19 July 2025 UPSC Current Affairs | Tourism, Russia Sanctions, Yemen Case, INS Nistar

Daily key current affairs for UPSC – 19 July 2025: India’s tourism boom, impact of Russia sanctions, Yemen prisoner case, and INS Nistar’s strategic role.

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1. Pahalgam Strike & TRF as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO)

 What Happened?

• On April 22, 2025, a terror attack in Pahalgam (J&K) killed 26 civilians.

• The Resistance Front (TRF), backed by Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), claimed responsibility.

• U.S. designated TRF as FTO and SDGT, acknowledging its link to cross-border terror.

 Key Points in Short (With Elaboration)

1. About TRF

• Proxy of Pakistan-based LeT, formed in 2019.

• Operates in Jammu & Kashmir to mask LeT’s role under a new name.

• Uses social media and overground workers (OGWs) to radicalize youth.

2. Types of Terrorism (FBI Classification)

• International Terrorism: Linked to foreign groups (e.g., Al-Qaeda, ISIS).

• Domestic Terrorism: Homegrown, ideologically driven (e.g., TRF).

3. Causes of Terrorism

• Economic: Poverty, inequality.

• Social: Illiteracy, marginalization, ethnic divides.

• Geopolitical: Taliban in Afghanistan, ISIS rise, instability in neighbors.

• Technological: Use of encrypted apps, crypto for funding.

4. Challenges in Tackling Terrorism

• No global definition of terrorism (UN deadlock).

• Transnational crimes: Criminal-terror networks operate across borders.

• Terror financing: Through hawala, crypto, and extortion.

• Border management & legal delays in conviction.

5. Measures by India

• UAPA (1967, amended 2019): To ban terrorist groups and individuals.

• NIA Act (2008): Enables central investigations.

• NATGRID & MAC: Intelligence sharing platforms.

• Deradicalization Programs: To prevent youth radicalization.

• SCO-RATS: India collaborates with SCO on regional terror threats.

6. Global Measures

• FATF: Tracks and penalizes terror funding.

• UN Counter-Terror Coordination Compact: Collaborative global mechanism.

• U.S.-India cooperation: Data sharing and sanctions on LeT/TRF.

7. 2nd ARC Recommendations

• Define terrorism clearly under Indian law.

• Create fast-track courts for terror cases.

• Set up a federal anti-terror agency.

• Allow confession before police (with safeguards).

8. Implications for India

• Validates India’s claim of Pakistan’s proxy terror role.

• Enhances global support for India’s counter-terror stance.

• Boosts Indo-U.S. cooperation in intelligence and security.

2. Judge Removal Controversy

 About the Controversy

A major constitutional debate has emerged after Justice Yashwant Varma of the Allahabad High Court questioned the Supreme Court’s in-house inquiry mechanism. He claims it violates the Constitution as it bypasses the exclusive procedure laid out under Articles 124(4) and 217 for the removal of judges — a power vested solely in Parliament.

 Key Points

 1. Constitutional Provisions – Articles 124 & 217

• Judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts can be removed only through a Parliamentary process.

• The steps include:

  • A motion signed by 100 Lok Sabha or 50 Rajya Sabha members.

  • An investigative committee to examine charges.

  • Approval by two-thirds majority in both Houses.

  • Presidential assent to finalize removal.

 2. The In-House Inquiry Mechanism

• Introduced by the Supreme Court in 1997 as an internal ethical oversight process.

• Not backed by any statutory law or constitutional provision.

• Chief Justice of India (CJI) initiates and oversees the inquiry.

• Aimed at maintaining judicial standards without formal disciplinary powers.

 3. Justice Varma’s Argument

• Terms the SC’s in-house probe a “parallel and extra-constitutional process”.

• Argues it infringes on Parliamentary sovereignty in judge removal matters.

• Refused to resign after cash was discovered post a fire incident at his residence.

• The CJI forwarded the internal inquiry report to the Prime Minister and President, without involving Parliament.

 4. Code of Judicial Conduct (1997)

• Based on principles of:

  • Impartiality

  • Integrity

  • Judicial independence

  • Upholding public confidence

• Encourages ethical behavior but does not carry legal force.

 5. Legal vs Ethical Debate

• In-house mechanism ensures moral accountability but lacks legal enforceability.

• However, actual removal from office still requires Parliament’s approval.

• Raises the issue of whether internal ethics checks can override constitutional mandates.

3. Poverty & Inequality Debate

 About

• India’s inequality and poverty trends are under active debate.

• Recent data from World Bank, World Inequality Lab (WIL), and Oxfam present contrasting measurements.

• The crux of the debate: Consumption-based vs Income-based inequality.

 Key Reports Summary

1. World Bank (2023)

• Poverty reduced sharply.

• Gini Coefficient (Consumption-based): 25.5 (2022–23).

• Credits government welfare schemes (e.g., PDS, DBT) for reduced inequality.

• Noted:

  • Increase in asset ownership (pucca houses, vehicles).

  • Better diets: More proteins/fruits; less dependence on cereals.

2. World Inequality Lab (WIL, 2023)

• Gini Coefficient (Income-based): 62.

• Top 1% income share: 22.6% (up from 6.1% in 1982).

• Wealth share of top 1%: 40.1% (from 13% in 1961).

• Bottom 50%:

  • Income share: 15%.

  • Wealth share: ~6%.

3. Oxfam Report (2022)

• Top 1% own 43% of wealth.

