UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 9 June 2025
Kartavya Desk Staff
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 9 June 2025 covers important current affairs of the day, their backward linkages, their relevance for Prelims exam and MCQs on main articles
InstaLinks : Insta Links help you think beyond the current affairs issue and help you think multidimensionally to develop depth in your understanding of these issues. These linkages provided in this ‘hint’ format help you frame possible questions in your mind that might arise(or an examiner might imagine) from each current event. InstaLinks also connect every issue to their static or theoretical background.
Table of Contents
GS Paper 3 : (UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 9 June (2025)
• India’s Textile and Apparel Industry
India’s Textile and Apparel Industry
GS Paper 4:
• Corruption
Corruption
Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):
• DRUM App (Dynamic Route Planning for Urban Green Mobility)
DRUM App (Dynamic Route Planning for Urban Green Mobility)
Facts for Prelims (FFP):
• The World Bank Revised the Global Poverty Line
The World Bank Revised the Global Poverty Line
• International Conference on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (ICDRI) 2025
International Conference on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (ICDRI) 2025
• 16th Finance Commission
16th Finance Commission
• Axiom-4 (Ax-4) Space Mission
Axiom-4 (Ax-4) Space Mission
• Solar Climate Intervention Techniques
Solar Climate Intervention Techniques
• Magnetic Isolation and Concentration (MagIC)
Magnetic Isolation and Concentration (MagIC)
Mapping:
• Exercise Nomadic Elephant 2025
Exercise Nomadic Elephant 2025
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 9 June 2025
#### GS Paper 3:
India’s Textile and Apparel Industry
Syllabus: Textile Industry
Source: IE
Context: A recent analysis highlighted India’s stagnant global apparel trade share (3%), stressing the urgent need for policy innovation to achieve the $40 billion export target by 2030.
About India’s Textile and Apparel Industry:
• Sector Overview: A heritage industry employing over 45 million, contributing 2.3% to GDP, and 12% of manufacturing employment.
• Export Status: India holds only 4.2% share in global T&A trade ($37.8 bn out of $897.8 bn); apparel alone is at 3%.
• MSME Dominance: Over 80% of apparel units are small, fragmented enterprises lacking integration and global scale.
Importance of Textile and Apparel Industry:
• Mass Employment Generator: Employs over 45 million people, making it the second-largest employer after agriculture.
E.g. Major source of livelihood in states like Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and West Bengal.
• High Value Addition: From raw cotton to readymade garments, it adds value across every stage of the supply chain.
E.g. Apparel exports fetch higher returns than raw textile exports.
• Export Potential: Contributes ~$37.8 billion to global trade, with high potential to expand India’s share in global markets.
E.g. India’s target is $40 billion in apparel exports by 2030.
• Supports Ancillary Sectors: Boosts industries like dyes, chemicals, logistics, machinery, and retail.
E.g. A 10% rise in garment output raises demand for spinning and processing units.
• Women-Centric Employment: Around 70% of workers in major apparel hubs are women, aiding gender-inclusive growth.
E.g. Shahi Exports employs over 70,000 women across its factories.
Government Schemes (Textile & Apparel):
• For Textiles: PM MITRA Parks: 7 integrated textile parks to boost competitiveness and reduce logistics costs. Amended TUFS: Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme incentivizing modernization in textile units.
• PM MITRA Parks: 7 integrated textile parks to boost competitiveness and reduce logistics costs.
• Amended TUFS: Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme incentivizing modernization in textile units.
• For Apparel: RoSCTL Scheme: Refund of state and central taxes and levies on exports. SAMARTH: Focused skilling programme to train workers in textile/apparel operations. PLI Scheme for Textiles: Focus on MMF and technical textiles and PLI 2.0 draft proposes inclusion of large garment units.
• RoSCTL Scheme: Refund of state and central taxes and levies on exports.
• SAMARTH: Focused skilling programme to train workers in textile/apparel operations.
• PLI Scheme for Textiles: Focus on MMF and technical textiles and PLI 2.0 draft proposes inclusion of large garment units.
Key Structural Bottlenecks:
• Fragmented Units: Over 80% are MSMEs with limited scale, reducing competitiveness and global visibility.
• High Capital Cost: India’s 9% interest rate makes expansion costly vs. 3–4.5% in China/Vietnam.
