23rd July 2025 – Current Affairs

1. Right to Vote: Understanding Its Legal Status and Constitutional Evolution in India – Polity

Why in News?

The Supreme Court of India is currently examining petitions related to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar, bringing to the forefront critical legal debates about the nature and status of the right to vote in the Indian legal system.

Understanding the Right to Vote in India

1. Classification of Rights in Indian Law

2. What Does Article 326 Say?

• Article 326 provides for universal adult suffrage, enabling all Indian citizens above 18 years of age to vote in elections to the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies, subject to qualifications laid down by law.
• This article operationalizes the right to vote through representation laws, making it contingent on statutory regulations (e.g., Representation of the People Act, 1951).

3. Statutory or Constitutional? – Legal Debates & Judicial Views

• The right to vote is often interpreted as a statutory right because it is governed by laws like the Representation of the People Act (RPA), 1951.
• However, since it derives legitimacy from Article 326, some scholars and courts argue it also carries constitutional weight.
• Judicial Pronouncements:
  • In PUCL vs. Union of India (2003): The SC held that while the right to vote is statutory, the freedom of voting (i.e., right to choose NOT to vote) is a facet of freedom of expression under Article 19(1)(a).
  • This blurred line gives voting a quasi-constitutional status in practice.

4. Current Issue – Electoral Roll Revision in Bihar

• The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls has been challenged in the Supreme Court, with petitioners alleging arbitrary removal of voters.
• This raises fundamental concerns:
  • Who ensures voter protection and inclusion?
  • Can an individual’s right to vote be curtailed without strong legal grounds?
  • Does the current statutory status provide adequate safeguards?

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims

1. Which of the following correctly describes the nature of the Right to Vote in India?
   A. It is a Fundamental Right
   B. It is a Statutory Right only
   C. It is purely a Natural Right
   D. It is a Constitutional and Statutory Right
   Answer: D. It is a Constitutional and Statutory Right
   
   
2. Which article of the Indian Constitution provides for Universal Adult Franchise?
   A. Article 14
   B. Article 324
   C. Article 326
   D. Article 325
   Answer: C. Article 326
   
   
3. Under which Article can the High Court enforce Constitutional Rights that are not Fundamental Rights?
   A. Article 32
   B. Article 226
   C. Article 245
   D. Article 324
   Answer: B. Article 226

Mains

1. “Though the right to vote is not a fundamental right, it forms the backbone of a democratic polity.” Discuss the legal status of the right to vote in India and its implications for democratic governance.
2. The classification of rights in the Indian legal system impacts their enforceability. Explain with examples how Fundamental, Constitutional, and Statutory rights differ in scope and enforcement.
3. Discuss the constitutional and statutory safeguards to ensure the integrity of the electoral process in India. Highlight recent challenges.
   

2. National Sports Policy 2025: A Paradigm Shift Towards Science, Support, and Sustained Excellence – Governance

Why in News?

The National Sports Policy 2025 has been unveiled, marking a significant shift in India’s approach to athlete development. It emphasizes sports science, medical support, and technology integration—aimed at building sustained, systematic excellence at the global level.

Key Features and Objectives of the Policy

1. Scientific and Technological Integration in Sports

• Sports Science & Medicine now form the core of athlete training and care:
  • Injury surveillance and early intervention to prevent long-term damage.
  • Biomechanics & performance analytics to refine techniques and optimize training.
  • Nutrition and recovery science for small but significant performance gains.
  • Mental health and cognitive conditioning to handle competitive stress.

2. Infrastructure & Institutional Strengthening

• Upgradation of:
  • SAI regional centres and National Centres of Excellence (NCoEs).
  • Indira Gandhi Stadium (Delhi) with a new “Return to Sports” division.
  • Bengaluru Centre under TOPS (Target Olympic Podium Scheme) now functions as a major sports science hub.

3. Medical & Support Teams

• For the first time, a dedicated 10-member Indian medical team is being sent to the Paris Olympics, ensuring full-time, personalized care to elite athletes.

4. Technology as a Backbone

• AI-driven platforms and real-time dashboards to:
  • Track athlete health, performance, and recovery.
  • Use predictive analytics for injury risk assessment.
  • Improve governance transparency and training efficiency.

5. Innovation and Research Ecosystem

• Formation of a Sports Innovation Task Force.
• Provision of research grants to create India-specific technologies for athlete development.
• Fosters interdisciplinary collaboration between sports, science, engineering, and medicine.

