Jul 15, 2025 Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz – 2025 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz 15th July 2025

The Current Affairs questions are based on sources like ‘The Hindu’, ‘Indian Express’ and ‘PIB’, which are very important sources for UPSC Prelims Exam. The questions are focused on both the concepts and facts. The topics covered here are generally different from what is being covered under ‘Daily Current Affairs/Daily News Analysis (DNA) and Daily Static Quiz’ to avoid duplication. The questions would be published from Monday to Saturday before 2 PM. One should not spend more than 10 minutes on this initiative. Gear up and Make the Best Use of this initiative. Do remember that, “the difference between Ordinary and EXTRA-Ordinary is PRACTICE!!” Important Note: Don’t forget to post your marks in the comment section. Also, let us know if you enjoyed today’s test 🙂 After completing the 5 questions, click on ‘View Questions’ to check your score, time taken, and solutions. .To take the Test Click Here

Jul 15, 2025 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 15th July – 2025

Archives (PRELIMS Focus) Kaziranga records high diversity of grassland birds in survey Category: ENVIRONMENT Context: In the first such survey of avians conducted in March 2025, a team of forest officials, bird experts, scientists, and conservationists recorded 43 grassland species across Kaziranga’s three wildlife divisions. The survey report marks a milestone in the documentation and protection of grassland-dependent bird species in the Brahmaputra floodplains. Key findings of the survey: The recorded species included the critically endangered Bengal florican, the endangered Finn’s weaver, and the swamp grass babbler. Among the remaining 40 species, six were in the vulnerable category — the black-breasted parrotbill, marsh babbler, swamp francolin, Jerdon’s babbler, slender-billed babbler, and bristled grassbird. The study is significant because wet grasslands are not very well surveyed in India. Kaziranga’s grassland bird diversity can, thus, be compared in terms of species richness with the dry grasslands of Gujarat and Rajasthan. About Kaziranga National Park: Location: It is located in the State of Assam and covers 42,996 Hectare (ha). It is the single largest undisturbed and representative area in the Brahmaputra Valley floodplain. Conservation status: It was declared as a National Park in 1974. It has been declared a tiger reserve since 2007. It has a total tiger reserve area of 1,030 sq km with a core area of 430 sq. km. Heritage: It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985. Speciality: It is the home of the world’s most one-horned rhinos. Much of the focus of conservation efforts in Kaziranga are focused on the ‘big four’ species— Rhino, Elephant, Royal Bengal tiger and Asiatic water buffalo. Source: The Hindu Resurgence of Nipah virus in Kerala Category: SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY Context: Health authorities have warned people to avoid visiting patients in hospitals, particularly in Palakkad and Malappuram districts of Kerala, in the wake of an increased Nipah scare. About Nipah virus: Cause: It is caused by an RNA virus from the family Paramyxoviridae, genus Henipavirus. Zoonotic: It can be transmitted from animals to humans and can also be transmitted through contaminated food or directly between people. Hosts: Nipah virus initially appeared in domestic pigs, dogs, cats, goats, horses, and sheep. Fatality: The case fatality rate ranges from 40% to 75%. Symptoms: It includes fever, headache, drowsiness, disorientation, mental confusion, coma, and potentially death. Diagnosis: It can be diagnosed through real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) from bodily fluids and antibody detection via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).  Prevention: No vaccines are presently available for humans or animals. Source: The Hindu Abuse of right to free speech increasing on social media, says SC Category: Polity & Governance Context: The Supreme Court on Monday said the right to free speech was increasingly being abused, especially on social media, and called for self-restraint and regulation. Key highlights about the news: A Bench of Justices B.V. Nagarathna and K.V. Viswanathan said the right to freedom of speech and expression carried with it reasonable restrictions. Using free speech to instigate divisive tendencies, at least on social media, needed to be curbed. The court mulled framing guidelines to regulate abusive and divisive social media posts. Expressing concern about vitriolic social media engagements, Justice Viswanathan said only greater fraternity among citizens would reduce mutual hatred. “We are not speaking about censorship. But in the interest of fraternity, secularism and dignity of individuals… We will have to go into this beyond this petition,” the Bench said. About Right to Free Speech: Meaning: It includes the right to express one’s views and opinions at any issue through any medium, e.g. by words of mouth, writing, printing, picture, film, movie etc. Available only to citizens: This right is available only to a citizen of India and not to foreign nationals. Constitutional provision: Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution of India guarantees the right to freedom of speech and expression to all citizens. This right includes: Expressing opinions and ideas freely. The right to receive and impart information. Freedom of the press. Right to criticize the government and public figures. Reasonable restrictions: This right is, however, not absolute and it allows Government to frame laws to impose reasonable restrictions. Article 19(2) provides for reasonable restrictions on various grounds like: sovereignty and integrity of India security of the State friendly relations with foreign State public order, decency or morality in relation to contempt of court, defamation or incitement to an offence Important Judgements: In Romesh Thappar v. State of Madras (1950), Supreme Court (SC) observed that freedom of the press lays at the foundation of all democratic organizations. In Maneka Gandhi vs Union of India (1978), the Supreme Court held that the freedom of speech and expression is not confined to National boundaries. In Shreya Singhal v. Union of India (2015), Supreme Court held that freedom of thought and expression is fundamental to democracy. Centre gives nod for transfers, appointments of new CJs of HCs Category: Polity & Governance Context: The Union government on 14th July cleared the transfers and appointments of Chief Justices and judges of several High Courts across the country. Union Law and Justice Minister wrote on X that the appointments or transfers of judges were cleared by the President in exercise of the power conferred by the Constitution of India. About appointment of judges in HCs and SC: Constitutional provision: The Judges of the Supreme Court are appointed by the President under clause (2) of Article 124 of the Constitution. Convention: Judges of the higher judiciary are appointed through the collegium system. The term “collegium” is not mentioned in the Indian Constitution but has been established through judicial pronouncements. Salaries and allowances: Salaries, allowances, privileges, leave, and pension of Supreme Court judges are determined by Parliament. The Salaries, Pension, and Allowances of the Supreme Court Judges are charged upon the Consolidated Fund of India. Post-retirement Restrictions: After retirement, a judge of the Supreme Court is prohibited from practicing law in any court in India or pleading before any government authority. Evolution of Collegium System: First Judges Case (1981): It declared that the “primacy” of the CJI’s (Chief Justice of India) recommendation on judicial appointments and transfers can be refused for “cogent reasons.” Second Judges Case (1993): It introduced the Collegium system, holding that “consultation” really meant “concurrence”. It added that it was not the CJI’s individual opinion, but an institutional opinion formed in consultation with the two senior-most judges in the Supreme Court. Third Judges Case (1998): SC on the President’s reference (Article 143) expanded the Collegium to a five-member body, comprising the CJI and four of his senior-most colleagues. Source: The Hindu MGNREGS attendance system being manipulated, Centre tells States Category: Polity & Governance Context: Nearly four years after introducing the digital attendance system for the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme workers and three years after making it mandatory, the Union government has discovered a whole range of ways the National Mobile Monitoring System (NMMS) platform used for the purpose is being “misused” and has now added four layers of analog monitoring to plug the gaps. Key highlights about the news: Under the NMMS, geo-tagged photographs of the workers are to be uploaded twice a day — first when they arrive for work and then at the end of their shift. Only exception for the second round of photographing is offered at sites with 20 or below workers. The other significant change is that the government now allows for editing the muster rolls before making the wage bill. So far, this could be done only at the District Collector’s level, who also took action in case of complaints. The Ministry has directed the States to ensure that these photographs and attendance of workers is verified at gram panchayat, block, district and State level. At gram panchayat level, they want 100% verification of the present workers. The percentage of physical verification of the uploaded photographs of workers reduces at different levels. About MGNREGA: Launch: MGNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act) is one of the largest work guarantee programmes in the world launched in 2005 by the Ministry of Rural development. Objective: The primary objective of the scheme is to guarantee 100 days of employment in every financial year to adult members of any rural household willing to do public work-related unskilled manual work. Other requirements: At least one-third of beneficiaries have to be women. Wages must be paid according to the statutory minimum wages specified for agricultural labourers in the state under the Minimum Wages Act, 1948. Step towards Right to work: The most important part of MGNREGA’s design is its legally-backed guarantee for any rural adult to get work within 15 days of demanding it, failing which an ‘unemployment allowance’ must be given. Role of Gram Sabha: Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) play an important role in planning and implementing these works. The Act mandates Gram sabhas to recommend the works that are to be undertaken and at least 50% of the works must be executed by them. Source: The Hindu (MAINS Focus) Women, STEM careers and a more receptive industry (GS paper III – Science and Technology, GS Paper II - Governance) Introduction (Context) Despite India producing one of the world’s largest pools of women STEM graduates, their representation in the STEM workforce remains disproportionately low. This paradox highlights the deeper challenges of translating educational gains into meaningful employment for women. Key data: 43% of India’s STEM graduates are women, yet women represent only 27% of the STEM workforce, limiting women’s access to career opportunities offered by the STEM sector. According to the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) 2023-24, India’s overall female labour force participation rate (FLFPR) has risen to 41.7%. The increase is sharper for rural women (47.6%) than in urban areas (25.4%), reflecting barriers in formal employment, workplace safety, and societal expectations.  According to the UNESCO Institute for Statistics (2021), only 31.5% of researchers worldwide are women. This education-employment gap reflects systemic barriers that industry is uniquely positioned to address.  According to estimates by the McKinsey Global Institute, enabling 68 million more women to participate in India’s workforce could boost India’s GDP by up to $700 billion by 2025. Similarly, the World Bank suggests that achieving a 50% female workforce participation rate could elevate GDP growth by 1%. Challenges faced by Women Deep-rooted societal notions such as “mechanical means masculine” and “coding isn’t for girls” deter girls from pursuing or sustaining STEM careers, creating self-doubt and limiting aspirations Women face concerns around workplace safety, lack of equitable pay, and inadequate policies to support life transitions such as marriage, childbirth, and caregiving, resulting in career breaks or exits from STEM fields. Families often lack exposure to diverse STEM career opportunities, discouraging girls from pursuing technical education or supporting their employment away from home. Government vision and STEM skilling The New Education Policy aims to integrate STEM education with skills training, life skills, and critical thinking from early schooling to higher education. The Government’s renewed focus on revitalising Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and expanding vocational skilling is bringing high-quality technical education and training closer to villages and small towns, ensuring broader access for youth across rural India. The share of the gender budget increased from 6.8% in 2024-25 to 8.8% in 2025-26, with an allocation of ₹4.49 lakh crore. This increase supports targeted programmes for women’s education, skilling, entrepreneurship, and safety, reflecting a stronger commitment to gender-responsive budgeting. Further, the Union Budget 2025-26 introduced term loans for women entrepreneurs, new National Skill Training Institutes, and investments in technology-driven skilling.  However, government policy alone cannot bridge the education-employment gap. Industry must transform from passive recruiter to active enabler of women’s career transitions. Example – UN Women’s WeSTEM Programme: Implemented with Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat Governments and supported by the Micron Foundation, this initiative focuses on: Providing skills training aligned with industry needs. Bridging talent gaps through placement-linked courses. Engaging families and community leaders to build acceptance. Conducting workplace safety sessions. Introducing women role models in classrooms to inspire girls. Industries need to move beyond merely hiring women to actively nurturing their careers through mentorship, flexible policies, and skill upgradation. Way forward Industry partnerships with educational institutions can bridge the education-employment gap by aligning skills with market needs. Form Mentorship networks that link professionals with students and provide guidance, exposure, and career clarity for women in STEM. Workplace policies that accommodate life transitions (marriage, childbirth, caregiving) and ensure safety are crucial to retaining women in STEM careers. Conclusion By equipping women and girls with the skills and training needed to succeed in STEM fields, we can create a more inclusive and robust society. When a woman earns, her voice and impact echoes across dinner tables, shop floors, policy rooms and entire industries. And in that voice lies the blueprint of a future ready India. Mains Practice Question Q Despite a high proportion of women STEM graduates, India continues to witness low female representation in STEM employment. Critically examine the factors responsible for this paradox. Suggest policy and industry measures to bridge this gap and leverage women’s potential for national development.” (250 words, 15 marks) Deepfakes: Threats and Regulations (GS paper III – Science and Technology, GS paper II - Polity) Introduction (Context) Denmark has proposed extending copyright protections to individuals’ facial features, appearance, and voice to avoid the misuse of Deepfake. What is Deepfake? Deepfakes are a form of synthetic media which depict believable and realistic videos, pictures, or audio of events that never happened — they show real people doing or saying things that they never did or said. The volume of deepfake content online has risen dramatically in recent years, and deepfakes have become increasingly difficult to spot. How does Deepfake work? Deepfake uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) to create fake photos, videos, or audio that look and sound real. It mainly uses Generative Adversarial Networks, which is a type of AI that learns patterns from large amounts of data. The goal of GAN is to create new data instances that resemble a given training dataset. They consist of two neural networks, a generator and a discriminator, that compete against each other in a “game” to produce increasingly realistic data. Key Data NASSCOM (2024): India saw a 400% rise in reported deepfake crimes between 2022-24. Europol predicts 90% of online content could be synthetically generated by 2026. Uses of Deepfakes: Entertainment: Deepfake technology can be used in the film and entertainment industry for special effects and digital enhancements. Virtual Assistants and Avatars: AI-generated avatars can be employed as virtual assistants for advertising/marketing, providing a more engaging and interactive user experience. Education and Training: Deepfakes can be utilized for educational purposes, creating realistic simulations and training scenarios for various professions, such as healthcare, law enforcement, and customer service. Dubbing and Localization: Deepfake technology can assist in dubbing content into different languages while preserving the natural lip movements and facial expressions of the original actors. Accessibility: Deepfakes can be used to improve accessibility for individuals with disabilities. For example, a sign language interpreter’s movements could be replicated using deepfake technology to make content more accessible for the deaf community. Threats Deepfakes pose several threats, ranging from potential misuse to broader societal and security concerns. Some of the key threats associated with deepfakes include: Misinformation and Fake News: Deepfakes can be used to create deceptive videos or audio recordings, contributing to the spread of misinformation and fake news, making it challenging to discern truth from fiction. Privacy Concerns: Deepfakes can violate individuals’ privacy by superimposing their faces onto explicit or compromising content without consent, leading to personal and professional consequences. Identity Theft: Deepfake technology poses a risk of identity theft by creating convincing fake videos or audio recordings impersonating individuals. This raises concerns about identity theft, privacy violations, and potential harm to an individual’s personal and professional reputation. Cybersecurity Risks: The creation and distribution of deepfake content can be facilitated by cybercriminals, leading to increased risks of cyberattacks, including phishing, social engineering, and other malicious activities. Reputation Damage: Deepfakes could be used to manipulate content related to businesses, celebrities, politicians causing reputational damage, financial losses, and legal consequences. National Security Concerns: Deepfakes could be leveraged for spaying or to create fake videos depicting political leaders making statements or engaging in activities that never occurred, potentially leading to diplomatic tensions or security issues. Erosion of Trust: As deepfake technology becomes more sophisticated, there is a risk of eroding public trust in media and information sources. People may become skeptical of the authenticity of videos and audio recordings, impacting trust in journalism and media outlets. Social Engineering and Scams: Deepfakes can be used in social engineering attacks, where attackers manipulate individuals into taking actions based on deceptive content. This could include financial scams, fraudulent activities, or other forms of exploitation. Legal and Ethical Challenges: The use of deepfakes raises complex legal and ethical questions. Determining responsibility, accountability, and legal consequences for the creation and dissemination of deepfake content can be challenging. Steps taken by Denmark Denmark has proposed the bill that gives people “the right to your own voice, your own facial features, and no one can copy that without your consent”. The Bill introduces three new forms of protection against deepfakes: Imitation protection, which bars others from publicly sharing realistic digital recreations of a person’s physical traits, like facial features and voice; Performance protection, that covers artistic performances such as non-verbal or improvised acts that may not meet the usual copyright thresholds; and Protection for performing artists, specifically targeting digital mimicry of musicians, actors, performers, etc. The most notable here is the protection extended to ordinary individuals.  The proposed Section 73(a) makes it illegal to share realistic deepfakes mimicking a person’s appearance, voice, or characteristics for up to 50 years after their death. The Bill proposes a kind of consent-based protection: deepfake content can only be shared with the permission of the individual impersonated in it. It is the responsibility of the person sharing the content to prove that consent was obtained, and this consent can also be withdrawn at any time. The Bill also makes online platforms responsible for taking down deep fakes, and proposes heavy penalties if they fail to do so. Legal Framework in India Indian courts have thus far resorted to concepts of privacy, defamation, and publicity rights when dealing with deepfakes. Notably, the Delhi High Court extended protections against unauthorised use of their likenesses to actors Amitabh Bachchan in 2022 and Anil Kapoor in 2023. Laws are: IT Act 2000: No specific mention, but deepfakes may be prosecuted under: Section 66E: Violation of privacy. Section 67: Obscene content. Section 469 IPC: Forgery for harming reputation. Proposed Digital India Act 2025: Plans to define and regulate AI-generated content, including deepfakes. Way Forward Define deepfake legally and penalise malicious usage. Develop AI tools for detection and watermarking of authentic content. Public education on verifying digital content. Promote responsible AI development with safeguards against misuse. Conclusion Deepfake technology is a double-edged sword. While it holds potential for creative industries, its misuse poses serious threats to society, governance, and security. India needs a robust legal, technological, and ethical framework to address deepfake challenges effectively. Mains Practice Question Q Deepfake technology is both an innovation and a threat. Discuss the challenges posed by deepfake content to society and governance in India, and suggest measures to mitigate its misuse. (250 words, 15 marks) Daily Practice MCQs Daily Practice MCQs Today’s – Daily Practice MCQs’ will be updated in our “Daily Current Affairs Quiz” section on our website Please click on the below link  https://iasbaba.com/daily-current-affairs-quiz/