• Rigid Labour Laws: Complex laws and high overtime costs (2x wage) deter formalisation and scaling.
• Supply Chain Inefficiencies: Dispersed production leads to longer delivery timelines and higher logistics costs.
• Low Female Workforce Participation: Despite high employment potential, FLFP in textiles remains underutilized.
Way Ahead:
• Subsidised Capital for Scale: 25–30% capex subsidy and 5–7-year tax holiday for units with 1,000+ machines.
• Flexible Labour Norms: Rationalize overtime payments (ILO standard: 1.25x), simplify compliance for formal hiring.
• Link MGNREGA with Wages: Use 25–30% funds to subsidize garment factory wages, ensuring employment and competitiveness.
• Designate MITRA Garment Hubs: Two parks in UP/MP can reduce migration, cut costs, and boost industrialization.
• Introduce Export-Linked Incentive (ELI): Shift from production-linked to export-linked schemes rewarding market competitiveness.
Conclusion:
India’s apparel sector holds immense potential for job creation and export growth. But realizing the $40 billion goal needs bold reforms, scalable models, and policy precision. The success of Shahi Exports proves that scale is achievable — but only if replicated through enabling ecosystems.
• Faster economic growth requires increased share of the manufacturing sector in GDP, particularly of MSMEs. Comment on the present policies of the Government in this regard. (UPSC-2023)
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 9 June 2025 GS Paper 4:
Corruption
Syllabus: Corruption
Source: FE
Context: An IAS officer, Dhiman Chakma, was caught red-handed by Odisha Vigilance for accepting a ₹10 lakh bribe to allegedly prevent the closure of a business unit.
About Corruption:
What is Corruption?
Corruption is the misuse of public office or power for personal gain. It erodes trust in governance, distorts policymaking, and diverts resources away from essential services.
Types of Corruption:
• Bribery: Exchange of money or favours to influence a public official’s decision or action.
E.g. IAS officer in Odisha demanded ₹10 lakh to avoid shutting a business unit.
• Embezzlement: Misappropriation or theft of public funds by those in power.
E.g. Public servants divert government funds into private accounts.
• Nepotism: Favouritism towards relatives or close associates in appointments or contracts.
E.g. Civic tenders awarded to kin of local politicians without competitive bids.
• Collusive Corruption: A secret pact between public officials and private entities to mutually benefit.
E.g. Contractors colluding with officials to inflate costs in Smart City projects.
Reasons Behind Corruption in India:
• Election Expenditure Pressure: Huge campaign funding needs create a quid pro quo culture with businesses.
E.g. ₹1 lakh crore was reportedly spent in 2024 Lok Sabha elections (CMS data).
• Weak Institutional Checks: Lokpal and Lokayukta’s exist but remain ineffective in most states.
• Red Tape and Discretion: Overregulation and lack of standard timelines allow room for rent-seeking.
• Inequality and Rising Aspirations: Income disparity pushes officials to misuse power for a better lifestyle.
E.g. Low-paid officials seek bribes to afford expensive consumer goods.
• Lack of Public Awareness: Many citizens don’t use RTI or grievance portals to hold officials accountable.
Government Initiatives:
• Vigilance Raids: Anti-corruption agencies have intensified trap cases and cash recovery missions.
E.g. Odisha Vigilance arrested an IAS officer with ₹57 lakh unaccounted cash.
• Digital Systems: e-Tendering, PFMS, DBT reduce human discretion and payment leakage.
E.g. PDS benefits now go directly to beneficiaries’ bank accounts.
• Whistleblower Act: Offers protection to those who report corruption in public interest.
• RTI Act: Ensures citizen access to government records, enhancing transparency.
• Mandatory Asset Declarations: Government officials are required to annually disclose their assets.
Way Ahead:
• Revive Lokpal and Lokayuktas: Empower these institutions with funding, independence, and oversight.
E.g. Mandatory reports and regular audits can boost their credibility and impact.
• Cap Political Funding: Introduce limits on campaign spending and regulate donations.
E.g. Ban cash contributions and disclose all electoral bond donors.
• Use AI Surveillance: Deploy AI to detect anomalies in tender approvals, property registrations, etc.
E.g. AI-based tracking of sand mining in Rajasthan flagged illegal operations.
• Guarantee Time-bound Services: Enforce service delivery laws with penalties for delays.
