UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 24 July 2025

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 24 July 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 – 24 July (2025)

1. Global Wetland Outlook 2025

2. Tracking India’s Climate Goals

3. Critical minerals are a strategic asset

 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):

1. Gaza Hunger Crisis

Facts for Prelims (FFP):

1. Human Rated Launch Vehicle (HLVM3)

2. Paika Rebellion

3. National Sports Governance Bill, 2025

4. Star – HOPS‑315

5. Ethanol Blended Petrol Programme

 Mapping:

1. United Kingdom

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 24 July 2025

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GS Paper 3:

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Global Wetland Outlook 2025

Source:  GWO

Context: The Global Wetland Outlook 2025, released by the Ramsar Convention, warns of accelerating wetland degradation worldwide, with over 35% lost since 1970, threatening biodiversity and climate resilience.

About Global Wetland Outlook 2025:

What Are Wetlands?

• Definition: Wetlands are ecosystems where land is covered by water (permanently or seasonally), supporting unique biodiversity.
• Types: Include marshes, swamps, bogs, peatlands, mangroves, and estuaries.
• Characteristics:
  • High water saturation
  • Unique soil types like hydric soils
  • Vegetation like reeds, grasses, or mangroves
  • Transition zones between terrestrial and aquatic systems

Key Data from Global Wetland Outlook 2025:

• Loss Rate: Wetlands are vanishing 3x faster than forests; over 35% lost since 1970.
• Biodiversity Decline: Populations of wetland species fell by over 80% between 1970–2022.
• Carbon Sink: Peatlands cover just 3% of Earth’s surface but store 30% of global soil carbon.
• Agricultural Stress: Nearly 50% of wetlands degraded due to agriculture and water extraction.
• India Insight: India has 19 Ramsar sites facing ecological stress, notably Keoladeo National Park and Chilika Lake.

Analysis – Opportunities & Concerns:

Positives:

1. Biodiversity Hotspots: Wetlands like Loktak Lake and Sundarbans are lifelines for migratory birds, fish, and endangered species.
2. Flood Regulation: Acts as natural sponges, reducing flood impact during heavy monsoons (e.g., Kolleru in Andhra Pradesh).
3. Carbon Sequestration: Peatlands are efficient carbon sinks, supporting India’s net-zero targets.
4. Livelihood Source: Supports 1 billion people globally—through fishing, agriculture, and tourism.

Challenges:

1. Policy Fragmentation: Wetlands fall under multiple ministries, leading to poor coordination.
2. Illegal Encroachments: Urban wetlands like Bengaluru’s Bellandur Lake face degradation due to encroachments and pollution.
3. Data Deficiency: Lack of updated national wetland inventory; last comprehensive mapping done a decade ago.
4. Climate Risk: Rising temperatures and erratic rainfall patterns worsen wetland drying and salinisation.
5. Overuse of Water Resources: Wetlands in Ganga plains face decline due to groundwater overextraction.

Recommendations:

1. Unified Wetland Authority: Establish a centralised agency under MoEFCC for wetland governance.
2. Revise Wetland Rules 2017: Include smaller urban and seasonal wetlands under legal protection.
3. Incentivise Conservation: Use carbon credit mechanisms to reward local communities.
4. Improve Mapping & Monitoring: Use AI-based remote sensing and satellite imagery for real-time wetland status.
5. Mainstream into Climate Plans: Integrate wetlands in state climate action plans (e.g., Kerala’s Blue Carbon pilot).
6. Community-Based Models: Adopt Wetland Mitras or eco-clubs in schools for monitoring and awareness

Conclusion:

Wetlands are not wastelands but ecological powerhouses critical to climate resilience, biodiversity, and livelihood security. Protecting them is essential for achieving SDG-13, SDG-15, and India’s net-zero 2070 vision.

 

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Tracking India’s Climate Goals

Syllabus: Environment

Source:  IE

 Context: India has announced that non-fossil fuel sources now constitute over 50% of its installed electricity capacity, fulfilling a core 2030 Paris Agreement target five years ahead of schedule.

