31 July 2025 Current Affairs (With PDF)

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Massive Earthquake Strikes Kamchatka Peninsula; Tsunami Waves Reported Near Kuril Islands

Why in News

A powerful magnitude 8.8 earthquake struck Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula, triggering tsunami waves near the Kuril Islands in the Pacific Ocean.
This event has once again highlighted the vulnerability of regions around the Pacific Ring of Fire to seismic and oceanic hazards.

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What is a Tsunami?

A tsunami is a series of long-period sea waves caused by a sudden and large displacement of water, typically in an ocean or large lake.

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Pacific Ring of Fire: A Tsunami Hotspot

• The Ring of Fire is a horseshoe-shaped zone of intense tectonic activity, encircling the Pacific Ocean.
• Known for hosting:
  - 75% of the world’s active and dormant volcanoes
  - 90% of global earthquakes
• Due to active subduction zones, the Ring of Fire frequently generates tsunamigenic earthquakes.

Key Characteristics of Tsunami Waves
Wavelength	- Depends on ocean depth, not distance from the origin - Up to 200 km in deep oceans, reducing to < 20 km near shore (shoaling effect)
Speed	Can exceed 800 km/h in deep ocean
Amplitude (Height)	- Small in open sea, barely noticeable by ships - Rises dramatically near coastlines due to shoaling, causing major devastation

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Consequences of Tsunamis

1. Socio-Economic Impact

• Loss of lives and livelihoods
• Widespread destruction of property
• Collapse of local economies, especially fisheries and tourism

2. Environmental Impact

• Damage to mangroves, coral reefs, and coastal ecosystems
• Salinization of agricultural land and freshwater sources
• Long-term ecological imbalance

3. Other Impacts

• Disruption of essential services (electricity, communication, water supply)
• Psychological trauma and displacement of affected populations

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NDMA Guidelines for Tsunami Risk Reduction in India

India’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has laid out comprehensive guidelines for tsunami preparedness and response:

1. Institutional Framework

Multi-level coordination among:

• National Disaster Management Authority
• State Disaster Management Authorities
• District Disaster Management Authorities

2. Early Warning Systems

• Enhance capabilities of Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS)
• Ensure real-time data relay and community-level alerts

3. Risk Mapping and Hazard Zoning

• Identification of high-risk coastal zones
• Preparation of hazard vulnerability assessments

4. Mitigation Measures

• Land-use planning to restrict construction in hazard-prone areas
• Creation of natural buffers like: Mangrove belts and Coastal bio-shields
• Protection of critical infrastructure (ports, nuclear facilities, communication nodes)

5. Capacity Building & Awareness

• Community-level education and mock drills
• Integrating tsunami safety into school curriculum and public campaigns

 

Standing Committee Highlights Gaps in Financial Devolution to Panchayati Raj Institutions

Why in News

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Rural Development and Panchayati Raj has released a critical report titled “Devolution of Funds under the Panchayati Raj System”, highlighting systemic challenges that hinder effective fiscal decentralisation and the empowerment of Rural Local Bodies (RLBs).

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Background

• Rural Local Bodies receive financial allocations based on the recommendations of the Central Finance Commissions, as mandated under Article 280 of the Constitution of India.
• The 73rd Constitutional Amendment envisioned fiscal, functional, and administrative devolution to Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) for grassroots democratic governance.

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Key Concerns Raised

1. Declining Financial Allocations

• The Committee noted a consistent reduction in fund allocation to RLBs, which weakens the principles of fiscal decentralisation envisaged under the 73rd Amendment.

2. Reduction in Untied and Scheme-Based Transfers

• A significant cut in untied grants and central scheme-related transfers has restricted the developmental autonomy of PRIs.
• This has undermined their credibility as self-governing institutions.

3. Incomplete Devolution of the 3Fs

• The transfer of Functions, Funds, and Functionaries to PRIs remains incomplete, inconsistent, and uneven across various states.

4. Irregular Constitution of State Finance Commissions (SFCs)

• Several states have failed to constitute successive SFCs in a timely manner.
• Examples: Some states have not even formed their 3rd, 4th, or 5th SFCs, resulting in delays in fund recommendations and devolution.

