UPSC Daily Current Affairs: 9th July 2025 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly PDF Download

GS3/Defence & Security

National Maritime Domain Awareness (NMDA) Project

Source: PIB

Why in News?

The Indian Navy has recently entered into a contract with M/s Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), based in Bengaluru, to implement the National Maritime Domain Awareness (NMDA) Project, which is crucial for enhancing maritime and coastal security.

Key Takeaways

• The NMDA Project aims to strengthen maritime and coastal security in India.
• It focuses on integrating data collation, analysis, and information sharing among various maritime stakeholders.
• The project will upgrade the existing National Command, Control, Communication, and Intelligence (NC3I) Network to the NMDA Network.
• AI-enabled software will be incorporated for improved surveillance and decision-making capabilities.

Additional Details

• Upgradation of IMAC: The Information Management and Analysis Centre (IMAC) in Gurugram will be transformed into a Multi-Agency NMDA Centre, enhancing its role as the nodal center of the NC3I Network.
• Collaboration: The upgraded centre will host personnel from 15 agencies across seven key ministries, including Defence, Shipping, Petroleum, and Fisheries, facilitating seamless coordination and information sharing.
• Unified Operational Picture: The NMDA project will link various maritime agencies as well as coastal states and union territories, providing a unified operational picture of India's extensive coastline and surrounding seas.
• Data Integration: It will integrate data from sectors such as commercial shipping and fisheries, thereby enhancing response capabilities to maritime threats, search-and-rescue operations, and environmental incidents.
• Turnkey Execution: The project will be executed on a turnkey basis, with the Indian Navy acting as the lead integrator to provide state-of-the-art hardware and AI-enabled software solutions.

In conclusion, the NMDA Project represents a significant step towards enhancing India's maritime security and operational capabilities, ensuring a comprehensive approach to maritime domain awareness.

GS2/Polity

What the ‘Neutral Clean-Up’ of Bihar’s Poll Rolls Really Is?

​Source: The Hindu

Why in News?

In recent years, India has seen a significant transformation in the definitions of citizenship, belonging, and democratic participation, particularly regarding documentation and verification in electoral politics. This change is exemplified in Bihar, where the Election Commission of India (ECI) is conducting a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls that threatens to disenfranchise millions of eligible voters. This bureaucratic exercise, presented as a measure for electoral integrity, poses risks to the constitutional principles of equality, justice, and fraternity.

Key Takeaways

• The SIR in Bihar requires nearly 4.74 crore voters to provide new documentation to prove their eligibility.
• Access to necessary documents such as birth certificates and land deeds is limited, especially for rural and marginalized communities.
• The process disproportionately affects marginalized groups, including migrant workers and the poor.
• Concerns arise regarding the legality and fairness of this revision, especially considering the lack of time and infrastructure to support such a vast verification process.
• This revision may set a precedent for similar processes across other states in India, potentially leading to exclusionary practices in electoral politics.

Additional Details

• Disproportionate Impact: Marginalized communities, including migrants who make up about 20% of Bihar's population, may find it challenging to meet new documentation requirements.
• Legitimacy Issues: The ECI's decision to reject widely accepted government IDs raises questions about the consistency and credibility of its processes.
• The revision has been criticized as a subtler form of gerrymandering, affecting who can vote rather than altering constituency boundaries.

The ongoing voter roll revision in Bihar is under judicial scrutiny for potentially violating fundamental rights such as the right to vote and equality before the law. If this process continues unchecked, it could disenfranchise large numbers of individuals, distort electoral outcomes, and erode public trust in democratic institutions. The integrity of electoral rolls is not just a technical matter; it is vital for maintaining an inclusive democracy.

GS2/Polity

Looking inward: Reservation in Supreme Court

Source: The Wire India

Why in News?

Recently, for the first time in its history, the Supreme Court of India has implemented a reservation policy for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) in the hiring and promotion of its non-judicial staff, including assistants and attendants.

Key Takeaways

• The introduction of a reservation policy bridges the gap between the Supreme Court's principles and their practical application.
• The policy promotes social inclusion within the judiciary, enhancing representation for marginalized communities.
• There was a significant delay in implementing these affirmative action measures due to a lack of leadership and institutional inertia.

