2025 for January 1970

UPSC Daily Quiz 1 July 2025

July 1, 2025

The Daily UPSC Quiz by Vajiram & Ravi is a thoughtfully curated initiative designed to support UPSC aspirants in strengthening their current affairs knowledge and core conceptual understanding. Aligned with the UPSC Syllabus 2025, this daily quiz serves as a revision resource, helping candidates assess their preparation, revise key topics, and stay updated with relevant issues. Whether you are preparing for Prelims or sharpening your revision for Mains, consistent practice with these Daily UPSC Quiz can significantly enhance accuracy, speed, and confidence in solving exam-level questions.

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UPSC Daily Quiz FAQs

Q1: What is the Daily UPSC Quiz?

Ans: The Daily UPSC Quiz is a set of practice questions based on current affairs, static subjects, and PYQs that help aspirants enhance retention and test conceptual clarity regularly.

Q2: How is the Daily Quiz useful for UPSC preparation?

Ans: Daily quizzes support learning, help in revision, improve time management, and boost accuracy for both UPSC Prelims and Mains through consistent practice.

Q3: Are the quiz questions based on the UPSC syllabus?

Ans: Yes, all questions are aligned with the UPSC Syllabus 2025, covering key areas like Polity, Economy, Environment, History, Geography, and Current Affairs.

Q4: Are solutions and explanations provided with the quiz?

Ans: Yes, each quiz includes detailed explanations and source references to enhance conceptual understanding and enable self-assessment.

Q5: Is the Daily UPSC Quiz suitable for both Prelims and Mains?

Ans: Primarily focused on Prelims (MCQ format), but it also indirectly helps in Mains by strengthening subject knowledge and factual clarity.

Daily Editorial Analysis 1 July 2025

July 1, 2025

GST Reform and Unfinished Business in Tobacco Control

Context

As India commemorates the eighth anniversary of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on July 1, 2025, it is timely to evaluate this transformative tax reform.
Launched in 2017 under the banner of ‘One Nation, One Tax,’ the GST replaced a complex web of indirect taxes, establishing a unified national market and harmonising tax structures across states.
While its economic and administrative efficiencies are undeniable, its shortcomings, especially in tobacco taxation, reveal a critical blind spot that calls for urgent corrective measures.

Goods and Services Tax (GST): A Landmark in Tax Reform

By replacing multiple indirect taxes such as VAT, service tax, and excise duties, GST streamlined tax collection and reduced the compliance burden for businesses.
The creation of a common national market significantly improved the ease of doing business and enabled more seamless inter-state trade.
Notably, the digitisation of processes, through instruments like the e-way bill, enhanced transparency and curtailed tax evasion.
These measures collectively contributed to improved logistics efficiency, cutting transportation time by up to 20% and lowering associated costs.
The gross GST collections for 2024–25 soared to an unprecedented ₹22.08 lakh crore, registering a year-on-year growth of 9.4%. This consistent revenue generation underscores GST’s role as a cornerstone of India’s fiscal architecture.

The Fault Lines in GST’s Structure

Tobacco Taxation and Public Health
- Tobacco usage in India remains a catastrophic public health concern, accounting for over 3,500 deaths daily and imposing an annual economic burden of ₹2,340 billion, equivalent to 1.4% of GDP in 2017.
- However, the GST regime has failed to meaningfully escalate taxation on tobacco products, a proven strategy for reducing consumption.
- Pre-GST (2009–2017), regular hikes in excise duties and VAT contributed to a 17% decline in tobacco use.
- In contrast, post-GST stagnation in tax hikes has made tobacco increasingly affordable.
- Average GST revenues from tobacco over the last five years stood at ₹551 billion, substantially lower than the associated health and economic costs.
- The overall tax burden on tobacco products remains below the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommended threshold of 75% of retail prices: just 22% for bidis, 54% for cigarettes, and 65% for smokeless tobacco.
Structural Flaws: The Ad Valorem Trap
- The structural design of GST heavily relies on ad valorem taxation, levies based on product value, which, while integral to GST, is poorly suited for curbing harmful product consumption.
- Fixed specific excise taxes, levied per unit of product, are internationally acknowledged as more effective in reducing tobacco use because they resist industry manipulation of retail prices.
- Since GST's inception, the share of specific central excise duties in tobacco taxation has plummeted: from 54% to 8% for cigarettes, 17% to 1% for bidis, and 59% to 11% for smokeless tobacco.
- This decline is compounded by glaring inconsistencies.
- Although bidis are the most widely consumed smoked tobacco product in India and equally harmful as cigarettes, they are under-taxed and exempt from the GST compensation cess.
- This omission disproportionately benefits low-cost tobacco products consumed by the economically disadvantaged, amplifying both health inequity and fiscal inefficiency.

The Way Forward

Dual Strategy for Reform
- Addressing the deficiencies in tobacco taxation requires a recalibrated strategy that integrates public health priorities with fiscal policy.
- Raising GST rates on tobacco to the statutory maximum of 40%, as permitted under current law, coupled with a substantial increase in specific excise duties, represents a powerful dual-pronged approach.
- Such a mixed tax structure, combining ad valorem and specific components, has demonstrated greater effectiveness globally, both in reducing consumption and bolstering revenues.
Debunking the Illicit Trade Argument
- A recurring counterargument by the tobacco industry is that higher taxes fuel illicit trade.
- However, empirical studies refute these claims. Independent estimates suggest that illicit cigarettes account for merely 2.7% to 6.6% of India’s market, far below the industry’s inflated claim of 25%.
- Factors like regulatory enforcement and border control play a far greater role in curbing illicit trade than pricing alone.
- India, having ratified the WHO Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products, must now focus on its rigorous implementation.

Conclusion

As the GST Council considers rationalisation and structural reform, public health must be brought to the forefront.
The 139th Parliamentary Standing Committee Report (September 2022) emphasised that India’s tobacco products remain among the most affordable globally and urged higher taxation as a corrective measure.
The eighth anniversary of GST offers more than a moment of celebration, it provides a critical opportunity to reinforce the GST regime as a dynamic instrument not just of economic efficiency, but also of social responsibility.

GST Reform and Unfinished Business in Tobacco Control FAQs

Q1. When was GST implemented in India?
Ans. GST was implemented in India on July 1, 2017.

