UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 6 August 2025
Kartavya Desk Staff
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 6 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 1 : (UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 6 August (2025)
• Cloudburst
Cloudburst
GS Paper 2:
• India–Philippines Strategic Partnership
India–Philippines Strategic Partnership
GS Paper 3:
• Unlocking a $200 Billion Opportunity: Electric Vehicles in India Report
Unlocking a $200 Billion Opportunity: Electric Vehicles in India Report
Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):
• Women in Armed Forces
Women in Armed Forces
Facts for Prelims (FFP):
• Extension of President’s Rule in Manipur
Extension of President’s Rule in Manipur
• BrahMos Supersonic Cruise Missile
BrahMos Supersonic Cruise Missile
• Sunflower Sea Stars
Sunflower Sea Stars
• Nilgiri Tahr Population Sees 21% Rise
Nilgiri Tahr Population Sees 21% Rise
• Haat on Wheels Initiative
Haat on Wheels Initiative
Mapping:
• Uttarkashi District
Uttarkashi District
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 6 August 2025
#### GS Paper 1:
Cloudburst
Syllabus: Geography & Disaster
Source: IT
Context: A devastating cloudburst in Uttarkashi’s Dharali region triggered flash floods and landslides, killing at least four people and sweeping away homes.
About Cloudburst:
What is a Cloudburst?
• A cloudburst is defined by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) as rainfall exceeding 100 mm/hour over a small area (20–30 sq km).
• A 2023 IIT Jammu & NIH study redefined it as 100–250 mm/hour over just 1 sq km, making it one of the most localized and intense weather events.
• These events are often associated with cumulonimbus clouds in mountainous regions, caused by orographic lift and convection currents that rapidly accumulate moisture before collapsing violently.
Why Are Hilly Areas More Prone?
• Topography: Steep slopes accelerate water runoff and debris flow.
• Orographic lifting: Moist monsoon air is rapidly lifted over hills, intensifying precipitation.
• Rocky terrain: Poor water absorption causes rapid accumulation on surface.
• Altitude (1,000–2,000m): High vulnerability zone due to dense valley populations and fragile ecosystems.
Historical Cloudburst Disasters in India:
Year | Location | Impact
1908 | Musi River, Hyderabad | 15,000 deaths, 80,000 homes destroyed
1970 | Alaknanda River, Uttarakhand | Massive floods in pilgrimage towns
2010 | Leh, Ladakh | 179 dead, 400 injured
2023–25 | Multiple incidents in Uttarakhand & Himachal | Loss of life, flash floods, infrastructure collapse
Mechanism and Climate Linkage:
• Rapid Condensation: Strong upward air currents (updrafts) in a storm system hold massive amounts of moisture aloft. When these air currents suddenly weaken or collapse, the entire volume of suspended water rapidly condenses and falls as torrential rain over a very small area, leading to a catastrophic downpour.
• Climate Change Influence: With global warming, the atmosphere can hold approximately 7% more water vapour per 1°C rise in temperature. This enhances the potential for extreme, short-duration rainfall events like cloudbursts, especially in the moisture-laden monsoon season.
• Lightning and Rain Delay: In towering cumulonimbus clouds, lightning activity causes electrical disturbances that inhibit droplet coalescence, delaying rainfall release. This allows the cloud to accumulate more water before it eventually bursts, releasing rain in destructive quantities.
• Carbon Loading in the Himalayas: Increased black carbon and aerosols from forest fires, vehicular emissions, and crop burning alter the cloud microphysics in the Himalayan region. These particles act as cloud condensation nuclei (CCN), increasing cloud density and further contributing to cloudburst-like conditions under orographic pressure.
Hazards of Cloudbursts:
• Flash Floods: Intense rainfall overwhelms streams and drains, causing sudden flooding that devastates homes, farms, and public infrastructure.
• Landslides: Saturated soil on steep slopes leads to slope failures, blocking roads and burying settlements under debris.
• Mudflows and Debris Slides: Rainwater mixes with soil and rocks to form high-speed flows that destroy everything in their path.
• Infrastructure Collapse: Floodwaters erode roads, damage bridges, and disrupt electricity and communication systems, isolating affected areas.
• Human Casualties: The suddenness and intensity leave no time for response, leading to high fatalities from drowning or building collapse.
Why Prediction is Difficult?
• Small Spatial Scale: Cloudbursts occur in limited areas (10–30 sq km), making them hard to detect with standard radar systems.
