UPSC Daily Current Affairs: 3rd September 2025 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly PDF Download

GS2/Polity

Recusal of Judges

Why in News?

A judge from the Madhya Pradesh High Court has recused himself from hearing a petition related to an alleged illegal mining case, citing that a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) had attempted to contact him for discussions regarding the matter.

Key Takeaways

• Recusal is a judge's withdrawal from a case due to a conflict of interest or perception of bias.
• There are no codified laws regarding recusal, but Supreme Court rulings provide guiding principles.

Additional Details

• Overview: Recusal refers to a judge abstaining from a case to avoid conflicts of interest or perceived bias.
• Legal Basis: While there are no explicit laws, principles from multiple Supreme Court rulings guide the recusal process. For example, in Ranjit Thakur v. Union of India (1987), the test of bias is determined by the reasonableness of apprehensions in the affected party's mind.
• Grounds for Recusal:Judges may recuse themselves for various reasons, including:
  • Prior personal or professional associations with a party involved.
  • Having previously represented a party in the case.
  • Ex parte communications with involved parties.
  • Reviewing their earlier judgments.
  • Financial or personal interests, such as shareholding in a company related to the case.
• Underlying Principle: The principle of nemo judex in causa sua emphasizes that no one should be a judge in their own case.
• Process of Recusal: The decision for recusal typically lies with the judge's discretion. They may inform parties verbally, record it in the order, or choose to recuse without explanation. Requests for recusal can be made by lawyers or parties, but the final decision rests with the judge.
• Concerns Related to Recusal:
  • Judicial Independence at Risk: The recusal process can be misused by litigants to engage in "bench hunting," compromising judicial impartiality.
  • Lack of Uniform Standards: The absence of formal rules can lead to varied approaches by different judges.
  • Potential for Abuse: Recusal requests may delay proceedings, intimidate judges, or obstruct justice, undermining the integrity of courts and timely justice delivery.

With reference to the Constitution of India, prohibitions or limitations in ordinary laws do not restrict the constitutional powers under Article 142. This implies that:

• (a) The decisions made by the Election Commission of India in discharging its duties cannot be challenged in any court of law.
• (b) The Supreme Court of India is not constrained by laws made by Parliament in the exercise of its powers.
• (c) In a severe financial crisis, the President of India can declare a Financial Emergency without consulting the Cabinet.
• (d) State Legislatures are restricted from making laws on specific matters without the Union Legislature's concurrence.

GS2/International Relations

In News: Sudan’s Darfur Region

Why in News?

A recent landslide in Sudan’s western Darfur region has reportedly destroyed a village, resulting in approximately 1,000 fatalities.

Key Takeaways

• The Darfur region is located in western Sudan, bordering Chad, Libya, and the Central African Republic (CAR), covering an area of about 493,000 square kilometers.
• It has predominantly arid and semi-arid geography, with a desert in the north and fertile land in the south, making it vulnerable to drought, desertification, and climate change.

Additional Details

• Administrative Units: The region is divided into five states: North, South, West, Central, and East Darfur.
• Demographics: The population consists of mixed ethnic groups, including Arab pastoralists and non-Arab farming communities.
• Capital: El Fasher serves as the main hub for administration, economic activities, and humanitarian operations.
• Ongoing Conflict: The armed rebellion that began in 2003 has led to severe political and economic marginalization, with Janjaweed militias evolving into the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), now central to ongoing instability.
• The humanitarian crisis has persisted since 2003, resulting in mass killings, widespread displacement, and a significant refugee crisis, making it one of the worst global humanitarian crises.
• Current Instability: Renewed violence in 2023 between RSF and rival groups has exacerbated issues related to agriculture, aid distribution, and governance.
• Regional Impact: The conflict has repercussions for neighboring countries, particularly Chad and CAR, contributing to the destabilization of the Sahel region.
• Natural Disasters: In addition to conflict, natural disasters like the recent 2025 Darfur landslide have dramatically increased human suffering.

In conclusion, the situation in Sudan’s Darfur region is dire, influenced by both natural disasters and ongoing conflict, highlighting the need for urgent humanitarian aid and international attention.

Consider the following statements:

• Statement-I: There is instability and worsening security situation in the Sahel region.
• Statement-II: There have been military takeovers/coups d’état in several countries of the Sahel region in the recent past.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

• a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I
• b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I
• c) Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect
• d) Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct

GS2/Polity

RTE and Minority Schools

Why in News?

