UPSC Daily Current Affairs: 25th July 2025 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly PDF Download

GS2/Polity

National Crisis Management Committee

Why in News?

The Central Government has recently established the National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC) to effectively address situations that arise from major disasters with national implications.

Key Takeaways

• The NCMC is constituted under the Disaster Management Act, 2005.
• It serves as the apex body for managing major disaster situations.

Additional Details

• Composition: The NCMC is chaired by the Cabinet Minister, with members including the Union Home Secretary, the Secretary of Defence (for coordination), and heads of various departments, including the National Disaster Management Authority.
• Role: The chairperson may co-opt experts or officials from central or state governments, or other organizations, as needed during disaster situations.
• The committee evaluates preparedness for potential disasters and provides directions to enhance readiness.
• It coordinates and monitors actions from concerned ministries, state governments, and both governmental and non-governmental organizations involved in disaster response.
• It issues necessary directions for effective disaster response coordination across the country.

The formation of the NCMC underscores the government's commitment to systematically address and manage major disasters, ensuring a coordinated response mechanism to safeguard lives and property.

GS2/Governance

The Fault Lines in India’s Electoral Architecture Are Visible

Why in News?

The Election Commission of India (ECI) is concluding the first phase of its Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar by August 1, 2025. This process has ignited discussions around allegations of disenfranchisement, particularly affecting the poor, minorities, and migrants. Critics argue that the ECI's methods are biased, while supporters emphasize the importance of maintaining election roll integrity. However, both perspectives overlook the deeper issues embedded in India's electoral laws in relation to its highly mobile society.

Key Takeaways

• Historical electoral laws are outdated and do not account for India’s significant internal migration.
• Disenfranchisement affects millions, with over 1.2 million names deleted in Bihar alone during the revision process.
• The conflation of citizenship and residency complicates voter registration for internal migrants.
• International examples show that innovative solutions exist to balance electoral integrity and inclusiveness.

Additional Details

• Representation of the People Act, 1950: This Act was designed for an India with predominantly rural populations, assuming citizens would vote in their birthplace. Today, with over 450 million internal migrants, this assumption leads to systemic disenfranchisement.
• Electoral Deletions: In 2025, districts in Bihar with high migration rates saw roll deletions between 5%-7%, disenfranchising those who were absent during verification.
• Citizenship vs. Residency: The ECI's approach prioritizes residency, sidelining millions of internal migrants from electoral participation.
• International Perspectives: Countries like the United States, Philippines, and Australia have implemented measures to ensure voter inclusion, demonstrating that legislative reform is possible.
• Political parties often use voter disenfranchisement as a tool for mobilization rather than addressing the issue.

In conclusion, while defending the ECI from blame is necessary, it is not sufficient. Achieving true electoral justice requires both reform from the ECI and active engagement from political and civil society to ensure that all citizens are included in the electoral process and that their voices are heard.

GS3/Science and Technology

AI for India 2.0 Programme

Why in News?

The Minister of State (Independent Charge) for the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) recently updated the Rajya Sabha about the AI for India 2.0 Programme, which aims to enhance skill development in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML).

Key Takeaways

• The programme was launched in 2023 on the occasion of 'World Youth Skills Day'.
• It offers free online training in AI and ML with a focus on vernacular accessibility.
• Content is available in nine Indian languages, including Hindi, Telugu, and Kannada.
• The target audience includes college students, fresh graduates, and early-career professionals, particularly from rural and non-English-speaking backgrounds.

Additional Details

• Special Focus on Vernacular Languages: The programme emphasizes content delivery in local languages, thereby empowering youth and making tech education accessible.
• Collaboration: It is a joint initiative involving GUVI (Grab Ur Vernacular Imprint), an ed-tech company incubated by IIT Madras and IIM Ahmedabad, along with Skill India, aiming to promote education in vernacular languages.
• The programme is nationally accredited by NCVET and IIT Madras, ensuring the quality and recognition of the training provided.

This initiative represents a significant step towards equipping young individuals with cutting-edge skills in AI and ML, ultimately contributing to the growth of a skilled workforce in India.

GS3/Environment

Significance of ICJ Ruling on Climate Change

Why in News?

