NATIONAL AFFAIRS

Vice-Presidential Election 2025―Result and Reactions

Background & Context

The 2025 Vice-Presidential election marked a key political event amid evolving national alignments. It witnessed one of the highest voting turnouts by Members of Parliament, reflecting strong parliamentary engagement and interest.

Election Outcome

Date: September 9, 2025.

Result: NDA candidate C.P. Radhakrishnan was elected as the Vice President of India, securing 452 votes, while Opposition nominee B. Sudershan Reddy received 300 votes.

Voter Turnout: Over 98% of MPs cast their ballots, making it one of the highest participation levels in the history of vice-presidential elections.

First Remarks

After his victory, Radhakrishnan stated that the result reflected the strength of a nationalist vision and urged political parties to rise above confrontation to work together for India’s transformation into a developed nation by 2047. He emphasised that in a democracy, the government and Opposition are ‘two sides of the same coin,’ both essential for national progress and institutional balance.

C.P. Radhakrishnan: Life and Career

Early Life and Education: Born on October 20, 1957, in Tiruppur, Tamil Nadu, Radhakrishnan holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. He has maintained a long association with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Political Career Milestones:

Parliamentary Experience: Twice elected as Member of Parliament from Coimbatore (1998 and 1999).
State Leadership: Served as President of BJP’s Tamil Nadu unit, strengthening party organisation in a challenging state.
Committee Work: Actively participated in parliamentary committees focused on governance and development.

Governor Roles: Served as Governor of Jharkhand, later holding additional charge of Telangana and Puducherry. Appointed Governor of Maharashtra in July 2024, prior to his vice-presidential nomination.

Institutional Leadership: As Chairman of the Coir Board (2016–2020), he helped boost coir exports and create rural employment.

BJP Kerala In-Charge (2020–2022): Supervised party activities during a politically significant phase.

Other Contributions and Personal Interests

Represented India in international delegations across Asia, Europe, and North America, gaining valuable diplomatic exposure. Enthusiast of sports such as table tennis, cricket, and volleyball. Known for his administrative competence, organisational discipline, and party loyalty—traits regarded as vital for his new constitutional role as Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairperson.

Broader Implications:

For Governance: Signals continuity and stability within the NDA’s leadership framework, ensuring smooth coordination between the executive and legislature.
For Politics: Reflects the BJP’s deepening national footprint, including in southern states like Tamil Nadu.
For Parliament: Likely to shape the tone of Rajya Sabha proceedings, with expectations of balanced conduct and consensus-building under his leadership.

SUBJECT TAG ― Indian Polity / Constitutional Offices / Political Developments 2025

UPSC Relevance―GS Paper II: Structure and Functioning of the Parliament, Constitutional Roles of Presiding Officers. Essay Topics: 1. Balancing Governance and Opposition: The Role of the Vice President in India’s Democracy. 2. Leadership Beyond Politics: Constitutional Morality and Institutional Dignity in Indian Polity.

ADR Report 2025―Criminal Cases Against Ministers

Background & Context

The Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) released its 2025 report highlighting the persistence of criminalisation in Indian politics. Based on an analysis of election affidavits, the report provides detailed data on criminal cases against Ministers across the Union and State levels, revealing a worrying trend of serious charges among elected executives.

Percentage of ministers facing criminal cases in India

Key Findings

The ADR report found that 47% of Ministers in India (Union and States combined) have declared criminal cases in their election affidavits. Of these, 27% face serious charges, including murder, kidnapping, and crimes against women.

Coverage: The analysis encompassed 643 Ministers from 27 State Assemblies, 3 Union Territories, and the Union Council of Ministers.

Overall Figures

Category

Total Ministers

With Criminal Cases

With Serious Cases

ü 302 Ministers have declared criminal cases.

ü 174 Ministers face serious criminal charges.

ü 29 of 72 Union Ministers have pending criminal cases.

All India (Union + States)

643

302

174

Union Council of Ministers

72

29

—

Chief Ministers’ Data

The report notes that 40% of Chief Ministers in India have criminal cases against them, underscoring the widespread nature of the issue even at the highest levels of state leadership.

Party-wise Data

Political Party	Total Ministers	Ministers with Criminal Cases	Ministers with Serious Cases
BJP	336	136	88
Congress	—	45	18
DMK	31	27	14
TMC	40	13	8
TDP	23	22	13
AAP	16	11	5

Observation: The TDP shows the highest proportion, with 22 of 23 Ministers facing criminal cases, including 13 involving serious offences.

State-wise Picture

States/UTs with 60%+ Ministers Facing Criminal Cases: Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Bihar, Odisha, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Punjab, Telangana, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, and Puducherry.

States/UTs with No Ministers Facing Criminal Cases: Haryana, Jammu & Kashmir, Nagaland, and Uttarakhand.

Significance and Legal Context

The ADR findings coincide with the introduction of three new Bills in Parliament aimed at tackling the criminalisation of politics. These Bills propose automatic disqualification of Prime Ministers, Chief Ministers, and Ministers if they are arrested or detained for 30 consecutive days on serious criminal charges carrying imprisonment of five years or more.

Broader Implications:

For Governance: Raises concerns over ethics, integrity, and accountability in executive positions.
For Democracy: Reflects the systemic normalisation of criminal backgrounds among elected representatives, weakening public trust.
For Legal Reform: Reinforces the urgency of fast-track courts, pre-election disclosure, and stringent disqualification norms for candidates with serious cases.

SUBJECT TAG ― Indian Polity / Electoral Reforms / Governance & Ethics

UPSC Relevance―GS Paper II: Role of Political Parties, Electoral Reforms, Criminalisation of Politics. Essay Topics: 1. Ethics and Power: The Challenge of Criminalisation in Indian Democracy. 2. Accountability in Politics: Legal and Moral Imperatives for a Clean Legislature.

International Literacy Day 2025

Background & Context

On International Literacy Day (September 8, 2025), India marked a major educational milestone with the announcement of a significant rise in the national literacy rate. The achievement reflects the success of large-scale public initiatives under the ULLAS (Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram) programme, emphasizing that literacy today must extend beyond reading and writing to include digital and lifelong learning.

National Achievement

Announcement: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announced that India’s national literacy rate increased from 74% (2011 Census) to 80.9% in 2023–24.

Minister’s Message: He underscored that literacy must mean empowerment, dignity, and self-reliance, not merely statistical progress. True literacy, he said, should enable every citizen to live with purpose and confidence.

ULLAS Programme – The Driving Force Behind Growth

The ULLAS (Understanding Lifelong Learning for All in Society) initiative has been the cornerstone of India’s literacy success story.

Key Achievements: (a) 3 crore+ learners enrolled nationwide. (b) 42 lakh volunteers mobilized for community-driven participation. (c) 1.83 crore learners assessed in foundational literacy and numeracy. (d) Achieved a 90% pass rate in literacy assessments. (e) Learning materials in 26 Indian languages, promoting inclusivity and regional access.

Minister Pradhan’s Statement: He hailed ULLAS as a ‘people’s movement,’ crediting the combined efforts of government agencies, teachers, civil society groups, and local communities for transforming the literacy landscape.

India's literacy transformation

Full Literacy States and Union Territories

Declared Fully Literate: Ladakh (declared on June 24, 2024). Mizoram, Goa, Tripura, and Himachal Pradesh have also achieved full functional literacy. These states and UTs serve as models of effective policy implementation, overcoming geographical and socio-economic challenges through sustained political commitment and local participation.

Expanding Scope – Digital and Lifelong Literacy

Evolving Definition: Minister of State for Education Jayant Chaudhary highlighted that literacy in India now encompasses digital skills—a shift toward lifelong and inclusive education.

Key Points: India’s digital public infrastructure (e.g., DIKSHA, PM e-Vidya, and UPI-linked education access) has accelerated educational inclusion. Achievements that took other countries decades were realized in just over a decade in India through technology-driven governance. Focus now extends to financial, digital, and health literacy, aligning education with the demands of a knowledge economy.

Significance and Global Relevance

Beyond Basic Literacy: The focus now is on functional and digital literacy, ensuring skills that enable economic participation and informed citizenship.

Global Model: India’s large-scale, technology-enabled, and community-led literacy effort stands as a global example of inclusive education reform.

Lifelong Learning Vision: Literacy is being reframed as a continuum of learning, integrating digital awareness, vocational skills, and civic empowerment.

SUBJECT TAG―Education / Human Resource Development / Social Empowerment

UPSC Relevance―GS Paper II: Education Policy, Human Development, and Government Schemes. GS Paper III: Technology in Education and Social Inclusion. Essay Topics: 1. From Literacy to Lifelong Learning: India’s Educational Transformation in the Digital Age. 2. Empowerment through Knowledge: ULLAS and India’s Inclusive Literacy Revolution.

ECI Conference on Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of Voter Lists

Background & Context

The Election Commission of India (ECI) convened a national conference with all Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs) to review the country’s preparedness for a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The aim is to conduct the exercise simultaneously across all States and Union Territories following a uniform national schedule, ensuring accuracy, transparency, and inclusiveness in voter registration.

Purpose of the Conference

The meeting was held to: (i) Evaluate preparedness for the nationwide SIR of voter lists. (ii) Review challenges, best practices, and technical readiness across States. (iii) Finalize a standardized approach to ensure that every eligible citizen is included and no ineligible entry remains.

Implementation Plan: The SIR will be rolled out nationwide at one time with a single uniform schedule, aligning processes and timelines across all regions.

Key Dignitaries Present

The conference was inaugurated by Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, in the presence of Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi. Their participation underscored the ECI’s commitment to maintaining credibility and inclusivity in the electoral process ahead of future elections.

Bihar’s Role and Experience

Presentation by: Bihar CEO Vinod Singh Gunjiyal.

Highlights: Bihar was the first State to roll out the SIR. Shared strategies, challenges, and best practices, serving as a model for other States and UTs. Key takeaways included lessons on field coordination, document verification, and citizen outreach to enhance voter participation.

Presentations by Other States and UTs

CEOs of all States and Union Territories provided updates on: (a) Number of electors and qualifying dates used in past SIRs. (b) Extent of digitisation of electoral rolls and website transparency. (c) Suggested documents for voter verification to balance inclusion and authenticity. (d) The collective goal was to ensure no eligible voter is left out and no ineligible name remains in the rolls.

Controversy Over Documents and Supreme Court Intervention

The ECI had initially circulated 11 indicative documents during Bihar’s pilot SIR exercise. Following petitions, the Supreme Court directed the inclusion of Aadhaar as the 12th document for identity verification. The Court upheld the ECI’s June 24 SIR order for nationwide application but encouraged broader inclusivity in acceptable documents before the full-scale rollout.

Implication: The ECI may expand the document list in the final national SIR notification to ensure equitable access and avoid exclusion.

Mapping and Verification of Electors

CEOs presented progress on mapping current electors against previous SIR records to prevent duplication or omissions. This exercise ensures data integrity, cross-verification, and consistency across constituencies.

Rationalisation of Polling Stations

The ECI reviewed its policy to ensure no polling station exceeds 1,200 electors, thereby improving: (a) Accessibility for voters. (b) Efficiency in managing polling logistics. (c) Equitable voter distribution across polling locations.

Training and Appointment of Election Personnel

The Commission also evaluated readiness regarding: (i) District Electoral Officers (DEOs) (ii) Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) (iii) Assistant EROs, Booth-Level Officers (BLOs), and Booth-Level Agents (BLAs)

Focus: (a) Strengthening capacity building and training modules. (b) Ensuring all personnel are technically competent for field verification, digital entry, and grievance redressal during the SIR.

Broader Implications:

For Electoral Integrity: Sets the stage for cleaner, more credible voter rolls—a critical foundation for free and fair elections.

For Administrative Reform: Promotes uniform standards across States and digital integration of electoral data.

For Citizens: Enhances accessibility and trust in the electoral process through simplified verification and inclusive documentation.

SUBJECT TAG―Governance / Electoral Reforms / Institutional Mechanisms

UPSC Relevance―GS Paper II: Electoral Reforms, Role of Election Commission, Good Governance Practices. Essay Topics: 1. Building Electoral Integrity: Challenges and Innovations in Voter List Management in India. 2. Democracy’s Foundation: Ensuring Inclusive and Credible Voter Registration.

India’s New Additions to UNESCO’s Tentative World Heritage List

Background & Context

India expanded its global heritage footprint with the addition of seven new sites to UNESCO’s Tentative List of World Heritage Sites. With these inclusions, India’s total entries have reached 69, comprising 49 cultural, 17 natural, and 3 mixed properties. The Tentative List serves as a preparatory stage before a site can be formally nominated for inscription on the World Heritage List, signaling international recognition of its Outstanding Universal Value (OUV).

The Newly Added Natural Heritage Sites (2025)

All seven sites belong to the Natural Heritage category, showcasing India’s vast geological, ecological, and landscape diversity:

Deccan Traps (Maharashtra): Among the largest volcanic provinces on Earth, representing ancient geological formations from the Cretaceous period.
St. Mary’s Island Cluster (Karnataka): Famous for its columnar basaltic formations and fossilized geological features.
Meghalayan Age Caves (Meghalaya): Speleological marvels marking one of the most recent geological time divisions—the Meghalayan Age.
Naga Hill Ophiolite (Nagaland): A rare fragment of the Earth’s oceanic crust exposed on land, significant for plate tectonic studies.
Erra Matti Dibbalu (Andhra Pradesh): Red sand dunes on the Bay of Bengal coast, formed by complex wind and marine processes.
Tirumala Hills (Andhra Pradesh): Sacred granitic hills with unique biodiversity and ancient geological formations.
Varkala Cliff (Kerala): Coastal laterite cliffs exhibiting exceptional sedimentary and erosional features, alongside archaeological evidence.

Collective Significance: Together, these seven sites highlight India’s geo-heritage richness, palaeontological value, and biodiversity, offering a holistic representation of the subcontinent’s natural evolution.

Significance of Inclusion in the Tentative List

Mandatory Step: As per UNESCO’s Operational Guidelines, a site must be on the Tentative List before being nominated for World Heritage inscription.

Scientific Vetting: The inclusion ensures that sites undergo detailed evaluation, including geological mapping, heritage management, and conservation planning.

India’s Expanding Portfolio: With 69 total entries, India now holds one of the largest Tentative Lists globally, demonstrating both its natural and cultural diversity.

Institutional Role: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) coordinated the preparation, documentation, and submission of these nominations in collabouration with geological and environmental experts.

Cultural Diplomacy and Global Recognition

The announcement was made by India’s Permanent Delegation to UNESCO, emphasizing the inclusions as part of India’s global cultural outreach. The additions reinforce India’s commitment to heritage conservation, sustainable tourism, and international cultural cooperation. By highlighting lesser-known natural landscapes, India is broadening the global understanding of its geoheritage beyond monuments and architecture. The move aligns with India’s efforts to use heritage diplomacy as a soft power tool, strengthening its role within UNESCO and the broader Global Heritage Network.

Broader Implications

For Conservation: Encourages scientific conservation and geo-tourism, safeguarding fragile ecosystems and geological sites.
For Global Heritage Positioning: Positions India as a leader in heritage documentation and preservation, showcasing balance between natural and cultural conservation.
For Sustainable Development: Promotes eco-tourism and community engagement, linking local livelihoods with global heritage recognition.

SUBJECT TAG ― Art & Culture / Environment & Ecology / UNESCO Heritage

UPSC Relevance― GS Paper I: Indian Art and Culture—UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Cultural Heritage Conservation. GS Paper III: Environmental Conservation and Sustainable Development. Essay Topics: 1. Preserving the Past, Protecting the Planet: India’s Heritage Diplomacy in the 21st Century. 2. Geological Marvels and Global Recognition: India’s Expanding Natural Heritage Footprint.

Gyan Bharatam Portal: Preserving India’s Manuscript Heritage

Background & Context

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Gyan Bharatam Portal on September 12, 2025, at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, during the International Conference on Gyan Bharatam. The initiative embodies the government’s vision to reclaim, preserve, and disseminate India’s vast manuscript heritage using advanced digital technologies. It marks a milestone in India’s cultural and knowledge preservation strategy for the digital era.

1. About the Gyan Bharatam Portal

Digitisation and Preservation: The portal aims to identify, document, and digitise manuscripts across India. Focus on scientific conservation of fragile collections using restoration technology. Creation of digital surrogates to ensure that ancient knowledge is preserved for future generations.
National Digital Repository: A centralised online library will house all digitised manuscripts. Offers open access to researchers, students, and the general public for study and reference.
AI-driven Access and Discovery: Equipped with AI-powered search tools for quick and intelligent navigation. Features automated translations, metadata tagging, and annotations to make ancient texts more accessible and comprehensible.
Research and Publication: Supports translation and publication of rare manuscripts into modern Indian and international languages. Enables critical editions of ancient texts, encouraging scholarly research on India’s intellectual traditions.
Capacity Building and Skill Development: Provides training to young scholars, conservators, and archivists in manuscript preservation. Institutions will receive digital preservation toolkits and technical guidance to strengthen local conservation ecosystems.
Public and Community Participation: Encourages local communities and private collectors to contribute manuscripts. Promotes citizen-led heritage preservation, turning it into a participatory movement.
Global Collaboration: Establishes international partnerships for knowledge exchange, technical support, and adoption of UNESCO-aligned best practices. Aims to position India as a global leader in digital manuscript conservation.

Gyan Bharatam Portal

The International Conference on Gyan Bharatam (11–13 September 2025)

Theme: ‘Reclaiming India’s Knowledge Legacy through Manuscript Heritage’

Organised by: Ministry of Culture, Government of India

Participation: Over 1,100 delegates, including scholars, historians, cultural practitioners, and institutional representatives from India and abroad.

Key Highlights: High-level discussions on digitisation policy, heritage funding, and global collabouration. A special exhibition on Indian manuscripts, inaugurated by the Prime Minister, showcased rare texts from Vedic, Buddhist, and medieval traditions. Deliberations on policy recommendations for future manuscript preservation and integration with the National Digital Education Architecture (NDEAR).

Significance of the Initiative

Preservation of Knowledge Heritage: India holds one of the largest manuscript collections globally, covering philosophy, medicine, mathematics, astronomy, literature, law, and governance. The portal ensures scientific documentation and digitisation before irreparable loss. It safeguards intangible intellectual heritage central to India’s civilisational identity.
Democratizing Knowledge through Open Access: Provides universal digital access to manuscripts for scholars and citizens. Aligns with National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 in integrating traditional wisdom with modern curricula and pedagogy.
Contribution to National Development: Embodies the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, linking heritage with innovation. Positions cultural heritage as a driver of national development, research, and innovation.

Vision and Way Forward

Beyond Preservation – Reviving Knowledge Systems: The portal goes beyond archiving—it aims to revive India’s knowledge ecosystems by bridging ancient wisdom and modern learning.
Technology Integration: Incorporates AI, machine translation, and digital annotation tools to enhance access and interactivity. Facilitates data mining of ancient texts for insights into science, philosophy, and governance.
Global Cultural Impact: Strengthens India’s soft power and global image as the custodian of ancient learning. Encourages international academic collabourations and sustainable heritage tourism.

Broader Implications

For Academia: Creates an unprecedented digital resource for research in Indian philosophy, linguistics, and sciences.
For Governance: Demonstrates synergy between technology, culture, and policy in heritage management.
For Society: Inspires awareness of India’s civilisational depth and the role of knowledge as a pillar of modern identity.

SUBJECT TAG ― Culture & Heritage / Digital India / Knowledge Preservation

UPSC Relevance―GS Paper I: Indian Heritage and Culture—Preservation of Manuscripts and Knowledge Systems. GS Paper II: Government Initiatives for Cultural Heritage and Education. GS Paper III: Role of Technology in Governance and Knowledge Management. Essay Topics: 1. Digitising Wisdom: India’s Journey from Palm Leaves to the Cloud. 2. Reviving Civilisational Knowledge in the Age of AI: The Gyan Bharatam Vision.

Yatri Sewa Diwas 2025

Background & Context

The Ministry of Civil Aviation launched Yatri Sewa Diwas 2025 to redefine India’s approach to airport and passenger services. Inaugurated by Union Minister Rammohan Naidu at Hindon Airport, the initiative marks a paradigm shift from infrastructure-driven aviation growth to a citizen-centric travel experience. It builds upon earlier reforms like UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) while addressing persistent service disparities across airports.

Overview of the Initiative

Objective: To promote dignity, comfort, and well-being for all air travelers by transforming airport service delivery into a public welfare mission rather than a purely commercial enterprise.
Vision Alignment: Anchored in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s governance philosophy of ‘citizen-first, service-first’, Yatri Sewa Diwas recognizes air travelers as citizens deserving of care, safety, and accessibility.
Launch Event: Held at Hindon Airport, the event symbolized inclusivity by extending outreach to women, students, senior citizens, and taxi drivers—acknowledging all contributors to the air travel ecosystem.

Key Highlights of the Campaign

Medical and Social Outreach: Swastha Nari, Sashakt Parivar Abhiyan organized free health check-ups for women travelers. Awareness sessions, quizzes, and tree plantation drives promoted sustainability and social participation.

Cultural and Community Engagement: Cultural performances celebrating India’s aviation milestones. Public interactions emphasizing passenger awareness, feedback, and rights.

Inclusivity Drive: Special attention to elderly travelers, persons with disabilities, and women passengers through accessible infrastructure and dedicated service desks. Recognition of taxi drivers and ground staff as key stakeholders in passenger satisfaction.

Digital Push and Service Standardisation

Digital Empowerment: All airports to become WiFi-enabled under the Digital India Mission, reducing the digital divide and enhancing convenience for passengers. Integration of mobile-based airport assistance and feedback mechanisms.
Standardisation Across Airports: The initiative ensures uniform service quality—so that travelers experience consistent cleanliness, comfort, and digital access across both metro and regional airports. Sets measurable benchmarks for passenger services, accessibility, and hygiene.

Why the Initiative Matters

Addressing Uneven Service Quality: Despite impressive aviation growth under UDAN, smaller airports often suffer from: (a) Limited medical and emergency facilities. (b) Inconsistent cleanliness and passenger amenities. (c) Poor digital access and connectivity gaps. (d) Insufficient provisions for vulnerable passengers (women, elderly, differently-abled).
Transforming Air Travel into a Citizen Experience: Yatri Sewa Diwas reframes the perception of travelers as citizens to be served, not merely consumers to be managed—aligning aviation with the ethos of public service.
Long-Term Impact: The campaign aspires to: (i) Build trust in public infrastructure through empathy-led design. (ii) Foster a culture of accountability and responsiveness within airport management. (iii) Integrate sustainability and inclusivity into India’s aviation transformation story.

Broader Implications

For Passengers: Improved comfort, accessibility, and digital connectivity—especially in Tier-2 and Tier-3 airports.
For the Aviation Sector: Encourages a shift from infrastructure expansion alone to holistic service excellence, enhancing India’s reputation as a global aviation hub.
For Governance: Showcases citizen-centric public administration, setting a model for service reform across other transport sectors.

SUBJECT TAG―Governance / Infrastructure & Transport / Public Service Delivery

UPSC Relevance―GS Paper II: Government Policies and Initiatives for Public Welfare, Service Delivery Models. GS Paper III: Infrastructure Development, Aviation Sector Reforms. Essay Topics: 1. From Infrastructure to Experience: Humanizing India’s Aviation Growth. 2. Citizen First, Passenger Always: Reimagining Public Service in Indian Airports.

Seva Parv 2025 on the NaMo App

Background & Context

To commemorate Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday (September 17) and honour the spirit of Gandhi Jayanti (October 2), the NaMo App launched Seva Parv 2025, a 15-day nationwide digital engagement campaign. The initiative merges the ideals of seva (service) and rashtrabhakti (nationalism), transforming citizen participation into an interactive, technology-driven celebration of collective responsibility.

Overview of the Initiative

Launch Period: September 17 – October 2, 2025
Theme: ‘Service, Unity, and Civic Participation.’
Objective: To encourage citizens to take part in voluntary activities that promote social welfare, environmental responsibility, and civic pride—while also using digital tools to strengthen their connection with governance and public life. Seva Parv 2025 reimagines citizen engagement through the NaMo App as a space for service, learning, and interactive participation.

Digital Campaign Structure

The campaign features nine interactive modules, combining service-oriented missions with AI-powered digital experiences. It serves as an online festival of participation, where individuals can perform civic tasks, share achievements, and interact with curated digital content reflecting national service and leadership.

Key Activities and Features

Activity	Description
Sabka Saath, Sabki Seva	Encourages voluntary acts such as tree plantation, blood donation, and community service—integrating physical action with digital acknowledgment.
AI Shubhkamna Reel	Uses AI-generated audio and personalised scripts to create birthday greetings for PM Modi.
Virtual Exhibition	A multimedia showcase of Prime Minister Modi’s milestones, leadership journey, and governance achievements.
Selfie with PM	Allows users to digitally generate a photo with the Prime Minister, blending engagement with creativity.
Discover Your Modi Trait	An interactive personality quiz that matches user attributes with PM Modi’s values such as perseverance, discipline, and innovation.
Know Your NaMo Quiz	Tests users’ knowledge about PM Modi’s life, policies, and contributions.
NaMo Book Collection	A curated library of readings on Modi’s vision, governance philosophy, and national initiatives.
NaMo Merchandise	Provides access to themed souvenirs and digital collectibles celebrating Seva Parv.
World Wishes PM Modi	Enables people from around the globe to send greetings and messages of goodwill, reinforcing India’s global digital community.

Purpose and Citizen Participation

Core Message: Seva Parv 2025 is not merely a celebratory campaign—it is a citizen-centric movement to promote service, unity, and nation-building through participatory digital innovation.

Participation Goals: (i) Inspire individual and collective acts of public service. (ii) Foster emotional connection between citizens and governance. (iii) Blend technology, creativity, and civic values in a seamless engagement model. (iv) Inclusivity: Open to all citizens, including youth, professionals, students, and global Indians, the campaign promotes both personal expression (via interactive tools) and public responsibility (through service activities).

Broader Significance

For Governance: Demonstrates how digital platforms can extend government–citizen interaction beyond policy delivery into shared civic experiences.
For Society: Revives the spirit of volunteerism and selfless service, connecting everyday actions to national ideals.
For Digital India: Positions the NaMo App as a model of participatory e-governance and AI-powered civic innovation.

SUBJECT TAG―Governance / Digital Engagement / Civic Participation

UPSC Relevance―GS Paper II: Government Initiatives, Citizen Participation, E-Governance. GS Paper IV: Ethics and Values—Seva, Responsibility, and Leadership. Essay Topics: 1. Digital Seva: Redefining Civic Duty in the Age of Technology. 2. From Celebration to Service: Citizen Engagement as the New Face of Governance.

India Secures PMS Exploration Rights in the Carlsberg Ridge

Background & Context

On 20 September 2025, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh announced a historic achievement—India has secured exclusive exploration rights for Polymetallic Sulphides (PMS) in the Carlsberg Ridge region of the Indian Ocean. The 15-year contract signed between the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) and the International Seabed Authority (ISA) covers an area of 10,000 sq km, marking India’s emergence as a global leader in deep-sea resource exploration under the Deep Ocean Mission and the Blue Economy framework.

The New Exploration Contract

Key Facts:

Contracting Parties: Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), Government of India & International Seabed Authority (ISA).
Duration: 15 years (2025–2040).
Location: Carlsberg Ridge, part of the Central Indian Ocean region.
Area Covered: 10,000 sq km.
Global Milestone: India becomes the first country in the world to hold two PMS exploration contracts.

Significance: This agreement expands India’s operational presence in the Indian Ocean and strengthens its role in the sustainable exploration of deep-sea mineral resources critical to future industrial and technological growth.

Securing Polymetallic sulphides

Significance of the Milestone

Strengthening the Blue Economy: Advances the Deep Ocean Mission (DOM) launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which focuses on seabed mineral exploration, development of underwater robotics, and ocean climate studies. Positions India as a maritime technology leader in the Indo-Pacific. Contributes to India’s Blue Economy vision, balancing economic development with ocean conservation.
Expanding India’s Strategic Maritime Footprint: Enhances India’s maritime sovereignty and presence in international waters. Contributes to strategic depth in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), reinforcing India’s role as a net security provider.
Scientific and Economic Implications: Enables access to high-value minerals critical for energy transition, clean technologies, and advanced manufacturing. Boosts India’s domestic capacity for deep-sea mining and marine engineering.

First Nation with Two PMS Contracts

India now holds two major PMS exploration contracts: (a) Central Indian Ridge & Southwest Indian Ridge (2016 contract). (b) Carlsberg Ridge (2025 contract).

Global Distinction: India becomes the only nation globally to possess dual exploration contracts for Polymetallic Sulphides. This consolidation strengthens India’s position as a leading player in seabed mineral research and governance, contributing to sustainable resource utilization under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

What are Polymetallic Sulphides (PMS)?

Formation and Composition: PMS are metal-rich deposits formed by hydrothermal vents on the ocean floor where mineral-laden fluids emerge from beneath the Earth’s crust.

They typically contain: Iron (Fe); Copper (Cu); Zinc (Zn); Silver (Ag); Gold (Au); and, Platinum (Pt)

Industrial and Strategic Value: Used in electronics, renewable energy technologies, and advanced alloys. Considered essential for global energy security and clean technology industries (e.g., batteries, solar panels, and electric vehicles).

India and the International Seabed Authority (ISA)

Long-standing Partnership: India’s association with the ISA spans over 30 years. India was the first country to receive exploration rights for Polymetallic Nodules in the Central Indian Ocean Basin (1987) and was designated a ‘Pioneer Investor.’ India’s dual PMS contracts reaffirm its leadership in global seabed governance.

Recent Development: India is hosting the 8th ISA Annual Contractors Meeting in Goa (18–20 September 2025). The event provides a platform for discussions on sustainable seabed exploration, marine biodiversity protection, and technology sharing among ISA member states.

Broader Implications

For Science and Technology: Strengthens India’s marine research infrastructure, including deep-sea submersibles and autonomous underwater vehicles. Enhances domestic expertise in marine geoscience and mineral mapping.

For Diplomacy and Global Governance: Reinforces India’s multilateral credentials in the ISA. Promotes South–South collaboration in marine exploration and sustainable resource management.

For National Development: Supports self-reliance in critical minerals, contributing to the goals of Atmanirbhar Bharat. Integrates ocean-based resources into India’s 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 14 – Life Below Water).

SUBJECT TAG ― Science & Technology / Environment & Ecology / Blue Economy / Maritime Affairs

UPSC Relevance―GS Paper I: Geography—Distribution of Key Mineral and Energy Resources. GS Paper II: International Institutions—International Seabed Authority (ISA). GS Paper III: Science, Technology, and Economic Development—Deep Ocean Mission and Blue Economy. Essay Topics: 1. Deep Oceans, Deeper Vision: India’s Maritime Leadership in the Blue Economy. 2. Exploring the Abyss: Technology, Diplomacy, and Sustainability in Deep-Sea Mining.

UPI Debuts in Qatar

Background & Context

India’s flagship digital payments system—the Unified Payments Interface (UPI)—has expanded its global footprint with its official launch in Qatar, beginning with duty-free outlets at Hamad International Airport, Doha. This milestone marks Qatar as the eighth country to integrate UPI payments for Indian users, underscoring India’s growing leadership in the digital finance and fintech diplomacy domain.

UPI Expansion in Qatar

UPI Now Live at Doha Airport Duty-Free

Launch Site: Hamad International Airport, Doha

Implementation: Qatar Duty Free terminals

The rollout allows Indian travelers to make instant, QR-based UPI payments at airport duty-free stores using Google Pay, PhonePe, BHIM, or other UPI-enabled apps.

This seamless payment option removes the need for currency exchange or credit card transactions, enhancing convenience and reducing costs for Indian visitors.

Strategic Rollout Backed by Global Partnerships

Collabourating Entities: (i) NPCI International Payments Ltd (NIPL)―The international arm of the National Payments Corporation of India. (ii) Qatar National Bank (QNB) – The country’s largest financial institution. (iii) NETSTARS (Japan) – A global payment gateway integrator.

Implementation Plan:

Phase 1: Airport duty-free and selected retail outlets.

Phase 2: Expansion to restaurants, hotels, and tourist hotspots across Qatar.

This trilateral partnership blends India’s fintech innovation with Qatari banking infrastructure, creating a robust framework for real-time cross-border digital payments.

Seamless Transactions for Indian Tourists Abroad

Payment Simplicity: Indian travelers can scan merchant QR codes to pay directly from their bank accounts via UPI apps.

Cost Efficiency: Avoids foreign exchange conversion losses and extra card surcharges.

Tourist Advantage: Indians are the second-largest group of visitors to Qatar, making this integration a significant step toward improving traveler convenience and spending freedom.

The service is particularly beneficial for short-term travelers and business delegates, promoting digital inclusion beyond borders.

Boost for Qatari Tourism and Retail Economy

QNB’s Statement: Officials emphasized that UPI integration enhances: (i) Transaction speed at payment counters. (ii) Security and transparency in digital transactions. (iii) Reduced merchant costs compared to card-based systems.

Economic Impact: (i) Encourages higher transaction volumes from the large Indian diaspora and tourist community. (ii) Supports Qatar’s broader vision of becoming a cashless, digitally empowered economy.

UPI’s Expanding Global Presence

Countries Currently Supporting UPI Payments: Bhutan; Nepal; Singapore; France; UAE; Mauritius; Sri Lanka; and, Qatar. Each expansion begins in tourist and retail hubs, gradually scaling to hospitality, transport, and financial services, illustrating UPI’s strategic, phased globalization model.

Broader Significance

For India: Strengthens India’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) diplomacy and financial soft power. Boosts international visibility of UPI as a scalable fintech model adaptable across jurisdictions.
For Qatar: Enhances tourism competitiveness by catering to a major visitor demographic. Aligns with Qatar’s Vision 2030 of economic diversification through digital transformation.
For Global Fintech: Demonstrates interoperability and standardization in cross-border real-time payments. Advances the idea of ‘Digital India, Global India’ in financial ecosystems.

SUBJECT TAG―Economy / Fintech / International Relations / Digital India

UPSC Relevance―GS Paper III: Indian Economy – Growth of Digital Payment Systems; Globalization of Financial Technology. GS Paper II: International Economic Relations – India’s Digital Partnerships. Essay Topics: 1. Digital Diplomacy in Action: How UPI is Redefining India’s Global Economic Presence. 2. From Local Innovation to Global Adoption: The Rise of UPI as India’s Soft Power Symbol.

PM Modi Launches Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana in Bihar

Background & Context

On September 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana (MMRY) for Bihar—a major women empowerment and livelihood scheme focused on promoting self-employment and entrepreneurship. Through this initiative, ₹10,000 each was directly transferred to 75 lakh women beneficiaries, amounting to a ₹7,500 crore DBT disbursement—one of the largest women-centric financial transfers in India’s history.

Addressing the launch via video conference, the Prime Minister said the scheme strengthens both economic empowerment and social dignity, while aligning with the national mission of creating 3 crore ‘Lakhpati Didis’ by 2027.

Scheme Overview

Name: Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana (MMRY)
Implementing Agency: Government of Bihar
Launch Platform: Video conference led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Total Outlay: ₹7,500 crore
Beneficiaries: 75 lakh women across Bihar
Transfer Mode: Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) through Jan Dhan–Aadhaar–Mobile (JAM) trinity
Objective: To provide financial assistance, skill development, and entrepreneurial support to rural women, encouraging self-employment and small-scale enterprise creation.

