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Current Edge Daily Brief 13th October 2025

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Quote of the Day

“It is only the farmer who faithfully plant seeds in the spring, who reaps a harvest in the autumn.” – B C FORBES

What the Others Say

“The message from global regulators this week was blunt: The AI boom is driving stocks to dotcom-bubble highs – and the world is finally listening. With so much cash riding on so few firms, any loss of faith could send shares tumbling and drag down the wider economy.” – THE GUARDINA

Table of Contents

THE BIG PICTURE

  • IE Opinion: The casteless bureaucrat is a myth (Sumeet Mhaskar, Prabodhan Pol)
  • IE Opinion: Rebuilding trust in public service recruitment exams needs a tech-led overhaul (Abhinav Kumar)
  • IE Opinion: As US shuts doors, India-UK partnership can be a launch pad for growth (Ashok Gulati, Sulakshana Rao)
  • IE Explained: Revisiting India’s industrial barometer: Base year revision of IIP (Saurabh Garg & Mridul Saggar)
  • IE Explained: Nobel Peace Prize 2025 winner: Maria Corina Machado, ‘Iron Lady’ of Venezuela (Arjun Sengupta)

NEWS IN SHORT

  • India launches “Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses” to achieve self-reliance in pulses
  • Indian Army Contingent Departs for Exercise AUSTRAHIND 2025

The Big Picture

IE Opinion: The casteless bureaucrat is a myth

Syllabus: Pre/Mains – Society, Ethics

Why in News?

→ Suicide of Haryana cadre IPS officer Y Puran Kumar (Dalit) alleging caste discrimination within bureaucracy exposes deep-seated structural bias.

Caste Bias in Bureaucracy

  • Kumar’s case → Alleged caste harassment → denied promotions, ACR bias, cadre exclusion, humiliation, leave denial
  • Known for → Exposing irregular promotions, caste bias in postings, corruption, illegal temple construction in police lines
  • Suicide note (8 pages) → Evidence of “blatant caste-based discrimination”
  • Reflects wider SC/ST officers’ experience → Not isolated, systemic

Structural & Institutional Dimensions

  • Supreme Court 2024 verdict → Allowed SC/ST sub-classification → Noted intra-community disparity
  • Controversial view → Exclusion of “creamy layer” among SC/ST → echoes anti-reservation arguments
  • Kumar’s case → Shows caste ≠ purely economic; discrimination persists despite status

Symbolic Incidents of Caste Prejudice

  • CJI B.R. Gavai (Dalit) shoe attack in SC → “Sanatan Dharma insult” pretext → caste undertone
  • Even top constitutional posts → not immune from caste hostility

Representation Crisis in Bureaucracy

  • Ambedkar’s foresight → Predicted caste infiltration post-independence → States and Minorities
  • Caste = graded inequality → ritual, relational, not economic
  • Data (Kathryn Doner, 2022) → Secretary-level: SCs 1.1%, STs 3.37%, OBCs 0%
  • Massive vacancy of reserved posts → due to prejudice, exclusionary culture

Institutional Accountability & Reforms

  • FIR filed against officers named by Kumar → rare accountability in SC/ST Act cases
  • Systemic failure → Few convictions, bureaucratic shielding of accused
  • Needed reforms →

→ Caste-sensitisation training for officers
→ Independent grievance redressal for SC/ST bureaucrats
→ Monitoring of promotions & postings for caste bias
→ Representation review at senior levels

Core Message

✦ The “casteless bureaucrat” = myth → Indian “steel frame” corroded by caste → urgent need for structural reform to ensure dignity, equity, and justice within bureaucracy.

Test Your Knowledge 01

Q. Which of the following best captures the constitutional rationale behind reservations in public employment?

(a) Compensation for historical economic deprivation
(b) Tool for administrative efficiency through diversity
(c) Guarantee of equality of opportunity under Article 16
(d) Fulfilment of Directive Principles of State Policy under Article 39(b)

Hint:  Linked to Article 16(4) → ensures equality of opportunity for backward classes, not mere economic relief.

