Daily Current Affairs and News Analysis 25-07-2025

Global Health Workforce Shortage: A projected global shortfall of 18 million health workers by 2030, with most countries lacking adequate doctors and nurses.

• Why: Increasing demand due to health crises and ageing populations in developed nations.

India’s Significant Health Worker Migration: Despite domestic shortages, India witnesses large-scale migration of doctors and nurses to countries like Australia, Canada, the UK, and the US.

• Why: Approximately 75,000 Indian-trained doctors and 640,000 Indian nurses work abroad.

Drivers of Migration (Push & Pull Factors):

• Push: Limited career growth, low domestic wages, political instability.
• Pull: Trade agreements, increased demand due to health crises, international recruitment policies.
• Why: These factors incentivize professionals to seek better opportunities abroad.

Formalized Export Policies: Countries like India and the Philippines have formal policies to export health workers for remittances and economic benefits.

• Why: Aims to leverage migration for economic gains, but exacerbates domestic shortages.

Gains vs. Losses: While migration offers remittances and skill development, the loss of workforce capacity in shortage-hit source countries is a significant concern.

• Why: The drain of skilled professionals weakens domestic healthcare systems.

Medical Diplomacy & Global Influence: India leverages health worker migration for diplomatic gains, fostering international partnerships and enhancing global health influence.

• Why: Demonstrated during COVID-19 with deployments to neighboring and African countries.

Need for Balanced Policies: The core issue is balancing national healthcare needs with global workforce opportunities, focusing on individual needs, national health systems, and global equity.

• Why: Current policies often prioritize economic gains over domestic health system strength.

Proposed Solutions:

• Institutional Reforms: Establish a centralized agency (like Kerala’s model) to manage mobility, address grievances, and support returnees.
• Workforce Capacity Building: Expand health education, improve career viability and working conditions, and offer incentives for retention. Encourage circular migration.
• International Agreements: Negotiate comprehensive and enforceable bilateral agreements, potentially including compensation mechanisms, investments in medical education, or technology transfer. Implement WHO Code of Practice.
• Leverage Digital Tools: Enable remote service provision by Indian health professionals.
• Regional Approaches: Enhance production capacity collaboratively and amplify regional voices for bargaining power.
• Why: These measures aim to maximize gains, mitigate losses, and ensure sustainable development of the health workforce.

Why in News: A World Bank report, “Towards Resilient and Prosperous Cities in India,” highlights that Indian cities will generate 70% of new employment by 2030 but face significant risks from flooding and extreme heat. It urges greater urban autonomy and climate-resilient planning.

Key Climate Risks for Indian Cities:

• Urban Growth: Rapid urbanization leads to 951 million urban dwellers by 2050, increasing vulnerability to climate shocks.
• Flooding: Urban sprawl and concrete construction worsen flooding, with potential annual losses reaching $5 billion by 2030 and $30 billion by 2070 without adaptation.
• Extreme Heat: Urban heat island effect intensifies, potentially causing 3 lakh heat-related deaths annually by 2050.
• Air Pollution: India hosts a significant number of the world’s most polluted cities, impacting health.

Challenges to Urban Autonomy & Resilience:

• Weak Devolution to ULBs: States have not fully devolved powers to Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) as intended by the 74th Amendment.
• Limited Financial Resources: ULBs lack funds for resilient infrastructure, with low property tax collection and reduced revenue sources post-GST.
• Weak Institutional Capacity: ULBs often lack technical expertise and data for climate adaptation.
• Fragmented Governance: Poor coordination hinders integrated climate strategies.

Strategies for Climate Resilience:

• Greater Autonomy for Cities: Empowering cities to make decisions improves resource mobilization and resilience.
• Urban Planning and Design: Incorporating green infrastructure and climate-aware zoning.
• Risk Evaluation and Adaptation: Conducting risk assessments and implementing measures like the Ahmedabad Heat Action Plan.
• Energy-Efficient Buildings: Promoting sustainable buildings to reduce emissions and improve comfort.
• Enhance Investment: Encouraging public-private partnerships for climate-resilient infrastructure.

• Transparency in the National Sports Board: Mandates strong public accountability and clear procedures.
• Age & Tenure Cap: Caps administrator age at 75 and removes fixed terms to promote new talent while retaining experience.
• BCCI under purview: Brings the BCCI under government oversight for the first time, aligning it with national standards.
• Athletes’ Right to Redressal: Establishes the Tribunal as the primary forum for dispute resolution, mirroring global norms.

• Why in News: Unveiled during the Indian PM’s London visit, it reaffirms a commitment to a revitalized partnership and sets ambitious goals for cooperation.

