UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 4 August 2025
Kartavya Desk Staff
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 4 August 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 – 4 August (2025)
• Right to Repair in India
Right to Repair in India
• Bird Deaths and Wind Energy in India
Bird Deaths and Wind Energy in India
Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):
• Operation Akhal
Operation Akhal
Facts for Prelims (FFP):
• Framework Agreement
Framework Agreement
• July Declaration
July Declaration
• Definitive list of Ayurveda Aahara Products
Definitive list of Ayurveda Aahara Products
• India’s First 5G Captive Non-Public Network in Refinery Sector
India’s First 5G Captive Non-Public Network in Refinery Sector
• Mahanadi River
Mahanadi River
• Airbus C-295 Aircraft
Airbus C-295 Aircraft
Mapping:
• Krasheninnikov Volcano
Krasheninnikov Volcano
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 4 August 2025
#### GS Paper 3:
Right to Repair in India
Syllabus: Environment
Source: TH
Context: India accepted a proposal to introduce a Repairability Index for electronics. This marks a key step towards making the Right to Repair a consumer right.
• However, experts warn that India’s informal repair economy—rich in tacit, generational knowledge—is being neglected in digital and AI policy frameworks.
About Right to Repair in India:
Understanding the ‘Right to Repair’:
• Definition: It refers to the legal right of consumers to repair and modify their own products or access affordable third-party services.
• Global Trend: EU mandates access to spare parts and manuals; U.S. states and the UN SDG 12 also push for repair-based sustainability.
• Indian Framework: Department of Consumer Affairs launched a Right to Repair portal (2023), covering electronics, autos, and farm tools.
Why Repair Must Be More Than a Consumer Right?
• Tacit Knowledge Economy: Informal repairers acquire skills through observation and mentorship, not certifications, making repair an intergenerational knowledge system. E.g. Karol Bagh (Delhi), Ritchie Street (Chennai)
• Sustainability through Jugaad: Repair culture reflects India’s frugality and resourcefulness by extending product life and reducing e-waste.
• Unorganised, Yet Critical Workforce: Informal repairers are excluded from labour policies, despite being central to India’s circular economy.
• Cultural Identity of Repair: Local repair practices carry regional innovation, intuition, and adaptive reuse — a form of indigenous technological heritage.
• Loss of Repair Literacy: Shift towards disposable goods and sealed designs threatens this ecosystem and the social value of reuse.
Digital Policy Gaps:
• Narrow Scope of E-Waste Rules 2022: Rules emphasize recycling but overlook repair as a first-line defence against e-waste.
• PMKVY’s Mismatch: Skill India programs offer rigid modules, which don’t suit improvisational, diagnostic repair work.
• NSAI & DPI Oversight: AI and DPI policy frameworks focus on structured data but neglect informal, human-led knowledge inputs.
• NEP 2020 Gaps: While the NEP values experiential learning, it fails to recognize repair work as a form of skill education.
• No Legal Support for Repairers: Informal workers lack formal rights, certification pathways, or recognition in the digital economy roadmap.
Towards Inclusive and Sustainable Repair Ecosystems:
• AI & DPI Standards: Embed repairability norms in AI systems, hardware standards, and public procurement policies.
• Expanded Right to Repair: Classify products by repairability, ensure access to parts/manuals, and promote community-led repair hubs.
• Skilling Through Recognition: Create recognition and reskilling pathways for informal repairers via e-Shram and custom training modules.
• Knowledge Preservation via AI: Use LLMs and decision trees to translate tacit repair insights into shareable digital formats.
• Policy Convergence: Integrate MoLE, MeitY, and MoRD efforts to create a unified framework valuing repair as both labour and knowledge.
Significance for India’s Development Trajectory:
• Sustainability & SDGs: Supports SDG-12 and Mission LiFE by extending product life, reducing waste, and promoting reuse.
• Labour Empowerment: Recognizes the dignity of informal repairers as skilled contributors to digital and material resilience.
• Digital Justice: Aligns AI growth with inclusion by acknowledging the human inputs behind machine learning and diagnostics.
