Daily Current Affairs - 26th & 27th October 2025
- TPP
- 6 days ago
- 22 min read
If you missed Monthly Current Affairs Pointers (CAP) | Sept - Oct 2025, read it here.
Strengthening Governance through Blockchain Technology |
In recent times, Blockchain Technology has emerged as a key driver in transforming governance in India.
Blockchain is a distributed, transparent, secure, and immutable database that functions like a ledger of records or transactions.
It is resistant to tampering and accessible across a network of computers, ensuring data integrity and trust.
Key Roles of Blockchain Technology in Governance
A major application is the Property Chain, a Blockchain-powered Property Management System.
It ensures that every property transaction is securely recorded on the blockchain ledger.
This transparency allows prospective buyers to easily verify ownership, rights, and liabilities.
As a result, it reduces litigation and expedites dispute resolution in property-related matters.
Another use is the Certificates and Document Chain, which helps in secure storage and retrieval of official records.
For instance, the National Informatics Centre (NIC) has developed a ‘Certificate Chain’ to safeguard and verify government-issued documents.
In the logistics sector, the Logistics Chain uses blockchain to record every transaction in the supply chain in a tamper-proof ledger.
This ensures traceability and accountability at every stage of the supply process.
A notable example is Aushada, the Online Supply Chain Management System for medicines developed by the Government of Karnataka.
In the judicial domain, the Judiciary Chain enables the electronic delivery of notices, summons, and bail orders using blockchain technology.
This system reduces delays and eliminates manual dependencies, improving efficiency and transparency in the justice process.
The Inter-Operable Criminal Justice System (ICJS) is another important blockchain-based initiative.
As of October 2025, over 39,000 ICJS documents have been verified on the blockchain platform, ensuring authenticity and reliability of criminal justice data.
Key Initiatives for Promoting Blockchain Technology
The National Blockchain Framework (NBF), 2024 has been launched to promote standardized and secure blockchain adoption across India.
Its core components include the Vishvasya Blockchain Stack, NBFLite, Praamaanik (an innovative blockchain solution for app verification), and the National Blockchain Portal.
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has also developed a National Strategy on Blockchain to guide implementation and policy direction.
Additionally, the Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Blockchain Technology, established by NIC, acts as a hub for research, innovation, and capacity building in blockchain applications.
Conclusion
Thus, Blockchain Technology is steadily transforming India’s governance ecosystem by making it transparent, efficient, secure, and accountable.
With continued initiatives like NBF 2024, CoE, and NIC-driven projects, India is moving toward a trust-based digital governance framework powered by blockchain.
Inadequate Laws to Protect Domestic Workers in India |
In January 2025, the Supreme Court of India directed the Union Government to frame a comprehensive domestic workers’ rights law.
However, the Union Government is yet to frame such a law to ensure uniform protection and welfare for domestic workers.
Status of Domestic Workers in India
India has approximately 2.81 crore registered domestic and household workers on the e-SHRAM portal.
The e-SHRAM portal is a national database for unorganised sector workers, created to ensure their social security and welfare coverage.
Most domestic workers are women and girls belonging to Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities.
Their socio-economic marginalisation makes them highly vulnerable to exploitation and abuse.
A large number of these workers are migrants, requiring legal protection across states and even from neighbouring countries.
Common issues faced by them include physical and sexual abuse, harassment, child labour, and exploitation by employment agencies.
They also suffer from lack of minimum wages, inconsistent working hours, and absence of social security benefits such as pensions or insurance.
Existing Legal Frameworks and Protections
Under the Minimum Wages Act, 1948, every worker has the right to fair wages, which must not be below the state-prescribed minimum wage.
The Payment of Wages Act and related state rules also ensure timely payment of wages to workers in scheduled employments.
The Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Act, 2013 guarantees safe working conditions and mandates an abuse-free environment for women at workplaces.
The Bharatiya Nari Suraksha (BNS) Act, 2023 provides legal protection against all forms of abuse and exploitation, including physical, sexual, and psychological harm.
