UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 22 July 2025
Kartavya Desk Staff
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 22 July 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 2 : (UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 22 July (2025)
• India–Taliban 2.0 Engagement
India–Taliban 2.0 Engagement
GS Paper 3:
• Female Labour Force Participation Paradox in India
Female Labour Force Participation Paradox in India
Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):
• India and Abstention at the UN
India and Abstention at the UN
Facts for Prelims (FFP):
• Stablecoins
Stablecoins
• Vice President of India Resigns Mid-Term
Vice President of India Resigns Mid-Term
• NISAR satellite
NISAR satellite
• Hatti tribe
Hatti tribe
• SASCI scheme
SASCI scheme
• Meri Panchayat app
Meri Panchayat app
Mapping:
• Bitra Island
Bitra Island
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 22 July 2025
#### GS Paper 2:
India–Taliban 2.0 Engagement
Syllabus: International Relation
Source: FF
Context: India held back-to-back high-level meetings with Taliban representatives including Foreign Secretary-level talks and EAM Jaishankar’s call with Amir Khan Muttaqi.
• Russia’s formal recognition of Taliban adds momentum to India’s cautious but deepening engagement.
About India–Taliban 2.0 Engagement:
Geopolitical Context of India–Afghanistan Relations
• From Hostility to Opportunity: During Taliban’s first regime (1996–2001), India faced hostility and Pakistani terror proxies operating from Afghan soil. However, post-2021, the Taliban appears more open to India’s engagement, especially as its ties with Pakistan sour.
• India’s Humanitarian Soft Power: India provided $3 billion+ in aid projects: dams, hospitals, Parliament building, and education. It was among the first to send humanitarian relief post-U.S. withdrawal, building goodwill and strategic trust.
• Pakistan–Taliban Breakdown: India’s Strategic Window: Taliban’s refusal to curb Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has soured its ties with Islamabad. India uses this opening to strengthen bilateral ties and weaken Pakistan’s leverage in Afghanistan.
• India’s Multi-Ring Strategy: As per Shafiee’s model, Afghanistan lies in India’s ‘first ring’—the immediate neighbourhood where India aims for strategic primacy to block external influences, especially Pakistan and China.
India’s Strategic Interests in Engaging the Taliban
• Counter-Terrorism and Border Security: Taliban’s promise to prevent anti-India activities offers India a chance to deny Pakistan a terror foothold via Afghan territory.
• Access to Central Asia via Afghanistan: Afghanistan serves as a geographic bridge to Central Asia. With Pakistan denying overland routes, the Chabahar port and Afghan corridor offer India economic and strategic alternatives.
• Energy Security and Connectivity: Central Asia holds untapped energy reserves. India’s expanded connectivity through Afghanistan supports its long-term energy diversification goals.
• Containment of China–Pakistan Axis: Afghanistan provides a counterbalance to the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). A Taliban-friendly India denies Pakistan strategic depth.
• Regional Stability and Indian Security Doctrine: According to Barry Buzan, insulating states like Afghanistan play a role in regional order. A stable, India-engaged Afghanistan helps consolidate a South Asia–centric security framework.
Challenges in Engaging Taliban 2.0:
• Legitimacy Concerns: Taliban remains diplomatically isolated and under UN sanctions. Full recognition remains politically sensitive, especially for democratic India.
• Human Rights and Women’s Issues: Taliban’s regressive stance on women and minorities presents ethical and diplomatic dilemmas for India.
• Pakistan’s Disruption Strategy: India’s proactive presence in Afghanistan may escalate proxy conflicts, especially given Pakistan’s support for rival factions.
• China’s Expanding Footprint: China’s investments in Afghanistan and its BRI agenda pose economic competition and security concerns.
• Taliban’s Internal Factions: The regime’s internal instability and ideological divides complicate negotiations and predictability in India–Afghan ties.
Strategic Calculations: India’s Role in Post-2021 Afghanistan
Strategic Objective | India’s Approach
Prevent terror spillover | Intelligence and security dialogue with Kabul
Counter Pakistan’s influence | Build soft power, align with anti-TTP stance
Improve Central Asia access | Invest in connectivity (Chabahar, Zaranj–Delaram highway)
Assert regional leadership | Actively engage in SCO, Moscow Format, Quad on Afghanistan
Secure development gains | Continue project-based diplomacy and humanitarian aid
Way Forward:
• De Facto Engagement without Recognition: Continue political dialogue and aid while withholding formal recognition until global consensus evolves.