• Short Duration: The event lasts under an hour, offering little time for forecasting and issuing effective alerts.
• Inadequate Infrastructure: Hilly regions lack dense Doppler radar and weather stations, limiting real-time monitoring.
• Cost Barrier: Installing advanced radar and AI-based forecasting models in remote areas remains expensive and underfunded.
Policy and Institutional Gaps:
• No Unified Cloudburst Strategy: India lacks a dedicated national framework under NDMA or IMD to tackle cloudbursts systematically.
• Limited Early Warning at Local Level: Alerts often don’t reach vulnerable blocks and villages in time, increasing disaster impact.
• Weak Land Use Planning: Unregulated construction in fragile zones increases risk to life and property during intense rainfall.
• Low-Resilience Infrastructure: Many buildings and roads in hilly areas are not designed to withstand extreme weather conditions.
Suggestions & Way Forward
• Predictive Infrastructure:
• Expand Doppler Weather Radar and AWS networks in Himalayan states.
• Use AI/ML hydromet forecasting models to improve short-term local prediction.
• Institutional Coordination:
• Develop a National Cloudburst Monitoring Programme under NDMA & ISRO.
• Launch village-level micro-risk assessments using satellite data and GIS.
• Land Use and Planning:
• Enforce no-construction zones in high-risk slopes and catchments.
• Update zonal rainfall intensity maps for all Himalayan towns.
• Community Preparedness:
• Develop village disaster protocols in local languages.
• Involve Panchayats and SHGs in evacuation planning and relief drills.
• Resilient Infrastructure:
• Promote eco-engineering for slope stabilization.
• Incentivize flood-proof homes, green roofs, and local rainwater harvesting.
Conclusion:
Cloudbursts are no longer isolated disasters but symptoms of an accelerating climate emergency in ecologically fragile zones like Uttarakhand. Mitigation requires not just high-tech forecasting but also localised planning, resilient development, and community-based preparedness to minimise loss of life and property. A national strategy is now a necessity, not an option.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 6 August 2025 GS Paper 2:
India–Philippines Strategic Partnership
Syllabus: Bilateral Relations
Source: HT
Context: During the state visit of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to India in August 2025, both nations signed a Joint Declaration on Strategic Partnership, expanding cooperation in defence, maritime security, and space technology.
About India–Philippines Strategic Partnership:
• Strategic Partnership Upgrade:
• India and the Philippines officially upgraded their bilateral ties to the level of a Strategic Partnership.
• Defence and Maritime Cooperation:
• Finalisation of Terms of Reference (ToR) between the two countries’ Armies, Navies, and Air Forces for structured defence engagement.
• ToR also signed for India–Philippines Coast Guard cooperation, covering joint maritime activities and information exchange.
• Indian naval ships participated for the first time in a naval exercise in the Philippines during the visit.
• India’s hydrography ship took part in joint engagements, indicating deeper naval mapping and domain awareness cooperation.
• Trade and Economic Engagement:
• India and the Philippines commenced formal negotiations for a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) to boost bilateral trade.
• Connectivity and Tourism:
• Direct flights between India and the Philippines to begin by end of 2025.
• India announced a free e-tourist visa facility for Filipino nationals for one year starting August 2025.
• Legal and Institutional Agreements:
• Signed Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty in Criminal Matters.
• Signed Treaty on Transfer of Sentenced Persons for consular cooperation and legal integration.
• Digital Infrastructure Cooperation:
• India to support a pilot project for the Philippines Sovereign Data Cloud, expanding cooperation in data governance and digital public infrastructure.
• Philippines invited to join India’s Information Fusion Centre–Indian Ocean Region (IFC–IOR) to enhance maritime security intelligence.
• Regional and Global Outlook:
• Both countries reaffirmed support for freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea, consistent with UNCLOS 1982.
• India highlighted the South China Sea as global commons, advocating a rules-based Indo-Pacific order.
Historical Evolution of Bilateral Ties:
• Diplomatic ties established in 1949, among the earliest in India’s post-Independence foreign policy.
• The year 2024 marked 75 years of diplomatic relations, with a renewed focus on high-level exchanges, institutional dialogues, and capacity-building projects.
Areas of Bilateral Cooperation:
• Defence and Security:
• BrahMos missile system delivered in 2024, making Philippines the first foreign recipient.
