29.07.25 Current Affairs

One Liner Current Affairs

National Affairs

• Tamil Nadu approached the Supreme Court requesting Karnataka to release water from the Cauvery, citing agricultural distress due to low rainfall.
• The Governor of Punjab issued a strong reminder to the Chief Minister, demanding a report on drug trafficking networks within the state.
• Multiple child marriage cases in Assam were quashed by the Gauhati High Court, with judges criticizing poor application of POCSO provisions.
• Delhi’s administrative conflict resurfaced as the Centre appointed a top bureaucrat without consulting the elected government.
• Uttarakhand has initiated a study to assess the tourism capacity of Nainital amid environmental concerns and growing congestion.
• The Digital India initiative completed 10 years, with the launch of a new version of e-Aadhaar offering enhanced privacy controls.
• India’s judiciary is under scrutiny for delayed infrastructure development, prompting the Centre to commit ₹9,000 crore for e-courts.
• The government’s Lakhpati Didi scheme has empowered over one crore rural women to cross the ₹1 lakh income threshold.
• Delhi’s water crisis worsened as untreated sewage continued to pollute the Yamuna, despite court-ordered clean-up deadlines.
• Paithani sarees were highlighted in the Prime Minister’s broadcast as a symbol of Maharashtra’s rich textile heritage.

International Relations

• India and Nepal finalized a Mutual Legal Assistance agreement to improve cooperation in criminal investigations and evidence sharing.
• The two countries are also revising their 1953 extradition treaty to streamline the legal transfer of criminals.
• The absence of such treaties previously made Nepal an attractive safe haven for cross-border fugitives.
• Defence cooperation with the U.S. was reinforced during Secretary Lloyd Austin’s visit, with discussions on jet engine co-production.
• Bangladesh saw domestic unrest after accusations of electoral manipulation against Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government.
• France enacted tougher immigration policies aimed at curbing undocumented migrants, affecting the Indian community.
• Pakistan secured the final tranche of an IMF bailout package amid steep economic reforms and price hikes.
• Sri Lanka negotiated a revised debt repayment plan with India and China to stabilize its financial position.
• China’s military presence around the Taiwan Strait increased, with Indian strategic analysts expressing concern over regional security.
• The India–Singapore joint military exercise “Bold Kurukshetra” began with a focus on strategic planning in mechanised warfare.

Environment and Climate

• A comprehensive study of zoonotic disease risks revealed Asia, including India, faces a high probability of future outbreaks due to human-animal interaction.
• Climate conditions such as extreme rainfall and drought are increasing the likelihood of disease spillovers from wildlife to humans.
• Dense livestock farming and expanding urbanization were found to be key contributors to environmental degradation and health risks.
• Uttarakhand launched an assessment of carrying capacity in Nainital to manage tourism’s ecological footprint.
• NGT flagged Delhi’s poor record in treating drains leading into the Yamuna, highlighting only partial compliance with earlier rulings.
• Forest fires in Uttarakhand have become more frequent, with July recording a spike in incidents due to dry vegetation and unmanaged fire lines.
• Arctic sea ice continues to recede, with July 2025 setting one of the lowest records, posing threats to global weather patterns including Indian monsoons.
• In Assam’s Majuli Island, local communities are planting trees along riverbanks to curb erosion caused by the Brahmaputra.
• Flame retardant chemicals, used widely in construction, are now under scientific investigation for their potential cancer risks.
• Maharashtra launched a large-scale mangrove restoration initiative as part of its climate adaptation strategy.

Science and Technology

• ISRO’s human-rated engine test has paved the way for the next phase of the Gaganyaan mission, with astronaut launches targeted for 2026.
• The Indian Army is adopting drones as standard equipment in infantry units, reflecting a shift toward tech-integrated warfare.
• Railways will deploy facial recognition systems at over 200 stations to boost security and surveillance.
• The National Quantum Mission received financial backing to develop quantum processors and build secure communication networks.
• TEMA India commissioned the nation’s first private facility to upgrade depleted heavy water, boosting nuclear independence.
• Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) was discussed as a therapeutic technique for neurological disorders, with electrodes altering brain signals.
• Accelerometers in smartphones have helped Google detect over 18,000 earthquakes globally by analyzing real-time motion data.
• The Centre emphasized greater regulation of fintech following a spike in cyber frauds reported by CERT-In.
• A new AI system is being developed to identify zoonotic disease hotspots using land-use and climate data.
• India and NASA are set to launch the joint NISAR satellite for monitoring Earth systems including deforestation and glaciers.

