22 July 2025 : Daily Current Affairs

1. Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar Resigns; Cites Health Reasons

Source: Page 1 , The Hindu UPSC IAS Edition

Topic: GS-2 (Polity & Governance)

Context

The Vice-President of India, Jagdeep Dhankhar, resigned midway through his term citing health concerns. His decision came on the inaugural day of the Monsoon session of Parliament.

Content

Constitutional Provisions

• Article 67(a) of the Constitution provides for resignation of the Vice-President by letter addressed to the President.

• The Vice-President’s role includes being the ex-officio Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha.

Significance

• The position of Vice-President is central to the smooth functioning of the Upper House.

• The vacancy could have implications for legislative business and political dynamics during session times.

Analysis

• Precedent: Rare for a sitting Vice-President to resign before completing the term.

• Political Dynamics: Unexpected as Mr. Dhankhar had actively presided over the Rajya Sabha earlier the same day.

• Succession Process: The President must act upon the resignation; the process for new election to be initiated according to existing norms.

Way Forward

• Smooth transition to ensure minimal disruption in Rajya Sabha proceedings.

• Prompt initiation of the election process for the next Vice-President.

Practice Question:

“Critically analyze the constitutional and political implications of the resignation of a sitting Vice-President of India mid-term. How does it affect the functioning of Parliament?” (250 words / 15 marks)

2. Draft Industrial Policy Bets on Tech, Hospitality for Delhi’s Growth Over Next Decade

Source: page 1, The Hindu UPSC IAS Edition

Topic: GS-3 (Economy – Industrial Policy, Urbanization, Innovations)

Context

The Delhi government released a draft Industrial Policy 2025-2035, aiming to promote technology, hospitality, and research-driven sectors, moving away from traditional manufacturing.

Analysis from UPSC Angle:

Policy Highlights

• Focus on non-polluting, high-value sectors: Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, BFSI (Banking/Finance), hospitality, and R&D.

• Incentives: 50% capital investment reimbursement (up to ₹50 crore per project).

• ₹400-crore venture capital fund to support industrial innovation.

• Easing of regulatory requirements for certain businesses.

Analysis

• Alignment with Demographic Strength: Utilizes Delhi’s high literacy rates and young, skilled workforce.

• Sustainable Urban Growth: Shift from manufacturing to service and technology sectors for lower environmental impact.

• Challenges: Implementation of infrastructure upgrades, ensuring inclusiveness, and adapting workforce skills.

Way Forward

• Finalization and effective implementation of policy after stakeholder consultations.

• Periodic monitoring to ensure stated goals (job creation, sustainability) are achieved.

Practice Question:

“Discuss the relevance of promoting technology-driven and non-polluting industries in the industrial policy framework of modern Indian cities. Illustrate with reference to Delhi’s draft Industrial Policy 2025-2035.” (250 words / 15 marks)

3. Supreme Court Clarifies Legal Status of Right to Vote Amid Bihar Electoral Roll Controversy

Source: Page 7, Indian Express Delhi Edition

Topic: GS-2 (Polity – Electoral Reforms, Rights & Constitutional Provisions)

Context

The Supreme Court is hearing multiple petitions challenging the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar, raising questions on the legal nature of the right to vote in India.

Key Points for UPSC:

Key Legal Framework

• Article 326 grants every citizen above 18 the right to vote, subject to certain conditions.

• Representation of People Acts (1950 and 1951) regulate the process and qualifications for voting.

Judicial Interpretations

• Judicial precedents have mostly classified the right to vote as a statutory right, not a fundamental right.

• Some recent observations treat it as a ‘constitutional right’, but the dominant interpretation remains statutory.

Issues & Implications

• Exclusion from the electoral rolls does not equate to loss of citizenship.

• Electoral roll revisions must be fair, transparent, and avoid disenfranchisement.

• Political sensitivity: Removal or inclusion of names can have political repercussions.

Way Forward

• Strengthening oversight mechanisms for roll revision.

• More clarity on the legal status – whether it should be elevated to a constitutional right for greater protection.

Practice Question:

“Critically examine the legal status of the right to vote in India. Should it remain a statutory right, or be granted the status of a constitutional/fundamental right? Substantiate your answer” (150 words / 10 marks)

Check more: 21 July 2025 : Daily Current Affairs