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

GS2/Polity

Revision of Creamy Layer Income Limit: Need of the Hour

Source: Indian Express

Why in News?

The Parliamentary Committee on Welfare of Other Backward Classes (OBCs) has emphasized the necessity to revise the "creamy layer" income ceiling for OBC reservation benefits. They describe this revision as the "need of the hour," highlighting that inflation and rising income levels have rendered the current limit of ₹8 lakh per annum (set in 2017) insufficient. The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE) has indicated that there is no proposal currently under consideration for a revision.

Key Takeaways

• The creamy layer concept was established following the Indra Sawhney v. Union of India (1992) judgment.
• The current income limit has not been revised since 2017 despite changing economic conditions.
• Periodic revisions are mandated every three years according to Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) norms.

Understanding the “Creamy Layer” Concept

• Initial Setting:The creamy layer income ceiling was first set at ₹1 lakh in 1993 and has been revised multiple times:
  • ₹2.5 lakh in 2004
  • ₹4.5 lakh in 2008
  • ₹6 lakh in 2013
  • ₹6.5 lakh in 2014
  • ₹8 lakh in 2017 (last revision)
• Exclusion Criteria: Households exceeding the annual income limit are excluded from receiving OBC reservation benefits.

OBC Reservations in India: Historical Background

• Constitutional Foundation:
  • Article 15(4): Allows special provisions for the advancement of socially and educationally backward classes (SEBCs), Scheduled Castes (SCs), and Scheduled Tribes (STs).
  • Article 16(4): Empowers the State to provide reservation in appointments for any backward class inadequately represented in State services.
  • Article 340: Empowers the President to appoint a commission to investigate conditions of backward classes and recommend measures.

Significance of Revising the Creamy Layer Limit

• Ensures benefits reach those who truly need them, adapting to economic changes.
• Supports more OBC families in accessing education, jobs, and government schemes, thereby reducing inequality.
• Compliance with policy guidelines as DoPT’s 1993 order mandates periodic revisions.

Challenges

• Balancing Reservation Benefits: Need to avoid over-expansion that may dilute benefits for the most marginalized.
• Economic vs. Social Backwardness: Income is just one indicator; social deprivation is more complex to quantify.
• Political Consensus: Changes in reservation policy are politically sensitive and require broad agreement.

Committee’s Concerns on the Current ₹8 Lakh Threshold

• Erosion by Inflation: Rising income levels have diminished the effectiveness of the current threshold.
• Exclusion of Needy Segments: Many OBC families needing reservation benefits are above ₹8 lakh but still face economic disadvantages.
• Socio-Economic Goals: Wider coverage will help uplift the social and educational status of more OBC families.

Way Forward

• Periodic & Transparent Revision: Implement automatic inflation-indexed adjustments.
• Comprehensive Backwardness Index: Include education, occupation, and rural/urban disparities, alongside income.
• Targeted Scholarships: Expand pre-matric support for lower classes to enhance educational pipelines.
• Better Data: Conduct regular socio-economic surveys for evidence-based policy making.

The creamy layer provision is crucial for ensuring that reservation benefits reach the truly disadvantaged among OBCs. With current inflation and rising income levels, the existing ₹8 lakh ceiling may no longer be effective. The Parliamentary Committee’s recommendation for revision aligns with constitutional principles of equality and social justice, though careful consideration is needed to balance inclusivity, efficiency, and fairness.

Value Addition

• Key Developments:
  • First Backward Classes Commission (Kaka Kalelkar Commission, 1953) – recommended caste-based reservations but was not implemented due to lack of quantifiable data.
  • Second Backward Classes Commission (Mandal Commission, 1979) – recommended 27% reservation for OBCs in government jobs and educational institutions, implemented in 1990.
  • Indra Sawhney Case (1992) – capped total reservation at 50% and introduced the creamy layer exclusion for OBCs.
• Recent Trends:
  • 102nd Constitutional Amendment (2018) – granted constitutional status to the National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC).
  • 105th Constitutional Amendment (2021) – restored the power of states to identify OBCs for their own purposes.

