UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 25 August 2025
Kartavya Desk Staff
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 25 August 2025 covers important current affairs of the day, their backward linkages, their relevance for Prelims exam and MCQs on main articles
InstaLinks : Insta Links help you think beyond the current affairs issue and help you think multidimensionally to develop depth in your understanding of these issues. These linkages provided in this ‘hint’ format help you frame possible questions in your mind that might arise(or an examiner might imagine) from each current event. InstaLinks also connect every issue to their static or theoretical background.
Table of Contents
GS Paper 1 : (UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 25 August (2025)
• Bengali Women Revolutionaries
Bengali Women Revolutionaries
GS Paper 3:
• Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) programme.
Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) programme.
Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):
• Younger vs Older Forests
Younger vs Older Forests
Facts for Prelims (FFP):
• ISRO Integrated Air Drop Test (IADT-01)
ISRO Integrated Air Drop Test (IADT-01)
• Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS)
Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS)
• Invasive Alien Species
Invasive Alien Species
• Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)
Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)
• Lunar Module Launch Vehicle (LMLV)
Lunar Module Launch Vehicle (LMLV)
• Wastewater Surveillance
Wastewater Surveillance
Mapping:
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 25 August 2025
#### GS Paper 1:
Bengali Women Revolutionaries
Syllabus: Modern History
Source: IE
Context: An editorial highlighted the untold stories of Bengali women revolutionaries, stressing their crucial role in India’s freedom struggle and the need to recognise them as foundational architects of independence, not mere footnotes in history.
About Bengali Women Revolutionaries:
• Pritilata Waddedar (1911–1932)
• Led the armed attack on the European Club at Chittagong (1932), infamous for racial segregation. Consumed cyanide to avoid capture, leaving a legacy of courage. Called upon Indian women to “not remain in the background” of the freedom struggle.
• Led the armed attack on the European Club at Chittagong (1932), infamous for racial segregation.
• Consumed cyanide to avoid capture, leaving a legacy of courage.
• Called upon Indian women to “not remain in the background” of the freedom struggle.
• Kalpana Datta (1913–1995)
• Participated in the Chittagong Armoury Raid (1930) led by Surya Sen. Arrested, imprisoned, and later wrote about her experiences, documenting women’s equal role as “tacticians and partners.”
• Participated in the Chittagong Armoury Raid (1930) led by Surya Sen.
• Arrested, imprisoned, and later wrote about her experiences, documenting women’s equal role as “tacticians and partners.”
• Bina Das (1911–1986)
• Attempted to assassinate Governor Stanley Jackson at Calcutta University convocation (1932). Earlier defied orthodoxy by wearing khadi, distributing revolutionary pamphlets, and writing about banned books in exams. Symbolised intellectual and armed protest.
• Attempted to assassinate Governor Stanley Jackson at Calcutta University convocation (1932).
• Earlier defied orthodoxy by wearing khadi, distributing revolutionary pamphlets, and writing about banned books in exams.
• Symbolised intellectual and armed protest.
• Begum Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain (1880–1932)
• Pioneering social reformer, feminist, and writer. Wrote Sultana’s Dream (1905) envisioning a feminist utopia (Ladyland). Founded Sakhawat Memorial Girls’ School in Kolkata; campaigned door-to-door for Muslim women’s education.
• Pioneering social reformer, feminist, and writer.
• Wrote Sultana’s Dream (1905) envisioning a feminist utopia (Ladyland).
• Founded Sakhawat Memorial Girls’ School in Kolkata; campaigned door-to-door for Muslim women’s education.
• Kamala Das Gupta (1907–2001)
• Member of Jugantar group; combined domestic cover with covert resistance. Smuggled arms in food baskets, hid fugitives, coordinated logistics. Memoir Rakter Akshare documents underground female networks.
• Member of Jugantar group; combined domestic cover with covert resistance.
• Smuggled arms in food baskets, hid fugitives, coordinated logistics.
• Memoir Rakter Akshare documents underground female networks.