Key Provisions of the Scheme

Component	Details
Seed Support	₹10,000 DBT provided to one eligible woman per household as initial startup assistance.
Extended Aid	Additional financial support up to ₹2 lakh based on the success and scalability of the enterprise.
Eligible Sectors	Grocery shops, tailoring, livestock rearing, handicrafts, food processing, and other micro-enterprises.
Capacity Building	Training and mentorship through 11 lakh+ Self-Help Groups (SHGs) operating under the Jeevika programme.
Market Linkages	Expansion of Gramin Haat-Bazaars to help women sell their products directly.
Microfinance Support	Collaboration with Jeevika Nidhi Credit Cooperative Society for micro-loans and business management training.

‘75 Lakh Sisters, ₹10,000 Each: A New Beginning’

The massive, real-time fund transfer to 75 lakh women was made possible through the JAM trinity—Jan Dhan Yojana, Aadhaar, and mobile linkage, ensuring transparency and zero leakages. Prime Minister Modi described the scheme as a ‘brother’s gift to his sisters’ during Navratri, highlighting its emotional and cultural resonance.

Key Highlights:

(i) Over 30 crore women now have bank accounts under Jan Dhan Yojana.

(ii) Enables cashless, corruption-free disbursement and financial autonomy.

(iii) Represents both digital governance efficiency and women’s empowerment through technology.

Integration with the Lakhpati Didi Campaign

The scheme is a direct extension of the Lakhpati Didi Campaign, which aims to transform SHG members into micro-entrepreneurs earning over ₹1 lakh annually.

Parameter	Details
National Target	3 crore Lakhpati Didis
Achieved So Far	Over 2 crore
Bihar’s Target	Highest contribution among Indian states

The MMRY will significantly help Bihar in leading the Lakhpati Didi movement, combining DBT support with enterprise training and financial inclusion.

Complementary Schemes:

Mudra Yojana: Access to low-interest loans.
Drone Didi Scheme: Skill and tech empowerment in agriculture.
Bima Sakhi & Bank Didi: Training women as banking correspondents and insurance facilitators.

Significance and Broader Impact

Economic Empowerment: Builds a foundation for self-reliant women entrepreneurs in rural Bihar. Promotes inclusive growth and micro-enterprise development.

Digital Governance: Exemplifies JAM-enabled welfare delivery and transparency in public finance.

Social Transformation: Strengthens the role of women in decision-making, community development, and household economics. Symbolically aligns economic empowerment with Navratri’s celebration of feminine strength.

National Significance: Positions Bihar as a model state for women-centric livelihood programmes under the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.

SUBJECT TAG―Governance / Women Empowerment / Economy / Digital Inclusion

UPSC Relevance―GS Paper II: Government Policies and Interventions for Development. GS Paper III: Inclusive Growth and Financial Inclusion. Essay Topics: 1. Empowered Women, Empowered Nation: The Role of Financial Inclusion in Social Transformation. 2. From Beneficiaries to Entrepreneurs: India’s Path to Lakhpati Didis and Inclusive Growth.

PM Modi Releases Stamp and Coin to Mark RSS Centenary

Background & Context

On the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Prime Minister Narendra Modi released a special commemorative postage stamp and coin in New Delhi to celebrate the organisation’s centenary. Founded in 1925 in Nagpur by Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, the RSS has completed a century of its existence as one of India’s most influential volunteer-based socio-cultural movements. The ceremony marks both a historical milestone and a recognition of the organisation’s enduring role in India’s national life.

The Centenary Commemoration

Event: Release of the RSS Centenary Postage Stamp and Commemorative Coin
Occasion: 100 years of the founding of the RSS (1925–2025)
Venue: New Delhi
Presided by: Prime Minister Narendra Modi

The commemorative coin and stamp symbolise the RSS’s century-long service to society, representing values of discipline, unity, and nation-building. The stamp features the RSS emblem and imagery associated with its founding in Nagpur, while the coin bears the motto reflecting its ethos of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat.’

Nature & Vision of the RSS

Founding Vision: The RSS, established by Dr. K.B. Hedgewar in 1925, was envisioned as an organisation dedicated to character-building, selfless service, and national unity. The organisation’s philosophy rests on the principles of Dharma, discipline, and self-reliance, seeking to achieve Sarvangeena Unnati—the all-round development of individuals and society.

Core Values:

Discipline and Duty: Training volunteers to serve the nation in every sphere of life.
Cultural Awareness: Reviving India’s civilisational and spiritual consciousness.
National Service: Encouraging unity and social harmony across communities.

RSS Contributions Over the Decades

Education and Nation-Building: Establishment of Vidya Bharati schools and educational institutions focusing on values-based education.
Health and Social Welfare: Organisation of blood donation camps, health check-ups, and relief drives during disasters and pandemics.
Women and Youth Empowerment: Support through affiliates like the Rashtra Sevika Samiti and Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) to engage women and students in national causes.
Rural and Farmer Mobilisation: Through the Bharatiya Kisan Sangh, promoting agricultural self-sufficiency and cooperative farming initiatives.
Disaster Relief and Community Service: Notable involvement in earthquake relief (Gujarat 2001), flood rehabilitation, and COVID-19 relief across India.

These multifaceted activities underline the RSS’s transition from a volunteer corps to a pan-India socio-cultural force influencing education, health, community development, and civic participation.

Significance of the Centenary

Historical Perspective: The centenary recognises the RSS’s contribution to nation-building since pre-Independence times, including participation in social reform and community service movements.

Cultural and Ideological Continuity: Highlights the organisation’s role in fostering patriotism, discipline, and cultural identity, aligned with the larger goal of national integration.

Contemporary Relevance: The RSS today remains a key pillar in India’s socio-political landscape, influencing policy discussions, civic participation, and grassroots volunteerism through its vast network of affiliates.

SUBJECT TAG―Indian Society / History / Governance / Cultural Organisations

UPSC Relevance―GS Paper I: Indian Culture – Role of voluntary and cultural organisations in nation-building. GS Paper II: Governance – Civil society and participatory development. Essay Topics: 1. Volunteerism and Nation-Building: The Century-Long Journey of the RSS. 2. Discipline, Service, and Culture: The Enduring Legacy of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh in Modern India.

₹100 Commemorative Coin for Bharat Ratna Dr. Bhupen Hazarika (Centenary celebration 2025–26)

Background & Context

To mark the 100th birth anniversary of Dr. Bhupen Hazarika (1926–2026), the Government of India has announced the release of a ₹100 commemorative coin honouring his immense contribution to Indian music, art, and social reform. The launch is part of a year-long centenary celebration designed to showcase Hazarika’s enduring legacy as a musician, poet, humanist, and cultural unifier.

Launch Event

Occasion: Official release of the commemorative coin in Guwahati by the Prime Minister of India.

Special Release: An official biography, published by the Assam Publication Board, will be launched simultaneously with translations in multiple Indian languages, ensuring national outreach and accessibility.

Centenary Calendar (Sept 8, 2025 – Sept 8, 2026)

The centenary year will witness a series of cultural and academic programmes across major cities—New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Arunachal Pradesh, and Meghalaya. The observance will culminate on September 8, 2026, with a national ceremony presided over by the President of India, celebrating Hazarika’s artistic and social contributions.

Legacy Projects Announced

Jalukbari Memorial Renaming: The existing memorial will be renamed Bhupen Hazarika Samannay Tirtha, reflecting his philosophy of harmony and integration through art.

Dedicated Museum at Srimanta Sankardev Kalakshetra: A new museum will preserve Hazarika’s personal artifacts, manuscripts, awards, and audio-visual archives, serving as a cultural and educational hub.

Cultural Integration through Bihu Committees: All Bihu committees in Assam have been urged to dedicate one evening of their annual celebrations to commemorate Hazarika’s songs and legacy, reinforcing his connection to Assamese identity and community pride.

Significance and Legacy

Cultural Visionary: Bhupen Hazarika’s compositions transcended linguistic and regional boundaries, advocating peace, unity, and social justice through music.

National Recognition: Awarded the Bharat Ratna (2019) for his contribution to art, culture, and human values.

Symbol of Integration: His centenary celebration underscores how art serves as an instrument of social transformation, promoting inclusivity and national solidarity.

Global Resonance: Known internationally as the ‘Voice of the Brahmaputra,’ Hazarika’s work continues to inspire artists, activists, and scholars worldwide.

SUBJECT TAG— Art & Culture / Music & Literature / National Integration

UPSC Relevance—GS Paper I: Indian Culture—Contributions of Great Personalities to Art, Music, and Social Reform. Essay Topics—1. The Voice of the Brahmaputra: Bhupen Hazarika and the Cultural Soul of India. 2. Music as a Medium of Unity: Revisiting Bhupen Hazarika’s Legacy in the 21st Century.

Supreme Court Hearing on Gubernatorial Delay in Bills

Background & Context

A five-judge Constitution Bench led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) B.R. Gavai heard a series of petitions concerning prolonged delays by Governors in granting assent to State Bills, particularly after Tamil Nadu’s Governor withheld ten Bills since 2020. The issue gained national attention following the April 8, 2025 Supreme Court ruling, which had prescribed a three-month limit for Governors to act on Bills under Article 200 of the Constitution. The latest hearings sought to clarify whether Governors can withhold Bills indefinitely and what judicial remedies exist for such inaction.

Judicial Concerns on Delay

CJI B.R. Gavai’s Observations: Criticised the notion that four-year delays could be seen as ‘minor,’ emphasising that such inaction erodes constitutional governance and the principle of accountability. Noted that the framers never intended the Governor’s office to stall democratically enacted legislation.

Other Judges’ Remarks:

Justice Surya Kant: Questioned whether indefinite withholding of Bills could ever be justified under the Constitution.
Justice Narasimha: Suggested that if a Governor disagrees, they should promptly return the Bill for reconsideration, not keep it pending.
Justice Vikram Nath: Clarified that the Bench’s focus was on questions of law, not individual political disputes.

Union Government’s Position

Solicitor-General Tushar Mehta’s Arguments: Asserted that Governors are not ‘rubber stamps’; they must exercise independent constitutional judgment. Warned against rigid timelines, arguing that Bills vary in complexity and may require consultation or legal vetting. Claimed that in most cases, assent is given within a month, and instances of long delays are exceptions rather than the rule.

Attorney-General R. Venkataramani’s Input: Stated that the Governor’s discretion includes testing the constitutionality of a Bill before granting assent. Opposed the idea of judicial directions compelling assent, calling it an encroachment on legislative procedure.

States’ Submissions

Tamil Nadu’s Argument (Advocate P. Wilson): Contended that a Bill embodies the will of the legislature and that Governors cannot sit in judicial review over it. Described the delays as politically motivated, undermining federal balance.

Other State Representatives:

Avani Bansal (for petitioners): Warned that welfare measures suffer when Bills are stalled for years.

Meghalaya’s Advocate General: Argued that Article 200 would become meaningless if Governors can act without time limits.

Gopal Sankaranarayanan: Called for judicial review of gubernatorial conduct, citing accountability to constitutional duties.
Telangana’s Counsel: Cautioned that political misuse of the Governor’s office violates the spirit of cooperative federalism.

Final Day of Presidential Reference Hearing (September 11, 2025)

Chief Justice’s Remarks: Stated that ‘no authority is above the law’, reaffirming the Court’s duty to act when constitutional mechanisms are abused. Emphasised that the Constitution envisages harmony between Governors and State governments, not confrontation.

Union’s Closing Submissions: Reiterated opposition to fixed deadlines, arguing for context-sensitive discretion. Stressed that assent forms part of the legislative process, which courts should not micromanage.

Judicial Consensus Emerging: Justice Surya Kant clarified that while courts cannot compel assent, they can issue a mandamus directing Governors to decide within a reasonable time. The Bench agreed to focus on constitutional principles, steering clear of partisan blame.

Outcome

Judgment Reserved: The Supreme Court reserved its verdict after concluding two days of detailed hearings.

CJI’s Closing Observation: Asserted that the Court will not remain powerless if constitutional authorities fail to perform their duties.

The decision, when delivered, is expected to define clear timelines for gubernatorial action and reinforce executive accountability within India’s federal structure.

SUBJECT TAG―Indian Polity / Constitutional Governance / Centre–State Relations

UPSC Relevance―GS Paper II: Separation of Powers, Role of Governors, Judicial Review, Federalism. Essay Topics: 1. The Governor’s Discretion and Democratic Accountability: A Constitutional Balancing Act. 2. Judicial Safeguards Against Executive Inaction: The Supreme Court and the Federal Spirit of the Constitution.

Supreme Court Slams Madhya Pradesh Government and CBI Over Deva Pardhi Custodial Death Case

Background & Context

The Supreme Court of India strongly rebuked both the Madhya Pradesh Government and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for failing to arrest two senior police officers accused in the custodial death of 24-year-old Deva Pardhi. A Bench comprising Justices B.V. Nagarathna and R. Mahadevan warned that non-compliance with its earlier arrest order amounted to ‘aggravated contempt’, accusing the State of shielding the accused officers.

Case Background

Incident: In July 15, 2024, Deva Pardhi, a resident of Bilakhedi village (Guna district), was taken into custody by the local police for an alleged theft of ₹8 lakh. Later that night, his family was informed of his death in custody, with the police claiming a cardiac arrest as the cause.

Judicial Intervention: Deva’s mother petitioned the Supreme Court, seeking justice. On May 15, 2025, the Court transferred the probe to the CBI, directing that all officers responsible be arrested ‘forthwith and not later than one month.’

Current Status: Three accused personnel have been arrested. Two senior officers, identified as directly responsible, remain absconding more than four months after the Court’s directive.

Supreme Court’s Criticism and Observations

Bench’s Remarks: Justice B.V. Nagarathna expressed disbelief that salaries were still being disbursed to the accused: ‘How can the State sanction salaries for persons who were directed to be arrested?’ Justice R. Mahadevan admonished the State’s attempt to shift blame: ‘When a grave crime takes place, how can you wash away your responsibility?’ The Bench declared that the failure to arrest the accused amounted to aggravated contempt, as the Supreme Court’s orders had been openly defied.

On Delay and Inaction: The judges noted that the officers were neither arrested nor suspended for months, indicating systemic collusion and apathy. The Court questioned the State’s commitment to upholding the rule of law in cases involving its own police force.

CBI’s Defence and Court’s Response

CBI Submission (ASG Raja Thakare): Stated that both officers were suspended only a day earlier. Announced cash rewards of ₹2 lakh each for information leading to their arrest. Claimed that the agency was tracking their financial transactions and monitoring vehicle movements at toll plazas.

Court’s Reaction: The Bench dismissed these steps as ‘mere eyewash’, observing that the officers had been on the run since April 2025. The judges were particularly disturbed that the absconding officers had even filed anticipatory bail pleas, defying the Court’s express arrest directive. Justice Nagarathna warned that the Court may summon the Chief Secretary of Madhya Pradesh if compliance remained unsatisfactory.

Next Steps Ordered by the Court

The Bench listed the case for September 26, 2025, placing it at the top of the hearing list. Indicated possible personal appearance orders for senior State officials, including the Chief Secretary, to explain the delay. Directed both the CBI and State Government to submit status reports detailing arrest efforts, disciplinary actions, and accountability measures.

Broader Significance

Judicial Accountability and Custodial Deaths: The case underscores the Supreme Court’s growing intolerance toward impunity in custodial deaths and its demand for personal accountability from State officials.

Federal and Institutional Implications: Highlights tensions between State governments and central investigative agencies (CBI) in enforcing judicial orders. Reflects the Court’s insistence that constitutional governance cannot be undermined by bureaucratic delay or institutional shielding of police misconduct.

Human Rights and Rule of Law: The incident revives debate on custodial torture, police reform, and the need for independent oversight mechanisms to prevent systemic abuse. Reinforces the judiciary’s stance that ‘no one is above the law’, even within law enforcement agencies.

SUBJECT TAG―Polity & Governance / Judicial Oversight / Human Rights

UPSC Relevance―GS Paper II: Role of Judiciary in Ensuring Accountability, Custodial Deaths and Police Reforms, Federal Issues in Law Enforcement. Essay Topics: 1. Judicial Intervention and Police Accountability: Custodial Deaths as a Test of Constitutional Morality. 2. The Rule of Law vs. State Impunity: Lessons from the Deva Pardhi Case.

Supreme Court on Nationwide Ban on Firecrackers

Background & Context

On September 12, 2025, the Supreme Court of India, led by Chief Justice B.R. Gavai, observed that pollution from firecrackers is a national issue, not limited to Delhi-NCR. The Court emphasised that every citizen has the right to clean air, while also recognising the livelihood concerns of those employed in the firecracker industry. The hearing marked a potential shift from region-specific restrictions to a nationwide framework for firecracker regulation.

Judicial Observations: Expanding the Scope of Air Quality Protection

CJI’s Remarks: The Chief Justice stated that pollution is ‘not confined to Delhi alone’, questioning why relief should be restricted to one region. He cited examples such as Amritsar during Guru Purab, where air quality was reportedly worse than in Delhi. Emphasising inclusivity, he noted that pollution affects common citizens the most—particularly labourers and daily wagers— and not merely the urban elite. The Bench underscored that any environmental regulation must balance the right to livelihood with the right to clean air.

Stand of the Amicus Curiae

Amicus: Senior Advocate Aparajita Singh supported a comprehensive national approach, stressing that environmental harm transcends state boundaries. She dismissed the perception that air pollution is an ‘elite issue’, arguing that it disproportionately impacts the poor through respiratory diseases and loss of workdays. Singh added that the Delhi winter crisis only represents one aspect of a larger, year-round national challenge.

Firecracker Industry’s Concerns

Representation: Senior Advocate K. Parameshwar appeared for the firecracker manufacturers. He highlighted that several licences valid till 2028 were cancelled following the April 2025 Supreme Court order, which had imposed a complete ban in Delhi-NCR.

The industry argued that: (a) Partial bans are ineffective since unsold stock can be transported elsewhere. (b) The ‘green crackers’ label requires independent scientific verification before being accepted as a sustainable alternative. (c) Blanket prohibitions hurt small manufacturers who depend on seasonal income. (d) The Court reiterated that any future relaxation would depend on proven emission reductions through certified ‘green’ products.

Next Steps & Directions

The Bench directed the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to submit a comprehensive report within two weeks on the feasibility of a nationwide firecracker policy.

The report is expected to include: (a) Data on air quality impacts from firecracker emissions. (b) Evaluation of ‘green cracker’ compliance and certification. (c) Framework for uniform implementation across States. (d) The matter has been listed for further hearing following receipt of the CAQM report.

Broader Implications

For Environmental Governance: Signals a move toward pan-India pollution control mechanisms, aligning with the Right to Life (Article 21) and Sustainable Development principles.

For Industry & Labour: The Court’s approach balances environmental imperatives with employment protection, recognising that small-scale fireworks production sustains thousands of families.

For Policy Formulation: Encourages the Centre to develop scientifically backed, socially sensitive environmental policies rather than ad hoc regional bans.

SUBJECT TAG―Environment / Judicial Oversight / Public Health

UPSC Relevance―GS Paper II: Role of Judiciary in Environmental Governance. GS Paper III: Pollution Control and Sustainable Development.

Essay Topics: 1. Balancing Ecology and Economy: Judicial Approaches to India’s Pollution Crisis. 2. The Right to Clean Air as a Collective Constitutional Responsibility.

Supreme Court Slams Madhya Pradesh Government and CBI Over Deva Pardhi Custodial Death Case

Background & Context

The Supreme Court of India strongly rebuked both the Madhya Pradesh Government and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for failing to arrest two senior police officers accused in the custodial death of 24-year-old Deva Pardhi. A Bench comprising Justices B.V. Nagarathna and R. Mahadevan warned that non-compliance with its earlier arrest order amounted to ‘aggravated contempt’, accusing the State of shielding the accused officers.

Case Background

Incident: On July 15, 2024, Deva Pardhi, a resident of Bilakhedi village (Guna district), was taken into custody by the local police for an alleged theft of ₹8 lakh. Later that night, his family was informed of his death in custody, with the police claiming a cardiac arrest as the cause.

Judicial Intervention: Deva’s mother petitioned the Supreme Court, seeking justice. On May 15, 2025, the Court transferred the probe to the CBI, directing that all officers responsible be arrested ‘forthwith and not later than one month.’

Current Status: Three accused personnel have been arrested. Two senior officers, identified as directly responsible, remain absconding more than four months after the Court’s directive.

Supreme Court’s Criticism and Observations

Bench’s Remarks: Justice B.V. Nagarathna expressed disbelief that salaries were still being disbursed to the accused: ‘How can the State sanction salaries for persons who were directed to be arrested?’ Justice R. Mahadevan admonished the State’s attempt to shift blame: ‘When a grave crime takes place, how can you wash away your responsibility?’ The Bench declared that the failure to arrest the accused amounted to aggravated contempt, as the Supreme Court’s orders had been openly defied.

On Delay and Inaction: The judges noted that the officers were neither arrested nor suspended for months, indicating systemic collusion and apathy. The Court questioned the State’s commitment to upholding the rule of law in cases involving its own police force.

CBI’s Defence and Court’s Response

CBI Submission (ASG Raja Thakare): Stated that both officers were suspended only a day earlier. Announced cash rewards of ₹2 lakh each for information leading to their arrest. Claimed that the agency was tracking their financial transactions and monitoring vehicle movements at toll plazas.

Court’s Reaction: The Bench dismissed these steps as ‘mere eyewash’, observing that the officers had been on the run since April 2025. The judges were particularly disturbed that the absconding officers had even filed anticipatory bail pleas, defying the Court’s express arrest directive. Justice Nagarathna warned that the Court may summon the Chief Secretary of Madhya Pradesh if compliance remained unsatisfactory.

Next Steps Ordered by the Court

The Bench listed the case for September 26, 2025, placing it at the top of the hearing list. Indicated possible personal appearance orders for senior State officials, including the Chief Secretary, to explain the delay. Directed both the CBI and State Government to submit status reports detailing arrest efforts, disciplinary actions, and accountability measures.

Broader Significance

Judicial Accountability and Custodial Deaths: The case underscores the Supreme Court’s growing intolerance toward impunity in custodial deaths and its demand for personal accountability from State officials.

Federal and Institutional Implications: Highlights tensions between State governments and central investigative agencies (CBI) in enforcing judicial orders. Reflects the Court’s insistence that constitutional governance cannot be undermined by bureaucratic delay or institutional shielding of police misconduct.

Human Rights and Rule of Law: The incident revives debate on custodial torture, police reform, and the need for independent oversight mechanisms to prevent systemic abuse. Reinforces the judiciary’s stance that ‘no one is above the law’, even within law enforcement agencies.

SUBJECT TAG―Polity & Governance / Judicial Oversight / Human Rights

UPSC Relevance―GS Paper II: Role of Judiciary in Ensuring Accountability, Custodial Deaths and Police Reforms, Federal Issues in Law Enforcement.

Essay Topics: 1. Judicial Intervention and Police Accountability: Custodial Deaths as a Test of Constitutional Morality. 2. The Rule of Law vs. State Impunity: Lessons from the Deva Pardhi Case.

Supreme Court on Himalayan Ecological Crisis and Illegal Tree Felling

Background & Context

A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by environmentalist Anamika Rana brought to the Supreme Court’s attention the alarming rise in floods, landslides, and ecological disasters across the Himalayan states—Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, and Jammu & Kashmir. The petitioner cited illegal tree felling as a major contributor to these crises, pointing to viral media footage showing wooden logs floating in floodwaters during recent disasters. The PIL sought the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe illegal logging and propose measures for forest and slope protection in vulnerable regions.

Supreme Court’s Observations

A Bench led by Chief Justice B.R. Gavai and Justice Vinod Chandran expressed grave concern over the accelerating ecological degradation in the Himalayan belt. The Court remarked that the frequency and intensity of natural disasters were clear signs of ‘nature striking back’ against reckless human interference. The Bench observed that the presence of timber in floodwaters indicated rampant illegal logging and poor enforcement of forest conservation laws.

Solicitor General’s Assurance: The Centre assured the Court that the matter was under active review, with environmental agencies already conducting preliminary assessments.

CJI’s Emphasis: The Chief Justice reiterated that while development is necessary, it must never come at the cost of ecological balance, underscoring that the right to development and the right to a healthy environment must coexist.

Court’s Directions and Decision

The Supreme Court issued formal notices to the following entities, seeking comprehensive responses within two weeks: (1). Union Government of India (2). National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA); (3). Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC); (4). Ministry of Jal Shakti

National Highways Authority of India (NHAI); (5). State Governments of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, and Jammu & Kashmir.

The notices seek detailed submissions on: (i) The extent of illegal logging and enforcement measures. (ii) Impact assessments of recent infrastructure projects in sensitive zones. (iii) Restoration plans for degraded forest and watershed areas. (iv) Institutional coordination for climate resilience and disaster mitigation.

Broader Significance and Ecological Implications

The case places Himalayan ecosystem preservation firmly on the national judicial agenda. It signals a shift toward integrated environmental governance, combining forest management, infrastructure regulation, and climate adaptation. May lead to the establishment of special regulatory or monitoring mechanisms to oversee development projects in ecologically fragile areas. Reinforces the constitutional principle under Articles 48A and 51A(g)—the State’s and citizens’ duty to protect and improve the environment. The case aligns with earlier judicial interventions, such as T.N. Godavarman v. Union of India, where the Supreme Court emphasised forest conservation as part of the right to life (Article 21).

Future Outlook

Expected outcomes include tighter environmental clearance norms, ban on commercial tree felling in critical watersheds, and scientific zoning for infrastructure projects. The Court’s active stance may catalyse a Himalayan Environmental Protection Framework, integrating disaster management with sustainable development. If pursued robustly, the PIL could emerge as a landmark case on climate justice and ecological accountability in mountain ecosystems.

SUBJECT TAG―Environment & Ecology / Judicial Activism / Climate Governance

UPSC Relevance―GS Paper III: Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation, Environmental Impact Assessment, Climate Change Adaptation. GS Paper II: Role of Judiciary in Environmental Protection. Essay Topics: 1. The Fragile Himalayas: Balancing Development and Ecological Survival. 2. Judicial Guardianship of Nature: India’s Expanding Green Jurisprudence.

Supreme Court on Reserved Candidates & Age Relaxation in Constable Recruitment

Background & Context

The case stemmed from a Staff Selection Commission (SSC) recruitment process for Constable (GD) posts in paramilitary forces, which prescribed an age limit of 18–23 years, with a three-year relaxation for candidates belonging to the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category. Several OBC aspirants who had availed age relaxation but scored higher than the last selected general category candidates claimed that they should be included in the unreserved (general) merit list. The Calcutta High Court had previously allowed their plea (2018–2019), citing the Supreme Court’s 2010 judgment in Jitendra Kumar Singh v. State of Uttar Pradesh, which permitted OBC candidates to be considered under the general category if their selection was based on merit.

Supreme Court’s Observations

A Bench of Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi found that the High Court had ‘mechanically applied’ the Jitendra Kumar Singh precedent without analysing the specific recruitment framework governing SSC examinations. The Court referred to the Office Memorandum (OM) dated July 1, 1998, which explicitly bars reserved category candidates from being considered under the unreserved category if they have availed relaxation in: (1) Age limits, (2) Number of attempts, or (3) Qualification criteria. The Bench clarified that precedents must be interpreted contextually and cannot override explicit statutory or administrative rules that regulate recruitment. It emphasised that while the principle of merit remains important, equality before law also requires uniform application of eligibility standards.

Court’s Decision

The Supreme Court set aside the Calcutta High Court’s orders. It ruled that: ‘Once a reserved category candidate avails relaxation in age or any other eligibility criterion, they cannot claim consideration under the unreserved category, even if their marks are higher than those of general category candidates.’ The Bench reaffirmed that recruitment rules and government circulars carry binding authority and must be strictly followed.

Legal & Administrative Significance

Clarifies a long-standing ambiguity: The ruling settles confusion arising from differing interpretations of the Jitendra Kumar Singh case, providing clear guidance for all future recruitment drives. Protects integrity of reservation policy: The judgment ensures that age or attempt relaxations meant as affirmative action benefits are not used to bypass open competition norms. Reinforces rule-based governance: It reiterates that ‘merit cannot be used to dilute administrative clarity’ or to reclassify candidates contrary to express policy. Impact on Examinations: The decision will guide recruitments by the SSC, UPSC, and State Public Service Commissions, affecting lakhs of aspirants across India.

Broader Implications

Establishes a consistent framework for reservation-linked relaxations, preventing misuse of dual-category claims. Strengthens legal certainty in competitive examinations and recruitment policy. Aligns with the Court’s broader jurisprudence that affirmative action must operate within the boundaries of administrative fairness.

SUBJECT TAG ― Constitutional Law / Reservation Policy / Recruitment Rules

UPSC Relevance―GS Paper II: Constitutional provisions related to equality and affirmative action; judicial interpretation of reservation policies.

Essay Topics: Balancing Merit and Social Justice: The Evolution of India’s Reservation Jurisprudence. Judicial Safeguards in Recruitment: Ensuring Fairness in Competitive Examinations.

Supreme Court on Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025

Background & Context

The Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, which sought to reform the administration of Islamic charitable endowments in India, was challenged before the Supreme Court for being arbitrary, discriminatory, and violative of constitutional safeguards. A Bench comprising Chief Justice B.R. Gavai and Justice A.G. Masih heard multiple petitions questioning the Act’s validity.

In its interim order dated September 15, 2025, the Court struck a balance—staying key provisions viewed as unconstitutional while allowing the rest of the law to operate. The Bench observed that parliamentary enactments carry a presumption of constitutionality, but judicial intervention was justified to prevent misuse and protect property rights.

Key Provisions Stayed by the Court

(a) Five-Year Faith Requirement―The Act mandated that a person must have practised Islam for at least five years before creating a waqf. The Court held that while continuity of faith may be relevant to ensure authenticity, the law provided no mechanism for verification and could therefore enable arbitrary exclusion. The provision was stayed as it lacked procedural safeguards and infringed upon personal liberty and religious freedom under Articles 14 and 25.

(b) Section 3C – Property Doubts Clause―The proviso allowed waqf status to be revoked if any authority ‘doubted’ that the property was government land. The Court called this ‘totally unconstitutional,’ ruling that executive officers or state governments cannot unilaterally decide title disputes. It reaffirmed that such matters belong to the judiciary, and unilateral dispossession violates the doctrine of separation of powers. Consequently, powers permitting record alteration or property seizure by the executive were stayed.

Reforming Waqf administration in India

Balancing Directions Issued

Protection of Waqf Properties―The Court directed that no waqf property shall be dispossessed or altered until the relevant Waqf Tribunal adjudicates title disputes, subject to High Court oversight.

Safeguard for Government Property―Mutawallis (waqf managers) were restrained from creating third-party rights or transferring possession of disputed properties until the matter is settled, ensuring public land remains protected.

Representation in Waqf Bodies―The Court limited non-Muslim representation in the Central Waqf Council to 4 out of 22 members and in State Waqf Boards to 3 out of 11.

It also ruled that the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of each State Waqf Board should be chosen from the Muslim community ‘as far as possible,’ preserving the religious character of waqf administration while upholding inclusivity.

Provisions Upheld by the Court

(a) Mandatory Registration of Waqfs―The Court upheld the registration requirement, noting that all waqf laws since 1923 have mandated it. It held that unregistered waqfs have had decades to comply and can still do so, ensuring transparency and accountability in property records.

(b) Protected Monuments and Religious Character―The petitioners argued that declaring a waqf property as a protected monument under the 1958 Monuments Act stripped it of religious status. The Court rejected this contention, affirming that customary religious practices can continue at such sites, and heritage protection does not negate religious identity.

(c) Waqfs on Tribal Land―Referring to the Joint Parliamentary Committee’s findings, the Court upheld restrictions on declaring waqfs over tribal land, noting that it would endanger tribal culture and autonomy.

Broader Significance of the Judgment

Judicial Oversight Restored: The order reaffirms that title and ownership disputes must remain under judicial authority, not executive discretion.

Checks on Arbitrary Executive Powers: By staying Sections enabling unilateral government action, the Court curtailed potential abuse of administrative power over religious properties.

Balance Between Faith and Accountability: The decision safeguards religious autonomy while maintaining public interest protections against misuse of waqf assets.

Community Representation: The Court’s directions preserve Muslim-majority leadership in waqf governance but ensure measured inclusion, aligning with India’s secular governance ethos.

SUBJECT TAG ― Constitutional Law / Minority Rights / Judicial Review

UPSC Relevance―GS Paper II: Separation of Powers, Judicial Review, Rights of Minorities, Role of Tribunals. GS Paper III: Governance Reforms and Accountability. Essay Topics: Balancing Faith, Property, and Power: Judicial Oversight of the Waqf Framework in India. When Faith Meets the Constitution: The Judiciary’s Role in Protecting Religious Institutions and Public Interest.

Supreme Court Observation on Criminal Defamation

Background & Context

On September 22, 2025, Justice M.M. Sundresh of the Supreme Court of India expressed concern over the growing misuse of criminal defamation laws by private individuals and political figures to settle personal and political scores. During a hearing, he remarked that the time had come to ‘decriminalise defamation,’ signalling a potential rethinking of the 2016 constitutional precedent that upheld its validity. The observation has reignited a long-standing debate on whether criminal sanctions are compatible with free speech in a democracy.

Constitutional Background

Sections 499–500 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) define and penalise criminal defamation. The Supreme Court, in Subramanian Swamy v. Union of India (2016), upheld the constitutional validity of these provisions, ruling that: (a) Reputation forms part of the fundamental right to life under Article 21, and (b) The law constitutes a ‘reasonable restriction’ on free speech under Article 19(2). Justice Sundresh’s remarks reopen the question of whether criminalising private defamation serves any public purpose, especially when civil remedies (damages and injunctions) already exist.

Justice sundresh observation in defamation law

Case Context: Petition by The Wire and Foundation for Independent Journalism

The observation arose during the hearing of a petition filed by the Foundation for Independent Journalism (publisher of The Wire) and a journalist seeking to quash summons in a defamation case filed by former JNU professor Amita Singh. Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for the petitioners, argued that criminal defamation is repeatedly weaponised to intimidate journalists and political opponents. He cited examples of political prosecutions, including multiple criminal defamation cases against Rahul Gandhi for remarks on political figures and national issues.

Broader Judicial Context and Recent Trends

The Supreme Court has stayed several criminal defamation proceedings in recent months, reflecting growing discomfort with their misuse: (a) Stays on cases involving Rahul Gandhi, Shashi Tharoor, and others over political statements. (b) In August 2025, the Court dismissed a Karnataka minister’s appeal with the observation―’Fight your political battles outside the court’. These judicial interventions suggest that criminal defamation complaints are increasingly seen as tools for political harassment rather than legitimate grievance redressal.

Judicial Standards on Defamation and Reasonableness

In Imran Pratapgarhi v. State of Uttar Pradesh (March 2025), the Supreme Court clarified that: (a) Defamation must be assessed objectively, through the lens of a ‘reasonable and strong-minded individual’, not one who is overly sensitive to criticism. (b) The Court invoked the metaphor of ‘the man on the top of a Clapham omnibus’—an English legal standard representing a reasonable member of society. (c) The ruling underscored that democracy demands tolerance for sharp or critical speech, and mere offence cannot justify criminal prosecution.

