Daily Current Affairs UPSC Exam - July 17, 2025

Published: Tuesday, July 22, 2025, 16:25 [IST]

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

UPSC Daily Current Affairs - 17 July 2025

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

Factor	Description
Seismic Zoning	As per BIS, India is divided into Zones II-V; Zone V (Himalayas, NE, Andaman) is the most vulnerable.
Tectonic Drift	The Indian plate moves 4-5 cm/year, colliding with the Eurasian plate-raising the risk of Himalayan earthquakes
Cities at Risk	Delhi (Zone IV), Guwahati (Zone V), Bhuj, Srinagar, Gangtok-face chronic threats.
Historical Quakes	Bhuj (2001), Kangra (1905), Nepal (2015)-highlight systemic vulnerabilities.

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

Initiative	Description
Disaster Management Act, 2005	Set up NDMA, NDRF, SDMAs; institutionalized disaster risk reduction.
Seismic Monitoring Expansion	From 80 stations in 2014 to 168 in 2025 - better coverage and early detection.
BhooKamp App	Real-time earthquake alert system developed by NCS; enhances citizen preparedness.
Earthquake Risk Index (EDRI)	Risk profiling of 50 cities completed; additional 16 cities underway to inform planning.
Simplified Building Codes (2021)	Reduces technical barriers to code compliance, especially in small towns.
Retrofitting Guidelines	Promotes use of shear walls, ductile reinforcements, and jacketing for aging structures.
Himalayan Early Warning Systems (EEW)	Pilot alerts in Zone V areas provide critical seconds to evacuate or shut down sensitive systems.

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

Issue	Impact
Climate Crisis	2024 marked as the hottest year; WMO forecasts further temperature rise, worsening food, health, and water security.
Extreme Poverty	Over 800 million people remain extremely poor; SDG1 is off-track.
Aid Decline	7.1% drop in official development assistance (ODA) in 2024.
Financing Gap	$4 trillion annual shortfall for SDG funding, especially in developing economies due to high borrowing costs.

Positive Developments

Sector	Gains
HIV / AIDS	Global HIV infections down by 40% since 2010.
Malaria	2.2 billion cases averted, 12.7 million lives saved since 2000.

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

Indicator	2025 Status
Adoption Ratio	13:1 (Parents to Children), up from 11:1 in 2001
Registered Parents	36,381 families on the CARA (Central Adoption Resource Authority) portal
Legally Free Children	Only 2,652 children currently cleared for adoption
Average Wait Time	5 years in 2025 (from 1 year in 2017)
Children in CCIs	22,000+ in Child Care Institutions; only 12% legally free for adoption
Age Group Concern	34% of adoptable children are aged 14-18 years, least preferred by adoptive parents

Regional Disparities: Illustrative Examples

State	Children in CCIs	Legally Free for Adoption
Himachal Pradesh	829	Only 1 adoptable
Maharashtra	5,284	236 cleared for adoption

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

Feature	Male	Female
Plumage	Electric blue with black wings and tail	Brownish body with white streaks and grey-blue rump
Body Length	20.5-23 cm	Brownish body with white streaks and grey-blue rump
Weight	38-52 g	Brownish body with white streaks and grey-blue rump
Behavior	Forms large flocks in winter	Brownish body with white streaks and grey-blue rump

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