UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 4 June 2025
Kartavya Desk Staff
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS –4 June 2025 covers important current affairs of the day, their backward linkages, their relevance for Prelims exam and MCQs on main articles
InstaLinks : Insta Links help you think beyond the current affairs issue and help you think multidimensionally to develop depth in your understanding of these issues. These linkages provided in this ‘hint’ format help you frame possible questions in your mind that might arise(or an examiner might imagine) from each current event. InstaLinks also connect every issue to their static or theoretical background.
Table of Contents
GS Paper 3 : (UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 4 June (2025)
• Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV)
Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV)
• India Energy Security
India Energy Security
Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):
• Himachal’s First Solar Model Village – Raja Khas
Himachal’s First Solar Model Village – Raja Khas
Facts for Prelims (FFP):
• Centre’s New Regulations for Ladakh
Centre’s New Regulations for Ladakh
• Aravalli Green Wall Initiative
Aravalli Green Wall Initiative
• National Polio Surveillance Network (NPSN)
National Polio Surveillance Network (NPSN)
• India to Develop Its First Ever Polar Research Vessel
India to Develop Its First Ever Polar Research Vessel
• Antibiotic-Producing Thermophilic Bacteria
Antibiotic-Producing Thermophilic Bacteria
• Kulsi River
Kulsi River
Mapping:
• Mount Etna Volcano
Mount Etna Volcano
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 4 June 2025
#### GS Paper 3:
Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV)
Syllabus: Renewable energy
Source: TH
Context: India is witnessing a surge in interest around Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV), and updates under the PM Surya Ghar Yojana highlighting its potential for clean energy in urban spaces.
About Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV):
• Definition: BIPV involves embedding solar panels directly into a building’s envelope — like façades, windows, and rooftops — transforming them into energy-generating structures.
• BIPV involves embedding solar panels directly into a building’s envelope — like façades, windows, and rooftops — transforming them into energy-generating structures.
• Dual Role: It replaces traditional construction materials (glass, tiles, cladding) while simultaneously generating electricity.
Features of BIPV:
• Aesthetic Flexibility: BIPV systems can be customized in terms of transparency, color, shape, and size to blend into building architecture.
• Space Efficiency: Unlike conventional rooftop solar, BIPV utilizes vertical surfaces like façades and railings — crucial for space-constrained urban areas.
• Structural Integration: BIPV functions as part of the building fabric, reducing additional installation effort and costs in the long run.
How BIPV Works?
• Photovoltaic Integration: Solar cells are integrated into construction elements like glass panels or roofing materials.
• Electricity Generation: These panels absorb sunlight and convert it into electricity, reducing the building’s grid dependency.
• Passive Cooling Benefits: Semi-transparent panels reduce solar heat gain, improving indoor energy efficiency.
Advantages of BIPV
• Space-efficient solar adoption: BIPVs use façades, railings, and windows — ideal for high-rise buildings with limited rooftop space.
E.g. A façade can generate 150 kWp vs. 40 kWp from rooftop alone.
• Aesthetic integration: They blend with architecture and are customizable in color, shape, and transparency, unlike conventional solar panels.
E.g. Renewable Energy Museum, Kolkata features a solar-powered dome.
• Dual-purpose functionality: Replaces traditional construction materials like glass or tiles while generating clean energy.
• Improves energy efficiency: BIPVs reduce heat gain and contribute to passive cooling, lowering AC demand.
E.g. Semi-transparent façade panels cut indoor heat load.
• Long-term economic savings: Though upfront cost is high, electricity savings over years can offset initial investment.
E.g. German balcony BIPVs help save up to 30% in bills.
Challenges of BIPV:
• High initial costs: Installation is costlier than traditional rooftop solar due to material, design, and structural integration.
• Lack of awareness: Architects, builders, and citizens are largely unaware of BIPV options and benefits.
• Policy vacuum: Absence of dedicated regulatory norms or performance standards delays adoption.
• Limited domestic manufacturing: Heavy reliance on imported BIPV components increases costs and supply vulnerability.
• Exclusion from planning stages: BIPV is often not considered during early building design, limiting integration possibilities.
