UPSC Daily Current Affairs 12 August 2025

India and the world have recently witnessed a series of significant developments spanning sports, culture, environment, health, and law.

1. Khelo India ASMITA Recent Developments

The Khelo India ASMITA Football League for the 2025-26 season was launched by the Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports in Jalgaon, Maharashtra.

What is Khelo India ASMITA

The Achieving Sports Milestone by Inspiring Women (ASMITA) program, under the Khelo India initiative, is designed to promote gender-neutral participation in sports by encouraging women's involvement through various competitions and leagues. Serving as a form of affirmative action, the initiative seeks to significantly enhance women's representation and engagement in the sporting arena.

Objective of ASMITA

To promote inclusive and grassroots-oriented sports development.

Importance

This program is reshaping perceptions of women in sports, empowering them to confront stereotypes and become new leaders.

Nodal Ministry

Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports

The ASMITA League is a key component of the Khelo Bharat Niti, aimed at advancing sports as a driver of national growth while empowering women. It offers a dedicated platform for young girls, addressing historical gender gaps and opening new avenues for participation and success.

Organized by the Sports Authority of India (SAI) in partnership with various National Sports Federations, the Khelo India Women's Leagues are held across multiple age categories at both zonal and national levels. Since its launch in 2021, the ASMITA Leagues have not only worked to boost women's participation in sports but have also functioned as a nationwide talent identification system.

For the 2025-26 financial year, a total of 852 ASMITA leagues are scheduled across 15 sports disciplines, with the goal of engaging over 70,000 women athletes from all states and Union Territories.

2. Tritium

A recent study conducted by researchers from the University of Tokyo and Fukushima University has confirmed that the release of tritium wastewater from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant has a minimal effect on ocean waters.

What is Tritium

Tritium is a radioactive variant of hydrogen.

Characteristics of Tritium

This isotope contains two neutrons and the same number of protons and electrons as hydrogen, making it unstable and radioactive. Tritium is formed naturally when cosmic rays interact with atmospheric gases and can also be artificially produced during nuclear weapon detonations or in specialized reactors designed for its generation.

As the only radioactive isotope of hydrogen, tritium can bond with oxygen to create water, though the conversion into tritiated water is a gradual and complex process. Tritium is colorless, odorless, and has a half-life of about 12.3 years. In its liquid form, it moves through the environment much like ordinary water, though it occurs naturally in extremely low concentrations.

Applications of Tritium

Tritium is widely utilized in phosphor-based technology to produce glow-in-the-dark displays, emergency lighting, and airport runway markers. In medicine, it functions as a tracer in research related to heart disease, cancer, and AIDS. Furthermore, it holds promising potential for generating electricity in fusion reactors.

3. Kodali Karuppur Silk Sari

The traditional Kodali Karuppur silk sari, a luxury garment historically favored by the Maratha kings of Thanjavur, is currently threatened as the number of its traditional handloom weavers declines.

What is Kodali Karuppur Silk Sari

Named after the village of Karuppur near Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu, the handwoven silk saris and related textiles that feature hand painting, block printing, and brocade weaving were widely appreciated until the 19th century.

History of the Kodali Karuppur Silk Sari

Karuppur textiles thrived under the patronage of Maratha ruler Serfoji Raja Bhonsle Chhatrapati II (1787-1832), created especially for the Ranis of Thanjavur. The weaving tradition traces back to around 400-500 families who migrated from Saurashtra to areas such as Madurai and Kancheepuram. Reserved for the Thanjavur elite, Karuppur cloth was often presented as khillat-a ceremonial garment of honor.

The Karuppur sari's design is predominantly geometric and linear, adorned with motifs like vines, stars, and the thazhambu flower. Notably, it has not been granted a Geographical Indication (GI) tag.

4. Dhirio-Bull Fighting

Recently, members of the state Assembly in Goa, crossing party lines, have advocated for the legalization of bull fighting, locally known as Dhirio.

What is Dhirio-Bull Fighting

Dhirio, or bullfighting, is a prominent traditional event in Goa, typically organized after the harvest season. Held in paddy fields or football grounds, these contests feature local shepherds bringing their bulls to compete. Once a highlight of church festivals, dhirio attracted large crowds from various regions.

In these bouts, two bulls lock horns and push against each other, while trainers incite them from behind. The practice traces its roots to the Portuguese era, but in 1997, the High Court imposed a ban on all forms of animal fighting, including dhirio.

5. Vitthal Rukhmini Temple

A recent language dispute has emerged at the prominent Vitthal-Rukhmini temple in Pandharpur.

