- Home
- Prelims
- Mains
- Current Affairs
- Study Materials
- Test Series
Latest News
EDITORIALS & ARTICLES
August 1, 2025 Current Affairs
Mains Analysis
India-U.S. Strategic Partnership Under Strain: Causes and Future Outlook The India-U.S. relationship—long celebrated as a cornerstone of 21st-century diplomacy—is currently experiencing significant turbulence. Despite reassurances from the U.S. administration that the bilateral partnership remains robust and high on Washington’s agenda, citing cooperation in space, defense, energy, trade, and technology, recent tensions suggest deeper, systemic challenges rather than temporary political disagreements under President Trump. Recent Frictions Under the Trump Administration · India was taken aback by an intense and prolonged 12-hour verbal offensive from President Trump, which criticized India''s trade policies and strategic choices. This culminated in the announcement of a 25% tariff hike and an additional penalty specifically targeting India’s trade with Russia, effective August 1. · In response, American analysts have started to question India’s global aspirations, describing them as unrealistic and pointing to a growing strategic imbalance in the partnership. The situation underscores an emerging ideological rift fueled by rising nationalism in both countries. The U.S. remains uneasy with India''s assertive global posture—despite the alliance—reflecting a long-standing discomfort with power projection by emerging nations, even friendly ones. · India’s shift from a developmental agenda to a power-driven foreign policy is testing the resilience of the partnership and the capacity for mutual understanding. Structural Challenges and Growing Skepticism · An increasing number of U.S. commentators are expressing doubts about India’s trajectory under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, citing its assertive foreign policy and perceived democratic backsliding. India''s “India First” stance, which emphasizes strategic autonomy and proactive military responses to terrorism, unsettles Washington—especially under Trump, who fears potential nuclear escalation. · While the U.S. expects freedom to manage its own relationships with rivals, it is less tolerant of partners like India doing the same. India’s continued engagement with Russia and Iran has drawn criticism from Washington, which paradoxically expects New Delhi to refrain from objecting to American ties with Pakistan. · India''s diplomatic balancing act—navigating relationships across divides such as Russia-Ukraine and BRICS-QUAD—ought to be a strategic strength. Instead, it has become a source of mistrust. Additionally, India’s protectionist policies aimed at boosting domestic manufacturing have led to frustration in Washington over limited market access. Together, these factors—strategic divergence, economic tensions, and geopolitical skepticism—are slowly corroding the once-promising momentum of the partnership. U.S.-Pakistan Rapprochement Heightens Indian Concerns · Further aggravating New Delhi’s concerns was Trump’s announcement of a new trade agreement with Pakistan, which includes collaboration on developing the country''s purported oil reserves. This development, combined with an invitation extended to Pakistan’s Army Chief Asim Munir for a White House visit, has deeply unsettled Indian officials. · These moves followed recent U.S. military actions in Iran and an uptick in defense cooperation between Washington and Islamabad—events that further intensified Indian anxieties. Indian Analysis of Trump’s Intentions Indian observers suggest two possible motives behind Trump''s aggressive posture. · First, it reflects his characteristic negotiation strategy—leveraging high tariffs to extract favorable terms, as seen in his approach to China. · Second, Trump may have reacted to India’s public dismissal of his claim that he could mediate between India and Pakistan. Prime Minister Modi and other Indian officials had issued firm denials, possibly embarrassing Trump and prompting retaliation. Risk to Strategic Gains · Indian diplomats are concerned that Trump’s current rhetoric risks undoing two decades of progress in bilateral relations. From sanctions after the Pokhran nuclear tests to the landmark Indo-U.S. nuclear agreement and deepened defense and Quad cooperation, the relationship has evolved significantly. Notably, Trump himself had extended strong support to India during past crises, including the Pulwama attack and the standoff with China. · However, India suspects that its continued relations with Russia and Iran—combined with Pakistan’s renewed outreach to Trump’s inner circle, particularly through the cryptocurrency sector—may have played a role in the current deterioration. Conclusion and Outlook India is approaching Trump’s recent statements with measured caution. Experts advocate a carefully calibrated diplomatic strategy focused on three key areas:
