World Food Safety Day 2025

For Prelims: World Food Safety Day, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, Codex Alimentarius Commission,  World Health Organization, Food and Agriculture organization, Indian Nutrition Rating 

For Mains: Food Safety Regulation, Food security vs. food safety, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, Strengthening food safety in India 

Source:TH 

Why in News?  

World Food Safety Day 2025 (7^th June), themed “Food Safety: Science in Action,” highlights India's shift from an adulteration-focused regime to a science-based food safety system led by Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). 

• Despite progress, regulatory gaps and outdated practices persist, warranting renewed scrutiny. 

Note: World Food Safety Day, observed annually on 7th June since 2019 following a resolution by the United Nations General Assembly, is a global campaign aimed at raising awareness and inspiring action to prevent, detect, and manage foodborne risks 

How has India’s Food Safety Framework Evolved? 

• Initial Legal Framework (1954–2006): The Prevention of Food Adulteration (PFA) Act, 1954 treated food safety in binary terms: food was either adulterated or not, without distinguishing between different types of contaminants or considering the levels of exposure. 
  • It did not account for consumption quantity, dietary patterns, or varying risk profiles of contaminants. 
• Reform with the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006: It established the FSSAI, aligning India's standards with global benchmarks. 
  • FSSAI introduced a risk-based framework aligned with international best practices (Codex Alimentarius), incorporating Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) for pesticides, Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) for food additives, and setting standards for veterinary drug residues and naturally occurring toxins. 
  • By 2020, India’s food safety regulations were nearly on par with advanced economies. 

Note: The Codex Alimentarius, or "Food Code" is a collection of standards, guidelines and codes of practice adopted by the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC).  

• CAC is an international food standards body established jointly by the Food and Agriculture organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1963 with the objective of protecting consumer's health and ensuring fair practices in food trade. The CAC has 189 members, India joined the Commission in 1964. 

What are the Challenges in Food Safety in India? 

• Lack of India-Specific Scientific Data: Most safety standards rely on international data not tailored to Indian dietary patterns, farming practices, or environmental conditions. 
  • There is an absence of comprehensive Total Diet Studies (TDS) to assess cumulative exposure to contaminants through typical Indian diets. 
  • Lack of localized toxicological studies limits accurate risk assessment. 
• Ineffective Risk Communication: Technical terms like MRLs and ADI are difficult for the general public to understand. 
  • Current food labelling in India is non-uniform and often difficult to understand. lack of mandatory Front-of-Pack Labelling (FOPL) makes it hard for consumers to identify high salt, sugar, or fat content. 
  • The Indian Nutrition Rating (INR) is still voluntary and may mislead with high star ratings despite poor nutritional quality. 
• Legacy and Outdated Regulations: Some food regulations, such as those concerning MSG (monosodium glutamate), conflict with global scientific consensus. 
  • MSG has been globally recognized as safe by the Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) since 1971, and many countries have removed warning labels, India still mandates a label claiming it is unsafe for infants. 
  • This restriction is not supported by current scientific evidence. This outdated rule misleads consumers and reflects India’s reluctance to update legacy regulations. 
• Informal and Unregulated Food Sector: A large portion of food production and distribution in India is informal, making monitoring difficult. 
  • Street food vendors, small food businesses, and local manufacturers often operate outside the formal regulatory framework, lacking awareness and compliance with hygiene and food safety norms. 
• Inadequate Response to Emerging Risks: India is slow to adapt to emerging threats such as antimicrobial resistance (AMR), genetically modified organisms (GMOs), or climate-induced food hazards.  
• Rising Consumption of Processed and Junk Foods: Increased spending on processed foods is contributing to non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like diabetes, hypertension, and obesity. 
  • Ultra-processed foods are high in salt, sugar, and fats (HFSS), yet marketed as “tasty” and “affordable” options. 
• Misleading Advertising: Fast-Moving Consumer Goods companies use aggressive and often misleading ads, especially targeting children and families. 
  • The Supreme Court of India has raised concerns over such practices, linking them to violations of the Right to Life (Article 21). 

Reports and Indices on Food Safety 

Reports and Indices	Key Insight
State Food Safety Index (2023-2024) (FSSAI)	Shows wide disparity across states. Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Jammu & Kashmir, and Gujarat lead in promoting public health through stronger food safety measures.
The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2024	India has the largest number of undernourished people globally (194.6 million), though this is an improvement from 240 million in 2004–06.  Over 55.6% of Indians (790 million people) cannot afford a healthy diet, indicating poor food affordability and accessibility.
2022 Global Food Security Index	India was ranked 68th, alongside Algeria, highlighting persistent challenges and threats to the country’s food security.

