UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 25 July 2025

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 25 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.

GS Paper 2 : (UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 25 July (2025)

• India–UK sign Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA)

India–UK sign Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA)

GS Paper 3:

• The Vanuatu Case In ICJ

The Vanuatu Case In ICJ

Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):

• Microsoft SharePoint – Cyber Espionage

Microsoft SharePoint – Cyber Espionage

Facts for Prelims (FFP):

• National Financial Reporting Authority

National Financial Reporting Authority

• National Cooperative Policy – 2025

National Cooperative Policy – 2025

• Henley Passport Index 2025

Henley Passport Index 2025

• UAV-Launched Precision Guided Missile (ULPGM)-V3

UAV-Launched Precision Guided Missile (ULPGM)-V3

• AI driven Dynamic Targeting Technology

AI driven Dynamic Targeting Technology

Mapping:

• Ta Muen Thom Temple Region

Ta Muen Thom Temple Region

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 25 July 2025

#### GS Paper 2:

India–UK sign Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA)

Syllabus: Bilateral Relations

Source: PIB

Context: India and the United Kingdom signed a historic Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) and endorsed a long-term strategic blueprint titled India–UK Vision 2035, aimed at strengthening bilateral relations across trade, defence, technology, education, and climate action.

About India–UK sign Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA):

What is the India–UK CETA?

• A Free Trade Agreement (FTA) granting zero-duty access on 99% tariff lines for Indian exports to the UK.

• Covers goods, services, mobility, investment, and social security exemptions under the Double Contribution Convention (DCC).

• Designed to empower labour-intensive sectors, MSMEs, professionals, women, and youth.

Key Provisions of CETA:

• Goods and Market Access:

• Zero-duty access for 99% of tariff lines covering 100% of India’s trade value with the UK.

• Major boost to textiles, gems & jewellery, leather, toys, marine products, and processed food (tariff cut from 70% to 0%).

• Sensitive sectors like dairy protected under exclusion lists.

• Services and Mobility:

• Enhanced access for IT, financial, legal, education, architecture, and consulting services.

• Liberalised visa norms for Contractual Service Suppliers, Intra-Corporate Transferees, and Independent Professionals.

• Mutual recognition of professional qualifications in healthcare, engineering, etc.

• Double Contribution Convention (DCC):

• Exemption from UK social security payments for Indian professionals for 3 years.

• Boosts take-home salary and competitiveness of Indian firms abroad.

• Inclusive Growth Focus:

• Provisions targeting MSMEs, women entrepreneurs, artisans, farmers, youth.

• Access to UK’s $63.4 billion agricultural market for Indian products like spices, tea, coffee, fruits, meat, and dairy (excluding sensitive items).

• Dedicated SME contact points, digital trade facilitation, and paperless customs.

About India–UK Vision 2035:

India–UK Vision 2035 outlines a comprehensive strategic roadmap built on five pillars: Growth, Technology, Defence, Climate, and Education.

• Growth and Jobs

• Doubling bilateral trade from $56 billion by 2030.

• Enhanced investment via BIT, UK-India Infrastructure Financing Bridge, and British International Investment (BII).

• Legal, financial, insurance and asset management sectors to gain from harmonised regulations.

• Technology and Innovation

• Joint centre for AI, collaboration on 6G, semiconductors, biotech, and cybersecurity.

• India–UK Critical Minerals Guild for secure green tech supply chains.

• Boost to startups through catapults, incubators, and biofoundries.

• Defence and Security

• 10-Year Defence Industrial Roadmap covering joint R&D in electric propulsion, underwater systems, and directed energy weapons.

• Elevated 2+2 dialogue, expanded military exercises, and counter-terror cooperation.

• UK’s logistic reliance on India in Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

• Climate and Clean Energy

• Joint action on climate finance, carbon markets, offshore wind, and nuclear collaboration (SMRs).

• Support for ISA, OSOWOG, ZEVTC, and blue carbon research.

• Promotion of Net Zero Innovation Partnership and agroforestry under India-UK Forest Partnership.

• Education and People-to-People Ties

• Opening of UK university campuses in India, dual degree programs.

• Green Skills Partnership to bridge climate-tech skill gaps.

• Implementation of Young Professionals Scheme and mutual recognition of qualifications.

