UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 18 July 2025
Kartavya Desk Staff
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 18 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 – 18 July (2025)
• PAC has urged a comprehensive review of UIDAI’s functioning
PAC has urged a comprehensive review of UIDAI’s functioning
• Swachh Survekshan 2024–25
Swachh Survekshan 2024–25
Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):
• Russian Sanctions Act, 2025
Russian Sanctions Act, 2025
• Dowry Deaths in India
Dowry Deaths in India
Facts for Prelims (FFP):
• Akash Prime Missile System
Akash Prime Missile System
• Black Hole Merger GW231123
Black Hole Merger GW231123
• Kerala’s KITE Initiative
Kerala’s KITE Initiative
• Short-Range Ballistic Missiles Agni-I and Prithvi-II
Short-Range Ballistic Missiles Agni-I and Prithvi-II
• Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA)
Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA)
• Group of Friends (GoF) for Accountability of Crimes against Peacekeepers
Group of Friends (GoF) for Accountability of Crimes against Peacekeepers
Mapping:
• Bolivia
Bolivia
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 18 July 2025
#### GS Paper 2:
PAC has urged a comprehensive review of UIDAI’s functioning
Syllabus: Polity/Governance
Source: TH
Context: The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has urged a comprehensive review of UIDAI’s functioning after biometric verification failures led to wrongful exclusion from welfare schemes and raised concerns over data security breaches.
About PAC has urged a comprehensive review of UIDAI’s functioning:
• What it is PAC?
• A parliamentary committee that audits the accounts of the Union Government based on CAG reports.
• A parliamentary committee that audits the accounts of the Union Government based on CAG reports.
• Members: Comprises 22 MPs (15 from Lok Sabha, 7 from Rajya Sabha); chaired by an opposition leader.
• Term: Reconstituted annually.
• Functions: Examines public expenditure to ensure it is used efficiently and legally. Reviews autonomous bodies and public undertakings funded by the government. Recently reviewed UIDAI based on the CAG’s 2021 report.
• Examines public expenditure to ensure it is used efficiently and legally.
• Reviews autonomous bodies and public undertakings funded by the government.
• Recently reviewed UIDAI based on the CAG’s 2021 report.
Key Issues Highlighted by PAC
• Biometric Verification Failures: High failure rates exclude genuine beneficiaries from PDS, MGNREGA, etc. Causes: Worn fingerprints (manual labourers), iris mismatch (elderly).
• High failure rates exclude genuine beneficiaries from PDS, MGNREGA, etc.
• Causes: Worn fingerprints (manual labourers), iris mismatch (elderly).
• Data Breaches: PAC flagged reports of Aadhaar data surfacing on the dark web. UIDAI claimed its central repository is secure and leaks mostly occur at enrolment centres.
• PAC flagged reports of Aadhaar data surfacing on the dark web.
• UIDAI claimed its central repository is secure and leaks mostly occur at enrolment centres.
• Duplicate and Inactive Aadhaar IDs: Aadhaar numbers exceed India’s population; slow deactivation after death raises risk of misuse.
• Grievance Redressal Gaps: Citizens face difficulty correcting errors or resolving failed authentication issues.
• Use of Aadhaar by Ineligible Entities: Some MPs warned of Aadhaar being accessed by non-citizens, leading to welfare misuse.
Implications of Aadhaar Verification Failures & Data Issues
• Social Exclusion: Biometric mismatches deny genuine beneficiaries access to welfare schemes like PDS and MGNREGA.
• Security Threats: Data leaks and duplicated Aadhaar numbers expose citizens to identity theft and fraud.
• Erosion of Trust in Institutions: Frequent authentication failures and reports of data breaches reduce public faith in UIDAI.
• Welfare Leakages and Misuse: Fake or duplicated Aadhaar numbers enable ineligible persons to access subsidies.
• Governance Inefficiency: Grievance redressal failures and slow deactivation of deceased persons’ Aadhaar delay service delivery.
Recommended Measures by PAC:
• Scientific Audit of Repository: A full-fledged forensic and technical review of UIDAI’s central database is needed.
• Simplify Aadhaar Enrolment: Reduce procedural barriers and allow flexible documentation for genuine residents.
• Strengthen Data Security: Enforce stricter compliance protocols at Aadhaar enrolment and update centres.
