UPSC Daily Current Affairs- 15th August 2025 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly PDF Download

GS2/Polity and Governance

On Jammu and Kashmir and the Lieutenant-Governor’s Assembly member nominations

Why is it News?

• The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has informed the Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) High Court that the Lieutenant-Governor (L-G) has the authority to nominate five Assembly members without the assistance and advice of the elected government.
• This statement has triggered a constitutional discussion about democratic accountability in the politically sensitive Union Territory of J&K.
• The nominations by the L-G could significantly impact the balance of power in the 119-member Assembly, potentially overturning the electoral decisions made by the people.
• The High Court is currently reviewing whether this practice undermines the fundamental principles of the Constitution.

Core Issues before the J&K High Court

• Constitutional Question: The High Court is examining if the 2023 amendments to the J&K Reorganisation Act, which permit the L-G to nominate five members to the Assembly, violate the basic structure of the Constitution.
• Potential Impact: The court is considering how these nominated members could potentially change the dynamics of the Assembly, transforming a minority government into a majority one, and vice versa, which could significantly affect governance stability.
• Judicial Scope: The issue at hand goes beyond mere statutory interpretation and delves into the essence of democratic principles and governance.

Provisions of the 2023 Amendments

• Sections 15A & 15B of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019: These sections outline the criteria for nominating members to the Assembly, including provisions for ensuring representation of specific groups.
• Total Seats: The amendments create a provision for five nominated members within the 119-member Assembly, aiming to enhance representation and address specific needs.
• Voting Rights: The nominated members will have full voting rights, allowing them to participate actively in the Assembly’s decision-making processes.

Centre’s Justification for Nominations

• The MHA argues that the power to make these nominations lies outside the jurisdiction of the elected government, referencing the K. Lakshminarayanan vs Union of India case concerning Puducherry.
• The Centre’s legal standpoint involves technical aspects like the concept of “sanctioned strength,” which includes both elected and nominated members, and references Section 12 of the 1963 Union Territories Act regarding voting procedures.
• The MHA’s approach appears to concentrate on legal details rather than the broader constitutional and democratic implications of such nominations.

Concerns Regarding Democratic Implications

• Risk of Mandate Distortion: There is a concern that in a closely contested Assembly, the nominated members could play a decisive role in determining the stability and direction of the government, potentially undermining the original electoral mandate.
• Precedent in Puducherry: The experience in Puducherry, where nominated members and defectors contributed to the downfall of the Congress-led government in 2021, raises alarms about similar scenarios in J&K.
• Union Territory Context: The context of J&K’s transition from a State to a Union Territory in 2019, which occurred without adequate consultation with elected representatives, amplifies the need for careful consideration of accountability and democratic norms in the region.

Supreme Court’s Jurisprudence on L-G’s Powers

• In cases like the Delhi Services Cases (Government of NCT of Delhi vs. Union of India in 2018 and 2023), the Supreme Court has clarified that the L-G should act on the advice of the elected government, with discretion being an exception rather than the rule.
• The MHA’s position that the power to make nominations lies outside the elected government’s purview contradicts this established jurisprudence, raising questions about the consistency and rationale of such claims.

Conclusion

• The issue of nominations in J&K underscores the delicate balance between administrative authority and democratic legitimacy.
• In regions like J&K, where political sensitivities are high, bypassing elected governments in critical decisions that can alter Assembly majorities poses risks to public trust and the foundational principles of representative governance as enshrined in the Constitution.

Value Addition

 (a)  Basic Structure Doctrine: 

• Evolved through cases like Kesavananda Bharati vs State of Kerala (1973), which prevents Parliament from amending the Constitution in ways that harm its essential features.
• Recognises representative democracy and federalism as part of this basic structure.

 (b)  Lakshminarayanan Case (2019): 

• In K. Lakshminarayanan vs Union of India, the Supreme Court upheld the Centre’s power to nominate MLAs in Puducherry without consulting the elected government. 
• This precedent is central to the J&K dispute, as similar powers are being exercised by the L-G.

 (c)  Delhi vs L-G Jurisprudence: 

• Through cases like Government of NCT of Delhi vs Union of India, the Supreme Court emphasised that the L-G should act on the elected Council of Ministers’ advice, except in specific matters of discretion. 
• This principle reinforces that administrative authority should not override electoral mandates, making MHA’s argument in J&K seem contrary to evolving constitutional norms.

