Current Affairs – October 02, 2025

{GS1 – Geo – EG – Mineral Resources} Building Self-Reliance in Natural Resources

Context (IE | PIB): Despite its rich geology, India imports nearly 50% of its natural resource needs, including oil, gold, copper, bauxite, and coal.

India imports about 90% of its oil, 95% of its copper, and 99% of its gold, accounting for nearly 60% of India’s resource import bill.

Key Policy Measures Suggested

Exploration Focus: Encourage small, start-up style exploration companies to take high-risk bets, similar to global practice.
- Move beyond government-driven baseline exploration; open up exploration to private entrepreneurs.
Faster Clearances: Replace lengthy multi-layered approval systems with self-certification, where entrepreneurs follow rulebook norms and the government audits compliance later.
Revive Dormant Assets: Existing resources such as Kolar Gold Fields, Hindustan Copper, Hutti Gold Mines, and underproducing oil fields should be revived with fresh private investment.
Level Playing Field: End preferential treatment for public sector companies in allocation and fiscal support, which will give fair competition to private players, particularly new entrepreneurs.

Implications of the Measures

None of these measures requires an extra burden on the government budget; instead, they will increase revenue through royalties and taxes.
Increased domestic production will create millions of jobs and build strong supply chains, aligning with Viksit Bharat 2047’s vision.

Government Measures to Reduce Import Dependency on Natural Resources

Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation (SATAT) promotes compressed biogas (CBG) as an automotive fuel to diversify energy sources.
National Bioenergy Programme supports the use of biofuels like biodiesel.
Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing Policy (HELP) simplifies licensing to encourage domestic oil and gas exploration and production.
National Green Hydrogen Mission promotes clean hydrogen to reduce future hydrocarbon imports.
Increase in export duty on bauxite discourages raw bauxite exports and prioritises domestic use for the aluminium industry.
National Critical Minerals Mission seeks to minimize import dependency by enhancing domestic exploration and mining efforts for critical minerals.

{GS2 – MoJS – Initiatives} Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari

Context (PIB): PM Modi recently launched the ‘Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari’ initiative in Surat, Gujarat.

Key Features of the Initiative

It is based on Gujarat’s earlier Jal Sanchay initiative, which is now scaled nationally through the Ministry of Jal Shakti.
Construction of around 24,800 rainwater harvesting structures across Gujarat.
Strong emphasis on community participation and local ownership in water resource management.

Government Initiatives for Water Conservation

MGNREGS: Supports the construction of water conservation and harvesting structures.
15^th Finance Commission Grants: States receive tied grants, which can be used for rainwater harvesting.
Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Currently running as Catch the Rain 2024, implemented in all districts by converging multiple central and state schemes.
AMRUT 2.0: Focus on urban rainwater harvesting, aquifer recharge, and stormwater management.
Atal Bhujal Yojana: Implemented in 8,213 Gram Panchayats across seven states to shift focus from groundwater development to groundwater management.
PMKSY: Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana expands irrigation, promotes water-use efficiency, and includes components like Har Khet Ko Pani and Repair, Renovation, and restoration (RRR) of water bodies.
Mission Amrit Sarovar: At least 75 water bodies per district developed or rejuvenated to store and conserve water.
National Aquifer Mapping (NAQUIM): Completed over 25 lakh sq. km, providing state-level aquifer management plans.

Institutional & Policy Measures

The Bureau of Water Use Efficiency (BWUE) was established under the National Water Mission to promote efficient water use in irrigation, industry, and domestic supply.
Model Building Bye Laws (2016) and Unified Building Bye Laws (Delhi, 2016) mandate rainwater harvesting in urban construction.

Context (DH): According to Elsevier’s Clinician of the Future 2025 report, AI adoption among Indian clinicians has seen a threefold rise in one year, making India a global frontrunner in digital healthcare.

Key Findings in Report

India’s adoption of AI in health (41%) exceeds the global average (38%).
52% of Indian clinicians expect patients to self-diagnose with AI soon.
Around 66% of Indian clinicians report higher patient loads; 20% consider leaving healthcare.

Read More > AI in Healthcare

{GS2 – IR – Diplomacy} South-South and Triangular Cooperation (SSTC)

Context(TH|UN): SSTC has become a key tool for promoting development, solidarity, and innovative solutions amid declining traditional aid and global inequalities.

With the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development nearing its deadline, India is leveraging SSTC to strengthen development partnerships among Global South countries.

About South-South and Triangular Cooperation (SSTC)

South-South Cooperation is a framework for collaboration and exchange among developing countries in political, economic, social, cultural, environmental, and technical domains.
Triangular Cooperation is a Southern-driven partnership between two or more developing countries, supported by a developed country or multilateral organisation.
It is based on Principles of Mutual respect for sovereignty, equality, non-interference, mutual benefit, solidarity, and peaceful coexistence.