Significance of Justice Sundresh’s Observation

Judicial Shift in Tone: Marks a notable departure from the 2016 stance, reflecting a possible evolution of constitutional thinking on free speech and reputation. Misuse by Political Actors: Acknowledges that criminal defamation often functions as a chilling tool against dissent, especially in journalism and opposition politics. Revives Debate on Decriminalisation: Rekindles calls to reform or repeal criminal defamation, aligning India with global democratic standards where defamation is largely a civil wrong. Balance Between Rights: Reframes the tension between Article 19(1)(a) (freedom of speech) and Article 21 (right to reputation), advocating a civil-law approach that protects both dignity and debate.

SUBJECT TAG ― Constitutional Law / Freedom of Speech / Criminal Law Reform

UPSC Relevance―GS Paper II: Fundamental Rights—Article 19(1)(a), Reasonable Restrictions under Article 19(2), Judicial Review of Criminal Laws. GS Paper III: Governance, Ethics, and Accountability—Free Speech and Public Responsibility. Essay Topics: 1. Free Speech vs Reputation: Should India Decriminalise Defamation? 2. In Defence of Dissent: The Constitutional Boundaries of Offence and Criticism.

STATES

TAMIL NADU

GREEN HYDROGEN PILOT AND PORT MODERNISATION AT TUTICORIN

Background & Context: On the birth anniversary of V.O. Chidambaranar, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated a landmark Green Hydrogen Pilot Project at V.O. Chidambaranar Port, Tuticorin, alongside major infrastructure developments. The initiative combines India’s maritime legacy with its clean energy future, marking Tuticorin as a frontrunner in sustainable port transformation under the Sagarmala initiative.

Green Hydrogen Plant: A Clean Energy Milestone

Objective: To position Tuticorin Port as an early adopter of hydrogen-based energy systems within India’s port ecosystem.

Significance: Supports the National Green Hydrogen Mission and strengthens India’s decarbonisation agenda for the maritime sector.

Impact: Reduces port emissions, promotes energy efficiency, and sets a model for integrating renewable energy into port operations.

Key Infrastructure Projects Inaugurated

Project	Purpose / Impact
Tenth Container Terminal (7.4 ha)	Enhances cargo handling and logistics capacity, improving regional trade efficiency.
110 kV Substation	Provides stable power for port expansion and green energy integration.
6 MW Wind Energy Project (₹59 crore)	Adds renewable power generation capacity for port operations.
Green Campus Drive	Promotes environmental sustainability through tree plantation and waste management.

Historical and Cultural Significance

The event was dedicated to V.O. Chidambaranar, the freedom fighter who founded the Swadeshi Steam Navigation Company, symbolising India’s maritime self-reliance during the independence movement. The celebrations honoured his contribution to India’s shipping independence, linking past ideals of Swadeshi to present-day Atmanirbhar Bharat goals.

Strategic Impact

Positions Tuticorin as a hub for green shipping technologies and eco-friendly port management. Aligns with India’s Sagarmala Vision and Maritime Amrit Kaal 2047, aiming for zero-carbon logistics corridors. Strengthens India’s leadership in sustainable maritime infrastructure, integrating clean energy with industrial modernization.

GREENFIELD SHIPYARD MOU – MAZAGON DOCK SHIPBUILDERS & TAMIL NADU (SEPTEMBER 19, 2025)

Overview: Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) signed an MoU with the Government of Tamil Nadu to explore the establishment of a world-class greenfield shipyard on India’s eastern coast. The initiative forms part of the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, aimed at building a globally competitive shipbuilding and defence manufacturing ecosystem.

Key Partnership Details:

Signatories: Shri Biju George (MDL) and Dr. Darez Ahamed, IAS (Guidance Tamil Nadu).

Venue: Bhavnagar, Gujarat, during a Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways event.

Witnessed by: Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, reaffirming the Centre’s commitment to maritime innovation and job creation.

Strategic Importance

Expands India’s shipbuilding capacity on the eastern coast, complementing western infrastructure (Mazagon, Goa, Cochin). Boosts naval readiness, exports, and blue economy capabilities. Expected to generate high-value employment and position Tamil Nadu as a maritime excellence hub. Leverages MDL’s technical expertise in warships, submarines, and advanced vessels to promote indigenous manufacturing.

KARUR STAMPEDE AND ENNORE SEZ ACCIDENT (SEPTEMBER 2025)

Karur Political Rally Stampede (September 27, 2025)

Incident: At a massive rally addressed by actor-politician Vijay in Karur, Tamil Nadu, a crowd surge caused a stampede, killing 39 people and injuring over 80.

Circumstances: The crowd had been gathering since morning; panic broke out as Vijay’s convoy arrived.

Immediate Response: Vijay halted his address, helped victims with water and called for ambulances.

Government Action: CM M.K. Stalin announced ₹10 lakh compensation for the deceased, ₹1 lakh for the injured, and ordered a judicial probe led by a retired High Court judge.

Ennore SEZ Thermal Power Plant Accident (September 30, 2025)

Incident: Collapse of scaffolding at the 1,320-MW Ennore SEZ project killed nine migrant workers from Assam and injured one.

Cause: Structural failure while working at a height of 20 feet.

Response: (i) Police registered a case for negligence and safety violations. (ii) Senior power department officials visited Stanley Hospital to oversee medical and relief measures.

Significance: Highlights recurring safety lapses in large infrastructure projects and the vulnerability of migrant labour in industrial zones.

SUBJECT TAG ― Environment & Infrastructure / Maritime Economy / Industrial Safety

UPSC Relevance―GS Paper III: Energy, Infrastructure, and Environment; Maritime Economy; Industrial Safety. Essay Topics: 1. Ports as Engines of Green Growth: India’s Path to a Sustainable Maritime Future. 2. Industrial Expansion and Worker Safety: Balancing Development with Human Dignity in India’s Growth Story.

MANIPUR

SUSPENSION OF OPERATIONS (SOO) PACT WITH KUKI-ZO GROUPS

Date: September 3, 2025

Parties Involved: Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Government of Manipur, and Kuki-Zo insurgent groups

Overview: After months of negotiations, the Union and State governments signed a renewed Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with Kuki-Zo armed groups under revised terms to restore peace and order in Manipur.

Key Ground Rules:

Cadre Verification: All Kuki-Zo militants to undergo formal verification by designated security agencies.
Foreign Nationals: Deportation of any non-Indian nationals found among the cadres.
Relocation of Camps: Insurgent camps to be relocated under supervision, with strict demarcation and monitoring.
Weapons Management: All arms to be stored in CRPF/BSF armouries, ensuring no unauthorised possession or movement of arms.

Political Clause: The revised pact includes a new provision for a ‘negotiated political settlement within the Constitution of India,’ opening a framework for constitutional dialogue without separatist overtones.

Reopening of NH-2 Corridor:

The Kuki-Zo Council agreed to reopen the Imphal–Dimapur National Highway (NH-2), Manipur’s main commercial artery, which had been blocked for nearly two years, severely affecting the State’s economy and essential supplies.

Reactions:

COCOMI (Meitei organisation): Rejected the agreement as ‘undemocratic,’ arguing it contradicts the Manipur Assembly’s 2024 resolution that called for revocation of the SoO and alleged it undermines the interests of the valley’s indigenous population.
BJP MLA Khemchand Singh: Welcomed the reopening of NH-2, calling it ‘a milestone in restoring normalcy and rebuilding confidence between communities.’

Context: The SoO framework, first signed in 2008, was designed to halt hostilities between security forces and Kuki insurgent groups. It was briefly suspended in 2024 amid escalating ethnic violence between Meiteis and Kuki-Zos, which has since claimed over 250 lives and displaced nearly 60,000 people. The fresh agreement precedes Prime Minister Modi’s September 13 visit to Manipur, signalling renewed central focus on peace-building and reconciliation.

LAW REGULATING CASTE CERTIFICATES IN MANIPUR

Background: The Manipur Regulation of Issuance and Verification of Caste Certificates Act, 2024, received Presidential assent in July 2025, bringing uniformity and transparency to caste verification processes. The law was introduced during the ethnic conflict to prevent misuse and fraudulent claims regarding caste-based benefits and reservations.

Key Provisions:

Application Procedure: Specifies step-by-step guidelines for applying for caste certificates for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Other Backward Classes (OBCs).
Competent Authorities: Only authorised officers can issue caste certificates, ensuring procedural authenticity.

Scrutiny Committees: (a) Empowered to verify authenticity of caste certificates. (b) Can conduct suo motu inquiries into doubtful or fraudulent certificates.

Safeguards: Certificates remain valid during the verification process. The committee’s decision is final, appealable only before the Manipur High Court.

Reservation Composition in Manipur:

Scheduled Castes (SC): 7 recognised communities—2% reservation
Other Backward Classes (OBC): 4 recognised communities—17% reservation
Scheduled Tribes (ST): 31% reservation

Context and Significance: The law aligns with verification models in Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh, which use scrutiny mechanisms to prevent fake caste claims. It aims to strengthen administrative fairness in distributing reservation benefits and restore trust in social justice measures amid ethnic sensitivities.

Broader Significance (Manipur 2025): The dual developments—a renewed peace accord with Kuki-Zo groups and a governance reform law on caste verification—reflect Manipur’s twin priorities: (a) Security Stabilisation through negotiated peace and highway reopening. (b) Administrative Integrity through legal mechanisms ensuring equity and social order. Together, they indicate a calibrated attempt to restore confidence, ensure inclusion, and rebuild governance legitimacy in one of India’s most volatile states.

SUBJECT TAG—Internal Security / Peace Processes & Insurgency / Governance & Social Justice / North-East Affairs

UPSC Relevance―GS Paper II: Federalism & Centre–State relations; Role of Governor/MHA; Welfare mechanisms & affirmative action; Policy design during ethnic conflict; Transparency in service delivery. GS Paper III: Internal Security—insurgency & peace accords (SoO), border & highway security (NH-2), crime prevention & arms management; Disaster-like humanitarian displacement management. GS Paper IV (Ethics): Conflict sensitivity, fairness in public administration (caste verification), balancing rights with order.

Essay Topics: 1. Peace by Pieces? Evaluating Suspension-of-Operations Agreements as Tools of Conflict Management in the North-East. 2. Roads as Lifelines: How Transport Corridors Shape Security, Economy, and Reconciliation in Conflict Zones. 3. Rule of Law in Fractured Societies: Caste Verification, Due Process, and Trust in Public Institutions. 4. Balancing Constitutionalism and Identity: Designing Political Settlements Within the Indian Framework. 5. From Ceasefire to Social Cohesion: What It Takes to Convert Security Pacts into Sustainable Peace.

ANDHRA PRADESH

SPACE CITY AND DEFENCE HUBS DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVES

Background & Context: Andhra Pradesh is emerging as a pivotal player in India’s aerospace, defence, and space-tech ecosystem. The state government has unveiled ambitious projects worth ₹3,400 crore aimed at strengthening indigenous capabilities, promoting private participation, and aligning with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision. These projects, anchored at Tirupati and Madakasira, mark Andhra Pradesh’s entry into the league of states hosting integrated aerospace and defence clusters.

Tirupati Space City: Private-Sector Space Launch Ecosystem

Objective: To establish Tirupati as a leading private satellite and launch vehicle hub in India.

Investment: ₹400 crore in collabouration with Skyroot Aerospace, founded by ex-ISRO scientists.

Strategic Advantage: The city’s proximity to ISRO’s Propulsion Complex enables efficient resource utilization, technology synergy, and operational convenience for private launch initiatives.

Expected Outcomes: Boosts India’s small-satellite launch ecosystem, creates skilled jobs, and strengthens the state’s role in national space missions.

Madakasira Defence Hub: Advancing Self-Reliance in Defence Manufacturing

Investment: ₹3,000 crore across aerospace components, defence electronics, and weapon systems.

Focus Areas: MSME participation, local supply-chain development, and advanced manufacturing of critical defence technologies.

Economic & Strategic Impact: Expected to generate large-scale employment, attract foreign investment, and integrate Andhra Pradesh into the national defence corridor network.

Government Vision: Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has positioned these projects as cornerstones of the state’s economic transformation, emphasizing technology-led industrialisation, defence exports, and self-reliant innovation.

GLOBAL TOURISM AWARD 2025 AND AI-POWERED ICCC AT TIRUMALA

Andhra Pradesh Tourism Department Wins Global Recognition

Achievement: The state won the Global Tourism Award 2025 for its exemplary efforts in sustainable tourism, heritage conservation, and cultural promotion.

Recipient: Tourism consultant Nishitha Goyal received the award in New Delhi, marking a milestone for Andhra Pradesh’s tourism policy success.

Significance: The award acknowledges the state’s innovative tourism circuits, community-driven models, and eco-friendly initiatives that blend culture with development.

Tourism as a Growth Engine:

Segment Highlight

Spiritual Tourism Tirupati, Srisailam, Amaravati
Heritage Tourism Lepakshi Temple, Undavalli Caves, Buddhist Sites
Coastal Tourism Visakhapatnam, Bheemunipatnam, Kakinada
Eco-Adventure Tourism Araku Valley, Lambasingi, Papikondalu
AI-Powered Integrated Command & Control Centre (ICCC), Tirumala

Launch: Inaugurated on September 25, 2025, by CM N. Chandrababu Naidu, the ICCC represents India’s first AI-driven temple management system, integrating governance with spirituality.

Technology & Features:

AI-based analytics monitor crowd density, queue patterns, and emergencies.
Facial recognition, drone surveillance, and 3D congestion mapping ensure pilgrim safety.
Predictive insights enable real-time management of accommodation, entry points, and services.

Impact: Enhances pilgrim experience, reduces waiting time, and ensures smooth darshan operations for millions of devotees annually.

Strategic Vision: The Tirumala ICCC model showcases how smart governance principles can be adapted for religious and cultural institutions, reflecting a fusion of tradition and technology in India’s development journey.

SUBJECT TAG ― Space Technology / Defence Industry / Tourism & AI Integration

UPSC Relevance ― GS Paper III: Infrastructure, Science & Technology, Tourism Development, Artificial Intelligence.

Essay Topics: 1. India’s Emerging Space Economy: Private Innovation and State Synergy. 2. Technology Meets Tradition: AI’s Role in Transforming Pilgrim Tourism in India.

JAMMU & KASHMIR

HAZRATBAL SHRINE CONTROVERSY (SEPTEMBER 2025)

Background & Context: On September 5, 2025, protests broke out at the Hazratbal Shrine in Srinagar following the vandalism of a plaque bearing the National Emblem. The incident quickly escalated into a political and religious controversy, reflecting the ongoing tensions between religious sentiment, administrative decisions, and political rivalry in the Union Territory.

Sequence of Events and Political Reactions

Aspect Details

Trigger Vandalism of a plaque engraved with the National Emblem at the Hazratbal Shrine, a revered site housing the relic of Prophet Muhammad.
Political Fallout Chief Minister Omar Abdullah accused the Lieutenant Governor’s administration of insensitivity for not shifting the Prophet’s birthday holiday according to the moon sighting.
Religious Objection NC MLA Tanvir Sadiq contended that the installation of sculpted figures at a sacred shrine violated Islamic traditions.
Waqf Board’s Stand Chairperson Dr. Darakshan Andrabi condemned the vandalism, blamed the National Conference (NC) for provocation, and demanded strict FIRs under the Public Safety Act (PSA).
Escalation Andrabi’s remarks about ‘jailing worshippers who incite disorder’ led to larger demonstrations and counter-statements from NC leaders, who alleged disrespect of faith and misuse of religious administration.

Historical Context: The Hazratbal Shrine, constructed in the 1970s under NC patronage, came under the Waqf Board’s authority after J&K’s reorganisation as a Union Territory in 2019—a shift that has since been politically contentious.

Significance: The episode reflects deep intersections of faith, politics, and governance in J&K’s post-UT phase. It underscores the need for sensitive religious administration and highlights the polarised political environment in the region.

INNOVATION DRIVE UNDER ATAL INNOVATION MISSION (AIM)

Launch of ATL SARTHI & FRONTIER REGION PROGRAMME

Overview: Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh inaugurated the ATL Sarthi and Frontier Region Programme at the University of Kashmir, announcing 500 new Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs) with an investment of ₹100 crore—the

Bridging Innovation Divide in J&K

Frontier Region Focus:

Targets tribal, hilly, and underserved regions across J&K.
Provides 3D printing, robotics kits, coding platforms, and STEM innovation tools.
Aims to bridge the urban-rural innovation divide and prepare students for future technologies under the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.

ATL Sarthi: Mentorship and Monitoring Framework

Focuses on lab performance tracking, mentorship, and teacher capacity building.
The University of Kashmir will serve as a regional hub for teacher training and innovation facilitation.
Encourages peer learning and inter-school collabouration to build a sustainable innovation ecosystem.

Private Sector Partnerships

Partner Contribution

Boeing India Technical mentorship and aerospace innovation modules.
Amazon India Cloud computing, AI-based learning tools, and digital training support.
Pi Jam Foundation STEM curriculum design and maker-space models for schools.
Learning Links Foundation Teacher workshops and innovation monitoring frameworks.

Strategic Impact: The initiative positions Jammu & Kashmir as a frontier region for India’s innovation ecosystem. It promotes local entrepreneurship, enhances science education, and builds a culture of creativity in remote areas, aligning education with national development goals.

SUBJECT TAG―Politics & Governance / Science & Technology / Education & Innovation

UPSC Relevance―GS Paper II: Governance, Issues in Federal Relations; GS Paper III: Science & Technology, Innovation & Skill Development. Essay Topics: 1. Balancing Faith, Politics, and Governance in Post-Reorganisation Jammu & Kashmir. 2. Innovation Beyond Metros: The Role of Frontier Regions in India’s Technological Future.

RAJASTHAN

AI FOR INDIAN LANGUAGES—IIT JODHPUR INITIATIVE

Background & Context: Under India’s vision for digital empowerment and inclusivity by 2047, IIT Jodhpur has emerged as a national centre for AI innovation in Indian languages. The initiative, led by the Vision–Language and Learning Group (VL2G) under Prof. Anand Mishra, integrates cutting-edge AI with India’s linguistic and cultural heritage to promote digital inclusion across regions.

VL2G and the Bhashini Project Contributions

Objective: To create open-source AI models, APIs, and datasets that bridge India’s linguistic diversity and enable machine understanding of local languages.

Key Achievements: Developed open-source APIs for text recognition, translation, and natural language processing across 13 Indian languages—Hindi, Marathi, Gujarati, Punjabi, Bengali, Assamese, Odia, Manipuri, Malayalam, Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu. Advanced multimodal AI tools for vision-language integration, supporting visual text understanding (e.g., road signs, boards, menus).

Applications and Use-Cases

Domain Applications―1. Navigation AI-assisted multilingual road and shop signage reading for travelers. 2. Education & Tourism Real-time text and speech translation for students and tourists. 3. Accessibility Language recognition tools for visually or hearing-impaired users.

Cultural Heritage Preservation

Partnerships: In collabouration with IGNCA and TIH–iHUB Drishti, IIT Jodhpur is applying deep learning to the digital restoration of ancient Sanskrit, Pali, and Telugu manuscripts.
Innovation: OCR systems are being trained to reconstruct degraded or partially damaged texts, preserving India’s literary and cultural archives.

Strategic Relevance: This initiative positions Rajasthan as a national hub for AI-driven linguistic innovation, strengthening India’s digital public infrastructure, cultural continuity, and global AI competitiveness.

₹1.22 LAKH CRORE DEVELOPMENT PACKAGE—ENERGY, INFRASTRUCTURE & WELFARE

Overview: The Prime Minister unveiled a ₹1.22 lakh crore development package for Rajasthan, marking a transformative step in energy transition, water management, connectivity, and inclusive growth. The initiatives collectively reinforce the state’s role as a driver of India’s green growth and industrial modernisation.

Key Sectoral Components

Sector	Project / Initiative	Value (₹ crore)	Impact
Nuclear Energy	Mahi Banswara Atomic Power Project (4×700 MW reactors)	42,000	Strengthens indigenous nuclear power generation and creates substantial local employment.
Solar & Renewable Parks	Jaisalmer, Jalore, Sikar, Phalodi, Bikaner	13,180	Expands Rajasthan’s renewable energy capacity and enhances transmission infrastructure.
Rural Energy	PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, PM-KUSUM	16,050	Promotes solar irrigation and significantly reduces dependence on diesel energy.
Water Security	Dam rejuvenation, canal works, AMRUT 2.0 for clean water	26,710	Ensures safe drinking water and reliable irrigation for tribal and rural communities.
Connectivity	Highways, bridges, Vande Bharat trains	2,630	Boosts trade, tourism, and regional accessibility through better transport infrastructure.
Employment & Welfare	PM Janman, Eklavya, Van Dhan, MSP expansion	—	Focuses on tribal development, livelihood generation, and inclusive economic growth.

Strategic Impact

Establishes Rajasthan as India’s clean-energy powerhouse, leveraging nuclear, solar, and rural energy convergence.
Accelerates socio-economic growth in southern tribal districts like Banswara, Dungarpur, and Udaipur through energy-linked employment.
Advances green infrastructure and welfare inclusivity, aligning with India’s Viksit Bharat 2047 roadmap.

SUBJECT TAG ― Artificial Intelligence / Energy & Infrastructure / Inclusive Development

UPSC Relevance―GS Paper III: Science & Technology (AI & NLP), Infrastructure, Energy Security, and Environment. Essay Topics: 1. Bridging India’s Linguistic Diversity through Artificial Intelligence: The Case of IIT Jodhpur. 2. Rajasthan’s Clean-Energy Transformation: Balancing Development, Ecology, and Inclusion.

MAHARASHTRA

LABOUR LAW REFORMS FOR INVESTMENT, JOBS, AND WORKER WELFARE

Background & Context: Maharashtra has introduced a comprehensive set of labour law reforms to attract industrial investment, generate employment, and modernize its labour market framework. These amendments bring the state in alignment with reform-oriented peers such as Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, and Tripura—creating a more flexible and competitive business environment while retaining essential worker safeguards.

Key Amendments and Provisions

Legislation Reform Details Expected Impact

Factories Act, 1948― (a) Daily work hours extended from 9 to 12. (b) Rest breaks after 6 hours (earlier 5). (c) Overtime cap raised from 115 to 144 hours per quarter (with written consent). (d) Weekly limit revised from 10.5 to 12 hours. Enhances production flexibility during peak demand and reduces labour shortages.

Maharashtra Shops & Establishments Act, 2017―(a) Daily work hours extended from 9 to 10. (b) Overtime limit increased to 144 hours per quarter. (c) Emergency duty permissible up to 12 hours. (d) Simplified compliance for establishments with fewer than 20 workers (intimation only). Streamlines regulatory compliance, encourages MSME growth, and formalises employment.

Worker-Centric Safeguards and Policy Objectives

(i) Overtime wages to be paid at double the regular rate, ensuring fair compensation.

(ii) Extended hours permissible only with written worker consent.

(iii) Labour Department highlighted benefits for women workers through safer, flexible scheduling.

(iv) Reforms are projected to boost job creation, attract domestic and foreign investment, and strengthen Maharashtra’s role as India’s industrial and services hub.

Strategic Impact: The reform aligns Maharashtra’s labour ecosystem with Ease of Doing Business benchmarks while preserving the constitutional balance between industrial efficiency and worker welfare.

NEW GOVERNOR’S APPOINTMENT—ACHARYA DEVVRAT (SEPTEMBER 2025)

Appointment and Oath-Taking: On 15 September 2025, Acharya Devvrat, Governor of Gujarat, was sworn in as the new Governor of Maharashtra, following C.P. Radhakrishnan’s elevation to the office of Vice-President of India. The oath was administered at Raj Bhavan, Mumbai, by Bombay High Court Chief Justice Shree Chandrashekhar.

Profile and Background: (a) Former Gurukul principal, educationist, and social reformer. (b) Served as Governor of Himachal Pradesh (2015–2019) and Gujarat (2019–2025). (c) Known for promoting natural farming, Ayurveda, and educational reform. (d) Advocates Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of governance based on ethics, sustainability, and rural empowerment.

Constitutional Context: Under Article 153 of the Constitution, a person may serve as Governor for multiple states simultaneously. Such additional charges ensure constitutional continuity and administrative stability during transitions. His dual role exemplifies the federal balance between Centre–State coordination and executive responsibility.

RENAMING OF AHMEDNAGAR RAILWAY STATION TO AHILYANAGAR

Background & Context: The Ahmednagar Railway Station has been officially renamed Ahilyanagar Railway Station to honour Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar (1725–1795), the revered Holkar queen celebrated for her visionary governance, promotion of education, and temple restoration across India.

Significance of the Renaming: (a) Symbolic of Maratha heritage, women’s leadership, and cultural pride. (b) Complements the renaming of Ahmednagar district to Ahilyanagar, reinforcing regional identity. (c) Reflects the government’s commitment to cultural remembrance and historical recognition. (d) Implementation and Approval Process:

Stage Details―(a) Proposal Initiated by the Maharashtra government and supported by local citizens. Deputy CM Ajit Pawar submitted the proposal to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. (b) Approval Received clearance from the Union Home Ministry following verification and consultations. (c) Execution The Railway Board notified the new name; updated signages in Marathi, Hindi, and English installed. The station code (ANG) remains unchanged for operational consistency.

Legacy of Ahilyabai Holkar: Ahilyabai Holkar, ruler of the Holkar dynasty of Indore, is remembered for her administrative vision, public works, and temple restorations—notably in Kashi, Somnath, and Gaya. Her governance was marked by justice, compassion, and economic prudence, earning her a revered place in Indian history.

SUBJECT TAG―Governance & Federalism / Labour & Economic Reforms / Heritage & Identity

UPSC Relevance―GS Paper II: Constitution, Polity, and Governance; GS Paper III: Inclusive Growth, Labour Reforms, Infrastructure. Essay Topics: 1. Labour Reform in India: Balancing Flexibility with Fairness. 2. Remembering Ahilyabai Holkar: Cultural Heritage and Women’s Leadership in Modern Governance.

HIMACHAL PRADESH

₹1,500 CRORE RELIEF PACKAGE AFTER FLOODS (AUGUST–SEPTEMBER 2025)

Background & Context: Following unprecedented monsoon floods that devastated large parts of Himachal Pradesh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi conducted an aerial survey over Kangra and adjoining districts. In response to the severe loss of life, infrastructure, and livelihoods, the Centre announced a ₹1,500 crore relief and rehabilitation package to accelerate recovery and reconstruction efforts.

Immediate Relief and Assistance

Measure Details―(a) Central Aid ₹1,500 crore relief package announced by the Prime Minister. (b) Ex-Gratia ₹2 lakh for each deceased victim and ₹50,000 for the injured. (c) Direct Support Immediate release of the second instalment of the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) and the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi instalment for affected farmers.

Community Outreach―The PM personally engaged with affected families and district officials to ensure transparent fund utilization and speedy compensation.

Rehabilitation & Reconstruction Framework

Component Key Measures

(a) Housing Rebuilding flood-damaged homes under PM Awas Yojana – Gramin, with geotagging-enabled monitoring for transparency.

(b) Infrastructure Road and highway repair to restore connectivity to isolated mountain communities.

(c) Livelihood Support Financial aid to farmers and livestock owners; distribution of mini-kits to restore agriculture and animal husbandry.

(d) Education Assessment and reconstruction of flood-affected schools under Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan, with provision for digital learning tools.

(e) Water Resilience Construction of rainwater recharge pits and watershed structures to prevent future flash-flood vulnerability.

Strategic Importance

(i) Represents a fast-tracked central intervention integrating relief with sectoral schemes in housing, agriculture, and education.

(ii) Promotes accountability through geotagged tracking of funds and construction progress.

(iii) Strengthens Centre–State coordination for climate-resilient rebuilding and sustainable hill-area management.

HIMACHAL PRADESH DECLARED FULLY LITERATE (SEPTEMBER 8, 2025)

Background & Context: On International Literacy Day 2025, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu declared Himachal Pradesh a fully literate state with an impressive literacy rate of 99.3%, making it India’s first state to cross the 99% threshold.

Historic Literacy Journey

Indicator Progress―(a) Post-Independence Literacy Rate 7% (1950s); (b) Literacy Rate in 2025 99.3%, surpassing the national average of 95%; (c) National Ranking No. 1 in student–teacher ratio and rural literacy coverage.

Drivers of Success―(a) Robust teacher recruitment and training programs. (b) Expansion of school infrastructure, particularly in tribal and remote areas. (c) Curriculum modernisation to align with NEP 2020 goals. (d) Sustained community-led literacy campaigns and adult education initiatives since the 1980s.

Future Vision for Education―(a) Government schools to be upgraded into centres of excellence with smart classrooms and digital infrastructure. (b) Greater emphasis on vocational and skill-based education to prepare youth for emerging job markets. (c) Expansion of innovation and research-based learning frameworks across secondary and higher education institutions.

Recognition: Education Minister Rohit Thakur highlighted the achievement as the culmination of decades-long investment in universal education and grassroots literacy movements that transformed Himachal into India’s most literate state.

SUBJECT TAG ― Disaster Management / Education & Human Development

UPSC Relevance ― GS Paper II: Education, Literacy & Human Resource Development; GS Paper III: Disaster Management & Climate Resilience. Essay Topics: 1. Rebuilding After the Storm: Integrating Relief, Resilience, and Reconstruction in Disaster-Prone Regions. 2. From Mountains to Milestones: Himachal Pradesh’s Journey Toward 100% Literacy and Educational Excellence.

PUNJAB

₹1,600 CRORE FLOOD RELIEF PACKAGE (AUGUST–SEPTEMBER 2025)

Background & Context: Following weeks of heavy monsoon rains and widespread flooding across districts such as Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Jalandhar, and Hoshiarpur, Prime Minister Narendra Modi conducted an aerial survey of the affected regions. In response, the Centre announced a ₹1,600 crore relief package for Punjab—in addition to the ₹12,000 crore already sanctioned earlier in the year—to aid recovery and strengthen long-term flood resilience.

Central and State Relief Measures

Type of Support Details―(a) Financial Assistance ₹1,600 crore flood relief announced by the PM; release of the second instalment of SDRF to the state. (b) Direct Farmer Support Continued disbursement of PM Kisan Samman Nidhi to eligible farmers for immediate relief. (c) Ex-Gratia Compensation ₹2 lakh for deceased victims; ₹50,000 for injured individuals. (d) PM CARES Support Aid provided for orphaned children and displaced families under the PM CARES Fund framework.

Infrastructure and Livelihood Recovery

Sector Key Interventions―(i) Housing Reconstruction of destroyed or damaged homes under PM Awas Yojana – Gramin, with geotagged monitoring for transparency. (ii) Roads & Connectivity Restoration of damaged national highways, rural link roads, and bridges to revive supply chains and mobility. (iii) Education Rebuilding of flood-affected schools and classrooms under Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan, ensuring continuity of education. (iv) Agriculture Distribution of agro mini-kits, revival of borewells under RKVY, and transition of diesel-powered pumps to solar energy systems (MNRE). (v) Water Management Promotion of micro-irrigation under PM Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) and construction of rainwater harvesting and aquifer recharge structures under the Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari initiative.

Administrative Coordination and Field Response

Inter-Ministerial Central Teams deployed to assess ground-level damage, evaluate compensation needs, and recommend resilient rebuilding strategies.
The Prime Minister commended the NDRF, SDRF, Armed Forces, and local volunteers for their swift and coordinated response in rescue, relief, and medical operations.

Strategic Importance―(a) Reinforces Centre–State coordination in disaster management and rehabilitation. (b) Integrates short-term relief with long-term sustainability goals—especially solar adoption, water conservation, and climate adaptation. (c) Demonstrates a holistic approach to recovery combining infrastructure restoration, livelihood regeneration, and social welfare.

SUBJECT TAG―Disaster Management / Rural Development / Agriculture & Water Conservation

UPSC Relevance―GS Paper II: Governance & Welfare Schemes; GS Paper III: Disaster Management, Agriculture, and Environment. Essay Topics: 1. Building Back Better: Integrating Relief and Resilience in India’s Flood-Prone Regions. 2. Punjab’s Flood Recovery: A Model for Climate-Responsive Rural Reconstruction.

BIHAR

ROYAL BHUTAN BUDDHIST TEMPLE INAUGURATED IN RAJGIR (SEPTEMBER 4, 2025)

Background & Context: In a landmark cultural event symbolising deep India–Bhutan friendship, the Royal Bhutan Buddhist Temple was inaugurated at Rajgir, Bihar, by Bhutan Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay and Union Minister Kiren Rijiju. The temple, constructed with Bhutanese craftsmanship and spiritual symbolism, enhances Rajgir’s significance as a global Buddhist pilgrimage destination.

Cultural and Spiritual Importance

Rajgir’s Legacy: Site of Lord Buddha’s sermons and the First Buddhist Council, Rajgir continues to attract Buddhist pilgrims from across the world.

Temple Design: Embodies Bhutanese spiritual aesthetics, intricate woodwork, and mural art representing compassion and enlightenment.

Symbol of Friendship: The event showcased Bhutanese rituals and reaffirmed India–Bhutan’s shared Buddhist heritage and people-to-people ties.

Strategic and Diplomatic Significance

(i) Promotes Buddhist circuit tourism, linking Rajgir with Bodh Gaya, Nalanda, and Lumbini.

(ii) Strengthens India–Bhutan cultural diplomacy, fostering spiritual tourism and regional connectivity.

(iii) Minister Rijiju hailed it as a milestone in ‘spiritual diplomacy’ aligning with India’s Neighbourhood First and Act East policies.

₹7,500 CRORE WOMEN EMPOWERMENT PUSH—Mukhyamantri Mahila Rozgar Yojana

Overview: Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched Bihar’s flagship Mukhyamantri Mahila Rozgar Yojana, transferring ₹10,000 each to 75 lakh women beneficiaries through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). With a total outlay of ₹7,500 crore, it stands among the largest women-led economic empowerment drives in India.

Key Features and Implementation

Component Details

(i) Seed Funding―₹10,000 to each beneficiary for starting small-scale enterprises.

(ii) Expansion Grant―Additional grant up to ₹2 lakh based on business performance.

(iii) Eligible Activities―Tailoring, grocery retail, handicrafts, livestock rearing, and small farming ventures.

(iv) Coverage and Eligibility―Women aged 18–60 years from low-income nuclear families; non–income-tax payers; special provisions for unmarried or Jeevika SHG-linked women.

(v) Administrative Mechanism―Jointly managed by Rural Development Department (rural) and Urban Development Department (urban); integrated with the SHG network for implementation and capacity building.

Scale and Impact

(a) Over 1.11 crore applications received within the first phase.

(b) Designed to create micro-entrepreneurial opportunities, reduce migration pressure, and boost women’s financial autonomy.

(c) Politically significant as a pre-election welfare initiative, showcasing Bihar’s model of women-led economic revival.

NCRB DATA AND MIGRATION DEBATE

Background: As migration resurfaced as a major political issue ahead of Bihar’s Assembly elections, NCRB’s Crime in India Report 2023 revealed that only five cases were registered under the Foreigners and Passport Acts in Bihar during 2023—among the lowest in the country.

