26th June 2025 – Current Affairs

1. The Need for Gender Equity in Urban Bureaucracy – Governance

Why in News?

India’s urban population is projected to exceed 800 million by 2050, placing immense pressure on urban infrastructure and governance. In this context, gender equity in urban administration becomes essential for inclusive, effective, and democratic urban development.

Key Concepts & Issues

1. Urbanization & Democratic Governance

• Rapid urbanization is reshaping participatory democracy and demands equitable and inclusive governance structures.
• The increasing urban population necessitates representation that reflects the diversity of the population, especially women.

2. Political Representation of Women

• Due to the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments, over 46% of local elected representatives are now women.
• These amendments mandated one-third reservation for women in Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), leading to visible improvements in grassroots representation.

3. Underrepresentation in Bureaucracy

• Women constitute only:
  • 20% of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS).
  • 11.7% of police personnel.
• This creates a gender imbalance in decision-making roles, especially in urban planning, policing, and public service delivery.

4. Gender-Responsive Budgeting (GRB)

• Introduced in 2005, GRB integrates gender perspectives into public financial planning.
• Challenges:
  • Often seen as symbolic or tokenistic.
  • Lacks robust monitoring.
  • Narrow focus fails to address wider gendered needs like mobility, safety, sanitation, and employment.

5. Global & National Best Practices

• Rwanda & South Korea: Integrated gender equity in urban governance has led to better health outcomes, women’s safety, and economic participation.
• Kudumbashree (Kerala): A model of women-led participatory planning, promoting livelihoods, community mobilization, and inclusion in city planning.

Why Gender Equity in Urban Governance Matters

• Inclusive Decision-Making: Diverse perspectives lead to more equitable policies.
• Improved Public Services: Cities designed with gender needs in mind are safer and more accessible.
• Better Governance Outcomes: Reduces gender disparities in education, employment, mobility, and healthcare access.

Summary

As India urbanizes rapidly, ensuring gender equity in urban governance is vital for democratic and sustainable development. While there has been progress in political representation due to constitutional mandates, bureaucratic underrepresentation and ineffective gender budgeting continue to hinder equity. Drawing from successful global and domestic models like Kudumbashree, India must embed gender perspectives in all levels of urban governance—from planning to policy execution.

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims

1. What is the primary objective of Gender-Responsive Budgeting (GRB)?
A. Reducing fiscal deficit
B. Integrating gender considerations into financial planning
C. Promoting privatization of services
D. Monitoring corporate social responsibility
Answer: B. Integrating gender considerations into financial planning

2. Which Indian constitutional amendments facilitated increased women’s participation in urban local governance?
A. 61st and 62nd
B. 42nd and 44th
C. 73rd and 74th
D. 52nd and 55th
Answer: C. 73rd and 74th

3. The Kudumbashree programme is a women empowerment initiative implemented in which Indian state?
A. Tamil Nadu
B. Kerala
C. Karnataka
D. Maharashtra
Answer: B. Kerala

Mains

1. Discuss the importance of gender equity in urban governance in the context of India’s growing urban population. How can administrative reforms complement political representation?

2. Critically evaluate the implementation of Gender-Responsive Budgeting in India. Suggest reforms to make GRB more impactful in addressing urban gender disparities.

3. Examine the role of participatory planning models like Kudumbashree in achieving inclusive urban development. Can such models be scaled up nationally?

2. India Ranks 99th in Global SDG Index for 2025 – Governance

Why in News?

India has achieved a historic milestone by ranking 99th out of 167 countries in the 2025 edition of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Index, published by the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (UN-SDSN). This marks India’s first entry into the top 100, reflecting improved performance in achieving the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

Key Concepts & Issues

1. What is the SDG Index?

• Part of the Sustainable Development Report (SDR) published annually by the UN-SDSN.
• Measures countries’ performance on 17 SDGs, adopted in 2015 by the United Nations to be achieved by 2030.
• The index score is a composite of indicators across sectors: health, education, environment, economy, and governance.

2. India’s Performance

• 2025 Rank: 99th, with an improved score of 67.
• 2024 Rank: 109th, indicating a 10-rank improvement.
• Positive indicators:
  • Increased access to electricity.
  • Growth in internet penetration.
  • Reduction in under-five child mortality.

3. India vs. Neighbours (South Asia)

India has outperformed Bangladesh and Pakistan, but still lags behind Maldives, Bhutan, and Nepal.

