Weekly Current Affairs (1st to 7th August 2025) - 1 | Weekly Current Affairs - UPSC PDF Download

GS1/ History and Culture

Swadeshi Movement and Self -Reliant India

Source: Times of India

Why in News?

India celebrates National Handloom Day on August 7th each year to commemorate the launch of the Swadeshi Movement in 1905, which aimed to promote indigenous industries, particularly handloom weaving, as a form of economic resistance to British colonial rule. 

• National Handloom Day was officially declared by the Government of India in 2015 to honor the handloom community and their contributions. 
•  The day emphasizes handlooms as a vital part of the rural economy, women’s empowerment, and sustainable, eco-friendly production. 

Theme for National Handloom Day 2025

 The theme for National Handloom Day 2025 is “ Weaving Innovation into Tradition.. 

What was the Swadeshi Movement?

Origins of the Swadeshi Movement:

• Partition of Bengal: The British partitioned Bengal in 1905, creating a Muslim-majority East Bengal and a Hindu-majority West Bengal. This was viewed as a strategy to sow religious and political divisions, thereby weakening nationalist unity. 
• Lord Curzon’s Policies: Lord Curzon’s repressive measures, such as reforms in the Calcutta Corporation and the Indian Universities Act of 1904, incited anger and discontent among the middle class. 
• Calcutta Town Hall Meeting: In August 1905, a meeting at the Calcutta Town Hall formally initiated the Swadeshi Movement, calling for a boycott of British goods, particularly 'Manchester-made cloth' and 'Liverpool salt,' and urging support for Indian-made products. 

Key Methods of the Swadeshi Movement:

• Boycott of British Goods: The movement encouraged Indians to boycott British products and promote domestic goods to foster economic self-reliance by supporting local industries and crafts. 
• National Education: The rejection of British educational institutions led to the establishment of national schools that focused on Indian values. The 1905 Carlyle Circular, which threatened to withdraw scholarships from protesting students, prompted many to leave British colleges. In 1906, the National Council of Education was founded, leading to the later creation of the Bengal National College and the Bengal Technical Institute. 
• Formation of Samitis: Various volunteer organizations, known as samitis, were established to spread the Swadeshi message. The Swadesh Bandhab Samiti, led by Ashwini Kumar Dutta in Barisal, became a significant force for mass mobilization. 
• Use of Traditional Festivals and Melas: Traditional festivals like Ganapati and Shivaji were utilized to disseminate Swadeshi messages across India, including Bengal. Rabindranath Tagore employed Raksha Bandhan as a symbol of unity to oppose the 1905 Bengal partition. 
• Emphasis on Self-Reliance: The movement promoted ‘Atma Shakti’ (self-strength), linking national dignity with social reforms such as combating caste oppression, early marriage, dowry, and alcohol abuse. 

Phases of Swadeshi Movement:

• Moderate Phase: The movement started with moderates using petitions and meetings but transitioned to radical methods when these approaches proved ineffective. Leaders like Surendranath Banerjee endorsed the movement as a means to promote self-reliance. 
• Radical Phase: Leaders like Bipin Chandra Pal, Lala Lajpat Rai, and Bal Gangadhar Tilak, part of the Lal-Bal-Pal trio, advocated for direct confrontation with the British. They expanded the movement’s scope to include a call for Swaraj (self-rule), promoting the boycott of British goods, institutions, and services, and endorsing both passive resistance and armed struggle. 

Impact:

• Indian National Congress (INC): The INC condemned Bengal’s partition and supported the Swadeshi Movement. At the 1906 Calcutta session, under Dadabhai Naoroji, the INC declared Swaraj as its goal. The Moderate-Extremist dispute over the movement’s pace and methods led to a party split at the 1907 Surat session. 
• Social Impact: Rabindranath Tagore’s 'Amar Sonar Bangla' became Bangladesh’s national anthem, uniting Bengalis against Bengal’s partition. Artists like Abanindranath Tagore and Nandalal Bose enriched Indian art and cultural pride. The movement aimed for Swaraj through boycott and passive resistance, requiring mass awakening and participation. Support primarily came from the educated middle class, aristocrats, and merchants, while peasants and workers were less involved. Women played a crucial role by boycotting British goods and promoting local crafts. 
• Impact on British Rule: There was a significant decline in foreign imports from 1905 to 1908. This put pressure on the British to introduce the Morley-Minto Reforms in 1909 to address growing Indian demands for greater representation. The Swadeshi Movement stimulated Indian industries like handloom and textiles, leading to the establishment of new enterprises such as Bengal Chemicals and Lakshmi Cotton Mills. Politically, it shifted the focus from petitions to demanding Swaraj, fueling revolutionary activism. It also strengthened nationalism by promoting pride, unity, and self-reliance in the face of colonial rule. The annulment of the Partition of Bengal in 1911 by Lord Hardinge was primarily to curb the rising tide of revolutionary terrorism and unrest in the region. 

