UPSC Daily Current Affairs – 8th July 2025: BRICS Expansion, Censorship Controversy on X, India's Science & Technology Autonomy, and Climate Challenges

July 08, 2025

UPSC Daily Current Affairs – 8th July 2025: BRICS Expansion, Censorship Controversy on X, India's Science & Technology Autonomy, and Climate Challenges | UPSC CSE

UPSC Daily Current Affairs: 8th July 2025

Daily Current Affairs Analysis: 8th July 2025

(Sunlo UPSC Presentation)

Sources of Information: PIB, The Hindu, The Indian Express and Credible Govt Websites.

A Word for the Aspirant: Motivation for the Journey
Section 1: International Relations & Institutions (GS Paper 2)
- 1.1. The 17th BRICS Summit: Forging a New Global South Narrative
- 1.2. Digital Sovereignty vs. Freedom of Expression: The X Account Blocking Controversy
Section 2: Polity, Governance & Social Justice (GS Paper 2)
Section 3: Economy, Environment, S&T and Security (GS Paper 3)
Section 4: Prelims Facts Today (PFT)
Section 5: Mains Practice Questions
Conclusion: The Day in Perspective
Revision Flashcards

A Word for the Aspirant: Motivation for the Journey

"The future depends on what you do today." — Mahatma Gandhi

The journey of a civil services aspirant is a marathon of perseverance, not a sprint to victory. It is a process of transformation, where every setback is a setup for a stronger comeback. The path is demanding, paved with long hours of study and moments of self-doubt. Yet, it is in this struggle that character is forged and greatness is earned. As you navigate the complexities of governance, economy, and society in today's news, remember the purpose that drives you. Your dedication today defines your destiny tomorrow.

"Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts." – Winston Churchill. This examination tests not just your knowledge, but your resilience. Embrace the challenges, learn from every mistake, and keep moving forward with unwavering determination. "The best way to predict the future is to create it." – Abraham Lincoln. Your hard work is not just for an exam; it is the foundation upon which you will build a better nation. Stay focused, stay hungry for knowledge, and believe in the incredible potential that lies within you.

Section 1: International Relations & Institutions (GS Paper 2)

1.1. The 17th BRICS Summit: Forging a New Global South Narrative

Context

The 17th BRICS Summit, held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil from July 6-7, 2025, concluded as a landmark event, signaling a significant evolution of the bloc from a consultative economic forum into a proactive political coalition aiming to reshape the global order. The summit's theme, "Strengthening Global South Cooperation for a More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance," was substantiated by the formal induction of Indonesia as a new member and the adoption of the comprehensive Rio de Janeiro Declaration. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's prominent role, culminating in India securing the Chairship for the 18th BRICS Summit in 2026, highlighted India's central position within this increasingly assertive grouping of nations representing the Global South.

Expansion and Geopolitical Significance

The formal accession of Indonesia, a G20 member and a dominant power in Southeast Asia, significantly amplifies the economic and geopolitical weight of BRICS. This expansion is not an isolated event but part of a deliberate strategy to position BRICS as the principal voice of emerging economies. The bloc is actively working to establish a united front to challenge the post-World War II global governance structures that it views as unrepresentative and dominated by Western interests. The growing cohesion and assertiveness of BRICS present both an opportunity and a challenge for India. It provides a crucial platform to advance its foreign policy goal of "strategic autonomy" and amplify its voice on global issues. However, it also necessitates careful navigation of the internal dynamics, particularly the growing influence of China, and managing relationships with Western partners who may view the bloc's rise with apprehension.

The Rio de Janeiro Declaration: A Blueprint for an Alternative Order

The 126-point Rio de Janeiro Declaration serves as a detailed blueprint for the bloc's collective vision. It outlines a unified stance on a spectrum of critical global issues, moving beyond rhetoric to launch tangible mechanisms for cooperation.

Global Governance Reform: The declaration forcefully reiterates the long-standing demand for a comprehensive reform of the United Nations, particularly its Security Council, to make it more democratic, representative, and efficient. It calls for an overhaul of the Bretton Woods institutions, demanding an increase in the quota and shareholding of emerging and developing countries in the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank to reflect their growing weight in the world economy.
Economic, Trade, and Financial Cooperation: A central theme of the declaration is the staunch opposition to unilateralism and protectionism. It explicitly condemns and rejects measures like the European Union's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and other restrictive trade practices implemented under the pretext of environmental concerns, arguing they are discriminatory and undermine the development priorities of Global South nations. The declaration reaffirms a strong commitment to the open, transparent, and rules-based multilateral trading system centered around the World Trade Organization (WTO) and supports the accession bids of Iran and Ethiopia to the WTO.
De-dollarization and Financial Autonomy: A significant thrust of the summit was to advance the de-dollarization agenda. The leaders welcomed the "Technical Report: BRICS Cross-border Payments System," viewing it as a pivotal step towards establishing an independent payment mechanism. This initiative, often referred to as BRICS Pay, aims to facilitate trade and investment in local currencies, thereby reducing dependence on the US dollar and insulating member economies from the risks of Western sanctions and the dominance of payment systems like SWIFT. The New Development Bank (NDB) was highlighted as a key instrument in this financial architecture, with a commitment to direct 40% of its investments towards promoting sustainable development.
Peace and Security: The declaration addressed pressing global security challenges, condemning specific acts of violence such as the June 2025 airstrikes in Iran, Israeli military actions in Gaza, and the terrorist attack in Jammu & Kashmir in April 2025. It reaffirmed the bloc's commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms, including cross-border terrorism and terror financing, and emphasized that terrorism should not be associated with any religion or ethnicity. The leaders advocated for the peaceful resolution of conflicts through dialogue and diplomacy, supporting UN-led initiatives in Ukraine, Syria, and Sudan, and endorsing the principle of "African solutions to African problems".

Key New Initiatives Launched

The summit's shift from rhetoric to action is most evident in the launch of three major initiatives:

1. BRICS Climate Finance Framework Declaration: This is the bloc's first-ever coordinated framework on climate finance, a significant step ahead of the COP30 summit to be hosted by Brazil. The framework is built on the principle of climate justice, urging developed nations to fulfill their historical responsibilities and financial commitments, including the long-overdue $100 billion per year pledge and the commitment to at least double adaptation finance by 2025. It calls for the reform of Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) to mobilize private capital more effectively for climate action in the Global South. This framework is seen as a crucial building block for the "Baku-Belém Road Map," which aims to secure $1.3 trillion in climate finance by 2035.
2. BRICS Statement on AI Governance: The bloc put forward a unified Global South perspective on the governance of Artificial Intelligence. The statement calls for a UN-led, inclusive, and transparent global governance framework for AI. It emphasizes that AI should be developed and used responsibly to foster sustainable development and inclusive growth, ensuring that the benefits of this transformative technology are shared equitably and not monopolized by a few developed nations.
3. BRICS Partnership to Eliminate Socially Determined Diseases: Inspired by Brazil's national 'Healthy Brazil Program', this partnership is a landmark initiative in global health. It targets diseases intrinsically linked to poverty, inequality, and lack of access to basic services, such as tuberculosis (TB), malaria, leprosy, and Chagas disease. The partnership will focus on South-South cooperation in research, development of diagnostics, local production of vaccines and medicines, and implementing multisectoral policies to address the root social determinants of health.

1.2. Digital Sovereignty vs. Freedom of Expression: The X Account Blocking Controversy

Context

On July 8, 2025, the ongoing tension between global technology platforms and national governments escalated as social media company X (formerly Twitter) issued a public statement expressing deep concern over press censorship in India. The statement was a response to an alleged directive from the Indian government, dated July 3, 2025, ordering the platform to block 2,355 accounts within India. The list of blocked accounts notably included the official handles of the international news agency Reuters, @Reuters and @ReutersWorld, sparking a significant controversy over freedom of the press and the exercise of state power in the digital realm.

The Legal Framework and Conflicting Narratives

The government's authority to issue such blocking orders is rooted in Section 69A of the Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000. This provision empowers the central government to direct any intermediary to block public access to information on grounds of sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, security of the State, friendly relations with foreign states, or public order.

