UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 19 August 2025
Kartavya Desk Staff
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 19 August 2025 covers important current affairs of the day, their backward linkages, their relevance for Prelims exam and MCQs on main articles
InstaLinks : Insta Links help you think beyond the current affairs issue and help you think multidimensionally to develop depth in your understanding of these issues. These linkages provided in this ‘hint’ format help you frame possible questions in your mind that might arise(or an examiner might imagine) from each current event. InstaLinks also connect every issue to their static or theoretical background.
Table of Contents
GS Paper 1 : (UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 19 August (2025)
• What True Empowerment of Women Entails
What True Empowerment of Women Entails
GS Paper 2:
• The Path to Ending Global Hunger Runs Through India
The Path to Ending Global Hunger Runs Through India
Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):
• Water-Scarce Districts in India
Water-Scarce Districts in India
Facts for Prelims (FFP):
• CEC Removal Process
CEC Removal Process
• Removable Solar Panel System
Removable Solar Panel System
• Indian Ports Bill, 2025
Indian Ports Bill, 2025
• Nominations to Union Territory Assemblies
Nominations to Union Territory Assemblies
• United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
Mapping:
• Ranthambore National Park
Ranthambore National Park
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 19 August 2025
#### GS Paper 1:
What True Empowerment of Women Entails
- •Syllabus: Role of Women and Women’s Organization*
- •Source: The Hindu*
Context: The recent case of a domestic help in Karnataka who stood firm against a powerful politician highlights how true empowerment goes beyond applause — it requires systemic support for survivors of abuse.
About Women Empowerment
What is Women Empowerment?
• Definition: The process of enabling women to exercise agency over their lives, access equal opportunities, and participate fully in social, economic, and political spheres.
• True empowerment is not only representation in boardrooms and parliaments, but also protection and rehabilitation of women at the margins who stand against entrenched power.
Causes Behind Weak Empowerment
• Patriarchal Social Structure Patriarchy shapes family, workplace, and community norms. Women are often silenced when they seek justice. Example: Victims of sexual harassment face character assassination and social boycott, discouraging others from reporting crimes.
• Patriarchy shapes family, workplace, and community norms. Women are often silenced when they seek justice.
• Example: Victims of sexual harassment face character assassination and social boycott, discouraging others from reporting crimes.
• Tokenism in Empowerment Women CEOs, entrepreneurs, and politicians are showcased as role models, but grassroots survivors are ignored. Empowerment narratives often remain limited to urban elite spaces, excluding domestic workers, rural women, and marginalized communities.
• Women CEOs, entrepreneurs, and politicians are showcased as role models, but grassroots survivors are ignored.
• Empowerment narratives often remain limited to urban elite spaces, excluding domestic workers, rural women, and marginalized communities.
• Economic Insecurity of Survivors Women pursuing legal battles lose jobs, wages, and often incur heavy legal debts. Employers label them as “troublemakers,” leaving them unemployable.
• Women pursuing legal battles lose jobs, wages, and often incur heavy legal debts.
• Employers label them as “troublemakers,” leaving them unemployable.
• Weak Access to Legal Aid Though free legal aid exists under Article 39A and Legal Services Authorities Act, inadequate funding and lack of awareness make it inaccessible. Survivors often face procedural delays, exhausting resources and morale.
• Though free legal aid exists under Article 39A and Legal Services Authorities Act, inadequate funding and lack of awareness make it inaccessible.
• Survivors often face procedural delays, exhausting resources and morale.
• Retaliatory Stigma and Isolation Communities stigmatise survivors, questioning their morality rather than supporting their courage. This often leads to mental health breakdowns, social alienation, and re-victimisation.
• Communities stigmatise survivors, questioning their morality rather than supporting their courage.
• This often leads to mental health breakdowns, social alienation, and re-victimisation.
Consequences of Half-Empowerment
• Justice Without Rehabilitation Legal victories remain hollow when survivors are forced back into hostile environments without financial or psychological support.
• Legal victories remain hollow when survivors are forced back into hostile environments without financial or psychological support.
• Underreporting of Crimes When women see survivors punished socially for speaking out, many remain silent, perpetuating cycles of abuse.
• When women see survivors punished socially for speaking out, many remain silent, perpetuating cycles of abuse.
