Daily Current Affairs – 4th October 2025

Daily Current Affairs – 4th October 2025 : A Comprehensive Overview

Draft Rules for Regulation of Online Gaming in India

The Ministry of Electronics and IT has released draft rules under the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025. The Act, which received Presidential assent in August 2025, aims to regulate online gaming in India, ensure user safety, and curb societal and security concerns linked to money-based online games.

Key Provisions of the Draft Rules –

• Establishment of the Online Gaming Authority of India —
  • Composition: A chairperson and five members from various government ministries.

•     Powers:

• Decide whether a game qualifies as an “online money ”
• Register online games.
• Issue directions and impose penalties.
• Cancel registration in case of material changes (e.g., revenue model shift to betting).

• Scope of regulation —
  • Prohibited: All forms of online money games (poker, fantasy sports, wagering).
  • Permitted: “Online social games” and e-sports, for purposes like recreation, education, and skill development.
• Registration process —
  • Mandatory for all online game operators.
  • Companies must provide:
  • Revenue
  • User safety measures.
  • Proof that revenue comes from ads, subscriptions, or one-time fees (not wagers).

• Penalties and liabilities —
  • Violations classified as non-bailable offences.
  • Entire company staff can be held liable.

• Penalty quantum to be decided based on:
  • Profits earned through non-compliance.
  • Losses caused to users.
  • Repeated nature of violation.
• Grievance redressal mechanism (3-tiered system) —
  • Internal redressal by the gaming service provider.
  • Appealto the Grievance Appellate Committee (under IT Intermediary Rules, 2021).
  • Appeal to the Online Gaming Authority.
• Role of Ministry of Information and Broadcasting —
  • Issue codes of practice for classification of online social games.
  • Provideguidelines for games related to recreation, education, and skill development.

Significance of the Draft Rules and Way Forward –

• Significance —
  • Addresses security and societal concerns over online gaming.
  • Introduces comprehensive regulation for a growing digital sector.
  • Balances innovation in e-sports and gaming with public safety and consumer protection.
• Way forward —
  • Ensure clarity in defining “online money games” “social games.”
  • Build stakeholder consensus through public consultation (Example, draft rules open for public consultation till October 31).
  • Develop technological tools to monitor compliance.
  • Encourage responsible gaming while supporting India’s gaming and e-sports industry growth.

Conclusion –

• The draft rules mark a decisive step in regulating India’s fast-growing online gaming industry.
• The government seeks to safeguard consumers, curb societal harms, and promote e-sports and skill-based gaming.
• The balance between regulation and innovation will determine the effectiveness of this legislation in shaping a responsible digital gaming ecosystem in India.

Global Electrolyser Market

China is capturing nearly 85% of the global alkaline electrolyser market, raising concerns about its dominance in green hydrogen supply chains.

Introduction –

• As the world transitions towards clean energy, green hydrogen has emerged as a central pillar of decarbonisation strategies.
• Electrolysers, which split water into hydrogen and oxygen using electricity, are at the heart of this revolution.
• Much like photovoltaic (PV) modules in solar energy, electrolysers are becoming critical in determining the pace and cost-effectiveness of green hydrogen adoption.
• A new debate has surfaced around China’s growing dominance in electrolyser manufacturing and whether it can replicate its success from the solar industry in this new sector.

The Role of Electrolysers in Green Hydrogen –

• Green hydrogen is produced when electrolysers use renewable electricity, such as from wind or solar, to split Currently, two main types of electrolysers are commercially used:
  • Alkaline Electrolysers (ALK): A mature technology with lower costs but less efficient under fluctuating loads, making them less suited for renewables.
  • Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) Electrolysers: More efficient at variable loads and capable of producing high-purity hydrogen, though significantly costlier due to reliance on rare metals like platinum and iridium.
• Electrolysers are thus crucial in scaling up global green hydrogen production, especially as industries such as refining, steelmaking, and ammonia production pivot towards decarbonisation.

China’s Dominance in the Electrolyser Market –

• By 2024, China had become the world’s leading hydrogen producer with 36.5 million tonnes annually, including 1,20,000 tonnes of green hydrogen, nearly half the global share. Its dominance in the electrolyser market stems largely from:
  • Manufacturing Scale: China controls about 85% of global alkaline electrolyser capacity.
  • Cost Advantage: Chinese alkaline electrolysers are up to 45% cheaper for international buyers, especially in Europe.
  • Integrated Supply Chains: Abundant domestic access to raw materials like nickel and steel lowers costs.
  • Rapid Deployment: Chinese firms such as LONGi and Envision Energy are not only producing electrolysers but also constructing overseas hydrogen plants.

