UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 26 May 2025
Kartavya Desk Staff
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 26 May 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 – 24 May (2025)
• Updated India’s Coastline Length
Updated India’s Coastline Length
GS Paper 2:
• Shutdown of Land Ports for Apparel Imports from Bangladesh
Shutdown of Land Ports for Apparel Imports from Bangladesh
Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):
• Northeast As India’s Development Epicentre
Northeast As India’s Development Epicentre
Facts for Prelims (FFP):
• AI Matryoshka
AI Matryoshka
• India – 4th Largest Economy in World
India – 4th Largest Economy in World
• Nagshankar Temple Model for Turtle Conservation
Nagshankar Temple Model for Turtle Conservation
• Antimalarial Agents
Antimalarial Agents
• Meghalaya’s New Cave-Dwelling Fish
Meghalaya’s New Cave-Dwelling Fish
• Yamuna River
Yamuna River
• Kerala Oil Spill Incident
Kerala Oil Spill Incident
Mapping:
• Kuwait
Kuwait
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS –24 May 2025
#### GS Paper 1:
Updated India’s Coastline Length
Syllabus: Geography
Source: TH
Context: The Ministry of Home Affairs, in its 2023–24 report, updated India’s coastline length to 11,099 km, up from 7,516.6 km.
• The change stems not from land gain but due to better mapping precision, highlighting the coastline paradox.
About Updated India’s Coastline Length:
India’s Coastline Length – Key Overview:
• Previous Length: 7,516.6 km (based on 1970s maps at 1:4,500,000 scale).
• Revised Length: 11,098.8 km (as of Dec 2024).
• States Involved: 11 coastal States + 2 UTs (Andaman & Nicobar, Lakshadweep).
• Key Feature: Longest coastline among Indian states — Gujarat (~1,600 km).
• No New Land Added: No change in national borders or geological expansion.
Measurement Methodology:
• Agencies Involved: National Hydrographic Office (NHO) and Survey of India.
• Technology Used: Scale: 1:250,000 electronic navigation charts. Tools: GIS, LIDAR-GPS mapping, drone imaging, satellite altimetry.
• Scale: 1:250,000 electronic navigation charts.
• Tools: GIS, LIDAR-GPS mapping, drone imaging, satellite altimetry.
• Reference Line: Highwater line from 2011 data, closing river mouths at standard inland points.
• Mapped Features: Tidal creeks, estuaries, sandbars, low-tide islands.
Implications for India:
• Maritime Security: Longer coastline means more area to surveillance and protects (e.g. post-26/11 coastal radar grid). Coastal policing and Navy deployment need revaluation.
• Longer coastline means more area to surveillance and protects (e.g. post-26/11 coastal radar grid).
• Coastal policing and Navy deployment need revaluation.
• Disaster Management: Critical for cyclone, tsunami, and sea-level rise preparedness (e.g., Odisha’s early warning systems). Enhances accuracy in coastal zone regulation (CRZ) mapping.
• Critical for cyclone, tsunami, and sea-level rise preparedness (e.g., Odisha’s early warning systems).
• Enhances accuracy in coastal zone regulation (CRZ) mapping.
• Economic Zoning: Impacts EEZ (Exclusive Economic Zone) calculation and fishing rights allocation. Coastal States like Tamil Nadu and Kerala can gain blue economy leverage.
• Impacts EEZ (Exclusive Economic Zone) calculation and fishing rights allocation.
• Coastal States like Tamil Nadu and Kerala can gain blue economy leverage.
• Infrastructure Planning: Better data for ports, shipping lanes, and coastal tourism (e.g., Sagarmala project).
• Better data for ports, shipping lanes, and coastal tourism (e.g., Sagarmala project).
Significance of Increasing Coastline:
• Reflects scientific progress: Not territorial gain, but enhanced precision through modern cartography.
• Strengthens policy decisions: Data-backed planning for coastal development, biodiversity protection, and climate resilience.
• Reinforces India’s maritime identity: Supports India’s goal of becoming a Blue Economy leader.
Conclusion:
The revised coastline is the outcome of advanced geospatial technologies, not any physical expansion of land. It strengthens India’s capacity to safeguard, develop, and sustainably manage its coastal regions. This shift highlights how scientific progress—rather than natural changes—can redefine our understanding of geography.
• Comment on the resource potentials of the long coastline of India and highlight the status of natural hazard preparedness in these areas. (UPSC-2023)
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 24 May 2025 GS Paper 2:
Shutdown of Land Ports for Apparel Imports from Bangladesh
Syllabus: International Relations
Source: TH
Context: India shut down all land ports for the import of readymade garments from Bangladesh, affecting cross-border trade.
