UPSC Daily Current Affairs: 30th June 2025 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly PDF Download

GS2/Polity

ECI’s Crackdown on Unrecognised Political Parties: Delisting 345 Defaulters from Political Registry

Why in News?

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has commenced the process of delisting 345 Registered Unrecognised Political Parties (RUPPs), emphasizing the need for compliance with electoral norms.

Key Takeaways

• Delisting is part of a broader initiative to clean up non-functional political parties.
• Parties failing to contest elections or maintain proper records face delisting.

Additional Details

• Registered Unrecognised Political Parties (RUPPs): RUPPs are associations registered with the ECI under Section 29A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, which have not achieved sufficient vote shares or seats in elections.
• Benefits of RUPPs: Despite their status, RUPPs enjoy certain privileges, including tax exemptions under Section 13A of the Income Tax Act, eligibility for common poll symbols, and the ability to nominate star campaigners.
• Reasons for Delisting: The ECI is targeting parties that have not contested elections in the last six years, failed to maintain physical offices, or neglected statutory filing requirements.
• Legal Framework: The right to form political associations is protected under Article 19(1)(c) of the Constitution, but the ECI lacks explicit power to deregister parties unless under specific violations.
• Financial Implications: Many parties have been found to misuse tax exemptions and engage in dubious financial activities, including money laundering.
• Reforms Needed: The Law Commission has recommended empowering the ECI to de-register non-compliant parties and enforce inner-party democracy.

The ECI's recent actions, including issuing show-cause notices to RUPPs and delisting non-compliant entities, reflect an urgent need for reforms in political party regulations to ensure accountability and transparency in the electoral process.

GS1/Indian Society

Language of Unity

Why in News?

Recently, the three-language rule in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 has caused a new dispute in Maharashtra, highlighting public concerns regarding language policies and political disagreements.

Key Takeaways

• All students must learn three languages during their school education.
• States and schools can choose any two Indian languages and one foreign language, removing the compulsion of Hindi.
• Emphasis on learning regional, national, and global languages to promote cultural and linguistic diversity.
• Preference for teaching in the mother tongue or regional language at least up to Grade 5, ideally till Grade 8.
• No mandatory imposition of Hindi or any language across the country.
• A minimum of 20 students must request a specific third language for it to be introduced in a school.

Additional Details

• Fear of Hindi Imposition: Despite NEP 2020's flexibility, there is a perception that Hindi is being prioritized as the default second language, especially following Maharashtra's decision to make Hindi mandatory until Class 5.
• Threat to Regional Identity: The policy is viewed as a threat to Marathi linguistic and cultural identity, a historically sensitive issue in Maharashtra.
• Distrust in Government Intentions: The creation of a committee instead of outright scrapping the decision has raised suspicions regarding potential hidden agendas, including promoting a Right-wing ideology.
• Resentment in Non-Hindi Speaking States: Imposing Hindi is seen as marginalizing regional languages like Tamil and Telugu, leading to backlash, especially in Tamil Nadu which has a long history of opposing Hindi imposition.
• Weakening of Linguistic Pluralism and Diversity: Promoting one language risks diluting India's multilingual fabric, essential for cultural identity and inclusiveness.
• Strain on Federal Relations: The perceived imposition of language creates friction between the Centre and States, weakening cooperative federalism.

The three-language policy is relevant for promoting inclusivity and communication in diverse settings, enhancing cognitive and learning abilities, and improving access to knowledge and resources. However, schools face challenges such as limited availability of qualified language teachers and low student demand for minority languages. Moving forward, it is crucial to strengthen teacher training and language infrastructure while ensuring flexibility and regional autonomy in implementing the policy.

GS3/Environment

Secondary Pollutants Constitute Up to One-Third of PM2.5 Pollution

Why in News?

A recent study conducted by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) reveals that secondary pollutants, particularly ammonium sulfate, contribute to nearly one-third of PM2.5 pollution across India.

Key Takeaways

• Secondary pollutants are a significant component of PM2.5 pollution in India.
• Ammonium sulfate accounts for 34% of PM2.5 pollution.

