UPSC Current Affairs 22 September 2025

GS 2: International Relations GS2: Indian Diaspora

One-time H-1B visa fee is only for new applicants, says U.S. Pg 1.

Following U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to raise H-1B visa fees to $100,000, the White House clarified that the hike is a one-time payment applicable only to new applicants, not current visa holders, easing global concerns.

GS 2: International Relations GS2: Indian Diaspora

One-time H-1B visa fee is only for new applicants, says U.S. Pg 1.

Following U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to raise H-1B visa fees to $100,000, the White House clarified that the hike is a one-time payment applicable only to new applicants, not current visa holders, easing global concerns.

GS 2: International Relations GS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests GS2: Indian Diaspora GS3: Effects of Liberalization on the Economy

H-1B, maybe, Pg8

Trump's H-1B visa fee hike sparks Indian concern, threatens tech sector, and prompts calls for domestic tech infrastructure boost.

GS 2: International Relations GS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests GS2: Indian Diaspora GS3: Effects of Liberalization on the Economy

H-1B, maybe, Pg8

Trump's H-1B visa fee hike sparks Indian concern, threatens tech sector, and prompts calls for domestic tech infrastructure boost.

GS 2: Polity GS 3: Environment & Ecology GS 2: Governance GS 1: Indian Society GS2: Devolution of Powers and Finances up to Local Levels GS2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors GS3: Environmental Impact Assessment GS3: Linkages between Development and Spread of Extremism

Uranium unrest, Pg8

Centre's uranium mining push in Meghalaya sparks tribal unrest; Khasi groups resist, citing environmental and rights violations, challenging OM validity.

GS 2: Polity GS 3: Environment & Ecology GS 2: Governance GS 1: Indian Society GS2: Devolution of Powers and Finances up to Local Levels GS2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors GS3: Environmental Impact Assessment GS3: Linkages between Development and Spread of Extremism

Uranium unrest, Pg8

Centre's uranium mining push in Meghalaya sparks tribal unrest; Khasi groups resist, citing environmental and rights violations, challenging OM validity.

GS 2: Polity GS 2: Governance GS 2: International Relations GS2: India and its Neighbourhood Relations GS4: Accountability and Ethical Governance GS4: Challenges of Corruption and Utilization of Public Funds

The message beyond ‘ending’ Sri Lanka’s elite impunity, Pg8

Sri Lanka arrests ex-President Wickremesinghe for alleged misuse of $50,000 in public funds, sparking political backlash and accountability debates.

GS 2: Polity GS 2: Governance GS 2: International Relations GS2: India and its Neighbourhood Relations GS4: Accountability and Ethical Governance GS4: Challenges of Corruption and Utilization of Public Funds

The message beyond ‘ending’ Sri Lanka’s elite impunity, Pg8

Sri Lanka arrests ex-President Wickremesinghe for alleged misuse of $50,000 in public funds, sparking political backlash and accountability debates.

GS 2: Polity GS 1: Indian SocietyPrelimsGS1: Population and Associated Issues GS2: Parliament and State Legislatures

The age of India’s leaders has steadily risen, Pg9

Analysis reveals India's leadership age rising, Lok Sabha 'oldest' yet, sparking debate on gerontocracy and political transitions.

GS 2: Polity GS 1: Indian SocietyPrelimsGS1: Population and Associated Issues GS2: Parliament and State Legislatures

The age of India’s leaders has steadily risen, Pg9

Analysis reveals India's leadership age rising, Lok Sabha 'oldest' yet, sparking debate on gerontocracy and political transitions.

GS 2: Social Justice GS 3: Science & TechnologyEthicsGS2: Health Sector GS2: Important International Institutions, Agencies and Fora GS3: Intellectual Property Rights, IPR

Breaking the academic paywall, Pg9

Delhi High Court's order to block Sci-Hub sparks debate on equitable access to scientific knowledge, especially for Global South.

