26 July 2025 Current Affairs (With PDF)

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Lakshadweep Coral Cover Shrinks by 50% Over 24 Years, Study Warns

A recent scientific study has revealed a troubling 50% decline in coral cover across the Lakshadweep archipelago over the past 24 years. This sharp decline raises serious concerns about the long-term sustainability of coral ecosystems in key islands including Agatti, Kadmat, and Kavaratti.

India’s Coral Reefs: An Overview

India hosts four major coral reef systems:

• Andaman and Nicobar Islands – The largest reef area in the country.
• Lakshadweep Islands – Composed mainly of atolls, relatively undisturbed.
• Gulf of Kachchh (Gujarat) – Fringing reefs in tidal zones.
• Gulf of Mannar and Palk Bay (Tamil Nadu) – Also includes coral-rich Marine National Park zones.

Additional smaller coral zones are found off Malvan in Maharashtra.

Key Findings of the Study

• Decline in Recovery Capacity: The reduction in coral cover is primarily attributed to weakened recovery after successive bleaching events.
• Impact of ENSO Events: Significant coral bleaching and decline were observed after major El Niño Southern Oscillation events in 1998, 2010, and 2016.

Factors Driving Coral Degradation

• Marine Heatwaves: Rising sea surface temperatures, driven by climate change, lead to frequent marine heatwaves, stressing coral systems.
• Storm Runoff and Pollution: Heavy rainfall and storm events dilute saline levels and introduce pollutants, particularly affecting near-shore corals.
• Tidal Stress: Extremely low tides can expose corals to air and intense sunlight, causing bleaching.
• Other Stressors: El Niño events, sedimentation, overexposure to sunlight, and altered ocean currents further aggravate coral stress.

Ecological and Economic Importance of Coral Reefs

• Biodiversity Hotspots: Though occupying only 1% of ocean area, coral reefs support nearly 25% of all marine species.
• Natural Filters: Coral systems host filter feeders like sponges that cleanse ocean waters of toxins and pollutants.
• Livelihood and Economy: Reefs contribute to tourism, fisheries, coastal protection, oxygen production, and pharmaceutical research.

Union Government Launches National Cooperation Policy 2025 to Revitalize Cooperative Ecosystem

The Union Minister of Cooperation has introduced the National Cooperation Policy (NCP)–2025, the second major policy framework for India’s cooperative sector since 2002. Rooted in the guiding philosophy of "Sahkar Se Samriddhi" (Prosperity through Cooperation), the policy outlines a transformative roadmap to strengthen and expand the role of cooperatives in national development.

Core Vision and Strategic Mission

• Aim: To position the cooperative model as a catalyst for inclusive and sustainable development for future generations.
• Mission Statement: Encouraging the emergence of professional, transparent, technology-driven, and economically viable cooperative institutions that are self-sustaining and accountable.

Key Objectives of NCP-2025

1. Village-Level Expansion:

• Establish at least one cooperative unit in every village and develop five Model Cooperative Villages per tehsil.

2. Economic Goals:

• Triple the contribution of the cooperative sector to India’s GDP by 2034.
• Expand the number of cooperative societies by 30%, from the current base of 8.3 lakh units.

3. Sectoral Diversification:

Promote cooperative engagement in emerging areas such as:

• Tourism and hospitality
• Insurance services
• Taxi and transport cooperatives
• Renewable/green energy solutions

4. Policy Adaptability:

• Introduce legal reforms every 10 years to keep cooperative laws and governance in sync with socio-economic shifts.

5. Cluster-Based Growth and Monitoring:

• Develop cooperative clusters with robust monitoring frameworks to ensure performance and accountability.

Strategic Role of Cooperatives in National Development

1. Rural Infrastructure:

• Play a key role in managing and maintaining rural water supply systems.

2. Farmer Empowerment:

• Function as Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samriddhi Kendras (PMKSK) to deliver agricultural inputs and support.

3. Healthcare and Welfare Access:

• Operate Janaushadhi Kendras and Common Service Centres (CSCs) to enhance affordable healthcare and digital services.

4. Convergence with Key Government Schemes:

• Support PM-KUSUM for solar energy adoption.
• Empower women through cooperatives.
• Boost access to credit, banking, and housing services.

India–UK Vision 2035 Unveiled: A Strategic Roadmap for Deeper Bilateral Ties

India and the United Kingdom have jointly launched the India–UK Vision 2035, outlining an ambitious and comprehensive long-term partnership to replace the earlier Roadmap 2030. The framework envisions a BRISK alliance—anchored in Business, Research, Innovation, Science and Technology, and Knowledge—aimed at propelling mutual growth and global influence.