The Supreme Court has raised questions about its 2014 judgment in the case of Pramati Educational and Cultural Trust, which had exempted minority educational institutions from the provisions of the Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009. A two-judge Bench is now reconsidering whether the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) is mandatory for minority schools, highlighting concerns about the fundamental right to quality education for all children.

Key Takeaways

• The Supreme Court's ruling on TET pertains to minority schools and in-service teachers.
• Concerns were raised regarding the applicability of the RTE Act to minority institutions.
• The 2014 Pramati ruling may have compromised children's access to quality education.

Additional Details

• Supreme Court Ruling: The Bench referred the issue of RTE Act applicability to minority schools to a larger Bench, questioning the previous exemption granted by the Pramati ruling.
• In-Service Teachers: Teachers with less than 5 years of service may continue without passing the TET, while those with more than 5 years must clear it within two years to remain eligible for their positions.
• The ruling criticized the Pramati judgment for being "legally suspect" and for disproportionately exempting minority institutions from RTE mandates, particularly regarding the 25% reservation for disadvantaged children.
• Conflicts between Article 30(1) (rights of minority institutions) and Article 21A (children’s right to education) were highlighted, emphasizing that both rights must coexist.
• The Court upheld the 86th Amendment (2002) and the 93rd Amendment (2005), recognizing education as a fundamental right and allowing state provisions for disadvantaged groups, while maintaining that RTE Act's application to minority schools was unconstitutional.
• The rationale for exemption included concerns that reserving seats for disadvantaged children could dilute the minority character of educational institutions.
• Experts note that the RTE Act prioritizes children's rights over institutional autonomy, indicating the need for compliance regarding pupil-teacher ratios and qualified teachers in minority schools.

The Supreme Court's renewed examination seeks to ensure that minority schools uphold the same educational standards as others, thereby protecting the fundamental rights of all children to quality education.

GS3/Science and Technology

Vikram 32-Bit Processor

Why in News?

The Union Minister for Electronics & IT recently presented the Prime Minister with a memento featuring the first ‘Made in India’ Vikram 32-bit Launch Vehicle Grade Processor (VIKRAM3201).

Key Takeaways

• India's first fully indigenous 32-bit space-grade microprocessor.
• Developed by VSSC–ISRO Semiconductor Laboratory (SCL), Chandigarh.
• Successor to the 16-bit VIKRAM1601, operational since 2009.

Additional Details

• Launch & Validation: The processor was unveiled at Semicon India 2025, symbolizing India's semiconductor self-reliance. It was validated in space during the PSLV-C60 mission (2025) through the POEM-4 experiments.
• Applications: Primarily designed for space missions, but also suitable for defence, automotive, and energy systems due to its rugged reliability.
• Policy Support: Developed under the India Semiconductor Mission, reflecting a policy emphasis on indigenous chip design and manufacturing.

Key Technical Features

• Architecture: 32-bit design with support for 16/32-bit fixed-point and 64-bit floating-point (IEEE754) operations, crucial for trajectory precision.
• Registers & Memory: Contains 32 registers (32-bit wide) and can address up to 4096M words of memory.
• Instruction Set: Comprises 152 instructions with microprogrammed control for flexibility in aerospace computations.
• Performance: Operates at 100 MHz with a single 3.3V supply, consuming less than 500 mW power and having a quiescent current of less than 10 mA.
• Environmental Tolerance: Functions effectively in temperatures ranging from -55°C to +125°C, making it suitable for space and military conditions.
• Interfaces: Features four 32-bit timers, 256 software interrupts, and dual on-chip 1553B bus interfaces for avionics communication.
• Software Compatibility: Optimized for Ada language (an aerospace standard); ISRO is developing C compiler support.
• Packaging & Fabrication: Constructed in a 181-pin ceramic PGA package, fabricated on a 180 nm CMOS process at SCL, Mohali.

The Vikram 32-bit processor represents a significant advancement in India's capabilities in semiconductor technology, enhancing self-reliance in critical systems.

Question

Which one of the following laser types is used in a laser printer?

• (a) Dye laser
• (b) Gas laser
• (c) Semiconductor laser
• (d) Excimer laser

GS2/Polity

Appointment of Vice Chancellors by Governor

Why in News?

A recent controversy in Kerala has emerged regarding the appointment process for Vice-Chancellors (VCs) of state universities. The Governor, who serves as the ex-officio Chancellor, has requested the Supreme Court to exclude the Chief Minister from this selection process.

