UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 21 July 2025
Kartavya Desk Staff
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 21 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 3 : (UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 21 July (2025)
• India Becomes Global Leader In Fast Payments – IMF Report
India Becomes Global Leader In Fast Payments – IMF Report
• Relooking Into Indian Aviation Safety
Relooking Into Indian Aviation Safety
Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):
• Cyber Skill Centre
Cyber Skill Centre
• PSU Dividends
PSU Dividends
Facts for Prelims (FFP):
• AdFalciVax – First Indigenous Two-Stage Malaria Vaccine
AdFalciVax – First Indigenous Two-Stage Malaria Vaccine
• Codex Alimentarius
Codex Alimentarius
• Guryul Ravine Fossil Site
Guryul Ravine Fossil Site
• Kashi Declaration
Kashi Declaration
• Biostimulants
Biostimulants
• UPSC Pratibha Setu
UPSC Pratibha Setu
• Cy-TB Skin Test
Cy-TB Skin Test
Mapping:
• Marungur Excavation
Marungur Excavation
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 21 July 2025
#### GS Paper 3:
India Becomes Global Leader In Fast Payments – IMF Report
Syllabus: Economy
Source: DD News
Context: India has become the global leader in real-time payments as UPI processed 18.39 billion transactions in June 2025, according to an IMF-supported report.
About India Becomes Global Leader In Fast Payments – IMF Report:
What the Report is?
• Jointly developed by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and FIS Global, this Fast Payments Report 2025 analyses global public digital infrastructure.
• It uses a new metric: Faster Payment Adoption Score (FPAS) to benchmark digital payment adoption.
India’s Achievements:
• Top Global Rank (FPAS: 87.5%): India leads 30 countries, surpassing Brazil, Singapore, UK, and USA.
• UPI Scale: Processes over 640 million transactions daily, serving 491 million individuals and 65 million merchants via 675 banks.
• Speed and Cost: Delivers payments within 5 seconds, with near-zero cost per transaction.
• Global Reach: UPI is now operational in 7 countries, including France, UAE, and Singapore.
• BRICS Integration: India is advocating UPI as a cross-border payment standard among BRICS+ nations.
Key Features of India’s UPI Ecosystem:
• Interoperability: Unified interface across banks and apps like PhonePe, GPay, Paytm.
• Inclusiveness: Aadhaar-linked, USSD-enabled, multilingual access—enabling rural digital payments.
• Innovation Stack: Built atop India Stack (Aadhaar, eKYC, DigiLocker, Account Aggregator).
• Security Protocols: Real-time fraud detection, tokenisation, and regulatory compliance.
• Govt–Private Partnership: NPCI + fintech startups + RBI = scalable, resilient digital infrastructure.
Limitations of UPI:
• Low Offline Penetration: UPI still requires internet connectivity for most users, limiting adoption in remote or low-bandwidth areas.
• Interoperability Gaps Abroad: Despite global expansion, UPI’s cross-border utility is constrained due to lack of uniform regulatory standards and infrastructure in partner countries.
• Data Privacy Concerns: The report warns of inadequate user data protection laws, raising concerns about misuse or over-collection of personal financial data.
• Fragmented Dispute Resolution: Complaint redressal remains weak and unstandardized across UPI apps and banks, reducing user trust in case of failed or fraudulent transactions.
• Overdependence on Mobile-First Access: UPI is not fully accessible to senior citizens, non-digital natives, or those without smartphones, risking digital exclusion.
Way Ahead:
• Build Robust Offline Capability: Expand USSD and NFC-based UPI Lite+ to ensure reach in rural, low-connectivity zones.
• Global Regulatory Alignment: Collaborate with central banks to harmonize data security, authentication, and settlement systems for UPI’s cross-border use.
• Strengthen Legal Frameworks: Introduce a comprehensive Digital Payments Consumer Protection Act to address data misuse and transaction failures.
• Inclusive Design Principles: Promote accessibility features (voice-assisted UPI, vernacular UIs) for elderly, disabled, and digitally illiterate populations.
• Unified Grievance Redressal Platform: Create a central, AI-assisted resolution portal for UPI complaints, integrated with NPCI and RBI systems.
Conclusion:
UPI’s rise as a global digital payments model showcases India’s innovation in public digital infrastructure. However, bridging accessibility, legal, and global compatibility gaps is crucial to sustaining this success. A future-ready, inclusive, and secure UPI can be a blueprint for the world’s digital economies.
Relooking Into Indian Aviation Safety
Syllabus: Aviation sector
Source: TH
Context: The Air India crash in Ahmedabad (June 2025) has reignited concerns over aviation safety. A preliminary AAIB report remains inconclusive, highlighting deeper issues in India’s aviation regulatory ecosystem.
