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July 31st 2025 Current Affairs
Mains Analysis
Massive Earthquake Strikes Kamchatka: Causes, Ring of Fire Link, and Global Implications A Powerful Quake off Russia’s Coast A massive 8.8 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula, triggering tsunami warnings across the Pacific. The quake’s epicenter was located 119 km southeast of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky at a shallow depth of 19.3 km. Initially recorded as magnitude 8.0, it was later upgraded, and a 6.9 magnitude aftershock followed. Understanding Earthquake Magnitude and Measurement The Kamchatka earthquake is classified as a “great” earthquake, an extremely rare event.
Magnitude measures the energy released, while intensity refers to how strongly the earthquake is felt in specific areas. Kamchatka: A High-Seismic Zone Kamchatka, located in Russia’s Far East, is one of the most earthquake-prone regions globally.
The Tectonic Forces Behind the Quake Kamchatka''s seismic activity stems from tectonic plate subduction, where the Pacific Plate slides beneath the Okhotsk microplate.
The region sits atop the Kuril-Kamchatka Trench, reaching depths of nearly 10 km. Kamchatka and the Pacific Ring of Fire Kamchatka lies within the Pacific Ring of Fire, a 40,000 km horseshoe-shaped zone of intense earthquake and volcanic activity encircling the Pacific Plate.
This seismic zone affects over 15 countries, such as Russia, Japan, the US, Indonesia, Chile, and the Philippines, all prone to frequent earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions. Why the Ring of Fire Is So Active Seismic and volcanic activity in the Ring of Fire results from constant tectonic movement:
Global Earthquake Zones and Comparative Risk There are three major earthquake zones worldwide:
The maximum earthquake magnitude is likely capped around 9.5, as no fault line on Earth is long enough to support a stronger rupture. |
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Judicial Discretion in POCSO Bail: Navigating Legal Grey Areas and Evolving Trends Recent Case Sparks Debate A special POCSO court in Mumbai recently granted bail to a 40-year-old teacher accused of sexually assaulting a minor, citing the consensual nature of the relationship. Understanding the POCSO Act The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012) was enacted to protect individuals under 18 from sexual abuse and exploitation. Key Features:
Bail Challenges and Judicial Discretion in POCSO Cases Offences under the POCSO Act are both cognizable and non-bailable:
While the Act does not define specific bail parameters, courts refer to Section 483 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (formerly Section 439 CrPC) to evaluate bail applications. Key considerations include:
Judicial Precedents Guiding Bail
These rulings show that bail under POCSO relies heavily on case-specific facts and judicial balancing of liberty vs victim protection. Consent and Legal Ambiguities Under POCSO, consent from anyone under 18 is legally invalid. As a result, even mutual relationships between adolescents can be prosecuted as statutory rape. The Grey Zone:
Calls for Reform Prominent voices like Senior Advocate Indira Jaising have urged the Supreme Court to lower the age of consent to 16, arguing that:
However, the Central Government opposes this, stating that:
Conclusion Bail under the POCSO Act continues to be a legal and ethical tightrope, balancing the need to protect children with concerns around judicial fairness and personal liberty. |
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Status of Small Cats in Tiger Landscapes of India Context Overview of the Report What is it? Date of Release: 29 July 2025 (Global Tiger Day) Objectives of the Report
Species Covered and Key Findings
Ecological Insights
Conservation Significance
Policy Implications
Conclusion This trailblazing report shifts the spotlight onto India’s underrepresented small wild cats, demonstrating that tiger landscapes serve as biodiversity umbrellas benefiting a range of species. It establishes a vital scientific foundation for inclusive and informed conservation planning, calling for nuanced ecological research and habitat protection strategies that extend beyond flagship species to embrace the full spectrum of India’s carnivore diversity. |
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India Successfully Launches the NASA–ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) Satellite Context On July 31, 2025, India successfully launched the NASA–ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) satellite aboard the GSLV-F16 from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota. This event marks the first Earth observation mission jointly developed by NASA and ISRO, representing a major milestone in Indo-US space cooperation. About the NISAR Mission
Mission Objectives NISAR is designed to serve multiple scientific and practical purposes, including:
Key Features of the NISAR Satellite
Division of Responsibilities: India and the USA NASA’s Contributions:
ISRO’s Contributions:
Joint Mission Operations:
Significance of the NISAR Mission
