17 July 2025 : Daily Current Affairs

1. PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDDKY) – Government merges 36 schemes to boost agriculture

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

Topic: GS-3 (Agriculture, Economy, Government Schemes)

Context

The Union Cabinet approved the PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana, announced in Budget 2025-26, aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity and promoting sustainable farming.

Key Features of PMDDKY

• Objective: Improve productivity, irrigation, storage, and credit access; encourage sustainable practices.

• Outlay: ₹24,000 crore annually for 6 years (2025-2031).

• Coverage: At least one district from every State/UT; total 100 districts identified based on:

  • Low productivity

  • Low cropping intensity

  • Low credit disbursement

• Implementation: Convergence of 36 schemes across 11 Ministries + State schemes + private partnerships.

• Model: Based on Aspirational District Programme.

Significance

• Addresses fragmentation of schemes → integrated approach.

• Boosts post-harvest infrastructure at panchayat/block level.

• Promotes climate-resilient agriculture → critical for sustainability.

• Supports credit availability → reduces farmer indebtedness.

Challenges

• Implementation complexity due to multi-ministry involvement.

• Need for timely fund release and State cooperation.

• Monitoring at district level crucial to avoid leakages.

Way Forward

• Strong digital monitoring systems.

• Ensure farmer awareness & capacity building.

• Periodic impact evaluation to measure real outcomes.

Practice Question:

“he recently announced PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana seeks to consolidate multiple agricultural schemes under one umbrella. Discuss the significance of this move in achieving agricultural sustainability and doubling farmer income. Highlight key implementation challenges and suggest measures to address them. (250 words / 15 marks)

2. The Hindu UPSC IAS Edition, July 17, 2025

Source: page 5, The Hindu UPSC IAS Edition

Topic: GS-2 (Health), GS-3 (Disaster Management, Science & Tech)

Context

Kerala reports a new Nipah case in Palakkad; over 700 people under observation, bringing focus back on emerging infectious diseases.

Current Situation

• 4 cases in 3 weeks (Palakkad & Malappuram).

• 1 death reported; latest case is son of deceased.

• State Health Department activated containment protocol.

• Measures taken:

  • Route mapping of infected

  • Contact tracing

  • Psychological support to families

  • Bat sampling (150 samples sent to NIV Pune)

Why Nipah is a Concern

• Zoonotic virus (fruit bats as natural host).

• High mortality rate (40-75%).

• No approved vaccine yet → only supportive care.

• WHO lists Nipah among priority pathogens for R&D.

Preparedness & Challenges

• Kerala has Nipah protocol from past outbreaks (2018, 2021).

• Challenge: Rapid containment in high-density areas.

• Public awareness to prevent panic and misinformation.

Way Forward

• Strengthen One Health approach (human-animal interface monitoring).

• Invest in vaccine development & diagnostics.

• Improve healthcare infrastructure for outbreak response.

Practice Question:

“Nipah virus outbreaks in India highlight the challenges posed by zoonotic diseases. Discuss the key lessons learned from recent outbreaks and suggest strategies to strengthen India’s epidemic preparedness framework..” (250 words / 15 marks)

3.India’s Trade Data Q1 FY26 – Mixed Signals Amid Global Headwinds

Source: Page 6, Indian Express Delhi Edition

Topic: GS-3 (Economy – External Sector, Trade)

Context

India’s merchandise trade deficit widened in Q1 FY26 despite an uptick in services exports, highlighting structural challenges in goods trade and energy dependence.

Key Highlights

• Goods Exports (June 2025): $35.14 bn (almost flat YoY).

• Q1 FY26 Goods Exports: $112.17 bn (+1.92%).

• Merchandise Trade Deficit: $67.26 bn (vs $62.1 bn last year).

• Services Exports: $98.13 bn (+11%).

• U.S. remains largest export market (17.7% share).

• Growth in:

  • Electronic goods (+46.93%)

  • Tea (+32.64%)

  • Marine products (+13.33%)

Concerns

• Heavy reliance on refined petroleum exports (≈15% share).

• U.S. threat of 100% secondary tariffs on Russian crude impacts India (36% of India’s oil imports from Russia).

• Need to diversify energy sources and boost non-oil exports.

Way Forward

• Accelerate renewable energy transition.

• Push for Bilateral Trade Agreements (esp. with U.S. & EU).

• Support MSMEs & manufacturing sector for export diversification.

Practice Question:

“India’s external trade is showing resilience in services but stagnation in goods exports. Discuss the structural factors behind this trend and suggest policy measures to address the imbalance.” (150 words / 10 marks)

Prelims Facts

1. Electoral Roll Revision in Bihar – EC Flags Issues of Disenfranchisement

Source: Page 1 & Editorial Page 6

Topic: GS-2 (Polity – Electoral Reforms)

Context

The Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision in Bihar has triggered concerns over potential disenfranchisement due to strict documentation rules and re-verification requirements.

Key Facts

• Current Status: 6.85% of voters yet to submit enumeration forms; 88.65% covered so far.

• Draft rolls to be published on Aug 1.

• Problems Identified:

  • 4.5% voters not found at address

  • 1.59% deceased

  • 0.73% duplicate entries

Concerns Raised

• EC notification lists 11 documents but excludes Aadhaar, Ration Card, Driver’s Licence, and EPIC (Voter ID).

• Additional verification for those added post-2003 → disproportionate burden on voters.

• Could lead to exclusion of vulnerable groups (migrants, poor).

Legal Context

• Article 324: EC’s powers of superintendence.

• Article 326: Universal Adult Suffrage.

• RPA 1950: EC authorized to revise rolls → but subject to principles of fairness and proportionality.

Way Forward

• Use technology-based verification without causing exclusion.

• Increase transparency & awareness campaigns.

• Strengthen grievance redressal for wrongly deleted names.

2. Violence Against Women in Educational Institutions – A Rising Concern

Source: Editorial, Page 6, Indian Express Delhi Edition, July 17, 2025

Topic: GS-1 (Society – Gender Issues), GS-2 (Governance – Social Justice)

Context

The death of a college student in Odisha following unaddressed sexual harassment complaints has renewed focus on gender safety in educational institutions.

Case in Focus

• Incident: 20-year-old B.Ed student from Fakir Mohan College set herself ablaze outside principal’s office after repeated complaints against a teacher were ignored.

• Accused: Teacher & Principal arrested.

Issues Identified

• Failure of Internal Complaints Committees (ICC) mandated by Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013.

• Lack of accountability despite legal safeguards.

• NCRB data (2022):

  • 4,45,256 crimes against women (↑4% over 2021).

  • Major categories:

    • Cruelty by husband (31.4%)

    • Assault with intent to outrage modesty (18.7%)

    • Rape (7.1%)

Way Forward

• Strict enforcement of ICC in all institutions.

• Regular gender sensitization programs.

• Strengthen criminal justice response & victim support systems.

Check more: 16 July 2025 : Daily Current Affairs