UPSC Daily Current Affairs: 11th July 2025 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly PDF Download

GS3/Environment

UNEP Frontiers 2025 Report on Legacy Pollutants

Why in News?

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has released its latest report titled The Weight of Time, which highlights the alarming risk posed by climate change-induced river and coastal flooding. These events could unearth and spread dangerous legacy pollutants from water bodies into the environment.

Key Takeaways

• Legacy pollutants are toxic substances that persist in the environment long after their use has been banned or restricted.
• Recent flooding events have shown that climate change can mobilize these pollutants, posing health risks to ecosystems and human populations.

Additional Details

• Definition: Legacy pollutants are toxic substances such as heavy metals and persistent organic pollutants (POPs) that remain in the environment for decades.
• Examples of Legacy Pollutants:
  • Heavy Metals: Lead, Cadmium, Mercury, Arsenic.
  • Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs):
    • Pesticides: DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane), Aldrin, Endrin, Chlordane.
    • Industrial Chemicals: PCBs (Polychlorinated Biphenyls), Dioxins, Furans.
    • By-products: These are produced from incineration, metal smelting, and waste burning.
• Health Hazards:Even low exposure levels can lead to serious health issues, including:
  • Neurotoxicity (nervous system damage)
  • Immunotoxicity (immune disruption)
  • Hepatotoxicity (liver damage)
  • Reproductive toxicity (infertility, birth defects)
  • Carcinogenicity (various cancers)
  • Endocrine disruption
• Sources: These pollutants originate from past industrial practices, banned agricultural chemicals, and poorly managed chemical landfills, which currently contain an estimated 4.8–7 million tonnes of POP waste worldwide.

This report underscores the need for heightened awareness and action regarding legacy pollutants, particularly as climate change continues to exacerbate flooding risks, thereby threatening both human health and environmental integrity.

India-Specific Findings

• Studies of sediments from the Ganga, Hindon, and Vaigai Rivers reveal dangerously high levels of Cadmium, a known endocrine disruptor that may cause kidney, bone, and reproductive harm.
• The Ayad River also exhibited alarming concentrations of hazardous substances.

Example Question:

Which of the following can be found as pollutants in the drinking water in some parts of India?
1. Arsenic
2. Sorbitol
3. Fluoride
4. Formaldehyde
5. Uranium

Options: (a) 1 and 3 only (b) 2, 4 and 5 only (c) 1, 3 and 5 only* (d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

GS2/Polity

Protecting and Preserving Voting Rights

Why in News?

Recently, the Supreme Court directed the Election Commission to accept Aadhaar, voter ID, and ration cards for updating Bihar’s voter list. This decision underscores the importance of the right to vote as a fundamental component of India’s democracy. Unlike in some Western nations, India granted voting rights to all adults from the outset.

Key Takeaways

• The Supreme Court emphasizes the significance of protecting voting rights in India.
• India's commitment to universal adult suffrage sets it apart from many other countries.

How India Made Universal Adult Suffrage a Reality

• Constitutional Guarantee: Article 326 ensures voting rights for all adults, irrespective of gender, caste, religion, education, or property. The voting age was lowered from 21 to 18 via the 61st Amendment in 1989.
• Legal Framework:Two key laws support these rights:
  • The Representation of the People Act, 1950 — for preparing electoral rolls.
  • The Representation of the People Act, 1951 — for regulating elections and addressing offenses.
• Administrative Innovations: To include 173 million largely illiterate voters, election symbols were introduced by Chief Election Commissioner Sukumar Sen, simplifying the voting process.

Statutory Rights and Judicial Perspectives

• In India, the right to vote is a statutory right under Section 62 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, rather than a fundamental or constitutional right.
• The Supreme Court's ruling in Kuldip Nayar v. Union of India (2006) established that voting is a statutory right. This was reaffirmed in Anoop Baranwal v. Union of India (2023).
• Justice Ajay Rastogi's dissent suggested a connection to fundamental rights, but this view did not prevail.

