Quick Overview
The Daily Saraansh (22 October 2025) summarises seven major national and global developments:
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RBI economists updated the Rangarajan Poverty Line, revealing major poverty reduction since 2011–12.
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The Six-Pocket Syndrome debate highlights the impact of indulgent parenting on Generation Alpha’s emotional health.
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The Gorkhaland interlocutor appointment reignites discussions on federalism and ethnic autonomy.
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Indian wolf reclassified as a distinct species, enhancing focus on grassland conservation.
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Launch of a FASTag Annual Pass Compensation Portal to improve toll governance.
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India’s Digital Public Platforms (DPPs) reaffirm the nation’s leadership in global digital innovation.
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China challenges India’s EV subsidies at the WTO, alleging violation of trade fairness norms.
1. Rangarajan Poverty Line (RBI Update)
RBI’s Department of Economic and Policy Research updated the Rangarajan Poverty Line using 2022–23 consumption data.
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Key Findings: Odisha and Bihar recorded the sharpest poverty decline, while Himachal Pradesh and Tamil Nadu reported the lowest current levels.
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Methodological Context: India’s poverty estimation has evolved from calorie-based (Alagh, Lakdawala) to multidimensional approaches (Tendulkar, Rangarajan, MPI).
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Policy Relevance: The Multidimensional Poverty Index shows India’s poverty reduction from 29.17% (2013–14) to 11.28% (2022–23), reaffirming inclusive growth efforts.
2. Six-Pocket Syndrome (Parenting and Emotional Intelligence)
Originating in China, the Six-Pocket Syndrome describes overindulgent parenting, now observed in India’s urban families.
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Sociological Insight: Excessive pampering fosters entitlement, low resilience, and dependence.
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Theoretical Links: Goffman’s dramaturgical model and Bauman’s liquid modernity explain this behavioural shift.
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Corrective Measures: Emotional resilience, responsibility-based rewards, and regulated digital exposure can restore balanced child development.
3. Gorkhaland Interlocutor Appointment
The Centre appointed a former Deputy NSA as interlocutor to address Gorkhaland’s demands for autonomy and ST recognition.
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Core Issue: Balancing local aspirations with federal integrity under Article 3 of the Constitution.
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Policy Outlook: Empowering the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration and resolving ST status claims could provide a sustainable framework for peace and representation.
4. Indian Wolf Reclassification
The Indian wolf (Canis lupus pallipes) is set to be recognized as a distinct species by IUCN.
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Scientific Importance: It represents the world’s oldest wolf lineage, highlighting India’s evolutionary biodiversity.
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Conservation Implication: Recognition will bolster grassland protection and wildlife corridor policies under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
5. FASTag Annual Pass Compensation Portal
The Ministry of Road Transport launched a digital compensation system to streamline FASTag Annual Pass operations.
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Function: Facilitates revenue reconciliation and conflict resolution among toll concessionaires.
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Scheme Scope: The annual pass covers 200 highway crossings or one year, encouraging contactless and transparent toll collection.
6. India’s Digital Public Platforms (DPPs)
India aims to globalize systems like UPI and MOSIP as digital public goods.
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Core Features: Open architecture, interoperability, and scalability.
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Global Relevance: DPP models are being studied by 27 nations; a 1% rise in UPI transactions correlates with 0.03% GDP growth.
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Institutional Leadership: Reinforces India’s role as a digital democracy promoting inclusive innovation.
7. China’s WTO Complaint on EV Subsidies
China filed a WTO dispute alleging India’s EV and battery subsidies violate the Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures.
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India’s Defence: Schemes like FAME, PLI, and PM e-Drive align with sustainable industrial growth.
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Global Trade Impact: The dispute will test WTO’s capacity to balance environmental goals with trade equity.
CLAT/Exam Relevance Summary
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For UPSC GS Paper 1: Poverty and societal change (Rangarajan Line, Six-Pocket Syndrome).
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For GS Paper 2: Federal relations and governance (Gorkhaland talks, DPPs, WTO case).
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For GS Paper 3: Economic policy, environment, and digital economy (EV subsidies, FASTag, Indian wolf).
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For CLAT GK & Legal Reasoning: Key developments in policy, rights, governance, and global institutions.
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Analytical Themes:
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Evolving poverty measurement (income to multidimensional).
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Socio-psychological impact of modern parenting.
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Federal negotiations in identity politics.
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Ethical governance in digital and environmental domains.
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