UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 4 September 2025
Kartavya Desk Staff
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 4 September 2025 covers important current affairs of the day, their backward linkages, their relevance for Prelims exam and MCQs on main articles
InstaLinks : Insta Links help you think beyond the current affairs issue and help you think multidimensionally to develop depth in your understanding of these issues. These linkages provided in this ‘hint’ format help you frame possible questions in your mind that might arise(or an examiner might imagine) from each current event. InstaLinks also connect every issue to their static or theoretical background.
Table of Contents
GS Paper 2 : (UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 4 September (2025)
• Should India Raise Reservation Beyond 50%?
Should India Raise Reservation Beyond 50%?
GS Paper 3:
• Growing Challenges on India’s Export Front
Growing Challenges on India’s Export Front
Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):
• Corporatisation of the Ordnance Factory Board (OFB)
Corporatisation of the Ordnance Factory Board (OFB)
Facts for Prelims (FFP):
• Cabinet clears ₹1,500 cr scheme to promote critical mineral recycling
Cabinet clears ₹1,500 cr scheme to promote critical mineral recycling
• Self-Respect Movement
Self-Respect Movement
• Majorana Particles
Majorana Particles
• GST Council Approves 2-Slab Structure
GST Council Approves 2-Slab Structure
• Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary
Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary
Mapping:
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 4 September 2025
#### GS Paper 2:
Should India Raise Reservation Beyond 50%?
Syllabus: Polity
Source: TH
Context: The debate over whether reservations should exceed the 50% cap has resurfaced after political demands for higher quotas and the Supreme Court’s notice to the Centre on extending the ‘creamy layer’ principle to SCs and STs.
About Should India Raise Reservation Beyond 50%?
History and Origin of the 50% Reservation Cap
• Constituent Assembly Debates (1946-49): Dr. B.R. Ambedkar emphasised that reservations must remain limited to ensure that the right to equality of opportunity is preserved for all citizens. He viewed affirmative action as temporary correctives to historic injustices, not permanent privileges.
• Dr. B.R. Ambedkar emphasised that reservations must remain limited to ensure that the right to equality of opportunity is preserved for all citizens.
• He viewed affirmative action as temporary correctives to historic injustices, not permanent privileges.
• Balaji v. State of Mysore (1962): The Supreme Court held that while Articles 15(4) and 16(4) permit reservations, they must be “reasonable” and should not annihilate the principle of equality. It suggested that 50% is a fair limit, marking the first judicial articulation of a ceiling.
• The Supreme Court held that while Articles 15(4) and 16(4) permit reservations, they must be “reasonable” and should not annihilate the principle of equality.
• It suggested that 50% is a fair limit, marking the first judicial articulation of a ceiling.
• State of Kerala v. N.M. Thomas (1975): Court expanded the interpretation by recognising substantive equality. While it did not directly address the 50% cap, it suggested that reservations are not exceptions but extensions of equality.
• Court expanded the interpretation by recognising substantive equality.
• While it did not directly address the 50% cap, it suggested that reservations are not exceptions but extensions of equality.
• Indra Sawhney v. Union of India (1992): A nine-judge Bench upheld 27% OBC quota while firmly capping total reservations at 50%, unless extraordinary circumstances exist. Introduced the creamy layer principle for OBCs, excluding the advanced sections.
• A nine-judge Bench upheld 27% OBC quota while firmly capping total reservations at 50%, unless extraordinary circumstances exist.
• Introduced the creamy layer principle for OBCs, excluding the advanced sections.
• Recent Developments: Janhit Abhiyan v. Union of India (2022): Court upheld 10% EWS reservation for upper-caste poor, ruling that the 50% ceiling applies only to social and educational backward class reservations, not to economic criteria. This effectively breached the 50% barrier at the central level.
• Janhit Abhiyan v. Union of India (2022): Court upheld 10% EWS reservation for upper-caste poor, ruling that the 50% ceiling applies only to social and educational backward class reservations, not to economic criteria.
• This effectively breached the 50% barrier at the central level.
Formal vs Substantive Equality
• Formal Equality: Treats everyone the same under the law. Assumes a level playing field already exists. Example: Reservation as a “departure” from equality, hence capped at 50%.
• Treats everyone the same under the law.
• Assumes a level playing field already exists.
• Example: Reservation as a “departure” from equality, hence capped at 50%.
