The article discusses the ongoing conflict between State Governors and elected governments regarding the appointment of Vice-Chancellors (V-Cs). Using Kerala as a case study, it highlights the Governor's claim that the Chief Minister has no role in V-C appointments based on 2018 UGC rules. The draft 2025 UGC Regulations further aim to divest State governments of this role. Historically, Governors were colonial instruments retained post-independence to ensure academic independence. However, recent trends show legislative moves in states like Punjab and West Bengal to replace Governors with Chief Ministers as Chancellors to ensure hands-on academic leadership.
Governors often act as political agents of the Centre, leading to friction with State governments over university administration.
The 2018 UGC rules mandate that search-cum-selection committees for V-Cs consist of persons of eminence not connected to the university.
State legislatures in Punjab and West Bengal have passed laws to make the Chief Minister the Chancellor instead of the Governor.
Exam Points
UGC Regulations 2018 mandate specific criteria for Vice-Chancellor selection committees.
Punjab and West Bengal have passed state laws to replace the Governor with the Chief Minister as Chancellor.
Draft UGC Regulations 2025 aim to further centralize V-C appointments under the Chancellor.
Shashi Tharoor explores India's 'strategic autonomy,' evolving from non-alignment to 'multi-alignment' in a fragmented world. It defines strategic autonomy as the ability to make sovereign foreign policy and defense decisions without external constraints. India faces a delicate balancing act between the US, China, and Russia. While ties with the US have matured through the Quad and iCET, India maintains historical ties with Russia despite the Ukraine conflict. The article emphasizes that strategic autonomy requires economic strength, technological capability, and political coherence to ensure India remains a 'non-West' rather than 'anti-West' power.
Strategic autonomy allows India to engage with multiple powers on its own terms rather than joining rigid blocs.
India's relationship with the US has matured through initiatives like the Quad, i2U2, and the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).
Despite Western pressure, India maintains its historical and strategic partnership with Russia for defense and energy needs.
Exam Points
Quad grouping includes Australia, Japan, India, and the U.S.
i2U2 initiative consists of India, Israel, the UAE, and the U.S.
IMEC stands for the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor.
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has introduced the Environment Audit Rules, 2025, to enhance monitoring beyond State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs). Recognizing the manpower and infrastructure constraints of SPCBs, the new rules allow private agencies to be accredited as environmental auditors. These auditors will evaluate project compliance with environmental laws and 'Green Credit Rules.' This shift aims to move environmental regulation from mere 'policing' to a comprehensive accounting of direct and indirect carbon emissions for nearly every company in India, fostering better implementation at the district and panchayat levels.
The Environment Audit Rules, 2025, aim to bridge the resource gap in State Pollution Control Boards.
Private agencies can now be licensed as environmental auditors to evaluate regulatory compliance and best practices.
Audits will be integrated with 'Green Credit Rules,' allowing entities to gain tradeable credits for activities like afforestation.
Exam Points
Environment Audit Rules, 2025, introduced by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
Green Credit Rules allow for tradeable credits in afforestation and water management.
Regulatory framework involves the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and State Pollution Control Boards (SPCB).
Following the 56th GST Council meeting, the government is moving toward 'GST 2.0,' focusing on simplification, predictability, and fairness. Key reforms include reducing tax rates on essentials, life-saving drugs, and labor-intensive sectors like textiles and handicrafts. Significant institutional changes include the operationalization of the Goods and Services Tax Appellate Tribunal (GSTAT) to resolve disputes efficiently. By removing thresholds for low-value exports and introducing a simplified registration scheme for MSMEs, the reforms aim to boost competitiveness, encourage formalization, and position India as a reliable global investment destination.
GST 2.0 focuses on streamlining rates, correcting inverted duty structures, and strengthening dispute resolution.
The Goods and Services Tax Appellate Tribunal (GSTAT) will be operationalized to reduce the burden of litigation.
MSMEs benefit from a simplified registration scheme with approvals within three days and the removal of thresholds for low-value exports.
Exam Points
The 56th GST Council meeting was held on September 3, 2025.
GSTAT stands for Goods and Services Tax Appellate Tribunal.
The Simplified GST Registration Scheme for MSMEs targets approvals within three days.
India has unveiled the Technology Perspective and Capability Roadmap (TPCR-2025), a 15-year blueprint for military preparedness. The document emphasizes reinforcing nuclear deterrence through advanced delivery platforms and survivability systems. A major focus is on drone warfare, including the acquisition of stealth remotely piloted aircraft with ranges up to 1,500 km and loitering munitions with AI-enabled targeting. The roadmap also addresses emerging threats like hostile drone swarms by planning adaptive jamming systems and electronic denial bubbles, signaling a strategic shift toward integrated defense combining nuclear resilience and unmanned strike platforms.
TPCR-2025 is a 15-year blueprint focusing on nuclear deterrence and advanced electronic warfare.
The Army seeks stealth drones capable of flying at 60,000 feet with a range of 1,500 km for reconnaissance.
New defense systems include 'electronic denial bubbles' with a 15 km radius to neutralize hostile drone swarms.
Exam Points
TPCR-2025 stands for Technology Perspective and Capability Roadmap.
Electronic denial bubbles are designed with a 15 km radius.
Target drone specifications include a range of 1,500 km and altitude of 60,000 feet.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will represent India at a virtual BRICS summit convened by Brazilian President Lula da Silva. The meeting aims to address the global trade impact of unilateral tariffs imposed by the U.S. on several nations, including BRICS members. While India and Brazil face high tariffs (up to 50%), China and South Africa face 30%. The summit seeks to form a 'common plan' to counter these economic measures and strengthen multilateralism. This comes as India prepares to take over the Chair of the BRICS grouping and host the next summit.
The summit is a response to U.S. imposed tariffs ranging from 10% to 50% on various BRICS nations.
BRICS has expanded to include new members like Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.
The meeting focuses on countering unilateral economic measures and promoting a multilateral trade order.
Exam Points
U.S. tariffs include 50% on Brazil and India, and 30% on China and South Africa.
New BRICS members include Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.
Brazil is the current convener of this virtual summit.
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