UPSC Current Affairs 26 September 2025

GS 3: Science & Technology GS 3: Environment & Ecology GS 2: GovernancePrelimsGS3: Science and Technology in Everyday Life GS3: Conservation, Pollution and Degradation

Artificial rain trials: Delhi govt., IIT-K sign MoU, Pg1

Delhi government partners with IIT Kanpur for cloud seeding trials, aiming to combat escalating air pollution through artificial rain.

GS 3: Science & Technology GS 3: Environment & Ecology GS 2: GovernancePrelimsGS3: Science and Technology in Everyday Life GS3: Conservation, Pollution and Degradation

Artificial rain trials: Delhi govt., IIT-K sign MoU, Pg1

Delhi government partners with IIT Kanpur for cloud seeding trials, aiming to combat escalating air pollution through artificial rain.

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

Poll panel to tweak counting process for postal ballots from Bihar election, Pg1

Election Commission modifies vote counting to prioritize postal ballots, addressing opposition concerns and ensuring transparency before EVM counts.

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

Poll panel to tweak counting process for postal ballots from Bihar election, Pg1

Election Commission modifies vote counting to prioritize postal ballots, addressing opposition concerns and ensuring transparency before EVM counts.

GS 2: Polity GS 1: Post-Independence India GS 3: Internal Security GS1: Social Empowerment, Communalism, Regionalism and Secularism GS2: Union State Relations and Federal Structure GS2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors GS3: Security Challenges and Management in Border Areas

Mistrust in Ladakh, Pg10

Ladakh unrest escalates after protests turn violent, demanding statehood, Sixth Schedule inclusion, and local job reservations.

GS 2: Polity GS 1: Post-Independence India GS 3: Internal Security GS1: Social Empowerment, Communalism, Regionalism and Secularism GS2: Union State Relations and Federal Structure GS2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors GS3: Security Challenges and Management in Border Areas

Mistrust in Ladakh, Pg10

Ladakh unrest escalates after protests turn violent, demanding statehood, Sixth Schedule inclusion, and local job reservations.

GS 3: Environment & Ecology GS 2: International RelationsPrelimsGS2: Important International Institutions, Agencies and Fora GS3: Conservation, Pollution and Degradation

Hot air, Pg10

Trump's UNGA address denies climate change, undermining global efforts and scientific consensus, prioritizing fossil fuels over environmental action.

GS 3: Environment & Ecology GS 2: International RelationsPrelimsGS2: Important International Institutions, Agencies and Fora GS3: Conservation, Pollution and Degradation

Hot air, Pg10

Trump's UNGA address denies climate change, undermining global efforts and scientific consensus, prioritizing fossil fuels over environmental action.

GS 2: International Relations GS 3: Internal Security GS2: India and its Neighbourhood Relations GS2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements GS3: Role of External State and Non State Actors

The Saudi-Pakistan deal upends India’s strategic thought, Pg10

Saudi-Pakistan defence pact rattles India, signalling shifting alliances and challenging New Delhi's strategic influence amid evolving geopolitical landscape.

GS 2: International Relations GS 3: Internal Security GS2: India and its Neighbourhood Relations GS2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements GS3: Role of External State and Non State Actors

The Saudi-Pakistan deal upends India’s strategic thought, Pg10

Saudi-Pakistan defence pact rattles India, signalling shifting alliances and challenging New Delhi's strategic influence amid evolving geopolitical landscape.

GS 2: International Relations GS 3: Economy GS 1: Indian Geography GS2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors GS2: India and its Neighbourhood Relations GS3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.GS3: Security Challenges and Management in Border Areas

Eight States with international borders, 0.13% of exports, Pg10

India's Northeast region faces economic marginalization due to trade policies, infrastructure deficits, and geopolitical shifts impacting export potential.

GS 2: International Relations GS 3: Economy GS 1: Indian Geography GS2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors GS2: India and its Neighbourhood Relations GS3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.GS3: Security Challenges and Management in Border Areas

Eight States with international borders, 0.13% of exports, Pg10

India's Northeast region faces economic marginalization due to trade policies, infrastructure deficits, and geopolitical shifts impacting export potential.

GS 3: Environment & Ecology GS 2: Social Justice GS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS1: Poverty and Developmental Issues GS2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors GS2: Health Sector GS2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests

Cooling rights in a sweltering South, Pg12

India's cooling policy sparks debate: Balancing energy efficiency with equitable access amid rising heatwaves and climate justice concerns.

GS 3: Environment & Ecology GS 2: Social Justice GS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS1: Poverty and Developmental Issues GS2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors GS2: Health Sector GS2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests

Cooling rights in a sweltering South, Pg12

India's cooling policy sparks debate: Balancing energy efficiency with equitable access amid rising heatwaves and climate justice concerns.

GS 1: Indian Geography GS 2: GovernancePrelimsGS1: Population and Associated Issues GS1: Urbanization, Problems and Remedies GS2: Devolution of Powers and Finances up to Local Levels

Why India’s urban definition is failing its growing towns, Pg12

India's outdated urban definition may exclude millions from urban governance, hindering infrastructure and services in rapidly urbanizing settlements for Census 2027.

GS 1: Indian Geography GS 2: GovernancePrelimsGS1: Population and Associated Issues GS1: Urbanization, Problems and Remedies GS2: Devolution of Powers and Finances up to Local Levels

Why India’s urban definition is failing its growing towns, Pg12

India's outdated urban definition may exclude millions from urban governance, hindering infrastructure and services in rapidly urbanizing settlements for Census 2027.

GS 1: Indian Society GS 2: Polity GS 1: Post-Independence India GS1: Population and Associated Issues GS2: Indian Constitutional Evolution, Features, Amendments, Basic Structure Doctrine GS2: Union State Relations and Federal Structure

Citizens, domicile, migrants: Why should we worry about Provincial Citizenship?, Pg13

Provincial citizenship challenges national identity, sparking debate on domicile policies and constitutional rights, especially concerning internal migrants' status.

GS 1: Indian Society GS 2: Polity GS 1: Post-Independence India GS1: Population and Associated Issues GS2: Indian Constitutional Evolution, Features, Amendments, Basic Structure Doctrine GS2: Union State Relations and Federal Structure

Citizens, domicile, migrants: Why should we worry about Provincial Citizenship?, Pg13

Provincial citizenship challenges national identity, sparking debate on domicile policies and constitutional rights, especially concerning internal migrants' status.

GS 2: International Relations GS 3: Economy GS 3: Internal Security GS2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements GS3: Changes in Industrial Policy and Effects on Industrial Growth GS3: Indigenization of Technology and New Technology Development

Rajnath’s Morocco visit marks new chapter in India-Africa defence ties, Pg14

Rajnath Singh inaugurates India's first overseas defence manufacturing unit in Morocco, boosting India-Africa defence cooperation and export potential.

GS 2: International Relations GS 3: Economy GS 3: Internal Security GS2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements GS3: Changes in Industrial Policy and Effects on Industrial Growth GS3: Indigenization of Technology and New Technology Development

Rajnath’s Morocco visit marks new chapter in India-Africa defence ties, Pg14

Rajnath Singh inaugurates India's first overseas defence manufacturing unit in Morocco, boosting India-Africa defence cooperation and export potential.

GS 2: Polity GS 3: Internal SecurityPrelimsGS2: Development Processes and Role of NGOs, SHGs and Other Stakeholders GS2: Important Aspects of Governance, Transparency and Accountability GS3: Linkages between Development and Spread of Extremism

Govt. revokes FCRA licence of Wangchuk’s organisation, Pg14

Government revokes FCRA license of Sonam Wangchuk's SECMOL citing violations, CBI probes HIAL amid Ladakh unrest.

GS 2: Polity GS 3: Internal SecurityPrelimsGS2: Development Processes and Role of NGOs, SHGs and Other Stakeholders GS2: Important Aspects of Governance, Transparency and Accountability GS3: Linkages between Development and Spread of Extremism

Govt. revokes FCRA licence of Wangchuk’s organisation, Pg14

Government revokes FCRA license of Sonam Wangchuk's SECMOL citing violations, CBI probes HIAL amid Ladakh unrest.

GS 2: Polity GS 2: Social JusticePrelimsGS2: Indian Constitutional Evolution, Features, Amendments, Basic Structure Doctrine GS2: Statutory, Regulatory and Quasi Judicial Bodies GS2: Vulnerable Sections

SC to examine if Foreigners Tribunals discriminate against rural women in Assam, Pg15

Supreme Court scrutinizes Foreigners Tribunals' discriminatory practices against marginalized women in Assam citizenship verification, impacting fundamental rights and nationality.

GS 2: Polity GS 2: Social JusticePrelimsGS2: Indian Constitutional Evolution, Features, Amendments, Basic Structure Doctrine GS2: Statutory, Regulatory and Quasi Judicial Bodies GS2: Vulnerable Sections

SC to examine if Foreigners Tribunals discriminate against rural women in Assam, Pg15

Supreme Court scrutinizes Foreigners Tribunals' discriminatory practices against marginalized women in Assam citizenship verification, impacting fundamental rights and nationality.

GS 3: Science & Technology GS 3: Internal SecurityPrelimsGS3: Indigenization of Technology and New Technology Development GS3: Security Forces and Agencies and their Mandate

DRDO conducts rail-based launch of Agni-Prime missile, Pg16

DRDO successfully test-fires Agni-Prime missile with 2,000km range from rail-based mobile launcher, enhancing strategic capabilities and deployment flexibility.

GS 3: Science & Technology GS 3: Internal SecurityPrelimsGS3: Indigenization of Technology and New Technology Development GS3: Security Forces and Agencies and their Mandate

DRDO conducts rail-based launch of Agni-Prime missile, Pg16

DRDO successfully test-fires Agni-Prime missile with 2,000km range from rail-based mobile launcher, enhancing strategic capabilities and deployment flexibility.

GS 2: International Relations GS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements GS3: Storage, Transport and Marketing of Agricultural Produce

India, Russia discuss BRICS grain exchange plan to boost agriculture trade ties, Pg16

India and Russia discuss BRICS grain exchange to enhance agricultural trade and economic cooperation, aiming for new heights in partnership.

GS 2: International Relations GS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements GS3: Storage, Transport and Marketing of Agricultural Produce

India, Russia discuss BRICS grain exchange plan to boost agriculture trade ties, Pg16

India and Russia discuss BRICS grain exchange to enhance agricultural trade and economic cooperation, aiming for new heights in partnership.

GS 2: Social Justice GS 2: Governance GS 3: Internal Security GS 1: Indian Society GS2: Constitutional Bodies GS2: Vulnerable Sections GS3: Linkages between Development and Spread of Extremism

Bring back tribals who fled Maoist conflict: NCST, Pg16

NCST urges Chhattisgarh to rehabilitate displaced tribals affected by Maoist conflict, proposes land allotment, housing, and employment opportunities.

GS 2: Social Justice GS 2: Governance GS 3: Internal Security GS 1: Indian Society GS2: Constitutional Bodies GS2: Vulnerable Sections GS3: Linkages between Development and Spread of Extremism

Bring back tribals who fled Maoist conflict: NCST, Pg16

NCST urges Chhattisgarh to rehabilitate displaced tribals affected by Maoist conflict, proposes land allotment, housing, and employment opportunities.

GS 2: International Relations GS 2: Social Justice GS 3: Internal Security GS1: World Wars GS2: Important International Institutions, Agencies and Fora GS3: Linkages of Organized Crime with Terrorism

Sri Lankans being trafficked to fight Russia’s war in Ukraine: UN expert, Pg18

UN report reveals Sri Lankans trafficked to fight in Russia-Ukraine war, families seek government intervention amid alleged recruitment scams.

GS 2: International Relations GS 2: Social Justice GS 3: Internal Security GS1: World Wars GS2: Important International Institutions, Agencies and Fora GS3: Linkages of Organized Crime with Terrorism

Sri Lankans being trafficked to fight Russia’s war in Ukraine: UN expert, Pg18

UN report reveals Sri Lankans trafficked to fight in Russia-Ukraine war, families seek government intervention amid alleged recruitment scams.

GS 2: Social Justice GS 3: Science & TechnologyPrelimsGS1: Population and Associated Issues GS2: Health Sector

Muscle matters: rethinking obesity with resistance training, PgII

Alarming rise in sarcopenic obesity threatens India's health; resistance training emerges as vital countermeasure for metabolic health and longevity.

GS 2: Social Justice GS 3: Science & TechnologyPrelimsGS1: Population and Associated Issues GS2: Health Sector

Muscle matters: rethinking obesity with resistance training, PgII

Alarming rise in sarcopenic obesity threatens India's health; resistance training emerges as vital countermeasure for metabolic health and longevity.

GS 2: Polity GS 3: Internal Security GS 2: Governance GS2: Statutory, Regulatory and Quasi Judicial Bodies GS2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors GS2: Development Processes and Role of NGOs, SHGs and Other Stakeholders

Day after violence in Ladakh, Centre sends special envoy, hastens talks process, Pg 1.

Ladakh unrest: Centre dispatches envoy, hastens talks amid protests for statehood and Sixth Schedule protections after violent clashes.

GS 2: Polity GS 3: Internal Security GS 2: Governance GS2: Statutory, Regulatory and Quasi Judicial Bodies GS2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors GS2: Development Processes and Role of NGOs, SHGs and Other Stakeholders

Day after violence in Ladakh, Centre sends special envoy, hastens talks process, Pg 1.

Ladakh unrest: Centre dispatches envoy, hastens talks amid protests for statehood and Sixth Schedule protections after violent clashes.

GS 2: International Relations GS 3: Economy GS2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements GS3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

India-US trade talks, Pg 2.

India-US trade talks focus on resolving tariff issues, energy security, and potential investment opportunities to strengthen bilateral relations.

GS 2: International Relations GS 3: Economy GS2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements GS3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

India-US trade talks, Pg 2.

India-US trade talks focus on resolving tariff issues, energy security, and potential investment opportunities to strengthen bilateral relations.

GS 3: Environment & Ecology GS 2: Governance GS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors GS2: Vulnerable Sections GS3: Conservation, Pollution and Degradation

Govt reserves 65% NREGS funds for water conservation works in rural blocks, Pg 6.

Government mandates 65% NREGS funds for water conservation in over-exploited blocks, potentially unlocking ₹35,000 crore for water projects.

GS 3: Environment & Ecology GS 2: Governance GS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors GS2: Vulnerable Sections GS3: Conservation, Pollution and Degradation

Govt reserves 65% NREGS funds for water conservation works in rural blocks, Pg 6.

Government mandates 65% NREGS funds for water conservation in over-exploited blocks, potentially unlocking ₹35,000 crore for water projects.

GS 2: Social Justice GS 3: Science & TechnologyPrelimsGS2: Health Sector

Cancer cases peak amid global decline: Study, Pg 8.

Cancer cases surge in India amidst global decline; Lancet study reveals alarming rise in incidence and mortality rates.

GS 2: Social Justice GS 3: Science & TechnologyPrelimsGS2: Health Sector

Cancer cases peak amid global decline: Study, Pg 8.

Cancer cases surge in India amidst global decline; Lancet study reveals alarming rise in incidence and mortality rates.

GS 2: Polity GS 3: Internal SecurityPrelimsGS1: Post Independence Consolidation and Reorganization GS2: Development Processes and Role of NGOs, SHGs and Other Stakeholders GS2: Important Aspects of Governance, Transparency and Accountability

Day after Leh violence, Centre cancels Sonam Wangchuk NGO's FCRA licence, Pg 9.

Centre cancels Sonam Wangchuk's NGO's FCRA license citing violations amid Ladakh statehood protests and Leh violence.

GS 2: Polity GS 3: Internal SecurityPrelimsGS1: Post Independence Consolidation and Reorganization GS2: Development Processes and Role of NGOs, SHGs and Other Stakeholders GS2: Important Aspects of Governance, Transparency and Accountability

Day after Leh violence, Centre cancels Sonam Wangchuk NGO's FCRA licence, Pg 9.

Centre cancels Sonam Wangchuk's NGO's FCRA license citing violations amid Ladakh statehood protests and Leh violence.

GS 3: Environment & Ecology GS 2: International RelationsPrelimsGS2: Important International Institutions, Agencies and Fora GS3: Conservation, Pollution and Degradation

For first time, China says will cut greenhouse gas emissions, Pg 11.

China pledges to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 7-10% by 2035, a landmark shift in climate policy.

GS 3: Environment & Ecology GS 2: International RelationsPrelimsGS2: Important International Institutions, Agencies and Fora GS3: Conservation, Pollution and Degradation

For first time, China says will cut greenhouse gas emissions, Pg 11.

China pledges to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 7-10% by 2035, a landmark shift in climate policy.

GS 2: Governance GS 3: Economy GS2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors GS2: Important Aspects of Governance, Transparency and Accountability GS3: Indian Economy, Planning, Mobilization of Resources, Growth, Development and Employment

PLUG THE GAPS, Pg 12.

NSDC faces scrutiny over alleged misappropriation and training irregularities, raising concerns about India's skilling initiatives and demographic dividend.

GS 2: Governance GS 3: Economy GS2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors GS2: Important Aspects of Governance, Transparency and Accountability GS3: Indian Economy, Planning, Mobilization of Resources, Growth, Development and Employment

News Analysis

Artificial rain trials: Delhi govt., IIT-K sign MoU, Pg1

Artificial rain trials: Delhi govt., IIT-K sign MoU, Pg1

Poll panel to tweak counting process for postal ballots from Bihar election, Pg1

Poll panel to tweak counting process for postal ballots from Bihar election, Pg1

Mistrust in Ladakh, Pg10

Mistrust in Ladakh, Pg10

Hot air, Pg10

Hot air, Pg10

The Saudi-Pakistan deal upends India’s strategic thought, Pg10

The Saudi-Pakistan deal upends India’s strategic thought, Pg10

Eight States with international borders, 0.13% of exports, Pg10

Eight States with international borders, 0.13% of exports, Pg10

Cooling rights in a sweltering South, Pg12

Cooling rights in a sweltering South, Pg12

Why India’s urban definition is failing its growing towns, Pg12

Why India’s urban definition is failing its growing towns, Pg12

Citizens, domicile, migrants: Why should we worry about Provincial Citizenship?, Pg13

Citizens, domicile, migrants: Why should we worry about Provincial Citizenship?, Pg13

Rajnath’s Morocco visit marks new chapter in India-Africa defence ties, Pg14

Rajnath’s Morocco visit marks new chapter in India-Africa defence ties, Pg14

Govt. revokes FCRA licence of Wangchuk’s organisation, Pg14

Govt. revokes FCRA licence of Wangchuk’s organisation, Pg14

SC to examine if Foreigners Tribunals discriminate against rural women in Assam, Pg15

SC to examine if Foreigners Tribunals discriminate against rural women in Assam, Pg15

DRDO conducts rail-based launch of Agni-Prime missile, Pg16

DRDO conducts rail-based launch of Agni-Prime missile, Pg16

India, Russia discuss BRICS grain exchange plan to boost agriculture trade ties, Pg16

India, Russia discuss BRICS grain exchange plan to boost agriculture trade ties, Pg16

Bring back tribals who fled Maoist conflict: NCST, Pg16

Bring back tribals who fled Maoist conflict: NCST, Pg16

Sri Lankans being trafficked to fight Russia’s war in Ukraine: UN expert, Pg18

Sri Lankans being trafficked to fight Russia’s war in Ukraine: UN expert, Pg18

Muscle matters: rethinking obesity with resistance training, PgII

Muscle matters: rethinking obesity with resistance training, PgII

Day after violence in Ladakh, Centre sends special envoy, hastens talks process, Pg 1.

Day after violence in Ladakh, Centre sends special envoy, hastens talks process, Pg 1.

India-US trade talks, Pg 2.

India-US trade talks, Pg 2.

Govt reserves 65% NREGS funds for water conservation works in rural blocks, Pg 6.

Govt reserves 65% NREGS funds for water conservation works in rural blocks, Pg 6.

Cancer cases peak amid global decline: Study, Pg 8.

Cancer cases peak amid global decline: Study, Pg 8.

Day after Leh violence, Centre cancels Sonam Wangchuk NGO's FCRA licence, Pg 9.

Day after Leh violence, Centre cancels Sonam Wangchuk NGO's FCRA licence, Pg 9.

For first time, China says will cut greenhouse gas emissions, Pg 11.

For first time, China says will cut greenhouse gas emissions, Pg 11.

PLUG THE GAPS, Pg 12.

PLUG THE GAPS, Pg 12.

Taxation can't be used to discriminate against goods from other states: SC, Pg 12.

Taxation can't be used to discriminate against goods from other states: SC, Pg 12.

DRUG-RESISTANT 'NIGHTMARE BACTERIA' ON RISE IN U.S.: CDC REPORT, Pg 14.

DRUG-RESISTANT 'NIGHTMARE BACTERIA' ON RISE IN U.S.: CDC REPORT, Pg 14.

RAIL-BASED AGNI-P TEST-FIRED, Pg 14.

RAIL-BASED AGNI-P TEST-FIRED, Pg 14.

Foreign direct investment into India in July at 50-month high of $11.11 billion, Pg 15.

Foreign direct investment into India in July at 50-month high of $11.11 billion, Pg 15.

In Karnataka HC's rejection of X plea against Sahyog, 3 red lines for social media, Pg 17.

In Karnataka HC's rejection of X plea against Sahyog, 3 red lines for social media, Pg 17.

'India's logistics cost estimated at 7.97% of GDP'

'India's logistics cost estimated at 7.97% of GDP'

More News Analysis

Download the App