UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 7 July 2025

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 7 July 2025 covers important current affairs of the day, their backward linkages, their relevance for Prelims exam and MCQs on main articles

InstaLinks : Insta Links help you think beyond the current affairs issue and help you think multidimensionally to develop depth in your understanding of these issues. These linkages provided in this ‘hint’ format help you frame possible questions in your mind that might arise(or an examiner might imagine) from each current event. InstaLinks also connect every issue to their static or theoretical background.

Table of Contents

GS Paper 3 : (UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 7 July (2025)

• Drought Hotspots Around the World 2023-2025

Drought Hotspots Around the World 2023-2025

• Embracing Genetic Innovation for India’s Agricultural Future

Embracing Genetic Innovation for India’s Agricultural Future

Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):

• India Falls into the ‘Moderately Low’ Inequality Category

India Falls into the ‘Moderately Low’ Inequality Category

Facts for Prelims (FFP):

• India’s first National Biobank

India’s first National Biobank

• Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors

Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors

• Nipah virus (NiV)

Nipah virus (NiV)

• International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (Plant Treaty)

International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (Plant Treaty)

• Penico: Peru’s Newly Unearthed Ancient City

Penico: Peru’s Newly Unearthed Ancient City

• 17th BRICS Summit

17th BRICS Summit

Mapping:

• Seine River

Seine River

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 7 July 2025

#### GS Paper 3 :

Drought Hotspots Around the World 2023-2025

Syllabus: Environment

Source: UNCCD

Context: The UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) and the U.S. National Drought Mitigation Centre released a Drought Hotspots Around the World 2023-2025 report highlighting intensifying drought hotspots between 2023–2025.

Key Summary of Report Drought Hotspots Around the World 2023-2025:

• Global Escalation: Droughts have intensified across Africa, the Mediterranean, Latin America, and Asia — termed “slow-moving catastrophes.”

• Africa’s Hunger Emergency: Over 90 million people in Eastern and Southern Africa face acute hunger; maize crop losses in Zimbabwe crossed 70%.

• Energy Crisis in Zambia: Zambezi River flow dropped to 20% of its long-term average, leading to 21-hour daily power blackouts and halted essential services.

• Spain’s Olive Oil Crash: Two years of drought cut Spain’s olive oil output by 50%, triggering price surges across Europe.

• Panama Canal Disruption: Drought reduced daily transits from 38 to 24 ships, disturbing global trade and food prices.

• Amazon River Crisis: Lowest water levels on record stranded communities, killed river dolphins, and exposed ecological vulnerability.

• Child Marriages & Dropouts: Drought-linked poverty doubled child marriages in Ethiopia and caused mass school dropouts in Zimbabwe.

• Wildlife Loss: Over 100 elephants died in Zimbabwe; 200+ river dolphins perished in the Amazon due to extreme heat and water scarcity.

India and Drought Hotspots:

• Monsoon Variability: India faces increasing intra-seasonal rainfall variability, worsening water security and crop yield uncertainties.

• Food Price Vulnerability: As droughts reduce rice and sugar output in Asia, India sees rising pressure on food prices and inflation.

• Hydrological Stress: River basins such as Godavari and Krishna face recurrent drought conditions due to over-extraction and mismanagement.

• Socioeconomic Impact: Drought-prone states like Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Karnataka experience farmer distress and migration pressures.

Factors Driving Drought Hotspots:

• Climate Change: Rising global temperatures intensify evapotranspiration, leading to prolonged dry spells and failed rains.

• El Niño Amplification: The 2023–2024 El Niño event exacerbated dry conditions across critical agricultural belts worldwide.

• Overexploitation: Unsustainable groundwater extraction, deforestation, and mismanaged irrigation aggravate hydrological imbalance.

• Poor Governance: Inadequate early warning systems and lack of adaptive land and water policies deepen vulnerability.

Impacts of Drought Hotspots:

• Food Insecurity: Droughts have triggered a 100% rise in maize prices in Zambia and threatened staple crops like wheat and rice globally.