• Layered Diplomacy: Engage Taliban while supporting Afghan civil society, women’s rights, and education through indirect channels (e.g., UN, NGOs).
• Regional Security Coordination: Deepen partnerships with Iran, Central Asia, and Russia to counterbalance Taliban volatility and China–Pakistan axis.
• Strategic Use of Chabahar: Expedite infrastructure around Chabahar for seamless transit to Afghanistan and Central Asia.
• Prevent Radicalisation Spillover: Monitor cross-border networks and use intelligence partnerships to prevent infiltration of extremism into India.
Conclusion:
India’s engagement with Taliban 2.0 reflects a strategic shift from idealism to realism. While challenges remain—ranging from human rights to regional rivalries—New Delhi’s calibrated diplomacy in Afghanistan aims to safeguard its long-term interests in security, connectivity, and regional leadership. As Afghanistan transforms into a geopolitical crossroads, India must walk the tightrope of engagement with caution, conviction, and consistency.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 22 July 2025 GS Paper 3:
Female Labour Force Participation Paradox in India
Syllabus: Economy
Source: EPW
Context: Despite India’s high female literacy—especially in urban areas—labour force participation among women remains low.
• PLFS 2023–24 highlights a stark rural-urban disconnect and a widening literacy–employment gap, raising concerns over inclusive economic growth.
About Female Labour Force Participation Paradox in India:
Key Trends (PLFS 2023–24 & World Bank 2024)
• Urban female literacy: 84.9%, yet FLFPR: 28%
• Rural literacy–FLFPR gap: ~22%, Urban gap: ~57%
• National female literacy: 74.6%, with a 33-point employment gap
• India lies between developed (40-point gap) and developing (25-point gap) nations
Causes Behind Low FLFPR: Structural and Social Disconnect:
• Urban Job Inflexibility: Most urban jobs, especially in services, lack flexibility for family responsibilities, deterring women’s sustained participation.
• Mobility and Safety Concerns: Unsafe public spaces and lack of reliable transport limit women’s access to formal work environments in cities.
• Informality and Job Insecurity: A majority of urban women work in informal sectors with low pay and no benefits, leading to job exit during life events.
• Childcare Deficit in Cities: With 61.3% urban households being nuclear (NFHS-5), lack of crèches forces women to prioritize caregiving over employment.
• Post-Maternity Workforce Dropout: Absence of re-entry programs or part-time opportunities leads to permanent dropout post-childbirth, creating a “care penalty.”
Why Rural FLFPR Is Higher Than Urban?
• Flexible Work Options in Agriculture: Agriculture and self-employment offer women work close to home with adaptable hours, improving participation.
• Community-Based Childcare: Extended families and rural kinship networks help women manage both work and caregiving responsibilities.
• Work Out of Necessity: Rural women work due to economic compulsion, not autonomy, contributing to higher, though less empowered, FLFPR.
• Gender Norms Around Shared Labour: In rural settings, work by women—even if unpaid or low-paid—is more culturally normalized and expected.
• Crisis-Driven Employment: Post-COVID rural employment saw a temporary rise due to loss of urban jobs and return migration, not durable inclusion.
Shocking Trend: Declining FLFPR Despite Progress
• 2005–2019 Paradox
• Fertility rates dropped, education rose—but FLFPR fell. Higher incomes reinforced gendered roles—man as earner, woman as homemaker.
• Fertility rates dropped, education rose—but FLFPR fell.
• Higher incomes reinforced gendered roles—man as earner, woman as homemaker.
• Post-COVID Spike in Rural FLFPR
• Driven by distress employment and fallback strategies, not systemic support. Urban FLFPR still stagnant despite digitisation and economic revival.
• Driven by distress employment and fallback strategies, not systemic support.
• Urban FLFPR still stagnant despite digitisation and economic revival.
Implications for Economy and Equity:
• Loss of Demographic Dividend: Underutilisation of half the population weakens India’s long-term productivity and growth potential.
• Stunted Social Development: Low female employment slows gains in child health, nutrition, education, and gender equity.
• Urban Middle-Class Retreat: Higher incomes reinforce traditional norms, causing women to withdraw from jobs when money isn’t essential.
• Global Competitiveness Hit: India’s low FLFPR limits its ability to compete with economies like Bangladesh or Vietnam on inclusive growth.
• Equity and Justice Crisis: Economic exclusion reinforces patriarchal structures and denies women equal access to opportunity and dignity.
Way Forward:
• Public Childcare Infrastructure: Expand anganwadis and urban crèches to support working mothers in both urban and peri-urban areas.
