UPSC Daily Current Affairs: 10th July 2025 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly PDF Download

GS2/Governance

Aspirational District Mineral Foundation (DMF) Programme

Source: PIB

Why in News?

The Union Coal and Mines Minister recently unveiled the operational guidelines for the Aspirational DMF Programme, aiming to better align DMF initiatives with the objectives of the Aspirational District and Block Programmes.

Key Takeaways

• The DMF is a non-profit trust established under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2015.
• It primarily serves the interests of individuals and areas impacted by mining operations.
• DMF funds are sourced from contributions by mining leaseholders.
• Governance of DMF falls under state jurisdiction, promoting localized development.

Additional Details

• Establishment: The DMF was created to address the needs of communities affected by mining, as defined by state governments.
• Funding Source: It is funded through contributions from holders of mining leases for both major and minor minerals, as prescribed by government regulations.
• Decentralized Utilization: Funds are collected and utilized at the district level, enabling local development initiatives.

The Aspirational DMF Programme was introduced by the Ministry of Coal and Mines to ensure that DMF planning aligns with national development goals and facilitates maximum social impact through collaboration among various governmental levels.

Aspirational District/Block Programme Overview

• Aspirational District Programme (ADP): Launched in January 2018, this programme targets the upliftment of 117 underdeveloped districts across India.
• Key Principles: The ADP is based on Convergence, Collaboration, and Competition to foster coordinated district transformation.
• Positive Labeling: The term "Aspirational" was chosen to replace potentially negative labels like "backward," promoting a forward-thinking approach.
• Selection Criteria: Districts are chosen by NITI Aayog based on a composite index of 49 indicators across five sectors.

Aspirational Block Programme (ABP)

• Overview: Launched in the Union Budget 2022-23, the ABP extends the ADP's focus to the block level.
• Rural Focus: It aims to ensure comprehensive development in rural areas not fully covered by the ADP.
• Coverage: Initially, the programme includes 500 blocks across 31 states and Union Territories.
• Geographical Concentration: Many of these blocks are located in six states, including Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, reflecting targeted developmental strategies.

The DMF and its associated programmes emphasize collaborative governance and aim to improve essential indicators such as health, education, and infrastructure in underserved regions.

Question for Consideration:

Which of the following can be said to be essentially parts of ‘Inclusive Governance’?

• 1. Permitting the Non-Banking Financial Companies to do banking
• 2. Establishing effective District Planning Committees in all the districts
• 3. Increasing government spending on public health
• 4. Strengthening the Mid-day Meal Scheme

Options: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 and 4 only (c) 2, 3 and 4 only* (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

GS2/International Relations

India’s Critical Minerals Diplomacy - Strategic Engagement through Minilateral ‘Clubs’

Source: Indian Express

Why in News?

India's involvement in global mini-lateral groupings, such as the Quad (comprising India, Japan, Australia, and the US) and the Minerals Security Partnership (MSP), signifies a strategic shift in its mineral diplomacy. This shift is particularly important due to the ongoing green energy transition and the increasing dependence on China for critical minerals. Recently, the Quad foreign ministers initiated the Critical Minerals Initiative aimed at securing and diversifying supply chains for minerals essential to clean technologies.

Key Takeaways

• Critical minerals are vital for economic growth and national security, yet their supply chains are often vulnerable.
• India's dependency on China for minerals like lithium and cobalt poses significant risks, highlighted by export controls on rare earth magnets.

Additional Details

• Importance of Critical Minerals: These minerals are necessary for green technologies, including electric vehicles (EVs), solar panels, batteries, and semiconductors.
• India faces challenges due to a weak domestic ecosystem, including underexplored reserves and a lack of advanced mining technology.
• Political instability in resource-rich countries can deter private investment, necessitating strategic mineral partnerships.
• Bilateral Agreements: India has made agreements with countries like Argentina and Zambia for exploration and mining, while partnerships with the UAE, UK, and US focus on processing and recycling. However, without guaranteed mineral inputs, processing facilities risk becoming stranded assets.
• Mini-lateral Clubs: Groupings like the Quad and MSP consolidate technical, financial, and diplomatic resources, facilitating blended finance and co-development of value chain projects.
• India can leverage foreign expertise from countries like Australia and Japan in exploration and refining processes, which can help mitigate investment risks and accelerate clean technology innovations.

