UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 27 June 2025
Kartavya Desk Staff
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 27 June 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 2 : (UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 27 June (2025)
• Registered Unrecognised Political Parties (RUPPs)
Registered Unrecognised Political Parties (RUPPs)
• Bangkok Conference on Civil Registration and Vital Statistics
Bangkok Conference on Civil Registration and Vital Statistics
Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):
• Operation Bihali
Operation Bihali
Facts for Prelims (FFP):
• International Potato Centre (CIP)
International Potato Centre (CIP)
• Digital Initiatives for Maritime Sector
Digital Initiatives for Maritime Sector
• India’s First Maritime NBFC – Sagarmala Finance Corporation Limited
India’s First Maritime NBFC – Sagarmala Finance Corporation Limited
• Special Intensive Revision of Electoral Rolls
Special Intensive Revision of Electoral Rolls
• Silica Gel Desiccant
Silica Gel Desiccant
• Adamya Fast Patrol Vessel
Adamya Fast Patrol Vessel
Mapping:
• Male Mahadeshwara Hills Wildlife Sanctuary
Male Mahadeshwara Hills Wildlife Sanctuary
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 27 June 2025
#### GS Paper 2:
Registered Unrecognised Political Parties (RUPPs)
Syllabus: Political parties
Source: DC
Context: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has initiated the delisting of 345 Registered Unrecognised Political Parties (RUPPs) that have not contested any elections since 2019 and are physically untraceable.
About Registered Unrecognised Political Parties (RUPPs):
• RUPPs are political entities registered under Section 29A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, but not yet recognised as State or National parties.
• Privileges: They enjoy income tax exemptions and can receive political donations, even without electoral participation.
• Scale: India has over 2,800 RUPPs as of 2025. According to ADR, their number doubled from 1,112 in 2010 to 2,301 in 2019.
• Status: Nearly 97% of all registered parties are unrecognised, yet most do not file mandatory financial disclosures.
Features and Criteria for Recognised Political Parties:
State Party: A registered party must meet any one of the following:
• 6% Vote + 2 Assembly Seats: The party must secure at least 6% of the valid votes polled in the Legislative Assembly election and win at least 2 seats in that Assembly.
• 6% Vote + 1 Lok Sabha Seat: It must win at least 6% of valid votes in the Lok Sabha election held in that state and secure 1 seat in Lok Sabha from that state.
• 3% of Assembly Seats or 3 Seats Minimum: The party must win at least 3% of the total Assembly seats, or at least 3 seats (whichever is higher) in the Legislative Assembly.
• 1 of Every 25 Lok Sabha Seats: The party must win 1 Lok Sabha seat out of every 25 seats allocated to the state.
• 8% Vote Share: It must secure at least 8% of the total valid votes in a state, either in Lok Sabha or Assembly elections, even if it wins no seats.
National Party: A registered party must meet any one of the following:
• 6% Vote in 4 States + 4 Lok Sabha Seats: The party must secure at least 6% of valid votes in Lok Sabha or Assembly elections in four or more states, and win at least 4 Lok Sabha seats from any states.
• 2% Lok Sabha Seats from 3 States: It must win at least 2% of the total Lok Sabha seats (currently 11 out of 543), and those seats must be from at least 3 different states.
• Recognized as State Party in 4 States: If a party is recognized as a State Party in four or more states, it automatically qualifies as a National Party.
Structural and Functional Issues with Registered Unrecognised Political Parties (RUPPs):
• Electoral Inactivity: Many RUPPs haven’t contested any election since 2019, raising doubts about their political purpose.
• Funding Opacity: Less than 5% submitted donation reports (2013–2016), reflecting weak compliance with financial disclosure norms.
• Tax Loophole Misuse: They misuse Section 13A of the IT Act to claim tax exemptions despite zero electoral activity.
• No Verifiable Presence: Many lack traceable offices or functioning bodies, violating norms under Section 29A of the RPA, 1951.
• Election-Year Surge: Registrations spike during election cycles, often linked to shady donation flows and proxy operations.
Way Ahead:
• Delisting dormant parties: EC must periodically remove non-functional entities from its register.
E.g., Current move to delist 345 RUPPs.
• Strengthen registration norms: Include mandatory participation criteria and stricter financial disclosures.