About Shutdown of Land Ports for Apparel Imports from Bangladesh:
• What It Is?
• India banned readymade garment imports from Bangladesh through all land ports, but allowed them via Nhava Sheva and Kolkata seaports. Affected ports include those in Assam, Tripura, Meghalaya, and Mizoram, and West Bengal’s Changrabandha and Fulbari.
• India banned readymade garment imports from Bangladesh through all land ports, but allowed them via Nhava Sheva and Kolkata seaports.
• Affected ports include those in Assam, Tripura, Meghalaya, and Mizoram, and West Bengal’s Changrabandha and Fulbari.
• Reason Behind the Move:
• Reciprocity: Bangladesh earlier restricted cotton yarn imports and Indian rice transit through its land ports. Security & Strategy: India objects to Dhaka’s closer ties with China and perceived undermining of the Northeast’s strategic identity.
• Reciprocity: Bangladesh earlier restricted cotton yarn imports and Indian rice transit through its land ports.
• Security & Strategy: India objects to Dhaka’s closer ties with China and perceived undermining of the Northeast’s strategic identity.
• Key Features:
• Ban includes processed food, plastic goods, wooden furniture, cotton waste, etc. Exemptions: Fish, LPG, edible oil, and crushed stone remain unaffected. Aimed at correcting trade asymmetry and asserting regional political leverage.
• Ban includes processed food, plastic goods, wooden furniture, cotton waste, etc.
• Exemptions: Fish, LPG, edible oil, and crushed stone remain unaffected.
• Aimed at correcting trade asymmetry and asserting regional political leverage.
Implications:
• On Bangladesh:
• Major Textile Setback: Bangladesh’s $700 million apparel exports to India face disruption, especially from land-dependent exporters. Trade Diversion Risk: Could impact orders to Nepal and Bhutan, increasing supply chain uncertainties in the subcontinent. Investor Concerns: The diplomatic friction may discourage FDI inflow, especially into Bangladesh’s textile and export processing zones.
• Major Textile Setback: Bangladesh’s $700 million apparel exports to India face disruption, especially from land-dependent exporters.
• Trade Diversion Risk: Could impact orders to Nepal and Bhutan, increasing supply chain uncertainties in the subcontinent.
• Investor Concerns: The diplomatic friction may discourage FDI inflow, especially into Bangladesh’s textile and export processing zones.
• On India: Northeast Market Reorientation: Reduces Dhaka’s dominance and promotes local entrepreneurship under Atmanirbhar Bharat in the Northeast. Diplomatic Strain: Further erosion of trust with a key neighbour; raises concern about China–Bangladesh proximity. Logistical Costs: Shifting trade from land ports to sea routes may increase transit time and freight costs for Indian importers.
• Northeast Market Reorientation: Reduces Dhaka’s dominance and promotes local entrepreneurship under Atmanirbhar Bharat in the Northeast.
• Diplomatic Strain: Further erosion of trust with a key neighbour; raises concern about China–Bangladesh proximity.
• Logistical Costs: Shifting trade from land ports to sea routes may increase transit time and freight costs for Indian importers.
Way Ahead:
• Restore Dialogue Channels: India and Bangladesh must re-engage through diplomatic platforms like the Joint Consultative Commission (JCC).
• Review Trade Imbalances: Both nations should calibrate trade policies ensuring fairness without hampering regional integration.
• De-escalate via Multilateral Frameworks: Use BIMSTEC and BBIN to manage transnational trade and transit issues constructively.
Conclusion:
The land port shutdown reflects the fragility of cross-border trade when diplomatic trust falters. While the move protects strategic interests, it also risks economic backlash and regional instability. Rebuilding cooperation is key for long-term subregional connectivity and peace.
• The protests in Shahbag Square in Dhaka in Bangladesh reveal a fundamental split in society between the nationalists and Islamic forces. What is its significance for India? (UPSC-2013)
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 24 May 2025 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)
Northeast As India’s Development Epicentre
Context: Union Minister declared the Northeast as India’s development epicentre at the Rising Northeast Investors Summit 2025.
About Northeast as India’s Development Epicentre:
• What It Is?
• A strategic repositioning of India’s Northeast from a peripheral region to a central hub for sustainable, inclusive, and skill-driven development.
