Current Affairs – July 22, 2025

{GS2 – Polity – IC} Resignation of Vice President

Context (TH): Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar has resigned citing health reasons, creating an unscheduled constitutional vacancy.

This constituted the third mid-term vacancy, following V.V. Giri’s 1969 resignation and Krishan Kant’s death in 2002.

Resignation Process

The Vice President may resign by submitting a written letter to the President under Article 67(a).
Resignation is effective immediately upon submission and requires no formal acceptance.
After resignation, the Deputy Chairman presides over Rajya Sabha without becoming Vice President.

Post-Vacancy Election

Article 67 states that resignation, removal, or term expiry may vacate the Vice President’s office.
Article 68(1) requires immediate re-election if the Vice President vacates office before term expiry.
Unlike Article 62 for the President (six-month rule), Article 68 sets no deadline for re-election.
Article 68(2) grants the newly elected Vice President a full five-year term from the date of assumption.

Process of the Election

Article 66 mandates the indirect election of the Vice President by both Houses through proportional representation with a single transferable vote and a secret ballot.
Elected and nominated MPs of both Houses form the electoral college; state legislatures are excluded.
Election Commission conducts the process under the Presidential and Vice-Presidential Elections Act, 1952.
Article 71 vests the Supreme Court with jurisdiction over all Vice-Presidential election disputes.

Eligibility Criteria

As per Article 66(4), a Vice-Presidential candidate must have attained 35 years of age.
Article 84 requires that candidates meet all qualifications applicable to Rajya Sabha membership.
Candidates must not hold an office of profit or be disqualified under Article 102.

Assumption of the Office

Article 69 mandates that the President administer the oath to the Vice President upon election.
Under Article 68(2), the Vice President’s five-year constitutional term begins from the oath-taking date.
Article 67(c) permits the outgoing Vice President to remain until the successor takes charge.

Removal of the Vice President

Article 67(b) provides for removal of the Vice President by Rajya Sabha resolution.
- It prescribes no mandatory grounds for removing the Vice President from office.
The resolution can be introduced with 14 days’ advance notice.
- The notice must state the intent to move the resolution and outline its reasons.
The resolution must be passed by an effective majority of the Rajya Sabha’s total membership.
- The Lok Sabha is informed after the resolution but holds no voting power in the removal process.
Unlike Article 61 for President, Vice President’s removal involves no bicameral impeachment procedure.

{GS2 – Vulnerable Sections – Women} Women-led ‘Viksit Bihar’ Conference

Context (PIB): A one-day conference, ‘Viksit Bihar,’ was organised by Bihar’s Rural Development Department & Indian Institute of Public Administration, to promote women-led development.

About the Conference

The conference in Patna emphasised women-led development in Bihar, reaffirming that Viksit Bharat@2047 will be achieved by replicating such a model nationwide.
It emphasised the government’s four-pillar strategy for women empowerment.
The Jeevika E-Learning App was introduced to improve digital skills and education for women.
“Shashakt Mahila, Samriddh Bihar” document was released to showcase women’s contributions to Bihar’s socio-economic transformation.

Viksit Bharat@2047 is India’s national vision to become a developed, inclusive, and globally competitive nation by its 100^th year of independence.

Four Pillars for Women’s Empowerment

Access & Inclusion: Girls were admitted into Sainik Schools, NDA, and combat roles in the armed forces.
Science & Technology: Schemes like WISE (Women in Science and Engineering) and GATI (Gender Advancement for Transforming Institutions) promoted women’s careers in STEM.
Economic and Social: Over 48 crore Jan Dhan accounts and 60% of MUDRA loans went to women.
Workplace Reforms: Legal provisions included six months of maternity leave, child-care leave, and pensions for dependent daughters.

WISE is a government scheme to support women’s re-entry and career advancement in STEM fields.
GATI is a government initiative aimed at promoting gender equity in STEM through structural reforms in academic and research institutions.

Achievements in Women’s Empowerment

Leadership Shift: Women moved from passive roles to leading missions in science, space, and policy.
Research Roles: Women hold senior positions in scientific institutions like ISRO and CSIR.
Institutional Milestone: One-third of CSIR labs are led by women, including the first female DG.
Startup Impact: Women lead roughly 76,000 of 17 lakhs startups, generating around 1.7 million jobs in smaller towns.

{GS3 – IE – Investment} India’s FDI Landscape

Context (IE): Despite a global slowdown in capital flows, India’s Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) exhibits higher gross inflows, but net inflows decrease due to repatriations and low reinvestment.

