21 July 2025 : Daily Current Affairs

1. Gujarat Refinery Hit by EU’s New Russia Sanctions

Source: Page 1 , The Hindu UPSC IAS Edition

Topic: GS-2 (International Relations), GS Paper 3 (Indian Economy; Energy Security)

Context

The European Union (EU) has unveiled a new package of sanctions targeting the Vadinar refinery in Gujarat, owned by Russian energy major Rosneft and an Indian consortium. The sanctions are part of a broader effort to curb Russian oil revenues amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, and have major implications for India’s energy sector and trade relations.

Content

• The EU’s 18th sanctions package targets, among others, India’s Vadinar refinery, banning refined petroleum products made from Russian crude—even if processed outside of Russia.

• India’s government has responded, calling the sanctions “unjustified” and part of a pattern of “double standards” in global energy trade.

India’s Energy Security and Policy Stance

• India is heavily reliant on imported oil, sourcing a significant share from Russia since the Ukraine conflict drove down prices for Russian crude.

• Official response: India does not recognize unilateral sanctions outside of those mandated by the United Nations. The government asserts that such sanctions jeopardize India’s energy security and economic interests.

• Indian refineries have become key suppliers of processed products to European markets—exports worth $15 billion to the EU now face risk due to the new bans.

Diplomatic & Geopolitical Implications

• The move signals increased pressure on non-Western importers of Russian energy, challenging the autonomy of India’s foreign policy.

• Potential for diplomatic friction as India balances strategic ties with the West and its economic imperatives.

• The issue raises concerns about the precedent of “secondary sanctions” affecting third-country entities not directly party to the conflict.

Economic Impact

• Immediate threat to India’s oil export revenue and refining sector.

• Uncertainty for India’s energy investments and trade with Europe.

• It may prompt Indian refiners to diversify export markets or renegotiate terms with Russian suppliers.

Analysis

• Highlights the vulnerabilities of India’s energy security architecture to geopolitical disruptions.

• Reflects the complexities of an interdependent global energy market facing politically motivated interventions.

• Stresses the need for India to expand its energy diplomacy and build resilient supply chains.

Conclusion 

• India must pursue diversified energy sources, intensify domestic production, and seek multilateral forums to challenge unilateral sanctions.

• Diplomatic engagement with both the EU and Russia is essential to safeguard national interests.

• Long-term, India should focus on increasing renewable energy capacity and reducing dependency on imported fossil fuels.

Practice Question:

“Critically examine the impact of unilateral sanctions on India’s energy security in the context of recent EU actions against Indian refineries processing Russian crude. Discuss policy measures India should adopt to safeguard its strategic interests.” (250 words / 15 marks)

2. Removal of Judges and Judicial Accountability Debate

Source: page 6, The Hindu UPSC IAS Edition

Topic: GS-2 (Polity & Governance)

Context

A judicial controversy has erupted over the removal process and disciplinary probes of sitting High Court judges. Recent challenges to Supreme Court-initiated inquiries highlight the delicate balance between judicial independence and accountability.

Analysis from UPSC Angle:

Introduction:

• A sitting judge has openly challenged a Supreme Court-ordered probe into allegations of misconduct, reviving debate about the constitutional process for removal and discipline of judges.

Legal Framework for Removal of Judges

• Article 124 (for SC) and 217 (for HC) lay out rigorous impeachment procedures requiring a parliamentary motion.

• Internal Supreme Court in-house mechanisms exist for preliminary probes, but their legal sanctity is often debated.

Key Issues

• Transparency vs. judicial independence: Concerns about arbitrary or opaque procedures undermining both accountability and morale in the judiciary.

• Executive-legislature-judiciary balance: The issue highlights India’s challenge in maintaining the judiciary’s independence while ensuring mechanisms for discipline.

• Past controversies: Several past impeachment motions and their political and institutional fallout.

Analysis

• Inadequate mechanisms for investigation and discipline short of impeachment.

• Calls for a National Judicial Commission, but apprehensions about encroachment by executive on judicial autonomy.

• Need to refine processes to ensure due process, fairness, and public trust without undermining the sanctity of the judiciary.

Conclusion 

• Judicial reforms needed to ensure robust, credible mechanisms for handling allegations of misconduct in the higher judiciary.

• Transparent procedures, institutional checks, and constitutional safeguards must be balanced.

• Engagement with all branches of government and civil society will foster trust and efficacy in justice delivery.

Practice Question:

“Discuss the challenges in the removal and discipline of judges in India. What reforms are necessary to balance judicial independence with effective accountability?“ (250 words / 15 marks)

3. India Signs AI and Data Protection Pact at Global Tech Summit

Source: Page 2, Indian Express Delhi Edition

Topic: GS-2 (International Relations, Governance), GS Paper 3 (Science & Technology)

Context

India has signed a significant pact with multiple nations at the Global Tech Summit 2025 to regulate Artificial Intelligence (AI) and ensure cross-border data protection, a move consequential for domestic governance and international cooperation.

Key Points for UPSC:

Importance of the Pact

• Establishes shared standards for ethical AI development, algorithmic transparency, and responsible deployment.

• Facilitates secure cross-border data transfers—important for IT, BPO, and start-up ecosystems.

• Balances privacy with innovation; aligns Indian policies with emerging international frameworks like the EU AI Act.

Implications for India

• Boosts tech diplomacy, enhances India’s profile as a major digital player.

• Sets the stage for regulatory evolution in fields like fintech, healthcare, and smart governance.

• Provides Indian start-ups with frameworks for trusted international collaboration.

Challenges and Analysis

• Ensuring domestic compliance amid a fragmented data protection ecosystem.

• Need for capacity building and new institutions.

• Ambiguity regarding surveillance, algorithmic bias, and citizens’ data rights.

Conclusion:

• India must create harmonized standards, invest in digital upskilling, and establish strong grievance redressal mechanisms.

• Periodic review of regulations necessary to keep pace with AI advancements and ensure rights protection.

Practice Question:

“Discuss the significance of global AI and data protection pacts for India’s governance and economy. What challenges might India face in their implementation?” (150 words / 10 marks)

Check more: 19 July 2025 : Daily Current Affairs