• Meanwhile, significant progress is also seen in emission intensity reduction and carbon sink expansion.

About Tracking India’s Climate Goals:

India’s Paris Climate Commitments (Updated NDCs):

India’s three key climate targets for 2030 under the Paris Agreement:

1. Installed electricity capacity: At least 50% from non-fossil fuel sources.
2. Emission intensity: Reduce by 45% from 2005 levels.
3. Carbon sink: Create an additional 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes CO₂ equivalent through forest/tree cover.

Achievements So Far:

1. Installed Non-Fossil Fuel Capacity

1. • India has reached 484.82 GW, of which 242.78 GW is from non-fossil sources (hydro, nuclear, solar, wind).
   • Achieved the 50% target by 2025, five years early.
   • In 2024 alone, India added 30 GW renewable, including 24 GW of solar.

2. Carbon Sink Target:

1. • India added 2.29 billion tonnes of carbon sink by 2021.
   • ISFR data shows an annual increase of ~150 million tonnes.
   • If trends continue, total sink crosses 2.5 billion tonnes by 2023, meeting the target.

3. Emissions Intensity:

1. • As of 2020, India had reduced emissions intensity by 36%.
   • Even without updated data, progress indicates that 45% reduction by 2030 is achievable.

Reality Check:

• Most energy consumption in India is still through direct fossil fuel use (coal, oil, gas).
• So, while electricity is greening fast, industry, transport, and cooking still rely heavily on polluting fuels.

Significance of India’s Progress:

• Early achievement of targets enhances India’s credibility at COP and UNFCCC platforms.
• Demonstrates that a developing country can lead in clean energy transitions.
• India is proving that climate goals can be aligned with development imperatives, despite lacking climate finance from developed countries.

Challenges Ahead:

• China’s Pace: China is expanding renewable capacity at nearly ten times India’s rate, widening the global green energy leadership gap.
• Electricity Intermittency: Solar and wind generation depend on weather and time, unlike coal/nuclear which provide consistent base-load.
• Slow Uptake in Non-Power Sectors: Sectors like transport, industry, and buildings still heavily rely on direct fossil fuel use.
• SMRs Unlikely by 2030: India’s Small Modular Reactor program is still in R&D stage and not deployment-ready.

Way Forward:

• Scale Clean Technologies Beyond Power: Decarbonizing transport, industry, and cooking with EVs, green hydrogen, and clean biomass is critical.
• Accelerate Nuclear and Hydro: Stable power from nuclear and hydro ensures round-the-clock electricity alongside intermittent solar and wind.
• Push for Global Climate Finance: India needs concessional finance and tech transfers promised under the Paris Agreement.
• Domestic Carbon Market: A regulated carbon credit system can incentivize industries to cut emissions voluntarily.

Conclusion:

India’s achievement of its climate goals — especially five years in advance — signals a transformative moment in global climate leadership. But the real challenge lies beyond power generation: in shifting the entire energy economy, ensuring just transitions, and holding developed countries accountable for support. The next phase will require fiscal innovation, deep sectoral reforms, and resilient governance to sustain the pace.

 

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Critical minerals are a strategic asset

 Syllabus: Energy

Source:  IE

Context: India’s push for clean energy, electronics, and strategic technologies has placed critical minerals like lithium, cobalt, and rare earths at the center of policy discourse.

• The National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) and recent export restrictions by China have highlighted India’s vulnerability and the need for self-reliance.

About Critical minerals are a strategic asset:

• Definition: Minerals essential to economic security and clean energy, with limited domestic availability and high geopolitical risk.
• Examples: Lithium, Cobalt, Nickel, Graphite, Rare Earth Elements, Silicon.
• Importance: Core to EVs, solar panels, semiconductors, wind turbines, defence, and telecom.

