UPSC Current Affairs 24 September 2025

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

India, China ‘primary funders’ of Russian war: Trump at UNGA, Pg1.

U.S. President Donald Trump, in his address at the UN General Assembly, accused India and China of being “primary funders” of the Russia-Ukraine war through oil purchases, while reiterating his claim of mediating an India-Pakistan ceasefire.

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

India, China ‘primary funders’ of Russian war: Trump at UNGA, Pg1.

U.S. President Donald Trump, in his address at the UN General Assembly, accused India and China of being “primary funders” of the Russia-Ukraine war through oil purchases, while reiterating his claim of mediating an India-Pakistan ceasefire.

GS 2: International Relations GS 2: Polity GS 1: World History GS1: Redrawal of National Boundaries, Colonization and Decolonization GS2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests

Right to state, Pg6

Western nations recognize Palestine amid Gaza crisis, signaling shift in post-1948 pro-Israel consensus and urging two-state solution.

GS 2: International Relations GS 2: Polity GS 1: World History GS1: Redrawal of National Boundaries, Colonization and Decolonization GS2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests

Right to state, Pg6

Western nations recognize Palestine amid Gaza crisis, signaling shift in post-1948 pro-Israel consensus and urging two-state solution.

GS 3: Economy GS 2: GovernancePrelimsGS2: Pressure Groups and Formal or Informal Associations GS2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors GS3: Indian Economy, Planning, Mobilization of Resources, Growth, Development and Employment

Getting GST 2.0 to run like a well-oiled machine, Pg6

GST 2.0 simplifies tax structure, cuts rates, and eases compliance, potentially boosting consumption and GDP growth by one percentage point.

GS 3: Economy GS 2: GovernancePrelimsGS2: Pressure Groups and Formal or Informal Associations GS2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors GS3: Indian Economy, Planning, Mobilization of Resources, Growth, Development and Employment

Getting GST 2.0 to run like a well-oiled machine, Pg6

GST 2.0 simplifies tax structure, cuts rates, and eases compliance, potentially boosting consumption and GDP growth by one percentage point.

GS 2: Polity GS 2: GovernanceEthicsGS2: Structure and Functioning of Executive and Judiciary GS2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors

Penalty in proportion, Pg6

Supreme Court expresses concern over misuse of criminal defamation law, hindering free speech and fostering intimidation, demanding review.

GS 2: Polity GS 2: GovernanceEthicsGS2: Structure and Functioning of Executive and Judiciary GS2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors

Penalty in proportion, Pg6

Supreme Court expresses concern over misuse of criminal defamation law, hindering free speech and fostering intimidation, demanding review.

GS 2: Polity GS 2: Governance GS 2: International RelationsPrelimsGS2: Union State Relations and Federal Structure GS2: Separation of Powers and Dispute Redressal Mechanisms GS3: Major Crops, Cropping Patterns and Irrigation Systems

Once again, anger over Almatti, Pg7

Almatti Dam dispute reignites tensions between Telangana and Karnataka over Krishna River water sharing, impacting irrigation and politics.

GS 2: Polity GS 2: Governance GS 2: International RelationsPrelimsGS2: Union State Relations and Federal Structure GS2: Separation of Powers and Dispute Redressal Mechanisms GS3: Major Crops, Cropping Patterns and Irrigation Systems

Once again, anger over Almatti, Pg7

Almatti Dam dispute reignites tensions between Telangana and Karnataka over Krishna River water sharing, impacting irrigation and politics.

GS 1: Indian SocietyPrelimsGS1: Art Forms

Share of U-rated films highest in Malayalam, lowest in Bhojpuri, Pg7

CBFC report reveals Malayalam films as most family-friendly, Bhojpuri least; 720 hours of film content modified between 2017-2025.

GS 1: Indian SocietyPrelimsGS1: Art Forms

Share of U-rated films highest in Malayalam, lowest in Bhojpuri, Pg7

CBFC report reveals Malayalam films as most family-friendly, Bhojpuri least; 720 hours of film content modified between 2017-2025.