Foreign Direct Investment refers to long-term capital inflows that give foreign investors equity ownership, voting rights, and substantial control over company management and operations.

Global Landscape of Foreign Direct Investment

The global economy is experiencing a major shift in FDI flows, with emerging and developing economies facing the biggest declines.
In 2023, global FDI to emerging economies fell to $435 billion, accounting for just 2% of their GDP, the lowest level in twenty years.

FDI Landscape in India

India, despite being better positioned than other emerging economies, reflects global FDI trends with distinct domestic variations.

Inflow Divergence: Gross FDI rose 14% to $81 billion, while net FDI fell by 96%—a two-decade low.
Repatriation Impact: Disinvestments rose by 15.7% to $51.5 billion, significantly reducing net inflows.
Sectoral Pattern: The service sector received 19% of inflows, with Singapore as the top contributor.
Geographic Skew: Maharashtra received 39% of equity inflows, followed by Karnataka and Delhi.
Outward Surge: Outward FDI rose 75% to $29.2 billion, reflecting India’s expanding global presence.

Read More > FDI Inflows in India

Significance of FDI

GDP Contribution: A 10% increase in FDI raises India’s GDP by about 0.3 percentage points.
Job Creation: FDI-enabled startups and ventures generated over 1.6 million jobs in the Indian economy.
Technology Gains: FDI introduces advanced technologies & skills, boosting industrial competitiveness.
Infrastructure Boost: FDI supports the development of roads, logistics, and smart cities.
Export Boost: FDI-linked manufacturing enabled iPhone exports worth $12.1 billion in FY 2025.

Government Initiatives to Increase FDI in India

Make in India allows 100% FDI through the automatic route in most manufacturing sectors.
The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme draws foreign investment into key industrial sectors.
A single-window system streamlines FDI clearances across departments.
FDI from neighbouring countries now requires government approval beforehand.
State summits like Vibrant Gujarat foster regional investment opportunities.

Policy Uncertainty: Complex tax laws often lead to disputes, as seen in Vodafone retrospective case.
Infrastructure Gaps: Inadequate logistics and utilities increase business costs by 14–18% of GDP.
Regional Skew: FDI is concentrated in a few urban states, hindering inclusive regional growth.
Low Net Retention: High repatriations and weak reinvestment drive net FDI to historic lows.
Global Instability: Tariffs and geopolitical tensions weaken foreign investor sentiment.
Demand Weakness: Weak global trade diminishes investor interest in export-driven sectors.
Ecological Pushback: FDI in mining and heavy industry faces increasing environmental resistance.

{GS3 – Infra – Transportation} Logistics Sector of India

Context (DH): India’s logistics costs have seen a remarkable decline, from around 14% of the GDP to 7.8-8.9%, a level much closer to international best practice.

Current Facts and Data

Global Ranking: India ranked 38^th in the World Bank Logistics Performance Index 2023.
Digital Penetration: Unified Logistics Interface Platform (ULIP) had processed more than 100 million digital transactions (PIB).
Trade Digitisation: Over 98% of all trade transactions are now processed via national single window.
Port Efficiency: Container turnaround times at major ports are now below 24 hours (MoPSW).

Key Drivers of Lowering Logistics Costs

Digital Platform: GPS-based tracking, app workflows & transparent digital payments improve coordination.
ULIP Support: Link more than 100 government & private sector systems through APIs for cargo tracking.
Services Innovation: Asset-light aggregators and Goods Transport Agencies (GTAs), hyperlocal services, and integrated supply chains meet diverse sectoral needs.
Tier-2 Expansion: Cities such as Bhopal, Coimbatore, and Bhubaneswar are now integral logistics hubs.

Challenges to Logistics Sector

Digital Divide: Smaller logistics firms lack the capital, technical expertise, or reliable Internet access.
Regulatory Complexity: Overlapping State and Union regulations, as well as inconsistent implementation of GST, hinder seamless operation.
Data Fragmentation: The absence of unified data standards can lead to fragmentation, duplication, and inefficiencies across the logistics ecosystem.
Labour Issue: Gig and contract workers lack income security and social protection.
Cybersecurity Risk: Digitisation of logistics sector raises concerns about cybersecurity & data privacy.

