CURRENT AFFAIRS 13 August, 2025

CURRENT AFFAIRS 13 August, 2025

1. ELEPHANT CONSERVATION IN INDIA –

• Elephants in India: India hosts over 60% of the world’s wild Asian elephants (Elephas maximus), specifically the Indian elephant subspecies (Elephas maximus indicus).
• As the country’s National Heritage Animal, they play a crucial role as ecosystem engineers, aiding in seed dispersal, nutrient cycling, and climate regulation.
• As keystone (ecosystem shapers), umbrella (protecting coexisting species), and flagship species (symbols of conservation), Elephants sustain tropical forests and perennial rivers.
• Status of Asian Elephants in India: The Asian elephant, India’s largest terrestrial mammal, is found mainly in the south, northeast, and central regions.
• About 28,000–30,000 live in fragmented populations across four regions, making habitat and corridor conservation crucial.
• Protection Status of Asian Elephants: IUCN Red List (Endangered), Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 (Schedule I), and Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) (Appendix I).

2. RAJASTHAN PIONEERS DRONE-BASED ARTIFICIAL RAIN TRIAL –

• Rajasthan has initiated India’s first drone-based artificial rain trial at Ramgarh Dam. This marks shift from traditional aeroplane-assisted cloud seeding to the use of unmanned aerial vehicles. The trial involves around 60 drones and is a joint effort by the state agriculture department and GenX AI, a technology firm based in the US and Bengaluru. The experiment aims to enhance rainfall using advanced cloud seeding techniques.

Recent Developments in Artificial Rainmaking

• The project was originally scheduled for July 31 but was postponed due to heavy rain alerts. Since then, multiple tests have been conducted in Jaipur to ensure the drones’ operational readiness.
• The initiative has received approvals from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the India Meteorological Department, district authorities, and the agriculture department. The launch event near Ramgarh Dam is open for public viewing and will be inaugurated by the state agriculture minister Kirodi Lal Meena.

3. DELHI FACES STRAY DOG CRISIS –

• The Supreme Court of India recently directed the removal of all stray dogs from Delhi’s streets within two months. This order has thrown the city’s civic authorities into turmoil.
• Delhi lacks permanent shelters, accurate data, sufficient manpower, and funds to manage its estimated million-strong stray dog population. Experts warn the task is near impossible and could lead to animal suffering and public health risks.

Current Stray Dog Population

• Delhi’s last official dog census was in 2009, recording 560,000 animals. A 2019 estimate put the number at 800,000. Officials now believe it nears one million. No recent, formal survey exists, making planning difficult. Without precise data, authorities cannot allocate resources or design effective strategies.

4. LIGHTNING DEATHS SURGE IN INDIA –

• The year 2025 has seen a sharp increase in lightning-related deaths in India. Between April and July alone, over 1,600 people died due to lightning and rain-related incidents. This rise is linked to changing climate patterns and expanding lightning zones across the country. Lightning now poses a growing threat not only in rural but also urban areas.

Rising Fatalities and Historical Data

• Lightning kills more people annually in India than any other extreme weather event. From 1967 to 2020, over 101,000 deaths were recorded due to lightning. Nearly half of all weather-related deaths between 2002 and 2024 were caused by lightning.
• The World Meteorological Organisation reported about 1,300 deaths in 2024 alone. The eastern states bear the brunt, especially during the monsoon sowing season.

5. PUNJAB DEPLOYS BAAJ AKH ANTI-DRONE SYSTEM –

• Punjab has taken a major step in combating drug and weapon smuggling across its border with Pakistan. Recently, the state government launched the Baaj Akh Anti-Drone System (ADS), becoming the first in India to deploy such technology along an international border. This initiative forms part of Punjab’s intensified War Against Drugs campaign.

Background

• Punjab shares a sensitive 553-kilometre border with Pakistan, a hotspot for narcotics and arms smuggling. In recent years, drones have become a favoured method for traffickers. In 2024, authorities seized 283 drones carrying heroin, weapons, and ammunition. Recently, 137 drones have already been intercepted. To counter this, Punjab deployed three ADS units with plans to add six more soon.

MCQ QUIZ

Q1.   Which state government has launched India’s first drone-based artificial rain trial ?

1. a) Rajasthan
2. b) Gujarat
3. c) Punjab
4. d) Haryana

Q2.   What is the name of the operation launched by the Border Security Force along the Rajasthan border ahead of Independence Day ?

1. a) Operation Suraksha
2. b) Operation Eagle
3. c) Operation Vijay
4. d) Operation Alert

Q3.   Great Barrier Reef, that was recently seen in news, is located in which country ?

1. a) Indonesia
2. b) Japan
3. c) Australia
4. d) Malaysia

Q4.   Consider the following statements regarding World Elephant Day:

1. It was first observed in 2010.
2. The day was established by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
3. The core mission of the day includes promoting ethical treatment of elephants and their habitat conservation.

          Which of the above statements is/are correct ?

1. a) 3 only
2. b) 2 and 3 only
3. c) 1 and 2 only
4. d) 1, 2, and 3

Explanation-

• Statement 1 is incorrect: World Elephant Day was first observed in 2012.
• Statement 2 is incorrect: It was founded by Patricia Sims, a Canadian filmmaker, in collaboration with the Elephant Reintroduction Foundation of Thailand, not UNEP.
• Statement 3 is correct: The day emphasizes ethical treatment and habitat conservation for elephants.

Q5.   Consider the following statements regarding the Asiatic lion population in India:

1. The Asiatic lion population has increased by over 70% between 2015 and 2025.
2. Over 80% of the lions are currently residing in the core zone of Gir National Park.
3. The highest number of lions has been recorded in the Amreli district.

          Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

1. a) 2 only
2. b) 1 and 3 only
3. c) 2 and 3 only
4. d) 1, 2 and 3

Explanation-

• Statement 1 is correct: Population rose from 523 in 2015 to 891 in 2025 — a 70.36% increase.
• Statement 2 is incorrect: Only 20% of lions live in the core zone; majority are in buffer and surrounding areas.
• Statement 3 is correct: Amreli district has the highest number of lions, including 82 males, 117 females, and 79 cubs.

Answer Key