DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 25th July 2026

Environment & Ecology / Science & Technology

Why in News?

A study by scientists from the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune, and collaborating institutions has provided a global, long-term classification of atmospheric aerosols, improving understanding of their diversity and helping refine climate models and weather predictions. The findings enhance knowledge of aerosol–climate interactions across different regions of the world. 

About Aerosols

• Aerosols are tiny solid or liquid particles suspended in the atmosphere. 
• Size: Ranges from a few nanometres to several micrometres. 
• Sources: 
  • Natural: Desert dust, sea salt, volcanic ash, pollen, forest fires. 
  • Anthropogenic: Vehicle emissions, industrial pollution, biomass burning, fossil-fuel combustion. 
• Types: 
  • Primary Aerosols: Emitted directly into the atmosphere (e.g., dust, sea spray, volcanic ash). 
  • Secondary Aerosols: Formed through chemical reactions of gases such as SO₂, NOx, and VOCs in the atmosphere. 

Climate Significance

• Aerosols influence Earth’s radiation balance by: 
  • Scattering sunlight (cooling effect). 
  • Absorbing sunlight (warming effect, e.g., black carbon). 
• They act as Cloud Condensation Nuclei (CCN), influencing cloud formation, rainfall patterns, and monsoon dynamics. 
• Unlike greenhouse gases, aerosols generally have a short atmospheric lifetime (days to weeks), but exert strong regional climatic effects. 

UPSC Prelims Focus

• Distinguish aerosols from greenhouse gases based on composition, atmospheric lifetime, and climatic effects. 
• Remember the difference between primary and secondary aerosols, along with examples. 
• Link aerosols with monsoon variability, air pollution, cloud formation, and Earth’s energy balance. UPSC frequently asks conceptual questions on atmospheric constituents, radiative forcing, and climate-modifying agents. 

Source/Reference:

https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseDetail.aspx?PRID=2288312&reg=3&lang=1

• Environment & Ecology

  Why in News?

  Farmers in Mandi district, Himachal Pradesh, have pioneered a sustainable stolon-based cultivation model for Picrorhiza kurroa (Kutki). Instead of uprooting the entire plant, only the stolons are harvested, allowing the parent plant to regenerate naturally and reducing pressure on wild populations. 

  About Picrorhiza kurroa (Kutki)

  • A high-value perennial medicinal herb with creeping rhizomes. 
  • Family: Plantaginaceae. 
  • The name is derived from the Greek words ‘Picros’ (bitter) and ‘Rhiza’ (root), meaning “bitter root.” 
  • Habitat: Alpine and sub-alpine Himalayas at 2,700–4,500 m altitude. 
  • Distribution: Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Nepal, Bhutan, Pakistan, Tibet, western China, and Myanmar. 
  • Prefers moist, north-west-facing rocky slopes with well-drained sandy-clay soil. 

  Medicinal Importance & Conservation

  • Widely used in Ayurveda for liver disorders, digestive ailments, fever, asthma, and cough. 
  • Rich in bioactive compounds such as Picroside I and Picroside II. 
  • Propagation: Through rhizomes, stolons, and seedlings. 
  • Conservation Status: 
    • IUCN Red List: Endangered 
    • CITES: Appendix II (international trade regulated through permits). 

  UPSC Prelims Focus

  • Remember Kutki’s conservation status (Endangered) and CITES Appendix II listing. 
  • Distinguish between rhizomes (underground stems) and stolons (creeping horizontal stems). 
  • Link the species with Himalayan biodiversity, sustainable harvesting practices, medicinal plant conservation, and livelihood-based conservation models—all recurring themes in UPSC Prelims. 

  Source/Reference:

  https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/himachal-pradesh/himachal-farmers-pioneer-sustainable-cultivation-of-endangered-himalayan-herb-kutki/article71257294.ece

Governance / Internal Security

Why in News?

The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) recently assessed states on their CCTNS performance index, where Chhattisgarh scored 64.97/100, prompting the state government to order a comprehensive overhaul of its digital policing infrastructure. The assessment highlights the importance of CCTNS in improving police efficiency and criminal justice delivery. 