Way Forward

Digital Inclusion: Extend digital infrastructure & internet access to smaller logistics firms & rural operators.
Regulatory Harmonisation: Streamline GST & state licensing to support seamless & pan-India logistics.
Social protection: Effectively implement the labour codes and expand social security coverage to gig and contract workers.
Secure Digitisation: Build resilient cybersecurity protocols and data governance for trust and long-term success.

{GS3 – Envi – Conservation} Mangrove Conservation in India

Context (PIB): The recent India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2023 highlights a steady increase in mangrove cover, indicating improved conservation outcomes.

In a recent Lok Sabha reply (July 2025), MoEF&CC outlined major initiatives like MISHTI, National Coastal Mission, and CRZ 2019 to enhance mangrove protection and coastal resilience.

Mangrove Cover in India (ISFR 2023)

Total Extent: India’s total mangrove cover is 4,991.68 km², accounting for 0.15% of the total geographical area. This reflects a net decrease of 7.43 km² compared to 2021.
Geographic Spread: Mangroves are present in 12 States/UTs (9 States and 3 UTs). All regions recorded an increase in cover, except for Gujarat and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, where slight declines.
Major Mangrove States/UTs: West Bengal, Gujarat, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Daman & Diu, and Puducherry.

Policy Frameworks Driving Mangrove Protection

MISHTI (Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats & Tangible Incomes Initiative) 2023:
- Implemented by Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEF&CC) as a part of Budget 2023-24.
- Its objective is to undertake mangrove afforestation and reforestation along India’s coastline and estuarine regions, protecting biodiversity and enhancing local livelihoods.
National Coastal Mission Programme:
- Implemented under the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC).
- Includes a dedicated component for “Conservation & Management of Mangroves & Coral Reefs”.
- Focuses on integrated coastal zone management, vulnerability assessment, & ecological restoration.
SAIME (Sustainable Aquaculture In Mangrove Ecosystem) Initiative:
- Promotes sustainable aquaculture by involving local communities in mangrove regeneration and maintenance.
- Encourages a livelihood-environment synergy, especially among coastal fisherfolk.
Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification, 2019:
- Mangroves are classified as Ecologically Sensitive Areas (ESAs).
- Projects impacting mangroves >1,000 m² require a 50-meter buffer zone (CRZ-IA).
- Projects causing mangrove loss must undertake compensatory plantation by replanting three times the number of mangroves affected.

Ecological and Socioeconomic Importance of Mangroves

Natural Barriers: Protect coastal communities from cyclones, storm surges, and erosion (e.g., Odisha’s mangroves mitigated cyclone impacts).
Biodiversity Hotspots: Serve as breeding grounds for fish, crustaceans, birds, and endangered species.
Livelihood Support: Fisheries, honey, and sustainable wood for local communities.
Climate Mitigation: Sequester carbon, contributing to India’s climate goals under Paris Agreement.

Challenges in Mangrove Conservation

Coastal Development: Ports, tourism infrastructure, & aquaculture often lead to mangrove degradation.
Pollution: Industrial waste and untreated sewage harm mangrove ecosystems.
Lack of Community Awareness: Inadequate stakeholder participation hinders long-term success.
Climate Change: Sea-level rise & salinity changes pose a threat to mangrove regeneration & biodiversity.

Way Forward

Strengthen MISHTI: Leverage local knowledge, provide incentives, and ensure inclusive benefit-sharing.
Scientific Monitoring: Use satellite data and GIS tools to monitor degradation and replantation efforts.
Policy Measures: Strengthening existing laws such as the Indian Forest Act, 1927, the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification, 1986, and the Forest Conservation Act, 1980.

{GS3 – Envi – Species} New Dragonfly Species Lyriothemis abrahami

Context (TH): Lyriothemis abrahami is a newly identified dragonfly species discovered in the Western Ghats of Kerala.

Lyriothemis is a genus of forest-dwelling dragonfly found in eastern Asia, known for phytotelma-breeding and canopy-dependent life cycles.

Credit: TH

About Lyriothemis abrahami

It is a forest-dwelling dragonfly with black-and-yellow colouration and strong sexual dimorphism.
Range: It is endemic to the southern Western Ghats, occurring in mid- and low-elevation forest zones.
Habitat: It prefers shaded, moist deciduous & semi-evergreen forests as its habitat and foraging area.
Breeding: Reproduction occurs in phytotelma – water-filled tree hollows found in mature forests.
Ecological Role: It functions as an apex insect predator and bioindicator of freshwater ecosystems.
Threats: Key threats include forest fragmentation, canopy disruption, and microhabitat degradation.

