UPSC Daily Current Affairs: 7th September 2025 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly PDF Download

GS2/Polity

Representation in the Rajya Sabha/Upper House of the Parliament

Why in News?

The Union Law and Justice Ministry has recently rejected the Election Commission's (EC) proposal for a presidential order aimed at staggering the terms of Jammu and Kashmir's (J&K) four Rajya Sabha seats. This decision has resulted in the Union Territory being without representation in the Upper House since 2021.

Key Takeaways

• J&K's Rajya Sabha seats became vacant in 2021 during President's Rule.
• Assembly elections are scheduled for September-October 2024, but Rajya Sabha elections remain pending.
• The Chief Minister of J&K has expressed concerns regarding the delay in elections.

Additional Details

• EC’s Proposal: The Election Commission suggested a presidential order to alter the terms of some Rajya Sabha seats in J&K to ensure staggered retirements, thereby preventing simultaneous vacancies.
• Historical Reference: A similar presidential order was issued in 1952 following the first Rajya Sabha election to establish a staggered cycle.
• Article 83: This provision states that one-third of Rajya Sabha members retire every two years, ensuring continuity in the House, contrasting with the Lok Sabha's fixed five-year term.
• Disturbance in Cycle: The terms in J&K and Delhi have become concurrent due to President's Rule and institutional changes since the 1990s.
• Law Ministry’s Response: The rejection was based on the absence of current legal provisions to issue such an order. Past orders occurred only in 1952 and 1956 under the Representation of the People Act (RPA), 1951.
• Legal Position: According to Section 154 of the RPA 1951, Rajya Sabha members serve six-year terms, and presidential orders for staggering were allowed only during the first constitution and after the 1956 amendment.
• Current Status: J&K has lacked Rajya Sabha representation for four years, affecting its participation in key national elections, including the 2022 Presidential and Vice-Presidential elections.

In conclusion, a legislative amendment to the Representation of the People Act, 1951 is crucial for ensuring staggered Rajya Sabha representation across all affected states and Union Territories. Restoring J&K’s voice in the Upper House will uphold democratic legitimacy and strengthen its integration into India’s parliamentary framework.

GS2/International Relations

The Changing Dynamics of India’s Foreign Policy

Why in News?

Prime Minister Modi's attendance at the SCO summit in Tianjin has garnered significant global attention, especially after a photo with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin was released. This meeting appears to have caused some discontent in the U.S., where President Donald Trump made sarcastic remarks amidst the backdrop of increased tariffs and sanctions against India’s Russian oil imports.

Key Takeaways

• The SCO summit highlighted China’s expanding influence with participation from multiple nations, including Turkey and Indonesia.
• Modi and Xi's meeting marked a cautious thaw in India-China relations after previous tensions.
• Despite strained U.S.-India relations, both nations are attempting to maintain a dialogue.

Additional Details

• China’s Global Governance Initiative: At the summit, China promoted this initiative, while PM Modi emphasized the need for “civilisational dialogue” among SCO members.
• The summit also featured a military parade in Beijing to commemorate the 80th anniversary of World War II's end, attended by significant global leaders.
• Modi's visit was significant as it was his first direct meeting with Xi since the 2020 Galwan clashes, indicating a potential shift towards normalization of ties.
• Both leaders agreed to continue discussions on boundary issues, with provisions for the revival of flights and visa facilitation.

The evolving dynamics of India’s foreign policy showcase its commitment to strategic autonomy and balance. Despite ongoing tensions with the U.S. over trade and tariffs, India is navigating its relationships with both Eastern and Western powers. The upcoming discussions at the UNGA and potential Quad summit will be crucial in determining the future trajectory of India-U.S. relations, especially with Trump’s expected visit later this year.

GS3/Economy

GST Rate Cuts 2025: Impact on Economy and Revenue

Why in News?

The GST Council has undertaken significant GST rate cuts in 2025, reducing tax slabs and rates on over 90% of items to enhance consumption and simplify India's indirect tax framework.

Key Takeaways

• The number of GST slabs has been reduced, and taxes on many items have been cut.
• This reform aims to spur demand and stimulate economic growth amid external challenges.
• Concerns regarding revenue sustainability and sectoral impacts have been raised.

Additional Details

• GST Rationalisation: This reform marks one of the most significant changes to the Goods and Services Tax system since its inception in 2017. In September 2025, the GST Council announced major rate rationalisation, cutting the number of slabs to 0%, 5%, 18%, and 40%.
• Wider Tax Reductions: Out of 453 items reviewed, 413 experienced rate cuts, especially items moving from the 12% to 5% slab, indicating a clear pro-consumer approach.
• Beneficiary Sectors: The reforms will benefit various sectors including healthcare, renewable energy, real estate, and consumer goods, potentially stimulating demand and growth.
• Concerns and Criticisms: Some sectors, such as textiles and aviation, raised concerns about increased tax burdens and costs despite overall reductions.

