Daily Current Affair 26-September-2025

Topic of News	GS Paper	Section/Keyword
Ladakh Statehood Protest, Sixth Schedule, Article 240, Leh Violence	GS2	Polity – Indian Constitution – Federalism
Almatti Dam Dispute, Krishna Water Tribunal, Inter-State Issues	GS2	Polity – Inter-State Disputes
CSIR Scheme on Capacity Building and Human Resource Development	GS2	Governance – Initiatives, R&D
UNGA 80th Session: Women’s Empowerment, UN80 Reform	GS2	IR – United Nations, Gender Equality
China’s K Visa vs US H-1B Visa Crackdown	GS2	IR – US-China Relations, Migration Policy
GST Appellate Tribunal: Structure, Launch, E-Court Portal	GS3	Indian Economy – Taxes/Tribunals
11 Years of Make in India: Achievements, PLI, Manufacturing Hub	GS3	Economy – Industry/Manufacturing/Exports
India’s Tea Industry Challenges & Prospects	GS3	Agriculture – Crops/Exports
TN Coastal Restoration (TN-SHORE), Mangrove Councils, World Bank Support	GS3	Environment – Conservation
Periyar Tiger Reserve Biodiversity Survey, New Species	GS3	Environment – Biodiversity, Species
Agni Prime Missile test, Rail-Based Mobile Launcher, MIRV	GS3	Science & Tech – Defence/Missiles
Global Food Regulators Summit 2025, FSSAI, Food Systems	Prelims/GS2	Health/Events
CDS Gen Anil Chauhan’s Tenure Extension, Cabinet Appointment Process	Prelims/GS3	Defence – Appointments
Night-Time Lights: Bihar Growth Mapping, Satellite Data	Prelims	Economy/Geography – Indicators
Viksit Bharat Buildathon 2025: School Innovation Hackathon	Prelims	Governance/Innovation/Youth
India’s First Overseas Defence Manufacturing Facility (Morocco – TASL)	Prelims/GS3	IR – Defence Diplomacy/Exports
Inline Speed Skating Championship – India 5th Place, Sports Medal Tally	Prelims	News/Sports

Ladakh Statehood Protest and the Sixth Schedule Demand

Current Context:

Ladakh has witnessed intense protests, with violence erupting in Leh, as local groups demand statehood and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. The agitation reflects growing frustration over the absence of constitutional safeguards since Ladakh became a Union Territory (UT) in 2019.

Background:

Following the abrogation of Article 370, Ladakh was carved out of Jammu & Kashmir and designated as a UT without a legislature. Its administration currently functions under Article 240, which empowers the President to make regulations for Union Territories (except Delhi and Puducherry). While this ensures central control, it leaves Ladakh without legislative autonomy.

Key Demands:

• Statehood: Full legislative powers and an elected assembly.
  
  
• Sixth Schedule status: Similar to provisions in some North-Eastern states, this would create Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) to safeguard tribal culture, land, and resources.
  
  
• Representation: Calls for separate Lok Sabha constituencies for Leh and Kargil.
  
  

Issues Involved:

• Concerns about outside settlement affecting the fragile ecology and demography.
  
  
• Lack of political voice for Ladakh’s majority tribal population.
  
  
• Central government’s emphasis on strategic security given Ladakh’s sensitive borders with China and Pakistan.
  
  

Significance:

The protests highlight the federal dilemma of balancing national security with regional democratic aspirations. Ladakh’s demand for Sixth Schedule inclusion also brings attention to the need for tailored governance models in ecologically fragile and tribal-dominated regions.

Almatti Dam Dispute, Krishna Water Tribunal, and Centre–State Relations

Current Context:

The long-standing dispute over Krishna river waters has resurfaced, with Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Maharashtra at loggerheads, particularly over the Almatti Dam. This conflict not only reflects inter-state resource tensions but also highlights the role of the Centre in mediating federal disputes.

Background:

• The Krishna river flows through Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh, supporting irrigation, drinking water, and hydropower needs.
  
  
• The Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal (KWDT-I, 1969; KWDT-II, 2004) allocated river waters among the states.
  
  
• After Telangana was carved out of Andhra Pradesh in 2014, new conflicts arose regarding water sharing and project approvals.
  
  

Almatti Dam Issue:

• Karnataka’s Almatti Dam (Upper Krishna Project) was opposed by downstream states, mainly Andhra Pradesh, due to concerns over reduced water flow.
  
