Daily Current Affairs - 31st July 2025
- TPP
- Jul 31
- 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 Piprahwa Relics, Global Food Systems, NISAR Satellite, Wise Use of Wetlands, 25% tariff on Indian exports, Court ruled that the right to safe, motorable roads, Banking Laws (Amendment) Act, DAY-NRLM, UNSC 1267 and more...
India’s Resolution on ‘Wise Use of Wetlands’ Adopted at Ramsar CoP15 in Zimbabwe |
India’s resolution titled ‘Promoting Sustainable Lifestyles for Wetlands’ was adopted at the 15th Conference of Parties (CoP15) to the Ramsar Convention held in Zimbabwe.
The resolution received support from 172 countries, reflecting global consensus on wetland conservation.
The resolution aligns with the principles of Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment).
Mission LiFE is a global initiative led by India and launched at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) in Glasgow, 2021.
The mission aims to encourage individuals and communities to adopt sustainable lifestyles that are in harmony with nature.
Understanding the ‘Wise Use of Wetlands’
The Wise Use of Wetlands is the core principle of conservation under the Ramsar Convention.
The Ramsar Convention defines wise use as maintaining the ecological character of wetlands through ecosystem-based approaches.
These approaches must operate within the broader context of sustainable development.
The objective is to enable the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands and the ecosystem services they provide.
These services include water purification, flood control, carbon storage, and biodiversity support, benefiting both people and nature.
Contracting parties to the Ramsar Convention are obligated to promote wise use through national plans, legislation, management actions, and public education.
India’s National Approach to Wetland Wise Use
India implements wetland conservation through the National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystems (NPCA).
India also prepares Integrated Management Plans (IMPs) that outline specific strategies for the sustainable use of wetlands.
In 2024, India released a national document titled “Wetland Wise Use – An Implementation Framework”.
India’s initiatives like ‘Mission Sahbhagita’ and the ‘Save Wetlands Campaign’ aim to increase public involvement.
These campaigns have engaged over 2 million citizens as volunteers in wetland conservation activities.
As a result, India has mapped over 170,000 wetlands across the country.
About the Ramsar Convention
The Ramsar Convention was adopted in 1971 in the Iranian city of Ramsar and came into force in 1975.
It is an intergovernmental treaty that provides a framework for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources.
Wetlands designated as “Wetlands of International Importance” under the Ramsar Convention are known as Ramsar Sites.
A wetland must meet at least one of nine designation criteria set by the Ramsar Convention to be declared a Ramsar Site.
There are currently over 2,500 Ramsar Sites globally.
India has 91 Ramsar Sites, the highest number in Asia, reflecting its commitment to wetland conservation.
U.S. Tariff Action Against Indian Exports – Effective August 1, 2025 |
The United States has announced a 25% tariff on Indian exports, along with an additional unspecified penalty, effective from August 1, 2025.
This marks a continuation of U.S. trade actions taken since January 2025 against several of its trade partners, including India.
Earlier, in April 2025, the U.S. had proposed a 26% reciprocal tariff on Indian goods, which was temporarily put on hold.
Reasons for the Current U.S. Tariff Imposition
One major reason cited is the rising trade deficit of the U.S. with India.
The U.S. goods trade deficit with India stood at $45.7 billion in 2024, marking a 5.4% increase from 2023.
The U.S. has flagged India’s non-monetary trade barriers as obstacles to fair trade.
These include agricultural subsidies and Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) measures related to food safety standards.
SPS measures are regulations to protect humans, animals, and plants from diseases, pests, or contaminants in imported food or agricultural products.
The U.S. also views India’s BRICS membership as a concern, considering the bloc “anti-dollar” in its orientation.
India’s close ties with Russia, particularly in defence and energy imports, have drawn U.S. scrutiny.
As a result, an unspecified penalty is set to be imposed on India under the new sanctions framework.
The U.S. is drafting the Proposed Russian Sanctions Act, 2025, which proposes up to 500% duties on countries purchasing oil or petroleum products from Russia.
Potential Implications of U.S. Tariff on India
The tariff move may pressurize India to accelerate negotiations for a Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) with the U.S.
Both countries aim to increase bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030, compared to $131.8 billion in 2024.