It also enables complaint mechanisms and ensures legal remedies for women facing workplace abuse.
Several states have taken independent initiatives to protect domestic workers through state-specific laws and welfare schemes.
For example, Tamil Nadu provides welfare benefits and minimum wages under the Manual Worker Act, 1982.
Similarly, Karnataka’s 2025 Bill mandates worker registration, written contracts, minimum wages, and contribution to a domestic workers’ welfare fund.
Issues in Implementation of Legal Protection
State-level regulation of domestic work remains patchy and inconsistent across India.
Minimum wages and labour protections vary between states, and their enforcement is weak due to inadequate monitoring.
The new Labour Codes define a “worker” mainly in relation to formal establishments or industries, thereby excluding domestic workers employed in private households.
The dispersed nature of workplaces and the migratory status of workers make unionisation and collective bargaining extremely difficult.
Poor socio-economic conditions further limit their ability to organise and demand rights.
There are also data and definition issues, as there is no credible national database or uniform definition of who qualifies as a domestic worker.
These definitional and data gaps make policy-making and targeted welfare challenging and ineffective.
Way Forward
All states must stipulate and regularly update minimum wages for domestic workers to ensure fair compensation.
Compulsory registration of employers, placement agencies, and domestic workers at the state level is essential to enhance accountability and monitoring.
A comprehensive Central legislation must be enacted to codify rights, fair wages, social security, and welfare entitlements of domestic workers.
Such a law should also establish grievance redressal mechanisms and integrate existing state initiatives under a unified legal framework.
Conclusion
The absence of a dedicated central law leaves millions of domestic workers outside the ambit of formal labour protections.
A comprehensive legal framework, backed by effective implementation and social awareness, is crucial to ensure dignity, equality, and justice for domestic workers in India.
RBI Warns Geopolitical Tensions Could Disrupt Cross-Border Payment Flows |
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), in its bi-annual Payment Systems Report, has warned that geopolitical tensions could disrupt cross-border payment flows.
The report cautions that sanctions, currency restrictions, and operational barriers may hamper seamless international transactions.
About Cross-Border Payments
Cross-border payments are financial transactions where the payer and the recipient are based in different countries.
These payments include both wholesale and retail transactions, covering remittances, trade payments, and service-related transfers.
Wholesale cross-border payments generally occur between financial institutions, often for settlement of trade or investment transactions.
Retail cross-border payments typically involve individuals or businesses, such as person-to-person remittances or person-to-business payments.
The growing international mobility of goods, services, capital, and people has significantly increased the economic importance of such payments.
India continues to be the top recipient of global foreign remittances, with record inflows of USD 137.7 billion in 2024.
Key Challenges with Cross-Border Payments
Lengthy transaction chains, involving multiple intermediaries such as correspondent banks, make transactions costly and time-consuming.
The lack of interoperability due to fragmented data standards across countries hinders smooth payment processing.
Complex compliance checks related to anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) norms add to processing delays.
Continued dependence on legacy technology platforms limits the speed, transparency, and efficiency of payment systems.
Global Initiatives to Facilitate Effective Cross-Border Payments
The G20 Roadmap for Enhancing Cross-Border Payments aims to address high transaction costs, slow speed, limited access, and insufficient transparency.
The Bank for International Settlements (BIS) Innovation Hub is leading multiple projects to develop innovative payment solutions.
These include Project Hertha, which explores interoperable payment infrastructures, Project Rialto, focused on real-time cross-border settlements, and Project Agora, aimed at multilateral payment connectivity.
The Financial Stability Board (FSB) and the Committee on Payments and Market Infrastructures (CPMI) have also issued recommendations to enhance global payment efficiency and resilience.
India’s Initiatives to Strengthen Cross-Border Payment Systems
India is pursuing bilateral and multilateral collaborations to make cross-border transactions faster, cheaper, and more accessible.
A key step involves linking India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) with foreign Fast Payment Systems (FPSs) for real-time international transfers.