Mains Practice Questions:

• “Reservation for backward classes should be based on social and educational backwardness rather than economic criteria alone.” Discuss.
• The creamy layer in OBC reservation is a safeguard for ensuring equity within equity.” Comment.

GS3/Science and Technology

Bharat Forecast System

Source: DD News

Why in News?

The Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences recently informed the Rajya Sabha about the Bharat Forecast System, an innovative step in India’s meteorological capabilities.

Key Takeaways

• The Bharat Forecast System is an indigenously developed advanced weather forecasting system.
• It utilizes a Triangular Cubic Octahedral (TCo) dynamical grid, achieving a horizontal resolution of 6 km, enhancing precision compared to previous models.
• Real-time weather predictions are facilitated by supercomputing facilities at IITM-Pune and NCMRWF-Noida.
• The system aims to generate localized forecasts for clusters of panchayats, significantly improving predictions of extreme weather events.

Additional Details

• Development and Collaboration: The BharatFS was created by a team of scientists from Indian institutions, including IITM-Pune, with support from NCMRWF-Noida and the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
• Significance: With its enhanced resolution, the BharatFS captures local weather features, aiding farmers in crop planning, irrigation, and harvesting, while also assisting water authorities in managing reservoirs during monsoon seasons.
• The system has shown a 30% improvement in the accuracy of predicting extreme rainfall compared to previous models, reinforcing India’s meteorological services and regional leadership.

The launch of the Bharat Forecast System represents a significant upgrade in India's weather forecasting capabilities, promoting self-reliance and enabling better preparedness for extreme weather conditions.

GS1/History & Culture

Mauryan-Era Archaeological Discoveries at Topra Kalan, Haryana

Source: Tribune India

Why in News?

Recent findings from a Ground Penetrating Radar survey in Topra Kalan, Haryana, have revealed signs of a settlement dating back to approximately 1,500 BCE. The discoveries include painted grey ware, stamped pottery, moulded bricks, and a possible Buddhist stupa, highlighting the area's rich historical significance.

Key Takeaways

• Survey conducted by Haryana Archaeology and Museums Department in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur.
• Ground Penetrating Radar used in January 2025 to identify subsurface features without extensive excavation.
• Topra Kalan's historical significance includes its association with the Delhi-Topra Ashokan pillar, relocated by Firoz Shah Tughlaq in the 14th century.
• Estimated age of the site indicates continuous habitation and potential Buddhist presence.

Additional Details

• Key Findings: The survey uncovered structures such as buried walls, platforms, and room-like enclosures at depths of 4-5 meters.
• Religious Feature: A dome-like structure that may represent a Buddhist stupa was identified among the findings.
• Material Culture: Artifacts include painted grey ware, black-and-red ware, black-on-red ware, black ware, stamped pottery, moulded bricks, and beads.
• Discoveries originate from both official surveys and artifacts found by locals during construction activities.
• Historical accounts by Sir Alexander Cunningham and Hiuen Tsang highlight the site's significance as a Buddhist center.

This archaeological excavation not only enhances our understanding of ancient settlements in Haryana but also emphasizes the need for preserving such historical sites to safeguard our cultural heritage.

In which of the above rows is the given information correctly matched?

• (a) 1 and 2 only
• (b) 2 and 3 only*
• (c) 3 and 4
• (d) 1 and 4

GS3/Science and Technology

WHO Classifies Hepatitis D as Carcinogenic

Source: Indian Express

Why in News?

The World Health Organization (WHO) has recently reclassified the hepatitis D virus (HDV) as carcinogenic. This decision follows an assessment by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), which was based on comprehensive data published in The Lancet Oncology.

Key Takeaways

• Hepatitis D is a serious liver infection caused by the hepatitis D virus (HDV).
• HDV requires the presence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) for its replication.
• Co-infection with HBV significantly increases the risk of severe liver damage and liver cancer.

