{"id":1623,"date":"2025-09-30T04:14:46","date_gmt":"2025-09-30T04:14:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/?p=1623"},"modified":"2025-09-30T04:14:46","modified_gmt":"2025-09-30T04:14:46","slug":"current-affairs-26th-september-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/2025\/09\/30\/current-affairs-26th-september-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"Current Affairs 26th September 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>1. Eight states with international borders ,0.13%of exports<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p>General Studies Paper III (GS-3): Economy (External Trade, Export Infrastructure, Economic Disparities).<\/p>\n<p>Geography (Trade Corridors and Regional Connectivity), and Internal Security (Border Infrastructure)<\/p>\n<p><strong>CONTEXT: The<\/strong> US tariff hike spotlights India\u2019s internal export imbalance.Gujarat alone contributes 33% of exports; Northeast&#8217;s contribution is minimal.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>India negotiates global trade deals while economically excluding its eastern frontier.<\/li>\n<li>Infrastructure and incentives are clustered in few industrial hubs, leaving others behind.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>Why is India\u2019s Export Economy So Centralised?<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Gujarat, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka dominate exports (&gt;70%).<\/li>\n<li>Infrastructure, political stability, and incentives favour these States.<\/li>\n<li>Populous States like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh remain marginal.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>Why Does the Northeast Remain Marginalised?<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Northeast contributes just 0.13% despite 5,400 km of international borders.<\/li>\n<li>Borders prioritised for security and counterinsurgency over trade.<\/li>\n<li>No representation from Northeast in key trade policymaking bodies.<\/li>\n<li>Northeast is missing in export strategy and infrastructural planning.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>Ground-Level Impacts of Neglect<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Assam\u2019s tea industry suffers from poor branding; tariff hikes threaten jobs.<\/li>\n<li>Numaligarh Refinery depends on imports vulnerable to sanctions affecting local economy.<\/li>\n<li>Border trade with Myanmar collapsed due to scrapping of Free Movement Regime.<\/li>\n<li>Infrastructure exists on paper but lacks real operational support.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>Global Context<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>China strengthens control and influence in northern Myanmar.<\/li>\n<li>India\u2019s India-Myanmar-Thailand highway remains incomplete, missing regional connectivity.<\/li>\n<li>Southeast Asia develops new trade corridors; India still relies on colonial-era routes.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>What Does This Reveal About India\u2019s Trade Resilience?<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Exports dangerously dependent on few corridors; disruptions can paralyse trade.<\/li>\n<li>Northeast\u2019s economic exclusion is by design, not accident.<\/li>\n<li>India&#8217;s claim to Indo-Pacific leadership contrasts with its Eastern economic neglect.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Conclusion: <\/strong>India needs to integrate Northeast into its economic blueprint for equity and strategy. Uplifting the Northeast with infrastructure, policy, and representation is urgent. Without inclusion, India risks negotiating global trade yet ignoring key geographic assets.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong><u>2. HC cuts security amount to <\/u><\/strong><strong><u>\u20b9<\/u><\/strong><strong><u>1,227.62 cr. for MSC Elsa 3<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>General Studies Paper III (GS-3): Environment and Ecology:<\/p>\n<p><strong>Context: <\/strong>Kerala High Court cut security amount for MSC Elsa 3 owners from \u20b99,531 crore to \u20b91,227.62 crore after environmental damage claims from the May 2025 shipwreck.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Court found state&#8217;s compensation claims (mainly for marine pollution, fishers\u2019 losses) were not adequately substantiated.<\/li>\n<li>Related: MSC Akiteta-2 (sister ship) detained until payment, highlighting court\u2019s use of admiralty powers for compensation enforcement<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>Oil Spills \u2013 Basics<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Oil spills: Accidental\/deliberate petroleum release into water bodies, mostly from maritime accidents.<\/li>\n<li>Causes: Vessel accidents, pipeline leaks, operational discharges, natural seeps, illegal dumping.