4. Challenges Identified

• Obesity and Lifestyle Diseases: Rising rates of obesity across age groups.
• Press Freedom: Decline in media independence and journalistic rights.
• Biodiversity Loss: Deforestation, habitat fragmentation, and wildlife decline.
• Stagnating Global Progress: Globally, only 17% of SDG targets are on track to be met by 2030.

Significance for Governance

• India’s ranking highlights improvements in social infrastructure, but also signals areas needing governance reform, particularly in press freedom, environmental regulation, and health systems.
• The SDGs align closely with India’s national development agenda, including schemes like Swachh Bharat Mission, Jal Jeevan Mission, Digital India, Ujjwala Yojana, and more.

Summary

India’s rise to the 99th position in the 2025 SDG Index demonstrates a significant improvement in sustainable development outcomes, particularly in healthcare, electricity access, and digital infrastructure. However, to maintain this upward trajectory, India must address challenges in environmental sustainability, press freedom, and non-communicable diseases. The report acts as a policy mirror, encouraging more evidence-based governance and targeted reforms.

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims

1. The SDG Index is published annually by which of the following organizations?
A. UNDP
B. World Bank
C. UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network
D. World Economic Forum
Answer: C. UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network

2. As per the 2025 SDG Index, what is India’s global ranking?
A.109
B.114
C. 99
D. 85
Answer: C. 99

3. Which of the following countries ranks higher than India in the 2025 SDG Index?
A. Pakistan
B. Bangladesh
C. Nepal
D. All of the above
Answer: C. Nepal

Mains

1. India’s entry into the top 100 of the SDG Index is a notable achievement. Discuss the key contributors to this progress and identify areas that still require policy intervention.

2. Critically examine the role of the SDG Index as a governance tool in India’s developmental planning. How can it be better integrated into local and state-level governance frameworks?

3. Despite improvement in India’s SDG Index ranking, progress on many global goals remains uneven. Highlight the governance challenges India faces in achieving the 2030 SDG targets.

3. Emergency and Its Lessons – June 25, 1975 – Polity

Why in News?

On June 25, 1975, India entered a 21-month period of Emergency rule, one of the most critical episodes in the nation’s democratic journey. This day marks the 50th anniversary of the Emergency declaration, prompting a re-examination of its constitutional, political, and democratic implications.

Key Concepts & Issues

1. Backdrop to the Emergency

• Leadership Crisis: After a strong mandate in 1971, Indira Gandhi faced growing public discontent due to economic stagnation, inflation, and corruption.
• Youth Movements: Protests erupted in Gujarat and Bihar, notably the Navnirman Movement and JP Movement, demanding political reforms and transparency.
• Call for Total Revolution: On June 5, 1974, Jayaprakash Narayan (JP) called for Sampoorna Kranti (Total Revolution), mobilizing mass support against the central government.

2. Triggering Event

• On June 12, 1975, the Allahabad High Court found Indira Gandhi guilty of electoral malpractice, invalidating her 1971 election win.
• Instead of stepping down, she advised President Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed to declare a National Emergency under Article 352 on grounds of “internal disturbance”.

Impact of Emergency (1975–77)

Suspension of Civil Liberties

• Article 19 (Freedom of Speech) suspended.
• Pre-censorship of press enforced; dissent was crushed.
• 112,000+ arrests made under harsh laws like:
  • Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA)
  • Defence of India Rules

Curtailment of Judiciary

• 42nd Constitutional Amendment (1976):
  • Restricted judicial review.
  • Gave primacy to Directive Principles over Fundamental Rights.
  • Centralised power in the Union government.
• Judicial Subversion:
  • Appointment of Justice M.H. Beg over senior Justice H.R. Khanna, who had dissented in the ADM Jabalpur case, signaling judiciary’s compromise.

Undermining of Federalism

• The Centre exercised control over state matters.
• Parliament legislated on state subjects and altered financial allocations.
• Elections postponed and Lok Sabha tenure extended by a year (from 5 to 6 years).

Attack on Free Press

• Major publications were censored or shut down.
• Press freedom under Article 19(1)(a) was nullified.
• Popular slogans like “When democracy is in danger, silence is betrayal” captured the suppression of dissent.

Key Constitutional Amendments During Emergency

Lessons from the Emergency

• Early Warning Signs: Suppression of dissent, manipulation of elections, and misuse of laws must be checked early.
• Institutional Vigilance: Institutions (judiciary, media, civil society) must act as democratic guardians.
• Strengthening the Constitution: Reinforce checks and balances and rule of law to prevent democratic erosion.
• Civil Society Engagement: A vigilant and informed citizenry is the best defense against authoritarianism.

