UPSC Prelims Current Affairs for 12 July 2025

Blood Money

July 12, 2025

Blood Money Latest News

A nurse from Kerala, Nimisha Priya, sentenced to death in Yemen for the 2017 murder of Talal Abdo Mahdi, may be saved by 'Diyah' (blood money) under Islamic sharia law.

About Blood Money

Under the Islamic Sharia law, blood money, or 'diya', means that the accused provides financial compensation to the family of the victim in serious crimes such as murder.
It is followed in countries that incorporate these laws in their legislation.
The custom is practised predominantly in cases involving unintentional murder and culpable homicide.
It is also invoked in murder cases wherein the victim’s kin choose not to retaliate through ‘qisas’ (a way of retribution under the Sharia).
The end-goal, as the law says, is not to put a price tag on human life but to alleviate the plight and suffering of the affected family and their potential loss of income.
However, it is to be noted that even if the concerned parties reconcile through ‘blood money’, the community and the state will retain the right to impose a deterrent punishment, including penalties.
In its contemporary applications, ‘blood money’ is upheld in several Islamic countries with factors such as gender, religion, and nationality of the victim coming into play.
- In Saudi Arabia, for instance, the traffic regulations specifically mandate payment of ‘blood money’ to heirs of the victims who die in road accidents. In addition, the perpetrator shall be liable to a prison term.
The system of blood money leaves the fate of the offender in the hands of the victim's family.
The Sharia law does not state a fixed amount for 'diya'. However, it can be negotiated by the victim's family.

What’s India’s Stand on ‘Diya’?

Provisions for the grant or receiving of ‘blood money’ do not find a place in India’s formal legal system.
However, the system does provide a way for the accused to negotiate with the prosecution through ‘plea bargaining’.
Though the concept cannot be directly equated with ‘blood money’, the scheme lays out a procedure whereby the defendant agrees to plead guilty for a particular offence perpetrated by the accused in return for a concession from the prosecutor.
Introduced through the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2005, plea bargaining comes with an array of limitations, unlike ‘blood money’, which has a broader purview.
For instance, plea bargaining can be taken up only for offences that are penalised with imprisonment of less than seven years.
It cannot be invoked if the accused has been previously convicted for a similar offence.
Besides, the provision is not available for crimes against women or children aged below 14; heinous crimes such as murder or rape; and offences involving socio-economic conditions, including civil rights.
Moreover, the accused has to voluntarily come forward to plead guilty, and must not be coerced.
However, on the lines of ‘blood money’, plea bargaining may also allow for the victim to receive compensation.

Source: N18

Blood Money FAQs

Q1: Under Islamic Sharia law, what does the term 'blood money' or 'diya' refer to?

Ans: Financial compensation paid to the victim’s family in serious crimes.

Q2: What is 'qisas' in the context of Islamic Sharia law?

Ans: A right of retributive justice exercised by the victim's family.

Q3: According to Sharia law, who primarily determines the amount of 'diya'?

Ans: The victim’s family.

Astra Missile

July 12, 2025

Astra Missile Latest News

Recently, the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) & Indian Air Force (IAF) successfully conducted the flight-test of Astra missile.

About Astra Missile

It is an indigenous Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air missile (BVRAAM).

Features of Astra Missile

It is equipped with indigenous Radio Frequency (RF) Seeker from Su-30 Mk-I.
It has a range exceeding 100 kms and is equipped with state-of-the art guidance and navigation system.
In addition to various laboratories of DRDO, more than 50 public and private industries including Hindustan Aeronautics Limited have contributed towards successful realisation of the weapon system.
Targets achieved
- During the tests, two launches were carried out against high-speed unmanned aerial targets at different ranges, target aspects and launch platform conditions.
- In both the cases, the missiles destroyed the targets with pin-point accuracy.
- During the tests, all subsystems performed as per expectations including the RF seeker which has been indigenously designed & developed by DRDO.
- The flawless performance of the Astra weapon system was validated through flight data captured by Range Tracking instruments deployed by Integrated Test Range, Chandipur. These successful flight tests have re-established the accuracy and reliable performance of Astra weapon system with indigenous seeker.

