4 August 2025 : Daily Current Affairs

1. India-UK FTA and Voluntary Licensing: A Blow to Digital Sovereignty?

Source: Page 6 , The Hindu UPSC IAS Edition

Topic: GS-2 (International Relations, Bilateral Agreements); GS Paper 3 (Science and Technology, IPR)

Context

The editorial analyzes the India-UK Free Trade Agreement’s digital trade and intellectual property provisions and their implications for India’s autonomy in tech and public health.

Content

• Background:

  • India and UK concluded FTA in 2025 after 14 rounds of negotiations.

  • Concerns are raised over the digital and IPR chapters, especially regarding TRIPS-plus provisions.

• Key Issues Raised:

  • Digital Sovereignty:

    • Restrictions on data localization undermine India’s strategic autonomy.

    • India may be forced to allow free flow of data to foreign jurisdictions.

  • Voluntary Licensing & Public Health:

    • FTA clauses may restrict India’s ability to issue compulsory licenses or adopt public health-friendly IPR policies.

    • Threat to Indian generics and public access to affordable medicines.

• Implications:

  • Undermines India’s digital public infrastructure (like UPI, ONDC).

  • Hampers India’s role as the “pharmacy of the world”.

• Conclusion/Way Forward:

  • India should maintain policy space to balance trade liberalization with national interest.

  • Need for a parliamentary oversight mechanism for trade treaties.

Practice Question:

“The digital trade and intellectual property chapters of recent FTAs pose challenges to India’s autonomy in health and technology. Critically analyze in the context of the India-UK Free Trade Agreement.“ (250 words / 15 marks)

2. Delhi Assembly Goes Green: Solar Power Push

Source: page 1, The Hindu UPSC IAS Edition

Topic: GS-3 (Environment; Infrastructure – Renewable Energy)

Context

The Delhi Assembly building becomes the first in the country to run entirely on solar energy.

Analysis from UPSC Angle:

• Key Features:

  • Delhi Vidhan Sabha now 100% solar-powered with rooftop and grid-tied panels.

  • Expected to save ₹15–18 lakh annually on electricity.

• Significance:

  • Role model for other institutions to adopt clean energy.

  • Supports India’s renewable energy targets under NDCs.

• Challenges:

  • Urban solar adoption hindered by lack of space and financing.

  • Net metering and regulatory issues.

• Way Forward:

  • Incentivize solar in all government buildings.

  • Promote battery storage integration and urban energy efficiency.

Practice Question:

“Discuss the role of solar energy in India’s sustainable urban governance with examples from recent initiatives.” (250 words / 15 marks)

3. Saheli Smart Card Scheme: Delhi’s Gendered Welfare Governance

Source: Page 2, Indian Express Delhi Edition

Topic: GS-2 (Governance; Women and Welfare Schemes)

Context

Delhi Government has launched the ‘Saheli Smart Card’ scheme targeting health and welfare for women.

Key Points for UPSC:

• About the Scheme:

  • Smart card for all women aged 18+, covering reproductive health, cancer screening, and wellness checkups.

  • Aadhaar-linked database for targeted outreach.

• Significance:

  • Gender-specific delivery of public services.

  • Enhances access and dignity in health systems.

• Concerns:

  • Data privacy and digital exclusion risks.

  • Effectiveness depends on backend healthcare infrastructure.

• Way Forward:

  • Need for convergence with existing schemes (like Janani Suraksha Yojana, PMJAY).

  • Public sensitization and grievance redressal.

Practice Question:

“Evaluate the potential of smart card-based welfare schemes in improving women’s health outcomes in India.” (150 words / 10 marks)

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