• Economic Inclusion: Bridges the gap between India’s digital vision and grassroots innovation, creating livelihood security.
• Circular Economy Leadership: Positions India as a global example in integrating repair culture into sustainable economic models.
Conclusion:
As India advances in AI and digital public infrastructure, repair must be seen as both a right and a responsibility. Policies must integrate the silent wisdom of its repair workforce to build a just, inclusive, and sustainable tech future. As Michael Polanyi aptly said, “We know more than we can tell.” It’s time India remembers what it cannot afford to forget.
Bird Deaths and Wind Energy in India
- •Syllabus: Environment*
- •Source: TH*
Context: India added 3.5 GW of wind power in early 2025, marking 82% annual growth, but a Wildlife Institute of India study raised concerns over rising bird deaths near turbines in Rajasthan’s Thar Desert, sparking debate on the ecological impact of renewables.
About Bird Deaths and Wind Energy in India:
Findings from the WII Study (Thar Desert):
• Conducted over a 3,000 sq. km area in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan.
• Studied 90 wind turbines and found 124 bird carcasses.
• Estimated 4,464 bird deaths per 1,000 sq. km per year.
• In control sites with no turbines, no bird deaths were recorded.
• Critically endangered species like the Great Indian Bustard are at risk.
• The study found raptors to be the most affected bird group.
• Collisions with both wind turbine blades and associated power lines were major causes.
Why Bird Mortality is a Serious Issue?
• Migratory Disruption: Thar Desert lies on a key migratory flyway, and turbine installations disrupt bird movement and breeding.
• Raptor Vulnerability: Raptors’ slow reproduction makes them highly sensitive to even minor mortality increases.
• Biodiversity Hotspot: Wind zones like Jaisalmer host rich birdlife, including endangered species like the Great Indian Bustard.
• Past Underestimation: Previous studies underestimated risks due to lower bird densities and limited turbine coverage.
• Ecological Imbalance: Bird loss affects trophic balance, increasing pests and harming agriculture.
Key Gaps in Policy:
• No Onshore EIAs: Onshore wind farms are exempt from mandatory environmental assessments.
• Weak Wildlife Review: Clearance processes often ignore biodiversity impacts in sensitive areas.
• Shallow Offshore EIAs: Offshore wind projects rely on limited, rapid environmental assessments.
• Cumulative Impact Ignored: Current EIAs neglect regional and long-term ecological consequences.
• Poor Ministry Coordination: Lack of synergy between MNRE and MoEFCC delays ecological safeguards.
Mitigation Measures and Tools:
• Blade Painting: Painting one blade black enhances visibility and reduces bird collisions.
• Timed Shutdowns: Turbines can be paused during peak migration to prevent strikes.
• Smart Layout Design: Reorienting turbines away from flyways minimizes risks.
• Use of AVISTEP: Mapping tool identifies bird-sensitive zones for better site selection.
• Ground Surveys: Field studies are essential to validate remote avian sensitivity data.
What Needs to be Done:
• Mandate All EIAs: Require full environmental assessments for both onshore and offshore projects.
• Zoning-Based Siting: Allocate wind sites based on ecological sensitivity and avian flyways.
• Adopt Tech Tools: Use radars and AI systems to monitor bird activity and shut down turbines when needed.
• Include Local Input: Engage ecologists and communities in planning and clearance decisions.
• Fund Long-Term Research: Support multi-year studies to assess biodiversity risks of wind energy.
Conclusion:
India’s shift to renewable energy is essential for climate goals, but it must not compromise biodiversity. Unplanned wind projects can threaten birds, especially in ecologically rich areas like the Thar Desert or coastal flyways. A sustainable approach must integrate ecological science, policy safeguards, and environmental planning to ensure that renewable energy does not come at the cost of wildlife.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 4 August 2025 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)
Operation Akhal
Context: Operation Akhal, a joint anti-terror operation in Kulgam district of Jammu and Kashmir, entered its third day, with at least one terrorist killed amid continued firefight by Indian security forces.
About Operation Akhal:
• What it is? A high-intensity counter-terrorism operation launched in the Akhal Khulsan forest area of Kulgam, Jammu & Kashmir.
