NATIONAL UPDATES:
1. Sundarbans Tiger Reserve Expansion: The Sundarbans Tiger
Reserve (STR) is set to become India’s second-largest tiger sanctuary. A
proposal to expand the reserve by 1,100 sq km has reached the Union Ministry of
Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC). This expansion will
increase the reserve’s area from 2,585.89 sq km to 3,629.57 sq km. The National
Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has already granted technical clearance. The final approval
now rests with the Standing Committee of the National Wildlife Board (NWLB).
The expansion proposal includes three forest ranges in South 24-Parganas –
Raidighi, Matla, and Ramganga. Once incorporated, the Sundarbans Tiger Reserve
will be second only to Andhra Pradesh’s Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve
in size. The NTCA and NWLB are both chaired by Union Environment Minister
Bhupender Yadav. The proposal is expected to be discussed in the NWLB’s
upcoming meetings.
2. Meghalaya Rainfall Declines: Meghalaya, known as the
‘Abode of Clouds’, is famous for its heavy rainfall. However, the 2025 Southwest
Monsoon season recorded a
severe rainfall deficit of 56 per cent, the highest in India. This unusual
dryness affects a state where 83 per cent of people rely on rain-fed farming
and nearly half the land is cultivable. The trend of declining rainfall has
been observed over decades and poses risks to water security, agriculture, and
the rich biodiversity of the region. Recently, Meghalaya received only 690.7
millimetres of rain from June 1 to July 28, far below the normal 1,555.4 mm.
Surprisingly, drier states like Jharkhand recorded more rainfall, with a 53 per
cent excess. Seven states and Union Territories had more absolute rainfall than
Meghalaya during this period. This shift marks a worrying drying trend in a
region once known for its heavy precipitation. Research based on the Standard
Precipitation Index (SPI) shows a century-long shift in Meghalaya’s rainfall
pattern. In the 1950s, central Meghalaya was wetter. Over time, drier zones
expanded, especially in the western, central, and northern areas. Recent
decades show southern and southeastern parts like East Khasi Hills and Jaintia
Hills remaining wetter. The Southwest Khasi Hills recorded the highest rainfall
during the monsoon.
3. Meghnad Desai: Lord Meghnad Desai, a
towering figure in economics and public policy, passed away in London on 29
July 2025 at the age of 85. His death marks the end of a remarkable career that
bridged India and the United Kingdom, academia and politics, theory and
practice. Desai’s work spanned development economics, Marxian theory, and
international relations, leaving a lasting legacy in both countries and beyond.
Born in Vadodara, Gujarat, in 1940, Desai showed early curiosity about social
inequality. He graduated in economics from the University of Mumbai and earned
his PhD from the University of Pennsylvania. His academic training focused on
development economics and macroeconomic challenges faced by underdeveloped
countries. Desai joined the London School of Economics (LSE) in 1965 and became
Professor of Economics in 1983. He founded the Centre for the Study of Global
Governance in 1992, which examined post-colonial transitions and global power
shifts. His teaching blended classical economics with Marxist theory and
encouraged critical debate on capitalism, socialism, and public policy.
4. 5-Year Progress of National Education
Policy 2020: The National
Education Policy (NEP) 2020 marked a
major reform in India’s education system. Five years since its approval, some
changes are visible in schools and higher education. However, many initiatives
face delays due to institutional and political hurdles. This article summarises
key developments and ongoing challenges under the NEP framework. The
traditional 10+2 system has been replaced with four stages – foundational
(pre-primary to class 2), preparatory (classes 3-5), middle (6-8), and
secondary (9-12). The National
Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCFSE) 2023 defines learning outcomes for each stage.
NCERT has introduced new textbooks for classes 1-8. Social science is now
taught as an integrated subject combining history, geography, political
science, and economics. Textbooks for classes 9-12 are expected soon.
