Daily Current Affairs – 25 July 2025
- TPP
- Jul 25
- 16 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 Cambodia–Thailand map, coral cover in Lakshadweep has reduced by 50%, India UK Signed CETA, India- UK Vision 2035, National Telecom Policy, natural and organic farming, National Cooperation Policy, RPGC Report and more...
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Cambodia–Thailand Border Dispute |
A border dispute between Cambodia and Thailand has escalated, reigniting long-standing territorial tensions.
This dispute involves conflicting claims over land near their shared political boundary.
Cambodia (Capital: Phnom Penh)
Cambodia is located in mainland Southeast Asia, making it a central part of the Indochinese Peninsula.
It is a member of ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations), a regional grouping promoting economic and political cooperation.
Cambodia shares land borders with Thailand to the west, Laos to the north, and Vietnam to the east and southeast.
It also has a maritime boundary along the Gulf of Thailand, a shallow arm of the South China Sea.
Geographical Features
The Mekong River, one of Asia’s longest rivers, flows through Cambodia from north to south.
The Tonle Sap River, connected to the Mekong, is Cambodia's lifeline and expands into Tonle Sap Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia.
The Dangrek Mountains form a natural border between Cambodia and Thailand.
The Krâvanh Mountains, also called the Cardamom Mountains, are located in the southwest and are known for their biodiversity.
The Dâmrei Mountains, or Elephant Mountains, lie near the southern coast and are an extension of the Krâvanh range.
Thailand (Capital: Bangkok)
Thailand is situated in Southeast Asia, forming a bridge between the Indo-Chinese and Malay Peninsulas.
It is part of ASEAN, promoting regional unity, and BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation), which enhances regional economic collaboration.
Thailand shares land borders with Myanmar to the northwest, Laos to the northeast, Cambodia to the east, and Malaysia to the south.
Thailand’s southern maritime boundary touches the Gulf of Thailand.
Its western maritime boundary opens to the Andaman Sea, part of the eastern Indian Ocean.
Geographical Features
The Mekong River, forming part of Thailand's eastern border, is vital for agriculture and fisheries.
The Chao Phraya River, flowing through central Thailand and Bangkok, is the country’s principal river.
Thailand experiences a tropical monsoon climate, characterized by hot, wet summers and dry winters.
The country is rich in natural resources such as tin, used in alloys and electronics.
It also has abundant rubber, a key export commodity used in tires and industrial goods.
Thailand possesses natural gas reserves, crucial for domestic energy supply and export.
Other important resources include tungsten (used in metalworking), tantalum (used in electronics), and timber (used for construction and export).
Study reveals that coral cover in Lakshadweep saw 50% reduction in 24-years |
A recent study reveals that coral cover in Lakshadweep has reduced by 50% over 24 years.
This decline raises concerns about the sustainability of corals across the Lakshadweep archipelago, including Agatti, Kadmat, and Kavaratti islands.
Key Highlights of the Study:
The 50% reduction is attributed mainly to reduced recovery rates of corals after each bleaching event.
Corals were impacted and showed partial recovery following three major El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) events in 1998, 2010, and 2016.
ENSO is a climate pattern involving periodic warming of ocean surface temperatures in the Pacific, affecting global weather and marine ecosystems.
Optimal Conditions for Coral Formation:
Temperature: Corals survive best in a temperature range of 23°C to 29°C.
Depth: They thrive at depths less than 50 meters, where sunlight penetration supports photosynthesis.
Salinity: Stable salinity levels are essential for maintaining reef health.
Water Clarity: Clear water enables sunlight to reach algae, which live symbiotically with corals and perform photosynthesis.
Substrate: Hard surfaces such as volcanic rocks provide a base for corals to attach and grow.
Reasons for Coral Depletion:
Increasing marine heatwaves due to climate change raise ocean temperatures, which are harmful to coral health.
Runoff and pollution, especially storm-driven precipitation, dilute ocean water near shores and can cause coral bleaching.
