Weekly Current Affairs (8th to 14th August 2025) - 2 | Weekly Current Affairs - UPSC PDF Download

GS2/Polity

Returning Sterilised Dogs: The Cornerstone of ABC Programme Success

Why in News?

The Supreme Court recently criticized the practice of returning sterilised stray dogs to their original locations under the Animal Birth Control (ABC) programme, calling it “unreasonable and absurd.” This perspective resonated with individuals affected by aggressive packs of stray dogs. However, many experts highlight that the return of sterilised dogs is essential to the effectiveness of the ABC programme. This approach aims to stabilize stray populations by ensuring that sterilised dogs occupy their territories, which prevents unsterilised dogs from moving in and breeding, thereby gradually reducing overall numbers.

Key Takeaways

• Returning sterilised dogs is vital for controlling stray dog populations.
• The Supreme Court's directive to shelter thousands of stray dogs poses significant challenges in Delhi.
• Irresponsible pet ownership exacerbates the stray dog crisis.

Additional Details

• Importance of Returning Sterilised Dogs: This practice prevents unsterilised dogs from entering and breeding in territories occupied by sterilised dogs, ensuring population control.
• Crisis of Capacity: The Supreme Court's order to shelter 5,000-6,000 stray dogs uncovered Delhi's lack of infrastructure and resources, as there are insufficient shelters to accommodate the required number of dogs.
• Irresponsible Pet Ownership: The absence of mandatory dog registration and sterilization leads to a rise in unwanted stray dogs, as many pet owners abandon or neglect their pets.
• Feeding Strays: Feeding stray dogs can inadvertently increase their territorial behavior and aggression, resulting in conflicts with humans.

In conclusion, returning sterilised dogs to their original locations is crucial for the long-term success of the ABC programme. Not only does it help maintain territorial stability, but it also supports the social structure of local dog populations. Addressing the challenges posed by inadequate shelter capacity and irresponsible pet ownership is essential for sustainable stray dog population management.

GS2/Polity

Expansion of SC/ST Scholarships

Why in the News?

The Centre is contemplating an increase in the parental income limits for SC/ST scholarships starting from FY 2026-27 in order to broaden access to these vital financial schemes, amidst a decline in the number of beneficiaries.

Key Takeaways

• The government is considering significant revisions to eligibility criteria for SC/ST scholarships.
• Proposed changes include raising the parental income limit to enhance accessibility.
• There has been a notable decline in the number of beneficiaries under these scholarship programs.

Additional Details

• About SC/ST Scholarships: These scholarships are centrally sponsored schemes that receive joint funding from the Union and State governments in a 60:40 ratio (90:10 for Northeastern states). They aim to provide financial assistance to students from marginalized communities.
• Types of Scholarships:
  • Pre-Matric Scholarships: Available for students in Classes IX and X, with specific provisions for SCs from Classes I to X if their parents are engaged in "unclean or hazardous" occupations.
  • Post-Matric Scholarships: Designed to support education beyond Class X.
• Current Eligibility: The annual parental income limit stands at Rs. 2.5 lakh.
• Proposed Revisions:
  • For STs, the Ministry of Tribal Affairs is considering raising the income limit to Rs. 4.5 lakh for both pre-matric and post-matric scholarships.
  • Similar discussions are ongoing for SCs, OBCs, and DNTs, with suggestions to double the income ceiling for OBC scholarships.
• Budgetary Allocation:
  • For FY 2025-26, scholarships for SCs, OBCs, EBCs, and DNTs constitute 66.7% of the Social Justice Ministry's Rs. 13,611 crore budget.
  • For STs, scholarships account for 18.6% of the Tribal Affairs Ministry's Rs. 14,925.81 crore allocation.
• Declining Beneficiary Trends:
  • SC pre-matric beneficiaries decreased by 30.63% from 2020-21 to 2024-25, while post-matric beneficiaries fell by 4.22%.
  • OBCs, EBCs, and DNTs saw a drop from 58.62 lakh pre-matric beneficiaries in 2021-22 to 20.25 lakh in 2023-24.
• Recommendations from Parliamentary Committees:
  • The OBC Welfare Committee suggested doubling the income limit for OBC scholarships and expanding pre-matric coverage to start from Class V.
  • The panel on Tribal Affairs emphasized the need to revise income limits for ST scholarships to include more families in need.
• Socio-Economic Impact:Raising the parental income ceiling could:
  • Expand coverage to include more lower-middle-income families.
  • Reduce dropout rates by enabling continued education.
  • Bridge educational inequality and provide access to competitive careers.

