UPSC Daily Current Affairs: 24th August 2025 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly PDF Download

GS2/Polity

Vision of a Tobacco-Free India - Strengthening Control Measures

Why in News?

The economic impact of tobacco use in India is significant, with estimates from 2017 indicating that the annual costs related to all tobacco products for individuals aged 35 and above were approximately ₹1,773.4 billion, which constitutes about 1.04% of the country's GDP. Additionally, there were healthcare costs associated with second-hand smoking amounting to ₹566.7 billion, or 0.33% of GDP. These figures highlight the urgent need to enhance India's tobacco control framework to achieve the vision of a tobacco-free India.

Key Takeaways

• High economic costs of tobacco use in India.
• Need for an urgent review and strengthening of tobacco control measures.

Gaps in Existing Legislation

• COTPA, 2003: Despite being stringent, the implementation of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003, is inadequate in several Indian states, revealing several shortcomings.
• Inadequate coverage of Smokeless Tobacco (SLT): SLT is cheaper and culturally accepted but poses higher cancer risks compared to smoked tobacco. Current laws are weak and poorly enforced.
• Surrogate and indirect advertising: Companies exploit surrogate advertising methods to promote tobacco indirectly, necessitating stricter bans on such practices.
• Weak fiscal measures: COTPA lacks provisions for effective fiscal measures. Tobacco taxation remains low, with bidis taxed at only 22% and cigarettes at around 50%, significantly below WHO recommendations.
• Ineffective warning labels: Current warning labels on tobacco products are not effective in deterring use, relying heavily on fear-based messaging rather than comprehensive education.
• Poor implementation of e-cigarette ban: Despite the ban on e-cigarettes, enforcement remains poor, leading to increased accessibility, especially among adolescents.

Need for a Holistic Approach

• Limitations of current National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP): The NTCP lacks a focus on social determinants of health and has limited reach with cessation clinics.
• Weaknesses in ToFEI: The Tobacco Free Education Institute requires more scientific rigor in its awareness programs compared to successful models like the CDC in the U.S.

Towards Better Regulation and Control

• Challenges faced by public health researchers: The tobacco industry has real-time sales data, while researchers lack current trends in consumption.
• Policy recommendations: Implement a 'Tobacco Endgame' strategy through collaboration among various ministries, improve investment in research, and establish an independent oversight body to monitor industry practices.

In conclusion, India must adopt a comprehensive, multipronged strategy to tackle the tobacco burden effectively. This requires integrating stringent laws, higher taxation, effective awareness campaigns, social support mechanisms, school-based interventions, and independent oversight. Sustained collaboration among policymakers, researchers, and implementers is essential to realizing the vision of a tobacco-free India.

GS3/Environment

Uses of Wastewater Surveillance

Why in News?

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is set to launch a wastewater surveillance initiative targeting 10 viruses across 50 cities within the next six months. Currently, the program is operational in five cities and aims to identify early signs of virus spread and growth trends, facilitating timely public health interventions.

Key Takeaways

• The ICMR will scale up wastewater surveillance to monitor various pathogens.
• Current focus includes COVID-19 and polio, with plans to track additional diseases linked to fever, diarrhea, and respiratory distress.

Additional Details

• About Wastewater:Wastewater refers to any water that has been impacted by human activities, originating from sources such as households, industries, and agriculture. It is essential to treat this used water before it can be safely released or reused.
  • The ICMR's expanded wastewater and environmental surveillance (WES) initiative aims to detect early increases in virus load in communities, thus enhancing public health responses.
  • The initiative will also include monitoring for the Avian Influenza Virus (AIV) in regions prone to outbreaks, establishing an early warning system.
  • The growing emergence of pathogens in India is attributed to factors like population growth, urbanization, and environmental changes, necessitating such surveillance strategies.
• Wastewater-Based Epidemiology (WBE):WBE has gained prominence as a crucial tool for the early detection of disease outbreaks, especially post-COVID-19, providing valuable insights into community-level infection trends.
  • This method is cost-effective and non-invasive, covering large populations and aiding in the identification of transmission hotspots, thus facilitating efficient resource allocation for containment.
  • According to the CDC, even asymptomatic individuals shed pathogens through routine activities, which can be detected in wastewater samples collected before treatment.
  • Within a timeframe of five to seven days, labs can uncover infections circulating within the community, enabling public health officials to implement appropriate interventions.
  • Beyond disease detection, wastewater surveillance assists in identifying land-based pollution sources, thereby contributing to the protection of ecosystems.
  • The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) advocates for expanding wastewater surveillance practices to enhance water quality monitoring.
  • The World Health Organization (WHO) is also engaged in strengthening global capacities for wastewater surveillance, emphasizing its significance for public health and environmental sustainability.

