UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 31 July 2025
Kartavya Desk Staff
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 31 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 1 : (UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 31 July (2025)
• Medog Dam: China’s Brahmaputra Hydropower Project & Concerns
Medog Dam: China’s Brahmaputra Hydropower Project & Concerns
GS Paper 3:
• Status of Small Cats in Tiger Landscapes of India
Status of Small Cats in Tiger Landscapes of India
• India successfully launched the NASA–ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) satellite
India successfully launched the NASA–ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) satellite
Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):
• Mani Maran and the Living Legacy of Tamil Palm Leaf Manuscripts
Mani Maran and the Living Legacy of Tamil Palm Leaf Manuscripts
Facts for Prelims (FFP):
• U.S. President announced a 25% tariff on Indian imports
U.S. President announced a 25% tariff on Indian imports
• Klyuchevskoy volcano
Klyuchevskoy volcano
• National Stock Exchange of India (NSE)
National Stock Exchange of India (NSE)
• The Banking Laws (Amendment) Act, 2025
The Banking Laws (Amendment) Act, 2025
• Indian harmonium
Indian harmonium
• India Wetlands Resolution was formally adopted at Ramsar CoP15
India Wetlands Resolution was formally adopted at Ramsar CoP15
Mapping:
• Chile’s Coastal Erosion
Chile’s Coastal Erosion
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 31 July 2025
#### GS Paper 1:
Medog Dam: China’s Brahmaputra Hydropower Project & Concerns
Syllabus: Geography
Source: TH
Context: China approved a 60 GW mega hydropower dam at the Great Bend of the Yarlung Zangbo (Brahmaputra) in the Tibetan Autonomous Region (TAR), raising strategic, ecological, and geopolitical concerns for India, Bhutan, and Bangladesh.
About Medog Dam: China’s Brahmaputra Hydropower Project & Concerns:
What is the Medog Dam Project?
• Location: Medog County, Tibetan Autonomous Region (TAR), at the Great Bend where the Yarlung Zangbo sharply turns south into Arunachal Pradesh and becomes the Brahmaputra.
• Geographical Context: The dam lies in a seismically active, high-rainfall zone within the Eastern Himalayas, near the Indo-China border, impacting both tectonic stability and downstream hydrology.
• Capacity: Planned generation of 60,000 MW, making it the world’s largest hydroelectric project.
• Strategic Importance: Positioned close to Upper Siang in Arunachal Pradesh, a region China claims as “South Tibet,” giving the dam significant geopolitical and hydrological leverage over India.
• Positioned close to Upper Siang in Arunachal Pradesh, a region China claims as “South Tibet,” giving the dam significant geopolitical and hydrological leverage over India.
Geopolitical Implications:
• Upstream Dominance: China’s unilateral control over the Brahmaputra upstream alters riparian power asymmetry in its favour.
• Absence of Legal Safeguards: None of the four riparian countries are parties to the UN Watercourses Convention (1997)—no enforceable rights on water sharing.
• India–China Tensions: The dam construction adds a hydro political layer to the ongoing border disputes in Arunachal Pradesh and Ladakh.
• Dam-building Race: India has announced its Upper Siang Multipurpose Project, countering China’s move, reflecting a reactive strategic posture.
Ecological and Livelihood Concerns:
• Disruption of Flow: Storing water to operate the dam will block perennial flows, affecting irrigation, ecology, and sediment transport.
• Risk to Downstream Communities: Traditional knowledge fails under unpredictable releases; agro-pastoral economies in Assam and Bangladesh are hit.
• GLOF and Seismic Risks: The dam sits in a high seismic zone (site of the 1950 Assam–Tibet earthquake) and is prone to Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs).
• Altered Monsoon Patterns: Interventions at the source impact groundwater recharge and monsoon-linked flows, crucial for northeastern India’s ecology.
• Biodiversity Threats: Disruption of aquatic habitats, wetlands, and fish migration routes may endanger species along the basin.
Strategic Alternatives for India:
• Riparian Diplomacy: India can assume a leadership role by promoting eco-regional cooperation instead of retaliatory dam-building.
• Strengthen ELM: Enhance the Expert Level Mechanism (ELM) with China for real-time data sharing, transparency, and joint assessments.
• Ecological Leadership: Promote transboundary river governance frameworks based on sustainability, not infrastructure domination.
• Disaster Preparedness: Invest in early warning systems, flood-resilient infrastructure, and community-based adaptation.
• Regional Coalition: Build a Brahmaputra River Commission involving Bhutan and Bangladesh for joint monitoring, flood planning, and basin-level conservation.
