UPSC Daily Current Affairs: 3rd July 2025 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly PDF Download

GS2/International Relations

PM Modi’s Five-Nation Visit: India’s Outreach to the Global South

Why in News?

Prime Minister Modi commenced a significant five-nation tour from July 2 to July 9, 2025, visiting Ghana, Trinidad & Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia. This tour aims to enhance India's diplomatic and economic engagement with nations in the Global South.

Key Takeaways

• First bilateral trip by an Indian PM to Ghana in 30 years.
• Strengthening ties with Trinidad & Tobago, marking a historical visit after two decades.
• Focus on economic partnerships, particularly in mineral resources with Argentina and Brazil.
• Introduction of digital initiatives and environmental discussions in Namibia.

Additional Details

• Ghana Visit: PM Modi’s visit is notable as it is his first to Ghana, where India is the largest market for Ghanaian exports, primarily gold. A proposal for a vaccine manufacturing hub was discussed, highlighting India's goodwill during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Trinidad & Tobago Visit: This marks PM Modi’s first visit to T&T and the first bilateral visit by an Indian PM in over two decades. The Indian diaspora, comprising 40-45% of T&T's population, plays a crucial role in bilateral relations, celebrated by the 180th anniversary of Indian immigration.
• Argentina Visit: This trip is the first bilateral visit by an Indian PM to Argentina in 57 years, focusing on economic ties, especially in lithium and agriculture. Concerns about political instability under President Javier Milei were raised, which could affect long-term relations.
• Brazil Visit: Following the BRICS Leaders’ Summit, PM Modi's visit to Brazil aims to fortify the India-Brazil Strategic Partnership, with Brazil being India’s largest trading partner in South America amidst challenges from China.
• Namibia Visit: This is PM Modi’s first visit to Namibia, where bilateral trade has grown significantly. The visit also recalls India’s conservation efforts, notably the translocation of cheetahs to India.

Through this extensive tour, PM Modi seeks to establish new partnerships in critical areas such as minerals, digital initiatives, climate action, and vaccine production. However, the challenge lies in translating aspirational leadership into tangible outcomes, as India competes with global powers in these endeavors.

GS2/Governance

Integrating Compassion, Prioritising Palliative Care

Why in News?

The need for effective palliative care in India is growing, as millions suffer from unnecessary physical and emotional pain without adequate access to proper medical support. Despite its importance in improving the quality of life for patients with terminal and chronic illnesses, palliative care remains severely underfunded and underutilized in the country.

Key Takeaways

• Palliative care addresses physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs of individuals with serious illnesses.
• In India, only 1-2% of those needing palliative care actually receive it, highlighting systemic failures.
• Policy reforms and enhanced medical education are crucial for integrating palliative care into mainstream healthcare.

Additional Details

• Palliative Care: This specialized medical approach focuses on improving patient comfort and dignity rather than curing diseases. It is essential for enhancing quality of life at all illness stages, especially for those with terminal conditions.
• Systemic Challenges: Major challenges include a lack of trained professionals, inadequate funding, and public misconceptions about palliative care, which often leads to late-stage interventions.
• Way Forward: Initiatives must include integrating palliative care in medical curricula, expanding funding and public awareness, and leveraging community health workers to deliver care.

In conclusion, the integration of palliative care into India's healthcare framework is not just necessary but imperative. A comprehensive approach involving policy reforms, educational changes, and public awareness is essential for ensuring equitable access to palliative care, ultimately improving patient outcomes and alleviating the burdens on families and the healthcare system.

GS2/Governance

Under Fire: The State Must Enforce Compliance of Regulations in the Fireworks Industry

Why in News?

A tragic pattern continues to emerge in Tamil Nadu's firecracker industry, particularly in Virudhunagar district, where frequent explosions injure and claim the lives of workers. In the first half of 2025 alone, eight accidents have resulted in 26 fatalities, adding to a disturbing trend with 52 deaths in 2024 and 79 in 2023.

Key Takeaways

• Repeated accidents stem from unsafe handling of chemicals, improper storage, and lack of regulatory oversight.
• Existing safety regulations are inadequately enforced, leading to ongoing tragedies.

