Table of Contents

Daily Current Affairs – 30 September 2025 | Top News

Daily Current Affairs: Key highlights and Insights

CAFE Norms

India has released draft Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency (CAFE) 3 norms through the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE). These norms aim to tighten fuel efficiency and emission standards while addressing industry demands for flexibility, especially for small cars and electric vehicles (EVs).

Current CAFE Framework in India –

• CAFE —

Introduced in 2017 by BEE, Ministry of Power, to regulate fuel consumption and carbon emissions from passenger vehicles.
These norms apply to vehicles running on petrol, diesel, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), compressed natural gas (CNG), hybrids, and electric vehicles (EVs) weighing less than 3,500 kg.
Designed to reduce oil dependency and curb air pollution, pushing automakers to lower carbon dioxide emissions while incentivising the production of EVs, hybrids, and CNG

CAFE 2 — In 2022-23, the norms were tightened (fuel consumption capped at 78 litres/100 km, and CO₂ emissions capped at 113 g/km) with increased penalties for non-compliance.

• Need for CAFE 3 —

In the USA, EU, China, Japan, smaller lightweight cars receive relaxed CO₂
However, India’s current framework is inverted, giving SUVs more relaxed limits and burdening small cars.

• So, CAFE 3 seeks to align with global best practices.

Key Features of Proposed CAFE 3 Norms –

• Applicability —

Covers M1 category passenger vehicles with a seating capacity of 9 people (including the driver) and a maximum weight of 3,500 kilogram.
Non-compliancewill attract penalties under the Energy Conservation Act, 2001.

• Efficiency targets —

Under CAFE 3, the efficiency formula is: [0.002 x (W – 1170) + c]. It is measured in petrol- equivalent litres per 100
Here, W is the average fleet weight, 1,170kg is the fixed constant for weight, 002 is a fixed constant multiplier, and ‘c’ is a constant that changes every year.
Since ‘c’ continues to decrease from FY28 to FY32, the rules will become stricter over time. This constant starts at 7264 in FY28, then subsequently drops to 3.0139 in FY32.
Lightervehicles have easier compliance compared to heavier SUVs or premium

• Incentives for small cars —

Additional relaxation of 3.0 g CO₂/km (capped at 9.0 g/km) for compact petrol cars (unladen mass up to 909 kg, engine capacity not exceeding 1200 cc and length not exceeding 4000 mm).
This is designed to revive the small car segment, which saw a 71% sales decline in six
Complementary policy: GST 0 reforms lowered GST on small cars from 28% to 18%.

• Boost for EVs and alternate fuels —

• Super credits multipliers —

Companies could potentially obtain relaxation in their overall efficiency target as the norms propose to offer companies “super credits” based on the type of vehicle they
Each EV sold will be counted three times while calculating a company’s
Plug-inhybrids will be counted 5 times, and strong hybrids twice.
Flex-fuelethanol cars are given a smaller multiplier of 5.

• Carbon Neutrality Factor (CNF) introduced —

CNFoffers further relaxation on the targets based on the type of fuel used in a
For example, for petrol vehicles (E20 to E30) 8% CNF on tailpipe CO2; for flex fuel ethanol vehicles and strong hybrid electric vehicles 22.3% CNF on tailpipe CO2; etc.

• Emissions pooling —

Up to three carmakers can form a pool (to meet the targets jointly) and be treated as a single
Pool manager legally responsible for compliance and

• Reduces compliance costs and encourages strategic alliances.

Conclusion –

The proposed CAFE 3 norms mark a critical shift in India’s emission strategy—reviving small cars, incentivising EVs, and tightening long-term efficiency goals.
If implemented effectively, they could reduce India’s oil import dependency, accelerate green mobility adoption, and align India’s policies with global climate commitments under the Paris Agreement.
However, challenges remain in industry adaptation, consumer acceptance, and infrastructure readiness for alternative fuel

CAG Report on States’ Macro-Fiscal Health

The CAG’s decadal analysis of States’ macro-fiscal health highlights uneven revenue sources, rising debt burdens, and the welfare paradox shaping fiscal sustainability across India.

Introduction –

India’s States collectively manage some of the largest public budgets in the world, often surpassing those of smaller countries in size.
The recently released decadal analysis of States’ macro-fiscal health by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) offers a crucial snapshot of how reforms, growth, and crises such as the pandemic have shaped their fiscal trajectories.
While some States reported impressive revenue surpluses, others struggle under heavy debt burdens, revealing stark disparities in fiscal sustainability and policy choices.