Strategic Importance for India:

• Energy Transition: 100% import dependence on lithium, cobalt, and rare earths threatens India’s EV and battery plans.
• Tech Sovereignty: Strategic autonomy in telecom, AI, defence depends on mineral access.
• Geopolitical Leverage: Reducing China-centric dependence helps assert India’s position in the Indo-Pacific and Quad.
• Industrial Ambitions: PLI schemes for electronics, EVs, and solar require secure raw material input.
• National Security: Rare earths are vital for surveillance, navigation, and missile systems.

Key Policy Measures by India:

1. National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM):
   • Formed in 2024 under Ministry of Mines.
   • Mandate: Secure critical mineral supply chains through exploration, refining, and strategic reserves.
2. Amendment to MMDR Act:
   • Allowed auction of 30 identified minerals.
   • 5 auction rounds concluded; over 400 exploration projects planned.
3. International Partnerships:
   • Mineral Security Partnership (MSP) with U.S., Australia.
   • Bilateral MoUs with Argentina, Bolivia for lithium.
   • Engagement via Quad, G20, BRICS.

Challenges in India’s Critical Mineral Ecosystem:

• High Import Dependence:

• • India imports 100% of lithium, cobalt, rare earths.
  • China controls 70–90% of midstream processing globally.

• Underdeveloped Domestic Capacity:

• • Only preliminary exploration underway.
  • Refining, separation, and value addition infrastructure lacking.

• Weak Private Sector Participation:

• • Auctions saw low interest due to technical and financial entry barriers.

• ESG and Tribal Concerns:

• • Most mineral blocks lie in ecologically or tribally sensitive areas.
  • Legal delays due to poor Environmental, Social, and Governance compliance.

• Lack of Circular Economy Infrastructure:

• • Battery and e-waste recycling is informal and fragmented.
  • No formal collection/dismantling infrastructure or incentives.

Strategic Way Forward:

• Midstream Infrastructure Development:

• • Create mineral processing zones with PLI-style incentives.
  • Encourage public–private partnerships in refining and conversion tech.

• Strengthen Exploration and Auctions:

• • Build GSI’s survey capabilities.
  • De-risk projects for investors with geodata and viability gap funding.

• Green and Inclusive Mining:

• • Mandate ESG frameworks, third-party audits, and community benefit-sharing.
  • Ensure fast environmental clearances without compromising on standard.

• Build Circularity:

• • Invest in formal battery/electronics recycling infrastructure.

• Provide tax breaks, subsidies for high-efficiency recovery systems.

• Diversify Global Supply Chains:

• • Pursue “friendshoring” with trusted nations.
  • Leverage diplomacy to ensure stable, long-term mineral trade pacts.

Conclusion:

Critical minerals are the backbone of future industrial, environmental, and strategic advancement. While India has taken bold initial steps through NCMM, its success depends on sustained policy reforms, global alignment, and ecosystem capacity-building. The roadmap ahead must embrace self-reliance (Atmanirbharta) while ensuring sustainability, community equity, and strategic foresight.

 

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UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 24 July 2025 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)

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Gaza Hunger Crisis

Context: The Gaza hunger crisis has escalated, with over 2 million people now food insecure and dozens dying from starvation, as confirmed by Palestinian and UN agencies.

• WHO has called this a “man-made mass starvation”, exacerbated by aid blockades and attacks near food distribution points.

About Gaza Hunger Crisis:

What It Is?

A severe man-made hunger crisis unfolding in Gaza due to ongoing military conflict, blockade of aid, and collapse of humanitarian supply chains.

Implications:

• Child starvation cases are overwhelming Gaza’s remaining hospitals — skeletal children share limited beds.
• Food sites have turned into zones of violence, with aid convoys under fire.
• UN and WHO warn of systematic starvation, breaching international humanitarian law.
• Humanitarian actors report criminalisation of aid-seeking under armed surveillance.
• Socio-political collapse as famine intersects with health, security, and human rights violations.

