Daily Current Affairs – 10 July 2025
- TPP
- Jul 11
- 15 min read
Welcome to your one-stop destination for crisp, reliable, and exam-relevant Daily Current Affairs. The PRESS Pad delivers daily updates and smart summaries that go beyond the headlines and align perfectly with the evolving pattern of UPSC and other state-level examinations.
Today's edition features key updates including 5-year authorisation to Starlink, Draft Petroleum & Natural Gas Rules, Namibia adopts UPI technology, Aspirational DMF Programme, Terrorist Financing Risks, Sierra Leone, Extended Range Anti-Submarine Rocket, Mahi or Mahisagar River, INS Nistar, Lake Turkana, Lake Turkana, Cat Bonds, Shadow Banking, Admiralty (Jurisdiction and Settlement of Maritime Claims) Act, 2017 and more…
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In-SPACe grants 5-year authorisation to Starlink for satellite services in India |
IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre), an autonomous body under the Department of Space (DoS), has granted a 5-year authorisation to Starlink, a satellite internet constellation by SpaceX, to provide satellite communication services in India.
This clearance is a part of India’s broader space sector liberalisation, aiming to enhance private participation in space-based services, aligning with ongoing Space Sector Reforms initiated in 2020.
Starlink, operating in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), is designed to offer global internet coverage, including to remote and underserved regions, through a network of satellites.
Satellite Communication Services refer to wireless internet connectivity delivered via communication satellites, functioning independently of terrestrial (ground-based) infrastructure.
These services are crucial for a wide range of users including broadcasters, Internet Service Providers (ISPs), governments, military, and corporations, and support activities like telecom connectivity, broadcasting, and data communication.
The significance of satellite-based services lies in enabling global connectivity, providing emergency and disaster relief, ensuring navigation support, and bridging the digital divide in geographically isolated areas.
The move to authorise Starlink aligns with India’s progressive space initiatives like the formation of Antrix Corporation, the commercial arm of ISRO, tasked with promoting and marketing space products and services.
The landmark Space Sector Reforms (2020) introduced clear role demarcations among key institutions: ISRO (research & development), IN-SPACe (regulatory and facilitation), and NSIL (NewSpace India Limited) for commercial space operations.
Further pushing reform, the Indian Space Policy 2023 was introduced to offer a level playing field to Non-Government Entities (NGEs), empowering them to participate across the entire space value chain — from manufacturing and launching to operations and services.
In support of private space startups, the government has facilitated access to critical ISRO technologies — for instance, Agnikul Cosmos received essential ISRO components for developing a private Indian launch vehicle.
Additionally, Skyroot Aerospace became the first Indian private company to achieve a sub-orbital launch with its Vikram-S rocket in November 2022, under the facilitation of IN-SPACe. (Note: Sub-orbital means the rocket reached space but did not complete one orbit around Earth.)
To strengthen India’s space ecosystem, IN-SPACe also manages a dedicated Venture Capital Fund focused on nurturing innovation and supporting space tech startups over the next five years.
Through such measures, IN-SPACe aims to build a vibrant space economy, foster public-private collaboration, and ensure sustainable growth of India's space sector in alignment with global trends.
Draft Petroleum & Natural Gas Rules, 2025 by Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas |
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has released the Draft Petroleum & Natural Gas Rules, 2025, aiming to modernise India’s energy governance framework by replacing the outdated Petroleum Concession Rules, 1949 and Petroleum and Natural Gas Rules, 1959, in alignment with the recent amendment of the Oilfields (Regulation and Development) Act, 1948.
A key objective of these reforms is the modernisation of the upstream sector framework, which focuses on exploration and production activities, while promoting ease of doing business and encouraging participation by smaller players in the sector.
To address environmental accountability, the draft introduces detailed requirements for monitoring and reporting greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, marking India’s shift toward sustainable hydrocarbon operations; greenhouse gases (GHGs) are gases like carbon dioxide (CO₂) that trap heat in the atmosphere, contributing to climate change.
Complementing this, the rules establish a regulatory framework for Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) — a technology designed to trap and store CO₂ emissions underground to prevent their release into the atmosphere, supporting climate change mitigation.
To ensure ecological responsibility, operators are mandated to create site restoration funds and conduct post-closure environmental monitoring for at least five years, which enforces long-term environmental care after resource extraction ceases.
