7 July 2025 : Daily Current Affairs

1. Declaration at BRICS Summit Reflects India’s Concerns Over Terrorism, Governance Reforms

Source: The Hindu, Page 1 , july 7, 2025

Topic: GS Paper 2: International Relations (Multilateralism, Terrorism, Global Governance)

Context

The BRICS Leaders’ Declaration in Rio de Janeiro addressed India’s key concerns, especially cross-border terrorism and global institutional reforms.

Content: 

Key Highlights:

• The declaration condemned the Pahalgam terror attack in Kashmir and emphasized urgency in finalizing the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism.

• PM Modi called for a more representative and credible global order, particularly reforms in the UN Security Council (UNSC).

• Russia and China supported India and Brazil’s aspirations for a greater role in UNSC.

India’s Position:

• Reiterated the need for the Global South’s greater voice in multilateral institutions.

• Stressed on double standards faced by developing nations in the current global governance architecture.

• Advocated the expansion of BRICS, with Indonesia joining as a new member.

Significance for India:

• Strengthens India’s narrative on terrorism.

• Showcases India’s diplomatic maturity and soft power leadership in the Global South.

Way Forward:

• Push for UNSC reforms through G-4 and other coalitions.

• Continue building consensus for terrorism conventions in UN frameworks.

Practice Question:

“Discuss the significance of India’s participation in BRICS for promoting global governance reforms and counter-terrorism cooperation.“ (250 words / 15 marks)

2. Two Indigenous Nuclear Reactors at Kakrapar Get Operational Licence

Source: Page 1 & 6, The Hindu, July 7 2025

Topic: GS Paper 3: Science and Technology / Energy Security

Context

NPCIL received a five-year licence to operate two indigenously built 700 MWe PHWRs at Kakrapar Atomic Power Station in Gujarat.

Content:

Key Points:

• The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) issued licences after multi-tiered safety reviews.

• These PHWRs are India’s first large-scale indigenous reactors.

• KAPS-3 and KAPS-4 had completed commissioning in 2023 and 2024 respectively.

Significance:

• Boosts India’s self-reliance in nuclear technology.

• A step forward in the fleet-mode construction of 10 PHWRs, aimed at clean and sustainable energy.

Strategic Implications:

• Enhances India’s energy security and climate commitments.

• Reduces reliance on fossil fuels and foreign technology.

Way Forward:

• Fast-track remaining PHWR projects.

• Strengthen R&D and international cooperation in nuclear safety.

Practice Question:

“Discuss the role of indigenous nuclear technology in ensuring India’s energy security and climate resilience.” (250 words / 15 marks)

3. Kerala Steps Up Vigilance Against Nipah Virus

Source: The Hindu, Page 2, July 7, 2025

Topic: GS Paper 2: Health | GS Paper 3: Disaster Management

Context

Kerala reported new Nipah cases in Palakkad and Malappuram districts, triggering emergency medical surveillance.

Content:

Nipah Situation:

• 2 confirmed cases, one death reported.

• 383 people under surveillance; isolation wards expanded.

• Public awareness and psychological counselling underway.

Health Preparedness Measures:

• ICU expansion, round-the-clock control rooms, field visits by health teams.

• Use of N95 masks, sanitation, and strict community surveillance.

Significance:

• Highlights Kerala’s robust public health infrastructure.

• Shows proactive disaster risk reduction strategy for zoonotic outbreaks.

Way Forward:

• Invest in epidemic early warning systems.

• Promote One Health Approach integrating human-animal-environment health.

Practice Question:

“Evaluate India’s public health response mechanisms to recurring zoonotic outbreaks, with reference to the Nipah virus surveillance in Kerala.” (150 words / 10 marks)

Prelims Facts

1. Declaration at BRICS Summit Reflects India’s Concerns Over Terrorism, Governance Reforms

Source: Page 1, The Hindu

Topic: GS Paper 2: International Relations

Context

India raised concerns about terrorism and the need for global institutional reforms at the BRICS summit in Rio de Janeiro.

Analysis of the news:

• BRICS members: Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa (+ new members like Indonesia in 2025).

• India advocated UNSC reforms, especially greater representation for developing countries.

• BRICS Leaders’ Declaration condemned Pahalgam terror attack.

• Supported the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT).

• Russia and China supported India’s and Brazil’s aspiration for a greater UNSC role.

• BRICS called Israel-U.S. strikes on Iran a violation of international law.

2. Two Indigenous Nuclear Reactors at Kakrapar Get Operational Licence

Source: Page 1, The Hindu

Topic: GS Paper 3: Science and Technology / Energy

Context

The AERB granted operational licences for two 700 MWe Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) at Kakrapar Atomic Power Station.

Content 

• Kakrapar Atomic Power Station (KAPS) is in Gujarat.

• Units 3 and 4 are 700 MWe PHWRs developed indigenously.

• Licensed by the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) for 5 years.

• India aims to build 10 PHWRs in fleet mode to enhance nuclear energy capacity.

• Licensing process involved multi-tiered safety reviews spanning 15 years.

• Operated by the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL).

• PHWRs use natural uranium as fuel and heavy water as moderator & coolant.

Check more: 5 July 2025 : Daily Current Affairs