Daily Current Affairs

October 1, 2025

Current Affairs

RoDTEP Scheme Extended till March 2026

Context: The Government of India has extended the Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) Scheme until March 31, 2026, ensuring continued support to exporters amidst global trade challenges.

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About the RoDTEP Scheme

  • Launched: January 1, 2021 (through amendment in Foreign Trade Policy 2015–20).
  • Objective: To neutralize the impact of non-refundable taxes, duties, and levies embedded in exported goods.
  • Why Needed: Exporters incur costs such as state levies, power duties, mandi taxes, and embedded central taxes, which were not refunded earlier.
  • WTO-Compliant: Replaced the Merchandise Export Incentive Scheme (MEIS) after it was challenged by the US at WTO.
  • Administered By: Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance.

Key Features

  1. Coverage:
    • All sectors eligible.
    • Priority given to labour-intensive sectors (textiles, agriculture, leather, etc.).
    • Applies to manufacturer exporters, merchant exporters (traders), SEZ units, EOUs, and e-commerce exports.
  2. Exclusions:
    • Re-exported products not eligible.
  3. Reimbursement Mechanism:
    • Provided as a percentage of FOB (Freight on Board) value of exports.
    • Issued in the form of transferable e-scrips (maintained in CBIC’s electronic credit ledger).
    • e-scrips can be used for paying basic customs duty or transferred to other importers.
  4. Digital Implementation:
    • Entirely IT-driven to ensure transparency, speedy clearance, and minimal human intervention.
    • Monitored via IT-based risk management system with audit provisions.

Significance

  • Reduces hidden tax burden on exporters.
  • Enhances global competitiveness of Indian goods.
  • Encourages manufacturing and promotes “Make in India” exports.
  • Helps India remain aligned with WTO norms while protecting domestic industry.

Way Forward

  • With the scheme extended till 2026, exporters now have policy certainty.
  • Government focus is likely to remain on simplification of refunds, expansion of product coverage, and ensuring quick digital disbursements to sustain India’s export momentum.

India Welcomes the US’s Plan for Gaza Peace

Context: Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed US President Donald Trump’s 20-point peace plan aimed at ending the ongoing Israel–Hamas conflict in Gaza. India, which advocates a two-state solution and peaceful coexistence, reiterated its support for all diplomatic efforts towards regional stability.

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Key Provisions of the Peace Plan

  • Deradicalisation of Gaza: Transforming Gaza into a terror-free zone without threats to neighbouring countries.
  • Immediate Ceasefire: Suspension of all military operations between Israel and Hamas.
  • Hostage Release: All hostages (living or deceased) to be returned within 72 hours of Israel’s acceptance.
  • Interfaith Dialogue: A global platform for tolerance and reconciliation among Jews, Christians, and Muslims.
  • Economic Revival: Establishment of a special economic zone, investment initiatives, and large-scale job creation.

Background of the Israel–Hamas Conflict

  • Historical Roots: The conflict traces back to the 1947 UN Partition Plan, which proposed separate Jewish and Arab states. Arabs rejected the plan, while Jews declared Israel’s independence in 1948, leading to successive wars.
  • Oslo Accords (1993): Signed between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) to establish peace. Hamas opposed the agreement, continuing armed resistance.
  • Recent Escalation: In October 2023, Hamas launched Operation Al-Aqsa Storm, killing over 1,200 Israelis. Israel retaliated with extensive military operations, resulting in 64,000+ casualties in Gaza, creating a severe humanitarian crisis.

India’s Stand

  • India supports a sovereign, independent Palestine living peacefully alongside Israel.
  • It maintains balanced relations with both Israel and Palestine, providing humanitarian aid to Gaza while also strengthening defence cooperation with Israel.
  • Welcoming the US initiative aligns with India’s long-standing call for dialogue, non-violence, and respect for international law.

Significance

  • For West Asia: If successful, the plan could end one of the most intractable conflicts in modern history.
  • For India: Stability in the region secures energy supplies, ensures diaspora safety, and strengthens India’s diplomatic footprint as a responsible global actor.

India’s Bid for Fully Reusable Rockets

Context: Chennai-based spacetech startup Agnikul Cosmos has announced that its upcoming rockets will be fully reusable, ensuring no component is discarded. This aligns with the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) 2025 theme: “Sustainable Space: Resilient Earth.”

Key Highlights

  • Agnikul’s Vision: To offer globally competitive small-satellite launch services with complete reusability.
  • Technology Achievements:
    • Successfully tested 3D-printed sub-orbital rocket Agnibaan SOrTeD (2024).
    • Plans for orbital launches with reusability.
  • Support Mechanism: Backed by IN-SPACe, which provides policy and technical support.
  • Focus Areas: Cost efficiency, scalability, and compliance with space debris mitigation.
India’s Bid for Fully Reusable Rockets

Reusable Launch Vehicles (RLVs)

  • Definition: A rocket system that can be launched, recovered, and reused multiple times. Unlike expendable rockets, RLVs ensure controlled re-entry and reduce space junk.
  • Advantages:
    • Cuts down launch costs.
    • Minimizes space debris, mitigating risks like the Kessler Syndrome (cascading orbital collisions).
    • Enhances sustainability of global space missions.

