Daily Current Affairs for UPSC 30th Oct 2025

Index
S.No	Topic	Page No
Daily Hindu Analysis (YouTube)
1.	How do cyclones form and how are they measured?
2.	The Indus conundrum: when water is both a lifeline and a Faultline
3.	Indian maritime sector has seen historic progress: Modi
4.	IT industry a major contributor to carbon footprint, report finds
5.	Study reveals rare defence traits in Indian frogs
6.	Sugar sector concerned over reduction in ethanol sourcing
Daily Current Affairs (App)
7.	Rehabilitation Council of India
8.	Tourism Boost Vision 2029: Transforming 50 Domestic Destinations into World-Class Attractions
9.	SBSTTA-27 Meeting under Convention on Biological Diversity Ends Without Consensus
10.	Justice Surya Kant Recommended as the 53rd Chief Justice of India

How do cyclones form and how are they measured? 

  GS Paper: GS-I – Geography | Physical Geography | Climatology Context: Cyclones are among the most powerful and destructive natural phenomena on Earth. As India frequently faces tropical cyclones in the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea, understanding their formation, classification, and measurement is crucial for disaster preparedness and mitigation. The article explains how cyclones originate, what sustains them, and the scientific methods used to monitor and forecast their intensity. 

  What Are Cyclones? 

 A tropical cyclone is a rapidly rotating storm system characterized by a low-pressure centre, strong winds, and heavy rain. Depending on the region, they are called:

• Hurricanes – Atlantic and Eastern Pacific Oceans
• Typhoons – Western Pacific Ocean
• Cyclones – Indian Ocean

Cyclones act like heat engines — drawing energy from warm tropical waters through evaporation and condensation, which fuels their destructive power. 

  How Do Cyclones Form? Several atmospheric and oceanic conditions must coincide:

1. Warm Ocean Waters: o Sea surface temperature above 26.5°C extending to a depth of at least 50 m provides the energy source. o As moist air rises from warm waters, it cools and condenses, releasing latent heat that further warms the surrounding air and triggers a cycle of convection. 

 2. Coriolis Force: o Required to initiate rotation; absent near the equator, hence cyclones rarely form within 5° latitude of it.

 3. Low Vertical Wind Shear: o A large difference in wind speed or direction between lower and upper atmosphere layers can disrupt the storm’s organization, preventing cyclone formation.

 4. Unstable Atmosphere: o Rising air must not be forced back down — instability promotes vertical convection necessary for cyclone growth. As these factors combine, air spirals inward to the low-pressure centre, rises rapidly, and forms a well-defined eye — a calm region encircled by the eyewall, where winds and rainfall are most intense. 

  Cyclone Classification: Cyclones are categorized based on maximum sustained wind speed and central pressure.

• In India, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) classifies them from “Depression” (31–49 km/h) to “Super Cyclonic Storm” (>222 km/h).
• Other basins use similar systems — for example, the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale in the Atlantic.

How Are Cyclones Measured? Modern meteorology relies on multiple technologies for real-time monitoring:

 1. Satellites: o Use infrared imagery to estimate cloud-top temperature, indicating storm intensity. o Visible and microwave sensors reveal structure, rainfall distribution, and eye formation. 

 2. Aircraft Reconnaissance: o In the North Atlantic, “Hurricane Hunters” fly into storms to measure wind speeds, pressure, and humidity using dropsondes that transmit data as they fall. 

 3. Buoys and Ground Stations: o Automated ocean buoys track sea surface temperature, wind velocity, and pressure variations — vital for Indian Ocean forecasting. 

 4. Numerical Weather Models: o Sophisticated models simulate atmospheric and oceanic dynamics to predict a cyclone’s path and intensity, though small errors in data can cause large uncertainties. Challenges in Prediction: Despite advancements in computing power, satellite imaging, and remote sensing, forecasting cyclone intensity and landfall remains difficult.

• Slight inaccuracies in initial data (e.g., sea-surface temperature or humidity levels) can cause significant deviations in predicted tracks.
• The IMD and global agencies can now forecast cyclones up to 3–5 days in advance with reasonable accuracy — yet, last-minute intensity changes still challenge disaster management efforts.

Analysis & Significance for India:

• India’s long coastline and dense population make cyclone prediction and preparedness vital for saving lives and property.
• The use of early-warning systems, satellite data integration, and community-based preparedness have significantly reduced cyclone-related fatalities in recent years.
• However, climate change has led to warmer oceans and slower-moving cyclones, increasing both frequency and intensity, especially over the Bay of Bengal.

UPSC Mains: Q. Explain the key atmospheric and oceanic conditions necessary for cyclone formation. How do modern technologies assist in measuring and forecasting cyclones?