• Nanibala Devi (1898–1977)
• A widowed Brahmin who disguised herself as a mother, wife, servant for revolutionary tasks. Arrested and tortured in Peshawar, but chose silence over betrayal. Embodied endurance and sacrifice.
• A widowed Brahmin who disguised herself as a mother, wife, servant for revolutionary tasks.
• Arrested and tortured in Peshawar, but chose silence over betrayal.
• Embodied endurance and sacrifice.
• Labanya Prabha Ghosh (1886–1956)
• Social reformer and writer; organised reading groups, contributed to nationalist journals like Mukti. Opened her home for underground meetings. Used literacy as resistance to mobilise rural women.
• Social reformer and writer; organised reading groups, contributed to nationalist journals like Mukti.
• Opened her home for underground meetings.
• Used literacy as resistance to mobilise rural women.
• Matangini Hazra (1869–1942) – *“Gandhi Buri”*
• Illiterate widow from Tamluk, Bengal. Led Quit India procession in 1942, chanting Vande Mataram. Shot multiple times while holding the tricolour; became a symbol of popular, grassroots resistance.
• Illiterate widow from Tamluk, Bengal.
• Led Quit India procession in 1942, chanting Vande Mataram.
• Shot multiple times while holding the tricolour; became a symbol of popular, grassroots resistance.
Significance of Women in Indian Freedom Movement:
• Dual Struggle – They fought not only against British colonialism but also against entrenched patriarchy, redefining women’s role in public life.
• Broadening the Meaning of Revolution – Their contributions ranged from armed assaults and covert operations to education and literature, proving resistance was multi-dimensional.
• Symbol of Courage and Sacrifice – By embracing martyrdom, enduring torture, or leading protests, women revolutionaries inspired mass participation and moral strength.
• Social Reform with Nationalism – Through schools, writings, and grassroots mobilisation, they linked freedom of the nation with emancipation of women.
• Mass Mobilisation Across Classes – From educated elites to rural widows, women bridged caste, class, and community, making the freedom struggle more inclusive.
• Legacy of Gender Justice – Their acts challenged the notion of women as auxiliaries, laying foundations for later feminist and empowerment movements in India.
Conclusion:
The role of women in India’s freedom struggle went beyond support; it was revolutionary in scope and spirit. By combining courage, intellect, and social reform, they challenged both colonialism and patriarchy. Their legacy reminds us that true freedom is incomplete without gender justice and equal participation.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 25 August 2025 GS Paper 3:
Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) programme.
Syllabus: Climate and Energy
Source: DTE
Context: India has announced plans for 27% ethanol blending in petrol (E27) by 2030, extending its successful Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) programme.
About Ethanol Blending
• What it is: Ethanol, an alcohol derived mainly from sugarcane, maize, and surplus foodgrains, is blended with petrol to create a cleaner, renewable transport fuel.
• Started in: The Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme was launched in 2003, beginning with 5% blending.
• Objectives: Reduce India’s dependence on imported crude oil. Conserve foreign exchange reserves. Lower vehicular emissions to support environmental commitments. Provide farmers with assured markets for crops, stabilising incomes. Encourage second-generation ethanol from crop residues, reducing stubble burning.
• Reduce India’s dependence on imported crude oil.
• Conserve foreign exchange reserves.
• Lower vehicular emissions to support environmental commitments.
• Provide farmers with assured markets for crops, stabilising incomes.
• Encourage second-generation ethanol from crop residues, reducing stubble burning.
Benefits of Ethanol Blending
• Energy Security – India imports nearly 88% of its crude oil, making the economy highly vulnerable to global price shocks. Ethanol blending substitutes imported crude, thereby reducing dependence on foreign oil.
• Environmental Gains – Ethanol blends cut carbon monoxide and hydrocarbon emissions, contributing to India’s Net Zero 2070 pledge and reducing urban air pollution.
• Farmer Welfare – Farmers benefit from steady demand for sugarcane and maize; over ₹1.2 lakh crore has flowed to them in the past decade through ethanol procurement.