About Relooking into Indian Aviation Safety:
What is the Aviation Sector?
The aviation sector includes airline operators, airport infrastructure, air traffic management, and regulatory authorities like DGCA and MoCA. It is a critical service infrastructure connecting geographies and enabling economic mobility.
India’s Aviation Status & Safety Snapshot:
• 3rd largest domestic aviation market globally (350+ million annual passengers).
• Daily traffic crossed 5 lakh passengers in 2024.
• Domestic traffic grew 5.9%, international traffic by 11.4% in 2024.
• AAIB crash reports (e.g., Kozhikode 2020, Ahmedabad 2025) expose systemic safety lapses.
• India has 13–18% women pilots, among the highest globally.
• Only 80 airports operate on green energy, while infrastructure races ahead of regulatory checks.
Importance Of The Aviation Sector:
• Connectivity: Connects remote and aspirational districts under UDAN.
• Economic Growth: Fuels tourism, trade, cargo, and services.
• Employment: Pilot demand to reach 34,000+ by 2040; FTOs expanding.
• Strategic Role: Supports national defense logistics and disaster response.
• Global Integration: Boosts India’s image as a rising global aviation hub.
Challenges To Aviation Safety:
• Regulatory Weakness: DGCA lacks independent technical expertise and relies heavily on FAA/EASA for safety decisions. This undermines India’s ability to take proactive, indigenous safety measures.
• Airspace Encroachment: Over 1,000 vertical obstacles violate IHS norms around Mumbai airport alone. Judicial PILs show how MoCA and DGCA bypassed earlier statutory restrictions.
• Pilot & Crew Fatigue: Airlines violate Flight Duty Time Limitations under DGCA-approved exemptions. Whistle-blowers face dismissal or demotion, silencing critical safety warnings.
• Maintenance Gaps: AMEs face overwork without regulated duty hours; technicians with lesser skills are used. This cost-cutting practice increases the likelihood of undetected mechanical failures.
• ATC Shortages: India faces an acute shortage of trained Air Traffic Control Officers across sectors. Duty-time limits and licensing reforms recommended post-Mangalore crash remain pending.
• Infrastructural Overreach: High-rise buildings approved around airports violate safety buffer zones.
Way Ahead:
• Independent Safety Regulator: Create an autonomous body to monitor aviation safety outside MoCA’s administrative ambit. This will ensure unbiased investigations and stricter regulatory enforcement.
• Stringent Obstacle Control: Restore legal frameworks like the Aircraft Act and S.O. 988 for obstacle regulation. Enforce height restrictions around airports through statutory mechanisms.
• Whistleblower Protection: Establish institutional safeguards to protect whistle-blowers from retaliation. Encourage reporting of violations through anonymous and secure channels.
• ATCO and AME Reforms: Fix working hours for AMEs and ATCOs in line with global fatigue norms. Increase recruitment and licensing support to address long-term shortages.
• Global Best Practices: Fully implement ICAO and FAA safety protocols with Indian contextual customization. Strengthen audit, compliance, and public transparency in accident inquiries.
Conclusion:
Aviation safety is not a technical formality—it is a non-negotiable public good. India must match its passenger volume growth with world-class safety culture. Reforms, accountability, and human lives can no longer be postponed—aviation safety must become a national priority.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 21 July 2025 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)
Cyber Skill Centre
Context: Union Minister inaugurated a Cyber Skill Centre in Kandivali, Mumbai to promote cybersecurity training among youth under the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY).
About Cyber Skill Centre:
• What It Is? An advanced cybersecurity training centre aimed at equipping India’s youth with industry-relevant digital skills and practical cyber defense knowledge.
• An advanced cybersecurity training centre aimed at equipping India’s youth with industry-relevant digital skills and practical cyber defense knowledge.
• Nodal Ministry: Launched by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, in collaboration with Data Security Council of India (DSCI) and Kyndryl Foundation.
• Aim: To bridge the cybersecurity skills gap, create job-ready professionals, and support India’s digital economy and security ecosystem.
• Key Features
• Annual Training Capacity: Around 1,000 candidates, with a special focus on women. PMKVY Integration: Operates under the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana, ensuring alignment with national skilling goals. Hands-on Learning: Offers live cyberattack simulations, advanced cyber ranges, and industry-focused curricula. Urban Focus: Targets densely populated urban clusters like North Mumbai for scalable impact. Career Pathways: Facilitates employment and innovation opportunities in the cyber domain.
• Annual Training Capacity: Around 1,000 candidates, with a special focus on women.
• PMKVY Integration: Operates under the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana, ensuring alignment with national skilling goals.