<\/li>\n<li>Types: Crude (persistent) vs. refined oil (lighter, evaporative); impact varies by type and site.<\/li>\n<li>Worst spills can release millions of barrels; globally 2.7 million liters spilled yearly.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>Environmental Impacts<\/strong><\/p>\n<table style=\"height: 393px;\" width=\"837\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Impact Area<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong>Description (\u22641.5 line)<\/strong><\/td>\n<td width=\"184\"><strong>Example\/Consequence<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Marine Ecosystem<\/td>\n<td>Oil coats, ruins habitats\/oxygen balance<\/td>\n<td width=\"184\">Coral bleaching, erosion<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Marine Fauna<\/td>\n<td>Smothers gills\/plumage; toxins kill, harm food chain<\/td>\n<td width=\"184\">Bird hypothermia, deformities<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Human Health<\/td>\n<td>Toxic air\/food causes illness, stress, cancer risk<\/td>\n<td width=\"184\">Illness in workers, community<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Livelihood<\/td>\n<td>Fishery\/tourism collapse; cleanup jobs risky, short-lived<\/td>\n<td width=\"184\">Kerala fishers in debt<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><strong>India\u2019s Legal &amp; Institutional Framework<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Environment Act, 1986: Allows control and compensation for pollution events.<\/li>\n<li>Merchant Shipping Act, 1958: Handles vessel liabilities and admiralty compensation suits.<\/li>\n<li>NOS-DCP, 2015: Indian Coast Guard leads 3-tier spill response; roles for ports, states.<\/li>\n<li>CPCB, State PCBs: Enforce monitoring and cleanup measures.<\/li>\n<li>Bunker Convention not ratified, leaving fuel spill liability gaps.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>International Framework<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>MARPOL: Regulates oil discharges, enforced via port inspections.<\/li>\n<li>OPRC: Sets cooperation rules, mandates national response plans (e.g., NOS-DCP).<\/li>\n<li>Civil Liability Convention: Compulsory tanker owner liability, with excess fund support.<\/li>\n<li>Bunker Convention: Covers non-tanker spills, but India hasn\u2019t ratified it yet.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>Preparedness Mechanism<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Drills: NATPOLREX-IX (2023) involved 50+ agencies and 80 vessels in a mega-drill.<\/li>\n<li>OOSAS: ICG\u2019s satellite-based oil spill detection, with remote predictive modeling.<\/li>\n<li>Spill trajectory modeling (e.g., MIKE21, GNOME) forecasts movement, improves response.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>Cleanup &amp; Mitigation Techniques<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Booms\/barriers: Enclose oil to prevent spread, especially near sensitive coasts.<\/li>\n<li>Skimmers: Mechanically recover surface oil\u2014works best in calm seas.<\/li>\n<li>Dispersants: Break oil into droplets, aid microbes, but risk deeper toxicity.<\/li>\n<li>Sorbents\/burning: Soak up\/burn thick oil patches for localized clean-up.<\/li>\n<li>Bioremediation: Microbes naturally degrade oil, esp. for long-term detoxification.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>Innovations in Bioremediation<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Bioaugmentation: Add engineered bacteria, boosting breakdown by up to 70%.<\/li>\n<li>Biostimulation: Use nano-enhancers plus nutrients to speed oil-eating microbes.<\/li>\n<li>CRISPR\/genetic techniques: Custom microbes degrade toxins 3x faster.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>Key Challenges (India-Specific)<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Limited Tier-III gear hampers mega-spill response; dependence on foreign support.<\/li>\n<li>Legal overlaps and lack of full Bunker Convention ratification hinder action.<\/li>\n<li>Surveillance, oil-spill monitoring, and small spill reporting require upgrades.<\/li>\n<li>Fisher\/tourism compensation slow; clean-up worker safety standards are weak.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>Conclusion: <\/strong>MSC Elsa 3 highlights urgent oil spill management, better laws, and tech needs.Faster ratification, tech upgrades, and community participation will reduce future risks.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong><u>3. Defence Ministry ,HAL ink <\/u><\/strong><strong><u>\u20b9<\/u><\/strong><strong><u>62,370-cr.deal for 97 light combat aircraft for IAF<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>General Studies Paper III\u00a0 :Science and Technology<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Context: <\/strong>Defence Ministry signed a \u20b962,370-cr contract with HAL for 97 Tejas Mk-1A fighter aircraft for the Indian Air Force.