Comparative Data and Political Implications

2023 Cases under Foreigners/Passport Acts	Political Implications
Bihar―5 Cases	Very low incidence; indicates limited cross-border movement and less politicization around migration issues.
West Bengal―1,050 Cases	High number of cases; directly impacts border security debates, NRC–CAA discourse, and electoral narratives around illegal immigration.
Tripura―277 Cases	Moderate incidence; reflects persistent concerns over porous borders with Bangladesh and ethnic–demographic sensitivities in state politics.

Analysis: Despite the minimal figures, migration continues to dominate electoral narratives, with political leaders linking it to voter roll revisions and border management. NCRB also reported: (a) 10.7% rise in foreign prisoners, primarily Bangladeshi nationals. (b) UAPA cases decreased from 1,005 (2022) to 750 (2023). (c) Environment-related offences up by 30%, largely from tobacco and noise violations.

Interpretation: These patterns indicate that Bihar’s migration discourse is driven more by political positioning than data, while the state’s law-and-order profile remains relatively stable.

NH-139W GREENFIELD HIGHWAY PROJECT (SAHEBGANJ–ARERAJ–BETTIAH SECTION)

Project Overview: The Union Cabinet approved the construction of a ₹3,822 crore greenfield highway (78.9 km) between Sahebganj–Areraj–Bettiah under the Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM), as part of the PM Gati Shakti Master Plan.

Strategic Benefits

Travel Efficiency: Reduces Patna–Bettiah travel time from 2.5 hours to 1 hour.

Trade Connectivity: Strengthens road access to the Indo–Nepal border, agricultural markets, and emerging industrial zones.

Tourism Boost: Links major Buddhist and Jain heritage sites―including Kesariya Stupa, Vaishali, and Mahavir Temple―enhancing regional cultural circuits.

National Importance―Integrates 7 economic nodes, 6 social nodes, and 8 logistics hubs, expanding multimodal infrastructure in North Bihar. Expected to catalyse cross-border trade, tourism, and industrial development, aligning with the broader Gati Shakti Vision 2047.

SUBJECT TAG ― Culture & Diplomacy / Women Empowerment / Governance & Infrastructure

UPSC Relevance ― GS Paper I: Indian Culture & Heritage; GS Paper II: Governance, Women Empowerment; GS Paper III: Infrastructure & Economic Development.

Essay Topics: 1. From Rajgir to Thimphu: Buddhism as a Bridge of India–Bhutan Friendship. 2. Women’s Economic Empowerment in Bihar: Micro-Entrepreneurship as the New Growth Engine.

MIZORAM

BAIRABI–SAIRANG RAILWAY PROJECT—MIZORAM’S FIRST RAIL LINK TO AIZAWL

Background & Context: In a historic development for Northeast India’s connectivity, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the ₹8,000 crore Bairabi–Sairang Railway Project, marking Mizoram’s first-ever rail link to its capital, Aizawl. The 51 km line connects Bairabi (on the Assam border) to Sairang, located 20 km from Aizawl, transforming the state’s transport landscape and integrating it with India’s national railway grid.

Project Highlights

Feature Details―(a) Total Length: 51 km (Bairabi to Sairang) | Cost: ₹8,000 crore. Engineering Feats Multiple tunnels and bridges across hilly terrain; designed for heavy freight and passenger movement. National Connectivity Aizawl becomes the fourth northeastern capital with railway access, after Guwahati (Assam), Agartala (Tripura), and Itanagar (Arunachal Pradesh).

Travel & Trade Impact

Reduced Freight Costs: Seamless transport of essential goods, construction materials, and consumer products, lowering prices and logistical costs.

Market Access: Easier export of agricultural, horticultural, and bamboo products from Mizoram to other states and ports.

Employment Generation: Thousands of jobs created during construction and subsequent service operations in logistics, tourism, and hospitality sectors.

Economic and Strategic Importance―(a) Strengthens regional trade and tourism, linking Mizoram’s economy with the rest of India. (b) Enhances strategic connectivity in the border state adjoining Myanmar and Bangladesh, supporting security and supply chain resilience. (c) Aligns with India’s Act East Policy by facilitating overland trade routes toward Southeast Asia.

New Train Services Announced

Train Service Route Connectivity Impact―(a) Aizawl–Delhi Rajdhani Express Aizawl → Delhi Direct capital-to-capital linkage―enhancing national integration. (b) Sairang–Kolkata Express Sairang → Kolkata―Improves access to eastern ports for exports and trade. (c) Sairang–Guwahati Express Sairang → Guwahati―Facilitates intra-Northeast mobility and economic exchange.

Wider Connectivity Vision―The Bairabi–Sairang line is part of India’s mission to connect all Northeastern state capitals by rail. Upcoming targets include Imphal (Manipur) and Shillong (Meghalaya), ensuring complete integration of the region with national and international economic corridors. Supports PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan by improving multimodal logistics and regional balance in development.

SUBJECT TAG―Infrastructure / Regional Connectivity / North-East Development

UPSC Relevance―GS Paper II: Governance & Regional Development; GS Paper III: Infrastructure, Investment & Inclusive Growth. Essay Topics: 1. Railways as Instruments of Integration: The Northeast’s Journey Toward Connectivity and Inclusion. 2. From Isolation to Integration: How the Bairabi–Sairang Line Redefines Mizoram’s Economic Geography.

UTTARAKHAND

ADB LOAN FOR SUSTAINABLE TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN TEHRI (SEPTEMBER 10, 2025)

Background & Context: On 10 September 2025, the Government of India and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed a $126.42 million loan agreement to develop Sustainable, Inclusive, and Climate-Resilient Tourism at Tehri Lake, Tehri Garhwal district. This initiative marks a major step toward balancing tourism growth with environmental stewardship and local livelihoods in the fragile Himalayan ecosystem.

Project Focus and Beneficiaries

Objective: To transform Tehri Lake into an all-weather, eco-friendly tourism hub and model for climate-resilient development in Uttarakhand.

Beneficiaries: Over 87,000 local residents and 2.7 million annual visitors will directly benefit from improved infrastructure, enhanced tourism services, and diversified rural income opportunities.

Key Interventions and Features

Component Description―(a) Infrastructure Upgradation Eco-parks, walking trails, sanitation systems, and community tourism centres designed with sustainability standards. (b) Climate-Resilient Design Green buffers, slope stabilization, and catchment restoration to mitigate landslide and flood risks. (c) Inclusivity Measures Universal accessibility features for persons with disabilities and elderly tourists. (d) Livelihood & Community Participation Livelihood grants and entrepreneurship support for women, youth, and MSMEs; women-led disaster management committees. (e) Private Sector Involvement Encourages PPP-based eco-tourism ventures, hospitality development, and skill partnerships for sustainable tourism governance.

Strategic Importance―(a) Strengthens Tehri’s identity as a clean, green, and climate-smart tourism destination. (b) Aligns with Viksit Bharat 2047 and G20 Tourism Working Group principles of sustainable growth. (c) Reinforces Uttarakhand’s role as a model for mountain tourism balancing ecology and economy.

₹1,200 CRORE FLOOD RELIEF PACKAGE (SEPTEMBER 11, 2025)

Background & Context: In the aftermath of devastating flash floods and landslides in the Garhwal region, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Uttarakhand and announced ₹1,200 crore in relief assistance to aid affected families and restore critical infrastructure. The announcement followed extensive damage assessments across Uttarkashi, Tehri, and Pauri districts.

Relief and Rehabilitation Measures

Measure Details―(a) Ex-Gratia Relief ₹2 lakh for families of the deceased; ₹50,000 for the injured. (b) Child Support Children orphaned by floods to receive financial and educational assistance through PM CARES. (c) Housing Reconstruction Under PM Awas Yojana, with geotagging for transparency and accountability. (d) Infrastructure Restoration Reconstruction of highways, bridges, and schools; deployment of NDRF/SDRF for clearing routes and rescue. (e) Livelihood Assistance Provision of livestock mini-kits, farm recovery support, and funding through PM National Relief Fund (PMNRF).

State Assessment and Demands―(i) The state government reported total losses of approximately ₹7,500 crore. (ii) Requested ₹5,702 crore for mitigation works and ₹3,758 crore for rebuilding damaged infrastructure. (iii) Dharali village (Uttarkashi) in Garhwal remains the worst affected, with 68 people still missing over a month after the floods.

Strategic Significance―(a) Reinforces the Centre–State partnership in climate disaster response and reconstruction. (b) Integrates relief with long-term rehabilitation through centrally sponsored schemes. (c) Promotes resilience-based development to safeguard Himalayan communities from future climate risks.

SUBJECT TAG ― Environment & Climate Resilience / Sustainable Tourism / Disaster Management

UPSC Relevance ― GS Paper II: Governance & Welfare Schemes; GS Paper III: Environment, Infrastructure, and Disaster Management.

Essay Topics: 1. Tourism with Responsibility: A Sustainable Path for the Himalayan States. 2. Floods and Fragility: Building Climate-Resilient Infrastructure in Mountain Ecosystems.

ANDAMAN & NICOBAR

GREAT NICOBAR ISLAND PROJECT—INDIA’S STRATEGIC AND SUSTAINABLE FRONTIER DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE

Background & Context: The Great Nicobar Island Project, estimated at ₹72,000 crore, is one of India’s most ambitious island infrastructure initiatives, designed to transform the southernmost tip of the country into a strategic, economic, and logistics hub in the Indian Ocean. Envisioned as a 30-year phased development plan, the project aims to enhance India’s maritime c

strategic and geopolitical significance

Key Components of the Project

Component Description―(a)International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT) Capacity of 14.2 million TEUs annually; will position India as a major player in global cargo and transshipment routes, reducing dependency on Colombo, Singapore, and Klang. (b) Greenfield International Airport Dual-use (civil and defence) airport designed to strengthen connectivity and strategic mobility across the Andaman Sea and Southeast Asia. (c) Integrated Township Planned over 16,610 hectares, incorporating residential, commercial, and service zones to support trade, logistics, and tourism. (d) Power Infrastructure 450 MVA gas–solar hybrid power plant to ensure sustainable and uninterrupted energy supply.

Strategic and Geopolitical Importance―(a) Located near Indira Point, barely 150 km from Indonesia, the project provides India a critical vantage in the Malacca Strait, through which nearly 40% of global trade passes. (b) Strengthens India’s naval and air defence posture in the eastern Indian Ocean, enhancing monitoring and deterrence capabilities. (c) Facilitates regional trade integration under India’s Act East Policy, while countering illegal fishing, poaching, and transnational maritime crime. (d) Reinforces India’s position as a net security provider in the Indo-Pacific.

Ecological and Tribal Concerns

Aspect Details―(a) Forest Diversion Approx. 13,075 hectares of forest land to be diverted; nearly 9.64 lakh trees expected to be felled. (b) Biodiversity Risk Threat to critical habitats of the Leatherback Turtle, saltwater crocodile, and megapode birds. (c) Tribal Impact Affects habitats of the Shompen (237 members) and Nicobarese (1,094 members); 84 sq km of tribal reserve land to be denotified. (d) Seismic & Environmental Risks High vulnerability to earthquakes and tsunamis, as witnessed during the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami.

Balancing Economy and Ecology―(a) Government assures eco-sensitive planning, renewable energy use, and strict adherence to seismic and environmental safety codes. (b) Conservation zones and community welfare initiatives are incorporated to protect biodiversity and indigenous livelihoods. (c) Focus on green construction practices, limited development corridors, and continuous environmental impact monitoring. (d) Reflects India’s attempt to balance strategic imperatives with sustainable development in a fragile island ecosystem.

Strategic Outlook―The Great Nicobar Project exemplifies India’s dual objective—to leverage its maritime geography for economic and security gains, while promoting responsible island development. It integrates national defence, logistics, and environmental sustainability within a single blueprint, reinforcing India’s Vision 2047 for a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific.

SUBJECT TAG ― Maritime Infrastructure / Environment & Tribal Affairs / Strategic Geography

UPSC Relevance ― GS Paper II: Governance & Tribal Issues; GS Paper III: Infrastructure, Environment, and Internal Security.

Essay Topics: 1. Balancing Development and Ecology: Lessons from the Great Nicobar Island Project. 2. India’s Island Strategy: The Great Nicobar Project as a Pillar of Maritime Power and Sustainability.

ASSAM

BAMBOO-BASED BIOETHANOL & POLYPROPYLENE PROJECTS―Clean Energy and Industrial Transformation In The Northeast

Background & Context: In a landmark step toward sustainable industrialisation and rural empowerment, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated a bamboo-based bioethanol plant and laid the foundation for a polypropylene production unit at the Numaligarh Refinery in Golaghat, Assam. These projects, with a combined investment of ₹18,000 crore, mark a new era in Northeast India’s energy, manufacturing, and agro-industrial development.

Bamboo-Based Bioethanol Plant (Golaghat)

Feature Description―(a) Investment Value within the ₹18,000 crore expansion of Numaligarh Refinery. (b) Feedstock Bamboo sourced from local farmers and forest-based communities. (c) Output Production of clean-burning ethanol from bamboo biomass for blending with petrol and reducing carbon emissions. (d) Economic Impact Injects approximately ₹200 crore annually into the local economy through bamboo procurement. (e) Social Benefits Generates significant employment for tribal and rural populations, while supporting bamboo-chipping micro-industries.

Strategic Contribution―(a) Promotes energy self-reliance through alternative fuel diversification aligned with the National Biofuel Policy. (b) Encourages bamboo cultivation by dismantling colonial-era restrictions under the Indian Forest Act that earlier restricted bamboo trade. (c) Enhances farm-based entrepreneurship and strengthens India’s position as a leader in bio-based green energy.

Polypropylene Production Unit

Feature Description―(a) Purpose Production of plastic-grade polypropylene used in household goods, medical equipment, industrial packaging, and automotive components. (b) Economic Rationale Diversifies Assam’s industrial base beyond oil refining, catalysing manufacturing growth under the ‘Make in Assam’ and ‘Make in India’ initiatives. (c) Employment Impact Creates hundreds of skilled and semi-skilled jobs in manufacturing, logistics, and ancillary industries. (d) Strategic Relevance Reduces import dependency for petrochemical products and boosts Northeast India’s integration with national industrial supply chains.

Strategic Significance of the Dual Projects―(a) Together, the bioethanol and polypropylene plants bridge the energy–industry–agriculture nexus by combining clean fuel production with modern manufacturing. (b) Reinforce India’s twin goals of energy independence and sustainable industrialisation. (c) Empower rural Assam by linking farmers, entrepreneurs, and industries through a value-added bamboo economy. (d) Advance the Act East Policy by positioning Assam as a strategic energy and industrial hub in the Northeast.

SUBJECT TAG―Energy & Industry / Rural Economy / Sustainable Development

UPSC Relevance―GS Paper III: Energy Security, Industrial Policy, Environment, and Sustainable Development. Essay Topics: 1. Bamboo to Biofuel: Assam’s Path to Green Energy and Inclusive Industrial Growth. 2. Industrial Renaissance in the Northeast: Linking Sustainability, Energy, and Employment through Innovation.

KARNATAKA

LEAP PROGRAMME—DISTRIBUTED INNOVATION AND STARTUP GROWTH ACROSS THE STATE

Background & Context: The Government of Karnataka has launched LEAP (Local Entrepreneurship Acceleration Programme)—a ₹1,000-crore, five-year initiative aimed at decentralising innovation and entrepreneurship beyond Bengaluru. Designed and implemented by the Department of Electronics, IT & Biotechnology, the programme seeks to build a robust statewide startup ecosystem that can generate five lakh jobs and promote inclusive technological growth.

Scope and Regional Focus

Objective: To transform Karnataka from a Bengaluru-centric innovation hub into a multi-nodal startup state, nurturing local economies through technology and entrepreneurship.

Regional Innovation Clusters

Cluster―1: Mysuru–Chamarajanagar Cluster: Electronics design, animation, and digital education.

Cluster―2: Mangaluru–Udupi Cluster: Fintech, health tech, and marine innovation.

Cluster―3: Hubballi–Belagavi–Dharwad Cluster: Agritech, mobility, and manufacturing startups.

Cluster―4: Tumkur Cluster: Textile and engineering MSME digitisation.

Cluster―5: Kalaburagi Cluster: Edtech, social innovation, and skilling.

Cluster―6: Shivamogga Cluster: Clean tech, tourism, and rural enterprise models.

Startup and Innovation Support

Focus Area Initiative―(a) Early-Stage Development Funding for deep-tech and innovation-led startups in Tier-II and Tier-III cities. (b) Entrepreneurship Promotion Start-up sensitisation in schools and colleges through incubation cells and innovation clubs. (c) Infrastructure Creation Establishment of incubators, accelerators, prototype labs, and growth labs across districts. (d) Capacity Building Hackathons, bootcamps, mentorship programmes, and digital clinics to enhance technical and business skills. (e) Ecosystem Strengthening Facilitating access to investors, CSR funds, and partnerships with global innovation networks.

Strategic Significance

(a) Decentralised Growth: Reduces over-dependence on Bengaluru’s saturated startup ecosystem by distributing innovation across regions.

(b) Job Creation: Targets five lakh new jobs through startups, MSMEs, and support industries.

(c) Skill Development: Encourages youth participation and builds a skilled workforce attuned to Industry 4.0 requirements.

(d) Balanced Development: Curbs rural-to-urban migration by fostering local employment opportunities and economic diversification.

(e) State Competitiveness: Strengthens Karnataka’s leadership in India’s innovation landscape while improving resilience and inclusivity.

SUBJECT TAG ― Start-ups & Innovation / Regional Development / Technology & Entrepreneurship

UPSC Relevance ― GS Paper III: Inclusive Growth, Industrial Policy, Startups and Innovation.

Essay Topics: 1. Beyond Bengaluru: The LEAP Model for Decentralised Innovation in India. 2. Local Innovation, Global Impact: How Karnataka’s Startup Strategy Redefines Regional Growth.

LADAKH

RENEWED PROTESTS, CENTRE’S RESPONSE, AND FCRA ACTION (SEPTEMBER–OCTOBER 2025)

Background & Context: The Union Territory of Ladakh, carved out in 2019 after the reading down of Article 370, continues to witness sustained demands for statehood and constitutional safeguards. The recent wave of protests, hunger strikes, and violent clashes in Leh have rekindled national attention on governance, representation, and autonomy in India’s northernmost region.

Centre–Ladakh Talks and Demands of Local Groups

On October 6, 2025, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is set to resume talks with civil society representatives from Ladakh, following a 35-day hunger strike by climate activist Sonam Wangchuk. The dialogue will be held under the High-Powered Committee (HPC) chaired by MoS (Home) Nityanand Rai, whose last meeting took place on May 27, 2025. Core Demands by Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA):

Statehood for Ladakh―(a) Inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution to ensure tribal land and cultural safeguards. (b) Job reservation for local youth in government posts. (c) Separate parliamentary constituencies for Leh and Kargil. (d) Civil society argues that the absence of a legislature since 2019 has curtailed democratic participation and created governance gaps.

LADAKH UNREST—SEPTEMBER 2025 VIOLENCE AND GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

Incident Overview―The unrest began after Wangchuk’s hunger strike (starting September 10) demanding Sixth Schedule inclusion. On September 24, violence broke out in Leh, leading to four deaths, injuries to over 30 security personnel, and arson at the BJP office and LAHDC complex. The agitation, initially peaceful, escalated after large numbers of youth (aged 14–25) joined the protest.

Government Measures―Curfew imposed in Leh by Lt. Governor Kavinder Gupta; additional security deployed in sensitive zones. The Union Home Ministry blamed ‘provocative statements’ for inciting violence but reaffirmed that formal dialogue with LAB and KDA would proceed as scheduled.

Officials highlighted recent welfare measures as signs of commitment:

(i) ST reservations raised from 45% to 84%.

(ii) One-third reservation for women in LAHDC elections.

(iii) Recognition of Bhoti and Purgi as official languages.

(iv) Recruitment initiated for 1,800 government posts in Ladakh.

FCRA Cancellation of SECMOL

The MHA revoked the FCRA licence of SECMOL (Students’ Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh), founded by Sonam Wangchuk, citing violations of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010.

Key Allegations: (i) Misreporting of ₹3.5 lakh proceeds from a bus sale as a foreign contribution. (ii) Mixing local donations with FCRA funds. (iii) Receipt of a Swedish grant allegedly linked to ‘sovereignty-related activities.’ (iv) Reporting delays and improper refund management.

Wangchuk’s Defence: He denied wrongdoing, stating he no longer manages SECMOL and that the disputed bus funds were retained due to prior personal donations. He termed the action ‘a misinterpretation driven by timing and politics.’

Detention Under National Security Act (NSA)―On September 27, 2025, Sonam Wangchuk was detained under the NSA and transferred to Jodhpur Jail on charges of ‘provoking unrest and disturbing public order.’ The detention triggered widespread condemnation from religious bodies and local groups. Curfew remained in Leh, while Kargil observed a shutdown under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

Political Context and Regional Impact―The unrest precedes the upcoming Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) elections, where public anger has intensified against the ruling BJP. Leaders from Jammu & Kashmir, including Omar Abdullah, compared Ladakh’s agitation to J&K’s pending demand for restored statehood. Civil society frames the movement as part of a larger struggle for democratic representation, constitutional protection, and environmental justice in a fragile frontier region.

Strategic & Administrative Significance

Highlights governance challenges in Union Territories without legislative assemblies. Raises concerns over balancing national security, tribal autonomy, and ecological sensitivity in border regions. Calls for calibrated policy interventions ensuring federal inclusion without compromising sovereignty.

SUBJECT TAG ― Polity & Governance / Tribal & Constitutional Safeguards / Internal Security

UPSC Relevance ― GS Paper II: Federalism, Governance, and Rights of Tribes; GS Paper III: Internal Security, Border Administration.

Essay Topics: 1. Autonomy and Accountability in Union Territories: The Case of Ladakh’s Constitutional Demands. 2. Democracy at the Edge: Balancing Security, Ecology, and Self-Governance in Frontier Regions.

NAGALAND

EXTENSION OF BAN ON NSCN (K) AND ITS FACTIONS (SEPTEMBER 2025)

Background & Context: On September 22, 2025, the Government of India extended the ban on the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Khaplang)—popularly known as NSCN (K)—and all its affiliated factions for another five years under the provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (UAPA). The renewed notification, effective from September 28, 2025, underscores the Centre’s continued vigilance against insurgent activities in the Northeast that challenge India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

NSCN Transformation

Reasons for the Ban―(a) The NSCN (K) seeks to establish a ‘sovereign Nagaland’―or Nagalim―encompassing Naga-inhabited territories across India and Myanmar, directly threatening India’s unity and sovereignty. (b) The group maintains close links with banned insurgent organisations such as the United Liberation Front of Asom (Independent) [ULFA(I)], People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK), and People’s Liberation Army (PLA) of Manipur. (c) Activities include extortion, abduction for ransom, illegal possession of arms, and receiving foreign assistance for arms procurement and training, especially from networks operating through Myanmar.

Recorded Militant Activities (2020–2025)

Period―September 2020 – April 2025

Indicator Details―Cases Registered 71 criminal cases involving insurgency, extortion, and arms smuggling + Chargesheets Filed 56, with 35 prosecutions completed + Cadres Arrested 85; Surrenders: 69; Killed in Encounters: 13.

Arms & Explosives Recovered―Rifles, live rounds, grenades, detonators, and IEDs seized in counter insurgency operations.

Assessment: Despite operational setbacks, the outfit continues to pose a security threat through its underground cells, cross-border movement, and attempts to regroup in remote areas of Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, and along the Indo-Myanmar border.

Historical Context

The NSCN (K) was founded in 1988 by S.S. Khaplang, a Myanmarese Naga leader, after a split from the original NSCN (IM). Since Khaplang’s death in 2017, leadership has passed to his two deputies, though the outfit has weakened amid internal divisions and counterinsurgency pressure. The group’s activities are primarily concentrated in border regions with Sagaing Division (Myanmar), where remnants of its armed cadres operate from forested bases.

In contrast, the NSCN (IM)—the Isak-Muivah faction—continues to engage with the Centre through formal peace negotiations under the Framework Agreement of 2015, seeking a lasting political settlement within the Indian constitutional framework.

Strategic and Security Significance―(a) The ban reflects the government’s zero-tolerance policy toward armed insurgency and foreign-backed militant networks in the Northeast. (b) Reinforces India’s border security and counterinsurgency cooperation with Myanmar, especially under the India–Myanmar Border Coordination Mechanism. (c) Aims to maintain the stability necessary for ongoing peace talks with other Naga groups under the umbrella of the Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs). (d) Ensures legal continuity for the proscription of assets, funding sources, and recruitment channels of the banned outfit.

SUBJECT TAG―Internal Security / Insurgency & Counterterrorism / Northeast Affairs

UPSC Relevance―GS Paper III: Internal Security Challenges, Insurgency in the Northeast, and Border Management. Essay Topics: 1. From Insurgency to Integration: Evaluating India’s Counterinsurgency Strategy in Nagaland. 2. Peace and Persistence: The NSCN (K) Ban and the Evolving Security Landscape of the Northeast.

UTTAR PRADESH

CPCB REPORT ON POLLUTING INDUSTRIES―Industrial Non-Compliance & Ganga Pollution

Background & Context: A recent report by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) submitted to the National Green Tribunal (NGT) revealed alarming levels of non-compliance among industrial units in Uttar Pradesh. Over 50% of Grossly Polluting Industries (GPIs) in the state were found to be violating pollution control norms, posing a major threat to the Ganga River and its tributaries.

Key Findings of the CPCB Report

Indicator	Data / Observation	Key Interpretation
Total GPIs Inspected	1,370 industrial units	Reflects the overall industrial base assessed for pollution compliance across Uttar Pradesh.
Operational Units	858 units found functional	About 63% of inspected units are active and subject to continuous environmental monitoring.
Closed Units	512 units shut down or non-operational	Indicates temporary or permanent shutdowns, possibly due to economic or regulatory causes.
Violating Units	443 out of 858 operational GPIs found violating environmental standards	Over 50% of operational industries are non-compliant—highlighting serious enforcement gaps and pollution risk.

Nature of Violation―Discharge of untreated or partially treated effluents containing high levels of hazardous chemicals into nearby water bodies.

Definition of GPI―Industries discharging effluents with Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) ≥100 kg/day—typically in sectors such as tanneries, distilleries, paper, sugar, chemicals, and textiles.

Legal and Administrative Background―(a) The inspection was conducted as per Allahabad High Court directions (2022) in ongoing judicial monitoring of the Ganga Rejuvenation Programme. (b) GPIs were mandated under Section 33A of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 to install Effluent Treatment Plants (ETPs) and meet prescribed discharge standards. (c) The report’s submission to the NGT underscores continued gaps between policy intent and enforcement capacity at the state level.

Environmental and Policy Implications―(a) Uttar Pradesh, being a key riparian state along the Ganga basin, plays a critical role in the success of the Namami Gange Mission. Persistent industrial non-compliance undermines efforts toward achieving clean water targets. (b) The findings expose weak regulatory monitoring, inadequate functioning of Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETPs), and limited deterrence against repeat violators. (c) There is an urgent need to strengthen the State Pollution Control Board’s (SPCB) inspection frequency, data transparency, and real-time monitoring mechanisms. (d) Non-compliance also reflects tension between industrial expansion and environmental protection, calling for integration of sustainability metrics into industrial licensing and operation permits.

Strategic Significance―(a) Highlights the need for industrial accountability and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) compliance in India’s manufacturing heartland. (b) Reaffirms the centrality of judicial oversight in environmental governance, particularly in enforcing pollution control laws. (c) Reinforces the linkage between industrial pollution management and river ecosystem health, crucial to both ecology and public health in the Indo-Gangetic plain.

SUBJECT TAG―Environment & Pollution Control / Governance & Accountability / Industrial Regulation

UPSC Relevance―GS Paper III: Environment, Pollution, and Conservation; Industrial Policy and Sustainable Development. Essay Topics: 1. The Industrial Paradox: Growth, Pollution, and Accountability in India’s River Basins. 2. Cleaning the Ganga: Why Industrial Compliance Remains the Missing Link in Environmental Governance.

CHHATTISGARH

BALOD—INDIA’S FIRST CHILD MARRIAGE-FREE DISTRICT (SEPTEMBER 2025)

Background & Context: In a landmark achievement for social reform and child rights, Balod district in Chhattisgarh was officially declared India’s first child marriage-free district in September 2025. This milestone was achieved under the Child Marriage Free India Campaign (2024)—a coordinated initiative combining legal enforcement with community participation to eradicate one of India’s most deep-rooted social evils.

Aspect Key Achievements

(a) Zero Cases: No incidents of child marriage recorded for two consecutive years.

(b) Verification Process: All 436 gram panchayats and 9 urban local bodies in Balod were verified and certified as compliant.

(c) Community Participation: Active involvement of panchayats, Anganwadi workers, SHG members, teachers, and parents ensured constant vigilance and early intervention.

(d) Preventive Mechanisms: Marriage registration verification, school counselling, and mandatory reporting protocols for suspected cases were institutionalised.

Government Recognition and Commitments―(a) Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai hailed the declaration as a historic milestone for women and child welfare in Chhattisgarh. (b) Announced the statewide target of achieving a child marriage-free Chhattisgarh by 2028–29. (c) Women & Child Development Minister Laxmi Rajwade credited the combined efforts of communities, law enforcement, and local governance institutions, underscoring the role of empowerment over enforcement.

National Significance and Replicability

(a) Model of Community-Driven Change: Demonstrates how bottom-up mobilisation—through panchayats, self-help groups, and frontline workers—can eradicate social practices when supported by legal and administrative mechanisms.

(b) Legal Framework Integration: The initiative aligns with the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act (PCMA), 2006 and integrates it with welfare schemes promoting girls’ education and delayed marriage.

(c) Social Impact: Strengthens girl-child education, reduces early pregnancies, and improves maternal and infant health indices.

(d) Replicability: The Balod model offers a scalable and replicable framework for other states, especially in high-incidence regions like Rajasthan, Bihar, and West Bengal.

Strategic Importance―Balod’s success represents the intersection of governance, gender equity, and community leadership, setting a new benchmark for social reform movements in India. It validates the power of grassroots awareness, institutional monitoring, and collective accountability in achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5—Gender Equality.

SUBJECT TAG―Social Justice / Women & Child Development / Governance & Community Reform

UPSC Relevance―GS Paper II: Welfare Schemes, Social Justice, and Human Development; GS Paper I: Social Empowerment. Essay Topics: 1. From Law to Culture: How Community Action is Ending Child Marriage in India. 2. Empowering the Girl Child: Lessons from Balod’s Path to Social Transformation.

POLICY & GOVT. INITIATIVES

SRI LANKAN TAMIL REFUGEES & MINORITY COMMUNITIES―MHA Exemption Order (2025)

Background & Policy Context

In a significant humanitarian policy move, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has issued an exemption order under the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, granting relief to Sri Lankan Tamil refugees and members of six minority communities from neighbouring countries. The order reflects India’s dual approach of maintaining immigration discipline while extending protection to historically displaced and persecuted groups.

Key Features of the MHA Exemption Order (2025)

Policy Change: Sri Lankan Tamil refugees who entered India before January 9, 2015 are exempted from penal provisions under Section 3 of the new Act. They will not be treated as illegal migrants even if they lack valid documents or residence permits. This exemption shields them from penalties that include fines up to ₹5 lakh or imprisonment up to five years, introduced under the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, which consolidates and replaces four earlier laws.

Exemption Scope

Group	Entry Cut-off Date	Exemption Scope	Legal Benefit
Sri Lankan Tamil Refugees	Before Jan 9, 2015	Exempted from penal provisions under Section 3	Can apply for Long-Term Visas (LTVs) and regularisation of stay
Minority Communities (Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis, Christians) from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Pakistan	Before Dec 31, 2024	Exempted from prosecution for undocumented entry or overstay	Eligible for LTVs, paving the way for naturalisation under the Citizenship Act, 1955

Legal & Administrative Background

In 2015, MHA had already waived visa fees and overstay penalties for Sri Lankan Tamil refugees voluntarily returning to Sri Lanka. The Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025 replaced older legislations, including the Foreigners Act (1946), Passport (Entry into India) Act (1920), and others, establishing a unified legal framework for managing foreign nationals. The current exemption clarifies that while the CAA (2019) cut-off of December 31, 2014 remains unchanged, the new order merely protects post-2014 entrants from prosecution—not automatically granting them citizenship.

Significance and Policy Implications

Humanitarian Relief: Provides legal security to over 90,000 Sri Lankan Tamil refugees living in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry camps, many of whom have been in India for decades.

Protection for Religious Minorities: Extends protection to persecuted minorities from India’s neighbourhood who entered until December 31, 2024, ensuring they can legally reside and seek LTVs.

Step Toward Regularisation: Holders of LTVs can apply for citizenship by naturalisation under Section 6 of the Citizenship Act, 1955, upon meeting residency requirements.

Balance Between Security and Compassion: The exemption reconciles India’s national security imperatives with its humanitarian tradition of hosting persecuted communities.

Strategic and Diplomatic Dimensions

(a) Reinforces India’s image as a regional refuge for displaced communities facing religious or ethnic persecution.

(b) Enhances India’s neighbourhood diplomacy with Sri Lanka and South Asian nations, particularly on refugee management.

(c) Provides legal clarity amid debates on CAA implementation, distinguishing between protection from prosecution and grant of citizenship.

SUBJECT TAG—Internal Security / Migration Policy / Citizenship & Refugee Affairs

UPSC Relevance—GS Paper II: Governance, Citizenship & Refugee Policy; GS Paper III: Internal Security & Border Management. Essay Topics―1. Balancing Law and Compassion: India’s Evolving Refugee and Citizenship Policy Framework. 2. The Sri Lankan Tamil Refugee Experience: Humanitarianism, Integration, and Legal Recognition in India.

SWACHHATA HI SEVA (SHS) 2025: ‘SWACCHOTSAV’ CAMPAIGN

Background & Context

The Government of India has launched Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS) 2025, themed ‘Swacchotsav’, as a nationwide cleanliness and community participation drive under the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM). The campaign, led jointly by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) and the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS), runs from September 17 to October 2, 2025, culminating on Gandhi Jayanti—symbolising Mahatma Gandhi’s vision of a clean and self-reliant India.

Theme and Vision

‘Swacchotsav’—Celebrating Cleanliness as a Festival

Concept: ‘Swacchotsav’ blends the spirit of festivity with environmental responsibility—encouraging citizens to celebrate festivals and public events with a clean, green, and waste-free ethos.

Approach: The campaign promotes collective ownership of cleanliness and aims to make Swachhata a habitual, lifestyle-driven movement, transcending beyond symbolic observance.

Key Focus Areas and Initiatives

Cleanliness Target Units (CTUs): Mapping and cleaning of public spaces, markets, transport hubs, event venues, and recreational areas. unicipal bodies to designate CTUs as measurable cleanliness zones, ensuring accountability and visibility in results. Citizen groups, resident associations, and youth volunteers will undertake community-led clean-up drives.
Legacy Dumpsite Elimination: 100% remediation of old and legacy waste dumpsites in both urban and rural areas. Encourages adoption of circular economy principles—promoting waste segregation, composting, recycling, and reuse of recovered materials. Focus on converting dumpsites into green public spaces, such as parks and playgrounds.
Safai Mitra Suraksha Shivir: Welfare, skill development, and health screening camps for sanitation and waste management workers (Safai Mitras). Ensures occupational safety, mechanised cleaning, and awareness on hazardous waste handling. Promotes the ‘Zero Fatality’ vision in sanitation work, guaranteeing dignity, inclusivity, and social recognition for Safai Mitras.