In summary, wastewater surveillance is emerging as a vital strategy for early detection of infectious diseases, allowing for proactive public health measures and contributing to environmental management.

GS3/Science and Technology

ICMR Introduces ‘CEREBO’ to Diagnose Brain Injury

Why in News?

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has launched an innovative, indigenous device named CEREBO. This portable tool is designed for the rapid and radiation-free diagnosis of traumatic brain injuries (TBI), particularly aimed at enhancing healthcare access in emergency and rural settings.

Key Takeaways

• CEREBO is a handheld device that allows for quick diagnosis of brain injuries.
• It is developed using near-infrared spectroscopy and machine learning algorithms.
• The device is user-friendly, requiring minimal training for operation.
• It can detect intracranial bleeding and oedema in under a minute.
• The introduction of CEREBO aims to address the high mortality and morbidity rates associated with head injuries in India.

Additional Details

• CEREBO: A portable, non-invasive diagnostic tool that is radiation-free and safe for use on infants and pregnant women.
• Development and Collaboration: The device was developed through a collaborative effort involving ICMR, AIIMS Bhopal, NIMHANS Bengaluru, and others, ensuring clinical validation and regulatory approvals.
• Significance: CEREBO addresses the lack of accessibility to advanced imaging facilities in rural areas, reducing costs and improving speed in diagnosis.
• Public Health Impact: Early detection through this device can significantly reduce mortality rates and improve recovery outcomes for TBI patients.

In conclusion, CEREBO represents a significant advancement in the diagnosis and management of traumatic brain injuries in India. By providing a cost-effective and efficient alternative to traditional imaging methods, it aims to enhance emergency healthcare responses, particularly in underserved regions.

GS1/Geography

The Problem with Africa’s Representation on Maps

Why in News?

The African Union (AU) has endorsed the Correct the Map campaign, advocating for the replacement of the Mercator projection with alternatives such as the Equal Earth map. The Mercator projection, still prevalent in educational institutions and media, distorts geographical realities by shrinking the size of Africa while inflating that of Europe, North America, and Greenland. The AU claims this distortion has led to a long-standing symbolic marginalization of Africa and believes that adopting a more equitable map projection will restore geographical accuracy and dignity.

Key Takeaways

• The Mercator projection has been criticized for its geographic distortions.
• There is a need for alternative map projections that more accurately represent the size of continents.
• The AU's initiative highlights a broader movement towards correcting historical inaccuracies in mapping.

Additional Details

• Mercator Projection: Developed in 1569, this projection was designed to assist navigation by allowing sailors to follow straight rhumb lines across the seas. However, it severely distorts scale, making landmasses near the poles appear larger and those near the equator much smaller. For instance, Africa, which spans approximately 30 million sq. km, is depicted as nearly the same size as Greenland, which is actually 14 times smaller.
• Equal Earth Projection: Introduced in 2018, this alternative map projection aims to preserve the relative sizes of continents while introducing some curvature. It minimizes distortions associated with size, presenting Africa and other equatorial regions more accurately.
• All map projections inherently involve trade-offs, balancing accuracy and usability, with significant political implications. The Mercator map has long reinforced perceptions of Africa's marginalization by depicting it as less significant.
• The endorsement of the Correct the Map campaign by the AU signifies a strong institutional push for change, supported by organizations like the World Bank and National Geographic.

