Daily Current Affairs 08 September 2026 – IAS Current Affairs

Current Affairs 08 September 2026 focuses on the Prelims-Mains perspective. Major events are :

Dogri Script Revival In Jammu

Source: Indian Express
GS I: Indian Heritage and Culture

Why in the News?

Several new public signboards in Jammu have begun displaying Namey Dogra Akhar, the traditional script associated with the Dogri language, alongside Devanagari and Roman English.

News in Brief

• Dogri is primarily spoken in the Jammu region and has historically been written in different scripts, including Takri and Devanagari.
• The initiative seeks to revive the script, which had gradually fallen into disuse.
• Civil society members and the Jammu Municipal Corporation have played an important role in bringing the script back into public spaces.

Dogri Language

• Dogri is an Indo-Aryan language belonging to the larger Indo-European language family.
• It is part of the Western Pahari group of languages spoken across the western Himalayan region.
• Dogri is primarily associated with the Dogra community of the Jammu region, although Dogri-speaking populations are also found in parts of Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
• According to the 20001 Census, Dogri was the primary language of nearly 2.6 million people in India.
• Its constitutional status was strengthened when it was included in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution in 2003.
• Later, in 2020, Dogri was recognized as one of the official languages of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

Namey Dogra Akhar: The Traditional Script

• The recent revival of Namey Dogra Akhar has brought attention to the distinction between preserving a language and preserving the script historically associated with it.
• Namey Dogra Akhar is a modified form of the Takri script, which was traditionally used for Dogri.
• Takri remained associated with Dogri until the period of Maharaja Gulab Singh, the first Dogra ruler of Jammu and Kashmir.
• During his reign, the expansion and administration of the Dogra kingdom meant that comparatively less attention was devoted to developing the script.
• A significant change occurred during the reign of Maharaja Ranbir Singh, who succeeded Gulab Singh in 1856.
• Ranbir Singh was a scholar of Sanskrit and Persian.
• Administrative orders and documents were difficult to write in Takri because the script lacked adequate vowel signs.
• To overcome this difficulty, writers were asked to borrow vowel signs from Devanagari.
• This process contributed to the emergence of Namey Dogra Akhar, meaning the new Dogri script.

Decline In Official Use

• Following Maharaja Ranbir Singh’s death in 1885, administrative changes under Maharaja Pratap Singh contributed to the declining official use of the Dogri script.
• Persian was replaced by Urdu as an official language, partly because of its wider use among sections of the local population.
• Although the Dogri script continued to be used by people, its role in administration gradually declined.
• The decline continued during the reign of Maharaja Hari Singh, who came to power in 1926.
• His reforms promoted compulsory education and expanded educational institutions, while English gained greater importance in official work.
• Hindi increasingly used Devanagari and Roman scripts, while Urdu continued with the Perso-Arabic script.
• These developments reduced the functional space available for the traditional Dogri script.

Revival of Dogri Language, but not its Script

• In 1944, the Dogri Sanstha adopted Devanagari to popularise Dogri literature, helping the language gain wider recognition.
• Dogri received Sahitya Akademi recognition in 1969, while the University of Jammu established a Dogri Research Cell in 1971.
• Dogri was introduced as a formal subject in Devanagari in 1987, followed by campaigns for its introduction in schools and inclusion in the Eighth Schedule.
• It became a third language at the primary level in 2002 and was included in the Eighth Schedule in 2003.
• However, these efforts promoted the Dogri language more than its traditional script, Namey Dogra Akhar.

Recent Revival

• The revival of Namey Dogra Akhar has recently gained momentum through civil society efforts.
• Dr Katuri Lal Gupta, a former principal of Government Medical College, Jammu, began displaying boards written in the script at religious places and cremation grounds.
• He subsequently approached the Jammu Municipal Corporation to introduce the script on public signboards.
• The appearance of Namey Dogra Akhar on signboards in Jammu represents an effort to restore its public visibility and everyday relevance.
• Efforts are also being made to organize classes for learning the script.