Price Reductions and Market Push –

• Electrolyser prices in China have fallen steeply, aided by economies of scale and supply chain maturity —
  • A 5 MW ALK electrolyser system cost six million yuan (~$167/kW) in 2024, a 20% drop from 2023.
  • A 1 MW PEM electrolyser system was priced at the same six million yuan (~$838/kW), reflecting a 32% fall in one year.
• These reductions enhance China’s competitiveness, mirroring the strategy it adopted in the solar PV industry.

Challenges to China’s Global Expansion –

• Despite its momentum, China faces hurdles in capturing the electrolyser market outright —
• Resource Constraints: PEM electrolysers need precious metals like platinum and iridium, where China depends heavily on imports.
• System Integration Requirements: Hydrogen systems must be tailored to purity and end- use, limiting the benefits of scale alone.
• Geopolitical Pushback: Unlike the solar sector, many countries view green hydrogen as strategic and are building domestic capabilities, creating resistance to Chinese imports.
• Regulatory Scrutiny:  Concerns over supply chain security and national energy independence are likely to restrict China’s free entry into global markets.

Global Competition in Green Hydrogen –

• While China is scaling aggressively, other nations are also ramping up efforts. The EU, U.S., Japan, and India have launched national hydrogen missions to secure domestic manufacturing capacity and reduce reliance on imports.
• This creates a more contested environment than the solar PV industry, where China’s entry was relatively unchallenged.

Biostimulants

The Union Agriculture Ministry has revoked approval for 11 biostimulants derived from animal sources such as chicken feathers, pig tissue, bovine hide, and cod scales. These products, earlier cleared for use in crops like paddy, tomato, potato, cucumber, and chilli, were withdrawn following complaints citing “religious and dietary restrictions.”

Biostimulants: An Overview –

• These are natural or synthetic substances that enhance plant growth, nutrient uptake, and stress tolerance, without being traditional fertilisers or pesticides pesticides.
• It can be derived from plant extracts, microorganisms, animal by-products, or synthetic compounds.
• Importantly, biostimulants are distinct from pesticides or plant growth regulators, which are covered under the Insecticide Act, 1968.

•     Examples of Biostimulants with Uses —

• Seaweed extracts: Improve root growth, enhance flowering, and increase resistance to drought and salinity.
• Humic & fulvic acids: Boost nutrient absorption and soil fertility.
• Protein hydrolysates & amino acids: Promote early plant growth, increase yield and fruit quality.
• Microbial inoculants (e.g., Azotobacter, Mycorrhizae): Aid in nitrogen fixation, phosphorus solubilisation, and better soil health.
• Chitosan (from crustacean shells): Enhances plant defence mechanisms against pests and diseases.

•     Advantages —

• Improve nutrient use efficiency, reducing dependence on chemical fertilisers.
• Enhance plant tolerance to abiotic stresses like drought, heat, or salinity.
• Contribute to higher yields and better quality produce (size, colour, taste).
• Promote soil health and microbial activity, supporting sustainable agriculture.
• Environmentally friendly alternative compared to excessive agrochemical use.

•     Regulation of Biostimulants in India —

• These are regulated under the Fertiliser Control Order (FCO), 1985, formally included through a 2021 amendment.
• Manufacturers must register products in Schedule VI with detailed data on chemistry, bio- efficacy, toxicology, and heavy metals.
• Oversight lies with the Central Biostimulant Committee.

•     India’s Biostimulants Market —

• India’s biostimulants market, valued at US$ 53 million in 2024, is projected to rise to US$ 1,135.96 million by 2032.
• Major producers include Coromandel International, Syngenta, and Godrej Agrovet.
• Biostimulants are typically sold in liquid form and applied to crops via spraying.

Centre Withdraws Approval for Animal-Based Biostimulants –

• The government has withdrawn approval for 11 biostimulants derived from animal-based protein hydrolysates—made from bovine hide, chicken feathers, pig tissue, cod scales, sardines, and other animal parts.
• These biostimulants were earlier cleared for crops like paddy, tomato, chilli, cotton, cucumber, soybean, grapes, and green gram.

•     Regulatory Action —

• The move came via a recent notification, which omitted these products from Schedule VI of the Fertiliser Control Order (FCO), 1985.
• Though cleared earlier this year by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), ICAR later withheld permission citing ethical, religious, and dietary
• It stressed the need for pre-harvest interval data before allowing animal-derived foliar sprays.