• A strategic repositioning of India’s Northeast from a peripheral region to a central hub for sustainable, inclusive, and skill-driven development.
• Key Features:
• Cross-Sector Investment Summit: Focus on tourism, logistics, digital economy, agriculture, and green enterprises. SOAR Programme: Skilling for AI Readiness initiative to make youth AI-literate. Grassroots Success Stories: Bhabhendra Mohan Borgohain: Organic tea FPO with 1 lakh kg capacity. Merina Lahiri: Women-led Eri silk FPO with 300 farmers and artisans. Women-Led Growth: Over 75% female participation in entrepreneurship schemes. Skill India Impact: 49,000 youth skilled in apprenticeships; 3 lakh+ supported in entrepreneurship since 2015.
• Cross-Sector Investment Summit: Focus on tourism, logistics, digital economy, agriculture, and green enterprises.
• SOAR Programme: Skilling for AI Readiness initiative to make youth AI-literate.
• Grassroots Success Stories: Bhabhendra Mohan Borgohain: Organic tea FPO with 1 lakh kg capacity. Merina Lahiri: Women-led Eri silk FPO with 300 farmers and artisans.
• Bhabhendra Mohan Borgohain: Organic tea FPO with 1 lakh kg capacity.
• Merina Lahiri: Women-led Eri silk FPO with 300 farmers and artisans.
• Women-Led Growth: Over 75% female participation in entrepreneurship schemes.
• Skill India Impact: 49,000 youth skilled in apprenticeships; 3 lakh+ supported in entrepreneurship since 2015.
• Significance:
• Redefines India’s regional development model through decentralisation. Promotes border trade, cultural integration, and geo-economic connectivity with Southeast Asia (Act East Policy). Builds a youth-powered innovation ecosystem in historically marginalised areas.
• Redefines India’s regional development model through decentralisation.
• Promotes border trade, cultural integration, and geo-economic connectivity with Southeast Asia (Act East Policy).
• Builds a youth-powered innovation ecosystem in historically marginalised areas.
UPSC Syllabus Relevance:
• GS Paper 2: Governance, role of civil society, government schemes, North East regional development.
• GS Paper 3: Skill development, MSMEs, Inclusive growth, Innovation and entrepreneurship
• Essay: Topics like “India’s Northeast: From Margin to Mainstream” or “Women-led Growth in New India”.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 26 May Facts for Prelims (FFP)
AI Matryoshka
Source: TH
Context: Google unveiled its AI-first restructuring strategy called AI Matryoshka at the I/O Developers Conference 2025.
• This layered AI ecosystem is built around Gemini 2.5 models, reshaping how users, developers, and enterprises interact with technology.
About AI Matryoshka:
• What is AI Matryoshka? A multi-layered AI ecosystem where Google’s core artificial intelligence acts as the central brain (like a Matryoshka doll), powering every layer from APIs to user applications.
• A multi-layered AI ecosystem where Google’s core artificial intelligence acts as the central brain (like a Matryoshka doll), powering every layer from APIs to user applications.
• Launched By:
• Aim: To embed AI deeply and uniformly across Google’s platforms. To build agentic, intelligent, and autonomous systems for real-time user, developer, and enterprise interactions.
• To embed AI deeply and uniformly across Google’s platforms.
• To build agentic, intelligent, and autonomous systems for real-time user, developer, and enterprise interactions.
• Key Features of AI Matryoshka Gemini 2.5 Models: Pro version excels in complex reasoning and coding, achieving top scores in USAMO. Flash version is 20–30% more efficient, supports multi-speaker TTS in 24 languages. Ironwood TPUs: 7th-gen TPUs deliver 5 exaFLOPS of computing power for deep learning at scale. Data & Media Models: Imagen 4 (images), Veo 3 (video), and Lyria 2 (music) create high-quality outputs, while SynthID tools watermark and verify content for copyright. Gemini API & Vertex AI: Supports Model Context Protocol (MCP) for agent interactions and thinking budgets for better resource management. User Integration: AI Mode in Search provides deep, cited search results; Gemini App enables private data analysis, raising privacy concerns.
• Gemini 2.5 Models: Pro version excels in complex reasoning and coding, achieving top scores in USAMO. Flash version is 20–30% more efficient, supports multi-speaker TTS in 24 languages.
• Pro version excels in complex reasoning and coding, achieving top scores in USAMO.
• Flash version is 20–30% more efficient, supports multi-speaker TTS in 24 languages.
• Ironwood TPUs: 7th-gen TPUs deliver 5 exaFLOPS of computing power for deep learning at scale.
