UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 29 July 2025
Kartavya Desk Staff
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 29 July 2025 covers important current affairs of the day, their backward linkages, their relevance for Prelims exam and MCQs on main articles
InstaLinks : Insta Links help you think beyond the current affairs issue and help you think multidimensionally to develop depth in your understanding of these issues. These linkages provided in this ‘hint’ format help you frame possible questions in your mind that might arise(or an examiner might imagine) from each current event. InstaLinks also connect every issue to their static or theoretical background.
Table of Contents
GS Paper 2 : (UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 29 July (2025)
• State of Food and Nutrition in the World’ (SOFI) 2025 report
State of Food and Nutrition in the World’ (SOFI) 2025 report
• Pendency in Indian Courts
Pendency in Indian Courts
• NEP@5: Five Years of National Education Policy 2020
NEP@5: Five Years of National Education Policy 2020
Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):
• Operation Mahadev
Operation Mahadev
Facts for Prelims (FFP):
• FIDE Women’s World Cup 2025
FIDE Women’s World Cup 2025
• Mera Gaon Meri Dharohar’ (MGMD) Initiative
Mera Gaon Meri Dharohar’ (MGMD) Initiative
• Exercise Divya Drishti
Exercise Divya Drishti
• First-ever Grassland Bird Census in Kaziranga National Park
First-ever Grassland Bird Census in Kaziranga National Park
• Environment Protection (Management of Contaminated Sites) Rules, 2025
Environment Protection (Management of Contaminated Sites) Rules, 2025
• International Tiger Day 2025
International Tiger Day 2025
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 29 July 2025
#### GS Paper 2:
State of Food and Nutrition in the World’ (SOFI) 2025 report
Syllabus: Health
Source: WHO
Context: The UN’s State of Food and Nutrition in the World’ (SOFI) 2025 report revealed that 8.2% of the global population — around 720 million people — were affected by chronic hunger in 2024.
About State of Food and Nutrition in the World’ (SOFI) 2025 report:
• Published by: FAO, WFP, IFAD, WHO, and UNICEF.
• Purpose: Tracks global progress on SDG 2 — zero hunger & malnutrition eradication.
• 2025 Focus: Post-COVID recovery, food affordability, regional inequalities, and projection till 2030.
Key Features of SOFI 2025 Report:
• Global Underperformance: Despite marginal improvements, global hunger levels in 2024 remain above pre-pandemic benchmarks, jeopardising the 2030 SDG-2 target.
• Regional Disparities: Africa, though home to fewer people than Asia, sees over 20% of its population undernourished, reflecting stark regional imbalances.
• Asia’s Burden: Asia continues to host nearly half of the world’s food-insecure population due to sheer numbers, despite modest regional improvements.
• Southeast Progress: Countries in Southeast Asia and South America registered slight declines in hunger, driven by social protection and agri-nutrition reforms.
• Diet Affordability: Over 3 billion people globally are unable to afford a healthy diet, pushing them toward calorie-dense but nutrient-poor options.
• Climate & Conflict Linkages: Ongoing wars and climate events like droughts and floods remain primary catalysts for hunger post-2020.
• Sluggish Recovery: Only a 65 million decline in undernourishment is projected by 2030—nowhere close to the ‘zero hunger’ ambition.
India and SOFI 2025 Report:
• Affordability Crisis:6% of India’s population cannot afford a nutritious diet, indicating a failure in food access despite surplus grain stocks.
• Rural–Urban Divide: Urban food access has improved due to income recovery, while rural India suffers due to PDS inefficiencies and price volatility.
• Child Malnutrition: India still ranks among the highest in child stunting and wasting, indicating persistent early-age nutritional failure.
• Hidden Hunger: Micronutrient deficiencies remain rampant due to cereal-heavy diets with inadequate intake of fruits, vegetables, and proteins.
• Policy Shift Needed: Experts demand inclusion of millets, pulses, and fortified foods into public schemes to tackle undernutrition holistically.
Analysis of Report:
• Positive Developments: Global Gains: Hunger prevalence declined from 8.7% (2022) to 8.2% (2024), showing slow but visible improvement. Regional Recovery: Progress in Southeast Asia and Latin America offers hope for replicable best practices in targeted interventions. Diet Awareness: Governments and civil society have amplified focus on diet quality and nutrition education globally. Institutional Convergence: The collaboration of FAO, WFP, IFAD, WHO, and UNICEF fosters comprehensive, multi-sectoral responses. Data Systems: Hunger mapping and nutrition tracking technologies enable quicker and more targeted interventions.
• Global Gains: Hunger prevalence declined from 8.7% (2022) to 8.2% (2024), showing slow but visible improvement.
• Regional Recovery: Progress in Southeast Asia and Latin America offers hope for replicable best practices in targeted interventions.
• Diet Awareness: Governments and civil society have amplified focus on diet quality and nutrition education globally.
• Institutional Convergence: The collaboration of FAO, WFP, IFAD, WHO, and UNICEF fosters comprehensive, multi-sectoral responses.