GS 2: Social Justice GS 3: Science & TechnologyEthicsGS2: Health Sector GS2: Important International Institutions, Agencies and Fora GS3: Intellectual Property Rights, IPR

Breaking the academic paywall, Pg9

Delhi High Court's order to block Sci-Hub sparks debate on equitable access to scientific knowledge, especially for Global South.

GS 2: Polity GS 2: GovernancePrelimsGS2: Indian Constitutional Evolution, Features, Amendments, Basic Structure Doctrine GS2: Union State Relations and Federal Structure GS2: Structure and Functioning of Executive and Judiciary

Can timelines be fixed for Governors?, Pg10

SC examines Governor's powers, questions presidential reference on timelines for assenting to bills, and debates federalism.

GS 2: Polity GS 2: GovernancePrelimsGS2: Indian Constitutional Evolution, Features, Amendments, Basic Structure Doctrine GS2: Union State Relations and Federal Structure GS2: Structure and Functioning of Executive and Judiciary

Can timelines be fixed for Governors?, Pg10

SC examines Governor's powers, questions presidential reference on timelines for assenting to bills, and debates federalism.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyPrelimsGS3: Indigenization of Technology and New Technology Development GS3: IT and Computers

How different are supercomputers to normal computers?, Pg11

Explore supercomputers: architecture, software, applications from weather forecasting to quantum computing, and India's supercomputing mission and capabilities.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyPrelimsGS3: Indigenization of Technology and New Technology Development GS3: IT and Computers

How different are supercomputers to normal computers?, Pg11

Explore supercomputers: architecture, software, applications from weather forecasting to quantum computing, and India's supercomputing mission and capabilities.

GS 3: Internal Security GS 1: Modern HistoryPrelimsGS3: Indigenization of Technology and New Technology Development GS3: Security Forces and Agencies and their Mandate

IAF’s iconic MiG-21 fighter to fly into sunset after six decades of service, Pg12

IAF retires MiG-21 fighter jets after 60 years of service; ceremonial flypast marks end of an era.

GS 3: Internal Security GS 1: Modern HistoryPrelimsGS3: Indigenization of Technology and New Technology Development GS3: Security Forces and Agencies and their Mandate

IAF’s iconic MiG-21 fighter to fly into sunset after six decades of service, Pg12

IAF retires MiG-21 fighter jets after 60 years of service; ceremonial flypast marks end of an era.

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

EC directs State poll officers to get ready for SIR by Sept. 30, Pg12

Election Commission gears up for nationwide voter list clean-up by September 30, targeting illegal migrants.

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

EC directs State poll officers to get ready for SIR by Sept. 30, Pg12

Election Commission gears up for nationwide voter list clean-up by September 30, targeting illegal migrants.

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 GS2: Indian Diaspora

H-1B visa hike poorly thought out, says visiting U.S. lawmaker Ami Bera, Pg13

U.S. lawmaker criticizes H-1B visa fee hike, foresees strain on Indo-U.S. ties amid trade disputes and tariff threats.

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 GS2: Indian Diaspora

H-1B visa hike poorly thought out, says visiting U.S. lawmaker Ami Bera, Pg13

U.S. lawmaker criticizes H-1B visa fee hike, foresees strain on Indo-U.S. ties amid trade disputes and tariff threats.

GS 2: International Relations GS2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests

U.S. lawmakers push for military dialogue in a rare China visit, Pg16

U.S. lawmakers visit China, advocating for increased military dialogue amidst strained U.S.-China relations after a long time.

GS 2: International Relations GS2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests

U.S. lawmakers push for military dialogue in a rare China visit, Pg16

U.S. lawmakers visit China, advocating for increased military dialogue amidst strained U.S.-China relations after a long time.

GS 2: International Relations GS1: Redrawal of National Boundaries, Colonization and Decolonization GS2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements

U.K., Australia and Canada recognise Palestinian state in a seismic shift, Pg 16.