The events of July 2025 unfolded with two starkly different accounts of the situation:

X Corporation's Stance: The company's Global Government Affairs handle stated that it had received a legally binding executive order. It claimed that non-compliance carried the risk of criminal liability for its local employees, compelling it to act. X further clarified that it was only after a significant public outcry that the government requested the unblocking of the Reuters accounts, which were subsequently restored. X explicitly stated it was exploring all legal options but was restricted by Indian law in its ability to challenge these executive orders directly, urging affected users to seek legal remedies themselves.
Government of India's Stance: In contrast, a government spokesperson denied issuing any fresh blocking order on July 3. The official narrative framed the incident as a "mistake" on the part of the platform, stating that the government was actively working with X to resolve the issue. Some media reports, citing official sources, suggested a different possibility: that X might have belatedly acted on an older blocking order issued in May 2025 during a period of military tension with Pakistan.

Implications for Press Freedom and Democratic Norms

This incident is not an isolated case but part of a broader, discernible pattern. It has been widely interpreted by civil society and media watchdogs as a direct challenge to press freedom. International organizations like Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and domestic bodies like the Editors Guild of India have previously raised alarms about the increasing use of the IT Act to silence critical voices and control the flow of information.

The blocking of a globally respected news agency like Reuters elevates a domestic regulatory action into an international issue, drawing global scrutiny and impacting India's image as the world's largest democracy. India's ranking of 151 out of 180 countries in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index, while an improvement from the previous year, provides a critical backdrop to these concerns, suggesting systemic challenges to the media environment.

The controversy serves as a flashpoint in the global debate between two competing principles: the assertion of national 'digital sovereignty' and the ideal of a universal, free, and open internet. The Indian government's actions represent a clear assertion of its sovereign right to regulate content within its digital borders. For transnational technology platforms like X, this creates an operational dilemma, forcing them to choose between complying with local laws to protect their business and employees, or upholding their own corporate principles on free speech, which are often aligned with Western legal and cultural norms. Such actions risk creating a "chilling effect," where journalists, activists, and citizens may self-censor out of fear of punitive measures, thereby diminishing the space for dissent and public discourse. This complicates India's ambition to be a leading power in the digital age, creating friction with democratic partners who champion internet freedom.

Section 2: Polity, Governance & Social Justice (GS Paper 2)

2.1. The Eavesdropping Dilemma: Re-examining India's Phone-Tapping Laws

Context

The legal architecture governing state surveillance in India, particularly phone-tapping, has been cast into the spotlight following a series of conflicting High Court judgments. These rulings expose a fundamental ambiguity in the law, creating legal uncertainty and raising critical questions about the balance between national security and the individual's right to privacy.

Legal Provisions and Judicial Dichotomy

The state's power to intercept communications is primarily derived from Section 5(2) of the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885. This colonial-era legislation empowers the central or state government to intercept messages "on the occurrence of any public emergency, or in the interest of the public safety". The core of the present dilemma lies in the interpretation of these vague, undefined terms.

This ambiguity has led to a clear judicial dichotomy:

Delhi High Court (June 2024): In a case involving a massive bribery attempt of ₹2,149 crore, the court upheld the phone-tapping order. Its rationale was that corruption of such a scale threatens the economic fabric of the nation and could, therefore, be broadly interpreted as a threat to "public safety" and national security.
Madras High Court: In a separate case, the court quashed an interception order that was issued to investigate tax evasion. It ruled decisively that financial crimes like tax evasion, while serious, do not meet the high threshold of a "public emergency." The court criticized the mechanical application of surveillance powers without sufficient justification or oversight.

Supreme Court Safeguards and Their Limitations

Recognizing the immense potential for misuse of these powers, the Supreme Court, in its landmark 1997 judgment in People's Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) vs Union of India, laid down strict procedural safeguards. The Court upheld the constitutionality of Section 5(2) but mandated that any interception must be authorized by the Home Secretary at the central or state level and must be subject to review by a committee. Any deviation from these procedures would render the surveillance unconstitutional and the evidence gathered inadmissible.

However, the current legal friction demonstrates that while the PUCL judgment established procedural checks, it could not resolve the fundamental flaw in the law itself: the lack of a clear, substantive definition for the grounds of interception. This legislative failure to define "public emergency" and "public safety" grants the executive vast discretionary powers. This forces the judiciary into the difficult position of interpreting these phrases on a case-by-case basis, leading to the kind of legal inconsistency seen in the Delhi and Madras High Court rulings.

