UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 2 September 2025
Kartavya Desk Staff
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 2 September 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 3 : (UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 2 September (2025)
• The Rise and Risks of Health Insurance in India
The Rise and Risks of Health Insurance in India
GS Paper 4:
• Corruption in India
Corruption in India
Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):
• UDISE+ 2024-25 report
UDISE+ 2024-25 report
Facts for Prelims (FFP):
• CEREBO – Indigenous Brain Tool
CEREBO – Indigenous Brain Tool
• The World Liberty Financial tokens ($WLFI)
The World Liberty Financial tokens ($WLFI)
• Yudh Abhyas Army Exercise
Yudh Abhyas Army Exercise
• Digital Yen – DCJPY
Digital Yen – DCJPY
• Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY)
Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY)
• High Performance Biomanufacturing Platforms
High Performance Biomanufacturing Platforms
Mapping:
• Afghanistan
Afghanistan
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 2 September 2025
#### GS Paper 3:
The Rise and Risks of Health Insurance in India
Syllabus: Economy
Source: TH
Context: The debate on India’s path to Universal Health Care (UHC) has intensified with rising budgets for PMJAY and State Health Insurance Programmes (SHIPs). Critics argue that these insurance-driven models reinforce for-profit healthcare and neglect public health infrastructure.
About The Rise and Risks of Health Insurance in India:
Introduction:
Universal Health Care (UHC), envisioned by the Bhore Committee (1946), remains distant for India even after eight decades. While PMJAY and SHIPs have expanded formal coverage to over 80% of the population, they raise questions about sustainability, equity, and the future of India’s public health system.
Growth of Health Insurance in India:
• PMJAY (2018): Provides ₹5 lakh cover per household per year for inpatient care, covering 58.8 crore individuals (2023-24).
• State Schemes (SHIPs): Most states run parallel programmes, together covering a similar population with budgets of ~₹16,000 crore.
• Combined Expenditure: ~₹28,000 crore annually, growing at 8–25% in real terms (2018–2024).
• Coverage vs Utilisation: While official coverage is high, only 35% of insured hospital patients could actually use the schemes (HCES 2022-23).
Fault Lines in Health Insurance Expansion
• For-Profit Medicine Bias ~2/3 of PMJAY funds flow to private hospitals, reinforcing commercialised healthcare. Lack of strong regulation leads to overcharging, unnecessary procedures, and ethical compromises.
• ~2/3 of PMJAY funds flow to private hospitals, reinforcing commercialised healthcare.
• Lack of strong regulation leads to overcharging, unnecessary procedures, and ethical compromises.
• Neglect of Primary Care Insurance skews resources towards hospitalisation, ignoring primary and preventive health services. With India’s ageing population, tertiary care costs risk crowding out investments in rural PHCs and OPD services.
• Insurance skews resources towards hospitalisation, ignoring primary and preventive health services.
• With India’s ageing population, tertiary care costs risk crowding out investments in rural PHCs and OPD services.
• Utilisation Challenges Awareness gaps: beneficiaries often do not know how to use coverage. Private hospitals discourage insurance patients due to low reimbursement rates. Disadvantaged groups face greater barriers.
• Awareness gaps: beneficiaries often do not know how to use coverage.
• Private hospitals discourage insurance patients due to low reimbursement rates.
• Disadvantaged groups face greater barriers.
• Discrimination in Care Public hospitals prefer insured patients (extra funds). Private hospitals prefer uninsured patients (higher billing). Leads to inequity within the healthcare system.
• Public hospitals prefer insured patients (extra funds).
• Private hospitals prefer uninsured patients (higher billing).
• Leads to inequity within the healthcare system.
• Financial Sustainability & Provider Exit Pending dues under PMJAY: ₹12,161 crore, exceeding its budget. Over 600 hospitals have exited PMJAY due to delays in reimbursements.
• Pending dues under PMJAY: ₹12,161 crore, exceeding its budget.
• Over 600 hospitals have exited PMJAY due to delays in reimbursements.
