UPSC Current Affairs 20 September 2025

GS 3: Economy GS 2: GovernancePrelimsGS2: Important Aspects of Governance, Transparency and Accountability GS2: E Governance GS3: Government Budgeting

Fiscal health of states under strain as public debt trebles in 10 years, Pg 1.

CAG report reveals states' public debt trebled in 10 years, reaching ₹59.60 lakh crore by 2022-23.

GS 3: Economy GS 2: GovernancePrelimsGS2: Important Aspects of Governance, Transparency and Accountability GS2: E Governance GS3: Government Budgeting

Fiscal health of states under strain as public debt trebles in 10 years, Pg 1.

CAG report reveals states' public debt trebled in 10 years, reaching ₹59.60 lakh crore by 2022-23.

GS 2: International Relations GS 3: Economy GS2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements GS2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests

US trade deal, Pg 1.

US-India trade negotiations resume amid tariff pressures and Russian oil purchases, aiming for mutually beneficial agreement after stalled progress.

GS 2: International Relations GS 3: Economy GS2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements GS2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests

US trade deal, Pg 1.

US-India trade negotiations resume amid tariff pressures and Russian oil purchases, aiming for mutually beneficial agreement after stalled progress.

GS 2: International Relations GS 3: Internal SecurityPrelimsGS2: India and its Neighbourhood Relations GS2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests

Pak Defence Minister's bombshell: If need be, our n-programme can be given to the Saudis, Pg 1.

Pakistan offers nuclear assistance to Saudi Arabia under new defense pact amid rising Middle East tensions and evolving India relations.

GS 2: International Relations GS 3: Internal SecurityPrelimsGS2: India and its Neighbourhood Relations GS2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests

Pak Defence Minister's bombshell: If need be, our n-programme can be given to the Saudis, Pg 1.

Pakistan offers nuclear assistance to Saudi Arabia under new defense pact amid rising Middle East tensions and evolving India relations.

GS 2: Governance GS 3: Economy GS 3: Science & Technology GS2: Constitutional Bodies GS2: Important Aspects of Governance, Transparency and Accountability GS2: E Governance

AI-based audit detected fraudulent cases in states' beneficiary schemes, says CAG, Pg 7.

CAG uses AI/ML to detect widespread fraud in state beneficiary schemes, saving significant financial resources through forensic audits.

GS 2: Governance GS 3: Economy GS 3: Science & Technology GS2: Constitutional Bodies GS2: Important Aspects of Governance, Transparency and Accountability GS2: E Governance

AI-based audit detected fraudulent cases in states' beneficiary schemes, says CAG, Pg 7.

CAG uses AI/ML to detect widespread fraud in state beneficiary schemes, saving significant financial resources through forensic audits.

GS 2: PolityPrelimsGS2: Representation of the People's Act GS2: Statutory, Regulatory and Quasi Judicial Bodies

EC delists 474 registered unrecognised parties over poll no-show, Pg 8.

Election Commission delists 474 more unrecognised parties for not contesting elections in six years, totaling 808 parties delisted.

GS 2: PolityPrelimsGS2: Representation of the People's Act GS2: Statutory, Regulatory and Quasi Judicial Bodies

EC delists 474 registered unrecognised parties over poll no-show, Pg 8.

Election Commission delists 474 more unrecognised parties for not contesting elections in six years, totaling 808 parties delisted.

GS 2: International Relations GS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS2: India and its Neighbourhood Relations GS2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests GS3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

Checking impact on India, says MEA after US revokes Chabahar sanctions waiver, Pg 9.

US revokes Chabahar port sanctions waiver, impacting India's access to Afghanistan and Central Asia; MEA assesses implications.

GS 2: International Relations GS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS2: India and its Neighbourhood Relations GS2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests GS3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

Checking impact on India, says MEA after US revokes Chabahar sanctions waiver, Pg 9.

US revokes Chabahar port sanctions waiver, impacting India's access to Afghanistan and Central Asia; MEA assesses implications.

GS 2: International Relations GS 3: Internal Security GS2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements GS3: Security Challenges and Management in Border Areas

Canada NSA, minister, who fuelled India row under Trudeau, hold talks in Delhi, Pg 8.