• Data Systems: Hunger mapping and nutrition tracking technologies enable quicker and more targeted interventions.
• Negative Trends: Post-COVID Setback: The pandemic reversed a decade of gains, leaving 96 million more people hungry than in 2015. Africa’s Challenge: By 2030, 60% of global undernourished will be in Africa, highlighting the urgency for continental support. SDG Drift: With just a 65 million projected decline by 2030, the pace is too slow to meet global targets. Inequality Spike: The cost of healthy food has risen disproportionately, hurting low-income groups most severely. Persistent Undernourishment: Despite surplus global production, equitable distribution remains a major bottleneck.
• Post-COVID Setback: The pandemic reversed a decade of gains, leaving 96 million more people hungry than in 2015.
• Africa’s Challenge: By 2030, 60% of global undernourished will be in Africa, highlighting the urgency for continental support.
• SDG Drift: With just a 65 million projected decline by 2030, the pace is too slow to meet global targets.
• Inequality Spike: The cost of healthy food has risen disproportionately, hurting low-income groups most severely.
• Persistent Undernourishment: Despite surplus global production, equitable distribution remains a major bottleneck.
Way Ahead:
• Nutrition-centric PDS: Revamp India’s food system by adding diverse, locally grown, and nutrient-rich foods into subsidised channels.
• Diversify Agriculture: Move beyond rice-wheat dominance to include millets, pulses, and horticulture to improve dietary balance.
• Resilient Food Systems: Invest in region-specific, climate-adaptive food systems to enhance food security and reduce disaster-linked hunger.
• Global Coordination: Support Africa and South Asia through climate finance, food aid, and region-focused SDG cooperation.
• Improve Affordability: Align food prices with income growth via minimum wages, inflation targeting, and better supply chains.
Conclusion:
The SOFI 2025 report serves as a reality check on SDG-2, highlighting the growing gap between commitments and outcomes. For India, tackling hidden hunger and diet affordability must be policy priorities. True food security lies not in quantity alone but in nutrition and equity.
Pendency in Indian Courts
Syllabus: Judiciary
Source: TH
Context: India’s judiciary faces a pendency crisis with over 5 crore cases across Supreme Court, High Courts, and District Courts.
• President of India previously highlighted the issue as “Black Coat Syndrome,” indicating rising public distrust due to delayed justice.
About Pendency in Indian Courts:
Current Status
• Pending Cases: 4.6 crore in District Courts, 63.3 lakh in High Courts, 86,700 in Supreme Court.
• Judicial Strength Deficit: India operates with just 15 judges per 10 lakh population vs. Law Commission’s 50.
• Civil vs. Criminal Delay: Only 38.7% civil cases are disposed within a year in district courts vs. 70.6% for criminal cases.
• Vacancy Crisis: 5,665 judge positions vacant across courts; only 79% of sanctioned strength filled.
Key Causes of Judicial Pendency
• Judge Vacancy Crisis:
• Judiciary operates at 79% capacity. 5,665 posts vacant out of 26,927 sanctioned. Only 15 judges per 10 lakh population, far below the Law Commission’s 1987 norm of 50 judges per 10 lakh.
• Judiciary operates at 79% capacity.
• 5,665 posts vacant out of 26,927 sanctioned.
• Only 15 judges per 10 lakh population, far below the Law Commission’s 1987 norm of 50 judges per 10 lakh.
• Disproportionate Civil Delays:
• Only 38.7% of civil cases in district courts resolved within a year. 20% stretch beyond 5 years, mainly in property, family, or contract disputes.
• Only 38.7% of civil cases in district courts resolved within a year.
• 20% stretch beyond 5 years, mainly in property, family, or contract disputes.
• Lack of Timelines and Monitoring:
• No statutory deadlines for filings, hearings, or witness examination. Frequent adjournments and fragmented case scheduling.
• No statutory deadlines for filings, hearings, or witness examination.
• Frequent adjournments and fragmented case scheduling.
• Weak Infrastructure and Staffing: Inadequate courtrooms, administrative support, and digital tools. High judge-to-case and judge-to-population ratios at the subordinate level.
• Inadequate courtrooms, administrative support, and digital tools.
• High judge-to-case and judge-to-population ratios at the subordinate level.
Government Initiatives:
• e-Courts Mission Mode Project:
• 18,735 courts digitised; 99.4% WAN coverage; 3,240 court–jail video links. Phase-III (₹7,210 crore) envisions paperless, unified judicial platform.
• 18,735 courts digitised; 99.4% WAN coverage; 3,240 court–jail video links.
• Phase-III (₹7,210 crore) envisions paperless, unified judicial platform.
• Judicial Infrastructure Scheme:
• Court halls rose from 15,818 (2014) to 23,020 (2024); ₹11,167 crore invested.
• Court halls rose from 15,818 (2014) to 23,020 (2024); ₹11,167 crore invested.
• Appointment Reforms:
• 976 High Court judges and 62 Supreme Court judges appointed since 2014. District judiciary strength increased to 25,609.
• 976 High Court judges and 62 Supreme Court judges appointed since 2014.
• District judiciary strength increased to 25,609.
