Daily Current Affairs

July 5, 2025

Current Affairs

India unveils Aluminium and Copper Vision Documents

Context: India unveiled the Aluminium and Copper Vision documents at the international conference of World Mining Congress (WMC). The conference was hosted by the Indian National Committee of the WMC in Hyderabad, India.

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key features of Aluminium and Copper Vision Document, Production targets and strategies.

These documents outline the long-term roadmaps to build a globally competitive and environmentally responsible aluminium industry and a sustainable, resilient and future-ready copper ecosystem, aligning with the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.

Aluminium Vision Document

  • Status: India has an untapped potential in the aluminium sector. Despite being the world’s second-largest producer, India contributes only 6% to global output.
  • Key Targets:  
    • Scale up aluminium production six-fold by 2047
    • Expand bauxite production capacity to 150 million tonnes per annum (MTPA)
    • Double National aluminium recycling rate
    • Adopt low-carbon technologies for sustainable production
    • Strengthen raw material security through targeted policy reforms and institutional frameworks. 
  • Significance: Support India’s shift towards clean energy, electric mobility (EVs), and sustainable infrastructure development. 
  • Key Facts:
    • Bauxite (a sedimentary rock) is the primary ore of Aluminium. Odisha is India's largest bauxite-producing state and has the largest bauxite reserves. 
    • In FY23, Odisha produced 17.4 million tonnes of Bauxite which accounts for ~73% of the nation’s share.

Copper Vision Document: 

  • Copper has a vital role in India’s energy transition, infrastructure growth, and green technology. It is an essential input in solar panels, EVs, turbines, electricity grids, semiconductors, undersea cables, and munitions.
  • The vision document anticipates a six-fold increase in the demand of Copper by 2047. 
  • Key Targets: 
    • Addition of 5 million tonnes per annum of smelting and refining capacity by 2030.
    • Scaling up secondary refining and enhance domestic recycling
    • Reduce dependence on open-market imports by securing overseas mineral assets through global partnerships.
  • Key Facts:
    • Copper ore is typically found in the Earth's crust in the form of copper minerals, such as chalcopyrite, bornite, malachite, chalcocite etc. 
    • Copper was added to India’s 30 critical minerals list in 2023 and is supported by the National Critical Mineral Mission. 
    • Domestic ore production in FY24 was 3.78 million tonnes. India’s copper reserves are mainly located in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Jharkhand. 
    • India is reliant on imports to meet its demand. India imported raw copper ores and concentrates worth US$ 3.3 billion in FY23, largely from Chile, Indonesia, Australia, and Peru. 

India curbs Jute and Flax Imports from Bangladesh

Context: India's Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has restricted the import of select jute and flax products from Bangladesh to a single entry point, Nhava Sheva Seaport (JNPT) near Mumbai. The directive has added a new layer of complexity to an already delicate trade relationship between the two South Asian neighbours. 

Relevance of the Topic :Prelims: Key facts related to India-Bangladesh trade.

Mains: Impact of India’s Restriction on Jute and Flax Imports from Bangladesh.

The official notification cites quality control, traceability, and inspection uniformity as the primary reasons behind this move. 

India - Bangladesh Trade Relations:  

  • In FY24, Indian exports to Bangladesh stood at $13.3 billion, while imports were approximately $2.7 billion, highlighting the strategic leverage India holds. 
  • Jute trade has long been a cornerstone of Bangladesh’s exports to India.
  • Under regional frameworks like the South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA) and India’s Duty-Free Tariff Preference (DFTP) Scheme for Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Bangladesh has enjoyed near-complete duty-free access to the Indian market. 
  • The import value of raw jute from Bangladesh surged from $3.26 million in 2020 to $9.43 million in 2022, stabilising around $8.64 million in 2024. 
  • Imports of jute yarn increased from $2.06 million in 2020 to $3.82 million in 2023, underscoring Bangladesh’s dominance in natural fibre supply chains. 
  • The import of single flax yarn spiked from $95,107 in 2020 to $3.88 million in 2021.

