Daily Current Affairs 2025  

10/08/2025

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The S.H.I.N.E. Initiative stands for Science, Health and Innovation for Nextgen Explorers, a nationwide student outreach program launched by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the Department of Health Research (DHR). Its goal is to ignite scientific curiosity, foster innovation, and inspire students in grades 9 to 12 to pursue careers in biomedical research and public health.

• The initiative introduces young learners to health and biomedical research through interactive activities like guided laboratory tours, research exhibitions, poster walks, video presentations, and live demonstrations. It also includes direct interactions with scientists and highlights ICMR’s contributions to India's health advancements. The program featured participation from over 13,000 students from more than 300 schools across 16 states and union territories in India.
• The S.H.I.N.E. initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call for students to "spend one day as a scientist" and includes educational elements such as four short films on flagship ICMR projects, including the development of Covaxin and India’s TB elimination mission. A mascot named Dr. Curio serves as a friendly guide for students throughout the day. The initiative also commemorates the birth anniversary of Dr. Vulimiri Ramalingaswami, a former Director General of ICMR and a significant figure in Indian medical research.
• This event reaffirms ICMR's commitment to nurturing the next generation of health researchers and raising awareness about the critical role of scientific research in improving public health and advancing India’s vision for a developed nation by 2047.
• Note: There is also a separate Shine Initiative focused on mental health awareness in Massachusetts, USA, but it is unrelated to the Indian ICMR S.H.I.N.E. Initiative.

Key aspects

• Aim: To inspire students to pursue careers in science and public health by fostering scientific curiosity and innovation. It also aims to showcase ICMR's contributions to health and support India's vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.
• Launch: Launched on August 8, 2025, by ICMR and the Department of Health Research (DHR).
• Target Audience: Students in classes 9 to 12 across India.
• Scope: Interactive and educational activities were hosted simultaneously at all ICMR institutes nationwide.
• Activities: Included laboratory tours, research exhibitions, presentations, and demonstrations of scientific work.
• Impact: The program saw participation from over 13,000 students from more than 300 schools in 39 districts across 16 states and union territories.
• Significance: According to DD News, the initiative aligns with the Prime Minister's call for students to "spend one day as a scientist". According to Newsonair, It introduces students to health and biomedical research and motivates them to pursue careers in science and public health. 
• This initiative highlights ICMR's dedication to developing young scientific talent and raising awareness about the vital role of research in strengthening public health in India. 

 

How does the SHINE Initiative aim to inspire students in biomedical research

The S.H.I.N.E. Initiative aims to inspire students in biomedical research primarily by igniting scientific curiosity, fostering innovation, and motivating them to pursue careers in health and biomedical sciences. It targets students in grades 9 to 12 and uses several engaging, hands-on activities to achieve this:

• Guided laboratory tours, research exhibitions, and poster walks allow students to observe and experience real scientific environments.
• Interactive elements like video presentations, live demonstrations, and surveying/anthropometry games make learning practical and dynamic.
• Direct interaction with senior scientists and research staff gives students insights into the daily work and careers in biomedical research and public health.
• The program includes educational materials such as short films on significant ICMR projects (e.g., Covaxin development, TB elimination mission) that showcase the real-world impact of biomedical research.
• A mascot named Dr. Curio serves as a relatable guide, making the experience engaging for young learners.
• The event embodies an invitation to students to "spend one day as a scientist," encouraging them to ask questions, observe closely, and engage with the spirit of scientific inquiry.
• Overall, these activities aim to create a future-ready workforce in biomedical research and public health by demonstrating the relevance and excitement of science, thereby inspiring students to consider biomedical research as a career path.
• This initiative also honors past medical research pioneers to connect students with India's scientific legacy and align with national goals for health innovation and scientific temper.