Q2. What major issue exists in GST’s approach to tobacco taxation?
Ans. The major issue is that GST has not significantly increased taxes on tobacco products, making them more affordable and undermining public health goals.

Q3. What is the WHO's recommended tax burden on tobacco products?
Ans. The World Health Organization recommends that the total tax burden on tobacco products should be at least 75% of the retail price.

Q4. Why are specific excise taxes preferred for tobacco?
Ans. Specific excise taxes are preferred because they are more effective in reducing tobacco consumption and are less vulnerable to industry price manipulation.

Q5. What key reform is suggested for tobacco taxation under GST?
Ans. It is suggested that the GST rate on tobacco products be raised to the peak rate of 40%, along with a substantial increase in specific excise duties.

Source: The Hindu

In a Perilous World, India Must Read the Tea Leaves Well

Context

India’s foreign policy, once celebrated for its strategic balance and nuanced diplomacy, is now confronting a profound existential crisis.
From the intensifying China-Pakistan nexus to the escalating Israel-Iran conflict, the assumptions that underpinned India’s foreign policy for decades are now being severely tested.
Therefore, it is important to examine the multiple dimensions of the current crisis, critique India's recent foreign policy choices, and propose key recalibrations to secure its strategic future.

Multiple Dimensions of the Current Crisis in India’s Foreign Policy

The Breakdown of Strategic Equilibrium
- India's foreign policy was traditionally designed to balance relationships across ideological and strategic divides.
- However, recent events have disrupted this delicate equilibrium. The re-election of Donald Trump and his Make America Great Again doctrine, previously perceived as a boon for Indo-U.S. relations, has taken an unpredictable turn.
- Trump’s claim to have mediated a ceasefire between India and Pakistan, endorsed publicly by Pakistan’s military leadership but denied by India, has placed New Delhi on a potential collision course with Washington.
Strategic Ambiguity in West Asia: A Failing Doctrine
- India's policy of equidistance between Israel and Iran is another pillar now crumbling under the weight of international realignments.
- The recent Israel-Iran conflict, which escalated dramatically following Israel’s targeted attacks on Iranian nuclear sites with American support, represents a significant shift in the global security landscape.
- The use of the GBU-57 bunker-buster bombs by the U.S. marks a dangerous normalisation of the nuclear discourse in international politics.
- India’s non-committal stance, issuing vague calls for restraint, has rendered it largely irrelevant in the debate.
- Worse, it risks alienating both Israel and Iran, undermining years of diplomatic effort aimed at preserving strategic autonomy in West Asia.
Neutrality: A Strategic Liability
- In the present geopolitical climate, India’s long-standing posture of neutrality is increasingly being viewed as indecision or even weakness.
- With mounting threats on its borders and little global support during the India, Pakistan conflict, New Delhi is discovering the limitations of non-alignment in a world leaning heavily toward hard power.
- Despite its aspirations to lead the Global South, India has found few allies when needed most.

The China Factor

China-Pakistan Nexus: A Growing Threat
- Perhaps the most pressing threat to India's national security comes from the deepening military and strategic ties between China and Pakistan.
- The India-Pakistan conflict in May should not be viewed as an isolated incident but as a harbinger of deeper, more sustained pressure.
- China's infusion of advanced military technologies, such as the J-10C and JF-17 fighters into Pakistan’s arsenal, and its integration into Pakistan’s defence planning systems, presents a complex and evolving challenge.
- This partnership is not merely transactional but strategically symbiotic, aiming to encircle and constrain India’s regional influence.
China's Strategic Vision: Reading Between the Lines
- China recently released white paper on National Security in the New Era which offers revealing insights into its strategic worldview.
- By framing development and security as two wings of a single bird, China articulates a doctrine that places technological and supply chain security at the heart of its national strategy.
- India would do well to study these documents with the same seriousness it reserves for overt military threats.

The Way Forward

Lessons from Global Military Strategy
- India must urgently assess its own preparedness for protracted and technologically complex conflicts.
- Drawing lessons from the Russia-Ukraine war and the UK’s defence capability audit, India needs a comprehensive reassessment of its defence posture.
- This includes evaluating its ammunition reserves, modernising its cyber and electromagnetic warfare infrastructure, and prioritizing artificial intelligence, drone countermeasures, and loitering munitions.
- A piecemeal or reactive approach will no longer suffice in an era of hybrid warfare and high-speed escalations.
Recalibrating India’s Foreign Policy: A Strategic Imperative
- To navigate this uncertain terrain, India must abandon outdated doctrines and adopt a more pragmatic, assertive, and strategically consistent foreign policy.
- First, it needs to move beyond moralistic calls for restraint and actively engage in shaping regional security narratives.
- Second, New Delhi must forge deeper security partnerships, not only with Western powers but also with key Asian and African states, based on mutual defence, intelligence sharing, and technological cooperation.
- Third, India must invest in credible hard power capabilities while enhancing its diplomatic visibility in crisis zones like West Asia and the Indo-Pacific.

Conclusion

The continued reliance on non-alignment and neutrality has rendered India vulnerable and strategically sidelined.
In the face of an aggressive China-Pakistan alliance, a transactional and unpredictable United States, and rapidly shifting regional fault lines, India must evolve its foreign policy from one rooted in moral posturing to one grounded in strategic realism.
A clear-eyed recognition of global power dynamics and a recalibration of its defence and diplomatic strategies are not just advisable, they are essential for safeguarding India’s sovereignty and global standing in the years to come.

In a Perilous World, India Must Read the Tea Leaves Well FAQs

Q1. What major threat does India face from its neighborhood?
Ans. India faces a significant threat from the growing military and strategic partnership between China and Pakistan.

Q2. Why is India's neutrality in the Israel-Iran conflict criticised?
Ans. India's neutrality is criticized because it has made the country appear indecisive and has weakened its influence in West Asia.

Q3. How has Donald Trump's foreign policy affected India?
Ans. Donald Trump's foreign policy has disrupted India’s diplomatic balance by favoring Pakistan and challenging India’s version of recent regional events.

Q4. What lesson should India learn from the UK and Ukraine?
Ans. India should learn the importance of assessing its defense readiness and modernizing its military infrastructure to prepare for future conflicts.

Q5. What is the key recommendation for India's foreign policy?
Ans. The key recommendation is that India should shift from moral posturing to a more pragmatic and strategically realistic foreign policy approach.

Source: The Hindu

Daily Editorial Analysis 1 July 2025 FAQs

Q1: What is editorial analysis?