• Energy Collapse: Hydropower shortages in Zambia and Türkiye disrupted electricity for hospitals, factories, and homes.

• Biodiversity Loss: Droughts caused mass wildlife deaths—100 elephants in Zimbabwe and thousands of fish and dolphins in Amazonia.

• Forced Migration & Malnutrition: Somalia and Amazon regions saw mass displacement and acute child malnutrition rise to emergency levels.

Recommended Measures:

• Early Warning Systems: Establish real-time monitoring of drought and impact pathways to trigger faster responses.

• Nature-Based Solutions: Restore watersheds, promote drought-resistant indigenous crops, and reforest degraded lands.

• Gender-Sensitive Adaptation: Protect women and girls from drought-linked vulnerabilities such as child marriage and education loss.

• Transboundary Cooperation: Protect river basins and trade routes through international partnerships.

• Drought-Resilient Infrastructure: Invest in off-grid power, water harvesting systems, and sustainable agriculture technologies.

• Financial Mobilization: Scale up climate financing through platforms like IDRA for preparedness in developing countries.

Conclusion:

Droughts are not isolated weather events but system-wide emergencies affecting ecosystems, economies, and people. The 2023–2025 hotspots are a stark warning to prioritize global cooperation, resilient planning, and inclusive adaptation. Without urgent action, these “creeping catastrophes” could become the norm in a warming world.

Embracing Genetic Innovation for India’s Agricultural Future

Syllabus: Agriculture

Source: IE

Context: India faces international pressure to open its agriculture market to genetically modified (GM) crops, even as domestic biotech innovation remains restricted.

• Only Bt cotton is officially approved, while other GM crops like Bt brinjal and GM mustard face regulatory bottlenecks.

About Embracing Genetic Innovation for India’s Agricultural Future:

Current Status of Indian Agriculture:

• Declining Cotton Productivity: Cotton yield has dropped from 566 kg/ha (2013–14) to 436 kg/ha (2023–24), lagging far behind China and Brazil.

• Rising Import Dependency: India, once a net exporter, has become a net importer of cotton, with imports touching $0.4 billion in 2024–25.

• Biotech Saturation: Only Bt cotton is officially cultivated, while GM mustard, brinjal, soy, and corn await approvals.

• Widening Yield Gap: India’s average cotton yield is just 436 kg/ha, while China and Brazil achieve over 1,800–1,900 kg/ha.

• Technology Disparity: Though global GM acreage has crossed 200 million ha, India lags due to regulatory blockages and political hesitancy.

Government Interventions in Agriculture:

• Bt Cotton Launch (2002): Bt cotton approval under Vajpayee government led to a 193% rise in output in a decade.

• SPCO 2015: The Cotton Seed Price Control Order capped trait fees, reducing biotech firms’ incentives to invest.

• Conditional GM Mustard Clearance (2022): The GEAC gave a green light for environmental release, but commercialisation is stuck.

• Jai Anusandhan Initiative: Recent launch of a ₹1 lakh crore RDI fund aims to strengthen agriculture innovation ecosystems.

• Technology Transfer Mandates (2016): Government imposed rules for forced tech sharing and fee caps, discouraging private sector entry.

Key Challenges in Agricultural Development:

• Regulatory Delays: Bt brinjal (moratorium since 2009) and GM mustard face prolonged approval bottlenecks.

• Illegal HT-Bt Cotton Use: Despite a ban, HT-Bt cotton is grown across 5 major states, covering up to 25% of area.

• Rigid Policy Framework: Regulatory controls like trait fee caps and license terms have deterred innovation.

• Pest Infestation: Cotton is increasingly attacked by pink bollworms and whiteflies, causing yield losses.

• Farmer Vulnerability: Farmers using unregulated seeds face higher crop failure risk without legal protection or redress.

Arguments Against GM Crops in India:

• Ecological risks and biodiversity loss: Introduction of GM crops like Bt brinjal or GM mustard may lead to genetic contamination of native varieties and reduce biodiversity.

• Health uncertainties: Long-term health effects of consuming GM foods remain scientifically inconclusive, leading to public distrust and court cases.

