2nd September 2025 – Current Affairs

1. India’s Economic Churn and the Nectar of Growth – Economy

Why in News?

India’s economy is undergoing a transformative phase, drawing parallels with the mythological Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean), where crises and challenges act as catalysts for long-term growth and resilience. This theme is reflected in India’s journey from the 1991 economic reforms to the post-COVID digital acceleration.

Key Highlights of India’s Economic Performance

Strong Economic Growth

• India’s real GDP growth stood at 7.8% in Q1 of FY 2025-26, showcasing a resilient post-pandemic recovery.
• Nominal GDP growth reached 8.8%, primarily fueled by domestic consumption and private investment.

Sectoral Improvements

• Manufacturing: Grew by 7.7%, boosted by policy support and global demand.
• Construction: Expanded by 7.6%, driven by infrastructure investments and urban development.
• Services: Saw the highest growth at 9.3%, reflecting rising demand in IT, finance, and tourism sectors.

Poverty Reduction

• Over 25 crore (250 million) Indians have exited multidimensional poverty, due to effective targeting and delivery of welfare schemes.
• Initiatives like Jan Dhan Yojana, Ayushman Bharat, and Direct Benefit Transfers played key roles.

Energy Security & Green Transition

• India is now the 3rd-largest energy consumer in the world.
• Ethanol blending in petrol has improved significantly, reducing oil imports and supporting the clean energy mission.
• India aims to double its energy demand by 2047, necessitating a major increase in refining capacity and renewable energy adoption.

Industrial and Digital Transformation

• Flagship schemes like Pradhan Mantri Gati Shakti and Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) are transforming sectors like semiconductors, EVs, and renewables.
• A robust digital public infrastructure (e.g., UPI, DigiLocker) is enabling inclusive growth.

Concept Simplified

Multidimensional Poverty:

Unlike income-based poverty, this includes multiple deprivations in health, education, and standard of living. The fall in multidimensional poverty signals holistic improvement in people’s lives.

Energy Security:

Refers to the uninterrupted availability of energy sources at an affordable price. For India, this includes reducing dependence on imports and expanding green energy sources.

Digital Economy:

An economy driven by digital technologies, such as online banking, e-governance, and e-commerce. India’s rapid digital adoption is empowering citizens and enhancing transparency.

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims

1. Which of the following sectors recorded the highest growth in Q1 of FY 2025-26?
   A. Agriculture
   B. Manufacturing
   C. Services
   D. Construction
   Answer: C. Services
   
   
2. India is currently the ____ largest energy consumer in the world.
   A. First
   B. Second
   C.Third
   D.Fourth
   Answer: C. Third
   

Mains

1. “India’s economic growth is not just about numbers, but about inclusive transformation.” Discuss in light of recent economic trends and poverty alleviation measures.
   
2. How has India balanced the twin challenges of energy security and green transition? Analyze with reference to recent policy initiatives.
   

2. Collapse of Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) – Environment

Why in News?

A recent scientific study suggests that the collapse of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) is no longer a remote possibility but a plausible near-future scenario, driven by accelerating climate change and freshwater influx into the Atlantic Ocean.

Key Highlights

What is AMOC?

• The Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) is a large system of ocean currents that is part of the global thermohaline circulation (also called the global ocean conveyor belt).
• It transports warm surface water from the tropics to the North Atlantic, where it cools, becomes denser, and sinks, forming deep ocean currents that return southward.
• Plays a critical role in regulating global climate, distributing heat and nutrients across oceans.

Why is AMOC Slowing Down?

1. Melting of Greenland & Arctic Ice: Adds large volumes of freshwater, decreasing seawater density and disrupting the sinking process essential for the circulation.
2. Increased Rainfall in Indian Ocean: A 2019 study found that this can influence Atlantic salinity, temporarily boosting AMOC.
3. Climate Change: Unabated global warming could weaken AMOC by 34–45% by 2100, as per climate models.

Consequences of AMOC Collapse

• Cooling in Europe and the North Atlantic: Despite global warming, regional cooling due to loss of heat transport.
• Reduced Rainfall in Europe: Disruptions in precipitation patterns.
• ENSO Disruption: Changes to the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) could lead to global climate instability.
• Sea Ice Expansion: Especially in Greenland–Iceland–Norwegian (GIN) seas.
• Shifts in Tropical Rainfall: Toward the Southern Atlantic, potentially intensifying droughts and floods in vulnerable regions.

Concept Simplified

Thermohaline Circulation:

• “Thermo” = temperature, “haline” = salt.
• Ocean water movement is driven by differences in temperature and salinity, influencing density.
• This circulation helps stabilize Earth’s climate by distributing heat and carbon globally.

