UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 26 August 2025
Kartavya Desk Staff
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 26 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 – 26 August (2025)
• India’s Fossil Heritage
India’s Fossil Heritage
GS Paper 2:
• India–China Reform Deficit
India–China Reform Deficit
• Supreme Court Directive on Social Media Conduct Guidelines
Supreme Court Directive on Social Media Conduct Guidelines
Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):
• Women’s Employment Rate in India
Women’s Employment Rate in India
Facts for Prelims (FFP):
• Typhoon Kajiki
Typhoon Kajiki
• Tawi River
Tawi River
• INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri
INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri
• India Launches First Veterinary Blood Transfusion Guidelines 2025
India Launches First Veterinary Blood Transfusion Guidelines 2025
• Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
• Super Garuda Shield 2025
Super Garuda Shield 2025
Mapping:
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 26 August 2025
#### GS Paper 1:
India’s Fossil Heritage
Syllabus: Heritage
Source: TH
Context: India’s fossil heritage is under threat as rare specimens like the 47-million-year-old snake Vasuki indicus risk theft, vandalism, and illegal auctions abroad due to the absence of a national fossil protection law or repository.
About India’s Fossil Heritage:
Heritage:
• Diverse Fossil Record – India preserves fossils from the Precambrian to Cenozoic eras, including earliest plant life, dinosaur nests and eggs, giant snakes like Vasuki indicus, and ancestors of whales (Indohyus).
• Unique Evolutionary Insights – Due to its isolation after separating from Gondwanaland, India’s fossil beds reveal crucial evidence of dinosaur evolution, mammal emergence, and marine transitions after the India–Asia collision.
• Key Fossil Sites – Rich deposits lie in Kutch (Gujarat), Narmada Valley (Madhya Pradesh), Deccan basalts, and Himalayan foothills, yielding rare vertebrate and invertebrate fossils.
• Global Significance – India’s fossil heritage provides unparalleled insights into earth’s evolutionary history, but remains vulnerable due to lack of national laws, secure repositories, and protection against illegal trade.
Significance of Fossils for India:
• Scientific Value – Fossils provide evidence of evolution (e.g., Indohyus → whale lineage, Gondwanaland flora/fauna).
• Cultural Value – Ammonites (Shaligrams) are revered in Hindu rituals, linking palaeontology with spiritual traditions.
• Educational Value – Fossils are natural history archives that help young students understand earth’s past.
• Economic Potential – Fossil parks and museums can spur geo-tourism (e.g., Dinosaur Fossil Park, Balasinor, Gujarat).
• Global Relevance – Indian finds are critical for world science (e.g., Vasuki indicus rivals global fossil snake finds; Indohyus is key to mammalian evolution studies).
Challenges & Risks:
• No Legal Framework: Unlike archaeological artefacts, fossils are not protected by any strong national legislation.
• Commercialisation & Auctions: Dinosaur eggs, bones, ammonites sold openly online or abroad (e.g., Sotheby’s $44.6 mn stegosaurus sale).
• Vandalism & Theft: Dinosaur eggs stolen from Mandav Museum (2013); local fossil nests looted.
• Private Hoarding: Important collections like Ranga Rao–Obergfell Trust remain unsorted and inaccessible.
• Neglect & Decay: Fossils stored in poor facilities, exposed to rain/heat, or lying unsafeguarded in riverbeds.
• Global Smuggling Networks: High demand among private collectors, celebrities, and auction houses fuels illegal trade.
Comparative Global Practices
• United States & Europe: Strict curation, fossil export regulations, and strong public museum culture.
• China: Fossils are treated as state property with harsh penalties for smuggling.
• India: Draft plan for a national fossil repository exists but remains unimplemented.
Ethical Dimensions:
• Heritage Responsibility: Fossils are part of earth’s shared heritage — selling them for private gain erodes public trust.
• Equity of Knowledge: Private auctions deny scientists and students access to study key evolutionary evidence.
• Intergenerational Justice: Loss of fossils deprives future generations of knowledge and identity.
Way Forward
• Legislative Action: Enact a National Fossil Protection Act, making extraction and sale without permission illegal.