GS 2: Social Justice GS 2: Governance GS 3: Science & TechnologyPrelimsGS2: Vulnerable Sections GS2: Health Sector GS2: E Governance GS3: Biotechnology

Lessons from India’s vaccination drive, Pg7

India's vaccination drive significantly reduces child mortality, achieves polio-free status, and earns global recognition for immunization efforts.

GS 2: Social Justice GS 2: Governance GS 3: Science & TechnologyPrelimsGS2: Vulnerable Sections GS2: Health Sector GS2: E Governance GS3: Biotechnology

Lessons from India’s vaccination drive, Pg7

India's vaccination drive significantly reduces child mortality, achieves polio-free status, and earns global recognition for immunization efforts.

GS 3: Economy GS 2: GovernancePrelimsGS2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors GS2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests GS3: Effects of Liberalization on the Economy

How is the jewellery sector coping with U.S. tariffs?, Pg8

US tariffs threaten India's gem and jewellery exports, impacting MSMEs and skilled workers; industry seeks urgent government intervention.

GS 3: Economy GS 2: GovernancePrelimsGS2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors GS2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests GS3: Effects of Liberalization on the Economy

How is the jewellery sector coping with U.S. tariffs?, Pg8

US tariffs threaten India's gem and jewellery exports, impacting MSMEs and skilled workers; industry seeks urgent government intervention.

GS 2: International Relations GS 1: World HistoryPrelimsGS1: Redrawal of National Boundaries, Colonization and Decolonization GS2: India and its Neighbourhood Relations

The mapping of the India-China border, Pg8

Analysis of historical maps reveals insights into India-China border dispute, challenging claims and proposing resolution strategies.

GS 2: International Relations GS 1: World HistoryPrelimsGS1: Redrawal of National Boundaries, Colonization and Decolonization GS2: India and its Neighbourhood Relations

The mapping of the India-China border, Pg8

Analysis of historical maps reveals insights into India-China border dispute, challenging claims and proposing resolution strategies.

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

How Trump’s H-1B fee threatens India’s IT firms and Big Tech business models, Pg9

Trump's $100,000 H-1B visa fee threatens Indian IT firms, Big Tech, and US innovation by potentially shifting talent elsewhere.

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

How Trump’s H-1B fee threatens India’s IT firms and Big Tech business models, Pg9

Trump's $100,000 H-1B visa fee threatens Indian IT firms, Big Tech, and US innovation by potentially shifting talent elsewhere.

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

India to hold mega drone drill ‘Cold Start’ next month, Pg10

Indian Armed Forces to conduct 'Cold Start' drone warfare exercise in October, enhancing counter-drone capabilities after Operation Sindoor.

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

India to hold mega drone drill ‘Cold Start’ next month, Pg10

Indian Armed Forces to conduct 'Cold Start' drone warfare exercise in October, enhancing counter-drone capabilities after Operation Sindoor.

GS 3: Disaster Management GS 3: Environment & Ecology GS 2: GovernancePrelimsGS3: Conservation, Pollution and Degradation GS3: Environmental Impact Assessment GS3: Disaster and Disaster Management

SC directs Himachal govt. to be clear on its disaster management measures, Pg10

Supreme Court demands clarity from Himachal Pradesh on disaster management, climate policies, and environmental impact of development projects.

GS 3: Disaster Management GS 3: Environment & Ecology GS 2: GovernancePrelimsGS3: Conservation, Pollution and Degradation GS3: Environmental Impact Assessment GS3: Disaster and Disaster Management

SC directs Himachal govt. to be clear on its disaster management measures, Pg10

Supreme Court demands clarity from Himachal Pradesh on disaster management, climate policies, and environmental impact of development projects.

GS 2: International Relations GS 3: Internal Security GS2: India and its Neighbourhood Relations

Indian Navy chief calls on Sri Lankan PM in Colombo, Pg10

Indian Navy Chief's Colombo visit strengthens Indo-Sri Lankan maritime security ties through enhanced naval cooperation and joint training exercises.

GS 2: International Relations GS 3: Internal Security GS2: India and its Neighbourhood Relations

Indian Navy chief calls on Sri Lankan PM in Colombo, Pg10

Indian Navy Chief's Colombo visit strengthens Indo-Sri Lankan maritime security ties through enhanced naval cooperation and joint training exercises.