Governance and Public Policy

• The UGC has allowed reputed foreign universities to open Indian campuses, subject to financial and academic criteria.
• A new platform, Nari Shakti Portal, was launched for women to access help in cases of abuse, shelter, or legal needs.
• The One Nation One Fertilizer scheme is being expanded to enforce uniform branding and pricing nationwide.
• Reforms under the Start-Up India 3.0 policy aim to promote entrepreneurship beyond metro cities.
• The Jan Vishwas Bill decriminalizes various minor regulatory infractions to promote business-friendly governance.
• The Centre announced that 33% police reservation for women will be incentivized under the Nirbhaya Fund.
• A ₹2,500 crore scheme under SIDBI will support women-led and green MSMEs with low-interest credit.
• The Digital India anniversary included announcements on DigiLocker expansion and offline Aadhaar features.
• Legal digitization projects under e-Courts Phase III are expected to cover 700 district courts.
• The government clarified that organic product certifications under APEDA meet international equivalence standards.

Economy and Finance

• GST revenue for July hit ₹1.72 lakh crore, driven by consumption and industrial revival.
• Inflation for Q2 FY26 is projected at 5.3%, with food prices remaining volatile due to delayed rains.
• Digital currency trials will soon expand to rural areas with offline transactions via the RBI’s e-rupee.
• SEBI proposed a framework to regulate cryptocurrency platforms, emphasizing investor protection and transparency.
• IMF raised India’s GDP forecast to 6.9% based on service-led growth and domestic demand.
• Payroll data showed over 13 lakh new employees joined the formal workforce in June, indicating employment recovery.
• TCS’s new policy restricting bench time raised fears of layoffs and prompted a debate over ethical workforce management.
• Several IT majors are reducing their buffer staff to improve cost-efficiency in a slow project pipeline environment.
• Disinvestment in BEML has been deferred due to strategic concerns, with the government opting for minority stake sales.
• Credit availability for small enterprises is being expanded via targeted funds for green technology and inclusive growth.

Social and Cultural Issues

• A 12% rise in dowry-related deaths in 2024 has raised concerns about ineffective enforcement of protective laws.
• Despite bans, manual scavenging continues with 121 deaths recorded since 2019.
• School dropout rates among rural girls aged 11–14 rose significantly post-Covid, especially in underfunded districts.
• Civil society groups and political parties have intensified their demand for a national caste-based census.
• Homelessness among children in Delhi has surged nearly 50% post-pandemic, according to a city shelter report.
• Transgender welfare policies are being drafted to ensure access to skill training and education.
• A GI-tagged Paithani sari from Maharashtra was promoted as part of cultural heritage preservation.
• Child labour in unorganized sectors has spiked by 8% over the past year, mostly in urban areas.
• Women’s representation in police remains below 10% in most states, triggering calls for faster recruitment drives.
• Heritage awareness campaigns are reviving interest in traditional textiles and temple architecture.

Defence and Strategic Affairs

• Indian Army’s combat units are being reorganized into self-reliant ‘Rudra’ brigades for high-intensity short conflicts.
• ‘Bhairav’ commando battalions are being raised for specialized counter-infiltration and drone-based operations.
• Integrated Battle Groups (IBGs) are central to India’s cold-start doctrine, with rapid mobilization as their focus.
• The Army is also equipping artillery units with “Divyadrishti” loitering munitions and precision surveillance tools.
• Exercise Bold Kurukshetra is testing India–Singapore mechanized warfare strategies in a computer-based format.
• The operational doctrine of IBGs emphasizes speed, information dominance, and terrain-specific tactics.
• These formations are designed for quick strikes before international diplomatic pressure can halt conflict escalation.
• Drone warfare capability is being institutionalized across all regiments.
• India is integrating AI-based surveillance and reconnaissance into real-time battlefield decisions.
• Defence reforms aim to modernize the force structure while maintaining cost-efficiency and deterrence capability.

Art and Culture

• Brihadisvara Temple in Tamil Nadu was spotlighted for its Chola-era Dravidian architecture and UNESCO recognition.
• Built in 1010 AD by Rajaraja Chola I, it is dedicated to Lord Shiva and features intricate frescoes and inscriptions.
• It is one of the “Great Living Chola Temples” and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• The temple represents urban prosperity and spiritual architecture during the Chola dynasty.
• The temple’s vimana (tower) is among the tallest in India, constructed entirely of granite.
• Inscriptions from the temple detail land donations, temple rituals, and royal lineage.
• The structure is aligned in cardinal directions, showcasing advanced knowledge of architecture and astronomy.
• Traditional motifs from Ajanta and Ellora caves influenced patterns in Paithani saris as well.
• Paithani weaving centers are being revived through state-backed GI certification programs.
• Artisans involved in temple restoration and handloom weaving are receiving special skill-development support.