Relevance to UPSC Syllabus:

• GS Paper II: International Relations

• • Israel-Palestine conflict, role of global diplomacy, UN and WHO intervention in humanitarian crises.
  • Questions on humanitarian law, refugee crisis, and global hunger governance.

• GS Paper III: Disaster Management / Internal Security

• • Conflict-induced food insecurity as a non-traditional security threat.
  • Challenges in aid delivery, food supply chains during conflict.

• GS Paper IV: Ethics

• • Issues of humanitarian ethics, state accountability, and moral responsibility during war.
  • Ethical dilemmas for peacekeepers, aid workers, and international bodies.

 

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UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 24 July 2025 Facts for Prelims (FFP):

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Human Rated Launch Vehicle (HLVM3)

 Source:  HT

Context: Union Minister confirmed in Parliament that India has completed the development and ground testing of the Human Rated Launch Vehicle (HLVM3) for the Gaganyaan mission, marking a key milestone ahead of India’s first human spaceflight.

• The long-term vision includes the Bharatiya Antariksha Station by 2035 and Indian Moon Landing by 2040.

About Human Rated Launch Vehicle (HLVM3):

• What is HLVM3?
  • HLVM3 is India’s first human-rated launch vehicle, adapted from the proven LVM3 (GSLV Mk III) platform, designed to safely carry astronauts (Gaganyatris) into Low Earth Orbit under the Gaganyaan programme.
• Developed By:

• • Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
  • Designed under the guidance of the Human Space Flight Centre (HSFC)

• Mission Aim:

• • Enable safe launch, orbital insertion, and return of Indian astronauts.
  • Form the backbone for future long-term missions like Bharatiya Antariksha Station and Indian lunar landing.
  • Build self-reliant capacity in human space exploration and demonstrate advanced space safety systems.

• Key Features of HLVM3:

• • Three-Stage Configuration:
    • Two S200 solid rocket boosters, L110 liquid core stage, and C25 cryogenic stage.
    • Capable of lifting ~10 tonnes to Low Earth Orbit.
  • Human-Rated Modifications:
    • Systems upgraded for redundancy, fault-tolerance, and escape options.
    • Designed with higher safety margins and enhanced quality assurance protocols.
  • Crew Escape System (CES):
    • Five types of motors already tested.
    • Enables safe ejection of crew during ascent in emergencies.
    • Operational from liftoff to orbital injection phase.
  • Crew Module (CM) and Service Module (SM):
    • CM tested for re-entry, parachute deployment, thermal resistance.
    • SM handles power, propulsion, and environmental control.
  • Supporting Infrastructure:
    • Gaganyaan Control Centre, training facility, and dedicated launch modifications at SDSC.
    • Recovery operations plan and communication network fully established.

 

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Paika Rebellion

Source:  IT

Context: NCERT’s latest Class 8 history textbook has omitted the Paika Rebellion of 1817, triggering political backlash in Odisha.

About Paika Rebellion:

• What Was the Paika Rebellion?
  • The Paika Rebellion (Paika Bidroha) was a large-scale armed uprising against British colonial rule in 1817, led by Bakshi Jagabandhu in Odisha—decades before the 1857 Revolt.
• Region Involved:

• • Core area: Khurda district, Odisha.
  • Spread: Puri, Banpur, Ghumusar, and parts of tribal Odisha.

• Key Causes of the Revolt:

• • Loss of Hereditary Land: British land reforms removed Paikas’ rent-free land grants.
  • Cultural Disruption: Rejection of Odia kingship and destruction of Barunei Fort.
  • Economic Exploitation: New currency policies and tax demands crushed locals.
  • Salt Monopoly: British salt trade restricted hill communities’ livelihood.
  • Peasant-Tenant Conflict: Rising pressure from absentee Bengali landlords worsened tribal discontent.

