UPSC Daily Current Affairs 16 July 2025

Stay UPSC-ready with this curated set of current affairs for GS Papers 2 and 3. Covering governance, technology, environment, economy, and cultural updates, these topics provide factual depth and analytical value for Prelims, Mains, and Interview preparation.

Machilipatnam

Context

Machilipatnam, long considered a stagnant dock town, is experiencing a resurgence, with almost 48% of the new Greenfield port at Manginapudi already finished.

About Machilipatnam

Machilipatnam, previously referred to as Masulipatnam, is a coastal city situated in the Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh.
The city lies along the southeastern Coromandel Coast of India.
Historically, Machilipatnam thrived as a major port and trading hub during the medieval era, drawing merchants from different parts of the world.
The city is particularly renowned for its handloom sector, especially its significant tradition of Kalamkari art, a distinctive craft involving hand-painted or block-printed textiles featuring detailed designs and motifs using natural dyes.
Kalamkari from Machilipatnam is notable for using block printing techniques and is registered as a Geographical Indication, emphasizing its cultural and geographic legacy.

History of Machilipatnam

Origins trace back to the Satavahana era around the 3rd century BCE, when the city was known as Maisolos and later as Masalia.
The port was pivotal for sea trade during that period, especially known for its export of Muslin, a fine cotton fabric.
By 1478, Machilipatnam fell under the control of Muhammad Shah Bahamani II. Later, in 1515, Sri Krishna Devaraya defeated the Bahamani ruler, after which the region came under Orissa kings, including Velama and Golconda dynasties.
European traders such as the Portuguese and Dutch established trading posts here, attracted by the strategic importance of the port. The British followed, setting up their first Bay of Bengal outpost in 1611.
The Dutch constructed the Masulipatnam Fort during the 17th century.
From 1686 to 1759, the city changed hands between the French and Dutch, before being captured by the British in 1759.
Machilipatnam's growth declined with the arrival of multiple foreign powers, recurring conflicts, and natural disasters.
In 1779, a devastating cyclone struck, resulting in massive loss of life and destruction, including damage to the Dutch factory

Magnetic Levitation (Maglev) Technology

Context

China has made significant advances in magnetic levitation (maglev) technology, recently achieving a series of record-breaking test runs for its next-generation high-speed trains.

About Maglev Technology

Magnetic levitation, or maglev, is an advanced transportation technology that uses the principles of electromagnetism to enable vehicles to float above tracks, eliminating physical contact and significantly reducing friction.
Maglevs were conceptualized during the early 1900s by American professor and inventor Robert Goddard and French-born American engineer Emile Bachelet and have been in commercial use since 1984.

How Does Maglev Technology Function?

Maglev trains utilize two fundamental electromagnetic concepts: attraction and repulsion of magnets.
This technology is primarily made up of three critical elements:
Levitation: Magnets elevate the train above the track, eliminating direct contact. This reduces wear and provides a smoother journey.
Guidance: Electromagnets keep the train stable laterally, ensuring it remains in the center of the track.
Propulsion: Linear motors create magnetic fields that move the train along the track, eliminating the necessity for conventional engines or fuel.
The guideways, or tracks, are fitted with strong electromagnets, while the trains are equipped with either superconducting magnets or electromagnets.
By precisely managing the magnetic fields, maglev trains can levitate and propel themselves with minimal energy loss.
Advantages of Maglev Technology
High Speed and Effectiveness: Maglev trains can achieve speeds exceeding 600 km/h (373 mph), positioning them as faster options compared to traditional trains and making them rivals to short-distance flights.
Lower Friction: The lack of direct contact between the train and the track results in considerably reduced maintenance expenses and improved energy efficiency for maglev systems.
Environmentally Friendly: Maglev trains emit no direct pollutants and can utilize renewable energy, offering a sustainable alternative to transportation reliant on fossil fuels.
Passenger Comfort: The absence of wheels and tracks ensures that passengers experience very little vibration and noise.