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>India is boosting indigenous military aviation through the Tejas LCA program, promoting self-reliance in defence.<\/li>\n<li>Mk-1A is the latest, most advanced version, reflecting higher indigenous content and new technologies.<\/li>\n<li>Procured under \u2018Buy (India-IDDM)\u2019 of Defence Acquisition Procedure 2020, furthering Aatmanirbhar Bharat goals.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Tejas Light Combat Aircraft <\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Tejas LCA is a single-engine, multirole, 4.5-gen combat jet designed by ADA and built by HAL.<\/li>\n<li>Compact, agile, delta wing design, optimised for interception, ground attack, and anti-ship roles.<\/li>\n<li>Key specs: up to 1.6 Mach speed, max take-off weight ~13,500 kg, range ~3,000 km.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>New Features in Tejas Mk-1A (Compared to 2021 Contract)<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>67 new indigenous items added since 2021 contract, raising local content to ~64%.<\/li>\n<li>UTTAM AESA Radar (indigenous), Swayam Raksha Kavach, advanced control actuators for better survivability.<\/li>\n<li>Unified Electronic Warfare Suite (UEWS) and improved flight control computer enhance operational capability.<\/li>\n<li>Improved turnaround, cockpit ergonomics, reduced maintenance time, additional weapon options.<\/li>\n<li>Enhanced weapon integration: BVR missiles (Astra, Derby), air-to-air, air-to-ground, advanced jammers.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<table style=\"height: 414px;\" width=\"895\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Feature<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong>Mk-1A (2025)<\/strong><\/td>\n<td width=\"176\"><strong>Previous Contract (2021)<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>AESA Radar<\/td>\n<td>UTTAM (indigenous), EL\/M-2052<\/td>\n<td width=\"176\">Only EL\/M-2052 (Israeli)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>EW Suite<\/td>\n<td>Unified Suite, Self-protection jammer<\/td>\n<td width=\"176\">Basic EW jammer<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Indigenous Content<\/td>\n<td>~64%<\/td>\n<td width=\"176\">~50%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Advanced Actuators<\/td>\n<td>Yes (indigenous)<\/td>\n<td width=\"176\">Limited<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Weapons<\/td>\n<td>BVR missiles, advanced integration<\/td>\n<td width=\"176\">Fewer options<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Turnaround\/Maintenance<\/td>\n<td>Improved<\/td>\n<td width=\"176\">Standard<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><strong>Significance<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>For Indian Air Defence<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Modernises IAF fleet, improves readiness and firepower.<\/li>\n<li>Tejas to become a mainstay for versatile combat and strategic missions.<\/li>\n<li>Advanced sensors and EW boost survivability in future conflicts.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>For Indigenisation<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Supports 105+ Indian suppliers, deepens domestic aerospace ecosystem.<\/li>\n<li>Promotes Aatmanirbhar Bharat by reducing reliance on imports.<\/li>\n<li>Grows national R&amp;D, manufacturing, supply chain for future defence projects.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>For Economy<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Estimated ~11,750 jobs per year by direct\/indirect effects during production.<\/li>\n<li>Stimulates high-tech industry, local innovation, and skill development.<\/li>\n<li>Generates export potential for Tejas Mk-1A in international markets.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>For Strategic Autonomy<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Enhances India\u2019s self-reliance in defence technology through indigenous systems.<\/li>\n<li>Reduces vulnerability to supply chain shocks and political pressures.<\/li>\n<li>Strengthens India\u2019s position as a defence exporter and strategic player.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>Challenges Ahead<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Delivering 97 aircraft on schedule requires robust supply chain management.<\/li>\n<li>Further indigenous subsystem development (engine, radar, weapons) essential.<\/li>\n<li>Upgrading maintenance, pilot training, and integrating with legacy IAF systems needed.<\/li>\n<li>Competing globally requires continuous tech advancements and cost controls.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>Conclusion: <\/strong>The contract for Tejas Mk-1A marks a historic step for Indian aerospace, blending defence modernization, economic impact, and strategic autonomy. Success hinges on timely delivery, technology evolution, and deepening indigenous capacities.