Additional Details

• Unsafe Handling of Chemicals: Many accidents occur from friction during the mixing or filling of explosive chemicals, which can easily ignite. For example, the 2025 Sattur explosion was attributed to friction during chemical filling.
• Improper Storage of Inflammable Materials: Fireworks units often store chemicals in unsafe conditions, exposed to direct sunlight and heat, violating safety norms such as the Explosives Rules, 2008.
• High Ambient Temperatures: The hot and dry climate of Virudhunagar, especially in summer, heightens the risk of spontaneous ignition.
• Negligence by Manufacturers: Many factory owners overlook safety protocols to save time and costs, putting worker safety at risk.
• Inadequate Regulatory Oversight: Despite being licensed by the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organization (PESO), regulatory inspections remain infrequent or ineffective.

The safety regulations in India, governed by various acts such as the Explosives Act, 1884, and the Factories Act, 1948, are meant to regulate the licensing, safe storage, handling, and transport of explosives. However, weak enforcement, lack of stringent inspections, and absence of accountability continue to undermine these laws.

Worker Vulnerability and Risks

• Social and Economic Marginalization: Workers often come from poor, rural backgrounds, making them desperate for employment, even in unsafe conditions.
• Lack of Awareness and Training: Many workers have low literacy levels and receive little to no safety training, increasing the risk of mishandling chemicals.
• Weak Bargaining Power: Informal or unregistered setups leave workers unable to demand better safety measures or rights.

Way Forward

• Strict Enforcement of Regulations: Implement regular inspections and penalties for violations to ensure compliance with safety laws.
• Collaboration with Industry: Work with manufacturers to foster a culture of safety, similar to efforts that have successfully reduced child labor in the past.
• Support for Worker Protection: Establish social security, compensation, and rehabilitation for injured workers while promoting formal employment practices.

In conclusion, the persistent lack of enforcement and accountability in the fireworks industry highlights an urgent need for improved regulatory measures and stronger protections for workers. Without significant changes, the cycle of accidents and loss of life is likely to continue.

GS2/Polity

Madras High Court Quashes Unlawful Phone Tapping

Why in News?

The Madras High Court has made a significant ruling by quashing a phone-tapping order issued by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in 2011. This judgment highlights critical constitutional concerns, particularly regarding the right to privacy, and reinforces established legal precedents.

Key Takeaways

• The Court found that the phone tapping violated the fundamental right to privacy as per Article 21 of the Constitution.
• It emphasized that surveillance requires justification under "public emergency" or "public safety," which was not met in this case.
• The ruling builds on previous landmark cases such as PUCL (1997) and Puttaswamy (2017).

Additional Details

• Violation of Article 21 – Right to Privacy: The court ruled that phone tapping breaches privacy rights unless executed under legally established procedures. It clarified that covert surveillance for crime detection does not fit the exceptions of public emergency or safety.
• Case Background: The surveillance in question was authorized under Section 5(2) of the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, due to allegations of bribery against an Income Tax officer. A writ petition was filed in 2018 challenging this order.
• Judicial Interpretation: Section 5(2) of the Indian Telegraph Act permits interception only in cases of public emergency or safety, and Rule 419-A requires a Review Committee's oversight, which was absent here.
• Supreme Court Precedents: The court referenced previous rulings, including PUCL v. Union of India (1997), which limited phone tapping under stringent conditions, and K.S. Puttaswamy (2017), which recognized privacy as a fundamental right.

This verdict is a crucial step in defending individual liberties against unauthorized state surveillance, clarifying the constitutional boundaries on executive powers in the context of modern surveillance technologies, and reinforcing the judiciary's role in protecting democratic freedoms in India.

GS1/History & Culture

Dalai Lama and His Reincarnation

Why in News?

The 14th Dalai Lama, who is turning 90 on July 6, 2025, has recently reiterated that the lineage of the Dalai Lama will persist, which directly challenges the stance taken by China regarding the future of this spiritual position.

Key Takeaways

• The Dalai Lama is the spiritual leader of the Gelug school, the most prominent tradition in Tibetan Buddhism.
• The title "Dalai Lama," which translates to "Ocean of Wisdom," was first bestowed in the 16th century by Mongol ruler Altan Khan.

Additional Details

• Role: The Dalai Lama is considered the reincarnation of Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion, manifesting in human form.
• Tenzin Gyatso: The 14th Dalai Lama was born in 1935 in Taktser, Tibet, and was recognized in 1939, being enthroned in 1940.
• Exile to India: After China occupied Tibet, the Dalai Lama sought asylum in India in 1959, where he established the Tibetan Government-in-Exile in Dharamsala.
• Political Transition: In 2011, he transferred political authority to an elected leader of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile (TPiE), while maintaining his spiritual leadership.
• Global Peace Advocate: He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989 for his commitment to non-violence and is a strong advocate for interfaith harmony and secular ethics.

