On July 01st, 2025, India & the world witnessed important developments across various sectors. Recent developments across India highlight critical shifts and ongoing efforts in diverse sectors, ranging from electoral governance and environmental health to cutting-edge space research and vital wildlife conservation. These topics, reflecting the dynamic interplay of policy, science, and ecology, hold significant relevance for understanding contemporary challenges and advancements.

Awareness regarding daily UPSC current affairs is crucial for cracking the UPSC Prelims, excelling in UPSC Mains. It helps perform well in the UPSC personality test, thus becoming an informed and effective UPSC civil servant.

Below are the current affairs and headlines of the day taken from The Hindu, Indian Express, Press Information Bureau & All India Radio as required for UPSC preparation:

De-listing of Registered Unrecognised Political Parties

Source: The Hindu

Syllabus: GS Paper II (Polity)

IN NEWS

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has initiated the process to de-list 345 Registered Unrecognised Political Parties (RUPPs). These parties have not contested any election since 2019 and are non-traceable at their registered addresses. This action aims to curb the misuse of tax exemptions and electoral benefits, and to eliminate 'letter pad' political parties.

Criteria for Registration

Under Section 29A of the RP Act, 1951, a political party must:

• Submit an application within 30 days of formation.
• Submit a copy of its constitution/memorandum stating:
  • Allegiance to the Constitution of India.
  • Commitment to socialism, secularism, democracy, and the unity and integrity of the nation.
• Show provisions for internal democracy, including regular elections for party posts.
• Comply with disclosure norms under the Income Tax Act (donations, sources, etc.).

Key Legal Provisions

Current Scenario

• Total Registered Unrecognised Political Parties (RUPPs): ~2800+
• RUPPs that contested 2024 general elections: ~750
• Remaining: Commonly termed as "letter pad parties"
• De-listed so far (as per ECI): 281
• Inactive parties: 217
• Now targeted for de-listing: 345 RUPPs

Read the article on Political Parties in India!

Difference Between Registered and Recognised Parties

Ammonium Sulphate and Secondary Pollutants

Source: The Hindu

Syllabus: GS Paper III (Science & Technology)

IN NEWS

A new study by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) has revealed that secondary pollutants, particularly ammonium sulphate, contribute to nearly one-third (34%) of PM2.5 pollution in India. The source of ammonium sulphate is largely coal-fired thermal power plants, which are responsible for over 60% of India's SO2 emissions.

What are Primary and Secondary Pollutants?

Data Highlights from CREA Study

• National average concentration of ammonium sulphate: 11.9 μg/m3
• Contributes to ~34% of PM2.5 mass nationwide.
• Within 10 km of coal plants:
  • Ammonium sulphate: 15 μg/m3
  • PM2.5 contribution: ~36%
• In 114 out of 130 National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) cities: Ammonium sulphate made up >30% of total PM2.5.
• Across NCAP cities: Concentration ranged from 3.9–22.5 μg/m3, with a 20–43% share of PM2.5 from ammonium sulphate.
• Other secondary pollutants: Ammonium nitrate also contributes up to 50% of PM2.5 in some areas.

Myogenesis Experiment on ISS

Source: The Hindu

Syllabus: GS Paper III (Science & Technology)

IN NEWS

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the Indian astronaut aboard the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the Axiom-4 mission, has begun work on the Myogenesis experiment. This experiment is one of seven microgravity experiments shortlisted by ISRO and has been developed by the Institute of Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine (inStem), Bengaluru. It aims to understand the mechanisms of skeletal muscle degradation in space, which affects astronauts during long-duration spaceflights.

Effect of Space/Microgravity on Muscles

Microgravity leads to muscle atrophy, primarily affecting postural and weight-bearing muscles, especially:

• Quadriceps
• Calf muscles
• Spinal extensors

Other Scientific Work on the ISS by Ax-4 Crew

The Ax-4 mission involves a total of 60+ scientific activities with researchers from 31 countries. Key areas include:

• Cerebral Hemodynamics Study: Uses ultrasound to track brain blood flow under microgravity, aiming to understand cardiovascular adaptations in space. This has implications for stroke and hypertension management on Earth.
• Includes 5 joint investigations with NASA and 2 in-orbit STEM experiments.

