Daily Current Affairs for UPSC IAS: 19th August 2025

Ambergris : Seized

The Ahmedabad Rural Special Operations Group (SOG) recently seized 2.97 kg of ambergris, commonly known as sperm whale vomit, worth nearly ₹2.97 crore in the international market and arrested two people.

• Ambergris, also known as ‘whale vomit’ is a solid, waxy substance produced in the digestive system of sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus).
• It is extremely valuable and has been called the ‘treasure of the sea’ and ‘floating gold’.
• It is highly valued in the perfume industry as a fragrance enhancer.
• It is also used in traditional medicines and sometimes even as a spice in eastern cultures.
• There is a ban on the possession and trade of ambergris in countries like the USA, Australia, and India.
• In India, the sale and trade of ambergris are strictly prohibited under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
• It is formed in the intestine of the whale to cover the indigestible objects from the animals on which it feeds (mostly the beaks of squid).
• Once released, it initially floats on the ocean’s surface and is black and sticky.
• Exposure to sun, air, and salt water oxidizes it, and eventually it becomes grey and waxy, often still embedded with small squid beaks. and losing its unpleasant odour.
• Ambergris is found in lumps of various shapes and sizes, ranging from 15 grams up to 420 kilograms.

Ravi River : Rise In Level

Continuous heavy rainfall in the hilly regions has led to a significant rise in water levels in the Ravi River recently.

• It is a river in northwestern India and northeastern Pakistan.
• It is one of the five tributaries of the Indus River that give Punjab (meaning “Five Rivers”) its name.
• It originates from the northern face of Rohtang Pass in Himachal Pradesh and flows through the junction formed by the BaraBang-Dhauladhar range of the Himalayas as two channels, namely Budhil and Tantgari.
• After joining, it flows through Himachal Pradesh, mainly the Chamba district, where it receives many tributaries.
• From there, it flows southwards through India, crossing through Punjab before crossing into Pakistan, where it finally merges with the Chenab River, a major tributary of the Indus River.
• It is 720 km
• The length of Ravi River in India is 320 km and has a catchment area of 14,442 sq.km
• The hydrology of the Ravi is controlled by spring snowmelt and the South Asian monsoon that brings heavy rains from June to September.
• It has several tributaries, including the Siul, Baira, and Ujh rivers.
• The Ravi River has several dams, primarily for hydropower generation and irrigation.
• The major ones include the Ranjit Sagar Dam (also known as Thein Dam) and the Chamera Dam complex (Chamera I, II, and III).
• The Indus Water Treaty of 1960 between India and Pakistan allocated the Ravi River, along with the Beas and Sutlej rivers, to India.

Halman Apricot : In News

For the first time, a consignment of 1.5 metric tonnes of Halman apricots has been sent to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Qatar.

• Halman Apricot is an apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) variety found in Ladakh.
• It is one of the best and finest apricots in the world.
• It was introduced to the region over a century ago from China or Central Asia.
• It has a wide range of distribution in different parts of Ladakh with particularly abundant in the Sham (western) part of Ladakh including Dha-Hanu, Garkhon, Skurbuchan, Domkhar, Wanla, Khaltse, and Timosgang villages.
• Renowned for its rich flavor and versatility, it is deeply embedded in Ladakhi cuisine, traditional medicine, and festive rituals, making it an indispensable part of Ladakh’s agricultural heritage.
• Halman serves as a good source of nutritive compounds.
• Nutritionally, it is a powerhouse of essential vitamins such as Vitamin C and Vitamin E and minerals like potassium, magnesium, and iron.
• It also serves as a good source of dietary fiber and antioxidants.

Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis:

Kerala’s health department has sounded an alert in Kozhikode district after three back to back cases of the rare Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM) were reported in the region.

