13 August 2025 : Daily Current Affairs

1. LS Speaker sets in motion the process to remove HC judge

Source: Page 1 , The Hindu UPSC IAS Edition

Topic: GS- 2 – Polity & Governance

Context

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla admitted a motion to remove Justice Yashwant Varma (Allahabad High Court) after burnt wads of currency notes were found at his official residence, leading to the formation of a three-member inquiry committee.

Content

• Removal Process of Judges:

  • Initiated under Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968.

  • Requires motion signed by at least 100 Lok Sabha or 50 Rajya Sabha members.

  • Inquiry committee probes ‘proved misbehaviour or incapacity’.

  • Both Houses must pass the motion by special majority.

• Key Points from the Case:

  • In-house Supreme Court inquiry indicted Justice Varma for corruption.

  • CJI asked for his resignation; upon refusal, impeachment process began.

  • Inquiry committee: Supreme Court judge, Chief Justice (Madras HC), Senior Advocate.

  • Emphasizes the importance of unimpeachable judicial integrity for public trust.

• Analysis:

  • Highlights accountability within higher judiciary.

  • Importance of transparent procedures for removal, balancing judicial independence and accountability.

• Conclusion:

  • Parliament must set a clear message of zero tolerance for corruption in the higher judiciary.

Practice Question:

“Critically examine the process and safeguards involved in the removal of High Court and Supreme Court judges in India. Do you think the present mechanism strikes a balance between independence and accountability? Elucidate with recent examples.“ (250 words / 15 marks)

2. Retail inflation hits 8-year low of 1.55% as food prices drop

Source: page 1 & 10 , The Hindu UPSC IAS Edition

Topic: GS-3 – Economy

Context

India’s retail inflation slipped to 1.55% in July 2025, its lowest in nearly 8 years, due to a sharp decline in food and beverage prices.

Analysis from UPSC Angle:

• Key Highlights:

  • Food inflation in negative (-0.8%).

  • Vegetable and pulse prices contracted due to high base and adequate supply.

  • Overall, inflation within RBI’s comfort band (2%-6%).

• Significance:

  • Eases pressure on households and RBI’s monetary stance.

  • A strong monsoon and robust kharif sowing support continued food price stability.

  • Core inflation (ex-food and fuel) also moderating to near RBI’s 4% target.

• Analysis:

  • Indicates success of supply-side measures and favourable agricultural conditions.

  • Persistent low inflation may offer space for monetary easing; careful monitoring needed for future shocks.

  • Potential base effect and risk of rural distress if price drops continue.

• Conclusion:

  • Maintain supply-side support, prepare for volatility in global food and fuel prices.

Practice Question:

“Analyze the factors contributing to the recent decline in retail inflation in India. What are the possible macroeconomic implications and policy challenges of sustained low inflation?” (250 words / 15 marks)

3. Aadhaar, voter ID no proof of citizenship, rules Bombay HC

Source: Page 4, Indian Express Delhi Edition

Topic: GS-2 – Polity & Governance

Context

Bombay High Court ruled that documents like Aadhaar, PAN, voter ID are not enough to prove citizenship; these are for identification or services, not legal status.

Key Points for UPSC:

• Legal Position:

  • Citizenship determined under Citizenship Act, 1955.

  • Identity documents not substitutes for citizenship documentation.

  • Verification of identity documents pending cannot establish citizenship.

• Implications:

  • Affects cases involving illegal entry, migration, and NRC/CAA debates.

  • Important for electoral roll verification (e.g. Bihar draft roll controversy).

  • Ensures that only those legally entitled are recognized as citizens for state benefits.

• Analysis:

  • Emphasizes the difference between identification and citizenship.

  • Addresses concerns over misuse of identity documents by non-citizens.

  • Highlights need for reliable, accessible citizenship documentation.

• Conclusion:

  • Policy must ensure robust, inclusive, and legally sound citizenship verification processes.

Practice Question:

“Discuss the legal distinction between identity and citizenship in India. How does this distinction impact government welfare measures and the verification of electoral rolls?” (150 words / 10 marks)

Check more: 12 August 2025 : Daily Current Affairs