Jul 14, 2025 Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz – 2025 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz 14th July 2025

The Current Affairs questions are based on sources like ‘The Hindu’, ‘Indian Express’ and ‘PIB’, which are very important sources for UPSC Prelims Exam. The questions are focused on both the concepts and facts. The topics covered here are generally different from what is being covered under ‘Daily Current Affairs/Daily News Analysis (DNA) and Daily Static Quiz’ to avoid duplication. The questions would be published from Monday to Saturday before 2 PM. One should not spend more than 10 minutes on this initiative. Gear up and Make the Best Use of this initiative. Do remember that, “the difference between Ordinary and EXTRA-Ordinary is PRACTICE!!” Important Note: Don’t forget to post your marks in the comment section. Also, let us know if you enjoyed today’s test 🙂 After completing the 5 questions, click on ‘View Questions’ to check your score, time taken, and solutions. .To take the Test Click Here

Jul 14, 2025 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 14th July – 2025

Archives (PRELIMS Focus) Nomination to Rajya Sabha Category: ENVIRONMENT Category: Polity & Governance Context: President Droupadi Murmu nominated former Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla, Special Public Prosecutor in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks case Ujjwal Nikam, Kerala BJP leader C. Sadanandan Master and Delhi-based historian Meenakshi Jain to the Rajya Sabha. More about the news: The nomination was notified by the Union Home Ministry. “In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-clause (a) of clause (1) of article 80 of the Constitution of India, read with clause (3) of that article, the President is pleased to nominate to the Council of States the following persons to fill the vacancies caused due to retirement of nominated members — Shri Ujjwal Deorao Nikam, Shri C. Sadanandan Master, Shri Harsh Vardhan Shringla and Dr. Meenakshi Jain,” the notification said. Nomination of Members to Rajya Sabha: The Fourth Schedule of the Constitution deals with the allocation of seats in the Rajya Sabha to the states and union territories The maximum strength of the Rajya Sabha is fixed at 250, out of which, 238 are to be the representatives of the states and union territories (elected indirectly) and 12 are nominated by the president. The president nominates 12 members to the Rajya Sabha from people who have special knowledge or practical experience in art, literature, science and social service. Roles and Powers of Nominated Members: Nominated members of Rajya Sabha enjoy all the powers and privileges to which the elected MPs are entitled.  They can take part in the proceedings of the House in a normal manner. Nominated members are not allowed to vote in the election of the President. However, they do have the right to vote in the election of the Vice-President. Issues with the Nominated Members: There has been criticism that several nominated members have poor attendance and do not appear to show much interest in legislative work. E.g.- In this context, cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, actor Rekha, and businesswoman Anu Aga have faced criticism in recent years. Ruling dispensations have repeatedly used the nominated category to shore up their numbers in the House, to dispense favours, and to get their preferred individuals into Parliament. Way Forward: Position of the Rajya Sabha in our constitutional system can be made as strong as that of the Senate in the American constitutional system to grant more powers to Rajya Sabha while ensuring more accountability. Source: The Hindu Sessions of the Parliament Category: POLITY Context: Ahead of the Monsoon session of Parliament, scheduled to begin on July 21, Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi has convened a meeting of the party’s top leadership to finalise the strategy for the session. More about the news: Key issues likely to be discussed include the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar, the recent Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor, the imposition of U.S. tariffs against India, and broader concerns around the state of the economy, inflation, and unemployment. The Congress-led Opposition is also expected to raise the demand for the Deputy Speaker’s post in the Lok Sabha, with eight-term MP from Kerala, Kodikunnil Suresh, being viewed as a leading contender. Sessions of the Parliament: The summoning of Parliament is specified in Article 85 of the Constitution. The power to convene a session of Parliament rests with the Government. The decision is taken by the Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs which is formalised by the President, in whose name MPs are summoned to meet for a session. The maximum gap between two sessions of Parliament cannot be more than six months. Thus, the Parliament should meet at least twice a year. India does not have a fixed parliamentary calendar. By convention (i.e. not provided by the Constitution), Parliament meets for three sessions in a year. The Budget Session is the longest and most important session of the Parliament. The primary focus of the Budget Session is the presentation, discussion, and passing of the Union Budget, which outlines the government’s revenue and expenditure plans for the upcoming fiscal year. The name “Monsoon Session” derives from the fact that it coincides with the Monsoon Season (Seasonal Rains) in India. The Monsoon Session is generally held from July to September. Similar to the Monsoon Session, the primary objective of the Winter Session is to transact legislative business and prioritize urgent matters and bills. The Winter Session is generally held from November to December. Source: The Hindu Jarawa Tribe Category: HISTORY Context: Conducting census among the six main indigenous tribes in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands will not be tough as the Central Government has already made contact and are running several welfare measures for these tribes, said physician Ratan Chandra Kar. Dr. Kar who played an important role in providing healthcare to the Jarawa tribe of the Andaman Islands began his work with the tribes in 1998, combating a devastating measles outbreak in 1999 that threatened the tribe’s existence. More about the news: The Government has formally announced that the 16th Census of India will take place in two phases, with the reference dates set as March 1, 2027, for most of the country and October 1, 2026. This census will include the first nationwide caste enumeration since 1931. With the next Census yet to be conducted, the Tribal Affairs Ministry has found it challenging to estimate the population of PVTGs, including in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, while implementing targeted scheme-delivery programmes like the PM-JANMAN for PVTG households. Jarawa Tribe: The Jarawas are one of the indigenous tribes of the Andaman Islands, known for their semi-nomadic lifestyle, reliance on forest resources, and deep connection to their natural environment. They are one of the world’s oldest surviving tribes and are mostly hunter-gatherers, living in nomadic bands of 40-50 individuals. Historically, the Jarawas remained isolated from outside contact, preserving their unique cultural practices and traditions. They inhabit the western coasts of South and Middle Andaman Islands, a region rich in biodiversity that supports their traditional way of life. The first significant friendly contact with the Jarawas occurred in April 1996, marking a turning point in their interaction with the outside world. This event was initiated when Enmei, a 21-year-old Jarawa tribesman, suffered a serious fracture in his left ankle. The 2011 Census recorded 380 Jarawa individuals out of the 28,530 Scheduled Tribe individuals across Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Source: The Hindu Jarawa Tribe Category: GEOGRAPHY Context: Conducting census among the six main indigenous tribes in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands will not be tough as the Central Government has already made contact and are running several welfare measures for these tribes, said physician Ratan Chandra Kar. Dr. Kar who played an important role in providing healthcare to the Jarawa tribe of the Andaman Islands began his work with the tribes in 1998, combating a devastating measles outbreak in 1999 that threatened the tribe’s existence. More about the news: The Government has formally announced that the 16th Census of India will take place in two phases, with the reference dates set as March 1, 2027, for most of the country and October 1, 2026. This census will include the first nationwide caste enumeration since 1931. With the next Census yet to be conducted, the Tribal Affairs Ministry has found it challenging to estimate the population of PVTGs, including in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, while implementing targeted scheme-delivery programmes like the PM-JANMAN for PVTG households. Jarawa Tribe: The Jarawas are one of the indigenous tribes of the Andaman Islands, known for their semi-nomadic lifestyle, reliance on forest resources, and deep connection to their natural environment. They are one of the world’s oldest surviving tribes and are mostly hunter-gatherers, living in nomadic bands of 40-50 individuals. Historically, the Jarawas remained isolated from outside contact, preserving their unique cultural practices and traditions. They inhabit the western coasts of South and Middle Andaman Islands, a region rich in biodiversity that supports their traditional way of life. The first significant friendly contact with the Jarawas occurred in April 1996, marking a turning point in their interaction with the outside world. This event was initiated when Enmei, a 21-year-old Jarawa tribesman, suffered a serious fracture in his left ankle. The 2011 Census recorded 380 Jarawa individuals out of the 28,530 Scheduled Tribe individuals across Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Source: The Hindu World Heritage List Category: Culture Context: Activist Tommy Garnett’s decades of work paid off when Sierra Leone’s Tiwai island — a lush forest home to one of the world’s highest concentrations of primates — landed a spot Sunday on the UN cultural agency’s World Heritage list. The 66-year-old and the conservation group he founded are the reason Tiwai, which was nearly destroyed during Sierra Leone’s 1991-2002 civil war, still exists. More about the news: Gola-Tiwai is a treasure chest of biodiversity: The primates include the endangered western chimpanzee, the king colobus monkey and the Diana monkey. And its forests and waters are home to animals such as the pygmy hippopotamus and the critically endangered African forest elephant. The Gola-Tiwai complex, which also includes the nearby Gola Rainforest National Park, will be Sierra Leone’s first UNESCO site. The two areas have a spectacular biodiversity that has been imperilled for years by threats such as deforestation. The island, located in the Moa river, measures just 12 sq. km. and has 11 species of primates. About World Heritage Site: A World Heritage Site is a location recognised by UNESCO for its “outstanding universal value”.  It is guided by Convention Concerning Protection of World Cultural and Natural Heritage (called World Heritage Convention). It has three categories: Cultural heritage, Natural heritage, and Mixed heritage (cultural as well as natural). There are 44 World Heritage Sites in India. Out of these, 36 are cultural, seven are natural, and one, Khangchendzonga National Park, is of mixed type, listed for both cultural and natural properties. Source: The Hindu National Medical Commission Category: Polity & Governance Context: The Union Cabinet has appointed Abhijat Sheth as the new Chairperson of the National Medical Commission (NMC), replacing Suresh Gangadhar, who stepped down due to health concerns. About National Medical Commission (NMC): The NMC has been constituted by an act of Parliament known as National Medical Commission Act, 2019. It replaced the Medical Council of India (MCI) which had been the regulatory body for medical education and practice in India since 1934. The headquarters of the National Medical Commission is located in New Delhi. Committed to upholding the highest standards in healthcare education, NMC ensures the delivery of quality medical education and training across the nation. It consists of 33 members, including the Chairperson (who must be a medical professional), 10 ex-officio members, and 22 part-time members. Source: The Hindu (MAINS Focus) AI’s role in India’s energy transition (GS paper III – Science and Technology, GS paper III - Economy) Introduction (Context) India’s energy demand is rapidly increasing and is expected to double by 2030 (IEA). To meet this sustainably, India targets 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2070, aligning with its Paris Agreement commitments.  Artificial Intelligence (AI) holds immense potential to transform the energy sector by enhancing efficiency, integrating renewables, and optimising grid management. However, challenges like outdated infrastructure, funding gaps, data quality issues, and limited AI capacity must be addressed to fully harness AI’s benefits for India’s clean energy transition. India’s Energy Status According to the Energy Statistics India 2025 Total Electricity Generation (FY 2023-24) approx. 15,20,000 GWh (Renewable + Non-Renewable combined) Total Renewable Energy Potential (as on 31-Mar-2024) is 21,09,655 MW (Wind Power: 11,63,856 MW (~55%), Solar Energy: 7,48,990 MW and Large Hydro: 1,33,410 MW) Top contributors of renewable energy: Rajasthan: 20.3% Maharashtra: 11.8% Gujarat: 10.5% Karnataka: 9.8% Per-capita consumption of energy has increased from 14,682 Mega Joule/person during FY 2014-15 to 18,410 Mega Joule/person during FY 2023-24. Lacunas in India’s Power Sector 20%-30% of electricity generated lost in transmission and distribution. Around 75% electricity is from coal leading to high GHG emissions. Infrastructure gaps such as outdated grids, frequent outages, and electricity theft in tier 2 & 3 cities. Role of AI in energy sector Machine learning models can predict generation and demand fluctuations, helping grid operators maintain balance. Smart grids can detect faults, reduce transmission losses, and integrate renewables efficiently. AI-powered systems adjust energy supply based on real-time usage, significantly reducing wastage and costs.  AI also supports consumer-side energy efficiency by encouraging behaviours that reduce peak-hour strain and promote off-peak usage. Challenges in implementation of AI Outdated infrastructure, high electricity theft, and frequent outages mainly in tier 2 and 3 cities. Fragmented data systems hinder the use of AI in energy forecasting and grid optimisation.  Financial barriers particularly in smaller utilities as they struggle to meet the high upfront costs and limited government support. Lack of supportive policy frameworks and guidelines dampens the investments in AI technologies.  Shortage of AI and data analytics experts limits the sector’s ability to leverage AI solutions, while growing cybersecurity risks. Global Best Practices Barcelona: Smart meters for real-time energy management. Los Angeles: Cloud-based analytics for predictive distribution. Germany: Specialised machine learning training for energy professionals. UK: Retraining programmes for workers impacted by automation. Copenhagen: Consumer empowerment through energy-saving initiatives. New York: Strong cybersecurity protocols for data safety. Way Forward Invest in smart grids, meters, and cloud platforms. Formulate clear guidelines and incentives for AI adoption. Develop a skilled workforce in AI and data analytics. Protect critical energy data systems from cyber-attacks. Addressing ethical concerns such as fairness and job impacts along with community engagement and workforce reskilling. Conclusion AI offers transformative potential for India’s energy sector by boosting efficiency, reducing emissions, and integrating renewables, but the challenges remain. Outdated infrastructure, financial and policy barriers, skill shortages, and equity concerns need adequate attention.  A collaborative effort involving government support, private investment, and community engagement will be key to ensuring that AI’s benefits are sustainable and accessible across urban and rural areas. Mains Practice Question Q Discuss the role of Artificial Intelligence in accelerating India’s energy transition. What are the challenges in its effective implementation, and how can these be addressed for a just and inclusive transition? (250 words, 15 marks) Urban Naxalism and Maharashtra Maoism Bill (GS paper II – Polity and Governance) Introduction (Context) The stringent Maharashtra Special Public Security (MSPS) Bill, which seeks “to provide for effective prevention of certain unlawful activities of left wing extremist organisations or similar organisations”, was passed by the state Assembly. In this context, we are discussing concept of Urban Naxalism. What is Naxalism? Left Wing Extremism (LWE) is one of India’s most serious internal security challenges.  It has emerged due to the socio-economic inequalities and is driven by Maoist ideology. The movement has aimed to undermine the Indian state through armed rebellion and parallel governance structures, particularly targeting security forces, public infrastructure, and democratic institutions.  Originating from the Naxalbari movement of 1967 in West Bengal, it spread primarily across the “Red Corridor,” affecting states like Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, Maharashtra, Kerala, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, and parts of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.  The Maoist insurgents claim to fight for the rights of the marginalized, particularly tribal communities, but their methods include armed violence, extortion, destruction of infrastructure, and recruitment of children and civilians. What is Urban Naxalism? The term ‘Urban Naxal’ is based off a Maoist strategy where they look to urban regions for leadership, organising masses and engaging in military tasks like providing personnel and infrastructure. The focus of the Maoists’ urban work is to organise the masses, including the working class, students, middle class employees, intellectuals, women, Dalits and religious minorities. Its presence is increasing in the urban areas also through the Naxal front organisations”. (frontal organisations provide logistics and safe refuge to armed Naxal cadres)  To address this situation, Chhattisgarh, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha have enacted Public Security Acts and banned 48 Naxal frontal organisations Similarly, to meet the challenge of urban naxalism, Maharashta government has passed the stringent Maharashtra Special Public Security (MSPS) Bill, which seeks “to provide for effective prevention of certain unlawful activities of left wing extremist organisations or similar organisations”. Impact of Urban Naxalism Provides ideological, logistical, and financial support to rural armed cadres, sustaining the overall insurgency. Influences universities, media, and civil society organisations to propagate extremist narratives. Radicalises urban youth by portraying violent rebellion as justified resistance. Facilitates planning, recruitment, and supply chains in urban safe havens, making counterinsurgency difficult. Creates public dissent against the state through misinformation campaigns and legal activism supporting extremist causes. Provisions of the Bill The Bill gives the government the power to declare any suspect “organisation” as an “unlawful organisation”.  It prescribes four offences for which an individual can be punished:  for being a member of an unlawful organisation,  when not a member, for raising funds for an unlawful organisation,  for managing or assisting in managing an unlawful organisation and,  for committing an “unlawful activity”. These offences carry jail terms of two years to seven years, along with fines ranging from Rs 2 lakh to Rs 5 lakh.  The offence relating to committing an unlawful activity carries the toughest punishment: imprisonment of seven years and a fine of Rs 5 lakh. These offences carry jail terms of two years to seven years, along with fines ranging from Rs 2 lakh to Rs 5 lakh. The offence relating to committing an unlawful activity carries the toughest punishment: imprisonment of seven years and a fine of Rs 5 lakh. When an organisation has been declared “unlawful”, the District Magistrate or the Police Commissioner may take possession and evict individuals from “any place which in his opinion is used for the activities of such unlawful purpose of organization”. Definition of ‘unlawful activity’: Interference with the maintenance of public order, or with the administration of law; Overawing a public servant by criminal force; Indulging in or propagating, acts of violence, vandalism, or other acts generating fear and apprehension in the public; Indulging in or encouraging the use of firearms, explosives, or other devices, or disrupting communications by rail, road, air, or water; Encouraging or practising disobedience to established law and its institutions. Concerns raised by experts The Bill criminalises a wide range of actions – from interference with the maintenance of public order and administration of the law, to generating fear and apprehension in the public, and encouraging or preaching disobedience of the law. It also prescribes penal consequences for alleged offences, including forfeiture of property even before a trial is conducted and the accused is found guilty. Concerns have been raised that the overbroad definitions in the Bill and the wide powers that it confers on the police could possibly be misused. Conclusion The introduction of the Urban Naxalism Bill reflects the state’s proactive approach to countering the evolving threat of Left Wing Extremism, especially its spread into urban intellectual, activist, and organisational networks. However, Ordinary criminal laws have constitutional safeguards, such as the presumption of innocence until proven guilty, and the burden of proof lying with the state to establish the crime against the accused. In special laws, for high-stakes offences, these principles are diluted. Hence should be taken to avoid their misuse. Mains Practice Question Q What is Urban Naxalism? Why did the Maharashtra government introduce a Bill to tackle it? (250 words, 15 marks) Daily Practice MCQs Daily Practice MCQs Today’s – Daily Practice MCQs’ will be updated in our “Daily Current Affairs Quiz” section on our website Please click on the below link  https://iasbaba.com/daily-current-affairs-quiz/

Jul 12, 2025 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 12th July – 2025