States’ Macro-Fiscal Landscape in India –

In the early 2000s, Indian States were burdened with chronic Reforms in tax collection, GST implementation, and high growth during the 2010s improved finances, with some States recording surpluses.
However, the pandemic reversed these gains, as shrinking revenues and soaring emergency expenditure pushed most States back into fiscal distress.
States today present a mixed picture: while richer States like Maharashtra fund a large share of their expenditure internally, poorer States such as Arunachal Pradesh remain highly dependent on Union transfers.
This vertical imbalance in fiscal capacity underscores the unevenness of India’s federal fiscal

Uneven Revenue Sources –

The CAG report shows that States rely on highly variable revenue For example —
- Kerala’slotteries contributed nearly 12,000 crore in 2022-23.
- Odisha’s mining royalties made up 90% of its non-tax
- Telangana raised nearly 9,800 crore through land sales.
Such revenues are volatile and unsustainable: lotteries depend on sales, royalties on global commodity prices, and land cannot be sold repeatedly.
Even surplus-earning States like Uttar Pradesh generated only 42% of their receipts internally, leaning heavily on central transfers.

Rising Borrowings and Debt Burden –

The fiscal health of States is also reflected in their borrowing patterns —
Andhra Pradesh tripled its borrowings to Rs. 1.86 lakh crore by 2022-23, with debt reaching 35% of GSDP.
Bihar doubled its borrowings, pushing debt close to 39% of
Kerala’s debt burden remained high at 37% of GSDP despite curbing borrowings post-
Punjab continued its fiscal stress with liabilities touching 45% of
In contrast, Odisha reduced borrowings, lowering debt to 15% of GSDP, the lowest in

The pandemic was a turning point: while some States like Karnataka and Maharashtra cut back borrowings after 2021, others like Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Rajasthan kept expanding them, signalling divergent fiscal strategies.

The Welfare Paradox –

A striking theme of the CAG analysis is the welfare paradox.
Despite reporting surpluses or stable debt, many States underfund key welfare sectors such as education, health, and rural
Instead, reliance on off-budget loans, GST compensation arrears, and central transfers

creates a façade of fiscal stability.

Political populism adds another Free power, farm waivers, and cash transfers defer costs into opaque mechanisms like guarantees and special-purpose vehicles.

Implications for Fiscal Federalism –

The CAG findings highlight deeper structural issues in India’s fiscal federalism —
- Dependenceon volatile revenues limits the States’ capacity to plan long-term
- Rising borrowings pose risks of debt overhang, especially in poorer and smaller
- Vertical fiscal imbalance perpetuates reliance on the Centre, undermining financial
- Populist welfare policies erode fiscal discipline while failing to deliver sustainable
The analysis suggests that India’s States must prioritise capital expenditure over routine subsidies, diversify revenue sources, and strengthen fiscal transparency.
Without such reforms, India risks sustaining one of the largest welfare States in the world on one of the thinnest fiscal bases among middle-income economies.

Conclusion –

The CAG’s decadal review underscores the complexity of States’ macro-fiscal
While some States like Odisha demonstrate prudent fiscal management, others, such as Punjab and Kerala, remain vulnerable to debt traps and volatile
The welfare paradox, lavish spending amid weak revenues, reflects the tension between developmental needs and fiscal sustainability.
For India’s federal system to remain resilient, States must pursue balanced fiscal strategies that combine growth, welfare, and sustainability.

National Security Law

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, leading the movement for Ladakh’s statehood and Sixth Schedule protections, was detained under the National Security Act (NSA) and shifted to Jodhpur jail.

The Centre blamed him for allegedly instigating violent protests in Leh, where four people were killed in police firing and 50 injured.

The case has drawn attention to the NSA, one of India’s toughest preventive detention laws, used in the past against separatists, gangsters, and radical preachers. The law allows governments to pre-emptively detain individuals deemed a threat to public order or national security.

About Preventive Detention –

Preventive detention is the practice of detaining a person not for a crime already committed, but to prevent them from acting in a manner that could threaten public order, security, or essential supplies.
It aims to stop potential harm before it occurs.

• Difference from Punitive Detention —

Preventive detention: Detains individuals to prevent a future act considered It is anticipatory in nature.
Punitive detention: Imposed as punishment after conviction for an offence already committed, based on due process of law.