El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO):

• A periodic fluctuation in sea surface temperatures and wind patterns across the tropical Pacific.
• Impacts monsoons in India, droughts, floods, and weather patterns worldwide.

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims

1. The Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) is part of which of the following?
   A. Jet Stream System
   B. Gulf Stream Current
   C.Thermohaline Circulation
   D. El Niño Oscillation
   Answer: C. Thermohaline Circulation
   
   
2. Which of the following factors contributes to the weakening of AMOC?
   A. Increased salinity of surface waters
   B. Melting of polar ice caps
   C. Rise in tectonic activity
   D. Ocean acidification
   Answer: B. Melting of polar ice caps
   

Mains

1. Discuss the role of Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) in global climate regulation. What could be the consequences of its collapse?
2. How do oceanic circulations like AMOC and climate phenomena like ENSO interact to influence weather patterns globally, especially in South Asia?
   

3. Fireflies as Ecological Indicators of Habitat Health – Environment

Why in News?

A recent study in Tamil Nadu has highlighted the ecological importance of fireflies, documenting various native species and emphasizing their role as biological indicators of ecosystem health. Their sensitivity to environmental changes makes them crucial markers of biodiversity and habitat integrity.

Key Highlights

What are Fireflies?

• Fireflies are bioluminescent beetles, not true flies.
• Belong to the insect family Lampyridae.
• They emit light to communicate, especially for courtship and mating.

Bioluminescence: The Science Behind the Glow

• Produced in a specialized light organ in the abdomen.
• Requires luciferin (a pigment), luciferase (an enzyme), oxygen, and ATP.
• The light is cold and energy-efficient, with colors ranging from green to yellow.
• Flashing patterns are species-specific mating signals.

Life Cycle and Behavior

• Larvae live in soil or leaf litter, feeding on soft-bodied invertebrates like snails and worms.
• Adults emerge during humid monsoon nights and live briefly, focused on reproduction.
• Synchronized flashing in large groups often signals a healthy ecosystem.

Ecological Role and Sensitivities

Indicators of Habitat Health

• Presence of fireflies reflects clean water, minimal pollution, and healthy vegetation.
• Large aggregations suggest a balanced ecosystem; decline may indicate ecological stress.

Major Environmental Threats

1. Pesticide Use: Kills larvae in soil and impacts adult health.
2. Habitat Degradation: Deforestation, monoculture plantations, and wetland loss reduce habitats.
3. Light Pollution: Disorients fireflies and disrupts their mating communication, reducing reproduction.
4. Water Pollution: Affects larval development in moist or aquatic habitats.

Cultural and Local Observations

• Malasar and Irula tribal communities in Tamil Nadu report significant declines in firefly populations.
• Causes include increased pesticide use and stream contamination.

Indian Firefly Species Documented

• Abscondita chinensis
• Luciola ovalis
• Luciola nicolleri
• Asymmetricata humeralis
• Pyrocoelia analis

These species are primarily observed during the monsoon in tropical regions, especially in Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats.

Concept Simplified

Bioindicators:

Species whose presence, absence, or abundance reflects the health of an environment. Like a biological early-warning system.

Light Pollution:

Excessive or misdirected artificial light that interferes with natural behaviors of nocturnal animals, such as mating or navigation.

Proxy Species:

Species whose status serves as a proxy for the health of other species in the same ecosystem (e.g., fireflies for moths, frogs, and bats).

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims

1. Fireflies are categorized under which of the following insect families?
   A. Muscidae
   B. Lampyridae
   C. Noctuidae
   D. Coleopteridae
   Answer: B. Lampyridae
   
   
2. Which of the following substances is responsible for the glow of fireflies?
   A. Hemoglobin
   B. Luciferase
   C. Carotene
   D. Myoglobin
   Answer: B. Luciferase

Mains

1. Fireflies are emerging as key ecological indicators of habitat health. Explain the biological basis of their indicator role and analyze the threats they face in modern ecosystems.
2. How does artificial light pollution affect nocturnal biodiversity in India? Discuss with special reference to fireflies.
   

4. NGO ‘Educate Girls’ Wins Ramon Magsaysay Award 2025 – Governance

Why in News?

The 2025 Ramon Magsaysay Award—Asia’s most prestigious honor—has been awarded to Educate Girls, an Indian NGO working to promote girls’ education in rural and underprivileged communities. This marks a major global recognition of India’s civil society contributions toward gender equity and educational empowerment.