• Fast Track and Special Courts:
• 866 FTCs and 755 POCSO-special courts functional. 2.53 lakh sensitive cases disposed.
• 866 FTCs and 755 POCSO-special courts functional.
• 2.53 lakh sensitive cases disposed.
• ADR Mechanisms:
• Lok Adalats: 27.5 crore cases resolved since 2021. Mediation Act, 2023: Institutionalises pre-litigation mediation. Arbitration Acts: Strict timelines to resolve commercial disputes.
• Lok Adalats: 27.5 crore cases resolved since 2021.
• Mediation Act, 2023: Institutionalises pre-litigation mediation.
• Arbitration Acts: Strict timelines to resolve commercial disputes.
• Tele-Law & Pro Bono Legal Services:
• 90 lakh beneficiaries via Tele-Law. 11,000 pro bono lawyers under Nyaya Bandhu; legal clubs in 89 law schools.
• 90 lakh beneficiaries via Tele-Law.
• 11,000 pro bono lawyers under Nyaya Bandhu; legal clubs in 89 law schools.
Way Forward:
• Judicial Capacity Expansion:
• Increase sanctioned strength: Augment judge-to-population ratio to reduce workload and ensure timely hearings. Fast-track appointments & reform collegium: Introduce transparent and inclusive selection with timelines to fill vacancies swiftly.
• Increase sanctioned strength: Augment judge-to-population ratio to reduce workload and ensure timely hearings.
• Fast-track appointments & reform collegium: Introduce transparent and inclusive selection with timelines to fill vacancies swiftly.
• Digital Justice Delivery:
• Scale up e-courts & AI tools: Use technology for virtual hearings, e-filing, and automated scheduling to cut delays. Implement FASTER system: Enable real-time digital transmission of orders to reduce procedural delays in bail and urgent cases.
• Scale up e-courts & AI tools: Use technology for virtual hearings, e-filing, and automated scheduling to cut delays.
• Implement FASTER system: Enable real-time digital transmission of orders to reduce procedural delays in bail and urgent cases.
• Alternate Dispute Resolution Push:
• Mandatory mediation: Make pre-litigation mediation compulsory in civil and commercial cases to avoid unnecessary trials. Train certified mediators: Develop a national pool of skilled ADR professionals for effective and quick resolution.
• Mandatory mediation: Make pre-litigation mediation compulsory in civil and commercial cases to avoid unnecessary trials.
• Train certified mediators: Develop a national pool of skilled ADR professionals for effective and quick resolution.
• Specialised Benches:
• Create domain-specific courts: Set up dedicated benches for environment, tax, IPR, and cyber law to improve expertise and speed.
• Create domain-specific courts: Set up dedicated benches for environment, tax, IPR, and cyber law to improve expertise and speed.
• Public-Centric Legal Access:
• Expand legal aid tools: Increase reach of Tele-Law, mobile clinics, and regional language judgments for rural justice access. Promote legal awareness: Introduce legal literacy via school curriculum, court streaming, and public engagement programs.
• Expand legal aid tools: Increase reach of Tele-Law, mobile clinics, and regional language judgments for rural justice access.
• Promote legal awareness: Introduce legal literacy via school curriculum, court streaming, and public engagement programs.
Conclusion:
Timely and affordable justice is central to constitutional governance. India’s judicial backlog reflects deep structural challenges — but with sustained reforms, technology adoption, ADR mechanisms, and institutional transparency, the judiciary can emerge as a pillar of accessible democracy, not a symbol of delay.
NEP@5: Five Years of National Education Policy 2020
Syllabus: Education
Source: TOI
Context: The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 has completed 5 years since its launch on 29th July 2020. the policy has seen some classroom-level implementation but continues to face delays due to institutional hurdles and Centre–State disagreements.
About NEP@5: Five Years of National Education Policy 2020:
Key Provisions of NEP 2020:
• New School Structure (5+3+3+4): Replaces the 10+2 model with a learning-focused framework from ages 3–18. E.g., preschool (3–6 years) is now formally integrated into schooling.
• Foundational Literacy & Numeracy (FLN): NIPUN Bharat aims to ensure all students attain basic literacy and numeracy by Class 3.
E.g., PARAKH surveys monitor progress.
• Multilingual Education: Promotes mother tongue/regional language as the medium till Grade 5, supporting cognitive development.
• Flexible Undergraduate Education: Introduces multiple entry-exit options, Academic Bank of Credits (ABC), and multidisciplinary courses.
• Common Entrance Test (CUET): National-level admission test for UG courses to ensure fairness and eliminate multiple exams.
• Teacher Training Overhaul: National Professional Standards for Teachers (NPST) and integrated B.Ed programmes to improve quality.
• Equity & Inclusion: Focus on SC/ST/OBC, minorities, women, and NE states; expansion of scholarships and language access.
• Regulatory Reform – HECI Proposal: Plans to replace UGC, AICTE with one umbrella regulator — Higher Education Commission of India.
• Digital and Adult Education Push: Enhancing online learning, MOOC recognition, and aiming for 100% youth/adult literacy.
