Daily Current Affairs — 24 July 2025
6 articles • UPSC Prelims & Mains
Study on GST Burden on Indian Households
In Context A recent study analysing Indias Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime using the 2022–23 Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES) has revealed that the bottom 50% of consumers bear the same GST burden as the middle 30%, raising important questions about the tax systems progressivity and equity. How Is GST Intended to Work? GST is a consumption-based indirect tax and is designed for simplicity and broad-based collection.
Drop in Net Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)
In News Net FDI inflows in India dropped by 98.2% to about $40 million in May 2025, compared to $2.2 billion in May 2024. Reasons for Decline Increased repatriation and divestment by foreign investors. Higher outward FDI by Indian companies.
India-South Africa Maritime Partnership
Context India and South Africa signed two agreements on submarine cooperation during the 9th Joint Defence Committee meeting in Johannesburg. Significance of Cooperation Between two Countries Blue‑Water Collaboration: For India’s goal to bolster blue-water naval presence, cooperation with South Africa enhances reach across the Indian and Atlantic Oceans. Shared Security Beyond Submarines: These agreements bolster not just rescue, but also training, surveillance, and joint RD—a key to addressing
Judicial Accountability and Debate over In-House Inquiry Mechanism
Context The Chief Justice of India has agreed to constitute a Bench to hear a petition filed on behalf of Justice Yashwant Varma (Allahabad High Court), challenging the constitutional validity of the in-house inquiry mechanism. Background In March 2025, unaccounted cash was allegedly found at Justice Yashwant Varma’s residence, prompting an in-house committee to recommend his removal without granting him a personal hearing. After he refused to resign, a removal motion was initiated in Parliament
Can Presidential Reference Change a Judgment?
Context The Supreme Court has issued notices to the Union Government and all States on Presidential reference on the President and Governor’s powers. Background Recently, the Supreme Court verdict laid down a timeline for the President and governors to decide on state bills. Generally, the Governor is not bound by any time limit to act on a Bill.
Paika Rebellion
In News Former Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik criticized the exclusion of the 1817 Paika Rebellion from NCERT’s new Class VIII history textbook, calling it a “huge dishonour” to the Paikas. Who were Paikas? The Paikas (pronounced “paiko”, literally “foot soldiers”) were a class of military retainers who had been recruited from various social groups by the Gajapati rulers of Odisha since the 16th century.