Canada's NSA and minister visit India to mend strained ties after Khalistan controversy and allegations against Amit Shah.

GS 2: International Relations GS 3: Internal Security GS2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements GS3: Security Challenges and Management in Border Areas

Canada NSA, minister, who fuelled India row under Trudeau, hold talks in Delhi, Pg 8.

Canada's NSA and minister visit India to mend strained ties after Khalistan controversy and allegations against Amit Shah.

GS 2: Governance GS 3: Science & TechnologyPrelimsGS2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors GS2: E Governance GS3: IT and Computers

Soon, budding content creators can pitch to buyers via online viewing rooms, Pg 11.

I&B ministry's WAVES Bazaar to launch online pitching and viewing rooms using AI for content creators by January 2025.

GS 2: Governance GS 3: Science & TechnologyPrelimsGS2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors GS2: E Governance GS3: IT and Computers

Soon, budding content creators can pitch to buyers via online viewing rooms, Pg 11.

I&B ministry's WAVES Bazaar to launch online pitching and viewing rooms using AI for content creators by January 2025.

GS 2: International Relations GS 3: Environment & Ecology GS 1: Indian Geography GS1: Changes in Critical Geographical Features, Water Bodies, Ice Caps, Flora and Fauna GS2: India and its Neighbourhood Relations GS3: Major Crops, Cropping Patterns and Irrigation Systems GS3: Disaster and Disaster Management

A document past its time, Pg 14.

Indus Water Treaty faces climate change and political challenges, needs data sharing framework for effective water management between India, Pakistan.

GS 2: International Relations GS 3: Environment & Ecology GS 1: Indian Geography GS1: Changes in Critical Geographical Features, Water Bodies, Ice Caps, Flora and Fauna GS2: India and its Neighbourhood Relations GS3: Major Crops, Cropping Patterns and Irrigation Systems GS3: Disaster and Disaster Management

A document past its time, Pg 14.

Indus Water Treaty faces climate change and political challenges, needs data sharing framework for effective water management between India, Pakistan.

GS 3: Economy GS 2: GovernancePrelimsGS2: Statutory, Regulatory and Quasi Judicial Bodies GS2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors

Process for transfer of securities to legal heir simplified: Sebi, Pg 17.

SEBI streamlines securities transfer to legal heirs, introducing 'TLH' code to avoid wrongful capital gains tax assessment.

GS 3: Economy GS 2: GovernancePrelimsGS2: Statutory, Regulatory and Quasi Judicial Bodies GS2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors

Process for transfer of securities to legal heir simplified: Sebi, Pg 17.

SEBI streamlines securities transfer to legal heirs, introducing 'TLH' code to avoid wrongful capital gains tax assessment.

GS 3: Science & Technology GS 2: International RelationsPrelimsGS2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements GS3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.GS3: Indigenization of Technology and New Technology Development

Russia offers to localise large, small nuclear power plants in India, Pg 17.

Russia proposes localizing large and small nuclear power plants in India, expanding Indo-Russian civil nuclear energy cooperation post Kudankulam project.

GS 3: Science & Technology GS 2: International RelationsPrelimsGS2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements GS3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.GS3: Indigenization of Technology and New Technology Development

Russia offers to localise large, small nuclear power plants in India, Pg 17.

Russia proposes localizing large and small nuclear power plants in India, expanding Indo-Russian civil nuclear energy cooperation post Kudankulam project.

GS 3: Economy GS 2: GovernancePrelimsGS3: Indian Economy, Planning, Mobilization of Resources, Growth, Development and Employment GS3: Government Budgeting

'New GST rates may not burden govt', Pg 17.

GST rationalization to two-rate structure unlikely to burden government fiscally despite estimated ₹48,000 crore short-term loss: Crisil report.

GS 3: Economy GS 2: GovernancePrelimsGS3: Indian Economy, Planning, Mobilization of Resources, Growth, Development and Employment GS3: Government Budgeting

'New GST rates may not burden govt', Pg 17.

GST rationalization to two-rate structure unlikely to burden government fiscally despite estimated ₹48,000 crore short-term loss: Crisil report.

GS 2: International RelationsPrelimsGS2: Important International Institutions, Agencies and Fora

US casts 6th UN veto against Gaza ceasefire, Israel expands offensive, Pg 18.

