VOL.

42
. SATURDAY, OCTOBER 04, 2025 . Daily News Analysis ePaper
SCIENTIA ET CIVITAS EMICEMUS

THE PALA SHAPING LEADERS SHAPING INDIA

CIVIL TIMES
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EC briefs Govt identifies India -
Central A plan built on RBI has no
100 independence China to
observers for Aspirational sand - about resume
Bihar Assembly Agricultural Gaza peace in setting
election inflation direct
districts plan flights
target
The Hindu: The Indian Express: The Indian Express: The Indian Express: The Indian Express:
04/10/2025- Page 4 04/10/2025- Page 8 04/10/2025- Page 15 04/10/2025- Page 13 04/10/2025- Page 16

Nations must prepare to deal with stablecoins:

Sitharaman
Sitharaman highlights that stablecoins—
and cryptocurrencies in general—could
alter the dynamics of money and capital
flows globally, requiring nations to adopt
new monetary architectures or risk being
sidelined from international finance. She
stresses the urgency for policymakers not
to be complacent, urging vigilance and
proactive strategies to safeguard against
potential systemic risks and external
shocks from these financial innovations.
India is cautious about the proliferation of stablecoins. While these assets are not legal tender, India taxes
transactions involving virtual digital assets and stresses the importance of global regulatory cooperation. The
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) opposes unregulated private stablecoins but is developing its own Central Bank
Digital Currency (CBDC). Sitharaman underscores India's economic resilience and evolving leverage in dealing
with financial disruptions. Different regions, including Europe, the US, and Asia, are developing regulatory
strategies for stablecoins, balancing innovation with financial stability and anti-money-laundering measures.
Stablecoins are gaining traction for cross-border payments and as stores of value, especially in emerging
markets, but they also pose risks related to monetary sovereignty and systemic stability. Sitharaman’s
message is a call to action for governments to anticipate radical shifts in global finance driven by stablecoins.

Into the Wild, Nature beckons

In Karur, where there was no way out

»page 2

Tourists at the Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve in

Maharashtra on Friday. The park in Chandrapur district
reopened on October 1 after a gap of three months. More
than 90% of safari slots are booked for the next three
months. Cough syrups not contaminated, says
Centre »page 3
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Karur stampede: the story

so far
The stampede reportedly resulted from crowd
mismanagement: permission was sought for a
crowd of 10,000, but more than 25,000 people
gathered.
The event organizers and party leaders arrived
late, and alleged delays in police response and
inadequate regulation of the crowd contributed to
EC briefs Central observers the chaos.

for Bihar Assembly election Victims included entire families, young children,
and people who had not even intended to attend
The Election Commission (EC) held a briefing the rally but became trapped in the crowd.
for general, police, and expenditure observers The incident triggered criminal charges against
—drawn from IAS, IPS, and other services—who party officials and intensified calls for political
will oversee the upcoming Bihar Assembly accountability in managing large gatherings.
election and by-elections in certain states. The Karur stampede stands as a somber warning
about the dangers of political hero worship,
Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar,
unplanned mass events, and the pressing need for
along with other EC officials, instructed
robust crowd control, especially in a country prone
observers to act as the “eyes and ears” of the
to large public gatherings for political or religious
commission. occasions.
Observers are expected to familiarize The Madras High Court’s refusal to grant
themselves with all election laws, provide anticipatory bail and its order for an SIT probe
direct field inputs, and ensure strict, impartial signal a serious approach to examining all
compliance with rules and guidelines. dimensions of the tragedy and ensuring that both
Observers must remain fully accessible to organizers and authorities are held to strict
political parties, candidates, and voters to standards of responsibility and transparency.
address grievances impartially. Constitutional and Legal Dimensions
They are required to visit polling stations and Article 21 (Right to Life): State’s responsibility to
ensure the effective implementation of recent ensure citizen safety in mass gatherings.
initiatives for voter convenience and election Disaster Management Act, 2005: Stampedes fall
integrity. under “man-made disasters,” requiring preventive
and mitigation strategies.
A major focus is on raising voter awareness and
Supreme Court in Destruction of Public & Private
ensuring accessible, transparent, and impartial
Properties v. State of A.P. (2009): directed
elections, as highlighted by efforts like
authorities to ensure accountability in handling
informative wall paintings in Patna. mass events.
With the Assembly election in Bihar just weeks Scientific crowd management:
ahead, political parties have focused on women Use of AI-based predictive modelling, sensors, and
voters by announcing several exclusive welfare drone surveillance to monitor density.
measures for them and planning to give ticket Deployment of dedicated Crowd Management Units
to more of them, apparently to win their under state police.
crucial votes. Use of mobile apps for crowd alerts, geo-fencing,
Women have consistently outnumbered male and SMS-based advisories.
voters in the State since 2010. Use of real-time digital ticketing for sports/cultural
Bihar has a total of 10.75 lakh women self-help events to avoid oversubscription.
groups (SHGs).
Bihar government’s Mukhyamantri Mahila
Rojgar Yojana provides one woman from each
family the opportunity to start a business of
her own choice.
So far, a total of Rs.10,000 crore has been
transferred to the accounts of 1 crore
beneficiaries.
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Govt identifies 100 Cough syrups not