This situation is in direct tension with the principles established in the Supreme Court's historic K.S. Puttaswamy (2017) judgment, which affirmed the Right to Privacy as a fundamental right under Article 21. The Puttaswamy verdict established a three-pronged test for any infringement on privacy: it must be backed by law, serve a legitimate state aim, and be proportionate. The arbitrary and inconsistent application of phone-tapping laws, fueled by the undefined terms in the Telegraph Act, fails the crucial test of proportionality and creates a system vulnerable to misuse. There is, therefore, an urgent need for legislative reform to either amend the 1885 Act with clear definitions or to enact a new, comprehensive surveillance law that is fully compliant with the privacy principles laid down by the Supreme Court.

2.2. The Last Mile in Healthcare: India's Fight Against Maternal Mortality

Context

India has made significant strides in improving maternal health outcomes over the past two decades. However, the latest data on the Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) for the period 2019-21, while showing a positive national trend, also illuminates persistent challenges and alarming regional disparities that threaten to undermine overall progress.

The Data and the Disparity

According to the Sample Registration System (SRS) data, India's MMR has declined to 93 deaths per 100,000 live births. This is a commendable improvement from the 103 recorded in 2017-19 and 97 in 2018-20, indicating that national-level interventions are having an impact.

However, this national average conceals a story of two Indias. There is a stark and worrying gap between the performance of southern states and the Empowered Action Group (EAG) states. For instance, Kerala has achieved an MMR of just 20, a figure comparable to many developed nations. In stark contrast, Assam reports an MMR of 167, which is over eight times higher. This vast disparity suggests that the battle against maternal mortality in India has now shifted from a challenge of policy formulation to one of effective, last-mile implementation.

Analyzing the Bottlenecks: The 'Three Delays' Framework

The 'Three Delays' model, developed by Deborah Maine, provides a powerful analytical lens to understand the root causes of maternal deaths, particularly in high-burden regions.

1. Delay in the Decision to Seek Care (Delay 1): This is often the most complex delay, rooted in socio-economic factors. Lack of awareness about danger signs during pregnancy, deep-seated social barriers, and the inability of women to make autonomous decisions about their health contribute significantly. Furthermore, underlying health issues like severe anaemia and malnutrition, which are rampant in many EAG states, increase the risk profile of pregnancies but are often not perceived as emergencies requiring immediate medical attention.
2. Delay in Reaching a Healthcare Facility (Delay 2): Even when a decision to seek care is made, formidable logistical barriers remain. Poor road connectivity, lack of affordable and reliable transport, and geographical remoteness mean that for many women, especially in hilly or remote areas, reaching a health facility can be an arduous and time-consuming journey. Many women die en route to the hospital.
3. Delay in Receiving Adequate and Appropriate Care (Delay 3): This is a critical systemic failure. Many women who successfully overcome the first two delays arrive at a facility that is ill-equipped to save them. Data reveals a severe deficit in infrastructure and human resources. For example, out of 5,491 Community Health Centres (CHCs) in the country, only 2,856 (around 52%) are functional as First Referral Units (FRUs)—facilities equipped to handle obstetric emergencies and perform C-sections. Compounding this is a staggering 66% vacancy rate for specialists like surgeons, obstetricians, and anaesthetists in these CHCs.

While government initiatives like the Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY), which provides financial incentives for institutional deliveries, have been successful in increasing the number of women giving birth in health facilities, the data on FRUs and specialist vacancies shows that quantity has not always translated into quality of care. A one-size-fits-all national policy is no longer sufficient. The path forward requires a highly targeted approach, focusing on transforming CHCs into fully functional FRUs, urgently addressing the crisis of specialist vacancies in high-MMR states, and integrating health interventions with nutrition, education, and women's empowerment programs to tackle the socio-economic roots of the 'first delay'.

2.3. Governance in Action: Key Initiatives

On July 8, 2025, several states and the central government showcased key governance initiatives that leverage technology and targeted policy for improved public service delivery and data collection.