Conclusion The NISAR mission is a milestone in Indo-US space relations, showcasing the fusion of cutting-edge technology with real-world societal benefits. It represents a transition in India’s space program—from being primarily utility-focused to becoming knowledge-driven. Through NISAR, India reinforces its leadership role in Earth observation, environmental sustainability, and global scientific cooperation. |
Prelims Bytes
Mani Maran and the Living Legacy of Tamil Palm Leaf Manuscripts A Revival in Thanjavur In the culturally rich town of Thanjavur, once the proud capital of the Chola dynasty and a vibrant center of Tamil heritage, Mani Maran, a soft-spoken archivist and educator, is quietly leading a remarkable revival. Disturbed by the rapid disappearance of Suvadiyiyal—the ancient art of reading palm leaf manuscripts inscribed in traditional Tamil—he transformed his modest home into an informal learning space. Each evening, Maran''s veranda comes alive—not only with the warm glow of lamps, but with the light of learning. His home welcomes a mix of students, researchers, and working professionals, all united by a shared mission: to decode and understand ancient Tamil manuscripts, some dating back several centuries. These fragile palm leaves preserve knowledge on medicine, astronomy, music, ethics, and more—each deciphered text reconnecting modern minds with India’s profound intellectual heritage. Inspiring the Next Generation Maran’s initiative is already making an impact. One of his students has taken up research into traditional Siddha medicine, uncovering healing practices preserved in these texts. Another is digitising transcribed manuscripts, helping make this knowledge accessible to a global audience. Crucially, Maran’s work is entirely self-funded, powered not by grants or institutions, but by a deep belief: that if young people are unable to read these scripts, the voices of India’s ancestors will fade into silence. Echoing a National Mission Maran’s grassroots mission resonates with the objectives of the Gyan Bharatam Mission, recently launched by the Government of India. This national initiative aims to digitise and disseminate India’s scriptural and manuscript heritage through the creation of a National Digital Repository. A Modest Space with Monumental Impact In Maran’s humble classroom, palm leaves whisper timeless stories—not just of mythology and royalty, but of science, health, philosophy, and daily life. His dedication is a powerful reminder that preserving cultural heritage does not always require grand museums or large-scale projects. Sometimes, all it takes is one passionate teacher and a circle of committed learners to keep the legacy of a civilisation alive. |
UN Deputy Secretary-General Urges Immediate Action to Reform Global Food Systems Context: UNFSS+4 Stocktake Summit in Addis Ababa At the UN Food Systems Summit +4 (UNFSS+4) Stocktake held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, the UN Deputy Secretary-General called for urgent global action to overhaul the world’s food systems. The summit marked a critical moment to assess progress since the original UN Food Systems Summit of 2021, which was launched to build resilient, inclusive, and sustainable food systems. As part of the event, the Deputy Secretary-General also released the second biennial UNFSS+4 progress report, evaluating how far the global community has come—and how far it still needs to go. Understanding Food Systems Definition Food systems refer to the entire chain of actors and activities involved in producing, processing, distributing, consuming, and disposing of food products. These systems span across agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and associated sectors. Why Food Systems Matter Global food systems carry unseen but massive social, economic, and environmental costs, estimated at $11.6 trillion annually.
Why Global Food Systems Are Failing
Path Forward: Building Resilient Food Systems To overcome these challenges and ensure food security, the following priorities were emphasized:
Major Initiatives Driving Food System Reform
Conclusion The Deputy Secretary-General’s urgent call at UNFSS+4 highlights the pressing need to transform global food systems, not only to combat hunger and poverty but to address the broader goals of climate resilience, environmental sustainability, and social equity. With mounting climate shocks, deepening inequalities, and unsustainable practices, the world must act now—through investment, innovation, and inclusive solutions—to safeguard the future of food for all. |
India’s Resolution on the ‘Wise Use of Wetlands’ Adopted at Ramsar CoP15, Zimbabwe Overview At the 15th Conference of Parties (CoP15) to the Ramsar Convention, held in Zimbabwe, India’s resolution titled ‘Promoting Sustainable Lifestyles for Wetlands’ was officially adopted. The resolution received support from 172 countries, reflecting widespread global commitment to sustainable wetland conservation. Link to Mission LiFE India’s resolution aligns closely with the principles of Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment), a global initiative launched by India.