Source: PIB

Astra Missile FAQs

Q1: What is the organizational structure of DRDO?

Ans: DRDO is headed by the Secretary, Department of Defence R and D, who is also the Director General. It has 7 technology clusters manned by Chief Controllers and a network of 50 specialized laboratories across India.

Q2: What is Radio frequency (RF)?

Ans: It is the oscillation rate of an alternating electric current or voltage or of a magnetic, electric or electromagnetic field or mechanical system in the frequency range from around 20 kHz to around 300 GHz.

Caracal

July 12, 2025

Caracal Latest News

In Madhya Pradesh's Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary, a caracal, a threatened wild cat, was recently captured on camera, marking the first sighting in the state in 20 years.

About Caracal

It is a medium-sized wildcat that is often referred to as the desert lyn;, however, they are more closely related to the African golden cat and the Serval.
In India, it is called siya gosh, a Persian name that translates as ‘black Ear’.
Scientific Name: Caracal caracal

Caracal Distribution

Caracals live on rocky hills or grasslands in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia.
Their numbers in India have dwindled to an estimated 50, primarily in Rajasthan and Gujarat.
Habitat: They are keenly adapted to the potentially harsh environments of savanna, semi-desert, dry woodland, arid hilly steppe, and dry mountains.

Caracal Features

They have slender bodies and long legs; they are the largest of the African small cats.
They can weigh between 8-18 kg and can reach up to one meter in length. Males usually weigh more and are bigger than females.
The fur is short and dense and is tawny-brown to reddish-tan in colour with whitish underparts.
Their face is marked with dark lines and white spots around their eyes.
Large, tapering ears with five cm erect tufts of black hair, used for communication, are the most unique feature of this cat.
They are remarkable jumpers and can jump up to 3 meters (10 feet) into the air to knock flushed birds down with their paw.
The caracal can reach speeds of up to 50 mph (80 kph) when in full flight.
Like most species of cat, the caracal is predominantly nocturnal.
They live in small herds and their shy and elusive nature makes them difficult to spot in the wild.

Caracal Conservation Status

IUCN Red List: Least concern
The Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I

Source: TOI

Caracal FAQs

Q1: In India, caracals are currently found mainly in which two states?

Ans: Rajasthan and Gujarat

Q2: What is the IUCN Red List conservation status of the caracal?

Ans: Least Concern

Q3: What kind of environment is the caracal naturally adapted to?

Ans: Savanna, semi-desert, and arid hills.

Maratha Military Landscapes of India

July 12, 2025

Maratha Military Landscapes of India Latest News

Recently, ‘Maratha Military Landscapes of India’ got inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, becoming India’s 44th property to receive this recognition.

About Maratha Military Landscapes of India

Spanning from the 17th to 19th centuries CE, this extraordinary network of twelve forts demonstrates the strategic military vision and architectural ingenuity of the Maratha Empire.
These 12 forts are spread across the states of Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu, which include Salher, Shivneri, Lohgad, Khanderi, Raigad, Rajgad, Pratapgad, Suvarnadurg, Panhala, Vijaydurg, and Sindhudurg in Maharashtra, along with Gingee Fort in Tamil Nadu.
Among these forts Shivneri fort, Lohgad, Raigad, Suvarnadurg, Panhala fort, Vijaydurg, Sindhudurg and Gingee fort are protected under the Archaeological Survey of India and Salher fort, Rajgad, Khanderi fort and Pratapgarh are protected by the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums, Government of Maharashtra.
- These are located across a range of diverse terrains—from coastal outposts to hilltop strongholds.
- Salher, Shivneri, Lohgad, Raigad, Rajgad, and Gingee are situated in hilly terrains and are therefore known as hill forts.
- Pratapgad, nestled within dense woods, is classified as a hill-forest fort.
- Panhala, located on a plateaued hill, is a hill-plateau fort.
- Vijaydurg, positioned along the shoreline, is a notable coastal fort, while Khanderi, Suvarnadurg, and Sindhudurg, surrounded by the sea, are recognized as island forts.

