UPSC Mains Current Affairs for 19 July 2025

US Declares The Resistance Front as Global Terror Group: What It Means

July 19, 2025

The Resistance Front Latest News

The United States designated The Resistance Front (TRF) as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT).
TRF, an offshoot of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), had claimed responsibility for the April 22 Pahalgam attack in South Kashmir, which killed 26 people.
The designation strengthens efforts to isolate the group globally by freezing its assets and restricting its international operations.

The Resistance Front: A Shadow Outfit of Lashkar-e-Taiba in Kashmir

The Resistance Front (TRF) is a terrorist group believed to be a proxy of Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), formed shortly after the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019.
Announcing its existence via Telegram on October 12, 2019, TRF claims to be an "indigenous resistance group" operating in Jammu and Kashmir.
While trying to project itself as secular and locally driven—steering clear of overt Islamic imagery—the group seeks to fight against what it calls the "settler colonial occupation" of the region.
Its current chief is Sheikh Sajjad Gul, with Ahmad Khalid as its spokesperson, while its founder Muhammad Abbas Sheikh was killed in 2021.

Links to LeT

TRF is a rebranded front of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), operating under the direction of Pakistan’s army and ISI.
- The rebranding helps it evade scrutiny from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and appear as an indigenous movement.
TRF relies heavily on LeT’s operational, logistical, and financial support, with its leadership and bases located in Pakistan.

Modus Operandi

Active in various districts of Jammu and Kashmir—especially Srinagar—TRF has been involved in several high-profile terror attacks.
These include:
- the April 2025 Pahalgam attack that killed 26 tourists,
- the October 2024 Ganderbal killings of seven civilians,
- a June 2024 bus attack in Reasi, and
- a 2020 attack in Srinagar’s Lal Chowk that claimed six lives.
Despite its effort to rebrand militancy as a local movement, TRF remains deeply intertwined with Pakistan-backed terror infrastructure.

Digital Warfare and Propaganda

TRF runs a sophisticated digital propaganda arm, including the portal KashmirFight, which spreads separatist narratives and claims responsibility for attacks.
Although disguised as a human rights blog, it promotes terrorism and operates on various platforms.
It also collaborates with Jhelum Media House (JMH), another TRF-linked propaganda outlet.
These platforms are used for recruitment, coordination, and psychological operations.

India’s Crackdown on TRF

India officially banned TRF in January 2023, under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), 1967, recognizing it as a serious threat to national security.
The Ministry of External Affairs has consistently highlighted TRF’s role as a front for Pakistan-based terror groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM).
In its biannual reports submitted to the UN’s 1267 Sanctions Committee in May and November 2024, India provided detailed inputs on TRF’s operations and affiliations.
- The UN’s 1267 Sanctions Committee, officially the ISIL (Da'esh) and Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee, is a UN Security Council body.
- It is responsible for enforcing sanctions—such as travel bans, asset freezes, and arms embargoes—on individuals and entities linked to ISIL and Al-Qaida.
- Established in 1999 through Resolution 1267, it was initially focused on targeting the Taliban and Al-Qaida.

Implications of US Designation of TRF as a Terror Group

The United States designates foreign groups as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs) under Section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act to curb their operations and funding.
This designation makes it illegal for any US-based individual or entity to offer material support to the group.
Additionally, American financial institutions must block any transactions or assets linked to the group.
The US Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) may further classify such groups as Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGTs), leading to asset freezes and prohibitions on any financial dealings with them.
These measures aim to isolate and weaken the group globally, and can also result in secondary sanctions on foreign individuals or companies that continue to support or conduct business with the designated group.

Source: TH | IE | IT

The Resistance Front FAQs

Q1: What is The Resistance Front (TRF)?

Ans: TRF is a Lashkar-e-Taiba proxy group active in Kashmir, involved in major terror attacks and digital propaganda operations.

Q2: Why did the US designate TRF as a terror group?

Ans: Due to its involvement in deadly attacks and links to Pakistan-based terror networks like LeT and ISI.

Q3: What does FTO and SDGT status mean for TRF?

Ans: It criminalizes US support, freezes TRF assets, and isolates the group financially and diplomatically on a global level.

Q4: What role has India played in countering TRF?

Ans: India banned TRF under UAPA, reported it to the UN, and highlighted its Pakistan-based operations and terror infrastructure.

Q5: How does TRF use digital propaganda?

Ans: Through portals like KashmirFight and Jhelum Media House to spread separatist narratives and coordinate terror activities.

