Daily Current Affairs and News Analysis 08-07-2025

• Why News: This technological marvel allows for unprecedented sky coverage, revolutionizing how astronomers observe the universe.

• Why News: The sheer volume and quality of data will significantly advance our understanding of cosmic phenomena.

• Why News: Rubin’s findings will tackle fundamental questions about the universe’s structure, composition, and evolution, including its unknown domain structure.

• Why News: This dynamic approach moves beyond pre-selected targets, offering a real-time, comprehensive view of celestial events.

• Why News: This unparalleled cataloguing will provide astronomers with a vast resource for research and discovery.

• Why News: Demonstrates its immediate impact and immense discovery potential even in preliminary testing.

• Why News: Connects current advancements to foundational discoveries in astrophysics.

• Why: To detect and neutralize ballistic, cruise, and hypersonic missiles from space.

• Why: The 1967 Outer Space Treaty bans nuclear weapons in orbit but is ambiguous about conventional arms, a line the Golden Dome’s interceptors may cross.

• Why: The deployment of dual-use technologies and the treaty’s silence on conventional weapons create legal ambiguities and suspicion.

• Why: Estimated costs of $175-500 billion, the complexity of managing thousands of satellites (risking debris), and the difficulty of integrating it with existing defense systems.

• Why: Its principles on peaceful use and freedom of exploration are central to the debate surrounding the Golden Dome.

Discovery of Miniature Coronal Loops: Astronomers from the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) have identified previously undetectable, tiny plasma loops in the Sun’s lower atmosphere.

• Why in news: These loops are crucial for understanding how the Sun stores and releases magnetic energy.

Size and Lifespan: These miniature loops are only 3,000–4,000 km long and less than 100 km wide, existing for just a few minutes.

• Why in news: Their small size and brief lifespan made them invisible to earlier telescopes, hindering study.

Link to Magnetic Reconnection and Jets: The loops are linked to magnetic reconnection, the process behind energy bursts, and exhibit plasma jets erupting from their tips, mirroring larger solar events like flares.

• Why in news: They offer direct insights into the fundamental mechanisms driving explosive solar activity.

Puzzling High Temperatures: Differential Emission Measure analysis reveals plasma temperatures in these loops reaching several million degrees, unexpectedly high for the chromosphere.

• Why in news: This challenges existing solar heating models, which cannot adequately explain such extreme temperatures in the Sun’s denser lower atmosphere.

Advanced Observation Techniques: The discovery utilized high-resolution imaging and spectroscopy across multiple wavelengths, combining data from ground-based telescopes and NASA satellites.

• Why in news: This multi-instrument approach enabled a deeper understanding of the loops’ behavior in different solar atmospheric layers.

Future Research Potential: India’s proposed National Large Solar Telescope (NLST) is expected to provide further opportunities to study these features.

• Why in news: NLST’s advanced capabilities are designed to address key questions about solar magnetic field dynamics.

AERB grants operation license: India’s Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) has officially issued an operational license for the two indigenously developed 700 MWe Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs), KAPS-3 and KAPS-4, at the Kakrapar Atomic Power Station (KAPS) in Gujarat.

Significance of indigenous technology: This license marks a crucial milestone for India’s nuclear program, as these are the country’s first 700 MWe indigenous PHWRs, demonstrating advancement in local nuclear technology.

Rigorous safety review: The AERB’s decision follows 15 years of intensive, multi-tiered safety reviews, covering the entire lifecycle from design and construction to commissioning at full power, involving multiple experts.

Boost for future expansion: The 5-year operation license for KAPS-3 and KAPS-4 is a significant boost to the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited’s (NPCIL) plans to build 10 more 700 MWe PHWRs in a fleet mode.

Operational status: KAPS-3 achieved full power operation in August 2023, and KAPS-4 followed in August 2024, with the license now formalizing their commercial operation.

India’s PHWR fleet: India currently operates 15 PHWRs of 220 MWe, two of 540 MWe, and a 700 MWe reactor at Rawatbhata, Rajasthan, with this license adding to the growing capacity.

Nuclear power targets: This development supports India’s ambitious nuclear power capacity targets, aiming for 22.48 GW by 2031-32 and 100 GW by 2047.

China’s Export Controls on Rare Earths: China has imposed strict licensing, lengthy approval processes, and monthly quotas on exports of seven key rare earth elements essential for magnets, batteries, and high-tech industries.