Amid the ongoing Gaza conflict and rising international pressure on Israel after the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack, Britain, Australia, and Canada recognised Palestine as a sovereign state, marking a major departure from decades of Western policy.

GS 2: International Relations GS1: Redrawal of National Boundaries, Colonization and Decolonization GS2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements

U.K., Australia and Canada recognise Palestinian state in a seismic shift, Pg 16.

Amid the ongoing Gaza conflict and rising international pressure on Israel after the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack, Britain, Australia, and Canada recognised Palestine as a sovereign state, marking a major departure from decades of Western policy.

GS 3: Science & Technology GS 1: Physical GeographyPrelimsGS3: Space Technology

Astronomers have spotted the biggest bangs since the Big Bang, PgII

Astronomers discover Extreme Nuclear Transients (ENTs), the universe's biggest explosions since the Big Bang, caused by black holes consuming massive stars.

GS 3: Science & Technology GS 1: Physical GeographyPrelimsGS3: Space Technology

Astronomers have spotted the biggest bangs since the Big Bang, PgII

Astronomers discover Extreme Nuclear Transients (ENTs), the universe's biggest explosions since the Big Bang, caused by black holes consuming massive stars.

GS 2: International Relations GS 3: Economy GS2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests GS2: Indian Diaspora GS3: Effects of Liberalization on the Economy

$100,000 visa fee one-time, only for new applications, says White House, Pg 1.

Trump's H-1B visa fee hike strains India-US ties, impacting Indian IT sector and skilled worker mobility.

GS 2: International Relations GS 3: Economy GS2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests GS2: Indian Diaspora GS3: Effects of Liberalization on the Economy

$100,000 visa fee one-time, only for new applications, says White House, Pg 1.

Trump's H-1B visa fee hike strains India-US ties, impacting Indian IT sector and skilled worker mobility.

GS 3: Environment & Ecology GS 2: International Relations GS 1: Indian GeographyPrelimsGS1: Social Empowerment, Communalism, Regionalism and Secularism GS3: Environmental Impact Assessment

Sawalkote dam: Panel to weigh green nod for Chenab project, Pg 1.

Sawalkote dam project on Chenab River, part of Indus system, awaits environmental clearance amidst Indus Waters Treaty considerations.

GS 3: Environment & Ecology GS 2: International Relations GS 1: Indian GeographyPrelimsGS1: Social Empowerment, Communalism, Regionalism and Secularism GS3: Environmental Impact Assessment

Sawalkote dam: Panel to weigh green nod for Chenab project, Pg 1.

Sawalkote dam project on Chenab River, part of Indus system, awaits environmental clearance amidst Indus Waters Treaty considerations.

GS 2: International Relations GS 3: Internal SecurityPrelimsGS2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements

UK fighter jets begin NATO air defence mission over Poland, Pg 2.

UK deploys fighter jets to Poland under NATO mission after Russian drone incursion, reinforcing Eastern European air defenses.

GS 2: International Relations GS 3: Internal SecurityPrelimsGS2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements

UK fighter jets begin NATO air defence mission over Poland, Pg 2.

UK deploys fighter jets to Poland under NATO mission after Russian drone incursion, reinforcing Eastern European air defenses.

GS 2: International Relations GS1: Redrawal of National Boundaries, Colonization and Decolonization GS2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests

Britain, Canada & Australia recognise Palestine; Will not happen: Netanyahu, Pg 2.

Britain, Canada, and Australia recognize Palestine, signaling frustration over Gaza war and aiming to revive two-state solution.

GS 2: International Relations GS1: Redrawal of National Boundaries, Colonization and Decolonization GS2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests

Britain, Canada & Australia recognise Palestine; Will not happen: Netanyahu, Pg 2.

Britain, Canada, and Australia recognize Palestine, signaling frustration over Gaza war and aiming to revive two-state solution.

GS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors GS3: Government Budgeting

New GST rates, lower prices — household budgets set for boost, Pg 2.

