Raman Academy Logo
+917649911100

2nd July 2025 – Current Affairs

by | Jul 2, 2025 | Current Affairs

1. NAKSHA Programme – Modernizing Urban Land Surveys with Geospatial Technology – Governance

Why in News?

The Department of Land Resources (DoLR) under the Ministry of Rural Development is preparing to launch Phase II of capacity building for the NAKSHA Programme (NAtional geospatial Knowledge-based land Survey of urban HAbitations). This initiative aims to digitize and modernize urban land records using geospatial technologies.

Key Highlights

  • Launched On: 18th February 2025
  • Objective: To modernize urban land records, improve property ownership clarity, and support urban governance
  • Funding: 100% centrally funded with a budget of ₹194 crore
  • Target Population: Addresses challenges of India’s growing urban population, projected to exceed 600 million by 2031

Pilot Phase Details

  • Coverage:
    • 157 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs)
    • Total area surveyed: 4,142.63 sq km
    • Towns targeted: Less than 35 sq km in size with populations under 2 lakh
  • Survey Methodology:
    • Use of drones with LiDAR sensors and 5 cm resolution cameras for high-precision mapping
  • Three-Stage Survey Process:
    1. Drone Survey & Data Collection
    2. Field Verification & Draft Mapping
    3. Public Review & Finalisation

Understanding the NAKSHA Programme in Context

What is NAKSHA?

  • A geospatial initiative to survey urban habitations, especially small and medium towns, for:
    • Digitization of land records
    • Reducing property disputes
    • Enhancing property tax assessment
    • Supporting planning and service delivery

Technological Edge:

  • Drones & LiDAR improve:
    • Accuracy of land boundaries
    • Efficiency of urban planning
    • Quality of geospatial databases

Governance Implications:

  • Enables e-governance in ULBs
  • Facilitates online access to property records
  • Promotes urban resilience, smart cities, and real estate transparency

Broader Implications

  • Helps reduce urban land litigation by verifying ownership claims
  • Supports Digital India and Ease of Doing Business through simplified land transactions
  • Enables better urban resource planning, taxation, and infrastructure management

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims

  1. Which of the following technologies is used in the NAKSHA Programme for urban land surveying?
    A. RADAR satellites
    B. LiDAR-equipped drones
    C. GPS hand-mapping
    D. Remote sensing from ISRO satellites
    Answer: B. LiDAR-equipped drones

  1. Which ministry is responsible for implementing the NAKSHA Programme?
    A. Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
    B. Ministry of Science and Technology
    C. Ministry of Rural Development
    D. Ministry of Home Affairs
    Answer: C. Ministry of Rural Development

  1. Consider the following statements about the NAKSHA Programme:
    1.It targets large metropolitan areas with a population of over 10 lakh.
    2.It follows a three-stage survey process, including public review.
    3.It is 100% centrally funded by the Government of India.
    Which of the above statements are correct?
    A. 1 and 2 only
    B. 2 and 3 only
    C. 1 and 3 only
    D. All of the above
    Answer: B. 2 and 3 only

Mains

  1. “Accurate land records are the foundation of efficient urban governance.” Examine how the NAKSHA Programme can transform land administration in small and medium urban towns in India. (250 words)
  2. Discuss the role of geospatial technologies such as drones and LiDAR in improving urban land records and service delivery in India. Illustrate with reference to recent government initiatives. (250 words)

2. ZSI Records 683 Faunal Discoveries in Its 110th Year – Environment

Why in News?

The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) has released Version 2.0 of the Checklist of Fauna of India, documenting over 105,244 species and subspecies. This milestone coincides with the ZSI’s 110th anniversary, highlighting its enduring role in cataloguing and researching India’s biodiversity.