• Trade & Economic Cooperation: Building on CETA to boost bilateral trade and create jobs. Plans for a Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT).
• Technology & Innovation: Focus on AI, quantum computing, telecom, and critical minerals via the Technology Security Initiative.
• Defence: A 10-year roadmap for joint research and manufacturing, including jet engine technology and maritime security in the Indo-Pacific.
• Climate & Sustainability: Collaboration on green finance, offshore wind, nuclear technologies, and joint supply chains for green goods.
• Education & Skills: Encouraging UK university campuses in India and focusing on mutual recognition of qualifications and green skills.
• Global Governance: Commitment to multilateralism and reforms in international institutions.

• Key Highlights:
  • Duty-Free Access: 99% duty-free access for India to the UK market (textiles, leather, etc.) and 90% tariff elimination by India on UK imports (cars, alcohol).
  • Services Sector: Expanded market access for Indian professionals in IT, finance, and education, with simplified visa processes.
  • Double Contribution Convention: Exemption from UK social security contributions for Indian professionals for three years.
  • Inclusive Growth: Promotes participation of women, youth, MSMEs, farmers, and innovators.
  • Agricultural Benefits: Tariff reductions on Indian processed foods, edible oils, and seafood.
• Impact: Aims to double bilateral trade by 2030 (to USD 112 billion), increase UK exports to India by 60%, and stimulate job creation and investment.

Birth Anniversary Observed: Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak’s birth anniversary was celebrated on July 23, 2025.

• Why: This date marks his birth on July 23, 1856, a significant day for remembering his contributions.

Prominent Tributes: Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla, Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Shri Mallikarjun Kharge, Deputy Chairman Rajya Sabha Shri Harivansh, and other dignitaries paid floral tributes.

• Why: This highlights the continued respect and recognition of Tilak’s legacy by current political leaders in India’s highest legislative bodies.

“Father of Indian Unrest” and Advocate of Swaraj: Tilak is revered as the “Father of Indian Unrest” and was an early, strong proponent of complete independence (Swarajya). His famous call, “Swaraj is my birthright, and I shall have it!”, inspired the masses.

• Why: This underscores his pivotal role in galvanizing the Indian freedom struggle and his enduring philosophy of self-rule.

Key Figure in Nationalist Movement: He was part of the Lal-Bal-Pal trio, known for their extremist nationalist ideology, and his influence led to the Surat Split in the Indian National Congress.

• Why: This positions him as a central figure in shaping the direction and intensity of India’s independence movement.

Contributions to Education and Media: Tilak co-founded the Deccan Education Society, leading to Fergusson College, and published newspapers like ‘Kesari’ (Marathi) and ‘Mahratta’ (English). His book ‘Gita Rahasya’ is also notable.

• Why: These actions demonstrate his commitment to education and his use of media to spread nationalist ideals and mobilize public opinion.

Portrait Unveiling Recognition: His portrait was unveiled in the Central Hall of Parliament by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru in 1956, recognizing his immense contributions.

• Why: This signifies the national honor bestowed upon him for his leadership and impact on India’s journey to freedom.

50% Decline in Live Coral Cover: Lakshadweep’s coral reefs have seen a significant drop from 37% live coral cover in 1998 to below 20% currently, impacting Agatti, Kadmat, and Kavaratti. This highlights a severe degradation of these vital ecosystems.

Major Causes: Marine Heatwaves & Climate Change: Repeated marine heatwaves (1998, 2010, 2016) are directly linked to rising ocean temperatures, causing coral bleaching. Insufficient recovery time between these events hinders reef regeneration, with ongoing warming stressing corals.

Threat of Functional Extinction: There’s a serious risk that the reefs will no longer support biodiversity or offer natural coastal protection, impacting island safety and the delicate balance of marine life. Even previously resilient coral species are now showing signs of bleaching.

Impacts on Local Communities: The decline threatens livelihoods dependent on reef ecosystems, such as fisheries, and reduces crucial coastal protection against storm surges and erosion, affecting island communities directly.

Urgent Need for Global Action: While local conservation efforts can aid recovery, the long-term survival of these reefs hinges on global climate action to limit ocean warming. Time is critical for reefs to regenerate, requiring extended periods of stable conditions.

NCAP and Industrial Pollution: India’s clean air goals are hindered by underregulated industrial pollution, a major contributor. NCAP needs industrial reforms for breathable air and sustainable growth.

NCAP Objectives: Aims to reduce PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations and bring non-attainment cities up to prescribed air quality standards through coordinated action.

Industrial Pollution Sources: Includes particulate matter, SO2, NOx, VOCs, and heavy metals from large industries, MSMEs, and informal sectors like brick kilns, rice mills, and stone crushers.

Impacts: Leads to severe health issues (respiratory, cardiovascular), increased healthcare costs, reduced productivity, and disproportionate impacts on vulnerable communities.