Key Takeaways

• The Vice-Chancellor serves as the Principal Academic and Executive Officer of the university.
• Vice-Chancellors are appointed following UGC Regulations, 2018, based on recommendations from a Search-cum-Selection Committee.
• Legal supremacy in conflicts between UGC regulations and state laws favors UGC norms under Article 254 of the Constitution.

About the Role of Governor and President in Universities

• State Universities: The Chancellor operates independently of the State Cabinet in matters concerning university governance.
• VC Appointment: The Chancellor appoints Vice-Chancellors from a panel put forth by a Search-cum-Selection Committee as per UGC Regulations.
• Legal Supremacy: In cases of conflict between UGC regulations and state laws, UGC norms take precedence under Article 254 of the Constitution.
• Central Universities: The President of India acts as the Visitor under the Central Universities Act, 2009, serving as a ceremonial head.
• The President selects Vice-Chancellors from a panel suggested by a Search Committee and can request a new panel if dissatisfied.
• Oversight Powers: The President is authorized to conduct inspections and inquiries into universities.

UPSC 2014 Question:

Which of the following are the discretionary powers given to the Governor of a State?

• 1. Sending a report to the President of India for imposing the President’s rule
• 2. Appointing the Ministers
• 3. Reserving certain bills passed by the State Legislature for consideration of the President of India
• 4. Making the rules to conduct the business of the State Government

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

• (a) 1 and 2 only
• (b) 1 and 3 only
• (c) 2, 3 and 4 only
• (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

This discussion underscores the significant role of the Governor in the appointment of Vice-Chancellors and highlights the ongoing debates about governance in higher education in India.

GS3/Science and Technology

PRATUSH Mission

Why in News?

The Raman Research Institute (RRI) has developed the Probing ReionizATion of the Universe using Signal from Hydrogen (PRATUSH) Telescope. This mission aims to study the "Cosmic Dawn" by detecting radio signals emitted from neutral hydrogen gas.

Key Takeaways

• The PRATUSH mission is designed by the Raman Research Institute (RRI) in Bengaluru, an autonomous institution under the Department of Science and Technology (DST).
• The main objective is to investigate the period when the first stars and galaxies formed, by detecting faint 21-cm radio signals from neutral hydrogen.
• The lunar far side serves as an optimal location for this study due to minimal radio noise and atmospheric distortions found on Earth.
• This research will enhance our understanding of how the first stars heated and ionized hydrogen gas, contributing to insights into dark matter and fundamental physics.

Additional Details

• Compact Design: The telescope is small, lightweight, and power-efficient, adhering to the global trend of miniaturized space instruments.
• Digital Receiver System: It utilizes a single-board computer, such as a Raspberry Pi prototype, equipped with an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) to process high-speed radio data.
• Operational Mechanism: The antenna collects faint hydrogen signals, which are amplified by an analog receiver. The digital receiver and FPGA convert these signals into detailed spectral fingerprints, revealing the sky's brightness.
• Test Results: Laboratory trials lasting 352 hours demonstrated extremely low noise levels (a few millikelvins), confirming its ability to detect faint cosmic signals.
• SWaP Advantage: The telescope is optimized for Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP), making it highly suitable for deployment in space.

The PRATUSH mission represents a significant advancement in our efforts to explore and understand the early universe and its formation, highlighting the capabilities of modern space technology.

In the context of space technology, what is Bhuvan, recently in the news?

• (a) A mini satellite launched by ISRO for promoting distance education in India
• (b) The name given to the next Moon Impact Probe, for Chandrayaan-II
• (c) A geoportal of ISRO with 3D imaging capabilities of India *
• (d) A space telescope developed by ISRO

GS2/Polity

Supreme Court Directs DISCOMs to Clear Regulatory Assets in Four Years

Why in News?

The Supreme Court has mandated that power distribution companies (DISCOMs) and regulatory bodies must clear their accumulated regulatory assets within a set timeline of four years. This ruling aims to cap the creation of regulatory assets to promote financial discipline within the power sector.

Key Takeaways

• The Supreme Court's ruling addresses the issue of unrecovered costs in India's electricity sector.
• Regulatory assets must be cleared within four years, with new assets liquidated within three years.
• Transparency and financial discipline are emphasized, with a cap of 3% of a DISCOM's Annual Revenue Requirement (ARR) on regulatory assets.

