Daily Current Affairs - 16th & 17th September 2025
- TPP
- Sep 17
- 25 min read
Preparing for UPSC 2026 or State PCS? This double-edition for 16–17 September 2025 curates exam-ready current affairs with GS linkages, Prelims facts, and MCQ triggers. Coverage spans Polity & Governance, Economy, Energy & Infrastructure, Environment & Ecology, Defence & Security, International Relations, Science & Tech, and Society & Culture—designed to sharpen both Prelims recall and Mains analysis.
In today’s edition, decode India’s first National Policy on Geothermal Energy—link it to net-zero 2070, hybrid renewables, FDI in energy, and repurposing oil wells. Track the WMO Ozone Bulletin—plug into Vienna Convention, Montreal Protocol, Kigali Amendment, and India’s ODS phase-out record.
On the economic front, unpack NITI Aayog’s AI for Viksit Bharat report—bridge GDP growth gaps, ethics vs. innovation, MSME access, and India as Data Capital. Map three years of the National Logistics Policy (NLP)—ULIP, GatiShakti, multimodal parks, and green logistics—link to reducing logistics cost-to-GDP. Add the Global Innovation Index 2025—India’s rise to 38th, four innovation clusters, Startup India, and Atal Innovation Mission.
In polity & society, cover the Tirupati Women-Led Development Conference—gender budgeting, STEMM participation, Mudra–Stand Up India linkages, and 33% reservation under Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam. Note the Supreme Court on POSH Act scope and Aadhaar use for voter verification.
International & security watch: India signs ISA contract for Carlsberg Ridge PMS exploration—UNCLOS framework, seabed geopolitics, and metal-resource diplomacy. Track INS Nistar in Pacific Reach—submarine rescue cooperation. Also note Bank of England’s stablecoin restrictions, India’s stand on evergreening with Novartis’ Vymada patent revocation, and IEA’s warning on oil–gas declines—tie into energy security.
Sports diplomacy closes the sheet: India’s first world champion in skating, gold in junior sprint, marking a historic feat.
Use this edition to enrich essays, value-added GS notes, and secure MCQs. Revise with The PRESS Pad—your compact, structured, scoring-focused companion.
Click Here to read the Monthly Current Affairs Pointers (CAP).
Ministry of New and Renewable Energy unveils first National Policy on Geothermal Energy |
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy unveiled India’s first National Policy on Geothermal Energy to make geothermal a key part of the renewable energy mix.
This policy aims to help India achieve its net-zero emissions target by 2070.
The policy identifies 381 hot springs and 10 geothermal provinces with significant energy potential.
It supports the use of high-enthalpy geothermal energy for electricity generation.
It also promotes low and medium-enthalpy geothermal energy for heating, cooling, agriculture, and industrial applications.
The policy covers the entire geothermal value chain, from resource assessment to end-use, including hybrid systems and storage solutions.
It encourages repurposing oil and gas wells for geothermal energy extraction.
To ensure sustainability, the policy mandates safe reinjection of geothermal fluids, compliance with regulations, and stakeholder consultations, especially in sensitive areas.
The policy facilitates ease of implementation through single-window clearances provided by state nodal agencies.
It allows 100% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in geothermal projects, promoting domestic innovation and collaboration with the oil and gas sector.
Financing support includes risk-sharing mechanisms, concessional loans, Viability Gap Funding (VGF), green bonds, feed-in tariffs, and blended finance options.
The policy proposes fiscal incentives such as grants, tax and GST exemptions, tax holidays, accelerated depreciation, and property tax relief.
It promotes international cooperation and peer learning to build capacity and expertise.
Exploration leases are valid for 3 to 5 years, while development leases can extend beyond 30 years with concessional land rates.
The policy establishes a centralized geothermal data repository with mandatory submission of exploration and production data.
Geothermal energy is defined as the heat from the Earth (“geo” meaning earth and “thermal” meaning heat).
It is sourced from natural or man-made reservoirs of hot water or steam at varying depths beneath the Earth’s surface.
By drilling wells, this heat can be harnessed for electricity generation, heating, cooling, and other industrial uses.
World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Ozone Bulletin shows recovery of ozone layer |
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) released its Ozone Bulletin for World Ozone Day, celebrated annually on 16th September, marking also the 40th anniversary of the Vienna Convention.
The bulletin projects the ozone layer’s recovery to 1980 levels—before the ozone hole appeared—by around 2066 over the Antarctic, by 2045 over the Arctic, and by 2040 for the rest of the world.
The ozone layer is located in the stratosphere, between 15 km and 30 km above Earth, and protects life by shielding the planet from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the Sun.
Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS) release chlorine or bromine atoms that destroy ozone molecules, leading to depletion.
ODS that release chlorine include chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), carbon tetrachloride (CTC), and methyl chloroform.
Bromine-releasing ODS include halons and methyl bromide.
Ozone depletion is more severe in the Southern Hemisphere (Antarctica) than in the Northern Hemisphere (Arctic) due to climatic and chemical factors.
