Daily Current Affair 3-October-2025

DigiLocker& UPSC’s New Initiatives

●        The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has announced that it will now verify candidates’ caste, income, and disability certificates through DigiLocker to curb submission of forged documents.

●        As part of its centenary celebrations, UPSC has also launched the “My UPSC Interview” anecdote portal for serving and retired officers.

About DigiLocker

●        What it is:

1.      A flagship initiative under Digital India.

2.      Provides citizens with a secure cloud-based platform to access, store, and share authentic digital documents.

●        Nodal Ministry:

1.      Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).

●        Aim:

1.      Digital empowerment, paperless governance, and faster service delivery.

2.      Ensures access to legally valid digital documents anytime, anywhere.

●        Key Features:

1.      Digital Document Wallet: Stores Aadhaar, PAN, DL, educational certificates, caste certificates, etc.

2.      Legally Recognised: Digital docs from DigiLocker are treated as originals under Rule 9A of IT Rules, 2016.

3.      Citizen-Centric: User controls document access and sharing.

4.      Efficiency: Enables real-time verification directly from issuing authorities → reduces delays and fraud.

5.      Paperless Governance: Reduces administrative overhead, boosts eco-friendly record keeping.

About “My UPSC Interview” Portal

●        What it is:

1.      A digital platform launched during UPSC’s 100th year celebrations.

2.      Invites serving and retired civil servants to share their interview experiences.

●        Aim:

1.      Build a repository of real-life anecdotes for aspirants.

2.      Enhance transparency in recruitment.

3.      Preserve institutional memory of UPSC’s role in shaping civil services.

4.      Selected entries will be published in 2026 as part of the centenary celebrations.

Significance

1.      For Candidates:

·         DigiLocker verification ensures authenticity and reduces fraudulent claims.

·         Transparency in interview process through shared experiences will boost aspirants’ confidence.

2.      For Governance:

·         Promotes digital-first, paperless administration.

·         Reduces bureaucratic inefficiencies, verification time, and administrative costs.

3.      For UPSC as an Institution:

·         Marks a shift towards tech-enabled recruitment.

·         Centenary portal preserves history and enhances public trust.

National Pulses Mission (2025–31)

·         The Union Cabinet has approved the National Pulses Mission (2025–31) with an outlay of ₹11,440 crore.

·         Objective: Boost pulse production and reduce India’s import dependency on pulses.

About National Pulses Mission

●        What it is:

○        A six-year central programme (2025–31) under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare.

○        Designed to achieve Aatmanirbharta (self-reliance) in pulses, ensuring food and nutritional security.

●        Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare.

●        Term: 2025–26 to 2030–31 (six years).

●        Budget: ₹11,440 crore.

●        Target:

○        Raise domestic pulse production from 242 lakh tonnes (2024–25)→350 lakh tonnes by 2030–31.

Key Features

1.      Production Boost

○        Expansion of pulse cultivation area to 310 lakh hectares.

○        Yield target: 1,130 kg/ha.

2.      Seed Security

○        Distribution of 126 lakh quintals of certified seeds.

○        88 lakh free seed kits for farmers.

○        Monitoring through SATHI portal (Seed Traceability, Authentication, and Holistic Inventory).

3.      Assured Procurement

○        100% procurement of Tur, Urad, and Masoor at MSP for the next four years.

○        Ensures income stability for farmers.

4.      Infrastructure Support

○        Establishment of 1,000 post-harvest processing units.

○        Subsidy up to ₹25 lakh per unit.

5.      Research & Innovation

○        Multi-location trials for developing climate-resilient and pest-resistant pulse varieties.

○        Collaboration with ICAR and agricultural universities.

6.      Farmer Training

○        Capacity-building programmes to promote adoption of modern and sustainable farming techniques.

Significance

●        Food & Nutritional Security: Pulses are a vital protein source in Indian diets, especially for vegetarians.

●        Import Reduction: Will reduce 15–20% import dependency, saving foreign exchange.

●        Farmer Welfare: MSP assurance ensures stable incomes and reduces market risks.

●        Value Chain Development: Strengthens processing, storage, and marketing infrastructure.

●    Resilience: Promotes climate-smart and sustainable agriculture practices.

India–European Free Trade Association (EFTA) Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA)

●        The India–European Free Trade Association (EFTA) Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) will come into effect from 1st October 2025.

●        It is India’s first Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with four developed European nations.

●        Promises $100 billion investments and creation of 1 million jobs in the next 15 years.

 

About TEPA

●        What it is:

1.      A comprehensive FTA linking trade, investment, and job creation commitments.

2.      First FTA where India secured investment and employment guarantees alongside market access.

●        Signed on:

1.      10th March 2024, New Delhi.