• Flexible Employment Models: Promote part-time work, gig platforms, and remote work to align with women’s time and caregiving constraints.
• Legislative Reform for Dignity at Work: Ensure strong implementation of POSH Act and equal pay laws to create safe, respectful workplaces.
• Norms Transformation Campaigns: Launch nationwide efforts to normalize shared caregiving roles and women’s right to work.
• Urban Infrastructure for Inclusion: Invest in safe transport, women-only toilets, and creche-linked workplaces to make cities gender-inclusive.
Conclusion:
India’s low FLFPR is not merely a data problem—it reflects a deeper gendered social contract. As we progress towards a $5 trillion economy, ensuring equitable economic participation of women—both rural and urban—is no longer a social ideal but an economic imperative. Neither rural resilience nor urban infrastructure alone is enough. A combined structural overhaul and social shift is the need of the hour.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 22 July 2025 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)
India and Abstention at the UN
Context: A data analysis reveals that India’s annual share of abstentions in UN votes has reached 44% in 2025, the highest ever, while ‘yes’ votes have dropped to 56%—reflecting India’s shifting multilateral strategy.
About India and Abstention at the UN:
What is Abstention at the UN?
• Abstention is a diplomatic decision neither to support nor oppose a UN resolution.
• It allows a country to avoid taking sides on controversial issues while preserving engagement.
Trends in India’s UN Voting:
• Post-Independence Volatility (1946–1969): ‘Yes’ votes ranged from 20% to 100%, abstentions 0% to 40%.
• Stabilisation Phase (1970–1994): ‘Yes’ votes between 74%–96%; abstentions 8%–19%.
• Stable Multilateralism (1995–2019): ‘Yes’ votes between 75%–83%; abstentions 10%–17%.
• Current Shift (2020–2025): ‘Yes’ votes dropped to 56% in 2025. Abstentions rose to 44%, the highest ever in India’s UN history.
• ‘Yes’ votes dropped to 56% in 2025.
• Abstentions rose to 44%, the highest ever in India’s UN history.
Implications of Rising Abstentions:
• Reflects a Polarised Global Order: India avoids aligning with major power blocs in contested issues.
• Assertion of Strategic Autonomy: Abstentions serve as a diplomatic buffer zone.
• Handling Complex Resolutions: Modern resolutions often include multi-topic clauses, making it hard to vote purely ‘yes’ or ‘no’.
• India as a Middle Power: Abstention enables nuanced positioning in global debates, especially when India disagrees partially.
Relevance in UPSC Syllabus:
• GS Paper 2 – International Relations:
• Bilateral, regional, and global groupings and agreements involving India. India’s role in international organizations (e.g., UN, G77, NAM, BRICS). Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests.
• Bilateral, regional, and global groupings and agreements involving India.
• India’s role in international organizations (e.g., UN, G77, NAM, BRICS).
• Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests.
• Essay & Ethics (GS Paper 4):
• Use of neutrality and non-alignment as ethical diplomacy tools. Balance between strategic interests and global responsibility.
• Use of neutrality and non-alignment as ethical diplomacy tools.
• Balance between strategic interests and global responsibility.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 22 July 2025 Facts for Prelims (FFP):
Stablecoins
Source: TN
Context: US President Donald Trump signed the GENIUS Act, marking America’s first federal framework for stablecoins pegged to the US dollar, reigniting global interest in regulated digital currencies.
About Stablecoins:
What Are Stablecoins?
Stablecoins are blockchain-based digital currencies designed to maintain a stable value by pegging themselves to a reference asset, typically a fiat currency like the US dollar.
Developed By:
• Private issuers such as Tether (USDT), Circle (USDC), and MakerDAO (DAI).
• Supervised and audited under specific jurisdictional laws; now federally regulated in the US via the GENIUS Act.
Objectives of Stablecoins:
• Provide price stability unlike volatile cryptocurrencies.
• Enable efficient digital payments, especially for cross-border and decentralised transactions.
• Serve as liquidity anchors in the crypto ecosystem.
Key Features:
• Pegged Value: Usually anchored to fiat (USD), commodity (gold), or crypto reserves.
• Reserve Mechanism: Fiat-collateralised (e.g. USDC) Crypto-collateralised (e.g. DAI) Algorithmic (e.g. TerraUSD – now defunct) Commodity-backed (e.g. PAX Gold)
• Fiat-collateralised (e.g. USDC)
• Crypto-collateralised (e.g. DAI)
• Algorithmic (e.g. TerraUSD – now defunct)
• Commodity-backed (e.g. PAX Gold)
• Blockchain-Enabled: Allow real-time, borderless, programmable payments.