Key Highlights

  • Total Faunal Records (2025): 105,244 species and subspecies
  • New Discoveries in 2024–25:
    • 683 new faunal discoveries, including:
      • 2 new genera of reptiles
      • 37 new reptile species
      • 5 new amphibian species
      • Several new insects (mainly beetles, moths, flies, bees)
    • Notable species:
      • Dravidoseps gouensis – a new genus of skink from the Western Ghats
      • Anguiculus dicaprioi – a new snake species, named after actor Leonardo DiCaprio

Understanding the Context

Zoological Survey of India (ZSI):

  • Established: 1916 in Kolkata
  • Founder: British zoologist Thomas Nelson Annandale
  • Parent Ministry: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC)
  • Mandate:
    • Conduct faunal surveys
    • Support taxonomic research
    • Maintain the National Zoological Collections

Origins:

  • Evolved from the Zoological Section of the Indian Museum (1875) in Calcutta

Taxonomic Trends from Discoveries

  • Dominance of Insects:
    • Highest discoveries among:
      • Coleoptera (beetles)
      • Lepidoptera (moths and butterflies)
      • Diptera (flies)
      • Hymenoptera (ants, bees, wasps)
  • Reinforces India’s global hotspot status for insect diversity

Significance of ZSI’s Work

  • Supports conservation by identifying and documenting endangered species
  • Enhances understanding of ecosystem balance and species interactions
  • Helps India meet CBD (Convention on Biological Diversity) and SDG 15 goals
  • Plays a role in climate change impact assessments on fauna

Broader Implications

  • Promotes scientific discovery and environmental awareness
  • Emphasizes the importance of field-based zoological research
  • New species data can guide policy formulation in wildlife conservation and land-use planning
  • Encourages collaboration between local researchers and global biodiversity networks

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims

  1. Which of the following institutions is responsible for maintaining the National Zoological Collection in India?
    A. Botanical Survey of India
    B. National Biodiversity Authority
    C. Zoological Survey of India
    D. Indian Institute of Science
    Answer: C. Zoological Survey of India

  1. Which of the following insect orders had the highest representation among the newly discovered species by ZSI in 2024–25?
    A. Hemiptera and Orthoptera
    B. Lepidoptera and Diptera
    C. Isoptera and Thysanura
    D. Anoplura and Siphonaptera
    Answer: B. Lepidoptera and Diptera

  1. Consider the following statements:
    1. ZSI was founded in 1916 and is headquartered in Chennai.
    2. ZSI functions under the Ministry of Earth Sciences.
    3. Dravidoseps gouensis is a newly discovered genus of skink from the Western Ghats.
    Which of the statements is/are correct?
    A.1 and 2 only
    B. 2 and 3 only
    C. 3 only
    D. 1, 2, and 3
    Answer: C. 3 only

Mains

  1. “Taxonomic research is the foundation of biodiversity conservation.” In the context of recent discoveries by the Zoological Survey of India, examine the role of taxonomic institutions in strengthening environmental governance. (250 words)
  2. Discuss the importance of insect biodiversity in India. How can institutions like the ZSI contribute to our understanding and conservation of lesser-known faunal species? (250 words)

3. India’s Constitution – Secular in Spirit, Beyond the Word – Polity

Why in News?

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar recently criticized the inclusion of the terms “socialist” and “secular” in the Preamble of India’s Constitution, calling them a distortion introduced during the Emergency via the 42nd Constitutional Amendment. This has reignited debate on the historical, legal, and ideological legitimacy of these terms.

Key Highlights

  • Original Preamble (1950): Described India as a “Sovereign Democratic Republic”
  • 42nd Constitutional Amendment (1976):
    • Added “Socialist” and “Secular” to the Preamble
    • Also added the word “Integrity” alongside fraternity
  • Criticism: Some argue these additions reflected political expediency under Indira Gandhi during the Emergency, not constitutional necessity

Understanding the Legal and Political Context

42nd Amendment (1976) – Contextual Background:

  • Enacted during the Emergency period (1975–77) under PM Indira Gandhi
  • Aimed to assert central dominance and realign the Constitution with her left-leaning ideology
  • Reflected policy actions like bank nationalization and promotion of state-led welfare

“Secular” in Indian Context:

  • Indian secularism implies equal respect for all religions, rather than strict separation of church and state (as in Western models)
  • Ensures:
    • Religious freedom (Article 25–28)
    • No official state religion
    • State neutrality in religious matters