Strategic Significance for India:

Sector | Benefits to India

Trade | Doubling exports, duty-free access, expansion of MSME base

Employment | Job creation in textiles, IT, food processing, and engineering

Youth & Mobility | Enhanced pathways for skilled migration & global careers

Innovation | AI, bio-manufacturing, 6G, quantum, and green hydrogen collaborations

Climate Goals | Green finance, clean tech access, carbon trading schemes

Defence | Boost to self-reliance through co-development in advanced defence tech

Multilateral Reform | Joint stance on UN, WTO, IMF reforms

Conclusion:

India–UK CETA and Vision 2035 mark a watershed moment in bilateral ties—linking trade, mobility, innovation, and strategic collaboration into a unified framework. With inclusive growth, sustainability, and technological leadership at its core, this partnership is set to position India as a key global player in the 21st century.

#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 25 July 2025 GS Paper 3:

The Vanuatu Case In ICJ

•Syllabus: Environment*

•Source: LM*

Context: In a historic advisory opinion, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled that access to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment is a fundamental human right. The case was initiated by Vanuatu and supported by over 130 nations vulnerable to climate change.

About The Vanuatu Case In ICJ:

What Was the Issue?

• In 2023, the UN General Assembly requested the ICJ’s opinion on state obligations under international law to tackle climate change and the legal consequences for inaction.

• The case was led by Vanuatu, representing small island developing states (SIDS) facing existential threats from rising sea levels and warming oceans.

Key Questions Posed:

• What are the legal duties of states under international law to prevent climate harm?

• What are the legal consequences for states that cause significant climate-related damage?

Key Takeaways from the ICJ Advisory Opinion (2025)

• Clean Environment as a Human Right:

• The ICJ held that a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment is inherent to the enjoyment of other human rights (Para 1, ICJ Ruling). This right is rooted in international human rights law and customary international law.

• The ICJ held that a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment is inherent to the enjoyment of other human rights (Para 1, ICJ Ruling).

• This right is rooted in international human rights law and customary international law.

• Binding Obligations under Treaties:

• UNFCCC, Kyoto Protocol, and Paris Agreement impose binding obligations on signatory states:

• Adopt mitigation and adaptation measures.

• Prepare and implement Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

• Cooperate through technology transfer and climate finance.

• Due Diligence and State Responsibility:

• States must prevent significant transboundary environmental harm with due diligence, including regulating private actors (fossil fuel producers). States are liable for breaches of treaty or customary norms, and may owe restitution or compensation.

• States must prevent significant transboundary environmental harm with due diligence, including regulating private actors (fossil fuel producers).

• States are liable for breaches of treaty or customary norms, and may owe restitution or compensation.

• Legal Consequences of Inaction:

• Failure to act constitutes an internationally wrongful act, triggering:

• Cessation and guarantees of non-repetition,

• Compensation and restitution to affected states or peoples.

• Historical Emissions and Accountability:

• ICJ acknowledged that cumulative historical emissions can be traced to particular states, opening doors for legal attribution and reparation claims.

• Climate Obligations as Erga Omnes:

• States’ obligations to protect the climate are erga omnes—owed to the entire international community. All states have a legal interest in enforcement, regardless of direct injury.

• States’ obligations to protect the climate are erga omnes—owed to the entire international community.

• All states have a legal interest in enforcement, regardless of direct injury.

• Scientific Attribution Admissible:

• ICJ accepted climate science as valid evidence in legal proceedings. Courts may consider scientific data to establish causal links between emissions and harm.

• ICJ accepted climate science as valid evidence in legal proceedings.

• Courts may consider scientific data to establish causal links between emissions and harm.

Key Rights and Legal Principles Cited by ICJ

• Right to Life and Dignity Derived from Article 6 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) Climate harm was seen as infringing on the basic right to life.

• Derived from Article 6 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR)

• Climate harm was seen as infringing on the basic right to life.

• Right to Health Based on Article 12 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) Pollution and degradation directly affect physical and mental health.

• Based on Article 12 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR)

• Pollution and degradation directly affect physical and mental health.

• Right to Development Mentioned in the UN Declaration on the Right to Development (1986) ICJ emphasized that environmental destruction hinders sustainable development.

• Mentioned in the UN Declaration on the Right to Development (1986)

• ICJ emphasized that environmental destruction hinders sustainable development.

• Right to a Clean, Healthy, and Sustainable Environment Recognized in UN General Assembly Resolution 76/300 (2022) The ICJ reiterated that this right is “interlinked with and essential for the enjoyment of all human rights.”

• Recognized in UN General Assembly Resolution 76/300 (2022)

• The ICJ reiterated that this right is “interlinked with and essential for the enjoyment of all human rights.”