• Undermining seed sovereignty: GM crops often come with intellectual property rights, making farmers dependent on large corporations for seed purchase every season.

E.g. Monsanto-Mahyco Bt cotton disputes highlight farmers’ loss of seed autonomy.

• Regulatory opacity and trust deficit: Lack of transparency in GEAC approvals and insufficient field trials have triggered protests from scientists and farmer unions.

E.g. Bt brinjal moratorium in 2009 followed mass opposition from states and civil society.

• Risk of monopolies and economic vulnerability: High-cost GM seeds may exclude small and marginal farmers, increasing inequality in access to technology.

Role of Innovation in Transforming Agriculture:

• Bt Cotton Success Story: Bt cotton increased productivity by 87% and boosted income, especially in Gujarat.

• Global GM Adoption: Over 76 countries now grow GM crops across 200+ million hectares, raising yields and reducing input costs.

• GM Mustard & Brinjal Potential: These crops can reduce pesticide use and enhance yields, improving food security.

• Innovation-Driven Growth: Initiatives like Jai Anusandhan can transform agriculture only if backed by market-facing policies.

• Biotech for Bharat: Vajpayee’s vision – “What IT is for India, BT is for Bharat”—emphasized biotech’s role in rural upliftment.

Conclusion:

India’s agricultural future depends on science-led innovation, not protectionism. Bridging the gap between regulation and on-ground demand is key to revitalising productivity. Commercialising tested GM crops will ensure food security, rural prosperity, and global competitiveness.

#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 7 July 2025 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)

India Falls into the ‘Moderately Low’ Inequality Category

Context: India has been ranked the 4th most equal country globally as per the World Bank’s Spring 2025 Poverty and Equity Brief.

About India Falls into the ‘Moderately Low’ Inequality Category:

• Report Source: Published by the World Bank, covering data for 167 countries.

• Gini Index: India’s Gini score is 25.5, placing it in the “moderately low inequality” band (Gini 25–30).

• Comparison: India ranks 4th globally, behind Slovak Republic, Slovenia, and Belarus, and ahead of China (35.7) and the USA (41.8).

• Trend: India’s Gini Index improved from 28.8 (2011) to 25.5 (2023), showing more equitable income distribution.

• Poverty Reduction: 171 million people lifted out of extreme poverty (16.2% in 2011 to 2.3% in 2023) based on the $2.15/day threshold.

• Policy Drivers: PM Jan Dhan Yojana: Over 55 crore bank accounts opened. Aadhaar-Linked DBTs: ₹3.48 lakh crore saved in leakages. Ayushman Bharat: 41 crore+ cards issued for ₹5 lakh health cover. PMGKAY: Ensured food security to 80 crore citizens. Stand-Up India & PM Vishwakarma Yojana: Boosted SC/ST, women, and artisan livelihoods.

• PM Jan Dhan Yojana: Over 55 crore bank accounts opened.

• Aadhaar-Linked DBTs: ₹3.48 lakh crore saved in leakages.

• Ayushman Bharat: 41 crore+ cards issued for ₹5 lakh health cover.

• PMGKAY: Ensured food security to 80 crore citizens.

• Stand-Up India & PM Vishwakarma Yojana: Boosted SC/ST, women, and artisan livelihoods.

Relevance in UPSC Exam Syllabus:

• GS Paper II: Welfare Schemes for Vulnerable Sections, Governance and Inclusive Development.

• GS Paper III: Indian Economy – Poverty and Inequality, Human Development Indicators.

• Essay Paper: Topics on Social Justice, Equity vs. Growth, Welfare State.

#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 7 July 2025 Facts for Prelims (FFP):

India’s first National Biobank

Source: PIB

Context: Union Minister inaugurated India’s first National Biobank and a Longitudinal Population Data Study at CSIR-IGIB, New Delhi, under the Phenome India initiative, aimed at enabling personalised healthcare and indigenous genomic research.

About India’s first National Biobank:

• What is the National Biobank?