• Regular audits: Subject inactive RUPPs to IT scrutiny and EC compliance checks.
• Digital oversight tools: Promote Political Parties Registration Tracking Management System (PPRTMS) for transparency and real-time status updates.
• Public disclosure: State CEO websites must update party status, audit report filings, and compliance history.
Conclusion:
The delisting of inactive RUPPs is a long-overdue reform to clean up the electoral landscape. It ensures that political privileges aren’t misused for money laundering or tax evasion. Strengthening party registration, enforcing accountability, and regular audits are essential to uphold electoral integrity and democratic transparency.
Bangkok Conference on Civil Registration and Vital Statistics
Syllabus: IR and Society
Source: TH
Context: Governments across Asia-Pacific, including India, adopted a resolution at the Third Ministerial Conference on Bangkok Conference on Civil Registration and Vital Statistics in Bangkok to achieve universal birth and death registration by 2030.
About Bangkok Conference on Civil Registration and Vital Statistics:
• What is Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS)?
• Definition: CRVS is the continuous, permanent, universal, and compulsory recording of key life events such as births, deaths, marriages, and divorces under legal frameworks. Lead Organisation: UN ESCAP (Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific). Goal: Achieve legal identity for all (SDG Target 16.9) and improve delivery of services and data governance.
• Definition: CRVS is the continuous, permanent, universal, and compulsory recording of key life events such as births, deaths, marriages, and divorces under legal frameworks.
• Lead Organisation: UN ESCAP (Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific).
• Goal: Achieve legal identity for all (SDG Target 16.9) and improve delivery of services and data governance.
Key Features of a Civil Registration System:
• Legal Identity Establishment: Registers births and deaths to provide ID documents, including birth/death certificates.
• Life-cycle Services: Enables access to healthcare, education, pensions, inheritance, etc.
• Vital Statistics Generation: Supports policymaking and disease surveillance (e.g., COVID-19 mortality tracking).
• Inclusive Approach: Covers marginalised populations, including orphans, single-parent children, surrogate births.
• Digital Integration: Adoption of online portals, Digilocker, and AI tools for secure and easy documentation.
Why a Systematic and Inclusive CRVS is Needed:
• Legal Identity for All: Globally, over 14 million children in Asia-Pacific alone remain unregistered by age one, denying them access to education, health services, and social protection.
• Tackling Generational Exclusion: In countries like Myanmar, Pakistan, and Nepal, vulnerable groups such as migrants, ethnic minorities, and undocumented populations are often excluded, perpetuating cycles of statelessness.
• Weak Data Undermines SDGs: Incomplete civil registration distorts key indicators for SDG targets on maternal mortality, child health, and pension coverage, leading to flawed policy design and delivery.
• Barrier to Rights and Protections: Lack of a legal identity increases susceptibility to human trafficking, child marriage, and modern slavery—especially among girls and displaced populations.
• Public Health Blind spots: In countries with low death registration coverage (e.g., Afghanistan, Cambodia), epidemics like COVID-19 exposed the risks of weak mortality data for surveillance and response.
Key Challenges in Expanding CRVS Coverage:
• Geographical Isolation: Mountainous regions (e.g., Nepal, Bhutan) and small island nations face last-mile connectivity issues for registration.
• Death Certification Gaps: Many Southeast Asian countries lack robust verbal autopsy mechanisms, especially for deaths outside hospitals, hampering accurate cause-of-death reporting.
• Inter-Agency Fragmentation: Across the region, CRVS responsibilities are often split between health ministries, interior departments, and local governance bodies, reducing operational synergy.
• Digital Divide Risks: As countries digitize CRVS, low digital access in Laos, Papua New Guinea, and tribal areas of India risks excluding the most vulnerable.
• Cultural Norms & Stigma: In patriarchal societies, births outside wedlock or to surrogate mothers often go unregistered due to social stigma and weak legal protections.
Key Outcomes of the 2025 Bangkok Summit:
• Extension to 2030: CRVS Decade extended to align with the SDGs.
• Declaration Adopted: Renewed commitment to ensure 100% birth and death registration.
• Digital Reforms: Emphasis on AI-based tools, digitisation of records, and interoperability.
• Equity and Privacy: Focus on gender equity and data protection in CRVS systems.
• Regional Progress: Birth registration improved from 86% to 96% in India; 29 countries now register 90%+ births.
