UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 8 September 2025
Kartavya Desk Staff
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 8 September 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 September (2025)
• Building Climate-Resilient Cities in India
Building Climate-Resilient Cities in India
GS Paper 3:
• Indian Generics Global Public Good: Pharma Diplomacy & Trade Strategy
Indian Generics Global Public Good: Pharma Diplomacy & Trade Strategy
Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):
• Operation Guddar
Operation Guddar
• Yoga and Sudarshan Kriya for prisoners
Facts for Prelims (FFP):
• The Apatanis Tribe
The Apatanis Tribe
• State Emblem of India
State Emblem of India
• Mpox (monkeypox)
Mpox (monkeypox)
• CoWIN Portal
CoWIN Portal
• Nilgiri Tea
Nilgiri Tea
Mapping:
• Red Sea
Red Sea
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 8 September 2025
#### GS Paper 2:
Building Climate-Resilient Cities in India
Syllabus: Urbanisation
Source: IE
Context: India’s cities, projected to house nearly a billion people by 2070, face rising risks from flooding, heat waves, cyclones, and earthquakes, prompting urgent calls for climate-resilient urban planning.
About Building Climate-Resilient Cities in India:
Current Status of Urban Cities & Climate Vulnerabilities:
• Flooding: Unchecked urbanisation and poor drainage make two-thirds of residents vulnerable; economic damages may cross $30B by 2070.
• Extreme Heat: Concrete-heavy cities trap heat, making them 3–5°C hotter, increasing deaths, health risks, and productivity losses.
• Transport: A quarter of roads are flood-prone, where even partial submergence can paralyse half the transport system in major cities.
• Housing: More than half of future housing stock is yet to be built; poor design choices risk locking in vulnerabilities for decades.
• Municipal Services: Weak waste, drainage, and energy systems aggravate pollution and climate shocks, undermining resilience.
Need for Climate-Resilient Cities:
• Safeguard Lives: Rising disasters like floods and heatwaves threaten millions; resilience reduces mortality and displacement.
• Protect Economy: Cities generate 70%+ of jobs and GDP; climate-safe infrastructure ensures continuity of growth.
• Promote Inclusion: Climate-resilient design protects the urban poor who suffer most during disasters.
• Reduce Losses: Investing in resilience lowers long-term costs and makes cities more attractive for global capital.
Challenges Associated:
• Weak ULBs: Local bodies lack staff, funds, and expertise to integrate climate resilience into planning.
• Fragmented Governance: Overlapping responsibilities between state, city, and parastatal agencies delay action.
• Financial Constraints: Limited municipal revenue and slow access to international climate finance stall projects.
• Poor Planning: Encroachment on wetlands and floodplains amplifies flood risks and weakens ecosystems.
• Inequality: Slum dwellers and migrants live in hazard-prone zones with minimal protection or relief access.
Initiatives Taken in India:
• NAPCC & SAPCCs: Provide national and state-level frameworks to mainstream climate adaptation.
• Sustainable Habitat Mission: Targets greener buildings, efficient transport, and resilient waste systems.
• Smart Cities Mission & AMRUT: Embed resilience in core urban infrastructure projects.
• Heat Action Plans: Ahmedabad pioneered early warning, cooling centres, and public awareness, now scaled to other states.
• PMAY-Urban: Potential to integrate climate-smart housing for millions under Housing for All.
Strategies for Climate-Resilient Cities:
• Urban Planning: Adopt compact designs, restrict construction in high-risk areas, and enforce disaster-resistant building codes.
• Flood Management: Develop modern drainage, restore wetlands, and deploy predictive flood warning systems.
• Heat Resilience: Expand tree canopies, cool roofs, and shaded corridors while adjusting outdoor labour hours.
• Transport: Build elevated and redundant road/metro systems that remain functional during floods.
• Municipal Services: Upgrade waste, water, and sanitation networks with climate-proof and circular economy principles.
• Finance & Partnerships: Mobilise funds via PPPs, green bonds, and climate funds, alongside citizen participation.
• Capacity Building: Train ULB staff, use GIS/AI risk mapping, and enhance institutional resilience at local levels.
