Daily Current Affairs Update – 28 July 2025

News at a glance

Topic	GS Paper(s)	Why in News (July 26, 2025)
Kargil Vijay Diwas	GS-1 (History), GS-3 (Security)	26th anniversary, civil-military lessons, youth commemorations
National Cooperative Policy 2025	GS-2, GS-3	New vision for co-ops: digital, inclusive, professional framework
India–UK CETA	GS-2, GS-3	Comprehensive trade pact, post-Brexit strategy, FDI, market access
India’s Credit to Maldives	GS-2, GS-3	Neighbourhood First, economic/developmental/security partnership, FTA talks
President’s Rule in Manipur Extended	GS-2	Law & order crisis, Centre-State relations, ethnic conflict policy
SC’s Campus Mental Health Mandate	GS-2, GS-4	Systemic reform for student welfare, regulatory overhaul in education
DRDO/ISRO-NIOT Tech Breakthroughs	GS-3 (S&T, Security)	Homegrown missile, deep-sea submersible, tech R&D advancements
Rare Bird & Orchid Discoveries	GS-3 (Environment)	Conservation, biodiversity research in Himalayas/Northeast
US to Withdraw from UNESCO	GS-2 (IR)	Major multilateral realignment, international institutional trends
India–Singapore ‘Bold Kurukshetra’	GS-3 (Security, IR)	Regional defense ties, tactical evolution in military exercises

1. Kargil Vijay Diwas 2025 – 26th Anniversary Link

Context:
 Kargil Vijay Diwas marks India’s military victory in the 1999 Kargil War against Pakistan. Celebrated nationwide, this day honors the sacrifices and valor of the Indian Armed Forces.

Key points:

• Historical Significance: Kargil War was a limited, high-altitude conflict where intruding Pakistani forces were evicted from Indian territory in the face of formidable odds. The operation demonstrated India’s military resolve, effective use of air power, and superior ground tactics in Himalayan terrain.
  
  
• National Observance: Large-scale commemorations at Drass War Memorial (Ladakh), wreath-laying by PM, President, and top military officials. MY Bharat organized youth padyatras and patriotism-awareness events.
  
  
• Impact on Policy:
  
  
  • Led to defense modernization—creation of the Kargil Review Committee, new Mountain Strike Corps, dedicated surveillance assets (UAVs), and integrated intelligence agencies.
    
    
  • Emphasized jointness in military commands and critical reforms in border infrastructure.
    
    
• Lessons for Security:
  
  
  • Enhanced focus on border vigilance, defense procurement, and civil-military relations.
    
    
  • Kargil War is used as a case study for asymmetric warfare, importance of morale, and national cohesion.
    
    
• Ethics and Society: Fosters a sense of unity and valor, reminding youth about the cost of freedom and importance of national integration.
  
  
• Mains/Essay/GS Relevance: Security challenges, defense reforms, honor for martyrs, and India’s defense doctrine in Himalayan geopolitics.
  
  

2. National Cooperative Policy 2025 Launched Link

Context:
 Union Minister Amit Shah launched the new National Cooperative Policy, guiding the sector’s transformation up to 2045.

Key points:

• Policy Background:
  
  
  • The cooperative movement has historically empowered millions in rural India, ensuring collective bargaining, credit, and market access.
    
    
  • The new policy replaces the outdated 2002 framework, responding to the need for digitization, transparency, and professional management.
    
    
• Major Provisions:
  
  
  • Focus on “Sahkar Se Samriddhi” (Prosperity through Cooperation).
    
    
  • Tech initiatives: Digital cooperative platforms, online audit and governance, rural fintech for transparency.
    
    
  • Inclusion: Women and youth participation, skill building, reserved seats in boards and leadership, SC/ST/minority incentives.
    
    

• Cooperatives in value chains: Propel aggregation and marketing for FPOs, agri-processing clusters, urban cooperative banks, and financial inclusion.
  
  
  • Atmanirbhar Bharat: Aligns with self-reliance mission, linking cooperatives with MSMEs, dairy, fisheries, horticulture.
    
    
• Challenges and Opportunities:
  
  
  • Cooperative mismanagement, politicization, lack of capital, and regional disparities.
    
    
  • Policy aims to professionalize management, attract youth, and restore trust via accountability.
    
    
  • Special focus on integrating digital technology to minimize leakages and enhance member empowerment.
    
    

3. India–UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) Signed Link

Context:
India and the UK concluded a landmark CETA, strengthening bilateral trade and investment ties post-Brexit.

Key points:

• Key Features:
  
  
  • Tariff elimination on 99%+ UK exports (alcohol, cars, pharma, med-tech); Indian exports (textiles, engineering, gems, seafood, IT) gain tariff-free access.
    
    
  • Special provisions for services sector: recognition of professional qualifications, eased business visas, reciprocal social security waivers.
    
    
  • Enhanced FDI pipelines: Joint innovation funds, green tech transfer, climate finance, sustainable manufacturing.
    
    
• Strategic Context:
  
  
  • India’s post-Brexit FTA strategy seeks diversified supply chains, resilient market access, and leverage for ‘Make in India’/PLI scheme beneficiaries.
    
    
  • UK seeks reliable partners amidst global volatility, boosting both bilateral and Commonwealth trade.
    
    
• Wider Implications:
  
  
  • Precedent for future FTAs (EU, Australia, Canada); strengthens India’s leverage in global trade negotiations.
    
    
  • Promotes regulatory reforms in Indian market (IPR, SPS standards, dispute resolution).
    