Significance and Challenges

• Reviving indigenous scripts helps preserve historical records, literature, traditions and collective memory.
• It also strengthens linguistic diversity and regional cultural identity.
• Knowledge of traditional scripts can help scholars and communities access older manuscripts and historical documents.
• However, revival faces challenges such as the limited number of people able to read and write the script, the dominance of Devanagari and Roman Scripts, lack of standardized teaching material, and limited digital fonts and keyboards.
• The key challenge is ensuring that the revival moves beyond symbolic signboards towards education, digital adaptation and regular social use.

Conclusion

The revival of Namey Dogra Akhar highlights that preserving a language also requires safeguarding its script and cultural heritage. While Dogri has gained constitutional and institutional recognition, renewed efforts to promote its traditional script can help preserve the region’s historical identity and linguistic diversity for future generations.

UPSC Prelims Practice Question

With reference to the Dogri language, consider the following statements:

1. Dogri belongs to the Indo-Aryan branch of the Indo-European language family.
2. Dogri was included in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution through the 92nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 2003.
3. Namey Dogra Akhar is associated with the traditional script heritage of the Dogri language and evolved from Takri.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (d)

UK Recognizes India’s Carbon Credit Trading Scheme Under CBAM

Source: The Hindu
GS III: Environment and Ecology, Effects of Globalization on the Indian Economy

Why in the News?

The United Kingdom has recognized India’s Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS) as a qualifying overseas carbon pricing mechanism for carbon price relief under the UK’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM).

News in Brief

• The UK has included India’s Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS) in its list of Qualifying Carbon Pricing Schemes (QCPS) for carbon price relief under the UK CBAM.
• The UK CBAM will come into effect from January 202 and aims to ensure that imported carbon-intensive goods face a carbon price comparable to that paid by domestic UK producers.
• The mechanism currently covers aluminium, cement, fertilizer, hydrogen, and iron and steel,
• Recognition of India’s CCTS can help prevent double carbon pricing, as eligible carbon prices paid in India may be considered while determining the UK CBAM liability.

India’s Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS)

• India’s Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS) is intended to develop the Indian Carbon Market (ICM) and create a market-based framework  for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
• Under the scheme, eligible entities can earn Carbon Credit Certificates (CCCs) for reducing their greenhouse gas emissions or improving their emission performance.
• These certificates can subsequently be traded within the prescribed carbon market framework.

Key Features

• The scheme is implemented within the institutional framework of the Ministry of Power and the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE).
• It seeks to introduce a market-based approach for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
• The CCTS broadly includes a compliance mechanism and an Offset Mechanism.
• Under the compliance mechanism, identified energy-intensive entities are assigned greenhouse gas emission intensity targets.
  • Better performance in reducing emission intensity can make entities eligible for carbon credits under the prescribed framework.
• The offset mechanism enables non-obligated entities to voluntarily undertake projects that reduce, remove or avoid emissions.
  • Such activities may include projects in areas such as energy, industry, agriculture, forestry, waste management and transport.

Legal Basis

• The development of India’s carbon market is linked to the Energy Conservation (Amendment) Act, 2022, which empowered the Central Government to establish a carbon credit trading framework.
• The Carbon Credit Trading Scheme was subsequently notified to establish the framework for the Indian Carbon Market (ICM).

What is a Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)?

• A Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) is a trade-related climate measure under which a country imposes a carbon-related charge on certain imported goods based on the emissions generated during their production,
• The idea is to ensure that imported products do not enjoy a cost advantage over domestic products simply because they were manufactured in countries where carbon emissions are subject to lower or no carbon pricing.

Objectives

• To prevent carbon leakage- Carbon-intensive industries may shift production to countries with weaker climate regulations to avoid higher carbon costs.
  • This may reduce emissions in one country without reducing overall global emissions.
• To create a level playing field- Domestic industries facing carbon taxes or emission-related costs may become less competitive compared to imports.
  • CBAM seeks to address this imbalance.
• To encourage cleaner production- Carbon-related trade measures can encourage producers and exporting countries to adopt cleaner technologies and reduce the emission intensity of their products.