• Fraud & Corruption NHA flagged 3,200 hospitals for fraudulent activities (ghost patients, inflated bills, unnecessary surgeries). Weak audit systems, lack of transparency in scheme portals.
• NHA flagged 3,200 hospitals for fraudulent activities (ghost patients, inflated bills, unnecessary surgeries).
• Weak audit systems, lack of transparency in scheme portals.
Structural Risks for UHC
• Underfunded Public Health: India’s public expenditure on health is just 1.3% of GDP (2022) vs world average 6.1%.
• Profit-Driven System: Insurance strengthens private sector dominance without addressing quality gaps.
• Exclusionary Tendencies: Despite high coverage, out-of-pocket expenditure remains one of the highest globally.
International Comparisons
• Thailand, Canada: Social health insurance is a part of UHC but built on non-profit providers, universal coverage, and strong regulation.
• India’s Difference: Insurance is targeted, profit-oriented, and poorly regulated, unlike successful models abroad.
Policy Way Forward
• Strengthen Public Health Infrastructure Expand primary health centres, diagnostics, OPD services, and rural health workforce. Prioritise preventive care over hospitalisation-centric funding.
• Expand primary health centres, diagnostics, OPD services, and rural health workforce.
• Prioritise preventive care over hospitalisation-centric funding.
• Regulate Private Sector Enforce standard treatment protocols, price caps, and strict monitoring of empanelled hospitals.
• Enforce standard treatment protocols, price caps, and strict monitoring of empanelled hospitals.
• Improve Utilisation & Awareness Community outreach and digital literacy to help beneficiaries navigate schemes. Simplify claims and grievance redressal systems.
• Community outreach and digital literacy to help beneficiaries navigate schemes.
• Simplify claims and grievance redressal systems.
• Financial Sustainability Ensure timely reimbursement; explore direct budgetary allocations instead of insurance intermediaries.
• Ensure timely reimbursement; explore direct budgetary allocations instead of insurance intermediaries.
• Towards True UHC Raise public health spending to 2.5% of GDP (National Health Policy 2017 target). Move from insurance-driven patchwork to publicly funded, universally accessible healthcare.
• Raise public health spending to 2.5% of GDP (National Health Policy 2017 target).
• Move from insurance-driven patchwork to publicly funded, universally accessible healthcare.
Conclusion:
Health insurance schemes such as PMJAY and SHIPs provide temporary relief but risk institutionalising a profit-driven, hospitalisation-heavy system. True UHC requires public investment in primary care, regulation of private providers, and equity-focused reforms. Without these, health insurance remains a painkiller, not a cure, for India’s ailing healthcare system.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 2 September 2025 GS Paper 4:
Corruption in India
Syllabus: Corruption
Source: TP
Context: The Rajasthan High Court recently scrapped the SI Recruitment-2021 exam due to a paper leak scam, granting bail to 23 accused. Meanwhile, RPSC member Dr. Manju Sharma resigned, citing concerns for transparency and integrity in public life.
About Corruption in India:
Definition: Corruption is the abuse of entrusted power for private gain, violating the ethical foundations of probity, transparency, and accountability. It represents a breach of deontological duty, undermines virtue ethics (honesty, integrity), and erodes social contract obligations between state and citizens.
Types of Corruption (2nd ARC)
• Petty Corruption: Small-scale bribes for routine services (licenses, certificates), reflecting erosion of day-to-day integrity.
• Grand Corruption: High-level scams in recruitment, contracts, or natural resources that distort governance at a systemic level.
• Collusive Corruption – deep networks between politicians, officials, and businesses.
Causes of Corruption:
• Administrative Lapses: Discretion without accountability and weak oversight allow officials to misuse power.
• Economic Factors: Inadequate pay and rent-seeking incentives push officials toward corrupt practices.
• Political Culture: Criminalisation of politics and patronage networks normalise corrupt behaviour.
• Social Norms: Acceptance of “chai-paani” erodes ethical standards and legitimises bribery.
