31 July 2025 : Daily Current Affairs

1. Trump Imposes 25% Tariffs on Indian Imports, Cites India’s Russia Ties

Source: Page 1 , The Hindu UPSC IAS Edition

Topic: GS-2 (International Relations), GS Paper 3 (Economy – Trade)

Context

The US President Donald Trump announced a 25% tariff, with an unspecified penalty, on Indian imports effective August 1, 2025. This move relates to India’s continued purchase of energy and military equipment from Russia amid the Ukraine conflict, along with India’s high tariffs and non-monetary trade barriers.

Content

• Background:

  • The Trump administration cited India’s extensive trade and defense dealings with Russia as a reason for the tariffs.

  • US-India trade negotiations have been ongoing but no “mini-deal” to rollback earlier tariffs materialized before the deadline.

• Indian Response:

  • Ministry of Commerce stated India is studying implications and committed to protecting national interests and welfare of farmers, entrepreneurs, and MSMEs.

  • India is continuing negotiations for a fair bilateral trade agreement.

• Analysis:

  • This tariff announcement is a major trade friction point between the two strategic partners.

  • It reveals tensions between strategic partnerships (India-US) and India-Russia relations amidst the global geopolitical alignments on Ukraine.

  • The tariff could impact Indian exports and slow economic growth, especially affecting MSMEs and agricultural exports.

  • It raises questions on India’s balancing act between Western sanctions on Russia and its strategic autonomy.

• Way Forward:

  • India may need to diversify energy and defense suppliers to avoid diplomatic and economic vulnerabilities.

  • Push for quicker conclusion of trade dialogues to address tariff issues.

  • Strengthen domestic industries to reduce import dependence.

  • Enhance diplomatic dialogue with the US to clarify positions and negotiate a balanced trade agreement

Practice Question:

“Discuss the implications of the recent US tariff announcement on India’s trade and foreign policy. How should India balance its strategic engagements with Russia and the US to safeguard its national interests?” (250 words / 15 marks)

2. Two Kerala Nuns Arrested in Chhattisgarh on Human Trafficking, Conversion Charges

Source: page 8-12, The Hindu UPSC IAS Edition

Topic: GS-2 (Polity – Fundamental Rights, GS Paper 2 – Governance and Communalism)

Context

Two Catholic nuns from Kerala were arrested in Chhattisgarh on allegations of human trafficking and forced religious conversion under the Chhattisgarh Freedom of Religion Act and Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023.

Analysis from UPSC Angle:

• Background:

  • Nuns were escorting three tribal girls from Narayanpur to Agra for nursing training and jobs. Allegations of forcible conversion were made by a Bajrang Dal member.

  • The girls’ families and nuns deny any forceful conversion, citing voluntary consent.

  • The arrest has sparked political and religious controversy, with widespread condemnation of what is seen as communal vigilantism.

• Legal Angle:

  • Bail denied due to jurisdiction issues; case to be heard by special court under NIA Act.

  • Several states misuse anti-conversion laws to criminalize interfaith activity, often leading to discrimination against tribal Christians.

• Analysis:

  • Highlights tensions in tribal areas where religious conversion is a flashpoint.

  • Reflects larger issues of communalism, minority rights, and misuse of laws intended to prevent conversion through coercion.

  • Raises concerns about safeguarding constitutional rights to freedom of religion and personal liberty.

• Way Forward:

  • Calls for restraint by state authorities and adherence to constitutional freedoms.

  • Need for clear guidelines and oversight in implementation of anti-conversion laws to prevent misuse.

  • Promote dialogue and socio-economic development focus rather than communal polarization in tribal areas.

Practice Question:

“Analyze the impact of anti-conversion laws on freedom of religion in India with special reference to tribal populations. What safeguards should be ensured to prevent misuse of such laws?” (250 words / 15 marks)

3. India Launches NASA-ISRO NISAR Satellite for Earth Observation

Source: Page 1, Indian Express Delhi Edition

Topic: GS-3 (Science and Technology, Environment)

Context

India and the United States successfully launched the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) satellite on July 30, 2025, a joint collaboration for earth observation and disaster management.

Key Points for UPSC:

• Background:

  • NISAR aims to provide all-weather, day-night radar imaging every 12 days with high spatial resolution.

  • Uses dual-frequency Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) technology – NASA’s L-band and ISRO’s S-band.

  • Applications include monitoring climate change, natural disasters (earthquakes, floods, landslides), agriculture, and infrastructure.

• Strategic Significance:

  • Strengthens India’s satellite capabilities and collaboration with a major space power.

  • Supports UN Sustainable Development Goals through precise environmental data.

  • Enhances disaster preparedness and mitigation via timely information.

• Analysis:

  • Reflects India’s growing stature in space technology and international cooperation.

  • Provides critical data with potential to support climate resilience policies.

• Way Forward:

  • Maximize use of NISAR data in national disaster management frameworks.

  • Develop domestic expertise in SAR data analysis and applications.

  • Expand international partnerships for space-based environmental monitoring.

Practice Question:

“Discuss the significance of India’s collaboration with NASA on the NISAR satellite for disaster management and environmental monitoring. What are the potential benefits for India’s climate action strategy?” (150 words / 10 marks)

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