  
• Tribunal rulings allowed Karnataka to raise the dam height, but disputes continue over allocations and compliance.
  
  

Centre–State Relations Context:

• Article 262 of the Constitution: Empowers the Parliament to legislate on the adjudication of inter-state river water disputes and allows the Central government to establish tribunals whose decisions are binding.
  
  
• Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956: Provides the legal framework for formation of tribunals and empowers the Centre to resolve disputes if states fail to reach agreements.
  
  
• Administrative Role of the Centre (Articles 256–257): Ensures that states implement tribunal awards and follow directions given by the Union to protect equitable water distribution.
  
  

Key Issues:

• Tribunal delays and lack of effective monitoring of compliance.
  
  
• Rising water demands with population growth and climate variability.
  
  
• Trust deficit between states leading to repeated litigation.
  
  

Significance:

The Almatti Dam dispute underscores the federal challenge of managing shared natural resources. It highlights the central government’s constitutional role in dispute resolution, the importance of cooperative federalism, and the need for robust institutional mechanisms to manage inter-state rivers, especially in a water-stressed and climate-sensitive future

China’s K Visa vs US H-1B Visa Crackdown

Current Context:

Global competition for skilled talent is intensifying, with China introducing the K Visa to attract foreign professionals, while the United States has tightened rules for H-1B visa holders, affecting millions of Indian IT and technology workers.

Background:

• US H-1B Visa: A non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in specialty occupations, particularly in IT, engineering, and research. Indian nationals constitute the majority of H-1B holders.
  
  
• Recent US Changes: The Biden administration and US authorities have imposed stricter scrutiny, including wage compliance, fraud checks, and more stringent approval processes, making H-1B access more uncertain.
  
  
• China’s K Visa: Introduced to attract highly skilled foreign workers in sectors such as AI, robotics, semiconductors, and biotechnology. Offers faster processing, longer tenure (up to 5 years), and pathways to permanent residency.
  
  

Key Issues:

• Brain Drain & Talent Migration: India risks losing skilled professionals to China or other destinations if opportunities in the US decline.
  
  
• Global Talent Race: Both China and the US are positioning themselves as preferred destinations for highly skilled workers, affecting India’s technology exports.
  
  
• Impact on IT Sector: Indian IT companies heavily reliant on H-1B visas for business in the US may face operational challenges.
  
  

Significance:

The policy changes highlight India’s vulnerability in the global migration and talent ecosystem. They underscore the need for India to enhance domestic skill development, employment opportunities, and innovation-led growth to retain talent. The situation also reflects the strategic competition between the US and China for technological dominance.

GST Appellate Tribunal: Structure, Launch, and E-Court Portal

Current Context:

The Government of India recently launched the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Appellate Tribunal along with a dedicated e-Court portal, aiming to streamline tax dispute resolution and reduce pendency in High Courts.

Background:

• Since the introduction of GST in 2017, disputes between taxpayers and authorities have increased significantly.
  
  
• Earlier, appeals were filed in High Courts and the Supreme Court, leading to backlog and delays in resolution.
  
  
• The GST Appellate Tribunal is part of the government’s efforts to improve compliance and ease of doing business.
  
  

Structure and Features:

• Composition: Each bench consists of two judicial members and two technical members.
  
  
• Benches: Principal Bench in Delhi and Regional Benches across states.
  
  
• E-Court Portal: Enables online filing, case tracking, and digital hearings, reducing paperwork and improving transparency.
  
  

Key Issues:

• Timely resolution of disputes to encourage investor confidence.
  
  
• Digital adoption to reduce procedural delays.
  
  
• Coordination with state authorities for uniformity in dispute resolution.
  
  

Significance:

• Reduces burden on High Courts and ensures faster justice for taxpayers.
  
  
• Strengthens the GST framework as a dispute-free indirect tax system.
  
  
• Enhances ease of doing business, contributing to economic growth and investment climate in India.
  
  

India’s Manufacturing and Export Landscape: Make in India, PLI, and Tea Industry

Current Context:

India’s manufacturing sector has witnessed significant transformation over the past decade through initiatives like Make in India and Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes, while traditional export sectors such as tea are grappling with global competition and climate challenges.

Make in India (11 Years):

• Objective: Transform India into a global manufacturing hub, attract FDI, generate employment, and promote innovation.
  
