- EU-India New Strategic Agenda 2025 Launched
SUBJECT: NATIONAL
- The European Union and India adopted the New Strategic EU-India Agenda (2025) in October, focusing on five pillars: Prosperity & Sustainability, Technology & Innovation, Security & Defence, Connectivity & Global Issues, and Enablers.
- It links India’s Carbon Market (ICM) with the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) to promote green transition and reduce carbon emissions in trade.
- Builds on the 2020 EU-India Strategic Partnership Roadmap, expanding into digital governance and global connectivity.
- Aims to elevate the relationship into a transformative global partnership, enhancing economic ties and supply chain resilience.
- Concepts: Article 51(c) of the Indian Constitution promotes international peace and security through economic and cultural cooperation.
- Doctrine of Sustainable Development: Emphasizes balancing economic growth with environmental protection in bilateral agreements.
2. Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses (2025-31) Initiated
SUBJECT: NATIONAL
- Government of India launched the mission on October 11, 2025, to boost domestic pulses production from 242 lakh MT (2023-24) to 350 lakh MT by 2030-31.
- Implemented by Ministry of Agriculture with NAFED and NCCF, using a cluster-based approach for climate-resilient varieties and value-chain development.
- Seeks to enhance farmer income, ensure price stability, and reduce import dependency from countries like Myanmar and Canada.
- Announced in Union Budget 2024-25, it promotes integrated farming and market linkages for self-reliance in food security.
- Concepts: Article 48A directs the state to protect the environment and safeguard forests and wildlife.
- Public Distribution System (PDS): Aligns with efforts to stabilize essential commodity prices under the National Food Security Act, 2013.
3. Lokpal Faces Scrutiny Over Declining Complaints and Luxury Purchases
SUBJECT: NATIONAL
- India’s apex anti-corruption ombudsman reported a sharp drop in complaints from 2,469 (2022-23) to 233 in 2025, amid criticism for tendering seven BMW cars.
- Established under the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013, it functions as a quasi-judicial body to investigate corruption allegations against public officials.
- Chairperson Justice A.M. Khanwilkar leads the body, constituted in March 2019 as a milestone in transparent governance.
- The decline raises questions on accessibility and effectiveness, prompting calls for procedural reforms.
- Concepts: Article 105(2) provides privileges to MPs, but Lokpal can inquire into bribery cases under Section 20 of the Act.
- Principle of Natural Justice: Ensures fair investigation processes, including right to hearing and evidence presentation.
4. Election Commission Issues Notice to Prashant Kishor for Dual Voter Registration
SUBJECT: POLITY
- Poll strategist Prashant Kishor received a notice for registering as a voter in both West Bengal and Bihar, violating the Representation of the People Act, 1950.
- Potential penalties include imprisonment or fines; ECI is conducting special revision of electoral rolls in Bihar to address discrepancies.
- Highlights issues in voter list integrity ahead of state elections, emphasizing single registration under Section 17.
- Kishor’s case underscores challenges in multi-state political engagements and digital voter verification.
- Concepts: Article 326 guarantees universal adult suffrage based on adult franchise.
- Model Code of Conduct: ECI’s guidelines prevent misuse of official machinery during elections.
5. INDIA Bloc Releases Manifesto for Bihar Assembly Elections
SUBJECT: POLITY
- The INDIA bloc, led by RJD’s Tejashwi Yadav, unveiled a 32-page manifesto on October 28, 2025, promising job creation and social welfare reforms.
- Rahul Gandhi to join campaign from October 29; focuses on youth employment, women’s safety, and agricultural support.
- BJP criticized the opposition’s stance on ECI’s special intensive revision of voter lists in 12 states and UTs.
- Aims to counter NDA’s narrative in the polls, emphasizing inclusive governance and anti-corruption measures.
- Concepts: Article 243O bars interference in electoral matters by courts post-commencement.
- Federalism: Reflects state-level coalition dynamics under the parliamentary system.