Conclusion:
India’s urban future depends on how well cities adapt to climate uncertainties. Climate-resilient planning is not just about disaster management but about ensuring sustainable economic growth, social equity, and ecological balance. The window for action is narrow — the time to build resilience is now.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 8 September 2025 GS Paper 3:
Indian Generics Global Public Good: Pharma Diplomacy & Trade Strategy
Syllabus: Pharma Industry
Source: TH
Context: India’s pharmaceutical exports face pressure as the U.S. imposes tariffs and stricter IP demands, threatening the viability of Indian generics in their biggest market. Despite this, Indian generics remain the backbone of affordable healthcare worldwide, saving billions in costs.
About Indian Generics Global Public Good: Pharma Diplomacy & Trade Strategy
Current Pharma Status:
• India is the largest supplier of generics to over 200 countries, cementing its role as the “Pharmacy of the World.”
• The U.S. accounts for 31.35% of India’s pharma exports and imports 47% of its generics from India.
• In 2022, Indian generics saved the U.S. USD 219 billion in healthcare expenditure.
• The global generics market will hit USD 614 billion by 2030, with India as a leading player.
• Challenges include U.S. tariffs, dependence on Chinese APIs, and rising global competition in generics.
Significance of Indian Generics:
• Affordable Medicines: Indian generics are 20–25% of branded prices, making drugs for diabetes, cancer, HIV, etc., accessible worldwide.
• Global Public Health: They form over 90% of prescriptions in the U.S. and are critical for developing nations.
• Economic Role: Pharma exports contribute ~USD 25 billion annually and generate millions of jobs in India.
• Strategic Leverage: Generics boost India’s global soft power, evident in initiatives like Vaccine Maitri during COVID-19.
• Innovation Potential: India is emerging as a leader in biosimilars, vaccines, and low-cost R&D-based pharma solutions.
Need for Strategic Shift:
• India must move beyond short-term tariff concessions to long-term strategic positioning in trade negotiations.
• Strongly resist TRIPS-plus demands that would extend drug monopolies and delay entry of low-cost generics.
• Reduce dependence on U.S. markets by expanding exports to Africa, Latin America, ASEAN, and Central Asia.
• Ensure technology transfer and joint R&D in exchange for pricing concessions to strengthen domestic pharma capacity.
• Position Indian generics as a global public good, aligning trade policy with SDG-3: Health for All.
Challenges:
• Trade Barriers: U.S. levying 26% tariff + 25% penalty on imports. Push for zero tariffs in bilateral negotiations without reciprocal benefits.
• U.S. levying 26% tariff + 25% penalty on imports.
• Push for zero tariffs in bilateral negotiations without reciprocal benefits.
• IPR Pressures: Demands for stronger patent protections beyond TRIPS. Push for data exclusivity and extended monopolies, delaying generic entry.
• Demands for stronger patent protections beyond TRIPS.
• Push for data exclusivity and extended monopolies, delaying generic entry.
• Domestic Constraints: Dependence on China for APIs (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients). Regulatory hurdles and fragmented R&D ecosystem.
• Dependence on China for APIs (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients).
• Regulatory hurdles and fragmented R&D ecosystem.
• Global Competition: Rise of alternative hubs in China, Brazil, Eastern Europe.
• Public Health Risks: Restrictive IP rules would increase medicine prices globally, worsening inequity.
Initiatives & Policy Measures:
• TRIPS Flexibilities: India has maintained compulsory licensing provisions to ensure affordable medicines.
• India–US TRUST Initiative: For collaboration in biotech, pharma, and health technologies.
• Make in India + PLI Scheme for Pharma: To strengthen domestic production and reduce API dependence.
• South–South Cooperation: India exploring joint ventures in Africa, Latin America, and ASEAN.
• Health-Tech Diplomacy: Sharing vaccine platforms, generics technology with developing nations.
Way Forward:
• Leverage Negotiating Capital: Demand comprehensive review of TRIPS and resist TRIPS-plus provisions. Emphasise generics’ role in global health security post-COVID.
• Demand comprehensive review of TRIPS and resist TRIPS-plus provisions.
• Emphasise generics’ role in global health security post-COVID.
• Diversify Export Markets: Reduce overdependence on U.S. by expanding into Africa, Latin America, ASEAN, Central Asia.
• Reduce overdependence on U.S. by expanding into Africa, Latin America, ASEAN, Central Asia.
• Promote Joint Ventures: Encourage collaborations in the Global South and with EU/US firms for co-manufacturing & R&D.
• Encourage collaborations in the Global South and with EU/US firms for co-manufacturing & R&D.
• Strengthen Domestic Capacity: Invest in API self-reliance, R&D hubs, and regulatory reforms.