• Accelerate Deactivation Post-Death: Integrate UIDAI with state civil registries to auto-deactivate Aadhaar of deceased.
• Adopt Inclusive Verification Alternatives: Enable facial recognition, OTP-based authentication, or assisted verification models.
• Ensure Beneficiary Citizenship: Review Aadhaar issuance to suspected non-citizens misusing schemes meant for Indians.
Conclusion:
The PAC has rightly flagged Aadhaar-related operational and ethical concerns, highlighting the need for technological upgrades and policy reforms. Ensuring secure, inclusive, and error-free Aadhaar authentication is vital to uphold welfare delivery, privacy, and national trust in digital governance.
Swachh Survekshan 2024–25
Syllabus: Governance
Source: PIB
Context: Ahmedabad emerged as the cleanest big city in the Swachh Survekshan 2024–25. The awards were conferred by President Droupadi Murmu during a national felicitation event.
About Swachh Survekshan 2024–25:
• Conducted by: Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA).
• Objective: Promote competitive spirit among cities for cleanliness and sanitation.
• Framework: Based on “One City, One Award” and includes parameters like GFC star rating, source segregation, toilet access, and beautification.
• Participation: 4,500+ cities, 14 crore citizens engaged via face-to-face, apps, and digital platforms.
• New Additions: “Super Swachh League” and revamped categorization across five population segments.
Winners 2024–25:
• Cleanest Big Cities (10 lakh+): Ahmedabad (1st), Bhopal (2nd), Lucknow (3rd).
• 3–10 Lakh Category: Mira-Bhayandar (1st), Bilaspur (2nd), Jamshedpur (3rd).
• Best Ganga Town: Prayagraj.
• Best Cantonment Board: Secunderabad Cantonment.
• SaifaiMitra Surakshit Shehar (Sanitation Worker Safety): Visakhapatnam, Jabalpur, Gorakhpur.
• Super Swachh League Inductees (23 cities): Indore, Surat, Navi Mumbai, Vijayawada, Chandigarh, Mysore, etc.
About Super Swachh League (SSL):
• What It Is? The Super Swachh League is a new category introduced in Swachh Survekshan 2024–25 to honour cities showing sustained excellence in urban sanitation and cleanliness over multiple years.
• The Super Swachh League is a new category introduced in Swachh Survekshan 2024–25 to honour cities showing sustained excellence in urban sanitation and cleanliness over multiple years.
• Objective: To create a premier league of consistently high-performing cities across population brackets, promoting competitive excellence and peer benchmarking.
• Eligibility Criteria: Cities must have a minimum Garbage Free City (GFC) star rating, ideally 3-star or above. Must consistently rank high in Swachh Survekshan across key parameters like door-to-door waste collection, source segregation, ODF++ status, and citizen engagement. Population-based segmentation: Above 10 lakhs (e.g., Ahmedabad, Indore, Surat). 3–10 lakh (e.g., Noida, Chandigarh, Mysuru). Below 3 lakh and below 1 lakh (with defined benchmarks).
• Cities must have a minimum Garbage Free City (GFC) star rating, ideally 3-star or above.
• Must consistently rank high in Swachh Survekshan across key parameters like door-to-door waste collection, source segregation, ODF++ status, and citizen engagement.
• Population-based segmentation: Above 10 lakhs (e.g., Ahmedabad, Indore, Surat). 3–10 lakh (e.g., Noida, Chandigarh, Mysuru). Below 3 lakh and below 1 lakh (with defined benchmarks).
• Above 10 lakhs (e.g., Ahmedabad, Indore, Surat).
• 3–10 lakh (e.g., Noida, Chandigarh, Mysuru).
• Below 3 lakh and below 1 lakh (with defined benchmarks).
Key Trends Highlighted:
• Rise of Mid-Tier Cities: Cities like Bilaspur and Jamshedpur are outperforming major metros in sanitation metrics, showing decentralised progress.
• 3R Push (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle): The survey promoted 3R as a guiding principle, integrating sustainability into everyday urban behaviour.
• Scientific Waste Management: 12 cities earned 7-star and 22 cities secured 5-star Garbage Free City certifications, reflecting improved waste processing.
• Inclusivity for Small Cities: Revised scoring methods enabled towns with populations below 1 lakh to compete fairly with big cities.