• National Repository: Establish a centralised fossil vault with cataloguing, digitisation, and open research access.
• Geo-Conservation Zones: Declare fossil-rich areas as protected geoparks under Environment Protection Act.
• Museum & Tourism Promotion: Develop regional fossil parks and interactive museums for public outreach.
• Community Custodianship: Involve local teachers, enthusiasts, and villagers (e.g., Vishal Verma in MP) as heritage guardians.
• International Cooperation: Collaborate with UNESCO’s Global Geopark Network and strengthen fossil repatriation from overseas auctions.
• Technology Integration: Use AI-driven inventory systems, blockchain-based provenance tracking, and 3D digital fossil replicas to prevent loss.
Conclusion:
India’s fossils are not just stones but pages of earth’s autobiography. They reveal how life evolved, how continents drifted, and how species adapted. Without legal safeguards, many of these treasures risk vanishing into auction houses and private living rooms.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 26 August 2025 GS Paper 2:
India–China Reform Deficit
Syllabus: International Relation
Source: IE
Context: Both India and China are facing structural economic challenges often described as a “reform deficit.” India is struggling with low private investment and stagnant manufacturing, while China is dealing with over-investment, weak household consumption, and rising debt concerns.
About India–China Reform Deficit:
• Historical Context Ancient trade and cultural links via the Silk Route and spread of Buddhism. Panchsheel Agreement (1954) and the short-lived “Hindi–Chini Bhai Bhai” phase. Relations soured after the 1962 border war.
• Ancient trade and cultural links via the Silk Route and spread of Buddhism.
• Panchsheel Agreement (1954) and the short-lived “Hindi–Chini Bhai Bhai” phase.
• Relations soured after the 1962 border war.
• Political & Security Dimension Unresolved boundary disputes in Aksai Chin and Arunachal Pradesh. Recent tensions: Doklam (2017), Galwan clash (2020). Border agreements exist (e.g., 1993, 1996 CBMs) but remain fragile.
• Unresolved boundary disputes in Aksai Chin and Arunachal Pradesh.
• Recent tensions: Doklam (2017), Galwan clash (2020).
• Border agreements exist (e.g., 1993, 1996 CBMs) but remain fragile.
• Economic & Trade Relations China is one of India’s largest trading partners (trade > USD 135 bn in 2023). Trade deficit in China’s favour (electronics, machinery, chemicals). India restricts Chinese apps and FDI in sensitive sectors post-2020.
• China is one of India’s largest trading partners (trade > USD 135 bn in 2023).
• Trade deficit in China’s favour (electronics, machinery, chemicals).
• India restricts Chinese apps and FDI in sensitive sectors post-2020.
• Multilateral Engagements Common members in BRICS, SCO, G20. Divergences on UNSC reforms, climate negotiations, and global governance.
• Common members in BRICS, SCO, G20.
• Divergences on UNSC reforms, climate negotiations, and global governance.
• Strategic Concerns China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) vs India’s opposition (esp. CPEC through PoK). India’s engagement in Quad and Indo-Pacific strategy seen as counterbalance. Competition for influence in South Asia, Indian Ocean, and Africa.
• China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) vs India’s opposition (esp. CPEC through PoK).
• India’s engagement in Quad and Indo-Pacific strategy seen as counterbalance.
• Competition for influence in South Asia, Indian Ocean, and Africa.
• People-to-People Ties Shared cultural exchanges in yoga, Buddhism, education. Tourism, student mobility, and exchanges affected by pandemic and tensions.
• Shared cultural exchanges in yoga, Buddhism, education.
• Tourism, student mobility, and exchanges affected by pandemic and tensions.
India’s Reform Deficit:
• Investment Stagnation Despite PLI schemes, lower corporate tax rates, and public capital expenditure, private investment has not picked up. Manufacturing remains geographically concentrated in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka.
• Despite PLI schemes, lower corporate tax rates, and public capital expenditure, private investment has not picked up.
• Manufacturing remains geographically concentrated in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka.