If approved, the new income limits will be implemented in FY 2026-27, marking the beginning of a new five-year financial planning cycle. The government faces the challenge of ensuring that these scholarships are both inclusive and fiscally sustainable while preventing resource leakages.

GS2/Polity

Nominations to J&K Assembly

Why in News?

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has informed the J&K High Court that the Lieutenant-Governor (L-G) holds the authority to nominate five members to the J&K Legislative Assembly without seeking the assistance or advice of the elected government.

Key Takeaways

• The L-G can nominate members directly, as per the provisions of the J&K Reorganisation Act.
• Assembly composition includes both elected and nominated members, ensuring representation for marginalized groups.

Additional Details

• Election Mode: Members are primarily elected directly from single-member constituencies.
• Assembly Size: The size of state assemblies varies from 60 to 500 members depending on the state; smaller states/UTs have fewer members as approved by parliament.
• Anglo-Indian Nomination: Previously, governors could nominate one Anglo-Indian member if necessary, but this provision was abolished by the 104th Constitutional Amendment Act in 2019.
• Rights of Nominated Members: Nominated members possess the same rights and duties as elected members, with certain exceptions regarding direct electoral mandates.
• Special Provisions for J&K:Under the J&K Reorganisation Act of 2019 (amended in 2023), the L-G can nominate:
  • 2 women if under-represented.
  • 2 Kashmiri migrants (including 1 woman).
  • 1 member from the Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir community.
• The Assembly consists of 114 elected members plus the nominated members, with 24 seats from PoJK remaining vacant.
• Legal Basis: The powers for nomination are specified in Sections 15, 15A, and 15B of the J&K Reorganisation Act.
• MHA Clarification: The L-G's power to nominate is a statutory function that operates without the aid or advice of the elected government, similar to provisions in other territories like Puducherry.
• Counting Rule: Nominated members are included in the total sanctioned assembly strength.
• Purpose: The nominations aim to ensure representation for displaced communities, marginalized groups, and women.

In conclusion, the recent clarification by the MHA regarding the powers of the L-G highlights the unique legislative framework governing the J&K Assembly, ensuring representation for various communities while emphasizing the statutory nature of these nominations.

GS2/International Relations

Gaza War Puts IMEC’s Future in Doubt

Why in News?

India’s National Security Council Secretariat recently convened officials from various countries, including the U.S., UAE, Saudi Arabia, France, Italy, Germany, Israel, Jordan, and the EU, to assess progress on the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). This article explores the corridor's ambitions, challenges, and future prospects amid ongoing regional conflicts.

Key Takeaways

• The IMEC aims to enhance connectivity between Asia, the Arabian Gulf, and Europe, announced during the 2023 G20 Summit in New Delhi.
• It includes two main segments: the India-Gulf corridor and the Gulf-Europe corridor.
• The project seeks to reduce shipping times by approximately 40% compared to existing routes.
• The progress of IMEC is severely impacted by the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

Additional Details

• IMEC Overview:The India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) consists of two segments:
  • India-Gulf corridor: Links India’s western ports to the UAE and from there to Haifa, Israel, via high-speed freight rail through Saudi Arabia and Jordan.
  • Gulf-Europe corridor: Connects Haifa to Greece and Italy by sea, followed by further transport through European rail networks.
• Geopolitical Context: Initially conceived during a period of relative stability in the Middle East, the IMEC was expected to benefit from Arab normalization with Israel, notably with Saudi Arabia's anticipated involvement.
• Economic Significance: The EU is India's largest trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching $137.41 billion in FY 2023-24, emphasizing the corridor's potential economic impact.
• Challenges: The war in Gaza has shifted the challenges of the IMEC from manageable to fundamental, notably affecting Jordan-Israel cooperation and diminishing Saudi-Israel normalization prospects.
• The conflict has raised insurance costs for regional trade, complicating the project's implementation.