• Joint Defence Cooperation Committee (JDCC) and Service-to-Service (STS) dialogues institutionalised.
• Maritime Cooperation:
• Track-1 Maritime Dialogue and agreements on hydrographic data sharing and coastal surveillance.
• Cooperation in multilateral exercises like ADMM-Plus, MILAN, and ASEAN–India Maritime drills.
• Space Technology:
• ISRO to assist Philippines in satellite launches, capacity building, and weather/agriculture monitoring.
• Collaboration with PhilSA reflects India’s rising soft power in the global space sector.
• Trade and Economic Engagement:
• Bilateral trade reached USD 3.5 billion in 2023–24.
• India exports pharma, electronics, rice, engineering goods and imports semiconductors, ores, machinery.
• Indian FDI stands at USD 5 billion, while PTA negotiations are ongoing.
• Health and Education:
• Philippines was the first ASEAN country to approve Covaxin.
• ~9,800 Indian students’ study in the Philippines, mainly in medicine.
• Development and Fintech:
• India funded Quick Impact Projects (QIPs) in disaster management and agriculture.
• MoU on fintech cooperation to expand digital payments and inclusion.
Key Challenges
• FDI Asymmetry: Philippines’ investment in India remains modest despite trade growth.
• Under-implementation of MoUs: Several agreements (hydrography, space, tourism) pending operationalisation.
• China Factor in Maritime Policy: Philippines’ tightrope walks between Chinese pressure and strategic alignment with India/US/ASEAN.
• Connectivity Lag: Direct air links still pending; tourism and education exchanges remain under-leveraged.
Significance of the Relationship:
• Act East Policy Anchor: Enhances India’s diplomatic footprint in ASEAN and strengthens Indo-Pacific vision.
• Maritime Balancing Role: Strategic convergence in South China Sea ensures regional balance against Chinese aggression.
• Boost to Defence Exports: Opens market for Indian weapons systems, logistics, and naval platforms in Southeast Asia.
• Space & Tech Diplomacy: Positions India as a development partner in space, digital governance, and climate resilience.
• People-to-People Bridge: Large Indian diaspora and student population foster long-term goodwill and grassroots engagement.
Way Forward:
• Finalise Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) to diversify trade and reduce tariff barriers.
• Operationalise Defence Co-production under Atmanirbhar Bharat framework in shipbuilding and missile components.
• Launch Joint Satellite Missions focused on weather, disaster relief, and agriculture monitoring.
• Institutionalise Track-1.5 Dialogues involving think tanks, universities, and maritime institutions.
• Promote Academic & Medical Tourism using new air routes and cross-recognition of degrees.
Conclusion:
India–Philippines relations are transitioning from symbolic diplomacy to substantive strategic engagement. As maritime democracies, their synergy in defence, space, and digital cooperation holds long-term regional significance. With greater institutional follow-through, this partnership can emerge as a pillar of India’s Indo-Pacific outreach.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 6 August 2025 GS Paper 3:
Unlocking a $200 Billion Opportunity: Electric Vehicles in India Report
Syllabus: Energy
Source: PIB
Context: NITI Aayog launched a new report outlining India’s pathway to unlocking a $200 billion EV market opportunity. It highlights key reforms and investment strategies needed to achieve accelerated EV adoption by 2035.
About Unlocking a $200 Billion Opportunity: Electric Vehicles in India Report:
Key Summary:
• $200 Billion EV Market Potential: India’s EV market could generate a $200 billion opportunity by 2035 through jobs, manufacturing, and clean mobility. This growth can avoid 1 gigatonne of CO₂ and save ₹3.7 lakh crore in oil imports.
• This growth can avoid 1 gigatonne of CO₂ and save ₹3.7 lakh crore in oil imports.
• EV Sales Growth Trend: EV share in total vehicle sales rose from 0.5% in 2018 to 7.7% in 2024, reflecting rising affordability and awareness. Over 6.5 million EVs now run on Indian roads, with 12 lakh EVs registered in 2024 alone.
• Over 6.5 million EVs now run on Indian roads, with 12 lakh EVs registered in 2024 alone.
• Public Charging Gaps: India had 25,000 public EV chargers as of October 2024, with a projected need of 2.9 million by 2035.
• Policy Progress at State Level: 29 States/UTs have notified EV policies, and 4 more are in the draft stage.
• Battery Demand & Localisation: India will need 250+ GWh of annual battery demand by 2035 to meet EV targets.
