2025 Legislative & Environmental Overhaul: UPSC Current Affairs Analysis & Study Strategy

In-Depth Analysis

The Big Picture

The year 2025 represents a 'Statutory Spring' in India, characterized by a systematic dismantling of colonial-era and early post-independence legal frameworks (1908-1962) in favor of unified, technology-driven regulators. This transition spans nuclear governance (SHANTI Bill), higher education (HECI), and environmental compliance (SWM Rules 2026), reflecting a pivot toward administrative rationalization. Parallelly, a tension persists between the Executive's drive for 'Ease of Business' through relaxed clearances and the Judiciary’s tightening of environmental liability.

Cross-Theme Insight

Together, these threads reveal a shift from 'Rule-based' to 'Outcome-based' governance. While individual bills like the Income Tax Bill 2025 or the HECI Bill 2025 look like sector-specific updates, combined they signal the implementation of the 'Minimum Government, Maximum Governance' doctrine. For instance, the merger of fragmented regulators (UGC/AICTE) and the repeal of 71 obsolete laws in a single Act (Repealing and Amending Act, 2025) demonstrate a centralized push for legal uniformity that moves beyond mere policy changes to structural institutional reform.

Textbook vs Reality Gap

Standard textbooks like 'Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth' (p. 411) discuss the merger of UTs for governance efficiency, but current developments extend this logic to regulatory bodies like the HECI replacing the long-standing UGC and AICTE. Similarly, while 'Environment, Shankar IAS' (p. 87) cites projections of waste reaching 165 million tonnes by 2030, the new Solid Waste Management Rules 2026 introduce mandatory circular economy targets and stricter 'Polluter Pays' penalties that supersede the 2016 framework described in static texts. The Atomic Energy Act 1962, a staple of Science & Tech chapters, is also now functionally replaced by the SHANTI Bill 2025.

How This Theme Is Evolving

The theme has evolved from piecemeal amendments in the 2010s to 'Bulk Repeal' and 'Unified Regulation' in 2025-26. The trajectory suggests that by 2026, most pre-GST era sector-specific laws will be harmonized with digital compliance systems.

UPSC Exam Intelligence

Previous Year Question Pattern

Environmental regulations are high-frequency; IAS 2019 (nid: 6406) specifically tested the categories and applicability of the SWM Rules 2016, making the 2026 update a prime candidate for Prelims. The process of repealing laws has been tested in CDS 2015 and 2016 (nid: 13715, 13794), focusing on the specific Acts removed (e.g., 1935 Act). Governance of nuclear institutions and the Dept of Atomic Energy has appeared in IAS 2001 and 2018 (nid: 3852, 5778).

Probable Prelims Angles

• Effective date of SWM Rules 2026: April 1, 2026, and their role under the EPA 1986.
• Provision of 'Visitor' role for the President in the Indian Statistical Institute Bill 2025.
• The '25-year' phase-out rule for bulk carriers under DGS Order 01/2026 to curb shipping accidents.
• Green Tax rates for Uttarakhand: ₹80 for small vehicles vs ₹200-500 for heavy vehicles.
• The specific list of regulators merged into HECI (UGC, AICTE, and NCTE).

Mains Answer Framework

• India is undergoing a 'statutory cleaning' process in 2025, where archaic laws are being replaced by unified regulatory frameworks to meet the needs of a $5 trillion economy.
• Administrative efficiency: The HECI and SHANTI Bills remove jurisdictional overlaps between legacy regulators.. Environmental Governance vs. Growth: The Executive's relaxation of land acquisition proof for green clearances vs. the strict CAQM stubble burning fines (₹30,000).. Secularism and Property: State intervention in Waqf management and inter-religious land transfers as a test of 'Positive Secularism'.
• The transition from a post-colonial legal system to a modernized 'Viksit Bharat' framework must balance ease of governance with the preservation of institutional autonomy and environmental sustainability.

Essay Connections

• Minimum Government, Maximum Governance: Use the Repealing and Amending Act 2025 as a concrete example of simplifying the legal burden on citizens.
• Ecological Federalism: Use the Uttarakhand Green Tax and Delhi-NCR emissions crackdown to discuss how states and the center share the burden of climate transition.

Preparation Strategy

Reading Approach

Start with Laxmikanth's chapters on 'Evolution of the Constitution' and 'Regulatory Bodies' to understand the traditional UGC/AICTE/Atomic Energy setup. Then, layer the 2025 News Items to see how the HECI, SHANTI, and Repealing Acts consolidate these legacy structures.

Textbook Roadmap

• Environment, Shankar IAS (p. 86-90). Threads 3 and 8. Solid Waste Management Rules 2016 (to understand what is being superseded by the 2026 Rules).
• Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth (p. 31). Thread 2. Positive vs. Negative Secularism (to analyze the Waqf Act and religious land transfer regulations).
• Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth (p. 16). Thread 3 and 10. Repeal of 1935 and 1947 Acts (to compare with the current bulk repeal of 71 laws).

Revision Bullets

• Solid Waste Management Rules 2026: Effective from April 1, 2026.
• Repealing and Amending Act 2025: Eliminates 71 laws from 1886–2023.
• CAQM Rule 2024: Fine of ₹30,000 for stubble burning on >5 acres of land.
• SHANTI Bill 2025: Replaces the Atomic Energy Act 1962.
• DGS Order 01/2026: Ships >25 years (bulk) and >20 years (tankers) to be phased out.
• Uttarakhand Green Tax: Effective Dec 1, 2025.

Sub-Themes and News Coverage (14 themes, 55 news items)

Regulatory Updates on Emissions and Environmental Compliance

Focus: Legislative and regulatory actions taken in 2025 targeting industrial compliance, vehicle emission standards (BS-VI, CAFE), and sector-specific phase-outs across India.

UPSC Value: Highlights the administrative and legal framework (CAFE, Green Tax, Audit Rules) used to combat pollution beyond direct bans, essential for Governance and Environment papers.

7 news items in this theme:

• 2026-01-01 [Economy] — India Phases Out Old Ships
  India is phasing out older ships to cut accident risks and boost global competitiveness through DGS Order 01/2026. Ships aging beyond 25 years for bulk carriers or 20 years for tankers trigger mandatory surveys and upgrades. DGS Order 01 kicks in phases from January 21, 2026, with full enforcement by April 1.
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  UPSC Angle: India phases out old ships to cut accident risks.

  Key Facts:

  • DGS Order 01 kicks in phases from January 21, 2026, with full enforcement by April 1
  • Ships aging beyond 25 years for bulk carriers or 20 years for tankers trigger mandatory surveys and upgrades
  • Bulk carriers over 25 years retire first by Q3 2026
• 2025-12-31 [Environment & Ecology] — India's Environmental Policies in 2025
  India's environmental story in 2025 was defined by policies pulling in opposite directions and citizens taking to the streets. The Union government notified the Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Amendment Rules, 2025, making significant amendments to the Forest Conservation Rules, 2023. On August 29, the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change notified the Environment Audit Rules 2025, allowing registered environment auditors to conduct audits of projects.
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  UPSC Angle: Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Amendment Act notified.