“Socialist” in Indian Context:

  • Reflects commitment to economic equity and social justice
  • Inspired by Directive Principles of State Policy (Part IV)
  • Doesn’t imply complete state ownership, but supports welfare-oriented policies

Judicial Endorsement of These Terms

  • Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala (1973): Established basic structure doctrine – even before these terms were inserted, secularism and social justice were held as implicit constitutional principles
  • S.R. Bommai v. Union of India (1994): Affirmed secularism as part of the Constitution’s basic structure
  • Recent Supreme Court Position (Nov 2024): Dismissed petitions challenging these Preamble additions, reiterating their symbolic reflection of existing constitutional values

Broader Implications

  • Constitutional Identity: Terms like “secular” and “socialist” have evolved from political labels to constitutional principles embraced by judiciary and civil society
  • Contemporary Relevance: With increasing debates around religion, caste, and economic disparity, these terms anchor governance in pluralism and equity
  • Institutional Integrity: Recurrent judicial reaffirmation demonstrates the strength of constitutional morality over transient political ideologies

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims

  1. Which Constitutional Amendment added the words “Socialist” and “Secular” to the Preamble of the Indian Constitution?
    A. 40th Amendment
    B. 42nd Amendment
    C. 44th Amendment
    D. 46th Amendment
    Answer: B. 42nd Amendment

  1. Which of the following Supreme Court cases affirmed secularism as part of the basic structure of the Constitution?
    A. Minerva Mills Case
    B. Golaknath Case
    C. S.R. Bommai Case
    D. Maneka Gandhi Case
    Answer: C. S.R. Bommai Case

  1. Consider the following statements about the Indian Preamble:
    1.The word “Integrity” was added by the 44th Amendment.
    2.The original Preamble did not include the term “Secular.”
    3.The Preamble is part of the Constitution and can be amended.
    Which of the above statements are correct?
    A. 1 and 2 only
    B. 2 and 3 only
    C. 1 and 3 only
    D. All of the above
    Answer: B. 2 and 3 only
    (“Integrity” was added by the 42nd Amendment, not the 44th)

Mains

  1. “Secularism in India is not about separation, but about equal respect for all religions.” Critically evaluate this idea in the context of the constitutional and judicial interpretations of secularism. (250 words)
  2. Discuss the constitutional and political significance of the 42nd Amendment. To what extent did it reshape the Preamble and basic features of the Indian Constitution? (250 words)

4. GST Reform and Unfinished Business in Tobacco Control – Economy

Why in News?

As India marks the 8th anniversary of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on July 1, 2025, attention has turned to its shortcomings in public health-related taxation, particularly tobacco control. While GST has improved tax compliance and streamlined the indirect tax system, it has not succeeded in curbing tobacco consumption—a key area requiring fiscal reform.

Key Highlights

  • GST Anniversary: Introduced on 1st July 2017 with the slogan “One Nation, One Tax”.
  • Tobacco Gap:
    • GST has not raised tobacco taxes proportionally to health risks.
    • Tobacco products have become more affordable over time.
  • Health Cost Mismatch:
    • Revenue from tobacco GST is lower than the health-related economic costs of tobacco use.
    • Tobacco causes 3,500+ deaths daily in India.

Understanding GST in India

GST Overview:

  • A comprehensive indirect tax on manufacture, sale, and consumption of goods and services.
  • Replaced various central and state taxes like VAT, excise, and service tax.
  • Simplifies the tax structure and increases transparency via digitized compliance.

GST Structure:

  • Four standard rates: 5%, 12%, 18%, 28%
  • Cess added for demerit goods like tobacco, alcohol, and luxury cars.

Tobacco Taxation Under GST – The Problem

Current System Flaws:

  • GST uses ad valorem taxation (tax as % of price), not suited for addictive products like tobacco.
  • Lower-priced tobacco products still attract low taxes, making them affordable.
  • Cess collections are not structured to adjust for inflation or product diversity.