• Main Features of the Revolt:

• • Leadership: Led by Bakshi Jagabandhu, a former commander of Khurda’s king.
  • Participation: Involved Paikas, Kondhs, peasants, and tribal groups.
  • Attacks: Targeted police stations, treasuries, and British symbols of power.
  • Scale: Covered multiple districts and continued for months.
  • Tactics: Combined guerrilla raids with open armed confrontation.

• Outcome of the Rebellion:

• • Suppressed by British: The revolt was brutally put down by Company forces.
  • Jagabandhu in Exile: Went underground till his negotiated surrender in 1825.
  • Symbol of Resistance: Later emerged as a cultural and political symbol of Odia pride and anti-colonial resistance.

• Significance:

• • Claim as First War of Independence: Odisha government proposed it as the first such war, predating 1857.

 

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National Sports Governance Bill, 2025

Source:  ET

Context: The Central Government introduced the National Sports Governance Bill, 2025 in the Lok Sabha to overhaul India’s sports administration framework.

• It aims to replace the 2011 Sports Code with a legally enforceable, athlete-centric governance system, bringing bodies like BCCI under its ambit.

About National Sports Governance Bill, 2025:

• What is the National Sports Governance Bill, 2025?
  • The National Sports Governance Bill, 2025 is a landmark legislation aiming to ensure transparency, fairness, and accountability in National Sports Federations (NSFs). It introduces legal safeguards for athletes, standardized elections, grievance redressal, and institutional oversight.
• Key Features of the Bill:

• • Legal Status to Governance Norms: Converts previously executive guidelines into binding law, ensuring enforceability across NSFs and sports bodies.
  • BCCI Under Governance Framework: BCCI to be recognized as an NSF, requiring annual recognition and resolution of all disputes through the National Sports Tribunal.
  • Statutory Institutions Introduced:
    1. National Sports Board (oversight and compliance)
    2. National Sports Tribunal (dispute resolution)
    3. National Sports Election Panel (election integrity)
  • Inclusive Representation Mandated: Executive bodies must include minimum 4 women and 2 elite athletes, enhancing gender and athlete participation.
  • Age and Tenure Reforms: Officials under 70 can complete their term; 3 consecutive terms of 4 years allowed with 1-term cooling-off.
  • Safe Sport Mechanism & Athlete Protection: Provides legal backing to safe sport protocols, internal grievance systems, and athlete welfare provisions.
  • Ban on Court Litigation: NSFs and BCCI cannot directly approach courts and disputes must go to the National Sports Tribunal.

 

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Star – HOPS‑315

Source:  TH

 Context: Astronomers have, for the first time, captured the condensation of solid rock from vapor around a newborn star — HOPS‑315 — using the James Webb Space Telescope and ALMA, revealing the earliest stage of planet formation.

About Star – HOPS‑315:

What is HOPS‑315?

• Newborn Protostar: HOPS‑315 is a young, still-forming star located in the Orion molecular cloud, surrounded by a dense protoplanetary disc of gas and dust.
• Tilted Disc Advantage: Its disc is uniquely inclined, allowing Earth-based telescopes a rare view deep into its planet-forming interior.
• Key Observations:
  • James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) detected strong silicon monoxide gas emissions (~470 K) and crystalline silicates within 2.2 AU of the star — the region where rocky planets may eventually form.
  • ALMA identified cooler surrounding gases and confirmed the absence of slow-moving SiO, indicating the crystals were embedded in the rising disc atmosphere rather than in stellar outflows.
• Crystallisation Process: At around 1 AU from HOPS‑315, computer simulations and real data suggest dust vaporised at ~1300 K, then re-condensed into minerals like forsterite, enstatite, and silica — similar to those in ancient Earth meteorites.
• First-Ever Direct Evidence: This is the first observational proof of rock vapor turning into solid crystals in another star system, capturing the earliest step of rocky planet formation.