Such linkages enable QR code-based acceptance of UPI payments at merchant locations abroad, enhancing payment convenience for travelers.
The UPI–PayNow linkage between India and Singapore is a notable example of successful cross-border payment integration.
India also participates in Project Nexus, a multilateral international initiative that connects multiple real-time payment systems across countries.
Conclusion
The RBI’s warning underscores the need for resilient and interoperable cross-border payment networks in light of geopolitical risks.
Strengthening technological infrastructure, regulatory cooperation, and international partnerships will be vital for ensuring secure and efficient global payment flows.
Relation between Freedom of Religion and Right to Privacy |
The Supreme Court in Rajendra Bihari Lal vs. State of Uttar Pradesh and Others observed that Freedom of Religion and Right to Privacy are deeply interlinked.
The Court emphasized that the Right to Privacy is intrinsic (essential and inseparable) to the Freedom of Religion guaranteed under the Constitution.
Article 25 of the Indian Constitution guarantees the freedom of conscience and the right to freely profess, practice, and propagate religion.
The Court clarified that Article 25 inherently includes elements of privacy, as it protects a person’s inner belief and choice of faith.
It stated that the ability to choose one’s faith is a core aspect of privacy, as it belongs to the most personal sphere of human autonomy.
The Court also held that freedom to express or not to express one’s religious belief is equally protected under Article 25.
It further noted that forcing a person to publish or declare their personal faith amounts to a violation of the fundamental Right to Privacy.
Such compulsion breaches both Article 25 (Freedom of Religion) and Article 21 (Right to Life and Personal Liberty), as privacy forms part of life and liberty.
The Court highlighted that various state anti-conversion laws (laws regulating religious conversion) are now being examined by the Supreme Court.
These anti-conversion legislations must satisfy the constitutional test of privacy, ensuring that they do not intrude upon individual autonomy.
Other Observations by the Supreme Court
The bench reaffirmed that Secularism—meaning equal respect for all religions and separation of religion from State affairs—is an intrinsic part of the basic structure of the Constitution.
The Court referred to the K.S. Puttaswamy vs. Union of India (2017) judgment, which held that Right to Privacy is a Fundamental Right protected under Article 21 and across Part III of the Constitution.
The Court also cited Shafin Jahan v. Asokan K.M. (2018), which upheld individual autonomy in making choices of faith and marriage.
Together, these judgments reinforce that personal autonomy, privacy, and freedom of religion are mutually reinforcing constitutional guarantees.
Cloud Seeding Trial in Delhi |
Experts have successfully conducted a trial test on Cloud Seeding in Delhi, marking a significant step toward artificial rain in the region.
The trial was conducted by IIT Kanpur, a premier research institute known for its advanced environmental and atmospheric studies.
The project aims to create Delhi’s first artificial rainfall in the coming days if weather conditions remain favourable.
About Cloud Seeding
Cloud Seeding is a weather modification technique, meaning it involves deliberate intervention to alter weather conditions.
The process enhances a cloud’s ability to produce rain or snow by introducing tiny ice-forming particles called nuclei into existing clouds.
It is important to note that cloud seeding acts only on natural clouds and does not create new clouds artificially.
During the process, nuclei are dispersed into the cloud using aircraft or ground-based generators.
These nuclei serve as a base for snowflakes or raindrops to form, triggering condensation within the cloud.
The newly formed snowflakes grow in size, and due to gravity, they fall back to Earth as precipitation.
Seeding Agents Used
The most common seeding material is Silver Iodide (AgI), known for its highly efficient ice-nucleating properties.
Other chemical agents sometimes used include Potassium Iodide (KI), Sulfur Dioxide (SO₂), and frozen Carbon Dioxide (CO₂)—also known as dry ice.
Benefits of Cloud Seeding
Cloud Seeding is considered a scientific method to combat air pollution, as artificial rain helps wash down suspended particulate matter from the atmosphere.
It also helps in enhancing winter snowfall and increasing mountain snowpack, which refers to the accumulation of snow that melts into freshwater reserves.