• Public Engagement: Over 14 crore citizens participated via surveys, apps, and community events—an all-time high.
Best Practices Recognized:
• Waste-to-Wealth Innovations: Artistic tokens made from recycled waste were gifted to dignitaries, symbolising creative reuse
• Peer Mentorship Model: Top 78 cities will each mentor one underperforming city under the “Each One Clean One” initiative.
• Dumpsite Remediation Drive: A focused 1-year campaign starting Aug 15, 2025, will clean up legacy waste and reclaim urban land.
• Clean Kumbh Management: Prayagraj efficiently managed sanitation for 66 crore devotees at the Maha Kumbh, showcasing mega-event waste planning.
• Sanitation Worker Safety: Cities like Gorakhpur, Jabalpur, and Visakhapatnam were honoured for ensuring dignity and safety for Safai Mitras.
Significance:
• Urban Transformation: Survey results indicate a shift in citizens’ mindset—from compliance to commitment toward cleanliness.
• Youth & Job Creation: The focus on circular economy has led to startups, SHG enterprises, and green employment in waste management.
• Benchmarking Tool: The survey serves as a performance mirror, pushing cities to improve service delivery and adopt innovation.
• Viksit Bharat 2047 Vision: Clean cities are critical to the broader goal of a developed India by 2047.
• Women & SHG Engagement: Women-led groups and school campaigns are playing key roles in zero-waste and segregation drives.
Conclusion:
Swachh Survekshan 2024–25 showcases India’s urban sanitation shift from compliance to commitment. It celebrates city-level innovation, grassroots participation, and national resolve for a cleaner, sustainable future. Cleanliness is no longer a mission — it is becoming civic culture.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 18 July 2025 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)
Russian Sanctions Act, 2025
Context: India has strongly opposed the proposed Russian Sanctions Act, 2025 in the U.S. that seeks to impose 500% duties on countries like India buying Russian oil.
About Russian Sanctions Act, 2025:
• What It Is?
• A U.S. congressional bill introduced by Senator Lindsey Graham, with bipartisan support, aimed at punishing countries that continue trading in Russian-origin energy products.
• A U.S. congressional bill introduced by Senator Lindsey Graham, with bipartisan support, aimed at punishing countries that continue trading in Russian-origin energy products.
• Key Features of the Bill:
• Section 17: Imposes 500% ad valorem tariffs on countries trading in Russian oil, gas, coal, uranium, or petrochemicals. Secondary sanctions: Targets non-compliant third countries like India, China, and Brazil, urging them to cut ties with Russia. Presidential waiver clause: Allows the U.S. President to delay sanctions for 6 months under strategic conditions. Tariff deadline: Recommends sanctions within 50 days, urging early enforcement.
• Section 17: Imposes 500% ad valorem tariffs on countries trading in Russian oil, gas, coal, uranium, or petrochemicals.
• Secondary sanctions: Targets non-compliant third countries like India, China, and Brazil, urging them to cut ties with Russia.
• Presidential waiver clause: Allows the U.S. President to delay sanctions for 6 months under strategic conditions.
• Tariff deadline: Recommends sanctions within 50 days, urging early enforcement.
• Implications for India:
• Energy security threat: India sources ~38% of its oil from Russia; sudden disruption risks price shocks and supply instability. Geopolitical pressure: Seen as an attempt to arm-twist India to align with Western bloc on the Ukraine issue. Diplomatic response: MEA cautions against “double standards”, affirms energy diversification (40 suppliers), and maintains sovereign decision-making. Economic impact: Potential costlier imports, inflationary pressure, and reconfiguration of energy trade routes.
• Energy security threat: India sources ~38% of its oil from Russia; sudden disruption risks price shocks and supply instability.
• Geopolitical pressure: Seen as an attempt to arm-twist India to align with Western bloc on the Ukraine issue.
• Diplomatic response: MEA cautions against “double standards”, affirms energy diversification (40 suppliers), and maintains sovereign decision-making.
• Economic impact: Potential costlier imports, inflationary pressure, and reconfiguration of energy trade routes.
• Relevance for UPSC:
• GS-II (International Relations): India–U.S. ties, energy diplomacy, multipolarity, NATO influence. GS-III (Economy): Energy security, oil pricing, trade tariffs, strategic reserves, import substitution. Ethics angle: Sovereignty vs sanctions, double standards in global politics.
