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13 August 2025 : Daily Current Affairs

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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

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