However, such mechanisms also raise concerns among developing countries regarding trade protectionism, higher compliance costs and climate equity.

UK Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism

• The UK CBAM is scheduled to come into force from 1 January 2027.
• It will cover carbon-intensive imports in sectors such as Aluminium, Cement, Fertilizer, Hydrogen, Iron and steel
• The mechanism aims to ensure that these imported products face a carbon cost broadly comparable to that faced by domestic producers in the UK.

International recognition of India’s evolving Carbon Market

• The UK’s recognition of India’s Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS) is significant for Indian exporters, especially those dealing in carbon-intensive products.
• Countries introducing carbon border mechanisms impose an additional cost based on the emissions associated with imported goods.
• In this context, recognizing India’s domestic carbon pricing mechanism can help ensure that eligible exporters are given credit for the carbon price already paid in India while determining their liability in the UK.
• This is important because it reduces the possibility of double carbon pricing.
• The move is particularly relevant for carbon-intensive sectors such as iron and steel, aluminium, cement, fertilizer and hydrogen, helping improve their competitiveness in the UK market.
• It also strengthens international confidence in India’s emerging carbon market and encourages industries to invest in cleaner technologies, energy efficiency and low-carbon production.

Opportunities for India

• Strengthening the Indian Carbon Market- International recognition can improve confidence in India’s carbon market framework and support its further development.
• Promoting Green Industrialization- The growing importance of carbon pricing can encourage industries to invest in renewable energy, energy efficiency, electrification, green hydrogen and other low-carbon technologies.
• Improving Export Competitiveness- A credible domestic carbon pricing framework can help Indian exporters adapt to emerging climate-related requirements in international markets.
• Attracting Green Investment- A well-functioning carbon market can create additional incentives for investments in projects and technologies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
• Supporting Climate Commitments- Market-based mechanisms such as carbon trading can complement government policies aimed at reducing the emission intensity of the Indian economy and supporting India’s broader climate goals.

Challenges and Concerns

• Accurate measurement of emissions- Calculating embedded carbon emissions across complex supply chains can be difficult.
• Higher compliance burden– Exporters may have to invest in carbon accounting, reporting and verification systems.
• Diverse international standards- Differences in carbon pricing mechanisms and emission calculation methods can create regulatory uncertainty.
• Risk of green protectionism- Developing countries are concerned that carbon border measures could become a new form of trade barrier.
• Need for credible carbon markets– India’s carbon market will require transparent monitoring, reporting and verification systems to gain wider international acceptance.

Way Forward and Conclusion

The UK’s recognition of India’s CCTS marks an important step in linking carbon markets, climate action and international trade.

Going forward, strengthening India’s carbon market and promoting low-carbon production will be crucial for manufacturing export competitiveness while supporting the country’s climate goals.

UPSC Prelims and Mains Practice Question

With reference to India’s Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS), consider the following statements:

1. It seeks to facilitate the reduction, removal or avoidance of greenhouse gas emissions through the trading of carbon credit certificates.
2. It forms part of the framework for developing the Indian Carbon Market.
3. The UK has recognized India’s CCTS for carbon price relief under its Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (d)

Mains Practice Question

Q. Carbon border adjustment mechanisms are increasingly linking international trade with climate policy. Discuss (250 words)

Limitations Of GDP And Significance Of Economic Data

Source: The Hindu
GS III: Indian Economy

Why in the News?

Former Finance Secretary Subhash Chandra Garg has raised concerns over the consistency and credibility of India’s GDP estimates, arguing that there are significant inconsistencies between GDP growth figures and other economic indicators.

News in Brief

• India recently revised its GDP estimates using an updated methodology and improved data sources.
• Subhash Chandra Garg questioned whether the GDP estimates are consistent with other economic indicators and raised concerns regarding data quality, transparency and revisions.
• The government has defended the revised GDP estimates, stating that changes reflect improved methodology, granular data and updated statistical practices rather than manipulation.
• The issue has revived the larger debate on the credibility, independence and transparency of India’s official statistical system.