Conclusion:
The Brahmaputra is not just a river—it is a living ecological and cultural artery of the Himalayas. The Chinese Medog dam may offer megawatts, but it risks drying out the socio-ecological future of millions. A rethinking is needed—from hydro-hegemony to hydrological harmony—to safeguard the Himalayas and its people.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 31 July 2025 GS Paper 3:
Status of Small Cats in Tiger Landscapes of India
Syllabus: Wildlife
Source: WII
Context: On Global Tiger Day 2025, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change released the report “Status of Small Cats in Tiger Landscapes of India”, highlighting findings from the 2018 & 2022 All India Tiger Estimation (AITE) to track 9 small cat species across tiger habitats.
About Status of Small Cats in Tiger Landscapes of India:
What It Is?
A first-of-its-kind scientific report assessing the occupancy, habitat distribution, and ecological status of nine small wild cat species across India’s tiger-range landscapes, based on data from the All-India Tiger Estimation (2018 & 2022).
Released By: Released on 29th July 2025 (Global Tiger Day).
Objectives of the Report:
• To map distribution and occupancy of nine small cat species across various habitats in India’s tiger landscapes.
• To identify habitat preferences and how human disturbances impact their presence.
• To assess conservation dependence of lesser-known felids on protected areas like tiger reserves.
• To provide baseline data for integrating small cats into long-term wildlife monitoring and landscape planning.
• To inform policy formulation and research for conserving small carnivores beyond charismatic megafauna.
Species Covered & Key Findings
Species | Estimated Occupancy (km²) | Habitat Type | Key Notes
Jungle Cat | 96,275 | Dry to moist deciduous forests, widespread | Most common and resilient to disturbance
Rusty-Spotted Cat | 70,075 | Mixed deciduous forests | Second most widespread; prefers interior forests
Leopard Cat | 32,800 | Moist forests (NE, Western Ghats, Sunderbans) | Found mainly in Himalayan foothills, North East & wetlands
Desert Cat | 12,500 | Semi-arid and dry forests (W & C India) | Specialist, restricted range
Fishing Cat | 7,575 | Wetlands, riverine, mangroves (Terai, NE) | Habitat-specific, impacted by wetland loss
Clouded Leopard | 3,250 | Dense forests (NE India) | Rare, elusive, canopy-dwelling
Marbled Cat | 2,325 | Dense forests (NE India) | Very low detection, elusive
Asiatic Golden Cat | 1,850 | Evergreen forests (NE India) | Restricted and highly elusive
Caracal (no detection) | N/A | Historically in NW and Central India | Not recorded in the survey period, raises concern
Ecological Insights:
• Habitat Generalists Thrive: Jungle and rusty-spotted cats show wide distribution across diverse forest types, even near human-modified areas.
• Wetland & Forest Dependence: Fishing cats, leopard cats, and clouded leopards are tightly linked to specific habitats like wetlands and dense forests.
• Altitude and Forest Density: Rare species like marbled and golden cats occupy only intact, high-canopy forests in Northeast India.
• Human Pressure Gradient: Occupancy sharply declines with increased human activity, except for adaptive species like jungle cats.
• Landscape-Level Continuity: Small cats rely on both core tiger habitats and buffer zones, indicating need for broader landscape planning.
Conservation Significance:
• Baseline Mapping for 9 Species: First-ever pan-India assessment of small cats, offering essential data for targeted conservation.
• Protected Areas as Refuges: All species showed higher presence inside protected areas, validating Project Tiger’s biodiversity umbrella effect.
• Indicator of Ecosystem Health: Presence or absence of small cats reflects habitat integrity, prey base, and ecological stability.
• Need for Inclusive Monitoring: Emphasizes shifting focus from flagship species (like tigers) to lesser-known but ecologically vital carnivores.
• Regional Conservation Priorities: Northeast India, Terai wetlands, and dry forests of Central India need region-specific action plans.
Policy Implications:
• Integrate Small Felids in Planning: Landscape-level wildlife policies must include small cats in reserve, buffer, and corridor strategies.
• Expand Monitoring Beyond Tigers: Regular small carnivore tracking should be institutionalized within All-India Tiger Monitoring exercises.
• Prioritise Wetland and Mangrove Protection: Protect critical fishing cat habitats via enhanced eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) regulations.
• Habitat-Specific Policy Measures: Customised conservation for habitat specialists like desert cat and marbled cat is urgently needed.
• Public Awareness and Curriculum Inclusion: Include small cats in wildlife education, eco-club programs, and public awareness campaigns.
Conclusion:
This pioneering report brings long-overdue attention to India’s small wild cats, underlining the value of tiger landscapes as biodiversity umbrellas. It sets a foundation for inclusive conservation strategies that go beyond flagship species and emphasizes the need for fine-scale ecological research and habitat preservation for lesser-known fauna.
India successfully launched the NASA–ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) satellite
Syllabus: Science and Technology
Source: TOI
Context: India successfully launched the NASA–ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) satellite aboard GSLV-F16 from Sriharikota on July 31, 2025.
• It marks the first joint Earth-observation mission between ISRO and NASA, symbolizing deep Indo-US space collaboration.