5. Kaziranga Biodiversity Crisis: Recent efforts in Kaziranga National Park have focused on a comprehensive
bird census to assess the status of grassland bird species. This initiative is
crucial as grassland birds serve as indicators of ecosystem health. The survey
combined advanced acoustic monitoring with traditional conservation methods to
overcome challenges posed by the elusive nature of these birds. Between March
18 and May 25, 2025, forest officials, scientists, and conservationists
conducted a detailed survey of grassland birds in Kaziranga National Park. This
park is predominantly covered by grasslands, which are rapidly declining
habitats. The census was initiated by a doctoral student studying the
threatened Black-breasted Parrotbill. The survey aimed to identify and monitor
grassland bird species, many of which are rare and difficult to spot.
6. Air Pollution Linked to Increased Dementia
Risk: Recent
research from Cambridge University marks link between long-term air
pollution exposure and dementia risk. This large-scale study
reviewed 51 investigations involving over 29 million people exposed to air
pollutants for at least one year. It found a clear and statistically
association between common pollutants and the likelihood of developing
dementia. The study focused on three main pollutants – PM2.5, nitrogen dioxide
(NO2), and soot (black carbon). PM2.5 consists of fine particles less than 2.5
micrometres in diameter. These particles mainly come from vehicle emissions and
thermal power plants. For every 10 micrograms per cubic metre (µg/m³) increase
in PM2.5 exposure, dementia risk rose by 17%. Nitrogen dioxide, produced by
burning fossil fuels in vehicles and industries, increased dementia risk by 3%
per 10 µg/m³. Soot, a component of PM2.5 from exhaust and wood burning, raised
dementia risk by 13% per 1 µg/m³. These figures show a strong dose-response
relationship.
INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:
1. State of Food and Nutrition in the World: The 2025 edition of the State of Food and Nutrition in
the World (SOFI) report reveals that hunger affected 720 million people
worldwide in 2024. This represents about 8.2 per cent of the global population.
Although this is a slight improvement from previous years, the overall progress
remains uneven across regions. The report marks persistent food insecurity,
especially in Africa and parts of Asia, and warns of the difficulties in
achieving the UN’s zero-hunger goal by 2030. Asia has the largest number of
undernourished people, with 323 million affected. Africa follows closely with
307 million people facing hunger. Latin America and the Caribbean have 34 million
undernourished. While Southeast Asia, Southern Asia, and South America saw
declines, many African regions experienced persistent or rising hunger. Over 20
per cent of Africa’s population faces chronic hunger.
2. Golden Jackal: Recent research has revealed Kerala hosts 20,000 to
30,000 Golden Jackals (Canis aureus naria). This extensive citizen science
study combined public participation and scientific methods. It marks the
species’ wide presence beyond forests, adapting well to human environments. The
findings urge new conservation strategies across diverse landscapes. The study
was led by experts including P.S. Easa and involved over 2,200 participants. It
recorded 5,000 sightings in 874 villages. This large-scale effort used citizen
science combined with predictive modelling. It is one of the most detailed
assessments of Golden Jackals in Kerala. Golden Jackals thrive near human
settlements and urban spaces in cities such as Kannur, Kozhikode, Thrissur,
Ernakulam and Thiruvananthapuram. Their ability to live close to humans
reflects high ecological flexibility. This challenges traditional views of
wildlife needing deep forests.
3. Amur Tiger and Indigenous Taiga
Spirituality: The Amur tiger, also known as the Siberian
tiger, remains a symbol of power and spirituality in the Russian Far
East. On International
Tiger Day 2025, attention has returned to the
deep bond between this majestic animal and the indigenous peoples of the
Siberian taiga. These communities, including the Udege, Nanai, and Oroch, hold
the tiger in sacred regard. Their beliefs and rituals show a unique spiritual
relationship shaped by shamanism and ancient customs. The Amur tiger is the
largest cat on Earth. It dominates the Siberian taiga with no natural predators
except humans. Its diet ranges from wild boar to even the Russian Brown Bear.
This tiger’s survival depends on the vast, dense forests of Primorsky Krai,
which is its last stronghold. The indigenous groups of the Russian Far East
venerate the Amur tiger as a spiritual being. The Udege regard the tiger,
called ‘Amba’, as a revered kinsman. Their founding myth links them directly to
the tiger, symbolising a family bond beyond mere admiration. Unlike ethnic
Russians, these tribes integrate the tiger deeply into their cultural identity.