• GS-II (International Relations): India–U.S. ties, energy diplomacy, multipolarity, NATO influence.
• GS-III (Economy): Energy security, oil pricing, trade tariffs, strategic reserves, import substitution.
• Ethics angle: Sovereignty vs sanctions, double standards in global politics.
Dowry Deaths in India
Context: A surge in dowry-related deaths across states like Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Chandigarh has reignited national concern, revealing persistent social evils and severe justice delivery gaps.
About Dowry Deaths in India:
• What are Dowry Deaths? Dowry deaths refer to the killing or suicide of a woman due to continuous harassment or violence over unmet dowry demands by her husband or in-laws. It is recognized under Section 304B of IPC and the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961.
• Dowry deaths refer to the killing or suicide of a woman due to continuous harassment or violence over unmet dowry demands by her husband or in-laws. It is recognized under Section 304B of IPC and the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961.
• Key Data and Trends (2017–2022):
• Average of 7,000 dowry deaths annually, per NCRB data. Over 6,100 murders across India were directly linked to dowry motives. Only ~4,500 cases charge-sheeted each year; over 3,000 cases remained under investigation in 2022, with 67% pending for over 6 months. Conviction Rate: Merely 100 convictions annually from ~6,500 trial cases. Regional Hotspots: 80% of cases concentrated in UP, Bihar, Jharkhand, MP, Odisha, Rajasthan, West Bengal, Haryana. Urban Distress: Delhi alone accounted for 30% of dowry deaths among 19 cities.
• Average of 7,000 dowry deaths annually, per NCRB data.
• Over 6,100 murders across India were directly linked to dowry motives.
• Only ~4,500 cases charge-sheeted each year; over 3,000 cases remained under investigation in 2022, with 67% pending for over 6 months.
• Conviction Rate: Merely 100 convictions annually from ~6,500 trial cases.
• Regional Hotspots: 80% of cases concentrated in UP, Bihar, Jharkhand, MP, Odisha, Rajasthan, West Bengal, Haryana.
• Urban Distress: Delhi alone accounted for 30% of dowry deaths among 19 cities.
Relevance in UPSC Exam
• GS Paper I – Society
• Issues related to women empowerment, social evils, and patriarchy in India.
• Issues related to women empowerment, social evils, and patriarchy in India.
• GS Paper II – Governance & Polity
• Criminal justice reforms, implementation gaps in protective legislation, and women’s rights enforcement.
• Criminal justice reforms, implementation gaps in protective legislation, and women’s rights enforcement.
• GS Paper IV – Ethics & Integrity
• Case study material for dilemmas in law enforcement, gender justice, and administrative inaction.
• Case study material for dilemmas in law enforcement, gender justice, and administrative inaction.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 18 July 2025 Facts for Prelims (FFP):
Akash Prime Missile System
Source: PIB
Context: India successfully conducted a high-altitude trial of the Akash Prime missile system in Ladakh, marking a major milestone in indigenous air defence capabilities.
About Akash Prime Missile System:
• What is Akash Prime? Akash Prime is an upgraded version of the Akash Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) developed by DRDO. It is specially designed to perform in high-altitude, low-oxygen environments, enhancing India’s air defence in mountainous terrains.
• Akash Prime is an upgraded version of the Akash Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) developed by DRDO. It is specially designed to perform in high-altitude, low-oxygen environments, enhancing India’s air defence in mountainous terrains.
• Developed by:
• Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) In partnership with Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) and Bharat Electronics Limited.
• Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
• In partnership with Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) and Bharat Electronics Limited.
• Objective: To neutralize aerial threats such as drones, enemy aircraft, and cruise missiles at high altitudes, particularly along India’s sensitive border areas like Ladakh and Sikkim.
• Key Features:
• Altitude Capability: Proven performance at 15,000 ft during trials in Ladakh. Seeker Technology: Indigenous active radar seeker ensures precise target lock. Mobility: Mounted on mobile platforms for quick, terrain-flexible deployment. Guidance: Hybrid system with command guidance + terminal active homing. Speed & Range: Travels at Mach 2.5 with a maximum strike range of 30 km. All-Weather Performance: Functions reliably in extreme cold and low-density air. Kill Probability: 88% (single missile); up to 98.5% in dual-salvo mode.
