UPSC Daily Current Affairs: 27th August 2025 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly PDF Download

GS2/Polity

National Designated Authority (NDA) to Enable Carbon Emissions Trading Regime

Why in News?

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has recently established a National Designated Authority (NDA) as a crucial step towards implementing a carbon emissions trading regime, in accordance with the provisions of the 2015 Paris Agreement.

Key Takeaways

• The NDA is a mandatory requirement under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement.
• Article 6 outlines the framework for carbon markets and emissions trading.
• The NDA will consist of a 21-member committee led by the Secretary of the Environment Ministry.
• It includes representatives from various ministries, including External Affairs, Steel, and Renewable Energy.
• Key responsibilities of the NDA include evaluating projects for emission reduction trading.

Additional Details

• Article 6: This article, passed during COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, defines how carbon markets can be established and operated among countries.
• NDA Responsibilities:
  • Recommend activities for emission reduction unit trading.
  • Modify these activities to align with national sustainable goals.
  • Evaluate and authorize projects aimed at reducing emissions.
• Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC):India's commitments to reduce emissions include:
  • A 45% reduction in GDP emission intensity by 2030 from 2005 levels.
  • Ensuring 50% of electric power capacity comes from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030.
  • Creating additional carbon sinks equivalent to 2.5-3 billion tonnes of CO2 by 2030 through afforestation.

The establishment of the NDA is a significant move towards strengthening India's commitment to international climate goals and facilitating a structured carbon trading market.

GS3/Science and Technology

New World Screwworm: A Flesh-Eating Parasite

Why in News?

Recently, the Department of Health and Human Services reported the first human case of the flesh-eating parasite, the New World screwworm, in the United States. This case raises concerns about the potential for infestation and its serious health implications.

Key Takeaways

• New World screwworms are a type of blue-grey blowfly found primarily in South America and the Caribbean.
• These parasites are known for their screw-like behavior when burrowing into tissue.
• Female screwworms can lay hundreds to thousands of eggs, which hatch into larvae that feed on living flesh.

Additional Details

• Infestation Symptoms:Symptoms of infestation include:
  • Sores that do not heal
  • Bleeding from open wounds
  • Feeling of larvae movement within a skin wound or sore
  • Foul-smelling odor from the site of the infestation
• Infestation can be extremely painful, particularly in humans, and poses a high mortality risk if not treated promptly.

The emergence of New World screwworm cases in humans emphasizes the need for awareness and preventive measures against this dangerous parasite.

GS3/Economy

Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) - A Global Model for Financial Inclusion

Why in News?

The Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) is crucial for empowering individuals, driving economic growth, alleviating poverty, and fostering social equality. Launched on 28 August 2014, this initiative by the Indian government aims to provide universal access to banking services, focusing primarily on marginalized sections of society.

Key Takeaways

• PMJDY addresses financial inclusion by providing banking services to previously unbanked households.
• Significant achievements include increased bank account ownership and financial literacy among citizens.

Additional Details

• Genesis of PMJDY: At its inception, around 7.5 crore households in India lacked bank accounts. The scheme's primary goal was to ensure universal access to banking services, enabling every household to engage in the formal financial system.
• Achievements:
  • Before PMJDY, only 59% of households and 35% of adults had bank accounts; by 2024, nearly 100% of households and over 90% of adults have bank accounts.
  • According to the World Bank's Findex report, account ownership among individuals aged 15 and older rose to 89% in 2024.
  • The NSS survey of 2022-2023 indicates that 94.65% of adults now own a bank account.
  • Over 56.2 crore new accounts have been opened since 2015, with women holding 56% of these accounts, demonstrating a strong focus on gender inclusion.
  • The total balance in PMJDY accounts reached Rs 2.68 lakh crore, a 17-fold increase since 2015.
  • The banking network has expanded, with over 16.2 lakh bank mitras providing services in remote areas. Currently, 99.9% of villages have banking outlets within a 5 km radius.
• Role in Welfare and Crisis Management: PMJDY accounts have streamlined the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) process, ensuring that subsidies and relief payments directly reach beneficiaries. During events like demonetization and the Covid crisis, these accounts enabled swift financial support.
• Financial Products and Digital Integration: The scheme has facilitated digital transactions and issued over 38.7 crore RuPay cards. PMJDY accounts serve multiple purposes, including receiving DBT, savings, and providing access to micro-insurance and investment products through schemes like PMJJBY and PMSBY.
• Future Prospects: Innovations in artificial intelligence and natural language processing could enhance transaction ease without requiring smartphones or internet access. The government is also initiating a financial inclusion saturation drive to update KYC details, facilitate new account openings, promote micro-insurance and pension schemes, and reduce inactive accounts under PMJDY.