Lyriothemis abrahami, a new species of dragonfly, was discovered after being previously misidentified as Lyriothemis flava due to superficial similarities.

{GS3 – S&T – BioTech} Gujarat Tribal Genome Project

Context (IE | TH): Gujarat has become the first Indian state to launch the Tribal Genome Sequencing Project, a pioneering initiative to map the genetic profiles of tribal communities across 17 districts and address critical research gaps.

Objectives of Project

Precision Healthcare: The project will identify genetic health risks in tribal communities and enable targeted interventions for diseases like sickle cell anaemia, thalassaemia, and hereditary cancers.
Gene Mapping: To identify genetic links to natural aptitudes, such as in sports and physical endurance.
State-of-the-Art Infrastructure: Advanced facilities for collection, sequencing, and interpretation of genetic data to ensure scientific rigour.
National Datasets: To supplement the broader Genome India Project, which had limited tribal representation.

Scientific Scope and Process

Sample Size: 2,000 most diverse samples will undergo Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS).
Sample Diversity: Includes trio samples (individual + biological parents) to trace hereditary traits and microbiome samples (stool).
Data Points: Genealogical trees, physical characteristics (BMI, BP, Sugar), addictions, & medical histories.
Technology: Sequencing via Illumina NovaSeq 6000 with encrypted dual-stage anonymisation of data.

Implications

Governance: Genome data can inform targeted health schemes and tribal-specific interventions in areas like nutrition, anaemia, and rare diseases, making policy more evidence-based and inclusive.
Sociocultural Relevance: The initiative can aid in preserving tribal heritage and understanding the genetic impacts of endogamy, offering insights into population history and identity.
Ethical, Legal, and Social Safeguards (ELSI): Emphasising consent, anonymisation, and tribal participation ensures genomic research respects tribal rights and cultural integrity.

Challenges

Consent: Convincing tribal communities to share genetic data amidst privacy concerns.
Data Bias: Potential sampling errors due to endogamy and localised gene pools.
Capacity Constraints: Need for trained personnel for accurate sample collection, transport, & analysis.
Ethical Oversight: Ensuring that genome data is not misused and does not lead to community-level stereotyping or exclusion.

Way Forward

Tribal Engagement: Build trust through local leadership, sensitisation drives, and informed consent protocols.
Pan-India Replication: Encourage states like Odisha and MP to join and expand the model for national-level tribal genome mapping
Research Ecosystem: Promote cross-disciplinary collaboration between genomics, social science, and tribal studies.

{GS3 – S&T – Space} NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) Satellite

Context (TH): NISAR, the first joint Earth-observation satellite by NASA and ISRO, is scheduled to launch on July 30 at 5:40 p.m. aboard GSLV F16 from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota.

Credit: NASA

NISAR Satellite

Mission Life: Designed for 3 years mission life for Earth-Observation (Radar Imaging).
Orbital Details: NISAR to orbit Earth at 747km altitude in Sun-Synchronous (Low Earth) Orbit with a repeat cycle of 12 days.
Technology: World’s first Radar Imaging Satellite to operate on dual frequencies (S and L bands).
Cost: Considered to be one of the expensive satellite missions ever undertaken at $1.5B.
Weight: NISAR to have a launch mass of 2800kg.

Radar Technology

NISAR to have finest Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) Technology ever designed. It is designed with a massive 12-meter Antenna for receiving signals.
Sweep SAR technology provides for wide swath high-resolution images in 3D covering a 242km width.

SAR systems enable the creation of sharp images even in dark or cloudy conditions. Unlike standard cameras, which depend on visible light, they emit microwave pulses and capture the echoes reflected from ground, ocean, ice, or buildings.

L-Band Synthetic Aperture Radar

Developed by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL).
With a wavelength of ~24cm, it is designed to penetrate Vegetation and surface materials.
Provides high-resolution imagery for studying solid Earth processes, ice sheet dynamics, and biomass changes.

S-Band Synthetic Aperture Radar

Developed by the ISRO.
With a wavelength of ~10cm, it is optimised for studying surface deformation.
Provides high-resolution imagery for monitoring natural hazards, such as earthquakes, volcanic activity, and landslides.

Key Applications of NISAR

Surface Monitoring: Detects minute ground shifts for tectonic and structural analysis.
All-Weather Imaging: Provides consistent data despite clouds or darkness.
Disaster Mapping: Assesses earthquakes, floods, landslides, and volcanoes.
Cryosphere Studies: Monitors glaciers and ice sheets for sea-level projections.
Agro-Ecosystem Monitoring: Tracks biomass, deforestation, crop health, and soil moisture.

