Author: karthik
Current Affairs 22 August 2025 -Tone Academy
Vice-President of India Syllabus: GS2 – Polity and Governance Context The BJP-led NDA and the Congress-led Opposition parties have announced their candidates for the upcoming Vice-Presidential election. This election, governed by Article 66 of the Constitution, highlights the democratic process of choosing the second-highest constitutional office in India. About the Office The Vice-President of India is the second highest constitutional functionary after the President. Serves as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, ensuring the smooth conduct of parliamentary proceedings. Constitutional Provisions Article 63: There shall be a Vice-President of India. Article 66: Election process of the Vice-President. Article 67: Term of office. Article 68: Filling of vacancies. Article 69: Oath or affirmation. Election Procedure Conducted by the Election Commission of India. Electoral College: Members of both Houses of Parliament, including nominated members. Unlike the President’s election, state legislatures have no role. Voting Method: Proportional representation by Single Transferable Vote (STV) and secret ballot. Majority Quota: Candidate must secure more than half of total valid votes. If not achieved in the first round, the lowest-ranked candidate is eliminated and votes are transferred as per preferences until a winner emerges. Term of Office Five years from the date of assuming office. Eligible for re-election any number of times. Continues until the successor takes office. Significance Ensures continuity of governance by acting as President when the post falls vacant (maximum period: six months). Serves as the presiding officer of Rajya Sabha, ensuring neutrality and balance in legislative debates. Challenges Increasing partisanship has affected the neutrality of the Vice-President as Rajya Sabha Chairman. Limited executive role reduces visibility compared to the President or Prime Minister. Way Forward Need to reinforce the impartial image of the Vice-President, especially in Rajya Sabha proceedings. Greater engagement with states and constitutional institutions can enhance the functional relevance of the office. Which of the following statements regarding the Vice-President of India is/are correct? 1.The Vice-President is elected by an Electoral College consisting only of members of the Lok Sabha. 2.Nominated members of both Houses of Parliament are eligible to vote in the Vice-Presidential election. 3.The Vice-President serves as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. Options:A. 1 and 2 onlyB. 2 and 3 onlyC. 1 and 3 onlyD. 1, 2 and 3 Answer:BExplanation: The Electoral College consists of both Houses of Parliament, including nominated members. Hence (1) is wrong, but (2) and (3) are correct. Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Syllabus: GS2 – Health Context Recent research from Germany has revealed that the deadly bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa exhibits bistable expression of the glpD This finding offers new insights into how infections vary in severity and opens possibilities for innovative therapeutic strategies against hospital-acquired infections. About Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Belongs to the genus Pseudomonas, widely found in soil, water, and moist environments. It is a Gram-negative, aerobic, non-spore-forming rod-shaped bacterium. Known as an opportunistic pathogen — it primarily affects individuals with weakened immunity (e.g., hospitalized patients, burn victims, or those on ventilators). Causes infections in: Blood (septicemia) Lungs (pneumonia) Urinary tract Post-surgical wounds Classified by WHO as a “priority pathogen” due to its resistance to multiple antibiotics. Recent Research Findings The glpD gene shows bistable expression, meaning genetically identical bacterial cells exhibit large variations in the gene’s activity. Impact: Determines variability in infection severity. Tested on moth larvae and mouse immune cells – outcome showed different levels of virulence among identical strains. Implication for Treatment: By targeting this variability in gene expression, new therapies could be designed to reduce infection risks. Significance for Health Sector Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs): Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a leading cause of ventilator-associated pneumonia and bloodstream infections. Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR): It has developed resistance to carbapenems, cephalosporins, and aminoglycosides, limiting treatment options. Public Health Burden: Prolonged hospital stays, increased mortality, and higher treatment costs. Challenges Antibiotic Resistance Crisis: Conventional antibiotics becoming ineffective. Diagnostic Gaps: Early detection in hospital settings is difficult. Limited Research: Few new antibiotics are in development for Gram-negative bacteria. Global Health Inequality: Developing countries face higher risks due to inadequate infection control and poor healthcare infrastructure. Way Forward Targeted Therapy: Focus on gene-level interventions (like glpD expression control). Strengthening AMR Surveillance: Expand networks like the Indian Council of Medical Research’s (ICMR) AMR surveillance program. Infection Prevention in Hospitals: Stricter sterilization protocols, antimicrobial stewardship, and improved ICU hygiene. Global Collaboration: Align with WHO’s Global Action Plan on AMR. R&D Investment: Promote development of next-gen antimicrobials, bacteriophage therapy, and AI-based diagnostics. Which of the following are common infections caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa? 1.Pneumonia 2.Urinary Tract Infections 3.Wound infections after surgery 4.Tuberculosis Options:A. 1 and 2 onlyB. 1, 2 and 3 onlyC. 2, 3 and 4 onlyD. 1, 3 and 4 only Answer: B. 1, 2 and 3 only Detailed Explanation Statement 1 – Pneumonia: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a major cause of hospital-acquired pneumonia, particularly ventilator-associated pneumonia in ICUs. It thrives in moist hospital environments and infects vulnerable patients. Statement 2 – Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): This bacterium is frequently associated with catheter-associated UTIs, especially in hospitalized or immunocompromised patients. Statement 3 – Wound infections after surgery: Pseudomonas aeruginosa commonly infects surgical wounds and burn injuries, leading to delayed healing and septicemia. Statement 4 – Tuberculosis: Tuberculosis is caused by an entirely different bacterium, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which is an acid-fast bacillus, not related to Pseudomonas. National Supercomputing Mission (NSM) Syllabus: GS3 – Science and Technology Context India’s research and innovation ecosystem has received a major boost under the National Supercomputing Mission (NSM), with the installation of 37 supercomputers providing a combined computing power of 40 Petaflops. This marks a significant step in building indigenous high-performance computing (HPC) capabilities. About the Mission The National Supercomputing Mission (NSM) was launched in April 2015 with a financial outlay of ₹4,500 crore. The mission envisions self-reliance and global leadership in supercomputing, ensuring that Indian researchers have access to cutting-edge computational resources. It aims to strengthen India’s global competitiveness in critical technology domains such as climate
Current Affairs 21 august 2025 – Tone Academy
High Levels of Selenium in Groundwater Syllabus: Environment Pollution (GS Paper-3) Context: The Minister of State for Jal Shakti informed the Rajya Sabha that elevated selenium levels were found in a few groundwater samples from Haryana’s Jhajjar district and Punjab’s Rupnagar district, raising concerns about potential health risks and the need for effective monitoring and remediation. About Selenium Levels in Groundwater Monitoring Authority: The Central Ground Water Board (CGWB), established in 1970, conducts regional groundwater quality assessments to support sustainable management of India’s groundwater resources. Data Collection: In 2019, CGWB analyzed 5,956 groundwater samples across 17 States/UTs for selenium. Findings: Only four samples from Jhajjar (Haryana) and Rupnagar (Punjab) exceeded the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) permissible selenium limit of 10 parts per billion (ppb). About Selenium Characteristics: Selenium (Se, atomic number 34) is a non-metallic chalcogen, essential in trace amounts but toxic in excess, existing in amorphous and crystalline forms. Uses: Widely used in agriculture, mining, energy generation, and industries; recognized as an emerging hazardous contaminant. Health Guidelines: The World Health Organization recommends 55–70 μ g/day for adults, with 400 μ g/day considered toxic. Health Impacts: Deficiency: Can cause Keshan disease (cardiomyopathy) and Kashin-Beck disease (bone and joint disorder). Excess: Leads to hair and nail changes, nervous system damage, fatigue, irritability, and kidney/liver damage with long-term exposure. Selenium in Groundwater Forms: Occurs as selenate (SeO4²⁻), biselenite (HSeO3⁻), and selenite (SeO3²⁻), depending on pH (7.0–9.5) and redox conditions. Sources: Natural deposits, copper smelting, mining, agriculture, and industrial discharges. BIS Standard: The acceptable limit for selenium in groundwater is 0.01 mg/liter (10 ppb). Treatment Methods: Include activated alumina adsorption, strong base anion exchange, reverse osmosis, and distillation, with reduction efficiencies of 60–98%. With reference to selenium as a groundwater contaminant in India, consider the following statements: The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) permissible limit for selenium in drinking water is quantitatively higher than the World Health Organization’s recommended daily dietary allowance for an adult. Selenium contamination in groundwater is exclusively an anthropogenic issue, stemming from industrial activities like copper smelting and mining. In aquatic environments, selenium primarily exists in its elemental non-metallic form, making it resistant to common water treatment methods like reverse osmosis. The official monitoring by the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) indicates that selenium contamination is a widespread national crisis, affecting a majority of Indian states. Which of the statements given above is/are incorrect?