• A high-intensity counter-terrorism operation launched in the Akhal Khulsan forest area of Kulgam, Jammu & Kashmir.
• Launched by: Jointly conducted by the Indian Army’s Chinar Corps, Jammu & Kashmir Police, and the Special Operations Group (SOG).
• Aim: To neutralize 3–5 terrorists based on intelligence inputs, tighten internal security, and dismantle local terror modules.
• Key Features:
• Ongoing encounter involving intermittent and calibrated fire. Part of a broader post-Pahalgam crackdown on terrorist groups and their support networks. Complemented by actions against hawala networks, drug smugglers, and OGWs (Overground Workers).
• Ongoing encounter involving intermittent and calibrated fire.
• Part of a broader post-Pahalgam crackdown on terrorist groups and their support networks.
• Complemented by actions against hawala networks, drug smugglers, and OGWs (Overground Workers).
Relevance in UPSC Exam Syllabus
• GS Paper III – Internal Security
• Link to Terrorism and Insurgency: Demonstrates India’s evolving strategies in counter-insurgency and counter-terror operations in conflict-prone regions like J&K. Money Laundering and Narco-Terrorism: Connects to themes of terror-financing and illicit economy networks.
• Link to Terrorism and Insurgency: Demonstrates India’s evolving strategies in counter-insurgency and counter-terror operations in conflict-prone regions like J&K.
• Money Laundering and Narco-Terrorism: Connects to themes of terror-financing and illicit economy networks.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 4 August 2025 Facts for Prelims (FFP):
Framework Agreement
Source: NIE
Context: On the 10th anniversary of the Framework Agreement (2015), the NSCN-IM reaffirmed its commitment to defend the accord, criticising attempts by the Government of India and rival Naga groups (NNPGs) to dilute its essence and political significance.
About Framework Agreement:
• What is the Framework Agreement? The Framework Agreement is a landmark peace accord signed on 3rd August 2015 between the Government of India and the National Socialist Council of Nagalim–Isak-Muivah (NSCN-IM).
• The Framework Agreement is a landmark peace accord signed on 3rd August 2015 between the Government of India and the National Socialist Council of Nagalim–Isak-Muivah (NSCN-IM).
• Parties Involved:
• Government of India, represented by PM of India and interlocutor RN Ravi. NSCN-IM, representing dominant Naga political interests.
• Government of India, represented by PM of India and interlocutor RN Ravi.
• NSCN-IM, representing dominant Naga political interests.
• Core Objectives of the FA:
• Recognize the distinct political identity and unique history of the Nagas. Lay the foundation for a new political relationship based on mutual respect and coexistence. Establish shared sovereignty with clear areas of jurisdiction. Frame an execution plan for inclusive and democratic self-governance in Nagalim.
• Recognize the distinct political identity and unique history of the Nagas.
• Lay the foundation for a new political relationship based on mutual respect and coexistence.
• Establish shared sovereignty with clear areas of jurisdiction.
• Frame an execution plan for inclusive and democratic self-governance in Nagalim.
• Salient Features of the Framework Agreement:
• Recognition of Political Conflict: Acknowledges the Indo-Naga issue as a six-decade-old political struggle, not merely an administrative problem. Unique Naga History: Recognizes Nagas as a distinct political entity with a unique historical and cultural identity. Shared Sovereignty Model: Proposes clearly defined divisions of power between India and Nagalim to ensure cooperative coexistence. Mutual Respect for Institutions: Recognizes both parties’ political systems as distinct, fostering equal dialogue rather than subordination. People-Centric Governance: Embeds the idea that sovereignty resides with the people, reinforcing Naga aspirations for democratic self-rule. Commitment to Peace and Inclusivity: Seeks lasting peace by involving all Naga factions and encouraging broad-based public support. Implementation Plan: Promises a time-bound and actionable roadmap, signalling intent to move beyond rhetoric to real autonomy.
• Recognition of Political Conflict: Acknowledges the Indo-Naga issue as a six-decade-old political struggle, not merely an administrative problem.