• Substantive Equality: Recognises that certain groups have faced historic and structural disadvantages. Reservations are not exceptions but tools to realise real equality. Example: N.M. Thomas judgment viewing reservations as assertions of equality.
• Recognises that certain groups have faced historic and structural disadvantages.
• Reservations are not exceptions but tools to realise real equality.
• Example: N.M. Thomas judgment viewing reservations as assertions of equality.
• Thus, the cap reflects formal equality, but the demand to exceed it stems from the logic of substantive equality.
Should Reservation Exceed the 50% Cap?
Yes, it should increase beyond 50%:
• Demographic Reality: Backward classes constitute well over 60% of India’s population (Mandal Commission estimates & state surveys), while the current 50% ceiling restricts their proportional representation.
• Growing Political Demands: Parties like in Bihar have proposed raising quotas to 85%, reflecting social pressures for fairer share based on population.
• Unequal Benefits: Rohini Commission (2017–23) found that 97% of OBC benefits are cornered by 25% sub-castes, while ~1,000 OBC castes had zero representation. Higher quotas with sub-categorisation could correct this imbalance.
• Substantive Equality: The N.M. Thomas case (1975) highlighted that reservations are not exceptions but continuations of equality, meaning numerical limits shouldn’t undermine social justice.
• State Practice: States like Tamil Nadu, Haryana, Maharashtra have already legislated beyond 50%, showing that social realities often demand breaching the cap.
No, it should not increase beyond 50%:
• Judicial Precedent: The Supreme Court in Indra Sawhney (1992) reaffirmed the 50% ceiling to maintain a balance between merit and social justice, allowing exceptions only in “extraordinary circumstances.”
• Vacant Seats: Government data shows 40–50% of reserved vacancies remain unfilled in the central government, proving that raising the percentage won’t help unless implementation improves.
• Creamy Layer Problem: Even within OBCs, the creamy layer was excluded; judges in Davinder Singh (2024) urged the same for SCs/STs. Expanding reservations without addressing this will only widen intra-caste inequalities.
• Risk to Efficiency: Critics argue that excessive quotas risk compromising administrative and institutional efficiency, especially if merit is sidelined.
• Alternative Focus Needed: Rather than expanding quotas, reforms like caste census, sub-categorisation (Rohini Commission), and filling backlog vacancies would ensure more equitable benefits.
Way Ahead:
• Empirical Foundations: Conduct a Caste Census (2027) to provide accurate data for rational reservation policy.
• Conduct a Caste Census (2027) to provide accurate data for rational reservation policy.
• Sub-Categorisation: Implement Rohini Commission recommendations to distribute OBC quota equitably. Consider two-tier system for SCs/STs, prioritising the most marginalised.
• Implement Rohini Commission recommendations to distribute OBC quota equitably.
• Consider two-tier system for SCs/STs, prioritising the most marginalised.
• Dynamic Cap, Not Fixed: Re-examine the 50% ceiling in light of demographic realities. Allow flexibility for States with exceptional backward class proportions.
• Re-examine the 50% ceiling in light of demographic realities.
• Allow flexibility for States with exceptional backward class proportions.
• Beyond Quotas: Focus on education, skill development, entrepreneurship, and private sector diversity. Strengthen economic uplift schemes alongside caste quotas.
• Focus on education, skill development, entrepreneurship, and private sector diversity.
• Strengthen economic uplift schemes alongside caste quotas.
• Balance Equity with Efficiency: Reservation should remain a tool of empowerment, not permanent entitlements. Ensure that meritocracy and social justice go hand in hand.
• Reservation should remain a tool of empowerment, not permanent entitlements.
• Ensure that meritocracy and social justice go hand in hand.
Conclusion:
The 50% reservation cap is a judicial limit, not a constitutional mandate. While aimed at balance and efficiency, evolving social realities call for a flexible, data-driven approach with caste census, sub-categorisation, and economic empowerment, ensuring reservations remain a tool of justice for the most marginalised rather than a political instrument.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 4 September 2025 GS Paper 3:
Growing Challenges on India’s Export Front
Syllabus: Economy
Source: EPW
Context: India’s merchandise exports face major challenges as the US imposed a 50% tariff on a substantial share of exports, threatening stagnation in its largest market (≈20% share). This comes at a time when India’s global export share has stagnated despite earlier gains.