What interactive activities are included in the SHINE open day events

• The SHINE open day events organized by ICMR and DHR include a variety of interactive activities designed to engage students and inspire their interest in biomedical research. These activities include:
• Research exhibitions and poster walks showcasing the Institute’s work and scientific findings.
• Live demonstrations of diagnostic technologies and immunology research.
• Video presentations and specially curated short films about key ICMR projects such as the development of Covaxin, tuberculosis elimination, the iDRONE healthcare delivery project, and pandemic preparedness drills.
• Interactive question-and-answer sessions with scientists and research staff, allowing students to learn about careers and research in public health and biomedical fields.
• A friendly mascot named Dr. Curio guides and engages students throughout the activities.
• The program emphasizes a hands-on experience with science to help students "spend one day as a scientist" and fosters their scientific curiosity and innovation mindset.
• These activities collectively aim to make the learning experience practical, dynamic, and inspiring for students in grades 9 to 12.

What impact has the SHINE Initiative had on India’s youth in science careers

• The SHINE Initiative organized by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the Department of Health Research has had a significant impact on India’s youth by actively engaging over 13,000 students from more than 300 schools across 16 states and union territories. Its core impact lies in igniting scientific curiosity, fostering innovation, and inspiring students in grades 9 to 12 to consider careers in biomedical research and public health.
• The initiative achieves this through immersive, hands-on experiences like guided laboratory tours, research exhibitions, poster walks, video presentations, live scientific demonstrations, and direct interactions with senior scientists, helping students understand real-world biomedical research and public health challenges. These activities have encouraged youth engagement with science by allowing students to "spend one day as a scientist," developing their scientific temper and ambition, and making science accessible and exciting.
• Dr. Rajiv Bahl, Secretary of the Department of Health Research and Director General of ICMR, emphasized that the program was designed to shape a "Viksit Bharat" (developed India) by nurturing the next generation of health researchers through curiosity and innovation. The event also connects students with India's scientific legacy and national health missions, further motivating them toward scientific careers.

How does SHINE align with India’s vision for Viksit Bharat by 2047

The SHINE Initiative aligns with India’s vision for Viksit Bharat by 2047 by actively contributing to the development of a future-ready, scientifically skilled youth population that can drive health innovation and biomedical research—key components of the broader national development goals. Viksit Bharat seeks to transform India into a developed nation by its 100th year of independence through inclusive economic growth, technological advancement, social progress, and good governance, with a strong emphasis on leveraging the potential of youth as agents of change.

Specifically, SHINE supports this vision by:

• Igniting scientific curiosity and fostering innovation among students (grades 9 to 12), equipping them with the knowledge and motivation to pursue careers in biomedical research and public health, which are vital for a thriving and sustainable economy and healthcare system in a developed India.
• Providing hands-on exposure to cutting-edge biomedical research and public health challenges, thus enhancing human capital and technological capabilities—core pillars for the "Innovation, Science & Technology" thematic area emphasized in Viksit Bharat.
• Connecting the next generation with India’s scientific legacy and national health missions, such as TB elimination and pandemics preparedness, which align with goals of social progress, health empowerment, and good governance.
• Encouraging youth engagement as envisioned in Viksit Bharat, where the youth population is regarded as the vanguard for India's development, helping build a self-reliant and prosperous nation by 2047.
• In essence, SHINE’s mission to nurture curiosity, scientific temper, and innovation in youth directly complements the aspirations of Viksit Bharat to create a knowledgeable and skilled workforce essential for India's long-term development, sustainability, and global leadership by 2047.

 
  Recently, the United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization said that world food commodity prices rose in July to their highest in over two years.  

• The FAO Food Price Index (FFPI) is a measure published by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations that tracks the monthly change in international prices of a basket of globally traded food commodities.
• It is composed of five price indices representing major food commodity groups: meat, dairy products, cereals, oils and fats, and sugar.
• The index is calculated using a trade-weighted Laspeyres formula, with a base period from 2014 to 2016 set at 100.
• It serves as a key indicator of global food price trends, inflation, and cost movements in the food industry.
• As of July 2025, the FAO Food Price Index stood at 130.1 points, marking a 1.6% increase from June 2025, driven mainly by higher prices in the meat and vegetable oils groups.
• Despite this increase, the index is still about 18.8% below its peak in March 2022 but 7.6% above the level in July 2024. The cereals, dairy, and sugar sub-indices declined slightly in July 2025, with wheat and sorghum prices falling due to harvests and ample supply, while maize and barley prices increased slightly due to regional weather and export changes.