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong><u>4. SC seeks center\u2019s reply on import of yellow peas<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>General Studies Paper III (GS-3): Agriculture (pulse production, imports, MSP), Economy (foreign trade, impact of imports on farmers), Food Security (concerns over dependency and price volatility).<\/p>\n<p><strong>Context: <\/strong>The Supreme Court on September 25, 2025, sought the Centre&#8217;s response to a PIL challenging duty-free imports of yellow peas, citing harm to domestic farmers.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The petition by Kisan Mahapanchayat argues cheap imports (~\u20b935\/kg) undercut MSP and market prices of pulses like tur, chana, and moong.<\/li>\n<li>The Court noted potential consumer impact but showed concern for farmer distress; referred to expert reports from CACP and NITI Aayog recommending import restrictions.<\/li>\n<li>This case highlights tensions between food security, farmer welfare, and import policies amidst record pulse imports (6.7 MT in 2024).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>Botanical &amp; Agriculture Facts<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Yellow peas (<em>Pisum sativum<\/em>\u00a0var. arvense) belong to the Fabaceae family; cool-season, nitrogen-fixing legume improving soil fertility.<\/li>\n<li>Grown mainly in temperate climates; sown in rabi season; matures in 90-110 days.<\/li>\n<li>Major pulse used both as human food and animal feed globally; susceptible to aphids and powdery mildew.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>Nutritional Significance<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Rich in protein (~24g\/100g), dietary fiber, iron, potassium, magnesium, folate, and B-vitamins.<\/li>\n<li>Low glycemic index, supports heart health, weight management, and anti-inflammatory benefits.<\/li>\n<li>Used in dals, soups, and flours to enhance protein content in meals.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>Global Production<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Global production ~25-28 million tonnes (2024), with Russia (5.1 MT) and Canada (3.17 MT) as top producers and exporters.<\/li>\n<li>India imports mostly from Canada and Russia, accounting for ~3 MT yellow peas in 2024 (about 50% of total pulse imports).<\/li>\n<li>Climate issues and market shifts affect production zones.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>India\u2019s Import Dependence<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>India consumes about 25-27 MT pulses annually, producing ~26 MT domestically, importing ~6.63 MT, with yellow peas surging in recent years.<\/li>\n<li>Duty-free imports of yellow peas from Dec 2023 onwards accounted for massive influx, depressing domestic pulse prices.<\/li>\n<li>Imports distort markets, reduce farmer income, and cause forex outflow (~$2-3 billion annually).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>Policy Timeline<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>2017: 10-30% import duty plus quota on pulses post-glut.<\/li>\n<li>2023-2025: Multiple extensions of duty-free import of yellow peas due to inflation concerns.<\/li>\n<li>May 2025: Duty-free imports allowed till Mar 2026, causing market disruption.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>Impact of Imports<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Imported yellow peas sold at \u20b93,500\/quintal, less than half MSP (~\u20b97,400\/quintal for tur), leading to price collapse.<\/li>\n<li>Farmer incomes fall, affecting 10-12 million pulse farmers; increased debt and distress reported.<\/li>\n<li>Market distortions risk long-term self-reliance and shift to less nutritious substitutes.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>Government Measures<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>MSP hikes in 2025-26 for pulses to incentivize farmers.<\/li>\n<li>Price Support Scheme and procurement upscaled significantly.<\/li>\n<li>National Food Security Mission-Pulses allocation increased; seed subsidies &amp; crop insurance extended.<\/li>\n<li>Buffer stocks and import duties adjusted; focus on domestic R&amp;D.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>Way Forward<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Impose phased import duties or quotas on yellow peas per expert advice.<\/li>\n<li>Expand domestic pulse production to 30 MT by 2030 via improved seeds, irrigation, and extension.<\/li>\n<li>Promote crop diversification and strengthen market procurement.<\/li>\n<li>Engage farmers, use tech for yield improvement, and ensure fair pricing.<\/li>\n<li>Aim for import neutrality by 2030 with coordinated policy and private sector role.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong><u>5. Citizens, domicile, migrants: Why should we worry about Provincial Citizenship?