• A centralised, high-resolution genomic and clinical database capturing India’s ethnic, lifestyle, and health diversity. Part of Phenome India, a longitudinal cohort study to track disease patterns and gene-environment interactions over time.

• A centralised, high-resolution genomic and clinical database capturing India’s ethnic, lifestyle, and health diversity.

• Part of Phenome India, a longitudinal cohort study to track disease patterns and gene-environment interactions over time.

• Developed By:

• Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) – Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (IGIB) Supported by the Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India

• Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) – Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (IGIB)

• Supported by the Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India

• Objectives:

• Build India’s own population-specific health database Enable personalised treatment regimens based on genomic profiles Facilitate AI-powered diagnostics and gene-guided therapies Strengthen research on rare diseases, AMR, cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases

• Build India’s own population-specific health database

• Enable personalised treatment regimens based on genomic profiles

• Facilitate AI-powered diagnostics and gene-guided therapies

• Strengthen research on rare diseases, AMR, cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases

• Key Features:

• Collects genomic, lifestyle, and clinical data from over 10,000 individuals across the country Inspired by the UK Biobank, but tailored to Indian diversity in geography, caste, ethnicity, and socio-economic conditions Powers long-term health tracking to understand disease susceptibility, treatment response, and environmental influence.

• Collects genomic, lifestyle, and clinical data from over 10,000 individuals across the country

• Inspired by the UK Biobank, but tailored to Indian diversity in geography, caste, ethnicity, and socio-economic conditions

• Powers long-term health tracking to understand disease susceptibility, treatment response, and environmental influence.

• Significance:

• Makes India self-reliant in health and genomic data infrastructure Catalyses personalised medicine and preventive healthcare in public systems Empowers CSIR and IGIB to develop low-cost indigenous CRISPR therapies

• Makes India self-reliant in health and genomic data infrastructure

• Catalyses personalised medicine and preventive healthcare in public systems

• Empowers CSIR and IGIB to develop low-cost indigenous CRISPR therapies

Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors

Source: BS

Context: The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) has granted operational licences to NPCIL for two indigenous 700 MWe Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) at Kakrapar Atomic Power Station (Units 3 & 4) in Gujarat.

About Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors:

• What is a PHWR?

• A nuclear fission reactor that uses natural uranium as fuel and heavy water (D₂O) as both coolant and neutron moderator. Designed to operate with online refuelling, allowing continuous energy production.

• A nuclear fission reactor that uses natural uranium as fuel and heavy water (D₂O) as both coolant and neutron moderator.

• Designed to operate with online refuelling, allowing continuous energy production.

• Developed By:

• Initially with Canadian support (Rajasthan-1), later fully indigenised by BARC (Bhabha Atomic Research Centre) and NPCIL (Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd) under the Department of Atomic Energy.

• Initially with Canadian support (Rajasthan-1), later fully indigenised by BARC (Bhabha Atomic Research Centre) and NPCIL (Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd) under the Department of Atomic Energy.

• Historical Evolution:

• RAPS-1 (1973): With Canadian collaboration. RAPS-2 onwards: Entirely developed by Indian scientists post-AECL withdrawal. Progression from 220 MWe → 540 MWe → 700 MWe with full domestic R&D and manufacturing.

• RAPS-1 (1973): With Canadian collaboration.

• RAPS-2 onwards: Entirely developed by Indian scientists post-AECL withdrawal.

• Progression from 220 MWe → 540 MWe → 700 MWe with full domestic R&D and manufacturing.

• How Does It Work?

• Uses heavy water as moderator to slow down neutrons and maintain a sustained chain reaction. Fuel rods (natural uranium) are inserted into pressure tubes within a calandria vessel. Hot pressurised heavy water carries heat to steam generators → drives turbines → generates electricity. Control rods and ECCS systems regulate power output and enhance safety.

• Uses heavy water as moderator to slow down neutrons and maintain a sustained chain reaction.

• Fuel rods (natural uranium) are inserted into pressure tubes within a calandria vessel.

• Hot pressurised heavy water carries heat to steam generators → drives turbines → generates electricity.

• Control rods and ECCS systems regulate power output and enhance safety.