As global geopolitics continue to shift, India must reassess and adapt its engagement strategy to navigate the complexities of its relationship with a volatile yet indispensable partner. |
Linguistic Reorganisation of Indian States: A Case of Unity through Diversity Recent Controversy: Governor’s Remarks Spark Debate Tamil Nadu Governor R. N. Ravi stirred controversy by claiming that India’s linguistic reorganisation of states relegated large sections of the population to “second-class citizenship.” Speaking at an event in Gandhinagar, he argued that this process, which began less than a decade after Independence, weakened national unity rather than strengthening it. India’s Political Geography Before Reorganisation At the time of Independence in 1947, India inherited a fragmented administrative landscape crafted by British colonial rule. The British governed the region through two main systems:
The territorial boundaries were shaped primarily for administrative convenience, not linguistic or cultural coherence. The Constitutional Division of States in 1950 When the Indian Constitution came into effect on January 26, 1950, the country was defined as a “Union of States” with 28 states categorized into four groups:
Catalyst for Linguistic Reorganisation: The Potti Sriramulu Episode In 1949, the JVP Committee—comprising Prime Minister Nehru, Sardar Patel, and Congress President Pattabhi Sitaramayya—warned that linguistic reorganisation might harm national unity. However, the movement gained momentum following the death of Potti Sriramulu, a Telugu-speaking Gandhian who died in December 1952 after a 58-day hunger strike demanding a separate state for Telugu speakers. His death led to massive public unrest, prompting Nehru to announce the creation of Andhra State on December 17, 1952, which officially came into being on October 1, 1953. Establishment of the States Reorganisation Commission (SRC) The creation of Andhra Pradesh triggered a wave of demands for new states based on language. In response, the Central Government set up the States Reorganisation Commission (SRC) in December 1953, chaired by Justice Fazl Ali, to examine the issue in depth. The 1956 States Reorganisation Act: A Defining Moment In its report submitted on September 30, 1955, the SRC noted the increasing importance of regional languages and political awareness, and concluded that linguistic reorganisation was both necessary and inevitable. Based on its recommendations, the States Reorganisation Act of 1956 was enacted. This historic legislation:
Beyond Language: Balancing Unity and Administrative Viability When establishing the SRC, Parliament’s resolution in December 1953 made clear that language and culture, though important, could not be the sole basis for state formation. It stressed the significance of other factors such as:
The SRC echoed this multifactorial approach in its final report. For instance:
During the 1956 parliamentary debate, Nehru rejected the idea of creating linguistically homogeneous (unilingual) states. He emphasized the need for inter-linguistic cooperation and upheld the principle of unity in diversity. Defying Expectations: Linguistic Reorganisation Strengthened Unity At the time, many Western observers feared that reorganising Indian states based on language would lead to fragmentation and disintegration. They believed India’s multitude of languages would provoke secessionist tendencies and political instability. Contrary to these predictions, linguistic reorganisation:
Pluralism as a Tool Against Secession India’s embrace of linguistic diversity helped diffuse secessionist pressures, especially when compared to other nations. For example:
India, in contrast, accommodated its linguistic mosaic within a federal structure, thereby promoting political stability and national unity. Recognition by the Second Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC) The Second ARC, in its 2008 report, described the successful linguistic reorganisation as a major achievement in post-independence India. It concluded that:
This underscores how India’s policy of linguistic federalism played a critical role in sustaining its national unity. |
Legal Aid and NALSA: Bridging the Justice Gap Context According to the India Justice Report 2025, only 15.5 lakh individuals accessed legal aid in 2023–24, despite nearly 80% of India’s population being eligible. This points to persistent gaps in the reach, budget utilisation, and quality of services provided under the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA). Understanding Legal Aid and NALSA What is NALSA? The National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) is the apex statutory body established under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, responsible for ensuring free and competent legal services to marginalized and vulnerable populations.
