1. Supreme Court asks CAQM for action plan as Delhi’s air worsens
The Supreme Court has asked the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to explain what steps it is taking to prevent Delhi’s air quality from getting worse.
Senior advocate Aparajita Singh told the Court that Delhi’s air is already in the “very poor” category (AQI 300–400) and that most pollution monitoring stations were not working during Diwali.
The Court directed CAQM to submit a report detailing pre-emptive measures to stop the air from turning “severe.”
Possible Question:
Examine how effective India’s institutions are in managing air quality. What are the main weaknesses in the current setup?
2. Trump says Pakistan and China are testing nuclear weapons
US President Donald Trump said that Pakistan, China, Russia, and North Korea are testing nuclear weapons, and that the US may also resume testing after 30 years.
Trump claimed these countries conduct secret underground tests, while the US is transparent about its activities.
China has denied testing nuclear weapons.
Possible Question:
How can renewed nuclear testing by big powers affect global security? What can India do to promote arms control and non-proliferation?
3. Canada rejects 74% of Indian student visa applications
Canada’s new immigration rules have hit Indian students the hardest.
In August 2025, about 74% of Indian student visa applications were rejected, compared to 32% in 2023.
This drop is due to Canada’s efforts to limit temporary migrants and reduce visa fraud.
Applications from India also fell sharply—from 20,900 in 2023 to 4,515 in 2025.
Possible Question:
What are the effects of reduced student mobility on India’s education and migration policies? How can India make its own universities more attractive globally?
4. Indian national kidnapped in Sudan
An Indian man, Adarsh Behera from Odisha, has been abducted by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia in Sudan’s El Fasher city.
Sudan’s ambassador confirmed that the Indian embassy is in touch with local and Indian authorities.
Communication in the conflict zone is currently cut off.
Possible Question:
How does India handle citizen safety and crisis management abroad? What systems does the MEA use for rescue and hostage situations?
5. Govt push for rare-earth-magnet-free technology
The Indian government plans to encourage the automobile industry to develop rare-earth-magnet-free technologies, to reduce dependence on China, which controls over 90% of global rare earth processing.
Funds from the ₹50,000 crore Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) will support R&D in this area.
India currently spends only 0.6–0.7% of GDP on R&D, much lower than the US or China.
A ₹7,300 crore incentive scheme for local magnet manufacturing is also coming soon.
Possible Question:
Why is developing rare-earth-free technology important? How can India reduce its dependence on critical minerals from other countries?
Editorial Snapshots
A. Bridging the Divide in Jammu & Kashmir
J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah says his government has limited powers since key executive authority remains with the Lieutenant Governor (LG).
The editorial argues that the Centre must restore statehood to J&K soon, as promised.
Full statehood will help strengthen democracy, build trust, and improve governance in the region.
Possible Question:
Discuss the constitutional and political effects of keeping J&K as a Union Territory. How will restoring statehood strengthen democracy and stability?
B. The Mokama Test for Bihar
Violence during elections in Mokama, Bihar, has reminded people of the old days of “jungle raj.”
The arrest of JD(U) candidate Anant Singh, known for his criminal background, shows that the state is enforcing the rule of law.
The article says that political accountability and police independence are key to keeping Bihar’s governance on track.
Possible Question:
How can depoliticising the police system improve law and order? Discuss the role of political accountability in maintaining good governance.
Fact of the Day: India’s Exports to US Fall 37.5% (May–Sept 2025)
India’s exports to the US dropped from $8.8 billion in May to $5.5 billion in September 2025, according to GTRI.
Pharma exports fell by 15.7%
Metals & auto parts dropped by 16.7%
Solar panel exports fell by 60.8%
Experts say the fall is due to slower US industrial demand, not reduced Indian competitiveness.