In conclusion, India’s involvement in mineral mini-laterals such as the Quad and MSP is critical for securing supply chains for essential minerals, reducing dependence on China, and advancing its green technology goals. As India aspires to become a global leader in green technology, it is crucial to balance strategic partnerships with national interests, negotiate fair value chains, and ensure capacity building, all while maintaining its core developmental principles.

GS3/Science and Technology

What are Optical Atomic Clocks?

Source: Nature

Why in News?

Researchers have recently performed the most precise global comparison of ten optical atomic clocks. This groundbreaking work aims to redefine the second by 2030, transitioning from the traditional caesium clocks to more accurate optical clocks.

Key Takeaways

• Global comparison of optical atomic clocks is paving the way for redefining the SI second.
• Optical clocks are expected to replace caesium clocks by 2030 due to their superior precision.

Additional Details

• Definition of a Second: The current SI unit of time is defined using caesium-133 (Cs) atomic clocks. In 1967, one second was established as the duration of 9,192,631,770 cycles of radiation corresponding to transitions in Cs-133 atoms.
• In caesium clocks, a microwave signal is fine-tuned until the Cs atoms respond maximally, ensuring the frequency is accurately set to 9,192,631,770 Hz. Frequency dividers count this microwave frequency, providing one tick per second, thereby realizing the SI definition of a second.
• About Caesium Atomic Clocks: These clocks utilize the oscillation frequency of caesium-133 atoms to define the current SI unit of time.
• Working Principle: Caesium clocks work by tuning microwave signals to resonate with caesium atoms and counting the resulting oscillations to measure time precisely.
• Stability and Usage: Caesium atomic clocks are highly stable and have been instrumental in establishing international time standards.
• Applications: They are widely used in GPS systems, telecommunications, scientific research, and by national metrology institutions like India’s National Physical Laboratory (NPL).
• Accuracy: A typical caesium atomic clock loses about one second every 300 million years.
• Optical Atomic Clocks: These advanced timekeeping devices operate using optical (visible light) frequency transitions in atoms like Strontium (Sr) and Ytterbium (Yb).
• Measurement Basis: Optical clocks measure time based on the oscillation of light emitted during atomic transitions at frequencies in the hundreds of trillions of Hz.
• Example Frequencies: Strontium clocks operate at approximately 429 trillion Hz, while Ytterbium ions exceed 642 trillion Hz.
• Precision Tools: They require advanced equipment like lasers and optical frequency combs to accurately count rapid oscillations.
• Future Standard: Optical atomic clocks are being tested globally and are anticipated to replace caesium clocks by 2030, redefining the SI second.
• How Optical Atomic Clocks are Better than Caesium:
  • Higher Frequency Operation: Optical clocks function at much higher frequencies, allowing for finer time divisions.
  • Improved Precision: By counting 10,000 times more oscillations per second, optical clocks achieve remarkable precision and stability.
  • Unmatched Accuracy: An optical atomic clock using strontium reportedly drifts by less than one second in 15 billion years, in contrast to the 300 million years drift seen in caesium clocks.
  • Advanced Applications: Their precision is vital for next-generation GPS systems, gravitational wave detection, and climate monitoring.
  • Ultra-High Synchronization: Optical clocks allow for cross-continental synchronization with an accuracy of up to 18 decimal places, crucial for global time coordination.
  • Noise Resilience: They exhibit greater resistance to environmental noise and external disturbances, enhancing long-term reliability.

In conclusion, the advancement in optical atomic clocks signifies a major leap in timekeeping technology, promising unparalleled accuracy and precision that will redefine our understanding of the second.

GS2/International Relations

Israel Has Failed to Solve the Persian Puzzle

Source: The Hindu

Why in News?

The Israeli military strike on Iran's nuclear infrastructure in June 2025, referred to as the 'Red Wedding', aimed to deliver a decisive blow to Iran's military capabilities. However, this operation exposed the limitations of Israeli power and the resilience of Iran amid complex geopolitical dynamics.

Key Takeaways

• The 'Red Wedding' strike aimed to incapacitate Iran's military leadership and nuclear facilities.
• Despite operational success, Israel faced strategic failure as Iran quickly retaliated and reorganized.
• The involvement of the U.S., particularly under President Trump, limited Israel's military options.

