12 July 2025 Current Affairs (With PDF)

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A Roadmap For Strengthening State S&T Councils

NITI Aayog Releases Roadmap to Transform State S&T Councils into Innovation Hubs Aligned with Viksit Bharat 2047 Vision.

About State S&T Councils

• Established: 1971
• Initiative: National Council for Science and Technology (NCST)
• Purpose: Decentralised promotion of science, technology, and innovation in states.

Key Challenges Identified

1. Inadequate Financial Resources

• Uneven funding across states
• Delayed budgets disrupt operations and research continuity

2. Skilled Manpower Shortages

• Unfilled scientific positions
• Weak scientific work culture
• Limited skill upgradation

3. Weak Institutional & Industry Linkages

• Poor engagement with industry
• Low global exposure
• Weak technology transfer mechanisms

4. Regulatory and Administrative Bottlenecks

• Complex approvals
• Slow decision-making
• Lack of accountability

NITI Aayog Recommendations

1. Financial Support

• States to allocate at least 0.5% of GSDP as S&T budget
• Shift from core grants to project-based and performance-linked grants

2. Human Resources

• Maintain 70:30 ratio of scientific to non-scientific staff
• Encourage faculty and researcher secondment (posting from universities/research labs)
• Engage retired senior scientists in mentoring and capacity-building roles

3. Collaboration and Linkages

• Strengthen state-industry-institution partnerships
• Redefine programs to map state-specific resources with institutional collaborations
• Promote technology transfer and startup incubation

Significance

• Aligns state innovation ecosystems with national missions (Digital India, Atmanirbhar Bharat)
• Reduces regional R&D imbalances
• Supports grassroots innovation and local problem-solving

Vice President Calls for Preserving India’s Traditional Knowledge Systems

Vice President Urges Preservation of India’s Traditional Knowledge Systems to Boost Cultural Gravitas and Global Influence.

What is the Indian Knowledge System?

IKS refers to India’s millennia-old intellectual traditions, spanning:

• Sciences: Mathematics, Astronomy (e.g., Surya Siddhanta), Metallurgy
• Medicine: Ayurveda, Yoga, Siddha
• Arts: Natya Shastra (drama, dance), Classical music, Architecture
• Philosophy & Literature: Sanskrit, Prakrit, Pali, Tamil texts
• Global Centres of Learning: Takshashila, Nalanda, Vikramashila, Odantapuri, Vallabhi—ancient universities attracting scholars from China, Korea, Tibet, Persia

Why is Safeguarding IKS Important?

1. Decolonization of Knowledge

• Colonial rule dismissed indigenous systems as inferior.
• Western epistemologies were imposed as universal truths.

2. Preventing Marginalization

• Example: US patent attempt over turmeric’s medicinal use.
• European frameworks often overshadow indigenous knowledge.

3. Limited Academic Engagement

• Young researchers are discouraged as IKS is misunderstood or relegated to the margins.

4. Soft Power Potential

• Cultural Diplomacy: International Yoga Day
• Academic Revival: Nalanda University
• Tourism: World Heritage Sites showcasing indigenous science & art

Steps Taken to Protect IKS

1. Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL)

• Launched in 2001 by CSIR & Ministry of AYUSH.
• Prevents misappropriation of traditional knowledge in patents.

2. Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) Initiative

• Integrates IKS into modern education curricula.

3. Project ‘Mausam’

• Revives ancient maritime cultural & trade linkages across the Indian Ocean.

4. Legal Protection

• Biological Diversity Act, 2002 – Conserves bio-resources and knowledge.
• Indian Patents Act, 1970 – Disallows patents on traditional knowledge.

Example of IKS Contributions

• Concept of Zero and Decimal System
• Ayurveda’s holistic health practices
• Temple architecture using Vastu Shastra
• Panchang-based astronomy

European Commission Chief Calls for Alternative to WTO

EU Commission President Proposes Europe-Asia Trade Framework Amid WTO Paralysis and Ineffectiveness Concerns.

Proposal Reflects Mounting Frustration with WTO’s Stalled Reforms in Dispute Resolution and Rule-Making Processes.

What is the WTO?

• Established: 1995 (replacing GATT – General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade, 1947).
• Mandate: Regulates international trade in goods, services, and intellectual property.
• Members: 166 (including India).
• Decision-making: By consensus, making reforms slow and difficult.