In conclusion, PMJDY stands as the world's largest financial inclusion program, exemplifying inclusive governance and recognized as a global model for universal financial inclusion. As it approaches its 12th year, the focus must shift from mere account creation to enhancing account activity, financial literacy, and access to diverse financial products like insurance, credit, and pensions. Leveraging digital innovations and increasing outreach in rural and unorganized sectors can further transform PMJDY into a catalyst for sustainable economic growth.

GS3/Economy

The Gender Angle to India’s Economic Vulnerabilities

Why in News?

The relevance of this topic arises from the examination of how India's economic vulnerabilities are exacerbated by the lack of integration of women into the workforce. The gig economy presents a potential pathway for women's empowerment, which is critical in light of recent economic challenges.

Key Takeaways

• India's economic growth is valued at $4.19 trillion, but its growth story is fragile due to gender imbalances in the labor market.
• The gig economy offers women opportunities for sustainable income, skill development, and mobility.
• Formalization of gig work and supportive policies are essential for sustainable empowerment of women.

Additional Details

• Economic Vulnerability: India's economy is threatened by external shocks such as proposed U.S. tariffs on $40 billion of Indian exports, particularly impacting labor-intensive sectors that employ many women.
• Female Labor Force Participation Rate (FLFPR): Stuck at 37-41.7%, significantly lower than China's 60% and the global average, indicating a critical area for improvement.
• Demographic Dividend: India’s working-age population is currently larger than dependents, a situation that may reverse by 2045 if women's integration into the workforce does not improve.
• Historical Lessons: Countries like the U.S. and China have shown that empowering women can lead to significant economic benefits, emphasizing the importance of institutional support.
• Emerging Solutions: Initiatives like Karnataka's Shakti Scheme and Rajasthan's employment guarantee scheme are steps towards improving women's access to jobs and autonomy.

In conclusion, the threats posed by U.S. tariffs underscore the internal neglect of women’s potential as a vital economic resource. The empowerment of women should be viewed not only as a matter of social justice but as a strategic necessity crucial for India’s growth and global competitiveness. The choice is clear: invest in women to foster resilience and avoid economic stagnation.

GS2/International Relations

Super Garuda Shield 2025

Why in News?

Indonesia and the United States have recently initiated the annual joint military exercise called Super Garuda Shield 2025, marking a significant event in defense cooperation among partner nations.

Key Takeaways

• The Super Garuda Shield is a large-scale, multinational military exercise aimed at enhancing interoperability and mutual trust among armed forces.
• Originally started in 2006 as a bilateral training exchange between the United States and Indonesia, it expanded in 2022 to include additional partner nations.
• The exercise is held annually in Jakarta, Indonesia, and the 2025 edition will feature the largest number of participants to date, with over 4,100 Indonesian and 1,300 American troops.

Additional Details

• Participating Nations: This year, the exercise includes Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Indonesia, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, the Republic of Singapore, South Korea, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
• Observing Nations: Cambodia, India, and Papua New Guinea will be observing the exercise, highlighting its multinational significance.
• Exercise Activities: The exercise will incorporate various training events such as engineering construction, staff training exercises, airborne operations, jungle training, air assault operations, amphibious exercises, large field training exercises, and combined arms live fire exercises, including a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) live fire exercise.

This joint exercise underscores the growing importance of defense collaboration in the Indo-Pacific region, enhancing collective security and readiness among participating nations.

GS2/Polity

Cooperatives at Crossroads

Why in News?

The National Cooperative Policy, 2025 has ignited a significant conflict between the Centre and the State, with Kerala leading the charge against it. This dispute transcends mere policy disagreement, highlighting deeper issues of cooperative federalism, involving constitutional authority, political implications, and substantial financial stakes amounting to nearly ₹3 lakh crore in deposits.

Key Takeaways

• Kerala has labeled the National Cooperative Policy as unconstitutional, claiming it infringes on the State’s exclusive rights over cooperative governance.
• The Left Democratic Front (LDF) government accuses the BJP of attempting to gain control over Kerala’s cooperative landscape for political gain.
• Cooperatives in Kerala manage deposits totaling approximately ₹2.94 lakh crore, indicating their significant role in the local economy.

Additional Details

• Federalism at Stake: Cooperative societies are listed under the State List in the Constitution, yet the Centre is attempting to exert influence reminiscent of issues raised during the Multi-State Cooperative Societies (Amendment) Act, 2023.
• Historical Context: Kerala's cooperative institutions trace back to the early 20th century and have been integral to the socio-economic framework through the Kerala Cooperative Societies Act, 1969.
• Grassroots Importance: Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies (PACS) are fundamental to the rural economy of Kerala, serving as vital credit sources.
• Political Opposition: The State Cooperation Minister, V.N. Vasavan, has condemned the policy as detrimental to the cooperative sector.
• Organized Resistance: The Kerala Primary Agricultural Cooperative Society Association has formally opposed the policy, reflecting widespread dissent.
• Workers’ Concerns: The Kerala Cooperative Employees Union (KCEU) has expressed fears that the Centre aims to transfer control of cooperatives to corporate entities.

The cooperative sector in Kerala faces a credibility crisis due to various embezzlement scandals, notably the Karuvannur Service Cooperative Bank scam, which has shaken public trust and put the State government under scrutiny. In response, Kerala has amended its Cooperative Societies Act in 2023 to address these issues and enhance regulatory safeguards.

In a move towards structural reform, Kerala has consolidated its district cooperative banks into the Kerala State Cooperative Bank, transitioning from a traditional three-tier credit structure to a more streamlined two-tier system, aimed at improving efficiency and financial stability.

Looking ahead, Kerala's cooperatives stand at a new crossroads, faced with accelerated urbanization and evolving youth aspirations, alongside sectoral shifts in energy, technology, and health. Their ability to adapt will be crucial for maintaining economic resilience in the decades to come.

In conclusion, Kerala’s cooperative movement, a historically essential component of rural credit and grassroots empowerment, is at a pivotal moment. The National Cooperative Policy, 2025, while framed as a reformist initiative, has highlighted critical fault lines in India's federal structure, intensifying tensions between the Centre and the State. Kerala must navigate its rich cooperative legacy while embracing modernization and transparency, and the Union must respect constitutional boundaries to maintain trust in the cooperative model.

GS1/History & Culture

Origins of the Modern Ganesh Chaturthi Festival

Why in News?

This newscard provides insights into the historical significance and evolution of the Ganesh Chaturthi festival, emphasizing its role in fostering community and cultural identity in India.

Key Takeaways

• The public celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi began in response to communal tensions in the 1890s.
• Lokmanya Tilak played a crucial role in transforming the festival into a socio-political event.
• Ganesh Chaturthi became a platform for collective identity and mass participation among diverse communities.

Additional Details

• Historical Context: In May 1894, Governor George Robert Canning Harris issued a circular regulating religious processions in Poona, highlighting communal biases.
• In July 1894, disturbances during a palkhi procession led to calls from newspapers for reduced participation in Moharram, indicating growing communal tensions.
• By September 1894, large Ganesh idols were publicly paraded for the first time, marking a shift from private worship to community-wide celebrations.
• Role of Lokmanya Tilak: Through his publications, Kesari (Marathi) and English editions, Tilak promoted Ganesh Chaturthi as a unifying social and cultural festival, advocating for collective identity.
• By 1895, Tilak argued that a nation requires common laws and a shared cultural identity, emphasizing the festival’s potential to bridge political movements and ordinary citizens.
• The festival's transformation into a community celebration helped mobilize socio-political movements while preserving its religious significance.

The evolution of Ganesh Chaturthi illustrates its importance beyond religious observance, serving as an essential tool for social cohesion and political mobilization in Indian society.

GS3/Science and Technology

ISRO Conducts Air Drop Test for Gaganyaan

Why in News?

ISRO has successfully conducted its first Integrated Air Drop Test (IADT-1), a significant milestone for the Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission. This test involved the release of a five-tonne dummy crew capsule from a helicopter to assess its parachute-based deceleration system, which is essential for ensuring safe splashdown. The successful execution of this test validates critical safety mechanisms necessary for ensuring astronaut survival during re-entry and landing. The first uncrewed mission is anticipated by late 2025, while India’s inaugural crewed spaceflight is planned for 2027.

Key Takeaways

• The IADT-1 test simulates the final phase of a spacecraft's return to Earth.
• Parachute deployment and module safety during splashdown were evaluated.
• Upcoming missions include the first uncrewed launch (Gaganyaan-1) planned for late 2025.

Additional Details

• Integrated Air Drop Test (IADT): This test simulates a launch pad abort scenario, allowing engineers to assess critical systems such as parachute deployment during emergencies and performance during partial parachute failure. However, it cannot fully replicate the actual re-entry conditions, which necessitate further sub-orbital or orbital testing.
• Purpose of IADT-1: Conducted to evaluate the parachute-based deceleration system, an uncrewed capsule was dropped from 3 km altitude with parachutes designed to deploy in a specific sequence, ultimately slowing the capsule to approximately 8 m/s prior to splashdown.
• The test confirmed the crew module's orientation and recovery process during splashdown, ensuring astronaut safety.

