Daily Current Affairs- 12th August 2025

Daily Current Affairs- 12th August 2025

Environment Protection (Management of Contaminated Sites) Rules, 2025

In the News: The Government of India notified the Environment Protection (Management of Contaminated Sites) Rules, 2025, marking India’s first comprehensive legal framework to identify, assess, and remediate chemically contaminated sites. This step addresses the urgent need for remediation of industrial, landfill, and hazardous waste dump sites, protecting human health and the environment.

Key Points:

• Notification and Scope: The Rules were notified by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) under the Environment Protection Act, 1986. They apply to all sites contaminated by hazardous or toxic substances posing risks to human health or the environment, such as post-industrial landfills, spill sites, and abandoned chemical handling facilities. However, sites contaminated by radioactive waste, mining, marine oil spills, and solid waste dumps are excluded.
• Structured Identification Process: Local bodies or district administrations must submit half-yearly lists of suspected contaminated sites to the State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) for uploading to a centralized portal. The SPCB conducts a preliminary assessment within 90 days. If contamination exceeds screening levels, it is designated a probable contaminated site. A detailed site investigation then follows (within 3 months). Sites exceeding response levels for any of the 189 hazardous substances listed under waste management rules are officially declared “contaminated”; otherwise, they are delisted.
• Remediation and Clean-up: The “Responsible Person” (polluter or site owner) must prepare and submit a remediation plan to the State Board within six months, detailing site-specific clean-up targets, methods, costs, timelines, and safety safeguards. The plan is implemented after State Board approval. If the polluter is unidentified or unable to pay, remediation costs are initially borne by the central and state governments, recoverable from the polluter if identified later. For orphan sites (no identifiable polluter), government funding ensures clean-up and ongoing monitoring.
• Polluter Pays Principle: Responsibility for assessment and remediation costs lies with the polluter. This extends to any costs initially borne by the government, which must be repaid within three months if a responsible party is found.

Iron-Age Settlement Discovered in Topra Kalan

In the News: Archaeologists announced the discovery of evidence from around 1500 BCE in Topra Kalan village, Haryana, revealing a significant Iron-Age settlement. This find is regarded as a landmark in understanding the transition period between the Late Harappan (Bronze Age) and early Iron Age in Northern India.

Key Points:

• Archaeological Discovery: A Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) survey by the Haryana Archaeology and Museums Department, along with IIT Kanpur, uncovered signs of a well-organized ancient settlement at depths of 4–5m beneath Topra Kalan. Human habitation in the area is estimated to date back nearly 3,500 years (~1500 BCE).
• Material Culture and Artifacts: The site yielded Painted Grey Ware (PGW), a hallmark of the Vedic Iron Age, alongside stamped pottery, black-and-red ware, black-on-red ware, black ware, beads, and moulded bricks. These represent both the late Bronze Age and the early Iron Age cultures in North India.
• Structural Remains: Surveys revealed buried architectural features, including walls, platforms, room-like enclosures, and a dome-like construction—possibly a Buddhist stupa. These findings show advanced planning and continuous habitation.
• Links to Buddhist and Mauryan Era: Topra Kalan is historically significant as the original site of the Ashokan pillar, which was relocated to Delhi by Firoz Shah Tughlaq in the 14th century. Historical accounts from Sir Alexander Cunningham and Hiuen Tsang indicate that Topra Kalan functioned as a Buddhist center, and the discovery of stupa-like structures further supports this.
• Survey and Preservation: Given the site is under an inhabited village, large-scale excavations are challenging. Instead, scientific surveys and limited explorations—involving local artifact discoveries during daily activities—have informed current understanding. Local opposition to displacement for excavation has been noted.

National Sports Governance and Anti-Doping Bills Passed by Lok Sabha

In the News: The Lok Sabha passed two landmark Bills—the National Sports Governance Bill, 2025 and the National Anti-Doping (Amendment) Bill, 2025—ushering in sweeping reforms targeting transparency, accountability, and global alignment in Indian sports administration as the country gears up for a bid to host the 2036 Olympics.

Key Points:

• Reform Milestone: Described as the “single biggest sports reform since independence,” these Bills aim to overhaul sports governance, ensure athlete welfare, and reinforce ethical conduct in line with Olympic and international standards.
• National Sports Bodies: Establishes the National Olympic Committee (NOC), National Paralympic Committee (NPC), and National/Regional Sports Federations for each sport, all aligned with international federations.
• National Sports Board (NSB): Constituted by the central government, the NSB will recognize, register, and monitor sports bodies, and can de-recognize federations for irregularities, fund mismanagement, or lack of fair elections.
• Leadership Provisions: Mandates women’s representation and inclusion of eminent athletes in governing bodies. The age cap for administrators is generally 70, with possible extension to 75 under international rules.
• National Sports Tribunal: A powerful judicial body to resolve sports disputes—its rulings are binding and can only be challenged at the Supreme Court.
• Transparency Measures: All recognized bodies receiving government funding now come under the Right to Information Act (RTI), except the BCCI, which is exempt unless it receives substantial government aid. The move sparked debate on transparency and centralization.
• Public Interest Exemptions: The central government may exempt national bodies or affiliates from certain provisions if deemed necessary in the national sporting interest.
• WADA Alignment: Gives operational independence to the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA), removing government oversight and resolving World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) concerns over autonomy.
• Board Powers: The National Anti-Doping Board loses powers over NADA’s operations, boosting compliance with the global anti-doping code. Appeal panels now come under direct government purview to ensure checks and balances.
• Accreditation & Testing: Mandates that all dope testing labs must obtain and maintain WADA accreditation.