Additional Details

• Importance of the Reservation Policy: The new policy ensures 15% reservation for SCs and 7.5% for STs in administrative posts, addressing the need for better representation within the judicial system.
• Delayed Implementation: The Supreme Court had previously supported affirmative action through landmark judgments, such as Indra Sawhney and M. Nagaraj, but had not extended similar benefits to its own staff until now.
• Challenges Ahead: The extension of reservations to Other Backward Classes (OBCs), Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), and other groups is hindered by legal ambiguities and bureaucratic delays.
• Way Forward: Recommendations include institutionalizing inclusive policies by finalizing a comprehensive reservation framework and strengthening monitoring mechanisms to ensure timely implementation.

The recent reform signifies a transformative step for the Supreme Court, aligning its internal practices with the notions of equity and social justice it has long advocated externally. However, significant challenges remain in expanding reservations to other marginalized groups, requiring clear frameworks and decisive leadership.

GS3/Environment

Panna Tiger Reserve

Source: The Hindu

Why in News?

Recently, Vatsala, recognized as Asia's oldest elephant, passed away at the age of over 100 years in the Panna Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh. This event highlights the ecological significance and the rich biodiversity of the region.

Key Takeaways

• Panna Tiger Reserve is the only tiger reserve in the Bundelkhand region.
• The reserve was declared a Project Tiger Reserve by the Government of India in 1994.
• It features a unique 'Table Top' topography with plateaus and gorges.

Additional Details

• Location: Situated in the Vindhyan mountain range, covering an area of 542 sq.km, it falls within the biogeographic zones of the Deccan Peninsula and the Biotic Province of the Central Highlands.
• Landscape: The reserve is characterized by extensive plateaus and gorges. The Ken River flows through the reserve from south to north, and it is adorned with two-thousand-year-old rock paintings.
• Indigenous Tribes: The surrounding region is home to various indigenous tribes, notably the Baiga and Gond tribes, each possessing a unique culture and traditions.
• Flora: The predominant vegetation is dry deciduous forest interspersed with grasslands. It features teak forests in the north and a mixed Teak-Kardhai forest in other areas.
• Fauna: The reserve supports a substantial population of key species including Tigers, Sloth Bears, Leopards, and Striped Hyenas, along with other carnivores like Jackals and Wild Dogs.

The Panna Tiger Reserve not only serves as a crucial habitat for various wildlife species but also plays a significant role in preserving the ecological balance in the region. The passing of Vatsala reminds us of the importance of conservation efforts in such biodiverse areas.

GS3/Economy

RECLAIM Framework for Inclusive Mine Closure

​Source: AIRWhy in News?

The Ministry of Coal has recently launched the RECLAIM Framework, aimed at enhancing community engagement and development during the closure and repurposing of coal mines in India.

Key Takeaways

• The RECLAIM Framework is designed to facilitate inclusive and sustainable coal mine closures.
• Developed by the Coal Controller Organisation in partnership with the Heartfulness Institute, it focuses on ensuring a fair transition for communities impacted by mine closures.

Additional Details

• Inclusivity Measures: The framework emphasizes gender equity and the inclusion of vulnerable groups. It aligns with Panchayati Raj Institutions to enhance accountability.
• Key Features:
  • Guidelines: Mine closure guidelines were first introduced in 2009, with revisions in 2013 and 2020, aimed at improving environmental safety and social accountability.
  • Community-Centric Planning: The framework encourages active participation from local stakeholders in the closure processes.
  • Phased Implementation:The implementation consists of three phases:
    • Pre-Closure: Conducting needs assessments and capacity building.
    • Closure: Participatory execution of closure plans.
    • Post-Closure: Focus on monitoring, livelihood restoration, and repurposing of assets.
  • Support Tools: The framework is supported by practical tools and methodologies tailored for the Indian mining context.
  • Broader Impact: It contributes to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and is replicable in other resource-intensive sectors.