  Key Facts:

  • Union government notified the Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Amendment Rules, 2025.
  • Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change notified the Environment Audit Rules 2025 on August 29.
• 2025-12-21 [Environment & Ecology] — BS-VI Enforcement amid Severe AQI
  India's implementation of Bharat Stage VI (BS-VI) emission norms has led to a 70% reduction in NOx emissions and an 80% reduction in particulate matter. Indian cities recorded a 25% reduction in particulate matter levels between 2019 and 2024. However, the transition increased vehicle prices and led to a decline in the share of diesel passenger vehicles.
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  UPSC Angle: BS-VI norms led to reduction in NOx and particulate matter.

  Key Facts:

  • BS-VI norms reduced NOx emissions by 70% and particulate matter by 80%
  • 25% reduction in particulate matter levels in Indian cities during 2019-2024
  • Stage-II transition increased vehicle prices by ₹30,000 for petrol & ₹1 lakh for diesel
  • Diesel share in passenger vehicles fell from 58% in 2012 to 19% by 2025
• 2025-12-03 [Environment & Ecology] — Delhi-NCR Industries Face Strict Action for Missing Emission Monitor Deadline
  The Central Government has ordered Delhi-NCR authorities to crack down on industries that fail to install real-time emission monitoring systems and air pollution control devices by December 31, 2025. Industries failing to comply risk facing strict action, including closure. Delhi-NCR states were also directed to finalize their 2026 air pollution control plans within the month.
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  UPSC Angle: Delhi-NCR industries face action for missing emission monitor deadline.

  Key Facts:

  • Deadline: December 31, 2025, for installing real-time emission monitoring systems and air pollution control devices
  • Target: Medium and large red-category units in food processing, textile, and metal processing sectors in Delhi-NCR
  • Action: Strict actions, including closure, will be taken against non-compliant industries
  • CPCB chairperson: Vir Vikram Yadav
  • 2,254 highly polluting industries in Delhi-NCR have not installed OCEMS
  • Delhi-NCR states to finalize 2026 air pollution control plans within December 2025
  • Union Environment Minister: Bhupender Yadav
• 2025-10-30 [Environment & Ecology] — Uttarakhand to Impose Green Tax on Out-of-State Vehicles
  The Uttarakhand government will implement a green tax on vehicles entering from other states starting December 1, 2025, aimed at reducing pollution, protecting the Himalayan ecosystem, and promoting environmental sustainability. Tax rates will vary by vehicle type: ₹80 for small passenger vehicles, ₹250 for small goods carriers, ₹140 for buses, and ₹120–₹700 for trucks, depending on axle.
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  UPSC Angle: Uttarakhand to impose green tax on out-of-state vehicles.

  Key Facts:

  • Green tax on vehicles entering Uttarakhand from other states starting December 1, 2025
  • Aims to reduce pollution and protect the Himalayan ecosystem
  • Tax rates vary by vehicle type
  • ₹80 for small passenger vehicles
  • ₹250 for small goods carriers
  • ₹140 for buses
  • ₹120–₹700 for trucks, depending on axle
• 2025-09-29 [Environment & Ecology] — New Draft CAFE Rules
  India has proposed to significantly revamp its key vehicle emissions rules, called the Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency (CAFE) norms. The Bureau of Energy Efficiency introduced the CAFE norms in 2017 to regulate fuel consumption and carbon emissions from passenger vehicles.
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  UPSC Angle: India proposes to revamp Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency (CAFE) norms.

  Key Facts:

  • Vehicle emissions rules: Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency (CAFE) norms
  • Introduced by: Bureau of Energy Efficiency
  • Year: 2017
  • Applicable 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
• 2025-03-05 [Environment & Ecology] — Environmental Law Updates: February 2025
  Significant developments in Indian environmental law occurred in February 2025, including the Supreme Court's stay on a notification exempting projects from Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), new guidelines for consent under the Air and Water Acts, and amendments to battery waste management rules. These changes highlight a move towards balancing industrial operations with stronger environmental protection.
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  UPSC Angle: SC stayed notification exempting projects from EIA in Feb 2025.

  Key Facts:

  • Supreme Court stayed MoEF&CC notification exempting certain projects from EIA Notification, 2006 on February 24, 2025
  • MoEF&CC published Control of Air Pollution (Grant, Refusal or Cancellation of Consent) Guidelines, 2025 on January 29, 2025
  • MoEF&CC published Control of Water Pollution (Grant, Refusal or Cancellation of Consent) Guidelines, 2025 on January 30, 2025
  • CTEs will be valid for five years and extendable by two years
  • Validity of CTOs: red category (five years), orange (10 years), green (15 years), blue (17 years)
  • Timelines for consent decisions: CTE (60 days for red, 45 for orange, 30 for green); CTO first time (90 days for red, 60 for orange, 30 for green)

Legislative and Judicial Regulation of Religion in India (2025)

Focus: Legal, legislative, and judicial actions in India throughout 2025 concerning religious conversion, Waqf property management, and inter-faith transactions.

UPSC Value: Useful for analyzing the trend of state intervention in religious affairs and property rights within the Indian secular framework.

6 news items in this theme:

• 2025-09-10 [Polity & Governance] — Rajasthan Prohibition of Unlawful Religious Conversion Bill, 2025
  The Rajasthan Legislative Assembly passed the "Rajasthan Prohibition of Unlawful Religious Conversion Bill, 2025". As of 2025, 11 states have passed laws to regulate religious conversion on the ground of public order.
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  UPSC Angle: Rajasthan passes Prohibition of Unlawful Religious Conversion Bill, 2025.

  Key Facts:

  • Rajasthan Prohibition of Unlawful Religious Conversion Bill, 2025
  • Rajasthan Legislative Assembly
  • 11 states have passed laws to regulate religious conversion as of 2025
  • Article 25 of the Constitution provides for the fundamental right to freedom of conscience and free profession, practice and propagation of religion
• 2025-08-28 [Polity & Governance] — Assam Cabinet Approves Streamlining Inter-Religious Land Transfer Process
  The Assam Cabinet approved streamlining the process to grant permission for land transfers between people belonging to different religions. The approval aims to ensure more efficient processing and expeditious disposal of such proposals.
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  UPSC Angle: Assam streamlines inter-religious land transfer process.

  Key Facts:

  • Inter-religion land transfers in Assam will require state government approval.
  • Assam Cabinet approval
  • Streamlining inter-religious land transfer process
  • Ensuring efficient processing
  • Expeditious disposal of proposals
• 2025-08-14 [Polity & Governance] — Uttarakhand Freedom of Religion (Amendment) Bill, 2025
  The Uttarakhand State Cabinet approved the Uttarakhand Freedom of Religion (Amendment) Bill, 2025, aiming to curb illegal religious conversions through fraud, inducement, or coercion. The bill requires precise implementation with safeguards and transparency to uphold social harmony and constitutional freedoms, ensuring it serves its purpose without undermining India's pluralistic ethos.
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  UPSC Angle: Uttarakhand Freedom of Religion (Amendment) Bill, 2025 approved.