The Gaganyaan mission represents a critical step in India's long-term human spaceflight objectives, aiming to send Indian astronauts to low-earth orbit by 2027. To achieve this, ISRO is executing a series of rigorous tests to validate essential safety and mission systems, including the upcoming Test Vehicle Abort Mission-2 (TV-D2), scheduled for the third quarter of 2025, which will simulate a more complex abort scenario.

GS1/Geography

Key Facts about Sutlej River

Why in News?

The Sutlej River is currently in a state of swelling due to continuous rainfall in its catchment areas and significant water releases from nearby dams, prompting evacuation efforts in several low-lying villages in the Fazilka and Ferozepur districts.

Key Takeaways

• The Sutlej River is a crucial tributary of the Indus River.
• It is the longest of the five major rivers flowing through the Punjab region of northern India and Pakistan.
• Known as "Satadree," it originates in the high Himalayas.

Additional Details

• Origin: The Sutlej rises from the north slope of the Himalayas at Lake Rakshastal in southwestern Tibet, at an elevation of over 15,000 feet (4,600 meters). It is one of only three Trans-Himalayan rivers, alongside the Indus and the Brahmaputra, that traverse the Himalayan ranges.
• Course: The river enters India by flowing west and southwest through the Shipki La Pass in Himachal Pradesh, at an altitude of 6,608 meters. It then flows through Punjab near Nangal before merging with the Beas River, which contributes to forming a 105 km stretch of the India-Pakistan border.
• The Sutlej continues for another 350 km before joining the Chenab River. Together, the Sutlej and Chenab form the Panjnad River, which eventually merges into the Indus River.
• Length: The Sutlej River has a total length of 1,550 km, with approximately 529 km flowing through Pakistan.
• The hydrology of the Sutlej is influenced by spring and summer snowmelt from the Himalayas, as well as the South Asian monsoon.
• Tributaries: Major tributaries include the Spiti River, Baspa River, Soan River, and Nogli Khad.
• The waters of the Sutlej are allocated to India as per the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan, primarily for irrigation purposes.
• Numerous hydroelectric and irrigation projects, including the Bhakra-Nangal Dam, Kol Dam, Nathpa Jhakri Project, and Baspa Hydel Scheme, are situated along the river.

This information highlights the importance of the Sutlej River in regional geography, ecology, and water resource management.

GS1/Indian Society

Kani Tribe

Why in News?

The recent passing of Kuttimathan Kani, a notable elder of the Kani tribal community, has highlighted the significance of the Arogyapacha herb, which he helped bring to global attention.

Key Takeaways

• The Kani tribe, also known as Kanikarars, originally led a nomadic lifestyle but now reside in settled communities within the Agasthyamalai hills of Kerala.
• Each settlement is governed by a community council, which includes hereditary roles such as Mootukani (chief), Vilikani (convenor), and Pilathi (physician and priest).

Additional Details

• Community Structure: The Kani tribe functions as a highly coordinated unit under the leadership of the Mootukani, who serves multiple roles including lawgiver, protector, and healer.
• Traditional Knowledge: The tribe possesses extensive knowledge of medicinal plants, with specific rights to this knowledge reserved for the Plathies, the designated practitioners within the community.
• The Kani’s lifestyle incorporates various occupations such as producing handicrafts, gathering forest products like honey and beeswax, and cultivating crops such as tapioca and millets.
• They communicate in Tamil and Malayalam, reflecting their cultural heritage and adaptability.

In conclusion, the Kani tribe's deep-rooted traditions and ecological practices not only sustain their community but also contribute significantly to the understanding of biodiversity in their native regions.

GS1/Geography

Tawi River

Why in News?

Recently, India issued a warning to Pakistan regarding a potential flood in the Tawi River as a humanitarian gesture.

Key Takeaways

• The Tawi River is a significant left-bank tributary of the Chenab River.
• It holds sacred importance in the Jammu region and is referred to as "Surya Putri" in ancient texts.

Additional Details

• Origin: The river originates from Kalpas Kund in Seo Dhar, located in the Bhaderwah area of the Doda district in Jammu and Kashmir. It flows downwards to Sudh Mahadev, moving through steep hills and plains before entering Pakistan's Punjab province.
• Catchment Area: The catchment area of the Tawi River up to the Indian border (Jammu) is approximately 2168 sq.km, encompassing the districts of Jammu, Udhampur, and a small part of Doda.
• Tributaries: Several tributaries, including Bhuteshwari (Birma), Duddhar, and Jajjhar, merge into the Tawi River.
• The Tawi River runs through Jammu, effectively dividing the city into two segments, and provides the primary water source for the entire city.

This information highlights the importance of the Tawi River not only as a geographical feature but also as a vital resource for the region.