• Principle of Intergenerational Equity Noted as a guiding principle of international environmental law. The Court stressed the duty to protect the environment for future generations.

• Noted as a guiding principle of international environmental law.

• The Court stressed the duty to protect the environment for future generations.

• Polluter Pays Principle & Common but Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR) Drawn from the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development (1992) Used to justify historical accountability and differentiated obligations.

• Drawn from the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development (1992)

• Used to justify historical accountability and differentiated obligations.

• Obligations Erga Omnes (Universal Obligations): The Court noted that climate protection falls under obligations erga omnes—duties all States owe to the international community as a whole.

• The Court noted that climate protection falls under obligations erga omnes—duties all States owe to the international community as a whole.

Implications for India and Global Climate Law:

• Legal precedent for future domestic and international climate litigation.

• Empowers developing nations and SIDS in UNFCCC negotiations.

• Reinforces India’s constitutional commitment under Article 21 and Article 48A for environmental protection.

• Can strengthen judicial actions like Delhi air pollution cases, waste management PILs, and climate adaptation suits in NGT and Supreme Court.

#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 25 July 2025 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)

Microsoft SharePoint – Cyber Espionage

Context: Microsoft has revealed that hackers exploiting unpatched vulnerabilities in its SharePoint server software—previously used for cyber-espionage—have escalated their attacks to include ransomware deployment.

About Microsoft SharePoint – Cyber Espionage:

• What is Cyber Espionage? Cyber espionage refers to the unauthorized and covert digital infiltration of systems, networks, or devices to steal sensitive information, often by state or non-state actors for political, strategic, or economic advantage.

• Cyber espionage refers to the unauthorized and covert digital infiltration of systems, networks, or devices to steal sensitive information, often by state or non-state actors for political, strategic, or economic advantage.

• Recent Attack: Microsoft SharePoint Exploit

• Exploited a vulnerability in Microsoft’s SharePoint server software. Conducted by a group dubbed Storm-2603, reportedly linked to Chinese state-backed actors (though denied by China). Initially used for espionage, it now includes ransomware, freezing systems until payment is made. 400+ entities impacted, according to Eye Security (Netherlands), with many more suspected. Marks a shift from passive data theft to active disruption and financial extortion.

• Exploited a vulnerability in Microsoft’s SharePoint server software.

• Conducted by a group dubbed Storm-2603, reportedly linked to Chinese state-backed actors (though denied by China).

• Initially used for espionage, it now includes ransomware, freezing systems until payment is made.

• 400+ entities impacted, according to Eye Security (Netherlands), with many more suspected.

• Marks a shift from passive data theft to active disruption and financial extortion.

• Implications:

• Risks to national security, healthcare, and critical infrastructure. Signals growing convergence of espionage and cybercrime tactics. Exposes gaps in patch management and incident response by organizations. Calls for international cooperation on cybersecurity norms and digital sovereignty.

• Risks to national security, healthcare, and critical infrastructure.

• Signals growing convergence of espionage and cybercrime tactics.

• Exposes gaps in patch management and incident response by organizations.

• Calls for international cooperation on cybersecurity norms and digital sovereignty.

Relevance to UPSC Syllabus:

• GS Paper III: Internal Security

• Cybersecurity: Threats from cyber warfare, cyber espionage, and ransomware. Role of state and non-state actors in internal security challenges. Basics of Cyber Security and related challenges in the digital era.

• Cybersecurity: Threats from cyber warfare, cyber espionage, and ransomware.

• Role of state and non-state actors in internal security challenges.

• Basics of Cyber Security and related challenges in the digital era.

• GS Paper II: International Relations

• Tech-based espionage and sovereignty issues. Role of international law and norms in regulating state behaviour in cyberspace.

• Tech-based espionage and sovereignty issues.

• Role of international law and norms in regulating state behaviour in cyberspace.

#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 25 July 2025 Facts for Prelims (FFP):

National Financial Reporting Authority

Source: BS

Context: Shri Nitin Gupta (Retd. IRS), former CBDT Chairman, has taken charge as the new Chairperson of the National Financial Reporting Authority (NFRA).

About NFRA (National Financial Reporting Authority):

• What is NFRA? NFRA is an independent regulatory authority under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, tasked with improving transparency, credibility, and quality of financial reporting and auditing in India.

• NFRA is an independent regulatory authority under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, tasked with improving transparency, credibility, and quality of financial reporting and auditing in India.

