6 August 2025 : Daily Current Affairs

1. Flash floods in Uttarakhand leave four dead; over 60 feared trapped

Source: Page 1 , The Hindu UPSC IAS Edition

Topic: GS-1: Geography (Disaster Management); GS Paper 3: Environment

Context

Heavy rainfall triggered flash floods in Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand, leading to destruction in Dharali town. Several people, including Army personnel, are missing.

Content

Impact Assessment:

• Over 60 people feared trapped, including 9 Army personnel.

• 25+ buildings including hotels and homes destroyed.

• Entire market area washed away.

• Relief camps established; hospitals alerted.

Analysis – Disaster Vulnerability in the Himalayas:

• Topography & River Systems: Narrow valleys and fast-flowing rivers like the Kheer Ganga make the region prone to flash floods.

• Climate Change: Increased frequency of extreme weather events like cloudbursts.

• Unregulated Tourism & Construction: Fragile ecosystems stressed by infrastructure development.

Way Forward:

• Implement recommendations of the NDMA and CAG reports on Himalayan disasters.

• Strengthen early warning systems & local disaster preparedness.

• Enforce stricter environmental impact assessments in eco-sensitive zones.

Practice Question:

“Discuss the causes and consequences of flash floods in the Himalayan region. Suggest measures to mitigate the risk of such disasters.“ (250 words / 15 marks)

2. India-Philippines ties elevated to strategic partnership

Source: page 1, The Hindu UPSC IAS Edition

Topic: GS-2: International Relations

Context

India and the Philippines upgraded bilateral ties to a strategic partnership, enhancing defense, maritime cooperation, and trade.

Analysis from UPSC Angle:

Key Agreements:

• Launch of talks for a Preferential Trade Agreement.

• Enhanced naval cooperation – Indian Navy participated in exercises in the Philippines for the first time.

• Support for freedom of navigation in Indo-Pacific.

Significance:

• Balancing China’s assertiveness in the South China Sea.

• Expanding India’s Act East Policy footprint.

• Shared concerns on maritime security, disaster response.

Challenges:

• China’s growing economic and military influence in Southeast Asia.

• Need for deeper trade engagement beyond defense.

Way Forward:

• Finalize PTA negotiations quickly.

• Explore joint ventures in maritime infrastructure and IT.

• Build people-to-people ties through cultural and educational exchanges.

Practice Question:

“Discuss the strategic significance of India’s growing engagement with the Philippines in the context of the Indo-Pacific region.” (250 words / 15 marks)

3. Trump’s tariffs to severely affect aquaculture sector in A.P.

Source: Page 6, Indian Express Delhi Edition

Topic: GS-3: Economy (Agriculture and Trade); GS Paper 2: International Relations

Context

25% tariff imposed by the U.S. on Indian seafood is impacting aquaculture exports from Andhra Pradesh, especially shrimp farmers.

Key Points for UPSC:

Economic Impacts:

• Shrimp exports face total duties over 35% (tariff + countervailing + anti-dumping).

• Many farmers announcing “crop holidays” due to losses.

Sectoral Significance:

• Aquaculture is a major contributor to rural employment and export revenue in A.P.

• Sector was recovering post-COVID and now hit by trade war.

Way Forward:

• Centre should push for WTO dispute resolution or bilateral negotiations.

• Provide subsidies or incentives to mitigate farmer losses.

• Explore alternative markets like Japan, EU, ASEAN.

Practice Question:

“Analyze the implications of rising protectionism in global trade on India’s aquaculture exports. Suggest suitable policy responses” (150 words / 10 marks)

Check more: 5 August 2025 : Daily Current Affairs