07.08.25 Current Affairs

ONE LINER CURRENT AFFAIRS

National Affairs

• Lok Sabha passed a bill to provide ST reservation in Goa Legislative Assembly under Article 332.
• President’s Rule in Manipur was extended, citing ongoing unrest and breakdown of law and order.
• ‘Haat on Wheels’ initiative launched to improve access to tribal produce via mobile vans.
• Discussion in Parliament on the impacts of cloudbursts, following the Uttarkashi disaster.
• India’s External Affairs Minister emphasized reforming global governance structures to reflect today’s multipolarity.
• India continues preparations for G20 presidency legacy projects focusing on inclusive growth and climate resilience.
• Reservation of STs in Goa aligns with proportional representation as per constitutional mandate.
• Government emphasized addressing the vulnerability of Himalayan states to disasters like flash floods.
• Discussions underway on implementing AI/ML-based weather forecasting systems for disaster risk reduction.
• Parliament deliberated on WHO classification of Hepatitis D as cancer-causing and India’s public health response.

International Relations

• India and Philippines signed a Strategic Partnership Plan of Action (2025–29) during President Marcos Jr’s visit.
• Agreements included Mutual Legal Assistance, Transfer of Sentenced Persons, and space and tourism cooperation.
• India to support the Philippines’ Sovereign Data Cloud Infrastructure, enhancing digital public governance.
• Philippines invited to join the Information Fusion Centre–Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR).
• First India-Philippines naval exercise in Manila waters held; hydrography and maritime security discussed.
• India pushing Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) with the Philippines to boost bilateral trade.
• India granted free e-tourist visa to Filipino nationals for one year starting August 2025.
• Shared Indo-Pacific vision reaffirmed, with both countries emphasizing freedom of navigation under UNCLOS.
• Philippines remains the only foreign buyer of BrahMos, highlighting strategic defence ties.
• India called for fair representation in global institutions during BIMSTEC Music Festival, countering US tariff moves.

Environment and Climate

• Cloudburst in Dharali, Uttarkashi led to flash floods; deaths and infrastructure damage reported.
• Cloudbursts increasingly frequent in Himalayan states due to orographic lift and climate change.
• Study shows greenhouse gases and aerosols contributed over 50% to rainfall in Kedarnath floods.
• National Disaster Management Plan (2019) includes provisions for cloudburst disaster risk reduction.
• Rise in black carbon and aerosols has altered Himalayan cloud microphysics, increasing rain density.
• India lacks a unified cloudburst response strategy, especially for mountainous areas.
• Sunflower Sea Star is listed as critically endangered due to warming oceans and disease outbreaks.
• Krill populations are threatened by overfishing and ocean warming; they are crucial to marine food chains.
• Initiatives like Deep-Sea Biobank (ISA) aim to preserve marine biodiversity in international waters.
• November 1 was declared International Deep Seabed Day by the International Seabed Authority.

Science and Technology

• Sea Buckthorn and Buckwheat seeds from Ladakh launched on NASA’s ISS mission for space agriculture trials.
• Sea Buckthorn is rich in nutrients and resilient to cold, making it suitable for space cultivation.
• India committed to helping the Philippines build a Sovereign Data Cloud Infrastructure.
• Deep-Sea Biobank Initiative launched by International Seabed Authority to collect marine genetic resources.
• India’s ISRO to assist Philippines in satellite launches and weather monitoring.
• AI/ML-based weather models proposed for cloudburst forecasting in vulnerable regions.
• Lack of radar infrastructure hinders cloudburst prediction in hilly terrain.
• AREA 2030 project launched to map deep seabeds globally by 2030.
• Sustainable Seabed Knowledge Initiative (SSKI) will guide marine ecosystem protection.
• Focus on building scientific foundations for responsible deep-sea mining in international waters.

Governance and Public Policy

• ST reservation in Goa’s assembly enforces constitutional equity via Article 332.
• National Viral Hepatitis Control Programme aims to eliminate Hepatitis C by 2030.
• Vision 2047 targets expansion of digital public infrastructure, including financial and legal access.
• Parliament emphasized community-based disaster resilience in Himalayan disaster-prone areas.
• Lack of village-level weather early warning systems cited as a critical governance gap.
• NDMA urged to frame a dedicated cloudburst monitoring strategy.
• Call to regulate deep-sea mining under UNCLOS through the International Seabed Authority.
• Promotion of eco-engineering solutions and green infrastructure under new disaster response guidelines.
• Goa ST reservation follows proportional representation principles under constitutional mandates.
• India pushing for multilateral reform at global forums like ISA, G20, and BRICS.