Archives (PRELIMS Focus) Axiom-4 Mission Category: Science & Technology Context: The Axiom Space said that the crew was making the most of its final days on orbit, pushing forward a wide range of experiments that could shape the future of space exploration and improve life on Earth. About Axiom Mission 4 The mission is a collaboration involving Axiom Space (private company), the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), and European Space Agency (ESA). It is the fourth all private astronaut mission to the International Space Station by NASA. It is the first ISS mission featuring government-sponsored astronauts from India, Poland, and Hungary since their respective Interkosmos flights in the 1970s and 1980s. The crew includes members from the USA, India, Poland, and Hungary. The crew members will spend 14 days onboard the ISS conducting microgravity research, technology demonstrations, and outreach engagements. Shubhanshu Shukla will be India’s second national astronaut to go to space since 1984. Rakesh Sharma was the last Indian to go to space when he travelled to space in 1984 onboard the erstwhile Soviet Union’s Soyuz spacecraft. Significance It will enhance understanding of biological processes in microgravity and develop strategies for long-duration space missions. It will further strengthen India’s presence in space and promotes the country’s dedication to contributing to global scientific progress. The scientific experiments will drive significant advancements in space science and technology, inspiring the next generation of Indian scientists and engineers. Source: The Hindu Fertility Rate Category: Geography & Environment Context: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has said that the State has a sub-replacement fertility rate of 1.7, which, if unaddressed, can lead to economic slowdown, labour shortage, burden of geriatric care, and widening urban-rural disparities.   Key Terminologies: Total Fertility Rate (TFR): The TFR is the average number of children a group of women would have by the end of their reproductive years (ages 15 to 49) if they followed the current fertility rates throughout their lives, assuming no mortality. It is expressed as children per woman. Replacement Level: A TFR of 2.1 is considered the replacement level, where each generation replaces itself without significant population growth or decline. India’s Fertility Trends: India’s TFR dropped from 6.18 in the 1950s to 1.9 in 2021, below the replacement level of 2.1. By 2100, the TFR in India is projected to fall further to 1.04 (barely one child per woman). Southern states like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka achieved replacement-level fertility earlier than northern states.   India currently has 149 million people aged 60 years or above, comprising 10.5% of the total population. By 2050, this number is expected to surge to 347 million, or 20.8% of the population. Reasons for decline in India’s fertility: India has one of the oldest birth control/family planning programs, but factors like female literacy, workforce participation, and women’s empowerment have had a greater influence on fertility decline. Changing attitudes toward marriage and reproduction, including delays or avoidance of marriage and motherhood, played a significant role. Increasing cases of infertility in both men and women contribute to the decline. The availability and social acceptance of abortions have likely contributed to the falling fertility rates. Source: The Hindu Bharat Ratna Category: POLITY Context: Parliamentarians across party lines are petitioning the Union government to accord the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honour, to the Dalai Lama who recently celebrated his 90th birthday. About Bharat Ratna Award: It is India’s highest civilian award, granted by President to individuals for outstanding service across any field, irrespective of race, occupation, position, or gender. It was instituted by former President Dr. Rajendra Prasad on January 2, 1954. Article 18(1) of the Indian Constitution prohibits awardees from using ‘Bharat Ratna’ as a title, prefix or suffix to their name. However, they are allowed to include ‘Awarded Bharat Ratna by the President’ or ‘Recipient of Bharat Ratna Award’ in their biodata, visiting cards, letterheads, etc. The recommendations for the award are made by the Prime Minister of India to the President of India. Recipients receive a Sanad (certificate) signed by the President along with a medallion. Notably, the award does not come with any monetary grant. The award is also open to non-Indians, as demonstrated by the likes of Mother Teresa, Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan, and Nelson Mandela. A maximum of three awards can be given each year, with an exception occurring this year 2024 and in 1999 when five and four individuals received the honor respectively.  Dr. Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan, Dr. CV Raman, and Chakravarti Rajagopalachari were the first recipients of the Bharat Ratna in 1964. About Dalai Lama: The Dalai Lama belongs to the Gelugpa tradition of Tibetan Buddhism, which is the largest and most influential tradition in Tibet. There have been only 14 Dalai Lamas in the history of Tibetan Buddhism, and the first and second Dalai Lamas were given the title posthumously. The 14th and current Dalai Lama is Tenzin Gyatso. The Dalai Lamas are believed to be manifestations of Avalokiteshvara or Chenrezig, the Bodhisattva of Compassion and the patron saint of Tibet. Source: The Hindu Indian Coast Guard Category: Security & Disaster Management Context: In a dramatic high-seas rescue, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) carried out a rescue operation for the U.S.-flagged sailing vessel ‘Sea Angel’ on July 11 which was stranded in rough seas southeast of Indira Point in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. About Indian Coast Guard: It was constituted in August 1978 under the Coast Guard Act 1978. It functions under Ministry of Defence. It is the National Coordinating Agency for Maritime Law Enforcement, Maritime Search & Rescue and Marine Pollution Response. According to the Comptroller and Auditor General of India, ICG department is ranked as the fourth largest Coast Guard in the world. It enforces maritime laws and regulations and other international treaties to which India is a signatory. It undertakes regular patrols to keep Offshore Development Areas (ODAs) on both Eastern and Western seaboard under surveillance. It assists customs and other enforcement agencies and undertakes anti-smuggling operations to prevent ingress and egress of contraband, and other items on the banned list. It participates and conducts various maritime exercises and operations. About Andaman & Nicobar Islands (ANI): India’s association with Andaman and Nicobar Island dates back to the aftermath of the 1857 War of Independence when the British established a penal colony for Indian revolutionaries. The islands were occupied by the Japanese in 1942 and later became the first part of India to be liberated from British rule in 1943 when Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose visited Port Blair. The Ten Degree Channel is a narrow strait that separates the Andaman Islands from the Nicobar Islands. It is located approximately at the 10-degree latitude mark. Indira Point is the southernmost tip of the Nicobar Islands. It is situated on Great Nicobar Island and marks the southernmost point of India. The ANI is home to 5 Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups: Great Andamanese, Jarawas, Onges, Shompens and North Sentinelese. In 2001, the Andaman Nicobar Command (ANC) was established in Port Blair after the post-Kargil War security review. It is India’s first joint/unified operational command, placing forces from all three services and the Coast Guard under a single commander-in-chief. Special Intensive Revision (SIR) Category: Polity & Governance Context: The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Friday (July 11, 2025) announced that more than 74% of the 7,89,69,844 electors in Bihar have submitted their Enumeration Forms as part of the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of Electoral Rolls in the State. About Special Intensive Revision (SIR): A Special Intensive Revision involves door-to-door verification of electoral rolls through house-to-house enumeration. Conducted under Section 21(3) of the Representation of the People Act, 1950, and Article 324 of the Constitution, empowering ECI for electoral roll supervision. It ensures that the voter list is accurate, inclusive, and free from discrepancies by allowing new registrations, deletions, and modifications. Under the process, voters, especially those enrolled after 2003, must now submit documents like birth certificates or parents’ proof. And, Electoral Registration Officers will decide on inclusion/deletion, with powers to refer doubtful cases under Citizenship Act, 1955. In Bihar alone, over 8 crore voters are being re-verified using 1 lakh BLOs and 4 lakh volunteers. The entire revision is expected to be completed by July 25, just months ahead of the Assembly elections. The Supreme Court in the Mohinder Singh Gill v. The Chief Election Commissioner Case, 1977 upheld the ECI’s broad powers under Article 324 to ensure free and fair elections, including ordering re-polls if needed, and emphasized that judicial review is restricted during elections as per Article 329(b). Concerns/Challenges regarding SIR: Unlike past practice, the burden of proof now lies on voters, not objectors (contradicts Rule 18, Registration of Electors Rules). Only voters enrolled after 2003 face strict checks—an illogical cutoff lacking legal precedent. In Seemanchal and flood-prone areas, voters without birth certificates may be excluded despite Aadhaar or EPIC. Conducted only in Bihar before polls—opposition alleges manipulation to benefit ruling alliance. Way Forward: Although Aadhaar is not proof of citizenship, it remains the most accessible ID for marginalized communities and should be permitted for residency verification, supplemented by cross-verification with legacy data. ECI should consult all stakeholders; including civil society and run public awareness campaigns to clarify SIR rules and deadlines. AI-powered anomaly detection can be used to flag suspicious deletions/additions (e.g., bulk removals from one locality), implement blockchain-based voter logs, and provide a real-time tracking dashboard to prevent tampering during SIR of electoral rolls. Special camps for marginalized groups (e.g., disabled, and tribals) can be organised to provide multilingual helplines, and conduct post-revision sample surveys to ensure accurate enrollment and minimize exclusions. Source: The Hindu (MAINS Focus) Himalayan Floods and Climate Change (GS paper III – Environment) Introduction (Context) Early in the monsoon, heavy rainfall — measured at over 71 mm in a few hours — triggered a series of cloudbursts in Mandi, Kullu, and Chamba districts, leading to landslides, road closures, and loss of life. The total economic loss in the region exceeds Rs 700 crore, and the environmental toll is equally alarming. The heavy rainfall caused soil erosion, sediment deposition, and damage to agricultural lands, compounding the local community’s plight. These all are showcasing the impact of climate change on Himalayas. Causes  India’s Himalayan states, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and parts of Nepal and Bhutan have experienced increasingly extreme weather events. The causes are: Global climate change are altering the regional weather systems leading to more intense storms, unpredictable rainfall, rapid glacier melting, and increased flooding. Global warming leading to increased atmospheric moisture (there is 7% increase per 1°C temperature rise). This extra moisture leads to heavier rainfall. Himalayan glaciers are melting at unprecedented rates some losing up to 30 metres of ice thickness annually. This melting contributes directly to river flow volumes, , increasing the risk of flooding during heavy monsoons. Melting of glaciers and intense rainfall increases water volume in rivers like the Beas, Yamuna, and Ganges, which can overflow, eroding banks and flooding settlements. Mountain slopes rapidly funnel rainwater into valleys, and unstable slopes predispose the land to landslides, further aggravating flood threats. Impacts Key roads blocked, disrupting connectivity and essential services. Thousands displaced, facing food shortages and loss of livelihoods. Increased vulnerability to future disasters among affected communities. Massive agricultural losses, worsening poverty in already fragile hill economies. Frequent displacement strains government resources and disaster response systems. Remote villages lack adequate infrastructure and early warning mechanisms, increasing their vulnerability. Way forward Construct durable bridges, all-weather roads, and effective flood barriers to ensure community safety and maintain essential connectivity during disasters. Factor in local geological and hydrological conditions while designing infrastructure to reduce vulnerability to floods and landslides. Expand afforestation programmes and stabilise slopes to minimise soil erosion and prevent landslides during heavy rains. Develop strategically located reservoirs and promote rainwater harvesting to regulate river flows and lower flood risks. Deploy advanced weather forecasting technologies and establish timely alert systems to enable quick community responses and reduce disaster impacts. Launch awareness campaigns to educate residents about flood risks and safety protocols, and build local capacity for emergency response. Support farmers in adopting flood-tolerant crop varieties, revising cropping patterns, and implementing soil conservation techniques to sustain livelihoods despite erratic weather. Incentivise renewable energy use, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and integrate sustainable water management to curb climate change impacts. Protect wetlands, forests, and other ecosystems to act as natural flood buffers by absorbing excess water and maintaining ecological stability. Coordinate efforts across government levels, scientific agencies, and communities to build long-term resilience in the Himalayan region against climate-induced disasters. Conclusion To safeguard Himalayan region, its people, heritage, and ecosystems from the threat posed by climate change requires coordinated action at all levels — global, national, and local. With proactive measures and community engagement, it is possible to transform vulnerability into resilience, ensuring a safer and sustainable future for generations to come. Mains Practice Question Q How is climate change contributing to the increasing frequency of floods in the Himalayan region? What adaptive and mitigation strategies can be employed to build climate resilience in these ecologically sensitive zones? (250 words, 15 marks)   Global Gender Gap Report 2025 (GS paper II – Polity and Governance) Introduction (Context) The World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report 2025 ranked India 131 out of 148 countries, highlighting persistent gender inequality despite economic growth. Status of Women India ranks 131 out of 148 countries, with particularly low scores in economic participation and health and survival, the pillars essential for meaningful gender parity The report shows that India’s sex ratio at birth remains among the most skewed in the world, reflecting a persistent son preference.  The healthy life expectancy for women is now lower than men’s.  Nearly 57% of Indian women in the 15 to 49 age group are anaemic (as reported by National Family Health Survey (NFHS)-5) which reduces their ability to learn, work, or carry pregnancies safely.  India ranks 143rd on the Economic Participation and Opportunity subindex. Women continue to earn less than a third of what men do, and female labour force participation remains stubbornly low. Women remain busy in informal and subsistence work and are grossly under-represented in decision-making spaces. Indian women perform nearly seven times more unpaid domestic work than men, as highlighted by the Time Use Survey.  Causes Chronic neglect in reproductive health, preventive care and nutrition, especially for women from lower-income and rural backgrounds. Persistent son preference leading to skewed sex ratios and discrimination. Social norms restrict women to unpaid domestic work and care duties. Limited access to health services especially reproductive health, nutrition, and preventive care in rural and low-income areas. Low female labour force participation due to lack of safe workplaces, gender wage gap, and informal employment dependence. The McKinsey Global Institute, in 2015, had projected that closing gender gaps could add $770 billion to India’s GDP by 2025.  Way forward Increased Budget allocations for health, especially at the primary care level, are a necessity to improve women’s well-being and their access to basic services, such as education and health care. Establish childcare centres, elder care services, and expand maternity benefits to redistribute unpaid work. Central and State governments must begin to account for unpaid care work in their economic and social policy frameworks through time-use surveys, gender budgeting, and direct investment in care infrastructure. Government should form policies that treat women as builders of the economy, not just as beneficiaries. Conclusion The Global Gender Gap Report is not merely a ranking but a warning. Gender equality is a demographic and economic necessity. India must act decisively to integrate women into its growth story or risk squandering hard-earned developmental gains. Mains Practice Question Q Discuss the major causes of gender inequality in India and suggest integrated measures to address these issues (250 words, 15 marks)   Daily Practice MCQs Daily Practice MCQs Today’s – Daily Practice MCQs’ will be updated in our “Daily Current Affairs Quiz” section on our website Please click on the below link  https://iasbaba.com/daily-current-affairs-quiz/