Key Issues

GDP and Other Economic Indicators

• GDP is the most widely used indicator to assess the size and growth of an economy.
• However, GDP growth alone may not always present a complete picture of economic conditions.
• Its estimates need to be read alongside other indicators such as industrial production, private consumption, investment, employment, wages, corporate profits, credit growth, GST collections and external trade.
• Ideally, broad trends in these indicators should be reasonably consistent with GDP growth.
• A persistent divergence may not necessarily mean that GDP estimates are incorrect, but it can raise questions about differences in data coverage, methodology and timing.
• Factors such as base-year revisions, the choice of price deflators, estimation of the informal sector and subsequent revisions can also lead to differences between GDP estimates and other economic data.

Limitations of GDP as an indicator

GDP is useful for measuring economic activity, but it has several limitations.

• Does not show income distribution
  • GDP may grow even when the benefits of growth are concentrated among a small section of the population.
  • It does not indicate whether economic gains are widely shared.
• Does Not Fully Reflect Employment Conditions
  • High GDP growth does not automatically translate into sufficient employment generation or higher wages.
  • Therefore, employment and labour market data are needed to understand whether growth is creating livelihoods.
• Excludes Many Non-Market Activities
  • Unpaid household work and caregiving contribute significantly to society but are generally not captured adequately in GDP.
• Ignores Environmental Costs
  • Activities that lead to pollution or resource depletion can increase GDP in the short term.
  • GDP, however, does not deduct the environmental damage caused by such activities.
• Does Not Measure Overall Well-being
  • GDP does not directly capture health, education, nutrition, social security or quality of life.
  • Economic growth and human development may therefore move at different rates.

Significance of other Economic Data

A broader set of indicators is necessary to understand the actual condition of an economy.

• Employment and wage data show whether growth is generating jobs and improving household incomes.
• Private consumption data provides an indication of household demand and purchasing capacity.
• Investment data reflects business confidence and the creation of future productive capacity.
• Industrial production helps assess activity in manufacturing and other productive sectors.
• Inflation indicators show changes in prices and purchasing power.
• Credit growth and corporate performance provide insights into financial conditions and private-sector activity.
• Exports and imports indicate the performance of the external sector.

Together, these indicators provide a more complete picture than GDP alone.

Challenges in GDP Estimation

• GDP estimation is particularly challenging in a large and diverse economy such as India.
• The large informal sector makes direct measurement of economic activity difficult.
• There are also data lags, as complete information on production and income may not be immediately available.
• GDP estimates are therefore revised as more comprehensive information becomes available.
• While revisions are a normal part of statistical estimation, large or frequent changes can make it difficult to compare data and understand underlying trends.
• Similarly, changes in the base year, data sources or methodology may improve the accuracy of estimates but can affect comparability with earlier data.

Suggested Measures

• Improving the quality and credibility of economic statistics requires greater transparency regarding data sources, methodology and revisions. Statistical institutions should also have adequate capacity and professional independence.
• Better use of administrative and high-frequency data, including GST collections, corporate filings, digital transactions and labour surveys, can improve the coverage of economic activity.
• Most importantly, GDP should not be viewed in isolation. Regular comparison with employment, consumption, investment, production, inflation and other indicators can provide a clearer understanding of the economy.

Conclusion

GDP is an important indicator of economic activity, but it is not a complete measure of development or welfare. A meaningful assessment of economic progress requires GDP to be examined along with employment, income, consumption, investment, inflation, human development and environmental indicators.

Reliable and transparent economic data is essential for understanding the real condition of the economy and for designing effective public policies.

UPSC Prelims and Mains Practice Question

With reference to Gross Domestic Product (GDP), consider the following statements:

1. Real GDP measures economic output after adjusting for changes in prices.
2. GDP can be estimated through production, income and expenditure approaches.
3. GDP deflator and Consumer Price Index necessarily measure price changes using the same basket of goods and services.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only

Mains Practice Question

Q. The credibility of official statistics is as important as the economic outcomes they seek to measure. Discuss the importance of transparent and reliable GDP estimation for economic policymaking and public trust in India. (150 Words)

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