10 July 2025 : Daily Current Affairs

1. No Decision Yet on Updating NPR Along with Censu

Source: The Hindu, Page 12 , july 10, 2025

Topic: GS Paper 2: Governance | GS Paper 1: Society

Context

As preparations begin for Census 2027, the Ministry of Home Affairs has stated that no final decision has been taken yet on updating the National Population Register (NPR), sparking political and civil society concerns.

Content: 

What is NPR?

• NPR is a list of “usual residents” (residing in an area for 6+ months).

• First created in 2010 alongside Census 2011; updated in 2015-16.

• Allows sharing of individual household-level data with State/Central agencies—unlike Census which publishes aggregate data.

NPR and NRC Linkage:

• Under Citizenship Rules 2003, NPR is the first step toward the NRC.

• Critics argue that NPR could be used to identify “doubtful citizens”.

Recent Developments:

• Census pre-test (2026) begins August–September.

• Enumerators to use mobile apps, signaling digitization.

• Questions on Aadhaar, driving license, mobile numbers had earlier triggered privacy concerns.

Issues:

• Legal – Lack of parliamentary scrutiny over NPR’s implementation.

• Social – Fear of exclusion, especially among minorities.

• Administrative – NPR linked with delay in Census 2021, now postponed to 2027.

Way Forward:

• Need for transparency in NPR/Census linkage.

• Clear separation of welfare and surveillance datasets.

• Involve states, civil society, and privacy watchdogs in database policy.

Practice Question:

“The National Population Register (NPR) has been criticized for its potential misuse. Critically examine its constitutional and administrative implications. Suggest safeguards to ensure it aligns with citizen rights.“ (250 words / 15 marks)

2. Bridge Collapse in Vadodara: A Recurring Infrastructure Tragedy

Source: Page 1 & 12, The Hindu, July 10 2025

Topic: GS Paper 3: Infrastructure | Disaster Management

Context

A portion of the 40-year-old Gambhira bridge in Vadodara, Gujarat, collapsed, killing 12 and injuring 9 people.

Content:

What Happened?

• Bridge collapsed early morning, plunging multiple vehicles into Mahisagar River.

• Constructed in 1985; maintenance history under scrutiny.

• Rescue led by NDRF, fire brigade, and local volunteers.

Key Concerns:

• Structural fatigue and poor inspection protocols.

• Accountability gap in maintenance of older bridges.

• Lack of early warning systems and weight-load enforcement.

Political and Governance Angle:

• CM ordered probe; opposition demanded judicial investigation.

• Highlights governance deficits in public infrastructure upkeep.

Lessons & Way Forward:

• Bridge audits must be frequent and digitalized.

• Invest in predictive maintenance using AI/IoT.

• Include civil society in monitoring local infrastructure.

Practice Question:

“India’s crumbling infrastructure poses a risk to life and development. Examine the policy and governance failures behind recurring bridge collapses. Suggest reforms to ensure structural safety. “ (250 words / 15 marks)

3. Migrant Workers Detained in Odisha: Citizenship and Federal Tensions

Source: The Hindu, Page 4, July 10, 2025

Topic: GS Paper 2: Federalism | Migration | Security

Context

Odisha Police detained 444 people for identity verification; TMC alleged illegal detention of Bengali migrant workers.

Content:

Key Developments:

• Detainees suspected to be illegal immigrants (Bangladeshis, Rohingya).

• TMC alleges harassment of legal migrant workers from West Bengal.

• Odisha Police says identity verification conducted under MHA guidelines.

Issues:

• Citizenship Verification – Lack of clear SOPs leads to harassment.

• Federal Strain – Conflict between state authorities of WB and Odisha.

• Labour Rights – Informal migrants vulnerable to state overreach.

Broader Implications:

• Misuse of citizenship checks risks communalization.

• Trust deficit between states can harm cooperative federalism.

• Undermines dignity and rights of internal migrants.

Way Forward:

• National migrant worker database with Aadhaar linkage.

• Interstate MoUs on migrant protection.

• Independent grievance redressal authority for migrants.

Practice Question:

“Discuss the challenges faced by internal migrant workers in India with reference to recent detentions in Odisha. Suggest policy interventions to balance national security with human rights.” (150 words / 10 marks)

Prelims Facts

1. No Decision Yet on Updating NPR Along with Census

Source: Page 12, The Hindu

Topic: GS Paper 2: Polity & Governance

Context

MHA told Census officials that no decision has been made on updating NPR during Census 2027.

Analysis of the news:

• NPR = National Population Register; records usual residents.
• NPR is prepared under Citizenship Rules, 2003.
• It differs from Census; NPR has individual data, Census aggregates.
• Last updated in 2015.
• NPR is the first step toward NRC under current rules.
• Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India (RGCCI) handles NPR and Census.

2. 12 Killed as Bridge Collapses in Vadodara

Source: Page 1 & 12, The Hindu

Topic: GS Paper 3: Disaster Management | Infrastructure

Context

A slab of the 40-year-old Gambhira bridge collapsed in Gujarat, leading to casualties.

Content 

• Gambhira bridge connected central Gujarat with Saurashtra region.

• Bridge collapse caused by structural failure of a 15-meter slab.

• NDRF and local authorities involved in rescue operations.

• Highlights need for periodic bridge audits under Indian Bridge Management System (IBMS).

• India’s Ministry of Road Transport and Highways launched Setu Bharatam for bridge safety.

Check more: 9 July 2025 : Daily Current Affairs