GS 2: Polity GS 2: GovernancePrelimsGS2: Structure and Functioning of Executive and Judiciary

SC links sense of ‘stagnation’ in lower judiciary to long litigation, Pg10

Supreme Court flags 'stagnation' in lower judiciary due to prolonged litigation and pendency affecting judicial officer morale.

GS 2: Polity GS 2: GovernancePrelimsGS2: Structure and Functioning of Executive and Judiciary

SC links sense of ‘stagnation’ in lower judiciary to long litigation, Pg10

Supreme Court flags 'stagnation' in lower judiciary due to prolonged litigation and pendency affecting judicial officer morale.

GS 3: Disaster Management GS 1: Indian Geography GS 2: GovernancePrelimsGS3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.GS3: Disaster and Disaster Management

Fresh norms soon to curb road collapses in hilly areas, Pg10

New guidelines mandate slope stabilization before road construction in hilly regions after highway collapses in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.

GS 3: Disaster Management GS 1: Indian Geography GS 2: GovernancePrelimsGS3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.GS3: Disaster and Disaster Management

Fresh norms soon to curb road collapses in hilly areas, Pg10

New guidelines mandate slope stabilization before road construction in hilly regions after highway collapses in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.

GS 3: Environment & Ecology GS 2: International RelationsPrelimsGS2: Important International Institutions, Agencies and Fora GS3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.GS3: Conservation, Pollution and Degradation

India to submit updated carbon-reduction targets by the beginning of COP30 on Nov. 10, Pg12

India to unveil enhanced carbon-reduction goals at COP30, targeting improved energy efficiency and emissions reduction by 2035.

GS 3: Environment & Ecology GS 2: International RelationsPrelimsGS2: Important International Institutions, Agencies and Fora GS3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.GS3: Conservation, Pollution and Degradation

India to submit updated carbon-reduction targets by the beginning of COP30 on Nov. 10, Pg12

India to unveil enhanced carbon-reduction goals at COP30, targeting improved energy efficiency and emissions reduction by 2035.

GS 3: Science & Technology GS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements GS3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.GS3: Indigenization of Technology and New Technology Development

IPR Gandhinagar proposes roadmap for India’s fusion power plans, PgII

India unveils ambitious fusion power roadmap: SST-Bharat reactor targets 5x power output by 2060 with ₹25,000 crore investment.

GS 3: Science & Technology GS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements GS3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.GS3: Indigenization of Technology and New Technology Development

IPR Gandhinagar proposes roadmap for India’s fusion power plans, PgII

India unveils ambitious fusion power roadmap: SST-Bharat reactor targets 5x power output by 2060 with ₹25,000 crore investment.

GS 2: Polity GS 3: Science & TechnologyPrelimsGS2: Representation of the People's Act GS2: E Governance

EC brings in e-sign feature to check misuse of voter list identity. Pg1.

Election Commission introduces mandatory e-sign via Aadhaar OTP for voter form submissions to curb fraudulent deletions and ensure voter data integrity.

GS 2: Polity GS 3: Science & TechnologyPrelimsGS2: Representation of the People's Act GS2: E Governance

EC brings in e-sign feature to check misuse of voter list identity. Pg1.

Election Commission introduces mandatory e-sign via Aadhaar OTP for voter form submissions to curb fraudulent deletions and ensure voter data integrity.

GS 2: International Relations GS 3: Economy GS 3: Internal SecurityPrelimsGS2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements GS3: Indigenization of Technology and New Technology Development

‘Historic moment’: Rajnath opens Tata Group’s combat vehicle plant in Morocco, Pg8.

Rajnath Singh inaugurates Tata's combat vehicle plant in Morocco, boosting Indo-Moroccan defence ties and 'Make with Friends' initiative.

GS 2: International Relations GS 3: Economy GS 3: Internal SecurityPrelimsGS2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements GS3: Indigenization of Technology and New Technology Development

‘Historic moment’: Rajnath opens Tata Group’s combat vehicle plant in Morocco, Pg8.