Better Global Practice:

  • Use of specific excise duties (fixed amount per unit) more effective in:
    • Raising product prices
    • Reducing consumption, especially among youth and low-income groups

Economic vs Public Health Dilemma

AspectCurrent Scenario
Tax RevenueSignificant but still below public health costs from tobacco use
Illicit Trade ArgumentIndustry claims higher taxes = more smuggling; studies show limited impact
Policy InertiaPolitical and economic concerns over price sensitivity inhibit strong tax measures

What Needs to Be Done?

  • Raise GST rates on tobacco to the highest permissible slab
  • Increase specific excise duties, indexed to inflation
  • Reform cess structure for better targeting and revenue use
  • Allocate health cess revenue transparently to fund tobacco control and awareness

Broader Implications

  • Public health wins when fiscal policy discourages harmful consumption.
  • Shows the need for convergence between economic policy and social goals.
  • Demonstrates that revenue generation and social justice are not mutually exclusive.

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims

  1. Which of the following types of taxation is currently used under GST for tobacco products in India?
    A. Specific excise duty
    B. Ad valorem taxation
    C. Carbon tax
    D. Service tax
    Answer: B. Ad valorem taxation

  2. Consider the following statements about tobacco taxation in India under GST:
    1.A cess is imposed on tobacco in addition to GST.
    2.Tobacco use in India is declining primarily due to high taxation.
    3.Tobacco tax revenues exceed the economic cost of tobacco-related diseases.
    Which of the statements is/are correct?
    A. 1 only
    B. 1 and 2 only
    C. 1 and 3 only
    D. All of the above
    Answer: A. 1 only

  1. Which of the following measures can help align GST with tobacco control policy goals?
    1.Increase specific excise duties
    2.Link tobacco taxes to inflation
    3.Remove cess to simplify taxation
    4.Target subsidies for tobacco farmers
    Select the correct answer:
    A. 1 and 2 only
    B. 2 and 3 only
    C. 1, 2, and 4 only
    D. All of the above
    Answer: A. 1 and 2 only

Mains

  1. “Tobacco taxation under GST must serve not just fiscal goals but also public health imperatives.” Critically analyze the effectiveness of GST in tobacco control and suggest reforms to align economic policy with health priorities. (250 words)
  2. Discuss the structural limitations of ad valorem taxation in controlling harmful goods. How can India’s GST framework be reformed to address this in the context of tobacco? (250 words)

5. Financial Stability Report (FSR) – June 2025 – Economy

Why in News?

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has released the June 2025 edition of the Financial Stability Report (FSR), assessing the health and resilience of India’s financial system and identifying emerging risks. The FSR provides a snapshot of banking stability, credit performance, macroeconomic trends, and potential vulnerabilities.

Key Highlights

  • India’s economic performance remains strong and continues to be a major contributor to global growth.
  • Risks identified:
    • Geopolitical tensions, trade uncertainties, and climate-related disruptions (e.g., monsoon variability)
  • Non-Performing Loans (NPLs):
    • Gross NPA ratio at 2.3% as of March 2025 (historic low)
    • Projected to rise marginally to 2.5% by March 2026
    • For 46 major banks (98% of SCB assets), GNPAs could reach 2.6% by March 2027
  • Capital Adequacy:
    • Remains well above regulatory minimums
    • Even in stress scenarios, banks can withstand shocks without systemic failure
  • NBFCs and Credit Sector:
    • Continued improvement in balance sheets
    • Healthy credit growth and compliance with regulatory norms

Macroeconomic Trends

  • Food Inflation:
    • Stable outlook due to record crop production and price softening
  • Demand & Growth:
    • Domestic demand remains robust, supported by rural recovery and stable inflation
  • External Risks:
    • Oil prices, global interest rate shifts, and China’s economic slowdown remain watchpoints

Understanding Key Concepts

Financial Stability Report (FSR):

  • Published biannually by the RBI
  • Serves as a key document to:
    • Assess the health of the financial sector
    • Identify systemic risks
    • Inform policy responses

Gross Non-Performing Assets (GNPA):

