6th September, 2025

World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Releases "Air Quality and Climate Bulletin"
Bulletin highlights the deep interlink between air quality and climate change, stressing the need for holistic action to protect
health, ecosystems, and economies.
Key Highlights
PM2.5 Pollution: Major global health risk, causing millions of premature deaths yearly.
Levels have declined in North America, Europe, and East Asia due to regulations but remain high in South Asia and high
latitudes, driven by wildfires and industrial activity.
Shipping Emission Regulations (MARPOL VI): Curbed sulfur in marine fuels, improving health but slightly increasing global
warming by reducing sulfate aerosols’ cooling effect.
Air Quality and Climate Change: Pollutants like ground-level ozone warm atmospheres, while climate change influences
pollution through altered chemical reactions, biogenic emissions, and human activity.
Aerosols: Dark aerosols (e.g., black carbon) absorb solar radiation, leading to warming, while brighter ones (e.g., sulfates)
reflect it, causing temporary cooling.
Winter Fog Issue in North India (Highlighted by Report)
The Indo-Gangetic Plain (IGP) faces worsening winter fog and rising air pollution due to human activity.
Causes:
Fog forms as moisture condenses on PM2.5 (from vehicles, industry, crop burning) acting as 'fog condensation nuclei'
(FCN).
Temperature inversions trap these pollutants, prolonging dense fog. Urbanization, brick kilns, and ammonium emissions
intensify this.
Consequences: Major transportation delays and severe health issues like asthma, with toxic compounds in fog water being a
concern.

About WMO
About: specialized agency of the United Nations (UN).
H/Qs: Geneva, Switzerland.
Genesis: Established in 1950.
Members: 187 Member States (including India) and 6 Member Territories.
Global Atmosphere Watch (GAW) Programme: Coordinates global atmospheric monitoring networks.

100 Years of the Self-Respect Movement

It was founded in 1925 in Tamil Nadu by E.V. Ramasamy, who was commonly known as Periyar.
Periyar was influenced by earlier reformers like Jyotirao Phule and B.R. Ambedkar.
Periyar published Kudi Arasu, a Tamil Weekly and also took part in the Vaikom satyagraha.
About the Self-Respect Movement
Objective: To eradicate the caste system, encourage rational thinking, and oppose the dominance of Brahminical traditions.
Objectives were outlined in two pamphlets: Namathu Kurikkol and Tiravitak Kalaka Lateiyam.
It emphasized rationalism, equality, and individual dignity over ritualism and social hierarchy.
Women’s Leadership: Two prominent female leaders of the movement were Annai Meenambal and Veeramal.
Features of the Movement
Self-Respect Marriages: The movement introduced Hindu weddings without priests, making them legally recognized.
Social Upliftment: The movement opposed the Devadasi system, caste discrimination, and restrictions on widow remarriage,
promoting social equality.
Self-Respect Conference: In 1929, Periyar held the first provincial conference at Chengalpattu, led by W.P.A. Soundara
Pandian.
Significance: Instilled dignity and political awareness among non-Brahmins and laid the foundation for Dravidian politics and
welfare governance in Tamil Nadu.

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 Land Acquisition for Great Nicobar Trunk Road Found Beneficial: SIA report
Social Impact Assessment (SIA) was prepared by the Atlas Management Consultancy Services (AMCS) Private Limited.
Area of 130 ha falling within tribal reserves will be diverted for the Great Nicobar Trunk Infrastructure Road project.
About Social Impact Assessment:
It is a process of research, planning and the management of social change or consequences arising from policies, plans,
developments and projects (UNEP, 2007).
According to the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement
(RFCTLARR) Act, 2013 conducting a SIA and preparing a Social Impact Management Plan is mandatory for land acquisition.
This applies to government use, public-private partnerships, or private acquisition for public purposes.
Issue of tribal displacement and rehabilitation due to development
Displacement: Developmental projects often target mineral- and forest-rich areas that are predominantly inhabited by
indigenous populations. Example- Sardar Sarovar Dam project, Ken Betwa River Linkage.
Impact of Displacement: loss of livelihood, cultural erosion, psychological distress and social disintegration.
Rehabilitation: Tribals are provided rehabilitation through policies such as RFCTLARR Act 2013.
Challenges in Rehabilitation: insufficient compensation, lack of community participation, bureaucratic hurdles and
corruption.

Beyond displacement and rehabilitation, a holistic perspective include:

Empowerment and self-governance: Legislations like the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act (PESA), 1996, and the Forest
Rights Act (FRA), 2006, empower Gram Sabhas with decision-making power over land and resources.
Education: Initiatives like Eklavya Model Residential Schools for quality education in tribal areas.
Livelihood diversification: Schemes such as the Van Dhan Vikas Kendras promote value-addition of Minor Forest Produce (MFP) and
enhance tribal incomes.
Other schemes such as PM JANMAN provide holistic development of tribals.