Additional Details

• Primary Air Pollutants:These are pollutants that are released directly into the atmosphere from various sources, including vehicles, coal plants, and industrial activities. Examples include:
  • Carbon monoxide (CO) – produced from incomplete fuel combustion in vehicles and stoves.
  • Sulfur dioxide (SO₂) – emitted from burning sulfur-rich coal, particularly in power plants.
  • Nitrogen oxides (NO_x) – released during high-temperature fuel combustion in vehicles and factories.
  • Particulate Matter (PM) – encompasses soot, dust, smoke, and other visible particles.
  • Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) – emitted from fuel fumes and industrial solvents.
• Secondary Air Pollutants:Formed through chemical reactions in the atmosphere involving primary pollutants and environmental agents such as sunlight and water vapor. Their formation is influenced by:
  • Weather conditions.
  • Existing pollutants in the atmosphere.

  Examples include:

  • Ammonium sulfate and nitrate formed through reactions in the air.
  • Ground-level ozone (O₃), which is produced when NO_x and VOCs react under sunlight.
  • Components of acid rain, such as sulfuric and nitric acids.
  • Photochemical smog, a mixture of toxic secondary pollutants in urban air.
• Highlights from CREA’s Study:
  • Ammonium sulfate contributes 34% to India’s PM2.5 levels, averaging 11.9 µg/m³ nationally.
  • It forms primarily from coal plants reacting with ammonia from fertilizers and waste.
  • Only 8% of coal plants in India have flue gas desulfurization (FGD) units installed, despite existing regulations.
  • Ammonium sulfate levels are 2.5 times higher within 10 km of coal plants compared to areas further away.
  • In 130 cities, ammonium sulfate contributes 20-43% of PM2.5 pollution; in 114 cities, this share exceeds 30%.
  • Other secondary compounds like ammonium nitrate can make up to 50% of PM2.5 pollution in various locations.
• Policy Suggestions:The study recommends:
  • Rapid rollout of flue gas desulfurization (FGD) technology.
  • Reforms in fertilizer usage.
  • Strict enforcement of pollution control measures.

In conclusion, addressing the issue of secondary pollutants is critical for improving air quality and public health in India. The findings underscore the need for urgent policy action and compliance with environmental regulations.

GS3/Science and Technology

India’s First Genomic Atlas Reveals Deep Ancestry and Health Risks

Why in News?

A landmark study published in the Cell journal has sequenced the genomes of 2,762 Indians from 23 states and union territories, creating the most comprehensive genomic map of India to date.

Key Takeaways

• The Genomic Atlas is the most comprehensive genetic mapping of Indian populations, covering various demographic factors.
• Collaboration between Indian and international institutions aimed to understand ancient migrations and social structures shaping Indian genomes.
• The study discovered over 2.6 crore previously undocumented genetic variants.
• Findings emphasize the impact of caste endogamy on genetic diversity and health risks.

Additional Details

• Overview: The Genomic Atlas encompasses genetic mapping that considers caste, tribe, language, geography, and urban-rural distinctions.
• Use of Molecular Clocks: Researchers utilized genetic mutations as molecular clocks to trace human ancestry and map the evolutionary history of diverse groups in India.
• Focus on Disease and Ancestry: The study explores recessive disorders and disease-linked mutations, revealing interbreeding with archaic humans like Neanderthals and Denisovans.
• Unique Health Risks: A variant linked to anaesthetic reactions has been found enriched in Telangana, with 7% of discovered protein-altering variants associated with serious genetic disorders.

The study aims to improve personalized healthcare by incorporating Indian genetic diversity into global medical research. It emphasizes the need to expand coverage to more isolated communities and build tools to track disease origins within genetically distinct Indian groups.

GS2/Polity

Key Legal Reforms May Unlock Civil Nuclear Sector

Why in News?

India is poised to implement significant legislative changes to two critical laws governing its atomic energy sector. These reforms aim to enhance private and foreign investment in the nuclear industry.

Key Takeaways

• Amendments to the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010 (CLNDA) are designed to alleviate liability concerns that have long troubled investors.
• New provisions may allow private companies to operate nuclear power plants and enable foreign firms to acquire minority stakes in upcoming projects.

