Current Affairs – July 13-14, 2025

{GS1 – A&C – Architecture} Maratha Military Landscapes Inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage List

• Context (PIB): India’s official nomination for 2024-25 cycle, ‘Maratha Military Landscapes of India’ got inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List at the 47^th Session of the World Heritage Committee. It became India’s 44^th World Heritage site.

• The Maratha Military Landscape of India was nominated under cultural criteria for exemplifying living heritage, architectural excellence, and deep historical significance.

World Heritage Site in India At present in India there are 44 World Heritage sites, out of which 36 are cultural sites, 7 are natural sites whereas 1 is mixed site. Last year, the Moidams of Charaideo, Assam, were inscribed in the World Heritage List at the 46th Session of the World Heritage Committee held in New Delhi. India ranks 6th globally & 2nd in Asia Pacific Region for the most number of World Heritage Sites.

Maratha Military Landscapes of India

• The ‘Maratha Military Landscapes’ include 12 forts, 11 of which are in Maharashtra – Salher, Shivneri, Lohgad, Khanderi, Raigad, Rajgad, Pratapgad, Suvarnadurg, Panhala, Vijaydurg, and Sindhudurg and one in Tamil Nadu – Gingee Fort.
• Spanning from the 17^th to 19^th centuries CE, this extraordinary network of 12 forts demonstrates the strategic military vision and architectural ingenuity of the Maratha Empire.
• Together, they form a cohesive military landscape that highlights the innovation and regional adaptation of fortification traditions in India.

Shivneri fort, Lohgad, Raigad, Suvarnadurg, Panhala fort, Vijaydurg, Sindhudurg and Gingee fort are protected under the Archaeological Survey of India.

Key Highlights about these Forts

Forts	Key Features
Raigad Fort Credit: Wikipedia	In 1674 CE, the Rajyabhishek or coronation of Shivaji took place at this fort, and it was here that he adopted the title of ‘Chhatrapati.’ In 1662, it was selected by Chhatrapati Shivaji as his permanent capital. It was also the centre of administration and justice.
Rajgad Fort Credit: Wikipedia	It was the first capital of the Maratha Empire under the rule of Chhatrapati Shivaji for almost 26 years before the capital was moved to Raigad Fort. It was one of the 17 forts that Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj kept when he signed the Treaty of Purandar (1665), with the Mughal General Jai Singh I.
Shivneri Fort Credit: Wikipedia	It is the birthplace of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the founder of Maratha Empire. It was originally used to guard ancient trade routes and was later developed by the Bahmani and Ahmednagar Sultanates before coming under the control of the Marathas.
Pratapgad Fort Credit: Wikipedia	It was built in 1656 by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj under the supervision of his prime minister Moropant Trimbak Pingle. The fort’s historical significance is due to the Battle of Pratapgad, which took place in 1659, between Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Bijapur Sultanate general Afzal Khan.
Salher Fort Credit: Wikipedia	It is the site of the highest fort in the Sahyadri mountains and the second highest peak at 1,567 metres after Kalsubai in Maharashtra. The Battle of Salher was fought between the Marathas and the Mughal Empire in 1672 CE. near the fort of Salher.
Lohgad Fort Credit: PIB	Lohagarh Fort, known for its strong defenses, withstood all 13 attempts made by the British army to conquer it. During the Siege of Bharatpur in January and February 1805, British forces led by Lord Lake launched four major assaults on the fort, but none succeeded in breaking through its defenses.
Suvarnadurg Fort Credit: PIB	Suvarnadurg Fort is a historic sea fort located on a small island in the Arabian Sea, off the coast of Harnai, in Ratnagiri district. The fort served as a key naval base during the reign of the Maratha Empire, especially under Kanhoji Angre, the famous Maratha naval commander.
Panhala Fort Credit: PIB	Originally built in the 12th century by the Shilahara dynasty, Panhala was later fortified by the Bahmani and Adil Shahi rulers. It gained major prominence when Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj captured it in 1659. Panhala is especially famous for the Battle of Pavan Khind (1660), where Shivaji Maharaj and his troops escaped a siege by the forces of Siddi Johar.
Vijaydurg Fort Credit: Wikipedia	Originally constructed in the 13th century by Raja Bhoj of the Shilahara dynasty, the fort was later expanded and strengthened by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in the 17th century. Shivaji Maharaj developed it into a major naval base to defend the western coastline and counter foreign naval powers, especially the British and the Portuguese.
Sindhudurg Fort Credit: PIB	Built by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in 1668, the fort was designed to strengthen Maratha naval power and protect the Konkan coastline from foreign invasions, especially by the Portuguese, Siddis, and British. It was constructed on a rocky island known as Kurte Island. Unlike many forts, Sindhudurg was built with hidden entrances and clever architectural elements to confuse invaders.
Khanderi Fort Credit: Trodly.com	Khanderi Fort, also known as Kanhoji Angre Island, is a sea fort in the Konkan Coast. Built on a small island in the Arabian Sea, it was part of the Maratha naval defense system.
Gingee Fort Credit: Wikipedia	Also known as Senji Fort, it is located atop three hillocks – Rajagiri, Krishnagiri, and Chandragiri near Villupuram in Tamil Nadu. Built by Ananta Kon of the Konar Dynasty in 1,200 CE, the ownership of the fort changed hands several times. The fort was captured by Chhatrapati Shivaji in 1677 and it remained under Maratha rule till it came under the control of the Mughals in 1698. It is often called as the “Troy of the East” by British colonists due to its impressive defences.

