UPSC Daily Current Affairs: 4th September 2025 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly PDF Download

GS2/Polity

Foreigners Tribunal (FT) Can Issue Arrest Warrants

Why in News?

The Union Home Ministry has empowered Foreigners Tribunals (FTs), particularly in Assam, to detain suspected illegal immigrants in designated camps. This authority was previously exercised only through executive orders.

Key Takeaways

• Foreigners Tribunals are quasi-judicial bodies established under the Foreigners (Tribunal) Order, 1964.
• They determine whether an individual is a foreigner or illegal immigrant, particularly regarding border migration issues in Assam.
• About 100 FTs are currently operational in Assam, following the expansion after the NRC-2019.
• New provisions under the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, grant FTs the authority to issue arrest warrants and detain individuals.

Additional Details

• Nature: FTs are established to adjudicate cases involving suspected foreigners, primarily focusing on references from border police and cases of "D" (doubtful) voters flagged by the Election Commission.
• Composition: Each tribunal consists of a maximum of three members, which may include retired judges, advocates, and civil servants with judicial experience.
• Functioning: FTs have the powers of a civil court, including the ability to summon witnesses and examine evidence, with a requirement to resolve cases within 60 days.
• Judicial Authority: Under the new provisions, FTs can now issue arrest warrants, order detentions, and require personal appearances.
• Restrictions on Employment: Foreigners are barred from working in strategic sectors without approval from the Central government.
• Exemptions: Citizens of Nepal, Bhutan, Tibetans, and Sri Lankan Tamils are exempted under a special order issued in 2025.

The new regulations signify a significant shift in the legal framework governing the detention and deportation of illegal immigrants in India, particularly in Assam, where migration issues have been a longstanding concern.

GS2/Governance

National Sports Governance Act 2025 - Towards Transparency and Accountability in Indian Sports

Why in News?

The National Sports Governance Act 2025 was enacted during the Monsoon Session of Parliament to regulate and recognize national sports bodies in India. Its primary focus is to eliminate long-standing issues of mismanagement, political interference, and legal disputes in sports administration, replacing the outdated National Sports Development Code of India with a more comprehensive legal framework.

Key Takeaways

• The Act aims to bring transparency and accountability to sports governance in India.
• It establishes a National Sports Board to recognize national sporting federations.
• Key provisions include governance norms, dispute resolution, and election oversight.

Additional Details

• Historical Context: India was the first Asian nation to participate in the Olympics back in 1900, yet it lacked a dedicated sports governance law until 2025. This void allowed sports federations to be controlled by political figures, leading to issues such as electoral malpractices and domination by non-sportspersons, as noted by the 2014 Parliamentary Standing Committee.
• Global Penalties: Indian sports bodies faced sanctions for misgovernance, including the Wrestling Federation of India being suspended in 2023 for failing to hold timely elections and the All India Football Federation being suspended by FIFA in 2022.
• Governance Framework: The Act empowers the establishment of a National Sports Board to grant recognition to federations, thereby resolving legitimacy disputes. It also mandates the creation of a code of conduct aligned with international best practices.
• Dispute Resolution: A National Sports Tribunal will be set up to handle disputes, streamlining sports-related litigation.
• Election Oversight: The Act establishes a national panel of electoral officers to monitor elections, ensuring compliance and reducing the risk of non-compliant federations being disqualified.

The National Sports Governance Act 2025 represents a significant shift in sports administration in India, promoting an inclusive and transparent governance structure. Its effective implementation is crucial for empowering sportspersons and restoring India's credibility on the global sports stage, thereby enhancing its prospects of hosting prestigious events like the Commonwealth Games and the Olympics.

GS2/Polity

Debate on Exceeding the 50% Reservation Cap in India

Why in News?

The discussion surrounding the 50% reservation cap in India has gained renewed attention due to various petitions and political movements advocating for higher quotas and the sub-categorization of benefits.

Key Takeaways

• The demand for exceeding the 50% cap has resurfaced amidst political and social pressures.
• Recent statements have proposed increased reservations, such as an 85% cap in Bihar.
• Calls for a caste census aim to gather reliable demographic data to inform reservation policies.

Additional Details

• Constitutional Framework: Articles 15 and 16 guarantee equality before the law and equal opportunity in public employment while allowing special provisions for socially and educationally backward classes, including Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs).
• Current reservation percentages at the central level include:
  • OBCs: 27%
  • SCs: 15%
  • STs: 7.5%
  • EWS: 10%
  This totals 59.5%, exceeding the 50% ceiling set by judicial precedents.
• Key Judicial Pronouncements:
  • Balaji v. State of Mysore (1962): Capped reservations at 50% as 'reasonable limits.'
  • State of Kerala v. N.M. Thomas (1975): Advocated for substantive equality, asserting that reservations extend equality.
  • Indra Sawhney v. Union of India (1992): Upheld the 50% ceiling while recognizing OBC reservations.
  • Janhit Abhiyan v. Union of India (2022): Clarified that the 50% limit applies to backward classes and not to economically weaker sections.
  • State of Punjab v. Davinder Singh (2024): Emphasized the need for creamy layer principles for SCs and STs.
• Emerging Issues: The Rohini Commission reported that a disproportionate share of OBC benefits is claimed by a small percentage of castes, prompting calls for sub-categorization.
• Backlog of Vacancies: Significant portions of reserved seats remain unfilled, highlighting systemic recruitment issues.