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has issued a groundbreaking advisory opinion affirming that nations possess a legal obligation under international law to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. Although the ruling is not legally enforceable, it has the potential to enhance climate litigation on a global scale and hold countries accountable for their inaction, including the possibility of compensation claims.

Key Takeaways

• The ICJ ruling emphasizes climate action as a binding duty under international law.
• The opinion was influenced by a UN General Assembly resolution and supports demands from developing nations for stronger commitments from industrialized countries.
• Failure to comply with climate obligations may result in liability for compensation related to climate-related damages.

Additional Details

• Case Background: Initiated by Vanuatu, a campaign for an ICJ advisory opinion on climate change began in September 2021, highlighting the urgent need for legal action for small island nations endangered by rising sea levels.
• UN General Assembly Resolution: In March 2023, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution, urging the ICJ to clarify the obligations of states under international law concerning environmental protection.
• Legal Framework: The ICJ's advisory opinions, although not binding, carry significant legal and moral authority, guiding the evolution of international law regarding climate obligations.
• The court's opinion states that all countries are legally obligated to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, with industrialized nations required to lead these efforts and assist developing nations.
• Failure to meet these obligations is classified as an "internationally wrongful act," which could lead to accountability for affected states and individuals.
• The ruling also acknowledges the right of "injured states" to seek reparations for climate impacts, which may open avenues for legal action against wealthier nations and corporate polluters.

In conclusion, while the ICJ's advisory opinion does not impose immediate penalties, it establishes a vital precedent that emphasizes the legal and moral responsibilities of nations in combating climate change. The true effect of this ruling will unfold as national courts reference it in future climate-related cases and as governments respond to their duties under international law.

GS2/Polity

Extension of President’s Rule in Manipur

Why in News?

The Home Minister is preparing to introduce a statutory resolution in the Rajya Sabha aimed at extending President’s Rule in Manipur for an additional six months.

Key Takeaways

• President’s Rule implies the suspension of a state's constitutional framework, placing it under the direct governance of the Union Government.
• The constitutional basis for President’s Rule is found in Articles 355, 356, and 365 of the Indian Constitution.

Additional Details

• What is President’s Rule? It denotes a situation where the state government is suspended, and the President assumes control through the Union Government.
• Constitutional Basis:
  • Article 355: Mandates the Union to ensure governance in states aligns with the Constitution.
  • Article 356(1): Empowers the President to take over the state's executive if a constitutional breakdown is reported.
  • Article 365: Treats a state’s failure to comply with Union directives as a breakdown of constitutional machinery.
• Duration and Extensions:
  • Initial duration is valid from the proclamation date.
  • Extensions are possible every six months with parliamentary approval, up to a maximum of three years.
• Revocation:
  • Can be revoked by the President anytime under Article 356(2) without needing parliamentary approval.
• Supreme Court Judgments:
  • S.R. Bommai v. Union of India (1994): Established that President’s Rule is subject to judicial review, and a floor test is required to prove majority.
  • Sarbananda Sonowal v. Union of India (2005): Expanded the scope for preventive action by the Union.
  • Rameshwar Prasad v. Union of India (2006): Declared the dissolution of the Bihar Assembly unconstitutional.
• Key Reforms/Recommendations:
  • Sarkaria Commission (1987): Suggested that President’s Rule should only be a last resort.
  • Punchhi Commission (2010): Recommended localized emergency provisions for specific areas instead of the whole state.
  • National Commission to Review the Working of the Constitution (2000): Advocated for the sparing use of Article 356 and proposed amendments for its application without a National Emergency if elections are unfeasible.

In conclusion, the extension of President’s Rule in Manipur is a significant political development, raising questions about governance and constitutional adherence in states under Union control.

GS2/Governance

Clean House: On India’s Septic Tank Desludging

Why in News?

Recently, a social audit presented in Parliament revealed that there were 150 hazardous cleaning deaths reported in 2022-23. This alarming statistic sheds light on the unsafe outsourcing practices, poor enforcement of safety laws, and inadequate funding for schemes like NAMASTE. Despite Supreme Court orders and successful models in states like Odisha and Tamil Nadu, the enforcement of mechanization in sanitation remains critically insufficient across the nation.

