UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 8 July 2025
Kartavya Desk Staff
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 8 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 2 : (UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 8 July (2025)
• Maternal Mortality in India
Maternal Mortality in India
GS Paper 3:
• Bonn Climate Talks 2025
Bonn Climate Talks 2025
Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):
• Amaravati Quantum Valley Declaration (AQVD)
Amaravati Quantum Valley Declaration (AQVD)
Facts for Prelims (FFP):
• UAE nomination-based Golden Visa scheme
UAE nomination-based Golden Visa scheme
• National Overseas Scholarship Scheme
National Overseas Scholarship Scheme
• Battery Passport Framework
Battery Passport Framework
• Vera C. Rubin Observatory
Vera C. Rubin Observatory
• Dark Web
Dark Web
• Japonica Rice
Japonica Rice
Mapping:
• Namibia
Namibia
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 8 July 2025
#### GS Paper 2:
Maternal Mortality in India
Syllabus: Health
Source: TH
Context: India’s Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) stands at 93 per 1 lakh live births (2019–21), showing improvement but also highlighting regional disparities and system failures in emergency obstetric care.
About Maternal Mortality in India:
• What is Maternal Death? Death of a woman during pregnancy or within 42 days of termination, due to causes related to or worsened by pregnancy (WHO definition).
• Death of a woman during pregnancy or within 42 days of termination, due to causes related to or worsened by pregnancy (WHO definition).
• How is it Calculated? Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) = maternal deaths per 100,000 live births, as per Sample Registration System (SRS) data.
• Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) = maternal deaths per 100,000 live births, as per Sample Registration System (SRS) data.
• Data Snapshot (2019–21): India’s MMR: 93 Kerala: Lowest (20) and Assam: Highest (167) Southern States fare better than Empowered Action Group (EAG) States.
• India’s MMR: 93
• Kerala: Lowest (20) and Assam: Highest (167)
• Southern States fare better than Empowered Action Group (EAG) States.
Need for Controlling Maternal Deaths:
• Public Health Indicator: MMR reflects quality of healthcare, gender equity, and governance.
• Preventable Tragedy: Most maternal deaths are avoidable with timely care and basic obstetric support.
• Global Commitments: SDG Target 3.1 aims to reduce global MMR to <70 by 2030. India needs faster acceleration.
Key Challenges:
• Three Delays Framework (Deborah Maine Model): Delay in decision-making to seek care due to lack of awareness or social barriers. Delay in reaching care, especially in remote/tribal areas. Delay in receiving care due to lack of specialists, blood, or operation readiness.
• Delay in decision-making to seek care due to lack of awareness or social barriers.
• Delay in reaching care, especially in remote/tribal areas.
• Delay in receiving care due to lack of specialists, blood, or operation readiness.
• Infrastructure Gaps: Only 2,856 of 5,491 CHCs function as First Referral Units (FRUs); 66% specialist vacancies reported.
• Only 2,856 of 5,491 CHCs function as First Referral Units (FRUs); 66% specialist vacancies reported.
• Medical Complications: Postpartum haemorrhage, hypertensive disorders, obstructed labour, sepsis, and unsafe abortions are leading causes.
• Postpartum haemorrhage, hypertensive disorders, obstructed labour, sepsis, and unsafe abortions are leading causes.
• Underlying Health Issues: Anaemia, malnutrition, and comorbidities like malaria, TB, and UTIs heighten risks, especially in EAG States.
• Anaemia, malnutrition, and comorbidities like malaria, TB, and UTIs heighten risks, especially in EAG States.
Government Initiatives:
• Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY): Promotes institutional deliveries via financial incentives to mothers and ASHAs.
• Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK): Provides free transport, diagnostics, and delivery services.
• FRU Operationalisation: Aims for minimum 4 FRUs per district, equipped with specialists and blood storage.
• Maternal Death Reviews (MDRs): Mandatory under NHM to audit every maternal death and correct systemic failures.
• Kerala’s Confidential Review Model: An example in reducing MMR to 20 using targeted clinical training and facility readiness (e.g., uterine clamps, embolism response).
Way Ahead:
• Focus on EAG States: Invest in specialist recruitment, FRU infrastructure, and localised health education.
• Strengthen Emergency Response: Ensure 24×7 blood banks, ambulance access, and obstetric surgical capacity in rural belts.