• Altitude Capability: Proven performance at 15,000 ft during trials in Ladakh.
• Seeker Technology: Indigenous active radar seeker ensures precise target lock.
• Mobility: Mounted on mobile platforms for quick, terrain-flexible deployment.
• Guidance: Hybrid system with command guidance + terminal active homing.
• Speed & Range: Travels at Mach 2.5 with a maximum strike range of 30 km.
• All-Weather Performance: Functions reliably in extreme cold and low-density air.
• Kill Probability: 88% (single missile); up to 98.5% in dual-salvo mode.
• Significance in Indian Defence:
• High-Altitude Operations: Tailored for India’s mountainous border zones (e.g., LAC). Boosts Self-Reliance: Entirely indigenous system under Aatmanirbhar Bharat mission. Cost-Effective Solution: Saves import costs and enhances local defence production.
• High-Altitude Operations: Tailored for India’s mountainous border zones (e.g., LAC).
• Boosts Self-Reliance: Entirely indigenous system under Aatmanirbhar Bharat mission.
• Cost-Effective Solution: Saves import costs and enhances local defence production.
Black Hole Merger GW231123
Source: NDTV
Context: Scientists have detected GW231123, the largest black hole merger ever recorded, using the LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA (LVK) network, revealing black holes 100x and 140x the Sun’s mass—a discovery that challenges existing theories of stellar evolution.
About Black Hole Merger GW231123:
• What Is a Black Hole Merger? A black hole merger is a cosmic event where two black holes orbit each other, gradually spiral inward due to energy loss via gravitational waves, and eventually coalesce into a single, larger black hole. These mergers release immense energy, rippling across spacetime.
• A black hole merger is a cosmic event where two black holes orbit each other, gradually spiral inward due to energy loss via gravitational waves, and eventually coalesce into a single, larger black hole. These mergers release immense energy, rippling across spacetime.
• Name of the Event: GW231123 – Detected during LIGO’s fourth observation run.
• How Did It Occur?
• Two massive black holes (140 and 100 times the Sun’s mass) collided. Their merger created a super black hole about 225 solar masses. It defies the expected “mass gap” (60–130 solar masses) where black holes aren’t supposed to form via normal stellar collapse.
• Two massive black holes (140 and 100 times the Sun’s mass) collided.
• Their merger created a super black hole about 225 solar masses.
• It defies the expected “mass gap” (60–130 solar masses) where black holes aren’t supposed to form via normal stellar collapse.
• Key Features of GW231123:
• Massive Scale: Largest known stellar-mass black hole merger. Spin Limit: One black hole spun near the maximum speed allowed by General Relativity. Deep Space Origin: Likely occurred up to 12 billion light-years away. Challenging Models: Suggests prior mergers or exotic astrophysical origins. Detection Network: Identified by LIGO (US), Virgo (Italy), and KAGRA (Japan) under the LVK collaboration.
• Massive Scale: Largest known stellar-mass black hole merger.
• Spin Limit: One black hole spun near the maximum speed allowed by General Relativity.
• Deep Space Origin: Likely occurred up to 12 billion light-years away.
• Challenging Models: Suggests prior mergers or exotic astrophysical origins.
• Detection Network: Identified by LIGO (US), Virgo (Italy), and KAGRA (Japan) under the LVK collaboration.
• Significant:
• Breaks Mass Barrier: Violates theoretical “mass gap” limit, forcing reassessment of stellar collapse physics and supernova models. New Formation Clues: May indicate second-generation mergers, i.e., black holes formed from prior black hole collisions. High-Spin Puzzle: Spins observed near the relativistic limit, making waveform modelling highly complex. Dark Universe Insights: Offers rare data from deep space unreachable via light-based instruments.
• Breaks Mass Barrier: Violates theoretical “mass gap” limit, forcing reassessment of stellar collapse physics and supernova models.
• New Formation Clues: May indicate second-generation mergers, i.e., black holes formed from prior black hole collisions.
• High-Spin Puzzle: Spins observed near the relativistic limit, making waveform modelling highly complex.
• Dark Universe Insights: Offers rare data from deep space unreachable via light-based instruments.
Kerala’s KITE Initiative
Source: TH
Context: Kerala’s KITE initiative has gained national and international attention for ethically integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) in school education, with UNICEF recognising it as a global best practice in responsible EdTech.