Why it’s News (Benefits Beijing):

• Geopolitical Leverage: China, dominating global rare earth mining and refining, uses these controls as a strategic tool in trade negotiations, particularly with the U.S.
• National Security: Restricting exports weakens the defense and technology sectors of rival nations.
• Diplomatic Pressure: The move compels urgent engagement from major economies (U.S., EU, Japan, India).
• Supply Chain Influence: The new licensing regime incentivizes cooperation with China, reinforcing its global dominance.

Why it’s News (Hurts Chinese Business/Global Impact):

• Plunging Revenues: Chinese exporters have faced significant losses, with magnet exports dropping 75% and U.S. shipments down over 90%.
• Global Disruptions: Industries in the U.S., EU, and India have experienced production halts in auto and electronics.
• Domestic Strain: Weak EV demand and inventory issues have forced Chinese producers to cut output.
• Strategic Risk: Other countries are accelerating efforts to diversify rare earth sources, challenging China’s long-term monopoly.
• Regulatory Burden: Exporters and importers face red tape, uncertainty, and commercial disclosure risks.

Learning Corner (Rare Earth Elements):

• Categories: Light Rare Earth Elements (LREEs) (e.g., Lanthanum, Cerium) and Heavy Rare Earth Elements (HREEs) (e.g., Terbium, Dysprosium).
• Associated Elements: Scandium and Yttrium are often grouped due to similar ore deposits and chemical properties.
• Key Uses: Magnets, batteries, catalysts, lasers, optics, nuclear reactors, and green technology.

• Why: This ranking is based on the World Bank’s Gini Index, which measures income inequality. A lower Gini coefficient signifies greater equality.

• Why: This signifies consistent progress in social equity.

• Why: This classification indicates a relatively equitable distribution of income.

• Why: This challenges the perception of India as a highly unequal society and suggests broad-based income growth.

• Poverty Reduction: 171 million Indians lifted out of extreme poverty since 2011.
  • Why: Poverty reduction directly contributes to reduced income disparities.
• Welfare Schemes:
  • PM Jan Dhan Yojana: Promotes financial inclusion.
  • Aadhaar and DBT: Ensure efficient delivery of benefits to the right individuals.
  • Ayushman Bharat: Provides health coverage, improving access to essential services.
  • Stand-Up India: Empowers disadvantaged communities economically.
  • PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY): Ensures food security for millions.
  • PM Vishwakarma Yojana: Supports traditional artisans and craftspeople.
• Why: These schemes directly address financial inclusion, access to services, and economic empowerment, narrowing the gap between different segments of society.

• High Poverty Despite Low Inequality: Over 300 million people still live in poverty under a higher threshold.
• Wage and Income Disparity: Significant earnings gap between top and bottom income groups, with the richest 1% holding substantial wealth.
• Outdated Poverty Line: Current poverty lines may not accurately reflect living costs.
• Unequal Access to Opportunities: Gaps persist in education, healthcare, and digital access, particularly for vulnerable groups.
• Why: These factors highlight that while consumption inequality might be low, deeper issues of poverty and unequal opportunity still exist.

India’s First Equine Disease-Free Compartment (EDFC) Established: India has set up its inaugural EDFC at the Remount Veterinary Corps (RVC) Centre & College in Meerut Cantonment, Uttar Pradesh.

Officially Recognized by WOAH: The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) has officially recognized this EDFC, signifying international acceptance of its disease-free status.

Enables Global Trade and Competitions: This scientifically managed zone guarantees horses are free from specific equine diseases, facilitating their participation in international trade and sporting events.

Certified Disease-Free Status: The EDFC is certified free from major equine diseases such as Equine Infectious Anemia, Equine Influenza, Equine Piroplasmosis, Glanders, and Surra.

Part of National Strategy: It is a crucial component of India’s wider strategy to establish disease-free compartments, mirroring efforts like creating Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI)-Free Zones for poultry exports.

Reinforces India’s Animal Health Position: This development, coupled with India’s sustained disease-free status for African Horse Sickness since 2014, strengthens its standing in the global equine health community.

India’s First National Cooperative University Inaugurated: Tribhuvan Sahkari University (TSU) in Anand, Gujarat, is India’s first national cooperative university, launched by the Union Home and Cooperation Minister.