Quantum Noise

Context

Researchers at the Raman Research Institute (RRI) recently made the discovery that "quantum noise" which was always thought to be detrimental to quantum systems, is potentially beneficial in some situations.

About Quantum Noise

It pertains to the interference that disrupts quantum systems, resulting in inaccuracies in quantum calculations.
In contrast to classical noise, which typically introduces random errors to a signal, quantum noise can produce more intricate and harmful consequences.
What Causes Quantum Noise?
Quantum noise arises because energy like light or radio waves is made of tiny units called quanta (e.g., photons). Measuring or amplifying these signals has natural limits due to the Heisenberg uncertainty principle, which means certain properties can't be measured perfectly at the same time.
Even with perfect detectors and ideal conditions, quantum noise remains. It comes from sources like thermal fluctuations, electromagnetic interference, device errors, and environmental effects.
This noise affects qubits by causing errors such as phase and amplitude changes. Quantum noise leads to decoherence, where qubits lose their fragile quantum states, reducing the reliability and scale of quantum computing. Understanding and controlling this noise is essential to improve quantum technologies.

Swachh Survekshan Award

Context

The esteemed Swachh Survekshan 2024-25 Awards will be presented by the President of India during a national event hosted by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) at Vigyan Bhawan, located in New Delhi.

About Swachh Survekshan Award

The Swachh Survekshan is an annual assessment focused on cleanliness, hygiene, and sanitation in various cities and towns throughout India, initiated as part of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (SBA-Urban).
This initiative was launched by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) in collaboration with the Quality Council of India (QCI) as the implementation partner.
The survey aims to acknowledge the hard work of cities that are advancing the Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban (SBM-U).
This year, awards will be distributed in four distinct categories:

Super Swachh League Cities
The top three cleanest cities within five population brackets
Special Category: Ganga Towns, Cantonment Boards, SafaiMitra Suraksha, Mahakumbh
State Level Awards for the most promising clean city in each State/UT, totaling 78 awards for this year.

Swachh Survekshan 2024-25 has implemented a systematic and intelligent approach to evaluate urban cleanliness and service delivery, utilizing 10 clearly defined criteria with 54 indicators, providing a comprehensive overview of sanitation and waste management in cities.
This year introduces the Super Swachh League (SSL), a unique league for cities that excel in cleanliness.
The SSL aims to both motivate high-performing cities to achieve even greater cleanliness standards and encourage other cities to enhance their efforts and strive for better rankings.
Cities in the SSL are those that have been ranked among the top three at least once in the past three years and are currently in the top 20% of their population category.
For the first time, cities have been categorized based on population into five groups:

*Very Small Cities (under 20,000)
*Small Cities (20,000 to 50,000)
*Medium Cities (50,000 to 300,000)
*Big Cities (300,000 to 1 million)
*Million-Plus Cities (over 1 million)

Cnemaspis Brahmaputra

Context

A recently discovered gecko species from Assam has been named in honor of the Brahmaputra River.

About Cnemaspis Brahmaputra

This newly identified species was located at the Dirgheswari Temple along the northern shore of the Brahmaputra river in Assam.
It is classified within the Cnemaspis podihuna group, comprising small, daytime-active geckos that were previously believed to be primarily found in Sri Lanka.
The finding in Assam provides further support for an ancient biogeographical connection between Sri Lanka and northeastern India, highlighting historical exchanges of fauna throughout the Indian subcontinent.
This species exhibits notable genetic and morphological differences from its relatives in Sri Lanka, indicating significant evolutionary divergence.

Features of Cnemaspis Brahmaputra

This species is characterized by

a larger body size
a reduced number of mid-body scale rows
an increased number of ventral scale rows on the abdomen
the absence of tubercles on the lower sides
and three prominent rows of thigh scales that run parallel to the enlarged femoral scale row.

Cnemaspis brahmaputra is the second species from the Cnemaspis genus identified in the northeastern area, following the first, Cnemaspis assamensis, which was documented in 2000.
Both species belong to the podihuna clade and are exclusive to the Brahmaputra River valley.
They inhabit opposite sides of the river and exhibit significant genetic divergence.

