UPSC Daily Current Affairs: 16th May 2025 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly PDF Download

GS2/Polity

Supreme Court Declares Right to Digital Access as a Fundamental Right Under Article 21

Why in News?

The Supreme Court of India recently mandated revisions to the Know-Your-Customer (KYC) digital norms, recognizing digital access as a fundamental right under Article 21.

Key Takeaways

• The Supreme Court affirmed digital access is part of the Right to Life and Personal Liberty under Article 21.
• This ruling addresses digital exclusion, especially for persons with disabilities (PwDs) during KYC processes.

Additional Details

• Legal Framework Supporting Digital Rights: The Constitution of India emphasizes equality and dignity through its Preamble, Fundamental Rights, and Directive Principles. The Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016, promotes a 'social barrier' approach to disability, focusing on societal and infrastructural challenges.
• KYC Framework and Its Challenges: Under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), KYC is required for financial transactions. The RBI's Master Direction on KYC (2016) introduced digital verification methods, such as the Video-based Customer Identification Process (V-CIP), which can exclude users with disabilities due to visual requirements.
• Despite existing ICT Accessibility Guidelines, many KYC systems lack compliance, including insufficient support for screen readers and no alternatives for visual-based verification.
• The Supreme Court's intervention emphasized that accessibility is a constitutional imperative, citing prior rulings that affirm the right to live with dignity.
• This ruling encourages revisions in KYC norms to enhance accessibility for all individuals, particularly targeting PwDs, rural populations, and economically disadvantaged groups.

The Supreme Court's decision to recognize the Right to Digital Access under Article 21 marks a significant advancement in India's legal framework, establishing digital inclusion as a constitutional necessity and urging the development of inclusive digital systems.

GS2/Governance

The Yearly ‘Thank You’ to Nurses is Not Enough

Why in News?

Every year on May 12, International Nurses Day is celebrated globally, recognizing the invaluable contributions of nurses and midwives who form the backbone of healthcare systems. In India, however, this annual appreciation does not translate into systemic support or empowerment for nursing professionals, raising the question: When will nurses be allowed to lead?

Key Takeaways

• Nurses represent nearly 47% of India's health workforce but are underrepresented in decision-making roles.
• The perception of nurses as subordinates to doctors limits their potential in healthcare delivery.
• Legal and systemic barriers hinder the integration of Nurse Practitioners (NPs) into the healthcare system.
• India can learn from successful NP models in countries like Australia.

Additional Details

• Nurse Practitioners (NPs): NPs are advanced practice registered nurses with specialized training who can independently diagnose, treat, and prescribe medication. For example, in countries like the United States and Australia, NPs play a central role in healthcare delivery.
• Legal Framework: There is a significant absence of a comprehensive legal framework defining the roles and responsibilities of NPs in India, leading to professional uncertainty.
• Gender Biases: Deep-seated gender biases contribute to the marginalization of nurses, most of whom are women, often viewed merely as support staff.
• Education Crisis: The nursing education sector in India is plagued by low-quality institutions and inadequate regulations, undermining the professional standing of nurses.

In conclusion, simply acknowledging nurses on International Nurses Day is insufficient. True recognition requires substantial investment in their professional development and a cultural shift in how nursing is perceived within the healthcare system. Empowering nurses not only enhances healthcare quality but also ensures that they can fulfill their roles as leaders in the sector.

GS2/Polity

Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Overview

Why in News?

Recently, Dr. Ajay Kumar, who previously served as the Defence Secretary, has been appointed as the new Chairman of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).

Key Takeaways

• The UPSC is a constitutional body established under the Indian Constitution.
• Dr. Ajay Kumar is the newly appointed Chairman of the UPSC.
• UPSC plays a crucial role in the recruitment for civil services and other government positions.

Additional Details

• Establishment: The UPSC was established under Articles 315 to 323 of the Indian Constitution on October 1, 1926, and gained constitutional status on January 26, 1950.
• Composition: The UPSC is composed of a Chairman and other members, the number of which is determined by the President of India. Members are appointed by the President, and at least half must have served in government for a minimum of 10 years.
• Tenure: The Chairman and members serve for a term of 6 years or until they reach the age of 65, whichever comes first.
• Resignation and Removal: Members can resign by writing to the President. They can be removed for specified reasons outlined in the Constitution, including 'misbehavior,' which requires a Supreme Court inquiry.
• Post-Tenure Restrictions: The UPSC Chairman is ineligible for further government employment. Members, except the Chairman, may be appointed to the Chairman of the UPSC or a State Public Service Commission, but cannot hold any other position of profit in government.
• Duties and Powers: The UPSC is India's central recruitment agency, responsible for conducting various examinations including the Civil Services Examination (CSE), Engineering Services Examination (ESE), and Combined Medical Services (CMS). It also advises the President and Governors on appointments, transfers, disciplinary actions, and the framing of recruitment rules.

