UPSC Daily Current Affairs: 21st August 2025 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly PDF Download

GS2/Polity

Criminal Law, Politics, and the Misuse of State Power in India

Why in News?

The recent proposals by the Government of India to establish a constitutional framework for the removal of ministers, including the Prime Minister and Chief Ministers upon arrest, have reignited discussions on the misuse of investigative agencies, political corruption, and the necessity for systemic reforms in the criminal justice system.

Key Takeaways

• Criminal law often reflects state power over justice, allowing governments to criminalize or decriminalize actions based on political needs.
• A significant portion of the prison population in India consists of under-trials, indicating potential misuse of arrest powers.
• Recent government proposals for ministerial removal highlight ongoing debates about political accountability and reform.

Additional Details

• Nature of Criminal Law: Criminal law primarily represents state power, which can lead to arbitrary enforcement depending on political agendas.
• Discretion in Policing: Police have broad arrest powers based on mere suspicion, contributing to a high percentage of under-trials.
• Recent Proposals: The government's introduction of provisions under Articles 75(5A) and 164(4A) aims to enable the removal of Union and State Ministers, respectively, following their arrest.
• Judicial Criticism: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has faced severe criticism for its perceived lack of independence and efficacy.
• Concerns regarding political corruption have been raised, with references to the Vohra Committee's findings on the nexus between politics, crime, and business.
• Challenges with Investigative Agencies: A low conviction rate indicates potential misuse of agencies like the Enforcement Directorate (ED), raising public skepticism about their motivations.

To ensure that criminal law serves justice rather than political power, India must enhance the autonomy of investigative agencies, strengthen judicial safeguards for bail, and promote political consensus on reforms. These measures could help cleanse the political landscape of corruption while safeguarding democratic rights.

GS3/Science and Technology

Why India Needs a National Space Law

Why in News?

India is on the brink of a new era in space exploration, marked by significant achievements such as lunar missions, the Gaganyaan project, and the proposed Bharat Antariksh Station. However, the absence of a national space law poses a crucial challenge to the growth and regulation of this sector.

Key Takeaways

• India has made remarkable strides in space technology, but lacks a comprehensive legal framework.
• The absence of clear regulations hampers private participation and investment in the space sector.
• Internationally, countries like the U.S., Japan, and Luxembourg have established frameworks that provide legal certainty.

Additional Details

• Urgency for a National Space Law: India’s achievements in space science are impressive, yet the lack of a national legal framework may lead to accountability gaps, especially as private companies enter the field.
• Private Participation: Startups are crucial for innovation, but they face operational hurdles due to unclear licensing, foreign direct investment (FDI) rules, liability, and insurance issues.
• International Responsibility: Under the Outer Space Treaty, India is accountable for both governmental and private space activities, yet lacks a domestic framework for enforcement.
• Global Comparisons: Nations like the U.S. have laws such as the Commercial Space Launch Act that provide liability coverage and attract private investment.
• Incremental Approach: India’s cautious strategy prioritizes technical regulations before broad legislative measures, as seen in the Indian Space Policy (ISP) 2023 and the IN-SPACe Norms.

To ensure sustained growth in its space sector, India must enact a comprehensive national space law that addresses clarity, liability management, insurance, intellectual property protection, and a statutory framework for IN-SPACe. This legal framework is essential for balancing innovation with responsibility and will be pivotal for India's future as a space leader.

GS2/International Relations

International Criminal Court (ICC)

Why in News?

The Trump administration has imposed sanctions on judges and prosecutors of the International Criminal Court (ICC) due to ongoing investigations related to Israeli leaders and past probes concerning U.S. officials.

Key Takeaways

• The ICC was established in 2002 under the Rome Statute and is headquartered in The Hague, Netherlands.
• It is the first permanent international court to prosecute individuals for serious crimes such as genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity.