Additional Details

• Amendments to CLNDA: The government is addressing longstanding issues that have deterred both domestic and foreign investments in the nuclear sector.
• Vendor Concerns: Section 17(b) of the CLNDA grants nuclear plant operators the right to seek recourse from suppliers for equipment defects, a provision that has raised concerns among international companies.
• The broad definition of "supplier" has led to fears among Indian sub-vendors who worry about potential liability, which has fostered reluctance to engage in the sector.
• Proposed Amendments:Key changes include:
  • Diluting Section 17(b) to align with international nuclear liability norms.
  • Clarifying the definition of 'supplier' to protect smaller sub-vendors unless explicitly mentioned in contracts.
• Liability Caps:Discussions are ongoing regarding:
  • Monetary caps tied to the original contract value.
  • Time-limited applicability of liability, which is expected to provide reassurance to suppliers.
• Regulatory Oversight: All nuclear projects will undergo scrutiny by the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) to ensure clear contractual clauses for recourse, thereby maintaining safety and accountability.
• The amendments aim to align India's nuclear liability framework with the 1997 Convention on Supplementary Compensation for Nuclear Damage (CSC), which India joined in 2016.
• Atomic Energy Act Amendments: A significant reform planned for the Atomic Energy Act, 1962, will enable private companies to run nuclear power plants, a role currently restricted to state-owned entities.
• This change could facilitate foreign companies in obtaining minority equity stakes in future nuclear projects, enhancing global cooperation in India's nuclear energy landscape.

These legislative reforms signify a major shift in a traditionally closed sector, aiming to unlock its commercial potential nearly two decades after the Indo-US civil nuclear agreement. They are seen as vital to reviving India’s nuclear capabilities and strengthening bilateral ties with the United States, potentially paving the way for a formal trade agreement currently under negotiation. The U.S. Department of Energy has recently granted authorization to Holtec International for technology transfer, underscoring the importance of these reforms in expanding India’s nuclear energy capacity and enhancing industrial capability.

GS2/Polity

A Year Later — Colonial-Era Laws to New Criminal Codes

Why in News?

In 2023, the Government of India initiated a comprehensive reform of its colonial-era criminal laws by introducing three new criminal laws. One year into their implementation, the outcomes of these legislative changes are starting to become evident, particularly in the areas of policing and investigation.

Key Takeaways

• Significant departure from colonial jurisprudence with the introduction of new criminal codes.
• Integration of technology and digital platforms has facilitated smoother transitions in policing.
• Operational challenges and legal ambiguities remain, necessitating ongoing reforms.

Additional Details

• Legislative Overhaul: The new codes represent a move towards modernizing the criminal justice system, facilitated by the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS), which has improved police operations across states.
• Technological Integration: The e-Sakshya mobile application, developed by the National Informatics Centre (NIC), enhances evidence collection through real-time documentation, ensuring accountability and credibility in investigations.
• Forensic Practices: Mandatory involvement of forensic experts in crime scene investigations aims to bolster scientific rigor, despite existing limitations in forensic infrastructure.
• Challenges include lack of integration with courts, reliance on personal devices for official tasks, and legal ambiguities in the new laws.
• The government is urged to allocate more resources to forensic units and improve IT infrastructure to enhance operational efficiency.

In conclusion, while the new criminal laws signify a transformative shift in India's criminal justice system, the persistence of operational challenges and infrastructural limitations underscores the need for adaptive policymaking and resource augmentation to fully realize the intended benefits of these reforms.

GS3/Science and Technology

National Statistics Day

Why in News?

June 29 is observed annually as National Statistics Day in India, commemorating the birth anniversary of Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis, who is recognized as the Father of Indian Statistics. This day emphasizes the importance of statistics in national development.

Key Takeaways

• National Statistics Day is celebrated on June 29 each year.
• It was first observed in 2007 to raise awareness about the role of statistics in socio-economic planning.
• The event is organized by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) and the Indian Statistical Institute (ISI).
• Each year features a dedicated theme focusing on a specific statistical challenge or development goal.

Additional Details

• Purpose: The day aims to highlight the significance of statistical tools in governance, policy-making, and development planning.
• Events and Outreach: Celebrations include seminars, exhibitions, competitions, and lectures held across various institutions.
• Although not a public holiday, National Statistics Day is a nationally recognized observance.

National Statistics Day serves to enhance the understanding and application of statistical methods in India, thereby supporting effective decision-making and policy formulation.

Who was P.C. Mahalanobis?

Background

P.C. Mahalanobis was born on June 29, 1893, in Kolkata, into a Brahmo Samaj family. He pursued his education at Presidency College and later at King’s College, Cambridge.

Legacy

• He is celebrated as the Father of Modern Statistics in India and affectionately referred to as “The Professor.”
• Mahalanobis was instrumental in establishing the Indian Statistical Institute and played a significant role in forming India’s Planning Commission.