• Empower Community Health Workers: Scale up ASHA-ANM collaboration, maternal tracking, and family counselling.
• Enhance Pre-natal & Post-natal Care: Early registration, iron-folic supplementation, and antenatal risk screening must be mandatory.
• Adopt Best Practices Nationally: Emulate Kerala’s confidential review system in Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Jharkhand, etc., for deeper systemic corrections.
Conclusion:
Maternal deaths are largely preventable through timely, quality care and responsive systems. India must combine grassroots action with facility preparedness to reduce MMR further. The goal is not just safe delivery but safe motherhood.
• In order to enhance the prospects of social development, sound and adequate health care policies are needed particularly in the fields of geriatric and maternal health care. Discuss. (2020)
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 8 July 2025 GS Paper 3:
Bonn Climate Talks 2025
Syllabus: Environment
Source: TH
Context: The Bonn Climate Talks 2025, a crucial preparatory summit for COP30 in Brazil, ended with limited progress amid disagreements over finance, equity, and adaptation metrics.
About Bonn Climate Talks 2025:
• What it is? A mid-year UNFCCC Subsidiary Bodies meeting that lays the technical groundwork for the annual COP summit.
• A mid-year UNFCCC Subsidiary Bodies meeting that lays the technical groundwork for the annual COP summit.
• Held in: Bonn, Germany, June 2025
• Organised by: United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
• Objective: To assess climate action progress, refine policy tools, and build consensus on key agendas like finance, mitigation, adaptation, and loss and damage before COP30.
Key Outcomes of the Summit:
• Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA): 490 out of 9,000 indicators shortlisted to track adaptation progress in health, water, agriculture. India backed context-specific indicators over uniform benchmarks.
• 490 out of 9,000 indicators shortlisted to track adaptation progress in health, water, agriculture.
• India backed context-specific indicators over uniform benchmarks.
• Mitigation Work Programme (MWP): Consensus on keeping the MWP as a non-punitive, facilitative platform. Brazil proposed a digital knowledge-sharing hub and EU cautioned against duplication.
• Consensus on keeping the MWP as a non-punitive, facilitative platform.
• Brazil proposed a digital knowledge-sharing hub and EU cautioned against duplication.
• Loss and Damage (L&D): Progress on integrating L&D into Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). Funding gaps and Santiago Network implementation remain unresolved.
• Progress on integrating L&D into Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
• Funding gaps and Santiago Network implementation remain unresolved.
• Climate Finance Roadmap (‘Baku to Belém’): Talks initiated for a $1.3 trillion/year climate finance target. Sharp divide over grants vs loans and mitigation vs adaptation priorities.
• Talks initiated for a $1.3 trillion/year climate finance target.
• Sharp divide over grants vs loans and mitigation vs adaptation priorities.
• Just Transition & Gender Action Plan: Countries stressed equity-based transitions and labour rights. Disputes arose over terminology and scope of the new gender framework.
• Countries stressed equity-based transitions and labour rights.
• Disputes arose over terminology and scope of the new gender framework.
Failures of Bonn Climate Talks 2025:
• Procedural Delays: Talks began 2 days late due to a deadlock over agenda adoption, especially on finance and carbon border taxes.
• No Consensus on Finance Metrics: Developed countries resisted including finance indicators under adaptation goals, weakening accountability.
• Equity Deadlock: LMDCs (incl. India) demanded historical responsibility; developed nations pushed forward-looking, voluntary models.
• Transparency Issues: Discrepancies found in ex-ante climate finance reporting by developed countries under Article 9.5 of the Paris Agreement.
Way Forward:
• Strengthen Finance Architecture: Shift focus to predictable, non-debt instruments (grants over loans); target small island and LDC-specific funds.
• Address Asymmetries in Commitments: Ensure burden-sharing frameworks reflecting Common But Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR) are built into COP30 outcomes.
• Streamline Adaptation Reporting: Adopt flexible, context-based indicators and fund capacity-building to ease reporting burdens on developing nations.
• Institutional Reforms: Empower technical bodies with clear mandates; limit political micromanagement of scientific assessments.
Conclusion:
The Bonn 2025 talks fell short of building consensus on finance, equity, and adaptation. With COP30 in Belém approaching, stronger political will and climate justice framing are needed. Science has spoken—politics must now catch up.