Economy and Finance

• India-Philippines PTA negotiations aim to reduce trade barriers and improve bilateral economic ties.
• Bilateral trade with the Philippines hit $3.5 billion in 2023–24; focus on semiconductors, rice, pharma.
• India supports Philippines in digital economy projects via data cloud infrastructure funding.
• Krill demand rises due to its use in omega-3 supplements and aquaculture.
• Philippines’ participation in India’s digital payments framework to expand fintech cooperation.
• Push to regulate seabed mining through sustainable international financial planning.
• US imposing 25% reciprocal tariffs on Indian exports; highlights need for trade diversification.
• Philippine FDI in India remains low despite trade growth, requiring policy realignment.
• Electric Vehicles in India projected as a $200 billion opportunity with support from global investment.
• ISA exploring common heritage fund models for equitable profit-sharing from deep-sea resource mining.

Social and Cultural Issues

• Over 70,000 Indians live in the Philippines, highlighting diaspora links.
• First BIMSTEC Traditional Music Festival celebrated India’s cultural diplomacy.
• Revival of Cultural Exchange Programme (2019–2023) between India and the Philippines.
• India working to address low Hepatitis B vaccine coverage (just 50%) under national immunization.
• WHO classifies Hepatitis D as cancer-causing, adding urgency to India’s control efforts.
• Women in Armed Forces highlighted under Content for Mains Enrichment as rising social theme.
• Philippine students continue to prefer Indian medical institutions, strengthening people-to-people ties.
• Traditional farming communities like in Ladakh promoted for their scientific contributions.
• India’s response to deep-sea biodiversity aims for equitable global benefit-sharing.
• Krill exploitation and warming seas threaten the livelihoods of indigenous coastal populations.

Defence and Strategic Affairs

• India and Philippines conducted first joint naval exercise in the South China Sea.
• Philippines became the first foreign buyer of BrahMos supersonic cruise missile in 2024.
• BrahMos enhances credible deterrence in Southeast Asia against regional threats.
• Terms of Reference signed between armed forces and coast guards of both nations.
• India to provide hydrographic and naval domain awareness support to Philippines.
• Russia formally exits INF Treaty, citing US missile deployments and growing tensions.
• India’s defence outreach aligns with its Act East Policy to counterbalance China.
• Philippines invited to India’s Information Fusion Centre (IFC-IOR) for maritime intel sharing.
• Women’s increasing participation in India’s armed forces gaining policy traction.
• Deployment of US Typhon missile systems in Asia heightens global arms race fears.

Art and Culture

• First BIMSTEC Traditional Music Festival held in India; promotes regional folk and classical arts.
• Festival highlighted shared musical traditions and cross-cultural performances among member states.
• India reaffirmed commitment to cultural diplomacy through soft power initiatives.
• Traditional Indian instruments and tribal dances were showcased on an international stage.
• Music festival aimed to strengthen people-to-people ties among South and Southeast Asian nations.
• India renewed its commitment to heritage-based regional integration via BIMSTEC.
• Festival supported the idea of cultural security as a pillar of Indo-Pacific cooperation.
• Philippine folk music and Indian tribal genres performed together, symbolizing unity in diversity.
• Event reflected BIMSTEC’s non-political cultural collaboration model.
• Cultural events seen as low-cost, high-impact tools in India’s foreign policy toolbox.

Additional 25% tariff on Indian imports

Context: U.S. President Donald Trump has imposed an additional 25% tariff on Indian imports (totaling 50%) due to India’s continued import of Russian oil, drawing criticism from India and major export bodies for being unfair and harmful to bilateral trade.