Reflecting the global energy transition, the rules permit integrated renewable and low-carbon projects within oilfield blocks, allowing operators to engage in solar, wind, hydrogen, and geothermal energy development, thus fostering a diversified, low-carbon energy portfolio.
To provide regulatory certainty and protect investor interests, the draft includes a Stabilisation Clause, which safeguards against adverse impacts from future legal or fiscal changes—such as increased taxes—by allowing compensation or permissible deductions; this clause ensures predictability and confidence for investors.
Enhancing sector efficiency, the rules require the declaration of underutilised capacity in pipelines and related infrastructure to reduce duplication and open access to smaller players, facilitating optimal resource use and competition.
For improved governance, a dedicated Adjudicating Authority is proposed to oversee regulatory compliance, dispute resolution, and penalty enforcement, strengthening legal oversight in petroleum operations.
Under the new Data Governance framework, all operational data and physical samples generated during exploration and production will legally belong to the Government of India, while lessees may use such data internally; however, any export or third-party usage requires prior government approval, ensuring strategic control over sensitive energy information.
Overall, the Draft Petroleum & Natural Gas Rules, 2025 represent a significant step toward a sustainable, investor-friendly, and innovation-driven governance model for India’s petroleum and natural gas resources, while aligning with national and global energy and climate goals.
Namibia: First country to sign licensing agreement to adopt UPI technology |
Namibia is set to launch a Digital Payments system later this year, modeled on India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI), marking a major step towards digital financial inclusion.
Significantly, Namibia has become the first country worldwide where the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has signed a technology agreement with the central bank to implement a UPI-like digital payment platform, as highlighted by Secretary (Economic Relations), Dammu Ravi.
This milestone aligns with the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) 2023-24 Annual Report, which outlines an ambitious goal, in partnership with NPCI International Payments Ltd. (NIPL), to expand UPI to 20 countries by 2028-29.
Currently, UPI-based international merchant payments are accepted in countries such as Bhutan, France, Mauritius, Nepal, Singapore, Sri Lanka, and the UAE, reflecting its growing global adoption.
UPI, launched by NPCI in 2016, is a revolutionary digital payment system that consolidates multiple bank accounts into a single mobile application, facilitating seamless fund transfers and merchant payments.
The international rollout of UPI is significant for its potential to stimulate global market expansion by enabling faster and easier cross-border payments, thereby boosting trade between India and partner countries.
Wider adoption also encourages interoperability and standardization across payment systems, promoting smoother integration with global financial technologies (FinTech).
This initiative exemplifies ‘digital diplomacy’, enhancing India’s global influence through technological collaboration and cooperation.
Supporting internationalization is NIPL, a fully owned subsidiary of NPCI formed in 2020 to deploy RuPay and UPI payment services internationally. (RuPay is India’s indigenous card payment network.)
Additionally, UPI One World is a prepaid payment instrument linked to UPI, provided to foreign nationals and Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) from G20 countries.
Under India’s G20 commitments, efforts also include building a Global Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) Repository and launching a Social Impact Fund to promote DPI development in the Global South.
Notably, UPI serves as a critical component of the Payments layer within the Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) framework, facilitating inclusive and accessible digital financial services globally.
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Ministry of Mines Launches ‘Aspirational DMF Programme’ |
The Ministry of Mines has launched the ‘Aspirational DMF Programme’, accompanied by detailed operational guidelines aimed at integrating mineral development with broader socio-economic upliftment initiatives.
This initiative ensures the convergence of District Mineral Foundation (DMF) efforts with NITI Aayog’s Aspirational District Programme (ADP) and Aspirational Block Programme (ABP), both of which focus on transforming India’s most underdeveloped regions.
The framework is anchored in the Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra Kalyan Yojana (PMKKKY), a flagship scheme focused on improving the quality of life in mining-affected areas using funds mobilised through DMFs.
The Aspirational District Programme (ADP) and Aspirational Block Programme (ABP), led by NITI Aayog, aim to bring rapid and inclusive transformation to backward districts and blocks, using performance-based monitoring and targeted interventions.
The Aspirational DMF Programme aligns DMF-funded projects with key ADP/ABP sectors and performance indicators, thereby creating a multiplier effect to enhance outcomes for communities impacted by mining activities.
The priority sectors identified for alignment under this programme include:
Health and Nutrition
Education
Agriculture and Water Resources, along with allied activities
Basic Infrastructure Development
Social Development, Financial Inclusion, and Skill Development
As part of implementation, 106 Aspirational Districts and 473 Aspirational Blocks have already been mapped and aligned with respective District Mineral Foundations, with this coverage expected to expand progressively.