 Key features of the FAO Food Price Index include:

• Monitoring 24 agricultural commodities globally traded.
• Grouping these commodities into five major categories.
• Weights based on average export shares from 2014-2016.
• Monthly publication, typically on the first Thursday of each month.
• Helps assess market conditions and forecast food inflation.
• This index is critical for governments, policymakers, analysts, and stakeholders in agriculture and food security to understand global food market dynamics and potential impacts on inflation and food availability.

Key drivers: The rise was primarily due to higher international prices for meat and vegetable oils.

Other commodity groups:

• Cereals: Decreased by 0.8% from June to 106.5 points.
• Vegetable Oils: Increased significantly by 7.1% from the previous month, reaching a three-year high of 166.8 points.
• Dairy: Saw a slight decrease of 0.1% to 155.3 points, the first drop since April 2024.
• Meat: Rose by 1.2% from June to a new all-time high of 127.3 points.
• Sugar: Dropped by 0.2% from the previous month to 103.3 points, marking the fifth consecutive monthly decline. 

Factors influencing the FFPI

• The FFPI is influenced by various factors, including supply and demand dynamics (especially those related to extreme weather), energy prices which affect production and biofuel demand, economic growth, income levels, and exchange rates.
• Trade policies, such as export restrictions, can also cause market instability and price increases. While debated, speculation may amplify short-term price volatility. Global food stock levels also play a role, with low stock-to-use ratios potentially increasing price swings. 
• The FFPI serves as a valuable tool for understanding global food markets and reflects the combined effect of these interconnected factors.

 
 
Why in news?
Recently, the Minister of State in the Ministry of Home Affairs informed the success of MANAS Helpline in the Rajya Sabha.
The MANAS Helpline (Madak Padarth Nishedh Asoochna Kendra) is a national narcotics helpline launched by the Government of India to enable citizens to anonymously report drug-related activities such as trafficking, storage, manufacturing, and illicit cultivation. It also offers support for counseling and rehabilitation. The helpline operates 24x7 through a toll-free number 1933, a web portal, a mobile app, and integration with the Umang app, providing a secure, citizen-centric platform to fight the drug menace.

Key features of the MANAS Helpline:

• Toll-free number: 1933, accessible 24x7
• Allows anonymous reporting of drug crimes
• Connects citizens with Narcotics Control Bureau and Anti-Narcotics Task Forces across all states and union territories
• Provides access to counseling and rehabilitation resources
• Designed as a bilingual, digital platform for ease of use

It was launched on July 18, 2024, by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who emphasized its role in combating narcotics with a strategic, multi-pronged government approach. The helpline strengthens the nation's drug control capability by linking various enforcement agencies and providing citizens a channel to collaborate against drug crimes.
For mental health support related to addiction or other issues, another government helpline called Tele MANAS offers free 24/7 counseling at 14416 in multiple languages, but this is distinct from the National Narcotics Helpline MANAS.
In summary, for drug-related complaints, assistance, or information in India, citizens should call the MANAS Helpline at 1933.



 
 

 

Human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT), also known as sleeping sickness, is a parasitic disease caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma brucei. It is endemic to Sub-Saharan Africa and is transmitted through the bite of infected tsetse flies. Untreated HAT is typically fatal. 

Forms of HAT
There are two forms of HAT, each caused by a different subspecies of the parasite and with different geographical distributions and clinical courses:

• Trypanosoma brucei gambiense: Found in West and Central Africa, it accounts for the majority of HAT cases (over 92%). It causes a chronic form of the disease that can remain asymptomatic for months or even years before progressing to the central nervous system.
•  Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense: Found in Eastern and Southern Africa, it accounts for a smaller percentage of cases (around 8%). It causes an acute, rapidly progressing form of the disease that can involve multiple organs, including the brain, within weeks to months of infection.

Transmission
The primary transmission method is through the bite of infected tsetse flies. Less common transmission routes include mother-to-child, mechanical transmission, accidental laboratory infection, blood transfusion, and sexual contact. 

Symptoms
HAT has two stages:

• First stage (haemolymphatic): Symptoms include fever, headaches, enlarged lymph nodes, joint pains, and itching as the parasite multiplies in the blood and lymph. 
• Second stage (meningoencephalitic): The parasite enters the central nervous system, leading to behavioral changes, confusion, sensory disturbances, poor coordination, and sleep disruption. 