Way Ahead:
• Cross-border Interoperability: Build regional CRVS standards to track identities across nations—vital for migrants in ASEAN and SAARC.
• Last-mile Infrastructure Boost: Deploy mobile registration units in Pacific Islands, remote Himalayan regions, and conflict zones like Myanmar and Afghanistan.
• Inclusive Legal Reforms: Update CRVS laws to include refugees, LGBTQIA+ families, and surrogate/adopted children, following models in Thailand and the Philippines.
• Verbal Autopsy Rollout: Mandate WHO-based autopsy tools in nations with high home deaths (e.g., Bangladesh, Cambodia) for accurate mortality data.
• Privacy-first Architecture: Ensure encrypted, consent-based CRVS databases to safeguard personal identity—especially for women and minors.
Conclusion:
The Bangkok CRVS Summit 2025 marks a pivotal moment in advancing legal identity and inclusive governance across Asia-Pacific. With political will, digital innovation, and community participation, the vision of “getting everyone in the picture” by 2030 is not just a promise, but a reachable goal.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 27 June 2025 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)
Operation Bihali
Context: A Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorist was neutralized and three others cornered during Operation Bihali in Udhampur district, J&K.
About Operation Bihali:
• What it is? A counter-terror operation launched to neutralize Pakistan-based JeM militants operating in Udhampur’s Basantgarh area.
• A counter-terror operation launched to neutralize Pakistan-based JeM militants operating in Udhampur’s Basantgarh area.
• Launched by: Jointly conducted by the Indian Army’s Para Commandos and Jammu & Kashmir Police, under the operational command of the White Knight Corps.
• Objective: To intercept and eliminate four JeM terrorists identified through 12 months of surveillance, thereby averting possible cross-border terror attacks.
• Significance: Enhances local security in sensitive areas, disrupts terror infiltration routes, and demonstrates India’s proactive and intelligence-led counter-terror capability in Jammu & Kashmir.
Relevance in UPSC Exam Syllabus:
• GS Paper 3 (Internal Security): Relevant under cross-border terrorism, insurgency in J&K, and role of security forces in border management.
• GS Paper 2 (Governance): Involves Centre-State coordination, police reforms, and intelligence-led policing in counter-terrorism.
• Essay / Interview: Serves as a real-time example of how integrated operations and military-police synergy strengthen national security.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 27 June 2025 Facts for Prelims (FFP):
International Potato Centre (CIP)
Source: IE
Context: The Union Cabinet has approved the establishment of a global potato research centre in Agra, a regional wing of the International Potato Centre (CIP), Peru.
• The CIP-South Asia Regional Centre (CSARC) will cater to potato-producing Indian states and South Asian nations.
About the International Potato Centre (CIP):
• What it is? A global research organization under CGIAR, based in Peru, working on potato, sweet potato, and Andean tubers.
• A global research organization under CGIAR, based in Peru, working on potato, sweet potato, and Andean tubers.
• Established: 1971 and began India operations in 1975 via ICAR collaboration.
• CIP Network: Active across South America, Africa, and Asia.
• Headquarter: Lima, Peru.
About CIP-South Asia Regional Centre (CSARC):
• Location: Singna, Agra, Uttar Pradesh.
• Budget: ₹171 crore (India – ₹111.5 crore; CIP – ₹60 crore).
• Region Served: India and neighbouring South Asian countries.
• Objectives of CSARC:
• Boost productivity of potato and sweet potato through high-quality seeds. Enhance farmer income via processing, value addition, and exports. Ensure food and nutrition security in climate-vulnerable areas. Develop climate-resilient and disease-free varieties.
• Boost productivity of potato and sweet potato through high-quality seeds.
• Enhance farmer income via processing, value addition, and exports.
• Ensure food and nutrition security in climate-vulnerable areas.
• Develop climate-resilient and disease-free varieties.
• Functions of CSARC:
• Seed Innovation: Access global potato germplasm for better yield. Climate Research: Develop heat-tolerant, drought-resistant potato varieties. Post-Harvest Tech: Support storage, processing, and packaging innovations. Farmer Support: Train Indian and South Asian farmers in best practices. Market Linkage: Strengthen domestic value chains and export potential.
• Seed Innovation: Access global potato germplasm for better yield.