Evolution of South-South and Triangular Cooperation

The United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC) was created on 1974 to promote economic cooperation among developing countries.
Buenos Aires Plan of Action (BAPA) 1978, adopted by 138 UN member states, establishing the first framework for SSC and emphasising solidarity, mutual respect, and shared learning.
Nairobi Outcome Document (2009) expanded SSC beyond technical cooperation to political, institutional, and infrastructural collaboration.
India-UN Development Partnership Fund (2017) was established to finance demand-driven SSTC projects across developing countries.
The United Nations declared “New Opportunities and Innovation through SSTC” as the theme for the 2025 UN Day for South-South and Triangular Cooperation

Contemporary Relevance of South-South and Triangular Cooperation

Empowerment and Solidarity: Strengthens self-reliance, mutual respect, and shared learning while avoiding the conditionalities often linked to North-South aid
Tackling Global Challenges: Provides collective solutions to poverty, rising inequalities, climate change, and shrinking traditional aid.
Driver of SDGs: Acts as a major force for achieving the 2030 Agenda, particularly SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), through affordable, locally driven innovations.
Multi-Sectoral Role: Supports progress in agriculture, health, education, digital economy, climate resilience, social protection, and urban development.

India’s Role in South-South and Triangular Cooperation

Philosophy: Aligned with India’s philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (“The world is one family”).
Institutional Mechanisms:
- Development Partnership Administration: Key agency within the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Central body for planning and implementing SSTC projects.
- Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC): Capacity-building program in 160+ countries.
- India-UN Development Partnership Fund: Supports 75+ demand-driven projects in 56 countries, focusing on Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
Technological Leadership: Shares digital public infrastructure like Aadhaar and UPI for cost-effective, replicable solutions globally.
Regional Advocacy: Hosted Voice of the Global South Summits to amplify Southern priorities and advocated for permanent African Union membership in G20.
World Food Programme (WFP): Piloted Annapurti (Grain ATMs), women-led Take-Home Ration, and rice fortification for improving food security in other developing countries.

Challenges in South-South and Triangular Cooperation

Fragmentation: Diverse political systems, economic priorities, and historical contexts often lead to scattered efforts, diluting impact and hindering cohesive collaboration.
Funding Gaps: SSTC largely depends on trust funds and voluntary contributions (e.g. IBSA Fund), which are often unpredictable and insufficient.
Political Will: Inconsistent commitment and delayed initiatives weaken trust among partners.
Triangular Cooperation Complexities: Involvement of developed countries or multilateral organisations introduces bureaucracy and power asymmetries, which may compromise Southern leadership.
Monitoring Gaps: Absence of a common framework results in weak evaluation, limited transparency, and difficulty in scaling successful projects.

Way Forward

Foster Innovation: Building on the 2025 UN Day theme, countries should promote creative, locally relevant solutions and support pilot projects with strong institutional frameworks.
Enhance Financing: Increase funding for demand-driven initiatives and embed monitoring to strengthen transparency, effectiveness, and replication.
Multi-Stakeholder Partnerships to include civil society, private sector, academia, and grassroots communities, ensuring cooperation remains people-centred and contextually relevant.
High-Impact Sectors: Prioritise food security, nutrition, climate resilience, health systems, and education, where Southern innovations can be scaled and replicated across similar contexts.
Knowledge Sharing: Strengthen regional and global knowledge platforms, facilitate training programs, and share best practices to enhance learning across countries.
Align with SDGs: Design projects with measurable development outcomes, linking SSTC initiatives to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for maximum impact.

{GS3 – Envi – Species} Odonate Census in Delhi

Context (IE): The 2025 post-monsoon census across seven Delhi biodiversity parks recorded a 54% increase in dragonfly and damselfly populations.

The census identified 51 odonate species, with Kalindi and Kamla Nehru Ridge parks accounting for over half the total sightings.

Key Findings from the Survey

Population Surge: The number of odonates (dragonflies and damselflies) increased to 13,253, a rise from 8,630 the previous year.
- Kamla Nehru Ridge Park recorded the highest count with 3,935 individuals across 26 species.
New Species: The Yellow-tailed Ashy Skimmer (Potamarcha congener) was noted for the first time in the Yamuna Biodiversity Park.
Monsoon Breeding: This year’s heavy monsoon rains created temporary water bodies that provided ideal breeding conditions for the increase in odonate populations.

Significance of Odonates

Vector Control: Both adult and larval odonates feed on mosquitoes, which naturally lowers the chances of dengue and other vector-borne diseases.
Bioindicators: Odonate larvae need clean, well-oxygenated water. Their presence is a reliable indicator of the health of wetlands.
Nutrient Transfer: Their life cycle transfers nutrients from aquatic habitats to land, connecting water ecosystems with the terrestrial food webs.
Climate Sensitivity: Odonate species are highly responsive to temperature changes, making them valuable for tracking the impacts of climate change.