Objectives and Expected Outcomes

Behavioural Transformation: Make cleanliness a sustained civic practice rooted in social consciousness and responsibility.
Integrated Waste Management: Strengthen linkages between local bodies, SHGs, and circular economy entrepreneurs.
Community Empowerment: Mobilise schools, RWAs, panchayats, and NGOs to co-own cleanliness outcomes.
Sustainability: Move beyond one-time drives toward year-round solid waste management systems with citizen monitoring.

Strategic and Symbolic Importance

(a) Bridges the objectives of Swachh Bharat Mission–Urban 2.0 and Rural Phase-II through unified citizen participation. (b) Reinforces ‘Jan Andolan se Jan Bhagidari’ (People’s Movement to People’s Partnership) as a cornerstone of India’s sanitation journey. (c) Demonstrates the convergence of cleanliness, climate action, and circular economy, contributing directly to SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).

SUBJECT TAG—Environment & Sanitation / Governance & Public Participation / Sustainable Development

UPSC Relevance—GS Paper II: Government Schemes and Welfare Initiatives; GS Paper III: Environment, Waste Management, and Sustainable Development. Essay Topics—1. Swacchotsav: From Campaign to Culture—Mainstreaming Cleanliness as a National Habit. 2. Circular Economy and Citizen Action: The Next Phase of India’s Swachh Bharat Revolution.

Angikaar 2025 – Housing Awareness Campaign under PMAY-U 2.0

Background & Context

The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) launched Angikaar 2025 on September 4, 2025, as a two-month national campaign (Sept 4 – Oct 31, 2025) to enhance last-mile awareness, citizen participation, and inter-scheme convergence under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana–Urban (PMAY-U) 2.0. The initiative was inaugurated by Union Minister Manohar Lal, signalling a renewed push toward achieving the government’s long-term ‘Housing for All’ mission.

Purpose and Objectives

(a) Strengthen public awareness about the benefits and new features of PMAY-U 2.0, ensuring citizens understand eligibility, assistance norms, and support schemes. (b) Fast-track pending house completions and loan disbursements through intensified ground-level engagement. (c) Ensure holistic inclusion by linking housing beneficiaries to complementary social and energy schemes. (d) Promote community ownership and enhance transparency in implementation through local-level awareness drives.

Key Focus Areas

Awareness and Outreach―Educate citizens on PMAY-U 2.0 features, eligibility, and application processes. Highlight financial assistance, construction support, and beneficiary entitlements.
Accelerating House Completion―Fast-track verification, approvals, and construction completion for sanctioned houses. Enable real-time progress tracking through the PMAY-U portal and ULB dashboards.
Scheme Convergence―Link beneficiaries with aligned government schemes, including: (i) CRGFTLIH – Credit Risk Guarantee Fund Scheme for Low-Income Housing. (ii) PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana – Rooftop solar integration for energy self-reliance. (iii) Jal Jeevan Mission (Urban) – Water supply and sanitation linkage.
Inclusion through Special Focus Groups (SFGs)―Prioritise vulnerable beneficiaries: urban poor, migrant labourers, women-led households, and persons with disabilities. Encourage self-help groups (SHGs) and urban livelihood missions to facilitate inclusion and awareness.

Implementation Scale and Approach

Parameter	Details
Duration	4 September – 31 October 2025
Coverage	Over 5,000 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) nationwide
Activities	Door-to-door outreach, housing awareness camps, community events, loan melas, and beneficiary workshops
Stakeholders	State urban departments, banks, housing agencies, and NGOs under coordinated MoHUA supervision

Progress and Achievements

(a) Under PMAY-U (since 2015), 120 lakh houses sanctioned and 94.11 lakh completed as of mid-2025. (b) PMAY-U 2.0 targets 1 crore new urban families, each eligible for ₹2.5 lakh assistance toward construction or home purchase. (c) Angikaar 2025 aims to ensure every sanctioned house transitions swiftly from allotment to occupancy through citizen engagement and administrative efficiency.

Significance and Strategic Outcomes

(a) Bridges awareness gaps among beneficiaries, ensuring equitable access to housing subsidies and support schemes. (b) Promotes scheme convergence, integrating housing with livelihood, finance, and clean energy initiatives. (c) Strengthens urban inclusion, aligning with the government’s broader Viksit Bharat 2047 agenda. (d) Reinforces the PMAY-U vision of ‘Housing for All’ by 2028, turning policy commitments into tangible outcomes at the grassroots level.

SUBJECT TAG—Urban Development / Housing & Infrastructure / Inclusive Growth

UPSC Relevance—GS Paper II: Governance, Welfare Schemes & Urban Development; GS Paper III: Infrastructure and Inclusive Growth.

Essay Topics—From Awareness to Empowerment: Angikaar 2025 and the Road to Housing for All.

Integrating Shelter, Livelihood, and Sustainability: The Convergence Model of PMAY-U 2.0.

Unified Pension Scheme (UPS): Notified Rules under NPS

Background & Context

On September 4, 2025, the Government of India notified the Central Civil Services (Implementation of the Unified Pension Scheme under the National Pension System) Rules, 2025, marking a historic step in India’s ongoing pension sector reform. The move operationalises the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) within the National Pension System (NPS) framework, offering central government employees a structured, flexible, and transparent pension option that bridges the gap between the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) and NPS.

About the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS)

Parameter	Details
Approval	Cleared by the Union Cabinet in August 2024
Operational Start Date	April 1, 2025
Applicable To	Central government employees under NPS, with an option to enrol in UPS
Objective	To provide flexibility and greater assurance of post-retirement income security while maintaining fiscal prudence

The UPS creates a hybrid model—retaining the contributory and market-linked efficiency of NPS while introducing social security-style benefits similar to OPS.

Key Features of the 2025 Rules

One-Time Enrolment & Switching Flexibility: Existing NPS employees can opt into UPS once during service. A reversion option allows employees to move back from UPS to NPS before retirement—either one year prior to superannuation or three months before voluntary retirement (VRS).
Defined Contribution Structure―Dual contribution mechanism—both employee and government contributions are structured and time-bound. Ensures predictable pension accumulation while maintaining long-term sustainability.
Compensation for Delays―Provision for compensation in cases of delay in registration, contribution credit, or fund transfer, promoting transparency and accountability in pension fund management.
Family & Disability Benefits―In case of death, invalidation, or disability, the employee’s family can choose between: (a) Benefits under the CCS (Pension) Rules, or (b) UPS-based entitlements, depending on which is more beneficial.
Comprehensive Coverage―Applies uniformly to various modes of exit, including: (a) Superannuation, Voluntary Retirement (VRS), and Invalidation. (b) PSU absorption and compulsory retirement/dismissal. (c) Covers employees’ rights and dues during transfer, merger, or reorganisation of departments.

UPI Impacts Pension Management

Significance and Impact

Reform Milestone in Pension Management: Establishes a unified regulatory structure harmonising NPS flexibility with the defined benefits of traditional pensions.
Employee-Centric Approach: Empowers employees with choice, portability, and financial clarity, fostering trust in long-term retirement planning.
Transparency & Digital Governance: Ensures end-to-end transparency through online enrolment, contribution tracking, and grievance redressal systems integrated with the NPS platform.
Fiscal Responsibility: Balances social security with fiscal prudence, reducing the unsustainable liabilities associated with the OPS while offering predictable returns and post-retirement protection.
Broader Reform Implications: Signals India’s shift toward a modern, contributory, and technology-driven pension ecosystem. Strengthens public sector confidence in reformed retirement systems while setting a model for state governments and PSUs to emulate.

SUBJECT TAG—Governance & Public Administration / Financial Reforms / Social Security

UPSC Relevance—GS Paper II: Governance, Social Security and Welfare Policies; GS Paper III: Economic Reforms & Financial Management.

Essay Topics—1. Balancing Flexibility and Security: The Unified Pension Scheme as India’s Pension Reform Milestone. 2. From Old to New: How UPS Bridges the Trust Deficit in India’s Pension Architecture.

National Geothermal Energy Policy (2025)―Harnessing Earth’s Heat for India’s Clean Energy Transition

Background & Context

In a landmark move toward diversifying India’s renewable energy mix, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) launched the National Geothermal Energy Policy, 2025, marking India’s first structured initiative to harness geothermal energy for sustainable power generation. The policy aligns with India’s Net Zero 2070 target, aims to enhance energy security, and promotes technological innovation in clean energy sectors beyond solar and wind.

Understanding Geothermal Energy

Definition: Geothermal energy is the heat stored beneath the Earth’s crust that can be converted into usable energy for electricity generation, heating, cooling, greenhouse farming, aquaculture, and desalination.

Distinct Advantage: Unlike solar and wind energy, geothermal power is available 24×7, making it a baseload renewable source with high reliability and minimal land requirement.

Environmental Benefits: It emits negligible greenhouse gases, requires less surface area, and contributes to the decarbonisation of hard-to-abate sectors such as industrial heating and thermal processing.

Key Features of the 2025 Policy

Institutional Framework: MNRE designated as the nodal ministry for regulation, development, and capacity building in the geothermal sector. Establishment of a National Geothermal Development Centre (NGDC) for R&D, data mapping, and policy coordination.
Governance and Coordination: Inter-ministerial collabouration among MNRE, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, and state governments. Encouragement of public–private partnerships (PPP) and foreign collabourations for technology transfer and project financing.
Technology and R&D Promotion: Incentivises research on indigenous technologies, drilling techniques, and advanced heat-exchange systems. Promotes hybrid systems—combining geothermal with solar or wind energy to ensure steady output and grid stability. Encourages repurposing of abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal extraction, reducing exploration costs and land use.
Investment Incentives: Viability Gap Funding (VGF), tax incentives, and concessional financing for pilot and demonstration projects. Priority lending and financial support for startups engaged in geothermal exploration and related innovation. Simplified land leasing and clearance processes in potential geothermal zones.

Geothermal Provinces and India’s Potential

India’s geological structure offers diverse geothermal sources spread across ten key provinces, with an estimated potential of 10 GW.

Geothermal Province	Region / States	Key Sites / Features
Himalayan Province	Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand	Puga Valley (Ladakh), Manikaran (HP), Tapovan (Uttarakhand)
Cambay Basin	Gujarat	Shallow reservoirs and oil well reuse potential
Aravalli Range	Rajasthan	Hot springs and deep fracture zones
Mahanadi Basin	Odisha	Subsurface thermal anomalies
Godavari Basin	Telangana & Andhra Pradesh	Multi-layered geothermal gradients
Sohana Region	Haryana & Punjab	High subsurface temperature zones
West Coast Belt	Maharashtra, Goa	Coastal geothermal vents
Son–Narmada–Tapti Lineament	MP, Maharashtra, Gujarat	High thermal flux zones
South Indian Cratons	Tamil Nadu, Karnataka	Crystalline rock-based geothermal sites
Andaman & Nicobar Islands	Island arc systems	Volcanic geothermal manifestations (e.g., Barren Island)

Strategic Significance

Energy Diversification: Complements India’s renewable portfolio by providing round-the-clock green power, reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels.

Decentralised Development: Enables localised energy solutions for remote Himalayan, tribal, and island communities.

Climate Leadership: Strengthens India’s credentials as a leader in innovative, low-carbon technologies under the Paris Agreement.

Industrial Application: Supports the transition to clean energy in cement, steel, and chemical industries through thermal energy substitution.

SUBJECT TAG—Energy Security / Renewable Energy / Science & Technology

UPSC Relevance—GS Paper III: Energy, Environment, and Technology; GS Paper II: Governance & Policy Initiatives. Essay Topics—1. Tapping the Earth’s Heat: Geothermal Energy and India’s Path to Net Zero. 2. Beyond Sun and Wind: The Strategic Role of Geothermal Power in India’s Energy Transition.

LEADS 2025: Logistics Ease Across Different States Index―Benchmarking State-Level Efficiency for a Competitive Logistics Ecosystem

Background & Context

On 20 September 2025, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal launched LEADS 2025—the latest edition of the Logistics Ease Across Different States (LEADS) Index. Developed by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), this initiative continues India’s effort to enhance logistics competitiveness by identifying state-level strengths and weaknesses. The 2025 edition marks a major leap by introducing corridor-level analytics, journey-time metrics, and real-time speed data via API-based systems, providing sharper insights for policy and industry interventions.

About LEADS 2025

Objective: To measure, compare, and improve the efficiency of logistics infrastructure, services, and regulatory processes across all States and Union Territories.

Evolution: Initiated in 2018, the LEADS index has become India’s flagship logistics benchmarking tool, supporting both PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan and the National Logistics Policy (NLP).

LEADS 2025 Upgrade: Introduces data-driven precision benchmarking at corridor, state, and city levels, reducing subjectivity and improving policy reliability.

Key Features of LEADS 2025

Parameter	Description
Corridor-Level Assessments	Evaluates 5–7 major national freight corridors based on journey time, congestion, and multimodal integration (road–rail–port).
Waiting Time Metrics	Measures average waiting time for trucks at toll plazas, ports, and logistics parks to identify critical bottlenecks.
API-Based Speed Tracking	Integrates live GPS and API data from FASTag, Vahan, and logistics networks to compute real-time road-section truck speeds.
Performance Dimensions	Assesses infrastructure quality, service delivery, regulatory processes, multimodal connectivity, and efficiency of logistics nodes.
Outcome-Based Scoring	Introduces quantitative data weighting over perception surveys, ensuring transparency and comparability across states.

Categorisation Framework

States and UTs are classified as:

Achievers: Top performers in logistics efficiency and policy innovation.

Fast Movers: States showing rapid year-on-year improvement.

Aspirers: States building capacity and institutional readiness for logistics reforms.

Strategic Significance and Impact

Strengthening Manufacturing and Trade Competitiveness: Reduces logistics time and cost—key determinants of export competitiveness and industrial productivity. Helps India move closer to its goal of reducing logistics costs to 8% of GDP (from the current 13–14%).
Enhancing Data-Driven Policy Planning: Corridor-level metrics enable evidence-based infrastructure prioritisation for roads, rail freight terminals, ports, and dry ports. Real-time analytics assist in synchronising PM Gati Shakti with Bharatmala, Sagarmala, and Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) projects.
Empowering States for Targeted Reforms: Highlights best practices from Achiever states (e.g., Gujarat, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka). Enables Aspirer states to adopt replicable models in single-window clearances, multimodal connectivity, and warehouse digitisation.
Supporting MSMEs and Exporters: Improves supply chain reliability, shipment predictability, and turnaround time—particularly for MSME exporters operating from non-metro regions.
Alignment with National Missions: Reinforces objectives of Make in India, Atmanirbhar Bharat, and Viksit Bharat @2047 by creating a globally competitive logistics ecosystem.

Why LEADS 2025 Matters

Establishes India’s first corridor-specific logistics performance benchmarking system, integrating real-time data with governance insights.
Encourages state-level accountability and continuous improvement rather than one-time ranking exercises.
Positions India as a global case study in digital logistics governance, linking infrastructure development directly with economic outcomes.

SUBJECT TAG—Infrastructure & Logistics / Governance & Competitiveness / Economic Policy

UPSC Relevance—GS Paper III: Infrastructure, Investment Models, and Industrial Growth; GS Paper II: Governance and Cooperative Federalism. Essay Topics —1. Measuring Movement: How LEADS 2025 is Transforming India’s Logistics Governance. 2. Corridors of Competitiveness: Data-Driven Federalism in India’s Supply Chain Reforms.

LOGISTICS DATA BANK (LDB) 2.0―India’s Digital Supply Chain Transformation

Background & Context

On September 2025, Union Minister Piyush Goyal launched LDB 2.0, the upgraded version of India’s national logistics tracking platform, developed by NICDC Logistics Data Services (NLDS) under the National Industrial Corridor Development Corporation (NICDC). The new platform strengthens India’s digital logistics ecosystem by enhancing supply chain visibility, integrating multi-modal data, and promoting logistics efficiency for exporters and MSMEs.

About LDB 2.0

Purpose: LDB 2.0 is designed to provide end-to-end, real-time container tracking across ports, railways, highways, and inland terminals, addressing inefficiencies in India’s logistics network.

Vision: To serve as the digital nervous system of India’s trade logistics, enabling transparency, cost optimisation, and predictive decision-making in line with the government’s National Logistics Policy (NLP) and Viksit Bharat @2047 goals.

Key Features and Functionalities

Extended Tracking Capability―Enables high-seas tracking of containers beyond Indian territorial waters using satellite-linked global data feeds. Tracks movement from foreign origin ports → Indian ports → ICDs/CFSs → final delivery, creating a continuous logistics chain view.
Multi-Modal Data Integration―Seamless integration of road, rail, sea, and air logistics data through inter-ministerial coordination. Direct linkage with Unified Logistics Interface Platform (ULIP) APIs for real-time cross-platform data exchange.
Predictive and Analytical Tools―AI-driven dashboards and live heatmaps allow users and policymakers to monitor congestion, dwell time, and route delays. Predictive analytics for ETA (Estimated Time of Arrival), bottleneck alerts, and weather-related disruptions.
MSME and Exporter Enablement―Empowers MSMEs and small exporters with access to live shipment tracking and predictive alerts—tools earlier accessible mainly to large logistics players. Offers custom APIs and dashboards for logistics operators, ports, and industrial corridors to reduce turnaround time.
Policy and Governance Utility―Provides aggregated logistics intelligence for ministries, port authorities, and industrial corridors to support evidence-based policymaking. Enables data-backed logistics cost benchmarking for strategic interventions under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan.

Strategic Significance and Economic Impact

Enhancing Export Competitiveness: Improves supply chain reliability and transparency, key to boosting India’s position in global manufacturing value chains.
Reducing Logistics Costs: India’s logistics cost (currently around 13–14% of GDP) can be reduced through real-time visibility, route optimisation, and better multimodal coordination.
Empowering MSMEs: Democratises access to logistics intelligence, allowing MSMEs to compete globally by improving delivery timelines and cutting hidden transport costs.
Strengthening Viksit Bharat @2047 Goals: Aligns with India’s vision for world-class multimodal logistics infrastructure, supporting the Make in India and Ease of Doing Business initiatives.
Data-Driven Governance: Facilitates a shift from reactive to predictive logistics governance, empowering the Centre and States with actionable insights for planning industrial corridors, port upgrades, and freight policies.

SUBJECT TAG—Infrastructure & Digital Governance / Trade & Economy / Technology in Public Systems

UPSC Relevance—GS Paper II: e-Governance and Policy Implementation; GS Paper III: Infrastructure, Industrial Growth, and Inclusive Development. Essay Topics —1. Digitising the Supply Chain: How LDB 2.0 is Powering India’s Logistics Revolution. 2. From Ports to Policy: Data-Driven Governance in India’s Trade and Transport Ecosystem.

INDUSTRIAL PARK RATING SYSTEM (IPRS) 3.0—Driving Competitive Industrial Growth

Background & Context

To commemorate 10 years of the ‘Make in India’ initiative, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) launched the Industrial Park Rating System (IPRS) 3.0 on 20 September 2025, in collabouration with the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The upgraded version aims to set global benchmarks for the quality, sustainability, and efficiency of industrial infrastructure across India, reinforcing the country’s position as a preferred destination for investment and manufacturing under the Viksit Bharat @2047 vision.

Industrial Park rating Hierarchy

About IPRS 3.0

Objective: To evaluate and benchmark industrial parks across India on standardized, transparent, and investor-oriented parameters, helping industries make informed location decisions while promoting competition and accountability among State Industrial Development Corporations (SIDCs).

Scope: Covers industrial parks, estates, clusters, and Special Economic Zones (SEZs) across multiple sectors, including manufacturing, logistics, electronics, and textiles.

Classification Framework: Based on performance scores, parks are categorized into three tiers—(a) Leaders: High-performing parks with world-class facilities, green practices, and investor satisfaction. (b) Challengers: Parks showing strong potential but needing targeted infrastructure or policy upgrades. (c) Aspirers: Emerging parks developing their infrastructure and services to attract future investments.

Key Features and Enhancements in IPRS 3.0

Parameter	Description
Sustainability and Green Metrics	Evaluation of renewable energy use, waste management, water recycling, and environmental compliance.
Logistics & Connectivity	Assessment of multimodal access (road, rail, air, and port) and integration with the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan.
Digitalization & Smart Infrastructure	Introduction of GIS-based park mapping, real-time data dashboards, and IoT-enabled monitoring systems.
Skill Development & Industrial Linkages	Focus on proximity to skilling centers, universities, and availability of trained workforce.
Investor & Tenant Feedback	Inclusion of satisfaction surveys and performance-based feedback from resident industries for holistic evaluation.

Data Integration

The IPRS 3.0 platform is integrated with India Industrial Land Bank (IILB) and National Single Window System (NSWS), allowing global investors to access park ratings, infrastructure details, and policy incentives in real time.

Strategic and Economic Significance

Attracting Global Investment: Helps investors identify parks offering world-class infrastructure and streamlined business facilitation. Strengthens India’s global manufacturing competitiveness under Make in India 2.0 and Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes.
Encouraging Healthy Competition: Promotes federal competition among states to improve industrial infrastructure, logistics efficiency, and sustainability practices.
Boosting Employment and MSME Growth: Well-rated parks attract new industries and generate large-scale employment opportunities while integrating MSMEs into formal supply chains.
Policy Planning and Data-Driven Decision-Making: Provides the government with granular, spatially mapped data to identify infrastructure gaps and plan future industrial corridors.
Integration with Smart Industrial Ecosystems: Under the National Industrial Corridor Development Corporation (NICDC), 20 plug-and-play industrial parks and smart cities are being developed—4 completed, 4 under construction—showcasing India’s readiness for sustainable industrialisation.

SUBJECT TAG—Industry & Infrastructure / Governance & Digitalization / Make in India

UPSC Relevance—GS Paper III: Infrastructure, Industrial Growth, and Inclusive Development; GS Paper II: Governance and Economic Policy. Essay Topics―1. Industrial Competitiveness through Transparency: The Role of Rating Systems in India’s Growth Story. 2. From Land to Launch: How IPRS 3.0 is Reimagining India’s Industrial Ecosystem for Viksit Bharat 2047.

MHA ADVISORY ON FCRA RENEWAL FOR NGOS―Ensuring Compliance and Continuity in Foreign Funding

Background & Context

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has issued an advisory to all non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and associations registered under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), reiterating the requirement of timely renewal of their registration to continue receiving foreign contributions. The directive aims to streamline regulatory oversight, ensure national security compliance, and prevent operational disruptions in the voluntary sector.

Timely Renewal Requirement

As per the latest advisory, NGOs must apply for renewal at least four months before the expiry of their existing registration. Renewal is mandatory every five years under Section 16(1) of the FCRA, 2010 and corresponding FCRA Rules. NGOs failing to renew within this timeline will face automatic suspension of their ability to receive or utilise foreign contributions until the renewal process is complete.

Key Instruction

Renewal applications submitted less than 90 days before expiry will not be assured of timely processing, as they require detailed scrutiny and security clearance from multiple agencies.

Reason for Stricter Guidelines

The MHA observed that many NGOs had been submitting renewal requests too close to expiry, often within the last 60–90 days of validity.
Such delays hampered background verification and security checks, leading to unintended lapses in registration.
During this interim period, NGOs were prohibited from receiving or using foreign contributions, resulting in the stalling of welfare, educational, or humanitarian projects.

Objective

To ensure continuous regulatory compliance, financial transparency, and uninterrupted project execution by promoting proactive adherence to the renewal schedule.

Current Status and Impact

Parameter	Data / Observation
Total active FCRA registrations	16,192 NGOs and associations (as of September 2025)
Renewal frequency	Every 5 years
Common issues noted	Late renewal filing, incomplete documentation, pending security clearances
Advisory implication	NGOs must adopt compliance calendars and assign dedicated officers to manage FCRA timelines

Impact on the Sector

NGOs dependent on foreign funding for education, healthcare, women’s empowerment, environmental conservation, and disaster relief risk major disruptions if renewals lapse. The directive seeks to improve predictability, governance, and accountability within the foreign funding ecosystem while maintaining oversight on inflows under national security norms.

Strategic and Policy Significance

(a) Strengthens the government’s framework for financial transparency and anti-money laundering compliance in the non-profit sector.

(b) Enhances coordination between MHA, Intelligence Bureau (IB), and State authorities in monitoring legitimate use of foreign funds.

(c) Reinforces India’s commitment to ethical civil society governance while balancing developmental cooperation and national interests.

SUBJECT TAG—Governance & Civil Society / Internal Security / Financial Regulation

UPSC Relevance—GS Paper II: Governance, NGOs, and Transparency; GS Paper III: Internal Security and Money Regulation. Essay Topics—1. Accountability and Autonomy: Reimagining the Role of NGOs under India’s FCRA Framework. 2. Foreign Funding and National Interest: Striking a Balance between Oversight and Developmental Freedom.

MANDATORY SOUND ALERTS FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLES (EVs): Introduction Of Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS)―(Effective from October 1, 2027)

Background & Context

To strengthen road and pedestrian safety amid India’s accelerating electric mobility transition, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has mandated the installation of an Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS) in all electric vehicles. This initiative responds to concerns that EVs’ near-silent operation can endanger pedestrians, cyclists, and visually impaired persons in urban environments. The notification places India among leading nations such as the United States, European Union, and Japan, which have already implemented similar safety standards.

What is AVAS (Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System)?

Definition: AVAS is an electronic sound-emitting system that produces artificial noise to make otherwise silent EVs detectable to nearby pedestrians and other road users.

Function: It operates automatically when an EV is moving at low speeds or reversing, generating sound frequencies similar to those of traditional internal combustion engines without causing noise pollution.

Safety Logic: Designed to alert, not startle—AVAS emits a consistent, recognisable sound pattern that helps pedestrians gauge a vehicle’s presence, speed, and direction.

Implementation Timeline & Coverage

Date	Applicability	Requirement
October 1, 2026	All new EV models approved for sale in India	Must be factory-fitted with AVAS
October 1, 2027	All existing EV models under production	Retrofitting of AVAS mandatory

Vehicle Categories Covered

Category M—Electric passenger vehicles (cars, taxis, buses).

Category N—Electric commercial vehicles (goods carriers, trucks, and delivery vans).

The rule ensures uniform compliance across personal, public, and commercial transport segments.

Technical and Regulatory Framework

The AVAS standards will align with Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) norms, drawing reference from UNECE Regulation No. 138, which specifies global performance parameters. Sound intensity and frequency will be calibrated to ensure urban environmental compatibility while remaining audible up to at least 10 metres. Manufacturers will be required to demonstrate compliance during type approval and periodic certification stages.

Why It Matters—Policy Rationale

Enhancing Road Safety: Reduces collision risk in low-speed zones such as residential areas, parking spaces, school zones, and marketplaces where EVs are often imperceptible.
Global Harmonisation: Aligns India’s EV safety regulations with international standards, strengthening the country’s position as a responsible global automotive hub.
Building Public Confidence: Addresses safety concerns among pedestrians and vulnerable road users, thereby encouraging wider acceptance of electric mobility.
Supporting Inclusive Mobility: Particularly benefits visually impaired individuals, who depend on auditory cues to navigate traffic environments.
Encouraging Technological Innovation: Creates new opportunities for domestic automotive electronics manufacturers to design and localise AVAS solutions under Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives.

Strategic Significance

(a) Complements India’s broader EV ecosystem reforms, including Battery Safety Standards (AIS-038 Rev 2) and vehicle recycling rules.

(b) Reinforces India’s commitment to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11—Sustainable Cities and Communities by promoting safer and inclusive transport design.

(c) Marks a convergence of mobility innovation and safety governance, balancing the need for quiet, low-emission vehicles with public safety imperatives.

SUBJECT TAG―Science & Technology / Transport & Infrastructure / Public Safety

UPSC Relevance―GS Paper III: Science and Technology, Infrastructure, and Environmental Safety. Essay Topics―1. Balancing Silence and Safety: The Role of AVAS in India’s Electric Mobility Transition.

SWACHH SHEHAR JODI (SSJ) INITIATIVE―Pairing India’s Cities For Clean Urban Transformation

Background & Context

On 27 September 2025, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) launched the Swachh Shehar Jodi (SSJ) initiative—a novel mentorship-based urban sanitation reform programme under the Swachh Bharat Mission–Urban (SBM-U). The initiative aims to bridge performance gaps in sanitation and waste management by pairing high-performing ‘mentor’ cities with underperforming ‘mentee’ cities, fostering shared learning and replicable innovation. The launch marked a key milestone in India’s transition from cleanliness awareness to cleanliness excellence, aligning with the government’s ‘Viksit Bharat @2047’ urban transformation vision.

Launch and Scope

Date of Launch: 27 September 2025

Implementing Agency: Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA)

Coverage: Over 300 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) signed

Pairing Structure: (i) 72 Mentor Cities (top-ranked performers); (ii) ~200 Mentee Cities (identified as low-performing or lagging in Swachh Survekshan); (iii) The initiative represents a structured city-to-city capacity exchange model, enabling efficient transfer of expertise, governance tools, and citizen engagement strategies.

Background and Concept

Insights from Swachh Survekshan (2022–2024) revealed significant disparities in urban cleanliness rankings—while certain cities demonstrated robust systems, innovation, and governance, others struggled with sanitation infrastructure, public participation, and waste segregation. To address this imbalance, MoHUA created a ‘Super Swachh League’—a network of consistently top-performing cities—now serving as mentors in the SSJ framework. The initiative embodies the Antyodaya philosophy, focusing on uplifting the least performing cities through targeted mentorship rather than one-size-fits-all schemes.

Key Features of the SSJ Programme

Mentor–Mentee Pairing Model: Mentor cities include the top three performers of Swachh Survekshan 2024, along with other ‘Super Swachh League’ cities such as Indore, Surat, Navi Mumbai, Chandigarh, and Mysuru. Mentees are geographically matched to mentors from nearby or similar-sized states to facilitate regular exchange and monitoring.

Focus areas: Solid waste management, liquid waste treatment, sanitation coverage, public participation, and digital monitoring systems.

100-Day Action Plan: Each city pair is tasked with developing a time-bound action plan that includes: (a) Targeted milestones for sanitation improvement. (b) Joint workshops, field visits, and demonstration projects. (c) Peer-to-peer learning through exposure programmes and online forums. (d) Regular progress assessments and monthly status reports to MoHUA.
Evaluation and Accountability Mechanism: Performance outcomes of SSJ pairings will be evaluated during Swachh Survekshan 2026, ensuring measurable progress and sustained improvement. Metrics include waste segregation rates, door-to-door collection coverage, processing efficiency, and citizen satisfaction indices.
Capacity Building and Digital Integration: SSJ leverages digital dashboards and geotagged tracking under SBM-U 2.0, integrating real-time monitoring of sanitation indicators. Enables replication of best practices such as Indore’s 24×7 waste collection, Surat’s waste-to-energy plants, and Mysuru’s citizen participation models.

Significance and Broader Impact

Institutionalising Peer Learning: Transforms India’s sanitation journey into a horizontal learning ecosystem, where cities act as collabourative partners rather than competitors.
Antyodaya in Practice: Demonstrates inclusive urban development by ensuring the benefits of Swachh Bharat reach even the weakest-performing municipalities.
Accountability and Results Orientation: Makes city rankings not just symbolic but actionable, linking mentorship performance to measurable policy outcomes.
Replicable Governance Model: The mentor–mentee framework can later be extended to areas like climate resilience, waste-to-wealth, and green mobility, encouraging holistic urban sustainability.

SUBJECT TAG—Urban Development / Sanitation & Governance / Public Policy Innovation

UPSC Relevance—GS Paper II: Governance and Service Delivery; GS Paper III: Urban Infrastructure and Sustainable Development. Essay Topics―1. Mentorship for Municipal Transformation: The Swachh Shehar Jodi Model of Inclusive Urban Development. 2. From Competition to Collabouration: How India’s Cities are Learning to Clean Together.

ECONOMIC NEWS

Union Cabinet Approves 3% DA Hike for Central Employees and Pensioners

Decision & Effective Date

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved a 3% hike in Dearness Allowance (DA) and Dearness Relief (DR) for Central Government employees and pensioners, effective October 1, 2025. With this revision, the DA/DR rate increases from 55% to 58% of the basic pay/pension. The hike will be implemented with October salaries and reflected in November pension disbursements, ensuring timely benefit transfer to millions of government households.

Beneficiaries & Fiscal Impact

(a) Beneficiaries: Approximately 49.19 lakh serving employees and 68.72 lakh pensioners across the country.

(b) Fiscal Outlay: The government projects an additional annual expenditure of ₹10,083.96 crore due to this revision.

Economic Implications

(a) The increase helps cushion the effects of rising inflation for employees and pensioners.

(b) The additional liquidity in the hands of government staff is expected to stimulate consumption, particularly in semi-urban and Tier-II cities, where the government workforce is concentrated.

(c) Economists view the move as part of the Centre’s inflation-management and welfare strategy, balancing employee welfare with fiscal prudence.

Context & Relevance: The DA/DR revision is based on the All-India Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers (AICPI-IW), reviewed twice annually—typically in January and July—to compensate for inflationary trends. This latest increase underscores the government’s commitment to maintaining real income stability for public sector employees and retirees amid fluctuating price levels.

Strategic Significance

Reinforces fiscal responsiveness in public-sector compensation.
Acts as a consumption stimulus, supporting economic activity in the festive quarter.
Ensures social equity by protecting fixed-income groups against inflation shocks.

SUBJECT TAG—Economy / Welfare Governance / Inflation Management

UPSC Relevance―GS Paper III: Government Expenditure, Inflation, and Consumption Demand.

GS Paper II: Welfare Policies and Public Administration. Essay Topics—1. Balancing Inflation Protection and Fiscal Discipline: The Role of DA/DR Revisions in India’s Welfare Policy. 2. Public Sector Pay Revisions as Economic Multipliers in Semi-Urban India.

GST COUNCIL RESTRUCTURING—TWO-RATE STRUCTURE EFFECTIVE SEPTEMBER 22, 2025

Overview: Major GST Overhaul After Eight Years

In a landmark fiscal reform, the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council, chaired by the Union Finance Minister, approved a two-rate GST structure effective September 22, 2025. The reform replaces the long-standing four-slab system with a simplified model—5% and 18%, plus a special 40% rate for select sin and super-luxury goods. This marks the first comprehensive rate rationalisation since GST’s launch in 2017, aimed at boosting compliance, simplifying business operations, and easing inflationary pressures on households.

New GST Framework

Category	Rate	Remarks / Examples
Essential & Household Goods	5%	Hair oil, soap, shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, kitchen/tableware, bicycles.
Packaged Food & FMCG Items	5%	Namkeens, sauces, pasta, noodles, chocolates, coffee, butter.
Daily Essentials (Zero Rated)	0%	UHT milk, paneer, rotis, chapatis, parathas.
Healthcare & Vision	0–5%	Life-saving drugs (33 items)—0%; corrective spectacles—5%.
Construction & Infrastructure Inputs	18%	Cement (down from 28%).
Automobiles & Appliances	18%	ACs, TVs, dishwashers, projectors, small cars, motorcycles ≤350cc, buses, trucks, ambulances, auto parts.
Agriculture & Rural Industries	5%	Bio-pesticides, bio-menthol, handicrafts, marble/granite blocks, intermediate leather goods.
Insurance Sector	0%	Individual life and health insurance policies.
High-End Goods / Sin Goods	40% (Special Rate)	Pan masala, gutka, cigarettes, caffeinated drinks, aerated water, large cars, >350cc bikes, private jets, yachts.
Tobacco Products	28% + Cess	Will migrate to 40% post repayment of compensation-cess borrowings.