US vetoes UN resolution for Gaza ceasefire as Israel intensifies offensive, displacing hundreds of thousands in Gaza City.

GS 2: International RelationsPrelimsGS2: Important International Institutions, Agencies and Fora

US casts 6th UN veto against Gaza ceasefire, Israel expands offensive, Pg 18.

US vetoes UN resolution for Gaza ceasefire as Israel intensifies offensive, displacing hundreds of thousands in Gaza City.

GS 2: International Relations GS 3: Economy GS 3: Science & TechnologyPrelimsGS1: Distribution of Key Natural Resources GS2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests GS3: Changes in Industrial Policy and Effects on Industrial Growth

With China exerting its power, race to make rare earth magnets elsewhere begins, Pg 18.

Global race intensifies to break China's rare earth magnet dominance amid geopolitical tensions and supply chain vulnerabilities, impacting industries worldwide.

GS 2: International Relations GS 3: Economy GS 3: Science & TechnologyPrelimsGS1: Distribution of Key Natural Resources GS2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests GS3: Changes in Industrial Policy and Effects on Industrial Growth

With China exerting its power, race to make rare earth magnets elsewhere begins, Pg 18.

Global race intensifies to break China's rare earth magnet dominance amid geopolitical tensions and supply chain vulnerabilities, impacting industries worldwide.

GS 2: International Relations GS 3: Internal Security GS2: India and its Neighbourhood Relations GS2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements GS2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests

Saudi-Pak deal & India, Pg 20.

Saudi-Pak defense pact raises concerns for India amidst evolving Middle East dynamics and strategic realignments, impacting regional stability.

GS 2: International Relations GS 3: Internal Security GS2: India and its Neighbourhood Relations GS2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements GS2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests

Saudi-Pak deal & India, Pg 20.

Saudi-Pak defense pact raises concerns for India amidst evolving Middle East dynamics and strategic realignments, impacting regional stability.

GS 2: PolityPrelimsGS2: Representation of the People's Act

Aland voter deletion: How names can be removed from rolls, Pg 20.

Rahul Gandhi alleges voter deletion attempts in Karnataka; ECI's process, legal provisions, and online system gaps examined for electoral roll integrity.

GS 2: PolityPrelimsGS2: Representation of the People's Act

Aland voter deletion: How names can be removed from rolls, Pg 20.

Rahul Gandhi alleges voter deletion attempts in Karnataka; ECI's process, legal provisions, and online system gaps examined for electoral roll integrity.

GS 3: Economy GS 2: International Relations GS2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests GS3: Indian Economy, Planning, Mobilization of Resources, Growth, Development and Employment GS3: Government Budgeting GS3: Effects of Liberalization on the Economy

'Extra 25% tariff continuing into next FY will be challenging for employment and growth', Pg 22.

Economist warns of GDP and job losses if 25% tariff continues, emphasizes domestic growth levers and strategic trade relations.

GS 3: Economy GS 2: International Relations GS2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests GS3: Indian Economy, Planning, Mobilization of Resources, Growth, Development and Employment GS3: Government Budgeting GS3: Effects of Liberalization on the Economy

'Extra 25% tariff continuing into next FY will be challenging for employment and growth', Pg 22.

Economist warns of GDP and job losses if 25% tariff continues, emphasizes domestic growth levers and strategic trade relations.

GS 2: Polity GS 2: GovernancePrelimsGS2: Structure and Functioning of Executive and Judiciary GS2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors

SC okays AIFF constitution, directs promotion and relegation in top division, Pg 26.

Supreme Court approves AIFF constitution mandating promotion/relegation and player representation, setting stage for reforms in Indian football governance.

GS 2: Polity GS 2: GovernancePrelimsGS2: Structure and Functioning of Executive and Judiciary GS2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors

SC okays AIFF constitution, directs promotion and relegation in top division, Pg 26.

Supreme Court approves AIFF constitution mandating promotion/relegation and player representation, setting stage for reforms in Indian football governance.

GS 2: International Relations GS 3: Internal Security GS2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests GS2: Important International Institutions, Agencies and Fora GS3: Role of External State and Non State Actors

US, UK, France put on hold Pak bid to designate Baloch group as terrorists (Need more information on links to Al Qaeda, ISIL, say permanent members)

US, UK, and France block Pakistan's UN bid to designate Balochistan Liberation Army as a terrorist group.

