[1] Rajya Sabha Passes Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill, 2025
On 6th August 2025, the Rajya Sabha passed the Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill, 2025, despite protests by the Opposition regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar. The Bill had already been passed by the Lok Sabha earlier.
Key Points:
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Replaces: The outdated Indian Carriage of Goods by Sea Act, 1925.
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International Alignment: Adopts the Hague-Visby Rules, followed by countries like the UK.
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Purpose: Simplifies maritime trade laws, reduces litigation risks, improves transparency and commercial efficiency.
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Parallel Legislation: The Lok Sabha also passed the Merchant Shipping Bill, 2024, replacing the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958.
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Vision: Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal highlighted that this reflects the Modi government’s commitment to building a globally aligned maritime framework.
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Goal: To make India a global maritime leader, improve seafarer welfare, and promote sustainable growth and innovation.
[2] Lok Sabha Passes Merchant Shipping (Amendment) Bill, 2024
On 6th August 2025, the Lok Sabha passed the Merchant Shipping (Amendment) Bill, 2024 via voice vote.
Key Points:
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Modernisation: Aims to align India’s maritime regulations with global conventions such as MARPOL and the Wreck Removal Convention.
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Expanded Definitions: Includes mobile offshore drilling units, submersibles, and non-displacement crafts.
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Ship Recycling Focus: Provisions for temporary registration of ships headed for recycling; boosts activities in hubs like Alang.
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Regulatory Strengthening: Empowers Director-General of Marine Administration to regulate maritime education and training.
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Significance: Enhances maritime capabilities, sustainability, safety, and competitiveness of the Indian shipping sector.
[3] India and Russia Deepen Industrial Ties
On 6th August 2025, India and Russia signed a protocol to strengthen industrial cooperation during the 11th session of the India-Russia Working Group on Modernization and Industrial Cooperation in New Delhi.
Key Points:
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High-Level Participation: Co-chaired by DPIIT Secretary (India) and Russian Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade.
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Framework: Part of the India-Russia Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological, and Cultural Cooperation.
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Sectoral Collaboration: Includes aluminium, fertilizers, railways, mining, aerospace technology, carbon fibre, additive manufacturing, and 3D printing.
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New Projects: Focus on small aircraft piston engines, wind tunnel facility, rare earth extraction, underground coal gasification.
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Outcome: Signing of an official protocol reaffirming industrial collaboration and tech transfer in strategic sectors.
[4] US President Announces Secondary Sanctions against India
On 6th August 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump announced additional secondary sanctions and a 25% tariff hike on all Indian goods entering the U.S., intensifying trade tensions.
Key Points:
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Tariff Impact: Executive order imposes 25% additional tariff, doubling total duty to 50%, effective from August 27.
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India’s Stand: Called the move “unjustified and unreasonable”; accused U.S. and EU of selectively penalizing India for trading with Russia.
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Strategic Context: Sanctions relate to India’s continued purchase of Russian oil and defense equipment.
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Comparison: China received a 90-day tariff pause, despite higher Russian imports.
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Economic Effect: Indian exporters now face steep disadvantages compared to peers like Bangladesh, Indonesia, and Vietnam (which face only 19–20% tariffs).
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Geopolitical Ramifications: Adds to India-U.S. tensions on trade, energy, and strategic policy.
[5] ICMR Launches SHINE Initiative for Students
In August 2025, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) launched the ICMR-SHINE Initiative (Science & Health Innovation for the Nextgen Explorers) to promote scientific learning among school students.
Key Points:
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Target Group: Students from Classes 9 to 12 across India.
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Engagement: All ICMR institutes will conduct interactive activities to foster participation nationwide.
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Objective: Inspire students to pursue careers in science, health, and biomedical research via hands-on exposure.
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Legacy Tribute: Launch coincides with the birth anniversary of Prof. V. Ramalingaswami, renowned Indian medical researcher.
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National Vision: Reflects ICMR’s mission to nurture scientific talent and bolster India’s global health innovation presence.