Summary

The Emergency period (1975–77) exposed the fragility of democratic institutions in India. It witnessed curtailment of civil liberties, judicial compromise, and centralization of power, raising critical questions about the durability of Indian democracy. Its legacy is a reminder that democratic values must be actively defended, not just enshrined in the Constitution.

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims

1. Under which Article of the Constitution was the Emergency declared in 1975?
A. Article 356
B. Article 360
C. Article 352
D. Article 361
Answer: C. Article 352

2. The 42nd Constitutional Amendment is often referred to as:
A. The Magna Carta of Indian democracy
B. The Mini-Constitution
C. The Emergency Declaration Act
D. The Fundamental Law
Answer: B. The Mini-Constitution

3. Which of the following rights was most severely curtailed during the Emergency?
A. Right to Education
B. Right to Property
C. Right to Freedom of Religion
D. Right to Freedom of Speech and Expression
Answer: D. Right to Freedom of Speech and Expression

Mains

1. The Emergency period (1975–77) represents a turning point in Indian constitutional history. Discuss its impact on federalism, fundamental rights, and the independence of the judiciary.

2. Critically evaluate the role of constitutional amendments during the Emergency. How did they alter the balance of power between the Union and the States?

3. “Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty.” In light of this, analyze the institutional lessons India should draw from the Emergency experience.

4. Dharti Aaba Jan-bhagidari Abhiyan (DAJA) – Governance

Why in News?

The Ministry of Tribal Affairs has launched the Dharti Aaba Jan-bhagidari Abhiyan (DAJA) — India’s largest tribal empowerment and outreach campaign, which runs from 15 June to 15 July 2025. It seeks to ensure complete saturation of welfare schemes in over 1 lakh tribal villages, impacting more than 5.5 crore tribal citizens.

Key Concepts & Objectives

1. Name Significance

• ‘Dharti Aaba’ refers to Bhagwan Birsa Munda, the legendary tribal freedom fighter and social reformer.
• The campaign is a part of Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh, celebrating tribal heritage and contributions.

2. Main Objective

To achieve 100% saturation of Central Government welfare schemes in tribal areas, including:

• PM Awas Yojana (Gramin)
• PM Ujjwala Yojana
• Jal Jeevan Mission
• Ayushman Bharat
• Digital India outreach, and more.

3. Five Pillars of DAJA

Significance for Governance and Development

• Empowerment through Participation: Tribal communities are not just beneficiaries but active stakeholders in their governance.
• Strengthening Grassroots Democracy: Emphasis on Janbhagidari echoes the principles of democratic decentralization.
• Inclusion and Equity: Prioritizes dignity, representation, and access for historically marginalized tribal groups.
• Convergence Model: Promotes effective service delivery by combining resources and institutional efforts from different departments.

Summary

The Dharti Aaba Jan-bhagidari Abhiyan (DAJA) is a transformative tribal outreach campaign aiming for universal welfare coverage, cultural integration, and inclusive governance in tribal areas. Anchored in Birsa Munda’s legacy, DAJA is not just about service delivery—it is about recognition, dignity, and empowerment of India’s tribal citizens through participatory development and community ownership.

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims

1. The Dharti Aaba Jan-bhagidari Abhiyan is launched by which ministry?
A.Ministry of Rural Development
B. Ministry of Home Affairs
C.Ministry of Tribal Affairs
D. Ministry of Panchayati Raj
Answer: C.Ministry of Tribal Affairs

2. The DAJA campaign commemorates which tribal icon?
A. Tantia Bhil
B. Birsa Munda
C. Sidhu Murmu
D. Komaram Bheem
Answer: B. Birsa Munda

3. Which of the following is not a key pillar of the DAJA campaign?
A. Janbhagidari
B. Privatization
C. Cultural Inclusion
D. Last-Mile Delivery
Answer: B. Privatization

Mains

1. Discuss the significance of the Dharti Aaba Jan-bhagidari Abhiyan in promoting inclusive and participatory governance among India’s tribal populations.

2. Evaluate the role of cultural inclusion and last-mile delivery in the success of welfare campaigns in tribal regions, using DAJA as a case study.

3. How does convergence among ministries and stakeholders enhance the effectiveness of tribal welfare schemes? Illustrate with reference to DAJA.

5. Training of Trainers (ToT) Programme for Panchayats – Polity

Why in News?

The Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR) has launched a nationwide Training of Trainers (ToT) Programme under Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav. The initiative aims to enhance the financial autonomy and governance capacities of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), with a specific focus on strengthening their Own Source Revenue (OSR) mechanisms.