About Growing Challenges on India’s Export Front:
Historical Trends in India’s Export Competitiveness:
• Early Gains (1990s–2010): Exports as a % of GDP rose from 7.1% in 1990 to 20.4% in 2010. Both merchandise and services contributed, supported by globalisation and reforms.
• Exports as a % of GDP rose from 7.1% in 1990 to 20.4% in 2010.
• Both merchandise and services contributed, supported by globalisation and reforms.
• Reversal and Stagnation (2010–2024): Share fell to 17.7% by 2020, recovering marginally to 21.2% in 2024, almost at 2016 levels. India’s global merchandise share rose from 0.51% (1990) to 1.81% (2024) — most gains front-loaded in the first two decades.
• Share fell to 17.7% by 2020, recovering marginally to 21.2% in 2024, almost at 2016 levels.
• India’s global merchandise share rose from 0.51% (1990) to 1.81% (2024) — most gains front-loaded in the first two decades.
• Sectoral Performance: Agriculture: rose from 0.85% (1990) → 2.22% (2024). Fuel & Mining: sharp jump, 0.32% → 2.62% (led by petroleum). Manufacturing: tripled to 1.73%, still lagging; textiles (5.77%), pharma (2.56%) and steel (2.64%) remain bright spots.
• Agriculture: rose from 0.85% (1990) → 2.22% (2024).
• Fuel & Mining: sharp jump, 0.32% → 2.62% (led by petroleum).
• Manufacturing: tripled to 1.73%, still lagging; textiles (5.77%), pharma (2.56%) and steel (2.64%) remain bright spots.
• Services Outperforming Goods: Share of global services exports: 2.9% (2010) → 4.2% (2024). IT-BPM, telecom, business services dominate; other services remain weak.
• Share of global services exports: 2.9% (2010) → 4.2% (2024).
• IT-BPM, telecom, business services dominate; other services remain weak.
Structural Challenges:
• Tariff Shock from US: 50% tariffs weaponise trade, undermining WTO norms. Will likely depress India’s most buoyant market, compounding global slowdown effects.
• 50% tariffs weaponise trade, undermining WTO norms.
• Will likely depress India’s most buoyant market, compounding global slowdown effects.
• Competitiveness Erosion: Declining merchandise share indicates structural inefficiencies. Rising costs, poor logistics, regulatory complexity constrain exports.
• Declining merchandise share indicates structural inefficiencies.
• Rising costs, poor logistics, regulatory complexity constrain exports.
• Over-Dependence on Services: Services exports share is double that of goods. Narrow base: IT/ITES dominate; construction, telecom and business services contribute ≈40%.
• Services exports share is double that of goods.
• Narrow base: IT/ITES dominate; construction, telecom and business services contribute ≈40%.
• Narrow Manufacturing Depth: Few competitive sub-sectors (textiles, pharma, steel, chemicals, telecom equipment). Most high-value industries (electronics, precision machinery, advanced materials) remain underrepresented.
• Few competitive sub-sectors (textiles, pharma, steel, chemicals, telecom equipment).
• Most high-value industries (electronics, precision machinery, advanced materials) remain underrepresented.
• Global Headwinds: Protectionism, tariff & non-tariff barriers, reshoring/nearshoring trends. WTO’s weakened dispute settlement reduces recourse for India.
• Protectionism, tariff & non-tariff barriers, reshoring/nearshoring trends.
• WTO’s weakened dispute settlement reduces recourse for India.
Initiative taken so far:
• Export Promotion Mission (EPM): Flagship 2025 initiative with sector-specific programs like Niryat Protsahan (easy credit for exporters) and Niryat Disha (market access, branding, logistics).
• RoDTEP Scheme: Refunds hidden central, state, and local taxes on exports; expanded in 2025 to cover steel, pharma, and chemicals, including DTA units.
• Simplified EPCG Scheme: Allows duty-free import of capital goods for export production; 2025 reforms eased compliance, deadlines, and fees for struggling sectors.
• BHARATI Initiative for Agri-Food Exports: APEDA’s 2025 program to incubate 100 agri-food startups, integrating AI quality checks and blockchain traceability for export readiness.
• E-Commerce Export Hubs: Creates hubs with warehousing, customs clearance, and logistics support; higher courier export threshold benefits MSMEs and small sellers.
Implications:
• Economic Growth: Export stagnation will drag GDP, already heavily reliant on domestic demand.