E.g. Delhi’s RTS Act levies fines on officers for exceeding delivery timelines.
• Empower Citizens: Strengthen online portals, social audits, and local watchdog committees.
E.g. Civic participation keeps street-level corruption under constant check.
Conclusion:
India’s battle against corruption is complex, requiring institutional overhaul and public vigilance. Technology and strong laws can deter wrongdoers, but citizen pressure is equally vital. A clean civic system rests on transparency, timely justice, and moral accountability.
• “Corruption is the manifestation of the failure of core values in the society.” In your opinion, what measures can be adopted to uplift the core values in the society? (UPSC-2023)
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 9 June 2025 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)
DRUM App (Dynamic Route Planning for Urban Green Mobility)
Source: TH
Context: The DRUM app, developed by IIT-Kharagpur researchers, is set to begin real-world trials after successful simulations in Delhi.
• It offers eco-friendly route planning to reduce commuters’ exposure to air pollution.
About DRUM App (Dynamic Route Planning for Urban Green Mobility):
• What it is? DRUM is a web-based mobility application that suggests real-time route options based on pollution, energy, speed, and distance metrics.
• DRUM is a web-based mobility application that suggests real-time route options based on pollution, energy, speed, and distance metrics.
• Developed by: IIT-Kharagpur researchers.
• Key Features: Provides five types of routes: Shortest, Fastest, Least Exposure to Air Pollution (LEAP), Least Energy Consumption (LECR), and a Balanced Suggested Route. Uses real-time traffic and air quality data from CPCB and World AQI, even in data-sparse zones. Built on GraphHopper and Mapbox, supporting vehicle-specific adjustments. Prioritizes exposure time as the key metric to optimize routes. Future-ready for crowdsourced sensor data and ML-powered DRUM 2.0 with time-based suggestions.
• Provides five types of routes: Shortest, Fastest, Least Exposure to Air Pollution (LEAP), Least Energy Consumption (LECR), and a Balanced Suggested Route.
• Uses real-time traffic and air quality data from CPCB and World AQI, even in data-sparse zones.
• Built on GraphHopper and Mapbox, supporting vehicle-specific adjustments.
• Prioritizes exposure time as the key metric to optimize routes.
• Future-ready for crowdsourced sensor data and ML-powered DRUM 2.0 with time-based suggestions.
• Significance: Can reduce pollution exposure by 50% in areas like Central Delhi. Supports sustainable urban mobility and improves public health outcomes. Aims to assist vulnerable commuters like cyclists, pedestrians, and public transport users. Promotes data-driven environmental decision-making.
• Can reduce pollution exposure by 50% in areas like Central Delhi.
• Supports sustainable urban mobility and improves public health outcomes.
• Aims to assist vulnerable commuters like cyclists, pedestrians, and public transport users.
• Promotes data-driven environmental decision-making.
Relevance in UPSC Exam Syllabus:
• GS Paper 2 – Governance & Health Policy E-Governance & Smart Mobility: Promotes data-driven decision-making in urban governance. Public Health: Reduces air pollution exposure, supporting preventive health strategies. Citizen-Centric Services: Empowers informed commuting choices for better well-being.
• E-Governance & Smart Mobility: Promotes data-driven decision-making in urban governance.
• Public Health: Reduces air pollution exposure, supporting preventive health strategies.
• Citizen-Centric Services: Empowers informed commuting choices for better well-being.
• GS Paper 3 – Environment & Technology Urban Pollution Mitigation: Addresses exposure reduction through real-time route planning. Innovation & Research: Showcases indigenous technological solutions for sustainable transport. Climate Action & SDGs: Supports SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
• Urban Pollution Mitigation: Addresses exposure reduction through real-time route planning.
• Innovation & Research: Showcases indigenous technological solutions for sustainable transport.
• Climate Action & SDGs: Supports SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 9 June Facts for Prelims (FFP)
The World Bank Revised the Global Poverty Line
Source: LM
Context: The World Bank revised the global poverty line to $3/day (PPP 2021) from $2.15/day (PPP 2017) based on updated price data and survey methods.
About The World Bank Revised the Global Poverty Line:
• What Is the Global Poverty Line?
• A poverty line defines the minimum daily spending needed for basic needs like food, clothing, and shelter. The global poverty line is adjusted using Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) to allow comparison across countries regardless of currency value.