Talks are ongoing for a multi-sector BTA, including a possible interim trade deal.
Indian exports may face a competitive disadvantage compared to rivals like Vietnam (20% tariff) and Indonesia (19% tariff).
India is the largest exporter of non-patented (generic) drugs to the U.S., which could be adversely affected by the tariff.
The tariffs are also expected to disrupt supply chains, leading to higher costs and delayed shipments.
India’s Official Position
India has reiterated its commitment to a fair, balanced, and mutually beneficial BTA with the U.S.
India has emphasized that any agreement must prioritize the welfare of its farmers, entrepreneurs, MSMEs, and national interest.
Reform of Key Economic Indicators by MoSPI |
The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has proposed key reforms to improve the accuracy of India’s economic indicators.
These reforms aim to update base years, enhance data sources, and align indicators with the evolving economic structure.
Proposed Reforms in Economic Indicators
The base year for calculating Gross Domestic Product (GDP) will be updated from 2011–12 to 2022–23.
A base year is the reference year used for comparison to calculate real growth after adjusting for inflation.
MoSPI plans to bolster GDP data sources by including GST data, E-Vahan portal data, and UPI transaction data.
Existing sources like the Office of Controller General of Accounts (CGA), MCA-21 (Ministry of Corporate Affairs database), and Reserve Bank of India (RBI) will continue to be used.
The base year for the Index of Industrial Production (IIP) will also be revised from 2011–12 to 2022–23.
The IIP measures changes in the volume of production in industries like mining, manufacturing, and electricity and is compiled by the Central Statistical Organisation (CSO).
The base year for the Consumer Price Index (CPI) will be updated from 2012 to 2024.
The CPI is a key inflation indicator that measures changes in the price level of goods and services consumed by households.
MoSPI plans to incorporate alternative data sources for CPI, such as online platforms for airfare, rail fares, and OTT services.
Administrative records for prices of petrol, diesel, and LPG will also be explored for CPI computation.
MoSPI will conduct a new Annual Survey of Service Sector Enterprises (ASSSE).
The ASSSE will be designed to measure the formal services sector, similar to the Annual Survey of Industries (ASI) for the industrial sector.
The frequency of the Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES) will be increased.
The HCES will now be conducted every three years instead of every five years, ensuring more timely consumption data.
Need for the Reforms
The reforms aim to better capture changes in the economic structure, including shifts in consumption patterns and sectoral weights.
They also help in incorporating emerging sectors that were previously underrepresented.
Varied and modern data sources, such as GST returns, allow the government to track both value and quantity of production in real time.
Updating the base year is crucial to reflect real economic growth, as it removes the distorting effect of inflation.
Lord Buddha’s Sacred Piprahwa Relics Return to India |
India recently witnessed the return of the sacred Piprahwa Relics of Lord Buddha.
This historic repatriation was led by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India.
The return was made possible through a public-private partnership between the Government of India and the Godrej Industries Group.
In May 2025, the relics were scheduled for auction in Hong Kong.
The Ministry of Culture intervened swiftly to prevent the sale and successfully secured the relics.
Pirojsha Godrej, Executive Vice Chairperson of Godrej Industries Group, expressed pride in supporting the repatriation.
He described the relics as symbols of peace, compassion, and shared human heritage.
The Godrej Group reaffirmed its commitment to preserving India’s cultural legacy for future generations.
This repatriation is seen as a model of cultural cooperation and effective public-private partnership. It highlights how collaboration can protect and preserve global heritage.
The Piprahwa Relics are of immense spiritual, cultural, and historical significance to Buddhists and India’s heritage.
These relics are associated with the mortal remains (body relics) of Lord Buddha.
Body relics refer to the physical remains, such as bones or ashes, of a revered figure.
The relics were discovered in 1898 by William Claxton Peppé, a British civil engineer.
The discovery took place at Piprahwa in Siddharthnagar district, Uttar Pradesh.
Piprahwa is believed to be part of ancient Kapilavastu, the historical capital of the Sakya clan, to which Buddha belonged.
Among the findings were bone fragments, believed to be part of Buddha’s mortal remains.
The discovery also included caskets made from soapstone and crystal, used to preserve sacred relics.