Additional Details

• Operational Success vs. Strategic Failure: The Israeli attack showcased tactical efficiency by targeting key nuclear sites and personnel. However, Iran's swift counteractions highlighted its resilience, undermining Israel's perceived control.
• The Trump Factor: Trump's return to office in 2025 influenced U.S. involvement, with limited air strikes ordered that curtailed Israel's longer-term military objectives.
• Iran's Resilience: Post-conflict, Iran managed to preserve its military structure and began recovery efforts, indicating the potential acceleration of its nuclear ambitions.
• Geopolitical Fallout: The aftermath revealed Israel's military dependence on U.S. support and the inadequacy of conventional deterrence against Iran's asymmetric strategies.

The conflict, having concluded with a ceasefire, illustrates that the ideological and strategic struggles between Israel and Iran are ongoing. Israel's inability to dismantle Iran's nuclear capabilities signifies that the challenges posed by Iran remain formidable, transforming the 'Red Wedding' from a tactical victory into a cautionary tale of overreach and resilience.

GS3/Environment

Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanisms (CBAM)

Source: Indian Express

Why in News?

The BRICS group has publicly condemned and rejected the European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) alongside similar climate-related trade measures. This response highlights the complexities and controversies surrounding international climate policies.

Key Takeaways

• CBAM is an import duty aimed at goods with high carbon emissions, aligning with the EU’s climate goals.
• The mechanism is part of the EU’s “Fit for 55” climate package targeting a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030.
• Importers must declare the carbon emissions of specific goods, including steel and cement.
• Concerns regarding trade discrimination and violation of climate agreements have been raised, especially by developing nations.

Additional Details

• Overview: CBAM is a climate-related import duty implemented by the EU for goods produced with excessive carbon emissions compared to EU standards.
• Policy Framework: It is part of the EU's efforts to achieve significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to international climate commitments.
• Compliance Mechanism: Importers are required to surrender CBAM certificates, the pricing of which is linked to the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS).
• Implementation Timeline: The transitional phase is currently ongoing from 2023 to 2025, with the definitive regime commencing on January 1, 2026.
• Trade Discrimination Concerns: Developing countries argue that CBAM represents unilateral trade restrictions disguised as environmental protection.
• Implications for India: Indian exports, especially in high carbon sectors like iron and steel, may face additional costs and reduced competitiveness due to CBAM.

In summary, while CBAM aims to promote environmental responsibility, it raises significant issues regarding its impact on international trade, particularly for developing nations. The potential carbon levies could significantly affect countries heavily reliant on carbon-intensive industries.

GS3/Economy

Catastrophe Bonds: Innovative Financial Tools for Disaster Resilience in India

Source: Mint

Why in News?

India is investigating the use of catastrophe bonds as a novel financial mechanism to bolster disaster risk financing and improve climate resilience in response to the escalating frequency of natural disasters.

Key Takeaways

• Catastrophe bonds allow at-risk governments to transfer disaster risks to investors.
• They provide quicker financial recovery mechanisms post-disaster compared to traditional insurance.
• India's current low disaster insurance coverage makes cat bonds a critical tool for risk management.

Additional Details

• Catastrophe Bonds: These are hybrid financial instruments that merge insurance and debt characteristics, enabling governments to pass on specific disaster risks to global investors.
• In the event of a natural disaster, investors may lose part or all of their principal, which is then allocated for relief and reconstruction efforts.
• If no disaster occurs, investors earn a high coupon rate and receive their principal back.
• Key Stakeholders: The primary sponsors of these bonds are governments, while intermediaries like the World Bank facilitate the process. Global investors, including hedge funds and pension funds, are drawn to the high returns and diversification benefits.
• Challenges: Cat bonds can face criticism for missing payouts due to stringent trigger conditions or for being perceived as wasted costs if no disasters happen during the bond's term.
• India's proactive disaster management initiatives could help in lowering bond premiums, making catastrophe bonds a viable option for financial resilience.

In conclusion, as India grapples with increasing disaster risks, catastrophe bonds represent an innovative and strategic financial tool that can enhance disaster recovery and resilience, while also engaging global capital markets effectively.

GS2/Governance

End Custodial Brutality, Begin Criminal Justice Reform

​Source: The Hindu

Why in News?

The recent custodial death of Ajith Kumar, a 27-year-old temple guard in Sivaganga, underscores a grave issue of custodial violence in Tamil Nadu. His last words, "I didn’t steal," highlight the systemic dysfunction within law enforcement, prompting a call for urgent reforms to humanize policing and restore public trust.