• Manufacturing Plateau Share of manufacturing in GDP has remained around 15–17% for decades despite ambitious targets of 25%. Informality, low productivity, and limited job creation continue.
• Share of manufacturing in GDP has remained around 15–17% for decades despite ambitious targets of 25%.
• Informality, low productivity, and limited job creation continue.
• Policy Shift towards Consumption Tax cuts, GST reductions, and rising cash transfers (close to 1% of GDP) are fueling consumption. However, this reduces fiscal space for public goods like education, health, and infrastructure.
• Tax cuts, GST reductions, and rising cash transfers (close to 1% of GDP) are fueling consumption.
• However, this reduces fiscal space for public goods like education, health, and infrastructure.
China’s Reform Deficit:
• Over-investment & Excess Capacity Investment-to-GDP ratio remains ~40%. Traditional industries like steel and cement are plagued by overcapacity.
• Investment-to-GDP ratio remains ~40%.
• Traditional industries like steel and cement are plagued by overcapacity.
• Weak Household Consumption Household spending forms a smaller share of GDP compared to peers. Consumer confidence is near historic lows, worsened by ageing demographics and high household savings.
• Household spending forms a smaller share of GDP compared to peers.
• Consumer confidence is near historic lows, worsened by ageing demographics and high household savings.
• Debt-Led Growth Heavy reliance on corporate and local government debt fuels unsustainable investments. Exports ($3.58 trillion in 2024) and a trade surplus nearing $1 trillion hide underlying vulnerabilities.
• Heavy reliance on corporate and local government debt fuels unsustainable investments.
• Exports ($3.58 trillion in 2024) and a trade surplus nearing $1 trillion hide underlying vulnerabilities.
Comparative Analysis:
Factor | India | China
Growth Driver | Consumption & services | Investment & exports
Structural Issue | Low investment, weak manufacturing | Low consumption, excess investment
Political Economy | Populism shaped by elections | Centralised leadership, avoids welfarism
Currency Strategy | Stabilised rupee (import-friendly) | Undervalued yuan (export-friendly)
Broader Implications:
• India: Reliance on consumption without parallel investment risks jobless growth and fiscal fragility.
• China: Persisting with debt-fuelled, export-heavy growth risks a middle-income trap, overcapacity, and external backlash.
Way Forward:
• For India
• Reform factor markets (land, labour, capital). Expand manufacturing beyond four states. Strengthen household savings and deepen financial markets. Redirect fiscal space from populism to public infrastructure and human capital.
• Reform factor markets (land, labour, capital).
• Expand manufacturing beyond four states.
• Strengthen household savings and deepen financial markets.
• Redirect fiscal space from populism to public infrastructure and human capital.
• For China
• Shift decisively towards domestic consumption via social security and income redistribution. Control debt accumulation and rationalise overcapacity. Support household purchasing power instead of suppressing it through undervalued currency.
• Shift decisively towards domestic consumption via social security and income redistribution.
• Control debt accumulation and rationalise overcapacity.
• Support household purchasing power instead of suppressing it through undervalued currency.
Conclusion:
India and China stand at distinct junctures but face the same fundamental truth: without structural reforms, growth momentum is unsustainable. India’s consumption-driven populism and China’s debt-led investment are both temporary fixes. Durable prosperity requires bold reforms — even if politically costly — because the longer reform deficit persists, the heavier the eventual adjustment costs will be.
Supreme Court Directive on Social Media Conduct Guidelines
Syllabus: Polity
Source: IT
Context: The Supreme Court of India has directed the Union government to frame comprehensive guidelines to regulate conduct on social media, balancing freedom of speech with the right to dignity of individuals and communities.
About Supreme Court Directive on Social Media Conduct Guidelines:
Background:
• India has over 800 million internet users with rapidly growing social media penetration.
• Social media influencers, comedians, and podcasters often commercialise speech through monetised content.
• Increasing incidents of hate speech, misinformation, and derogatory humour have triggered legal scrutiny.
• Current frameworks: IT Rules, 2021 (intermediary due diligence, grievance redressal). Broadcasting Content Standards by NBSA. IPC, IT Act & Disability Rights laws provide limited safeguards.
