Daily Current Affairs and News Analysis 26-07-2025

Date of Celebration: Kargil Vijay Diwas is celebrated annually on July 26th.

• Why: To commemorate the bravery of Indian soldiers who fought and won the 1999 Kargil War.

2025 Initiatives: The Indian Army launched three initiatives to honor soldiers’ bravery on Kargil Vijay Diwas 2025.

• Why: To further recognize and share the valor of the soldiers involved in the war.

Initiatives Include: An e-shradhanjali portal, a QR code-based audio app for Kargil war stories, and a new Line of Control (LoC) viewpoint at the Batalik sector.

• Why: These provide accessible platforms for remembrance, storytelling, and a physical place to reflect on the conflict.

Origin of the War: Pakistan troops secretly occupied strategic heights in Kargil shortly after the 1999 Lahore Declaration.

• Why: This act of aggression led to the conflict.

Indian Response: The Indian Army launched Operation Vijay to reclaim these heights.

• Why: This was a decisive military operation to regain control of Indian territory.

Joint Operations: The IAF conducted Operation Safed Sagar against enemy positions, and the Indian Navy launched Operation Talwar to create pressure in the Arabian Sea.

• Why: Demonstrates a multi-service effort to ensure victory.

Key Battlegrounds: The war was fought in challenging terrain across crucial areas like Tololing, Tiger Hill, Drass, and Batalik.

• Why: Highlights the difficult conditions under which Indian soldiers fought.

Memorials: The Kargil War Memorial in Dras, Ladakh, built in 2000, honors Operation Vijay’s success. The National War Memorial in Delhi also includes the Kargil Conflict among other major conflicts.

• Why: These memorials serve as permanent tributes to the sacrifices made.

• Why in News: India met its goal of having 50% of its installed capacity from non-fossil sources five years early (in 2024, target was 2030).

• Carbon Sink: India is on track to meet its target of adding 2.5-3 billion tonnes of carbon sink through forests.
• Emissions Intensity: The reduction in GDP emissions intensity is also progressing well, with 36% reduction achieved by 2020 against a 2030 target of 45%.

• Capacity vs. Generation Gap: While installed capacity is high, only 28% of electricity generated is from non-fossil sources, and clean energy’s share in total energy consumption is low (approx. 6%).
• Over-Reliance on Solar: Solar dominates renewable energy growth, while wind, hydro, and nuclear sectors lag due to land, policy, and financial issues.
• Carbon Sink Sustainability: Concerns exist about the ecological impact of monoculture plantations versus natural forests and maintaining gains amidst land pressures.
• Data Gaps: Lack of recent emissions data hinders real-time monitoring and policy adjustments.
• Climate Finance Shortfall: Developed nations are not meeting their climate finance and technology transfer commitments.

• Bridge Capacity-Generation Gap: Scale up battery storage and modernize transmission networks.
• Diversify Energy Sources: Expedite wind and hydro projects, boost nuclear energy, and promote green hydrogen.
• Ensure Sustainable Carbon Sink Growth: Use technology for monitoring, promote mixed native species, and penalize forest encroachments.
• Secure Climate Finance: Advocate for developed nations to meet finance commitments and attract private/foreign investment.

• Why it’s news: It signifies a tangible increase in global mobility for Indian citizens.

• Why it’s news: More countries are now accessible to Indian passport holders without needing prior visas, simplifying travel.

• Why it’s news: These specific additions are concrete examples of the improved travel opportunities.

• Why it’s news: Provides context by highlighting the top-performing passports in terms of global mobility.

• Why it’s news: Explains the scope and methodology of the ranking, showing its comprehensive nature.

• Why it’s news: Emphasizes the reliability and currentness of the index due to its data source.

Supreme Court Rejects Delimitation Plea for AP & Telangana: The apex court ruled against starting the delimitation process for these states.

J&K Delimitation Not a Precedent: The court stated that the delimitation in Jammu & Kashmir, a Union Territory with a distinct constitutional framework, cannot be applied to Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

Article 170 Inapplicable to UTs: The court clarified that Article 170, concerning State Assemblies, does not apply to Union Territories like J&K.

Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014: This act already provides for delimitation in Andhra Pradesh, but only after the first census following 2026.

No Arbitrary Notifications: Existing notifications were deemed not arbitrary and not in violation of Article 14 (Right to Equality).

Delimitation Purpose: To ensure fair representation based on population changes, upholding “one person, one vote.”

Future Delimitation Freeze: Delimitation is currently frozen based on the 2001 Census until after the 2026 Census.

• Identify genetic health risks like Sickle Cell Disease and Thalassemia.
• Provide precision healthcare tailored to tribal community needs.
• Bridge the gap between science and tribal traditions for a healthier future.

• Why in news: The violence and casualties highlight the ongoing and intensifying territorial disputes between the two nations.

• Why in news: These historically and culturally significant sites are at the heart of the territorial dispute, making their control a sensitive issue.

• Why in news: This use of advanced weaponry signifies a dangerous escalation beyond minor skirmishes, raising regional security concerns.

• Why in news: The diplomatic breakdown and reciprocal blame underscore the depth of the unresolved issues and the breakdown in communication.

• Why in news: The large-scale displacement shows the direct human impact of the conflict, affecting civilian populations on both sides.

• Why in news: The potential for instability to spread across the region makes this a matter of international importance and intervention.

E3 Group’s Diplomatic Engagement with Iran: France, Germany, and the UK (E3) met Iran in Istanbul for nuclear talks.