• Constituted on: 1st October 2018

• Established under: Section 132(1) of the Companies Act, 2013

• Headquarters: New Delhi, India

• Objectives and Mandate:

• Regulate and enforce compliance with accounting and auditing standards. Recommend policies and standards for corporate financial governance. Monitor the quality of auditing services and suggest improvements. Investigate professional misconduct of auditors in certain classes of companies. Uphold public and investor interest by ensuring high-quality financial disclosures.

• Regulate and enforce compliance with accounting and auditing standards.

• Recommend policies and standards for corporate financial governance.

• Monitor the quality of auditing services and suggest improvements.

• Investigate professional misconduct of auditors in certain classes of companies.

• Uphold public and investor interest by ensuring high-quality financial disclosures.

• Coverage: Who Comes Under NFRA?

• Listed companies on Indian or foreign stock exchanges. Unlisted public companies meeting any of the following: Paid-up capital ≥ ₹500 crore Turnover ≥ ₹1,000 crore Loans, deposits, debentures ≥ ₹500 crore Insurance companies, banks, power companies, and those under special Acts. Foreign subsidiaries/associates of Indian companies contributing ≥ 20% of income or net worth. Any entity referred by the Central Government in public interest.

• Listed companies on Indian or foreign stock exchanges.

• Unlisted public companies meeting any of the following: Paid-up capital ≥ ₹500 crore Turnover ≥ ₹1,000 crore Loans, deposits, debentures ≥ ₹500 crore

• Paid-up capital ≥ ₹500 crore

• Turnover ≥ ₹1,000 crore

• Loans, deposits, debentures ≥ ₹500 crore

• Insurance companies, banks, power companies, and those under special Acts.

• Foreign subsidiaries/associates of Indian companies contributing ≥ 20% of income or net worth.

• Any entity referred by the Central Government in public interest.

• Features of NFRA:

• Statutory autonomy with investigative powers. Can issue directions, debar auditors, and impose penalties. Ensures global alignment with international standards (IFRS, ISA). Promotes corporate governance, investor trust, and audit quality. Strengthens oversight on statutory auditors and financial reporting ecosystem.

• Statutory autonomy with investigative powers.

• Can issue directions, debar auditors, and impose penalties.

• Ensures global alignment with international standards (IFRS, ISA).

• Promotes corporate governance, investor trust, and audit quality.

• Strengthens oversight on statutory auditors and financial reporting ecosystem.

• Significance of NFRA:

• Acts as a watchdog for corporate financial discipline. Bridges gaps in audit oversight missed by self-regulatory bodies like ICAI. Enhances investor confidence, especially in large unlisted entities.

• Acts as a watchdog for corporate financial discipline.

• Bridges gaps in audit oversight missed by self-regulatory bodies like ICAI.

• Enhances investor confidence, especially in large unlisted entities.

National Cooperative Policy – 2025

Source: TH

Context: Union Home and Cooperation Minister unveiled the National Cooperative Policy – 2025 in New Delhi, aiming to revitalise India’s cooperative movement and empower rural, tribal, and marginalized communities through inclusive, tech-driven, and transparent cooperatives.

About National Cooperative Policy – 2025:

• What is it? The National Cooperative Policy 2025 is a forward-looking, result-oriented policy designed to institutionalise, expand, and modernise India’s cooperative sector as a key pillar of economic growth and social equity.

• The National Cooperative Policy 2025 is a forward-looking, result-oriented policy designed to institutionalise, expand, and modernise India’s cooperative sector as a key pillar of economic growth and social equity.

• Objective:

• To triple the cooperative sector’s share in GDP by 2034. Ensure active participation of 50 crore members. Establish at least one cooperative in every village. Enhance transparency, financial sustainability, and digital integration. Empower rural women, tribals, Dalits, and youth through cooperatives. Build a self-reliant and employment-rich cooperative ecosystem by 2047.

• To triple the cooperative sector’s share in GDP by 2034.

• Ensure active participation of 50 crore members.

• Establish at least one cooperative in every village.

• Enhance transparency, financial sustainability, and digital integration.

• Empower rural women, tribals, Dalits, and youth through cooperatives.

• Build a self-reliant and employment-rich cooperative ecosystem by 2047.

• Key Features of National Cooperative Policy 2025: Inclusive and Village-Centric Focus:

• Inclusive and Village-Centric Focus:

• Core emphasis on villages, agriculture, rural women, Dalits, and tribals. Aim to create 5 model cooperative villages per tehsil. PACS to serve as anchors for rural service delivery (e.g., Jan Aushadhi, LPG, Water Schemes).