•     Regulatory Evolution —

• Biostimulants, distinct from fertilisers, are used mainly as sprays to boost crop yield, quality, and growth.
• Until 2021, they were freely sold without specific rules on safety or efficacy.
• The 2021 amendment to the FCO mandated registration and proof of safety, but companies could continue sales until June 16, 2025, if applications were filed.

•     Minister’s Concerns on Market Proliferation —

• Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan highlighted the rampant sale of unregulated biostimulants, with nearly 30,000 products in circulation earlier.
• Even after stricter checks, about 8,000 remained in the last four years, but the crackdown has now reduced this to around 650 products.

Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF)

The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) has launched a tool called SARAL (Simplified and Automated Research Amplification and Learning) to make scientific research more accessible and understandable.

About Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) –

• Established under — ANRF Act, 2023, functioning under the Department of Science & Technology (DST).
• Subsumed body — The Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) has been merged into ANRF.
• Core objective — To seed, grow, and promote R&D, and foster a research and innovation culture across universities, colleges, research institutions, and R&D labs in India.
• Strategic role — Acts as an apex body providing high-level strategic direction to research, in line with the National Education Policy (NEP), 2020.
• Funding target — ₹50,000 crore for the period 2023–2028, with ~70% expected from private sector contributions.
• Broader vision — Develop an AI Science & Engineering Open India Stack to revolutionise sectors like drug and chemical discovery, aerospace design, advanced materials, climate and weather studies.
• Single-window system — Envisaged as a single-window clearance mechanism for R&D funding in academic and research institutions.
• SARAL uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) to generate simplified summaries of complex research papers in the form of videos, podcasts, posters, and presentations for wider outreach.

Sir Creek

Recently, the Defence Minister of India warned Pakistan against any aggression in the Sir Creek region, stating that India would give a “resounding and decisive response” that could alter “history and geography”.

About Sir Creek –

• Sir Creek is a 96 km long tidal estuary located in the marshy Rann of Kutch region, separating Gujarat (India) from Sindh (Pakistan).
• It flows into the Arabian Sea and is a strategically sensitive zone due to its proximity to the international boundary.
• The area is significant for security, fishing rights, oil and gas exploration, and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) determination.

Nature of the Dispute –

• The dispute arises from differing interpretations of the 1914 Bombay Government Resolution signed between Sindh (then under British India) and the Ruler of Kutch.
• Pakistan’s claim: The boundary lies on the eastern bank of the creek (giving the creek to Sindh).
• India’s claim: The boundary should follow the thalweg principle (mid-channel line of navigable waters).
• Pakistan’s counter-argument: Sir Creek is not navigable, hence the thalweg principle doesn’t apply.
• India’s stand: The creek is navigable during high tide, so international maritime norms apply.

PRIP Scheme

The government recently invited applications for research and innovation projects under its Promotion of Research and Innovation in Pharma-MedTech Sector scheme to make it a globally competitive and innovation-driven sector.

About PRIP Scheme –

• The PRIP scheme was launched by the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilisers, to transform India into a global powerhouse for R&D in the Pharma MedTech sector.
• The scheme was notified in 2023 with a total financial outlay of ₹5000 crores.
• The aim of the scheme is to promote industry-academia linkage for R&D in priority areas and to inculcate the culture of quality research and nurture our pool of scientists.
• It focuses on two components —

•     Component A —

• Strengthening research infrastructure through establishment of Centres of Excellence (CoE) in the seven existing National Institutes of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPERs).
• These CoEs would be set up in pre identified areas with a financial outlay of Rs 700 Crores.

•     Component B —

• Promoting research in the pharmaceutical sector by encouraging research in six priority areas wherein financial assistance will be provided for the industries, MSMEs, SMEs, startups working with government institutes, and for both in- house and academic research.
• The component has a financial outlay of 4250 Crores.
• Bigger companies can seek funding of up to ₹125 crore, while startups can secure up to ₹1 crore over a period of five years, based on their milestones.

• Priority Areas —
•   New Chemical Entity, New Biological Entity, and Phyto-pharmaceuticals
• Complex generics and Biosimilars
• Precisionmedicine (Targeted innovative therapeutics)
• Medical devices
• Orphan Drugs
• Drug development for anti-microbial resistance (AMR)
• An Empowered Committee under the chairmanship of CEO, NITI Aayog, with the secretary- level representation of Pharmaceuticals, Health, ICMR, DBT, CSIR, AYUSH, and DST, will provide guidance for the implementation of the scheme.