Jul 12, 2025 Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz – 2025 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz 12th July 2025

The Current Affairs questions are based on sources like ‘The Hindu’, ‘Indian Express’ and ‘PIB’, which are very important sources for UPSC Prelims Exam. The questions are focused on both the concepts and facts. The topics covered here are generally different from what is being covered under ‘Daily Current Affairs/Daily News Analysis (DNA) and Daily Static Quiz’ to avoid duplication. The questions would be published from Monday to Saturday before 2 PM. One should not spend more than 10 minutes on this initiative. Gear up and Make the Best Use of this initiative. Do remember that, “the difference between Ordinary and EXTRA-Ordinary is PRACTICE!!” Important Note: Don’t forget to post your marks in the comment section. Also, let us know if you enjoyed today’s test 🙂 After completing the 5 questions, click on ‘View Questions’ to check your score, time taken, and solutions. .To take the Test Click Here

Jul 11, 2025 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 11th July – 2025

Archives (PRELIMS Focus) Sariska Tiger Reserve Category: ENVIRONMENT Context:  The Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife (SC-NBWL), chaired by Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, has approved the proposal to redraw and rationalise the boundaries of the Sariska Tiger Reserve in Rajasthan. The decision, taken during the June 26, 2025 meeting, involves altering the critical tiger habitat (CTH) and buffer zones, increasing the CTH from 881.11 sq km to 924.49 sq km while reducing the buffer area from 245.72 sq km to 203.2 sq km. Key highlights: CEC Report Basis: The decision was based on the Central Empowered Committee’s (CEC) report which assessed human disturbances, village relocations, and grazing patterns in the area. Supreme Court Oversight: The matter was referred to the Supreme Court, which had previously ordered closure of certain stone, dolomite, and limestone mines within 1 km of the CTH. SC-NBWL Conditions: Areas with low tiger density are to be protected for landscape connectivity and ecological balance. Any adverse developments in these areas should be avoided. Monitoring Measures: Enhanced patrolling, community involvement, and habitat monitoring were recommended. Legal Concerns: The SC had earlier expressed concerns over unclear boundary and land records, and legal violations by mining operators in the Tehla range. Learning Corner: Sariska Tiger Reserve: Location: Alwar district, Rajasthan, India Establishment: Declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1955; became a tiger reserve in 1978 under Project Tiger Area: Total: ~1,217 sq km Core (Critical Tiger Habitat): ~924.49 sq km (as per 2025 rationalisation) Buffer: ~203.2 sq km Landscape & Vegetation: Aravalli hills terrain Predominantly dry deciduous forests, scrub-thorn arid forests, rocky hills, grasslands Key Wildlife: Tigers, leopards, striped hyena, jungle cat, sambar, chital, nilgai, wild boar Wide bird diversity including peafowl, crested serpent eagle, and sandgrouse Conservation Challenges: History of tiger extinction in 2004 due to poaching; reintroduction began in 2008 Mining pressures (limestone, dolomite), human settlements, and tourism impact Recently involved in a boundary rationalisation process to balance conservation and development Notable Features: Contains historical sites like Kankwari Fort and Pandupol Hanuman Temple Easily accessible from Delhi and Jaipur, making it a prominent eco-tourism site Tiger Reserve in India: Definition: A Tiger Reserve is a legally protected area designated for the conservation of tigers and their habitat under India’s Project Tiger and the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Legal Backing: Governed under Section 38V to 38X of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 (amended in 2006) Managed by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) Structure: A Tiger Reserve typically has two zones: Core Area (Critical Tiger Habitat – CTH): Strictly protected, no human activity allowed Buffer Area: Permits regulated human activity like eco-tourism, research, and resource use by locals Objective: Ensure a safe, inviolate space for breeding and conservation of wild tigers Maintain ecological balance and landscape-level wildlife protection Current Status (as of 2024): Total Tiger Reserves in India: 54 Notable reserves: Jim Corbett (Uttarakhand), Kanha (Madhya Pradesh), Sundarbans (West Bengal), Bandipur (Karnataka), and Sariska (Rajasthan) Challenges: Poaching, habitat fragmentation, human-wildlife conflict, mining, and tourism pressure Importance: Tiger Reserves are flagship conservation areas helping protect not just tigers, but also entire ecosystems and biodiversity. Source: THE INDIAN EXPRESS Lotus blooms in Wular Lake after 30 years Category: ENVIRONMENT Context: Lotus blooms in Wular Lake after 30 years Key Points: Wular Lake in Kashmir’s Bandipora district has witnessed the blooming of lotus flowers after nearly 30 years, a sight not seen since a devastating flood in 1992 wiped them out. The lotus revival is attributed to large-scale dredging and conservation efforts led by the Wular Conservation and Management Authority (WUCMA) since 2020. Over 79 lakh cubic meters of silt have been removed from the lake. In recent years, dense silt and weeds had buried the lakebed, making lotus growth impossible. With silt removal, lotus stems and flowers have reappeared, bringing ecological and economic hope. Local stem farmers like Abdul Aziz Dar recall harvesting lotuses in their youth. Many express deep emotional and cultural connection to the plant, which also has culinary and medicinal uses in Kashmiri cuisine (e.g., Nadur, Yakhni). WUCMA’s Project Goals: Restore the lake’s ecology and fish habitats Clear silt from Wular and its 25 feeder streams Construct retention ponds to stop further silt inflow Community Impact: Revival of livelihood through harvesting Positive emotional impact among villagers Sign of hope and environmental restoration Learning Corner: Wular Lake Location: Bandipora district, Jammu & Kashmir, India Type: Freshwater lake (one of the largest in South Asia) Formed by: Tectonic activity; fed mainly by the Jhelum River Area: Varies seasonally between 30 to 260 sq km Subject to significant siltation and shrinkage in recent decades Ecological Importance: Acts as a natural flood basin for the Jhelum Supports biodiversity including fish, waterfowl, and aquatic plants Designated as a Ramsar Wetland Site (since 1990) Economic & Cultural Value: Source of fishing, lotus stem (nadru) harvesting, and water for agriculture Integral to local Kashmiri livelihoods and cuisine Conservation Issues: Heavily affected by siltation, encroachments, pollution, and weed infestation Reduced water-holding capacity and loss of biodiversity Recent Restoration Efforts: Led by Wular Conservation and Management Authority (WUCMA) Dredging operations and silt removal since 2020 Resulted in revival of lotus bloom after 30 years in 2025 Important Lakes in India – Brief Note: India is home to a diverse range of natural and artificial lakes, each with ecological, cultural, and economic significance. Here are some major lakes by type and region: Freshwater Lakes Wular Lake (Jammu & Kashmir): One of the largest freshwater lakes in South Asia Fed by the Jhelum River; Ramsar Site Recently saw lotus bloom after 30 years due to restoration efforts Loktak Lake (Manipur): Known for phumdis (floating vegetation) Houses Keibul Lamjao National Park, the only floating national park Habitat of the endangered Sangai deer Nainital Lake (Uttarakhand): Crescent-shaped lake; major tourist attraction in the Kumaon region Provides drinking water and supports boating activities Saltwater / Brackish Water Lakes Chilika Lake (Odisha): Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon Ramsar site; supports migratory birds and Irrawaddy dolphins Important for fishing and birdwatching tourism Sambhar Lake (Rajasthan): India’s largest inland saltwater lake Major source of salt production Attracts flamingos and migratory birds Artificial / Man-made Lakes Gobind Sagar Lake (Himachal Pradesh): Reservoir on the Sutlej River, formed by Bhakra Dam Used for hydroelectricity and irrigation Hussain Sagar Lake (Telangana): Artificial lake built by Ibrahim Quli Qutb Shah Connects Hyderabad and Secunderabad; houses the famous Buddha statue Rana Pratap Sagar (Rajasthan): Formed by a dam on the Chambal River Used for irrigation and power generation High-Altitude Lakes Pangong Tso (Ladakh): Saltwater lake, partly in India and partly in China Famous for its changing colors and scenic beauty Tso Moriri (Ladakh): Freshwater lake in Changthang plateau Ramsar site; supports migratory birds Significance of Lakes in India: Provide drinking water, irrigation, fishery, hydropower Support biodiversity and tourism Help in flood control and groundwater recharge Source:  THE INDIAN EXPRESS Electoral rolls Category: POLITY Context : The Supreme Court recently allowed the Election Commission of India (ECI) to proceed with its Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar, though advised caution in demanding documents like Aadhaar, voter ID, or ration cards, especially from those enrolled after 2003. Key Points: What is an Intensive Revision? A full revision involving house-to-house enumeration of eligible voters, without reference to existing rolls. Different from: Summary revision: Routine annual update using existing drafts. Special revision: Targeted updates in exceptional cases (e.g., natural disasters, legal orders). What is Special about the Current SIR in Bihar? Adds a new requirement: those enrolled after 2003 must submit documentary proof of their date/place of birth to confirm citizenship. Triggers concerns over potential disenfranchisement. ECI claims it’s to clean up and standardise rolls. Why Bihar? Why Now? Chosen on June 24, 2025, due to local opposition concerns and political context. First SIR in two decades—last one of this scale was in the early 2000s. Political tensions exist around verification of citizenship and inclusion of names in voter lists. History of Revisions in India: 1950s-70s: Large-scale revisions after delimitation, state reorganisations, and expanding suffrage. 1980s-90s: Focus shifted to removal of ineligible names and guarding against duplication. Intensive revisions happened in 1952, 1956-57, 1960-61, 1966, 1983-84, 1987, 1989, 1993, 1995, 2002-04. Challenges in Past Revisions: Inaccurate or outdated rolls. Lack of field verification. Political tensions and complaints (especially from border states). Citizenship verification concerns. Learning Corner: Election Commission of India (ECI) Overview: Established: 25 January 1950 Constitutional Body: Under Article 324 of the Indian Constitution Headquarters: New Delhi Composition: One Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Up to two Election Commissioners Main Functions of ECI: Conduct of Elections: Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, State Legislative Assemblies, and Legislative Councils President and Vice-President of India Preparation and Revision of Electoral Rolls: Includes summary and intensive revisions Ensures free, fair, and updated voter lists Model Code of Conduct (MCC): Issues and enforces MCC during elections to ensure a level playing field Recognition of Political Parties: Grants recognition as national or state parties Allots election symbols Monitoring Election Expenditure: Sets limits on campaign spending Monitors candidates’ accounts and audits party finances Voter Education and Awareness: Runs campaigns under SVEEP (Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation) Addressing Malpractices: Has the power to countermand or postpone elections due to corruption or violence Can disqualify candidates for violations Use of Technology: Introduction of EVMs and VVPATs Online services for voter registration, roll verification Significance: The ECI plays a crucial role in upholding democracy in India by ensuring free, fair, impartial, and transparent elections, and maintaining the integrity of the electoral process. Motto: “No voter to be left behind.” Source :  THE INDIAN EXPRESS Population decline Category: GEOGRAPHY Context: World Population Day Key Points: UN World Population Prospects 2024: World population expected to peak at 10.3 billion and decline to 10.2 billion by 2100. The idea of population collapse is overblown, as growth momentum continues due to earlier high fertility rates. Fertility is Falling, But… Declining fertility does not equal immediate decline in population. Population momentum means growth continues as younger populations age and reproduce. UNFPA’s 2025 Study (“The Real Fertility Crisis”): Survey of 14,000 people across 14 countries shows unfulfilled desire for children is common. 23% said they couldn’t have the number of children they wanted. Factors include infertility, cost of childcare, gender inequality, and housing issues. Case Study: South Korea After years of declining births, South Korea saw a 7.3% rise in births in early 2025. This was linked to financial incentives, housing reforms, and improved social perception of marriage. Call for Social Change: The real issue lies not with those who opt out of parenting, but those who want children but cannot have them due to structural barriers. The article critiques: Gender role reinforcement Incentive-driven pro-natalism Ignoring voluntary childlessness Advocates progressive policies and support for families, not panic-based narratives. Conclusion: The falling fertility rate is real, but panic and simplistic solutions won’t help. What is needed is inclusive, nuanced policies that respect individual choices and address structural constraints faced by those who want to raise families. Learning Corner: Note on important population-related terminologies,  Total Fertility Rate (TFR): Average number of children born to a woman during her lifetime. Replacement level fertility is about 2.1 (to maintain population size in the long run). Crude Birth Rate (CBR): Number of live births per 1,000 population in a year. Crude Death Rate (CDR): Number of deaths per 1,000 population in a year. Population Growth Rate: Rate at which a population increases (or decreases), calculated as: (CBR – CDR + net migration) ÷ total population × 100 Demographic Dividend: Economic benefit arising from a higher proportion of working-age population (15–64 years). Occurs when fertility falls and the dependency ratio declines. Demographic Transition Model (DTM): Explains population change over time through 5 stages (from high birth/death rates to low ones). India is in late Stage 3 or early Stage 4. Dependency Ratio: Ratio of dependents (aged 0–14 and 65+) to working-age population (15–64). Indicates economic pressure on productive population. Infant Mortality Rate (IMR): Number of deaths of infants under one year per 1,000 live births. Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR): Number of maternal deaths per 100,000 live births due to pregnancy-related causes. Sex Ratio: Number of females per 1,000 males in the population. India’s sex ratio (as per NFHS-5) is around 1,020 females per 1,000 males. Literacy Rate: Percentage of people aged 7 and above who can read and write. Population Momentum: Continued population growth even after fertility drops to replacement level, due to a large base of young people. Life Expectancy: Average number of years a person is expected to live from birth, assuming current mortality rates. Migration Rate: Movement of people from one area to another, can be internal or international. Carrying Capacity: The maximum population size that an environment can sustain without environmental degradation. Source: THE HINDU Tuberculosis Category: HEALTH Context: Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, Principal Advisor to the National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP), advocates for “TB death audits” — like maternal mortality audits — to help India meet its TB elimination targets The audits would help identify causes behind TB-related deaths, detect systemic gaps, and improve responses. Key Highlights: TB Situation in India: TB deaths dropped from 35 per 100,000 in 2015 to 22 per 100,000 (latest official data). Death rates remain high (5–10%), especially in the 25–50 age group, and among patients with drug-resistant TB (DR-TB). What Are TB Death Audits? District-level examination of each TB-related death. Helps understand why and how deaths occurred. Similar audits helped reduce maternal mortality rate (MMR) significantly in India. Why Needed Now: Focus of TB control must shift from incidence to mortality. Prevalence surveys show many TB patients are missed during symptom screening. A new AI-based chest X-ray tool, endorsed by WHO, shows promise in early detection. State-Level Insights: Tamil Nadu: Found 83% of deceased TB patients had co-morbidities or were malnourished. 50% of patients were not on TB treatment at the time of death. Jharkhand (Bhargava Project): Provides food and financial support to undernourished TB patients. Among patients with BMI <16, mortality dropped to 25% after support, compared to 50% earlier. Policy Recommendations: District Collectors and community health workers must be involved in TB death audits. Integration of nutrition, co-morbidity screening, and social support into TB care. Focus on preventive diagnostics, early detection, and patient-centric care. Expand Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT) and food kits to the most vulnerable. Conclusion: To meet TB elimination goals by 2025, India must: Prioritise reducing deaths, not just incidence. Institutionalise TB death audits. Invest in nutrition, diagnostics, and community engagement. Learn from successful models like maternal mortality reduction and state-level innovations. Learning Corner: Tuberculosis (TB): What is Tuberculosis (TB)? TB is a contagious bacterial disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Primarily affects the lungs (pulmonary TB), but can also affect other parts of the body (extrapulmonary TB). Transmission: Spread through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks. It is not spread by touching, food, or water. Symptoms: Persistent cough (more than 2 weeks) Fever, night sweats Weight loss, fatigue Coughing up blood (in some cases) Diagnosis: Sputum test, Chest X-ray CBNAAT (Cartridge-Based Nucleic Acid Amplification Test) Tuberculin Skin Test (for latent TB) Treatment: Standard 6-month course of antibiotics (e.g., isoniazid, rifampicin, ethambutol, pyrazinamide) DOTS (Directly Observed Treatment, Short-course) under National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP) Drug-Resistant TB (DR-TB) requires longer, more complex treatment Global & National Concern: India has the highest TB burden in the world (WHO). TB is a notifiable disease in India—mandatory to report diagnosed cases. Target: Eliminate TB by 2025 in India (5 years ahead of global 2030 target under SDGs). Preventive Measures: BCG vaccine at birth Early diagnosis and complete treatment Proper cough hygiene Nutritional and social support for vulnerable patients Challenges: Underreporting of cases Drug resistance Social stigma Co-morbidities like HIV, diabetes, and malnutrition New Approaches: TB death audits (like maternal mortality audits) AI-powered chest X-rays, mobile clinics Nutritional support and direct benefit transfers (DBT) to patients Tuberculosis is preventable and curable, yet remains a serious public health issue. Success depends on a multi-sectoral approach, combining medical care, social support, and community engagement. Source: THE HINDU (MAINS Focus) Custodial Violence and Criminal Justice Reform in India (GS paper II – Polity and Governance) Introduction (Context) According to NHRC, a total 2,152 cases relating to deaths of persons in judicial custody and 155 relating to deaths in police custody were recorded in 2021-22. In the last five years, disciplinary action was taken in just 21 cases of custodial deaths. In the last five years, the highest number of custodial deaths (80) has been reported in Gujarat, followed by Maharashtra (76), Uttar Pradesh (41), Tamil Nadu (40) and Bihar (38). The data clearly states the presence of custodial violence despite statutory safeguards and Supreme Court guidelines. What are custodial deaths? Custodial death is a death that occurs while a person is in the custody of law enforcement officials or in a correctional facility. It can occur due to various causes such as use of excessive force, neglect, or abuse by the authorities. Causes The rigid hierarchical structure of police forces, combined with a high-pressure working environment, fosters a culture in which aggression is often valorised. In many cases of custodial violence, instead of facing disciplinary action, oending ocers are rewarded with promotions. Police personnel often perceive such violence as a necessary means to achieve justice, especially when the formal legal process is seen as slow and ineective It is also perpetuated by entrenched social hierarchies and an enduring colonial mindset within the police, where the public, particularly marginalised communities, is viewed not as citizens to be protected, but as subjects to be controlled. Current curriculum lacks ethics, trauma-informed practices, and human rights emphasis. Majority of funds go into surveillance, vehicles, and hardware, not training or personnel welfare. No counselling for officers facing emotional trauma from high-stress duties. Reforms needed Modern Training Curriculum: Equip officers with scientific interrogation techniques and forensic methods, moving away from third-degree methods. Bias Sensitisation: Include training to reduce implicit bias—petty offenders often face disproportionate brutality compared to white-collar criminals. Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Encourage collaboration with forensic experts, psychologists, and mental health professionals. Trauma-Informed Policing: Training in handling trauma cases with empathy and understanding. Role of community: Awareness campaigns led by the media, educational institutions, and civil society organisations can play a vital role in informing people about their constitutional rights and the mechanisms available for redress Supreme Court directives In Paramvir Singh Saini v. Baljit Singh, 2020) Supreme Court mandated Install functional, tamper-proof CCTV in all custody areas Ensure real-time access and audit trails Victims should have access rights to footage Digital Timestamping of Arrests to prevent manipulation of arrest records. Status:   Poor implementation across states. Cameras often non-functional during incidents. Torture frequently occurs outside recorded premises. Arrest timings are manipulated to escape scrutiny.   Prakash Singh v. Union of India (2006) Directed establishment of Police Complaints Authorities (PCAs) at State & District levels. PCAs to be headed by retired judges, ensuring independence. Status:   Most states have not set up these bodies. Existing ones are diluted by inclusion of serving police officers, eroding credibility. Reflects widespread non-compliance with judicial directives. Recommendations by Law Commission Proposal to introduce a rebuttable presumption in custodial violence cases. It would help enhance accountability, but: Needs robust support systems for vulnerable victims to access justice. Legal procedures remain complex and inaccessible to marginalized communities. Role of Magistrates (First Line of Defence) Statutory Safeguards have been provided under CrPC such as: Accused must be produced before a magistrate within 24 hours of arrest. Magistrate must scrutinise arrest grounds, physically examine the accused for signs of torture. But process has become perfunctory and mechanical. Medico-legal examinations often reduced to formalities. Conclusion Custodial deaths are not isolated incidents but symptoms of a broken system. Justice must begin with policy, not post-mortem. To restore the moral contract between the state and its citizens, India must move beyond deterrence and embrace ethical, emotional, and structural reform in policing. Mains Practice Question Q “Custodial deaths reflect the failure of India’s moral and institutional commitment to justice.” Critically examine in the context of recent incidents of police brutality. (250 words, 15 marks) Right to Vote in India (GS paper II – Polity and Governance) Introduction (Context) In a democratic system, the right to vote is crucial for ensuring the will of the people is reflected in governance and for upholding key democratic principles like equality and accountability. Four months before the Bihar state elections, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has kicked off a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls in the State. With respect to this on July 10, 2025, the Supreme Court has directed the Election Commission (EC) to accept Aadhaar, Voter ID, and ration cards as valid documents for Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar.  In this article we are discussing the Right to Vote in India and provisions related to it. Universal adult suffrage in India Article 326 of the Constitution granted every adult citizen the right to vote, regardless of gender, caste, religion, education, or property. Earlier age for casting vote was 21 years, this threshold was lowered to 18 by the 61st Constitutional Amendment in 1989.  Further for inclusive democracy Supreme Court judgment with Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala (1973) has established democracy as part of the ‘basic structure’ doctrine.  These are governed through two pivotal laws—the Representation of the People Act, 1950, dealing with electoral rolls, and the RPA of 1951, governing the conduct of elections.  Later administrative innovations like the introduction of election symbols enabled mass participation, making the idea of ‘one person, one vote’ a tangible reality. India vs. western notion of Right to Vote India gave universal adult suffrage to all its citizens after independence. This was different from many Western democracies, which restricted voting rights in the past. India rejected the idea, supported by thinkers like J.S. Mill, that only the “educated” should vote. Instead, India trusted all citizens equally and gave every adult the right to vote from the start—a bold and inclusive democratic choice. Example: United Kingdom: Voting was first limited to male property owners. Universal male suffrage was introduced only in 1918. Women got the right to vote in 1928, after long struggles. United States: 15th Amendment (1870) gave voting rights to African American men. 19th Amendment (1920) gave voting rights to women. Still, many were denied the vote through poll taxes, literacy tests, and racist laws, especially in southern states. Is the Right to Vote a Fundamental Right in India? The right to vote, although central to democracy, is not classified as a fundamental right in India.  The Supreme Court in Kuldip Nayar v. Union of India (2006) ruled that the right to vote is a statutory right under Section 62 of the RPA, 1951.  Rajbala v. State of Haryana (2016) described it as a constitutional right, the legal position remains that it is not a fundamental right. Even in Anoop Baranwal v. Union of India (2023), while a dissenting opinion suggested that voting reflects the spirit of Articles 19 and 21, the larger bench did not accept this interpretation.  Why does electoral roll accuracy matter? Under Section 21 of the 1950 Act, Election Commission is empowered to prepare and revise these rolls to ensure integrity. Free and fair elections depend heavily on accurate and updated electoral rolls. The inclusion of ineligible names or exclusion of eligible voters distorts the democratic mandate. Electoral rolls are governed under the RPA, 1950 and are critical to the “one person, one vote” principle. Therefore, restructuring of Bihar Electoral Roll efforts should focus on helping improve the process. The Supreme Court’s suggestion to include more accepted documents helps safeguard every genuine elector’s right to be represented. Meaning of Ordinary Resident Section 19 of the RPA, 1950, which mandates that any citizen aged 18 or above, “ordinarily resident” in a constituency and not disqualified, is entitled to be registered. “Ordinary resident” implies a genuine, continuous presence, not a temporary stay.  For example, a student living in a hostel may not qualify if their permanent home and intent to return lie elsewhere. Mere temporary absence from one’s place of ordinary residence does not negate one’s status as an ordinary resident of that location. This criterion prevents fraudulent registrations and ensures voters maintain real ties to their constituencies, preserving representative accountability. Special Provisions Under Rule 18 of the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961, ‘postal ballots’ are available to service voters like armed forces personnel, paramilitary, armed State police posted outside, and government staff abroad, and voters on election duty.  Overseas electors can register under Section 20A of the RPA, 1950. However, they must vote in person, as they are currently ineligible for postal or proxy voting. Citizenship Verification and Due Process In Lal Babu Hussein v. ERO (1995) and Md. Rahim Ali (2024): The SC held that deleting names based on suspicion or shifting the burden of proof of citizenship onto individuals was unconstitutional. EROs must follow quasi-judicial processes and ensure natural justice in electoral roll revision. Way Forward Codify safeguards for electoral inclusion under quasi-judicial processes. Run awareness drives to help citizens verify/update voter data. Use digital platforms for real-time voter list monitoring and public audits. Encourage party-based vigilance, as observed in Lakshmi Charan Sen v. A.K.M. Hassan Uzzaman (1985), to uphold roll integrity. Conclusion The right to vote, though not fundamental, is central to India’s democratic ethos. Safeguarding the vote is not merely a statutory obligation; it is a shared democratic responsibility, requiring vigilant institutions, informed citizens, and forward-looking legal reforms. Mains Practice Question Q Discuss the role of the Election Commission of India in ensuring inclusive and accurate electoral rolls. What reforms are needed to strengthen its functioning? (250 words, 15 marks) Daily Practice MCQs Daily Practice MCQs Today’s – Daily Practice MCQs’ will be updated in our “Daily Current Affairs Quiz” section on our website Please click on the below link  https://iasbaba.com/daily-current-affairs-quiz/

