Operation Sindoor, Bihar SIR, India-Maldives | UPSC News 29 July 2025

Operation Sindoor, Bihar SIR, India-Maldives | UPSC News 29 July 2025

"The truest echo of our steps isn't in the sound they make, but in the ripple they leave behind."

For a civil services aspirant, this thought serves as a profound guide. Your journey is not measured by the number of hours you study or the immediate praise you receive. It is measured by the depth of your understanding and the lasting positive impact you aim to create. Focus on the substance of your preparation, for the truest validation of your hard work will be the positive, enduring change you bring to the lives of others.

Table of Contents

GS Paper II: Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice & International Relations

1. India's Security and Foreign Policy: The 'Operation Sindoor' Nexus

The parliamentary session on July 29, 2025, was dominated by a debate on 'Operation Sindoor', India's military response to a brutal terror attack. The discussions provided detailed insight into the government's strategic thinking, its new counter-terrorism doctrine, and the interplay of military action, diplomacy, and domestic politics.

1.1. Context: The Pahalgam Terror Attack and India's Right to Self-Defence

The immediate trigger was a heinous terrorist attack on April 22, 2025, in the Baisaran meadow of Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, resulting in the massacre of 26 unarmed civilians. The Indian government attributed the attack to The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of the UN-proscribed terrorist group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). A significant diplomatic victory followed when the United States designated the TRF as a global terror group, validating India's claims and setting the stage for India to exercise its right to self-defence.

1.2. Decoding 'Operation Sindoor': A Tri-Services Punitive Campaign

Initiated on May 7, 2025, and paused on May 10, 2025, Operation Sindoor was a high-precision, multi-domain offensive. Its objectives were to dismantle terrorist infrastructure and send a deterrent message to handlers in Pakistan.

  • Scale and Targets: The operation involved precision strikes on nine identified terrorist infrastructure sites—four in Pakistan's Punjab province and five in Pakistan-occupied Jammu & Kashmir (PoJK), including headquarters of LeT and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM).
  • Methodology: The Indian Air Force (IAF) used advanced surveillance and stand-off weapons, minimizing risk.
  • Tri-Services Synergy: The operation showcased jointness. While the IAF delivered strikes, the Indian Navy deployed its Carrier Battle Group (CBG) in the Arabian Sea for maritime dominance and air defence. The Border Security Force (BSF) thwarted an infiltration attempt in the Samba sector.

Claimed Outcomes: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reported that over 100 terrorists, trainers, and handlers were eliminated without the loss of a single Indian soldier.

1.3. Doctrinal Shift: Understanding India's "New Normal" in Counter-Terrorism

EAM S. Jaishankar outlined a five-point doctrine signaling a fundamental shift from strategic restraint:

  1. No Distinction for Proxies: Terrorists will be treated as terrorists, directly implicating their sponsors.
  2. Assured and Appropriate Response: Cross-border terrorism will be met with a firm military response.
  3. Terrorism as the Only Agenda for Talks: Any dialogue with Pakistan will be confined to terrorism.
  4. No Nuclear Blackmail: India will not be deterred by nuclear sabre-rattling.
  5. Blood and Water Cannot Flow Together: This was operationalized by suspending the Indus Waters Treaty until Pakistan ceases terror support.

2. Electoral Governance Under Scrutiny: The Bihar SIR Controversy

The Rajya Sabha witnessed disruptions over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar, pitting the Election Commission of India's (ECI) mandate for a clean voter list against accusations of mass disenfranchisement.

2.1. The Mechanism: What is the Special Intensive Revision (SIR)?

The SIR is a house-to-house verification process launched by the ECI in Bihar on June 24, 2025, to update electoral rolls ahead of state assembly elections. The process involves Booth Level Officers (BLOs) conducting surveys, followed by the publication of a draft roll for claims and objections. The final roll is slated for publication on September 30, 2025.