About India Successfully Launched The NASA–ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) Satellite:
• What is NISAR? Full Form – NASA–ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar: Joint Earth observation satellite using dual-frequency SAR tech for land and ice monitoring. Mission Life – 5 years (2025–2030): Designed to capture Earth data over five years with 12-day revisit cycles. Orbit – Sun-synchronous polar orbit (747 km): Ensures consistent lighting for accurate change detection across the globe. Launch Site – Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota: Launched aboard GSLV-F16, marking ISRO’s first polar orbit GSLV mission.
• Full Form – NASA–ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar: Joint Earth observation satellite using dual-frequency SAR tech for land and ice monitoring.
• Mission Life – 5 years (2025–2030): Designed to capture Earth data over five years with 12-day revisit cycles.
• Orbit – Sun-synchronous polar orbit (747 km): Ensures consistent lighting for accurate change detection across the globe.
• Launch Site – Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota: Launched aboard GSLV-F16, marking ISRO’s first polar orbit GSLV mission.
• Objectives Of the Nisar Mission:
• Detect minute land and ice surface movements with centimetre-level precision. Monitor natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, landslides, and volcanic activity. Track changes in forests, glaciers, wetlands, and soil moisture. Support agriculture, infrastructure, coastal, and climate management through actionable data.
• Detect minute land and ice surface movements with centimetre-level precision.
• Monitor natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, landslides, and volcanic activity.
• Track changes in forests, glaciers, wetlands, and soil moisture.
• Support agriculture, infrastructure, coastal, and climate management through actionable data.
• Key Features of the Nisar Mission:
• Dual-Frequency SAR: First satellite to use both L-band (NASA) and S-band (ISRO) radars. Wide Swath & High Resolution: Scans 242 km swath with detailed spatial mapping every 12 days. All-Weather, 24/7 Imaging: Operates day-night, even through cloud cover and storm conditions. 12-metre Deployable Reflector Antenna: Enables advanced SweepSAR technology for surface deformation detection.
• Dual-Frequency SAR: First satellite to use both L-band (NASA) and S-band (ISRO) radars.
• Wide Swath & High Resolution: Scans 242 km swath with detailed spatial mapping every 12 days.
• All-Weather, 24/7 Imaging: Operates day-night, even through cloud cover and storm conditions.
• 12-metre Deployable Reflector Antenna: Enables advanced SweepSAR technology for surface deformation detection.
• Contributions: INDIA vs. USA
• NASA: L-band radar, deployable boom, reflector antenna, GPS, solid-state recorder, and telecom system. ISRO: S-band radar, satellite bus (I-3K), GSLV-F16 launcher, solar arrays, data handling, and ground control. Mission Management: Jointly executed via NASA’s JPL and ISRO’s multiple centers (SAC, URSC, VSSC, NRSC).
• NASA: L-band radar, deployable boom, reflector antenna, GPS, solid-state recorder, and telecom system.
• ISRO: S-band radar, satellite bus (I-3K), GSLV-F16 launcher, solar arrays, data handling, and ground control.
• Mission Management: Jointly executed via NASA’s JPL and ISRO’s multiple centers (SAC, URSC, VSSC, NRSC).
• Significance Of Nisar Mission:
• Scientific Edge: Enables global-scale, real-time Earth system monitoring and disaster forecasting. Strategic Diplomacy: Strengthens Indo-US civil space cooperation under “science diplomacy.” Climate Action & SDGs: Assists in global efforts towards climate adaptation, sustainable agriculture, and resource governance. Knowledge Export: Open data policy supports developing nations and global researchers in Earth sciences.
• Scientific Edge: Enables global-scale, real-time Earth system monitoring and disaster forecasting.
• Strategic Diplomacy: Strengthens Indo-US civil space cooperation under “science diplomacy.”
• Climate Action & SDGs: Assists in global efforts towards climate adaptation, sustainable agriculture, and resource governance.
• Knowledge Export: Open data policy supports developing nations and global researchers in Earth sciences.
• Conclusion:
NISAR is a landmark in Indo-US space partnership, blending high-end technology with societal impact. It transitions India from utility-driven to knowledge-led space applications. Through NISAR, India affirms its leadership in Earth observation, sustainability, and global science cooperation.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 30 July 2025 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)
Mani Maran and the Living Legacy of Tamil Palm Leaf Manuscripts
Anecdote: In the historic town of Thanjavur, once a Chola capital and cradle of Tamil culture, Mani Maran, a quiet archivist and teacher, is scripting a renaissance. Alarmed by how fast the ability to read Suvadiyiyal (traditional Tamil script on palm leaves) was fading, he turned his modest home into a classroom. Every evening, his veranda lights up — not just with lamps, but with curiosity. Students, researchers, and working youth gather here to decode ancient manuscripts, some centuries old, containing insights on medicine, astronomy, music, and ethics. With each deciphered leaf, they reclaim a part of India’s intellectual soul.