• Key Features of 700 MWe PHWRs:

• Fully indigenous design and operation, including construction, fuel fabrication, and control systems. Online refuelling system improves efficiency and reduces downtime. Equipped with twin fast-acting shutdown systems, double containment, and passive heat removal. Digital Instrumentation and Control Systems enhance real-time safety and automation. On-site heavy water moderation and cooling reduces external dependency and enriches neutron economy.

• Fully indigenous design and operation, including construction, fuel fabrication, and control systems.

• Online refuelling system improves efficiency and reduces downtime.

• Equipped with twin fast-acting shutdown systems, double containment, and passive heat removal.

• Digital Instrumentation and Control Systems enhance real-time safety and automation.

• On-site heavy water moderation and cooling reduces external dependency and enriches neutron economy.

• Significance of Recent Licence:

• Boosts India’s 10-reactor PHWR fleet mode rollout, part of its strategy to add 7000 MWe capacity indigenously. Confirms that India has mastered end-to-end nuclear tech from design to decommissioning.

• Boosts India’s 10-reactor PHWR fleet mode rollout, part of its strategy to add 7000 MWe capacity indigenously.

• Confirms that India has mastered end-to-end nuclear tech from design to decommissioning.

Nipah virus (NiV)

Source: NDTV

Context: Kerala has launched a serological survey to investigate the recurring outbreaks of Nipah virus (NiV), especially in high-risk zones of northern Kerala, where the virus has reappeared for the eighth time in eight years.

About Nipah virus (NiV):

• What is Nipah Virus?

• Nipah is a zoonotic virus that spreads from animals (mainly bats) to humans. It causes illnesses ranging from mild respiratory issues to fatal encephalitis. The case fatality rate ranges from 40% to 75%, varying by region and healthcare response.

• Nipah is a zoonotic virus that spreads from animals (mainly bats) to humans.

• It causes illnesses ranging from mild respiratory issues to fatal encephalitis.

• The case fatality rate ranges from 40% to 75%, varying by region and healthcare response.

• Past Outbreaks:

• First detected in Malaysia (1999) among pig farmers. Bangladesh reported annual outbreaks since 2001. India has seen outbreaks in West Bengal (Siliguri) and Kerala, where eight episodes have occurred since 2018.

• First detected in Malaysia (1999) among pig farmers.

• Bangladesh reported annual outbreaks since 2001.

• India has seen outbreaks in West Bengal (Siliguri) and Kerala, where eight episodes have occurred since 2018.

• Natural Host & Vector:

• Fruit bats of the Pteropodidae family (genus Pteropus) are the natural reservoirs. Infected bats can transmit the virus through saliva, urine, or feces on fruits or nearby surfaces.

• Fruit bats of the Pteropodidae family (genus Pteropus) are the natural reservoirs.

• Infected bats can transmit the virus through saliva, urine, or feces on fruits or nearby surfaces.

• Transmission Pathways:

• Animal to Human: Through direct contact with infected pigs or bats. Via contaminated food or fruit juices, e.g., raw date palm sap. Human to Human: Close contact with infected individuals’ bodily fluids. Common in healthcare settings, especially among caregivers and hospital workers.

• Animal to Human: Through direct contact with infected pigs or bats. Via contaminated food or fruit juices, e.g., raw date palm sap.

• Through direct contact with infected pigs or bats.

• Via contaminated food or fruit juices, e.g., raw date palm sap.

• Human to Human: Close contact with infected individuals’ bodily fluids. Common in healthcare settings, especially among caregivers and hospital workers.

• Close contact with infected individuals’ bodily fluids.

• Common in healthcare settings, especially among caregivers and hospital workers.

• Clinical Symptoms:

• Early symptoms: Fever, sore throat, headache, myalgia, vomiting. Severe cases: Encephalitis, seizures, altered consciousness, respiratory distress. Incubation period: Typically, 4–14 days, but can extend up to 45 days. Long-term effects: 20% of survivors may suffer neurological issues such as personality changes or seizures.

