19 July 2025 : Daily Current Affairs

1. U.S. Adds The Resistance Front (TRF) to Terror List for Pahalgam Strike

Source: Page 1 , The Hindu UPSC IAS Edition

Topic: GS-2 (International Relations, Internal Security), GS Paper 3 (Security, Terrorism)

Context

The United States has declared The Resistance Front (TRF), a Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) proxy, a “Foreign Terrorist Organisation” (FTO) and “Specially Designated Global Terrorist” (SDGT). The move follows TRF’s claimed responsibility for the deadly April 2025 Pahalgam attack, which killed 26 civilians. India welcomed this as an affirmation of counter-terror cooperation.

Background

• TRF is considered a front for Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba and was floated to evade sanctions following the dilution of Article 370 in Jammu & Kashmir.

• The group claimed responsibility for multiple attacks targeting civilians and security personnel in J&K.

• The U.S. announced the FTO/SDGT designation citing protection of its own national interests and support for India’s counter-terror efforts.

• India has previously labeled TRF a terror group under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

Significance for UPSC:

International Cooperation in Counter-Terrorism

• The move strengthens India-U.S. security relations; shows recognition of India’s concerns about cross-border terrorism.

• Designation enables the U.S. to freeze assets, prohibit transactions, and prosecute individuals linked to the group internationally.

Challenges and Policy Implications:

• Highlights the increasing use of proxy outfits by sanctioned terror groups to evade accountability.

• Signals to Pakistan on the need to restrain sponsored groups operating against India.

• Need for continued international diplomatic efforts to disrupt terror financing and sanctuaries.

Critical Analysis:

• The designation reflects India’s growing diplomatic influence.

• However, actual curtailment of such networks requires cooperation with multiple countries beyond symbolic sanctions.

• The use of digital media by new-age terror groups for recruitment and propaganda poses an evolving challenge.

Way Forward:

• Sustained India-U.S. intelligence sharing.

• Multilateral engagement through platforms like FATF, UNSC to designate and sanction terror proxies.

• Strengthening domestic intelligence and cyber capabilities to combat changing modalities of terrorism.

Practice Question:

“Critically examine the impact of designating proxy terror outfits like The Resistance Front as Foreign Terrorist Organisations by international actors. How can such designations enhance India’s internal security architecture and what are the limitations of relying on external sanctions?” (250 words / 15 marks)

2. PM Unveils ₹7,200-crore Projects in Bihar, Calls for NDA’s Return to Power

Source: page 1, The Hindu UPSC IAS Edition

Topic: GS-2 (Polity and Governance, Centre-State Relations), GS Paper 3 (Infrastructure)

Context

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Bihar, announcing several projects and emphasizing connectivity, while highlighting flagship welfare schemes. He also referenced Operation Sindoor against terrorism in Pakistan.

Analysis from UPSC Angle:

Centre-State Dynamics in Development:

• Central government’s role in funding and launching significant welfare/infrastructure projects in states.

• Issues of “double engine government” and politics of development.

Political Economy of Welfare Schemes:

• Impact of schemes like PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana; direct benefit transfers, inclusion outcomes.

• Targeted welfare and its electoral implications.

Security and Counter-Terror Operations:

• Operation Sindoor as a case of cross-border security assertion and projection of government capabilities.

Critical Issues:

• Political use of development projects.

• Role of state-level political parties, regional aspirations versus national priorities.

• Social inclusion: how far projects address inequality and backwardness.

Way Forward:

• Objective assessment of development governance; accountability for delivery.

• Need for bipartisan continuity in welfare, irrespective of regime changes.

Practice Question:

“Discuss the political economy of Centre-State relations in the rollout of welfare and infrastructure projects in India. How does it shape the developmental trajectory and public perception in states like Bihar?” (250 words / 15 marks)

3. Gaps in India’s Waste Management Highlighted by Bridge Collapse in Vadodara

Source: Page 7, Indian Express Delhi Edition

Topic: GS-3 (Infrastructure, Disaster Management), GS Paper 2 (Governance)

Context

Twenty people died after a structurally unsound bridge collapsed in Vadodara, Gujarat, highlighting ongoing risks associated with deteriorating public infrastructure and delayed administrative action.