Diagnosis
Diagnosis involves screening, confirmation by observing the parasite in bodily fluids, and staging based on clinical examination and CSF analysis. 

Treatment
Treatment depends on the parasite type and disease stage. First-stage gambiense-HAT is treated with fexinidazole or pentamidine, while rhodesiense-HAT is treated with fexinidazole or suramin. Second-stage gambiense-HAT is treated with fexinidazole or NECT/eflornithine, and rhodesiense-HAT with fexinidazole or melarsoprol, although melarsoprol has significant side effects. 

Prevention
There is no vaccine or preventative drug. Prevention focuses on avoiding tsetse fly bites through measures like wearing appropriate clothing, inspecting vehicles, avoiding bushes, and using insect repellent. 

Elimination efforts
Control efforts have greatly reduced HAT cases. The WHO aims to eliminate transmission by 2030. Several countries have already eliminated it as a public health problem.



  Heptapleurum assamicum is a recently discovered species of evergreen shrub belonging to the family Araliaceae, also known as the ginseng family or ivy family
This family also includes the popular ornamental "umbrella plant", Heptapleurum arboricola, but Heptapleurum assamicum possesses distinct characteristics distinguishing it from its ornamental cousin. 

Discovery and location
Heptapleurum assamicum was discovered during botanical surveys in the Kopili River basin, specifically in the Dima Hasao and West Karbi Anglong districts of Assam, India. The discovery was formally published in the journal Feddes Repertorium in July 2025. 
 
 Distinctive features

• Leaves: Narrow and lance-shaped leaflets, never exceeding 1.2 cm in width.
• Flowers: Striking purple in color, a contrast to the greenish-yellow flowers of its ornamental relatives.
• Inflorescences: Compact, bearing up to 15 flowers per umbel.
• Fruit: When ripe, the fruit turns a deep reddish-purple and is speckled with orange-red glands, an unusual characteristic within the genus. 

Habitat
The plant was observed in a specialised rheophytic habitat, indicating its adaptation to areas with flowing water, along the riverbank of the Kopili River. Its exposed, lenticellate roots and umbrella-like foliage suggest its suitability for this environment. 

Conservation status and ornamental potential
The current known population of Heptapleurum assamicum is small and localized, rendering it potentially vulnerable to environmental changes. However, its evergreen foliage, compact growth habit, and tolerance for shaded conditions suggest a potential for cultivation as an ornamental plant. It has been suggested that the plant could be given the common name "Assam Umbrella Plant". However, it has been categorized as "Data Deficient" under IUCN criteria, emphasizing the need for further research to understand its full distribution and conservation status. 
Chitons, also known as Polyplacophora, are a class of marine mollusks recognized for their unique, flattened, and oval-shaped bodies.
Their most distinctive feature is a shell composed of eight overlapping plates, or valves, made of aragonite (a calcium carbonate-based mineral). This unique structure provides both protection and flexibility, allowing the chiton to cling tightly to rocks, move over uneven surfaces, and even curl into a ball for defense. A tough, muscular girdle surrounds these plates, completing the chiton's outer structure. 

Habitat
Chitons are exclusively marine creatures, found globally from cold waters to tropical regions. They typically inhabit hard surfaces like rocks, residing either on top, underneath, or within crevices. While most species are found in intertidal and shallow subtidal zones, some species have been observed in deeper waters, even near deep-sea hydrothermal vents at depths exceeding 5,000 meters. Some species are associated with algae and marine plants, while deep-sea chitons can be found on waterlogged wood. Most chitons are nocturnal, feeding at night and seeking shelter under rocks during the day. 

Diet and feeding
Chitons primarily feed by scraping algae and other encrusting organisms from rocks and other surfaces using a specialized structure called a radula. The radula is a file-like structure equipped with teeth, hardened by the inclusion of magnetite (iron crystals). While the majority are herbivores, some chiton species can be omnivores, detritivores, or even carnivores, feeding on sponges, bryozoans, diatoms, barnacles, bacteria, and sometimes small crustaceans or decaying wood. 

