Read Current Affairs
- Why in News?
- At Ran Samwad 2025, diverse perspectives emerged on India’s proposed theaterisation plan.
- Key Provisions:-
- Theaterisation refers to integrating the Army, Navy, and Air Force into unified geographical commands, replacing the existing 17 service-specific commands. Spearheaded by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) under the Department of Military Affairs, it is the largest military restructuring since Independence, aimed at enhancing jointness and operational synergy.
- Key Challenges:
- The Indian Air Force (IAF) has expressed concerns that dividing its limited combat assets could dilute its doctrine and flexibility. Critics warn against replicating foreign models like that of the U.S., urging an India-specific approach suited to unique security needs. Restructuring could disrupt current command efficiency during the transition. Questions remain over whether theatre commanders from one service can effectively manage assets of another, particularly air power. Moreover, high costs, uncertain benefits, and a weak domestic defence-industrial base raise further reservations.
- Why in News?
- The Next-Generation GST reforms aim to build on the system’s past achievements through a streamlined two-tier rate structure of 5% and 18%, coupled with digital filing for easier compliance and quicker refunds. A new 40% slab targets luxury and sin goods such as pan masala and cigarettes.
- Benefits:
- Exempting GST on essential medicines and insurance enhances healthcare access and financial security. Lower tax rates on goods and services boost affordability, household savings, and demand. Reduced rates on inputs like cement, auto parts, and handicrafts support MSMEs by cutting production costs. The simplified structure reduces disputes, improves decision-making, and broadens the tax base through greater compliance.
- Challenges:
- The Finance Ministry estimates revenue losses of about ₹48,000 crore annually. Removal of Input Tax Credit (ITC) on certain goods could cause cascading taxes. Uncertainty remains over reviving the National Anti-Profiteering Authority to ensure rate cut benefits reach consumers.
- Why in News?
- A spectacular total lunar eclipse, popularly known as a “Blood Moon,” was visible to skywatchers around the world, casting the Moon in a deep reddish glow.
- About Total Lunar Eclipse:
- An eclipse occurs when a celestial body blocks sunlight from reaching another. In a lunar eclipse, the Sun, Earth, and Moon align in a straight line, with Earth positioned between the Sun and the Moon. This alignment causes the Moon to pass into Earth’s shadow.
- During a total lunar eclipse, the entire Moon is enveloped in the darkest part of Earth’s shadow, known as the umbra. Instead of turning completely dark, the Moon appears red due to sunlight refracting and scattering through Earth’s atmosphere—a phenomenon that filters out blue light while allowing red wavelengths to reach the Moon’s surface. This striking effect gives rise to the term “Blood Moon,” making it one of nature’s most dramatic celestial displays.