Exposure during extreme low tides can lead to bleaching in shallow coral areas.
Other causes include overexposure to sunlight, recurring El Niño events, shifting ocean currents, and sedimentation.
Importance of Corals:
Corals provide habitat for important filter feeders like sponges, which clean toxins and contaminants from ocean water.
Although coral reefs cover only about 1% of the world’s oceans, they support at least 25% of global marine life, making them biodiversity hotspots.
Corals also contribute to tourism, recreation, fishing, oxygen production, and even aid in drug development.
Coral Reefs in India:
India has four major coral reef areas:
Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the largest coral reef region in India.
Lakshadweep, consisting of atolls and relatively undisturbed islands.
Gulf of Kachchh in Gujarat.
Gulf of Mannar and Palk Bay, home to the Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park.
Coral reefs are also found on a smaller scale in Malvan, Maharashtra.
India and United Kingdom sign Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) |
India and the United Kingdom have signed the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) to strengthen bilateral economic ties.
The CETA is projected to double bilateral trade to USD 120 billion by 2030, up from the current approximately USD 60 billion.
Major Highlights of CETA:
CETA aims to eliminate tariffs on 99% of Indian tariff lines, making Indian exports more competitive in the UK market.
It also reduces tariffs on 90% of UK tariff lines, easing UK exports to India.
For India, sectoral gains include benefits to labour-intensive sectors such as textiles, leather, toys, and gems & jewelry.
Additionally, India’s engineering goods, chemicals, marine products, sports goods, auto parts, and engineering goods sectors will benefit.
In the farming sector, traditional farming knowledge will receive patent protection, securing India’s agricultural innovations.
Indian Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) can now participate in UK government procurement, opening new market opportunities.
The UK will gain greater market access in India for products such as whisky, salmon, chocolate, and sectors including advanced manufacturing.
CETA also includes provisions for non-tariff barrier reduction and customs simplification, facilitating smoother trade flows.
The agreement eases professional mobility by relaxing visa norms for Indian professionals in fields like IT, finance, engineering, architecture, education, and yoga.
The Double Contribution Convention (DCC) exempts Indian workers and their employers from paying social security contributions in the UK for up to three years, reducing costs for Indian professionals.
CETA boosts the Indian services and IT sector by facilitating growth in digitally delivered services such as architecture and engineering, enhancing India’s global competitiveness.
It also encourages technology transfer and increases UK investment in Indian industries.
The agreement promotes supply chain diversification, reducing over-dependence on single trade corridors for both countries.
As two leading democracies and global innovation hubs, India and the UK’s CETA sets a new benchmark for fair, ambitious, and modern trade agreements worldwide.
India- UK Vision 2035 |
The India-UK Vision 2035 is a long-term strategic roadmap that replaces the earlier Roadmap 2030 and guides bilateral cooperation until 2035.
This vision is built around a BRISK partnership, emphasizing Business, Research, Innovation, Science and Technology, and Knowledge exchange.
Pillars of Cooperation in Vision 2035:
Under Trade & Economic Growth, both countries aim to sign the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) and work towards a Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) to facilitate investment protection and promotion.
In Technology and Innovation, the plan includes creating a UK-India Research & Innovation Corridor to boost collaborative research and development.
The Defence and Security pillar focuses on co-developing Jet Engine Advanced Core Technologies (JEACT) and Electric Propulsion systems.
It also highlights strategic convergence on security issues in the Indo-Pacific and Indian Ocean Region, areas vital for regional stability.
Under Climate and Clean Energy, cooperation is planned on energy storage solutions, grid transformation, and the development of offshore wind energy.
The Education and People-to-People Ties pillar aims to establish UK university campuses in India to strengthen academic collaboration and cultural exchange.
The Multilateral Cooperation pillar involves joint advocacy for reforms in key global institutions such as the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), World Trade Organization (WTO), World Health Organization (WHO), International Monetary Fund (IMF), and the World Bank.
