UPSC Prelims Current Affairs for 7 July 2025

International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture

July 7, 2025

International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture Latest News

Scientists, policymakers and activists from India have flagged concerns over the proposal to amend the treaty, particularly the Annex I of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture.

International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture

The International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture was adopted by the Thirty-First Session of the Conference of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations on 3 November 2001.

About International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture

It was adopted by the Thirty-First Session of the Conference of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations on 3 November 2001.
The Treaty aims at:
- Recognizing the enormous contribution of farmers to the diversity of crops that feed the world;
- Establishing a global system to provide farmers, plant breeders and scientists with access to plant genetic materials;
- Ensuring that recipients share benefits they derive from the use of these genetic materials.

It is the major international agreement between member countries to conserve, use and manage plant genetic resources for food and agriculture around the world for the benefit of people everywhere.
The Treaty ensures that farmers and plant breeders access, easily, the raw genetic material needed to develop new crop varieties, including those with higher yields and those that are resilient to climate change.
The International Treaty makes it possible to share plant genetic resources across borders through a unique Multilateral System of Access and Benefit-sharing (MLS).
This treaty established and operates a special initiative operated for the benefit of developing countries – the Benefit-sharing Fund (BSF).
This Fund supports agricultural projects for farmers, public institutions and others in developing countries to conserve and use PGRFA to improve food crop production, fight plant pests and adapt to the effects of climate change.

Source: TH

International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture FAQs

Q1: Is India part of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture?

Ans: Yes, India is part of International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture

Q2: Who is the father of genetic resources?

Ans: Gregor Mendel

National Biobank

July 7, 2025

National Biobank

National Biobank will serve as the backbone of a nationwide cohort study, collecting comprehensive genomic, lifestyle, and clinical data from 10,000 individuals across India.

National Biobank Latest News

Recently, the union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology inaugurated the state-of-the-art Phenome India "National Biobank" at the CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (IGIB).

About National Biobank

It will serve as the backbone of a nationwide cohort study, collecting comprehensive genomic, lifestyle, and clinical data from 10,000 individuals across India.
It is tailored to capture the country’s unique diversity—across geography, ethnicity, and socio-economic backgrounds.
It is designed to be a long-term, data-rich study tracking the health trajectories of individuals over several years.
It will help scientists uncover disease patterns, gene-environment interactions, and response to therapies—all within the Indian context.
It is launched under the Phenome India Project.
Researchers believe the initiative will aid early diagnosis, improve therapeutic targeting, and bolster the fight against complex diseases such as diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular ailments, and rare genetic disorders.

Key Facts about Phenome India Project

It is officially named Phenome India-CSIR Health Cohort Knowledgebase (PI-CheCK) is an initiative launched by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) on December 7, 2023.
Objective: The main objective of the project is to develop India-specific risk prediction models for cardio-metabolic diseases including diabetes, liver diseases, and cardiac diseases.
It is India’s first-ever pan-India longitudinal health monitoring study focused specifically on cardio-metabolic health.
Participants include around 10,000 individuals—primarily CSIR employees, pensioners, and their spouses—from across 17 states and 24 cities.
Collected data includes clinical questionnaires, lifestyle and dietary habits, anthropometric measurements, imaging and scanning data, and extensive biochemical and molecular data.

Source: PIB

National Biobank FAQs

Q1: What is the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research?

Ans: Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR), India, a premier national R&D organisation, is among the world's largest publicly funded R&D organisation. CSIR's pioneering sustained contribution to S&T human resource development is acclaimed nationally.

Q2: What is a genome?

Ans: A genome is the complete set of genetic information in an organism. It provides all of the information the organism requires to function. In living organisms, the genome is stored in long molecules of DNA called chromosomes.

Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB)

July 7, 2025

Atomic Energy Regulatory Board Latest News

India's nuclear regulator, the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB), recently granted operation licence for two indigenously developed 700 MWe Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors at the Kakrapar Atomic Power Station (KAPS) in Gujarat.

About Atomic Energy Regulatory Board

AERB stands as India's premier regulatory authority for nuclear and radiation safety.
The AERB was constituted on November 15, 1983, by the President of India by exercising the powers conferred by the Atomic Energy Act, 1962 to carry out certain regulatory and safety functions under the Act.
The regulatory authority of AERB is derived from the rules and notifications promulgated under the Atomic Energy Act and the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
The Mission of the AERB is to ensure the use of ionizing radiation and nuclear energy in India does not cause undue risk to the health of people and the environment.
The AERB shall have authority to administer the provisions of the Factories Act, 1948, the industrial safety for the units of Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) as per Section 23 of the Atomic Energy Act,1962.
Its headquarters is situated in Mumbai.
Members:
- The Board comprises six members of which two are whole time members including the chairman.
- The other whole-time member is the executive director of the AERB Secretariat who is an ex-officio member of the Board.
- The other four members are eminent experts from various disciplines relevant to the mandate of the board.
- The executive functions of the AERB shall be vested in Chairman, AERB.
The Board shall be responsible to the Atomic Energy Commission.
Regional Regulatory Centres (RRCs) of AERB set up at Kolkata, Chennai and New Delhi carry out regular surveillance of the radiation facilities in eastern, southern and northern zones respectively.
AERB has a Safety Research Institute (SRI) located at Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu, which carries out research in safety related topics.
AERB license is a mandatory certification for entities involved in the use of ionizing radiation and nuclear energy in India.
- This license ensures that such activities adhere to safety standards, minimizing risks to public health and the environment.

