16 July 2025 : Daily Current Affairs

1. Happy homecoming for Shukla, three other astronauts after 18 days in space

Source: The Hindu, Page 4 , july 16, 2025

Topic: GS Paper 3: Science & Technology – Space Technology

Context

Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla returns from the Axiom-4 mission, a precursor to India’s Gaganyaan.

Content: 

• Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla was part of a 4-member Axiom-4 crew.

• Mission completed 320 Earth orbits, covered 8.4 million miles, and performed 60+ research experiments.

• ISRO teams gained experience in human spaceflight operations.

• Medical debriefs and rehabilitation planned for astronaut’s re-adaptation.

Way Forward:

• Apply learnings for Gaganyaan crew training, space medicine, and spacecraft design.

• Promote international collaboration and public-private partnerships in human spaceflight.

Practice Question:

“Evaluate the significance of international collaborations like Axiom-4 for India’s human spaceflight programme.“ (250 words / 15 marks)

2. Services exports cut India’s trade deficit by 9.4% in Q1

Source: Page 1 & 10, The Hindu, July 16 2025

Topic: GS Paper 3: Indian Economy – External Sector

Context

India’s trade deficit narrowed in Q1 FY26 due to a strong rise in services exports.

Content:

• India’s trade deficit reduced by 9.4% to $20.3 billion in Q1 (April–June 2025).

• Overall exports grew to $210.3 billion (+6% YoY), driven largely by services exports, which rose 11% to $98.1 billion.

• Merchandise exports grew marginally (+2%) due to a drop in petroleum prices; however, non-petroleum exports rose by 6%.

• Key export destinations: USA (22.1% growth), UAE, Netherlands, China, UK.

• Imports rose by 4.4% to $230.6 billion; China remained the top import source.

Way Forward:

• Focus on services-led export growth (IT, consultancy, digital infra).

• Need for diversification of merchandise exports to reduce dependency on petroleum.

• Strengthening trade relations through FTAs and reducing import dependency on strategic sectors like electronics and chemicals.

Practice Question:

“India’s services exports have emerged as a bright spot in narrowing the trade deficit. Discuss the factors driving services export growth and suggest measures to sustain it.” (250 words / 15 marks)

3. Fall in food prices is only one part of the inflation story

Source: The Hindu, Page 8 July 16, 2025

Topic: GS Paper 3: Indian Economy – Inflation

Context

Retail inflation fell to a 77-month low of 2.1%, but price pressures persist in non-food items.

Content:

• Food prices fell due to seasonal factors (vegetables, pulses, meat).

• Personal care inflation at 14.8%, education at 4.4%, healthcare at 15-month high.

• Concerns over outdated CPI structure: food has 46% weight, though household surveys suggest it’s closer to 30%.

• The base year (2011-12) for CPI is under revision.

Way Forward:

• Update CPI weights to reflect actual consumption.

• Consider core inflation (excluding food and fuel) for policy targeting.

• Address structural inflation through better supply chain and pricing regulations.

Practice Question:

“While headline inflation is falling, core inflation pressures remain elevated. Analyze the relevance of CPI basket composition in reflecting true inflation trends in India.” (150 words / 10 marks)

Prelims Facts

1. Happy homecoming for Shukla, three other astronauts after 18 days in space

Source: Page 4, The Hindu

Topic: GS Paper 3: Science & Technology – Space

Context

Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla returns from the Axiom-4 mission, a precursor to India’s Gaganyaan.

Analysis of the news:

• Shubhanshu Shukla, IAF Group Captain, returned from Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4).

• Mission duration: 18 days; launch date: 25 June 2025.

• Completed 320 orbits, covering 8.4 million miles.

• Dragon capsule splashdown: off San Diego coast.

• Crew included astronauts from USA, Poland, Hungary.

• Mission aimed to enhance India’s Gaganyaan readiness.

• ISRO to conduct a 1-week rehab for Shukla post-mission.

2. Fall in food prices is only one part of the inflation story

Source: Page 8, The Hindu

Topic: GS Paper 3: Economy – Inflation

Context

Retail inflation fell to a 77-month low of 2.1%, but price pressures persist in non-food items.

Content 

• Retail inflation in June 2025: 2.1% (77-month low).

• Food inflation: Contracted 0.2% (due to high base effect).

• Education inflation: 4.4%, highest in 15 months.

• Healthcare inflation: At 15-month high.

• Personal care products inflation: 14.8% in June.

• Current CPI base year: 2011-12 (being revised).

• Weight of food in CPI: 46%; actual household data shows ~30%.

Check more: 15 July 2025 : Daily Current Affairs