India’s 3rd Voluntary National Review on SDGs

In the News: NITI Aayog presented India’s third Voluntary National Review (VNR) Report on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) convened by the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) in New York. The report showcases a decade of decisive policy action in alignment with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Key Points:

• VNR Presentation: NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Suman Bery delivered the report, reaffirming India’s strong commitment to the SDGs and emphasizing the transformation of sustainable development into a national movement through economic growth, infrastructure investment, and targeted welfare schemes.
• Collaborative and Inclusive Approach: The VNR 2025 was developed through a consultative, whole-of-government and whole-of-society process. It involved State/UT governments, civil society, development partners, the private sector, and supported by UNDP through SDG Coordination and Acceleration Centres.
• Poverty Alleviation: Approximately 248 million people escaped multidimensional poverty between 2013-14 and 2022-23.
• Food Security: The PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana delivered nutritional support to millions, benefiting about 81.35 crore people. The scheme will continue for five more years from 2024.
• Health & Nutrition: Schemes like POSHAN Abhiyaan and Ayushman Bharat expanded access to nutrition and healthcare. Out-of-pocket health expenditure fell from 62.6% (2014-15) to 39.4% (2020-21).
• Digital Public Infrastructure: The Jan Dhan–Aadhaar–Mobile (JAM) trinity and UPI enabled inclusive and transparent service delivery. India accounted for 48.5% of global real-time payment volume in FY2025.
• Clean Energy Transition: Major initiatives include the National Green Hydrogen Mission, PM-KUSUM, and PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana.
• Innovation & Growth: India became the world’s third-largest start-up ecosystem. Schemes such as PM Gati Shakti and Make in India advanced next-generation infrastructure and industrial growth.
• Localisation of SDGs: India used tools like the SDG India Index, North-Eastern Region District SDG Index, and National Multidimensional Poverty Index to localise SDG implementation and promote data-driven governance.
• Global Leadership & Cooperation: India’s VNR highlights leadership in digital public infrastructure and South-South Cooperation, reflecting its role as a trusted partner for developing nations.
• Alignment with National Vision: The report aligns Agenda 2030 with the national vision of Viksit Bharat @2047, aiming for a developed India by its centenary, integrating inclusion, innovation, and institutional strength.

Tuvalu: The World’s First Planned Climate Migration

In the News: Tuvalu is set to begin the world’s first planned climate migration under the Falepili Union Treaty, signed with Australia on November 9, 2023. The treaty provides a migration pathway for Tuvalu’s population, threatened by climate change-induced sea-level rise, to relocate to Australia in the coming years.

Key Points:

• Treaty Signing and Context:
  • The Australia–Tuvalu Falepili Union Treaty was signed on November 9, 2023, and entered into force on August 28, 2024, marking an unprecedented bilateral agreement focused on migration, security, and climate resilience.
  • The name 'Falepili' evokes “good neighbourliness, care, and mutual respect” in Tuvaluan tradition.
• Planned Climate Migration:
  • Australia will provide a special migration pathway, offering up to 280 Tuvaluan citizens per year the right to live, study, and work in Australia, with access to healthcare and key social services.
  • This pathway addresses Tuvalu’s existential threat: the country of about 11,000 people is at risk of becoming uninhabitable from rising sea levels, with some estimates suggesting submersion by 2050.
• Preservation of Sovereignty:
  • The treaty recognizes that Tuvalu’s statehood and sovereignty will continue, regardless of land loss, with the rights and responsibilities of statehood maintained under international law.
• Broader Climate Support:
  • Australia has committed funding to Tuvalu for climate adaptation initiatives, including expanding the Tuvalu Coastal Adaptation Project, which aims to reclaim land and protect existing territory.
• Security and Bilateral Cooperation:
  • Australia pledges assistance in case of major disasters, health emergencies, or military threats to Tuvalu, and gains significant consultative power over Tuvalu’s security and foreign engagements—a source of domestic debate in Tuvalu.

