29 July 2025 Daily Current Affairs

1. Australia and UK Forge 50-Year Geelong Treaty to Strengthen AUKUS Submarine Pact

Context: In a historic move, Australia and the United Kingdom have signed a 50-year bilateral agreement—the Geelong Treaty—to fortify their strategic partnership under the AUKUS framework. The treaty, signed in Geelong, Victoria, marks a significant milestone in defence collaboration, especially amid evolving geopolitical dynamics and the wavering role of the United States within the alliance.

What is the Geelong Treaty?

The Geelong Treaty cements a half-century commitment between Australia and the UK to jointly design, build, operate, maintain, and dispose of nuclear-powered conventionally-armed submarines—designated SSN-AUKUS—under Pillar I of AUKUS.

This agreement enhances sovereign capabilities, fosters long-term industrial cooperation, and supports workforce development in both countries, particularly in defence manufacturing and maritime technologies.

AUKUS: Strengthening Indo-Pacific Defence Posture

AUKUS, established in 2021, is a trilateral defence and security alliance between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States aimed at bolstering collective deterrence capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region.

The Two Pillars of AUKUS:

• Pillar I: Development and acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines by Australia, supported by UK and US technologies.
• Pillar II: Collaboration in cutting-edge defence domains including:
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI)
  • Quantum technologies
  • Cyber security
  • Underwater robotics
  • Hypersonic and counter-hypersonic weapons
  • Electronic warfare
  • Information sharing and innovation platforms

Why Was AUKUS Formed?

The emergence of AUKUS is a strategic response to the increasing influence of China in the Indo-Pacific, particularly its assertiveness in the South China Sea, East China Sea, and around Taiwan.

Key Drivers Behind AUKUS:

• Geopolitical Tensions: Rising concerns over territorial disputes, militarization, and coercive diplomacy by China.
• Regional Security: To maintain peace, stability, and ensure freedom of navigation in Indo-Pacific sea lanes.

• Technological Cooperation: To stay ahead in next-generation warfare technologies.
• Strategic Realignment: Reflecting a deeper commitment among like-minded democracies to secure a rules-based international order.

Opportunities from the Geelong Treaty:

For Australia:

• Gains access to nuclear propulsion technology, boosting its naval deterrence and regional clout.
• Establishes a domestic submarine industrial base, creating jobs and strategic autonomy.

For the UK:

• Strengthens its defence industry, particularly in submarine production.
• Reinforces its role as a major Indo-Pacific actor, aligning with the UK’s “Global Britain” strategy post-Brexit.

For AUKUS Allies:

• Enhanced collaboration in emerging tech fields like AI and quantum computing.
• Sets the stage for shared logistics, training, and doctrine alignment, improving joint operational capabilities.

India’s Perspective on AUKUS:

While India is not a member of AUKUS, it watches developments closely:

• Opportunities: Supports regional balance of power and stability in the Indo-Pacific.
• Concerns: Raises eyebrows over nuclear technology transfer to a non-nuclear weapon state, potentially undermining NPT norms.
• Diplomatic Strategy: India continues engaging bilaterally with AUKUS members via QUAD, Malabar Naval Exercises, and tech-sharing initiatives.

Key Challenges Ahead:

1. US Industrial Bottlenecks: The US builds only 1.13 Virginia-class submarines annually, well below the 2.33 needed to meet its own and Australia’s demands.
2. US Policy Uncertainty : With Washington re-evaluating AUKUS under an “America First” lens, future commitment—especially to Pillar II—remains uncertain.
3. Nuclear Non-Proliferation Dilemma: While under IAEA safeguards, the precedent of transferring nuclear propulsion tech to a non-nuclear weapon state could test the limits of global non-proliferation regimes.
4. Industrial and Workforce Complexities: Building and sustaining a nuclear submarine program requires decades of infrastructure, expertise, and supply chain continuity—a mammoth task for any nation.

Conclusion: A New Chapter in Maritime Power and Technological AllianceThe Geelong Treaty is more than a bilateral agreement—it’s a symbol of long-term strategic alignment in an increasingly volatile Indo-Pacific. It reaffirms UK–Australia trust while preparing both nations for future defence challenges.

2. India Steps Up Preparedness Against Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs)

Context: A powerful Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) struck Nepal, triggering flash floods along the Lende River, destroying a Chinese-constructed bridge, and crippling hydropower plants that supplied nearly 8% of Nepal’s electricity. This disaster has once again spotlighted the urgent need for regional collaboration, robust early warning systems, and resilient infrastructure planning—especially in the fragile Himalayan ecosystem.

