UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 30 June 2025
Kartavya Desk Staff
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 30 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 3 : (UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 30 June (2025)
• Western Ghats Conservation
Western Ghats Conservation
• Revised Guidelines Under the Biomass Programme
Revised Guidelines Under the Biomass Programme
Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):
• Hong Kong Convention (HKC)
Hong Kong Convention (HKC)
Facts for Prelims (FFP):
• India Energy Stack (IES)
India Energy Stack (IES)
• C. Mahalanobis
C. Mahalanobis
• National Turmeric Board Inaugurated in Telangana
National Turmeric Board Inaugurated in Telangana
• National Sample Survey (NSS)
National Sample Survey (NSS)
• Bihar Launches India’s First Mobile e-Voting System in Local Body Polls
Bihar Launches India’s First Mobile e-Voting System in Local Body Polls
• Early Harappan Burial Discovery in Gujarat’s Lakhapar
Early Harappan Burial Discovery in Gujarat’s Lakhapar
Mapping:
• Sariska Tiger Reserve
Sariska Tiger Reserve
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 30 June 2025
#### GS Paper 3:
Western Ghats Conservation
Syllabus: Environment
Source: IE
Context: Ecologist Madhav Gadgil has urged for a community-centric approach to conserve the Western Ghats, citing failure of forest bureaucracy and neglect of Forest Rights Act implementation.
About Western Ghats Conservation:
• What is It? A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s eight hottest hotspots of biodiversity, the Western Ghats stretch along the western edge of the Deccan Plateau, influencing monsoon systems and sustaining rich ecosystems.
• A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s eight hottest hotspots of biodiversity, the Western Ghats stretch along the western edge of the Deccan Plateau, influencing monsoon systems and sustaining rich ecosystems.
• States Involved: Spread across Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.
• Key Features:
• Rich Biodiversity: Hosts over 7,400 species, with high endemism in flora and fauna. Hydrological Role: Origin of rivers like Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri, critical for peninsular water security. Climatic Influence: Traps monsoon winds, creating high rainfall zones and acting as a climate regulator. Topographical Diversity: Composed of lateritic plateaus, escarpments, valleys, and peaks like Anai Mudi (2,695 m).
• Rich Biodiversity: Hosts over 7,400 species, with high endemism in flora and fauna.
• Hydrological Role: Origin of rivers like Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri, critical for peninsular water security.
• Climatic Influence: Traps monsoon winds, creating high rainfall zones and acting as a climate regulator.
• Topographical Diversity: Composed of lateritic plateaus, escarpments, valleys, and peaks like Anai Mudi (2,695 m).
Formation of Western Ghats:
• Precambrian Origin: The Western Ghats are part of the Peninsular Shield (Deccan Plateau), dating back to the Precambrian Era (>600 million years ago). Formed through cratonic uplift and volcanic activity, not orogenic (folding) processes like the Himalayas.
• The Western Ghats are part of the Peninsular Shield (Deccan Plateau), dating back to the Precambrian Era (>600 million years ago).
• Formed through cratonic uplift and volcanic activity, not orogenic (folding) processes like the Himalayas.
• Deccan Traps Volcanism: The plateau’s uplift and the massive basaltic lava flows during the Deccan Trap eruption led to step-like highlands across western India. The Ghats are the western edge of this trap topography (trap = stair-step in Swedish).
• The plateau’s uplift and the massive basaltic lava flows during the Deccan Trap eruption led to step-like highlands across western India.
• The Ghats are the western edge of this trap topography (trap = stair-step in Swedish).
• Faulting and Escarpment Formation: As India drifted northward after breaking from Gondwana (~100 million years ago), the western edge of the Deccan Plateau fractured and subsided, forming an escarpment (steep slope). The Arabian Sea coast subsided, and the land adjacent to it (the Ghats) remained uplifted, forming a rugged edge.
• As India drifted northward after breaking from Gondwana (~100 million years ago), the western edge of the Deccan Plateau fractured and subsided, forming an escarpment (steep slope).
• The Arabian Sea coast subsided, and the land adjacent to it (the Ghats) remained uplifted, forming a rugged edge.
• Erosional and Fluvial Processes: Over millions of years, erosion by monsoon-fed rivers carved deep valleys and dissected the mountain range. Today’s terrain shows residual plateaus, lateritic caps, and canyon-like valleys.
• Over millions of years, erosion by monsoon-fed rivers carved deep valleys and dissected the mountain range.
• Today’s terrain shows residual plateaus, lateritic caps, and canyon-like valleys.
Issues Plaguing the Western Ghats:
• Flawed Forest Governance: Forest Department uses outdated and inflated data, limiting transparency and ecological planning.
E.g. Gadgil’s 1975 study in Uttara Kannada revealed 10x overestimated bamboo stocks used to justify a paper mill.