The GST rate cuts represent a strategic move to simplify the tax structure and enhance compliance while addressing current economic challenges. Although there are concerns about potential revenue shortfalls, the long-term benefits of increased consumption and investment may outweigh these issues.

GS1/Indian Society

Spending on Children’s Education in India: An Analysis

Why in News?

The recent drop in the World Economic Forum’s gender gap rankings has drawn attention to educational disparities in India. Despite improvements in girls’ school enrollment—where girls now make up 48% of the student population, with slightly higher participation in higher education than boys—data from the National Sample Survey reveals a continuing gender gap in educational spending. Families invest significantly less in daughters' education compared to sons, indicating unequal financial commitment despite better enrollment rates.

Key Takeaways

• Gender disparities in education expenditure persist across India.
• Families typically spend more on boys' education at all levels of schooling.
• State-level variations exist in both school enrollment and spending patterns.

Additional Details

• Education Expenditure Disparity: Across different stages of schooling, families allocate less financial resources to girls than to boys. In rural areas, spending is approximately ₹1,373 (18%) more on boys, while urban families spend about ₹2,791 less on girls. By the time students reach higher secondary school, urban families invest nearly 30% more in boys' education.
• Enrollment Patterns: A significant 58.4% of girls attend government schools, contrasting with only 34% of boys in private unaided schools—indicating a disparity in access to more expensive private education options.
• State-Level Differences: In states like Delhi, 65% of girls are enrolled in government schools compared to 54% of boys, while private school attendance reveals notable gaps. States such as Tamil Nadu and Kerala show more equitable enrollment ratios, whereas in Telangana and West Bengal, there is a stark contrast in spending on higher secondary education.
• Private Tuition Spending: In regions like Himachal Pradesh, families spend ₹9,813 on boys' higher secondary tuition compared to just ₹1,550 on girls, highlighting a significant gap in educational investment.
• Cultural Norms: Societal preferences often favor sons' education due to cultural beliefs that prioritize boys as future breadwinners, leading to lesser investment in daughters' schooling. Early marriage and household responsibilities contribute to higher dropout rates among girls.
• Government Subsidies: Various government initiatives provide financial aid for girls' education, which may result in lower reported expenditures for families investing in daughters.

The analysis reveals that while enrollment rates for girls have improved, significant gender disparities in educational spending and access persist. Addressing these inequalities is crucial for achieving true educational equity in India.

GS3/ Environment 

Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement

Why in News?

The Ministry of Earth Sciences has formed a 12-member committee to enforce a new law aimed at protecting India's interests in international ocean waters. This initiative is in line with the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement, also known as the High Seas Treaty.

What is the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement?

• About: The BBNJ Agreement, commonly referred to as the High Seas Treaty, is a legal framework established under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) to protect the ecological health of the oceans. Adopted in 2023, the treaty aims to reduce pollution, conserve biodiversity, and ensure the sustainable use of marine resources in waters beyond national jurisdictions.
• Scope of the Treaty: The BBNJ Agreement encompasses several key areas:
• Establishing Marine Protected Areas (MPAs): The treaty provides for the creation of MPAs, akin to national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, to regulate activities and conserve ocean ecosystems.
• Regulating Extractive Activities: The treaty regulates extractive activities such as seabed mining and ensures the fair distribution of benefits derived from marine resources and organisms.
• Mandatory Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs): The treaty mandates EIAs for major oceanic projects that could potentially harm the high seas, even if such projects are carried out within national waters.
• Supporting Developing Nations: The treaty aims to assist developing nations in accessing marine technologies and resources while ensuring the conservation of marine ecosystems.
• Signing and Ratification: As of August 2025, over 140 countries have signed the BBNJ Agreement, with 55 countries having ratified it. India signed the BBNJ Agreement in 2024 but has not yet ratified it. Signing the treaty indicates a country's intent to comply, while ratification legally binds the country to the treaty's provisions. The process of ratification varies from one country to another.

High Seas

• About: High seas refer to the areas of the ocean that lie beyond the jurisdiction of any single country. Typically, national jurisdictions extend up to 200 nautical miles (approximately 370 kilometers) from a country's coastline, an area known as the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Within the EEZ, a country has special rights to explore and exploit marine resources. However, beyond this zone, no country has jurisdiction or responsibility for resource management.
• Protection Status: Currently, only about 1% of the high seas are protected under conservation measures.
• Significance: The high seas are of immense importance as they cover 64% of the world's oceans and account for 50% of the Earth's surface. They play a crucial role in marine biodiversity, climate regulation, carbon absorption, solar energy storage, and heat distribution. Additionally, the high seas are a source of vital resources, including seafood, raw materials, genetic resources, and medicinal compounds.