Trichloroethylene (TCE)

Long-term exposure to the industrial solvent Trichloroethylene (TCE) outdoors may be linked to an increased risk of Parkinson’s disease, according to a recent study.

About Trichloroethylene (TCE) –

• It is a volatile, colourless liquid organic chemical.
• TCE does not occur naturally and is created by chemical synthesis.
• Applications —
  • It is used primarily to make refrigerants and other hydrofluorocarbons and as a degreasing solvent for metal equipment.
  • TCE is also used in some household products, such as cleaning wipes, aerosol cleaning products, tool cleaners, paint removers, spray adhesives, and carpet cleaners and spot removers.
  • Commercial dry cleaners also use trichloroethylene as a spot remover.

• How are People Exposed to Trichloroethylene?
  • TCE may be found in the air, water, and soil at places where it is produced or used.
  • It breaks down slowly and remains in the environment for a long time.
  • It readily passes through soil and can accumulate in groundwater.
  • People in the general population can be exposed to TCE by inhaling it in indoor and outdoor air, drinking contaminated water, or eating foods that have been washed or processed with contaminated water.

• Impact on Human Health —
  • People with prolonged or repeated exposure to TCE could experience liver problems and may have an increased risk of developing liver or kidney cancer.
  • TCE also has genotoxic and immunotoxic potential, and some studies indicate that it may be a teratogen.
  • There is also increasing evidence supporting the association between TCE exposure and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and several reproductive and developmental toxicity endpoints, including infertility in males and females, impaired foetal growth, and cardiac teratogenesis.

Neurons

A new study (2025) has identified Dendritic Nanotubes (DNTs) in the brains of mice and humans, a new form of neuron-to-neuron connection.

About Neurons –

• Neurons (nerve cells) are the fundamental units of the brain and nervous system.
• They are responsible for —
  • Receiving sensory input from the environment.
  • Sending motor commands to muscles.
  • Processingand transmitting electrical and chemical signals.

•     Structure of Neuron —

• Dendrites → receive incoming signals.
• Cell Body (Soma) → integrates signals.
• Axon → carries impulses away from the cell body.
• AxonTerminals → release neurotransmitters at synapses.

Neuronal Communication –

• Traditionally, neurons communicate via synapses where neurotransmitters cross gaps.
• New Discovery — Neurons may also connect via nanotubes (DNTs), enabling —
  • Direct electrical signal transfer.
  • Proteintransport (including amyloid-beta, linked to Alzheimer’s).

Thumri Music

Recently, Thumri lost a towering voice with the demise of Pandit Chhannulal Mishra (1936–2025), Padma Vibhushan awardee and one of the last great exponents of the Purab Ang of Banaras Gharana.

About Thumri Music –

• Thumri is a semi-classical vocal form of Hindustani music, often called the “lyric of Indian classical music”.
• It originated in Eastern Uttar Pradesh (mainly Lucknow and Benares) during the 18th century CE, developed by Sadiq Ali Shah.
• Themes — Primarily about love, separation, and devotion, often centred on Radha-Krishna episodes.
• Language — Usually sung in Braj Bhasha, Awadhi, and Hindi dialects, with touches of Urdu and Sanskrit.
• Distinct Feature — Freedom in improvisation; emphasis on bhava (emotion) over strict adherence to raga grammar.
• Associated Dance Form — Closely linked with Kathak, enhancing its narrative expression.
• Influences — Draws from Hori, Kajri, Dadra, Jhoola, Chaiti, etc.

•     Types of Thumri —

• Purbi Thumri (Eastern/Slow tempo): More emotional and lyrical, usually associated with Banaras Gharana.
• PunjabiThumri (Fast tempo): Energetic, lively, linked with Patiala Gharana.

•     Major Gharanas of Thumri —

• Banaras Gharana – Girija Devi, Rasoolan Bai, Siddheshwari Devi, Chhannulal Mishra.
• Lucknow Gharana – Courtly refinement under Nawabs, Begum Akhtar.
• PatialaGharana – Vibrant style with rhythmic play.

Snow Leopard

Himachal Pradesh has recorded 83 snow leopards (up from 51 in 2021) as per the latest survey by the Wildlife Wing of the State Forest Department in collaboration with the Nature Conservation Foundation (NCF).