{GS2 – Polity – IC – Parliament} Rajya Sabha Nominations

• Context (TH): On July 13, 2025, President Droupadi Murmu exercised her constitutional authority under Article 80(1)(a) and 80(3) of the Indian Constitution to nominate four eminent individuals to the Rajya Sabha.

Newly Nominated Members (2025): Harsh Vardhan Shringla (ex-Foreign Secretary), Ujjwal Nikam (prosecutor), Dr. Meenakshi Jain (historian, Padma Shri), & C. Sadanandan Master (educationist).

Constitutional Provisions for Rajya Sabha Nominations

• Article 80(1)(a): The President can nominate 12 members to the Rajya Sabha.
• Article 80(3): These members are chosen for their special knowledge or practical experience in literature, science, art, and social service.
• The nomination is not electoral and is made by the President on the advice of the Council of Ministers.
• The Irish Constitution inspires the concept of nominated members in the Rajya Sabha.

Significance of Nominated Members

• Brings domain expertise into legislative debates.
• Ensures the representation of non-partisan voices and civil society in policymaking.
• Encourages diverse contributions in areas often underrepresented in electoral politics.

{GS2 – MoHI – Schemes} First-ever E-truck Incentive Scheme

• Context (TH): India has introduced its first e-truck incentive scheme under the PM E-Drive initiative. E-trucks were previously excluded from the FAME scheme.

• It is a Central Sector Scheme by the Ministry of Heavy Industries.
• One-fifth of the financial incentive outlay has been allocated to vehicles registered in Delhi.

FAME Scheme: Launched in 2015 by the Ministry of Heavy Industries, the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles (FAME) Scheme aims to promote EV adoption through demand incentives, mainly for electric 2-wheelers, 3-wheelers, 4-wheelers, and buses.

Objectives of the Scheme

• Expand EV Coverage: To promote electric vehicles in underserved segments like medium and heavy-duty trucks.
• Reduce Emissions: To lower greenhouse gas emissions from road-based goods transport.
• Boost E-Truck Demand: To create a stable domestic market for electric trucks in India.
• Lower Logistics Costs: To reduce operational costs by promoting energy-efficient e-trucks.

About PM E-Drive

• PM E-Drive is a flagship government initiative (2024–26) by the Ministry of Heavy Industries to promote electric vehicle adoption through incentives and charging infrastructure expansion.

Key Features of the E-truck Incentive Scheme

• Target Beneficiaries: The scheme targets electric trucks based on gross vehicle weight (GVW) in categories N2 (3.5–12 tonnes) and N3 (12–55 tonnes).
• Incentive Disbursal Mode: The financial incentive offers a price reduction of up to ₹9.6 lakh per vehicle during purchase.
• Eligibility: E-trucks need advanced batteries and the disposal of old diesel trucks.