2.      To be operational from 1st October 2025.

●        Countries Involved (EFTA members):

1.      Switzerland – largest EFTA trade partner of India.

2.      Norway

3.      Iceland

4.      Liechtenstein

Aim

●        Attract $100 billion FDI over 15 years.

●        Generate 1 million direct jobs in India’s manufacturing and services sectors.

●        Expand market access for Indian goods and services.

●        Promote sustainable development, skills, and technology transfer.

Key Features of TEPA

1.      Investment & Employment

○        EFTA to mobilize $100 billion FDI in India within 15 years.

○        Expected to create 1 million direct jobs, especially in manufacturing, IT, and services.

2.      Market Access for Goods

○        EFTA to provide zero-duty access on 92.2% of tariff lines (covering 99.6% of India’s exports).

○        Benefits for sectors like textiles, pharmaceuticals, gems & jewellery, IT hardware.

3.      Services & Mobility

○        Commitments in 100+ sub-sectors (IT, education, audio-visual, professional & business services).

○        Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs) in nursing, architecture, and accountancy.

○        Facilitates:

■        Mode 1: Cross-border digital delivery.

■        Mode 3: Commercial presence abroad.

■        Mode 4: Mobility of skilled professionals.

4.      Intellectual Property Rights (IPR)

○        TRIPS+ standards, but with safeguards to protect India’s generic medicine industry.

○        Prevents patent evergreening while supporting innovation.

5.      Sustainable Development

○        Emphasis on green growth, climate cooperation, and social inclusion.

○        Collaboration in renewable energy, precision engineering, health sciences, and clean technologies.

 

Significance

●        Economic Boost: Helps India diversify exports to developed European markets.

●        FDI & Jobs: First FTA to include quantified investment and job commitments, directly linking trade to development.

●        Rupee Diplomacy: Deepens India’s global integration and reduces reliance on protectionist policies.

●        Technology Transfer: Collaboration in green tech and health sciences boosts India’s innovation ecosystem.

●        Strategic Partnership: Strengthens ties with neutral, developed European economies outside the EU.

 

NIA Chargesheet in India–U.S. ‘Dunki Route’ Case

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed a chargesheet against two individuals, Sunny (Himachal Pradesh) and Shubham Sandhal (Delhi), in connection with the alleged illegal human trafficking network from India to the United States via the so-called “dunki route”. The case highlights the deep-rooted problem of irregular migration and its impact on India’s international engagements.

Historical Context of the Dunki Route:

• The “dunki route” refers to irregular migration channels used by Indians to enter Western countries, especially the U.S., Canada, and Europe, via Latin America or the Middle East.
• Punjab, Gujarat, and Haryana have historically been hubs of emigration, driven by aspirations for better opportunities abroad.
• Over the years, several tragic incidents have been reported, including deaths during perilous jungle crossings in Latin America or detentions at U.S. borders.
  
  

Impact on India–U.S. Relations:

• Bilateral Concern: The U.S. has repeatedly flagged irregular Indian migration as a concern, given the rising number of Indians attempting to cross illegally via Mexico.
• Cooperation Mechanism: This has led to greater Indo–U.S. cooperation on migration and security issues, including intelligence sharing and stricter visa vetting processes.
• Diplomatic Sensitivity: While the U.S. values India’s role as a strategic partner, such incidents complicate negotiations on mobility, skilled migration, and student visas, which are key agenda points in bilateral relations.
• Domestic Impact: It also puts pressure on Indian authorities to crack down on trafficking networks, strengthen border controls, and regulate recruitment/travel agents.
  
  

The chargesheet in the dunki route case reflects India’s commitment to addressing human trafficking and irregular migration. While it underlines the vulnerabilities exploited by syndicates, it also has implications for India–U.S. migration dialogues, pushing both nations to deepen cooperation on safe, legal, and orderly migration pathways.

India–Russia 23rd Annual Summit: Oil Imports in Focus

Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to visit India on December 5, 2025 for the 23rd annual India–Russia summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This will be Putin’s first visit since the Ukraine invasion in February 2022, making it geopolitically significant.

Key Issues on the Agenda

Energy Trade:

• India’s Russian oil imports dipped 16% in September 2025 (1.61 million barrels/day).
• Pressure from U.S. penalty tariffs (25%) and EU sanctions has raised questions on whether India will diversify its oil basket.
• India maintains its stance of buying based on market interests and energy security.
  
  

Strategic & Defence Cooperation:

• Defence purchases remain crucial despite Western sanctions.
• Strategic partnerships in nuclear energy, space, and connectivity (INSTC, Chennai–Vladivostok corridor) may see renewed focus.
  
  

Trade & Economy:

• Discussions on a possible India–Eurasian Economic Union Free Trade Agreement.
• Boosting agricultural and fertilizer trade (highlighted during Russian Deputy PM Dmitry Patrushev’s recent Delhi visit).
  