One student, inspired by Maran’s lessons, began researching traditional Siddha medicinal practices preserved in these manuscripts. Another is digitising transcribed content, ensuring it reaches the wider world. Maran’s work is not funded by any institution. It is driven by conviction — that if the next generation cannot read these scripts, the voices of our ancestors will go silent. His mission echoes the very spirit of the Gyan Bharatam Mission recently announced by the Government of India: to digitise and disseminate India’s scriptural treasures through a National Digital Repository.
In Maran’s humble classes, palm leaves rustle with stories — not just of gods and kings, but of science, healing, and philosophy. His effort is a reminder that preserving heritage doesn’t always need grand monuments — sometimes, all it needs is one determined teacher and a circle of eager learners.
UPSC Syllabus Relevance:
• Essay Paper:
• Cultural Heritage Theme: Illustrates how individuals like Mani Maran safeguard ancient knowledge, aligning with essay topics on civilizational continuity and cultural values. Value-Based Society: His initiative reflects the power of grassroots efforts in knowledge transmission, useful for essays on preserving traditions in a modern world.
• Cultural Heritage Theme: Illustrates how individuals like Mani Maran safeguard ancient knowledge, aligning with essay topics on civilizational continuity and cultural values.
• Value-Based Society: His initiative reflects the power of grassroots efforts in knowledge transmission, useful for essays on preserving traditions in a modern world.
• Ethics (GS-IV)
• Ethical Leadership: Shows personal initiative, integrity, and duty towards society, useful for answers on public service values. Value Inculcation: Demonstrates role of citizens in moral education and cultural ethics, aligning with topics on role of society and individuals in ethical development.
• Ethical Leadership: Shows personal initiative, integrity, and duty towards society, useful for answers on public service values.
• Value Inculcation: Demonstrates role of citizens in moral education and cultural ethics, aligning with topics on role of society and individuals in ethical development.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 31 July 2025 Facts for Prelims (FFP):
U.S. President announced a 25% tariff on Indian imports
Source: TH
Context: U.S. President announced a 25% tariff on Indian imports effective August 1, 2025, citing high trade barriers and India’s continued energy and defence ties with Russia.
• The announcement includes a Russia-related penalty, linked to the proposed Russian Sanctions Act 2025.
About U.S. President announced a 25% tariff on Indian imports:
• What it is?
• A 25% import tariff on all eligible goods shipped from India to the U.S. Additional penalty tariffs for India’s continued oil and defence trade with Russia.
• A 25% import tariff on all eligible goods shipped from India to the U.S.
• Additional penalty tariffs for India’s continued oil and defence trade with Russia.
• Objective Behind the Tariff:
• Address Trade Imbalance: To pressure India into reducing its tariffs and removing non-tariff barriers. Punish Russia-Aligned Trade: To dissuade India from continuing energy imports from Russia amid Ukraine war sanctions. Push for Bilateral Deal: To hasten conclusion of a “fair and reciprocal” India–U.S. trade agreement.
• Address Trade Imbalance: To pressure India into reducing its tariffs and removing non-tariff barriers.
• Punish Russia-Aligned Trade: To dissuade India from continuing energy imports from Russia amid Ukraine war sanctions.
• Push for Bilateral Deal: To hasten conclusion of a “fair and reciprocal” India–U.S. trade agreement.
• Key Features of the Announcement Trade War Rhetoric: Trump called India’s trade policies “obnoxious” and blamed high tariffs and opaque rules. Linked to Russia Sanctions Act: The Russia Sanctions Act 2025, under U.S. legislative review, threatens up to 500% duties on nations trading oil with Russia. Preceded by Negotiation Failure: The tariff follows the fifth round of failed trade talks between India and the U.S. in Washington. Past Suspension Now Revoked: A previously suspended 26% tariff (April 2025) is now being reinstated in a harsher form. India’s Response: India’s Ministry of Commerce stated it is reviewing the situation and remains committed to protecting farmers, MSMEs, and entrepreneurs. India cited recent FTA with the UK as an example of its fair-trade intent. Significance for India: Export Sector Impact: India’s exporters may lose competitiveness in the U.S. market, especially in textile, pharma, and engineering sectors. Bilateral Strain: The move could derail progress on the India-U.S. trade agreement, and weaken diplomatic synergy in Quad and Indo-Pacific engagements. Strategic Autonomy Challenge: India’s multi-alignment policy—especially its Russia ties—faces growing pressure from Western trade-linked coercion.
• Trade War Rhetoric: Trump called India’s trade policies “obnoxious” and blamed high tariffs and opaque rules.
• Linked to Russia Sanctions Act: The Russia Sanctions Act 2025, under U.S. legislative review, threatens up to 500% duties on nations trading oil with Russia.
• Preceded by Negotiation Failure: The tariff follows the fifth round of failed trade talks between India and the U.S. in Washington.
