SPECIAL INTENSIVE REVISION (SIR) OF THE ELECTORAL ROLLS
TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: THE HINDU
The Election Fee of India has began a Particular Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls in Bihar forward of the Meeting elections due in November 2025. That is to make sure voter rolls are clear and correct, particularly contemplating points like migration and duplication.
What’s an Electoral Roll?
- The electoral roll is an official listing of eligible voters in a constituency.
- As per Article 324 of the Structure, the Election Fee (EC) manages the preparation and revision of those rolls.
- Article 326 permits all residents aged 18 or above to vote.
- Underneath the Illustration of the Individuals Act, 1950:
- Part 16 disqualifies non-citizens.
- Part 19 requires the particular person to be an bizarre resident.
- Part 20 defines bizarre residency—not simply possession, however precise residence.
Why was Particular Intensive Revision (SIR) launched?
- Through the years, urbanisation and migration have led to an increase in duplicate entries and inaccuracies.
- The EC goals to make sure that solely eligible residents are listed.
- Bihar is the start line as a result of its elections are due quickly.
- The final SIR in Bihar was in 2003; now the qualifying date is July 1, 2025.
Points and Challenges
- Execution Problem: All 8 crore voters should submit types; about 3 crore should additionally give additional paperwork. Migrants, college students might miss deadlines, inflicting improper exclusions.
- Aadhaar Not Accepted: Supporters: Aadhaar doesn’t show citizenship or delivery date. Critics: Aadhaar is extensively used and could be the solely ID for the poor.
- Impression on Migrants: RP Act permits momentary migrants to remain enrolled of their dwelling constituency. Deletion of such names might deny them their voting rights.
Approach Ahead
- EC ought to guarantee enough time, educated BLOs, and clean verification.
- Be versatile in doc necessities, particularly throughout claims and objections.
- Use Aadhaar-linking to forestall duplicate entries.
- Migrants have to be shielded from wrongful removing.
Conclusion:
A clear electoral roll is important, however it should not come at the price of excluding reliable voters. The method should stability accuracy and inclusion to strengthen democracy.
BRICS SUMMIT DECLARATION
TOPIC: (GS2) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS: THE HINDU
The BRICS Leaders’ Declaration adopted on the summit in Rio de Janeiro echoed India’s main issues on cross-border terrorism and international governance reforms, with PM Modi highlighting the underrepresentation of the World South in key international establishments.
Background of the Summit
- Held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, the BRICS 2025 summit introduced collectively leaders of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.
- The Declaration addressed international challenges like terrorism, worldwide legislation, and reforming outdated international establishments.
India’s Key Considerations Raised
Reforming World Establishments
- PM Modi identified that two-thirds of the worldwide inhabitants lacks truthful illustration in our bodies just like the UN Safety Council.
- He careworn that credibility and effectiveness of those establishments are in danger resulting from outdated frameworks.
- India referred to as for a stronger voice for the World South in worldwide decision-making.
Assist for India’s Position in UN
- The declaration famous Russia and China’s help for India and Brazil’s aspiration to play a larger function within the UN, together with the Safety Council.
Terrorism and Regional Stability
- The BRICS declaration strongly condemned the Pahalgam terror assault in Jammu & Kashmir.
- Reaffirmed dedication to preventing cross-border terrorism.
- Referred to as for early finalization of the Complete Conference on Worldwide Terrorism (CCIT) on the UN.
Geopolitical Stances
- BRICS criticized the Israel-U.S. airstrikes on Iran, calling them violations of worldwide legislation.
- Reaffirmed that Gaza is a part of the Occupied Palestinian Territory and supported unifying Palestinian lands below one authority.
Two-State Answer for Palestine
- The declaration backed the two-state resolution to the Israel-Palestine battle.
- Emphasised peaceable decision, the precise to self-determination, and the creation of an impartial Palestinian State.
Capabilities of BRICS
- Push for reform of world establishments just like the UN Safety Council, IMF, and World Financial institution. Improve commerce and funding amongst member nations.
- Political & Safety Cooperation: Coordinate on worldwide stability, peacekeeping, and shared diplomatic positions.
- Financial & Monetary Integration: Contains the New Improvement Financial institution (NDB) and Contingent Reserve Association (CRA) to finance infrastructure and help throughout monetary emergencies
- Cultural & PeopletoPeople Alternate: Promotes schooling, civil boards, parliamentary cooperation, and social growth initiatives.
India’s Position in BRICS
- India is a founding member and performs a key balancing function between Russia-China and different members.
- Highlights points like cross-border terrorism, international South illustration, and digital public infrastructure.
