Daily Current Affairs- 27th July 2025

Daily Current Affairs- 27th July 2025

Impeachment Motion Against Justice Verma / Yashwant Varma

In the News: In July 2025, Parliamentarians across party lines submitted impeachment motions against Justice Yashwant Verma (Allahabad High Court judge, formerly Delhi HC), following a Supreme Court-appointed inquiry that uncovered substantial burnt and unaccounted cash at his Delhi residence. Notices were filed in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, triggering inquiries under constitutional provisions (Articles 124, 217, 218) beginning the formal removal process.

Key Points:

• Impeachment Notice Filed: On July 21, 145 Lok Sabha MPs—including members from BJP, Congress, JDU, TDP, JDS, Shiv Sena (Shinde), CPM, and others—signed a motion. Similar support in Rajya Sabha reached 63 MPs, exceeding the constitutional threshold (≥100 Lok Sabha, ≥50 Rajya Sabha) required to initiate proceedings.
• Constitutional & Legal Basis: Removal of a High Court or Supreme Court judge is permitted only on grounds of "proved misbehaviour" or "incapacity" under Articles 124 and 218; the process is governed by the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968.
• Trigger Allegation – Cash Row: A fire at Justice Varma’s official residence in March 2025 led to the recovery of large amounts of burnt currency. A three-judge in-house panel chaired by then‑CJI Sanjiv Khanna concluded the allegations were credible enough to warrant removal. Justice Varma denied any involvement, calling it a conspiracy. He was transferred to the Allahabad High Court and stripped of judicial duties.
• Parliamentary and Government Positions: Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju confirmed more than 100 MPs had signed the notice, and stated that the motion will proceed in the Lok Sabha. He emphasized that impeachment must be a collective parliamentary exercise, not a unilateral government decision.
• Formation of Inquiry Committee: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla is set to form a three-member judicial inquiry panel, per statutory norms under the Judges (Inquiry) Act. It is expected to include a Supreme Court judge or CJI, a high court CJ, and a distinguished jurist. Parallel motions exist in Rajya Sabha too.
• Delay or Selective Process?: Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar accepted the original motion, causing controversy and triggering his abrupt resignation. Subsequently, the government opted to prioritize the Lok Sabha route, which critics—especially the Congress—called political and procedural pickiness. The Rajya Sabha motion has not been admitted.
• Judicial Review: Justice Varma has filed a petition in the Supreme Court challenging the inquiry report, claiming denial of fair hearing. The SC is scheduled to hear the petition on July 28, with Chief Justice Gavai having recused himself. Legal observers suggest that Parliament’s impeachment process will likely proceed ahead of judicial review. 

Maharashtra Introduces 10% EWS Quota in Private Medical Colleges

In the News: In late July 2025, the Maharashtra CET Cell quietly announced in its NEET admission brochure that the state is now implementing a 10% reservation for the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) within the state‑quota seats of private unaided (non-minority) medical colleges, starting from the 2025‑26 academic year.

Key Points:

• Eligibility Criteria: This quota applies to general‑category candidates whose family income is below ₹8 lakh per annum. The reservation covers 10% of the state‑quota seats in private unaided medical colleges (excluding minority institutions).
• Seat Numbers: Maharashtra has 22 private medical colleges, offering about 3,120 MBBS seats under the general category. Hence, approximately 300 seats are now designated for EWS candidates.
• No Seat Expansion: Unlike earlier EWS rollouts in government colleges (which came with a 25% increase in intake), private colleges have not been granted any increase in total seat capacity. The National Medical Commission (NMC) reportedly stated it has no plan for a seat hike at present.
• Stakeholder Pushback: Parents, students, and college associations voiced strong objections, citing the absence of prior consultation and warning that general‑category applicants face significantly reduced opportunities and rising cut‑offs.
• Financial Concerns for Institutions: Private colleges argue that fewer open‑category seats will affect revenue, especially since EWS seats attract lower or subsidized fees. They may seek new fee categories or adjust fee structures under the Fee Regulatory Authority’s guidelines to offset losses.
• Legal & Regulatory Basis: Critics point to Supreme Court directives and past High Court rulings stating that EWS reservations must not reduce existing category seats, and that any quota based on the open category must be accompanied by a proportional 25% increase in intake. 

India–Singapore Joint Military Exercise ‘Bold Kurukshetra 2025’

In the News: On July 27, 2025, the 14th edition of the India–Singapore joint military exercise Bold Kurukshetra 2025 commenced in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, and will continue until August 4, 2025, as announced by India’s Ministry of Defence. 

Key Points:

• Participating Units: India is fielding its Mechanised Infantry Regiment, while Singapore is deploying the 42 Singapore Armoured Regiment of the 4 Singapore Armoured Brigade.
• Exercise Format & Focus: This iteration includes Table‑Top Exercises and Computer‑Based Wargames, designed to validate operational procedures for mechanised warfare under a United Nations mandate.
• Command & Ceremony: Indian contingent led by Colonel Arjun Ganapathi (Mechanised Infantry Regiment). Singaporean contingent led by Lieutenant Colonel Khiew Zhi Yoong (42 Singapore Armoured Regiment). Senior officers such as Brigadier Pritam (Commander, 340 (I) Mechanised Brigade) and Colonel Wong Zeng Yu (Commander, 4 Singapore Armoured Brigade) attended the opening.
• Symbolic Handover: The 42 Singapore Armoured Regiment handed over their regimental flag to the Indian formation, marking formal transfer of command during the exercise.
• Closure & Display: The exercise will culminate in an equipment display by the Indian Army, showcasing mechanised assets and fostering tactical learning. 