What Reforms are Needed to Strengthen Food Safety in India? 

• Strengthen Labelling and Regulatory Framework: As recommended by the FSSAI’s draft regulations (2022) and WHO, mandatory Front-of-Pack Labelling (FOPL) can help consumers make quick and informed decisions, particularly for processed foods HFSS. 
  • The FSSAI must finalize guidelines for HFSS food which is yet to be precisely defined. A clear definition would enable enforcement in school canteens and public places. 
  • Adopt traffic-light labelling or star ratings like the Nutri-Score (as used in Europe) to simplify nutrition data. 
  • Food, a subject on the Concurrent List, involves shared responsibility between the Centre and States. Strengthening Centre-State coordination is vital for a nationwide transformation toward a safe, healthy, and sustainable food system. 
• Curb Misleading Advertisements and Health Claims: Empower FSSAI to take suo motu action against misleading advertisements under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 and Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. 
  • Ban Celebrity Endorsements of HFSS Products, especially those targeting children or falsely promoting processed products as “health drinks.” 
• Improve Surveillance, Monitoring, and Compliance: Scale up INFoLNET (online portal to food laboratories) and Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS) to track real-time compliance by food businesses. 
• Mainstream the Informal Sector and Street Food Vendors: Under PM SVANidhi and FSSAI’s Eat Right Street Food Hub initiative, vendors should be trained in hygiene and certified as “clean street food zones”. 
  • Simplify FSSAI registration under Ease of Doing Business, especially for micro-enterprises and Self-Help Groups (SHGs) working under schemes like National Rural Livelihood Mission. 
• Promote Healthy Diets and Behavioural Change: Use Poshan Abhiyaan, school curriculums, and digital influencers to promote healthy eating and traditional Indian diets (e.g., millet-based meals during the International Year of Millets 2023). 
  • Ensure strict compliance with the School Canteen Guidelines (2020) banning HFSS food in school premises and nearby areas. 
  • The CBSE mandate for schools to install “sugar boards” (which visually display sugar content in foods) is a pragmatic step in sensitizing children.  
    • This must be extended to state and private schools, as urged by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR). 
• Ensure Safe Infrastructure and Storage: Use schemes like PM Kisan SAMPADA Yojana and Operation Greens to build cold storage and safe logistics for perishable foods. 
  • Enforce safe pesticide and antibiotic residue limits under the Food Safety and Standards (Contaminants, Toxins and Residues) Regulations, 2011. 
• Tackle Emerging Risks and Health Hazards: Implement food safety components of the National Action Plan on AMR, especially in poultry, dairy, and aquaculture sectors. 

Food Safety and Standards Authority of India  

• The FSSAI is an autonomous statutory body established under the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006. It operates under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare and is headquartered in New Delhi, with eight regional offices across the country.  
• FSSAI’s functions include framing food regulations, granting licenses to food businesses, enforcing food safety laws, monitoring food quality, conducting risk assessments, promoting food fortification and organic foods, and providing training and awareness programs.  
• It also organizes campaigns such as World Food Safety Day, Eat Right India, Eat Right Station, Food Safety Mitra, and 100 Food Streets. 
• The Right to Food is implicit in Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees the right to life with dignity. Read with Articles 39(a) and 47, it obligates the State to ensure adequate livelihood, nutrition, and standard of living. This right is enforceable through Article 32 as a fundamental constitutional remedy. 

Conclusion 

Food safety is a public health imperative and a fundamental right. India needs a multi-sectoral, multi-level reform strategy that not only penalises violators but also empowers consumers. With growing consumer awareness and judicial activism, it’s time to transform India’s food system from “safe enough” to “truly safe and nourishing.” 

Drishti Mains Question:

What are the challenges in food safety in India  and suggest policy reforms to strengthen regulatory compliance.

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ) 

Prelims

Q. Consider the following statements: (2018)

1. The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 replaced the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954. 
2. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is under the charge of Director General of Health Services in the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. 

Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 

(a) 1 only 
(b) 2 only 
(c) Both 1 and 2 
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 

Ans: (a) 

Q. With reference to the provisions made under the National Food Security Act, 2013, consider the following statements: (2018)

1. The families coming under the category of ‘below poverty line (BPL)’ only are eligible to receive subsidised food grains. 
2. The eldest woman in a household, of age 18 years or above, shall be the head of the household for the purpose of issuance of a ration card. 
3. Pregnant women and lactating mothers are entitled to a ‘take-home ration’ of 1600 calories per day during pregnancy and for six months thereafter. 

Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 

(a) 1 and 2 only  
(b) 2 only 
(c) 1 and 3 only 
(d) 3 only 

Ans: (b) 

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Mains: 

Q. Elaborate the policy taken by the Government of India to meet the challenges of the food processing sector. (2021)

World Economic Situation and Prospects-2025

Source: PIB 

Why in News? 

India's GDP growth forecast for 2025 has been revised down to 6.3%, from the previous projection of 6.6%, in the mid-2025 update of the "World Economic Situation and Prospects" (WESP) report. 

• The report is released by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs , in collaboration with UNCTAD and 5 UN regional commissions and it provides global and regional economic outlooks to support SDG-oriented, equitable growth policies. 

What are the Key Takeaways From the World Economic Situation and Prospects Report? 

• India-Specific Observations: 
  • Fastest-Growing Major Economy: India’s GDP growth, though revised down to 6.3% in 2025 from 7.1% in 2024, remains the highest among major global economies and  it is expected to reach 6.4% in 2026.  
  • Inflation, Monetary Policy, & Employment Outlook: Inflation is projected to decline from 4.9% in 2024 to 4.3% in 2025, remaining within the RBI’s 2–6% target range, reflecting effective monetary management.  
    • Unemployment remains broadly stable, though gender disparities in labour force participation continue to pose a structural challenge. 
  • Key Drivers of India’s Growth: 
    • Manufacturing & Exports: Manufacturing GVA grew to Rs 27.5 lakh crore (2023–24). Total exports hit a record USD 824.9 billion in 2024–25 with services exports at USD 387.5 billion and non-petroleum merchandise exports at USD 374.1 billion. 
    • Defence Production: Defence exports value also increased around  3 times with India now exporting to nearly 100 countries, signaling rising global trust in Indian defence capabilities. 
• Global Economic Outlook: Global GDP growth is projected to slow to 2.4% in 2025 (from 2.9% in 2024), and 2.5% in 2026, which spans both advanced and emerging economies. 
  • US growth is projected to fall due to tariffs and policy uncertainty, while China’s growth is estimated at 4.6% in 2025, impacted by weak demand, export disruptions, and real estate stress.. 
  • Other EMEs: Economies like Brazil, Mexico, and South Africa face downgrades driven by tepid trade, falling investment, and commodity price volatility. 
  •  Growth in Least Developed Countries (LDCs) is projected to decline from 4.5% in 2024 to 4.1% in 2025, amid falling export revenues, tighter financial conditions, reduced Official Development Assistance (ODA), and rising debt distress risks. 
• Major Global Economic Issues:  
  • Food Inflation and Insecurity: Food inflation, driven by climate shocks, currency depreciation, trade protectionism, and supply chain disruptions, remains above the headline inflation.  
  • Globally, 343 million people face acute food insecurity, with 1.9 million at famine risk in conflict zones like Gaza, Haiti, Mali, South Sudan, and Sudan. 
    • Countries like India, where food forms a large part of household spending, are worst affected. 
  • Rising Trade & Global Risks: Rising US tariffs have triggered a “tariff shock”, raising global trade costs, disrupting supply chains, and disproportionately impacting developing economies.  
    • The escalating trade tensions are weakening multilateralism and widening global inequality. 

United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs 

• UNDESA  is a core department of the UN Secretariat, formed in 1948, that leads the development pillar of the United Nations, supporting countries in implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 
  • It functions under the UN Secretary-General and provides data, analysis, and policy guidance to Member States on economic, social, and environmental issues. 
• As the secretariat to major UN bodies like ECOSOC, the General Assembly, and the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF), UN DESA helps coordinate global efforts in poverty eradication, inclusive growth, environmental protection, and good governance. 
  • It acts as a bridge between global commitments and national action, helping countries translate UN-level agreements into actionable national policies and reforms.