- Hosts BRICS summits (final hosted in 2021 nearly resulting from COVID-19).
- Advocates for inclusive multilateralism and reforms in international governance.
Significance of BRICS within the World
- Represents about 42% of the world’s inhabitants.
- Mixed GDP accounts for round 25% of world GDP (PPP phrases).
- Key vitality producers and customers.
- Provides an various to Western-dominated establishments like G7 or NATO.
WHAT IS BRICS?
BRICS stands for Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. It’s a group of influential rising economies collaborating to spice up political and financial coordination
Inception and Evolution
- The acronym BRIC was coined in 2001 by British economist Jim O’Neill, then at Goldman Sachs, who predicted that these 4 nations would drive international financial progress
- The first official BRIC summit occurred in Yekaterinburg, Russia, in June 2009, with leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, and China
- South Africa joined in 2010, turning BRIC into BRICS. The formal inclusion occurred on the third BRICS Summit in 2011
New Members (BRICS Growth)
- On the 2023 BRICS Summit in South Africa, six new international locations had been invited: Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Argentina, though Argentina later declined
- As of January 2024, 5 of them—Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and UAE—grew to become full BRICS members
- Indonesia formally joined early 2025, marking the primary Southeast Asian entry into BRICS The BRICS Triad: Core Pillars
Conclusion
India used the BRICS platform to push for inclusive international governance and spotlight safety issues, aligning its stand with different rising powers on constructing a fairer worldwide order.
NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR MINORITIES (NCM)
TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: THE HINDU
The Nationwide Fee for Minorities (NCM) has been and not using a chairperson or members since April 2025, elevating issues in regards to the authorities’s delay in appointments and dedication to safeguarding minority rights.
What’s the Nationwide Fee for Minorities (NCM)?
- Constituted below: Nationwide Fee for Minorities Act, 1992
- Standing: Statutory physique below the Ministry of Minority Affairs
- Objective: Shield the rights and pursuits of non secular minorities in India.
Composition:
- Complete 7 members: together with a Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, and 5 members
- At the least one member every from the six notified minority communities: Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, Parsis, Jains (added in 2014)
Powers:
- Quasi-judicial authority with the facility to analyze and take up complaints.
- Can summon people, demand data, and make suggestions to the federal government.
Quasi-judicial means having the powers just like a court docket to make authorized choices, however not being a full-fledged court docket.
Present Scenario and Considerations
- The final Chairperson Iqbal Singh Lalpura retired in April 2025; no replacements appointed.
- Since December 2024, 5 posts, together with the pinnacle, stay vacant.
- Related delays occurred in 2017, and the Delhi Excessive Court docket in 2021 requested the Centre to fill vacant posts.
- Critics say such our bodies are handled as symbolic roles or post-retirement posts for political loyalists.
Points Raised by Consultants
- Former members declare appointments are politically influenced.
- Effectivity is lowered with out management; the physique’s function turns into inactive.
- Considerations are rising amid elevated hate crimes and hate speech incidents.
Impression on Different Minority Our bodies
- The Nationwide Fee for Minority Instructional Establishments (NCMEI) can also be struggling.
- Has been working with just one member since 2023 after Chairperson’s retirement.
- NCMEI ought to have 3 members, together with a Chairperson (at the very least a retired Excessive Court docket Choose).
- This impacts safety of minority schooling rights.
Criticism and Political Response
- Activists argue that the delay exhibits apathy towards minority welfare.
- Critics say minorities want lively institutional help, particularly in occasions of rising non secular pressure.
- Former heads of NCM criticized it as a mere formality with restricted sensible affect.
Approach Ahead
- Rapid appointments have to be made to make sure the Fee features successfully.
- Guarantee non-political, various, and expert-based appointments for higher credibility.
- Strengthen authorized powers and independence of NCM and NCMEI.
Conclusion
The absence of management within the NCM and NCMEI undermines their core mission of defending minority rights. Restoring these establishments with dedicated and succesful members is important for inclusive governance and constitutional values.
COOPERATIVE SECTOR
TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY: THE HINDU
On the 4th basis day celebration of the Ministry of Cooperation in Anand, Gujarat, Union Minister Amit Shah emphasised that India’s cooperative sector ought to turn into the spine of the economic system, and unveiled a five-point progress roadmap for its transformation.
Strengthening the Cooperative Sector
- The Ministry of Cooperation was fashioned in 2021 to streamline and promote India’s cooperative motion.
- The occasion was held at Amul Dairy, an emblem of cooperative success in India.
- The main focus was on making cooperatives extra clear, tech-driven, and people-centric.