• Increase Education Spending to 6% of GDP: Targets higher public investment in both school and higher education sectors.
Achievements in the Last 5 Years:
• Surge in Enrolment & Inclusivity: Higher education enrolment rose to 4.46 crore and SC, ST, Muslim, and NE students saw 36–75% growth.
E.g. Female PhD enrolment doubled to 1.12 lakh, showing gender and regional inclusion.
• Early Childhood Education Gains: Over 1.1 crore enrolled in Balvatikas; 4.2 crore children entered ‘Vidya Pravesh’ readiness modules.
E.g. ECCE linked to play-based and language-diverse kits like Jaadui Pitara.
• Foundational Literacy Drive (NIPUN Bharat): ASER 2024: 23.4% Class III students read Grade II text vs 16.3% in 2022 and arithmetic gains also visible.
• Credit Flexibility and ABC Rollout: 32 crore Academic Bank of Credit (ABC) IDs created and 2,556 institutions onboarded.
• Internationalisation & CUET Success: CUET adopted widely, reducing coaching race; IIT/IIM campuses opened in Dubai, Zanzibar.
Challenges in Implementation:
• Federal Tensions and Policy Pushback: States like Tamil Nadu, Kerala oppose PM SHRI and 3-language formula citing centralisation.
• Slow Institutional & Legal Reforms: HECI Bill still pending; Board exam reform (2 attempts/year) yet to scale.
• Teacher Training and Curriculum Delay: National Curriculum Framework for Teacher Education (NCFTE) not released.
• Poor Exit–Entry Uptake Despite Credits: Only ~31,000 UG and ~5,500 PG students used the ABC system till 2025.
• Infrastructure and Digital Access Gaps: Many rural schools lack digital tools, trained staff, or early-grade resources.
Way Forward:
• Centre–State Synergy and Localisation: Adapt NEP flexibly via contextual MoUs, capacity-building, and decentralised reforms.
• Strengthen Foundational & ECCE Systems: Upgrade Anganwadis, align ECCE–school pedagogy, and scale training modules.
E.g. Expand Jaadui Pitara and Vidya Pravesh under NIPUN Bharat.
• Operationalise HECI & Regulatory Unification: Fast-track the Higher Education Commission of India Bill for unified oversight.
E.g. Merge NHERC, NAC, GEC, and HEGC for standardised regulation.
• Expand Awareness of Credit & Digital Frameworks: Launch outreach drives in universities for ABC/NCrF uptake and reduce dropouts.
• Promote Equity, Research & Financing Models: Set up caste–gender dashboards and support regional language content and blended finance.
Conclusion:
The NEP 2020 has made visible progress in enrolment, foundational learning, and institutional flexibility. Yet, policy bottlenecks, digital divides, and centre–state friction slow its full potential. A calibrated push for inclusive, locally-adapted, tech-integrated reforms can turn vision into ground reality.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 29 July 2025 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)
Operation Mahadev
Context: Operation Mahadev, a joint counter-terrorist mission near Srinagar, successfully neutralised three high-value terrorists, including Suleiman Shah, the mastermind behind the April 22 Pahalgam attack.
About Operation Mahadev:
• What It Is? A precision counter-terror operation executed to eliminate Lashkar-e-Taiba-linked terrorists hiding near Lidwas, Harwan in Srinagar.
• A precision counter-terror operation executed to eliminate Lashkar-e-Taiba-linked terrorists hiding near Lidwas, Harwan in Srinagar.
• Launched By: Jointly launched by the Indian Army (Para SF), CRPF, and Jammu & Kashmir Police, under the strategic command of Chinar Corps.
• Objective: To neutralise terrorists involved in high-profile attacks, especially those responsible for the Pahalgam and Sonamarg Tunnel assaults.
• Significance:
• Major blow to cross-border terror infrastructure operating in Kashmir. Removed Pakistan-trained terrorists, including a former Pak Army man. Boosts morale of security forces amid ongoing Operation Sindoor debate.
• Major blow to cross-border terror infrastructure operating in Kashmir.
• Removed Pakistan-trained terrorists, including a former Pak Army man.
• Boosts morale of security forces amid ongoing Operation Sindoor debate.
Relevance in UPSC Exam:
• GS Paper 3 – Internal Security: Illustrates India’s counter-terrorism strategy, intelligence-led operations, and coordination among armed forces and paramilitary.
• GS Paper 2 – India’s Neighbourhood Relations: Highlights cross-border terrorism and Pakistan’s involvement via non-state actors.
• Essay/Ethics: Can be cited as an example of proactive leadership, inter-agency cooperation, and ethical dilemma in use of force in insurgency zones.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 29 July 2025 Facts for Prelims (FFP):
FIDE Women’s World Cup 2025
Source: TOI
Context: Divya Deshmukh created history by becoming the first Indian woman to win the FIDE Women’s Chess World Cup 2025, defeating veteran Koneru Humpy in the final held in Batumi, Georgia.
About FIDE Women’s World Cup 2025:
• What is it? A prestigious 107-player knockout tournament conducted by the International Chess Federation (FIDE) to determine top contenders for the Women’s Candidates Tournament 2026.