• Describe the major outcomes of the 26th session of the Conference of the Parses (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)? What are the commitments made by India in this conference? (2021)
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 8 July 2025 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)
Amaravati Quantum Valley Declaration (AQVD)
Context: The Andhra Pradesh government has approved the Amaravati Quantum Valley Declaration (AQVD) to promote quantum science and technology in the State.
About Amaravati Quantum Valley Declaration (AQVD):
• What it is? AQVD is a strategic framework jointly signed by the Andhra Pradesh government and industry leaders like IBM, TCS, and L&T to build a quantum technology ecosystem in Amaravati.
• AQVD is a strategic framework jointly signed by the Andhra Pradesh government and industry leaders like IBM, TCS, and L&T to build a quantum technology ecosystem in Amaravati.
• Aim: To foster collaboration, talent development, infrastructure, and international partnerships in quantum computing, communication, and sensing technologies.
• Significance: Positions Amaravati as a globally competitive quantum research hub. Promotes public-private partnerships for innovation. Encourages skilling and research in cutting-edge science. Aligns with India’s broader quantum mission goals and tech-driven economic development.
• Positions Amaravati as a globally competitive quantum research hub.
• Promotes public-private partnerships for innovation.
• Encourages skilling and research in cutting-edge science.
• Aligns with India’s broader quantum mission goals and tech-driven economic development.
Relevance in UPSC Syllabus:
• GS Paper 2: Governance and Innovation Policy – Role of State initiatives in science and technology Federalism – Sub-national contributions to national missions
• Governance and Innovation Policy – Role of State initiatives in science and technology
• Federalism – Sub-national contributions to national missions
• GS Paper 3: Science and Technology – Developments and their applications Indigenization of technology and developing new technology Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) in R&D
• Science and Technology – Developments and their applications
• Indigenization of technology and developing new technology
• Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) in R&D
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 8 July 2025 Facts for Prelims (FFP):
UAE nomination-based Golden Visa scheme
Source: TOI
Context: The UAE has introduced a new nomination-based Golden Visa scheme for Indian and Bangladeshi nationals, offering lifetime residency without any property or business investment.
About UAE nomination-based Golden Visa scheme:
• What is the UAE Golden Visa? The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residency visa that enables foreign nationals to live, work, study, or run a business in the UAE without the need for local sponsorship.
• The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residency visa that enables foreign nationals to live, work, study, or run a business in the UAE without the need for local sponsorship.
• Objectives: Attract global talent in science, culture, trade, and innovation
• Attract global talent in science, culture, trade, and innovation
• Boost UAE’s position as a global hub for skilled professionals and entrepreneurs Strengthen strategic ties with countries like India under CEPA Diversify UAE’s economy beyond oil by encouraging knowledge-driven growth
• Boost UAE’s position as a global hub for skilled professionals and entrepreneurs
• Strengthen strategic ties with countries like India under CEPA
• Diversify UAE’s economy beyond oil by encouraging knowledge-driven growth
• Key Features of the Golden Visa:
• Lifetime Residency: No renewal or expiration upon asset sale One-time Fee: AED 1,00,000 (Approx. ₹23.3 lakh) No Investment Needed: No property or business investment required Sponsor Family and Staff: Family members of any age + unlimited domestic staff No Sponsor Requirement: Independent of local UAE sponsorship Uninterrupted Residency: Can live outside UAE >6 months without losing visa Multiple-Entry Starter Visa: 6-month visa for entry to complete formalities ‘One Touch’ Service: Streamlined portal for all documentation and renewals
• Lifetime Residency: No renewal or expiration upon asset sale
• One-time Fee: AED 1,00,000 (Approx. ₹23.3 lakh)
• No Investment Needed: No property or business investment required
• Sponsor Family and Staff: Family members of any age + unlimited domestic staff
• No Sponsor Requirement: Independent of local UAE sponsorship
• Uninterrupted Residency: Can live outside UAE >6 months without losing visa
• Multiple-Entry Starter Visa: 6-month visa for entry to complete formalities
• ‘One Touch’ Service: Streamlined portal for all documentation and renewals
• What’s New for Indians? Under the new nomination-based system:
• Under the new nomination-based system:
• Indians can now qualify without property or business investment Selection based on: Professional background Social contributions Potential in science, culture, startups, trade, or finance Pilot phase applies to India and Bangladesh.