<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>General Studies Paper 1 (GS-1)\u00a0covering social justice, federalism, and polity-related issues.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Context: <\/strong>Discussions around provincial citizenship have grown due to political developments in Jharkhand, Jammu &amp; Kashmir, and Assam.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Unofficial citizenship claims based on domicile now rival official national citizenship.<\/li>\n<li>Courts have had to intervene to resolve conflicts between migrant rights and local domicile rules.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>What is Provincial Citizenship?<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Rooted in local nativist politics, emphasizing belonging to a state over national citizenship.<\/li>\n<li>Used politically to mobilize &#8220;locals&#8221; against &#8220;outsiders.&#8221;<\/li>\n<li>Blurs legal freedoms like movement and equal rights guaranteed by the Constitution.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>Issues with Provincial Citizenship<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Causes exclusion and discrimination against internal migrants, violating Articles 15, 16(2), and 19.<\/li>\n<li>Fragments national unity and fosters regionalism.<\/li>\n<li>Restricts labour mobility, harming industries dependent on migrant workers.<\/li>\n<li>Adds judicial burden with frequent Supreme Court cases resolving domicile-related disputes.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>Benefits of Provincial Citizenship<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Strengthens local identity and sense of belonging (&#8220;sons of the soil&#8221;).<\/li>\n<li>Protects vulnerable groups (e.g., in Jammu &amp; Kashmir).<\/li>\n<li>Ensures equitable resource allocation for locals in jobs, education, and land.<\/li>\n<li>Encourages democratic mobilization around regional issues.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>Jharkhand as a Case Study<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Statehood in 2000 transformed sub-nationalist demands into domicile-focused politics.<\/li>\n<li>Reflects majoritarian grievances expressed via domicile rules.<\/li>\n<li>Unlike Sixth Schedule areas, applies uniformly statewide, challenging federal norms.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>Role of Jammu &amp; Kashmir and Assam<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>J&amp;K\u2019s domicile laws protect minorities after revocation of Article 370.<\/li>\n<li>Assam\u2019s NRC and SIR reflect anxieties over migration and exclusion.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>Challenge to One Citizenship Idea<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Provincial citizenship undermines constitutional equality and mobility rights (Articles 15, 16, and 19).<\/li>\n<li>Supreme Court adjudicates disputes, reflecting political gaps.<\/li>\n<li>Concepts like differentiated citizenship and hyphenated nationality explain the reality.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>Is this an Old or New Phenomenon?<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Historical warnings exist since the 1950s and 1970s about migration-linked conflicts.<\/li>\n<li>Now, provincial citizenship has shifted from theory to active and powerful politics.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>Way Forward<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Maintain constitutional balance by protecting national citizenship guarantees while allowing affirmative local protections.<\/li>\n<li>Establish national migrant worker protections ensuring rights portability.<\/li>\n<li>Promote Centre-State coordination to harmonize domicile rules with constitutional mandates.<\/li>\n<li>Judicial oversight and possible legislative review needed.<\/li>\n<li>Encourage inclusion and constitutional morality to prevent exclusionary regionalism.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>Conclusion: <\/strong>Provincial citizenship threatens to fracture India&#8217;s inclusive national identity.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>State-specific domicile politics in Jharkhand, Assam, and J&amp;K show growing contestations of belonging.<\/li>\n<li>Harmonizing local and national citizenship ideals is essential for democratic federalism and unity.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong><u>6. Why India&#8217;s urban definition is failing its growing towns<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>GS paper I<strong>: <\/strong>Society and Social Justice, <strong>Issue<\/strong>: Urban Areas \u2013 Definition in Census<\/p>\n<p><strong>Context:<\/strong> India\u2019s 2011 Census definition of \u201curban\u201d is outdated and fails to reflect today\u2019s evolving settlements. By classifying areas only as statutory towns (with formal governance) or census towns (meeting population and job criteria but still under rural governance), it misses many fast-urbanizing villages and peri-urban regions.