  
• Key Achievements:
  
  
  • FDI inflows rose significantly, especially in electronics, defence, and automobiles.
    
    
  • Defence production crossed ₹1 lakh crore, with private sector participation.
    
    
  • Electronics, solar modules, and EV sectors boosted via PLI schemes.
    
    
• Challenges: Infrastructure bottlenecks, supply chain dependency, and skill gaps.
  
  

Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Schemes:

• Launched to incentivize domestic production and enhance exports.
  
  
• Key sectors: Electronics, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, automobiles, and solar panels.
  
  
• Encourages technology adoption, scale-up of manufacturing, and global competitiveness.
  
  

India’s Tea Industry:

• Status: India is the world’s 2nd largest tea producer, with major production in Assam, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala.
  
  
• Challenges:
  
  
  • Climate stress affecting yield.
    
    
  • Low wages and labour issues in plantations.
    
    
  • Global competition from Kenya and Sri Lanka, and over-dependence on traditional export markets (Russia, Iran, UAE).
    
    
• Opportunities:
  
  
  • Value-added exports: organic, specialty, and GI-tagged teas.
    
    
  • Expanding markets in West Asia, Europe, and North America.
    
    

Significance:

• Manufacturing initiatives like Make in India and PLI enhance India’s self-reliance, employment generation, and export potential.
  
  
• Strengthening traditional sectors like tea ensures rural livelihoods and global competitiveness.
  
  
• Combined focus on modern manufacturing and traditional exports aligns with India’s vision of a $5 trillion economy and balanced regional development.
  
  

11 Years of Make in India: Achievements and Challenges

Current Context:

The “Make in India” initiative, launched in 2014, recently completed 11 years, marking a milestone in India’s efforts to transform into a global manufacturing hub.

Background:

• Aim: To attract foreign direct investment (FDI), promote domestic manufacturing, and create employment opportunities.
  
  
• Key focus sectors: Electronics, defence, pharmaceuticals, automobiles, and renewable energy.
  
  

Achievements:

• FDI Inflows: Significant increase, positioning India as a top FDI destination.
  
  
• PLI Schemes: Production-Linked Incentive programs in electronics, pharmaceuticals, solar modules, and EVs boosted domestic manufacturing.
  
  
• Defence Manufacturing: Defence production crossed ₹1 lakh crore, with increased private sector participation.
  
  
• Global Manufacturing Share: India emerged as a key global supplier of electronics, medical devices, and automotive components.
  
  

Challenges:

• Infrastructure Bottlenecks: High logistics and transport costs.
  
  
• Skill Gaps: Shortage of trained manpower for advanced manufacturing.
  
  
• Supply Chain Risks: Dependence on imported raw materials and global disruptions.
  
  

Significance:

• Supports India’s vision of becoming a $5 trillion economy.
  
  
• Enhances self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat) in critical sectors like electronics and defence.
  
  
• Encourages innovation, job creation, and export competitiveness, strengthening India’s position in global value chains.
  
  

India’s Tea Industry: Challenges, Initiatives, and Prospects

Current Context:

India’s tea industry remains one of the country’s most important agriculture-based industries, employing millions and contributing significantly to exports and rural livelihoods. Despite being the world’s second-largest producer of tea, the sector faces structural, environmental, and economic challenges.

Background:

• Major tea-growing regions include Assam, West Bengal (Darjeeling & Dooars), Kerala (Nilgiris & Munnar), and Tamil Nadu.
  
  
• India produces over 1.3 million metric tonnes annually, catering to both domestic consumption and exports.
  
  
• Tea plantations are a source of employment for over 1.5 million workers, predominantly women, providing livelihoods in rural and hilly regions.
  
  

Challenges:

1. Climate Change and Environmental Stress:
   
   
   1. Erratic rainfall, rising temperatures, and soil erosion impact yield and quality.
      
      
   1. Increased incidence of pests and diseases due to changing climatic conditions.
      
      
2. Labour and Social Issues:
   
   
   1. Low wages and poor living conditions lead to high attrition and labour unrest.
      
      
   1. Many plantations depend on a largely unskilled workforce, limiting productivity and innovation.
      
      
3. Global Competition:
   
   
   1. India competes with Kenya, Sri Lanka, and China, which often have lower production costs and larger exports of bulk tea.
      
      
   1. Fluctuating international tea prices make export earnings volatile.
      
      
4. Market Dependence and Trade Risks:
   
   
   1. Heavy reliance on a few markets like Russia, Iran, and the UAE increases vulnerability to geopolitical and economic shocks.
      
      
5. Infrastructure and Value Chain Issues:
   
   
   1. Inadequate processing facilities, cold storage, and logistics hamper efficiency.
      
      
   1. Limited branding and marketing of specialty teas in international markets reduce value realization.
      
      

Government Initiatives and Support:

• Tea Board of India Schemes:
  
  
  • Financial support for modernization, quality improvement, and productivity enhancement.
    
    
  • Promotion of Geographical Indications (GI) such as Darjeeling and Assam Orthodox teas.
    
    
• Sustainability Programs:
  
  
  • Encouragement of organic cultivation, water management, and eco-friendly processing.
    
    
• Export Promotion:
  
  
  • Assistance through trade fairs, marketing support, and incentives to increase global presence.
    
    

Prospects and Opportunities:

1. Value-Added Products: Development of organic, specialty, herbal, and ready-to-drink teas can increase profitability.
   
   
2. Branding and GI Expansion: Leveraging India’s unique teas for international markets to command premium prices.
   
   
3. Diversified Market Access: Expanding exports to Europe, North America, and emerging markets in West Asia.
   
   
4. Technological Upgradation: Mechanization of plucking, AI-driven pest management, and modern processing units can boost productivity.
   
   
5. Sustainable Practices: Climate-resilient plantations and eco-certifications enhance global competitiveness.
   
   

Significance:

The tea industry plays a dual role: sustaining rural employment and livelihoods, especially in tribal and hilly areas, and contributing to India’s foreign exchange earnings. Its growth is critical for preserving India’s heritage tea brands, strengthening the agri-export economy, and promoting inclusive rural development.

TN Coastal Restoration (TN-SHORE), Mangrove Councils, and World Bank Support

Current Context:

Tamil Nadu has launched the TN-SHORE (Tamil Nadu Sustainable Habitats, Opportunities, and Resilience Enhancement) project with World Bank support to restore degraded coastal ecosystems, protect communities, and enhance climate resilience.

Background:

• Tamil Nadu has a coastline of over 1,000 km, prone to cyclones, erosion, and sea-level rise.
  
  
• Mangroves and other coastal habitats act as natural buffers against storm surges and extreme weather events.
  
  

Key Features of the Project:

• Mangrove Restoration: Planting and rehabilitation of mangroves to improve carbon sequestration and coastal protection.
  
  
• Mangrove Councils: Community-led governance structures to manage mangrove areas and ensure local participation.
  
  
• Climate-Resilient Livelihoods: Support for fisherfolk and coastal communities through alternative income generation and skill development.
  
  
• Sustainability Measures: Use of blue carbon credits and eco-friendly conservation techniques.
  
  

Role of the World Bank:

• Provides financial and technical assistance for large-scale restoration and capacity-building efforts.
  
  
• Supports monitoring, project evaluation, and adoption of best practices.
  
  

Significance:

• Enhances coastal resilience against climate change impacts and natural disasters.
  
  
• Promotes community participation and sustainable livelihoods, aligning with India’s climate adaptation and SDG goals.
  
  
• Serves as a model for other coastal states to balance ecological conservation with economic development.
  
  

Periyar Tiger Reserve Biodiversity Survey and Discovery of New Species

Current Context:

A recent biodiversity survey in Periyar Tiger Reserve (PTR), Kerala has led to the discovery of several new species of flora and fauna, highlighting the ecological richness of the Western Ghats.

Background:

• Location: Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the eight “hottest hotspots” of biodiversity globally.
  
  
• Periyar Tiger Reserve: Established in 1978, PTR spans over 925 km² and is home to tigers, elephants, and numerous endemic species.
  
  
• Survey Purpose: To document biodiversity, assess conservation status, and guide management strategies for the reserve.
  
  

Key Findings:

• Discovery of new species of orchids, lichens, and amphibians, enhancing knowledge of PTR’s endemic biodiversity.
  
  
• Confirmation of the presence of rare and endangered species, underlining the importance of habitat protection.
  
  

Significance:

• Strengthens India’s position in global biodiversity conservation.
  