About CCTNS

• Launched: 2009 as a Mission Mode Project under the National e-Governance Plan (NeGP). 
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). 
• Implementing Agency: National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB). 
• Objective: Create a nationwide network connecting police stations for real-time crime and criminal information sharing, investigation, and citizen-centric policing. 
• As of February 2026, all 17,798 police stations across India are operational on the CCTNS platform. 

Key Features

• Digitisation of FIRs, complaints, investigations, charge sheets, arrests, and court proceedings. 
• Enables nationwide search of crime, criminal, and stolen property records. 
• Integrated with the Inter-Operable Criminal Justice System (ICJS), linking Police, Courts, Prisons, Forensics, Prosecution, and Fingerprint databases. 
• Citizen services include: 
  • Online complaint registration 
  • FIR status and copies 
  • Missing persons search 
  • Stolen vehicle/property search 
  • Passport and employee verification. 

UPSC Prelims Focus

• Remember that NCRB is the implementing agency, while the Ministry of Home Affairs is the nodal ministry. 
• Differentiate CCTNS (digital policing platform) from ICJS (integration of criminal justice institutions). Link CCTNS with NAFIS, Digital Police Portal, and emerging AI-based predictive policing initiatives under NCRB. UPSC frequently asks about Mission Mode Projects, e-governance platforms, and internal security architecture. 

Source/Reference:

https://www.newindianexpress.com/india/2026/Jul/23/chhattisgarh-scores-just-6497-in-ncrb-digital-policing-index-govt-orders-overhaul

Art & Culture

Why in News?

The Arunachaleswarar Temple in Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu, was in the news after police arrested a person for allegedly using duplicate keys to facilitate unauthorized entry for devotees into the temple. The incident highlighted concerns regarding the management and security of one of India’s most revered Shaivite temples. 

About Arunachaleswarar Temple

• Location: Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu, at the foothills of Arunachala Hill. 
• Presiding Deities: Lord Arunachaleswarar (Shiva) and Goddess Unnamulai Amman (Parvati). 
• One of the Pancha Bhuta Sthalams, representing the element of Fire (Agni). 
• Also one of the 275/276 Paadal Petra Sthalams, glorified in the Tevaram hymns of the Tamil Shaivite Nayanmars. 
• The present temple complex was largely built by the Cholas (9th century CE), with major additions by the Vijayanagara rulers and later the Nayaks. 
• Spread over nearly 10 hectares, it is among the largest functioning Hindu temple complexes in India and features four monumental Rajagopurams, with the eastern gopuram being one of the tallest in India. 

Religious & Cultural Significance

• Associated with the Lingodbhava legend, where Lord Shiva manifested as an infinite pillar of fire, symbolizing his eternal nature. 
• The world-famous Karthigai Deepam festival is celebrated by lighting a massive beacon atop Arunachala Hill, symbolizing the Agni (Fire) Lingam. 
• Devotees undertake the Girivalam (Giri Pradakshina)—a 14-km circumambulation around Arunachala Hill, especially on full moon days. 

UPSC Prelims Focus

• Remember that Arunachaleswarar Temple represents the Fire (Agni) element among the Pancha Bhuta Sthalams. 
• UPSC may ask to match the five elemental Shiva temples with their respective elements and locations. 
• Link the temple with Dravidian architecture, Tamil Bhakti Movement, Chola and Vijayanagara patronage, and important festivals such as Karthigai Deepam. Questions on Shaivite pilgrimage centres, Paadal Petra Sthalams, and temple architecture are recurring in UPSC Prelims. 

Source/Reference:

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/man-held-for-using-duplicate-keys-to-allow-devotees-worship-at-arunachaleswarar-temple-in-tiruvannamalai/article71258457.ece

International Relations

Why in News?

At the 21st East Asia Summit (EAS) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting held in Manila, Philippines, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar emphasized that international waterways must remain safe, secure, and unimpeded in accordance with international law. He also condemned attacks on commercial shipping and maritime infrastructure, highlighting the importance of freedom of navigation amid rising geopolitical tensions. 

