28 July 2025 : Daily Current Affairs

1. Bihar’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of Electoral Rolls—Concerns Over Documentation & Citizenship

Source: Page 8 , The Hindu UPSC IAS Edition

Topic: GS-2 (Governance: Polity & Elections), GS1 (Society: Migration), GS4 (Ethics)

Context

The Election Commission of India (ECI) launched a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar ahead of the Assembly elections. The exercise, meant to weed out duplicates and non-citizens, has triggered controversy due to stringent new documentation requirements, raising concerns of disenfranchisement among migrants and marginalised groups.

Content

Background:

• SIR aims to ensure that only eligible citizens are on the electoral rolls.

• Migrants, young voters, multiple registrations, and non-citizens have been cited as key issues that mandate such a revision.

Key UPSC Points and Analysis:

• Legal & Constitutional Basis:

  • Article 326 mandates that only citizens can vote; Section 16 of the Representation of People Act, 1950, details disqualifications. The ECI has a constitutional duty to maintain the integrity of electoral rolls.

• Implementation:

  • Booth Level Officers were to conduct surveys; voters needed to submit one of 11 “probative” documents—Aadhaar and existing voter ID cards haven’t been accepted (controversial).

  • Many migrant workers lack access to the required documents; about 70% surveyed were unaware of the new rules.

  • Campaigns and SMS-based awareness attempts were made, but ground-level awareness remains very low.

  • Minority and marginalised communities fear disenfranchisement.

• Concerns & Criticism:

  • Risk of exclusion especially for migrants and the poor who lack documentation.

  • Stringent requirements may defeat the universal suffrage principle.

• Way Forward:

  • Ensure practical, inclusive documentation rules.

  • Engage civil society in outreach.

  • Monitor claims and objections period for fair inclusion.

  • Avoid sudden process changes before major elections.

Practice Question:

“Critically evaluate the recent Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in Bihar. Discuss its implications for electoral integrity and inclusive democracy. How can the process balance verification with universal adult franchise?” (250 words / 15 marks)

2. Maharashtra Halts Ladki Bahin Scheme to 26.3 Lakh Beneficiaries

Source: page 1, The Hindu UPSC IAS Edition

Topic: GS-2 (Governance & Welfare Schemes), GS4 (Ethics in Governance)

Context

Maharashtra has temporarily halted ₹1,500 monthly payments under the “Ladki Bahin” scheme to over 26 lakh women due to eligibility verification after fraudulent claims emerged.

Analysis from UPSC Angle:

Background:

• The Ladki Bahin scheme provides ₹1,500/month to women from low-income groups.

• Launched before state elections, the scheme became popular for supporting women’s welfare.

Key UPSC Points and Analysis:

• Governance & Implementation:

  • 2.25 crore women continue to get benefits while 26.3 lakh cases were flagged for eligibility review.

  • District Collectors tasked to verify beneficiaries’ claims.

• Fraudulent Claims:

  • Reports of ineligible claimants, including men, prompted the suspension for scrutiny.

• Ethical and Practical Issues:

  • Balancing welfare outreach with system misuse.

  • Importance of periodic audits and use of technology (DBT, Aadhaar) to reduce leakages.

  • Accountability framework: Action initiated against those who availed benefits “through improper means.”

• Way Forward:

  • Transparent verification and grievance redressal.

  • Comprehensive beneficiary databases for social schemes.

  • Social audits and oversight.

Practice Question:

“Welfare schemes are vital for social justice but often face challenges of leakage and exclusion. With reference to Maharashtra’s Ladki Bahin scheme, discuss mechanisms to balance outreach, efficiency, and integrity in social security programmes.” (250 words / 15 marks)

3. Russia Becomes First to Recognize Taliban Government in Afghanistan

Source: Page 1, Indian Express Delhi Edition

Topic: GS-2 (International Relations), GS3 (Internal Security)

Context

On July 3, 2025, Russia officially recognized Afghanistan’s Taliban regime, raising strategic and regional security implications, especially for India’s neighbourhood.

Key Points for UPSC:

Background:

• Russia’s move marks a shift after years of diplomatic engagement without official recognition.

• Other countries have maintained engagement, but not formal recognition.

Key UPSC Points and Analysis:

• Regional Security:

  • Russia aims to secure interests against ISIS-K, drug trafficking, and other threats emanating from Afghanistan.

  • This move may encourage other Central Asian nations or China to follow suit.

• Global Power Projection:

  • Seen as a symbolic assertion of Russia’s role as a global power-broker post setbacks in the Middle East.

• Implications for India:

  • India is kept up diplomatic engagement without official recognition.

  • Recognition could complicate counter-terrorism efforts and humanitarian engagement.

• Criticisms:

  • Human rights and inclusion (women, minorities) remain unaddressed.

  • Pragmatism over values may set a precedent in regional diplomacy.

Practice Question:

“Discuss the significance of Russia’s recognition of the Taliban government in Afghanistan. What are its implications for regional security and India’s foreign policy?” (150 words / 10 marks)

Check more: 26 July 2025 : Daily Current Affairs