• Perpetuation of Power Imbalances Powerful perpetrators exploit legal loopholes, delay tactics, and social pressure to silence victims.
• Powerful perpetrators exploit legal loopholes, delay tactics, and social pressure to silence victims.
• Weak Trust in Governance Empowerment slogans lose credibility when state support ends after the verdict. This erodes trust in justice institutions.
• Empowerment slogans lose credibility when state support ends after the verdict.
• This erodes trust in justice institutions.
India’s Role in Combating Gender Injustice
• Legal Frameworks Constitutional Provisions: Articles 14, 15, 21, and 39A guarantee equality and protection. Laws: POSH Act (2013), Domestic Violence Act (2005), Criminal Law Amendments (2013 & 2018). Judicial Precedents: Vishaka Guidelines, Nirbhaya Case reforms.
• Constitutional Provisions: Articles 14, 15, 21, and 39A guarantee equality and protection.
• Laws: POSH Act (2013), Domestic Violence Act (2005), Criminal Law Amendments (2013 & 2018).
• Judicial Precedents: Vishaka Guidelines, Nirbhaya Case reforms.
• Government Schemes Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (2015): Awareness and education for girls. Nirbhaya Fund (2013): Dedicated fund for women’s safety projects. Mission Shakti (2022): Umbrella scheme for women’s empowerment (Sambal + Samarthya sub-schemes). Support to Training and Employment Programme (STEP): Economic empowerment through skills.
• Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (2015): Awareness and education for girls.
• Nirbhaya Fund (2013): Dedicated fund for women’s safety projects.
• Mission Shakti (2022): Umbrella scheme for women’s empowerment (Sambal + Samarthya sub-schemes).
• Support to Training and Employment Programme (STEP): Economic empowerment through skills.
• Limitations Most schemes focus on prevention and awareness, not rehabilitation and survivor reintegration. Lack of convergence between central, state, and corporate CSR initiatives.
• Most schemes focus on prevention and awareness, not rehabilitation and survivor reintegration.
• Lack of convergence between central, state, and corporate CSR initiatives.
Way Forward for True Empowerment
• Survivor Compensation Schemes State-funded financial packages covering legal expenses, rehabilitation costs, and livelihood security. Similar to compensation given for victims of terrorism or industrial accidents.
• State-funded financial packages covering legal expenses, rehabilitation costs, and livelihood security.
• Similar to compensation given for victims of terrorism or industrial accidents.
• Dedicated Legal Aid Cells Create specialised survivor litigation centres staffed with advocates, forensic experts, and counsellors. Fund them on par with public prosecutors in high-profile cases.
• Create specialised survivor litigation centres staffed with advocates, forensic experts, and counsellors.
• Fund them on par with public prosecutors in high-profile cases.
• Guaranteed Employment Pathways Direct quotas for survivors in government, PSUs, and corporate CSR policies. Example: Similar to how states provide jobs to kin of martyrs.
• Direct quotas for survivors in government, PSUs, and corporate CSR policies.
• Example: Similar to how states provide jobs to kin of martyrs.
• Psychological and Trauma Support Institutionalise long-term counselling, therapy sessions, and peer support groups. Recognise trauma recovery as a basic right, not a privilege.
• Institutionalise long-term counselling, therapy sessions, and peer support groups.
• Recognise trauma recovery as a basic right, not a privilege.
• Institutionalise Survivor Expertise Train survivors as mentors, police counsellors, and ICC (Internal Complaints Committee) members under POSH Act. Their lived experience can improve empathy and credibility in grievance redressal.
• Train survivors as mentors, police counsellors, and ICC (Internal Complaints Committee) members under POSH Act.
• Their lived experience can improve empathy and credibility in grievance redressal.
Conclusion
Empowerment is not magazine covers or awards — it is about structural justice. Women who resist entrenched power are performing public service, strengthening jurisprudence and democracy. Society owes them more than applause: it owes them economic security, psychosocial support, and institutionalised recognition. Only when survivor courage translates into sustainable life opportunities can empowerment be said to be delivered, not just declared.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 19 August 2025 GS Paper 2:
The Path to Ending Global Hunger Runs Through India
Syllabus: Hunger and Poverty
Source: The Hindu
Context: The UN FAO’s State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2025 report highlights a decline in global undernourishment to 8.2% (673 million people), with India playing a decisive role.