Significance of BIPV in India:
• Urban solar potential: Helps meet solar targets in densely built cities where land/rooftop space is scarce.
E.g. 309 GW potential via BIPV on existing building stock (World Bank).
• Supports climate commitments: Reduces carbon emissions from buildings, aligning with India’s Paris Agreement targets.
• Decentralized clean energy: Enables localized power generation and reduces pressure on central grids.
• Boosts green infrastructure: Encourages eco-friendly construction under Smart Cities and AMRUT missions.
• Economic opportunity: Promotes innovation in green architecture, new markets for solar design, and green jobs in construction.
Conclusion:
BIPV offers a transformative path for energy-positive buildings, blending utility with aesthetics. Its success demands robust policy backing, financial incentives, and awareness drives. Scaling BIPV now can redefine urban sustainability in India.
• To what factors can the recent dramatic fall in equipment costs and tariff of solar energy be attributed? What implications does the trend have for the thermal power producers and the related industry? (2015)
India Energy Security
Syllabus: Energy
Source: TH
Context: India’s Petroleum Minister highlighted India’s energy strategy, biofuel achievements, and green hydrogen push in an op-ed, as India became the 4th largest global economy in 2025 with $4.3 trillion GDP.
About India Energy Security:
Need for Energy Security in India:
• High Demand Growth: India is set to contribute 25% of global energy demand by 2047, necessitating assured, affordable, and clean energy access.
• Strategic Sovereignty: Energy sufficiency reduces dependence on volatile global markets and enhances national security.
• Development Imperative: With 6.7% growth in Q1 2025, uninterrupted energy is critical for sustaining infrastructure, manufacturing, and services expansion.
• Urban-Rural Linkage: Energy security ensures equitable development across states through city gas networks and rural LPG penetration.
• Global Commitments: India’s net-zero goal by 2070 and INDCs require energy diversification and sustainable energy systems.
India’s Multi-Pronged Energy Strategy:
• Diversification of Sources: Increased imports from new suppliers and promotion of domestic production to reduce oil dependency.
• Expansion of Exploration: OALP and DSF reforms doubled exploration coverage from 8% (2021) to 16% (2025), and targets 1 million sq km by 2030.
• Pricing Reforms: Gas linked to 10% of Indian crude basket, 20% premium for new wells enhances investment and urban gas access.
• Infrastructure Expansion: India now has 24,000 km of product pipelines and 96,000 fuel outlets, ONGC and Oil India added 75 MMtoe via new discoveries.
• Digital Governance: PM Gati Shakti digitally mapped 1 lakh+ energy assets; enabled cost savings of ₹169 crore via route optimization.
India’s Focus on Green Energy:
• Ethanol Success: Blending rose from 1.5% (2013) to 19.7% (2025), saving ₹1.26 lakh crore in forex and paying ₹1.79 lakh crore to distillers.
• Green Hydrogen Push: 8.62 lakh tonnes tendered, IOCL awarded 10 KTPA plant at Panipat, and NRL to pioneer hydrogen in NE.
• Compressed Biogas: 100+ plants under SATAT, targets 5% blending by 2028 to reduce agri-waste and boost circular economy.
• Pipeline Growth: National gas pipeline spans 25,000 km and projected to hit 33,000 km by 2030.
• Hybrid Leases: 2024 amendment allows hydrocarbons and renewables on same oilfield, boosting low-carbon transitions.
Conclusion:
India’s energy journey has shifted from anxiety to self-assurance. With strategic planning, infrastructure expansion, and green innovation, India is building a secure, sustainable energy future that aligns with its development goals and global climate pledges.
• Do you think India will meet 50 percent of its energy needs from renewable energy by 2030? Justify your answer. How will the shift of subsidies from fossil fuels to renewables help achieve the above objectives? Explain. (2022)
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 4 June 2025 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)
Himachal’s First Solar Model Village – Raja Khas
Context: Raja Khas village in Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh, has been declared the state’s first solar model village, aimed at rural energy self-reliance.
About Himachal’s First Solar Model Village – Raja Khas:
• What it is?
• A village in Indora block, Kangra district, selected under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana. Recognized for achieving the highest solar power capacity among 43 villages.