• Invest in API self-reliance, R&D hubs, and regulatory reforms.
• Use Public Health Diplomacy: Position generics as part of India’s soft power — like Vaccine Maitri. Build coalitions at WTO, WHO, and BRICS to counter Big Pharma monopolies.
• Position generics as part of India’s soft power — like Vaccine Maitri.
• Build coalitions at WTO, WHO, and BRICS to counter Big Pharma monopolies.
• Link Concessions with Tech Transfer: Any trade-off in pricing/export terms must be tied to technology sharing and local capacity-building.
• Any trade-off in pricing/export terms must be tied to technology sharing and local capacity-building.
Conclusion:
Indian generics are the lifeline of global healthcare, saving billions in costs and lives. India must reframe them as a global public good, resist unfair IP regimes, and diversify partnerships — safeguarding health worldwide while cementing its role as the Pharmacy of the Global South.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 8 September 2025 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)
Operation Guddar
Context: An encounter broke out in the Guddar forest of Kulgam, J&K, under Operation Guddar, after terrorists opened fire on security forces during a search operation.
About Operation Guddar:
• What it is?
• A counter-terrorism operation launched by J&K Police, Army, and CRPF in Kulgam district. Named after the Guddar forest area where militants were suspected to be hiding.
• A counter-terrorism operation launched by J&K Police, Army, and CRPF in Kulgam district.
• Named after the Guddar forest area where militants were suspected to be hiding.
• To neutralize active terrorists operating in South Kashmir. To secure forested terrain and villages used as militant hideouts. To enhance intelligence-driven, coordinated operations between police and armed forces.
• To neutralize active terrorists operating in South Kashmir.
• To secure forested terrain and villages used as militant hideouts.
• To enhance intelligence-driven, coordinated operations between police and armed forces.
• Features:
• Joint operation: Army (Chinar Corps), CRPF, and SOG of J&K Police. Based on specific intelligence inputs of terrorist presence. High-risk terrain operations in forest belts. Emphasis on minimizing civilian harm while eliminating terror threats.
• Joint operation: Army (Chinar Corps), CRPF, and SOG of J&K Police.
• Based on specific intelligence inputs of terrorist presence.
• High-risk terrain operations in forest belts.
• Emphasis on minimizing civilian harm while eliminating terror threats.
Relevance in UPSC Exam Syllabus:
• GS-III (Internal Security): Counter-terrorism strategies in India. Role of intelligence, joint operations, and security coordination. Challenges of insurgency and militancy in J&K.
• Counter-terrorism strategies in India.
• Role of intelligence, joint operations, and security coordination.
• Challenges of insurgency and militancy in J&K.
• GS-II (Governance & Polity): Role of state and central agencies in law and order. Federal cooperation in security management.
• Role of state and central agencies in law and order.
• Federal cooperation in security management.
Yoga and Sudarshan Kriya for prisoners
Context: The Chhattisgarh government has introduced Yoga and Sudarshan Kriya across all district jails as part of a prison reform initiative, aiming to rehabilitate inmates through mental peace, self-discipline, and positivity.
About Yoga and Sudarshan Kriya for prisoners:
• What it is?
• Yoga: An ancient Indian practice combining physical postures (asanas), breathing exercises (pranayama), and meditation for holistic well-being. Sudarshan Kriya: A rhythmic breathing technique developed by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar (Art of Living Foundation), designed to harmonize body, mind, and emotions. Implemented under the “Prison Course” with support from the Art of Living Foundation.
• Yoga: An ancient Indian practice combining physical postures (asanas), breathing exercises (pranayama), and meditation for holistic well-being.
• Sudarshan Kriya: A rhythmic breathing technique developed by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar (Art of Living Foundation), designed to harmonize body, mind, and emotions.
• Implemented under the “Prison Course” with support from the Art of Living Foundation.
• Significance:
• Transforms prisons from punitive spaces to reformative institutions. Provides psychological healing to inmates, many of whom were exposed to violence. Strengthens self-control, positivity, and hope, aiding reintegration into society. Reduces burden on prison administration by lowering incidents of indiscipline. Sends a symbolic message of peace and rehabilitation in conflict-torn regions.
• Transforms prisons from punitive spaces to reformative institutions.
• Provides psychological healing to inmates, many of whom were exposed to violence.
• Strengthens self-control, positivity, and hope, aiding reintegration into society.