Despite the framework's intentions, several challenges remain in the coal mine closure process in India:

• Policy–Practice Gap: Only three coal mines have been formally closed since 2009.
• Low Compliance: Out of 299 non-operational coal mines, only eight have initiated formal closure processes.
• Environmental Risks: Abandoned mines contribute to methane emissions and ecological degradation.
• Community Displacement: Unsustainable mining practices have led to unemployment and reduced community involvement in closure planning.
• Land Return Issues: There is no clear policy regarding the return of post-mining land to original owners or communities.
• Financial Barriers: The high escrow fund requirements discourage mine operators from starting closure processes.

In conclusion, while the RECLAIM Framework seeks to address critical issues surrounding coal mine closure in India, the successful implementation of its guidelines will be vital for ensuring sustainable and equitable outcomes for affected communities.

UPSC 2019

Consider the following statements:

• The coal sector was nationalized by the Government of India under Indira Gandhi.
• Now, coal blocks are allocated on a lottery basis.
• Till recently, India imported coal to meet the shortages of domestic supply, but now India is self-sufficient in coal production.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

GS3/Science and Technology

Miniature Plasma Loops

​Source: PIB

Why in News?

A recent study by astronomers at the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) and their collaborators has revealed the existence of miniature plasma loops in the Sun’s atmosphere. These elusive structures were captured using advanced high-resolution imaging and spectroscopy techniques.

Key Takeaways

• Miniature plasma loops are approximately 3,000–4,000 kilometers long and less than 100 kilometers wide.
• These loops are short-lived and have remained hidden until now, providing new insights into solar activity.
• They hold significant clues about how the Sun stores and releases magnetic energy.
• These structures enhance our understanding of coronal loops, which are larger arc-like structures of hot plasma in the solar corona.

Additional Details

• Coronal Loops: These are magnificent arc-like formations of hot plasma in the Sun's outer layer, glowing at temperatures exceeding one million degrees. Understanding the dynamics of miniature loops can help explain the behavior of these larger structures.
• The study of miniature loops is challenging as they are often concealed in the lower layers of the Sun's atmosphere, making detection difficult with previous telescopes.
• These findings represent a significant advancement in solar physics, offering a new perspective on how energy is stored and released in the solar atmosphere.

In conclusion, the discovery of miniature plasma loops not only enriches our knowledge of solar dynamics but also opens new avenues for research into the mechanisms of energy transfer in the Sun's atmosphere.

GS3/Environment

Reforming the UNFCCC Process - Challenges, Criticisms, and Proposals

​Source: Indian Express

Why in News?

There is an ongoing credibility crisis in international climate negotiations under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Despite numerous conferences and global commitments, progress on climate action has been limited, particularly concerning climate justice for developing nations. This article reviews the structural inefficiencies of the UNFCCC, highlights demands for reform, and outlines Brazil's efforts to restore confidence in the process ahead of COP30.

Key Takeaways

• The UNFCCC is crucial for negotiating climate agreements but is facing a crisis of credibility.
• Developing countries are demanding more climate finance and accountability from developed nations.
• Brazil is proposing reforms to make negotiations more inclusive and efficient as the host of COP30.

Additional Details

• About the UNFCCC: The UNFCCC is an international treaty aimed at combating dangerous human interference with the climate system by limiting greenhouse gas emissions. Signed in 1992 by 154 states at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, it entered into force on March 21, 1994. By 2022, there were 198 parties to the treaty, with the Conference of the Parties (COP) meeting annually.
• Background - The UNFCCC Credibility Crisis:
  • Developed countries have consistently failed to meet their emission targets and financial commitments.
  • Developing nations, particularly small island states, feel marginalized in negotiations and decision-making processes.
  • The U.S. withdrawal under the Trump administration diminished trust in the negotiation process, leading to perceptions of its inefficacy.
• Bonn Climate Meeting and the Road to COP30:
  • The Bonn climate meeting, held annually in June, focuses on preparing for COP summits and this year aims to rebuild confidence in the process ahead of COP30 in Brazil.
  • Brazil is spearheading a 30-point reform proposal to enhance inclusivity and efficiency in negotiations.
• Key Reform Proposals:
  • Structural Streamlining: Proposals include eliminating overlapping agenda items, shortening negotiation time, and limiting delegation sizes to prevent dominance by wealthier nations.
  • Limit on Host Countries: Suggestions to prevent countries with poor climate action records, such as those reliant on fossil fuels, from hosting COP meetings.
  • Mainstreaming UNFCCC: Brazil proposes discussions in other multilateral forums to complement UNFCCC efforts.
• Developing Nations’ Demand - More Climate Finance:
  • Developing countries face significant challenges due to inadequate climate finance, crucial for fulfilling the 2015 Paris Agreement goals.
  • Developed nations are expected to mobilize at least $100 billion annually, but recent pledges have fallen short, highlighting the urgent need for accessible and sustained financial support.
• Civil Society and Observers' Role: Civil society groups are essential in advocating for more transparent and inclusive negotiations, demanding a restructured COP format that limits fossil fuel influence.