5-Level Roadmap for Cooperatives
- Individuals – All cooperative actions ought to straight profit frequent residents.
- PACS (Main Agricultural Credit score Societies) – Strengthen grassroots cooperative networks.
- Platforms – Construct robust digital infrastructure for cooperatives.
- Coverage – Reform outdated cooperative legal guidelines and frameworks.
- Prosperity – Guarantee progress and well-being of farmers, labourers, and rural communities.
Success Tales & Achievements
- Over 2 lakh PACS registered within the final 3 years.
- India’s first cooperative college has been established.
- Three national-level dairy cooperatives have been created.
- Amul’s turnover is projected to cross ₹1 lakh crore, reflecting the cooperative mannequin’s energy.
- New Amul items, like a mozzarella plant, had been inaugurated.
Political Message & Historic Context
- Shah paid tribute to Syama Prasad Mookerjee, connecting his legacy to Article 370’s removing and J&Okay’s integration.
- Referred to as for a cooperative mannequin that features each village from Kashmir to Kamakhya.
What are Cooperative Societies? (Easy Which means)
- A cooperative society is a voluntary affiliation of people who come collectively to realize a frequent financial curiosity, reminiscent of farming, credit score, advertising, housing, or manufacturing.
- It really works on the ideas of self-help, mutual assist, democratic management, and equal sharing of surplus.
- Every member sometimes has one vote, no matter shareholding – making certain equality.
Constitutional Provisions Associated to Cooperative Societies
Half IV – Directive Ideas of State Coverage (DPSP)
- Article 43B (inserted by 97th Constitutional Modification Act, 2011): “The State shall endeavour to advertise voluntary formation, autonomous functioning, democratic management, {and professional} administration of cooperative societies.”
Half III – Basic Rights
- Article 19(1)(c) (Amended by 97th Modification): Added the proper to kind cooperative societies as a Basic Proper together with associations and unions.
Half IXB – Cooperative Societies
- Articles 243ZH to 243ZT had been added to the Structure by the 97th Constitutional Modification Act, 2011.
- It gave a constitutional standing to cooperative societies and offered for:
- Most variety of board members: 21
- Election inside 6 months of supersession
- Tenure of board: 5 years
- Common auditing and accountability
- State-level and multi-state cooperative societies
PACS (PRIMARY AGRICULTURAL CREDIT SOCIETIES)
- Grassroots Rural Establishments:
PACS are the lowest tier within the three-tier cooperative credit score construction, working on the village degree to supply short-term and medium-term credit score to farmers. - Assist to Farmers:
They offer loans for agricultural inputs, seeds, fertilizers, irrigation, and minor farm growth works, typically at decrease rates of interest. - Hyperlink to Cooperative Banks:
PACS are linked to District Central Cooperative Banks (DCCBs) and State Cooperative Banks, forming a community that helps within the distribution of credit score and agricultural help on the native degree.
Conclusion
The Union authorities sees cooperatives as key to inclusive and rural financial progress. With robust help from expertise, reforms, and grassroots engagement, the sector is anticipated to play a important function in India’s growth journey.
ENVIRONMENT IMPACT STUDY FOR NICOBAR PROJECT
TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT: THE HINDU
The Environmental Impression Evaluation (EIA) for the ₹72,000-crore Nice Nicobar Infrastructure Challenge (GNIP) has been criticized for underestimating earthquake and tsunami dangers in a geologically delicate zone. Consultants argue the research overlooks vital findings from earlier scientific studies..
Nice Nicobar Infrastructure Challenge (GNIP):
- Goals to construct a transshipment port, worldwide airport, township, and a 450 MVA fuel + solar energy plant in Nice Nicobar Island.
- Being carried out by Andaman and Nicobar Islands Built-in Improvement Company (ANIIDCO).
- Challenge price: ₹72,000 crore.
- Obtained surroundings and forest clearance, however is below overview by the Nationwide Inexperienced Tribunal (NGT) resulting from ecological issues.
Considerations Over Earthquake and Tsunami Dangers
- The EIA report claims the possibility of a 2004-like mega-earthquake is “low”, citing lengthy return intervals (420–750 years).
- Nevertheless, it makes use of outdated or partial information, principally primarily based on a 2019 IIT-Kanpur research.
- Key findings of that IIT research, reminiscent of proof of seven massive tsunamis previously 8,000 years and information gaps, had been excluded from the EIA.
What Consultants Say
- Prof. Javed Malik (IIT-Kanpur): Infrastructure have to be preceded by site-specific seismic research, as dangers fluctuate primarily based on quake location.