Importance of Accurate Electoral Rolls

• Accurate electoral rolls are crucial for free and fair elections, ensuring the principle of one person, one vote.
• The Election Commission is mandated to regularly update these rolls under the Representation of the People Act, 1950.
• Errors such as omissions, duplicates, or ineligible entries can lead to impersonation and voter disenfranchisement.

Ordinary Residents and Voter Registration

• Definition of Ordinary Resident: Any Indian citizen aged 18 or above who usually lives in a constituency can register as a voter. This ensures genuine presence rather than temporary stays.
• This rule helps prevent fraudulent registrations and keeps voters connected to their constituencies.

Special Voter Categories

• Postal ballots are available for service voters, including soldiers and government employees abroad.
• Overseas Indians can register under Section 20A of the RPA but must vote in person.

Citizenship Verification Debate in Bihar

• A critical issue in Bihar's SIR process is citizenship verification. The Supreme Court's ruling in Lal Babu Hussein v. ERO (1995) emphasized that proof of citizenship cannot be unfairly demanded from voters.
• Past voter lists must be honored, and Election Registration Officers (EROs) must conduct inquiries following fair procedures.

In summary, protecting and preserving voting rights in India is fundamental to maintaining democratic integrity. The continuous efforts to ensure accurate electoral rolls and the fair treatment of all voters reflect the country's commitment to upholding the right to vote as a central pillar of democracy.

GS3/Environment

Yamuna River Rejuvenation

Why in News?

The newly elected government in Delhi is prioritizing the cleaning of the Yamuna River, aligning with the Centre's initiatives. This effort is part of the broader Namami Gange Programme (NGP), which aims to create a replicable model for river rejuvenation by enhancing cooperation between the Centre and states, alongside improving urban governance.

Key Takeaways

• The NGP represents a shift from regulatory pollution control to an executive mission-based rejuvenation strategy.
• Successful river basin planning models have influenced the NGP, drawing from European examples.
• Despite structural innovations, state participation in river management has been inadequate.
• Delhi's approach to the Yamuna can serve as a test case for interstate collaboration.

Additional Details

• Namami Gange Programme (NGP): Launched in 2014, this programme emphasizes a shift towards improving the ecological health of rivers rather than just controlling pollution.
• The NGP utilizes a river basin planning model, integrating scientific inputs, similar to successful European initiatives like the International Commission for the Protection of the Rhine (ICPR).
• Structural reforms under the NGP have created a multi-layered governance system, including the National Ganga Council and various empowered task forces.
• Urban governance plays a crucial role, especially in Delhi, where 80% of the Yamuna's pollution originates from uncaptured and untreated sewage.
• Learning from global best practices can help India mobilize effective subnational responses in river rejuvenation efforts.

In conclusion, the cleaning initiative for the Yamuna River presents a significant opportunity for reciprocal learning within the NGP framework. By addressing current challenges in state participation, urban sewage management, and interstate cooperation, this initiative could foster a robust policy and institutional structure for river rejuvenation in India, with implications for environmental federalism and sustainable water governance.

GS1/History & Culture

Dhammachakra Pravartana Divas

Why in News?

The International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) recently celebrated Ashadha Purnima, also referred to as Dhammachakra Pravartana Divas, at Mulagandha Kuti Vihara in Sarnath.

Key Takeaways

• The observance commemorates the day when Gautama Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment.
• It is celebrated annually on the full moon of Ashadha (Ashadha Purnima), typically in July.