Additional Details

• Core Jurisdiction:The ICC has jurisdiction over four main categories of crimes:
  • Genocide
  • Crimes against humanity
  • War crimes
  • Crime of aggression
• Membership: As of now, there are 124 States Parties to the ICC, while notable non-members include India, China, the USA, Russia, Israel, and Ukraine.
• Structure:The ICC consists of:
  • Office of the Prosecutor - responsible for investigating and prosecuting cases.
  • 18 Judges - elected for nine-year terms.
  • Assembly of States Parties - governs the administration of the ICC.
  • Trust Fund for Victims and a Detention Centre.
• Languages: The working languages of the ICC are English, French, Arabic, Chinese, Russian, and Spanish.
• Funding: The annual budget for 2025 is approximately €195 million, primarily sourced from member states.

Jurisdiction and Challenges

• Applicability: The ICC can prosecute crimes committed by nationals of member states on their territory or through UN Security Council referrals, which may extend its jurisdiction to non-member states like Libya and Sudan.
• Obligations on States: Member states are required to execute ICC arrest warrants and cooperate fully. Non-compliance can be reported to the UN Security Council.
• Challenges:The ICC faces significant hurdles, including:
  • Lack of an independent enforcement mechanism.
  • Non-members such as the USA and Russia are not obligated to cooperate.
  • Political and diplomatic barriers that obstruct the enforcement of warrants.
• Special Mechanisms: In 2016, the ICC established an Arrest Working Group to improve warrant enforcement through enhanced intelligence-sharing.

The ICC continues to play a crucial role in the international legal framework concerning serious crimes, despite facing various challenges.

GS2/Polity

India’s Democracy is Failing the Migrant Citizen

Why in News?

The recent deletion of nearly 3.5 million voters in Bihar under the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) highlights a significant crisis in India's electoral system, particularly affecting migrant workers. This event underscores the systemic disenfranchisement faced by migrants, raising pressing questions about representation and inclusivity within the democratic framework.

Key Takeaways

• 3.5 million migrant voters were removed from electoral rolls, emphasizing a major issue in electoral integrity.
• The crisis illustrates the need for the Election Commission of India (ECI) to evolve its practices to ensure inclusivity for migrants.
• The current voter registration system is inadequate for the realities of circular migration, affecting millions of citizens.

Additional Details

• Mass Deletion: The deletion of voters was justified by claiming they had "permanently migrated," which disregards the transient nature of many migrants' lives.
• Impact on Voting Rights: The deleted voters are unable to vote in either their home states or the states where they currently reside, leading to a significant loss of democratic participation.
• Challenges in Registration: Legal and bureaucratic barriers, such as the need for proof of residence, hinder migrant workers from registering to vote.
• Exclusion in Host States: Migrants face regionalism and are often categorized as "outsiders," which complicates their ability to participate in elections.
• Need for Reforms: Proposals include creating a portable voter identity system and improving coordination between states to prevent disenfranchisement.

The disenfranchisement of migrants reveals a critical failure in India's democratic process. To uphold the principles of democracy, it is essential to adapt electoral systems to ensure that all citizens, especially the most vulnerable, can exercise their right to vote. Failure to address these issues risks further alienating these important contributors to the economy and society.

GS3/Defence & Security

INS Aridhaman: Enhancing India's Strategic Defence Capabilities

Why in News?

India is on the verge of bolstering its strategic defence framework with the impending induction of the INS Aridhaman, its third nuclear-powered Ballistic Missile Submarine (SSBN).

Key Takeaways

• INS Aridhaman is the second submarine of the Arihant-class.
• It is being constructed under the Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV) project at the Ship Building Centre in Visakhapatnam.
• The submarine is expected to be formally inducted by the end of 2025.

Additional Details

• Specifications:
  • Length: 112 m (367 ft)
  • Beam: 15 m (49 ft)
  • Draft: 10 m (33 ft)
  • Displacement: 7,000 tonnes
  • Complement: Approx. 95 personnel, including officers and sailors.
• Missile Capacity: The submarine can carry a larger number of K-4 missiles due to its size.
• Sonar Systems:
  • Fitted with USHUS and Panchendriya sonar systems.
  • USHUS is designed for Kilo-class submarines, while Panchendriya integrates various sonar types for tactical control.
• Communication and Defensive Features:
  • Equipped with an underwater communications system.
  • Features twin flank-array sonars and Rafael broadband expendable anti-torpedo countermeasures.

