24 June 2025 : Daily Current Affairs

1. SC’s three-year Bar experience rule for judge exam triggers concern

Source: The Hindu, Page 13, June 24, 2025

Topic: GS Paper 2: Polity & Governance (Judiciary)

Context

The Supreme Court has reinstated the requirement of three years of litigation experience for candidates appearing for entry-level judicial service exams, sparking legal and constitutional debates.

Content: 

• The May 20 judgment mandates three years of courtroom experience before sitting for judiciary exams.

• The SC emphasized that practical exposure is critical for judges deciding issues involving life, liberty, and property.

• Petitioners argue the judgment creates retrospective hardship, especially for those preparing under the old criteria.

Legal and Governance Implications:

• Article 14 violation: Petitioners cite breach of fairness and legitimate expectations.

• Impact on access to judiciary careers: Candidates from marginalised or rural backgrounds may face hurdles.

• Judicial independence & quality: The Court aims to improve judicial competence through experiential learning.

Way Forward:

• A phased implementation could balance judicial standards and aspirant equity.

• Strengthening post-recruitment training may serve as an alternative.

Practice Question:

Critically evaluate the Supreme Court’s decision to mandate three years of litigation experience for judicial service candidates. Discuss its implications for access to the judiciary and legal education reforms?  (250 words / 15 marks)

2. Rising evaporative demand spotlights India’s data and research gap

Source: Page 9, The Hindu, June 24 2025

Topic: GS Paper 3: Environment, Agriculture & Climate Change

Context

New studies introduce “thirstwaves” — periods of extreme evaporative demand — raising concerns for India’s water and agricultural resilience.

Content:

Key Concepts:

• Evaporative demand: Indicates how thirsty the air is.

• Thirstwave: 3+ days of extreme evaporative demand, affecting crops and ecosystems.

Relevance to India:

• Indian data is insufficient to map these phenomena.

• Evaporative stress can damage crops like rice and wheat, even with adequate irrigation.

• Existing research shows high vulnerability in Himalayan and Northern plains.

Policy Gaps:

• Lack of region-specific data for early warning systems.

• No integrated policy connecting water management, agriculture, and climate mitigation.

Way Forward:

• Invest in agro-meteorological research.

• Equip farmers with tools to adapt to high evaporative stress conditions.

• Integrate this into national water and agri-resilience policies.

Practice Question:

What are thirstwaves and how do they impact Indian agriculture? Discuss the role of evaporative demand in shaping climate adaptation policies. (250 words / 15 marks)

3. Gaza to Iran: Israel’s illegal wars grow with U.S. support

Source: The Hindu, Page 6 & 14, June 24, 2025

Topic: GS Paper 2: International Relations | GS Paper 3: Internal Security

Context

Escalating conflict in West Asia, with U.S. strikes on Iran and increasing Israeli military action across the region.

Content:

Geopolitical Flashpoints:

• U.S. bombed Iranian nuclear sites on June 22, triggering missile retaliation from Iran on U.S. bases.

• Over 60,000 killed across Gaza, Yemen, Syria, and Lebanon due to Israeli actions.

• Iran threatens to cut ties with IAEA.

Global Reactions:

• The UN urges ceasefire; the U.S. continues military and diplomatic support to Israel.

• India abstains from a recent UN ceasefire vote — marking a shift in its traditional West Asia posture.

Implications for India:

• Energy security through Strait of Hormuz is threatened.

• Diaspora and trade vulnerabilities.

• Diplomatic balancing act between the U.S., Iran, and Israel.

Way Forward:

• India should push for multilateral diplomacy.

• Need to diversify energy sources.

• Use SCO and BRICS platforms to encourage peace.

Practice Question:

Analyze the implications of the escalating Iran-Israel-U.S. conflict on India’s foreign policy and energy security. Suggest diplomatic strategies for India. (150 words / 10 marks)

Prelims Facts

1. SC’s three-year Bar experience rule for judge exam triggers concern

Source: Page 13, The Hindu

Topic: GS Paper 2: Polity & Governance

Context

The Supreme Court reinstates the three-year Bar practice experience requirement for judicial service aspirants.

Analysis of the news:

• The Supreme Court mandates 3 years of litigation experience for lower judiciary exam eligibility.

• Decision aims to improve judicial quality by ensuring practical exposure.

• Petitioners argue it violates Article 14 (Right to Equality).

• Could disproportionately affect rural and first-generation law graduates.

2. Rising evaporative demand spotlights India’s data and research gap

Source: Page 9, The Hindu

Topic: GS Paper 3: Environment, Agriculture, Climate Change

Context

New meteorological risks like “thirstwaves” highlight India’s unpreparedness in climate-agriculture research.

Analysis of the news:

• Thirstwave = ≥3 days of extreme evaporative demand.

• Evaporative demand = the atmosphere’s “thirst” for water; affects crops despite irrigation.

• Indian data systems lack region-specific monitoring of evaporative demand.

• High-risk zones = Himalayan region and Northern plains.

• Not integrated into India’s current climate adaptation and agricultural policy.

Check more: 23 June 2025 : Daily Current Affairs