• Job Creation Potential: EV sector can generate over 10 million direct and indirect jobs in manufacturing, servicing, recycling, and charging.
• Carbon Emission & Energy Benefits: A rapid EV shift could save 474 million tonnes of oil equivalent (MTOE) and cut 839 MtCO₂e emissions by 2035.
Opportunities from EV Transition
• Energy Resilience: India can significantly reduce dependence on crude oil imports, saving foreign exchange and enhancing energy security.
• Green Manufacturing: EV transition fuels domestic production of batteries, components, and vehicles under the Atmanirbhar Bharat
• Urban Mobility Reform: EVs facilitate a shift towards clean, efficient, and shared public transport systems in cities.
• Innovation Ecosystem: The sector promotes R&D in battery tech, software, and platform-based mobility startups.
• Sustainable Infrastructure: EV adoption pushes the development of smart grids, charging networks, and energy-efficient urban planning.
Five Unlocks for Accelerated EV Transition:
• Stable Policy Architecture: Long-term, coherent EV policies across central and state levels reduce investor uncertainty.
• Low-cost Financing: EV buyers, especially in informal sectors, need access to affordable green loans and credit insurance.
• EV Ecosystem Development: India must build full value chains for batteries, motors, and electronics, including recycling and reuse.
• Public Charging Expansion: India needs 2.9 million public chargers by 2035 to support wide-scale EV deployment.
• Incentivising Adoption: Demand-side measures like subsidies, tax cuts, and carbon credits can offset high upfront EV costs.
Challenges Highlighted
• High Upfront EV Cost: Battery costs make EVs costlier than ICE vehicles, deterring mass adoption.
• Limited Financing Access: Low credit penetration and risk-averse lenders restrict EV loans for MSMEs and individual buyers.
• Patchy Charging Infra: Charging stations are concentrated in metros, leaving rural and Tier-2 areas underserved.
• Low R&D in Recycling: Battery recycling technologies and local EV component manufacturing remain underdeveloped.
• Policy Fragmentation: EV policies vary widely across states, lacking national coordination or data interoperability.
Way Forward:
• Green Mobility Missions: National-level coordination can unify and strengthen EV policies across states. Codify Mission EV@30 under Cabinet with cross-ministry representation.
• Codify Mission EV@30 under Cabinet with cross-ministry representation.
• Battery Localization: India must localise battery cell production and secure critical minerals for long-term cost efficiency.
• Unified Green Transport Fund: A pooled fund can finance EV infra, vehicle subsidies, retrofitting, and public transit electrification.
• EV Readiness Index for States: Expanding IEMI 2024 into a dynamic tracking tool can drive state-wise competition.
• Just Transition: ICE sector workers should be retrained in EV servicing, manufacturing, and R&D.
Conclusion:
India’s EV transition is not merely a climate imperative but a multi-sectoral opportunity. If the country acts decisively on financing, localisation, and infrastructure, it can lead the world in affordable, inclusive electric mobility while advancing energy security, job creation, and technological self-reliance.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 6 August 2025 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)
Women in Armed Forces
Context: The defence minister informed the Parliamentary Consultative Committee that increasing women’s participation in the armed forces remains a national priority.
About Women in Armed Forces:
• The Indian Armed Forces are progressively expanding the inclusion of women in combat, technical, and leadership roles across the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
• Current Data (2024): Army: 1,735 women (6.85%) Air Force: 1,614 women (13.4%) Navy: 674 women (6%)
• Army: 1,735 women (6.85%)
• Air Force: 1,614 women (13.4%)
• Navy: 674 women (6%)
• Trend Since 2005: Army: up from 767 (2005) to 1,735 (2024) Air Force: up from 574 to 1,614 Navy: up from 154 to 674
• Army: up from 767 (2005) to 1,735 (2024)
• Air Force: up from 574 to 1,614
• Navy: up from 154 to 674
• Branch Access: Army: Women can join 12 branches including combat roles. Navy: All branches except submarines are open. Air Force: All branches open, including fighter pilots.
• Army: Women can join 12 branches including combat roles.
• Navy: All branches except submarines are open.
• Air Force: All branches open, including fighter pilots.
• Role Models: Officers like Col. Sofiya Qureshi (Army) and Wing Cmdr. Vyomika Singh (Air Force) exemplify women’s leadership in key operations like Operation Sindoor.