His Major Contributions

• National Sample Survey (NSS): Launched in 1950, the NSS facilitated systematic household data collection for policymaking.
• Mahalanobis Distance: Introduced in 1936, this statistical measure is widely used for identifying outliers in datasets.
• Applied Statistics: He implemented statistical techniques for flood control in Bengal and Odisha, offering cost-efficient solutions.
• Planning Vision: Mahalanobis was pivotal in drafting the Second Five-Year Plan, which emphasized industrialization and state-led growth.
• Academic Promotion: He founded the journal Sankhya, modeled after Biometrika, to promote statistical research in India.
• Infrastructure Vision: His early proposals contributed to the Hirakud Dam project, completed in 1957.
• Balanced Approach: Though perceived as pro-Soviet during the Cold War, Mahalanobis was respected for his intellectual integrity.

In summary, P.C. Mahalanobis made significant contributions to the field of statistics and its application in India’s socioeconomic development, establishing a strong foundation for statistical research and planning.

A recent movie titled The Man Who Knew Infinity is based on the biography of:

• (a) S. Ramanujan
• (b) S. Chandhrashekhar
• (c) S. N. Bose
• (d) C. V. Raman

GS2/Polity

Revisiting Digital Search Powers under the I-T Bill 2025

Why in News?

The Finance Minister's proposal under the Income-Tax Bill, 2025, permits tax authorities to access an individual's "virtual digital space" during search and seizure operations. This measure is justified due to the rise in online financial activities but raises significant concerns regarding privacy, government overreach, and expanded surveillance powers.

Key Takeaways

• The new bill expands search powers to include digital spaces like emails, cloud drives, and social media.
• Concerns have been raised about privacy violations and potential government overreach.
• Professionals like journalists may face risks to confidentiality and press freedom.

Additional Details

• Expansion to Digital Space: The bill allows tax authorities to search digital spaces, which could include personal emails, cloud storage, and social media accounts. This broad definition raises concerns about privacy and the nature of digital data.
• Concerns Over Privacy and Overreach: Digital spaces contain vast amounts of information, increasing the risk of disproportionate intrusion into individuals' lives.
• Judicial Safeguards: India's judiciary has emphasized the need for restraint in search and seizure operations, requiring substantial evidence rather than mere suspicion.
• Global Best Practices: Other countries have established legal frameworks that require judicial oversight and prior authorization for searches, emphasizing the need for reasonable cause.
• Violation of the Proportionality Principle: The proposed provisions may violate constitutional protections by allowing access to personal data without proper warrants or checks.

The path forward must balance enforcement with constitutional protections. Without adequate checks, the proposed law risks becoming a tool for intrusion rather than accountability.

GS3/Science and Technology

GPS Interference Threatening Flights, Ships

Why in News?

Recent events, including a Delhi-Jammu flight returning to base, a tanker collision in the Strait of Hormuz, and a container ship grounding near Jeddah, have highlighted the significant threat posed by GPS interference to global aviation and maritime navigation.

Key Takeaways

• GPS interference can cause serious accidents in aviation and maritime operations.
• There has been a notable increase in GPS spoofing incidents worldwide.
• Mitigation strategies are being employed by both aircraft and ships to counteract GPS interference.

Additional Details

• GPS Interference: Refers to intentional cyber-attacks that disrupt or deceive GPS signals, compromising navigation for various vehicles.
• Types of GPS Interference:
  • GPS Jamming: Involves using a jammer to emit strong radio signals that overpower satellite signals, leading to loss of location and time data.
  • GPS Spoofing: Involves transmitting false signals that mislead receivers into accepting incorrect data, manipulating rather than blocking signals.
• Impact on Safety:
  • Aviation: Spoofing can lead to incorrect positional judgments, heightening collision risks.
  • Maritime: Accuracy loss can cause groundings and collisions, disrupting operations.
  • Road Navigation: Spoofing can paralyze transport systems, especially in emergencies.
• Critical Infrastructure: Air traffic control and port operations heavily depend on GPS, making them vulnerable to systemic failures due to interference.
• Sources of Interference:
  • Natural phenomena like solar flares and ionospheric disturbances.
  • Deliberate actions by countries with advanced electronic warfare capabilities.
• Hotspots of GPS Interference:
  • Persian Gulf and Red Sea: Significant increase in spoofing incidents due to regional tensions.
  • Eastern Europe: Ongoing conflict has resulted in frequent GPS spoofing affecting airspace safety.
• Backup Navigation Systems:
  • Inertial Navigation Systems (INS): Use gyroscopes and accelerometers to determine position from a known location.
  • VHF Omnidirectional Range (VOR) and Distance Measuring Equipment (DME): Ground-based aids for cross-checking positions.
  • Other Techniques: Dead reckoning and celestial navigation are less common but viable in emergencies.
  • Instrument Landing Systems (ILS): Remain unaffected by spoofing, aiding safe landings.
• Mitigation Strategies:
  • Enhanced crew training to identify and respond to spoofing threats.
  • Switching to manual navigation methods when spoofing is detected.
  • Adoption of multi-constellation Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) to reduce reliance on a single system.
  • Implementation of indigenous navigation systems like NavIC to ensure national autonomy.