This increase in snowpack supplements the natural water supply available to communities, especially in water-scarce or drought-prone areas.
Concerns Associated with Cloud Seeding
One major concern is the lack of reliable information about its consistent effectiveness and long-term impacts.
Due to limited data, the operation often yields uncertain results, and the return on investment remains unclear.
Another issue arises from the use of Silver Iodide, which may be toxic to terrestrial (land-based) and aquatic (water-based) ecosystems.
This potential toxicity has led to exploration of safer and more sustainable alternatives as seeding materials.
Additionally, environmental risks increase if cloud seeding coincides with intense natural rainfall, which can lead to floods and damage infrastructure, crops, and livelihoods.
Conclusion
The Supreme objective behind cloud seeding must be guided by an ethical and scientific approach.
There exists an ethical imperative to conduct exhaustive research before large-scale application.
This research should carefully weigh the potential climatic and social benefits against the possible health and environmental risks involved.
Weakening of Multilateralism |
Experts have highlighted that multilateralism is weakening at a time when the world urgently requires coordinated global action to tackle shared challenges.
Multilateralism refers to coordinated action among at least three or more actors—usually countries or organizations—to address common global problems beyond individual capacity.
It represents a rules-based international system built on cooperation, negotiation, and collective decision-making.
Erosion of Multilateralism
The erosion of multilateralism is reflected in the declining effectiveness and legitimacy of global institutions.
One major reason is the reduced effectiveness of global organizations like the World Trade Organization (WTO).
For instance, the blocking of new Appellate Body appointments by the United States has paralyzed the WTO’s dispute resolution system, leaving appeals unresolved and enforcement delayed.
Another trend is the withdrawal of major powers from global frameworks, undermining collective governance.
For example, the United States withdrew from the UN Human Rights Council and UNESCO, signalling retreat from multilateral commitments.
The United Nations’ failure to effectively resolve the Russia-Ukraine conflict further demonstrates the diminishing capacity of multilateral institutions in ensuring global peace and security.
Alongside this, there has been a rise of minilateralism and regional partnerships as alternatives to large, slow-moving global forums.
Minilateralism means cooperation among a smaller group of countries with shared interests for faster and more flexible decision-making.
Examples include BRICS and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which offer pragmatic collaboration compared to traditional multilateral forums.
Additionally, unilateral economic sanctions and protectionist trade policies by some nations have further weakened collective decision-making.
Way Ahead
To restore global trust, an institutional overhaul of major multilateral bodies is essential.
For instance, reforming the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to grant veto power and permanent membership to countries such as India, Japan, and Brazil can make it more representative and effective.
There is also a need to address new and emerging global challenges that transcend borders.
Establishing new global standards in areas like digitalization and artificial intelligence (AI) is crucial to ensure fairness and security in the digital era.
Simultaneously, the priorities of the Global South—a term referring to developing and less industrialized countries—must be given greater attention.
Key areas include ensuring equitable climate finance, addressing trade protectionism, and strengthening South-South cooperation for inclusive growth.
Conclusion
In essence, the weakening of multilateralism poses risks to global stability, development, and equity.
Therefore, revitalizing multilateral institutions, strengthening inclusivity, and adapting to new realities are critical to ensuring that the world can respond collectively to common challenges.
RBI Warns States against Pre-Election Populist Spending |
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has cautioned state governments against excessive pre-election spending, warning of its adverse impact on macroeconomic stability and fiscal discipline.
Macroeconomic stability refers to a stable economic environment with controlled inflation, sustainable growth, and manageable debt levels.
Fiscal discipline means maintaining prudent government spending and borrowing practices to ensure long-term economic stability.
Understanding Pre-Election Populist Spending
Pre-election populist spending refers to government expenditure undertaken shortly before elections with the primary aim of gaining political support rather than promoting sustainable development.
Such spending often includes subsidies, distribution of free goods or services (commonly called freebies), and direct benefit transfer (DBT) schemes targeted toward specific voter groups.
