Daily Current Affairs UPSC Exam - July 17, 2025

From genome sequencing of tribal populations in Gujarat to earthquake resilience and adoption challenges, India is witnessing transformative changes across sectors.

This compilation covers high-impact developments like the PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana, SDG setbacks, rare Himalayan bird sightings, and inclusive innovations like IIT Madras's lightweight wheelchair. Essential for UPSC 2025, it highlights policy interventions, regional disparities, and global comparisons relevant to GS Papers, Essay, and Interview. Stay informed with data-backed summaries of events shaping India's socio-economic, scientific, and ecological landscape.

Gujarat Launches India's First Tribal Genome Sequencing Project

Context

• Gujarat has initiated a pioneering state‑level Tribal Genome Sequencing Project, sequencing genomes of 2,000 individuals from 20+ tribal communities across 17 districts, collecting 4,158 biological samples

• This project extends the Genome India Project (GIP) by creating a dedicated reference genome database for tribal populations-approximately 15 % of Gujarat's population

Key Features & Implementation

1. Institutional Lead: Conducted by Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre (GBRC) with tribal development and science & tech departments

2. Sample Diversity: Covers 20+ tribes (e.g., Garasia Bhil, Tadvi, Sidi) with at least one genetic trio per tribe and aim for 50 % female participation

3. Rigorous Sampling:

• 4,158 individuals screened; 2,000 selected via SNP‑based diversity screening
• Includes haematological, biochemical, stool, and genealogical data

4. Sequencing & Security: WGS conducted using Illumina NovaSeq 6000; all data encrypted and privacy-protected

5. Collaborative Reach: Potential to expand to states like MP and Odisha

Earthquake Resilience in India: Challenges, Vulnerabilities & Way Forward

Context

Recent global seismic events - including the 7.7 magnitude earthquake in Myanmar and tremors felt in Tibet, Greece, and Delhi - have renewed focus on earthquake resilience in India. With 59% of the country's landmass falling under earthquake-prone zones, the need for enhanced seismic preparedness and resilient infrastructure has become more critical than ever.

About Earthquake Resilience

Definition: The ability of infrastructure, institutions, and communities to absorb seismic shocks, minimize damage, and swiftly recover functionality.

Global Relevance: Increasing tectonic volatility worldwide underscores the need for resilient systems in earthquake-prone regions like India.

India's Seismic Vulnerability

Present-Day Vulnerabilities

1. Outdated Infrastructure

• 80% of Delhi's buildings lack compliance with IS 1893:2016, rendering them vulnerable.

2. Liquefaction-Prone Areas

• Cities like Guwahati, Gangtok, and East Delhi are built on water-saturated soils, raising collapse risks.

3. Overpopulated Urban Centres

• 33.5 million people in Delhi with over 5,000 high-rises intensify potential damage during major tremors.

4. Weak Code Enforcement

Poor implementation of seismic building codes; negligible retrofitting in urban planning.

5. Public Unawareness

Lack of earthquake drills, household preparedness, or risk education in schools.

Key Government Interventions

UN SDG Report 2025: 35% Global Goals Stagnant or Reversing

Context

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Progress Report 2025, released during the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF), warns that 35% of measurable SDG targets are stagnating or regressing, just five years before the 2030 deadline.

About the UN SDG Report 2025

The SDG Progress Report is an annual stocktaking document by the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA). The 2025 edition highlights chronic setbacks in core goals like hunger, education, water, and inequality, while also identifying a few positive health and social protection trends.

Major Areas of Concern

1. SDG 2 - Zero Hunger

• 9.1% of the global population (~713-757 million people) faced hunger in 2023.
• 2.33 billion experienced moderate/severe food insecurity.
• Sub-Saharan Africa: 23.2% prevalence; South Asia: 281 million affected.

2. SDG 4 - Quality Education

• 57% of targets show no progress or regression.
• Poor school completion rates, weak foundational literacy, and gender disparity in education continue.