A sandstone coffer, a stone container used to enshrine holy relics, was also found.
The relics were accompanied by offerings such as gold ornaments and other valuables, indicating deep reverence.
These sacred objects were enshrined around the 3rd century BCE, likely during the Mauryan era.
One of the caskets bears an inscription in Brahmi script, an early Indian writing system.
The Brahmi inscription confirms that the relics belong to Lord Buddha and were deposited by the Sakya clan.
The relics are legally classified as ‘AA’ category antiquities under Indian law.
‘AA’ antiquities are of the highest national importance and cannot be sold or removed from India.
The relics will be formally unveiled during a special ceremony.
Following the ceremony, they will be placed on public display for citizens and global visitors to pay homage.
MoSPI has released the Supply and Use Tables (SUTs) |
The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has released the Supply and Use Tables (SUTs) for the years 2020–21 and 2021–22.
These tables are based on estimates published in the National Accounts Statistics (NAS) 2024.
Data sources include major surveys such as the Annual Survey of Industries (ASI).
The SUTs cover a detailed classification of 140 products.
They also include data for 66 industries, capturing both production and consumption dimensions.
Supply and Use Tables (SUTs) are presented as two interlinked matrices.
These matrices are structured in a product-by-industry format, helping in detailed economic analysis.
The Supply Table captures the total supply of goods and services available in the economy.
Supply includes both domestic production and imports of goods and services.
The Use Table records the utilization or consumption of these products within the economy.
Uses include intermediate consumption, final consumption, gross capital formation, and exports.
Together, the SUTs provide a comprehensive picture of how goods and services flow through the economy.
SUTs help integrate all three approaches to calculating Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
These three GDP approaches are the production method, the income method, and the expenditure method.
The production approach calculates GDP by summing up the value added by all industries.
The income approach estimates GDP based on incomes earned by factors of production.
The expenditure approach adds up total spending on final goods and services in the economy.
SUTs ensure internal consistency among different GDP estimation methods.
They are a critical tool for macroeconomic analysis, policy formulation, and planning.
UNSC Report Confirms TRF Role in Pahalgam Attack |
A recent UN Security Council (UNSC) Monitoring Team report was issued under the framework of the 1267 Sanctions Committee.
The report confirmed that The Resistance Front (TRF) was responsible for the Pahalgam terror attack.
The Resistance Front (TRF) is identified as a proxy group of Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).
Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) is a designated terrorist organization involved in cross-border terrorism.
The report was adopted by consensus by all 15 members of the UNSC.
The unanimous adoption included Pakistan, which is currently a non-permanent member of the UNSC.
This adds significance, as the report indirectly holds Pakistan-linked groups accountable.
The UNSC 1267 Sanctions Committee is responsible for monitoring sanctions related to ISIS (Da’esh), Al-Qaida, and their affiliates.
The 1267 Committee is also known as the ISIL (Da’esh) and Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee.
It was established through UNSC Resolution 1267 (1999) to combat global terrorism.
Sanctions imposed include asset freezes, travel bans, and arms embargoes on listed individuals and entities.
All UN member states are obligated to act against individuals and groups listed under this sanctions regime.
The committee ensures global coordination in identifying and restricting terrorist actors and their networks.
The current chair of the 1267 Committee is Denmark, holding the position until December 2025.
Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) |
The government announced that loans worth over ₹11 lakh crore have been disbursed to women Self-Help Groups (SHGs).
These loans have been provided under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM).
The nodal ministry for DAY-NRLM is the Ministry of Rural Development.
The mission aims to organize and uplift rural poor women by mobilizing them into Self-Help Groups (SHGs).
Self-Help Groups (SHGs) are small voluntary associations, typically of women, that focus on mutual savings, credit, and income-generation activities.
DAY-NRLM offers credit support to SHGs through the Women Enterprise Acceleration Fund (WEAF).
The scheme encourages both farm and non-farm income-generating activities for sustainable livelihoods.
It also uses Social Behaviour Change Communication (SBCC) strategies to ensure the active participation of all rural women, including the most marginalized.
SBCC refers to targeted communication efforts aimed at changing social norms and behavior to support program outcomes.
The mission trains SHG women as Banking Correspondent Sakhis, who provide last-mile banking services in rural areas.