• Employment: Weak manufacturing exports stall job creation in labour-intensive industries (textiles, leather, light engineering).
• Balance of Payments: Rising import bills (energy, electronics) without robust exports threaten external stability.
• Geopolitical Leverage: Shrinking trade share weakens India’s bargaining power in global trade negotiations.
Way Forward:
• Strengthen Competitiveness of Manufacturing: Improve logistics (reduce cost from 13–14% of GDP to global benchmark 8%). Ease compliance, integrate into global value chains (GVCs). Focus on electronics, EVs, green tech, semiconductors.
• Improve logistics (reduce cost from 13–14% of GDP to global benchmark 8%).
• Ease compliance, integrate into global value chains (GVCs).
• Focus on electronics, EVs, green tech, semiconductors.
• Diversify Export Markets: Reduce dependence on US/EU by expanding to Africa, Latin America, ASEAN. Leverage FTAs (UAE, Australia, UK under negotiation).
• Reduce dependence on US/EU by expanding to Africa, Latin America, ASEAN.
• Leverage FTAs (UAE, Australia, UK under negotiation).
• Deepen Services Diversification: Beyond IT, strengthen healthcare, tourism, education, financial services, creative industries.
• Beyond IT, strengthen healthcare, tourism, education, financial services, creative industries.
• Policy & Institutional Support: WTO reform advocacy; parallel bilateral/multilateral pacts. Incentivise R&D, quality upgradation for MSME exporters.
• WTO reform advocacy; parallel bilateral/multilateral pacts.
• Incentivise R&D, quality upgradation for MSME exporters.
• Agriculture & Fuels: Enhance agro-processing exports, value addition in petrochemicals. Move from raw commodities to branded, processed products.
• Enhance agro-processing exports, value addition in petrochemicals.
• Move from raw commodities to branded, processed products.
Conclusion:
India’s exports face weak merchandise growth and falling global share, showing both external shocks and domestic competitiveness loss. Strengthening manufacturing, diversifying markets, and expanding services are key to regaining export momentum.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 4 September 2025 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)
Corporatisation of the Ordnance Factory Board (OFB)
Context: India’s ordnance factories have posted record export orders of ₹3,500 crore in FY25, the highest ever since corporatisation.
About Corporatisation of the Ordnance Factory Board (OFB):
• What it is?
• In October 2021, the government reorganised 41 Ordnance Factory Board units into seven Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs)
• In October 2021, the government reorganised 41 Ordnance Factory Board units into seven Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs)
• Outcome:
• Financial turnaround: from ₹2,844 crore cumulative loss (2019-20) → ₹625 crore profit (2022-23 & 2024-25). Exports surged from ₹81 crore in 2019-20 → ₹3,500 crore in 2024-25. MIL emerged as the top performer; three DPSUs (MIL, AVNL, IOL) granted Miniratna Category-I status.
• Financial turnaround: from ₹2,844 crore cumulative loss (2019-20) → ₹625 crore profit (2022-23 & 2024-25).
• Exports surged from ₹81 crore in 2019-20 → ₹3,500 crore in 2024-25.
• MIL emerged as the top performer; three DPSUs (MIL, AVNL, IOL) granted Miniratna Category-I status.
• Significance:
• Enhances self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat) in defence production. Boosts Make in India and defence exports. Improves efficiency, competitiveness, and R&D investments. Reduces dependence on imports and supports strategic autonomy.
• Enhances self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat) in defence production.
• Boosts Make in India and defence exports.
• Improves efficiency, competitiveness, and R&D investments.
• Reduces dependence on imports and supports strategic autonomy.
Relevance in UPSC Exam Syllabus:
• GS-II (Polity & Governance): Role of PSUs in governance reforms and efficiency. Corporatisation as an alternative to privatisation.
• Role of PSUs in governance reforms and efficiency.
• Corporatisation as an alternative to privatisation.
• GS-III (Internal Security & Economy): Self-reliance in defence sector; indigenisation of technology. Defence exports as a tool of diplomacy and strategic autonomy. Public sector reforms & their impact on economic growth.
• Self-reliance in defence sector; indigenisation of technology.
• Defence exports as a tool of diplomacy and strategic autonomy.
