Category: Daily Current Affairs & Editorials

This compilation covers key current affairs such as the delisting of dormant RUPPs by the Election Commission, India–Vietnam strategic ties, and PM-led PRAGATI reviews. It also highlights advances in quantum tech, agroforestry, and agricultural innovation, along with insights into flash floods and disaster preparedness. Registered Unrecognised Political Parties (RUPPs) Syllabus:Polity The Election Commission of India (ECI) has initiated the process of delisting 345 Registered Unrecognised Political Parties (RUPPs) that have remained electorally inactive since 2019 and are now physically untraceable. What are RUPPs? RUPPs are political entities registered under Section 29A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, but not formally recognised as State or National parties. Privileges: They enjoy income tax exemptions and are eligible to receive political donations without necessarily participating in elections. Scale: As of 2025, India has over 2,800 RUPPs, a number that has more than doubled from 1,112 in 2010 to 2,301 by 2019. Disclosure Gaps: Nearly 97% of registered parties remain unrecognised, and most fail to comply with mandatory financial reporting requirements. Criteria for Recognition State Party Status: A registered party must meet any one of these criteria: 6% Vote + 2 Assembly Seats: Secure at least 6% of valid votes in an Assembly election and win 2 seats. 6% Vote + 1 Lok Sabha Seat: Win 6% of votes in a Lok Sabha election from a state and secure 1 seat. 3% Assembly Seats or 3 Seats Minimum: Win at least 3% of Assembly seats or a minimum of 3 seats. 1 of Every 25 Lok Sabha Seats: Secure 1 Lok Sabha seat for every 25 seats allocated to the state. 8% Vote Share: Achieve at least 8% of total votes in a state, regardless of seats won. National Party Status: A registered party qualifies if it meets any one of the following: 6% Vote in 4 States + 4 Lok Sabha Seats: Secure 6% of votes in four or more states and win at least 4 Lok Sabha seats. 2% Lok Sabha Seats from 3 States: Win at least 2% of Lok Sabha seats (currently 11 out of 543), with representation from at least 3 states. Recognition in 4 States: Recognised as a State Party in four or more states. Key Issues with RUPPs Electoral Inactivity: Many parties have not contested elections for years, questioning their genuine political purpose. Opaque Funding: Less than 5% submitted donation reports between 2013 and 2016, highlighting poor financial compliance. Tax Exemption Abuse: Section 13A of the IT Act is misused to claim tax benefits despite no electoral activity. No Verifiable Presence: Numerous RUPPs have no traceable offices or functioning bodies, violating Section 29A requirements. Election-Year Proliferation: Registrations often surge during elections, suggesting misuse for dubious donations or proxy funding. The Way Forward Delisting Dormant Parties: The ECI’s current action to delist 345 inactive RUPPs is a critical step. Stronger Registration Norms: Introduce mandatory participation criteria and stricter financial disclosure obligations. Regular Audits: Conduct routine scrutiny and Income Tax reviews of inactive entities. Digital Oversight: Scale up the Political Parties Registration Tracking Management System (PPRTMS) for real-time monitoring and transparency. Public Disclosure: State Chief Electoral Officer websites should publish party status, audit filings, and compliance histories. Conclusion The delisting of non-functional RUPPs is a necessary reform to protect electoral integrity. By enforcing accountability, tightening registration norms, and ensuring regular audits, India can prevent the misuse of political privileges for tax evasion or money laundering and strengthen democratic transparency. With reference to Registered Unrecognised Political Parties (RUPPs) in India, consider the following statements: Under the Representation of the People Act, 1951, RUPPs are mandated to submit audited financial statements annually to maintain their registration, irrespective of whether they contest elections. A political party securing 8% of the valid votes in a state Assembly election automatically attains the status of a recognised State Party, even if it does not win any seats. The recognition criteria for National Parties include obtaining at least 2% of Lok Sabha seats from not less than three different states. The income tax exemption available to RUPPs under Section 13A of the Income Tax Act is contingent upon their participation in at least one election within a five-year period. Which of the statements given above are correct? (a) 2 and 3 only(b) 1, 2 and 3 only(c) 1 and 4 only(d) 2, 3 and 4 only Correct Option: (a) 2 and 3 only Explanation: Statement 1 — Incorrect: While parties are required to maintain certain disclosures (like audited accounts), annual submission of audited financial statements is not a mandatory condition to maintain registration under Section 29A. It is a compliance requirement, but default does not automatically result in delisting—hence this statement is too strong. Statement 2 — Correct: Indeed, securing 8% of the valid votes in a state, regardless of seats won, is one of the criteria for State Party recognition. Statement 3 — Correct: One of the criteria for National Party status is winning at least 2% of Lok Sabha seats with representation from at least three states (currently 11 seats). Statement 4 — Incorrect: There is no statutory requirement under Section 13A of the Income Tax Act that a party must contest an election within a five-year period to retain tax exemption. This gap in the law is precisely why dormant parties misuse the benefit. PM chairs 48th PRAGATI Meeting Syllabus:Polity Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the 48th PRAGATI meeting to fast-track critical infrastructure projects in the sectors of Mines, Railways, and Water Resources.   Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation (PRAGATI) PRAGATI is an interactive platform established to address citizen grievances and monitor the implementation of important government programmes and projects across both Central and State levels.     Key Highlights Launched: 2015 Objective: To ensure proactive governance, real-time monitoring, and timely resolution of bottlenecks in priority projects.   Salient Features and Impact Since its inception, PRAGATI has been instrumental in driving India’s infrastructure and social development by: Facilitating strategic project selection and focused leadership Enhancing coordination among States and Central

New Gecko Species Discovered in Coonoor Hills Syllabus:EcologyTop of Form   A newly identified species of gecko, Dravidogecko coonoor, has been discovered in the Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu, further enriching the biodiversity of the Western Ghats—a region globally recognized for its endemic wildlife. The findings were published in the scientific journal Bionomina, with Mr. A. Abinesh as the lead author.   Background of the Discovery The species was previously misidentified as Hemidactylus anamallensis. However, after rigorous field studies and taxonomic analysis, researchers confirmed it as a distinct species. The surveys also led to the identification of eight additional Dravidogecko species, bringing the total number within the genus to nine.   Habitat and Ecology Dravidogecko coonoor has so far been recorded only in the town of Coonoor, inhabiting a range of substrates including tree bark, building walls, and vegetation branches. Its presence in both anthropogenic and natural landscapes—such as montane forests and monoculture plantations—illustrates a level of ecological adaptability. Nonetheless, its confinement to high-altitude zones of the Western Ghats makes it especially sensitive to environmental disruptions.   Conservation Concerns The gecko’s restricted distribution and the fact that its habitats lie outside designated protected areas raise concerns about its long-term survival. Threats such as habitat fragmentation, deforestation, and the accelerating impacts of climate change heighten its vulnerability. The researchers underscore the species’ potential conservation significance, urging proactive efforts for habitat protection.   Broader Significance The discovery of Dravidogecko coonoor emphasizes the continuing need for systematic biodiversity surveys in the Western Ghats. It not only contributes to a deeper understanding of regional endemism but also underscores the urgency of conservation interventions in ecologically fragile and understudied areas. This find highlights the importance of taxonomic research in informing conservation policy and sustaining the biological heritage of India’s mountainous ecosystems. With reference to the recently discovered Dravidogecko coonoor in the Nilgiris of Tamil Nadu, consider the following statements: Dravidogecko coonoor is the only known species of the genus Dravidogecko that is adapted to both urban and montane forest habitats. Its entire known population exists within protected areas of the Western Ghats, offering it automatic legal protection under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. The species’ elevation-specific distribution, combined with anthropogenic pressures, makes it particularly vulnerable to climate-induced habitat shifts. The reclassification of the species from Hemidactylus anamallensis to Dravidogecko coonoor underscores the importance of integrative taxonomy in biodiversity conservation. Which of the statements given above are correct? A. 1 and 2 onlyB. 3 and 4 onlyC. 1, 3 and 4 onlyD. 