Key Notes on Tibetan Buddhism

• Theology: Tibetan Buddhism combines Mahayana philosophy, Tantric (Vajrayana) rituals, and Bon traditions.
• Major Schools: It encompasses four schools—Nyingma, Kagyu, Sakya, and Gelug—where the Gelug school was founded by Je Tsongkhapa in the 14th century.
• Reincarnation System: The Tulku system includes leaders like the Panchen Lama and Karmapa, believed to be reincarnated teachers.
• Textual Foundation: Core texts consist of the Kangyur (Buddha's teachings) and Tengyur (scholarly commentaries).
• Meditation Traditions: Notable practices include Dzogchen and Mahamudra, which aim to realize the true nature of the mind.
• Institutional Legacy: Monasteries such as Drepung, Ganden, and Tashi Lhunpo are crucial centers for learning and ritual.
• Global Influence: Tibetan Buddhism is flourishing in the Himalayas and expanding its reach in Western countries.

Question:

With reference to Indian history, who among the following is a future Buddha, yet to come to save the world?

• (a) Avalokiteshvara
• (b) Lokesvara
• (c) Maitreya*
• (d) Padmapani

This overview encapsulates the significance of the Dalai Lama in contemporary discourse and the rich traditions of Tibetan Buddhism.

GS3/Environment

Kariyachalli Island: A Crucial Restoration Initiative

Why in the News?

The Tamil Nadu government, in collaboration with the World Bank, has initiated a significant restoration project worth ₹50 crore for the rapidly sinking Kariyachalli Island.

Key Takeaways

• Kariyachalli Island is one of the 21 uninhabited islands within the Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park.
• It is a biodiversity hotspot, home to over 4,300 marine species, including 132 types of coral and the endangered dugong.
• The island has experienced a drastic reduction in size, shrinking by over 70% since 1969.

Additional Details

• Geographic Location: Kariyachalli Island is situated 4 km south of Sippikulam and 20 km northeast of Thoothukudi, between Rameswaram and Thoothukudi.
• Ecological Importance: The island hosts vital seagrass beds and coral reefs that furnish food and shelter for various marine life.
• Natural Coastal Shield: It serves as a protective barrier against cyclones and tsunamis, safeguarding the Tamil Nadu coastline.
• The island played a significant role in mitigating the impact of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami.
• Reasons for Sinking: The island has suffered from rapid land loss, with a decrease from 20.85 hectares in 1969 to less than 6 hectares in 2024, primarily due to high tide erosion and climate change impacts.
• Studies indicate that current trends could lead to the complete disappearance of Kariyachalli by 2036.

This restoration initiative is critical not only for preserving biodiversity but also for maintaining the ecological balance and protecting the coastal communities from natural disasters.

GS3/Science and Technology

Indian Scientists Create High-Performance Supercapacitor Material

Why in News?

Scientists from Bengaluru, in collaboration with Aligarh Muslim University, have developed an advanced material that significantly enhances the performance of supercapacitors.

Key Takeaways

• New material improves supercapacitor efficiency and performance.
• Utilizes eco-friendly and non-toxic silver niobate as the base material.
• Lanthanum doping enhances electrical performance.

Additional Details

• What are Supercapacitors? Supercapacitors are fast-charging energy devices that store and release energy much quicker than traditional batteries, making them ideal for applications in phones, electric vehicles, and solar systems.
• Trade-Off in Storage: While supercapacitors charge rapidly, they typically hold less energy compared to conventional batteries. Researchers aim to increase their energy capacity without losing their quick-charging capabilities.
• About the New Material:The new material, lanthanum-doped silver niobate, shows remarkable characteristics:
  • It retained 118% of its capacity after repeated use, indicating improvement over time.
  • It demonstrated 100% energy efficiency, wasting no energy during charge or discharge.
  • It provided faster and steadier energy delivery compared to previous materials.
  • A real-world test showed it could power an LCD screen, confirming its practical applications.
  • Additionally, it is lead-free and environmentally safe.
  • Future potential includes scaling this method for use in electronics, electric vehicles, and solar technology.

Overall, the advancements made by the research team represent significant progress in supercapacitor technology, with promising implications for future energy storage solutions.