The challenge lies in balancing the right to equality with the need for social justice. While increasing reservations beyond the 50% cap could undermine meritocracy, data shows that marginalized groups are still underrepresented. Proposed reforms include sub-categorization and enhanced investment in skill development to mitigate reliance on public-sector reservations.

GS2/Governance

India’s Recent Maritime Reforms Need Course Correction

Why in News?

The passage of the Indian Ports Bill, 2025, is a significant milestone in India's maritime governance. This legislative package, which includes the Coastal Shipping Act, 2025, the Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill, 2025, and the Merchant Shipping Act, 2025, aims to modernize India's regulatory framework by replacing outdated provisions with those more aligned to international practices. However, critics argue that these reforms may centralize power, undermine federalism, and impose burdens on smaller operators, potentially hindering their long-term effectiveness.

Key Takeaways

• The Indian Ports Act, 2025, aims to modernize maritime laws that have been in place since the early 20th century.
• Concerns arise regarding the potential centralization of authority and the impact on federalism.
• Dispute resolution changes may discourage private investment due to a lack of judicial oversight.
• There are significant loopholes in ownership regulations that may allow for excessive foreign control.

Additional Details

• Maritime State Development Council: This council, chaired by the Union Minister of Ports, can compel states to adhere to guidelines issued by the central government. Critics view this as undermining cooperative federalism and diminishing state autonomy.
• Judicial Oversight: The law restricts civil courts from hearing port-related disputes, directing them to internal resolution mechanisms, which may compromise impartiality and deter investment.
• Ownership and Control Concerns: The Merchant Shipping Act, 2025, allows for partial foreign ownership of Indian-flagged vessels, raising fears of becoming a flag-of-convenience jurisdiction.
• Burdening Small Operators: The Coastal Shipping Act, 2025, reserves coastal trade for Indian-flagged vessels but empowers the Director General of Shipping to license foreign vessels under vague criteria, potentially disadvantaging smaller players.

In conclusion, while the maritime reform package of 2025 represents a vital update to India's maritime governance, it also introduces new vulnerabilities. The risks of over-centralization and insufficient protections for smaller operators must be addressed to ensure that these reforms facilitate growth while maintaining federal balance and fair competition.

GS2/Polity

UGC Draft UG Curriculums and States’ Objections

Why in News?

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has recently released draft undergraduate curriculums for public feedback. However, states governed by the Opposition, specifically Karnataka and Kerala, have raised significant objections. Both states are now forming expert panels to review the drafts before submitting their official responses. While the UGC has invited nationwide comments, these objections underscore federal concerns regarding curriculum design and its alignment with state educational priorities.

Key Takeaways

• The UGC has proposed a Learning Outcomes-based Curriculum Framework (LOCF) aimed at enhancing higher education.
• Opposition states have criticized the draft curriculums, suggesting they reflect a central imposition of ideology.
• Expert panels are being formed in Karnataka and Kerala to evaluate the drafts before formal feedback is provided.

Additional Details

• Learning Outcomes-based Curriculum Framework (LOCF): This educational model focuses on the outcomes of learning—what students should know, understand, and achieve—rather than merely delivering content.
• Key Components:
  • Graduate Attributes: Essential qualities such as intellectual curiosity, problem-solving skills, ethical conduct, and adaptability expected post-study.
  • Programme Outcomes: Clear learning outcomes for entire degree programs.
  • Course Outcomes: Specific, measurable outcomes for individual courses indicating what students can do upon completion.
• Goals of LOCF:
  • Shift in Focus: Emphasizes active construction and application of knowledge over passive memorization.
  • Student Empowerment: Encourages active learning, positioning teachers as facilitators rather than mere instructors.
  • Skill Development: Aims to build critical 21st-century skills like analytical reasoning and problem-solving.
  • Enhanced Employability: Equips students with relevant knowledge and competencies for the workforce.
  • Holistic Development: Promotes academic knowledge alongside values, ethics, and lifelong learning.

The UGC has released draft LOCFs for nine subjects, including anthropology, chemistry, commerce, and political science, among others. These drafts are aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and envision flexible four-year multidisciplinary undergraduate programs with multiple exit options. Notably, they aim to integrate Indian Knowledge Systems into higher education, blending traditional knowledge with modern education.