Major Challenges Facing the WTO

1. Dispute Settlement Paralysis

• Since 2016, the US has blocked appointments to the Appellate Body.
• Result: The Dispute Settlement System (DSS) is non-functional, making rule enforcement weak.

2. Inequitable Trade Regime

a. The WTO is seen as biased toward developed countries.

b. Developing nations face:

• High trade barriers (e.g., subsidies in agriculture in the West),
• Weak infrastructure,
• Lack of capacity to negotiate on equal footing.

3. Opaque Decision-Making

• Developed countries dominate negotiations.
• Developing countries often feel excluded from major decisions, reducing trust.

4. Rise of Alternative Trade Blocs

• Countries are increasingly joining regional or bilateral trade agreements (e.g., EU, CPTPP, AfCFTA).
• This fragments global trade rules and weakens the WTO’s centrality.

5. US-China Trade War

• Unilateral tariffs and retaliatory measures (e.g., US tariffs on Chinese goods) undermine WTO principles.
• WTO unable to mediate effectively due to political tensions and system deadlock.
• DSB: Made up of reps from all WTO members.
• Appellate Body: 7 members, appointed for 4 years (currently non-functional).

India’s Role and the Global South

1. India is seen as a leader of the Global South and a champion of equitable trade.

2. Key areas where India seeks reform:

• Agriculture subsidies and MSP protection (Opposes developed nations’ push to end price support).
• E-commerce taxation, TRIPS waiver (especially for medicines and vaccines).

3. India can use its position to:

• Push for a revival of the Appellate Body,
• Ensure developing country concerns are addressed in new WTO agreements.

WASH Progress Tracker 2025 Highlights Funding Gaps

WHO, UNICEF Release Global WASH Progress Tracker Tied to 2023 UN Resolution on Sanitation and Electricity in Health Facilities..

Key Findings

• Only 17% of countries have adequate funding to achieve WASH targets in healthcare facilities.
• Despite progress, severe financing and infrastructure gaps remain.

What is WASH?

WASH = Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene

• Access to safe drinking water
• Improved sanitation facilities
• Basic hygiene practices

Why WASH is Critical

1. Disease Prevention:

• Cuts infections (cholera, diarrhea, sepsis, neglected tropical diseases).
• Diarrhea remains the 3rd leading cause of death among children aged 1–59 months.

2. Human Rights:

• UN recognizes clean water & sanitation as basic human rights (2010).

3. Education:

• Lack of toilets → dropouts among girls.

4. SDGs Linkage:

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
• SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

India’s Progress & Initiatives

Recognition: The report highlights India’s progress in:

• Setting WASH standards in healthcare facilities.
• Infrastructure upgrades and regular monitoring.

Key Programs

1. Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM):

• Eliminated open defecation.
• Improved sanitation infrastructure.

2. Jal Jeevan Mission (2019):

• Target: Tap water to every rural household.
• Current coverage: 80.15% households.

3. Namami Gange:

• Cleaning and conservation of River Ganga.

Major Global Initiatives

• Protocol on Water and Health:

- Only international legal agreement linking sustainable water management to disease prevention.
- WHO & UN Economic Commission for Europe.

• UN Sanitation and Hygiene Fund (2020): Provides funding to high-burden countries.
• WHO WASH Strategy (2018–25): Focus on improving health via WASH.
• UNICEF WASH Strategy (2016–30): Supports SDG 6 implementation.

Panch Sankalpa under NEP 2020

Education Minister Unveils NEP 2020’s Panch Sankalpa to Transform Higher Education with Focus on Innovation and Bharatiya Values.

NEP 2020

• First comprehensive education policy of 21st century (replacing the 1986 Policy).
• Aim: Transform education quality, access, and relevance.
• Foundational Pillars: Access, Equity, Quality, Affordability, Accountability

What is Panch Sankalpa?

The Five Resolutions to guide higher education reforms:

1. Next-Gen Emerging Education

• Integrate futuristic disciplines (AI, robotics, data science, sustainability).
• Prepare learners for Industry 4.0 and beyond.

2. Multidisciplinary Education

• Encourage flexible, broad-based learning.
• Facilitate multiple entry-exit options and credit transfer.
• Establish Multidisciplinary Education and Research Universities (MERUs).

3. Innovative Education

• Promote experiential learning, project-based methods, and critical thinking.
• Use technology platforms for scale and inclusivity (e.g., SWAYAM, DIKSHA).

4. Holistic Education

• Combine academic rigor with life skills, ethics, and values.
• Ensure physical, emotional, and cognitive development.