Key Economic Reports and Publishers 

Publishing Body	Report
World Bank	Global Economic Prospects, World Development Report
International Monetary Fund (IMF)	World Economic Outlook, Global Financial Stability Report
World Economic Forum (WEF)	Global Competitiveness Report, Global Risks Report
UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)	World Investment Report

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)   

Prelims

Q1. "Rapid Financing Instrument" and "Rapid Credit Facility" are related to the provisions of lending by which one of the following? (2022)   

(a) Asian Development Bank   
(b) International Monetary Fund   
(c) United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative   
(d) World Bank   

Ans: (b) 

Q2. ‘Global Financial Stability Report’ is prepared by the (2016)   

(a) European Central Bank   
(b) International Monetary Fund   
(c) International Bank for Reconstruction and Development   
(d) Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development   

Ans: (b)  

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Mains  

Q. The World Bank and the IMF, collectively known as the Bretton Woods Institutions, are the two inter-governmental pillars supporting the structure of the world’s economic and financial order. Superficially, the World Bank and the IMF exhibit many common characteristics, yet their role, functions and mandate are distinctly different. Elucidate. (2013)

World Energy Investment Report 2025

Source: DTE 

Why in News? 

The International Energy Agency (IEA) released the 10th edition of its World Energy Investment Report, revealing critical insights into worldwide energy investment trends. 

What are the Key Highlights of the World Energy Investment Report 2025? 

• Energy Investment Trends: Global energy investment is projected to reach a record USD 3.3 trillion. Of this, clean energy technologies will attract USD 2.2 trillion, twice the investment in fossil fuels (USD 1.1 trillion).  
  • This surge reflects efforts to cut emissions, enhance energy security, and leverage the cost competitiveness of electricity-based solutions. 
• Clean Energy Investment: Global spending on low-emissions power generation has nearly doubled in five years, led by solar PV, with solar investment expected to reach USD 450 billion in 2025. Battery storage is also rising sharply, surpassing USD 65 billion this year. 
  • Nuclear power investment has grown by 50%, projected to reach USD 75 billion in 2025. 
• India Stand in Global Energy Investment: India’s renewable power investment rose from USD 13 billion (2015) to USD 37 billion (2025).  
  • Fossil fuel investments also increased, from USD 41 billion to USD 49 billion, while nuclear and other clean sources grew from USD 1 billion to USD 6 billion.  
  • However, grid and storage investments declined from USD 31 billion to USD 25 billion over the same period. 
• Regional Investment Patterns:  
  • China: China is set to account for over 25% of global energy investments in 2025, surpassing all other countries.  
    • Overall, China’s total energy spending equals that of the US and EU combined. 
  • Africa: Fossil fuel investments fell while clean energy investment grew marginally.  
    • Despite having 20% of the world’s population, Africa accounts for only 2% of global clean energy investment. 
• Fossil Fuel Investments: Investment in oil exploration and production is expected to drop by 6% in 2025, while LNG investments are rising sharply, driven by major projects in the US, Qatar, and Canada. 
  • Coal investment stays strong, with China starting 100 GW of new coal power in 2024, pushing global approvals to the highest since 2015. 
• Grid Infrastructure Investment: While generation investment is set to hit USD 1 trillion in 2025, grid spending lags behind at just USD 400 billion.  
  • This gap is widening as material costs for grid infrastructure have nearly doubled in five years due to soaring demand. 

International Energy Agency (IEA) 

• About: IEA is a Paris-based intergovernmental organization established in 1974 by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries in response to the 1973 oil crisis.  
  • It serves as a key global energy policy advisor, providing data, analysis, and recommendations to ensure affordable, secure, and sustainable energy for its member countries and beyond. 
• Focus: It has four main areas of focus: energy security, economic development, environmental awareness, and engagement worldwide.  
• Members: The IEA is made up of 32 Member countries and 13 Association countries including India. 4 countries are currently seeking IEA membership: Chile, Colombia, Israel and Costa Rica. 
  • A candidate country to the IEA must be a member country of the OECD. 
• Major Publications: World Energy Outlook Report, India Energy Outlook Report, World Energy Investment Report. 

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)  

Prelims

Q. Consider the following statements:

1. “The Climate Group” is an international non-profit organization that drives climate action by building large networks and runs them. 
2. The International Energy Agency in partnership with the Climate Group launched a global initiative “EP100”. 
3. EP100 brings together leading companies committed to driving innovation in energy efficiency and increasing competitiveness while delivering on emission reduction goals. 
4. Some Indian companies are members of EP100. 
5. The International Energy Agency is the Secretariat to the ‘Under2 Coalition’. 