• Constitutional Provision —

TheIndian Constitution permits preventive detention under Article 22.
- Article 22 has two parts—the first part deals with cases of ordinary law, which includes situations where an individual is detained as part of a criminal
- The second part deals with cases of preventive detention law, which pertains to the detention of individuals without a trial or
A person can be detained up to 3 months without Advisory Board approval; beyond that, detention requires approval by an Advisory Board of judges.
Grounds of detention must be communicated, but certain facts may be withheld in public

Preventive Detention and the NSA –

Preventive detention in India traces back to colonial times and was institutionalised post- Independence through the Preventive Detention Act, 1950.
It was followed by the controversial Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA), 1971, repealed after the Emergency.
In 1980, the National Security Act (NSA) was enacted, empowering the Centre, states, District Magistrates, and Police Commissioners (when authorised) to detain individuals pre-emptively.
Unlike punitive arrests under criminal law, NSA detention is preventive, aimed at stopping individuals from acting in ways “prejudicial to India’s defence, foreign relations, national security, public order, or essential supplies.”
The Act gives governments wide-ranging powers to address threats, while incorporating certain procedural safeguards to check misuse.

What the NSA Provides?

Under NSA, detention orders function like warrants of arrest, allowing authorities to hold individuals in designated places, transfer them across states, and impose conditions.
Grounds of detention must be communicated within 5 to 15 days, and detainees can submit a representation to the government.
An Advisory Board of High Court judges must review the case within 3 weeks and order release if there is “no sufficient cause.”
Detention can last up to 12 months, though it may be revoked
However, safeguards are limited —
- detainees cannot have legal representation before the Advisory Board, and
- the government may withhold facts citing public interest, leaving significant powers in official hands.

Wangchuk’s Legal Remedies –

Sonam Wangchuk can challenge his detention under the NSA by filing a representation to the government or await the Advisory Board’s review within three weeks, which must order release if no sufficient cause is found.
He may also approach the High Court or Supreme Court under Articles 226 or 32 to contest the legality of detention.
Additionally, the government itself may revoke the order at any
Until these processes conclude, the NSA permits detention without formal charges or open- court evidence, giving authorities wide leeway in holding him.

Past Use and Misuse of the NSA –

The NSA has been invoked in several high-profile
In 2023, radical Sikh preacher Amritpal Singh was detained under NSA and moved to Dibrugarh
Earlier, Bhim Army chief Chandrashekhar Azad was booked in 2017, though the order was later revoked by the Supreme Court.
During the anti-CAA protests (2020), multiple protesters in Uttar Pradesh were detained under the Act.
The law has also targeted individuals such as Dr Kafeel Khan, whose 2020 detention was struck down by the Allahabad High Court.
States like Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh have applied NSA in “Love Jihad” cases, communal violence, cow slaughter, and habitual crime, often stretching its definition of national security.
Courts have intervened in cases of misuse: in 2012, the Supreme Court struck down the detention of a man accused of kerosene black-marketing as unjustified.
These instances show a pattern where governments justify NSA as vital for security, while critics denounce it as a blunt instrument prone to abuse.

Loudspeaker Use in India

Delhi CM Rekha Gupta announced that during cultural events like Ramlila and Durga Puja, loudspeaker use will be allowed till midnight, extending the usual 10 pm limit by two hours.

The move aligns with legal provisions that permit state governments to relax loudspeaker restrictions during festivals and cultural occasions, while still operating within the framework of India’s Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000.

Legal Framework Governing Loudspeakers in India –

The Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000, under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, regulate the use of
Rule 5(1) requires written permission from authorities before use, while Rule 5(2) bans their use between 10 pm and 6 am, except in closed premises like auditoriums or conference
The rules prescribe maximum permissible noise levels for different areas, categorised as industrial, commercial, residential and silence zones.
- For residential areas, the daytime limit (6 am to 10 pm) is 55 decibels (dB) while that for nighttime is 45 dB.
  - For context, a whisper is about 30 dB, while normal conversation is about 60
- Importantly,Rule 5(3) allows state governments to relax restrictions, permitting loudspeaker use till midnight for up to 15 days a year during cultural or religious
- Delhi’s decision to extend the loudspeaker deadline for festivals falls within this legal