Source: TH

Atomic Energy Regulatory Board FAQs

Q1: When was the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) constituted?

Ans: 1983

Q2: What is the main mission of the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB)?

Ans: Ensure safe use of ionizing radiation and nuclear energy.

Q3: Where is the headquarters of Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) located?

Ans: Mumbai

Q4: Where is the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB)’s Safety Research Institute (SRI) located?

Ans: Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu

Australian Bat Lyssavirus

July 7, 2025

Australian Bat Lyssavirus Latest News

Recently, an Australian man has died from Australian bat lyssavirus.

About Australian Bat Lyssavirus

It is a rare but deadly virus that can be transmitted from bats to humans through bites or scratches.
It is closely related to the rabies virus and was first identified in 1996 in a fruit bat in northern New South Wales, Australia.
The lyssavirus is a member of the Rhabdoviridae family, which also includes viruses that cause rabies.
The virus has been discovered in flying foxes, fruit bats and insect-eating microbats throughout Australia.
Transmission: Human infection with bat lyssavirus occurs through direct contact with infected bat saliva via bites, scratches or open skin.
It can also occur if our mucous membranes (eyes, nose, mouth) are exposed to bat saliva. There’s no risk associated with bat faeces, urine, blood, or casual proximity to roosts.
Symptoms: The nature of the illness in humans mirrors rabies, beginning with flu-like symptoms (fever, headache, fatigue), then quickly progressing to severe neurological disease, including paralysis, delirium, convulsions, and loss of consciousness.
Treatment: Lyssavirus has no effective treatment once symptoms appear.

Source: TH

Australian Bat Lyssavirus FAQs

Q1: Can humans get Australian bat lyssavirus?

Ans: Australian bat lyssavirus (ABLV) causes a rare but serious disease in humans.

Q2: What are the members of the Rhabdoviridae family?

Ans: The family Rhabdoviridae includes four genera that contain animal viruses: the genera Lyssavirus, Vesiculovirus, Ephemerovirus, and Novirhabdovirus.

Wildlife Institute of India (WII)

July 7, 2025

Wildlife Institute of India Latest News

A detailed review by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) has highlighted the need for scientific, infrastructure-based and community-driven measures to improve the ecological management of Andhra Pradesh’s wildlife sanctuaries.

About Wildlife Institute of India

It is an autonomous institution established in 1982 under the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change, Government of India, for nurturing the growth of wildlife science in the country.
Location: It is located in Dehradun, Uttarakhand.
It is an internationally acclaimed institution, which offers training programs, academic courses, and advisory in wildlife research and management.
It is actively engaged in research across the breadth of the country on biodiversity related issues.
The institute carries out research work in the fields of study, which include Biodiversity, policy related to wildlife, Endangered Species, Wildlife management, forensic Wildlife research work, Eco-development, Spatial Modelling, and studies related to changing climatic conditions.
The board is chaired by the Union Minister and has representatives from the centre and state governments as well as institutions and academia.

Objectives of Wildlife Institute of India

Build up scientific knowledge on wildlife resources.
Train personnel at various levels for conservation and management of wildlife.
Carry out research relevant to management including the development of techniques appropriate to Indian conditions.
Provide information and advice on specific wildlife management problems.
Collaborate with international organizations on wildlife research, management, and training.
Develop as a regional centre of international importance on wildlife and natural resource conservation.

Source: NIE

Wildlife Institute of India FAQs

Q1: Where is the Wildlife Institute of India situated?

Ans: Dehradun district, Uttarakhand

Q2: Is Wildlife Institute of India an NGO?

Ans: Wildlife Institute of India (WII) is an Autonomous Institution of Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India.

National Commission for Minorities (NCM)

July 7, 2025

National Commission for Minorities

The National Commission for Minorities (NCM), set up with the vision to safeguard and protect the interests of minority communities in India, is awaiting the appointment of a head and members since the retirement in April 2025 of its previous Chairperson and members.