However, this sharp growth also raised concerns within Indian regulatory bodies over potential misclassification, under-invoicing, and exploitation of less-monitored land ports. 

These inconsistencies raise valid concerns about compliance and origin, particularly when routed through smaller land ports lacking the digital and logistical infrastructure of seaports like Nhava Sheva.

Key Implications: 

Economic Impact on Bangladesh: 

  • This move blocks access through traditional land ports like Petrapole and Gede, which were commonly used for cross-border trade between India and Bangladesh. 
  • Bangladesh’s small and medium exporters rely heavily on land routes for cost-effective transportation, redirection to a seaport increases logistics costs and delays, affecting their competitiveness.

Impact on Bilateral Relations: 

  • While regulatory vigilance is justifiable, the unilateral nature of such actions risks denting bilateral trust. It may dampen investor confidence, harm small exporters, and strain the goodwill that has defined India-Bangladesh trade for decades. 
  • Sudden port restrictions or policy shifts risk unsettling an otherwise growing and mutually beneficial trade relationship.

Way Forward

  • Trade regulation must be accompanied by diplomatic engagement and institutional transparency. 
  • Formalise Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) to expand bilateral trade and investment.
  • Build shared inspection infrastructure.
  • Engage in bilateral consultations to ensure that trade flows remain not just regulated but resilient.

After pursuing an open door policy for decades, recent measures by India suggest a shift from trade liberalisation to trade management- to protect domestic interests, plug revenue leakages, and assert regulatory sovereignty. While the rationale may be economically sound, the execution must be diplomatically sensitive. 

Also Read: India restricts Bangladeshi Exports via all Land Ports 

Endocrine Disruptors in Plastic Waste

Context: Plastic pollution is no longer a distant environmental concern but has become a biological invasion with profound implications for human health. Infiltration of microplastics and plastic-derived endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) into our bodies is triggering hormonal disruption, reproductive dysfunction and chronic diseases. 

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Basics of Microplastics, EDCs, Plastic Waste Management Rules. Mains: Issues related to Plastic Pollution.

Impact of Microplastics on Human Health

Microplastics are plastic particles less than 5 millimeters in diameter. Once considered inert pollutants, microplastics are now recognised as biologically active.

  • Microplastics have been found in human lungs, hearts, placentas, breast milk, ovarian follicular fluid, and semen.
  • A 2024 study reported the presence of microplastics in nearly 89% of blood samples in India, with an average concentration of 4.2 particles per milliliter.
  • Animal studies (Food and Chemical Toxicology 2023) found:
    • Low-dose polystyrene microplastics disrupted testosterone, impaired sperm, and damaged the blood-testis barrier. 
    • Similar effects in ovaries included- reduced anti-Müllerian hormone, oxidative stress, and cell death.
  • A 2025 study found microplastics in 14 of 18 follicular fluid samples from women undergoing fertility treatment in Italy, linking them to poor egg quality, menstrual irregularities, low estradiol levels, and higher miscarriage. 

What are Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs)?

  • EDCs are chemicals that interfere with our hormonal systems- damaging reproductive health and increasing our susceptibility to chronic diseases, including cancer. 
  • EDCs are commonly used as additives in plastic manufacturing to enhance flexibility, durability, or heat resistance. Over time, these chemicals leach out of plastic products into food, water, air, and the human body. 

Plastics contain EDCs such as: 

  • Bisphenol A (BPA) and BPS used in water bottles, food containers, and thermal paper.
  • Phthalates (E.g., DEHP, DBP) used to soften plastics and found in cosmetics, toys and IV tubing. 
  • PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) found in food packaging and non-stick cookware.