  Key Facts:

  • Bill name: Uttarakhand Freedom of Religion (Amendment) Bill, 2025
  • Purpose: To curb illegal religious conversions through fraud, inducement, or coercion
• 2025-05-21 [Polity & Governance] — Solicitor General on Waqf Board Composition
  During the hearing on pleas challenging the Waqf Act amendments, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta stated that non-Muslims in Waqf Boards would be limited to two members and would always be in the minority. He claimed the latest amendments “resolved problems that the British and successive Indian government could not resolve,” and were aimed at curbing mismanagement and misuse of waqf properties after taking all stakeholders into confidence.
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  UPSC Angle: Solicitor General on Waqf Board composition.

  Key Facts:

  • Non-Muslims in Waqf Board limited to two members
  • Amendments aimed at curbing mismanagement and misuse of waqf
  • Solicitor General Tushar Mehta's statements during the hearing
• 2025-05-20 [Polity & Governance] — Allahabad High Court Decision on Sambhal Mosque Survey
  The Allahabad High Court dismissed a petition from the Sambhal mosque committee, upholding a trial court decision that ordered a survey of the Mughal-era mosque. The original decision had triggered violence resulting in four deaths.
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  UPSC Angle: Allahabad HC upholds survey of Sambhal mosque.

  Key Facts:

  • Allahabad High Court
  • Sambhal mosque committee
  • Mughal-era mosque
• 2025-04-18 [Polity & Governance] — Minority Affairs Minister: Refusal to implement Waqf Act is unconstitutional
  Union Minister for Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju stated that refusing to implement an Act passed by the Parliament of India is “untenable,” referring to the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025. This statement follows calls from some State Assemblies, including Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, to withdraw the Bill before its passage, and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's declaration that the Act would not be implemented in her State.
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  UPSC Angle: Minister: Refusal to implement Waqf Act is unconstitutional.

  Key Facts:

  • Central Government: Committed to not implement Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 until May 5.
  • Supreme Court: Hearing challenge to the constitutional validity of the Waqf Act.
  • Waqf by User: Concerns raised about the definition.
  • Non-Muslims: Issue of whether non-Muslims can be part of Waqf boards.
  • Chief Justice of India: Led a three-judge bench, Justice Sanjiv Khanna is also on the bench.
  • Kiren Rijiju: Union Minister for Minority Affairs
  • Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025: Act in question
  • Mamata Banerjee: West Bengal Chief Minister, declared the Act would not be implemented in her State

2025-2026 Waste Management Regulatory Overhaul

Focus: A series of new rules and guidelines notified by the MoEFCC and CPCB in 2025-2026 to manage specific waste streams (Solid, C&D, Contaminated Sites, Solar) and enforce the 'Polluter Pays' principle.

UPSC Value: Essential for GS-3 (Environment) to track the legislative updates in India's waste management framework, specifically the shift towards circular economy and stricter compliance timelines effective from 2026.

5 news items in this theme:

• 2026-02-04 [Environment & Ecology] — Solid Waste Management (SWM) Rules, 2026
  The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has notified the Solid Waste Management (SWM) Rules, 2026, superseding the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016. These rules, notified under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, will be effective from April 1, 2026. The rules provide for environmental compensation based on the 'Polluter Pays' principle for non-compliance.
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  UPSC Angle: Union Ministry notified Solid Waste Management (SWM) Rules, 2026.

  Key Facts:

  • Rules: Solid Waste Management (SWM) Rules, 2026
  • Superseded: Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016
  • Ministry: Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
  • Act: Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
  • Effective date: April 1, 2026
  • Supersedes: Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016
  • Effective from: April 1, 2026
  • Under: Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
  • Based on: 'Polluter Pays' principle
• 2026-01-03 [Environment & Ecology] — India's Urban Waste Crisis: A Shift to Circular Economy
  India faces a growing urban waste crisis, with projections estimating 165 million tonnes of municipal solid waste annually by 2030 and 436 million tonnes by 2050. COP30 (Belém, 2025) has placed waste and circularity at the core of climate action, with commitments to cut methane emissions. India is shifting from a linear “collect–dump” model to a circular economy framework, emphasizing waste minimization, segregation, recycling, and reuse to reduce pollution and emissions.
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  UPSC Angle: India's urban waste crisis and shift to circular economy.

  Key Facts:

  • Urban India is projected to generate 165 million tonnes of municipal solid waste annually by 2030.
  • Waste generation could rise to 436 million tonnes by 2050.
  • Urban waste is estimated to emit over 41 million tonnes of greenhouse gases.
  • Cities generate about 12 million tonnes of construction and demolition (C&D) waste annually.
  • Environment (C&D) Waste Management Rules, 2025 are to be implemented from April 2026.
  • India Zero Waste Alliance (2025) reported high rejection of city compost due to weak BIS enforcement and contamination.
  • The SafaiMitra Suraksha Programme (2025) integrated SHGs like Green Roing (Arunachal Pradesh) into composting and MRF operations.
  • India's Cities Coalition for Circularity (C-3) can diffuse best practices across Asia-Pacific urban centres.
  • Urban India is projected to generate 165 million tonnes of municipal solid waste annually by 2030
  • Waste generation could rise to 436 million tonnes by 2050
  • Urban waste is estimated to emit over 41 million tonnes of greenhouse gases
  • Cities generate about 12 million tonnes of construction and demolition (C&D) waste annually
  • Under the Market Development Assistance (MDA) scheme, 2025, ₹1,500/tonne subsidy enabled cities like Varanasi to supply Fermented Organic Manure (FOM) to regional farmers
  • By 2025, GOBARdhan facilitated ~750 CBG projects
• 2025-08-31 [Environment & Ecology] — Environment Protection Rules for Contaminated Sites Notified
  The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has notified the Environment Protection (Management of Contaminated Sites) Rules, 2025, under the Environment Protection Act, 1986. State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) must identify suspected contaminated sites and notify them to CPCB, conduct detailed risk assessments, and ensure polluters submit site-specific remediation plans with time-bound cleanup.
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  UPSC Angle: Environment Protection Rules for Contaminated Sites Notified.