 (d)  Union Territory Governance Model: 

• Union Territories with legislatures, like Delhi, Puducherry, and J&K, operate under a hybrid governance system where the Centre retains significant control while local governments have legislative powers. 
• In politically sensitive UTs like J&K, tensions between central authority and local democratic accountability are amplified, especially when powers like nominations can shift legislative majorities.

GS2/International Relations

Africa is challenging China’s mining hegemony

Why is this News?

For twenty years, China has dominated Africa's mining sector, securing extensive interests in cobalt, lithium, copper, and iron ore. However, African governments and civil society are now challenging the lack of transparency in contracts, environmental harm, and the absence of local value addition. The previous model of exchanging raw resources for infrastructure is shifting towards demands for local processing, transparency, and economic independence.

Importance

 For the first time in many years, China's undisputed control over African mining is diminishing. Countries such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Namibia, and Zimbabwe are renegotiating agreements, prohibiting raw mineral exports, and holding Chinese companies responsible for environmental and labor infractions. 

China’s Long-standing Dominance in Africa’s Mining

• Control over critical minerals: The DRC is responsible for 80% of the world's cobalt, and China manages approximately 80% of that output through agreements like Sicomines. 
• Infrastructure-for-resources model: Chinese companies traded infrastructure development for mining rights, but the local benefits have been minimal. 
• Drivers of the Pushback Against Chinese Projects
• Civil society pressure: Organizations such as Congo Is Not for Sale have highlighted the $132 million revenue loss in 2024 due to lax agreements with Chinese firms. 
• Market-linked risks: Contracts that are linked to commodity prices can leave nations vulnerable, especially during market downturns. 
• Government renegotiations: The DRC is increasing its stake in a joint venture with Sinohydro and China Railway Group from 32% to 70%, reflecting a shift towards greater local control. 

African Nations Taking Assertive Measures

• DRC: The government cancelled the sale of Chemaf Resources to China’s Norin Mining after opposition from state miner Gecamines. 
• Namibia: Allegations of a $50 million bribe by Xinfeng Investments and failure to deliver promised processing facilities have raised concerns. 
• Zimbabwe: The Huayou Cobalt lithium plant, valued at $300 million, may not provide local benefits and could channel resources back to China without proper safeguards. 

Environmental and Social Concerns from Chinese Mining

• Pollution incidents: An acid spill in Zambia contaminated the Kafue River, raising alarms about environmental safety. 
• Biodiversity protection:. coal permit for Hwange National Park was blocked due to ecological concerns. 
• Community and heritage impacts: The Lobé-Kribi Iron Ore Project in Cameroon has faced opposition from NGOs over potential health and cultural threats to local communities. 

Policy Shifts for Economic Sovereignty

• Export bans: Zimbabwe and Namibia have implemented bans on unprocessed lithium exports to encourage local processing and value addition. 
• Retention of value: Policies aimed at strengthening domestic processing are being introduced, although there is a risk of elite capture without comprehensive reforms. 

Conclusion

While China remains Africa’s largest mining partner, African nations are progressively asserting control through renegotiations, environmental enforcement, and a focus on value addition. If these trends continue, Africa could transition from being merely a supplier of raw materials to a key player in global supply chains, particularly in the green economy.

GS2/ Governance

Animal Birth Control (ABC) Program

Why is it in the News?

The Supreme Court has recently deemed the practice of returning sterilised stray dogs to the streets as part of the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Program as "unreasonable and absurd." Consequently, the Court has ordered that these dogs be relocated to shelters instead.

Animal Birth Control (ABC) Program

• Purpose: The ABC Program is a humane and scientifically proven method aimed at controlling stray dog populations and reducing the incidence of rabies.
• Legal Basis: The program was initially established under the Animal Birth Control (Dogs) Rules, 2001, which fall under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. It has since been updated to the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023.
• Development: The ABC Program was developed with support from the World Health Organization (WHO).
• Core Method: The program follows a "Catch–sterilise–vaccinate–release" model. This method prohibits the relocation or culling of stray dogs.
• Implementation: The ABC Program is managed by municipalities, municipal corporations, and panchayats.
• Authorisation: Only organisations recognised by the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) are allowed to conduct ABC programs. 

Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023

The Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023 were implemented to align with the Supreme Court's guidelines in Writ Petition No. 691 of 2009.

• Responsibilities: The rules assign local bodies, such as municipalities, corporations, and panchayats, the responsibility to conduct ABC programs for the sterilisation and immunisation of stray dogs. 
• Prohibition of Relocation: The rules explicitly prohibit the relocation of stray dogs as a means of population control. Instead, sterilised dogs must be returned to the same area from which they were taken.
• Authorised Organisations: Only organisations recognised by the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) are permitted to conduct ABC programs.

Key Features:

• Sterilisation Target: The aim is to sterilise a minimum of 70% of the stray dog population in an area within one reproductive cycle, which is approximately six months.
• Focus on Female Sterilisation: The program prioritises female sterilisation at a ratio of 70:30 (female to male).
• Rabies Control: Every sterilised dog must receive a mandatory rabies vaccination, known as ABC–ARV.
• Infrastructure Requirements: The program requires adequate infrastructure, including kennels, veterinary facilities, vehicles, and hygienic shelters.
• Recordkeeping: Detailed records must be maintained for all aspects of the program, including catching, surgery, vaccination, and release.
• Monitoring: State and local committees are responsible for ensuring compliance with the rules and handling complaints.
• Legal Protection: Mass relocation or killing of stray dogs is prohibited under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act, 1960.

GS3/Economics

New Income Tax Bill, 2025

Why in News?

•  The Income-tax Bill, 2025, aims to replace the Income Tax Act of 1961, introducing a simplified and modernized tax framework. 
•  Parliament has approved the Bill, with an effective date set for April 1, 2026. 

Key Objectives of the Bill

• Simplification: The Bill seeks to simplify the tax law, making it more accessible and understandable for taxpayers. 
• Modernization: It aims to modernize the tax administration, removing outdated provisions and language. 
• Reduction of Sections: The number of sections has been significantly reduced from 819 to 536, streamlining the legal framework. 

Important Features of the New Income Tax Bill

• Refunds: The Bill restores the ability to claim refunds on belated returns, removing previous restrictions. 
• Tax Collected at Source (TCS): Clarifies that there is no TCS for Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS) remittances for education funded by financial institutions. 
• Corporate Tax: Corrects errors related to inter-corporate dividend deductions for companies opting for concessional tax rates. 
• Alternate Minimum Tax (AMT): Aligns AMT provisions for Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs) with existing rates. 
• Nil-Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) Certificate: Allows taxpayers with no liability to obtain a nil-TDS certificate. 
• Transfer Pricing: Clarifies transfer pricing provisions, including the set-off of losses and alignment with Section 79 on "beneficial owner." 
• Non-Profit Organisation (NPO) Benefit: Expands exemptions for NPOs to 5% of total donations, rather than only anonymous donations. 
• House Property Income: Clarifies that a 30% standard deduction applies after accounting for municipal taxes. 
• Search Definition: Retains the definition of "virtual digital space" to include cloud storage, email, and social media accounts in the context of searches. 
• Data Handling:. Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) will be issued for handling personal digital data seized during searches. 

GS3/ Science and Technology

​Orbiting Carbon Observatories (OCO) Program

Why is it News?

• The Trump administration is planning to end two NASA missions that are part of the Orbiting Carbon Observatories (OCO) program. These missions are important for monitoring global carbon dioxide emissions and the health of plants.

About the Orbiting Carbon Observatories (OCO) Program

• Overview: The OCO program is a NASA initiative focused on monitoring atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO₂) from space. It aims to enhance the understanding of climate change by precisely tracking the sources and sinks of CO₂. 

Missions: The program comprises three missions: 

• OCO-1: Launched in 2009 but failed shortly after launch. 
• OCO-2: Launched in July 2014 as a replacement for OCO-1.
• OCO-3: Installed on the International Space Station in May 2019.