• Core emphasis on villages, agriculture, rural women, Dalits, and tribals.

• Aim to create 5 model cooperative villages per tehsil.

• PACS to serve as anchors for rural service delivery (e.g., Jan Aushadhi, LPG, Water Schemes).

• Expansion and Modernisation of Cooperatives:

• 30% rise in number of cooperative societies. 45,000 new PACS under implementation. New cooperatives to be launched in taxi, tourism, green energy, and insurance sectors. Launch of ‘Sahkar Taxi’ initiative to ensure driver-centric profit models.

• 30% rise in number of cooperative societies.

• 45,000 new PACS under implementation.

• New cooperatives to be launched in taxi, tourism, green energy, and insurance sectors.

• Launch of ‘Sahkar Taxi’ initiative to ensure driver-centric profit models.

• Digital Transformation & Transparency:

• Computerisation of PACS and adoption of tech-enabled governance Cluster-based monitoring and real-time data systems for accountability Legal provisions to be reviewed and updated every 10 years

• Computerisation of PACS and adoption of tech-enabled governance

• Cluster-based monitoring and real-time data systems for accountability

• Legal provisions to be reviewed and updated every 10 years

• Youth and Women Empowerment:

• Employment and skilling through Tribhuvan Sahkari University. White Revolution 2.0 to boost dairy and women’s cooperative participation. Promotion of cooperative entrepreneurship among youth in new sectors.

• Employment and skilling through Tribhuvan Sahkari University.

• White Revolution 2.0 to boost dairy and women’s cooperative participation.

• Promotion of cooperative entrepreneurship among youth in new sectors.

• Sectoral Diversification:

• Entry into tourism, logistics, insurance, and green energy through cooperatives. Establishment of three multi-state cooperative societies: National Cooperative Exports Ltd National Seed Cooperative National Organic Products Marketing Cooperative

• Entry into tourism, logistics, insurance, and green energy through cooperatives.

• Establishment of three multi-state cooperative societies: National Cooperative Exports Ltd National Seed Cooperative National Organic Products Marketing Cooperative

• National Cooperative Exports Ltd

• National Seed Cooperative

• National Organic Products Marketing Cooperative

• Sustainability and Global Outreach:

• Use of environmental principles and circular economy in operations. Global access through National Cooperative Export Limited. Participation in International Year of Cooperatives with grassroots execution.

• Use of environmental principles and circular economy in operations.

• Global access through National Cooperative Export Limited.

• Participation in International Year of Cooperatives with grassroots execution.

Henley Passport Index 2025

Source: IE

Context: According to the Henley Passport Index 2025, the Indian passport has jumped eight spots, moving from 85th to 77th rank, now offering visa-free access to 59 countries.

About Henley Passport Index 2025:

• What is it?

• The Henley Passport Index is a global mobility ranking that measures the number of destinations a passport holder can access without a prior visa. It is widely used to assess the travel freedom and diplomatic strength of a country.

• The Henley Passport Index is a global mobility ranking that measures the number of destinations a passport holder can access without a prior visa.

• It is widely used to assess the travel freedom and diplomatic strength of a country.

• Published by:

• The index is compiled by Henley & Partners, a global citizenship and residence advisory firm. It is based on data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), supplemented by in-house research.

• The index is compiled by Henley & Partners, a global citizenship and residence advisory firm.

• It is based on data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), supplemented by in-house research.

• Criteria Used:

• Passports are ranked by the number of countries accessible without a pre-arranged visa (including visa-free, visa-on-arrival, or electronic travel authorizations). 227 destinations are considered in total.

• Passports are ranked by the number of countries accessible without a pre-arranged visa (including visa-free, visa-on-arrival, or electronic travel authorizations).

• 227 destinations are considered in total.

• Key Global Trends in 2025 Rankings:

• Top Performers: Singapore ranks 1st with visa-free access to 193 countries. Japan and South Korea share 2nd position with access to 190 destinations. Several European nations—Germany, France, Italy—dominate the top 5. Major Climbers: UAE surged from 42nd to 8th place in a decade. China jumped from 94th to 60th since 2015. Saudi Arabia gained access to 91 destinations, up by 4 in 2025. Lowest Rank: Afghanistan remains at the bottom, offering access to only 25 destinations. Declining Powers: USA fell to 10th place; UK stands at 6th, both losing past top ranks.

