Category: POLITY

Context:  Goods and Services Tax Appellate Tribunal (GSTAT) launched on 24 September 2025. 

Highlights

• Statutory appellate body under GST laws to hear appeals against orders of GST Appellate Authorities.
• Aims to clear over 4.8 lakh pending appeals, ensuring faster and consistent dispute resolution.
• Structure: Principal Bench in New Delhi and 31 State Benches across 45 locations.
• Each Bench: 2 Judicial Members + 1 Technical (Centre) + 1 Technical (State) for balanced decisions.
• Hearings to begin December 2025, starting with legacy appeals.
• From April 2026, Principal Bench will also serve as the National Appellate Authority for Advance Ruling.
• Digital platform for filing appeals, tracking, and virtual hearings.

Significance

• Provides one-stop, independent, and transparent forum for GST disputes.
• Reduces compliance burden, boosts certainty in legal outcomes, and supports business growth.
• Symbol of cooperative federalism and institutional strengthening in India’s GST regime.

Learning Corner:

Goods and Services Tax Appellate Tribunal (GSTAT)

The GSTAT is a statutory appellate body established under the GST laws to provide an independent forum for resolving disputes arising under India’s indirect tax regime. 

• Purpose: To hear appeals against orders passed by GST Appellate Authorities and ensure quicker, consistent, and fair resolution of tax disputes.
• Structure:
  • Principal Bench in New Delhi and 31 State Benches across 45 locations.
  • Each Bench consists of two Judicial Members, one Technical Member (Centre), and one Technical Member (State).
• Functioning:
  • Will begin hearings from December 2025, prioritising pending (“legacy”) appeals.
  • From April 2026, the Principal Bench will also act as the National Appellate Authority for Advance Ruling (NAAAR).
• Digital Interface: Taxpayers can file appeals, track progress, and attend hearings online, enhancing transparency and ease of compliance.
• Significance:
  • Reduces backlog of appeals (over 4.8 lakh cases pending).
  • Promotes certainty, fairness, and cooperative federalism in GST administration.
  • Strengthens India’s institutional framework for tax dispute resolution.

Source: PIB

Category: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Context : The Indian Navy will commission INS Androth, the second Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC).

Key Highlights

• Built by GRSE, Kolkata, with over 80% indigenous components, showcasing Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
• Named after Androth Island (Lakshadweep), continuing the legacy of its predecessor INS Androth (P69).
• Equipped with advanced weapons, sensors, waterjet propulsion, and modern communication systems.
• Multi-role platform for ASW, maritime surveillance, search & rescue, and coastal defence.
• Enhances India’s anti-submarine warfare capability and strengthens security in the Indian Ocean.

Learning Corner:

Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC)

Definition:
Small, fast naval vessels designed for detecting, tracking, and neutralising submarines in coastal and shallow waters where larger ASW platforms are less effective.

Key Features:

• Mobility: Compact, waterjet-propelled, highly manoeuvrable.
• Sensors & Weapons: Hull/towed sonars, lightweight torpedoes, depth charges, small guns.
• Uses: Littoral ASW patrols, coastal surveillance, convoy escort, SAR.
• Strengths: Cost-effective, ideal for choke-points/islands, quick deployment.
• Limitations: Limited endurance, smaller payload, challenges in shallow-water sonar detection.

Strategic Role:
Boosts coastal defence and layered ASW capability, vital for India’s maritime security and Aatmanirbhar shipbuilding drive.

Source:  PIB

Category: ENVIRONMENT

Context: Global rhino populations, though stable at around 27,000, remain dangerously low compared to over 500,000 a century ago, raising concerns of “shifting baseline syndrome.”

Context

Key Highlights

• Population trends: Black rhinos have recovered to ~6,800 (from 100,000 in 1960); white rhinos continue to decline (~15,700); Asian rhinos vary—greater one-horned (~4,000) are stable, while Sumatran (34–47) and Javan (~50) remain critically endangered.
• Threats: Poaching for horns, illegal trafficking, habitat loss, and inbreeding in small, fenced reserves.
• Shifting baseline danger: Treating low populations as “normal” risks complacency and undermines long-term recovery.
• Way forward: Disrupt horn trade, reduce demand, expand genetic diversity, engage local communities, and restore habitats.

