20.07.25 Current Affairs

One Liner Current Affairs

Polity, Governance & Justice

• The Supreme Court directed the Centre to frame clear rules for the appointment of Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners, after flagging delays and executive discretion.
• SC questioned the Centre’s delay in implementing the March 2023 Constitution Bench ruling, which struck down the existing appointment procedure for ECs as unconstitutional.
• Delhi’s Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena emphasized the urgent need for states to share real-time air quality data to combat inter-state pollution during winters.
• Chandigarh’s mayoral nomination continues to face deadlock between AAP and BJP, reflecting the ongoing political friction at the municipal level.

Economy & Infrastructure

• India’s petroleum and diesel demand is expected to rise 4.4% in FY26 due to high rural mobility, post-monsoon logistics, and aviation revival, according to the Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell.
• The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) is set to finalize trade facilitation norms among member countries in the next ministerial round; India still opts out of the trade pillar but actively engages in clean economy and supply chains.
• RBI continues to monitor financial irregularities in NBFCs, as shadow banking sector faces heightened scrutiny after multiple defaults.

International Relations & Strategic Affairs

• India abstained from a UN resolution urging an immediate ceasefire in Sudan, citing lack of representation of African Union efforts and insufficient consultation with regional stakeholders.
• France launched a crackdown on Khalistan-linked extremist networks, freezing funds and initiating deportation proceedings against suspected operatives following India’s diplomatic concerns.
• IMEC (India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor) may be delayed due to instability in West Asia, raising questions over viability of mega-connectivity projects amid shifting geopolitics.

Science, Technology & Security

• DRDO successfully tested an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) capable of surveillance and mine detection, strengthening India’s naval capabilities under the iDEX framework.
• ISRO’s Aditya-L1 solar mission completed mid-course correction, with Lagrangian point insertion expected within the next two months.
• Cybersecurity firms warned of a spike in ransomware attacks on Indian MSMEs, urging digital hygiene and insurance policies for resilience.

Environment & Climate

• Real-time air quality monitoring among neighboring states like Haryana, UP, and Punjab remains inconsistent, leading to poor coordination in tackling Delhi’s winter smog.
• The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported 18% excess rainfall in July so far, though regions like Marathwada, Jharkhand, and West UP remain in shortfall zones.
• India’s forest cover is under pressure in the Western Ghats and Northeast due to infrastructure expansion and mining activity, as per preliminary State of Forest Report findings.

Society & Rights

• Families of missing children in Manipur seek exhumation and forensic identification, as tribal and Meitei civil society groups disagree over reports of mass graves.
• India continues to face a delay in adoption reforms, as CARA struggles with increasing pendency in child adoption referrals.
• RTI activists flagged misuse of Section 8(1) exemptions by public bodies, urging greater transparency in sensitive file disclosures.

Places & Personalities in News

• Khargone (Madhya Pradesh) witnessed communal tension during a religious procession, with curfew imposed and flag march conducted by the state police.
• Lake Geneva (Switzerland) recorded its lowest July water levels in decades due to reduced snowmelt and rising temperatures, alarming hydrologists.

Society and Language Identity

• Local languages continue to be central to regional identity and social cohesion, especially in cities experiencing large-scale migration.
• Conflicts over language in urban centers like Bengaluru and Mumbai stem from competing claims over cultural space and economic opportunity.
• Migration leads to shifts in linguistic dominance, with newer populations altering the city’s traditional linguistic character.
• Political groups increasingly use language as a tool for mobilization, asserting cultural pride and demanding local job quotas.
• Language-based exclusion can marginalize migrant communities by restricting access to public services and education.
• The dominance of English in urban elite circles reinforces class divisions and often sidelines regional languages.
• Strengthening multilingual public spaces can promote inclusion while preserving linguistic heritage.
• Local language inclusion in education, signage, and governance ensures better civic participation and integration.

Mental Health and Governance

• High-pressure sectors like aviation require structured psychological support due to elevated stress and burnout risk.
• Mental health extends beyond illness absence to include emotional, cognitive, and social well-being.
• Aviation professionals are prone to psychological distress due to irregular hours, isolation, and fatigue.
• Poor awareness, limited rural access, and workplace stigma remain major barriers to mental health support in India.
• The Mental Healthcare Act of 2017 guarantees the right to mental healthcare and decriminalizes suicide.
• Tele-MANAS initiative offers 24/7 remote counselling services, addressing regional mental health disparities.
• India’s national suicide prevention strategy targets a 10 percent reduction in suicide rates by 2030.
• Global frameworks such as WHO’s mental health action plan promote community-based care and early detection systems.
• Sector-specific reforms like peer counselling, periodic assessments, and non-punitive policies are essential for high-risk professions.

Governance and Ethical Concerns

• The US Department of Justice’s withholding of sensitive files in the Epstein trafficking case has triggered concerns over public transparency.
• Ethical questions have been raised regarding political influence in shielding powerful individuals from prosecution.
• The issue highlights the conflict between public interest disclosure and privacy protections for individuals.
• This case illustrates how elite impunity and selective secrecy undermine accountability in democratic institutions.
• Discussions also touch upon the right to information, legal obligations of the state, and ethical conduct in public office.

Prelims and Cultural Heritage

• Gangaikonda Cholapuram, built by Rajendra Chola I, marks 1000 years of Chola expansion into northern India.
• The site showcases the architectural brilliance and military power of the Chola empire during its peak.
• It is part of UNESCO’s Great Living Chola Temples and is significant for both art history and political symbolism.

International Affairs and Security

• The United States designated The Resistance Front (TRF) as a foreign terrorist organization due to its links with Lashkar-e-Taiba and activities in Kashmir.
• This move enhances international cooperation on counterterrorism and supports India’s position against proxy militancy.
• The ongoing measles outbreak in the United States has crossed 1300 cases, attributed mainly to vaccine refusal and misinformation.
• The outbreak underlines the importance of maintaining high immunization coverage and combating vaccine hesitancy.
• Strategic disruption of trade through the Port of Eilat in Israel due to Red Sea instability has affected regional supply chains.

Environment and Biodiversity

• A new species of lichen named Allographa effusosoredica was discovered in the Western Ghats.
• The species shows unique chemical properties and contributes to biodiversity documentation in tropical forests.
• DNA sequencing confirmed the distinctiveness of the species, making it the first of its kind in India under the Allographa genus.

Climate Finance and Global Dialogue

• The Sharm el-Sheikh dialogue under UNFCCC focuses on aligning global finance flows with climate targets under Article 2.1(c) of the Paris Agreement.
• The discussion involves public and private financial institutions, civil society groups, and governments to redefine finance models for climate transition.
• Key themes include just transition, equity, capacity building for developing nations, and phasing out fossil fuel subsidies.

Powers of President and Governors Under Article 143

Context: The Supreme Court will hear a significant Presidential Reference on July 22 under Article 143, seeking clarity on whether courts can prescribe timelines and procedures for the President and Governors when dealing with State Bills under Articles 200 and 201. This follows judicial criticism of delays by the Tamil Nadu Governor in granting assent to State legislation.

Key Highlights

• Hearing Scheduled: A Constitution Bench led by Chief Justice B.R. Gavai will hear the reference on July 22.
• Main Issue: Can courts impose timelines or dictate procedures for the President or Governors when exercising powers under Articles 200 and 201?
• Triggered by Tamil Nadu Case: The reference follows an April 8 SC judgment deeming the Tamil Nadu Governor’s delay in clearing 10 Bills as illegal, invoking Article 142 to grant “deemed assent”.
• Questions Raised:
  • Can judicial orders override constitutional discretion of the President or Governors?
  • Is the concept of “deemed assent” constitutionally valid?
  • Can courts interfere before a Bill becomes law?
  • Does Article 142 allow courts to contradict existing constitutional procedures?
• Scope of Article 142 in Question: The court is asked to clarify if Article 142 can be used to substitute executive constitutional powers, or if it should be limited to procedural justice.
• Challenge to Judicial Activism: The reference suggests the judiciary may have overstepped its constitutional role, potentially undermining the separation of powers.
• Vice President’s Remarks: Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar earlier described Article 142 as a “nuclear missile” against democratic processes.
• Why This Matters
• May redefine centre-state relations and judicial limits.
• Could impact how quickly state laws get enacted.
• Will test judicial activism vs constitutional federalism.