Infrastructure

• Judicial Infrastructure Mission: The Government allocated ₹9,000 crore for upgrading 700+ district courts with digital and physical infrastructure under Phase III of the e-Courts project.
• Digital India 10 Years: Celebrations marked by the launch of e-Aadhaar 2.0 and the expansion of digital services like DigiLocker with offline access.
• Indian Railways: AI-based facial recognition to be deployed at over 200 railway stations to improve surveillance and passenger safety.
• SIDBI Scheme: ₹2,500 crore credit facility launched for MSMEs in the green and women-led sectors, focusing on technology upgrades and sustainable business practices.
• Delhi Jal Infrastructure: National Green Tribunal slammed Delhi government and Jal Board for failure to treat wastewater from 21 major drains entering Yamuna River.
• Cold Weather Infrastructure: Army’s Integrated Battle Groups being equipped with new shelters and mobile platforms for rapid deployment along high-altitude borders.
• TEMA Heavy Water Facility: India’s first private heavy water upgrade test unit launched to support nuclear energy sector with indigenous capabilities.
• Smart Cities Review: Centre initiated performance and citizen feedback-based evaluation of the 100 smart cities to prioritize completion of delayed projects.
• Mangrove Restoration in Maharashtra: Infrastructure projects in coastal zones to include mandatory ecological mitigation measures like mangrove plantations.
• IT Industry Infrastructure: Policy debate over IT firm bench policies highlights lack of structural welfare safeguards and workplace stress infrastructure.

Geography

• Majuli Island (Assam): Asia’s largest river island under erosion threat; locals initiate tree plantation using Kanchan species to resist riverbank collapse from the Brahmaputra.
• Nainital (Uttarakhand): State begins ‘Tourism Carrying Capacity’ study to limit unregulated development and environmental degradation in this fragile hill ecosystem.
• Yamuna River: Continues to suffer from urban pollution; untreated sewage from 60% of Delhi’s drains remains a persistent problem affecting its ecology.
• Arctic Sea Ice Loss: July 2025 recorded near-historic lows in Arctic sea ice extent, a development with far-reaching impact on Indian weather systems including monsoon variability.
• Brahmaputra Basin: Identified as highly vulnerable to erosion and flooding; Ministry of Jal Shakti to consider long-term embankment and soil conservation programs.
• Western Ghats: Focus of biodiversity restoration under new eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) proposals submitted to the Centre by Kerala and Maharashtra.
• Coastal Regulation Zones (CRZ): Revised norms allow eco-tourism infrastructure with stricter environment safeguards in places like Konkan coast and Sundarbans.
• Delhi-NCR: Lags behind in urban green space ratio per capita, with multiple infrastructure projects failing to account for air quality impacts.
• Uttarakhand Forest Fires: Geography of dense pine forests with flammable needles blamed for recurring fire outbreaks in July 2025.
• Andaman & Nicobar Islands: Strategic infrastructure projects including new jetties and telecom towers being built to bolster civilian and military connectivity.

Places in News

• Majuli Island (Assam): Facing rapid erosion; declared under threat by Brahmaputra floods, now under community-led conservation effort.
• Thanjavur (Tamil Nadu): Home to Brihadisvara Temple, highlighted during PM’s cultural references in national broadcast.
• Nainital: Being examined for tourist overcapacity as part of a state-initiated sustainability and regulation framework.
• Nilgiris (Tamil Nadu): Supreme Court ordered eviction of illegal constructions from elephant corridors in the region.
• Bold Kurukshetra Exercise Site (India–Singapore): Conducted at Babina Field Firing Ranges in Uttar Pradesh; used simulation-based war planning.
• Delhi: Yamuna pollution case back in focus after NGT flagged untreated drain outflows despite court-mandated clean-up drives.
• Brihadisvara Temple: UNESCO site brought into discourse for its architecture and as a Chola dynasty representation.
• Mumbai’s Mangrove Belt: Site of a major afforestation drive to combat coastal erosion and support biodiversity.
• Ayodhya: SC rejected urgent plea for mosque construction under 2019 verdict implementation.
• Uttarakhand Forest Zones: Hotspot for July wildfires, especially in Chamoli and Tehri regions.