• Why it’s news: This marks a significant step in formalizing and strengthening cooperative education at a national level.

Vision of ‘Sahkar se Samriddhi’: The university aligns with the government’s goal of achieving prosperity through cooperation by enhancing the cooperative sector via education.

• Why it’s news: It shows a focused government strategy to leverage education for the growth of the cooperative movement.

Named After Tribhuvandas Patel: TSU is named after the founder of Amul, recognizing his pivotal role in India’s cooperative history alongside Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

• Why it’s news: Honoring a key figure like Tribhuvandas Patel adds historical significance and inspiration to the initiative.

Objective: Skill Development: The university will offer courses in cooperative management, accounting, finance, marketing, law, and rural development to create a skilled workforce for the sector.

• Why it’s news: Addresses the need for trained professionals to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of cooperatives.

Target: 20 Lakh Professionals: The aim is to train over 20 lakh professionals in key cooperative areas like dairy, fisheries, and agricultural credit within five years.

• Why it’s news: Highlights the ambitious scale of the skill development program and its broad reach.

R&D Council for Innovation: A dedicated Research and Development Council will be established to foster innovation, transparency, and best practices in rural cooperative institutions.

• Why it’s news: Focuses on improving the quality and governance of cooperatives through research and modern practices.

Cooperative Sector Importance: Cooperatives are member-owned organizations crucial for rural development, financial inclusion, and meeting common socio-economic needs.

• Why it’s news: Reinforces the foundational role of the cooperative sector in India’s economy and society.

Legal Framework: The cooperative sector’s right to form societies is a Fundamental Right (Article 19(1)(c)), governed by acts like the Cooperative Societies Act, 1912, and the MSCS Act, 2002.

• Why it’s news: Provides context on the established legal basis and ongoing efforts to strengthen cooperative governance.

• Indian Telegraph Act, 1885 (Section 5(2)): Allows interception for public emergency or public safety. Restrictions must align with Article 19(2) grounds (sovereignty, security, public order, etc.).
• IT Act, 2000: Governs digital communication interception.
• Indian Post Office Act, 1898: Permits postal correspondence interception.

• Delhi HC (June 2024): Upheld MHA tapping in a ₹2,149 crore corruption case, deeming large-scale economic offences a threat to public safety.
• Madras HC (July 2024): Quashed MHA tapping in a ₹50 lakh bribery case, stating tax evasion/bribery isn’t “public emergency” and flagging procedural flaws, referencing a PIB notification and PUCL safeguards.

• Home Secretary approval.
• Review by a three-member committee.
• 2-month validity, renewable.
• Last resort principle.
• Incorporated into Rule 419A of Telegraph Rules.

• Right to Privacy (Article 21): Surveillance must be legal, necessary, and proportionate (Puttaswamy judgment).
• Freedom of Speech (Article 19(1)(a)): Tapping can chill expression; restrictions under Article 19(2) apply.
• Due Process/Rule of Law: Violations of PUCL safeguards render tapping unconstitutional and evidence inadmissible.

• Why it’s news: Shows progress in maternal healthcare quality at a national level.

• Why it’s news: Highlights that national progress isn’t uniform, and certain regions require more targeted interventions.

• Postpartum Haemorrhage (PPH): Excessive bleeding after delivery.
• Obstructed Labour: Due to factors like malnutrition.
• Hypertensive Disorders: Conditions like preeclampsia.
• Sepsis: Infections from unhygienic deliveries.
• Anaemia: An underlying condition exacerbating complications.
• Associated Illnesses (EAG States): Malaria, TB, UTIs worsen pregnancy risks.
• Why it’s news: Identifies the specific medical issues that need to be addressed for effective prevention.

• Delay 1 (Seeking Help): Inertia, financial constraints, lack of awareness.
• Delay 2 (Reaching Facility): Geographical remoteness, poor transport.
• Delay 3 (Receiving Care): Staff shortages (especially specialists), inadequate infrastructure (blood banks, OTs).
• Why it’s news: Provides a framework to understand the systemic barriers at different stages of accessing care.

• Why it’s news: Showcases government’s efforts and policy focus on addressing maternal mortality.

• Why it’s news: Offers a successful case study demonstrating effective strategies that can be replicated.

