1. Election Commission Initiates Special Intensive Revision of Electoral Rolls
Polity
- The Election Commission of India (ECI) has launched a nationwide Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, the first large-scale document-based voter verification exercise in nearly two decades, using pre-printed forms based on data as of October 27, 2025, to update, authenticate, and purify voter lists ahead of upcoming elections.
- Booth Level Agents (BLAs) from recognized political parties are assisting in collecting forms, verifying voter details, and resolving discrepancies to ensure transparency and prevent electoral malpractices.
- The drive targets a 5-10% increase in voter inclusions, with a focus on youth aged 18-25 and marginalized communities through house-to-house surveys, addressing gaps from the 2024 general elections.
- Pre-printed forms include personal details like name, EPIC number, and address from the ECI database, streamlining the process while allowing corrections for inaccuracies.
- This revision reinforces democratic integrity by curbing issues like duplicate entries and deletions, with completion targeted before state polls.
- Concepts: Article 326 – Universal adult suffrage for inclusive participation; Representation of the People Act, 1951 – Section 21 on preparation and periodic revision of electoral rolls.
2. Employability Crisis Highlights Gap Between Education and Industry Needs
National Issues
- India faces a severe employability crisis, with only 42.6% of graduates considered job-ready, as per recent reports, exposing a disconnect between academic curricula and industry demands in a rapidly evolving job market.
- The issue is exacerbated by skill mismatches in sectors like IT, manufacturing, and services, leading to high youth unemployment rates despite economic growth.
- Government initiatives like Skill India aim to bridge this through vocational training, but implementation gaps persist, particularly in rural areas.
- The crisis underscores the need for curriculum reforms in higher education to emphasize practical skills, digital literacy, and soft skills.
- It poses long-term risks to social stability and economic productivity, with calls for public-private partnerships to enhance employability.
- Concepts: Article 41 – Right to education and work; National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 – Focus on skill-based learning and employability.
3.India Secures U.S. Sanctions Waiver for Chabahar Port Development
International
- The Ministry of External Affairs announced on October 30, 2025, that India has received a waiver from U.S. sanctions for the Chabahar Port project in Iran, enabling continued development and operations despite geopolitical tensions.
- The waiver, sought amid U.S. “maximum pressure” on Iran, allows India to import critical equipment and proceed with phase-II expansion, enhancing connectivity to Central Asia via the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC).
- This development revives a key strategic asset for India’s trade routes, bypassing Pakistan, and supports humanitarian aid to Afghanistan.
- It reflects balancing act in India’s foreign policy, prioritizing energy security and regional influence over alignment pressures.
- The port’s operationalization is expected to boost bilateral trade with Iran and landlocked neighbors by $1 billion annually.
- Concepts: Article 51 – Promotion of international peace and economic cooperation; INSTC – Multilateral corridor for Eurasian connectivity.
4. SEBI Proposes Reforms to Mutual Fund Fees for Investor Protection
Economy
- The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) released a consultation paper on October 30, 2025, proposing caps on expense ratios at 1.5% for equity mutual fund schemes to reduce costs and enhance retail investor returns.
- The reforms aim to address high fee structures that erode long-term gains, promoting transparency and fairness in the $600 billion mutual fund industry.
- It includes rationalizing total expense ratios (TER) and performance fees, with stakeholder feedback sought until November 2025.
- This move aligns with global best practices, potentially increasing market participation among middle-class savers.
- The proposal could save investors up to 0.5% annually, boosting net asset values and encouraging SIP inflows.
- Concepts: SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996 – Framework for fee disclosures and investor safeguards; Article 300A – Protection against arbitrary deprivation of property rights in financial assets.
5. President Droupadi Murmu Flies in Rafale Jet, Marking Historic Milestone
Defence
- President Droupadi Murmu became the first Indian head of state to fly in a Rafale fighter jet on October 29, 2025, undertaking a 30-minute sortie from Ambala Air Force Station in the twin-seater trainer variant.
- Accompanied by Group Captain Amit Gehani of the 17 Squadron “Golden Arrows,” the flight included advanced maneuvers, highlighting the aircraft’s agility and India’s growing air combat capabilities.
- This event symbolizes women’s empowerment in defence and boosts morale ahead of operational integrations.
- The Rafale induction under a $8.7 billion deal enhances multi-role strike capabilities, with full squadron strength by mid-2026.
- It underscores Atmanirbhar Bharat in aviation, with indigenous maintenance hubs planned.
- Concepts: Article 53 – Executive power vested in the President as nominal commander-in-chief; Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020 – Strategic partnerships for tech transfer.