GST rate cuts on 375+ items lead to price reductions across FMCG, durables, and insurance sectors, boosting household budgets.

GS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors GS3: Government Budgeting

New GST rates, lower prices — household budgets set for boost, Pg 2.

GST rate cuts on 375+ items lead to price reductions across FMCG, durables, and insurance sectors, boosting household budgets.

GS 3: Science & Technology GS 2: International RelationsPrelimsGS3: Space Technology

Pointing to Musk's Moon mission contract, experts say US is losing space race, Pg 2.

Experts warn US faces losing space race to China due to SpaceX lunar lander delays and risky technology.

GS 3: Science & Technology GS 2: International RelationsPrelimsGS3: Space Technology

Pointing to Musk's Moon mission contract, experts say US is losing space race, Pg 2.

Experts warn US faces losing space race to China due to SpaceX lunar lander delays and risky technology.

GS 3: Internal Security GS 3: Science & TechnologyPrelimsGS3: Indigenization of Technology and New Technology Development GS3: Security Challenges and Management in Border Areas GS3: Security Forces and Agencies and their Mandate

In post-Sindoor push, 1st batch of BSF ‘drone commandos’ soon, Pg 9.

BSF pioneers drone warfare with new commando school, integrating UAVs for enhanced border security and offensive capabilities.

GS 3: Internal Security GS 3: Science & TechnologyPrelimsGS3: Indigenization of Technology and New Technology Development GS3: Security Challenges and Management in Border Areas GS3: Security Forces and Agencies and their Mandate

In post-Sindoor push, 1st batch of BSF ‘drone commandos’ soon, Pg 9.

BSF pioneers drone warfare with new commando school, integrating UAVs for enhanced border security and offensive capabilities.

GS 2: International Relations GS 3: Economy 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: Changes in Industrial Policy and Effects on Industrial Growth

A wake-up call, Pg 12.

India grapples with strategic multi-dependence on China, Russia, and the US, hindering foreign policy autonomy and requiring manufacturing revolution.

GS 2: International Relations GS 3: Economy 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: Changes in Industrial Policy and Effects on Industrial Growth

A wake-up call, Pg 12.

India grapples with strategic multi-dependence on China, Russia, and the US, hindering foreign policy autonomy and requiring manufacturing revolution.

GS 2: International Relations GS 3: Economy GS2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests GS2: Indian Diaspora GS3: Effects of Liberalization on the Economy

THE VISA BARRIER, Pg 12.

Trump's H-1B visa fee hike strains India-US ties, threatening IT sector and skilled worker mobility amidst trade talks.

GS 2: International Relations GS 3: Economy GS2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests GS2: Indian Diaspora GS3: Effects of Liberalization on the Economy

THE VISA BARRIER, Pg 12.

Trump's H-1B visa fee hike strains India-US ties, threatening IT sector and skilled worker mobility amidst trade talks.

GS 3: Economy GS 2: Polity GS2: Union State Relations and Federal Structure GS3: Government Budgeting

States must explore levy of passenger, goods tax to raise revenue post GST cuts, Pg 13.

States urged to explore Passenger and Goods Tax (PGT) to offset potential GST revenue losses post-rate cuts.

GS 3: Economy GS 2: Polity GS2: Union State Relations and Federal Structure GS3: Government Budgeting

States must explore levy of passenger, goods tax to raise revenue post GST cuts, Pg 13.

States urged to explore Passenger and Goods Tax (PGT) to offset potential GST revenue losses post-rate cuts.

GS 2: International Relations GS 3: Economy GS3: Inclusive Growth GS2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests GS3: Effects of Liberalization on the Economy GS3: Changes in Industrial Policy and Effects on Industrial Growth

'In the new global order, economic strength and resilience matter. India should focus on building that', Pg 15.

CII advocates for enhanced economic resilience amid US tariff concerns, urging reforms and diversified markets for sustained growth.