Key Takeaways

• Ajith Kumar's death is part of a disturbing trend of custodial deaths in Tamil Nadu.
• Systemic issues within the police force contribute to a culture of violence and impunity.
• Urgent reforms are needed in training, accountability, and the overall approach to policing.

Additional Details

• Pattern of Violence: Ajith Kumar's case is not isolated; it reflects a continuum of custodial deaths, including cases of Vignesh in 2022 and Raja in 2024. These incidents reveal a troubling trend of state-sanctioned violence.
• Normalisation of Force: The prioritization of enforcement over reform leads to systemic brutality. A lack of investment in officer welfare and training exacerbates the problem, resulting in police officers becoming both victims and perpetrators within a flawed system.
• Urgent Reforms: A reallocation of police budgets towards mental health support and trauma-informed training is necessary for both officers and detainees. This shift could transform policing into a more humane service.
• Accountability Mechanisms: Current training for police in India is outdated and needs a complete overhaul to include concepts like ethics and community policing, alongside stronger accountability measures.
• Role of Technology: Implementing tamper-proof CCTV in custody areas can serve as a safeguard against abuse, ensuring accountability for both police and detainees.

In conclusion, the call for justice must be proactive, woven into the fabric of law enforcement policies and training. The tragic deaths of individuals like Ajith Kumar symbolize a failure of the state to protect its citizens and highlight the urgent need for reform in the criminal justice system.

GS3/Economy

Measuring Inequality

Source: Indian Express

Why in News?

The recent government assertion claims that India is now the world's fourth most equal country, referencing a Gini Index of 25.5 from the World Bank's Poverty and Equity Brief. This claim suggests that the benefits of economic growth are being distributed more evenly across the population. However, this assertion has been challenged by numerous academics and observers, who argue that India still grapples with significant income inequality.

Key Takeaways

• The Gini Index measures income inequality on a scale from 0 (perfect equality) to 1 (perfect inequality).
• Critics argue that the government’s claim fails to reflect the true extent of inequality in India.
• There are significant discrepancies in data regarding consumption-based and income-based Gini indices.

Additional Details

• Data Discrepancy: The government's Gini Index of 25.5 neglects important qualifiers from the World Bank brief, which indicates that inequality might be underestimated due to data limitations.
• Rise in Inequality: The World Inequality Database shows that India's Gini Index has actually increased from 52 in 2004 to 62 in 2023, highlighting growing wage disparities.
• Consumption-Based Gini: This measure underreports inequality as it focuses on spending rather than income or wealth, leading to a misrepresentation of economic disparities.
• Issues with Survey Data: Surveys often miss the wealthiest individuals, resulting in underrepresentation and a systematic underestimation of inequality. Researchers are integrating tax data to provide a more accurate picture.
• Limitations of Gini Index: The Gini Index is less sensitive to extreme income variations and primarily reflects changes in middle-income groups, making it an inadequate measure for societies with stark disparities.

To accurately address and understand rising inequality, it is essential for governments to incorporate a comprehensive approach that includes income tax and wealth data. Relying solely on consumption-based measures can create a misleading narrative of decreasing inequality, even as real disparities continue to grow.

GS3/Defence & Security

Delivery of the Nistar Vessel to the Indian Navy

Source: PIB

Why in News?

The 'Nistar' vessel has recently been delivered to the Indian Navy by Hindustan Shipyard Limited, marking a significant milestone in India's naval capabilities.

Key Takeaways

• The Nistar is the first indigenously designed and constructed Diving Support Vessel in India.
• Its name, 'Nistar', is derived from Sanskrit, meaning liberation, rescue, or salvation.
• It is designed according to the classification rules of the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS).
• The vessel specializes in deep-sea diving and rescue operations.

Additional Details

• Dimensions and Capacity: The Nistar measures 118 meters in length and has a tonnage of nearly 10,000 tons.
• Diving Capabilities: It is equipped with advanced diving equipment capable of undertaking Deep Sea Saturation Diving up to 300 meters and includes a Side Diving Stage for operations up to 75 meters.
• Role as a Mother Ship: The Nistar serves as a 'Mother Ship' for the Deep Submergence Rescue Vessel (DSRV), facilitating the rescue and evacuation of personnel in emergencies underwater.
• Advanced Technology: The ship incorporates a range of Remotely Operated Vehicles for Diver Monitoring and Salvage Operations at depths of up to 1,000 meters.
• Indigenous Content: With approximately 75% indigenous content, the Nistar represents a significant achievement in the Indian Navy's efforts towards self-reliance and aligns with the Government of India's vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and the Make in India initiative.