Current India-UK Relations:
India holds a trade surplus with the UK, with total bilateral trade amounting to £39.7 billion.
Out of this, India’s exports to the UK stand at £23.1 billion.
The bilateral relationship is supported by institutional mechanisms such as the Joint Economic and Trade Committee, which handles trade and investment matters.
Additionally, the Economic and Financial Dialogue steers cooperation in finance and macroeconomic policy between the two countries.
The UK is the 6th largest source of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into India, indicating strong economic ties.
Defence cooperation includes joint military exercises such as Exercise Konkan 2023 (Navy), Exercise Cobra Warrior 2023 (Air Force), and Exercise Ajeya Warrior 2023 (Army), enhancing operational interoperability.
Department of Telecommunications (DoT) releases Draft National Telecom Policy (NTP)-2025 |
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has released the Draft National Telecom Policy (NTP)–2025.
The new policy aims to build upon the progress achieved under the National Digital Communications Policy 2018.
It addresses emerging challenges posed by next-generation technologies such as 5G and 6G, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), Quantum Communications, Satellite Networks, and Blockchain.
The policy envisions positioning India as the “Nation of Choice” for Telecom Technology under the broader vision called “Bharat – A Telecom Product Nation”.
One of the primary aims is to ensure universal and meaningful connectivity for all citizens across India.
It targets to double the telecommunications sector’s contribution to India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
The policy seeks to attract an annual infrastructure investment of ₹1,00,000 crore to boost telecom development.
In terms of employment, it plans to create 1 million new jobs and upskill or reskill 1 million existing workers in the telecom sector.
To secure critical telecom infrastructure, the policy advocates for the use of quantum-resistant cryptography, a form of encryption designed to protect data against future quantum computing attacks.
The policy also emphasizes sustainability by aiming to reduce the sector’s carbon footprint by 30%.
The vision of NTP-2025 is to transform India into a digitally empowered economy by ensuring universal connectivity and building secure and sustainable telecommunications networks.
The policy outlines six strategic missions:
The first mission is Universal and Meaningful Connectivity, which focuses on expanding telecom networks, improving service quality, and integrating advanced technologies for inclusive digital participation.
The second mission is Innovation, promoting research, startups, and stronger collaboration between industry, academia, and government.
The third mission, Domestic Manufacturing, aims to boost economic growth through a skilled workforce, increased investments, and design-led manufacturing of telecom equipment.
The fourth mission is to create a Secure and Trusted Telecom Network by enhancing security measures, promoting cyber hygiene (safe digital practices), and building a resilient telecom ecosystem.
The fifth mission focuses on Ease of Living and Ease of Doing Business by simplifying telecom access, fostering digital inclusion, and creating a business-friendly regulatory environment.
The sixth mission is Sustainable Telecom, which promotes the adoption of green technologies, a circular economy approach (reducing waste through reuse and recycling), and the use of renewable energy to minimize environmental impact.
Parliamentary panel suggest measures for Promotion Natural And Organic Farming |
The Parliamentary Estimates Committee under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has presented a report in Lok Sabha on promoting natural and organic farming.
The report focuses on the role of Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) in advancing climate-resilient agriculture, natural farming, and sustainable practices.
The Committee observed that financial security remains a major barrier to the widespread adoption of Natural Farming.
Concerns regarding low farmer incomes, implementation gaps, and staff shortages have undermined the sustainability of climate-resilient farming efforts.
Key Themes, Observations, and Recommendations:
1. Financial Allocation
The Committee highlighted that limited budget has restricted adaptation efforts, especially in climate-vulnerable regions.
It recommended a substantial increase in funding for the National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA).
NICRA is an initiative by ICAR to promote research and capacity-building in climate-smart agriculture.
A phased and rotational approach should be adopted to extend adaptation support to all vulnerable districts gradually.
It also suggested strengthening market linkages and introducing premium pricing mechanisms for natural and organic produce to ensure farmer profitability.
2. Climate-Resilient Seed Varieties
There is a slow adoption of climate-resilient seed varieties, due to limited distribution networks and coordination gaps at the state level.
The Committee recommended establishing decentralized seed hubs and promoting seed village programmes for improved accessibility.
It also advised enhancing coordination between ICAR, State Governments, and private seed companies to streamline seed distribution.
3. Organic Certification
A key issue noted was the lack of awareness among farmers, especially in rural areas, regarding organic certification standards.
The Committee recommended the creation of a unified organic label combining both NPOP (National Programme for Organic Production) and PGS-India (Participatory Guarantee System).
A unified label would simplify recognition and boost consumer trust in certified organic produce.
4. Organic Farming Transition
The transition from conventional to organic farming lacks a robust and comprehensive support system.
The Committee suggested increasing direct financial incentives under the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) scheme specifically for organic inputs.
It also emphasized the need to invest in local marketing channels and enhance digital outreach to improve the visibility and market access for organic farmers.
5. Safe Pest Management Practices
The Committee expressed concern over the widespread and irresponsible use of chemical pesticides, which are frequently found in food products.
It recommended increasing the adoption of biological pest management technologies developed by the ICAR–National Bureau of Agricultural Insect Resources (NBAIR).
Biological pest management involves using natural predators, parasites, or pathogens to control harmful insects in a sustainable and eco-friendly manner.
National Cooperation Policy (NCP)–2025 unveiled by Union Minister of Cooperation |
The National Cooperation Policy (NCP)–2025 has been officially unveiled by the Union Minister of Cooperation.
NCP–2025 is the second national policy for the cooperative sector, coming after the first one introduced in 2002.
The policy is guided by the vision of ‘Sahkar Se Samriddhi’, which means ‘Prosperity through Cooperation’.
The aim of NCP–2025 is to establish cooperation as a key instrument for the nation's development, particularly benefiting future generations.
The mission is to promote professional, transparent, technology-enabled, accountable, economically self-reliant, and successful cooperative units across India.
The policy is built on six strategic pillars that are essential for cooperative growth and resilience.
The first pillar is Youth Engagement, which focuses on involving younger generations in cooperative institutions.
The second is Sector Diversification, which aims to expand cooperatives beyond traditional sectors.
The third is Inclusivity and Reach, which ensures that cooperatives are accessible to all communities and regions.
The fourth pillar is Future Preparedness, focusing on policy adaptability and sustainability.
The fifth is Vibrancy and Innovation, encouraging creative and responsive cooperative models.
The sixth is Foundational Institutions, which support cooperative capacity building and governance.
Renewable Power Generation Costs (RPGC) Report |
The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) has released its latest Renewable Power Generation Costs (RPGC) Report.
The report provides key insights into global trends in renewable energy costs and capacity for the year 2024.
In 2024, global renewable power capacity additions reached an all-time high of 582 gigawatts (GW).
Out of this, solar photovoltaics (PV) contributed 452.1 GW, which accounts for 77.8% of the total additions.
Wind energy followed as the second-largest contributor with 114.3 GW added in 2024.
The report confirms that renewables are now cheaper than most fossil fuel-based alternatives for electricity generation.
Among all sources, wind power remained the cheapest form of renewable electricity in 2024.
In terms of economic impact, renewables helped avoid USD 467 billion in fossil fuel costs globally in 2024.
This demonstrates the significant financial savings and energy security benefits of transitioning to clean energy.
Despite this progress, the report highlights several short-term risks to renewable energy deployment.
These include geopolitical tensions, which affect international cooperation and energy trade.
Supply chain bottlenecks have also emerged, causing delays in equipment production and delivery.
Additionally, trade-related barriers have created uncertainties in the global renewable energy market.
The RPGC report emphasizes the need for resilient policies and global cooperation to overcome these challenges and sustain clean energy growth.
