UPSC Daily Current Affairs: 19th July 2025 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly PDF Download

GS2/International Relations

Designation of The Resistance Front by the United States Department of State

Source: Indian Express

Why in News?

The United States has officially designated The Resistance Front (TRF) as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT). This designation comes in response to TRF's claimed responsibility for the Pahalgam attack in South Kashmir on April 22, which resulted in the deaths of 26 individuals. This measure aims to globally isolate the group by freezing its assets and limiting its international operations.

Key Takeaways

• The Resistance Front (TRF) is linked to the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).
• TRF was formed following the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019.
• The group claims to be an "indigenous resistance group" operating in Jammu and Kashmir.
• Its leadership includes Sheikh Sajjad Gul as the current chief and Ahmad Khalid as spokesperson.

Additional Details

• Links to LeT: TRF operates under the guidance of Pakistan's army and ISI, using rebranding to evade scrutiny from international bodies.
• Modus Operandi:The group has conducted various significant attacks, including:
  • April 2025 Pahalgam attack (26 killed)
  • October 2024 Ganderbal killings (7 civilians killed)
  • June 2024 bus attack in Reasi
  • 2020 attack in Lal Chowk, Srinagar (6 fatalities)
• Digital Warfare and Propaganda: TRF operates a digital propaganda outlet, KashmirFight, which disseminates separatist narratives and claims of responsibility for attacks.
• India officially banned TRF under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), 1967, acknowledging it as a serious threat to national security.
• The Ministry of External Affairs has emphasized TRF's connections to other Pakistan-based terror groups.
• In its reports to the UN's 1267 Sanctions Committee, India provided insights into TRF's operations and affiliations.

The United States' designation of TRF as a terrorist organization is a significant step in curbing its operations and financial support, making it illegal for US individuals or entities to provide material support to the group. The designation also allows for asset freezes and restrictions on financial transactions, with the aim of weakening the group's global influence.

GS3/Economy

All in One Agriculture Needs More Public Spending, Not Just One Umbrella Scheme

Source: The Hindu

Why in News?

The Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDDKY) was recently approved by the Union Cabinet as a major reform initiative in the agriculture sector. This scheme aims to converge 36 existing schemes across 11 departments to tackle regional disparities in agricultural productivity.

Key Takeaways

• Aims to address productivity disparities in agriculture.
• Focuses on improving productivity, self-reliance, and holistic development.
• Encourages private participation through local public-private partnerships.

Additional Details

• Addressing Productivity Disparities: The scheme aims to reduce inter-State and intra-State disparities in agricultural productivity.
• Improving Productivity & Self-Reliance: It focuses on higher agricultural productivity, value addition, local livelihood creation, and increased domestic production for self-sufficiency.
• Holistic Development: PMDDKY enhances outcomes in agriculture and allied sectors through targeted interventions and convergence of schemes.
• Why Convergence is Needed:
  • Eliminates fragmentation of efforts by ensuring coordinated benefits from various schemes.
  • Targets low productivity districts by tailoring interventions based on local conditions.
  • Improves resource efficiency by avoiding duplication of services.
  • Ensures uniform implementation standards while allowing for local customization.
  • Helps compensate for declining budget share in public investment.

Localized District Plans play a crucial role in identifying region-specific challenges and customizing solutions, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of agricultural reforms.

Challenges Facing PMDDKY

• Administrative Coordination: The convergence of multiple schemes may face bureaucratic silos, hindering timely execution.
• Data Gaps: Effective district-level planning requires updated data, which is often missing or outdated.
• Weak Local Institutions: Local self-governments may lack the capacity to implement complex plans effectively.
• Limited Private Sector Engagement: Private businesses may hesitate to invest in remote areas due to uncertainties.
• Farmer Awareness: Without effective communication campaigns, farmers may not fully understand the benefits of these initiatives.

Way Forward

• Ensure Adequate Funding: Increase budgetary allocations to support better implementation of integrated District Plans.
• Leverage Technology: Utilize digital tools for real-time monitoring and data-driven decision-making.