United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)

•  UNCLOS, commonly referred to as the Law of the Sea, is an international treaty that was adopted and signed in 1982, replacing the earlier 1958 Geneva Conventions. 
•  The treaty provides the legal framework for various marine and maritime activities and divides ocean space into five distinct zones: Internal Waters, Territorial Sea, Contiguous Zone, Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), and High Seas.

​GS3/ Science and Technology

Bioproducts

Why in News?

•  The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) in India is establishing 16 biomanufacturing hubs to enhance domestic production of bioproducts like Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), biofuel enzymes, and reagents for biofertilizers. 
•  These hubs, known as National Bio-Enablers or Mulankur, aim to support indigenous production and foster innovation in various sectors, including health, agriculture, energy, and environment. 

Bioproducts

• Definition: Bioproducts are derived from renewable biomass sources such as crops, trees, algae, and agricultural waste. They encompass a range of fuels, materials, and chemicals, including biofuels (like ethanol and biogas), bioplastics, bio-based cosmetics, and plant-derived medicines. 
• Production Methods: Bioproducts are generated through various methods, including fermentation, pyrolysis, enzymatic conversion, and chemical synthesis. Common feedstocks include soybeans, sugarcane, algae, and mycelium, often utilizing agri-forestry residues to minimize stress on food crops. For example, sunflower residue can be converted into biofuel. 
• Significance: Bioproducts play a crucial role in reducing dependence on fossil fuels and mitigating environmental issues such as air pollution, deforestation, and biodiversity loss. They promote climate-resilient development through biotechnological innovation and extend beyond laboratory settings to support sustainability through biodegradable packaging and eco-friendly products. Additionally, bioproducts contribute to rural employment generation and the creation of green jobs. 
• Biodegradability: The biodegradability of bioproducts varies depending on their use. For instance, bio-based paints may not be biodegradable, while other bioproducts are designed to break down naturally. 

GS3/Economy

Sample Registration System (SRS) Statistical Report 2023

Why is it Newsworthy?

The Sample Registration System (SRS) Statistical Report 2023 reveals important changes in India's population regarding fertility and mortality rates.

• Total Fertility Rate (TFR): The TFR has decreased to 1.9 in 2023, falling below the replacement level fertility of 2.1.
• Highest TFR: Bihar with 2.8Lowest TFR: Delhi with 1.2
• TFR Explained: The TFR represents the average number of children a woman is expected to have during her reproductive years, which are from 15 to 49 years.
• Replacement Level TFR: This is the average number of children needed per woman to replace one generation with the next.
• Crude Birth Rate (CBR): The CBR has declined from 19.1 in 2022 to 18.4 in 2023. CBR Explained: The CBR indicates the number of live births occurring in a year per 1,000 people in the population. 
• Sex Ratio at Birth (SRB): The SRB for India from 2021 to 2023 was 917 girls per 1,000 boys.
• Highest SRB: Chhattisgarh with 974 girls per 1,000 boys. Lowest SRB: Uttarakhand with 868 girls per 1,000 boys.
• Mortality Trends: The Crude Death Rate (CDR) in 2023 was 6.4, and the Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) was 25 in 2023.

About the Sample Registration System (SRS)

The SRS, conducted by the Office of the Registrar General of India, is a comprehensive demographic survey that gathers population data based on age, sex, and marital status.

•  It assesses various indicators such as CBR, TFR, Age-Specific Fertility Rate (ASFR), General Fertility Rate (GFR), and related statistics at both national and sub-national levels.

GS1/ Geography

Total Lunar Eclipse and ‘Blood Moon’

Why is it News?

A total lunar eclipse is anticipated on the night of September 7, 2025. During this event, the moon will be entirely covered by the Earth's shadow, resulting in a copper red hue, commonly known as a Blood Moon. 

Total Lunar Eclipse

A total lunar eclipse takes place when the Moon moves fully into the Earth's umbra, the darkest part of its shadow. This phenomenon occurs when the Earth, Sun, and Moon are perfectly aligned, blocking direct sunlight from reaching the Moon. 

Blood Moon​

•  A Blood Moon refers to the reddish or coppery appearance of the Moon during a total lunar eclipse. This striking color occurs due to the way sunlight is filtered and refracted through Earth's atmosphere. 
•  During a total lunar eclipse, which happens two to three times a year, the Earth blocks direct sunlight from reaching the Moon. However, sunlight can still reach the Moon by passing through Earth's atmosphere. 
•  As sunlight passes through the atmosphere, it is bent (a process called refraction) and scattered. The shorter blue wavelengths of light are scattered away, while the longer red and orange wavelengths pass through and fall on the Moon's surface. 
•  This scattering effect is why the Moon takes on a deep red or reddish-orange color during a total lunar eclipse, creating the stunning visual known as a Blood Moon.