  
• Provides crucial data for wildlife management, ecosystem restoration, and climate adaptation strategies.
  
  
• Highlights the importance of continuous scientific research to detect and protect undiscovered species.
  
  

Way Forward:

• Expansion of biodiversity monitoring programs in other protected areas.
  
  
• Community engagement in conservation and awareness campaigns.
  
  
• Integration of research findings into policy decisions for the protection of Western Ghats ecosystems.
  
  

Agni Prime Missile Test: Rail-Based Mobile Launcher and MIRV Capability

Current Context:

India successfully test-fired the Agni Prime (Agni-P) missile from a rail-based mobile launcher, marking a significant milestone in its strategic defence capabilities. The missile also incorporates Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) technology, enhancing India’s nuclear deterrence posture.

Background – Agni Missile Series:

• Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the Agni series of missiles form the backbone of India’s nuclear deterrent.
  
  
• Variants:
  
  
  • Agni-I: Short-range (700–1,200 km)
    
    
  • Agni-II: Intermediate-range (~2,000 km)
    
    
  • Agni-III: 3,500 km
    
    
  • Agni-IV: 4,000 km
    
    
  • Agni-V: Intercontinental (5,000–5,500 km) with MIRV capability
    
    
  • Agni-P (Prime): 1,000–2,000 km, lighter, more accurate, canisterized for rapid deployment
    
    

Rail-Based Mobile Launcher:

• The recent test demonstrated the ability to launch Agni-P from a rail-mounted platform, a first-of-its-kind achievement.
  
  
• Advantages:
  
  
  • Mobility: Can be deployed anywhere on the extensive Indian railway network.
    
    
  • Survivability: Reduces vulnerability to pre-emptive strikes.
    
    
  • Rapid Deployment: Enables quick repositioning and launch readiness.
    
    

MIRV Technology:

• MIRV (Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle) allows a single missile to carry multiple nuclear warheads, each capable of striking different targets.
  
  
• Benefits:
  
  
  • Enhanced penetration: Increases ability to bypass missile defense systems.
    
    
  • Multiple targets: Can engage several targets simultaneously.
    
    
  • Second-strike capability: Strengthens India’s credible minimum deterrence.
    
    

Strategic Significance:

• Enhances India’s nuclear deterrence and strategic stability in the region.
  
  
• Demonstrates India’s indigenous capabilities in advanced missile technology.
  
  
• Places India among the few nations with rail-mobile ballistic missile deployment and MIRV-enabled systems, increasing strategic flexibility.
  
  

Way Forward:

• Integration of Agni-P into operational defence frameworks.
  
  
• Continued development of advanced missile technologies, including MIRV and mobility solutions.
  
  
• Enhanced collaboration between DRDO and the Armed Forces for operational readiness and joint deployment strategies.
  
  

Conclusion:

The Agni Prime test, combining rail-based mobility and MIRV technology, reflects India’s commitment to strengthening national security, technological self-reliance, and credible deterrence. It signals a major leap in the country’s strategic capabilities and enhances confidence in India’s defense preparedness.

Global Food Regulators Summit 2025: FSSAI and Food Systems

Current Context:

India hosted the Global Food Regulators Summit 2025, organized under the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), bringing together regulators, industry experts, and policymakers to discuss safe, sustainable, and resilient food systems.

Background:

• The summit is part of India’s efforts to strengthen food safety governance and align with global standards.
  
  
• India has been actively promoting food system reforms, sustainable agriculture, and digital solutions for traceability and compliance.
  
  

Key Focus Areas:

1. Food Safety Harmonization:
   
   
   1. Establishing uniform global standards for food quality and safety.
      
      
   1. Reducing trade barriers through internationally accepted regulatory frameworks.
      
      
2. Sustainable Food Systems:
   
   
   1. Promoting eco-friendly and resource-efficient food production.
      
      
   1. Integration of climate-resilient agriculture practices.
      
      
3. Innovation and Technology in Food Regulation:
   
   
   1. Use of AI, blockchain, and digital monitoring for traceability, compliance, and risk assessment.
      
      
   1. Enhancing transparency and accountability in the food supply chain.
      
      
4. Nutrition and Public Health:
   
   
   1. Addressing global challenges such as obesity, malnutrition, and diet-related diseases.
      
      
   1. Encouraging fortified and nutrient-rich food products.
      
      

Significance:

• Positions India as a leader in global food governance.
  