Court Rulings on Loudspeaker Use in India –

Over the past two decades, Indian courts have shaped a strong jurisprudence on noise pollution, balancing religious freedom with the fundamental right to a peaceful

• Supreme Court: Loudspeakers Not a Fundamental Right —

In 2000, the Supreme Court ruled that no religion mandates prayers by disturbing others, rejecting the use of loudspeakers as a right under Article 25 (freedom of religion).
In 2005, it further held that the right to a noise-free environment is implicit under Article 21, and “aural aggression” cannot be justified under free speech.
This ruling established the 10 pm–6 am loudspeaker
The Court upheld Rule 5(3) allowing exemptions till midnight for up to 15 days annually, but imposed strict conditions: only state governments can grant it, it must apply statewide, and silence zones remain excluded.

• High Court Directions —

High Courts have strictly enforced these principles:
- BombayHC (2016): Loudspeakers not essential to religion; pulled up government for lax
- Karnataka HC (2018): Allowed indoor concert use at night, provided boundary noise limits were respected.
- Punjab& Haryana HC (2019): Made written permission mandatory for all religious use, set up complaint mechanisms.
- Allahabad HC(2020): Azaan is essential, but loudspeakers are not historically

• Recent Ruling: Bombay HC (2025) —

The court introduced a graded penalty system: caution for first offence, fines for repeat, and seizure for continued violations.
It also mandated considering cumulative noise levels from multiple sources and suggested modern enforcement, such as mobile decibel apps and auto-limiters in speakers.

Concerns Over Delhi’s Loudspeaker Extension –

Environmental experts criticised Delhi’s decision to allow loudspeakers till midnight, calling it a backward step that undermines Noise Pollution Rules designed to protect children, patients, and residents.
Activists warned that public health is being sacrificed for short-term convenience, noting that citizens already face excessive noise from construction and commercial establishments.
In 2024, Delhi Police received over 40,000 noise complaints, with 82% linked to DJs and
This prompted fresh guidelines in March, requiring written permission for loudspeaker use and booking violators under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Sections 270, 292, and 293.
The amended order also tightened limits, mandating that private sound systems cannot exceed ambient noise standards by more than 5 dBA, compared to the earlier 10 dBA allowance.

Study In India (SII) Portal

The University Grant Commission (UGC) recently mandated that all foreign nationals studying in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and universities in the country have to register themselves in a new Study In India (SII) portal.

About Study In India (SII) Portal –

It is a flagship project of the Ministry of Education (MoE), Government of India, to encourage international students to explore educational opportunities at top Indian universities.
It is a single-window interface for international students, which facilitates submission of applications, admission processes, and visa applications for those seeking to pursue regular, short-term, or long-term courses in Indian academic institutions or HEI’s.
It serves as a seamless digital gateway to India’s higher education
The website will illustrate academic programs, including undergraduate (UG), postgraduate (PG), and doctoral-level programs.
It will also provide information about courses in the Indian Knowledge System, such as Yoga, Ayurveda, classical arts, etc
Additionally, the portal will present information about the academic facilities, research support, and related

• All foreign students who wish to study in India, are mandated to register on the SII portal

and submit the required information on the portal.

• Upon registration, the portal generates a unique ID or ‘SII-ID’, which must be quoted on the student visa application.

PM E-DRIVE Scheme

The Centre recently unveiled operational guidelines for the rollout of nearly 72,300 public Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations across the country, with an outlay of Rs 2,000 crore under the Rs 10,900 crore PM E-DRIVE scheme.

About PM E-DRIVE Scheme –

The PM E-DRIVE (Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement) scheme is a flagship initiative launched in October 2024 with a financial outlay of 10,900 crore.
It came into effect from October 1, 2024, and will remain in force until March 31, Its primary aim is to accelerate the adoption of Electric Vehicles (EVs), establish charging infrastructure, and build a robust EV manufacturing ecosystem in the country.
It promotes mass mobility through the support of public transportation
The key objective is to speed up the transition to EVs by offering upfront incentives for EV purchases and encouraging the development of charging
The scheme seeks to reduce transportation-related environmental impacts and improve air quality while also promoting an efficient and competitive EV manufacturing sector in line with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
This is to be accomplished through a Phased Manufacturing Program (PMP) designed to boost domestic manufacturing and strengthen the EV supply chain.

