15 July 2025 Current Affairs (With PDF)

Stay updated with 15 July 2025 Current Affairs on this page! We bring you the most relevant and important news updates from around the world and India, specially curated for competitive exams and different entrance exams. Today's Current Affairs cover all significant national and international headlines, legal updates, economic news, and environmental highlights to boost your preparation. With our crisp, to-the-point coverage, you can confidently tackle current affairs questions in your exams. 

Digital Sovereignty and the Threat of Digital Colonialism: Vice President’s Caution

Why in News

The Vice President of India has issued a strong warning about the emerging risks of digital colonialism, emphasizing that while traditional invasions may not erode sovereignty, excessive dependence on foreign digital infrastructure can do so in more subtle but powerful ways.

What is Digital Colonialism?

1. Definition

a. Describes a dynamic where powerful nations and large technology corporations use their digital platforms to:

• Dominate
• Extract value
• Exert control over less developed countries.

b.Often viewed as a form of neo-colonialism, particularly targeting the Global South.

2. Examples

• US-based companies like Google, Amazon, and Facebook collect extensive data from developing countries.
• This data is used to reshape markets, influence consumer behavior, and strengthen their economic and technological lead.
• Recent Instance:
  In 2024, WhatsApp threatened to withdraw from India due to the traceability clause under the 2021 IT Rules, highlighting tensions over data control.

Concerns Linked to Digital Colonialism

• Loss of Digital Sovereignty: Global technology firms set the rules for data governance, sidelining domestic policies.
• Behavioral Analysis: Surveillance of users enables tech companies to gain a competitive edge economically and politically.
• Advancing AI Superiority: Data harvested globally trains AI models, disproportionately benefiting the Global North.
• Data Monetisation: Data has become an asset akin to money, with companies selling or leveraging it for profit.
• Cultural Imperialism: Social media and search engines often prioritize Western narratives, marginalizing local cultures.
• Surveillance Capitalism: Massive, often non-consensual data collection violates privacy and civil rights.

How Digital Data Benefits the Global North

• Economic Gains: Data-driven services improve productivity and profitability.
• Political Influence: Algorithmic control shapes public opinion and governance in other countries.
• Technological Leadership: Training AI with vast datasets creates a sustained edge over developing economies.

Strategies to Tackle Digital Colonialism

1. Strengthen Digital Sovereignty

• Build homegrown digital frameworks.
• Examples:

- ONDC (Open Network for Digital Commerce)
- India Stack

2. Enforce Data Localisation

• Mandate that sensitive data remains within national borders.
• Key Steps:

- Refusing to endorse the Osaka Track on data flows
- Enacting the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023

3. Reduce Import Dependence

Promote domestic production in critical sectors:

• Make in India
• Chips to Startup (C2S) programme

4. Update Policy Frameworks

• Align with global recommendations.
• UNCTAD (2021 Report): Advocate periodic reviews of data flow regulations to balance: Economic growth; Public interest and A connected digital ecosystem

Significance

• Preserving digital autonomy is vital to safeguard national interests.
• Fostering indigenous innovation reduces reliance on foreign infrastructure.
• A balanced approach protects privacy, culture, and economic security in the digital age.

SC-NBWL Recommends Revisiting Eco-Sensitive Zone Guidelines for Greater Flexibility

Why in News

The Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife (SC-NBWL) has proposed a review of the 2011 Guidelines for the Declaration of Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZ), emphasizing the need for a more flexible, site-specific approach rather than a uniform 10-km buffer around all protected areas.

Rationale for Review

1. One-size-fits-all approach impractical:

• Ecological, social, and economic conditions differ greatly across states.
• Example: In Himachal Pradesh, nearly 65% of the land area is already designated as forest or protected zones.
  Imposing strict ESZ norms here could obstruct development without delivering proportionate ecological benefits.

2. The Supreme Court (2023) had already recognized these challenges by permitting states to modify the minimum ESZ width in the public interest.

About Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZ)

1. Origins and Concept

• Introduced in the Wildlife Conservation Strategy, 2002
• Defined in the National Environment Policy, 2006 as areas possessing unique environmental values requiring special conservation measures
• Serve as "shock absorbers" around protected areas like national parks and wildlife sanctuaries
• Act as transitional zones between highly protected ecosystems and areas with lesser restrictions

2. Guidelines for ESZ Declaration (2011)

• Legal Framework: Notified under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
• Demarcation: Generally, lands within 10 km of protected area boundaries designated as ESZ
• Activity Classification:

3. Permitted Activities

• Existing agriculture and horticulture by local communities
• Rainwater harvesting

4. Regulated Activities

• Tree felling
• Major alterations in agriculture practices
• Installation of electrical cables
• Commercial use of natural water resources
• Establishment of hotels
• Vehicular movement at night
• Display of signboards and hoardings

5. Prohibited Activities

• Commercial mining
• Setting up polluting industries
• Large hydroelectric projects
• Establishment of sawmills
• Overflying protected areas with aircraft or balloons
• Other activities with severe ecological impact

Legal and Planning Framework

1. Planning Tools:

States must develop a Zonal Master Plan for each ESZ, integrating:

• Tourism Master Plan
• Heritage site listings

2. Notification Process:

• The MoEF&CC issues ESZ notifications based on proposals from State Governments.