• It is an infection of the brain and the membranes covering the brain.
• It is caused by Naegleria fowleri, known as the “brain eating amoeba”.
• Naegleria fowleri is a free-living amoeba found in warm, fresh water and soil, and infects people when it enters the body through the nose.
• This is a very rare, but serious disease with a mortality rate of more than 95%.
• It affects mainly young, active people.
• It is classified into two main types: Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM) and Granulomatous Amebic Encephalitis (GAE).
• PAM is caused by Naegleria fowleri, while GAE is typically associated with Acanthamoeba species and Balamuthia mandrillaris.
• PAM tends to progress rapidly and is often fatal within a few days, whereas GAE develops more slowly but is equally deadly if not treated promptly.
• The amoeba that causes the infection occurs in shallow surface waters and incorrectly maintained swimming pools, hot tubs, and spas, particularly in warm climates.
• Infection occurs when infected water enters the nose. This can happen when diving, jumping, or swimming in freshwater.
• The amoeba then invades the brain and meninges through the nose.
• Symptoms: sore throat, headache and pain in the forehead, hallucinations, nausea and vomiting, high fever etc.
• Treatment: Swift diagnosis and treatment with specific antibiotics may be useful, but recovery is rare.

Mt Elbrus:

A mountaineer of Arunachal Pradesh, climbed Mt Elbrus, the highest peak in Europe.

• Mount El’brus is located in southwest Russia and is part of the Caucasus Mountains.
• It is believed that the Caucasus Mountains were formed due to the northward collision of the Arabian Plate with the Eurasian Plate. Geological studies have revealed that Mount Elbrus was formed over 2.5 million years ago and the volcano had been most active during the Holocene Epoch.
• It is the highest point in Russia as well as the highest point in all of Europe.
• It has an elevation of 18,510 feet (5,642 meters). It makes up part of the Prielbrusye National Park.
• It is one of the Seven Summits of the world, which are the tallest mountains on each of the seven continents.
• Mount Elbrus is an inactive volcano that consists of two principal summits, both of which are dormant volcanic domes.
• The climate of El’brus is generally cold. Even during summer, nighttime temperatures are around -8°C (18°F).
• Major Glaciers: Bolshoi Azaou and Irik Glacier
• Major Rivers: Many Russian rivers like the Baksan, Malka, and Kuban rivers originate from Bolshoi Azaou and Irik Glacier glaciers.

Special Rupee Vostro Accounts: RBI

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has allowed non-residents holding Special Rupee Vostro Accounts (SRVAs) to invest surplus balances in government securities, while also removing prior approval for banks to open SRVAs, these steps aimed at boosting rupee trade and internationalising the Indian Rupee.

• Special Rupee Vostro Accounts (SRVAs) are accounts opened by foreign entities with Indian banks. They facilitate settlement of international trade transactions in Indian Rupees.
• SRVAs introduced in 2022, the mechanism allows exporters and importers to invoice and settle trade directly in rupees.
• RBI Measures to Promote Rupee through SRVAs: Non-resident entities with SRVAs can now invest their rupee surplus balances in Central government securities (G-secs) and Treasury Bills.
• Earlier authorised dealer (AD) banks required RBI’s prior approval before opening SRVAs for overseas correspondent banks. Now AD banks can open SRVAs independently without seeking RBI permission.
• This aims to quicken the operationalisation of rupee-based trade settlements.
• It Promotes internationalisation of the Indian Rupee. Reduces dependence on hard currencies like the US dollar in bilateral trade.
• It Encourages surplus rupee funds to be productively deployed in Indian government securities.

100 Years of the Kakori Train Action:

The Kakori Train Action, which took place in August 1925 near Kakori village close to Lucknow, holds a significant place in India’s freedom struggle.

• On 9th August 1925, Indian revolutionaries carried out the Kakori train action on the Number 8 Down train from Shahjahanpur to Lucknow, aiming to seize British government funds to support the freedom struggle.
• After the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre (1919) and suspension of Non-Cooperation Movement (1922), young nationalists formed Hindustan Republican Association (HRA) (1924) to fund revolutionary activities by seizing British treasury money transported by train.
• It was carried out by revolutionaries like Ram Prasad Bismil, Ashfaqullah Khan, Rajendra Lahiri, Keshav Chakraborty, Mukundi Lal, Banwari Lal, and Chandrashekhar Azad (member of HRA).
• British crackdown after the Kakori robbery led to arrests of many, of whom 17 were jailed, four transported for life and four—Bismil, Ashfaqullah, Roshan Singh and Rajendra Lahiri were hanged. Kakori proved to be a setback.
• Chandrashekhar Azad was one of the few revolutionaries who managed to escape police charges.

Revival of Reefs in the Gulf of Mannar:

Coral reefs in the Gulf of Mannar, Tamil Nadu, are witnessing revival through two decades of scientific restoration efforts.

