UPSC Current Affairs 9th September 2025: Domestic Sphere, CSR, Anganwadi, Red Sea & DMF

UPSC Current Affairs 9th September 2025 covers all important topics for Prelims and Mains. This edition includes Domestic Sphere and gender justice, the role of Parliamentary Committees, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Anganwadi Services, Maternal Health, the Red Sea Cable Cut, and District Mineral Foundation (DMF) Trust. These issues are highly relevant for UPSC Current Affairs 9th September 2025 as they connect to GS Papers 1, 2, and 3, along with India’s constitutional provisions, welfare schemes, and global commitments.👉 Join Telegram :
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1. The ‘Domestic Sphere’ in a New India

What’s the News?

India has made significant progress in promoting women-led development, especially through constitutional guarantees, legal reforms, and global commitments. However, ground realities reveal a persistent gender gap in the domestic and social spheres.

The Time Use Survey (TUS) 2024 has brought renewed attention to the stark imbalance in unpaid domestic and caregiving work:

• Men spend only 26 minutes daily on household chores and 16 minutes on unpaid caregiving.

• Women, in contrast, spend several hours daily in these activities, with their contribution largely invisible in GDP accounting.

This imbalance, combined with rising cases of domestic violence, low female labour force participation, and undervaluation of unpaid care work, exposes the gap between constitutional promises of equality and social realities.

Key Points for UPSC (Prelims & Mains)

Data & Reports

• NFHS-5 (2021): 30% of women (15–49 years) reported facing domestic violence.

• NCRB 2024: Of 4.45 lakh crimes against women, nearly one-third were linked to domestic violence.

• NCRB Trend (2018–2022): Crimes against women rose by 129%.

• WEF Global Gender Gap Report 2024: India ranked 129/146, with especially poor performance in economic participation.

• Time Use Survey (2024): Women spend 7x more time than men on unpaid care work.

• UNDP Gender Social Norms Index (2023): Over 25% of people worldwide hold biased views limiting women’s progress.

• SBI Report (2023): Persistent gender wage gap, particularly in STEM fields.

Constitutional Provisions

• Article 14: Equality before law.

• Article 15(3): Special provisions for women & children.

• Article 21: Right to dignity, expanded by judicial interpretation.

• Directive Principles: Articles 39 & 42 (equal pay, maternity relief).

• Fundamental Duties: Article 51A(e) (renounce practices derogatory to dignity of women).

Key Legislations

• Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961

• Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005

• Sexual Harassment at Workplace (POSH) Act, 2013

• Maternity Benefit Act, 1961 (Amended 2017)

• Code on Wages, 2019 (Equal pay provisions)

Judicial Safeguards

• Vishaka v. State of Rajasthan (1997): Guidelines on workplace harassment.

• Shayara Bano v. Union of India (2017): Triple Talaq unconstitutional.

• Joseph Shine v. Union of India (2018): Adultery law struck down.

Recent Developments & Global Context

India

• Digital Gender Atlas (MoWCD, 2025): Mapping gender disparities at the district level.

• GATI Project (2020): Promoting gender equality in STEM higher education and research.

• Debate continues on criminalising marital rape, with government resistance citing misuse concerns.

Global

• UN Women (2024): Undervaluation of unpaid care work causes a $10 trillion annual global GDP loss.

• Scandinavian nations: Lead in parental leave, equal pay, universal childcare.

• OECD findings: Countries with shared domestic responsibilities have higher female workforce participation.

• G20 India Presidency (2023): Advocated “Women-Led Development,” but critics highlight disconnect between global rhetoric and domestic realities.

Relevant Conventions & Treaties

• CEDAW (1979): India ratified in 1993.

• ILO Conventions 100 & 111: Equal remuneration & non-discrimination.

• ILO Conventions on maternity protection & workplace equality.

• Beijing Platform for Action (1995): Global framework for women’s empowerment.

• SDG 5: Achieve gender equality and empower women by 2030.

