11 July 2025 : Daily Current Affairs

1. Consider Aadhaar, EPIC, ration card as proof: SC

Source: The Hindu, Page 1 , july 11, 2025

Topic: GS Paper 2: Polity & Governance – Electoral Reforms

Context

The Supreme Court is hearing petitions challenging the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar. It has directed the Election Commission (EC) to also consider Aadhaar, EPIC, and ration cards as valid documents for voter verification.

Content: 

Background:

• The EC launched SIR in Bihar before the 2025 State elections.

• Target: Enroll those missing from the 2003 rolls, especially first-time voters or migrants (~2.93 crore people).

• Confusion emerged due to document requirements; EC listed 11 documents, excluding Aadhaar and ration card.

Key Supreme Court Observations:

• Directed EC to consider Aadhaar, EPIC, and ration card as valid ID proof.

• Noted that the list of 11 documents isn’t exhaustive.

• Judicial review will focus on EC’s authority, timing, and methodology of the SIR.

Issues Raised:

• Exclusion risk due to strict document norms, especially for marginalized groups.

• Potential for mass disenfranchisement; voter panic noted in places like Jogbani (Bihar).

• EC claims Aadhaar is not proof of citizenship, but SC emphasized identity over citizenship in this context.

UPSC Relevance:

• Highlights tension between voter inclusion and procedural integrity.

• Reflects on the role of the judiciary in safeguarding democratic rights.

• Brings up larger debates on documentation, federalism, and institutional accountability.

Way Forward:

• Transparent communication by EC.

• Provisional acceptance of documents with later verification.

• Reforms in electoral registration processes through digital inclusion.

Practice Question:

“The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar has raised critical questions about inclusivity and administrative transparency. Examine the constitutional and institutional challenges in ensuring universal adult suffrage in such exercises.“ (250 words / 15 marks)

2. Maharashtra Assembly passes public security Bill; law won’t be misused: CM

Source: Page 4, The Hindu, July 11 2025

Topic: GS Paper 2: Governance – Internal Security; GS Paper 3: Security Issues

Context

Maharashtra Assembly passed the Maharashtra Special Public Security Bill, 2024, aimed at curbing Left Wing Extremism and unlawful organizations.

Content:

Highlights of the Bill:

• Seeks to ban unlawful organizations involved in extremist activities.

• Provides 2–7 years imprisonment for association with such groups.

• Empowers government to seize assets and funds of banned organizations.

• Cognizable and non-bailable offences.

Opposition Concerns:

• CPI and other parties raised issues about vague definitions.

• Fear of misuse against dissenters, student groups, and lawful protesters.

• Demand for clarity on terms like “extremist” and “frontal organizations”.

Political and Legal Implications:

• 5th state after Chhattisgarh, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha to enact such legislation.

• Raises questions on balancing national security with civil liberties.

• Possible misuse akin to UAPA-like provisions.

UPSC Relevance:

• Intersection of federal structure, security legislation, and civil rights.

• Highlights challenges of legislating on internal security without infringing democratic rights.

• Role of judiciary and media in checking misuse of such laws.

Way Forward:

• Periodic judicial review of implementation.

• Proper grievance redressal and oversight mechanisms.

• Definition of terms in consonance with SC judgments (e.g., Shreya Singhal case).

Practice Question:

“With increasing internal security challenges, states have begun to legislate on public order more aggressively. Critically examine the constitutional safeguards to prevent misuse of such laws against legitimate dissent “ (250 words / 15 marks)

3. Central team assesses Nipah situation in 2 Kerala districts

Source: The Hindu, Page 5, July 11, 2025

Topic: GS Paper 2 & 3: Health – Disease Surveillance; Disaster Management

Context

Following recent Nipah cases in Kerala, a central team from the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and the National Institute of Virology (NIV) visited Palakkad and Malappuram for assessment and disease mapping.

Content:

Disease Monitoring & Response:

• 499 persons under observation across 4 districts.

• Field surveillance of bats as potential virus carriers underway.

• Restrictions lifted in Malappuram; continued in Palakkad.

Governance Measures:

• Rapid response teams deployed.

• Emphasis on localized containment and isolation.

• Health Minister reports encouraging negative test results.

Relevance to UPSC:

• India’s public health preparedness post-COVID.

• One Health approach in zoonotic diseases.

• Role of central-state coordination in health emergencies.

Way Forward:

• Enhance surveillance capacity in border and forested regions.

• Strengthen virus genome tracking and early response protocols.

• Public education to avoid panic and misinformation.

Practice Question:

“The emergence of zoonotic diseases like Nipah virus poses a recurring threat to India’s public health security. Analyze the systemic gaps and suggest a roadmap for an integrated national response.” (150 words / 10 marks)

Prelims Facts

1. Consider Aadhaar, EPIC, ration card as proof: SC

Source: Page 1, The Hindu

Topic: GS Paper 2: Polity & Governance – Electoral Reforms

Context

The Supreme Court, while hearing petitions against Bihar’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, suggested including Aadhaar, EPIC, and ration card for voter identification.

Analysis of the news:

• SC Directive: Aadhaar, EPIC (Voter ID), and ration cards should be considered valid ID documents during SIR.

• EC’s List: Existing list of 11 documents does not include Aadhaar or ration cards.

• Judicial Review: SC will examine EC’s legal authority, process transparency, and timing.

• Concerns Raised:

  • Potential for mass disenfranchisement, especially for migrants and marginalized groups.

  • Confusion due to poor communication of document requirements.

• Election Commission’s View:

  • Aadhaar not proof of citizenship under Aadhaar Act.

  • SIR needed to clean rolls and include new voters due to migration, death non-reporting, etc.

Way Forward:

• Simplify and publicize the verification process.

• Consider interim inclusion with later document validation.

• Maintain balance between inclusiveness and integrity of electoral rolls.

2. Maharashtra Assembly passes public security Bill; law won’t be misused: CM

Source: Page 4, The Hindu

Topic: GS Paper 2 & 3: Governance – Internal Security & Law-making

Context

The Maharashtra Assembly passed a new public security Bill aimed at curbing Left Wing Extremism and unlawful organizations, amidst opposition concerns over potential misuse.

Content 

• Objective: Tackle Left Wing Extremism and similar unlawful activities.

• Provisions:

  • 2–7 years jail term for members of banned outfits.

  • Cognizable, non-bailable offences.

  • Power to seize assets of such groups.

• Concerns Raised:

  • Ambiguity in terms like “extremist organization”.

  • Fears of misuse against student and protest groups.

  • Demand for protection of legitimate dissent.

• Political Implications:

  • Maharashtra becomes 5th state (after Odisha, AP, Telangana, Chhattisgarh) with such a law.

Way Forward:

• Ensure legal safeguards to prevent arbitrary use.

• Periodic review by judiciary or independent bodies.

• Public awareness of rights and due process.

Check more: 10 July 2025 : Daily Current Affairs