About National Commission for Minorities

It is a statutory body under the Ministry of Minority Affairs.
Origin:
- In January 1978, the government set up the Minorities Commission to safeguard the interests of minorities.
- With the enactment of the National Commission for Minorities Act, 1992, the Minorities Commission became a statutory body and was renamed as the National Commission for Minorities.
It is entrusted with the responsibility to safeguard the interests of the minority communities in India. Besides the role, the Commission is also to undertake confidence-building measures in light of the new and emerging challenges.
NCM is responsible for advising the central and state governments on matters related to the welfare and development of minority communities in India.
- Initially, five religious communities-Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, and Zoroastrians (Parsis)-were notified as minority communities by the Union Government.
- Further, with the 2014 notification, Jains were also notified as another minority community.
- As per the 2011 Census, the six religious minority communities constitute around 20% of the country’s population.
The commission consists of a chairperson, a vice chairperson, and five members to be nominated by the central government from amongst persons of eminence, ability, and integrity.
The members, including the chairperson, are required to be from amongst the minority communities.
In accordance with Section 4(1) of the NCM Act, 1992, each member, including the chairperson, holds office for a period of three years from the date of assumption of office.
The main functions of the Commission are:
- Evaluate the progress of the development of minorities under the Union and states.
- Monitor the working of the safeguards for minorities provided in the Constitution and in laws enacted by Parliament and the state legislatures.
- Make recommendations for the effective implementation of safeguards for the protection of the interests of minorities by the central government or state governments.
- Look into specific complaints regarding deprivation of rights and safeguards of the minorities and take up such matters with the appropriate authorities.
- Cause studies to be undertaken into the problems arising out of any discrimination against minorities and recommend measures for their removal.
- Conduct studies, research, and analysis on the issues relating to the socio-economic and educational development of minorities.
- Suggest appropriate measures in respect of any minority to be undertaken by the central government or state government.
- Make periodical or special reports to the central government on any matter pertaining to minorities and, in particular, difficulties confronted by them.
- Any other matter which may be referred to by the central government.

Source: TH

National Commission for Minorities FAQs

Q1: Under which Act was the National Commission for Minorities established as a statutory body?

Ans: National Commission for Minorities Act, 1992

Q2: How many religious communities are currently notified as minorities by the Government of India?

Ans: 6

Q3: What is the composition of the National Commission for Minorities?

Ans: Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, and 5 members

Q4: What is the tenure of the members of the National Commission for Minorities, including the Chairperson, as per the Act?

Ans: 3 years

Satkosia Tiger Reserve

July 7, 2025

Satkosia Tiger Reserve Latest News

In a fresh controversy, the Odisha government recently floated a tender for the construction of a high-level bridge over the Mahanadi river near the ecologically sensitive Satkosia tiger reserve.

About Satkosia Tiger Reserve

Location: It is located in the heartland of Odisha and spread over four districts, viz. Angul, Cuttack, Boudh, and Nayagarh.
It comprises two adjoining sanctuaries, namely Baisipalli Sanctuary and Satkosia Gorge Sanctuary.
It covers an area of 1136.70 sq.km, including a buffer of 440.26 sq.km.
The area is also a part of the Mahanadi Elephant Reserve.
Satkosia is the meeting point of two biogeographic regions of India: the Deccan Peninsula and the Eastern Ghats.
Landscape: The terrain is hilly with moderate to steep slopes and narrow valleys.
The river Mahanadi flows through the valleys in the middle of the reserve.
The average elevation of the terrain varies between 37 m and 932 m, with the lowest point being at Katrang and the highest point being at Sunakhania.
Vegetation: The forest vegetation comprises North Indian tropical moist deciduous forests and Moist peninsular low-level sal.
Flora:
- The main tree species is sal, which grows in gregarious formations.
- Other associate species are Asan (Terminalia alata), Dhaura (Anogeissus latifolia), Bamboo (Dendrocalamus strictus), and Simal (Bombax ceiba).
Fauna:
- The flagship species among the fauna include tiger, leopard, elephant, spotted deer, sambar, chowsingha, barking deer, bison, wild dog, sloth bear, jackal, giant squirrel, and porcupine.
- It is the natural habitat of two endangered species, viz., the freshwater crocodile and the gharial.

Source: NIE

Satkosia Tiger Reserve FAQs

Q1: Satkosia Tiger Reserve is located in which Indian state?

Ans: Odisha

Q2: Which river flows through the Satkosia Tiger Reserve?

Ans: Mahanadi

Q3: Satkosia Tiger Reserve lies at the confluence of which two biogeographic regions?

Ans: Deccan Peninsula and Eastern Ghats

Q4: What is the total area of Satkosia Tiger Reserve, including its buffer zone?

Ans: 1136.70 sq.km

Seine River

July 7, 2025

Seine River Latest News

After more than a century, swimmers returned to the River Seine on Saturday, marking the first official reopening of the iconic waterway for public bathing since 1923.

About Seine River

It is France’s second-longest river after the Loire, covering a distance of 775 kilometers.
This river has a drainage basin, known as the Paris Basin, of approximately 79,000 sq.km. and drains mainly northern France.
Course:
- It rises 446 meters above sea level in the wine-making region of Burgundy, near the town of Dijon.
- As the Seine approaches Paris, it is joined by the Marne, one of its largest tributaries, on the right bank.
- It flows through Paris for about 13 kilometers from west to east.
- It finally empties into the English Channel, an arm of the Atlantic Ocean separating northern France and southern England.
The river’s course consists of 5 sections.
- From its source to Montereau-Fault-Yonne, it’s known as the Small Seine (Petite Seine).
- From there to Paris, it’s the Upper Seine (Haute Seine).
- Passing through Paris, it’s the Paris waterway (Traversée de Paris).
- From Paris to Rouen, it’s called the Lower Seine (Basse Seine).
- As it finally makes its way to the English Channel and its estuary at Honfleur and Le Havre, it’s known as the Maritime Seine (Seine-Maritime).
Most of the river basin is formed of permeable rocks, the absorptive capacity of which mitigates the risk of river floods.
The basin receives modest annual precipitation ranging from 650 to 750 millimeters.
About 62% of the basin is used for agriculture; the basin hosts 25% of the French agricultural activity and 25-30% of the national industrial activity.
It is one of Europe’s great historic rivers, and its drainage network carries most of the French inland waterway traffic.

Source: TOI

Seine River FAQs

Q1: Siene River is located in which country?

Ans: France

Q2: What is the approximate length of the Seine River?

Ans: 75 kilometers

Q3: Which major French city does the Seine River flow through?

Ans: Paris

Q4: Into which body of water does the Seine River ultimately empty?

Ans: English Channel

AIR LORA

July 7, 2025

AIR LORA Latest News

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is reportedly considering the acquisition of AIR LORA, an advanced air-launched ballistic missile, to significantly bolster its long range strike capabilities.

About AIR LORA

It is an advanced air-launched ballistic missile developed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI).
It is a short-range air-to-ground missile (AGM) developed for strike missions against high-value and well-protected targets such as command centres, air force bases, infrastructure, and naval vessels in dense littoral environments.
Features:
- It has a diameter of 0.624 m and a length of 5.2 m, with a launch weight of approximately 1,600 kg.
- It can carry a payload of up to 600 kg, and can deploy a single high explosive (HE) warhead or submunitions.
- It is a fire-and-forget missile system that functions autonomously after launch.
- It does not require guidance from the aircraft once it is released.
- The missile can also change its target coordinates mid-flight, allowing adjustments during changing battlefield scenarios.
- It features high survivability with advanced immune INS/GNSS navigation and strong anti-jamming capabilities, allowing for 24/7 operation in extreme weather conditions and highly contested battlefields.
- It has a maximum range of 400 km.
- It can be simply integrated into airborne platforms as a stand-alone configuration or through the avionics system” and is easy to operate, “with simple fire-and-forget and autonomous operation.
- It has a very high mission success rate, mainly due to its supersonic speed and its combat-proven GNSS anti-jamming system”, as well as terminal trajectory shaping and a 90° attack angle.

Source: TOI

AIR LORA FAQs

Q1: What type of missile is AIR LORA?

Ans: Air-launched ballistic missile.

Q2: Which country developed the AIR LORA missile system?

Ans: Israel

Q3: What is the maximum range of the AIR LORA missile?

Ans: 400 km

Pethia Dibrugarhensis

July 7, 2025

Pethia Dibrugarhensis Latest News

A team of scientists has discovered a new species of cyprinid fish in the Brahmaputra river at Maijan in Dibrugarh and named it as ‘Pethia dibrugarhensis'.

About Pethia D

It is a member of the Cyprinidae family, and is classified as a barb.
Habitat: It was found inhabiting moderately fast-flowing sections of the river, with a substrate composed of mud, sand, and stones.
The species is known to coexist with several other small indigenous fish in the region.

Features of Pethia Dibrugarhensis

The new species is distinguished by a unique combination of morphological features,
It consists of an incomplete lateral line, a prominent black blotch extending to both the dorsal and ventral sides of the caudal peduncle, and the absence of humeral marks and barbels.

What are Barb Fishes?

These are any of numerous freshwater fishes belonging to a genus in the carp family, Cyprinidae.
The barbs are native to Europe, Africa, and Asia.
The members of this genus typically have one or more pairs of barbels (slender, fleshy protuberances) near the mouth and often have large, shining scales.

Source: TOI

Pethia Dibrugarhensis FAQs

Q1: What is the largest fish family?

Ans: Cyprinidae

Q2: What is the difference between dorsal and ventral fins?

Ans: The top fin or dorsal fin is also used in balance but its main function is usually protection. The ventral fin and anal fin are located on the bottom or belly of fish and help with steering as well as balance