• A village in Indora block, Kangra district, selected under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana.
• Recognized for achieving the highest solar power capacity among 43 villages.
• Key Features:
• Receives ₹1 crore central grant for solar infrastructure: Solar power plant, solar street lights, water heaters. Solarization of all public institutions: schools, panchayat office, health centres, anganwadis, and community halls. Encourages community-led maintenance and solar adoption.
• Receives ₹1 crore central grant for solar infrastructure: Solar power plant, solar street lights, water heaters.
• Solarization of all public institutions: schools, panchayat office, health centres, anganwadis, and community halls.
• Encourages community-led maintenance and solar adoption.
• Significance:
• Promotes clean and decentralized energy access. Strengthens rural self-reliance and sustainability. Sets a replicable model for green energy transition in hill and rural areas. Empowers local governance and climate-conscious decision-making.
• Promotes clean and decentralized energy access.
• Strengthens rural self-reliance and sustainability.
• Sets a replicable model for green energy transition in hill and rural areas.
• Empowers local governance and climate-conscious decision-making.
UPSC Syllabus Relevance:
• General Studies Paper II:
• Decentralized Governance: Highlights the role of panchayats in clean energy transition. Government Initiatives: Linked to PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, promoting inclusive development.
• Decentralized Governance: Highlights the role of panchayats in clean energy transition.
• Government Initiatives: Linked to PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, promoting inclusive development.
• General Studies Paper III
• Environment & Sustainability: Promotes solar energy adoption and climate-resilient village planning. Rural Economy & Development: Empowers local infrastructure and self-reliance in energy access.
• Environment & Sustainability: Promotes solar energy adoption and climate-resilient village planning.
• Rural Economy & Development: Empowers local infrastructure and self-reliance in energy access.
• Essay Paper:
• Themes like “Sustainable Rural Futures” or “Empowering Villages for a Greener Tomorrow”. Explores synergy of clean energy, rural empowerment, and participative development.
• Themes like “Sustainable Rural Futures” or “Empowering Villages for a Greener Tomorrow”.
• Explores synergy of clean energy, rural empowerment, and participative development.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 4 June Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Centre’s New Regulations for Ladakh
Source: IE
Context: The Central Government has notified five new regulations for the Union Territory of Ladakh.
• These rules aim to address long-standing demands related to domicile rights, local employment, cultural identity, and administrative reforms.
About Centre’s New Regulations for Ladakh:
• What are these regulations? The Union Government, under Article 240 of the Constitution, which empowers the President to frame regulations for Union Territories without legislatures, has introduced a set of executive rules tailored to Ladakh’s unique socio-cultural context.
• The Union Government, under Article 240 of the Constitution, which empowers the President to frame regulations for Union Territories without legislatures, has introduced a set of executive rules tailored to Ladakh’s unique socio-cultural context.
• Summary of Key Regulations: Ladakh Civil Services Decentralization and Recruitment (Amendment) Regulation, 2025: Introduces domicile-based job reservations in government employment. Domicile defined as residents of 15 years, students with 7 years of schooling and local exams, and children of long-term Central Government employees. Ladakh Civil Services Domicile Certificate Rules, 2025: Details procedure for domicile certificate issuance, including physical and online application modes. Tehsildar as issuing authority; Deputy Commissioner as appellate authority. Union Territory of Ladakh Reservation (Amendment) Regulation, 2025: Increases caste-based reservation in public employment and professional institutions (e.g., medical, engineering) to 85%, excluding 10% for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS). Ladakh Official Languages Regulation, 2025: Recognises English, Hindi, Urdu, Bhoti, and Purgi as official languages. Promotes Shina, Brokskat, Balti, and Ladakhi to preserve linguistic and tribal heritage. Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Councils (Amendment) Regulation, 2025: Reserves one-third of LAHDC seats for women, using a rotational system. Significance of the New Legal Framework: First Indigenous Legal Architecture: These are the first region-specific laws post-bifurcation, distinct from borrowed J&K regulations. Protects Local Interests: Domicile clause in jobs and language recognition meet core public demands. Empowers Women: Political participation of women institutionalised through reservation in hill development councils. Cultural Inclusion: Recognition of tribal dialects addresses identity and heritage concerns in a plural society.