Aspirational contaminated, says Centre;
Agricultural districts T.N. test detects
The central government announced 100 adulteration
Aspirational Agriculture Districts across
29 states and Union Territories, with
Uttar Pradesh having the highest
number (12 districts).
The scheme—PMDDKY—aims to develop
these districts through five objectives:
increasing agricultural productivity,
crop diversification, sustainable
agriculture, post-harvest practices, and
improving irrigation and finance access. The recent controversy over cough syrup safety in India,
particularly the findings from both the Union Health
Central Nodal Officers have been
Ministry and Tamil Nadu health authorities after reports of
appointed to monitor performance, most
child deaths in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan allegedly
of whom are joint secretaries. linked to contaminated cough syrups.
The districts were mainly chosen from Centre’s Findings
states with lower agricultural progress; The Union Health Ministry stated that laboratory tests
UP, Maharashtra, MP, and Rajasthan of cough syrup samples in question did not contain
have the most selections. harmful contaminants like diethylene glycol (DEG) or
Implementation will use existing ethylene glycol (EG), both known to cause serious
kidney injuries.
schemes, with each district having its
The deaths in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan were
own development plan and resources
initially attributed to the Coldfri brand of cough syrup,
converging from 36 schemes across 11 but the Centre’s investigation found no such
departments. contamination in the tested samples from the affected
No separate budget is allotted; regions.
convergence from current schemes will Tests were conducted by respected laboratories such
fund the initiatives, focusing on district- as the NIV, Pune, and Government Drugs Testing
Laboratories, which found no standard or adulterated
specific agricultural improvements.
DEG/EG contamination.
The UP districts are listed, including
Tamil Nadu’s Actions
Mahoba, Sonbhadra, Hamirpur, Banda, Contrarily, Tamil Nadu’s Drugs Control Department
Basti, among others, covering key found adulteration—specifically, diethylene glycol—in
underdeveloped agricultural regions. the Coldfri batch, prompting an immediate halt of its
Model Linkage: Aligned with NITI production and regulatory action against the
Aayog’s Aspirational District manufacturer.
Programme, focusing on measurable The state attributed the child deaths in Madhya
Pradesh to the cough syrup and issued advisories for
development outcomes in agriculture.
safer prescription practices, especially in children
below two years.
Broader Context and Implications
India has previously faced similar crises, including
incidents in Jammu and Gambia linked to
contaminated syrups with DEG or EG, highlighting
persistent concerns over medicine quality control.
The Health Ministry reiterated the importance of not
prescribing cough syrup to young children unless
absolutely necessary, emphasizing rational use and
professional caution.
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PRELIMS CORNER : Talks continue as India and

1."Unitary Digital Identity China plan to restart flights
Framework", a personal from Oct. 26
identity verification device Background and Resumption
Direct flights were suspended due to the Covid-19
based on biometric data, was
pandemic and worsened by deteriorating India-China
introduced by which one of relations following border tensions at the Line of Actual
the following countries ? Control in 2020.
(a) Ukraine An agreement between both countries now allows flights
to restart from late October 2025, with IndiGo launching
(b) Bangladesh
the first route from Kolkata to Guangzhou; Air India and
(c) Sri Lanka other airlines may soon follow with additional routes
(d) North Korea such as Delhi-Shanghai.
Motivation and Diplomacy
2."Shinku-La Pass", is located Although China pressed for resumption earlier, India had
on the border between ? been reluctant due to poor bilateral relations and security
(a) Jammu and Kashmir and concerns.
Ladakh The arrangement also includes plans for easier visa
facilitation for tourists, business travelers, and media.
(b) Sikkim and West Bengal
Economic and Airline Impact
(c) Ladakh and Himachal Before 2020, direct flights made up over 45% of India-
Pradesh China passenger flows. The absence of direct routes hurt
(d) Himachal Pradesh and both countries’ economies and connectivity, leading to
missed business opportunities and longer, more
Jammu and Kashmir
expensive journeys.
3.Which one of the following Indian airlines, especially IndiGo and Air India, stand to
states has been the largest benefit by expanding their services, capitalizing on
growing travel demand, and recapturing lost market
producer of sunflowers in
share.
India in recent times ? In 2019, Indian carriers operated about 31% of scheduled
(a) Bihar direct flights; Chinese carriers like Air China and China
(b) Odisha Eastern dominated the remainder, indicating China’s
stronger role in the air travel corridor.
(c) Maharashtra
Market and Consumer Implications
(d) Karnataka Travelers will benefit from quicker, more affordable, and
4.“Temporary Protection more convenient options as direct routes return,
especially for business and academic links.
Directive”, is related to the
While both nations gain financially, Chinese carriers may
affairs of : stand to gain more, as they previously held a larger share
(a) International Monetary of the direct flight market before the pandemic.
Fund
(b) North Atlantic Treaty
Organization
(c) United Nations
Peacekeeping
(d) European Union
DETAILED ANSWER KEY IN THE CIVIL
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A plan built on sand - Ambitious declarations that