5. Bharatiya Education

• Reflect India’s knowledge systems, culture, languages, and traditions.
• Revitalize Indian languages and local heritage in curricula.

Status of Higher Education in India (Latest Data)

• Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER): 28.4% (NEP 2020 Target: 50% by 2035)
• Female GER: 28.5% (higher than male GER)
• Gender Parity Index: 1.01
• Government Universities: ~74% of total enrolments

Autonomous District Councils

Governor’s Rule Imposed in Mizoram’s Chakma Autonomous District Council Amid Political Instability and Governance Crisis.

Constitutional Basis

• Sixth Schedule of the Constitution (Articles 244(2) and 275(1))
• Applies to: Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, Mizoram

Objectives

• Protect tribal identity & culture
• Provide self-governance to tribal communities.
• Facilitate socio-economic development of tribal areas.

Key Functions

ADCs have powers to:

1. Make laws on:

• Land management and land tenure.
• Forests (other than reserved forests).
• Regulation of shifting cultivation.
• Inheritance of property.
• Social customs and marriage.

2. Administer:

• Primary schools, health centers, roads.

3. Adjudicate:

• Establish Village or District Council Courts for settling disputes as per customary laws.

Structure

1. Maximum strength: 30 members

• Up to 4 nominated by the Governor.
• The rest are elected on adult suffrage.

2. Executive functions are carried out by the Executive Committee, led by a Chief Executive Member.

Reservation in Local Bodies

Telangana Approves 42% Reservation for Backward Classes in Panchayat and Municipal Elections.

Constitutional Provisions

• 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992 (Panchayats)
• 74th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992 (Municipalities)
• Articles:

- Article 243D: Reservation in Panchayats
- Article 243T: Reservation in Municipalities

Key Features

1. Reservation for SCs/STs:

• Seats reserved in proportion to their population in the area (“as nearly as may be”).
• Reservation applies to both elected members and Chairpersons.
• Rotation: Seats rotate among constituencies in every election.

2. Reservation for Women:

• Minimum 1/3rd of total seats reserved for women. Includes women belonging to SC/ST categories.
• Chairpersons: 1/3rd of posts reserved for women (including SC/ST women).

3. Reservation for Backward Classes (OBCs):

• States may provide reservation to Backward Classes by legislation (discretionary).
• The Supreme Court’s directions (e.g., in K. Krishna Murthy v. Union of India, 2010) require:

- Empirical data to justify the proportion of OBC reservation.
- Capping total reservations to 50% (subject to exceptions).

S - 400 Air Defence System

Defence Ministry Picks Indian Firm to Set Up MRO Facility for Russian S-400 ‘Sudarshan Chakra’ Air Defence System.

About S – 400

• Type: Long-range Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) system
• Origin: Russia (imported under a ~USD 5.4 billion contract)
• Nickname in India: Sudarshan Chakra
• Role: Counter aircraft, ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones

Key Features

1. Command and Control

• Advanced command system integrates multiple radars and launchers

2. Range & Capability

• Maximum Engagement Range: ~400 km
• Tracking Range: ~600 km
• Altitude Coverage: 30 meters – 30 km
• Missile Speed: ~13–14 Mach

3. Radar Coverage

• 360° detection and tracking
• Phased array radar tracks stealth targets

4. Multi-missile Capability

• Can launch different missiles for layered defence

5. Electronic Warfare Countermeasures

• Capable of jamming and defeating incoming threats

6. Simultaneous Engagement

• Can track up to 600 km and engage up to 36 targets simultaneously

Financial Aid under SDRF and NDRF

Centre Releases ₹1000 Crore SDRF Aid to Assam, Manipur, Uttarakhand for Flood and Landslide Relief Efforts.

Legal & Policy Framework

• Based on: National Policy on Disaster Management
• Primary Responsibility: Lies with State Governments
• Relief and rehabilitation are guided by approved norms of GoI.

About SDRF (State Disaster Response Fund)

• Established under: Section 48 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005
• Purpose: Immediate relief for natural disasters like floods, cyclones, droughts, etc.
• Funding Pattern:

- General Category States: 75:25 (Centre:State)
- NE and Himalayan States: 90:10

• Usage: For relief only, not for permanent restoration or individual compensation.

About NDRF (National Disaster Response Fund)

• Used only for severe natural disasters when the SDRF is insufficient
• Released after on-ground assessment by an Inter-Ministerial Central Team (IMCT)
• Fully funded by Centre

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