Daily Current Affairs — 2 July 2025
7 articles • UPSC Prelims & Mains
Regulatory Framework for Promoting Agroforestry
Context The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has issued the ‘Model Rules for Felling of Trees in Agricultural Lands’, with the objective of supporting States and Union Territories in simplifying regulatory frameworks and promoting agroforestry. What is Agroforestry? Agroforestry is a combination of practising agriculture and forestry together on the same unit of land.
50 Years of Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)
In News The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) marks 50 years since it entered into force. Significance CITES was the first global agreement to address wildlife trade at an international level, providing a framework for cooperation to prevent over-exploitation and extinction due to trade.
Cabinet Approved Research Development and Innovation (RDI) Scheme
Context The Union Cabinet has approved the Research Development and Innovation (RDI) Scheme with a corpus of Rs. One lakh Crore. Need For the Scheme The 2024-25 Economic Survey noted that even though India has increased the gross expenditure on research and development (GERD) from approximately ₹60,196 crore in 2011 to about ₹127,381 crore in 2021, it still is a mere 0.64% of the GDP.
10 Years of the Digital India Journey
Context The Digital India program was launched by the Government on July 1, 2015, envisions transforming India into a knowledge-based economy and digitally empowered society. Digital Economy The digital economy is growing fast, contributing 11.74% to the national income in 2022–23 and expected to reach 13.42% by 2024–25. According to the State of India’s Digital Economy Report 2024, released by ICRIER, India now ranks third in the world for digitalisation of the economy.
Sovereign Debt is Rising in Developing World
Context The fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4) is being held in Spain which brings focus on the massive debt burden on developing countries. Sovereign debt on Developing Countries Since 2010, sovereign debt in developing countries has grown twice as fast in developed economies — with its share in global total increasing to 30% in 2023, from just 16% in 2010. As per the World Bank 2024 Report, Developing countries spent a record $1.4 trillion to service their fore
8 Years of Goods and Services Tax (GST)
In Context India has completed eight years since the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on July 1, 2017, a significant reform aimed at creating a One Nation, One Tax regime. Key Aspects of GST Destination-Based Indirect Tax: GST is a destination-based tax, meaning the tax revenue accrues to the State where the goods or services are consumed, not where they are produced. This is a key shift from the earlier origin-based taxation system.
National Sports Policy (NSP) 2025
In News The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved the National Sports Policy (NSP) 2025. Historical Linkages : Timeline Sports in India have ancient roots, originating from survival skills like archery and wrestling that evolved into modern sports. After independence in 1947, sports received limited focus due to national priorities like poverty and education, although India hosted the first Asian Games in 1951 and formed the All-India Council of Sports in 1954.