• Public sector reforms & their impact on economic growth.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 4 September 2025 Facts for Prelims (FFP):
Cabinet clears ₹1,500 cr scheme to promote critical mineral recycling
Source: BS
Context: The Union Cabinet has approved a ₹1,500 crore scheme under the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) to promote recycling of e-waste, lithium-ion batteries, and catalytic converters for recovery of critical minerals.
About Cabinet clears ₹1,500 cr scheme to promote critical mineral recycling:
What it is?
• A government incentive scheme worth ₹1,500 crore to promote recycling of e-waste and battery waste for recovery of critical minerals.
• It will serve as a near-term solution until mining and exploration projects begin to yield results.
Launched under: National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM).
Ministry: Ministry of Mines.
• To strengthen India’s supply chain resilience for critical minerals.
• To create a domestic recycling ecosystem for securing raw materials needed for clean energy, EVs, and electronics industries.
Features:
• Duration: Six years (2025-26 to 2030-31).
• Eligible feedstock: e-waste, lithium-ion battery scrap, catalytic converters from end-of-life vehicles.
• Beneficiaries: Both large recyclers and startups; 1/3rd of financial outlay earmarked for small/new recyclers.
• Incentives: 20% capital subsidy on plant, machinery, and utilities. Operating expense subsidy linked to incremental sales over the base year. Subsidy disbursal in two parts: 40% (2nd year) + 60% (5th year).
• 20% capital subsidy on plant, machinery, and utilities.
• Operating expense subsidy linked to incremental sales over the base year.
• Subsidy disbursal in two parts: 40% (2nd year) + 60% (5th year).
• Cap: Large units – ₹50 crore (₹10 crore for OPEX). Small units – ₹25 crore (₹5 crore for OPEX).
• Large units – ₹50 crore (₹10 crore for OPEX).
• Small units – ₹25 crore (₹5 crore for OPEX).
• Support for new units as well as expansion, modernization, and diversification of existing ones.
Significance:
• Expected to create 270 kilo tons annual recycling capacity.
• Yield ~40 kilo tons of critical minerals annually.
• Attract ₹8,000 crore investment.
• Generate ~70,000 jobs (direct + indirect).
Self-Respect Movement
Source: TH
Context: This year (2025) marks 100 years of the Self-Respect Movement launched in Tamil Nadu in 1925 by Periyar E.V. Ramasamy.
About Self-Respect Movement:
What it is?
• A radical social reform movement against caste oppression, patriarchy, and religious orthodoxy.
• Emphasised rationalism, equality, and dignity of individuals over ritualism and hierarchy.
Launched in:
• 1925, Tamil Nadu, through the Tamil weekly Kudi Arasu (Republic).
Leaders:
• E.V. Ramasamy (Periyar) – founder and chief ideologue.
• Influenced by earlier reformers like Iyothee Thass, Jyotirao Phule, and B.R. Ambedkar.
• Supported initially by the Justice Party, later evolved into the Dravidar Kazhagam.
• To eradicate caste hierarchy and Brahmanical dominance.
• Promote self-respect, social equality, and gender justice.
• Shift focus of reform from elite non-Brahmins to the common masses.
Features:
• Promotion of self-respect marriages (without priests, caste rituals).
• Advocacy for women’s rights: widow remarriage, right to divorce, property rights, abortion rights.
• Encouraged inter-caste marriages and gender equality.
• Strong critique of religion, superstition, and patriarchy.
• Rejection of Congress’s “religion-tinted nationalism” and Gandhian orthodoxy.
• Emphasis on Dravidian identity and rationalist thought.
Importance:
• Gave non-Brahmin masses a sense of dignity and political consciousness.
• Laid foundation for Dravidian politics and welfare-oriented governance in Tamil Nadu.
Majorana Particles
Source: TH
Context: Scientists are exploring Majorana particles as building blocks for stable quantum computers, since their unique properties could solve the persistent problem of qubit decoherence.
• Recent condensed-matter experiments in superconducting nanowires have shown signals consistent with Majorana modes.
About Majorana Particles:
What it is?
• A hypothetical particle that is its own antiparticle.
• Unlike electrons or protons, which annihilate with their antimatter counterparts, Majoranas are perfectly symmetric.
Discovered by:
• Proposed in 1937 by Italian physicist Ettore Majorana.
• First suggested in theoretical particle physics; later explored in condensed matter systems as quasiparticles.
Characteristics:
• Self-mirror nature: A Majorana particle is its own antiparticle. Unlike an electron (matter) and positron (antimatter), there’s no distinction.
