UPSC Daily Current Affairs: 25th May 2025 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly PDF Download

GS2/Polity

Draft Space Activities Bill Finalised

Source: Indian Express

Why in News?

India is in the final stages of formulating a new Space Activities Bill. This legislation aims to create a legal framework that facilitates private participation in the space sector and grants statutory authority to IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre). The bill is a response to the evolving landscape of private sector involvement and international obligations in space activities.

Key Takeaways

• A new legal framework for private space sector participation is being established.
• IN-SPACe will gain statutory authority to regulate and authorise space activities.
• The bill reflects feedback from previous drafts and aims to address the complexities of private space activities.

Additional Details

• Background and Need for the Bill: Previous attempts to create a space policy include a draft circulated in 2017, which was not finalised. IN-SPACe was established in 2020 to encourage private sector participation, and the Indian Space Policy 2023 outlines the roles of various entities within the sector.
• Purpose and Key Objectives: The bill aims to empower IN-SPACe with legal backing, ensuring that it can regulate private space companies effectively. This is crucial as India is a signatory to international treaties, including the Outer Space Treaty of 1967.
• Provisions and Changes: The draft has been revised based on industry feedback, introducing penalties for unlicensed activities and ensuring that intellectual property rights created in space belong to the government. It also aims to provide affordable insurance options for startups.
• Economic Goals: The current space economy is valued at $8.4 billion (2022) with a target of reaching $44 billion by 2033, including $11 billion from exports. The bill is expected to catalyze growth in the sector.
• Consultation and Approval Process: After internal consultations, the draft will be shared with the public for further feedback before being submitted to the Prime Minister and subsequently to the cabinet and Parliament for approval.
• State-Level Initiatives: Plans to establish 4-5 manufacturing hubs across states are underway, with states like Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and Karnataka already developing their own space policies to support this initiative.

The draft Space Activities Bill is a significant step towards modernising India's space governance, enabling private sector engagement, and fulfilling international responsibilities. It is poised to position India as a key player in the global space economy by fostering innovation, investment, and regulatory clarity.

GS2/International Relations

Regional Fallout of Land Port Closures

Source: The Hindu

Why in News?

Recently, India's Directorate General of Foreign Trade mandated the closure of all land ports with Bangladesh for the export of apparel and certain goods through northeastern ports. This decision is perceived as a result of deteriorating relations between India and Bangladesh following the fall of the Hasina government, with both nations yet to restore a functional diplomatic rapport.

Key Takeaways

• The closure of land ports is a significant step impacting trade dynamics between India and Bangladesh.
• India has justified these restrictions as necessary due to unilateral actions taken by Bangladesh that affected Indian exports.
• The restrictions are expected to have broader geopolitical implications and affect trade with neighboring countries like Nepal and Bhutan.

Additional Details

• Trade Restrictions: India has suspended the import of readymade garments from Bangladesh via all land ports, allowing imports only through Nhava Sheva and Kolkata seaports.
• Export Bans: Exports of various goods such as fruits, processed food items, and finished plastic products from Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Tripura to Bangladesh have been banned.
• Exemptions: Imports of items such as fish, LPG, edible oil, and crushed stone from Bangladesh remain unaffected by these restrictions.
• Reciprocity Demand: India has called for reciprocal trade relations, highlighting that Bangladesh's prior actions warranted this response.
• Border Trade Impact: The trade restrictions affect 24 operational land ports shared between India and Bangladesh, significantly impacting bilateral trade.
• Geopolitical Context: The restrictions serve as a diplomatic message in light of recent remarks from Bangladeshi officials concerning India’s northeast region and its strategic alignment with Pakistan.

The sudden implementation of these trade restrictions, effective from May 17, has raised concerns about their impact on the investment climate and overall trade relations between India and Bangladesh. The ongoing scrutiny and potential for review indicate that both countries need to navigate a complex geopolitical landscape.

GS3/Economy

Sources of the RBI’s Surplus

Source: Times of India

Why in News?

The Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) Central Board has announced a record transfer of ₹2.69 lakh crore to the Central government for the fiscal year 2024-25. This marks a 27% increase over the previous year's transfer of ₹2.11 lakh crore.

Key Takeaways

• The RBI's surplus transfer exceeds the government's budgeted estimate of ₹2.56 lakh crore.
• High transfers in 2024-25 were influenced by increased foreign exchange sales and liquidity management gains.