Additional Details

• Regulatory Assets: These represent the unrecovered revenue gap between the Average Cost of Supply (ACS) and the Annual Revenue Requirement (ARR) of a DISCOM. For instance, if the ACS is Rs. 7.20 per unit and ARR is Rs. 7.00, the shortfall is Rs. 0.20 per unit, leading to a revenue gap of Rs. 2,000 crore for 10 billion units supplied.
• The ruling aims to address systemic issues such as non-cost reflective tariffs, delayed subsidy payments, fuel price volatility, and operational inefficiencies, which have led to alarming regulatory asset figures in various states.
• For example, Tamil Nadu reported regulatory assets amounting to Rs. 89,375 crore in FY 2021-22, while Delhi DISCOMs collectively held over Rs. 66,000 crore.

Initially, these regulatory assets may protect consumers from sudden tariff hikes, but deferred recovery can lead to greater tariff increases later. For example, Delhi DISCOMs would need to recover Rs. 16,580 crore annually over four years, potentially raising costs by about Rs. 5.5 per unit. This creates a vicious cycle of financial stress for DISCOMs, affecting their ability to invest in improvements and leading to a reliance on borrowing.

To mitigate these issues, reforms such as implementing cost-reflective tariffs, ensuring timely subsidy releases, and enforcing regulatory discipline are essential. Global practices, such as the Regulated Asset Base (RAB) model and the UK's RIIO framework, offer insights into effectively managing regulatory assets while maintaining financial stability in the power sector.

GS2/Polity

Sickle Cell: The Battle for Disability Justice

Why in News?

The Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPWD) Act, 2016, was introduced in India to ensure dignity, equality, and inclusion for persons with disabilities. However, recent guidelines in March 2024 aimed at assessing disability status for sickle cell disease (SCD) and similar conditions reveal ongoing challenges between the law's goals and its practical application.

Key Takeaways

• The RPWD Act recognizes SCD but excludes it from employment reservations.
• The certification process for SCD patients is rigid and often unyielding.
• SCD has significant socioeconomic impacts on affected individuals, particularly in marginalized communities.
• Reforms in the RPWD Act are essential for better inclusion and recognition of chronic disabilities.

Additional Details

• Legal Framework: The RPWD Act categorizes disabilities based on a minimum impairment of 40%, offering benefits such as education and employment quotas, yet fails to adequately reflect the complexities of invisible disabilities like SCD.
• Certification Challenges: The current certification system relies on quantifiable metrics that overlook the episodic nature of SCD, hindering access to necessary benefits.
• Socioeconomic Impact: Individuals with SCD face disrupted education, limited job opportunities, and ongoing health-related challenges, leading to economic exclusion.
• Need for Reforms: To fulfill the promise of the RPWD Act, it is crucial to extend job reservations to those with SCD, reform the certification process to consider invisible disabilities, and enhance outreach to marginalized communities.

The acknowledgment of sickle cell disease under the RPWD Act is a significant milestone; however, without concrete rights and protections, it may remain a symbolic gesture. To ensure true equality, it is imperative that chronic conditions like SCD are recognized in a manner that translates into enforceable rights and protections, addressing the systemic barriers faced by affected individuals.

GS2/Polity

India Needs More Women Judges in the Supreme Court

Why in News?

The Supreme Court of India, as the highest judicial authority in the country, is tasked with not only interpreting constitutional provisions but also embodying the principles of equality and inclusion as outlined in the Constitution. However, there is a significant underrepresentation of women in this institution. The recent retirement of Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia in August 2025 and the subsequent appointments of Justices Vipul Pancholi and Alok Aradhe, without appointing a woman, have spotlighted the ongoing gender imbalance in the Court. Presently, Justice B.V. Nagarathna is the only woman among a full complement of 34 judges, raising critical questions about the criteria and processes utilized for judicial appointments.

Key Takeaways

• The Supreme Court has appointed only eleven women judges since its establishment in 1950, representing approximately 3.8% of the total 287 judges.
• Justice Fathima Beevi's appointment in 1989 marked a significant milestone, but progress has been slow since then.
• No woman judge has been appointed from Scheduled Castes or Scheduled Tribes, and only one has represented a religious minority.

Additional Details

• Historical Trends: The appointment of three women judges in August 2021 briefly increased women's representation above 10%, but this momentum was not sustained.
• Women judges tend to be appointed at a later age, limiting their tenure and ability to gain seniority.
• Structural barriers exist that hinder women's advancement within the judiciary, perpetuating a cycle of underrepresentation.
• Collegium System: The lack of transparency in the Collegium system has been criticized, as gender is not consistently considered in the selection process.
• The absence of women in leadership roles within the judiciary limits diverse perspectives in judicial decision-making.