• India reduced its prevalence of undernourishment from 3% (2020–22) to 12% (2022–24), meaning 30 million fewer hungry people.
About Hunger
What is Hunger?
• Definition: Hunger refers to the condition of chronic undernourishment where individuals fail to obtain sufficient calories or nutrients to maintain health and productivity.
• It manifests in three forms: Undernourishment: Calorie deficiency (not enough energy intake). Malnutrition: Poor quality diet lacking protein and micronutrients. Hidden Hunger: Micronutrient deficiency (iron, iodine, vitamin A, zinc).
• Undernourishment: Calorie deficiency (not enough energy intake).
• Malnutrition: Poor quality diet lacking protein and micronutrients.
• Hidden Hunger: Micronutrient deficiency (iron, iodine, vitamin A, zinc).
Causes Behind Hunger
• Poverty and Inequality Poverty remains the biggest driver of hunger. Low incomes restrict household food access even when supply is available. Example: As per NITI Aayog’s Multidimensional Poverty Index 2023, about 11.28% of India’s population remains multidimensionally poor.
• Poverty remains the biggest driver of hunger. Low incomes restrict household food access even when supply is available.
• Example: As per NITI Aayog’s Multidimensional Poverty Index 2023, about 11.28% of India’s population remains multidimensionally poor.
• Agricultural Challenges Low productivity due to fragmented landholdings, erratic monsoons, and poor irrigation coverage. Post-harvest losses (13% of food output), as per FAO estimates, reduce food availability.
• Low productivity due to fragmented landholdings, erratic monsoons, and poor irrigation coverage.
• Post-harvest losses (13% of food output), as per FAO estimates, reduce food availability.
• High Food Prices FAO notes the cost of a healthy diet in India remains unaffordable for 60% of the population. Inflation in pulses, fruits, vegetables, and protein-rich foods keeps nutrition out of reach for the poor.
• FAO notes the cost of a healthy diet in India remains unaffordable for 60% of the population.
• Inflation in pulses, fruits, vegetables, and protein-rich foods keeps nutrition out of reach for the poor.
• Weak Infrastructure & Supply Chains Inadequate cold storage and poor logistics increase food wastage. India loses ₹92,000 crore annually in post-harvest losses (ICAR 2022 report).
• Inadequate cold storage and poor logistics increase food wastage.
• India loses ₹92,000 crore annually in post-harvest losses (ICAR 2022 report).
• Governance, Conflict & Climate Change Global hunger is worsened by conflicts (Ukraine war), pandemics (COVID-19), and climate shocks (floods, droughts). India too faces frequent climate-induced crop losses, affecting farmer income and food availability.
• Global hunger is worsened by conflicts (Ukraine war), pandemics (COVID-19), and climate shocks (floods, droughts).
• India too faces frequent climate-induced crop losses, affecting farmer income and food availability.
• Health & Sanitation Issues Poor maternal health, open defecation, and lack of clean drinking water aggravate child malnutrition. NFHS-5 (2019–21): 35.5% of children under 5 are stunted, 19.3% are wasted.
• Poor maternal health, open defecation, and lack of clean drinking water aggravate child malnutrition.
• NFHS-5 (2019–21): 35.5% of children under 5 are stunted, 19.3% are wasted.
Consequences of Hunger
• Human Capital Loss Children with stunting and wasting suffer poor learning outcomes and reduced adult productivity. Hunger perpetuates intergenerational poverty cycles.
• Children with stunting and wasting suffer poor learning outcomes and reduced adult productivity.
• Hunger perpetuates intergenerational poverty cycles.
• Economic Burden Hunger costs nations billions in lost productivity and increased healthcare expenses. The Global Nutrition Report (2021) estimates malnutrition costs India 2–3% of GDP annually.
• Hunger costs nations billions in lost productivity and increased healthcare expenses.
• The Global Nutrition Report (2021) estimates malnutrition costs India 2–3% of GDP annually.
• Health Risks Increases susceptibility to infections (TB, diarrhoea, anaemia). Micronutrient deficiencies lead to blindness (Vitamin A), poor immunity (zinc), and cognitive impairment (iodine deficiency).
• Increases susceptibility to infections (TB, diarrhoea, anaemia).