  
• Encourages investment and trade in safe, high-quality food products.
  
  
• Supports Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 2 – Zero Hunger, SDG 3 – Good Health & Well-being) by promoting nutrition-sensitive food systems.
  
  

Way Forward:

• Strengthening India’s regulatory framework to match international standards.
  
  
• Enhancing capacity building for food regulators, scientists, and industry stakeholders.
  
  
• Fostering innovation for sustainable and resilient food supply chains.
  
  

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CDS Gen Anil Chauhan Tenure Extension and Cabinet Appointments

Current Context:

The Government of India extended the tenure of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan, ensuring continuity in strategic leadership and defence reforms, particularly jointness among the armed forces.

Background – CDS Position:

• The CDS post was created in 2019 to act as the principal military adviser to the Defence Minister.
  
  
• Responsibilities include integrating the three services (Army, Navy, Air Force), streamlining procurement, and enhancing joint operational readiness.
  
  

Tenure Extension:

• The extension of General Chauhan’s tenure reflects the critical nature of ongoing defence modernization and theatre command reforms.
  
  
• Ensures stability in strategic decision-making and continuity in operational plans.
  
  

Cabinet Appointment Process (Relevant Context):

• Senior appointments in the defence and bureaucracy, including CDS and Defence Secretary, are made by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC).
  
  
• ACC Composition: Prime Minister (Chair), Minister of Home Affairs, and relevant portfolio ministers.
  
  
• Process: Involves recommendation by the Ministry of Defence, evaluation of service record, and clearance by the Cabinet Committee.
  
  
• Constitutional and administrative backing comes from Articles 309, 312, and 324 (for services rules and appointments).
  
  

Significance:

• Continuity in CDS leadership strengthens India’s defence preparedness and strategic planning.
  
  
• Highlights the role of ACC in central oversight of critical appointments, ensuring merit-based selection and accountability.
  
  
• Supports India’s long-term vision of integrated theatre commands and defence modernization.
  
  

Way Forward:

• Smooth transition in future CDS appointments while maintaining institutional memory.
  
  
• Continued focus on jointness among services, indigenization of defence technology, and operational efficiency.
  
  

Night-Time Lights: Mapping Bihar’s Growth Using Satellite Data

Current Context:

Satellite-based night-time light (NTL) data has been used to map economic growth and urbanization trends in Bihar, providing a novel and precise method for assessing development beyond conventional metrics.

Background:

• Night-Time Lights (NTL): Satellites capture artificial lights emitted at night, which correlate with economic activity, infrastructure, and electrification.
  
  
• Traditional economic indicators often underreport growth in rural or informal sectors, making NTL data a valuable complementary tool.
  
  

Key Findings in Bihar:

• Areas with increased electrification, industrial activity, and urban expansion show higher night-time luminosity.
  
  
• Growth mapping helps identify regions lagging in development and infrastructure investment.
  
  
• Highlights the impact of policy interventions, such as rural electrification programs, industrial clusters, and transport connectivity, on visible economic activity.
  
  

Advantages of Using Satellite Data:

• Provides real-time, granular insights into economic activity.
  
  
• Covers remote and inaccessible regions, complementing ground surveys.
  
  
• Facilitates evidence-based policymaking and monitoring of development schemes.
  
  

Significance:

• Offers a scientific and independent measure of economic growth and urbanization.
  
  
• Helps state and central governments plan resource allocation, infrastructure, and development programs.
  
  
• Supports India’s goal of data-driven governance and improving measurement of regional disparities.
  
  

Way Forward:

• Integrate NTL data with other socio-economic indicators for comprehensive development assessment.
  
  
• Expand use to track environmental impacts, disaster response, and energy access.
  
  
• Encourage collaboration between ISRO, state governments, and policy planners for regular monitoring.
  
  

Viksit Bharat Buildathon 2025: School Innovation Hackathon

Current Context:

The Government of India recently organized the Viksit Bharat Buildathon 2025, a national-level school innovation hackathon aimed at fostering STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) skills, problem-solving, and innovation mindset among students.

Background:

• Part of India’s broader innovation and skill development initiatives under programs like Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) and National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
  
  
• Targeted at students from classes 6–12 to encourage early exposure to technology-driven problem solving.
  