Tamil Nadu's AI Model for TB Mortality (TN-KET): Tamil Nadu became the first state in India to operationalize a predictive model using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to estimate the risk of death among adult Tuberculosis (TB) patients. The model, named Tamil Nadu-Kasanai Erappila Thittam (TN-KET), is integrated into the state's existing web application. It uses five simple clinical parameters—Body Mass Index (BMI), pedal oedema, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, and ability to stand without support—to generate a mortality probability score. This enables frontline health workers to identify high-risk patients early and ensure their immediate hospitalization, a crucial step in reducing TB mortality.
Aadhaar-based PDS in Himachal Pradesh: Demonstrating a significant step towards curbing leakages in the food subsidy system, Himachal Pradesh became the first state to roll out Aadhaar face authentication for the distribution of rations under the Public Distribution System (PDS). This technology aims to ensure that subsidized food grains reach the intended beneficiaries, improving the targeting efficiency of the welfare scheme.
India's First Digital Census: The central government took a concrete step towards conducting the next census by opening tenders for printing services related to the exercise. The upcoming census, slated for 2027, is set to be India's first-ever digital census. A key feature will be a self-enumeration portal, allowing citizens to fill in their details online, marking a major methodological shift in one of the world's largest administrative exercises.
Mukhyamantri Vrindavan Gram Yojana: The government of Madhya Pradesh approved this new rural development scheme. The yojana aims to transform selected villages into model sustainable communities by integrating traditional knowledge with modern sustainable practices.

Section 3: Economy, Environment, S&T and Security (GS Paper 3)

3.1. Strategic Autonomy in Science & Technology

The events of July 8, 2025, underscored a coherent national strategy aimed at achieving Aatmanirbharata (self-reliance) across the spectrum of science and technology. This was evident in two landmark developments: a major achievement in the foundational domain of nuclear energy and an ambitious push in the frontier field of quantum computing. Together, they paint a picture of a nation consolidating its strengths in established critical technologies while simultaneously building capacity in emerging, disruptive ones.

3.1.1. Powering the Nation: The Indigenous 700 MWe PHWR

Context

India's quest for energy security and technological self-reliance achieved a significant milestone with the formal licensing of the country's first indigenously designed and built 700 MWe (megawatt electric) Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs). The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) granted the operating license for Units 3 and 4 of the Kakrapar Atomic Power Station (KAPS) in Gujarat, marking their readiness for full-scale commercial operation.

Significance for India's Nuclear Program

This development is of immense strategic importance for several reasons:

Energy Security: The successful commissioning of these high-capacity reactors is a crucial step towards India's ambitious goal of achieving 100 GW of nuclear power capacity by 2047, a key pillar of its long-term low-carbon development strategy.
'Make in India' Champion: The IPHWR-700 is a testament to the success of the 'Make in India' initiative in a high-technology sector. The PHWR technology, which uses natural uranium as fuel and heavy water as a moderator, is the backbone of India's three-stage nuclear power program, and mastering the 700 MWe design demonstrates complete indigenous capability in the entire lifecycle of reactor development.
Technological Advancement: The IPHWR-700 is not merely a scaled-up version of older reactors but a Generation III+ reactor incorporating advanced safety features. This enhances the safety profile of India's nuclear fleet and brings it on par with global standards.

Technical Advancements

The IPHWR-700 represents a significant evolution from its predecessors (the 220 MWe and 540 MWe designs). Key technical and safety enhancements include:

Enhanced Passive Safety: It incorporates a Passive Decay Heat Removal System, which can cool the reactor core even in the event of a complete power loss, relying on natural phenomena like convection and gravity. This is a critical safety feature to prevent a meltdown scenario.
Robust Containment: The reactor features a double containment structure with a steel inner liner, providing an extra barrier against any potential release of radioactivity.
Diverse Shutdown Systems: It is equipped with two independent, diverse, and fast-acting shutdown systems to ensure the nuclear fission chain reaction can be stopped reliably and quickly in an emergency.
Higher Efficiency: The design allows for partial boiling of the coolant at the outlet of the channels, which increases the temperature of the steam produced and thereby improves the thermal efficiency of power generation.