Key Concepts & Objectives

1. What is the ToT Programme?

• A structured training initiative to create a cadre of master trainers at state and district levels.
• These trainers will educate elected Panchayat representatives and functionaries in:
  • Revenue generation
  • Financial management
  • Sustainable governance practices

2. Implemented Under:

• Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA) in collaboration with IIM Ahmedabad.
• Focuses on capacity building, financial literacy, and self-reliant governance for PRIs.

Key Features of the ToT Programme

About Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA)

• Enhance grassroots governance
• Support PRIs in achieving localized SDGs |
  | Scope | Applicable to all States and UTs, including Sixth Schedule and Fifth Schedule areas |

Why is This Important?

• Weak OSR remains a challenge — many Panchayats rely heavily on grants.
• Financial independence is key to local planning, service delivery, and accountability.
• Capacity building ensures PRIs are technically competent and development-oriented.
• Aligns PRIs with India’s push towards localizing SDGs (poverty reduction, sanitation, water access, etc.).

Summary

The Training of Trainers (ToT) Programme initiated under the RGSA represents a critical push toward empowering Panchayats through skill development and financial autonomy. By focusing on Own Source Revenue generation and governance training, the programme aims to create robust, sustainable, and development-focused local self-governments. It marks a significant step in realizing true grassroots democracy.

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims

1. The Training of Trainers (ToT) Programme is associated with which of the following missions?
A. National Rural Health Mission
B. Swachh Bharat Mission
C. Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan
D. National Skill Development Mission
Answer: C. Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan

2. Which institution is a knowledge partner in the ToT initiative for Panchayati Raj Institutions?
A. IIM Bangalore
B. IIM Ahmedabad
C. NITI Aayog
D. Indian Institute of Public Administration
Answer: B. IIM Ahmedabad

3. Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan was initially launched in which year?
A. 2015
B. 2018
C.2017
D. 2020
Answer: B. 2018

Mains

1. Discuss the importance of financial autonomy for Panchayati Raj Institutions. How does the Training of Trainers (ToT) programme support this objective?

2. Evaluate the role of capacity building in strengthening local self-governance in India, with special reference to the Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan.

3. What are the challenges in revenue generation at the Panchayat level? Suggest reforms in light of the recent ToT programme initiated by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj.

6. Rising Evaporative Demand & Emerging Threat of Thirstwaves – Environment

Why in News?

In 2025, scientists coined the term “thirstwave” to describe surges in atmospheric evaporative demand, posing a new and underrecognized threat linked to global warming and water stress. This evolving phenomenon calls for attention in climate-vulnerable regions, including parts of India.

Key Concepts & Emerging Threats

1. What is Evaporative Demand?

• It refers to how much water the atmosphere wants to absorb from soil, plants, water bodies, and surfaces—assuming unlimited water is available.
• It is influenced by:
  • Temperature
  • Wind speed
  • Humidity
  • Solar radiation
• Standard Metric: Standardized Short-Crop Reference Evapotranspiration (ETos) assumes a 12 cm grass surface with constant water supply.

It is a measure of atmospheric “thirst”, not actual evaporation.

2. What is a Thirstwave?

• Coined in 2025 by researchers Meetpal Kukal and Mike Hobbins.
• Defined as a 3-day or longer episode of extreme evaporative demand.
• Multifactorial stress event: A thirstwave is not just about high temperature, but also includes:
  • Low humidity
  • High winds
  • Intense solar input

Key Difference from Heatwaves: While heatwaves are based primarily on temperature thresholds, thirstwaves reflect how much water the environment is losing, creating hidden stress on agriculture and ecosystems.

Implications of Thirstwaves

Environmental Impacts

• Accelerated soil moisture depletion.
• Increased plant stress and crop failure risk.
• Higher wildfire potential in dry forested regions.
• Faster drying of wetlands and shallow water bodies.

Agricultural Impacts

• Crop water demand increases.
• Irrigation pressure intensifies, leading to over-extraction of groundwater.
• Existing drought-response frameworks may not capture thirstwave threats adequately.

Water Resource Management

• Misleading perception: Thirstwaves may not show up on rainfall or temperature records, yet lead to significant hidden water stress.
• Need for climate-adaptive irrigation planning and evaporative demand monitoring systems.

India-Specific Relevance

• Although direct data is not yet available for India, regions like:
  • Bundelkhand, Vidarbha, Rajasthan, and parts of South India are highly vulnerable due to:
    • Hot summers
    • Windy, dry conditions
    • Limited groundwater recharge
• As climate models predict increased frequency of extreme weather, thirstwaves could become a recurring climatic stressor in India.

Summary

The concept of thirstwaves introduces a critical new dimension to our understanding of climate-induced water stress. By focusing on evaporative demand rather than just heat, thirstwaves reveal the hidden hydrological pressure created by a warming atmosphere. For India, incorporating evaporative demand monitoring into drought early-warning systems and agricultural planning will be essential in the coming years.

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims

1. Which of the following best defines “evaporative demand”?
A. Total rainfall received over an area
B. Water actually evaporated from land and water bodies
C. Potential water absorption capacity of the atmosphere under ideal conditions
D. Humidity measured at ground level
Answer: C. Potential water absorption capacity of the atmosphere under ideal conditions

2. The term “thirstwave” refers to:
A. A type of drought caused by reduced rainfall
B. A rise in groundwater levels due to monsoon
C. A period of extreme atmospheric demand for water over several days
D. Cyclonic conditions during summer
Answer: C. A period of extreme atmospheric demand for water over several days

3. The standard index for measuring evaporative demand is:
A. Palmer Drought Severity Index
B.Standardized Precipitation Index
C. Standardized Short-Crop Reference Evapotranspiration (ETos)
D. Crop Water Index
Answer: c) Standardized Short-Crop Reference Evapotranspiration (ETos)

Mains

1. What are thirstwaves? How do they differ from traditional heatwaves? Examine their potential impact on water security and agriculture in India.

2. Discuss the significance of monitoring evaporative demand in climate-vulnerable regions. Suggest policy measures to integrate this approach into India’s climate resilience planning.

3. Rising evaporative demand poses hidden risks to ecosystems and agriculture. Evaluate India’s current institutional preparedness to manage such non-conventional climate stresses.

7. Integrated Biodiversity Assessment Tool (IBAT) Alliance – Environment

Why in News?

The Integrated Biodiversity Assessment Tool (IBAT) Alliance has announced a $2.5 million investment in biodiversity data for 2024—more than double the previous year’s amount—underscoring its growing role in promoting science-based biodiversity planning and risk assessment.

Key Concepts & Details

1. What is IBAT?

• IBAT stands for Integrated Biodiversity Assessment Tool.
• It is a web-based biodiversity risk screening platform, first launched in 2008 at the IUCN World Conservation Congress.
• Designed to help governments, businesses, and civil society:
  • Identify biodiversity-sensitive areas.
  • Integrate conservation priorities into decision-making, planning, and development projects.

2. Key Objectives of IBAT

• To provide real-time, credible, and science-based biodiversity data.
• To align business and development decisions with:
  • UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
  • Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (2022).
• To support Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals in industries and governments.

3. Key Functions & Utility

IBAT is a dynamic platform, using satellite data, ecological databases, and ground inputs to offer global coverage.

4. IBAT Alliance – Members

The IBAT Alliance is a partnership of four leading global conservation organizations:

Headquarters: David Attenborough Building, Cambridge, UK.

Significance for Environmental Governance

• Promotes Informed Decision-Making: Especially for businesses and governments involved in infrastructure, energy, or agriculture.
• Prevents Biodiversity Conflicts: Early screening helps avoid project delays or ecological damage.
• Supports Climate-Linked Planning: Ensures land-use planning integrates both biodiversity and climate resilience.
• Bridges Science and Policy: Helps implement international conventions like CBD (Convention on Biological Diversity).

Summary

The IBAT Alliance, through its data-driven and collaborative approach, plays a pivotal role in mainstreaming biodiversity conservation into global planning and development strategies. With increased investment and global partnerships, tools like IBAT can ensure that conservation is not an afterthought, but a core component of sustainable development.

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims

1. Which of the following organizations is not a member of the IBAT Alliance?
A. IUCN
B. BirdLife International
C. World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF)
D. UNEP-WCMC
Answer: C. World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF)

2. What is the primary function of the Integrated Biodiversity Assessment Tool (IBAT)?
A. Monitoring carbon emissions
B. Tracking human development indices
C. Biodiversity risk screening and conservation mapping
D.Managing marine pollution
Answer: C. Biodiversity risk screening and conservation mapping

3. Where is the headquarters of the IBAT Alliance located?
A. Geneva, Switzerland
B. Nairobi, Kenya
C. Cambridge, United Kingdom
D. Paris, France
Answer: C. Cambridge, United Kingdom

Mains

1. What is the Integrated Biodiversity Assessment Tool (IBAT)? Evaluate its relevance in promoting environmentally sustainable infrastructure planning.

2. Discuss the role of international alliances such as IBAT in achieving the goals of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

3. How can platforms like IBAT help balance development and biodiversity conservation in India’s context of rapid infrastructure growth?