Additional Details

• Infection Types:
  • Co-infection: Occurs when a person is infected with both HDV and HBV simultaneously.
  • Superinfection: Occurs when HDV infects someone who is already infected with HBV.
• Transmission: HDV can be transmitted through parenteral exposure (such as injections or blood transfusions), from mother to child, and through sexual contact.
• Diagnosis: Blood tests are used to detect HDV antibodies and HDV-RNA.
• Prevention: Key preventive measures include HBV vaccination, practicing safe blood transfusions, safe sex practices, screening, and avoiding sharing needles.
• Carcinogenicity: Co-infection with HBV and HDV can lead to a 2-6 times higher risk of developing liver cancer compared to HBV infection alone. Additionally, up to 75% of individuals may develop cirrhosis within 15 years of infection.

In conclusion, the reclassification of HDV by the WHO underscores the critical need for awareness and preventive measures against hepatitis D, especially in populations already affected by HBV.

GS3/Science and Technology

CANCER AI & TECHNOLOGY CHALLENGE (CATCH) Grant Program

Source: Business Line

Why in News?

The IndiaAI Independent Business Division (IBD) has partnered with the National Cancer Grid (NCG) to launch the Cancer AI & Technology Challenge (CATCH) Grant Program. This initiative aims to enhance cancer care through innovative AI solutions across India.

Key Takeaways

• The CATCH Grant Program supports the development of AI-driven solutions for cancer screening, diagnostics, and treatment support.
• Grants of up to ₹50 lakh will be awarded to selected teams comprising technology innovators and clinical institutions.
• Successful pilot projects may qualify for additional scale-up grants of up to ₹1 crore.
• The program encourages joint applications from clinical and technical leads.

Additional Details

• Grants: The program will provide funding of up to ₹50 lakh per project, co-funded by IndiaAI and NCG, to support the deployment of AI solutions in the NCG hospital network.
• Focus Areas: The challenge will prioritize high-impact categories such as AI-enabled screening, diagnostics, clinical decision support, patient engagement, operational efficiency, research, and data curation.
• Eligibility: Applicants can include startups, health technology companies, academic institutions, and public or private hospitals. Joint applications are encouraged.
• Responsible AI: The program will emphasize ethical AI development, clinical validation, and readiness for deployment in the Indian healthcare context.

This initiative is a significant step towards integrating AI technologies in healthcare, aiming for a transformative impact on cancer care across India.

GS3/Environment

Fifth Session of Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC)

Source: UN Media

Why in News?

The second part of the fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5.2) focused on plastic pollution commenced in Geneva, Switzerland, highlighting the global efforts to address this pressing environmental issue.

Key Takeaways

• The INC was established by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in March 2022.
• It aims to create a legally binding treaty on plastic pollution by 2024.

Additional Details

• Formation: The INC is a UN-mandated entity allowing equal participation from all member states to collaboratively tackle plastic pollution.
• Output: The committee produces consensus-based treaties, which may include voluntary provisions, similar to earlier treaties like the Convention on Biological Diversity (1992) and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (1992).
• Mandate: The goal is to draft a treaty that addresses the entire life cycle of plastics, including production, design, usage, and disposal.
• Negotiation Process: The process involves various methods such as plenary sessions, technical group discussions, and stakeholder consultations.

Timeline of Sessions

• Uruguay: November–December 2022
• France: May–June 2023
• Kenya: November 2023
• Canada: April–May 2024
• South Korea: November–December 2024 (final session)

Key Debates and Goals

• Debates: Discussions revolve around the scope of the treaty, whether rules should be binding or voluntary, financing mechanisms, compliance measures, and differentiated responsibilities among nations.
• Goals: Establish global norms for production and waste management, set a combination of binding targets and voluntary approaches, create funding mechanisms for implementation, and promote a circular economy.
• Participation: The process includes input from governments, industries, civil society, Indigenous groups, and waste pickers to ensure a comprehensive approach to plastic pollution.

This session is a crucial step towards creating international standards and frameworks to combat plastic pollution, illustrating global commitment and collaborative efforts.

GS2/International Relations

Nauru: A Remote Pacific Nation Selling Passports for Climate Action

Source: UN Media

Why in News?

Nauru, a small island nation in the Pacific, has recently approved only six applicants for its passport program aimed at funding climate action initiatives. This unique approach highlights the challenges and strategies of microstates in addressing climate change.