• IT Rules, 2021 (intermediary due diligence, grievance redressal).
• Broadcasting Content Standards by NBSA.
• IPC, IT Act & Disability Rights laws provide limited safeguards.
• Gaps: Absence of future-ready, comprehensive rules addressing online humour, commercial speech, and community sensitivities.
Supreme Court’s Key Observations:
• Need for Balanced Regulation Free speech is fundamental but not absolute; cannot infringe on dignity of others. Humour is essential but should not cross into prohibited speech.
• Free speech is fundamental but not absolute; cannot infringe on dignity of others.
• Humour is essential but should not cross into prohibited speech.
• Guideline Framework To be drafted in consultation with News Broadcasting Standards Authority (NBSA) and stakeholders. Must avoid knee-jerk reactions, instead adopt a forward-looking, flexible framework.
• To be drafted in consultation with News Broadcasting Standards Authority (NBSA) and stakeholders.
• Must avoid knee-jerk reactions, instead adopt a forward-looking, flexible framework.
• Consequences for Violations Rules must specify proportionate penalties. Not just advisory—violations should attract effective accountability.
• Rules must specify proportionate penalties.
• Not just advisory—violations should attract effective accountability.
• Vulnerable Groups Online content must protect persons with disabilities, women, children, minorities, and senior citizens. Insensitive humour damages constitutional goals of inclusivity and equality.
• Online content must protect persons with disabilities, women, children, minorities, and senior citizens.
• Insensitive humour damages constitutional goals of inclusivity and equality.
The Larger Issue: Free Speech vs Social Responsibility
Aspect | Concerns
Free Speech (Art. 19(1)(a)) | Vital for democracy, creativity, humour, dissent.
Reasonable Restrictions (Art. 19(2)) | Needed to protect dignity, public order, morality, security.
Commercialisation of Speech | Monetised content creates added responsibility for influencers.
Digital Ecosystem | Speed, virality, and anonymity increase potential for harm.
Implications of the Guidelines:
• Legal: May set precedent for codified standards on online humour, influencer speech, and community sensitivities.
• Social: Promotes inclusive digital spaces protecting marginalised groups.
• Technological: Push for AI-enabled monitoring, content flagging, and grievance redressal.
• Political/Administrative: Balancing state regulation with free speech protection to avoid censorship concerns.
Way Forward:
• Stakeholder Consultations – Engage comedians, influencers, tech platforms, civil society, and marginalised groups.
• Sensitisation over Penalisation – Prioritise awareness campaigns and digital ethics training.
• Clear Categorisation – Distinguish free, commercial, and prohibited speech.
• Tech Solutions – AI-based content moderation with independent oversight.
• Proportional Penalties – Ensure accountability without chilling effect on free speech.
• One-Stop Redressal – Create a Digital Content Ombudsman for speedy grievance resolution.
Conclusion:
The SC’s directive is a timely attempt to balance constitutional freedoms with dignity in a rapidly evolving digital ecosystem. The guidelines must be future-ready, safeguard free expression, and uphold the rights of vulnerable communities.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 26 August 2025 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)
Women’s Employment Rate in India
Context: The Labour Ministry reported that women’s employment rate in India nearly doubled from 22% in 2017-18 to 40.3% in 2023-24, while female unemployment fell from 5.6% to 3.2%.
About Women’s Employment Rate in India:
• What it is? Women’s Workforce Participation Rate (WPR) as measured by PLFS, reflecting the share of women engaged in economic activities (self-employment, regular jobs, casual labour).
• Women’s Workforce Participation Rate (WPR) as measured by PLFS, reflecting the share of women engaged in economic activities (self-employment, regular jobs, casual labour).
• Trends (2017-24): WPR doubled from 22% → 40.3%. Rural women employment increase by 96%, Urban increase by 43%. Female self-employment grew from 51.9% → 67.4%. 1.56 crore women joined the formal workforce and 16+ crore registered on e-Shram. Women-led MSMEs doubled and 68% Mudra loans went to women. Gender budget increase by 429% in last decade. Nearly 50% startups have women directors.