  Key Facts:

  • Environment Protection (Management of Contaminated Sites) Rules, 2025
  • Environment Protection Act, 1986
  • State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) must identify suspected contaminated sites and notify them to CPCB
  • Polluters or responsible parties must submit site-specific remediation plans
  • Remediation plans subject to approval by CPCB
  • Remediation must be completed within a defined timeline, with penalties for non-compliance
• 2025-07-16 [Environment & Ecology] — Construction and Demolition (C&D) Waste Rules 2025
  India generates over 150 million tonnes of C&D waste annually, but only a fraction is processed. The revised C&D Waste Rules 2025 seek to tighten oversight and streamline the reuse of construction debris. The Rules will come into force from April 1, 2026.
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  UPSC Angle: Revised C&D Waste Rules 2025 seek to streamline reuse of debris.

  Key Facts:

  • C&D waste generated annually in India: 150 million tonnes
  • Rules: C&D Waste Rules 2025
  • Effective date: April 1, 2026
• 2025-06-03 [Environment & Ecology] — Draft Guidelines for Solar Waste Handling
  The CPCB released Draft Guidelines for Storage and Handling of Waste Solar Photo-Voltaic Modules, Panels or Cells, inviting public comments by 25 June 2025. This addresses a gap in the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022, which do not provide recycling targets for solar waste.
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  UPSC Angle: Draft Guidelines for Solar Waste Handling released by CPCB.

Legislative Modernization and Regulatory Unification

Focus: A wave of bills introduced or passed in late 2025/early 2026 aimed at replacing archaic acts with streamlined, unified regulatory frameworks across education, taxation, aviation, and migration.

UPSC Value: Demonstrates a governance trend towards 'minimum government, maximum governance' by consolidating fragmented regulators (like UGC/AICTE) and modernizing legacy acts (Income Tax 1961, Emigration 1983).

5 news items in this theme:

• 2025-12-15 [Polity & Governance] — Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhikshan Bill Approved
  The Union Cabinet approved the Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhikshan Bill, which proposes a unified regulator for higher education. The bill aims to replace existing statutory bodies such as the University Grants Commission (UGC), the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) and the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE).
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  UPSC Angle: Union Cabinet approves Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhikshan Bill.

  Key Facts:

  • Bill: Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhikshan Bill
  • Unified regulator for higher education
  • Replaces: University Grants Commission (UGC)
  • Replaces: All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE)
  • Replaces: National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE)
  • Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhikshan Bill
  • Approved by the Union Cabinet
  • Proposes a unified regulator for higher education
  • Replaces University Grants Commission (UGC)
  • Replaces All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE)
  • Replaces National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE)
  • UGC oversees non-technical higher education
  • AICTE oversees technical education
  • NCTE is the regulatory body for teachers’ education
• 2025-11-24 [Polity & Governance] — Centre to Table HECI Bill 2025 in Parliament
  The Centre is set to table the Higher Education Commission of India (HECI) Bill 2025 in the upcoming Winter Session of Parliament. The bill proposes a single regulatory authority for higher education (excluding medical and legal) by merging the roles of UGC, AICTE, and NCTE.
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  UPSC Angle: Centre to table HECI Bill 2025 in Parliament.

  Key Facts:

  • Higher Education Commission of India (HECI) Bill 2025
  • Single regulatory authority for higher education
  • Merging roles of UGC, AICTE, and NCTE
• 2025-10-18 [Polity & Governance] — Draft Overseas Mobility (Facilitation and Welfare) Bill 2025
  The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has introduced the draft Overseas Mobility (Facilitation and Welfare) Bill, 2025, expected to be presented in the Winter Session of Parliament in November 2025. Replacing the Emigration Act of 1983, the bill aims to tackle irregular migration, deportation issues, and the welfare of Indian workers abroad, creating a safer and regulated environment for emigrants.
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  UPSC Angle: Draft Overseas Mobility Bill 2025 to be presented in Parliament.

  Key Facts:

  • Bill Name: Overseas Mobility (Facilitation and Welfare) Bill, 2025
  • Replaces: Emigration Act of 1983
  • Ministry: Ministry of External Affairs (MEA)
  • Expected Introduction: Winter Session of Parliament in November 2025
  • Aims: Address irregular migration, deportation, and welfare of Indian workers abroad
• 2025-08-17 [Polity & Governance] — New Income Tax Bill 2025 Passed in Parliament
  The Parliament has passed the Income Tax Bill 2025, designed to replace the Income Tax Act of 1961 with a more modern and streamlined law. The new legislation simplifies provisions and introduces new measures for tax compliance, but also presents potential challenges in implementation.
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  UPSC Angle: Income Tax Bill 2025 passed, replacing the 1961 Act.

  Key Facts:

  • Income Tax Bill 2025
  • Replaces Income Tax Act of 1961
  • Simplification and rationalisation
  • Taxpayers can update returns up to four years from the end of the relevant assessment year
  • Minimum Alternate Tax (MAT)
  • Alternate Minimum Tax (AMT)
  • Parliament
  • Direct Tax
• 2025-04-11 [Polity & Governance] — Protection of Interests in Aircraft Objects Bill, 2025 Passed
  Parliament recently passed the Protection of Interests in Aircraft Objects Bill, 2025, aimed at aligning India's aviation laws with international norms and improving the ease of doing business in the aviation leasing sector. The legislation addresses legal uncertainties surrounding aircraft leasing and repossession.
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  UPSC Angle: Protection of Interests in Aircraft Objects Bill, 2025 passed.

  Key Facts:

  • Bill: Protection of Interests in Aircraft Objects Bill, 2025
  • Objective: Align India's aviation laws with international norms, improve ease of doing business in aviation leasing
  • Addresses: Legal uncertainties surrounding aircraft leasing and repossession

Judicial Tightening vs. Executive Easing (2025-2026)

Focus: Items illustrating the specific tension between the Supreme Court enforcing stricter environmental compliance and the Executive branch relaxing procedural requirements during the same period.

UPSC Value: Highlights the friction between the Judiciary and Executive in environmental governance, relevant for GS-2 (Polity/Separation of Powers) and GS-3 (Environment).

4 news items in this theme:

• 2026-01-01 [Environment & Ecology] — Proof of land acquisition not needed for green clearances
  Developers of non-coal mining projects will no longer have to show proof of land acquisition as a pre-requisite for environmental clearance, according to a recent change made by the Union environment ministry. The move is aimed at fast-tracking the approval process for offshore and onshore oil exploration and production, oil and gas transportation pipelines passing through eco-sensitive areas, highway projects, and mining of minerals.
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  UPSC Angle: Land acquisition proof no longer needed for non-coal mining clearances.

  Key Facts:

  • Developers of non-coal mining projects will no longer have to show proof of land acquisition as a pre-requisite for environmental clearance.
• 2025-12-02 [Environment & Ecology] — India's Environmental Policies and Challenges in 2025
  India's environmental story in 2025 is marked by conflicting policies and citizen protests against air pollution and deforestation. The government introduced emission intensity targets while also relaxing forest protection rules. Extreme weather events affected 99% of the days in the first nine months of the year.
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  UPSC Angle: India's environmental policies and challenges in 2025: emission targets vs. deforestation.