Understanding ‘Wise Use’ of Wetlands
Maintaining the ecological character of wetlands through ecosystem-based approaches within the context of sustainable development. This principle ensures that wetlands are both conserved and used sustainably, benefiting both people and ecosystems.
Under the Ramsar Convention, member countries are obligated to promote wise use through:
India’s National Approach to Wetland Conservation India has undertaken several initiatives to uphold the wise use principle:
About the Ramsar Convention
Conclusion India’s resolution at Ramsar CoP15 marks a significant step in global wetland conservation efforts by integrating sustainability, lifestyle change, and community engagement. Rooted in the philosophy of Mission LiFE, it reinforces the need to harmonize development with ecological preservation. By promoting the wise use of wetlands and leading with innovative frameworks and grassroots participation, India sets a strong example for environmental stewardship on the international stage. |
Prelims Bytes
Mount Cilo and Its Rapid Glacial Decline Glacial Loss Recent research indicates that Mount Cilo’s glaciers have lost nearly 50% of their ice cover over the past 40 years, highlighting the alarming impact of climate change. Location and Geography
Geological Formation
Topography and Physical Features
Climate Change Impact
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Barbados Threadsnake Rediscovered Overview The Barbados threadsnake, considered the world’s smallest known snake, has been rediscovered after decades of absence. Taxonomy and Traits
Physical Characteristics
Habitat and Range
Conservation Status
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Dorjilung Hydropower Project – India-Bhutan Renewable Collaboration Project Overview The Dorjilung Hydropower Project is a 1,125 MW run-of-river renewable energy project in eastern Bhutan. Location & River System
Technical Specifications
Significance This partnership reflects India’s expanding private-sector role in cross-border renewable energy diplomacy and supports Bhutan’s sustainable energy goals. |
Musi River and Anti-Encroachment Drive in Hyderabad Recent Development The Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) has initiated action against illegal encroachments along the Musi River bed, aiming to restore and protect the waterway. About the Musi River
Environmental Concerns
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Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary: Plans for Tiger Introduction Overview The Odisha government has announced plans to introduce tigers into the Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary located in the Bargarh district, according to a senior forest official. Location & Size
Historical Significance
Flora & Fauna
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Klyuchevskoy Volcano Context The Klyuchevskoy volcano, the tallest active volcano in the Northern Hemisphere, erupted following a massive 8.8 magnitude earthquake off Russia’s eastern coast. About Klyuchevskoy Volcano
About Kamchatka Peninsula
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Chile’s Coastal Erosion Context According to researchers from Universidad Católica, at least 10 Chilean beaches are likely to disappear within the next decade due to severe coastal erosion fueled by climate change and human activity. What’s Happening?
Causes of Erosion Natural (Climate-Induced) Factors
Human Activities
Impacts Socioeconomic
Ecological
About Chile
Natural Features
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Schengen Visa Scheme: Fast-tracking for Trusted Indian Travellers What is a Schengen Visa?
Schengen Area Countries
The Cascade Visa Scheme
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U.S. Imposes 25% Tariff on Indian Imports Starting August 2025 Context The U.S. President announced a 25% import tariff on Indian goods effective August 1, 2025, citing India’s high trade barriers and its ongoing energy and defence trade with Russia. Details of the Tariff
Objectives
Key Features and Background
India’s Response
Impact on India
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National Stock Exchange of India (NSE) Context The NSE crossed 23 crore unique trading accounts in July 2025, just three months after reaching 22 crores. About NSE
Key Objectives
Salient Features
Core Functions
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The Banking Laws (Amendment) Act, 2025 Context Effective from 1 August 2025, this Act introduces reforms enhancing governance, audit transparency, depositor protection, and cooperative bank regulation. About the Act
Key Objectives
Key Features
Significance
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Indian Harmonium Context The Indian harmonium was recently highlighted in a Building Blocks science article for its innovative non-electronic design and ongoing role in Indian classical, devotional, and folk music traditions. What is the Harmonium?
Musical Significance
How the Harmonium Works Air-Powered Sound Production
Sound and Timbre
Distinctive Features
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