Additional Details

• First Sermon: The sermon, known as Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta, was delivered at Deer Park (Isipatana) in Sarnath, near Varanasi.
• Core Teachings Introduced: This sermon introduced the foundational teachings of Buddhism, including the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path.
• Formation of Sangha: Buddha's five former ascetic companions—Kaundinya, Bhaddiya, Vappa, Mahanama, and Assaji—became the first monks of the Buddhist Sangha.
• Symbolic Representation: The Dharma Chakra (Wheel of Dharma) symbolizes the "turning of the wheel of law" and the spread of the Buddha’s teachings.
• Significance:
  • It marks the beginning of the Varsha Vassa, a three-month monastic retreat during the rainy season.
  • It is recognized as the second most important Buddhist festival after Buddha Purnima.
• Modern Day Significance:
  • In India, it commemorates Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s conversion to Buddhism with his followers at Deekshabhoomi, Nagpur, on October 14, 1956.
  • Millions reaffirm their commitment to Buddhist values and take 22 vows to renounce caste-based discrimination.
• Global Observance: The day is celebrated internationally under various names, including Esala Poya in Sri Lanka, Asanha Bucha in Thailand, and Asadha Purnima in India.

For further exploration of the philosophical tenets of Buddhism, additional resources are available for study.

Back2Basics: Buddhist Councils

The concept of the Eight-fold path forms the theme of various Buddhist texts, including the Dharma Chakara Pravartana Sutta.

GS1/Geography

Fossils Reveal Kashmir Valley’s Climatic Past

Why in the News?

Researchers from the Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences (BSIP), Lucknow, have discovered compelling evidence indicating that the Kashmir Valley, currently characterized by a cool and temperate climate, was once a warm and humid subtropical region.

Key Takeaways

• The fossils were retrieved from the Karewa sediments in the Kashmir Valley, a site known for its preservation of ancient plant remains.
• Researchers employed the CLAMP (Climate Leaf Analysis Multivariate Program) to analyze the shape, size, and margins of fossil leaves, estimating past temperature and rainfall patterns.
• The coexistence approach compared fossil plants with their modern counterparts to reconstruct the ancient climate of the region.

Additional Details

• Past Climate Type: The research indicates that the Kashmir Valley once experienced a warm, humid subtropical climate, contrasting sharply with its present cool, Mediterranean-type climate.
• Vegetation Evidence: Fossilized leaves revealed a variety of subtropical plant species that are no longer present in the current vegetation of the region.
• Role of Tectonic Uplift: The tectonic uplift of the Pir Panjal Range is identified as a crucial factor that obstructed the Indian summer monsoon from entering the valley, contributing to its climatic transition.
• Climatic Transition: This blockage led to a gradual drying of the area and a significant shift from subtropical forests to temperate ecosystems.
• Impact of Mountain-Building: The study illustrates that mountain-building processes (tectonic uplift) can significantly influence climate patterns by altering monsoon routes.
• Relevance to Climate Change: These findings offer insights into natural climate shifts occurring over millions of years, providing context for contemporary climate change discussions.
• Ecological Vulnerability: The study underscores the susceptibility of mountain ecosystems, such as the Himalayas, to both natural and anthropogenic environmental changes.

The Karewa sediments, consisting of plateau-like terraces formed from lacustrine (lake) and fluvio-glacial deposits, are known for preserving ancient fossils, particularly of plants. Additionally, a subtropical climate is characterized by warm and humid conditions with moderate to high rainfall, supporting dense vegetation, similar to the climate found in northeastern India. In contrast, a Mediterranean-type climate is marked by mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers, as seen in certain parts of the region today.

The findings are crucial as they enhance our understanding of past climatic conditions and their implications for current climate dynamics.

GS3/Economy

Population Decline and an Ill-Informed Chorus

Why in News?

The public discourse surrounding population dynamics has shifted from fears of unchecked growth and its environmental impacts to growing concerns over declining fertility rates. This evolution reflects changing demographic priorities and societal anxieties about future population trends.

Key Takeaways

• Contradictory views exist regarding population trends, with some experts warning of imminent declines.
• Global data suggests a future population peak before eventual decline, challenging alarmist narratives.
• Barriers to desired family size are significant, affecting individuals' reproductive choices globally.

