Daily Current Affairs and News Analysis 11-08-2025

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Justice Reform India

  • Why in News: Over 5 crore cases pending in Indian courts, crippling justice delivery, governance, and citizen trust.

  • Key Statistics:

    • Over 5 crore total pending cases (mid-2025).
    • District courts: 90% (4.6 crore+).
    • High Courts: 63.3 lakh+.
    • Supreme Court: 86,700+.
    • Criminal cases disposed faster (85.3% High Court cases within a year).
    • Civil cases slower (38.7% district court cases within a year, 20% pending >5 years).
    • CJI noted “fear psychosis” in bail grants contributing to pendency.

  • Contributing Factors:

    • Low Judge-Population Ratio: 15 judges/10 lakh people vs. recommended 50.
    • Frequent Adjournments: Culture of “tareek pe tareek,” with 70% of Delhi HC cases having >3 adjournments.
    • Underutilized ADR: Mediation, arbitration, conciliation not fully leveraged; lack of data on ADR performance.
    • Rise in Litigation: Increased awareness, PILs, trivial cases, and government departments as litigants.
    • Structural/Procedural Constraints: Inadequate infrastructure, staff shortages, poor ICT, lack of case management, witness delays.

  • Recommended Reforms:

    • Strengthen Judicial Capacity: Fast-track appointments, increase judge-population ratio, reform collegium, expand judge strength, specialized courts.
    • Infrastructure & Technology: National Judicial Infrastructure Authority, expand e-Courts, FASTER, staff training.
    • Procedural Reforms: Limit adjournments, summary trials, pre-trial conferences, time-bound hearings, AI for case management.
    • Promote ADR & Access: Scale up mediation (Mediation Act, 2023), Lok Adalats, strengthen legal aid (Tele-Law, NALSA).

Justice Reform India

Gold Potatoes

  • Introduction of Iron-Rich Potatoes in India: The International Potato Center (CIP) from Peru is introducing biofortified potatoes, rich in iron, to India to combat iron deficiency anemia.
  • Development and Adaptation: These potatoes were developed at CIP Peru using nutrient-rich germplasm and have been adapted by ICAR–CPRI Shimla for local conditions, seed multiplication, and farmer distribution.
  • Establishment of CIP South Asia Regional Centre: CIP will set up its South Asia Regional Centre in Agra, located in the Indo-Gangetic Plains, a major potato-producing region, to improve farmer access to quality seeds and markets.
  • Existing Biofortified Sweet Potatoes: Biofortified sweet potatoes, enriched with Vitamin A, are already cultivated in several Indian states (Odisha, West Bengal, Karnataka, Assam) and are known for their nutritional benefits, especially for children.
  • Biofortification Process: Biofortification is the process of increasing micronutrient levels in crops through breeding or biotechnology, while maintaining desirable traits.
  • Advantages of Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes have a long shelf life (2 years without refrigeration), are versatile in cooking, and are suitable for nutrition programs like Mid-day Meals.
  • Collaboration and Market Access: CIP is working with Indian research institutes and private companies to ensure quality seed production and distribution, aiming to integrate nutritious potatoes into the market chain and food processing.
  • Government Support: The initiative is supported by the Union Agriculture Ministry, recognizing the potential for economic growth in India’s potato sector.
  • Market Stabilization: CIP also aims to help stabilize potato prices and supplies by introducing new varieties that can extend the harvest season and working with government bodies on market management.

Gold Potatoes

India’s Water Woes

  • Why in News: The 2024 Annual Groundwater Quality Report highlights widespread contamination, impacting over 600 million Indians reliant on groundwater, turning it into a public health crisis.

  • Causes:

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    • Industrial Pollution: Discharge of heavy metals and toxic chemicals from industries creates “death zones.”
    • Overuse of Fertilizers: Nitrates and phosphates from fertilizers pollute groundwater.
    • Improper Sanitation: Leakage from septic tanks and sewage systems introduces pathogens.
    • Natural Contamination: Fluoride, arsenic, and uranium naturally occur, concentrated by excessive pumping.
    • Fragmented Regulation: Weak enforcement of laws and siloed agency efforts hinder effective management.
    • Poor Monitoring: Infrequent data collection and lack of public awareness delay response.