5. Inefficiencies in Auditing and Accountability

• The audit process and submission of Action Taken Reports (ATRs) remain sluggish in many states.
• States cited: Arunachal Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.

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Key Recommendations by the Committee

1. Strengthen Financial Transfers

• Ensure that PRIs receive adequate, untied, and performance-based grants.
• Implement safeguards to ring-fence PRI funds, prevent misuse, and ensure greater transparency in fund utilisation.

2. Institutionalise Regular SFC Formation

• The Central Government must urge states to constitute SFCs without delay to avoid disruption in the flow of central grants.

3. Roadmap for Devolution

• Each state should prepare a time-bound, transparent roadmap for devolving powers, responsibilities, and resources to PRIs, in line with constitutional expectations.

 

Status of Small Cats in India: WII–NTCA Report Released on Global Tiger Day

Why in News

On the occasion of Global Tiger Day (29 July), the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) in collaboration with the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) released a detailed report titled “Status of Small Cats in Tiger Landscapes of India.”
The report offers the first comprehensive assessment of the occupancy, distribution, and conservation dynamics of small wild cat species across India.

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Key Highlights of the Report

1. Diversity of Small Cats in India

India is home to 10 species of small wild cats, including:

• Jungle Cat – Most widespread small cat in India
• Rusty-Spotted Cat – Smallest wildcat globally
• Others include: Pallas’s Cat, Eurasian Lynx, Fishing Cat, Leopard Cat, Marbled Cat, Asiatic Golden Cat, Desert Cat, Caracal

2. Biological Features of Small Cats

• Belong to the Felinae subfamily, these small cats are hyper-carnivores found across a variety of ecosystems—from wetlands to deserts.

3. Difference Between Small Cats and Big Cats

• Big Cats (e.g., tiger, lion): Possess a flexible hyoid bone that allows them to roar.
• Small Cats: Have a rigid hyoid bone, enabling continuous purring, but they cannot roar.

Profiles of Major Small Cat Species in India
Species	Habitat	Key Features	Conservation Status
Asiatic Golden Cat	North-East India (Assam, Sikkim, Meghalaya, etc.)	Solitary, territorial	IUCN: Near Threatened WPA: Schedule I
Caracal	Arid & semi-arid regions (Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh)	Also known as Siya Gosh, black-tufted ears	IUCN: Least Concern WPA: Schedule I
Fishing Cat	Wetlands (Sundarbans, NE India, Himalayan foothills)	Webbed feet for swimming, nocturnal	IUCN: Vulnerable WPA: Schedule I
Eurasian Lynx	Rocky plateaus and mountainous terrain (e.g., Ladakh)	Solitary, open terrain dweller	IUCN: Least Concern WPA: Schedule I

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Challenges in Fund Allocation to Rural Local Bodies (RLBs)

Breakup of XV Finance Commission Grants to RLBs

• Untied Grants (40%): To be used for local needs under the 29 subjects listed in the Eleventh Schedule.
• Tied Grants (60%): Allocated for national priorities such as: Drinking water supply, Sanitation, Solid & liquid waste management, Rainwater harvesting and water recycling

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Reasons Behind Reduced Grants (2021–22 to 2024–25)

• Absence of Elected RLBs: Lack of elected representatives blocks fund flow.
• Failure to Upload Plans: States not uploading digital development plans face restrictions.
• Non-Onboarding on eGramSwaraj Portal: Digital inaccessibility and non-compliance cause fund delays.
• Audit Non-Compliance: States failing to meet audit protocols are penalized in fund allocation.
• Inaction on State Finance Commissions (SFCs): Delay in constitution and functioning of SFCs leads to disrupted financial devolution.

 

Flash Flood Hotspots Mapped Across Indian Subcontinent: New Study Highlights Alarming Trends

Why in News

A new scientific study has identified flash flood-prone hotspots across the Indian subcontinent, revealing high-risk zones particularly in the Himalayan belt, western coastal regions, and central India.
The study aims to support disaster preparedness, early warning systems, and long-term flood risk mitigation.