are resting on shaky foundations
Trump’s desire for peace may well be genuine. His
initial gains, drawing on the weight of US power
and his readiness for high-stakes manoeuvres,
create dramatic headlines. But sustaining those
gains amid the complexities on the ground is
another matter altogether. It relies heavily on
trust, goodwill, and diplomatic pressure in a
region where betrayal, spoilers, and competing
agendas are routine.

Ambitious but Impractical: While Trump has promoted himself as a “peace president” and proposed
bold initiatives for conflict resolution, his Gaza plan is overly ambitious and detached from historical
complexities, making implementation practically impossible. More crucially, it appears to reward
decades of violent contestation rather than addressing the root causes of occupation and
dispossession.
Pitfalls and Political Realities: The real problem lies not in Trump’s intentions but in the social
realities in Israel, Palestine, and the broader Middle East. The plan’s demands—such as full
disarmament, demilitarization, and governance of Gaza by an international committee—are
extremely contentious. Each party (Israel, Hamas, neighboring Arab states) faces serious incentive
and security hurdles that make compliance unlikely.
Uncertain Commitments and Distrust: Statements welcoming the plan from the Arab world are
cautious and nuanced, largely motivated by their relationships with Washington rather than genuine
buy-in.
Domestic Obstacles: Hamas, the leading Palestinian faction in Gaza, rejects the plan outright, viewing
demands for disarmament as a precursor to defeat. Israel is wary of international mechanisms that
may compromise its security and views the plan as shifting the burden to it for enforcement and
reconstruction.
Reconstruction Risks: The immense costs and logistical challenges of rebuilding Gaza are daunting,
and allocating responsibility and ensuring genuine, long-term reconstruction and governance would
require an unprecedented level of international coordination and local buy-in.
Absence of Palestinian Representation: although the plan is welcomed by Israel and some Arab and
Muslim countries, it fundamentally lacks support from the true representatives of the Palestinians.
Any genuine resolution, demands Palestinian participation—something the plan side-steps entirely.
Security Over Concession: Trump plan is almost wholly oriented around Israeli interests. While there
is some discussion of restraint (like a “muted ceasefire” in exchange for hostage release), the actual
structure solidifies existing inequalities: Israeli troops remain “security personnel,” and Gaza’s
governance would be under an international board, while Israel keeps control in practice.
No Guarantee of Relief or Statehood: The plan makes no genuine promise for Palestinian statehood or
meaningful relief. Even if Palestinians comply completely, Israel’s security and political dominance
would endure, and Palestinians would still be subject to Israeli occupation and foreign
administration.
Despite the US’s diplomatic weight and Trump’s overtures, the Gaza peace plan is likely to fail—not due
to lack of ambition, but because it overlooks the intractable local realities and history of mutual distrust,
as well as the sheer complexity of both disarmament and reconstruction.
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Niti moots presumptive RBI has no independence

