12 August 2025 : Daily Current Affairs

1. Nuclear Threat is Pakistan’s ‘Stock-in-Trade’

Source: Page 1 , The Hindu UPSC IAS Edition

Topic: GS- 2: International Relations; GS Paper 3: Internal Security

Context

India’s Ministry of External Affairs condemned Pakistan Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir’s nuclear threat over the Indus water issue, calling it irresponsible and indicative of Pakistan’s poor nuclear command integrity.

Content

• Background – Pakistan’s repeated nuclear rhetoric over India’s water projects on Indus river.

• Recent Remarks – Munir threatened to destroy any dam India builds on Indus, stating Pakistan could “take half the world down” if it collapses.

• India’s Stand –

  • Rejects nuclear blackmail.

  • Assures safeguarding of national security.

  • Calls remarks irresponsible, made on the soil of a friendly third country (U.S.).

• Significance for UPSC –

  • Indus Waters Treaty (1960) and its strategic importance.

  • Nuclear deterrence & regional stability in South Asia.

  • Role of diplomacy vs coercive threats in water-sharing disputes.

• Way Forward – Strengthening international monitoring of nuclear rhetoric; enhancing India’s dam security and communication with global partners.

Practice Question:

“Discuss the strategic and diplomatic implications of nuclear threats in the context of the Indus Waters Treaty between India and Pakistan.“ (250 words / 15 marks)

2. Supreme Court Orders Relocation of Stray Dogs in Delhi

Source: page 2, The Hindu UPSC IAS Edition

Topic: GS- 2: Governance; GS Paper 4: Ethics & Public Policy

Context

SC directed Delhi authorities to capture all stray dogs and relocate them to shelters permanently to prevent attacks, especially on children.

Analysis from UPSC Angle:

• Key Order –

  • Immediate capture of stray dogs.

  • Never release them back on streets.

  • Contempt action against non-compliance.

• Challenges –

  • MCD lacks shelters; only 13/20 sterilisation centres functional.

  • Requires large funds, land, manpower.

• Criticism –

  • Animal rights activists call it unscientific and unfeasible.

  • PETA & Maneka Gandhi warn of large-scale canine suffering.

• Ethical Dimensions – Balancing public safety with animal rights.

• Relevance for UPSC –

  • Urban governance and public health.

  • Judicial intervention in administrative issues.

  • Conflict between rights of humans and animals.

• Way Forward – Phased implementation, expansion of sterilisation, adoption drives, public awareness.

Practice Question:

“Critically evaluate the ethical and governance challenges in implementing the Supreme Court’s order on the relocation of stray dogs in Delhi.” (250 words / 15 marks)

3. Punjab Government Withdraws Land Pooling Policy 2025

Source: Page 1, Indian Express Delhi Edition

Topic: GS-2: Governance; GS Paper 3: Agriculture & Land Reforms

Context

Facing farmer protests and HC stay, Punjab withdrew the Land Pooling Policy, 2025, which aimed to acquire over 65,000 acres for development.

Key Points for UPSC:

• Policy Highlights – Land pooling instead of direct acquisition; government promised it was “farmer-friendly”.

• Opposition View – Called it “land grabbing”; lacked proper consultation; challenged in court.

• Farmer Unions’ Role – SKM and others mobilised protests; viewed as victory for farmers.

• Relevance for UPSC –

  • Land acquisition vs land pooling models.

  • Federal role in urban development and farmer rights.

  • Judicial review of policy-making.

• Way Forward – More participatory planning; equitable compensation; transparent environmental & social impact assessments.

Practice Question:

“What are the advantages and limitations of land pooling as a tool for urban expansion? Discuss in the context of recent protests in Punjab” (150 words / 10 marks)

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