District Mineral Foundations (DMFs) are non-profit statutory bodies established under Section 9(B) of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957—an amendment in 2015 made their formation mandatory in mining districts.
The core objective of DMFs is to work for the benefit and welfare of people and regions affected by mining, as prescribed by respective State Governments, ensuring that resource extraction translates into long-term development.
By synchronising DMF funds with aspirational targets, the new programme seeks to maximise social impact, avoid project duplication, and ensure data-driven governance for inclusive development in resource-rich but underdeveloped regions.
‘Comprehensive Update on Terrorist Financing Risks’ Report released by FATF |
The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has released its ‘Comprehensive Update on Terrorist Financing Risks’, shedding light on how terrorist organisations continue to exploit the international financial system to fund their operations and execute attacks.
The report identifies key factors influencing Terrorist Financing (TF) risks, including the growing threat from lone actors and small cells that operate with minimal funding yet high impact.
Porous borders, particularly in regions like Africa and South Asia, create ideal conditions for cross-border movement of funds and resources without detection, exacerbating terrorist financing vulnerabilities.
The report also flags state sponsorship of terrorism and weak regulatory oversight in Free Trade Zones (FTZs) as critical enablers that allow illicit flows to bypass financial controls. (Note: Free Trade Zones are special areas with relaxed customs and tax rules, which can be exploited for illegal finance.)
Traditional or conventional TF methods continue to dominate, with groups like Al-Shabaab and Hamas using cash-based transactions, Hawala networks, and other informal, unregulated systems that are difficult to trace. (Hawala is an informal method of transferring money without physical movement, often outside formal banking systems.)
Alongside, the report notes a sharp rise in emerging financing methods, especially the misuse of digital platforms such as social media, crowdfunding sites, and online marketplaces to solicit funds under seemingly legitimate causes.
Virtual Assets (VAs) like Bitcoin, and even online gaming platforms, are being increasingly exploited to anonymously transfer, store, and move funds across borders with little oversight.
Terrorist groups are also resorting to criminal activities such as extortion, drug trafficking, kidnapping for ransom (KFR), and illicit trade in natural resources like gold and timber, as seen with groups like Boko Haram.
Moreover, the misuse of non-profit organizations (NPOs) and legal business entities—through front companies and shell companies—is highlighted as a covert means to obscure financial trails and divert donor funds toward terrorism. (Shell companies are legal entities with no real operations, often used to hide ownership or funnel illicit funds.)
In response, the FATF recommends strengthening Counter-Terrorism Financing (CTF) strategies through identification of risk indicators, such as frequent fund transfers to high-risk jurisdictions and use of anonymity-enhancing tools like prepaid cards and virtual assets.
A key emphasis is placed on a coordinated multilateral response, particularly through multilateral designations under the UN Security Council (UNSC) sanctions, to address the transnational nature of TF threats.
Additionally, the FATF calls for outreach to sectors currently outside its regulatory framework, by building Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) focused on emerging threats from social media and messaging platforms, which are often overlooked in current counter-terror efforts.
Overall, the report underscores the adaptive and resilient nature of terrorist financing mechanisms, and the urgent need for globally coordinated, technology-driven countermeasures to close regulatory gaps.
Sierra Leone |
Across the globe, rising sea levels are threatening coastal communities.
This increase in sea levels is caused by global warming — the rise in Earth's average surface temperature due to greenhouse gas emissions from burning fossil fuels.
In West Africa, the small islands off the coast of Sierra Leone are among the first to experience severe damage from coastal erosion, where waves and rising seas gradually wear away the land.
As a result, many island residents have become climate refugees, forced to abandon their ancestral homes as the ocean continues to encroach.
Sierra Leone, with its capital at Freetown, known for its rich natural resources and diverse geographical features.
Politically, Sierra Leone shares land boundaries with Guinea to the north and east, and Liberia to the south, while its western boundary opens to the Atlantic Ocean, giving it a strategic maritime edge.
A pressing environmental concern is seen in Nyangai, part of the Turtle Islands archipelago in southern Sierra Leone, which has lost nearly two-thirds of its surface area due to rising sea levels—a clear impact of climate change on small island communities.
Geographically, the country is endowed with valuable natural resources including diamonds, gold, bauxite, chromite, and significant reserves of rutile, a major source of titanium dioxide used in paints and ceramics.