• Bottom 50% own just 6%.

• Highlights deep income inequality.

 Income vs Consumption Inequality

Consumption-based Measures Show:

• Lower inequality due to welfare transfers like:

  • National Food Security Act (NFSA)

  • Public Distribution System (PDS)

  • Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT)

Income-based Measures Reveal:

• Real earnings and wealth accumulation disparities.

• Gaps in income from capital, property, business earnings.

 Causes of Inequality & Poverty

🔹 Historical Factors:

• British-era policies led to deindustrialization, land dispossession.

• Decline of indigenous crafts and rural economy.

🔹 Economic Causes:

• Jobless growth: Limited employment generation.

• Uneven regional development.

• Insufficient investment in agriculture, rural industries, MSMEs.

🔹 Social Issues:

• Poor education and literacy rates.

• Social exclusion (caste, gender, region).

• Inadequate housing, sanitation, urban slum conditions.

🔹 Political Shortcomings:

• Weak governance and corruption.

• Scheme leakages and inefficient targeting.

• Lack of policy stability and political intent.

 Global Practices to Reduce Inequality

China:

• Lifted 800M out of poverty via:

  • Fast economic growth.

  • Focused spending on health, education, social protection.

Nordic Countries (e.g., Norway, Sweden):

• Strong welfare state.

• Low inequality before taxes.

• Inclusive growth, high mobility.

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4. Tourism Sector: Growth, Challenges & Government Initiatives

About:
India is actively working to elevate the tourism sector’s contribution to GDP, employment, and forex earnings through strategic policies and infrastructure growth.

Key Points:

• Policy Milestones:

  • Tourism recognized as an industry in 1982.

  • 2002 policy promoted PPPs, circuits, and destination development.

• Digital & Investment Push:

  • Introduction of e-Tourist Visa (2014).

  • 100% FDI allowed in tourism infrastructure.

• International Ranking:

  • Ranked 39th out of 119 in WEF’s 2024 Travel & Tourism Development Index.

Recent Developments:

• ₹2.3 lakh crore earned in 2023 from inbound tourism.

• Government promoting niche areas: medical, spiritual, eco, culinary, cultural & adventure tourism.

Impact:

• Attracted over 10 million foreign tourists.

• Boosts India’s global image, local employment, and rural economies.

Challenges & Way Forward:

• Environmental stress and seasonality.

• Infrastructure gaps in remote areas.

• Human resource and skill deficits.

• Climate-related risks to adventure tourism.

• Focus needed on policy reforms and upskilling.

Major Government Schemes:

• Swadesh Darshan 2.0, PRASHAD

• Dekho Apna Desh, RCS-UDAN

• Battlefield Tourism, NIDHI+, IITF

• National Permit Rules 2021, Swachh Bharat tie-in

5. Russia Sanctions & Their Effect on India

About:
Post-Ukraine conflict, Western sanctions on Russia have disrupted global trade and energy flows, significantly influencing India’s geopolitical and economic interests.

Key Points:

• Sanction Types:

  • Bans on SWIFT access, oil imports, aviation, and financial assets.

  • Nord Stream 2 project frozen.

Recent Updates:

• EU sanctioned Nayara Energy (India) over Russian oil association.

• Russian oil price ceiling lowered to $47.6 per barrel.

• US mulls secondary sanctions on importers like India.

Impact on India:

• Economic: Higher crude costs, affecting inflation and currency.

• Strategic: 60% of India’s arms are Russian; CAATSA risk looms.

India’s Position:

• Prioritizes affordable energy for domestic needs.

• Criticizes selective enforcement by the West.

• Advocates multi-polar diplomacy and diversified trade.

6. Yemen Crisis & Nimisha Priya Case

About:
The prolonged civil war in Yemen has led to large-scale humanitarian issues. An Indian nurse’s capital punishment case has drawn national attention.

Key Points:

• Conflict Background:

  • Since 2015, Saudi-led coalition strikes against Houthis.

  • UAE-Saudi tension and factional divisions block peace.

• Nimisha Priya Case:

  • Indian nurse sentenced to death for murder.

  • Indian Supreme Court asked the Centre to assist with blood money negotiations.

Diaspora Impact:

• Highlights the risks for Indians in war-torn nations.

• Poses diplomatic and humanitarian challenges for India.

India’s Role:

• Must balance protection of its nationals with its non-intervention policy.

7.  INS Nistar: Maritime Strengthening Through Indigenous Design

About:
INS Nistar is India’s first locally-built vessel for deep-sea submarine rescue, enhancing naval rescue and support capabilities.

Key Points:

• Rescue Features:

  • Operates at depths of 300m; deploys DSRV for rescues up to 1,000m.

  • Can safely evacuate 14 submariners at once.

• Advanced Technology:

  • ROVs, robotic arms, SONAR, diving systems, 15-ton underwater crane.

• Make in India Milestone:

  • Built by Hindustan Shipyard Ltd with 80% domestic components.

  • Supported by 120+ Indian MSMEs.

• Deployment:

  • INS Nistar stationed in Visakhapatnam (Eastern Command).

  • INS Nipun serves Western Command from Mumbai.

Global Standing:

• India joins 12 elite nations with dedicated submarine rescue vessels.

• One of the few with airlift-ready DSRVs for global emergencies.

Strategic Role:

• Strengthens India’s image as a regional maritime security leader.

• Enables cooperation in submarine-related crises in the Indo-Pacific.