The PMDDKY is a significant step towards addressing agricultural challenges in India, but its success will depend on robust implementation and adequate funding.

GS2/Polity

Stray Dog Feeding: Balancing Compassion and Public Safety

Source: Indian Express

Why in News?

The Supreme Court recently addressed a case involving a Noida resident who faced harassment for feeding stray dogs in shared areas of her housing society. The court suggested that individuals wishing to feed stray dogs should consider doing so within their own homes. This incident underscores the ongoing legal debates about the feeding of community dogs, a contentious issue that has sparked numerous litigations related to constitutional rights, civic duties, and the use of public spaces.

Key Takeaways

• The Supreme Court's observation emphasizes the need for responsible feeding practices of stray dogs.
• Legal frameworks exist to balance animal welfare with public safety regarding community animals.
• The case highlights the tensions between compassionate actions and the rights of other residents in shared living spaces.

Additional Details

• Legal Context: The case arose when a Noida woman reported harassment by the president of her Residents' Welfare Association (RWA) for providing food and water to stray dogs. She alleged that the RWA president destroyed pots meant for the dogs and even harmed sterilized dogs.
• Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023: These rules were established under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, to protect street dogs via sterilization and vaccination while ensuring public safety.
• Supreme Court's Stance: The apex court reinforced earlier legal protections for individuals feeding stray dogs, stating that such actions are not punishable unless they disrupt public order or violate specific laws.
• Feeding Guidelines: The ABC Rules stipulate that feeding of community animals should occur away from high-traffic areas and that designated feeding spots must be kept clean. Feeding should occur at designated times to minimize disruption.

In conclusion, while feeding stray dogs is an act of compassion and is legally protected under specific guidelines, it is crucial to balance this compassion with public safety. The ABC Rules provide a framework that allows for the humane treatment of community dogs while ensuring that shared residential spaces remain orderly and safe for all residents.

GS3/Economy

Indian Inequality and The World Bank’s Claims

Source: Indian Express

Why in News?

Recent discussions on inequality in India have been clouded by selective data interpretation and exaggerated claims, affecting public understanding. A controversy surrounding the World Bank’s India Poverty and Equity Brief: April 2025 highlights these issues, particularly its claims regarding extreme poverty and consumption inequality that challenge established narratives.

Key Takeaways

• The World Bank reports a significant decline in consumption inequality in India.
• Critics argue that the underlying data may underestimate true inequality.
• Improved consumption patterns indicate better living standards for the lower-income groups.
• The debate on income inequality remains complex due to the lack of reliable income data.

Additional Details

• Consumption Inequality: The consumption-based Gini coefficient dropped from 28.8 in 2011-12 to 25.5 in 2022-23, suggesting India is among the world's least unequal countries based on consumption.
• Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES): This survey uses the Modified Mixed Reference Period (MMRP) methodology, which aligns with international standards, to assess consumption patterns.
• Extreme Poverty Eradication: Approximately 27 crore Indians were lifted out of extreme poverty between 2011 and 2023, as defined by the International Poverty Line of $3.
• The debate on income inequality relies on estimates from the World Inequality Lab (WIL), which some critics believe are based on flawed assumptions about household spending.
• Between 2017 and 2022, the national income share of the bottom 50% increased from 13.9% to 15%, indicating potential improvements in income distribution.

In conclusion, while the World Bank’s findings emphasize significant progress in reducing extreme poverty and consumption inequality, discussions around income inequality must be rooted in accurate data and assumptions. A balanced perspective is essential, recognizing both the achievements and ongoing challenges in India’s socio-economic landscape.

GS2/Governance

The Mental Health of Pilots: The Elephant in the Room

Source: The Hindu

Why in News?

The issue of pilot mental health has gained attention following the preliminary report from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau regarding the Air India Boeing 787 incident in Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025.

Key Takeaways

• Pilot mental health issues significantly impact flight safety.
• Chronic stress, fatigue, and stigma contribute to untreated mental health conditions among pilots.
• Recent regulatory measures and global practices can improve pilot mental health support in India.