• Industrial Pollution & Misuse of Resources: Polluting industries operate in ecologically fragile zones, backed by state support and no accountability.
E.g. Grasim Rayon Factory discharged toxic mercury into Chaliyar River, destroying fisheries and tribal livelihoods.
• Non-Implementation of Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006: Tribal and forest-dependent communities continue to be denied Community Forest Rights (CFR) despite legal entitlements.
E.g. In most districts of Kerala and Karnataka, CFR claims remain pending, causing disenfranchisement.
• Monoculture Plantations & Pesticide Use: Forest lands are diverted for eucalyptus and acacia plantations, harming native biodiversity and soil health.
E.g. Wayanad experienced decline in pollinators and soil microbes due to pesticide-intensive plantations.
• Ecologically Harmful Fire Practices: Communities light fires to collect tendu leaves, degrading forest cover and threatening wildlife habitats.
E.g. Forest fires in Gadchiroli and parts of Karnataka have escalated due to unsustainable collection methods.
• Inaccessible, Aggregated Forest Data: Forest Survey of India provides delayed and district-level data, hiding local forest degradation.
E.g. In the 1970s, NRSC satellite imagery showed forest cover at 15%, while FD falsely claimed 23%.
Committees on Western Ghats Conservation:
• Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel (WGEEP), 2011 Led by Madhav Gadgil, recommended ESA zoning, CFR implementation, and Gram Sabha-led conservation.
• Led by Madhav Gadgil, recommended ESA zoning, CFR implementation, and Gram Sabha-led conservation.
• Kasturirangan Committee, 2013 Favoured a development-friendly approach, reducing ESA coverage and diluting people’s participation in governance.
• Favoured a development-friendly approach, reducing ESA coverage and diluting people’s participation in governance.
Way Ahead:
• Implement Community Forest Rights (CFR) under FRA, 2006: Recognizing CFR empowers communities economically and ecologically by giving them ownership and responsibility.
E.g. Pachgaon, Maharashtra earns income from bamboo, avoids forest fires, and has restored sacred groves.
• Promote Democratic Decentralisation: Empowering Gram Sabhas ensures local knowledge and accountability in forest conservation.
E.g. Kerala’s VSS model (Vana Samrakshana Samiti) enables community-led forest protection and revenue sharing.
• Modernise Ecological Data Systems: Use real-time open-access satellite tools like Google Earth or Bhuvan for monitoring forest health and changes.
E.g. Global Forest Watch now provides 30m resolution data that can be used to counter false FSI claims.
• Ban Unsustainable Industrial Activities in ESA: Enforce SC-mandated mining bans in wildlife corridors and fragile ecosystems to avoid irreversible biodiversity loss.
E.g. Mining in Goa and Kerala hill tracts led to habitat fragmentation and water table depletion.
• Promote Biodiversity-Compatible Livelihoods: Encourage NTFP-based enterprises, eco-tourism, and agro-forestry to align income generation with conservation.
E.g. Wayanad tribal co-operatives market organic turmeric and wild honey internationally.
Conclusion:
The Western Ghats are vital for India’s ecological stability, water security, and cultural heritage. Conservation cannot succeed without empowering its long-standing forest communities. Democratic, data-driven, and ecologically just governance is the only way forward.
• There is no formation of deltas by rivers of the Western Ghat. Why? (UPSC-2013)
Revised Guidelines Under The Biomass Programme
Context: The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) revised guidelines under the Biomass Programme (Phase-I, 2021–26).
• Aim to streamline clean energy adoption, support MSMEs, and address stubble burning with more flexibility and financial incentives.
About Revised Guidelines Under the Biomass Programme:
• Launched by: MNRE under National Bioenergy Programme Phase-I
• Term: 2021–22 to 2025–26
• Objective: Promote briquette/pellet manufacturing and biomass (non-bagasse) based cogeneration in industries.
• Targeted Plants: Biomass briquette/pellet units & industrial biomass-based cogeneration setups.
Key Features:
• CFA Support: ₹9 lakh per MTPH for briquette/pellet plants (max ₹45 lakh/plant) ₹40 lakh/MW for cogeneration projects (max ₹5 crore/project) E.g. A 2 MTPH pellet plant can avail ₹18 lakh assistance.
• ₹9 lakh per MTPH for briquette/pellet plants (max ₹45 lakh/plant)
• ₹40 lakh/MW for cogeneration projects (max ₹5 crore/project)
• E.g. A 2 MTPH pellet plant can avail ₹18 lakh assistance.
• Monitoring Mechanism: Mandates Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) or IoT-based remote monitoring for transparency.
• Eligibility Criteria: Only new equipment eligible for subsidy and projects to be routed via an online portal.