• Hands-on Learning: Offers live cyberattack simulations, advanced cyber ranges, and industry-focused curricula.
• Urban Focus: Targets densely populated urban clusters like North Mumbai for scalable impact.
• Career Pathways: Facilitates employment and innovation opportunities in the cyber domain.
Relevance in UPSC Syllabus:
• GS Paper 2 – Governance:
• Government initiatives for skill development (PMKVY, Digital India). Public-private partnerships in governance and capacity building.
• Government initiatives for skill development (PMKVY, Digital India).
• Public-private partnerships in governance and capacity building.
• GS Paper 3 – Science and Technology:
• Cybersecurity as a national security issue and employment sector. Promotion of digital infrastructure and innovation in India.
• Cybersecurity as a national security issue and employment sector.
• Promotion of digital infrastructure and innovation in India.
PSU Dividends
Context: The Centre’s dividend receipts from non-banking PSUs have nearly doubled since 2020, reaching ₹74,000 crore in FY 2024–25.
About PSU Dividends:
• PSU dividends are profit shares distributed by Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) to the Government of India, their majority shareholder.
• Trends in Dividend Growth:
• Sharp increase: From ₹39,558 crore in FY 2020–21 to ₹74,017 crore in FY 2024–25. Sectoral reliance: 42% of dividends came from five firms — Coal India, ONGC, IOC, BPCL, GAIL. OMCs’ trend: IOC & BPCL dividends rose by 255% since 2022–23, despite falling oil prices. Policy shift: In Nov 2024, DIPAM mandated minimum 30% of PAT or 4% of net worth as annual dividend.
• Sharp increase: From ₹39,558 crore in FY 2020–21 to ₹74,017 crore in FY 2024–25.
• Sectoral reliance: 42% of dividends came from five firms — Coal India, ONGC, IOC, BPCL, GAIL.
• OMCs’ trend: IOC & BPCL dividends rose by 255% since 2022–23, despite falling oil prices.
• Policy shift: In Nov 2024, DIPAM mandated minimum 30% of PAT or 4% of net worth as annual dividend.
Relevance in UPSC Exam Syllabus:
• GS Paper 3 – Economy:
• Role of PSUs in fiscal policy and revenue generation Government’s disinvestment vs. dividend strategy Fiscal consolidation and non-tax revenue trends
• Role of PSUs in fiscal policy and revenue generation
• Government’s disinvestment vs. dividend strategy
• Fiscal consolidation and non-tax revenue trends
• GS Paper 2 – Governance & Policy:
• Centre–PSU relations and accountability frameworks Impact of policy directives from ministries like DIPAM
• Centre–PSU relations and accountability frameworks
• Impact of policy directives from ministries like DIPAM
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 21 July 2025 Facts for Prelims (FFP):
AdFalciVax – First Indigenous Two-Stage Malaria Vaccine
Source: DD news
Context: The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is developing AdFalciVax, India’s first indigenous two-stage malaria vaccine, to combat Plasmodium falciparum using a novel multistage antigen design.
About AdFalciVax – First Indigenous Two-Stage Malaria Vaccine:
• What it is?
• AdFalciVax is a recombinant, chimeric malaria vaccine candidate targeting Plasmodium falciparum. It combines antigens from two lifecycle stages to provide dual protection.
• AdFalciVax is a recombinant, chimeric malaria vaccine candidate targeting Plasmodium falciparum.
• It combines antigens from two lifecycle stages to provide dual protection.
• Developed by:
• Jointly developed by ICMR, RMRC-Bhubaneswar, NIMR, and DBT-NII. Production uses Lactococcus lactis, a safe food-grade bacterium platform.
• Jointly developed by ICMR, RMRC-Bhubaneswar, NIMR, and DBT-NII.
• Production uses Lactococcus lactis, a safe food-grade bacterium platform.
• Objective:
• To prevent malaria infection at the individual level and break the transmission chain within communities. It aims to provide immunity against both liver-stage infection and mosquito-stage transmission of Plasmodium falciparum.
• To prevent malaria infection at the individual level and break the transmission chain within communities.
• It aims to provide immunity against both liver-stage infection and mosquito-stage transmission of Plasmodium falciparum.
• Key Features:
• Dual-stage immunity: Targets both pre-erythrocytic and sexual stages, blocking infection and halting spread. Extended stability: Remains functional at room temperature for over 9 months, aiding storage in tropical regions. Broader immune response: Combines multiple antigens to reduce immune evasion and improve long-term protection. Scalable production: Uses Lactococcus lactis, a food-grade bacterium, making it safe and cost-efficient to manufacture. Licensable model: ICMR will allow non-exclusive licensing, encouraging domestic and global production partnerships.
• Dual-stage immunity: Targets both pre-erythrocytic and sexual stages, blocking infection and halting spread.