• WPR doubled from 22% → 40.3%.
• Rural women employment increase by 96%, Urban increase by 43%.
• Female self-employment grew from 51.9% → 67.4%.
• 1.56 crore women joined the formal workforce and 16+ crore registered on e-Shram.
• Women-led MSMEs doubled and 68% Mudra loans went to women.
• Gender budget increase by 429% in last decade.
• Nearly 50% startups have women directors.
Relevance in UPSC Syllabus
• GS-I (Society): Women empowerment, changing role of women, gender equality.
• GS-II (Governance & Policies): Welfare schemes, gender budgeting, inclusive growth.
• GS-III (Economy): Labour reforms, entrepreneurship, MSMEs, skill development, Atmanirbhar Bharat.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 26 August 2025 Facts for Prelims (FFP):
Typhoon Kajiki
Source: TH
Context: Vietnam has begun mass evacuations, shut airports, and cancelled flights as Typhoon Kajiki approaches its central coast with winds up to 166 km/h.
About Typhoon Kajiki:
• What it is? A powerful tropical cyclone forming in the West Pacific Ocean.
• A powerful tropical cyclone forming in the West Pacific Ocean.
• Struck in: Approaching central Vietnam, expected landfall between Thanh Hoa and Nghe An province.
• Features: Wind speeds up to 166 km/h. Brings heavy rains, floods, and landslides. Considered as powerful as Typhoon Yagi (2024), which killed ~300 people and caused $3.3 bn in damages. Over 500,000 people evacuated, airports closed, boats ordered ashore
• Wind speeds up to 166 km/h.
• Brings heavy rains, floods, and landslides.
• Considered as powerful as Typhoon Yagi (2024), which killed ~300 people and caused $3.3 bn in damages.
• Over 500,000 people evacuated, airports closed, boats ordered ashore
About Typhoon:
• Definition: A tropical cyclone formed over the West Pacific Ocean, powered by heat and moisture from warm ocean waters.
• Regional Naming: Hurricane → Atlantic & East Pacific. Typhoon → West Pacific. Cyclone → Indian Ocean & Australia.
• Hurricane → Atlantic & East Pacific.
• Typhoon → West Pacific.
• Cyclone → Indian Ocean & Australia.
• Features: Rotating, low-pressure storm with strong winds and heavy rainfall. Energy source: latent heat from warm seawater, unlike synoptic cyclones which depend on weather fronts. Causes flooding, storm surges, mudslides, and large-scale destruction in coastal regions.
• Rotating, low-pressure storm with strong winds and heavy rainfall.
• Energy source: latent heat from warm seawater, unlike synoptic cyclones which depend on weather fronts.
• Causes flooding, storm surges, mudslides, and large-scale destruction in coastal regions.
Tawi River
Source: DH
Context: India has alerted Pakistan of a flood threat in the Tawi River on humanitarian grounds, even though the Indus Waters Treaty remains suspended after the Pahalgam terror attack.
About Tawi River:
• What it is?
• A major river of the Jammu region in J&K, considered sacred and often called Surya Putri (Daughter of the Sun) in ancient texts.
• A major river of the Jammu region in J&K, considered sacred and often called Surya Putri (Daughter of the Sun) in ancient texts.
• Origin:
• Rises from Kalpas Kund at Seo Dhar in the Bhaderwah area of Doda district (Himalayas, J&K). Flows southwest through Sudh Mahadev before entering Jammu plains.
• Rises from Kalpas Kund at Seo Dhar in the Bhaderwah area of Doda district (Himalayas, J&K).
• Flows southwest through Sudh Mahadev before entering Jammu plains.
• Flows Through:
• Passes through the city of Jammu, bisecting it into old city and new city. Provides scenic beauty and serves as the lifeline of Jammu city.
• Passes through the city of Jammu, bisecting it into old city and new city.
• Provides scenic beauty and serves as the lifeline of Jammu city.
• Tributary of:
• Joins the Chenab River in Pakistan after crossing the international boundary. Ultimately part of the Indus river system governed historically by the IWT.
• Joins the Chenab River in Pakistan after crossing the international boundary.