About the East Asia Summit (EAS)

• Established: 2005. 
• Nature: ASEAN-led leaders’ forum for dialogue on strategic, political, economic, and security issues in the Indo-Pacific. 
• ASEAN serves as the driving force and central pillar of the EAS. 
• Membership: 18 countries: 
  • 10 ASEAN members 
  • India, China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, United States, and Russia. 
• Meetings are held annually alongside the ASEAN Summit. 

Objectives & Significance

• Promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific. 
• Strengthen cooperation on: 
  • Maritime security 
  • Counter-terrorism 
  • Disaster management 
  • Energy security 
  • Climate change 
  • Health security 
  • Digital economy and connectivity 
• Upholds ASEAN Centrality and a rules-based international order. 

UPSC Prelims Focus

• Remember that EAS is an ASEAN-led forum with 18 member countries, including India, the US, Russia, China, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand. 
• Do not confuse EAS with ASEAN+3 or the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF). 
• Link EAS with India’s Act East Policy, Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI), ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP), and UNCLOS. UPSC frequently asks about regional groupings, their membership, objectives, and ASEAN-led institutional architecture. 

Source/Reference:

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/international-waterways-must-remain-safe-and-unimpeded-s-jaishankar/article71258990.ece/amp/

GS II – Governance / GS III – Economy
Rural Entrepreneurship, Self-Help Groups, and Inclusive Growth

Introduction

The Start-up Village Entrepreneurship Programme (SVEP), launched in 2016 under DAY-NRLM, promotes rural non-farm enterprises through training, finance, mentoring, and community support. By June 2026, it had supported 4.32 lakh enterprises, with 86% benefiting SC, ST, Minority and OBC communities. QCI found 99% of enterprises profitable, contributing 57% of household income, while women owned or managed 75% of them. SVEP is thus fostering inclusive rural entrepreneurship and sustainable livelihoods.

Understanding SVEP: Structure and Approach

Programme Overview

• Launched: 2016 under DAY-NRLM
• Focus: Non-farm enterprises in rural areas
• Target Group: SHG members and their families
• Support: Financial assistance, training, mentoring, business development services
• Community-Based: Local decision-making for funding and support

Implementation Framework

• Block Resource Centres–Enterprise Promotion (BRC-EPs): Coordinate at block level
• Community Resource Persons–Enterprise Promotion (CRP-EPs): Technical assistance; selected locally (90% from SHG households; 60% women)
• Community Enterprise Fund (CEF): Loans managed by community institutions
• Convergence: Linkages with PM MUDRA and other schemes
• Digital Tools: Business planning, loan appraisal, enterprise tracking

Funding and Scale

• Cumulative Central Share (up to Feb 2026): ₹942.09 crore
• Growth: 738% increase from ₹112.39 crore (2016-Jan 2018)
• Average Investment: ₹27,083 per enterprise
• Provision: ₹6.50 crore per block
• Enterprises Supported: 4.32 lakh (as of June 30, 2026)
• Top States: Assam, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh

Impact and Social Inclusion

QCI Mid-Term Evaluation Findings (2019)

• Profitability: 99% of enterprises profitable
• Income Contribution: 57% of total household income
• Average Monthly Revenue: ~₹39,000 (Manufacturing: ₹47,800)
• Savings: 96% entrepreneurs reported increased savings
• Women Ownership: 75% enterprises owned or managed by women
• Confidence: Improved confidence and livelihood security
• Social Benefits: Better education, nutrition, health, sanitation outcomes

Social Inclusion

• Community Coverage: 86% entrepreneurs from SC, ST, Minority, OBC
• Women Focus: Minimum 60% women beneficiaries
• First-Generation Entrepreneurs: Encouraged women and disadvantaged communities
• Persons with Disabilities: Representation mandated
• Livelihood Security: Improved financial and business skills

Success Stories

Ms. Bhagyashri Londhe (Maharashtra)