  Key Facts:

  • Emission intensity targets
  • Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Amendment Rules, 2025
  • Environment Audit Rules 2025
  • 99% days with extreme weather
  • 1,058 climatic disaster events (1995-2020)
• 2025-10-17 [Polity & Governance] — Supreme Court on Sand Mining
  The Supreme Court's 2025 judgement mandates replenishment studies as a legal prerequisite for environmental clearances in sand mining, emphasizing scientific validation and sustainable resource management.
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  UPSC Angle: SC mandates replenishment studies for sand mining environmental clearances.

  Key Facts:

  • Supreme Court
  • Sand mining
  • Replenishment studies
  • Environmental clearances
  • Sustainable resource management
• 2025-08-05 [Polity & Governance] — Supreme Court Strikes Down Exemption for Educational Buildings from Environmental Clearance
  On August 5, 2025, the Supreme Court of India struck down the Central Government's attempt to exempt educational buildings (schools, colleges, hostels) from mandatory environmental clearance under the EIA Notification, 2006. The court stated that such exemptions were arbitrary, undermining both environmental protection and sustainable development principles.
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  UPSC Angle: SC strikes down exemption for educational buildings from environmental clearance.

  Key Facts:

  • The Supreme Court struck down the exemption on August 5, 2025.
  • The exemption was for educational buildings under the EIA Notification, 2006.
  • The case was Vanashakti v. Union of India (W.P. (C) No. 166 of 2025).

US Federal Service Continuity and Regulatory Timelines

Focus: Items concerning the expiration, delay, or potential lapse of US federal programs and administrative processes due to legislative or executive actions in late 2025.

UPSC Value: Understanding the intersection of legislative budgeting and administrative management is critical for assessing the stability and delivery of US public services.

4 news items in this theme:

• 2025-12-27 [International Relations] — The US expands waiting procedures including scrutiny of applicants social media accounts
  The US has expanded waiting procedures, including scrutiny of applicants’ social media accounts and online profiles. The change occurred recently and has affected interviews that were set to be held in mid-December 2025, and are now being pushed back by several months.
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  UPSC Angle: Not exam-relevant

  Key Facts:

  • The US has expanded waiting procedures including scrutiny of applicants social media accounts.
• 2025-10-22 [Polity & Governance] — HUD Delays Effective Date for Certain HOME Final Rule Provisions
  The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced a further delay to the effective date for certain provisions of the HOME Investment Partnerships Program: Program Updates and Streamlining final rule (HOME Final Rule). The effective date for amendatory instruction 3 (revising 24 CFR 92.250) of the rule published on April 17, 2025, is delayed until April 30, 2026.
  More details

  UPSC Angle: Not exam-relevant

  Key Facts:

  • HUD is further delaying the effective or compliance dates for certain provisions of the HOME Final Rule
  • Effective date for amendatory instruction 3 (revising 24 CFR 92.250) of the rule published at 90 FR 16085, April 17, 2025, is delayed until April 30, 2026
  • As of October 22, 2025, amendatory instruction 27 (revising 24 CFR 92.253) published at 90 FR 746 (January 6, 2025), which was initially delayed at 90 FR 8780 (February 3, 2025), and subsequently delayed at 90 FR 16085 (April 17, 2025), is further delayed until April 30, 2026
• 2025-09-30 [International Relations] — Potential Government Shutdown
  With congressional leaders failing to reach an agreement on a continuing resolution (CR), the federal government is on track for a shutdown starting October 1, 2025. Democrats are advocating for an extension of advanced premium tax credits (APTCs) for Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace plans. CMS confirms Medicare will continue during a lapse; Medicaid has sufficient funding through December 2025.
  More details

  UPSC Angle: Not exam-relevant

  Key Facts:

  • September 30, 2025
  • October 1, 2025
  • government shutdown
  • continuing resolution (CR)
  • advanced premium tax credits (APTCs)
  • Affordable Care Act (ACA)
  • Medicare
  • Medicaid
  • CMS
  • John Thune (R-S.D.)
  • Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.)
  • Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.)
  • Mike Johnson (R-La.)
  • November 21, 2025
• 2025-09-26 [Schemes & Programs] — Telehealth Flexibilities
  Telehealth flexibilities, granted during the pandemic, are set to expire on Sept. 30, 2025, unless Congress extends them; this would limit telehealth services to rural areas and prohibit patients from receiving telehealth services in their homes, except for mental health treatment.
  More details

  UPSC Angle: Telehealth flexibilities expiring, limiting services to rural areas.

  Key Facts:

  • Telehealth flexibilities expire on Sept. 30, 2025

Streamlining Legal and Administrative Frameworks

Focus: Legislative efforts in late 2025/early 2026 aimed at repealing obsolete laws and simplifying governance structures for uniformity.

UPSC Value: Highlights the legislative focus on 'Ease of Living' and administrative rationalization through the removal of archaic statutes and procedural simplification.

3 news items in this theme:

• 2026-01-03 [Polity & Governance] — Repealing and Amending Act, 2025
  The Repealing and Amending Act, 2025 streamlines India's legal framework by removing 71 obsolete or redundant laws from 1886–2023 and making targeted amendments to modernize and correct inconsistencies in key statutes. It eliminates outdated enactments and updates foundational laws like the General Clauses Act (1897) and the Disaster Management Act (2005).
  More details

  UPSC Angle: Repealing and Amending Act, 2025 removes obsolete laws.

  Key Facts:

  • The Repealing and Amending Act, 2025 removes 71 obsolete or redundant laws from 1886–2023.
  • The Act updates laws like the General Clauses Act (1897), Code of Civil Procedure (1908), Indian Succession Act (1925), and Disaster Management Act (2005).
• 2025-12-16 [Polity & Governance] — Parliament passes Bill to repeal, amend 71 laws
  Parliament passed the Repealing and Amending Bill, 2025, to repeal or amend 71 obsolete and outdated laws, aiming to enhance ease of living for citizens. Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal said the bill seeks to remove outdated laws, correct errors, and eliminate discriminatory aspects. The bill was approved by the Lok Sabha on December 16, 2025.
  More details

  UPSC Angle: Parliament passed Repealing and Amending Bill, 2025, repealing 71 laws.

  Key Facts:

  • The Repealing and Amending Bill, 2025 seeks to repeal 71 Acts.
  • The Indian Tramways Act, 1886, the Levy Sugar Price Equalisation Fund Act, 1976, and the Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (Determination of Conditions of Service of Employees) Act, 1988 are among the acts to be repealed.
  • The bill also seeks to amend four Acts: the General Clauses Act, 1897, the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, the Indian Succession Act, 1925, and the Disaster Management Act, 2005.
• 2025-11-24 [Polity & Governance] — Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill 2025 Sparks Political Row
  The proposed Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2025, which seeks to bring Chandigarh under Article 240, has sparked a major political row. The bill aims to simplify the Central Government's law-making process for Chandigarh and ensure uniformity in governance across Union Territories without legislatures. However, it has faced opposition, particularly in Punjab, with parties arguing it undermines Punjab's claim over Chandigarh, the joint capital of Punjab and Haryana under the 1966 Reorganisation Act.
  More details

  UPSC Angle: Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill 2025 sparks political row.