• Inspection Agencies: SNAs and Sardar Swaran Singh National Institute of Bio-Energy (SSS-NIBE)
Revised Biomass Guidelines:
• Simplified Documentation: Removes several clearance paperwork requirements for MSMEs.
• Flexible Sale Agreements: Replaces mandatory 2-year contracts with general sales agreements.
• IoT-based Monitoring: Allows cost-effective digital monitoring over expensive SCADA.
• Performance-based Subsidy: Projects with 80%+ operation receive full Central Financial Assistance (CFA) and others get pro-rata. E.g. A plant operating at 70% will get 7/8th of eligible CFA.
• Projects with 80%+ operation receive full Central Financial Assistance (CFA) and others get pro-rata.
• E.g. A plant operating at 70% will get 7/8th of eligible CFA.
• Shortened Inspection Duration: 3-day 16-hour inspection now reduced to 10 hours continuous operation.
• Stubble Management Provision: Pellet producers in Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, NCR can choose MNRE or CPCB support scheme.
Need for Revision:
• Regulatory Overload for MSMEs: Complex documentation and multi-tier approvals discouraged small biomass entrepreneurs from participating in the scheme effectively.
E.g. MSMEs lacked capacity to navigate environmental and financial compliance burdens.
• High Monitoring Costs: Mandating SCADA systems increased capital burden for low-scale biomass units, making adoption economically unviable.
E.g. A SCADA system costs ₹20–30 lakh, unaffordable for plants under 2 MTPH capacity.
• Ineffective Stubble Management: Northern states faced persistent crop residue burning due to inadequate support for biomass pelletization infrastructure.
E.g. Punjab alone generates over 20 million tonnes of paddy stubble annually – CEEW.
• Inflexible CFA Norms: Linking subsidy only to 80% plant performance excluded semi-operational units, delaying uptake and limiting rural biomass penetration.
E.g. Plants facing seasonal feedstock issues couldn’t qualify despite viable operation.
Significance of the Revisions
• Improved Business Viability: Simplified contracts and reduced paperwork attract more private sector investment, especially from decentralized players.
E.g. General sale agreements allow local pellet traders to operate without fixed buyers.
• Inclusive Technological Access: Allowing IoT or quarterly monitoring enables low-cost compliance, boosting digital integration in Tier-2/3 biomass units.
E.g. IoT solutions cost 70% less than SCADA systems for data tracking.
• Support for India’s Climate Goals: Enhanced biomass usage directly contributes to reduced GHG emissions and helps transition from fossil fuels.
E.g. MNRE data estimates 1 MW biomass saves ~1,000 tonnes of CO₂/year.
• Boost to Rural Circular Economy: Localised biomass plants promote waste-to-wealth conversion, create jobs, and support farm income diversification.
E.g. Briquette units generate ~10–15 direct jobs per MTPH of installed capacity.
• Transparent and Targeted Subsidy: Output-based disbursement ensures only productive and operational plants receive financial support, curbing misuse.
E.g. Plants operating at 75% PLF get proportionate CFA, incentivising higher efficiency.
Conclusion
The revised biomass guidelines represent a pragmatic step towards decarbonising India’s energy matrix while empowering MSMEs. By linking incentives to performance and simplifying processes, MNRE strengthens both environmental outcomes and industrial innovation.
• Do you think India will meet 50 percent of its energy needs from renewable energy by 2030? Justify your answer. How will the shift of subsidies from fossil fuels to renewables help achieve the above objectives? Explain. (UPSC-2022)
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 30 June 2025 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)
Hong Kong Convention (HKC)
Context: The Hong Kong International Convention (HKC) for the safe and environmentally sound recycling of ships came into force on June 26, 2025.
About Hong Kong Convention (HKC):
• What is It? The HKC is a global treaty developed under the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to regulate the safe and environmentally sound recycling of end-of-life ships.
• The HKC is a global treaty developed under the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to regulate the safe and environmentally sound recycling of end-of-life ships.
• Objective:
• Minimize health hazards to workers and environmental pollution from shipbreaking. Regulate hazardous materials like asbestos, heavy metals, and hydrocarbons. Promote safe waste handling and disposal during the ship dismantling process.
• Minimize health hazards to workers and environmental pollution from shipbreaking.
• Regulate hazardous materials like asbestos, heavy metals, and hydrocarbons.
• Promote safe waste handling and disposal during the ship dismantling process.
• Key Features:
• Inventory of Hazardous Materials (IHM) required on board ships. Ship Recycling Plans (SRP) must be approved before dismantling. Recycling yards must issue Recycling Completion Certificates within 14 days. Certification and audits by recognized classification societies. Encourages establishment of authorized and regulated recycling yards
• Inventory of Hazardous Materials (IHM) required on board ships.