• Extended stability: Remains functional at room temperature for over 9 months, aiding storage in tropical regions.
• Broader immune response: Combines multiple antigens to reduce immune evasion and improve long-term protection.
• Scalable production: Uses Lactococcus lactis, a food-grade bacterium, making it safe and cost-efficient to manufacture.
• Licensable model: ICMR will allow non-exclusive licensing, encouraging domestic and global production partnerships.
• Significance:
• Positions India as a leader in indigenous vaccine innovation for tropical diseases. Supports India’s Malaria Elimination Roadmap (by 2030) and Make in India drive. Potentially reduces malaria-related deaths, especially in endemic tribal belts.
• Positions India as a leader in indigenous vaccine innovation for tropical diseases.
• Supports India’s Malaria Elimination Roadmap (by 2030) and Make in India drive.
• Potentially reduces malaria-related deaths, especially in endemic tribal belts.
Codex Alimentarius
Source: TOI
Context: India’s millet standard and leadership in Codex committees were appreciated at the 88th Codex Executive Committee (CCEXEC88) in Rome.
About Codex Alimentarius:
• What it Is? Codex Alimentarius is a collection of internationally recognized food standards, guidelines, and codes of practice. It promotes food safety, consumer protection, and fair-trade practices in international food commerce.
• Codex Alimentarius is a collection of internationally recognized food standards, guidelines, and codes of practice. It promotes food safety, consumer protection, and fair-trade practices in international food commerce.
• Established in: 1963 by FAO and WHO.
• Headquarters: Rome, Italy.
• Objectives: To ensure consumer health protection and promote fair practices in food trade. To assist countries in harmonizing food regulations to reduce non-tariff barriers.
• To ensure consumer health protection and promote fair practices in food trade.
• To assist countries in harmonizing food regulations to reduce non-tariff barriers.
• Key Features:
• Science-based standards: Framed with inputs from global risk assessment bodies (e.g. JECFA, JMPR). WTO alignment: Forms reference point for the SPS Agreement in WTO trade disputes. Voluntary yet influential: Though not mandatory, it influences national legislation worldwide. Comprehensive coverage: Includes hygiene, additives, labelling, pesticide residues, contaminants, etc. Transparent process: Open, inclusive committee discussions ensure fair global representation.
• Science-based standards: Framed with inputs from global risk assessment bodies (e.g. JECFA, JMPR).
• WTO alignment: Forms reference point for the SPS Agreement in WTO trade disputes.
• Voluntary yet influential: Though not mandatory, it influences national legislation worldwide.
• Comprehensive coverage: Includes hygiene, additives, labelling, pesticide residues, contaminants, etc.
• Transparent process: Open, inclusive committee discussions ensure fair global representation.
• India’s Contributions:
• Millet Standard Leadership: India chaired efforts to develop Codex standard for whole millets, co-chaired by Mali, Nigeria, Senegal. Codex Committee Leadership: Chairs the Codex Committee on Spices and Culinary Herbs (CCSCH) since 2014. Fresh Produce Standards: Led new standards on dates, co-chairing turmeric and broccoli standardisation. Regional Capacity Building: Provided training to Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka under Codex Trust Fund mentorship. Strategic Planning Role: Contributed to SMART KPIs for Codex Strategic Plan 2026–2031.
• Millet Standard Leadership: India chaired efforts to develop Codex standard for whole millets, co-chaired by Mali, Nigeria, Senegal.
• Codex Committee Leadership: Chairs the Codex Committee on Spices and Culinary Herbs (CCSCH) since 2014.
• Fresh Produce Standards: Led new standards on dates, co-chairing turmeric and broccoli standardisation.
• Regional Capacity Building: Provided training to Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka under Codex Trust Fund mentorship.
• Strategic Planning Role: Contributed to SMART KPIs for Codex Strategic Plan 2026–2031.
Guryul Ravine Fossil Site
Source: DH
Context: The Geological Survey of India (GSI) has warned of severe threats to the Guryul Ravine fossil site in Kashmir due to ongoing quarrying and land diversion.
About Guryul Ravine Fossil Site:
• What It Is? Guryul Ravine is a 260-million-year-old geological fossil site, capturing Earth’s greatest mass extinction—the Permian–Triassic boundary (PTB). It offers unmatched insight into ancient climate change and evolutionary events.
• Guryul Ravine is a 260-million-year-old geological fossil site, capturing Earth’s greatest mass extinction—the Permian–Triassic boundary (PTB). It offers unmatched insight into ancient climate change and evolutionary events.
• Located In: Situated in Khonmoh, on the outskirts of Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir. Geologically part of the Vihi District.