(a) 1 and 2 only(b) 3 and 4 only(c) 1, 2 and 3 only(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 Correct Answer: (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect.The BIS limit is 10 parts per billion (ppb), which is 10 micrograms (μg) per liter. If an adult drinks 2 liters of water, they would consume 20 μg of selenium. The WHO recommended dietary allowance is 55–70 μ g/day . Therefore, the BIS permissible limit in water contributes only a fraction of, and is not higher than, the daily dietary allowance. Statement 2 is incorrect.The text explicitly states that sources of selenium include “Natural deposits” in addition to anthropogenic sources like mining and industry. The word “exclusively” makes the statement false. Statement 3 is incorrect.The text specifies that selenium in groundwater occurs in ionic forms like selenate (SeO4²⁻) and selenite (SeO3²⁻), not primarily in its elemental form. It also lists reverse osmosis as an effective treatment method, contradicting the claim that it is resistant to such methods. Statement 4 is incorrect.The findings state that out of 5,956 samples across 17 States/UTs, “Only four samples” exceeded the permissible limit. This indicates a localized issue in specific districts, not a “widespread national crisis.” Adi Karmayogi Abhiyan Syllabus: Government Policies & Intervention (GS Paper-2) Context: The Ministry of Tribal Affairs launched the Adi Karmayogi Abhiyan, envisioned as the world’s largest tribal grassroots leadership initiative, aligning with Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh and the Viksit Bharat @2047 vision to empower tribal communities through service, resolve, and dedication. Core Philosophy Guiding Principles: Sewa (Service), Sankalp (Resolve), and Samarpan (Dedication). Alignment: Embodies “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Prayas, Sabka Vishwas” for inclusive development. Key Components and Outcomes Adi Sewa Kendra: Established in every tribal-dominated village. Government officials and villagers dedicate fortnightly “Adi Sewa Samay” to address local issues, mentor youth, and ensure last-mile delivery of welfare schemes. Governance Lab Workshops: Multi-departmental collaborative platforms for problem-solving and convergence of welfare schemes. Tribal Village Action Plan (Vision 2030): Co-created by officers and villagers, aligning with national goals and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Volunteer Roles: Adi Sahyogi: Teachers, doctors, and professionals mentoring and mobilizing communities. Adi Saathi: Self-Help Groups (SHGs), tribal elders, NRLM members, and local leaders aiding outreach and implementation. Consider the following statements regarding the Adi Karmayogi Abhiyan: The initiative mandates that the ‘Tribal Village Action Plan (Vision 2030)’ be formulated exclusively by empanelled civil society organizations to ensure objective, grassroots-level planning. The ‘Adi Sewa Kendra’ operates on the principle of ‘Samarpan’ (Dedication) by requiring government officials to permanently relocate to their assigned tribal villages for effective monitoring. The roles of ‘Adi Sahyogi’ and ‘Adi Saathi’ are designed to create a collaborative ecosystem where external professionals and internal community leaders work in tandem for mentoring and outreach. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?(a) 3 only(b) 1 and 2 only(c) 2 and 3 only(d) 1, 2 and 3 Correct Answer: (a) 3 only Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect.The text states that the Tribal Village Action Plan is “Co-created by officers and villagers,” not formulated exclusively by civil society organizations. Statement 2 is incorrect.The text specifies that government officials and villagers dedicate “fortnightly ‘Adi Sewa Samay’”, which is a dedicated time slot, not a permanent relocation. Statement 3 is correct.The description accurately reflects the model outlined. Adi Sahyogi (teachers, doctors, professionals) are external mentors, while Adi Saathi (SHGs, tribal elders, local leaders) are internal community mobilizers. Their roles are indeed designed to create a tandem, collaborative ecosystem. “Anna-Chakra” Supply Chain Optimisation Tool Syllabus: Social Justice (GS Paper-2) Context: The Union Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution informed Parliament about the Anna-Chakra Tool, a digital solution enhancing the efficiency of the Public