About Snow Leopard (Panthera uncia) –

• Declared State Animal of Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh.
• Found across 12 range countries – Afghanistan, Bhutan, China, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan.
• India is home to an estimated 500–700 snow leopards spread across the Himalayas and Trans- Himalayan region.
• Mascot of Khelo India Winter Games 2024: named Sheen-e She (Shan) in Ladakh.

Key Characteristics –

• Medium-sized cat
• Vocalisation: Cannot roar, unlike most big cats.
• Evolutionary relation: Closer to tigers than leopards.

Key details of the Survey –

• The exercise, covering 26,000 sq km across Spiti Valley, Kinnaur, Pangi, Lahaul, and Great Himalayan National Park, involved 271 camera traps.
• First official sighting of Pallas’s Cat in Kinnaur and rediscovery of Woolly Flying Squirrel in Lahaul also reported.
• For the first time globally, indigenous women from Kibber contributed to data analysis, highlighting inclusive community participation in conservation.
• Himachal Pradesh is the first state in India to complete a population estimation of snow leopards, setting a cost-effective, scalable model for monitoring.

Ichamati River

As the Durga Puja immersions commenced on the Ichamati river, a heightened security presence was initiated on the India-Bangladesh border.

About Ichamati River –

• It is a trans-boundary river which flows through India and Bangladesh.
• It also forms part of the boundary between the two countries.

•     Course —

• It is one of the bifurcations of the Mathabhanga River (a distributary of the Padma) and originates at Mahjdia village in the Nadia district of West Bengal.
• It flows through the Nadia and North 24 Parganas districts of West Bengal.
• Then it forms part of the India–Bangladesh international border. Later, it enters Bangladesh’s Satkhira and Khulna districts.
• It covers a distance of around 216 km before discharging into the Kalindi River at Hasnabad in North 24 Parganas District and finally outfalls into the Bay of Bengal near Moore Island.
• Ichhamati River and its tributaries form a large oxbow lake complex in North 24-Paraganas
• district near Bangaon.
• The river is facing siltation leading to thin flow of water in the dry season and floods in the rainy season.

Exercise Drone Kavach

The Spear Corps under Eastern Command of the Indian Army recently conducted Exercise ‘Drone Kavach’ in the forward areas of Eastern Arunachal Pradesh.

About Exercise Drone Kavach –

• It was conducted by the Indian Army’s Spear Corps, operating under the Eastern Command.
• The four-day exercise was conducted in the forward areas of Eastern Arunachal Pradesh.
• The exercise showcased the Army’s combat readiness for the next generation of drone warfare, besides validating state-of-the-art drone technologies.
•  It was also attended by personnel of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) deployed in forward areas.
• As part of it, a series of tactical manoeuvres and combat situations were exercised to validate the Army’s preparedness for operating in a multi-domain, technology-infused battlefield scenario.
• Tactics, techniques, and procedures pertaining to target acquisition, active/passive counter- drone measures, and target neutralisation with assured success were rehearsed under simulated conditions.
• Newly raised structures at the unit level were also exercised for developing tactics, techniques, and procedures in consonance with the overall employment philosophy and mandated operational tasks.

MCQs

1.  Which of the following statements regarding biostimulants is/are correct?

1. They are substances or microorganisms that enhance plant growth by stimulating natural processes like nutrient absorption and stress tolerance.
2. According to the Fertiliser Control Order (1985), biostimulants include pesticides and plant growth regulators.
3. They can improve grain filling in crops like corn and enhance postharvest fruit quality.
4. Biostimulants are exclusively derived from synthetic chemicals and do not include natural sources like seaweed or plant waste.

Select the correct answer using the code given below –

1. 1 and 3 only
2. 2 and 4 only
3. 1, 2, and 3 only
4. 1, 3, and 4 only

Answer – A

 Explanation – These are substances or microorganisms that help improve plant growth and productivity. They work by stimulating natural processes in plants, such as nutrient absorption, stress tolerance, and overall yield. These substances are sometimes made from plant waste or seaweed According to the Fertiliser Control Order of 1985, biostimulants are used on plants, seeds, or soil (rhizosphere) to support growth and do not include pesticides or plant growth regulators, which are governed by separate laws. Benefits of Biostimulants — Stress Tolerance Enhancement – Improve plant response to environmental stress (drought, heat); Boost germination, root growth, and nutrient uptake. Better Grain & Fruit Quality – Enhance grain fill in crops like corn; Support fruit colouring and postharvest quality; Improve drought resilience during critical growth phases. Growth Promotion – Contain growth-promoting microbes; Increase leaf area, seedling height, and overall crop yield.

2.     Consider the following statements regarding the ‘Anusandhan National Research Foundation’ (NRF) —

1. The Anusandhan National Research Foundation aims to foster, strengthen, and promote scientific research in India.
2. The NRF functions under the Ministry of Science and Technology.
3. One of the key objectives of the NRF is to fund research projects across various disciplines, including science, technology, and humanities.
4. The NRF was established through an act of Parliament.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 1, 2, and 3 only
3. 1, 3, and 4 only
4. All of the above

Answer – C

 Explanation – The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (NRF) aims to foster, strengthen, and promote scientific research in India. The NRF functions under the Department of Science and Technology, not directly under the Ministry of Science and Technology. One of the key objectives of the NRF is to fund research projects across various disciplines, including science, technology, and humanities. The NRF was established through an act of Parliament to ensure its statutory status and function.

3.  Thalweg Doctrine is associated with –

1. International Arbitration of Civil offences
2. International Maritime Law
3. Biological Weapons
4. None of the above

Answer – B

 Explanation – Thalweg Doctrine of International Maritime Law states that river boundaries between two states may be divided by the mid-channel if the water-body is navigable.

4.  Which of the following statement(s) is/are correct about ‘Snow Leopards’?

1. They inhabit alpine and subalpine zones at elevation from 3,000 to 4,500 metres in the northern range countries.
2. Russia contains as much as 60% of all snow leopard habitat areas.
3. Snow Leopard is listed as ‘critically endangered’ on the IUCN Red List of threatened species.

Select the correct codes from below –

1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. 1 and 2 only
4. All of the above

Answer – A

Explanation – Snow Leopards are listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. They inhabit alpine and subalpine zones at elevations from 3,000 to 4,500 m (9,800 to 14,800 ft). In the northern range countries, they also occur at lower elevations. Their habitat extends through twelve countries – Afghanistan, Bhutan, China, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. China contains as much as 60% of all snow leopard habitat areas. In India, their geographical range encompasses a large part of the western Himalayas including the states of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh in the eastern Himalayas. The snow leopard, like all big cats, is listed on Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species (CITES), which makes trading of animal body parts (i.e., fur, bones and meat) illegal in signatory countries. It is also protected by several national laws in its range countries. Global Snow Leopard Forum, 2013 – 12 countries encompassing the snow leopard’s range (Afghanistan, Bhutan, China, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan). Bishkek Declaration was passed to protect the species and its environment. Global Snow Leopard and Eco-System Protection Program – It is a joint initiative of range country governments, international agencies, civil society, and the private sector. Goal — secure the long-term survival of the snow leopard in its natural ecosystem.

5.  Consider the following statements regarding Trichloroethylene (TCE) –

1. It is a naturally occurring volatile compound found in various
2. Its primary industrial applications include the manufacture of refrigerants and use as a metal degreasing solvent.
3. Human exposure routes include inhalation of contaminated air and ingestion of contaminated water.
4. Prolonged exposure is linked only to liver and kidney cancer, with no other significant health risks.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 1, 3 and 4 only
4. 2, 3 and 4 only

Answer – B

 Explanation – It is a volatile, colourless liquid organic chemical. TCE does not occur naturally and is created by chemical synthesis. Applications — It is used primarily to make refrigerants and other hydrofluorocarbons and as a degreasing solvent for metal equipment. TCE is also used in some household products, such as cleaning wipes, aerosol cleaning products, tool cleaners, paint removers, spray adhesives, and carpet cleaners and spot removers. Commercial dry cleaners also use trichloroethylene as a spot remover. How are People Exposed to Trichloroethylene? TCE may be found in the air, water, and soil at places where it is produced or used. It breaks down slowly and remains in the environment for a long time. It readily passes through soil and can accumulate in groundwater. People in the general population can be exposed to TCE by inhaling it in indoor and outdoor air, drinking contaminated water, or eating foods that have been washed or processed with contaminated water. Impact on Human Health — People with prolonged or repeated exposure to TCE could experience liver problems and may have an increased risk of developing liver or kidney cancer. TCE also has genotoxic and immunotoxic potential, and some studies indicate that it may be a teratogen. There is also increasing evidence supporting the association between TCE exposure and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and several reproductive and developmental toxicity endpoints, including infertility in males and females, impaired foetal growth, and cardiac teratogenesis.

 Source – The Hindu

Also Read : Daily Current Affairs – 3 October 2025