Stray Dog Feeding Rules, Balancing Compassion and Public Safety

July 19, 2025

Stray Dog Feeding Rules Latest News

The Supreme Court, while hearing a case involving a Noida resident allegedly harassed for feeding stray dogs in common areas of her housing society, observed that those wishing to feed strays should consider doing so within their own homes.

The case highlights the ongoing legal debates surrounding the feeding of community dogs—a contentious issue that has led to repeated litigation involving constitutional rights, civic responsibilities, and the use of shared public spaces.

Stray Dog Feeding Dispute and Legal Context

The case arose after a Noida woman alleged harassment by the president of her Residents’ Welfare Association (RWA) for feeding stray dogs.
She claimed the RWA president broke pots placed for stray animals’ water, harassed her, and killed 10 sterilised dogs.
Despite her complaints, local authorities failed to act and instead instructed her not to place the pots again.
When she approached the Allahabad High Court, her petition was dismissed, citing the concerns of the “common man.”
The court acknowledged that while the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023 protect street dogs through sterilisation and vaccination, authorities must also ensure that public movement is not disrupted or endangered by stray dog activity.
- ABC Rules was framed under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.
- The rules aim to strike a balance between animal welfare and public safety.

Past Legal Precedents Uphold Feeding and ABC Guidelines

The Supreme Court had earlier stayed a controversial 2022 order by the Bombay High Court's Nagpur Bench, which banned public feeding of dogs and had required feeders to adopt the animals.
The apex court put this order in abeyance, reinforcing the legal protection available for compassionate feeding under statutory and constitutional duties.

Legal Recognition of Community Dogs and Citizens’ Duties

The Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023, replaced the earlier 2001 rules and introduced the term “community animals” instead of “stray dogs,” acknowledging that these dogs are territorial beings who belong to their local environment.
The Supreme Court has expanded the scope of Article 21 of the Constitution (Animal Welfare Board of India vs A. Nagaraja)—right to life and liberty—to include animal life, as seen in the 2014 Jallikattu case.
Additionally, Article 51A(g) of the Constitution places a duty on citizens to show compassion towards living creatures.
Consequently, the mere presence of dogs in residential areas is not unlawful, nor is feeding them a punishable act—unless it violates specific legal norms related to behaviour or space.

Feeding Community Dogs: Legal Guidelines and Responsibilities

Rule 20 of the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023 outlines the legal framework for feeding community animals.
It places the responsibility on Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs), Apartment Owner Associations, or local body representatives to facilitate feeding if a resident voluntarily cares for stray animals.
The rule mandates that feeding areas be set up away from crowded spots like staircases, building entrances, and children’s play zones.
- The rules aim to balance compassion with public safety by requiring that feeding areas be away from high-footfall zones and kept clean.
These spaces must be kept clean, and feeding should occur at fixed times.
To handle disputes, a resolution panel involving veterinary officers, police, local animal welfare bodies, and the RWA is prescribed.
Overall, the rule affirms the right of community dogs to be fed while ensuring public safety and order in shared residential spaces.

Conclusion

Feeding community dogs is more than an act of kindness—it supports public health and animal welfare goals laid out in Indian law.
The ABC Rules recognise the importance of designated feeding, sterilisation, and vaccination in managing dog populations safely and humanely.
The petitioner in this case was not only exercising her rights under these rules but also fulfilling a constitutional duty under Article 51A(g), which encourages compassion for all living beings.
However, there is a need to balance compassion with public safety. To achieve this, feeding areas must be located away from high-footfall zones and maintained in a clean condition.

Source: IE | IE | IT

Stray Dog Feeding Rules FAQs

Q1: What are the ABC Rules, 2023?

Ans: They regulate dog sterilisation, vaccination, and feeding locations to ensure both animal welfare and public safety.

Q2: Are citizens allowed to feed stray dogs?

Ans: Yes, it's a statutory right and a constitutional duty under Article 51A(g), if done within legal guidelines.

Q3: Who must arrange feeding zones for dogs?

Ans: RWAs, apartment associations, or local authorities must set up designated clean feeding areas away from high-traffic zones.

Q4: What did the Supreme Court say about feeding dogs?

Ans: It suggested feeding dogs at home but issued no binding order against public feeding in designated areas.

Q5: Why is feeding stray dogs important?

Ans: Feeding ensures dogs are healthy for sterilisation, reduces aggression, and supports effective rabies control strategies.