GS 2: International Relations GS 3: Economy GS3: Inclusive Growth GS2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests GS3: Effects of Liberalization on the Economy GS3: Changes in Industrial Policy and Effects on Industrial Growth

News Analysis

One-time H-1B visa fee is only for new applicants, says U.S. Pg 1.

One-time H-1B visa fee is only for new applicants, says U.S. Pg 1.

H-1B, maybe, Pg8

H-1B, maybe, Pg8

Uranium unrest, Pg8

Uranium unrest, Pg8

The message beyond ‘ending’ Sri Lanka’s elite impunity, Pg8

The message beyond ‘ending’ Sri Lanka’s elite impunity, Pg8

The age of India’s leaders has steadily risen, Pg9

The age of India’s leaders has steadily risen, Pg9

Breaking the academic paywall, Pg9

Breaking the academic paywall, Pg9

Can timelines be fixed for Governors?, Pg10

Can timelines be fixed for Governors?, Pg10

How different are supercomputers to normal computers?, Pg11

How different are supercomputers to normal computers?, Pg11

IAF’s iconic MiG-21 fighter to fly into sunset after six decades of service, Pg12

IAF’s iconic MiG-21 fighter to fly into sunset after six decades of service, Pg12

EC directs State poll officers to get ready for SIR by Sept. 30, Pg12

EC directs State poll officers to get ready for SIR by Sept. 30, Pg12

H-1B visa hike poorly thought out, says visiting U.S. lawmaker Ami Bera, Pg13

H-1B visa hike poorly thought out, says visiting U.S. lawmaker Ami Bera, Pg13

U.S. lawmakers push for military dialogue in a rare China visit, Pg16

U.S. lawmakers push for military dialogue in a rare China visit, Pg16

U.K., Australia and Canada recognise Palestinian state in a seismic shift, Pg 16.

U.K., Australia and Canada recognise Palestinian state in a seismic shift, Pg 16.

Astronomers have spotted the biggest bangs since the Big Bang, PgII

Astronomers have spotted the biggest bangs since the Big Bang, PgII

$100,000 visa fee one-time, only for new applications, says White House, Pg 1.

$100,000 visa fee one-time, only for new applications, says White House, Pg 1.

Sawalkote dam: Panel to weigh green nod for Chenab project, Pg 1.

Sawalkote dam: Panel to weigh green nod for Chenab project, Pg 1.

UK fighter jets begin NATO air defence mission over Poland, Pg 2.

UK fighter jets begin NATO air defence mission over Poland, Pg 2.

Britain, Canada & Australia recognise Palestine; Will not happen: Netanyahu, Pg 2.

Britain, Canada & Australia recognise Palestine; Will not happen: Netanyahu, Pg 2.

New GST rates, lower prices — household budgets set for boost, Pg 2.

New GST rates, lower prices — household budgets set for boost, Pg 2.

Pointing to Musk's Moon mission contract, experts say US is losing space race, Pg 2.

Pointing to Musk's Moon mission contract, experts say US is losing space race, Pg 2.

In post-Sindoor push, 1st batch of BSF ‘drone commandos’ soon, Pg 9.

In post-Sindoor push, 1st batch of BSF ‘drone commandos’ soon, Pg 9.

A wake-up call, Pg 12.

A wake-up call, Pg 12.

THE VISA BARRIER, Pg 12.

THE VISA BARRIER, Pg 12.

States must explore levy of passenger, goods tax to raise revenue post GST cuts, Pg 13.

States must explore levy of passenger, goods tax to raise revenue post GST cuts, Pg 13.

'In the new global order, economic strength and resilience matter. India should focus on building that', Pg 15.

'In the new global order, economic strength and resilience matter. India should focus on building that', Pg 15.

The problem with low inflation, Pg 16.

The problem with low inflation, Pg 16.

Sikh marriage registration: why latest SC order may not fix all legal issues, Pg 16.

Sikh marriage registration: why latest SC order may not fix all legal issues, Pg 16.

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