Key Highlights:

• Tariff Hike Details:
  • Trump signed an executive order imposing a 25% additional tariff, doubling the previous 25% imposed on July 31.
  • The first 25% takes effect immediately, the additional 25% after 21 days.
• Reason Cited by U.S.:
  • The move is linked to India’s continued import of Russian oil, citing Executive Order 14066 (Russia-Ukraine conflict).
  • Trump called it necessary to deal with a “national emergency”.
• India’s Response:
  • The MEA called the action “unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable“.
  • India emphasized that oil imports are market-driven and necessary for the energy security of 1.4 billion people.
  • MEA noted that EU and U.S. themselves trade more with Russia in other sectors.
• Impact on Indian Exports:
  • 55% of Indian exports to U.S. to be affected, said FIEO President S.C. Ralhan.
  • Indian exporters now face a 30–35% competitive disadvantage compared to countries not facing such tariffs.
• Strategic Concerns:
  • The move is seen as a “severe setback” to India-U.S. trade relations.
  • India plans to take all necessary actions to protect national interests.
• Trade Talks at Risk:
  • Ongoing India-U.S. Bilateral Trade Agreement talks could be undermined.
  • The next round of negotiations is scheduled for August 25 in New Delhi.
• Expert Suggestion:
  • India advised to avoid retaliation for at least six months.
  • Should only reconsider Russian oil imports if economically viable, not due to U.S. pressure.

Supreme Court has directed the Election Commission (EC)

Context: The Supreme Court has directed the Election Commission (EC) to provide detailed reasons for deleting 65 lakh voters from Bihar’s draft electoral roll, following concerns over transparency and procedural lapses during the special electoral revision.

Key Highlights:

• SC Direction:
  • A Bench led by Justice Surya Kant asked the EC to submit details by Saturday.
  • The next hearing is scheduled for August 12.
• Concerns Raised in Application:
  • Filed by Advocates Prashant Bhushan and Neha Rathi.
  • The application demands constituency and booth-wise details of all 65 lakh deletions.
  • Seeks reasons for non-submission of enumeration forms for each deleted voter.
• Draft Electoral Roll:
  • Published on August 1, 2025 as part of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in Bihar.
  • Deletions reportedly based on inputs from Booth Level Officers (BLOs) and Booth Level Agents (BLAs).
• Deletion Reasons (per EC Press Release of July 25):
  • 22 lakh electors marked deceased.
  • 7 lakh with duplicate registrations.
  • 35 lakh who had migrated or were untraceable.
  • 1.2 lakh did not submit enumeration forms.
• Application Demands:
  • Publication of final AC-wise and booth-wise list of deleted voters.
  • List of voters marked as ‘not recommended by BLOs’ to be made public.
• Ground-Level Data Cited: In Darbhanga and Kaimur, many voters had their forms uploaded but were still marked “not recommended”.
• Transparency Issue: Applicants argue that individual reasons for deletion are missing, raising concerns about electoral rights and due process.

Petrol lobbies and political conspiracies

Context: Union Minister defended the E20 ethanol-blended fuel, asserting it does not harm older vehicles, and blamed petrol lobbies and political conspiracies for spreading misinformation about it on social media.

Key Highlights:

• E20 Fuel Blend:
  • E20 contains 20% ethanol and 80% petrol, part of India’s biofuel push.
  • Ethanol is derived from sugarcane, rice, maize and other plant products.
• No Harm to Old Vehicles: Automotive Research Association of India tested older vehicles for 1 lakh km; no damage reported.
• New vs Old Vehicles:
  • Vehicles tuned for E20 started rollout from April 2025.
  • Concerns exist among old vehicle owners over mileage drop and maintenance.
• Minister’s Clarification:
  • Mileage may drop by 5–6%, but Gadkari says fuel cost determination isn’t his domain.
  • Emphasized broader benefits: reduced oil import, pollution control, farmer income, energy security.
• Economic and Strategic Angle:
  • India spends ₹22 lakh crore annually on fossil fuel imports.
  • Ethanol adoption is a step toward Atmanirbharta (self-reliance).
• Allegations of Conflict of Interest:
  • Claims of vested interest due to Gadkari’s family ownership of Purti Group sugar mills.
  • Gadkari responded: firms are loss-making, produce only 1.3 lakh litres ethanol annually.
• Blame on Petrol Lobbies:
  • Accused petrol lobbies and organized political conspiracies of running misinformation campaigns.
  • Cited deliberate outreach via calls and social media to stir public fear.
• Historical Roots:
  • Ethanol blending policy began in 2001 under PM Vajpayee.
  • Gadkari was part of a delegation sent to Brazil to study ethanol use.
• Broader Fuel Strategy: Promoting electric, hydrogen, and flex-fuel vehicles is part of a larger national energy strategy, not personal gain.

Putin met U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff

Context: Russian President Vladimir Putin met U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff for “constructive” talks in Moscow, just two days before a U.S. sanctions deadline set by President Donald Trump to end Russia’s Ukraine offensive.