Key Features:

• Precision Measurement: The OCO program provides high-resolution global CO₂ data and maps of plant photosynthesis.
• Dual Capability: It measures CO₂ levels and solar-induced chlorophyll fluorescence to assess photosynthesis.
• Applications:The data collected by the OCO program has various applications, including:
  •  Detecting droughts. 
  • Forecasting food shortages.
  • Identifying carbon sinks and sources.
  •  Supporting crop planning.
• Global Reach: The program tracks CO₂ distribution over continents, oceans, and remote ecosystems such as the Amazon rainforest and boreal forests.
• Major Discoveries: The OCO program has made significant discoveries, including:
• The finding that the Amazon rainforest now emits more CO₂ than it absorbs.
• Identifying boreal forests as major carbon sinks.
• Policy Relevance: The data provided by the OCO program is crucial for climate treaties and greenhouse gas reporting.

 GS3/ Science and Technology

India’s First Earth Observation Satellite Constellation

Why is it News?

• India is preparing to launch its first fully indigenous commercial Earth Observation (EO) satellite constellation, spearheaded by a private consortium under a public-private partnership model.
• The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) has selected a consortium led by Bengaluru-based PixxelSpace to build and operate this satellite constellation.
• The consortium is tasked with developing 12 satellites over the next five years, including their launch, operation, ground infrastructure, and data commercialization.
• The constellation will feature a range of satellites with high resolution and wide coverage, including Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and hyper-spectral satellites.
• These satellites will provide Analysis Ready Data (ARD) and Value-Added Services (VAS) for various applications such as climate change monitoring, disaster management, agriculture, infrastructure, marine surveillance, national security, and urban planning.
• This initiative aims to ensure data sovereignty and reduce dependence on foreign satellite data.

IN-SPACe is a single-window, independent agency under the Department of Space that facilitates and regulates private sector involvement in satellites, launch vehicles, and space services, acting as a bridge between the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and non-governmental entities.

GS2/ International Relations

Negotiations for India-Oman CEPA Concluded

Why in News?

India has successfully wrapped up negotiations for the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with Oman, aiming to enhance trade and investment between the two nations.

• CEPA Overview: CEPA is a free trade agreement that covers trade in goods and services, along with broader economic cooperation in areas such as trade facilitation, competition policy, and intellectual property rights (IPR).
• Broader Scope: CEPA is more comprehensive than a standard free trade agreement (FTA), as it also addresses regulatory issues to ensure smooth and predictable trade between India and Oman.

India-Oman Bilateral Relations

• Strategic Partnership: Oman, located near the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Yemen, is a crucial partner for India in the Gulf region. Diplomatic relations between the two countries were established in 1955 and upgraded to a strategic partnership in 2008.
• Trade and Economic Relations: Oman ranks as the third-largest export destination among the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries for India, following the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Bilateral trade reached USD 10.61 billion in FY 2024-25, with India exporting light oils, rice, machinery, and metals to Oman, while importing crude oil, LNG, fertilizers, and chemicals.
• Multilateral Cooperation: Oman plays a significant role in multilateral organizations such as the GCC, Arab League, and the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA).

GS2/ International Relations

UNDP Equator Initiative Prize, 2025

• A group of women farmers from Karnataka has been honored as one of the ten global winners of the United Nations Development Programme’s (UNDP) Equator Prize 2025.

About the UNDP Equator Initiative Award:

• Overview: The award is presented under the Equator Initiative of the UNDP.
• Frequency: It is awarded biennially to community-led initiatives that aim to reduce poverty through biodiversity conservation and sustainable use.
• Significance: The award is often referred to as the “Nobel Prize for Biodiversity Conservation.”
• Prize: The award includes a cash prize of $10,000.
• Eligibility Criteria:
  • The initiative must have been in existence for at least three years.
  • It should be a community-based group in a rural area of a UNDP-supported country, or an Indigenous Peoples’ community in a rural area.
  • The actions taken must be nature-based and benefit two or more Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Back to Basics: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

• Establishment: The UNDP was established in 1966 by the UN General Assembly and is headquartered in New York, USA.
• Mission: The mission of the UNDP is to end poverty, promote democratic governance, the rule of law, and inclusive institutions.
• Focus Areas: The UNDP focuses on sustainable development, democratic governance and peacebuilding, and climate and disaster resilience.
• Funding: The UNDP is funded entirely by voluntary contributions from member states.
• Role: The UNDP advocates for change and connects countries to knowledge, resources, and expertise for sustainable human development.
• Key Initiatives: The UNDP is known for initiatives such as the Human Development Index (HDI), Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Reports, and the Gender Inequality Index (GII).