  Key Facts:

  • Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2025
  • Seeks to include Chandigarh under Article 240
  • Aims to simplify law-making process for Chandigarh
  • Opposition in Punjab
  • Chandigarh is the joint capital of Punjab and Haryana (1966 Reorganisation Act)

Sector-Specific Legislative Modernization (2025-26)

Focus: Legislative reforms updating colonial or pre-GST era laws in specific commercial sectors (Shipping and Tobacco/Excise).

UPSC Value: Highlights the government's push to modernize legacy statutes in trade and taxation to align with global standards and current fiscal needs.

3 news items in this theme:

• 2026-01-02 [Economy] — Tobacco Tax Revisions Effective February 1, 2026
  The Centre has notified the Central Excise (Amendment) Act, 2025, revising excise duties on tobacco products, effective February 1, 2026, to maintain the overall tax burden after the end of GST compensation cess, aligning with public health and fiscal objectives. This involves increased duties on unmanufactured tobacco (64% to 70%) and chewing tobacco (25% to 100%), while beedis move to 18% GST and other tobacco products to 40% GST. A new valuation mechanism is introduced for smokeless tobacco.
  More details

  UPSC Angle: Excise duty revisions on tobacco products to maintain tax burden.

  Key Facts:

  • Act: Central Excise (Amendment) Act, 2025
  • Effective Date: February 1, 2026
  • Amends: Central Excise Act, 1944
  • Objective: Revise excise duties on tobacco products
  • Central Excise (Amendment) Act, 2025 notified
  • Unmanufactured tobacco excise duty: 64% to 70%
  • Chewing tobacco excise duty: 25% to 100%
  • Hookah/gudaku tobacco: 25% to 40%
  • Smoking mixtures for pipes/cigarettes: 60% to 325%
  • Beedis GST rate: 18%
  • Other tobacco products GST rate: 40%
  • New valuation mechanism for chewing tobacco, gutkha, khaini, jarda, etc. based on retail sale price
• 2025-12-02 [Polity & Governance] — Central Excise (Amendment) Bill, 2025
  The Central Excise (Amendment) Bill, 2025, was introduced in Lok Sabha on December 1, 2025, to amend the Central Excise Act, 1944, which provides for the levy and collection of central excise duties on goods manufactured or produced in India. With the introduction of GST in 2017, central excise duties on many items were repealed, except for certain items such as tobacco and tobacco products. Tobacco and tobacco products continue to face a three-layered taxation structure comprising GST, GST compensation cess, and central excise duty.
  More details

  UPSC Angle: Central Excise (Amendment) Bill, 2025 amends the Central Excise Act, 1944.

  Key Facts:

  • Central Excise (Amendment) Bill, 2025 introduced in Lok Sabha on December 1, 2025
  • Amends the Central Excise Act, 1944
  • GST introduced in 2017 repealed central excise duties on many items
  • Tobacco and tobacco products continue to face a three-layered taxation structure: GST, GST compensation cess, and central excise duty
• 2025-03-11 [Polity & Governance] — Bills of Lading Bill, 2025
  The Lok Sabha passed the Bills of Lading Bill, 2025, which replaces the 169-year-old colonial-era Indian Bills of Lading Act, 1856, to modernize India's shipping laws and align maritime trade with global standards, simplifying legal processes and enhancing efficiency in the shipping sector. The bill provides a modern, comprehensive, and user-friendly approach to maritime shipping.
  More details

  UPSC Angle: Lok Sabha passed the Bills of Lading Bill, 2025.

  Key Facts:

  • Replaces the Indian Bills of Lading Act, 1856
  • Aims to modernize India's shipping laws
  • Simplifies legal processes in the shipping sector
  • Enhances efficiency in the shipping sector
  • Aligns India's maritime trade with global standards

Legislative Modernization of 2025

Focus: Major bills passed or assented to in 2025 that explicitly replace archaic colonial or post-independence acts (1908, 1962) with modern frameworks.

UPSC Value: Useful for tracking the government's legislative agenda to overhaul legacy legal frameworks in critical sectors like ports, nuclear energy, and immigration.

3 news items in this theme:

• 2025-12-19 [Polity & Governance] — SHANTI Bill 2025
  Parliament has passed the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Bill, 2025, marking a major overhaul of India's nuclear governance framework. The SHANTI Bill, 2025 replaces the Atomic Energy Act, 1962 and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010. It provides a new legal framework to expand nuclear power, permit private participation, and restructure liability and regulation in the nuclear sector.
  More details

  UPSC Angle: SHANTI Bill 2025 passed: overhauls India's nuclear governance framework.

  Key Facts:

  • SHANTI Bill, 2025 replaces the Atomic Energy Act, 1962 and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010
  • The Bill allows licences for building, owning and operating nuclear plants to private companies, joint ventures and other permitted persons, under government licensing and regulatory oversight
  • Graded operator liability caps ranging from ₹100 crore to ₹3,000 crore based on reactor capacity, with excess liability borne by the central government
  • India has achieved nearly 9 GW of nuclear power capacity
  • The target is 22 GW by 2032
  • India aims to reach 100 GW of nuclear capacity by 2047
  • SHANTI Bill 2025 permits Indian and foreign private companies in nuclear power generation.
  • The government aims to increase nuclear capacity from 8.8 gigawatts to 100 gigawatts by 2047.
  • The bill removes a clause from the 2010 Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act that allowed nuclear plant operators to seek compensation from equipment suppliers.
  • The SHANTI Bill, 2025, will strengthen and accelerate India's nuclear energy roadmap.
• 2025-08-19 [Polity & Governance] — Indian Ports Bill 2025
  The Indian Ports Bill 2025, intended to replace the outdated Indian Ports Act of 1908, aims to modernize and provide a transparent and investor-friendly framework for India's port sector. The bill seeks to enhance governance, promote efficiency, and attract investment in the maritime sector.
  More details

  UPSC Angle: Indian Ports Bill 2025 aims to modernize India's port sector.

  Key Facts:

  • Replaces the Indian Ports Act, 1908
  • Aims to provide a modern, transparent, and investor-friendly framework
  • Seeks to enhance liquidity in the market
  • Promote fair price discovery
  • Ensure broader participation and corporate governance
• 2025-04-08 [Polity & Governance] — Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025
  In April 2025, the President of India, Draupadi Murmu gave assent to 'Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025', which deals with issues related to foreigner and immigration and it was subsequently notified through a gazette notification, with this, the bill has now become a new law.
  More details

  UPSC Angle: President gives assent to Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025.

