UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 31 May 2025
Kartavya Desk Staff
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 31 May 2025 covers important current affairs of the day, their backward linkages, their relevance for Prelims exam and MCQs on main articles
InstaLinks : Insta Links help you think beyond the current affairs issue and help you think multidimensionally to develop depth in your understanding of these issues. These linkages provided in this ‘hint’ format help you frame possible questions in your mind that might arise(or an examiner might imagine) from each current event. InstaLinks also connect every issue to their static or theoretical background.
Table of Contents
GS Paper 1 : (UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 31 May (2025)
• Provisional Estimate of GDP
Provisional Estimate of GDP
GS Paper 3:
• Landslide
Landslide
Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):
• Glacier Ice Melt
Glacier Ice Melt
Facts for Prelims (FFP):
• National Florence Nightingale Awards 2025
National Florence Nightingale Awards 2025
• International Conference on Glaciers’ Preservation – 2025
International Conference on Glaciers’ Preservation – 2025
• DHRUVA (Digital Hub for Reference and Unique Virtual Address)
DHRUVA (Digital Hub for Reference and Unique Virtual Address)
• India’s First Indigenous Thrombectomy Device
India’s First Indigenous Thrombectomy Device
• India AI Mission
India AI Mission
• Ghatampur Thermal Power Project
Ghatampur Thermal Power Project
Mapping:
• Lonza Valley
Lonza Valley
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS –31 May 2025
#### GS Paper 1:
Provisional Estimate of GDP
Syllabus: Economy
Source: IE
Context: The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) released Provisional Estimates (PEs) for India’s FY25 GDP and GVA
About Provisional Estimate of GDP:
What is Provisional GDP?
• Definition: Provisional GDP refers to national income and output data released at the end of the financial year, incorporating all four quarters. These figures are subject to revision as more accurate data becomes available.
• Released by: MoSPI (Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation).
• Revision Cycle: First Advance Estimates: January Second Advance Estimates: February Provisional Estimates: May Revised Estimates: Over the next two years
• First Advance Estimates: January
• Second Advance Estimates: February
• Provisional Estimates: May
• Revised Estimates: Over the next two years
Key Summary of Provisional GDP Estimates FY 2024–25:
• Real GDP grew by 6.5% in FY25, reaching ₹187.97 lakh crore, while Nominal GDP rose by 9.8% to ₹330.68 lakh crore.
• In Q4 FY25, real GDP increased by 7.4% and nominal GDP by 10.8%, indicating strong year-end performance.
• Real GVA growth stood at 6.4%, with notable sectoral performances in construction (9.4%), public services (8.9%), and financial services (7.2%).
• Primary sector rebounded with 4.4% growth, up from 2.7% last year, and posted 5% growth in Q4 alone.
• Private Final Consumption Expenditure (PFCE) saw a rise of 7.2%, showing revival in demand, while Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF) grew by 7.1%.
• Manufacturing sector continues to lag with lower CAGR (4.04%) compared to agriculture (4.72%), affecting employment dynamics.
• Estimates are compiled using benchmark-indicator methods with data from over a dozen key macro indicators like IIP, crop output, rail & port traffic, and tax data.
• These figures are provisional and will undergo further revision based on updated datasets in 2026 and 2027.
Analysis:
• Positives: Consistent economic expansion: Despite global uncertainties, India remains one of the fastest-growing major economies. Resilience in agriculture: GVA in agriculture has grown faster than manufacturing since FY20. Improved data integration: The estimates now capture Q4 data, providing a fuller picture of the economy.
• Consistent economic expansion: Despite global uncertainties, India remains one of the fastest-growing major economies.
• Resilience in agriculture: GVA in agriculture has grown faster than manufacturing since FY20.
• Improved data integration: The estimates now capture Q4 data, providing a fuller picture of the economy.
• Negatives: Slowing nominal GDP growth: At 9.8%, FY25 shows the third-slowest nominal GDP growth since 2014. Manufacturing lag: Manufacturing GVA growth lags behind agriculture, highlighting industrial stagnation. Employment concerns: Sluggish manufacturing explains high urban youth unemployment and increased labour migration to rural areas.
• Slowing nominal GDP growth: At 9.8%, FY25 shows the third-slowest nominal GDP growth since 2014.
• Manufacturing lag: Manufacturing GVA growth lags behind agriculture, highlighting industrial stagnation.
• Employment concerns: Sluggish manufacturing explains high urban youth unemployment and increased labour migration to rural areas.
Significance:
• The data offers critical input for fiscal planning, monetary policy, and investment strategies.
• It reflects India’s macroeconomic stability but also exposes vulnerabilities in key growth engines like manufacturing.
• For international observers, the real GDP growth rate is essential for cross-country comparisons, as it adjusts for inflation.
Conclusion:
India’s provisional GDP data shows moderate economic resilience with real growth at 6.5%, but deeper issues persist, especially in manufacturing. Addressing sectoral imbalances and revitalizing industrial growth are vital for sustainable development. The GDP trends offer a mirror to both progress and pending structural reforms.
• Faster economic growth requires increased share of the manufacturing sector in GDP, particularly of MSMEs. Comment on the present policies of the Government in this regard. (2023)
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 31 May 2025 GS Paper 3:
Landslide
Syllabus: Disaster Management
Source: TOI
Context: A tragic landslide on the Kedarnath National Highway in Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand killed one and injured five pilgrims from Chhattisgarh. Authorities have warned against travel due to ongoing extreme weather.
About Landslides:
• What is a Landslide? A landslide is the sudden downward movement of rock, earth, or debris due to gravity, often triggered by heavy rainfall, seismic activity, or human interference.
• A landslide is the sudden downward movement of rock, earth, or debris due to gravity, often triggered by heavy rainfall, seismic activity, or human interference.
• India’s Vulnerability: Around 15% of India’s landmass is landslide-prone (NDMA), especially the Himalayas, North-East, Western Ghats, and Nilgiris.
• Types of Landslides in India: Debris Flow: Common during monsoon in Western Ghats and Himalayas. Rockfalls: Observed in steep Himalayan terrains. Creeping Landslides: Slow and progressive, seen in Sikkim and Darjeeling.
• Debris Flow: Common during monsoon in Western Ghats and Himalayas.
• Rockfalls: Observed in steep Himalayan terrains.
• Creeping Landslides: Slow and progressive, seen in Sikkim and Darjeeling.
Causes of Landslides in India:
• Geological Factors: Fragile rock structures due to tectonic movement of the Indian plate at ~5 cm/year (Geological Survey of India).
• Heavy Rainfall: Intense and prolonged rainfall triggers slope failures, e.g., Malpha (Pithoragarh) and Okhimath (Chamoli).
• Seismic Activity: Earthquakes in Himalayan zones weaken slopes and trigger landslides.
• Deforestation & Urbanisation: Removal of vegetation and unregulated construction destabilizes soil layers.
• Road Construction & Mining: Blasting and excavation alter natural slopes, making them prone to collapse.
Impacts of Landslides:
• Short-term Impacts: Loss of life and injuries, e.g., Kedarnath NH landslide (May 2025). Damage to infrastructure and crops causing economic loss. Obstruction to transport, especially in remote and hilly terrain.
• Loss of life and injuries, e.g., Kedarnath NH landslide (May 2025).
• Damage to infrastructure and crops causing economic loss.
• Obstruction to transport, especially in remote and hilly terrain.
• Long-term Impacts: River sedimentation, leading to downstream flooding. Reduced reservoir life due to siltation in hydropower projects. Displacement of population and loss of arable land. Geographic isolation leading to underdevelopment.
• River sedimentation, leading to downstream flooding.
• Reduced reservoir life due to siltation in hydropower projects.
• Displacement of population and loss of arable land.
• Geographic isolation leading to underdevelopment.
NDMA Guidelines for Landslide Management:
• Hazard Zonation Maps: LHZ maps at 1:50,000 scale being prepared by NRSC, IITs, DST.
E.g., NRSC Atlas for Uttarakhand corridors.
• Early Warning Systems (EWS): Use of real-time monitoring, stress sensors, remote sensing, and GIS for timely alerts.
• Land Use Regulation: No construction in vulnerable zones, excavation norms, and slope stability measures like rock bolting and retaining walls.
• Preparedness & Capacity Building: Disaster training in schools, simulation drills, and awareness campaigns in hilly districts.
• Infrastructure Measures: Drainage improvement, vegetation cover restoration, and slope reengineering.