Technology Perspective Capability Roadmap (TPCR) 2025 unveiled by Ministry of Defense

This 15-year plan details the Armed Forces' long-term modernization goals, guiding industry in technology development and
promoting self-reliance.
The TPCR 2025 builds upon previous editions (2013, 2018) and significantly stresses on indigenization.
Key Highlights
Technological Impact on Warfare: Cyber operations, info dominance, space wars, and advances in robotics, AI, and IT will
shape future operations.
Focus on Public Private Partnership: Stronger collaboration needed for indigenization and modernization of the Services.
Key technology requirements
Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Big Data: It includes Autonomous AI Based Unmanned Ground Vehicles
(UGVs) for Mine Laying, Deep Fake Detection Software etc.
Unmanned and Autonomous Systems: Includes Medium/High Altitude Long Endurance Remotely Piloted Aircraft (MALE/
HALE RPAs) with stealth capability,Drone Based Mine Delivery System etc.
Cyber and Electronic Warfare (EW): Includes Integrated EW System, Future Ready Combat Vehicle (FRCV), Electronic
Denial Bubble etc.
Nuclear Deterrence Measures: Radiation detection tools, Decontamination System, Armoured Amphibious Dozer etc.
Naval systems: It includes Aircraft Carriers, Next Generation Corvettes, Nuclear Propulsion systems etc.

Key Indian Projects for Defence Indigenization

MAKE projects: It aims to achieve the objective of self-reliance by involving greater participation of the Indian industrial eco-system
including the private sector.
It includes Make-I (Government Funded), Make-II (Industry Funded) and Make-III (not designed/ developed indigenously) sub
categories.
iDEX (Innovation for Defence Excellence): Launched in 2018 to promote innovation via start-ups, MSMEs, academia and R&D.
Srijan Portal: It is an online platform for indigenisation of high-value spares.

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 ICIMOD’s Report on Clean Energy Potential in Tech Firms face Intellectual Property Rights
Hindu Kush Himalayas (HKH) Region Challenges in AI Development
Report reveals that Himalayan nations are harnessing only A copyright infringement lawsuit has been filed by Authors
around 6% of their immense clean energy potential, leaving a against Apple for using their books in AI training.
vast untapped opportunity in the region. Such lawsuits filed against AI firms present legal and
HKH region encompasses eight nations i.e. Afghanistan, ethical challenges in Intellectual Property Rights (IPR)
Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Myanmar, Nepal, and enforcement in the AI age.
Pakistan.
Current Status and Underutilization of Energy Potential: Challenges Related to IPR Enforcement on AI-generated
Hydropower Capacity: The region holds 882 GW potential, Content
but just 49% is harnessed, mostly from transboundary Lack of Consent for Using Works in AI: Use of copyright
rivers. works without authorization in machine learning constitutes
Solar and Wind Potential: Vast non-hydro clean energy copyright infringement.
with 3 Terawatts available from solar and wind. However, this may impact AI development and free flow
Renewable energy potential within the HKH region alone of data to improve innovation in AI.
is over 3.5 TW.
Energy Mix: While Bhutan and Nepal generate 100% Authorship or Ownership: Legal debates over whether AI
electricity from renewables, fossil fuels dominate can be treated as the author or creator of innovations.
electricity generation in other HKH countries e.g. 77% in South Africa issued a patent with the AI tool DABUS as
India. the inventor.
Barriers to Progress in Energy Co-operation Patentability of AI Systems: It is difficult to ascertain the
Climate Risks: Shifting river flows, glacial lake outburst originality of the AI-generated work. E.g. deep fakes.
floods (GLOFs), and extreme weather threatens nearly
Ethical: Promoting AI Capabilities in IPR challenges the
two-thirds of existing and planned hydropower projects in
region. originality of human intellect and leads to potential erosion
Economic & Financial Hurdles: High project costs, weak of human creativity.
private investment, and heavy dependence on fossil fuel There is a need to review IPR laws to balance the interests
imports. of AI developers, preventing monopolies, and safeguarding
Other: Funding & Infrastructure Gap, land acquisition, original human expression.
displacement, and damage to fragile mountain
ecosystems, technology deficit, etc. Related Legal provisions
India
Recommendations for Regional Energy Cooperation The Indian Copyright Act of 1957: Recognises a person behind
the computer-generated work as the author of the work.
Regional Cooperation: Strengthen cross-border renewable
However, the non-human counterpart (software/AI system)
energy trade and integrate disaster risk reduction through cannot be assigned authorship.
SAARC and BIMSTEC. Parliamentary Standing Committee Recommendation:
Climate Resilience: Build safeguards against GLOFs, floods, and Introduction of a separate category for protection of AI-based
extreme weather by weaving disaster risk into energy planning. inventions as IPRs and a review of the patent and copyright
Diversification: Go beyond big dams, invest in solar, wind, small laws to accommodate AI-related inventions.
hydro, and smart solutions. Global
Financial Innovation: Bring in private players, tap global climate Countries such UK, New Zealand provide for copyright
funds, and scale up tools like green bonds. protection of computer-generated works that do not have a
human creator.