Key Pillars of India–UK Vision 2035

1. Trade and Economic Cooperation

• Finalization of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA).
• Progress towards a Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) to enhance cross-border investments.

2. Technology and Innovation

• Establishment of a UK–India Research and Innovation Corridor to strengthen collaboration in cutting-edge technologies.

3. Defence and Security

• Joint development of Jet Engine Advanced Core Technologies (JEACT) and Electric Propulsion Systems.
• Deepening convergence in the Indo-Pacific and Indian Ocean Region for maritime security.

4. Climate Action and Clean Energy

• Joint initiatives on energy storage solutions, smart grid transformation, and offshore wind development.

5. Education and Cultural Exchange

• Facilitating the setup of UK university campuses in India to expand educational cooperation and academic mobility.

6. Multilateral and Institutional Cooperation

• Unified advocacy for structural reforms in global institutions like the UN Security Council (UNSC), WTO, WHO, IMF, and the World Bank.

India–UK Bilateral Relations: A Snapshot

1. Trade Profile

• Total Bilateral Trade: £39.7 billion
• India’s Exports: £23.1 billion
• Trade Surplus: In India's favor

2. Institutional Mechanisms

• Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO) – Oversees trade and investment.
• Economic and Financial Dialogue (EFD) – Guides cooperation on financial and macroeconomic matters.

3. Investment Landscape

• The UK stands as India’s 6th largest source of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).

4. Defence Cooperation

Regular joint military exercises strengthen strategic trust:

• Exercise Konkan 2023 (Navy)
• Exercise Cobra Warrior 2023 (Air Force)
• Exercise Ajeya Warrior 2023 (Army)

India–UK Sign Landmark CETA Deal to Double Bilateral Trade by 2030

India and the United Kingdom have officially signed the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA)—a transformative trade pact expected to double bilateral trade volumes to USD 120 billion by 2030, up from the current USD 60 billion. This agreement marks a significant step forward in redefining trade relations between the two democracies.

Key Features and Sectoral Benefits of CETA

1. Tariff Liberalization

• India: Tariff elimination on 99% of Indian tariff lines.
• UK: Tariff cuts on 90% of UK tariff lines, boosting market access for both sides.

2. Sectoral Advantages for India

• High-Growth Sectors: Major benefits for labour-intensive industries like textiles, leather, toys, gems & jewelry.
• Gains for marine products, chemicals, engineering goods, auto parts, and sports equipment.
• MSMEs: For the first time, Indian micro, small, and medium enterprises will gain eligibility to participate in UK government procurement.
• Traditional Agriculture: Recognition and patent protection for India’s traditional farming knowledge.

3. Benefits for the UK

• Greater access to Indian markets for whisky, salmon, chocolates, and high-tech manufacturing products.

Other Strategic Provisions

• Reduction of Non-Tariff Barriers and streamlined customs procedures for enhanced trade facilitation.
• Professional Mobility: Relaxed visa norms for Indian professionals in IT, finance, architecture, engineering, education, and yoga sectors.
• Double Contribution Convention (DCC): Indian workers and companies are exempt from UK social security contributions for up to three years, reducing costs for employers.
• Boost to Indian Services Sector: Supports expansion of digitally delivered services, such as architecture and engineering, reinforcing India’s global service leadership.
• Technology & Investment: Encourages UK investments in Indian industries and promotes technology transfer and supply chain diversification, reducing dependency on limited trade routes.

A Benchmark for Modern Trade Agreements

As two vibrant democracies and innovation leaders, India and the UK have positioned CETA as a model for balanced, inclusive, and forward-looking trade partnerships, setting a new global standard in modern economic diplomacy.

DoT Unveils Draft National Telecom Policy 2025 to Strengthen India's Digital Future

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has released the draft National Telecom Policy (NTP) 2025, charting a forward-looking roadmap for the sector. Building upon the foundation laid by the National Digital Communications Policy (NDCP) 2018, the new policy is designed to tackle the evolving landscape shaped by disruptive technologies such as 5G, 6G, Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), Quantum Communications, Blockchain, and satellite-based networks.

India as a Global Telecom Innovation Hub

The draft NTP-2025 envisions India as a leading destination for telecom technology development under the banner “Bharat – A Telecom Product Nation.” The policy aspires to transform the country into a digitally empowered economy, ensuring universal, high-quality connectivity and establishing resilient, secure, and eco-friendly telecommunications infrastructure.

Core Vision and Strategic Missions of NTP-2025

Vision:

• To create a digitally inclusive economy by providing accessible, secure, and sustainable telecom services for all.

Mission Pillars:

1. Universal and Inclusive Connectivity

• Expand nationwide telecom coverage, improve service standards, and integrate emerging technologies to promote inclusive digital access.