Implications for India and the World

For India

• Economic Growth: Persistent gender inequality reduces utilisation of the demographic dividend.

• Social Justice: Failure to recognise unpaid work widens inequality and undermines constitutional guarantees.

• Labour Force Participation: Shared domestic responsibilities can significantly boost women’s workforce entry.

For the World

• Soft Power: India’s gender justice record impacts its global image and diplomatic credibility.

• Investment Climate: Gender equality is a key factor for FDI attractiveness and sustainable growth.

• SDG Commitments: India’s progress directly influences global achievement of SDG 5.

Policy Gaps & Way Forward

1. Recognition of Unpaid Work

   • Include unpaid domestic and caregiving labour in GDP accounting.

   • Introduce satellite accounts as per UN recommendations.

2. Strengthening Social Infrastructure

   • Universal access to childcare, eldercare, and maternity support.

   • Expansion of Anganwadis and crèche facilities.

3. Legal & Institutional Reforms

   • Effective implementation of the Domestic Violence Act & POSH Act.

   • Debate and reconsideration of criminalising marital rape.

   • Strengthen the role of NCW (National Commission for Women) and MoWCD.

4. Cultural & Social Transformation

   • Encourage shared domestic responsibilities through awareness campaigns.

   • Education reforms to dismantle patriarchal stereotypes from early schooling.

   • Promote role models of gender equality in governance, STEM, and entrepreneurship.

5. Global Best Practices

   • Adopt Scandinavian models of paternity leave and universal childcare.

   • Strengthen India’s position as a champion of SDG 5 at international forums.

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2. Iran and India: Ancient Civilisations and New Horizons

What’s the News?

India–Iran relations are once again in focus amid geopolitical realignments, U.S. sanctions, and the rise of multipolarity. With both nations being ancient civilisations and active players in multilateral platforms like BRICS, SCO, and INSTC (International North-South Transport Corridor), New Delhi and Tehran are seeking to redefine their partnership for a more inclusive global order based on strategic autonomy, equality, and South-South cooperation.

Key Points for UPSC (Prelims & Mains)

Civilisational Linkages

• Over 2,500 years of shared history: linguistic, cultural, and trade ties.

• Common civilisational values of resilience, non-alignment, and mutual coexistence.

• Ancient linkages now being repositioned as part of India’s cultural diplomacy (ICC, ICCR initiatives).

Strategic Geography

• Chabahar Port: India’s only access to Central Asia bypassing Pakistan.

• INSTC (2000 Agreement): Multimodal transport corridor linking India, Iran, Russia, and Eurasia – reduces freight time by 30–40%.

• Enhances India’s “Connect Central Asia Policy” and complements Act West Policy.

Energy & Economy

• Iran’s hydrocarbon wealth: 4th largest proven oil reserves, 2nd in natural gas.

• India’s energy diversification: Before 2019, Iran was India’s 3rd-largest oil supplier. Sanctions forced a halt in imports.

• Future potential: Cooperation in renewables, petrochemicals, and India’s pharma & IT sectors supporting Iranian industry.

Geopolitics

• Iran in West Asia: Vocal against U.S. interventions (Iraq, Syria, Yemen) and a key supporter of Palestine.

• India’s balancing act: Long-time support for Palestine, yet deepening relations with Israel and the U.S.

• China Factor: Iran’s 25-year strategic pact with China (2021) adds competitive pressure for India.

South-South Cooperation

• Both advocate for multipolarity, de-dollarisation, and reforms of Bretton Woods institutions.

• Active participation in BRICS, SCO, NAM, and G77 forums.

• Push for a Global South-centric narrative in trade, technology, and security governance.

Recent Developments & Global Context

1. Palestine Issue

   • Iran places Palestine at the heart of its foreign policy.

   • India continues to balance its historic support for Palestine with strategic partnerships with Israel, U.S., and Gulf States.

2. Afghanistan Factor

   • Both India and Iran opposed the Taliban regime in the 1990s.