• Ship Recycling Plans (SRP) must be approved before dismantling.
• Recycling yards must issue Recycling Completion Certificates within 14 days.
• Certification and audits by recognized classification societies.
• Encourages establishment of authorized and regulated recycling yards
Relevance in UPSC Exam Syllabus
• GS Paper 3 – Environment
• Pollution control, environmental impact assessment, and waste management.
• Pollution control, environmental impact assessment, and waste management.
• GS Paper 2 – International Treaties & Bodies
• Role of international organizations like IMO, ILO, Basel Convention.
• Role of international organizations like IMO, ILO, Basel Convention.
• GS Paper 3 – Infrastructure & Industry
• Blue economy, coastal regulation, and the shipbuilding/recycling sector in India.
• Blue economy, coastal regulation, and the shipbuilding/recycling sector in India.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 30 June 2025 Facts for Prelims (FFP):
India Energy Stack (IES)
Source: TOI
Context: The Ministry of Power has launched a task force to conceptualize the India Energy Stack (IES) — a Digital Public Infrastructure aimed at transforming India’s power sector through secure and interoperable digital systems.
About India Energy Stack (IES):
• The India Energy Stack (IES) is a comprehensive digital public infrastructure (DPI) for the power sector, designed to ensure seamless, secure, and real-time coordination across generation, distribution, and consumption.
• Developed By: The initiative is spearheaded by the Ministry of Power, Government of India.
• Objective:
• Modernize the power sector with a unified digital foundation. Enable secure data sharing and real-time analytics. Boost consumer-centric services and grid efficiency. Support India’s Net Zero goals and economic ambitions.
• Modernize the power sector with a unified digital foundation.
• Enable secure data sharing and real-time analytics.
• Boost consumer-centric services and grid efficiency.
• Support India’s Net Zero goals and economic ambitions.
• Key Features of IES:
• Unique Identifiers: For consumers, energy assets, and energy-related transactions to ensure traceability and precision. Real-Time, Consent-Based Data Sharing: Data exchange between stakeholders (consumers, utilities, policymakers) will be secure, permissioned, and instantaneous. Open APIs for Interoperability: Enables seamless integration with third-party systems, startups, and service providers. Utility Intelligence Platform (UIP): A modular application built on IES that provides analytics, insights, and decision support for DISCOMs, policymakers, and consumers. Consumer Empowerment Tools: Features that enable choice, comparison, and participation in energy markets.
• Unique Identifiers: For consumers, energy assets, and energy-related transactions to ensure traceability and precision.
• Real-Time, Consent-Based Data Sharing: Data exchange between stakeholders (consumers, utilities, policymakers) will be secure, permissioned, and instantaneous.
• Open APIs for Interoperability: Enables seamless integration with third-party systems, startups, and service providers.
• Utility Intelligence Platform (UIP): A modular application built on IES that provides analytics, insights, and decision support for DISCOMs, policymakers, and consumers.
• Consumer Empowerment Tools: Features that enable choice, comparison, and participation in energy markets.
• Expected Outcomes:
• White Paper on IES to be released for public feedback and policy formulation. Pilot Programs in Delhi, Gujarat, and Mumbai to test the IES via real-life applications. A national rollout roadmap for IES based on feedback, performance, and scalability. Enhanced grid resilience, renewable integration, and DISCOM efficiency. Digital transformation of power infrastructure to match the scale of Aadhaar and UPI success.
• White Paper on IES to be released for public feedback and policy formulation.
• Pilot Programs in Delhi, Gujarat, and Mumbai to test the IES via real-life applications.
• A national rollout roadmap for IES based on feedback, performance, and scalability.
• Enhanced grid resilience, renewable integration, and DISCOM efficiency.
• Digital transformation of power infrastructure to match the scale of Aadhaar and UPI success.
P.C. Mahalanobis
Source: IE
Context: The 19th National Statistics Day was celebrated on June 29, 2025, marking the 132nd birth anniversary of Prof. P.C. Mahalanobis, with the theme ‘75 Years of National Sample Survey’.
About 19th Statistics Day:
• Statistics Day is observed every year on June 29 to recognize the legacy of Prof. Mahalanobis, known as the Father of Indian Statistics.
• Theme (2025): 75 Years of National Sample Survey (NSS) Celebrates the evolution and contributions of the NSS since its inception in 1950.
• Celebrates the evolution and contributions of the NSS since its inception in 1950.
• Objective: Promote awareness among youth about the importance of statistics in national planning and governance. Highlight innovations in real-time data monitoring, survey integration, and digital dissemination.
• Promote awareness among youth about the importance of statistics in national planning and governance.
• Highlight innovations in real-time data monitoring, survey integration, and digital dissemination.