Additional Details

• Projections vs. Predictions: Population projections depend heavily on assumptions about future birth and death rates, leading to greater uncertainty further into the future.
• Population Momentum: Populations can continue to grow for decades even when fertility rates fall below replacement levels due to a large proportion of the population remaining in reproductive age.
• Fertility Challenges: According to a UNFPA 2025 report, 1 in 5 individuals surveyed across 14 countries felt unable to achieve their preferred number of children.
• Key barriers identified include financial limitations (38% in India, 58% in South Korea), housing constraints (22% in India, 31% in South Korea), and lack of quality childcare (18%).

Despite significant financial investments in fertility-boosting measures, as seen in South Korea, where over $200 billion was spent with minimal impact, the focus should shift from coercive policies to those that promote family choice and support. It is essential to remove penalties for working mothers and to foster inclusive societal structures that aid families rather than curtail reproductive rights.

GS1/Indian Society

TALASH Initiative

Why in News?

The National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS) and UNICEF India have launched the TALASH (Tribal Aptitude, Life Skills and Self-Esteem Hub), marking the first national initiative aimed at the holistic development of tribal students in Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs).

Key Takeaways

• TALASH focuses on fostering self-awareness, emotional resilience, life skills, and career clarity among tribal youth.
• The initiative aligns with the National Education Policy 2020, advocating for inclusive, equitable, and competency-based education.
• Approximately 1,38,336 students across 28 States and 8 Union Territories are expected to benefit from this initiative.
• TALASH aims for implementation in all EMRSs nationwide by the end of 2025.

Additional Details

• Psychometric Assessments: Inspired by NCERT’s ‘Tamanna’, TALASH provides aptitude tests that help students identify their interests, abilities, and potential. Based on these results, students receive Career Cards suggesting suitable career options.
• Career Counselling: The initiative offers structured career guidance, enabling students to make informed decisions aligned with their strengths and aspirations.
• Life Skills & Self-Esteem Modules: TALASH includes interactive modules that teach essential skills such as communication, problem-solving, emotional regulation, and self-confidence.
• E-Learning for Teachers: A dedicated online portal is available for teacher training and resources, enhancing their ability to mentor students effectively. So far, 189 teachers from 75 EMRSs have been trained to lead school-level sessions.

This initiative represents a significant step towards empowering tribal youth through education, ensuring they acquire the necessary skills for personal and professional success.

GS2/Polity

Zonal Councils

Why in News?

The Union Home Minister recently emphasized that 83% of issues discussed in Zonal Council meetings have been resolved, highlighting their effectiveness as platforms for intergovernmental cooperation.

Key Takeaways

• Zonal Councils are statutory bodies established under the States Reorganisation Act, 1956.
• The councils aim to promote cooperation and coordination among states, union territories, and the central government.
• India is divided into five zones, each with its own Zonal Council.

Additional Details

• Establishment: Zonal Councils are statutory, not constitutional bodies.
• Basis for Zoning: Zones are drawn based on natural divisions, cultural and linguistic affinities, river systems, and security needs.
• Zonal Divisions:
  • Northern Zonal Council: Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, Delhi, Chandigarh.
  • Central Zonal Council: Chhattisgarh, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh.
  • Eastern Zonal Council: Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal.
  • Western Zonal Council: Goa, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Daman & Diu.
  • Southern Zonal Council: Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry.
• Note: The North-Eastern Council (NEC) is a separate body including states like Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, and others.
• The union territories of Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep are not members but are special invitees.

The composition includes Chief Ministers from each state in the respective zone, with additional ministers nominated by each state. The role of the Vice-Chairperson rotates annually among the Chief Ministers, and Standing Committees are formed to prepare for full sessions.

Functions and Responsibilities

• Promote interstate and Centre-state cooperation through dialogue and consensus-building.
• Address key issues such as economic and social planning, border disputes, inter-state transport, and linguistic minority concerns.
• While advisory in nature, the councils play a vital role in dispute resolution and coordinated policy formulation.