• Data & Media Models: Imagen 4 (images), Veo 3 (video), and Lyria 2 (music) create high-quality outputs, while SynthID tools watermark and verify content for copyright.
• Gemini API & Vertex AI: Supports Model Context Protocol (MCP) for agent interactions and thinking budgets for better resource management.
• User Integration: AI Mode in Search provides deep, cited search results; Gemini App enables private data analysis, raising privacy concerns.
• Significance: Ethics & Governance: Raises questions on privacy, consent, and data rights. Digital Economy: Shows evolution of AI in commerce, content, and automation. Science & Tech: Highlights AI scaling, TPU innovation, model interaction, and global competitiveness.
• Ethics & Governance: Raises questions on privacy, consent, and data rights.
• Digital Economy: Shows evolution of AI in commerce, content, and automation.
• Science & Tech: Highlights AI scaling, TPU innovation, model interaction, and global competitiveness.
India – 4th Largest Economy in World
Source: TOI
Context: India surpassed Japan to become the 4th largest economy in the world, as confirmed by NITI Aayog CEO B.V.R. Subrahmanyam citing IMF data.
About India – 4th Largest Economy in World:
• What is it?
• As per the IMF World Economic Outlook (April 2025), India’s nominal GDP is projected at $4.19 trillion, surpassing Japan’s GDP of $4.18 trillion. This marks a major shift in global economic order and India’s rising influence.
• As per the IMF World Economic Outlook (April 2025), India’s nominal GDP is projected at $4.19 trillion, surpassing Japan’s GDP of $4.18 trillion.
• This marks a major shift in global economic order and India’s rising influence.
• India’s New Economic Status
• Current Rank: 4th largest economy globally Previous Rank (2024): 5th, behind Japan New Rank Order (2025): United States, China, Germany, India, and Japan
• Current Rank: 4th largest economy globally
• Previous Rank (2024): 5th, behind Japan
• New Rank Order (2025): United States, China, Germany, India, and Japan
• Significance of the Achievement:
• Global Confidence Boost: Reinforces India’s role as a key global economic power, attracting increased FDI and international partnerships. Domestic Economic Growth: India’s GDP doubled from $2 trillion (2014) to $4+ trillion (2025) and per capita income rose from $1,438 (2014) to $2,880 (2025). Strategic Manufacturing Hub: India remains a cost-effective production base despite global reshoring discussions, such as Apple’s US manufacturing push. Leadership Impact: Economic trajectory credited to policy reforms, infrastructure growth, and Digital India & Atmanirbhar Bharat missions. Future Potential: Projected to overtake Germany in the next 2.5–3 years and become the third-largest economy globally, as per NITI Aayog projections.
• Global Confidence Boost: Reinforces India’s role as a key global economic power, attracting increased FDI and international partnerships.
• Domestic Economic Growth: India’s GDP doubled from $2 trillion (2014) to $4+ trillion (2025) and per capita income rose from $1,438 (2014) to $2,880 (2025).
• Strategic Manufacturing Hub: India remains a cost-effective production base despite global reshoring discussions, such as Apple’s US manufacturing push.
• Leadership Impact: Economic trajectory credited to policy reforms, infrastructure growth, and Digital India & Atmanirbhar Bharat missions.
• Future Potential: Projected to overtake Germany in the next 2.5–3 years and become the third-largest economy globally, as per NITI Aayog projections.
Nagshankar Temple Model for Turtle Conservation
Source: ETV
Context: On World Turtle Day, Nagshankar Temple in Assam was officially declared a model temple for turtle conservation.
About Nagshankar Temple Model for Turtle Conservation:
• Location: Situated in Biswanath district, near Sootea town, approximately 70 km from Tezpur, Assam.
• Historical Background:
• Believed to be built in the 4th century AD by King Nagashankar of Nagakha dynasty. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, but also honours turtles as incarnations of Lord Vishnu.
• Believed to be built in the 4th century AD by King Nagashankar of Nagakha dynasty.
• Dedicated to Lord Shiva, but also honours turtles as incarnations of Lord Vishnu.
• Key Features:
• Houses a large pond home to 250–300 turtles, including critically endangered black softshell turtles. Also, home to peacocks, pythons, deer, making it a micro-wildlife sanctuary. The temple serves both religious and ecological purposes.
• Houses a large pond home to 250–300 turtles, including critically endangered black softshell turtles.
• Also, home to peacocks, pythons, deer, making it a micro-wildlife sanctuary.