• Micronutrient deficiencies lead to blindness (Vitamin A), poor immunity (zinc), and cognitive impairment (iodine deficiency).
• Social Instability Food insecurity can trigger unrest, migration, and social tensions, as seen in multiple food riots globally.
• Food insecurity can trigger unrest, migration, and social tensions, as seen in multiple food riots globally.
• Failure of SDGs Hunger directly blocks achievement of SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and undermines progress on SDG 3 (Health), SDG 4 (Education), and SDG 8 (Decent Work).
• Hunger directly blocks achievement of SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and undermines progress on SDG 3 (Health), SDG 4 (Education), and SDG 8 (Decent Work).
India’s Role in Combating Hunger
• Revamped Public Distribution System (PDS) Digitisation, Aadhaar authentication, and ONORC (One Nation One Ration Card) improved targeting. Provides subsidised grains to 800 million beneficiaries under NFSA & PMGKAY.
• Digitisation, Aadhaar authentication, and ONORC (One Nation One Ration Card) improved targeting.
• Provides subsidised grains to 800 million beneficiaries under NFSA & PMGKAY.
• Nutrition-Specific Programmes PM POSHAN (2021): Expanded school meals into nutrition-sensitive interventions. ICDS & POSHAN Abhiyaan: Focus on dietary diversity, maternal and child health. Anaemia Mukt Bharat: Aims to reduce anaemia prevalence among women and children.
• PM POSHAN (2021): Expanded school meals into nutrition-sensitive interventions.
• ICDS & POSHAN Abhiyaan: Focus on dietary diversity, maternal and child health.
• Anaemia Mukt Bharat: Aims to reduce anaemia prevalence among women and children.
• Digital and Technological Advantage e-NAM, AgriStack, Geospatial tools: Enhance farmer-market linkages and reduce food losses. Bhavishya & CPENGRAMS portals: Improve pensioners’ food security and grievance redressal indirectly.
• e-NAM, AgriStack, Geospatial tools: Enhance farmer-market linkages and reduce food losses.
• Bhavishya & CPENGRAMS portals: Improve pensioners’ food security and grievance redressal indirectly.
• Agrifood System Transformation Promoting climate-resilient crops, Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), and women-led food enterprises. Expanding cold chains and logistics to reduce wastage.
• Promoting climate-resilient crops, Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), and women-led food enterprises.
• Expanding cold chains and logistics to reduce wastage.
• Global Leadership India’s scale of poverty reduction and hunger control contributes significantly to global SDG 2 progress. As FAO notes, India is a model for Global South countries, showcasing digital governance and mass food security interventions.
• India’s scale of poverty reduction and hunger control contributes significantly to global SDG 2 progress.
• As FAO notes, India is a model for Global South countries, showcasing digital governance and mass food security interventions.
Way Forward
• Shift from Calories to Nutrition Fortify staple foods (rice, wheat, salt, edible oils). Subsidise protein-rich foods like pulses, milk, and eggs.
• Fortify staple foods (rice, wheat, salt, edible oils).
• Subsidise protein-rich foods like pulses, milk, and eggs.
• Strengthen Infrastructure Expand cold chains, warehouses, and farmer cooperatives to reduce ₹92,000 crore post-harvest losses.
• Expand cold chains, warehouses, and farmer cooperatives to reduce ₹92,000 crore post-harvest losses.
• Affordable Diets Ensure access to fruits, vegetables, and animal-source foods for low-income families. Use DBT subsidies for nutrient-rich foods.
• Ensure access to fruits, vegetables, and animal-source foods for low-income families.
• Use DBT subsidies for nutrient-rich foods.
• Empower Small Farmers & Women Enterprises Scale up FPOs, SHGs, and women-led agribusinesses. Promote cultivation of climate-smart, biofortified crops.
• Scale up FPOs, SHGs, and women-led agribusinesses.
• Promote cultivation of climate-smart, biofortified crops.
• Tackle Malnutrition & Obesity Together Double-duty policies: Address both undernutrition and rising obesity in urban poor. Expand nutrition literacy campaigns at schools and workplaces.
• Double-duty policies: Address both undernutrition and rising obesity in urban poor.
• Expand nutrition literacy campaigns at schools and workplaces.
• Global Knowledge Sharing Share India’s models like ONORC, PDS digitalisation, and nutrition schemes with other developing nations.