• Early symptoms: Fever, sore throat, headache, myalgia, vomiting.

• Severe cases: Encephalitis, seizures, altered consciousness, respiratory distress.

• Incubation period: Typically, 4–14 days, but can extend up to 45 days.

• Long-term effects: 20% of survivors may suffer neurological issues such as personality changes or seizures.

• Diagnosis Methods:

• RT-PCR: Detects virus RNA in bodily fluids. ELISA: Detects NiV-specific antibodies. Virus isolation and PCR assays used in advanced labs.

• RT-PCR: Detects virus RNA in bodily fluids.

• ELISA: Detects NiV-specific antibodies.

• Virus isolation and PCR assays used in advanced labs.

• Kerala’s New Serological Survey: Uses pseudo virus neutralisation assays to detect antibodies.

• Uses pseudo virus neutralisation assays to detect antibodies.

• Targets high-risk populations (humans + domestic animals) near known Nipah hotspots. Aims to understand spillover dynamics, animal reservoirs, and transmission chains.

• Targets high-risk populations (humans + domestic animals) near known Nipah hotspots.

• Aims to understand spillover dynamics, animal reservoirs, and transmission chains.

International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (Plant Treaty)

Source: TH

Context: India has raised objections to proposed amendments to the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (Plant Treaty) at the Peru.

About International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (Plant Treaty):

• What is the Plant Treaty? A legally binding global agreement adopted by the FAO in 2001, entered into force in 2004. India is a signatory to the treaty. Linked to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and FAO’s Global Plan of Action.

• A legally binding global agreement adopted by the FAO in 2001, entered into force in 2004.

• India is a signatory to the treaty.

• Linked to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and FAO’s Global Plan of Action.

• Objectives: Conservation and sustainable use of plant genetic resources. Fair and equitable benefit-sharing from the use of these resources. Ensure food security and protect agrobiodiversity

• Conservation and sustainable use of plant genetic resources.

• Fair and equitable benefit-sharing from the use of these resources.

• Ensure food security and protect agrobiodiversity

• Key Features of the Treaty: Multilateral System (MLS): Covers 64 food and forage crops listed in Annex I (e.g., rice, wheat, maize, pulses). Facilitates access to plant genetic materials among member countries. Ensures benefit-sharing through technology transfer, capacity building, and commercial revenue. Standard Material Transfer Agreement (SMTA): Legal framework for accessing and exchanging plant genetic materials. Farmers’ Rights (Article 9): Right to save, exchange, and sell seeds. Recognition of indigenous knowledge and community contributions. Inclusion in decision-making processes. Global Information System (Article 17): Promotes data sharing on plant genetic resources. What is the New Proposal? The amendments propose expanding mandatory obligations under the Multilateral System (Annex I). All plant germplasm would have to be shared under Governing Body-determined SMTA, not India’s national laws. Could dilute India’s sovereign rights and control over indigenous plant varieties. Might undermine traditional farming practices and seed-saving traditions of smallholders.

• Multilateral System (MLS): Covers 64 food and forage crops listed in Annex I (e.g., rice, wheat, maize, pulses). Facilitates access to plant genetic materials among member countries. Ensures benefit-sharing through technology transfer, capacity building, and commercial revenue.

• Covers 64 food and forage crops listed in Annex I (e.g., rice, wheat, maize, pulses).

• Facilitates access to plant genetic materials among member countries.

• Ensures benefit-sharing through technology transfer, capacity building, and commercial revenue.

• Standard Material Transfer Agreement (SMTA): Legal framework for accessing and exchanging plant genetic materials.

• Legal framework for accessing and exchanging plant genetic materials.

• Farmers’ Rights (Article 9): Right to save, exchange, and sell seeds. Recognition of indigenous knowledge and community contributions. Inclusion in decision-making processes.

• Right to save, exchange, and sell seeds.

• Recognition of indigenous knowledge and community contributions.

• Inclusion in decision-making processes.

• Global Information System (Article 17): Promotes data sharing on plant genetic resources.

• Promotes data sharing on plant genetic resources.

