CURRENT AFFAIRS
23 July, 2025
1. HUMAN-INDUCED EARTHQUAKES –
• According to an estimate discussed by researchers in the Seismological Research Letters (2017), over 700 human-induced earthquakes have been recorded globally in the past 150 years.
• With growing water and energy demands, scientists are increasingly concerned about such quakes in sensitive regions like Delhi-NCR, the Gangetic plains, the Himalayas, and the Western Ghats.
What Are Human-Induced Earthquakes?
• These are earthquakes triggered by human actions that alter natural geological processes.
Common triggers include:
• Groundwater extraction
• Mining
• Large dam construction and operation
• Fluid injection
• Tall structures or coastal engineering
• Over 700 such quakes have been recorded globally in the past 150 years.
• Delhi NCR: Prone to Human Induced Earthquakes – Key Reasons
• Location of Seismic Fault Line: Delhi lies in Seismic Zone IV, one of India’s most earthquake-prone zones. The region is intersected by active fault lines, making it inherently vulnerable to seismic disturbances.
• Over-Extraction of Groundwater: Excessive withdrawal of groundwater for agriculture and drinking leads to a drop in the water table. This reduces subsurface pressure that supports the crust, potentially triggering tremors.
• Example: A study observed a rise in seismic activity between 2003 and 2012 when groundwater levels declined sharply. After 2014, as water levels stabilized, earthquake frequency dropped.
2. INDIA ACHIEVES 20% ETHANOL BLENDING IN PETROL WAY AHEAD OF TARGETED YEAR –
• India has reached a historic milestone in its energy transition journey by achieving 20% ethanol blending in petrol in 2025, five years ahead of its original 2030 target. This breakthrough, announced by Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, marks a transformative shift in India’s fuel strategy, enhancing energy security, promoting sustainability, and empowering rural economies.
Background: Ethanol Blending Programme (EBP)
• The Ethanol Blending Programme (EBP) was initiated in 2003 with the aim to reduce India’s dependence on imported crude oil, promote the use of renewable energy, and support the domestic sugar and agriculture sectors. Over time, the programme has evolved, with a consistent rise in blending targets, reaching 10% in 2022 and now achieving the 20% blending goal in 2025, well ahead of the set timeline.
Significance of the Achievement
• The jump from 1.5% ethanol blending in 2014 to 20% in 2025 highlights an 13-fold increase in just 11 years. This significant leap brings multiple benefits,
• Energy Security: Reduces dependency on imported fossil fuels.
• Foreign Exchange Savings: India has saved ₹1.36 lakh crore by lowering crude imports.
• Environmental Gains: A reduction of 698 lakh tonnes of CO₂ emissions contributes directly to India’s climate commitments under the Paris Agreement.
• Economic Impact: Boosts income for farmers and distillers, strengthens the biofuel economy, and incentivizes agro-based industries.
3. INCOME TAX DAY (JULY 24): A SYMBOL OF FISCAL EVOLUTION AND DIGITAL EMPOWERMENT –
• Income Tax Day, celebrated annually on July 24, commemorates the historic introduction of income tax in India in 1860 by Sir James Wilson. Over the decades, this day has evolved from being a marker of tax imposition to a celebration of India’s fiscal growth, voluntary compliance, and digital transformation.
• Income tax, once seen as merely a revenue collection tool, now symbolizes economic self-reliance, transparency, and nation-building. For aspirants of civil services and government exams, understanding the evolution and significance of Income Tax Day provides insights into India’s taxation system, policy reforms, and digital governance.
4. INDIA’S PASSPORT SEES ITS BIGGEST JUMP EVER : HERE’S WHAT CHANGED –
• The Henley Passport Index is a globally recognized ranking of the world’s most powerful passports, based on visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to destinations. It is updated quarterly using International Air Transport Association (IATA) data. The index is compiled by Henley & Partners, a London-based advisory firm specializing in citizenship and global mobility.