Ans: Editorial analysis is the critical examination and interpretation of newspaper editorials to extract key insights, arguments, and perspectives relevant to UPSC preparation.

Q2: What is an editorial analyst?

Ans: An editorial analyst is someone who studies and breaks down editorials to highlight their relevance, structure, and usefulness for competitive exams like the UPSC.

Q3: What is an editorial for UPSC?

Ans: For UPSC, an editorial refers to opinion-based articles in reputed newspapers that provide analysis on current affairs, governance, policy, and socio-economic issues.

Q4: What are the sources of UPSC Editorial Analysis?

Ans: Key sources include editorials from The Hindu and Indian Express.

Q5: Can Editorial Analysis help in Mains Answer Writing?

Ans: Yes, editorial analysis enhances content quality, analytical depth, and structure in Mains answer writing.

Financial Stability Report 2025

July 1, 2025

Financial Stability Report Latest News

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) recently released the Financial Stability Report for June 2025.

About Financial Stability Report

It is a biannual report released by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
It reflects the collective assessment of the Sub-Committee of the Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC) on the resilience of the Indian financial system and risks to financial stability.

Highlights of Financial Stability Report for June 2025

The Indian economy remains a key driver of global growth on the back of sound macroeconomic fundamentals and prudent policies.
The headwinds from protracted geopolitical tensions, elevated uncertainty and trade disruptions, and weather-related uncertainty pose downside risks to growth.
The non-performing loans ratio is currently at a multi-decadal low, and the economy and financial system are relatively well positioned to bear the tariff-induced shocks.
The report said that the gross non-performing asset (GNPA), which is currently as of March 2025 at 2.3% levels, in the baseline scenario, could increase to 2.5% level.
GNPAs for 46 banks accounting for 98 percent of the total assets of scheduled commercial banks (SCBs), may rise to 2.6 percent by March 2027.
Capital adequacy across the banking sector remains well above regulatory thresholds, giving banks sufficient buffers to withstand adverse scenarios.
Even under severe stress test conditions, the capital adequacy ratios of banks would stay comfortably above minimum requirements, a strong signal of the sector’s preparedness to absorb economic shocks.
India's growth is largely dependent on domestic demand, and the outlook for food inflation remains favorable as the prices have started to soften and the crop production is at a record level.
On the domestic front, the financial system remains stable, with healthy balance sheets of both banks and non-banking financial institutions.
NBFCs remain healthy with good capital buffers, robust earnings, and improving asset quality.

Source: LIVEM

Financial Stability Report FAQs

Q1: Who releases the Financial Stability Report (FSR)?

Ans: It is a biannual report released by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

Q2: According to FSR June 2025, the current Gross Non-Performing Asset (GNPA) ratio as of March 2025 stands at:

Ans: 2.3%

Q3: What is the status of capital adequacy across the Indian banking sector, as per the recent Financial Stability Report?

Ans: Well above regulatory thresholds.

Q4: According to the recent Financial Stability Report, what trend is observed in food inflation?

Ans: Softening with record crop production.

Q5: What does the recent Financial Stability Report say about the health of NBFCs?

Ans: Stable with improving asset quality and strong capital buffers

INS Tabar

July 1, 2025

INS Tabar Latest News

The Indian Navy's INS Tabar responded swiftly to rescue crew members in the Gulf of Oman as a fire broke out on an oil vessel recently.

About INS Tabar

INS Tabar (F44) is the third of the Talwar-class frigates of the Indian Navy.
It was built for the Indian Navy in Russia.
It was commissioned in 2004. It is among the earliest stealth frigates of the Indian Navy.
The ship is part of the Indian Navy's Western Fleet, which is based at Mumbai under the Western Naval Command.
It was the first naval vessel to take deterrent action against piracy and has thereafter successfully foiled several pirate attacks.
The ship is equipped with sophisticated missile systems, radar technology, electronic warfare suites, and aviation assets, including helicopters.
The ship is also outfitted with advanced firefighting and damage-control capabilities, making it capable of handling emergency scenarios.
It has a complement of 280 personnel. The crew is specially trained to carry out rescue missions, environmental protection duties, and humanitarian assistance operations, in addition to traditional naval warfare tasks.

Source: CNBC

INS Tabar FAQs

Q1: INS Tabar is part of which class of frigates in the Indian Navy?

Ans: Talwar-class

Q2: In which country was INS Tabar built?

Ans: Russia

Q3: When was INS Tabar commissioned into the Indian Navy?

Ans: 2004

Q4: INS Tabar is part of which fleet of the Indian Navy?

Ans: Western Fleet

Animal Discoveries and Plant Discoveries 2024

July 1, 2025

Animal Discoveries and Plant Discoveries 2024 Latest News

The details of new Animal Discoveries and Plant Discoveries and new records were released by the Union Minister for Environment, Forest, and Climate Change recently.

About Animal Discoveries and Plant Discoveries 2024

The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), the country’s premier institution for faunal exploration and research, publishes Animal Discoveries every year detailing the new discoveries of fauna.
Similarly, the Botanical Survey of India (BSI), the country’s premier organisation for plant research and taxonomy, publishes Plant Discoveries every year detailing the new discoveries of flora.

Highlights of Animal Discoveries and Plant Discoveries 2024

India added 683 new species to its fauna in the year 2024, which included 459 new species and 224 species new records.
The country also added 433 taxa of flora during the same period, which included 410 species and 23 infra-specific taxa of plants.
The maximum number of new discoveries of fauna in 2024 was recorded from Kerala—with 101 species (80 new species and 21 new records)—followed by Karnataka—82 (68 new species and 14 new records). Tamil Nadu recorded 63 discoveries, with 50 new species and 13 new records.
In the eastern and northeastern parts of the country, Arunachal Pradesh recorded 72 animal discoveries (42 new species and 30 new records), Meghalaya 42 new discoveries (25 new species and 17 new records), and West Bengal 56 new discoveries (25 new species and 31 new records).
Andaman and Nicobar Islands, another biological hotspot in the country, recorded 43 new discoveries of fauna from the region, which included 14 new discoveries of fauna and 29 new records.
The significant faunal discoveries for the year 2024 include two new genus and 37 species of reptiles and five new species of amphibians.
The significant discovery of reptiles included Dravidoseps gouensis, belonging to the new genus, and Anguiculus dicaprioi is a member of the Colubridae family, named after Hollywood star, Leonardo Di Caprio.
In terms of plant discoveries, the highest number of flora discovered was from Kerala (58), followed by Maharashtra (45) and Uttarakhand (40).
The new plant discoveries for 2024 record 154 angiosperms, 4 pteridophytes, 15 bryophytes, 63 lichens, 156 fungi, 32 algae and 9 microbes.
The hotspot regions, such as the Western Ghats and the North-Eastern regions, have contributed 35% of total discoveries.
The plant discoveries for the year 2024 include wild relatives of many potential horticultural, agricultural, medicinal, and ornamental plants such as begonia, impatiens (balsams), legumes, zingibers, orchids, etc.
In terms of flora, the significant discoveries include important orchid species such as Bulbophyllum gopalianum, Coelogyne tripurensis, Gastrodia indica, and Gastrodia sikkimensis.
Several new species belonging to important plant groups such as legumes, zingers, grasses, etc, were also discovered.