taxation plan for foreign in setting inflation
firms target: Governor
Niti Aayog proposed to introduce a presumptive RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra, clarified that while
taxation scheme for foreign companies the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has flexibility in
operating in India, aiming to bring greater achieving inflation targets, it does not have
certainty, simplicity, and efficiency to the independence in setting those targets—the
country’s tax regime. government sets the actual inflation target, and the
Core Proposal and Rationale
RBI’s main role is how to achieve it.
Niti Aayog’s working paper suggests a
Target Setting vs. Implementation: The
proactive and pragmatic solution to issues
inflation target (done by the government) and
arising from Permanent Establishment (PE)
disputes, which are often contentious, the flexibility or operational independence the
technical, and unpredictable for RBI has in how it attempts to achieve that target
multinational firms. using monetary policy tools.
The presumptive scheme would allow Framework Review: RBI’s flexible inflation
foreign companies to declare income at a targeting framework was put into effect in 2016,
prescribed rate, freeing them from laborious aiming to keep inflation within a 4% (+/- 2%)
account-keeping and frequent litigation with band. The RBI is currently reviewing this
tax authorities. framework to gather feedback and possibly
Predicted Benefits
revise or tweak the parameters for future
The measure intends to balance India’s
stability and growth.
taxation rights with the need to attract
Monetary Policy Committee (MPC): The setting
foreign investment through certainty and
transparency. of policy interest rates (the instrument for
By switching from a “minefield” of achieving the target) is handled by the MPC,
inconsistent rules to a “well-lit path” of fixed which has equal membership from the RBI and
rates, India hopes to boost its appeal and independent experts. The governor highlighted
stability as an FDI destination, and improve that while the RBI has some say, the
its standing in global business indices. responsibility and control over the inflation
The system would include sector-specific target itself still rest primarily with the central
rates and allow companies to opt out if their government.
real profits are lower than the presumptive
Accountability and Coordination:Malhotra
rate.
emphasized that the RBI’s credibility stems
Practical Aspects
from its accountability; if inflation moves
The proposal emphasizes practical relief
from documentation, as companies opting outside the 2–6% band for three consecutive
into the scheme would not need to maintain quarters, the RBI is required to explain why and
regular accounts for those activities. outline corrective measures.
It also recommends robust training for tax Importance of Institutions: Malhotra added that
officials and urges avoidance of unnecessary India’s relatively successful stability despite
litigation to provide clear, predictable volatile conditions is due to the strength of its
outcomes. institutions—and that this balance between
Digital and cross-border transactions, which government and central bank roles is
are especially prone to disputes, would
intentional and necessary for accountability.
particularly benefit from the new clarity.
Policy Impact: The framework has succeeded in
The ultimate goal is to create a business-
bringing down consumer inflation in recent
friendly tax environment, promoting
investment and economic growth through years, and official forecasts expect this
stable, transparent policies. moderate trend to continue.
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Mullally appointed first Trump sets Sunday night

woman to lead the Church deadline for Hamas to
of England accept Gaza peace plan
President Donald Trump's ultimatum to Hamas,
setting a Sunday night deadline for the group to
accept his 20-point Gaza peace plan or face severe
repercussions. The proposal, backed by Israel,
includes an immediate ceasefire, release of
hostages within 72 hours, gradual Israeli
withdrawal, and a post-war transitional authority.
Stakeholder Responses
Hamas: The group has not outright rejected or
accepted the plan and is reportedly still
Sarah Mullally the first woman to serve as studying its specifics. Hamas's leadership has
Archbishop of Canterbury—making her the head also raised concerns about the lack of safe
of the Church of England and spiritual leader of zones and ongoing humanitarian crises in Gaza,
the global Anglican community. Her selection with a high toll on civilians, infrastructure, and
comes at a pivotal moment, following an abuse
displaced persons.
scandal that led to her predecessor’s resignation
and amid broader debates within the church on Israel: Supporting the plan, Prime Minister
social and ethical issues. Netanyahu has called it a step toward peace but
Historic First: At 63, Mullally, a former nurse maintains Israel’s security concerns are
and midwife, was nominated after a paramount.
thorough selection process, ultimately International Concerns: Humanitarian
appointed by King Charles III. organizations and the UN have described the
Response to Crisis: Mullally has pledged to
displacement and destruction in Gaza as
improve safety and address the legacy of
abuse scandals within the church, stressing catastrophic, with international mediators
the “huge responsibility” to confront past stressing that the plan must address
failures and safeguard vulnerable members. Palestinians' needs for safety and sovereignty,
She has openly acknowledged the “deep not just Israeli security.
harm and mistrust” left by past abuses and Context and Complications
the need for continuous reform and listening Humanitarian Crisis: The war has led to
to victims.
thousands of deaths and massive displacement
Career and Credibility: Before her ordination
in Gaza, with severe shortages of food, water,
as priest in 2002, Mullally served as one of
the UK’s top nursing officials, eventually medical care, and safe shelter.
becoming the Bishop of London—another Political Realities: International acceptance of
first for a woman—before her elevation to the plan is complicated by its perceived lack of
Archbishop. direct Palestinian input, as well as its broad
Controversies and Challenges: Mullally faces support among Israel’s allies but not necessarily
complex challenges, including declining among all Arab or Muslim states.
church attendance, internal debates over
Internal Palestinian Dynamics: The plan
social issues (such as same-sex unions and
the Assisted Dying Bill), and the need to demands Hamas to not only agree but also to
rebuild trust. She openly described herself as persuade other political and militant actors in
a feminist and has been a strong voice on Gaza and the broader Palestinian territories—a
ethical issues, sometimes opposing popular major practical hurdle.
legislative proposals. This deadline-driven diplomacy displays high-
Commitment to Reform: Mullally’s stated stakes pressure tactics, reflecting U.S. and Israeli
priorities include outreach to victims,
interests in achieving a ceasefire and hostages’
fostering a safer and more supportive church
culture, and promoting reforms on release but risking a humanitarian and political
safeguarding and clergy conduct—especially backlash if seen as an ultimatum rather than a
in light of past cover-ups and governance negotiated settlement.
failures.
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Prelims Corner: Explanations