4. Syria Sets September Parliamentary
Elections: Syria is preparing to hold parliamentary
elections from 15 to 20 September 2025. These will be the first elections since
the fall of former President Bashar al-Assad in a swift rebel offensive in
December 2024. The political landscape remains fragile with ongoing sectarian violence
and foreign interventions complicating the transition. The elections will fill
140 of the 210 parliamentary seats by popular vote. The remaining 70 seats will
be appointed by interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa. This interim arrangement
follows the adoption of a temporary constitution in March 2025. The
constitution established a People’s Committee as a provisional parliament until
a permanent constitution is drafted and general elections conducted, a process
expected to take several years.
OTHER UPDATES:
DEFENCE
1. Exercise Drone Prahar: The Indian Army recently conducted Exercise Drone Prahar
in Arunachal Pradesh’s East Siang district. This high-tech military drill
validated the use of drone technology in tactical battlefield scenarios. The
exercise demonstrated the effective application of drones for intelligence,
surveillance, reconnaissance, and precision targeting under realistic
operational conditions. The primary aim was to enhance command reach and
situational awareness for tactical commanders. Drones provided layered
surveillance and supported dynamic decision-making on the ground. This marked
step towards modernising combat capabilities by integrating emerging
technologies into battlefield operations. The exercise showcased real-time sensor-to-shooter
coordination using drones. It brought into light precision targeting
capabilities based on live intelligence and surveillance data. The use of
drones enabled faster and more accurate responses to battlefield threats,
improving operational efficiency.
2. Famine Risk and Food Crisis in Gaza Strip: The Gaza
Strip faces a severe food crisis in 2025. The
United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) reports that a third of Gaza’s
population is going days without eating. Despite the worsening situation,
famine has not yet been officially declared. Israel has agreed to pause
military operations for 10 hours daily in some areas to allow humanitarian aid.
However, aid deliveries remain limited and dangerous for civilians gathering
food. Gaza’s 2.3 million residents suffer from extreme food shortages. Since
March 2025, Israel imposed a blockade, stopping all supplies. Limited aid
resumed in May but remains insufficient. Around 900 people have been killed at
aid distribution points. UN agencies warn of widespread malnutrition and
hunger. Aid trucks entering Gaza have dropped from 600 daily to about 250
weekly. The Israeli military has begun airdropping food parcels and promised
humanitarian corridors.
3. Veer Parivar Sahayata Yojana: The National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) launched
the Veer Parivar Sahayata Yojana. This scheme aims to provide free legal aid to
defence personnel and their families. It was revealed during the North Zone
Regional Conference in Srinagar. The initiative strengthens legal support
through dedicated clinics linked with Sainik Boards at district, state, and
central levels. Defence personnel often face legal challenges while posted in
remote areas. Issues such as land disputes, matrimonial conflicts, and service
entitlements become difficult to manage from afar. The scheme recognises this
gap and offers a legal support network to ease these burdens. It honours the
sacrifices of soldiers and ensures their families receive timely legal
assistance.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1. Ancient Human Species and Evolutionary
Interactions: Recent research has transformed our
understanding of human evolution. Modern humans, Homo sapiens, lived alongside
several ancient human species between 300,000 and 40,000 years ago. These
species were not just neighbours but interacted and interbred with our
ancestors. Their genetic legacy continues to influence modern populations. This
discovery reveals a complex evolutionary history marked by diversity and
interconnection. Neanderthals (Homo neanderthalensis) emerged about 400,000
years ago. They were adapted to cold Eurasian climates with stocky bodies and
large noses to warm air. Their brains were larger on average than those of
modern humans. They used tools, fire, and clothing effectively. Genetic studies
show 1–2% of DNA in Europeans and Asians comes from Neanderthals, affecting
immune responses. They became extinct around 40,000 years ago but left a
lasting genetic imprint. Discovered in 2008 from a finger bone in Siberia,
Denisovans lived between 300,000 and 25,000 years ago. They diverged from Neanderthals
about 550,000 to 765,000 years ago. Denisovans inhabited diverse environments
from Siberian caves to Southeast Asian forests. Genetic evidence shows they had
dark skin, eyes, and hair. Remarkably, a hybrid individual with one Neanderthal
parent and one Denisovan parent was found. Their DNA survives in some modern
Asian and Oceanian populations.