Significance of the Discovery:

1. Planet Formation Genesis: Offers direct insight into how rocky planets like Earth begin forming from vaporized rock.
2. Solar System Parallel: Mimics early processes from our own Solar System, bridging observational gaps in planetary evolution.
3. Rare Astronomical Window: Tilt of the disc allowed an unprecedented look at inner disc chemistry — rarely accessible in other systems.
4. Interstellar Mineral Match: Mineral types mirror chondritic meteorite inclusions, hinting at universal chemistry in rocky planet birth.

 

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Ethanol Blended Petrol Programme

Source:  News on Air

Context: India has achieved 20% ethanol blending in petrol by 2025—five years ahead of the original 2030 target. This milestone was announced by Union Petroleum Minister.

About Ethanol Blended Petrol Programme:

• What is the EBP Programme?
  • The Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme aims to blend ethanol with petrol to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, enhance energy self-sufficiency, and lower carbon emissions.
• Launched & Ministry Involved
  • Launched in 2003, scaled up post-2014.
  • Implemented by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, in coordination with the Ministry of Food Processing and Ministry of Agriculture.
• Targets:
  • Original target: 20% blending by 2030 (National Policy on Biofuels 2018).
  • Achieved: 20% blending in 2025, 5 years early.
• Objectives:
  • Reduce crude oil imports, thereby saving foreign exchange.
  • Support farmers by using surplus sugarcane and grains.
  • Promote clean fuels for climate action.
  • Boost the domestic ethanol industry and create rural jobs.
• Key Features:
  • Ethanol sourced from sugarcane juice, B-molasses, damaged grains.
  • OMCs (Oil Marketing Companies) procure ethanol at pre-fixed prices.
  • Recent Cabinet hike in ethanol procurement prices for Ethanol Supply Year 2024–25.
  • Dedicated ethanol distilleries and storage infrastructure being promoted under SATAT and PLI

• Significance:
  • Helps meet India’s Paris Climate targets and ethanol roadmap (NITI Aayog).
  • Strengthens India’s push for energy Atmanirbharta (self-reliance).
  • Reduces air pollution in urban areas and boosts agro-economy in rural India.
  • Catalyzes biofuel innovation and investment in green energy.

 

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UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 24 July 2025 Mapping:

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United Kingdom

Source:  FE

Context: Prime Minister of India landed in the UK on a two-day visit to strengthen bilateral ties, with a key focus on the India-UK Free Trade Agreement and issues like extradition and extremism.

About United Kingdom:

• What is the United Kingdom?

• • The United Kingdom (UK) is a sovereign island nation comprising England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
  • It is located northwest of mainland Europe, surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, North Sea, Irish Sea, and the English Channel.

• Capital: London — a global financial, cultural, and political hub.
• Political System: Parliamentary constitutional monarchy.
• Neighbouring Countries:

• • Shares land border only with the Republic of Ireland.
  • Maritime neighbours include France, Norway, Belgium, and the Netherlands.

• UK vs England:

• • England is just one of the four constituent countries of the United Kingdom.
  • The term “UK” includes England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, whereas England refers only to its southern part.

• Physical Features:
  • Mountains

• • • Ben Nevis (Scotland): UK’s highest peak (1,345 m), part of the Grampians; shaped by glaciation.
    • Cambrian Mountains (Wales): Volcanic origin, biodiversity-rich; called Wales’ backbone.
    • Pennines (England): “Backbone of England”, influencing rivers and climate patterns.

• Rivers

• • • Thames: Lifeline of London, historic trade and transport route.
    • Severn: UK’s longest river; largest tidal range, key for hydropower.
    • Clyde: Engine of Glasgow’s shipbuilding and industrial rise.

• Historical & Strategic Importance:

• • Former colonial power with strong cultural, linguistic, and political influence worldwide.
  • First nation to exit the EU (Brexit) in 2020.
  • Founding member of NATO, G7, UNSC P5, and the Commonwealth.

• India–UK Relations:

• • Strategic partners under Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (2021).
  • Collaboration in trade, defence, innovation, fintech, health, and climate.
  • Talks on Free Trade Agreement aim to enhance $20 billion+ bilateral trade.

 

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