Daily Current Affairs — 19 August 2025
6 articles • UPSC Prelims & Mains
Deep Ocean Mission: India’s Gateway to the Ocean Floor
Context Recently, two Indian aquanauts successfully conducted deep-sea dives in the Atlantic Ocean, part of Samudrayaan Project, under the Deep Ocean Mission. About the Deep Ocean Mission It was launched by the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) with an investment of ₹4,077 crore over five years on September 7, 2021. It aims to develop technologies for exploring and sustainably utilizing deep ocean resources, and to support Indias Blue Economy and scientific leadership.
Soaps and Detergents
In Context During World War I, shortages of animal fats and oils spurred chemists to find alternatives. This led to the development of synthetic cleaning agents: the first commercial “soap-like” detergents emerged in the mid-1930s. Historical Background 2800 BC (Mesopotamia): Earliest recorded use of soap-like substances.
Radioactive Contamination in Punjab’s Groundwater
Context The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Water Resources raised concern over the continued presence of uranium contamination in drinking water sources in Punjab and called for urgent solutions to safeguard public health. Uranium contamination in India According to the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) survey of 2019–20, out of nearly 16,000 groundwater samples, around 450 exceeded the World Health Organization’s (WHO) permissible limit. Uranium contamination is reported to be more prevale
Public Accounts Committee on Toll Collection
In News The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament has proposed major changes to toll collection on national highways, including a recommendation to end the practice of perpetual tolling. Laws linked to Toll Collection Under the National Highways Act, 1956, the government is empowered to levy user fees on national highways, with the policy governed by the 2008 NH Fee Rules. These fees are not tied to construction cost recovery but are based on fixed base rates, increasing annually by 3% a
Critical Role of the Space Programme for Viksit Bharat by 2047
In News The recent Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla journey to ISS marks Indias ascent as a major space power, aligning with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 and embracing the philosophy of Vishwabandhu Bharat in the space sector. Challenges Rising competition from private global giants (SpaceX, Blue Origin, etc.). Space debris and orbital congestion issues.
The India-Africa-UAE Trilateral Framework
Context Against the backdrop of BRICS 2026 in India, a stronger India–Africa–UAE (IAU) trilateral framework is emerging with the entry of new members including the UAE, Egypt, and Ethiopia in the group. Background The India-Africa-UAE trilateral partnership is an evolving concept focused on strengthening economic cooperation and connectivity, particularly in the areas of trade, investment, and infrastructure development. Back in 2019, India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) signed a Memorandum
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