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What are Flash Floods?

Definition (as per WMO 2006), A flash flood is a rapid-onset flood with a high peak discharge, typically occurring within 4–6 hours of a triggering event such as intense rainfall or cloudburst.

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Key Findings of the Study

1. High-Risk River Basins:

• Extremely flash flood-prone sub-basins are located in: Brahmaputra, Narmada, Tapi, Mahanadi, Brahmani, West Coast Rivers
• High flash flood susceptibility also observed in: Godavari, Ganga, Mahi, Indus River Basins

2. Geographic Flash Flood Clusters:

Concentration of flash floods in:

• Himalayan region (due to terrain and cloudbursts)
• West coast (due to orographic rainfall)
• Central Indian basins (due to extreme rainfall variability)

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Flash Flood Trends in India (2020–2022)

Number of reported flash flood events increased from 132 (2020) to 184 (2022) – (Jal Shakti Ministry)

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Key Drivers of Flash Floods

1. Intense Rainfall & Cloudbursts

• ~25% of flash floods triggered by high-intensity rainfall in under 6 hours.
• Especially frequent in the Himalayas.

2. Topography & River Morphology

• Steep slopes and narrow river channels cause accelerated water flow and downstream surges.

3. Urbanization & Impervious Surfaces

• Saturated or paved soil leads to surface runoff due to poor percolation.

4. Sudden Water Release

• Breach or controlled release from dams, check dams, or embankments can trigger flash floods.

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Flood Mitigation Strategies

• Early Warning Systems: Localised systems must incorporate Rainfall intensity, Soil moisture, Terrain-specific thresholds
• Updated Risk Mapping: Surveillance should include emerging hotspots beyond historically known flood zones.
• Climate-Resilient Infrastructure: Invest in drainage networks, flood retention ponds, embankments, and green infrastructure.
• Land-Use Planning: Regulate urban expansion to prevent encroachment in vulnerable flood-prone areas.

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Flash Flood Guidance System (FFGS)

Regional Tool for South Asia

• Purpose: Real-time early warning system for flash floods.
• Operational Since: 2020
• Implemented In: India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.

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Technical Features

• Provides 6–24-hour advance alerts.
• Uses high-resolution forecasts (4 km x 4 km) at watershed scale.
• Designed for mountainous and urban flash flood-prone zones.

 

India Confronts Escalating Threat of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs)

Why in News

India’s Himalayan region is increasingly vulnerable to Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) due to rising global temperatures and glacier melt.
The recent flash flood in Nepal’s Lende River has reignited the demand for enhanced transboundary early warning systems across the Hindu Kush Himalayas.

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Understanding GLOFs

1. Definition:

• A Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) is the sudden release of water from a glacial lake, typically caused by structural failure of the natural dam containing it.

2. GLOFs can originate from lakes that are:

• On the surface of glaciers (supraglacial)
• At the terminus of glaciers, often dammed by moraines or ice
• Beneath or within glaciers

3. Example:

• South Lhonak GLOF in 2023, Sikkim Chorabari GLOF in 2013, Uttarakhand

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Glacial Lake Landscape in Indian Himalayas

1. The Indian Himalayan Region (IHR) covers 11 major river basins and over 28,000 glacial lakes

2. Two dominant lake types:

• Supraglacial Lakes: Form on top of glaciers and Expand during summer due to increased meltwater
• Moraine-Dammed Lakes: Located near glacier toes and Dams formed by loose sediment or ice, vulnerable to collapse

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Why GLOFs Are Increasing in India

1. Key Triggers of GLOFs

• Ice avalanches or landslides (cause nearly two-thirds of events)
• Excessive meltwater pressure breaching weak moraine dams
• Seismic activity (earthquakes can destabilize glacial structures)

2. Climatic and Environmental Drivers

a. Global Warming:

• 2023 and 2024 marked as the hottest years globally
• Accelerated glacial melting in the Himalayas

b. Monitoring Difficulties:

• ~7,500 glacial lakes lie above 4,500 meters
• Harsh terrain and short summer seasons restrict physical surveying

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India’s Mitigation and Monitoring Framework

1. Shift Towards Risk Reduction

• The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), via its Committee on Disaster Risk Reduction (CoDRR), is steering efforts towards proactive risk mitigation, not just post-disaster response.