Recent Developments and Significance

• Leadership changes in the NEC in 2018 signaled a push for broader integration.
• Under the Modi Government, Zonal Councils have become dynamic, action-oriented platforms.
• These councils actively contribute to cooperative federalism, resolving disputes and accelerating regional development.
• With 83% of agenda issues resolved, Zonal Councils show increasing political will and effectiveness in addressing regional challenges.

Understanding Zonal Councils is crucial for recognizing their role in facilitating intergovernmental cooperation and regional development in India.

GS3/Economy

Bridge too far: A regular audit of all major infrastructure projects is a must

Why in News?

Recently, a 40-year-old bridge in Vadodara, Gujarat collapsed on July 9, resulting in multiple vehicles falling into the Mahisagar River and causing the death of 18 individuals.

Key Takeaways

• Infrastructure failures in India are recurring due to various systemic issues.
• The lack of regular audits and maintenance exacerbates the risks associated with ageing structures.

Causes of Infrastructure Failures

• Ageing and outdated infrastructure: Many structures, such as the Morbi suspension bridge (2022) in Gujarat, exceeded their intended lifespan without adequate upgrades.
• Overuse and overload: Bridges and roads designed for lower traffic volumes are now subjected to high urban and industrial loads, leading to incidents like the Indrayani pedestrian bridge collapse in Pune (2024).
• Neglect and poor maintenance: The lack of routine inspections contributed to the Vadodara bridge collapse (2024), despite locals raising concerns that went ignored.
• Institutional inefficiency: Municipal bodies are often understaffed and underfunded, unable to meet growing infrastructure needs, especially in peri-urban areas.
• Lack of accountability: Failure analysis reports, such as for the Mizoram railway bridge girder collapse (2023), are rarely published, limiting systemic learning and corrective actions.

Understanding Peri-urban Infrastructure

• Definition: Peri-urban infrastructure refers to basic facilities and services (like roads, bridges, water supply, drainage, electricity, etc.) found in transitional zones between urban and rural areas.
• Prone to collapse: Peri-urban areas often develop without proper zoning laws or building codes, leading to substandard construction.

Challenges in Peri-urban Areas

• Unregulated urban expansion: Many flyovers and water systems are constructed around unplanned colonies, lacking load assessments.
• Jurisdictional ambiguity: These regions fall between urban and rural governance structures, causing confusion over responsibilities.
• Low visibility: Peri-urban areas lack media attention and political prioritization, resulting in deferred maintenance and unchecked infrastructure decay.

Improving Asset Upkeep through AMRUT and UIDF

• Focused maintenance: AMRUT 2.0 emphasizes retrofitting old urban infrastructure, helping cities like Agra upgrade drainage systems to prevent degradation.
• Targeted financial support: Low-cost loans for Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities enable repair of worn-out infrastructure strained by population growth, as seen in Madhya Pradesh.
• Digital monitoring: Both AMRUT and UIDF promote using geo-tagging and digital tracking to monitor asset health and schedule repairs, with cities like Bhubaneswar employing dashboards for tracking.

Addressing Audit and Accountability Gaps

• Jurisdictional overlap: Multiple agencies share infrastructure responsibilities, leading to delays in post-collapse audits, as seen after the Hyderabad flyover collapse.
• Political interference: High-profile accidents often see diluted inquiries due to political pressures, hindering prompt audits, as was the case with the Kolkata Vivekananda flyover collapse (2016).

Way Forward

• Unified audit authority: Establish an independent body for conducting post-collapse audits, ensuring timely investigations and public disclosure of findings.
• Real-time monitoring systems: Implement GIS mapping, IoT sensors, and AI-based tools for predictive maintenance to improve infrastructure monitoring and reduce risks.