2. Economic Impact

• Target a twofold increase in the telecom sector’s GDP contribution.
• Attract ₹1 lakh crore annually in telecom infrastructure investment.
• Create 1 million new jobs and provide skilling/upskilling for another million professionals.

3. Network Security and Resilience

• Strengthen telecom infrastructure through quantum-secure encryption and cyber hygiene practices to ensure a trustworthy ecosystem.

4. Sustainable Telecom Development

• Promote green innovations, energy-efficient infrastructure, and circular economy practices to reduce the sector’s carbon footprint by 30%.

5. Domestic Innovation and Manufacturing

• Foster R&D, encourage design-led manufacturing, and nurture collaboration among industry, academia, and government to boost indigenous production and innovation.

6. Ease of Living and Business

• Simplify access to telecom services, enhance digital participation, and streamline regulatory processes to create a pro-business environment.

SC Ruling Broadens Scope of 'Permanent Establishment' Under India–UAE Tax Treaty

In a significant ruling, the Supreme Court of India has clarified that exclusive possession of premises is not a prerequisite for constituting a Permanent Establishment (PE) under the India–UAE Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA). Even temporary or shared use of a facility can qualify as a PE, expanding the interpretive framework of international tax obligations.

Understanding DTAA: Key Features and Purpose

The Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) is a bilateral or multilateral treaty between nations aimed at eliminating double taxation on the same income in different jurisdictions. It ensures that taxpayers are not unfairly burdened or subjected to excessive tax liabilities in both countries of residence and source.

Benefits of DTAA:

• Tax Relief: Prevents individuals and entities—particularly Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs), and Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs)—from being taxed twice on the same income.
• Reduced Cash Outflows: Helps avoid excessive international tax deductions and ensures smoother cross-border financial flows.
• Certainty and Transparency: Provides clarity on taxation rights and obligations for both tax authorities and taxpayers.

India’s Global DTAA Network

India has signed 94 DTAAs with countries across the world, including Australia, Austria, Albania, Armenia, and many others, covering various types of income such as:

• Salaries
• Business profits
• Dividends
• Royalties
• Capital gains

These agreements often include specific provisions on Permanent Establishments, withholding tax rates, dispute resolution mechanisms, and exchange of tax-related information.

ISRO to Launch Next-Generation NavIC Satellites to Strengthen India’s Navigation Capability

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is gearing up to deploy three advanced satellites under the NavIC system, aimed at enhancing India’s sovereign satellite-based navigation capabilities. The upcoming launches are part of India’s long-term strategy to bolster indigenous positioning services in both civilian and strategic domains.

What is IRNSS / NavIC?

The Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS), popularly known as NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation), is India’s independent satellite navigation system. Developed by ISRO, NavIC provides accurate real-time positioning and timing information over the Indian mainland and a region extending up to 1,500 km beyond India's borders.

Key Features of NavIC:

1. Indigenous System:

• Unlike GPS (USA), GLONASS (Russia), Galileo (EU), or BeiDou (China), NavIC is wholly developed and managed by India, ensuring sovereign control over navigation services.

2. Dual-Service Model:

(a) Standard Positioning Service (SPS):

• Open to the general public and commercial users.

(b) Restricted Service (RS):

• Encrypted and accessible only to authorized users, including India’s defense and security agencies.

Why is NavIC Important?

• Strategic Autonomy: Reduces reliance on foreign navigation systems, especially during crises or conflicts.
• Regional Precision: Designed specifically for the Indian subcontinent, offering better accuracy in local terrain compared to global systems.
• Applications: Widely used in disaster management, vehicle tracking, agriculture, fisheries, aviation, and national security.

Third Empowered Committee Meeting Held Under PM VIKAS Scheme for Minority Upliftment

The third Empowered Committee (EC) meeting under the Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan (PM VIKAS) scheme was recently convened to review and advance targeted interventions for the socio-economic development of minority communities in India.

About the PM VIKAS Scheme

• Category: Central Sector Scheme
• Implementing Ministry: Ministry of Minority Affairs

The PM VIKAS initiative is a consolidated scheme that brings together five earlier schemes—‘Seekho Aur Kamao’, ‘Nai Manzil’, ‘Nai Roshni’, ‘USTTAD’, and ‘Hamari Dharohar’—into a unified platform to ensure integrated development and heritage preservation among minorities.

Target Groups and Objectives

The scheme focuses on the upliftment of six notified minority communities:

• Muslims
• Christians
• Sikhs
• Buddhists
• Jains
• Zoroastrians (Parsis)

Core Objectives:

• Promote skill development, entrepreneurship, and economic empowerment
• Ensure heritage preservation and support for traditional arts and crafts
• Facilitate education, livelihood, and leadership training, particularly among women and youth from minority communities

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