• Background: SHG member (2014); started small-scale masala, papad, pickles
• Intervention: ₹45,000 CEF loan under SVEP
• Outcome: Scaled production; ₹5 lakh revenue in 10 days at Mahalaxmi Saras 2019-20; completed Class 10 while managing enterprise; created employment for rural women

Ms. Poonam (Uttar Pradesh)

• Background: SHG member; overcame social/financial barriers
• Intervention: 54-day CRP-EP training programme
• Outcome: Became Best Performing CRP-EP; supports nearly 40 enterprises; financial independence; helps others establish and grow businesses

Challenges

• Awareness: Limited reach in remote or difficult areas
• Market Linkages: Access to markets beyond local level
• Skill Gaps: Continuous upskilling needed for changing markets
• Financial Sustainability: Dependence on government funding; need for self-sustaining model
• Scale: 4.32 lakh enterprises against vast rural population
• Quality of Training: Uniform quality across diverse CRP-EPs

Way Forward

Strengthening Enterprise Ecosystem

• Market Access: Link with eSARAS, ONDC, GeM for rural products
• Technology: Promote digital payments, e-commerce, and AI-based advisory
• Value Addition: Support food processing, agro-processing, and crafts
• Cluster Development: Encourage enterprise clusters for economies of scale

Enhancing Financial and Institutional Support

• Credit Access: Strengthen linkages with banks and PM MUDRA
• Community Enterprise Fund: Increase corpus and simplify access
• Handholding: Extend mentoring beyond initial phase
• Insurance: Cover enterprise risks

Capacity Building

• CRP-EP Training: Regular refresher courses; advanced modules
• Digital Literacy: Train entrepreneurs in digital tools
• Soft Skills: Leadership, negotiation, and financial management
• Peer Learning: Establish entrepreneur networks and forums

Policy and Monitoring

• State-Level Support: Empower SRLMs for faster implementation
• Impact Assessment: Regular evaluation (QCI model)
• Grievance Redressal: Fast-track mechanism for entrepreneurs
• Awareness: Use SHG networks and community radio for outreach

Conclusion

SVEP has emerged as a transformative model for inclusive rural entrepreneurship, supporting 4.32 lakh enterprises, with 86% from SC/ST/Minority/OBC communities and 75% women-owned. With 99% profitability, it demonstrates the potential of SHG-led enterprises to drive livelihoods and inclusive growth. However, challenges in market linkages, skills, finance, and scaling persist. Strengthening enterprise ecosystems, capacity building, and digital tools can help SVEP advance the vision of Viksit Bharat.

Practice Question

1. The Start-up Village Entrepreneurship Programme has demonstrated that rural entrepreneurship, when supported by community institutions, can drive inclusive growth and poverty reduction. Critically examine. (250 words, 15 marks)

https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2289268&reg=3&lang=1

https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2287897&reg=3&lang=1

GS II – Polity and Governance / GS II – Social Justice
Fundamental Rights, Police Accountability, and Judicial Process

Introduction

The Jantar Mantar protests and the police crackdown on July 20, 2026, have raised concerns over excessive use of force and citizens’ rights. Alleged violations of proportionality and the Supreme Court’s Ramlila Maidan guidelines highlight the need for accountability. In a democracy, due process and judicial scrutiny are essential to prevent the misuse of state power and protect citizens’ rights.

The Protest and Police Response: Context and Concerns

Nature of Protests

• Primarily Students: Young protesters, demanding accountability for exam leaks and systemic issues
• Trigger: NEET-UG 2026 paper leak; broader discontent with education governance
• Duration: Protests ongoing; crackdown on July 20, 2026
• Violence by Protesters: Small section resorted to stone-pelting, physical assault on journalists (strongly condemned)

Alleged Police Excesses (as per reports)

• Disproportionate Force: Use of pellet guns, tear gas shells, lathi charges
• Protocol Violations: Alleged flouting of Delhi Police Standing Order 309 and 152
• SC Guidelines (Ramlila Maidan, 2012): Principle of “least invasiveness” reportedly not observed
• Tear Gas: Allegedly fired directly into crowds, not away from them