2.2. The Flashpoint: Allegations of Exclusion vs. ECI's Mandate

The opposition alleges the SIR is a tool for "exclusion rather than inclusion," potentially disenfranchising vulnerable groups like migrant laborers, the poor, Dalits, and minorities. There are also claims of procedural fraud, with petitioners in the Supreme Court alleging that BLOs forged signatures to meet targets. The opposition fears the SIR is a "backdoor NRC" (National Register of Citizens).

The ECI defends the SIR as its constitutional duty under Article 326 and the Representation of the People Act, 1950. It assures that no voter's name will be deleted without due process and highlights a high participation rate of nearly 92%.

3. Diplomacy in Action: Resetting India-Maldives Relations

PM Narendra Modi's visit to the Maldives on July 25-26, 2025, marked a significant turnaround in bilateral ties, reinforcing India's 'Neighbourhood First' and 'SAGAR' (Security and Growth for All in the Region) doctrines.

3.1. Key Agreements and Strategic Outcomes

The centerpiece of the visit was the signing of eight agreements. Key outcomes included a new Line of Credit (LoC), debt repayment relief, and the initiation of talks for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Digital finance integration via UPI and RuPay was also a major step. Strategically, India will assist in building a Defence Ministry building for the Maldives, cementing security cooperation.

This diplomatic reset demonstrates that patient and principled engagement can overcome political headwinds, securing India's strategic interests in the Indian Ocean Region.

4. Instruments of Accountability: The CAG and Public Sector Undertakings

A report by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) concerning inventory management at the Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) was tabled in Parliament. This underscores the vital role of the CAG, established under Articles 148 to 151 of the Constitution, in ensuring financial accountability of Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs).

CAG reports are examined by parliamentary committees like the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) and the Committee on Public Undertakings (COPU). Past audits of SAIL have highlighted systemic issues like inefficient inventory control, failure in technological upgradation, and underutilization of in-house capacity, which often represent deeper operational and strategic pathologies in PSUs.

5. Judicial Oversight and Public Health: Supreme Court on the Rabies Menace

The Supreme Court of India took suo motu cognizance of a media report on the public health crisis from stray dog bites and rabies deaths in Delhi. This judicial intervention highlights governance failure at the municipal level and elevates public safety to a matter of fundamental rights (Article 21, Right to Life).

The court's action was triggered by reports of tragic deaths and systemic failures, including ineffective Animal Birth Control (ABC) programs and a lack of municipal resources. By stepping in, the judiciary aims to enforce accountability, prompt policy review, and balance the competing rights of human safety and animal welfare.

GS Paper III: Technology, Economic Development, Bio-diversity, Environment, Security

1. The Indian Economy: A Mid-Year Health Check

The Finance Ministry's Monthly Economic Review for June 2025 described the economy as "cautiously optimistic" and "steady as she goes." GDP growth is projected between 6.2% to 6.5% for FY26.

  • Key Strengths: Robust domestic demand, a healthy agricultural sector due to a favorable monsoon, a resilient financial system with multi-decade low NPAs, and contained inflation.
  • Headwinds: Global economic slowdown, slowing credit growth, and subdued private investment.

Policy in Focus: The DPIIT-Ather MoU and the 'Build in Bharat' Initiative

The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) signed an MoU with EV manufacturer Ather Energy under the 'Build in Bharat' initiative. This public-private partnership aims to create a holistic ecosystem for clean mobility and advanced manufacturing, focusing on a sunrise sector to boost 'Atmanirbhar Bharat'.

2. Internal Security Update: The Situation in Manipur

The security situation in Manipur remains fragile. Joint teams of Manipur Police, Assam Rifles, and the Indian Army conducted major arms recovery operations in hill districts. This was the fourth such major recovery since the imposition of President's Rule in February 2025. The government's strategy prioritizes large-scale disarmament as a precondition for political engagement between the Meitei and Kuki communities.