The climate of Sierra Leone is tropical, marked by a distinct alternation between rainy and dry seasons, influencing both agriculture and daily life patterns across the country.
Overall, Sierra Leone’s coastal vulnerability, resource wealth, and tropical geography shape its economic potential and environmental challenges in equal measure.
Extended Range Anti-Submarine Rocket (ERASR) |
India has successfully tested the Extended Range Anti-Submarine Rocket (ERASR), marking a significant advancement in indigenous naval defence capabilities.
ERASR is an entirely indigenous anti-submarine warfare system, specifically designed to target and neutralize enemy submarines from Indian Naval Ships.
It features a twin-rocket motor configuration, allowing it to operate across a broad spectrum of range requirements, while ensuring high accuracy and consistency during engagement.
A key innovation in ERASR is its indigenously developed Electronic Time Fuze, which enables precise detonation timing, improving effectiveness against underwater targets. (Note: An Electronic Time Fuze controls when the warhead explodes after launch, based on preset time.)
The system has been designed and developed by DRDO’s Armament Research & Development Establishment (ARDE), Pune, showcasing India's growing capability in self-reliant defence manufacturing.
With its advanced features and homegrown technology, ERASR strengthens India's anti-submarine warfare arsenal, enhancing naval preparedness in the Indian Ocean region and beyond.
Advanced Towed Artillery Gun Systems |
The Ministry of Defence recently hailed the Advanced Towed Artillery Gun Systems (ATAGS) project as an “exemplary mission mode success”, underscoring India's progress in indigenous defence manufacturing.
ATAGS is a state-of-the-art indigenous artillery system designed for long-range precision fire support in modern battlefield conditions.
It has been designed and developed by the Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE), Pune, a premier laboratory under DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation).
ATAGS is capable of firing guided missiles, allowing for accurate and high-impact strikes at extended ranges, making it a vital asset for long-distance artillery warfare.
A key technical feature is its electric drive system, which reduces the need for maintenance, enhances operational reliability, and ensures long-term durability in diverse terrains. (Note: Electric systems are more efficient and easier to maintain compared to traditional hydraulic systems.)
The system also incorporates an Automatic Ammunition Handling System, including an integrated crane mechanism, which streamlines the loading and reloading process, improving overall rate of fire and crew safety.
With a blend of automation, precision, and indigenous innovation, ATAGS not only enhances the Indian Army’s firepower but also marks a major step toward Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) in defence production.
Mahi or Mahisagar River |
A recent bridge collapse over the Mahi River in Gujarat has brought renewed attention to this significant west-flowing river system in India.
The Mahi River, also known as Mahisagar due to its vast expanse, is classified as a major west-flowing interstate river, playing a key role in the hydro-geography of western India.
It originates from the northern slope of the Vindhya Range, near Sardarpur in Dhar district of Madhya Pradesh, and travels a long course before emptying into the Gulf of Khambhat in the Arabian Sea.
As an interstate river, the Mahi flows through three states—Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Gujarat—making it vital for regional agriculture, ecology, and water management.
The topographical boundaries of the Mahi River Basin are defined by:
Aravalli Hills to the North and Northwest,
A ridge separating it from the Chambal Basin to the East,
The Vindhya Range to the South, and
The Gulf of Khambhat to the West, where it meets the sea.
A distinctive feature of the Mahi River is that it is one of the very few rivers in India to cross the Tropic of Cancer twice, a rare geographical phenomenon.
Unlike most west-flowing rivers that follow a straight course, the Mahi River is known for its zigzag path, which influences both its flow dynamics and flood patterns.
Overall, the Mahi or Mahisagar River stands out not just for its interstate reach and westward flow, but also for its unique geographical traits that make it a river of national importance.
INS Nistar |
The Indian Navy has recently received INS Nistar, marking the delivery of India’s first indigenously designed and constructed Diving Support Vessel (DSV), a major boost to self-reliant naval capabilities.
INS Nistar is outfitted with state-of-the-art diving equipment, enabling it to carry out Deep Sea Saturation Diving missions at depths of up to 300 metres. (Note: Saturation diving allows divers to stay underwater for extended periods by using pressurised gas mixtures.)
For medium-depth operations, it features a Side Diving Stage, which supports diving missions up to 75 metres, enhancing its flexibility across operational scenarios.
