CURRENT AFFAIRS 20 August, 2025

CURRENT AFFAIRS 20 August, 2025

1. STRAY DOG MANAGEMENT IN INDIA: BALANCING PUBLIC SAFETY AND ANIMAL WELFARE –

• The Supreme Court (SC) of India issued a suo motu directive to remove stray dogs in the National Capital Region (NCR), following tragic attacks on children.
• This directive has sparked discussions on the legal and ethical aspects of balancing public safety with animal welfare.

Menace of Stray Dog in India

• India has 62–80 million stray dogs. Over 2.2 million dog bite cases were reported in 2024 alone. Rabies from dog bites accounts for 36% of global deaths, primarily affecting children, women, and the elderly.
• National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data shows that more than 4000 dog bite fatalities occurred in 2019.
• Delhi alone recorded over 35,000 animal bite incidents in the first half of 2025. The cost of treating rabies through post-exposure prophylaxis places a financial strain on healthcare systems, with an average cost of Rs 5,128 per case.

What are the Legal and Policy Frameworks for Stray Dogs Management in India?

Constitutional Provision;

• Article 246(3): States manage preservation, protection, and improvement of livestock, prevention of animal diseases, and veterinary training/practice.
• Articles 243(W) & 246: Local bodies are responsible for controlling the stray dog population.
• Article 51A(g): Fundamental duty of citizens to show compassion for all living creatures.
• Article 21 (expanded by SC in Animal Welfare Board of India v. Nagaraja (2014): Right to life extended to animals (Jallikattu Case).

2. US-RUSSIA ALASKA SUMMIT –

• The US-Russia Alaska Summit ended without a final agreement, leaving the Russia-Ukraine conflict unresolved. Its failure has spotlighted potential challenges in US-India ties over tariffs on India’s Russian oil imports.
• India’s Concerns on US Tariffs: The US announced a combined 50% tariff on Indian exports, comprising the existing 25% tariff and an additional 25%.
• This could significantly disrupt India’s trade relations, increasing costs of Indian goods in the US market and complicating economic negotiations.
• The US aims to cut Russia’s oil revenue by pressuring importers like India (imports 35-40% of its crude oil from Russia). A Bill in US Congress proposes tariffs up to 500% on states aiding Russia’s war economy.
• India’s Strategic Autonomy: India aims to maintain strategic autonomy, balancing ties with Russia and the US while keeping its trade, energy security and defence choices driven by national interest.
• Geo-Political Impact: The failure of the US- Russia Alaska Summit to finalize a peace deal prolongs the uncertainty surrounding the Russia-Ukraine conflict, complicating global diplomatic efforts, and raising concerns over security guarantees, territorial concessions, and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) role.

3. CHIEF ELECTION COMMISSIONER REMOVAL PROCESS EXPLAINED –

• The Election Commission of India (ECI) remains under scrutiny amid allegations of electoral fraud. Opposition parties are considering a motion to remove the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC). This has sparked renewed interest in the constitutional and legal framework governing the appointment and removal of the CEC. The process is designed to ensure the independence and integrity of the ECI in conducting free and fair elections.

Appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner

• The CEC and other Election Commissioners (ECs) are appointed by the President of India. This is based on recommendations from a three-member selection committee. The committee includes the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, and a Union Cabinet Minister.
• Candidates must have held secretary-level government posts and possess integrity and election management experience. The tenure is six years or until the age of 65, whichever is earlier. The CEC receives salary and benefits equal to a Supreme Court judge.

4. EXTREME WEATHER EVENTS IN JAMMU AND KASHMIR –

• The Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir faced a tragic flash floodrecently. Torrential rain struck the remote village of Chasoti near Machail Mata temple. At least 65 people died and over 50 remain missing. Experts link the rising frequency and intensity of such disasters to global warming and changing weather patterns. Jammu and Kashmir has seen a sharp rise in extreme weather events, causing thousands of deaths over recent years.

Rising Incidence of Extreme Weather

• Between 2010 and 2022, Jammu and Kashmir recorded 2,863 extreme weather events. These included thunderstorms, heavy rain, flash floods, landslides, and heavy snow. Thunderstorms occurred 1,942 times, while heavy rain was reported 409 times.
• Flash floods and landslides took place 168 and 186 times respectively. Heavy snow events were fewer but deadlier, causing 182 deaths. Overall, 552 deaths were recorded during this period due to extreme weather.

5. DECLINE OF NAXALITE VIOLENCE AMID GLOBAL TERROR THREATS –

• Recent developments show a sharp decline in ideologically-driven Naxalite militancy in India. This contrasts with persistent and evolving global terrorism threats, especially those inspired by groups like Islamic State (IS).
• The rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) adds complexity and danger to future terror scenarios worldwide. India’s internal security dynamics, however, indicate a nearing end to one of its longest militant insurgencies.

MCQ QUIZ

Q1.   Udyam Sakhi Portal was launched by which ministry ?

1. a) Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises
2. b) Ministry of Finance
3. c) Ministry of Science and Technology
4. d) Ministry of Commerce and Industry

Q2.   Sahariya tribe is primarily found in which states ?

1. a) Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh
2. b) Odisha, Jharkhand and Bihar
3. c) Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra
4. d) Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu

Q3.   Dibru-Saikhowa National Park is located in which state ?

1. a) Arunachal Pradesh
2. b) Nagaland
3. c) Manipur
4. d) Assam

Q4.   Which of the following statements about the removal of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) of India is/are correct ?

1. The CEC can be removed by the President on the recommendation of the Prime Minister.
2. The grounds for removal are proven misbehaviour or incapacity, similar to a Supreme Court judge.
3. A judicial inquiry is mandatory before the CEC can be removed.
4. The removal requires a simple majority vote in both Houses of Parliament.
5. a) 1 and 2 only
6. b) 2 and 3 only
7. c) Only 3 and 4
8. d) Only 2, 3 and 4

Explanation-

• Statement 1 – Incorrect: The President cannot remove the CEC at will or merely on the PM’s advice. It requires a detailed parliamentary and judicial procedure, similar to a Supreme Court judge, as per Article 324(5).
• Statement 2 – Correct: The CEC can be removed only on the grounds of proven misbehaviour or incapacity.
• Statement 3 – Correct: A judicial inquiry committee must first investigate and confirm the charges before the motion can proceed.
• Statement 4 – Incorrect: The removal requires a two-thirds majority in both Houses, not a simple majority.

Q5.   Consider the following statements regarding the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana (PM-VBRY):

1. The scheme targets the creation of 3.5 crore jobs over a period of five years.
2. It provides financial incentives to both first-time employees and employers.
3. It covers only those employees earning below ₹50,000 per month.

          Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

1. a) 1 and 2 only
2. b) 2 only
3. c) 2 and 3 only
4. d) 1 and 3 only

Explanation-

• Statement 1 is incorrect: The scheme targets creation of 3.5 crore jobs in two years, not five.
• Statement 2 is correct: Incentives are offered both to first-time employees (Part A) and to employers hiring them (Part B).
• Statement 3 is incorrect: The scheme covers employees earning up to ₹1 lakh per month, not ₹50,000.

Answer Key