• Singapore ranks 1st with visa-free access to 193 countries.

• Japan and South Korea share 2nd position with access to 190 destinations.

• Several European nations—Germany, France, Italy—dominate the top 5.

• Major Climbers: UAE surged from 42nd to 8th place in a decade. China jumped from 94th to 60th since 2015. Saudi Arabia gained access to 91 destinations, up by 4 in 2025.

• UAE surged from 42nd to 8th place in a decade.

• China jumped from 94th to 60th since 2015.

• Saudi Arabia gained access to 91 destinations, up by 4 in 2025.

• Lowest Rank: Afghanistan remains at the bottom, offering access to only 25 destinations.

• Declining Powers: USA fell to 10th place; UK stands at 6th, both losing past top ranks.

• India’s Passport Performance:

• Current Rank: 77th (up from 85th in 2024). Visa-Free Access: 59 countries, including Malaysia, Maldives, Thailand. Visa-on-Arrival: Offered in Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Indonesia, Macau, etc. Historical Trend: Lowest: 90th in 2021 Best: 71st in 2006 Improvement Factors: Enhanced bilateral ties, growing economic footprint, and digital visa facilitation.

• Current Rank: 77th (up from 85th in 2024).

• Visa-Free Access: 59 countries, including Malaysia, Maldives, Thailand.

• Visa-on-Arrival: Offered in Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Indonesia, Macau, etc.

• Historical Trend: Lowest: 90th in 2021 Best: 71st in 2006

• Lowest: 90th in 2021

• Best: 71st in 2006

• Improvement Factors: Enhanced bilateral ties, growing economic footprint, and digital visa facilitation.

UAV-Launched Precision Guided Missile (ULPGM)-V3

Source: TOI

Context: India successfully conducted flight trials of the UAV-Launched Precision Guided Missile (ULPGM)-V3 at the NOAR test range, Kurnool.

• The missile marks a significant milestone in India’s indigenous drone warfare capabilities.

About UAV-Launched Precision Guided Missile (ULPGM)-V3:

• What it is: A UAV-Launched air-to-surface precision guided missile, designed for engaging static and moving targets with minimal collateral damage.

• A UAV-Launched air-to-surface precision guided missile, designed for engaging static and moving targets with minimal collateral damage.

• Developed by: DRDO, in collaboration with Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), Adani, and multiple MSMEs and start-ups under the Make in India initiative.

• Objective: To enhance India’s autonomous strike capability, allowing drones to deliver pinpoint attacks without risking pilots or manned aircraft.

• Variants:

• ULPGM-V1: Baseline prototype. ULPGM-V2: Production-ready variant (standard issue). ULPGM-V3 (ULM-ER): Extended-range, improved variant.

• ULPGM-V1: Baseline prototype.

• ULPGM-V2: Production-ready variant (standard issue).

• ULPGM-V3 (ULM-ER): Extended-range, improved variant.

• Key Features of ULPGM-V3:

• Precision Strike Capability: Fire-and-forget missile with imaging infrared (IR) seeker, ensuring day and night target acquisition. Extended Range Performance: Effective range: 4 km (day) and 2.5 km (night) due to dual-thrust solid propulsion. Advanced Targeting and Control: Two-way datalink enables real-time communication and mid-course updates, improving accuracy. Warhead Flexibility: Equipped with multiple warhead configurations, suited for anti-tank, bunker-busting, and soft target missions. Lightweight UAV Integration: Weight: 12.5 kg, enabling integration with lightweight drones like Rustom and TAPAS-BH UAVs.

• Precision Strike Capability: Fire-and-forget missile with imaging infrared (IR) seeker, ensuring day and night target acquisition.

• Extended Range Performance: Effective range: 4 km (day) and 2.5 km (night) due to dual-thrust solid propulsion.

• Advanced Targeting and Control: Two-way datalink enables real-time communication and mid-course updates, improving accuracy.

• Warhead Flexibility: Equipped with multiple warhead configurations, suited for anti-tank, bunker-busting, and soft target missions.

• Lightweight UAV Integration: Weight: 12.5 kg, enabling integration with lightweight drones like Rustom and TAPAS-BH UAVs.

• Significance for National Defence:

• Strategic Autonomy in UAV Warfare: Enhances India’s UAV-based offensive capabilities, crucial in border surveillance and anti-terror operations. Boost to Export Potential: High potential for export to friendly nations under the Defence Export Policy 2020. Technology Indigenisation Milestone: Validates DRDO’s capacity to develop and trial cutting-edge autonomous weapon systems.