Inversion Fixes—Correcting Input–Output Tax Mismatch

Sector	Old Rate	New Rate	Impact
Man-made fibre	18%	5%	Corrects input inversion for textiles.
Man-made yarn	12%	5%	Promotes synthetic textile competitiveness.
Fertiliser inputs (sulphuric acid, nitric acid, ammonia)	18%	5%	Reduces input costs for agriculture and fertiliser manufacturing.

Fiscal Impact

Estimated Net Revenue Implication: ₹48,000 crore (based on FY 2023–24 consumption patterns).

Rationale: The government expects tax buoyancy and improved compliance to partially offset the revenue loss.

Economic Impact: Reduction in consumer prices for daily-use goods and input materials, stimulating consumption-driven growth and supply-chain efficiency.

Process & Compliance Reforms

Registration: Fully system-based registration within 3 working days, reducing human interface.

Refunds: Automatic provisional refunds for zero-rated exports and inverted duty structures.

Technology Upgrade: Real-time integration with GSTN, CBIC, and state systems for unified compliance tracking.

Ease of Doing Business: ERP and billing systems to be reconfigured by taxpayers to align with the new two-rate structure.

Central GST (CGST) & State GST (SGST) Restructuring

The Finance Ministry has notified corresponding CGST rate changes, while States will issue parallel SGST notifications, as GST revenue is shared equally between Centre and States. The Council’s decision (Sept 3, 2025 meeting) was adopted unanimously, following detailed deliberations with State finance ministers and expert committees.

Significance of the Reform

Simplification: Reduces the 4-tier complexity (5%, 12%, 18%, 28%) into a clean dual structure, making compliance easier for taxpayers and administrators alike.
Consumer Relief: Cuts prices on key household items and services, providing direct inflation relief to consumers.
Industry Competitiveness: Improves input credit flow, removes inverted duty anomalies, and strengthens India’s manufacturing competitiveness under Make in India.
Fiscal Modernisation: Encourages digital compliance, data-driven audits, and policy predictability, enhancing India’s position in Ease of Doing Business indices.
Structural Stability: Marks a major step towards a stable, simplified, and transparent GST regime, aligned with India’s goal of achieving $5 trillion economy by 2030.

SUBJECT TAG—Indian Economy / Taxation / Fiscal Reform

UPSC Relevance—GS Paper III: Indian Economy—Resource Mobilisation, Fiscal Policy, Government Budgeting. Essay Topics—1. ‘From Complexity to Clarity: India’s Two-Rate GST Reform and its Economic Implications.’ 2. ‘Tax Simplification as a Catalyst for Compliance and Growth: Lessons from GST 2.0.’ 3. ‘Balancing Revenue and Relief: The Economics of India’s 2025 GST Rationalisation.’

RBI POLICY & REGULATORY UPDATES—SEPTEMBER 2025

RBI Mandates Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) for All Digital Payments (Effective April 1, 2026)

New Security Framework: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued a landmark directive mandating Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) across all digital transactions—including UPI, internet banking, mobile wallets, and card payments—from April 1, 2026. Only low-value transactions falling under RBI’s notified threshold will be exempt to maintain convenience for micro-payments.

Authentication Mechanisms: Instead of relying solely on SMS-based OTPs, which are increasingly vulnerable to fraud, the new system allows:

(i) Biometric verification (fingerprint/face ID)

(ii) Device-linked tokens

(iii) Passphrases or PINs

(iv) App-based authenticators (such as RBI-compliant token generators)

Risk-Based Authentication: (a) High-value or suspicious transactions will invoke stricter, multi-layer verification. (b) Routine transactions under low risk may pass through simplified checks. This ensures user convenience without compromising fraud protection.

Global & Domestic Significance: With this policy, India joins EU, Japan, and the US, which already enforce similar standards. The move is expected to reduce fraud, enhance consumer trust, and strengthen India’s image as the world’s fastest-growing digital payments ecosystem.

Liquidity Deficit Hits Banking System; RBI Conducts Repo Auctions

Liquidity Shortfall (September 23, 2025): The banking system recorded a liquidity deficit of ₹87,183 crore, a sharp rise from ₹31,987 crore the previous day—marking a significant shift from the surplus liquidity seen since March 2025.

Causes of Tightening: (i) Advance tax payments and GST outflows drained deposits. (ii) Seasonal cash demand during the festive season added further pressure.

RBI’s Response: (a) Conducted an overnight Variable Rate Repo (VRR) auction of ₹1.5 lakh crore on September 24, with banks availing ₹49,000 crore. (b) Announced a follow-up auction of ₹1.25 lakh crore, signalling readiness to stabilise liquidity.

Impact & Outlook: (a) Banks may face short-term funding cost pressures, leading to higher deposit rates or slower credit growth. (b) Economists expect the liquidity crunch to be temporary, caused by the tax-payment cycle, not structural stress. (c) RBI is likely to use repo operations and OMOs to ensure market stability in the coming weeks.

RBI Expands Gold-Linked Loans and Revises Interest Reset Norms

Expanded Lending Framework: The RBI has widened the scope of gold-backed working capital loans, allowing banks to lend to manufacturers using gold or silver as raw materials—previously limited to jewellers. This change benefits industries such as electronics, engineering,

RBI Expands Gold-Linked Loans

Institutional Scope: Applies to Scheduled Commercial Banks and Tier-3/Tier-4 Urban Cooperative Banks; NBFCs remain excluded to prevent speculative misuse.

Interest Rate Flexibility: (a) Banks can now revise spreads on floating-rate loans before the earlier three-year lock-in period. (b) Borrowers can switch from floating to fixed rates during reset events. (c) This ensures better repayment predictability and consumer protection for both retail and MSME segments.

Industry Impact: Manufacturing associations hailed the reform as a credit-access enabler, especially for high-value export sectors. RBI has, however, directed banks to ensure strict end-use monitoring to prevent speculative hoarding of bullion.

PhonePe Receives RBI Approval as Online Payment Aggregator

Authorisation Granted (September 19, 2025): The RBI granted final authorisation to PhonePe to operate as a Payment Aggregator (PA) under the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007.

Operational Impact: (a) Enables PhonePe to onboard merchants directly—including SMEs and rural enterprises—for digital payment solutions. (b) Expands secure and low-cost online transaction infrastructure beyond metropolitan areas.

Strategic Importance: The approval strengthens PhonePe’s role in financial inclusion, helping small businesses access safe, compliant, and affordable digital payments, thus deepening India’s digital economy ecosystem.

RBI Launches Microsite on Indian Banknotes—’indiancurrency.rbi.org.in’

Objective & Launch: The RBI unveiled a dedicated microsite in September 2025 as a one-stop information hub on Indian banknotes, promoting public awareness and counterfeit detection.

Key Features: (a) Detailed breakdown of security elements—watermarks, latent images, micro-lettering, and colour-shifting ink. (b) 360° visual interface for side-by-side comparison of genuine vs counterfeit notes. (c) Guidance on exchange of old, soiled, or damaged notes at banks and RBI counters.

Interactive Learning Tools: (a) Videos, audio guides, and quizzes to engage students and the general public. (b) Simplified explanations of note features to support visually impaired users and promote currency literacy.

Significance: The initiative enhances financial awareness, counterfeit prevention, and public trust in India’s currency system—reinforcing transparency and good governance.

SUMMARY OF KEY TAKEAWAYS

Policy Area	Measure / Initiative	Objective / Impact
Digital Security	2FA for all payments (April 2026)	Strengthens cybersecurity and global compliance.
Monetary Operations	Repo auctions amid ₹87k cr deficit	Short-term liquidity management.
Credit Policy	Gold-linked working capital loans	Expands industrial access to affordable credit.
Fintech Regulation	PhonePe licensed as Payment Aggregator	Deepens digital inclusion for SMEs.
Public Awareness	Microsite on Indian Banknotes	Enhances transparency and counterfeit detection.

SUBJECT TAG—Economy / Banking & Finance / Digital Governance

UPSC Relevance—GS Paper III: Indian Economy: Monetary Policy, Financial Inclusion, Cybersecurity, RBI Regulations. Essay Topics—1. Securing the Digital Rupee: RBI’s Multi-Layered Approach to Payment Integrity. 2. From Liquidity to Literacy: How RBI’s 2025 Reforms Strengthen India’s Financial Architecture. 3. Technology, Trust, and Transparency: The Triad of India’s Modern Monetary Policy.

U.S. Federal Reserve Cuts Benchmark Rate to 4.1% Amid Labour Market Weakness

Overview

On September 17, 2025, the U.S. Federal Reserve cut its benchmark interest rate by 0.25 percentage points, bringing it down to 4.1% from 4.3%. This marks the first rate cut since December 2024, signalling a policy pivot as the Fed responds to growing signs of labour market softness and slower economic momentum.

Policy Shift and Underlying Reasoning

From Inflation Control to Employment Support―(a) The Fed’s focus has moved from taming inflation—which, at 2.9% in August, remains slightly above its 2% target—to addressing weakening job creation and rising unemployment. (b) Chair Jerome Powell noted that the U.S. economy is facing a ‘less dynamic and somewhat softer labour market,’ with risks to jobs increasing. (c) The decision reflects a rebalancing of the Fed’s dual mandate—prioritising employment support without abandoning inflation vigilance.

Economic Data Context

Job Growth: Monthly hiring has slowed to its weakest pace since 2021.
Unemployment: The jobless rate has edged higher, suggesting early signs of cyclical cooling.
Growth: GDP forecasts have been revised downward, with private consumption moderating amid higher borrowing costs.

Forward Guidance and Market Expectations

Rate Path: The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) signalled two additional cuts in 2025 and one more in 2026, a slower pace than the five cuts initially expected by markets. The cautious approach underscores the Fed’s intent to avoid reigniting inflation while providing measured monetary support to the economy.

Transmission Impact: Lower benchmark rates are expected to ease borrowing costs for: (i) Home loans and mortgages (ii) Auto financing (iii) Corporate borrowing and capital expenditure. The objective is to stimulate growth and sustain employment, particularly in sectors hit by trade disruptions and tighter immigration rules.

Dissent and Political Undercurrents

Internal Division: The decision was not unanimous—Stephen Miran, a newly appointed policymaker, dissented, advocating for a larger 0.5% cut. Chair Powell clarified that most FOMC members opposed a deeper cut, preferring gradualism.

Political Friction: Miran’s last-minute Senate confirmation before the meeting has raised eyebrows over political interference in monetary policymaking. Meanwhile, President Trump’s attempt to remove Fed Governor Lisa Cook has drawn criticism from economists and lawmakers, stoking debate over central bank independence—a foundational principle of U.S. monetary governance.

Inflation Dynamics and Structural Pressures

Headline Inflation: 2.9% (August 2025)—up from 2.7% in July, reflecting tariff-related price pressures and tight immigration policies that constrain labour supply.

Powell’s View: The Fed anticipates that slower growth will help contain inflation despite these upward pressures.

Energy and Food Prices: Rising commodity costs linked to geopolitical tensions have also contributed to short-term inflationary stickiness.

Global Monetary Context

Central Bank	Policy Stance (as of Sept 2025)	Rationale / Inflation Trend
U.S. Federal Reserve	Cut 0.25% → 4.1%	Employment support amid weak hiring.
European Central Bank (ECB)	Rates on hold	Eurozone inflation easing below 2.5%.
Bank of England (BoE)	Rates steady (~5.25%)	Inflation still elevated at 3.8%.
Bank of Japan (BoJ)	Maintains stimulus	Growth fragile, inflation subdued.

The divergence underscores the Fed’s proactive easing stance, contrasting with other advanced economies that remain in ‘hold’ mode due to regional inflation patterns.

Global Significance & Spill-over Effects

Capital Flows: The Fed’s rate cut could trigger portfolio outflows from emerging markets as global investors reprice yields.

Dollar Movement: The U.S. dollar may soften, easing pressure on commodity-importing nations.

India Impact: Softer U.S. rates could attract FPI inflows into Indian debt markets, ease import costs, and support the rupee.

Global Trade: The cut aims to buffer the U.S. economy from trade disruptions triggered by ongoing tariff escalations with key partners.

Strategic Takeaways

Monetary Prioritisation: The Fed’s 2025 pivot reaffirms its dual-mandate flexibility—shifting from inflation containment to employment preservation.

Political Sensitivities: Emerging political friction may test the institution’s independence and credibility in an election-preceding year.

Global Repercussions: The U.S. rate cut will likely influence global capital movements, exchange rates, and monetary responses in emerging economies.

SUBJECT TAG—International Economy / Monetary Policy / Global Financial Governance

UPSC Relevance—GS Paper II: Global Institutions and Economic Governance. GS Paper III: Monetary Policy, Globalisation, and Economic Stability. Essay Topics—1. Central Bank Independence in an Era of Political Polarisation: Lessons from the U.S. Federal Reserve. 2. Balancing Inflation and Employment: The Dilemmas of Modern Monetary Policy. 3. When America Sneezes: How U.S. Monetary Shifts Reshape Global Financial Flows.

Trade & Industry Regulatory Updates

Government Restricts Silver Jewellery Imports—Curbing Duty Evasion Under AITIGA

Policy Change (September 24, 2025): The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has revised the import policy for silver jewellery and silver articles, changing their status from ‘Free’ to ‘Restricted’. Importers must now seek prior government approval to bring these goods into India. The restriction is effective until March 31, 2026, allowing authorities to monitor import trends and close loopholes in existing trade routes.

Reason Behind the Move:

Import Surge from Thailand: Nearly 98% of silver jewellery imports were arriving from Thailand—a non-silver-producing nation—raising suspicion of tariff circumvention.
AITIGA Loophole: India suspects rerouting of goods through ASEAN members to claim zero-duty benefits under the ASEAN–India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA).

Understanding AITIGA: Signed in 2009, the AITIGA enables preferential tariffs for certain goods traded between India and ASEAN nations. While it has facilitated trade, the agreement has also seen misuse, where non-origin goods are repackaged or relabelled in ASEAN countries to enjoy duty-free access.

Regulatory Implications:

Import Licensing: Traders must now obtain DGFT licenses before importing, improving traceability.
Enhanced Oversight: Customs will be able to verify origin certificates more effectively, ensuring compliance with rules of origin.
Domestic Protection: The step safeguards Indian silver artisans and manufacturers, curbs duty evasion, and strengthens recordkeeping.

Additional Trade Update – Rice Exports: Simultaneously, DGFT amended the export policy for non-basmati rice, requiring all export contracts to be registered with APEDA (Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority). → Objective: Ensure food security while allowing regulated trade continuity.

Silver Jewellery: HUID-Based Hallmarking Introduced (Voluntary from September 1, 2025)

Policy Update (BIS): The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has extended Hallmark Unique Identification (HUID) to silver articles, introducing voluntary hallmarking under IS 2112:2025 (which supersedes IS 2112:2014). This aligns silver hallmarking with the existing gold hallmarking ecosystem, enhancing digital traceability and consumer protection.

What is HUID? A 6-digit alphanumeric identification code assigned to every hallmarked item, ensuring:

Traceability: Unique digital identity for each silver piece.
Verification: Public authentication via the BIS Care App.
Transparency: Details include purity grade, hallmarking date, and jeweller registration.
Mandatory Marks on Hallmarked Silver: (i) BIS Standard Mark (with the word SILVER) (ii) Purity Grade—e.g., 925, 958, or 999 (iii) HUID Code—engraved for digital record linkage

Infrastructure & Implementation (as of FY 2025):

230 BIS-Recognised Assaying & Hallmarking Centres (AHCs) operating across 87 districts.
Over 32 lakh silver articles hallmarked in FY 2024–25, reflecting strong compliance momentum.
Stakeholder Meet (August 7, 2025): Over 80 participants—including jewellers, BIS officials, and trade bodies—discussed operational issues, awareness drives, and consumer education.
Ongoing outreach through BIS branches, training workshops, and social media campaigns to ensure jewellers and consumers adapt to the new system.

Strategic & Economic Implications

Strengthened Trade Governance: Combining DGFT import curbs and BIS hallmarking promotes accountability across the silver value chain—from import origin to retail sale.
Consumer & Artisan Protection: Prevents market flooding by low-quality imports. Empowers consumers to verify authenticity and purity. Safeguards domestic silver craftsmanship under Make in India.
Revenue & Compliance Gains: Enhanced licensing and hallmark traceability are expected to reduce smuggling and under-invoicing, bolstering customs revenue and data-driven trade monitoring.
Integration with Global Standards: HUID-based hallmarking aligns Indian silver standards with OECD traceability norms and strengthens export credibility for Indian jewellers globally.

SUBJECT TAG—Trade Policy / Industry Regulation / Consumer Protection

UPSC Relevance—GS Paper III: Indian Economy—External Trade, Regulatory Policy, and Industrial Development. Essay Topics—1. Trade Liberalisation vs. Trade Vigilance: India’s Balancing Act in the Silver Market. 2. From Mines to Markets: Traceability as the New Currency of Trust in Precious Metals. 3. Crafting Compliance: How HUID and Import Licensing Reinforce India’s Jewellery Ecosystem.

ECONOMY, ENERGY & FINANCIAL SECTOR DEVELOPMENTS

India Crosses 250 GW Non-Fossil Fuel Capacity—A Global Clean Energy Milestone

Key Announcement (11 September 2025):

Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi announced that India’s non-fossil fuel power capacity has reached 250 GW, a landmark achievement that places India among the world’s top clean energy leaders.

India's energy transition

Composition of the 250 GW Milestone: The total includes: (a) Solar and wind energy (major contributors) (b) Hydropower, biomass, and nuclear power—forming the backbone of India’s low-carbon mix. This milestone represents a paradigm shift away from fossil fuels and underscores India’s progress toward its Paris Agreement commitment of 500 GW renewable capacity by 2030.

Vision for 2030: The government reaffirmed its 500 GW target as part of the Energy Transition Mission, supported by state participation, green finance, and policy incentives such as Production Linked Incentives (PLI) and Green Energy Corridors.

Sustainability & Social Equity: The Minister connected Swachh Bharat with Swachh Energy, stressing that clean power enhances both environmental protection and social inclusion. 20 lakh households have already received free solar electricity under the utility-led model for homes without rooftop ownership, led by Andhra Pradesh. The scheme will expand to 1 crore homes, promoting rural energy equity.

Economic & Policy Linkages: The Minister highlighted NEXT GEN GST reforms as enablers of renewable sector growth—easing compliance, reducing project costs, and fostering a supportive ecosystem for clean-tech firms and investors.

Strategic Significance: This milestone enhances India’s global credibility as a climate action leader, advancing the twin goals of Net Zero by 2070 and energy independence through renewables.

Bima Sugam—India’s National Insurance Marketplace

Overview: The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) launched Bima Sugam, a unified digital marketplace for all insurance products—life, health, motor, property, travel, agriculture, and general insurance. The platform’s phased rollout will achieve full functionality by December 2025.

Key Features: 1. Single-window platform connecting insurers, intermediaries, banks, brokers, and policyholders. 2. Enables online policy purchase, renewal, claim settlement, and grievance redressal. 3. Supports Aadhaar-based onboarding, paperless KYC, and secure payment systems.

Strategic Importance: Bima Sugam forms part of India’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) ecosystem, alongside Aadhaar, UPI, and ONDC. It seeks to achieve ‘Insurance for All by 2047’, promoting financial inclusion, transparency, and efficiency.

Impact: (i) Reduces paperwork, transaction costs, and fraud. (ii) Simplifies access for rural and underserved populations. (iii) Enhances trust, competition, and consumer protection within the insurance ecosystem.

EPFO Introduces ‘Passbook Lite’ and Digital Reforms

Overview: The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) launched Passbook Lite, a simplified dashboard on its member portal, announced by Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya. The feature caters to over 27 crore subscribers, reflecting EPFO’s digital transformation goals.

Key Features: Snapshot view of contributions, withdrawals, and balances—accessible without additional login steps. Real-time integration via backend APIs for instant updates. Self-service reforms: Members can now download Annexure K during PF transfers and track transfer status online.

Benefits: (a) Faster claim processing and transparent service validation. (b) Permanent digital records to prevent data loss. (c) Ease of compliance for employers and employees alike.

Significance: Strengthens accountability, enhances user experience, and aligns EPFO services with India’s Digital Governance and E-Labour initiatives.

SEBI Launches SWAGAT-FI Framework—Streamlining GIFT-IFSC Access for Foreign Investors

Date: September 16, 2025

Objective: To attract long-term global investors—sovereign wealth funds, pension funds, and institutional asset managers—into the GIFT International Financial Services Centre (IFSC).

Key Features:

Simplified Wrapper Framework (SWAGAT-FI): Enables seamless entry of foreign investors.

Extended Registration Validity: From 3 years to 10 years.

Accelerated Onboarding: Digital registration within one week.

Single Demat Account: Unified investment and trading operations.

Enhanced Transparency: Strengthened IPO and disclosure norms.

Strategic Significance: (a) Attracts patient capital and reduces market volatility. (b) Elevates GIFT City to rival global financial hubs such as Singapore and Dubai. (c) Supports India’s ambition to become a global capital gateway under Viksit Bharat 2047.

SBI–SMBC Yes Bank Deal—Largest Indo–Japan Banking Transaction

Overview: In a landmark cross-border deal, the State Bank of India (SBI) sold a 13.18% stake (≈ 413.44 crore shares) in Yes Bank to Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) of Japan for ₹8,889 crore.

Regulatory Timeline: (a) RBI approval: August 22, 2025 (b) CCI clearance: September 2, 2025 (c) SBI Board approval: May 2025.

Significance: (a) Marks the largest Indo–Japan financial sector transaction to date. (b) Strengthens Yes Bank’s capital base and international linkages. (c) SMBC now holds the option to raise its stake to 24.99% (RBI-approved limit). (d) Reflects growing Indo–Japan financial cooperation and shared interest in India’s banking and fintech ecosystem.

Strategic Implications: (a) Deepens cross-border banking partnerships. (b) Brings Japanese risk management and corporate governance practices into Indian banking. (c) Supports Yes Bank’s transition from crisis recovery (post-2020 rescue) to global integration and capital stability.

SUBJECT TAG—Economy / Finance / Energy Transition / Digital Governance

UPSC Relevance—GS Paper III: Indian Economy—Financial Sector Reforms, Energy Transition, Digital Infrastructure. GS Paper II: Governance—E-Governance and Public Service Delivery. Essay Topics—1. Energy Equity and Climate Leadership: India’s Journey from 250 GW to 500 GW Renewables. 2. Digital Public Infrastructure as a New Social Contract: Lessons from Bima Sugam and EPFO Reforms. 3. Global Capital and Domestic Confidence: How GIFT City and Indo–Japan Partnerships are Reshaping Indian Finance.

SPORTS & GAMES

ASIA CUP 2025 (DP World Asia Cup)—INDIA RETAINS TITLE AMID TROPHY CONTROVERSY

Tournament Overview

The 17th edition of the Asia Cup, officially called the DP World Asia Cup 2025, was hosted in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from 9–28 September 2025 in the T20I format. India, the defending champion, successfully retained the title by defeating Pakistan in a tense final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

Participating Teams

Eight nations took part—five full ACC members (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka) and three qualifiers (UAE, Oman, Hong Kong).

The Final—India vs Pakistan (Dubai, 28 September 2025)

Pakistan’s Innings – Early Promise, Sudden Collapse: Pakistan got off to a commanding start as Sahibzada Farhan (57) and Fakhar Zaman (46) added 84 runs for the opening wicket. At 113/1 with seven overs remaining, Pakistan seemed poised for 180+, but Kuldeep Yadav’s masterful spell (4/30) dismantled the middle order. The side lost its last nine wickets for just 33 runs, crashing to 146 all out.

India’s Chase – Tilak Varma’s Defining Knock: India began poorly, losing three wickets within three overs, slumping to 32/3. Tilak Varma anchored the chase with an unbeaten 69 off 51 balls, supported by Shivam Dube (33) and Sanju Samson (24). India sealed a five-wicket win with two balls to spare. Tilak, named Player of the Match, called it ‘one of the best innings of my life’, marking a career-defining moment in his rise as a finisher.

The Trophy Presentation Controversy—’The Missing Trophy Saga’

Unprecedented Incident: Following the final, a dramatic standoff erupted when ACC President Mohsin Naqvi (who is also the PCB Chairman) allegedly withheld the trophy. India’s players refused to attend the official presentation. Captain Suryakumar Yadav stated: ‘It’s one thing I have never seen in my career—a champion team denied its trophy. We took the call on the ground not to take the trophy.’ The Indian team celebrated symbolically, mimicking a trophy lift on the field.

Naqvi’s Conduct

Reports indicated that Naqvi carried the trophy and medals to his hotel, bypassing the presentation protocol. Senior BCCI officials Rajeev Shukla and Ashish Shelar protested at the next ACC meeting, asserting that ‘the trophy belongs to the ACC, not any individual.’ Naqvi avoided direct discussion, claiming the issue should be handled ‘outside the AGM,’ further aggravating tensions.

Diplomatic Fallout & BCCI’s Response

Muted Acknowledgment: At a subsequent ACC virtual meeting, Naqvi initially omitted any mention of India’s title win while congratulating Nepal and welcoming Mongolia as a new ACC member.

After Shelar’s intervention, Naqvi belatedly offered formal congratulations to Team India.

BCCI’s Next Steps: The BCCI is considering escalating the matter to the ICC at its November 2025 board meeting. Officials have proposed that the Asia Cup trophy be housed permanently at the ACC headquarters in Colombo and later collected by India. A BCCI source revealed that Naqvi privately admitted he ‘felt like a cartoon’ during the awkward episode.

Asia cup trophy dispute

Broader Context & Diplomatic Overtones

Political Backdrop: The controversy unfolded amid heightened India–Pakistan tensions, following a four-day military conflict in April 2025 after a terror attack in Kashmir. With bilateral cricket suspended, both nations only face each other at neutral venues under the ACC or ICC umbrellas.

Current Status: Naqvi is expected to return to Lahore without resolving the trophy dispute. The ACC has yet to issue an official clarification or confirm when India will receive the trophy and medals. Despite the off-field turmoil, India’s unbeaten campaign showcased depth, composure, and tactical strength, reaffirming its dominance in Asian cricket.

SUBJECT TAG—Sports Diplomacy / Governance / India–Pakistan Relations

UPSC Relevance—GS Paper II: International Relations; Institutions and Governance Issues. GS Paper I: Sports & Culture—India’s Global Representation. Essay Topics—1. Sport Beyond Boundaries: How Cricket Reflects the Politics of the Subcontinent. 2. Managing Success and Symbolism: The Ethics of Sports Administration in International Tournaments. 3. Soft Power or Strained Power? The Asia Cup 2025 as a Case Study in Sports Diplomacy.

US OPEN 2025—CARLOS ALCARAZ AND ARYNA SABALENKA DOMINATE AT FLUSHING MEADOWS

Tournament Overview

The 2025 US Open, held from August 25 to September 7 at Flushing Meadows, New York, delivered classic battles and defining moments in world tennis. Spanish star Carlos Alcaraz reclaimed his World No. 1 ranking, while Aryna Sabalenka etched her name in history with consecutive US Open titles.

Men’s Singles—Carlos Alcaraz’s Sixth Grand Slam Triumph

Final (7 September 2025): Carlos Alcaraz (Spain) defeated Jannik Sinner (Italy) 6–2, 3–6, 6–1, 6–4 in a riveting final that extended their celebrated rivalry.

Match Highlights: Alcaraz showcased blistering shot-making and baseline control, breaking Sinner five times in the match. After dropping the second set, he regrouped with precision and physical endurance to dominate the remaining two sets. The victory gave Alcaraz his 6th Grand Slam title (2nd US Open after 2022) and ended Sinner’s 65-week reign as ATP World No. 1. With this win, Alcaraz reinforced his status as the torchbearer of the post–Big Three era, combining flair with discipline.

Women’s Singles—Aryna Sabalenka Creates History

Final: Aryna Sabalenka (Belarus) defeated Amanda Anisimova (USA) 6–3, 6–4 in straight sets to retain her title.

Key Highlights: Sabalenka became the first woman since Serena Williams (2013–2014) to win back-to-back US Open titles. This marks her 4th career Grand Slam, adding to her two Australian Open crowns. Her consistency, powerful serve, and mental resilience underlined her transformation into a dominant all-surface player.

Post-Match Reflection

Sabalenka called it her ‘most complete season yet,’ crediting the win to ‘mental calm and aggression in balance.’

Doubles & Mixed Events—Experienced Campaigners Shine

Event	Winner (Nationality)	Runner-Up (Nationality)
Men’s Doubles	Marcel Granollers / Horacio Zeballos (Spain / Argentina)	Joe Salisbury / Neal Skupski (Great Britain / Great Britain)
Women’s Doubles	Gabriela Dabrowski / Erin Routliffe (Canada / New Zealand)	Kateřina Siniaková / Taylor Townsend (Czech Republic / USA)
Mixed Doubles	Sara Errani / Andrea Vavassori (Italy / Italy)	Iga Świątek / Casper Ruud (Poland / Norway)

Key Takeaways

Alcaraz–Sinner Rivalry Defines a New Era: The 2025 final reaffirmed their position as the faces of modern men’s tennis, drawing comparisons with classic Federer–Nadal duels.

Sabalenka’s Consistency and Legacy: Consecutive US Open titles solidify Sabalenka as the dominant force in women’s tennis, bridging the post–Serena generation.

European Excellence Across Formats: European players captured four of five categories, highlighting continental depth in both singles and doubles tennis.

Next-Gen Confidence: Rising talents like Anisimova and Sinner signaled the depth of competition, suggesting a more open and unpredictable era.

SUBJECT TAG—International Sports / Tennis / Global Championships

UPSC Relevance—GS Paper I: Sports and Achievements; International Events of Significance.

Essay Topics—1. From Federer to Alcaraz: The Changing Face of Modern Tennis. 2. Consistency and Power: The Rise of Aryna Sabalenka and the New Order in Women’s Tennis. 3. Global Sports Rivalries as Instruments of Cultural Soft Power—Lessons from the 2025 US Open.

OTHER SPORTING HIGHLIGHTS—SEPTEMBER 2025

India Reclaims Asia Cup Hockey Title—Bihar (7 September 2025)

The Match and Scoreline: India defeated South Korea 4–1 to reclaim the Asia Cup title after eight years, showcasing tactical dominance and superior finishing. The match began dramatically, with Sukhjeet Singh scoring in the opening 30 seconds, giving India instant momentum.

Key Performances and Turning Points: Dilpreet Singh netted twice to consolidate India’s control, while Amit Rohidas added the fourth goal in the second half. The Korean attack, despite strong initial possession, failed to counter India’s disciplined defensive structure and quick transitions.

Historical and Strategic Significance: This victory marked India’s fourth Asia Cup triumph after earlier wins in 2003, 2007, and 2017. It also granted India direct qualification to the 2026 FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup to be held in Belgium and the Netherlands. The result reaffirmed India’s growing consistency in major tournaments and highlighted the effectiveness of its new midfield rotation strategy under coach Craig Fulton.

World Archery Championships 2025—India Wins Historic Gold

Final Showdown in Gwangju: The Indian men’s compound team of Rishabh Yadav, Aman Saini, and Prathamesh Fuge secured a historic 235–233 victory over France in the final held at Gwangju, South Korea.

Dramatic Comeback and Execution: Trailing 57–59 after the first end, India staged a remarkable recovery by shooting six consecutive 10s in the second end to level the contest. With the score tied at 176–176 going into the final round, Fuge’s flawless six 10s sealed the gold, marking a display of exceptional nerve and precision.

Impact and Broader Implications: This was India’s first-ever men’s compound team gold at a World Championship and ended an eight-year medal drought in the category. The victory symbolised the growing maturity of India’s archery ecosystem under the Target Olympic Podium Scheme and strengthened India’s reputation in technical sports requiring composure and precision.

Chess—Abhimanyu Mishra Defeats World Champion D. Gukesh

A Landmark Game in Samarkand: At the FIDE Grand Swiss 2025, 16-year-old Abhimanyu Mishra of the United States stunned reigning World Champion D. Gukesh of India in 61 moves, capitalising on a rare twelfth-move misjudgment by the champion.

Historical Context and Record: The victory made Mishra the youngest player ever to defeat a sitting world champion in classical chess, surpassing Gata Kamsky’s 33-year-old record of beating Garry Kasparov at 17. His earlier achievements as the youngest International Master (2019) and Grandmaster (2021) further underscore his exceptional trajectory.

Symbolic Importance: The result reflects a generational shift in chess, highlighting the analytical depth, computer-assisted preparation, and psychological resilience of the Gen-Z grandmasters redefining elite chess strategy worldwide.

CAFA Nations Cup 2025—India Wins Bronze

Match Summary: India defeated Oman 3–2 on penalties after a 1–1 draw in the third-place playoff held in Hisor, Tajikistan. Udanta Singh scored the equaliser after Oman’s early goal, ensuring the match went into a shootout.

Turning Point and Performance: Goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu delivered a heroic performance, saving the decisive penalty as Oman missed its first two attempts. India’s composure in the shootout contrasted sharply with Oman’s lapses under pressure.

Significance and Broader Impact: This was India’s first-ever win against Oman and its maiden CAFA Nations Cup medal. The result demonstrates India’s improved tactical discipline and defensive organisation, reaffirming its competitive presence in Central and West Asian football.

Formula 1—Verstappen Dominates Italian GP 2025 (Monza)

Race Overview: At the Italian Grand Prix in Monza, Max Verstappen clinched his third win of the season, marking his first victory since May. Despite an early clash with Lando Norris at Turn 1, Verstappen regained control on lap four and maintained the lead until the finish.

Performance Highlights: He finished nearly twenty seconds ahead of Norris, setting the fastest lap in Monza history during qualifying. His racecraft reflected the perfect blend of aggression and composure that has become his hallmark.

Strategic Importance: This win restored Red Bull Racing’s dominance after a period of competitive turbulence, reinforcing the importance of adaptive tyre strategy and aerodynamic efficiency in modern Formula 1 racing.

Speed Skating—Historic Golds for India at World Championships 2025

Anandkumar Velkumar’s Triple Medal Triumph: Indian skater Anandkumar Velkumar made history in China by becoming the nation’s first World Champion in speed skating. He won gold in the men’s 1000m sprint (1:24.924), gold in the 42km marathon, and bronze in the 500m sprint (43.072s).

Krish Sharma’s Junior Gold and Future Promise: In the junior category, Krish Sharma won gold in the 1000m sprint, highlighting India’s emerging talent pipeline in roller sports.

Significance and Long-Term Vision: Velkumar’s achievements broke new ground for Indian participation in non-traditional sports. They underscore the success of India’s ‘Mission Olympic Glide’ initiative that integrates biomechanical analysis and altitude training into performance programmes.

Davis Cup 2025—India Beats Switzerland 3–1

Historic Victory in Europe: India defeated ninth-seeded Switzerland 3–1 in Biel, marking its first away win against a European team since 1993, when Paes and Krishnan led India past France.

Team Effort and Execution: The tie reflected India’s growing depth in singles and doubles, showcasing improved coordination and endurance under pressure.