• Reduces burden on prison administration by lowering incidents of indiscipline.
• Sends a symbolic message of peace and rehabilitation in conflict-torn regions.
Relevance in UPSC Syllabus:
• GS-II (Governance, Social Justice): Prison reforms, role of NGOs, rehabilitation of marginalized groups.
• GS-IV (Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude): Case study on reformative justice, emotional intelligence, cultivating positive values in governance.
• Essay Paper: Themes like “Reform vs Punishment,” “Inner transformation as social change,” or “India’s cultural heritage as an instrument of governance.”
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 8 September 2025 Facts for Prelims (FFP):
The Apatanis Tribe
Source: TH
Context: The Apatani women of Ziro Valley, Arunachal Pradesh, represent the last generation to wear the tribe’s traditional facial tattoos and wooden nose plugs, a practice banned in the 1970s but still proudly carried by elderly women.
About The Apatanis Tribe:
• Who They Are?
• The Apatani (Tanw, Apa Tani, or Apa) are an indigenous tribal group of Arunachal Pradesh. Known for their distinct cultural identity, ecological knowledge, and traditional practices.
• The Apatani (Tanw, Apa Tani, or Apa) are an indigenous tribal group of Arunachal Pradesh.
• Known for their distinct cultural identity, ecological knowledge, and traditional practices.
• Habitat:
• Primarily inhabit the Ziro Valley, located in the Lower Subansiri district of Arunachal Pradesh. Valley is bowl-shaped, scenic, and lies in the eastern Himalayan ranges.
• Primarily inhabit the Ziro Valley, located in the Lower Subansiri district of Arunachal Pradesh.
• Valley is bowl-shaped, scenic, and lies in the eastern Himalayan ranges.
• Apatani Facial Tattoos:
• History:
• It was introduced as a tribal protection strategy during times when raids and abductions by neighbouring tribes were common. Over time, it evolved into a marker of identity and cultural pride, signifying a woman’s belonging to the Apatani community.
• It was introduced as a tribal protection strategy during times when raids and abductions by neighbouring tribes were common.
• Over time, it evolved into a marker of identity and cultural pride, signifying a woman’s belonging to the Apatani community.
• Reasons:
• Protection from Abduction: Tattoos and large wooden nose plugs were intended to make Apatani women appear less attractive to outsiders and rival tribes. Identity & Dignity: Became a symbol of honour, belonging, and dignity within the community. Cultural Beauty Standard: Among the Apatanis, tattoos later became associated with tribal beauty ideals, despite being unusual to outsiders.
• Protection from Abduction: Tattoos and large wooden nose plugs were intended to make Apatani women appear less attractive to outsiders and rival tribes.
• Identity & Dignity: Became a symbol of honour, belonging, and dignity within the community.
• Cultural Beauty Standard: Among the Apatanis, tattoos later became associated with tribal beauty ideals, despite being unusual to outsiders.
• Custom & Process:
• Age of Tattooing: Typically done when girls were around 10 years old. Conducted by elder women of the tribe. Design (Tippei): A vertical line from the forehead down to the tip of the nose. Five lines tattooed on the chin. Nose Plugs (Yaping Hullo): Large wooden plugs inserted into both sides of the nose after cleaning the wood to prevent infection. Community View: Women with tattoos and plugs were considered honourable, proud custodians of tradition, and protectors of family dignity.
• Age of Tattooing: Typically done when girls were around 10 years old.
• Conducted by elder women of the tribe.
• Design (Tippei): A vertical line from the forehead down to the tip of the nose. Five lines tattooed on the chin.
• A vertical line from the forehead down to the tip of the nose.
• Five lines tattooed on the chin.
• Nose Plugs (Yaping Hullo): Large wooden plugs inserted into both sides of the nose after cleaning the wood to prevent infection.
• Community View: Women with tattoos and plugs were considered honourable, proud custodians of tradition, and protectors of family dignity.
• Decline:
• In the early 1970s, the government banned the practice, citing social stigma and hindrances to women’s employment opportunities in modern settings. Today, only elderly Apatani women still bear tattoos and plugs, making them the last living carriers of this tradition.
• In the early 1970s, the government banned the practice, citing social stigma and hindrances to women’s employment opportunities in modern settings.
• Today, only elderly Apatani women still bear tattoos and plugs, making them the last living carriers of this tradition.