The Union Public Service Commission plays a vital role in maintaining the integrity and efficiency of the public service in India, ensuring that the recruitment process is fair and based on merit.

GS3/Science and Technology

Launch of EOS-09 and Chandrayaan-5 Mission Developments

Why in News?

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is set to launch its 101st mission, PSLV-C61, carrying the EOS-09 satellite on May 18 from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. This mission is crucial for enhancing India's capabilities in Earth observation and contributes to the upcoming Chandrayaan-5 mission in collaboration with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).

Key Takeaways

• ISRO's PSLV-C61 will launch the EOS-09 Earth Observation Satellite.
• EOS-09 is equipped with advanced C-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) technology.
• The Chandrayaan-5 mission focuses on lunar exploration in partnership with JAXA.

Additional Details

• EOS-09: This Earth Observation Satellite is designed to improve India's surveillance and imaging capabilities under all-weather and day-night conditions. It will play a crucial role in applications such as disaster monitoring, flood mapping, agriculture assessment, border surveillance, and urban planning.
• Technical Features: EOS-09 is equipped with C-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), allowing it to capture high-resolution images regardless of weather or time of day. This capability is significant for environmental monitoring and national security.
• Chandrayaan-5 Mission: This upcoming mission, conducted in collaboration with JAXA, aims to explore lunar volatile materials, specifically focusing on lunar water ice in the Permanently Shadowed Regions (PSRs) near the lunar south pole. The mission will utilize JAXA's H3-24L launch vehicle, with a lander developed by MHI, Japan, and scientific payloads from the European Space Agency (ESA) and NASA.
• The Chandrayaan series represents India's progressive lunar exploration efforts, with previous missions achieving significant milestones such as the discovery of water molecules and successful lander deployments.

With these missions, ISRO continues to strengthen India's position in space exploration and Earth observation, contributing valuable data for various applications and enhancing international collaboration in scientific research.

GS2/Polity

Integrating the AA Framework with the DPDP Act

Why in News?

India's data governance landscape is evolving towards a consent-based data-sharing model that emphasizes user empowerment, transparency, and interoperability. The introduction of the Account Aggregator (AA) framework alongside the recently enacted Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023, signifies this transformative shift.

Key Takeaways

• The AA Framework enables consent-driven financial data sharing.
• The DPDP Act broadens consent management for personal data.
• Draft DPDP Rules, 2025, outline key provisions and recommendations.
• The goal is to create a unified data ecosystem in the future.

Additional Details

• AA Framework: A multi-regulatory initiative led by entities such as the RBI, SEBI, and IRDAI, it allows for secure, real-time, and machine-readable sharing of financial data across various sectors including banking, loans, and investments. It empowers users to manage their data sharing consents effectively.
• Significance: The framework promotes financial inclusion, digital economy, and enhances data protection while facilitating e-Governance.
• DPDP Act, 2023: Introduces Consent Managers (CMs) to help individuals, referred to as Data Principals, control their personal data across diverse sectors such as health and education. It aligns with the AA framework's principles of explicit, informed, and revocable consent.
• Draft DPDP Rules, 2025: These rules include mandatory registration with the Data Protection Board (DPB) to ensure accountability and standardization, as well as sector-specific consent managers to support frameworks like Financial Health Records.
• Recommendations: The rules suggest avoiding regulatory overlap with the AA framework and ensuring a unified consent infrastructure.

In conclusion, India is at a pivotal moment in developing a robust, user-centric data governance framework. By integrating insights from the AA model and ensuring alignment in the implementation of the DPDP Act, the country can establish a scalable and secure consent-based data-sharing infrastructure, crucial for promoting digital inclusion and data protection in the modern era.

GS2/Polity

Previous Instances of Presidential Reference in India

Why in News?

President Droupadi Murmu has approached the Supreme Court through a Presidential Reference, seeking clarification on whether the Court can utilize its Article 142 powers to impose deadlines for the President and Governors regarding state Bills. This mechanism has historically been used by various governments to obtain legal clarity on politically sensitive issues.