The PM E-DRIVE scheme to be implemented through the following key components —
- Subsidies: Demand incentives to be provided for electric vehicles such as e-2 wheelers (e-2W), e-3 wheelers (e-3W), e-ambulances, e-trucks, and other emerging categories of
- Grants for creation of capital assets: Funding to be provided for the acquisition of electric buses (e-buses), the establishment of a comprehensive network of charging stations, and the upgrading testing facilities of the Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI).
- Administration of the Scheme including IEC (Information, Education & Communication) activities and fee for project management agency (PMA).
States are encouraged to offer additional fiscal and non-fiscal incentives, such as road tax waivers, reduced toll and parking fees, and permit exemptions, to further promote EV

• The scheme will be overseen by an inter-ministerial body, the Project Implementation and Sanctioning Committee (PISC), chaired by the Secretary of Heavy Industries.

The PISC will be responsible for monitoring progress and ensuring the scheme’s successful rollout.
It will also have the authority to address any challenges, including revising incentives, increasing the number of e-buses, and approving guidelines for testing

• To qualify for the PM E-DRIVE incentives, vehicles must be registered as “Motor Vehicles” under the Central Motor Vehicle Rules (CMVR) and equipped with advanced battery technology.

• Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) is the nodal agency for —

• Demand aggregation for charging infrastructure

Development of a Unified EV Super App for users across
- The app will offer real-time charger availability, slot booking, payment integration, and deployment progress tracking, ensuring digital ease-of-use for all EV stakeholders.

Agri-Stack Scheme

The Uttar Pradesh government recently issued a stern warning to District Magistrates, emphasising that strict action will be taken against those who fail to complete farmer registration under the Agri-stack scheme within the specified timeframe.

About Agri-Stack Scheme –

It is the digital foundation being set up by the government to enable the rollout of data-centric digital services to improve Indian agriculture and enable farmer

• It integrates farmer data, land records, and scheme benefits into a centralised digital platform.

It is being implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmer Welfare at the Centre in

close collaboration with the Revenue and Agriculture departments of State governments.

It is an infrastructure and foundational layer that enables various government and private entities to provide farmers with tailored services by providing them access to high-quality, validated, attested, and current Thus, Agri Stack will —
- Provide the right support to farmers in terms of finance and agricultural inputs at the right time.
- Provide localised and tailored early warning systems for disasters, including pest attacks, droughts, floods, etc.
- Simplify government scheme benefits lifecycle for
- Enable quick and easy access to affordable
- Enable private participation in farmer service delivery, thereby increasing farmers’
- Enable ease of governance by providing required data at the right place for enhanced decision-making, policy implementation, and feedback management.

Improve targeting of government benefits (by maximising inclusion and minimising exclusion and fraud).

Building Blocks of Agri Stack —

• Farmer and Farmland Registries —

At the centre of Agri Stack is a Farmer Registry, a federated registry of all the farmers in the country, compiled by States according to common standards, and cached by the Centre.
Each farmer will be assigned a unique FarmerID (a functional ID, based on Aadhaar as per IndEA 0) and a digitally verifiable credential.
TheFarmer Registry will be dynamically linked to their farmland plot records for non- legal, planning and advisory, and scheme-delivery purposes only.

• Unified Farmer Service Interface (UFSI) —

It is the building block that enables interoperability across stakeholders in Agri
UFSI is envisioned to be used by government and authorised private users, such as Banks, Agri-Techs, agriculture value-chain companies, etc.
UFSIwill enable a centre-state federation of data, authorised and consent-brokered access to the core registries’ data, and standards-based interactions between various public and private stakeholders.

• Crop sown Registry —

It is designed to be a federated registry of crops being sown and grown across the country every season, on every farm, by each
It aims to streamline and improve previously prevalent paper-based methods of surveying crops by introducing smartphone- and image-based (including drone and satellite images in the future), more fool-proof methods of crop

• Agri Stack Sandbox —

It is a subset of the Agri Stack that will provide a simulated environment with access to the UFSI along with sample data for the various registries and databases to authorised stakeholders.

• Purpose: To allow them to test and safely fail, or succeed and get fully authorised access to the production environments.

• Consent Manager —

• The Consent Manager facilitates data-blind sharing of personal data only with persons/entities for whom the data principal (i.e., a farmer) has provided consent.

Consent once given may also be revoked, preventing future sharing of

AstroSat

Recently, India’s first dedicated Space Astronomy Observatory, AstroSat completed a decade of operations.