Key Highlights

About Educate Girls

• Originally founded as the Foundation to Educate Girls Globally.
• Currently led by CEO Gayatri Nair Lobo.
• Works across rural India, particularly in educationally backward districts, to improve girls’ enrollment, retention, and learning outcomes.
• Operates a community-based model using local volunteers called:
  • Preraks – community mobilizers
  • Team Balika – youth champions working at the village level

Impact

• Works in deeply rural and socio-economically challenged regions.
• Uses data-driven approaches to identify out-of-school girls.
• Has achieved significant impact by:
  • Improving female literacy and school participation
  • Creating a ripple effect of education-led community upliftment
  • Empowering girls to become agents of change within their households and communities

About the Ramon Magsaysay Award

• Often called the “Nobel Prize of Asia”.
• Instituted in 1958 in memory of Ramon Magsaysay, the former President of the Philippines.
• Recognizes excellence in governance, public service, leadership, and community initiatives.
• Focuses on individuals or organizations exhibiting:
  • Integrity in governance
  • Service to the people
  • Idealism in a democratic society

Other 2025 Awardees:

• Shaahina Ali (Maldives) – Environmental activist
• Fr. Flaviano Antonio L. Villanueva (Philippines) – Human rights defender

Notable Past Indian Winners:

• Vinoba Bhave – Sarvodaya movement
• Mother Teresa – Humanitarian work
• Satyajit Ray – Contributions to cinema
• Arun Shourie, Kiran Bedi, Anshu Gupta (Goonj), among others

Concept Simplified

Role of NGOs in Governance:

• Non-Governmental Organizations play a supplementary and complementary role in governance by:
  • Bridging gaps in public service delivery
  • Advocating for marginalized communities
  • Strengthening participatory democracy
  • Supporting state functions in health, education, and women’s empowerment

Importance of Girls’ Education:

• Increases literacy, reduces early marriage, and improves maternal health.
• Has strong intergenerational benefits—educated women invest more in their children’s education and health.
• Recognized under SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 5 (Gender Equality).

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims

1. Which of the following is referred to as the “Nobel Prize of Asia”?
   A. Right Livelihood Award
   B. Ramon Magsaysay Award
   C. Asia Democracy Award
   D. ASEAN Humanitarian Award
   Answer: B. Ramon Magsaysay Award
   
   
2. Which of the following NGOs won the 2025 Ramon Magsaysay Award for promoting girls’ education in India?
   A. Goonj
   B. Educate Girls
   C. Pratham
   D. Akshaya Patra Foundation
   Answer: B. Educate Girls

Mains

1. Discuss the role of NGOs in promoting inclusive education in India. How does international recognition, such as the Ramon Magsaysay Award, enhance the credibility and outreach of such initiatives?
2. Girls’ education plays a transformative role in societal development. Evaluate the impact of community-driven approaches like those used by ‘Educate Girls’ in rural India.
   

5. Sea-Level Rise Around Maldives and Lakshadweep: Alarming New Data – Environment

Why in News?

Recent research using coral microatolls has revealed that sea levels in the Indian Ocean have been rising faster and earlier than previously estimated—since the 1950s. This challenges older assumptions based on satellite and tide-gauge data and raises alarms for low-lying island nations such as Maldives and Lakshadweep.

Key Highlights

What are Coral Microatolls?

• Microatolls are disk-shaped coral formations that grow outward once they reach the lowest tide level, making them natural sea-level markers.
• Serve as paleoclimatic archives, helping reconstruct long-term sea-level trends.
• A study of Porites coral microatoll (1930–2019) in Huvadhoo Atoll, Maldives, provided precise sea-level records over 90 years.

Sea-Level Rise Trends (Indian Ocean)

• 1930–1959: 1.0–1.84 mm/year
• 1960–1992: 2.76–4.12 mm/year
• 1990–2019: 3.91–4.87 mm/year
• Total rise since 1930: ~0.3 meters
• The rise has accelerated significantly post-1990, driven by thermal expansion and glacial melt.

Indian Ocean Warming

• The Indian Ocean is warming faster than the global average.
• This accelerates thermal expansion, intensifying sea-level rise and climate variability impacts.

Climate Variability and Coral Growth

• Coral growth patterns are disrupted by events like:
  • El Niño
  • Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD)
• These events affect sea surface temperatures, nutrient cycles, and coral health.

Implications for Island Nations

Vulnerability of Maldives and Lakshadweep

• Both are low-lying island chains, highly vulnerable to:
  • Coastal erosion
  • Freshwater contamination
  • Habitat loss
  • Displacement of communities

Adaptation & Policy Relevance

• Need for early warning systems, coastal resilience infrastructure, and community-based adaptation.
• Crucial for disaster preparedness, climate-resilient infrastructure, and international climate finance access.
• Data suggests current sea-level adaptation models may be underestimating risk.