• Regulatory Disclosure: Under the GENIUS Act, issuers must maintain 100% reserve, ensure monthly audits, and prioritise consumer protection.
• Smart Contract Compatibility: Used extensively in DeFi protocols for lending, liquidity, and trading.
Significance:
• Financial Inclusion: Offers payment tools in countries with weak banking infrastructure.
• Reduced Transaction Costs: Enables faster, cheaper cross-border transfers.
• Hedge Against Volatility: Investors use them as a digital safe-haven during crypto downturns.
Stablecoins vs CBDCs:
Feature | Stablecoins | CBDCs
Issuer | Private entities (e.g. Tether, Circle) | Central banks (e.g. RBI, US Fed)
Backing | Pegged to fiat, crypto, or commodities via reserves or algorithms | Directly backed by sovereign currency
Legal Status | Varies across countries; recently recognized in US under GENIUS Act | Full legal tender status
Risk | Prone to counterparty risk, reserve mismanagement | Low risk, since issued by central bank
Use Case | Mostly in crypto ecosystem, DeFi, cross-border payments | Intended for mainstream retail and wholesale use
Control & Transparency | Depends on issuer’s governance and audits | Fully regulated, monitored, and programmable by state
Vice President of India Resigns Mid-Term
Source: LM
Context: Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned, citing health reasons, invoking Article 67(a) of the Constitution. He submitted his resignation to President Droupadi Murmu, ending his term prematurely.
About Vice President of India Resigns Mid-Term:
• What is the Resignation of Vice President?
• The Vice President can voluntarily resign by submitting a written letter to the President, as per Article 67(a). Dhankhar, aged 74, stepped down before completing his 5-year term (2022–2027), stating the need to prioritise health.
• The Vice President can voluntarily resign by submitting a written letter to the President, as per Article 67(a).
• Dhankhar, aged 74, stepped down before completing his 5-year term (2022–2027), stating the need to prioritise health.
• Constitutional Basis for Resignation:
• Article 67(a): Allows the Vice President to resign by writing under his hand to the President. No minimum time is prescribed; resignation becomes effective immediately upon acceptance.
• Allows the Vice President to resign by writing under his hand to the President.
• No minimum time is prescribed; resignation becomes effective immediately upon acceptance.
• Related Provisions: Article 63: Mandates the office of Vice President. Article 64: Vice President serves as ex-officio Chairman of Rajya Sabha. Article 65: Acts as President during a casual vacancy or absence. Article 68: Deals with vacancies and the need for timely elections if the office falls vacant.
• Article 63: Mandates the office of Vice President.
• Article 64: Vice President serves as ex-officio Chairman of Rajya Sabha.
• Article 65: Acts as President during a casual vacancy or absence.
• Article 68: Deals with vacancies and the need for timely elections if the office falls vacant.
• Historical Instances of Mid-Term Resignation:
• V.V. Giri (1969): Resigned to contest the Presidential election. Bhairon Singh Shekhawat (2007): Resigned after losing the Presidential race. Jagdeep Dhankhar (2025): Resigned for health reasons after chairing the Monsoon Session.
• V.V. Giri (1969): Resigned to contest the Presidential election.
• Bhairon Singh Shekhawat (2007): Resigned after losing the Presidential race.
• Jagdeep Dhankhar (2025): Resigned for health reasons after chairing the Monsoon Session.
• Process of Resignation and Vacancy:
• Mode of Resignation: Must be addressed in writing to the President of India. Becomes valid once submitted; no formal acceptance process needed. Filling the Vacancy: Constitutionally, no timeline is fixed for Vice President elections (unlike the six-month rule for President). The Election Commission conducts the election by proportional representation among MPs.
• Mode of Resignation: Must be addressed in writing to the President of India. Becomes valid once submitted; no formal acceptance process needed.
• Must be addressed in writing to the President of India.
• Becomes valid once submitted; no formal acceptance process needed.
• Filling the Vacancy: Constitutionally, no timeline is fixed for Vice President elections (unlike the six-month rule for President). The Election Commission conducts the election by proportional representation among MPs.
• Constitutionally, no timeline is fixed for Vice President elections (unlike the six-month rule for President).
• The Election Commission conducts the election by proportional representation among MPs.