- Prof. C.P. Rajendran (NIAS): Fault traces close to Nicobar stay poorly understood. The world is extraordinarily geodynamic and liable to sudden quakes. Constructing main ports right here is too dangerous.
- A Ministry of Earth Sciences scientist accepted that no new on-site research was performed however mentioned the mission includes a “calculated danger.”
Different Environmental Considerations
- Massive-scale tree chopping and risk to biodiversity hotspots.
- Impression on tribal communities, particularly the Shompen tribe.
- NGT has requested for a contemporary overview resulting from these social and ecological points.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT (EIA)
What’s Environmental Impression Evaluation (EIA)?
- EIA is a course of that evaluates the doubtless environmental impacts (optimistic or detrimental) of a proposed mission or growth earlier than it’s began.
- The objective is to determine, predict, and stop hurt to the surroundings, and to make sure sustainable growth.
- It considers elements like air, water, soil, forests, wildlife, native communities, and so forth.
Authorized Framework of EIA in India
Surroundings (Safety) Act, 1986
- That is the umbrella legislation below which EIA is performed.
- It provides the central authorities the facility to take measures to guard and enhance the surroundings.
EIA Notification, 1994 (changed in 2006)
- Issued below the Surroundings Safety Act.
- Made EIA obligatory for sure classes of tasks (like industries, mining, ports, airports, dams).
- Launched the idea of surroundings clearance.
EIA Notification, 2006 (nonetheless in drive with amendments)
- Categorized tasks into Class A (Central Govt.) and Class B (State Govt.) primarily based on measurement and affect.
- Made public listening to and Surroundings Administration Plan (EMP) obligatory.
- Laid down detailed process:
- Screening
- Scoping
- Public Session
- Appraisal
- Grant/Rejection of Clearance
Different Associated Legal guidelines and Our bodies
- Forest Conservation Act, 1980: regulates deforestation and diversion of forest land.
- Wildlife Safety Act, 1972: checks the affect of tasks close to wildlife habitats.
- Water and Air Acts: regulate air pollution throughout mission execution.
- MoEFCC (Ministry of Surroundings, Forest and Local weather Change): nodal company for EIA.
- State Surroundings Impression Evaluation Authorities (SEIAA): clear tasks on the state degree.
Conclusion
Whereas growth is essential, ignoring scientific warnings in an earthquake-prone area like Nicobar may result in disastrous penalties. An intensive site-specific seismic and ecological evaluation is important earlier than shifting ahead.
GOOGLE AI OVERVIEWS AND EU ANTITRUST COMPLAINT
TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: THE HINDU
Google’s AI Overview characteristic has triggered an antitrust grievance by impartial publishers within the European Union, who declare it’s harming truthful competitors and affecting media revenues.
What’s Google AI Overviews?
- Google has launched a brand new characteristic referred to as AI Overviews in its search engine outcomes.
- These are AI-generated summaries that seem above the standard search hyperlinks, giving customers fast, direct solutions.
- The characteristic was first examined because the Search Generative Expertise (SGE) in 2023 and is now extensively carried out.
How Does It Work?
- When a person varieties a search, Google decides if AI can present a extra useful abstract.
- It makes use of its Gemini AI mannequin and a technique referred to as Retrieval-Augmented Era (RAG).
- This method gathers real-time net content material and produces a summarized reply.
- These summaries additionally embrace hyperlinks to supply web sites, permitting deeper exploration.
Why Are Publishers Upset?
- Lack of visitors: Customers learn the AI abstract and infrequently skip visiting writer web sites.
- This results in a drop in promoting revenue and subscriptions, that are important for publishers.
- Publishers declare Google is utilizing their content material with out truthful fee.
- Since Could 2024, advertisements are proven inside AI Overviews, additional monetizing writer content material.
- Opting out of AI Overviews means shedding visibility in Google search, which isn’t sensible for many web sites.
Position of Regulators
- A proper grievance has been filed with the European Fee and the UK’s Competitors and Markets Authority (CMA).
- CMA is assessing if Google must be given “strategic market standing”, enabling tighter controls.
- Publishers demand interim reduction to pause AI Overviews whereas investigations are ongoing.
Google’s Response
- Google says AI Overviews assist customers ask extra questions and discover extra web sites.
- The corporate claims it nonetheless sends billions of clicks to publishers and that AI-driven visitors is extra related and high-quality.
Must Regulate AI
- Lack of Person Privateness: AI programs typically accumulate massive quantities of non-public information, together with delicate info. With out clear guidelines, this information may be misused, resulting in privateness breaches and identification theft.
