UPSC Daily Current Affairs – June 30, 2025: Top Updates for Prelims & Mains Preparation

India is witnessing critical developments across economy, polity, and agriculture. The controversy over Prada's Kolhapuri-style sandals has raised concerns about global misuse of Geographical Indications (GIs).

Meanwhile, the Election Commission's move to delist 345 unrecognised political parties highlights ongoing electoral reforms. In agriculture, the inauguration of the National Turmeric Board in Telangana aims to boost farmer welfare and exports. Together, these issues reflect the growing need for strong institutional frameworks to protect traditional knowledge, ensure political accountability, and support India's agri-value chains in a globalised context.

Kolhapuri Chappals & Prada Controversy - A Global GI Dispute?

Category: Economy

Why in the News?

Luxury brand Prada's Spring/Summer 2026 menswear collection showcased sandals resembling Kolhapuri chappals, sparking concerns of cultural appropriation and GI misuse.

What is a Geographical Indication (GI)?

GI is a form of Intellectual Property Right (IPR) that identifies goods originating from a specific geography, possessing unique qualities or a reputation due to their origin.

Legal basis in India:

• Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999
• Came into force in 2003
• Administered by the Geographical Indications Registry, Chennai

International context:

• The TRIPS Agreement (WTO) provides minimal GI protection.

About Kolhapuri Chappals

• Origin: Maharashtra & Karnataka
• GI Tag awarded: 2019
• Handmade leather footwear with intricate traditional craftsmanship
• Represents India's artisanal heritage and rural livelihoods

Issues

Other GI-Tagged Products to Remember

Expected Mains Practice Question

Q. Discuss how the Geographical Indication (GI) framework can be strengthened to protect Indian artisanal products in the global market.

2: ECI to Delist 345 Registered Unrecognised Political Parties (RUPPs)

Category: Polity & Governance

Why in the News?

The Election Commission of India (ECI) initiated the de-listing of 345 RUPPs that have not contested elections since 2019 and are untraceable, to clean up electoral rolls and prevent misuse of tax benefits.

Constitutional & Legal Basis

Article 324: Empowers ECI to superintend, direct and control elections to Parliament and State Legislatures.

Article 19(1)(c): Right to form associations or unions, including political parties.

Representation of the People Act, 1951

• Section 29A: Registration of political parties
• Section 29C: Disclosure of contributions

Income Tax Act, 1961

Section 13A: Tax exemptions for political parties

What is a RUPP?

• A Registered Unrecognised Political Party is a party that has registered with the ECI under Section 29A but has not yet met the criteria to be recognised as a State or National party.
• Over 2,800 RUPPs exist, but only ~750 contested the 2024 elections.

Benefits enjoyed by RUPPs

Why Delisting?

• Not contested elections since 2019
• Untraceable addresses
• No updates on office bearers
• Risk of misuse for financial fraud, money laundering, and donor anonymity

Legal and Institutional Limitations

• Supreme Court (2002) in INC v. Institute of Social Welfare:

The Supreme Court held that the ECI has no power to de-register a political party at all except in cases of fraud or illegal registration.

• Delisting ≠ de-registration; ECI can only delist, not de-register (except for fraud/illegal registration)

Law Commission 255th Report (2015):

• Recommended de-registration powers for ECI if a party fails to contest for 10 years.

Learning Corner: ECI at a Glance

• Article 324, Est. 1950
• Composition: 1 Chief Election Commissioner + 2 Election Commissioners
• Powers: Conduct elections, Model Code of Conduct, symbol allotment

Removal Process:

The CEC can only be removed in the same manner and on the same grounds as a Supreme Court judge.

This means:

Grounds: Proven misbehaviour or incapacity.

Procedure:

• Requires a special majority in both Houses of Parliament:
• The majority of the total membership, and
• Two-thirds of members present and voting.
• Address passed in both Houses.
• The President acts on this address.

Mains Practice Question

Q. Should the Election Commission of India be empowered with statutory authority to de-register political parties? Discuss in the context of electoral reforms.

3: National Turmeric Board Inaugurated in Telangana

Category: Agriculture / Governance

Why in the News?

Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the headquarters of the National Turmeric Board (NTB) in Nizamabad, Telangana, to boost turmeric trade, farmer welfare, and exports.

Purpose of the National Turmeric Board

• Develop the turmeric ecosystem: from cultivation to value addition and export.
• Align with 'One District One Product' and Doubling Farmer Income goals.

Structure of the Board

Key Functions

• Improve research & quality
• Promote value chain development
• Boost exports of turmeric (India exports to 150+ countries)
• Focus on sustainability in farming practices

Learning Corner: About Turmeric

• Curcuma longa, a rhizome crop
• India: World's largest producer & exporter
• Applications: Food, pharma, cosmetics, traditional medicine (esp. AYUSH)
• Turmeric also figures under APEDA and Spice Board activities

Mains Practice Question

Q. How can commodity-specific boards like the National Turmeric Board transform India's agri-export landscape? Illustrate with examples.