30 June 2025 : Daily Current Affairs
1. Maharashtra scraps new three-language policy
Source: The Hindu, Page 1 & 10, June 30, 2025
| Topic: GS Paper 2: Polity & Governance (Education Policy) |
| Context |
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Content:
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The three-language policy had mandated students to learn Marathi, English, and a third language (potentially Hindi or another regional language) in primary classes.
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Opposition parties and civil society groups argued this would overburden students and dilute regional linguistic identity.
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An expert panel led by economist Narendra Jadhav has been set up to reassess the framework.
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The Mashelkar Committee’s previous recommendations will also be reviewed.
Analysis
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Federalism vs. Uniformity: Language policy is a sensitive federal issue in India. Imposing a rigid framework may infringe on state autonomy.
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Linguistic Identity: The backlash reflects deep-rooted concerns about preserving Marathi identity.
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Educational Impact: Implementing complex language policies at the primary level may negatively affect learning outcomes.
Way Forward
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Any policy change should consider regional sentiments, educational feasibility, and the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 framework.
Practice Question:
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Discuss the implications of imposing a uniform three-language formula across states. How can language policy be aligned with federal principles in India? (250 words / 15 marks) |
2. Ahead of Census, States asked to lock changes in boundaries before Dec. 31
Source: Page 1, The Hindu, June 30 2025
| Topic: GS Paper 2: Governance (Census and Public Administration) |
| Context |
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Content:
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The first phase—House Listing & Housing Schedule (HLO)—will start from April 1, 2026.
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The 2027 Census will be digitally conducted, involving 34 lakh enumerators and supervisors.
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States have been instructed to freeze boundaries of districts, police stations, and tehsils to ensure uniformity in data.
Analysis
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Importance of Census: Foundational for resource allocation, policy formulation, and governance.
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Digital Census: A move towards modernization, yet poses risks in terms of data accuracy and inclusion.
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Boundary Freezing: Prevents discrepancies in jurisdictional data but may delay developmental reorganization.
Way Forward
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States must coordinate closely with the Centre for timely and accurate enumeration.
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Proper training for digital data collection is essential.
Practice Question:
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“Digital Census is a revolutionary step in India’s data governance, but it brings its own challenges. Discuss.” (250 words / 15 marks) |
3. Tikri Khurd lake case highlights delays in wetland conservation
Source: The Hindu, Page 1, June 30, 2025
| Topic: GS Paper 3: Environment (Wetlands & Urban Governance) |
| Context |
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Content:
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Despite a 2019 NGT order, Tikri Khurd lake has not been notified as a wetland.
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DDA denies it is a water body; Wetland Authority insists it meets the criteria.
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Delhi has not notified a single wetland since the 2017 Wetland Rules came into force.
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Government agencies have proposed deletion of 232 of 1045 water bodies.
Analysis
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Urban encroachments and inter-agency conflicts hinder environmental conservation.
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Loss of wetlands affects urban flood control, groundwater recharge, and biodiversity.
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Regulatory Gaps: Absence of clear jurisdiction and accountability mechanisms.
Way Forward
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Need for a dedicated urban wetland protection policy.
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Inter-agency coordination must be institutionalized.
Practice Question:
| Critically examine the challenges in wetland conservation in urban India. Suggest reforms in the legal and institutional framework. (150 words / 10 marks) |
1. Maharashtra scraps new three-language policy
Source: Page 1 & 10, The Hindu
| Topic: GS Paper 2: Polity & Governance (Education Policy) |
| Context |
|
Analysis of the news:
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Policy Rollback: The earlier policy mandating Marathi, English, and a third language has been cancelled.
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Committee Formation: An expert panel headed by Dr. Narendra Jadhav will assess the feasibility of introducing the policy.
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Background: Two government orders (dated April 16 and June 17, 2025) had notified this policy.
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Stakeholder Opposition: Academicians, activists, and opposition parties like the Shiv Sena (UBT) and NCP opposed it on grounds of linguistic imposition and practicality.
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Current Implementation: The three-language formula is already in place for secondary education in Maharashtra.
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Impact: Policy would have affected 80 lakh students in Marathi and English medium schools under the State Board.
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Constitutional Aspect: Language policy is under the Concurrent List (7th Schedule), requiring Centre-State cooperation.
2. Ahead of Census, States asked to lock changes in boundaries before Dec. 31
Source: Page 1 & 10, The Hindu
| Topic: GS Paper 2: Governance (Census, Public Administration) |
| Context |
|
Analysis of the news:
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Census 2027: First digital Census, to begin from April 1, 2026 (Phase 1 – House Listing & Housing Schedule).
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Boundary Freeze: All changes to tehsils, districts, police stations must be completed before Dec 31, 2025.
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Manpower: Over 34 lakh enumerators and 1.3 lakh Census functionaries will be deployed.
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Digital Push: Exercise to be conducted via mobile apps and digital tools for the first time in India.
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Coverage: Around 24 lakh enumeration blocks to be reused (originally mapped for 2021 Census).
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Importance: Census is critical for planning, allocation of resources, and development indicators.
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Challenges: Accuracy, inclusion, and digital divide remain potential roadblocks.
Check more: 28 June 2025 : Daily Current Affairs