• A prestigious 107-player knockout tournament conducted by the International Chess Federation (FIDE) to determine top contenders for the Women’s Candidates Tournament 2026.
• Venue & Timeline: Held in Batumi, Georgia, from 5 July to 29 July 2025. It was the third edition of the Women’s Chess World Cup.
Tournament Format:
• Structure: The event followed a 7-round knockout format, where players face direct elimination upon losing a match.
• Seeding Advantage: The top 21 ranked players automatically entered from Round 2, giving them a bye in the first round.
• Match Setup in Each Round: Classical Games (first 2 days): Two games per match. Each player gets 90 minutes for the first 40 moves. After move 40: an extra 30 minutes is added. From move 1: a 30-second increment is given for every move. If scores are tied after classical games: First Tie-breaker: Two rapid games with 15 minutes + 10-second increment per move. Still tied? Two more rapid games with 10 minutes + 10-second increment. Still tied? Two blitz games with 5 minutes + 3-second increment. Still no winner? Armageddon Game: White gets 3 minutes; Black gets 2 minutes. A 2-second increment starts from move 61. Black wins in case of a draw, making it a high-pressure decider. Result: Divya Deshmukh won 5–0.5 in rapid tiebreaks and earns a spot in the Women’s Candidates Tournament 2026. Significance: First Indian to win this title. Becomes India’s 88th Grandmaster, and only 4th Indian woman Marks a generational shift in Indian chess
• Classical Games (first 2 days): Two games per match. Each player gets 90 minutes for the first 40 moves. After move 40: an extra 30 minutes is added. From move 1: a 30-second increment is given for every move.
• Two games per match.
• Each player gets 90 minutes for the first 40 moves.
• After move 40: an extra 30 minutes is added.
• From move 1: a 30-second increment is given for every move.
• If scores are tied after classical games: First Tie-breaker: Two rapid games with 15 minutes + 10-second increment per move. Still tied? Two more rapid games with 10 minutes + 10-second increment. Still tied? Two blitz games with 5 minutes + 3-second increment. Still no winner? Armageddon Game: White gets 3 minutes; Black gets 2 minutes. A 2-second increment starts from move 61. Black wins in case of a draw, making it a high-pressure decider. Result: Divya Deshmukh won 5–0.5 in rapid tiebreaks and earns a spot in the Women’s Candidates Tournament 2026. Significance: First Indian to win this title. Becomes India’s 88th Grandmaster, and only 4th Indian woman Marks a generational shift in Indian chess
• First Tie-breaker: Two rapid games with 15 minutes + 10-second increment per move.
• Two rapid games with 15 minutes + 10-second increment per move.
• Still tied? Two more rapid games with 10 minutes + 10-second increment.
• Two more rapid games with 10 minutes + 10-second increment.
• Still tied? Two blitz games with 5 minutes + 3-second increment.
• Two blitz games with 5 minutes + 3-second increment.
• Still no winner? Armageddon Game: White gets 3 minutes; Black gets 2 minutes. A 2-second increment starts from move 61. Black wins in case of a draw, making it a high-pressure decider. Result: Divya Deshmukh won 5–0.5 in rapid tiebreaks and earns a spot in the Women’s Candidates Tournament 2026. Significance: First Indian to win this title. Becomes India’s 88th Grandmaster, and only 4th Indian woman Marks a generational shift in Indian chess
• Armageddon Game: White gets 3 minutes; Black gets 2 minutes. A 2-second increment starts from move 61. Black wins in case of a draw, making it a high-pressure decider.
• White gets 3 minutes; Black gets 2 minutes.
• A 2-second increment starts from move 61.
• Black wins in case of a draw, making it a high-pressure decider.
• Result: Divya Deshmukh won 5–0.5 in rapid tiebreaks and earns a spot in the Women’s Candidates Tournament 2026.
• Significance: First Indian to win this title. Becomes India’s 88th Grandmaster, and only 4th Indian woman Marks a generational shift in Indian chess
• First Indian to win this title.
• Becomes India’s 88th Grandmaster, and only 4th Indian woman
• Marks a generational shift in Indian chess
Mera Gaon Meri Dharohar’ (MGMD) Initiative
Source: DD News
Context: Over 4.7 lakh villages have been culturally documented under the ‘Mera Gaon Meri Dharohar’ (MGMD) initiative, as informed by the Ministry of Culture in Parliament.
About Mera Gaon Meri Dharohar (MGMD) Initiative:
• What it is? A nationwide cultural mapping project to document the intangible cultural heritage of Indian villages.
• A nationwide cultural mapping project to document the intangible cultural heritage of Indian villages.
• Launched in: June 2023, under the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations.
• Aim: To map, preserve, and digitally archive traditional knowledge systems, rituals, oral traditions, festivals, and local art forms across 6.5 lakh villages.
• Features: Implemented by IGNCA. Cultural database of over 4.7 lakh villages already created. 360° video documentation of 750 villages. Development of MGMD Web Portal as the National Cultural Workplace (NCWP). Part of National Mission on Cultural Mapping. User-editable data, artist registrations, UICs, and link to welfare schemes.