  • Impacts:

    • Health: Fluoride causes skeletal fluorosis; arsenic leads to cancer and neurological issues; nitrates cause “blue baby syndrome”; uranium damages organs; heavy metals cause developmental delays; pathogens cause waterborne diseases.
    • Agriculture: Reduced crop yields and salinity intrusion due to contamination and over-extraction.
    • Ecosystems: Harm to wildlife and biodiversity.

  • Reforms Needed:

    • National Groundwater Pollution Control Framework for clear roles and CGWB authority.
    • Modernized monitoring systems with real-time sensors and integrated health surveillance.
    • Targeted remediation like community water purification plants.
    • Strict industrial and waste regulation (e.g., Zero Liquid Discharge).
    • Agrochemical reforms promoting organic farming and reduced chemical use.
    • Community-centric governance involving local bodies.

Rhisotope

  • What is it: The Rhisotope Project is an anti-poaching initiative using radioactive isotopes (radioisotopes) to mark rhino horns.
  • Why in News: Launched by a South African university in collaboration with the IAEA, it’s an innovative approach to combat rhino poaching.
  • How it works: Low doses of radioisotopes are injected into live rhinos’ horns in a non-invasive procedure.
  • Effectiveness:
    • Makes horns detectable by Radiation Portal Monitors (RPMs) and scanners at borders and airports.
    • Horns become useless and toxic for human consumption.
    • Discourages poaching by making horns dangerous for smugglers and less marketable.
    • Proven safe for rhinos through pilot studies showing no cellular damage.
    • Detection confirmed even inside full shipping containers.
  • Advantages over dehorning: Less disruptive to rhino behavior and social interactions.
  • Goal: To deter poaching by making the illegal trade traceable and risky, hoping to reduce the severe losses of rhinos, particularly in South Africa.
  • Future Scope: Potential to be applied to other endangered species like elephants and pangolins.

MERITE Scheme

  • Scheme Name: MERITE (Multidisciplinary Education and Research Improvement in Technical Education).
  • Objective: To enhance quality, equity, and governance in technical education across India, aligned with the National Education Policy 2020.
  • Scope: Covers 275 technical institutions nationwide (175 engineering institutions, 100 polytechnics), including NITs, State Engineering Institutions, and Affiliating Technical Universities.
  • Budget: Rs. 4200 crore for 2025-26 to 2029-30, with Rs. 2100 crore from World Bank loan assistance.
  • Beneficiaries: Around 7.5 lakh students across all States and Union Territories.
  • Key Focus Areas:
    • Digitalizing education.
    • Developing multidisciplinary programs.
    • Boosting student learning and employability skills.
    • Strengthening research and innovation.
    • Improving quality assurance and accreditation.
    • Creating labor-market aligned curricula.
    • Supporting future academic leaders, especially women.
  • Implementation: Involves collaboration with premier institutions (IITs, IIMs) and regulatory bodies (AICTE, NBA). Funds transfer via a Central Nodal Agency.
  • Impact/Why it’s news:
    • Aims to improve the skills and employability of students through updated curricula, internships, and research opportunities, potentially reducing unemployment.
    • Strengthens the research ecosystem, crucial for technological advancements and addressing national challenges.
    • Focuses on modernizing technical education in line with NEP 2020 reforms, including curriculum revamp and faculty development.
    • Supports academic administrators and addresses gender gaps in technical education.

Animal-to-Human Plagues

  • High Risk Areas Identified: Over 9% of Earth’s land is at high or very high risk of zoonotic diseases.
  • Epidemic Risk Index: A new index combines zoonotic risk with country preparedness to help policymakers identify vulnerable areas and improve responses.
  • Definition and Causes: Zoonotic diseases are infectious diseases transmitted between animals and humans, caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites, or fungi.
  • Increased Risk Factors: Climate change and land-use changes are increasing human-animal interaction and the risk of disease spillover.
  • Significant Global Burden: Zoonotic diseases account for 60% of known infectious diseases and 75% of emerging infectious diseases, causing billions of cases and millions of deaths annually.
  • Regional Vulnerabilities: Latin America, Oceania, Asia, and Africa show significant regional vulnerabilities to zoonotic outbreaks.
  • India’s Vulnerability: India experiences a substantial number of zoonotic diseases, with Northeast India being a particular hotspot.
  • Global Initiatives: ZODIAC (IAEA) and the G20 Pandemic Fund aim to strengthen early detection, rapid response, and pandemic preparedness.
  • India’s Initiatives: Programs like NADCP focus on livestock vaccination for diseases like FMD and Brucellosis, while the National One Health Programme tackles zoonotic diseases through inter-sectoral coordination and surveillance.