Yellow-tailed Ashy Skimmer (Potamarcha congener)

Also known as the “Common Chaser” or “Swampwatcher,” it is a medium-sized dragonfly species.
Appearance: The yellow abdomen with distinct black markings gives it the name ‘yellow tail.’
Flight Ability: This species can uniquely fly backwards, which is rare among insects.
Preferred Habitat: It thrives near stagnant water bodies, including ponds, marshes, and rice fields.
Distribution: Found widely across South Asia, Southeast Asia, and parts of Oceania.
India Range: Present across the northern and northwestern plains of the country.
Conservation Status: IUCN: Least Concern

{GS3 – Envi – CC} Increasing Tree Size in the Amazon Rainforest

Context (IE): A new study, ‘Increasing Tree Size Across Amazonia,’ shows that the average size of trees in the Amazon rainforest is increasing due to rising levels of carbon dioxide (CO₂) in the atmosphere.

Key Finding: Scientists observed trees over large areas for up to 30 years and found that, on average, their diameter increased by about 3.3% each decade.
Comparison: Usually, in a forest, tree diameters stay the same, but Amazon trees grew because atmospheric CO₂ levels increased by nearly 20% in the last 30 years.
Underlying Reason: Rising CO₂levels trigger the carbon fertilisation effect, which enhances photosynthesis, resulting in increased growth in some plants.
Significance: Larger trees can absorb and store more carbon, enhancing the Amazon rainforest’s role as a significant carbon sink.

About the Amazon Rainforest

The Amazon rainforest is the world’s largest rainforest, in the Amazon River basin in South America.
It is also called the Earth’s lungs because it absorbs about 150–200 billion tonnes of carbon.
The Amazon rainforest spans nine countries, Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Bolivia, Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana, covering about 40% of Brazil’s land area.
Natural Boundaries: Guiana Highlands in the north, the Andes Mountains in the west, the Brazilian Plateau in the south, and the Atlantic Ocean in the east.
Biodiversity: It is the most biodiverse region in the world, covering only 1% of Earth’s surface but hosting nearly 10% of all known species, including jaguars and Amazon River dolphins.

{GS3 – Envi – CC} Analysing Polar Geoengineering Projects

Context (TH): A recent study has raised serious concerns over five polar geoengineering concepts aimed at mitigating climate change.

Proposed Polar Geoengineering Methods

Stratospheric Aerosol Injection (SAI): Releasing reflective aerosols like sulphur dioxide to cool the atmosphere.
Sea Curtains/Walls: Large buoyant structures blocking warm water inflows to ice sheets.
Sea Ice Management: Using glass microbeads to increase ice reflectivity.
Basal Water Removal: Extracting subglacial water to slow glacier flow.
Ocean Fertilisation: Adding nutrients (iron) to stimulate phytoplankton and absorb CO₂.

Major Concerns Identified in these Methods

Stratospheric Aerosol Injection (SAI): Ineffective in polar winters when no sunlight is available. If suddenly stopped, there is a risk of “termination shock,” which could lead to a rapid global temperature rise within 10-20 years.
Sea Curtains: Involve technical difficulties in anchoring structures in remote hostile seas, and the costs exceed $1 billion per kilometre.
Sea Ice Management: Microbeads could dissolve quickly or even absorb heat, worsening warming. Also, 360 million tonnes of beads are required annually, equal to global plastic production.
Ocean Fertilisation: It risks disrupting marine food chains and nutrient cycles.

Alternative Solutions to Geoengineering

Decarbonisation: Immediate decarbonisation remains the proven, effective way to protect polar regions and stabilise the global climate.
- Challenges include upfront costs, supply chain constraints for critical minerals, and political resistance.
Natural Defences: Better management of protected areas and ecosystem-based adaptation (e.g., mangrove restoration).
- Avoid fortress-style conservation that excludes local communities; instead, integrate traditional knowledge and livelihoods.

Read More> India’s Climate Challenges

{GS3 – S&T – Space} Agnikul Cosmos Unveils Fully Reusable Rockets

Context(TOI | ET): Chennai-based spacetech startup Agnikul Cosmos announced that its upcoming rockets will be fully reusable, with no part discarded.

Aligns with International Astronautical Congress (IAC) 2025 theme; “Sustainable Space: Resilient Earth”.

The IAC is the annual global forum for over 6,000 participants, bringing together academia, industry, and agencies to share the latest space developments and forge partnerships.

Key Highlights

Agnikul plans to offer globally competitive small-satellite launch services.
Successfully tested 3D-printed sub-orbital rocket Agnibaan SOrTeD in 2024; orbital launch planned.
It is supported by IN-SPACe, providing both policy backing and technical support.
Innovations designed for cost efficiency, scalability, and debris mitigation compliance.

Reusable Launch Vehicles

A Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) is a rocket that can be launched, recovered, and reused multiple times instead of being discarded after one use.
It helps prevent Kessler Syndrome by reducing space debris and enabling controlled re-entry, lowering the risk of cascading collisions in orbit.
India’s Past Efforts: RLV-TD HEX-01 (2016), RLV LEX Series (2024) and PUSHPAK.
Notable Global Missions: SpaceX Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy (USA), China’s Long March 8.