Key Takeaways

• Nauru is located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, about 1,300 km northeast of the Solomon Islands.
• The island nation is a raised coral atoll and one of the few phosphate rock islands in the Pacific.
• Phosphate mining has significantly impacted the island's livability and agricultural viability.

Additional Details

• Location: Nauru is situated approximately 300 km west of Banaba in Kiribati, making it a remote microstate in Oceania.
• Topography: The island features a central phosphate plateau surrounded by coral cliffs, with phosphate mining rendering about four-fifths of the land uninhabitable.
• Capital: Nauru has no official capital city; however, the district of Yaren serves as the de facto capital, located on the southern coast.
• Language: The native language is Nauruan, though English is widely spoken for governmental and commercial purposes.
• Political Structure: Nauru operates as a republic with a parliamentary system, established under a constitution adopted in 1968.

This unique approach by Nauru not only reflects the nation’s innovative strategies to combat climate change but also underscores the broader challenges faced by small island nations in the Pacific.

GS2/Polity

MERITE Scheme

Source: The Hindu

Why in News?

The Union Cabinet has recently approved the implementation of the 'Multidisciplinary Education and Research Improvement in Technical Education' (MERITE) Scheme, aimed at enhancing technical education across India.

Key Takeaways

• The MERITE Scheme is a 'Central Sector Scheme' targeting government engineering institutions and polytechnics in all States and Union Territories (UTs).
• It has been developed in collaboration with the World Bank to improve the quality, equity, and governance in technical education.
• A total funding of Rs. 4200 crore is allocated for the period from 2025-26 to 2029-30, with Rs. 2100 crore sourced as a loan from the World Bank.
• Implementation will involve participation from eminent institutions like IITs and IIMs, as well as regulatory bodies such as AICTE and NBA.

Additional Details

• Objective: To enhance the quality, equity, and governance in technical education, aligning with the National Educational Policy-2020 (NEP-2020).
• Funding Structure: The scheme includes a provision for funds transfer from the Central Government to participating entities through a Central Nodal Agency.
• Key Interventions:
  • Providing internship opportunities.
  • Updating curricula to meet industry needs.
  • Organizing faculty development programs.
  • Establishing research hubs.
  • Supporting incubation and innovation centers, skill labs, and language workshops.
• An estimated 275 government or government-aided technical institutions will be selected for support, including National Institutes of Technology (NITs), State Engineering Institutions, Polytechnics, and Affiliating Technical Universities (ATUs).
• The scheme will also support State/UT departments managing the technical education sector.

The MERITE Scheme represents a significant step towards improving the employability of students through a comprehensive approach that focuses on skills enhancement and industry alignment.

GS3/Environment

Industrial Accidents, the Human Cost of Indifference

Source: The Hindu

Why in News?

India's industrial landscape, encompassing oil refineries, chemical plants, factories, and construction sites, significantly contributes to the nation's economic growth. However, this progress is marred by a persistent and underreported tragedy: the preventable deaths of thousands of workers due to industrial accidents. These incidents stem from systemic negligence, regulatory inertia, and a societal undervaluing of workers' lives.

Key Takeaways

• Over 6,500 workers have died in industrial accidents in the last five years.
• States like Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu have reported over 200 fatalities from major industrial mishaps.
• A 2022 study recorded 130 major chemical accidents, resulting in 218 deaths and over 300 injuries.

Additional Details

• Common Causes of Industrial Accidents:
  • Lack of Fire No-Objection Certificates (NOC): Many factories operate without necessary clearances.
  • Faulty firefighting systems: Missing alarms, extinguishers, or sensors.
  • Absence of permit-to-work systems: Hazardous jobs undertaken without formal risk assessment.
  • No training for workers: Especially among migrant or contract labourers, safety protocols are often ignored due to language barriers.
  • Inaccessible fire exits: Often blocked or hidden by stored materials.
  • No real accountability: Safety audits are often superficial, with rare prosecutions and negligible penalties.
• Comparative Perspective: In countries like Germany and Japan, safety is a fundamental industrial value, while India's approach remains largely reactive, focusing on measures only after disasters occur.
• Underlying Causes: National indifference and societal apathy towards the safety of economically marginalized workers contribute significantly to this crisis.