What are Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs)?

A Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) is the sudden release of water retained in a glacial lake, usually formed by melting glaciers and dammed by moraines, ice, or bedrock. When these natural barriers fail—due to melting, landslides, or seismic activity—they unleash massive floods that can devastate communities and infrastructure downstream.

Key Characteristics:

• Peak discharges far higher than typical floods
• Often accompanied by debris flows, landslides, and erosion
• Can travel tens of kilometers downstream in a matter of hours

Root Causes of GLOFs:

1. Melting and Rising Temperatures: Climate change accelerates glacial melt, increasing the size and volume of glacial lakes.
2. Moraine or Ice Dam Failure: Weak natural dams give way under pressure from rising water or seismic shocks.
3. Avalanches and Landslides: Sudden displacements into lakes create waves that breach dams.
4. Earthquakes and Seismic Activity: Himalayan tectonics often trigger destabilization events.
5. Heavy Rainfall and Cloudbursts: Extreme weather events rapidly increase lake volume, overloading natural dams.

Catastrophic Impacts of GLOFs:

• Loss of Lives: The 2023 South Lhonak lake burst in Sikkim killed over 100 people.
• Infrastructure Damage: Roads, hydropower stations, and bridges are extremely vulnerable.
• Environmental Destruction: Alters river ecosystems, causes soil erosion, and damages biodiversity.
• Economic Consequences: Power shortages, crop failures, and transport disruptions lead to long-term losses.

India’s GLOF Risk Landscape:

The Indian Himalayan Region (IHR)—home to over 28,000 glacial lakes across 11 river basins—is one of the most GLOF-vulnerable zones globally. With more than 7,500 lakes above 4,500 meters altitude, real-time monitoring is difficult due to harsh terrain and limited infrastructure.

Notable Past Events:

• 2013 Kedarnath floods (Uttarakhand)
• 2023 South Lhonak GLOF (Sikkim)

Despite technological advances, current monitoring relies heavily on satellite remote sensing, which tracks changes after they occur but provides limited real-time data.

Government of India’s Response and Preparedness:

To address the growing threat, the Central Government has launched the National Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) Risk Mitigation Project (NGRMP). With an initial outlay of ₹150 crore, the project is being implemented in Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, and Uttarakhand.

Shift in Strategy:

India is transitioning from a reactive to a proactive approach, led by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and coordinated by the Committee on Disaster Risk Reduction (CoDRR).

Key Components of India’s GLOF Programme:

1. Hazard Assessment: Scientific identification and ranking of 195 high-risk glacial lakes (up from the initial 56).
2. Automated Weather and Water Stations (AWWS): Installed to collect real-time environmental data.
3. Early Warning Systems (EWS): Deployed downstream to alert communities in time.
4. Risk Mitigation Measures: Includes water drawdown techniques, reinforced moraine dams, and construction of retention structures.
5. Community Engagement: Building local awareness and disaster resilience through training and outreach.

Progress on the Ground:

• Successful multi-disciplinary expeditions have been conducted in Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, J&K, Uttarakhand, Arunachal Pradesh, and Sikkim.
• Use of advanced techniques like bathymetry, slope stability surveys, and Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT).
• Two automated monitoring stations now operational in Sikkim, with more planned post-monsoon.
• In regions lacking automation, Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and local volunteers support manual monitoring and alerts.

Suggestions and the Way Forward:

1. Expand Early Warning Systems: Increase AWWS and EWS coverage across high-altitude glacial zones and integrate with cell broadcast alerts.
2. Strengthen Transboundary Collaboration: Work with Nepal, Bhutan, and China for real-time upstream monitoring and information sharing.
3. Revise Infrastructure Planning Norms: Avoid placing hydro projects, towns, and roads downstream of high-risk lakes.

4. Integrate GLOF Risk into Climate Policies: Link GLOF preparedness to broader climate adaptation and resilience strategies in the Himalayas.
5. Enhance Local Capacity: Train local communities and empower panchayats and hill administrations to respond rapidly to GLOF threats.

Final Thoughts: A Race Against Melting Time

With climate change accelerating glacial melt and destabilizing natural dams, GLOFs are no longer rare events—they are an imminent threat. India has taken commendable steps in surveillance and risk reduction, but greater speed, funding, and international cooperation are vital.The Himalayas, often called the Third Pole, are not just a reservoir of water but also a ticking climate bomb. Proactive, science-backed, and community-driven strategies will determine whether South Asia can withstand the next GLOF—not if, but when it strikes again.