What is the Contemporary Relevance of the Swadeshi Movement in India?

• Atmanirbhar Bharat: The Swadeshi Movement’s principles are echoed in the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, which aims to promote Indian goods globally and achieve self-reliance. This mission, launched during the pandemic with a substantial economic stimulus, emphasizes themes like ‘local for global’ and ‘vocal for local.’ Key objectives include positioning India as a global supply chain hub, enhancing private sector trust, supporting Indian manufacturers, and expanding exports in sectors such as agriculture, textiles, clothing, jewelry, pharmaceuticals, and defense. 
• Make in India Initiative: This initiative promotes India as a global manufacturing hub, encouraging both local and foreign companies to produce domestically. It resonates with the Swadeshi Movement’s focus on self-sufficiency and the development of local industries. The Make in India campaign has improved the ease of doing business, resulting in a significant increase in foreign direct investment and export growth. For instance, defense exports have surged, and India has made strides in the Global Innovation Index, with products like ‘Made in Bihar’ boots being integrated into foreign military supplies. 
• Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Schemes: These schemes aim to bolster domestic manufacturing and enhance exports across 14 key sectors, aligning with the Swadeshi ethos of promoting local industries and reducing dependency on imports. 
• Revival of Khadi and Cottage Industries: The Khadi movement, initially promoted by Gandhiji to encourage the use of Swadeshi products and the boycott of foreign goods, remains relevant. The Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) has seen substantial growth in production, sales, and employment over the past decade. This revival aligns with the Swadeshi Movement’s goals of promoting local crafts and self-reliance. 
• Economic Nationalism and Protectionism: Rooted in the Swadeshi Movement, current economic policies prioritize domestic industries through measures like import substitution, trade tariffs, and incentives for Indian companies. These strategies aim to reduce reliance on global supply chains, particularly in critical sectors such as defense, healthcare, and energy, thereby enhancing national security and economic resilience. 

GS3/Environment

Reintroduction of the Asian Giant Tortoise

Why in News?

The Asian giant tortoise, recognized as the largest tortoise species in mainland Asia, has recently been successfully reintroduced into the Zeliang Community Reserve located in the Peren district of Nagaland. This initiative aims to enhance the conservation of this critically endangered species.

Key Takeaways

• The Asian Giant Tortoise (Manouria emys phayrei) holds the title of the largest tortoise in Asia.
• It represents one of the most ancient tortoise lineages globally, displaying unique behaviors similar to crocodilians, such as egg protection and temperature regulation during incubation.

Additional Details

• Appearance: Hatchlings exhibit a grayish-brown coloration, transitioning to a more charcoal hue as they reach adulthood.
• Habitat: This species thrives in tropical and subtropical hill forests.
• Distribution: It is found in various regions including Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, and Malaysia.
• Diet: Their diet primarily consists of bamboo shoots, tubers, juicy vegetation, and occasionally includes invertebrates and frogs.
• Threats: Major threats to their survival include hunting for consumption, habitat destruction, and human activities such as construction and slash-and-burn practices.
• Conservation Status: Classified as Critically Endangered by the IUCN and listed in CITES Appendix II.

The reintroduction of the Asian giant tortoise is a significant step towards preserving this remarkable species and its habitat, highlighting the importance of conservation efforts in sustaining biodiversity.

GS3/Economy

With Tariffs, India’s Growth Rate Needs a Careful Watch

Source: The Hindu

Why in News?

Recent trade measures implemented by the United States have posed significant challenges to India’s economic growth and external account stability. Effective August 7, the U.S. has imposed a 25% reciprocal tariff on Indian exports, followed by an additional 25% penal levy set to take effect from August 29, 2025, due to India's ongoing crude oil imports from Russia. These developments have serious implications for India’s trade balance, current account deficit (CAD), GDP growth, and strategic trade positioning.

Key Takeaways

• India enjoys a merchandise trade surplus with the U.S. amounting to $41.18 billion in 2024–25.
• U.S. tariffs are targeting both Indian exports and crude oil imports, affecting export competitiveness.
• Impact estimates show a potential decline in GDP growth and an increase in current account deficit due to tariffs.

Additional Details

• Reciprocal Tariff Impact: Assuming an import elasticity of -1, India’s exports to the U.S. could significantly decline, which would widen the trade deficit by 0.56% of GDP, potentially increasing it to 7.84%.
• GDP Growth Impact: The growth rate is estimated to drop by 0.6 percentage points, from 6.5% to 5.9% due to the new tariffs.
• Current Account Deficit: CAD may rise from 0.6% to 1.15%, indicating mounting economic pressure on India.
• Mitigating Factors: New trade agreements with the U.K. and ongoing negotiations with the EU may help offset some export losses. Additionally, the depreciation of the rupee could enhance export competitiveness.