In summary, the movement to correct map representations is not merely a technical adjustment but a significant step towards recognizing and addressing historical and cultural biases that have shaped perceptions of continents, particularly Africa.

GS2/ Polity and Governance

Removal of Ministers Under Serious Charges

Why is it News?

• The Central Government has put forth the 130th Constitution (Amendment) Bill, 2025 in the Lok Sabha. This bill aims to remove central and state Ministers who are arrested for 30 consecutive days on serious criminal charges.

130th Constitution (Amendment) Bill, 2025

• Amendments: The Bill suggests changes to Articles 75, 164, and 239AA of the Constitution. These articles pertain to the Union Council of Ministers, Council of Ministers in the states, and Ministers in Union Territories, respectively.
• Key clause: The Bill includes a crucial clause stating that if a Minister (including Chief Ministers and the Prime Minister) is arrested and detained for 30 consecutive days for offences punishable by five years or more, they must be removed by the President on the Prime Minister’s advice. This removal is reversible upon the Minister’s release from custody.
• Objective: The aim of the Bill is to uphold constitutional morality and good governance. It ensures that ministers facing serious allegations cannot continue in office, thereby maintaining public trust.

Current Legal Framework for Removing Detained Ministers

• No Automatic Removal: Currently, there is no automatic provision for removing a Minister upon their arrest.
• Disqualification Criteria: Under Section 8 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 (RPA), legislators, including Ministers, are disqualified only after a conviction for certain offences carrying a minimum imprisonment of two years.
• Prevention of Corruption Act: Section 8(1) of the RPA, 1951, disqualifies a legislator convicted under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, for six years if punished with a fine. If sentenced to imprisonment, the disqualification lasts for the entire imprisonment period plus six years after release.
• Presumption of Innocence: The presumption of innocence applies until conviction; mere arrest does not trigger removal.

Key Judicial Pronouncements Regarding Ministerial Accountability

• Public Interest Foundation PIL (2018): The Supreme Court ruled that it cannot legislate new grounds for disqualification beyond Parliament’s provisions. Parliament alone has the authority to make laws on disqualification.
• Manoj Narula v Union of India (2014): The Supreme Court stated there is no legal barrier to appointing Ministers with criminal records but advised against selecting those charged with serious offences.
• V Senthil Balaji Case (2025): The Supreme Court directed Tamil Nadu Minister V. Senthil Balaji to choose between freedom or office after noting it had been misled by his reappointment post-bail in an alleged cash-for-jobs scam.
• Arvind Kejriwal Case (2024): The Supreme Court granted Arvind Kejriwal bail in a money laundering case but barred him from official duties. He later voluntarily resigned from office.

Need for New Provision for Removal of Detained Ministers

• Combatting Criminalisation of Politics: There is a growing concern about the criminalisation of politics, as many elected representatives have pending criminal cases. The current legal framework allows Ministers to remain in office until convicted, which can take years. This erodes public trust in the political system.
• Data on MLAs: A report by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) in 2025 highlighted that 45% of the analysed MLAs have declared criminal cases, with 29% facing serious charges like murder, kidnapping, and crimes against women. This data underscores the urgent need for reforms to address the issue of criminality in politics.
• Enhancing Accountability: Ministers hold significant executive power and can influence investigations. Given the slow pace of judicial processes in India, there is a risk that Ministers under investigation may serve substantial terms before being convicted. This undermines the principle of accountability.
• Need for Mechanism: There is a pressing need for a mechanism that ensures Ministers detained for serious offences cannot continue in office unchecked. Such a mechanism would strengthen accountability and uphold the integrity of the government.
• Restoring Public Confidence: Ensuring that Ministers facing serious charges are temporarily removed from office would help restore public confidence in governance. It would signal a commitment to ethical governance and the rule of law.