• Legal-Institutional Weaknesses: Delayed justice and fragile whistleblower protection embolden corrupt actors.
• Psychological Causes: As William James explains, moral indifference and rationalisation make corruption socially tolerable.
Implications of Corruption:
• On Individuals
• Loss of Meritocracy: Honest candidates lose opportunities, eroding fairness in public life. Ethical Dissonance: Public servants face conflicts between duty and self-interest. Victimisation: The poor and vulnerable are denied entitlements, reinforcing inequality.
• Loss of Meritocracy: Honest candidates lose opportunities, eroding fairness in public life.
• Ethical Dissonance: Public servants face conflicts between duty and self-interest.
• Victimisation: The poor and vulnerable are denied entitlements, reinforcing inequality.
• On Society
• Trust Deficit: Corruption erodes faith in institutions and social contract. Deepened Inequality: Benefits flow to elites while marginalised groups remain excluded. Economic Loss: Leakage of welfare funds and reduced investment stunt development. Democratic Weakening: Corruption delegitimises governance, fuelling cynicism and apathy.
• Trust Deficit: Corruption erodes faith in institutions and social contract.
• Deepened Inequality: Benefits flow to elites while marginalised groups remain excluded.
• Economic Loss: Leakage of welfare funds and reduced investment stunt development.
• Democratic Weakening: Corruption delegitimises governance, fuelling cynicism and apathy.
Challenges in Countering Corruption:
• Institutional Capture: Vigilance bodies lack autonomy and are vulnerable to political interference.
• Collusion Nexus: Politicians, bureaucrats, and business actors form entrenched unethical alliances.
• Whistleblower Risks: Fear of victimisation discourages reporting of corrupt practices.
• Cultural Acceptance: Normalisation of bribery sustains corruption as a “way of life.”
• Technology Misuse: Digital tools meant for transparency are manipulated through leaks, proxies, and fraud.
Way Ahead:
• Ethical Re-orientation Value-based training for civil servants (as per Second ARC’s “Ethics in Governance” report). Infusion of constitutional morality and Gandhian ideals of trusteeship.
• Value-based training for civil servants (as per Second ARC’s “Ethics in Governance” report).
• Infusion of constitutional morality and Gandhian ideals of trusteeship.
• Institutional Strengthening Empower Lokpal/Lokayuktas, strengthen CVC & vigilance mechanisms. Ensure autonomy and transparency in recruitment bodies like RPSC/UPSC.
• Empower Lokpal/Lokayuktas, strengthen CVC & vigilance mechanisms.
• Ensure autonomy and transparency in recruitment bodies like RPSC/UPSC.
• Administrative Reforms Reduce discretion; adopt “minimum government, maximum governance.” Digital platforms to minimise human interface; use blockchain for recruitment & contracts.
• Reduce discretion; adopt “minimum government, maximum governance.”
• Digital platforms to minimise human interface; use blockchain for recruitment & contracts.
• Social & Cultural Change Promote citizenship ethics – zero tolerance for corruption. Strengthen role of RTI, media, and civil society.
• Promote citizenship ethics – zero tolerance for corruption.
• Strengthen role of RTI, media, and civil society.
• Legal-Structural Measures Fast-track courts for corruption cases. Strong whistleblower protection and reward mechanisms.
• Fast-track courts for corruption cases.
• Strong whistleblower protection and reward mechanisms.
Conclusion:
Corruption is not just an economic crime but an ethical failure of governance and society. To uphold probity, integrity, and accountability, India must move from compliance-based codes to value-based governance. A corruption-free state is essential for restoring trust and realising constitutional justice.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 2 September 2025 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)
UDISE+ 2024-25 report
Context: The UDISE+ 2024-25 report released by the Ministry of Education highlights critical gaps in India’s school infrastructure, digital access, and teacher availability.
About UDISE+ 2024-25 report:
What it is?
• Unified District Information System for Education Plus (UDISE+) is an annual national data system for school education (Grades I–XII).
• It covers infrastructure, enrolment, teacher strength, training, digital readiness, health facilities, and learning environment across government, aided, and private schools.