What is Vitthal Rukhmini Temple

This Hindu temple is located in Pandharpur, Maharashtra, by the Bhima river (Chandrabhaga).
The temple is dedicated to Lord Vithoba (a form of Lord Vishnu) and his consort Rukhmini. It is one of the 108 sacred sites in the Vaishnavate tradition.

History of Vitthal Rukhmini Temple

The temple was constructed by King Vishnuvardhana of the Hoysala Empire between 1108 and 1152 CE
It was built following the persuasion of Pundalik, a notable devotee of Lord Krishna.
An inscription from 1237 CE by Hoysala King Vira Someshwara grants the temple a village for maintenance.
The temple underwent significant reconstruction in the 13th century and was later rebuilt in the 17th century, featuring Deccan architectural styles.

In 2014, the temple became notable for being the first in India to allow priests from marginalized communities.

6. Bhagirathi River

Following a recent cloudburst in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, a lake-like formation has appeared on the Bhagirathi River near Harsil, prompting authorities to initiate urgent drainage efforts.

Know more about Bhagirathi River

This turbulent Himalayan river in Uttarakhand is one of the two primary headwaters of the Ganges, the other being Alaknanda.
In Hindu tradition, Bhagirathi is often regarded as the source of the Ganges, whereas hydrology designates Alaknanda as the primary source based on flow and length.

Course and Features

The river originates from the Gaumukh Glacier at the Khatling and Gangotri Glaciers, flowing through the Tehri Garhwal district and encountering various geographical features.
It gathers tributaries like Kedar Ganga, Jadh Ganga, and Bhilangana, ultimately merging with Alaknanda at Devprayag to form the Ganges, which empties into the Bay of Bengal.
Major dams along the Bhagirathi include Maneri, Koteshwar, and Tehri dams.
The confluence of Bhagirathi and Alaknanda is a sacred site in Hinduism and part of the Panch Prayag Yatra pilgrimage.

7. Pneumococcal Disease

Pharmaceutical company Pfizer has launched its new 20-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV20) for adults in India, which protects against 20 serotypes responsible for most pneumococcal diseases.

Know more about Pneumococcal Disease

Pneumococcal disease encompasses various illnesses caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae, also known as pneumococcus.
It can lead to infections ranging from mild ear infections to severe conditions like pneumonia and meningitis, presenting a significant public health issue globally.

Vulnerable Populations

Young children and the elderly in developing countries are particularly affected, with an estimated one million children succumbing to pneumococcal disease annually.
ransmission occurs through direct contact with respiratory secretions.

Treatment and Prevention

Typically, antibiotics are used for treatment, and vaccines are crucial for preventing infections, particularly in at-risk populations.
However, antibiotic resistance among pneumococci is rapidly increasing.

8. Sukhna Lake

The Chandigarh Administration has recently closed the floodgate at Sukhna Lake after water levels returned to normal.

Know more Sukhna Lake

Sukhna Lake is an artificial lake located in Chandigarh, nestled at the foothills of the Shivalik hills.
Established in 1958 by damming the seasonal Sukhna Choe stream, the lake spans 3 square kilometers
Originally it had a depth of 18 feet, though sediment accumulation has reduced it to around 8.5 feet.

Ecological Importance

Encompassing a golf course and the renowned Rock Garden of Chandigarh, Sukhna Lake is recognized as a National Wetland.
It serves as a wintering ground for various migratory birds and is part of the Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary, hosting about 30 resident and migratory bird species.
Additionally, it boasts the longest rowing and yachting channel in Asia.

9. Talaq-E-Hasan

The Supreme Court has recently agreed to hear petitions contesting the constitutionality of talaq-e-hasan.

What is Talaq-E-Hasan

Talaq-e-hasan is an extrajudicial divorce form in Islam that can only be initiated by men.
It involves a revocable process where a man must pronounce talaq three times with intervals of one month, known as the period of abstinence or 'iddat,' lasting 90 days.

Difference from Triple Talaq

Unlike triple talaq, which was banned in 2019 due to its instant and irrevocable nature, talaq-e-hasan allows for the possibility of reconciliation during the waiting period if the couple resumes cohabitation.

10. Smooth-Coated Otter

The National Zoological Park (NZP) in Delhi has recently received a pair of smooth-coated otters from Surat in a rare exchange after two decades.

Know more on Smooth-Coated Otters

Smooth-coated otters represent the only living species within the genus Lutrogale. They inhabit regions of southern and Southeast Asia, as well as parts of China and Iraq.

Habitat and Characteristics

These otters thrive in various environments, including coastal mangrove forests, wetlands, and large rivers, and can also traverse significant distances over land.
They are the largest otters in Southeast Asia, featuring smooth, shorter fur and are recognized for their strong swimming abilities and group hunting behaviors.