Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed an event of Indian-origin people in Trinidad and Tobago, highlighting the 35 million strong Indian diaspora as India's pride and "Rashtradoots." He announced that sixth-generation Indian-origin citizens of Trinidad and Tobago would soon receive Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) cards. Modi also congratulated Trinidad and Tobago for being the first Caribbean country to adopt India's UPI system, facilitating financial transfers. The government is creating a comprehensive database of the Girmitiya community and mapping their past to strengthen cultural links with India, especially with regions like Bihar and eastern Uttar Pradesh.
Prime Minister Modi emphasized the Indian diaspora's role as "Rashtradoots" and a source of national pride.
Sixth-generation Indian-origin citizens of Trinidad and Tobago will be granted Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) cards.
Trinidad and Tobago is the first Caribbean country to adopt India's UPI system.
Exam Points
35 million members constitute the Indian diaspora.
Trinidad and Tobago is the first Caribbean country to adopt India's UPI system.
OCI cards will be extended to the sixth generation of Indian-origin citizens in Trinidad and Tobago.
The Indian government has informed the World Trade Organization (WTO) of its intention to impose retaliatory tariffs of approximately $724 million on U.S. imports. This move is a response to the U.S.'s 25% ad valorem tariff increase on passenger vehicles, light trucks, and certain automobile parts from India, imposed on March 26. India argues that the U.S. measures, though not notified to the WTO, are safeguard measures inconsistent with the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade 1994 and the Agreement on Safeguards (AoS). India reserves the right to suspend concessions under Article 8, AoS, due to lack of consultations.
India plans to impose retaliatory tariffs on U.S. imports, citing U.S. tariffs on Indian automobiles.
The U.S. had imposed a 25% ad valorem tariff on certain Indian automobile parts.
India considers the U.S. tariffs inconsistent with WTO agreements, specifically GATT 1994 and AoS.
Exam Points
India's proposed retaliatory tariffs amount to $724 million.
The U.S. imposed a 25% ad valorem tariff on March 26.
WTO agreements cited include GATT 1994 and Agreement on Safeguards (AoS).
The Nipah virus has resurfaced in Kerala, with two confirmed cases causing fresh alarm. An 18-year-old girl succumbed to acute encephalitis syndrome (AES) in Kozhikode, and a 38-year-old woman from Palakkad tested positive and is undergoing treatment. The National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune, confirmed the infection. Following these cases, 345 people have been identified as contacts and quarantined across Malappuram, Palakkad, and Kozhikode districts. The Health department has initiated control measures and released a route map for the Nipah-positive person in Palakkad, putting the affected districts on high alert.
Nipah virus has re-emerged in Kerala, leading to one death and one active case.
The National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune, confirmed the Nipah infection.
Health authorities have quarantined 345 contacts and implemented control measures.
Exam Points
Nipah virus cases reported in Kerala (Kozhikode, Palakkad, Malappuram districts).
The National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune, confirmed the infection.
Symptoms include Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES).
K.M. Khader Mohideen, a leader of the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) and former editor of Manisudar, has been selected for the Thagaisal Thamizhar Award by the Tamil Nadu government. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin will present the award during the Independence Day celebrations in Chennai. Instituted in 2021, the award honors eminent personalities who have significantly contributed to the welfare of Tamil Nadu and the development of the Tamil community. Mohideen is recognized for his deep understanding of Indian politics and efforts towards communal harmony, having had a long association with former Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi.
K.M. Khader Mohideen, IUML leader, is the recipient of the Thagaisal Thamizhar Award.
The award is presented by the Tamil Nadu government during Independence Day celebrations.
The Thagaisal Thamizhar Award was instituted in 2021 to honor contributions to Tamil Nadu's welfare.
Exam Points
Award name: Thagaisal Thamizhar Award (Distinguished Tamil Award).
The article discusses the need for structural reforms in India's Goods and Services Tax (GST) system, prompted by the lowest tax collections in some time, with June 2025 collections at ₹1.85 lakh crore, showing the slowest growth rate in four years. It highlights inefficiencies and calls for the inclusion of fuel and alcohol under GST, despite State resistance. The author argues that the Centre should increase States' share in central taxes and stop relying on non-shareable cesses. A key reform suggested is reducing the number of GST rates and, importantly, removing the GST Compensation Cess, which was extended until March 2026 to repay loans but is no longer needed for its original purpose.