Learning Corner:

Greater One-Horned Rhino / Indian Rhino

• Habitat & Range: Found mainly in the terai grasslands and riverine forests of India and Nepal. Strongholds include Kaziranga, Orang, and Pobitora (Assam, India) and Chitwan National Park (Nepal).
• Population: Around 4,000+ individuals today, up from fewer than 200 in the early 20th century, making it a conservation success story.
• Appearance: Known for its single black horn (20–60 cm long) and thick, grey-brown skin with folds, giving an ‘armour-plated’ look.
• Conservation Status:
  • IUCN: Vulnerable
  • CITES: Appendix I (highest protection)
  • Protected under Schedule I of Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 (India).
• Threats: Poaching for horn, habitat loss due to floods and encroachment, human–wildlife conflict, and small isolated populations.
• Conservation Measures:
  • Project Rhino initiatives in Assam.
  • Translocation programmes under Indian Rhino Vision 2020 (e.g., Kaziranga to Manas).
  • Strict patrolling, use of drones, and community involvement in conservation.

Global Rhino Species and Their Status

1. White Rhino (Ceratotherium simum)
   • Largest rhino species, native to Africa.
   • Two subspecies: Southern white rhino (~15,700) and Northern white rhino (functionally extinct, only 2 females left).
   • Status: Near Threatened, but facing decline due to poaching.
2. Black Rhino (Diceros bicornis)
   • Smaller than white rhino, native to eastern and southern Africa.
   • Population: ~6,800 (up from 2,500 in the 1990s, but far below 100,000 in 1960).
   • Status: Critically Endangered, recovering slowly under conservation.
3. Greater One-Horned Rhino / Indian Rhino (Rhinoceros unicornis)
   • Found mainly in India and Nepal (Kaziranga, Pobitora, Chitwan).
   • Population: ~4,075.
   • Status: Vulnerable, but a conservation success story with steady growth.
4. Javan Rhino (Rhinoceros sondaicus)
   • Found only in Ujung Kulon National Park, Indonesia.
   • Population: ~50 individuals.
   • Status: Critically Endangered, most threatened of all rhino species.
5. Sumatran Rhino (Dicerorhinus sumatrensis)
   • Smallest rhino species, covered with reddish-brown hair.
   • Found in small, fragmented populations in Sumatra and Borneo.
   • Population: Only 34–47 left.
   • Status: Critically Endangered, on the brink of extinction.

Source: DTE

Category: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Context AI-driven data centres are projected to massively increase global and India’s energy demand, raising questions about whether AI will help optimize energy use or worsen the crisis.

• Global data centre capacity demand may rise 19–22% annually (2023–2030), potentially reaching 171–219 GW, with AI being the main driver.
• India’s data centre demand may grow from 1.2 GW (2024) to 4.5 GW (2030), led by AI and digital adoption; Mumbai, Chennai, and Hyderabad are major hubs.
• AI could both worsen energy pressure and help improve efficiency through smart grids, renewable forecasting, hybrid energy systems, and predictive analytics.
• Challenges: Meeting demand solely from renewables is impractical; reliance on coal and natural gas remains likely.
• Solutions: Green-certified buildings, demand management, real estate retrofits, hybrid renewable-storage projects, and government nudges under the National Smart Grid Mission.
• The debate: AI may be part of the energy crisis but also offers tools to optimize consumption, reduce wastage, and integrate renewables if deployed responsibly.

Learning Corner:

AI in Energy Optimization

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is emerging as a key tool to make energy systems smarter, more efficient, and sustainable. It can analyse massive datasets, forecast demand, and optimise energy generation, distribution, and consumption in real time.

1. Smart Grids & Demand Forecasting

• AI predicts electricity demand patterns with high accuracy, reducing wastage and preventing blackouts.
• Example: Google DeepMind’s AI helped the UK’s National Grid forecast energy demand and balance supply more effectively.

2. Renewable Energy Integration

• AI improves forecasting of solar and wind power output, which are variable in nature.
• Example: Microsoft’s AI-enabled systems in Ireland’s wind farms improved prediction accuracy of power generation by 20–30%.

3. Energy Efficiency in Data Centres

• AI adjusts cooling systems and workloads dynamically to reduce power use.
• Example: Google’s data centres cut cooling energy consumption by 40% using DeepMind AI.

4. Smart Buildings & Appliances

• AI-powered systems manage heating, ventilation, and lighting for optimal efficiency.
• Example: Nest smart thermostats learn user behaviour and adjust temperature, reducing household energy consumption.

