20 April 2025 UPSC Current Affairs - Daily News Headlines

On April 20, 2025, the Indian government launched a national campaign called “Jal Suraksha Abhiyan” to address the growing water crisis in drought-affected regions, focusing on rainwater harvesting, restoring traditional water bodies, and promoting efficient water use at the grassroots level. The National Commission for Women also released a report highlighting the urgent need for stronger digital safety laws to tackle rising cases of online harassment against women. In international news, India and Brazil signed a new trade agreement aimed at strengthening cooperation in renewable energy technologies, with a focus on solar and biofuels to promote clean energy transitions.

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

IBCA to be Headquartered in India

Source: The Hindu 

Syllabus: GS Paper 3 (Economy)

In News:

• Government of India and the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) signed a formal Headquarters Agreement in New Delhi. 
• The agreement officially designates India as the host country for the IBCA headquarters and secretariat. 
• This follows the alliance coming into force as a treaty-based intergovernmental organization in early 2024.
• Indians pledged a Financial Support of ₹150 crore.

Background: 

• India has long played a leadership role in wildlife conservation, particularly with: Project Tiger (1973) Project Lion Project Cheetah (2022) In September 2023, India formally joined IBCA. 

Flue Gas Desulphurisation

Source: The Hindu

Syllabus: GS Paper 2 (Polity) 

In News:

• A study commissioned by the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser, executed by the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), Bengaluru, has recommended that the Ministry of Environment roll back its 2015 policy mandating FGD installation in all coal-fired power plants. 
• The study suggests restricting the mandate only to plants using imported coal or high-sulphur (>0.5%) domestic coal, rather than applying it universally. The recommendation comes amidst poor implementation and rising concerns about cost, water use, and increased CO2 emissions.

What is Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD)?

• FGD is a pollution control technology used in thermal power plants to remove sulphur dioxide (SO₂) from flue gases before they're released into the atmosphere.
• It typically involves: Wet scrubbers using lime/limestone slurry. Dry scrubbers using sorbent injection. 
• SO₂ is a harmful pollutant that contributes to acid rain, respiratory issues, and environmental degradation.

Read articles related to Jurisdiction of Supreme Court

Supreme Court’s Observation on Waqf (Amendment) Act

Source: The Hindu 

Syllabus: GS Paper 2 (Polity)

In News:

• The Supreme Court of India heard nearly 100 petitions challenging the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025. 
• CJI Sanjiv Khanna raised concerns over provisions such as the removal of the Waqf-by-user category, inclusion of non-Muslims in Waqf bodies, and the State ’ s new authority to decide whether a property is Waqf or government-owned. 
• The court did not pass any interim order, but proposed a three-point interim solution and adjourned the hearing. 

Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 – Key Provisions Challenged: 

Removal of “Waqf-by-user ” : 

This category included properties used for religious or charitable purposes for centuries, often without formal documentation.

The amendment de-recognized these properties, raising concerns over the loss of historical Islamic institutions. 

Inclusion of Non-Muslims in Central Waqf Council and Waqf Boards:

• The amendment allows non-Muslims to be appointed as ex-officio members, diluting the religious composition of Waqf administrative bodies.

State ' s Power to Decide Ownership:

• Empowers the government to determine whether a property is Waqf or government-owned.
• Raises concerns over encroachment on religious autonomy and potential misuse. 

Five-year Religious Requirement:

• A person must prove they ’ ve been a practising Muslim for at least 5 years before dedicating a property as Waqf. 
• Alleged violation of Article 26 (freedom to manage religious affairs) of the Constitution.

Supreme Court’s Observations and Concerns:

• CJI Khanna stated that removal of Waqf-by-user would cause a "huge problem ".
• Noted that many historical mosques, like Jama Masjid, were Waqf-by-user and constructed before modern property laws existed.
• Questioned the requirement for sale deeds or registration for ancient Waqf properties.
• Referred to recent communal violence in West Bengal linked to the amended Act as " very disturbing ". 

Proposed Three-Point Interim Order by Supreme Court

• No Denotification: Properties already declared as Waqf by courts should not be denotified, even if they fall under Waqf-by-user or informal categories. 
• Review of Ownership by State Can Continue: The designated officer may determine ownership, but the provision freezing Waqf use in the interim should be put on hold.
• Non-Muslim Members Conditional Appointment: Allow non-Muslims as ex-officio members in Waqf boards, only if the majority are Muslims.