Which of the statements given above are correct? 

(a) 1, 2, 4 and 5 

(b) 1, 3 and 4 only 

(c) 2, 3 and 5 only 

(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 

Ans: (b) 

Q. Consider the following statements: (2019) 

1. Coal sector was nationalised by the Government of India under Indira Gandhi.  
2. Now, coal blocks are allocated on lottery basis.  
3. Till recently, India imported coal to meet the shortages of domestic supply, but now India is self-sufficient in coal production.  

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?  

(a) 1 only  

(b) 2 and 3 only  

(c) 3 only  

(d) 1, 2 and 3  

Ans: (a)

New Non-Permanent Countries to UNSC

Source: UN 

Why in News? 

The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has elected Bahrain, Colombia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Latvia, and Liberia as non-permanent members of the UN Security Council (UNSC) for a 2-year term starting 1st January  2026. 

• They will join  Denmark, Greece, Pakistan, Panama, Somalia (elected in 2024, serving through 2026). 
• Also, Pakistan has been appointed as the Chair of the UNSC 1988 Taliban Sanctions Committee for 2025 and will also serve as vice-chair of the UNSC Counter-Terrorism Committee during its 2025–26 tenure as a non-permanent member of the Council. 

What is the United Nations Security Council (UNSC)? 

• The United Nations Security Council (UNSC), established in 1945 under the UN Charter, constitutes one of the UN's six principal organs, entrusted with the primary responsibility of maintaining international peace and security.  
• The Council comprises 15 members, including 5 permanent members (P5)- China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States—who possess veto power, and 10 non-permanent members elected for 2-year terms by the UN General Assembly (UNGA).  
• These non-permanent seats are allocated on a regional basis: 5 for African and Asian States, 1 for Eastern European States, 2 for Latin American and Caribbean States, and 2 for Western European and Other States.  
• Elections are held annually through a secret ballot, requiring a two-thirds majority vote, even when candidates are unopposed.  
• The UNSC remains the only UN body whose decisions member states are obligated to implement under the UN Charter. 
• India's participation in the Security Council has been as a non-permanent member during the periods of 1950-51, 1967-68, 1972-73, 1977-78, 1984-85, 1991-92, 2011-12, and 2021-22. 

What is the 1988 Taliban Sanctions Committee? 

• About: Also known as the UNSC 1988 Sanctions Committee, it was established under UNSC Resolution 1988 (2011). 
  • It includes all 15 UNSC members, makes decisions by consensus, and is supported by the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team. 
• Mandate: It focuses on monitoring and enforcing targeted sanctions- including asset freezes, travel bans, and arms embargoes against individuals and entities associated with the Taliban that threaten the peace, stability, and security of Afghanistan. 
• Chairs: India chaired the Committee until December 2021. 

What is the UNSC Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC)? 

• About: The UNSC Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC) was established through Resolution 1373, unanimously adopted in 2001 in the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks in the US.  
• Members: It comprises all 15 UNSC members-5 permanent and 10 non-permanent members. 
• Mandate: Monitor and promote the implementation of Resolution 1373, which obligates member states to:  
  • Criminalize terrorism financing and freeze related assets, 
  • Deny financial and material support to terrorists, 
  • Suppress safe havens, training, and sustenance for terrorist groups, 
  • Enhance international cooperation by sharing intelligence on terror activities. 
• 2025 Chairman: In 2025, Algeria will chair the CTC, with France, Russia, and Pakistan as vice-chairs.  
  • India chaired the CTC in 2022, during its 2021–22 UNSC tenure, and actively highlighted concerns regarding Pakistan’s sheltering of UN-designated terrorists. 

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ) 

Prelims:

Q. The Security Council of UN consists of 5 permanent members, and the remaining 10 members are elected by the General Assembly for a term of (2009)

(a) 1 year  

(b) 2 years  

(c) 3 years 

(d) 5 years 

Ans: (b)

Stratospheric Aerosol Injection

Source: TH

Why in News? 

Scientists are exploring new methods to combat climate change such as Stratospheric Aerosol Injection (SAI), a geoengineering technique inspired by volcanic eruptions that could cool the planet faster and more affordably.  

What is Stratospheric Aerosol Injection? 

• About: SAI is a proposed solar geoengineering (or solar radiation modification) technique designed to cool the Earth's climate by reflecting a small fraction of sunlight back into space.  
  • It mimics the natural cooling effects observed after large volcanic eruptions, such as the 1991 eruption of Mount Pinatubo (Philippines), which injected sulfate aerosols into the stratosphere and temporarily lowered global temperatures by 0.5°C that year. 
• Working of SAI: SAI involves releasing small reflective particles (typically sulfate aerosols or alternatives like calcium carbonate) into the stratosphere (10–50 km altitude).  
  • These particles scatter and reflect a portion of incoming solar radiation, thereby reducing the amount of heat that reaches the Earth's surface.  
  • By increasing the planet's albedo (reflectivity), SAI can potentially offset some of the warming caused by greenhouse gases. 

• Effectiveness: SAI is generally more effective as particles remain in the stratosphere for months to years. In contrast, particles released at lower altitudes are often washed out by rain after being trapped in clouds.  
  • The cooling effect is typically more pronounced in polar regions, while the tropics, despite experiencing more severe warming, show less impact from SAI. 
• Associated Risks:  
  • Environmental Risks: Ozone layer damage (delaying its recovery), Acid rain from sulfur dioxide and Uneven cooling (stronger in polar regions, weaker in tropics). 
  • Long Term Impacts: It only masks warming, doesn’t solve the root cause (CO₂ emissions). It can alter precipitation patterns and air circulation, with adverse effects on monsoon regions.  
    • It may also disrupt stratospheric chemistry, impacting methane lifespan, ice formation, and cloud microphysics. 

What are Other Methods of Solar Radiation Modification? 

• Marine Cloud Brightening (MCB): It involves spraying fine seawater droplets into low-level ocean clouds (marine stratocumulus), enhancing their reflectivity and persistence by acting as cloud condensation nuclei.  
  • MCB is seen as more localized and reversible than SAI, but is also more technically challenging and weather-dependent. 
• Space Sunshades: It involves placing large mirrors or screens in orbit or at Lagrange Point 1 (Point where Earth and Sun gravity balance each other) to block or deflect incoming solar radiation, reducing the solar energy reaching Earth’s surface. 
• Cirrus Cloud Thinning (CCT): CCT aims to reduce global warming by modifying high-altitude cirrus clouds, which trap heat due to their high ice content. 
  • CCT injects ice-nucleating particles like bismuth triiodide to enlarge ice crystals, making cirrus clouds less persistent, enhancing heat escape, and reducing their warming effect by accelerating crystal fall. 
• Spraying Diamond Dust: It suggests spraying synthetic nanodiamonds (1–100 nm) into the stratosphere.  
  • Being highly reflective and chemically inert, they scatter solar radiation, reducing Earth’s heat absorption and cooling the planet.

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs) 

Q. Artificial way of causing rainfall to reduce air pollution makes use of (2025)

(a) Silver iodide and potassium iodide   

(b) Silver nitrate and potassium iodide   

(c) Silver iodide and potassium nitrate   

(d) Silver nitrate and potassium chloride  

Answer: (a) 

Q. In the context of which of the following do some scientists suggest the use of cirrus cloud thinning technique and the injection of sulphate aerosol into the stratosphere? (2019)

(a) Creating the artificial rains in some regions 

(b) Reducing the frequency and intensity of tropical cyclones 

(c) Reducing the adverse effects of solar wind on the Earth 

(d) Reducing the global warming 

Ans: (d)

Unnat Bharat Abhiyan

Source: IE 

The Ministry of Education’s Unnat Bharat Abhiyan (UBA) completes a decade, redefining the role of higher education in rural development. 

• About UBA: UBA (2014) aims at bringing transformational change in rural India by leveraging the resources of higher educational institutions (HEIs) to solve local development challenges through sustainable and inclusive practices. 
• Need: UBA is crucial because 70% of India’s population lives in rural areas, and while 54-55% of the workforce is engaged in agriculture and allied sectors, they contribute only 15-18% to the national GDP, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive rural development. 
• Implementation & Reach: IIT Delhi is the National Coordinating Institute that oversees UBA, with 4,000+ institutions working with 19,000+ villages across 35 states and union territories. 
• Key Focus Areas: Organic agriculture, Water and energy systems, Healthcare and sanitation, Rural crafts and housing, E-governance and basic amenities. 
  • Village Adhyayan (Participatory Learning) is central to UBA, promoting bottom-up planning rather than top-down imposition of solutions. 
• Notable success stories: 
  • IIT Delhi’s lemongrass cultivation and oil extraction unit boosted farmer income by Rs 8,000–10,000 per month during harvest.  
  • NIT Manipur’s water purifier provides clean water to 2,000+ villagers. 
• UBA 2.0 (2018) follows a Challenge Mode, requiring all HEIs to voluntarily adopt at least 5 villages, unlike UBA 1.0 (Invitation Mode), where institutions were invited to participate.

Read More: Unnat Bharat Abhiyan Scheme 

National Cadet Corps (NCC)

Source: PIB 

Raksha Rajya Mantri has announced the expansion of the NCC by 3 lakh cadets across the country. 

National Cadet Corps 

• About: The NCC is a voluntary Tri-Services organisation (Army, Navy, and Air Force) under the Ministry of Defence headquartered in New Delhi, established by the NCC Act, 1948.  
  • It is the largest uniformed youth organisation globally, with over 15 lakh cadets across the country. 
• Historical Background: The concept of cadet training began in Germany in 1666. In India, it originated with the University Corps, established under the Indian Defence Act, 1917 during World War I. 
  • After the Indian Territorial Act of 1920, the University Corps was reorganized as the University Training Corps (UTC), and later renamed the University Officers Training Corps (UOTC) in 1942.  
  • Its limited impact during World War II led the HN Kunzru Committee Report (1946) to recommend a unified youth body, resulting in the NCC Act, 1948. The Girls Division was added in 1949 to promote gender inclusion. 
• Objective: It aims to groom the youth into disciplined, patriotic, and responsible citizens.  
• Role in Wars & Reforms: During the 1965 and 1971 Indo-Pak wars, NCC cadets supported defence efforts by guarding vital areas, aiding in logistics, and assisting in rescue and traffic control.  
  • Post-1971, NCC reoriented towards leadership, social service, and nation-building, reducing its focus on combat training. 
• Structure & Training: Headed by a Director General (rank of Lieutenant General). 
  • Enrolment from high schools, colleges, and universities across India. 
  • Cadets receive basic military training, and certificates (A, B, C) enhancing eligibility for military recruitment.

Read More: National Cadet Corps 

Mount Etna

Source: TH 

Mount Etna, Europe’s largest and one of the world’s most active volcanoes, has begun erupting. 

Mount Etna  

• It is located on Sicily’s east coast in the Mediterranean Sea, it is part of Italy. 

 

• It is a continuously active stratovolcano with five summit craters, known for explosive, effusive, and mixed eruptions. 
  • Etna has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2013. 
• Mount Etna’s eruption was initially classified as a Strombolian eruption, involving moderate gas-driven explosions due to bursting gas bubbles.  
  • However, due to its high ash plume reaching several kilometres, some experts suggest it may have been a more explosive Plinian eruption. 

Read More: Volcanic Vortex Rings 

Nanozyme to Combat Abnormal Blood Clotting

Source: TH 

Researchers have developed a metal-based nanozyme that effectively prevents abnormal blood clotting, offering promising treatment for conditions like pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE, blood clots block arteries in the lungs) and thrombosis (blood clotting in veins or arteries). 

• Normal blood clotting (haemostasis) involves platelets clustering at injury sites, triggered by signals from physiological agonists like collagen and thrombin. 
• In disorders like PTE or Covid-19, oxidative stress and toxic Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) increase, causing excessive platelet activation and dangerous clot formation (thrombosis). 
• Redox-active nanomaterials (nanozymes) mimic natural antioxidant enzymes, helping scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS) and prevent platelet over-activation.  
  • Among them, spherical-shaped vanadium pentoxide (V₂O₅) nanozymes were most effective, mimicking glutathione peroxidase, a key natural antioxidant enzyme. 
• It could help prevent ischemic stroke caused by blood vessel blockages and may also aid in managing Covid-19-related clotting complications. 
• A nanozyme is a nanomaterial (1–100 nm) that mimics the activity of natural enzymes, catalyzing biochemical reactions like biological enzymes. 
  • Nanozymes can be made from various materials, such as metals, metal oxides, carbon-based substances, and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs).

Read More: Nanotechnology