Source: TH

Animal Discoveries and Plant Discoveries 2024 FAQs

Q1: How many new species and new records of fauna were added in India in 2024?

Ans: 459 new species and 224 new records

Q2: Which state recorded the highest number of faunal discoveries in 2024?

Ans: Kerala

Q3: What was the total number of floral taxa added in India in 2024?

Ans: 433

Q4: Which state recorded the highest number of new plant discoveries in 2024?

Ans: Kerala

Q5: The newly discovered flora in 2024 included the highest number from which plant group?

Ans: Angiosperms

Space-Based Surveillance-III Programme (SBS-III)

July 1, 2025

Space-Based Surveillance-III Programme

The Union government recently ordered the fast-tracking of the launch of 52 dedicated surveillance satellites under the SBS-III programme.

About Space-Based Surveillance-III Programme

It was approved in October 2023, by the Prime Minister-led Cabinet Committee on Security to develop next-generation satellites over the next decade.
It involves the construction and launch of 21 satellites by India’s space agency, ISRO, and 31 by three private companies.
The first satellite is expected to be launched by April 2026, with the full constellation targeted for completion by the end of 2029.
The aim of SBS-3 is to cover much larger areas of China and Pakistan, as well as the Indian Ocean Region, with shorter revisit times (interval between two consecutive surveillance sweeps of the same location) and much better resolution. The space doctrine is also being fine-tuned.
It enables the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force to monitor adversary movements deep inside hostile territory — including airfields, bases, and staging areas.
These new satellites will utilise AI and will be able to interact with each other and thus gather GeoIntelligence more effectively.
A crucial aspect of the project is the planned transfer of Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) technology from ISRO to private players, which will allow for rapid satellite launches during emergencies.
The satellites will operate in both low Earth and geostationary orbits, providing comprehensive coverage and countering China's advanced anti-satellite capabilities, including kinetic and electronic warfare systems.
The project cost of SBS-III is pegged at ₹26,968 crore.
The Defence Space Agency (DSA), which functions under the Integrated Defence Staff (IDS) of the Ministry of Defence, is leading the project.
- Formed in 2019, the DSA replaced the Integrated Space Cell and now oversees India’s military space operations.
- It coordinates with ISRO, DRDO, and the armed forces to develop space warfare strategies and safeguard national space assets.

Source: TH

Space-Based Surveillance-III Programme FAQs

Q1: When was the Space-Based Surveillance-III (SBS-III) programme approved?

Ans: October 2023

Q2: What is the total number of satellites planned under the SBS-III programme?

Ans: 52 satellites — 21 by ISRO and 31 by private companies.

Q3: What is the main objective of the SBS-III programme?

Ans: Surveillance of China, Pakistan, and the Indian Ocean Region with high resolution and short revisit times.

Q4: Which agency is leading the SBS-III project?

Ans: The Defence Space Agency (DSA), which functions under the Integrated Defence Staff (IDS) of the Ministry of Defence, is leading the project.

Q5: What is the estimated total cost of the SBS-III programme?

Ans: ₹26,968 crore

At Sea Observer Mission

July 1, 2025

At Sea Observer Mission Latest News

Recently, QUAD nations launched first-ever ‘At Sea Observer Mission’ to boost maritime cooperation.

About At Sea Observer Mission

It was launched by the QUAD nations i.e the Coast Guards of India, Japan, the United States, and Australia.
It aims to stride toward strengthening maritime security and interoperability in the Indo-Pacific, under the Wilmington Declaration.
Two officers, including women officers from each country have embarked on board US Coast Guard Cutter (USCGC) Stratton, which is currently sailing to Guam.
The cross-embarkation mission marks an unprecedented step in QUAD Coast Guard collaboration, enhancing joint readiness, operational coordination, and domain awareness in support of a Free, Open, Inclusive, and Rules-Based Indo-Pacific.
The mission reflects the vision laid out at the QUAD Leaders’ Summit in September 2024 and signifies a deepening of operational ties between the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), Japan Coast Guard (JCG), US Coast Guard (USCG), and Australian Border Force (ABF).
India’s participation reinforces its strategic maritime vision of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and complements national efforts under the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI), with an emphasis on capacity-building, humanitarian outreach, and maritime rule of law.
The QUAD at Sea initiative sets the foundation for a ‘QUAD Coast Guard Handshake,’ fostering stronger trust, coordination, and collective resilience amid evolving maritime challenges in the region.

Source: PIB

At Sea Observer Mission FAQs

Q1: What are the 4 countries in QUAD?

Ans: India, Australia, Japan, and the United States

Q2: What is the full form of QUAD?

Ans: QUAD Quadrilateral Security Dialogue

India Energy Stack

July 1, 2025

India Energy Stack Latest News

Recently, the Ministry of Power has announced the launch of a task force to conceive the India Energy Stack (IES).

About India Energy Stack

It is a pioneering initiative aimed at creating a unified, secure, and interoperable digital infrastructure for India's energy sector.
It is a Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) that will provide a standardised, secure, and open platform to manage, monitor, and innovate across the electricity value chain.
This initiative is being spearheaded by the Ministry of Power.
The India Energy Stack will offer:
- Unique IDs for consumers, assets, and transactions
- Real-time, consent-based data sharing
- Open APIs for seamless system integration
- Tools for consumer empowerment, market access, and innovation
Apart from conceiving the IES, the Ministry will undertake a 12-month Proof of Concept (PoC) to demonstrate IES through real-world use cases in partnership with selected utilities.
This includes piloting the Utility Intelligence Platform (UIP), a modular, analytics-driven application built on IES to support utilities, policymakers, and consumers with real-time insights and smarter energy management.
To guide these above initiatives, the Ministry has constituted a dedicated Task Force comprising experts from the technology, power sector, and regulatory domains, which will steer the development, pilot implementation, and nationwide scale-up of the India Energy Stack.