Key Takeaways

• The Presidential Reference mechanism is significant for resolving complex legal and political issues.
• Notable historical instances include the Babri Masjid-Ram Janmabhoomi dispute, the Cauvery water issue, election timing post-2002 Gujarat riots, and the 2G spectrum case.

Additional Details

• Cauvery Water Row, 1991: The Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal ordered Karnataka to release 205 tmcft of water to Tamil Nadu. In response, the Karnataka government issued an ordinance to override this directive, prompting the President to seek the Supreme Court's opinion on its constitutional validity.
• The Supreme Court ruled that the ordinance was beyond Karnataka's legislative competence and confirmed the Tribunal's order as valid under Section 5(2) of the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956.
• Gujarat Gas Transmission Act, 2001: The Act raised questions regarding its constitutional validity as it pertained to natural gas, a subject under the Union List. The Court determined that natural gas falls exclusively under Union jurisdiction, making the Act ultra vires.
• Gujarat Elections, 2002: Following the riots, the Gujarat government dissolved the Assembly. The President referred questions to the Supreme Court regarding the election scheduling authority of the Election Commission (EC). The Court ruled that Article 174 applies only to existing Assemblies, affirming the EC's discretion in scheduling elections.
• 2G Telecom Licences, 2012: After the Supreme Court's cancellation of 122 telecom licences, the government sought clarification through a Presidential Reference on whether auctions are the only method for resource allocation. The Court ruled that while auctions are valid, they are not the sole constitutional requirement for allocation methods.

The discussions surrounding Presidential References highlight their importance in clarifying constitutional matters, particularly in politically charged contexts. They serve as a crucial tool for maintaining the balance of powers and ensuring legislative compliance within the framework of the Constitution.

GS1/Indian Society

Key Facts about Chenchu Tribe

Why in News?

The Telangana Government has approved the sanctioning of 10,000 Indiramma houses to Chenchu tribal families, reflecting efforts to improve their living conditions.

Key Takeaways

• The Chenchus are a food-gathering tribe primarily located in the Nallamalai forests of Andhra Pradesh.
• They are classified as one of the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in Andhra Pradesh.
• Their native language belongs to the Dravidian language family, and many Chenchus also speak Telugu.

Additional Details

• Chenchu Village: Known as "Penta," each penta consists of a few huts spaced apart and grouped based on kinship, with close relatives living nearby.
• Social Structure: The Chenchu community is characterized by small conjugal families where women hold equal status with men. Marriages occur upon maturity.
• Authority: The village elder, referred to as "Peddamanishi," plays a crucial role in maintaining social harmony.
• Livelihood: The Chenchus lead a simple life, gathering food from the forest with their primary tools being a bow, arrow, and a small knife. They collect forest products like roots, fruits, tubers, and honey, earning a modest income by selling these items.
• Religion: The Chenchus worship various deities and have incorporated some Hindu practices. They have a historical association with the Srisailam temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva and Devi Brahmaramba, located in their territory.

The Chenchu tribe's lifestyle and traditions highlight a deep connection with nature and their cultural heritage, as they continue to navigate modern challenges while preserving their identity.

GS1/History & Culture

Shri Banke Bihari Temple Development Plan

Why in News?

The Supreme Court of India has recently approved the Uttar Pradesh government's proposal for a significant Rs 500 crore development plan aimed at enhancing the Shri Banke Bihari Temple Corridor located in Vrindavan.

Key Takeaways

• The Shri Banke Bihari Temple is a prominent Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Krishna.
• Located in the Mathura district of Uttar Pradesh, the temple holds historical and cultural significance.
• The temple complex was originally established by Swami Haridas in the 19th century.

Additional Details

• Temple Features: The temple is renowned for its unique idol of Lord Krishna, which is bent at three angles. The term "Bihari" signifies the supreme enjoyer, reflecting the deity's playful nature.
• Historical Significance: Constructed in 1864, the current temple complex showcases exceptional Indian craftsmanship, with stunning oil paintings adorning both the walls and ceilings.
• During the Indian freedom struggle, the temple served as a vital center for revolutionary activities, including the covert publication of the newspaper "Bundelkhand Kesari."

The recent approval of the development plan is expected to enhance the temple's infrastructure, promoting both cultural heritage and tourism in the region.

GS2/International Relations

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

Why in News?