• The temple serves both religious and ecological purposes.
• Turtle Conservation Efforts:
• Biodiversity Preservation: Pond supports three rare species: Black Softshell, Indian Softshell, and Malayan Softshell turtles. The pond is fed by the Brahmaputra River basin, offering a suitable habitat. Community-Led Protection: Nagshankar Temple Committee works with Turtle Survival Alliance (TSA) India, Help Earth, and Kaziranga National Park. Scientific Intervention: Forest department artificially incubates turtle eggs and releases hatchlings into the wild. Replication Across Assam: Around 25 temples across Assam now serve as turtle conservation hubs, including Hajo’s Hayagriva Madhav Temple.
• Biodiversity Preservation: Pond supports three rare species: Black Softshell, Indian Softshell, and Malayan Softshell turtles. The pond is fed by the Brahmaputra River basin, offering a suitable habitat.
• Pond supports three rare species: Black Softshell, Indian Softshell, and Malayan Softshell turtles.
• The pond is fed by the Brahmaputra River basin, offering a suitable habitat.
• Community-Led Protection: Nagshankar Temple Committee works with Turtle Survival Alliance (TSA) India, Help Earth, and Kaziranga National Park.
• Scientific Intervention: Forest department artificially incubates turtle eggs and releases hatchlings into the wild.
• Replication Across Assam: Around 25 temples across Assam now serve as turtle conservation hubs, including Hajo’s Hayagriva Madhav Temple.
Antimalarial Agents
Source: TH
Context: A new study published in Nature, identified antimalarial agents that block Plasmodium falciparum development in mosquitoes, including insecticide-resistant strains.
About Antimalarial Agents:
• What Are They?
• These are chemical compounds that target the malaria parasite inside Anopheles mosquitoes, without killing the mosquito itself.
• These are chemical compounds that target the malaria parasite inside Anopheles mosquitoes, without killing the mosquito itself.
• Key Compounds Identified:
• Endochin-like quinolones (ELQs): A class of antimicrobial agents effective against parasites. ELQ-456: Fully blocks infection of P. falciparum. ELQ-331: Significantly reduces infection levels. ELQ-453 + ELQ-613: Prevent parasite maturation when used in combination. Mechanism of Action: These agents target the parasite during oocyst development in the mosquito. They do not rely on insecticidal action, avoiding typical resistance routes.
• Endochin-like quinolones (ELQs): A class of antimicrobial agents effective against parasites. ELQ-456: Fully blocks infection of P. falciparum. ELQ-331: Significantly reduces infection levels. ELQ-453 + ELQ-613: Prevent parasite maturation when used in combination.
• A class of antimicrobial agents effective against parasites.
• ELQ-456: Fully blocks infection of P. falciparum.
• ELQ-331: Significantly reduces infection levels.
• ELQ-453 + ELQ-613: Prevent parasite maturation when used in combination.
• Mechanism of Action: These agents target the parasite during oocyst development in the mosquito. They do not rely on insecticidal action, avoiding typical resistance routes.
• These agents target the parasite during oocyst development in the mosquito.
• They do not rely on insecticidal action, avoiding typical resistance routes.
• Features of the New Agents:
• Resistance-Proof: Effective even in insecticide-resistant mosquito strains. Long-Lasting: Remain potent after a year of open-air exposure. Contact-Based: Work even if mosquitoes briefly touch treated surfaces. Cost-Effective: Can be easily synthesized and mass-produced. Safe for Use in Bed Nets: Incorporated into polyethylene films for mosquito nets.
• Resistance-Proof: Effective even in insecticide-resistant mosquito strains.
• Long-Lasting: Remain potent after a year of open-air exposure.
• Contact-Based: Work even if mosquitoes briefly touch treated surfaces.
• Cost-Effective: Can be easily synthesized and mass-produced.
• Safe for Use in Bed Nets: Incorporated into polyethylene films for mosquito nets.
• Limitations:
• Not yet in commercial use – requires further trials and regulatory approvals. May induce resistance in the long term within the parasite if misused. Initial infrastructure cost for re-engineering bed nets with compound-infused polymers.
• Not yet in commercial use – requires further trials and regulatory approvals.
• May induce resistance in the long term within the parasite if misused.
• Initial infrastructure cost for re-engineering bed nets with compound-infused polymers.
Meghalaya’s New Cave-Dwelling Fish
Source: HT
Context: A team of Indian zoologists discovered a new cave-dwelling fish species, Schistura densiclava, in Krem Mawjymbuin Cave, East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya.