Source: PIB

India Energy Stack FAQs

Q1: What is India's energy stack?

Ans: It an initiative aimed at creating a unified, secure, and interoperable digital infrastructure for the country's energy sector.

Q2: What do you mean by digital public infrastructure?

Ans: Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) is a set of foundational digital systems that forms the backbone of modern societies. DPI enables secure and seamless interactions between people, businesses and governments.

Essential Tremors

July 1, 2025

Essential Tremors Latest News

Recently, a person suffering successfully underwent the relatively new Magnetic Resonance-guided Focused Ultrasound (MRgFUS) procedure for his essential tremors.

About Essential Tremors

It is a neurological disorder that causes hands, head, trunk, voice or legs to shake rhythmically.
It is most common among people older than 65, but it can affect people at any age.
It is one of the most common neurological disorders affecting around 1% of the general population worldwide.

Causes of Essential Tremors

The cause of essential tremor is unknown. However, one theory suggests that your cerebellum and other parts of your brain are not communicating correctly. The cerebellum controls muscle coordination.
In most people, the condition seems to be passed down from a parent to a child.
And also, if parents have ET, there is a 50% chance that children will inherit the gene responsible for the condition.
The prevalence increases with age, with approximately 5% of individuals over the age of 60 experiencing it.
Treatments: There’s no cure for essential tremor, but there are ways to treat it. The main treatment options are medications, assistive devices, botulinum toxin, deep brain stimulation and focused ultrasound.

Key facts about MRgFUS

MRgFUS intervention is a non-surgical procedure that uses focused ultrasound waves guided by MRI to target brain tissue responsible for tremors in patients with Parkinson’s disease or essential tremor.
It is currently approved for Essential Tremor (ET) and Tremor-Dominant Parkinson’s Disease (TD-PD), this technique offers new hope for patients whose symptoms significantly disrupt daily life.
MRgFUS treatment targets a key relay centre in the brain i.e thalamus.
Focused ultrasound energy is used to thermally ablate this specific area, leading to a marked reduction—and in many cases, near-complete resolution—of tremors, often within the same session.

Source: TH

Essential Tremors FAQs

Q1: What is meant by an essential tremor?

Ans: Essential tremor (ET) is a neurological disorder that causes your hands, head, trunk, voice or legs to shake rhythmically.

Q2: What is a Neurological Disorder?

Ans: Neurological disorders are medically defined as disorders that affect the brain as well as the nerves found throughout the human body and the spinal cord.

Cell Broadcasting System

July 1, 2025

Cell Broadcasting System Latest News

The Department of Telecommunications and NDMA are testing a new Cell Broadcast system to deliver real-time disaster alerts across India, enhancing emergency communication.

About Cell Broadcasting System

It is a technology used by mobile network operators to broadcast text messages to mobile users that are located in specific geographical areas.
The typical use for these kinds of messages is to send emergency alerts to mobile users.
In India, it is being tested as part of the government’s broader initiative to enhance real-time dissemination of critical alerts during emergencies such as earthquakes, tsunamis, lightning strikes, and industrial hazards.
The system is being indigenously developed by the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT).
Unlike SMS alerts, CB messages are broadcast to all mobile phones in a specific area, ensuring rapid delivery even in congested networks.
The technology enables alerts to reach citizens almost instantly, making it highly effective during time-sensitive disasters.
This new system is in addition to the already-operational Integrated Alert System (SACHET), which has delivered over 6,899 crore SMS alerts in more than 19 Indian languages across all 36 States and Union Territories.
SACHET is based on the Common Alerting Protocol (CAP), as recommended by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
Once fully operational, the CB system will broadcast alerts in multiple Indian languages to all mobile users, ensuring broad and inclusive public reach.

Source: PIB

Cell Broadcasting system FAQs

Q1: What is the purpose of Cell Broadcast?

Ans: To send emergency alerts to mobile users.

Q2: What is Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT)?

Ans: It is the premier R&D centre of the Department of Telecommunications, Ministry of Communications, Government of India.

India to Fast Track 52 Military Satellites to Boost Border Surveillance

July 1, 2025

Military Satellites Latest News

The Union government has ordered the fast-tracking of the launch of 52 dedicated surveillance satellites, enhancing round-the-clock monitoring of the coastline and land borders.

India Accelerates Defence Surveillance with 52 New Military Satellites

India is taking a significant leap in its space-based military capabilities with the fast-tracking of 52 surveillance satellites.
Following the learnings from Operation Sindoor, which showcased the strategic value of satellite-based intelligence, the government has moved swiftly to enhance round-the-clock surveillance over its land borders and coastline.
This decision marks a pivotal shift in India’s national security framework by integrating space technology more deeply into defence operations.

Operation Sindoor: A Trigger for Strategic Space Expansion

The impetus for this initiative stems from Operation Sindoor, where satellite imagery played a vital role in enabling swift military responses.
Satellite data provided Indian defence forces with real-time intelligence on the movement and trajectory of drones and missiles, helping avert substantial damage to military assets.
It was during this operation that India reportedly faced satellite-assisted activities from adversaries, with claims that China extended space-based support to Pakistan.
In this context, enhancing indigenous surveillance capacity has become a top priority for national security.

SBS-III Programme: India’s New Space Security Vision

To execute this strategic expansion, the Cabinet Committee, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved a $3.2 billion budget in October 2024 for the SBS-III programme.
This programme is aimed at developing a new generation of military satellites over the next decade.
Key features of the SBS-III programme include:
- 52 satellites to be launched in total.
- ISRO to design and launch the first 21 satellites.
- Private space sector companies will develop and launch the remaining 31 satellites.
- The Defence Space Agency (DSA) will be responsible for managing the satellite constellation’s operational command.