Jul 11, 2025 Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz – 2025 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz 11th July 2025

The Current Affairs questions are based on sources like ‘The Hindu’, ‘Indian Express’ and ‘PIB’, which are very important sources for UPSC Prelims Exam. The questions are focused on both the concepts and facts. The topics covered here are generally different from what is being covered under ‘Daily Current Affairs/Daily News Analysis (DNA) and Daily Static Quiz’ to avoid duplication. The questions would be published from Monday to Saturday before 2 PM. One should not spend more than 10 minutes on this initiative. Gear up and Make the Best Use of this initiative. Do remember that, “the difference between Ordinary and EXTRA-Ordinary is PRACTICE!!” Important Note: Don’t forget to post your marks in the comment section. Also, let us know if you enjoyed today’s test 🙂 After completing the 5 questions, click on ‘View Questions’ to check your score, time taken, and solutions. .To take the Test Click Here

Jul 10, 2025 Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz – 2025 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz 10th July 2025

The Current Affairs questions are based on sources like ‘The Hindu’, ‘Indian Express’ and ‘PIB’, which are very important sources for UPSC Prelims Exam. The questions are focused on both the concepts and facts. The topics covered here are generally different from what is being covered under ‘Daily Current Affairs/Daily News Analysis (DNA) and Daily Static Quiz’ to avoid duplication. The questions would be published from Monday to Saturday before 2 PM. One should not spend more than 10 minutes on this initiative. Gear up and Make the Best Use of this initiative. Do remember that, “the difference between Ordinary and EXTRA-Ordinary is PRACTICE!!” Important Note: Don’t forget to post your marks in the comment section. Also, let us know if you enjoyed today’s test 🙂 After completing the 5 questions, click on ‘View Questions’ to check your score, time taken, and solutions. .To take the Test Click Here

Jul 10, 2025 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 10th July – 2025