• Why it’s news: Outlines critical steps required to bridge the gap and reduce preventable deaths.

• Why: Escalated fighting, particularly after a June 5 shootout where CNDF reportedly captured CDF camps, triggered mass civilian displacement.

• Why: Local resources and relief mechanisms are strained by the increased numbers, though civil society and the Mizoram government are providing aid and local families are offering shelter.

• Why: The Chin people share cultural and ethnic ties with the Mizo people, influencing the state’s response.

• Why: The internal rivalries within Myanmar’s ethnic armed groups and the broader civil war situation mean the root cause of displacement persists.

• Why: The porous border and internal conflicts in neighboring Myanmar directly impact India’s border states.

RBI to conduct 7-day VRRR auction: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) will hold a Variable Rate Reverse Repo (VRRR) auction for Rs 1 lakh crore.

• Why in News: This action is to absorb surplus liquidity from the banking system.

VRRR as a monetary policy tool: VRRR allows the RBI to absorb excess liquidity through auctions.

• Mechanism: Banks bid at variable interest rates to place short-term deposits with the RBI.
• Flexibility: It’s more flexible and market-driven than the fixed-rate Reverse Repo Rate.

Objective: To bring overnight rates on the Tri Party Repo Dealing System (TREPS) closer to the lower bound of the Liquidity Adjustment Facility (LAF) corridor (5.25%-5.75%).

Liquidity Surplus Reasons: Previous RBI actions like open market operations, term VRR auctions, and dollar/rupee buy-sell swaps have increased liquidity in the economy.

Legal Framework for Phone Tapping:

• Governed by the Indian Post Office Act, 1898 (postal); Indian Telegraph Act, 1885 (voice calls); and IT Act, 2000 (electronic communication).
• Telegraph Act Section 5(2) allows interception for public emergency and public safety.

Conflicting High Court Rulings:

• Delhi HC: Upheld tapping in a bribery case, citing corruption’s threat to public safety due to its economic scale (₹2,149.93 crore) and impact on public trust and national security.
• Madras HC: Quashed an interception order, stating tax evasion in that instance did not constitute a “public emergency” and criticized outdated standards and lack of oversight.

Supreme Court Precedent (PUCL v. Union of India, 1997):

• Upheld Section 5(2) but mandated safeguards: orders by Home Secretary, “reasonable satisfaction” and “last resort” criteria, and review by a committee within 2 months.
• Rule 419-A formalizes these safeguards.

Violation of Fundamental Rights:

• Right to Privacy (Art. 21): Phone tapping without legal sanction violates this, as established in Justice K.S. Puttaswamy (2017).
• Freedom of Speech (Art. 19(1)(a)): Surveillance can create a chilling effect, discouraging critical views.
• Protection Against Arbitrary Action (Art. 14): Discriminatory or selective surveillance violates equality.

Judicial View on Surveillance:

• Must be authorized, proportionate, necessary, and time-bound to be constitutional; otherwise, it infringes Article 21.

Why in News: Contrasting rulings from the Madras and Delhi High Courts on the legality of phone tapping for crime prevention, particularly economic offences.

What is Phone Tapping: Monitoring or recording phone conversations by a third party, often government agencies, without consent.

Governing Laws:

• Indian Telegraph Act, 1885 (Section 5(2)) for public emergency/safety.
• Information Technology Act, 2000 for digital communications.
• Indian Post Office Act, 1898 for postal communications.

Safeguards:

• Rule 419A of Indian Telegraph Rules, 1951 (requires Review Committee).
• Must comply with constitutional rights (Article 19(1)(a) – speech, Article 21 – privacy, as per Puttaswamy judgment).

Delhi High Court Ruling (2020): Legally permissible to tap phones to prevent incitement to an offense; justified for corruption in public projects as it impacts economic security and public safety.

Madras High Court Ruling (2018): Quashed an interception order for suspected economic offense, stating no public emergency or clear threat to public safety. Ruled it unlawful due to failure to meet procedural standards.

Supreme Court Ruling (1997):

• Only Home Secretary can authorize; delegation below Joint Secretary is prohibited.
• Review committee required (Cabinet Secretary, Law Secretary, Telecom Secretary at Centre; Chief Secretary, Law Secretary, one other at State).

Evidence Admissibility: Unlawfully obtained phone-tap information is inadmissible in court.