• Strategic Autonomy in UAV Warfare: Enhances India’s UAV-based offensive capabilities, crucial in border surveillance and anti-terror operations.

• Boost to Export Potential: High potential for export to friendly nations under the Defence Export Policy 2020.

• Technology Indigenisation Milestone: Validates DRDO’s capacity to develop and trial cutting-edge autonomous weapon systems.

AI driven Dynamic Targeting Technology

Source: NASA

Context: NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) has successfully tested an AI-driven system called Dynamic Targeting, enabling Earth-observing satellites to autonomously avoid clouds and focus on high-value scientific targets.

About AI driven Dynamic Targeting Technology:

• What it is? Dynamic Targeting is an AI-powered onboard software system that allows satellites to autonomously detect, analyze, and respond to Earth-based phenomena in real time.

• Dynamic Targeting is an AI-powered onboard software system that allows satellites to autonomously detect, analyze, and respond to Earth-based phenomena in real time.

• Developed by: Developed by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), with collaboration from Open Cosmos and Ubotica, under NASA’s Earth Science Technology Office.

• Objective: To maximize the quality and relevance of satellite data by intelligently selecting observation targets like clear-sky zones, wildfires, storms, and volcanic eruptions, without ground-based commands.

• To maximize the quality and relevance of satellite data by intelligently selecting observation targets like clear-sky zones, wildfires, storms, and volcanic eruptions, without ground-based commands.

• How Dynamic Targeting Works? Lookahead Sensor Technique: The satellite tilts forward to capture visuals up to 500 km ahead, analyzing potential obstructions or targets. Cloud Detection via AI: An onboard AI processor classifies cloud vs. clear regions using optical and near-infrared imagery. Decision in <90 Seconds: Based on the analysis, the satellite automatically alters its imaging plan, capturing only clear-sky ground data. Pivot and Shoot Mechanism: After analysis, the system pivots to nadir view and captures the refined observation frame within 60–90 seconds.

• Lookahead Sensor Technique: The satellite tilts forward to capture visuals up to 500 km ahead, analyzing potential obstructions or targets.

• Cloud Detection via AI: An onboard AI processor classifies cloud vs. clear regions using optical and near-infrared imagery.

• Decision in <90 Seconds: Based on the analysis, the satellite automatically alters its imaging plan, capturing only clear-sky ground data.

• Pivot and Shoot Mechanism: After analysis, the system pivots to nadir view and captures the refined observation frame within 60–90 seconds.

• Key Features: Real-Time Autonomy: No ground control needed; satellite decides imaging target in space. AI Edge Processing: Uses advanced onboard neural networks, reducing communication delays. Lightweight Implementation: Tested on CubeSat-sized payloads, showing scalability to smaller satellites. Cloud-Avoidance Optimization: Significantly increases the usable imagery yield, solving a major data-waste problem in Earth observation. Scalability to Constellations: Can be integrated into multi-satellite fleets for coordinated observations, including for planetary missions

• Real-Time Autonomy: No ground control needed; satellite decides imaging target in space.

• AI Edge Processing: Uses advanced onboard neural networks, reducing communication delays.

• Lightweight Implementation: Tested on CubeSat-sized payloads, showing scalability to smaller satellites.

• Cloud-Avoidance Optimization: Significantly increases the usable imagery yield, solving a major data-waste problem in Earth observation.

• Scalability to Constellations: Can be integrated into multi-satellite fleets for coordinated observations, including for planetary missions

• Strategic Significance: Improved Climate Monitoring: Enhances observation of rare, short-lived climate events like wildfires and ice storms. Operational Efficiency: Reduces storage, processing, and downlink load, optimizing satellite bandwidth. Disaster Readiness Tool: Could autonomously detect volcanoes, hurricanes, and other disasters in real time, aiding early warning systems.

• Improved Climate Monitoring: Enhances observation of rare, short-lived climate events like wildfires and ice storms.

• Operational Efficiency: Reduces storage, processing, and downlink load, optimizing satellite bandwidth.

• Disaster Readiness Tool: Could autonomously detect volcanoes, hurricanes, and other disasters in real time, aiding early warning systems.

#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 25 July 2025 Mapping:

Ta Muen Thom Temple Region

Source: HT

Context: Fresh hostilities erupted between Thailand and Cambodia near the disputed Ta Muen Thom temple, involving drone surveillance, artillery fire, and Thai airstrikes, amid renewed diplomatic tensions.