Relevance to UPSC Syllabus:
• GS Paper II (Governance & Social Justice): Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections: Women’s representation in institutions of national importance. Role of Civil Services and Defence Services: Gender sensitisation and inclusion in state services.
• Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections: Women’s representation in institutions of national importance.
• Role of Civil Services and Defence Services: Gender sensitisation and inclusion in state services.
• GS Paper I (Society): Women empowerment and gender roles: Challenges to patriarchal structures within uniformed services.
• Women empowerment and gender roles: Challenges to patriarchal structures within uniformed services.
• Essay Paper & Ethics (GS-IV): Themes of equality, justice, and institutional reforms. Role-model based case studies on courage and integrity
• Themes of equality, justice, and institutional reforms.
• Role-model based case studies on courage and integrity
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 6 August 2025 Facts for Prelims (FFP):
Extension of President’s Rule in Manipur
Source: TOI
Context: Parliament has approved a six-month extension of President’s Rule in Manipur, following its initial imposition in February 2025.
About Extension of President’s Rule in Manipur:
• What is President’s Rule? President’s Rule refers to direct central governance in a state under Article 356 of the Constitution when the constitutional machinery fails or the elected government cannot function as per constitutional norms.
• President’s Rule refers to direct central governance in a state under Article 356 of the Constitution when the constitutional machinery fails or the elected government cannot function as per constitutional norms.
• Constitutional Article Involved:
• Article 356: Authorises the President to assume control of a state’s administration upon the Governor’s report or otherwise. Article 365: Supports Article 356 when a State fails to comply with directions of the Union Government.
• Article 356: Authorises the President to assume control of a state’s administration upon the Governor’s report or otherwise.
• Article 365: Supports Article 356 when a State fails to comply with directions of the Union Government.
• How is it Imposed?
• A proclamation is issued by the President. Must be approved by both Houses of Parliament within 2 months by a simple majority. Once approved, the rule remains for 6 months, extendable up to 3 years in six-month blocks with Parliamentary approval.
• A proclamation is issued by the President.
• Must be approved by both Houses of Parliament within 2 months by a simple majority.
• Once approved, the rule remains for 6 months, extendable up to 3 years in six-month blocks with Parliamentary approval.
• Conditions for Renewal:
• Continued breakdown of constitutional machinery. Approval by both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha every 6 months. For extensions beyond 1-year, National Emergency must be in operation or the Election Commission must certify inability to hold elections.
• Continued breakdown of constitutional machinery.
• Approval by both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha every 6 months.
• For extensions beyond 1-year, National Emergency must be in operation or the Election Commission must certify inability to hold elections.
• Procedure for Revocation:
• Can be revoked anytime by the President. Usually withdrawn when a new government is elected or a viable legislative majority is formed.
• Can be revoked anytime by the President.
• Usually withdrawn when a new government is elected or a viable legislative majority is formed.
• Implications of President’s Rule:
• Governance shifts to the Centre, administered by the Governor on behalf of the President. State Assembly may be kept in suspended animation or dissolved. Often used during violent unrest, political deadlock, or collapse of majority. Judicial oversight post S.R. Bommai Case (1994) ensures it is not misused for political motives.
• Governance shifts to the Centre, administered by the Governor on behalf of the President.
• State Assembly may be kept in suspended animation or dissolved.
• Often used during violent unrest, political deadlock, or collapse of majority.
• Judicial oversight post S.R. Bommai Case (1994) ensures it is not misused for political motives.
BrahMos Supersonic Cruise Missile
Source: TP
Context: Following the success of Operation Sindoor, the Indian Navy and Air Force are preparing large-scale procurement of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, citing their precision and combat performance against Pakistani targets.
About BrahMos Supersonic Cruise Missile:
• What is BrahMos?
• BrahMos is a two-stage supersonic cruise missile, jointly developed by India’s DRDO and Russia’s NPOM. It is the world’s fastest operational cruise missile, operating at speeds of Mach 2.8–3.0.
• BrahMos is a two-stage supersonic cruise missile, jointly developed by India’s DRDO and Russia’s NPOM.
• It is the world’s fastest operational cruise missile, operating at speeds of Mach 2.8–3.0.
• Key Specifications:
• Range: ~290 km (extended-range versions under development). Warhead: 200–300 kg (conventional explosive). Speed: Supersonic throughout flight; significantly reduces enemy response time. Platforms: Can be launched from land, air, sea, and sub-sea platforms.
• Range: ~290 km (extended-range versions under development).
• Warhead: 200–300 kg (conventional explosive).
• Speed: Supersonic throughout flight; significantly reduces enemy response time.
• Platforms: Can be launched from land, air, sea, and sub-sea platforms.
• Special Features:
• Fire-and-Forget system: Requires no further guidance post-launch. Stealth features: Low radar cross-section enhances survivability. Multiple flight trajectories: High, low, or mixed profiles for tactical flexibility. Kinetic punch: 9x more kinetic energy than subsonic missiles at impact. Pinpoint accuracy: High kill probability even against moving targets.
• Fire-and-Forget system: Requires no further guidance post-launch.
• Stealth features: Low radar cross-section enhances survivability.
• Multiple flight trajectories: High, low, or mixed profiles for tactical flexibility.
• Kinetic punch: 9x more kinetic energy than subsonic missiles at impact.
• Pinpoint accuracy: High kill probability even against moving targets.
• Strategic Significance:
• Used extensively during Operation Sindoor, neutralising critical terrorist infrastructure and military assets inside Pakistan. Enhances India’s precision-strike capabilities and deterrence posture against regional threats. Supports the goals of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ by relying on indigenous systems for national security.
• Used extensively during Operation Sindoor, neutralising critical terrorist infrastructure and military assets inside Pakistan.
• Enhances India’s precision-strike capabilities and deterrence posture against regional threats.
• Supports the goals of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ by relying on indigenous systems for national security.
• Operational Status:
• Navy: Equipped on Rajput and Visakhapatnam-class destroyers and Veer-class corvettes. Army: Multiple regiments operational with mobile launchers. Air Force: Integrated with Su-30 MKI, extending strike range over land and sea.
• Navy: Equipped on Rajput and Visakhapatnam-class destroyers and Veer-class corvettes.
• Army: Multiple regiments operational with mobile launchers.
• Air Force: Integrated with Su-30 MKI, extending strike range over land and sea.
Sunflower Sea Stars
Source: ET
Context: Scientists have finally identified Vibrio pectenicida as the bacterium causing sea star wasting disease (SSWD), which led to the loss of over 5.8 billion sunflower sea stars across North America since 2013.
About Sunflower Sea Star (Pycnopodia helianthoides)
• What It Is? A large, fast-moving marine predator with up to 24 arms; vital in regulating underwater ecosystems by preying on sea urchins.
• A large, fast-moving marine predator with up to 24 arms; vital in regulating underwater ecosystems by preying on sea urchins.
• Habitat: Native to the Pacific Ocean, ranging from Alaska to Baja California, dwelling on kelp beds and rocky seabeds.
• IUCN Status: Listed as Critically Endangered due to mass mortality from SSWD.
• Key Features of the Sunflower Sea Star:
• Size: Can grow up to 1 meter (3.3 feet) in diameter, making it one of the largest known sea stars.
• Mobility: Capable of moving at a speed of up to 1 meter per minute using thousands of tube feet.
• Arms: Possesses 16 to 24 soft, flexible arms, aiding rapid movement and predation.
• Feeding Habits: Acts as a top predator, feeding on sea urchins, clams, and other invertebrates.
• Habitat Range: Found in temperate coastal waters from Alaska to California, primarily on rocky reefs and kelp beds.
• Coloration: Exhibits vibrant hues—orange, purple, red, or brown, aiding in camouflage and predator avoidance.
• Respiration & Circulation: Uses a water vascular system and coelomic fluid (analogous to blood) for nutrient transport and gas exchange.
About Vibrio pectenicida:
• What Is It? A pathogenic marine bacterium, also known to affect shellfish, now linked conclusively to sea star wasting disease (SSWD).
• A pathogenic marine bacterium, also known to affect shellfish, now linked conclusively to sea star wasting disease (SSWD).
• Where It Was Found? Detected in high abundance within the coelomic fluid (internal fluid akin to blood) of infected sea stars.
• Detected in high abundance within the coelomic fluid (internal fluid akin to blood) of infected sea stars.
• Features & Effects: Strain FHCF-3 of pectenicida initiates with external lesions, leading to twisted arms, tissue decay, and death. Transforms sea stars into mucus-like goo within days, disrupting marine trophic chains. Thrives in warmer ocean conditions, raising alarm over climate-linked outbreaks.
• Strain FHCF-3 of pectenicida initiates with external lesions, leading to twisted arms, tissue decay, and death.
• Transforms sea stars into mucus-like goo within days, disrupting marine trophic chains.
• Thrives in warmer ocean conditions, raising alarm over climate-linked outbreaks.
• Ecological Significance & Broader Impact Keystone Species Loss: Sunflower sea stars kept urchin populations in check; their decline led to exploding urchin numbers. Kelp Forest Collapse: Northern California lost 95% of kelp cover, impacting fisheries, biodiversity, and coastal protection. Cultural & Economic Damage: Affects First Nations’ traditions, recreational diving, and carbon sequestration potential of kelp.
• Keystone Species Loss: Sunflower sea stars kept urchin populations in check; their decline led to exploding urchin numbers.
• Kelp Forest Collapse: Northern California lost 95% of kelp cover, impacting fisheries, biodiversity, and coastal protection.
• Cultural & Economic Damage: Affects First Nations’ traditions, recreational diving, and carbon sequestration potential of kelp.
Nilgiri Tahr Population Sees 21% Rise
Source: DH
Context: The population of Nilgiri Tahr, Tamil Nadu’s state animal, recorded a 21% increase in 2025 compared to the previous year, as per a synchronized survey conducted in Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
About Nilgiri Tahr Population Sees 21% Rise:
• What it is? A synchronized bi-annual survey to assess the population of Nilgiri Tahr across their habitat range.
• A synchronized bi-annual survey to assess the population of Nilgiri Tahr across their habitat range.
• Conducted by: Tamil Nadu and Kerala Forest Departments, involving 786 frontline staff covering 3,126 km on foot across 177 blocks in 14 forest divisions.
• Key Findings:
• Population rose from 1,031 (2024) to 1,303 (2025). Akkamalai Grass Hills (Anamalai Tiger Reserve) recorded 334 individuals. Mukurthi National Park recorded 282 individuals (approx. 50% of total in TN).
• Population rose from 1,031 (2024) to 1,303 (2025).
• Akkamalai Grass Hills (Anamalai Tiger Reserve) recorded 334 individuals.
• Mukurthi National Park recorded 282 individuals (approx. 50% of total in TN).
• Scientific Milestones:
• Use of drone surveillance, radio-collaring, and community participation. Part of the broader Nilgiri Tahr Recovery Project launched in 2022.
• Use of drone surveillance, radio-collaring, and community participation.
• Part of the broader Nilgiri Tahr Recovery Project launched in 2022.
About Nilgiri Tahr:
• Scientific Name: Nilgiritragus hylocrius
• IUCN Status: Endangered
• Legal Protection: Schedule I, Wildlife Protection Act, 1972
• Common Names: Varaiaadu (Tamil), Varayadu (Malayalam)
• Habitat:
• Endemic to Southern Western Ghats (Tamil Nadu and Kerala) Occupies steep montane grasslands and shola forest edges at elevations between 1,200 to 2,600 m Current distribution confined to a 400 km stretch from Nilgiris to Kanyakumari
• Endemic to Southern Western Ghats (Tamil Nadu and Kerala)
• Occupies steep montane grasslands and shola forest edges at elevations between 1,200 to 2,600 m
• Current distribution confined to a 400 km stretch from Nilgiris to Kanyakumari
• Physical Features:
• Stocky build, short, coarse fur; males have a distinct silver saddle patch on back Sure-footed climbers adapted to rugged cliffs Closest relatives: Himalayan and Arabian tahrs (but adapted to tropical wet climates)
• Stocky build, short, coarse fur; males have a distinct silver saddle patch on back
• Sure-footed climbers adapted to rugged cliffs
• Closest relatives: Himalayan and Arabian tahrs (but adapted to tropical wet climates)
• Biological Aspects:
• Gestation period: ~180 days and births occur Jan–Feb Average wild lifespan: ~3–3.5 years (can live up to 9 years) Sexual maturity: ~3 years Diurnal grazers – most active in early morning and late evening.
• Gestation period: ~180 days and births occur Jan–Feb
• Average wild lifespan: ~3–3.5 years (can live up to 9 years)
• Sexual maturity: ~3 years
• Diurnal grazers – most active in early morning and late evening.