Art Forms |
As part of Kala Utsav 2025, artists under the ‘Artists in Residence Programme’ of Rashtrapati Bhavan called on the President of India.
The programme featured renowned artists representing three traditional Indian art forms: Sohrai, Pattachitra, and Patua.
Sohrai is both a folk art form and a harvest festival celebrated in Jharkhand.
It is traditionally observed by communities such as the Sadan, Oraon, Munda, and Santal.
Sohrai art is usually drawn on walls of homes using natural pigments, symbolizing prosperity and nature worship.
Pattachitra is a traditional scroll painting that originates from the state of Odisha.
The term ‘Pattachitra’ comes from Sanskrit—‘patta’ meaning cloth and ‘chitra’ meaning picture.
Pattachitra paintings are known for their intricate details, mythological themes, and vibrant colors applied on cloth.
Patua art is a form of folk painting that originated in West Bengal.
It is traditionally painted on a scroll, and the scroll is often made from cloth called ‘pati’ or ‘patta’.
Patua artists, also called ‘Chitrakars’, narrate stories from folklore and mythology while unrolling these painted scrolls.
All three art forms reflect India’s rich cultural and tribal heritage, and their preservation is essential for safeguarding indigenous traditions.
Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement(DTAA) |
The Supreme Court of India has recently clarified a key interpretation under the India–UAE Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA).
It held that exclusive possession of a place is not required for it to qualify as a Permanent Establishment (PE).
Even temporary or shared use of a location can constitute a Permanent Establishment, triggering tax obligations under the DTAA.
A Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) is an international treaty between two or more countries.
The primary purpose of DTAA is to prevent the same income from being taxed twice—once in the country where it is earned and once in the country of residence.
This ensures fair taxation and promotes cross-border economic activity and investment.
Permanent Establishment (PE) refers to a fixed place of business through which a foreign company or person carries out significant operations in another country.
The DTAA plays a crucial role in protecting Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs), and Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs) from excessive international tax burdens.
It also helps reduce unnecessary cash outflows caused by multiple taxation.
As of now, India has signed DTAA agreements with 94 countries, reflecting its commitment to equitable global taxation.
These countries include Albania, Armenia, Australia, Austria, and many others across various regions.
Such agreements are vital for ensuring fiscal certainty and legal clarity in international taxation matters.
Environmental Flow (E-flow) |
A recent meeting was led by the Union Jal Shakti Minister to discuss the Environmental Flow (E-flow) of the Ganga River and its tributaries.
Environmental Flow (E-flow) refers to the quantity, timing, and quality of water flow required to sustain freshwater ecosystems.
It also supports the livelihoods that depend directly on healthy river systems, such as agriculture, fishing, and rural communities.
The primary goal of E-flow is to maintain the ecological integrity of rivers and their estuaries (the tidal mouth of a large river, where freshwater meets seawater).
Ecological integrity means the river's natural structure and functioning are preserved, including its biodiversity and seasonal flow patterns.
Over the years, extensive human interventions in river systems have led to serious ecological imbalances.
Major disruptions include the construction of dams, which alter natural flow; pollution, which degrades water quality; and encroachments, which restrict the river's natural course.
These activities have significantly damaged aquatic habitats, reduced water availability downstream, and affected species survival.
To mitigate such impacts and restore river health, the concept of Environmental Flow (E-flow) has been introduced and adopted.
E-flow is now recognized as a critical component of sustainable river management, especially in rivers like the Ganga, which have both ecological and cultural significance.
PM VIKAS Scheme |
Recently, the 3rd Empowered Committee (EC) Meeting was convened under the Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan (PM VIKAS) scheme.
The PM VIKAS Scheme is a Central Sector Scheme, meaning it is fully funded by the Central Government and implemented directly by the concerned ministry.
The scheme is implemented by the Ministry of Minority Affairs, which is responsible for the welfare of minority communities in India.