5. Grid Stability & Storage Management

• AI optimises battery storage, deciding when to store or release energy for grid stability.
• Example: Tesla Powerwall & Powerpack systems use AI to manage renewable energy storage and demand response.

Significance

• Reduces carbon emissions by cutting energy wastage.
• Enables greater renewable adoption by balancing variability.
• Enhances reliability, resilience, and cost-efficiency in power systems.

Source: THE HINDU

Category: POLITY

Context: Delhi may witness its first artificial rain through cloud seeding trials in October–November 2025 to tackle pollution and smog.

• The method involves adding silver iodide to clouds to induce rain, aimed at reducing smog during winter.
• Aircraft will remain on standby, and operations will follow Visual Flight Rules (VFR) with necessary ATC and DGCA approvals.
• Trials depend on favourable weather conditions and will be executed with inter-agency coordination.
• Seen as part of Delhi’s 24×7 year-round clean air strategy, the move intends to provide relief from pollution peaks in winter.

Learning Corner:

Cloud Seeding

Definition:
Cloud seeding is a weather modification technique that aims to enhance rainfall or snowfall by dispersing substances into clouds to encourage precipitation.

Process & Method:

• Uses silver iodide, potassium iodide, or dry ice particles, sometimes even salts.
• These act as condensation nuclei, around which moisture condenses to form raindrops or snowflakes.
• Dispersal is done using aircraft, rockets, or ground-based generators.

Types:

1. Static cloud seeding – particles provide nuclei for moisture condensation.
2. Dynamic cloud seeding – enhances vertical air currents, boosting cloud growth.
3. Hygroscopic seeding – uses salts to encourage droplet coalescence in warm clouds.

Applications:

• Increase rainfall in drought-prone regions.
• Mitigate air pollution and smog (e.g., Delhi trials).
• Reduce hailstorm damage.
• Enhance snowfall in ski resorts.

Source: THE INDIAN EXPRESS

Introduction (Context) 

In September 2025, Ladakh witnessed unprecedented violence as protests for statehood and Sixth Schedule inclusion turned confrontational, leaving four dead and 30 injured. 

• While the Union Territory status granted in 2019 was initially celebrated, repeated agitations since then reflect deep concerns over loss of autonomy, ecological vulnerability, and political marginalization.

Background

• 2019 Reorganisation: Article 370’s repeal and the J&K Reorganisation Act bifurcated the state into UT of J&K (with legislature) and UT of Ladakh (without one).
• Initial optimism vs reality: Ladakhis welcomed separation from J&K but soon realized the weakening of Autonomous Hill Development Councils (LAHDCs), dependence on bureaucracy, and shrinking job opportunities.
• Post-2019 grievances: Lack of a legislature meant local voices were absent in law-making. Growing fears emerged of unchecked mining, industrial encroachment, and cultural dilution.

Trend of Escalating Protests

• March 2024: Sonam Wangchuk’s 21-day hunger strike after failed talks with the Centre.
• Pashmina March 2024: Planned march to highlight grazing land loss and Chinese incursions, stopped under Section 144.
• Delhi Chalo Padyatra 2024: Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) sought statehood, Sixth Schedule inclusion, local PSC, and separate Lok Sabha seats.
• September 2025: Protests turned violent — a BJP office set ablaze, security forces used tear gas, and clashes left casualties. Wangchuk ended his 15-day fast urging youth to maintain peaceful resistance.

Key Demands 

• Statehood: Full legislative powers for Ladakh to ensure self-governance instead of bureaucratic central control.
• Sixth Schedule inclusion: With over 90% of population tribal, constitutional safeguards are sought for land, resources, and cultural identity.
• Political representation: Demand for two Lok Sabha seats (Leh & Kargil) and Rajya Sabha representation.
• Employment & PSC: A local Public Service Commission and recruitment quotas for Ladakhis to tackle rising joblessness.

Analytical Insights

• Federalism tension: Centralized UT governance without legislature erodes cooperative federalism and participatory democracy.
• Tribal rights: Sixth Schedule inclusion would institutionalize protection of land, resources, and identity, unlike ad-hoc regulations.
• Strategic sensitivity: Security-driven governance must be balanced with local trust, especially in a borderland exposed to Chinese aggression.
• Democratic deficit: With only one Lok Sabha seat and no legislature, Ladakhis feel structurally excluded from India’s democratic framework.
• Electoral promises vs delivery: Protesters highlight that Sixth Schedule inclusion was part of 2019 electoral assurances, yet remains unfulfilled.

