Daily Current Affairs — 31 July 2025
6 articles • UPSC Prelims & Mains
China's Clampdown on Rare Earths Has Prompted India to Explore Options
Context Chinas suspension of rare earth magnet exports to India since April 2025 has disrupted key sectors like EVs, electronics, and drones, highlighting Indias heavy reliance on Chinese supplies. What are Rare Earth Magnets? Rare earth magnets are powerful permanent magnets made using rare earth elements, including 17 different elements from the periodic table.
India Launches NISAR Earth Observation Satellite
Context The NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) satellite was launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh. NISAR Satellite NISAR is an Earth-observation satellite that stands for NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar. It is Jointly developed by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the Indian Space Research Organisation under a partnership agreement signed in 2014.
Chile’s Coastal Erosion
In News Chile’s central and southern coastlines are experiencing rapid erosion, with scientists projecting that at least 10 beaches could disappear within the next decade. Major Causes Climate Change: Increased frequency and intensity of sea swells are eroding beaches faster than before. Rising sea levels, sudden rainstorms, and recurring heatwaves are accelerating coastal retreat.
US Imposes 25% Tariff on India’s Exports
Context Recently, the US President has announced a 25% tariff on all imports from India, effective August 1, 2025, along with an unspecified penalty for India’s continued purchases of Russian oil and military equipment. Why the US Imposed a 25% Tariff on Indian Imports? High Indian Tariffs on US Goods: India’s high tariffs on U.S.
Single-window System for Appointing State DGPs
Context The Union Government has notified a Single Window System for appointing State Director-General of Police/Head of Police Force. About The new policy effective April 22, 2025, comes against the backdrop of several States not following the Supreme Court orders in the Prakash Singh case (2006) and the Ministry of Home Affairs guidelines as regards appointment of DGP/HoPF. Objective: Streamline and standardize the DGP empanelment process by States.
Lok Sabha Approved Extension of President’s Rule in Manipur
In News The Lok Sabha has given its approval to the statutory resolution regarding the extension of President’s rule in Manipur for a further period of six months with effect from 13th of August 2025. Background Manipur was placed under President’s Rule in February 2025 after erstwhile Chief Minister N. Biren Singh stepped down, nearly two years after the ethnic conflict began in the State between the valley-based Meitei community and the hills-based Scheduled Tribe Kuki-Zo group of communities.