• Past Suspension Now Revoked: A previously suspended 26% tariff (April 2025) is now being reinstated in a harsher form.
• India’s Response: India’s Ministry of Commerce stated it is reviewing the situation and remains committed to protecting farmers, MSMEs, and entrepreneurs. India cited recent FTA with the UK as an example of its fair-trade intent.
• India cited recent FTA with the UK as an example of its fair-trade intent.
• Significance for India: Export Sector Impact: India’s exporters may lose competitiveness in the U.S. market, especially in textile, pharma, and engineering sectors. Bilateral Strain: The move could derail progress on the India-U.S. trade agreement, and weaken diplomatic synergy in Quad and Indo-Pacific engagements. Strategic Autonomy Challenge: India’s multi-alignment policy—especially its Russia ties—faces growing pressure from Western trade-linked coercion.
• Export Sector Impact: India’s exporters may lose competitiveness in the U.S. market, especially in textile, pharma, and engineering sectors.
• Bilateral Strain: The move could derail progress on the India-U.S. trade agreement, and weaken diplomatic synergy in Quad and Indo-Pacific engagements.
• Strategic Autonomy Challenge: India’s multi-alignment policy—especially its Russia ties—faces growing pressure from Western trade-linked coercion.
Klyuchevskoy volcano
Source: HT
Context: The Klyuchevskoy volcano, the tallest active volcano in the Northern Hemisphere, after a massive 8.8 magnitude earthquake struck off Russia’s eastern coast.
About Klyuchevskoy Volcano:
• What is It?
• Klyuchevskoy (also known as Klyuchevskaya Sopka) is a stratovolcano, known for its steep conical shape and intense volcanic activity.
• Klyuchevskoy (also known as Klyuchevskaya Sopka) is a stratovolcano, known for its steep conical shape and intense volcanic activity.
• Location:
• Situated on the Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia, about 100 km from the Bering Sea. Part of the “Ring of Fire“, a zone of frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
• Situated on the Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia, about 100 km from the Bering Sea.
• Part of the “Ring of Fire“, a zone of frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
• Key Features:
• Height: 4,750 meters (15,584 feet) and tallest active volcano in Eurasia. Eruption Record: First recorded in 1697 and has remained almost constantly active since. UNESCO Status: A core part of the Volcanoes of Kamchatka World Heritage Site.
• Height: 4,750 meters (15,584 feet) and tallest active volcano in Eurasia.
• Eruption Record: First recorded in 1697 and has remained almost constantly active since.
• UNESCO Status: A core part of the Volcanoes of Kamchatka World Heritage Site.
About Kamchatka Peninsula:
• What is It?
• A large peninsula in far eastern Russia, between the Sea of Okhotsk (west) and Bering Sea/Pacific Ocean (east).
• A large peninsula in far eastern Russia, between the Sea of Okhotsk (west) and Bering Sea/Pacific Ocean (east).
• Geographic Features:
• Spans 1,200 km north–south and 480 km east–west and total area: approx. 370,000 sq. km. Home to 127 volcanoes, of which 29 are active, along with geysers, hot springs, and geothermal fields. Dominated by two major mountain ranges: Sredinny (Central) and Vostochny (Eastern).
• Spans 1,200 km north–south and 480 km east–west and total area: approx. 370,000 sq. km.
• Home to 127 volcanoes, of which 29 are active, along with geysers, hot springs, and geothermal fields.
• Dominated by two major mountain ranges: Sredinny (Central) and Vostochny (Eastern).
• Ecological and Climatic Notes
• Tundra vegetation: mosses, lichens, and Kamchatka alder. Forested lowlands support birch, larch, poplar, and willow. Harsh sub-Arctic climate with cold snowy winters and cool, wet summers.
• Tundra vegetation: mosses, lichens, and Kamchatka alder.
• Forested lowlands support birch, larch, poplar, and willow.
• Harsh sub-Arctic climate with cold snowy winters and cool, wet summers.
National Stock Exchange of India (NSE)
Source: BS
Context: The National Stock Exchange (NSE) surpassed the 23-crore unique trading account mark in July 2025, just three months after reaching 22 crores.
About National Stock Exchange of India (NSE):
• What is NSE?
• The National Stock Exchange (NSE) is India’s leading stock exchange and one of the largest globally by market capitalization and derivative trading volume. It is considered an institution of national importance and a critical market infrastructure institution.
• The National Stock Exchange (NSE) is India’s leading stock exchange and one of the largest globally by market capitalization and derivative trading volume.
• It is considered an institution of national importance and a critical market infrastructure institution.
• Incorporated: 1992
• Recognised by SEBI: April 1993
• Commenced operations: 1994
• Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
• Key Objectives:
• Democratise capital markets by making trading accessible to all eligible participants. Ensure transparency, efficiency, and technological innovation in market operations. Promote financial inclusion through widespread investor participation and awareness.
• Democratise capital markets by making trading accessible to all eligible participants.