  • Loans in default or close to being in default
  • Low GNPA = improved credit discipline, stronger banks

Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR):

  • A measure of a bank’s capital buffer to absorb losses
  • Regulated under Basel III norms
  • High CAR = Financial soundness and crisis resilience

Broader Implications

  • A sound financial system boosts investor confidence and economic growth
  • Low NPAs and high capital buffers reduce risk of a banking crisis
  • FSR findings help guide monetary policy and regulatory strategy
  • Important for ensuring credit flow to MSMEs, infrastructure, and priority sectors

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims

  1. Which institution publishes the Financial Stability Report (FSR) in India?
    A. Ministry of Finance
    B. Reserve Bank of India
    C. NITI Aayog
    D. Securities and Exchange Board of India
    Answer: B. Reserve Bank of India

  1. What does a low Gross NPA ratio indicate in the context of banking?
    A. High credit demand
    B. Weak capital adequacy
    C. Improved asset quality
    D. Increase in foreign direct investment
    Answer: C. Improved asset quality

  1. Which of the following best describes the Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR)?
    A. Ratio of credit to deposits
    B. Ratio of bad loans to total loans
    C. Bank’s capital in relation to its risk-weighted assets
    D. Ratio of interest earned to interest paid
    Answer: C. Bank’s capital in relation to its risk-weighted assets

Mains

  1. “India’s financial system has shown resilience in recent years, but risks remain.” Discuss in light of the RBI’s Financial Stability Report (June 2025). (250 words)
  2. What role does the Financial Stability Report (FSR) play in ensuring economic growth and crisis preparedness? Examine its key indicators and policy relevance. (250 words)

6. India Energy Stack Initiative – Toward Digital Transformation of the Power Sector – Economy

Why in News?

The Ministry of Power has announced the formation of a Task Force to develop and implement the India Energy Stack (IES), a landmark move to digitize and modernize India’s energy sector. The initiative seeks to build a Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) for seamless data sharing, consumer empowerment, and real-time energy management.

Key Highlights

  • India Energy Stack (IES) is a digital platform aimed at creating a unified, secure, and interoperable ecosystem for the power sector.
  • It will function as a Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) similar to Aadhaar and UPI, designed for the electricity value chain.
  • A 12-month Proof of Concept (PoC) will be launched to test the stack in real-world scenarios, in collaboration with select utilities.
  • A Utility Intelligence Platform (UIP) will also be piloted to deliver real-time analytics for policymakers, utilities, and consumers.
  • A dedicated Task Force comprising experts in technology, energy, and regulation will guide implementation and scale-up.

Core Features of the India Energy Stack

FeatureFunctionality
Open APIsAllows third-party innovation and system integration
Consumer IdentificationUnique IDs for consumers and devices to track usage and performance
Real-time Data SharingFacilitates smart grid management, demand forecasting, and market operations
Digital RegistryFor energy assets and transactions, improving transparency and traceability
Utility Intelligence PlatformData analytics tool to support efficiency and policy decision-making

Understanding the Broader Context

What Is a Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)?

  • A DPI is a foundational digital framework enabling large-scale delivery of services.
  • Notable Indian DPIs: Aadhaar, UPI, CoWIN, ONDC
  • IES will extend the DPI model to the power sector, enabling a data-driven energy transition

Why It Matters for India’s Energy Sector

  • Integration of renewables, distributed energy, and smart grids require a digital ecosystem
  • Improves energy efficiency, consumer choice, and grid reliability
  • Helps achieve India’s Net-Zero goals (by 2070) by enabling intelligent energy planning

Broader Implications

  • Consumer-Centric: Enables dynamic pricing, real-time consumption monitoring, and billing transparency
  • Utility Support: Helps distribution companies reduce losses and manage demand-supply better
  • Innovation Platform: Opens doors for energy-tech startups, research, and private participation
  • Global Benchmark: Puts India among the few countries designing digital energy ecosystems

