November 8, 2025 - Current Affairs

SC Bats for Reform of Colonial-era Laws on Property Deals

Context

The Supreme Court directed the Law Commission of India to prepare a report on restructuring century-old colonial-era laws governing property transactions.

About

Flagging systemic deficiencies in colonial-era property laws, the SC directed a nationwide reform by asking the Law Commission to examine using the Blockchain technology for restructuring property registration process.

Blockchain technology creates a secure, transparent, and immutable digital ledger for all property transactions.

Making registration process tamper-proof and provides a single, verifiable source of ownership history.

SC Orders Removal of Stray Dogs From Public Places

In News

The Supreme Court, in suo motu proceedings, issued nationwide directions to remove stray dogs and cattle from key public and institutional areas.

Key Directions by the Supreme Court

Non-release Clause: Dogs removed from such spaces cannot be returned to the same locality.

Accountability: Held the Chief Secretaries of all States/UTs and the Chairperson, NHAI, personally accountable for enforcement.

Conduct quarterly inspections to ensure compliance.

Municipal Accountability: Local bodies to submit compliance reports within 8 weeks.

National Social Assistance Programme

Context

The National Social Assistance Programme serves as a key pillar of India's social security system, providing essential support to citizens in need.

National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP)

Introduced: On 15 August 1995.

It is a fully funded Centrally Sponsored Scheme that extends financial support to individuals living below poverty line (BPL).

Implemented by the Ministry of Rural Development.

Operation: It operates across both rural and urban areas.

National Legal Services Day

Context

Every year, November 9 is celebrated as the National Legal Services Day to commemorate the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, which led to the establishment of organisations providing free legal aid to the needy.

Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987

It came into effect on November 9, 1995, led to the establishment of a nationwide framework to provide free and competent legal services to the marginalized and disadvantaged sections of society.

The Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987 established Lok Adalats and Permanent Lok Adalats as forums for amicable settlement of disputes, including pre-litigation matters.

GST Collections & Performances of States

In News

In October 2025, India’s GST collections rose to ₹1.95 lakh crore, a 4.6% increase over the previous year, driven partly by Diwali-related spending.

What is the Goods and Services Tax (GST)?

The GST refers to India’s indirect tax regime, introduced in 2017.

It is a destination-based tax on the consumption of goods and services.

It is levied at every stage of production and distribution, but tax is charged only on the value added at each stage, with credits available for taxes paid earlier.

Ultimately, the final consumer bears the tax, and revenue goes to the authority where the goods or services are consumed (place of supply).

News in Short – 8 November, 2025

In News

India commemorates the 150th anniversary of its National Song, Vande Mataram, a powerful symbol of unity, sacrifice, and patriotism.

Historical Background

Composed by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, 'Vande Mataram' was first published in the literary journal Bangadarshan on 7 November 1875.

Later, Bankim Chandra Chatterjee incorporated the hymn in his immortal novel 'Anandamath' which was published in 1882.

First sung by Rabindranath Tagore at the 1896 Congress session, it gained prominence during the 1905 Swadeshi and anti-partition movements, with initiatives like the Bande Mataram Sampradaya in Calcutta and massive processions in Barisal.

In 1907, Madam Bhikaji Cama raised the tricolour flag for the first-time outside India in Stuttgart, Berlin. The words Vande Mataram were written on the flag.