• Share India’s models like ONORC, PDS digitalisation, and nutrition schemes with other developing nations.
Conclusion
India has emerged as a symbol of hope in global hunger reduction. The shift from mere calorie security to nutrition, resilience, and agrifood system transformation is crucial. With only five years left for the 2030 SDGs, India’s leadership will determine whether the world can realistically achieve Zero Hunger.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 19 August 2025 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)
Water-Scarce Districts in India
Context: The Government released the latest data on water-scarce districts, identifying 193 districts as over-exploited, critical, or semi-critical.
About Water-Scarce Districts in India:
• What are They?
• Districts where groundwater extraction exceeds recharge or where water availability is critically low. Classified by Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) as: Over-exploited (102 districts) Critical (22 districts) Semi-critical (69 districts)
• Districts where groundwater extraction exceeds recharge or where water availability is critically low.
• Classified by Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) as: Over-exploited (102 districts) Critical (22 districts) Semi-critical (69 districts)
• Over-exploited (102 districts)
• Critical (22 districts)
• Semi-critical (69 districts)
• Trends in India:
• Rising Stress: Increasing urbanisation, agriculture, and industrial demand have deepened water stress. Geographic Spread: States like Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka face the highest pressure. Jal Shakti Abhiyan (2019–2025): Mission-mode campaign covering water-stressed and high-priority districts with themes like “Catch the Rain” and “Nari Shakti se Jal Shakti”.
• Rising Stress: Increasing urbanisation, agriculture, and industrial demand have deepened water stress.
• Geographic Spread: States like Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka face the highest pressure.
• Jal Shakti Abhiyan (2019–2025): Mission-mode campaign covering water-stressed and high-priority districts with themes like “Catch the Rain” and “Nari Shakti se Jal Shakti”.
• Significance:
• Drinking Water Security: Protects rural and urban populations from shortages. Climate Adaptation: Strengthens resilience against droughts and erratic rainfall. Policy Planning: Provides evidence for Jal Jeevan Mission, Atal Bhujal Yojana, and SDG-6 (Clean Water and Sanitation).
• Drinking Water Security: Protects rural and urban populations from shortages.
• Climate Adaptation: Strengthens resilience against droughts and erratic rainfall.
• Policy Planning: Provides evidence for Jal Jeevan Mission, Atal Bhujal Yojana, and SDG-6 (Clean Water and Sanitation).
Relevance in UPSC Syllabus:
• GS Paper 1 (Geography): Water scarcity, resource distribution, regional disparities.
• GS Paper 2 (Governance): Government schemes like Jal Shakti Abhiyan, Centre–State coordination.
• GS Paper 3 (Environment & Economy): Sustainable water management, agriculture–water nexus, climate impact.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 19 August 2025 Facts for Prelims (FFP):
CEC Removal Process
Source: IE
Context: The Opposition is considering an impeachment motion against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar.
About CEC Removal Process:
• What it is?
• The CEC is a constitutional authority under Article 324 of the Indian Constitution. Removal safeguards are designed to ensure independence and neutrality of the Election Commission. CEC can only be removed in the same manner and on the same grounds as a Supreme Court Judge.
• The CEC is a constitutional authority under Article 324 of the Indian Constitution.
• Removal safeguards are designed to ensure independence and neutrality of the Election Commission.
• CEC can only be removed in the same manner and on the same grounds as a Supreme Court Judge.
• Procedure of Removal:
• Grounds: Proved misbehaviour → includes corruption, abuse of office, or failure to discharge duties. Incapacity → inability to perform constitutional functions. Initiation: A motion alleging misbehaviour/incapacity is introduced in either House of Parliament. Requires support of at least 50 MPs for admission. Inquiry: A judicial inquiry committee examines the evidence and validates the charges. Voting in Parliament: Motion must be passed by a two-thirds majority of members present and voting in both Houses. Presidential Action: Once Parliament approves, the President orders removal; no discretion remains. Other Election Commissioners: Can only be removed on recommendation of the CEC, further strengthening institutional independence.
• Grounds: Proved misbehaviour → includes corruption, abuse of office, or failure to discharge duties. Incapacity → inability to perform constitutional functions.
• Proved misbehaviour → includes corruption, abuse of office, or failure to discharge duties.