About Meghalaya’s New Cave-Dwelling Fish:
• What Is It?
• Schistura densiclava is a newly discovered troglophile loach, capable of living both underground (hypogean) and aboveground (epigean) environments. Belongs to the Nemacheilidae family (stone loaches).
• Schistura densiclava is a newly discovered troglophile loach, capable of living both underground (hypogean) and aboveground (epigean) environments.
• Belongs to the Nemacheilidae family (stone loaches).
• Scientific Name: Schistura densiclava
• Densiclava means “thick stripe” in Latin, referring to the bold band near its dorsal fin.
• Densiclava means “thick stripe” in Latin, referring to the bold band near its dorsal fin.
• Key Features:
• Dual Habitat Adaptation: Thrives in low-oxygen, 18°C cave waters, yet retains pigmentation and vision, unlike most cave fish. Distinct Appearance: Pale yellow-green body with 14–20 black bars. Males are slimmer with puffed cheeks, while females are broader with consistent markings. Unique Diet: Feeds on copepods, insect parts, shrimps, and bat droppings, indicating resilience in nutrient-scarce habitats. Ecological Endemism: Found exclusively inside Krem Mawjymbuin, suggesting it is endemic to this cave system. Genetic Distinction: DNA analysis confirms it is genetically separate from other Schistura species in Northeast India.
• Dual Habitat Adaptation: Thrives in low-oxygen, 18°C cave waters, yet retains pigmentation and vision, unlike most cave fish.
• Distinct Appearance: Pale yellow-green body with 14–20 black bars. Males are slimmer with puffed cheeks, while females are broader with consistent markings.
• Pale yellow-green body with 14–20 black bars.
• Males are slimmer with puffed cheeks, while females are broader with consistent markings.
• Unique Diet: Feeds on copepods, insect parts, shrimps, and bat droppings, indicating resilience in nutrient-scarce habitats.
• Ecological Endemism: Found exclusively inside Krem Mawjymbuin, suggesting it is endemic to this cave system.
• Genetic Distinction: DNA analysis confirms it is genetically separate from other Schistura species in Northeast India.
About Mawjymbuin Cave:
• Located In: Mawjymbuin Cave, also known as Krem Mawjymbuin, is situated in Mawsynram village, East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya.
• Key Features of the Cave:
• Natural Limestone Formation: The cave is made of calcareous sandstone and housing numerous stalagmites formed by calcium carbonate deposition. Geological Interest: Hosts unique stalagmite and stalactite formations, attracting geologists and researchers for field studies. Symper Rock: A notable dome-shaped rock with a flat top within the cave structure, known as Symper Rock.
• Natural Limestone Formation: The cave is made of calcareous sandstone and housing numerous stalagmites formed by calcium carbonate deposition.
• Geological Interest: Hosts unique stalagmite and stalactite formations, attracting geologists and researchers for field studies.
• Symper Rock: A notable dome-shaped rock with a flat top within the cave structure, known as Symper Rock.
Yamuna River
Source: TOI
Context: A report by Haryana’s irrigation department confirms that illegal sand mining in Sonipat has diverted the Yamuna’s natural course, violating NGT orders and environmental laws.
About Yamuna River:
• Location: Originates from the Yamunotri Glacier in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, at an altitude of 4,421 meters in the Himalayas.
• Originates from the Yamunotri Glacier in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, at an altitude of 4,421 meters in the Himalayas.
• States it Flows Through: The Yamuna basin covers Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and parts of Rajasthan.
• Total Length: Spans approximately 1,376 km, making it the longest river in India that does not drain directly into the sea.
• Major Tributaries Himalayan Region: Rishi Ganga, Hanuman Ganga, Tons, Giri. Tons River is the largest tributary, contributing about 60% of total Yamuna discharge. Plains: Hindon, Chambal, Sind, Betwa, Ken.
• Himalayan Region: Rishi Ganga, Hanuman Ganga, Tons, Giri. Tons River is the largest tributary, contributing about 60% of total Yamuna discharge.
• Rishi Ganga, Hanuman Ganga, Tons, Giri.
• Tons River is the largest tributary, contributing about 60% of total Yamuna discharge.
• Plains: Hindon, Chambal, Sind, Betwa, Ken.
• Key Cities Along the River: Delhi stretch: Enters at Palla Village, exits at Jaitpur (covers 52 km). Other cities: Noida, Mathura, Agra, Firozabad, Etawah, Kalpi, Hamirpur, and Prayagraj. Confluence: Merges with Ganga at Prayagraj (Allahabad), forming the Sangam, one of Hinduism’s most sacred sites.