Key Trends (2024-25):
• Digital Divide: Only 65% of schools have computers; just 58% functional. Internet access: 63% overall; Gov. schools (58.6%) vs. private (77.1%).
• Only 65% of schools have computers; just 58% functional.
• Internet access: 63% overall; Gov. schools (58.6%) vs. private (77.1%).
• Infrastructure: Toilets: 98.6%, Hand-wash: 95.9%, Drinking water: 99%. Yet, >25,000 schools lack working electricity.
• Toilets: 98.6%, Hand-wash: 95.9%, Drinking water: 99%.
• Yet, >25,000 schools lack working electricity.
• Enrolment Concerns: 5.1% schools have <10 students. Zero-enrolment schools common in Ladakh (32.2%), Arunachal & Uttarakhand (22%).
• 5.1% schools have <10 students.
• Zero-enrolment schools common in Ladakh (32.2%), Arunachal & Uttarakhand (22%).
• Teacher Shortages: PTR fine at primary (20:1) but alarming in higher classes: Jharkhand (47:1), Maharashtra & Odisha (37:1). RTE norm = 30:1; NEP recommends 20–25:1.
• PTR fine at primary (20:1) but alarming in higher classes: Jharkhand (47:1), Maharashtra & Odisha (37:1).
• RTE norm = 30:1; NEP recommends 20–25:1.
• Teacher Training: National average ~91% trained. Meghalaya lowest (72% at primary, 80% at upper-primary).
• National average ~91% trained.
• Meghalaya lowest (72% at primary, 80% at upper-primary).
• Regional Variation: South (Kerala, Tamil Nadu) near universal coverage of toilets, internet. Eastern & NE states lag behind: West Bengal (18.6% internet), Meghalaya (26.4%).
• South (Kerala, Tamil Nadu) near universal coverage of toilets, internet.
• Eastern & NE states lag behind: West Bengal (18.6% internet), Meghalaya (26.4%).
• Health Support: Medical check-ups in only 75.5% schools; Bihar (32.7%), Nagaland (44.9%).
• Medical check-ups in only 75.5% schools; Bihar (32.7%), Nagaland (44.9%).
Relevance in UPSC:
• GS-II (Governance, Education, RTE, NEP 2020) Highlights state capacity issues, digital divide, dropout challenges. Useful for answers on SDG-4 (Quality Education) and inclusive growth.
• Highlights state capacity issues, digital divide, dropout challenges.
• Useful for answers on SDG-4 (Quality Education) and inclusive growth.
• GS-III (Human Resource Development) Data helps in writing about demographic dividend, skill formation, and productivity.
• Data helps in writing about demographic dividend, skill formation, and productivity.
• GS-IV (Ethics & Public Administration) Case reference for “equity in education” and role of civil servants in bridging gaps.
• Case reference for “equity in education” and role of civil servants in bridging gaps.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 2 September 2025 Facts for Prelims (FFP):
CEREBO – Indigenous Brain Tool
Source: TH
Context: CEREBO, an indigenous hand-held diagnostic device developed by ICMR with AIIMS Bhopal, NIMHANS Bengaluru, and Bioscan Research, has been launched to detect traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) within a minute.
About CEREBO – Indigenous Brain Tool
What it is?
• A hand-held, portable, non-invasive diagnostic device for brain injuries.
• Uses near-infrared spectroscopy + machine learning to detect brain abnormalities within a minute.
Developed by:
• Collaboration between ICMR, Medical Device & Diagnostics Mission Secretariat (MDMS), AIIMS Bhopal, NIMHANS Bengaluru, and Bioscan Research.
• To provide a low-cost, rapid, radiation-free diagnostic tool for Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs), especially where CT/MRI access is limited.
Features:
• Detects intracranial bleeding and brain edema in under a minute.
• Safe for infants and pregnant women.
• Can be used by paramedics and unskilled staff in ambulances, rural clinics, trauma centres, and disaster zones.
• Colour-coded results, easy to interpret.