• Unique Naga History: Recognizes Nagas as a distinct political entity with a unique historical and cultural identity.
• Shared Sovereignty Model: Proposes clearly defined divisions of power between India and Nagalim to ensure cooperative coexistence.
• Mutual Respect for Institutions: Recognizes both parties’ political systems as distinct, fostering equal dialogue rather than subordination.
• People-Centric Governance: Embeds the idea that sovereignty resides with the people, reinforcing Naga aspirations for democratic self-rule.
• Commitment to Peace and Inclusivity: Seeks lasting peace by involving all Naga factions and encouraging broad-based public support.
• Implementation Plan: Promises a time-bound and actionable roadmap, signalling intent to move beyond rhetoric to real autonomy.
July Declaration
Source: BS
Context: Bangladesh’s interim government under Muhammad Yunus will unveil the “July Declaration” on August 5, 2025, marking one year since the student-led uprising that ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
About July Declaration:
• What is the July Declaration? The July Declaration is a proposed constitutional document drafted by Bangladesh’s interim government to officially recognize the 2024 student-led uprising, aiming to symbolise a political break from authoritarianism and affirm democratic renewal.
• The July Declaration is a proposed constitutional document drafted by Bangladesh’s interim government to officially recognize the 2024 student-led uprising, aiming to symbolise a political break from authoritarianism and affirm democratic renewal.
• Historical Context:
• The July Uprising (2024) was led by Students Against Discrimination (SAD). It triggered mass protests across Bangladesh, leading to the fall of the Awami League regime on August 5, 2024. Public calls for the declaration intensified, branding the movement as a push for a “Second Republic”.
• The July Uprising (2024) was led by Students Against Discrimination (SAD).
• It triggered mass protests across Bangladesh, leading to the fall of the Awami League regime on August 5, 2024.
• Public calls for the declaration intensified, branding the movement as a push for a “Second Republic”.
• Objectives of the July Declaration:
• To grant constitutional recognition to the July Uprising. To unify the nation under the ideals of anti-fascism, democratic resurgence, and inclusive governance. To chart a transitional roadmap for political reforms and citizen participation in governance.
• To grant constitutional recognition to the July Uprising.
• To unify the nation under the ideals of anti-fascism, democratic resurgence, and inclusive governance.
• To chart a transitional roadmap for political reforms and citizen participation in governance.
• Key Features: Recognition of Civic Mobilisation: Grants official status to one of South Asia’s largest student-led movements, signalling a shift toward people-driven political legitimacy. Symbol of a Second Republic: Viewed as the foundation of a new democratic order, echoing transitions like South Africa’s post-apartheid charter. Focus on Anti-Fascism & Reform: Seeks to reject authoritarian models, promoting civil rights, institutional accountability, and transparent governance. Contested Legitimacy: Faces criticism over the legality of embedding a protest movement into the constitution outside formal parliamentary channels. Mass Public Backing: Captures broad grassroots support, especially among youth, reshaping political participation across social and regional lines.
• Recognition of Civic Mobilisation: Grants official status to one of South Asia’s largest student-led movements, signalling a shift toward people-driven political legitimacy.
• Symbol of a Second Republic: Viewed as the foundation of a new democratic order, echoing transitions like South Africa’s post-apartheid charter.
• Focus on Anti-Fascism & Reform: Seeks to reject authoritarian models, promoting civil rights, institutional accountability, and transparent governance.
• Contested Legitimacy: Faces criticism over the legality of embedding a protest movement into the constitution outside formal parliamentary channels.
• Mass Public Backing: Captures broad grassroots support, especially among youth, reshaping political participation across social and regional lines.
Definitive list of Ayurveda Aahara Products
Source: PIB
Context: The FSSAI, in collaboration with the Ministry of Ayush, released a definitive list of Ayurveda Aahara products to standardize traditional Ayurvedic food formulations under modern food safety regulations.
About Definitive list of Ayurveda Aahara Products:
• What is Ayurveda Aahara? Ayurveda Aahara refers to food products formulated as per the dietary principles of Ayurveda, focusing on balance, seasonality, and the use of natural and therapeutic ingredients for holistic wellness.