Concept Simplified

Sea-Level Rise (SLR):

• Increase in average global sea levels due to:
  • Melting glaciers and ice sheets
  • Thermal expansion of seawater as it warms
• Impacts include:
  • Submergence of land
  • Saltwater intrusion into freshwater sources
  • Increased storm surges

Coral Microatoll as a Natural Gauge:

• Their vertical growth halts at low tide, making them reliable indicators of historic tidal levels.

Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD):

• A climate phenomenon influencing monsoon, marine ecosystems, and ocean circulation in the region.

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims

1. Which of the following is used as a natural sea-level indicator in climate studies?
   A. Mangroves
   B. Coral Microatolls
   C.Tidal turbines
   D. Salt pans
   Answer: B. Coral Microatolls
   
   
2. Which island group in India is most vulnerable to rising sea levels?
   A.Andaman and Nicobar
   B. Sunderbans
   C. Lakshadweep
   D. Minicoy
   Answer: C. Lakshadweep

Mains

1. Discuss the significance of coral microatolls in understanding long-term sea-level rise. How can this data aid in coastal and island policy planning in India?
2. Examine the threats posed by sea-level rise to island nations like Maldives and Lakshadweep. What measures can be taken at national and international levels to mitigate these threats?
   

6. India’s Federal Design and the Debate on Jammu & Kashmir Statehood – Polity

Why in News?

The Supreme Court of India has recently directed the Union Government to restore statehood and hold Assembly elections in Jammu & Kashmir (J&K). This has reignited a national debate on the nature of India’s federalism, the limits of Union authority, and the democratic rights of States and Union Territories.

This follows the December 2023 judgment, where the Court upheld the abrogation of Article 370 but stressed that statehood must be restored.

Key Highlights

Supreme Court’s Directive

• Mandated the conduct of Assembly elections in J&K.
• Stressed on the eventual restoration of statehood.
• Criticized the delay in defining a clear timeline for restoration.

Constitutional Provisions for State Formation

Under Article 1 and Article 3 of the Constitution, the Union can:

1. Admit new States (e.g., J&K via the Instrument of Accession, 1947).
2. Establish new States from acquired territories (e.g., Goa, Sikkim).
3. Reorganize existing States—merge, divide, rename, or alter boundaries.

Important Limitation:
While Parliament can reorganize States, it cannot permanently reduce a State to a Union Territory. Doing so would weaken the federal fabric of the Constitution.

India’s Federal Structure: Key Features

India follows a model of “Cooperative but Centralized Federalism”:

J&K and the Federalism Debate

Reorganization in 2019:

• Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act split the State into:
  • Jammu & Kashmir (UT with legislature)
  • Ladakh (UT without legislature)

SC’s Stand in 2023:

• Upheld the abrogation of Article 370.
• Held that Parliament had the power to reorganize J&K temporarily as a Union Territory.
• Emphasized that statehood must be restored, affirming the democratic rights of citizens.

Importance of Restoring Statehood

1. Federal Integrity:
   Affirms the balance of power between Centre and States as intended in the Constitution.
2. Democratic Accountability:
   Enables the people of J&K to elect their representatives and participate in governance.
3. Constitutional Trust:
   Respecting the Supreme Court’s directive strengthens public faith in democratic institutions.
4. Reducing LG Dominance:
   Shifts governance from central-appointed administrators to elected bodies, ensuring democratic legitimacy.
5. Political Stability:
   Addresses regional alienation and supports integration through democracy, not administration.

Concept Simplified

Federalism:

A system where powers are constitutionally divided between central and state governments. In India, it’s skewed towards the Centre but retains essential autonomous space for States.

Basic Structure Doctrine:

Introduced in Kesavananda Bharati (1973). Prevents Parliament from altering core principles of the Constitution such as federalism, democracy, secularism, and rule of law.

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims

1. Which Article of the Constitution allows Parliament to create new States or alter existing ones?
   A. Article 1
   B. Article 2
   C. Article 3
   D. Article 370
   Answer: C. Article 3
   
   
2. Which of the following is part of the Basic Structure of the Indian Constitution?
   A. Judicial review
   B. Federalism
   C. Secularism
   D. All of the above
   Answer: D. All of the above
   

Mains

1. The Supreme Court’s directive to restore statehood to Jammu & Kashmir reaffirms India’s federal commitments. Discuss the constitutional and democratic implications of this directive.
2. Examine how the reorganization of Jammu & Kashmir challenges the balance between Union power and State autonomy in Indian federalism.