• Ladakh Civil Services Decentralization and Recruitment (Amendment) Regulation, 2025: Introduces domicile-based job reservations in government employment. Domicile defined as residents of 15 years, students with 7 years of schooling and local exams, and children of long-term Central Government employees.
• Introduces domicile-based job reservations in government employment.
• Domicile defined as residents of 15 years, students with 7 years of schooling and local exams, and children of long-term Central Government employees.
• Ladakh Civil Services Domicile Certificate Rules, 2025: Details procedure for domicile certificate issuance, including physical and online application modes. Tehsildar as issuing authority; Deputy Commissioner as appellate authority.
• Details procedure for domicile certificate issuance, including physical and online application modes.
• Tehsildar as issuing authority; Deputy Commissioner as appellate authority.
• Union Territory of Ladakh Reservation (Amendment) Regulation, 2025: Increases caste-based reservation in public employment and professional institutions (e.g., medical, engineering) to 85%, excluding 10% for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS).
• Increases caste-based reservation in public employment and professional institutions (e.g., medical, engineering) to 85%, excluding 10% for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS).
• Ladakh Official Languages Regulation, 2025: Recognises English, Hindi, Urdu, Bhoti, and Purgi as official languages. Promotes Shina, Brokskat, Balti, and Ladakhi to preserve linguistic and tribal heritage.
• Recognises English, Hindi, Urdu, Bhoti, and Purgi as official languages.
• Promotes Shina, Brokskat, Balti, and Ladakhi to preserve linguistic and tribal heritage.
• Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Councils (Amendment) Regulation, 2025: Reserves one-third of LAHDC seats for women, using a rotational system.
• Reserves one-third of LAHDC seats for women, using a rotational system.
• Significance of the New Legal Framework: First Indigenous Legal Architecture: These are the first region-specific laws post-bifurcation, distinct from borrowed J&K regulations. Protects Local Interests: Domicile clause in jobs and language recognition meet core public demands. Empowers Women: Political participation of women institutionalised through reservation in hill development councils. Cultural Inclusion: Recognition of tribal dialects addresses identity and heritage concerns in a plural society.
• First Indigenous Legal Architecture: These are the first region-specific laws post-bifurcation, distinct from borrowed J&K regulations.
• Protects Local Interests: Domicile clause in jobs and language recognition meet core public demands.
• Empowers Women: Political participation of women institutionalised through reservation in hill development councils.
• Cultural Inclusion: Recognition of tribal dialects addresses identity and heritage concerns in a plural society.
Aravalli Green Wall Initiative
Source: TP
Context: Prime Minister of India will launch the Aravalli Green Wall initiative on World Environment Day 2025 to rejuvenate the ancient Aravalli range.
About Aravalli Green Wall Initiative:
• What is it? A centrally coordinated reforestation and landscape restoration campaign led by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), covering the 700-km Aravalli range.
• A centrally coordinated reforestation and landscape restoration campaign led by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), covering the 700-km Aravalli range.
• Objectives:
• Combat land degradation and desertification across 29 districts. Restore ecological balance by increasing green cover and protecting biodiversity. Strengthen carbon sequestration under India’s climate commitments (NDC-UNFCCC). Revive surface water bodies and promote community participation.
• Combat land degradation and desertification across 29 districts.
• Restore ecological balance by increasing green cover and protecting biodiversity.
• Strengthen carbon sequestration under India’s climate commitments (NDC-UNFCCC).
• Revive surface water bodies and promote community participation.
• Key Features:
• 29 districts across Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Delhi identified for plantation. 1,000 nurseries to be developed with native species using funds from CAMPA, MNREGA, and state schemes. Focus on agroforestry, pasture development, and rejuvenation of lakes and ponds. Integration with existing missions like ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’. Promotion of eco-tourism: safaris, trekking, and nature parks to involve local communities. Target: Complete Phase I by 2027 and action plan released during COP16 of UNCCD in Riyadh.
• 29 districts across Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Delhi identified for plantation.
• 1,000 nurseries to be developed with native species using funds from CAMPA, MNREGA, and state schemes.
• Focus on agroforestry, pasture development, and rejuvenation of lakes and ponds.
• Integration with existing missions like ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’.
• Promotion of eco-tourism: safaris, trekking, and nature parks to involve local communities.
• Target: Complete Phase I by 2027 and action plan released during COP16 of UNCCD in Riyadh.
About the Aravalli Range:
• States Covered:
• Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Gujarat (spanning over 670 km).
• Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Gujarat (spanning over 670 km).
• Geographical and Ecological Significance:
• One of the oldest fold mountain ranges in the world (formed during the Proterozoic Era). Acts as a natural barrier against the spread of the Thar Desert into NCR. Highest peak: Guru Shikhar in Mount Abu, Rajasthan (1,722 metres). Source of key rivers: Banas, Sahibi (tributaries of Yamuna), and Luni (flows into Rann of Kutch). Composed of ancient rocks and rich in minerals like copper, zinc, and marble. Divided into two parts: Sambhar–Sirohi range (includes Guru Shikhar). Sambhar–Khetri range (discontinuous ridges).
• One of the oldest fold mountain ranges in the world (formed during the Proterozoic Era).
• Acts as a natural barrier against the spread of the Thar Desert into NCR.
• Highest peak: Guru Shikhar in Mount Abu, Rajasthan (1,722 metres).
• Source of key rivers: Banas, Sahibi (tributaries of Yamuna), and Luni (flows into Rann of Kutch).
• Composed of ancient rocks and rich in minerals like copper, zinc, and marble.
• Divided into two parts: Sambhar–Sirohi range (includes Guru Shikhar). Sambhar–Khetri range (discontinuous ridges).
• Sambhar–Sirohi range (includes Guru Shikhar).
• Sambhar–Khetri range (discontinuous ridges).
National Polio Surveillance Network (NPSN)
Source: TH
Context: The Government of India, in coordination with WHO, plans to gradually phase out the National Polio Surveillance Network (NPSN) starting June 2025, reducing the number of centres from 280 to 140 by 2026–27.
About National Polio Surveillance Network (NPSN):
• What is NPSN? The National Polio Surveillance Network is India’s key disease surveillance mechanism for detecting and controlling polio and other vaccine-preventable diseases.
• The National Polio Surveillance Network is India’s key disease surveillance mechanism for detecting and controlling polio and other vaccine-preventable diseases.
• When was it established? Year: 1997 Initiative: Originally called the National Polio Surveillance Project (NPSP)
• Year: 1997
• Initiative: Originally called the National Polio Surveillance Project (NPSP)
• Organizations Involved: World Health Organization (WHO) Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), Government of India
• World Health Organization (WHO)
• Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), Government of India
• Objective: To support polio eradication by identifying and investigating cases of Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP). To monitor immunisation campaigns and ensure zero transmission of wild polio virus.
• To support polio eradication by identifying and investigating cases of Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP).
• To monitor immunisation campaigns and ensure zero transmission of wild polio virus.
• Key Functions: Disease Surveillance: Tracks AFP cases and conducts lab-confirmed verification. Vaccination Support: Assists in pulse polio campaigns and routine immunisation. Capacity Building: Trains state and district health officials on surveillance protocols. Integrated Health Role: Now supports measles-rubella elimination and control of other Vaccine-Preventable Diseases. Staff Deployment: Over 200 field units led by Surveillance Medical Officers (SMOs) spread across all states and union territories.
• Disease Surveillance: Tracks AFP cases and conducts lab-confirmed verification.
• Vaccination Support: Assists in pulse polio campaigns and routine immunisation.
• Capacity Building: Trains state and district health officials on surveillance protocols.
• Integrated Health Role: Now supports measles-rubella elimination and control of other Vaccine-Preventable Diseases.
• Staff Deployment: Over 200 field units led by Surveillance Medical Officers (SMOs) spread across all states and union territories.
• This will eventually integrate with the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP).
India to Develop Its First Ever Polar Research Vessel
Source: HBL
Context: India has signed an MoU with Norway’s Kongsberg to develop its first indigenous Polar Research Vessel (PRV), marking a major leap in shipbuilding and polar scientific exploration.
About India to Develop Its First Ever Polar Research Vessel (PRV):
• What it is? A Polar Research Vessel (PRV) is a specially designed ship capable of navigating polar waters and equipped for deep-sea research, marine biodiversity studies, and climate monitoring.
• A Polar Research Vessel (PRV) is a specially designed ship capable of navigating polar waters and equipped for deep-sea research, marine biodiversity studies, and climate monitoring.
• International Partnership:
• Partnership between Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Ltd. (GRSE), Kolkata and Kongsberg, Norway. Supported by India’s Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways and National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR).
• Partnership between Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Ltd. (GRSE), Kolkata and Kongsberg, Norway.
• Supported by India’s Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways and National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR).
• Objectives:
• Strengthen India’s capabilities in Arctic and Antarctic research. Enable deep-sea exploration, ocean floor mapping, and climate data collection. Promote innovation in marine science under the Make in India and Blue Economy initiatives.
• Strengthen India’s capabilities in Arctic and Antarctic research.
• Enable deep-sea exploration, ocean floor mapping, and climate data collection.
• Promote innovation in marine science under the Make in India and Blue Economy initiatives.
• Key Features: Polar-Class & Indigenous Build: Designed for extreme Arctic and Antarctic conditions with ice-breaking capabilities; built indigenously by GRSE with Norway’s design support. Advanced Scientific Infrastructure: Equipped with seabed samplers, seismic profilers, multibeam sonar, and labs for marine biology, geology, and climate research. Deep-Sea and Long-Duration Missions: Capable of exploring depths up to 6 km and sustaining extended polar expeditions with self-support systems. Green and Sustainable Technology: Aligns with IMO norms, integrating green fuel usage, energy-efficient systems, and eco-friendly research protocols. Strategic National Utility: Enables multidisciplinary polar and ocean research under NCPOR, boosting India’s global scientific and maritime standing.
• Polar-Class & Indigenous Build: Designed for extreme Arctic and Antarctic conditions with ice-breaking capabilities; built indigenously by GRSE with Norway’s design support.
• Advanced Scientific Infrastructure: Equipped with seabed samplers, seismic profilers, multibeam sonar, and labs for marine biology, geology, and climate research.
• Deep-Sea and Long-Duration Missions: Capable of exploring depths up to 6 km and sustaining extended polar expeditions with self-support systems.
• Green and Sustainable Technology: Aligns with IMO norms, integrating green fuel usage, energy-efficient systems, and eco-friendly research protocols.
• Strategic National Utility: Enables multidisciplinary polar and ocean research under NCPOR, boosting India’s global scientific and maritime standing.
• Significance:
• Boosts indigenous shipbuilding infrastructure and polar technology. Reduces reliance on leased vessels for India’s polar missions. Enhances India’s role in climate research, ocean health, and sustainable marine development. Reinforces India’s commitment to the Paris Agreement (UNFCCC) with goals like creating a 2.5 billion tonne carbon sink by 2030. Facilitates stronger India–Norway maritime collaboration and investment in green and smart shipping.
• Boosts indigenous shipbuilding infrastructure and polar technology.
• Reduces reliance on leased vessels for India’s polar missions.
• Enhances India’s role in climate research, ocean health, and sustainable marine development.
• Reinforces India’s commitment to the Paris Agreement (UNFCCC) with goals like creating a 2.5 billion tonne carbon sink by 2030.
• Facilitates stronger India–Norway maritime collaboration and investment in green and smart shipping.
Antibiotic-Producing Thermophilic Bacteria
Source: TH
Context: Researchers from Vellore Institute of Technology have discovered antibiotic-producing thermophilic bacteria in Rajgir hot spring, Bihar, opening new avenues in the fight against antimicrobial resistance.
About Antibiotic-Producing Thermophilic Bacteria:
• Definition: Thermophiles are heat-loving microorganisms that thrive in extreme temperatures ranging from 45°C to 70°C, where most life forms cannot survive.
• Thermophiles are heat-loving microorganisms that thrive in extreme temperatures ranging from 45°C to 70°C, where most life forms cannot survive.