Source: PIB

Maratha Military Landscapes of India FAQs

Q1: What is the main purpose of the UNESCO?

Ans: UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization), as a specialised agency of the United Nations, has the task of contributing to the preservation of peace and security by promoting international cooperation in education, science, culture and communication.

Q2: Which forts of Maratha Military Landscapes of India are added to UNESCO World Heritage List?

Ans: Salher, Shivneri, Lohagad, Khanderi, Raigaad, Rajgad, Pratapgad, Suvarnadurg, Panhala, Vijaydurg and Sindhudurg in Maharashtra and Gingee Fort in Tamil Nadu.

Kuno National Park

July 12, 2025

Kuno National Park Latest News

India's ambitious "Project Cheetah" continues to show promising signs of success as the Union Minister of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change recently shared two beautiful videos of the magnificent felines thriving in the grasslands of Kuno National Park.

About Kuno National Park

It is located in the Sheopur district of Madhya Pradesh.
It is nestled near the Vindhyan Hills.
It covers an area of 750 sq.km.
It derives its name from the meandering Kuno River (one of the main tributaries of the Chambal River), which flows from south to north and divides the park into two sections.
It was selected under the ‘Action Plan for Introduction of Cheetah in India’.
Flora:
- Kuno National Park has a rich floral diversity with more than 129 species of trees.
- These tropical dry deciduous forests mainly consist of Anogeissus pendula (Kardhai), Senegalia catechu (Khair), Boswellia serrata (Salai), and associated flora.
Fauna:
- The protected area of the forest is home to the jungle cat, Indian leopard, sloth bear, Indian wolf, striped hyena, golden jackal, Bengal fox, and dhole, along with more than 120 bird species.
- A total of 20 cheetahs were introduced in Kuno National Park (NP), eight from Namibia in September 2022, followed by 12 more from South Africa in February 2023 under the Cheetah Project.

Source: NDTV

Kuno National Park FAQs

Q1: In which Indian state is Kuno National Park located?

Ans: Madhya Pradesh

Q2: What is the total area of Kuno National Park?

Ans: 750 sq.km

Q3: The Kuno River is a tributary of which major river?

Ans: Chambal

Sanchar Mitra Scheme

July 12, 2025

Sanchar Mitra Scheme Latest News

Recently, the department of Telecommunications (DoT), Government of India rolled out Sanchar Mitra Scheme nationwide to empower youth as digital ambassadors.

About Sanchar Mitra Scheme

It is focused on student volunteers—designated as Sanchar Mitras—will be empowered to raise awareness among the public about key telecom issues.
Under this scheme Sanchar Mitras will raise awareness about issues, such as digital safety, cyber fraud prevention, and EMF radiation concerns, while also promoting responsible mobile usage and digital literacy.
The expanded Sanchar Mitra Scheme not only aims to enhance public awareness but also provides participating students with exposure to cutting-edge telecom technologies including 5G, 6G, Artificial Intelligence, and Cyber Security.
Through structured training, project participation, and engagement with real-world telecom initiatives, the scheme seeks to build a digitally aware, skilled, and research-oriented youth workforce.
Participating institutions will be identified in consultation with local DoT field units, and students from relevant academic backgrounds—telecom, electronics, computer science, cyber security—will be nominated as Sanchar Mitras.
Sanchar Mitras will receive necessary training from experts from field and from the National Communications Academy–Technology (NCA-T) and DoT’s Media Wing.
Sanchar Mitras will carry out grassroots-level awareness drives, engage with communities and NGOs, and act as catalysts for informed digital behavior in their surroundings.
To encourage excellence, participants will be assessed periodically based on innovation, consistency, and outreach impact.
Outstanding performers may be offered exclusive opportunities including internships, involvement in national telecom projects, participation in high-level forums such as India Mobile Congress, and engagements with ITU standards and policy work.

Source: PIB

Sanchar Mitra Scheme FAQs

Q1: What is Artificial Intelligence?

Ans: Artificial intelligence (AI) is a set of technologies that enable computers to perform a variety of advanced functions, including the ability to see, understand and translate spoken and written language, analyze data, make recommendations, and more.

Q2: What are Electric and magnetic fields (EMFs)?

Ans: These are invisible areas of energy, often referred to as Radiation, that are associated with the use of electrical power and various forms of natural and man-made lighting.

e-Truck Incentive Scheme

July 12, 2025

e-Truck Incentive Scheme Latest News

Recently, the union minister for Heavy Industries & Steel, Government of India, has launched a groundbreaking scheme to provide financial incentives for electric trucks (e-trucks) under the PM E-DRIVE initiative.

About e-Truck Incentive Scheme

It aims to reduce operational costs for transporters, encourage clean energy adoption in the heavy vehicle segment, and enhance air quality in urban and industrial regions bringing India closer to a sustainable, low-carbon future.
It helps to accelerate India’s transition to clean, efficient, and sustainable freight mobility.
It is the first time the Government of India is extending direct support for electric trucks.

Features of the scheme

Under the scheme, demand incentives will be extended to N2 and N3 category electric trucks, as defined under the Central Motor Vehicle Rules (CMVR).
The N2 category includes trucks with a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) above 3.5 tonnes and up to 12 tonnes.
The N3 category covers trucks with GVW exceeding 12 tonnes and up to 55 tonnes.
In the case of articulated vehicles, incentives will apply only to the puller tractor of the N3 category.
To ensure reliability and performance, the scheme mandates comprehensive manufacturer-backed warranties.
The battery must be covered under a warranty for five years or 5 lakh kilometres, whichever is earlier.
The vehicle and motor must have a warranty of five years or 2.5 lakh kilometres, whichever is earlier.
To promote affordability, the incentive amount will depend on the GVW of the electric truck, with the maximum incentive set at ₹9.6 lakh per vehicle.
These incentives will be offered as an upfront reduction in the purchase price and reimbursed to OEMs via the PM E-DRIVE portal on a first-come, first-served basis.

Source: PIB

e-Truck Incentive Scheme FAQs

Q1: What is the PM EDrive scheme?

Ans: This initiative is to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) across various categories, build robust EV charging infrastructure, and develop a strong domestic EV manufacturing ecosystem.

Q2: What is meant by sustainable mobility?

Ans: Sustainable mobility is the set of measures aimed at making the movement and transportation of people and goods efficient and rational from an economic, social, and environmental point of view.

Machine Vision Based Inspection System

July 12, 2025

Machine Vision Based Inspection System Latest News

Recently, Indian Railways has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Limited (DFCCIL) for the installation of Machine Vision Based Inspection System (MVIS).

About Machine Vision Based Inspection System

It is a modern, cutting-edge technology that uses artificial intelligence to inspect trains in real time.
The system would revolutionise the way trains are maintained and monitored, offering a smarter, safer, and efficient future for Indian train travel.

Working of Machine Vision Based Inspection System

It is deployed on a wayside that captures high-resolution images of the under-gear of moving trains and automatically detects any hanging, loose, or missing components.
On detecting anomalies, the system generates real-time alerts to facilitate prompt response and preventive action.
It combines high-resolution cameras with intelligent software to scan every passing train for signs of wear and tear.
From detecting hairline cracks and loose fittings to identifying other mechanical abnormalities, the system conducts inspections within seconds, which earlier took hours or even days to complete.
By catching faults early, the technology prevents potential breakdowns, enhances safety, and helps avoid train delays.
It will help in monitoring the health of rolling stock.
Advantage: The primary advantage of MVIS is its ability to carry out consistent monitoring without disrupting regular train services.
This initiative also aligns with IR’s broader objective of introducing modern, intelligent systems to the railway ecosystem.
Significance: The technology is expected to significantly enhance the safety of train operations, reduce manual inspection efforts and help avoid potential accidents/service disruptions.