3. Developments in Science and Technology

  • Planetary Defense: NASA confirmed that Asteroid 2025 OL1 will have a close but safe approach to Earth on July 30. The event highlights the global effort in planetary defense, with significant involvement from ISRO.
  • Celestial Watch: The Southern Delta Aquariids and Alpha Capricornids meteor showers peaked on July 29-30, offering a celestial treat for stargazers.
  • The Future of Medicine: Dutch firm ProQR Therapeutics announced its pioneering Axiomer™ RNA base editing technology. Unlike CRISPR, RNA editing is transient and potentially safer. It uses the body's own ADAR (Adenosine Deaminase Acting on RNA) enzymes to correct genetic mutations at the RNA level.
  • Citizen Science: A new study highlighted the impact of platforms like iNaturalist, where citizen-submitted data is revolutionizing biodiversity research, including species discovery and conservation planning.

4. Environment and Disaster Management

Events on July 29 underscored growing climate challenges. In Delhi-NCR, the IMD issued a "red alert" as heavy rains led to severe waterlogging, a classic example of an urban flood. This man-made disaster is exacerbated by poor urban planning, inadequate drainage, and excessive concretization. Globally, UN Secretary-General António Guterres declared the transition to renewable energy "unstoppable," urging nations to submit stronger Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) ahead of the COP30 climate conference.

GS Paper I: Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and Society

1. Social Sector Issues and Initiatives

  • Public Health Concern: A news report on the death of a young man from sudden cardiac arrest during exercise highlights the risk of underlying conditions like Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM). It underscores the need for pre-participation medical screenings and public access to Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs).
  • Developments in Higher Education: Delhi University introduced stricter anti-ragging guidelines, IIT Kharagpur launched a mental health initiative, and Prof. Uma Kanjilal was appointed the first woman Vice-Chancellor of IGNOU.
  • Societal Tensions in Tourist Areas: In Goa, concerns were raised about unregistered homestays, many owned by outsiders. This trend leads to economic leakage, strains local infrastructure, and drives up real estate prices, highlighting a governance challenge at the intersection of tourism and urbanization.

Prelims Corner

  1. Operation Sindoor: A punitive, tri-services military campaign by India in May 2025 against terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and PoJK, following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.
  2. Special Intensive Revision (SIR): An ECI-led house-to-house electoral roll verification process. The current exercise in Bihar is controversial.
  3. Axiomer™ Technology: A next-generation RNA base editing technology that uses the body's own ADAR enzymes to make specific, non-permanent edits to RNA to correct diseases.
  4. ADAR Enzymes: Stands for Adenosine Deaminase Acting on RNA, naturally present enzymes used in new RNA editing therapies.
  5. Colombo Security Conclave: A regional maritime security group including India, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, and Mauritius.
  6. 'Build in Bharat' Initiative: An initiative by the Startup Policy Forum (SPF) to strengthen domestic manufacturing and deep-tech startups.
  7. The Resistance Front (TRF): A terrorist group in J&K, identified as a proxy of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).
  8. Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM): A genetic heart condition causing thickening of the heart muscle, a leading cause of sudden cardiac arrest in young people.
  9. Suo Motu Cognizance: The power of a court to initiate legal proceedings on its own accord without a formal petition.

Mains Practice Questions

  1. GS Paper-II (International Relations/Security): Critically analyze the 'new normal' in India's counter-terrorism doctrine as articulated in the wake of 'Operation Sindoor'. Do you believe it marks a sustainable and effective shift in India's strategic posture towards Pakistan? Justify your answer.
  2. GS Paper-II (Polity & Governance): The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar has pitted the Election Commission's constitutional mandate for electoral integrity against concerns of mass disenfranchisement. Discuss the key constitutional, legal, and governance challenges highlighted by this controversy.
  3. GS Paper-III (Economy/Industrial Policy): The Indian economy shows resilience in domestic demand but faces headwinds from slowing private investment and global uncertainties. In this context, evaluate the role of targeted public-private partnerships, such as the DPIIT-Ather Energy MoU, in driving growth and building self-reliance in sunrise sectors.

Daily Quiz

  1. Q1. The 'Axiomer' technology, recently in the news for its therapeutic potential, is related to which of the following?