Enhanced Capabilities with Next-Gen Surveillance Tech

The new surveillance satellites will feature next-generation radar imaging systems, capable of providing all-weather, day-and-night coverage.
According to defence officials, these satellites are expected to drastically improve intelligence gathering, especially in remote or high-risk border zones.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) will play a significant role in the functionality of these satellites. AI integration will:
- Enable automated threat detection.
- Enhance data processing speed and accuracy.
- Provide predictive intelligence through machine learning algorithms.
These advancements are expected to support India’s ability to monitor adversarial activities with greater precision and real-time responsiveness.

Strategic Coverage Areas: Focus on China, Pakistan, and the Indian Ocean

The satellite network will prioritise three critical theatres:
- India-China border, particularly in Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh.
- India-Pakistan border, including monitoring infiltration routes and missile deployments.
- Indian Ocean Region (IOR), to track naval movements and maritime threats.
The deployment is aimed at reducing India’s dependence on foreign satellite intelligence and enabling self-reliance in space-based defence infrastructure.

ISRO and Private Sector Collaboration

This initiative highlights India’s evolving approach to defence-sector partnerships, especially the growing role of private players in space technology.
The government’s call for early deployment has been positively received by private aerospace companies, indicating a new chapter in public-private collaboration.
By 2026, the first set of satellites is expected to be launched, establishing a secure, scalable surveillance grid capable of serving India's strategic needs for years to come.

Source: TH

India’s Military Surveillance Satellites FAQs

Q1: What is the SBS-III programme?

Ans: The SBS-III programme is India’s $3.2 billion defence initiative to deploy 52 next-gen military satellites for enhanced surveillance.

Q2: What prompted India to accelerate satellite surveillance?

Ans: The success of satellite surveillance during Operation Sindoor highlighted the need for real-time intelligence and border monitoring.

Q3: Who will operate the new military satellite system?

Ans: The Defence Space Agency (DSA) will manage the operations of the new surveillance satellite network.

Q4: What technological features will the new satellites include?

Ans: The satellites will have AI-enabled radar imaging for all-weather, day-night surveillance and faster threat detection.

Q5: What regions will these satellites primarily monitor?

Ans: The surveillance network will focus on the borders with China and Pakistan, and the Indian Ocean Region.

Safeguarding Culture, The Role of Geographical Indication Tag India in Preventing Cultural Misappropriation

July 1, 2025

GI Tag and Cultural Protection Latest News

Recently, an Italian luxury brand Prada unveiled footwear inspired by India’s Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged Kolhapuri chappals.

India’s Geographical Indications and the Threat of Cultural Appropriation

In June 2025, Italian fashion house Prada showcased a footwear line inspired by India’s iconic GI-tagged Kolhapuri chappals at its Spring/Summer 2026 menswear show in Milan.
The move triggered sharp criticism in India, reigniting debates over cultural appropriation and the effectiveness of Geographical Indications (GI) in safeguarding traditional knowledge and craftsmanship.
The incident is part of a broader pattern where Indian cultural and artisanal products are used, often without acknowledgement or benefit-sharing, by global corporations.
As the conversation around cultural appropriation intensifies, GI tags emerge as a legal and policy mechanism to both protect and promote India’s cultural heritage.

Understanding Geographical Indications (GI)

A Geographical Indication is a form of intellectual property right that identifies goods as originating from a particular geographical region, where specific qualities, reputation, or characteristics of the product are essentially attributable to its place of origin.
India currently has 658 registered GI-tagged products, spanning diverse categories such as textiles (e.g., Kancheepuram silk), agriculture (e.g., Basmati rice), handicrafts (e.g., Madhubani paintings), and food (e.g., Darjeeling tea).
What sets GIs apart from trademarks is their collective ownership. Unlike a trademark owned by a single entity, a GI belongs to a community of producers, artisans, or cultivators, and it cannot be sold, assigned, or transferred.

Legal Framework in India and Globally

India, as a signatory to the TRIPS Agreement under the WTO framework, enacted the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999, which came into effect in 2003. This law provides:
- Registration of GI goods
- Legal protection against unauthorised usage
- Penalties for infringement
- Legal standing for authorised users to initiate action against misuse
Internationally, GI protection stems from agreements like the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property (1883) and more clearly from the TRIPS Agreement (1995).
However, GI rights are territorial; there is no globally recognised GI tag. This means that even if Kolhapuri chappals are GI-protected in India, that protection doesn’t extend automatically to countries like Italy or the U.S.

India’s Experience with Cultural and Biological Appropriation

India’s struggle against cultural misappropriation is not new. Some notable past instances include:
- Basmati Rice Patent (1997): Ricetec Inc., a U.S.-based company, was granted a patent for novel lines and grains of Basmati rice. After legal intervention by Indian authorities, the patent was eventually nullified.
- Turmeric Patent (1995): The University of Mississippi was granted a patent for turmeric’s wound-healing properties, a use deeply embedded in Indian Ayurveda. India successfully challenged and revoked the patent.
- Neem Patent (2000): A neem-based antifungal patent granted to a U.S. agency and a multinational firm was revoked by the European Patent Office after evidence of traditional Indian knowledge was submitted.
These cases exemplify the vulnerability of traditional Indian knowledge and the need for pre-emptive protection mechanisms.

Towards Stronger Cultural Safeguards

While GI tags offer domestic legal protection, they fall short when it comes to transnational enforcement. There are some pathways to international GI protection, such as:
- Seeking bilateral or multilateral recognition.
- Registering GIs in foreign jurisdictions.
- Using trade negotiations to include GI protections in Free Trade Agreements.
Furthermore, experts advocate for the expansion of the Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL), a government-run initiative that documents traditional medicinal knowledge.
The proposal is to widen its scope to include cultural artefacts, arts, crafts, and grassroots expressions, and to make it a searchable database. This could aid brands and foreign agencies in conducting due diligence before launching culturally inspired products.

Conclusion

The Prada-Kolhapuri incident highlights the urgency for robust international frameworks and enhanced domestic capabilities to prevent cultural misappropriation.
While GI tags serve as effective tools for domestic enforcement, their scope must be broadened through diplomacy, global advocacy, and digital documentation of traditional knowledge.
India must continue to build institutional capacity, strengthen cross-border GI enforcement mechanisms, and raise awareness globally about the significance and sanctity of its cultural and artisanal heritage.

Source: TH

GI Tag and Cultural Protection FAQs

Q1: What is a Geographical Indication (GI) tag?

Ans: A GI tag is a form of intellectual property that identifies products as originating from a specific region, attributing unique qualities to that origin.