• A poverty line defines the minimum daily spending needed for basic needs like food, clothing, and shelter.
• The global poverty line is adjusted using Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) to allow comparison across countries regardless of currency value.
• How Is Poverty Rate Determined?
• Poverty is measured as the percentage of people living below a certain daily expenditure level (e.g., $2.15/day). The World Bank uses household consumption data, adjusted for PPP and inflation, to calculate national and global poverty rates.
• Poverty is measured as the percentage of people living below a certain daily expenditure level (e.g., $2.15/day).
• The World Bank uses household consumption data, adjusted for PPP and inflation, to calculate national and global poverty rates.
• The new estimate reflects richer consumption data and updated cost of living, especially in countries like India. Extreme poverty line is now based on the median poverty line for low-income countries.
• The new estimate reflects richer consumption data and updated cost of living, especially in countries like India.
• Extreme poverty line is now based on the median poverty line for low-income countries.
• Implications For India:
• Sharp Drop in Extreme Poverty: Under the old $2.15 line, 2.4% of Indians were poor in 2022. The new $3 line increases this to 5.3%, but it’s still a major drop from 16.2% in 2011–12. Data Shift: The shift is driven by the first official CES survey in 11 years (2022–23), which shows higher consumption patterns, indicating improved living standards. Moderate Poverty Still Significant Under the $4.20/day line (for lower-middle-income countries), 23.9% of Indians were poor in 2022 — showing that moderate poverty remains a concern. Global Comparison Better Reflects Indian Progress: India’s progress is more visible with new PPP-adjusted benchmarks and better domestic data integration into global metrics. Caution in Comparison: Direct comparison with older surveys (like 2011–12 CES) is not advisable due to different methodologies and inflation adjustments.
• Sharp Drop in Extreme Poverty: Under the old $2.15 line, 2.4% of Indians were poor in 2022. The new $3 line increases this to 5.3%, but it’s still a major drop from 16.2% in 2011–12.
• Data Shift: The shift is driven by the first official CES survey in 11 years (2022–23), which shows higher consumption patterns, indicating improved living standards.
• Moderate Poverty Still Significant Under the $4.20/day line (for lower-middle-income countries), 23.9% of Indians were poor in 2022 — showing that moderate poverty remains a concern.
• Global Comparison Better Reflects Indian Progress: India’s progress is more visible with new PPP-adjusted benchmarks and better domestic data integration into global metrics.
• Caution in Comparison: Direct comparison with older surveys (like 2011–12 CES) is not advisable due to different methodologies and inflation adjustments.
International Conference on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (ICDRI) 2025
Source: PIB
Context: Prime Minister of India addressed the International Conference on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (ICDRI) 2025, held for the first time in Europe.
About Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure:
• What It Is? CDRI is a global multilateral platform launched by India in 2019 to promote infrastructure resilience against climate and disaster risks.
• CDRI is a global multilateral platform launched by India in 2019 to promote infrastructure resilience against climate and disaster risks.
• Headquarters: Located in New Delhi.
• Membership: 46 member countries and 8 partner organizations. Includes national governments, UN agencies, multilateral banks, and private sector entities.
• 46 member countries and 8 partner organizations.
• Includes national governments, UN agencies, multilateral banks, and private sector entities.
• Objective: Mobilize investments to make infrastructure climate- and disaster-resilient by 2050. Improve environmental quality, livelihoods, and resilience for over 3 billion people.
• Mobilize investments to make infrastructure climate- and disaster-resilient by 2050.
• Improve environmental quality, livelihoods, and resilience for over 3 billion people.
• Funding: Mainly voluntary contributions. India is the primary funder, supported by USA, UK, France, Japan, Germany, Australia, Canada, and World Bank. No mandatory financial commitment for members.
• Mainly voluntary contributions.
• India is the primary funder, supported by USA, UK, France, Japan, Germany, Australia, Canada, and World Bank.
• No mandatory financial commitment for members.
• Functions: Facilitate global knowledge exchange, conduct research, promote capacity building, and aid in financing resilient infrastructure. Implement 10 thematic initiatives, including those for Small Island Developing States (SIDS), urban resilience, Africa, and critical infrastructure.
• Facilitate global knowledge exchange, conduct research, promote capacity building, and aid in financing resilient infrastructure.