• Ayurveda Aahara refers to food products formulated as per the dietary principles of Ayurveda, focusing on balance, seasonality, and the use of natural and therapeutic ingredients for holistic wellness.
• Launched by:
• Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) In collaboration with the Ministry of Ayush Under the Food Safety and Standards (Ayurveda Aahara) Regulations, 2022
• Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)
• In collaboration with the Ministry of Ayush
• Under the Food Safety and Standards (Ayurveda Aahara) Regulations, 2022
• Objective:
• To mainstream traditional dietary knowledge rooted in Ayurveda. To offer clarity and regulatory support to Food Business Operators (FBOs). To enhance public trust and adoption of Ayurveda-based nutrition for preventive healthcare.
• To mainstream traditional dietary knowledge rooted in Ayurveda.
• To offer clarity and regulatory support to Food Business Operators (FBOs).
• To enhance public trust and adoption of Ayurveda-based nutrition for preventive healthcare.
• Key Features:
• Authenticity Through Textual Validation: The definitive list is based on recipes and methods sourced from classical Ayurvedic texts listed in Schedule A. Clarity for Food Businesses: Provides a credible regulatory guide for FBOs to manufacture Ayurveda Aahara products within a defined framework. Public Health Focus: Encourages use of time-tested dietary practices that support digestion, immunity, and long-term wellness. Structured Addition Mechanism: FBOs can request inclusion of new products with valid references from classical Ayurvedic scriptures. Guidance by National Institute of Ayurveda (NIA): The nodal agency curated and validated formulations to ensure scientific rigour and traditional fidelity.
• Authenticity Through Textual Validation: The definitive list is based on recipes and methods sourced from classical Ayurvedic texts listed in Schedule A.
• Clarity for Food Businesses: Provides a credible regulatory guide for FBOs to manufacture Ayurveda Aahara products within a defined framework.
• Public Health Focus: Encourages use of time-tested dietary practices that support digestion, immunity, and long-term wellness.
• Structured Addition Mechanism: FBOs can request inclusion of new products with valid references from classical Ayurvedic scriptures.
• Guidance by National Institute of Ayurveda (NIA): The nodal agency curated and validated formulations to ensure scientific rigour and traditional fidelity.
• Significance:
• Bridges Tradition and Regulation: Aligns India’s ancient food wisdom with modern food safety standards, enhancing public credibility. Empowers FBOs and Startups: Boosts the Ayurveda food sector by reducing regulatory ambiguity and facilitating product innovation. Promotes Preventive Healthcare: Supports balanced, sustainable living by reviving herbal and seasonal eating practices.
• Bridges Tradition and Regulation: Aligns India’s ancient food wisdom with modern food safety standards, enhancing public credibility.
• Empowers FBOs and Startups: Boosts the Ayurveda food sector by reducing regulatory ambiguity and facilitating product innovation.
• Promotes Preventive Healthcare: Supports balanced, sustainable living by reviving herbal and seasonal eating practices.
India’s First 5G Captive Non-Public Network in Refinery Sector
Source: DD News
Context: BSNL and NRL have signed a landmark MoU to deploy India’s first 5G Captive Non-Public Network (CNPN) in the refinery sector, marking a significant step in industrial digitalisation under Industry 4.0.
About India’s First 5G Captive Non-Public Network in Refinery Sector:
• What It Is? It is India’s first industrial-grade 5G private network, to be installed at Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL), enabling real-time, secure, and ultra-reliable digital operations.
• It is India’s first industrial-grade 5G private network, to be installed at Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL), enabling real-time, secure, and ultra-reliable digital operations.
• MoU Between:
• Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL) Announced at “Industry 4.0 Workshop for CPSEs”, Ministry of Finance
• Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL)
• Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL)
• Announced at “Industry 4.0 Workshop for CPSEs”, Ministry of Finance
• To pioneer 5G-enabled digital transformation in India’s refinery sector. To boost operational efficiency, automation, cybersecurity, and workforce skilling. To build a replicable model for other core industries.
• To pioneer 5G-enabled digital transformation in India’s refinery sector.