• Climate Research: Develop heat-tolerant, drought-resistant potato varieties.
• Post-Harvest Tech: Support storage, processing, and packaging innovations.
• Farmer Support: Train Indian and South Asian farmers in best practices.
• Market Linkage: Strengthen domestic value chains and export potential.
• Significance for India:
• Second-Largest Producer: India produced 51.3 million tonnes (2020). Yield Gap: Indian average – 25 tonnes/ha and potential – 50 tonnes/ha. Seed Self-Reliance: Reduces dependence on seed imports from neighbours. Boost to Agri Exports: Enhances capacity to export processed products. R&D Expansion: After IRRI-VNS, this is the second global Agri centre in India.
• Second-Largest Producer: India produced 51.3 million tonnes (2020).
• Yield Gap: Indian average – 25 tonnes/ha and potential – 50 tonnes/ha.
• Seed Self-Reliance: Reduces dependence on seed imports from neighbours.
• Boost to Agri Exports: Enhances capacity to export processed products.
• R&D Expansion: After IRRI-VNS, this is the second global Agri centre in India.
• India and Potato:
• Global Rank: India is 2nd in production, after China (78 MT). Top States: UP (15 MT), WB (15 MT), Bihar (9 MT).
• Global Rank: India is 2nd in production, after China (78 MT).
• Top States: UP (15 MT), WB (15 MT), Bihar (9 MT).
Digital Initiatives for Maritime Sector
Source: PIB
Context: The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways launched a series of digital initiatives aimed at enhancing efficiency and sustainability in the maritime sector.
• Key projects include the SAGAR SETU platform, Digital Centre of Excellence (DCoE), DRISHTI Framework, and standardized Scale of Rates (SOR).
About Digital Initiatives for Maritime Sector:
• What it is? A maritime digital push led by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) to modernize port infrastructure, logistics, and governance using emerging technologies.
• A maritime digital push led by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) to modernize port infrastructure, logistics, and governance using emerging technologies.
• Objective:
• Enhance port efficiency and trade ease. Enable data-driven governance. Support sustainability and clean energy goals. Align with Maritime India Vision 2030 and Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.
• Enhance port efficiency and trade ease.
• Enable data-driven governance.
• Support sustainability and clean energy goals.
• Align with Maritime India Vision 2030 and Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.
Key Digital Initiatives Launched:
• Digital Centre of Excellence (DCoE):
• Partnership: MoPSW & Centre for Development of Advanced Computing. Purpose: Spearhead digital transformation in maritime logistics. Features:
• Partnership: MoPSW & Centre for Development of Advanced Computing.
• Purpose: Spearhead digital transformation in maritime logistics.
• Features:
• Uses AI, IoT, Blockchain for smart ports.
• Focus on sustainable and green operations.
• Supports real-time port operation upgrades.
• SAGAR SETU Platform:
• What it is: Unified EXIM digital interface. Integration: 80+ ports, 40+ stakeholders. Goals:
• What it is: Unified EXIM digital interface.
• Integration: 80+ ports, 40+ stakeholders.
• Goals:
• Reduce paperwork and processing delays.
• Promote seamless, transparent logistics.
• Aligns with PM Gati Shakti Master Plan.
• Impact: Boosts Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) and port productivity.
• Impact: Boosts Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) and port productivity.
• DRISHTI Framework:
• Full Form: Data-driven Review Institutional System for Tracking Implementation. Pillars: KPI Monitoring, Progress Tracking, Organisation Oversight, and Cell-wise Review Goal: Monitor Maritime India Vision 2030 projects in real time.
• Full Form: Data-driven Review Institutional System for Tracking Implementation.
• Pillars: KPI Monitoring, Progress Tracking, Organisation Oversight, and Cell-wise Review
• Goal: Monitor Maritime India Vision 2030 projects in real time.
• Scale of Rates (SOR) Template:
• What: Standardised tariff structure for major ports. Why: Reduces ambiguity, ensures transparency. Benefit:
• What: Standardised tariff structure for major ports.
• Why: Reduces ambiguity, ensures transparency.
• Benefit:
• Digital comparison of tariffs.
• Flexibility for local port adaptation.
• Investor and trader confidence boosted.