France to Recognise Palestinian State in 2025

In the News: French President Emmanuel Macron announced on July 24, 2025, that France will officially recognise the State of Palestine at the UN General Assembly in September 2025, making it the first G7 nation to do so. The move reflects France’s longstanding commitment to a two-state solution amid the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. 

Key Points:

• Official Recognition Timeline: Macron confirmed via a letter to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, and on social media platform X, that formal recognition will take place during the UN General Assembly in September 2025.
• Symbolic Significance: France becomes the first major Western and G7 country to officially recognise Palestinian statehood, marking a significant shift in diplomatic stance.
• International Reaction:
  • Israel vehemently condemned the move. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called it a reward for terrorism, while Defense Minister Israel Katz termed it disgraceful.
  • United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the decision as “reckless” and harmful to peace efforts. The U.S. similarly criticized the timing amid the Gaza conflict.
  • In contrast, Saudi Arabia, Ireland, Spain, and other European nations welcomed the move as historic and constructive.
• Pressure on Allies: Macron's announcement has increased diplomatic pressure on the UK and Germany to follow suit. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces mounting pressure from cabinet members and MPs to recognise Palestine. Germany has remained non-committal so far.
• Diplomatic Strategy Context: France’s initiative comes ahead of the UN-hosted International Conference on Gaza and two-state solution scheduled for July 28–29, 2025 in New York, where diplomatic momentum is building. 

Ramsar COP15 Advances Global Wetland Conservation Efforts

In the News: From July 23–31, 2025, over 3,000 delegates from 172 countries convened in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, for the 15th Meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Ramsar Convention (COP15). The summit addressed accelerating wetland loss and adopted major initiatives to steer global wetland conservation efforts. 

Key Points:

• PD: Significant Wetland Decline & Economic Risk: Since 1970, wetlands have declined by about 35%, three times faster than forest loss. Without urgent action, 20% more could vanish by 2050, potentially resulting in US $39 trillion of lost ecosystem services (clean water, flood mitigation, food, carbon storage) that now contribute over 7.5% of global GDP.
• Victoria Falls Declaration: COP15 adopted the Victoria Falls Declaration, a new policy framework committing nations to integrate wetlands into climate action, development plans, and restoration efforts.
• Global Wetland Restoration Fund: Delegates proposed the establishment of a Global Wetland Restoration Fund, aimed at mobilizing long-term financing to support wetland preservation and rehabilitation.
• Strategic Plan 2025–2034: A new long-term Strategic Plan for the Ramsar Convention was finalized, setting global targets and priorities for freshwater ecosystems over the next decade.
• Role of Wildlife in Ecosystem Health: Experts emphasized that restoration must go beyond hydrology and vegetation—it must include wildlife populations like elephants, hippos, fish, and waterbirds that help maintain wetland ecological function.
• Zimbabwe’s Ramsar Leadership: Zimbabwe assumed a three-year presidency of the Convention, spotlighting its own Ramsar Sites—like Victoria Falls—and positioning itself to drive global wetland action forward.
• Global Wetland Outlook 2025 Report: The GWO 2025 update was launched, offering the most comprehensive data yet on global wetland loss, ecological condition, economic valuation, and restoration pathways. 

ISRO Chief Dr. V. Narayanan Honoured with GP Birla Memorial Award

In the News: On July 25, 2025, Dr. V. Narayanan—Chairman of ISRO and Secretary of the Department of Space—was conferred with the prestigious G. P. Birla Memorial Award 2025, also known as the Lifetime Achievement Award, in recognition of his leadership and significant contributions to India’s space programme. The award was presented by Nirmala Birla, Chairperson of the G. P. Birla Archaeological, Astronomical and Scientific Institute, during a ceremony in Hyderabad. 

Key Points

• Recipient Profile: V. Narayanan, serving as ISRO Chairman and Secretary, began his tenure on January 14, 2025, succeeding S. Somanath. A veteran cryogenic and rocket propulsion scientist, he played a key role in developing indigenous cryogenic engine systems for India’s GSLV Mk‑III and Chandrayaan missions.
• Reasons for Recognition:
  • Leadership in advancing India’s cryogenic propulsion technology
  • Under his guidance, ISRO expanded its launch and deep-space mission capabilities
  • Spearheaded planning of multiple strategic missions including Gaganyaan, Chandrayaan-4/5, and India’s own space station roadmap.
• Award Legacy: The G. P. Birla Memorial Award is one of India’s most esteemed honors in science and technology, previously awarded to luminaries such as Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, Dr. V. K. R. V. Kasturirangan, and Nobel laureate Dr. Venkatraman Ramakrishnan.
• Lecture & Vision Presentation: At the award ceremony, hosted as the GP Birla Memorial Lecture on Indian Space Programme – Accomplishments, Challenges, and Future Perspectives, Dr. Narayanan presented India’s ambitious vision: tripling the number of operational satellites—from about 55 to over 150—within the next three years, building a space station with the first module by 2028 and full deployment by 2035, and ramping up launch cadence, including NISAR by July 30.