Sariska Tiger Reserve

Source: The Hindu

Syllabus: GS Paper I (Geography)

IN NEWS

The Congress party has opposed a reported move to redraw the boundaries of the Sariska Tiger Reserve in Rajasthan. The redrawing would reportedly enable the reactivation of over 50 mining operations that had earlier been shut down by the Supreme Court. Concerns raised include ecological degradation, threats to wildlife corridors, and violation of conservation commitments.

Poaching Crisis and Reintroduction

• Crisis: By December 2004, Sariska lost its entire tiger population due to rampant poaching, causing national outrage.
• Institutional Response: A Tiger Task Force was set up in April 2005 to investigate and recommend corrective measures, leading to systemic reforms in Project Tiger administration and tracking.
• Tiger Reintroduction: It became the world’s first successful tiger relocation project. The first tiger was relocated from Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve in 2008, followed by more tigers between 2008–2010. The use of radio-collaring and monitoring technology ensured adaptation.

Legal & Policy Framework

🎯 Question No. 1

With reference to Registered Unrecognised Political Parties (RUPPs) in India, consider the following statements:

1. They are registered with the Election Commission of India (ECI) under Article 19(1)(c) of the Constitution.
2. They are eligible for tax exemptions under the Income Tax Act provided they comply with certain conditions.
3. Unlike recognised parties, RUPPs are not allowed to have any star campaigners during elections.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 2 and 3 only

✅ Correct Answer: (b)

ℹ️ Explanation:

• Statement 1 is incorrect: RUPPs are registered under Section 29A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, not Article 19(1)(c) directly, although the latter provides the fundamental right to form associations.
• Statement 2 is correct: Registered parties are eligible for tax exemptions under Section 13A of the Income Tax Act (1961) if they comply with conditions.
• Statement 3 is incorrect: RUPPs are eligible for limited campaign privileges, including up to 20 star campaigners, unlike recognised parties which have extensive benefits.

🎯 Question No. 2

Regarding air pollutants in India, a recent study revealed that secondary pollutants, particularly ammonium sulphate, contribute significantly to PM2.5 pollution. In this context, consider the following statements:

1. Ammonium sulphate is directly emitted from industrial sources.
2. It is formed by the atmospheric chemical reaction between Sulphur dioxide (SO2) and Ammonia (NH3).
3. Coal-fired thermal power plants are the primary source of ammonia (NH3) emissions contributing to ammonium sulphate formation.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 2 and 3 only

✅ Correct Answer: (b)

ℹ️ Explanation:

• Statement 1 is incorrect: Ammonium sulphate is a secondary pollutant, meaning it is formed in the atmosphere through chemical reactions, not directly emitted.
• Statement 2 is correct: The text explicitly states it is formed by the atmospheric chemical reaction between SO2 (from coal plants) and NH3 (from fertiliser/agriculture).
• Statement 3 is incorrect: The text states that ammonia (NH3) is mainly from fertiliser use and agricultural activities, while coal-fired power plants are the main source of SO2.

🎯 Question No. 3

The 'Myogenesis' experiment, being conducted by an Indian astronaut on the International Space Station (ISS), primarily aims to understand:

(a) The process of bone density loss in microgravity.

(b) The mechanisms of skeletal muscle degradation in space.

(c) The effects of altered blood flow on brain function during long-duration spaceflights.

(d) The development of new plant species in extraterrestrial environments.

✅ Correct Answer: (b)

ℹ️ Explanation: The text clearly states that the Myogenesis experiment "aims to understand the mechanisms of skeletal muscle degradation in space, which affects astronauts during long-duration spaceflights."

🎯 Question No. 4

Sariska Tiger Reserve, recently in news, is located in which Indian state?

(a) Madhya Pradesh

(b) Rajasthan

(c) Gujarat

(d) Uttar Pradesh

✅ Correct Answer: (b)

ℹ️ Explanation: The text explicitly states that Sariska Tiger Reserve is "Situated in the Alwar district of Rajasthan."

🎯 Question No. 5

Which of the following legal frameworks prohibits mining and commercial activity in the core areas of Tiger Reserves in India?

(a) Forest Conservation Act, 1980

(b) Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972

(c) Environment (Protection) Act, 1986

(d) Biological Diversity Act, 2002

✅ Correct Answer: (b)

ℹ️ Explanation: The table under "Legal & Policy Framework" for Sariska Tiger Reserve clearly states that the "Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972" prohibits mining and commercial activity in core areas of Tiger Reserves.