  Key Facts:

  • President of India: Draupadi Murmu
  • Bill: 'Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025'
  • Deals with issues related to foreigner and immigration
  • Notified through a gazette notification

2025 Statutory Strengthening and Modernization of National Institutions

Focus: Legislative actions in 2025 aimed at establishing or refining the statutory frameworks and governance of national-level bodies to modernize their operations and oversight.

UPSC Value: Useful for analyzing the trend of legislative formalization and the modernization of administrative structures in India's governance.

3 news items in this theme:

• 2025-12-05 [Polity & Governance] — Indian Statistical Institute Bill, 2025
  The Indian Statistical Institute Bill, 2025, replaces the 1959 Act and transforms ISI from a registered society into a statutory body, similar to IITs/IIMs. The President of India becomes the Visitor, and the Board of Governance (BoG) will be chaired by a Visitor-nominated chairperson based on the Centre's recommendation.
  More details

  UPSC Angle: Indian Statistical Institute Bill, 2025 transforms ISI into a statutory body.

  Key Facts:

  • Indian Statistical Institute Bill, 2025: Replaces the 1959 Act
  • President of India: Becomes the Visitor
  • Board of Governance (BoG): Will be chaired by a Visitor-nominated chairperson
  • Replaces: 1959 Act
  • ISI: Transformed from registered society to statutory body
  • Visitor: The President of India
  • BoG: Chaired by a Visitor-nominated chairperson
  • Indian Statistical Institute Bill, 2025 replaces the 1959 Act.
  • Transforms ISI into a statutory body.
  • President of India becomes the Visitor.
• 2025-09-06 [Polity & Governance] — India's Immigration and Foreigners Act 2025 enforced
  The Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, has been enforced, replacing four outdated laws to overhaul India's immigration system. The Act provides statutory backing to the Bureau of Immigration, introduces digital border management like the EU Entry/Exit biometric system, and includes ETIAS-style pre-arrival vetting for enhanced immigration security.
  More details

  UPSC Angle: Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025 enforced.

  Key Facts:

  • The Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025 replaces four outdated laws.
  • The Bureau of Immigration now has statutory backing.
  • Digital Border: Implement the EU Entry/Exit biometric system.
  • Visa Screening: Introduce ETIAS-style pre-arrival vetting.
  • The Act establishes an Appeals Tribunal mirroring the UK First-Tier Tribunal and an Australian-style tribunal for reviewing visa refusals.
  • The Act adopts the Bali Process framework for cooperative immigration policy coherence.
• 2025-08-20 [Polity & Governance] — Indian Institutes of Management (Amendment) Bill, 2025
  The Lok Sabha has passed the Indian Institutes of Management (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which seeks to establish a new IIM at Guwahati, Assam. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announced a financial grant of ₹550 crore for the institute. 21 IIMs currently operate in India and are gaining international recognition, with an IIM Dubai campus set to launch next month.
  More details

  UPSC Angle: Indian Institutes of Management (Amendment) Bill, 2025 passed in Lok Sabha.

  Key Facts:

  • Revises the Indian Institutes of Management Act, 2017
  • Proposes to set up a new IIM in Guwahati, Assam
  • Government allocation of ₹550 crore for the new IIM in Guwahati
  • 21 IIMs are currently operating across the country
  • IIM campus in Dubai will begin functioning next month
  • Establishes a new IIM at Guwahati, Assam
  • Financial grant of ₹550 crore for the institute
  • 21 IIMs currently operate in India
  • IIM Dubai campus set to launch next month

Industrial Emissions and Air Quality Regulations

Focus: Regulatory measures and amendments introduced in 2025 aimed at controlling industrial emissions (GHG, SO2) and agricultural pollution (stubble burning) to meet environmental standards.

UPSC Value: Useful for GS-3 (Pollution & Climate Change) to understand the specific compliance targets and penalty mechanisms (carbon credits, fines) imposed on high-emission sectors.

3 news items in this theme:

• 2025-09-21 [Environment & Ecology] — Government Initiatives to Reduce Stubble Burning
  The EPA 1986 prohibits stubble burning; the CAQM Act, 2021, empowers enforcement; and the 2024 CAQM rules impose fines up to ₹30,000 based on land size. Farmers receive subsidised machines, Custom Hiring Centres, and PUSA bio-decomposers for in-situ use, while ex-situ channels use paddy straw in biomass power, ethanol, biogas, and packaging. The Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanisation (SMAM) extends subsidies for Crop Residue Management machinery procurement to small and marginal farmers.
  More details

  UPSC Angle: Government initiatives to reduce stubble burning via EPA, CAQM Act.

  Key Facts:

  • EPA 1986 prohibits stubble burning
  • CAQM Act, 2021, empowers enforcement
  • 2024 CAQM rules impose fines up to ₹30,000 based on land size
  • Farmers receive subsidised machines, Custom Hiring Centres, and PUSA bio-decomposers for in-situ use
  • ex-situ channels use paddy straw in biomass power, ethanol, biogas, and packaging.
  • Legal Framework: The EPA 1986 prohibits stubble burning
  • the CAQM Act, 2021, empowers enforcement
  • 2024 CAQM rules impose fines up to ₹30,000 based on land size.
  • Residue Management: Farmers receive subsidised machines, Custom Hiring Centres, and PUSA bio-decomposers for in-situ use
  • Financial Assistance: The Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanisation (SMAM) extends subsidies for Crop Residue Management machinery procurement to small and marginal farmers.
• 2025-07-11 [Environment & Ecology] — MoEFCC Amends Environment Rules for Thermal Power Plants' SO2 Emissions
  The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) notified the Environment (Protection) Fourth Amendment Rules, 2025, revising compliance timelines for thermal power plants to meet sulphur dioxide emission standards. Category 'C' thermal power plants are exempt from SO2 emission standards if they adhere to stack height requirements by December 31, 2029. Environmental compensation will be levied on non-compliant plants, starting at INR 0.20/unit and increasing to INR 0.40/unit for non-compliance beyond 366 days.
  More details

  UPSC Angle: MoEFCC amends rules for SO2 emissions from thermal power plants.

  Key Facts:

  • MoEFCC notified the Environment (Protection) Fourth Amendment Rules, 2025
  • Category 'C' thermal power plants are exempt from complying with sulphur dioxide emission standards so long as such Category 'C' plants adhere to the stack height requirements prescribed by the notification dated August 30, 1990 and ensure such compliance by December 31, 2029
  • Environment compensation on non-compliant thermal power plants starting with INR 0.20/unit and increasing to INR 0.40/unit for non-compliance for a period of 366 days and beyond
  • CPCB had issued phase-wise timelines to 189 thermal power plants to comply with emission norms prescribed by MoEFCC notification dated December 7, 2015
  • This entailed an approx. expenditure of INR 80,000 crore
• 2025-04-07 [Environment & Ecology] — Government Notifies Draft Greenhouse Gases Emissions Intensity Target Rules, 2025
  In April 2025, the Indian government released a draft of the Greenhouse Gases Emissions Intensity Target Rules, 2025, to advance the nation's climate objectives and foster technological advancements in traditionally high-emission sectors. These rules mandate that industries either achieve their emissions targets or procure carbon credits to offset any excess emissions, with penalties in place for non-compliance. The draft rules, which were officially notified in October, require 282 high-emission industrial units across the country to curtail their emissions.
  More details

  UPSC Angle: Government notifies draft Greenhouse Gases Emissions Intensity Target Rules, 2025.