While the IMEC holds significant potential for enhancing economic ties, its future is uncertain due to the ongoing conflicts. The restoration of regional stability is crucial for realizing the vision established in 2023, particularly regarding the Palestinian statehood issue. Until a lasting peace is achieved, efforts will remain focused on planning and trade facilitation rather than concrete progress.

GS3/Environment

Health Hazards of Plastic Pollution

Why in News?

Recent negotiations among nearly 180 countries in Geneva aimed at establishing a binding international treaty to address plastic pollution ended without consensus. Although the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has acknowledged the urgency of the issue through a resolution, a legally binding agreement is essential for compelling nations to take action. Deep divisions remain, with some countries advocating for a focus solely on plastic waste management, while others argue for addressing plastic production as well. A significant point of contention is whether developed nations should offer financial support to developing countries to implement these measures. Ultimately, the recognition of plastics’ impact on human health has stalled progress in drafting the treaty.

Key Takeaways

• Negotiations for a global treaty on plastic pollution have failed to reach an agreement.
• There is a critical division between focusing on waste management versus production of plastics.
• The health impacts of plastics are a major point of contention in treaty discussions.

Additional Details

• Increased Use of Plastic: Plastic has become emblematic of the industrialized economy, known for its versatility and low cost. It is derived mainly from fossil fuels and is used in a wide range of products, from medical equipment to disposable packaging.
• Challenges from Plastic: Plastics are persistent in the environment and are a significant source of litter. They consist of complex mixtures of polymers and over 16,000 chemicals, many of which are poorly understood in terms of their health and environmental impacts.
• Health Risks Identified by Studies: Research has linked exposure to chemicals in plastics to various health issues, including thyroid dysfunction, hypertension, and certain cancers. Most studies have been conducted in developed countries, indicating a need for global research.
• Microplastics and Human Health: Microplastics, defined as plastic fragments smaller than five millimeters, have been found in human blood, breast milk, and other biological systems, raising concerns about their potential health effects.
• India’s Approach to Plastic Management: India has not formally recognized the health risks of plastics, primarily treating the issue as a waste management challenge. Although some measures are in place to manage plastic waste, enforcement remains weak.

The ongoing challenges of plastic pollution emphasize the need for a coordinated global response that addresses both the production and health impacts of plastics, rather than merely focusing on waste management. Without a binding agreement, significant progress in mitigating these health hazards remains elusive.

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.

GS1/Indian Society

Dhirio-Bull Fighting

Why in News?

Recently, legislators from various political parties in the Goa Assembly have called for the legalization of bull fighting, a local tradition known as Dhirio.

Key Takeaways

• Dhirio is an integral aspect of Goa's cultural heritage.
• The event is traditionally held after the harvest season.
• It has a long-standing history, dating back to the Portuguese era.

Additional Details

• About Dhirio: Bull fighting, referred to as dhirio or dhiri, is a popular event in Goa. It takes place in paddy fields and football grounds, where village shepherds bring their bulls to compete.
• These events are a significant part of local festivities, often being included in church festivals where villagers gather to watch.
• A typical bull fight involves two bulls charging at each other, locking horns, and engaging in head-butting while trainers provoke them from behind.
• Current Status: In 1997, the High Court directed the state to take immediate action to ban all forms of animal fighting, including dhirios.

This ongoing debate reflects the cultural significance of bull fighting in Goa, as advocates argue for its preservation against legal challenges.

GS2/International Relations

UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries

Why in News?