India’s First Maritime NBFC – Sagarmala Finance Corporation Limited
Source: ET
Context: Union Minister of Shipping inaugurated India’s first maritime sector NBFC, the Sagarmala Finance Corporation Limited (SMFCL), aiming to bridge financial gaps and boost infrastructure growth in the maritime domain.
• Registered with the RBI as an NBFC. SMFCL is aligned with the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.
About India’s First Maritime NBFC – Sagarmala Finance Corporation Limited:
• What it is? SMFCL is a Mini Ratna Category-I CPSE under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), functioning as a dedicated NBFC to cater exclusively to the financial needs of India’s maritime sector.
• SMFCL is a Mini Ratna Category-I CPSE under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), functioning as a dedicated NBFC to cater exclusively to the financial needs of India’s maritime sector.
• Headquarters: New Delhi.
• Objectives: Bridge financing gaps in maritime infrastructure and logistics. Enable financial inclusion for MSMEs, startups, and educational institutions. Support strategic growth sectors like shipbuilding, cruise tourism, and green energy. Aid India’s global maritime leadership goal under Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.
• Bridge financing gaps in maritime infrastructure and logistics.
• Enable financial inclusion for MSMEs, startups, and educational institutions.
• Support strategic growth sectors like shipbuilding, cruise tourism, and green energy.
• Aid India’s global maritime leadership goal under Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.
• Functions: Offer short-, medium-, and long-term credit to port authorities, logistics companies, and maritime entrepreneurs. Finance innovative maritime projects, including green hydrogen, shipbuilding, and digital ports. Act as a financial catalyst for Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models in ports and allied infrastructure. Partner with startups and research institutions to fund maritime skilling and R&D.
• Offer short-, medium-, and long-term credit to port authorities, logistics companies, and maritime entrepreneurs.
• Finance innovative maritime projects, including green hydrogen, shipbuilding, and digital ports.
• Act as a financial catalyst for Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models in ports and allied infrastructure.
• Partner with startups and research institutions to fund maritime skilling and R&D.
• Significance: Fulfils a long-standing demand for a sector-focused financial body in maritime development. Strengthens India’s port-led development under the Sagarmala Programme. Enhances investment readiness of maritime infrastructure through customized financial solutions.
• Fulfils a long-standing demand for a sector-focused financial body in maritime development.
• Strengthens India’s port-led development under the Sagarmala Programme.
• Enhances investment readiness of maritime infrastructure through customized financial solutions.
Special Intensive Revision of Electoral Rolls
Source: LM
Context: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has initiated a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar, requiring all voters to submit enumeration forms, and post-2003 entrants to provide proof of citizenship.
About Special Intensive Revision of Electoral Rolls:
• What is SIR?
• A comprehensive, house-to-house verification process to update electoral rolls afresh, ensuring accuracy and citizenship validation. Legally enabled under Section 21(3) of the Representation of the People Act, 1950, and governed by Article 324(1) of the Constitution.
• A comprehensive, house-to-house verification process to update electoral rolls afresh, ensuring accuracy and citizenship validation.
• Legally enabled under Section 21(3) of the Representation of the People Act, 1950, and governed by Article 324(1) of the Constitution.
• Objective:
• To weed out ineligible or duplicate voters, including illegal immigrants. To ensure only genuine Indian citizens above 18 years are on the rolls.
• To weed out ineligible or duplicate voters, including illegal immigrants.
• To ensure only genuine Indian citizens above 18 years are on the rolls.
• Why It’s Needed?
• Massive additions and deletions over 20 years. Urbanisation and migration have led to multiple registrations by individuals. Concerns about illegal immigrants and demographic manipulation in border states like Bihar.
• Massive additions and deletions over 20 years.
• Urbanisation and migration have led to multiple registrations by individuals.
• Concerns about illegal immigrants and demographic manipulation in border states like Bihar.
• Key Features:
• Applies to all voters, with added scrutiny for those registered post-2003. Requires enumeration forms and proof of birth/citizenship (passport, birth certificate, parental documents, etc.). Voters born: Before July 1, 1987: Own birth document. 1987–2004: Personal + one parent’s proof. Post-2004: Personal + both parents’ documents.
• Applies to all voters, with added scrutiny for those registered post-2003.
• Requires enumeration forms and proof of birth/citizenship (passport, birth certificate, parental documents, etc.).
• Voters born: Before July 1, 1987: Own birth document. 1987–2004: Personal + one parent’s proof. Post-2004: Personal + both parents’ documents.