About Ta Muen Thom temple:

• What is Ta Muen Thom?

• An ancient Khmer temple complex built during the 12th century, originally dedicated to Lord Shiva and later adapted for Buddhist use. Part of the Prasat Ta Muen group, which includes three historical shrines: Prasat Ta Muen Thom (Hindu), Prasat Ta Muen (Dharma Sala), and Prasat Ta Muen Tot (Hospital Shrine).

• An ancient Khmer temple complex built during the 12th century, originally dedicated to Lord Shiva and later adapted for Buddhist use.

• Part of the Prasat Ta Muen group, which includes three historical shrines: Prasat Ta Muen Thom (Hindu), Prasat Ta Muen (Dharma Sala), and Prasat Ta Muen Tot (Hospital Shrine).

• Who Built It and When?

• Constructed under the Khmer rulers, particularly King Udayadityavarman II and later King Jayavarman VII (13th century). Reflects the Angkorian temple architecture and socio-religious practices of the Khmer Empire (9th–15th century).

• Constructed under the Khmer rulers, particularly King Udayadityavarman II and later King Jayavarman VII (13th century).

• Reflects the Angkorian temple architecture and socio-religious practices of the Khmer Empire (9th–15th century).

• Location:

• Located on the Dangrek mountain range, near Ban Nong Khanna, Tambon Ta Mueang, on the Thailand–Cambodia border. Lies on the historic Khmer Highway that linked Angkor (Cambodia) with Phimai (Thailand), making it a strategic mountain pass.

• Located on the Dangrek mountain range, near Ban Nong Khanna, Tambon Ta Mueang, on the Thailand–Cambodia border.

• Lies on the historic Khmer Highway that linked Angkor (Cambodia) with Phimai (Thailand), making it a strategic mountain pass.

• Architectural Features:

• Prasat Ta Muen Thom: Built with sandstone, facing south. Contains a Shiva lingam with a water outlet channel and cloister. Surrounded by laterite libraries and a pool. Prasat Ta Muen Tot: A hospital shrine with inscriptions on public health. Houses detailed stone inscriptions in Khmer-Sanskrit, recording the appointment of medical personnel. Prasat Ta Muen (Dharma Sala): Likely served as a pilgrim shelter along the Khmer trade and pilgrimage routes.

• Prasat Ta Muen Thom: Built with sandstone, facing south. Contains a Shiva lingam with a water outlet channel and cloister. Surrounded by laterite libraries and a pool.

• Built with sandstone, facing south.

• Contains a Shiva lingam with a water outlet channel and cloister.

• Surrounded by laterite libraries and a pool.

• Prasat Ta Muen Tot: A hospital shrine with inscriptions on public health. Houses detailed stone inscriptions in Khmer-Sanskrit, recording the appointment of medical personnel.

• A hospital shrine with inscriptions on public health.

• Houses detailed stone inscriptions in Khmer-Sanskrit, recording the appointment of medical personnel.

• Prasat Ta Muen (Dharma Sala): Likely served as a pilgrim shelter along the Khmer trade and pilgrimage routes.

• Likely served as a pilgrim shelter along the Khmer trade and pilgrimage routes.

• Issue Associated:

• Ongoing Border Dispute: Both Thailand and Cambodia claim ownership due to colonial-era border misalignments.

• The International Court of Justice (ICJ) awarded Preah Vihear (nearby) to Cambodia, but surrounding areas remain disputed.

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Table of Contents

GS Paper 2 : (UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 25 July (2025)

India–UK sign Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA)

GS Paper 3:

The Vanuatu Case In ICJ

Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):

Microsoft SharePoint – Cyber Espionage

Facts for Prelims (FFP):

National Financial Reporting Authority

National Cooperative Policy – 2025

Henley Passport Index 2025

UAV-Launched Precision Guided Missile (ULPGM)-V3

AI driven Dynamic Targeting Technology

Mapping:

Ta Muen Thom Temple Region

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 25 July 2025

India–UK sign Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA)

The Vanuatu Case In ICJ

Microsoft SharePoint – Cyber Espionage

National Financial Reporting Authority

National Cooperative Policy – 2025

Henley Passport Index 2025

UAV-Launched Precision Guided Missile (ULPGM)-V3

AI driven Dynamic Targeting Technology

Ta Muen Thom Temple Region