The Union Defence Minister of India has recently emphasized the need for Pakistan's nuclear weapons to be placed under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). This step is advocated to enhance global nuclear security and oversight.

Key Takeaways

• The IAEA is the primary global organization for nuclear scientific and technical cooperation.
• It promotes the safe and peaceful use of nuclear technology while ensuring adherence to non-proliferation norms.
• The agency was established in 1956 and has its headquarters in Vienna, Austria, with 178 member states.

Additional Details

• IAEA Statute: Approved on 23 October 1956, it became effective on 29 July 1957, establishing the framework for the agency's operations.
• Global Role: The IAEA operates autonomously within the UN system, reporting to both the United Nations General Assembly and the UN Security Council. It is often referred to as the "Atoms for Peace and Development" organization.
• Institutional Structure:
  • General Conference: Comprising all member states, it convenes annually to approve budgets and set policy directions.
  • Board of Governors: This group of 35 members meets several times a year to approve safeguards agreements and appoint the Director General.
  • Secretariat: Led by the Director General, it manages the day-to-day operations of the IAEA.
• Key Functions:The IAEA ensures nuclear technology is used for peaceful purposes through comprehensive safeguards, including:
  • Monitoring
  • On-site inspections
  • Information analysis
• The agency also enhances national, regional, and international capacities to respond to nuclear or radiological emergencies and promotes scientific cooperation among member states.

The IAEA plays a critical role in global nuclear governance, ensuring that nuclear energy and technology are not diverted for military purposes, thereby contributing to international peace and security.

GS2/Polity

NOTA (None of the Above)

Why in News?

The Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy has recently filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) advocating for the mandatory inclusion of the NOTA option in all elections, even in constituencies where there is only one candidate running for office.

Key Takeaways

• NOTA allows voters to reject all contesting candidates while preserving the secrecy of their choice.
• Introduced following the 2013 Supreme Court judgment in the PUCL vs Union of India case.
• First implemented in the 2013 Assembly elections in several states and later in the 2014 General Elections.

Additional Details

• Current Legal Status and Function of NOTA: Votes cast under NOTA are counted but classified as invalid. If NOTA receives the highest number of votes, the candidate with the second-highest valid votes is declared elected. Therefore, NOTA does not influence the election outcome but serves as a form of democratic expression.
• Election Commission’s Position on NOTA: The Election Commission of India has opposed making NOTA mandatory in all elections, citing that uncontested elections are rare, having occurred only 6 times since 1971 in Lok Sabha elections. It argued that making NOTA compulsory would necessitate legislative changes to the Representation of the People Act, 1951, and the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961.

In summary, while NOTA serves as a significant tool for expressing voter dissatisfaction, its implications on the electoral process remain limited, and the calls for mandatory inclusion face institutional resistance.

GS2/International Relations

UK Tightens Immigration Rules: Implications for Indians

Why in News?

The United Kingdom (UK) has recently announced new immigration reforms aimed at reducing the number of immigrants entering the country. These changes are particularly relevant to Indian nationals, who have historically been significant beneficiaries of UK visa programs.

Key Takeaways

• The threshold for the skilled worker visa has been raised back to degree level.
• The issuance of social care visas has been discontinued.
• The duration of the graduate visa has been reduced from 2 years to 18 months.
• Dependents of visa holders must now meet English language requirements.
• The minimum period for permanent residency has increased from 5 years to 10 years.

Additional Details

• Raising Skilled Worker Visa Threshold: The skilled worker visa now requires a degree level qualification, reverting from the A-level requirement that was introduced during the previous Conservative government in 2020.
• Ending Social Care Visas: The UK government will no longer provide social care visas to foreign workers, which were initially expanded post-COVID-19 to facilitate the entry of care workers.
• Reducing Graduate Visa Duration: International students can now stay for only 18 months after graduation, down from the previous 2 years, significantly impacting job opportunities for Indian graduates.
• English Language Requirement for Dependents: Dependents of visa holders are now required to demonstrate proficiency in English, which may complicate family reunifications, particularly for Indian families.
• Increasing Settlement Period: The time required to qualify for permanent residency has been extended to 10 years, meaning Indian nationals must now wait longer for settlement in the UK.

The tightening of immigration rules is a strategic move by the UK government to manage migration and prioritize local workforce development. These changes are expected to create significant challenges for Indian students and workers, potentially affecting their aspirations to build careers in the UK.