• Situated in Khonmoh, on the outskirts of Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir.
• Geologically part of the Vihi District.
• How It Formed? Formed during the Permian–Triassic transition, when volcanic activity, oxygen decline, and climate disruption triggered global die-offs. Over time, marine and terrestrial sediments preserved fossil-rich strata.
• Formed during the Permian–Triassic transition, when volcanic activity, oxygen decline, and climate disruption triggered global die-offs.
• Over time, marine and terrestrial sediments preserved fossil-rich strata.
• Features of Guryul Ravine:
• Permian–Triassic Marker: Hosts rare fossil evidence of the ‘Great Dying’ event that wiped out 90% of marine and 70% of terrestrial species. World’s Oldest Tsunami Record: Exposed layers contain geological proof of Earth’s first known tsunami. Global Research Hub: Visited by geologists from over 10 countries, including USA, Japan, and China, for academic studies. Declared Fossil Zone: Notified under Government Order of 2017 for protection of 9.8 lakh sqm. Much Larger Than China’s Meishan: Its 3m-thick boundary section dwarfs China’s 27cm fossil record, making it superior in scale and significance.
• Permian–Triassic Marker: Hosts rare fossil evidence of the ‘Great Dying’ event that wiped out 90% of marine and 70% of terrestrial species.
• World’s Oldest Tsunami Record: Exposed layers contain geological proof of Earth’s first known tsunami.
• Global Research Hub: Visited by geologists from over 10 countries, including USA, Japan, and China, for academic studies.
• Declared Fossil Zone: Notified under Government Order of 2017 for protection of 9.8 lakh sqm.
• Much Larger Than China’s Meishan: Its 3m-thick boundary section dwarfs China’s 27cm fossil record, making it superior in scale and significance.
• Significance of the Site:
• Scientific Value: Crucial for understanding past climate shifts and their relevance to today’s environmental crisis. Heritage Importance: Eligible for UNESCO Global Geopark and National Geological Monument status. Tourism Potential: Offers rare geotourism value and can become a major attraction like Meishan in China.
• Scientific Value: Crucial for understanding past climate shifts and their relevance to today’s environmental crisis.
• Heritage Importance: Eligible for UNESCO Global Geopark and National Geological Monument status.
• Tourism Potential: Offers rare geotourism value and can become a major attraction like Meishan in China.
Kashi Declaration
Source: HT
Context: The Youth Spiritual Summit concluded in Varanasi with the adoption of the Kashi Declaration, setting a national roadmap for youth-led action against drug abuse.
About Kashi Declaration:
• What It Is? The Kashi Declaration is a national action plan adopted at the Youth Spiritual Summit to combat substance abuse through youth and spiritual leadership. It emphasizes a multi-dimensional, culturally rooted framework to eliminate drug addiction from Indian society.
• The Kashi Declaration is a national action plan adopted at the Youth Spiritual Summit to combat substance abuse through youth and spiritual leadership.
• It emphasizes a multi-dimensional, culturally rooted framework to eliminate drug addiction from Indian society.
• Declared By: Initiated by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports during the Youth Spiritual Summit 2025.
• Objectives of the Declaration
• Eradicate Drug Abuse: Create a Nasha Mukt Yuva as the foundation of Viksit Bharat by 2047. Spiritual Mobilisation: Use India’s spiritual capital as a catalyst for healing and transformation. Whole-of-Society Approach: Integrate families, communities, and institutions into prevention and recovery. Institutional Coordination: Facilitate action through a Joint National Committee and regular reporting. Empower Youth Volunteers: Enable youth clubs under the MY Bharat platform to lead awareness and de-addiction campaigns.
• Eradicate Drug Abuse: Create a Nasha Mukt Yuva as the foundation of Viksit Bharat by 2047.
• Spiritual Mobilisation: Use India’s spiritual capital as a catalyst for healing and transformation.
• Whole-of-Society Approach: Integrate families, communities, and institutions into prevention and recovery.
• Institutional Coordination: Facilitate action through a Joint National Committee and regular reporting.
• Empower Youth Volunteers: Enable youth clubs under the MY Bharat platform to lead awareness and de-addiction campaigns.
• Features of the Declaration:
• Plenary-Driven Agenda: Built on four thematic sessions covering psychology, trafficking, awareness, and spiritual rehab. Multi-Ministerial Action Plan: Involves Ministries of Youth, Social Justice, Culture, Labour, and Home Affairs. Annual Review Mechanism: Includes progress tracking via Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue 2026. Digital Platform Monitoring: Proposes counter-measures against online targeting of school children. Community-Based Outreach: Launches grassroots campaigns, pledge drives, and support services via MY Bharat.
• Plenary-Driven Agenda: Built on four thematic sessions covering psychology, trafficking, awareness, and spiritual rehab.