• Validated through multi-centre clinical trials; approved for emergency and military use.
Importance:
• Bridges the diagnostic gap in rural & underserved areas.
• Enables early detection and triage, reducing fatality and long-term complications.
• Reduces dependence on costly, infrastructure-heavy imaging (CT/MRI).
• Potential for global adoption in trauma and emergency medicine.
About Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI):
• What it is?
• A disruption of normal brain function caused by sudden trauma to the head. Can range from mild (concussion) to severe, often leading to lasting disabilities.
• A disruption of normal brain function caused by sudden trauma to the head.
• Can range from mild (concussion) to severe, often leading to lasting disabilities.
• Causes: Road accidents (≈60%), Falls (20–25%), and Violence (≈10%).
• Features / Consequences:
• Immediate: Loss of consciousness, confusion, headache, dizziness, seizures. Complications: Intracranial bleeding, swelling (edema), coma. Long-term: Memory loss, cognitive decline, depression, anxiety, behavioural issues, risk of neurodegenerative diseases. Hidden risk: Mild TBIs may go undiagnosed initially but worsen over time if untreated.
• Immediate: Loss of consciousness, confusion, headache, dizziness, seizures.
• Complications: Intracranial bleeding, swelling (edema), coma.
• Long-term: Memory loss, cognitive decline, depression, anxiety, behavioural issues, risk of neurodegenerative diseases.
• Hidden risk: Mild TBIs may go undiagnosed initially but worsen over time if untreated.
The World Liberty Financial tokens ($WLFI)
Source: FT
Context: The World Liberty Financial tokens ($WLFI), linked to the Trump family’s cryptocurrency venture, began trading on major exchanges like Binance, OKX, and Bybit.
About The World Liberty Financial tokens ($WLFI):
What it is?
• A cryptocurrency token ($WLFI) under the World Liberty Financial DeFi platform.
• Functions alongside a stablecoin issued by the venture.
Launched by:
• Initiated in 2024 by the Trump family and business partners, with Donald Trump reportedly earning over $500 million from the project.
How it works?
• Initially sold as non-tradable tokens that granted holders voting rights on governance issues (e.g., code changes).
• Now tradable on major crypto exchanges, allowing spot trading and perpetual futures.
• Limited circulating supply at launch, with future allocations governed by investor votes.
Features:
• Tradable on top exchanges: Binance, Bybit, OKX, KuCoin, MEXC, Gate.io, etc.
• Spot Trading: Direct ownership and withdrawal (ideal for beginners).
• Perpetual Futures: Leverage-based advanced trading with higher risk.
• Governance Role: Early investors can vote on business changes.
• Price at launch: Around $0.31 per token (CoinGecko data).
Significance:
• Political-Crypto Nexus: Links between a former U.S. President and DeFi raise concerns about conflict of interest in crypto regulation.
• Investor Appeal: Attracts hype due to Trump’s brand value, not just utility.
• Liquidity & Speculation: Trading generates volatility, new fees for exchanges, and draws wider crypto community interest.
Yudh Abhyas Army Exercise
Source: TOI
Context: India and the US have begun their largest-ever edition of the Yudh Abhyas Army exercise at Fort Wainwright, Alaska, despite rising bilateral tariff tensions
About Yudh Abhyas Army Exercise:
What it is?
• A bilateral military exercise between the Indian Army and the US Army, conducted annually to enhance defence cooperation.
• Focuses on joint training in counter-terrorism, peacekeeping, and high-altitude warfare.
Host (2025 edition): United States, at Fort Wainwright, Alaska in subarctic climate conditions.
History:
• Initiated in 2004 under the framework of India–US defence cooperation.
• Held alternately in India and the US, with scope and scale increasing over time.
Nations Participating:
• India – this year represented by Madras Regiment soldiers.
• United States – represented by the 5th Infantry Regiment “Bobcats” of the Arctic Wolves Brigade Combat Team, 11th Airborne Division.
• Strengthening interoperability, trust, and coordination between the two armies.