• Delhi stretch: Enters at Palla Village, exits at Jaitpur (covers 52 km).
• Other cities: Noida, Mathura, Agra, Firozabad, Etawah, Kalpi, Hamirpur, and Prayagraj.
• Confluence:
• Merges with Ganga at Prayagraj (Allahabad), forming the Sangam, one of Hinduism’s most sacred sites.
Kerala Oil Spill Incident
Source: NIE
Context: A Liberian-flagged cargo vessel MSC ELSA 3, carrying hazardous material, capsized 38 nautical miles off Kochi, raising concerns of a major oil spill.
About Kerala Oil Spill Incident:
• MSC ELSA 3 sank due to flooding in one of its holds while en route from Vizhinjam to Kochi.
• The vessel was carrying 640 containers, including 13 hazardous cargoes, 84.44 MT diesel, and 367.1 MT furnace oil.
• Hazards onboard: Calcium carbide, hazardous chemicals, and large fuel volumes.
About Oil Spills:
• What is an Oil Spill? An accidental release of petroleum or related substances into oceans, seas, or coastal waters. Forms a toxic film that blocks sunlight, affects marine oxygen levels, and harms aquatic life.
• An accidental release of petroleum or related substances into oceans, seas, or coastal waters.
• Forms a toxic film that blocks sunlight, affects marine oxygen levels, and harms aquatic life.
• Impacts of Oil Spills: Marine Life Destruction: Coating of birds, mammals, and turtles disrupts thermoregulation and mobility. Toxic exposure affects fish reproduction, growth, and survival. Ecosystem Disruption: Destroys phytoplankton, mangroves, coral reefs, and marine food chains. Long-lasting contamination in coastal areas and estuaries. Economic Losses: Hits fisheries, tourism, and shipping industries. Cleanup and compensation costs are extremely high. Legal Framework Governing Oil Spills: International Conventions: MARPOL (1973/78): Marine Pollution prevention by IMO; India is a signatory. OPRC Convention (1990): Facilitates global cooperation in oil spill response. Indian Laws: Merchant Shipping Act, 1958: Governs pollution control in Indian waters. National Oil Spill Disaster Contingency Plan (NOS-DCP): Managed by Indian Coast Guard as the nodal response agency. Ensures monitoring, emergency response, and public safety. Technologies & Methods to Manage Oil Spills: Skimmers: Devices that physically remove oil from the water surface. Dispersants: Chemicals that break oil into small droplets for microbial degradation. Oil Booms: Floating barriers used to contain oil spread. In-situ Burning: Controlled burning of surface oil in isolated patches. Bioremediation: Use of oil-eating microbes, e.g., TERI’s Oil Zapper.
• Marine Life Destruction: Coating of birds, mammals, and turtles disrupts thermoregulation and mobility. Toxic exposure affects fish reproduction, growth, and survival.
• Coating of birds, mammals, and turtles disrupts thermoregulation and mobility.
• Toxic exposure affects fish reproduction, growth, and survival.
• Ecosystem Disruption: Destroys phytoplankton, mangroves, coral reefs, and marine food chains. Long-lasting contamination in coastal areas and estuaries.
• Destroys phytoplankton, mangroves, coral reefs, and marine food chains.
• Long-lasting contamination in coastal areas and estuaries.
• Economic Losses: Hits fisheries, tourism, and shipping industries. Cleanup and compensation costs are extremely high.
• Hits fisheries, tourism, and shipping industries.
• Cleanup and compensation costs are extremely high.
• Legal Framework Governing Oil Spills: International Conventions: MARPOL (1973/78): Marine Pollution prevention by IMO; India is a signatory. OPRC Convention (1990): Facilitates global cooperation in oil spill response. Indian Laws: Merchant Shipping Act, 1958: Governs pollution control in Indian waters. National Oil Spill Disaster Contingency Plan (NOS-DCP): Managed by Indian Coast Guard as the nodal response agency. Ensures monitoring, emergency response, and public safety. Technologies & Methods to Manage Oil Spills: Skimmers: Devices that physically remove oil from the water surface. Dispersants: Chemicals that break oil into small droplets for microbial degradation. Oil Booms: Floating barriers used to contain oil spread. In-situ Burning: Controlled burning of surface oil in isolated patches. Bioremediation: Use of oil-eating microbes, e.g., TERI’s Oil Zapper.
