UPSC Daily Current Affairs 14 July 2025

In July 2025, India witnessed major developments across governance, environment, technology, health, and international recognition. President Droupadi Murmu nominated four experts to the Rajya Sabha under Article 80, ahead of the Monsoon Session.

The Census 2026-27 will enumerate Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands for the first time in decades. Globally, Tiwai Island in Sierra Leone earned UNESCO World Heritage status for its primate biodiversity. Domestically, Dr. Abhijat Sheth was appointed Chairperson of the National Medical Commission (NMC), reinforcing medical education reforms. Meanwhile, artificial intelligence was recognized as a transformative tool in India's clean energy transition.

President Droupadi Murmu Nominates Four Eminent Persons to Rajya Sabha

Category: Polity & Governance

Context:

President exercised her constitutional power under Article 80 of the Constitution to nominate specialists to Rajya Sabha ahead of the monsoon session.

About:

The nominations included former Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla, senior prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam, Kerala BJP leader C. Sadanandan Master, and historian Meenakshi Jain. These nominations aim to bring expertise into the parliamentary process.

Definition & Background:

Article 80 permits the President to nominate 12 members to Rajya Sabha for their expertise in art, science, literature, and social service. Nominated members hold almost equal rights in Rajya Sabha excluding voting in Presidential elections.

Significance:

Ensures a diversity of knowledge and experience in the upper house, enriching debates and legislation. It also gives the government a tool to fortify numbers or reward contributions.

Contemporary Analysis:

Attendance and active participation of nominated members have often been questioned. Strengthening accountability mechanisms and possibly extending their role can enhance Rajya Sabha's stature, which some suggest should be modeled on the US Senate.

Monsoon Session 2025: Opposition Prepares to Raise Key Issues

Category: Parliamentary Affairs

Context:

The Monsoon session of Parliament is scheduled from July 21, with opposition parties outlining strategies on pressing political and socio-economic issues.

About:

Issues likely to be raised include electoral roll revisions in Bihar, the Pahalgam terror attack investigations, Operation Sindoor, US tariffs impacting India, inflation challenges, unemployment, and the vacancy in the Deputy Speaker's post.

Constitutional Provision:

Article 85 mandates that Parliament meet at least twice a year with a maximum gap of 6 months. The monsoon session is one of the three major sessions held annually.

Significance of Monsoon Session:

It is vital for legislative business post-Budget Session, providing a platform for debates on government functioning and policies.

Current Political Dynamics:

Opposition leverages this session as a forum to hold the government accountable and spotlight governance concerns ahead of upcoming elections.

Mains Relevance:

Explain the importance of different parliamentary sessions, their constitutional basis, and how democratic accountability is exercised during these sessions.

16th Census to Enumerate Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups in Andaman and Nicobar

Category: Social Justice / Tribal Welfare

Context:

The upcoming Census scheduled for 2026-27 will be the first after many decades to enumerate tribes like Jarawas in Andaman & Nicobar, enabling better targeted tribal welfare schemes.

About:

Jarawa and other indigenous groups are among the world's oldest hunter-gatherers yet face enumeration and welfare challenges due to historic isolation and lack of contact. Improved government engagement now allows this inclusion.

Background:

Census not conducted among some Indigenous tribes since 1931 due to access issues. The lack of updated data has impeded policy formulation.

Significance:

Accurate demographic data empowers effective implementation of tribal welfare schemes like PM-JANMAN, focusing on Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).

Challenges:

Accessibility, linguistic barriers, and respecting tribal autonomy while ensuring welfare.

Tiwai Island in Sierra Leone Declared UNESCO World Heritage Site

Category: Environment & Biodiversity

Context:

Tiwai Island, known for its exceptional primate diversity and endangered wildlife, was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, underscoring global biodiversity conservation efforts.

About:

The 12 sq.km island harbours 11 primate species including endangered species and is critical for conservation initiatives led by Tommy Garnett Foundation.

About UNESCO WHS:

World Heritage Sites are protected for their outstanding cultural or natural importance to humanity.

Significance:

Highlights global recognition of biodiversity conservation and awareness of endangered species protection.

Conservation Impact:

Enhances funding, international cooperation, and boosts eco-tourism while promoting local community welfare.

Dr. Abhijat Sheth Appointed as Chairperson of National Medical Commission

Category: Health Sector Governance

Context:

Dr. Sheth's appointment marks continuity in institutional reforms in medical education in India, critical for enhancing standards and regulation.

About:

NMC, established in 2019 replacing Medical Council of India, regulates medical education and practice with a vision to improve transparency and efficiency.

Background:

Medical Council of India faced criticism for inefficiency; NMC introduced to revamp medical education and ethical practice.

Significance:

Institutional reforms ensure better accountability, uniform standards and facilitate India's healthcare goals.

Challenges:

Resistance from medical fraternity, regulatory overlap, and need for skill upgradation.

Artificial Intelligence to Bolster India's Energy Sector Transition

Category: Science & Technology / Economy / Environment

Context:

AI is identified as a key enabler for India's ambitious goal of 500 GW non-fossil energy capacity by 2030 and net-zero target by 2070.

About:

AI applications can optimize energy production, minimize transmission losses (currently 20-30%), integrate renewables effectively, and secure smart grids.