Barriers to Regulation:

• Informal Industries: Outdated technologies and inefficient burning in brick kilns and rice mills emit high pollutants; poor enforcement of dust mitigation guidelines for stone crushers.
• Large Industries: Underutilization of existing pollution control measures.
• MSMEs: Reliance on polluting fuels like coal and heavy oil.
• Regulatory Gap: Lack of mandatory reporting for air pollutant emissions for industries.
• Low Fund Allocation: Only 0.6% of NCAP/Fifteenth Finance Commission funds are allocated to industrial emissions control.

Recommended Solutions:

• Technology Upgradation: Mandate zigzag technology and fabric filters for brick kilns; install multi-cyclone separators or wet scrubbers for rice mills; enforce dust suppression for stone crushers.
• Process Improvements: For large industries, use alternative fuels, electric furnaces, and waste heat recovery; effectively utilize ESPs, fabric filters, and wet scrubbers.
• MSME Transition: Shift to natural gas, electricity, or solar thermal energy.
• Transparency & Accountability: Mandate reporting of fuel consumption and pollution control measures for consent-to-operate clearances.
• Government Support: Facilitate clean fuel infrastructure, provide financial incentives (tax breaks, grants, loans) for cleaner technologies.
• Collaborative Approach: Cities, industries, and regulatory bodies must work together, with clear implementation plans for guidelines like common boilers.

Conclusion: An integrated, well-funded strategy for all industry types is essential for achieving clean air targets. Cleaner industrial air benefits both health and the economy.

• Why in news: Aims to revolutionize governance, logistics, and service delivery in India by assigning a unique digital address to every home.

• Why in news: Provides every location with a unique identity using geospatial data, significantly improving location accuracy.

• Why in news: Simplifies address usage, enhances accuracy, and facilitates easy sharing of location data.

• Why in news: Supports a federated and interoperable design, making every location digitally addressable.

• Reduces delivery costs in e-commerce, postal, and logistics.
• Enhances resource planning in telecom, broadband, and urban governance.
• Improves digital inclusion and responsiveness of public services, especially in remote and underserved areas.
• Why in news: These are the identified outcomes and benefits driving the policy’s implementation.

• Why in news: Promotes indigenous technology and is an open-source solution.

• Why in news: Indicates the policy is in an active development and consultation phase.

Comprehensive Trade Pact: India and the UK have signed a wide-ranging agreement to boost bilateral trade and investment. This is significant as it aims to deepen ties post-Brexit, aligning economic and geopolitical interests.

Tariff Reductions: Lower duties on various goods and services are expected to increase exports and benefit consumers in both countries.

Investment Facilitation: A framework is established to protect and encourage investments across key sectors like manufacturing, technology, pharmaceuticals, and finance.

Services Liberalization: Enhanced market access commitments have been made for sectors such as IT, legal, financial, and business services.

Ease of Doing Business: Streamlined customs, regulatory cooperation, and dispute resolution mechanisms are introduced to simplify trade.

IPR & Innovation: Collaboration will be strengthened in intellectual property, research and development, and innovation.

Expanded Cooperation: The pact includes joint projects in climate (clean energy), education (student exchanges), security (defense, cyber), and healthcare (pharmaceuticals, digital health).

Economic Impact: The agreement aims to double trade volumes and create jobs in both India and the UK.

Next Steps: Implementation is pending ratification and stakeholder consultations.

Delhi High Court Directs Action on One Stop Centres (OSCs): The court issued directions to the Delhi government due to poor conditions and shortcomings in OSCs, as highlighted by a Hindustan Times report.

Purpose of OSCs: Launched by MWCD and known as Sakhi Centres, OSCs provide integrated support (medical, legal, psychological, counseling) to women affected by violence. They are 100% centrally funded by the Nirbhaya Fund.

Reasons for Court Intervention:

• Staffing Shortages: Many OSCs, especially in hospitals, lack dedicated staff and rely on external agencies.
• Non-Compliance with SOPs: Mandated staffing norms and adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) were not consistently followed.
• Inadequate Record-Keeping: Crucial records for monitoring and improvement were not properly maintained.

Court’s Directions:

• Awareness Campaign: Publicize OSCs through newspapers and prominent locations with helpline numbers.
• Infrastructure Strengthening: Ensure adequate infrastructure and immediate staff recruitment to make centers fully functional.
• SOP Implementation: Circulate SOPs on child pregnancy and child marriage among stakeholders.
• Nodal Officer Appointment: Appoint a Nodal Officer to oversee implementation and monitoring.

Context of the News: The High Court’s intervention was prompted by a Hindustan Times report detailing inadequate infrastructure and staff paucity in Delhi’s OSCs.