3. Supreme Court Directions:

• Prohibited mining inside national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and within 1 km of their boundaries.

Significance of Proposed Reforms

• Allow states to adapt ESZ boundaries based on local ecological and developmental contexts
• Prevent unnecessary restrictions that hamper livelihoods
• Maintain core ecological protection while ensuring balanced sustainable development

India’s Expanding Role in a Multipolar Global Order

Why in News

During a recent meeting with India’s External Affairs Minister, the Foreign Minister of Singapore acknowledged India’s rising stature as a pivotal actor shaping the evolving multipolar world order.

Understanding Multipolarity

1. Definition:

A global system in which multiple nations wield significant influence, as opposed to:

• Bipolarity: Dominated by two major powers (e.g., US and USSR during the Cold War)
• Unipolarity: Dominated by a single superpower (e.g., US after the Cold War)

2. Characteristics:

• Countries and regions pursue diverse interests, values, and agendas.
• Relationships are defined by both cooperation and competition across issues.

Emergence of a Multipolar World

1. Shift Away from the Post-War Order:

• The global structure established after World War II-anchored by institutions like the UN, IMF, and World Bank-is increasingly seen as outdated.
• New institutions are emerging as credible alternatives.
  Example: New Development Bank, offering a counterpoint to the World Bank.

2. Rise of Plurilateral and Minilateral Forums:

• Moving beyond rigid alliances (NATO, Warsaw Pact) to more flexible, issue-based groupings.
• Key examples:

- BRICS+
- Quad
- Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)

India’s Central Role in Multipolarity

1. Strategic Realignment

a. From Non-Alignment to Multi-Alignment:

• India no longer positions itself equidistant from power blocs.
• Pursues partnerships with: Western alliances (Quad, Indo-Pacific Economic Framework) and Eurasian groupings (SCO, BRICS)

b. Emphasis on Regional Leadership: Advocates a multipolar world centred around a multipolar Asia.

2. Active Participation in Minilaterals

India engages in agenda-specific, regional coalitions:

• Quad: Maritime security and Indo-Pacific cooperation.
• IPEF: Economic connectivity.
• I2U2: Focused collaboration among India, Israel, UAE, and the USA.

Challenges to India’s Multipolar Strategy

1. Return of Cold War Bloc Politics:

• The Ukraine conflict has rekindled bipolar alignments:

- The US and its allies on one side.
- Russia and China on the other.

• This trend constrains India’s diplomatic flexibility.

2. Strategic Pressures to Choose Sides:

• Balancing ties between:

- The West (Quad, Indo-Pacific initiatives).
- Russia and China (SCO, BRICS).

• Sustaining this balance is increasingly complex.

3. Weakening of Russia as a Balancing Partner:

• Russia’s growing reliance on China reduces India’s strategic leverage in Eurasian affairs.

Conclusion

India’s approach to a multipolar world is shaped by:

• Pragmatic engagement across blocs.
• Focus on regional leadership in Asia.
• Efforts to maintain autonomy in foreign policy despite evolving geopolitical pressures.

WHO Acknowledges India’s Leadership in AI-Enabled Traditional Medicine

Why in News

The World Health Organization (WHO) has formally recognized India’s pioneering role in integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) with the Ayush systems of traditional medicine-including Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, Sowa Rigpa, and Homoeopathy.

This recognition was highlighted in WHO’s first-ever technical publication titled: “Mapping the Application of Artificial Intelligence in Traditional Medicine (TM)”, developed after India proposed the topic.

About the WHO Technical Brief

1. Developed Under:

• The Global Initiative on AI for Health (GI-AI4H)

2. Collaborating Organisations:

• WHO
• International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
• World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)

3. Purpose:

• Guide countries in responsibly applying AI to traditional medical systems.

How AI is Transforming Traditional Medicine in India

AI Applications

1. Smarter Diagnosis:

• Combines: Pulse reading; Tongue analysis and Prakriti (body constitution) assessment
• Integrates machine learning and deep learning for improved diagnostic accuracy.