• To boost operational efficiency, automation, cybersecurity, and workforce skilling.
• To build a replicable model for other core industries.
• Key Features:
• Indigenous 5G Infrastructure: Fully India-built and secure network architecture. Ultra-Reliable Low Latency Communication (URLLC): Supports real-time process control and monitoring. Integration with AR/VR, IoT, and Digital Twins for immersive training and predictive maintenance. Cyber-Resilient Architecture: Secures mission-critical refinery systems. Boost to North-East Industry: Promotes digital jobs and smart infrastructure in Assam.
• Indigenous 5G Infrastructure: Fully India-built and secure network architecture.
• Ultra-Reliable Low Latency Communication (URLLC): Supports real-time process control and monitoring.
• Integration with AR/VR, IoT, and Digital Twins for immersive training and predictive maintenance.
• Cyber-Resilient Architecture: Secures mission-critical refinery systems.
• Boost to North-East Industry: Promotes digital jobs and smart infrastructure in Assam.
About Captive Non-Public Network (CNPN):
• What It Is? A CNPN is a dedicated, secure private 5G network deployed for use by a single enterprise, such as a factory, refinery, or port, to handle its internal communication and operational needs.
• A CNPN is a dedicated, secure private 5G network deployed for use by a single enterprise, such as a factory, refinery, or port, to handle its internal communication and operational needs.
• How It Works?
• Uses licensed spectrum or BSNL’s allocated 5G bands. Operates in isolation from public networks, ensuring zero interference. Enables device-to-device communication, automation, and data processing within a localised setting.
• Uses licensed spectrum or BSNL’s allocated 5G bands.
• Operates in isolation from public networks, ensuring zero interference.
• Enables device-to-device communication, automation, and data processing within a localised setting.
• Key Features:
• Ultra-low Latency: Enables real-time analytics and process automation. High Throughput: Handles large volumes of industrial IoT data. Enhanced Privacy: Keeps sensitive operational data within enterprise boundaries. Customised Architecture: Tailored to specific industrial requirements. Network Slicing Ready: Supports separation of operations like safety, monitoring, and logistics.
• Ultra-low Latency: Enables real-time analytics and process automation.
• High Throughput: Handles large volumes of industrial IoT data.
• Enhanced Privacy: Keeps sensitive operational data within enterprise boundaries.
• Customised Architecture: Tailored to specific industrial requirements.
• Network Slicing Ready: Supports separation of operations like safety, monitoring, and logistics.
Mahanadi River
Source: HT
Context: After years of litigation before the Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal, Odisha and Chhattisgarh have agreed to explore an amicable settlement over the Mahanadi River water-sharing dispute.
About Mahanadi River:
• What It Is? The Mahanadi is a major east-flowing river of peninsular India, known for its high silt load, historical floods, and agricultural importance. The name comes from Sanskrit: “Maha” (great) + “Nadi” (river).
• The Mahanadi is a major east-flowing river of peninsular India, known for its high silt load, historical floods, and agricultural importance. The name comes from Sanskrit: “Maha” (great) + “Nadi” (river).
• States it Flows Through: Chhattisgarh (upper and middle basin) Odisha (lower basin and delta) Minor portions in Jharkhand, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh
• Chhattisgarh (upper and middle basin)
• Odisha (lower basin and delta)
• Minor portions in Jharkhand, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh
• Origin and Course: Origin: Near Pharsiya village, Dhamtari district, Chhattisgarh (Nagri Sihawa Hills, ~442m altitude) Total Length: ~900 km (560 miles) Drains into: Bay of Bengal via several distributaries near Paradip, Odisha Total Basin Area: ~1.32 lakh sq. km
• Origin: Near Pharsiya village, Dhamtari district, Chhattisgarh (Nagri Sihawa Hills, ~442m altitude)
• Total Length: ~900 km (560 miles)
• Drains into: Bay of Bengal via several distributaries near Paradip, Odisha
• Total Basin Area: ~1.32 lakh sq. km
• Major Tributaries: Left Bank: Seonath (Shivnath), Hasdeo, Mand, Ib Right Bank: Ong, Tel, Jonk
• Left Bank: Seonath (Shivnath), Hasdeo, Mand, Ib
• Right Bank: Ong, Tel, Jonk
• Key Features: Hirakud Dam (Odisha): World’s longest earthen dam and built for flood control, irrigation, and hydropower. Satkosia Gorge: A scenic and ecologically sensitive zone cutting through the Eastern Ghats. Delta System: One of India’s largest, shared with the Brahmani River and supports agriculture, fisheries, and ports. Rich Biodiversity: Home to over 130 bird species, fish populations, and key tiger reserve zones.