3. SDG 6 - Clean Water & Sanitation

• 2.2 billion lack safely managed drinking water.
• 3.4 billion lack sanitation; 1.7 billion without hygiene access.

4. SDG 8 - Decent Work & Economic Growth

• Half the targets are stagnating or declining.
• 57.8% of workers are in informal employment.
• Youth unemployment (12.9%) is three times the adult rate (3.7%).

5. SDG 10 - Reduced Inequalities

• Persistent gaps in income, vaccine equity, digital access, and climate vulnerability.
• No major redistributive reforms implemented post-COVID.

6. SDG 14 - Life Below Water

• 40% of targets are regressing.
• Issues: Ocean acidification, marine pollution, overfishing.
• Identified as least funded SDG by the UN Ocean Conference 2025.

7. SDG 3 - Good Health & Well-Being

• Maternal mortality and universal health coverage goals are stalled.
• Health systems remain under strain due to post-pandemic underinvestment.

8. SDGs 12, 15, 16 (Responsible Consumption, Life on Land, Peace & Institutions)

• 40-42% of targets off-track, with growing deforestation, biodiversity loss, and institutional fragility.

Negative Trends Identified

Positive Developments

Roadmap to 2030: UN Recommendations

Global Actions Needed

1. Reform Global Finance Architecture

• Adopt the Sevilla Commitment to increase affordable finance and debt restructuring.

2. Focus on Six Key Accelerators

• Transform food systems
• Expand energy and digital access
• Improve education, job creation
• Conserve climate and biodiversity

3. Target Lagging SDGs

• Priority investment in SDG 2 (Hunger), 4 (Education), 6 (Water), 8 (Jobs), and 10 (Inequality).

4. Data-Driven Governance

• Implement Medellín Framework for Action to build resilient national data systems.

5. Reinvigorate Multilateralism

• Strengthen cooperation via G20, BRICS, and other forums to avoid fragmented global action.

India's Child Adoption Crisis: 13 Parents Waiting Per Child

Context

A recent RTI-based report reveals a widening mismatch between adoptable children and prospective parents in India. As of 2025, 13 families wait for every one adoptable child, raising alarms over policy inefficiencies, delays, and legal hurdles in the adoption system.

About the Crisis: Key Statistics & Findings

Regional Disparities: Illustrative Examples

Legal & Institutional Framework

Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 (Amended 2021):

• Provides time-bound procedures for declaring children "legally free for adoption".
• Delegates adoption authority to District Magistrates (DMs).

CARA: Apex statutory body under the Ministry of Women and Child Development (WCD), regulates and monitors adoptions.

Issues Identified

1. Delays in Legal Clearance

• DCPUs, CCIs, and CWCs often fail to process paperwork on time.
• Poor training and overburdened staff contribute to bottlenecks.

2. Inconsistent State Coordination

• Fragmented data management among CCIs, CWCs, and CARA leads to poor tracking and follow-ups.

3. Age and Health Bias

• Parents mostly prefer children below 6 years, especially those who are healthy, leading to neglect of older or differently-abled children.

4. Underutilized Pool in CCIs

Although 22,000+ children live in care homes, most are not declared legally free due to:

• Lack of parental surrender documentation
• Pending legal processes
• Absence of DMs' review and certification

5. Policy Inaction

• No national adoption campaign or mass sensitization in the last 5 years.
• Outdated processes despite JJ Act provisions for digitization and decentralization.

Prime Minister Dhan‑Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDDKY)

Context

Approved by the Union Cabinet on 16 July 2025, this six‑year mission-mode scheme aims to transform 100 low-performing agricultural districts across India.

Scheme Overview

• Duration & Budget: ₹24,000 crore annually for six years starting FY 2025‑26, totaling ₹1.44 lakh crore.

• Coverage: Targets 1.7 crore farmers in 100 districts selected based on low productivity, low cropping intensity, and limited access to credit. At least one district in each state/UT will be included.

• Convergence Approach: Integrates 36 existing schemes across 11 central ministries, alongside state initiatives and private partnerships.