• Insurance & Compensation: Encouraging landslide insurance and quick relief disbursals to affected families.
• Research & Development: DST supports over 30 research projects to improve landslide prediction and mitigation technologies.
Conclusion:
Landslides are a persistent threat in India’s geologically fragile zones. With changing climate and unplanned development, their frequency is rising. Strengthening early warning systems, enforcing regulations, and raising public awareness are key to reducing future risk and impact.
• Describe the various causes and the effects of landslides. Mention the important components of the National Landslip Risk Management Strategy. (2021)
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 31 May 2025 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)
Glacier Ice Melt
Context: A new study published in Science reveals that glaciers are melting faster than feared, with up to 76% of glacier ice potentially lost if global warming reaches 2.7°C.
About Glacier Ice Melt:
What is Glacier Ice Melt?
• Glacier ice melt refers to the long-term loss of glacier mass due to rising global temperatures.
• Key Findings from the Report: Even at current temperatures, 39% of 2020 glacier ice mass is committed to melting over centuries. If temperatures rise to 2.7°C, only 24% of glacier ice will remain; limiting warming to 1.5°C preserves 54%. Himalayan glaciers (serving 2B+ people) may retain only 25% of ice at 2°C, or 40-45% at 1.5°C. Regions like the Alps and Scandinavia may lose nearly all glaciers at 2°C warming. Ice loss will continue for centuries, even after temperature stabilisation.
• Even at current temperatures, 39% of 2020 glacier ice mass is committed to melting over centuries.
• If temperatures rise to 2.7°C, only 24% of glacier ice will remain; limiting warming to 1.5°C preserves 54%.
• Himalayan glaciers (serving 2B+ people) may retain only 25% of ice at 2°C, or 40-45% at 1.5°C.
• Regions like the Alps and Scandinavia may lose nearly all glaciers at 2°C warming.
• Ice loss will continue for centuries, even after temperature stabilisation.
Relevance in UPSC Exam Syllabus
• GS Paper 1: Geography Climatology, cryosphere changes, glacial landforms Examples: Ngozumpa Glacier in Himalayas, Alpine glacier loss
• Climatology, cryosphere changes, glacial landforms
• Examples: Ngozumpa Glacier in Himalayas, Alpine glacier loss
• GS Paper 3: Environment & Ecology Climate change, disaster management, environmental degradation Link with water security, flood risk, sea level rise, and biodiversity loss
• Climate change, disaster management, environmental degradation
• Link with water security, flood risk, sea level rise, and biodiversity loss
• Essay & Ethics Papers Themes on intergenerational justice, sustainability, and planetary responsibility
• Themes on intergenerational justice, sustainability, and planetary responsibility
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 31 May Facts for Prelims (FFP)
National Florence Nightingale Awards 2025
Source: TP
Context: President Droupadi Murmu presented the National Florence Nightingale Awards 2025 to 15 exceptional nursing professionals at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
About National Florence Nightingale Awards 2025:
• What It Is? A prestigious national award recognizing meritorious services of nurses and midwives in India.
• A prestigious national award recognizing meritorious services of nurses and midwives in India.
• Awarded By: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.
• Established: Instituted in the year 1973 as a tribute to Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing.
• Key Features: Award Components: Cash prize of ₹1,00,000. Medal and Certificate of Merit. Eligibility: Open to Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANM), Staff Nurses, Lady Health Visitors (LHV), and others engaged in nursing and public health services. Candidates are nominated by state governments, UTs, and healthcare institutions. Selection Process: Involves rigorous evaluation by expert panels from the health sector. Based on service record, dedication, innovation, and public health impact. Awardees 2025: Recognized nurses from 15 states and UTs including Delhi, Karnataka, Mizoram, Tamil Nadu, and Andaman & Nicobar Islands. Notably includes the Devrani sisters from Uttarakhand for their four-decade-long service. Significance: Promotes excellence in the healthcare sector by motivating frontline workers. Highlights the role of nurses in public health, maternal care, immunization, and rural outreach. Strengthens the spirit of service, empathy, and dedication, especially in resource-limited settings. Encourages more youth to pursue nursing as a noble profession, essential to India’s health system resilience.
• Award Components: Cash prize of ₹1,00,000. Medal and Certificate of Merit.
• Cash prize of ₹1,00,000.
• Medal and Certificate of Merit.
• Eligibility: Open to Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANM), Staff Nurses, Lady Health Visitors (LHV), and others engaged in nursing and public health services. Candidates are nominated by state governments, UTs, and healthcare institutions.
• Open to Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANM), Staff Nurses, Lady Health Visitors (LHV), and others engaged in nursing and public health services.
• Candidates are nominated by state governments, UTs, and healthcare institutions.
• Selection Process: Involves rigorous evaluation by expert panels from the health sector. Based on service record, dedication, innovation, and public health impact.
• Involves rigorous evaluation by expert panels from the health sector.
• Based on service record, dedication, innovation, and public health impact.
• Awardees 2025: Recognized nurses from 15 states and UTs including Delhi, Karnataka, Mizoram, Tamil Nadu, and Andaman & Nicobar Islands. Notably includes the Devrani sisters from Uttarakhand for their four-decade-long service.
• Recognized nurses from 15 states and UTs including Delhi, Karnataka, Mizoram, Tamil Nadu, and Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
• Notably includes the Devrani sisters from Uttarakhand for their four-decade-long service.
• Significance: Promotes excellence in the healthcare sector by motivating frontline workers. Highlights the role of nurses in public health, maternal care, immunization, and rural outreach. Strengthens the spirit of service, empathy, and dedication, especially in resource-limited settings. Encourages more youth to pursue nursing as a noble profession, essential to India’s health system resilience.
• Promotes excellence in the healthcare sector by motivating frontline workers.
• Highlights the role of nurses in public health, maternal care, immunization, and rural outreach.
• Strengthens the spirit of service, empathy, and dedication, especially in resource-limited settings.
• Encourages more youth to pursue nursing as a noble profession, essential to India’s health system resilience.
International Conference on Glaciers’ Preservation – 2025
Source: UN
Context: In 2025, the International Year of Glacier Preservation is being marked through a UN-backed global conference, International Conference on Glaciers’ Preservation – 2025 in Tajikistan.
About International Conference on Glaciers’ Preservation – 2025:
• What is it? A high-level global summit focusing on urgent action to combat glacier retreat and ensure sustainable freshwater supplies from cryospheric sources.
• A high-level global summit focusing on urgent action to combat glacier retreat and ensure sustainable freshwater supplies from cryospheric sources.
• Held in: Dushanbe, Tajikistan
• Organised by: Republic of Tajikistan, with support from United Nations agencies
• Declared under: UN Resolution declaring 2025 as the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation
• Objectives:
• Promote climate-resilient water resource management. Raise global awareness of the threats posed by glacier melt. Encourage strong multilateral climate action aligned with the Paris Agreement and SDGs.
• Promote climate-resilient water resource management.
• Raise global awareness of the threats posed by glacier melt.
• Encourage strong multilateral climate action aligned with the Paris Agreement and SDGs.
• Key Features:
• Scientific Collaboration: Foster glacier monitoring, cryospheric data sharing, and research coordination across nations. Policy Integration: Align NDCs and NAPs with practical water governance and climate-resilient investments. Early Warning Systems: Develop roadmaps for mountain-specific climate risk prediction and disaster response. Knowledge Exchange: Disseminate best practices, case studies, and adaptive innovations in glacial risk zones. Gender Inclusion: Promote women’s participation in glacier-related water policy and decision-making. UN Trust Fund: Propose formation of a UN-supported Glacier Preservation Fund for long-term financing. Urban Water Security: Prioritize resilient urban and agricultural water supply systems through smart investments. Expected Impact: Ensure targeted hydro-meteorological services for glacier-reliant communities and boost global cryosphere protection efforts.
• Scientific Collaboration: Foster glacier monitoring, cryospheric data sharing, and research coordination across nations.
• Policy Integration: Align NDCs and NAPs with practical water governance and climate-resilient investments.
• Early Warning Systems: Develop roadmaps for mountain-specific climate risk prediction and disaster response.
• Knowledge Exchange: Disseminate best practices, case studies, and adaptive innovations in glacial risk zones.
• Gender Inclusion: Promote women’s participation in glacier-related water policy and decision-making.
• UN Trust Fund: Propose formation of a UN-supported Glacier Preservation Fund for long-term financing.
• Urban Water Security: Prioritize resilient urban and agricultural water supply systems through smart investments.
• Expected Impact: Ensure targeted hydro-meteorological services for glacier-reliant communities and boost global cryosphere protection efforts.
DHRUVA (Digital Hub for Reference and Unique Virtual Address)
- •Source: PIB*
Context: The Department of Posts released the policy framework for DHRUVA (Digital Hub for Reference and Unique Virtual Address). It marks a critical step toward developing a national digital addressing public infrastructure using geospatial technology.
About DHRUVA (Digital Hub for Reference and Unique Virtual Address):
• What is DHRUVA? DHRUVA is a national policy framework for creating a standardized, geo-coded, and digital address infrastructure, serving as Address-as-a-Service (AaaS) for secure, efficient data sharing.
• DHRUVA is a national policy framework for creating a standardized, geo-coded, and digital address infrastructure, serving as Address-as-a-Service (AaaS) for secure, efficient data sharing.
• Launched in: May 2025, by the Department of Posts, under the Ministry of Communications.
• Objective:
• To transform address information management into a digital public good. Enable interoperable, secure, and user-consent-based access to address data. Foster public-private collaboration in sectors like e-governance, e-commerce, logistics, and emergency response.
• To transform address information management into a digital public good.
• Enable interoperable, secure, and user-consent-based access to address data.
• Foster public-private collaboration in sectors like e-governance, e-commerce, logistics, and emergency response.
• Key Features:
• DIGIPIN Integration: Builds upon the geo-tagged Digital Postal Index Number (DIGIPIN) system for national-level consistency. Address-as-a-Service (AaaS): Allows address data to be securely managed, shared, and validated across platforms. User Autonomy: Citizens have control over their digital address data, enhancing privacy and user experience. Open and Accessible: Designed as freely accessible infrastructure for public and private stakeholders. Consent-Driven Framework: Enables address data to be shared securely, only with user approval.
• DIGIPIN Integration: Builds upon the geo-tagged Digital Postal Index Number (DIGIPIN) system for national-level consistency.
• Address-as-a-Service (AaaS): Allows address data to be securely managed, shared, and validated across platforms.
• User Autonomy: Citizens have control over their digital address data, enhancing privacy and user experience.
• Open and Accessible: Designed as freely accessible infrastructure for public and private stakeholders.
• Consent-Driven Framework: Enables address data to be shared securely, only with user approval.
• Significance:
• Geospatial Governance: Supports better planning, disaster response, and targeted public delivery. Inclusive Access: Streamlines KYC, banking, subsidy delivery, and rural service reach. Boost to Logistics & E-commerce: Improves last-mile delivery efficiency and transparency. Digital Economy Push: Aligns with Digital India and ease of living goals through smart, location-based services. Public-Private Synergy: Encourages collaborative innovation in address-linked solutions.
• Geospatial Governance: Supports better planning, disaster response, and targeted public delivery.
• Inclusive Access: Streamlines KYC, banking, subsidy delivery, and rural service reach.
• Boost to Logistics & E-commerce: Improves last-mile delivery efficiency and transparency.
• Digital Economy Push: Aligns with Digital India and ease of living goals through smart, location-based services.
• Public-Private Synergy: Encourages collaborative innovation in address-linked solutions.
India’s First Indigenous Thrombectomy Device
Source: BL
Context: The Technology Development Board (TDB) under DST has funded India’s first indigenously developed mechanical thrombectomy device for stroke treatment.
About India’s First Indigenous Thrombectomy Device:
• What is it? A Mechanical Thrombectomy Kit used to treat acute ischemic stroke caused by large vessel blockage. It offers quicker and more effective recovery than traditional clot-busting drugs.
• A Mechanical Thrombectomy Kit used to treat acute ischemic stroke caused by large vessel blockage. It offers quicker and more effective recovery than traditional clot-busting drugs.
• Developed by: M/s S3V Vascular Technologies Limited, Mysuru — with financial assistance from the Technology Development Board (TDB), Department of Science & Technology.
• How It Works:
• The device is put into a blocked artery in the brain during a stroke. It removes the blood clot using special tools like stent retrievers and aspiration catheters. This helps restore blood flow to the brain, preventing paralysis or permanent brain damage.
• The device is put into a blocked artery in the brain during a stroke.
• It removes the blood clot using special tools like stent retrievers and aspiration catheters.
