Daily Current Affairs Update – 07 July 2025

1. Central Government Unveils Aluminium and Copper Vision Documents

Context

The Government of India released long-term strategic vision documents for the aluminium and copper sectors at the International Conference on Sustainable and Responsible Mining in Hyderabad. These documents aim to secure raw material supply and meet the growing domestic demand as India transitions towards green technologies and infrastructure growth.

Key Features for UPSC CSE Aspirants

• Aluminium Vision Document:
  
  
  • Targets a six-fold increase in aluminium production by 2047.
  • Plans to expand bauxite production capacity to 150 million tonnes per annum (MTPA).
  • Focuses on scaling up infrastructure for clean energy systems and electric mobility.
    
    
• Copper Vision Document:
  
  
  • Anticipates a six-fold rise in demand by 2047.
  • Proposes an additional 5 MTPA of smelting and refining capacity by 2030.
  • Emphasizes copper’s role in energy transition, electric vehicles, and solar power.
    
    
• Distribution and Production:
  
  
  • Aluminium/Bauxite:
    • Odisha holds 41% of India’s bauxite reserves and leads production (73%).
    • Globally, China is the top aluminium producer, followed by Australia, Brazil, and India.
      
      
  • Copper:
    
    
    • Rajasthan has 52.25% of India’s copper reserves; Madhya Pradesh leads production (57% in 2022-23).
    • Globally, Chile holds 19% of world copper reserves, followed by Peru and Australia.
      
      
• Strategic Importance:
  
  
  • Both metals are critical for India’s infrastructure, renewable energy, and technological advancement.
  • Ensures raw material security to support the country’s green and industrial ambitions.
    
    

2. Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) Cards for 6th Generation Diaspora in Trinidad & Tobago

Context

The Prime Minister announced the extension of OCI cards to the sixth generation of Indian-origin people in Trinidad & Tobago, along with the creation of a database for the Girmitiya community.

Key Features

• OCI Card Benefits:
  
  
  • Visa-free travel, work, and study rights in India.
  • Right to own property (with certain restrictions).
    
    
• Significance:
  
  
  • Strengthens India’s ties with its diaspora, particularly the Girmitiyas—indentured laborers who migrated to British colonies in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
    
    
  • Indian-origin people form over 40% of Trinidad & Tobago’s population.
    
    

3. India-Africa Relations: State Visit to Ghana

Context

On a state visit to Ghana, the Indian Prime Minister emphasized India’s commitment to Africa’s development and the principle of equal partnership.

Key Features

• Amplifying Global South’s Voice: India advocated for the African Union’s permanent G20 membership during its presidency (2023).
• Joint Initiatives: Asia-Africa Growth Corridor (AAGC) with Japan for sustainable development.
• Economic Ties: India is Africa’s 4th largest trading partner (US$100 billion trade; US$75 billion investment as of June 2024).
• Multilateral Reform: India supports greater African representation in global governance (e.g., UN Security Council, Ezulwini Consensus).
• Climate and Energy: Africa’s participation in ISA, Global Biofuel Alliance, and CDRI.
• Challenges: China’s infrastructure diplomacy, project implementation delays, and nuclear policy differences.
  
  

4. PNGRB Second Amendment to Natural Gas Pipeline Tariff Regulations, 2025

Context

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) approved amendments to streamline and modernize India’s gas pipeline tariff system, advancing the vision of “One Nation, One Grid, One Tariff.”

Key Features

• Unified Tariff Zones: Reduced from three to two, simplifying the transportation system.
• CNG & PNG (Domestic): Nationwide benefit of Unified Zonal Tariff of Zone 1.
• Efficient Procurement: Mandates pipeline operators to procure at least 75% of system-use gas via long-term contracts.
• Pipeline Development Reserve: Utilizes surplus earnings for infrastructure reinvestment and tariff adjustments.
• Role of PNGRB: Regulates refining, transportation, distribution, and marketing of petroleum products; protects consumer interests; maintains data bank; appellate authority is the Electricity Tribunal.
  
  

5. Outcomes of 4th International Conference on Financing for Development (Sevilla Commitment)

Context

The Sevilla Commitment, adopted at the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development in Spain, presents a renewed global framework to address the $4 trillion annual SDG financing gap in developing countries.