State Emblem of India
Source: HT
Context: Nearly 50 people were detained in Srinagar after a plaque bearing the national emblem was vandalised and removed inside the Hazratbal shrine.
About State Emblem of India:
What it is?
• The State Emblem of India is an adaptation of the Lion Capital of Ashoka at Sarnath.
• Adopted officially on 26 January 1950, the day India became a Republic.
• It symbolises India’s sovereignty, authority, and values of truth and justice.
Origin:
• The original Lion Capital was erected by Emperor Ashoka (3rd century BCE) at Sarnath, where Buddha delivered his first sermon.
• It formed part of Ashoka’s pillars, spreading the message of Dhamma (righteousness).
• Discovered in 1905 and preserved at the Sarnath Museum, Uttar Pradesh.
Features:
• Four Asiatic Lions: Standing back-to-back, symbolising power, courage, pride, and confidence.
• Abacus Frieze: Carved with high-relief sculptures of an elephant, horse, bull, and lion, separated by Dharma Chakras (wheels of law).
• Lotus Base: The original had a bell-shaped lotus, omitted in the official emblem.
• Adopted Emblem: Shows three lions visible, Dharma Chakra at centre, bull on right, galloping horse on left, with outlines of wheels at the ends.
• Motto: “Satyameva Jayate” (Truth Alone Triumphs), inscribed below in Devanagari script.
Mpox (monkeypox)
Source: DD News
Context: The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared that mpox (monkeypox) is no longer a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) due to sustained decline in global cases and deaths.
About Mpox (monkeypox):
• What it is?
• Mpox (Monkeypox) is a viral zoonotic disease caused by the monkeypox virus (MPXV). Belongs to the Orthopoxvirus genus of the Poxviridae family, which also includes variola (smallpox), cowpox, and vaccinia viruses.
• Mpox (Monkeypox) is a viral zoonotic disease caused by the monkeypox virus (MPXV).
• Belongs to the Orthopoxvirus genus of the Poxviridae family, which also includes variola (smallpox), cowpox, and vaccinia viruses.
• Origin:
• First identified in 1958 in monkeys in Denmark. First human case recorded in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Natural reservoir: Still unknown, though small mammals (squirrels, rodents, monkeys) are considered susceptible.
• First identified in 1958 in monkeys in Denmark.
• First human case recorded in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
• Natural reservoir: Still unknown, though small mammals (squirrels, rodents, monkeys) are considered susceptible.
• Vector / Reservoir:
• Likely spread from infected animals (rodents, primates) to humans through bites, scratches, hunting, or consumption. Maintained in endemic regions of Central and West Africa, with periodic outbreaks elsewhere.
• Likely spread from infected animals (rodents, primates) to humans through bites, scratches, hunting, or consumption.
• Maintained in endemic regions of Central and West Africa, with periodic outbreaks elsewhere.
• Symptoms:
• Incubation: 5–21 days. Early symptoms: Fever, headache, muscle/back pain, swollen lymph nodes, low energy. Rash: Starts on face/genitals → spreads to body (palms & soles too). Lesions evolve from flat sores → blisters → scabs. Can cause severe illness in children, pregnant women, immunocompromised (esp. HIV patients).
• Incubation: 5–21 days.
• Early symptoms: Fever, headache, muscle/back pain, swollen lymph nodes, low energy.
• Rash: Starts on face/genitals → spreads to body (palms & soles too). Lesions evolve from flat sores → blisters → scabs.
• Can cause severe illness in children, pregnant women, immunocompromised (esp. HIV patients).
• Transmission:
• Human-to-Human: Close contact (skin-to-skin, sexual contact, respiratory droplets). Sharing of contaminated objects (clothing, bedding, needles). Mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy or birth. Animal-to-Human: From infected rodents/primates via bites, scratches, hunting, or meat consumption.
• Human-to-Human: Close contact (skin-to-skin, sexual contact, respiratory droplets). Sharing of contaminated objects (clothing, bedding, needles). Mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy or birth.
• Close contact (skin-to-skin, sexual contact, respiratory droplets).
• Sharing of contaminated objects (clothing, bedding, needles).
• Mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy or birth.
• Animal-to-Human: From infected rodents/primates via bites, scratches, hunting, or meat consumption.
• From infected rodents/primates via bites, scratches, hunting, or meat consumption.
• Treatment & Management:
• No specific proven antiviral treatment yet and supportive care is primary. Care includes hydration, nutrition, pain relief, skin care, prevention of secondary infections.