• Rural Development – Distilleries in rural areas create jobs, promote agro-based industries, and reduce distress migration.
• Circular Economy Link – Initiatives like PM-JI-VAN Yojana promote second-generation ethanol from crop residues, turning waste into energy while tackling stubble burning.
Concerns and Challenges
• Food Security Risks – Rising ethanol demand has already strained maize availability, leading to imports and higher prices, potentially affecting poultry and starch industries.
• Water Stress – Sugarcane, the dominant ethanol feedstock, consumes 1,500–2,000 litres of water per kg of sugar, threatening groundwater in states like UP and Maharashtra.
• Vehicle Compatibility – Higher ethanol blends reduce fuel efficiency by 6–7% unless engines are specially designed. Flex Fuel Vehicles remain costly and consumer adoption uncertain.
• Supply Gaps – India produced ~700 crore litres of ethanol in 2023, but E27 will require >1,200 crore litres by 2030; much of the capacity is linked to stressed sugar mills.
• Financial & Infrastructure Bottlenecks – Banks are hesitant to fund distilleries, and retail infrastructure (storage tanks, pumps, blending facilities) is still inadequate for a nationwide rollout.
Way Forward
• Diversify Feedstocks: Promote second-generation ethanol from residues, forestry waste, and municipal solid waste to reduce reliance on food crops.
• Encourage Smart Farmer Practices: Boost maize productivity through improved seeds and cultivation methods, and restrict sugarcane expansion in water-scarce zones.
• Consumer Incentives: Subsidise Flex Fuel Vehicles, support retrofitting, and run awareness campaigns to ease transition for consumers.
• Strengthen Infrastructure: Invest in ethanol storage, blending, transport, and dispensing networks to avoid supply chain bottlenecks.
• Balanced Energy Transition: Treat ethanol as a bridge fuel—complementary to EVs and green hydrogen, not a substitute.
Conclusion
India’s ethanol blending strategy represents a bold leap toward energy independence, cleaner fuels, and farmer empowerment. A diversified, sustainable, and integrated approach can ensure that India’s ethanol revolution remains a story of innovation and resilience, rather than a cautionary tale of overreach.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 25 August 2025 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)
Younger vs Older Forests
Context: A new study in Nature Ecology & Evolution revealed a global shift towards younger forests, causing a net carbon loss as mature, carbon-rich forests decline.
About Younger vs Older Forests:
Category | Younger Forests (<40 years) | Older Forests (>100 years)
What they are | Forest stands arising from regrowth after fire, logging, or deforestation. | Mature, undisturbed forests with stable, complex ecosystems.
Features | – Fast-growing, high productivity – Sequester carbon rapidly – More vulnerable to disturbances | – Massive carbon reservoirs – Rich in biodiversity – Regulate hydrological & ecological cycles – More resilient
Significance | – Provide short-term carbon absorption – Aid biodiversity recovery – Crucial in afforestation/reforestation projects | – Act as long-term carbon sinks – Ensure climate stability – Provide ecological services beyond carbon (water, soil, biodiversity)
Relevance in UPSC Exam:
• GS Paper I (Geography/Environment): Forest ecosystems, ecological succession, biodiversity and climate linkages.
• GS Paper II (Governance/Policies): Forest conservation acts, CAMPA, REDD+, UNFCCC negotiations.
• GS Paper III (Environment & Climate Change): Carbon sinks, climate mitigation, forest management, afforestation vs conservation debates.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 25 August 2025 Facts for Prelims (FFP):
ISRO Integrated Air Drop Test (IADT-01)
Source: IT
Context: ISRO has successfully conducted its first Integrated Air Drop Test (IADT-01) for the Gaganyaan mission.
About ISRO Integrated Air Drop Test (IADT-01):
• What it is?
• A specialised air-drop experiment to test the end-to-end parachute recovery system of the Gaganyaan crew module. Conducted with a dummy crew capsule (≈ 5 tonnes) released from an Indian Air Force Chinook helicopter.
• A specialised air-drop experiment to test the end-to-end parachute recovery system of the Gaganyaan crew module.
