Primary vector: Dogs (responsible for ~99% of human cases). Other carriers: Cats, bats, raccoons, foxes, skunks, livestock. Spread through bites, scratches, or saliva contact with broken skin/mucous membranes. Infection & Spread: Incubation stage – Virus remains dormant for days to months (commonly 1–3 months). Nervous system invasion – Virus travels via peripheral nerves to the brain. Fatal outcome – Once symptoms appear, death is almost certain without intervention. Symptoms: Early: Fever, headache, malaise, pain/tingling at wound site. Advanced: *Furious rabies*: Hyperactivity, hallucinations, hydrophobia, aerophobia, excessive salivation. *Paralytic rabies*: Gradual muscle paralysis, coma, eventual death. Distinctive Features: 100% preventable with timely vaccination. Once symptoms appear, mortality is nearly 100%. Children (5–14 years) are most vulnerable in endemic regions. Treatment: Rabies prevention involves PEP (4-dose vaccine + RIG for unvaccinated) after exposure and PrEP for high-risk groups. WHO-approved vaccines include RABIVAX-S, VaxiRab N, and VERORAB, with immediate wound washing being essential before vaccination.
• Primary vector: Dogs (responsible for ~99% of human cases).
• Other carriers: Cats, bats, raccoons, foxes, skunks, livestock. Spread through bites, scratches, or saliva contact with broken skin/mucous membranes.
• Spread through bites, scratches, or saliva contact with broken skin/mucous membranes.
• Infection & Spread: Incubation stage – Virus remains dormant for days to months (commonly 1–3 months). Nervous system invasion – Virus travels via peripheral nerves to the brain. Fatal outcome – Once symptoms appear, death is almost certain without intervention.
• Incubation stage – Virus remains dormant for days to months (commonly 1–3 months).
• Nervous system invasion – Virus travels via peripheral nerves to the brain.
• Fatal outcome – Once symptoms appear, death is almost certain without intervention.
• Symptoms: Early: Fever, headache, malaise, pain/tingling at wound site. Advanced: *Furious rabies*: Hyperactivity, hallucinations, hydrophobia, aerophobia, excessive salivation. *Paralytic rabies*: Gradual muscle paralysis, coma, eventual death. Distinctive Features: 100% preventable with timely vaccination. Once symptoms appear, mortality is nearly 100%. Children (5–14 years) are most vulnerable in endemic regions. Treatment: Rabies prevention involves PEP (4-dose vaccine + RIG for unvaccinated) after exposure and PrEP for high-risk groups. WHO-approved vaccines include RABIVAX-S, VaxiRab N, and VERORAB, with immediate wound washing being essential before vaccination.
• Early: Fever, headache, malaise, pain/tingling at wound site.
• Advanced: *Furious rabies*: Hyperactivity, hallucinations, hydrophobia, aerophobia, excessive salivation. *Paralytic rabies*: Gradual muscle paralysis, coma, eventual death.
• *Furious rabies*: Hyperactivity, hallucinations, hydrophobia, aerophobia, excessive salivation.
• *Paralytic rabies*: Gradual muscle paralysis, coma, eventual death.
• Distinctive Features: 100% preventable with timely vaccination. Once symptoms appear, mortality is nearly 100%. Children (5–14 years) are most vulnerable in endemic regions.
• 100% preventable with timely vaccination.
• Once symptoms appear, mortality is nearly 100%.
• Children (5–14 years) are most vulnerable in endemic regions.
• Treatment: Rabies prevention involves PEP (4-dose vaccine + RIG for unvaccinated) after exposure and PrEP for high-risk groups. WHO-approved vaccines include RABIVAX-S, VaxiRab N, and VERORAB, with immediate wound washing being essential before vaccination.
• WHO-approved vaccines include RABIVAX-S, VaxiRab N, and VERORAB, with immediate wound washing being essential before vaccination.
Open-Book Assessments (OBE)
Source: IE
Context: The CBSE will introduce Open-Book Assessments (OBE) in Class 9 from 2026–27 after pilot studies showed strong teacher support, aiming to move away from rote learning towards competency-based evaluation.
About Open-Book Assessments (OBE):
• What It Is? An exam format that allows students to refer to approved materials (textbooks, notes, resource sheets) during the assessment, focusing on application of knowledge rather than memory recall.
• An exam format that allows students to refer to approved materials (textbooks, notes, resource sheets) during the assessment, focusing on application of knowledge rather than memory recall.
• Announced By: Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), approved by its Governing Body in June 2025 after a 2023–24 pilot.
• Objective:
• Reduce dependence on rote memorisation. Promote analytical thinking, problem-solving, and real-life application of concepts. Align assessments with National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 vision for competency-based learning.
• Reduce dependence on rote memorisation.
• Promote analytical thinking, problem-solving, and real-life application of concepts.
• Align assessments with National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 vision for competency-based learning.