• Training for high-altitude and extreme cold climate operations, crucial for Himalayan and Arctic theatres.
• Enhancing joint capabilities in counter-terrorism, peace support, and disaster relief operations.
Features:
• Duration: Two weeks
• Drills include: Joint heliborne operations Surveillance and UAV deployment Rock-craft and mountain warfare Casualty evacuation & combat medical aid Integrated use of artillery, aviation, and electronic warfare
• Joint heliborne operations
• Surveillance and UAV deployment
• Rock-craft and mountain warfare
• Casualty evacuation & combat medical aid
• Integrated use of artillery, aviation, and electronic warfare
• Parallelly, planning underway for the Malabar Naval Exercise (Quad) off Guam in November 2025.
Digital Yen – DCJPY
Source: TH
Context: Japan Post Bank announced it will launch a digital yen (DCJPY) by fiscal 2026, developed with DeCurret DCP, marking one of the biggest government-linked pushes into blockchain-based deposit currencies.
About Digital Yen – DCJPY:
What it is?
• DCJPY is a blockchain-based deposit currency, fully backed 1:1 by fiat yen.
• Unlike typical stablecoins, it is issued through the regulated banking system, making it more secure and credible.
Launched by:
• Japan Post Bank, with shareholders including the Japanese government, in collaboration with DeCurret DCP (a subsidiary of Internet Initiative Japan).
• To enable instant, transparent, and convenient digital transactions for depositors.
• To expand the use of blockchain in mainstream finance, including digital securities and asset tokenization.
How it Works?
• Customers convert yen deposits into DCJPY tokens.
• These tokens can then be used for real-time transactions of digital securities and blockchain-based assets.
• Entirely ledgered on blockchain, ensuring traceability and transparency.
Features:
• Fully backed 1:1 by yen (no volatility risk like other cryptocurrencies).
• Blockchain-based for security and decentralisation.
• Enables instant settlement, unlike traditional bank transfers.
• Usable by ordinary depositors through Japan Post Bank.
• Positioned as a tokenized deposit currency distinct from private stablecoins.
Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY)
Context: The Centre is reviewing the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) to cut subsidy costs by removing ineligible beneficiaries, as the food subsidy bill has crossed ₹2 lakh crore in FY26.
About Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY):
What it is?
• A free foodgrain distribution scheme under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013.
• Provides rice/wheat free of cost to eligible households through the Public Distribution System (PDS).
Launched in:
• March 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, as a relief measure for vulnerable populations.
Ministry:
• Implemented by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution.
• To ensure food and nutritional security of the poor and vulnerable.
• To mitigate hardships during crises like the pandemic and economic shocks.
• To uphold the principle of equity and inclusion under NFSA.
Components:
• Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) households – 35 kg foodgrains per family per month.
• Priority Households (PHH) – 5 kg rice/wheat per person per month.
• Distribution through ~5.4 lakh fair price shops (FPSs) across India.
Features:
• Covers ~81.35 crore beneficiaries (75% rural + 50% urban).
• Provides 56–58 million tonnes of foodgrains annually.
• Entirely free of cost since January 2023 (earlier NFSA required nominal payment).
• e-KYC and Aadhaar seeding of ration cards for transparency – 83% verified.
• Budgeted ₹2.03 lakh crore food subsidy for FY26.
• Re-verification drive underway to weed out ineligible beneficiaries (e.g., taxpayers, vehicle owners, non-users).
High Performance Biomanufacturing Platforms
Source: ET
Context: The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) launched High-Performance Biomanufacturing Platforms in New Delhi under the BioE3 Policy.
About High Performance Biomanufacturing Platforms:
What it is?
• A national network of advanced bio-foundries and biomanufacturing hubs.
• Provides world-class tools, technologies, and infrastructure to scale bio-based innovations from lab to production.
Minister: Launched by Union Minister of State for Science & Technology, Jitendra Singh.
• To accelerate biomanufacturing, reduce reliance on imports, foster green growth, and build a multi-trillion-dollar bioeconomy by 2047.