• Term & Re-election Eligibility:
• Tenure is five years, but the Vice President may: Resign at any time. Continue until successor assumes office. Be re-elected for unlimited terms.
• Tenure is five years, but the Vice President may: Resign at any time. Continue until successor assumes office. Be re-elected for unlimited terms.
• Resign at any time.
• Continue until successor assumes office.
• Be re-elected for unlimited terms.
NISAR satellite
Source: TH
Context: The NISAR satellite, jointly developed by NASA and ISRO, is scheduled to be launched on July 30, 2025 from Sriharikota using GSLV-F16, marking a milestone in Earth observation and space diplomacy.
About NISAR satellite:
• What is NISAR?
• NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar) is the first dual-frequency Earth observation satellite using L-band and S-band synthetic aperture radar (SAR). It will capture high-resolution data across all weather conditions and during both day and night.
• NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar) is the first dual-frequency Earth observation satellite using L-band and S-band synthetic aperture radar (SAR).
• It will capture high-resolution data across all weather conditions and during both day and night.
• Organisations Involved:
• NASA (Jet Propulsion Laboratory): Provides L-band radar, communication systems, GPS, and data subsystem. ISRO: Contributes the S-band radar, satellite bus, launch vehicle (GSLV-F16), and launch services.
• NASA (Jet Propulsion Laboratory): Provides L-band radar, communication systems, GPS, and data subsystem.
• ISRO: Contributes the S-band radar, satellite bus, launch vehicle (GSLV-F16), and launch services.
• Objectives of NISAR:
• Monitor land surface deformation, glacier movement, and ecosystem dynamics. Study cryosphere changes, soil moisture, coastal and agricultural processes. Provide data for disaster response, resource mapping, and climate change impact assessment.
• Monitor land surface deformation, glacier movement, and ecosystem dynamics.
• Study cryosphere changes, soil moisture, coastal and agricultural processes.
• Provide data for disaster response, resource mapping, and climate change impact assessment.
• Key Features:
• Dual-Frequency SAR: First satellite to use both L-band (NASA) and S-band (ISRO) radar frequencies. Unfurlable Antenna: Equipped with a 12-meter mesh reflector antenna for high-precision imaging. SweepSAR Technology: Captures a swath of 242 km with 12-day revisit cycles. High Spatial Resolution: Detects surface changes less than 1 cm, crucial for fault line and landslide mapping. Global Coverage: Enables day-and-night, all-weather scanning of Earth’s surface.
• Dual-Frequency SAR: First satellite to use both L-band (NASA) and S-band (ISRO) radar frequencies.
• Unfurlable Antenna: Equipped with a 12-meter mesh reflector antenna for high-precision imaging.
• SweepSAR Technology: Captures a swath of 242 km with 12-day revisit cycles.
• High Spatial Resolution: Detects surface changes less than 1 cm, crucial for fault line and landslide mapping.
• Global Coverage: Enables day-and-night, all-weather scanning of Earth’s surface.
• India’s Contribution:
• ISRO is responsible for: S-band radar system Modified I3K satellite bus Launch through GSLV-F16 Ground segment operations
• ISRO is responsible for: S-band radar system Modified I3K satellite bus Launch through GSLV-F16 Ground segment operations
• S-band radar system
• Modified I3K satellite bus
• Launch through GSLV-F16
• Ground segment operations
• Significance of NISAR:
• First of its kind Earth-observing mission with dual radar frequencies. Strengthens Indo-US space cooperation since the 2014 MoU. Supports Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) via environmental monitoring.
• First of its kind Earth-observing mission with dual radar frequencies.
• Strengthens Indo-US space cooperation since the 2014 MoU.
• Supports Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) via environmental monitoring.
Hatti tribe
Source: NDTV
Context: A woman in Himachal Pradesh’s Sirmaur district married two brothers from the Hatti tribe, reviving public and legal debate over the tribe’s age-old polyandry custom known as Jodidara or Jajda.
About Hatti tribe:
• Who Are the Hattis?
• The Hattis are a Scheduled Tribe (ST) recognized in Himachal Pradesh and found in Trans-Giri region and Jaunsar Bawar in Uttarakhand. They derive their name from their historical role as vendors in haats (rural markets) where they sold local produce, wool, and meat.
• The Hattis are a Scheduled Tribe (ST) recognized in Himachal Pradesh and found in Trans-Giri region and Jaunsar Bawar in Uttarakhand.
• They derive their name from their historical role as vendors in haats (rural markets) where they sold local produce, wool, and meat.