The vessel is designed to function as a ‘Mother Ship’ for the Deep Submergence Rescue Vessel (DSRV), which is used for the rescue and evacuation of personnel from disabled submarines at deep sea levels.
Additionally, INS Nistar is equipped with Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) that can be deployed for diver monitoring, underwater salvage, and inspection tasks up to a depth of 1000 metres. (ROVs are uncrewed, robotic submarines controlled from the surface, often used in deep-sea operations.)
With this advanced combination of features, INS Nistar significantly enhances India’s naval deep-sea operational capabilities, especially in submarine rescue, underwater engineering, and high-risk diving operations.
Lake Turkana |
In a remarkable scientific breakthrough, researchers have extracted 18–20 million-year-old proteins from tooth enamel of extinct mammals discovered near Lake Turkana, offering rare insights into ancient evolutionary history.
Lake Turkana, also known as Lake Rudolf or the Jade Sea due to its striking blue-green color, is a significant geological and ecological landmark in East Africa.
Geographically, the lake lies primarily in northern Kenya, with a small portion extending into southern Ethiopia, making it a transboundary water body.
It holds the distinction of being Africa’s fourth largest lake by surface area and the world’s largest permanent desert lake, situated in an arid region with extreme climatic conditions.
The lake and its surrounding ecosystem are protected under the Lake Turkana National Parks, which have been designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites for their outstanding natural and fossil heritage.
Its only perennial (year-round) tributary is the Omo River, which flows in from Ethiopia and plays a crucial role in sustaining the lake’s water levels and biodiversity.
Overall, Lake Turkana is not only a natural wonder but also a vital site for paleoanthropology and evolutionary biology, with its fossils and sediments continuing to reshape our understanding of early life on Earth.
Catastrophe Bonds (Cat Bonds) |
Catastrophe Bonds (Cat Bonds) are a relatively new type of financial instrument designed to help manage and plan for risks arising from natural disasters.
These bonds work by transferring catastrophic insurance risk from insurers to investors, who in return receive high yields (returns) but face the risk of losing their principal investment if a specified disaster occurs.
Covered events under Cat Bonds typically include earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, and other extreme natural events that cause significant damage and financial loss.
Investors are thus compensated with attractive returns for assuming this risk, but if the predefined disaster triggers before the bond matures, they forfeit their principal, making it a high-risk, high-reward investment.
Given the increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters due to climate change, Cat Bonds have become an increasingly important tool in the insurance and risk management industry to distribute and mitigate financial exposure.
Shadow Banking |
Recently, the finance minister stated that Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) are no longer classified as shadow banks, reflecting regulatory reforms in the sector.
Shadow Banking refers to a broad network of financial intermediaries and institutions operating outside the traditional banking system, meaning they are not subject to the same regulatory oversight as conventional banks.
This lack of regulation often leads to issues such as limited transparency and heightened systemic risk, which can impact the stability of the broader financial system.
Despite these concerns, shadow banking plays a significant role in the global financial system by providing credit and liquidity to various sectors, often filling gaps left by traditional banks.
Common examples of shadow banking entities and instruments include Money Market Funds, Hedge Funds, Private Equity Funds, Securitization, and Asset-Backed Securities. (Securitization refers to pooling various types of debt and selling them as bonds to investors.)
Thus, while shadow banking contributes to financial innovation and access, it also requires careful monitoring to mitigate risks to economic stability.
Admiralty (Jurisdiction and Settlement of Maritime Claims) Act, 2017 |
The Kerala government has invoked the Admiralty (Jurisdiction and Settlement of Maritime Claims) Act, 2017 seeking compensation for environmental damage caused by the sinking of a ship.
The Admiralty Act, 2017, applies to every vessel regardless of the owner’s place of residence or domicile, ensuring broad jurisdiction over maritime matters.
It covers a wide range of maritime claims, including damage to ships, disputes over ownership and agreements, loss of life at sea, wage issues for maritime workers, and environmental damage caused by vessels.
The Act stipulates that jurisdiction over such claims vests with the respective High Courts, allowing state-level judicial authority to resolve maritime disputes.
It also provides for compensation related to damages, removal of wrecks, and costs associated with environmental remediation to address harm caused by maritime accidents.
Importantly, the Act empowers authorities to arrest (detain) ships as security, preventing their movement until claims are settled or adequate security is furnished.
This legislation thus strengthens the legal framework for protecting marine environment and stakeholders’ rights in maritime operations and disputes.
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