Impact of EDCs on Human Health:  

  • Disrupt Hormonal Function: 
    • These chemicals mimic or block natural hormones such as estrogen, testosterone, thyroid hormones, and cortisol. 
    • They interfere with receptor binding, disrupt gene expression in reproductive organs, and induce oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis (cell death). 
    • Exposure to BPA and phthalates has been associated with lower testosterone levels and elevated luteinizing hormone (LH) levels- both indicators of endocrine disruption.
  • Reproductive and Gynecological disorders: Epidemiological studies have also linked exposure to phthalates and BPA with conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, and spontaneous abortions. 
  • Carcinogenic potential: Studies from India have shown that women with elevated levels of DEHP in their urine face nearly a threefold increased risk of breast cancer. Exposure to BPA and phthalates has also been linked to higher incidences of prostate, uterine, and testicular cancers.
  • Chronic and Metabolic disorders: PFAS exposure has been associated with metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, and thyroid dysfunction, as reported in a 2024 study. EDCs mimic cortisol, disrupt insulin sensitivity, and promote fat storage, contributing to obesity and type 2 diabetes.

India - Epicentre of Plastic Health Crisis:  

India, now the world’s largest generator of plastic waste, stands at the epicentre of this escalating public health emergency. 

  • India generates over 9.3 million tonnes of plastic waste each year. Of this, approximately 5.8 million tonnes are incinerated, releasing toxic gases, while 3.5 million tonnes end up polluting the environment. 
  • Studies have shown that residents in cities like Mumbai are exposed to between 382 and 2,012 microplastic particles daily through air, food, and water.
  • Health burden associated with EDCs in India is staggering, costing over ₹25,000 crore annually due to increased healthcare spending and lost productivity.
  • Case study: In Nagpur, doctors are reporting an increase in cases of early puberty, respiratory problems, obesity, and learning disorders in children, conditions increasingly linked to plastic pollution. 
  • The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) detected phthalate concentrations in drinking water samples from Delhi, Jabalpur, and Chennai that exceeded European Union safety limits.

Policy Gaps and Challenges:  

  • Despite progressive policies like the Plastic Waste Management Rules (2016, updated in 2022 and 2024), enforcement remains inconsistent. 
  • Current regulations do not account for low-dose effects or the complex interactions of EDCs, nor do they address the specific vulnerabilities of children and pregnant women. 

Way Forward

  • Biomonitoring and surveillance are crucial for establishing national programmes that measure EDC levels in blood, urine, and breast milk.
  • Fund longitudinal studies to assess the health impacts of EDC exposure on fertility, neurodevelopment, and chronic diseases. 
  • Spread public awareness and educate people on the risks of microwaving food in plastic containers and promoting the use of glass, stainless steel, and EDC-free alternatives. 
  • Encourage antioxidant-rich diets to oxidative stress.
  • Enforce plastic segregation, recycling, and safe disposal, and invest in microplastic filtration systems for water treatment plants. 
  • Incentivise the development of biodegradable, non-toxic materials. 

Can the Supreme Court halt an Act passed by a State?

Context: The Supreme Court held that Chhattisgarh’s law on auxiliary forces did not violate its 2011 order banning Special Police Officers (SPOs), clarifying that valid legislation cannot be treated as contempt of Court.

Relevance of the topic:

Prelims: Concept of Separation of powers.

Mains: Nandini Sundar and Others vs State of Chhattisgarh case judgement and Doctrine of Separation of powers.

In the Nandini Sundar and Others vs State of Chhattisgarh case, the Supreme Court dismissed a contempt petition against the State of Chhattisgarh for enacting the Chhattisgarh Auxiliary Armed Police Forces Act, 2011. 

The petitioners alleged that the State violated the Supreme Court’s 2011 order that prohibited the use of Special Police Officers (SPOs) in anti-Maoist operations. 

Background: The 2011 Supreme Court Order

The Supreme Court in July 2011 issued an order stating that : 

  • The State of Chhattisgarh shall cease and desist from using Special Police Officers (SPOs) in any activities, directly or indirectly, aimed at controlling, countering, mitigating or otherwise eliminating Maoist activities. 
  • The State was directed to prevent the operation of groups like Salwa Judum and Koya Commandos.
  • The Court also directed the Union of India to cease and desist from using any of its funds in supporting, directly or indirectly, the recruitment of SPOs for the purposes of engaging in any form of counter-insurgency activities against Maoists.
  • The Court concluded that the appointment of inadequately paid and ill-trained SPOs engaged in checking Maoism was violative of Article 14 and Article 21 of the Constitution

Consequent to the Supreme Court order of July 2011, the State of Chhattisgarh enacted the Chhattisgarh Auxiliary Armed Police Forces Act, 2011. 