2, 3 and 4 only Answer: C. 1, 3 and 4 only Explanation: Statement 1 – Correct: Dravidogecko coonoor inhabits both urban (building walls) and natural environments (montane forests), making it ecologically versatile among the genus. Statement 2 – Incorrect: The species has been documented outside protected areas, leaving it vulnerable to unregulated habitat disruption and not automatically covered by legal safeguards. Statement 3 – Correct: As a high-elevation endemic species in a human-modified landscape, it is susceptible to climate change and habitat degradation. Statement 4 – Correct: The species was previously misidentified; its reclassification using detailed morphological and field surveys illustrates the role of integrative taxonomy in identifying cryptic species and guiding conservation priorities. Caste Census in Himachal Pradesh Syllabus:Society The Government of India has announced the launch of a detailed caste-based Census in Himachal Pradesh, scheduled to commence in 2026. This initiative seeks to collect granular data on the state’s caste demographics, offering insights into the socio-economic status of various communities. The process will begin in the state’s snow-bound regions—owing to their harsh climate and limited accessibility—before expanding to the rest of the state in 2027. Demographic Landscape of Himachal Pradesh Himachal Pradesh, with a population of approximately 77.56 lakh, is characterized by significant caste diversity: Scheduled Castes (SCs): ~25% of the population; includes 57 officially recognized castes, predominantly concentrated in districts like Kangra and Mandi. Other Backward Classes (OBCs):52%. Scheduled Tribes (STs):71%; the Hattee community was granted ST status in 2023, further diversifying the state’s demographic composition. Methodology and Implementation The Census will be conducted by trained state government personnel, including school teachers and anganwadi workers, through both digital and manual data collection tools. It will involve: Door-to-door enumeration. Verification of responses against official documents. Collection of caste-linked socio-economic indicators, including income, education, and access to welfare. The state aims to ensure data accuracy and transparency, especially given the sensitive nature of caste classification. Judicial and Social Complexities The ST status of the Hattee community remains under judicial scrutiny. Certain SC and OBC representatives have opposed the inclusion, arguing that it may dilute affirmative action benefits for existing marginalized groups. The Himachal Pradesh High Court has placed a stay on the community’s ST status notification, with a final hearing expected in July 2027. The verdict could significantly influence both the enumeration process and policy implications. Political and Electoral Implications While some analysts believe caste has historically had limited electoral sway in the state, others suggest the new data may realign political strategies and welfare distribution: 17 out of 68 Assembly constituencies are reserved for SC candidates, and 3 for STs. Regional affiliations, economic concerns, and local leadership have traditionally dominated voter behavior more than caste identity. Still, this is the first comprehensive caste enumeration since 1931, and it may reconfigure the socio-political narrative by reshaping welfare programs and constituency demands. Expert Views Experts are divided on the potential consequences: Some view it as an administrative tool for improving policy targeting and addressing caste-based disparities. Others, including Onkar Chand Sharma, argue the Census could have long-term political ramifications, especially in addressing intra-group inequalities and redefining the scope of reservations and social justice frameworks. Conclusion: The upcoming caste Census in Himachal Pradesh is poised to be a landmark exercise in demographic mapping, with potential ripple effects across governance, social justice policy, and electoral politics. As the state navigates judicial constraints and community expectations, the success of the Census will depend on its ability to balance data integrity, community trust, and policy relevance.

CBSE Introduces Biannual Board Exams for Class 10 from 2026-27 Syllabus:Governance Effective: 2026–27 Academic Session | Student-Centric Reform Aligned with NEP 2020   Why This Matters Reduces exam stress and the “one-chance” pressure Offers students a chance to improve scores in up to 3 subjects Supports flexibility, a core aim of National Education Policy (NEP) 2020   Exam Structure First Exam (Mandatory): Mid-February Second Exam (Optional): May Applicable to students passing the first exam in at least 3 subjects Best score out of the two will be considered for the final mark sheet   Eligibility and Conditions Fail in 3 or more subjects: Essential Repeat (not eligible for second exam) Fail in 1 to 2 subjects: Compartment (eligible for second exam) Sports quota students and students from snow-bound regions (e.g., Ladakh) may choose the second session Subject replacement students may reappear in failed subjects for higher education eligibility   Compartment Exam Reforms Merged with Second Exam and scheduled in June (instead of July) Second and third attempts aligned with next year’s exam cycle   Other Key Provisions First exam results available on DigiLocker for Class 11 admissions Provisional Class 11 admission allowed for compartment students, confirmed after second exam result With reference to the CBSE’s decision to conduct Class 10 Board Examinations twice a year starting from the 2026–27 academic session, consider the following statements: The second exam will be held only for students who have failed in up to two subjects in the first attempt. Students opting for improvement can appear in a maximum of three academic subjects in the second exam. Sports quota students who miss the first exam due to national-level commitments are barred from appearing in the second session. The best score between the two attempts is taken into account for the final result. Which of the above statements are correct? A. 1 and 3 onlyB. 