• Indians can now qualify without property or business investment
• Selection based on: Professional background Social contributions Potential in science, culture, startups, trade, or finance
• Professional background
• Social contributions
• Potential in science, culture, startups, trade, or finance
• Pilot phase applies to India and Bangladesh.
• Significance for India-UAE Relations:
• Deepens India-UAE people-to-people ties, aiding skilled diaspora. Complements India-UAE CEPA (2022) with broader mobility and talent exchange. Helps Indian professionals access UAE markets more easily.
• Deepens India-UAE people-to-people ties, aiding skilled diaspora.
• Complements India-UAE CEPA (2022) with broader mobility and talent exchange.
• Helps Indian professionals access UAE markets more easily.
National Overseas Scholarship Scheme
Source: HT
Context: The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has withheld provisional award letters for 66 out of 106 selected candidates under the National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) due to a shortage of funds.
About National Overseas Scholarship Scheme:
• What is the National Overseas Scholarship Scheme? A Central Sector Scheme that enables students from marginalised communities to pursue higher education abroad (Master’s or Ph.D.) by offering financial assistance for tuition, living expenses, and other costs.
• A Central Sector Scheme that enables students from marginalised communities to pursue higher education abroad (Master’s or Ph.D.) by offering financial assistance for tuition, living expenses, and other costs.
• Launched By:
• Ministry: Social Justice and Empowerment Target Groups: Scheduled Castes (SCs) Denotified, Nomadic & Semi-Nomadic Tribes Landless Agricultural Labourers Traditional Artisans
• Ministry: Social Justice and Empowerment
• Target Groups: Scheduled Castes (SCs) Denotified, Nomadic & Semi-Nomadic Tribes Landless Agricultural Labourers Traditional Artisans
• Scheduled Castes (SCs)
• Denotified, Nomadic & Semi-Nomadic Tribes
• Landless Agricultural Labourers
• Traditional Artisans
• Objective: To uplift low-income students from socially and economically disadvantaged groups by helping them access quality education abroad and thereby improve their economic and social mobility.
• To uplift low-income students from socially and economically disadvantaged groups by helping them access quality education abroad and thereby improve their economic and social mobility.
• Eligibility Criteria:
• Academic Qualification: For Master’s – Bachelor’s degree with ≥ 60% For Ph.D. – Master’s degree with ≥ 60% Age Limit: Not more than 35 years as on April 1 of selection year. Income Ceiling: Annual family income should not exceed ₹8 lakh. University Requirement: Unconditional admission in Top 500 QS-ranked institutions. Others: Not already studying/settled abroad Max 2 children per family eligible (second only if seats remain)
• Academic Qualification: For Master’s – Bachelor’s degree with ≥ 60% For Ph.D. – Master’s degree with ≥ 60%
• For Master’s – Bachelor’s degree with ≥ 60%
• For Ph.D. – Master’s degree with ≥ 60%
• Age Limit: Not more than 35 years as on April 1 of selection year.
• Income Ceiling: Annual family income should not exceed ₹8 lakh.
• University Requirement: Unconditional admission in Top 500 QS-ranked institutions.
• Others: Not already studying/settled abroad Max 2 children per family eligible (second only if seats remain)
• Not already studying/settled abroad
• Max 2 children per family eligible (second only if seats remain)
• Key Features: Annual Slots: 125 scholarships per year (115 for SCs, 6 for De-notified Tribes, 4 for Labourers/Artisans).
• Annual Slots: 125 scholarships per year (115 for SCs, 6 for De-notified Tribes, 4 for Labourers/Artisans).
• Gender Quota: 30% of total awards reserved for women candidates. Two-Phase Selection: First round: QS Top 500 admission required. Second round: Broader eligibility including QS-ranked and other recognised institutions. Cap per State: No more than 10% of total slots per state to ensure wider geographic distribution. Conditional Awarding: If funds fall short, only part of selected candidates may receive awards.
• Gender Quota: 30% of total awards reserved for women candidates.
• Two-Phase Selection: First round: QS Top 500 admission required. Second round: Broader eligibility including QS-ranked and other recognised institutions.
• First round: QS Top 500 admission required.
• Second round: Broader eligibility including QS-ranked and other recognised institutions.
• Cap per State: No more than 10% of total slots per state to ensure wider geographic distribution.
• Conditional Awarding: If funds fall short, only part of selected candidates may receive awards.
Battery Passport Framework
Source: TOI
Context: The Indian government is formulating a Battery Passport framework to enhance the safety, traceability, and export readiness of EV batteries.
• The initiative is being led by NITI Aayog, in collaboration with various ministries.
About Battery Passport Framework:
• What is a Battery Passport? A Battery Passport is a digital identity embedded in a QR code that stores complete lifecycle information of an electric vehicle battery, including its origin, components, performance metrics, carbon footprint, and end-of-life data.
• A Battery Passport is a digital identity embedded in a QR code that stores complete lifecycle information of an electric vehicle battery, including its origin, components, performance metrics, carbon footprint, and end-of-life data.
• Why is it Needed?
• Fire Incidents: Recent EV fires exposed battery safety lapses. Cell Mismatch: Mixing of battery cells from different years leads to performance risks. Battery Swapping Readiness: Swapping requires verifiable, standardised battery info. Export Compliance: Aligns India with upcoming EU battery passport regulations
• Fire Incidents: Recent EV fires exposed battery safety lapses.
• Cell Mismatch: Mixing of battery cells from different years leads to performance risks.
• Battery Swapping Readiness: Swapping requires verifiable, standardised battery info.
• Export Compliance: Aligns India with upcoming EU battery passport regulations
• Objectives of the Battery Passport Regime:
• Ensure EV Safety: Identify and prevent faulty or mismatched cells. Promote Quality Standards: Encourage industry-wide compliance and uniformity. Support Exports: Meet global traceability norms, especially in the EU and global markets. Enable Lifecycle Monitoring: Help users and recyclers know the battery’s usage history. Encourage Circular Economy: Strengthen battery reuse, recycling, and sustainability.
• Ensure EV Safety: Identify and prevent faulty or mismatched cells.
• Promote Quality Standards: Encourage industry-wide compliance and uniformity.
• Support Exports: Meet global traceability norms, especially in the EU and global markets.
• Enable Lifecycle Monitoring: Help users and recyclers know the battery’s usage history.
• Encourage Circular Economy: Strengthen battery reuse, recycling, and sustainability.
• Key Features:
• Digital QR Code: Embedded code offers access to origin, chemistry, performance, and carbon footprint. Unique Identity for Each Battery: Like an Aadhaar for batteries—ensures traceability. Real-Time Tracking: Data across production, operation, and end-of-life phases. Standardised Format: Includes manufacturer data, batch details, and service history. Data Sharing Protocols: Controlled access for public, regulators, and recyclers. Compliance with EU Norms: Mirrors European Union’s battery regulation for 2+ kWh batteries.
• Digital QR Code: Embedded code offers access to origin, chemistry, performance, and carbon footprint.
• Unique Identity for Each Battery: Like an Aadhaar for batteries—ensures traceability.
• Real-Time Tracking: Data across production, operation, and end-of-life phases.
• Standardised Format: Includes manufacturer data, batch details, and service history.
• Data Sharing Protocols: Controlled access for public, regulators, and recyclers.
• Compliance with EU Norms: Mirrors European Union’s battery regulation for 2+ kWh batteries.
• Significance for India:
• Boosts EV Industry Credibility: Enhances consumer confidence in Indian EVs. Drives Make-in-India for EVs: Facilitates global exports and manufacturing standards. Improves Regulatory Oversight: Enables better monitoring of battery safety norms.
• Boosts EV Industry Credibility: Enhances consumer confidence in Indian EVs.
• Drives Make-in-India for EVs: Facilitates global exports and manufacturing standards.
• Improves Regulatory Oversight: Enables better monitoring of battery safety norms.
Vera C. Rubin Observatory
Source: IE
Context: The Vera C. Rubin Observatory in Chile has released its first test images, showcasing its potential to transform astronomy by detecting millions of celestial events, asteroids, and dark matter signals every night.
About Vera C. Rubin Observatory:
• What is the Vera C. Rubin Observatory? The Rubin Observatory is a state-of-the-art astronomical facility located on Cerro Pachón mountain, Chile, designed to create the most detailed map of the universe and uncover the mysteries of dark matter, dark energy, and near-Earth objects.
• The Rubin Observatory is a state-of-the-art astronomical facility located on Cerro Pachón mountain, Chile, designed to create the most detailed map of the universe and uncover the mysteries of dark matter, dark energy, and near-Earth objects.