Behdeinkhlam Festival

Context

The esteemed Behdeinkhlam Festival was celebrated with great enthusiasm in Jowai, Meghalaya, combining traditional customs of the Pnar community with relevant modern societal themes.

About Behdeinkhlam Festival

The term Beh Dien means to dispel disease using sticks and prayers, while Khlam refers to plague or pestilence.
This festival is culturally significant for the Pnar people of Meghalaya.
It essentially means "driving away the plague" or "chasing away the demon of cholera."
The event aims to ward off evil spirits, illnesses, and misfortune, while invoking blessings for a prosperous harvest and the well-being of the community.
The celebration is held annually in the month of July, following the planting season.
Rituals of Behdeinkhlam Festival
A central aspect of the festival is the creation of the Dein Khlam and Khnong, which are smooth, straight logs of wood harvested from the forest.
Young men participate in a symbolic ritual of driving away evil spirits, disease, and plagues by striking the roofs of houses with bamboo poles.
The procession and activities span three days, concluding with a gathering at Aitnar where people of all ages join together to dance to the beat of pipes and drums.
On the festival's final day, crowds assemble at Mynthong to witness a traditional game similar to football, known as dad-lawakor.

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Prime Minister Professorships

Context

The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), a recently established funding agency for scientific research, has launched the Prime Minister Professorships program.

About Prime Minister Professorships

This initiative is designed to promote world-class research and innovation in emerging academic institutions.
It taps into the knowledge and experience of distinguished scientists, senior academicians, and seasoned industry experts to mentor and support faculty and students at less-developed state universities, boosting their research ecosystem.
Objective: To harness the expertise of active, eminent, and retired scientists and professionals.
Duration: The Professorship term can last up to 5 years, contingent upon performance assessments by a designated expert committee.
Age limit: Applicants should be retired at the time of application; there is no upper age restriction.
Funding Support: Each PM Professor is entitled to an annual fellowship of Rs. 30 lakh, alongside a research grant of Rs. 24 lakh (covering consumables, travel within India, contingencies, equipment, etc.), plus a fixed overhead grant of Rs. 1 lakh per year.

Eligibility Criteria for Prime Minister Professorship

Retired faculty members or scientists from reputed Indian institutions, research centers, or private organizations are eligible to apply.
Scientists based abroad-including Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs), and Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs)-are encouraged to apply.
Additionally, industry experts or experienced Professors of Practice with a notable research and innovation background may also apply.
Candidates should possess strong research qualifications, maintain active involvement in research and innovation, and show dedication to mentoring faculty at eligible state universities, where research activities are still developing.
Eligible institutions are state universities designated as spoke institutions under Category A in the recently launched PAIR program by ANRF (refer to the category list). Applicants must be willing to relocate full-time to the host institution and present a clear plan for substantially enhancing its research capacity and innovation culture.

Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI)

Context

The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has recently formed panels comprising its whole-time members to address violations committed by certain insurers and insurance intermediaries.

About Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India

IRDAI is a statutory authority established through an Act of Parliament-the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority Act, 1999-to oversee and develop the insurance sector in India.
Functioning autonomously under the Ministry of Finance, Government of India, IRDAI regulates the insurance industry with a focus on policyholder protection and orderly growth.

The main goals of IRDAI are:

Protecting policyholders' interests by ensuring ethical business practices and timely claims settlements.
Promoting the growth and development of the insurance industry in the country.
Regulating insurance business operations to maintain transparency, fairness, and integrity.
Ensuring insurers maintain financial prudence through regular solvency and stability assessments.
Controlling premium rates and policy terms to prevent unfair pricing and enhance affordability.
IRDAI is responsible for granting registration and licenses to insurance and reinsurance companies, as well as insurance intermediaries, in accordance with regulatory requirements.
It determines eligibility criteria, qualifications, and capital prerequisites for obtaining such licenses.
The authority's headquarters is located in Hyderabad.