Key Highlights:

• U.S. Deadline: President Trump has given Russia until Friday to show progress toward ending the Ukraine conflict or face fresh sanctions.
• High-Level Talks:
  • Putin met U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff in a three-hour meeting termed “constructive” by the Kremlin.
  • Both sides exchanged “signals” on their positions, though details were not disclosed.
• Ukraine Conflict Update:
  • Despite talks, Russia has intensified missile and drone attacks and is making ground advances in Ukraine.
  • Previous Russia-Ukraine talks in Istanbul have failed to yield results.
• Zelenskyy’s Appeal: Ukrainian President Zelenskyy has urged the U.S. to increase pressure on Russia for a ceasefire.
• Sanctions Threat:
  • Trump has warned of “secondary tariffs” on Russia’s trading partners like China and India if Moscow does not comply.
  • Such sanctions could affect global trade and cause economic disruption.
• Kremlin’s Reaction: Kremlin called the threats of sanctions on Russia’s partners “illegitimate” and a form of political coercion.
• Ongoing War Impact: Since Feb 2022, the war has led to tens of thousands of deaths, mass displacement, and widespread destruction in Ukraine.

Response to Trump’s “Dead Economy”

Context: RBI Governor responded to U.S. President Donald Trump’s “dead economy” remark by asserting India’s robust economic growth, while addressing concerns on global uncertainties post the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting.

Key Highlights:

• Response to Trump’s “Dead Economy” Comment:
  • Malhotra said India is doing better than the U.S. with a 6.5% growth rate, compared to the global average of 3%.
  • India contributes 18% to global growth, compared to the U.S.’s estimated 11%.
• GDP Forecast:
  • RBI revised India’s growth forecast from 6.7% to 6.5% due to global uncertainties.
  • No further revision yet, as more data is awaited.
• Impact of Global Uncertainties (e.g., Tariff War):
  • Many global uncertainties, including the tariff war, are already factored in.
  • Predicting future impact is difficult at this point.
• Inflation Outlook:
  • Malhotra asserted external factors will have limited impact on inflation.
  • India’s inflation is largely domestic-driven, unless retaliatory tariffs arise.
• Crude Oil & Russia Trade: Even if India halts crude oil imports from Russia due to U.S. pressure, no major inflationary impact is expected.
• Policy Measures:
  • RBI has cut repo rate by 100 basis points to support growth.
  • RBI will continue balancing growth and price stability.
• Digital Payments – UPI: UPI transactions will remain free for users; the government is subsidising bank charges to promote digital payments.

(RBI) has kept the repo rate unchanged at 5.5%

Context: The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has kept the repo rate unchanged at 5.5%, retaining its neutral stance, while reaffirming India’s GDP growth projection at 6.5% for 2025-26 amid global uncertainties.

Key Highlights:

• Policy Rates Maintained:
  • Repo rate: 5.5% (unchanged)
  • Standing Deposit Facility (SDF): 5.25%
  • Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) & Bank Rate: 5.75%
• Growth Outlook:
  • GDP growth for 2025-26 retained at 6.5%
    • Q1: 6.5%
    • Q2: 6.7%
    • Q3: 6.6%
    • Q4: 6.3%
  • Q1 of 2026-27 projected at 6.6%
  • Risks to growth outlook are “evenly balanced”
• Inflation Outlook:
  • Headline CPI inflation fell to 2.1% in June 2025 — a 77-month low
    • Driven by fall in food inflation due to better agri-output and supply-side interventions.
  • Core inflation rose to 4.4% in June, partly due to rising gold prices.
  • CPI Inflation Forecast for 2025-26 revised downward to 3.1% (from 3.7%):
    • Q2: 2.1%
    • Q3: 3.1%
    • Q4: 4.4%
  • CPI for Q1 of 2026-27 projected at 4.9%
• Global Environment Observations:
  • Despite IMF’s slight global growth upgrade, global economy remains muted.
  • Inflation in advanced economies showing signs of resurgence.
  • Geopolitical tensions, trade war uncertainties, and market volatility are key external risks.
• RBI’s Policy Focus:
  • Striking a balance between growth and inflation.
  • Targeting 4% CPI inflation within a ±2% band.
• Governor’s Statement: India is navigating a steady growth path with price stability, despite global challenges.