{"id":1616,"date":"2025-09-30T04:01:56","date_gmt":"2025-09-30T04:01:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/?p=1616"},"modified":"2025-09-30T04:01:56","modified_gmt":"2025-09-30T04:01:56","slug":"current-affairs-27th-september-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/2025\/09\/30\/current-affairs-27th-september-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"Current Affairs 27th September 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"

AFSPA extended in parts of manipur ,arunachal and nagaland for six months<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

General Studies Paper II: Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice<\/p>\n

General Studies Paper III: Internal Security, Law and Order<\/p>\n

Context: <\/strong>The Union Home Ministry has extended AFSPA in parts of\u00a0Manipur, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh\u00a0for six months starting from October 1, 2025.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Background What is AFSPA?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Definition and Origin<\/strong>: The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (AFSPA), is a parliamentary law enacted to grant special powers to the Indian Armed Forces and Central Armed Police Forces in “disturbed areas” to maintain public order and combat insurgency.<\/p>\n

    \n
  • Key Provisions<\/strong>:\n
      \n
    • Allows declaration of areas as “disturbed” by the Governor or Central Government.<\/li>\n
    • Empowers security forces to arrest without warrant, search premises, use force (including lethal) against suspects, and destroy arms\/ammunition dumps.<\/li>\n
    • Provides legal protection from prosecution for actions taken in good faith, requiring Central Government sanction for suits.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n
    • Historical Context<\/strong>: Enacted post-independence to address Naga insurgency; extended to other northeastern states over time. Manipur, a former Union Territory, attained statehood in 1972 and has seen AFSPA since 1980.<\/li>\n
    • Application<\/strong>: Applies to Nagaland, Assam, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir (J&K); withdrawn from parts of Tripura (2004) and Meghalaya (2018).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      \u00a0<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

      \u00a0<\/strong>Current Context <\/strong><\/p>\n

      Manipur<\/strong><\/p>\n

        \n
      • Extension Details<\/strong>: AFSPA extended across the entire state except 13 police stations in five valley districts (Imphal, Lamka, etc.), excluding areas like Imphal, Lamka, Jiribam, and others.<\/li>\n
      • Previous Withdrawals<\/strong>: Fully withdrawn from all valley police stations in April 2023 amid improved security; earlier partial withdrawal from Imphal in 2004.<\/li>\n
      • Trigger for Reimposition<\/strong>: Ethnic violence erupted on May 3, 2023, leading to President’s invocation of special powers under Section 3 of the Act; hill districts remained under AFSPA for three decades, last notified in September 2024? (text unclear, but extended now).<\/li>\n
      • Scope<\/strong>: Covers 19 police stations in five districts; out of 19, seven were reinstated post-2023 violence.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

        \u00a0<\/strong>Nagaland<\/strong><\/p>\n

          \n
        • Extension Details<\/strong>: Extended in nine districts, including Dimapur, Niuland, Chumoukedima, Mon, Kiphire, Noklak, Phek, Peren, and Tuensang station limits of five districts (Kohima, Mokokchung, etc.).<\/li>\n
        • Specific Imposition<\/strong>: Newly imposed in Longleng, Wokha, and Zunheboto districts.<\/li>\n
        • Duration and Background<\/strong>: Six-month extension; Nagaland has seen phased withdrawals, but border areas remain “disturbed” due to insurgency.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

          \u00a0<\/strong>Arunachal Pradesh<\/strong><\/p>\n

            \n
          • Extension Details<\/strong>: Extended in seven districts: Tirap, Changlang, Longding, Namsai (with jurisdiction in Miao and Changlang police stations), and Chowkham in Namsai district bordering Assam.<\/li>\n
          • Rationale<\/strong>: Declared “disturbed areas” to empower forces against potential threats in these eastern districts.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

            \u00a0<\/strong>Why Needed?<\/strong><\/p>\n

              \n
            • Law and order concerns: <\/strong>Ongoing ethnic violence and unrest in Manipur and security challenges in border\/disturbed districts.<\/li>\n
            • Central government\u2019s power: <\/strong>Extension based on Section 3 of AFSPA after reviewing law\/order situations.<\/li>\n
            • Recent violence<\/strong>: In Manipur, AFSPA reimposed in valley areas after violence in May 2023 and November 2024.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

              \u00a0<\/strong>Criticism and Concerns<\/strong><\/p>\n

                \n
              • Human rights violations: <\/strong>Alleged cases of fake encounters, torture, disappearances, and excessive use of force.<\/li>\n
              • Immunity from prosecution: <\/strong>Security personnel have legal protection, leading to lack of accountability.<\/li>\n
              • Impact on civilians: <\/strong>Arbitrary raids, curfews, and restrictions disrupt normal life.<\/li>\n
              • Alienation of local population<\/strong>: Perceived as draconian and anti-democratic, fueling resentment.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                \u00a0<\/strong>Arguments in Favour of AFSPA<\/strong><\/p>\n

                  \n
                • Essential for security:<\/strong> Allows swift action against insurgents, protects local communities from extremist violence.<\/li>\n
                • Deterrence:<\/strong> Prevents escalation of violence, suppresses armed groups, and stabilizes \u201cdisturbed\u201d regions.<\/li>\n
                • Legal safeguards:<\/strong> Extension reviewed periodically; areas removed when situation improves (e.g., AFSPA withdrawn from some Manipur valley districts in 2022\u201323).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                  \u00a0<\/strong>Conclusion: <\/strong>AFSPA extensions remain controversial for balancing state security and human rights.<\/p>\n

                   <\/p>\n

                  2. Govt.survey on R&D in india gets weak response from private sector<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

                  General Studies Paper III (GS-III): Science and Technology<\/strong><\/p>\n

                  Context: <\/strong>DST launched a biennial National Survey on S&T Resources in Dec 2024, but private sector response was weak by Sep 2025.<\/p>\n

                    \n
                  • FICCI workshop in Sep 2025 discussed extending the survey deadline to Nov 30, 2025, to improve industry participation.<\/li>\n
                  • The issue is key as accurate R&D data shapes policies under the National Science, Technology, and Innovation Policy.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                    \u00a0<\/strong>Background<\/strong><\/p>\n

                      \n
                    • Survey began in mid-1990s, led by NSTMIS under DST, tracks public and private R&D trends.<\/li>\n
                    • Covers ~8,000 entities: public sector, private firms, universities, multinationals.<\/li>\n
                    • Earlier rounds showed 5.55 lakh R&D personnel and mapped global comparisons.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                      \u00a0<\/strong>Purpose<\/strong><\/p>\n

                        \n
                      • Collects detailed data on R&D investment, workforce, outputs, and institutional capacity.<\/li>\n
                      • Guides policy on GDP share devoted to R&D and innovation strategy.<\/li>\n
                      • Enables global benchmarking of India’s R&D ecosystem.<\/li>\n
                      • Facilitates societal impact assessments and supports new S&T areas.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                        \u00a0<\/strong>Current Issue (2024-2025)<\/strong><\/p>\n

                          \n
                        • Launched Dec 2024; deadline extended from Sep 30 to Nov 30, 2025 due to low private turnout.<\/li>\n
                        • Govt bodies 73% response, industry only 35%, MNCs 40%\u2014major disparity.<\/li>\n
                        • DST\u2019s FICCI workshop urged industry to participate to inform national innovation policy.<\/li>\n
                        • The survey backs Union Budget 2025\u2019s emphasis on S&T; funding gaps persist despite new schemes.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                          \u00a0<\/strong>Funding Mix \u2014 India vs World<\/strong><\/p>\n

                            \n
                          • India: R&D spend ~0.64% of GDP; public 64%, private 36%.<\/li>\n
                          • Private sector in-house R&D just 0.3% of GDP, dominated by large firms.<\/li>\n
                          • US, S. Korea, Israel: Private sector share 70\u201390%, R&D spend 3\u20135% of GDP.<\/li>\n
                          • China: ~60% private, 2.4% of GDP; Brazil, Indonesia akin to India\u2019s 40% private share.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
                            Aspect<\/strong><\/td>\nIndia<\/strong><\/td>\nWorld Average<\/strong><\/td>\nUS\/S. Korea Example<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                            R&D (% GDP)<\/td>\n0.64%<\/td>\n2.5\u20133%<\/td>\n3.5\u20134.8%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                            Private Share<\/td>\n36%<\/td>\n60\u201370%<\/td>\n70\u201380%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                            Public Share<\/td>\n64%<\/td>\n30\u201340%<\/td>\n20\u201330%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

                            \u00a0<\/strong>Industry Concerns<\/strong><\/p>\n

                              \n
                            • Firms cite unclear definitions and metrics in survey forms; hesitate to share sensitive data.<\/li>\n
                            • SMEs lack resources\/incentives; large firms view survey as time-consuming.<\/li>\n
                            • India\u2019s R&D spend is high for its GDP, but skewed toward public funding; leaders call for more private contributions.<\/li>\n
                            • Some doubt survey insights will yield practical support like tax breaks or easier compliance.<\/li>\n
                            • MNCs worry about revealing proprietary R&D; prefer anonymized data.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                              \u00a0<\/strong>Conclusion: <\/strong>The survey highlights poor private sector engagement, distorting R&D data and sustaining a public-heavy funding model.<\/p>\n

                                \n
                              • Raising private share via deadline extensions, clearer forms, and incentives (e.g., R&D credits) is critical.<\/li>\n
                              • Matching global norms could double India\u2019s R&D\/GDP by 2030, driving sustainable tech growth\u2014this needs trust and productive reforms.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                 <\/p>\n

                                3. New farming technology holds potential to stop desertification<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

                                GS III: Environment, Science & Technology, Agriculture, Climate change<\/p>\n

                                GS I: Geography (Land degradation, desertification, Indian physical environment).<\/p>\n

                                Context: <\/strong>CUoR researchers have, for the first time, grown wheat in the Thar desert using desert soilification technology.<\/p>\n

                                \u00a0<\/strong>What is Desert Soilification Technology?<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                  \n
                                • Overview:\u00a0Biotechnological technique that turns desert sand into soil-like material supporting crops.<\/li>\n
                                • Technology:\u00a0Uses polymers and bioformulations to bind sand particles, enhance soil texture, and enable water retention.<\/li>\n
                                • Utility:\u00a0Aims to combat desertification and promote sustainable agriculture in arid regions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                  \u00a0<\/strong>How Does it Work?<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                    \n
                                  • Polymer-Based Bioformulation:\u00a0Natural polymers and microbes are applied to sand.<\/li>\n
                                  • Cross-Linking Sand:\u00a0Biopolymers create a network, binding sand grains into a cohesive matrix.<\/li>\n
                                  • Water Retention:\u00a0The matrix retains water, reducing irrigation needs and preventing water loss.<\/li>\n
                                  • Microbial Boost:\u00a0Beneficial microbes are introduced, improving fertility, nutrient cycling, and crop resistance to stress.<\/li>\n
                                  • Soil-Like Properties:\u00a0Resulting medium allows nutrient retention, root growth, and microbial activity like fertile soil.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                    \u00a0<\/strong>Key Features<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                      \n
                                    • Sand-to-Soil Conversion:\u00a0Binds sand into a stable, porous, root-friendly structure.<\/li>\n
                                    • Water Efficiency:\u00a0Boosts moisture retention and reduces irrigation by 30\u201340%.<\/li>\n
                                    • Microbial Support:\u00a0Stimulates soil microbes for better nutrient cycling and plant health.<\/li>\n
                                    • Versatile Cropping:\u00a0Tested with wheat, bajra, guar gum, chickpea; now being applied to millets, green gram.<\/li>\n
                                    • Low Input:\u00a0Fewer irrigation cycles (3\u20134 versus 5\u20136 in conventional wheat).<\/li>\n
                                    • Climate Resilience:\u00a0Enables sustainable cultivation in drought-prone, desert areas.<\/li>\n
                                    • Scalability:\u00a0Model can be used in deserts beyond Rajasthan, including the Middle East and Africa.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
                                      How Bioformulation and Polymer Work<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                      1.Sand Problem: Sand is loose, lacks water\/nutrients, and erodes easily so plants and microbes struggle.<\/p>\n

                                      2.Polymer + Bioformulation: Polymers bind sand particles into a stable structure, boosting water retention.<\/p>\n

                                        \n
                                      • Bioformulation increases moisture-holding, microbial activity, and crop resilience; drives nutrient cycling and health.<\/li>\n
                                      • Combined, they make desert sand fertile, decrease irrigation needs, and raise yields by 54%.<\/li>\n
                                      • <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

                                         <\/p>\n

                                        4. Upgrading shipyards<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

                                        GS papper III -Effects Of Liberalization On The Economy, Changes In Industrial Policy and their effects on Industrial Growth<\/p>\n

                                        Context: <\/strong>The government announced a \u20b969,725 crore revival package, replacing the expiring 2015 shipbuilding scheme, to revamp India’s struggling merchant shipbuilding sector.<\/p>\n

                                          \n
                                        • Despite earlier subsidies, only a handful of merchant ships were built in a decade, while global yards finish vessels much faster.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                          \u00a0<\/strong>Scale of the Challenge<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                            \n
                                          • India built only half-a-dozen small merchant ships in the last 10 years.<\/li>\n
                                          • Domestic yards take 2\u20133 years per ship, versus 1 year or less at leading international yards.<\/li>\n
                                          • Shipowners avoid Indian yards due to high capital lock-in and delays.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                            \u00a0<\/strong>Global Shipbuilding Practices<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                              \n
                                            • Nations like Korea, Japan, and China use prefabricated block assembly with massive, 1,000-tonne cranes.<\/li>\n
                                            • Efficiency: Global yards launch ships within 3\u20134 months of keel-laying; completed in a year.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                              \u00a0<\/strong>Barriers in India<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                \n
                                              • Infrastructure lacks scale and modern assembly\/crane capacity.<\/li>\n
                                              • Weak ecosystem for components and ancillaries hinders smooth production.<\/li>\n
                                              • Access to finance and incentives are insufficient, especially for small vessels.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                \u00a0<\/strong>Missed Integration Opportunities<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                  \n
                                                • Green fuel projects in Kakinada\/Kochi aren\u2019t connected to green shipbuilding.<\/li>\n
                                                • Lack of assured, long-term contracts deters investment in new builds.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                  \u00a0<\/strong>Strategic Recommendations<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                    \n
                                                  • Develop supply clusters and ancillaries near shipyards for integrated supply chains.<\/li>\n
                                                  • Build capacity through dedicated training institutions for skilled manpower.<\/li>\n
                                                  • Synergize green shipping orders with renewable fuel policies to spur demand.<\/li>\n
                                                  • Secure long-term contracts via state entities to reduce investor risk.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                    \u00a0<\/strong>Conclusion and Risks<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                      \n
                                                    • The \u20b969,725 crore package is a major commitment, but real success needs structural reform, integrated clusters, and strong demand signals.<\/li>\n
                                                    • The sector\u2019s revival hinges on resolving inefficiencies in infrastructure, finance, and ecosystem support\u2014not just on direct financial incentives.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
                                                      Value Addition & Policy Data<\/strong><\/p>\n
                                                        \n
                                                      • \u20b969,725 crore aims for 4.5 million gross tonnage, still trailing top shipbuilders like China\/South Korea.<\/li>\n
                                                      • Previous (2015) policy had limited impact due to lack of ecosystem and execution support.<\/li>\n
                                                      • Foreign comparison: Leading countries complete ships in 1 year; India averages 2\u20133 years.<\/li>\n
                                                      • Maritime self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat) and Make in India goals are reinforced by this push, aiming for job creation and strategic autonomy.<\/li>\n
                                                      • Shipbuilding supports India\u2019s energy and trade security by reducing reliance on foreign fleets and import costs.<\/li>\n
                                                      • Green shipping and technology upgrades are crucial for long-term sector sustainability.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

                                                         <\/p>\n

                                                        5. Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA)<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                        \u00a0<\/strong>CONTEXT: <\/strong>CCPA fined First Cry \u20b92 lakh for misleading price representation and unfair trade practices on its platform.<\/p>\n