  

Ukraine War Diplomacy:

India continues to call for dialogue and diplomacy, walking a fine line between Russia (strategic partner) and the West (economic and strategic partner).

 

 

Historical Context

• India had earlier cut oil imports from Iran and Venezuela in 2018 under U.S. sanctions pressure.
• Since 2022, India has emerged as the largest buyer of discounted Russian crude, often refining and re-exporting it.
• Russia is currently India’s top oil supplier, accounting for nearly a third of India’s oil basket.
  
  

Geopolitical Implications

• India–Russia Relations: The summit signals continuity of the “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership” despite global pressure.
• India–U.S. Angle: Washington has raised concerns, linking Russian oil imports with sanctions, but India has resisted, citing energy security.
• Global Energy Politics: Rising OPEC+ production may provide India more flexibility in diversifying away from Russian oil if needed.

The upcoming India–Russia summit will test New Delhi’s balancing act between energy pragmatism and strategic autonomy. Oil trade remains at the heart of this equation, shaping not just bilateral ties but also India’s relations with the U.S. and EU in the evolving multipolar world order.

Increase in the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for wheat

The Union Cabinet has approved a 6.59% increase in the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for wheat, raising it from ₹2,425 per quintal in 2025–26 to ₹2,585 per quintal for the 2026–27 marketing year. This announcement comes ahead of the rabi sowing season and amid the government’s ambitious target of achieving 119 million tonnes of wheat production.

Minimum Support Price (MSP) — Definition & Framework

Definition

• MSP is the price at which the government guarantees to purchase crops from farmers, ensuring a minimum income irrespective of market fluctuations.
• It functions as a safety net to protect farmers against distress sales.

Who Decides MSP?

• CACP (Commission for Agricultural Costs & Prices): Recommends MSPs based on multiple factors.
• Approval: The Union Cabinet (through the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs) finalises the MSP announcements for different crops.
  
  

Criteria for Setting MSP

• Cost of production (inputs, labour, etc.)
• Market demand and supply projections
• Price trends domestically and internationally
• Inter-crop parity (ensuring relative return across crops)
• Impact on inflation, food security, and consumers
  
  

Significance of the Latest Wheat MSP Hike

• Given wheat is a major rabi crop, the hike helps boost confidence among farmers during the sowing season (starting late October).
• Enhances incentive for cultivation, needed to meet the 119 million tonne production target.
• Helps secure procurement buffer stocks for the PDS (Public Distribution System) and other food security schemes.
• Signals the government’s commitment to maintaining farmer incomes and supporting agricultural stability.
  
  

Challenges & Policy Considerations

• Procurement Inequity: Only a few states (Punjab, Haryana, parts of Uttar Pradesh) benefit from robust procurement mechanisms; many farmers elsewhere may find it hard to get MSP.
• Crop Diversification: Heavy emphasis on MSP for wheat (and rice) may disincentivize diversification to other crops, stressing water resources.
• Fiscal Burden: Increased procurement, storage, and subsidy costs burden the exchequer.
• Market Linkage Gaps: Without proper market reach, many farmers still sell below MSP.
• Sustainability: Long-term reliance on MSP could reduce incentives for productivity improvements.

Taliban Foreign Minister to Visit India

Amir Khan Muttaqi, the “Foreign Minister” of the Taliban administration in Afghanistan, is scheduled to visit India on October 10, 2025. This marks the first high-level Taliban visit to India since the group seized power in August 2021. The visit comes after the UN Security Council’s sanctions committee granted a temporary exemption for his travel.

Key Focus Areas

• Development Assistance: Afghanistan faces acute shortages of essential medicines, food grains, and agricultural inputs; India has been providing humanitarian aid, including wheat and medical supplies.
• Diplomatic Sensitivities: India has not given de jure recognition to the Taliban regime, keeping engagement limited to humanitarian and security concerns.
• Human Rights Concerns: Women’s rights, particularly access to education and employment, remain a major hurdle in normalizing ties.
• Strategic Angle: India seeks to maintain influence in Afghanistan amid growing Chinese and Pakistani involvement.
  
  

India’s Approach to Taliban

• Maintains a pragmatic engagement without formal recognition.
• Operates a technical mission in Kabul from 2022 to oversee humanitarian aid projects.
• Balances between security concerns (terror safe havens, extremism spillover) and strategic necessity (connectivity, regional influence, countering Pakistan).
  
  

Significance

• Could open channels for structured dialogue with the Taliban on aid, connectivity, and counter-terrorism.
• Provides India an opportunity to safeguard its investments (over $3 billion in infrastructure projects) in Afghanistan.
• However, engagement will be watched closely by global powers, especially given the Taliban’s rigid stance on rights issues.