The INS Aridhaman represents a significant advancement in India's naval capabilities, enhancing its deterrent posture and operational readiness in the face of evolving security challenges.

GS3/Economy

Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) Programme

Why in News?

The Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare recently informed the Lok Sabha that India is home to three Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS).

Key Takeaways

• The GIAHS Programme is initiated by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
• Launched in 2002 at the World Summit for Sustainable Development, the programme addresses threats to traditional agricultural systems.
• India's GIAHS includes the Koraput region, Kuttanad system, and Saffron Park of Kashmir.

Additional Details

• GIAHS Programme: This initiative was created to respond to global challenges like climate change, community displacements, and biodiversity loss. It aims to balance conservation with socioeconomic development, helping farmers adapt sustainably.
• Multistakeholder Approach: The programme promotes the value of traditional agricultural knowledge and supports markets for agricultural products, agrotourism, and other opportunities.
• Koraput Region (Odisha): Known for its subsistence paddy cultivation on highland slopes, this area boasts a vast diversity of paddy landraces and rich genetic resources of medicinal plants.
• Kuttanad System (Kerala): A distinctive below-sea-level farming landscape featuring wetlands for paddy cultivation, garden lands for coconut and food crops, and inland water bodies for fishing and shell collection.
• Saffron Park of Kashmir: This region represents a rich agro-pastoral system with traditional saffron cultivation, intercropping, and organic farming practices, enhancing local biodiversity and soil health.

The GIAHS Programme not only aims to protect these unique agricultural heritage systems but also strives to enhance the livelihoods of the communities that depend on them. By fostering sustainable practices and promoting local knowledge, it plays a crucial role in preserving biodiversity and supporting farmers.

GS3/Science and Technology

Bistability in Pseudomonas aeruginosa and the glpD Gene

Why in News?

Recent research by German scientists has revealed that Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a common bacterium, can activate or deactivate a crucial gene known as glpD. This capability allows genetically identical bacteria to exhibit different behaviors, a phenomenon referred to as epigenetic bistability, which aids in their survival.

Key Takeaways

• Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a rod-shaped bacterium prevalent in various environments, including hospitals.
• It is an opportunistic pathogen, primarily affecting individuals with weakened immune systems.
• The bacterium has a large genome, which enhances its adaptability.
• It is a leading cause of hospital-acquired infections.
• Resistance mechanisms, like biofilm formation, complicate treatment efforts.

Additional Details

• Impact on Humans:
  • Commonly causes infections such as keratitis, urinary tract infections, pneumonia, and bloodstream infections.
  • Particularly dangerous for vulnerable groups, including burn patients and those with cystic fibrosis.
  • High mortality rates are attributed to its strong resistance to antibiotics.
• Recent Research Findings:
  • Researchers found that the glpD gene can be expressed variably among cells, with some cells having it active and others not.
  • This variability allows the bacteria to thrive in hostile environments and can lead to infections even from small populations.
  • Experiments demonstrated that cells with an active glpD were more lethal in experimental models.
• Significance: The ability of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to switch the glpD gene on and off represents a critical survival strategy. Targeting this mechanism could pave the way for new treatments for antibiotic-resistant infections.

The findings highlight the need for innovative approaches to combat infections caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, particularly in healthcare settings.

GS2/International Relations

African Union (AU) and the Mercator Map Debate

Why in News?

The African Union (AU) has recently supported the Correct the Map campaign, which aims to replace the outdated 16th-century Mercator projection with more accurate mapping alternatives.