India’s Retail Inflation Drops to 8-Year Low of 1.55% in July 2025

In the News: India’s retail inflation dropped sharply to an eight-year low of 1.55% in July 2025, marking the lowest annual inflation rate since June 2017. This significant easing of inflation is a relief for consumers and reflects broad-based cooling in prices across essential goods and services.

Key Points:

• Inflation Decline: Retail inflation for July 2025 fell to 1.55%, down from 2.10% in June, marking a 55 basis point drop and the lowest since June 2017. This is the first time since January 2019 that inflation has fallen below 2%.
• Drivers of the Decline: The moderation is largely driven by falling food prices, with food inflation in negative territory at -1.76%. Major contributors to this decline include significant price reductions in pulses, vegetables, cereals, eggs, sugar and confectionery items. Prices for transportation and communication services also decreased.
• Regional Impact: Rural areas saw headline inflation ease to 1.18% from 1.72% in June, with food inflation dropping to -1.74%. In urban areas, headline inflation moderated to 2.05% from 2.56%, and food inflation declined to -1.90%.
• Economic Outlook: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has noted this benign inflation outlook, which may provide room for further monetary easing. The RBI left interest rates unchanged recently but a further rate cut is possible as inflation remains well below the target band of 2-6%.
• Consumer Impact: This low inflation supports improved purchasing power, especially benefiting lower and middle-income households who are most impacted by price volatility. It signals a more comfortable consumer environment after years of higher inflation.

Equator Prize 2025

In the News: The Bibi Fatima Women’s Self-Help Group (SHG) from Teertha village in Karnataka’s Dharwad district won the prestigious Equator Prize 2025, awarded by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). This award recognizes community-led nature-based solutions for sustainable development and climate resilience, highlighting women and youth leadership in climate action.

Key Points:

• Equator Prize 2025: The Equator Prize is an annual UNDP award honoring Indigenous Peoples and local communities worldwide for their innovative efforts in biodiversity conservation, sustainable livelihoods, and climate resilience. The 2025 theme focused on "Women and Youth Leadership for Nature-Based Climate Action." Winners were selected from over 700 nominations across 103 countries.
• Bibi Fatima Women’s SHG Achievements: Formed in 2018 by 15 women, the group now supports over 5,000 farmers across 30 villages. They promote millet-based mixed cropping on rainfed farms using eco-friendly natural farming methods. The SHG manages community seed banks conserving over 250 indigenous varieties and operates a solar-powered millet processing unit producing value-added products like rotis and vermicelli. Their initiatives enhance food security, biodiversity conservation, and women’s economic empowerment.
• Collaborations and Support: The SHG partners with organizations such as Sahaja Samruddha, Indian Institute of Millets Research, CROPS4HD, and Selco Foundation for solar power solutions. It also works with Devadhanya Farmer Producer Company to promote rural agribusinesses, strengthening climate-resilient farming and sustainable livelihoods.
• Global Significance: The Bibi Fatima SHG is the only Indian winner among ten global recipients from countries like Argentina, Brazil, Peru, Indonesia, Kenya, Tanzania, Papua New Guinea, and Ecuador. Collectively, these winners exemplify nature-based solutions that protect ecosystems, support food sovereignty, and promote inclusive green economies with a focus on women and youth leadership.
• Award Benefits: Each winner receives USD 10,000, global recognition, and the opportunity to participate in major UN events such as the UN General Assembly and the UN Climate Change Conference (COP30).

National Anubhav Awards 2025: Celebrating a Decade of Honouring Retired Employees’ Contributions

In the News: The Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare hosted the National Anubhav Awards 2025 in New Delhi, marking the 10th anniversary of the “Anubhav” initiative. The awards honor retired government employees who have shared outstanding written accounts of their work experience, contributing to institutional memory and inspiring serving officers.

Key Points:

• Award Ceremony: The National Anubhav Awards were presented by Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr. Jitendra Singh. This year marks a decade since the launch of the Anubhav platform in 2015 by the Government of India.
• Purpose of the Initiative: The “Anubhav” portal was created to encourage retiring government employees to document their experiences, achievements, and lessons learned, thereby creating a repository of knowledge for future governance improvements.
• 2025 Award Highlights:
  • Awards were given to civil servants from various ministries and departments for their exceptional write-ups on governance challenges, innovations, and key achievements during service.
  • The selection criteria included originality, clarity, institutional usefulness, and relevance for future policy or procedural improvements.
• Focus on Knowledge Sharing: Over 15,000 write-ups have been uploaded to the Anubhav portal in the past decade, serving as a rich archive of institutional best practices and real-life case studies for policymakers and administrators.
• Special 10-Year Milestone Activities: This year’s celebration included panel discussions with past awardees, showcasing how their documented experiences have been implemented in current government processes. A souvenir publication highlighting a decade of Anubhav contributions was released.
• Encouraging a Culture of Documentation: Ministries have been encouraged to integrate Anubhav contributions into departmental training modules to ensure that the insights from retired officials serve as a guide for ongoing and future projects.