Comparison of IPHWR Models:

Parameter	IPHWR-220	IPHWR-540	IPHWR-700
Thermal Output (MWth)	754.5	1730	2166
Active Power (MWe)	220	540	700
Net Efficiency (%)	27.8%	28.08%	29.00%
Fuel	Natural UO2	Natural UO2	Natural UO2
Cladding Material	Zircaloy-2	Zircaloy-4	Zircaloy-4
Key Safety Features	Active Shutdown Cooling	Active Shutdown Cooling, Natural circulation	Active Shutdown Cooling, Passive Decay Heat Removal System, Steel-lined double containment

3.1.2. India's Quantum Leap: The Amaravati Quantum Valley Declaration (AQVD)

Context

While consolidating its position in nuclear technology, India also took a major stride into the future with the Andhra Pradesh government formally approving the Amaravati Quantum Valley Declaration (AQVD). This strategic framework aims to transform the state's capital into a globally competitive hub for quantum science and technology, aligning with the objectives of the National Quantum Mission.

A Comprehensive Roadmap

The AQVD is not merely a statement of intent but a detailed roadmap with aggressive targets and a multi-stakeholder approach involving the government, academia, and industry giants like IBM, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), and Larsen & Toubro (L&T).

Infrastructure and Capacity: The plan includes establishing 'QChipIN', which is envisioned as India's largest open-access quantum testbed. A key milestone is the planned installation of IBM's Quantum System Two by January 2026. The declaration sets a target of achieving a total capacity of 1,000 effective qubits by 2029.
Investment and Industry: The initiative aims to attract $1 billion in investments by 2029 and anchor a domestic supply chain for critical quantum components, with a goal of achieving ₹5,000 crore in annual exports by 2030.
Startup Ecosystem: To foster innovation, a National Startup Forum will be created, supported by a dedicated ₹1,000 crore Quantum Fund. The goal is to nurture at least 100 quantum hardware and security startups by 2030, supported by regulatory sandboxes and access to the Living Lab infrastructure.
Talent Development and Collaboration: The Amaravati Quantum Academy will be established to train 5,000 quantum specialists annually by 2030. A Global Quantum Collaboration Council will also be set up to foster international R&D and align standards.

This ambitious declaration signals a concerted effort to build a full-stack, indigenous quantum ecosystem, ensuring that India is not just a consumer but a leader and creator in the next technological revolution.

3.2. Manifestations of a Warming World: A Tale of Two Climates

Context

July 8, 2025, presented a stark and powerful lesson in the realities of climate change. Two seemingly contradictory weather extremes were reported from different parts of the world: a severe rainfall deficit in one of the planet's wettest regions and a punishing heatwave across Europe. These events, though different in nature, are two sides of the same coin, illustrating the destabilization of the Earth's climate system by anthropogenic warming. They demonstrate that the impact of climate change is not a uniform, linear warming but an increase in the frequency and intensity of regional extreme weather events of all kinds—a phenomenon some call 'global weirding'.

Case 1: The Drying of Cherrapunji (Sohra), India

Sohra in Meghalaya, historically renowned as the wettest place on Earth, is experiencing an alarming trend of declining rainfall. In June 2025, the region received just 1,095.4 mm of rain, a drastic drop to about one-third of the 3,041.2 mm recorded in June 2024. This is not a one-year anomaly but part of a longer-term pattern. Over the last 15 years, the average annual rainfall has decreased from a normal of 11,000 mm to between 8,000-9,000 mm.

Causes: Experts attribute this decline to a confluence of factors. At a macro level, shifting monsoon patterns and rising sea surface temperatures in the Indian Ocean are altering moisture transport to the region. At the local level, rampant deforestation and unchecked urbanization have reduced the land's capacity to retain moisture and generate localized rainfall. Studies based on palynological (pollen) data suggest that human activity, including shifting cultivation and historical iron smelting, has transformed the original dense forests into grasslands over time, exacerbating soil erosion and altering the micro-climate.
Consequences: The irony is profound: the "wettest place on Earth" now faces acute water shortages, especially during the dry season. Villagers are increasingly dependent on fragile springs and, in some cases, water tankers to meet their basic needs, a situation made worse by a growing population and tourism pressure.

Case 2: The European Heatwave

Simultaneously, the continent of Europe was in the grip of an unprecedented early-summer heatwave. Record-breaking temperatures were registered across multiple countries. The Huelva region in Spain touched 46°C, several parts of France exceeded 40°C, and for the first time in recorded history, temperatures surpassed 40°C north of the 53rd parallel in Germany.

