2 July 2025 : Daily Current Affairs

1. Quad Should Understand India’s Right to Defend Itself: Jaishankar

Source: The Hindu, Page 1 & 12 , july 2, 2025

Topic: GS Paper 2: International Relations – India and Global Groupings

Context

At the Quad Foreign Ministers’ meeting in Washington D.C., EAM S. Jaishankar emphasized India’s right to defend against terrorism and called for deeper Quad cooperation.

Content: 

Key Highlights:

• India asserts sovereign right to act against terrorism.

• Called for a “more focused, nimble, cohesive Quad”.

• India will host the next Quad leaders’ summit.

• Progress in maritime, logistics, education, and political coordination.

Strategic Implications:

• Reinforces India’s stand on cross-border terrorism.

• Balances China’s growing influence in Indo-Pacific.

• Emphasizes India’s strategic autonomy within Quad.

Challenges:

• Differing threat perceptions among Quad members.

• Managing relations with China and Russia simultaneously.

Way Forward:

• Enhance Quad’s economic, technological, and climate cooperation.

• Strengthen counterterrorism mechanisms with member support.

Practice Question:

“Critically examine India’s evolving role in the Quad and its impact on the regional security architecture in the Indo-Pacific.”  (250 words / 15 marks)

2. GST Collections Dip to ₹1.85 Lakh Crore in June

Source: Page 1, The Hindu, July 2 2025

Topic: GS Paper 3: Economy – Public Finance

Context

GST revenues fell to a 4-month low in June 2025, raising concerns about slowing economic activity.

Content:

Details:

• June 2025 gross GST: ₹1.85 lakh crore (6.2% YoY growth).

• Net GST post refunds: ₹1.59 lakh crore.

• First-quarter FY26 collections: ₹2.07 lakh crore.

Analysis:

• Weak growth may reflect subdued consumption due to global uncertainties.

• Strong performance in North-Eastern regions like Nagaland, Sikkim.

Significance:

• Reflects demand-side trends and tax compliance efficiency.

• Used as a proxy for economic activity.

Challenges:

• Need for stable tax base.

• Structural issues in GST architecture (compliance, inverted duty).

Way Forward:

• Broaden tax base, rationalize rates.

• Improve digital tracking and MSME compliance.

Practice Question:

“GST revenues are considered a mirror of economic activity. Discuss the factors responsible for recent fluctuations in GST collections and suggest measures to stabilize them.” (250 words / 15 marks)

3. Kerala’s Plan to Make Munnar a Responsible Tourism Destination

Source: The Hindu, Page 4, July 2, 2025

Topic: GS Paper 3: Environment, Sustainable Development

Context

The Kerala government has launched a project to develop Munnar as a net-zero, gender-inclusive, and plastic-free tourism destination.

Content:

Key Features:

• ₹50 lakh sanctioned for sustainable tourism.

• Focus on gender equality, local livelihoods, and eco-tourism.

• “Village life experience” packages being created.

• Goal: Net-zero emissions and plastic-free zone by December 2025.

Significance:

• Aligns with SDG goals (gender, sustainability).

• Boosts local economy and climate resilience.

Challenges:

• Balancing tourist inflow with ecological preservation.

• Enforcing regulation on waste, transport, emissions.

Way Forward:

• Replicable model for other eco-sensitive zones.

• Collaborative governance involving local communities.

Practice Question:

Examine how sustainable tourism can be a tool for both economic development and environmental conservation, with examples from India. (150 words / 10 marks)

Prelims Facts

1. Quad should understand that India has every right to defend its people against terror, says Jaishankar

Source: Page 1 & 12, The Hindu

Topic: GS Paper 2: International Relations

Context

At the Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Washington D.C., External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized India’s sovereign right to combat terrorism and urged greater understanding and support from Quad partners.

Analysis of the news:

• Quad Countries: India, USA, Japan, Australia.

• Current US Secretary of State: Marco Rubio.

• India to host next Quad Leaders’ Summit.

• Focus areas of Quad cooperation: Maritime security, logistics, education, and political coordination.

• India’s Position: Zero tolerance towards terrorism; asserts national right to self-defense.

• Quote: “Victims and perpetrators must never be equated.”

2. GST revenue collection in June at 4-month low of ₹1.85 lakh crore

Source: Page 1 & 12, The Hindu

Topic: GS Paper 3: Indian Economy – Public Finance

Context

India’s gross GST collections in June 2025 fell to a four-month low, raising concerns over the pace of economic recovery and domestic consumption.

Analysis of the news:

• June 2025 GST collection: ₹1.85 lakh crore (Gross), ₹1.59 lakh crore (Net after refunds).

• YoY Growth (June 2025 over June 2024): 6.2%.

• MoM Decline (June vs May 2025): 8.2%.

• States showing strong GST growth: Nagaland, Sikkim, Tripura, Lakshadweep, Ladakh.

• Introduced GST Date: 1 July 2017.

• Types of GST: CGST, SGST, IGST, UTGST.

• GST Council Chairman: Union Finance Minister.

Check more: 1 July 2025 : Daily Current Affairs