GS 2: International Relations GS 3: Internal Security GS2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests GS2: Important International Institutions, Agencies and Fora GS3: Role of External State and Non State Actors

US, UK, France put on hold Pak bid to designate Baloch group as terrorists (Need more information on links to Al Qaeda, ISIL, say permanent members)

US, UK, and France block Pakistan's UN bid to designate Balochistan Liberation Army as a terrorist group.

GS 3: Environment & Ecology GS 2: Governance GS 2: Social JusticePrelimsGS2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors GS2: Vulnerable Sections GS2: Health Sector GS3: Conservation, Pollution and Degradation

A climate-health vision with lessons from India, Pg10

India's welfare programs offer insights for integrated climate-health action, emphasizing intersectoral policies and community engagement for global climate governance.

GS 3: Environment & Ecology GS 2: Governance GS 2: Social JusticePrelimsGS2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors GS2: Vulnerable Sections GS2: Health Sector GS3: Conservation, Pollution and Degradation

A climate-health vision with lessons from India, Pg10

India's welfare programs offer insights for integrated climate-health action, emphasizing intersectoral policies and community engagement for global climate governance.

GS 2: International Relations GS 3: Internal Security GS2: India and its Neighbourhood Relations GS2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests

Shifting sands, Pg10

Saudi-Pakistan mutual defense pact reshapes West Asia security amid shifting U.S. focus and rising regional tensions.

GS 2: International Relations GS 3: Internal Security GS2: India and its Neighbourhood Relations GS2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests

Shifting sands, Pg10

Saudi-Pakistan mutual defense pact reshapes West Asia security amid shifting U.S. focus and rising regional tensions.

GS 2: International Relations GS 3: Economy GS 3: Internal Security GS2: India and its Neighbourhood Relations GS2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements GS2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests

The Saudi-Pakistan pact is a dodgy insurance policy, Pg10

Saudi-Pakistan sign Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement amidst regional tensions, raising questions on its impact and implications for India's strategic interests.

GS 2: International Relations GS 3: Economy GS 3: Internal Security GS2: India and its Neighbourhood Relations GS2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements GS2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests

The Saudi-Pakistan pact is a dodgy insurance policy, Pg10

Saudi-Pakistan sign Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement amidst regional tensions, raising questions on its impact and implications for India's strategic interests.

GS 2: Polity GS 2: GovernancePrelimsGS2: Representation of the People's Act GS2: Constitutional Bodies

Quit stalling, Pg10

Rahul Gandhi accuses ECI of stalling probe into Aland electoral fraud, hindering CID's access to crucial digital data.

GS 2: Polity GS 2: GovernancePrelimsGS2: Representation of the People's Act GS2: Constitutional Bodies

Quit stalling, Pg10

Rahul Gandhi accuses ECI of stalling probe into Aland electoral fraud, hindering CID's access to crucial digital data.

GS 2: Polity GS 2: Governance GS 1: Indian Society GS 2: International Relations GS1: Social Empowerment, Communalism, Regionalism and Secularism GS2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors GS2: Important Aspects of Governance, Transparency and Accountability GS3: Communication Networks, Media and Social Media Challenges

Turmoil, tragedy, and tenacity in Nepal, Pg11

Youth-led protests in Nepal against corruption and misgovernance led to political turmoil and imposition of interim government.

GS 2: Polity GS 2: Governance GS 1: Indian Society GS 2: International Relations GS1: Social Empowerment, Communalism, Regionalism and Secularism GS2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors GS2: Important Aspects of Governance, Transparency and Accountability GS3: Communication Networks, Media and Social Media Challenges

News Analysis

Fiscal health of states under strain as public debt trebles in 10 years, Pg 1.

Fiscal health of states under strain as public debt trebles in 10 years, Pg 1.

US trade deal, Pg 1.

US trade deal, Pg 1.

Pak Defence Minister's bombshell: If need be, our n-programme can be given to the Saudis, Pg 1.

Pak Defence Minister's bombshell: If need be, our n-programme can be given to the Saudis, Pg 1.