• Conducted with a dummy crew capsule (≈ 5 tonnes) released from an Indian Air Force Chinook helicopter.
• Developed by: Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
• To demonstrate the reliability and sequencing of parachutes for slowing and stabilising the crew module during re-entry and splashdown. Ensure astronaut safety in descent and landing phases, the riskiest part of human spaceflight.
• To demonstrate the reliability and sequencing of parachutes for slowing and stabilising the crew module during re-entry and splashdown.
• Ensure astronaut safety in descent and landing phases, the riskiest part of human spaceflight.
• How the IADT System Works?
• Air Drop Release: A dummy crew module (~5 tonnes) is lifted by an IAF Chinook helicopter to a designated altitude. The capsule is then air-dropped into free fall. Initial Deceleration – Drogue Parachutes: Two drogue parachutes (conical, funnel-shaped) open first. They stabilise the tumbling capsule and begin slowing it down. Trigger Mechanism – Pilot Chutes: Smaller pilot parachutes are deployed. Their role is to pull out and activate the larger main parachutes. Final Deceleration – Main Parachutes: Three large main parachutes deploy sequentially. They reduce the descent speed to a safe level for splashdown. Built with redundancy: even if one fails, the rest can ensure safe descent. Splashdown & Recovery: The slowed capsule splashes down in water at a survivable speed. Indian Navy & Coast Guard teams conduct recovery operations.
• Air Drop Release: A dummy crew module (~5 tonnes) is lifted by an IAF Chinook helicopter to a designated altitude. The capsule is then air-dropped into free fall.
• A dummy crew module (~5 tonnes) is lifted by an IAF Chinook helicopter to a designated altitude.
• The capsule is then air-dropped into free fall.
• Initial Deceleration – Drogue Parachutes: Two drogue parachutes (conical, funnel-shaped) open first. They stabilise the tumbling capsule and begin slowing it down.
• Two drogue parachutes (conical, funnel-shaped) open first.
• They stabilise the tumbling capsule and begin slowing it down.
• Trigger Mechanism – Pilot Chutes: Smaller pilot parachutes are deployed. Their role is to pull out and activate the larger main parachutes.
• Smaller pilot parachutes are deployed.
• Their role is to pull out and activate the larger main parachutes.
• Final Deceleration – Main Parachutes: Three large main parachutes deploy sequentially. They reduce the descent speed to a safe level for splashdown. Built with redundancy: even if one fails, the rest can ensure safe descent.
• Three large main parachutes deploy sequentially.
• They reduce the descent speed to a safe level for splashdown.
• Built with redundancy: even if one fails, the rest can ensure safe descent.
• Splashdown & Recovery: The slowed capsule splashes down in water at a survivable speed. Indian Navy & Coast Guard teams conduct recovery operations.
• The slowed capsule splashes down in water at a survivable speed.
• Indian Navy & Coast Guard teams conduct recovery operations.
• Significance:
• Critical milestone in human-rating India’s space systems. Boosts confidence ahead of upcoming missions: Test Vehicle-D2 (TV-D2) and first uncrewed Gaganyaan mission (G1). Enhances India’s progress towards Gaganyaan crewed mission (target ~2027).
• Critical milestone in human-rating India’s space systems.
• Boosts confidence ahead of upcoming missions: Test Vehicle-D2 (TV-D2) and first uncrewed Gaganyaan mission (G1).
• Enhances India’s progress towards Gaganyaan crewed mission (target ~2027).
Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS)
Source: TP
Context: India successfully conducted the maiden flight-tests of the Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS) off the coast of Odisha.
About Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS):
• What it is?
• A multi-layered, network-centric air defence system developed by DRDO under Project Sudarshan Chakra. Integrates Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM), Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS), and Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) into a unified command system.
• A multi-layered, network-centric air defence system developed by DRDO under Project Sudarshan Chakra.
• Integrates Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM), Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS), and Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) into a unified command system.
• Developed by: Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO).