The Indus conundrum: when water is both a lifeline and a Faultline 

GS Paper: GS-II – International Relations | GS-I – Geography (River Systems) | GS-III – Environment

Context: The Indus River, one of Asia’s greatest transboundary rivers, has once again come under geopolitical and ecological scrutiny. The discussion has been reignited by the suspension and re-evaluation of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) — a landmark 1960 agreement between India and Pakistan mediated by the World Bank.

Writers and experts now highlight that climate change, melting glaciers, and unsustainable human intervention are disrupting the river’s natural rhythm — turning a lifeline into a potential faultline in South Asia’s fragile ecology and diplomacy. 

  About the Indus River and the Treaty:

• The Indus River originates near Lake Mansarovar in Tibet and flows through India (Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab) before entering Pakistan and draining into the Arabian Sea.
• The Indus Waters Treaty (1960) divided the river system’s six major rivers:
• Eastern Rivers (Ravi, Beas, Sutlej): Allocated to India.
• Western Rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab): Allocated to Pakistan, with limited Indian rights for non-consumptive use (e.g., hydroelectricity).
• The IWT is often hailed as one of the most successful water-sharing arrangements globally, even surviving wars and political crises.

Key Concerns and the Present Conundrum:

1. Political & Diplomatic Dimension:

• The suspension of the IWT’s regular meetings and India’s calls to renegotiate terms post-Uri and Pulwama attacks have strained bilateral water diplomacy.
• The treaty, once a symbol of cooperation, now risks becoming a tool of political leverage, especially as water scarcity deepens.

2. Environmental and Climatic Challenges:

• Global warming has accelerated Himalayan glacier melt, threatening long-term water availability in the Indus basin.
• Extreme weather — flash floods, erratic monsoons, and glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) — is altering river flow patterns.
• Floods in the Indus basin, such as Pakistan’s catastrophic 2022 floods, highlighted how human interventions (embankments, large dams, and irrigation canals) amplify rather than mitigate risks.

3. Human and Developmental Impact:

• Overdependence on large-scale irrigation projects has led to ecological degradation — waterlogging, salinization, and biodiversity loss.
• Urbanization and industrial water use in both countries have intensified competition between agriculture, industry, and ecology.
• Writers argue that the Indus is being over-engineered, forcing it away from its natural course, undermining its ecological purpose.

4. A Shared Heritage under Threat:

• The Indus is not merely a geopolitical asset but also a cultural and civilizational artery, sustaining millions for millennia.
• Literary works like “The Dark Coloured Waters” and “Trial by Water” remind us that the river’s history is intertwined with human survival and identity — from ancient Sindhu civilizations to modern border disputes.

Analysis: 

 1. Hydro-diplomacy in Crisis:

The IWT’s spirit of cooperation is being overshadowed by nationalistic politics and strategic distrust. As India strengthens infrastructure in J&K, Pakistan views it as a threat to its water security. 

 2. Climate Change as a Threat Multiplier:

Both nations face common hydrological stress — melting glaciers, unpredictable flows, and population pressures — demanding collaborative adaptation strategies rather than competition. 

 3. Ecological Rebalancing Needed:

The focus must shift from building more dams to restoring the natural hydrology — protecting wetlands, floodplains, and groundwater recharge zones. 

 4. Need for a Basin-Wide Approach:

Instead of treating rivers as national assets, they must be viewed as shared ecosystems requiring integrated basin management across borders. 

  UPSC Mains: Q. Discuss how climate change and political tensions have transformed the Indus River from a shared lifeline into a potential faultline between India and Pakistan. Suggest measures for sustainable transboundary river governance.

Indian maritime sector has seen historic progress: Modi 

  GS Paper: GS-III – Infrastructure, Ports, Shipping, and Industrial Development

Context: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, at the Maritime Leaders’ Conclave during India Maritime Week, announced initiatives worth ₹2.2 lakh crore for strengthening India’s shipping and shipbuilding sectors. He emphasized India’s transformation into a global maritime power amid global economic headwinds, focusing on port-led industrialisation, sustainability, and logistics efficiency. 

  What is it About?

India’s maritime sector has witnessed historic progress, with:

• Cargo movement increasing by 700% in inland waterways,
• Doubling of port handling capacity, and
• Major reforms to enhance efficiency, safety, and digitalisation in ports.

Several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed at the conclave, targeting port-led growth, sustainable shipbuilding, and global partnerships in maritime technology and logistics.

  Analysis: 

  1. Strategic Significance:

• The maritime sector contributes nearly 95% of India’s trade by volume and 70% by value.
• Initiatives under the Sagarmala and Maritime India Vision 2030 focus on modernising ports, developing shipyards, and expanding inland waterways.
• The operationalisation of Vizhinjam Deep Water Transshipment Port and expansion of JNPT (Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust) reflect India’s growing logistical strength.

2. Economic and Environmental Impact:

• The sector supports employment, exports, and the Blue Economy, aligning with India’s Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.
• The emphasis on green and digital ports and PPP models reflects India’s push for sustainable development.