2. Glacial Lake Outburst Floods Threaten
Himalayan Regions: The Himalayan region witnessed severe Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) in 2025, causing widespread damage to
infrastructure and power supply, especially in Nepal and India. Rising
temperatures and melting glaciers have increased the frequency and intensity of
GLOFs, posing a grave threat to life, property and ecosystems. The events show
the urgent need for trans-boundary cooperation and advanced early warning
systems to mitigate risks. On 8 July 2025, a major GLOF from a supra-glacial
lake in Tibet triggered flash floods along the Lende river, damaging Nepal’s
Rasuwagadhi inland container port and destroying a China-built friendship
bridge. Four hydro-power plants on the Bhote Koshi river were rendered
inoperable, cutting 8% of Nepal’s electricity supply. Nepalese scientists
confirmed the lake’s surface area shrank from 63 to 43 hectares overnight.
Later the same day, another GLOF struck Mustang district in Nepal. Earlier in
2025, GLOFs occurred in Humla and Solukhumbu districts, the latter destroying
the Everest base camp village of Thame. These successive events tell Nepal’s
vulnerability and the lack of early warning cooperation with China.
3. Environmental Impact of AI: Artificial intelligence (AI) is now deeply embedded in
many sectors. Its use spans customer service, logistics, finance, and product
development. While AI’s capabilities are widely celebrated, its environmental
impact is less discussed but equally critical. Training large AI models can
produce carbon emissions comparable to several cars over their lifetimes. This
hidden cost is often overlooked by users and providers alike. AI systems
require vast energy, especially during model training. Training a single
large-scale model can emit carbon dioxide. Data centres powering AI consume
large amounts of electricity to run servers and cool hardware. Cooling alone
uses huge volumes of water. Hardware replacement cycles are also accelerating,
adding to resource use and waste.
BANKING AND FINANCE
1. India’s Economic Outlook and Monetary
Policy in 2025: India’s inflation rate remains below the Reserve
Bank of India’s (RBI) 4 per cent target in 2025. The Finance Ministry’s June
Economic Review projects inflation will undershoot the 3.7 per cent forecast
for the fiscal year 2025-26 (FY26). This creates scope for the RBI to continue
easing monetary policy. The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) is set to meet in
August 2025 amid expectations of further interest rate cuts to support growth.
Inflation trends are subdued, especially core inflation. The RBI has already
cut interest rates by 100 basis points between February and June 2025. This
easing aims to boost economic growth. With inflation comfortably low, the MPC
may sustain or deepen rate cuts. Lower borrowing costs could stimulate demand
and investment. Credit growth by scheduled commercial banks slowed to 10.4 per
cent in June 2025 from 13.9 per cent a year earlier. Despite easier monetary
conditions and strong bank balance sheets, credit uptake remains cautious. This
slowdown reflects risk-averse lenders and hesitant borrowers. Private
investment appetite is weak, limiting economic acceleration.
2. Scheme for Promotion of Culture of Science in India: The Scheme for Promotion of Culture of Science (SPoCS) is a key initiative launched by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. As of mid-2025, it has established 27 Science Centres across the country. These centres aim to encourage scientific temper and spread awareness among the general public and students. The scheme supports the creation of Science Cities, Innovation Hubs, Digital Planetariums, and Science Centres. It focuses on inclusive development by targeting underrepresented and remote regions. SPoCS aims to promote scientific temper and curiosity nationwide. It seeks to enhance informal science education outside traditional classrooms. The scheme encourages innovation and hands-on learning. It also strives to make science accessible to all sections of society, especially youth and students. This aligns with India’s broader educational and developmental goals.
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