About P.C. Mahalanobis:
• Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis (1893–1972) was a pioneering Indian statistician, planner, and institution-builder.
• Key Contributions:
• Founder of Indian Statistical Institute (ISI): Established ISI Kolkata in 1931, advancing statistical education and research. Mahalanobis Distance (1936): A widely used multivariate statistical measure for identifying outliers and variation in data. Architect of National Sample Survey (1950): Designed India’s first household sample survey system, revolutionizing data-driven governance. His sampling techniques helped India become a global leader in official statistics. Planner of India’s Second Five-Year Plan: Advocated a heavy-industry-led economic model, known as the Mahalanobis model. Instrumental in shaping India’s planned economy. Flood Management Studies: Provided statistical solutions for Bengal and Odisha floods, which prevented ineffective infrastructure spending. Journal ‘Sankhya’ Founder: Established India’s first statistical journal to foster academic research in statistics.
• Founder of Indian Statistical Institute (ISI): Established ISI Kolkata in 1931, advancing statistical education and research.
• Mahalanobis Distance (1936): A widely used multivariate statistical measure for identifying outliers and variation in data.
• Architect of National Sample Survey (1950): Designed India’s first household sample survey system, revolutionizing data-driven governance. His sampling techniques helped India become a global leader in official statistics.
• Designed India’s first household sample survey system, revolutionizing data-driven governance.
• His sampling techniques helped India become a global leader in official statistics.
• Planner of India’s Second Five-Year Plan: Advocated a heavy-industry-led economic model, known as the Mahalanobis model. Instrumental in shaping India’s planned economy.
• Advocated a heavy-industry-led economic model, known as the Mahalanobis model.
• Instrumental in shaping India’s planned economy.
• Flood Management Studies: Provided statistical solutions for Bengal and Odisha floods, which prevented ineffective infrastructure spending.
• Journal ‘Sankhya’ Founder: Established India’s first statistical journal to foster academic research in statistics.
National Turmeric Board Inaugurated in Telangana
Source: PIB
Context: The Union Home Minister inaugurated the headquarters of the National Turmeric Board in Nizamabad, Telangana, fulfilling a 40-year-old demand of turmeric farmers.
About National Turmeric Board Inaugurated in Telangana:
• What is it? A specialized statutory body set up by the Government of India to promote, regulate, and support the turmeric sector, from production to export.
• A specialized statutory body set up by the Government of India to promote, regulate, and support the turmeric sector, from production to export.
• Headquarters: Nizamabad, Telangana – a key turmeric-producing region known as the “Turmeric Capital of India.”
• Ministry Involved: Operates under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry with coordination from Ministry of AYUSH, Agriculture, Pharmaceuticals, and Cooperation.
• Governing Body (Composition):
• Chairperson appointed by the Central Government Secretary from the Department of Commerce Members from: Ministries of AYUSH, Agriculture, Commerce, Pharmaceuticals Representatives from top turmeric-producing states (Telangana, Maharashtra, Meghalaya) Turmeric farmer representatives, exporters, and research institutions
• Chairperson appointed by the Central Government
• Secretary from the Department of Commerce
• Members from: Ministries of AYUSH, Agriculture, Commerce, Pharmaceuticals Representatives from top turmeric-producing states (Telangana, Maharashtra, Meghalaya) Turmeric farmer representatives, exporters, and research institutions
• Ministries of AYUSH, Agriculture, Commerce, Pharmaceuticals
• Representatives from top turmeric-producing states (Telangana, Maharashtra, Meghalaya)
• Turmeric farmer representatives, exporters, and research institutions
• Objectives:
• Facilitate value addition, branding, and marketing of turmeric products Eliminate middlemen and enhance farmer income Promote global awareness of turmeric’s medicinal properties Enhance logistics and quality standards to match international benchmarks Provide training, skill development, and research for turmeric cultivation and usage
• Facilitate value addition, branding, and marketing of turmeric products
• Eliminate middlemen and enhance farmer income
• Promote global awareness of turmeric’s medicinal properties
• Enhance logistics and quality standards to match international benchmarks
• Provide training, skill development, and research for turmeric cultivation and usage
• Key Functions:
• Develop end-to-end export infrastructure for turmeric. Promote GI-tagged organic turmeric. Ensure compliance with international food and safety standards. Coordinate with Spices Board and cooperatives like National Cooperative Exports Limited and National Cooperative Exports Limited for turmeric exports.
• Develop end-to-end export infrastructure for turmeric.
• Promote GI-tagged organic turmeric.
• Ensure compliance with international food and safety standards.
• Coordinate with Spices Board and cooperatives like National Cooperative Exports Limited and National Cooperative Exports Limited for turmeric exports.