Way Forward

• Structured negotiations: Centre must engage LAB and KDA with time-bound commitments.
• Balanced development: Promote jobs and infrastructure while safeguarding fragile ecology.
• Political empowerment: Explore statehood or hybrid models — strengthening LAHDCs until final status.
• Representation: Consider enhanced parliamentary representation and local PSC.
• Trust-building: Address perception of neglect; ensure Ladakhis are partners, not passive recipients, in governance.

Conclusion

The Ladakh protests are not just a local agitation but a test of India’s democratic federalism in a strategically vital region. Meeting demands for statehood and Sixth Schedule protections is essential not only to preserve Ladakh’s unique cultural-ecological identity but also to strengthen national security through inclusive governance.

Mains Practice Question

1. Examine the reasons behind the recurring protests in Ladakh and discuss how the demands for statehood and Sixth Schedule status reflect larger issues of federalism and tribal rights in India. (250 words, 15 marks)

Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-law/karnataka-hc-sahyog-portal-x-challenge-10269277/?ref=infinite

Introduction

Northern States are seeing heavy flooding even in September, with all of Punjab’s 23 districts being hit by floods. Delhi and Gurugram have been inundated by intense rains, and Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh are experiencing frequent cloudbursts. In the east, Kolkata is facing torrential rains. 

Key trends

• Heavy rains now occur earlier and later than traditional monsoon months. 
• In May, Mumbai recorded 135.4 mm of rainfall in just 24 hours, followed by 161.9 mm the next day. Delhi recorded 81 mm fall within a few hours on the same day, overwhelming the drainage systems.
• According to the Council on Energy, Environment and Water 64% of Indian tehsils have witnessed a rise in heavy rainfall days (by 1–15 days), especially in Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and Karnataka.
• CEEW’s analysis of daily rainfall from 1970 to 2021 in the coastal city of Thane shows that one-hour rainfall now reaches 50 mm once every two years, and about 80 mm per hour once every 50 years. 
• Floods cause the highest loss of life and property among natural disasters, with a single flood causing damages of around ₹8,700 crore.

Gaps in urban flood management

• Calendar-Driven Planning: Urban flood management still relies on fixed monsoon schedules, with drain cleaning and desilting planned for June, even though rain now arrives earlier, later, and with higher intensity. This gap leaves cities unprepared for unseasonal downpours.
• Intense, Short-Duration Rain: Rainfall is increasingly compressed into a few hours, overwhelming drainage systems built for slower, steady rain and causing rapid flooding.
• Outdated Preparedness: Pre-monsoon cleaning and emergency drills follow old timelines instead of real-time rainfall data, while hourly trends are rarely factored into infrastructure design.
• Slow Climate Adaptation: Cities have been slow to update rainfall-intensity data and drainage standards, keeping storm water systems under-designed for today’s extreme weather.

Steps Needed

• Integrate sub-daily rainfall analysis into monsoon planning to account for short, high-intensity rain events and guide both drainage design and real-time operations.
• Use real-time rainfall data to inform citizens and strengthen infrastructure, as seen in Mumbai where drains were widened to handle up to 120 mm rain per hour.
• Acknowledge that seasonal rainfall is increasingly compressed into intense bursts, and design systems to withstand hourly extremes rather than relying only on seasonal averages.
• Align storm water drain cleaning with solid waste management, ensuring schedules are coordinated so that garbage does not reclog freshly cleared drains.
• Activate joint sanitation drives and inspections based on IMD alerts, taking cues from Vijayawada’s monsoon response teams that integrate multiple departments.
• Regularly update Intensity–Duration–Frequency (IDF) curves every 5–10 years so drainage systems reflect evolving rainfall patterns and volumes.
• Design drainage networks using micro-catchment hydrology and topography, and ensure storm water systems are kept separate from sewerage to avoid overload and improve efficiency.

Conclusion
Urban floods are not caused by rain alone but by outdated planning. Cities must shift from seasonal calendars to rainfall-pattern readiness, ensuring infrastructure and operations are agile enough to handle the rain that is already falling.

Mains Practice Question

Q Urban floods in India highlight not just climate variability but systemic gaps in planning, governance, and infrastructure management. Discuss with examples.  (250 words, 15 marks)

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/follow-the-rains-not-the-calendar-to-fight-floods/article70088641.ece