• What is the New Proposal? The amendments propose expanding mandatory obligations under the Multilateral System (Annex I). All plant germplasm would have to be shared under Governing Body-determined SMTA, not India’s national laws. Could dilute India’s sovereign rights and control over indigenous plant varieties. Might undermine traditional farming practices and seed-saving traditions of smallholders.

• The amendments propose expanding mandatory obligations under the Multilateral System (Annex I).

• All plant germplasm would have to be shared under Governing Body-determined SMTA, not India’s national laws.

• Could dilute India’s sovereign rights and control over indigenous plant varieties.

• Might undermine traditional farming practices and seed-saving traditions of smallholders.

Penico: Peru’s Newly Unearthed Ancient City

Source: BBC

Context: Archaeologists have discovered a 3,500-year-old ancient city named Penico in northern Peru. It likely served as a major trade centre linking Pacific, Andean, and Amazonian cultures after the decline of the Caral civilization.

About Penico: Peru’s Newly Unearthed Ancient City:

• Located in: Barranca Province, northern Peru, ~200 km north of Lima.

• Altitude: Situated on a hillside terrace ~600 meters above sea level.

• Time Period: Founded between 1800–1500 BCE, contemporary to early civilizations of Egypt, Sumeria, and India.

• Key Features of the Site:

• Urban Center Layout: A central circular structure surrounded by 18 identified buildings made of stone and mud. Structures Found: Ceremonial temples Residential complexes Central plaza with sculpted reliefs Artifacts Discovered: Clay figures (humans and animals) Conch shell trumpets (pututus) Beaded necklaces and ceremonial objects

• Urban Center Layout: A central circular structure surrounded by 18 identified buildings made of stone and mud.

• Structures Found: Ceremonial temples Residential complexes Central plaza with sculpted reliefs

• Ceremonial temples

• Residential complexes

• Central plaza with sculpted reliefs

• Artifacts Discovered: Clay figures (humans and animals) Conch shell trumpets (pututus) Beaded necklaces and ceremonial objects

• Clay figures (humans and animals)

• Conch shell trumpets (pututus)

• Beaded necklaces and ceremonial objects

• Significance of Penico:

• Trade Hub: Strategically located for exchange between coastal, highland, and Amazonian societies. Post-Caral Evolution: Considered a cultural continuation of the Caral civilization, which declined due to climatic disruptions. Cultural Insights: Sheds light on urban development, trade, and ceremonial life in pre-Inca Peru. Civilizational Comparison: Emerged independently during the same epoch as the Bronze Age civilizations but in geographic isolation.

• Trade Hub: Strategically located for exchange between coastal, highland, and Amazonian societies.

• Post-Caral Evolution: Considered a cultural continuation of the Caral civilization, which declined due to climatic disruptions.

• Cultural Insights: Sheds light on urban development, trade, and ceremonial life in pre-Inca Peru.

• Civilizational Comparison: Emerged independently during the same epoch as the Bronze Age civilizations but in geographic isolation.

• Relation to Caral Civilization:

• Caral (3000 BCE) is the oldest civilization in the Americas, known for: Monumental pyramids Irrigation systems Urban planning Penico offers clues to cultural transitions and resilience following Caral’s decline.

• Caral (3000 BCE) is the oldest civilization in the Americas, known for: Monumental pyramids Irrigation systems Urban planning

• Monumental pyramids

• Irrigation systems

• Urban planning

• Penico offers clues to cultural transitions and resilience following Caral’s decline.

17th BRICS Summit

Source: LM

Context: India’s Prime Minister of India participated in the 17th BRICS Summit in Brazil, where Indonesia was welcomed as a full BRICS member.

• The summit also saw adoption of the Rio de Janeiro Declaration focused on global governance reforms and sustainable development.

About 17th BRICS Summit:

• What is BRICS?

• BRICS is an intergovernmental forum of emerging economies initially comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. The term “BRIC” was coined in 2001 by economist Jim O’Neill to represent fast-growing economies. South Africa joined in 2010, making it BRICS.

• BRICS is an intergovernmental forum of emerging economies initially comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.