• Before July 1, 1987: Own birth document.
• 1987–2004: Personal + one parent’s proof.
• Post-2004: Personal + both parents’ documents.
• Digital Options: Forms available via ECINET app or official ECI website for online submission.
• Significance:
• Ensures electoral roll integrity, a vital part of democratic functioning. Strengthens public trust in elections and prevents voter fraud. Paves the way for a nationwide voter verification drive post-Bihar.
• Ensures electoral roll integrity, a vital part of democratic functioning.
• Strengthens public trust in elections and prevents voter fraud.
• Paves the way for a nationwide voter verification drive post-Bihar.
Silica Gel Desiccant
Source: DTE
Context: Silica gel sachets, often found in packaged goods with the label “Do Not Eat”, have raised public curiosity about their purpose, safety, and reuse amid growing awareness of consumer product safety.
About Silica Gel Desiccant:
• Silica gel is a desiccant, meaning it absorbs and retains moisture to keep its surroundings dry.
• Commonly found as small, translucent beads in paper or cloth sachets.
• Chemical Composition:
• Composed of silicon dioxide (SiO₂) — the same basic component as quartz or sand. Non-toxic in most forms and chemically inert, but sometimes coated with cobalt chloride (a toxic moisture indicator)
• Composed of silicon dioxide (SiO₂) — the same basic component as quartz or sand.
• Non-toxic in most forms and chemically inert, but sometimes coated with cobalt chloride (a toxic moisture indicator)
• How Silica Gel Works?
• Silica gel is highly porous at the nanoscale. Water is absorbed through capillary condensation, mimicking natural mechanisms like how trees transport water. A single gram can have a surface area of up to 700 m², increasing its absorption efficiency dramatically.
• Silica gel is highly porous at the nanoscale.
• Water is absorbed through capillary condensation, mimicking natural mechanisms like how trees transport water.
• A single gram can have a surface area of up to 700 m², increasing its absorption efficiency dramatically.
• Key Features:
• Hydrophilic nature: Strong affinity for water molecules. Non-toxic base: Safe if accidentally touched or inhaled, but still a choking hazard. Colour change variants: Some gels change colour (e.g., blue to pink) to signal moisture saturation. Rechargeable: Can be reused after drying in an oven at 115–125°C.
• Hydrophilic nature: Strong affinity for water molecules.
• Non-toxic base: Safe if accidentally touched or inhaled, but still a choking hazard.
• Colour change variants: Some gels change colour (e.g., blue to pink) to signal moisture saturation.
• Rechargeable: Can be reused after drying in an oven at 115–125°C.
• Applications of Silica Gel:
• Consumer Products: Electronics, shoes, clothes, and food packaging to prevent mold or spoilage. Pharmaceuticals: In medicine bottles and vitamin packs to avoid moisture degradation. Industrial Use: Protects sensitive instruments, chemicals, and camera lenses. Storage & Preservation: Used in libraries, museums, and households to preserve photographs, documents, and films.
• Consumer Products: Electronics, shoes, clothes, and food packaging to prevent mold or spoilage.
• Pharmaceuticals: In medicine bottles and vitamin packs to avoid moisture degradation.
• Industrial Use: Protects sensitive instruments, chemicals, and camera lenses.
• Storage & Preservation: Used in libraries, museums, and households to preserve photographs, documents, and films.
• Toxicity and Safety:
• Most silica gel is non-toxic, though it poses a choking hazard. Variants with cobalt chloride (blue when dry, pink when wet) are toxic and mainly used in industrial settings. Ingestion may cause discomfort but is rarely poisonous unless toxic dyes or chemicals are added.
• Most silica gel is non-toxic, though it poses a choking hazard.
• Variants with cobalt chloride (blue when dry, pink when wet) are toxic and mainly used in industrial settings.
• Ingestion may cause discomfort but is rarely poisonous unless toxic dyes or chemicals are added.
Adamya Fast Patrol Vessel
Source: TOI
Context: The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has inducted ‘Adamya’, the first Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV) of an eight-vessel series built by Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL).
About Adamya Fast Patrol Vessel:
• What It Is? ‘Adamya’ is a high-speed Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV) designed for rapid deployment in coastal waters, EEZ patrol, and maritime law enforcement missions.