    (a) DNA Sequencing
    (b) ✅ RNA Editing
    (c) Cryogenic Engine Development
    (d) 5G Communication Technology
    Answer: B. Axiomer™ is a next-generation RNA editing technology that uses ADAR enzymes to correct disease-causing mutations at the RNA level, making it a transient and potentially safer alternative to permanent DNA editing.

  2. Q2. 'Operation Sindoor', conducted by the Indian armed forces in May 2025, was a direct response to a terrorist attack in which location?

    (a) Uri
    (b) Pulwama
    (c) Pathankot
    (d) ✅ Pahalgam
    Answer: D. Operation Sindoor was launched in response to the heinous terrorist attack on April 22, 2025, in the scenic Baisaran meadow of Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir.

  3. Q3. The 'Build in Bharat' initiative, under which DPIIT signed an MoU with Ather Energy, is primarily led by which entity?

    (a) NITI Aayog
    (b) Ministry of Heavy Industries
    (c) ✅ Startup Policy Forum (SPF)
    (d) Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)
    Answer: C. The 'Build in Bharat' initiative is led by the Startup Policy Forum (SPF) and aims to create a holistic ecosystem for domestic manufacturing and deep-tech startups, particularly in sunrise sectors like EVs.

  4. Q4. The Supreme Court recently took suo motu cognizance of a public health issue based on a media report. What was the issue?

    (a) Air pollution in Delhi
    (b) Contamination of river water
    (c) ✅ Rising cases of rabies from dog bites
    (d) Malnutrition among children
    Answer: C. The Supreme Court took suo motu cognizance of an "alarming" media report detailing the public health crisis caused by stray dog bites and subsequent rabies deaths in Delhi.

  5. Q5. With reference to India-Maldives relations, which of the following was a key outcome of PM Modi's recent visit?

    (a) Signing of a mutual legal assistance treaty
    (b) Establishment of a joint military base
    (c) ✅ Initiation of negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA)
    (d) Finalization of a new visa-free travel regime
    Answer: C. During PM Modi's visit to the Maldives in July 2025, a key economic outcome was the agreement to initiate negotiations for a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (FTA) to boost trade and investment.

Flashcards for Revision

Operation Sindoor

A tri-services punitive military campaign by India against terror infrastructure in Pakistan/PoJK in May 2025, launched in response to the Pahalgam terror attack, marking a shift towards a more assertive counter-terrorism doctrine.

Special Intensive Revision (SIR)

An ECI-led house-to-house verification process to update electoral rolls. The exercise in Bihar became controversial over allegations of potential disenfranchisement of vulnerable groups and procedural flaws.

SAGAR Doctrine

India's maritime foreign policy vision: 'Security and Growth for All in the Region'. It guides engagement with maritime neighbors in the Indian Ocean, emphasizing cooperative security and development.

Suo Motu Cognizance

The power of a court to initiate legal proceedings on its own accord, without a formal petition. The Supreme Court used this to address the public health crisis of rabies from dog bites in Delhi.

ADAR Enzymes

Stands for Adenosine Deaminase Acting on RNA. These are naturally occurring cellular enzymes leveraged by new RNA editing therapies like Axiomer™ to correct genetic mutations at the RNA level.

DPIIT-Ather MoU

A public-private partnership under the 'Build in Bharat' initiative to boost India's EV manufacturing and clean mobility ecosystem. It focuses on supporting deep-tech startups and innovation.

CAG's Role with PSUs

The Comptroller and Auditor General of India audits Public Sector Undertakings to ensure financial accountability and operational efficiency. Its reports are tabled in Parliament to facilitate legislative oversight.

Urban Flooding

Inundation of land in a built-up area, often caused by intense rainfall overwhelming inadequate drainage. It is a man-made disaster exacerbated by poor urban planning and concretization.

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)

A genetic disorder that causes the heart muscle to thicken abnormally. It is a leading cause of sudden cardiac arrest in young athletes and often goes undiagnosed.

Axiomer™ Technology

A next-generation RNA base editing therapeutic technology that uses the body's own ADAR enzymes to make specific, non-permanent edits to RNA to correct disease-causing mutations.

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