• Ultimately part of the Indus river system governed historically by the IWT.
• Key Features & Significance:
• Water Source: Main source of drinking water and daily use for Jammu residents. Bridges: Three major bridges— Gumat to Vikram Chowk. Gujjar Nagar to Bahu Fort. Nagrota bypass bridge. Economic Role: Supports agriculture and small-scale irrigation in Jammu region. Cultural/Religious Role: Revered in local traditions, with rituals performed on its ghats. Strategic Relevance: As a tributary of the Chenab, flows into Pakistan, making it geopolitically significant under the Indus Waters Treaty.
• Water Source: Main source of drinking water and daily use for Jammu residents.
• Bridges: Three major bridges— Gumat to Vikram Chowk. Gujjar Nagar to Bahu Fort. Nagrota bypass bridge.
• Gumat to Vikram Chowk.
• Gujjar Nagar to Bahu Fort.
• Nagrota bypass bridge.
• Economic Role: Supports agriculture and small-scale irrigation in Jammu region.
• Cultural/Religious Role: Revered in local traditions, with rituals performed on its ghats.
• Strategic Relevance: As a tributary of the Chenab, flows into Pakistan, making it geopolitically significant under the Indus Waters Treaty.
INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri
Source: IE
Context: The Indian Navy is commissioning two Nilgiri-class stealth guided-missile frigates, INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri, at Visakhapatnam — the first time two major surface combatants from different Indian shipyards are inducted simultaneously.
About INS Udaygiri:
• What it is? Second ship of Project 17A Nilgiri-class frigates. A modern, stealth-capable multi-mission warship designed for anti-surface, anti-air, and anti-submarine warfare.
• Second ship of Project 17A Nilgiri-class frigates.
• A modern, stealth-capable multi-mission warship designed for anti-surface, anti-air, and anti-submarine warfare.
• Developed by: Built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mumbai. Designed by Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau.
• Built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mumbai.
• Designed by Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau.
• Features: Displacement ~6,670 tonnes, length 149 m, speed 28 knots. Weapons: Long-Range Surface-to-Air Missiles (LRSAM), 8 BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, Barak-8, lightweight torpedoes, rocket launchers, 127 mm main gun, AK-630 rapid fire guns. Equipped with modern radars, sonar (Humsa-NG), and Shakti Electronic Warfare suite. Propulsion: Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG).
• Displacement ~6,670 tonnes, length 149 m, speed 28 knots.
• Weapons: Long-Range Surface-to-Air Missiles (LRSAM), 8 BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, Barak-8, lightweight torpedoes, rocket launchers, 127 mm main gun, AK-630 rapid fire guns.
• Equipped with modern radars, sonar (Humsa-NG), and Shakti Electronic Warfare suite.
• Propulsion: Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG).
• Significance: Part of Eastern Naval Command (Sunrise Fleet). Motto: Sanyuktaha Paramojayaha – In togetherness there is great victory.
• Part of Eastern Naval Command (Sunrise Fleet).
• Motto: Sanyuktaha Paramojayaha – In togetherness there is great victory.
About INS Himgiri:
• What it is? First Project 17A frigate built at GRSE. Stealth guided-missile frigate with advanced weaponry and sensors.
• First Project 17A frigate built at GRSE.
• Stealth guided-missile frigate with advanced weaponry and sensors.
• Developed by: Built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata. Designed by Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau.
• Built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata.
• Designed by Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau.
• Features: Similar displacement and size to INS Udaygiri (~6,670 tonnes, 149 m). Equipped with LRSAM, BrahMos missiles, Barak-8 system, torpedoes, rocket launchers, 127 mm gun, AK-630 guns. Integrated stealth design with reduced radar cross-section. Propulsion: CODOG, endurance 5,500 NM at economical speed.
• Similar displacement and size to INS Udaygiri (~6,670 tonnes, 149 m).
• Equipped with LRSAM, BrahMos missiles, Barak-8 system, torpedoes, rocket launchers, 127 mm gun, AK-630 guns.
• Integrated stealth design with reduced radar cross-section.