The imposition of these tariffs reflects a strategic use of trade policy as a coercive geopolitical tool. Although India can potentially manage immediate impacts through negotiations and currency adjustments, the ongoing nature of such measures poses a threat to global trade stability. It is crucial for India to defend its trade interests while seeking to strengthen its export base and reduce dependency on single markets or energy sources.

GS2/International Relations

Mending ties: On state visit of Philippines President to India

Why in News?

The recent visit of Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to India has significantly strengthened the bilateral relationship through the signing of a Strategic Partnership Agreement. This visit emphasizes cooperation in defense, Indo-Pacific security, and future trade collaboration, aligning with broader strategic objectives in ASEAN and Indo-Pacific diplomacy.

Key Takeaways

• The Philippines is now the fifth country to sign a Strategic Partnership Agreement with India, following Japan, Vietnam, Australia, and South Korea.
• Joint maritime exercises between the Indian Navy and the Philippine Navy were conducted in the South China Sea.
• India supports the 2016 UNCLOS Arbitration Award favoring the Philippines in its dispute with China.
• Direct flights and eased visa restrictions will facilitate greater connectivity between the two nations.
• Bilateral trade is projected at $3.3 billion for 2024-25, with rising investments in technology and pharmaceuticals.

Additional Details

• Strategic Partnership Agreement: This agreement marks a significant step in India-Philippines relations, focusing on maritime and defense cooperation, and enhancing economic ties.
• India's initiative to revise the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) reflects its commitment to renewed trade diplomacy.
• The Philippines, as the incoming chair for ASEAN in 2026, positions itself as a key partner for India in enhancing engagement with the ASEAN bloc.
• Historical ties date back to the establishment of diplomatic relations on November 26, 1949, and the signing of a Treaty of Friendship in 1952.
• Both countries share common challenges, including the South China Sea dispute and the need for cooperation against terrorism.

The elevation of India-Philippines ties underscores a mutual commitment to addressing regional security concerns, enhancing strategic autonomy, and fostering economic cooperation. As geopolitical dynamics evolve, such partnerships are crucial for stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

Mains Practice Question:

Discuss the significance of the recent elevation of India-Philippines relations to a Strategic Partnership in the context of ASEAN, regional security, and India’s Act East Policy.

GS2/Governance

The Technocratic Calculus of India’s Welfare State

Why in News?

India is experiencing a significant shift in its welfare governance, moving from traditional rights-based models to a more technocratic, data-centric approach. This transformation is marked by widespread Aadhaar enrollment, the integration of numerous schemes into the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system, and the rise of digital grievance platforms, fundamentally changing the delivery and experience of social welfare.

Key Takeaways

• The shift towards a technocratic governance model raises questions about the essence and purpose of welfare.
• The digitization of welfare aims to improve efficiency and reach but may undermine democratic values.
• Political polarization often drives leaders to rely on data-driven systems for policy decisions.

Additional Details

• Technocratic Governance: This approach emphasizes measurable and auditable state rationality, often sidelining political challenges and democratic dialogue.
• Impact on Social Spending: Social sector spending in India has decreased, affecting critical areas such as minorities, labor, nutrition, and social security.
• The Right to Information (RTI) framework is under strain, leading to a decline in transparency and accountability.
• Centralized Systems: While they improve complaint management, they risk reducing accountability and create algorithmic barriers to oversight.

To create a more democratic and resilient welfare system, it is essential to integrate local knowledge and participatory institutions, empowering citizens rather than reducing them to mere data points. As India seeks to balance efficiency with justice and accountability, it must reorient its technological advancements to enhance democratic participation and safeguard the rights of all citizens.

GS3/Defence & Security

RS-28 Sarmat

Why in News?

The tensions between the United States and Russia have brought significant attention back to the RS-28 Sarmat Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM), which is ominously referred to as 'Satan 2' by NATO.

Key Takeaways

• The RS-28 Sarmat is a new generation Intercontinental Ballistic Missile.
• It is named after the Sarmatian people who existed in the fourth and fifth century BC.
• It is also known in the West as “Satan II.”

Additional Details

• Features: The missile is a three-stage, liquid-fueled system with a remarkable range of 18,000 km.
• Weight: It has a launch weight exceeding 208 tonnes, making it the world's heaviest ICBM.
• Dimensions: The missile measures 35.3 meters in length and has a diameter of 3 meters.
• Speed: It can achieve a maximum speed of 25,500 kph (approximately Mach 20).
• Payload Capacity: It can carry a payload of up to 10 tons and is capable of loading various warhead options.
• Warhead Capability: The missile can deliver up to 16 independently targetable nuclear warheads, as well as Avangard hypersonic glide vehicles.
• Guidance System: Each warhead is equipped with its own guidance system utilizing inertial navigation, GLONASS (Russia’s Global Navigation Satellite System), and Astro-inertial technology to ensure accuracy.
• Launch Capability: While it can be launched in a conventional manner like other ICBMs, it is also believed to be capable of fractional orbital bombardment, which involves firing an ICBM into a low orbit around the Earth.
• Potential Destruction: The Sarmat is reported to have the potential to deliver warheads that are 2,000 times more powerful than the atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945.