Examples include Ladki Bahin Yojana (Maharashtra) and Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana (Bihar), which offer cash or benefits directly to beneficiaries before elections.
According to data, around ₹68,000 crore was spent by state governments across eight major state elections (2023–25) on such populist welfare schemes.
For instance, Bihar (2025) disbursed 32.48% of its tax revenue through various welfare schemes just before the elections, indicating high fiscal stress.
Impact on State Economies
Fiscal stress arises when government expenditure exceeds revenues, leading to higher fiscal deficits and excessive borrowing.
Persistent fiscal deficits increase the state’s debt burden, reducing its capacity for productive investment.
Inflationary pressure may build up as excessive pre-election spending boosts short-term demand, thereby pushing up prices in the economy.
Short-term populist measures often translate into long-term public debt, constraining future budgets and development priorities.
For example, Punjab’s debt is projected to touch ₹3.74 lakh crore by the end of 2024–25, reflecting the fiscal cost of continued welfare spending.
Additionally, such practices lead to resource misallocation, diverting funds from essential infrastructure and developmental projects toward temporary political giveaways.
Way Forward
States must adopt fiscal prudence and effective debt management to safeguard economic stability.
Welfare schemes should be designed sustainably with sunset clauses—time-bound limits ensuring that temporary schemes do not become permanent fiscal burdens.
There is a need for political consensus between the Centre and states to collectively curb the misuse of freebies for electoral gains.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) should ensure transparency and accountability in electoral promises, evaluating their fiscal feasibility.
Simultaneously, voter awareness campaigns must educate citizens about the long-term economic consequences of unsustainable populist spending.
A balance between welfare and fiscal responsibility is crucial to maintain both social equity and economic stability in the long run.
Telecommunications (Telecom Cyber Security) Amendment Rules, 2025 |
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has notified the Telecommunications (Telecom Cyber Security) Amendment Rules, 2025, amending the existing 2024 Rules.
These amendments aim to strengthen telecom cybersecurity, enhance user verification, and prevent digital and financial frauds in India’s communication ecosystem.
Key Highlights of the Rules
The Rules introduce a new category called Telecommunication Identifier User Entities (TIUEs).
TIUEs refer to any business entity that uses phone numbers to identify customers or deliver services, excluding licensed telecom operators.
This inclusion brings platforms like Zomato, PhonePe, Paytm, and Uber, as well as messaging services, under the same regulatory framework that governs licensed telecom operators such as Airtel and Jio.
The Rules mandate the establishment of a Mobile Number Verification (MNV) system by the Central Government.
The MNV system will verify whether phone numbers provided by users correspond to legitimate telecom subscribers, enhancing digital identity security.
The Rules also regulate the use and sale of telecom equipment, with stricter norms for manufacturers.
Manufacturers are directed not to assign International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers that are already in use to prevent duplication.
They must also maintain a database of tampered or restricted IMEIs to track and block fraudulent devices.
The IMEI number is a unique 15-digit code assigned to mobile devices, used for their identification and tracking.
Need for the Amendment
The amendment was introduced to address the sharp rise in cybersecurity incidents across India’s telecom and digital sectors.
Reported cybersecurity incidents increased from 10.29 lakh in 2022 to 22.68 lakh in 2024, showing the growing scale and complexity of digital threats.
It also aims to enable effective verification by helping financial institutions and insurance firms confirm the authenticity of customers’ mobile numbers while opening new accounts.
The amendment further seeks to address emerging digital threats, especially those targeting online payment platforms.
For instance, fraudsters have increasingly targeted the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) ecosystem using compromised or fake mobile numbers.
Other Measures to Ensure Telecom Cyber Security
The Department of Telecommunications has also launched the Financial Fraud Risk Indicator (FRI) system to detect and flag potential fraud.
The FRI system classifies suspicious mobile numbers based on risk levels — Medium, High, or Very High-risk — for proactive monitoring.
The Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDP Act), 2023 complements these efforts by imposing strict obligations on data fiduciaries to ensure robust data protection and cybersecurity safeguards.