AI-based audit detected fraudulent cases in states' beneficiary schemes, says CAG, Pg 7.

AI-based audit detected fraudulent cases in states' beneficiary schemes, says CAG, Pg 7.

EC delists 474 registered unrecognised parties over poll no-show, Pg 8.

EC delists 474 registered unrecognised parties over poll no-show, Pg 8.

Checking impact on India, says MEA after US revokes Chabahar sanctions waiver, Pg 9.

Checking impact on India, says MEA after US revokes Chabahar sanctions waiver, Pg 9.

Canada NSA, minister, who fuelled India row under Trudeau, hold talks in Delhi, Pg 8.

Canada NSA, minister, who fuelled India row under Trudeau, hold talks in Delhi, Pg 8.

Soon, budding content creators can pitch to buyers via online viewing rooms, Pg 11.

Soon, budding content creators can pitch to buyers via online viewing rooms, Pg 11.

A document past its time, Pg 14.

A document past its time, Pg 14.

Process for transfer of securities to legal heir simplified: Sebi, Pg 17.

Process for transfer of securities to legal heir simplified: Sebi, Pg 17.

Russia offers to localise large, small nuclear power plants in India, Pg 17.

Russia offers to localise large, small nuclear power plants in India, Pg 17.

'New GST rates may not burden govt', Pg 17.

'New GST rates may not burden govt', Pg 17.

US casts 6th UN veto against Gaza ceasefire, Israel expands offensive, Pg 18.

US casts 6th UN veto against Gaza ceasefire, Israel expands offensive, Pg 18.

With China exerting its power, race to make rare earth magnets elsewhere begins, Pg 18.

With China exerting its power, race to make rare earth magnets elsewhere begins, Pg 18.

Saudi-Pak deal & India, Pg 20.

Saudi-Pak deal & India, Pg 20.

Aland voter deletion: How names can be removed from rolls, Pg 20.

Aland voter deletion: How names can be removed from rolls, Pg 20.

'Extra 25% tariff continuing into next FY will be challenging for employment and growth', Pg 22.

'Extra 25% tariff continuing into next FY will be challenging for employment and growth', Pg 22.

SC okays AIFF constitution, directs promotion and relegation in top division, Pg 26.

SC okays AIFF constitution, directs promotion and relegation in top division, Pg 26.

US, UK, France put on hold Pak bid to designate Baloch group as terrorists (Need more information on links to Al Qaeda, ISIL, say permanent members)

US, UK, France put on hold Pak bid to designate Baloch group as terrorists (Need more information on links to Al Qaeda, ISIL, say permanent members)

A climate-health vision with lessons from India, Pg10

A climate-health vision with lessons from India, Pg10

Shifting sands, Pg10

Shifting sands, Pg10

The Saudi-Pakistan pact is a dodgy insurance policy, Pg10

The Saudi-Pakistan pact is a dodgy insurance policy, Pg10

Quit stalling, Pg10

Quit stalling, Pg10

Turmoil, tragedy, and tenacity in Nepal, Pg11

Turmoil, tragedy, and tenacity in Nepal, Pg11

474 registered unrecognised parties taken out of EC’s list, Pg12

474 registered unrecognised parties taken out of EC’s list, Pg12

UAPA tribunals uphold ban on J&K Ittihadul Muslimeen, Awami Action Committee, Pg12

UAPA tribunals uphold ban on J&K Ittihadul Muslimeen, Awami Action Committee, Pg12

As India and Canada reset ties, NSAs hold talks on security cooperation, Pg12

As India and Canada reset ties, NSAs hold talks on security cooperation, Pg12

SC directs AIFF to adopt its draft constitution, Pg14

SC directs AIFF to adopt its draft constitution, Pg14

After Operation Sindoor, terror groups shift base, Pg14

After Operation Sindoor, terror groups shift base, Pg14

Coast Guard ship Adamya commissioned at Paradip Port, Pg14

Coast Guard ship Adamya commissioned at Paradip Port, Pg14

‘Trump declines to approve military aid package for Taiwan’, Pg16

‘Trump declines to approve military aid package for Taiwan’, Pg16

EU proposes new Russia sanctions, Indian entities likely to be part of list, Pg16

EU proposes new Russia sanctions, Indian entities likely to be part of list, Pg16

More News Analysis

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