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims

  1. Which of the following ministries is responsible for launching the India Energy Stack (IES) initiative?
    A. Ministry of Electronics and IT
    B. Ministry of Power
    C. Ministry of Renewable Energy
    D. NITI Aayog
    Answer: B. Ministry of Power

  1. What is the primary function of the Utility Intelligence Platform (UIP) under the India Energy Stack?
    A. Issuing power subsidies
    B. Installing smart meters
    C. Providing real-time analytics to stakeholders
    D. Managing hydroelectric power output
    Answer: C. Providing real-time analytics to stakeholders

  1. Which of the following best defines a Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)?
    A. A government-owned database of employees
    B. A private-sector initiative for energy trading
    C. An open, scalable digital system for public service delivery
    D. An infrastructure funding mechanism under RBI
    Answer: C. An open, scalable digital system for public service delivery

Mains

  1. “Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) can play a transformative role in India’s energy transition.”
    Discuss with reference to the India Energy Stack initiative. (250 words)
  2. Examine the significance of digitizing the electricity value chain in India. How can initiatives like the India Energy Stack address challenges in energy efficiency and governance? (250 words)

7. New Flowering Plant Begonia nyishiorum Named After Nyishi Tribe – Environment

Why in News?

A new flowering plant species, Begonia nyishiorum, has been discovered in East Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh, highlighting the biodiversity richness of the Eastern Himalayas. The plant is named after the Nyishi tribe, known for their close relationship with the natural ecosystem.

Key Highlights

  • Species Name: Begonia nyishiorum
  • Discovered in: East Kameng district, Arunachal Pradesh
  • Published in: Novon journal, June 2025
  • Named After: Nyishi tribe, to honor their ecological stewardship
  • Altitude Range: 1,500–3,000 meters
  • Habitat: Moist, shaded mountain slopes
  • Notable Features:
    • Crimson, fringed scales
    • Light green petioles
  • Conservation Status: Endemic and potentially vulnerable, known from only two forest locations

Understanding the Context

Why is this discovery important?

  • Enhances the botanical record of Arunachal Pradesh and the Eastern Himalayas
  • Underlines the role of tribal communities in biodiversity conservation
  • Brings attention to the need for habitat protection due to the plant’s limited geographical range

About the Nyishi Tribe

  • Largest ethnic group in Arunachal Pradesh (~3 lakh population)
  • Language: Nyishi, of the Sino-Tibetan family
  • “Nyishi” means “civilized human”
  • Livelihood: Slash-and-burn (jhum) cultivation, fishing, hunting, bamboo craft
  • Cultural Link: Deep spiritual and ecological ties to forests and mountains

Broader Implications

  • Promotes community-based conservation
  • Demonstrates scientific acknowledgment of indigenous knowledge
  • Emphasizes the Eastern Himalayas as a biodiversity hotspot needing more ecological attention and protection

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims

  1. Which of the following is true about Begonia nyishiorum?
    A. It is found across the northeastern plains of India
    B. It is an aquatic plant endemic to the Brahmaputra basin
    C. It is a new flowering plant named after a tribe in Arunachal Pradesh
    D. It is a medicinal plant commonly used by the Gonds
    Answer: C. It is a new flowering plant named after a tribe in Arunachal Pradesh

  1. The Nyishi tribe, after whom a new species of Begonia is named, is predominantly found in which Indian state?
    A. Assam
    B. Arunachal Pradesh
    C. Meghalaya
    D. Manipur
    Answer: B. Arunachal Pradesh

  1. Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding the Nyishi tribe?
    1.Their language belongs to the Dravidian family.
    2.They practice slash-and-burn agriculture.“
    3.Nyishi” means “civilized human.”
    Select the correct answer:
    A. 1 and 2 only
    B. 2 and 3 only
    C. 1 and 3 only
    D. All of the above
    Answer: B. 2 and 3 only

Mains

  1. “Biodiversity conservation in India is closely linked with the role of indigenous communities.” Discuss with reference to the discovery of Begonia nyishiorum and its association with the Nyishi tribe. (250 words)
  2. Examine the importance of endemic species in biodiversity conservation. What challenges do such species face, and how can they be protected? (250 words)