• ‘Adamya’ is a high-speed Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV) designed for rapid deployment in coastal waters, EEZ patrol, and maritime law enforcement missions.
• Developed By: Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) First of the eight FPVs under GSL’s ICG contract
• First of the eight FPVs under GSL’s ICG contract
• Objective:
• Enhance ICG’s quick-reaction capability for search & rescue (SAR), coastal surveillance, and interdiction operations Support India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision in defence manufacturing
• Enhance ICG’s quick-reaction capability for search & rescue (SAR), coastal surveillance, and interdiction operations
• Support India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision in defence manufacturing
• Key Features:
• First in class with Controllable Pitch Propellers (CPPs) and fully indigenous gearboxes Equipped with 30mm CRN-91 naval gun and two 12.7mm remote-control guns with fire control system Features: Integrated Bridge System (IBS) Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS) Automated Power Management System (APMS) Superior manoeuvrability, operational efficiency, and high-sea performance
• First in class with Controllable Pitch Propellers (CPPs) and fully indigenous gearboxes
• Equipped with 30mm CRN-91 naval gun and two 12.7mm remote-control guns with fire control system
• Features: Integrated Bridge System (IBS) Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS) Automated Power Management System (APMS)
• Integrated Bridge System (IBS)
• Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS)
• Automated Power Management System (APMS)
• Superior manoeuvrability, operational efficiency, and high-sea performance
• Significance:
• Boosts coastal defence and maritime domain awareness. Acts as a force multiplier for ICG’s coastal patrol and humanitarian missions. Strengthens Make in India initiative in the naval defence sector. Enhances India’s response capabilities across its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
• Boosts coastal defence and maritime domain awareness.
• Acts as a force multiplier for ICG’s coastal patrol and humanitarian missions.
• Strengthens Make in India initiative in the naval defence sector.
• Enhances India’s response capabilities across its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 27 June 2025 Mapping:
Male Mahadeshwara Hills Wildlife Sanctuary
Source: DH
Context: Five tigers — a mother and four cubs — were found dead in Karnataka’s Male Mahadeshwara (MM) Hills Wildlife Sanctuary, raising serious concerns about poisoning, wildlife conflict, and tiger conservation lapses.
About Male Mahadeshwara Hills Wildlife Sanctuary:
• Located in Chamarajanagar district, Karnataka, near the Eastern Ghats tri-junction of Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.
• Declared a Wildlife Sanctuary in 2013 and managed under the MM Hills Wildlife Division, which was formerly the Kollegal Forest Division.
• Geography and Ecosystem:
• Covers an area of approximately 906 sq km. Geographically contiguous with: BRT Tiger Reserve Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary Terrain comprises hill ranges, undulating valleys, and altitudinal variation, creating microhabitats.
• Covers an area of approximately 906 sq km.
• Geographically contiguous with: BRT Tiger Reserve Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary
• BRT Tiger Reserve
• Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve
• Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary
• Terrain comprises hill ranges, undulating valleys, and altitudinal variation, creating microhabitats.
• Flora: Dominated by dry and moist deciduous forests, degrading to scrub at fringes.
• Pockets of semi-evergreen, evergreen, and shola forests at higher altitudes.
• Pockets of semi-evergreen, evergreen, and shola forests at higher altitudes.
• Fauna:
• Rich megafauna includes: Tigers, elephants, leopards, gaur, wild dogs (dhole) Herbivores: sambar, barking deer, spotted deer, four-horned antelope Omnivores and others: sloth bear, wild boar, honey badger, langurs Sanctuary has seen a steady rise in tiger population since 2013.
• Rich megafauna includes: Tigers, elephants, leopards, gaur, wild dogs (dhole) Herbivores: sambar, barking deer, spotted deer, four-horned antelope Omnivores and others: sloth bear, wild boar, honey badger, langurs
• Tigers, elephants, leopards, gaur, wild dogs (dhole)
• Herbivores: sambar, barking deer, spotted deer, four-horned antelope
• Omnivores and others: sloth bear, wild boar, honey badger, langurs
• Sanctuary has seen a steady rise in tiger population since 2013.
• Tiger Reserve Proposal:
• Yet to be notified as a Tiger Reserve, despite ecological suitability.
• Yet to be notified as a Tiger Reserve, despite ecological suitability.
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