• Propulsion: CODOG, endurance 5,500 NM at economical speed.
• Significance: Part of Western Naval Command. Motto: Adrushyam Ajayam – Invisible and invincible.
• Part of Western Naval Command.
• Motto: Adrushyam Ajayam – Invisible and invincible.
India Launches First Veterinary Blood Transfusion Guidelines 2025
Source: LM
Context: The Government of India has released the country’s first comprehensive guidelines for veterinary blood transfusion services, addressing a major gap in emergency animal healthcare.
About India Launches First Veterinary Blood Transfusion Guidelines 2025:
• What it is? A national framework providing scientific protocols for animal blood donation, storage, and transfusion, ensuring safety, biosafety, and animal welfare.
• A national framework providing scientific protocols for animal blood donation, storage, and transfusion, ensuring safety, biosafety, and animal welfare.
• Launched by: The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD), Government of India.
• Until now, most animal transfusions in India were done in emergencies without standardised protocols. No national system for donor screening, blood typing, storage, or registry. Required for managing trauma, anaemia, surgical blood loss, infectious diseases, and bleeding disorders in animals.
• Until now, most animal transfusions in India were done in emergencies without standardised protocols.
• No national system for donor screening, blood typing, storage, or registry.
• Required for managing trauma, anaemia, surgical blood loss, infectious diseases, and bleeding disorders in animals.
• Key Features:
• Blood typing & cross-matching mandatory to prevent adverse reactions. Donor eligibility criteria: health checks, vaccination requirements. Voluntary donation encouraged through a Donor Rights Charter. Veterinary blood banks: state-regulated, biosafety-compliant infrastructure. One Health integration to manage zoonotic disease risks. Digital National Veterinary Blood Bank Network: real-time inventory tracking, digital registries, emergency helpline. Reporting mechanism for adverse reactions. Training modules for veterinary students and professionals. Future innovations: mobile blood collection units, preservation of rare blood types, donor–recipient matching apps.
• Blood typing & cross-matching mandatory to prevent adverse reactions.
• Donor eligibility criteria: health checks, vaccination requirements.
• Voluntary donation encouraged through a Donor Rights Charter.
• Veterinary blood banks: state-regulated, biosafety-compliant infrastructure.
• One Health integration to manage zoonotic disease risks.
• Digital National Veterinary Blood Bank Network: real-time inventory tracking, digital registries, emergency helpline.
• Reporting mechanism for adverse reactions.
• Training modules for veterinary students and professionals.
• Future innovations: mobile blood collection units, preservation of rare blood types, donor–recipient matching apps.
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
Source: FE
Context: The Government of India has constituted a high-level committee chaired by PM to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the Iron Man of India.
About Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel:
• Who he was? Freedom fighter, statesman, India’s first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister. Known as the “Iron Man of India” for his role in uniting princely states.
• Freedom fighter, statesman, India’s first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister.
• Known as the “Iron Man of India” for his role in uniting princely states.
• Born in: October 31, 1875, in Nadiad, Gujarat, into a humble Lewa Patidar agricultural family.
• October 31, 1875, in Nadiad, Gujarat, into a humble Lewa Patidar agricultural family.
• Background: Initially worked as a lawyer, later studied at Middle Temple, London. Deeply influenced by Mahatma Gandhi during Kheda Satyagraha (1918). Rose as a mass leader through Bardoli Satyagraha (1928), earning the title Sardar.
• Initially worked as a lawyer, later studied at Middle Temple, London.
• Deeply influenced by Mahatma Gandhi during Kheda Satyagraha (1918).
• Rose as a mass leader through Bardoli Satyagraha (1928), earning the title Sardar.
• Contribution to Freedom Movement: Key organiser of Kheda and Bardoli Satyagrahas, mobilising peasants against unjust taxation. Active role in Civil Disobedience and Quit India Movements, enduring multiple imprisonments. Presided over the 1931 Karachi Session of Congress that endorsed the Gandhi-Irwin Pact.
• Key organiser of Kheda and Bardoli Satyagrahas, mobilising peasants against unjust taxation.
• Active role in Civil Disobedience and Quit India Movements, enduring multiple imprisonments.