Key Takeaways

• The persistence of manual scavenging despite existing laws and schemes.
• Weak enforcement of legal provisions and inadequate funding for sanitation initiatives.
• Successful models from states like Odisha and Tamil Nadu provide alternative approaches.

Additional Details

• Weak Enforcement of Legal Provisions: Despite the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013, enforcement remains minimal. For example, a report in 2024 indicated 150 workers died during hazardous cleaning in 2022-23.
• Poor Implementation and Underfunding of Schemes: Schemes like NAMASTE are lacking due to insufficient financial support and poor outreach. Of the 57,758 workers involved in hazardous cleaning, only 16,791 received PPE kits, highlighting the inadequacy of the released ₹14 crore for mechanization.
• Obscured Employer Liability: The use of subcontracting allows employers to evade responsibility for worker safety. A social audit showed that out of 54 hazardous cleaning deaths, only five workers were on government payroll, complicating accountability.
• Successful Models in Odisha and Tamil Nadu: These states have equipped identified sanitation workers with mechanized desludging vehicles, enhancing safety and reducing manual labor. For instance, vacuum trucks are now utilized for sewer cleaning, and robotic interventions have been tested to eliminate manual scavenging.
• Lack of Rural Data: The absence of reliable data on rural sanitation workers limits the effectiveness of mechanization schemes, leaving many workers unregistered and unaccounted for. In Chhattisgarh's rural blocks, no protective equipment has been provided, exposing workers to hazardous conditions.
• Government Initiatives: The Indian government has taken steps like banning manual scavenging and launching the NAMASTE scheme to promote mechanized sanitation. Welfare initiatives include cash assistance and health insurance under Ayushman Bharat.

To effectively address the issues of manual scavenging and worker safety, reforms must focus on mandatory mechanization, financial rehabilitation, and comprehensive documentation of sanitation workers to ensure accountability and support.

GS2/Polity

National Cooperative Policy 2025 - Revitalising India’s Cooperative Movement

Why in News?

The Union Home Minister Amit Shah has recently introduced a new national cooperative policy, replacing the existing framework that had been in place for the past 23 years. This initiative aims to enhance the cooperative sector's institutional capacity, broaden its scope, and align it with India's overall development objectives.

Key Takeaways

• The new policy is guided by the vision of Sahkar se Samriddhi (Prosperity through Cooperation).
• It plans to increase the cooperative sector's contribution to GDP threefold by 2034.
• At least one cooperative society is to be established in every village.
• The policy aims to engage 50 crore citizens in active cooperative participation.

Additional Details

• Historical Context: The National Cooperative Policy 2025 is the first update since 2002, reflecting a renewed governmental commitment to the cooperative sector through the establishment of a separate Ministry of Cooperation in 2021.
• Key Features:The policy is structured around six pillars:
  • Strengthening foundational systems
  • Promoting vibrancy in existing cooperatives
  • Preparing for future challenges through digitalisation and innovation
  • Enhancing inclusivity and outreach
  • Expanding into emerging sectors
  • Engaging youth and building capacity for future generations
• Model Cooperative Villages: Each tehsil will host five cooperative villages aimed at developing local economies through sectors like dairy, fishery, and floriculture.
• Institutional Strengthening: The policy mandates full computerisation of PACS operations and technology-driven governance for enhanced transparency.
• Economic Impact: Currently, the cooperative sector contributes significantly to various aspects of India's rural economy, including agricultural credit and production, emphasizing the goal of creating a member-centric model for self-reliance.

This comprehensive approach in the National Cooperative Policy 2025 is expected to foster inclusive growth, empower rural communities, and bolster India's cooperative movement for the future.

GS2/Governance

Palna Scheme

Why in News?

The Minister of State for Women and Child Development recently informed the Rajya Sabha regarding the implementation and significance of the Palna Scheme.

Key Takeaways

• The Palna Scheme is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme launched by the Ministry of Women and Child Development.
• It aims to provide quality crèche facilities for children aged 6 months to 6 years.
• Crèche facilities are available to all mothers, regardless of their employment status.

Additional Details

• Objective: The primary goal of the Palna Scheme is to ensure a safe and nurturing environment for children, focusing on:
  • Nutritional support
  • Health and cognitive development
  • Growth monitoring and immunization
• Types of Crèches: There are two categories of crèches under the Palna Scheme:
  • Standalone Crèches
  • Anganwadi-cum-Crèches (AWCCs)
• Flexibility in Operations: Crèche timings are designed to be flexible based on local needs, operating for 26 days a month and for 7.5 hours each day.
• Funding Structure: The funding ratio varies by region:
  • General States: 60:40 (Centre:State)
  • North Eastern & Special Category States: 90:10
  • UTs with Legislature: 60:40
  • UTs without Legislature: 100% assistance from the Centre
• Services Provided: The scheme offers a comprehensive package of services, including:
  • Daycare Facilities, including Sleeping Facilities
  • Early Stimulation for children under 3 years
  • Pre-school Education for children aged 3 to 6 years
  • Supplementary Nutrition sourced locally
  • Growth Monitoring
  • Health Check-ups and Immunization

The Palna Scheme represents a significant step towards improving childcare services across India, ensuring that children receive the necessary support for their early development.

GS2/International Relations

Henley Passport Index 2025 Overview

Why in News?

India has made significant progress in the 2025 Henley Passport Index, moving up eight places to achieve the 77th rank, a substantial improvement from its previous position at 85th last year.

Key Takeaways

• India ranks 77th in the 2025 Henley Passport Index.
• Singapore's passport is the strongest globally, allowing access to 193 destinations without a visa.
• Japan and South Korea hold second place, enabling entry to 190 destinations.
• Several EU countries share the third position, each with access to 189 destinations.
• Both the U.S. and U.K. passports have seen a decline in their rankings.

Additional Details

• Henley Passport Index: This index ranks passports based on the number of destinations that holders can access without needing a visa, using data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA). It has been in existence since 2006 and evaluates 199 passports against 227 travel destinations.
• Rankings of Major Passports:
  • Singapore: 1st place, 193 destinations.
  • Japan and South Korea: 2nd place, 190 destinations.
  • EU passports (Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Spain): 3rd place, 189 destinations each.
  • U.S.: 10th place, access to 182 destinations.
  • U.K.: 6th place, access to 186 destinations.

In conclusion, the Henley Passport Index highlights significant shifts in global passport power, showcasing the growing influence of Asian countries while traditional powerhouses like the U.S. and U.K. experience declines in their passport rankings.

GS2/International Relations

India Skills Accelerator Initiative

Why in News?

The recent announcement by the Minister of State (Independent Charge) for the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) in the Rajya Sabha highlighted the launch of the India Skills Accelerator initiative, aimed at addressing skill gaps in the country.

Key Takeaways

• The initiative is a collaborative effort between the MSDE and the World Economic Forum (WEF).
• It focuses on inclusive upskilling and reskilling, promoting lifelong learning, and fostering collaboration between government and industry.

Additional Details

• Collaboration Platform: The initiative serves as a national public-private partnership platform intended to facilitate cross-sectoral efforts to tackle complex challenges through innovative solutions.
• Core Objectives:
  • Enhancing awareness and shifting mindsets regarding future skills requirements.
  • Encouraging collaboration and knowledge sharing among various stakeholders.
  • Committing to improving institutional structures and policy frameworks to create a more adaptive skilling ecosystem.
• The initiative aims to support agile career transitions and scalable training programs, particularly in high-growth sectors such as AI, robotics, and energy, to empower India's youth and develop a workforce ready for the future.

In summary, the India Skills Accelerator initiative represents a significant step towards enhancing skill development in India, aligning educational outcomes with industry needs, and fostering a collaborative environment for sustainable workforce growth.

GS3/Environment

Coral Loss in Lakshadweep

Why in News?

A recent study spanning 24 years by the Nature Conservation Foundation highlights a significant decline in coral cover in Lakshadweep, revealing a reduction of 50% since 1998.