Q2: How many products in India currently have a GI tag?

Ans: India has 658 registered GI-tagged goods across various categories including textiles, food, handicrafts, and agriculture.

Q3: Can GI tags offer international protection?

Ans: No automatic international GI protection exists; recognition must be sought in each individual country or region.

Q4: What legal recourse exists if GI-tagged Indian products are misused abroad?

Ans: Infringement can be challenged through foreign courts if the GI is registered in that jurisdiction or protected via trade agreements.

Q5: What reforms are suggested to prevent cultural misappropriation?

Ans: Expanding the Traditional Knowledge Digital Library and creating a global searchable database are key steps proposed for safeguarding traditional knowledge and expressions.

RBI Report, India Continues to Power Global Growth

July 1, 2025

RBI Report Latest News

Despite global economic uncertainty, the Indian economy continues to drive global growth, supported by strong fundamentals and prudent policies, according to RBI's latest Financial Stability Report.

Financial Stability Report (FSR)

FSR is a biannual publication released by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
It provides a comprehensive assessment of the health, resilience, and risks facing the Indian financial system.

Purpose

To ensure transparency, promote public confidence, and guide policy actions aimed at preserving financial stability in India.

Key Features

Published Twice a Year
- Released in June and December to give regular updates.
Covers Entire Financial System
- Includes banks, non-banking financial companies (NBFCs), cooperative banks, and other financial intermediaries.
Assesses Systemic Risks
- Evaluates both domestic and global risks that may affect India’s financial stability.
Stress Tests
- Conducts stress testing on banks to gauge their ability to withstand adverse economic conditions (like high NPAs, credit shocks, etc.).
Policy Guidance
- Offers insights for regulators and policymakers on maintaining stability and resilience.

Key Highlights of the June 2025 Financial Stability Report (FSR)

India Remains a Key Global Growth Driver
- Despite a challenging global environment, India continues to contribute significantly to global growth.
- Growth is supported by strong domestic demand, sound macroeconomic fundamentals, and prudent policymaking.
GDP Growth Outlook for FY26
- Real GDP growth projected at 6.5% for FY2026.
- Growth remains below RBI's aspirations, constrained by global uncertainty, trade disruptions, and elevated geopolitical tensions.
Risks to Growth: External and Climate-Linked
- External spillovers (e.g., US tariffs, global trade fragmentation) and weather-related events (e.g., climate shocks) may impact India’s growth.
- Geopolitical risks and policy unpredictability have raised global economic uncertainty.
Inflation Under Control
- Inflation outlook is benign, with CPI aligning with RBI’s target of 4% ± 2% band.
- May 2025 CPI at 2.8%, the lowest since February 2019.
- RBI expresses greater confidence in durable price stability under the Flexible Inflation Targeting (FIT) framework.
Financial Stability and Sectoral Resilience
- Indian financial system shows improving resilience, with:
  - Strong capital buffers
  - Low non-performing assets (NPAs)
  - Healthy profitability
Stress Tests Confirm Systemic Strength
- Stress tests show that:
  - Banks and NBFCs maintain adequate capital even under adverse scenarios.
  - Mutual funds and clearing corporations show strong resilience.
  - Insurance sector maintains a solvency ratio well above minimum thresholds.
Scheduled Commercial Banks (SCBs) in Strong Health
- SCBs benefit from:
  - Multi-decadal low NPAs
  - Robust capital and earnings
- Macro stress tests validate that most SCBs are adequately capitalized.
NBFCs and Corporate Sector Remain Robust
- NBFCs exhibit:
  - Sizable capital buffers
  - Improving asset quality
  - Strong profitability
- Corporate balance sheets continue to support macroeconomic stability.
Financial Conditions Remain Supportive
- Financial conditions have eased due to:
  - Accommodative monetary policy
  - Low market volatility
Global Financial System: Elevated Risks
- Near-term global financial stability risks have increased.
- April 2025’s market turbulence exposed vulnerabilities and high asset price sensitivity.
- Risks from high public debt, tech disruptions, climate change, and prolonged conflicts remain significant.
Systemic Risk Perception: Medium but Stable
- Systemic Risk Survey (SRS) in May 2025:
  - All major risk categories rated as ‘medium risk’
  - 92% respondents are confident in the soundness of the Indian financial system.
Need for Policy Vigilance
- The report emphasizes the need for vigilance, agility, and prudence among central banks and regulators.
- The global economic landscape is becoming harder to forecast due to structural shifts and shocks.

Source: IE | TH

RBI Report FAQs

Q1: What is the RBI Financial Stability Report?

Ans: A biannual Financial Stability Report assessing India’s financial health, systemic risks, and resilience.

Q2: What growth rate has RBI projected for FY26?

Ans: RBI projects 6.5% GDP growth for FY2026 despite global uncertainties.

Q3: How is inflation performing according to the RBI Report?

Ans: Inflation is within target, with CPI at 2.8% in May 2025.

Q4: What strengthens India’s financial resilience?

Ans: Strong capital buffers, low NPAs, and robust earnings in banks and NBFCs.

Q5: What are the global risks mentioned in the RBI Report?

Ans: Geopolitical tensions, high debt, trade disruptions, and climate events threaten global financial stability.

India’s Constitution, Secular in Spirit, Beyond the Word

July 1, 2025

India’s Constitution Latest News

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar has criticized the Emergency-era inclusion of the words “socialist” and “secular” in the Constitution’s Preamble, calling it a "sacrilege to the spirit of Sanatan".
These terms were added via the 42nd Constitutional Amendment, which made sweeping changes to the Constitution during the Emergency.
Although many of those changes were reversed by the 44th Amendment in 1978, the additions to the Preamble remain intact.

Preamble The Vision of the Constitution

Described by the Supreme Court in In Re: The Berubari Union (1961) as “a key to open the mind of the makers”.
Serves as the vision statement of the Constitution, outlining its core values and purpose.

Original Preamble (1950)

- Described India as a “Sovereign Democratic Republic”.
- Guaranteed Justice, Equality, Liberty, and Fraternity to all citizens.

Changes Introduced by the 42nd Amendment (1976)

Inserted the words: “Socialist” and “Secular”, making India a “Sovereign Socialist Secular Democratic Republic”.
Added the word “integrity” to the phrase on fraternity, which now reads: “assuring the dignity of the individual and the unity and integrity of the Nation…”

Other Key Provisions of the 42nd Amendment

Introduced a new chapter on Fundamental Duties of citizens.
Added several new Directive Principles of State Policy.
Diluted judicial review by curbing the powers of the courts.
Froze delimitation of constituencies, affecting electoral boundaries.