Reproduction
Chitons are dioecious, meaning they have separate sexes. Fertilization usually takes place externally, with males releasing sperm and females releasing eggs into the water. In some cases, the female may retain the eggs within the mantle cavity, where fertilization occurs. The eggs typically develop into free-swimming trochophore larvae, a common larval stage in many mollusks, before metamorphosing into juvenile chitons. Some species exhibit brooding, where the eggs and larvae are protected within the female's pallial groove. 

Unique features
Beyond their segmented shell, chitons possess other interesting characteristics:

• Magnetoception: Their radular teeth, containing magnetite, may be involved in sensing the Earth's magnetic field.
• Aesthetes: These minute sensory organs, passing through the shell valves, can be specialized as light receptors. While not capable of true vision, these ocelli (derived from the shell plates) can sense shadows and changes in light intensity, allowing them to detect approaching predators.
• Regeneration: Chitons can regenerate lost or damaged valves.
• Homing behavior: Some chiton species demonstrate homing behavior, returning to the same spot after foraging, possibly by remembering the topography or using chemical cues.
• Ancient lineage: Chitons have a long evolutionary history, with fossils dating back to the Cambrian period, over 400 million years ago, preceding the dinosaurs. 

Threats
Despite their resilience, chitons face threats from habitat destruction, pollution, climate change, and targeted harvesting for their shells in some areas. 
The National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization (NOTTO) is a national-level organization under the Directorate General of Health Services, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in India.
It acts as the main center for coordinating organ and tissue procurement and distribution activities across India and maintains a national registry for organ and tissue donation and transplantation. 
 
Key functions and activities

• NOTTO's functions include implementing the National Organ Transplant Program (NOTP) to improve access to transplants and raise awareness about organ donation.
• It coordinates with various entities involved in donation and transplantation, maintains a national registry of donors and recipients, and promotes organ donation through various channels.
• NOTTO also sets guidelines and protocols, organizes training for personnel involved, and monitors transplantation activities. Additionally, its National Biomaterial Centre focuses on tissue donation and registering tissue banks. 

Recent developments and initiatives

• NOTTO is implementing a "One Nation One Policy" framework, which includes removing domicile restrictions and upper age limits for deceased donor organ recipients.
• They have also developed a Uniform Organ Transport Policy and SOPs for efficient organ transport.
• All organ transplants are now assigned a unique NOTTO-ID for transparency, and an Aadhaar-linked pledge portal is available for citizens to register their donation pledges. 

Statistics

• In 2024, India achieved its highest number of organ transplants in a single year, exceeding 18,900.
• India ranks third globally in total organ transplants, though the organ donation rate is still low compared to countries like Spain.
• Data between 1995 and 2021 shows that a majority of organ recipients were men, which has been linked to factors like financial responsibilities and societal pressures.

NOTTO is a crucial national organization in India focused on promoting organ donation, facilitating transplantation, and ensuring ethical and transparent practices. Parthenium hysterophorus, commonly known as parthenium, carrot weed, or Congress grass, is a highly invasive plant species with significant negative impacts on the environment, agriculture, and human and animal health.
Why in news?
As a part of a three-day campaign of Parthenium Free Pobitora, about 5.2 hectares of the Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary in Assam‘s Morigaon district were cleared of Parthenium, or Congress grass, an invasive weed, by the forest staff recently.

About Parthenium

• Parthenium hysterophorus L., commonly known as carrot weed, white top, or congress grass in India, is an herbaceous, erect, and annual plant belonging to the family Asteracae (compositae).
• It is a poisonous, pernicious, problematic, allergic, and aggressive weed posing a serious threat to human beings and livestock.
• In India, this weed has been considered as one of the greatest sources of dermatitis, asthma, nasal-dermal and nasal-bronchial types of diseases.
• Besides ill effects, it also causes several other problems, like blockage of common pathways, and reduces the aesthetic values of parks, gardens, and residential colonies.
• It is a nuisance on roadsides and railway tracks, vacant lands, wastelands, industrial areas, and on the sides of open drainage systems and irrigation canals, besides invading agricultural crops, orchards, and forest areas.
• It is most popularly known as gajar ghas due to its appearance like a carrot plant.
• The origin of parthenium is considered to be from Mexico, America, Trinidad, and Argentina. 
• After the noticeable occurrence of parthenium in Pune (Maharashtra) in 1955, it has spread like a wildfire throughout India. 
• At present parthenium has invaded about 35 million hectares of land in India.
• It mainly spreads through seeds. 
• A single plant can produce about 5000 – 25000 seeds.
• The seeds are very small in size and light in weight.