Key Features

• Major Initiatives:
  
  
  • Debt swaps for development, debt “pause clauses,” and blended finance platforms.
  • Taxation on premium-class flying and private jets for climate action.
  • Pre-arranged disaster financing scale-up.
  • Effective taxation of high-net-worth individuals.
    
    
• Purpose: Catalyze investment, support debt management, and reform global financial architecture.
  
  

6. Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of Electoral Rolls in Bihar

Context

The Election Commission of India (ECI) initiated a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar to ensure comprehensive and accurate voter registration.

Key Features

• Process: House-to-house verification by Booth Level Officers.
• Legal Basis: Article 324 of the Constitution and Section 21 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950.
• Significance: Aims for inclusion of all eligible citizens and integrity of electoral rolls for free and fair elections.
  
  

7. Equine Disease-Free Compartment in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh

Context

India established its first internationally recognized Equine Disease-Free Compartment, certified by the World Organisation for Animal Health.

Key Features

• Purpose: Ensures disease-free status for horses, facilitating international trade and participation in events.
• About Equine Diseases: Includes viral, bacterial, and parasitic diseases; India has remained free from African Horse Sickness since 2014.
  
  

8. RBI’s Variable Rate Reverse Repo (VRRR)

Context

The Reserve Bank of India absorbed over ₹1 lakh crore from the banking system using the VRRR mechanism.

Key Features

• VRRR: A short-term liquidity absorption tool with market-determined interest rates.
• Difference from Reverse Repo: In VRRR, the rate is variable; in standard reverse repo, it is fixed by RBI.
  
  

9. Rare Supernova Discovery

Context

Researchers captured photographic evidence of a rare supernova involving a white dwarf and a double detonation, using the European Southern Observatory’s Very Large Telescope in Chile.

Key Features

• Supernova: Explosive death of a star, usually more than eight times the Sun’s mass.
• Significance: Advances understanding of stellar evolution and cosmic phenomena.
  
  

10. Chenab River and Sawalkot Hydro-electric Project

Context

The Forest Advisory Committee granted in-principle approval for diversion of forest land for the Sawalkot Hydro-electric Project on the Chenab River.

Key Features

• Chenab River: Originates at Bara Lacha Pass (Himachal Pradesh); formed by Chandra and Bhaga streams; important tributaries include Marusudar and Lidrari.
  
  
• Historical Names: Known as Chandrabhaga, Ashkini, or Iskmati in Vedic times.
• Project Significance: One of six strategic hydropower projects to optimize Indus water use.
  
  

11. Coal Ministry’s RECLAIM Framework

Context

The Ministry of Coal launched the RECLAIM Framework for community engagement and development during mine closure and repurposing.

Key Features

• Developed by: Coal Controller Organisation and Heartfulness Institute.
• Objective: Structured guide for inclusive community development in mine closure phases.
  
  

12. UMEED Central Portal for Waqf Properties

Context

The Ministry of Minority Affairs launched the UMEED portal for unified management of Waqf properties.

Key Features

• Features: Digital inventory, geo-tagging, online grievance redressal, transparent leasing, GIS integration, and public access to records.
• Aim: Enhance transparency, efficiency, and public trust in Waqf property management.
  
  

13. Alluri Sitaram Raju: Personality in News

Context

Tributes paid on the 128th birth anniversary of Alluri Sitaram Raju, a key figure in India’s freedom struggle.

Key Features

• Early Life: Born 4 July 1897, Mogallu, Andhra Pradesh.
• Contribution: Led the Rampa (Manyam) Rebellion (1922–24) against British rule; advocated for tribal rights, justice, and khadi.
• Legacy: Known as “Manyam Veerudu” (Hero of the Jungles); inspired tribal resistance and self-governance.
  
  

14. Unified Pension Scheme (UPS)

Context

The Finance Ministry announced that all National Pension System (NPS) tax benefits will apply to the new Unified Pension Scheme.

Key Features

• Salient Features:
  
  
  • Fund-based payout with regular contributions.
  • Minimum assured pension of ₹10,000/month after 10 years of service.
  • 50% of average basic pay over last 12 months for at least 25 years of service.
    
    

This comprehensive coverage is tailored for UPSC CSE aspirants, providing context, significance, and detailed features for each major current affairs topic relevant to Prelims and Mains preparation.