• This helps restore blood flow to the brain, preventing paralysis or permanent brain damage.
• Key Features: Indigenous Innovation: First Indian company to design and manufacture stroke-care tools like microcatheters, aspiration catheters, guidewires, and stent retrievers. Advanced Manufacturing: Built at Medical Devices Park, Oragadam, with an integrated facility for high-precision production. Patent-Driven R&D: Patent filings underway for innovations like clot retriever head design and advanced catheter structures. Skill Development: Offers simulator-based training programs for young doctors, especially in Tier-II cities. Global Standards: Targeting CE and USFDA certifications to enable global exports and ensure world-class quality.
• Indigenous Innovation: First Indian company to design and manufacture stroke-care tools like microcatheters, aspiration catheters, guidewires, and stent retrievers.
• Advanced Manufacturing: Built at Medical Devices Park, Oragadam, with an integrated facility for high-precision production.
• Patent-Driven R&D: Patent filings underway for innovations like clot retriever head design and advanced catheter structures.
• Skill Development: Offers simulator-based training programs for young doctors, especially in Tier-II cities.
• Global Standards: Targeting CE and USFDA certifications to enable global exports and ensure world-class quality.
• Why It Matters?
• Helps India reduce its need to import expensive stroke-care devices. Makes stroke treatment more affordable and easier to access for patients. Will be part of Ayushman Bharat, supporting public health programs. Strengthens India’s global presence in medical technology.
• Helps India reduce its need to import expensive stroke-care devices.
• Makes stroke treatment more affordable and easier to access for patients.
• Will be part of Ayushman Bharat, supporting public health programs.
• Strengthens India’s global presence in medical technology.
India AI Mission
Source: HT
Context: Union Minister announced a major expansion of India’s national AI infrastructure, adding 15,916 new GPUs, while the Cabinet approved ₹10,300+ crore for the IndiaAI Mission to boost AI startups.
About India AI Mission:
• What it is? IndiaAI is a national program by the Government of India to develop indigenous Artificial Intelligence capabilities, infrastructure, datasets, and startups under a structured public-private partnership model.
• IndiaAI is a national program by the Government of India to develop indigenous Artificial Intelligence capabilities, infrastructure, datasets, and startups under a structured public-private partnership model.
• Launched by: Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY)
• Launched in: Approved by Cabinet in March 2024
• Objectives: Make AI in India and Make AI work for India Democratize AI access and use for governance, startups, and citizens Build indigenous foundation and language models Promote ethical, safe, and responsible AI Create a self-reliant AI innovation ecosystem
• Make AI in India and Make AI work for India
• Democratize AI access and use for governance, startups, and citizens
• Build indigenous foundation and language models
• Promote ethical, safe, and responsible AI
• Create a self-reliant AI innovation ecosystem
• Key Features: Massive Compute Boost: India now has over 34,000 GPUs, enabling training of large AI models. Foundational Model Development: Selection of startups like Sarvam AI, Soket AI, Gnani AI, and Gan AI to build India-specific multilingual LLMs and Voice AI models. AI Innovation Centre (IAIC): A leading academic institution to drive research, foundational models, and talent retention. Open Datasets Platform (AI Kosh): Over 367 datasets already uploaded; aims to improve access to public data for AI research and governance. Startup Financing & Talent Pipeline: Includes startup funding, AI labs in Tier-II cities, and AI skill development programs for graduates and postgraduates. Ethical & Safe AI: Development of frameworks for safe, trusted, and inclusive AI deployment across sectors. Global AI Leadership: Aims to place India in the top league of AI-powered nations through indigenous innovation and global collaborations.
• Massive Compute Boost: India now has over 34,000 GPUs, enabling training of large AI models.
• Foundational Model Development: Selection of startups like Sarvam AI, Soket AI, Gnani AI, and Gan AI to build India-specific multilingual LLMs and Voice AI models.
• AI Innovation Centre (IAIC): A leading academic institution to drive research, foundational models, and talent retention.
• Open Datasets Platform (AI Kosh): Over 367 datasets already uploaded; aims to improve access to public data for AI research and governance.
• Startup Financing & Talent Pipeline: Includes startup funding, AI labs in Tier-II cities, and AI skill development programs for graduates and postgraduates.
• Ethical & Safe AI: Development of frameworks for safe, trusted, and inclusive AI deployment across sectors.
• Global AI Leadership: Aims to place India in the top league of AI-powered nations through indigenous innovation and global collaborations.
Ghatampur Thermal Power Project
Source: TOI
Context: Prime Minister of India dedicated Unit-1 (660 MW) of the Ghatampur Thermal Power Project in Kanpur Nagar, Uttar Pradesh, marking a significant milestone in India’s thermal energy expansion and infrastructure development.
About Ghatampur Thermal Power Project:
• Location: The power plant is located in Ghatampur, in Kanpur Nagar district, Uttar Pradesh.
• Implementing Agency: The project is managed by Neyveli Uttar Pradesh Power Ltd (NUPPL) — a joint venture between: NLC India Ltd (owns 51%) and UP Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Ltd (UPRVUNL) (owns 49%).
• The project is managed by Neyveli Uttar Pradesh Power Ltd (NUPPL) — a joint venture between: NLC India Ltd (owns 51%) and UP Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Ltd (UPRVUNL) (owns 49%).
• Power Capacity: The project has 3 power units, each of 660 MW. Total capacity is 1,980 MW.
• The project has 3 power units, each of 660 MW.
• Total capacity is 1,980 MW.
• Total Cost: The project cost is ₹21,780.94 crore.
• Power Distribution: 75.12% (1487.28 MW) of electricity will go to Uttar Pradesh. 24.88% (492.72 MW) will go to Assam, depending on the transfer of shares.
• 75.12% (1487.28 MW) of electricity will go to Uttar Pradesh.
• 24.88% (492.72 MW) will go to Assam, depending on the transfer of shares.
• Main Features: Efficient Technology: Uses supercritical boilers with 88.81% efficiency, which saves fuel and increases output. No Wastewater Release: The plant has a Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) system, so no water is released into rivers or land. Pollution Control:
• Efficient Technology: Uses supercritical boilers with 88.81% efficiency, which saves fuel and increases output.
• No Wastewater Release: The plant has a Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) system, so no water is released into rivers or land.
• Pollution Control:
Uses modern systems to cut air pollution:
• SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) reduces harmful NOx gases. FGD (Flue Gas Desulphurization) reduces SOx gases from smoke. CEMS & AAQMS track emissions and air quality 24/7. Water Saving: 288 km of canal is lined to save 195 million litres of water per day. The plant stores up to 46 lakh cubic meters of raw water. Coal Supply: Has its own coal mine producing 9 million tonnes per year. Can store coal for 30 days of full operation (10.165 lakh tonnes).
• SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) reduces harmful NOx gases. FGD (Flue Gas Desulphurization) reduces SOx gases from smoke. CEMS & AAQMS track emissions and air quality 24/7.
• SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) reduces harmful NOx gases.
• FGD (Flue Gas Desulphurization) reduces SOx gases from smoke.
• CEMS & AAQMS track emissions and air quality 24/7.
• Water Saving: 288 km of canal is lined to save 195 million litres of water per day. The plant stores up to 46 lakh cubic meters of raw water.
• 288 km of canal is lined to save 195 million litres of water per day.
• The plant stores up to 46 lakh cubic meters of raw water.
• Coal Supply: Has its own coal mine producing 9 million tonnes per year. Can store coal for 30 days of full operation (10.165 lakh tonnes).
• Has its own coal mine producing 9 million tonnes per year.
• Can store coal for 30 days of full operation (10.165 lakh tonnes).
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 31 May 2025 Mapping:
Lonza Valley
Source: TP
Context: A massive glacier collapse in Switzerland’s Loetschental valley on May 28, 2025, buried Blatten village under ice and rock debris, triggering flood fears as River Lonza’s flow is blocked.
About Lonza Valley:
• Location: Loetschental (Lonza) Valley is located in the canton of Valais, in southern Switzerland, within the Alpine region.
• Country Involved: Switzerland is directly affected, with international attention on climate-induced glacial hazards.
• Key Features:
• River Lonza flows through the valley, fed by Alpine glaciers.
• The valley is part of a fragile high-altitude ecosystem highly sensitive to global warming.
• It houses small Alpine settlements like Blatten, known for their proximity to glaciers and scenic landscapes.
• It is vulnerable to glacial retreat, permafrost thawing, and associated hazards like landslides and flash floods.
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