Indian Polity and Governance (Part 5): August 2025 Current Affairs | Current Affairs & General Knowledge - CLAT PDF Download

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/Governance

Supreme Court’s Order on Street Dogs in Delhi - Legal, Constitutional, and Governance Implications

Why in News?

On 11 August, the Supreme Court of India issued an order mandating the relocation of all street dogs in Delhi to shelters within eight weeks. This decision came in response to a concerning rise in fatal attacks on infants, raising significant public safety issues. However, this order also brings forth complex legal, constitutional, and governance challenges, particularly regarding animal rights, judicial overreach, and failures in municipal governance.

Key Takeaways

• The Supreme Court acted on its own initiative following reports of fatal dog attacks.
• The order conflicts with existing laws intended to protect animal welfare and population control.
• Concerns regarding the implications for public safety and animal rights have emerged.

Additional Details

• Trigger: The court took suo motu cognizance based on media reports highlighting the dangers posed by unvaccinated street dogs to vulnerable populations such as infants and the elderly.
• Legal Conflicts: The order contradicts the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act, 1960, and the PCA (Animal Birth Control) Rules, 2023, which advocate for humane population control measures rather than relocation.
• Judicial Precedent: This ruling violates the principle of stare decisis, undermining previous judicial decisions and eroding public confidence in the judiciary.
• Natural Justice Violations: The principle of Audi alteram partem was breached, as requests from relevant parties for inclusion in the discussions were ignored.
• Governance Failure: The order highlights local authorities' failures in implementing effective animal control and vaccination programs.

In conclusion, addressing the issue of human-canine conflict requires a multifaceted approach that respects animal rights while ensuring public safety. Future actions should be data-driven, humane, and focus on strengthening local governance and legal frameworks to promote a balanced coexistence of public safety and animal welfare.

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.

GS2/Governance

Set the Guardrails for AI Use in Courtrooms

Why in News?

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into judicial processes marks a significant shift in the administration of justice. In July 2025, the Kerala High Court became the first judicial body in India to unveil a policy regulating AI's use within the district judiciary. This initiative addresses the pressing issue of India's judicial backlog, which exceeds five crore pending cases, while also recognizing the potential of AI to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and speed in a strained system.

Key Takeaways

• The Kerala High Court's policy is a pioneering move in India regarding AI in the judiciary.
• AI tools can automate routine tasks, potentially alleviating judicial backlogs.
• There are significant risks associated with AI, including accuracy concerns and ethical implications.

Additional Details

• Promise of AI: AI offers advantages such as document translation, transcription, and legal research, which can speed up judicial processes and enhance accessibility for litigants from diverse linguistic backgrounds.
• Risks and Challenges: Over-reliance on AI can lead to translating errors and mistranslations, jeopardizing the accuracy of legal proceedings. Additionally, without clear frameworks, the use of sensitive personal data could lead to privacy violations.
• Safeguards and Frameworks: Training in AI literacy is essential for judges and legal professionals to understand the tools' limitations. Clear guidelines should govern AI's use in research and judgment writing, and standardized procurement frameworks can ensure ethical compliance.

The initiative by the Kerala High Court represents a crucial step towards the thoughtful adoption of AI in the judiciary. It emphasizes the need for balancing efficiency with fairness, transparency, and accountability, ensuring that technology enhances, rather than displaces, human judgment.

GS2/Polity

A Court Order That Was Barking Up the Wrong Tree

Why in News?

On August 11, 2025, the Supreme Court of India issued a controversial order mandating the rounding up and confinement of all street dogs in New Delhi into mass shelters. Though the order was stayed just eleven days later, its announcement highlighted significant flaws in legal reasoning, scientific understanding, and moral responsibility.

Key Takeaways

• The court's order was seen as a solution to the street dog issue, yet it contradicted scientific evidence.
• Mass confinement could lead to severe consequences, including overcrowding and public health crises.
• The issue of street dogs is intertwined with social dynamics, especially concerning the urban poor.

Additional Details

• Unscientific Approach: Evidence from countries like the United States shows that mass confinement leads to overcrowding and disease. Studies indicate that long-term confinement can cause significant behavioral issues in dogs.
• The order disregarded the vacuum effect, where removing dogs from one area leads to an influx from neighboring regions, exacerbating the problem rather than solving it.
• The removal of street dogs, which play a role in urban ecosystems, could lead to increases in rodent and monkey populations, creating new public health challenges.
• Animal Birth Control (ABC) Program: A more effective solution is the ABC program, which includes sterilization and vaccination. Cities like Jaipur have seen success with this approach, demonstrating sustainable declines in dog populations.

The Supreme Court's order exemplified a failure to apply scientific reasoning in addressing the issue of dog bites, focusing instead on a populist narrative. The Court's subsequent stay of the order is a step back towards a more compassionate and evidence-based approach. For India's urban challenges, it is crucial to prioritize humane and scientifically grounded strategies while ensuring accountability from governance institutions.