  

Key Features:

• Problem-Solving Challenges: Focus on real-world issues such as climate change, clean energy, waste management, and smart cities.
  
  
• Mentorship & Capacity Building: Students guided by experts from academia, industry, and research organizations.
  
  
• Recognition & Incentives: Winning projects receive national recognition, scholarships, and incubation support for scaling up solutions.
  
  

Significance:

• Promotes innovation culture and entrepreneurial mindset among youth.
  
  
• Strengthens India’s human capital in science and technology sectors.
  
  
• Aligns with Viksit Bharat (Developed India) vision, encouraging youth participation in nation-building.
  
  
• Supports SDGs such as Quality Education (SDG 4), Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (SDG 9), and Climate Action (SDG 13).
  
  

Way Forward:

• Scaling the hackathon to include more schools and rural participation.
  
  
• Integrating winning solutions into government or community projects.
  
  
• Continuous mentorship to translate student innovations into startups and scalable technologies.
  
  

India’s First Overseas Defence Manufacturing Facility in Morocco (TASL)

Current Context:

India inaugurated its first overseas defence manufacturing facility in Morocco, operated by Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL). This marks a significant milestone in India’s defence export and strategic engagement efforts.

Background:

• India has been actively promoting defence exports as part of the Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives.
  
  
• The facility in Morocco focuses on defence aerospace components and systems, strengthening India’s position in the global defence supply chain.
  
  
• Strategic location in North Africa enhances India’s access to African, European, and Middle Eastern markets.
  
  

Key Features:

• Production Focus: Aerospace structures, defence systems, and components for international clients.
  
  
• Technology Transfer: Facilitates knowledge sharing and builds indigenous manufacturing capabilities abroad.
  
  
• Strategic Collaboration: Strengthens India-Morocco defence ties, expanding military-industrial cooperation.
  
  

Significance:

• Marks India’s entry into global defence manufacturing beyond its borders.
  
  
• Enhances India’s defence export potential, contributing to economic growth and technological leadership.
  
  
• Strengthens geopolitical and strategic partnerships through industrial collaboration.
  
  
• Demonstrates India’s commitment to Make in India and self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
  
  

Way Forward:

• Expansion of similar facilities in other strategic regions.
  
  
• Focus on co-development of defence technologies with partner nations.
  
  
• Integration of overseas production into India’s broader defence industrial ecosystem.
  
  

India’s Performance at the 2025 Inline Speed Skating World Championships

Current Context:

India achieved a historic milestone at the 73rd Inline Speed Skating World Championships, held from 13–21 September 2025 in Beidaihe, China, securing 5th place overall and winning five medals, marking its best-ever performance in the championship.

Background:

• Inline speed skating is a roller sport governed internationally by World Skate, featuring races on inline skates over various distances.
  
  
• India has been investing in emerging sports through programs like Khelo India, expanding grassroots participation and international competitiveness.
  
  

Key Highlights:

• Medal Tally: 3 Gold, 2 Bronze
  
  
  • Gold Medals:
    
    
    • Anandkumar Velkumar: Senior Men’s 1000m Sprint
      
      
    • Anandkumar Velkumar: Senior Men’s 42 km Marathon
      
      
    • Krish Sharma: Junior Men’s 1000m Sprint
      
      
  • Bronze Medals:
    
    
    • Anandkumar Velkumar: Senior Men’s 500m Sprint
      
      
    • Anish Raj: Junior Men’s One-Lap Road Sprint
      
      
• Athletes demonstrated high skill levels and endurance, putting India on the map in international roller sports.
  
  

Significance:

• Reinforces India’s presence in non-traditional sports, expanding beyond cricket and athletics.
  
  
• Highlights the success of grassroots talent development and government-supported programs.
  
  
• Encourages youth participation, sports diversification, and international competitiveness.
  
  
• Enhances India’s visibility in global sports forums and fosters international collaboration.
  
  

Way Forward:

• Further investment in training facilities, coaching, and international exposure.
  
  
• Expansion of grassroots and school-level programs to identify and nurture talent nationwide.
  
  
• Strategic support from government and private bodies to scale emerging sports disciplines.
  
  

Conclusion:

India’s performance at the 2025 Inline Speed Skating World Championships is a milestone achievement, reflecting its growing capability in non-mainstream sports, the effectiveness of youth development programs, and the nation’s ambition to be a competitive force across diverse global sporting arenas.