• How It Works?
• Students may use pre-approved books or reference material during exams. Questions test the ability to interpret, connect, and apply concepts to given problems. Requires skills in quick referencing, conceptual clarity, and synthesis of ideas.
• Students may use pre-approved books or reference material during exams.
• Questions test the ability to interpret, connect, and apply concepts to given problems.
• Requires skills in quick referencing, conceptual clarity, and synthesis of ideas.
• Features:
• Resource Access: Textbooks, class notes, teacher-provided materials. Application-Oriented: Focus on linking facts to solutions, not direct recall. Pilot-tested: Conducted for English, Mathematics, Science, and Biology in 2023–24. Flexible Design: Can be adapted for multiple subjects and grades. Stress Reduction: Early studies show lower exam anxiety compared to closed-book tests.
• Resource Access: Textbooks, class notes, teacher-provided materials.
• Application-Oriented: Focus on linking facts to solutions, not direct recall.
• Pilot-tested: Conducted for English, Mathematics, Science, and Biology in 2023–24.
• Flexible Design: Can be adapted for multiple subjects and grades.
• Stress Reduction: Early studies show lower exam anxiety compared to closed-book tests.
• Significance:
• Pedagogical Shift: Encourages deeper learning and critical analysis. Alignment with Global Practices: Similar to higher education formats used internationally. Inclusivity in Learning: Supports students with varied learning styles.
• Pedagogical Shift: Encourages deeper learning and critical analysis.
• Alignment with Global Practices: Similar to higher education formats used internationally.
• Inclusivity in Learning: Supports students with varied learning styles.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 13 August 2025 Mapping:
Mud Wave
Source: TOI
Context: A 2025 study in Global and Planetary Change discovered 117-million-year-old mud waves buried beneath the Atlantic seabed near Guinea-Bissau.
About Mud Waves:
What They Are?
• Large, rhythmic sedimentary bedforms on the ocean floor, created by persistent bottom currents.
• In this case, formed by dense saline flows from the young North Atlantic into southern basins during the Cretaceous period.
Key Features:
• Size: Over 1 km long and hundreds of meters high.
• Age: Around 117 million years old.
• Location: Nearly 1 km beneath the Atlantic seabed west of Guinea-Bissau.
• Composition: Layered sediment sequences, revealing historic ocean currents.
• Associated Currents: Shaped by deep-water density flows across the Equatorial Atlantic Gateway.
Formation Process:
• Early Atlantic Water Spill:
• Around 117 million years ago, the North Atlantic Ocean was still young and partly separated from the south. Eventually, salty ocean water from the north poured into the southern part through a new opening (called the Equatorial Atlantic Gateway).
• Around 117 million years ago, the North Atlantic Ocean was still young and partly separated from the south.
• Eventually, salty ocean water from the north poured into the southern part through a new opening (called the Equatorial Atlantic Gateway).
• Underwater Sediment Avalanches:
• This sudden flow of heavy, salty water hit older, still waters in the south that were full of mud and organic material. The collision stirred up huge amounts of sediment, causing giant underwater “mud avalanches” to rush along the seabed.
• This sudden flow of heavy, salty water hit older, still waters in the south that were full of mud and organic material.
• The collision stirred up huge amounts of sediment, causing giant underwater “mud avalanches” to rush along the seabed.
• Shaping the Mud Waves:
• Over time, the powerful underwater currents kept pushing and piling up these sediments in wave-like patterns. These became massive “mud waves”, frozen in place for millions of years, now buried under the ocean floor.
• Over time, the powerful underwater currents kept pushing and piling up these sediments in wave-like patterns.
• These became massive “mud waves”, frozen in place for millions of years, now buried under the ocean floor.
About the Atlantic Ocean:
• Second-largest Ocean after the Pacific; roughly half its size.
• Distinctive ‘S’-shaped outline.
• Key Physical Features:
• Continental Shelf: Widest in the Northern Atlantic (NE America, NW Europe). Mid-Atlantic Ridge: 14,000 km long, ~4 km high, running parallel to the ocean’s shape. Seamounts & Islands: Includes Azores, Canary Islands, Bermuda, Cape Verde. Trenches & Troughs: Limited compared to the Pacific, notable ones include Puerto Rico Trench and Romanche Trench. Marginal Seas: Hudson Bay, Baltic Sea, Gulf of Mexico.
• Continental Shelf: Widest in the Northern Atlantic (NE America, NW Europe).
• Mid-Atlantic Ridge: 14,000 km long, ~4 km high, running parallel to the ocean’s shape.
• Seamounts & Islands: Includes Azores, Canary Islands, Bermuda, Cape Verde.
• Trenches & Troughs: Limited compared to the Pacific, notable ones include Puerto Rico Trench and Romanche Trench.
• Marginal Seas: Hudson Bay, Baltic Sea, Gulf of Mexico.
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