GST collections in June 2025 were the lowest in four months, indicating a dip in economic activity and system inefficiencies.
Structural reforms are needed, including bringing fuel and alcohol under GST, despite State resistance.
The Centre should increase States' share in central taxes and reduce reliance on non-shareable cesses.
Exam Points
GST's eighth anniversary was on July 1.
June 2025 GST collections stood at ₹1.85 lakh crore.
This represents a 6.2% growth rate, the slowest in four years.
The Supreme Court recently reaffirmed the inclusion of "secular" and "socialist" in the Constitution's Preamble, words added by the 42nd Amendment in 1976. This legal reaffirmation comes amidst a "deliberate political strategy" by the RSS-BJP establishment to delegitimize India's modern, plural, democratic republic and usher in a communal, hierarchical order. RSS General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale and Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar have called for the removal of these terms, arguing they are alien to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's vision. The article emphasizes the need to resist these attacks through public awareness, legal challenges, and democratic struggle to defend the Constitution's foundational values.
The Supreme Court upheld the inclusion of "secular" and "socialist" in the Preamble of the Constitution.
These terms were added by the 42nd Amendment Act, 1976, during the Emergency.
The article alleges a "deliberate political strategy" by the RSS-BJP to dismantle the secular and socialist character of the Indian Republic.
Exam Points
Words "secular" and "socialist" were added to the Preamble by the 42nd Amendment Act, 1976.
The Supreme Court recently reaffirmed their inclusion.
The Supreme Court Collegium, led by Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai, has recommended the appointment of 39 individuals as judges across nine High Courts. These recommendations, made on July 1 and 2, follow intensive interactions with candidates from both judicial officers and practising advocates. This development addresses a persistent crisis of judicial vacancies and rising case pendency. As of July 1, High Courts had 371 vacancies against a sanctioned strength of 1,122, with a current working strength of 751 judges. Earlier this year, the Supreme Court also permitted High Courts to appoint retired judges as ad hoc judges under Article 224A to alleviate the backlog.
The Supreme Court Collegium recommended 39 new judges for nine High Courts.
The recommendations aim to address the significant judicial vacancies and case pendency.
High Courts currently face a substantial number of vacancies compared to their sanctioned strength.
Exam Points
The Collegium is headed by Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai.
39 judges were recommended for appointment across nine High Courts.
As of July 1, High Courts had 371 vacancies out of a sanctioned strength of 1,122.
Russia has become the first country to formally recognize the Taliban's government in Afghanistan since the group seized power in 2021. This decision followed Moscow's removal of the Taliban from its list of outlawed organizations. The Russian Foreign Ministry announced that it had received credentials from Afghanistan's newly appointed Ambassador Gul Hassan Hassan, stating that official recognition would foster "productive bilateral cooperation." Afghanistan's Foreign Ministry welcomed this as a historic step, with Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi calling it a "good example" for other countries. China also welcomed Russia's decision, advocating for Afghanistan's inclusion in the international community.
Russia is the first country to formally recognize the Taliban government in Afghanistan since 2021.
This recognition followed Russia's removal of the Taliban from its list of outlawed organizations.
The Russian Foreign Ministry cited the aim of fostering "productive bilateral cooperation."
Exam Points
Russia formally recognized the Taliban government in Afghanistan.
The Taliban seized power in Afghanistan in 2021.
Afghanistan's newly appointed Ambassador to Russia is Gul Hassan Hassan.
The Kerala High Court's Division Bench, comprising Justices A.K. Jayasankaran Nambiar and P.M. Manoj, has requested a report from the State government regarding the utilization of ₹120 crore in Central funds allocated for the rehabilitation of people affected by the Wayanad landslides in 2024. This directive came after amicus curiae Ranjith Thampan suggested the report. The court also granted the Centre two more weeks to decide on waiving loans for landslide-affected people. The Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) is developing a comprehensive disaster management plan (DMP) for its agencies to mitigate natural disasters.
Kerala High Court sought a report on the utilization of ₹120 crore Central funds for Wayanad landslide rehabilitation.
The Centre has been given two more weeks to decide on loan waivers for landslide victims.
The Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) is developing a disaster management plan.
Exam Points
Kerala High Court sought a report on ₹120 crore Central funds.
The funds are for rehabilitation of Wayanad landslide victims (2024).
The Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) is involved.
Read more
Read it. Retain it. Recall it.
Get spaced-repetition flashcards, daily quizzes and offline access — free on Android.