• Hirakud Dam (Odisha): World’s longest earthen dam and built for flood control, irrigation, and hydropower.
• Satkosia Gorge: A scenic and ecologically sensitive zone cutting through the Eastern Ghats.
• Delta System: One of India’s largest, shared with the Brahmani River and supports agriculture, fisheries, and ports.
• Rich Biodiversity: Home to over 130 bird species, fish populations, and key tiger reserve zones.
• Significance of the Recent Announcement: Shift from Legal Confrontation to Dialogue: Opens space for cooperative federalism over natural resource sharing. Union Government’s Role: A CWC-led Joint Committee has been proposed to guide a technical and fair resolution. Model for Other River Disputes: Sets a precedent for inter-state coordination over contentious river-sharing issues.
• Shift from Legal Confrontation to Dialogue: Opens space for cooperative federalism over natural resource sharing.
• Union Government’s Role: A CWC-led Joint Committee has been proposed to guide a technical and fair resolution.
• Model for Other River Disputes: Sets a precedent for inter-state coordination over contentious river-sharing issues.
Airbus C-295 Aircraft
Source: News on Air
Context: India received the final unit of 16 Airbus C-295 transport aircraft from Spain two months ahead of schedule, marking a milestone in its strategic airlift modernization.
About Airbus C-295 Aircraft:
• What It Is? A medium tactical transport aircraft designed for troop movement, logistics, MEDEVAC, and maritime surveillance.
• A medium tactical transport aircraft designed for troop movement, logistics, MEDEVAC, and maritime surveillance.
• Developed By: Initially developed by Spanish aerospace firm CASA in the 1990s and now under Airbus Defence & Space.
• Objective: To replace the ageing HS-748 Avro fleet and enhance India’s tactical airlift and mission capabilities across varied terrains.
• Key Features:
• Multirole Capability: Can perform troop transport, paratroop drops, disaster relief, MEDEVAC, and maritime patrol. Advanced Mission Suite: Equipped with FITS system, bubble windows, rear ramp, and touchscreen navigation for real-time situational awareness. Long Endurance: Offers 11+ hours of persistent surveillance and can operate from short and semi-prepared runways. Customisation & Cabin Space: Long cabin allows installation of consoles while retaining cargo/troop space.
• Multirole Capability: Can perform troop transport, paratroop drops, disaster relief, MEDEVAC, and maritime patrol.
• Advanced Mission Suite: Equipped with FITS system, bubble windows, rear ramp, and touchscreen navigation for real-time situational awareness.
• Long Endurance: Offers 11+ hours of persistent surveillance and can operate from short and semi-prepared runways.
• Customisation & Cabin Space: Long cabin allows installation of consoles while retaining cargo/troop space.
• Indian Significance:
• Total Order: 56 aircraft – 16 from Spain, 40 to be Made in India by Tata Advanced Systems (Vadodara). First Indigenous Military Aircraft Project by Private Sector: Involves 90% technology transfer and indigenisation of over 13,000 parts. Strategic Deployment: Enhances airlift in forward areas (e.g., North East, Ladakh, Andaman) and enables quick troop movement during crises.
• Total Order: 56 aircraft – 16 from Spain, 40 to be Made in India by Tata Advanced Systems (Vadodara).
• First Indigenous Military Aircraft Project by Private Sector: Involves 90% technology transfer and indigenisation of over 13,000 parts.