Measures Needed for Strengthening Ministerial Accountability

• Legal and Constitutional Provisions: Introduce clear rules for the removal or suspension of Ministers facing serious criminal charges, even during investigation or detention. This could include disqualification when charges are framed for offences punishable by up to five years’ imprisonment.
• Transparent Appointment Process: Political parties should exercise due diligence when selecting Ministers, avoiding candidates with criminal backgrounds. Implement guidelines for Prime Ministers and Chief Ministers to prioritize integrity in ministerial appointments.
• Parliamentary Oversight: Strengthen the role of parliamentary committees and ethics panels to monitor Ministers’ conduct. Mandate periodic disclosures of assets, liabilities, and pending cases to Parliament for scrutiny.
• Ethical Governance: Implement a binding ministerial code of conduct that emphasizes transparency, integrity, and public service. Encourage political parties to adopt internal accountability mechanisms and enforce ethical standards.

GS2/Governance

Transforming India’s Electoral Landscape

Why in News? 

 The Election Commission of India (ECI) has introduced various reforms to improve the electoral process, focusing on transparency, voter participation, and the credibility of democracy. 

Key Reforms by the Election Commission 

 1. Electoral Roll Management 

•  The ECI plans to delist 476 inactive Registered Unrecognised Political Parties (RUPPs) to keep the political party list accurate. 
•  Electoral rolls were revised for by-elections in four states, marking the first special summary revision in 20 years. 
•  A special intensive revision of the electoral roll in Bihar was conducted to ensure accuracy. 
•  Duplicate EPIC (voter) cards were eliminated nationwide, providing unique identification numbers to voters. 

 2. Technology-Driven Transparency and Monitoring 

•  The ECI launched ECINET, a digital platform consolidating over 40 applications for electors, voters, and political parties. 
•  Digital index cards and reports were introduced for better access to election-related data at the constituency level. 
• 100% webcasting of polling stations was implemented to monitor the polling process. 

 3. Booth-Level Improvements 

•  Standard photo ID cards were issued to Booth Level Officers (BLOs) to enhance transparency and public trust. 
•  Polling stations were limited to 1,200 voters each to reduce crowding and improve efficiency. 

 4. Voter Verification and Accuracy 

•  Mandatory VVPAT slip counting was enforced in cases of mismatch to ensure vote counting accuracy. 

Challenges Facing India’s Electoral Process  

1. Rising Election Expenditure 

•  The gap between actual election expenses and the legal limit is increasing. 
•  Candidates and parties often exceed spending limits, leading to underreporting and shadow financing, which fuels corruption and black money. 

 2. Criminalisation of Politics 

•  Candidates with criminal backgrounds are winning elections, supported by a politician-criminal nexus. 
•  In the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections, a significant percentage of newly elected MPs are facing criminal cases. 

 3. Voter Disenfranchisement and Turnout Issues 

•  Challenges like bogus voting, missing names in electoral rolls, and low urban turnout persist. 
•  Internal migrants, the elderly, and differently-abled citizens face barriers in exercising their voting rights, affecting inclusivity. 

 4. Freebie Politics and Populist Promises 

•  The culture of offering unsustainable freebies during elections undermines fiscal responsibility and governance. 
•  Voters are influenced by short-term benefits rather than long-term development plans. 
•  The absence of clear guidelines makes it hard to differentiate between welfare schemes and fiscal populism. 

 5. Electoral Violence and Booth-Level Vulnerabilities 

•  Although reduced, incidents of violence, voter intimidation, and disclosure of booth-level voting patterns still occur. 
•  Weak booth management in sensitive areas compromises the integrity of elections. 
•  The lack of totalizer machines exposes communities to potential post-poll reprisals. 

 6. Technological and Cyber Threats 

•  The rise of deepfakes, misinformation, and social media manipulation poses new threats to electoral integrity. 

 7. Electoral Roll Manipulation 

•  Allegations of electoral roll manipulation and duplicate EPIC numbers undermine the credibility of voter lists and public trust. 

 8. Lack of Inner-Party Democracy 

•  Political parties operate in a centralized and opaque manner, dominated by dynasties. 
•  The lack of transparent candidate selection and accountability contradicts democratic principles and hinders the emergence of genuine leadership. 