3. India’s Insurance Sector Poised to Double by 2030: IBAI-McKinsey Report Highlights Growth Wave

Context: India’s insurance industry is set to experience a remarkable 123% growth by 2030, according to a joint report released by the Insurance Brokers Association of India (IBAI) and McKinsey & Company. The sector, currently valued at 11.2 lakh crore (2024) in terms of Gross Written Premiums (GWP), is projected to surge to 25 lakh crore in just six years, driven by rising incomes, digital expansion, and evolving customer needs.

Current Landscape: A Sector on the Rise

India’s insurance sector has emerged as one of the fastest-growing industries, underpinned by a combination of economic growth, greater financial awareness, and policy reforms.

• India ranks 5th among life insurance markets in emerging economies.
• The sector is growing at a robust rate of 32–34% annually, despite being under-penetrated.
• Insurance penetration stands at 3.7% of GDP, significantly below the global average of 6.8%, indicating vast untapped potential.

Market Breakdown and Growth Trajectory:

Key Figures (2024–2030):

• Gross Written Premium (GWP): From 7.8 lakh crore (FY2020) to 11.2 lakh crore (2024)
  Projected to reach 25 lakh crore by 2030
• Non-Life Insurance: Expected to triple to 2.8 lakh crore, led by demand from SMEs, pharma, automotives, and textiles.
• Retail Insurance: Will contribute 21 lakh crore to total GWP by 2030, with over 90% coming from the life insurance segment.

Understanding the Customer Base:

The report identifies two major consumer segments shaping the future:

1. Top-tier (HNI & UHNI): Households with financial assets above 8.5 crore.
   Demands personalized and wealth-integrated insurance solutions.
2. Mass-Market Segment: A vast, underserved group, largely unaware of insurance benefits and often lacking access to proper financial advice.

Key Challenges Hindering Growth:

Despite the positive outlook, several structural issues remain:

• Underinsurance:
  • 87% gap in life insurance coverage.
  • 31% of the population lacks health coverage.
  • Nearly 50% of vehicles operate without mandatory third-party insurance.

• Low Penetration & Awareness: Particularly in rural and semi-urban areas, many remain unaware of the benefits or mistrust the industry.
• Claims Complexity:
  • 50% of affluent clients switched insurers due to poor claims experience.
  • 55% of SMEs had claims rejected; 75% required documentation support.
• Mis-selling and Fraud: Continues to erode consumer trust, especially among first-time buyers.
• Regulatory Barriers: Excess regulation and lack of data restrict innovation, especially in agriculture and climate-linked products.

Policy Reforms and Regulatory Support:

The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) is actively reshaping the industry’s framework to improve efficiency, trust, and inclusivity.

Major Reforms and Initiatives:

• IRDAI Vision 2047: A long-term strategy to bridge protection gaps and simplify access to insurance for all Indians.
• Bima Vistaar: A comprehensive bundled policy covering life, health, accident, and property risks — designed for quick payouts and mass adoption.
• Bima Sugam Platform: A soon-to-launch digital insurance marketplace for easy policy purchase and faster claim settlements. Expected to integrate with state death registries for real-time verification.

Government Incentives and Support: 

• FDI Reforms: Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) limit increased from 74% to 100%, encouraging global players to enter and scale in India.
• GST Rationalization (Under Discussion): Reducing 18% GST on health and life insurance, especially for senior citizens and term policies.
• Social Security Schemes: Over 44 crore beneficiaries under Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana and Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana in FY23 alone.
• Parametric Insurance Models: States like Nagaland are implementing climate-triggered insurance systems where payouts are tied to real-time weather data.

Operational Reforms Driving Innovation:

• Use-and-File Mechanism: Insurers can now launch new products without prior approval, increasing market agility.
• Digital Acceleration:
  • Use of AI for claims processing.
  • Adoption of UPI, ABHA IDs, and mobile platforms to increase accessibility.
• Bond Forward Integration: Movement of 3.5 trillion in insurer exposure to bond forwards to enhance capital efficiency.

Road Ahead: Strategies for Inclusive Growth: 

1. Simplify Insurance Products: Models like Saral Jeevan Bima and Arogya Sanjeevani offer user-friendly entry points for first-time buyers.
2. Expand Digital Access: Leverage mobile technology and local languages to reach underserved communities.
3. Empower Small Businesses: Introduce customized products and sector-specific advisory for MSMEs and self-employed individuals.
4. Strengthen Consumer Protection: Ensure transparent pricing, better grievance redressal, and fraud prevention to restore trust.
5. Boost Financial Literacy: Collaborate with schools, panchayats, and SHGs to build a culture of insurance awareness from the grassroots.

Conclusion: A Transformative Decade AheadIndia’s insurance sector stands on the brink of a transformational growth journey. With digital infrastructure, policy reforms, and customer-centric innovation, the sector is well-positioned to become a cornerstone of financial security for millions.

4. Scientists Discover Four New Wasp Species in West Bengal: Nature’s Microscopic Parasites

Context: In a significant discovery, researchers from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) have identified four new species of spider-egg parasitic wasps in the State of West Bengal. These wasps belong to the genus Idris, known for their fascinating role in arthropod population control.

Meet the Newcomers: Idris Wasps

The newly discovered wasps — Idris bianor, Idris furvus, Idris hyllus, and Idris longiscapus — were collected from agroecosystems and semi-natural habitats across West Bengal. These tiny insects are part of the Scelionidae family, under the order Hymenoptera.

Despite their microscopic size, these wasps display complex behavior and perform crucial ecological functions.

Unique Features of the New Wasp Species:

• These wasps are parasitoids, meaning they lay their eggs inside spider egg sacs, particularly those of jumping spiders (family Salticidae).
• The developing larvae feed on spider eggs, emerging as adult wasps.
• Scientists observed “gregarious parasitism” — instead of a single larva per egg sac, multiple wasp larvae grow together, leading to a synchronized emergence.
• This behavior enhances reproductive success and contributes to effective spider population control.

Ecological Significance:

These wasps, though small, play a vital ecological role. As primary egg parasitoids, they help in regulating spider populations, which in turn maintains arthropod diversity and ecosystem stability. Their presence in agricultural fields also hints at a possible role in natural pest management, reducing the reliance on chemical pesticides.

Understanding Parasitism: Nature’s Delicate Balance

Parasitism is a biological interaction where one species — the parasite — benefits at the cost of the host. Unlike predators that kill their prey, parasites often exploit the host without immediate death, allowing for longer-term benefit.

Key Characteristics:

• Only one species benefits, while the other is harmed.
• The interaction is long-term and intimate, unlike quick predator-prey interactions.
• In wasps, this involves laying eggs within or on a host, which the larvae then consume.

Famous Examples in Nature:

• Brood parasitism in birds like the cuckoo, which lays eggs in the nests of other species.
• Fungal parasitism such as Ophiocordyceps infecting ants to manipulate behavior.

Global Context: Why This Discovery Matters

This discovery contributes to the growing understanding of parasitoid wasp diversity in India, a relatively underexplored group despite its ecological importance. Globally, parasitoid wasps are being studied for their role in biological pest control, offering sustainable alternatives to harmful pesticides.

With climate change and habitat loss impacting insect populations, documenting new species is crucial for conservation, biodiversity studies, and agroecological planning.

Conclusion: Small Wasps, Big ImpactThe discovery of these four Idris wasp species sheds light on the complex interactions within ecosystems and highlights the importance of continued taxonomic and ecological research. These wasps, though nearly invisible to the naked eye, are nature’s silent regulators, preserving the balance between species and ensuring the health of both natural and agricultural ecosystems.

5. India Unveils Hydrogen-Powered Train Coach: A Green Leap for Railways

Context: In a major advancement toward eco-friendly rail transport, Indian Railways has successfully tested its first hydrogen-powered train coach at the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai. This marks a significant move toward launching India’s first full-fledged hydrogen train, supporting the nation’s vision of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting clean energy.

With only a few nations venturing into hydrogen-powered rail systems—most still in experimental phases—India is now among the frontrunners aiming to revolutionize mass transport using green hydrogen.

The Hydrogen Train Project: At a Glance

• Project Launch: Initiated by Northern Railway during 2020–21.
• Conversion: Two 1600 HP diesel locomotives are being retrofitted with hydrogen fuel cell systems.
• Train Configuration: 10-coach rake with a capacity of over 2,600 passengers.
• Operational Route: Planned between Jind and Sonepat in Haryana, completing two daily round trips covering 356 km.
• Testing Oversight: Led by the Research Design and Standards Organisation (RDSO), with engineering handled by Medha Servo Drives, and TUV-SUD (Germany) providing independent safety certification.