In conclusion, the means to prevent these tragedies already exist; what is lacking is the will from policymakers, industry leaders, and society to act decisively. Industrial safety is a fundamental right of every worker, and India must shift from a culture of reactive responses to one of prevention and accountability to ensure that these accidents are no longer the norm.

GS3/Economy

With Tariffs, India’s Growth Rate Needs a Careful Watch

Source: The Hindu

Why in News?

Recent trade measures implemented by the United States have posed significant challenges to India’s economic growth and external account stability. Effective August 7, the U.S. has imposed a 25% reciprocal tariff on Indian exports, followed by an additional 25% penal levy set to take effect from August 29, 2025, due to India's ongoing crude oil imports from Russia. These developments have serious implications for India’s trade balance, current account deficit (CAD), GDP growth, and strategic trade positioning.

Key Takeaways

• India enjoys a merchandise trade surplus with the U.S. amounting to $41.18 billion in 2024–25.
• U.S. tariffs are targeting both Indian exports and crude oil imports, affecting export competitiveness.
• Impact estimates show a potential decline in GDP growth and an increase in current account deficit due to tariffs.

Additional Details

• Reciprocal Tariff Impact: Assuming an import elasticity of -1, India’s exports to the U.S. could significantly decline, which would widen the trade deficit by 0.56% of GDP, potentially increasing it to 7.84%.
• GDP Growth Impact: The growth rate is estimated to drop by 0.6 percentage points, from 6.5% to 5.9% due to the new tariffs.
• Current Account Deficit: CAD may rise from 0.6% to 1.15%, indicating mounting economic pressure on India.
• Mitigating Factors: New trade agreements with the U.K. and ongoing negotiations with the EU may help offset some export losses. Additionally, the depreciation of the rupee could enhance export competitiveness.

The imposition of these tariffs reflects a strategic use of trade policy as a coercive geopolitical tool. Although India can potentially manage immediate impacts through negotiations and currency adjustments, the ongoing nature of such measures poses a threat to global trade stability. It is crucial for India to defend its trade interests while seeking to strengthen its export base and reduce dependency on single markets or energy sources.

GS3/Environment

Rain, Landslides, and Flash Floods: Rising Risks

Source: Indian Express

Why in News?

A flash flood in Dharali, Uttarkashi on August 5 resulted in the loss of at least four lives, with many others reported missing, alongside widespread destruction. Hundreds were displaced due to this incident, which is part of a series of extreme weather events, including one in Himachal Pradesh last month that claimed numerous lives and affected thousands.

Key Takeaways

• The precise cause of the Dharali flash flood remains unclear, though a glacial lake breach is a potential cause that has yet to be confirmed.
• The incident emphasizes the increasing disaster risks in ecologically sensitive areas and the challenges of implementing effective early warning and mitigation systems.
• Despite heavy rainfall in surrounding regions, Uttarkashi experienced below-normal precipitation prior to the flood.

Additional Details

• Rainfall Patterns: On August 5, the flood day, Uttarkashi recorded 32 mm of rain, which is double the daily normal but not classified as extreme rainfall. This contrasts with heavy rains in nearby districts on August 3 and 4.
• Cloudbursts: Defined by the IMD as at least 100 mm of rain within one hour over a 10x10 km area, cloudbursts are localized and may not be recorded if measurement instruments are absent in the affected zones.
• Flash floods in the Himalayas are typically caused by a combination of factors, including intense rainfall, landslides, steep slopes, and possible glacial breaks.
• In fragile terrains, even low-intensity rainfall can trigger landslides or floods due to saturated soil and eroding slopes.
• The young and geologically weak nature of the Himalayas makes them more susceptible to such disasters compared to older mountain ranges.
• Construction and heavy traffic further exacerbate the risk of flash floods during extreme rainfall events.

The situation in Dharali showcases the complexities of predicting flash floods, where even moderate rainfall can result in catastrophic events. While advances have been made in forecasting heavy rains and landslide predictions, the uncertainty in determining the likelihood of flash floods remains significant. Mitigation strategies such as restricting construction near riverbanks and relocating vulnerable settlements can help in reducing risks associated with these extreme weather events.