In conclusion, the examination of women's representation in the Supreme Court of India reveals significant structural and procedural gaps that perpetuate gender imbalance. This issue transcends fairness to women candidates; it touches upon the institutional legitimacy of the judiciary. A representative bench, inclusive of women from diverse backgrounds, would enhance public confidence in the judiciary and ensure a broader range of perspectives in judicial decision-making. Without systemic reforms to address these structural barriers, the Supreme Court’s commitment to gender equality risks remaining more rhetorical than real.

GS2/International Relations

Unmistakable Shift: India Signaled a Change in Foreign Policy Stance at SCO Summit

Why in News?

The 2025 SCO Summit in China marked a significant moment for India's foreign policy, showcasing a shift in its approach amidst a changing global landscape. This was highlighted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's first bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping since the 2020 military standoff.

Key Takeaways

• PM Modi's visit was his first to China since 2017, indicating a diplomatic breakthrough.
• This was the first bilateral meeting with Xi Jinping since the 2020 military confrontation along the LAC.
• Modi's return to SCO after three years reflects India's readiness to engage with a grouping often viewed as anti-Western.
• The optics of the meeting, including images with Xi and Putin, suggested a recalibration of India's diplomatic stance.

Additional Details

• Revival of India-China Bilateral Engagement: Both leaders supported the normalization process initiated in October 2024, agreeing to expedite boundary resolution talks and restore connectivity, including direct flights and visa facilitation.
• External Drivers of Policy Recalibration: U.S. tariffs and sanctions have driven India to diversify its partnerships, while a strategic compulsion has allowed India to navigate sensitive issues, such as China's support for Pakistan, and maintain a multipolar engagement through the SCO.
• Key Outcomes of the 2025 SCO Summit: The Tianjin declaration condemned cross-border terrorism and unified the SCO on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, while Modi proposed a Civilisational Dialogue among member states.
• Missed Diplomatic Opportunities: Modi's absence from the extended "SCO Plus" Summit limited engagement opportunities with neighboring leaders, highlighting a gap in regional outreach despite strong optics.

In conclusion, the SCO Summit illustrated India's intent to recalibrate its foreign policy in response to a shifting global order, emphasizing a thaw in relations with China and greater engagement in Eurasia. However, the missed opportunities for broader outreach and the unresolved trust deficits with China remain significant cautionary notes.

GS3/Science and Technology

Semiconductor Revolution in India - Building the Digital Future

Why in News?

Semiconductors have become the backbone of the global digital economy, essential for a wide range of devices from smartphones to satellites. For India, enhancing semiconductor capabilities is crucial not only for industrial advancement but also for achieving economic, technological, and geopolitical independence. This drive is pivotal to spearheading the semiconductor revolution in India.

Key Takeaways

• Semiconductors are foundational to the digital economy, similar to the role of steel in the industrial age.
• India is witnessing a significant rise in demand for semiconductors due to its expanding electronics ecosystem.
• The Indian government has launched initiatives to establish semiconductor manufacturing plants and enhance global partnerships.

Additional Details

• Evolution of Semiconductors:
  • Early Era: Computers operated on vacuum tubes, occupying entire rooms.
  • Modern Era: Billions of transistors are now integrated into chips the size of fingernails, powering a variety of technologies including mobile devices and AI systems.
• Strategic Importance:
  • National security hinges on semiconductor availability; without them, key sectors like communication and defence cannot function.
  • Global chip shortages during the pandemic exposed vulnerabilities in supply chains.
• India’s Semiconductor Mission:
  • The India Semiconductor Mission has approved the establishment of 10 semiconductor plants, with the first "Made in India" chip expected this year.
  • Global companies are investing in India's semiconductor manufacturing sector, enhancing support for factories and supply chains.
• Talent and Innovation:
  • India accounts for 20% of the global chip design workforce and is preparing to fill the anticipated shortage of semiconductor professionals.
  • Start-ups are actively developing innovative technologies, such as IoT chips based on indigenous processors.
• Global Collaboration:
  • Industry leaders like Lam Research and Applied Materials are committing substantial investments for R&D in India.
  • Collaboration with academic institutions is fostering a robust talent pipeline for semiconductor manufacturing.

The semiconductor revolution in India signifies a transformative shift from being merely a consumer of digital technologies to becoming a global producer and innovator. With robust policy support, a focus on talent development, and strong international collaboration, India is poised to emerge as a resilient hub in the global semiconductor value chain, shaping the digital future for itself and beyond.