Despite the UGC's clarifications that universities retain the autonomy to adapt or redesign modules, the draft curriculum has faced backlash for potentially imposing central government ideologies. With expert reviews underway, the discussions continue to evolve around the UGC's proposed changes and their implications for state education systems.

GS3/Economy

Coconut Development Board (CDB)

Why in News?

The World Coconut Day, celebrated on 2nd September, was recently observed, highlighting the initiatives of the Coconut Development Board (CDB).

Key Takeaways

• The CDB was established on 12 January 1981 as a statutory body under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare.
• India ranks as the third-largest coconut producer, contributing approximately 31.45% of the world's coconut output.

Additional Details

• Headquarters: The CDB's headquarters is located in Kochi, Kerala, with regional offices in Bengaluru, Chennai, Guwahati, and Patna.
• Mandate: The board focuses on the integrated development of coconut production and utilization, emphasizing productivity, processing, and diversification of products.
• Functions:
  • Providing technical advice and financial support to farmers and processors.
  • Promoting modern technology adoption and value addition.
  • Implementing pricing and marketing measures, along with export promotion.
• Welfare Schemes: CDB runs programs like the Coconut Palm Insurance Mission and Kera Suraksha aimed at supporting farmers.

Production and Economic Impact

• Production (2023-24): India produced 153.29 lakh MT of coconuts from an area of 23.33 lakh hectares, achieving an average productivity of 9,871 nuts/ha.
• Leading States: Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh together account for around 90% of India's coconut production.
• Economic Value: The coconut sector contributed approximately ₹27,199.5 crore to the Gross Value of Output (GVO) and ₹30,795.6 crore to GDP in 2022-23.
• Exports: India exported coconut products worth approximately ₹3,554.23 crore (US $452 million), including copra, oil, coir, activated carbon, and value-added foods.
• Employment Impact: The sector supports over 12 million livelihoods and includes over 15,000 coir industries employing nearly 6 lakh workers.

Related Question

With reference to the “Tea Board” in India, consider the following statements:

• 1. The Tea Board is a statutory body.
• 2. It is a regulatory body attached to the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
• 3. The Tea Board’s Head Office is situated in Bengaluru.
• 4. The Board has overseas offices at Dubai and Moscow.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

• Options: (a) 1 and 3 (b) 2 and 4 (c) 3 and 4 (d) 1 and 4*

This information highlights the significance of the Coconut Development Board in promoting coconut farming and its economic contributions to India.

GS2/Governance

Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS)

Why in News?

The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has recently held a national workshop focused on the e-SAKSHI web portal and mobile application, which are designed for the Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS).

Key Takeaways

• MPLADS is a Central Sector Scheme initiated in 1993 to enable MPs to propose developmental projects in their constituencies.
• The scheme is aimed at creating durable community assets that meet local needs.
• Each MP is allocated ₹5 crore annually, disbursed in two instalments.

Additional Details

• Administration: Initially overseen by the Ministry of Rural Development, since 1994 it has been managed by state-level nodal departments that supervise project implementation.
• Funding: Each MP receives ₹5 crore per year, which is distributed in two instalments of ₹2.5 crore each. These funds are non-lapsable, allowing any unutilized amount to be carried forward to the next year.
• Targeted Allocation: A minimum of 15% of the funds must benefit Scheduled Castes (SCs) and 7.5% for Scheduled Tribes (STs).
• Special Provisions: Up to ₹25 lakh can be allocated for national unity projects outside the constituency, and ₹1 crore can be used during natural calamities.
• Eligible Projects: Funds can be used for creating durable community assets such as libraries, ambulances, sanitation facilities, etc. They can also be integrated with schemes like MGNREGS and Khelo India for asset creation.
• Transparency Measures: A plaque displaying the MP's name and project details must be placed at project sites, and project information is available through district offices and the MPLADS website.
• Monitoring & Audit: District authorities are required to inspect at least 10% of projects each year, with funds subject to audits by statutory auditors.
• e-SAKSHI platform: This digital platform allows MPs to recommend, monitor, and track MPLADS projects, enhancing transparency and accountability.

In summary, MPLADS is a crucial initiative enabling MPs to facilitate development in their constituencies, ensuring that funds are used effectively and transparently to benefit local communities.

With reference to the funds under Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS), which of the following statements are correct?

• 1. MPLADS funds must be used to create durable assets like physical infrastructure for health, education, etc.
• 2. A specified portion of each MP's fund must benefit SC/ST populations.
• 3. MPLADS funds are sanctioned on a yearly basis and the unused funds cannot be carried forward to the next year.
• 4. The district authority must inspect at least 10% of all works under implementation every year.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

• Options: (a) 1 and 2 only
• (b) 3 and 4 only
• (c) 1, 2 and 3 only
• (d) 1, 2 and 4 only

GS3/Environment

Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdictions (BBNJ) Agreement

Why in News?

