Introduction
Every serious UPSC aspirant must be aware of developments impacting India’s security, economy, governance, and public health. Today’s Daily GK Update covers the commissioning of INS Nistar, the designation of TRF as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO), the impeachment motion against Justice Yashwant Verma, chronic venous insufficiency as a public health issue, and the GENIUS Act passed in the U.S. for the regulation of stablecoins.
INS Nistar: India’s Indigenous Diving Support Vessel
Why It’s in the News
INS Nistar, the first of the Nistar-class diving and submarine rescue vessels, was commissioned into the Indian Navy on July 18, 2025, at Visakhapatnam.
Built by Hindustan Shipyard Ltd with 80% indigenous content and participation from 120 MSMEs.
Key Technical Features
| Feature | Description | Relevance for Exams |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 118 meters | Useful for comparison with other naval platforms |
| Displacement | 10,000–10,500 tonnes | Shows strength of Indian shipbuilding |
| Endurance | 60+ days at sea | Demonstrates blue-water capability of Indian Navy |
| Diving Depth | Up to 300 meters | Enables deep-sea missions |
| Key Role | Mother-ship for UK-origin DSRV | Useful in disaster relief and underwater rescue |
Strategic Importance
Reinforces India’s role as a ‘First Responder’ in the Indian Ocean Region under SAGAR doctrine.
Part of Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative with 57 new warships being built indigenously.
Enhances India’s credibility as a maritime security partner.
TRF Designated as FTO by the United States
What Happened
On July 18, 2025, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio designated The Resistance Front (TRF) as a Foreign Terrorist Organization and Specially Designated Global Terrorist.
TRF is considered a proxy of Pakistan-backed Lashkar-e-Taiba and had claimed responsibility for the April 2025 Pahalgam attack that killed 26 civilians.
Impact on India
| Aspect | Impact | Exam Perspective |
|---|---|---|
| Diplomacy | Validates India's anti-terror stance globally | Enhances Indo-U.S. security cooperation |
| Economy | Freezing of TRF assets under U.S. laws | Limits terror financing channels |
| FATF | Adds pressure on Pakistan | Strengthens India's lobbying position in FATF |
Prelims Facts
FTO designation under Section 219 of the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act.
TRF becomes the 76th FTO as of July 2025.
GS Mains – GS-III
“Analyze the role of unilateral FTO designations in international counter-terrorism and their impact on India-U.S. ties.”
Justice Yashwant Verma: Constitutional Crisis in the Judiciary?
Timeline of Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| May 8, 2025 | Former CJI Sanjiv Khanna recommended his impeachment over a cash seizure case |
| July 17–18 | Justice Verma filed petition in SC to challenge In-House Committee report |
| July 20 | More than 100 MPs sign impeachment motion |
| July 21 | SC refused urgent listing of appeal |
Constitutional Provision (Article 124(4))
Supreme Court and High Court judges can only be removed via impeachment.
Requires 2/3rd majority in both Houses of Parliament.
Includes a two-step process — internal inquiry and parliamentary vote.
GS Mains Angle
“Why is judicial accountability critical while safeguarding judicial independence?”
Chronic Venous Insufficiency: New Focus in Public Health
Why in News
U.S. President Donald Trump was diagnosed with CVI on July 18, 2025, raising public awareness of the condition.
Relevant for UPSC topics in science, ethics, and social issues.
Scientific Understanding
| Factor | Description |
|---|---|
| Disease | Blood pools in leg veins due to valve failure |
| Symptoms | Swelling, heaviness, varicose veins, ulcers |
| Risk Factors | Age, obesity, DVT history, prolonged standing |
| Management | Compression therapy, exercise, surgery |
Indian Context
Around 5–7% Indian adults suffer from CVI; prevalence increasing due to sedentary lifestyles.
Labour laws now include mandatory rest breaks — a potential GS-II topic on welfare legislation.
U.S. GENIUS Act: A New Era of Stablecoin Regulation
What’s New?
On July 19, 2025, the U.S. Congress passed the GENIUS Act (Guiding Establishing Innovation for U.S. Stablecoins).
Makes it mandatory for stablecoins like USDT and USDC to maintain 1:1 reserves in U.S. Dollars.
Global Scenario
| Country | Framework | Current Status |
|---|---|---|
| USA | GENIUS Act – USD-backed model | Enacted |
| EU | MiCA – from 2026 onwards | Implementation phase |
| India | Draft paper awaited (July 2025) – RBI cautious | Policy development phase |
UPSC Relevance
Monetary Sovereignty – Risk of dollarization in a rupee economy.
Significance in Cross-Border Payments – Stablecoins already exceeding Visa/Mastercard volumes.
Regulatory Philosophy – Balancing innovation with financial security.
GS Mains (GS-III)
“Should India permit INR-backed stablecoins alongside CBDC pilots? Critically examine.”
Cross-Topic GS Linkages
| Subject | INS Nistar | FTO/TRF | Justice Verma | CVI | Stablecoins |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GS-II | Coastal Security | Strategic Diplomacy | Constitutional Process | Health Governance | Regulation Framework |
| GS-III | Maritime HADR Operations | Internal & External Security | Judicial Reforms | Lifestyle Diseases | Digital Economy |
| Essay/Ethics | Aatmanirbhar Bharat | Zero Tolerance on Terror | Judicial Morality | Elderly and Healthcare | Technology vs Regulation |
High-Yield Prelims Quick Facts
INS Nistar – DP-II equipped, 118 m long, DSRV mother ship.
TRF – Declared FTO by U.S. on July 18, 2025 (76th globally).
Article 124(4) – Governs the removal of SC/HC judges.
CVI – Leg vein disease due to valve dysfunction.
GENIUS Act – U.S. law requiring full dollar-backing of stablecoins.
Why This Matters for Your Exam Preparation
The UPSC no longer just tests facts — it expects analytical clarity, multi-dimensional understanding, and issue-based articulation.
INS Nistar helps answer questions on indigenous defense manufacturing and maritime security.
FTO designation of TRF strengthens your answer content on India’s diplomacy and counterterrorism.
Justice Verma’s case illustrates the constitutional mechanism for judicial discipline.
Chronic Venous Insufficiency provides a real-world example of health governance and ethics.
GENIUS Act equips you to critique regulatory innovation and India’s financial data sovereignty concerns.
Whether you’re preparing for Prelims, Mains, Interview, CDS, CAPF, or State PCS, understanding these issues adds substance and structure to your responses.