Q. The phrase “graded inequality” as used by B. R. Ambedkar refers to:

(a) Economic stratification among castes
(b) Hierarchical ranking of social groups with unequal status and privileges
(c) Unequal access to education across genders
(d) Income disparity between rural and urban India

Hint: Ambedkar’s idea → caste = hierarchy of ranks with graded privileges & disabilities, not just wealth gaps.

IE Opinion: Rebuilding trust in public service recruitment exams needs a tech-led overhaul

Syllabus: Pre/Mains – Governance

Why in News?

 Series of exam scams (Bihar Police 2023, Uttarakhand SSC 2022, Punjab PSC 2021) → massive protests, job delays → Govt & experts demand digital overhaul.

Trust Erosion in Recruitment

  • Govt exams = lifeline → ~1.3 cr aspirants yearly (CMIE 2024)
  • Bihar 2023 → 180 arrested for using proxies; exam papers leaked online
  • Punjab PSC 2021 → Chairman Ajit Singh accused in ₹1 cr bribe-for-post scam

  • Uttarakhand 2022 → 57 arrested, CM ordered CBI probe
  • Result → Aspirants’ protests (e.g., Prayagraj 2022) → trust crisis among youth

Structural Flaws in Recruitment Commissions

  • Political appointments → CAG (2022) flagged “lack of objective criteria” in many state PSCs
  • 2019 MPPSC & 2021 HPSC → nepotism allegations in member selection
  • Opaque process → Syllabi & marks rarely published; RTI replies delayed
  • Eg. SSC 2018 exam leak → Supreme Court ordered CBI inquiry for transparency breach

Tech-Led Reforms (Core Solution)

  • Biometric/unique IDs → Used in CAT & NEET → prevented impersonation (NTA report 2023)
  • Encrypted QP delivery → UPSC moved to e-paper encryption in 2018 → zero leaks since
  • AI/ML fraud detection → Used in SEBI & RBI recruitment to flag anomalies
  • Cloud-based CCTV & GPS tracking → Implemented by Telangana PSC 2024 pilot → 97% reduction in malpractice complaints

Legal & Institutional Safeguards

  • Uttarakhand Anti-Cheating Act 2022 → 10-year jail + ₹10 lakh fine → strongest in India
  • UP introduced Special Task Force (STF) for exam crimes (2023)
  • Delhi HC (2022) → urged creation of “Exam Offences Act” at national level
  • Accountability → Rajasthan Govt dismissed RPSC member (2023) for leak involvement

National-Level Oversight Mechanism

  • Proposal → National Recruitment Integrity Authority (NRIA) akin to UPSC’s oversight role (suggested by NITI Aayog 2023 note)
  • UPSC conducts ~25 lakh candidates/year → model of uniformity & low corruption
  • Parliamentary Standing Committee (2022) → recommended central monitoring of state PSCs
  • Audit framework → similar to UGC’s accreditation for universities

Citizen & Civil Society Role

  • Civil society watchdogs (PRS, ADR) → push for transparency in PSC appointments
  • Social audit model → Bihar tried “public observer” system in 2023 pilot
  • RTI activism → forced Rajasthan PSC to publish answer keys & marks (2022)
  • Student unions (ABVP, NSUI) → demand representation in recruitment monitoring boards

Way Forward

  • Merit + transparency = restore youth trust → 40% youth unemployment (CMIE, 2024) adds urgency
  • Integrated approach → tech + law + audit + participation
  • Similar success → Aadhaar-enabled NEET & UPSC → no major leak post-2018
  • Needed → “National Recruitment Reform Mission” to unify standards & digital oversight

Test Your Knowledge 02

Q. In the context of public examinations, “Trust Capital” refers to:

(a) Financial resources for exam infrastructure
(b) Ethical legitimacy of state institutions
(c) Data protection and privacy norms
(d) Citizen participation in governance

Hint: Trust capital = intangible confidence citizens place in state institutions.

IE Opinion: As US shuts doors, India-UK partnership can be a launch pad for growth

Syllabus: Pre/Mains – International Relations

Why in News?

UK PM Keir Starmer’s India visit & signing of India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) seen as major growth opportunity amid US tariff shock on Indian exports.

India–UK Economic Landscape

  • Bilateral trade → $56 bn (Goods $23 bn + Services $33 bn) → target $120 bn by 2030
  • India’s surplus → in both goods & services
  • CETA → covers >99% tariff lines → near-zero tariffs on key products
  • Strategic shift → hedge vs. US tariffs (↑50%) under Trump

Sectoral Opportunities for India

  • Gems & Jewellery
    • UK imports $92.7 bn; India’s share $0.6 bn only
    • Huge scope; can offset US losses ($11.9 bn exports at stake)
    • MFN tariff pre-CETA: India 1.16%, US 0.11%, Germany 0.04%
  • Textiles & Apparel (HSN 61–63)
    • UK imports $22.3 bn; India exports $1.59 bn
    • Tariff ↓ from 9–12% → 0% (CETA parity with Bangladesh, Vietnam)
    • Boost for labour-intensive sector
  • Leather & Footwear (HSN 42, 64)
    • UK imports $8.5 bn; India’s share $453 mn
    • MFN duty earlier: footwear 8.04%, leather 3% → now 0%
    • Competitive gain vs. China (13.02%) & Vietnam (13.09%)

Market Access for UK in India

  • Gradual duty cut on Scotch & gin: 150% → 75% (now) → 40% (in 10 yrs; suggest 5 yrs for signal)
  • Other areas: advanced machinery, defence, clean energy tech, medical devices

Strategic & Diplomatic Dimensions

  • Partnership as stability pillar amid global trade volatility
  • Strengthens India’s position before EU talks
  • Message to US: balanced diplomacy, not dependency

Challenges & Domestic Reforms Needed

  • Competitiveness Gap → Rivals (Canada, Vietnam, Bangladesh) already enjoy FTAs
  • Policy Support → Targeted export incentives, easier credit access
  • Trade Facilitation → Export clearance: India 17.3 days vs. Bangladesh 6.7, China 3.3
  • Regulatory Cholesterol → Need simplified, enabling regulatory framework
  • Industrial Clusters → Invest in shared infra, testing, logistics to ↓ costs, ↑ quality

Way Forward

  • Speed up domestic reforms + CETA implementation
  • Focus on labour-intensive exports & value-added manufacturing
  • Use UK as strategic export hub amid global realignment
  • CETA = launch pad for India’s next export growth phase

Test Your Knowledge 03

Q. The India–UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) can be seen as a “next-generation” FTA because it—

  1. Covers goods, services, investments, and intellectual property comprehensively.
  2. Integrates sustainability and digital economy chapters.
  3. Mandates full capital convertibility between the two economies.
  4. Aims at mutual recognition of professional qualifications.

Select the correct answer:

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

Hint: CETA covers goods, services, IPRs, and modern trade issues; includes digital & sustainability aspects; no capital convertibility clause.

IE Explained: Revisiting India’s industrial barometer: Base year revision of IIP

Syllabus: Pre/Mains – Economy

Why in News?

✦ MoSPI’s Technical Advisory Committee (TAC-IIP) has recommended revising the base year of the Index of Industrial Production (IIP) to 2022–23, aligning it with the new GDP base year.

India’s Industrial Context

  • Structural shift → Agriculture ↓ (~15% GVA) → Industry ~22% → Services ↑ (~62.5%).
  • Industrial push → Make in India, PLI, EoDB reforms, industrial corridors.
  • Post-Covid recovery → ↑ growth in mining, manufacturing, electricity.
  • Consumption boost → GST cuts + deregulation + new industries.

Why Base Year Revision?

  • Need for real-time accuracy → Economy now more market-oriented → data lag ↓ crucial.
  • MoSPI’s objective → Reflect structural, tech & product changes.
  • Users → Govt., RBI, businesses, analysts, planners rely on IIP.
  • Historical updates → Base year changed 9× since 1937 → now proposed 2022–23.
  • Alignment → With International Recommendations for IIP (IRIIP, 2010).