In summary, addressing the recurring failures in public infrastructure requires a comprehensive approach that includes regular audits, accountability mechanisms, and proactive maintenance strategies, particularly in peri-urban areas.

GS1/Indian Society

Aiding India’s Progress with Choice, Control, and Capital

Why in News?

The recent observance of World Population Day on July 11, 2025, has sparked renewed discussions surrounding global and national strategies focused on empowering youth, reproductive rights, and the implications of declining fertility rates. The theme for this year emphasizes the importance of empowering young people to create the families they desire, highlighting the need for informed reproductive choices and improved access to health, education, and economic opportunities, particularly for India's vast youth population.

Key Takeaways

• India's youth population, numbering over 371 million aged 15-29, represents the largest demographic of its kind globally.
• Empowering youth can significantly enhance national productivity, potentially adding up to $1 trillion to India's GDP by 2030.
• Barriers such as limited access to family planning services, socio-cultural norms, and economic insecurity impede reproductive autonomy and choices.

Additional Details

• Reproductive Autonomy: Limited access to modern contraceptives and comprehensive sexual education has led to significant gaps in reproductive healthcare. For instance, the UNFPA reports that 36% of Indian adults have faced unintended pregnancies, indicating systemic healthcare access problems.
• Socio-cultural Barriers: Cultural norms, including early marriages and patriarchal attitudes, restrict young women’s independent fertility decisions. Child marriage rates, although declining, remain a concern at 23.3% according to NFHS-5 data.
• Economic Constraints: Financial limitations and lack of childcare options hinder couples from achieving their desired family size, with surveys indicating that 38% cite financial insecurity as a barrier.
• Programs aimed at empowering women, like Project Udaan in Rajasthan, have successfully reduced child marriage by promoting girls' education.
• Engaging communities in behavior change strategies has proven effective in challenging harmful gender norms and supporting girls' education and economic participation.

In conclusion, the focus on empowering women and youth through education, health services, and economic opportunities is essential for fostering reproductive autonomy and addressing the challenges posed by declining fertility rates in India. This empowerment will not only allow individuals to make informed choices but will also contribute significantly to the nation’s overall development and demographic dividend.

GS2/Polity

Supreme Court on Bihar Electoral Roll Revision

Why in News?

The Supreme Court of India has refused to stay the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar, which is set to take place ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections. The Court acknowledged concerns raised by petitioners regarding the timing and process of the electoral roll revision, prompting it to advise the ECI to consider using Aadhaar, voter ID, and ration cards for verification. A detailed hearing has been scheduled for July 28.

Key Takeaways

• The Supreme Court's refusal to stay the SIR allows the electoral roll revision to proceed.
• Concerns over timing and document requirements have been highlighted by petitioners.
• Accessibility of suggested documents like Aadhaar and voter ID is crucial for voter inclusion.

Additional Details

• Background: The electoral roll revision in Bihar involves an extensive house-to-house verification process by electoral registration officers. Those listed on the 2003 electoral rolls only need to submit an extract, while newer voters must provide multiple documents to establish their identity.
• Supreme Court Proceedings: Key issues raised include the timing of the revision close to the elections, concerns over document exclusions, and potential voter disenfranchisement, especially among marginalized communities.
• Accessibility of Documents: Aadhaar is available to over 88% of Bihar’s population, while voter IDs are issued to nearly all registered voters. Ration cards also provide access to a significant portion of the population, particularly among low-income groups.
• Election Commission's Defense: The ECI maintains that the list of required documents is not exhaustive and that Aadhaar is not mandatory for citizenship verification. They have also emphasized ongoing public outreach efforts.

The Supreme Court has upheld the ECI's constitutional autonomy in revising electoral rolls while stressing the importance of accountability and transparency. The upcoming July 28 hearing will address critical questions regarding legal validity, procedural fairness, and the timing of the electoral roll revision, aiming to balance thorough documentation with the principle of universal suffrage.