• No specific proven antiviral treatment yet and supportive care is primary.
• Care includes hydration, nutrition, pain relief, skin care, prevention of secondary infections.
CoWIN Portal
Source: TH
Context: The CoWIN portal, India’s flagship digital platform for COVID-19 vaccination records, has been unavailable since early August 2025, blocking access to vaccination certificates.
About CoWIN Portal:
• What it is?
• CoWIN (COVID Vaccine Intelligence Network) is a government digital platform for registration, scheduling, tracking, and certification of COVID-19 vaccinations. It serves as an end-to-end public health management tool from the national to the vaccinator level.
• CoWIN (COVID Vaccine Intelligence Network) is a government digital platform for registration, scheduling, tracking, and certification of COVID-19 vaccinations.
• It serves as an end-to-end public health management tool from the national to the vaccinator level.
• Launched in: January 2021, during India’s COVID-19 vaccination drive.
• Ministry: Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW).
• To provide a transparent, efficient, and real-time system for vaccination delivery. To ensure equitable access, identity verification, tracking of doses, and certification for every beneficiary.
• To provide a transparent, efficient, and real-time system for vaccination delivery.
• To ensure equitable access, identity verification, tracking of doses, and certification for every beneficiary.
• Key Features:
• Five Modules: Orchestration module (overall management). Vaccination cold-chain module (vaccine logistics). Citizen registration module (self and bulk registration). Vaccinator module (session management). Certificate, feedback & adverse-event reporting module. Integration: Accessible through CoWIN website, Aarogya Setu app, UMANG app, and DigiLocker. Authentication Methods: OTP, biometric, and demographic authentication. Real-Time Tracking: Monitors beneficiaries, vaccine doses, wastage, and coverage at national, state, district, and sub-district levels.
• Five Modules: Orchestration module (overall management). Vaccination cold-chain module (vaccine logistics). Citizen registration module (self and bulk registration). Vaccinator module (session management). Certificate, feedback & adverse-event reporting module.
• Orchestration module (overall management).
• Vaccination cold-chain module (vaccine logistics).
• Citizen registration module (self and bulk registration).
• Vaccinator module (session management).
• Certificate, feedback & adverse-event reporting module.
• Integration: Accessible through CoWIN website, Aarogya Setu app, UMANG app, and DigiLocker.
• Authentication Methods: OTP, biometric, and demographic authentication.
• Real-Time Tracking: Monitors beneficiaries, vaccine doses, wastage, and coverage at national, state, district, and sub-district levels.
• Significance:
• Enabled over 2 billion vaccine doses to be administered and certified digitally. Became a global model of digital public good, offered to other countries in 2021. Certificates served as key documents for travel, employment, and access to services during the pandemic.
• Enabled over 2 billion vaccine doses to be administered and certified digitally.
• Became a global model of digital public good, offered to other countries in 2021.
• Certificates served as key documents for travel, employment, and access to services during the pandemic.
Nilgiri Tea
Source: TH
Context: Nilgiris tea growers are facing a persistent cost price crisis due to low prices for green tea leaves (GTL), overproduction, and weak auction mechanisms, threatening the sustainability of small growers in the region.
About Nilgiri Tea:
• What it is?
• Nilgiri tea is a variety of Camellia sinensis var. sinensis, grown in the Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu. Known for its brisk, fragrant, and full-bodied liquor, it is often blended into iced teas, masala chai, and global tea brands.
• Nilgiri tea is a variety of Camellia sinensis var. sinensis, grown in the Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu.
• Known for its brisk, fragrant, and full-bodied liquor, it is often blended into iced teas, masala chai, and global tea brands.
• Region:
• Cultivated mainly in the Nilgiris district, Tamil Nadu, with smaller areas in Kerala and Karnataka. Recognised as a Geographical Indication (GI) product since 2008.
• Cultivated mainly in the Nilgiris district, Tamil Nadu, with smaller areas in Kerala and Karnataka.
• Recognised as a Geographical Indication (GI) product since 2008.
• Features:
• Produces both orthodox rolled teas and CTC (crush-tear-curl) teas. Flavour profile: citrus and floral notes, light yet full-bodied, retains clarity when cooled (ideal for iced tea). Used in blends by global commercial brands like Nestea.
• Produces both orthodox rolled teas and CTC (crush-tear-curl) teas.
• Flavour profile: citrus and floral notes, light yet full-bodied, retains clarity when cooled (ideal for iced tea).
• Used in blends by global commercial brands like Nestea.
• Geographic Conditions Needed:
• Altitude: 1,000–2,500 metres in the Western Ghats. Climate: Two monsoons (Southwest & Northeast), alternating fog, rain, and sunshine. Soil: Lateritic loam, rich and well-drained, supporting high-quality growth. Cultivation cycle: Frequent plucking (≈32 times annually), with the first harvest (“frost tea”) after a short dormancy in winter, noted for unique flavour.
• Altitude: 1,000–2,500 metres in the Western Ghats.
• Climate: Two monsoons (Southwest & Northeast), alternating fog, rain, and sunshine.
• Soil: Lateritic loam, rich and well-drained, supporting high-quality growth.
• Cultivation cycle: Frequent plucking (≈32 times annually), with the first harvest (“frost tea”) after a short dormancy in winter, noted for unique flavour.
• Issues faced by Nilgiri tea industry:
• Low Prices: Green Tea Leaf (GTL) prices often below cost of production. Overcapacity: Too many factories vs. crop output, reducing quality. Market Dependence: Heavy reliance on Russia/USSR in past; poor diversification. Auction Problems: Manipulation, advance deals, and weak price discovery. Quality Concerns: Adulteration and inconsistent standards. High Costs: Rising labour and input costs burden small growers.
• Low Prices: Green Tea Leaf (GTL) prices often below cost of production.
• Overcapacity: Too many factories vs. crop output, reducing quality.
• Market Dependence: Heavy reliance on Russia/USSR in past; poor diversification.
• Auction Problems: Manipulation, advance deals, and weak price discovery.
• Quality Concerns: Adulteration and inconsistent standards.
• High Costs: Rising labour and input costs burden small growers.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 8 September 2025 Mapping:
Red Sea
Source: DD News
Context: Cuts to undersea internet cables in the Red Sea disrupted connectivity across Asia and the Middle East, affecting major subsea systems like SMW4 and IMEWE, leading to slowdowns in India and neighbouring regions.
About Red Sea:
• What it is?
• A narrow inland sea forming part of the rift valley system between northeastern Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. Known for its strategic importance as a global trade and shipping route, linking to the Mediterranean Sea via the Suez Canal and to the Arabian Sea via Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
• A narrow inland sea forming part of the rift valley system between northeastern Africa and the Arabian Peninsula.
• Known for its strategic importance as a global trade and shipping route, linking to the Mediterranean Sea via the Suez Canal and to the Arabian Sea via Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
• Neighbouring Nations: Egypt, Sudan, Eritrea, Djibouti, Saudi Arabia and Yemen.
• Extends about 1,930 km southeastward from Suez (Egypt) to Bab el-Mandeb (Yemen). Jordan and Israel have coastlines on the Gulf of Aqaba.
• Extends about 1,930 km southeastward from Suez (Egypt) to Bab el-Mandeb (Yemen).
• Jordan and Israel have coastlines on the Gulf of Aqaba.
• Features:
• Geology: Lies in a rift depression, still geologically active with volcanic and seismic activity. Unique water conditions: Among the hottest and saltiest seas; supports rich coral reef ecosystems. Economic importance: One of the world’s busiest maritime corridors connecting Europe, Asia, and Africa.
• Geology: Lies in a rift depression, still geologically active with volcanic and seismic activity.
• Unique water conditions: Among the hottest and saltiest seas; supports rich coral reef ecosystems.
• Economic importance: One of the world’s busiest maritime corridors connecting Europe, Asia, and Africa.
About Undersea (Submarine) Cables:
• What it is?
• Fiber-optic cables laid on seabeds that carry the vast majority (~95%) of international data traffic across continents.
• Fiber-optic cables laid on seabeds that carry the vast majority (~95%) of international data traffic across continents.
• Features:
• Composition: Bundles of glass fibers enclosed in protective layers and each fiber transmits data using pulses of light. Capacity: High-speed, low-latency connectivity enabling global internet, cloud services, and international communication. Vulnerability: Susceptible to breakage from natural disasters, anchor drags, earthquakes, or sabotage.
• Composition: Bundles of glass fibers enclosed in protective layers and each fiber transmits data using pulses of light.
• Capacity: High-speed, low-latency connectivity enabling global internet, cloud services, and international communication.
• Vulnerability: Susceptible to breakage from natural disasters, anchor drags, earthquakes, or sabotage.
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