Key Improvements in New IIP Series

  • Scope & Coverage Expansion
    • New-age products: laptops, LED bulbs, vaccines, aircraft/spacecraft parts.
    • Outdated dropped: CFLs, kerosene, printing machinery, etc.
    • Inclusion of gas supply & minor minerals for first time.
  • Classification Refinement
    • Based on Annual Survey of Industries (ASI)
    • 276 “not elsewhere classified” items reviewed → 95% weight now properly assigned.
  • Factory Substitution Mechanism
    • Replace defunct/shifted factories systematically.
    • Condition: 12 months overlapping production data for old & new units.
  • Seasonally Adjusted Series
    • MoSPI + TAC-IIP to publish de-seasonalised IIP → better trend analysis & forecasting.
  • Data Integration & Quality Upgrades
    • Integration with GST data → ↑ accuracy, ↓ reporting lag.
    • Digital adoption → faster, reliable industrial data.

Broader Significance

✦ Revision not just statistical → structural modernization of industrial data system.
✦ Ensures IIP reflects contemporary industrial reality → vital for policy, investment, and growth tracking

Test Your Knowledge 04

Q. With reference to the Index of Industrial Production (IIP) in India, consider the following statements:

  1. It is compiled and released by the National Statistical Office (NSO), Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation.
  2. It measures the volume of production only in the organized manufacturing sector.
  3. The base year revision of IIP is always done simultaneously with GDP base year revision.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 2 and 3 only

Hint: IIP covers mining, manufacturing, and electricity (not only organized manufacturing). Base year alignment with GDP is desirable but not always simultaneous.

Q. Consider the following items:

  1. LED bulbs
  2. Printing machinery
  3. Laptops
  4. Kerosene

Which of the above are likely to be included in the revised IIP basket (Base Year 2022–23)?

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

Hint: New-age products (LEDs, laptops, vaccines) added; outdated ones (CFLs, kerosene, printing machinery) dropped.

IE Explained: Nobel Peace Prize 2025 winner: Maria Corina Machado, ‘Iron Lady’ of Venezuela

Syllabus: Pre/Mains – Miscellaneous

Why in News?

✦ Maria Corina Machado (Venezuela) awarded Nobel Peace Prize 2025 → for decades-long peaceful struggle for democracy & civil liberties under authoritarian rule.

🇻🇪 Venezuela’s Democratic Decline

  • 1990s → Longest Latin American democracy → now entrenched dictatorship.
  • 1999 → Chávez rewrote Constitution w/o legislative approval → start of erosion.
  • 2002 → Failed US-backed coup & oil strike → justified purge by Chávez.
  • 2006–2025 → Progressive institutional capture under Chávez → Maduro.
  • 2024 elections → rigged (Maduro “victory”), opposition repressed, Machado disqualified.
  • Result → Economic collapse, sanctions, ↑ inequality despite world’s largest oil reserves.

✦ Maria Corina Machado: “Ballots over Bullets”

  • Born 1967, Caracas → elite family; Engg. & Finance degrees.
  • 1992 → Founded Atenea Foundation → street children aid.
  • 2002 → Founded Súmate → civic volunteer org. for free elections.
  • 2004 → Led recall referendum vs Chávez → alleged fraud → branded “US agent”.
  • Faced treason charges (Art.132 Penal Code) → global solidarity & domestic polarization.
  • Emphasized peaceful civic activism → “Count votes, not bullets.”

🗳️ From Watchdog → Opposition Leader

  • Early 2000s → Supported by US-based NED (democracy promotion).
  • Reframed role: defend citizens’ rights, not ideology.
  • 2010–12 → Rose in opposition coalition (MUD); lost primary to Capriles.
  • 2013 onward → Led anti-Maduro protests → faced arrests, intimidation.
  • Stayed in Venezuela unlike many exiled leaders (e.g. Juan Guaidó).

💪 “Iron Lady” of Venezuela

  • Symbol of resistance → slogan “Hasta el final” (Till the end).
  • 2024 elections → barred but led unity campaign backing Edmundo González.
  • Opposition mobilized mass participation, documented real tallies → regime suppression.
  • Despite loss → revived civic confidence, opposition cohesion.
  • Nobel citation → praised “civilian courage” & “innovative, peaceful resistance.”