The government has already taken significant enforcement actions under these frameworks.
As of October 2025, over 9.42 lakh SIM cards and 2.6 lakh IMEIs linked to fraudulent activities have been identified and blocked.
Conclusion
The Telecom Cyber Security Amendment Rules, 2025 mark a major step toward building a secure and trusted digital ecosystem.
By combining regulatory oversight, verification mechanisms, and data protection measures, India aims to curb cyber frauds, protect users, and strengthen the integrity of its telecom infrastructure.
Appointment of Chief Justice of India (CJI) and Supreme Court (SC) Judges |
The Union government asks the Chief Justice of India (CJI) to recommend a successor for the top judicial post.
The process of appointment is guided by the Memorandum of Procedure (MoP), which provides formal guidelines for appointing the CJI and other SC judges.
Both the CJI and other Supreme Court judges are appointed by the President of India under Article 124(2) of the Constitution.
Appointment of the CJI follows the seniority principle, meaning the senior-most judge of the Supreme Court is conventionally elevated as the CJI.
The Union government initiates the process by asking the current CJI to recommend a successor, usually about a month before retirement.
The CJI sends a formal recommendation to the Ministry of Law, naming the senior-most eligible judge.
After approval by the Prime Minister, the President issues the warrant of appointment for the new CJI.
Other Supreme Court judges are appointed by the President, based on recommendations of the Collegium, which consists of the CJI and four other senior-most SC judges.
High Court judges are appointed by the President under Article 217, based on recommendations of the Collegium, consisting of the CJI and two senior-most SC judges.
The Collegium system refers to the process where a group of senior judges recommends appointments and transfers, and it evolved through the Three Judges Cases (1981, 1993, 1998).
Concerns related to Judicial Appointments and Collegium System
A major concern is the lack of transparency, as deliberations are confidential and reasons for appointments are rarely disclosed.
Another concern is accountability, because there is no formal mechanism to review decisions made by the Collegium.
There is also a limited executive role, which results in concentration of power within the judiciary.
Attempts to Reform Judicial Appointments
The 99th Constitutional Amendment and National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) Act, 2014 were attempts to reform judicial appointments.
The Supreme Court struck down the NJAC Act in 2015 in the 4th Judge Case, retaining the Collegium system as the method for judicial appointments.
Execution Petitions |
The Supreme Court recently highlighted the high pendency in lower courts due to a massive backlog of over 8.82 lakh execution petitions.
An execution petition is a legal tool used to implement a decree, allowing the winner of a case to request the court to enforce its decision.
Execution petitions are filed when the losing party fails to comply with the court’s decision, ensuring that judgments are carried out.
In 2021, the Supreme Court laid down guidelines for execution petitions, including a six-month deadline for disposing of execution proceedings.
Responsible Use of AI during Elections |
The Election Commission has issued an advisory to all political parties on the responsible use of AI-generated content during elections.
This advisory aims to ensure a level playing field in elections and promote fairness in the electoral process.
According to the guidelines, AI-generated or digitally altered campaign content must carry a clear label, such as “AI-Generated” or “Synthetic Content”.
The advisory strictly prohibits unlawful or misleading content that distorts a person’s identity, appearance, or voice.
Deepfakes, which are AI-created or manipulated videos/images that misrepresent someone, are given as an example of prohibited content.
Political parties are also required to maintain detailed records of all AI-generated materials, ensuring transparency and accountability.
Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) |
The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) recently cleared proposals worth around Rs 79,000 crore to enhance the capability of the Armed Forces.
Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) has been granted for projects such as the Nag Missile System Mk-II and High Mobility Vehicles (HMVs) with Material Handling Crane.
The DAC serves as an overarching structure for strategic defence acquisition planning and oversight, ensuring coordinated decision-making across India’s defence establishment.
The Chairman of DAC is the Union Minister of Defence.
One of the main functions of the DAC is to give approval to capital acquisitions under the Long Term Perspective Plan (LTPP), which is a roadmap for defence procurement over a long period.