Key Takeaways

• Study Duration: 24-year study (1998–2022)
• Findings: 50% decline in live coral cover—from 37.2% to 19.6%
• Main Cause: Repeated marine heatwaves linked to climate change
• Study Locations: Agatti, Kadmat, and Kavaratti atolls monitored
• Response Clusters: Six coral groups identified based on depth, wave exposure, heat resistance, and recovery patterns
• Recovery Timeline: Requires at least 6 years without bleaching for healthy regeneration

Additional Details

• Coral and Coral Bleaching: Corals are colonies of tiny animals called polyps that build calcium carbonate skeletons. They host zooxanthellae, microscopic algae that provide nutrients via photosynthesis.
• Coral Types:
  • Hard Corals: Form reef structures (e.g., brain coral, staghorn coral)
  • Soft Corals: Flexible, grow on reef surfaces but do not build reefs
• Habitat Requirements:
  • Water Quality: Must be clean and low in sediment
  • Temperature Range: Prefer 20–21°C; typically found in waters less than 90 metres deep
  • Salinity: Optimal range is 27–30 parts per thousand (ppt)
  • Ocean Currents: Nutrient-rich water flow is essential
• Coral Bleaching: Triggered by heat stress, pollution, or acidification, leading to the loss of algae. If stress persists, corals turn white due to loss of algae, which is their main food source, and can die if stress continues for prolonged periods.

In conclusion, the ongoing coral decline in Lakshadweep is a significant environmental concern, emphasizing the need for immediate action to combat climate change and protect marine biodiversity.

[UPSC 2022] "Biorock Technology" is talked about in which one of the following situations?

• (a) Restoration of damaged coral reefs *
• (b) Development of building materials using plant residues
• (c) Identification of areas for exploration/extraction of shale gas
• (d) Providing salt licks for wild animals in forests

GS1/Indian Society

Tribes in News: Khasi

Why in News?

The Meghalaya High Court is currently addressing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) concerning the Khasi Lineage Act, which aims to protect the matrilineal traditions of the Khasi tribe. The PIL alleges that this law is unfairly denying Scheduled Tribe (ST) certificates to individuals bearing paternal surnames.

Key Takeaways

• The Khasi tribe is indigenous to Northeast India.
• They speak the Khasi language, part of the Austroasiatic language family.
• The tribe practices a matrilineal system where inheritance and family lineage are passed through the mother.

Additional Details

• Region: The Khasi are primarily found in Meghalaya, a state in Northeast India.
• Linguistic Family: They belong to the Austroasiatic language group and communicate in the Khasi language, which is written in Roman script and has several dialects.
• Religion: The Khasi follow Niam Khasi, a traditional animist faith, although many are also Christians.
• Mythical Origin: They believe in Ki Hynniew Trep, the seven ancestral clans that are said to have descended from heaven.
• Cultural Identity: The Khasi have a strong connection to nature, oral traditions, and a clan-based social structure.
• Inheritance System: The Khasi practice a matrilineal inheritance system where property and surnames are passed from mothers to daughters.
• Post-Marital Residence: Marriages are characterized by matrilocality, where the husband resides in the wife’s household.
• Heir Designation: The Ka Khadduh, or youngest daughter, is designated the custodian of family property and ancestral responsibilities.
• Marriage Rules: Clan exogamy is practiced; marrying within the same clan is prohibited to prevent incest.
• Village Governance: The Khasi villages are governed by Dorbar Shnong (village councils) and led by traditional chiefs known as Syiem.
• Major Festivals: Notable festivals include Shad Suk Mynsiem, a thanksgiving and harvest dance, and Shad Nongkrem, a royal ritual dance promoting communal prosperity.
• Traditional Attire: Women typically wear the Jainsem, a draped dress adorned with silver jewelry, while men wear tunic-style garments and ceremonial headgear.
• Spiritual Practices: The Khasi emphasize ancestor veneration and worship natural elements such as stones, rivers, and groves.

In summary, the Khasi tribe holds a unique position in Indian society with their distinct cultural practices, matrilineal traditions, and spiritual beliefs, making them a significant subject of discussion in contemporary legal and social contexts.

UPSC 2014:

With reference to the ‘Changpa’ community of India, consider the following statements:

• 1. They live mainly in the State of Uttarakhand.
• 2. They rear the Pashmina goats that yield a fine wool.
• 3. They are kept in the category of Scheduled Tribes.

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