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>This misclassification results in weak governance and inadequate infrastructure for transitional settlements.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>What are the different types of urban settlements in India? <\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Urban settlements in India can be classified into several different types, which can provide insights into the country&#8217;s urbanization patterns<\/li>\n<li>Census Town:\u00a0Population of at least 5,000, a population density of at least 400 per sq km, where at least 75% of the male working population is engaged in non-agricultural pursuits.<\/li>\n<li>Statutory Town:\u00a0A town officially designated as such by the relevant state government. These towns typically have a corporation or municipality in charge of local government.<\/li>\n<li>Satellite Town:\u00a0A town that is located in close proximity to a larger urban center and is dependent on it for economic and social activities.<\/li>\n<li>Urban Agglomeration:\u00a0A continuous urban area of the city\/town and also the suburban fringe\/rural areas lying within the administrative boundaries of a nearby town\/city.<\/li>\n<li>Outgrowth:\u00a0A small settlement adjacent to a larger town or city that has grown out of it, but is still considered a separate entity by the government for administrative purposes.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>Examples<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>West Bengal<\/strong>: From 2001 to 2011, 526 new census towns were identified, yet 251 census towns from 2001 remained governed rurally in 2011, showing governance delays.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Growing Peri-Urban Areas:<\/strong> Settlements around metropolitan cities like Bengaluru and Delhi exhibit urban features but remain under rural administration, leading to poor urban service delivery.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Gig Economy in Small Towns<\/strong>: App-based delivery and freelancing jobs spread into semi-rural areas, blurring urban-rural workforce distinctions ignored in current classifications.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Governance Challenges and Steps Taken by Government to Improve Urban Development<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone  wp-image-1624\" src=\"https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Screenshot-2025-09-30-093836-300x135.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"507\" height=\"228\" srcset=\"https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Screenshot-2025-09-30-093836-300x135.png 300w, https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Screenshot-2025-09-30-093836-768x347.png 768w, https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Screenshot-2025-09-30-093836.png 837w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 507px) 100vw, 507px\" \/><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone  wp-image-1625\" src=\"https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Screenshot-2025-09-30-093950-300x284.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"484\" height=\"458\" srcset=\"https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Screenshot-2025-09-30-093950-300x284.png 300w, https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Screenshot-2025-09-30-093950.png 643w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 484px) 100vw, 484px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>Conclusion<\/strong>: India\u2019s outdated urban classification overlooks dynamic towns and peri-urban regions, causing<\/p>\n<p>misclassification, weak governance, and poor services. Updating the definition with inclusive criteria and expanding municipal governance is crucial for better planning, infrastructure, and quality of life in India\u2019s growing urban areas.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong><u>7. Coffee board to hold EU rule Awareness programmes: CEO<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>General Studies Paper III: Agriculture: Coffee cultivation, production distribution, major growing regions<\/p>\n<p><strong>Why in the\u00a0News?<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The\u00a0Coffee Board\u00a0of India is conducting\u00a0extensive awareness\u00a0and capacity-building programs\u00a0to increase registrations\u00a0on its mobile\u00a0app for EU Deforestation Regulation\u00a0(EUDR) compliance.<\/li>\n<li>The board\u00a0is engaging with\u00a0associations\u00a0and stakeholders, as about 4.41 lakh coffee\u00a0growers need\u00a0to comply.<\/li>\n<li>Coffee exports\u00a0crossed $1,000\u00a0million for the\u00a0fourth consecutive\u00a0year in 2024-25, with a total\u00a0of $1,803 million.