Archives (PRELIMS Focus) Two Pilots Killed in Third Jaguar Jet Crash of 2025 Category: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY Context:  Jaguar trainer aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF) crashed near Bhanuda village in Rajasthan’s Churu district during a routine training mission This marks the third Jaguar jet crash in 2025, following previous incidents in March and April. The IAF has launched a court of inquiry to investigate the cause of the crash, while emergency teams have cordoned off the area for recovery operations. The IAF has expressed its condolences to the families of the deceased. Concerns have been raised about the aging Jaguar fleet, which has been in service since 1979. Despite upgrades, the fleet’s safety has been questioned due to technical issues and outdated systems. There are growing calls for the fleet to be modernized to avoid further tragedies. Learning Corner: The Jaguar is a twin-seat, multi-role combat aircraft used by the Indian Air Force (IAF) primarily for ground attack and close air support missions. Developed by the British Aircraft Corporation in collaboration with France’s Dassault Aviation, the Jaguar was inducted into the IAF in 1979. It was designed to operate in all weather conditions and from shorter, less-developed airstrips. Key Features: Role: Ground attack, close air support, reconnaissance. Engine: Powered by Rolls-Royce Adour engines, providing a top speed of around 1,200 km/h. Armament: Capable of carrying a variety of bombs, rockets, and air-to-ground missiles. Range: Approximately 1,000 km with external fuel tanks. Upgrades: Over the years, the Jaguar has undergone several upgrades, including better avionics, radar, and weapons systems. Service and Challenges: The Jaguar has been a workhorse for the IAF, but its aging infrastructure and the delay in acquiring newer aircraft like the Rafale have raised concerns about its operational safety. Despite upgrades, issues like engine failures and outdated safety systems have led to repeated accidents, including a series of crashes in 2025. The IAF has been working towards phasing out older models while modernizing its fleet. Source: THE HINDU Catastrophe Bonds (Cat Bonds) Category: ECONOMICS Catastrophe bonds (cat bonds) are financial instruments used to transfer the risk of natural disasters from insurers or governments to capital market investors. They function as follows: Risk Transfer: Governments, insurers, or reinsurers issue cat bonds to raise capital. If a specified natural disaster occurs (e.g., hurricane, earthquake, or flood) and meets predefined criteria, the bond’s principal is used for claims or recovery. If no disaster occurs, investors receive their principal back with interest. Trigger Mechanisms: Various triggers determine when payouts occur: Indemnity triggers: Based on actual losses. Parametric triggers: Based on measurable factors like earthquake magnitude or wind speed. Modeled or industry loss triggers: Based on modeled estimates or industry-wide losses. Pre-Disaster Planning: Issuing cat bonds before a disaster ensures: Immediate access to funds for relief and reconstruction. Reduced reliance on public budgets or emergency loans. Enhanced resilience by guaranteeing available recovery resources. Diversification and Stability: Cat bonds help distribute disaster risk globally, maintaining stable insurance premiums despite rising climate risks. Supplementing Disaster Funds: While not replacing traditional disaster funds, cat bonds provide additional financial protection, especially for large-scale, low-frequency events that may overwhelm other resources. Learning Corner: Types of Bonds: Bonds are debt securities issued by entities like governments, municipalities, or corporations to raise capital. Investors who purchase bonds are lending money to the issuer in exchange for periodic interest payments (coupons) and the return of the principal amount at maturity. There are several types of bonds, each with unique features: Government Bonds Treasury Bonds (T-Bonds): Long-term bonds issued by the central government. They offer fixed interest payments and are considered low-risk since they are backed by the government. Municipal Bonds (Muni Bonds): Issued by local governments or municipalities to fund projects such as schools, hospitals, or infrastructure. Interest earned is often tax-exempt at the federal level. Sovereign Bonds: Issued by a country’s government in foreign currencies or domestic currency. These bonds can carry higher risks if the issuing country faces economic instability. Corporate Bonds Issued by companies to raise capital for various purposes, such as expansion or debt refinancing. Corporate bonds typically offer higher yields than government bonds but come with increased credit risk. Investment-Grade Bonds: Issued by financially stable companies, these bonds have lower yields due to lower risk. High-Yield (Junk) Bonds: Issued by companies with lower credit ratings. These bonds offer higher interest rates due to the greater risk of default. Zero-Coupon Bonds These bonds do not pay periodic interest. Instead, they are issued at a discount to their face value, and the full value is paid back at maturity. The difference between the purchase price and face value represents the bond’s yield. Convertible Bonds Bonds that can be converted into a specified number of shares of the issuing company’s stock, usually at the bondholder’s discretion. These bonds offer potential for capital appreciation along with regular interest payments. Callable Bonds These bonds give the issuer the option to redeem them before their maturity date, typically at a premium. Issuers may call bonds when interest rates fall to take advantage of cheaper borrowing costs. Puttable Bonds These bonds give bondholders the right to sell the bond back to the issuer at a predetermined price before maturity, providing protection against rising interest rates. Inflation-Linked Bonds These bonds, like Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities (TIPS), adjust the principal value of the bond according to inflation, protecting investors from inflation risk. The interest payments are also adjusted for inflation. Catastrophe Bonds (Cat Bonds) Issued by insurers or governments, cat bonds are used to transfer the financial risk of natural disasters to investors. If a specified disaster occurs, the bond’s principal is used for recovery. If no disaster occurs, investors receive their principal plus interest. Foreign Bonds Issued in one country by a foreign entity and denominated in the currency of the country where they are issued. For example, a bond issued by a Japanese company in the U.S. in U.S. dollars would be considered a foreign bond. Foreign-Currency Bonds Bonds issued in a currency other than the issuer’s domestic currency. These bonds are subject to foreign exchange risk, where the bond’s value may fluctuate due to changes in exchange rates. Each type of bond carries varying degrees of risk, yield, and maturity characteristics, allowing investors to choose bonds that align with their risk tolerance and investment objectives. Source: THE HINDU Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee’s 125th Birth Anniversary Category: HISTORY Context : The Ministry of Culture has launched a two-year nationwide commemoration (July 6, 2025 – July 6, 2027) to honor Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee, a visionary leader integral to India’s political, educational, and industrial development. Inaugural Events and Highlights Official Launch: The commemoration started in New Delhi with an event attended by Union Minister of Culture and Tourism, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, emphasizing Dr. Mookerjee’s contributions to national unity and self-reliance. Commemorative Stamp and Coin: A special postage stamp and ₹125 commemorative coin were released, accompanied by cultural performances, exhibitions, and a documentary on Dr. Mookerjee’s life. Cultural Programs: The National School of Drama presented a play and a short documentary to highlight his role as a Bengali thinker and nationalist. Nationwide Activities Exhibitions and Outreach: Multiple exhibitions and outreach programs are being held across India to showcase Dr. Mookerjee’s life and philosophy. State and District Events: Tributes, workshops, and screenings are being organized in states like Sikkim and Assam, reflecting his contributions to education and national unity. Workshops and Educational Initiatives: Workshops are being conducted to engage students and the public, ensuring Dr. Mookerjee’s ideals are passed to future generations. Key Themes of the Commemoration National Unity: Emphasis on his campaign for “one nation, one flag, one Constitution” and his role in the integration of Jammu and Kashmir. Educational and Industrial Reform: Focus on his achievements as Vice-Chancellor of Calcutta University and India’s first Minister for Industry and Supply. Legacy and Inspiration: The commemoration aims to inspire citizens by reflecting on Dr. Mookerjee’s vision for a self-reliant and united India. Learning Corner: Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee (1901–1953) was a prominent Indian politician, educationist, and nationalist leader. He played a crucial role in shaping India’s political landscape post-independence and was a key figure in the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, which later evolved into the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Mookerjee is widely remembered for his advocacy of national unity, self-reliance, and Hindu nationalism. Key Contributions: Educational Reforms: Dr. Mookerjee was the youngest Vice-Chancellor of Calcutta University, where he made significant contributions to improving the educational system. His emphasis on quality higher education and innovation helped shape India’s academic foundation. Political Leadership: As the founder of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh in 1951, Dr. Mookerjee promoted the idea of “One Nation, One Flag, One Constitution” and staunchly opposed Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir. Jammu and Kashmir: He is particularly remembered for his strong stance against the special privileges accorded to Jammu and Kashmir, advocating for its complete integration into India. He was arrested during a protest in Kashmir in 1953 and died under mysterious circumstances in prison, making him a martyr for his cause. Industrial and Economic Vision: As India’s first Minister for Industry and Supply, Mookerjee contributed significantly to the establishment of the Indian industrial sector, emphasizing self-reliance and indigenous development. Legacy: Dr. Mookerjee’s legacy remains influential in Indian politics, especially with regard to national unity, educational reforms, and his role in the formation of a more self-sufficient India. His contributions to education, governance, and national integration continue to inspire political leaders and citizens alike. Source :  PIB Nistar Category: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY Context: The first indigenous Diving Support Vessel (DSV) ‘Nistar’ was formally delivered to the Indian Navy on July 8, 2025, by Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) at Visakhapatnam Key Features and Capabilities: Indigenous Design and Construction: ‘Nistar’ is the first DSV fully designed and built in India, with approximately 75% indigenous content. Dimensions and Displacement: The vessel measures 118 meters in length and displaces around 10,000 tons. Deep-Sea Operations: Capable of saturation diving up to 300 meters and side diving up to 75 meters, enabling complex underwater missions. Submarine Rescue: Acts as the “Mother Ship” for Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicles (DSRVs), enabling rapid response for submarine emergencies and personnel evacuation. Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs): Equipped for diver monitoring and salvage operations at depths up to 1,000 meters. Strategic Importance: India is now among a select group of nations possessing such specialized rescue and diving capabilities. Significance: The delivery of ‘Nistar’ enhances the Indian Navy’s ability to perform submarine rescue, deep-sea diving, salvage, and underwater logistics operations. It also highlights India’s commitment to indigenous shipbuilding and defense technology development. Importance: The delivery of ‘Nistar’ enhances India’s ability to conduct critical submarine rescue, deep-sea diving, and salvage operations. It underscores India’s growing self-reliance in defense technology and the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, further strengthening India’s naval and maritime capabilities. Source: PIB Starlink Category:SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY Context: Starlink, owned by Elon Musk, has received the final regulatory clearance to offer satellite communication services in India. The company was granted an operator license by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center) Starlink operates the world’s largest satellite constellation with around 7,000 satellites in orbit, aimed at offering internet services to rural and remote areas that lack reliable terrestrial broadband infrastructure. The service will utilize Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites to provide faster internet speeds and more resilient network connections compared to traditional methods. The company plans to roll out its services in India soon, collaborating with Airtel and Jio to offer its services in the country. The clearance paves the way for Starlink to expand its global internet coverage and support India’s connectivity needs, especially in underserved regions. Learning Corner: IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center) is an autonomous agency under the Department of Space, Government of India. It was established in 2020 with the primary aim of promoting private sector participation in the Indian space industry and enabling them to use India’s space resources and infrastructure for various commercial purposes. Key Functions of IN-SPACe: Promotion of Private Sector Participation: IN-SPACe facilitates and promotes private sector entities in the space industry, encouraging innovation, collaboration, and technological advancement. Authorization and Regulation: It is responsible for authorizing and regulating all space activities undertaken by private players. This includes licensing and ensuring that the activities align with national security and legal frameworks. Space Infrastructure Access: IN-SPACe enables private companies to access India’s space infrastructure, such as launch vehicles, satellites, and ground stations, to facilitate satellite launches and space research. Encouraging Startups: The agency works to create an environment conducive to the growth of space startups in India, helping them with resources, expertise, and technology to build their own space capabilities. International Collaboration: IN-SPACe also looks to foster collaboration with international space agencies and companies, positioning India as a key player in the global space market. Low Earth Orbit (LEO) refers to the region of space located between approximately 160 kilometers (100 miles) and 2,000 kilometers (1,200 miles) above the Earth’s surface. It is the closest orbit to Earth, where most Earth observation satellites, communication satellites, and crew missions take place. Key Characteristics of LEO: Proximity to Earth: LEO is closest to Earth compared to other orbits like Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) or Geostationary Orbit (GEO). This allows satellites in LEO to have lower latency and faster communication with the ground. Orbital Period: Satellites in LEO typically complete an orbit around Earth in 90 to 120 minutes, meaning they can pass over different regions of the Earth multiple times a day. Lower Latency: The proximity of LEO satellites to Earth results in lower latency compared to higher orbits, making them ideal for real-time communication services like broadband internet, video conferencing, and satellite phone services. Use in Earth Observation: LEO is widely used for Earth observation satellites that monitor weather, environmental changes, and natural disasters due to its ability to capture high-resolution images with minimal distortion. Cost-Effective Launches: Launching satellites into LEO is generally more cost-effective due to the lower energy requirements for reaching these orbits compared to higher altitudes like GEO. Applications: Communication Satellites: Companies like Starlink use LEO to offer internet services, particularly in underserved and remote areas. Space Stations: The International Space Station (ISS) orbits in LEO, where it supports scientific research and human habitation. Military and Intelligence: LEO is also used for reconnaissance and surveillance satellites. Source: THE INDIAN EXPRESS (MAINS Focus) Measuring Inequality (GS paper III – Economy) Introduction (Context) Recently, a government release claimed that India is “one of the most equal societies today”, citing the World Bank’s latest Poverty and Equity Brief which showed India’s Gini Index at 25.5, making it the fourth most equal country after Slovak Republic, Slovenia, and Belarus. The government’s claim has been contested both by academics who study inequality, as well as observers who see India as a country with high and rising inequality. What is the Gini Coefficient? The Gini Coefficient is a number between 0 and 1 (or 0% to 100%) that measures inequality of income or wealth in a country. 0 = perfect equality (everyone has the same income) 1 = perfect inequality (one person has all the income, others have none) Example: If India’s Gini is 0.25 (25%), it suggests less inequality compared to a country with Gini 0.60 (60%), where few people hold most of the income. Recent data India’s consumption-based Gini index improved from 28.8 in 2011-12 to 25.5 in 2022-23,  The World Inequality Database shows income inequality rising from a Gini of 52 in 2004 to 62 in 2023.  Wage disparity remains high, with the median earnings of the top 10 percent being 13 times higher than the bottom 10 percent in 2023-24. Issues The government’s claim has been contested both by academics who study inequality, as well as observers who see India as a country with high and rising inequality. The issues are: India uses Consumption-based Gini India’s Gini is calculated on consumption, not income. Income varies more than consumption. Rich people save most of their extra income. Hence a Gini Index of inequality using consumption data underestimates the level of inequality in a society. Limititation in survey It is widely acknowledged that the gap between the bottom 10% and top 10% of the population is widening, even if it is assumed that everyone in the country is becoming better off. However, the calculation of inequality is unlikely to capture the widening gap because:  Rich people often refuse to participate (differential non-response). Survey sampling rarely picks up top 1% earners, leading to underestimation of inequality. Similar underestimation occurs in US, UK, Europe. World Inequality Lab uses income tax data, showing rising inequality in India. A way to correct for this lapse in sampling is to use the survey data in conjunction with income tax data, which is uniquely accurate in capturing the incomes of the top earners in a country.  Problems with Gini Index The Gini Index too is not ‘sensitive’ to changes at the extremes of a population, but is overly sensitive to changes in the middle. Experts recommend measures like Palma Ratio, comparing income shares of top 10% vs bottom 50%, for a clearer picture. Way forward Combine survey data with income tax data to measure true inequality. Adopt multiple measures to design targeted policies. Focus on inclusive growth to ensure equitable distribution of economic gains. Conclusion The point of studying inequality is to allow governments to tailor appropriate policies to alleviate excessive inequality. However, an inaccurate reading of inequality can lead to policies that actually exacerbate existing inequalities.  Relying solely on the Gini Index, that too with severe data limitations, can obscure the reality. Hence use multiple measures to design the schemes. Mains Practice Question Q “Consumption-based measures of inequality underestimate the true extent of economic disparity in India.” Critically examine this statement in light of recent debates around the Gini Index and its limitations. (250 words, 15 marks) Catastrophe Bonds (Cat Bonds): Critical analysis (GS paper III – Economy, GS Paper III – Disaster management) Introduction (Context) The frequency and intensity of disasters have increased due to climate change. Further, a low penetration of disaster risk insurance for individual property and livelihoods leaves much of the population exposed to irretrievable damage and loss. Hence there is a growing discussion on innovative disaster financing instruments like catastrophe bonds (cat bonds).  Experts suggest India could sponsor regional cat bonds to strengthen South Asia’s disaster resilience. What is a cat bond? Cat bonds are a hybrid financial instrument combining features of insurance and debt securities.  They convert disaster insurance cover into tradable securities in global financial markets. This means that instead of relying solely on traditional re-insurers, at-risk governments can securitise disaster risks and transfer them to a wider pool of investors with large financial capacity.  The main benefit is the ability to unlock a much larger quantum of funds for immediate post-disaster relief and reconstruction. How do Cat Bonds work? Sovereign governments pay premiums (like insurance premiums) and define risk parameters. Institutions like the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, or reinsurance companies issue bonds on behalf of the sponsor to reduce counter-party risks. Pension funds, hedge funds invest in cat bonds for portfolio diversification. Risk & Returns: Investors earn higher coupon rates than regular bonds due to the inherent risk of principal loss if a disaster strikes. For example, earthquake-related cat bonds have lower premiums (1-2%) than those for cyclones or hurricanes. Advantages of Cat Bonds Immediate liquidity for post-disaster reconstruction. Transfers disaster risk to global financial markets, reducing burden on government finances. Encourages proactive disaster risk reduction measures to reduce coupon rates. Disadvantages of Cat Bonds If a cat bond is poorly designed, it might not trigger payouts despite significant disasters.  For instance, a bond designed to cover earthquakes above 6.6 magnitude might not pay out for a 6.5 magnitude quake that still causes widespread destruction.  This underlines the importance of setting realistic and context-appropriate payout parameters. If no disaster occurs, expenses towards premiums may be questioned despite being preventive financial planning. Does India Need Cat Bonds? The unpredictability and increase in frequency of extreme weather events like cyclones, floods, forest fires and devastating earthquakes in South Asia have increased India’s exposure to disaster-risk Advantages for India: Sponsoring cat bonds would enable India to protect its public finances by ensuring immediate funds for post-disaster reconstruction without sudden fiscal shocks.  India has a strong financial reputation in the world, which means global investors trust its ability to pay. Also, because India faces many natural disasters, issuing cat bonds through trusted organisations like the World Bank can be a cost-effective way to manage these risks. India can create regional bond India, due to its size and financial stability, could lead the creation of a South Asian cat bond.  Such a bond would cover multiple countries exposed to diverse disaster risks, such as earthquakes in Bhutan, Nepal, and India or supra-cyclones and tsunamis impacting India, Bangladesh, Maldives, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka.  A regional cat bond would spread risks, reduce premium costs for each country, and improve financial resilience for the entire region. Terminologies Hybrid insurance-cum-debt financial products: These are financial instruments that combine features of insurance (risk coverage) and debt (raising money from investors), like cat bonds which provide disaster insurance while functioning as tradable bonds. Insurance premium: It is the amount of money paid regularly by an individual or organisation to an insurance company to keep their insurance policy active. Debt securities: These are financial instruments, such as bonds, through which investors lend money to issuers (governments or companies) and receive fixed returns over time. Reinsurance companies: These are firms that provide insurance to insurance companies themselves, helping them spread and manage large risks. Hedge funds: These are investment funds that use various strategies, including high-risk ones, to earn returns for their wealthy investors or institutions. Way forward Evaluate historical disaster costs vs. premium payments for cat bonds through transparent government procedures. Design robust payout structures to avoid technical disqualification of claims. Explore regional collaboration for cost-sharing and greater resilience. Mains Practice Question Q Discuss how catastrophe bonds (cat bonds) can be leveraged by India to strengthen its disaster risk financing framework. Critically analyse. (250 words, 15 marks) Daily Practice MCQs Daily Practice MCQs Today’s – Daily Practice MCQs’ will be updated in our “Daily Current Affairs Quiz” section on our website Please click on the below link  https://iasbaba.com/daily-current-affairs-quiz/