Source: PIB

Machine Vision Based Inspection System FAQs

Q1: What is machine vision inspection?

Ans: Machine Vision Inspection is a technology based on image processing that is used to automate inspection processes in production lines in various manufacturing industries.

Q2: What are the different types of machine vision cameras?

Ans: The types of machine vision cameras are line scan, area scan, and 3D scan cameras.

Mount Rainier

July 12, 2025

Mount Rainier Latest News

An earthquake swarm began at Mount Rainier recently, with the region hit by more than 300 small quakes, the most significant seismicity at the volcano since 2009, the US Geological Survey (USGS) reported.

About Mount Rainier

It is the highest mountain (4,392 metres) in the state of Washington, United States.
Covering 260 sq.km, Rainier is surrounded by the largest single-mountain glacier system in the United States outside Alaska.
The mountain is geologically young, formed by successive lava flows from eruptions that began about one million years ago.
It is an active stratovolcano. The volcano last erupted about 150 years ago.
It is considered among the most dangerous volcanoes in the world due to its proximity to the densely populated urban area of Seattle.
Rainier is one of just 16 volcanoes in the world to be on the “Decade Volcanoes” list, a classification created by the International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth’s Interior (IAVCEI) to highlight volcanoes worthy of close monitoring because of the catastrophic effects of their potential eruption.
Some two dozen named glaciers and a number of smaller patches of permanent ice and snow radiate from the broad summit, including Nisqually Glacier, whose retreat and advance over the last 150 years has helped scientists determine patterns in Earth’s climate.
The mountain has three major peaks: Liberty Cap, Point Success, and Columbia Crest (the latter is the summit, located on the rim of the caldera).
Rainier is noted for dense stands of coniferous trees on its lower slopes, scenic subalpine and alpine meadows—with a profusion of wildflowers during the warmer months—waterfalls and lakes, and an abundance of wildlife.

Source: NDTV

Mount Rainier FAQs

Q1: Where is Mount Rainier located?

Ans: It is located in the state of Washington, United States.

Q2: What is the elevation of Mount Rainier?

Ans: 4,392 metres

Q3: Mount Rainier is classified as which type of volcano?

Ans: Stratovolcano

National Health Claim Exchange (NHCX)

July 12, 2025

National Health Claims Exchange Latest News

The government is preparing to bring the National Health Claims Exchange, currently managed by the health ministry, under the joint supervision of the finance ministry and the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI).

About National Health Claims Exchange

NHCX is developed under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) by the National Health Authority (NHA) in consultation with the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI).
NHCX aims to streamline and standardize health insurance claim processing, enhancing efficiency in the insurance industry and improving the patient experience.
NHCX serves as a gateway for exchanging health claim information among insurers, third-party auditors, healthcare providers, beneficiaries, and other relevant entities and ensures interoperability, machine-readability, auditability, and verifiability, making the information exchange accurate and trustworthy.

Features of NHCX

Checking Coverage Eligibility: Providers can verify if a treatment is covered by insurance to avoid unexpected costs.
Pre-Auth Request Submission: Hospitals can request approval from insurers before starting treatment.
Predetermination Request Submission: Providers can ask for an estimate of benefits for a treatment before it begins.
Claim Submission: Hospitals submit claims in a standard format for easier processing by insurers.
Payment Status: Hospitals can check the payment status of submitted claims, ensuring everyone stays informed.
Communication Request: Providers can send questions or requests for more information through NHCX.
Reprocess Request: If a claim has issues, providers can request a review for a solution.

Source: TOI

National Health Claims Exchange FAQs

Q1: The National Health Claims Exchange (NHCX) has been developed under which national initiative?

Ans: Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM)

Q2: What is the primary objective of the National Health Claims Exchange (NHCX)?

Ans: To streamline and standardize health insurance claim processing.

Q3: How does National Health Claims Exchange (NHCX) help reduce delays in the claims settlement process?

Ans: By allowing real-time tracking and standardized digital submissions.