9 July 2025 : Daily Current Affairs

1. What the ‘neutral clean-up’ of Bihar’s poll rolls really is

Source: The Hindu, Page 8 , july 9, 2025

Topic: GS Paper 2: Polity and Governance – Electoral Reforms, Federalism

Context

The Election Commission of India’s (ECI) Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar is raising concerns over mass disenfranchisement, especially of vulnerable communities.

Content: 

Key Points:

• The SIR requires voters not listed in 2003 rolls to produce documents like birth certificates or land deeds to prove citizenship.

• Government-issued IDs like Aadhaar or Voter ID are not accepted.

• Affects nearly 4.74 crore voters (60% of Bihar’s electorate).

• Disproportionately impacts:

  • Migrant workers

  • Poor and Muslim communities

  • Rural populations

Critical Analysis:

• Democratic Backsliding:

  • Electoral roll revisions appear to resemble NRC-style citizenship verification without legislative backing or judicial oversight.

  • Undermines inclusive democracy by putting bureaucratic barriers in front of the right to vote.

• Legal and Institutional Overreach:

  • ECI is stepping into the domain of citizenship verification, traditionally the responsibility of the judiciary and designated tribunals.

  • Supreme Court judgments had earlier held that inclusion in voter rolls itself was prima facie proof of citizenship.

• Operational Issues:

  • Timing during monsoon and migration season.

  • 30-day deadline is logistically harsh and exclusionary.

• Political Implications:

  • Potentially disenfranchises lakhs.

  • May skew electoral outcomes in a politically volatile state.

Conclusion:

• The ECI must uphold the spirit of universal adult suffrage and constitutional values of equality and inclusion.

• Any revision must be transparent, justified by law, and ensure due process, especially for marginalized groups.

Practice Question:

“The recent voter roll revision exercise in Bihar raises concerns about democratic exclusion. Discuss the constitutional, legal, and ethical dimensions of such electoral interventions. Suggest reforms to ensure electoral integrity without marginalization“ (250 words / 15 marks)

2. Rare Great Hornbill sighting in Ezhimala sparks renewed calls for biodiversity conservation

Source: Page 6, The Hindu, July 9 2025

Topic: GS Paper 3: Environment – Biodiversity, Conservation

Context

A rare sighting of the Great Hornbill — Kerala’s state bird — in the coastal area of Ezhimala highlights the need for conserving fragile ecosystems.

Content:

Significance of the Sighting:

• Great Hornbill is listed as Endangered by IUCN.

• Typically restricted to Western Ghats forests, now seen in coastal habitat.

Implications:

• Ecological indicator of habitat shift.

• May signal stress in forest ecosystems, pushing species to new areas.

• Sparks questions about climate change, habitat loss, and biodiversity corridors.

Conservation Needs:

• Protect non-forest green belts, hillocks, and micro-ecosystems.

• Document such sightings to aid scientific research and habitat mapping.

• Improve community awareness and participatory conservation models.

Practice Question:

“The rare sighting of the Great Hornbill outside its native habitat underscores India’s ecological vulnerability. Discuss the significance of biodiversity monitoring and suggest strategies for species and habitat conservation. “ (250 words / 15 marks)

3. India, U.S. eye ‘mini’ trade deal by August

Source: The Hindu, Page 1 & 12, July 9, 2025

Topic: GS Paper 2 & 3: International Relations and Economy – Bilateral Trade, WTO, Strategic Engagements

Context

India is negotiating a limited trade deal with the U.S., especially after President Trump’s extension of tariff pause and pressure tactics on multiple countries, including India.

Content:

Key Details:

• The U.S. had earlier imposed 26% tariffs under “Liberation Day tariffs”, now paused till August 1.

• India is cautious and will not proceed unless national interests are preserved.

Strategic Importance:

• Reflects India’s calibrated engagement with the U.S., avoiding strategic dependency.

• Highlights the role of trade diplomacy in geopolitics.

• Part of broader U.S. pressure on trade deficit countries (includes Japan, S. Korea, Bangladesh, etc.)

WTO & Retaliatory Context:

• India has notified WTO about potential retaliatory tariffs.

• Aligns with principles of reciprocity and rules-based trade order.

Way Forward:

• India must push for market access, tariff concessions, and non-tariff barrier relief in key sectors.

• Should maintain strategic autonomy while leveraging ties with the U.S. for technology and investment.

Practice Question:

“The proposed India–U.S. ‘mini’ trade deal is being negotiated amidst rising protectionism. Examine the significance of such deals for India’s economic diplomacy and its impact on global trade norms.” (150 words / 10 marks)

Prelims Facts

1. What the ‘neutral clean-up’ of Bihar’s poll rolls really is

Source: Page 8, The Hindu

Topic: GS Paper 2: Polity and Governance – Electoral Reforms

Context

The Election Commission of India (ECI) initiated a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar, raising concerns of mass exclusion.

Analysis of the news:

• Special Intensive Revision (SIR) launched in Bihar after 20 years.

• 4.74 crore voters affected (~60% of the electorate).

• Voters not listed in 2003 rolls must provide fresh proof of citizenship.

• Documents like Aadhaar, Voter ID, Ration card NOT accepted.

• Acceptable documents include: Birth certificate, school-leaving certificate, land records.

• ECI may be entering domain of citizenship verification – a role traditionally outside its mandate.

• Legal precedent: Supreme Court held that inclusion in electoral rolls implies prima facie citizenship.

• Risk of disenfranchisement of poor, migrant workers, minorities.

• Could influence electoral outcomes in tightly contested states like Bihar.

2. Quick Fix: Budgetary allowances alone will not solve India’s R&D problem

Source: Page 8, The Hindu

Topic: GS Paper 3: Science & Technology – Research & Innovation

Context

Government launches ₹1 lakh crore RDI scheme via ANRF to boost private sector participation in research and innovation.

Content 

• Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF): New institution to manage R&D funds, aims for 70% funding from private sector.

• RDI scheme includes low-interest loans for research-based industries.

• Eligibility restricted to TRL-4 level and above:

  • TRL = Technology Readiness Level (developed by NASA).

  • TRL-1 to TRL-9: Scale from basic research to commercial deployment.

• Criticism: Ignores basic research and early-stage innovation.

• India’s R&D spend: ~70% government-funded currently.

• Lacks military-industrial backing that fosters high-risk innovation like in the West (e.g., GPS, Internet).

Check more: 8 July 2025 : Daily Current Affairs