{GS2 – Social Sector – Health – Diseases} Tamil Nadu’s TN-KET for Tuberculosis Control

• Context (IE): Tamil Nadu has significantly reduced tuberculosis (TB) deaths under the TN-KET (Kasanoi Erappila Thittam) initiative.

• It is a Tamil Nadu government initiative launched in 2022 for the early detection and prompt treatment of severely ill TB patients.
• TN-KET shows potential for national replication in a country responsible for 29% of global TB deaths.

Key Features of TN-KET

• TN-KET uses a simple triage tool to screen patients by physical signs.
• It incorporates a digital app (TB SeWA) for real-time death risk assessment.
• It offers a differentiated care model by classifying patients as severe or non-severe.
• TN-KET aligns with India’s National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP) and SDG 3.3.

  Triage Tool

• It is a paper-based checklist of five key parameters that enables quick identification of high-risk TB patients.
• Parameters: The tool assesses BMI, oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, presence of pedal oedema, and ability to stand unassisted.

Pedal oedema refers to swelling in the feet or ankles due to fluid accumulation.

• Edge: It avoids laboratory test delays and ensures 98% are hospitalised within 7 days.

  Differentiated TB Care Model

• The Differentiated TB Care Model is a patient-specific treatment approach based on severity. It was issued by the NTEP in 2021.
• Patient-centred: It is tailored to the patient’s age, nutrition, and medical conditions.
• Review-based: Progress-focused care plan revisions conducted by Therapeutic Committees.

{GS2 – Social Sector – Education} Vice-President’s Call for Education and Tech Reform

• Context (PIB): The Vice-President of India, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar, addressed the 4^th Convocation Ceremony of IIIT-Kota. His remarks offered a critical reflection on India’s education system, the digital sovereignty challenge, and the future of technological nationalism.

Key Issues Highlighted

• Coaching Crisis: Referred to them as “poaching centres” and “black holes for talent” for promoting mechanised, exam-focused learning.
  • Obsession with perfect grades undermines curiosity, creativity, and mental well-being.
  • Criticised for commercialising education through heavy spending on advertisements.
  • Highlighted that coaching centres run counter to NEP 2020’s goals of holistic, flexible, and multidisciplinary education.
• Cramming Culture: Current systems promote rote memorisation, producing “degrees without depth” and “intellectual zombies”.
• Digital Dependence: Asserted that modern sovereignty is at risk not from military invasions but from reliance on foreign digital infrastructure.
  • Highlighted how algorithmic domination and tech-import dependency could paralyse national functions in times of crisis.
• Digital Revolution: Emphasised that many tech solutions fail to serve India’s diverse users, such as,
  • Apps that don’t work in rural India.
  • AI models that ignore regional languages.
  • Digital tools that exclude the disabled.

Suggested Reforms

• Skill Hubs: Coaching centres must evolve into skill development and innovation centres. Encourage alignment with NEP 2020 goals of conceptual clarity, experiential learning, & interdisciplinary education.
• Gurukul Spirit: Reclaim India’s educational heritage rooted in knowledge sharing, values, and ethics. Draw from the constitutional imagery of Gurukuls to inspire community-driven learning.
• Technological Patriotism: View tech self-reliance as modern patriotism. Incentivise homegrown AI, cloud, & cyber tools. Shift from passive consumption to tech exports led by India’s engineers and innovators.
• National Mission for Educational Ethics: Launch a “Curiosity First” campaign in schools and higher education to replace rote with reason. Reform assessment methods to test for thinking, not cramming.
• Local Innovation: Strengthen India’s position as a digital knowledge exporter. Encourage Indian youth to be architects of digital and educational transformation, not just job seekers, but job creators and solution builders.

{GS3 – Infra – Railways} Modernisation of Indian Railways

• Context (PIB): Indian Railways has decided to install CCTV cameras in all coaches at common movement areas to enhance security of the passengers from any unwelcome incidents caused by miscreants.

• The Railway Minister further encouraged the use of AI for the data stored from the footage in collaboration with the India AI Mission.

