1 August 2025 : Daily Current Affairs

1. SC pulls up Telangana Speaker for sitting on anti-defection petitions

Source: Page 4 , The Hindu UPSC IAS Edition

Topic: GS-2 (Polity and Governance)

Context

The Supreme Court criticized the Telangana Assembly Speaker for delaying decisions on disqualification petitions of 10 BRS MLAs who defected to the Congress. The Court set a 3-month deadline for the Speaker to decide such matters, highlighting the practice of letting such proceedings “die a natural death” due to inaction.

Content

Key Points:

• The Supreme Court directed the Telangana Speaker to decide pending disqualification petitions within 3 months.

• Lamented the trend of Speakers delaying anti-defection proceedings, thus undermining the purpose of the Tenth Schedule.

• Clarified that Speakers acting as tribunals under the Tenth Schedule are subject to judicial review by High Courts and the Supreme Court.

• The case arose after 10 BRS MLAs joined the ruling Congress, and notice for their disqualification was delayed until SC intervention.

Analysis:

• Delay in deciding disqualification petitions incentivizes political defections and erodes public trust in the legislative process.

• The judgment seeks to empower constitutional morality and uphold the spirit of anti-defection law.

• Reinforces judicial oversight as a mechanism to check arbitrary or motivated actions by constitutional functionaries.

Way Forward:

• Parliament could consider reforms to insulate the office of Speaker from partisan interests.

• Creation of a time-bound mechanism for adjudication of anti-defection cases may be legislated.

Practice Question:

“Critically examine the role of Speakers in adjudicating anti-defection cases. Suggest institutional mechanisms to ensure timely and impartial decision-making in such cases.” (250 words / 15 marks)

2. Soured relations: The higher U.S. tariffs place India at a relative disadvantage

Source: page 10, The Hindu UPSC IAS Edition

Topic: GS-2 (International Relations), GS3 (Economy)

Context

The U.S. imposed a 25% tariff plus penalties on imports of Indian goods in retaliation for India’s trade with Russia and maintaining high tariffs. This marks a new strain in India-U.S. relations.

Analysis from UPSC Angle:

Key Points:

• The U.S. action comes after failed trade negotiations and persistent disagreements over market access and tariffs.

• Trump administration’s criticism linked India’s Russia ties to trade penalties, further complicating bilateral relations.

• India has a large trade surplus with the U.S.; the new tariffs affect competitiveness vis-à-vis other Asian exporters.

• Indian government maintains the position of protecting domestic interests and continues engagement for new trade agreements.

Analysis:

• The development highlights protectionism and realpolitik in global trade, challenging the narrative of deepening India-U.S. partnership.

• Indian sectors heavily dependent on U.S. exports, like textiles and engineering goods, may face significant difficulties.

• Reflects wider global trends of economic nationalism impacting established alliances and trade flows.

Way Forward:

• Persistent diplomatic engagement to resolve disputes and establish fair ground for trade.

• Diversification of export markets and upgradation of product competitiveness may help mitigate the impact.

Practice Question:

“How do trade disputes impact strategic bilateral relationships? Examine the recent Indo-U.S. tariff dispute in this context and suggest a way forward for Indian trade policy.” (250 words / 15 marks)

3. Malaria’s new frontlines: vaccines, innovation, and the Indian endgame

Source: Page 2, Indian Express Delhi Edition

Topic: GS-3 (Science & Technology, Public Health)

Context

India’s progress on malaria reduction faces persistent challenges in certain districts and species, while recent innovations in vaccines and vector control offer new hope for elimination by 2030.

Key Points for UPSC:

Key Points:

• India reduced malaria by over 80% between 2015–2023, but hotspots persist, especially with Plasmodium vivax and mixed infections.

• First approved malaria vaccines (RTS,S; R21/Matrix-M) show promise but require booster doses and target specific life-cycle stages.

• Next-gen strategies: whole-parasite vaccines, transmission-blocking vaccines, advanced adjuvants, mRNA platforms, and gene drives for vector control.

• India’s indigenous dual-stage vaccine (AdFalciVax) and research on transmission-blocking vaccines mark important scientific advancements.

Analysis:

• Success depends on integrating innovations with robust surveillance, healthcare delivery, resistance monitoring, and public health infrastructure.

• Ethical and ecological considerations surrounding gene drives and long-term immunity remain.

Way Forward:

• Fill research gaps, especially for P. vivax and mixed infections.

• Promote public-private partnerships for vaccine deployment and health delivery.

Practice Question:

“Discuss India’s progress and challenges in malaria elimination. How can technology and innovation be harnessed to achieve the 2030 elimination target?” (150 words / 10 marks)

Check more: 31 July 2025 : Daily Current Affairs