   • Post-2021 Taliban takeover → India and Iran explore pragmatic engagement for regional stability, drug control, and counterterrorism.

3. U.S. Sanctions

   • Severely hit India–Iran trade, especially crude imports.

   • India earlier sought sanctions waivers; now depends on diversification but continues to see Iran as a strategic energy partner.

4. Multipolar Push

   • BRICS expansion (2023): Iran and India both members, strengthening their synergy.

   • SCO engagement: Connectivity, counterterrorism, and energy corridors.

   • Collective call for reduction of Western dominance in finance, trade, and technology.

Relevant Conventions, Treaties & Agreements

• INSTC (2000): 13-member agreement linking India, Iran, Russia, Central Asia, and Europe.

• Chabahar Agreement (2016): India–Iran–Afghanistan trilateral pact for connectivity.

• JCPOA (2015): Iran Nuclear Deal; India supports revival for West Asian stability.

• UN & NAM frameworks: Common stance on sovereignty, non-alignment, and multilateralism.

Implications for India and the World

For India

• Energy Security: Reviving oil and gas imports vital for India’s growing economy.

• Connectivity: INSTC & Chabahar reduce reliance on Pakistan-controlled routes.

• Strategic Balancing: Managing ties simultaneously with Iran, Israel, U.S., and Gulf States remains a major diplomatic test.

For Iran

• Partnership with India provides an alternative to overdependence on China.

• Helps Iran reduce isolation caused by Western sanctions.

For the Global South

• India and Iran as civilisational anchors can lead South-South cooperation.

• Push for reforms in global financial governance (IMF, World Bank, WTO).

• Cooperation in BRICS+, SCO, and NAM can reshape multipolar global order.

Way Forward

1. Energy Diplomacy

   • Negotiate phased resumption of oil and gas trade under flexible payment mechanisms (e.g., rupee–rial trade).

   • Explore renewable energy partnerships.

2. Connectivity & Trade

   • Accelerate Chabahar Port Phase-II development.

   • Fully operationalise INSTC for Eurasian access.

   • Integrate with India’s Sagarmala & Bharatmala projects.

3. Strategic & Diplomatic Engagement

   • Use MEAI (Ministry of External Affairs, India) and ICWA (Indian Council of World Affairs) platforms to enhance dialogue.

   • Leverage BRICS+ and SCO for coordinated multipolar initiatives.

4. Cultural Diplomacy

   • Strengthen academic, linguistic, and cultural exchanges through ICCR (Indian Council for Cultural Relations).

   • Promote Persian studies and India–Iran historical linkages.

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3. Kerala’s Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) Rises Steeply

What’s the News?

The latest Sample Registration System (SRS) 2021–2023 special bulletin has reported that Kerala’s Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) has increased sharply from 18 to 30 per 1,00,000 live births, despite the State traditionally being recognized for its strong maternal health indicators. Officials attribute this rise mainly to the COVID-19-related maternal deaths in 2021 and the steady decline in live births in the State.

Key Points for UPSC (Mains & Prelims)

• MMR Definition: Maternal deaths per 1,00,000 live births (WHO & MoHFW standard).

• Kerala’s Trend:

  • 2020–22: Reported MMR as low as 18.

  • 2021 spike: 220 maternal deaths due to COVID-19 pushed MMR to 51.

  • 2023: Settled around 30, still the lowest in India (along with Andhra Pradesh at 46).

• Decline in Live Births: Kerala has seen a steep fall from 5–5.5 lakh births annually to 3.9 lakh in 2023, projected to decline further to 3.54 lakh (2024–25).

• State-wise MMR Classification (SRS data):

  • Lowest MMR: Kerala (30), Andhra Pradesh (46), Tamil Nadu (49).

  • Highest MMR: Assam (167), Uttar Pradesh (>150), Madhya Pradesh (75).

  • Moderate MMR: Maharashtra (38), Gujarat (53), West Bengal (101).

• Regional Divide:

  • High MMR States: Bihar, UP, MP, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Assam, Jharkhand.