• Ensure transparency, efficiency, and technological innovation in market operations.
• Promote financial inclusion through widespread investor participation and awareness.
• Salient Features:
• Electronic Trading Pioneer: First Indian exchange to introduce screen-based, anonymous order-driven trading. Global Ranking: 5th largest stock exchange by market cap; largest derivatives exchange globally (by contracts traded). Technology-Driven: Robust, resilient platform ensuring high-speed, secure transactions across asset classes. Regulated Access: Open to all who meet qualifications—no cartel of brokers, promoting a level playing field. Innovation Hubs: NSE IX at GIFT City (multi-asset global trading). NSE EMERGE (platform for SMEs/startups). Social Stock Exchange (2023) for fundraising by non-profits.
• Electronic Trading Pioneer: First Indian exchange to introduce screen-based, anonymous order-driven trading.
• Global Ranking: 5th largest stock exchange by market cap; largest derivatives exchange globally (by contracts traded).
• Technology-Driven: Robust, resilient platform ensuring high-speed, secure transactions across asset classes.
• Regulated Access: Open to all who meet qualifications—no cartel of brokers, promoting a level playing field.
• Innovation Hubs: NSE IX at GIFT City (multi-asset global trading). NSE EMERGE (platform for SMEs/startups). Social Stock Exchange (2023) for fundraising by non-profits.
• NSE IX at GIFT City (multi-asset global trading).
• NSE EMERGE (platform for SMEs/startups).
• Social Stock Exchange (2023) for fundraising by non-profits.
• Core Functions:
• Operates markets for equity, debt, derivatives, ETFs, REITs, InvITs. Provides clearing, settlement, and risk management services. Runs investor education and awareness programs.
• Operates markets for equity, debt, derivatives, ETFs, REITs, InvITs.
• Provides clearing, settlement, and risk management services.
• Runs investor education and awareness programs.
The Banking Laws (Amendment) Act, 2025
Source: LM
Context: The Banking Laws (Amendment) Act, 2025 will come into effect from 1st August 2025, introducing reforms to bank governance, audit transparency, depositor protection, and cooperative bank regulation.
About The Banking Laws (Amendment) Act, 2025:
What Is It?
A comprehensive reform law notified by the Ministry of Finance, the Act amends 5 key legislations governing the Indian banking sector to improve governance, transparency, and depositor safety.
Key Objectives:
• Strengthen bank governance mechanisms.
• Ensure depositor and investor protection.
• Enhance audit quality in public sector banks (PSBs).
• Align cooperative bank rules with constitutional standards.
Key Features of the Act
• Redefining ‘Substantial Interest’ Threshold:
• The limit for ‘substantial interest’ in banks is revised from ₹5 lakh to ₹2 crore. This modernizes outdated thresholds (unchanged since 1968) to reflect inflation and sectoral growth.
• The limit for ‘substantial interest’ in banks is revised from ₹5 lakh to ₹2 crore.
• This modernizes outdated thresholds (unchanged since 1968) to reflect inflation and sectoral growth.
• Reforming Director Tenures in Cooperative Banks:
• Tenure raised from 8 to 10 years (excluding chairperson & full-time directors), in sync with the 97th Constitutional Amendment.
• Tenure raised from 8 to 10 years (excluding chairperson & full-time directors), in sync with the 97th Constitutional Amendment.
• Unclaimed Assets to Investor Education and Protection Fund (IEPF):
• PSBs can now transfer unclaimed shares, interests, and bond redemptions to IEPF. This aligns PSBs with norms under the Companies Act, ensuring efficient fund recycling.
• PSBs can now transfer unclaimed shares, interests, and bond redemptions to IEPF.
• This aligns PSBs with norms under the Companies Act, ensuring efficient fund recycling.
• Audit Transparency and Independence:
• PSBs are empowered to determine remuneration for statutory auditors, promoting better audit quality and enabling engagement of top-tier professionals.
• PSBs are empowered to determine remuneration for statutory auditors, promoting better audit quality and enabling engagement of top-tier professionals.
• Streamlining Statutory Reporting:
• Reporting timelines to RBI are revised from “every Friday” to end-of-fortnight/month/quarter, easing operational burden and improving data relevance.
• Reporting timelines to RBI are revised from “every Friday” to end-of-fortnight/month/quarter, easing operational burden and improving data relevance.
Significance for Indian Banking Sector:
• Modernizes Regulatory Norms: Updates 50-year-old provisions to match current financial realities.
• Improves Cooperative Bank Accountability: Aligns tenure rules with constitutional mandates for democratic functioning.
• Strengthens Depositor Confidence: By securing unclaimed assets and improving audit standards.
Indian harmonium
Source: TH
Context: The Indian harmonium was recently featured in a Building Blocks science article for its unique, non-electronic design and continued relevance in Indian classical, devotional, and folk music.
About Indian harmonium:
• What Is the Harmonium? A portable, hand-pumped reed instrument made of wood, similar in size to a suitcase. It produces music using air flow and metal reeds, not electricity or strings.
• A portable, hand-pumped reed instrument made of wood, similar in size to a suitcase.
• It produces music using air flow and metal reeds, not electricity or strings.
• Musical Classification: Belongs to the free-reed aerophone family, related to the European reed organ. Prominently used in Indian classical, devotional (bhajan, qawwali), and folk traditions, as well as in theatre and cinema. The Indian harmonium is primarily used in Hindustani Classical Music (North Indian tradition).
• Belongs to the free-reed aerophone family, related to the European reed organ.
• Prominently used in Indian classical, devotional (bhajan, qawwali), and folk traditions, as well as in theatre and cinema.
• The Indian harmonium is primarily used in Hindustani Classical Music (North Indian tradition).
• How the Harmonium Works? Air as Fuel: Operates through bellows pumped by hand, drawing room air through valves into a pressurised air chamber beneath the keys. Reed Vibration Mechanism: Pressing a key opens a felt-lined pallet that channels high-pressure air through metal reeds, making them vibrate and produce sound. The pitch depends on the reed’s length, thickness, and material (brass or phosphor-bronze). Sound Generation: Each vibrating reed splits airflow into pulses, generating rich sound waves. The wooden cavity and materials like leather and cloth modify tone, creating distinctive timbre. Key Features: Manual Dynamics: Volume and tone are controlled by how hard or gently the bellows are pumped, allowing for expressive dynamics like accents and fades. Multiple Reeds per Key: Keys can activate multiple reeds across octaves using stop rods, enriching tone like a small organ. Octave Coupling Mechanism: Some harmoniums allow one key to automatically depress another an octave apart, reducing finger strain. Weather & Tuning Adaptability: Warm air affects pitch, so musicians carry screwdrivers to fine-tune reeds pre-performance. No Electricity Required: Its self-contained, acoustic design allows uninterrupted performance even during power cuts or outdoor concerts.
• Air as Fuel: Operates through bellows pumped by hand, drawing room air through valves into a pressurised air chamber beneath the keys.
• Operates through bellows pumped by hand, drawing room air through valves into a pressurised air chamber beneath the keys.
• Reed Vibration Mechanism: Pressing a key opens a felt-lined pallet that channels high-pressure air through metal reeds, making them vibrate and produce sound. The pitch depends on the reed’s length, thickness, and material (brass or phosphor-bronze).
• Pressing a key opens a felt-lined pallet that channels high-pressure air through metal reeds, making them vibrate and produce sound.
• The pitch depends on the reed’s length, thickness, and material (brass or phosphor-bronze).
• Sound Generation: Each vibrating reed splits airflow into pulses, generating rich sound waves. The wooden cavity and materials like leather and cloth modify tone, creating distinctive timbre.
• Each vibrating reed splits airflow into pulses, generating rich sound waves.
• The wooden cavity and materials like leather and cloth modify tone, creating distinctive timbre.
• Key Features: Manual Dynamics: Volume and tone are controlled by how hard or gently the bellows are pumped, allowing for expressive dynamics like accents and fades. Multiple Reeds per Key: Keys can activate multiple reeds across octaves using stop rods, enriching tone like a small organ. Octave Coupling Mechanism: Some harmoniums allow one key to automatically depress another an octave apart, reducing finger strain. Weather & Tuning Adaptability: Warm air affects pitch, so musicians carry screwdrivers to fine-tune reeds pre-performance. No Electricity Required: Its self-contained, acoustic design allows uninterrupted performance even during power cuts or outdoor concerts.
• Manual Dynamics: Volume and tone are controlled by how hard or gently the bellows are pumped, allowing for expressive dynamics like accents and fades.
• Multiple Reeds per Key: Keys can activate multiple reeds across octaves using stop rods, enriching tone like a small organ.
• Octave Coupling Mechanism: Some harmoniums allow one key to automatically depress another an octave apart, reducing finger strain.
• Weather & Tuning Adaptability: Warm air affects pitch, so musicians carry screwdrivers to fine-tune reeds pre-performance.
• No Electricity Required: Its self-contained, acoustic design allows uninterrupted performance even during power cuts or outdoor concerts.
India Wetlands Resolution was formally adopted at Ramsar CoP15
Source: DH
Context: India’s resolution titled “Promoting Sustainable Lifestyles for the Wise Use of Wetlands” was formally adopted at Ramsar CoP15 held in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe on 30th July 2025.
About India Wetlands Resolution was formally adopted at Ramsar CoP15:
• What it is? A global resolution introduced by India at Ramsar CoP15 to integrate sustainable lifestyles into wetland conservation strategies using a whole-of-society approach.
• A global resolution introduced by India at Ramsar CoP15 to integrate sustainable lifestyles into wetland conservation strategies using a whole-of-society approach.