3. Global Leadership & Diplomacy: · India’s maritime engagement with global partners—especially under Indo-Pacific cooperation frameworks—enhances its strategic autonomy. · Through sustainable and inclusive policies, India aims to position itself as a regional logistics hub competing with global maritime powers. 

  UPSC Prelims Match the following major Indian ports with their respective key features:

List I (Port)	List II (Feature/Fact)
A. Jawaharlal Nehru Port (JNPT)	1. India’s first deep-water transshipment port
B. Vizhinjam Port	2. India’s largest container port
C. Kandla Port (Deendayal Port)	3. India’s major port on the western coast handling crude and fertilizers
D. Paradip Port	4. First major port on the eastern coast developed post-Independence

Options:
(a) A-2, B-1, C-3, D-4
(b) A-1, B-2, C-4, D-3
(c) A-3, B-4, C-2, D-1
(d) A-2, B-3, C-1, D-4 

 Answer: (a) A-2, B-1, C-3, D-4

IT industry a major contributor to carbon footprint, report finds

• It compared carbon emissions across different transport modes:
• Air travel: 285 kg of CO₂ per passenger over 1,000 km.
• Rail (executive class): 30 kg CO₂ for the same distance.
• AC bus: 70 kg CO₂.
• Clearly, air travel produces the highest emissions, making it the most climate-polluting way to travel.

Analysis

• The IT and software services sector is one of India’s largest corporate employers with extensive global client networks.
• Frequent international and domestic travel for client meetings, project deployments, and conferences has expanded its carbon footprint.

Sustainability Challenge

• Despite digitalization and remote working trends post-pandemic, corporate air travel remains high.
• The report urges companies to adopt carbon-neutral travel policies, such as:
• Limiting unnecessary flights.
• Choosing non-stop routes or alternative transport (train/bus).
• Capping frequent flyer programs that encourage more travel.

UPSC Prelims Q. Which of the following statements is correct as per the recent report “Urgency and Potential of Aviation Impact Mitigation in India”? 1. Air travel is the least polluting mode of transport for business purposes. 2. The IT industry is a major contributor to carbon emissions through business-driven air travel. 3. The report was prepared by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. Options:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1 and 3 only 

 Answer: (b) 2 only

Study reveals rare defence traits in Indian frogs

GSIII – Environment & Biodiversity: Conservation of species and ecosystems, Biodiversity hotspots in India, Role of scientific research in wildlife protection, Environmental impact and ecological balance

Context Scientists from the University of Delhi’s Systematics Lab, led by renowned herpetologist Dr. S.D. Biju, have documented rare anti-predator defence behaviours in two frog species from India — the Apatani horned toad (Xenophrys apatani) and the bicoloured frog (Clinotarsus curtipes).

This marks the first recorded observation of such defensive strategies among India’s frog species, contributing significantly to understanding amphibian behavioural ecology.

  About the Discovery

• The findings were published in Herpetological Notes, highlighting contrasting defence mechanisms in the two species:

1. Apatani horned toad (Xenophrys apatani) – Endemic to Arunachal Pradesh, it uses camouflage to blend with leaf litter. When threatened, it inflates its body, emits a piercing distress call, and may bite attackers. 2. Bicoloured frog (Clinotarsus curtipes) – Found in Western Ghats, it exhibits a unique body-raising behaviour, elevating its limbs to appear larger and intimidate predators.

• These behaviours were first noticed during field photography and later confirmed experimentally in the wild.

Scientific Significance and Analysis

• Of the 7,876 known frog species globally, about 650 are known to exhibit such defensive strategies, but this is the first documentation among India’s 419 frog species.
• The findings underscore that India’s amphibian diversity — though vast — remains poorly studied in terms of behavioural ecology and evolutionary adaptations.
• Such research is critical because amphibians serve as bioindicators of environmental health, and their defence mechanisms can offer insights into evolutionary survival strategies.

UPSC Prelims Q. Consider the following statements about the recently documented frog species in India: 1. The Apatani horned toad is endemic to the Western Ghats and exhibits body-raising behaviour as a defence mechanism. 2. The Bicoloured frog from Kerala exhibits biting and shrieking as its primary defence strategy. 3. The observations mark the first recorded instances of such defensive behaviours among Indian amphibians. Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3 

GS-III – Indian Economy, Agriculture, Energy & Infrastructure 

Context: The Indian Sugar and Bio-Energy Manufacturers Association (ISMA) has raised concerns over the government’s decision to cut ethanol sourcing from sugar-based feedstock for the 2025–26 supply year. The reduction could lead to an excess sugar stockpile, affecting both the sugar industry’s profitability and India’s ethanol blending targets under its clean energy goals. About the Issue:

SBSTTA-27 Meeting under Convention on Biological Diversity Ends Without Consensus