• International Conventions: MARPOL (1973/78): Marine Pollution prevention by IMO; India is a signatory. OPRC Convention (1990): Facilitates global cooperation in oil spill response.
• MARPOL (1973/78): Marine Pollution prevention by IMO; India is a signatory.
• OPRC Convention (1990): Facilitates global cooperation in oil spill response.
• Indian Laws: Merchant Shipping Act, 1958: Governs pollution control in Indian waters. National Oil Spill Disaster Contingency Plan (NOS-DCP): Managed by Indian Coast Guard as the nodal response agency. Ensures monitoring, emergency response, and public safety. Technologies & Methods to Manage Oil Spills: Skimmers: Devices that physically remove oil from the water surface. Dispersants: Chemicals that break oil into small droplets for microbial degradation. Oil Booms: Floating barriers used to contain oil spread. In-situ Burning: Controlled burning of surface oil in isolated patches. Bioremediation: Use of oil-eating microbes, e.g., TERI’s Oil Zapper.
• Merchant Shipping Act, 1958: Governs pollution control in Indian waters.
• National Oil Spill Disaster Contingency Plan (NOS-DCP): Managed by Indian Coast Guard as the nodal response agency. Ensures monitoring, emergency response, and public safety.
• Managed by Indian Coast Guard as the nodal response agency.
• Ensures monitoring, emergency response, and public safety.
• Technologies & Methods to Manage Oil Spills: Skimmers: Devices that physically remove oil from the water surface. Dispersants: Chemicals that break oil into small droplets for microbial degradation. Oil Booms: Floating barriers used to contain oil spread. In-situ Burning: Controlled burning of surface oil in isolated patches. Bioremediation: Use of oil-eating microbes, e.g., TERI’s Oil Zapper.
• Skimmers: Devices that physically remove oil from the water surface.
• Dispersants: Chemicals that break oil into small droplets for microbial degradation.
• Oil Booms: Floating barriers used to contain oil spread.
• In-situ Burning: Controlled burning of surface oil in isolated patches.
• Bioremediation: Use of oil-eating microbes, e.g., TERI’s Oil Zapper.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 26 May 2025 Mapping:
Kuwait
Source: NDTV
Context: Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah revoked the citizenship of over 37,000 people, mostly women naturalised through marriage, citing a reformist agenda.
About Kuwait:
• Located in: Northwestern Persian Gulf, Kuwait is a small constitutional monarchy in West Asia.
• Capital: Kuwait City.
• Neighbouring Nations: Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and Persian Gulf.
• Geological Features:
• Topography: Mostly flat desert terrain, with gentle undulations and low hills. Highest elevation: Al-Shiqāyā Peak at 290 metres. Major Landforms: Al-Zawr Escarpment near Kuwait Bay (145 m high). Kuwait Bay: A significant natural harbour and economic zone. Water Resources: No permanent rivers or lakes. Features intermittent wadis and seasonal basins. Lacks natural freshwater sources and relies on desalination. Ethnic Composition: Only ~30% of Kuwait’s population are citizens. Large expatriate community, with Bidoon (stateless residents) numbering ~1 lakh. Indigenous Kuwaiti identity is often defined through paternal lineage.
• Topography: Mostly flat desert terrain, with gentle undulations and low hills. Highest elevation: Al-Shiqāyā Peak at 290 metres.
• Mostly flat desert terrain, with gentle undulations and low hills.
• Highest elevation: Al-Shiqāyā Peak at 290 metres.
• Major Landforms: Al-Zawr Escarpment near Kuwait Bay (145 m high). Kuwait Bay: A significant natural harbour and economic zone.
• Al-Zawr Escarpment near Kuwait Bay (145 m high).
• Kuwait Bay: A significant natural harbour and economic zone.
• Water Resources: No permanent rivers or lakes. Features intermittent wadis and seasonal basins. Lacks natural freshwater sources and relies on desalination.
• No permanent rivers or lakes.
• Features intermittent wadis and seasonal basins.
• Lacks natural freshwater sources and relies on desalination.
• Ethnic Composition: Only ~30% of Kuwait’s population are citizens. Large expatriate community, with Bidoon (stateless residents) numbering ~1 lakh. Indigenous Kuwaiti identity is often defined through paternal lineage.
• Only ~30% of Kuwait’s population are citizens.
• Large expatriate community, with Bidoon (stateless residents) numbering ~1 lakh.
• Indigenous Kuwaiti identity is often defined through paternal lineage.
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