About Kerala’s KITE Initiative:
• What is KITE? Kerala Infrastructure and Technology for Education (KITE) is the technology arm of Kerala’s General Education Department. It was established to integrate digital tools and AI in school education while ensuring transparency, inclusion, and teacher autonomy.
• Kerala Infrastructure and Technology for Education (KITE) is the technology arm of Kerala’s General Education Department. It was established to integrate digital tools and AI in school education while ensuring transparency, inclusion, and teacher autonomy.
• Launched by: Government of Kerala
• Objective: To enable ethical, equitable, and open-source-based AI integration in public education; to empower teachers and protect student data sovereignty.
• Key Features of the KITE AI Initiative:
• Mass Teacher Training: Trained 80,000+ teachers (Classes 8–12) in critical AI use, including bias detection, privacy concerns, and curricular alignment. Free and Open-Source Software (FOSS): Adopted across 15,000+ schools, ensuring autonomy, cost-effectiveness, and transparency in AI tools. Samagra Plus AI Platform: Kerala’s own RAG-based AI engine curated by expert teachers; aligns directly with state curriculum to avoid test-prep or bias traps. Student-Centric Innovation: Little KITEs IT Clubs train students in robotics and AI through hands-on, contextual learning; praised by UNICEF as a global best practice. Data Sovereignty & Bias-Resistance: By using in-house infrastructure and open datasets, KITE avoids commercial surveillance models and ensures bias-resistant AI responses.
• Mass Teacher Training: Trained 80,000+ teachers (Classes 8–12) in critical AI use, including bias detection, privacy concerns, and curricular alignment.
• Free and Open-Source Software (FOSS): Adopted across 15,000+ schools, ensuring autonomy, cost-effectiveness, and transparency in AI tools.
• Samagra Plus AI Platform: Kerala’s own RAG-based AI engine curated by expert teachers; aligns directly with state curriculum to avoid test-prep or bias traps.
• Student-Centric Innovation: Little KITEs IT Clubs train students in robotics and AI through hands-on, contextual learning; praised by UNICEF as a global best practice.
• Data Sovereignty & Bias-Resistance: By using in-house infrastructure and open datasets, KITE avoids commercial surveillance models and ensures bias-resistant AI responses.
Short-Range Ballistic Missiles Agni-I and Prithvi-II
Source: TNN
Context: India successfully test-fired nuclear-capable short-range ballistic missiles Agni-I and Prithvi-II from the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur (Odisha), a day after Akash Prime was tested in Ladakh.
About Short-Range Ballistic Missiles Agni-I and Prithvi-II:
• What Are They?
• Prithvi-II and Agni-I are short-range ballistic missiles (SRBMs) forming the backbone of India’s nuclear deterrence strategy. Tested under the supervision of the Strategic Forces Command to validate technical and operational parameters.
• Prithvi-II and Agni-I are short-range ballistic missiles (SRBMs) forming the backbone of India’s nuclear deterrence strategy.
• Tested under the supervision of the Strategic Forces Command to validate technical and operational parameters.
• Location: Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, Odisha
• Developed By: DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation).
• Under India’s Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP).
• Objectives:
• Validate combat readiness, deterrence reliability, and technical accuracy of India’s nuclear delivery systems. Strengthen second-strike capability and credibility of India’s strategic arsenal. Reinforce operational readiness post the May 2025 Indo-Pak conflict.
• Validate combat readiness, deterrence reliability, and technical accuracy of India’s nuclear delivery systems.
• Strengthen second-strike capability and credibility of India’s strategic arsenal.
• Reinforce operational readiness post the May 2025 Indo-Pak conflict.
• Features of Prithvi-II Missile:
• Range: ~350 km Payload Capacity: Up to 500 kg. Warhead Types: Conventional and nuclear. Guidance: Advanced inertial navigation with high accuracy. Platform: Road-mobile launcher for flexible deployment. Speed: Mach 1+
• Range: ~350 km
• Payload Capacity: Up to 500 kg.
• Warhead Types: Conventional and nuclear.
• Guidance: Advanced inertial navigation with high accuracy.
• Platform: Road-mobile launcher for flexible deployment.