A Banking Correspondent Sakhi acts as a community-based representative helping villagers with banking and financial services.
The program has a national outreach, covering the entire country except Delhi and Chandigarh.
Banking Laws (Amendment) Act, 2025 |
The Central Government has notified 1st August 2025 as the date for implementation of key provisions of the Banking Laws (Amendment) Act, 2025.
The Act aims to strengthen governance in the Indian banking sector through comprehensive legal updates.
It amends five major banking laws, which include the RBI Act, 1934, the Banking Regulation Act, 1949, the SBI Act, 1955, and the Banking Companies (Acquisition and Transfer of Undertakings) Acts, 1970 & 1980.
One major change is the increase in the Substantial Interest Limit from ₹5 lakh to ₹2 crore.
This is the first update to the substantial interest threshold since 1968.
Substantial interest refers to the ownership stake or financial interest held by an individual in a banking company, which can influence governance or decisions.
For Cooperative Bank Directors (excluding chairpersons and full-time directors), the maximum tenure has been increased from 8 years to 10 years.
This change aligns with the 97th Constitutional Amendment, which focuses on reforms in cooperative societies.
Public Sector Banks (PSBs) are now permitted to transfer unclaimed shares and funds to the Investor Education and Protection Fund (IEPF).
The IEPF is a statutory fund managed by the Government to promote investor awareness and protect investors' interests.
PSBs are also now allowed to pay statutory auditors directly.
This reform is aimed at attracting better-quality auditors and improving audit standards in public sector banking.
Fundamental Right to Safe and Motorable Roads |
In the case of UPP Tollways v. Madhya Pradesh Road Development Corporation, the Supreme Court of India delivered a landmark ruling.
The Court held that the right to safe and motorable roads is a Fundamental Right.
This right was recognized as part of the Right to Life under Article 21 of the Constitution of India.
The Court also linked it to the freedom of movement under Article 19(1)(g), which guarantees the right to practice any profession or to carry on any occupation, trade or business.
The judgment emphasized that safe and accessible roads are essential for dignified living and economic freedom.
The Supreme Court further clarified that road development is a public duty.
It held that the State is responsible for maintaining roads that fall under its jurisdiction.
The Court stated that private contractors cannot be solely held liable for road maintenance failures.
The responsibility for ensuring safe and motorable roads ultimately lies with the government authorities.
This ruling strengthens the scope of constitutional accountability in infrastructure governance.
Appointment of State DGPs |
The Central Government has introduced a Single Window System for the appointment of State Directors General of Police (DGPs).
This system aims to streamline the DGP appointment process and ensure uniformity across states.
The process follows the guidelines laid down in the Prakash Singh vs. Union of India (2006) Supreme Court judgment.
It also adheres to the UPSC guidelines issued in 2009 for senior police appointments.
As part of the process, state governments must send a list of eligible officers to the UPSC.
This list must be sent at least six months before the retirement of the incumbent DGP.
To be eligible, an officer must have a minimum of 30 years of service in the Indian Police Service (IPS).
Alternatively, eligibility is met if the officer holds the rank of police chief or one rank below, as stipulated for that state.
Officers with less than six months of service left before retirement are not eligible for empanelment.
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Empanelment Committee then evaluates the list of eligible officers.
Based on merit, the committee shortlists a panel of three officers for large states.
For smaller states, the panel may include only two officers.
The State Government is required to appoint the DGP from the UPSC-recommended panel.
Urgent Food System Reforms |
The UN Deputy Secretary-General made a strong appeal for urgent action to reform global food systems.
This call was made during the UN Food Systems Summit +4 Stocktake (UNFSS+4) held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
At the event, she launched the 2nd biennial UNFSS+4 report to review global progress in transforming food systems.
The UN Food Systems Summit was initiated in 2021.
Its objective is to build resilient, inclusive, and sustainable global food systems.
Food systems include the full range of actors and activities linked to the production, processing, distribution, consumption, and disposal of food.
These systems involve food products from agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and related sectors.
Why Food Systems Matter
Global food systems carry hidden social, economic, and environmental costs totaling $11.6 trillion.
Socially, food systems are deeply connected to all Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) such as health, biodiversity, and the Zero Hunger Goal.
