Daily Current Affairs - 10th November 2025
Source: The Hindu, The Indian Express
Relevance: GS Paper II (Governance, Polity, and Social Justice) & GS Paper III (Environment and Ethics)
Key Concepts for Prelims and Mains:
For Prelims:
Rabies Virus (Lyssavirus), Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023, Capture–Neuter–Vaccinate–Return (CNVR) Method, Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, Sections 428–429 of IPC, Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)
For Mains:
Supreme Court Order on Stray Dogs (2025) – Balancing Public Safety and Animal Welfare, Legal and Ethical Dimensions of Stray Animal Management, Role of Technology and AI in Humane Stray Management, Rabies Control as a Public Health and Governance Challenge, “One Health” Approach to Urban Animal ManagementWhy in News?
In November 2025, the Supreme Court ordered all States and UTs to remove stray dogs from public areas and relocate them to shelters after sterilisation and vaccination under the ABC Rules, 2023, amid rising dog-bite cases and stray-related accidents.
Background
India’s stray dog population exceeds 80 million, posing growing risks of rabies transmission and public safety hazards. Despite ongoing sterilisation drives under the ABC Programme, poor infrastructure, limited funding, and overcrowded shelters have hampered results.
Earlier court rulings upheld the Capture–Neuter–Vaccinate–Return (CNVR) model as humane and lawful. However, the new “no-release” directive marks a major policy shift—mandating permanent confinement instead of community reintegration, raising legal and ethical concerns among experts and animal rights groups.
Key Directions of the Supreme Court
A Bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and N.V. Anjaria issued the following orders:
- Immediate Removal: All stray dogs must be cleared from educational, healthcare, and transport facilities.
- No Re-Release Policy: Dogs removed shall not be released back into the same locality.
- Sterilisation and Vaccination: To be conducted under ABC Rules, 2023.
- Cattle Removal: Stray cattle to be cleared from highways to reduce accidents.
- Anti-Rabies Preparedness: All hospitals to maintain constant stocks of vaccines.
- Institutional Security: Public facilities to be fenced to prevent stray ingress.
- Monitoring Mechanism: Nodal officers to ensure compliance and submit reports every eight weeks.
Key Facts
- Rabies is a fatal zoonotic viral disease affecting the central nervous system, caused by the Rabies virus (genus Lyssavirus).
- Present in over 150 countries, mainly in Asia and Africa.
- Causes around 59,000 deaths annually, 40% of which are children under 15 years.
- 99% of human rabies cases result from dog bites.
- Once clinical symptoms appear, rabies is 100% fatal.
- Deaths are preventable through Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) — immediate wound cleaning, rabies vaccine, and rabies immunoglobulin (RIG).
- Transmission
- Spread through saliva of infected animals via bites, scratches, or mucosal contact.
- Affects mammals — dogs, cats, livestock, and wildlife.
- Dog-mediated rabies is most common; bat-mediated rabies is emerging in the Americas and Europe.
- Human-to-human transmission has never been confirmed.
Legal Context: India’s Framework for Community Dogs
India already possesses a comprehensive legal regime governing the humane management of stray dogs.
1. Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023
- Issued under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, the Rules mandate the Capture–Neuter–Vaccinate–Return (CNVR) method, not permanent confinement.
- After sterilisation and anti-rabies vaccination, dogs are to be returned to their original locality.
- Rule 20 provides for designated feeding zones and dispute-resolution committees comprising municipal and veterinary representatives.
- Hence, the Supreme Court’s “no-release” order deviates from the ABC framework, creating potential for legal conflict.
2. Statutory Protections
- Section 11 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act criminalises cruelty to animals.
- Sections 428–429 of the IPC penalise killing or maiming animals.
- Previous Supreme Court rulings in the AWBI line upheld the ABC approach and barred mass culling, recognising dogs’ territorial rights.
Thus, any enduring policy must reconcile public safety with statutory compassion and constitutional morality.
Implementation Challenges
Despite judicial clarity, ground-level execution faces persistent hurdles:
- Inadequate Shelter Capacity: Delhi’s 20 ABC centres can house only 80–200 dogs each.
- Funding Shortfalls: Municipal arrears to NGOs stall sterilisation and vaccination drives.
- Manpower Constraints: Limited veterinary staff hinders large-scale ABC operations.
- Overcrowding Risks: Permanent sheltering may lead to cruelty, disease, and poor hygiene.
- Administrative Gaps: Coordination failures between civic bodies, state governments, and NGOs slow progress.
“We already have 150 dogs at a time. If more are brought in, they will starve,” said Deepak Nagar, caretaker at Timarpur ABC Centre.
Innovative Solutions for Humane Stray Dog Management
- AI-Based Monitoring: Deploy GIS mapping, drones, and QR-coded collars for real-time sterilisation and vaccination tracking.
- Smart Feeding Zones: Create regulated feeding points with automated dispensers and CCTV surveillance.
- Waste-to-Food Control: Install sealed waste bins and compactors to reduce open food sources.