Key Points for UPSC:

Dynamics of Infrastructure Failure:

• Repeated alarms about bridge safety went unaddressed by officials.

• Indicates systemic problems in infrastructure audit, maintenance, accountability.

Disaster Management Concerns:

• Delayed rescue, lack of contingency planning.

• Need for transparent and periodic safety audits, public participation in reporting hazards.

Policy Implications:

• India’s expanding road/bridge network often suffers from maintenance lacunae.

• Administrative inaction, lack of follow-up on citizen complaints.

Way Forward:

• Mandated regular safety audits, use of technology (IoT, sensors) for monitoring ageing infrastructure.

• Improved coordination between central and state agencies, effective grievance redressal.

Practice Question:

“Examine the causes and consequences of recurring public infrastructure failures in India. What systemic policy reforms are required to ensure safety, accountability, and disaster resilience?” (150 words / 10 marks)

4. Maharashtra Public Security Bill Open to Misuse, Says Opposition

Source: Page 4, The Hindu Delhi Edition

Topic: GS-2 (Polity – Legislation and Rights), GS Paper 3 (Internal Security, Civil Liberties)

Context

A delegation of Opposition leaders submitted a memorandum to the Maharashtra Governor over the “oppressive, ambiguous and open to misuse” Special Public Security Bill, 2024.

Key Features & Critique:

• The Bill grants the executive powers to declare organizations unlawful without due process.

• “Unlawful acts” definition covers regular opposition, speech, fundraising.

• Excludes lower courts from jurisdiction, offers blanket immunity to officials.

• Alleged ideological bias targeting dissent, unions, rights groups as threats.

Analysis for UPSC:

Concerns Raised:

• Potential erosion of fundamental rights (speech, association, due process).

• Checks and balances under separation of powers threatened.

• Blanket administrative immunity risks arbitrary governance.

Internal Security vs Civil Liberties:

• Balancing national security imperatives with constitutional freedoms remains a perennial challenge.

• Historical context: Misuse of similar laws (e.g., UAPA) to curb dissent.

Way Forward:

• Judicial scrutiny to strike down overly broad/vague provisions.

• Transparent consultation with civil society before enacting such laws.

Practice Question:

“ECritically assess the tensions between internal security legislation and protections for civil liberties in India, with reference to recent bills such as the Maharashtra Special Public Security Bill, 2024.” (150 words / 10 marks)

5. EU Imposes Sanctions on Refinery in Gujarat for Russia Energy Links

Source: Editorial, Page 1, Indian Express Delhi Edition

Topic: GS-2 (International Relations, Economic Sanctions), GS Paper 3 (Energy Security)

Context

The European Union included Nayara Energy’s Vadinar refinery in Gujarat in its new sanctions package aimed at curtailing Russia’s energy revenue, as part of the global response to the Ukraine conflict.

Relevance for UPSC:

India’s Energy Security Dilemma:

• Nayara Energy is 49% owned by Russia’s Rosneft; India faces pressure from EU/US to curtail Russian energy imports.

• The sanctions include a lowered oil price cap and strict import/export controls.

International Law and Trade Challenges:

• India does not recognize unilateral sanctions; reiterates “responsible energy actor” position and underscores double standards.

• Impact on India-Russia relations and larger energy import security.

• Strategic autonomy in foreign economic policy.

Way Forward:

• Navigating global energy geopolitics; diversifying suppliers.

• Strengthening resilience against external economic pressures.

Practice Questions:

“Analyze the impact of international economic sanctions on India’s energy security and foreign policy choices. How should India balance global pressure and national interest amidst geopolitical tensions?” (150 words / 10 marks)

Check more: 18 July 2025 : Daily Current Affairs