Additional Details

• Chronic Stress and Fatigue: Long working hours, night shifts, and frequent time zone changes disrupt sleep patterns, leading to increased fatigue. A study by the European Cockpit Association in 2020 revealed that over 60% of pilots experienced fatigue-related performance issues during flights.
• Sleep Deprivation: Pilots often face the challenge of sleeping on demand in unfamiliar environments, which results in poor-quality rest and mental exhaustion. The crash of Colgan Air Flight 3407 in 2009 was partly due to fatigue from irregular sleep patterns.
• Depression and Suicidal Ideation: Factors such as isolation, stress, and lack of support can lead to depression among pilots. The Germanwings Flight 9525 crash in 2015 emphasized the dangers of undiagnosed depression.
• Financial and Career Pressure: Financial burdens from pilot training, job insecurity, and emotional distress have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to increased psychological issues among airline staff.

Regulation of Airlines in India

• DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation): The primary regulator for civil aviation in India, overseeing air safety, airworthiness, licensing, and airline operations.
• Ministry of Civil Aviation: Responsible for policy formulation and coordination in civil aviation.
• Airports Authority of India (AAI): Manages airport infrastructure and ensures air navigation safety.
• BCAS (Bureau of Civil Aviation Security): Regulates aviation security standards at airports and airlines.

Steps Taken by the Indian Government

• DGCA Mental Health Guidelines (2021): The DGCA issued guidelines requiring airlines to implement Peer Support Programs (PSPs) and conduct confidential mental health assessments, allowing pilots to report stress or anxiety without fear of job loss.

Global Practices to Adopt for Pilot Mental Health

• Peer Support Programs (PSPs): Establish confidential peer-led counseling services to encourage early intervention, similar to Germany’s Lufthansa program.
• Non-punitive Medical Disclosure Policies: Allow pilots to self-report mental health issues without the risk of losing their license, ensuring safe reintegration after treatment, akin to the U.S. FAA’s HIMS program.
• Mandatory Mental Health Training & Awareness: Introduce regular mental health education and stress management workshops for flight crews, as seen in Australia’s CASA, which mandates mental health modules in pilot training.

Addressing the mental health of pilots is critical for ensuring flight safety and supporting the well-being of those in the aviation industry. By adopting effective practices and fostering an open culture surrounding mental health, substantial improvements can be made.

GS1/Geography

Reykjanes Peninsula Eruption

Source: TOI

Why in News?

Recently, a volcano erupted in southwest Iceland, highlighting a series of geological activities on the Reykjanes Peninsula, which has shown signs of volcanic reawakening.

Key Takeaways

• The Reykjanes Peninsula is located in southwest Iceland along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge where tectonic plates diverge.
• After being dormant for centuries, volcanic activity resumed in 2021, leading to ongoing eruptions.
• The eruptions are characterized by fissure eruptions, where lava flows from cracks in the earth rather than from a central crater.

Additional Details

• Key Sites: Important locations include Grindavik (which has been evacuated), the Blue Lagoon spa, and the Svartsengi power plant.
• Volcanic Importance: The Reykjanes Peninsula is part of Iceland's network of over 30 active volcanic zones.
• Eruption Style: The eruptions produce steady lava flows with minimal ash output, ensuring flight safety as air traffic remains unaffected by stratospheric ash.
• Evacuation Impact: Following the threats from lava flows in 2023, Grindavik has been largely abandoned.
• Long-Term Activity: The current volcanic activity is expected to persist for decades or even longer.
• Iceland Snapshot: The country has a population of approximately 400,000, comparable in size to Kentucky.
• Tourism Appeal: The region attracts visitors similar to other volcanic hotspots around the world, including those in Mexico, Indonesia, Sicily, and New Zealand.

This eruption and the ongoing geological activity on the Reykjanes Peninsula illustrate the dynamic nature of Iceland's landscape and the potential threats and opportunities it presents.