• To provide comprehensive protection for military and national assets (airbases, radar sites, command centres, nuclear and space installations, power plants). To counter modern aerial threats – from high-speed aircraft and cruise missiles to drones, swarm UAVs, and loitering munitions.
• To provide comprehensive protection for military and national assets (airbases, radar sites, command centres, nuclear and space installations, power plants).
• To counter modern aerial threats – from high-speed aircraft and cruise missiles to drones, swarm UAVs, and loitering munitions.
• How it Works?
• Centralised Command & Control Centre (C2C2): Integrates radar + electro-optical sensor feeds to generate a real-time air picture. Threat Allocation: Based on target speed, altitude, and trajectory, C2C2 assigns the most effective weapon. QRSAM (outer layer): Engages fast jets, helicopters, and cruise missiles at 25–30 km range, ~10 km altitude. VSHORADS (middle layer): Infrared-seeker based, effective against low-flying UAVs/helis within 6 km range, 4 km altitude. Directed Energy Weapon (inner layer): High-power laser neutralises drones and loitering munitions at close range; cost-effective with unlimited firing capacity.
• Centralised Command & Control Centre (C2C2): Integrates radar + electro-optical sensor feeds to generate a real-time air picture.
• Threat Allocation: Based on target speed, altitude, and trajectory, C2C2 assigns the most effective weapon. QRSAM (outer layer): Engages fast jets, helicopters, and cruise missiles at 25–30 km range, ~10 km altitude. VSHORADS (middle layer): Infrared-seeker based, effective against low-flying UAVs/helis within 6 km range, 4 km altitude. Directed Energy Weapon (inner layer): High-power laser neutralises drones and loitering munitions at close range; cost-effective with unlimited firing capacity.
• QRSAM (outer layer): Engages fast jets, helicopters, and cruise missiles at 25–30 km range, ~10 km altitude.
• VSHORADS (middle layer): Infrared-seeker based, effective against low-flying UAVs/helis within 6 km range, 4 km altitude.
• Directed Energy Weapon (inner layer): High-power laser neutralises drones and loitering munitions at close range; cost-effective with unlimited firing capacity.
• Features:
• Indigenous design with advanced radars, sensors, and communication systems. Multi-layered shield combining kinetic interceptors (missiles) and non-kinetic weapons (laser). Real-time coordination ensures simultaneous tracking and engagement of multiple targets. Rapid reaction & mobility for deployment in forward areas. Area Defence for high-value facilities against diverse aerial threats.
• Indigenous design with advanced radars, sensors, and communication systems.
• Multi-layered shield combining kinetic interceptors (missiles) and non-kinetic weapons (laser).
• Real-time coordination ensures simultaneous tracking and engagement of multiple targets.
• Rapid reaction & mobility for deployment in forward areas.
• Area Defence for high-value facilities against diverse aerial threats.
Invasive Alien Species
Source: TH
Context: A new study published in Nature Ecology & Evolution has revealed that India is massively underestimating the economic cost of invasive alien species, with management costs underreported by over 1.16 billion percent — the highest global discrepancy.
About Invasive Alien Species (IAS)
What it is?
• As per the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and Indian law, an invasive alien species is a non-native organism whose introduction and spread threaten biodiversity, ecosystem services, or human well-being.
• The Indian National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) defines them as species outside their natural range that establish and proliferate, causing ecological or economic harm.
Characteristics of IAS
• High adaptability – thrive in disturbed or new ecosystems.
• Aggressive growth – outcompete native species for light, water, and nutrients.
• Reproductive advantage – rapid breeding or vegetative propagation.
• Absence of predators – flourish unchecked in new habitats.
• Economic and ecological impact – alter soil chemistry, hydrology, and crop yields.
Global Impact
• Global cost of invasive species since 1960 exceeds $2.2 trillion.
• Non-native plants account for the highest management cost ($926 billion).
• Arthropods ($830 billion) and mammals ($263 billion) follow.
• Europe reported the highest cost ($1.5 trillion).