Key Provisions of Chhattisgarh Auxiliary Armed Police Forces Act 2011: 

  • Section 4(1) of the Act provides that an auxiliary force shall be constituted ‘to aid and assist the security forces’ in the maintenance of public order and preventing, controlling and combatting Maoist/Naxal violence and insurgency, etc. 
  • The members of the auxiliary force shall not be deployed in the front-line positions of an operation and shall always work under supervision of the security forces.
  • The provision of compulsory training for a period not less than six months, is also prescribed under the Act.
  • Only those SPOs, who would be eligible as per these prescribed yardsticks, were to be inducted into the auxiliary force (by screening committee).

A petition was filed claiming that the enactment was not in consonance with the Court’s order and therefore amounted to contempt of Court.

The Supreme Court rejected the Contempt petition stating that: 

  • The state of Chhattisgarh had complied with all directives from the 2011 ruling.
  • Every State legislature has plenary powers to pass an enactment so long as the said enactment was not declared to be ultra vires of the Constitution. 
  • Any law made by Parliament or a State Legislature cannot be held as an act of contempt. 
  • The Court clarified that a legislature has the power to pass a law, to remove the basis of a judgment or validate a law which has been struck down by a Constitutional Court. This is the core of the doctrine of separation of powers and must always be acknowledged in a constitutional democracy.
  • The judiciary cannot invalidate legislation on contempt grounds unless the law is proven to be beyond legislative competence, or violative of the Constitution.

In Indian Aluminium Co. versus State of Kerala (1996), the Supreme Court observed that Courts must maintain the delicate balance devised by the Constitution between the three sovereign functionaries (Legislature, Executive, Judiciary).  

Gig Workers Missing from PLFS

Context: The Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS), India's primary source for labor statistics, lacks a clear classification of Gig Workers. Gig workers are subsumed under broad categories such as ‘self-employed’, ‘own-account workers’, or ‘casual labour’ in the PLFS. This leads to their under-representation in official data.

Relevance of the topic:

Prelims: Concept of Gig Worker, Platform workers. 

Mains: Gig workers: Growth drivers, benefits, challenges, recommendations.

Gig Workers: 

  • Gig workers were first incorporated into the legal framework through the Code on Social Security 2020. 
  • The Code on Social Security defines a Gig Worker as a person who participates in a work arrangement and earns from such activities outside of a traditional employer-employee relationship. The above definition separates gig workers from both formal and informal categories.
  • The Code on Social Security, 2020 defines Platform Work as a work arrangement outside of a traditional employer - employee relationship in which organisations or individuals use an online platform to access other organisations or individuals to solve specific problems or to provide specific services or any such other activities which may be notified by the Central Government, in exchange for payment.
  • According to NITI Aayog’s 2022 report ‘India’s Booming Gig and Platform Economy,’ the gig workforce is expected to reach 23.5 million by 2029-30. Presently around 77 lakh workers (1.5% of workforce) are employed in the Gig Economy and it is expected to increase to 2.35 crore workers by 2029-30.
image 10

Gig Workers face multifaceted challenges such as: 

  • Non-recognition of workers as employees
  • Job and income insecurity 
  • High commission and unfair penalties charged by platform companies 
  • Lack of social security
  • Inability to form trade unions, lack of career growth and skill upgradation etc.
image 10

Lack of clear classification of Gig Workers in PLFS: 

  • One of the major challenges is lack of clear classification of Gig Workers in India’s primary labour statistics source, the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS).
  • Gig workers are subsumed under broad categories such as ‘self-employed’, ‘own-account workers’, or ‘casual labour’ in the PLFS.