Haat on Wheels Initiative
Source: PIB
Context: The Ministry of Textiles launched the “Haat on Wheels” mobile handloom marketplace during the 11th National Handloom Day celebrations on August 5, 2025, in New Delhi.
About Haat on Wheels Initiative:
• What it is? A mobile retail platform designed to take authentic handloom products directly to urban consumers, launched as part of a national campaign to promote handloom heritage.
• A mobile retail platform designed to take authentic handloom products directly to urban consumers, launched as part of a national campaign to promote handloom heritage.
• Ministry Involved: Ministry of Textiles
• Implemented in partnership with the National Handloom Development Corporation (NHDC)
• Implemented in partnership with the National Handloom Development Corporation (NHDC)
• To promote indigenous handlooms, improve market accessibility for weavers, and bring sustainable fashion to mainstream retail channels.
• To promote indigenous handlooms, improve market accessibility for weavers, and bring sustainable fashion to mainstream retail channels.
• Key Features:
• Showcases 116 weaves from different Indian regions. Mobile vans travel across Delhi NCR, visiting markets, residential zones, and cultural spaces. Promotes “My Handloom, My Pride; My Product, My Pride” theme. Direct-to-consumer model connects weavers with urban buyers.
• Showcases 116 weaves from different Indian regions.
• Mobile vans travel across Delhi NCR, visiting markets, residential zones, and cultural spaces.
• Promotes “My Handloom, My Pride; My Product, My Pride” theme.
• Direct-to-consumer model connects weavers with urban buyers.
• Significance:
• Enhances livelihood security of weavers by cutting out middlemen. Fosters vocal for local, self-reliance, and sustainable consumption. Boosts awareness of regional weaves and cultural preservation.
• Enhances livelihood security of weavers by cutting out middlemen.
• Fosters vocal for local, self-reliance, and sustainable consumption.
• Boosts awareness of regional weaves and cultural preservation.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 6 August 2025 Mapping:
Uttarkashi District
Source: IT
Context: At least four people died and several others went missing after a cloudburst triggered flash floods in Uttarkashi’s Dharali area.
About Uttarkashi District:
• What It Is? Uttarkashi is a northern Himalayan district in Uttarakhand and part of the Garhwal division, created on February 24, 1960.
• Uttarkashi is a northern Himalayan district in Uttarakhand and part of the Garhwal division, created on February 24, 1960.
• Location: Located in the north-western corner of Uttarakhand, it borders Himachal Pradesh, Tibet (China), and Indian districts Chamoli, Rudraprayag, Tehri Garhwal, and Dehradun.
• Historical Significance: Nicknamed “Kashi of the North“, Uttarkashi shares spiritual similarities with Varanasi, lying between the rivers Varuna (Syalam Gad) and Asi (Kaligad). The region finds mention in the Mahabharata, with references to sages like Jada Bharatha, and ancient tribes such as Kiratas, Khasas, and Kunindas. Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand — a region known as the “Water Tower of India”
• Nicknamed “Kashi of the North“, Uttarkashi shares spiritual similarities with Varanasi, lying between the rivers Varuna (Syalam Gad) and Asi (Kaligad).
• The region finds mention in the Mahabharata, with references to sages like Jada Bharatha, and ancient tribes such as Kiratas, Khasas, and Kunindas.
• Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand — a region known as the “Water Tower of India”
Key Rivers from Uttarkashi
River | Origin | Type | Joins
Bhagirathi | Gaumukh Glacier, Gangotri | Glacier-fed | Becomes Ganga at Devprayag
Yamuna | Yamunotri Glacier | Glacier-fed | Joins Ganga at Allahabad
Tons (Tamas) | Bandarpunch Glacier | Glacier-fed | Joins Yamuna near Dehradun
Jadh Ganga | Nelang Valley / Mana region | Glacier-fed | Joins Bhagirathi
Asi Ganga | Near Dodi Tal | Hill stream | Joins Bhagirathi
• Cultural and Religious Importance: Uttarkashi hosts Gangotri and Yamunotri, sources of the Ganga (Bhagirathi) and Yamuna, making it a key pilgrimage destination. The Manikarnika Ghat and Vishwanath Temple here reflect deep religious parallels with Varanasi.
• Uttarkashi hosts Gangotri and Yamunotri, sources of the Ganga (Bhagirathi) and Yamuna, making it a key pilgrimage destination.
• The Manikarnika Ghat and Vishwanath Temple here reflect deep religious parallels with Varanasi.
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