    
• Potential Challenges:
  
  
  • Ensuring mutual benefits in sensitive segments (dairy, agriculture).
    
    
  • Managing domestic sectors vulnerable to foreign competition.
    
    

4. India Grants ₹4,850 Crore Line of Credit to Maldives Link

Context:
 India extended a large revised line of credit to Maldives during high-level bilateral meetings, deepening ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy.

Key points:

• Diplomacy and Security:
  
  
  • Maldives is strategic due to its location astride Indian Ocean sea lanes.
    
    
  • Credit is for infrastructure (ports, housing), energy (solar, desalination), and digital projects that strengthen economic interdependence.
    
    
  • Restructuring has reduced Maldives’ repayment burden by 40%, reflecting “humanitarian and partnership” diplomacy.
    
    
• Strategic Lookout:
  
  
  • Counters growing Chinese influence and “debt-trap” risks from Belt & Road ventures.
    
    
  • Includes dialogue for a bilateral investment treaty and possible FTA (first in Indian Ocean).
    
    
• Regional Implications:
  
  
  • Sets template for India’s development partnerships—credit plus training, personnel exchanges, and security coordination (coast guard, disaster response).
    
    
  • India’s rapid deployment of medical help or humanitarian aid during crises in Maldives boosts goodwill and regional confidence.
    
    

5. President’s Rule Extended in Manipur Link

Context:
 Parliament extended President’s Rule in Manipur due to law and order breakdown post-ethnic violence.

Key points:

• Constitutional Aspects:
  • Invoked under Article 356 for “breakdown of constitutional machinery”; regular parliamentary review required, max three-year period.
    
    
  • Current extension justified due to persistent ethnic conflict, security vacuum, and absence of stable governance.
    
    

• Centre-State Dynamics:
  
  
  • Criticism of excessive use of central power versus genuine need amid ethnic unrest, humanitarian crises, and non-functional legislature.
    
    
  • Issues of safeguarding federalism, ensuring proportionality, and balancing state autonomy with national responsibility.
    
    
• Wider Reforms Noted:
  
  
  • Calls for truth and reconciliation commissions, rehabilitation packages, and special status for internally displaced.
    
    
    

6. Supreme Court Issues Campus Mental Health Guidelines Link

Context:
 Supreme Court termed campus mental health a “systemic failure” and mandated comprehensive policies in all educational institutes.

Key points:

• Background: Rising student suicides (NCRB data: 13,044 student suicides in 2022, 2,200 linked to exam failures)—particularly acute in urban coaching clusters.
  
  
• Guidelines:
  
  
  • Mandatory access to licensed mental health counselors.
    
    
  • Compulsory de-stressing programs, mental health audits, and grievance systems in schools, colleges, hostels, and coaching centers.
    
    
  • Framework for parental sensitization, anti-bullying, and peer-support systems.
    
    

• Implications:
  
  
  • National Educational Policy may see amendments for mental health prioritization.
    
    
  • Pressure on state and private institutions to invest in student well-being and prevent preventable deaths.
    
    
    

7. Indigenous Technology: DRDO Missile & ISRO–NIOT Ocean Submersible Link

Context:
Major tech breakthroughs: DRDO tests a UAV-launched missile; ISRO-NIOT ink MoU for India’s deep-sea submersible.

Key points:

• DRDO: Precision-guided missile launched from unmanned platforms—boosts anti-tank, tactical strike capability, and battlefield versatility.
  
  
  • Emphasizes Make in India, self-reliance, and integration with AI.
    
    
• ISRO–NIOT:
  
  
  • MATSYA-6000, capable of 6,000m depth, under “Samudrayaan” for deep ocean exploration, resource mapping (polymetallic nodules, crustaceans), disaster studies.
    
    
  • Supports India’s “Blue Economy” vision, disaster risk preparedness, and global collaboration.
    
    
• Wider Implications:
  
  
  • Raises India’s profile in indigenous defense & marine R&D.
    
    
  • Opens up opportunities for ocean resource security and global technological partnerships (Quad, UNESCO undersea programs).
    
    

8. Biodiversity Highlights: Bird and Orchid Discoveries Link

Context:
 Rare long-billed bush warbler sighted in Ladakh after 46 years; new orchid species (Chamaegastrodia reiekensis) found in Mizoram.

Key points:

• Conservation Importance: Both discoveries underscore the ecological value and fragility of India’s alpine and northeast eco-regions.
  
  
• Orchid: Holomycotrophic, “Critically Endangered” — spotlights need for greater research and habitat protection in northeastern states.
  
  
• Bird: Near Threatened status—reflects extension of migratory routes, climate change, and importance of trans-border conservation.
  
  
• Policies: Aligns with India’s biodiversity convention commitments (CBD, NBSAP) and “One Health” ecological approach.
  
  
• Exam Themes: Hidden biodiversity, IUCN Red List, biogeography, conservation challenges.

9. Other Major National & International Affairs

• US to Withdraw from UNESCO (Dec 2026): Cites ‘ideological conflict’; impacts cultural multilateralism.
  
  
• Religare Finvest: RBI lifts Corrective Action Plan—improves NBFC regulatory outlook.
  
  
• Federal Bank: Launches biometric e-commerce authentication—boosts digital payments security.
  
  
• Commemorative Days: World Drowning Prevention Day (UN), IVF Day, International Judicial Well-being Day—all observed July 25–26.
  
  
• India–Singapore Exercise ‘Bold Kurukshetra’: Large-scale joint urban warfare drill, enhancing regional military interoperability.