About Status of Turmeric in India:
• What is Turmeric? Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a rhizomatous herbaceous plant known for its culinary, dyeing, and medicinal uses. It is called the “Golden Spice” and is central to Indian agriculture and
• Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a rhizomatous herbaceous plant known for its culinary, dyeing, and medicinal uses. It is called the “Golden Spice” and is central to Indian agriculture and
• Regions Where It is Grown: Grown across 20+ Indian states. Major producers: Maharashtra, Telangana, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Meghalaya
• Grown across 20+ Indian states.
• Major producers: Maharashtra, Telangana, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Meghalaya
• Climatic Conditions Required:
• Tropical crop requiring 20–30°C temperature and high annual rainfall Grows in well-drained loamy soil Cultivation occurs in both rain-fed and irrigated areas
• Tropical crop requiring 20–30°C temperature and high annual rainfall
• Grows in well-drained loamy soil
• Cultivation occurs in both rain-fed and irrigated areas
• Production Overview:
• India produces over 75% of global turmeric, with 30+ indigenous varieties Area under cultivation (2022–23): 3.24 lakh hectares Production (2022–23): 11.61 lakh tonnes Export (2022–23): 1.53 lakh tonnes valued at USD 207.45 million Export Targets: USD 1 billion by 2030 Major export destinations: Bangladesh, UAE, USA, Malaysia
• India produces over 75% of global turmeric, with 30+ indigenous varieties
• Area under cultivation (2022–23): 3.24 lakh hectares
• Production (2022–23): 11.61 lakh tonnes
• Export (2022–23): 1.53 lakh tonnes valued at USD 207.45 million
• Export Targets: USD 1 billion by 2030
• Major export destinations: Bangladesh, UAE, USA, Malaysia
National Sample Survey (NSS)
Source: DD News
Context: The National Sample Survey (NSS) is in the news due to the celebration of 75 years of its establishment during the 19th National Statistics Day.
About National Sample Survey (NSS):
• What is NSS? The National Sample Survey (NSS) is a nation-wide, large-scale socio-economic data collection program conducted by the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI). It serves as the principal data source for policy planning, development programs, and research in India.
• The National Sample Survey (NSS) is a nation-wide, large-scale socio-economic data collection program conducted by the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI).
• It serves as the principal data source for policy planning, development programs, and research in India.
• Established In: The NSS was launched in 1950, inspired by the vision of Prof. P.C. Mahalanobis, to provide reliable, timely, and comparable socio-economic statistics through sample surveys.
• Objectives of NSS:
• Generate high-quality socio-economic data for informed policy formulation. Conduct household surveys covering consumption, employment, health, education, etc. Undertake Annual Survey of Industries (ASI) to assess industrial performance. Support crop statistics by supervising area and yield estimation. Provide data on price movements in rural and urban sectors.
• Generate high-quality socio-economic data for informed policy formulation.
• Conduct household surveys covering consumption, employment, health, education, etc.
• Undertake Annual Survey of Industries (ASI) to assess industrial performance.
• Support crop statistics by supervising area and yield estimation.
• Provide data on price movements in rural and urban sectors.
• Key Features of NSS:
• All-India Coverage: Surveys conducted across rural and urban India using scientific sampling techniques. Four Major Divisions Survey Design & Research Division (SDRD): Technical planning and survey design (Kolkata). Field Operations Division (FOD): Data collection via 170+ field offices (HQ in Delhi/Faridabad). Data Processing Division (DPD): Responsible for data validation, tabulation, software, and processing of PLFS & ASI data. Survey Coordination Division (SCD): Coordinates NSS activities and publishes Sarvekshana journal. Multi-Thematic Surveys: Covers areas such as consumption, employment, health, education, migration, and informal sector data. Support to Agricultural and Industrial Statistics: Enhances crop estimation surveys and validates industrial datasets via the ASI web portal. Integrated Data Framework: Maintains urban area sampling frames, and increasingly incorporates digital tools and real-time processing.
• All-India Coverage: Surveys conducted across rural and urban India using scientific sampling techniques.
• Four Major Divisions Survey Design & Research Division (SDRD): Technical planning and survey design (Kolkata). Field Operations Division (FOD): Data collection via 170+ field offices (HQ in Delhi/Faridabad). Data Processing Division (DPD): Responsible for data validation, tabulation, software, and processing of PLFS & ASI data. Survey Coordination Division (SCD): Coordinates NSS activities and publishes Sarvekshana journal.
• Survey Design & Research Division (SDRD): Technical planning and survey design (Kolkata).
• Field Operations Division (FOD): Data collection via 170+ field offices (HQ in Delhi/Faridabad).
• Data Processing Division (DPD): Responsible for data validation, tabulation, software, and processing of PLFS & ASI data.
• Survey Coordination Division (SCD): Coordinates NSS activities and publishes Sarvekshana journal.