Reasons Behind the Changes Introduced by the 42nd Amendment

Political Context: The Emergency Rule

- - The 42nd Amendment was enacted during the Emergency (1975–77) when Prime Minister Indira Gandhi ruled by decree.
  - Experts feel she wanted to reshape the Constitution to align with her ideological and political agenda.

Parliament vs Judiciary: The Land Reform Debate

- Since the 1950s, a conflict between Parliament and the judiciary centered on land reform and the right to property.
- Courts often upheld fundamental rights over collective socioeconomic goals, which frustrated the political class.

Why “Socialist” Was Added

The them PM Indira Gandhi had taken a clear leftward shift with moves like:
- Bank nationalization (1969)
- Abolition of privy purses (1971)
- Campaigning with "Garibi Hatao" (End Poverty)
Adding “socialist” to the Preamble signaled alignment with her economic vision.
The Statement of Objects and Reasons for the amendment said this addition was meant to prioritize Directive Principles over Fundamental Rights, which were seen as hindrances to socioeconomic reform.

Why “Secular” Was Added

The move wasn’t directly explained, but analysts feel it occurred due to political rise of Bhartiya Jan Sangh.
Indira Gandhi defended the addition by claiming the founding fathers intended India to be secular and socialist, and the amendment merely made it explicit.

Why “Integrity” Was Included

Indira Gandhi’s Emergency-era rhetoric focused on national unity and the threat of divisive forces.
The word “integrity” was added to reinforce the idea of an indivisible nation.
Then Law Minister H. R. Gokhale emphasized that integrity meant maintaining the territorial and social indivisibility of the country.

Significance of These Changes

The addition of "socialist" and "secular" to the Preamble through the 42nd Amendment was largely symbolic.
As per the Supreme Court’s Berubari Union (1960) ruling, the Preamble is not a source of substantive power and not considered part of the Constitution’s enforceable text.

Secularism Already Ingrained in the Constitution

Secularism is embedded in key constitutional provisions:
- Article 14 – Right to equality before the law.
- Article 15 – Prohibition of discrimination based on religion, caste, sex, etc.
- Article 16 – Equality of opportunity in public employment.
These articles reflect the inherent secular nature of the Constitution even before 1976.

Judicial Endorsement of Secularism

In Kesavananda Bharati (1973), a 13-judge bench held that secularism is a basic feature of the Constitution and cannot be removed or diluted.
In S. R. Bommai (1994), the Supreme Court reaffirmed secularism as a cornerstone of Centre-State relations and constitutional governance.

Socialism and Directive Principles

In Minerva Mills v Union of India (1980), the SC upheld that socialism is a constitutional ideal, rooted in Part IV: Directive Principles of State Policy.
The Court noted that framing a Socialist State aimed to ensure social, economic, and political justice.

Recent Judicial Endorsement (2024)

In November 2024, a two-judge Bench led by then CJI Sanjiv Khanna dismissed petitions challenging the inclusion of “secular” and “socialist” in the Preamble.
The Court ruled that:
- These additions did not restrict legislation or governance.
- They did not infringe on fundamental rights or alter the basic structure of the Constitution.

Conclusion

While added during the Emergency, the terms “secular” and “socialist” reflect values already embedded in the Constitution.
The Supreme Court has consistently upheld these principles as basic features, immune to dilution or removal.

Source: IE | IT

India’s Constitution FAQs

Q1: What is the Preamble’s role in India’s Constitution?

Ans: It acts as a vision statement, reflecting core principles but carries no substantive power.

Q2: When were 'secular' and 'socialist' added to the Preamble?

Ans: During the Emergency via the 42nd Amendment in 1976.

Q3: Why was 'socialist' added to India’s Constitution?

Ans: To reflect Indira Gandhi's left-leaning economic agenda and emphasize social justice goals.

Q4: Is secularism enforceable through India’s Constitution?

Ans: Yes, through Articles 14, 15, and 16 ensuring equality, non-discrimination, and opportunity.

Q5: What did the Supreme Court say about secularism?

Ans: In multiple rulings, it declared secularism a basic, unamendable feature of the Constitution.

Mud Volcano

July 1, 2025

Mud Volcano Latest News

The Wandan mud volcano recently erupted in Taiwan, sending bubbling mud shooting into the air as locals ignite ejected gases with burning rags.

About Mud Volcano

A mud volcano is a small volcano-shaped cone of mud and clay, of height usually less than a few meters, and often a few decimeters.
It is built by a mixture of hot water and fine sediment that either pours gently from a vent in the ground, like lava fluid flow, or is ejected into the air like a lava fountain by escaping volcanic gas and boiling water.
The craters are usually shallow and may intermittently erupt mud.
These eruptions continuously rebuild the cones, which are eroded relatively easily.
The term "mud dome" is similar to that of mud volcano. It refers to land formations created by geologically excreted liquids and gases, with temperatures much cooler than comparable igneous processes.
The gases released are usually methane, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen, and the liquid is usually water, frequently acidic or salty.
Mud volcanoes, also known as "sedimentary volcanoes" or "gas-oil volcanoes," are close cousins to magmatic volcanoes.
Like magmatic volcanoes, they can erupt powerfully and hurl flames to great heights, sometimes even several hundred meters.
They spew out millions of cubic meters of hydrocarbon gases and tons of mud.
Mud volcanoes also exist on the floor of the sea and can form islands and banks that alter the topography and shape of the coastline.
Approximately 1,000 mud volcanoes have been identified on land and in shallow water.
- In Europe and Asia, mud volcanoes are known to exist in southeastern Ukraine, Italy, Romania, Azerbaijan, Iran, Pakistan, Indonesia, and China.
- In North and South America, mud volcanoes have been documented in Alaska, California, the Island of Trinidad, Venezuela, and Colombia.

Source: LS

Mud Volcano FAQs

Q1: What is a mud volcano primarily made of?

Ans: Hot water and fine sediment.

Q2: Which gases are commonly released by mud volcanoes?

Ans: Methane, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen.

Q3: Approximately how many mud volcanoes have been identified globally (on land and in shallow water)?

Ans: 1,000