Safety First: Making Hydrogen Trains Secure

Hydrogen is a highly flammable gas, so stringent safety protocols have been embedded into the system:

• Each coach houses 220 kg of hydrogen in high-pressure cylinders (350 bar).
• Key safety components include:
  • Pressure relief valves
  • Flame and leak detection sensors
  • Thermal monitoring systems
  • Optimized ventilation ducts
• Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations were conducted to assess worst-case scenarios and design containment systems accordingly.
• Auxiliary systems, such as traction converters, have undergone extensive validation to ensure seamless operation.

Jind’s Hydrogen Fueling Facility: The Project’s Backbone

To power these futuristic trains, a dedicated hydrogen fuelling and storage facility is being constructed in Jind, Haryana:

• Storage Capacity: 3,000 kg of hydrogen—divided into:
  • 2,320 kg at low pressure

• 680 kg at high pressure

• Built under PESO (Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation) regulations.
• Support Infrastructure includes:
  • Power supply lines
  • Access roads
  • Firefighting tank
  • Monitoring systems

This facility is expected to become a model for hydrogen mobility infrastructure across the country.

“Hydrogen for Heritage”: Merging Green Innovation with Cultural Legacy

The initiative is part of “Hydrogen for Heritage”, a vision by Indian Railways to introduce 35 hydrogen-powered trains on heritage and hill routes—bringing green technology to culturally significant and eco-sensitive zones.

• Cost Per Train: Approximately 80 crore
• Cost of Ground Infrastructure: Additional 70 crore per route
• Targeted Impact: Cleaner transport on routes where diesel locomotives are currently necessary due to electrification challenges.

Although hydrogen train operations are presently cost-intensive, future scalability and technological advancements are expected to reduce costs significantly and make it a sustainable alternative.

India’s Broader Hydrogen Vision:

India’s hydrogen focus goes beyond railways:

• In 2024, Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri presented a hydrogen-fueled bus, developed by Indian Oil Corporation, to Bhutan’s Prime Minister—a diplomatic gesture showcasing India’s commitment to clean mobility leadership in South Asia.
• The country’s National Green Hydrogen Mission aims to make India a global hub for hydrogen production, storage, and transport, with sectors like aviation, shipping, and heavy industry also set to benefit.

Conclusion: Green Rails, Clean Future

India’s hydrogen-powered train coach isn’t just an engineering marvel—it’s a symbol of the country’s green transformation. As the world looks for sustainable transport solutions, India’s initiative blends innovation, safety, and vision into a roadmap for the future.

6. Barents Sea in Focus: Strategic Waters with Arctic Riches and Rising Tensions

Context: In a bold and highly symbolic move, Russia has deployed Bastion coastal defence missile systems to the rugged coastline of the Barents Sea as part of its large-scale naval drill, “July Storm.” This military maneuver underscores the growing strategic importance of the Arctic region, particularly as geopolitical competition intensifies across polar frontiers.

Location and Geography: Where Arctic Meets Europe

The Barents Sea is a marginal sea of the Arctic Ocean, situated along the northern coasts of Norway and Russia. It covers an expansive area of 1.4 million square kilometers, making it one of the most prominent and accessible parts of the Arctic marine environment.

• Named After: Dutch explorer Willem Barents, who charted the region in the late 16th century during his quest for a northeast sea route to Asia.
• Historical Names: Known to the Vikings and medieval Russians as the Murmean Sea.

Boundaries and Surrounding Regions

The Barents Sea is strategically enclosed by multiple key Arctic and sub-Arctic geographical features:

• Northwest: Svalbard Archipelago
• Northeast: Franz Josef Land
• East: Novaya Zemlya Archipelago
• West: Norwegian Sea and Greenland Sea
• South: Kola Peninsula, separating it from mainland Russia
• Eastward Connection: Separated from the Kara Sea by the Kara Strait

Two notable regional subdivisions:

• White Sea: A southern inlet separating the Kola Peninsula from the Russian mainland.
• Pechora Sea: Located in the southeastern sector, near the Nenets region.

Physical Features and Climate

• Length: Approximately 1,300 km
• Maximum Width: About 1,050 km
• Average Depth: Around 230 meters, typical of a continental shelf sea
• Climate: Subarctic, yet surprisingly temperate for its latitude due to the influence of the North Atlantic Current (Gulf Stream)

The Barents Sea remains ice-free in many parts throughout the year, a rare phenomenon for Arctic waters, enabling year-round shipping, exploration, and military activity.