PSU Dividend Windfall Driven by Coal

Context: The Indian government has nearly doubled its dividend income from non-banking Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) over five years, reaching ₹74,000 crore in 2024-25. This increase is largely driven by strong performances from coal, oil, and gas companies amid a calibrated shift in revenue strategy.

Key Highlights

• Sharp Rise in PSU Dividends: Dividend earnings from non-banking PSUs rose from ₹39,558 crore in 2020-21 to ₹74,017 crore in 2024-25 — a nearly 87% increase over five years.
• Heavy Reliance on Fuel PSUs: Five key companies — Coal India, ONGC, IOC, BPCL, and GAIL — contributed ₹1.27 lakh crore, or 42.3% of total PSU dividends since FY21.
• Oil Marketing Companies’ Windfall: IOC and BPCL saw a 255% increase in dividend payouts since 2022-23 despite a 65% fall in oil prices, yet passed on only 2% reduction in petrol prices to consumers.
• Dividend vs Disinvestment Strategy: Due to slower-than-expected disinvestment, the government has focused more on dividends from profitable PSUs for revenue generation.
• Policy Shift Formalised in 2024: DIPAM’s November 2024 memorandum made it mandatory for all Central PSUs to pay the higher of 30% of PAT or 4% of net worth as annual dividends.
• Push for More Than Minimum: The government urged PSUs to strive beyond the minimum benchmark, considering factors like profitability, capex needs, and cash reserves.

Why It Matters

• Reflects a strategic shift from reliance on disinvestment to maximising returns from state-owned assets.
• Highlights the critical role of fuel sector PSUs in fiscal planning.
• Raises questions about consumer benefit, especially with limited petrol price reductions despite falling crude oil costs.
• May influence future policy debates around PSU management and dividend expectations.

Jaffna Mass Grave

Context: The discovery of a mass grave in Chemmani, Jaffna, has reignited demands for justice from Tamil families of the disappeared. This case is now a critical test of the Dissanayake government’s commitment to reconciliation and accountability in post-war Sri Lanka.

Key Highlights

• Mass Grave Discovery
  • Found accidentally in February 2025 during land preparation for a crematorium.
  • Located in Chemmani, a former war zone near Jaffna.
  • So far, 65 skeletons uncovered, including children, some with schoolbags.
• Historical Significance
  • Site linked to 1990s testimonies of mass killings; soldier once claimed 300–400 bodies were buried there.
  • A similar case in the 1990s was not fully pursued after 15 bodies were recovered.
• Political Response
  • Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara affirms “complete political will” to address Tamil grievances.
  • Highlights NPP’s electoral mandate from Tamil-majority areas in the north and east.
• Families Still Searching
  • Thousands of Tamil families, like Ponnambalam Arumugasamy, are still seeking truth about missing loved ones since the civil war.
• Need for Technical Expertise
  • Excavation is destructive and sensitive — must be handled with care to preserve evidence.
  • Experts stress importance of body positioning, site geography, and forensic evidence collection.
• Global Experience Helps
  • Lawyers and families now draw on examples from Guatemala, Rwanda, and Argentina to understand legal and forensic best practices.
• Challenges in Trust and Justice
  • Minister acknowledges long history of discrimination and mistrust among Tamils.
  • Emphasises need for closure, justice, dignity, and social protection for affected families.

Why It Matters

• A litmus test of post-war accountability and justice in Sri Lanka.
• An opportunity for the government to rebuild trust with Tamil communities through transparency and genuine action.
• May set a precedent for handling other unresolved disappearances and mass grave cases across the island.

Way Forward

• Ensure independent, expert-led investigation with community participation.
• Provide support, recognition, and compensation for families of the disappeared.
• Integrate findings into a larger truth and reconciliation process.
• Build confidence through transparent communication and continued political will.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ahead of 2025 Bangladesh Elections

Context: In a dramatic show of strength ahead of next year’s general elections, Bangladesh’s largest Islamist party, Jamaat-e-Islami, held a massive rally in Dhaka. The event marks a key political moment following the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and reflects the shifting political landscape under the interim government of Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus.

Key Highlights

Massive Mobilisation

• Hundreds of thousands of supporters gathered at Suhrawardy Udyan, a historic site in Dhaka where Pakistani forces surrendered in 1971.
• Jamaat claimed to mobilise 1 million participants.
• Many supporters spent the previous night on the Dhaka University campus, showing intense organisational capacity and public support.

Seven-Point Demand to Government

1. Ensure free, fair, and peaceful elections.
2. Hold trials for the 1971 mass killings.
3. Reform the electoral system, including the introduction of proportional representation.
4. Implement a new national charter inspired by the 2024 uprising.
5. Guarantee equal rights for all citizens.
6. End corruption and promote honest leadership.
7. Strengthen Islamic values in governance.

Religious Narrative and Identity

• Leaders and attendees invoked Islam as a guiding principle for governance.
• Calls were made for a “new Bangladesh” with Islamic values and clean, just governance.
• Young supporters emphasized non-discrimination and equality under an Islamic framework.

Political Significance

• A symbolic victory for Jamaat, allowed to rally for the first time at the site since independence.
• Seen as a clear signal from the interim government of a changing political order that may include Islamist participation.
• Sheikh Hasina’s ouster has fragmented Bangladesh’s political structure.
• Jamaat now positions itself as a third major force alongside BNP and the former Awami League.
• The party is preparing to contest all 300 parliamentary seats in 2025.

Implications

• Revival of Islamist Politics: Jamaat’s re-entry into the political mainstream indicates growing acceptance of religious parties under the current administration.
• Challenge for Secularism: The shrinking space for liberal and secular forces signals a potential shift in Bangladesh’s founding secular values.
• Potential for Polarisation: With a history of division between Jamaat and pro-liberation forces like the Awami League, tensions may rise during campaigning.

Way Forward

• The interim government must ensure inclusivity, transparency, and security in the upcoming elections.
• All political actors, including Jamaat, should be held to constitutional standards and human rights commitments.
• Reconciliation over past war crimes and national identity debates must be handled sensitively to prevent communal divisions.

Conclusion

The Dhaka rally marks Jamaat-e-Islami’s political resurgence and highlights a critical juncture for Bangladesh’s democracy. As the 2025 elections approach, the balance between religious identity, political inclusion, and secular governance will determine the direction of the nation’s future.

India-EFTA Trade Pact

Context India’s Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) — signed in March 2024 — will officially come into effect from October 1, 2025, according to Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal. This landmark deal marks a major step in boosting trade and investment between India and key non-EU European economies.

Key Highlights

• Implementation Date: TEPA will be operational from October 1, 2025.
• EFTA Members: The agreement involves Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.
• Investment Commitment: EFTA countries have pledged to invest $100 billion over 15 years in India.
• Market Access Benefits: India will allow lower or zero import duties on several premium goods such as:
  • Swiss watches
  • Chocolates
  • Cut and polished diamonds
• Signed On: The pact was signed on March 10, 2024.
• Significance
• The agreement is India’s first major FTA with a European bloc outside the EU.
• It aims to boost foreign direct investment (FDI), especially in infrastructure and manufacturing.
• Consumers in India are expected to benefit from reduced prices on luxury and high-quality imported goods.

Way Forward

• The government will need to ensure sectoral readiness, especially for industries exposed to import competition.
• Domestic producers may require supportive policies to adapt to increased competition from duty-free imports.
• India and EFTA members will focus on strengthening bilateral institutions and business linkages to fully realize the pact’s benefits.