🕊️ Nobel Peace Prize 2025 Significance

  • Recognizes non-violent democratic struggle under authoritarian repression.
  • Highlights global solidarity for Venezuela’s right to free & fair elections.
  • Reinforces faith in civic-led change over militarized revolts → “Ballots over bullets.”
  • Symbolic boost for democratic movements across Latin America & beyond.

Test Your Knowledge 05

Q. The Nobel Peace Prize differs from other Nobel categories because:

(a) It is funded by a separate foundation
(b) It is awarded by the Norwegian Nobel Committee
(c) It alternates annually between institutions and individuals
(d) It recognizes only posthumous work

Hint: Only Nobel Prize awarded by Norway, not Sweden.

Q. The “Pink Tide” in Latin America refers to:

(a) Rise of moderate leftist governments via electoral means
(b) Return of military juntas across South America
(c) Feminist movements demanding equal political representation
(d) Economic alliances led by non-aligned states

Hint: Wave of left-leaning electoral victories in Latin America (2000s)

News in Short

India launches “Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses” to achieve self-reliance in pulses

Why in News?

On 11 October 2025, PM Modi launched the Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses with ₹11,440 crore outlay to boost domestic pulse production and reduce import dependence.

Key Features & Targets

  • Mission period: 2025-26 to 2030-31
  • Budget outlay: ₹11,440 crore
  • Production target: 350 lakh tonnes of pulses by 2030-31
  • Area expansion goal: 310 lakh hectares under pulses
  • Assured procurement: 100% MSP procurement for Tur (Arhar), Urad, Masoor for 4 years
  • Seed support: 88 lakh free seed kits + 126 lakh quintals of certified seeds to farmers
  • Beneficiaries: ~2 crore farmers
  • Value chain push: 1,000 processing & packaging units (subsidised up to ₹25 lakh each)
  • Seed tracking: SATHI portal for seed authentication, traceability & inventory (seedtrace.gov.in)

Rationale & Background

  • Pulses provide ~20-25% of protein intake in Indian diet; per capita consumption still below recommended (~85 g/day)
  • In 2023-24, India imported ~47.38 lakh tonnes of pulses, despite being top producer & consumer
  • Past production growth: from 192.6 lakh tonnes (2013-14) → 252.38 lakh tonnes (2024-25)
  • Mission is aligned with prior schemes (e.g., National Food Security & Nutrition Mission) and policy thrust on Aatmanirbharta in agriculture

Implementation Strategy

  • Nodal agencies: DAC&FW + ICAR + State Agri Depts + KVKs → coordinated execution
  • Seed plan: States to prepare 5-yr seed production roadmaps; certified seed supply via SATHI portal
  • Crop promotion: Pulses in rice-fallow areas, intercropping, crop diversification
  • MSP procurement: NAFED/NCCF → assured buy-back for Tur, Urad, Masoor
  • Infra push: Local processing, packaging & storage units (subsidy up to ₹25 lakh/unit)
  • Cluster approach: District/block-level clusters → integrated input, marketing, and training support

Indian Army Contingent Departs for Exercise AUSTRAHIND 2025

Why in News? 

Indian Army sent 120 personnel to Australia to take part in the 4th India-Australia joint military exercise AUSTRAHIND (Oct 13–26)

Key Facts about Exercise AUSTRAHIND 2025

Overview & Purpose

  • 4th edition of India-Australia joint army exercise
  • Aim: enhance military cooperation, improve interoperability, exchange tactics, techniques & procedures (TTPs)
  • Focus domains: sub-conventional warfare in urban / semi-urban terrain

Deployment Details

  • Contingent size: 120 personnel
  • Lead unit: a battalion of Gorkha Rifles, supported by troops from other arms & services
  • Venue: Irwin Barracks, Perth, Australia

Strategic & Diplomatic Significance

  • Reinforces deeper defence cooperation & trust between India and Australia
  • Aligns with broader India-Australia strategic engagement amid Indo-Pacific security dynamics
Download PDF - Current Edge Daily Brief 13th October 2025