25 July 2025 : Daily Current Affairs

1. India and the United Kingdom ink Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement

Source: Page 1 , The Hindu UPSC IAS Edition

Topic: GS-2 – International Relations; GS3 – Indian Economy

Context

India and the United Kingdom have signed the Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement (CETA), marking a significant step in bilateral economic, strategic, and political ties. The agreement was concluded during PM Narendra Modi’s visit to the UK.

Content

Main Features of the Agreement

• CETA aims at boosting bilateral trade, investment, and cooperation across multiple sectors.

• Indian farmers, MSMEs, footwear, and jewellery exporters are among the principal beneficiaries in India.

• UK products such as medical devices, aerospace parts, whisky, and processed foods will see reduced tariffs in India.

• Enhanced access for Indian goods in the UK, resulting in cost-competitive Indian garments, footwear, and food items.

• Britain considers the deal its “biggest” since Brexit.

Strategic and Structural Implications

• The ‘Roadmap 2030’ has been updated to ‘India-UK Vision 2035’ for extended partnership in technology, climate, growth, and defense.

• The agreement includes negotiations toward a Double Contributions Convention (social security), easing burdens for companies and employees working across both countries.

• CETA is legally linked to reforms regarding international labor, corporate taxation, and cross-border investments.

Potential Issues & Challenges

• Entry of UK-made high fat, sugar, and salt (HFSS) foods may raise public health concerns in India.

• Regulatory mechanisms for public health (advertising restrictions, warning labels) are weaker in India compared to the UK.

• Concerns about balancing trade liberalization and public health, as highlighted by examples from other FTAs (e.g., NAFTA in Mexico).

Way Forward

• Implementation of robust food regulation and labeling policies (Front-of-Pack Nutrition Labelling).

• Strategic use of the agreement to boost ‘Make in India’, create jobs, and enhance competitiveness.

• Bilateral monitoring mechanisms for trade dispute resolution, standards, and sectoral cooperation.

Practice Question:

“Discuss the significance of the India–UK Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement (CETA) for bilateral relations. What challenges could arise from such trade agreements in the context of public health and regulatory frameworks? Suggest a way forward for balancing trade and health interests in FTAs.” (250 words / 15 marks)

2. SC Stays 2006 Mumbai Blasts Acquittal as Judicial Precedent

Source: page 1, The Hindu UPSC IAS Edition

Topic: GS-2 – Polity and Governance, Judiciary

Context

The Supreme Court has stayed the operation of the Bombay High Court judgment (which acquitted all 12 accused in the 2006 Mumbai train blasts case) as a judicial precedent in ongoing trials under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA).

Analysis from UPSC Angle:

Judicial Intervention

• The Supreme Court’s order does not overturn the acquittal but prevents the HC’s findings from being used as precedent in other MCOCA cases.

• The State’s main concern was the HC’s findings on legal issues potentially impacting other ongoing terrorism cases.

Implications for the Judicial Process

• Emphasizes the principle that judicial precedents hold significant sway in shaping the outcome of similar cases.

• Reflects the necessity to balance procedural justice (fair trials) and substantive justice (preventing misapplication of law in sensitive cases).

• The order reiterates the need for case-specific adjudication in complex terror trials.

Practice Question:

“Examine the implications of the Supreme Court’s stay on the use of a High Court judgment as judicial precedent. How does this reflect on the balance between individual rights and broader legal principles in India’s criminal justice system?” (250 words / 15 marks)

3. India’s Coral Reefs in Lakshadweep See 50% Decline Over 24 Years

Source: Page 5, Indian Express Delhi Edition

Topic: GS-3 – Environment, Climate Change

Context

A long-term scientific study has documented the decline of coral cover in the Lakshadweep Islands due to repeated marine heatwaves, raising concerns regarding the impact of climate change on marine ecosystems.

Key Points for UPSC:

Key Findings

• Coral cover reduced from 37.24% to 19.6% (1998-2022).

• Repeated marine heatwaves, exacerbated by global warming, cited as primary cause.

Local Environmental Factors

• Wave exposure and depth influence recovery and resilience.

• Study proposes predictive tools for identifying vulnerable and recoverable reefs.

Broader Environmental Implications

• Decline in coral reefs threatens marine biodiversity, fisheries, and coastal protection.

• Demonstrates the need for climate-adaptive conservation strategies.

Policy Measures

• Urgency of enhancing marine protection, climate action, and international cooperation for ocean health.

Practice Question:

“Discuss the impact of marine heatwaves on coral reef ecosystems in India, with reference to recent scientific studies. Suggest policy interventions to enhance resilience and conservation of marine biodiversity.” (150 words / 10 marks)

Check more: 24 July 2025 : Daily Current Affairs