• Multi-Ministerial Action Plan: Involves Ministries of Youth, Social Justice, Culture, Labour, and Home Affairs.
• Annual Review Mechanism: Includes progress tracking via Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue 2026.
• Digital Platform Monitoring: Proposes counter-measures against online targeting of school children.
• Community-Based Outreach: Launches grassroots campaigns, pledge drives, and support services via MY Bharat.
Biostimulants
Source: IE
Context: Union Agriculture Minister has directed states to halt forced sales of biostimulants, amid rising complaints over efficacy and regulatory violations.
• The Centre is tightening oversight on biostimulants through revised specifications and regulatory checks under the Fertiliser Control Order (FCO), 1985.
About Biostimulants:
• Definition: Biostimulants are substances or microorganisms that, when applied to plants or soil, enhance nutrient uptake, plant growth, yield, and stress resistance, without being classified as fertilisers or pesticides.
• Biostimulants are substances or microorganisms that, when applied to plants or soil, enhance nutrient uptake, plant growth, yield, and stress resistance, without being classified as fertilisers or pesticides.
• Key Characteristics: Non-nutrient input: Unlike fertilisers, they stimulate plant physiological processes. Derived from nature: Often made from plant residues, seaweed extracts, or microbes. Not a pesticide substitute: They don’t directly control pests, and are regulated separately under FCO. Crop-specific efficacy: Applied for specific crops like paddy, onion, brinjal, chilli, etc.
• Non-nutrient input: Unlike fertilisers, they stimulate plant physiological processes.
• Derived from nature: Often made from plant residues, seaweed extracts, or microbes.
• Not a pesticide substitute: They don’t directly control pests, and are regulated separately under FCO.
• Crop-specific efficacy: Applied for specific crops like paddy, onion, brinjal, chilli, etc.
• Regulatory Framework: Legal Backing: Included under Fertiliser Control Order (FCO), 1985 through an amendment in February 2021. Must comply with toxicity tests, eco-safety trials, and bio-efficacy studies. Mandatory Testing: Five acute toxicity tests (oral, dermal, inhalation, eye, skin). Four eco-toxicity tests (on fish, birds, honeybees, and earthworms). Trials at 3 agro-ecological zones over a season, with 3 different doses. Central Biostimulant Committee: Constituted in 2021 for 5 years under the Agriculture Ministry. Advises on product approvals, testing methods, and lab standards. Government Action & Current Issues Misuse reported: Retailers forcing farmers to buy biostimulants with subsidised fertilisers. Crackdown on unregistered products: From 30,000+ unregulated products, only 650 now permitted. March 2024 deadline lapse: Provisional licences expired and unsold stocks now ineligible for sale. Crop-specific specs: Notified in May 2025 for tomato, chilli, paddy, cotton, soybean, and more. India’s Growing Biostimulant Market: Valued at USD 410 million in 2025, projected to reach USD 1.13 billion by 2032. Driven by demand for low-input sustainable agriculture and climate-resilient practices.
• Legal Backing: Included under Fertiliser Control Order (FCO), 1985 through an amendment in February 2021. Must comply with toxicity tests, eco-safety trials, and bio-efficacy studies.
• Included under Fertiliser Control Order (FCO), 1985 through an amendment in February 2021.
• Must comply with toxicity tests, eco-safety trials, and bio-efficacy studies.
• Mandatory Testing: Five acute toxicity tests (oral, dermal, inhalation, eye, skin). Four eco-toxicity tests (on fish, birds, honeybees, and earthworms). Trials at 3 agro-ecological zones over a season, with 3 different doses.
• Five acute toxicity tests (oral, dermal, inhalation, eye, skin).
• Four eco-toxicity tests (on fish, birds, honeybees, and earthworms).
• Trials at 3 agro-ecological zones over a season, with 3 different doses.
• Central Biostimulant Committee: Constituted in 2021 for 5 years under the Agriculture Ministry. Advises on product approvals, testing methods, and lab standards.
• Constituted in 2021 for 5 years under the Agriculture Ministry.
• Advises on product approvals, testing methods, and lab standards.
• Government Action & Current Issues Misuse reported: Retailers forcing farmers to buy biostimulants with subsidised fertilisers. Crackdown on unregistered products: From 30,000+ unregulated products, only 650 now permitted. March 2024 deadline lapse: Provisional licences expired and unsold stocks now ineligible for sale. Crop-specific specs: Notified in May 2025 for tomato, chilli, paddy, cotton, soybean, and more.
• Misuse reported: Retailers forcing farmers to buy biostimulants with subsidised fertilisers.
• Crackdown on unregistered products: From 30,000+ unregulated products, only 650 now permitted.