INS Nistar and INS Nipun – Strengthening India’s Deep Sea Rescue and Maritime Capabilities

July 19, 2025

INS Nistar and INS Nipun Latest News

India has commissioned two state-of-the-art Diving Support Vessels (DSVs), INS Nistar and INS Nipun, developed indigenously by Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), marking a significant milestone in India's self-reliance journey in maritime defence.
These DSVs will serve as vital assets for the Indian Navy’s underwater rescue and salvage operations, enabling deep-sea interventions, including submarine rescue missions and Search and Rescue (SAR) operations.

Key Features and Capabilities of INS Nistar and INS Nipun

Indigenous Design and Construction

- INS Nistar and INS Nipun are the first of their kind to be designed and constructed indigenously in India, demonstrating technological maturity in naval engineering.
- Developed by HSL, Visakhapatnam, under the Ministry of Defence’s ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative, these ships represent India's growing capability in shipbuilding and maritime technology.

Diving and Rescue Capabilities

- - Integrated Saturation Diving System (ISDS): Enables diver deployment at depths up to 300 meters, supporting underwater repairs, salvage, and rescue operations.
  - Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs): These can be deployed for underwater surveillance and recovery missions in deep waters.
  - Side Scan Sonar and Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS): Aid in locating submerged vessels or wreckage and managing onboard systems, respectively.
  - Submarine Rescue System: Especially crucial for submarine emergencies, allowing the timely and safe recovery of personnel from disabled submarines.

Humanitarian and Strategic Utility

- Disaster relief operations during maritime calamities.
- Search and Rescue (SAR) operations during shipwrecks or aircraft crashes at sea.
- Offshore resource exploration support and underwater inspections of strategic infrastructure.

Significance of INS Nistar and INS Nipun for the Indian Navy

Enhancing Submarine Rescue Capabilities

- - With the increase in submarine deployments, having dedicated rescue vessels is critical.
  - Previously, India relied on international collaboration for submarine rescue.
  - These DSVs allow independent and rapid deployment of rescue missions, reducing response time in emergencies.

Strategic Deployment for Coastal and Deep-Sea Operations

- - The ships can be deployed in both shallow and deep-sea theatres, allowing flexibility and extended reach of operations. Their presence strengthens India's deterrence and operational preparedness in the Indian Ocean Region.

Boost to Indigenous Defence Manufacturing

- The construction of INS Nistar and INS Nipun underlines India’s shift toward indigenous capability in defence infrastructure.
- It also bolsters local shipbuilding industries and reduces dependence on foreign technology for specialised maritime vessels.

Commissioning Ceremony and Namesake Legacy

INS Nistar: A Revival of Legacy

- - INS Nistar is named after a 1971-era ship that played a critical role in rescuing crew members from a submarine accident.
  - The new vessel carries forward that legacy with modern capabilities and advanced systems.

INS Nipun: Symbol of Precision and Readiness

- INS Nipun, derived from the Hindi word for “expert,” emphasises the vessel’s precision, technological edge, and mission-readiness in deep-sea operations.
- The commissioning of these ships in Visakhapatnam underscores the strategic importance attached to undersea warfare readiness and maritime safety.

Future Outlook: Role in Regional Maritime Security

The Indian Ocean is becoming a focal point of strategic competition and increasing submarine activity. With INS Nistar and INS Nipun operational, the Indian Navy enhances its ability to:
- Monitor underwater threats and respond to contingencies.
- Provide maritime assistance to friendly nations in the region.
- Conduct advanced deep-sea salvage and underwater inspections, including critical infrastructure security.
As India seeks a larger role in ensuring maritime security and freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific, these vessels are timely additions to its blue water navy aspirations.

Source: TH | IE

INS Nistar and INS Nipun FAQs

Q1: What are INS Nistar and INS Nipun?

Ans: They are indigenously built Diving Support Vessels commissioned by the Indian Navy for deep-sea rescue and submarine emergency operations.

Q2: Who constructed INS Nistar and INS Nipun?

Ans: Both vessels were built by Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), Visakhapatnam under the Ministry of Defence’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

Q3: What special equipment do these DSVs have?

Ans: They are equipped with Integrated Saturation Diving Systems, Submarine Rescue Systems, Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs), and Side Scan Sonar.

Q4: How will these vessels help in submarine emergencies?

Ans: They can deploy rescue systems and divers at depths up to 300 meters, allowing safe recovery of crew from distressed submarines.

Q5: What is the broader significance of these vessels?

Ans: They enhance India’s deep-sea capabilities, support humanitarian missions, and reflect indigenous defense manufacturing progress.