GS3/Economy

Integration of the 8th Economic Census with the 16th Population Census

Source: Economic Times

Why in News?

The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) is currently preparing for India's 8th Economic Census, which will be integrated with the forthcoming 16th Population Census to enhance data collection efficiency.

Key Takeaways

• The Economic Census aims to provide a comprehensive database of non-agricultural economic establishments in India.
• Integration with the Population Census is intended to streamline operations and reduce costs.
• The census will commence in October 2026 for remote areas and in March 2027 for the rest of the country.

Additional Details

• Conducting Body: The Economic Census is conducted by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI).
• Purpose: It aims to create a detailed database covering aspects such as location, ownership, employment size, and types of economic activities.
• Key Data Captured: The census collects vital information about non-agricultural establishments, including informal units crucial for understanding employment dynamics.
• Historical Background: The Economic Census has its roots in proposals from the Visvesvaraya Committee in 1925 and was formalized by the Bowley-Robertson Committee in 1934, leading to the establishment of the Central Statistical Office (CSO) in 1951.
• Timeline of Economic Censuses: Previous censuses were conducted in 1980, 1990, 1998, 2005, 2013, and 2019-21 (7th Census). The 2nd and 3rd rounds of the Economic Census were aligned with the 1981 and 1991 Population Censuses.
• 7th Census Status: While completed in 2021, results are pending due to data quality issues related to COVID-19.
• Execution Support: MoSPI has collaborated with the Common Service Centre (CSC) network to facilitate grassroots-level implementation of the census.
• Integration Objectives: The main objective is to enhance efficiency and minimize costs by leveraging shared field operations, with enumerators documenting household-based economic activities.
• Census Schedule: The census will commence in snow-bound and remote areas on October 1, 2026, and will cover the rest of the country starting March 1, 2027.
• Preparatory Work: Committees at state and district levels have been established to oversee the planning for the 8th Census.

This integration signifies a strategic move towards better data collection practices, which could greatly benefit the understanding of India's economic landscape.

GS3/Economy

Decoding the Slowdown in Bank Credit Growth and the MSME-Led Structural Shift

Source: Indian Express

Why in News?

The article discusses the recent slowdown in credit growth of Scheduled Commercial Banks (SCBs) in India. It highlights contributing factors such as RBI policy interventions, sectoral shifts, and evolving credit market dynamics, while emphasizing the resilience of MSME credit and the structural improvements in the banking system.

Key Takeaways

• Credit growth fell to 9.5% for the fortnight ending June 27, 2025, down from 17.4% a year earlier.
• RBI’s regulatory measures led to a significant decline in unsecured loans and NBFC credit growth.
• Public Sector Banks (PSBs) gained market share while private banks experienced a decline in credit growth.
• Improved asset quality indicators suggest resilience in the banking system, particularly among MSMEs.

Additional Details

• Credit Growth Trends: The decline in credit growth started in May 2024, influenced by regulatory and market shifts.
• RBI’s Regulatory Measures: The increase in risk weights on consumer credit and NBFC lending caused unsecured loan growth to drop from 28.3% in March 2023 to 7.8% in May 2025.
• Non-Performing Assets (NPAs): NPAs in unsecured retail loans rose to 1.8% in March 2025, indicating a buildup of credit risk.
• Incomplete Transmission of Interest Rate Benefits: Private banks’ floating rate loans are lower at 54.7% compared to 59.8% for PSBs, slowing down monetary policy transmission.
• Shift in Market Share: PSBs’ share in incremental credit surged from 20% in FY18 to 56.9% in FY25, validating the government's 4R strategy (Recognition, Resolution, Recapitalisation, Reforms).

India’s credit ecosystem is undergoing a structural transformation. Despite the recent slowdown in aggregate credit growth, the resilience in MSME lending, improving asset quality, and a diversifying credit market underscore underlying economic strength. Policymakers must now focus on deepening financial inclusion, regulating private credit flows, and leveraging fintech for MSME empowerment while monitoring shifts in household savings behavior.

GS2/International Relations

Disputes over Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD)

Source: DTE

Why in News?