• Implement 10 thematic initiatives, including those for Small Island Developing States (SIDS), urban resilience, Africa, and critical infrastructure.
Key Highlights of ICDRI 2025:
• Theme of the Conference: “Shaping a Resilient Future for Coastal Regions”
• India 5 Global Priorities at CDRI:
• Education & Skill Development: Integrate disaster resilience modules into higher education for a future-ready workforce. Global Digital Repository: Create a platform to share case studies, learnings, and rebuilding models post-disaster. Innovative Financing for Developing Nations: Ensure access to resilience funding, especially for vulnerable countries. Special Focus on SIDS: Recognize Small Island Developing States (SIDS) as Large Ocean Countries, and prioritize their unique climate challenges. Early Warning & Coordination Systems: Strengthen real-time alerts and last-mile communication to reduce disaster impacts.
• Education & Skill Development: Integrate disaster resilience modules into higher education for a future-ready workforce.
• Global Digital Repository: Create a platform to share case studies, learnings, and rebuilding models post-disaster.
• Innovative Financing for Developing Nations: Ensure access to resilience funding, especially for vulnerable countries.
• Special Focus on SIDS: Recognize Small Island Developing States (SIDS) as Large Ocean Countries, and prioritize their unique climate challenges.
• Early Warning & Coordination Systems: Strengthen real-time alerts and last-mile communication to reduce disaster impacts.
16th Finance Commission
Source: BS
Context: Shri T. Rabi Sankar, Deputy Governor of RBI, has been appointed as a part-time Member of the 16th Finance Commission (XVIFC) following the resignation of Shri Ajay Narayan Jha.
About 16th Finance Commission:
What is the Finance Commission?
• A constitutional body constituted under Article 280 of the Indian Constitution.
• It recommends the distribution of tax revenues between the Union and States and evaluates fiscal needs of local bodies.
Establishment and Tenure:
• The 16th Finance Commission (XVIFC) was set up on 31 December 2023.
• It is tasked with giving recommendations for the award period from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2031.
Terms Of Reference for 16th Finance Commission:
• Distribution of Tax Revenues between Centre and States under Part XII of the Constitution.
• Principles for Grant-in-aid under Article 275 for revenue support (excluding specific purposes).
• Measures to augment State Consolidated Funds to support Panchayats and Municipalities, as per State Finance Commission’s recommendations.
Administrative Details:
• Qualifications for Members (As per Finance Commission Act, 1951): Members must have:
• Members must have:
• Judicial or high court experience, or Expertise in finance, economics, administration, or Knowledge of government finance and accounts.
• Judicial or high court experience, or Expertise in finance, economics, administration, or Knowledge of government finance and accounts.
• Judicial or high court experience, or
• Expertise in finance, economics, administration, or
• Knowledge of government finance and accounts.
• Disqualifications: A person is disqualified if:
• A person is disqualified if:
• Of unsound mind, undischarged insolvent, or Convicted of moral turpitude, or Holds conflicting financial interests affecting impartiality.
• Of unsound mind, undischarged insolvent, or Convicted of moral turpitude, or Holds conflicting financial interests affecting impartiality.
• Of unsound mind, undischarged insolvent, or
• Convicted of moral turpitude, or
• Holds conflicting financial interests affecting impartiality.
• Term of Office: Tenure as per Presidential notification and eligible for reappointment. Members can resign via letter to the President.
• Tenure as per Presidential notification and eligible for reappointment.
• Members can resign via letter to the President.
• Powers And Functions: The Commission acts with civil court powers under Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, for: Summoning witnesses, requiring documents, requisitioning records, and seeking public authority cooperation. Can demand information from individuals and institutions relevant to its mandate. Has jurisdiction across India.
• The Commission acts with civil court powers under Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, for: Summoning witnesses, requiring documents, requisitioning records, and seeking public authority cooperation.
• Can demand information from individuals and institutions relevant to its mandate.
• Has jurisdiction across India.
Axiom-4 (Ax-4) Space Mission
Source: ET
Context: Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, one of the four astronauts shortlisted for India’s Gaganyaan Mission, will pilot the Axiom-4 (Ax-4) space mission, launching on June 10, 2025 from the USA.
About Axiom-4 (Ax-4) Space Mission:
• What is Ax-4?