• Coral reefs are marine ecosystems formed by calcium carbonate structures secreted by corals.
  Known as “rainforests of the sea”, they:
  • Support ~25% of marine biodiversity.
  • Protect coastlines from erosion.
  • Provide livelihood through fisheries and eco-tourism.
• Gulf of Mannar reefs: Spread across 21 islands, rich in Acropora, Montipora, Porites and other species.

Polyvalent Antivenom:

Experts at the Assam Snake Symposium 2025 in Guwahati called for region-specific antivenoms, highlighting the ineffectiveness of the current polyvalent serum in Northeast India.

• Polyvalent Antivenom is alife-saving serum therapy used to neutralize venom from snakebites.
• It Covers multiple snake species with a single antidote.
• Developed by: Indian manufacturers in collaboration with research institutes like Haffkine Institute, Madras Crocodile Bank Trust, and others.
• Traditionally derived from the venom of the “Big Four” snakes.
• Objective:
  • Provide a broad-spectrum antidote to reduce fatalities from snakebites.
  • Ensure one treatment can be used across most of India.
• Features:
  • Neutralizes venom of Indian cobra, common krait, Russell’s viper, and saw-scaled viper.
  • Widely available at government and private hospitals.
  • Affordable compared to region-specific alternatives.
  • Forms the backbone of India’s snakebite treatment strategy.

Sakura Science Programme:

A group of 34 students from India has been flagged off to Japan to take part in the Sakura Science Programme 2025.

• It is a youth exchange initiative officially called the Japan-Asia Youth Exchange Program in Science.
• Implemented by the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST).
• Launched in: 2014 by Japan.
• India joined in 2016 and has been an active participant since.
• Nations Involved: Participating countries include India, Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Zambia, and other Asian nations.
• Objective:
  • Promote scientific curiosity and global outlook among young learners.
  • Encourage cultural understanding and strengthen bilateral ties with Japan.
  • Provide exposure to Japan’s scientific advancements and cultural traditions.
  • Build a network of future innovators and leaders across continents.

Arctic Reindeer : Study

A new international study warns that Arctic reindeer (caribou) populations could decline by up to 80% by 2100 due to climate change, especially in North America.

Arctic Reindeer:

• Scientific Names: Rangifer tarandus (Eurasia: Reindeer; North America: Caribou).
• It is  Large herbivorous ungulate adapted to Arctic and sub-Arctic environments.
• Adaptations: Thick fur, wide hooves for snow, ability to feed on lichens in winter.
• Found across the Arctic tundra and boreal forests of North America (Canada, Alaska, Greenland) and Eurasia (Scandinavia, Russia).
• Migratory herds travel hundreds of kilometers annually, making them one of the most wide-ranging terrestrial mammals.
• Conservation Status : IUCN Red List: Vulnerable.

SBI will charge ₹2–₹10 plus GST for IMPS transfers above ₹25,000 via online channels:

The State Bank of India (SBI) has revised its IMPS (Immediate Payment Service) fee structure. Effective August 15, 2025, SBI will impose nominal charges on online IMPS transactions exceeding ₹25,000, a change that affects millions of customers using UPI-linked or net banking services for instant fund transfers. This change, however, does not affect branch-based IMPS transactions or certain exempt account categories.

Transfer Amount/Service Charge (Excl. GST)

• ₹25,001 to ₹1 lakh/₹2
• ₹1 lakh to ₹2 lakh/₹6
• ₹2 lakh to ₹5 lakh/₹10

India’s WPI inflation stays negative at –0.58% in July 2025:

India’s Wholesale Price Index (WPI)-based inflation remained in the negative zone for the second month in a row, standing at –0.58% in July 2025 on a year-on-year basis. This continued deflation at the wholesale level points to a cooling trend in input prices across key sectors such as food, energy, and metals. According to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the main contributors to the decline were lower prices of food articles, mineral oils, crude petroleum, natural gas, and basic metal products.

NPCI to Discontinue UPI P2P:

From October 1, 2025, NPCI will halt UPI peer-to-peer collect requests to prevent fraud, ensuring all P2P payments are user-initiated for better security. The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has announced that peer-to-peer (P2P) ‘collect requests’ on UPI will be discontinued from October 1, 2025. The decision affects all member banks and leading UPI apps like PhonePe, Google Pay, and Paytm, and is expected to drastically reduce fraud incidents on the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) network.