Steps taken to Modernise Indian Railways

• Budgetary Boost: ₹2.52 lakh crore allocated in Union Budget 2025–26 to accelerate infrastructure and safety upgrades.
• KAVACH & AI Surveillance: Indigenous anti-collision system (KAVACH) and CCTV-AI integration under India AI Mission for enhanced safety.
• Vande Bharat & Station Upgrades: Deployment of Vande Bharat trains and redevelopment of 1,300+ stations under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme.
• Green Rail Vision: Net Zero by 2070, 100% electrification by 2030, and commissioning of 30 GW solar capacity.
• Boost to Local Economy: One Station-One Product operational at 1,900+ stations to empower artisans and promote rural livelihoods.

Significance of Railway Modernisation

• Economic: Reduces logistics cost (~13% of GDP), boosts freight share (target 45% by 2030), and generates large-scale employment.
• Social: Enhances passenger safety (KAVACH, CCTV), inclusivity (Divyang-friendly), and affordability (Jan Aushadhi Kendras).
• Technological: Integrates AI, IoT, and digital signalling; promotes indigenisation through Vande Bharat under Make in India.
• Environmental: Aims for net zero by 2070, 100% electrification by 2030, and 30 GW solar capacity to cut diesel use and emissions.

{GS3 – Envi – RE} Geothermal Energy in India

• Context (BS): Uttarakhand Cabinet has cleared the ‘Geothermal Energy Policy 2025’ as part of achieving renewable energy goals.

Highlights of the Policy

• Aim: Enhance energy security, reduce emissions, support sustainability, and use the source for power generation, water purification and community development.
• Duration: The government will allocate geothermal projects for up to 30 years from the date of commissioning.
• Allotment Process: Projects are allocated to central/state PSUs and private players through competitive bidding.

Geothermal Energy Policy of India Objective: Contribute to India’s long-term energy goals and reduce greenhouse gases by developing a responsible, sustainable, safe, and secure geothermal energy business. Target: To produce geothermal energy of 10 GW by 2030. R&D: The initiative will examine the country’s geothermal potential and promote projects for power generation and geo-exchange pumps. Collaboration: Promote international collaboration with geothermal leaders like the U.S (largest producer), Philippines, Indonesia (40% global reserves), Mexico, and New Zealand to accelerate geothermal deployment. This encourages foreign investments, capacity building and technical assistance.

India’s Geothermal Energy Potential

• Geothermal energy is thermal energy generated through natural hot springs.
• India has 381 thermally anomalous sites identified by the Geological Survey of India (GSI) with a potential to generate 10,600 MW, enough to power 10 million households.
• The Puga Valley project is India’s 1^st geothermal venture in the Ladakh region, which is also the world’s highest at 14000 ft.

{GS3 – Envi – Conservation} Eco-Sensitive Zones

• Context (IE): The Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife (SC-NBWL) has directed the MoEFCC to revise the 2011 guidelines on Eco-Sensitive Zones to make them site-specific and ecologically adaptive.

SC-NBWL, chaired by the Union Environment Minister, appraises projects and frames wildlife conservation policy, including guidelines on Eco-Sensitive Zones.

About Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZ)

• ESZs are transition zones around national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, based on the core-buffer model, where human activities are regulated to preserve ecological balance.
• The National Wildlife Action Plan (2002-2016) advised state governments to designate land within 10 km of protected area boundaries as eco-sensitive zones.
  • The Central Government can also notify ESZs extending beyond 10 km if the area includes critical wildlife corridors or ecological features.
• Though the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 does not mention ESZs directly, Rule 5 empowers the Central Government to restrict or prohibit activities in environmentally fragile areas.
• States are allowed to propose ESZ width and activity restrictions based on local ecological and geographical factors.
  • A three-member committee, including the wildlife warden, ecologist, and revenue official, recommends ESZ limits based on land use.
• In 2022, the Supreme Court directed a minimum 1 km ESZ around all protected areas, unless a specific exemption is granted.

Activity Classification in ESZs

• Activities within ESZs are zoned to strike a balance between conservation and sustainable land use.

