Daily Current Affairs : 2 July 2025

National Sports Policy (NSP) 2025

The Union Cabinet has approved the National Sports Policy 2025, replacing the 2001 framework. The new policy emphasizes a whole-of-government approach, integrating sports development across ministries to foster grassroots-to-elite pipelines with the goal of emerging as a global sporting powerhouse by 2036 Olympics Key objectives include strengthening National Sports Federations, promoting sports-inclusive education, expanding PPP models, and positioning sports as both health interventions and economic drivers through tourism and leagues . The policy is expected to boost winter sports infrastructure, women’s participation, and professional league ecosystems .

Eight Years of Goods and Services Tax (GST)

July 1, 2025 marks eight years since GST implementation in India. Gross collections have reached a record ₹22.08 lakh crore in FY25, doubling in the past five years Key benefits include a unified tax regime, ease of doing business, broadened compliance, and stronger center-state cooperation Challenges remain in slab rationalization, inclusion of petroleum products, and dispute resolution—reforms suggested by PwC, Deloitte, and EY . Initiatives like GST 2.0 aim to simplify processes further and include sectors like ATF under the GST canopy indiandailypost.com+1timesofindia.indiatimes.com+1.

Sovereign Debt Rising in the Developing World

Global financial institutions and credit rating agencies report a steady rise in sovereign debt within developing economies. While multiple causes—including pandemic-related expenditures, infrastructure borrowing, and inflation—the concern lies with looming debt-servicing burdens, capital flight risk, and weakening fiscal buffers. IMF projections caution that without coordinated fiscal consolidation or restructuring, many countries may face renewed risks similar to the Latin American debt crisis of the 1980s.

Ten Years of the Digital India Journey

Launched in July 2015, Digital India marks its 10th anniversary. Landmark achievements include Aadhaar, UMANG, DigiLocker, UMANG, and Dharani — BharatNet, and eCourts. The impact spans financial inclusion via Jan Dhan–Aadhaar–Mobile linkage, GST Network success, and DBT reforms. Digital India has transformed governance while improving delivery efficiency and reducing leakages. Future phases target AI-driven governance, IoT, quantum computing readiness, and integration of digital public infrastructure into rural schemes.

Cabinet Approved Research Development and Innovation (RDI) Scheme

The Cabinet has approved a major RDI Scheme focused on public-private partnerships to boost translational research across sectors like health, agriculture, energy, and defence. With a planned outlay of over ₹10,000 crore across five years, the scheme aims to fund universities, startups, and MSMEs for cutting-edge innovation. It includes incentives like equity grants, IP commercialization support, and mission-led research clusters, aligning with Atmanirbhar Bharat goals and the National Research Foundation.

50 Years of CITES

The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) has completed 50 years, marking a milestone in international wildlife conservation nextias.com. CITES has 175 signatory countries, requiring members to enact domestic laws regulating trade in endangered species. India ratified CITES in 1976, hosted COP‑3 in New Delhi in 1981, and maintains CITES Management and Scientific Authorities under the Wildlife Protection Act Current priorities include monitoring timber and wildlife trade under the Kunming‑Montreal Biodiversity Framework.

Regulatory Framework for Promoting Agroforestry

To promote sustainable agriculture and climate resilience, the Environment Ministry has issued Model Rules for agroforestry that allow easier felling of trees on private farmland These simplify regulations, certify farm timber, support legal trade, and incentivize tree cover through market linkages and procedural clarity Implementation requires coordination with National Agroforestry Policy (2014), forest departments, and credit/insurance support frameworks .

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News in Short – 2 July 2025

Munnar Designated as Responsible Tourism Destination
Kerala’s Munnar has been declared a Responsible Tourism Destination, focusing on ecological conservation, community empowerment, sustainable practices, and waste management among stakeholders.

Mahabodhi Temple News
The UNESCO World Heritage Mahabodhi Temple in Bihar has launched restoration projects and digital archival plans to enhance heritage conservation and pilgrim experience.

Glutathione Highlights
Researchers are raising awareness of glutathione, a vital endogenous antioxidant linked to immunity and chronic disease prevention. National health programs are exploring its monitoring and supplementation.

ELI Scheme for Job Creation
The Employment Linked Incentive (ELI) Scheme has been launched to promote job creation through manufacturing clusters by offering incentives to employers who generate new formal sector employment.

RailOne App Launched
The Ministry of Railways has unveiled RailOne, a mobile app for end-to-end facilities—online ticketing, grievance redressal, platform navigation, mobility support, and real-time train tracking.

EPABX Systems in Government Offices
The government is modernizing internal communications by implementing Electronic Private Automatic Branch Exchange (EPABX) systems across ministries to streamline information flow and access.