• Ax-4 is the fourth human spaceflight mission by Axiom Space, a U.S.-based commercial space company. It is a 14-day mission to the International Space Station (ISS) focusing on scientific research and international cooperation.
• Ax-4 is the fourth human spaceflight mission by Axiom Space, a U.S.-based commercial space company.
• It is a 14-day mission to the International Space Station (ISS) focusing on scientific research and international cooperation.
• Launch Details:
• Launch Site: Kennedy Space Center, Florida, USA. Launch Vehicle: SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying the Crew Dragon capsule.
• Launch Site: Kennedy Space Center, Florida, USA.
• Launch Vehicle: SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying the Crew Dragon capsule.
• Associated Organisation:
• Axiom Space (USA) is executing the mission in collaboration with: NASA (space infrastructure and launch support) ESA (European Space Agency) Partner countries including India, Poland, and Hungary.
• Axiom Space (USA) is executing the mission in collaboration with: NASA (space infrastructure and launch support) ESA (European Space Agency) Partner countries including India, Poland, and Hungary.
• NASA (space infrastructure and launch support)
• ESA (European Space Agency)
• Partner countries including India, Poland, and Hungary.
• Crew Members and National Significance:
Astronaut | Country | Role
Peggy Whitson | USA | Mission Commander
Shubhanshu Shukla | India | Pilot
Sławosz Uznański | Poland (ESA) | Mission Specialist
Tibor Kapu | Hungary | Mission Specialist
• Objectives of the Ax-4 mission:
• Conduct ~60 scientific experiments representing 31 countries. Research domains: Human health in microgravity Life and material sciences Earth observation and space biology Promote international STEM education, academic outreach, and industry collaboration. Advance low-Earth orbit (LEO) research and redefine public-private partnerships in space.
• Conduct ~60 scientific experiments representing 31 countries.
• Research domains: Human health in microgravity Life and material sciences Earth observation and space biology
• Human health in microgravity
• Life and material sciences
• Earth observation and space biology
• Promote international STEM education, academic outreach, and industry collaboration.
• Advance low-Earth orbit (LEO) research and redefine public-private partnerships in space.
• Significance For India:
• Experience for Gaganyaan: Shukla’s role provides critical pilot experience ahead of ISRO’s 2027 Gaganyaan mission. Boost to Indigenous Missions: Data and learning from Ax-4 will inform docking procedures for India’s upcoming SpaDeX missions and Bharatiya Antriksh Station (2035). Science Diplomacy: Positions India as a global contributor to space science and microgravity research.
• Experience for Gaganyaan: Shukla’s role provides critical pilot experience ahead of ISRO’s 2027 Gaganyaan mission.
• Boost to Indigenous Missions: Data and learning from Ax-4 will inform docking procedures for India’s upcoming SpaDeX missions and Bharatiya Antriksh Station (2035).
• Science Diplomacy: Positions India as a global contributor to space science and microgravity research.
Solar Climate Intervention Techniques
Source: TH
Context: A new study in Earth’s Future journal proposes a low-altitude version of Stratospheric Aerosol Injection (SAI) using modified existing aircraft.
About Solar Climate Intervention Techniques:
• What is Solar Climate Intervention? It refers to geoengineering technologies aimed at reducing incoming solar radiation to counteract global warming effects without cutting greenhouse gas emissions.
• It refers to geoengineering technologies aimed at reducing incoming solar radiation to counteract global warming effects without cutting greenhouse gas emissions.
• Key Types of Techniques:
• Stratospheric Aerosol Injection (SAI): Spraying sulphur dioxide or other particles into the stratosphere to reflect sunlight and cool Earth. Marine Cloud Brightening: Involves spraying sea salt into marine clouds to increase their reflectivity. Space-Based Reflectors: Hypothetical deployment of mirrors or shades in space to block a portion of sunlight. Surface Albedo Modification: Lightening surfaces (like painting roofs white or planting reflective crops) to reflect more sunlight.
• Stratospheric Aerosol Injection (SAI): Spraying sulphur dioxide or other particles into the stratosphere to reflect sunlight and cool Earth.
• Marine Cloud Brightening: Involves spraying sea salt into marine clouds to increase their reflectivity.
• Space-Based Reflectors: Hypothetical deployment of mirrors or shades in space to block a portion of sunlight.
• Surface Albedo Modification: Lightening surfaces (like painting roofs white or planting reflective crops) to reflect more sunlight.
• How Stratospheric Aerosol Injection (SAI) Works?
• Inspired by volcanic eruptions (e.g., Mount Pinatubo, 1991) that cooled global temperatures by emitting aerosols. Sulphur dioxide aerosols are released at high altitudes (~13–20 km) to form a reflective layer. This layer reflects sunlight back into space, reducing global surface temperatures. Duration of particles in the stratosphere: months to years, depending on injection altitude.
• Inspired by volcanic eruptions (e.g., Mount Pinatubo, 1991) that cooled global temperatures by emitting aerosols.
• Sulphur dioxide aerosols are released at high altitudes (~13–20 km) to form a reflective layer.
• This layer reflects sunlight back into space, reducing global surface temperatures.
• Duration of particles in the stratosphere: months to years, depending on injection altitude.
• Significance Of SAI:
• Rapid Cooling: Could lower global temperatures within a year of deployment. Cheaper Alternative: More affordable than decarbonisation strategies. Buys Time: Offers short-term relief while countries scale up renewable energy. Scientific Learning: Opens avenues for microgravity aerosol research, modelling, and international coordination.
• Rapid Cooling: Could lower global temperatures within a year of deployment.
• Cheaper Alternative: More affordable than decarbonisation strategies.
• Buys Time: Offers short-term relief while countries scale up renewable energy.
• Scientific Learning: Opens avenues for microgravity aerosol research, modelling, and international coordination.
• Limitations:
• Global Side Effects: Uneven regional cooling and could disrupt monsoons, rainfall, and crop patterns. Ozone Layer Threat: May delay ozone hole recovery. Acid Rain Risk: Sulphur compounds may lead to acid precipitation. Governance Challenges: Affects all nations but may be initiated unilaterally – creating geopolitical tensions. High Volume Needed at Lower Altitudes: 2–3x more aerosol needed if injected at ~13 km vs 20 km.
• Global Side Effects: Uneven regional cooling and could disrupt monsoons, rainfall, and crop patterns.
• Ozone Layer Threat: May delay ozone hole recovery.
• Acid Rain Risk: Sulphur compounds may lead to acid precipitation.
• Governance Challenges: Affects all nations but may be initiated unilaterally – creating geopolitical tensions.
• High Volume Needed at Lower Altitudes: 2–3x more aerosol needed if injected at ~13 km vs 20 km.
Magnetic Isolation and Concentration (MagIC)
Source: TH
Context: A new technique called Magnetic Isolation and Concentration (MagIC) has enabled cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) to analyse samples 100 times more dilute than earlier.
About Magnetic Isolation and Concentration (MagIC):
• What is MagIC? MagIC stands for Magnetic Isolation and Concentration – a novel enhancement to cryo-electron microscopy (Cryo-EM). It enables the imaging of ultra-dilute biological samples—100 times more dilute than what was previously possible.
• MagIC stands for Magnetic Isolation and Concentration – a novel enhancement to cryo-electron microscopy (Cryo-EM).
• It enables the imaging of ultra-dilute biological samples—100 times more dilute than what was previously possible.
• How It Works? Tagging: Molecules of interest are bound to magnetic beads (about 50 nm in size). Magnetic Clustering: A magnet is used to pull and cluster these bead-bound molecules into dense regions on the cryo-EM Image Capture: The concentrated clusters allow more usable particles per image, making detection feasible even at <0.0005 mg/ml DuSTER Algorithm: An AI-based tool filters out background noise by selecting only those particles that are consistently detected across multiple imaging passes.
• Tagging: Molecules of interest are bound to magnetic beads (about 50 nm in size).
• Magnetic Clustering: A magnet is used to pull and cluster these bead-bound molecules into dense regions on the cryo-EM
• Image Capture: The concentrated clusters allow more usable particles per image, making detection feasible even at <0.0005 mg/ml
• DuSTER Algorithm: An AI-based tool filters out background noise by selecting only those particles that are consistently detected across multiple imaging passes.
About Cryo-Electron Microscopy (Cryo-EM):
• What is Cryo-EM? A revolutionary imaging technique that captures 3D structures of biomolecules at near-atomic resolution. It involves rapid freezing (vitrification) of samples and imaging them using electron beams.
• A revolutionary imaging technique that captures 3D structures of biomolecules at near-atomic resolution.
• It involves rapid freezing (vitrification) of samples and imaging them using electron beams.
• Developed by: Initially developed in the 1980s. Recent advancements in hardware and image-processing algorithms earned the 2017 Nobel Prize in Chemistry (awarded to Dubochet, Frank, and Henderson).
• Initially developed in the 1980s.
• Recent advancements in hardware and image-processing algorithms earned the 2017 Nobel Prize in Chemistry (awarded to Dubochet, Frank, and Henderson).
• Working Principle: Sample Preparation: Protein solutions are rapidly frozen using cryogenic liquids (e.g. ethane) into amorphous ice to preserve natural structures. Imaging: Electron beams pass through the frozen sample producing multiple 2D projections. Data Processing: Computational software reconstructs a 3D density map from thousands of 2D particle images. Structure Modelling: Final atomic-level models are fitted into this density for biological insights.
• Sample Preparation: Protein solutions are rapidly frozen using cryogenic liquids (e.g. ethane) into amorphous ice to preserve natural structures.
• Imaging: Electron beams pass through the frozen sample producing multiple 2D projections.
• Data Processing: Computational software reconstructs a 3D density map from thousands of 2D particle images.
• Structure Modelling: Final atomic-level models are fitted into this density for biological insights.
• Applications of Cryo-EM: Structural Biology: Mapping large, flexible macromolecules like ribosomes, ion channels. Virology: Revealing virus capsids (e.g. SARS-CoV-2 spike protein). Cell Biology: Imaging cell organelles, cytoskeletons, mitotic spindles. Neurobiology: Understanding synaptic vesicles and neuronal signalling. Drug Discovery: Designing inhibitors by visualizing protein-ligand binding sites. Molecular Biology: Visualizing RNA polymerases, ribosomes, and translation complexes.
• Structural Biology: Mapping large, flexible macromolecules like ribosomes, ion channels.
• Virology: Revealing virus capsids (e.g. SARS-CoV-2 spike protein).
• Cell Biology: Imaging cell organelles, cytoskeletons, mitotic spindles.
• Neurobiology: Understanding synaptic vesicles and neuronal signalling.
• Drug Discovery: Designing inhibitors by visualizing protein-ligand binding sites.
• Molecular Biology: Visualizing RNA polymerases, ribosomes, and translation complexes.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 9 June 2025 Military Exercise in News :
Exercise Nomadic Elephant 2025
Source: NIE
Context: India and Mongolia are conducting the 17th edition of the joint military exercise ‘Nomadic Elephant 2025’ in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia from May 31 to June 13, 2025.
About Exercise Nomadic Elephant 2025:
• Type of Exercise: It is a joint military training between two countries – India and Mongolia.
• Current Edition: This is the 17th edition of the exercise, showing a long-term defence partnership.
• Location: The exercise is being held at the Special Forces Training Centre in Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia.
• Indian Participation: 45 soldiers from the Indian Army are taking part. They are mainly from the Arunachal Scouts, and a unit trained for mountain warfare.
• Key Features and Activities: Counterterrorism Training: Soldiers are practicing skills like sniper shooting, room clearing, and fighting in mountain and city-like areas. Peacekeeping Practice: The troops are preparing for situations where countries work together under the UN’s command to maintain peace and help civilians in conflict zones. Cyber and Rock Warfare: Training includes basic cyber warfare awareness and climbing or survival skills in rough terrains like hills and rocks. Working Together Smoothly: The goal is to improve coordination and understanding between the two armies so they can act together quickly during emergencies. Cultural Bonding: Soldiers are also sharing cultural programs to build friendship and mutual respect between the two countries.
• Counterterrorism Training: Soldiers are practicing skills like sniper shooting, room clearing, and fighting in mountain and city-like areas.
• Peacekeeping Practice: The troops are preparing for situations where countries work together under the UN’s command to maintain peace and help civilians in conflict zones.
• Cyber and Rock Warfare: Training includes basic cyber warfare awareness and climbing or survival skills in rough terrains like hills and rocks.
• Working Together Smoothly: The goal is to improve coordination and understanding between the two armies so they can act together quickly during emergencies.
• Cultural Bonding: Soldiers are also sharing cultural programs to build friendship and mutual respect between the two countries.
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