12 July 2025 : Daily Current Affairs

1. Nine Pak. sites hit during Operation Sindoor: Doval

Source: The Hindu, Page 1 , july 12, 2025

Topic: GS Paper 3: Internal Security, Defence Technology

Context

NSA Ajit Doval confirmed that India targeted nine terrorist camps in Pakistan in a precise military operation named “Operation Sindoor,” highlighting the use of indigenous defence systems.

Content: 

Key Aspects:

• Operation Details:

  • Operation Sindoor lasted 23 minutes.

  • All nine terrorist targets across Pakistan were hit with precision.

  • There was no collateral damage or Indian loss, proven by satellite imagery.

• Indigenous Defence Capability:

  • BrahMos missile system, integrated air command control systems, battlefield surveillance equipment were fully indigenous.

  • Emphasized India’s defence self-reliance under ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’.

• Strategic Implications:

  • Demonstrates India’s shift towards pro-active and precise counter-terror operations.

  • Shows capacity for high-precision, low-footprint military actions.

• Doval’s Message to Youth:

  • Emphasis on AI, quantum computing, and indigenous technology development for future security and prosperity.

Conclusion:

• India must continue to invest in indigenous R&D for defence.

• Strategic deterrence should be coupled with diplomatic engagement to manage escalation.

Practice Question:

“Operation Sindoor reflects a shift in India’s counter-terror strategy towards precision and indigenisation.” Discuss in the context of India’s internal security and defence preparedness.“ (250 words / 15 marks)

2. Simultaneous election Bill gives EC unbridled powers; loopholes remain: ex-CJIs

Source: Page 1, The Hindu, July 12 2025

Topic: GS Paper 2: Polity and Governance – Electoral Reforms, Constitutional Amendments

Context

Former CJIs flagged concerns over unchecked powers given to the Election Commission (EC) in the Bill proposing simultaneous elections in India.

Content:

Key Concerns:

• Unbridled Powers to EC:

  • EC can decide when to hold Assembly elections without any oversight mechanism.

  • Section 82A(5) gives EC power to recommend postponement of elections without defining limits.

• Basic Structure Intact:

  • Though they did not find the Bill violating the Constitution’s basic structure, the CJIs stressed the need for checks and balances.

• Remaining Term Clause:

  • Provision mandates elections for even a few months of remaining Assembly term—counterproductive to the very objective of simultaneous elections.

• Need for Clarity and Oversight:

  • Parliament or Council of Ministers should be involved in key decisions.

  • Defining “reasonable remaining term” is crucial.

Conclusion:

• Amend the Bill to ensure democratic oversight and legal clarity.

• Public consultations and expert committee reviews are necessary for electoral reforms of this scale.

Practice Question:

“Critically examine the proposal for simultaneous elections in India in light of concerns raised by constitutional experts regarding the powers of the Election Commission. “ (250 words / 15 marks)

3. Gender equality must be at the heart of India’s development

Source: The Hindu, Page 7, July 12, 2025

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

Context

The WEF Global Gender Gap Report 2025 ranks India 131/148, highlighting glaring inequalities in health and economic participation.

Content:

Core Issues Identified:

• Health & Survival:

  • Skewed sex ratio at birth.

  • High female anaemia rates (57% in 15–49 age group).

  • Women’s life expectancy lower than men’s.

• Economic Participation:

  • Women earn less than one-third of male earnings.

  • Low female labour force participation.

  • 7x more unpaid domestic work than men.

• Structural Barriers:

  • Lack of childcare/care infrastructure.

  • Gender bias in budget and policy design.

• Policy Recommendations:

  • Invest in care economy (childcare, elder care).

  • Conduct regular Time Use Surveys.

  • Implement gender budgeting across ministries.

  • Learn from Uruguay and South Korea’s care models.

Conclusion:

• Gender equality is not just a rights issue, it is a developmental and economic imperative.

• Real investment—not slogans—is the need of the hour.

Practice Question:

“The Global Gender Gap Report 2025 underscores India’s poor performance on gender equity. Discuss how gender equality is critical to India’s economic and demographic future.” (150 words / 10 marks)

Prelims Facts

1. Nine Pak. sites hit during Operation Sindoor: Doval

Source: Page 1, The Hindu

Topic: GS Paper 3: Internal Security, Defence Technology

Context

NSA Ajit Doval revealed operational details of “Operation Sindoor,” a precision strike against nine terrorist camps in Pakistan using indigenous technology.

Analysis of the news:

• Operation Details:

  • Conducted on Pakistani soil; lasted only 23 minutes.

  • All targets were terrorist camps; no collateral damage.

• Use of Indigenous Defence Tech:

  • BrahMos missile system and indigenous radar, surveillance, and air command systems used.

  • Emphasis on “Atmanirbhar Bharat” in defence.

• Strategic Relevance:

  • Demonstrates India’s precise strike capabilities.

  • Reflects shift towards targeted, technology-based warfare.

• Policy Message:

  • Youth urged to focus on AI, quantum computing.

  • Technology crucial for national security and sovereignty.

2. Simultaneous election Bill gives EC unbridled powers; loopholes remain: ex-CJIs

Source: Page 1, The Hindu

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

Context

Former Chief Justices of India raised concerns over unchecked powers granted to the Election Commission in the proposed Simultaneous Elections Bill.

Content 

• Bill Under Review:

  • Constitution (129th Amendment) Bill, 2024.

• Key Concerns by Former CJIs:

  • No oversight on EC’s discretion to postpone state elections.

  • “Remaining period” clause vague; could lead to meaningless elections.

• Suggestions:

  • Parliamentary/council involvement in EC’s decision.

  • Define minimum remaining term for holding elections.

• Constitutional View:

  • Bill does not violate Basic Structure, but clarity needed.

Check more: 11 July 2025 : Daily Current Affairs