2. Ayurgenomics:

• Fuses genomic science with Ayurvedic principles.
• AI models identify: Disease risk markers and Personalized wellness recommendations.

3. Understanding Drug Action Pathways:

Develops chemical sensors to evaluate Ayurvedic concepts like:

• Rasa (taste)
• Guna (qualities)
• Virya (potency)

Key Challenges in AI Integration

• Biopiracy Risks Indigenous knowledge could be exploited without consent for commercial gain.
• Digital Divide Limited infrastructure and low digital literacy hinder widespread adoption.
• Data Gaps Traditional medicine often lacks large, structured datasets needed to train AI systems.
• Localization vs. Global Standardization Balancing cultural relevance with international interoperability remains complex.

Guiding Principles for Responsible AI Adoption

To fully leverage AI in traditional medicine, India and other nations should:

• Align efforts with WHO’s guidance on frontier technologies.
• Develop robust data governance frameworks protecting: Indigenous communities and Local knowledge systems
• Encourage international collaboration and knowledge exchange.

Key Indian Initiatives Enabling AI in Traditional Medicine

1. Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL):

• Digitizes ancient practices across: Ayurveda, Siddha, Sowa Rigpa, Yoga

2. Ayush Grid (Launched 2018):

Central digital platform supporting:

• AYUSH Health Management Information System (AHMIS): Cloud-based clinical data system.
• SAHI Portal: Standardization of Ayurveda Health Information.
• NAMASTE Portal: Services integration for traditional medicine.
• Ayush Research Portal: Central repository for research access.
• Ayush Sanjivani App: Promotes usage of Ayush interventions.
• Yoga Locator App: Helps users find certified yoga centres.

3. Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI) Summit (2023):

• A multi-stakeholder platform bridging theory and practice in AI for health and other domains.

Significance

India’s model demonstrates how AI can modernize and globalize traditional medicine, while preserving its cultural roots and ensuring ethical standards.

President Nominates Four Eminent Personalities to the Rajya Sabha

Why in News

The President of India has recently nominated four distinguished individuals to the Rajya Sabha, invoking the constitutional provision for representation of exceptional contributions in key fields.

Constitutional Basis for Nominated Members

1. Provision Under Article 80 of the Constitution:

The Rajya Sabha (Council of States) can have a maximum of 250 members, comprising:

• 238 elected members from states and Union Territories.
• 12 nominated members appointed by the President.

2. Criteria for Nomination – Article 80(3):

• Individuals must possess special knowledge or practical experience in the following fields: Literature, Science, Art, Social service

Role of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA)

• As per the Allocation of Business Rules, 1961, the Ministry of Home Affairs is the designated authority for managing Rajya Sabha nominations.
• The MHA notifies the nominations after they are approved by the President.

Legal Validation

Notable Case: Ram Gopal Singh Sisodia vs. Union of India (2012)

• The Delhi High Court upheld the validity of Sachin Tendulkar’s nomination under Article 80(3).
• The ruling affirmed the President’s discretion to nominate individuals based on contributions in the mentioned domains.

Significance of Nominated Members

• Provide non-partisan and expert inputs in legislative debates.
• Serve as cultural and intellectual representatives in Parliament.
• Strengthen diverse perspectives in policymaking through their specialized knowledge.

France Moves to Expand Autonomy for New Caledonia

Why in News

France has announced a landmark agreement to grant greater autonomy to New Caledonia, establishing it as the “State of New Caledonia” within the French Republic.
While this development provides the territory enhanced self-governance, it stops short of full independence.

About New Caledonia

• Status: A French overseas territory in the Southwest Pacific Ocean.
• Location: Situated east of Australia, surrounded by the Coral Sea.

Historical Context

1. Colonial Annexation:

• In the 1840s, European traders forcibly kidnapped islanders, exploiting them as slaves or indentured labour for sugarcane plantations.
• In 1853, France formally annexed the islands, establishing colonial rule.

2. Social Divisions:

The territory remains deeply polarized between:

• The indigenous Kanak people, who predominantly support independence.
• The European-descended population, who tend to favour remaining under French sovereignty.

Current Demand for Self-Determination

1. Repeated Referendums:

• New Caledonia has held multiple referendums on independence, reflecting long-standing debates about its political future.

2. New Agreement Highlights:

• Grants more autonomous powers in governance, administration, and resource management.
• Preserves New Caledonia’s status within the French Republic.

Significance of the Agreement

• Seeks to balance aspirations for self-rule with the strategic and economic interests of France.
• Aims to reduce tensions and foster reconciliation between communities divided over questions of independence.

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