Rajnath Singh inaugurates Tata's combat vehicle plant in Morocco, boosting Indo-Moroccan defence ties and 'Make with Friends' initiative.

GS 3: Environment & Ecology GS 2: GovernancePrelimsGS3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.GS3: Environmental Impact Assessment GS3: Security Challenges and Management in Border Areas

Expert committee nod for 2,200-MW Oju hydel project near China border, Pg9.

Expert panel greenlights 2,220 MW Oju hydel project near China border despite environmental concerns over Subansiri basin studies.

GS 3: Environment & Ecology GS 2: GovernancePrelimsGS3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.GS3: Environmental Impact Assessment GS3: Security Challenges and Management in Border Areas

Expert committee nod for 2,200-MW Oju hydel project near China border, Pg9.

Expert panel greenlights 2,220 MW Oju hydel project near China border despite environmental concerns over Subansiri basin studies.

GS 2: Polity GS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS2: Union State Relations and Federal Structure GS2: Structure and Functioning of Executive and Judiciary

Govt moves SC against verdict on mineral taxation rights, Pg9.

Centre challenges SC verdict on mineral taxation, asserting Parliament's power; curative petition filed regarding legislative competence over mineral rights.

GS 2: Polity GS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS2: Union State Relations and Federal Structure GS2: Structure and Functioning of Executive and Judiciary

Govt moves SC against verdict on mineral taxation rights, Pg9.

Centre challenges SC verdict on mineral taxation, asserting Parliament's power; curative petition filed regarding legislative competence over mineral rights.

GS 2: International Relations GS 3: Economy GS 3: Science & Technology GS2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests GS2: Indian Diaspora GS3: Changes in Industrial Policy and Effects on Industrial Growth GS3: Indigenization of Technology and New Technology Development

$100,000 fee, Asian opportunity, Pg11.

Stringent visa policies in the West may lead to integrated technological ecosystem in South Asia, especially India and China.

GS 2: International Relations GS 3: Economy GS 3: Science & Technology GS2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests GS2: Indian Diaspora GS3: Changes in Industrial Policy and Effects on Industrial Growth GS3: Indigenization of Technology and New Technology Development

$100,000 fee, Asian opportunity, Pg11.

Stringent visa policies in the West may lead to integrated technological ecosystem in South Asia, especially India and China.

GS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests GS3: Effects of Liberalization on the Economy

Rupee hits record low of 88.75 against USD, Pg15.

Rupee plummets to a historic low of 88.75 against USD amid H-1B visa fee hike and FPI outflows.

GS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests GS3: Effects of Liberalization on the Economy

Rupee hits record low of 88.75 against USD, Pg15.

Rupee plummets to a historic low of 88.75 against USD amid H-1B visa fee hike and FPI outflows.

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

Much-delayed India-US trade negotiations likely in final leg: What lies ahead?, Pg15.

India and US resume trade negotiations amidst tariff disputes and strategic considerations, aiming for a comprehensive deal before November 30.

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

Much-delayed India-US trade negotiations likely in final leg: What lies ahead?, Pg15.

India and US resume trade negotiations amidst tariff disputes and strategic considerations, aiming for a comprehensive deal before November 30.

GS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests GS3: Effects of Liberalization on the Economy

‘Full impact of tariff shock yet to come’, Pg15.

OECD projects tariff shock impact, firms absorbing it; global growth slows to 3.2% in 2025, 2.9% in 2026.

GS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests GS3: Effects of Liberalization on the Economy

‘Full impact of tariff shock yet to come’, Pg15.

OECD projects tariff shock impact, firms absorbing it; global growth slows to 3.2% in 2025, 2.9% in 2026.

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

The other work visa for US: How L-1 compares with H-1B, Pg17.

US mulls L-1 visa amid H-1B fee hike, offering intracompany transfers, but with limitations and strict eligibility criteria.

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

The other work visa for US: How L-1 compares with H-1B, Pg17.

US mulls L-1 visa amid H-1B fee hike, offering intracompany transfers, but with limitations and strict eligibility criteria.

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 GS2: Important International Institutions, Agencies and Fora

Recognising the Palestinian State, Pg 17.

