Afternoon edition
Daily current affairs for UPSC, BPSC, State PCS and PSC exams.
Why in news?
The Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime is undergoing reforms aimed at reducing and rationalizing rates, and simplifying compliance, aligning with India's vision of becoming a 'Viksit Bharat'.
Key points
- The 'Next-Gen GST' aims to create an economy where enterprises of all sizes can grow.
- Reforms focus on reducing/rationalizing tax rates and making compliance easier for taxpayers.
- Rate changes were implemented on September 22, 2025, with further process reforms to be presented to the GST Council.
- The reforms are expected to provide relief to households, greater certainty to businesses, and simplify tax fulfillment for taxpayers.
- The value of reported taxable supplies grew by 25.8% between October 2025 and July 2026, indicating positive impact.
Background & context
GST was introduced in India in 2017 as a common national framework for indirect taxation, replacing multiple central and state taxes. It aims to create a unified market and improve tax administration.
★ Prelims fact capsule
GST regime was introduced in India in 2017.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper III: Indian Economy – Taxation, Economic Reforms.
Why in news?
Inter-Ministerial Central Teams are visiting drought-hit areas in Karnataka to assess the impact and estimate losses, following which the state has sought significant financial relief from the Centre.
Key points
- Central Teams are assessing drought impact in districts like Yadgir, Raichur, Mysuru, Hassan, and Davanagere.
- The state has estimated losses around ₹46,000 crore due to drought.
- Karnataka has requested nearly ₹7,500 crore in relief from the Centre under existing guidelines.
- The Chief Minister is scheduled to attend the GST Council meeting and present the state's case for drought relief.
Background & context
Droughts are a recurring natural disaster in India, significantly impacting agriculture, rural livelihoods, and the overall economy. States often request central assistance for drought mitigation and relief.
★ Prelims fact capsule
Karnataka has estimated drought losses at around ₹46,000 crore.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper III: Disaster Management, Indian Economy; GS Paper II: Centre-State Relations.
Why in news?
Uttar Pradesh has released four new sugarcane varieties aimed at increasing both sugarcane and sugar production, offering improved yield and sugar recovery.
Key points
- Four new, early-maturing sugarcane varieties have been approved for cultivation in Uttar Pradesh.
- These varieties are reported to have better yield and higher sugar recovery rates compared to existing ones.
- One variety, CoS.23232, shows a 9.44% higher yield than the standard Co.0238 and is resistant to Red Rot disease.
- The release is expected to boost sugarcane and sugar production in the state.
- The varieties were developed by the UP Council of Sugarcane Research and Indian Institute of Sugarcane Research.
Background & context
Sugarcane is a major cash crop in India, crucial for the sugar industry and rural economy. Uttar Pradesh is one of the largest sugarcane producing states. Development of improved varieties is key to enhancing productivity and profitability.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The variety CoS.23232 is resistant to Red Rot disease.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper III: Agriculture, Economics of Animal-rearing and its alternatives.