The third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC3) recently commenced in Awaza, Turkmenistan, highlighting the unique challenges faced by the 32 landlocked developing nations, which together are home to over 600 million individuals.

Key Takeaways

• LLDC3 is held once every ten years and aims to draw global attention to the issues confronting landlocked developing countries.
• The conference focuses on creating partnerships and frameworks that enhance trade, investment, and infrastructure development.

Additional Details

• Awaza Programme of Action (2024–2034): This initiative serves as a central theme for LLDC3, having been adopted by consensus at the UN General Assembly on December 24, 2024. It provides a comprehensive strategy to address ongoing developmental hurdles faced by LLDCs.
• The APoA emphasizes five interconnected priority areas:
  • Structural Transformation, and Science, Technology, and Innovation
  • Trade, Trade Facilitation, and Regional Integration
  • Transit, Transport, and Connectivity
  • Enhancing Adaptive Capacity, Strengthening Resilience, and Reducing Vulnerability
  • Implementation, Follow-up, and Monitoring

This year's conference, themed "Driving Progress through Partnerships," aims to mobilize investments, tackle structural challenges, and implement the newly adopted Awaza Programme of Action to foster development in LLDCs.

GS2/Governance

State Health Regulatory Excellence Index

Why in News?

The Union Health Secretary has recently launched the State Health Regulatory Excellence Index (SHRESTH) through a virtual event. This initiative marks a significant step in enhancing the regulation of drugs across various states in India.

Key Takeaways

• SHRESTH is a pioneering national initiative aimed at benchmarking and improving state drug regulatory systems.
• The initiative is driven by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) to ensure consistent drug safety and quality across India.
• The index includes 27 metrics for Manufacturing States and 23 for Primarily Distribution States.
• Data submission and scoring will occur on a monthly basis, facilitating continuous assessment and improvement.

Additional Details

• Data Submission: States are required to submit their performance data based on predefined metrics to CDSCO by the 25th of each month, which will be evaluated and shared by the 1st of the following month.
• Significance: This index will help identify specific areas for improvement in human resources, infrastructure, and the digitization of processes, ultimately ensuring that drug safety is maintained for all citizens across different regions of India.

In conclusion, the SHRESTH initiative serves as a vital tool for states to assess their regulatory performance and work towards achieving higher standards in drug safety and efficacy.

GS2/Polity

Sports Governance Bill Clears Hurdle Amid BCCI’s Historic RTI Resistance

Why in News?

The Rajya Sabha has recently passed the National Sports Governance Bill, 2025, following its approval in the Lok Sabha. This legislative development has sparked significant debate, particularly concerning the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), which has historically resisted transparency measures under the Right to Information (RTI) Act.

Key Takeaways

• The National Sports Governance Bill aims to regulate national sports bodies and enhance transparency and accountability.
• The BCCI remains exempt from RTI obligations, as it does not receive direct financial assistance from the government.
• Opposition parties criticize the bill for excessively centralizing sports administration and favoring the BCCI.

Additional Details

• RTI Exemption for BCCI: The Bill defines a "public authority" under the RTI Act only for sports bodies that receive direct financial assistance from the government. Consequently, the BCCI, which does not receive such funding, is excluded from RTI requirements.
• BCCI’s Stance: The BCCI asserts it is a private, autonomous organization that does not qualify as a "public authority" under the RTI Act, citing its registration under the Tamil Nadu Societies Registration Act, 1975.
• Judicial Recommendations: Various judicial and quasi-judicial bodies, including the Law Commission of India and the Supreme Court, have recommended that the BCCI be classified as a public authority, citing its significant public functions.
• Implications of RTI Inclusion: If included under the RTI Act, citizens could access critical information regarding BCCI's operations, such as team selection criteria and financial contracts, thereby enhancing transparency.

The National Sports Governance Bill represents a pivotal step towards regulating sports bodies in India, aiming to align them with international standards while also addressing the ongoing concerns about the BCCI's transparency and accountability in its operations.