Vincent Keymer Wins Quantbox Chennai Grand Masters 2025:

German Grandmaster Vincent Keymer clinched the Quantbox Chennai Grand Masters 2025 title with one round still to play. The 20-year-old not only became the first sole champion in the event’s history, but also broke into the Top 10 of the world’s live chess ratings for the first time, marking a major milestone in his career. Keymer secured the title after drawing against Dutch Grandmaster Jorden van Foreest in Round 8. With other results going in his favor, he established an unassailable lead, making the final round a formality for him.

PM Modi Inaugurates Urban Extension Road-II and Delhi Section of Dwarka Expressway:

To improve urban mobility and reduce congestion in the National Capital Region, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated two major highway projects on August 17, 2025. The projects—Urban Extension Road-II (UER-II) and the Delhi section of the Dwarka Expressway are part of the government’s mission to deliver world-class infrastructure, improve traffic flow, and enhance connectivity in and around Delhi.The two projects carry a combined cost of Rs 11,000 crore and are expected to cut travel time by 40–60% between key points such as the Indira Gandhi International Airport and southwest/northwest Delhi.

S&P upgrades ratings of 7 Indian banks and 3 finance firms:

S&P Global Ratings has upgraded the credit ratings of 10 Indian financial institutions, including seven banks and three finance companies. This move follows India’s first sovereign credit rating upgrade in 18 years, raising it from ‘BBB-/Positive/A-3’ to ‘BBB/Stable/A-2’. The upgrades reflect improving macroeconomic conditions, robust reforms, and a maturing credit culture.

India to Host Asian Open Short Track Speed Skating Trophy 2025:

India is set to make its debut on the global winter sports map by hosting the Asian Open Short Track Speed Skating Trophy 2025. This historic international event will take place from 20 to 23 August 2025 at the Maharana Pratap Sports College in Raipur, Dehradun, Uttarakhand. For a country where winter sports are still developing, this marks a significant leap in both visibility and participation.Organized under the leadership of the Ice Skating Association of India (ISAI), the event will feature high-speed, action-packed races on ice. It is recognized as the biggest winter sports event ever hosted by India.

President Droupadi Murmu Inaugurates Plumeria Garden, Banyan Grove, and Babbling Brook at Rashtrapati Bhavan:

President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated Plumeria Garden, Banyan Grove, and Babbling Brook—three newly developed sections of the Udyan complex. These additions not only enrich the visual and ecological appeal of the President’s Estate but also introduce elements promoting wellness, sustainability, and public engagement.The Plumeria Garden introduces a refreshing landscape composed of rolling grass mounds and curated plantations. Known for its serene atmosphere and vibrant flora, this section is designed to foster peace and reflection, aligning with the aesthetic principles of traditional Indian gardens.The Banyan Grove offers a unique blend of nature therapy and wellness. The Babbling Brook introduces a dynamic water feature into the Udyan landscape

Ajay Kumar Bhalla Appointed Nagaland Governor with Additional Charge:

Ajay Kumar Bhalla, the current Governor of Manipur, has been appointed to take additional charge as the Governor of Nagaland. This move follows the demise of Nagaland Governor La Ganesan on August 15, 2025. The announcement was made through an official communiqué from the President of India on August 16, 2025. The appointment comes in the wake of the death of La Ganesan, who was serving as the Governor of Nagaland since February 2023. The 80-year-old leader passed away while undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Chennai. His demise created a constitutional vacancy, necessitating immediate action for continuity of governance. The Raj Bhavan in Kohima confirmed his death, which prompted the President’s Office to issue an urgent notification.

India’s Electronics Exports Surge 47% in Q1 2025-26:

India’s electronics exports surged by 47% year-on-year in Q1 of FY 2025-26, reaching $12.4 billion, according to Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal. The robust growth reflects the success of ‘Make in India’ and India’s transformation into a global manufacturing hub, particularly in the mobile phone sector.India’s electronics industry has grown from $31 billion in 2014-15 to $133 billion in 2024-25, showcasing exponential expansion. This transformation was enabled by policy incentives, infrastructure upgrades, and a strong push for domestic value addition.