Entities regulated by IRDAI include:

Life Insurance Companies from both public and private sectors.
General Insurance Companies, including standalone health insurers.
Reinsurance companies.
Agency channels.
Various intermediaries such as corporate agents, brokers, third-party administrators, surveyors, and loss assessors.

Composition:

The IRDAI consists of a Chairman, five full-time members, and four part-time members, all appointed by the Government of India.

To safeguard policyholders' interests, IRDAI is tasked with:

Overseeing insurance business operations to protect interests in matters like policy assignment, nominations, insurable interest, claim settlements, surrender values, and contract terms and conditions.
Approving insurance product terms and features offered by insurers.
Regulating investment of funds by insurance companies, ensuring appropriate solvency margins.
Establishing financial reporting standards for insurance firms.
Defining conduct codes, qualifications, and training standards for insurance intermediaries and agents.
Conducting inspections, demanding information, and performing investigations and audits of insurance companies, intermediaries, and related organizations.
Facilitating the provision of insurance coverage in rural areas and to vulnerable populations.

Klyuchevskoy Volcano

Context

A false-color satellite image from 2023 depicts a striking pair of lava streams and a massive plume of smoke erupting from Klyuchevskoy, which stands as the tallest volcano across Europe and Asia.

About Klyuchevskoy Volcano

Located on Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula in the far east, Klyuchevskoy is an active stratovolcano.
It ranks among the tallest active volcanoes worldwide, with an elevation of 15,584 feet (4,750 meters), making it the highest peak on the Kamchatka Peninsula.
The volcano has a truncated cone shape featuring a central crater, along with approximately 70 smaller craters and cones scattered across its lower slopes.
Since 1700, it has erupted more than 50 times and is known for constant smoke emissions rising from its summit.
The Kamchatka Volcanological Station, founded in 1935, is situated at the volcano's base.

Key Facts about Kamchatka Peninsula

This peninsula is situated in far eastern Russia.
It is flanked by the Sea of Okhotsk to the west and the Pacific Ocean along with the Bering Sea to the east.
Two prominent mountain ranges, the Sredinny ("Central") and Vostochny ("Eastern"), run along the length of the peninsula.
Kamchatka is among the largest peninsulas globally.
The climate here is harsh, marked by long, cold, snowy winters and cool, wet summers.
Kamchatka forms the northern segment of the Kuril-Kamchatka island arc, which stretches about 2,000 kilometers.
The region boasts 68 active volcanoes, representing more than 10 percent of all active volcanoes found on Earth's landmasses.
This volcanic arc is part of the "Ring of Fire," a major belt of earthquakes and volcanic activity encircling the Pacific Ocean.

Kaziranga National Park

Context

Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve has recently published its inaugural Grassland Bird Survey Report, which emphasizes essential habitats and vulnerable species located within the Brahmaputra floodplains.

About Kaziranga National Park

Location: Situated in Assam, in the northeastern region of India.
Recognized as the largest undisturbed and representative section of the Brahmaputra Valley floodplain.
Awarded the status of World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1985.
Terrain: Composed of dense forests, vast expanses of tall elephant grasses, rugged reeds, marshlands, and shallow water bodies.
Rivers: The park is traversed by the Diffalu River, a tributary of the Brahmaputra, while the Moradifalu River marks its southern border.

Flora and Fauna of Kaziranga National Park

Flora: Characterized by abundant and towering elephant grasses mingled with swamps, alongside plentiful water lilies, hyacinths, and lotus plants.
Fauna: The park supports numerous endangered and threatened species, including the Indian rhinoceros, Bengal tiger, eastern swamp deer, Asian elephant, wild buffalo, hoolock gibbon, capped langur, and Gangetic river dolphin.
Notably, it contains the largest global population of one-horned rhinoceroses and is rich in other mammalian species.

Highlights of Grassland Bird Survey Report

Ornithologists and conservationists documented a total of 43 grassland bird species across the three wildlife regions of Kaziranga.
The survey indicated that Finn's weaver (classified as Endangered by the IUCN), locally called tukura chorai, has been successfully breeding in the park.
This species serves as a key indicator of grassland ecosystem health, being well-known for constructing nests on trees.