Also in News

Taliban Sanctions Committee (TSC) Beas River

Taliban foreign minister’s India visit called off due to a travel ban Swollen Beas River floods Areas in Punjab and Himachal Pradesh
imposed under UN Security Council (UNSC) sanctions. The river overflowed, forcing Bhakra Beas Management Board to
About Taliban Sanctions Committee (TSC) release excess water from Pong dam.
Established: In 2011, when UNSC split the earlier “1267 About Beas River
Committee” into two – one for Al-Qaeda (1267/1989) and one
specifically for the Taliban (1988). Origin: Rises at Beas Kund, southern face of Rohtang Pass
(Kullu).
Key Mandate: Oversees sanctions against individuals, groups,
and entities associated with the Taliban in relation to the situation Course: Flows 470 km before joining Sutlej at Harike, Punjab.
in Afghanistan. Tributaries: Bain, Banganga, Luni and Uhal.
Members: Comprises all 15 members of the Security Council. Landforms: It forms the valleys of Kullu and Kangra.
Current Chair: Pakistan Ancient name : Vipasha (sanskrit)

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 Unified Payments Interface (UPI) SWIFT Messaging Network

NPCI Raised Per-UPI Transaction Limit to Rs 5 Lakh and Cumulative Indian banks have accelerated adoption of the SWIFT messaging
Limit for 24 hrs to Rs 10 Lakh. framework, ISO 20022.
Applicability: Only to Person-to-Merchant (P2M) transactions The ISO 20022 is an open global standard for financial
with verified merchants. information.
Exemption: Person-to-Person (P2P) transaction limits will remain About SWIFT (Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial
the same i.e. at Rs 1 lakh per day. Telecommunication)
About UPI: Genesis: Founded in 1973 by 239 banks from 15 countries.
It is an instant payment system and protocol developed by NPCI Purpose: To streamline and secure cross-border financial
in the year 2016. communication.
Immediate money transfer through mobile device round the It is a secure messaging network facilitating global financial
clock 24*7 and 365 days. transactions between over 11,000 institutions across 200
Single Click 2 Factor Authentication. countries.
Uniqueness: Headquarter: Belgium.
NPCI was established under Payment and Settlement
Systems Act, 2007.
WHO Model Lists of Essential Medicines

Angikaar 2025 Campaign WHO published an update to its Model Lists of Essential Medicines
(EML) adding new treatments for cancers, diabetes and obesity.
About WHO Model Lists of Essential Medicines
The Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs launched the The List acts like a register of minimum medicine needs for every
Angikaar 2025 campaign under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana - Urban health-care system.
2.0 (PMAY-U 2.0). It aims at ensuring all-time availability of high priority drugs for
PMAY-U 2.0 was launched in 2024 to provide all-weather pucca all people, guiding physicians to evidence-based and rational
houses to all eligible urban households with the vision of ‘Housing prescribing.
for All’. It is updated every two years by the Expert Committee on
About Angikaar 2025 Campaign Selection and Use of Essential Medicines.
It is a 2-month last-mile outreach campaign to create awareness The first Essential Medicines List was published in 1977.
about PMAY-U 2.0
MPOX (Monkeypox)
Functional Genomics
WHO chief says mpox outbreak in Africa is no longer a global health
Functional genomics is improving cancer treatment decisions. emergency.
It reinforces cancer therapy by illustrating how genetic variations About Mpox
operate within cells, aiding in the identification of harmful or Type: Viral zoonotic disease caused by Monkeypox virus
benign mutations. (Orthopoxvirus genus).
About Functional Genomics Transmission: Close contact with infected people, animals, or
It is the study of how the genome and its products, including RNA contaminated objects.
and proteins, function and interact to affect different biological Types of Mpox:
processes. Clade I: Found in Central Africa; usually more severe, but
The genome of an organism is the complete genetic recent outbreaks less deadly.
information present in the cell of an organism. Clade II: Found in East Africa; cause of the global outbreak
Purpose: To understand the relationship between genotype and since 2022; generally milder and less fatal.
phenotype. Incubation Period: 5–21 days.
Phenotype refers to an individual’s observable traits, such as Symptoms: Fever, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, swollen
height, eye color and blood type. lymph nodes.
Global Concern: Declared a Public Health Emergency of
International Concern (PHEIC) by WHO in 2022.
There is no proven treatment for Mpox.

Place in News Finland (Capital: Helsinki)

Finland joins declaration on two-state solution between Israel, Palestinians.

Political Features
Location: Northern Europe.
Bordering Nations: Norway (north), Russia (east), Sweden (northwest).
Bordering Water Bodies: Gulf of Finland (south), Gulf of Bothnia (southwest), Baltic Sea.
Geographical features
Terrain: Heavily forested, dotted with ~56,000 lakes and vast marshlands.
Major Regions: Coastal plain, lake district, highlands of Lapland.
Highest Point: Mount Halti (1,328 m).
Arctic Features: One-third of land lies north of the Arctic Circle.

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