• Characters of Thermophilic Bacteria: Heat Tolerance: Thermophilic bacteria grow best at high temperatures between 45°C and 80°C. They thrive where most other microbes cannot survive. Heat-Stable Enzymes: They produce enzymes that remain active at high temperatures. These enzymes are used in industries like PCR testing and biofuel production. Strong Cell Membranes: Their cell membranes contain special fats that resist melting. This helps them stay intact in extreme heat. Unique Metabolism: Thermophiles can use unusual nutrients like sulfur or iron. This allows them to live in mineral-rich, low-competition areas. Survival Mechanisms: Some thermophiles form spores or have strong DNA repair systems. These features protect them in harsh and changing environments.
• Heat Tolerance: Thermophilic bacteria grow best at high temperatures between 45°C and 80°C. They thrive where most other microbes cannot survive.
• Heat-Stable Enzymes: They produce enzymes that remain active at high temperatures. These enzymes are used in industries like PCR testing and biofuel production.
• Strong Cell Membranes: Their cell membranes contain special fats that resist melting. This helps them stay intact in extreme heat.
• Unique Metabolism: Thermophiles can use unusual nutrients like sulfur or iron. This allows them to live in mineral-rich, low-competition areas.
• Survival Mechanisms: Some thermophiles form spores or have strong DNA repair systems. These features protect them in harsh and changing environments.
• Examples of Thermophiles: Thermus aquaticus (used in PCR tests) Actinobacteria (noted for antibiotic production) Sulfolobus acidocaldarius (found in acidic hot springs)
• Thermus aquaticus (used in PCR tests)
• Actinobacteria (noted for antibiotic production)
• Sulfolobus acidocaldarius (found in acidic hot springs)
• Key Features of Antibiotic-Producing Thermophilic Bacteria: Heat-Stable Enzymes: Thermophiles produce enzymes that remain active at high temperatures, making them ideal for industrial applications like PCR and fermentation. Antibiotic Synthesis: They generate potent antimicrobial compounds to eliminate rival microbes in extreme environments, useful in combating resistant pathogens. Unique Metabolic Pathways: Their survival in extreme conditions is enabled by novel metabolic processes, often leading to the discovery of rare bioactive molecules.
• Heat-Stable Enzymes: Thermophiles produce enzymes that remain active at high temperatures, making them ideal for industrial applications like PCR and fermentation.
• Antibiotic Synthesis: They generate potent antimicrobial compounds to eliminate rival microbes in extreme environments, useful in combating resistant pathogens.
• Unique Metabolic Pathways: Their survival in extreme conditions is enabled by novel metabolic processes, often leading to the discovery of rare bioactive molecules.
• Applications of Thermophiles: Medical: They are a promising source of new antibiotics—like diethyl phthalate from Rajgir—which combat drug-resistant infections such as Listeria monocytogenes. Agriculture: Thermophilic microbial blends enhance soil fertility and crop resilience by promoting growth under harsh environmental conditions. Industrial: Their heat-resistant enzymes are used in processes like polymerase chain reaction (PCR), biofuel generation, and waste degradation.
• Medical: They are a promising source of new antibiotics—like diethyl phthalate from Rajgir—which combat drug-resistant infections such as Listeria monocytogenes.
• Agriculture: Thermophilic microbial blends enhance soil fertility and crop resilience by promoting growth under harsh environmental conditions.
• Industrial: Their heat-resistant enzymes are used in processes like polymerase chain reaction (PCR), biofuel generation, and waste degradation.
Kulsi River
Source: DH
Context: Assam and Meghalaya governments have agreed to construct a 55 MW hydropower project on the Kulsi River, which is a known habitat for the endangered Ganges River dolphin.
About Kulsi River:
• Location: Flows through West Khasi Hills (Meghalaya) into Kamrup district (Assam).
• Origin & Course: Originates in Meghalaya. It flows ~60 km before joining the Brahmaputra River.
• Originates in Meghalaya.
• It flows ~60 km before joining the Brahmaputra River.
• Key Features: Small, shallow river with average width of 70–80 meters and rich in biodiversity and endangered species habitat.
About Gangetic Dolphin (Platanista gangetica)
• What is the Gangetic Dolphin? A freshwater dolphin species found in South Asia, one of only five river dolphin species globally. Locally known as “Susu” for the sound it emits while surfacing for air.