  • Southern States (Kerala, TN, AP, Telangana, Karnataka) perform best.

• Policy Focus: Kerala has long invested in safe motherhood programs, but officials admit the “last-mile reduction” is challenging due to changing social and demographic profiles.

Recent Developments & Global Context

• COVID-19 Impact: WHO highlighted that maternal health indicators globally suffered setbacks during the pandemic, with increased mortality linked to lack of access to timely care.

• India’s National Target: Under National Health Policy (2017), India aims to reduce MMR to below 100 by 2020 and sustain further declines.

• Current National Average: India’s MMR stands at 97 (SRS 2019–21), a major improvement compared to 130 in 2014–16.

• Kerala’s Paradox: Despite being a demographic transition state with advanced health systems, declining fertility rates have skewed MMR ratios due to fewer live births against nearly constant maternal deaths.

Relevant Conventions and Treaties

• SDG 3.1 (UN Sustainable Development Goals): Reduce global MMR to <70 per 1,00,000 live births by 2030.

• WHO Safe Motherhood Initiative (1987, Nairobi): Strengthen healthcare delivery to reduce preventable maternal deaths.

• India’s Commitment: National Health Mission (NHM), Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY), and Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA) align with global maternal health goals.

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4. District Mineral Foundation (DMF) Trust: Inclusive Growth from Mining Revenues

What’s the News?

The District Mineral Foundation (DMF) Trust, established to ensure that mining-affected communities benefit from resource extraction, is under policy review. Concerns of under-utilisation, diversion of funds, and lack of community participation have prompted the Centre and states to push for greater accountability and impact-oriented spending.

Key Points for UPSC (Prelims & Mains)

Legal Basis

• Established under the Mines and Minerals (Development & Regulation) Amendment Act, 2015.

• Designed as a non-profit trust in every mining district.

Funding Mechanism

• Mining leaseholders contribute a percentage of royalty to DMF.

  • 10% of royalty for leases granted post-2015.

  • 30% of royalty for leases granted before 2015.

Implementation Linkages

• Operationalised through the Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra Kalyan Yojana (PMKKKY).

• Ensures convergence with flagship welfare schemes of Government of India.

Objectives & Priority Areas

DMF funds must primarily address mining-affected communities, especially tribals and vulnerable groups, with focus on:

1. Drinking water & sanitation

2. Healthcare & nutrition

3. Education & skill development

4. Environment protection

5. Livelihood security & sustainable development

Current Status of DMF Funds

• Total collections (till 2024): approx. ₹1.65 lakh crore (Ministry of Mines).

• Utilisation: Less than 65% in many states.

• Best practices:

  • Chhattisgarh: Used DMF funds for malnutrition eradication programmes.

  • Odisha: Strengthened district hospital infrastructure in tribal belts.

• Concerns:

  • Diversion of funds for general infrastructure projects.

  • Opaque spending with minimal community involvement.

Recent Developments & Global Context

India

• NITI Aayog (2024): Recommended GIS-based planning for DMF funds to ensure equitable allocation.

• CAG Reports: Highlighted instances of irregular spending and lack of social audits.

• Supreme Court Directions: Emphasised that DMF funds are meant for mining-affected communities, not routine district expenditure.

Global Models

• South Africa & Australia: Mining royalties fund community development, healthcare, and environment restoration.

• Botswana: Example of using diamond revenues for education and healthcare – often cited as a success story in resource governance.

Relevant Conventions & Global Linkages

• No direct international treaty on DMF, but aligns with:

  • UN SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.

  • SDG 3 & 4: Health and Education in mining districts.

  • ILO Guidelines: Safeguarding workers and local communities in extractive industries.

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5. Anganwadi Services: Strengthening India’s Grassroots Nutrition & Child Development

What’s the News?

The Government of India is modernising Anganwadi Services under Saksham Anganwadi & Poshan 2.0, making them more technology-driven through tools like the Poshan Tracker (2024). This comes amid India’s continuing battle against malnutrition, stunting, wasting, and anaemia, which remain critical challenges for achieving SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and improving human capital outcomes.