• Implemented by IGNCA.
• Cultural database of over 4.7 lakh villages already created.
• 360° video documentation of 750 villages.
• Development of MGMD Web Portal as the National Cultural Workplace (NCWP).
• Part of National Mission on Cultural Mapping.
• User-editable data, artist registrations, UICs, and link to welfare schemes.
About National Mission on Cultural Mapping (NMCM):
• What it is? A flagship mission to digitally map India’s cultural ecosystem and empower artist communities.
• A flagship mission to digitally map India’s cultural ecosystem and empower artist communities.
• Launched in: By the Ministry of Culture, Government of India.
• Aim: Identify and promote cultural assets. Create a national database of artists and art forms. Foster rural development and self-reliant village economies via cultural industries.
• Identify and promote cultural assets.
• Create a national database of artists and art forms.
• Foster rural development and self-reliant village economies via cultural industries.
• Key Features: Creation of National Digital Inventories. Virtual Living Museum, digital badges, and village travel passports. Cultural event uploads, artist branding, and ranking via UIC. Integration with government welfare schemes.
• Creation of National Digital Inventories.
• Virtual Living Museum, digital badges, and village travel passports.
• Cultural event uploads, artist branding, and ranking via UIC.
• Integration with government welfare schemes.
Exercise Divya Drishti
Source: NIE
Context: The Indian Army successfully conducted Exercise Divya Drishti in East Sikkim to test artificial intelligence (AI)-based battlefield awareness, real-time surveillance, and next-generation warfare technologies under high-altitude operational conditions.
About Exercise Divya Drishti:
• What is Exercise Divya Drishti? A high-altitude technology demonstration by the Indian Army, aimed at validating AI-integrated surveillance, real-time decision-making, and sensor-to-shooter systems under realistic battlefield conditions.
• A high-altitude technology demonstration by the Indian Army, aimed at validating AI-integrated surveillance, real-time decision-making, and sensor-to-shooter systems under realistic battlefield conditions.
• Launched by: Indian Army’s Trishakti Corps.
• Objectives:
• Test battlefield digitization tools under extreme Himalayan terrain. Integrate AI sensors with communication systems for seamless data flow. Validate UAV-drone-ground synergy in combat scenarios. Advance doctrines on future warfare, aligning with Atmanirbhar Bharat and the Army’s Decade of Transformation roadmap.
• Test battlefield digitization tools under extreme Himalayan terrain.
• Integrate AI sensors with communication systems for seamless data flow.
• Validate UAV-drone-ground synergy in combat scenarios.
• Advance doctrines on future warfare, aligning with Atmanirbhar Bharat and the Army’s Decade of Transformation roadmap.
• Features:
• Realistic Deployment: Ground-based platforms, drones, and UAVs simulated operational missions in East Sikkim. AI-Enabled Sensors: Used to generate battlefield intelligence, map terrain, and enhance situational awareness in real time. Sensor-to-Shooter Linkage: Enabled instant data transmission from surveillance devices to command centres and firepower units. Secured Communications: Integrated networked communication channels ensured smooth relay of tactical data. Future-Ready Technologies: Aligned with indigenous defence development under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
• Realistic Deployment: Ground-based platforms, drones, and UAVs simulated operational missions in East Sikkim.
• AI-Enabled Sensors: Used to generate battlefield intelligence, map terrain, and enhance situational awareness in real time.
• Sensor-to-Shooter Linkage: Enabled instant data transmission from surveillance devices to command centres and firepower units.
• Secured Communications: Integrated networked communication channels ensured smooth relay of tactical data.
• Future-Ready Technologies: Aligned with indigenous defence development under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
• Significance:
• Boosts Tactical Readiness: Prepares the Army for hybrid warfare across terrains — especially in Himalayan conflict zones. Supports Self-Reliance: Promotes Make in India in defence tech, reducing dependency on imports. Strengthens Decision Speed: Minimizes command lag through AI-driven situational assessment and instant responses.
• Boosts Tactical Readiness: Prepares the Army for hybrid warfare across terrains — especially in Himalayan conflict zones.
• Supports Self-Reliance: Promotes Make in India in defence tech, reducing dependency on imports.
• Strengthens Decision Speed: Minimizes command lag through AI-driven situational assessment and instant responses.
First-ever Grassland Bird Census in Kaziranga National Park
Source: IE
Context: Prime Minister of India highlighted the first-ever Grassland Bird Census in Kaziranga National Park during his Mann ki Baat, praising its innovative use of acoustic technology and its role in biodiversity conservation.
About First-ever Grassland Bird Census in Kaziranga National Park:
• What is it? A landmark bird population survey aimed specifically at grassland-dwelling birds in Kaziranga National Park (Assam), covering the period from March 18 to May 25, 2025.
• A landmark bird population survey aimed specifically at grassland-dwelling birds in Kaziranga National Park (Assam), covering the period from March 18 to May 25, 2025.
• Who conducted it? Jointly undertaken by:
• Jointly undertaken by:
• Forest department officials Researchers including INSPIRE fellow Chiranjib Bora Conservationists and Kaziranga park authorities
• Forest department officials Researchers including INSPIRE fellow Chiranjib Bora Conservationists and Kaziranga park authorities
• Forest department officials
• Researchers including INSPIRE fellow Chiranjib Bora
• Conservationists and Kaziranga park authorities
• Objectives of the Census:
• Monitor population of grassland bird species Identify rare, endemic, and globally threatened species Map breeding patterns and ecological health of the habitat
• Monitor population of grassland bird species
• Identify rare, endemic, and globally threatened species
• Map breeding patterns and ecological health of the habitat
• Methodology and Innovation:
• Passive Acoustic Monitoring: Recorders placed on tall trees captured birdcalls during the breeding season (March–May). Audio Identification Tools: Spectrogram analysis for visualizing sound frequencies AI-based BirdNET software to identify bird species by song Coverage: Surveyed 29 locations using six recorders over three-day cycles
• Passive Acoustic Monitoring: Recorders placed on tall trees captured birdcalls during the breeding season (March–May).
• Audio Identification Tools: Spectrogram analysis for visualizing sound frequencies AI-based BirdNET software to identify bird species by song
• Spectrogram analysis for visualizing sound frequencies
• AI-based BirdNET software to identify bird species by song
• Coverage: Surveyed 29 locations using six recorders over three-day cycles
• Key Features of the Census:
• First of its kind in India: Focused exclusively on grassland bird species, often underrepresented in conventional bird surveys. Data-Driven Approach: Documented 43 species, including 1 Critically Endangered, 2 Endangered, and 6 Vulnerable birds as per the IUCN Red List. Conservation Breakthrough: Discovery of over 85 nests of the endangered Finn’s Weaver, endemic to the Brahmaputra floodplains. Ecological Indicator Role: Presence of grassland birds indicates healthy habitat quality, similar to BMI as a health marker. Highlight on Threats: Census underlined habitat loss due to ecological succession, overgrazing, cultivation, and climate change impacts.
• First of its kind in India: Focused exclusively on grassland bird species, often underrepresented in conventional bird surveys.
• Data-Driven Approach: Documented 43 species, including 1 Critically Endangered, 2 Endangered, and 6 Vulnerable birds as per the IUCN Red List.
• Conservation Breakthrough: Discovery of over 85 nests of the endangered Finn’s Weaver, endemic to the Brahmaputra floodplains.
• Ecological Indicator Role: Presence of grassland birds indicates healthy habitat quality, similar to BMI as a health marker.
• Highlight on Threats: Census underlined habitat loss due to ecological succession, overgrazing, cultivation, and climate change impacts.
Environment Protection (Management of Contaminated Sites) Rules, 2025
Source: TH
Context: The Union Environment Ministry has notified the Environment Protection (Management of Contaminated Sites) Rules, 2025, offering India its first legal framework to scientifically identify, assess, and clean up chemically contaminated sites.
About Environment Protection (Management of Contaminated Sites) Rules, 2025:
• What It Is? A comprehensive legal framework under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 to manage, assess, and remediate chemically contaminated sites across India.
• A comprehensive legal framework under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 to manage, assess, and remediate chemically contaminated sites across India.
• Ministry: Notified by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
• Objective: To establish a time-bound, legally binding mechanism for the identification, assessment, and remediation of contaminated sites caused by hazardous chemical and waste dumping, in line with the “Polluter Pays” principle and environmental health protection.
• To establish a time-bound, legally binding mechanism for the identification, assessment, and remediation of contaminated sites caused by hazardous chemical and waste dumping, in line with the “Polluter Pays” principle and environmental health protection.
• What is Contaminated Site? Sites where hazardous or chemical waste was dumped historically, causing long-term pollution of soil, water, or air. These include abandoned landfills, chemical spill zones, illegal waste sites, and defunct industrial areas.
• Sites where hazardous or chemical waste was dumped historically, causing long-term pollution of soil, water, or air. These include abandoned landfills, chemical spill zones, illegal waste sites, and defunct industrial areas.
• Key Provisions: Site Identification & Monitoring: District authorities must submit biannual reports on suspected contaminated sites. State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) or designated bodies must provide a preliminary assessment within 90 days. Final Confirmation & Remediation: Within 180 days, sites must be fully evaluated and confirmed for contamination. A reference organisation (expert body) prepares a remediation plan. Responsibility & Liability: SPCBs must identify the polluter within 90 days. If untraceable or insolvent, the Centre and States jointly bear cleanup costs. Criminal liability enforced under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (2023) if human/environmental harm is proven. Transparency & Enforcement: Mandatory creation of a national inventory of contaminated sites. Public disclosure of cleanup status and annual audits required. Significance for Environmental Governance: Fills critical policy vacuum by giving statutory teeth to CPCB’s contaminated site list. Operationalizes “Polluter Pays” principle with strict timelines. Aligns India with UN SDG 6 (clean water), SDG 3 (health), and SDG 12 (responsible consumption & waste).