About AstroSat –

It is the first dedicated Indian astronomy mission.
It was launched by PSLV-C30 (XL) rocket from Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota on September 28, 2015.
The minimum useful life of the AstroSat mission was around 5 years but still it is providing valuable information.
It was designed to observe the universe in the Visible, Ultraviolet, low and high energy X-ray

regions of the electromagnetic spectrum simultaneously with the help of its five payloads.

Payloads of Astrosat — Ultra Violet Imaging Telescope (UVIT), Large Area X-ray Proportional Counter (LAXPC), Cadmium–Zinc–Telluride Imager (CZTI), Soft X-ray Telescope (SXT) and Scanning Sky Monitor (SSM).

• Objectives of Astrosat —

To understand high energy processes in binary star systems containing neutron stars and black holes.
Estimate magneticfields of neutron
Study high energy processes in star systems lying beyond our
Detectnew briefly bright X-ray sources in the
Performa limited deep field survey of the Universe in the Ultraviolet region.

The spacecraft control centre at Mission Operations Complex (MOX) of ISRO Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC), Bengaluru, manages the satellite during its entire mission life.

Jal Prahar 2025

The Indian Navy recently concluded the ‘Jal Prahar 2025’ joint exercise with the Indian Army to enhance amphibious operations along the eastern seaboard.

About Jal Prahar 2025 –

It is a biannual joint amphibious exercise conducted by the Indian Navy in close coordination with the Indian Army
The Jal Prahar 2025 showcased synergy, coordination, and interoperability between the Indian Navy and Indian Army, enhancing operational readiness, maritime security and national defence capabilities.
The exercise was conducted in two phases —
- The Harbour Phase at Visakhapatnam focused on the induction and integration of army troops onboard INS
- This included onboard training, safety briefings, orientation towards a mariner’s life, sports and interactions sessions to foster camaraderie, the release stated.
- The Sea Phase witnessed the execution of amphibious operations, which included hard beaching at Kakinada, launching of LCAs and BMPs, and validation of SOPs and Joint Training Protocols.

Bhima River

Continuous heavy rains in Kalaburagi and parts of Maharashtra have led to a sharp rise in the water levels of the Bhima River recently, triggering widespread flooding in several villages.

About Bhima River –

The Bhima River (also known as the Chandrabagha River) is the largest tributary of the

Krishna

• Course —

Itoriginates near Bhimashankar Temple in the Bhimashankar hills on the western side of the Western Ghats in Pune District of Maharashtra.
Bhimaflows southeast through the states of Maharashtra, Karnataka, and
It merges into the Krishna River in Karnataka’s Raichur

• Total Length: 861 km

The Bhima drainage area is defined by the Western Ghats (west), the Balaghat Range (north), and the Mahadeo Hills (south).
The total basin area of the river is 48,631 km., out of which 75 percent lies in the state of

Maharashtra.

Tributaries — Major tributaries are the Indrayani River, Mula River, Mutha River, and Pavana
Pandharpur is an important pilgrimage centre located on the right bank of the Bhima

Andaman Sea

The Union Petroleum Minister recently announced that natural gas has been discovered in the Andaman basin, confirming the long-held belief that the Andaman Sea is rich in natural gas.

About Andaman Sea –

It is a semi-enclosed marginal sea in the northeastern Indian

• It lies between the eastern coast of India and the Malay Peninsula, with Myanmar to the north and the Indonesian island of Sumatra to the south.

The Bay of Bengal bounds the Andaman Sea to the west and the Strait of Malacca to the
It is a complex geological region with a tectonically active plate
It is part of the larger Sunda Plate, which the Indian Plate borders to the northwest and the Australian Plate to the southeast.
The ongoing tectonic convergence between these plates has resulted in the formation of the Andaman Basin, characterised by undersea ridges, trenches, and
The most prominent geological feature in the region is the Andaman Trench, which is formed by the subduction of the Indian Plate beneath the Eurasian
This tectonic activity has given rise to numerous earthquakes and volcanic eruptions in the region, making the Andaman Sea seismically active.

• It is home to extensive coral reef systems, seagrass meadows and mangrove forests,

which provide critical habitats for a multitude of marine organisms.

It hosts many endangered fauna species –Whale Shark, Devil Manta Ray, Dugong, several dolphin species, such as Irrawaddy Dolphin and four species of sea
It is also an important site for migratory birds, with several key stopover locations along the East Asian-Australasian

Islands — Most of the islands are part of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, a Union Territory of India, while the Coco Islands and Preparis Island are part of the Yangon Region of Myanmar.
The climate of the Andaman Sea is tropical, with two distinct seasons: the southwest monsoon (May-September) and the northeast monsoon (November-February).

Yellow-tailed Ashy Skimmer

At the Yamuna Biodiversity Park, Yellow-tailed Ashy Skimmer (Potamarcha congener) has been recorded for the first time during a recent Dragonfly survey in Delhi.

About Yellow-tailed Ashy Skimmer –

It is a species of dragonfly in the family
Scientific Name — Potamarcha congener
It is one of two species in its group, called Potamarcha. The other species is Potamarcha
It is also known as the common chaser, or
Distribution — It is common through much of its range, which stretches through parts of South Asia, Southeast Asia, and Oceania, including in countries such as India, Indonesia, China, Australia, and
Features —
- It is a medium-sized
- Its body is bluish-black near the
- Its tail is yellow with black
- The face of this dragonfly can be yellowish-green to dark brown.
- Itseyes are reddish-brown on to They are bluish-grey
- MaleDragonflies: Adult males have a bluish powder-like This covers their upper body and the first part of their abdomen.
- Female Dragonflies: Females have yellow and black stripes on their sides. Their

abdomen is black with dull orange marks.

Itcan fly backward, showcasing incredible aerial agility uncommon in other flying

Conservation Status —

• IUCN Red List: Least Concern.

Lachipora Wildlife Sanctuary

District Magistrate Baramulla recently ordered the immediate closure of 14 gypsum mining units operating within the prohibited 1-km radius of Lachipora Wildlife Sanctuary.

About Lachipora Wildlife Sanctuary –

It is situated in the Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir near the village of
It is located on the northern banks of the Jhelum
Established in 1987, the sanctuary was primarily created to protect the endangered Markhor, a wild goat species known for its distinctive twisted
It hosts alpine meadows and rich
The sanctuary features a diverse landscape with gentle to steep slopes and rocky
Flora: It supports a variety of flora, including coniferous forests of deodar, Himalayan white pine, and blue pine, and broadleaf forests with trees like birch, horse chestnut, West Himalayan fir, and Persian walnut.

• Fauna —

It is particularly renowned for being the habitat of the endangered Hangul deer, often referred to as the Kashmir stag.
It is also home to several other mammal species, such as the Himalayan black bear, Snow leopard, Musk deer, and many more.
Lachipora is also designated as an Important Bird Area (IBA). It is home to the vulnerable Western Tragopan

Daily Current Affairs – 30 September 2025 MCQs

1. Consider the following statements regarding India’s Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency (CAFE) norms –

The norms were introduced by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) to regulate fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions for passenger vehicles.
Under the second phase (2022–23), manufacturers must ensure fuel consumption does not exceed 4.78 litres per 100 km and CO₂ emissions remain below 113 g/km.
Heavier vehicles, such as SUVs, are subject to stricter CO₂ emission limits compared to smaller cars.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1 and 2 only
2 and 3 only
1 and 3 only
All of the above

Answer – A

Explanation – Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency (CAFE) norms are government-mandated standards that require auto manufacturers to meet a fleet-wide average fuel economy target. India’s CAFE norms, introduced by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) in 2017, aim to regulate fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions from passenger vehicles under 3,500 kg. In India, CAFE norms were introduced in two phases, with the first stage effective from 2017-18 and the second from 2022-23. These norms apply to vehicles powered by petrol, diesel, LPG, CNG, hybrids, and electric power. Objective: Lower Emissions and Oil Dependence — CAFE norms were designed to: Reduce oil imports Cut air pollution Promote cleaner vehicles like EVs, CNG cars, and hybrids Tighter norms were enforced in 2022–23, with penalties for non-compliance. Manufacturers were required to achieve: Fuel consumption ≤ 4.78 litres/100 km CO₂ emissions ≤ 113 g/km Heavier Cars Get Relaxed Targets — Under India’s CAFE system, heavier vehicles are allowed higher absolute CO₂ emissions, making it easier for large SUVs and premium cars to comply. Meanwhile, smaller, lighter cars face stricter targets, even if their emissions are already low.