Q1. Ans c Q3. Ans d
India has agreed to provide a grant to Sri Lanka Sunflower is an important oil seed crop in the
to implement a 'Unitary Digital Identity world, known as the "Champion" of Oil seed
framework', apparently modeled on the Aadhaar crops. Karnataka is the largest producer of
card. The Unitary Digital Identity framework is a sunflowers, with a production of 3.04 lakh
personal identity verification program that is a tonnes from an area of 7.94 lakh hectares,
digital tool that can represent the identities of followed by Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra,
individuals in cyberspace and the identification
Bihar, Orissa and Tamil Nadu. Karnataka is set
of individual identities that can be accurately
to continue the area expansion program in
verified in digital and physical environments by
marginal lands, especially in the Rabi season,
combining the two devices. This framework is
with assured irrigation facilities to enhance
based on biometric data.
farmers' income.

Q2. Ans c
Shinku-la pass is 40km from Darcha, a tiny
hamlet in Himachal's Lahaul on the Manali-Leh Q4. Ans d
highway. The Shinkula Pass, an altitude of 16,580 For the war in Ukraine, the European Union for
feet, connects the Zanskar Valley of Ladakh to
first time invoked the Temporary Protection
Lahaul of Himachal Pradesh. Thus, Shinku La
Directive (TPD). It describes “temporary
Pass is bordering between Ladakh and Himachal
protection” under the TPD as an “exceptional
Pradesh.
measure to provide immediate and temporary
protection to displaced persons from non-EU
countries and those unable to return to their
country of origin”.
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Case Study:
How Jane Goodall revolutionized primatology with her
methods and dedication?
In the 1960s, a young Jane Goodall, with no formal
scientific degree, entered the dense forests of Gombe,
Tanzania, to study chimpanzees. Amid skepticism from
the academic world and doubts about her frail
appearance, she persevered. One day, she observed a
chimp using a twig to fish termites from a mound—
shattering the long-held belief that tool-making was a
uniquely human trait. Her discovery, initially dismissed
by experts, compelled science to redefine the
boundary between humans and animals.
Rejecting the traditional detachment of academic science, Goodall immersed herself in chimpanzee
communities, lived among them, and gave them names rather than numbers. Her qualitative,
ethnographic approach—considering animal individuality, emotion, and social bonds—was initially
criticized but later acknowledged as innovative and essential for a deeper understanding of primate
behavior. Goodall’s influence extends beyond research. She inspired generations of women scientists and
fieldworkers, established new conservation norms, and advocated for compassion towards all living
beings. Her work highlighted the continuum between human and animal life, emphasizing sensitivity to
each individual and the interconnectedness of all species. Goodall’s legacy is a scientific revolution. Her
journey embodies resilience, humility before nature, and the courage to challenge orthodoxy.

The 2025 ICC Women's Cricket World Cup is the 13th edition of Women's Cricket World Cup. It is being
hosted jointly by India and Sri Lanka.[1] It is India's fourth time hosting the World Cup after the 1978, 1997
and 2013 editions, and Sri Lanka's first time hosting it. This is the last time the tournament will have eight
teams.[2] Australia are the defending champions, having won their seventh title in 2022. In June 2025, the
International Cricket Council announced the event will take place from 30 September to 2 November
2025. ICC chairman Jay Shah said the tournament arrives at a “defining moment” for the women’s game,
offering a chance to push the sport to greater heights. The tournament will bring global media attention
to women’s cricket, showcasing talented female athletes and their performances. Both countries will
invest in upgrading stadiums, facilities, and support systems (medical, training, logistics) —
improvements that will benefit future women’s sporting events as well. The event will generate jobs and
tourism revenue, especially for women in sectors like sports management, hospitality, and
broadcasting.It can also motivate corporate sponsorships and investments in women’s sports, which are
often underfunded.