• Location: Chilean Andes (8,684 ft elevation)
• Partners: U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and National Science Foundation (NSF)
• Objectives: Map the entire southern sky every 3 days for 10 years. Provide a dynamic record of the universe to detect cosmic changes. Track near-Earth objects (NEOs) and potential asteroid threats. Investigate dark matter and dark energy with precision. Enable public access to astronomical data for global research.
• Map the entire southern sky every 3 days for 10 years.
• Provide a dynamic record of the universe to detect cosmic changes.
• Track near-Earth objects (NEOs) and potential asteroid threats.
• Investigate dark matter and dark energy with precision.
• Enable public access to astronomical data for global research.
• Key Features: Wide Field of View: Can scan an area equal to 40 full Moons in one image. Surpasses Hubble and James Webb in sky coverage. World’s Largest Digital Camera: 3,200 Megapixels, weighs 2,800 kg, as big as a small car. Can detect objects 100 million times dimmer than visible light. Six filters capture UV to infrared light for spectral analysis. Rapid Movement: Fastest telescope slewing time: moves between targets in 5 seconds. Can take 1,000 images per night, completing full-sky scans in 72 hours. Automated Detection Software: Generates 10 million alerts per night by comparing new and old images. Detected 2,100+ new asteroids in 10 hours during test phase. Massive Data Generation: Produces 20 terabytes of data daily. Will detect and catalogue over 5 million asteroids and 100,000 NEOs in a decade. Significance: Advancing Dark Matter Research: Builds detailed 3D maps of the universe to analyse gravitational effects and cosmic structures Early Threat Detection: Enhances planetary defence through rapid NEO tracking Astrophysical Breakthroughs: Could validate or refute theories about galaxy formation and the universe’s expansion
• Wide Field of View: Can scan an area equal to 40 full Moons in one image. Surpasses Hubble and James Webb in sky coverage.
• Can scan an area equal to 40 full Moons in one image.
• Surpasses Hubble and James Webb in sky coverage.
• World’s Largest Digital Camera: 3,200 Megapixels, weighs 2,800 kg, as big as a small car. Can detect objects 100 million times dimmer than visible light. Six filters capture UV to infrared light for spectral analysis.
• 3,200 Megapixels, weighs 2,800 kg, as big as a small car.
• Can detect objects 100 million times dimmer than visible light.
• Six filters capture UV to infrared light for spectral analysis.
• Rapid Movement: Fastest telescope slewing time: moves between targets in 5 seconds. Can take 1,000 images per night, completing full-sky scans in 72 hours.
• Fastest telescope slewing time: moves between targets in 5 seconds.
• Can take 1,000 images per night, completing full-sky scans in 72 hours.
• Automated Detection Software: Generates 10 million alerts per night by comparing new and old images. Detected 2,100+ new asteroids in 10 hours during test phase.
• Generates 10 million alerts per night by comparing new and old images.
• Detected 2,100+ new asteroids in 10 hours during test phase.
• Massive Data Generation: Produces 20 terabytes of data daily. Will detect and catalogue over 5 million asteroids and 100,000 NEOs in a decade.
• Produces 20 terabytes of data daily.
• Will detect and catalogue over 5 million asteroids and 100,000 NEOs in a decade.
• Significance: Advancing Dark Matter Research: Builds detailed 3D maps of the universe to analyse gravitational effects and cosmic structures Early Threat Detection: Enhances planetary defence through rapid NEO tracking Astrophysical Breakthroughs: Could validate or refute theories about galaxy formation and the universe’s expansion
• Advancing Dark Matter Research: Builds detailed 3D maps of the universe to analyse gravitational effects and cosmic structures
• Early Threat Detection: Enhances planetary defence through rapid NEO tracking
• Astrophysical Breakthroughs: Could validate or refute theories about galaxy formation and the universe’s expansion
Dark Web
Source: NIE
Context: A 35-year-old engineer from Kerala, was arrested for operating as a Level-4 darknet vendor, allegedly selling LSD and ketamine online using the dark web and cryptocurrency platforms.
About Dark Web:
• What is the Dark Web? The dark web refers to a concealed part of the internet not indexed by standard search engines and accessible only through special browsers like Tor, offering anonymity and encryption.
• The dark web refers to a concealed part of the internet not indexed by standard search engines and accessible only through special browsers like Tor, offering anonymity and encryption.
