Current Affairs - August 10, 2025 Current Affairs

The World Health Organisation has reclassified Hepatitis D Virus (HDV) as carcinogenic due to its strong association with liver cancer. Hepatitis D is a defective virus that requires the Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) for replication and transmission. It can cause co-infection or superinfection in HBV patients, raising the risk of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma by 2–6 times compared to HBV alone. Though its prevalence in India is considered low, it may be underreported, especially in high-risk groups. Prevention relies mainly on universal Hepatitis B vaccination, alongside safe medical practices, blood screening, and targeted surveillance in vulnerable populations.

Russia has officially exited the 1987 Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, originally signed with the United States to eliminate ground-launched ballistic and cruise missiles with ranges between 500–5,500 km. The US had already withdrawn in 2019, alleging Russian violations, which undermined the treaty’s effectiveness. Russia cited changing security conditions, particularly US missile deployments in the Philippines and joint drills in Australia, as reasons for withdrawal. This move has heightened concerns over a potential new nuclear arms race and further weakened the global arms control framework, alongside other key treaties such as the NPT, CTBT, and New START.

Between January 2025 and August 2025, the female electorate in the draft rolls fell from 3.72 crore to 3.41 crore, amounting to a net deletion of around 31 lakh voters and representing an 8.3% decrease. This decline was notably higher than the male deletion rate of 6.1%, with 37 out of 38 districts recording greater female voter deletions. The disparity cannot be explained by death rates or migration patterns, as men typically migrate more. Instead, low female literacy rates and challenges in completing self-enumeration forms during the Special Intensive Revision are considered likely causes, possibly compounded by administrative verification issues.

National Waterway-57, located on the Kopili River, has been made operational in Assam, adding to the state’s existing network of inland waterways, which includes Brahmaputra (NW 2), Barak (NW 16), and Dhansiri (NW 31). This development strengthens Inland Water Transport (IWT) as part of India’s Maritime India Vision 2030 and PM Gati Shakti initiatives. IWT offers cost-effective, fuel-efficient, and eco-friendly cargo and passenger movement, with minimal environmental disruption. Operationalising NW-57 enhances connectivity in the Northeast, supports multimodal logistics, and promotes economic growth through cargo transport, eco-tourism, and ferry services, aligning with national goals to boost the freight share of inland waterways.

Sarnath, located near Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, is one of the most revered Buddhist pilgrimage sites. It is the place where Gautama Buddha delivered his first sermon after enlightenment, known as the Dhammachakkappavattana. Historically referred to as Rishipatana and Mrigadava, Sarnath has monuments dating from the Mauryan to the Gahadavala period, including the Chaukhandi Stupa, Dhamek Stupa, Dharmarajika Stupa, and the Ashokan Pillar crowned by the Lion Capital. The site flourished under various dynasties, endured invasions, and underwent restorations. It remains a vital cultural and religious landmark, now officially nominated for UNESCO World Heritage recognition for the 2025–26 cycle.

ISRO has set its target for the first quarter of 2027 to launch the upgraded LVM3 heavy-lift vehicle equipped with a semi-cryogenic propulsion stage. This enhancement involves replacing the L110 liquid stage with the SC120 semi-cryogenic stage powered by the SE2000 engine, which uses refined kerosene (RP-1) and liquid oxygen. The upgrade increases payload capacity to around 5,200 kg for GTO missions, cuts launch costs by approximately 25%, and improves environmental safety. The adoption of semi-cryogenic technology marks a major step in India’s heavy-lift capabilities, supporting next-generation space missions under the planned Next Generation Launch Vehicle framework.

The 13th Joint Defence Cooperation Committee (JDCC) meeting between India and the United Arab Emirates took place in New Delhi, highlighting the nations’ shared focus on strengthening defence cooperation. Discussions included enhanced military training, joint defence manufacturing, maritime security collaboration, and co-development of technologies such as AI and shipbuilding. The meeting also emphasised inter-service cooperation to improve interoperability among the Army, Navy, and Air Force. The choice of New Delhi as the venue underscores its role as the hub for India’s strategic and diplomatic engagements, reinforcing the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries.

In 2025, India and the Philippines upgraded their bilateral ties to a Strategic Partnership during the Philippine President’s state visit to India. This move reaffirmed the 1952 Treaty of Friendship and set the stage for deeper cooperation in defence, trade, maritime security, technology, and cultural exchanges. Key agreements included a Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty, a Treaty on Transfer of Sentenced Persons, and reciprocal visa facilitation. Both nations adopted a 2025–2029 Plan of Action to enhance collaboration, while India committed to supporting the Philippines’ infrastructure and digital projects. The partnership aligns with India’s Act East Policy and strengthens Indo-Pacific strategic cooperation.

Goldman Sachs has reduced its projection for India’s real GDP growth in 2026 to 6.4%, marking a 0.2 percentage point decline from the previous year’s estimate. This downward revision is attributed to escalating US–India trade tensions, specifically the 25% tariff imposed by the United States, as well as broader policy uncertainty affecting investor confidence and business planning. While the firm acknowledges that some tariffs might be renegotiated over time, the unpredictability surrounding trade policies remains a significant risk factor. This cautious stance reflects concerns over sustaining growth momentum amid geopolitical and macroeconomic challenges.

The Bhalukona–Jamnidih block in Mahasamund district, Chhattisgarh, has yielded a notable discovery of Nickel–Copper–Platinum Group Elements (Ni–Cu–PGE) sulphide mineralisation. Conducted by Deccan Gold Mining Limited after securing the block through auction, the exploration revealed a 700-metre-long mineralised zone within mafic–ultramafic rocks, with indications of sulphide deposits extending to 300 metres deep. This discovery positions Chhattisgarh as an emerging hub in India’s critical mineral sector, complementing nearby deposits like the Kelwardabri block. With government support through its Critical Mineral Cell and dedicated exploration roadmap, the state is set to play a strategic role in securing vital resources for industrial and clean energy applications.

Topra Kalan is situated in Yamunanagar district, Haryana, approximately 14 km from Yamunanagar city and 90 km from Chandigarh. It is historically notable as the original location of the Delhi-Topra Ashokan Pillar, which was moved to Delhi in the 14th century by Sultan Firoz Shah Tughlaq. Archaeological evidence from the site, including Painted Grey Ware, Black-and-Red Ware, stamped pottery, and structural remains, suggests continuous occupation from the Late Vedic period around 1500 BCE through the Mauryan era and into medieval times. Ground Penetrating Radar surveys have revealed a well-planned, multi-layered settlement, reinforcing its significance as a cultural and Buddhist heritage site.