Key Takeaways

• The AU was established in 2002, replacing the Organisation of African Unity from 1963.
• It consists of 55 member countries across Africa and is headquartered in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
• The AU's vision is to create an integrated, prosperous, and peaceful Africa, led by its citizens.
• Agenda 2063 serves as the AU's blueprint for socio-economic growth and continental unity.

Additional Details

• About the African Union (AU):
  • Establishment: Formed in 2002, the AU replaced the Organisation of African Unity.
  • Membership: Comprises 55 African countries.
  • Headquarters: Located in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
  • Vision: “An Integrated, Prosperous, and Peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens.”
  • Agenda 2063: A blueprint for socio-economic growth and continental unity.
  • Main Organs: Includes the Assembly, Executive Council, AU Commission, and Peace and Security Council.
• What is a Mercator Map?
  • Creation: Developed by Gerardus Mercator in 1569.
  • Projection: A cylindrical map featuring straight lines of longitude and latitude intersecting at 90 degrees.
  • Purpose: Designed to assist sailors in plotting straight-line courses for navigation.
  • Adoption: Became the standard map used in schools and atlases by the 19th century.
• Issues with the Mercator Map:
  • Distortion: The map significantly enlarges high-latitude regions such as Europe and North America, while underrepresenting Africa and South America.
  • Example: Greenland appears roughly equal in size to Africa, despite Africa being approximately 14 times larger.
  • Colonial Bias: The Mercator projection reinforces narratives of Western dominance and diminishes Africa's size and significance.
  • Impact: This distortion contributed to the marginalization and exploitation of African nations during colonial times.
  • Alternatives: Projections like Gall-Peters (1970s) and Equal Earth (2018) present continents in more accurate proportions.
• AU Stand: The African Union advocates for the replacement of Mercator maps to restore Africa’s rightful representation on the global stage.

In summary, the endorsement of the Correct the Map campaign by the AU marks a significant step towards rectifying historical biases in cartography and promoting a more accurate representation of Africa in global contexts.

GS2/Polity

Nuclear Laws and the Role of Opposition

Why in News?

India's energy security and climate change commitments are facing significant challenges as the government is set to revisit critical legislative issues, particularly the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damages Act (CLNDA), 2010, and the Atomic Energy Act (AEA), 1962. Proposed amendments aim to redefine liability frameworks and encourage private participation in nuclear energy, thereby testing the unity of the Opposition and shaping India's nuclear future.

Key Takeaways

• The CLNDA was enacted in 2010 to establish a liability framework for nuclear accidents.
• Amendments may dilute accountability and prioritize foreign corporate interests, according to Opposition parties.
• India's nuclear power contributes only about 3% to the total energy mix, necessitating structural reforms for growth.

Additional Details

• Historical Context: The debate on nuclear liability in India dates back over fifteen years, with the CLNDA enacted after major disasters like the Bhopal gas leak and Fukushima disaster, highlighting the need for corporate accountability.
• Political Dynamics: The BJP-led NDA government seeks to amend existing laws to attract investment, while the Congress opposes these changes, arguing they compromise safety and accountability.
• Energy Aspirations: The government aims to increase nuclear capacity from 8.8 GW to 22.48 GW by 2031-32 and 100 GW by 2047, contingent on resolving liability issues and adopting new technologies.

The ongoing discourse around nuclear laws underscores the delicate balance between ensuring accountability and fostering growth in India’s energy sector. A pragmatic liability framework is essential for attracting investment and expanding nuclear capacity while meeting climate goals. Ultimately, bipartisan cooperation and a constructive debate on these matters will be crucial for aligning energy security with public safety and national interests.

GS2/Polity

Explained - India’s Online Gaming Bill 2025

Why in News?

The Lok Sabha has recently approved the Online Gaming Bill 2025, which aims to prohibit harmful real money gaming while promoting e-sports and social gaming under a new regulatory framework.

Key Takeaways

• The Bill introduces a complete ban on real money gaming due to its associated social, financial, and psychological harms.
• It seeks to protect vulnerable groups, encourage responsible gaming, and foster India's digital innovation ecosystem.