The Ministry of Earth Sciences has established a 12-member committee, chaired by SC lawyer Sanjay Upadhyay, tasked with drafting a national law to protect India's maritime and economic interests in accordance with the 2023 High Seas Treaty, known as the BBNJ Agreement.

Key Takeaways

• The BBNJ Agreement is an international treaty under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
• It aims for the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in international waters, which cover approximately 64% of the world’s oceans.

Additional Details

• Scope of Provisions:
  • Establishment of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in the high seas.
  • Regulation of seabed mining and other extractive activities.
  • Ensuring fair and equitable sharing of benefits from marine genetic resources.
  • Mandatory environmental impact assessments (EIAs) prior to major projects.
  • Utilization of both scientific and traditional knowledge, guided by the precautionary principle.
• Relation to UNCLOS:This agreement will be the third implementing agreement of UNCLOS, alongside:
  • 1994 Part XI Implementation Agreement: Focused on seabed mineral resources.
  • 1995 UN Fish Stocks Agreement: Concerned with the conservation of migratory fish stocks.
• Adoption & Status:
  • Agreed upon in March 2023, it will be open for signature for two years starting from September 2023.
  • It will enter into force 120 days after the 60th ratification (currently ratified by 55 countries).

In connection with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, consider the following statements:

1. A coastal state has the right to establish the breadth of its territorial sea up to a limit not exceeding 12 nautical miles, measured from the baseline determined in accordance with the convention.

2. Ships of all states, whether coastal or land-locked, enjoy the right of innocent passage through the territorial sea.

3. The Exclusive Economic Zone shall not extend beyond 200 nautical miles from the baseline from which the breadth of the territorial sea is measured.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

Options: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3*

GS3/Economy

GST 2.0 Unveiled

Why in News?

The 56th meeting of the GST Council has introduced significant next-generation reforms, transitioning towards a simplified two-slab tax structure of 5% and 18%. A higher demerit rate of 40% will be applied only to super luxury, sin, and demerit goods, thereby streamlining India's eight-year-old indirect tax regime.

Key Takeaways

• The GST reforms aim to lessen the tax burden on the common populace.
• Rate changes, except for tobacco-related products, will be effective from September 22, coinciding with the first day of Navratri.
• Despite concerns from states regarding potential revenue loss, consensus was reached in a single-day meeting led by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

Additional Details

• Aim of GST Reforms: The reforms are designed to cut tax slabs, alleviate working capital issues, and enhance business efficiency through automated processes.
• Key Highlights: Prime Minister Modi praised the reforms as beneficial for farmers, MSMEs, middle-class families, women, and youth.
• Focus on Common-Use Goods and Services: Major relief has been provided on daily-use items, with significant tax reductions on packaged foods and medical supplies.
• Tax Cuts on White Goods and Automobiles: GST on items like air conditioners and small cars has been significantly reduced from 28% to 18%.
• Insurance and Services: Life and health insurance policies have been exempted from GST, benefiting households directly.
• Rationalisation of GST Slabs: The Council has simplified the tax structure by replacing multiple slabs with a two-slab system.
• Financial Impact and States’ Concerns: States expressed concerns about potential revenue losses, estimated between ₹80,000 crore to ₹1.5 lakh crore, yet a consensus was achieved.

The reforms are anticipated to boost demand, ease compliance, and support job creation across various sectors. The modifications in the tax structure aim to enhance affordability for consumers, particularly in essential goods and services, while addressing long-standing anomalies in the GST framework.

GS2/Polity

Concealing a Judge’s Dissent, Eroding Judiciary’s Authority

Why in News?

The recent controversy surrounding Justice B.V. Nagarathna's dissent regarding the elevation of Justice Vipul M. Pancholi has raised significant concerns about the transparency and accountability of India's judicial appointment process, specifically the Collegium system.

Key Takeaways

• The Collegium system lacks transparency, with appointments made behind closed doors.
• Justice Nagarathna's dissent highlights the opacity and democratic deficit within the judicial appointment process.
• Secrecy in judicial appointments undermines the legitimacy and authority of the judiciary.

Additional Details

• Collegium System: Established through the Second Judges Case (1993) and the Third Judges Case (1998), this system gives the power of judicial appointments to the five senior-most judges of the Supreme Court. However, its deliberations are not publicly disclosed, leading to a lack of accountability.
• Despite the judiciary's defense of secrecy by citing candidate protection and political pressure, other democracies have shown that transparency can coexist with fairness.
• The absence of justification for appointments and hidden dissents erodes public trust and the judiciary’s moral authority.

To protect its legitimacy, the judiciary must reform the Collegium system to embrace transparency. By doing so, it can strengthen public confidence and uphold the democratic principle that all power must be justified.