• March 2024 deadline lapse: Provisional licences expired and unsold stocks now ineligible for sale.
• Crop-specific specs: Notified in May 2025 for tomato, chilli, paddy, cotton, soybean, and more.
• India’s Growing Biostimulant Market: Valued at USD 410 million in 2025, projected to reach USD 1.13 billion by 2032. Driven by demand for low-input sustainable agriculture and climate-resilient practices.
• Valued at USD 410 million in 2025, projected to reach USD 1.13 billion by 2032.
• Driven by demand for low-input sustainable agriculture and climate-resilient practices.
UPSC Pratibha Setu
Source: IE
Context: UPSC has renamed its Public Disclosure Scheme (PDS) to UPSC Pratibha Setu and expanded it to allow private employers to recruit qualified but non-recommended candidates from key examinations.
About UPSC Pratibha Setu:
• What it is? A public recruitment linkage platform that allows employers to access data of candidates who cleared UPSC written exams but were not recommended after interviews. PRATIBHA stands for, Professional Resource And Talent Integration – Bridge for Hiring Aspirants.
• A public recruitment linkage platform that allows employers to access data of candidates who cleared UPSC written exams but were not recommended after interviews.
• PRATIBHA stands for, Professional Resource And Talent Integration – Bridge for Hiring Aspirants.
• Launched by: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) in 2018, now renamed from PDS to Pratibha Setu in 2024.
• Objective: To connect meritorious yet non-selected aspirants with job opportunities across PSUs, autonomous bodies, and private sectors.
• How It Works?
• UPSC provides details of willing non-recommended candidates (those who cleared written exams but not final selection). Registered government, PSU, and private organisations receive login credentials to access the candidate database. Organisations can filter candidates using subject-wise and discipline-wise search tools for recruitment purposes. Previously only government bodies could access; now private employers are also included, expanding placement scope.
• UPSC provides details of willing non-recommended candidates (those who cleared written exams but not final selection).
• Registered government, PSU, and private organisations receive login credentials to access the candidate database.
• Organisations can filter candidates using subject-wise and discipline-wise search tools for recruitment purposes.
• Previously only government bodies could access; now private employers are also included, expanding placement scope.
• Eligible Examinations Covered:
• Civil Services Examination, Indian Forest Service Examination, Engineering Services Examination, Indian Economic/Statistical Services, Combined Medical Services Examination, CDS Examination, Central Armed Police Forces (ACs), and Combined Geo-Scientist Examination only
• Civil Services Examination, Indian Forest Service Examination, Engineering Services Examination, Indian Economic/Statistical Services, Combined Medical Services Examination, CDS Examination, Central Armed Police Forces (ACs), and Combined Geo-Scientist Examination only
• Key Features:
• Merit Recognition: Highlights UPSC-qualified candidates who missed final recommendation. Public Visibility: Candidates voluntarily consent to share details with employers. Digital Platform: Accessible via UPSC’s official portal with secure employer login. Employment Linkage: Helps bridge labour market gaps by providing job-matching tools. Equity in Opportunity: Ensures skilled candidates are not left out of India’s talent pool.
• Merit Recognition: Highlights UPSC-qualified candidates who missed final recommendation.
• Public Visibility: Candidates voluntarily consent to share details with employers.
• Digital Platform: Accessible via UPSC’s official portal with secure employer login.
• Employment Linkage: Helps bridge labour market gaps by providing job-matching tools.
• Equity in Opportunity: Ensures skilled candidates are not left out of India’s talent pool.
Cy-TB Skin Test
Source: TH
Context: Kerala has introduced the Cy-TB skin test as a simplified tool for latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) detection under the National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP).
About Cy-Tb Skin Test:
• What it is? Cy-TB is a new-generation intradermal skin test developed to detect latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) in individuals. Unlike traditional tests like the Mantoux test or IGRA blood test, Cy-TB uses specific antigens (ESAT-6 and CFP-10) derived from Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
• Cy-TB is a new-generation intradermal skin test developed to detect latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) in individuals. Unlike traditional tests like the Mantoux test or IGRA blood test, Cy-TB uses specific antigens (ESAT-6 and CFP-10) derived from Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
• Type: Intradermal skin test to detect latent TB infection.
• Developer: Introduced under India’s NTEP, supported by state TB units and ICMR.
• Objective: Early detection of dormant TB to prevent progression to active disease.
• Target Group: Adults (18+), especially those in high-risk or contact groups.
• How Cy-TB Works?