• Multi-Thematic Surveys: Covers areas such as consumption, employment, health, education, migration, and informal sector data.
• Support to Agricultural and Industrial Statistics: Enhances crop estimation surveys and validates industrial datasets via the ASI web portal.
• Integrated Data Framework: Maintains urban area sampling frames, and increasingly incorporates digital tools and real-time processing.
Bihar Launches India’s First Mobile e-Voting System in Local Body Polls
Source: TH
Context: Bihar has become the first Indian state to implement mobile phone-based e-voting in local body elections, recording 70.2% participation via the app-based platform.
About Bihar Launches India’s First Mobile e-Voting System in Local Body Polls:
• What is It? A mobile-based electronic voting system allowing eligible voters to cast their votes remotely using a secure mobile application, E-SECBHR, during Bihar’s urban local body elections.
• A mobile-based electronic voting system allowing eligible voters to cast their votes remotely using a secure mobile application, E-SECBHR, during Bihar’s urban local body elections.
• Developed By: The e-voting app and system were developed by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC).
• Objective:
• Enable inclusive, accessible, and contactless voting. Improve voter turnout among the elderly, disabled, pregnant women, and those unable to travel to booths. Promote digital empowerment and electoral convenience.
• Enable inclusive, accessible, and contactless voting.
• Improve voter turnout among the elderly, disabled, pregnant women, and those unable to travel to booths.
• Promote digital empowerment and electoral convenience.
• How It Works?
• Voter downloads the E-SECBHR mobile app (currently Android only). Links mobile number as per the electoral roll. Upon verification via Voter ID, user gains access to vote through the app or official SEC website. Voting is permitted only on election day.
• Voter downloads the E-SECBHR mobile app (currently Android only).
• Links mobile number as per the electoral roll.
• Upon verification via Voter ID, user gains access to vote through the app or official SEC website.
• Voting is permitted only on election day.
• Key Features:
• User-Friendly Mobile App: Secure, intuitive UI designed for quick voting. Remote Voting Capability: Empowers people who cannot physically visit polling booths. Biometric Verification: Uses facial recognition to verify voter identity. Real-Time Monitoring: Backend tracks system health and user access in real time. Multilingual Support: Accessible to a wider user base across linguistic barriers.
• User-Friendly Mobile App: Secure, intuitive UI designed for quick voting.
• Remote Voting Capability: Empowers people who cannot physically visit polling booths.
• Biometric Verification: Uses facial recognition to verify voter identity.
• Real-Time Monitoring: Backend tracks system health and user access in real time.
• Multilingual Support: Accessible to a wider user base across linguistic barriers.
• Methods to Prevent Tampering:
• Blockchain Technology: Ensures all votes are securely recorded and immutable. Facial Recognition: Matches real-time image with stored data to confirm identity. Login Restrictions: Only two users per mobile number and unique Voter ID required for authentication. Digital Audit Trail: Every action is logged for accountability and transparency.
• Blockchain Technology: Ensures all votes are securely recorded and immutable.
• Facial Recognition: Matches real-time image with stored data to confirm identity.
• Login Restrictions: Only two users per mobile number and unique Voter ID required for authentication.
• Digital Audit Trail: Every action is logged for accountability and transparency.
• Impact and Significance:
• Bibha Kumari from East Champaran became the first Indian voter to cast her vote through a mobile phone. Sets the precedent for digital electoral reform and smart governance. Could inform future implementations at state or national election levels.
• Bibha Kumari from East Champaran became the first Indian voter to cast her vote through a mobile phone.
• Sets the precedent for digital electoral reform and smart governance.
• Could inform future implementations at state or national election levels.
Early Harappan Burial Discovery in Gujarat’s Lakhapar
Source: TP
Context: A 5,300-year-old Early Harappan settlement and burial discovered in Lakhapar village, Kutch, is shedding new light on cultural exchanges between Early Harappan and Chalcolithic groups.
About Early Harappan Burial Discovery in Gujarat’s Lakhapar:
• Location:
• The site is located in Lakhapar village, Kutch district, Gujarat. Excavation conducted by University of Kerala’s Department of Archaeology.
• The site is located in Lakhapar village, Kutch district, Gujarat.
• Excavation conducted by University of Kerala’s Department of Archaeology.
• What is the Discovery?
• A newly excavated Early Harappan habitation and burial site dated to c. 3300–2600 BCE. Builds on previous work at Juna Khatiya, another Early Harappan cemetery excavated nearby.
• A newly excavated Early Harappan habitation and burial site dated to c. 3300–2600 BCE.
• Builds on previous work at Juna Khatiya, another Early Harappan cemetery excavated nearby.