Key Functions and Responsibilities
Key Initiatives by NALSA
The Legal Aid Defence Counsel (LADC) Scheme: Promise and Pitfalls
Challenges Facing NALSA
The Way Forward: Reform and Revitalisation
Conclusion NALSA represents the constitutional vision outlined in Article 39A, which promises equal access to justice irrespective of social or economic status. However, persistent issues—ranging from funding constraints and service disparities to administrative hurdles—continue to limit its impact. To truly democratise access to justice, legal aid must be treated as a governance priority, with robust reforms in funding, delivery, and accountability. Only then can India’s legal aid system fulfill its transformative potential in ensuring inclusive, equitable justice for all. |
Restoring Mangroves to Safeguard India’s Coastal Zones Context India has initiated large-scale mangrove restoration programmes across Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and Mumbai to address escalating climate threats. These efforts aim to strengthen coastal security, support biodiversity, and build climate resilience, amid rising environmental and human-induced pressures. Understanding Mangroves and Their Importance What Are Mangroves? Mangroves are salt-tolerant trees and shrubs found in intertidal tropical and subtropical zones, typically along coasts, river deltas, and estuaries. Mangrove Distribution in India India has around 4,900 sq. km of mangrove cover, concentrated in key regions such as:
Ecological and Climatic Significance
Major Threats to Mangroves
Key Mangrove Restoration Efforts in India 1. Tamil Nadu – Green Tamil Nadu Mission
2. MSSRF–Muthupettai Estuary Project
3. Mumbai – Thane Creek Restoration
4. Women-Led Initiatives
5. Gujarat – MISHTI Programme Leadership
Strategic Importance of Mangroves for Coastal Security
Way Forward: Enhancing and Sustaining Mangrove Restoration
Conclusion Mangroves serve as India’s first line of ecological defense along its coasts—protecting lives, livelihoods, and biodiversity. Their restoration is not just an environmental priority but also a social and economic imperative. To safeguard these vital ecosystems, India must scale up community-driven, science-backed initiatives, aligning environmental protection with climate goals and local development. |
Supreme Court Reserves Judgment on Age Limits for Surrogacy The Supreme Court of India has reserved its verdict on a batch of petitions challenging the age restrictions imposed by the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021 and the Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Act, 2021—particularly in cases where the surrogacy process was initiated before these laws came into effect. Background: Legal Framework on Surrogacy and ART in India The Surrogacy (Regulation) Act and ART Act, 2021 These laws were enacted to:
Key Provisions
Purpose of the Legislation
The Legal Challenge Before the Supreme Court Petitioners’ Arguments
Wider Concerns Raised
Supreme Court’s Observations and the Government’s Position Government’s Stand
Court’s Response and Critical Observations
Constitutional and Ethical Issues at Stake
Conclusion The Supreme Court''s upcoming ruling will have far-reaching implications for how reproductive health laws in India navigate the balance between medical ethics, legislative intent, and individual rights. It may also set a vital precedent on how future laws handle transitional situations and respect reproductive autonomy in the evolving landscape of healthcare legislation |
Schemes for Promoting Women Cooperatives Context To boost financial inclusion and support women’s entrepreneurship through cooperatives, the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) has launched two targeted initiatives: Swayamshakti Sahakar Yojna and Nandini Sahakar. Both schemes aim to empower women-led cooperatives with financial resources, skill development, and sustainable livelihood opportunities. 1. Swayamshakti Sahakar Yojna Objective To provide affordable and accessible credit to women-led Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and cooperatives, enabling them to engage in collective socio-economic activities and build sustainable livelihoods. Key Features
2. Nandini Sahakar Objective To provide comprehensive support for the growth and sustainability of women-run cooperatives, combining financial assistance, capacity building, and entrepreneurial guidance. Key Features
Grant-in-Aid to National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister, has approved a new Central Sector Scheme titled “Grant-in-Aid to NCDC” to strengthen cooperative enterprises and promote inclusive economic growth. About the Scheme
Objectives and Financial Leverage
Expected Beneficiaries
Implementation Strategy
|
Supreme Court Urges Parliamentary Review of Speaker’s Role in Disqualification Cases Context In the landmark case Padi Kaushik Reddy v. State of Telangana (2025), the Supreme Court of India highlighted procedural delays in disqualification decisions by the Speaker of the Telangana Legislative Assembly, bringing renewed attention to flaws in the current anti-defection adjudication mechanism. Key Highlights of the Judgment
Relevant Precedents 1. Kihoto Hollohan v. Zachillhu (1992)
2. Keisham Meghachandra Singh v. Speaker, Manipur (2020)
About Disqualification under the Tenth Schedule Legal Framework
Authority for Adjudication
Grounds for Disqualification
Conclusion The Supreme Court’s ruling in Padi Kaushik Reddy v. State of Telangana signals growing concern over executive inaction and institutional bias in disqualification proceedings. While the Speaker was originally entrusted with this task to ensure efficiency, repeated delays and politicisation have prompted calls for reform. The Court’s recommendation for Parliamentary intervention to consider an independent disqualification tribunal could mark a pivotal step in reinforcing democratic accountability and procedural fairness under the anti-defection regime. |
Prelims Bytes
Supply and Use Tables (SUT): Released by MoSPI Context The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has published Supply and Use Tables (SUT) for 2020–21 and 2021–22, offering an in-depth picture of India’s economic structure. What Are Supply and Use Tables?