• Permitted Activities: Traditional farming, rainwater harvesting, and organic agriculture are allowed without restriction.
• Regulated Activities: Tree felling, commercial groundwater use, and the construction of hotels or resorts require official approval.
• Prohibited Activities: Mining, polluting industries, large hydropower projects, and waste discharge are banned.
• Promoted Activities: Green technologies and renewable energy are promoted in ESZ to reduce environmental impact.

Why Site-Specific ESZs Are Needed Ecological Diversity: A fixed 10 km buffer is inappropriate for urban parks, marine zones, and forested hill regions. Livelihood Impact: Strict ESZ rules could disrupt infrastructure and impact local livelihoods near protected areas. Urban Constraints: In cities like Mumbai, dense settlements around protected areas make a fixed 10 km ESZ unfeasible. State Opposition: Kerala and Himachal Pradesh oppose uniform rules due to the overlap between forest and settlement areas.

{GS3 – IS – Issues} Urban Maoism

• Context (IE): Maharashtra Legislative Assembly passed the Special Public Security Bill 2024 to curb the unlawful activities of LWE-affiliated organisations in urban areas.

• It criminalises support to LWE-affiliated groups in cities, enables organisational bans, and provides for judicial oversight via advisory boards.

About Urban Maoism

• Urban Maoism refers to ideological and logistical support for Maoist insurgency from within cities using civil society cover. It is described as “Naxalism minus AK-47”.
• Urban Maoists act as passive supporters while armed active cadres operate in forest zones.
• The CPI(Maoist)’s Strategy and Tactics of Indian Revolution (STIR) document outlines urban cadres as key to leadership, propaganda, and funding.
  • Cities offer Maoists asymmetrical advantages — legal cover, digital anonymity, and institutional access unavailable in rural areas.
• It reflects fifth-generation warfare through legal subversion, information warfare, and institutional infiltration, rather than open violence.

Objectives of Urban Maoism

• Youth Mobilisation: Recruit and radicalise educated urban youth.
• Ideological Expansion: Spread Maoist doctrine in civil spaces.
• Cadre Development: Groom urban sympathisers into full-time operatives.
• System Subversion: Undermine state institutions and democratic norms.
• Urban-Rural Linkage: Sustaining rural insurgency through urban networks.

Methods Used: Urban cadres spread ideology, infiltrate protests, provide legal aid, move logistics covertly, and embed themselves in institutions and media.

Key Challenges in Countering Urban Maoism

• Activism as Cover: Urban Maoists often operate under the guise of civil liberties, human rights activism, or academic freedom, making state action appear repressive.
• Legal & Judicial Hurdles: Difficulty in securing concrete evidence, especially under UAPA and sedition laws, leads to prolonged trials and delayed convictions.
• Intelligence & Coordination Gaps: Weak inter-agency coordination and poor interstate intelligence sharing limit effective monitoring and timely crackdowns.
• Tech Evasion & Political Misuse: Encrypted communication tools hinder tracking, while vague laws risk being misused against legitimate dissent, undermining trust in state action.

Government Initiatives

1. Urban Monitoring Cells: Set up to track left-wing extremist activity in major metro regions.
2. FCRA Compliance Audits: Enforced strictly to identify and restrict foreign funding to LWE-linked NGOs.
3. UGC Campus Protocols: Issued to monitor and prevent ideological radicalisation in universities.
4. Police Curriculum Reform: Urban extremism included in training modules by Bureau of Police Research.
5. LWE Action Plan: Provides for urban intelligence and civil outreach under the national Maoist strategy.

Way Forward

• Intelligence Strengthening: Set up metro-level cells to track Maoist ideology and sleeper activity.
• Digital Monitoring: Improve cyber tools to monitor radical content and encrypted channels.
• Legal Safeguards: Form review boards to prevent misuse of laws under the advisory model.
• Campus Vigilance: Enforce UGC protocols to prevent ideological capture in campuses.
• Narrative Countering: Promote awareness campaigns to counter Maoist narratives in public discourse.

{GS3 – S&T – AI} India’s AI-Driven Ayush Revolution

• Context (PIB): The WHO has released a technical brief titled “Mapping the Application of Artificial Intelligence in Traditional Medicine,” highlighting India’s efforts in integrating AI with traditional medicine systems, especially AYUSH.