Origin and spread
Native to the Americas (including the Gulf of Mexico, Central and South America, and the West Indies).
Accidentally introduced and widely spread to many parts of the world, including Asia, Africa, and Australia, often through contaminated seed shipments (e.g., in India with imported wheat). 

Characteristics

• A herbaceous, erect, and annual plant belonging to the Asteraceae family.
• Rapidly growing, reaching heights of up to 2.5 meters.
• Prolific seed producer, with a single plant generating tens of thousands of seeds.
• Tolerant to various abiotic stresses (like drought and salt) and releases chemicals that inhibit the growth of nearby plants (allelopathy). 

Impacts
Environmental:

• Degrades natural ecosystems by outcompeting native vegetation and reducing biodiversity.
• Can alter soil properties like texture and nutrient content.

Agricultural:

• Significant yield losses in crops and forage production.
• Reduces pasture carrying capacity for livestock.

Health:

• Humans: Can cause severe allergic reactions, including hay fever, asthma, bronchitis, and contact dermatitis (skin rashes, itching, etc.) due to its pollen and plant fragments.
• Animals: Toxic to livestock, leading to health issues like dermatitis, anorexia, reduced milk yield, and changes in meat quality. 

Control and management
Challenging to eradicate completely due to its invasive nature.
Various control methods employed, including:
Manual removal: Hand-pulling (wearing protective gear is essential).
Chemical control: Herbicides.
Biological control: Using natural enemies like the beetle Zygogramma bicolorata.
Cultural methods: Crop rotation, particularly using competitive plants like marigold.
Allelopathic control: Utilizing plants like Cassia species or Eucalyptus extracts to suppress its growth. 
It's crucial to be aware of parthenium and its harmful effects, especially in areas where it is prevalent. Taking preventive measures and implementing effective control strategies are essential for minimizing its negative impacts. 
Based on the latest news available, here's a summary of recent developments concerning the Sea of Galilee:
Sea of Galilee turned red due to algae bloom

• The Sea of Galilee recently displayed an unusual red coloration, sparking concerns and speculation.
• Investigations by Israeli authorities confirmed that the phenomenon is a natural occurrence caused by a bloom of Botryococcus braunii algae.
• This green algae produces red pigments when exposed to sunlight and in nutrient-rich conditions, leading to the observed color change.
• Officials have assured the public that the water remains safe for humans.
• However, algae blooms can have negative ecological impacts by blocking sunlight and potentially leading to oxygen depletion in the water. 

 Potential link to climate change

• The algae bloom in the Sea of Galilee has been linked to rising global temperatures and increased nutrient levels in the water, highlighting concerns about climate change's effects on freshwater ecosystems worldwide. 

Water levels and management

• While the algae bloom raises environmental concerns, the Sea of Galilee's water levels are also a significant factor in the lake's health.
• Levels fluctuate seasonally, primarily influenced by winter rains and summer evaporation and water usage.
• Israel regulates the release of water through the Degania Dam to prevent flooding and manage the lake's level.
• Concerns exist regarding declining water levels and potential ecological damage, with policies like desalination plants being implemented to address water shortages. 

Tourism and Fishing

• The Sea of Galilee remains an important tourist destination, particularly for Christian pilgrims.
• The tourism industry in the region has been impacted by the recent Israel-Hamas conflict, prompting initiatives to support local businesses.
• Fishing in the Sea of Galilee has also faced challenges, including overfishing and drought, leading to restrictions and efforts to restock fish populations. 

Ongoing archaeological discoveries

• Archaeological excavations near the Sea of Galilee continue to reveal important insights into the region's rich history, including mosaic floors and structures dating back centuries.
• These are the most prominent and recent news updates regarding the Sea of Galilee.

 
 

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