• No annihilation with itself: If two Majoranas meet, they don’t destroy each other, unlike normal matter-antimatter pairs.
• Neutral in charge: They don’t carry electric charge, which makes them harder to detect directly.
• Appear in special materials: In labs, they show up as quasiparticles inside superconductors at extremely low temperatures, not as free particles in nature.
• Come in pairs: They usually exist in two separate halves. Together they form one quantum state, but each half is stored far apart, giving them natural error resistance.
• Exotic quantum behavior: They belong to a rare category called non-Abelian anyons. When you swap or “braid” them, the overall quantum state changes in a unique, predictable way.
• Hard to pin down: Signals that suggest their presence can often be mimicked by other effects, so scientists are cautious in confirming them.
Applications:
• Quantum Computing: foundation of topological qubits, naturally robust against decoherence and noise.
• Particle Physics: search for fundamental Majorana fermions (e.g., whether neutrinos are Majorana particles).
• Condensed Matter Physics: advances in superconductors, nanowires, and quantum materials.
GST Council Approves 2-Slab Structure
Source: LM
Context: The GST Council, in its 56th meeting, approved a two-slab GST structure of 5% and 18% with a special 40% rate for sin and luxury goods.
About GST Council Approves 2-Slab Structure:
• What is GST Council?
• A constitutional body under Article 279A of the 101st Constitutional Amendment Act, 2016. Recommends GST rates, exemptions, laws, and principles of levy.
• A constitutional body under Article 279A of the 101st Constitutional Amendment Act, 2016.
• Recommends GST rates, exemptions, laws, and principles of levy.
• Members:
• Union Finance Minister → Chairperson Union Minister of State for Finance/Revenue Finance/Taxation Ministers of all States/UTs In special cases, a Governor-nominated representative (if President’s Rule is imposed).
• Union Finance Minister → Chairperson
• Union Minister of State for Finance/Revenue
• Finance/Taxation Ministers of all States/UTs
• In special cases, a Governor-nominated representative (if President’s Rule is imposed).
• Quorum (Minimum Presence):
• At least 50% of total members must be present.
• At least 50% of total members must be present.
• Voting Procedure:
• Consensus preferred, but if voting is required: Union Govt. → 1/3rd weightage All States/UTs combined → 2/3rd weightage Decision passes if ≥75% weighted votes are in favour.
• Consensus preferred, but if voting is required: Union Govt. → 1/3rd weightage All States/UTs combined → 2/3rd weightage Decision passes if ≥75% weighted votes are in favour.
• Union Govt. → 1/3rd weightage
• All States/UTs combined → 2/3rd weightage
• Decision passes if ≥75% weighted votes are in favour.
• Functions:
• Recommend GST rates, exemptions, threshold limits. Address inverted duty structure issues. Suggest model GST laws & amendments. Decide special rates during natural disasters. Ensure harmonisation of GST across Centre & States.
• Recommend GST rates, exemptions, threshold limits.
• Address inverted duty structure issues.
• Suggest model GST laws & amendments.
• Decide special rates during natural disasters.
• Ensure harmonisation of GST across Centre & States.
About Two-Slab GST Structure:
• What it is?
• Rationalisation of GST into two main slabs: 5% & 18%, plus a special 40% rate for sin/luxury goods.
• Rationalisation of GST into two main slabs: 5% & 18%, plus a special 40% rate for sin/luxury goods.
• Simplify GST structure for ease of business & compliance. Reduce cost burden on consumers. Ensure equity by taxing essential goods lower and luxury/sin goods higher. Improve revenue buoyancy and plug leakages.
• Simplify GST structure for ease of business & compliance.
• Reduce cost burden on consumers.
• Ensure equity by taxing essential goods lower and luxury/sin goods higher.
• Improve revenue buoyancy and plug leakages.
Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary
Source: DH
Context: Odisha’s Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary has received NTCA approval to become India’s newest tiger reserve after a remarkable ecological and community-led transformation.
About Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary
• What it is? A protected area in western Odisha, now upgraded to a tiger reserve, known for rich biodiversity, eco-tourism, and community-driven conservation.
• A protected area in western Odisha, now upgraded to a tiger reserve, known for rich biodiversity, eco-tourism, and community-driven conservation.
• Location: Located near Sambalpur, bordered by the Hirakud Reservoir.