UPSC Question

With reference to India, consider the following statements:

• 1. Monazite is a source of rare earths.
• 2. Monazite contains thorium.
• 3. Monazite occurs naturally in the entire Indian coastal sands in India.
• 4. In India, Government bodies only can process or export monazite.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

• Options: (a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 1, 2 and 4 only (c) 3 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

GS3/Economy

Gig Workers in India: Data Gaps and the Need for Inclusive Labour Statistics

Why in News?

India's primary labour survey, the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS), has faced criticism for inadequately capturing the expanding gig and platform workforce, despite increasing recognition and welfare initiatives at the policy level.

Key Takeaways

• The gig workforce in India is projected to grow to 23.5 million by 2029-30, according to a 2022 NITI Aayog report.
• The 2025 Union Budget has extended key social protection measures to gig workers.
• The PLFS fails to distinctly identify gig workers, leading to their classification under broad categories.

Additional Details

• Recognising the Growing Gig Workforce: India's workforce is undergoing a transformation with a rise in gig and platform-based employment across various sectors including food delivery, ride-hailing, digital freelancing, and home services.
• Legal Definitions and Policy Intentions: The Code on Social Security, 2020 defines gig workers as individuals engaged in income-generating work outside traditional employer-employee relationships. However, it lacks specificity in distinguishing gig workers from self-employed or casual labourers.
• Limitations of the PLFS: The PLFS does not specifically identify gig workers, leading to their classification as 'self-employed' or 'casual labour', which obscures important characteristics of gig work such as income volatility and lack of formal contracts.
• Current government initiatives, including e-Shram registration and digital ID issuance, aim to integrate gig workers into formal welfare systems, but without updated statistics, the effectiveness of these measures remains unmeasured.
• Towards Inclusive Labour Statistics: There is a critical need to evolve India's labour statistics framework by updating PLFS classifications and introducing special survey modules to accurately capture gig and platform work.

In summary, addressing the gaps in labour statistics is essential for ensuring that gig workers receive equitable access to welfare and social protections, allowing for effective policymaking that reflects the realities of a changing workforce.

GS3/Environment

Why Tigers Keep Migrating?

Why in News?

India's tiger population is experiencing a significant eastward migration as young male tigers from central India's reserves, such as Kanha and Bandhavgarh, disperse into eastern forests in search of territory and mates. This trend has drawn attention due to several recent incidents of tiger migration.

Key Takeaways

• Young male tigers are moving from central India to eastern states like Jharkhand, Odisha, and West Bengal.
• Recent migration incidents have resulted in both rescues and conflicts with local communities.

Recent Incidents of Tiger Migration

• Bandhavgarh (MP) → Palamu (Jharkhand) → Purulia (WB): Rescued and sent back to Palamu.
• Simlipal (Odisha) → Jharkhand → Lalgarh (WB): Tiger killed by villagers.
• Tadoba (Maharashtra) → Simlipal (Odisha) → West Bengal: Zeenat, the tigress, was translocated and dispersed.

Back2Basics: Royal Bengal Tiger

• Declared: National Animal of India in 1972 by the Indian Board for Wildlife (IBWL).
• Population: India harbors 75% of the world's wild tigers, with significant populations also in Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, China, and Myanmar.
• Habitats: Found in diverse habitats including high mountains, mangrove swamps, grasslands, deciduous forests, and evergreen shola forests.

Ecological Significance

• Flagship species: Tigers are essential for conservation efforts as they are the top predators in the food chain.
• Umbrella species: Protecting tigers aids in the conservation of other species through food chain regulation.

Protection Status

• Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Listed under Schedule I.
• IUCN Red List: Classified as Endangered.
• CITES: Listed in Appendix I.
• Project Tiger: Launched in 1973 as a wildlife conservation initiative in India.

Behavioural Traits of Tigers Influencing Dispersal

• Territorial Independence: Male tigers leave their natal territory upon maturity to find prey-rich zones and mates, triggering long-distance dispersal.
• Gendered Dispersal:
  • Males: Wanderers that cover vast areas and often cross multiple states.
  • Females: Philopatric, staying close to their birthplace and typically accepted by nearby relatives.
• Source-Sink Dynamics: Source forests like Kanha and Bandhavgarh produce surplus tigers, while sink forests like Palamu and Dalma cannot sustain populations without new immigrants.
• Adaptive but Risk-Prone: Tigers are inclined to explore new habitats, even degraded ones, but face challenges such as food scarcity, isolation, and human conflict.
• Prey Dependence and Conflict: In areas lacking prey, floater tigers resort to livestock hunting, increasing the risk of human-tiger conflict.
• Resilience and Colonisation Instinct: Despite setbacks, tigers persist in attempting to colonise new areas, which offers hope for species expansion with proper conservation support.