• Aim of the Resolution:
• Promote pro-planet behavioural choices that support wetland protection. Integrate sustainable consumption and production into wetland policies and management plans.
• Promote pro-planet behavioural choices that support wetland protection.
• Integrate sustainable consumption and production into wetland policies and management plans.
• Key Features:
• Behavioural Focus: Recognises individual and community choices as central to wetland conservation. Policy Integration: Encourages inclusion of lifestyle-based interventions in national and local wetland plans. CEPA Alignment: Supports Resolution XIV.8 on Communication, Education, Participation and Awareness (CEPA). Educational Drive: Emphasises education at all levels and awareness campaigns on sustainable wetlands use. Collaborative Approach: Seeks public–private partnerships for mobilising sustainable actions. Global Linkages: Builds on UNEA 6/8 (2024) and UNFCCC CoP26’s Mission LiFE, amplifying India’s climate leadership.
• Behavioural Focus: Recognises individual and community choices as central to wetland conservation.
• Policy Integration: Encourages inclusion of lifestyle-based interventions in national and local wetland plans.
• CEPA Alignment: Supports Resolution XIV.8 on Communication, Education, Participation and Awareness (CEPA).
• Educational Drive: Emphasises education at all levels and awareness campaigns on sustainable wetlands use.
• Collaborative Approach: Seeks public–private partnerships for mobilising sustainable actions.
• Global Linkages: Builds on UNEA 6/8 (2024) and UNFCCC CoP26’s Mission LiFE, amplifying India’s climate leadership.
• Significance:
• Elevates India’s soft power in global environmental governance through innovative lifestyle diplomacy. Translates Mission LiFE from a national movement to a global wetland conservation paradigm. Supports SDGs 6, 12, 13, 15 & 17 by linking consumption behaviour, biodiversity, and water sustainability. Reinforces India’s wetland conservation efforts under Mission Sahbhagita and Save Wetlands Campaign, engaging over 2 million citizens.
• Elevates India’s soft power in global environmental governance through innovative lifestyle diplomacy.
• Translates Mission LiFE from a national movement to a global wetland conservation paradigm.
• Supports SDGs 6, 12, 13, 15 & 17 by linking consumption behaviour, biodiversity, and water sustainability.
• Reinforces India’s wetland conservation efforts under Mission Sahbhagita and Save Wetlands Campaign, engaging over 2 million citizens.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 31 July 2025 Mapping:
Chile’s Coastal Erosion
Source: DD News
Context: At least 10 Chilean beaches are projected to vanish within a decade due to severe coastal erosion, driven by climate change and unregulated development, according to scientists from the Universidad Catolica.
About Chile’s Coastal Erosion:
• What is Happening?
• Severe beach loss: 86% of monitored beaches along Chile’s central and southern coast are shrinking, with 10 beaches critically endangered. Permanent disappearance likely: Some tourist beaches like Valparaiso already saw the shoreline vanish last year.
• Severe beach loss: 86% of monitored beaches along Chile’s central and southern coast are shrinking, with 10 beaches critically endangered.
• Permanent disappearance likely: Some tourist beaches like Valparaiso already saw the shoreline vanish last year.
• Causes of Erosion:
• Climate-induced forces: Stronger and frequent swells, rising sea levels, and heatwaves are accelerating erosion. Human activities: Urbanization, construction near dunes/wetlands, and degradation of river basins reduce natural sand replenishment.
• Climate-induced forces: Stronger and frequent swells, rising sea levels, and heatwaves are accelerating erosion.
• Human activities: Urbanization, construction near dunes/wetlands, and degradation of river basins reduce natural sand replenishment.
• Implications:
• Livelihood loss: Fisherfolk, small coastal businesses, and tourism operators face declining income and displacement. Ecological degradation: Saltwater intrusion and collapsing cliffs threaten coastal forests and biodiversity.
• Livelihood loss: Fisherfolk, small coastal businesses, and tourism operators face declining income and displacement.
• Ecological degradation: Saltwater intrusion and collapsing cliffs threaten coastal forests and biodiversity.
About Chile:
• Continent: South America, along the Pacific Ocean.
• Borders: Argentina, Peru, Bolivia, and Pacific Ocean.
• Capital: Santiago.
• Government: Multiparty Republic; President – Gabriel Boric.
• Natural Features:
• Mountains: Dominated by the Andes and includes Ojos del Salado (22,614 ft, highest active volcano).
• Lakes & Glaciers: Lake District, Southern Ice Cap (2nd largest in the Southern Hemisphere).
• 10 beaches facing severe erosion are located along Renaca, Vina del Mar, Valparaiso, and Puerto Saavedra
• Deserts: Atacama Desert in the north, one of the driest places on Earth.
• Volcanoes: Active ones like Llaima, Osorno, Copahue.
• Rivers: Short, seasonal rivers fed by Andes’ snowcaps.
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