• Located near Sambalpur, bordered by the Hirakud Reservoir.
• History:
• Freedom fighter Veer Surendra Sai used Debrigarh’s rugged terrain as his base during resistance against the British. Bara Bakra inside the sanctuary remains a pilgrimage site linked with his legacy. Declared a sanctuary in 1985 and NTCA approved it as a tiger reserve in 2025.
• Freedom fighter Veer Surendra Sai used Debrigarh’s rugged terrain as his base during resistance against the British.
• Bara Bakra inside the sanctuary remains a pilgrimage site linked with his legacy.
• Declared a sanctuary in 1985 and NTCA approved it as a tiger reserve in 2025.
• Key Features:
• Spread over 804 sq km, with ~347 sq km core area and adjoining wetlands. Fauna: Indian bison, sambar, wild boar, leopards, wild dogs, chousingha (four-horned antelope), 300+ bird species (120 migratory). Ecosystem: Unique amphi-terrestrial habitat of forests, grasslands, and wetlands; Ramsar-tagged Hirakud Wetland. Innovative eco-tourism: India’s first dark sky tourism hub with stargazing facilities; 53 safari vehicles, kayaking, cycling, birding trails.
• Spread over 804 sq km, with ~347 sq km core area and adjoining wetlands.
• Fauna: Indian bison, sambar, wild boar, leopards, wild dogs, chousingha (four-horned antelope), 300+ bird species (120 migratory).
• Ecosystem: Unique amphi-terrestrial habitat of forests, grasslands, and wetlands; Ramsar-tagged Hirakud Wetland.
• Innovative eco-tourism: India’s first dark sky tourism hub with stargazing facilities; 53 safari vehicles, kayaking, cycling, birding trails.
• Significance:
• Conservation success: Prey base expansion, gaur population growth, 40% newborn animal herds. Community model: 400 families voluntarily relocated with rehabilitation package; 155 villages engaged as conservation partners. National model: Integrates wildlife protection, sustainable tourism, and historical heritage—a replicable blueprint for other reserves.
• Conservation success: Prey base expansion, gaur population growth, 40% newborn animal herds.
• Community model: 400 families voluntarily relocated with rehabilitation package; 155 villages engaged as conservation partners.
• National model: Integrates wildlife protection, sustainable tourism, and historical heritage—a replicable blueprint for other reserves.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 4 September 2025 Mapping:
Source: TH
Context: A massive landslide in Sudan’s Darfur region has killed over 1,000 people, flattening an entire mountain village in the Marra mountains.
About Sudan:
• What it is?
• A country in northeastern Africa, historically called bilād al-sūdān (“land of the blacks”) by medieval Arab geographers. Independent since 1956; currently ruled under a transitional government led by President Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan.
• A country in northeastern Africa, historically called bilād al-sūdān (“land of the blacks”) by medieval Arab geographers.
• Independent since 1956; currently ruled under a transitional government led by President Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan.
• Location:
• Situated at the junction of Africa and the Arab world, influenced by both Mediterranean and African cultures. Once the largest African country before South Sudan’s secession in 2011.
• Situated at the junction of Africa and the Arab world, influenced by both Mediterranean and African cultures.
• Once the largest African country before South Sudan’s secession in 2011.
• Capital: Khartoum, located at the confluence of the White Nile and Blue Nile
• Neighbouring Nations: Egypt, Red Sea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Central African Republic, Chad, and Libya.
• Key Physical Features:
• Mountains: Marra Mountains in Darfur (volcanic highlands, elevations up to 3,000 m), Nuba Mountains (inselbergs). Rivers: Dominated by the Nile system – White Nile and Blue Nile joining at Khartoum. Landforms: Vast deserts in the north, sand dunes (Qawz region), Red Sea Hills in the northeast, clay plains in the south-central region. Soils: Fertile alluvial clays in Gezira plain, contrasting with barren sandy and rocky deserts.
• Mountains: Marra Mountains in Darfur (volcanic highlands, elevations up to 3,000 m), Nuba Mountains (inselbergs).
• Rivers: Dominated by the Nile system – White Nile and Blue Nile joining at Khartoum.
• Landforms: Vast deserts in the north, sand dunes (Qawz region), Red Sea Hills in the northeast, clay plains in the south-central region.
• Soils: Fertile alluvial clays in Gezira plain, contrasting with barren sandy and rocky deserts.
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