• Presided over the 1931 Karachi Session of Congress that endorsed the Gandhi-Irwin Pact.
• Works in Post-Independence India: Architect of Integration of 562 princely states into the Union of India, reducing them to 26 administrative units. Played a crucial role in handling Partition violence and refugee rehabilitation. Strengthened Indian administration by creating the Indian Administrative Service (IAS). Known for his efficiency in restoring law and order and building the framework of a unified India.
• Architect of Integration of 562 princely states into the Union of India, reducing them to 26 administrative units.
• Played a crucial role in handling Partition violence and refugee rehabilitation.
• Strengthened Indian administration by creating the Indian Administrative Service (IAS).
• Known for his efficiency in restoring law and order and building the framework of a unified India.
Super Garuda Shield 2025
Source: TH
Context: Indonesia, along with the United States and allied nations, has launched the annual military exercise “Super Garuda Shield 2025”, aimed at enhancing regional security amid rising Indo-Pacific tensions.
About Super Garuda Shield 2025:
• What it is?
• A large-scale multinational military exercise conducted annually since 2009. Focused on combat readiness, interoperability, and regional security cooperation.
• A large-scale multinational military exercise conducted annually since 2009.
• Focused on combat readiness, interoperability, and regional security cooperation.
• Launched by:
• Jointly hosted by the Indonesian National Armed Forces and the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command.
• Jointly hosted by the Indonesian National Armed Forces and the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command.
• Members/Participants (2025):
• Core: Indonesia & United States. Expanded to include: Australia, Japan, Singapore, UK, France, Canada, Germany, Netherlands, New Zealand, Brazil, and South Korea.
• Core: Indonesia & United States.
• Expanded to include: Australia, Japan, Singapore, UK, France, Canada, Germany, Netherlands, New Zealand, Brazil, and South Korea.
• Features:
• Held in Jakarta and Sumatra, running for 11 days. Includes joint combat training, interoperability drills, and a combined live-fire exercise. Strengthens coordination in air, land, and maritime operations. Reflects principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and collective deterrence.
• Held in Jakarta and Sumatra, running for 11 days.
• Includes joint combat training, interoperability drills, and a combined live-fire exercise.
• Strengthens coordination in air, land, and maritime operations.
• Reflects principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and collective deterrence.
• Significance:
• Enhances regional defence ties in an Indo-Pacific marked by rising China-U.S. rivalry. Demonstrates unity against coercion or forceful status-quo changes (esp. in South China Sea). Symbolises an “arc of alliances” ensuring Indo-Pacific stability.
• Enhances regional defence ties in an Indo-Pacific marked by rising China-U.S. rivalry.
• Demonstrates unity against coercion or forceful status-quo changes (esp. in South China Sea).
• Symbolises an “arc of alliances” ensuring Indo-Pacific stability.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 26 August 2025 Mapping:
Source: BT
Context: Oman has set a target to attract one million Indian tourists annually, up from 7 lakh visitors in 2024, as part of its tourism diversification strategy supported by better connectivity and liberal visa policies.
About Oman:
• What it is? A country on the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula at the confluence of the Persian Gulf and Arabian Sea.
• A country on the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula at the confluence of the Persian Gulf and Arabian Sea.
• Capital:
• Borders: Yemen, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Gulf of Oman and Arabian Sea
• Key Features:
• Rugged Ḥajar Mountains and fertile coastal plains (Al-Bāṭinah, Dhofar). Desert interior forming part of Rubʿ al-Khali (Empty Quarter). Strategic location near the Strait of Hormuz. Known historically for frankincense and seafaring trade. Climate: Hot & dry interior, humid coasts and Dhofar influenced by monsoon.
• Rugged Ḥajar Mountains and fertile coastal plains (Al-Bāṭinah, Dhofar).
• Desert interior forming part of Rubʿ al-Khali (Empty Quarter).
• Strategic location near the Strait of Hormuz.
• Known historically for frankincense and seafaring trade.
• Climate: Hot & dry interior, humid coasts and Dhofar influenced by monsoon.
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