• How Does It Work?
• Access Tool: Requires downloading the Tor browser (The Onion Router) Routing Process: Routes user traffic through multiple random nodes, encrypting data at every layer Website Domain: Uses “.onion” addresses, hidden from traditional search engines Decentralisation: No central authority, making regulation and surveillance extremely difficult
• Access Tool: Requires downloading the Tor browser (The Onion Router)
• Routing Process: Routes user traffic through multiple random nodes, encrypting data at every layer
• Website Domain: Uses “.onion” addresses, hidden from traditional search engines
• Decentralisation: No central authority, making regulation and surveillance extremely difficult
• Key Features:
• Anonymity and Encryption: Conceals IP addresses and browsing activity Ensures users and hosts remain untraceable Marketplace Ecosystem: Includes legal and illegal marketplaces, forums, data dumps, and whistleblowing platforms Censorship Resistance: Offers access to uncensored information in authoritarian regimes Used by journalists, activists, and whistleblowers for secure communication Cybercrime Risks: Facilitates illegal trade in drugs, weapons, hacking services, and stolen data Difficult for law enforcement to track due to layered encryption
• Anonymity and Encryption: Conceals IP addresses and browsing activity Ensures users and hosts remain untraceable
• Conceals IP addresses and browsing activity
• Ensures users and hosts remain untraceable
• Marketplace Ecosystem: Includes legal and illegal marketplaces, forums, data dumps, and whistleblowing platforms
• Censorship Resistance: Offers access to uncensored information in authoritarian regimes Used by journalists, activists, and whistleblowers for secure communication
• Offers access to uncensored information in authoritarian regimes
• Used by journalists, activists, and whistleblowers for secure communication
• Cybercrime Risks: Facilitates illegal trade in drugs, weapons, hacking services, and stolen data Difficult for law enforcement to track due to layered encryption
• Facilitates illegal trade in drugs, weapons, hacking services, and stolen data
• Difficult for law enforcement to track due to layered encryption
• What is a Level-4 Vendor on the Dark Web?
• A grading system used within darknet marketplaces to rank vendors Based on factors such as: Potency and variety of drugs sold Customer service quality Reliability and delivery success rate Level-4 represents a high-tier trusted seller with a significant customer base and strong reputation. Edison was reportedly India’s only Level-4 vendor, indicating large-scale operations.
• A grading system used within darknet marketplaces to rank vendors
• Based on factors such as: Potency and variety of drugs sold Customer service quality Reliability and delivery success rate
• Potency and variety of drugs sold
• Customer service quality
• Reliability and delivery success rate
• Level-4 represents a high-tier trusted seller with a significant customer base and strong reputation.
• Edison was reportedly India’s only Level-4 vendor, indicating large-scale operations.
Japonica Rice
Source: TH
Context: Scientists at the National Institute of Plant Genome Research (NIPGR) have used CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing to enhance phosphate uptake in japonica rice, leading to a 20–40% increase in yield under controlled phosphate use.
About Japonica Rice:
• What is Japonica Rice? Japonica rice is a short-grain, high-starch variety of rice primarily grown in East Asia, often used in breeding experiments due to its ease of genetic modification and stable traits in controlled environments.
• Japonica rice is a short-grain, high-starch variety of rice primarily grown in East Asia, often used in breeding experiments due to its ease of genetic modification and stable traits in controlled environments.
• Developed By:
• Developed by NIPGR, New Delhi, using CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing Research published in the Plant Biotechnology Journal Cultivar used: Nipponbare (a model japonica variety)
• Developed by NIPGR, New Delhi, using CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing
• Research published in the Plant Biotechnology Journal
• Cultivar used: Nipponbare (a model japonica variety)
• How Was It Developed?