France recognizes Palestine's statehood amid growing global support, intensifying diplomatic pressure on Israel amidst ongoing Gaza conflict.

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 GS2: Important International Institutions, Agencies and Fora

News Analysis

India, China ‘primary funders’ of Russian war: Trump at UNGA, Pg1.

India, China ‘primary funders’ of Russian war: Trump at UNGA, Pg1.

Right to state, Pg6

Right to state, Pg6

Getting GST 2.0 to run like a well-oiled machine, Pg6

Getting GST 2.0 to run like a well-oiled machine, Pg6

Penalty in proportion, Pg6

Penalty in proportion, Pg6

Once again, anger over Almatti, Pg7

Once again, anger over Almatti, Pg7

Share of U-rated films highest in Malayalam, lowest in Bhojpuri, Pg7

Share of U-rated films highest in Malayalam, lowest in Bhojpuri, Pg7

Lessons from India’s vaccination drive, Pg7

Lessons from India’s vaccination drive, Pg7

How is the jewellery sector coping with U.S. tariffs?, Pg8

How is the jewellery sector coping with U.S. tariffs?, Pg8

The mapping of the India-China border, Pg8

The mapping of the India-China border, Pg8

How Trump’s H-1B fee threatens India’s IT firms and Big Tech business models, Pg9

How Trump’s H-1B fee threatens India’s IT firms and Big Tech business models, Pg9

India to hold mega drone drill ‘Cold Start’ next month, Pg10

India to hold mega drone drill ‘Cold Start’ next month, Pg10

SC directs Himachal govt. to be clear on its disaster management measures, Pg10

SC directs Himachal govt. to be clear on its disaster management measures, Pg10

Indian Navy chief calls on Sri Lankan PM in Colombo, Pg10

Indian Navy chief calls on Sri Lankan PM in Colombo, Pg10

SC links sense of ‘stagnation’ in lower judiciary to long litigation, Pg10

SC links sense of ‘stagnation’ in lower judiciary to long litigation, Pg10

Fresh norms soon to curb road collapses in hilly areas, Pg10

Fresh norms soon to curb road collapses in hilly areas, Pg10

India to submit updated carbon-reduction targets by the beginning of COP30 on Nov. 10, Pg12

India to submit updated carbon-reduction targets by the beginning of COP30 on Nov. 10, Pg12

IPR Gandhinagar proposes roadmap for India’s fusion power plans, PgII

IPR Gandhinagar proposes roadmap for India’s fusion power plans, PgII

EC brings in e-sign feature to check misuse of voter list identity. Pg1.

EC brings in e-sign feature to check misuse of voter list identity. Pg1.

‘Historic moment’: Rajnath opens Tata Group’s combat vehicle plant in Morocco, Pg8.

‘Historic moment’: Rajnath opens Tata Group’s combat vehicle plant in Morocco, Pg8.

Expert committee nod for 2,200-MW Oju hydel project near China border, Pg9.

Expert committee nod for 2,200-MW Oju hydel project near China border, Pg9.

Govt moves SC against verdict on mineral taxation rights, Pg9.

Govt moves SC against verdict on mineral taxation rights, Pg9.

$100,000 fee, Asian opportunity, Pg11.

$100,000 fee, Asian opportunity, Pg11.

Rupee hits record low of 88.75 against USD, Pg15.

Rupee hits record low of 88.75 against USD, Pg15.

Much-delayed India-US trade negotiations likely in final leg: What lies ahead?, Pg15.

Much-delayed India-US trade negotiations likely in final leg: What lies ahead?, Pg15.

‘Full impact of tariff shock yet to come’, Pg15.

‘Full impact of tariff shock yet to come’, Pg15.

The other work visa for US: How L-1 compares with H-1B, Pg17.

The other work visa for US: How L-1 compares with H-1B, Pg17.

Recognising the Palestinian State, Pg 17.

Recognising the Palestinian State, Pg 17.

Govt gives infra status to large ship building industry

Govt gives infra status to large ship building industry

HC: RPwD Act extends to institutions recognised by govt, local bodies

HC: RPwD Act extends to institutions recognised by govt, local bodies

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