• Speed: Mach 1+
• Features of Agni-I Missile:
• Range: 700–900 km. Payload Capacity: Up to 1,000 kg. Warhead Types: Conventional and nuclear. Accuracy: High accuracy with sophisticated guidance systems. Induction: Deployed in the Indian Army since early 2000s. Role: Critical part of India’s minimum credible deterrence.
• Range: 700–900 km.
• Payload Capacity: Up to 1,000 kg.
• Warhead Types: Conventional and nuclear.
• Accuracy: High accuracy with sophisticated guidance systems.
• Induction: Deployed in the Indian Army since early 2000s.
• Role: Critical part of India’s minimum credible deterrence.
Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA)
Source: DH
Context: The Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) has directed State Adoption Resource Agencies to strengthen structured counselling across pre-, during, and post-adoption stages, ensuring emotional well-being of all stakeholders.
About Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA):
• What it is? Statutory body under the Ministry of Women & Child Development, Government of India.
• Statutory body under the Ministry of Women & Child Development, Government of India.
• Established in: 1990 and became statutory under the Juvenile Justice Act 2015.
• Headquarters: New Delhi.
• Mandate: Regulates, monitors, and facilitates in-country and inter-country adoption of Indian children.
• International Role: Central Authority for inter-country adoption under Hague Convention on Inter-country Adoption (1993), ratified by India in 2003.
• Objectives of CARA:
• Ensure ethical, transparent, and timely adoption processes. Protect the rights of orphaned, abandoned, and surrendered children. Facilitate psychosocial support during all phases of adoption.
• Ensure ethical, transparent, and timely adoption processes.
• Protect the rights of orphaned, abandoned, and surrendered children.
• Facilitate psychosocial support during all phases of adoption.
• Key Functions of CARA:
• Regulation & Accreditation: Monitors registered adoption agencies nationwide. Digital Oversight: Manages the CARINGS portal for adoption transparency. Policy Implementation: Issues binding directions under JJ Act and Adoption Regulations. Capacity Building: Trains adoption professionals and empanels qualified counsellors. Support Framework: Ensures counselling services for biological parents, adoptive parents, and adopted children.
• Regulation & Accreditation: Monitors registered adoption agencies nationwide.
• Digital Oversight: Manages the CARINGS portal for adoption transparency.
• Policy Implementation: Issues binding directions under JJ Act and Adoption Regulations.
• Capacity Building: Trains adoption professionals and empanels qualified counsellors.
• Support Framework: Ensures counselling services for biological parents, adoptive parents, and adopted children.
Group of Friends (GoF) for Accountability of Crimes against Peacekeepers
Source: BS
Context: India reiterated its strong commitment to ensuring justice for crimes against UN peacekeepers at a high-level meeting of the Group of Friends (GoF) at the UN Headquarters, calling accountability a strategic necessity.
About Group of Friends (GoF) for Accountability of Crimes against Peacekeepers:
• What it is? An informal platform of UN member states committed to advancing justice for crimes against UN peacekeepers and strengthening global peacekeeping norms.
• An informal platform of UN member states committed to advancing justice for crimes against UN peacekeepers and strengthening global peacekeeping norms.
• Launched In: December 2022, during India’s Presidency of the UN Security Council.
• Membership: Includes around 40 UN member states, co-chaired by India and like-minded countries from Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
• Objectives:
• Promote legal and policy frameworks to prosecute crimes against peacekeepers. Ensure deterrence by addressing impunity. Uphold credibility and integrity of UN Peacekeeping Operations.
• Promote legal and policy frameworks to prosecute crimes against peacekeepers.
• Ensure deterrence by addressing impunity.
• Uphold credibility and integrity of UN Peacekeeping Operations.
• Key Functions:
• Facilitate dialogue among states, UN bodies, and experts. Support investigation mechanisms and legal reforms. Track implementation of UNSC Resolution 2589 (2021) which mandates accountability for attacks on peacekeepers. Advocate for reports from the UN Secretary-General on progress made.
• Facilitate dialogue among states, UN bodies, and experts.
• Support investigation mechanisms and legal reforms.
• Track implementation of UNSC Resolution 2589 (2021) which mandates accountability for attacks on peacekeepers.
• Advocate for reports from the UN Secretary-General on progress made.