• Target Gene Identified: OsPHO1;2, a phosphate transporter moving phosphorus from root to shoot Repressor Found: OsWRKY6, a negative regulator of this transporter Initial Strategy Failed: Knocking out the repressor impaired other plant functions Precise Editing: Only the 30 base-pair binding sites of the repressor was removed using CRISPR Outcome: Increased phosphate flow to the shoot, leading to better seed development
• Target Gene Identified: OsPHO1;2, a phosphate transporter moving phosphorus from root to shoot
• Repressor Found: OsWRKY6, a negative regulator of this transporter
• Initial Strategy Failed: Knocking out the repressor impaired other plant functions
• Precise Editing: Only the 30 base-pair binding sites of the repressor was removed using CRISPR
• Outcome: Increased phosphate flow to the shoot, leading to better seed development
• Key Features of Gene-Edited Japonica Rice:
• 20% higher yield with full fertilizer dose and 40% yield gain with only 10% of recommended phosphate. Increased phosphate absorption due to improved transporter activation. More panicles and seeds, while seed quality and dimensions remained normal. No foreign DNA in final generation; removed via Mendelian segregation. No off-target effects detected; validated using top genome-prediction software. Successfully simulates minimal-invasive promoter gene surgery.
• 20% higher yield with full fertilizer dose and 40% yield gain with only 10% of recommended phosphate.
• Increased phosphate absorption due to improved transporter activation.
• More panicles and seeds, while seed quality and dimensions remained normal.
• No foreign DNA in final generation; removed via Mendelian segregation.
• No off-target effects detected; validated using top genome-prediction software.
• Successfully simulates minimal-invasive promoter gene surgery.
• Significance for India:
• Reduces Dependence on DAP Imports: India imports ~4.5 million tonnes annually. Tackles Phosphorus Deficiency: Crucial for Indian soils suffering nutrient loss. Eco-Friendly Agriculture: Optimizes phosphate use, reducing runoff and pollution. Future Prospects: Potential replication in indica rice, India’s major cultivar. Boost to Food Security: Improves productivity in nutrient-limited conditions.
• Reduces Dependence on DAP Imports: India imports ~4.5 million tonnes annually.
• Tackles Phosphorus Deficiency: Crucial for Indian soils suffering nutrient loss.
• Eco-Friendly Agriculture: Optimizes phosphate use, reducing runoff and pollution.
• Future Prospects: Potential replication in indica rice, India’s major cultivar.
• Boost to Food Security: Improves productivity in nutrient-limited conditions.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 8 July 2025 Mapping:
Namibia
Source: IE
Context: Prime Minister visited Namibia, the first Indian PM in 27 years, to sign key agreements including the introduction of UPI and to strengthen India’s ties with the Global South.
About Namibia:
• Location: Namibia lies in southwestern Africa, offering access to the Atlantic Ocean and serving as a strategic gateway to the African interior.
• Capital: Windhoek.
• Neighbours: Angola, Zambia, Botswana, South Africa, Atlantic Ocean.
• Geological Features Major Rivers: Kunene, Okavango, Zambezi, and Orange are the main rivers, flowing along borders and vital for irrigation and regional cooperation. Namib Desert: Located along the west coast, it is hyper-arid, famous for the Skeleton Coast and rich in minerals like diamonds and uranium. Kalahari Desert: A semi-arid sandy region in the east, it merges into savanna grasslands, supporting scattered pastoral activity. Mountains: Brandberg, at 2,573 m, is Namibia’s highest peak and part of the western escarpment, known for rock art and Central Plateau: This elevated zone is Namibia’s agricultural heartland, housing the Fish River Canyon and saline Etosha Pan. Soils: Fertile soils are found in Otavi Highlands and Caprivi Strip, while other areas have infertile sandy or rocky terrain. Climate: Characterized by arid to semi-arid conditions, rainfall is <50 mm on the coast and exceeds 600 mm in the Caprivi Strip, with frequent droughts inland.
• Major Rivers: Kunene, Okavango, Zambezi, and Orange are the main rivers, flowing along borders and vital for irrigation and regional cooperation.
• Namib Desert: Located along the west coast, it is hyper-arid, famous for the Skeleton Coast and rich in minerals like diamonds and uranium.
• Kalahari Desert: A semi-arid sandy region in the east, it merges into savanna grasslands, supporting scattered pastoral activity.
• Mountains: Brandberg, at 2,573 m, is Namibia’s highest peak and part of the western escarpment, known for rock art and
• Central Plateau: This elevated zone is Namibia’s agricultural heartland, housing the Fish River Canyon and saline Etosha Pan.
• Soils: Fertile soils are found in Otavi Highlands and Caprivi Strip, while other areas have infertile sandy or rocky terrain.
• Climate: Characterized by arid to semi-arid conditions, rainfall is <50 mm on the coast and exceeds 600 mm in the Caprivi Strip, with frequent droughts inland.
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