                                                        \u00a0<\/strong>Case Background: <\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                          \n
                                                        • Complaint: \u201cMRP inclusive of all taxes\u201d was shown, but GST was added at checkout, misleading on discounts and final price.<\/li>\n
                                                        • Investigation: Discounts advertised (e.g., 27%) were much lower in reality (18.2%) after GST, violating Section 2(28) and 2(47) of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.<\/li>\n
                                                        • Dark Pattern: Practice identified as \u201cdrip pricing\u201d, prohibited under 2023 Dark Patterns Guidelines.<\/li>\n
                                                        • E-Commerce Rule Violation: Breached Rule 7(1)(e), which mandates upfront total price display including all taxes and charges.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                          \u00a0<\/strong>About CCPA<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                            \n
                                                          • Established under Consumer Protection Act, 2019; operates under Ministry of Consumer Affairs.<\/li>\n
                                                          • Functions: Protects consumer rights, prevents unfair\/misleading practices, initiates class-action suits and imposes penalties.<\/li>\n
                                                          • Composition: Led by Chief Commissioner and two commissioners (goods\/services).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                            \u00a0<\/strong>Outcome & Company Action<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                              \n
                                                            • CCPA directed First Cry to always display both original and discounted prices inclusive of all taxes and disclose any extra charges plainly.<\/li>\n
                                                            • First Cry updated its website\/app to show final prices transparently; misleading practices now stopped.<\/li>\n
                                                            • Sets a digital commerce precedent for fair price display and stronger consumer rights.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                               <\/p>\n

                                                              6. India-EU strategic agenda<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                              General Studies Paper II (GS-II):<\/strong>\u00a0International Relations<\/p>\n

                                                              Context: <\/strong>The EU launched a dedicated Strategic Agenda for India ahead of the 2026 summit, marking a shift from past secondary status in the relationship.<\/p>\n

                                                                \n
                                                              • Trade, investment, FDI, and connectivity projects are at record highs, reflecting EU\u2019s intent to place India at the centre of its Asia policy.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                                \u00a0<\/strong>Five Pillars of India\u2013EU Agenda\"\"<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                                1) Economy & Trade<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                                  \n
                                                                • EU is India\u2019s largest trading partner; trade reached EUR 180 bn (goods\/services).<\/li>\n
                                                                • EU FDI in India doubled in five years; 6,000 EU firms employ 3 million Indians.<\/li>\n
                                                                • Key negotiations: FTA, investment protection, GI, air transport, deeper economic partnership.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                                  \u00a0<\/strong>2) Global Connectivity<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                                    \n
                                                                  • EU\u2019s Global Gateway (EUR 300 bn) aligns with India\u2019s MAHASAGAR, Sagarmala.<\/li>\n
                                                                  • IMEC (India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor): digital, transport, hydrogen infrastructure.<\/li>\n
                                                                  • Blue Raman cable, sustainable shipping emphasise regional and digital integration.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                                    \u00a0<\/strong>3) Emerging Technologies<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                                      \n
                                                                    • EU specialises in regulation, green tech, research; India excels in startups & digital innovation.<\/li>\n
                                                                    • Joint platforms for critical tech, AI, climate solutions, and nuclear safety.<\/li>\n
                                                                    • Cooperation in climate AI, language models, and research hubs.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                                      \u00a0<\/strong>4) Security & Defence<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                                        \n
                                                                      • Regular Strategic Dialogues (2025 onward) on maritime, cyber, defence, and counter-terrorism.<\/li>\n
                                                                      • New agreements for intelligence sharing and Indo-Pacific stability; EU-India naval cooperation.<\/li>\n
                                                                      • Defence forums for resilient supply chains and mutual security.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                                        \u00a0<\/strong>5) People-to-People Ties<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                                          \n
                                                                        • Largest Indian diaspora (825,000, 2023) with EU Blue Cards; 1 million Schengen visas issued.<\/li>\n
                                                                        • Mobility partnerships in education (Erasmus+, skills recognition), research and innovation.<\/li>\n
                                                                        • Talent exchange, skill migration, and recognition of Indian qualifications.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                                          \u00a0<\/strong>Challenges in Partnership<\/strong><\/p>\n