Additional Details

• Nature of RBI’s Surplus: The surplus comes from various revenue sources, including seigniorage, lending operations, and foreign investments.
• Sustainability Concerns: Experts caution that the high levels of foreign exchange sales may not persist, potentially impacting future profits.
• Flexibility in Transfers: The RBI can adjust its Contingent Risk Buffer (CRB), which may allow substantial surplus transfers even if revenues decline.
• The RBI operates under the RBI Act of 1934, which mandates that profits after expenses and provisions are transferred to the Central government.

Despite the record surplus, the relationship between the RBI and the Ministry of Finance has historically faced tensions, particularly regarding the autonomy of the central bank in making surplus transfer decisions. The adoption of the Jalan Committee's recommendations has helped ease some of these tensions.

GS2/Polity

PM Modi Urges States to Act as 'Team India' at NITI Aayog Meet

Source: Times of India

Why in News?

The 10th meeting of the Governing Council of NITI Aayog, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, was recently held in New Delhi. This meeting focused on collaborative strategies for national development and the roles of various states in achieving these goals.

Key Takeaways

• Emphasis on the shared goal of a "Viksit Bharat" (developed India) by 2047.
• Importance of Centre-state collaboration for effective governance.
• Strategic recommendations for leveraging Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and enhancing local manufacturing.

Additional Details

• NITI Aayog: Established in 2015 to replace the Planning Commission, NITI Aayog aims to promote cooperative federalism and evidence-based policymaking to guide India's long-term development strategy.
• Functions of NITI Aayog: This institution formulates strategic policy frameworks, coordinates between the Centre and states, encourages innovation, and monitors key national programmes.
• Governing Council: Chaired by the Prime Minister, it includes Chief Ministers, Lieutenant Governors, Union Ministers, and senior officials. The council meets annually to discuss policy issues and foster collaboration.
• PM Modi's Address Highlights:
  • Focus on achieving a developed India by 2047.
  • Advocacy for a "Team India" approach to governance and planning.
  • Call for modernizing civil preparedness and enhancing disaster resilience.

In conclusion, PM Modi's address at the NITI Aayog meeting underscores the importance of collaborative efforts between the Centre and states to achieve sustainable growth and development goals. By fostering a "Team India" spirit, various levels of government can work together to transform India into a developed nation by 2047.

GS 2/ Polity and Governance

SC Calls For Permanent Consumer Redressal Bodies

Source: Business Standard

Why in News?

The Supreme Court (SC) of India has called on the Centre to establish permanent adjudicatory bodies for consumer disputes. This is crucial because consumer rights are constitutionally protected and require a stable framework. The current implementation of the Consumer Protection Act, 1986, has significant gaps that need to be addressed.

What is the Need for a Permanent Consumer Dispute Resolution Body?

Judicial Endorsement of Permanency: The SC noted that temporary appointments in consumer forums lead to delays and inefficiency.

• It recommended setting up permanent bodies with full-time presiding officers and staff, possibly headed by sitting judges. This would ensure continuity, professionalism, and better justice delivery.
• Systemic Pendency and Delays: As per the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC), over 5.5 lakh cases were pending across forums as of 2023.
• Consumer Councils suffer from vacant posts and poor digital infrastructure, resulting in delays in cases. Adequate staffing and infrastructure are essential for timely consumer redressal.
• Rise in Digital and Cross-Border Consumer Disputes: India’s e-commerce sector is projected to reach USD 200 billion by 2026, and quick commerce is expected to grow to USD 9.9 billion by 2029, with a corresponding surge in complaints related to online fraud, data privacy, service deficiencies, and cross-border consumer disputes.
• Existing consumer forums often lack technical expertise and jurisdictional clarity to tackle new challenges. A redressal body with judges and experts in modern and digital laws is essential for better consumer protection.

What are the Constitutional and Legal Foundations of Consumer Protection in India?

Consumer’s Right:

It is the right to receive accurate information about the quality, quantity, potency, purity, price, and standards of goods or services and to be protected from unfair practices.

Constitutional Backing for Consumer Protection: Consumer protection in India is rooted in the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) under Part IV of the Constitution, which provides a moral and constitutional foundation for welfare-oriented legislation.

• Article 37: It states that while DPSP are not legally enforceable, they are fundamental to governance and must guide the State in lawmaking. The Consumer Protection Act, 2019, and earlier versions are rooted in these principles.
• Article 47: The State shall endeavor to improve nutrition, living standards, and public health, and prohibit the consumption of harmful intoxicants except for medicinal purposes.

Legislations for Protection of Consumer Rights:

• Consumer Protection Act (CPA), 1986: It was enacted to protect consumers in India and resolve disputes through Consumer Councils at national, state, and district levels. It addressed issues like adulterated products, and misleading advertisements.
• The Consumer Protection Act, 1986, grants six key rights to consumers:the Right to Safety, Right to be Informed, Right to Choose, Right to be Heard, Right to Seek Redressal, and Right to Consumer Education.
• The 1986 Act had limitations, lacking provisions for online transactions, product liability, unfair contracts, and alternative dispute resolution.
• Consumer Protection Act, 2019: It replaced the 1986 Act to address modern consumer challenges. It expanded coverage to all merchandise and enterprise transactions, added new unfair trade practices, included product liability, and regulated unfair contracts.
• The Act introduced rules for direct selling and e-commerce, mandated mediation cells at all levels, and established the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) to enforce consumer rights.
• Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Act, 2016: Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), India’s national standards body, ensures product safety and quality. The Act mandates certification for critical products and allows product recalls and penalties for non-compliance.
• Legal Metrology Act, 2009: Ensures accuracy in weights and measurements used in commercial transactions. It promotes fair trade practices, protects consumers, and improves market transparency.

Other Initiatives:

• DoCA: The Department of Consumer Affairs (DoCA) issued 2023 Guidelines on Dark Patterns to curb deceptive online tactics like drip pricing and false urgency.
• DoCA runs the “Jago Grahak Jago” campaign nationwide and introduced the mascot “Jagriti” to empower consumers.
• The E-Jagriti portal, launched by DoCA, is an integrated AI-powered platform streamlining consumer case filing, monitoring, and virtual hearings across all consumer commissions.
• E-Dakhil Portal allows online consumer complaint filing.
• National Consumer Helpline (NCH): Handles consumer complaints in 17 languages via toll-free number 1915.
• National Consumer Day: India celebrates National Consumer Day on 24th December, commemorating the CPA, 1986.
• GRAI: The Grievance Redressal Assessment Index (GRAI), evaluates central ministries based on efficiency, feedback, domain, and commitment using Centralized Public Grievance Redressal and Management System (CPGRAMS) data for standardized grievance handling analysis.

Consumer Rights Under CPA, 1986

What are the Challenges and Suggested Measures for Consumer Protection in India?

Conclusion

 A robust and permanent consumer redressal mechanism is vital to uphold constitutionally backed consumer rights. It will address systemic delays, digital-era challenges, and ensure timely, expert-led justice. Strengthening infrastructure, awareness, and enforcement is key to real consumer empowerment.

 GS 3/ Environment and Ecology

World Hydrogen Summit 2025

Source: PIB

Why in News?

Green Hydrogen (GH2) is a type of hydrogen fuel that is produced using renewable energy sources, such as wind, solar, or hydroelectric power. This process involves splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen through a process called electrolysis. The hydrogen gas produced is considered "green" because it is made using clean, renewable energy, rather than fossil fuels. 

 At the World Hydrogen Summit 2025 in Rotterdam, Netherlands, the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy highlighted India's efforts to become a global leader in green hydrogen production. 

What is Green Hydrogen?​

Green hydrogen refers to hydrogen gas that is produced through environmentally friendly processes, primarily using renewable energy sources. Here are the key aspects of green hydrogen: 

• Production Process: Green hydrogen is typically produced by splitting water (H₂O) into hydrogen (H₂) and oxygen (O₂) through a process called electrolysis. This process is powered by renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, or hydropower. Since no greenhouse gases or harmful pollutants are emitted during this process, the hydrogen produced is considered "green." 
• Applications: Green hydrogen has a wide range of applications, including: 
•  Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs): Green hydrogen can be used as a clean fuel for vehicles equipped with fuel cells, which convert hydrogen into electricity to power the vehicle. 
•  Industrial Uses: Green hydrogen can be used in various industrial processes, such as the production of fertilizers, refineries, and chemical manufacturing. 
•  Transportation: Green hydrogen can be used in the transportation sector, including road and rail transport, to reduce carbon emissions and reliance on fossil fuels. 