2. National Glacial Lake Outburst Flood Risk Mitigation Project (NGRMP)

• Implemented in four Himalayan states: Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Uttarakhand

3. Technological Surveillance

• Central Water Commission (CWC) monitors: 902 glacial lakes and water bodies using satellite imagery
• Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR):
  - Allows detection of lake size changes, even during clouded monsoon months
  - Enables year-round monitoring regardless of visibility

 

CEC Report Flags Issues in Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management

Why in News

The Central Empowered Committee (CEC), constituted by the Supreme Court to monitor environmental matters, has submitted a detailed report highlighting progress and challenges in the management of Compensatory Afforestation (CA) Funds between 2019–20 and 2023–24.
The report revealed that India has achieved 85% of its overall CA targets during this period but raised serious concerns regarding fund utilisation, institutional delays, and transparency.

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What is Compensatory Afforestation (CA)?

• Compensatory Afforestation refers to the process of planting new trees in lieu of diverting forest land for non-forest purposes such as infrastructure, mining, and industrial projects.
• Legal Basis: CA is mandated under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980.

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About the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Act, 2016

1. Origin:

• Based on Supreme Court’s ruling in T.N. Godavarman Thirumulpad v. Union of India (1995).

2. Objective:

• To regulate, manage, and utilise CA funds transparently and effectively.

3. Key Features:

• Establishment of Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) at both national and state levels.
• CA funds to be maintained under the Public Account of India and Public Accounts of respective States.
• Funds collected from project developers who divert forest land for non-forest use.

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Key Issues Identified by CEC Report

• Delays in Annual Plan of Operation (APO) Submission: States are not submitting APOs on time, delaying afforestation activities.
• Multiple Layers of Approval: Projects often face redundant state-level clearances, despite receiving approval from the National CAMPA Authority.
• Understaffing of CAMPA Offices: Lack of technical and administrative staff is affecting project execution and fund monitoring.
• Monitoring and Accountability Gaps:Weak oversight of afforestation sites; insufficient use of technology for tracking.
• Fund Misutilisation: CA funds are sometimes diverted for non-afforestation purposes, violating guidelines.

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Recommendations of the CEC

1. Strengthen Institutional Framework

• Ensure regular meetings of Governing Body, Steering Committee, Executive Committee at the State CAMPA level

2. Improve Monitoring and Transparency

• Mandatory geo-tagging of CA sites
• Public disclosure via e-Green Watch and PARIVESH 2.0 platforms

3. Streamline Fund Utilisation

• Simplify the fund flow mechanism to reduce delays
• Ensure timely submission of APOs by State Forest Departments

 

RBI Tightens Norms on Investments by Regulated Entities in AIFs

Why in News

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has released revised guidelines capping the investment by Regulated Entities (REs) in any single scheme of an Alternative Investment Fund (AIF) to a maximum of 20% of the AIF’s corpus. The move aims to curb concentration risk and enhance transparency in the AIF ecosystem.

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What is an Alternative Investment Fund (AIF)?

• AIF refers to any privately pooled investment vehicle established or incorporated in India.
• It collects funds from high-net-worth individuals or institutional investors, both Indian and foreign, with a defined investment policy for their benefit.
• AIFs are governed by the SEBI (Alternative Investment Funds) Regulations, 2012.

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Categories of AIFs (As per SEBI Guidelines)

1. Category I AIFs

• Objective: Promote investments in sectors that are economically or socially desirable
• Examples: Venture Capital Funds, Angel Funds, SME Funds, Infrastructure Funds

2. Category II AIFs

• Characteristics: Do not employ leverage (except for day-to-day operational expenses)
• Examples: Private Equity Funds, Debt Funds, Real Estate Funds

3. Category III AIFs

• Characteristics: Allowed to use leverage & can invest in listed/unlisted derivatives
• Examples: Hedge Funds & Private Investment in Public Equity (PIPE) funds

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Key Highlights of RBI’s New Guidelines

1. Investment Cap:

• Regulated entities (such as banks, NBFCs) can invest up to 20% of the corpus of any AIF scheme.