This missile represents a significant advancement in strategic military capabilities and poses a serious threat in the context of global security dynamics.

GS2/International Relations

Nauru: A Remote Pacific Nation Selling Passports for Climate Action

Source: UN Media

Why in News?

Nauru, a small island nation in the Pacific, has recently approved only six applicants for its passport program aimed at funding climate action initiatives. This unique approach highlights the challenges and strategies of microstates in addressing climate change.

Key Takeaways

• Nauru is located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, about 1,300 km northeast of the Solomon Islands.
• The island nation is a raised coral atoll and one of the few phosphate rock islands in the Pacific.
• Phosphate mining has significantly impacted the island's livability and agricultural viability.

Additional Details

• Location: Nauru is situated approximately 300 km west of Banaba in Kiribati, making it a remote microstate in Oceania.
• Topography: The island features a central phosphate plateau surrounded by coral cliffs, with phosphate mining rendering about four-fifths of the land uninhabitable.
• Capital: Nauru has no official capital city; however, the district of Yaren serves as the de facto capital, located on the southern coast.
• Language: The native language is Nauruan, though English is widely spoken for governmental and commercial purposes.
• Political Structure: Nauru operates as a republic with a parliamentary system, established under a constitution adopted in 1968.

This unique approach by Nauru not only reflects the nation’s innovative strategies to combat climate change but also underscores the broader challenges faced by small island nations in the Pacific.

GS3/Environment

Indian Flapshell Turtle (Lissemys punctata)

Why in News?

The Social Forestry Department of Vadodara has recently rescued an albino Indian flapshell turtle (Lissemys punctata) from a freshwater lake located in Chikhodra, Gujarat. This incident highlights the conservation challenges faced by this species.

Key Takeaways

• The Indian flapshell turtle is a small freshwater softshell turtle native to South Asia.
• It is recognized for its unique femoral flaps that cover its limbs when retracted.
• This turtle species is listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List and is protected under various conservation laws.

Additional Details

• Geographic Range: The Indian flapshell turtle is found across several countries including India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar.
• River Systems: It inhabits major river basins such as the Indus, Ganges, Irrawaddy, and Salween.
• Habitat: This turtle prefers shallow, quiet freshwater environments like rivers, ponds, lakes, marshes, and canals with sandy or muddy bottoms ideal for burrowing.
• Conservation Status:
  • IUCN Red List: Vulnerable
  • CITES Listing: Appendix II
  • Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I (maximum protection)
• Major Threats:
  • Poaching for meat and use in traditional medicine.
  • Illegal trade for fishing bait, livestock feed, leather, and as exotic pets.
  • Habitat loss due to pollution, encroachment, and destruction of water bodies.
  • Albino individuals are particularly targeted in the illegal pet market.

The Indian flapshell turtle’s situation emphasizes the need for increased conservation efforts and awareness to protect this vulnerable species from ongoing threats.

GS3/Environment

District Flood Severity Index (DFSI)

Why in News?

Researchers from IIT Delhi and IIT Gandhinagar have introduced the District Flood Severity Index (DFSI). This index aims to enhance flood planning by utilizing historical data along with indicators reflecting human impact.

Key Takeaways

• The DFSI serves as a comprehensive, data-driven assessment of flood severity across various districts in India.
• It focuses on district-level analysis, which is crucial for effective disaster management planning and implementation.

Additional Details

• Data Collection: The index is based on long-term data collected annually by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) since 1967, specifically regarding major flood events.
• Significance: The DFSI addresses the absence of a national index that evaluates not only the magnitude of floods but also other critical factors.
• Key Parameters Used in DFSI:
  • Mean flood duration (in days) per district.
  • Percentage of district area historically affected by floods.
  • Total deaths and injuries attributed to floods.
  • District population, which is used to evaluate the per capita impact of flooding.
  • A 40-year curated dataset from IIT Delhi for historical flood mapping.
• Key Insights from the Index:
  • Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala) recorded the highest number of flood events (231) but is not among the top 30 severely impacted districts according to the DFSI.
  • Patna (Bihar) ranks #1 on the severity index, primarily due to a higher population impact and extensive flood spread.
  • Assam districts such as Dhemaji, Kamrup, and Nagaon frequently experience high flood instances (over 178 events), yet their ranking is contingent on a combination of various indicators.

The District Flood Severity Index represents a significant advancement in understanding and managing flood risks at the district level in India, enabling better preparedness and response strategies.