History and Heritage

• Brihadisvara Temple:
  • Built by Rajaraja Chola I in 1010 AD.
  • Part of UNESCO’s “Great Living Chola Temples” list.
  • Features a 216-foot Vimana and intricate granite carvings.
  • Symbol of Tamil Nadu’s Chola-era architectural grandeur.
• Paithani Sarees:
  • GI-tagged handloom product from Maharashtra.
  • Designs inspired by Ajanta caves and woven in pure silk.
  • Highlighted by PM for preserving India’s textile heritage.
• Cold Start Doctrine:
  • Strategic military concept revived via IBGs and new commando formations.
  • Represents historical shift in India’s post-Kargil conflict response structure.
• Thanjavur’s Cultural Legacy:
  • Temple inscriptions reveal administrative and ritual practices of the Chola empire.
  • Paintings in the temple are early examples of South Indian fresco tradition.
• Nilgiris’ Role in Heritage Conservation: Once central to British-era plantations, now a vital corridor for elephant migration and eco-sensitive zones.
• Ajanta–Ellora Influence: Motifs from these cave temples seen in Paithani sarees and Brihadisvara carvings, showing cultural continuity.
• Indian Temple Architecture: Chola temples noted for axial planning, Vimana-centric elevation, and granite use, unlike Nagara style in the north.
• Artisan Communities: Government initiatives support traditional artisans involved in heritage temple maintenance and sari weaving.
• UNESCO Sites Review: India proposes new additions and updates to current tentative list, including sacred groves and tribal landscapes.
• Cultural GI Advocacy: Ongoing campaigns to secure GI tags for more indigenous crafts and heritage foods like Mithila paintings and Varanasi Langda mangoes.

Bihar’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR)

Context: The Supreme Court has urged the Election Commission (EC) to prioritize voter inclusion over exclusion in Bihar’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. It directed the EC to accept Aadhaar and EPIC as valid identity proofs despite forgery concerns.

Key Highlights:

• SC emphasized “mass inclusion” in the electoral process, warning against “en masse exclusion”.
• Aadhaar and EPIC should be accepted in the SIR exercise, as they carry a “presumption of correctness”.
• Justice Surya Kant said forgery fears are not valid enough to reject these IDs, as “any document can be forged.”
• SC criticized EC’s logic, noting that none of the 11 accepted documents are conclusive, including Aadhaar.
• SC clarified that draft publication on August 1 does not limit the court’s authority to review or overturn EC actions.
• Petitioners alleged the SIR process resembled a citizenship screening that could disenfranchise 4.5 crore people.
• EC responded that existing electors from 2025 rolls will be retained if enumeration forms are submitted.
• The claim period for corrections and inclusion is open until September 1, with final roll by September 30.
• Further additions to the roll are allowed till the last date of nominations for the upcoming Bihar elections.
• EC noted that voters from 2003 rolls are exempted from submitting eligibility documents.
• Senior advocates Kapil Sibal and Gopal Sankaranarayanan argued for petitioners; K.K. Venugopal appeared for the EC.
• SC is expected to schedule final arguments and has not granted any interim stay on draft roll publication.

Women’s Chess World Cup 2025

Context: 19-year-old Divya Deshmukh created history by winning the Women’s Chess World Cup 2025 in Batumi, Georgia, defeating Koneru Humpy in the final tiebreaker and becoming India’s first-ever women’s World Cup champion.

Key Highlights:

• Divya Deshmukh became India’s first woman to win the Women’s Chess World Cup.
• She defeated Koneru Humpy, World No. 5, in the tiebreakers of the final.
• With this victory, Divya became India’s 88th Grandmaster and 4th Indian woman GM after Humpy, D. Harika, and R. Vaishali.
• Previously, she won the World Junior Championship (2024) in Gandhinagar.
• Divya also contributed to India’s gold medal win at the Chess Olympiad in Budapest.
• Four Indian women reached the quarterfinals, showing strong national performance.
• Only Viswanathan Anand had won a Chess World Cup for India before (Hyderabad, 2002).
• Both Divya and Humpy have now qualified for the Candidates Tournament, leading to the World Championship.
• Last year, five Indians participated in the Candidates, and D. Gukesh became the youngest World Champion.
• Divya’s win reflects a new era of dominance in Indian women’s chess on the global stage.

Operation Mahadev

Context: Three “hardcore” terrorists were killed in a joint security operation in Lidwas, Srinagar, under Operation Mahadev, with possible links being investigated to the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians.