It has following implications:  

  • Lack of a distinct category leads to statistical invisibility, making gig workers’ vulnerabilities and working conditions under-represented in official data.
  • Social protection schemes under the Code on Social Security, 2020 such as the Social Security Fund and the National Social Security Board depend on PLFS data for evidence-based policy making. However, absence of a distinct classification for gig and platform workers in the PLFS undermines the goal of evidence-based policymaking. Inaccurate classification results in uneven access to welfare schemes and exclusion errors.

The 2025 PLFS revision introduced some important updates: a larger sample size, monthly estimates, and better rural representation. However, it still does not address the issues of how gig work is defined and understood.

In response to a query in Rajya Sabha, the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation stated, “No update in the PLFS Schedule has been undertaken with the objective of specifically identifying persons engaged in the gig economy”. 

However, all market activities performed for pay or profit, including gig work, fall under the scope of economic activity in the PLFS. Anyone engaged in such work during the reference period is considered employed. 

Way Forward

NITI Aayog in its report titled “India’s booming Gig and Platform economy” has given following recommendations: 

  • Official labour survey reports such as PLFS should collect data related to Gig Workers.
  • Launch Platform India Initiative on the lines of the Start-up India to provide handholding, funding support, skill development etc. to Gig Workers.
  • Accelerate financial inclusion: Unsecured loans to first-time borrowers may be classified as Priority Sector Lending.
  • Skilling and Issuance of skill certificates by platform companies to enhance employability of Gig Workers.
  • Enhancing Social Inclusion: Platform businesses should partner with NGOs to employ women and people belonging to vulnerable sections.
  • Enhancing Social Security: E.g., Provide Paid Sick Leave and Occupational Disease and Work Accident Insurance on the lines of Indonesia’s model.

Also Read: What is a Gig Worker? - Definition & Meaning 

Moon Dust is less harmful than Earth's Dust

Context: According to a study, published recently in Space Research, moondust is less harmful than the particulates found on the Earth. 

Relevance of the Topic:  Prelims: About the key findings of the study.

In the study, the researchers used two laboratory-generated versions of lunar dust called LMS-1 and LHS-1, mimicking dust from the moon’s mare and highland regions, respectively in their experiments.

Key Findings of the Study

  • Moondust is less toxic than PM2.5: Laboratory-simulated moondust particles (LMS-1 and LHS-1) were found to be less harmful to bronchial lung cells than fine particulate matter (PM2.5) commonly found in urban pollution on Earth.
  • Larger moondust particles are toxic at high concentrations: Large particles from both lunar simulants (LMS-1 and LHS-1) caused toxicity and inflammation, but only at very high exposure levels.
  • Small moondust particles are less toxic to bronchial cells: The smaller particles in both dust types that a human could breathe deep into the lungs were found to be less toxic to bronchial cells than PM2.5 particles on the earth are known to be.
  • Both lunar dust and Earth dust have potential health risks: Both the moondust simulants and earth dust caused alveolar cells to die. Despite being less toxic to bronchial cells, both large and small moondust particles caused the death of alveolar cells, similar to or worse than PM2.5. Alveoli are critical for oxygen exchange, making this a serious concern for prolonged exposure.

The findings resonate with the experiences of Apollo astronauts between 1969 and 1972, who frequently reported lunar dust clinging to their spacesuits and causing irritation to their eyes and respiratory systems. Lunar dust is known to be statically charged, contributing to its pervasive nature and ability to adhere to surfaces.

Significance of the findings:  

  • The study helps us understand how breathing in moondust might affect astronauts' lungs, especially when they live and work on the Moon for longer periods.
  • This knowledge can be used to make dust-proof suits, helmets, and air filters to protect astronauts from inhaling harmful particles.
  • As missions like NASA’s Artemis II (2026) and future lunar bases are being planned, this study gives early warnings about possible health risks.