• Why in news: This highlights ongoing diplomatic efforts by the E3 to resolve the deadlock over Iran’s nuclear program, a critical global security issue.

Focus on “Snapback” Sanctions: The talks centered on the potential reimposition of UN sanctions on Iran using the “snapback” mechanism if progress stalls by August.

• Why in news: This signifies a potential escalation in international pressure on Iran, indicating a deadline for Iran to meet nuclear obligations.

E3 Warning on Non-Compliance: The E3 had previously warned of sanctions if Iran fails to meet its nuclear commitments.

• Why in news: This reinforces the E3’s firm stance and commitment to enforcing international agreements regarding Iran’s nuclear activities.

Mutual Skepticism and Concerns: Iran is wary of Western intentions, while European leaders are concerned about Iran’s lack of transparency regarding its nuclear program.

• Why in news: This points to the persistent challenges and underlying mistrust that complicate negotiations, a key factor in assessing the likelihood of progress.

Agreement to Continue Discussions: Despite tensions, both sides agreed to further meetings.

• Why in news: This indicates a continued commitment to dialogue, suggesting that diplomatic channels remain open, albeit with significant hurdles related to trust and commitment.

Why in News: Sohrai, Pattachitra, and Patua paintings were showcased at the 2nd edition of Kala Utsav 2025 – ‘Artists in Residence Programme’ at Rashtrapati Bhavan. This event highlights India’s living art traditions and provides a platform for folk and tribal artists.

Sohrai Painting:

• Origin: Jharkhand, practiced by women of various tribal communities (Kurmi, Santhal, Munda, etc.).
• Nature: Harvest art linked to agriculture and cattle domestication.
• Significance: Ritualistic use of rice gruel (aripan/mandalas) to welcome cattle.
• Recognition: Received Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2020.

Pattachitra:

• Origin: Odisha, associated with the Jagannath Temple.
• Medium: Painted on cloth (Pata) coated with chalk powder and tamarind glue.
• Materials: Uses natural colors from vegetable, earth, and mineral sources.
• Themes: Religious, mythological, and folk stories (e.g., Krishna Leela, Lord Jagannath).
• Technique: Painted on cloth scrolls, uses natural colors, and finished with lacquer.

Patua Painting:

• Origin: West Bengal, practiced by the Patua or Chitrakar community (Hindu and Muslim).
• Presence: Also found in Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, and Bangladesh.
• Medium: Painted on cloth scrolls (pati/patta) backed with fabric.
• Materials: Uses bamboo-goat hair brushes and vegetable dyes fixed with gum.
• Purpose: Used to narrate stories, particularly ‘Mangal Katha’ by Hindu Patuas.

Export Promotion Mission (EPM) Launched: Announced in Union Budget 2025-26, jointly driven by Ministries of Commerce & Industry, MSME, and Finance.

• Why in News: Aims to boost India’s export-led growth by specifically empowering Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

Key Objectives:

• Enhance global competitiveness of Indian exports.
• Improve MSME access to credit, infrastructure, and global markets.
• Reduce non-tariff barriers and promote ESG-aligned exports.
• Accelerate digitalization and logistics efficiency.
• Why in News: Addresses critical challenges faced by MSMEs in international trade.

Major Components: Credit support (collateral-free loans, interest equalization), infrastructure development (ports, customs digitization), digital trade (paperless systems), market expansion (FTAs, overseas offices), and capacity building.

• Why in News: Comprehensive approach to address multiple facets of export promotion.

Special Initiatives: NIRYAT PROTSAHAN for trade finance and support to e-exporters/first-time exporters, NIRYAT DISHA for branding/warehousing/compliance.

• Why in News: Targeted support for specific segments of exporters.

E-Commerce Export Hubs (ECEHs): Piloted by DGFT to assist MSMEs and artisans in expanding e-commerce exports.

• Why in News: Focuses on leveraging digital platforms for wider market reach.

Ministry of MSME’s Role: Primarily focused on ensuring effective implementation of EPM’s objectives for MSME benefit.

• Why in News: Highlights collaborative effort and clear departmental responsibility.

• Why: Revealed critical intelligence gaps (no foresight on large-scale infiltration), and severe logistical/equipment shortcomings for high-altitude warfare. It was a wake-up call for military modernization and self-reliance in defense.

• Why: To address the identified shortcomings, India established new intelligence agencies (DIA, NTRO), improved inter-agency coordination (RAW, IB, Military Intelligence), and created the permanent National Security Adviser (NSA) role.

• Why: Kargil necessitated upgrading weaponry (Rafale, Apache, BrahMos) and adopting new strategies like the “Cold Start Doctrine” for rapid mobilization. It also led to the formation of a Mountain Corps and the push for integrated theatre commands under the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS).

• Why: This terror attack on civilians marked a significant shift. India’s swift and devastating retaliatory strikes (“Operation Sindoor”) against terror bases and military airbases across Pakistan signaled an end to strategic restraint and a move towards decisive deterrence against cross-border terrorism.

• Why: Prior to Uri (2016) and Balakot (2019), India’s response to terror was often reactive. The Pahalgam attack and subsequent strikes demonstrated a proactive and punitive approach, raising the cost of terror for Pakistan.

• Why: The journey from Kargil to Pahalgam illustrates India’s strategic evolution. It highlights a transition from dealing with conventional aggression and terrorism reactively to building capabilities and the political will for preemptive and decisive action.