Currently, 783 million people around the world are chronically hungry.
Economically, food systems are a major source of employment, especially for agricultural households.
Environmentally, food systems account for over 30% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
They are also responsible for 80% of global biodiversity loss.
Additionally, food systems consume about 70% of global freshwater resources.
Why Food Systems Are Failing
Climate shocks, such as frequent natural disasters, damage crops and disrupt food supply chains.
Rising debt burdens in Least Developed Countries (LDCs) have increased from 3.1% to 12% of revenue between 2010 and 2023.
This debt reduces fiscal space for essential services like health and education.
Weak infrastructure leads to loss and wastage of about one-third of all food produced.
The causes include inadequate storage, transport facilities, and limited market access.
Way Forward: Building Resilient Food Systems
The UN stresses the need for increased private investment in food systems.
There is a call to build local capacity to make food systems self-sufficient.
Emergency aid must be linked to long-term development strategies.
Solutions must be community-led, with an emphasis on empowering women and youth.
Global Initiatives for Food System Reform
The COP28 UAE Declaration saw 160 governments agree to integrate food systems into national climate strategies.
The COP15 and COP16 Biodiversity Frameworks have set 23 global targets for food system reform.
These targets are supported by a detailed implementation plan and dedicated funding mechanisms.
The World Food Programme (WFP) plays a key role in training smallholder farmers.
WFP focuses on good agricultural practices, post-harvest management, and business and marketing skills.
Food systems are now treated as a top global priority across major international platforms.
Initiatives like the Apulia Food Systems Initiative launched by the G7 aim to accelerate food system transformation.
Similarly, the G20 Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty works to ensure food security and sustainable food access worldwide.
NASA-ISRO NISAR Satellite |
The NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) satellite was successfully launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota.
It marks the first dual-frequency radar imaging mission, representing a landmark achievement in Indo-US space cooperation.
NISAR is an Earth Observation Satellite (EOS) developed jointly by NASA and ISRO.
It aims to monitor global land surfaces, ice-covered areas, islands, and select ocean regions with regular frequency.
The satellite captures global imagery every 12 days, enabling consistent environmental and geophysical observations.
It orbits the Earth approximately every 97 minutes, which ensures frequent data collection across the globe.
Launch and Technical Platform
NISAR weighs 2,392 kilograms, making it one of the heaviest Earth observation satellites launched by ISRO.
It was launched using ISRO’s Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV)-F16.
For the first time, a GSLV has placed a satellite into Sun Synchronous Orbit (SSO), which is usually done using PSLV.
Sun Synchronous Orbit is a type of polar orbit where the satellite moves in sync with the Sun, ensuring the same lighting conditions for imaging.
Polar Orbit is a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) in which the satellite travels from the North Pole to the South Pole, covering the entire Earth over time.
Instruments and Radar Technology
NISAR is built on ISRO’s I-3K spacecraft bus, a standardized platform for large satellites.
The satellite is equipped with a Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) that operates in dual frequency bands.
The L-band radar is developed by NASA, and the S-band radar is developed by ISRO.
Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) works by sending radar pulses toward Earth and receiving the reflected signals to generate high-resolution images.
SAR uses satellite motion to simulate a much larger antenna, creating a “synthetic aperture” for more detailed imaging.
NISAR uses the SweepSAR technique, which enables capturing wide-swath, high-resolution images over diverse terrains.
Mission Duration and Data Access
NISAR has a planned mission life of at least 5 years, allowing long-term environmental monitoring.
It follows an Open-Data Policy, meaning all collected data will be freely accessible to scientists and institutions worldwide.
This policy benefits developing countries by offering high-quality satellite data without cost barriers.
Applications and Benefits
NISAR will help monitor woody biomass, which is essential for measuring forest health and carbon sequestration.
It will track the extent of active agricultural crops and wetlands, aiding in food security and ecological planning.
The satellite will observe ice sheet changes in Greenland and Antarctica, as well as monitor glacier and sea ice dynamics.
NISAR can detect ground deformation due to earthquakes, landslides, and volcanic activity, improving disaster risk preparedness.
During extreme weather events like hurricanes or storm surges, its cloud-penetrating radar allows near real-time monitoring and emergency response.
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