- Mobile ABC Units: Operate on-site sterilisation and vaccination vans for rural and semi-urban regions.
- Shelter 2.0 – Adoption Hubs: Convert shelters into temporary rehabilitation and adoption centres.
- Community Caretaker Training: Certify feeders to ensure responsible care and vaccination awareness.
- “Adopt-a-Ward” CSR Model: Encourage corporate partnerships for ward-level sterilisation and funding drives.
- Education Integration: Introduce dog safety and rabies awareness modules in school curricula.
- Predictive Analytics: Use AI models to forecast stray dog population trends for proactive management.
- Legal Modernisation: Mandate microchipping, breeder registration, and strict anti-abandonment penalties.
Ethical Dimensions of the Stray Dog Debate
The issue transcends administration — it is a moral and constitutional challenge involving human welfare, compassion, and ecological balance.
1. Human Life vs. Animal Rights
- Article 21: Protects citizens’ right to life and safety.
- Article 51A(g): Enjoins compassion toward all living beings.
- Ethical Dilemma: Permanent confinement protects people but risks cruelty to animals.
2. Public Health Ethics
- Emphasises preventive, humane sterilisation and vaccination, not culling.
- Equity Issue: Dog-bite victims are often from economically weaker sections with limited healthcare access.
3. Environmental and Community Ethics
- Overfeeding distorts ecological balance; unmanaged waste sustains dog populations.
- Ethical feeding zones and waste control are key to coexistence.
4. Governance and Justice
- Rule of Law vs. Emotion: Policy must align compassion with compliance.
- Procedural Justice: Requires transparent dog census and sterilisation data.
Conclusion
The Supreme Court’s 2025 order underscores India’s growing tension between public safety imperatives and animal welfare principles.
While the intent to prevent bites and road accidents is justified, long-term humane solutions must align with the ABC Rules, constitutional compassion, and global best practices.True progress lies in AI-driven, legally sound, and ethically balanced governance — ensuring that India’s cities remain both safe for people and compassionate toward animals.
CARE MCQ:
Q: Consider the following statements regarding Rabies as highlighted by the World Health Organization (WHO):
- Around 99% of human rabies cases are caused by dog bites.
- Rabies is preventable if vaccination is administered immediately after the onset of symptoms.
- Nearly 40% of rabies victims are children below 15 years of age.
- Vaccinating 70% of dogs in a region can effectively break the rabies transmission cycle.
How many of the above statements are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Only three
(d) All four
Correct Answer: (c) Only three
Explanation:
- Statement 1 – Correct:
According to WHO, 99% of human rabies cases are caused by bites from infected dogs. - Statement 2 – Incorrect:
Rabies is fatal once symptoms appear. Vaccination (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) must be given before symptoms develop, after exposure. - Statement 3 – Correct:
About 40% of rabies victims are children under 15 years, particularly in poor rural communities. - Statement 4 – Correct:
Vaccinating 70% of dogs in a region can break the rabies transmission cycle and prevent human deaths.
Extra Information:
- Rabies kills one person every nine minutes, mainly in Asia and Africa.
- It is 100% preventable through dog vaccination and timely medical care.
- Observed annually on 28th September – World Rabies Day.
Source: The Indian Express
Relevance: Facts about PMKVY, (GS Paper II & III) Governance, Transparency and Accountability, Skill Development.
Key Concepts for Prelims and Mains:
For Prelims:
Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF), Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH), Skill India Mission (SIM)
For Mains:
Governance, Transparency and Accountability, Skill Development, Employment Generation, Corruption in Public Schemes
Why in News?
Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) has blacklisted 178 Training Partners (TPs) and Training Centres (TCs) under the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) due to large-scale irregularities, including fake documentation, inflated billing, and non-existent training facilities.
This marks a major setback for India’s flagship skilling programme, raising concerns over transparency, monitoring, and the effective utilisation of public funds.
Background
- PMKVY, launched in 2015, is implemented by the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) under MSDE.
- It aims to impart skill training to youth for better employability across multiple sectors.
- As of June 2025, over 1.64 crore youth have been trained under PMKVY, with ₹1,538 crore allocated for 2024–25.
- Following the rollout of PMKVY 4.0 (2022–26), the ministry uncovered widespread corruption and irregularities through inspection reports and field verification.
About the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY)
- Launched: July 2015
- Implementing Agency: NSDC under MSDE
- Objective: To enhance employability by providing free short-term training and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
- Framework: Training aligned with the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF).
- Incentive: Candidates receive a ₹500 reward upon successful certification.
Issues Highlighted Regarding PMKVY Implementation
1. Widespread Corruption and Fund Misuse
- Inflated bills, fake beneficiaries, and diversion of funds by several Training Partners.
- Attendance records manipulated to include absentee trainees.
- Many Training Centres found non-operational or existing only on paper.
2. Weak Monitoring and Transparency
- NSDC refused to disclose information under the RTI Act, 2005, citing confidentiality.
- Discrepancy between the identities of TPs and TCs in over 120 cases, undermining accountability.