Other Types of Hydrogen​

• Blue Hydrogen: This hydrogen is produced from natural gas through a process called steam methane reforming (SMR), similar to gray hydrogen. However, the carbon emissions generated during this process are captured and stored (carbon capture and storage, CCS), making blue hydrogen a more environmentally friendly option. 
• Gray Hydrogen: Gray hydrogen is produced from natural gas through steam methane reforming (SMR) without capturing the carbon emissions. This process releases significant amounts of carbon dioxide (CO₂) into the atmosphere, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. 
• Turquoise Hydrogen: Turquoise hydrogen is an emerging method of hydrogen production that involves the thermal decomposition of methane (natural gas) into hydrogen and solid carbon. This process has the potential to be more environmentally friendly than gray hydrogen, as it produces solid carbon rather than carbon dioxide. 
• Brown Hydrogen: Brown hydrogen is produced from lignite or coal through gasification. This process generates hydrogen along with significant carbon emissions, making brown hydrogen one of the least environmentally friendly options. 

India's Initiatives to Promote Green Hydrogen​

• National Green Hydrogen Mission: India aims to become a leader in green hydrogen production with a target of 5 million tonnes of annual production capacity by 2030. 
• Green Hydrogen Certification Scheme (GHCI): This initiative ensures transparency and market credibility in green hydrogen production, promoting industry standards. 
• Environmental Clearance Exemptions: Green hydrogen and ammonia plants are exempt from mandatory Environmental Clearance, expediting project approvals. 
• Green Hydrogen Hubs: Major ports like Kandla, Paradip, and Tuticorin are being developed into green hydrogen hubs to facilitate production and distribution. 
• International Collaboration: India is partnering with countries like Japan, Australia, and the UAE for technology transfer and investment in green hydrogen projects. 

Hydrogen is the lightest and most abundant element in the universe. At room temperature, it is a colorless, odorless, and highly flammable gas. Hydrogen-based fuels are essential for India’s energy independence because they reduce reliance on fossil fuel imports. These fuels offer a stable and local energy source derived from renewable resources. Additionally, producing hydrogen from waste biomass provides extra income for farmers and local communities. 

GS 3/ Environment and Ecology

World Turtle Day 2025

Source: DNA

Why in News?

 World Turtle Day is celebrated every year on May 23rd to raise awareness about the need for conserving turtles and tortoises. This day was first established in 2000 to promote the global conservation of these reptiles. 

 Key Facts about Turtles 

• Definition: Turtles, classified under the Order Testudines, are reptiles known for their unique cartilaginous shell, which is an extension of their ribs and serves as a protective shield. Unlike other animals with shells, turtles cannot shed or leave their shell, as it is a vital part of their skeleton. 
• Habitat: Turtles can be found in both freshwater and marine environments. 
• Difference from Tortoises: Tortoises are a type of turtle that is exclusively terrestrial. While all tortoises are turtles, not all turtles are tortoises. Many turtle species are partially aquatic. Both tortoises and turtles are generally shy, solitary animals that lay their eggs on land by burying them in nests. 
• Key Features: Turtles are cold-blooded (ectothermic) animals, meaning they regulate their body temperature by moving between warmer and cooler areas. Similar to other ectotherms like insects, fish, and amphibians, turtles have a slow metabolism and can survive for long periods without food or water. 
• Key Species:Sea Turtles: Loggerhead Turtle, Green Turtle, Hawksbill Turtle, Leatherback Turtle, Olive Ridley Turtle, Flatback Turtle. Freshwater Turtles: Snapping Turtle, Painted Turtle, Red-eared Slider Turtle, Spiny Softshell Turtle, Musk Turtle, etc. 

 State of Turtle Species in India 

• Species in India: India is home to 30 species of freshwater turtles, with 26 of these species listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. States like Assam, West Bengal, and Uttar Pradesh exhibit high diversity in turtle species. India also hosts five species of sea turtles: Olive Ridley, Green, Loggerhead, Hawksbill, and Leatherback, all of which are protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. 
• Protection Status (IUCN Red List):
  •  Olive Ridley, Loggerhead, and Leatherback: Vulnerable 
  •  Green Turtle: Endangered 
  •  Hawksbill Turtle: Critically Endangered 
• Threats: Turtles face significant threats from habitat destruction, climate change, plastic pollution, and illegal wildlife trade for meat, pets, and traditional medicine. States like Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal are major trafficking hotspots. 
• Conservation Efforts: Uttar Pradesh is at the forefront of turtle conservation, with initiatives such as turtle conservation centres in Kukrail (Lucknow), Sarnath (Varanasi), Chambal (Etawah), and a 30 km Turtle Sanctuary in Prayagraj. The Forest Department is actively working to combat illegal trade, particularly in areas like Pilibhit, identified as a major trafficking hotspot in the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau’s Operation Kurma. To bolster conservation efforts, a Turtle Conservation and Research Centre is being established in Pilibhit Tiger Reserve along the River Mala, funded by the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA).