Current Affairs 31 July 2025: Mangroves, Legal Aid, Police Reforms

This article covers the latest current affairs for 31 July 2025, focusing on critical developments in mangrove ecosystem conservation, challenges in India’s legal aid system, and ongoing police reforms. Understanding these topics is essential for aspirants and those interested in India’s governance and environmental policies.

1. NISAR Satellite – A Leap in Earth Observation

About NISAR

• NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar) is a collaborative satellite mission between NASA (USA) and ISRO (India).

• It is the first radar imaging satellite that uses dual-frequency (L-band and S-band) synthetic aperture radar (SAR).

• Aimed to be launched by ISRO in early 2025 from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota.

• The mission is a significant step toward understanding climate change, natural disasters, and Earth’s dynamic systems.

Key Institutions Involved

• NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration):

  • Provides L-band radar, high-rate communication subsystems, GPS receivers, and solid-state recorders.

  • Leads in science data processing for global applications.

• ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation):

  • Provides the S-band radar, satellite bus, launch vehicle (GSLV Mk II), and launch services.

  • Responsible for launch operations and post-launch ground support.

• JPL (Jet Propulsion Laboratory) under NASA is the key U.S. coordinating partner.

Objectives of the NISAR Mission

• To map Earth’s land and ice surfaces with unprecedented accuracy and consistency.

• Monitor and understand ecosystem disturbances, landslides, glacier movements, and sea-level rise.

• Improve response to natural disasters such as earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanoes, and cyclones.

• Support agricultural and forestry planning by tracking changes in land use and biomass.

• Enhance understanding of carbon storage, wetland monitoring, and climate-induced changes.

Key Features of NISAR

• Dual-Frequency Capability:

  • L-band (NASA) for penetrating dense forests, detecting subtle changes in ice and soil.

  • S-band (ISRO) for high-resolution monitoring of vegetation, soil, and urban areas.

• All-Weather, Day-Night Monitoring:

  • Works in cloudy conditions and during nighttime, ensuring consistent data flow.

• Interferometric SAR (InSAR) Technology:

  • Measures very small ground deformations with millimetric precision over time.

• Global Data Acquisition:

  • Covers the entire land and ice masses of Earth every 12 days, creating a time-series dataset for continuous monitoring.

Strategic and Scientific Significance

• Global Leadership in Earth observation through international collaboration.

• Supports India’s strategic interests in agriculture, resource management, and disaster preparedness.

• Enhances capacity for climate action, environmental governance, and scientific diplomacy.

• Promotes development of indigenous radar technologies and boosts India’s role in the global space economy.

Expected Applications

• Disaster Risk Reduction:
  Early warning systems and better planning for earthquakes, floods, landslides, etc.

• Agriculture and Water Resource Management:
  Crop condition monitoring, irrigation planning, and drought impact assessment.

• Urban Planning and Infrastructure Monitoring:
  Helps detect land subsidence, ground stability near dams, mines, etc.

• Cryosphere Studies:
  Monitoring Himalayan glaciers and polar ice sheet dynamics for global sea-level projections.

Recent Developments

• NISAR’s payload integration completed in early 2024.

• Joint calibration and testing phases completed by NASA and ISRO teams.

• Final launch preparations underway at U R Rao Satellite Centre, Bengaluru.

Way Forward

• NISAR will become the world’s most advanced Earth observation system upon launch.

• It will contribute to UN SDGs, especially climate action (SDG 13), life on land (SDG 15), and sustainable cities (SDG 11).

• Potential to create a shared geospatial platform for international cooperation and open data sharing.

Prelims Pointer

• First NASA-ISRO Earth-observing satellite collaboration.

• Operates in L-band (NASA) and S-band (ISRO) SAR frequencies.

• Scheduled launch: 2025 from Sriharikota by ISRO.

• Key focus: Earth deformation, biomass monitoring, natural hazard response.

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2. Lagrange Points & Aditya-L1 Mission

About Lagrange Points

• Lagrange Points are positions in space where the gravitational forces of two large celestial bodies (like the Sun and Earth) and the centrifugal force of a smaller object (like a satellite) balance out.

• An object placed at a Lagrange Point remains relatively stable and can orbit with minimal fuel use.

• These points are named after Joseph-Louis Lagrange, an 18th-century mathematician.

The Five Lagrange Points (L1 to L5)

• L1: Between Earth and the Sun. Ideal for continuous solar observation.

• L2: Beyond Earth, away from the Sun. Used for deep space telescopes like James Webb.

• L3: Behind the Sun, opposite Earth’s orbit (not practically useful).

• L4 & L5: Located at Earth’s orbit forming an equilateral triangle with the Sun and Earth. Stable but far from Earth.

Key Institutional Reference – ISRO’s Aditya-L1 Mission

• Aditya-L1 is India’s first dedicated solar mission developed by ISRO.

• Launched to Lagrange Point 1 (L1), about 1.5 million km from Earth.

• Objective: Observe the Sun continuously without any eclipses or atmospheric interference.

Objectives of Aditya-L1 Mission

• To study the solar corona, which is the outermost layer of the Sun’s atmosphere.

• Monitor solar flares, coronal mass ejections (CMEs), and their impact on Earth’s magnetic field.

• Understand space weather, which can disrupt satellites, GPS, power grids, and communication networks.

• Investigate the physics of the solar atmosphere and the dynamics of the Sun’s magnetic field.

Key Payloads of Aditya-L1

• Visible Emission Line Coronagraph (VELC): Studies the solar corona.

• Solar Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope (SUIT): Observes Sun in UV spectrum.

• Aditya Solar wind Particle Experiment (ASPEX): Measures solar wind properties.

• Plasma Analyser Package for Aditya (PAPA): Analyses solar wind composition.

• Magnetometer: Measures interplanetary magnetic fields.

• Other instruments monitor low-energy and high-energy solar particles and X-ray emissions.

Scientific and Strategic Importance

• Helps India build indigenous space-weather prediction models.

• Contributes to global solar physics research.

• Supports national security and critical infrastructure protection from space hazards.

• Boosts India’s capacity to lead in heliophysics, space observation, and satellite resilience.

Recent Developments

• Aditya-L1 was successfully launched on 2nd September 2023 aboard PSLV-C57.

• The satellite successfully reached its halo orbit around L1 in early 2024.

• Data from VELC and other payloads is already being transmitted and analyzed.

Prelims Pointer

• L1 Point is about 1.5 million km from Earth, in the Sun-Earth system.

• Aditya-L1 is India’s first solar mission, launched in 2023.

• Carries 7 payloads, including VELC, SUIT, and ASPEX.

• Aims to study solar storms, corona, and space weather impact on Earth.

3. Gaganyaan Mission – India’s First Human Spaceflight Program

About Gaganyaan

• Gaganyaan is India’s first crewed spaceflight mission, being developed by ISRO.

• The mission aims to send Indian astronauts (Gagannauts) into space aboard an indigenously developed spacecraft.

• It represents a major milestone in India’s space journey, placing the country among elite spacefaring nations like the USA, Russia, and China.

Institutional Framework

• ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) is the lead agency executing the Gaganyaan mission.

• Support from:

  • DRDO – for life support, radiation protection, and crew escape systems.

  • HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Limited) – for manufacturing crew modules.

  • IAF (Indian Air Force) – responsible for astronaut selection and training.

• Human Space Flight Centre (HSFC), Bengaluru, is dedicated to this program.

Key Objectives

• Demonstrate human spaceflight capability using an Indian launch vehicle.

• Send 3 astronauts into Low Earth Orbit (LEO) at an altitude of 400 km for up to 3 days.

• Ensure safe launch, orbiting, and re-entry with full crew survival.

• Foster a strong foundation for future space exploration, including lunar and interplanetary missions.

Key Components of the Mission

• Gaganyaan Crew Module (CM):

  • Human-carrying capsule with life support systems.

  • Designed for re-entry and recovery.

• Service Module (SM):

  • Supplies propulsion, power, and life support utilities.

• GSLV Mk III / LVM-3:

  • Modified heavy-lift launch vehicle selected for the mission.

  • Features human-rating upgrades to ensure safety.

• Environmental Control & Life Support System (ECLSS):

  • Maintains cabin pressure, temperature, and oxygen levels for astronauts.

• Crew Escape System (CES):

  • Allows emergency separation of the crew module in case of launch failures.

Recent Developments

• October 2023: ISRO successfully conducted the first Test Flight of the Crew Escape System (TV-D1).

• The Crew Module safely separated and landed in the Bay of Bengal via parachutes.

• Astronauts are undergoing rigorous training in India and Russia.

• Multiple uncrewed test flights are planned before the final manned mission.

Timeline & Phases

• Phase 1:

  • 2024: Uncrewed test flights to validate life support, re-entry, and recovery.

• Phase 2:

  • Expected 2025: Actual manned mission with 3 astronauts for a 3-day mission.

• Post-Gaganyaan plans include:

  • Space station, moon mission, and interplanetary travel research.

Significance of Gaganyaan

• Positions India as a technologically advanced space power.

• Boosts development of critical technologies: life support, radiation shielding, human-rated rockets.

• Creates spin-off benefits for healthcare, AI, sensors, robotics, and materials science.

• Inspires youth towards STEM careers and strengthens national pride.

Prelims Quick Pointers

• Gaganyaan = First Indian human spaceflight.

• ISRO + DRDO + IAF + HAL + HSFC involved.

• Will send 3 astronauts to LEO (400 km) for 3 days.

• Uses GSLV Mk III (LVM-3).

• First uncrewed test flight completed in October 2023.

4. Mangroves & Coastal Security: Ecological Importance and Conservation Efforts

Why it’s in the News:
Increasing climate threats and rising sea levels have brought renewed focus on the role of mangroves in coastal protection and ecological balance.

Key Points:

• Mangrove Ecosystems: Salt-tolerant trees/shrubs thriving in intertidal zones, unique for their aerial roots (pneumatophores) and vivipary (seed germination on parent plant).

• Ecological Significance:

  • Act as natural coastal buffers reducing damage from cyclones, tsunamis, and storm surges.

  • Serve as carbon sinks (blue carbon) sequestering carbon 3–5 times more than terrestrial forests.

  • Provide habitats and nurseries for marine species like fish, crabs, and migratory birds.

  • Support livelihoods for coastal communities via fisheries, honey, and ecotourism.

• Threats:

  • Rising sea levels, industrial pollution, land conversion for aquaculture and agriculture, invasive species like Prosopis juliflora.

  • Damage from cyclones such as Amphan (2020) and Mocha (2023).

• Conservation Initiatives:

  • MISHTI (Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats and Tangible Incomes): Financial assistance and awareness programs by the government.

  • WWF’s Magical Mangroves Campaign and state-level efforts (Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Maharashtra).

  • CRZ 2019 Notification: Designates mangroves as Ecologically Sensitive Areas with mandatory 50m buffer zones.

  • Use of Remote Sensing & GIS for monitoring and restoration.

• State-Level Success Stories:

  • Tamil Nadu doubled mangrove cover in key districts.

  • Mumbai’s project combining mangrove restoration with urban cleanup and women’s employment.

  • Gujarat leads in mangrove cover and restoration, aligning with blue carbon goals.

5. Legal Aid Systems in India: Bridging the Justice Gap

Why it’s in the News:
The India Justice Report 2022–23 highlights major gaps in legal aid delivery despite constitutional guarantees under Articles 21 and 39A.

Key Points:

• Legal Framework: Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987 establishes free legal aid nationwide.

• Institutions:

  • NALSA (National Legal Services Authority) — central coordination.

  • SLSAs & DLSAs — state and district level legal services.

• Legal Aid Clinics: Only one clinic per 163 villages, insufficient for the huge demand.

• Coverage: About 80% of India’s population is eligible, but only 15.5 lakh beneficiaries received aid in 2023-24.

• Budget & Resources:

  • Legal aid gets <1% of the total judiciary budget.

  • NALSA fund utilization dropped from 79% to 59% in 5 years.

  • Per capita spending nationally is just ₹3; states like Bihar and Assam lag far behind.

• Paralegal Volunteers (PLVs):

  • Serve as grassroots legal educators and mediators.

  • Active deployment dropped drastically from 53,000 trained to 14,000 active PLVs in 2023.

  • Honorariums are often below minimum wage; Kerala is an exception.

• Legal Aid Defense Counsel (LADC) Scheme:

  • Modeled on public defender systems internationally.

  • Operational in 610 of 670 districts but funding was cut in 2024–25.

• Challenges:

  • Limited awareness among eligible populations.

  • Quality and accountability issues.

  • Geographic, linguistic, and socioeconomic barriers.

Factual References:

• India Justice Report (2022-23) by Tata Trusts & Daksh

• NALSA Annual Reports

• Ministry of Law & Justice Budget Documents

6. Police Reforms in India: Challenges

Why it’s in the News:
Despite landmark Supreme Court directives in Prakash Singh vs. Union of India (2006), police reforms remain incomplete, impacting accountability and law enforcement efficacy.

Key Points:

• Supreme Court Directives:

  • Establish State Security Commissions (SSC) to insulate police from political interference.

  • Merit-based appointment and minimum two-year tenure for DGPs.

  • Fixed tenure for operational officers (SPs and SHOs) to prevent arbitrary transfers.

  • Separate investigation wings from law and order duties for professionalism.

  • Constitute Police Establishment Boards for postings and transfers below DSP level.

  • Set up Police Complaints Authorities (PCA) at state and district levels.

  • National Security Commission (NSC) at the center for CPO chiefs’ selection and tenure.

• Current Status:

  • Many states have not fully implemented SSCs, PCAs, or ensured fixed tenures.

  • Political interference and arbitrary transfers persist.

  • Investigation wings are often understaffed and under-resourced.

• Challenges:

  • Resistance from police leadership and politicians.

  • Lack of accountability mechanisms and public trust.

  • Insufficient training on human rights and community policing.

  • Poor infrastructure and outdated technology in many forces.

Factual References:

• Prakash Singh vs. Union of India (2006) Supreme Court Judgment

• Ministry of Home Affairs Annual Reports

• Law Commission Reports on Police Reforms

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