India’s Case
• Lantana camara, Parthenium hysterophorus, Prosopis juliflora, and Water Hyacinth dominate forests, rangelands, and wetlands.
• Large swathes of Bandipur, Mudumalai, and other reserves are overrun by lantana.
• Agriculture suffers due to weeds like parthenium reducing crop yields.
• Aquatic invasives clog waterways, impacting irrigation and fisheries.
Threats Posed
• Biodiversity loss – displacement of native flora and fauna.
• Agricultural losses – reduced productivity and higher input costs.
• Health hazards – allergenic weeds cause respiratory and skin diseases.
• Forest fire risks – highly combustible species like lantana increase wildfire incidents.
• Economic drain – hidden management costs undermine development goals.
Initiatives for Management
• National Biodiversity Action Plan (NBAP) emphasises IAS management.
• Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), 1992 – India is a party and obligated to control IAS.
• National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) – coordinates IAS prevention and awareness.
• Ballast Water Management Convention – to prevent marine invasions.
• State-level eradication drives – manual removal, biocontrol measures, controlled grazing, and afforestation.
Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)
Source: TH
Context: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has come under criticism over its handling of the Keeladi excavations in Tamil Nadu and the controversial transfer of archaeologist K. Amarnath Ramakrishna.
About Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)
What it is
• The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is the apex government body responsible for archaeological research, conservation, and preservation of monuments and heritage sites in India.
• It functions under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India.
Established in
• Founded in 1861 by Alexander Cunningham, regarded as the “Father of Indian Archaeology”.
• Initially set up during the colonial era, later restructured post-Independence.
Chaired by
• Headed by the Director General of Archaeology, appointed by the Government of India.
Structure of Organisation
• Headquarters – New Delhi.
• Circles/Regional Units – Around 36 circles, each headed by a Superintending Archaeologist.
• Specialised Wings – Epigraphy, Excavation Branches, Science Branch, Prehistory Branch, Museums Branch, Conservation Wing.
• Subordinate Offices – Site museums, libraries, and research institutions under ASI’s control.
Functions and Powers
• Excavation & Exploration: Conduct systematic archaeological excavations and surveys across India.
• Monument Protection: Administer the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958.
• Conservation & Preservation: Maintain more than 3,600 protected monuments, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
• Epigraphy & Numismatics: Study ancient inscriptions, coins, and manuscripts.
• Museums: Manage site museums showcasing excavated artefacts.
• Research & Publication: Publish annual reports, monographs, and surveys.
• Regulation & Control: Grant permissions for construction near protected monuments and regulate archaeological practices.
• International Cooperation: Collaborate with foreign archaeological missions and UNESCO in heritage management.
Lunar Module Launch Vehicle (LMLV)
Source: IE
Context: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has announced the development of its heaviest rocket ever — the Lunar Module Launch Vehicle (LMLV), expected to be ready by 2035.
About Lunar Module Launch Vehicle (LMLV)
What it is
• The LMLV is ISRO’s next-generation heavy-lift launch vehicle.
• It will be the most powerful rocket built by India, designed specifically for lunar and interplanetary missions.
Objective
• To enable crewed lunar missions by 2040.
• To carry larger payloads to the Moon and support deep space exploration.
• To enhance India’s self-reliance in human spaceflight technology.
Specifications
• Payload to Moon: ~27 tonnes.
• Payload to Low Earth Orbit (LEO): ~80 tonnes (200–2,000 km).
• Timeline: Planned readiness by 2035.
• Propulsion: Advanced cryogenic and semi-cryogenic engines expected.
Evolution of ISRO’s Launch Vehicles
• Sounding Rockets (1963)
• First Nike Apache sounding rocket launched from Thumba, Kerala.
• Used for atmospheric experiments, not capable of orbital flight.
• Satellite Launch Vehicle (SLV-3) – 1980
• India’s first indigenous rocket.
• Led by A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, placed Rohini satellite in orbit.
• Augmented Satellite Launch Vehicle (ASLV) – 1987-94
• Improved SLV with strap-on boosters.