What Steps are Required to Further Strengthen India’s Electoral Framework?

• Electoral Finance Reform:Introduce partial state funding, as suggested by the 2nd ARC, which includes reimbursement for valid expenses and requires digital disclosure of donations over a certain amount. 
  • Regulate anonymous corporate donations.
  • Enhance audits by the CAG and ECI.
  • Create a public portal for election spending to limit financial influence and build trust among voters.
  • Consider including political parties under the Right to Information Act, 2005.
• Promoting Inner Party Democracy:Political parties are crucial to democracy, but many operate like closed, family-run businesses. 
  • The law should require regular internal elections.
  • Ensure transparent processes for selecting candidates.
  • Require audited party constitutions.
  • The 1999 Law Commission Report suggested a system for regulating inner party democracy.
• Regulating Digital Campaigns & Deepfakes:Require clear disclosure labels on all political advertisements, including details about the sponsor, funding, and target audience. 
  • Set up a National Deepfake Detection Cell, in collaboration with IITs and CERT-In, to monitor social media in real-time.
  • Implement strict rules for removing misleading content, with penalties for platforms that do not comply.
  • Launch initiatives to educate voters about algorithmic bias, deepfakes, and misinformation.
• Strengthening the ECI:The Election Commission of India (ECI) should have financial independence, with its funding coming from the Consolidated Fund of India. 
  • Establish regional ECI offices with permanent staff for better monitoring across India's diverse constituencies.
  • Conduct regular performance evaluations of electoral processes by parliamentary committees to improve credibility.
  • Create a permanent, independent group of officers within the ECI to ensure impartiality and reduce reliance on government bodies, eliminating conflicts of interest.
• Electoral Process Reforms:Expand the use of totalizer machines nationwide to blend votes across polling stations, preventing the identification of voting patterns at specific booths. 
  • Ensure consistent electoral rolls and strict adherence to the Model Code of Conduct.
  • Limit campaign durations to ensure fairness and increase voter confidence.
• Towards Simultaneous & Sustainable Elections:Test the concept of One Nation, One Election at local and state levels. 
  • Implement a permanent national electoral roll and a common voter ID to minimize duplication.
  • Use savings from simultaneous elections to improve governance.
  • Gradually introduce a fixed schedule for elections to make them more cost-effective and efficient.

Conclusion 

A resilient democracy rests on the strength of its electoral foundations. Strengthening independence of institutions, enhancing transparency, widening voter participation, deepening inner-party democracy, and embracing technology are indispensable. Only through such holistic and sustained efforts can India safeguard the integrity, credibility, and fairness of its electoral system and truly uphold the spirit of a vibrant democracy.

GS2/Governance

Towards Drug Free India

Why in News?

India is facing a growing crisis of drug abuse, which has prompted the government to take action. The Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan was launched to combat this issue and has now been in effect for five years.

Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan

• About: The Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan was initiated on 15th August 2020 by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment.
• Objectives: The program aims to raise awareness about substance use, particularly in educational institutions, universities, and schools. It also focuses on identifying dependent populations and strengthening counseling and treatment facilities.
• Expansion: Initially targeted 272 vulnerable districts, the program has now been extended to all districts in India.

3-Pronged Strategy

The Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan follows a three-pronged strategy that includes:

• Supply Control: Measures to control the supply of drugs.
• Demand Reduction: Efforts to reduce the demand for drugs.
• Medical Treatment: Providing medical treatment for addiction.

Key Achievements

• Mass Sensitisation: Reached over 18.10 crore people and 4.85 lakh institutions.
• Youth Mobilisation: Engaged 1.67 crore students through pledges and events.
• Digital & Tech Integration: Utilized social media, websites, apps, and geo-tagging.
• Volunteer Network: Established a network of over 20,000 Master Volunteers.
• Community Outreach: Conducted campaigns, monitoring, and awareness drives.
• Collaborations: Formed partnerships with spiritual and social organisations such as The Art of Living, Brahma Kumaris, Sant Nirankari Mission, Ram Chandra Mission (Daaji), ISKCON, and others.