{Prelims – In News} Bima Sakhi Yojana

Context (PIB): Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) empowers Bima Sakhis with opportunities and Incentives, eligible to participate in Apprentice Development Officers (ADO) Recruitment after 5 Years.

Bima Sakhi Yojana

Bima Sakhi Yojana, a government-backed stipendiary scheme by LIC, exclusively for women.

Eligibility

Women aged between 18-70 years who have minimum education of class 10 are eligible.
Relatives of existing agents, employees and retired employees are ineligible.

Stipend and Commission

They will be trained & given a stipend for three years to boost financial literacy & insurance awareness.
The Sakhis will get a stipend of Rs. 7,000 per month for the first year, Rs. 6,000 per month in the second year, and Rs. 5,000 per month in the third year.
- They also receive a commission of Rs 48,000 (excluding bonus) for the first year.

Career Opportunities

The scheme is also known as ‘Mahila Career Agents’, with a plan to appoint over 2 lakhs in three years.
Bima Sakhis can become LIC agents after completing the necessary training.
Graduated Sakhis can apply for positions as ADO at LIC after 5 years, fulfilling eligibility criteria.

{Prelims – In News} National Flag Day

Context (IE): July 22 is celebrated as National Flag Day or Tiranga Adoption Day, marking its official adoption by the constituent assembly in 1947.

About the National Flag of India

The Indian National Flag, called the Tiranga—meaning Tricolour—was inspired by the original design of Pingali Venkayya. Pingali Venkayya designed the tricolour flag in Vijayawada
The Indian National Flag, known as the Tiranga (Tricolour), was inspired by the original design of Pingali Venkayya, who conceptualised it in Vijayawada.
Colour Symbolism: The saffron colour signifies strength and courage; white represents peace and truth; green symbolises fertility and growth.
Ashoka Chakra: The navy-blue wheel with 24 spokes symbolises the eternal nature of law and order.
Flag Ratio: The flag has a rectangular shape with a length-to-width ratio of 3:2.

Read More > About the National Flag of India

{Prelims – In News} Comrade V.S. Achuthanandan

Context (IE): Former Kerala Chief Minister and CPI(M) stalwart V.S. Achuthanandan (1923–2025) passed away at 101 on July 22, 2025.

A towering figure in Indian Left politics, he leaves behind a legacy rooted in ideological conviction, clean governance, and people-centric activism.

Legacy and Significance

Marxist Ideologue: Co-founded CPI(M) after split from CPI; upheld class struggle and land reforms throughout life.
CM of Kerala: From 2006–2011, cracked down on Munnar land encroachments; promoted land reforms and EMS Housing Scheme for the poor.
Face of Clean Politics: Maintained an incorruptible image; criticised his own party when ethics were compromised.
Voice for Public Causes: Led campaigns for tribal land rights (Wayanad), Free and Open-Source Software (FOSS), and eco-zone protection..

{Prelims – In News} Mangal Pandey

Context (PIB): The Prime Minister paid tribute to Mangal Pandey on his birth anniversary, celebrating his role as a pioneer of India’s freedom struggle.

Key Contributions and Relevance

Mangal Pandey (1827–1857): Sepoy in the 34^th Bengal Native Infantry, regarded as one of India’s first revolutionaries.
On 29 March 1857, at Barrackpore, he revolted against the use of Enfield rifle cartridges, allegedly greased with cow and pig fat, offensive to Hindu and Muslim religious sentiments.
He attacked British officers and was later executed on 8 April 1857 at the age of 29.
His defiance became the spark for the Revolt of 1857, India’s First War of Independence.
Pandey’s martyrdom is remembered as a symbol of early resistance against British rule.

{Prelims – In News} Yuliia Svyrydenko

Context (TH): On July 17, 2025, Ukraine’s Parliament approved Yuliia Svyrydenko as the new Prime Minister, replacing Denys Shmyhal.

This marks the first leadership change since the Russia-Ukraine war began in 2022, aimed at strengthening internal governance & external diplomacy.

Yuliia Svyrydenko

Former Economy Minister of Ukraine with a strong track record in international economic negotiations.
Key architect of Ukraine’s strategic mineral deal with the U.S., vital for post-war recovery.
Her appointment reflects a blend of strategic continuity, gender representation, and confidence-building in both domestic and international arenas.