Afternoon edition
Daily current affairs for UPSC, BPSC, State PCS and PSC exams.
Why in news?
The Indian government has reduced the windfall tax on the export of petrol, diesel, and aviation turbine fuel (ATF), a move that impacts the revenue of oil refining companies involved in exports.
Key points
- Duty on diesel exports reduced to ₹20 per litre from ₹25.
- Levy on petrol exports cut to ₹0.5 per litre from ₹1.5.
- Tax on ATF reduced to ₹15 per litre from ₹19.
- The reduction aims to make Indian fuel exports more competitive globally.
Background & context
Windfall taxes are non-recurring taxes imposed by governments on industries that experience sudden large profits, often due to external factors like geopolitical events or commodity price surges. India first introduced windfall taxes on domestic crude oil production and on the export of fuels in July 2022.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The tax rates on diesel, petrol, and ATF were reduced on September 16, 2026.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper III: Economy, Indian Economy, Taxation Policy.
Why in news?
Political leaders in Jammu and Kashmir have raised concerns about the 'under-representation' of the Kashmir Valley's population in the list of newly appointed senior-level officers in the Union Territory, terming it 'recruitment apartheid'.
Key points
- Kashmir division received only 18% representation in the latest senior officer appointments.
- This is contrasted with Kashmir's population share of approximately 56%.
- Leaders allege this indicates 'recruitment apartheid' and ethnic disempowerment.
- The issue is being raised in the Assembly to seek legislative remedies.
Background & context
Following the abrogation of Article 370 and the reorganization of Jammu and Kashmir into Union Territories, recruitment processes for administrative services are under scrutiny. Fair representation based on population and regional balance is a sensitive issue in the region.
★ Prelims fact capsule
Kashmir valley reportedly received 18% representation in recent senior officer appointments despite constituting approximately 56% of the population.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II: Governance, Federalism, Issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure, Constitutional bodies.
Why in news?
The Jharkhand Congress has launched a protest demanding the inclusion of a separate column for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in the Census questionnaire, to ensure accurate data for social, economic, and political representation.
Key points
- Demand for a separate column for OBCs in the Census 2027.
- Aims to collect accurate data on the population, socio-economic status, and representation of OBCs.
- Protesters believe accurate data is crucial for effective welfare schemes and political empowerment.
- A memorandum was submitted to the Governor to convey the demand to the Central Government.
Background & context
The demand for a caste-based census, particularly for OBCs, has been a recurring issue in Indian politics. Previous censuses have not had a separate enumeration of OBCs, leading to debates about their accurate representation and the efficacy of reservation policies.
★ Prelims fact capsule
Jharkhand Congress is demanding a separate OBC column in the Census 2027.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II: Social Justice, Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections, Constitutional and Statutory bodies. GS Paper I: Social Empowerment.