Judicial and Legal Context

• CJI’s Observation: “Don’t waste our time”; “We are not interested in videos”
• Social Media Age: Words travel far; CJI’s earlier choice of words sparked the “Cockroach Janta Party” satire
• High Court: Agreed to hear two PILs on police excesses; fair and independent probe needed

Legal Framework: Due Process and Police Accountability

Constitutional and Statutory Safeguards

• Article 19(1)(a) & (b): Freedom of speech and peaceful assembly (subject to reasonable restrictions)
• Article 21: Protection of life and personal liberty; prohibits arbitrary state action
• Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), 1973: Guidelines for arrest, detention, and use of force
• Police Standing Orders: Delhi Police Standing Order 309 and 152 (specific protocols for crowd control)

Supreme Court Guidelines (Ramlila Maidan Incident, 2012)

• Principle of “Least Invasiveness”: Force must be proportionate; last resort
• Procedural Compliance: Water cannons before more injurious methods; tear gas away from crowd
• Accountability: Actions must be documented; courts can inquire into violations
• State’s Role: State cannot weaponise rulebook to suppress peaceful dissent

Due Process and Judicial Role

• Oral Observations vs. Final Orders: CJI’s “don’t waste time” was oral; but words have impact
• Access to Justice: Courts must be open to those alleging rights violations
• Procedural Fairness: Even if some protesters used violence, larger context of police excess must be examined
• Social Media Challenge: Courts need to balance authenticity concerns with accessibility

Concerns

• CJI’s Remarks: Perceived as dismissive, widening citizen-institution gap
• Police Accountability: Lack of transparent inquiry into protocol violations
• Disproportionate Force: Use of pellet guns against students raises serious concerns
• Contextual Blindness: Failure to distinguish between peaceful protesters and violent elements
• Social Media Polarisation: Authenticity concerns used to dismiss legitimate grievances

The Unequal Clash

• Power Asymmetry: State has vast resources; citizens have limited means
• Weaponisation of Rules: Rulebook can be used to justify excess
• Citizen Vulnerability: Students, youth, marginalised groups are most affected
• Need for Justice: Courts must ensure state actions are lawful and proportionate

Way Forward

Judicial Response

• Dismissive Remarks: Avoid oral observations that seem dismissive; acknowledge access concerns
• Fast-Track PILs: Ensure timely hearing of police excess cases
• Procedural Fairness: Even if some protesters violent, examine whether police followed protocols
• Social Media Evidence: Develop mechanisms to verify and consider digital evidence

Police Accountability

• Independent Inquiry: Fair and transparent probe into July 20 crackdown
• Protocol Compliance: Investigate if Standing Orders and Ramlila Maidan guidelines were followed
• Action: Hold officers accountable for excesses; protect whistleblowers
• Training: Reinforce crowd control training with emphasis on “least invasiveness”

Citizen-State Dialogue

• Government Assurances: Must be backed by transparent action, not just statements
• Student Engagement: Address grievances (exam leaks, education reforms) substantively
• Protest Rights: Respect peaceful assembly; distinguish from violence
• Media Freedom: Protect journalists covering protests

Institutional Reforms

• Exam Security: Strengthen processes to prevent leaks; ensure convictions
• Police Protocols: Regular review and update of Standing Orders
• Grievance Redressal: Fast-track mechanism for police excess complaints
• Judicial Outreach: Build trust through accessible and empathetic judicial discourse

Conclusion

The Jantar Mantar protests highlight the need to balance public order with citizens’ rights. Alleged disproportionate use of force and violations of established protocols demand an independent investigation. While the state must address violence, legitimate grievances should not be suppressed. Due process, judicial accessibility, and proportionality remain essential to democratic accountability.

Practice Question

1. In a clash between unequals, the Court must ensure that the powerful state does not weaponise the rulebook to subdue the powerless citizen. Critically examine the role of the judiciary in protecting citizens’ rights during protests, with reference to the Jantar Mantar police crackdown and the principles of due process. (250 words, 15 marks)

https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/editorials/due-process-is-not-a-waste-of-anyones-time-10800767/