GS2/Governance

NITI Aayog Proposes Model Framework for Homestays

Why in News?

NITI Aayog has published a report titled Rethinking Homestays: Navigating Policy Pathways, which outlines a framework for States to harmonize regulations and foster an inclusive homestay ecosystem. This report emphasizes the significant economic potential of alternative accommodations like homestays and Bed and Breakfast (BnB) in promoting sustainable tourism growth.

Key Takeaways

• India's travel and tourism sector is recovering post-pandemic, significantly driven by domestic tourism.
• The sector contributed ₹21.15 lakh crore to the economy in 2024, a 21% increase from 2019.
• NITI Aayog's report provides a strategic roadmap to enhance local incomes and support community-based tourism.

Additional Details

• Economic Potential: Homestays can stimulate sustainable growth, create local jobs, and encourage entrepreneurship, particularly in rural and semi-urban regions.
• Cultural Value: They offer travelers authentic experiences, merging cultural immersion with livelihood opportunities.
• Policy Goal: To outline a strategic roadmap for States to integrate homestays as a vital component of India's tourism landscape.
• Core Recommendations: The report suggests a light-touch regulatory framework, digital empowerment through a centralized portal, capacity building for hosts, and financial incentives focused on destination-level support.

The model policy framework aims to simplify processes, integrate technology, and enhance cultural authenticity, positioning homestays as a means for regional development rather than merely accommodation. NITI Aayog's initiative calls for harmonized state policies, digital integration, and targeted incentives to unlock the full potential of the homestay sector while preserving cultural heritage and local livelihoods.

GS2/Governance

Unified District Information System for Education Plus (UDISE+)

Why in News?

The Ministry of Education has published a report on the Unified District Information System for Education Plus (UDISE+) for the academic year 2024-25, highlighting that the total number of teachers in India has surpassed the 1 crore mark as of 2024-25.

Key Takeaways

• UDISE+ is an educational management information system under the Ministry of Education.
• It serves as a central platform for schools to record and submit essential data.
• All recognized schools across India participate in real-time data entry.

Additional Details

• Unique UDISE Code: Each school is assigned a distinct 11-digit UDISE code to facilitate data entry and modifications.
• School User Directory Module: This module manages the onboarding of schools and designated users who are responsible for data submission on UDISE+.
• Data Reporting Modules:The information is categorized into three modules:
  • School Profile & Facilities: This module records infrastructure details and available services in schools.
  • Student Module: It maintains a general and academic profile for each student, including extracurricular activities, tracked using a Permanent Education Number.
  • Teacher Profile: This module keeps individual records of all teaching and non-teaching staff, documenting their general, academic, and appointment details.

The UDISE+ system enhances the efficiency of educational data management in India, ensuring that critical information about schools, students, and teachers is accurately recorded and monitored at various administrative levels.

GS2/Governance

Kerala’s Digital Literacy Feat: How the State Achieved Widespread Inclusion

Why in News?

Recently, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan declared Kerala as the first fully digitally literate state in India after the completion of the initial phase of the Digi Kerala programme. This initiative, which was executed through local self-government bodies, aimed to reduce the digital divide. As a result, 21.87 lakh individuals identified as digitally illiterate received training and successfully passed evaluations, marking a significant achievement in grassroots digital empowerment.

Key Takeaways

• Kerala is the first state in India to achieve full digital literacy.
• The Digi Kerala programme trained over 21 lakh digitally illiterate individuals.
• Training included essential skills like making calls, using WhatsApp, and accessing government services.

Additional Details

• Origins of Kerala’s Digital Literacy Drive: The initiative started from a local project in Pullampara panchayat in Thiruvananthapuram, where officials aimed to alleviate the hardships faced by daily-wage and MGNREGS labourers in accessing banking services.
• Digi Pullampara Project: This project identified 3,917 digitally illiterate residents, with 3,300 receiving training through 15 activities across three modules that covered essential digital tasks.
• Role of Volunteers: Training was facilitated by volunteers, including NSS students and Kudumbashree members, conducted in various community settings to ensure comprehensive outreach.
• Success Rate: Pullampara achieved a remarkable success rate of 96.18%, becoming Kerala’s first fully digitally literate panchayat by September 2022.
• Statewide Expansion: Following Pullampara's success, the initiative was expanded statewide, with plans to train 2.57 lakh volunteers through master trainers.
• Inclusivity of the Programme: Unlike national standards that limit training to those under 60, Kerala's initiative included all age groups, training individuals over 100 years old.
• Wide Participation: The program saw participation from over 13 lakh women, 8 lakh men, and 1,644 transgender persons, demonstrating a commitment to inclusivity.
• Future Plans: The Digi Kerala programme will extend beyond basic skills, addressing cyber fraud awareness and digital literacy for accessing government services.
• Smartphone-Focused Approach: Prioritizing smartphones reflects the realities of daily life, contrasting with national programs focusing on computer literacy.
• Integration with Broader Projects: The initiative aligns with Kerala’s larger digital vision, which includes the Kerala Fibre Optic Network (KFON) and the K-SMART Project to enhance digital accessibility.

This comprehensive approach not only positions Kerala as India's first fully digitally literate state but also serves as a model for bridging the digital divide across the nation.

GS2/Governance

Adi Vaani: AI-Powered Language Translator for Tribal Languages

Why in News?

The Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India, has launched the Beta Version of “Adi Vaani,” an innovative language translation tool aimed at supporting tribal languages.

Key Takeaways

• Adi Vaani is India's first AI-based translator specifically designed for tribal languages.
• The initiative aims to facilitate communication between tribal and non-tribal communities.
• It incorporates advanced AI technologies to protect and revitalize endangered tribal languages.

Additional Details

• Project Development: The project is led by a consortium of prestigious institutions, including IIT Delhi, BITS Pilani, IIIT Hyderabad, and IIIT Nava Raipur, in collaboration with Tribal Research Institutes (TRIs) across various states.
• Aims of Adi Vaani:
  • Enable real-time translation (text and speech) between Hindi/English and tribal languages.
  • Provide interactive language learning resources for students and early learners.
  • Digitally preserve folklore, oral traditions, and cultural heritage.
  • Enhance digital literacy and communication in healthcare and civic matters within tribal communities.
  • Raise awareness about government schemes and significant speeches.
• Supported Languages: The Beta launch currently supports Santali (Odisha), Bhili (Madhya Pradesh), Mundari (Jharkhand), and Gondi (Chhattisgarh).
• Methodology: The project employs refined AI language models, including No Language Left Behind (NLLB) and IndicTrans2, for low-resource tribal languages, emphasizing community participation in data collection and validation.
• Functional Features:
  • Text-to-Text, Text-to-Speech, Speech-to-Text, and Speech-to-Speech translations.
  • Optical Character Recognition (OCR) for digitizing manuscripts and educational materials.
  • Bilingual dictionaries and curated repositories for better language support.
  • Subtitles for Prime Minister's speeches and health advisories, promoting awareness in tribal languages.

Adi Vaani represents a significant step towards bridging communication gaps and preserving the rich linguistic heritage of India's tribal communities.

GS2/Polity

Supreme Court’s Social Media Regulation Order: Free Speech and Accountability

Why in News?

The Supreme Court of India has mandated the Centre to formulate guidelines for regulating social media, emphasizing that the right to free speech should not be exploited for commercial purposes at the expense of public dignity.

Key Takeaways

• The Supreme Court directed the Union government to draft comprehensive social media regulations.
• The court's decision comes amid rising concerns about the misuse of free speech by digital creators for profit.
• The ruling balances constitutional rights with accountability in the digital landscape.

Additional Details

• Supreme Court's Directive: A two-judge bench highlighted that while free speech is a constitutional right under Article 19(1)(a), it should not be used for commercial gain in ways that offend vulnerable groups.
• The case arose from a petition by a non-profit advocating for individuals with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), who claimed that derogatory remarks from comedians violated their dignity.
• The court ordered the Centre to consult with the National Broadcasters and Digital Association (NBDA) while drafting regulations and instructed the comedians involved to issue public apologies on their social media.
• Constitutional Framework on Free Speech:Article 19(2) of the Constitution allows restrictions on free speech under specific grounds, including:
  • Sovereignty and integrity of India
  • Security of the State
  • Friendly relations with foreign states
  • Public order
  • Decency and morality
  • Contempt of court
  • Defamation
  • Incitement to offences
• The Supreme Court has consistently maintained that restrictions must not exceed these grounds. In Shreya Singhal v. Union of India (2015), the court invalidated Section 66A of the IT Act, affirming that even speech that "offends, shocks, or disturbs" remains protected.
• The Debate on Commercial Speech:The regulation of commercial speech has evolved in India:
  • In Hamdard Dawakhana v. Union of India (1959), the court ruled that advertisements linked to trade do not qualify as free speech.
  • Conversely, Tata Press v. MTNL (1995) acknowledged commercial speech as constitutionally protected, as it serves public interest by providing information.
  • Subsequent cases like A. Suresh v. State of Tamil Nadu (1997) emphasized the need to balance commercial expression with societal interests.
• Existing Legal Framework for Digital Media: Social media platforms in India are already regulated under the IT (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, which mandate the restriction of obscene and harmful content. Influencers face legal consequences if their speech constitutes defamation or incitement.
• Experts warn that new guidelines must be crafted carefully to avoid infringing on free speech, given the Supreme Court's robust history of protecting it.

The court's intervention raises significant questions about the future of free speech in the digital age, especially with around 491 million Indians active on social media. While the aim is to limit abusive or derogatory content presented as entertainment or marketing, it also places an obligation on the government to ensure that regulation does not turn into a form of censorship. Legal scholars suggest that this ruling offers a chance to consolidate accountability principles without undermining constitutional protections.