India ESG Watch

  • Dedicated ESG Oversight Body: Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance recommends MCA establish a dedicated ESG oversight body to actively combat greenwashing.
    • Why: Rising concerns about greenwashing (deceptive claims of environmental friendliness) and the need to ensure genuine sustainability claims.
  • Penal Provisions & Forensic Experts: The proposed body should include forensic experts to detect fraud and ensure expeditious and deterrent penalties for fraudulent ESG claims.
    • Why: To deter greenwashing and build trust in sustainability reporting.
  • Sector-Specific Guidelines & MSME Support: The oversight body should formulate sector-specific ESG guidelines and support MSMEs in adopting ESG practices.
    • Why: To create tailored guidance and enable smaller businesses to transition to sustainable practices.
  • ESG as Director’s Duty: Proposes amending the Companies Act, 2013, to make ESG a core duty of directors, embedding sustainability into business strategy.
    • Why: To elevate ESG considerations to a non-negotiable strategic imperative and provide a clear legal basis for accountability.
  • Strengthen Financial Crime Units: Urges developing strategies to address financial crimes early and bolstering the SFIO and NFRA.
    • Why: To enhance overall corporate governance and financial integrity.
  • CSR Oversight Improvement: Emphasizes improving the transparency and effectiveness of the CSR oversight system.
    • Why: To ensure CSR activities are meaningful and contribute to genuine societal impact.
  • Ministry’s Stance: MCA initially demurred, citing the adequacy of the current disclosure-based regime and board accountability.
    • Why: The committee’s push highlights a perceived gap in current oversight mechanisms despite existing regulations.

LionDay 2025

  • Why in News: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and Gujarat Government celebrated World Lion Day 2025 at Barda Wildlife Sanctuary.

  • Key Facts:

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    • Asiatic lions are slightly smaller than African lions, with a distinctive belly skin fold and less prominent manes.
    • They inhabit grasslands, savannas, and open woodlands.
    • As apex predators, they maintain ecosystem balance.
    • India’s Asiatic lion population rose from 523 in 2015 to 891 by May 2025 (a 32% increase since 2020).
    • Found primarily in Gir Forest and Barda Wildlife Sanctuary, Gujarat.
    • Symbol of strength, featured on India’s national emblem.
    • Conservation Status: Schedule I (Wildlife Protection Act 1972), Vulnerable (IUCN Red List), Appendix I (CITES).

  • Conservation Efforts:

    • Project Lion: Launched August 15, 2020, a 10-year initiative to secure Asiatic lions’ future, implemented by Gujarat with Central support. Focuses on habitat improvement, population monitoring, and reducing human-wildlife conflict.
    • International Big Cats Alliance (IBCA): Launched April 2023 for global cooperation on big cat protection.
    • Greater Gir Concept: Expands lion habitats beyond Gir National Park.
    • Barda Wildlife Sanctuary: Emerging as the second home for lions, with a growing population and planned safari park.
    • Wildlife Conservation Initiative: ₹180 Crore initiative launched to boost lion conservation and ecotourism.
    • Advanced Technologies: GPS, GIS, and automated sensor grids are used for monitoring and management.

  • Event Highlights:

    • Union Minister Shri Bhupender Yadav and Gujarat CM Shri Bhupendra Patel presided.
    • Union Minister lauded the lion population growth to 891, crediting PM Modi’s leadership.
    • Gujarat reaffirmed its commitment as the global home of Asiatic lions.
    • Celebrations involved lakhs of students across 11 districts.
    • A National Referral Centre for wildlife healthcare is being developed.

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