The delivery of the Nistar not only enhances the operational capabilities of the Indian Navy but also underscores India's commitment to indigenous defense manufacturing and technology development.

GS3/Environment

UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)

Source: DTE

Why in News?

The UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is currently facing a credibility crisis due to years of inadequate performance, weak accountability, and the neglect of the concerns of developing countries, leading to increasing frustration among stakeholders.

Key Takeaways

• The UNFCCC was established in 1992 to combat climate change by stabilizing greenhouse gas (GHG) concentrations.
• It entered into force on March 21, 1994, and currently has 197 Parties, including all UN member states.
• The Conference of the Parties (COP) is the primary decision-making body that meets annually.
• Significant agreements under the UNFCCC include the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement.

Additional Details

• Institutional Structure:The UNFCCC comprises three main bodies:
  • SBSTA: Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice
  • SBI: Subsidiary Body for Implementation
  • UNFCCC Secretariat: Based in Bonn, Germany
• Party Classifications:
  • Annex I: Developed countries obligated to reduce GHG emissions.
  • Annex II: A subset of Annex I required to provide support to developing nations.
  • Non-Annex I: Developing countries with no binding targets but eligible for support.
  • LDCs (Least Developed Countries): Receive priority support for adaptation and capacity building.
• India and the UNFCCC:India ratified the UNFCCC in 1993 and is classified as a Non-Annex I Party. It has committed to:
  • Reducing emissions intensity of GDP by 45% by 2030 from 2005 levels.
  • Achieving 50% non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030.
• Issues with the UNFCCC Process:
  • Weak enforcement mechanisms leading to lack of penalties for unmet commitments.
  • Consensus delays often resulting in diluted agreements.
  • Unmet financial commitments from developed nations.
  • Neglected needs for adaptation finance and technology transfer for developing countries.
  • Controversial host nation selections for COP meetings.

In conclusion, the UNFCCC is at a critical juncture where reforms are being demanded to ensure that the voices of developing nations are recognized, and effective measures are undertaken to combat climate change.

GS2/Governance

High Security Registration Plates (HSRPs)

Source: The Hindu

Why in News?

Maharashtra’s transport department has made it mandatory for all vehicles to have High Security Registration Plates (HSRPs), with a final enforcement deadline set for August 15.

Key Takeaways

• HSRPs are standardized, tamper-proof number plates required for all vehicles in India.
• Implementation timelines have been set for retrofitting existing vehicles with HSRPs.

Additional Details

• Definition: HSRP is a vehicle number plate designed to be tamper-proof and is mandatory for all vehicles in India.
• Launch: Introduced in 2001 under Rule 50 of the Central Motor Vehicle Rules (CMVR), 1989, and mandated by the Supreme Court in 2012.
• Composition: Made of aluminum, the plate includes security features to prevent counterfeiting and ensure traceability.
• Key Features:
  • Equipped with a non-removable snap lock to prevent tampering or reuse.
  • Contains a laser-etched 10-digit unique identification number linking to the vehicle's registration details.
  • Includes a chromium-based hologram of the Ashoka Chakra to authenticate the plate and prevent duplication.
  • Features retro-reflective film for improved night-time visibility and compatibility with automated detection systems.
  • Has a colour-coded third registration sticker on the windshield, displaying key vehicle information, including engine number, chassis number, and registration number.
  • Embedded with RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology for digital tracking by authorities.
• Compliance and Enforcement:
  • HSRPs are mandatory for all vehicles registered after April 1, 2019, per the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) guidelines.
  • Vehicles registered before this date must be retrofitted with HSRPs by deadlines set by state governments.
  • Non-compliance may result in fines of ₹1,000 as per Rule 50 of CMVR and Section 177 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.
  • States are conducting daily enforcement drives to ensure compliance, including issuing fines and directing retrofitting at authorized centers.
  • Authorized zone-wise vendors are available for installation, and vehicle owners must pre-book appointments online for HSRP fitting.

The implementation of HSRPs aims to enhance road safety and reduce vehicle-related crimes, making it crucial for all vehicle owners to comply with the new regulations.