The DAC also monitors the progress of major defence projects to ensure timely completion and effectiveness.
Another key function is to grant Acceptance of Necessity (AoN), which is formal approval to proceed with an acquisition proposal after establishing its strategic or operational requirement.
Exercise Ocean Sky 2025 |
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is participating in Exercise Ocean Sky 2025 in Spain.
Exercise Ocean Sky is a multinational air exercise hosted by the Spanish Air Force.
The main aim of the exercise is to enhance interoperability, which means improving the ability of different countries’ air forces to operate together effectively.
Another objective is to sharpen air combat skills among participating nations.
The exercise also seeks to foster mutual learning, allowing countries to exchange operational knowledge and techniques.
This is the first time a non-NATO country is participating in Exercise Ocean Sky, highlighting the growing strategic and defence ties between India and Spain.
Duty-Free Tariff Preference (DFTP) scheme |
The Duty-Free Tariff Preference (DFTP) scheme is recognized by the World Trade Organization (WTO) for promoting exports from Least Developed Countries (LDCs).
The DFTP scheme was introduced in 2008 by India.
The scheme provides duty-free or preferential tariff treatment for products imported from LDCs into India.
Duty-free treatment means that products from LDCs can enter India without paying customs duties.
Preferential tariff treatment refers to lower customs duties than normal, giving a trade advantage to LDCs.
The main aim of the DFTP scheme is to boost economic growth in LDCs.
Another objective of the scheme is to diversify exports from these countries.
The scheme also seeks to strengthen trade relations between India and LDCs.
International Convention against Doping in Sport |
India was re-elected as Vice-Chair of the Bureau for the Asia-Pacific at the 10th session of the Conference of Parties (CoP) to the International Convention against Doping in Sport.
During the same session, Azerbaijan was elected as Chairperson of the Bureau.
The International Convention against Doping in Sport is a multilateral treaty, meaning it is an agreement between multiple countries to cooperate on a common objective.
This treaty requires states to adopt national and international measures to prevent and eliminate doping in sport, ensuring fairness in competitions.
The Convention was adopted by UNESCO in 2005 and entered into force in 2007, making it legally binding for signatory countries.
The main aim of the Convention is to harmonize anti-doping legislation, regulations, and rules internationally, which ensures a level playing field for all athletes.
A level playing field means all athletes compete under the same rules without unfair advantage.
The Convention currently has 192 parties, and India is a signatory, indicating its formal commitment to implement its provisions.
Liberalised Remittances Scheme |
The Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS) is a facility provided by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to enable outward remittances.
It was introduced in 2004 with the aim to simplify and streamline the process of sending funds outside India.
Under the LRS, all resident individuals, including minors, are allowed to remit funds abroad.
Resident individuals are persons who reside in India for a certain period as per the Income Tax Act.
The scheme permits remittances of up to USD 2,50,000 per financial year for any permissible transaction.
Financial year in India runs from April 1 to March 31 of the following year.
The remittance can be made for any permissible current or capital account transaction, or a combination of both.
Current account transactions include education, medical expenses, travel, etc., while capital account transactions include investments in property, stocks, or business abroad.
Importantly, there are no restrictions on the frequency of remittances, allowing multiple transfers within the annual limit.
However, the scheme is not available to corporates, partnership firms, Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs), trusts, or other entities.
HUF is a legal term referring to a family collectively recognized under Hindu law for tax purposes.
Recently, India’s outward remittances for overseas education fell to an eight-year low under the LRS, indicating changing trends in educational expenses abroad.
Carabid beetles |
A recent study revealed that carabid beetles can serve as bioindicators to track soil microplastic pollution. (Bioindicators are species whose presence or condition reflects the health of an environment.)
Carabid beetles belong to the family Carabidae, which are commonly known as ground beetles.
They are nocturnal predators, meaning they are active mainly at night.
Their diet includes pests such as slugs, caterpillars, and snails, making them beneficial for natural pest control.