• Incapacity → inability to perform constitutional functions.
• Initiation: A motion alleging misbehaviour/incapacity is introduced in either House of Parliament. Requires support of at least 50 MPs for admission.
• A motion alleging misbehaviour/incapacity is introduced in either House of Parliament.
• Requires support of at least 50 MPs for admission.
• Inquiry: A judicial inquiry committee examines the evidence and validates the charges.
• Voting in Parliament: Motion must be passed by a two-thirds majority of members present and voting in both Houses.
• Presidential Action: Once Parliament approves, the President orders removal; no discretion remains.
• Other Election Commissioners: Can only be removed on recommendation of the CEC, further strengthening institutional independence.
• History of Removal:
• No CEC has ever been removed since independence. The high constitutional threshold has worked as a protective shield against political interference.
• No CEC has ever been removed since independence.
• The high constitutional threshold has worked as a protective shield against political interference.
Removable Solar Panel System
Source: ET
Context: Indian Railways has commissioned the country’s first removable solar panel system installed between railway tracks.
About Removable Solar Panel System between Tracks:
• What it is?
• A 70-metre-long solar installation with 28 removable panels generating 15 KWp power. Placed between railway tracks, ensuring efficient use of space.
• A 70-metre-long solar installation with 28 removable panels generating 15 KWp power.
• Placed between railway tracks, ensuring efficient use of space.
• Launched in: August 2025 at Banaras Locomotive Works, Varanasi by the Ministry of Railways.
• Objective:
• Promote green and sustainable rail transport. Generate clean energy using underutilised track space. Reduce dependence on fossil fuels and cut carbon footprint.
• Promote green and sustainable rail transport.
• Generate clean energy using underutilised track space.
• Reduce dependence on fossil fuels and cut carbon footprint.
• Features:
• Removable design → panels can be lifted for maintenance or emergencies. Compact installation → no need for large land acquisition. 15 KWp capacity → supports auxiliary power needs at railway units. Pilot project → model for replication across India.
• Removable design → panels can be lifted for maintenance or emergencies.
• Compact installation → no need for large land acquisition.
• 15 KWp capacity → supports auxiliary power needs at railway units.
• Pilot project → model for replication across India.
• Significance:
• Environmental Impact: Reduces greenhouse gas emissions. Economic Efficiency: Lowers operational costs by using renewable energy. Innovative Use of Space: Utilises unused railway track areas for power generation.
• Environmental Impact: Reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
• Economic Efficiency: Lowers operational costs by using renewable energy.
• Innovative Use of Space: Utilises unused railway track areas for power generation.
Indian Ports Bill, 2025
Source: FPJ
Context: The Rajya Sabha passed the Indian Ports Bill, 2025, replacing the colonial-era Indian Ports Act, 1908.
About Indian Ports Bill, 2025:
• What it is?
• A new legislation to replace the outdated Indian Ports Act, 1908. Provides a modern, transparent, and investor-friendly framework for India’s port sector.
• A new legislation to replace the outdated Indian Ports Act, 1908.
• Provides a modern, transparent, and investor-friendly framework for India’s port sector.
• Objectives of the Bill:
• Replace archaic colonial laws with a contemporary governance structure. Strengthen cooperative federalism through Centre–State partnership. Ensure environmental compliance and green port development. Encourage investment, PPPs, and FDI in port infrastructure.
• Replace archaic colonial laws with a contemporary governance structure.
• Strengthen cooperative federalism through Centre–State partnership.
• Ensure environmental compliance and green port development.
• Encourage investment, PPPs, and FDI in port infrastructure.
• Key Features:
• Institutional Reforms Maritime State Development Council (MSDC) for Centre–State coordination. State Maritime Boards for non-major ports. Dispute Resolution Committees for sector-specific redressal. Operational Reforms Tariff autonomy under transparent rules. Integrated planning for cargo growth and multimodal logistics. Digitalisation via Maritime Single Window, vessel tracking, and e-clearances. Environmental & Safety Measures Mandatory waste reception and ballast water management. Compliance with MARPOL conventions. Emergency preparedness and renewable energy adoption.
• Institutional Reforms Maritime State Development Council (MSDC) for Centre–State coordination. State Maritime Boards for non-major ports. Dispute Resolution Committees for sector-specific redressal.