• Key Findings:
• Human Burial with Pre-Prabhas Pottery: First of its kind in Gujarat—buried directly in a pit with no markers or architecture. Pottery type links it to Chalcolithic cultures of Saurashtra (e.g., Prabhas Patan, Datrana). Harappan-Style Architecture: Sandstone and shale structures indicating planned construction and social organization. Cultural Interaction Evidence: Ceramics and habitation layers resemble Early Harappan sites in Sindh, pointing to cross-regional exchanges. Interconnected Settlement Network: Together with Juna Khatiya (197 burials), Lakhapar suggests a larger cultural sphere in Early Harappan Gujarat.
• Human Burial with Pre-Prabhas Pottery: First of its kind in Gujarat—buried directly in a pit with no markers or architecture. Pottery type links it to Chalcolithic cultures of Saurashtra (e.g., Prabhas Patan, Datrana).
• First of its kind in Gujarat—buried directly in a pit with no markers or architecture.
• Pottery type links it to Chalcolithic cultures of Saurashtra (e.g., Prabhas Patan, Datrana).
• Harappan-Style Architecture: Sandstone and shale structures indicating planned construction and social organization.
• Cultural Interaction Evidence: Ceramics and habitation layers resemble Early Harappan sites in Sindh, pointing to cross-regional exchanges.
• Interconnected Settlement Network: Together with Juna Khatiya (197 burials), Lakhapar suggests a larger cultural sphere in Early Harappan Gujarat.
• Significance of the Discovery:
• Expands Early Harappan Geography: Shows Harappan influence extended deeper into Western India than previously thought. Earliest Burial with Pre-Prabhas Pottery: Links Gujarat’s Chalcolithic and Harappan cultures. Challenges Linear History Models: Highlights co-existence of foragers, agro-pastoralists, and urban precursors. Fills Data Gaps: Most Harappan burials are from Mature phase and this adds rare pre-urban insights. Strengthens Cultural Chronology: Reinforces Gujarat’s role as a cultural bridge between Sindh and peninsular India.
• Expands Early Harappan Geography: Shows Harappan influence extended deeper into Western India than previously thought.
• Earliest Burial with Pre-Prabhas Pottery: Links Gujarat’s Chalcolithic and Harappan cultures.
• Challenges Linear History Models: Highlights co-existence of foragers, agro-pastoralists, and urban precursors.
• Fills Data Gaps: Most Harappan burials are from Mature phase and this adds rare pre-urban insights.
• Strengthens Cultural Chronology: Reinforces Gujarat’s role as a cultural bridge between Sindh and peninsular India.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 30 June 2025 Mapping:
Sariska Tiger Reserve
Source: TI
Context: The Central Government’s plan to redraw the boundaries of Sariska Tiger Reserve in Rajasthan to reopen 50 closed mines has triggered strong opposition.
• The plan proposes to redraw boundaries to allow 50 mines (marble, dolomite, limestone, and masonic stone) to reopen.
About Sariska Tiger Reserve:
• Location: Located in Alwar district, Rajasthan, nestled in the Aravalli Hills.
• History and Status:
• Declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1958, a tiger reserve in 1978 under Project Tiger, and a national park in 1982. Known for being the first reserve in the world to successfully relocate tigers after local extinction in 2004.
• Declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1958, a tiger reserve in 1978 under Project Tiger, and a national park in 1982.
• Known for being the first reserve in the world to successfully relocate tigers after local extinction in 2004.
• Features of the Tiger Reserve:
• Total area: 1203.34 km² (Core: 881 km², Buffer: 322.23 km²). Terrain: Scrub-thorn arid forests, dry deciduous forests, grasslands, rocky hills. Fauna: Tigers, leopards, nilgai, sambhar, chital, peafowls, serpent eagles, vultures, and horned owls. Ecological Zone: Khathiar-Gir dry deciduous forest ecoregion. Vital link in the Northern Aravalli Leopard and Wildlife Corridor.
• Total area: 1203.34 km² (Core: 881 km², Buffer: 322.23 km²).
• Terrain: Scrub-thorn arid forests, dry deciduous forests, grasslands, rocky hills.
• Fauna: Tigers, leopards, nilgai, sambhar, chital, peafowls, serpent eagles, vultures, and horned owls.
• Ecological Zone: Khathiar-Gir dry deciduous forest ecoregion.
• Vital link in the Northern Aravalli Leopard and Wildlife Corridor.
• Tiger Revival Timeline:
• 2004: No tigers left due to poaching. 2008–2010: Tiger relocation from Ranthambore via aerial translocation. 2025: Tiger count has risen to 48, showcasing successful conservation efforts.
• 2004: No tigers left due to poaching.
• 2008–2010: Tiger relocation from Ranthambore via aerial translocation.
• 2025: Tiger count has risen to 48, showcasing successful conservation efforts.
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