• What is Polyandry? Polyandry is a form of marriage where one woman marries multiple men. It is of two main types:
• Polyandry is a form of marriage where one woman marries multiple men. It is of two main types:
• Fraternal (Adelphic): All husbands are brothers. Non-Fraternal: Husbands are unrelated, and share the woman by rotation.
• Fraternal (Adelphic): All husbands are brothers. Non-Fraternal: Husbands are unrelated, and share the woman by rotation.
• Fraternal (Adelphic): All husbands are brothers.
• Non-Fraternal: Husbands are unrelated, and share the woman by rotation.
• Habitat and Geography:
• Inhabit hilly regions between the Giri and Tons rivers, both tributaries of the Yamuna River. Spread across Sirmaur district (HP) and Dehradun district (Uttarakhand). Historically linked to the Sirmaur princely estate and British colonial expansion post-1814.
• Inhabit hilly regions between the Giri and Tons rivers, both tributaries of the Yamuna River.
• Spread across Sirmaur district (HP) and Dehradun district (Uttarakhand).
• Historically linked to the Sirmaur princely estate and British colonial expansion post-1814.
• Cultural and Social Features:
• Traditional Attire: Hatti men wear white headgear on ceremonial occasions. Community Governance: Governed by a traditional council called Khumbli, which arbitrates customs and disputes. Marriage Customs: Known for polyandrous practices, community celebrations, and strong kinship systems. Inter-clan marriages are frequent between Hattis in HP and Uttarakhand.
• Traditional Attire: Hatti men wear white headgear on ceremonial occasions.
• Community Governance: Governed by a traditional council called Khumbli, which arbitrates customs and disputes.
• Marriage Customs: Known for polyandrous practices, community celebrations, and strong kinship systems.
• Inter-clan marriages are frequent between Hattis in HP and Uttarakhand.
• Polyandry in Hatti Tribe: Customary Practice:
• Customary Practice:
• Locally called Jodidara or Jajda, where two or more brothers marry a single woman. Ritual includes “Seenj” ceremony at the groom’s house.
• Locally called Jodidara or Jajda, where two or more brothers marry a single woman.
• Ritual includes “Seenj” ceremony at the groom’s house.
• Reasons for Polyandry:
• Preservation of Land: Prevents division of agricultural holdings. Family Security: Ensures manpower for farming and safety in isolated regions. Economic Efficiency: Supports collective care of livestock and scattered fields. Promotes Brotherhood: Strengthens joint family bonds, even among half-siblings.
• Preservation of Land: Prevents division of agricultural holdings.
• Family Security: Ensures manpower for farming and safety in isolated regions.
• Economic Efficiency: Supports collective care of livestock and scattered fields.
• Promotes Brotherhood: Strengthens joint family bonds, even among half-siblings.
• Polyandry and Indian Law:
• General Legal Framework:
• Polyandry is not legally valid under: Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 Special Marriage Act Section 82 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS): Bigamy is punishable.
• Polyandry is not legally valid under: Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 Special Marriage Act Section 82 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS): Bigamy is punishable.
• Hindu Marriage Act, 1955
• Special Marriage Act
• Section 82 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS): Bigamy is punishable.
• Exception for Scheduled Tribes:
• Hindu Marriage Act excludes Scheduled Tribes unless notified by the Central Government. Customary practices, if ancient, reasonable, and not against public policy, may be legally valid. Section 13 of Indian Evidence Act allows proof of customs in civil matters.
• Hindu Marriage Act excludes Scheduled Tribes unless notified by the Central Government.
• Customary practices, if ancient, reasonable, and not against public policy, may be legally valid.
• Section 13 of Indian Evidence Act allows proof of customs in civil matters.
SASCI scheme
Source: DD News
Context: The Ministry of Tourism has released the operational guidelines for the SASCI scheme, aimed at developing iconic tourist sites into globally benchmarked destinations by 2026.
About SASCI scheme:
• What is SASCI? SASCI stands for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment – Development of Iconic Tourist Centres to Global Scale. It is a centrally funded initiative to upgrade select tourist destinations through capital investment and innovation.
• SASCI stands for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment – Development of Iconic Tourist Centres to Global Scale.
• It is a centrally funded initiative to upgrade select tourist destinations through capital investment and innovation.
• Ministry Involved: Implemented by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India.
• Objective of SASCI: To transform iconic Indian tourism destinations into world-class attractions. To enhance the end-to-end tourist experience, boost global competitiveness, and attract investments.
• To transform iconic Indian tourism destinations into world-class attractions.