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<table style=\"height: 185px;\" width=\"869\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"709\"><strong>What\u00a0is EU Deforestation Regulation\u00a0(EUDR)?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Effective\u00a0from June 2023, EUDR prevents\u00a0import of products\u00a0linked to deforestation, including\u00a0coffee, cocoa, palm oil, soy, rubber, cattle, and wood.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Requires proof\u00a0coffee is grown\u00a0on non-deforested land after\u00a0December 31,\u00a02020.<\/li>\n<li>Mandates due diligence\u00a0statements with\u00a0geo-coordinates.<\/li>\n<li>Non-compliance\u00a0attracts severe\u00a0penalties up\u00a0to 4% of EU turnover, product seizures, and temporary\u00a0bans.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>About Coffee\u00a0Board of India<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Established\u00a0in 1942 under\u00a0the Coffee Act; functions under\u00a0Ministry of Commerce\u00a0&amp; Industry with\u00a0headquarters\u00a0in Bengaluru.<\/li>\n<li>It is a statutory\u00a0body with 33\u00a0members and a\u00a0Chairperson\/CEO appointed\u00a0by the government.<\/li>\n<li>Focus areas\u00a0include research, extension, development, market intelligence, export and domestic\u00a0promotion.<\/li>\n<li>Previously, coffee\u00a0marketing was\u00a0state-controlled\u00a0until liberalization in 1995 moved marketing\u00a0to private hands.<\/li>\n<li>Runs campaigns\u00a0like India Coffee, Walk With Coffee, and EUDR compliance\u00a0awareness.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<table style=\"height: 260px;\" width=\"1021\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"709\"><strong>Coffee\u00a0Cultivation in\u00a0India <\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Introduced in 1600 AD by Baba Budan in Chikmagalur, Karnataka.<\/li>\n<li>Grown mainly in Western Ghats: Karnataka (~70%), Kerala (~20%), Tamil Nadu (~7%), with minor cultivation in Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Northeast.<\/li>\n<li>Requires 16\u00b0\u201328\u00b0C temperature, 150\u2013250 cm rainfall, and well-drained slopes, sensitive to frost and dry spells.<\/li>\n<li>Grows best in laterite and rich loamy soils.<\/li>\n<li>Varieties: Arabica (aromatic, high export value), Robusta (hardy, higher yield), Liberica (rare).<\/li>\n<li>Peak export season is March\u2013June.<\/li>\n<li>Domestic consumption\u00a0steadily growing; events like\u00a0International\u00a0Coffee Day on\u00a0October 1 promote\u00a0this.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><strong>Production\u00a0Statistics (2025-26)<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Projected production: 4.03 lakh tonnes, an 11% increase\u00a0over last year.<\/li>\n<li>Arabica output\u00a0forecast: 118,000 tonnes (up 12%).<\/li>\n<li>Robusta output forecast: 285,000 tonnes\u00a0(up 9.5%).<\/li>\n<li>Karnataka is\u00a0the top producer\u00a0(~70%), followed\u00a0by Kerala and\u00a0Tamil Nadu.<\/li>\n<li>India ranks\u00a07th globally\u00a0in production, 5th in exports.<\/li>\n<li>India contributes\u00a03.5% of global\u00a0coffee production\u00a0and 5% of global\u00a0exports.<\/li>\n<li>Exports reached\u00a0$1.8 billion\u00a0in 2024-25, doubling\u00a0in 11 years.<\/li>\n<li>Around 70% of\u00a0Indian coffee\u00a0is exported,\u00a0primarily to primarily to Europe (Italy, Germany, Belgium), the Middle East, Japan, and Korea.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong><u>8. DRDO conducts rail-based launch of Agni-Prime missile<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>General Studies Paper III (GS-3): Science and Technology:<\/p>\n<p><strong>Context: <\/strong>DRDO and Strategic Forces Command successfully test-fired the Agni-Prime missile from a rail-based mobile launcher on September 24, 2025, at Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Island, Odisha.<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1626 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Screenshot-2025-09-30-094325.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"301\" height=\"170\" \/><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>This is the first ballistic missile launch from a rail platform in India, demonstrating mobility, rapid deployment, and low visibility.<\/li>\n<li>The Defence Ministry stated this test enhances strategic readiness, aligning with India&#8217;s nuclear deterrence amid regional security concerns.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>About Agni-Prime Missile <\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Medium-range ballistic missile (MRBM) with 1,000-2,000 km range, capable of carrying 1-1.5 tonne nuclear or conventional warheads.<\/li>\n<li>Two-stage solid-fuel design; canister-launched with readiness under 10 minutes; weighs about 50 tonnes compared to Agni-III&#8217;s 70 tonnes.<\/li>\n<li>Advanced guidance: inertial navigation with ring laser gyroscope (RLG) IMU, GPS\/GLONASS support, maneuverable re-entry vehicle (MaRV) with CEP under 10 meters.<\/li>\n<li>Road and rail-mobile launcher compatibility; includes shock-resistant systems and decoys for survivability.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<table style=\"height: 183px;\" width=\"1061\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"701\"><strong>Background \u2013 Agni Missile Development<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Agni missile series developed under IGMDP (1983-2008) led by Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam to achieve strategic self-reliance.<\/li>\n<li>Evolution: From first Agni prototype (1989), Agni-I (700-1,200 km, 2002), Agni-II (2,000-3,000 km, 2004), to Agni-III, IV, V (up to 8,000 km), and MIRVs.<\/li>\n<li>Agni-Prime development began circa 2017 as a lighter, more efficient upgrade to Agni-III.<\/li>\n<li>Completed five successful flight tests by 2023 with focus on export potential under MTCR guidelines.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><strong>Rail-Based Mobile Launcher \u2013 First-Time Use<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Missile launched from a custom-designed rail-mobile launcher integrated into a modified boxcar on Indian Railways network.<\/li>\n<li>Enables cross-country mobility with rapid launch readiness and reduced detectability.<\/li>\n<li>Offers camouflage by blending with regular freight trains, includes mechanisms to handle electrified overhead cables.<\/li>\n<li>Enhances survivability and operational flexibility compared to fixed or road-mobile launchers.<\/li>\n<li>India joins select nations (Russia, US, China) with rail-based ballistic missile launch capability.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Strategic Significance<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Strengthens India\u2019s &#8216;credible minimum deterrence&#8217; and nuclear triad, supporting no-first-use doctrine.<\/li>\n<li>Covers threats from Pakistan and western\/northern China with rapid, mobile strike capability.<\/li>\n<li>Rail mobility complicates adversary targeting, enhancing second-strike survivability.<\/li>\n<li>Complements longer-range missiles like Agni-V; induction of ~50 Agni-Prime missiles planned by 2028.<\/li>\n<li>Responds to regional missile developments including China\u2019s DF-21\/26 and Pakistan\u2019s Shaheen series.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>Broader Missile Development Context<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Part of broader strategic developments including hypersonic hypersonic BrahMos-II, ballistic missile defence (BMD), and MIRV-equipped Agni variants.<\/li>\n<li>Emphasizes indigenous technological progress and private sector involvement.<\/li>\n<li>Supports India\u2019s standing as a top-5 missile power with a robust strategic deterrent.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The Agni-Prime missile rail-launch test is a landmark achievement in India&#8217;s strategic defence.<\/li>\n<li>It provides high mobility, survivability, and precision in missile deployment.<\/li>\n<li>Enhances strategic autonomy and prepares India for next-generation missile systems.<\/li>\n<li>Sustained R&amp;D and deployment will support regional stability through credible deterrence.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>1. Eight states with international borders ,0.13%of exports General Studies Paper III (GS-3): Economy (External Trade, Export Infrastructure,<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1623","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-daily-current-affairs"],"featured_image_urls":{"full":"","thumbnail":"","medium":"","medium_large":"","large":"","1536x1536":"","2048x2048":"","morenews-large":"","morenews-medium":""},"author_info":{"display_name":"ArkReflections","author_link":"https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/author\/arkreflectionsiaspost\/"},"category_info":"<a href=\"https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/category\/daily-current-affairs\/\" rel=\"category tag\">DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS<\/a>","tag_info":"DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS","comment_count":"0","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1623","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1623"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1623\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1627,"href":"https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1623\/revisions\/1627"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1623"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1623"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1623"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}