• Significance:
• Vital for the safety of UN peacekeepers in high-risk missions. Reinforces trust in multilateralism and India’s leadership in peacekeeping. Aligns with India’s legacy of contributing over 300,000 peacekeepers, the highest by any country. Safeguards operational morale and legal protections for personnel from Global South countries.
• Vital for the safety of UN peacekeepers in high-risk missions.
• Reinforces trust in multilateralism and India’s leadership in peacekeeping.
• Aligns with India’s legacy of contributing over 300,000 peacekeepers, the highest by any country.
• Safeguards operational morale and legal protections for personnel from Global South countries.
• Outcomes of the July 2025 High-Level Meeting:
• Strategic Framing of Accountability: India called accountability a strategic necessity, not just a legal duty—essential for peacekeeper safety and mission success. Combatting Impunity: The GoF reaffirmed that lack of punishment fuels more attacks on peacekeepers, undermining global peace efforts. India’s Role Reaffirmed: India showcased its historical leadership with 182 peacekeeper martyrs and pledged continued legal, diplomatic, and moral support to the cause.
• Strategic Framing of Accountability: India called accountability a strategic necessity, not just a legal duty—essential for peacekeeper safety and mission success.
• Combatting Impunity: The GoF reaffirmed that lack of punishment fuels more attacks on peacekeepers, undermining global peace efforts.
• India’s Role Reaffirmed: India showcased its historical leadership with 182 peacekeeper martyrs and pledged continued legal, diplomatic, and moral support to the cause.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 18 July 2025 Mapping:
Bolivia
Source: News on Air
Context: India dispatched 3 lakh doses of Measles-Rubella vaccine to Bolivia amid a disease outbreak, reaffirming its commitment to Global South health diplomacy.
About Bolivia:
• Location: Landlocked country in west-central South America.
• Capitals: La Paz (administrative), Sucre (constitutional).
• Neighbours: Borders Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, Chile, and Peru.
• Geographical Extent: Spans ~1,500 km north-south and ~1,300 km east-west.
• Physiographic Features of Bolivia:
• Andes Mountains: Hosts Cordillera Occidental and Cordillera Oriental, with Mt. Sajama (6,542 m) as the highest peak. Altiplano Plateau: A flat, high plain (~12,000 ft elevation), housing Lake Titicaca and (formerly) Lake Poopó. Salt Flats: Home to Uyuni Salt Flat, the world’s largest (~10,400 sq. km). Yungas Region: Rainy, forested slopes descending from the Andes into valleys. Amazon Drainage: Rivers like Beni, Mamoré, and Iténez contribute to the Amazon basin. Chaco and Oriente: Hot lowlands in the south and tropical rainforests in the north and east.
• Andes Mountains: Hosts Cordillera Occidental and Cordillera Oriental, with Mt. Sajama (6,542 m) as the highest peak.
• Altiplano Plateau: A flat, high plain (~12,000 ft elevation), housing Lake Titicaca and (formerly) Lake Poopó.
• Salt Flats: Home to Uyuni Salt Flat, the world’s largest (~10,400 sq. km).
• Yungas Region: Rainy, forested slopes descending from the Andes into valleys.
• Amazon Drainage: Rivers like Beni, Mamoré, and Iténez contribute to the Amazon basin.
• Chaco and Oriente: Hot lowlands in the south and tropical rainforests in the north and east.
• India–Bolivia Bilateral Relations:
• Vaccine Diplomacy: India’s recent vaccine aid is part of broader South-South Cooperation under India’s Development Partnership Programme. Health Support: The consignment included Measles-Rubella vaccines and supplies to counter Bolivia’s health emergency. Strategic Engagement: India and Bolivia share warm ties, especially in multilateral platforms like the G77, NAM, and BRICS outreach events. Energy & Minerals: Bolivia is rich in lithium and has shown interest in technology and energy collaboration with India.
• Vaccine Diplomacy: India’s recent vaccine aid is part of broader South-South Cooperation under India’s Development Partnership Programme.
• Health Support: The consignment included Measles-Rubella vaccines and supplies to counter Bolivia’s health emergency.
• Strategic Engagement: India and Bolivia share warm ties, especially in multilateral platforms like the G77, NAM, and BRICS outreach events.
• Energy & Minerals: Bolivia is rich in lithium and has shown interest in technology and energy collaboration with India.
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