• Strategic Deployment: Enhances airlift in forward areas (e.g., North East, Ladakh, Andaman) and enables quick troop movement during crises.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 4 August 2025 Mapping:
Krasheninnikov Volcano
Source: TOI
Context: Russia’s Krasheninnikov Volcano in Kamchatka Peninsula erupted for the first time in over 600 years, days after a major earthquake, raising concerns of earthquake-induced volcanic activity.
About Krasheninnikov Volcano:
• What It Is? Krasheninnikov is a complex stratovolcano system composed of two overlapping cones within a large caldera. It is named after Russian explorer Stepan Krasheninnikov.
• Krasheninnikov is a complex stratovolcano system composed of two overlapping cones within a large caldera. It is named after Russian explorer Stepan Krasheninnikov.
• Location:
• Situated on the eastern coast of the Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia. Lies within the Kronotsky Nature Reserve, south of Lake Kronotskoye. Part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, a seismically active zone.
• Situated on the eastern coast of the Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia.
• Lies within the Kronotsky Nature Reserve, south of Lake Kronotskoye.
• Part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, a seismically active zone.
• Key Features:
• Caldera Formation: Created by a massive eruption approximately 39,000 years ago. Twin Cones: Southern cone began forming ~11,000 years ago over a period of 4,500 years. Northern cone formed afterward, over a similar duration. Lava Type: Eruptive products include dacite, a silica-rich volcanic rock. Elevation: 1,856 meters above sea level. Historical Dormancy: Last eruption estimated around 1463–1550 CE based on tephrochronology. Current Status: Issued orange aviation alert due to 6,000 m-high ash plumes.
• Caldera Formation: Created by a massive eruption approximately 39,000 years ago.
• Twin Cones: Southern cone began forming ~11,000 years ago over a period of 4,500 years. Northern cone formed afterward, over a similar duration.
• Southern cone began forming ~11,000 years ago over a period of 4,500 years.
• Northern cone formed afterward, over a similar duration.
• Lava Type: Eruptive products include dacite, a silica-rich volcanic rock.
• Elevation: 1,856 meters above sea level.
• Historical Dormancy: Last eruption estimated around 1463–1550 CE based on tephrochronology.
• Current Status: Issued orange aviation alert due to 6,000 m-high ash plumes.
About Dacite:
• What is Dacite? Dacite is an extrusive igneous (volcanic) rock that forms from the rapid cooling of silica-rich lava on or near the Earth’s surface. It is compositionally intermediate between andesite and rhyolite, and is commonly found in subduction zone
• Dacite is an extrusive igneous (volcanic) rock that forms from the rapid cooling of silica-rich lava on or near the Earth’s surface.
• It is compositionally intermediate between andesite and rhyolite, and is commonly found in subduction zone
• Key Features of Dacite:
• Silica Content: High in silica (~63–69% SiO₂), contributing to its viscous nature and explosive eruption potential. Mineral Composition: Dominated by plagioclase feldspar and quartz, with minor biotite, hornblende, or pyroxene. Texture: Usually fine-grained to porphyritic, with larger crystals (phenocrysts) embedded in a fine matrix. Formation Environment: Forms in subduction zones where oceanic plates sink beneath continental crust, producing magma through partial melting.
• Silica Content: High in silica (~63–69% SiO₂), contributing to its viscous nature and explosive eruption potential.
• Mineral Composition: Dominated by plagioclase feldspar and quartz, with minor biotite, hornblende, or pyroxene.
• Texture: Usually fine-grained to porphyritic, with larger crystals (phenocrysts) embedded in a fine matrix.
• Formation Environment: Forms in subduction zones where oceanic plates sink beneath continental crust, producing magma through partial melting.
• Geological Significance:
• Indicates viscous lava flows and explosive volcanic behavior. Acts as a marker for volcanic arc tectonics and continental crust evolution. Presence of dacite is a key signal in volcanic hazard assessment.
• Indicates viscous lava flows and explosive volcanic behavior.
• Acts as a marker for volcanic arc tectonics and continental crust evolution.
• Presence of dacite is a key signal in volcanic hazard assessment.
Please subscribe to Our podcast channel HERE
Official Facebook Page HERE
Twitter Account HERE
Instagram Account HERE
LinkedIn: HERE