Broader Implications: This result strengthens India’s global tennis reputation and reflects the dividends of its renewed emphasis on high-performance fitness and match conditioning.

Boxing—Jaismine Lamboria Wins World Championship Gold

Final Match Performance: At the 2025 World Boxing Championships in Liverpool, Jaismine Lamboria secured gold in the women’s 57kg category by defeating Poland’s Julia Szeremeta in a 4–1 split decision.

Tactical Strategy and Comeback: After an early Olympic exit in 2024, Lamboria demonstrated exceptional footwork and counterpunching, maintaining composure throughout the bout to neutralise her opponent’s reach advantage.

Significance for Indian Boxing: Her triumph cements India’s position in women’s boxing and signals the emergence of a new generation of technically sound, mentally resilient fighters shaped by advanced sports science support systems.

Women’s Hockey—India Finish Runners-Up at Asia Cup 2025

Road to the Final: India reached the final after finishing second in the Super 4s stage, edging past Japan and Korea on goal difference.

Final Match Against China: In the final, India began strongly as Navneet Kaur scored from a penalty corner in the first minute. However, China equalised in the second quarter and dominated thereafter, with Li Hong’s counterattack sealing a 4–1 victory.

Impact and Analysis: Despite the loss, India’s disciplined pressing and structured defence were widely praised. China’s win secured its World Cup qualification, while India’s consistent performance confirmed its standing among Asia’s elite hockey teams.

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone’s Historic 400m Run—Tokyo (18 September 2025)

The Performance: At the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone clocked 47.78 seconds in the women’s 400m final, the fastest time recorded in 40 years.

Records and Context: Her timing stands as the second-fastest ever, behind Marita Koch’s 47.60s world record set in 1985. The race also yielded a new American record and reaffirmed her dominance after transitioning from the 400m hurdles.

Significance: McLaughlin-Levrone’s feat exemplifies a new phase of high-performance sprinting, where biomechanics, recovery science, and mental conditioning collectively redefine human athletic potential.

Smriti Mandhana Smashes Fastest Indian ODI Century

The Record-Breaking Innings: Smriti Mandhana scored a century off just 50 balls against Australia at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, surpassing Virat Kohli’s 52-ball record set in 2013. Her innings of 125 off 65 balls included 17 boundaries and 5 sixes.

Match Situation and Impact: Despite India’s eventual loss in the 413-run chase, Mandhana’s aggressive strokeplay and controlled pacing redefined the template of Indian women’s ODI batting.

Wider Relevance: Her performance symbolises the evolution of women’s cricket into a power-intensive, high-viewership format and the growing parity of skill and intent between men’s and women’s cricket in India.

Sheetal Devi Wins Gold at World Para Archery Championships 2025

The Championship and Result: Eighteen-year-old Sheetal Devi won gold in the women’s compound open category at the World Para Archery Championships in Gwangju by defeating Türkiye’s Oznur Cure Girdi 146–143.

Performance and Technique: Facing a seasoned three-time world champion, Sheetal maintained composure through consistent 10s and executed a technically flawless final round to secure victory.

Inspiration and Legacy: This victory marks India’s first-ever para-archery gold and serves as a beacon of empowerment for para-athletes nationwide. Sheetal’s achievement reflects the success of inclusive sports initiatives and embodies the spirit of perseverance against adversity.

SUBJECT TAG—Sports / India in Global Sports / International Achievements

UPSC Relevance—GS Paper I: Indian and Global Sports Developments; Achievements of Indians in Diverse Fields. Essay Topics—1. India’s Sporting Renaissance: From Archery to Athletics—A Story of Global Emergence. 2. Breaking Barriers: Women Athletes and Para Champions Redefining India’s Global Identity. 3. Sports as Soft Power: How Global Achievements Reinforce India’s Image in the 2020s.

DEFENCE & SECURITY

Defence & Strategic Affairs

Operation Rahat – Indian Army’s Flood Relief Mission (Western Command)

Scale of Relief Operations: Responding to severe floods across Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir, the Indian Army launched Operation Rahat and completed eighty-two HADR missions employing fifty-nine Army columns and seventeen Engineer Task Forces. The effort evacuated over six thousand people, including three hundred paramilitary personnel, delivered immediate medical assistance to thirteen thousand citizens with critical patients airlifted where necessary, and moved forty-eight tons of essential rations, potable water, and medicines via air-drops and ground convoys.

Aviation Assets Deployed: Joint Army–Air Force rotary fleets surpassed two hundred and fifty flight hours using three Advanced Light Helicopters, six Mi-17s, six Cheetahs, and one Chinook heavy-lift platform. These aircraft enabled rapid search-and-rescue insertion, precision supply drops into cut-off pockets, and continuous aerial reconnaissance to refine ground tasking and dam-release contingencies.

Engineering Works for Restoration: Engineer Task Forces diverted floodwaters, strengthened embankments, and executed quick repairs on washed-out bridges and roads to reconnect isolated habitations. To restore communications in Jammu, teams laid two kilometres of optical fibre cable, prioritising border outposts and inaccessible villages to re-establish command links and civilian connectivity.

Civil–Military Coordination: Operations were synchronised with civil administration, NDRF and SDRF formations through Flood Control and Monitoring Cells established at command headquarters. These cells tracked live levels at major reservoirs such as Bhakra Nangal and Ranjit Sagar, translating hydrological data into real-time military tasking and evacuation advisories.

Significance: Operation Rahat exemplifies whole-of-nation crisis response, spotlighting the Army’s dual mandate to safeguard territorial security while delivering humanitarian relief at scale. The campaign also deepened standard operating procedures for multi-agency HADR in complex, multi-state flood basins.

India at Exercise ZAPAD 2025 – Russia (10–16 September, Mulino)

Indian Contingent Composition: India fielded a sixty-five member tri-service contingent led by a KUMAON Regiment battalion group, supported by seven Indian Air Force personnel and one Navy officer. The mix provided a compact but comprehensive slice of combined-arms capability suitable for company-level missions.

Exercise Themes and Focus: Drills emphasised company-level joint operations in open terrain, mission planning and tactical room procedures, conventional manoeuvre–fire coordination, counter-terrorism actions in built-up areas, and structured exchanges of tactics, techniques and procedures. Scenarios incorporated emerging technologies, including ISR fusion and counter-UAS injects, to mirror contemporary battlefields.

Strategic Importance: Participation enhances interoperability with multiple partners, exposes Indian troops to diverse climates and ranges, and strengthens defence diplomacy. It also reinforces India’s role in collective counter-terrorism and multi-domain operations while stress-testing logistics and command integration in a foreign training complex.

Freedom Edge Exercise – United States, South Korea, Japan (from 15 September, near Jeju)

Overview: Freedom Edge, the largest trilateral drill to date, spanned air, sea, and cyberspace operations with ballistic-missile and air-defence training, maritime interdiction, cyber-coordination, and aeromedical evacuation modules designed around realistic escalation timelines.

Strategic Significance: The exercise sharpens trilateral missile warning, data sharing, and integrated defence postures in response to North Korea’s advancing missile and nuclear programmes. It consolidates the Camp David roadmap and signals deterrent cohesion amid Pyongyang’s tightening links with Russia and China.

Challenges: Risks include miscalculation through North Korean launch demonstrations, further diplomatic freeze on regional dialogue, and domestic protests in South Korea concerned about crisis instability. Scenario design therefore balanced readiness gains with calibrated signalling.

DSC A22 – Third Diving Support Craft

Project Background: Launched on 12 September 2025 at Kolkata, DSC A22 is the third of five Diving Support Crafts contracted by the Ministry of Defence in 2021 and built by Titagarh Rail Systems Limited. The programme advances indigenous niche-capability shipbuilding for underwater operations.

Features: With a displacement of roughly 380 tonnes and a catamaran hull, the craft offers high stability and ample deck area. It integrates modern diving systems, decompression chambers, and underwater welding and cutting suites. Hydrodynamic performance was validated at NSTL Visakhapatnam to optimise efficiency and manoeuvrability.

Strategic Role: The DSC class underpins submarine rescue support, underwater inspections, harbour salvage, and diver training, enhancing coastal readiness across naval bases and critical port infrastructure.

ASW Shallow Water Craft Androth

Background: Commissioned on 13 September 2025, Androth is the second Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft delivered by GRSE under a sixteen-vessel programme split between GRSE and Cochin Shipyard Limited to replace ageing Abhay-class platforms.

Capabilities: At seventy-seven metres and nine hundred tonnes, the craft delivers an 1,800-nautical-mile range with waterjet propulsion for superior manoeuvrability in littoral environments. Armament includes lightweight torpedoes, indigenous ASW rockets, a 30-mm gun and 12.7-mm mounts, cueued by advanced shallow-water sonar and electronic warfare systems.

Significance: With more than eighty percent indigenous content, the class strengthens Aatmanirbhar Bharat objectives and materially upgrades India’s port-approach and island-littoral ASW screen against stealthy submarine incursions.

Lanza-N 3D Air Surveillance Radar

Overview: Commissioned in September 2025, the Tata-integrated naval variant of Indra’s Lanza 3D radar is India’s first domestically integrated long-range naval surveillance radar, tailored for Indian Ocean humidity and temperature regimes.

enhancing maritime security

Features: The system offers detection from nine to four hundred seventy-four kilometres and altitude coverage up to one hundred thousand feet with a ten-second rotation rate. It supports early warning against aircraft, drones, and missile threats and plugs into networked maritime command layers.

Significance: Part of a 2020 India–Spain radar package valued at about USD 145 million, the programme includes technology transfer and local assembly of twenty units by TASL in Karnataka, boosting naval self-reliance and the sensor backbone of maritime domain awareness.

INS Aravali – New Naval Base

Commissioning: Commissioned on 12 September 2025 at Gurugram by Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, INS Aravali takes its name from the resilient Aravali range to symbolise endurance and vigilance in the cognitive domain of maritime security.

Role and Strategic Importance: The base enhances India’s maritime domain awareness architecture as a communications and information-dominance hub, providing command-and-control support to the MAHASAGAR vision of ‘Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions.’

Symbolism: Carrying the motto ‘सामुद्रिकसुरक्षायाः सहयोगं’ (Maritime Security through Collabouration) and a crest featuring the Aravali silhouette and a rising sun, the base encapsulates resilience, vigilance, and technology-driven growth.

INS Androth Commissioning (6 October 2025, Visakhapatnam)

Overview: The Indian Navy will commission INS Androth, the second ASW-SWC, at Visakhapatnam under Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, advancing the sixteen-ship shallow-water ASW programme from design into serial induction and fleet dispersal.

Aatmanirbhar Bharat in Action: Built by GRSE with over eighty percent indigenous content and handed over on 13 September, the ship showcases maturing domestic design–build competencies and supply-chain depth in sensors, propulsion, and combat systems.

Legacy and Naming: Named after Androth Island in Lakshadweep, the ship revives the legacy of the earlier INS Androth (P69) and underscores India’s sharpened focus on island chain security in the Arabian Sea approaches.

Capabilities and Roles: Equipped with advanced submarine-detection sensors, waterjet propulsion, and secure communications for networked operations, the vessel will undertake littoral ASW, maritime surveillance and patrol, search-and-rescue, coastal defence, and close-fleet support.

MiG-21 – End of an Era in Indian Air Power

Final Decommissioning: On 26 September 2025 at Air Force Station Chandigarh, the Indian Air Force formally retired the MiG-21 with a ceremonial flypast by No. 23 ‘Panthers,’ marking the sunset of a platform that served for over six decades.

Legacy of the MiG-21: Inducted in 1963, the MiG-21 ushered India into the supersonic age and became the most numerous fighter in IAF history with more than eight hundred seventy airframes. Its agility, speed, and austere footprint made it the backbone of India’s Cold War and post-Cold War air posture and the first high-performance jet flown by generations of IAF pilots.

Notable Operations: The type saw combat victories in the 1965 and 1971 wars, flew high-altitude deterrence and strike cover during the 1999 Kargil conflict, and participated in the 2019 Balakot episode against contemporary adversaries, etching an indelible legacy in Indian air combat history.

Airbus–Tata H125 Helicopter Assembly in India

First Private Helicopter Facility: Airbus and Tata Advanced Systems Limited announced a final assembly line for the H125 at Vemagal, Karnataka, creating India’s first privately operated helicopter production facility. The first ‘Made-in-India’ H125 is planned for delivery in 2027 to domestic and export customers.

About the H125 Helicopter: Part of the Ecureuil family with more than forty million flight hours, the H125 is renowned for reliability and versatility and remains the only helicopter to have landed on Mount Everest. Its global footprint spans civil, para-public, and light military roles.

Civil and Defence Role in India: In India the H125 will address tourism, emergency medical evacuation, and VIP transport, while defence users assess it for high-altitude Himalayan tasks where low weight and nimble handling are decisive. Regional exports to South Asian operators are also envisaged.

Industrial Impact: TASL will execute end-to-end assembly, systems integration, testing, and delivery, expanding India’s private aerospace ecosystem, reducing import dependence, and building on the Airbus–Tata C295 precedent to embed India deeper into global rotorcraft supply chains.

Exercise Drone Kavach – Arunachal Pradesh

Overview: The Army’s Spear Corps, with ITBP support, conducted a four-day forward-area combat exercise in Arunachal Pradesh from 25 to 28 September to validate next-generation drone employment and counter-drone tactics under realistic border-zone constraints.

Focus Areas: Troops rehearsed offensive UAS manoeuvres, live surveillance and precision-target simulations, and comprehensive counter-UAS drills using jammers and passive defences. Units refined quick-reaction identification, triage, and neutralisation procedures and drafted new unit-level SOPs for drone warfare.

Significance: The exercise affirmed that future border contingencies will be shaped by the UAS–counter-UAS duel and signalled readiness to mainstream unmanned systems and indigenous countermeasures into doctrine for high-risk frontier sectors.

BSF’s AI-Powered Decision Support System

System Launch: In September 2025 the BSF inaugurated an AI- and GIS-driven Decision Support System under Director General Daljit Singh Chawdhary to modernise surveillance and command decisions along the Pakistan and Bangladesh frontiers.

Core Features: The platform fuses real-time sensor grids, drone video, and incident feeds into a unified operating picture. Predictive models flag smuggling routes, infiltration hotspots, and dynamic risk areas, while role-specific dashboards equip commanders to allocate patrols and quick-reaction teams with precision.

Next-Phase Enhancements: Upcoming increments will integrate open-source intelligence, large-scale cross-border activity analytics, and mesoscale weather forecasting, alongside interoperability with sister-agency platforms to build a seamless border-management ecosystem.

AMCA – India’s Fifth-Generation Fighter Gets a Private Push

Programme Status: Approved in March 2024 with a budget of about ₹15,000 crore for the prototype phase, the AMCA programme under ADA/DRDO targets first stealth prototypes within five years, creating a domestic fifth-generation design and manufacturing base.

Aircraft Features: The aircraft roadmap includes low-observable shaping, supercruise-capable engines, internal weapons bays, advanced avionics, sensor fusion, and network-centric survivability, positioning the AMCA to complement Rafales and Su-30MKIs and sustain IAF qualitative edge.

L&T–BEL Consortium: For the first time a private–public bid team of Larsen & Toubro and Bharat Electronics will compete for key development work, combining L&T’s structural and manufacturing competencies with BEL’s avionics and EW strengths, injecting competition alongside HAL and widening India’s high-end aerospace industrial base.

Agni-Prime Rail-Based Missile Test

Test Details: India successfully conducted an Agni-Prime launch from a rail-mobile platform, entering a select club with credible rail-based nuclear delivery. The canisterised, two-stage solid-fuel missile has a range of about two thousand kilometres and demonstrated full envelope performance under Strategic Forces Command oversight.

Advanced Systems: Agni-Prime integrates modern communications, autonomous launch protocols, and stringent handling safeguards, with DRDO instrumentation confirming adherence to technical and operational parameters throughout the firing sequence.

Strategic Significance: Rail mobility complicates adversary targeting, enhances dispersal and deception, and strengthens second-strike assurance compared with fixed silos. The test underscores continued evolution of India’s survivable deterrent with mobility and resilience at its core.

SUBJECT TAG— Defence and Strategic Affairs / Disaster Relief and HADR / Indigenisation and Military Technology / International Military Cooperation

UPSC Relevance—GS Paper II: India’s relations with major powers; regional and multilateral security exercises; coordination between civil and military agencies in disaster response. GS Paper III: Defence indigenisation and self-reliance (Aatmanirbhar Bharat in defence production); technological innovations in warfare and surveillance; strategic deterrence and missile development; disaster management and humanitarian operations. Essay Topics— 1. Operation Rahat and Beyond: How India’s Armed Forces Redefine Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief. 2. Aatmanirbhar Defence: Building India’s Technological Sovereignty from Shipyards to Skies. 3. From Joint Exercises to Joint Readiness: India’s Expanding Global Defence Footprint. 4. End of the MiG-21 Era: Balancing Legacy and Modernisation in Indian Air Power. 5. Strategic Deterrence in Motion: The Significance of Rail-Based Missile Systems in India’s Security Doctrine.

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Global And National Science–Tech–Health Developments

ENTEROMIX—RUSSIA’S mRNA CANCER VACCINE BREAKTHROUGH

Development and Technology: Enteromix marks a revolutionary step in precision oncology. Developed by Russia’s National Medical Research Radiological Centre and the Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, the vaccine uses the same mRNA technology that powered COVID-19 vaccines. However, instead of targeting viral proteins, Enteromix targets patient-specific tumor mutations. Through genomic sequencing and mutation-mapping algorithms, it produces personalized mRNA doses that activate the immune system to recognize and attack malignant cells.

Clinical Trials and Efficacy: The phase-one clinical trial involved 48 volunteers, showing 100 percent efficacy with no major adverse effects. In cases of colorectal cancer, patients demonstrated visible tumor regression, validating the vaccine’s therapeutic potential. Unlike traditional chemotherapy, which attacks both healthy and cancerous cells, Enteromix offers precise, immune-driven treatment with minimal toxicity.

Why Enteromix Is Revolutionary: Enteromix represents a shift from ‘one-size-fits-all’ medicine to tailored immunotherapy. Its mRNA-based design allows rapid reprogramming for different cancer types, making it adaptable and scalable. It also paves the way for targeted, minimally invasive treatments that work with the body’s immune system rather than against it.

Global and Indian Implications: Globally, Enteromix could become an alternative to chemotherapy, heralding a new era of personalized medicine. For India, the innovation holds particular relevance as colorectal and cervical cancers form a significant portion of the national cancer burden. However, challenges remain—including high costs, the need for genomic sequencing infrastructure, cold-chain maintenance for mRNA storage, and complex regulatory approvals.

KULASEKARAPATTINAM SPACEPORT—INDIA’S SECOND LAUNCH COMPLEX (TAMIL NADU)

Overview and Project Vision: The new Kulasekarapattinam Spaceport, located in Tuticorin district, Tamil Nadu, represents India’s strategic expansion in space infrastructure. Spread over 2,300 acres, it is slated to become operational by December 2026, following its foundation stone laying by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in February 2024.

Features and Launch Capacity: The facility is designed to handle 20–25 launches per year, specifically catering to the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) programme. SSLVs can carry payloads up to 500 kilograms at 400-kilometre altitudes, offering a faster, low-cost, and flexible launch option for commercial, academic, and defence purposes.

Geographical and Strategic Advantage: Its coastal location near the equator enables southward launches directly over the sea, making it ideal for polar and sun-synchronous orbits—crucial for climate monitoring, Earth observation, and surveillance missions. The site’s positioning also minimizes overland risk zones and reduces rocket trajectory complexity.

Economic and Scientific Significance: The spaceport will catalyse aerospace industry growth in southern India, create thousands of skilled jobs, and inspire STEM education in nearby districts. It decentralises ISRO’s activities, reducing pressure on the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, and strengthens India’s ambition to become a global hub for small-satellite launches.

NANO BANANA AI TREND—A DIGITAL POP CULTURE PHENOMENON

Origin and Nature of the Trend: The ‘Nano Banana’ AI trend refers to the creation of AI-generated collectible figurine images using Google’s Gemini 2.5 Flash Image model. These digital creations resemble toy figurines with glossy finishes, detailed packaging designs, and lifelike shading, giving the illusion of real merchandise.

Accessibility and User Creativity: The trend’s popularity stems from its zero-cost, instant creation model. Anyone can generate figurine-style art by entering a simple text prompt or uploading an image. The AI model transforms these into high-quality toy-like visuals, democratizing 3D creativity for millions of users globally.

Social Media Explosion and Cultural Impact: Between July and September 2025, the trend went viral, with over 200 million images created worldwide. Influencers, artists, and even politicians embraced it, using these stylized ‘figurine’ versions of themselves on Instagram, TikTok, and X. The blend of playfulness, nostalgia, and realism made Nano Bananas a symbol of AI-powered self-expression.

Broader Implications: The trend illustrates how AI tools are reshaping digital art and identity creation. It also points to the rise of ‘participatory AI culture,’ where creative expression is no longer limited by technical expertise. Nano Bananas mark a new stage in the fusion of machine learning and visual pop culture.

AIIMS ROBOTIC SURGERY TRAINING MILESTONE—INDIA’S FIRST DUAL ROBOTIC FACILITY

Introduction and Setup: AIIMS, New Delhi, has become the first government medical institution in India to install dual robotic systems for surgical training at its SET (Skills, E-Learning, and Telemedicine) facility. The unit includes two globally advanced systems—the da Vinci Surgical Robot by Intuitive Surgical and the Hugo Robotic Trainer by Medtronic.

Purpose and Training Objectives: The facility will train medical students, residents, faculty members, and nurses in minimally invasive robotic techniques. Simulation-based modules and robotic manikins allow safe practice before live surgeries, providing practical exposure without patient risk.

Impact on Medical Education and Healthcare: AIIMS Director Dr. M. Srinivas noted that this initiative will democratize robotic surgery training, which previously required foreign exposure. It enhances India’s capacity to train specialists in advanced surgery, reduces dependence on overseas institutions, and accelerates adoption of robot-assisted procedures across the country.

Long-Term Significance: The project represents India’s growing commitment to medical innovation and technological self-reliance. By merging simulation technology, AI, and medical science, AIIMS is set to become a global hub for robotic surgery education, improving surgical precision and patient recovery outcomes.

NVIDIA–OPENAI $100 BILLION AI INFRASTRUCTURE DEAL—BUILDING THE AI FACTORIES OF THE FUTURE

Overview and Investment Scale: On 22 September 2025, Nvidia announced a $100 billion investment in OpenAI to co-develop the world’s largest AI computing infrastructure—a next-generation network of AI ‘factories’ capable of delivering 10 gigawatts (GW) of computing power. This marks one of the largest single investments in the history of artificial intelligence.

Components of the Partnership: The deal includes the deployment of millions of GPUs, creation of AI-optimized data centres, and co-optimization of hardware and software between Nvidia and OpenAI. It aligns Nvidia’s future chip roadmap with OpenAI’s next-generation model development pipeline.

Strategic Importance for Both Firms: For Nvidia, this ensures long-term dominance in the AI hardware market and embeds it deeper into the global AI value chain. For OpenAI, it provides secure and independent access to computational resources, reducing reliance on external cloud vendors such as Microsoft and AWS.

Ecosystem-Wide Impact and Risks: The partnership signals the emergence of AI mega-factories—infrastructures designed specifically to train and deploy foundation models at scale. However, concerns remain over energy consumption, cooling infrastructure, and circular investment patterns, as much of OpenAI’s expenditure may return to Nvidia itself. The collabouration exemplifies the intersection of technological innovation, economic power, and sustainability challenges in the AI age.

INDIA’S FIRST INTEGRATIVE ONCOLOGY RESEARCH & CARE CENTRE—GOA

Inauguration and Concept: On the 10th National Ayurveda Day (October 2025), the Ministry of Ayush inaugurated India’s first Integrative Oncology Research and Care Centre (IORCC) at the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), Dhargal, Goa. The centre represents a pioneering step in combining Ayurveda and Yoga with modern cancer treatment and research.

Integrative cancer care in India

Integrative Healthcare Philosophy: The IORCC is based on a multi-disciplinary healing model that unites traditional and modern systems of medicine. While oncology teams continue conventional chemotherapy and surgery, Ayurvedic therapies such as Panchakarma, Yoga, physiotherapy, and nutrition therapy work alongside to improve immunity, reduce treatment side effects, and support mental and physical well-being.

Collabouration with ACTREC and Scientific Validation: The centre is established in collabouration with ACTREC (Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer)—a unit of the Tata Memorial Centre. This partnership ensures that all AYUSH-based protocols undergo scientific evaluation and clinical validation, maintaining safety and research standards.

Research, Training, and Long-Term Impact: Beyond patient care, the IORCC serves as a national hub for research and professional training. It aims to develop evidence-based integrative cancer-care protocols, create AYUSH-based oncology capacity, and train doctors across both systems of medicine. The initiative reinforces India’s leadership in integrative, evidence-driven healthcare, promoting a future where traditional wisdom and modern science function in harmony.

SUBJECT TAG— Science & Technology / Health Innovations / Space and Frontier Research / Artificial Intelligence and Digital Infrastructure / AYUSH and Integrative Medicine

UPSC Relevance—GS Paper II: Government initiatives and institutional collabourations in healthcare and public research; regulation of biotechnology, AI ethics, and data governance; international scientific cooperation. GS Paper III: Developments in Science and Technology; indigenisation of technology; advances in space research (ISRO and SSLV missions); applications of AI in society and economy; biotechnology in cancer research; integration of traditional and modern medicine systems.

GS Paper IV: Ethics in AI, medical innovation, and responsible research; balancing technology progress with equity and sustainability. Essay Topics—1. The New Frontiers of Healing: Integrating Genomics, Ayurveda, and AI in India’s Health Revolution. 2. From Sriharikota to Kulasekarapattinam: Expanding India’s Space Footprint through Regional Innovation. 3. Artificial Intelligence at Planetary Scale: How Mega-Infrastructure Deals are Redefining Global Power and Responsibility. 4. The Democratization of Creativity: What ‘Nano Banana AI’ Reveals about Culture in the Age of Generative Machines. 5. Reimagining Cancer Care: How mRNA Vaccines and Integrative Oncology Signal a Paradigm Shift in Global Health.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Gaza Peace Plan 2025 – Proposal, Structure, and Global Response

Background & Context

The Gaza Peace Plan, announced on September 29, 2025, represents the most ambitious U.S.-led initiative in years to resolve the long-standing Israel–Hamas conflict. Framed as a 20-point blueprint by former U.S. President Donald Trump, the plan aims to combine immediate ceasefire mechanisms with a roadmap for post-war governance, economic revival, and eventual Palestinian self-determination.

Trump’s 20-Point Proposal: Core Framework and Immediate Conditions

Announcement and Timing: The White House unveiled the proposal amid global concern over escalating violence and humanitarian crises in Gaza.

Immediate Conditions: Israel must officially endorse the plan, following which all hostages (alive and deceased) are to be released within 72 hours. Once both parties sign, the war would cease immediately, initiating a phased Israeli withdrawal.

Key Objective: To impose an enforceable, time-bound ceasefire backed by reciprocal humanitarian gestures and verified international oversight.

Post-War Governance Model

Interim Authority: The plan proposes a temporary governing board chaired by Donald Trump and co-chaired by former U.K. Prime Minister Tony Blair to oversee Gaza’s transition.

Political Control: Hamas’s rule is explicitly rejected, with complete disarmament as a non-negotiable precondition.

Administrative Structure:

Security: Managed by an international security force for law enforcement and demilitarisation.
Civilian Administration: To be handled by Palestinian technocrats forming an interim governance committee.
Long-Term Transition: Power would later shift to a restructured Palestinian Authority (PA), though Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu has opposed any PA role in postwar Gaza, complicating consensus.

Economic Development and Reconstruction

‘New Gaza’ Vision: Aims to transform Gaza from a conflict zone to a model of modern reconstruction.

Development Blueprint: Formation of an international expert panel (modelled on Gulf development projects) to design Gaza’s economic revival roadmap. Creation of a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) offering preferential trade tariffs and foreign investment access. Priority on job creation, infrastructure rebuilding, and private-sector engagement to foster sustainable peace through prosperity.

Goal: Economic revival as a foundation for political stability and regional integration.

Hostage Release and Prisoner Exchange Mechanism

Reciprocal Commitments: Israel to release 2,000 Palestinian prisoners (250 life-term convicts and 1,750 detained since October 2023). Hamas to release all hostages within 72 hours of Israel’s endorsement.

Reintegration Clause: Hamas members renouncing violence would be granted amnesty or safe passage to third countries.

Purpose: Humanitarian restoration and trust-building as preconditions for durable peace.

Humanitarian Aid and Access Routes

Aid Guarantees: The plan mandates uninterrupted humanitarian assistance via UN, Red Crescent, and other neutral agencies.

Border Operations:

Rafah Crossing: To reopen under a monitoring framework established in January 2025, allowing controlled two-way movement.
International Oversight: Ensures transparency and equitable aid distribution.
Outcome Expected: Prevention of blockade-induced crises and immediate relief to civilians.

Palestinian Self-Determination and Statehood Pathway

Long-Term Vision: Connects Gaza’s reconstruction with a broader roadmap for Palestinian statehood.

Conditional Framework: Once Gaza achieves stability and the PA undergoes governance reforms, the U.S. will facilitate structured dialogue between Israel and the Palestinian Authority.

Strategic Aim: To reintroduce a two-state framework through phased trust-building and regional participation.

Global and Regional Reactions

United States: Trump described the plan as ‘beyond very close to finalisation,’ emphasising Hamas’s cooperation as decisive.

Israel: Netanyahu welcomed the plan’s core goals but rejected any reinstatement of the PA in Gaza’s governance.

Hamas: Communicated through Qatari and Egyptian mediators, agreeing to study the plan in good faith before issuing an official statement.

Arab States: Saudi Arabia, Jordan, UAE, Qatar, and Egypt expressed readiness to coordinate with Washington to stabilise Gaza. They view the plan as a potential bridge between humanitarian relief and political reconciliation.

Europe: France’s Emmanuel Macron lauded U.S. leadership and urged immediate hostage release. U.K.’s Keir Starmer appealed to Hamas to end hostilities and accept disarmament.

Palestinian Authority: Endorsed the initiative as a potential turning point toward reforms and eventual international recognition.

Broader Implications

For Regional Peace: Marks a renewed U.S. bid to reset the Middle East peace process and marginalise extremist actors.
For Humanitarian Relief: Prioritises immediate aid access, reconstruction funding, and civil administration stability.
For Global Diplomacy: Highlights multipolar cooperation, with Arab and Western powers aligning on a joint reconstruction agenda.
For Palestinian Politics: Introduces conditional reintegration of the PA, possibly rebalancing internal Palestinian power dynamics.

SUBJECT TAG―International Relations / West Asia Crisis / U.S. Foreign Policy

UPSC Relevance―GS Paper II: International Relations; Global Conflict Resolution; Middle East Peace Process. Essay Topics: 1. Economic Reconstruction as a Pathway to Peace: Lessons from the Gaza Crisis. 2. The Role of Mediator States in Prolonged Regional Conflicts: From Ceasefire to Statehood. 3. Balancing Sovereignty and Security in the Post-War Reconstruction of Gaza.

Other Global Political Developments (Country-Specific)

FINLAND—Position on Palestinian Statehood and French–Saudi Declaration

Latest Move (September 5, 2025): Finland announced it would sign the French–Saudi declaration supporting a two-state solution to the Israel–Palestine conflict but did not commit to a formal recognition date. This balanced approach demonstrates Finland’s intent to participate in a broader Western initiative while maintaining its own deliberative timeline.

Political Context: Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen described the declaration as ‘the most significant international effort in years.’

Coalition Divisions: The ruling coalition remains split—the Finns Party and Christian Democrats have voiced resistance to recognising Palestine, citing security concerns and alignment with Israel.
Presidential Stand: President Alexander Stubb indicated readiness to recognise Palestinian statehood if formally proposed by the cabinet, suggesting executive–legislative coordination is key.
Committee Dissent: Agriculture Minister Sari Essayah expressed reservations within the Foreign and Security Policy Committee, reflecting ideological divergence even in institutional deliberations.

Global Linkage and Significance: France, Britain, Australia, and others plan to announce recognition during the 80th UN General Assembly, giving Finland’s move international weight. It underscores Helsinki’s strategy of cautious multilateralism—aligning with allies without pre-empting parliamentary consensus.

JAPAN—Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba Resigns after LDP’s Electoral Defeat

Event and Context (September 7, 2025): Following the LDP’s worst electoral setback in decades in the July 2025 polls, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba resigned, saying he had fulfilled his commitment to finalise the Japan–US tariff agreement before ‘passing the baton to the next generation.’

Tenure Overview: Ishiba, who took office in October 2024, was known for his hawkish national-security stance and technocratic management style. His administration struggled to reconnect with voters amid economic stagnation and youth disillusionment.

Implications: His resignation triggers a leadership contest inside the LDP, where contenders such as Sanae Takaichi and Taro Kono are expected to vie for control. The next government faces challenges including restoring public trust, managing the economic consequences of trade reforms, navigating North Korea’s missile provocations, and stabilising relations in the South China Sea.

NEPAL—Social-Media Ban, Gen-Z Protests, and Interim Government under Sushila Karki

Social-Media Ban (September 4, 2025): Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli’s government banned 26 unregistered social-media platforms such as Facebook, YouTube, X, WhatsApp, and Instagram under the ‘Directive for Regulation of Social Media Use, 2080.’ Companies were ordered to register locally within seven days.

Protests and Violence: The ban ignited nationwide youth-led demonstrations centred in Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Butwal. Police used water cannons, tear gas, and live fire, resulting in at least 19 deaths and over 300 injuries. The movement quickly evolved from an internet-freedom protest into a broader rebellion against corruption, nepotism, and misgovernance.

Political Fallout: Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak resigned, and the Cabinet revoked the ban the same night. However, public outrage continued, culminating in the resignation of PM Oli.

Appointment of Sushila Karki (September 12, 2025): President Ram Chandra Poudel dissolved Parliament and appointed former Chief Justice Sushila Karki as interim Prime Minister—the first woman to hold the post. Elections are scheduled for March 5, 2026.

Role and Challenges: Karki’s interim administration must―(a) Restore law and order and investigate protest-related violence. (b) Prosecute those responsible for state excesses. (c) Oversee credible elections. (d) Initiate reforms enhancing accountability and youth participation.

International Reaction: India welcomed her appointment, expressing hope for stability and democratic renewal in its Himalayan neighbour.

THAILAND—Anutin Charnvirakul Becomes Prime Minister

Election and Outcome: Anutin Charnvirakul, leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, was elected Prime Minister with 63 percent parliamentary support, defeating Chaikasem Nitisiri.

Political Significance: Marks the end of Pheu Thai Party dominance tied to the Shinawatra family. Anutin, a staunch royalist and pragmatic centrist, seeks to bridge divides between conservative and reformist blocs. Despite leading a minority government, his coalition aims to restore investor confidence and stabilise governance after months of turmoil.

Future Outlook: Observers expect Anutin to focus on economic recovery, tourism revival, and public-health reforms, while carefully maintaining royal trust and civil–military balance.