India’s Efforts in AI-Ayush Revolution

• Ayurgenomics: Integrates Ayurveda and Genomics with AI to personalise disease prediction by discovering molecular markers and decoding herbal formulations.
• Traditional Digital Knowledge Library: First in the world with a valuable repository of over 2 million medicinal formulations from traditional medicine, made available publicly under open-source licensing.
• Ayush Grid: Operates under the Ministry of Ayush, is the core of AYUSH digital health platforms, offering citizen-centric, interoperable access.

India’s Ayush Platforms

• SAHI Portal: ‘Showcase of Ayurveda Historical Imprints’ is an AI-enabled platform showcasing inscriptions, Archeo-botanical Information, classical texts and advanced Archeo Genetic studies.
• AMAR Portal: ‘Ayush Manuscripts Advanced Repository’, is a digital platform for rare Manuscripts and AYUSH catalogues from libraries and collections worldwide.
• RMIS Portal: Research Management Information System is a one-stop solution for R&D in Ayurveda-based studies.
• NAMASTE Portal: It is an AI-integrated portal that provides standardised terminologies & morbidity codes for Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani systems of medicine.

Significance

• Preserving Heritage: AI can ease the work of analysing ancient texts, enabling the preservation of rich ancient heritage about India’s traditional knowledge.
• Cultural Reputation: As a soft power, India’s cultural engagement through traditional medicine gains traction globally.
• Economic gains: WHO estimates India’s Ayush sector to be valued at $43 billion, and with such potential, it can create more jobs for Ayush practitioners.
• Social Recognition: It also leads to recognition of ancient tribal medicinal practices.

{GS3 – S&T – Tech} Ram Air Turbine

• Context (NDTV): The Air India Flight 171 Dreamliner crash involved the automatic deployment of the Ram Air Turbine (RAT) following suspected dual-engine or electrical failure.

About Ram Air Turbine (RAT)

• RAT is a small wind-driven propeller serving as an emergency backup power source in aircraft.
• It deploys automatically in the event of system failure, but pilots can also activate it manually.
• Use Cases: RATs activate during engine shutdowns, total electrical failures, or hydraulic pressure loss.

• Audible Clue: The RAT emits a high-pitched whine, often the only sound heard after engine failure.
• Mandate: ICAO requires RATs on wide-body jets for safety certification and system redundancy.

Credit: Aviationfile

How RAT Works Aircraft Integration: RAT is stored in the aircraft’s fuselage or wings & stays hidden during operation. Turbine Spin: Once deployed, the aircraft’s forward motion creates ram air that spins the RAT turbine. Ram air is the high-speed airflow created by a moving object due to its forward motion. Power Generation: This spin powers an electrical generator or hydraulic pump for essential systems. Critical Only: RAT output covers only the vital functions like flight control, radios, etc.

{Prelims – In News} Shalyacon 2025

• Context (PIB): All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), New Delhi, is organising Shalyacon 2025, a three-day national seminar from 13–15 July 2025 to commemorate Sushruta Jayanti (15th July).
• Organised by: Department of Shalya Tantra, AIIA, in collaboration with National Sushruta Association.

Sushruta and the Roots of Surgical Science in Ayurveda Charak Samhita (~800 BCE): Laid the groundwork for Ayurvedic medicine, focusing on diagnosis and internal treatment, compiled by Acharyas Atreya and Agnivesh. Acharya Sushruta (~600 BCE): Revered as the Father of Surgery and compiled the Sushruta Samhita, a foundational surgical text. Sushruta Samhita: Part of the Atharva Veda tradition. Details surgical procedures like cataract removal, cesarean section, bone setting, & plastic surgery.

Significance for AYUSH Ecosystem

• Boost to Shalya Tantra: Revives Shalya Tantra (Ayurvedic surgery) by enhancing surgeon confidence, standardising protocols, and promoting integrative practice.
• Global Legitimacy: Adds scientific rigour to Ayurveda, strengthening India’s global outreach like WHO-GCTM (Global Centre for Traditional Medicine) in Jamnagar.
• Public Health Integration: Aligns with the National AYUSH Mission by fostering research, skill-building, and AYUSH inclusion in primary healthcare.