Additional Details

• Key Provisions:The Bill is divided into three main segments:
  • E-Sports: Recognized as a creative industry with significant growth potential, the Bill supports its development as a mainstream sector.
  • Online Social Games: Promoted as safe entertainment options that do not involve financial risks or addictive gambling mechanisms.
  • Online Money Games: These are completely banned, covering activities like fantasy sports, poker, and rummy.
• Penalties for Violations: First-time offenders can face up to three years imprisonment and fines of up to Rs. 1 crore, with harsher penalties for repeat offenses.
• Establishment of an Online Gaming Authority: This statutory body will oversee the sector, ensuring safe practices and regulating gaming platforms.

Rationale Behind the Legislation

The government highlighted the need for regulatory action due to alarming trends:

• 32 suicides linked to online money gaming addiction in the past 31 months.
• Financial distress among families due to compulsive gambling.
• Concerns over money laundering and terror financing through real money gaming.
• Psychological issues stemming from exploitative gaming algorithms.

The Lok Sabha Speaker described the Bill as legislation of "national interest," aimed at preventing financial and emotional crises in families.

Industry Response and Potential Challenges

The Bill has raised concerns within India's multi-billion-dollar real money gaming sector, which has previously advocated for regulation rather than an outright ban. Legal experts note that the Bill is robust enough to survive judicial scrutiny, emphasizing its focus on public interest and national security.

Significance for India’s Digital Future

• For Youth: The Bill aims to protect young players from addiction and financial ruin.
• For Industry: It provides clarity and legitimacy to e-sports and social gaming startups.
• For Society: It addresses concerns related to fraud, money laundering, and mental health.
• For Governance: A national-level framework is established to regulate the fragmented gaming sector effectively.

By supporting e-sports, the Bill aligns with India’s goal of becoming a global leader in digital entertainment, especially with upcoming events like the proposed 2036 Olympics.

GS2/Governance

House Panel Sounds Air Safety Alarm

Why in News?

The Standing Committee on Transport, Tourism and Culture has released its 380th report on the “Overall Review of Safety in the Civil Aviation Sector,” which was tabled in both Houses of Parliament. This report raises serious concerns regarding the state of India’s aviation safety system and stresses the urgent need for reforms to avert future tragedies.

Key Takeaways

• The report highlights critical systemic lapses in India's aviation safety architecture.
• Regulatory weaknesses and operational stress pose significant risks to aviation safety.
• Urgent reforms are necessary to enhance safety and prevent catastrophic accidents.

Additional Details

• AI 171 Crash: In light of the AI 171 crash in Ahmedabad in 2025, the committee emphasized the need for immediate action to address systemic issues.
• DGCA Autonomy Crisis: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is severely understaffed, with only 553 out of 1,063 sanctioned posts filled, affecting its operational effectiveness.
• Air Traffic Controllers (ATCOs): ATCOs are facing overwork due to staffing shortages, leading to fatigue and increased risks at major airports.
• Unresolved Safety Deficiencies: As of April 2025, there are 3,747 unresolved safety deficiencies, including 37 critical risks, indicating a lack of enforcement by the DGCA.
• Helicopter Operations: The oversight of helicopter operations is fragmented, necessitating a uniform national framework for better safety management.
• Recurring Operational Risks: Runway incursions and near mid-air collisions have increased, prompting the need for focused safety programs at high-risk airports.
• Regulatory Culture: A punitive culture currently discourages reporting of safety lapses, necessitating a shift towards a more supportive regulatory environment.
• Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO): India's heavy reliance on foreign MRO facilities creates strategic vulnerabilities, highlighting the need for domestic MRO hubs.
• Governance Gaps: The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has governance deficiencies that undermine safety planning, particularly the absence of a Member (ATC) on its Board.

The committee's report serves as a critical roadmap for urgent reforms, emphasizing that without stronger regulations, staffing reforms, and improved governance, India risks facing future aviation disasters and international restrictions.