In conclusion, while Brazil's leadership and proposals for reform are significant, major structural changes to the UNFCCC process are unlikely to be realized soon due to entrenched interests and the lack of consensus. Nonetheless, these initiatives represent a vital effort to enhance accountability, inclusivity, and effectiveness in global climate governance.

GS2/International Relations

What is the Erasmus+ Programme?

Source: TOI

Why in News?

A total of 101 Indian students, including 50 women, have recently been awarded the Erasmus+ scholarship for pursuing master's programs in Europe. This highlights the significance of the Erasmus+ Programme in promoting international academic mobility.

Key Takeaways

• The Erasmus+ Programme was launched in 1987 by the European Union.
• It supports international academic mobility by allowing students to study at multiple European universities.
• The programme covers tuition fees, travel costs, and living expenses.

Additional Details

• Objectives of Erasmus+:  To support the educational, professional, and personal development of individuals in Europe and partner countries.
• The programme aims to promote growth, employment, social cohesion, and innovation.
• Erasmus+ enhances European identity and encourages active citizenship.
• Learning Mobility: It facilitates the mobility of pupils, students, teachers, and trainers, fostering cooperation and innovation in education.
• Opportunities for Students: Students can engage in various activities, including studying abroad for 2 to 12 months, doing internships, or participating in Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters for 1 to 2 academic years.
• The programme is managed by the European Commission, the Education, Audiovisual, and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA), and various National Agencies and Offices in program countries.

In summary, the Erasmus+ Programme plays a crucial role in enhancing educational opportunities, fostering international cooperation, and supporting personal and professional growth for students in Europe and beyond.

GS3/Science and Technology

Magnetometer Innovations at Raman Research Institute

Source: Indian Education Diary

Why in News?

Researchers at the Raman Research Institute (RRI), which operates under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), have developed a groundbreaking method called Raman-Driven Spin Noise Spectroscopy (RDSNS) for magnetometry. This innovative approach aims to tackle existing challenges in magnetic field measurement.

Key Takeaways

• A magnetometer is a passive device used to measure variations in the Earth's magnetic field.
• Optically pumped atomic magnetometers (OPAMs) and Spin Exchange Relaxation Free (SERF) magnetometers are two prominent techniques but require complex magnetic shielding.
• RDSNS utilizes laser light to detect minute quantum fluctuations in Rubidium atoms, known as spin noise.
• This technique significantly enhances dynamic range while maintaining sensitivity, making it suitable for various applications.

Additional Details

• Magnetometer: A device that measures changes in magnetic fields; essential for applications in physics, medical imaging, and navigation.
• Raman-Driven Spin Noise Spectroscopy (RDSNS): A method that listens to the quantum jitters of Rubidium atoms, allowing for precise magnetic field measurements without disturbing the atoms.
• The RDSNS method could lead to faster, portable, and more accurate magnetic field measurement techniques that can operate effectively in noisy environments.
• This advancement holds promise for field-deployable applications across scientific, industrial, and exploratory domains.

The development of RDSNS represents a significant leap forward in the field of magnetometry, presenting new opportunities for research and practical applications in measuring magnetic fields with improved accuracy and efficiency.

GS3/Science and Technology

Vera C Rubin Observatory

Source: Indian Express

Why in News?

The Vera C Rubin Observatory in Chile has recently unveiled its first stunning images, highlighting the capabilities of its 3,200-megapixel digital camera, the largest ever constructed.