• A 0.1 ml solution containing M. tuberculosis-specific antigens is injected into the skin of the inner forearm. If an induration (raised swelling) of ≥5 mm appears in 48–72 hours, it indicates TB infection. Unlike Mantoux or IGRA, Cy-TB is more specific, less prone to cross-reaction, and doesn’t require blood samples. Boosted reactions are also possible in long-latent cases, allowing for reliable follow-up screening. The test cannot distinguish between latent infection and active disease but helps identify TB exposure.
• A 0.1 ml solution containing M. tuberculosis-specific antigens is injected into the skin of the inner forearm.
• If an induration (raised swelling) of ≥5 mm appears in 48–72 hours, it indicates TB infection.
• Unlike Mantoux or IGRA, Cy-TB is more specific, less prone to cross-reaction, and doesn’t require blood samples.
• Boosted reactions are also possible in long-latent cases, allowing for reliable follow-up screening.
• The test cannot distinguish between latent infection and active disease but helps identify TB exposure.
• Key Features of Cy-TB:
• High specificity: Targets TB-specific antigens, minimizing false positives from BCG or environmental mycobacteria. Long shelf life: Multi-dose vials (10 doses) are usable for up to 28 days under refrigeration. Simple logistics: Requires no lab equipment and ideal for peripheral or community-level TB screening. Fast deployment: Results can be read on-site in 2–3 days; suitable for mass screening. Adverse reactions: Mostly mild (itching, swelling); rare events like ulceration are monitored under active safety review.
• High specificity: Targets TB-specific antigens, minimizing false positives from BCG or environmental mycobacteria.
• Long shelf life: Multi-dose vials (10 doses) are usable for up to 28 days under refrigeration.
• Simple logistics: Requires no lab equipment and ideal for peripheral or community-level TB screening.
• Fast deployment: Results can be read on-site in 2–3 days; suitable for mass screening.
• Adverse reactions: Mostly mild (itching, swelling); rare events like ulceration are monitored under active safety review.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 21 July 2025 Mapping:
Marungur Excavation
Source: TH
Context: The Tamil Nadu State Department of Archaeology (TNSDA) has completed the Marungur excavation in Cuddalore district, unearthing a habitation-cum-burial site dating from the Iron Age to Early Historic Period.
About Marungur excavation:
• What it is? A multidisciplinary archaeological excavation aimed at uncovering prehistoric settlements and burial systems spanning the Iron Age to Early Historic period, led by the TNSDA.
• A multidisciplinary archaeological excavation aimed at uncovering prehistoric settlements and burial systems spanning the Iron Age to Early Historic period, led by the TNSDA.
• Location: Located in Panruti taluk, Cuddalore district, Tamil Nadu, between the Thenpennai and Vada Vellar rivers, part of the ancient Naduvil Mandalam
• Key Features:
• Habitation mound & burial site: Both components found together — rare for Tamil Nadu. Artifacts: 95 items including Tamil-Brahmi potsherds, terracotta ware, microliths, beads, bone tools, conch shells, iron implements, antimony rods, and Chola-era coins. Advanced techniques: Used UAV mapping, LiDAR, AMS carbon dating, and phytolith analysis for precise chronology. Burial system: Megalithic urn burials with concentric laterite stone circles, grave goods, iron swords, and jasper beads. Stratified excavation: Trench layers showed clear anthropogenic activity up to 6 m, revealing continuous occupation.
• Habitation mound & burial site: Both components found together — rare for Tamil Nadu.
• Artifacts: 95 items including Tamil-Brahmi potsherds, terracotta ware, microliths, beads, bone tools, conch shells, iron implements, antimony rods, and Chola-era coins.
• Advanced techniques: Used UAV mapping, LiDAR, AMS carbon dating, and phytolith analysis for precise chronology.
• Burial system: Megalithic urn burials with concentric laterite stone circles, grave goods, iron swords, and jasper beads.
• Stratified excavation: Trench layers showed clear anthropogenic activity up to 6 m, revealing continuous occupation.
• Significance:
• Chronological breakthrough: Sheds light on the transition from Iron Age to Early Historic life in Naduvil Nadu. Epigraphic value: Rare Tamil-Brahmi inscriptions found on grave pots — among the earliest scripts in Tamil Nadu. Cultural evolution: Offers evidence of urban settlement patterns, trade links (Arikamedu, Poompuhar), and burial rituals.
• Chronological breakthrough: Sheds light on the transition from Iron Age to Early Historic life in Naduvil Nadu.
• Epigraphic value: Rare Tamil-Brahmi inscriptions found on grave pots — among the earliest scripts in Tamil Nadu.
• Cultural evolution: Offers evidence of urban settlement patterns, trade links (Arikamedu, Poompuhar), and burial rituals.
Please subscribe to Our podcast channel HERE
Official Facebook Page HERE
Twitter Account HERE
Instagram Account HERE
LinkedIn: HERE