India’s Efforts in RLVs

  • ISRO Milestones:
    • RLV-TD HEX-01 (2016): Demonstrator flight for re-entry.
    • RLV LEX Series (2024): Autonomous landing tests.
    • PUSHPAK Mission: Ongoing experimental reusability projects.
  • Agnikul’s Initiative: Complements ISRO’s programmes by targeting commercial small-satellite launches.

Global Context

  • SpaceX (USA): Falcon 9, Falcon Heavy — world leaders in reusable rockets.
  • China: Long March 8 with partial reusability.
  • India’s Entry: Aims to position itself as a sustainable, affordable, and competitive space launch hub.

Significance

  • Strengthens India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat vision in space technology.
  • Encourages startups–ISRO collaboration, expanding the private space ecosystem.
  • Demonstrates India’s commitment to sustainable space exploration and debris-free orbits.

PNGRB Proposes LPG Interoperability Framework

Context: The Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) has proposed an interoperable LPG delivery system to address the growing challenge of delayed cylinder deliveries. The move aims to enhance consumer convenience and strengthen India’s energy service delivery mechanism.

Key Features of the Proposal

  • 24-Hour Delivery Mandate: If a distributor fails to deliver a refill within 24 hours of booking, the order will be rerouted to the nearest available distributor, irrespective of the oil marketing company (OMC).
  • Cross-OMC Flexibility: Customers of IOC, BPCL, or HPCL can receive a refill from any nearby distributor, effectively merging three separate delivery silos into a unified national LPG supply network.
  • Phased Rollout: The framework will begin with pilot projects in select urban and rural areas to test coordination and technology systems before nationwide implementation.

Rationale Behind the Proposal

  • Delivery Complaints: Around 1.7 million LPG-related grievances are filed annually, with nearly half linked to delayed refills.
  • Focus Shift: With 32 crore domestic LPG connections and near-universal coverage achieved, the challenge is no longer access but timely and reliable service.
  • Universal Service Obligation: As all three OMCs operate under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG) and sell LPG at uniform subsidised prices, interoperability aligns with their common mandate to ensure uninterrupted household fuel access.

Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB)

  • Statutory Body: Established under the PNGRB Act, 2006, headquartered in New Delhi.
  • Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.
  • Composition: Chairperson, one legal member, and three other members, appointed by the Centre for five years or until the age of 65.
  • Functions: Regulates refining, storage, transportation, distribution, marketing, and sale of petroleum products and natural gas (excluding crude oil and production).
  • Powers: Adjudicate disputes, levy fees, maintain databanks, conduct inquiries, and recommend policies.
  • Appeals: Decisions can be challenged before the Appellate Tribunal for Electricity.

Significance of the Proposal

  • Consumer-Centric Reform: Ensures faster deliveries and reduces reliance on a single distributor.
  • Efficiency & Competition: Encourages better performance among distributors by eliminating monopolistic silos.
  • Digital Integration: Pushes for advanced IT systems to seamlessly transfer bookings across OMCs.
  • Strengthening Energy Security: Builds a more resilient and responsive LPG supply chain.

Challenges Ahead

  • Operational Coordination: Requires robust digital infrastructure and real-time inventory tracking across companies.
  • Accountability & Monitoring: Clear mechanisms must be in place to prevent mismanagement and ensure transparency.
  • Pilot to Scale: Lessons from pilot projects must be carefully integrated before nationwide rollout.

Laser Interferometer Lunar Antenna (LILA)

Context: Scientists have proposed the Laser Interferometer Lunar Antenna (LILA) as a next-generation project to detect gravitational waves directly from the Moon’s surface.

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What is an Interferometer?

An interferometer is a precision instrument that uses the interference of light waves to measure extremely small changes in distance. This principle is used in gravitational-wave detection.

About LILA

  • Objective: Detect mid-frequency gravitational waves (0.1–10 Hz), a range inaccessible to Earth-based LIGO or space-based LISA.
  • Lead Institution: Vanderbilt Lunar Labs, USA, in collaboration with global partners.
  • Design: Network of lunar interferometers placed on the Moon’s surface.
  • Significance: Fills the “decihertz gap” in the gravitational-wave spectrum.

Developmental Phases

  1. Pioneer Phase:
    • Robotic deployment of an interferometer with 3–5 km arms.
    • Test of mid-band sensitivity and new technologies.
  2. Horizon Phase:
    • Construction of a triangular array with 40 km-long arms.
    • Astronaut-led assembly using quantum sensors and advanced seismic isolation.

Why the Moon?

  • Vacuum Advantage: No atmosphere to distort laser signals.
  • Low Seismic Noise: The Moon has fewer vibrations than Earth.
  • No Newtonian Noise: Absence of oceans and large mass movements reduces disturbances.

Scientific Significance

  • Complements LIGO & LISA: Bridges the gap in the gravitational-wave spectrum.
  • Astrophysical Breakthroughs: Enables study of intermediate-mass black holes and exotic cosmic events.
  • Lunar Science: Provides insights into the Moon’s deep interior, aiding 3D geophysical mapping.

Conclusion

If realized, LILA will revolutionize astrophysics, enabling humanity to observe parts of the universe never seen before. Its lunar placement could make it the quietest and most sensitive gravitational-wave detector ever built, marking a leap forward in space science.

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