  Key Facts:

  • Draft Greenhouse Gases Emissions Intensity Target Rules, 2025
  • Industries must meet emissions targets or purchase carbon credits
  • Rules notified in October 2025
  • 282 high-emission industrial units required to reduce emissions

MNRE Solar PV Regulatory Oversight and Capacity Growth 2025

Focus: The items track the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy's (MNRE) periodic updates to the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) and the corresponding record-breaking solar capacity additions in 2025.

UPSC Value: Crucial for analyzing the implementation of quality standards in the renewable energy sector and their role in achieving India's solar energy targets under GS-III.

3 news items in this theme:

• 2025-09-19 [Science & Technology] — Updated ALMM List for Solar PV Modules
  The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy updated List-I under the ALMM (Approved List of Models and Manufacturers) order for Solar PV Modules on September 19, 2025.
  More details

  UPSC Angle: Ministry of New and Renewable Energy updated ALMM list.

  Key Facts:

  • Ministry: Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
  • Order: ALMM (Approved List of Models and Manufacturers)
  • Product: Solar PV Modules
  • Date Updated: September 19, 2025
• 2025-06-30 [Economy] — ALMM for Solar PV Modules Updated
  The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) updated List-I under the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) order for Solar PV Modules as of June 30, 2025. This list approves models and manufacturers of solar photovoltaic cells.
  More details

  UPSC Angle: MNRE updated ALMM list for Solar PV Modules.

  Key Facts:

  • Updated (30.06.2025)
  • List-I
  • ALMM order
  • Solar PV Modules
  • Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
• 2025-04-04 [Economy] — MNRE Achieves 25 GW Renewable Energy Capacity Addition in FY25
  The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) announced a record-breaking addition of 25 gigawatts (GW) of Renewable Energy (RE) capacity for the Fiscal Year 2024-25 (FY25), marking nearly 35% increase from 18.57 GW in FY24. Solar power drove 80% of the renewable capacity addition, rising from 15 GW (FY24) to 21 GW (FY25), a 38% increase.
  More details

  UPSC Angle: MNRE added 25 GW renewable energy capacity in FY25.

  Key Facts:

  • MNRE added 25 GW of Renewable Energy capacity in FY25.
  • This is a nearly 35% increase from 18.57 GW in FY24.
  • Solar power drove 80% of the renewable capacity addition, rising from 15 GW (FY24) to 21 GW (FY25), a 38% increase.

2025 Religious Service Schedules and Announcements

Focus: Routine schedules and service announcements for various Christian denominations and religious organizations in 2025.

UPSC Value: Provides a comparative look at how different religious groups organize and communicate their weekly worship and ministry activities to their congregations.

3 news items in this theme:

• 2025-07-13 [Society & Culture] — Roadmap Ministry International LIVE Sunday Service
  Roadmap Ministry International held a LIVE Sunday Service on July 13, 2025, featuring Apostle David.
  More details

  UPSC Angle: Not exam-relevant

  Key Facts:

  • Roadmap Ministry International
  • LIVE Sunday Service
  • July 13, 2025
  • Apostle David
• 2025-07-13 [Society & Culture] — Peninsula United Methodist Church Sunday Service
  Peninsula United Methodist Church held its Sunday Worship Service on July 13, 2025, at 10:00 am both in-person and via Zoom.
  More details

  UPSC Angle: Not exam-relevant

  Key Facts:

  • Peninsula United Methodist Church
  • Sunday Worship Service
  • July 13, 2025
  • 10:00 am
  • Zoom ID#
  • 330-657-2567
• 2025-05-04 [Society & Culture] — JW Life and Ministry Meeting Schedule
  The Life and Ministry Meeting Schedule for April 28–May 4, 2025 is available.
  More details

  UPSC Angle: Not exam-relevant

  Key Facts:

  • Life and Ministry Meeting Schedule
  • April 28–May 4, 2025

Fiscal Year 2024-25 Transition and Compliance

Focus: Administrative, regulatory, and accounting updates specifically marking the closure of FY 2024-25 and the commencement of FY 2025-26.

UPSC Value: Useful for understanding the operational timeline of Indian financial administration, including accounting closures, tax filing extensions, and new rule implementation.

3 news items in this theme:

• 2025-05-27 [Economy] — Government Extends Income Tax Filing Deadline
  The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has extended the deadline for filing income tax returns (ITRs) for the financial year 2024-25 to September 15, 2025, from the original deadline of July 31, 2025, due to numerous changes in the forms and system updates.
  More details

  UPSC Angle: CBDT extends income tax return filing deadline to September 15, 2025.

  Key Facts:

  • Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT)
  • Financial year 2024-25
  • September 15, 2025: New deadline
  • July 31, 2025: Original deadline
• 2025-04-01 [Economy] — New Financial Rules
  A series of financial changes will take effect, including no tax for salaried individuals earning up to ₹12.75 lakh a year under the new tax regime, fixed pension for central government employees, new UPI rules requiring updated mobile numbers, and mandatory multi-factor authentication for taxpayers on the GST portal.
  More details

  UPSC Angle: New financial rules include tax changes and fixed pension for employees.

  Key Facts:

  • Income tax: No tax for salaried individuals earning up to ₹12.75 lakh a year (Nil tax till ₹12 lakh + ₹75,000 standard deduction)
  • Unified Pension Scheme: Central government employees will get a fixed pension equal to 50% of their average basic salary of last 12 months
  • New UPI rules: Update inactive mobile number with bank to avoid losing access to UPI payments
  • Goods and Services Tax: Multi-factor authentication will be made mandatory for taxpayers for better security on the GST portal
• 2025-03-25 [Economy] — RBI Guidelines for Government Transactions in March 2025
  The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued guidelines for agency banks regarding the reporting and accounting of Central Government transactions for March 2025, instructing that transactions up to March 31, 2025, be accounted for in the financial year 2024-25 and not mixed with April 2025 transactions. Banks must prepare separate scrolls for March 2025 residual transactions and April 2025 transactions between April 1 and April 10, 2025, and the final statement for March residual transactions must be submitted by April 18, 2025.
  More details

  UPSC Angle: Not exam-relevant

  Key Facts:

  • RBI issued guidelines for reporting and accounting of Central Government transactions for March 2025.
  • Transactions up to March 31, 2025, must be accounted for in FY 2024-25.
  • Separate scrolls required for March and April 2025 transactions between April 1-10.
  • Final statement for March residual transactions due by April 18, 2025.