• Site Identification & Monitoring: District authorities must submit biannual reports on suspected contaminated sites. State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) or designated bodies must provide a preliminary assessment within 90 days.
• District authorities must submit biannual reports on suspected contaminated sites.
• State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) or designated bodies must provide a preliminary assessment within 90 days.
• Final Confirmation & Remediation: Within 180 days, sites must be fully evaluated and confirmed for contamination. A reference organisation (expert body) prepares a remediation plan.
• Within 180 days, sites must be fully evaluated and confirmed for contamination.
• A reference organisation (expert body) prepares a remediation plan.
• Responsibility & Liability: SPCBs must identify the polluter within 90 days. If untraceable or insolvent, the Centre and States jointly bear cleanup costs. Criminal liability enforced under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (2023) if human/environmental harm is proven.
• SPCBs must identify the polluter within 90 days.
• If untraceable or insolvent, the Centre and States jointly bear cleanup costs.
• Criminal liability enforced under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (2023) if human/environmental harm is proven.
• Transparency & Enforcement: Mandatory creation of a national inventory of contaminated sites. Public disclosure of cleanup status and annual audits required.
• Mandatory creation of a national inventory of contaminated sites.
• Public disclosure of cleanup status and annual audits required.
• Significance for Environmental Governance: Fills critical policy vacuum by giving statutory teeth to CPCB’s contaminated site list. Operationalizes “Polluter Pays” principle with strict timelines. Aligns India with UN SDG 6 (clean water), SDG 3 (health), and SDG 12 (responsible consumption & waste).
• Fills critical policy vacuum by giving statutory teeth to CPCB’s contaminated site list.
• Operationalizes “Polluter Pays” principle with strict timelines.
• Aligns India with UN SDG 6 (clean water), SDG 3 (health), and SDG 12 (responsible consumption & waste).
International Tiger Day 2025
Source: ET
Context: India is celebrating International Tiger Day 2025 on July 29, highlighting its achievement of housing 75% of the world’s wild tigers across 58 reserves.
About International Tiger Day 2025:
• What is it? A global awareness day observed annually on July 29, aiming to raise awareness about tiger protection and habitat conservation.
• A global awareness day observed annually on July 29, aiming to raise awareness about tiger protection and habitat conservation.
• Established in: 2010, during the Petersburg Tiger Summit in Russia, with participation from 13 tiger-range countries, including India.
• Key Features:
• Platform to highlight threats like habitat loss, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict. Monitors progress on the Tx2 Goal—to double wild tiger populations by 2022. Celebrates efforts made by countries in increasing tiger numbers and protecting forests.
• Platform to highlight threats like habitat loss, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict.
• Monitors progress on the Tx2 Goal—to double wild tiger populations by 2022.
• Celebrates efforts made by countries in increasing tiger numbers and protecting forests.
• India’s Tiger Conservation Journey: Project Tiger (Launched in 1973):
• Project Tiger (Launched in 1973):
• Started with 9 reserves, expanded to 58 tiger reserves. Governed by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA). Reserves now cover 2% of India’s land area.
• Started with 9 reserves, expanded to 58 tiger reserves. Governed by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA). Reserves now cover 2% of India’s land area.
• Started with 9 reserves, expanded to 58 tiger reserves.
• Governed by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).
• Reserves now cover 2% of India’s land area.
• Major Achievements:
• Doubled tiger population: From ~1,400 in 2006 to 3,682 in 2024. Achieved the global Tx2 target ahead of schedule. Tigers occupy 138,200 sq. km of forest shared with ~60 million people.
• Doubled tiger population: From ~1,400 in 2006 to 3,682 in 2024. Achieved the global Tx2 target ahead of schedule. Tigers occupy 138,200 sq. km of forest shared with ~60 million people.
• Doubled tiger population: From ~1,400 in 2006 to 3,682 in 2024.
• Achieved the global Tx2 target ahead of schedule.
• Tigers occupy 138,200 sq. km of forest shared with ~60 million people.
• Ecological Significance:
• Tigers regulate herbivore populations, preserving forest balance. Healthy tiger habitats support biodiversity, improve climate resilience, and act as carbon sinks. Forests act as water catchments, helping nearby agriculture and communities.
• Tigers regulate herbivore populations, preserving forest balance. Healthy tiger habitats support biodiversity, improve climate resilience, and act as carbon sinks. Forests act as water catchments, helping nearby agriculture and communities.
• Tigers regulate herbivore populations, preserving forest balance.
• Healthy tiger habitats support biodiversity, improve climate resilience, and act as carbon sinks.
• Forests act as water catchments, helping nearby agriculture and communities.
• India’s Role in Global Conservation:
• Contributes 75% of world’s tiger population, while holding only 18% of global tiger habitat. India’s model, combining scientific management, legal protection, and community participation, is emulated by other tiger-range nations.
• Contributes 75% of world’s tiger population, while holding only 18% of global tiger habitat.
• India’s model, combining scientific management, legal protection, and community participation, is emulated by other tiger-range nations.
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