Key Takeaways

• Located at an elevation of 8,684 feet atop Cerro Pachón in the Chilean Andes.
• Named after astronomer Vera C Rubin, who contributed significantly to the understanding of dark matter in the 1970s.
• Collaborates with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the National Science Foundation (NSF).
• Will scan the southern hemisphere sky continuously for a decade, collecting 20 terabytes of data nightly.

Additional Details

• Simonyi Survey Telescope:The observatory's centerpiece, known for its remarkable capabilities:
  • Wide Field View: Unlike other telescopes, the Simonyi Survey Telescope offers a far broader view, akin to seeing much more than just the size of a straw.
  • Largest Digital Camera: The telescope features the world's largest digital camera, comparable in size to a small car and weighing 2,800 kg, with an impressive 3,200-megapixel resolution.
  • Rapid Movement: It is the fastest-slewing telescope globally, capable of moving to a new target in just five seconds, thanks to its innovative three-mirror design and oil-film mount.
• Crucial for advancing our understanding of dark matter and dark energy, which comprise 27% and 68% of the universe, respectively.

The Vera C Rubin Observatory marks a significant milestone in astronomical research, promising to deliver unprecedented insights into the cosmos and enhance our understanding of the universe.

GS3/Defence & Security

Extended Range Anti-Submarine Rocket (ERASR)

Source: Indian Express

Why in News?

The recent successful user trials of the Extended Range Anti-Submarine Rocket (ERASR) from INS Kavaratti mark a significant advancement in India's naval capabilities.

Key Takeaways

• The ERASR is designed for the indigenous rocket launcher (IRL) of Indian naval ships.
• This rocket system is entirely developed within India, reinforcing the nation's self-reliance in defense technologies.
• The ERASR is specifically intended for combating submarines.
• It is launched from the onboard IRLs of naval vessels.

Additional Details

• Twin-Rocket Motor Configuration: The ERASR features a twin-rocket motor setup to cater to a diverse range of operational requirements while ensuring high accuracy and reliability.
• Electronic Time Fuze: The rocket employs an indigenously developed electronic time fuze, enhancing its operational effectiveness.
• A total of 17 ERASRs were successfully evaluated during trials at various ranges, demonstrating optimal performance in range, electronic fuze functioning, and warhead effectiveness.
• Production partners for the ERASR include Bharat Dynamics Limited, Hyderabad, and Solar Defence & Aerospace Limited, Nagpur.
• With the completion of user trials, the Indian Navy is poised to induct the ERASR system shortly.
• The system was designed and developed by the DRDO's Armament Research & Development Establishment (ARDE) based in Pune, in collaboration with the High Energy Materials Research Laboratory and the Naval Science & Technological Laboratory.

The successful trials of the ERASR reflect India's commitment to enhancing its naval defense capabilities and developing indigenous technologies to effectively address modern maritime threats.

GS2/Governance

Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS)

Source: The Hindu

Why in News?

Recently, nearly 600 students from Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) across 12 states have successfully cleared top entrance examinations for undergraduate studies in medicine and engineering. This achievement highlights the effectiveness of the EMRS initiative, as reported by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.

Key Takeaways

• EMRS aims to provide quality education to Scheduled Tribes students from Class 6 to 12.
• The program has been operational since 1998 and was revamped in 2018-19.
• The Ministry targets to establish 728 EMRSs by 2026 across the country.

Additional Details

• Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS): These are co-educational residential schools designed for tribal students, providing education equivalent to that of Navodaya Vidyalayas.
• Infrastructure: EMRSs will include facilities such as classrooms, administrative blocks, hostels for boys and girls, playgrounds, and labs, catering to both academic and extracurricular needs.
• Curriculum: The schools follow the CBSE curriculum, and education is provided free of charge.
• Capacity: Each school can accommodate 480 students, with equal seats assigned for boys and girls. Non-ST students can occupy up to 10% of the total seats, and 20% of seats are reserved under the sports quota for deserving ST students.

This initiative by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs aims to enhance educational opportunities for tribal students, helping them to compete effectively with the general population and access better career prospects.