Key Points for UPSC (Prelims & Mains)

Origin & Evolution

• Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) launched in 1975, one of the world’s largest community-based outreach programmes.

• Renamed and revamped under Saksham Anganwadi & Poshan 2.0 (2021).

• Anchored by the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MoWCD).

Target Groups

• Children (0–6 years)

• Pregnant women

• Lactating mothers

Core Services Delivered through 14 lakh+ Anganwadi Centres

1. Nutrition Support

   • Hot cooked meals & Take Home Rations (THR).

   • Supplementary nutrition under PM Poshan and Poshan Abhiyaan.

2. Health & Immunisation

   • Regular health check-ups.

   • Referral services & linkage with NHM (National Health Mission).

3. Early Childhood Care & Education (ECCE)

   • Pre-school education to prepare children for formal schooling.

4. Growth Monitoring

   • Digital data collection through Poshan Tracker App for real-time analysis.

5. Women Empowerment

   • Nutrition counselling & health awareness campaigns.

Recent Developments & Global Context

India

• Poshan Tracker (2024): Digital platform for monitoring delivery of food, health, and ECCE services.

• NFHS-5 (2019–21):

  • Stunting among under-5 children: 35.5%.

  • Wasting: 19.3%.

  • Anaemia in women (15–49 years): 57%.

• NITI Aayog’s National Nutrition Strategy (2017): Sets roadmap for a malnutrition-free India.

Global Context

• UNICEF model: Early childhood care is critical for cognitive and social development.

• Lancet Series on Nutrition (2021): Investing in the first 1,000 days of life yields highest returns in human capital.

• Comparative Models: Brazil’s “Bolsa Família” and Peru’s community nutrition programmes highlight similar low-cost, community-driven interventions.

Relevant Conventions and Treaties

• UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC, 1989): Ensures child’s right to survival, development, and protection.

• WHO–UNICEF Global Strategy on Infant and Young Child Feeding: Advocates breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices.

• SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) & SDG 3 (Good Health & Well-being): Directly linked to Anganwadi objectives.

Implications for India and the World

For India

• Crucial for tackling the triple burden of malnutrition (undernutrition, micronutrient deficiency, overweight/obesity).

• Addresses learning deficits by improving cognitive development in early years.

• Contributes to gender equity by reducing the health burden on women and empowering Anganwadi Workers (AWWs).

For the World

• India’s Anganwadi model is often cited as a low-cost, scalable, community-based Early Childhood Development (ECD) model.

• Offers lessons to other developing nations on last-mile nutrition delivery.

Challenges in Anganwadi Services

1. Workforce Issues: AWWs often treated as volunteers, not formal employees.

2. Infrastructure Gaps: Many Anganwadi centres lack proper buildings, sanitation, and digital tools.

3. Funding Constraints: Irregular fund flow and delayed honorarium payments.

4. Digital Divide: Uneven adoption of Poshan Tracker in rural & tribal areas.

5. Convergence Gaps: Weak coordination with health, education, and women’s welfare schemes.

Way Forward

1. Strengthen Workforce

   • Formal recognition of Anganwadi Workers & Helpers as employees.

   • Regular capacity-building through NIPCCD (National Institute of Public Cooperation and Child Development).

2. Technology Integration

   • Expand Poshan Tracker training to all AWWs.

   • Use AI & GIS mapping for identifying malnutrition hotspots.

3. Community & Institutional Partnerships

   • Greater role for Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and Urban Local Bodies (ULBs).

   • Collaboration with SHGs under DAY-NRLM for nutrition awareness.

4. Infrastructure Upgradation

   • Modern, Saksham Anganwadis with solar power, clean water, and digital classrooms.

5. Policy Convergence

   • Synergy with Poshan Abhiyaan, PM Poshan, Ayushman Bharat, and Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan.

   • Integrate Anganwadis into India’s Human Capital Development Index strategy (NITI Aayog).

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