• Limited success, carried payloads up to 150 kg.
• Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) – 1994 onwards
• India’s workhorse rocket, highly reliable.
• Payload: ~1,000–1,750 kg to LEO.
• Key missions: Chandrayaan-1 (2008), Mangalyaan (2013).
• Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV)
• Introduced cryogenic engines after US denied transfer in 1990s.
• Payload to GTO: ~2,000–2,500 kg.
• Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM-3 / GSLV Mk-III) – 2017
• India’s heaviest operational rocket today.
• Payload: ~4,000 kg to GTO.
• Major missions: Chandrayaan-2 (2019), Chandrayaan-3 (2023).
• Lunar Module Launch Vehicle (LMLV) – 2035 (planned)
• Will surpass all previous rockets.
• Designed for human spaceflight to the Moon and beyond.
Wastewater Surveillance
Source: TH
Context: The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is set to expand wastewater surveillance for 10 viruses across 50 Indian cities within the next six months.
About Wastewater Surveillance
What it is
• Wastewater Surveillance, also called Wastewater-Based Epidemiology (WBE), is a method of tracking pathogens excreted by humans into sewage systems.
• It provides community-level insights into disease prevalence, even before clinical symptoms appear.
Objective
• To establish an early warning system for viral outbreaks.
• To monitor emerging and re-emerging pathogens in a cost-effective and non-invasive way.
• To help policymakers design timely interventions, vaccination drives, and containment strategies.
Viruses under Watch
• Currently: COVID-19 virus, Polio virus.
• Planned expansion: Avian Influenza Virus (AIV), and pathogens linked to fever, diarrhoea, acute encephalitis syndrome, and respiratory illnesses.
• In total: 10 viruses will be tracked.
Coverage
• Present coverage: 5 cities.
• Planned expansion: 50 cities over six months.
• National scaling up will strengthen India’s epidemic preparedness and pandemic prevention capacity.
Process of Wastewater Surveillance
• Shedding of Pathogens – Infected individuals release virus particles through urine, stool, or while washing.
• Sewage Collection – Samples are taken from sewage before treatment.
• Laboratory Testing – Samples are tested for viral RNA/DNA fragments.
• Data Analysis – Trends in infection spread are identified within 5–7 days.
• Public Health Action – Authorities use results for outbreak warnings, vaccination, and resource allocation.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 25 August 2025 Mapping:
Source: News on Air
Context: Fiji Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka is on a three-day visit to India, his first in the current capacity, to strengthen bilateral relations and deepen people-to-people ties.
About Fiji:
• What it is?
• Sovereign island nation in Melanesia, Oceania, officially known as the Republic of Fiji. Known for strategic location in the South Pacific and rich natural resources.
• Sovereign island nation in Melanesia, Oceania, officially known as the Republic of Fiji.
• Known for strategic location in the South Pacific and rich natural resources.
• Location:
• Lies in the South Pacific Ocean, about 2,000 km northeast of New Zealand. Surrounded by the Koro Sea, part of Oceania’s Pacific archipelago.
• Lies in the South Pacific Ocean, about 2,000 km northeast of New Zealand.
• Surrounded by the Koro Sea, part of Oceania’s Pacific archipelago.
• Capital: Suva – situated on the island of Viti Levu.
• Key Features:
• Archipelago: 330+ islands, ~110 permanently inhabited, along with 500 islets. Major Islands: Viti Levu & Vanua Levu (home to 87% of the population). Geography: Volcanic origin with geothermal activity (notably on Vanua Levu & Taveuni). Demography: Austronesian & Melanesian ancestry with Polynesian influences. Currency: Fijian Dollar (FJD).
• Archipelago: 330+ islands, ~110 permanently inhabited, along with 500 islets.
• Major Islands: Viti Levu & Vanua Levu (home to 87% of the population).
• Geography: Volcanic origin with geothermal activity (notably on Vanua Levu & Taveuni).
• Demography: Austronesian & Melanesian ancestry with Polynesian influences.
• Currency: Fijian Dollar (FJD).
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