- Steady Surveillance & Consent Points: Many AI instruments monitor person conduct in real-time (e.g., location, voice, preferences). Typically, customers are unaware of being monitored or don’t give knowledgeable consent.
- Lack of Accountability for Knowledge Misuse: When AI programs leak, promote, or misuse information, it’s troublesome to repair accountability. There’s no international authorized framework to make sure accountability or present person safety.
Conclusion
Whereas AI Overviews goal to enhance person expertise, additionally they increase essential issues about truthful entry, writer rights, and digital competitors—essential points within the age of AI-driven info.
HOW INDIA’S TOY INDUSTRY BECAME A GLOBAL EXPORTER
TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY: THE HINDU
India’s toy trade has considerably developed lately, with exports rising by 40% from FY19 to FY24 and toys now being exported to 153 international locations. Imports, in the meantime, have declined by 79%, exhibiting India’s rising self-reliance.
India’s Toy-Making Legacy
- Toy-making in India dates again to Indus Valley Civilization (2500 BCE) with toys fabricated from clay, wooden, and material.
- Conventional toys like Channapatna (Karnataka) and Kondapalli (Andhra Pradesh) are well-known for his or her eco-friendly supplies and cultural themes.
- Completely different areas in India have toy-making linked to native tradition, tales, and craftsmanship.
Business Evolution
- Throughout British rule, toy-making moved from hand-made to mechanised manufacturing.
- After Independence, many small-scale items making wood and steel toys emerged.
- Within the Nineteen Eighties, plastic toys and Indian manufacturers like Funskool grew to become well-liked.
- The Nineties liberalisation introduced worldwide manufacturers into India.
- The 2000s noticed progress in academic and tech-based toys.
- At present, many Indian startups make eco-conscious and learning-based toys.
Current Situation
- India’s toy market is value round $1.9 billion in 2024, anticipated to develop to $4.7 billion by 2033.
- About 90% of the market continues to be unorganised (native items, cottage industries).
- Nevertheless, the organised sector is increasing resulting from digital entry, branding, and urbanisation.
Authorities Initiatives
- ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ goal to spice up home toy manufacturing.
- Import duties elevated from 20% to 60% to discourage low-cost imports.
- High quality Management Orders (QCOs) guarantee toys meet BIS security requirements.
- PLI Scheme provides monetary help to corporations making high-quality export-ready toys.
Challenges
- Business nonetheless suffers from: Lack of recent expertise, Market fragmentation, Poor branding resulting from dominance of unorganised gamers
- Conventional artisans battle with: Low demand, Competitors from low-cost plastic toys, Restricted market attain
Conclusion
India’s toy sector is altering quick. With authorities help, digital instruments, higher designs, and high quality management, it could turn into a international toy hub. Emphasis on education-based, eco-friendly, and culturally rooted toys will assist India lead the way forward for the worldwide toy market.
HAM RADIO COMMUNICATION
TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: THE HINDU
Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla communicated with college college students in India utilizing Ham Radio from the Worldwide Area Station (ISS).
This occasion highlighted Ham Radio’s academic and emergency communication worth.
What’s Ham Radio?
- Additionally referred to as Newbie Radio.
- It’s a licensed communication system utilizing radio frequencies for non-commercial use.
- Primarily used for schooling, experiments, and emergency communication.
- Two licensed customers can join utilizing a transceiver and antenna.
- Permits native, international, and even space-based communication.
Ham Radio in India
- Any Indian citizen above 12 years can apply for a license.
- Licenses are issued by the Ministry of Electronics and IT.
- Requires passing an examination to turn into a licensed Ham operator.
Use in Area Missions
- Newbie radio first utilized in area in 1983 aboard a NASA shuttle.
- The ARISS (Newbie Radio on the ISS) mission permits astronauts to speak to college students globally.
- Supported by area businesses from USA, Europe, Russia, Japan, and Canada.
- Communication gaps are scheduled throughout delicate ISS operations to keep away from interference.
Axiom-4 Mission and India
- Astronauts from India, Poland, and Hungary will use Ham radio throughout their 14-day keep on the ISS.
- They’ll join with college students when the ISS passes overhead for brief home windows of 5–8 minutes.
Significance of Ham Radio
- Works even when cellular networks and web fail.
- Confirmed useful in disasters like:
- 2001 Bhuj earthquake
- 2004 tsunami
- 2013 Uttarakhand floods
- Helpful for emergency alerts and community-level communication.
The put up Every day Present Affairs 07-July-2025 first appeared on Ekam IAS Academy.