PM VIKAS aims at the holistic development of minorities through convergence of five existing schemes into one unified platform.
The five merged schemes include ‘Seekho Aur Kamao’, ‘Nai Manzil’, ‘Nai Roshni’, ‘USTTAD’, and ‘Hamari Dharohar’.
‘Seekho Aur Kamao’ focuses on skill development for youth from minority communities.
‘Nai Manzil’ provides education and skill training to school dropouts from minority communities.
‘Nai Roshni’ is a leadership development program for minority women, enhancing their confidence and skills.
‘USTTAD’ (Upgrading the Skills and Training in Traditional Arts/Crafts for Development) promotes and preserves traditional crafts and skills of minority communities.
‘Hamari Dharohar’ focuses on preserving the cultural heritage of minorities through documentation and support to heritage sites and art forms.
The main objective of PM VIKAS is the socio-economic upliftment of six notified minority communities.
These six communities include Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, and Zoroastrians (Parsis).
The scheme addresses gaps in education, employment, entrepreneurship, and cultural preservation among these communities.
Maritime Development Fund |
India has proposed the Maritime Development Fund at the Maritime Financing Summit 2025 in New Delhi.
Maritime Development Fund (MDF): A dedicated blended finance vehicle aimed at lowering capital costs and attracting long-term investment into shipyards, coastal infrastructure and inland waterways.
Recent initiatives to support maritime sector: India’s ports cut turnaround time to under 1 day, India has opened 100% FDI in Shipping etc.
Bambusa tulda |
Researchers at IIT Guwahati have developed an eco-friendly bamboo composite for the automobile sector.
This innovative composite uses Bambusa tulda combined with biodegradable polymers to reduce environmental impact.
Bambusa tulda is a clump-forming bamboo, meaning it grows in tight clusters rather than spreading widely like running bamboos.
It is both evergreen and deciduous, depending on climatic conditions, retaining or shedding leaves accordingly.
The species is known for its very fast growth rate, making it suitable for sustainable harvesting.
Bambusa tulda is widely cultivated in India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Thailand, showcasing its regional importance.
It thrives in moist lowland tropical regions, particularly up to 1500 meters elevation, which supports its rapid growth.
It is a monocarpic species, meaning it flowers only once in its lifetime—every 25 to 40 years—and then dies, which is a rare botanical trait.
It is locally known as Jati Bahn in Assam and Mritinga in Tripura, and also referred to as spineless Indian bamboo.
Edible shoots of Bambusa tulda are slightly bitter and are commonly pickled for consumption.
It holds medicinal value through its siliceous secretion, a substance rich in silica, which is traditionally used as an aphrodisiac and general tonic.
Beyond food and medicine, it is widely used in making agarbatti (incense) sticks, lumber, paper, and various handicrafts.
These diverse uses make Bambusa tulda a valuable multipurpose species, especially for eco-conscious innovations like the one by IIT Guwahati.
Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS) |
IRNSS, also known as NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation), is India’s independent regional navigation satellite system.
It has been developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), the national space agency of India.
The primary aim of IRNSS/NavIC is to provide precise position data to users in India and up to 1500 km beyond its borders.
The system is designed to ensure sovereign satellite navigation capability, especially in critical areas like defense, disaster management, and transport.
IRNSS offers two distinct types of services to cater to different categories of users.
The first is the Standard Positioning Service (SPS), which is open and accessible to all civilian users.
The second is the Restricted Service (RS), which is encrypted and limited only to authorized users, such as the military and strategic agencies.
The Restricted Service ensures enhanced security and accuracy for users handling sensitive or mission-critical operations.
Currently, ISRO is preparing to launch three next-generation NavIC satellites to further enhance the system's capabilities.
These upcoming launches are intended to strengthen India's sovereign positioning infrastructure and improve the reliability and accuracy of the NavIC system.
The next-generation satellites are expected to support advanced features, ensuring that India keeps pace with global satellite navigation standards.
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