• A freshwater dolphin species found in South Asia, one of only five river dolphin species globally.
• Locally known as “Susu” for the sound it emits while surfacing for air.
• Geographic Distribution: Inhabits Ganga, Brahmaputra, Meghna, and Karnaphuli-Sangu River systems across India, Nepal, and Bangladesh.
• Key Biological Features: Blind Species: Lacks functional lenses; navigates and hunts using echolocation. Respiration: Surfaces every 30–120 seconds to breathe. Feeding Habits: Predominantly eats fish and favors counter-current flows in main river channels. IUCN Red List: Endangered Declared the National Aquatic Animal of India in 2009, symbolizing freshwater ecosystem conservation.
• Blind Species: Lacks functional lenses; navigates and hunts using echolocation.
• Respiration: Surfaces every 30–120 seconds to breathe.
• Feeding Habits: Predominantly eats fish and favors counter-current flows in main river channels.
• IUCN Red List: Endangered
• Declared the National Aquatic Animal of India in 2009, symbolizing freshwater ecosystem conservation.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 4 June 2025 Mapping:
Mount Etna Volcano
Source: HT
Context: Mount Etna, Europe’s largest active volcano, erupted spewing ash, smoke, and lava several kilometres high.
About Mount Etna Volcano:
• What It Is? Mount Etna is a stratovolcano and one of the most active volcanoes in the world. It is classified as a Decade Volcano due to its frequent activity and risk to nearby populations.
• Mount Etna is a stratovolcano and one of the most active volcanoes in the world.
• It is classified as a Decade Volcano due to its frequent activity and risk to nearby populations.
• Location: Situated on the eastern coast of Sicily, Italy, between Messina and Catania. Lies at the boundary of the African and Eurasian tectonic plates.
• Situated on the eastern coast of Sicily, Italy, between Messina and Catania.
• Lies at the boundary of the African and Eurasian tectonic plates.
• History: Etna’s volcanic activity can be traced back over 500,000 years. In recent notable eruptions occurred in 2018, 2021, and now in 2025.
• Etna’s volcanic activity can be traced back over 500,000 years.
• In recent notable eruptions occurred in 2018, 2021, and now in 2025.
• Features of Etna: Tallest Active Volcano in Europe: Stands at approximately 3,403 metres, making it the highest peak south of the Alps. Expansive Volcanic Structure: Spans an area of 1,190 square kilometres with a basal circumference of 140 km, making it Italy’s largest active volcano. Complex Crater System: Contains five active summit craters and over 300 flank vents, enabling both summit and lateral (flank) eruptions. Strombolian vs Plinian Debate: While some classify it as Strombolian (discrete bursts), others consider it Plinian due to the ash cloud reaching the stratosphere. World Heritage Recognition: Inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2013 for its geological, scientific, and cultural significance.
• Tallest Active Volcano in Europe: Stands at approximately 3,403 metres, making it the highest peak south of the Alps.
• Expansive Volcanic Structure: Spans an area of 1,190 square kilometres with a basal circumference of 140 km, making it Italy’s largest active volcano.
• Complex Crater System: Contains five active summit craters and over 300 flank vents, enabling both summit and lateral (flank) eruptions.
• Strombolian vs Plinian Debate: While some classify it as Strombolian (discrete bursts), others consider it Plinian due to the ash cloud reaching the stratosphere.
• World Heritage Recognition: Inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2013 for its geological, scientific, and cultural significance.
• Why Do Volcanoes Erupt? Subsurface Magma Pooling: High heat and pressure in Earth’s mantle melt rock into magma. Gas Expansion: Volatiles like CO₂ and SO₂ expand as magma rises, increasing pressure. Surface Fractures: Faults in Earth’s crust let magma escape, triggering eruptions.
• Subsurface Magma Pooling: High heat and pressure in Earth’s mantle melt rock into magma.
• Gas Expansion: Volatiles like CO₂ and SO₂ expand as magma rises, increasing pressure.
• Surface Fractures: Faults in Earth’s crust let magma escape, triggering eruptions.
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