[UPSC 2024]

Consider the following statements:

• 1. Lions do not have a particular breeding season.
• 2. Unlike most other big cats, cheetahs do not roar.
• 3. Unlike male lions, male leopards do not proclaim their territory by scent marking.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

• (a) 1 and 2 only*
• (b) 2 and 3 only
• (c) 1 and 3 only
• (d) 1, 2 and 3

In summary, the eastward migration of tigers in India is a crucial aspect of their behavior and conservation. Understanding the factors influencing their movement can aid in developing effective strategies for their protection and management.

GS2/International Relations

Rephasing Global Development Finance

Why in News?

India's role in global development finance has evolved significantly over the past decade. The country has not only increased its financial contributions but has also diversified its methods of development cooperation. However, the current global financial landscape, marked by a rising debt crisis in the Global South and decreasing traditional aid flows, requires a strategic adjustment in India’s approach.

Key Takeaways

• India's development outflows increased from $3 billion to $7 billion between 2010-11 and 2023-24.
• Lines of Credit (LoCs) have been central to India's development assistance but face challenges in the current fiscal environment.
• India proposed a Global Development Compact (GDC) to create a balanced framework for development cooperation.

Additional Details

• Lines of Credit (LoCs): These have enabled India to support infrastructure projects in partner countries at concessional rates. India finances these projects through borrowing in international markets and lending at softer terms, covering the difference with state subsidies.
• Shifting Financial Landscape: The Finance Ministry is concerned about the viability of LoCs amid increasing global debt and declining Official Development Assistance (ODA), projected to drop from $214 billion in 2023 to $97 billion by 2025.
• Triangular Cooperation (TrC): This framework includes collaboration between a traditional donor from the Global North, a pivotal partner from the Global South (like India), and a recipient developing country. It aims to create context-specific and cost-effective development solutions, with preliminary estimates valuing TrC projects between $670 million and $1.1 billion.

As global financial conditions evolve, India's strategic pivot towards Triangular Cooperation and the proposed Global Development Compact represents a forward-thinking approach. By leveraging its diplomatic resources and technical expertise, India aims to foster a resilient and equitable development architecture that balances ambition with realism and partnership with pragmatism.

GS2/Polity

AI & Copyright Law

Why in News?

Recently, two significant court rulings in the United States have favored tech companies involved in the development of generative AI. These decisions address whether training AI models using copyrighted content constitutes theft for the first time. Generative AI tools, such as ChatGPT and Gemini, rely on extensive datasets that include books, articles, and internet content for their training. Despite numerous lawsuits claiming copyright infringement against tech firms, the companies maintain that their use of this content is "transformative" and qualifies as "fair use."

Key Takeaways

• The court decisions support tech companies' claims regarding fair use in AI training.
• Both rulings highlight a growing legal acceptance of using copyrighted material in AI training, provided it serves a transformative purpose benefitting the public.

Additional Details

• Case 1: Writers vs Anthropic: In August 2024, writers Andrea Bartz, Charles Graeber, and Kirk Wallace Johnson filed a class action lawsuit against Anthropic, alleging that their pirated books were used without compensation to train AI, harming their livelihoods. The court ruled in favor of Anthropic, stating that their use fell under the doctrine of fair use, emphasizing the transformative nature of the AI's output.
• Key Quote: The judge remarked, "Like any reader aspiring to be a writer, Anthropic’s LLMs trained upon works… to create something different."
• Case 2: Writers vs Meta: Thirteen authors sued Meta, alleging that their copyrighted works were used to train the LLaMA language models, with the AI generating content derived from their texts. The court ruled in Meta's favor, stating that the plaintiffs did not prove market harm from LLaMA's use of their works.
• While affirming the transformative potential of AI, the judge noted that companies benefiting from AI should compensate original content creators, even if current uses qualify as fair use.

In conclusion, these rulings signify an important development in the legal framework surrounding AI, yet they do not resolve the fundamental copyright and ethical issues related to AI-generated content. Further legal challenges remain, particularly concerning how creators will be protected and the implications for their livelihoods as AI-generated content expands.