Significance of India’s Ranking Jump
• India climbed from 85th to 77th — an 8-place rise, the largest annual improvement for the country.
• Indian citizens can now travel to 59 countries without a pre-approved visa.
• This improvement enhances India’s global mobility, boosts tourism and trade, and symbolizes growing diplomatic influence.
Visa-Free and Visa-on-Arrival Destinations for Indians (2025)
• Visa-Free Entry
• Includes major Asian tourist hotspots,
• Malaysia
• Indonesia
• Thailand
• Maldives
• Philippines
• Sri Lanka (new additions)
• Visa-on-Arrival Access
• Macau
• Myanmar
MCQ QUIZ
Q1 Who was sworn in as the 19th Governor of Haryana on July 21, 2025 ?
a) Bandaru Dattatraya
b) Sheel Nagu
c) Jagdish Mukhi
d) Ashim Kumar Ghosh
Q2. Recent in news, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned from office citing health concerns and need for medical advice. Jagdeep Dhankhar became the ___ Vice President of India when he took office in August 2022.
a) 12th
b) 13th
c) 11th
d) 14th
Q3. What is the primary objective of the Bima Sakhi Scheme launched on December 9, 2024, by the Government of India in collaboration with LIC ?
a) Providing health insurance to rural women
b) Training women as Mahila Career Agents for rural insurance outreach
c) Offering micro-loans to rural SHGs
d) Launching a pension scheme for women above 60
Q4. Consider the following statements regarding birthright citizenship in India:
1. The Citizenship Act, 1955, granted citizenship to all children born in India without any exceptions.
2. The 1986 Amendment allowed children of foreign diplomats to acquire Indian citizenship by birth.
3. The 2003 Amendment expanded the eligibility for birthright citizenship to include children of illegal immigrants.
How many of the above statements is/are incorrect ?
a) Only one
b) Only two
c) All three
d) None
Explanation-
• Birthright citizenship in India has evolved through successive amendments to the Citizenship Act, 1955, making it more restrictive over time.
• Statement 1 is incorrect because, while the Citizenship Act, 1955, originally granted citizenship to all children born in India, it included exceptions for children of foreign diplomats and enemy aliens, meaning not all children born in India automatically became citizens.
• Statement 2 is incorrect as the 1986 Amendment actually made birthright citizenship more restrictive by excluding children born to foreign diplomats and non-Indian parents unless one parent was an Indian citizen. This amendment sought to prevent automatic citizenship for children of temporary foreign residents.
• Statement 3 is incorrect because the 2003 Amendment further tightened the law, explicitly excluding children born to illegal immigrants from acquiring Indian citizenship by birth. Instead of expanding eligibility, it significantly restricted birthright citizenship in India.
Q5. Which of the following best describes the operational framework of BRICS ?
a) BRICS mandates equal financial contributions from all member states to its initiatives.
b) Decisions in BRICS summits are taken by a majority vote among member nations.
c) BRICS functions on the principle of consensus without a permanent headquarters.
d) BRICS has a permanent headquarters located in Shanghai, China.
Explanation-
• BRICS is a multilateral group comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, established to enhance economic, political, and cultural cooperation among emerging economies.
• Option a is incorrect because BRICS does not mandate equal financial contributions from its members. Contributions vary based on specific initiatives and agreements.
• Option b is incorrect as decisions within BRICS are not taken by majority vote but rather through consensus, ensuring equal say for all member nations.
• Option c is correct because BRICS operates on the principle of consensus-driven decision-making and relies on rotational leadership, where the chairmanship rotates annually among its members. This flexible and informal operational framework distinguishes BRICS from many other international organizations.
• Option d is incorrect because while the New Development Bank (NDB), an institution established by BRICS, has its headquarters in Shanghai, BRICS itself does not have a permanent headquarters.
Answer Key
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
D | D | B | C | C |