• Maritime State Development Council (MSDC) for Centre–State coordination.
• State Maritime Boards for non-major ports.
• Dispute Resolution Committees for sector-specific redressal.
• Operational Reforms Tariff autonomy under transparent rules. Integrated planning for cargo growth and multimodal logistics. Digitalisation via Maritime Single Window, vessel tracking, and e-clearances.
• Tariff autonomy under transparent rules.
• Integrated planning for cargo growth and multimodal logistics.
• Digitalisation via Maritime Single Window, vessel tracking, and e-clearances.
• Environmental & Safety Measures Mandatory waste reception and ballast water management. Compliance with MARPOL conventions. Emergency preparedness and renewable energy adoption.
• Mandatory waste reception and ballast water management.
• Compliance with MARPOL conventions.
• Emergency preparedness and renewable energy adoption.
• Significance:
• Economic Growth: Ports as engines of trade, logistics, and employment. Global Alignment: Brings India at par with leading maritime nations. Sustainability: Push for green and smart ports.
• Economic Growth: Ports as engines of trade, logistics, and employment.
• Global Alignment: Brings India at par with leading maritime nations.
• Sustainability: Push for green and smart ports.
Nominations to Union Territory Assemblies
Source: The Hindu
Context: The Union Home Ministry recently informed the J&K and Ladakh High Court that the Lieutenant Governor (LG) can nominate five members to the Jammu & Kashmir Legislative Assembly without requiring the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers.
About Nominations to Union Territory (UT) Assemblies
What it is?
• Nomination to UT Assemblies refers to the constitutional and statutory provisions by which certain members are appointed, not elected, to serve in the legislature. These members usually represent specific communities, migrants, women, or expert domains.
• These members usually represent specific communities, migrants, women, or expert domains.
Constitutional Context
• Parliament & States: The Constitution earlier allowed Anglo-Indian nominations (discontinued in 2020). Rajya Sabha has 12 nominated members by the President. State Legislative Councils allow 1/6th nominated members by the Governor.
• Union Territories: As UTs are directly administered by the Union, their Assemblies are governed by Parliamentary statutes rather than constitutional provisions applicable to States.
Nomination Procedure
• Jammu & Kashmir: Under Section 14, J&K Reorganisation Act, 2019 (amended 2023): 90 elected seats. LG may nominate up to five members — two women, two Kashmiri migrants, and one displaced person from PoK.
• Under Section 14, J&K Reorganisation Act, 2019 (amended 2023): 90 elected seats. LG may nominate up to five members — two women, two Kashmiri migrants, and one displaced person from PoK.
• 90 elected seats.
• LG may nominate up to five members — two women, two Kashmiri migrants, and one displaced person from PoK.
• Puducherry: Under Section 3, Government of Union Territories Act, 1963: 30 elected members. Central Government may nominate up to three members.
• Under Section 3, Government of Union Territories Act, 1963: 30 elected members. Central Government may nominate up to three members.
• 30 elected members.
• Central Government may nominate up to three members.
• Delhi: Under Section 3, GNCTD Act, 1991: 70 elected members only. No provision for nominated MLAs.
• Under Section 3, GNCTD Act, 1991: 70 elected members only. No provision for nominated MLAs.
• 70 elected members only.
• No provision for nominated MLAs.
Judicial Interpretation
• Puducherry Case (K. Lakshminarayanan, 2018): Madras High Court upheld Centre’s power to nominate MLAs; no need for UT Government’s advice. Supreme Court later upheld this.
• Delhi Case (NCT of Delhi v. Union, 2023): SC articulated the “triple chain of command”—civil servants → ministers → legislature → electorate; emphasised LG must act on the aid and advice of Council of Ministers, except where legislature lacks power.
How UT Nominations Differ from States
• Authority: In States, Governors act on the advice of the elected Council of Ministers. In UTs, nominations often flow directly from the Union Government or LG.
• Autonomy: States enjoy constitutional status; UT Assemblies derive powers from Acts of Parliament.
• Democratic Balance: In smaller UT Assemblies like Puducherry or J&K, nominated members may tilt legislative majority — unlike in larger State legislatures.
• Judicial Stance: Courts have upheld the Centre’s primacy in UT nominations, limiting the role of local elected governments.