• The term “BRIC” was coined in 2001 by economist Jim O’Neill to represent fast-growing economies. South Africa joined in 2010, making it BRICS.

• Establishment and Evolution:

• Formed in 2009 (1st summit in Yekaterinburg, Russia). Evolved from informal dialogue to structured cooperation platform. Expanded in 2024–25, now known as BRICS+ or Expanded BRICS.

• Formed in 2009 (1st summit in Yekaterinburg, Russia).

• Evolved from informal dialogue to structured cooperation platform.

• Expanded in 2024–25, now known as BRICS+ or Expanded BRICS.

• Objectives:

• Promote multipolarity and global South cooperation. Reform international institutions like UNSC, IMF, and World Bank. Enhance economic, technological, and development collaboration. Counterbalance dominance of Western-led institutions like the G7.

• Promote multipolarity and global South cooperation.

• Reform international institutions like UNSC, IMF, and World Bank.

• Enhance economic, technological, and development collaboration.

• Counterbalance dominance of Western-led institutions like the G7.

• Members:

• Original 5: Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa New Members: Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, UAE, Indonesia (joined in 2025)

• Original 5: Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa

• New Members: Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, UAE, Indonesia (joined in 2025)

• The leaders also expressed full support for India’s BRICS Chair ship in 2026 and the holding of the 18th BRICS Summit in India.

About Rio de Janeiro Declaration:

• Global Governance Reform:

• Called for urgent reforms in UNSC, IMF, WTO to reflect 21st-century realities. Emphasized voice and participation of Global South in international forums.

• Called for urgent reforms in UNSC, IMF, WTO to reflect 21st-century realities.

• Emphasized voice and participation of Global South in international forums.

• Peace and Security:

• Condemned terrorism, specifically the Pahalgam attack in India. Demanded strong global action against terror sponsors and zero tolerance for terror.

• Condemned terrorism, specifically the Pahalgam attack in India.

• Demanded strong global action against terror sponsors and zero tolerance for terror.

• Technology & AI:

• Advocated for responsible AI governance with balance between regulation and innovation. Proposed a BRICS Science & Research Repository for Global South access.

• Advocated for responsible AI governance with balance between regulation and innovation.

• Proposed a BRICS Science & Research Repository for Global South access.

• Economic & Financial Affairs:

• Emphasized sustainable funding through NDB on demand-driven principles. Stressed building resilient supply chains for critical minerals.

• Emphasized sustainable funding through NDB on demand-driven principles.

• Stressed building resilient supply chains for critical minerals.

• Inclusion of Indonesia:

• Indonesia became the first Southeast Asian nation to join BRICS, deepening Asia-Africa-Latin America ties.

• Indonesia became the first Southeast Asian nation to join BRICS, deepening Asia-Africa-Latin America ties.

#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 7 July 2025 Mapping:

Seine River

Source: NDTV

Context: For the first time since 1923, France has reopened the River Seine for public swimming, following extensive clean-up efforts ahead of the Paris Olympics.

About Seine River:

• What it is? One of Europe’s major historic rivers and a vital inland waterway.

• One of Europe’s major historic rivers and a vital inland waterway.

• Located in: Northern France, traversing key regions including Île-de-France and Normandy.

Origin and Course:

• Source: Rises at Mont Tasselot in the Côte d’Or region of Burgundy at an altitude of 1,545 feet.

• Length: Extends 780 km (485 miles).

• Mouth: Empties into the English Channel at Le Havre.

Geography and Flow:

• Flows northwest through Paris, joining several tributaries—Aube, Yonne, Marne, and Oise.

• Features sluggish flow and navigability due to low elevation gradient (only 80 feet above sea level at Paris).

• Experiences tidal bore (mascaret) at estuary, although this has lessened due to dredging.

Economic Significance:

• Major commercial navigation route, especially below Paris, linking to Le Havre and Rouen.

• Connects to Rhine, Belgian, Loire, and Saône-Rhône waterways.

• Recent upgrades made the river swimmable again, promoting tourism and ecological restoration.

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