• To enhance the end-to-end tourist experience, boost global competitiveness, and attract investments.
• Key Features of the Scheme: Comprehensive Development: Focuses on physical infrastructure, tourism services, and immersive experiences. State-Led Execution: Projects are proposed and managed by State Governments; Centre offers financial assistance. Two-Year Completion Window: Each project must be implemented within 24 months of approval. Tourism Value Chain Strengthening: Includes planning for connectivity, ecological sustainability, carrying capacity, branding, and site operations. Digital Promotion: Sites will be promoted through India’s global and domestic campaigns, including social media and events
• Comprehensive Development: Focuses on physical infrastructure, tourism services, and immersive experiences.
• State-Led Execution: Projects are proposed and managed by State Governments; Centre offers financial assistance.
• Two-Year Completion Window: Each project must be implemented within 24 months of approval.
• Tourism Value Chain Strengthening: Includes planning for connectivity, ecological sustainability, carrying capacity, branding, and site operations.
• Includes planning for connectivity, ecological sustainability, carrying capacity, branding, and site operations.
• Digital Promotion: Sites will be promoted through India’s global and domestic campaigns, including social media and events
• Significance of SASCI Scheme: Boosts tourism-driven economy and local employment generation. Enhances India’s global image as a culturally rich and infrastructure-ready destination. Encourages cooperative federalism by empowering States to innovate and execute.
• Boosts tourism-driven economy and local employment generation.
• Enhances India’s global image as a culturally rich and infrastructure-ready destination.
• Encourages cooperative federalism by empowering States to innovate and execute.
Meri Panchayat app
Source: PIB
Context: The “Meri Panchayat” app has been awarded the WSIS Prizes 2025 Champion Award in the category of Cultural and Linguistic Diversity at the WSIS+20 High-Level Event in Geneva, recognizing India’s innovation in grassroots digital governance.
About Meri Panchayat app:
• What is It?
• “Meri Panchayat” is a mobile-based m-Governance platform designed to empower rural citizens and Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) by making Panchayat-level data accessible, interactive, and transparent.
• “Meri Panchayat” is a mobile-based m-Governance platform designed to empower rural citizens and Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) by making Panchayat-level data accessible, interactive, and transparent.
• Developed By: Jointly developed by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj and the National Informatics Centre (NIC) under the Ministry of Electronics and IT.
• Objectives:
• Promote digital inclusion in rural areas. Enhance transparency and accountability in Gram Panchayat operations. Strengthen participatory democracy and citizen engagement. Bridge the knowledge and information divide at the grassroots.
• Promote digital inclusion in rural areas.
• Enhance transparency and accountability in Gram Panchayat operations.
• Strengthen participatory democracy and citizen engagement.
• Bridge the knowledge and information divide at the grassroots.
• Key Features
• Real-time Information: Access Panchayat-level budgets, payments, and development plans. Civic Engagement: View Gram Sabha agendas, decisions, and GPDPs (Gram Panchayat Development Plans). Citizens can propose new projects, rate completed works, and submit feedback. Geo-Features: Geo-tagging and geo-fencing for projects and grievance redressal. Multilingual Interface: Available in 12+ Indian languages to ensure inclusivity. Weather & Infrastructure Data: Panchayat-wise weather forecasting, civic assets, and service details. Social Audit Tools: Transparency in fund utilization and performance tracking.
• Real-time Information: Access Panchayat-level budgets, payments, and development plans.
• Civic Engagement: View Gram Sabha agendas, decisions, and GPDPs (Gram Panchayat Development Plans). Citizens can propose new projects, rate completed works, and submit feedback.
• View Gram Sabha agendas, decisions, and GPDPs (Gram Panchayat Development Plans).
• Citizens can propose new projects, rate completed works, and submit feedback.
• Geo-Features: Geo-tagging and geo-fencing for projects and grievance redressal.
• Geo-tagging and geo-fencing for projects and grievance redressal.
• Multilingual Interface: Available in 12+ Indian languages to ensure inclusivity.
• Weather & Infrastructure Data: Panchayat-wise weather forecasting, civic assets, and service details.
• Social Audit Tools: Transparency in fund utilization and performance tracking.
• Award Recognition:
• Honoured with the WSIS Champion Award 2025 in the “Cultural Diversity and Local Content” category. Awarded at the WSIS+20 High-Level Event hosted by ITU, UNESCO, UNDP, and UNCTAD. Recognized globally as a model of citizen-centric, digital rural governance.