Causes: Climate attribution studies have directly linked the increased frequency and intensity of such events to human-induced climate change. The immediate meteorological cause was a strong high-pressure system, or "heat dome," that settled over the continent, trapping hot air advected from North Africa and compressing it, causing temperatures to soar.
Consequences: The heatwave placed immense stress on public health systems and critical infrastructure. Electricity demand surged due to the increased use of air conditioning, leading to price spikes and stress on power grids. Outages were reported in Italy, and nuclear power plants in France had to reduce capacity due to high river water temperatures affecting their cooling systems.

These two events underscore the urgent need for a dual-pronged climate strategy. Mitigation efforts to reduce global emissions are paramount to prevent further destabilization. Simultaneously, robust and context-specific adaptation strategies are essential. For India, this means preparing not only for more intense heatwaves and floods but also for droughts in traditionally high-rainfall zones, as climate change makes historical weather patterns an unreliable guide to the future.

3.3. The Engine of Growth: Economic and Labour Issues

Context

On the eve of a proposed 'Bharat Bandh' (nationwide general strike) for July 9, 2025, the deep-seated social and political fault lines surrounding India's economic reform agenda were brought into sharp focus. A joint platform of 10 central trade unions, in a significant show of solidarity with various farmers' organizations including the Samyukta Kisan Morcha, called for the strike to protest what they termed the central government's "anti-worker, anti-farmer, and pro-corporate" policies.

Core Demands and Underlying Tensions

The planned protest is not a spontaneous reaction but a culmination of sustained opposition to a consistent policy direction. The key demands highlight a fundamental conflict over the country's economic vision:

Repeal of the Four Labour Codes: This is the central grievance for the trade unions. They argue that the new codes, which subsume 29 central labour laws, significantly weaken workers' rights by diluting trade union power, extending working hours, and making it easier for employers to hire and fire workers.
Halt to Privatization: The unions are staunchly opposed to the ongoing privatization of Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs). The planned privatization of power distribution companies, particularly in Uttar Pradesh, has become a major flashpoint, with over 2.7 million power sector employees expected to join the strike.
Breakdown in Tripartite Consultation: A key procedural complaint is the government's failure to convene the Indian Labour Conference (ILC) for the past decade. The ILC is India's apex tripartite body, bringing together representatives from the government, employers, and workers to deliberate on labour issues, and its dormancy is seen as a sidelining of social dialogue.

The formation of a broad worker-farmer coalition is particularly significant. It indicates that the perceived negative consequences of the government's reform agenda are creating a unified opposition front that bridges the rural-urban divide. The Samyukta Kisan Morcha, which successfully led the year-long protests against the three farm laws, brings immense mobilization capacity and political legitimacy to the movement. This alliance strategically links the issues of labour reform with agrarian distress, creating a much larger and more formidable political challenge to the government's agenda.

This situation represents a classic case study in the political economy of reform in a diverse democracy like India. It demonstrates that economic reforms, even if argued to be necessary for improving growth and the 'ease of doing business,' can face insurmountable political hurdles if they are perceived to harm the interests of large, organized, and politically influential sections of the population. The government faces a difficult balancing act between pushing its economic agenda and maintaining social and political stability. The long-term success of these reforms will hinge not just on their economic merits, but on the government's ability to engage in meaningful social dialogue and build a broader political consensus, which currently appears to be a significant challenge.

Section 4: Prelims Facts Today (PFT)

Appointments:
- Hardip Singh Brar: Appointed as the new President & CEO of BMW Group India.
- Sukanya Sonowal: Appointed as the Commonwealth Youth Peace Ambassador – Lead (Communication & Public Relations) for the 2025–2027 term.
- Sanjog Gupta: Named the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the International Cricket Council (ICC).
Places in News:
- Satkosia Tiger Reserve: Located in Odisha, it was recently in the news.
- Maijan, Dibrugarh (Assam): A new species of cyprinid fish was discovered in the Brahmaputra river at this location.
- Chennai Port: The Japan Coast Guard (JCG) ship 'Itsukushima' arrived at this port for a joint exercise.
- Amaravati (Andhra Pradesh): The state government approved the Amaravati Quantum Valley Declaration to establish a quantum technology hub.
- Champhai District (Mizoram): Witnessed an influx of over 4,000 Chin refugees fleeing violent clashes in Myanmar.
Species in News:
- Pethia dibrugarhensis: A new cyprinid fish species discovered in the Brahmaputra river, named after the location Dibrugarh.
Schemes & Initiatives:
- Mukhyamanti Vrindavan Gram Yojana: An ambitious rural development scheme launched by the Madhya Pradesh government to create model sustainable villages.
- Amaravati Quantum Valley Declaration (AQVD): A strategic framework by the Andhra Pradesh government to build a quantum technology ecosystem.
- Tamil Nadu-Kasanai Erappila Thittam (TN-KET): An initiative in Tamil Nadu using an AI-based predictive model to reduce TB mortality.
Economy & Finance:
- The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced it will auction government bonds worth ₹25,000 crore.
- Adani Power acquired a 600 MW Vidarbha power unit for ₹4,000 crore.
Defence & Security:
- The Japan Coast Guard ship 'Itsukushima' visited Chennai to strengthen maritime ties with India.
- Violent clashes between rival Chin armed groups in Myanmar led to over 4,000 refugees fleeing into Mizoram.
Awards & Recognition:
- The Ministry of Mines awarded the 'Seven-Star' rating to three Indian mines for the first time, recognizing excellence in sustainable mining practices.
Sports:
- Neeraj Chopra: Won the gold medal at the 'Neeraj Chopra Classic 2025' athletics meet held in Bengaluru.
- Wiaan Mulder: The South African cricketer scored the second-fastest triple century in Test cricket history, achieving the feat in just 278 balls against New Zealand.

Section 5: Mains Practice Questions

Q1 (GS Paper 2): The 17th BRICS Summit Declaration reflects an ambition to create an alternative global governance framework rather than merely seeking reforms within the existing one. Critically analyze this statement in the context of the key initiatives launched on finance, technology, and health.

Q2 (GS Paper 3): The simultaneous occurrences of severe rainfall decline in Cherrapunji and an intense heatwave in Europe, while seemingly contradictory, are manifestations of a destabilized global climate system. Elaborate on this statement, explaining the underlying causes and the implications for India's climate adaptation strategy.

Conclusion: The Day in Perspective

The events of July 8, 2025, encapsulate the central dynamic of contemporary India: a nation striving for strategic autonomy on the global stage while simultaneously confronting profound and complex challenges at home. The day's developments, from the high diplomacy at the BRICS summit to the grassroots realities of climate change and labour unrest, weave together into a single, coherent narrative.

Internationally, the 17th BRICS Summit marked a watershed moment. The launch of concrete frameworks on climate finance, AI governance, and health, coupled with a determined push for an alternative cross-border payment system, signals the bloc's transition from a consultative forum to a political coalition actively building a parallel, non-Western global architecture. For India, this platform is a crucial enabler of its multi-aligned foreign policy, yet it demands astute navigation of complex internal dynamics. This external assertiveness, however, was juxtaposed with the controversy over the blocking of X accounts, a move that highlights the unresolved tension between national sovereignty in the digital sphere and the democratic commitment to press freedom.

Domestically, the day underscored the imperative of strengthening state capacity and addressing systemic weaknesses. The success of the indigenous 700 MWe nuclear reactor and the ambitious Amaravati Quantum Valley plan are testaments to India's growing prowess in science and technology. Yet, these achievements in high-tech domains stand in contrast to the persistent last-mile challenges in the social sector, as evidenced by the stark regional disparities in maternal mortality. The looming 'Bharat Bandh' further reveals the deep-seated contestations over the nation's economic path, demonstrating that sustainable growth requires not just policy reforms but also a broad social consensus.

Finally, the climate crisis cast a long shadow, with the drying of Cherrapunji and the European heatwave serving as powerful, localized reminders of a shared global threat. These events forcefully argue that building resilience—be it in agriculture, infrastructure, or public health—is no longer a choice but a fundamental necessity for securing India's future. In essence, July 8, 2025, was a microcosm of India's journey: a nation reaching for global leadership while racing to secure the well-being and rights of its own citizens in an increasingly turbulent world.