FRANCE—PM Bayrou Ousted; Lecornu Appointed; France Recognises Palestine

Government Crisis (September 9, 2025): Prime Minister François Bayrou lost a confidence vote (364 – 194) after Parliament rejected his €44-billion austerity budget. President Emmanuel Macron accepted his resignation and appointed Sébastien Lecornu (age 39)—former Defence Minister—as successor.

Political Context: Bayrou was Macron’s sixth PM since 2017, reflecting persistent volatility. Public discontent is at record levels, with over 77 percent disapproval of Macron’s administration. Lecornu’s task is to stabilise a minority government, defend fiscal reforms, and avert deeper social unrest amid planned nationwide strikes.

France Recognises Palestine (September 22, 2025): At a UN summit co-hosted with Saudi Arabia, President Macron formally recognised the State of Palestine, urging an immediate ceasefire and release of hostages in Gaza. The move coincided with similar recognitions by Britain, Australia, Canada, and Portugal.

Reactions: Israel condemned the decision; PM Netanyahu vowed no Palestinian state ‘under his watch.’ U.S. and Germany opposed unilateral recognition, insisting peace must arise from negotiations. UN Secretary-General Guterres praised France’s initiative as a bold diplomatic step amid rising civilian casualties.

Significance

France’s recognition represents a historic pivot in Western diplomacy, pressuring Israel to engage in renewed talk while reviving the long-stalled peace process.

BRAZIL—Jair Bolsonaro Sentenced for Coup Attempt

Verdict (September 11, 2025): Brazil’s Supreme Court sentenced former president Jair Bolsonaro to 27 years and 3 months for plotting a coup following his 2022 electoral defeat. He remains under house arrest in Brasília pending appeal.

Charges and Trial: He was convicted on five counts, including leading a criminal conspiracy and undermining democratic institutions. The trial showcased the judiciary’s resolve to defend Brazil’s Constitution.

Political Fallout: Bolsonaro called the verdict ‘political persecution.’ U.S. President Donald Trump imposed 50 percent tariffs on Brazilian imports in protest. The ruling may deepen polarisation but reinforces the independence of Brazil’s courts.

ALBANIA—World’s First AI Cabinet Minister Appointed

Historic Appointment (September 2025): Prime Minister Edi Rama introduced ‘Diella,’ an AI-powered avatar appointed as Minister for Public Procurement. Integrated into the national digital portal E-Albania, Diella aims to curb corruption and increase transparency in government tenders.

Performance and Scope: Within weeks, Diella processed 36,600 documents and monitored nearly 1,000 public-service transactions. Her functions include vetting procurement bids, flagging irregularities, and publishing real-time transparency dashboards.

Public Debate: Supporters hail it as a digital-governance breakthrough, while critics question accountability, data privacy, and the legal responsibility of an AI ‘minister.’

Significance: Albania becomes the first country to grant AI a cabinet-level portfolio, opening debates on the future of algorithmic governance and human oversight.

QATAR—India Condemns Israeli Strikes in Doha

Incident (September 10, 2025): After Israeli strikes in Doha targeting Hamas leaders, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, condemning the violation of Qatar’s sovereignty and calling for dialogue and de-escalation.

India’s Stance: Reaffirmed support for peace and stability in West Asia, rejected any act of terrorism, and emphasised sovereignty and non-interference.

Broader Context: The statement reinforces India’s balanced diplomacy—condemning terror yet safeguarding ties with Gulf partners central to energy security and diaspora welfare.

UNITED STATES—$100,000 Annual H-1B Fee and ‘Gold Card’ Visa Pathway

Policy Announcement (September 19, 2025): President Donald Trump imposed a $100,000 annual fee per H-1B visa, branding the programme ‘overused and under-vetted.’ The measure aims to restrict entry to ‘extraordinary talent’ while protecting domestic employment.

Economic and Administrative Rationale: The White House projects over $100 billion in new Treasury revenue, to be redirected toward tax cuts and debt reduction. Corporates must now reassess the value of each foreign hire, potentially reshaping tech-sector employment.

Impact on Indian Professionals: India, the largest H-1B source, faces major disruptions as firms consider non-renewal of visas and relocation of staff. Many professionals may return home or seek alternate destinations like Canada or Singapore.

The Gold Card Alternative: A new visa tier allows individuals with exceptional abilities to gain residency through a $1 million personal or $2 million corporate payment, providing expedited processing and Green Card eligibility.

MALAWI—Peter Mutharika Returns to Power

Election Outcome (September 2025): Former president Peter Mutharika won the national elections with 56 percent of the vote, defeating incumbent Lazarus Chakwera (33 percent).

Political Backdrop: The contest revived their long-standing rivalry; Mutharika was previously ousted in 2020 after his 2019 victory was annulled. His return highlights the resilience of dynastic politics—his late brother Bingu wa Mutharika ruled until 2012.

Domestic Challenges: He inherits an economy hit by 27 percent inflation, fuel and food shortages, and climate-induced disasters such as Cyclone Freddy. Reviving agriculture-led growth and rebuilding public confidence are immediate priorities.

CHINA—Launch of the ‘K Visa’ for Global STEM Talent

Introduction (October 1, 2025): China unveiled the K Visa, a new immigration channel for STEM graduates and professionals, intended to enhance its global innovation appeal amid restrictive U.S. policies.

Key Features: (a) No requirement for employer sponsorship. (b) Multi-entry and extended validity. (c) Open to recent university graduates and experienced researchers. (d) Permits work in education, research, entrepreneurship, and cultural exchange sectors.

Strategic Significance: The K Visa seeks to position China as a magnet for global talent, especially as U.S. H-1B costs soar. By eliminating bureaucratic barriers, Beijing signals its intent to strengthen its innovation ecosystem and scientific competitiveness.

SUBJECT TAG: International Relations / Comparative Politics / Global Governance and Technological Transitions 2025

UPSC Relevance: GS Paper II: International Relations; Bilateral and Multilateral Engagements; Political Developments in Neighbourhood and Major Powers. GS Paper III: Governance, Technology, and Innovation Policy. Essay Topics: 1. Recognition, Reality, and Responsibility: Western Nations and the Quest for Palestinian Statehood. 2. Artificial Intelligence in Public Office: Governance Innovation or Democratic Risk? 3. Youth Movements and Accountability: Lessons from Nepal’s Gen-Z Uprising. 4. Migration and Talent Wars: How Visa Policies Shape Global Innovation Geographies.

Global Bilateral & Strategic Updates (India-Related)

INDIA–MOROCCO—India’s First Overseas Defence Plant (Casablanca)

Visit & Diplomatic Setting (21–23 Sept 2025): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh leads a high-level delegation to expand defence-industrial and security cooperation. Agenda covers co-production, training, MRO, and maritime security in the Western Mediterranean–Atlantic arc.

Factory Launch: What Starts Day-1:

Platform: Wheeled Armoured Platform (8×8) final assembly, with phased localisation of hulls, drivetrains, comms, and survivability kits.
Partners: TASL with Moroccan Royal Armed Forces; government-to-government facilitation for trials, certification, and export clearances.

Scale-Up Roadmap (12–36 months)

Phase-2: Component manufacturing (armor modules, suspensions, optronics fitments).
Phase-3: African export hub for variants (IFV/APC/ambulance/C2), plus MRO for Indian-origin equipment in North/West Africa.
Supply Chain: Indian Tier-2/3 vendors onboarded; Moroccan SMEs groomed for offsets and spares.

Why It Matters (Strategic)

India in Africa: Moves from buyer–seller to co-producer with tech transfer.
Sea Lines: Casablanca location leverages Atlantic access to ECOWAS–Maghreb markets.
Diplomacy: Aligns with IADD, IADMC, AIKEYME; showcases India as a net security & industrial partner.

Risk & Mitigation

Export-control/ITAR spill-overs: Design modularity; dual-supplier strategies.
Financing for African orders: Blended LoCs, buyer’s credit, export credit insurance.
After-sales: Set up forward depots, training simulators, and lifecycle contracts.

What to Watch: First multi-country order, Moroccan vendor integration %, and announcement of an MRO centre of excellence.

INDIA–ITALY—Strategic Partnership & Connectivity

Leaders’ Conversation (10 Sept 2025): Focus on EU–India FTA, IMEEC, Ukraine conflict, and 2025–29 Strategic Action Plan delivery.

Key Outcomes

FTA Push: Political backing to close by year-end; emphasis on market access, standards, and services mobility.
IMEEC: Reaffirmed timelines, customs digitalisation, and multimodal integration to cut transit and carbon.
Sectoral Tracks: Defence co-dev/maintenance, investments, higher-ed and research exchanges, counter-terror coordination; Italy to back AI Impact Summit 2026.

Strategic Payoffs

For India: EU market access + resilient supply chains via IMEEC.
For Italy/EU: Diversification in Indo-Pacific; co-innovation in clean tech and manufacturing.

What to Watch: Chapter-wise FTA closures (rules of origin, SPS/TBT), a pilot IMEEC trade lane, and joint defence/MRO announcements.

INDIA–USA—HIRE Act 2025: Impact on Indian IT

The Proposal (effective 1 Jan 2026, if enacted): 25% excise tax on payments for services benefiting US consumers; no deductibility; proportional apportionment for global deliveries; strict reporting and penalties.

Cost Mechanics (Illustrative): Offshore fee P = $100 → Excise $25 → Non-deductible P raises taxable income: additional corporate tax (≈21%) $21 → Effective cost ≈ $146.

Likely Business Effects

Pricing: Re-quotes, margin compression, partial pass-through.
Compliance: Consumer-geography tagging; contract rewrites; SOX-style officer certifications.
Delivery Mix: More onshore pods; automation of Tier-1 support and back-office; GenAI AIOps to cap costs.
GCCs/Startups: Higher burden; some shift to near-shore LATAM/EU.

India’s Strategic Choices: Lobbying/Carve-outs, talent-visa reciprocity asks, digital-trade chapter alignment, and incentives for ‘US-plus-India’ twin-hub models.

What to Watch: Transitional safe harbours, sector-specific exemptions (health/edu), and IRS guidance on apportionment.

INDIA–SINGAPORE—Backing for India’s Malacca Patrols

Announcement (4 Sept 2025): Singapore endorses Indian patrols in the Malacca Strait; expands defence-tech cooperation.

Strategic Significance:

Chokepoint Security: Energy and trade assurance; counter-piracy and grey-zone activity.
Interoperability: Cueing with Singapore’s information-fusion ecosystem; coordinated MDA (maritime domain awareness).

Beyond Security: Tech Pillars: Quantum, AI, Automation, Unmanned Systems: Trials for UAV/USV swarms, autonomous MCM (mine counter-measures), and AI-enabled anomaly detection.

What to Watch: A tri-service Malacca MDA tasking framework, UAV maritime corridors, and a joint AI maritime lab.

INDIA–NORWAY—Maritime Security, Disarmament & Non-Proliferation

Dialogue Launch (13 Sept 2025, Oslo): First structured exchange on disarmament regimes (NPT/CWC), maritime law, and security cooperation.

Maritime & Undersea Priorities: UNCLOS adherence, freedom of navigation, port & cable protection, anti-smuggling/piracy cooperation, Arctic shipping safety, green corridors.

Capacity Building: Training pipelines, tech exchanges in AIS analytics, coastal radar networks, and emergency response.

Strategic Takeaways: Bridges India’s Indo-Pacific vision with a NATO-linked Arctic partner; opens doors to green shipping and polar research synergies.

INDIA–PAKISTAN—LeT Fundraising After ‘Operation Sindoor’

Post-Strike Landscape (May–Sept 2025): LeT HQ at Muridke severely hit; cadres dispersed; reconstruction drives launched under charity covers.

Financing & Reconstruction Pattern: State assistance plus ‘relief’-labelled fundraising; accelerated site clearance; rebuild deadline aligned with Feb 5, 2026 events.

Security & Diplomacy Implications: Proxy-group cycling via front outfits sustains hybrid warfare. International optics: Undercuts counter-terror commitments; raises FATF-style scrutiny risk.

What to Watch: Money trails, front-group designations, and cross-border infiltration metrics through winter.

INDIA–BHUTAN—First Cross-Border Railways

Projects Cleared: 1. Kokrajhar–Gelephu (₹3,456 cr; ~70 km; 6 stations; ~100 bridges); 2. Banarhat–Samtse (₹577 cr; ~20 km; 2 stations; ~25 bridges)

Economic & Social Upside: Plug-and-play access for Bhutanese industry; faster port connectivity; lower logistics cost. Tourism & MSME growth around Gelephu ‘Mindfulness City’ and Samtse industrial nodes.

Strategic Angle: Deepens India’s role as primary development partner; counters external influence in Himalayan sub-region.

Fast-Track Mechanism: Special Railway Project tag → expedited land/clearances; integrated DPR-to-execution pipeline.

What to Watch: Multimodal links to NE India corridors; border trade facilitation stations; environmental safeguards.

INDIA–AUSTRALIA—Mutual Recognition on Organic Products

What Was Signed: MRA on organic certification under ECTA umbrella; APEDA (India) ↔ DAFF (Australia) as implementing nodes.

Scope: Unprocessed plant products (ex-greenhouse/aquatic), processed plant-based foods (incl. third-country certified inputs), and wine.

Why It Helps

Trust & Traceability: One-time certification accepted both sides; QR-enabled audit trails.
Cost & Speed: No duplicate inspections; faster shelf-entry; higher farmer realisations.

India’s Organic Playbook: Scaling certified acreage; export branding; residue-monitoring labs; cluster-based extension.

What to Watch: Category expansions (livestock, aquaculture later), retailer MoUs, and private-label surge.

INDIA–SAUDI ARABIA—SAJEX 2025 (Jeddah)

Event Snapshot (11–13 Sept): 200+ exhibitors, 250 booths, 2,000+ buyers; segments from couture gold to lab-grown diamonds (LGD).

India’s Edge: Design–to–delivery leadership; deep LGD cutting/polishing capability; hallmarking and just-in-time logistics.

Market Dynamics: Vision 2030 retail boom; growing HNI demand; potential regional Gulf jewellery hub positioning for Jeddah.

Strategic Outcomes: B2B contracts, distributor alliances, and omni-channel pilots; push for duty-rationalisation and hallmarking reciprocity.

IRAN–USA–INDIA—Chabahar Waiver Revoked

The Decision (18 Sept 2025; effective 29 Sept): US cancels India’s waiver for Chabahar; heightens Iran sanctions exposure for port operations and suppliers.

India’s Stakes: Shahid Beheshti terminal ops, INSTC integration, Afghanistan–Central Asia access, sunk investments, and a 10-year lease signed in 2024 now in jeopardy.

Operational Risks: Shippers/insurers’ pullback; equipment/spares embargo risk; throughput decline despite 2023–24 traffic gains.

Strategic Dilemma

Comply: Protect US economic agenda but lose strategic access & trust with Iran.
Persist: Maintain corridor but face secondary-sanctions risk and broader trade frictions.

Policy Options: Seek targeted carve-out (humanitarian/trade corridor), sovereign shielding for SPV, rupee-routed payments, and multilateral backing via INSTC participants.

What to Watch: Indian port-SPV advisories, insurer positions, and any phased drawdown/contingency routing via alternate Gulf nodes.

SUBJECT TAG—International Relations / Strategic Connectivity / Trade & Technology Diplomacy 2025

UPSC RELEVANCE―GS Paper II: India’s bilateral relations; regional security architectures; diaspora & visa policies; global governance and non-proliferation. GS Paper III: Defence indigenisation & exports; logistics & corridor economics; technology standards and certification regimes. Essay Topics―1. Factories as Foreign Policy: How Defence Co-Production Redraws India–Africa Ties. 2. Trade Corridors vs. Sanctions Regimes: Navigating IMEEC and Chabahar in a Fragmenting Order. 3. Taxing Global Services: Will Protectionist Turns Re-wire the IT Value Chain? 4. From Chokepoints to Code: Maritime Security Meets AI at the Malacca Strait

Other Global Bilateral & Strategic Updates (Other than India)

RUSSIA–UKRAINE

Statement & Immediate Response (Sept 3, 2025)

Putin’s Offer: Willing to meet Zelenskyy ‘if he comes to Moscow,’ while questioning utility without concrete outcomes.
Kyiv’s Reply: No to Moscow venue; FM Andrii Sybiha says seven countries (Austria, Vatican, Switzerland, three Gulf states) ready to host; Zelenskyy open to talks ‘anytime’ in a neutral location.

Conditions & Legal/Political Context

Russian Preconditions: End martial law, hold elections, territorial referendums aligned with 2022 annexation claims (rejected internationally).
Ukrainian Position: No recognition of annexations; sequencing must secure withdrawal, border control, and security guarantees.

Mediation Landscape

Potential Hosts: Neutral European microstates + Gulf facilitators to provide security guarantees and phased compliance benchmarks.
US Role: Under President Trump, active mediation messaging but with friction over ceasefire terms and enforcement.

Battlefield & Domestic Dynamics

Russia: Seeks leverage via referendums/elections narrative; sanctions fatigue calculus.
Ukraine: War footing, rotation cycles, and a hard domestic line against territorial concessions.

What to Watch: Any format shift (Istanbul-style talks 2.0), third-party verification regime proposals, and signals on prisoner exchanges/energy infrastructure ceasefires.

USA–ISRAEL—Alliance Strain After Qatar Strike Amid Gaza War

Trigger Event & Alliance Management (Sept 14, 2025)

Context: Israel strikes Hamas leaders inside Qatar; elicits public U.S. rebuke from President Trump.
Rubio Visit: U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Jerusalem—reaffirms alliance but flags impact on Gaza ceasefire efforts.

Gaza War Operating Picture

Operations: Evacuations ordered in Gaza City; strikes on high-rises used by Hamas.
Humanitarian Picture: UN warns of famine conditions, with very high civilian casualties since Oct 2023.

International Diplomatic Track

UNGA Mood: Renewed push for two-state revival; several Western capitals preparing recognition moves.
S. Stance: Maintains defence backing for Israel; opposes unilateral recognitions, seeks negotiated settlement.

Domestic Pressures Inside Israel

Hostages: Families accuse government of stalling; of 251 hostages, 47 remain, 25 confirmed dead—fueling protest pressure on the cabinet.

What to Watch: A revised hostage-for-pause framework, U.S.–Qatar–Egypt coordination, and any rules-of-engagement assurances to avert third-country incidents.

PAKISTAN–SAUDI ARABIA—Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement

Pact Overview (Sept 17, 2025, Riyadh)

Core Clause: Attack on one treated as attack on both—collective security guarantee.
Scope: Defence cooperation, joint deterrence mechanisms, intelligence sharing, and coordinated drills.

strategic alliance dynamics

Diplomatic Backdrop

Regional Context: Signed amid heightened Gulf tensions; follows Pakistan outreach to Qatar after Israeli strikes and an emergency Arab-Islamic meet.
Delegation Depth: Foreign affairs, defence, finance, information, environment—signaling whole-of-government alignment.

India’s Stated Position

MEA Note: Pact long in discussion; India to study implications for security calculus; reiterates commitment to comprehensive national security.

Strategic Read-Across

For Pakistan: Security guarantees + potential economic/energy dividends.
For Saudi Arabia: Broadens non-NATO partnerships; adds manpower depth and training ecosystems.

What to Watch: Joint exercises calendar, air defence integration steps, and any missile/air defence cooperation language in follow-on communiqués.

USA–AFGHANISTAN—Bid to Reclaim Bagram Airfield

Announcement & Rationale (Sept 18, 2025, UK Visit)

Trump Says: Negotiations with Taliban to retake Bagram; calls prior vacating a strategic mistake.
Argument: Bagram’s proximity to China, Central Asia, Iran gives unmatched surveillance/response value.

Strategic History & Facility Profile

The Base: ~77 sq km, 11,800-ft runway, former U.S. logistics hub.
Post-Withdrawal: Taliban control since 2021; mixed use and limited international access.

Negotiation Mechanics

Leverage: U.S. aims to trade aid, recognition pathways, sanctions relief for basing rights/overflight.
Taliban Calculus: Desire economic normalization vs. domestic legitimacy costs of hosting U.S. assets.

Regional Second-Order Effects

China/Iran/Russia: Strong objections expected; Pakistan’s airspace politics resurface; Central Asian bases re-enter debate.

What to Watch: Draft Status of Forces-type understandings, joint security perimeters, and any UN or Gulf-brokered oversight constructs.

USA–TÜRKİYE—Strategic Civil Nuclear & Energy Deal

The Agreement (Sept 25, 2025, Washington)

Civil Nuclear: Framework for large reactors + SMRs; tech cooperation, fuel-cycle services, workforce training.
Energy Add-ons: BOTAS inks LNG supply contracts (Mercuria, Woodside) to diversify away from single-supplier risk.

Strategic Context

Balancing Actors: Provides counterweight to Rosatom’s Akkuyu project; positions U.S. firms for Sinop/Thrace pipeline.
Timeline Marker: Akkuyu Unit-1 targeted for 2026; SMR pilots eyed for industrial clusters.

Economic & Grid Implications

Grid Readiness: Transmission upgrades, capacity markets, and ancillary services for nuclear-renewables mix.
Localisation: Component manufacturing/IP regimes, export-credit structuring, Turkish supply-chain uplift.

What to Watch

Financing model (BOO vs. EPC + sovereign), SMR siting studies, and nuclear regulatory harmonisation milestones.

ISRAEL–QATAR—Tensions Followed by Netanyahu’s Apology

Incident & Apology (Sept 29, 2025)

Apology: Netanyahu to PM Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani over strike on Hamas officials in Qatar; pledges it won’t recur.
Why It Matters: Rare Israeli contrition toward a Gulf mediator critical to hostage/ceasefire talks.

U.S. & Peace-Track Linkage

Timing: On margins of Netanyahu’s U.S. visit for discussions on Gaza peace plan and post-war governance.
Implication: Aims to repair working channels with Doha to keep hostage negotiations viable.

What to Watch: Resumption of Qatar-hosted indirect talks, written deconfliction protocols, and quiet-channel understandings on third-country sovereignty.

SUBJECT TAG—International Relations / Conflict & Crisis Diplomacy / Security Architecture 2025

UPSC Relevance―GS Paper II: International Relations; Bilateral & Multilateral Agreements; Peace Processes and Mediation. GS Paper III: Internal & External Security; Defence/Strategic Infrastructure; Energy Security & Nuclear Technology. Essay Topics: 1. Ceasefires, Sanctions, and Sovereignty: Can Conditional Diplomacy End Long Wars? 2. Allies in Disagreement: Managing Public Rifts Without Breaking Security Ties. 3. Bases and Leverage: The Geopolitics of Bagram and Forward Posture in Eurasia.

SUMMITS & ORGANIZATIONS

UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY (UNGA) 2025—India’s Role, Global Context, and Allied Initiatives

India’s Position on the Ukraine Conflict

Diplomatic Stand and Message of Restraint: At the 80th UNGA session, India reiterated that the ongoing Russia–Ukraine war continues to exact unacceptable humanitarian, economic, and developmental costs, especially for the Global South. Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish conveyed India’s deep regret over collateral impacts such as surging food, energy, and fertiliser prices, which have worsened inequality and threatened global growth.

India’s Call for Dialogue and Diplomacy: India reaffirmed that ‘no solution can be found on the battlefield’, emphasising dialogue and diplomacy as the only legitimate path to sustainable peace. PM Modi has maintained continuous engagement with Putin, Zelenskyy, and EU leaders, reiterating that this is ‘not an era of war.’ India welcomed the Alaska Summit (Putin–Trump) and subsequent dialogue efforts with Zelenskyy and European leaders in Washington, signalling support for all credible peace mechanisms.

Humanitarian and Development Dimensions: India continues to supply humanitarian assistance (medicines, wheat, and relief materials) to Ukraine. At the same time, India has positioned itself as a voice of the Global South, seeking to cushion developing economies from global price shocks caused by the war. EAM S. Jaishankar’s conversation with Ukrainian FM Andrii Sybiha reinforced India’s role as a trusted interlocutor capable of engaging both sides for peace.

India’s Vote on the New York Declaration (Palestine Question)

The Resolution and Voting Breakdown (Sept 12, 2025): The UNGA adopted the New York Declaration with 142 votes in favour, 10 against (including the U.S.), and 12 abstentions. The resolution reaffirmed the commitment to a two-state solution—a sovereign, viable State of Palestine coexisting peacefully with Israel within recognised borders.

India’s Stand and Justification: India voted in favour, underscoring its balanced approach: (a) Support for Palestinian self-determination and statehood. (b) Recognition of Israel’s right to secure borders. Insistence that peace can only emerge through direct negotiations and mutual recognition. This position aligns with India’s long-standing UN record since 1948—sympathetic to Palestinian aspirations but firmly opposed to terrorism and unilateralism.

Diplomatic and Strategic Implications

For India: Enhances credibility as a principled advocate of peaceful coexistence in West Asia while sustaining strategic ties with both Israel and Arab partners.
For the World: Reflects a widening divide between the U.S. and its traditional allies, many of whom now favour a more assertive recognition policy.
For Multilateralism: Reinforces the UN’s role in peacebuilding amid geopolitical fragmentation.

India’s Address at the 80th UNGA—Reform, Credibility, and Global Responsibility

Call for Institutional Reform: Jaishankar described the UN system as ‘gridlocked’ and suffering a crisis of credibility. Resistance to reform—especially within the UN Security Council—has eroded global trust in multilateralism. India, he declared, stands ready to shoulder greater global responsibilities, citing its record in peacekeeping, humanitarian outreach, digital innovation, and maritime security.

On Terrorism and Pakistan’s Role: Without direct reference, Jaishankar termed Pakistan the ‘epicentre of terrorism’, highlighting that many individuals on UN terror lists are Pakistani nationals. He cited the Pahalgam terror attack (April 22, 2025) as an example of India’s right to self-defence. Called for tightening terror-financing curbs and enforcing accountability for state sponsors of terrorism.

On Global Economic and Security Challenges: Linked the crises in Ukraine and West Asia with food and energy volatility, tariff uncertainties, and supply-chain disruptions. Warned that de-risking and diversification of markets are now ‘global compulsions,’ not mere policy preferences. Criticised protectionist measures and unilateral trade restrictions (implicitly referencing the U.S.), wich have deepened the North–South divide.

India’s Vision—’Three Guiding Values’

India’s international conduct, he concluded, is anchored in: (a) Atmanirbharata (Self-Reliance): Building domestic capability while contributing to global public goods. (b) Atma Raksha (Self-Defence): Maintaining strategic autonomy and national security in a volatile world. (c) Atma Vishwas (Self-Confidence): Pursuing foreign policy guided by independent judgment, not bloc politics. India reaffirmed its resolve to act as the voice of the Global South, championing equitable reform of global institutions.

FIPIC & Bilateral Engagements on the Sidelines of UNGA 2025

India–Mexico and India–Cyprus Bilaterals

Mexico: EAM Jaishankar met FM Juan Ramon de la Fuente on Sept 24; agreed to chart a new roadmap for cooperation in trade, technology, and global governance. Discussion included mutual support for UN reforms and digital inclusion initiatives.
Cyprus: Meeting with FM Constantinos Kombos reviewed progress since PM Modi’s earlier 2025 visit. India reaffirmed its support for a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus question under UN parameters and discussed renewable energy and IT sector collabouration.

FIPIC (Forum for India–Pacific Islands Cooperation) Engagement

India convened a FIPIC Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in New York, affirming solidarity with Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

Participating nations: Marshall Islands, Tuvalu, Palau, Solomon Islands, and Tonga.
Discussion themes: (a) Climate Resilience: Disaster preparedness, green financing, and technology sharing. (b) Sustainable Development: Capacity-building grants and solar projects under the International Solar Alliance. (c) Maritime Security: Enhancing regional cooperation in the Indo-Pacific through joint surveillance and coast guard training.
Significance: Reinforces India’s positioning as a development and security partner to Pacific nations, complementing its Indo-Pacific outreach strategy.

ICC–UNICEF ‘Promise to Children’ Global Campaign

Launch & Purpose: Launched during the 2025 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, the ‘Promise to Children’ campaign symbolises collabouration between the International Cricket Council (ICC) and UNICEF to promote children’s rights. The initiative mobilises players, fans, and institutions to pledge support for children’s access to education, healthcare, safe water, and protection from exploitation.

Champions of the Initiative: Endorsed by Ayushmann Khurrana (UNICEF National Ambassador) and Smriti Mandhana (Vice-Captain, Indian Women’s Cricket Team). ICC Chairman Jay Shah emphasised the sport’s ability to reach diverse global audiences. UNICEF’s India Representative Cynthia McCaffrey highlighted cricket’s capacity to galvanise public empathy and channel resources for equity.

Broader Significance

The campaign aligns sports diplomacy with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It expands the definition of global engagement—where cultural and sporting bodies act as agents of inclusion and empowerment. By leveraging cricket’s transnational appeal, the initiative builds mass participation and awareness, turning sport into an instrument of social transformation.

GLOBAL POLICY & MULTILATERAL UPDATES

EUROPEAN UNION

Google Antitrust Case

The Decision & Financial Penalty―Fine: €2.95 bn ($3.45 bn) for self-preferencing in adtech and abusing dominance since 2014.
Origin of Case: Triggered by a complaint from the European Publishers Council.

Conduct & Required Remedies

Abuse Identified: Leveraging market power across ad-stack layers (ad server, exchange) to advantage Google’s own services.
Orders: End self-preferencing, resolve conflicts of interest across buy- and sell-side tools, and report compliance within 60 days.
Remedy Escalation: Commission signalled structural options (incl. divestiture) if conduct remedies fail.

Google’s Response & Appeal Path

Position: Fine called ‘unjustified,’ arguing changes harm European SMEs and publishers.
Next Steps: Appeal to EU courts; parallel internal compliance programs to meet interim deadlines.

Broader Antitrust Context

Prior EU Fines: €4.3 bn (Android, 2018), €2.42 bn (Shopping, 2017), €1.49 bn (AdSense, 2019).
Political Backdrop: U.S. administration threatened auto tariffs over perceived EU targeting of Big Tech—raising trade–tech tensions.

New Strategic Agenda with India

Launch & Vision (17 Sept 2025)

Roadmap Pillars: Trade, tech, security/defence, climate—pitched as a defining partnership of the 21st century.
Political Framing: India termed a ‘crucial partner’; call for rapid adoption by EU institutions.

Trade & Investment Track

FTA State-of-Play: Negotiations advanced; Round 14 set for Oct 6–10 (Brussels).
Friction Points: Tariff peaks; QCOs (Qualitative Control Orders); regulatory alignment and services mobility.

Security & Defence Cooperation

Info-Sharing: Work toward classified information pacts; explore defence industry tie-ups and joint R&D/MRO.
Complicating Factors: India’s exercises with Russia (Zapad-2025) and continued Russian oil purchases; EU stresses rules-based order while avoiding alienating India.

Geopolitical Balancing

EU Strategy: Offer deeper economic/tech ties as U.S.–India trade spats ebb/flow; ensure not to push India toward Russia.

UKRAINE—26-Nation Post-War Security Guarantees

Paris Summit Outcomes

Coalition: 26 countries pledged land, sea, air security guarantees post-war. Roles are flexible; no mandatory troops.

Country Stances:

France/UK: Open to troop deployment under specific conditions.
Germany: Waiting for clarity on U.S. role.
Italy: Training commitment; no ground troops.
Bulgaria: No ground troops; Black Sea ops, de-mining, and a naval pact with Romania & Türkiye proposed.

Strategic Purpose & Integration Track

Aims: Deter renewed aggression, secure sovereignty, and set a path toward NATO/EU integration.
Lessons Applied: Avoid deterrence gaps seen pre-2022; institutionalise rapid-support mechanisms.

G-7 FINANCE MINISTERS—Measures Against Russia

Toolkits Under Discussion

Sanctions Expansion: Additional listings (individuals/entities).
Trade Levers: Tariffs or restrictions on third countries aiding Russia’s war machine (secondary sanctions posture).

Policy Logic & Expected Effects

Revenue Disruption: Choke off energy-adjacent and dual-use streams.
Deterrence Signalling: Raise costs for ‘enablers.’
Compliance Shift: Push private sector to adopt enhanced due diligence on Russia-linked supply chains.

SUMMIT OF ARAB & MUSLIM LEADERS—Qatar

Regional Security Backdrop

Conflict Spread: Israeli strikes extended beyond Gaza to Iran, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, and Qatar.
Human Toll: UN-cited figures indicate very high Palestinian civilian deaths since Oct 2023.

Diplomatic Dynamics

Iran’s Presence: President Masoud Pezeshkian condemned regional strikes; showed solidarity with Qatar despite earlier U.S.–Iran friction in the Gulf.
Intra-Gulf Divisions: Rhetoric strong but policy convergence limited; economic ties and discreet security channels temper punitive options.

Mediation & External Positions

Qatar’s Role: Long-standing mediator, hosting Hamas leadership for indirect talks.
S. Posture: Publicly backs Doha’s mediation; balances alliance politics with ceasefire diplomacy.

INTERPOL—India Elected to Interpol Asian Committee

Election & Mandate

Venue: 25th Interpol Asian Regional Conference, Singapore (19 Sept 2025).
Committee Role: Shapes regional priorities—organised crime, cybercrime, terrorism, human/drug trafficking—driving operational coordination.

Why It Matters for India

Leverage: Stronger say in intelligence sharing, joint ops, and capacity-building for smaller states.
Domestic Link: CBI (India’s NCB) to channel priorities: counter-terror, cyber security, anti-trafficking, extradition best practices.

UPU (UNIVERSAL POSTAL UNION)—India Re-Elected to CA & POC

Outcome & Institutional Weight

Councils: Council of Administration (CA) + Postal Operations Council (POC) at the 28th UPU Congress, Dubai.
Significance: Endorses India Post’s digital transformation, financial inclusion outreach, and e-commerce logistics innovations.

Strategic Opportunities

Standards & Ops: Larger voice in postal standards, last-mile interoperability, and cross-border payments.
Global South Leadership: Template for digitally-enabled postal reform in emerging economies.

BBNJ TREATY—Ratification Milestone Reached

Entry-Into-Force Timeline

Threshold Crossed: 60 ratifications → in force Jan 17, 2026 under UNCLOS framework.

Scope & Governance

Coverage: Areas beyond national jurisdiction (high seas): Marine Protected Areas, Marine Genetic Resources (benefit-sharing), mandatory EIAs for high-impact activities.
Mechanisms: Clearing-house for data access; a financial framework to support implementation and equity.

Conservation & Innovation Implications

MPAs: Expansion beyond current ~6.35% ocean coverage; push for no-take zones in biodiversity hot spots.
Science & Industry: Rules for genetic resource access and benefit-sharing (e.g., biotech/pharma enzymes), promoting transparent research and fair returns.

SUBJECT TAG―International Relations / Global Governance / Tech & Trade Policy / Security & Environment Diplomacy (2025)

UPSC RELEVANCE―GS Paper II: International institutions (UN, EU, Interpol, UPU), treaties (BBNJ), global conflict management, India–EU ties. GS Paper III: Competition policy & digital markets, sanctions economics, maritime/energy security, biodiversity governance. Essay Topics―1. Power, Platforms, and Policy: Can Antitrust Keep Digital Markets Fair? 2. Security Guarantees vs. Alliances: Rethinking Deterrence for a Post-War Ukraine. 3. From Doha to Brussels: How Middle-Power Diplomacy Shapes 21st-Century Multilateralism. 4. High Seas, High Stakes: BBNJ and the Future of Ocean Commons.

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