• Honoured with the WSIS Champion Award 2025 in the “Cultural Diversity and Local Content” category.
• Awarded at the WSIS+20 High-Level Event hosted by ITU, UNESCO, UNDP, and UNCTAD.
• Recognized globally as a model of citizen-centric, digital rural governance.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 22 July 2025 Mapping:
Bitra Island
Source: HT
Context: The Lakshadweep administration issued a notification to acquire Bitra Island for defence purposes, triggering strong opposition from locals and political leaders citing constitutional and livelihood concerns.
About Bitra Island:
• What is Bitra Island?
• Bitra is the smallest inhabited island in the Lakshadweep archipelago. It spans just 0.105 sq. km in land area, with a lagoon area of 45.61 sq. km. It is known for its ecological significance and the shrine of Malik Mulla, a revered Arab saint.
• Bitra is the smallest inhabited island in the Lakshadweep archipelago.
• It spans just 0.105 sq. km in land area, with a lagoon area of 45.61 sq. km.
• It is known for its ecological significance and the shrine of Malik Mulla, a revered Arab saint.
• Location and Administrative Control:
• Lies at 11°36′N and 72°11′E, about 483 km west of Kochi. Falls under the Union Territory of Lakshadweep, administered by the Lakshadweep Administration.
• Lies at 11°36′N and 72°11′E, about 483 km west of Kochi.
• Falls under the Union Territory of Lakshadweep, administered by the Lakshadweep Administration.
• Geographical and Climatic Features
• Features a coral reef-protected lagoon, maintaining calm waters even during monsoon. Climate is tropical and humid, resembling Kerala’s climate, with average rainfall of 1600 mm annually. Population as per 2011 Census: 271 residents, including 105 families.
• Features a coral reef-protected lagoon, maintaining calm waters even during monsoon.
• Climate is tropical and humid, resembling Kerala’s climate, with average rainfall of 1600 mm annually.
• Population as per 2011 Census: 271 residents, including 105 families.
• Strategic and Defence Importance:
• Geostrategic Location: Bitra lies along key international shipping lanes in the Arabian Sea. Offers proximity to the Strait of Hormuz and Malacca route, vital for maritime surveillance. Defence Proposal: Proposed for acquisition to build a defence outpost, enhancing India’s maritime domain awareness. Would join INS Dweeprakshak (Kavaratti) and INS Jatayu (Minicoy) as part of India’s naval presence. National Security Argument: Cited for strategic positioning and logistical challenges in retaining civilian habitation on a defence-sensitive island.
• Geostrategic Location: Bitra lies along key international shipping lanes in the Arabian Sea. Offers proximity to the Strait of Hormuz and Malacca route, vital for maritime surveillance.
• Bitra lies along key international shipping lanes in the Arabian Sea.
• Offers proximity to the Strait of Hormuz and Malacca route, vital for maritime surveillance.
• Defence Proposal: Proposed for acquisition to build a defence outpost, enhancing India’s maritime domain awareness. Would join INS Dweeprakshak (Kavaratti) and INS Jatayu (Minicoy) as part of India’s naval presence.
• Proposed for acquisition to build a defence outpost, enhancing India’s maritime domain awareness.
• Would join INS Dweeprakshak (Kavaratti) and INS Jatayu (Minicoy) as part of India’s naval presence.
• National Security Argument: Cited for strategic positioning and logistical challenges in retaining civilian habitation on a defence-sensitive island.
• Controversy and Protests:
• Local Opposition: Locals launched a “Save Bitra Island” campaign, including public protests and social media mobilisation. Legal Framework: Acquisition to proceed under the Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013. A Social Impact Assessment (SIA) has been ordered and survey to be completed within two months.
• Local Opposition: Locals launched a “Save Bitra Island” campaign, including public protests and social media mobilisation.
• Legal Framework: Acquisition to proceed under the Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013. A Social Impact Assessment (SIA) has been ordered and survey to be completed within two months.
• Acquisition to proceed under the Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013.
• A Social Impact Assessment (SIA) has been ordered and survey to be completed within two months.
• Significance:
• Raises tension between national security and indigenous rights. Highlights challenges in securing strategic islands without undermining local identity, culture, and consent. Marks the third such defence expansion in Lakshadweep, reflecting India’s growing naval assertiveness in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
• Raises tension between national security and indigenous rights.
• Highlights challenges in securing strategic islands without undermining local identity, culture, and consent.
• Marks the third such defence expansion in Lakshadweep, reflecting India’s growing naval assertiveness in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
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