Key Highlights:

• The operation took place in the Lidwas area, part of the upper Dachigam forest range near Srinagar.
• It was named Operation Mahadev and involved an intense exchange of fire.
• Three terrorists were neutralised, according to the Army and J&K Police.
• Weapons recovered include a U.S.-made carbine, an AK-47, 17 rifle grenades, and other combat supplies.
• A hideout was discovered with food supplies and cooking utensils, indicating prolonged terrorist presence.
• The Dachigam forest connects to both Pahalgam (Anantnag) and Ganderbal, hinting at possible cross-region activity.
• Police are investigating the terrorists’ involvement in the April 22 Pahalgam attack, which killed 26 civilians.
• Identification of the slain militants is underway and not yet publicly confirmed.
• The Army termed the encounter a “major success” against terrorism in the Valley.
• The operation is ongoing, and more details are expected after full area sanitization and forensic identification.

Trump: India and Pakistan

Context: U.S. President Donald Trump claimed he prevented a war between India and Pakistan after the Pahalgam terror attack in April 2025 by leveraging trade deals, a claim India has officially denied.

Key Highlights:

• Trump claimed India and Pakistan would still be at war if not for his intervention in May 2025.
• He referred to the Pahalgam terror attack (April 22), where 26 civilians were killed, as the trigger point.
• Trump claimed he used trade as leverage to pressure both nations into a ceasefire on May 10.
• India has denied Trump’s assertion of involvement in the ceasefire process.
• He said he knows both Indian and Pakistani leaders well, which helped him influence the outcome.
• Trump compared this situation to other global conflict zones like Serbia-Kosovo and Rwanda-DR Congo.
• He emphasized the nuclear risk between India and Pakistan, calling it a “very big one”.
• Trump linked ongoing trade negotiations with peace conditions, claiming both nations needed the deal.
• He also cited using similar trade leverage on Cambodia and Thailand to encourage ceasefires.
• On the Russia-Ukraine war, Trump said he was disappointed with Putin and accused him of continuing attacks despite previous ceasefire attempts.
• Trump suggested he might shorten the timeline he had offered to end the Russia-Ukraine war, citing renewed violence.

To Boost Birth Rate China Offers Subsidies

Context: Amid a severe population decline, China has announced nationwide subsidies of $500 per child annually for children under three, aiming to reduce parenting costs and stimulate birth rates.

Key Highlights:

• China will offer $500/year per child under age 3 as a nationwide subsidy, retroactive from January 1.
• The move aims to combat a demographic crisis, with only 9.54 million births in 2024, half the number recorded in 2016.
• Population declined by 1.39 million in 2024, marking the third consecutive year of decline.
• China’s population is projected to fall from 1.4 billion to 800 million by 2100 (UN estimate).
• The country ended its one-child policy in 2016, but fertility rates remain low due to high costs and career pressure.
• Marriage rates are also at historic lows, further impacting birth numbers.
• Analysts welcomed the move as a positive fiscal intervention, but deemed it insufficient to reverse the trend.
• Economist Zhiwei Zhang said the policy acknowledges the economic risks of declining fertility.
• Zichun Huang noted that while it’s a milestone policy, the cash amount is too low to create a short-term impact.
• Several local governments already offer childbirth subsidies, but a national rollout marks a major shift.

India’s Industrial Growth

Context: India’s industrial growth dropped to a 10-month low of 1.5% in June 2025, mainly due to sharp contractions in the mining, electricity, and primary goods sectors, as per the Index of Industrial Production (IIP) data.

Key Highlights:

• Overall IIP growth slowed to 1.5% in June 2025, down from 1.9% in May, marking the lowest in 10 months.
• The mining and quarrying sector contracted by 8.7%, its worst performance in 58 months (since August 2020).
• The electricity sector shrank by 2.6%, improving slightly from May (-4.7%) but well below 8.3% growth in June 2024.
• The primary goods sector fell by 3%, its worst in 56 months.
• In contrast, manufacturing output grew by 3.9%, a 5-month high, indicating relative sectoral resilience.
• Intermediate goods and infrastructure/construction goods grew by 5.5% and 7.2%, respectively.
• The previous worst IIP growth occurred in August 2024, indicating a return of sluggish industrial activity.
• The sharp drop in mining and electricity output signals weak demand and possible supply-side issues.
• Industrial slowdown could impact GDP growth and reflects broader economic fragility.
• The trend underscores the need for sector-specific stimulus, particularly in core and energy sectors.