2. Objective:

• Prevent undue concentration of exposure.
• Strengthen risk management for regulated financial institutions.

3. Applies To:

• All scheduled commercial banks, cooperative banks, NBFCs, and All India Financial Institutions regulated by RBI.

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Significance

• Ensures prudential risk limits are maintained by regulated entities.
• Encourages portfolio diversification in AIF investments.
• Enhances governance and monitoring of large investment pools.

 

India Successfully Test-Fires ‘Pralay’ Missile Twice Off Odisha Coast

Why in News

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully conducted two consecutive test flights of the Pralay missile from the Odisha coast, showcasing its precision strike capabilities and technological advancements.

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About Pralay Missile

• Type: Short-range, surface-to-surface tactical missile.
• Propulsion: Powered by a solid propellant rocket motor.
• Speed: Capable of achieving hypersonic speeds (i.e., speeds exceeding Mach 5).
• Strike Range: Between 150 km and 500 km.

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Key Features

1. Quasi-Ballistic Trajectory

• Follows a low and partially ballistic path.
• Manoeuvrable in-flight, enabling it to evade interception and increase target accuracy.

2. Precision Strike Capability

• Designed for quick deployment in tactical battlefield conditions.
• Equipped to carry conventional warheads.

3. Indigenous Development

• Developed by the DRDO’s Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad.
• Developed in collaboration with other DRDO labs across India.
• Reflects the success of India’s indigenisation and strategic deterrence efforts.

 

Kaziranga Tiger Reserve Records Third-Highest Tiger Density in India

Why in News

Kaziranga Tiger Reserve (KTR) in Assam has reported the third-highest tiger density in India, following Bandipur Tiger Reserve in Karnataka and Corbett Tiger Reserve in Uttarakhand. The development highlights Kaziranga’s growing importance not only as a stronghold for rhinoceroses but also for big cat conservation.

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About Kaziranga Tiger Reserve (KTR)

• Declared National Park: 1974
• Designated Tiger Reserve: 2006, under Project Tiger
• UNESCO World Heritage Site: Declared in 1985
• Important Bird Area: Recognized by BirdLife International

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Location and Ecological Significance

• Lies in the Eastern Himalayan biodiversity hotspot
• Geographical Setting:
  - North: Flanked by the Brahmaputra River
  - South: Bounded by the Karbi Anglong (Mikir) Hills
• Features a mix of grasslands, wetlands, and semi-evergreen forests

 

Operation Mahadev: Pahalgam Attack Terrorists Eliminated in Joint Counter-Terror Mission

Why in News

The Union Government recently informed the Lok Sabha that three Pakistani terrorists, responsible for the Pahalgam terror attack, were neutralised under Operation Mahadev — a high-priority counter-terror operation in Jammu & Kashmir.

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About Operation Mahadev

1. Nature of Operation:

A joint anti-terror campaign executed by:

• Indian Army
• Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF)
• Jammu & Kashmir Police

2. Primary Objective:

• To eliminate foreign terrorists infiltrating into the Kashmir Valley.
• Targeted militants believed to be supported by Pakistan-based terror outfits, including Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM).

 

New Harappan Site Unearthed in Rajasthan’s Arid Zone

Why in News

A significant archaeological discovery has been made at Ratadiya Ri Dheri in the Jaisalmer district, revealing the presence of a previously unknown Harappan settlement in the arid western region of Rajasthan. This is the first Indus Valley Civilization (IVC) site identified in this part of the Thar Desert.

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About Ratadiya Ri Dheri

• Chronology: Dates back to the Mature Harappan phase (c. 2600–1900 BCE).
• Location: Situated in the Jaisalmer district, Rajasthan, on the fringe of the Thar Desert.
• Age: Estimated to be around 4,500 years old.

 

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