Indian astronaut to land on moon in 2040
Source: ET
Context: Union Minister Jitendra Singh announced in the Lok Sabha that an Indian astronaut will land on the Moon by 2040, while also outlining India’s broader space roadmap.
About India’s Moon Mission
What it is?
• India’s proposed crewed lunar mission by 2040 is part of a long-term vision to position India as a global space power and align the space programme with the goal of Viksit Bharat by 2047.
Objective
• To demonstrate human space exploration capability beyond Earth orbit.
• To build indigenous capacity for lunar habitation, exploration, and resource utilisation.
• To integrate India’s space programme with its economic, scientific, and security ambitions.
Key Features
• Human landing: An Indian astronaut will step on the Moon by 2040.
• Indigenous development: Reliance on Indian-built launch vehicles, life support systems, and surface technologies.
• Global collaboration: Scope for joint missions with advanced space agencies for technology sharing.
• Economic vision: The mission will strengthen India’s share in the projected $45 billion space economy.
Other Planned Milestones in India’s Space Programme
• 2026 – Vyommitra Mission: Launch of an uncrewed mission with humanoid robot Vyommitra to test systems.
• 2027 – Gaganyaan Mission: India’s first human spaceflight with astronauts in low Earth orbit.
• 2035 – Bharat Antariksh Station: Establishment of India’s own space station for long-duration experiments.
• 2040 – Crewed Moon Landing: An Indian astronaut to step on the lunar surface, marking a historic leap.
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
Source: The Hindu
Context: The UNHCR suspended the repatriation of Sri Lankan Tamil refugees from India after some returnees were arrested in Sri Lanka for alleged violations of immigration laws.
About United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
What it is?
• UNHCR is a UN agency mandated to protect and support refugees, stateless persons, and internally displaced people worldwide.
• It promotes durable solutions like voluntary repatriation, local integration, or resettlement in third countries.
Establishment
• Created in 1950 by the UN General Assembly in the aftermath of World War II.
• Began operations in 1951 with an initial three-year mandate, later made permanent.
Leadership
• Headed by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, elected by the UN General Assembly.
• Current High Commissioner: Filippo Grandi (Italy), serving since 2016.
Organisational Structure
• Executive Committee (ExCom) – Provides policy guidance, composed of 100+ member states.
• Secretariat – Led by the High Commissioner, with regional and field offices worldwide.
• Funding – Entirely voluntary, contributed by governments, private donors, and organisations.
Functions and Powers
• Protection of Refugees: Ensure non-refoulement (no forced return to danger).
• Humanitarian Assistance: Provide shelter, food, health, and education to displaced populations.
• Repatriation & Resettlement: Facilitate voluntary return or integration.
• Advocacy: Work with governments for refugee rights and asylum policies.
• Statelessness Reduction: Lead efforts to eliminate statelessness globally.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 19 August 2025 Mapping:
Ranthambore National Park
Source: NDTV
Context: Twenty tourists were left stranded during a tiger safari in Ranthambore National Park after their canter broke down and the guide abandoned them.
About Ranthambore National Park:
Location:
• Situated in Sawai Madhopur district, Rajasthan, at the junction of the Aravalli and Vindhya ranges.
• Spread over 1,334 sq. km (core area ~275 sq. km).
History:
• Declared Sawai Madhopur Game Sanctuary in 1955.
• Became a Project Tiger Reserve in 1973.
• Upgraded to National Park in 1980.
• Surrounding forests designated as Sawai Mansingh & Kailadevi Sanctuaries.
Features:
• Terrain: Dry deciduous forests, rocky outcrops, grassy meadows, interspersed with lakes.
• Fort Heritage: 10th-century Ranthambore Fort (UNESCO tentative list), with temples of Ganesh, Shiva, and Jain shrines.
• Water Bodies: Padam Talao (largest lake), Jogi Mahal on its edge.
• Flora: Over 300 plant species, many with medicinal value.
• Fauna: Known for Royal Bengal Tigers often sighted in daylight; also leopards, hyenas, jackals, nilgai, sambar, chital, langurs, sloth bears, and over 270 bird species.
Please subscribe to Our podcast channel HERE
Official Facebook Page HERE
Twitter Account HERE
Instagram Account HERE
LinkedIn: HERE