- State missions reported confusion over inspection mechanisms and delays in corrective measures
3. Regional Impact and Training Disruptions
- Uttar Pradesh (59 centres) topped the list of blacklisted institutions, followed by Delhi (25), Madhya Pradesh (24), and Rajasthan (20).
- Training activities have been frozen in most affected districts, stalling skill development progress.
4. Skill–Industry Mismatch
- Training courses often outdated and misaligned with emerging market needs like AI, robotics, and green jobs.
- Weak linkages between training institutions and industries lead to low placement outcomes.
5. Infrastructure and Accessibility Deficits
- Many rural and semi-urban centres lack digital infrastructure, proper equipment, and internet access.
- Poor accessibility deters participation, especially among women and marginalised communities.
Key Achievements (2015–2025):
| Phase | Duration | Candidates Trained |
| PMKVY 1.0 | 2015–16 | 19.85 lakh |
| PMKVY 2.0 | 2016–20 | 1.10 crore |
| PMKVY 3.0 | 2021–22 | 7.37 lakh |
| PMKVY 4.0 | 2022–26 | 25 lakh (as of July 2025) |
Sectoral Reach:
- Covers manufacturing, construction, healthcare, IT, electronics, retail, and new-age domains like AI, drones, and robotics.
- Around 45% of trained candidates are women, with significant participation from SC, ST, and OBC categories.
Innovative Initiatives under PMKVY
- Special Projects: Training for Bru tribe youth, jail inmates, and women under the PANKH initiative.
- Traditional Skill Support: Upskilling Namda artisans and weavers in J&K and Nagaland.
- Integration with National Missions: Collaboration with PM Surya Ghar and Vibrant Villages Programme.
- COVID-19 Response: Crash courses for 1.2 lakh health workers.
- Skill Hub Initiative: Converts schools/colleges into Skill Hubs under NEP 2020.
- Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): Certification for informal workers’ existing skills.
- Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH): Facilitates Aadhaar-based verification, tracking, and job matching.
- Academic Mobility: Integration with Academic Bank of Credits (ABC) for transferable skill credits.
Skill India Mission (SIM)
The Skill India Mission coordinates all national skilling efforts through a unified network.
In February 2025, the Government merged:
- PMKVY 4.0
- Pradhan Mantri National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (PM-NAPS)
- Jan Shikshan Sansthan (JSS)
into one Central Sector Scheme for 2022–26 to promote efficiency and convergence.
Key Components:
- PM-NAPS: Provides stipend subsidies and encourages on-the-job training.
- Over 43 lakh apprentices engaged through 51,000 establishments (as of May 2025).
- JSS Scheme: Offers vocational training to non-literates, neo-literates, and dropouts (15–45 years), with special focus on women and minorities.
- 26 lakh people trained between 2018–24.
Measures to Improve Implementation of PMKVY
Strengthen Monitoring and Accountability:
- Use biometric attendance, geo-tagging, and AI-based digital verification to detect fraud.
- Link funding to placement success, not enrolment numbers.
- Real-time dashboards for transparency in fund utilisation.
Promote Regional and Sectoral Customisation:
- Align training with local industries—e.g., agro-processing, renewable energy, tourism.
- State-specific Skill Development Plans based on local labour demand.
Digital Transformation:
- Expand Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH) for e-learning, credentialing, and job-matching.
- Integrate with Academic Bank of Credits (ABC) for nationwide recognition of qualifications.
Better Convergence and Entrepreneurship Support:
- Link PMKVY graduates with MUDRA, PM-Vishwakarma, and Start-Up India for credit access.
- Introduce micro-entrepreneurship modules and mentorship.
Post-Training Support:
- Ensure job placement assistance, workplace counselling, and financial inclusion for trainees.
Conclusion
The PMKVY and Skill India Mission hold immense potential to harness India’s demographic dividend. However, this promise can be realised only through robust oversight, technology-enabled transparency, and industry-driven curriculum alignment. The recent blacklisting episode should serve as a turning point — to reform governance mechanisms, integrate real-time monitoring, and ensure every rupee spent translates into meaningful livelihoods, not manipulated data.
UPSC PYQ
Q. With reference to Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana, consider the following statements: (2018)
- It is the flagship scheme of the Ministry of Labour and Employment.
- It, among other things, will also impart training in soft skills, entrepreneurship, and financial and digital literacy.
- It aims to align the competencies of the unregulated workforce of the country to the National Skill Qualification Framework.
UPSC PYQ
With reference to the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), consider the following statements:
- It provides free short-term skill training and certification through recognised Training Centres.
- The scheme operates under the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC).
- It is aligned with the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF).
- Under PMKVY 4.0, training in emerging technologies such as AI and Robotics is also included.
Which of the above statements are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1, 2 and 3 only
(c) 2, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Explanation:
PMKVY offers free skill training under NSDC, aligned with NSQF. The latest phase (4.0) includes advanced fields like AI, IoT, Drone Technology, and Robotics to meet future workforce needs.