In conclusion, GPS interference poses a significant threat to both civil and military operations, necessitating robust countermeasures to ensure the safety and reliability of navigation systems globally.

GS3/Science and Technology

Botrytis Fungus and Wine-Making

Why in News?

Recent scientific findings have revealed that Botrytis cinerea, the fungus responsible for producing high-end sweet wines, cannot be cloned due to a unique genetic characteristic: none of its nuclei possess a complete set of chromosomes. This discovery is significant in both the fields of winemaking and fungal genetics.

Key Takeaways

• Botrytis cinerea is also known as noble rot, which affects ripe grapes.
• This fungus enhances the sweetness and aroma of wines, making it desirable in controlled vineyard conditions.
• Recent findings challenge conventional genetics, offering new insights into genome organization.

Additional Details

• Overview: Botrytis cinerea infects ripe grapes, causing them to shrivel while concentrating sugar and flavor, which is essential for producing certain high-quality wines.
• Fungal Classification: It belongs to the ascomycetes group and produces spores in sac-like structures called asci, with each asci containing eight ascospores.
• Role in Winemaking: Under ideal conditions, Botrytis infection significantly enhances the sweetness and aroma of wines.
• Effect on Grapes: The fungus dehydrates grapes, resulting in increased sugar content and concentrated flavors.
• Harvesting Method: Grapes affected by Botrytis are hand-harvested, making the process labor-intensive and costly.
• Wine Varieties Produced: This fungus is key in creating premium dessert wines such as Sauternes (France), Tokaji Aszú (Hungary), and Trockenbeerenauslese (Germany), which are noted for their complex flavors and high market value.

The recent findings regarding Botrytis cinerea highlight its dual importance—not only as a crucial element in winemaking but also as a fascinating subject in modern genetics research.

GS3/Economy

India Imposes Curbs on Jute Imports from Bangladesh Amid Trade and Strategic Concerns

Why in News?

India has decided to ban the import of jute products and woven fabrics from Bangladesh through all land routes. This policy shift is driven by trade and strategic concerns, particularly regarding Bangladesh's growing ties with China and ongoing trade malpractices by Bangladeshi exporters.

Key Takeaways

• India's restrictions apply to a broad range of jute-related goods.
• The import ban is aimed at protecting the domestic jute industry.
• Concerns over Bangladeshi government subsidies affecting Indian manufacturers.

Additional Details

• Items Covered Under the Import Curbs:The restrictions encompass various jute-related goods, including:
  • Jute products
  • Flax tow and waste
  • Jute and other bast fibres
  • Single yarn of jute or flax
  • Multiple folded woven fabrics
  • Unbleached woven jute fabrics
• Impact of Subsidised Imports:The Indian jute sector has faced challenges from dumped and subsidised imports, leading to:
  • Increased jute imports from Bangladesh despite anti-dumping duties.
  • Disruption of domestic markets causing declines in jute prices.
• Fallout for Indian Farmers:The influx of low-cost jute goods has resulted in:
  • Closure of jute mills and unpaid dues.
  • Threats to rural livelihoods in key jute-producing states.
• Policy Response:The Indian government's decision to restrict imports through the Nhava Sheva port aims to:
  • Ensure better quality checks and prevent fraud.
  • Address strategic concerns regarding Bangladesh's proximity to China.
• Long-Term Outlook:With regulatory protection expected, the Indian jute sector may see reforms that include:
  • Enhanced import monitoring.
  • Potential protection for raw jute to safeguard farmer incomes.

In conclusion, India's import ban on jute products from Bangladesh reflects a strategic effort to protect its domestic industry while addressing broader geopolitical concerns. The long-term implications could lead to significant regulatory changes within the jute sector, aimed at ensuring its sustainability and growth.