Purpose and Structure
|
Doctrine of Merger: Supreme Court''s Observations Context In a recent case, the Supreme Court underscored the limited and contextual applicability of the Doctrine of Merger, warning against its overuse to deny legitimate legal remedies. Understanding the Doctrine
Key Principles
Limitations of the Doctrine
Conclusion
|
Additional Judges in High Courts Context: About Additional Judges:
|
Nomination of Panel of Chairpersons in Lok Sabha Context: Legal Basis:
|
Piprahwa Relics: Return of a Sacred Legacy Context The Ministry of Culture, Government of India has announced the historic repatriation of the Piprahwa relics, believed to be associated with Lord Buddha, marking a significant moment in India’s cultural and spiritual heritage. About Piprahwa Relics
|
Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak Context
About Bal Gangadhar Tilak Who Was He?
Early Life & Education
Contributions to Freedom Struggle
Controversies & Imprisonment
Death
|
Goswami Tulsidas Context: About Tulsidas:
Key Contributions:
|
African Swine Fever (ASF): Ongoing Outbreak in Punjab Context A recent outbreak of African Swine Fever has been detected at a pig farm in Ravas Brahmanan village, Patiala, triggering containment efforts by local authorities. About African Swine Fever (ASF)
Transmission Routes
Symptoms
Prevention and Control
|
Darwin Tree of Life (DTOL) Context: About the DTOL Project:
About the Earth BioGenome Project (EBP):
Note on Eukaryotic Cells:
|
Human Outer Planetary Exploration (HOPE) Context
About the HOPE Project What is HOPE?
Developed By
Objectives
Key Features
Significance
|
INS Himgiri: Advancing Indigenous Naval Power Context INS Himgiri (Yard 3022) has been delivered to the Indian Navy by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata, marking a milestone in India''s shipbuilding capabilities. About INS Himgiri
Key Features
Significance: |
Starlink Receives License to Offer Satellite Internet in India Context Starlink, a project of SpaceX, has received regulatory approval to launch satellite-based internet services in India using a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellation. About Satellite Internet Services Definition: Significance and Applications 1. Bridging the Digital Divide:
2. Disaster Management:
3. Support for Emerging Technologies:
4. Military and National Security:
Challenges 1. High Cost for End Users:
2. Demand-Supply Imbalance:
3. Infrastructure and Technical Barriers:
4. Additional Issues:
|
AI-Powered Agromet Advisory by ICAR & ICRISAT
About the Advisory System Objective
Developed By
Pilot Implementation
Key Features
Significance
Closes the last-mile delivery gap in tech-driven agriculture |
Flagellin and Gut-Brain Connection Context: About Flagellin:
Implications:
|
India’s First 1 MW Green Hydrogen Plant Context
About the Plant Location
Developer
Technology
Purpose
Key Features
Significance
|
UN Women: 15 Years of Advancing Gender Equality Overview UN Women, the United Nations entity focused on gender equality and the empowerment of women, recently marked its 15th anniversary. Background and Establishment
Core Functions
Global and Local Role
Grant-Making Mechanisms
Commission on the Status of Women (CSW)
Other Key Roles
|
Ashtamudi Lake: Conservation Push by Kerala High Court Recent Development The Kerala High Court has instructed the State Government and State Wetland Authority Kerala (SWAK) to form a Wetland Management Unit for Ashtamudi Lake within two months following official notification. Key Features of Ashtamudi Lake
Historical Significance
Biodiversity
|
Sabarmati River: Pollution and Geographical Profile Recent Update According to data presented in the Lok Sabha, 13 river stretches in Gujarat are classified as polluted, with the Sabarmati River identified as the most contaminated. About Sabarmati River
Urban Connection
Main Tributaries
|
Darwin’s Frog Conservation Initiative Recent Development
About Darwin’s Frog (Rhinoderma darwinii)
Distinctive Features
Habitat and Range
Diet
Conservation Status
Threats
|
Asiatic Lion: Rising Mortality Concerns Recent Incident
About Asiatic Lion (Panthera leo persica) Conservation Status
Habitat and Distribution
Historical Background
Physical Characteristics
|
US Sanctions 6 Indian Companies for Iran Trade Context
Details of the Sanctions Legal Basis
Reason
Consequences
About Iran Location: Southwestern Asia Capital: Tehran Borders:
Geography:
|
Indo-Burma Ramsar Regional Initiative (IBRRI) Context: About IBRRI:
Strategic Plan 2025–2030:
About BRIDGE Project:
|
ABHA ID (Ayushman Bharat Health Account) Context: About ABHA ID:
About Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM):
|