2 and 4 onlyC. 1, 2 and 4 onlyD. 2, 3 and 4 only Answer:B Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect — students who fail in 1–2 subjects (not just improvement candidates) can also take the second exam. Statement 2 is correct — students can reappear in up to 3 academic subjects. Statement 3 is incorrect — sports quota students are allowed to take the second session. Statement 4 is correct — best score is considered. ‘ECoR Yatra’ App: East Coast Railway’s Digital Leap for Rath Yatra 2025 Pilgrims Syllabus:Governance Launched By: East Coast Railway (ECoR) Platform: Available on Google Play Store Context and Significance: In preparation for the annual Rath Yatra 2025 in Puri, Odisha, the East Coast Railway (ECoR) has launched the “ECoR Yatra” mobile application. This tech-integrated solution is aimed at streamlining travel and logistics for millions of pilgrims. It represents a major advancement in digitizing public transport services during high-footfall religious events.   Key Features of the ECoR Yatra App Real-Time Railway Services Live train running status and PNR tracking via the National Train Enquiry System (NTES) Dedicated list of special Rath Yatra trains operating between June 25 and July 7, 2025 Information on seat availability, fare details, and platform numbers Integration with UTS on Mobile for unreserved ticket booking     Accommodation and Navigation Booking information for retiring rooms, tourist huts, and temporary shelters Integration with IRCTC for end-to-end booking and travel planning In-app navigation similar to Google Maps for navigating station premises   Passenger Amenities and Accessibility Information on essential services such as drinking water kiosks, medical aid booths, public toilets, and Wi-Fi zones Accessibility features including wheelchair availability and battery-powered carts for senior citizens E-catering options and alerts on sanitation services   Multilingual and Inclusive User Interface Support for multiple Indian languages Embedded educational videos for digital tools such as Automatic Ticket Vending Machines (ATVMs) and UTS for first-time users   Emergency and Safety Tools Direct contact access for Railway Protection Force (RPF), medical emergencies, and lost-and-found services Push notifications for service changes, emergencies, and travel advisories   Special Focus: Rath Yatra 2025 Pilgrim Management Real-time updates and operational details on special trains to manage high passenger volume Aims to reduce congestion at Puri Railway Station by promoting advance digital planning Designed to minimize dependence on physical enquiry counters through mobile-based solutions   How to Access the App Open the Google Play Store Search for “ECoR Yatra” Download and install the application   Objective: To provide a seamless, informed, and safe travel experience to pilgrims attending one of India’s largest religious gatherings. The app aligns with the objectives of the Digital India initiative and the Indian Railways’ modernization drive. The ‘ECoR Yatra’ app supports several government missions. Which of the following missions are most directly aligned with the app’s features? Digital India National Rail Plan Swachh Bharat Mission Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana Select the correct answer using the code below: A. 1 and 3 onlyB. 1, 2, and 3 onlyC. 2 and 4 onlyD. All of the above Answer: B. 1, 2, and 3 only Explanation: Digital India – Directly AlignedThe ‘ECoR Yatra’ app is a tech-based initiative using mobile platforms, real-time data, digital ticketing, and multilingual instructional tools. It reflects the core objectives of the Digital India Mission, which seeks to empower citizens with technology-driven governance and improve access to public services. National Rail Plan Directly Aligned The app enhances operational efficiency, passenger information systems, and mobility management, especially during high-density events like the Rath Yatra. These improvements are directly in line with the goals of the National Rail Plan, which aims for modernization, integration of digital tools, and improving passenger experience. Swachh Bharat Mission – Indirect but AlignedThe app features sanitation monitoring, alerts for cleanliness, public toilet mapping, and waste management support at stations. These services contribute to clean public spaces, which is a core pillar of the Swachh Bharat Mission. Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana – Not AlignedThis scheme is focused on rural road infrastructure to connect unconnected habitations. It deals with physical rural road development and does not relate to railway digitization or pilgrim management in urban hubs