• Support start-ups, SMEs, academia, and industry in biotechnology innovation and commercialization.
Features:
• 21 bio-enablers under the BioE3 policy.
• Covers areas such as: Microbial strains & smart proteins Probiotics & bio-based chemicals Cell therapies & mRNA-based medicines Marine bio-innovations & sustainable biofuels
• Microbial strains & smart proteins
• Probiotics & bio-based chemicals
• Cell therapies & mRNA-based medicines
• Marine bio-innovations & sustainable biofuels
• Aligns with climate commitments and Atmanirbhar Bharat vision.
• Facilitates employment generation and capacity building.
Significance:
• Economic: Positions India as a global bioeconomy leader; accounts for nearly one-fifth of global capacity.
• Strategic: Reduces dependence on imports, strengthens self-reliance in biotech.
• Social: Generates jobs, supports youth-led innovation, and creates a Viksit Bharat by 2047.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 2 September 2025 Mapping:
Afghanistan
Source: TH
Context: A 6.0-magnitude earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan near Jalalabad, killing over 800 people and injuring at least 2,800, with widespread destruction across Kunar, Nangarhar, and Laghman provinces.
About Afghanistan:
• What it is?
• A landlocked, multi-ethnic country in south-central Asia, historically at the crossroads of trade routes linking South Asia, Central Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. Known for its strategic location in the “Great Game” between Britain and Tsarist Russia, and later as the theatre of Cold War conflicts.
• A landlocked, multi-ethnic country in south-central Asia, historically at the crossroads of trade routes linking South Asia, Central Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.
• Known for its strategic location in the “Great Game” between Britain and Tsarist Russia, and later as the theatre of Cold War conflicts.
• Capital: Kabul
• Neighbouring Nations: Pakistan, India, Iran, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and short border with Xinjiang (China) via Wakhan Corridor.
• Geographic & Natural Features:
• Mountains Hindu Kush range dominates, forming part of the greater Himalayan chain. Peaks rise above 6,000 m; important passes: Khyber Pass, Shebar Pass. Frequent earthquakes due to tectonic activity at the Eurasian–Indian plate junction. Rivers Amu Darya (north) – frontier with Central Asia. Kabul River – flows into the Indus (Pakistan). Helmand River – longest (715 miles), drains southwest into Sistan Basin. Hari Rud – forms part of Afghanistan–Iran border. Regions Central Highlands: rugged mountains, seismic zone. Northern Plains: fertile, densely populated, with gas reserves. Southwestern Plateau: deserts (Registan, Margow), arid climate, scattered rivers.
• Mountains Hindu Kush range dominates, forming part of the greater Himalayan chain. Peaks rise above 6,000 m; important passes: Khyber Pass, Shebar Pass. Frequent earthquakes due to tectonic activity at the Eurasian–Indian plate junction.
• Hindu Kush range dominates, forming part of the greater Himalayan chain.
• Peaks rise above 6,000 m; important passes: Khyber Pass, Shebar Pass.
• Frequent earthquakes due to tectonic activity at the Eurasian–Indian plate junction.
• Rivers Amu Darya (north) – frontier with Central Asia. Kabul River – flows into the Indus (Pakistan). Helmand River – longest (715 miles), drains southwest into Sistan Basin. Hari Rud – forms part of Afghanistan–Iran border.
• Amu Darya (north) – frontier with Central Asia.
• Kabul River – flows into the Indus (Pakistan).
• Helmand River – longest (715 miles), drains southwest into Sistan Basin.
• Hari Rud – forms part of Afghanistan–Iran border.
• Regions Central Highlands: rugged mountains, seismic zone. Northern Plains: fertile, densely populated, with gas reserves. Southwestern Plateau: deserts (Registan, Margow), arid climate, scattered rivers.
• Central Highlands: rugged mountains, seismic zone.
• Northern Plains: fertile, densely populated, with gas reserves.
• Southwestern Plateau: deserts (Registan, Margow), arid climate, scattered rivers.
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