Carabid beetles are found in almost all terrestrial habitats across the world, indicating their wide adaptability.
Kafala system |
Saudi Arabia has recently abolished the Kafala system, a move expected to benefit around 13 million foreign workers, including over 2.6 million Indians.
The Kafala system was a worker sponsorship programme, which gave employers full control over their employees’ legal status, residency, and movement.
Under this system, each migrant worker was tied to a sponsor, called a 'Kafeel', who had authority over the worker’s employment and travel.
The system allowed employers to control whether workers could leave the country, seek legal help, or change jobs, creating an imbalance of power.
The Kafala system has been widely criticized as modern-day slavery, because it enabled employers to exploit employees.
Common abuses under the system included restricting workers’ movement and seizing their passports, effectively limiting freedom.
Intrusion Detection System (IDS) |
Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) is implementing an Intrusion Detection System (IDS) across its network to prevent elephant deaths on railway tracks.
An Intrusion Detection System (IDS) is a technology that detects unauthorized or unusual activities in a system or area, here applied to wildlife protection.
The IDS at NFR uses advanced optical fibre sensing technology, which is a system where sensor cables detect vibrations caused by movement.
Specifically, the IDS detects vibrations generated by elephants’ movement on or near the tracks.
These sensor cables then transmit real-time signals to the control room, enabling authorities to monitor the situation instantly.
The system allows timely intervention, helping to prevent accidents and ensure smooth railway operations.
Kunar River |
Afghanistan has announced plans to construct a dam on the Kunar River, which will obstruct its flow into Pakistan.
The Kunar River is a main tributary of the Kabul River, which subsequently merges with the Indus River in Pakistan.
The river originates from the glaciated Hindu Kush Mountains in Chitral, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.
After originating in Pakistan, the Kunar River flows into Afghanistan and merges with the Kabul River there.
The Kunar River has two main tributaries, namely the Bashgal (or Landiasind) River and the Pech River.
Human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV) |
Maldives has become the first country to halt mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B.
HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B are all classified as Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs).
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) weakens the immune system by attacking white blood cells.
When HIV infection becomes severely advanced, it can lead to Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), a condition where the body cannot fight infections effectively.
Syphilis is caused by a type of bacteria called Treponema pallidum.
Hepatitis B is a viral infection that attacks the liver and can cause both acute (short-term) and chronic (long-term) disease.
Mahe Water Crafts |
The first of eight Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Crafts (ASW SWC), named ‘Mahe’, was delivered to the Indian Navy.
Mahe has been built by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), located in Kochi.
The vessel is named after the historic port town of Mahe, in the Union Territory of Puducherry.
Mahe’s capabilities include underwater surveillance, which involves monitoring marine areas for enemy submarines or other threats.
The craft is also capable of Low Intensity Maritime Operations (LIMO), referring to naval operations that involve limited or small-scale use of force.
Additionally, Mahe can conduct Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) operations in coastal waters, protecting the littoral zones.
The induction of Mahe enhances the Indian Navy’s ASW capability in littoral zones and supports the Government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision for self-reliance in defense production.
SWAMIH Fund |
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has exempted the SWAMIH Fund from its tightened rules for Alternate Investment Funds (AIFs).
SWAMIH Fund stands for Special Window for Affordable and Mid-Income Housing, and it is government-backed.
The RBI prescribes regulatory guidelines for investments by regulated entities in AIFs to ensure proper compliance and risk management.
SWAMIH Fund, 2019, is classified as a Category II AIF, which allows investment in specific sectors under regulatory norms.
An Alternate Investment Fund (AIF) is any fund established or incorporated in India that is a privately pooled investment vehicle collecting funds from sophisticated investors—whether Indian or foreign—for investments.
AIFs are regulated by SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India); examples include venture capital funds, including angel funds.
The objective of the SWAMIH Fund is to provide priority debt financing for the completion of stalled housing projects.
The fund manager of SWAMIH Fund is SBI Ventures Limited, responsible for managing investments and operations.
IMPORTANT LINKS:-
|
Comments