2. Which of the following statutes are related to Preventive Detention?

Maintenance of Internal Security Act
Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act
National Security Act (NSA) 1980
Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA) 2002

Select the correct codes from below –

1, 2 and 3 only
1, 3 and 4 only
2, 3 and 4 only
All of the above

Answer – D

Explanation – The Preventive Detention Act was passed by Parliament in 1950. After the expiry of this Act in 1969, the Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA) was enacted in 1971, followed by its economic adjunct the Conservation of Foreign Exchange and Prevention of Smuggling Activities Act (COFEPOSA) in 1974 and the Terrorism and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act (TADA) in 1985. Though MISA and TADA have been repealed, COFEPOSA continues to be operative along with other similar laws such as the National Security Act (NSA) 1980, the Prevention of Blackmarketing and Maintenance of Essential Commodities Act 1980 and the draconian Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA) 2002; not to mention laws with similar provisions enacted by the State governments.

3. Which of the following statement(s) is/are correct about the National Security Act?

It allows the law enforcement agencies to detain a person indefinitely on the grounds of national security.
It absolves the provisions under Article 22(1) of the Constitution which provides for the accused to consult and be defended by a legal practitioner.

Select the correct codes from below –

1 only
2 only
Both 1 and 2
Neither 1 nor 2

Answer – B

Explanation – The maximum period for which one may be detained is 12 months. But the term can be extended if the government finds fresh evidence. In the normal course, if a person is arrested, he or she is guaranteed certain basic rights. These include the right to be informed of the reason for the arrest. Section 50 of the Criminal Procedure Code (Cr.PC) mandates that the person arrested has to be informed of the grounds of arrest, and the right to bail. Sections 56 and 76 of the Cr. PC also provides that a person has to be produced before a court within 24 hours of arrest. Additionally, Article 22(1) of the Constitution says an arrested person cannot be denied the right to consult, and to be defended by, a legal practitioner of his choice. But none of these rights are available to a person detained under the NSA.

4. Which of the following statement(s) is/are correct about the National Security Act?

Even if a person has been granted bail by a trial court, or if a person has been acquitted by a court, he can be detained under the National Security Act.
There is absolutely no safeguard available to a person detained under the NSA.
No prosecution or any legal proceeding can be initiated against the official who carries out the orders of detaining a person under the NSA.

Select the correct codes from below –

1 and 2 only
2 and 3 only
1 and 3 only
None of the above

Answer – C

Explanation – Even if a person is in police custody, the DM can slap NSA against him. Or, if a person has been granted bail by a trial court, he can be immediately detained under the NSA. If the person has been acquitted by the court, the same person can be detained under the NSA.

Also, the DM who passed the detention order is protected under the Act: no prosecution or any legal proceeding can be initiated against the official who carried out the orders. One crucial procedural safeguard under the NSA is granted under Article 22(5), where all the detained persons have the right to make an effective representation before an independent advisory board, which consists of three members; and the board is chaired by a member who is, or has been, a judge of a High Court. The arrested person is also not entitled to the aid of any legal practitioner in any matter connected with the proceedings before an advisory board, which is constituted by the government for dealing with NSA cases.

5. Consider the following statements about the ‘Study in India (SII)’ Portal –

It is an initiative of the Ministry of External Affairs to facilitate cultural exchanges
Registration on the portal and generation of an SII-ID is mandatory for all foreign students seeking a visa to study in India.
The portal provides information on courses related to the Indian Knowledge System, including Yoga and Ayurveda.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1 and 2 only
2 and 3 only
3 only
All of the above

Answer – B

Explanation – It is a flagship project of the Ministry of Education (MoE), Government of India, to encourage international students to explore educational opportunities at top Indian universities. It is a single-window interface for international students, which facilitates submission of applications, admission processes, and visa applications for those seeking to pursue regular, short-term, or long-term courses in Indian academic institutions or HEI’s. It serves as a seamless digital gateway to India’s higher education ecosystem. The website will illustrate academic programs, including undergraduate (UG), postgraduate (PG), and doctoral-level programs. It will also provide information about courses in the Indian Knowledge System, such as Yoga, Ayurveda, classical arts, etc Additionally, the portal will present information about the academic facilities, research support, and related information. All foreign students who wish to study in India, are mandated to register on the SII portal and submit the required information on the portal. Upon registration, the portal generates a unique ID or ‘SII-ID’, which must be quoted on the student visa application.

Source – The Hindu

Also read Daily Current Affairs – 28-29 September 2025 | Top News