1. INDIA CONDUCTS LARGEST DRONE EXERCISE AMID REGIONAL TENSIONS
SUBJECT: DEFENCE
• India is set to host its largest joint military exercise focused on drones and counter-drone systems in early October 2025, named Cold Start, involving multi-service integration and international partners.
• The exercise emphasizes unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) interoperability, electronic warfare, and swarm tactics to enhance border surveillance and rapid response capabilities.
• It aligns with the Chief of Defence Staff’s push for theatre command reforms, incorporating AI-driven threat detection for high-altitude and maritime domains.
• Concepts: Article 51A(h) – Promotes scientific temper and defence self-reliance; Integrated Theatre Commands – Facilitates joint operations under Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
• The drill reinforces India’s strategic deterrence against asymmetric threats from neighbors, with over 100 indigenous drones tested.
• International implications include strengthened Quad ties, showcasing India’s export potential for UAVs worth ₹30,000 crore by 2027.
2. AYUSHMAN BHARAT COMPLETES SEVEN YEARS WITH EXPANDED COVERAGE
SUBJECT: NATIONAL ISSUES
• The Ayushman Bharat scheme marked its seventh anniversary, delivering affordable healthcare to over 50 crore beneficiaries, with a focus on rural expansion and digital integration.
• The program has reduced out-of-pocket expenses by 40%, but challenges persist in remote areas, prompting plans for 1 lakh new empanelled hospitals by 2026.
• It integrates with the National Digital Health Mission, enabling real-time claims and telemedicine for underserved populations.
• Concepts: Article 47 – State’s directive to improve public health standards; SDG 3 – Advances universal health coverage through preventive care.
• Recent audits highlight fraud reduction via AI monitoring, saving ₹5,000 crore annually.
• The milestone underscores India’s progress toward Health for All, amid calls for 15% budget allocation to health per Abuja Declaration.
3. INDIA REJECTS NATO CLAIMS ON MODI-PUTIN CALL OVER UKRAINE STRATEGY
SUBJECT: INTERNATIONAL
• India dismissed as “baseless” NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte’s remarks alleging PM Modi sought Russia’s Ukraine strategy amid U.S. tariffs, reaffirming strategic autonomy.
• The response highlights India’s multipolar diplomacy, balancing ties with Russia (energy imports) and the West (Quad security), without endorsing any side in the conflict.
• External Affairs Ministry emphasized non-alignment, citing recent BRICS summits for equitable global norms.
• Concepts: Non-Alignment 2.0 – Guides India’s balanced foreign policy; Article 51 – Promotes international peace and security.
• The episode underscores tariff impacts on Indian exports (25% on steel), prompting diversification via FTAs with ASEAN and EU.
• Implications include bolstered credibility in G20, positioning India as a mediator in Indo-Pacific tensions.
4. Q1 FY26 GDP SURGES TO 7.8% ON INFRA AND SERVICES BOOST
SUBJECT: ECONOMY
• India’s Q1 FY26 GDP grew at 7.8%, exceeding estimates, driven by government capex and services expansion, with GVA reaching ₹44.64 lakh crore.
• Fitch upgraded FY26 forecast to 6.9% from 6.5%, crediting GST reforms and domestic demand amid global slowdowns.
• Manufacturing PMI hit 58.5, fueled by PLI schemes in electronics and EVs, targeting $500 billion exports by 2030.
• Concepts: Fiscal Deficit Target – Held at 4.9% of GDP for sustainable growth; Supply-Side Reforms – Mitigate inflation via agro-forestry incentives.
• Challenges include U.S. tariffs (50% on textiles), countered by BRICS trade pacts.
• The growth supports 1.2 crore new jobs, aligning with Viksit Bharat’s self-reliance agenda.
5. ELECTION COMMISSION DE-LIST 474 PARTIES FOR NON-COMPLIANCE
SUBJECT: POLITY
• The Election Commission de-listed 474 political parties for failing registration norms, including unsubmitted audits and reports, to curb electoral malpractices.
• This cleanup enhances transparency under the Representation of the People Act, reducing dummy entities ahead of 2026 state polls.
• It follows Supreme Court directives on electoral bonds, emphasizing donor disclosure and fair play.
• Concepts: Article 324 – Empowers EC for free elections; Doctrine of Electoral Integrity – Upholds democratic fairness.
• Impacts include streamlined voter lists via Aadhaar linkage, targeting 97% coverage by 2025.
• The move bolsters federalism, aiding Panchayati Raj devolution under 73rd Amendment.