Prevalence of Drug Abuse in India

• Drug Addiction: Approximately 10 crore people in India are affected by narcotics, with states like Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Punjab reporting the highest number of FIRs under the NDPS Act (2019–2021).
• Major Consumed Drugs: The National Survey on Extent and Pattern of Substance Use (2019) found that about 16 crore people (14.6%) aged 10–75 use alcohol, while 3.1 crore (2.8%) use cannabis.

2 Major Drug-Producing Regions in the World

• Golden Crescent: This region includes Afghanistan, Iran, and Pakistan and is a major opium hub. It affects Indian states such as Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Gujarat.
• Golden Triangle: Comprising Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand, this region is a key heroin-producing area, with Myanmar accounting for approximately 80% of the global supply. Trafficking routes from this region pass through India, making it a vulnerable transit and consumption zone.

What are the Key Challenges in Drug Control in India?

Mnemonic: DOPE

• D – Dark Net & New Substances: The rise of new psychoactive substances and illicit online trade using the darknet and cryptocurrency poses a significant challenge.
• O – Organizational & Infrastructure Gaps: There is a lack of trained personnel, forensic labs, rehabilitation centers, and specialized facilities necessary for effective drug control.
• P – Poor Awareness & Prevention: Inadequate education and weak community-level awareness, particularly in rural areas and among youth populations, hinder prevention efforts.
• E – Exclusion & Stigma in Addiction Treatment: Social stigma and high demand for rehabilitation services discourage individuals from seeking help, limiting the effectiveness of drug control measures.

What Measures Should be Taken to Eradicate Drug Abuse in India?

Mnemonic: SAFE

• S – Strengthen Law Enforcement: Enhance the implementation of the NDPS Act, 1985, and the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PITNDPS) Act, 1988. This includes providing adequate resources, training, modern equipment, and improving intelligence and surveillance capabilities. Inter-agency coordination should also be strengthened.
• A – Awareness & Prevention: Expand treatment and rehabilitation facilities in accordance with the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR). This involves raising awareness about de-addiction and rehabilitation programs.
• F – Focus on Supply Reduction: Improve border control and use advanced technologies such as AI, Big Data, drones, and satellites. Establish online citizen reporting systems and support alternative livelihoods for illicit crop farmers, such as the Jharkhand poppy scheme. Intercepting supply chains is also crucial.
• E – Enhance International Cooperation: Collaborate with neighboring countries, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), and Interpol to track and prevent drug trafficking activities.

GS2/Government Schemes

Kerala ‘First’ Digitally Literate State in India

 Why in News?

 Kerala has achieved the status of the first fully digitally literate state in India. This accomplishment is a significant step towards closing the digital divide in the country. 

 Digi Keralam Project 

•  The Digi Keralam Project aimed to enhance digital literacy among senior citizens, homemakers, and other groups who were previously excluded from digital access. 
•  It involved the use of youth volunteers and the K-SMART platform to provide online access services, thereby improving inclusion and governance. 

Akshaya Project

•  The Akshaya project, launched in 2002 by then President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, aimed to make at least one member of every family digitally literate in Kerala. 
•  This initiative was designed to promote IT access and improve citizen service delivery throughout the state. 

 Digital Literacy in India 

 Digital literacy refers to the ability of individuals and communities to understand and use digital technologies for meaningful purposes in their daily lives. 

•  According to the Central Board for Workers Education, only 38% of households in India are digitally literate, with urban areas at 61% and rural areas at 25%. 

 Initiatives Promoting Digital Literacy 

•  The Government of India launched the National Digital Literacy Mission (NDLM) and Digital Saksharta Abhiyan (DISHA) to promote digital literacy, targeting 52.50 lakh beneficiaries across the country. 
•  A total of 53.67 lakh beneficiaries were trained under these schemes, with 42% from rural areas. These schemes have now been closed. 
•  Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan (PMGDISHA) aims to promote digital literacy in rural India, with 6.39 crore individuals trained nationwide by March 2024.