01 Sept 2025 - Daily Current Affairs Updates

GS 1 – History, Geography, Culture, Society

1. Topic: Arogyapacha & the Kani Tribe

Subtopic: Ethnobotany & Indigenous Knowledge Value Addition:

• Arogyapacha (Trichopus zeylanicus) → “miracle plant” endemic to Western Ghats (Agasthya hills).

• Known for enhancing stamina & healing; genome sequencing supports genetic & medicinal research.

• Kani tribe: 25,000 population; speak Tamil/Malayalam; known for herbal knowledge.

• Traditional governance by Moottukani (chief), Vilikani (convenor), Pilathi (priest-healer).

• Livelihoods: honey, beeswax, handicrafts, shifting agriculture.

Subject Analysis:

• GS 1: Tribal culture, ethnobotany, indigenous medicine.

• GS 3: Bioprospecting, biodiversity governance.

• Prelims: Arogyapacha distribution, Kani tribal council.

GS 2 – Governance, Polity, IR

2. Topic: Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS)

Subtopic: Maritime Diplomacy & Naval Cooperation Value Addition:

• Voluntary initiative launched by Indian Navy in 2008 (Delhi).

• 25 members + 9 observers; eligibility → Indian Ocean littoral states with navy.

• Chair rotates every 2 years → India to chair (2025–27).

• Platform for dialogue, interoperability, maritime security, HADR cooperation.

Subject Analysis:

• GS 2: IR – maritime diplomacy, SAGAR vision.

• Prelims: IONS founding year, eligibility, chair rotation.

3. Topic: UNTOC & UNCAC

Subtopic: Global Treaties Against Crime & Corruption Value Addition:

• UNTOC (2000, Palermo Convention, in force 2003): Only global treaty on organized crime.

  • Protocols: Human trafficking, Migrant smuggling, Firearms trafficking.

  • Secretariat: UNODC.

• UNCAC (2003): Only universal anti-corruption treaty.

  • Focus: Prevention, criminalization, intl. cooperation, asset recovery.

• Invoked by CBI in extradition case (Mehul Choksi).

Subject Analysis:

• GS 2: Global governance & conventions.

• Prelims: UNTOC year, UNCAC scope, UNODC role.

GS 3 – Defence, Economy, Environment, S&T

4. Topic: Stealth Frigates INS Udaygiri & Himgiri

Subtopic: Indigenous Naval Modernisation Value Addition:

• Built under Project-17 (Shivalik class).

• Udaygiri (MDL Mumbai), Himgiri (GRSE Kolkata).

• 75% indigenous components → MSME participation, Atmanirbhar Bharat.

• Features: CODOG propulsion, Integrated Platform Mgmt System, stealth + advanced sensors.

• To join Eastern Fleet → strengthens blue-water capability.

Subject Analysis:

• GS 3: Defence indigenisation, maritime power projection.

• Prelims: Project-17, builders, propulsion type.

5. Topic: Interpol Purple Notice

Subtopic: Intelligence-Sharing on Criminal Techniques Value Addition:

• One of 8 Interpol notices; shares modus operandi, concealment tools, devices used by criminals.

• Distinct from Red Notice (individuals).

• Aids cross-border awareness of emerging threats.

Subject Analysis:

• GS 2/3: International policing & security cooperation.

• Prelims: Types of Interpol notices.

6. Topic: Vaquita Porpoise

Subtopic: Most Endangered Marine Mammal Value Addition:

• Found only in northern Gulf of California, Mexico.

• Smallest cetacean (≤1.5m); dorsal fin broader than dolphins.

• Critically Endangered (IUCN); <20 individuals left.

• Threat: bycatch in gillnets, illegal totoaba fish trade.

Subject Analysis:

• GS 3: Biodiversity conservation, marine ecology.

• Prelims: Distribution, IUCN status.

7. Topic: New World Screwworm

Subtopic: Zoonotic Parasite & Public Health Risk Value Addition:

• Flesh-eating blowfly (South America, Caribbean).

• Females lay 3000 eggs; larvae burrow in wounds, feeding on live tissue.

• First human case in USA (2025).

• Eradication programmes previously eliminated it from N. America using sterile insect technique.

Subject Analysis:

• GS 3: Health & zoonoses.

• Prelims: Vector, lifecycle, eradication method.

8. Topic: State Energy Efficiency Index 2024

Subtopic: State-Level Performance on Energy Transition Value Addition:

• By BEE + AEEE; evaluates 36 states/UTs on 66 indicators.

• Maharashtra = Top performer (Group 1 >15 MToE).

• Sectors: buildings, industry, transport, agriculture, DISCOMs.

• Progress: 24 states adopted ECBC 2017; 31 → EV policies; 13 → solar agri-pumps.

Subject Analysis:

• GS 3: Energy efficiency, climate goals.

• Prelims: SEEI indicators, categories (Front Runner, Achiever, Contender, Aspirant).

9. Topic: Conocarpus Tree Ban Proposal

Subtopic: Invasive Exotic & Health Hazards Value Addition:

• Exotic mangrove species; grown in Gujarat, Kutch.

• Concerns:

  • Consumes excess groundwater.

  • Roots damage pipelines/cables.

  • Pollen → asthma, rhinitis.

  • Brittle wood → fire hazard.

• SC expert panel recommends ban.

Subject Analysis:

• GS 3: Ecology & invasive species mgmt.

• Prelims: Features, hazards, distribution.

10. Topic: Inverted Duty Structure (IDS) under GST

Subtopic: Structural Tax Imbalance

Value Addition:

• Arises when input tax > output tax.

• Example: textiles (inputs 12–18%, output 5%).

• Consequence: unutilized ITC accumulation → tax burden.

• Remedies: refund formula; restrictions in cases like nil-rated output, export duty.

Subject Analysis:

• GS 3: Economy – GST reforms, ease of doing business.

• Prelims: IDS definition, refund exceptions.