Five-nation tour to deepen India’s Global South Outreach

Context: The Prime Minister of India is on a five-nation diplomatic tour from July 2 to 9 in Ghana, Trinidad & Tobago, Argentina, Brazil and Namibia aimed at deepening India's bilateral ties and strengthening India’s leadership role in the Global South. 

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key Highlights of the visits; Location of the countries. Mains: Significance of the Global South Outreach 

This tour is significant for enhancing cooperation in areas like energy, economy, defence, healthcare, and capacity building. 

image 8

Countries in the Tour: Purpose and Significance 

1. Ghana:  

  • First visit by an Indian PM to Ghana in the last three decades.
  • Ghana is one of West Africa’s fastest-growing economies, its relationship with India is marked by robust and expanding trade and investment.
  • Ghana is a valued partner in the Global South and plays an important role in the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
  • India is the largest destination for Ghanaian exports; gold accounts for more than 70% of India’s imports from Ghana. 
  • India and Ghana have elevated their ties to the level of comprehensive partnership with the resolve to expand bilateral ties in food security, pharmaceuticals, and development cooperation. Ghana plans to emerge as the vaccine hub for Africa.
  • India-Ghana cooperation will be enhanced in areas- such as training of armed forces, maritime security, defence supply and cyber security. 
  • Indian companies will cooperate with Ghana in the exploration and mining of critical minerals. India would share its experience of UPI digital payments with Ghana. 
  • Prime Minister Modi was conferred with the country’s highest state honour, the Companion of the Order of the Star of Ghana during the visit for his distinguished statesmanship and influential global leadership.

2. Trinidad & Tobago: 

  • First bilateral visit by an Indian PM after 1999.
  • 40-45% of the Indian diaspora in the Caribbean lives in Trinidad and Tobago.
  • Both Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and President Christine Carla Kangaloo are of Indian origin.
  • The visit will mark 180 years of the arrival of Indian immigrants in T&T.
  • The bilateral economic relationship has witnessed steady growth, with total trade reaching $341.61 million in FY 2024-25.

3. Argentina: 

  • First bilateral visit by an Indian PM in 57 years. 
  • Both countries will review ongoing cooperation and discuss ways to enhance defence, agriculture, mining, oil and gas, energy, etc. partnerships. 
  • Argentina is a key economic partner in Latin America and a G20 member.
  • India and Argentina have significantly advanced bilateral cooperation in the mineral resources sector, particularly in lithium, a critical input for India’s green energy transition.
  • Argentina is a major supplier of soybean and sunflower oil to India.
  • In 2024, India was Argentina’s fifth-largest trading partner and export destination.

4. Brazil: 

  • Brazil is India’s largest trading partner in South America.
  • Indian PM will meet Brazilian President during the BRICS Leaders’ Summit in Rio de Janeiro, which will be followed by a State Visit. 
  • At BRICS, the PM will discuss the reform of global governance, peace and security, strengthening multilateralism, responsible use of AI, climate action, global health, etc.
  • For the State Visit, the PM will travel to Brasilia where he will hold bilateral discussions on broadening the Strategic Partnership in areas of mutual interest, including trade, defence, energy, space, technology, agriculture, and health. 

5. Namibia: 

  • Bilateral trade has grown from less than $3 million in 2000 to almost $600 million now. 
  • Indian companies have invested in mining, manufacturing, diamond processing and services in Namibia.
  • Eight cheetahs from Namibia were released by the PM at Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh in 2022, the world’s first intercontinental translocation of a major carnivore species.
image 9

Significance of India's Global South Outreach

  • Reinforces India’s leadership role in the Global South. 
  • Focus on South-South cooperation.
  • Strengthens India's economic diplomacy and strategic alliances.
  • Enhances cultural and diaspora linkages.
  • Counter China’s influence with democratic and transparent partnerships.
  • India reasserting itself as a voice of emerging economies.

Also Read: The Global South: origins and significance 

The diplomatic trip aims to reinforce partnerships on both sides of the Atlantic and strengthen India’s collaboration with regional and multilateral platforms including BRICS, the African Union, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and the Caribbean Community, or CARICOM. 

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