Significance of the National Sports Policy 2025

Relevance to Himachal Pradesh

• Himachal’s altitude and terrain offer natural training advantages for endurance and winter sports.
• The policy may enable infrastructure investment in the state for specialized training centers in skiing, mountaineering, or athletics.
• Opportunities for HP athletes to access national platforms like TOPS with enhanced scientific support.

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims

1. Which of the following is a key feature of the National Sports Policy 2025?
   A. Elimination of private funding in sports
   B. Focus on traditional games only
   C. Integration of sports science and predictive analytics
   D. Increase in import of foreign athletes for training
   Answer: C. Integration of sports science and predictive analytics
   
   
2. What is the purpose of the “Return to Sports” division established at Indira Gandhi Stadium?
   A. Reintroduce retired athletes into the field
   B. Provide post-injury rehabilitation and recovery support
   C. Conduct traditional sports festivals
   D. Train athletes in sports journalism
   Answer: B. Provide post-injury rehabilitation and recovery support
   
   
3. Which of the following schemes is associated with India’s Olympic-level athlete preparation?
   A. Khelo India Scheme
   B. Fit India Movement
   C. Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS)
   D. Mission Shakti
   Answer: C. Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS)

Mains

1. The National Sports Policy 2025 marks a paradigm shift in India’s sports governance. Critically analyze how the integration of science, technology, and institutional support can help India achieve sporting excellence.
2. “From passion to precision: India’s new approach to sports development.” Discuss the strategic changes introduced under the National Sports Policy 2025 and their implications for policy innovation and athlete welfare.
3. How can hilly and rural states like Himachal Pradesh benefit from the National Sports Policy 2025? Suggest measures to improve sports infrastructure and athlete identification in such regions.
   

3. Bima Sakhi Yojana: Empowering Rural Women through Financial Literacy and LIC Engagement – Economy

Why in News?

The Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Department of Rural Development under the Ministry of Rural Development to expand the Bima Sakhi Yojana, aiming to empower rural women through financial literacy and employment as trained LIC agents.

Key Features of the Bima Sakhi Yojana

1. Objective of the Scheme

• Promote financial inclusion and literacy among rural women.
• Provide income-generation opportunities via structured LIC training and commission-based work.
• Empower women by making them financially independent and self-reliant.

2. Eligibility Criteria

3. Training and Financial Support

• Commission Structure: Approx. ₹48,000 in the first year (excluding bonuses).
• Participants are trained in:
  • LIC product knowledge
  • Customer interaction and servicing
  • Insurance awareness
  • Rural outreach techniques

4. Implementation Target

• LIC plans to appoint 2 lakh Bima Sakhis across India within three years.

Significance of the Scheme

Relevance to Himachal Pradesh

• Many regions in Himachal have low insurance penetration and limited female economic participation.
• Women Self Help Groups (SHGs) and Mahila Mandals can be leveraged to promote Bima Sakhi roles.
• Integration with other rural livelihood missions (e.g., NRLM) can enhance local impact.

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims

1. Which of the following organizations is responsible for implementing the Bima Sakhi Yojana?
   A. NITI Aayog
   B. SEBI
   C. LIC of India
   D. NABARD
   Answer: C. LIC of India
   
   
2. Under the Bima Sakhi Yojana, what is the minimum educational qualification required?
   A. Class V
   B. Class VIII
   C. Class X
   D. Graduation
   Answer: C. Class X
   
   
3. Which of the following categories is NOT eligible to apply under the Bima Sakhi Yojana?
   A. Rural women aged 30 with Class X qualification
   B. Daughter of a current LIC agent
   C. Retired LIC employees
   D. Both b and c
   Answer: D. Both b and c

Mains

1. Discuss the role of the Bima Sakhi Yojana in promoting financial inclusion and women empowerment in rural India. What are its challenges and opportunities?
2. “Insurance agents are not just service providers but also financial educators.” In the light of Bima Sakhi Yojana, examine how grassroots participation can enhance insurance literacy in India.
3. Suggest ways in which states like Himachal Pradesh can integrate schemes like Bima Sakhi with local self-help groups and rural livelihood missions to maximize social impact.
   

4. Hatti Tribe and Polyandry Tradition: Cultural Resilience in a Modern Context – Indian Society

Why in News?

Recently, two brothers from the Hatti tribe in Himachal Pradesh married the same woman in accordance with their traditional polyandry custom, bringing national attention to the unique social practices of the Hatti community and its broader cultural relevance.

Key Features of the Hatti Tribe and Their Cultural Practices

1. Who are the Hatti?

• The Hatti tribe derives its name from “haats” (local markets) where they traditionally sold agricultural and livestock produce.
• They are a close-knit, agrarian community with a strong cultural identity.
• Known for preserving distinctive customs, including polyandry, communal landholding, and caste-based council governance.

2. Geographical Location

• These regions are located in the basin of the Giri and Tons Rivers—areas with limited arable land and challenging terrain.

3. Polyandry Tradition

• Polyandry refers to a form of marriage where one woman has multiple husbands (usually brothers).
• Practiced for economic and social reasons:
  • Prevents division of agricultural land among siblings.
  • Ensures joint family cohesion in agrarian households.
• Still observed in isolated pockets, though declining under modern influences and legal ambiguity.

4. Economic and Social Profile

• Primarily agrarian: Cultivate cereals, vegetables, and fruits suitable for hill agriculture.
• Social organization follows clan and caste systems, governed by community panchayats.
• Increasing youth migration and education are causing shifts in traditional practices.

5. Scheduled Tribe (ST) Status

• Jaunsar-Bawar (Uttarakhand) received ST status in 1967.
• After decades of demand, the Hatti community in Himachal Pradesh was granted Scheduled Tribe status in 2023, ensuring:
  • Reservation in education and jobs
  • Access to tribal welfare schemes
  • Greater recognition of cultural and social rights

Significance of the Polyandry Event

Relevance to Himachal Pradesh

• This case highlights the diverse tribal makeup of the state and calls attention to:
  • The need for region-specific development policies for newly recognized tribes.
  • Preservation of tribal heritage in tourism, education, and policy dialogues.
  • Potential to integrate Hatti customs into state-level cultural documentation and academic study.

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims

1. The Hatti tribe recently granted Scheduled Tribe status resides mainly in which district of Himachal Pradesh?
   A. Kangra
   B. Sirmaur
   C. Chamba
   D. Mandi
   Answer: B. Sirmaur
   
   
2. Polyandry, a form of marriage found in some tribal societies, is primarily practiced for which of the following reasons?
   A. Religious rituals
   B. Political alliances
   C. Economic necessity and land preservation
   D. Patriarchal dominance
   Answer: C. Economic necessity and land preservation
   
   
3. The term “Hatti” is derived from which of the following?
   A. Tribal deity worshipped by the community
   B. A local weapon used by the tribe
   C. Traditional markets where they sold goods
   D. Name of their ancestral village
   Answer: C. Traditional markets where they sold goods

Mains

1. “The cultural traditions of tribal communities are shaped by geography, economy, and social structures.” Discuss with reference to the polyandry tradition among the Hatti tribe.
2. Examine the sociological significance of granting Scheduled Tribe status to the Hatti community. What challenges and opportunities does this recognition bring?
3. How do tribal marriage customs such as polyandry challenge mainstream legal and social norms in India? Evaluate with examples.
   

5. Mangal Pandey: The Spark of the 1857 Revolt and Symbol of Early Indian Resistance – History & Culture

Why in News?

The Prime Minister of India recently paid tribute to Mangal Pandey on his birth anniversary (19 July), commemorating his pivotal role in igniting the First War of Indian Independence (1857 Revolt) and honoring his legacy as a national martyr.

Key Biographical Details

Historical Context – The Revolt of 1857

1. Immediate Trigger

• Introduction of Enfield rifle cartridges greased with cow and pig fat deeply offended Hindu and Muslim religious sentiments.
• Pandey refused to use the cartridge and attacked his British officers, becoming the first active rebel in the mutiny.

2. Broader Causes of the Revolt

Key Events Following Mangal Pandey’s Defiance

• 10 May 1857: Sepoys at Meerut refused to use cartridges and rebelled.
• Rebels marched to Delhi, declared Bahadur Shah Zafar as Emperor, reviving the Mughal legitimacy.
• The revolt spread to Kanpur, Lucknow, Jhansi, Bareilly, Bihar, and more.
• Rani Lakshmibai, Nana Saheb, Tantia Tope, Kunwar Singh, and others joined the struggle.

Suppression and Aftermath

• The rebellion was violently suppressed by British forces by 1859.
• Delhi was recaptured in September 1857.
• East India Company was dissolved in 1858.
• India came under direct British Crown rule, initiating the British Raj.
• British restructured the Indian Army, reducing Indian representation and intensifying racial segregation and control.

Legacy and Cultural Significance

Relevance to Himachal Pradesh

• While the epicenter of the revolt was in North-Central India, it influenced soldiers and hill communities, many of whom served in the British army.
• Himachal’s historical military contribution means students should understand:
  • How such uprisings shaped recruitment policies and British control in hill areas
  • How martyrdom and resistance stories unify India’s diverse cultural memory

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims

1. Mangal Pandey was associated with which regiment of the British Indian Army?
   A. 23rd Madras Infantry
   B. 34th Bengal Native Infantry
   C. 45th Punjab Regiment
   D. 29th Bombay Infantry
   Answer: B. 34th Bengal Native Infantry
   
   
2. The revolt of 1857 began at which of the following locations?
   A. Jhansi
   B. Delhi
   C. Meerut
   D. Kanpur
   Answer: C. Meerut
   
   
3. Which of the following was NOT a cause of the 1857 revolt?
   A. Greased cartridge controversy
   B. Withdrawal of subsidiary alliance
   C. Economic distress of artisans
   D. Doctrine of Lapse
   Answer: B. Withdrawal of subsidiary alliance

Mains

1. “Mangal Pandey’s actions served as a catalyst for India’s First War of Independence.” Discuss the significance of Mangal Pandey’s revolt in the context of the 1857 uprising.
2. Analyze the socio-economic and political causes that led to the Revolt of 1857. How far was it a national movement?
3. To what extent was the 1857 rebellion a result of accumulated grievances rather than a spontaneous revolt? Substantiate with examples.
   

6. Guryul Ravine Fossil Site: Preserving a Portal to Prehistoric Earth – Environment

Why in News?

The Geological Survey of India (GSI) has raised an urgent alarm to the Jammu & Kashmir administration over the deterioration of the Guryul Ravine fossil site in Khonmoh, near Srinagar. The site is under threat from quarrying and construction, endangering one of the most significant geological records of the Permian–Triassic extinction event.

Key Features of the Guryul Ravine Site

1. Location & Ecological Context

2. Scientific Importance

• The site holds fossils dating back 260 million years, making it a vital record of:
  • The Permian–Triassic boundary (~251.9 million years ago)
  • The Permian–Triassic extinction event — also called “The Great Dying”
• One of the few sites globally that:
  • Chronicles the largest mass extinction in Earth’s history (elimination of ~90% of marine species and 70% of terrestrial vertebrates)
  • Preserves the imprint of the world’s earliest recorded tsunami event — visible in its rock strata

3. Current Threats

4. Global and National Relevance

• One of the few sites in Asia offering direct visual evidence of the Permian–Triassic extinction boundary.
• Offers opportunities for:
  • Paleoclimate reconstruction
  • Geological dating
  • Biodiversity loss modeling
• Recognized by global geoscientific communities for research into past climate shifts and extinction patterns.

Significance of the Permian–Triassic Extinction

Relevance to Himachal Pradesh

• Himachal Pradesh, rich in shale and fossil beds (e.g., Spiti Valley), must learn from Guryul’s situation.
• Need for geo-heritage preservation policies to safeguard Spiti’s fossil-rich sites from similar threats.
• Offers opportunity for geo-tourism, academic research, and school curriculum integration.

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims

1. The Guryul Ravine fossil site is important because it contains evidence of which of the following events?
   A. Cretaceous–Tertiary Extinction
   B. First glacial period
   C. Permian–Triassic Extinction
   D. Cambrian Explosion
   Answer: C. Permian–Triassic Extinction
   
   
2. The Guryul Ravine site is located in which Indian Union Territory?
   A. Ladakh
   B. Jammu & Kashmir
   C. Himachal Pradesh
   D. Uttarakhand
   Answer: B. Jammu & Kashmir
   
   
3. Which of the following national parks is located close to the Guryul Ravine site?
   A. Dachigam National Park
   B. Hemis National Park
   C. Great Himalayan National Park
   D. Kaziranga National Park
   Answer: A. Dachigam National Park

Mains

1. What is the scientific significance of the Guryul Ravine fossil site? Discuss the challenges in conserving such geological heritage sites in India.
2. The preservation of geological heritage is as crucial as biodiversity conservation. Critically evaluate with reference to Guryul Ravine and other Indian geo-heritage locations.
3. Explain the causes and consequences of the Permian–Triassic extinction event. What lessons does it offer for modern-day climate and biodiversity policies?