Key Features & Architecture

1. District-Level Planning

• Each district forms a District Dhan-Dhaanya Samiti (chaired by the Collector), including progressive farmers and technical partners.

• A district-specific Agriculture & Allied Activities Plan aligns with goals like crop diversification, water conservation, nutrition, and organic farming.

2. Institutional Oversight

• Committees at national, state, and district levels will monitor planning and implementation.

• Central Nodal Officers conduct reviews; NITI Aayog provides guidance.

3. Monitoring Framework

• A digital dashboard tracks progress on 117 Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) on a monthly basis.

Objectives & Strategic Aims

• Boost crop productivity and cropping intensity.
• Promote crop diversification, sustainable and organic farming.
• Enhance post‑harvest storage infrastructure at panchayat and block levels.
• Expand irrigation facilities and improve access to short- and long-term agricultural credit.
• Generate local livelihoods, value addition, and move towards Atmanirbhar Bharat.

Grandala Spotted in Sainj Valley, Himachal Pradesh

Context

A rare and vibrant Grandala (Grandala coelicolor), known for its electric-blue plumage, was recently sighted in the Sainj Valley of Himachal Pradesh. This uncommon bird's appearance highlights the ecological richness of the western Himalayas and brings attention to the alpine biodiversity of India.

About Grandala

• Scientific Name: Grandala coelicolor
• Family: Turdidae (Thrush family)
• Genus: Grandala (Monotypic-only one species)
• Diet: Insectivorous, arboreal
• IUCN Status: Least Concern
• Known for: Mass flocking behavior during non-breeding seasons-groups can reach 200 birds

Distribution & Habitat

Geographical Range:

• Himalayan regions across India, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, and Tibet/China

• In India: From eastern Arunachal Pradesh to occasional western sightings (as now in Himachal Pradesh)

Habitat:

• Alpine and subalpine meadows, cliffs, and scrub zones

• Elevation range: 3,000 to 5,000 meters above sea level

Key Features

• Though not endangered, the Grandala's sighting serves as a reminder of India's little-known high-altitude avifauna.

• Eco-tourism in places like Sainj Valley should be balanced with minimal disturbance policies to fragile bird habitats.

• Data can support State Biodiversity Boards and eBird/Citizen Science platforms in building migratory maps and alerting policy shifts.

IIT Madras Launches YD One: India's Lightest Active Wheelchair

On 16 July 2025, IIT Madras and incubated startup Thryv Mobility unveiled YD One, India's first precision-built, mono-tube rigid-frame wheelchair-weighing just 8.5-9 kg, about 50% lighter than conventional models. It's custom-made and international-standard certified, aiming to revolutionize personal mobility and independence for disabled individual

Key Features & Highlights

• Ultra-lightweight: Weighs between 8.5 to 9 kg, significantly lighter than typical 17 kg hospital-grade chairs
• Load capacity: Can support users up to 120 kg, certified under ISO norms
• Materials: Crafted from aerospace-grade carbon-fiber-aluminium composite
• Custom design: Tailored to individual body structure, posture, and mobility needs
• Durability: Passed rigorous tests-200,000 drum cycles and 6,666 drop tests
• Accessibility: Easy to stow in cars, rickshaws, and public transport; priced under ₹75,000-nearly a third of imported equivalents costing ₹2.4-2.5 lakhs

Significance & Applications

1. Inclusive Mobility: The wheelchair empowers individuals to navigate public and rural spaces independently, supporting participation in sports and daily life-especially by para-athletes like M Jennifer Sheeba .

2. Health & Rehabilitation: Custom fit enhances posture, prevents secondary health issues, and promotes active lifestyles.

3. Make-in-India Edge: Represents indigenous innovation in assistive devices, boosting affordability and global competitiveness.

4. Aligned with International Norms: Rigid-frame design and ISO certification align with global benchmarks and advance India's health-tech domain.

5. 2025 Global Disability Trend: With 15% of the global population living with disabilities, projected to reach 2.5 billion by 2058 (WHO data cited), such innovations are critical