The completion of Ethiopia’s Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) has reignited tensions over Nile water rights, particularly with Egypt and Sudan, who are concerned about reduced water flows.

Key Takeaways

• The GERD is a gravity dam located on the Blue Nile near the Ethiopia-Sudan border.
• Construction began in 2011, led by the Ethiopian Electric Power Corporation.
• Once completed, it will be Africa's largest hydropower plant with a capacity of 6.45 GW.
• The reservoir can hold 74 billion cubic meters of water, with filling expected to take 5 to 15 years.

Additional Details

• Key Features: The dam is 145 meters tall and includes 16 turbines along with a supporting saddle dam.
• Purpose: The GERD aims to provide electricity to Ethiopia, where approximately 65% of the population lacks access to power, and to export surplus energy to neighboring countries.
• Egypt’s Concern: Egypt fears reduced water flow, as it relies on the Nile for 90% of its water supply, and is demanding a binding agreement on the dam's filling.
• Sudan’s Worry: Sudan expresses concerns regarding potential flood risks and the need for proper regulation of water flow.
• Ethiopia’s Stand: Ethiopia asserts its sovereign rights and has begun filling the dam without reaching a consensus with Egypt and Sudan.
• Stalled Talks: Tripartite negotiations among Ethiopia, Egypt, and Sudan have not yielded results, leading Egypt to warn of potential conflict.

The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam represents a significant point of contention among the Nile Basin countries, highlighting the complexities of water rights and the necessity of cooperative agreements in managing shared water resources.

GS3/Defence & Security

INS Nistar and INS Nipun - Strengthening India’s Deep Sea Rescue and Maritime Capabilities

Source: PIB

Why in News?

India has recently commissioned two advanced Diving Support Vessels (DSVs), INS Nistar and INS Nipun, which have been developed indigenously by Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL). This marks a significant milestone in India's journey towards self-reliance in maritime defense.

Key Takeaways

• INS Nistar and INS Nipun are crucial for the Indian Navy’s underwater rescue and salvage operations.
• These DSVs enhance India’s capabilities in deep-sea interventions, including submarine rescue missions and Search and Rescue (SAR) operations.

Additional Details

• Indigenous Design and Construction: INS Nistar and INS Nipun are the first indigenously designed and constructed DSVs in India, showcasing advancements in naval engineering.
• The vessels were developed under the Ministry of Defence’s 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' initiative, emphasizing India's growing capabilities in shipbuilding.
• Diving and Rescue Capabilities:
  • Integrated Saturation Diving System (ISDS): Allows diver deployment at depths of up to 300 meters, facilitating underwater repairs and rescue operations.
  • Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs): Used for underwater surveillance and recovery tasks in deep waters.
  • Side Scan Sonar and Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS): Assist in locating submerged objects and managing onboard systems.
  • Submarine Rescue System: Essential for emergency submarine situations, enabling quick and safe personnel recovery.
• Humanitarian and Strategic Utility: The DSVs will support disaster relief during maritime emergencies, SAR operations during shipwrecks or aircraft crashes at sea, and offshore resource exploration.

The commissioning of INS Nistar and INS Nipun significantly enhances the Indian Navy's submarine rescue capabilities, allowing for rapid response to emergencies without dependence on international assistance. Furthermore, their deployment capabilities strengthen India's operational preparedness and deterrence in the Indian Ocean Region.

Significance of INS Nistar and INS Nipun

• These vessels represent a major boost to India's indigenous defense manufacturing efforts and local shipbuilding industries.
• INS Nistar's name honors a 1971-era ship that played a vital role in rescuing crew members from a submarine accident, while INS Nipun signifies precision and readiness in maritime operations.

Future Outlook

With the increasing strategic competition in the Indian Ocean, the operational readiness of INS Nistar and INS Nipun will enhance the Indian Navy's ability to monitor underwater threats and conduct advanced salvage operations. These vessels are timely additions to India's aspirations for a more robust blue water navy, ensuring maritime security and freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific region.