Current Affairs – October 06, 2025

{GS2 – Polity – IC – Federal Structure} Tamil Nadu Challenges Governor’s Referral of University Bill to President

Context (TH): The Tamil Nadu government has petitioned the Supreme Court, challenging Governor R.N. Ravi’s decision to reserve the Kalaignar University Bill, 2025, for Presidential consideration.

Background

Kalaignar University Bill, 2025, was passed by TN Legislative Assembly to establish a new state university.
Instead of assenting, the Governor reserved the Bill for the President’s consideration under Article 200.
The State government contends that this act violates the constitutional principle of the Governor acting on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers.

Judicial Context

The issue comes amid a pending Presidential Reference on the Governor’s discretion under Article 200, where the SC has reserved judgment (September 9, 2025).
The reference examines whether Governors can delay or deny assent to Bills beyond the advice of the Council of Ministers.
In April 2025, the SC ruled that Governors and the President must act on Bills within three months.

Constitutional Framework

Article 200: It empowers the Governor to grant assent to a Bill, withhold assent, return it for reconsideration, or reserve it for the President’s consideration.
- The Governor’s discretion under this Article is limited, and must ordinarily align with Cabinet advice, as reaffirmed in previous SC rulings (e.g., Nabam Rebia v. Deputy Speaker, 2016).
Article 142: Empowers the Supreme Court to use its inherent authority to grant assent to pending Bills and prescribe timelines for action by Governors and the President.
Article 143(1): Authorises the President to seek the Supreme Court’s advisory opinion on matters of significant legal or factual importance.

{GS2 – MoSDE – Schemes} PM-SETU Scheme *

Context (NOA): PM Modi launched the Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs (PM-SETU) to enhance youth employability.

About the PM-SETU Scheme

PM-SETU is a centrally sponsored scheme aimed at upgrading 1,000 Government Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) under a hub-and-spoke model for inclusive skill development.
Objective: It seeks to make Indian youth job-ready by aligning ITI courses with current and emerging industry skill demands.
Nodal Ministry: The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) implements the scheme with support from state governments and industry partners.
Financing Structure: With a total outlay of ₹60,000 crore, the project is co-financed by the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank.
Hub-and-Spoke Model: This model includes 200 advanced “hub” ITIs functioning as innovation and placement centres, connected to 800 “spoke” ITIs for broader access.
Cluster Network: Each hub will connect to an average of four spokes, creating a cluster with advanced infrastructure and incubation facilities.
- A cluster will be managed by a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) with an ‘anchor industry partner’.
Centres of Excellence: Five National Skill Training Institutes at Bhubaneswar, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kanpur, and Ludhiana are being upgraded to Centres of Excellence.

{GS2 – Governance – Initiatives} India Proposes New International Governance Index

Context (IE): India, as the current President of the International Institute of Administrative Sciences (IIAS), proposed creating a new International Governance Index to address issues in existing global indices.

The IIAS is a global non-profit organisation for administrative research and training, established in 1930 and headquartered in Brussels, Belgium.

About the Index

The proposed index aims to provide a new, transparent, and inclusive framework by using methodologies from global bodies like the World Bank and OECD to evaluate administrative efficiency.
A Research Advisory Committee working group will develop the index, and it will be included in the agenda for the IIAS annual conference in 2026.
Significance: The index can rebalance global governance narratives, bridge the North–South divide, and advance India’s vision of “maximum governance, minimum government.”

Issues with Existing Global Indices

Opaque Methodology: Indices like the V-Dem rely on expert opinion surveys with undisclosed sampling and weighting methods.
Western-Centric Criteria: They use uniform liberal-democracy standards, ignoring different Asian and African administrative models.
Policy Impact: The World Bank’s World Governance Indicators (WGI) rely on perception-based data with limited on-ground validation.

India’s Performance in Major Global Governance Indices

India ranked 100^th out of 179 countries in the Sweden-based Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Index (2025) and has been categorised as an electoral autocracy since 2017.
The US-based Freedom in the World Index (2024) report downgraded India’s civil and political freedoms to levels comparable to the 1970s Emergency.
India’s scores in the Worldwide Governance Indicators (2023) show moderate government effectiveness and rule of law but low political stability compared to global averages.

{GS2 – IR – Issues} Issues of Marginalised Communities in Neighbouring Regions

Context (TH): Recent reports highlight protests in PoK (Muzaffarabad) over political grievances met with crackdowns, and violence against indigenous groups in Bangladesh’s Chittagong Hill Tracts.

India has publicly condemned rights abuses in PoK and rejected allegations of involvement in Bangladesh.

Implications for India

Humanitarian Concern: Reinforces India’s diplomatic stance, condemning human-rights abuses.
Security Risk: Prolonged unrest may trigger refugee flows, cross-border tensions or exploitation by militant groups, stressing border states, which can lead to Domestic Fallout.
Diplomatic Leverage: PoK unrest offers India factual grounds to challenge Pakistan’s claims on Kashmir at bilateral and multilateral fora.
Strain on Bilateral Ties: India–Bangladesh trade crossed $14 billion in FY2024, making stability crucial for regional connectivity projects like BBIN and BIMSTEC corridors.

The BBIN Motor Vehicles Agreement involving Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, and Nepal to facilitate seamless movement of passenger and cargo vehicles across borders, promoting regional integration.

Way Forward for India’s Diplomatic Challenges

Pragmatic Diplomacy: Adopt a pragmatic approach that prioritises India’s strategic interests while promoting democratic values and human rights in the region.
Information Diplomacy: Support documentation of abuses to counter misinformation. E.g. Establish a Neighbourhood Human Rights Monitoring Cell within MEA to compile verified data
Regional Cooperation: Strengthen regional mechanisms like SAARC and BIMSTEC to foster greater cooperation and reduce the influence of external powers.
Security Cooperation: Enhance security ties with neighbouring countries to address border challenges. E.g. India-Bangladesh Coordinated Border Management Plan (CBMP)
People-to-People Ties: Focus on cultural, educational, and people-to-people exchanges to build long-term goodwill. E.g. BIMSTEC Cultural Festivals foster regional camaraderie.

{GS3 – IE – Taxes} NITI Aayog Proposes Presumptive Tax Regime **

Context (TH | IE): NITI Aayog has proposed a presumptive taxation scheme for foreign companies to simplify compliance, reduce litigation, and provide tax certainty in India.

About Presumptive Taxation

It is a simplified method of taxation where income is calculated on the basis of a fixed percentage of turnover or receipts, instead of maintaining detailed accounts.
India already applies presumptive taxation in sectors like electronics manufacturing (25% of gross payments) and non-resident cruise operators (20% of receipts).
Under Sections 44AD and 44ADA of the Income Tax Act, Small businesses can declare 8% (6% for digital transactions) of turnover as income while professionals can declare 50% of gross receipts as income.

Key Highlights of the Proposal

Introduction of an optional presumptive taxation regime with sector-specific benchmarks.
Objective: The scheme aims to resolve long-standing tax disputes around Permanent Establishment (PE), offer clarity to foreign investors, and protect India’s revenue interests.

A Permanent Establishment (PE) refers to a fixed place of business through which a foreign company carries out its operations in another country, and becomes liable to pay taxes there.

Suggested attribution:
- 5% of gross receipts for offshore supply in the technology/equipment sector.
- 20% of gross receipts for onshore services.

Once opted, tax authorities would not litigate the existence of PE for that activity.

Economic Implications Expected

For investors: Current PE and profit attribution disputes take 6-12 years to resolve, raising compliance costs; a predictable compliance will lower the risk and cost of doing business.
For India: A Greater ability to attract genuine economic FDI, prevent tax arbitrage, and secure a domestic tax base will eventually improve ease of doing business and financial stability.

Read More> India’s Taxation System

{GS3 – Agri – Sustainability} PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDDKY) *

Context (IE): The Centre announced 100 Aspirational Agriculture Districts under PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDDKY) across 29 States and UTs to improve agricultural productivity and self-reliance.
PMDDKY is an umbrella initiative overseen by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare.
Selection Criteria: The 100 districts were identified based on low productivity, moderate crop intensity, and below-average access to agricultural credit.
Scheme Integration: PMDDKY consolidates 36 central schemes from 11 departments, for streamlined implementation and unified agricultural support delivery.
Inspiration: It is designed on the lines of NITI Aayog’s Aspirational Districts Programme, emphasising data-driven, inclusive governance.
Implementation: Each district will form a District Agriculture Development Plan overseen by local committees, with 100 Central Nodal Officers monitoring performance.

Read More > PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana

{GS3 – S&T – Defence} Defence Exports Target ₹50,000 Crore by 2029 **

Context (NOA | PIB | PIB): India’s defence exports are projected to reach ₹50,000 crore by 2029, up from the current ₹24,000 crore.

Overview of Defence Export Performance

Export Growth

Exports grew 12.04% in FY 2024-25, compared to FY 2023-24.
Defence items are now exported to nearly 80 countries, covering arms, ammunition & sub-systems.
Export authorisations rose 16.9% in 2024-25, with defence exporters increasing by over 17%.
Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) registered a 42.85% rise in exports in 2024-25 compared to the previous year.

Make in India and Self-Reliance

Indigenous manufacturing drives growth, with 64% of Tejas Light Combat Aircraft parts locally made.
In FY 2024-25, the Ministry of Defence awarded 92% of contracts to the domestic industry.

Institutional Support

Liberalised FDI policy allows up to 74% through the automatic route and higher.
Initiatives like Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) promote defence innovation, offering grants of up to ₹1.5 crore to MSMEs, startups, and R&D institutions.

Policy reforms

Simplified industrial licensing by removing parts and components from the licensing regime.
Extended the validity of licences to 15 years.
Streamlined SOPs for export authorisation by the digital export authorisation system.

{GS3 – S&T – Tech} TRAI Recommendations on Digital Radio Broadcast Policy

Context (NOA): The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has released recommendations on formulating a Digital Radio Broadcast Policy for private Radio broadcasters.

Objective: It aims to promote digital radio adoption in India by establishing a regulatory framework for licensing, technology standards, and market transition.

About Digital Radio

Digital radio uses digital technology to transmit audio as a stream of data, converting sound waves into numerical patterns instead of analogue electric signals.

Advantages of Digital Radio

Audio Clarity: Digital encoding reduces signal noise and fading, providing consistent, high-quality sound even in weak signal areas.
Spectrum Efficiency: A single frequency can support multiple digital stations, enabling more channels without using additional spectrum.
Data Services: Embedded digital data channels can transmit real-time text, alerts, metadata, and more within the same broadcast signal.
Simplified Tuning: Digital radios show all available stations by name, replacing manual frequency search with faster, error-free tuning.

Key Recommendations on the Digital Broadcast Policy

Simulcast Mode

Service Start: New broadcasters must begin their services with a simulcast model, which involves broadcasting in both analogue and digital formats simultaneously.
- Existing FM broadcasters can voluntarily switch to the simulcast mode.
Channel Capacity: In simulcast mode, each assigned frequency can support one analogue, three digital, and one data channel.
Sunset Clause: The government will announce a timeline for phasing out analogue broadcasting after evaluating digital adoption and market readiness.

Spectrum and Licensing

Pilot Rollout: Digital radio will initially launch in 13 cities, including four A+ metros (Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai) and nine A-category cities, to assess its urban deployment.
Frequency Auction: Two new frequencies will be auctioned in each city, with reserve prices set by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
Migration Rules: Existing operators transitioning to digital mode must complete the migration within six months from the auction date, paying a fee based on auction prices & the remaining license period.
License Duration: Digital broadcasting licenses will remain valid for 15 years to promote long-term policy stability and strengthen investor confidence.

Infrastructure and Technology

Unified Standard: TRAI recommended adopting a single digital radio transmission standard for the VHF Band II range to ensure compatibility among all broadcasters and devices.
Infrastructure Providers: A new authorization framework called ‘Radio Broadcasting Infrastructure Provider‘ will enable companies to build & lease broadcasting infrastructure to radio operators.
Shared Facilities: Prasar Bharati will share its existing broadcasting infrastructure with private players at concessional rates to support the early rollout of digital radio services.
Device Integration: Manufacturers will be advised to include digital radio receivers in mobile phones and vehicles to expand listener access.

Business and Market Structure

Fee Policy: Annual authorisation fees will be 4% of Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR) in major cities, with reduced rates in smaller markets.
Ownership Limit: A single entity cannot own more than 40% of frequencies in any city, to ensure competition and content diversity.
Online Streaming: Broadcasters will be allowed to broadcast their terrestrial radio programmes over internet platforms, with associated revenue included in total Gross Revenue.

Regulatory Oversight

Monitoring Body: The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting will establish a steering committee to monitor the rollout and adoption of digital receivers.
Updated Codes: New Programme and Advertisement Codes will be created for terrestrial radio to conform to digital content standards.

{GS3 – S&T – Tech} Li-Fi Internet System **

Context (LM): Gujarat-based Nav Wireless Technologies announced the successful deployment of the United States’ first commercial Li-Fi internet system in New York City.

About Li-Fi Internet

Li-Fi (Light Fidelity) is a wireless optical communication system that utilizes light waves from Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to transmit data at very high speeds.
Comparison: Unlike Wi-Fi, which relies on radio waves, Li-Fi transmits data using visible, infrared, and ultraviolet light.
Mechanism: LEDs flicker at very high speeds, invisible to the human eye, to transmit digital signals as light pulses.
Data Conversion: A photodiode receiver converts these light pulses into electrical signals. A processor then transforms the signals back into usable data such as text, audio, or video.

Advantages of Li-Fi Internet

High Speed: Li-Fi offers a much higher data transmission speed, exceeding 100 Gbps, compared to traditional Wi-Fi systems.
Enhanced Security: Since light signals cannot pass through walls, they are naturally more secure against external snooping.
Large Bandwidth: The visible light spectrum is 10,000 times broader than the radio spectrum, providing much more bandwidth and helping to reduce network congestion.
Electromagnetic Safety: Li-Fi does not interfere with sensitive medical or electronic equipment, making it safe to use in hospitals, aircraft, and factories.
Energy Efficiency: LED lighting can serve a dual role by transmitting data and lighting up spaces. This helps save energy and cut infrastructure costs.

Limitations of Li-Fi Internet

Line-of-Sight Dependency: The line of sight between the transmitter and receiver must stay clear. Losing sight results in a weaker signal and slower data transfer.
Limited Range: Since light signals cannot pass through walls, each room requires its own Li-Fi transmitter to provide full coverage.
Ambient-Light Interference: Bright ambient light, especially sunlight, can disrupt Li-Fi signals and restrict their outdoor use.

{Prelims – Geo – PG – Climatology} Cyclone Shakti

Context (LM): The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued alerts for Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu due to Cyclone Shakti, forming over the Arabian Sea.

The name “Shakti” was proposed by Sri Lanka and approved by the WMO panel

Cyclone Naming Process

WMO (World Meteorological Organisation) divided the world’s Oceans into Basins and assigned the responsibility of naming the Cyclones to the respective regional bodies.
Worldwide, six regional specialised meteorological centres (RSMCs) and five regional tropical Cyclone Warning Centres (TCWCs) are mandated to issue advisories and name tropical cyclones.
The India Meteorological Department (RSMC New Delhi) names tropical cyclones formed over the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea.

Conditions Favourable for Tropical Cyclone Formation

Large sea surface with temperature higher than 27° C,
Presence of the Coriolis force is enough to create a cyclonic vortex,
Small variations in the vertical wind speed,
A pre-existing weak low-pressure area or low-level cyclonic circulation,
Upper divergence above the sea level system.

The cyclonic wind movements are anti-clockwise in the northern hemisphere and clockwise in the southern hemisphere (This is due to the Coriolis force).

Read More > Tropical Cyclones

{Prelims – Awards} Nobel Prize for 2025 in Medicine or Physiology *

Context (TH): The 2025 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was awarded for the discovery of regulatory T-cells and peripheral immune tolerance, explaining how the body prevents autoimmune reactions.

About the Awardees

Shimon Sakaguchi (Japan) received the award for discovering regulatory T-cells.
Mary E. Brunkow & Fred Ramsdell (USA) were honoured for identifying Foxp3 gene, controls immune regulation.

About Peripheral Immune Tolerance

Prevailing View: Scientists previously believed that the immune system prevented self-damage solely through central tolerance, which occurs in the thymus and bone marrow.
Peripheral Tolerance: Some self-reactive T cells that escape central tolerance are restrained in peripheral tissues (e.g., lymph nodes, spleen). This stops them from mistakenly attacking healthy tissue.
Regulatory T-Cells: Sakaguchi discovered a subtype of T-cells called regulatory T-cells that identify and suppress these escaped self-reactive T-cells.
Foxp3 Gene Role: Brunkow and Ramsdell showed that mutations in the Foxp3 gene disable regulatory T-cells, causing uncontrolled immune activation and loss of self-tolerance.
Therapeutic Value: Insights into regulatory T-cells can guide new treatments for autoimmune diseases, organ transplants, and cancer immunotherapy.

About the Nobel Prize

Nobel Prize is a set of prestigious international awards given annually for outstanding achievements.
Origin: Established by the will of Swedish inventor Alfred Nobel, the first prizes were awarded in 1901.
Categories: Prizes are awarded in six fields: Physics, Chemistry, Physiology or Medicine, Literature, Peace, and Economic Sciences.
- The Prize in Economic Sciences was introduced later in 1968 by the Sveriges Riksbank (Swedish central bank)

Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine

Awarding Body: Granted by the Nobel Assembly at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden, for outstanding medical research contributions.
First Laureate: In 1901, Emil von Behring received it for developing serum therapy to treat diphtheria.
Indian–Origin Laureate: In 1968, Har Gobind Khorana became the first Indian winner for decoding the genetic code guiding protein synthesis.

{Prelims – In News} World Para Athletics Championships 2025

Context (TH): India hosted its first-ever World Para Athletics Championships 2025 in New Delhi.

The Championship featured participation from over 100 nations, making it the largest para sports event ever organised in India.
India’s Performance: India achieved its best-ever performance, securing 22 medals (6 gold, 9 silver, 7 bronze) and finishing 10^th overall in the medal tally.
Significance: The event is part of India’s long-term vision to host major global sporting events, including plans for the 2030 Commonwealth Games and aspirations for the 2036 Olympic Games.

World Para Athletics Championships are the leading international para track & field event, held every two years by World Para Athletics under the auspices of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC).