Daily Current Affairs - 10th September 2025

Preparing for UPSC 2026 or State PCS? This compact roundup for 10 September 2025 brings you exam-ready current affairs with GS linkages, Prelims facts, and MCQ cues. Themes span Polity & Governance, International Relations & Security, Economy & Infrastructure, Environment & Ecology, Science & Tech, and Social Issues—helping you revise faster and write sharper answers.

In today’s edition, analyze Nepal’s Gen Z–driven political crisis and its spillover risks for India’s diplomacy, security, and trade. Track UNICEF’s 2025 Child Nutrition Report exposing the rise of childhood obesity due to ultra-processed foods, with policy gaps and reform cues. Note C.P. Radhakrishnan’s election as Vice-President—revise constitutional articles (63–66), electoral college, and eligibility conditions. Weigh tribal rights vs. mega-development in the Great Nicobar Island Project, linked to FRA 2006 and biodiversity concerns. Review Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan 2025 city rankings under NCAP, with PM10 reduction benchmarks. Update polity with ECI’s Section 29A move on political party registration and background checks.

On economy and development, note Coal India–NSTFDC’s MoU for empowering tribal students, UK–India Infrastructure Financing Bridge reforms on procurement, EU approval of 102 more Indian seafood exporters, and the Ministry of Power’s India Energy Stack initiative. In environment, track threats to Vembanad Lake, India’s largest Ramsar site. From science, study how Nagaland fossil leaves via the CLAMP method decode monsoon–Antarctica linkages. Education reforms get a boost with Nobel laureate Michael Kremer’s findings on PAL (Personalised Adaptive Learning) doubling learning rates in Andhra Pradesh.

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Nepal’s Political Crisis Amid Gen Z Protests: Implications for India and Regional Stability

1. The Prime Minister of Nepal resigned following a wave of violent ‘Gen Z’ protests across the country.

2. These protests escalated into violent attacks on government buildings and homes of prominent politicians.

3. The situation resulted in a power vacuum, leaving Nepal without a clear government.

Reasons for Crisis in Nepal

1. A major cause of unrest is the growing discontent among Gen Z, the generation born roughly between 1997 and 2012.

2. The youth are angry over widespread corruption, extravagant lifestyles, and unchecked privileges enjoyed by political leaders and their families.

3. There is also strong frustration due to lack of accountability in governance and high unemployment rates.

4. The situation worsened after the government banned 26 social media platforms, which were Gen Z’s primary channels for expression and dissent.

5. This ban triggered nationwide protests, particularly among the urban youth.

6. In response, the authorities used excessive force, including firing on unarmed protesters.

7. The extreme state response only deepened public anger and intensified the protests.

India’s Troubled Neighbourhood and Its Impact

1. The crisis in Nepal reflects a pattern of regional instability across South Asia, including Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

2. These events highlight the political fragility of the region and the risks of internal unrest spreading outward.

3. For India, such instability poses spillover risks, affecting cross-border trade, regional markets, supply chains, and remittance flows.

4. India also faces the challenge of refugee inflows, which lead to humanitarian issues and border management complications.

5. The unrest creates security implications, requiring India to strengthen border security and enhance diplomatic stabilization efforts.

6. It also presents diplomatic challenges, as prolonged unrest strains India's strategic, economic, and cultural ties with neighbouring countries.

7. Recognizing the importance of Nepal’s political stability, the Prime Minister of India convened a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS).

8. During the meeting, he stated that stability, peace, and prosperity in Nepal are of utmost importance for India.

UNICEF’s Child Nutrition Report 2025 Warns of Rising Childhood Obesity Driven by Ultra-Processed Foods

1. The Child Nutrition Report 2025, released by UNICEF, highlights an alarming global rise in unhealthy diets and childhood obesity.

2. The crisis is largely driven by the proliferation (rapid spread) and aggressive marketing of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) and sugary beverages.

   • Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are industrially formulated products made mostly from cheap ingredients like refined starches, added sugars, unhealthy fats, and additives.

Key Findings of the Report

1. As of 2025, 5% of children under the age of 5 are now living with overweight conditions.

2. Among children and adolescents aged 5–19 years, the prevalence of overweight is 20%, a figure that has doubled since 2000.

3. In 2025, the prevalence of obesity among school-age children and adolescents stood at 9.4%.

4. In comparison, the prevalence of underweight in the same age group was 9.2%, showing a double burden of malnutrition.

5. Over 50% of all affected children are concentrated in three regions: East Asia and the Pacific, Latin America and the Caribbean, and South Asia.

6. In South Asia, since 2000, the prevalence of overweight among 5–19-year-olds has increased nearly fivefold by 2022.

Key Drivers of the Crisis

1. A major driver is the availability and affordability of UPFs, especially among low-income populations.

   • UPFs are often cheaper than nutritious foods due to agricultural subsidies on key ingredients like corn, soy, and wheat.

2. Their long shelf life also makes them a convenient and accessible option for many families.

3. Another factor is aggressive and unregulated marketing, especially through targeted digital platforms.

4. Surrogate advertisements by influencers often blur the line between content and promotion, manipulating children and adolescents.

5. Policy gaps also contribute significantly to the crisis.

6. Only 7% of countries have mandatory front-of-pack nutrition labeling, which helps consumers make informed food choices.

7. Just 8% of countries provide food subsidies for healthy foods, limiting access to affordable nutritious options.

Key Recommendations of the Report

1. UNICEF recommends strong action to protect breastfeeding as the foundation of child nutrition.

2. Countries should fully implement the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes, including restrictions on digital advertising.

3. It calls for transformation of food environments through mandatory restrictions on the availability and marketing of unhealthy foods.

4. Additional measures include taxes on unhealthy products and clear, front-of-pack nutrition labels to promote transparency.

5. To promote healthy eating, governments must improve the availability and affordability of nutritious foods.

6. This can be done by redirecting subsidies toward healthy produce and strengthening local food systems.

7. The report also urges strengthening social protection measures to improve access to nutritious diets for low-income families.

8. Finally, it emphasizes the need for social and behaviour change initiatives to build public demand for healthy food environments.

C.P. Radhakrishnan Elected as 15th Vice-President of India

1. C.P. Radhakrishnan is the 15th person to become Vice-President of India. However, the 2025 poll was counted as the 17th Vice-Presidential election because:

   • Two former Vice-Presidents served more than one term.

     • Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan was Vice-President from 1952–1962 (two full terms).

     • Mohammad Hamid Ansari also served two terms (2007–2017).

   • Every term requires a fresh election, even if the same person is re-elected. That means when someone wins twice, it increases the election count, but not the count of distinct individuals.

2. The Vice-President of India holds the second-highest constitutional office in the country.

3. As per Article 63 of the Constitution, "India shall have a Vice-President", establishing the post.

4. According to Article 64, the Vice-President shall be the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha (Upper House of Parliament).

5. Under Article 65, the Vice-President acts as President in case of a casual vacancy in the office of the President.

6. However, the Constitution does not specify who shall discharge the duties of the Vice-President if the office becomes vacant.

Election Procedure of the Vice-President

1. The nomination process requires 20 proposers and 20 seconders, who must be members of the Electoral College.

2. The candidate must submit a security deposit of ₹15,000.

3. A certified copy of the electoral roll entry showing the candidate’s name must also be submitted.

4. The Vice-President is elected by an Electoral College, which includes all members of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, both elected and nominated.

5. The election uses the system of proportional representation through the single transferable vote, ensuring fair preference-based voting.

6. The voting is conducted by secret ballot, as mandated by Article 66 of the Constitution.

7. In this election, every vote has equal value, i.e., each vote counts as 1, unlike in Presidential elections where vote value varies.

8. The Anti-Defection Law is not applicable in this election, meaning no party whip can be issued.

Eligibility Criteria for Vice-President (Article 66)

1. The candidate must be a citizen of India.

2. He or she must have completed the age of 35 years.

3. The candidate must be qualified for election as a member of the Rajya Sabha (Council of States).

4. The candidate must not hold any office of profit under the Government of India, any State Government, or any local or other authority.

Great Nicobar Island Project (GNIP): Tribal Rights Concerns

1. The Central Government has sought a report addressing tribal rights concerns in the Great Nicobar Island Project (GNIP).

2. These concerns were raised following complaints by the Tribal Council regarding the recognition and settlement of tribal rights.

3. The complaints relate specifically to the implementation of the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006, on the island.

About Great Nicobar Island Project (GNIP)

1. The GNIP is part of the Holistic Development of Islands Program (HDIP), which aims to promote sustainable island development.

2. The project was granted in-principle forest clearance and environmental clearance in 2022.

   • The Nodal Agency for the project is NITI Aayog, which is the Government of India’s public policy think tank.

3. The project is being implemented through ANIIDCO (Andaman and Nicobar Islands Integrated Development Corporation), a government-owned corporation.

4. A total of 130.75 square kilometers of forest land is proposed to be diverted for the project.

5. Out of this, 50% of the land is reserved for green development, where no tree felling will be permitted.

6. The GNIP includes several key infrastructure development components.

7. It proposes an International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT) at Galathea Bay.

8. The plan includes a Greenfield International Airport, meaning a new airport built from scratch on undeveloped land.

9. The project also includes a modern township to support population and logistics.

10. Additionally, it will establish a 450 MVA gas and solar-based power plant to meet energy demands.

Issues Related to GNIP

1. Great Nicobar Island (GNI) is home to Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) such as the Shompens and the Nicobarese.

2. PVTGs are the most vulnerable among the tribal groups, identified by the Government based on criteria like declining population, subsistence economy, and low literacy.

3. The GNIP has raised concerns regarding infringement of tribal rights and displacement of these communities.

4. Galathea Bay, the site for the proposed terminal, is an ecologically sensitive area.

5. It is one of the world’s most important nesting sites for the endangered Leatherback Turtles.

6. The bay is also the habitat of the Nicobar Megapode, a rare bird species listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

7. Schedule I provides the highest level of legal protection to endangered wildlife species in India.

About Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006

1. The FRA is officially known as the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006.

2. The Act was enacted to correct historical injustices faced by forest-dwelling communities.

3. It recognizes two types of rights: Individual Forest Rights (IFRs) and Community Forest Rights (CFRs).

4. Individual Forest Rights include rights to cultivate and reside in forest land.

5. Community Forest Rights include rights over common forest resources, including access, usage, and protection.

6. For PVTGs, community tenures include rights over habitat and habitation in their customary territories.

7. These rights cover social, economic, spiritual, sacred, religious, and other traditional purposes.

8. The Forest Rights Committee, especially the District Level Committee, is responsible for verifying and settling claims under the FRA.

Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan 2025: Top Cities Recognized for Air Quality Improvements Under NCAP

1. The Swachh Vayu Sarveshan Award 2025 was announced by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

2. The award recognizes best-performing cities in air quality improvement efforts under Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan 2025.

3. The Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan 2025 survey was conducted across 130 cities identified under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP).

4. Cities were evaluated and ranked based on population-based categories.

Population-Based Categories for Ranking

• Category 1 includes cities with population greater than 10 lakh (1 million).

• Category 2 includes cities with population between 3 lakh and 10 lakh.

• Category 3 includes cities with population less than 3 lakh.

Awarded Cities under Each Category

• A total of 11 best-performing cities were awarded across the three categories.

Category 1: Cities with Population > 10 lakh

• Indore secured 1st Rank in this category.

• Jabalpur secured 2nd Rank.

• Agra and Surat jointly secured 3rd Rank.

Category 2: Cities with Population between 3–10 lakh

• Amravati secured 1st Rank in this category.

• Jhansi and Moradabad jointly secured 2nd Rank.

• Alwar secured 3rd Rank.

Category 3: Cities with Population < 3 lakh

• Dewas secured 1st Rank in this category.

• Parwanoo secured 2nd Rank.

• Angul secured 3rd Rank.

Ranking Criteria for Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan 2025

1. Cities were ranked based on reduction and management of Biomass and Municipal Solid Waste Burning.

2. Control of Road Dust was a major evaluation parameter.

3. Dust from Construction and Demolition Waste management was also considered.

4. Reduction of Vehicular Emissions formed a crucial component of the criteria.

5. Industrial Emissions control was assessed in the ranking.

6. Cities were evaluated on their IEC (Information, Education & Communication) activities for public awareness.

7. Improvement in PM10 concentrations was a key metric for performance.

   • PM10 refers to particulate matter with diameter ≤10 micrometers, which poses serious health risks when inhaled.

About National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)

1. The NCAP was launched in 2019 by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

2. The programme aims to improve air quality in 131 cities, including non-attainment cities and Million Plus Cities.

3. Non-attainment cities are those that did not meet the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for a period of five years.

4. The programme covers cities spread across 24 States and Union Territories.

5. The primary objective of NCAP is to reduce air pollution levels by engaging all stakeholders.

6. The target is to reduce PM10 levels by up to 40% or achieve the national standard of 60 µg/m³ by the year 2025-26, using 2019-20 as the base year.

7. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) is the implementing body at the national level.

8. A digital platform named PRANA (Portal for Regulation of Air-pollution in Non-Attainment cities) has been launched to monitor NCAP implementation.

ECI Implements Founders’ Background Checks for Political Party Registration Under Section 29A RPA, 1951

1. The Election Commission of India (ECI) has decided to verify the antecedents of founding members at the registration stage for associations seeking political party registration.

2. This verification is conducted under Section 29A of the Representation of the People Act (RPA), 1951.

3. The Representation of the People Act, 1951 is a key legislation governing the conduct and registration of political parties in India.

4. Under Section 29A, newly formed political parties must apply for registration to the ECI within 30 days of their formation.

5. Applications must follow guidelines set by the Election Commission under Article 324 of the Constitution of India and Section 29A.

   • Article 324 empowers the Election Commission to supervise and regulate elections in India.

6. A mandatory pledge must be submitted by the association or body seeking registration.

7. This pledge requires the association to bear true faith and allegiance to the Constitution of India as established by law.

8. The pledge also includes adherence to the principles of socialism, secularism, and democracy.

9. Furthermore, the association commits to uphold the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India.

10. The Election Commission’s decision regarding the registration of political parties is final and binding.

Coal India Partners with NSTFDC to Empower Tribal Students in Eklavya Schools

1. Coal India Limited and the National Scheduled Tribe Finance and Development Corporation (NSTFDC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

2. The MoU aims at empowering tribal students enrolled in Eklavya Model Residential Schools.

3. NSTFDC was established in 2001 under the Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India.

4. The main objective of NSTFDC is to promote the socio-economic and educational upliftment of Scheduled Tribes (STs).

   • Scheduled Tribes (STs) are indigenous communities recognized by the Constitution of India for affirmative action due to their historical disadvantages.

5. NSTFDC focuses on providing better self-employment avenues to help STs become economically independent and self-reliant.

6. The corporation also offers grants for conducting training and skill development programs specifically for tribal youth.

7. These programs are designed to improve the skills and employability of tribal students, enabling them to participate actively in economic activities.

UK India Infrastructure Financing Bridge Marks First Year, Urges Reform for Transparent Project Procurement

1. The UK India Infrastructure Financing Bridge (UKIIFB) recently marked its first anniversary by launching a recommendations report.

2. The report includes recommendations to align the Indian procurement process with globally recognised frameworks.

   • Procurement process refers to the method by which goods and services are acquired for projects, and globally recognised frameworks ensure transparency and efficiency.

3. The report also highlights the need for India to address operational risks associated with projects.

4. Additionally, the report points out the need to tackle the perception of unpredictability and opacity in construction.

   • Opacity here means a lack of transparency or clarity in the construction process.

5. The UKIIFB is a collaborative initiative led jointly by NITI Aayog and the City of London.

   • NITI Aayog is the Indian government’s policy think tank responsible for strategic planning and fostering cooperative federalism.

6. UKIIFB aims to unlock infrastructure investment in India by leveraging the City of London’s expertise.

7. The City of London is known globally for its financial and project structuring expertise.

8. The initiative focuses on structuring and phasing major infrastructure projects efficiently.

9. The partnership seeks to secure long-term investment for vital infrastructure sectors in India.

EU Approves 102 More Indian Seafood Exporters, Boosting Exports by 20%

1. Recently, the European Union (EU) approved 102 additional Indian fishery establishments to export seafood to EU member nations.

2. This approval is expected to increase India's seafood exports to the EU by 20%.

3. The expansion reflects growing international confidence in India’s food safety and quality assurance systems.

   • Food safety refers to the practices that ensure seafood is safe for consumption.

   • Quality assurance systems are processes that maintain the standard and consistency of products.

4. The approval is expected to specifically benefit exports of aquaculture shrimps and Cephalopods.

   • Aquaculture shrimps are farmed shrimp produced through controlled aquatic farming.

   • Cephalopods include marine animals such as squid, cuttlefish, and octopus.

Ministry of Power Launches Stakeholder Survey to Develop India Energy Stack

1. The Ministry of Power has initiated a stakeholder survey to build the India Energy Stack (IES).

2. The survey aims to gather insights on the organizational profile and readiness of stakeholders to participate in the IES ecosystem.

   • The India Energy Stack (IES) is conceptualized by the Ministry of Power as a Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) for the power sector.

   • Digital Public Infrastructure refers to open, shared digital systems designed to support public services and sectors efficiently.

3. The primary aim of IES is to enable a connected, intelligent, and interoperable energy ecosystem.

   • Interoperability means different systems and organizations can work together seamlessly.

4. IES will define open standards and interoperability frameworks to facilitate this integration.

5. An important component of IES will be the Utility Intelligence Platform.

6. This platform will unlock data from various systems to drive innovation and improve efficiency in the power sector.

Unchecked Tourism and Encroachment Threaten Vembanad Lake, India’s Largest Ramsar Wetland and Backwater Tourism Hub

1. Unchecked tourism, luxury houseboats, and decades of encroachment are threatening Vembanad Lake.

   • Vembanad Lake is India's longest lake and its largest tropical wetland ecosystem.

2. It is also the largest Ramsar site in India, spanning multiple districts in Kerala.

   • A Ramsar site is a wetland of international importance designated under the Ramsar Convention for conservation.

3. The lake is fed by 10 rivers and includes the Thanneermukkom saltwater barrier.

   • The Thanneermukkom saltwater barrier is India’s largest mud regulator, which is vital for agriculture in the region.

4. Vembanad Lake is a prime backwater tourism hub, famous for its traditional kettuvallams (houseboats).

5. It is also known for the annual Nehru Trophy Boat Race, a major cultural and sporting event.

Study of Fossil Leaves in Nagaland Reveals Antarctica’s Role in Shaping Indian Monsoons Using CLAMP Method

1. A study of fossil leaves from Nagaland revealed how Antarctica shaped the Indian Monsoons.

2. This discovery was made using the CLAMP (Climate Leaf Analysis Multivariate Program) method.

3. CLAMP uses fossil leaves as “climate fingerprints” to decode how Earth’s climate appeared in the past.

4. It reconstructs past climates by analyzing the shape, size, and margins of fossilized leaves.

5. This method helps determine historical temperature, rainfall, and humidity levels.

6. Paleoclimate studies focus on understanding Earth’s climate history through natural records.

7. CLAMP is especially useful where other climate records, such as ice cores or sediments, are missing.

8. The method also aids in predicting future climate responses by comparing past warming or cooling events with current climate trends.

Nobel Laureate Michael Kremer Finds Personalized Adaptive Learning Doubles Student Learning Rates in Andhra Pradesh Government Schools

1. Nobel laureate Michael Kremer found that Personalised Adaptive Learning (PAL) software used in Andhra Pradesh’s government schools led to a doubling of learning rates among students who used it.

   • Personalised Adaptive Learning (PAL) is a learning approach that adapts to the individual needs of each learner.

2. PAL helps students learn according to their own learning levels, preferences, and styles.

3. This approach requires moving away from the traditional one-size-fits-all teaching methods.

4. Instead, PAL promotes a more flexible and adaptive paradigm in education.

   • A paradigm here refers to a typical example or pattern of something, in this case, a new way of teaching and learning.

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