The Vienna Convention (1985) was the first global treaty to recognize stratospheric ozone depletion as an environmental issue and established an international cooperation framework.
It set the stage for the Montreal Protocol (1987), which mandates the phase-out of substances that deplete the ozone layer.
The Montreal Protocol has successfully led to the phase-out of over 99% of controlled ODS production and consumption globally.
The Kigali Amendment (2016) to the Montreal Protocol targets the phasedown of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), potent greenhouse gases used as ODS substitutes.
India has made significant progress under the Montreal Protocol by phasing out CFCs, CTC, and halons for controlled uses by 2010.
India enacted the Ozone Depleting Substances (Regulation and Control) Rules in 2000, banning CFCs and halons in new equipment by 2003.
India has also achieved a 67.5% reduction in HCFC production and consumption and completely phased out HCFC-141b by 2020.
NITI Aayog Releases Report titled "AI for Viksit Bharat: The Opportunity for Accelerated Economic Growth" |
NITI Aayog released the report titled "AI for Viksit Bharat: The Opportunity for Accelerated Economic Growth" highlighting AI’s transformative potential.
The report states that AI can drive over 8% economic growth, helping realize the vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India).
Further adoption of AI can bridge nearly half the growth gap needed to increase India’s projected GDP from $6.6 trillion to an aspirational $8.3 trillion by 2035.
The report identifies key strategic enablers necessary to realize AI’s full potential.
These enablers include critical AI infrastructure such as cloud platforms, GPUs (Graphics Processing Units), and comprehensive datasets.
Effective AI governance is emphasized, requiring ethics guidelines and risk control mechanisms to ensure responsible AI use.
The private sector’s leadership is crucial for embedding AI in industry processes and reskilling the workforce.
Academia plays a key role by driving research, workforce transformation, and creating AI safety sandboxes—controlled environments to test AI technologies safely.
Ensuring equitable access involves extending AI resources to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and underrepresented regions.
The report highlights three major AI opportunity unlocks for India’s growth.
First, accelerating AI adoption across industries can bridge 30-35% of the needed economic growth, with examples like AI use in banking and manufacturing.
Second, transforming research and development (R&D) with generative AI is expected to contribute 20-30% of the growth uplift, such as AI-enabled drug discovery and software-assisted vehicles.
Third, innovation in technology services could add another 15-20% to the growth step-up.
The report also outlines potential outcomes of AI-led value creation for India.
One outcome is establishing India as the Data Capital of the World by creating anonymized data frameworks and marketplaces for certified non-personalized data.
Another is developing an adaptable and efficient AI-skilling ecosystem through workforce development, advancing research, and contributing to AI models.
AI can unlock sectoral growth focusing on manufacturing, financial services, pharmaceuticals, and automotive industries.
It also promises future-proofed jobs and industry transformation by promoting continuous worker upskilling and accelerating firm-level digital adoption.
The report concludes that with robust infrastructure, focus on labor transitions, responsible governance, and collaboration between industry and academia, India can pioneer a new model of economic growth.
3 years of National Logistics Policy (NLP) 2022 |
The National Logistics Policy (NLP) 2022 envisions a technologically enabled, integrated, cost-efficient, resilient, sustainable, and trusted logistics ecosystem to drive accelerated and inclusive growth.
The policy is implemented through a Comprehensive Logistics Action Plan (CLAP) to ensure systematic execution.
India’s logistics sector contributes 13-14% to the GDP and employs over 22 million people, with projections to add 1 crore jobs by 2027.
A key target of the NLP is to reduce logistics costs to global benchmarks by 2030.
Another target is to improve India’s Logistics Performance Index (LPI) ranking to the top 25 by 2030.
The Unified Logistics Interface Platform (ULIP) has enabled over 160 crore digital transactions, improving real-time visibility across 101 Inland Container Depots (ICDs).
The Logistics Ease Across Different States (LEADS) index has helped India rise to 38th position in the World Bank’s LPI.
Over 65,000 professionals have been trained, and more than 100 universities now offer logistics-related courses to build sectoral expertise.
The government is leveraging the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan to integrate infrastructure development for logistics.
One key initiative is developing Multi-Modal Logistics Parks (MMLPs) at 35 strategic sites to enhance multimodal transport connectivity.
The government introduced the Sectoral Policy for Efficient Logistics (SPEL) to create tailored, industry-specific logistics frameworks.
Promotion of green logistics is underway through tools like the Transportation Emissions Measurement Tool (TEMT) to reduce carbon footprint.
World Intellectual Property Organisation released the Global Innovation Index (GII) 2025 |
The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) released the Global Innovation Index (GII) 2025.
The GII measures the innovation performance of 139 economies based on investment patterns, technological progress, adoption rates, and socioeconomic impacts.
Launched in 2007, the GII is recognized by the UN General Assembly as an authoritative reference for Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) policies.
A key highlight of GII 2025 is India’s significant rise to the 38th position, up from 81st in 2015, marking a major improvement.
India, along with Vietnam, is noted as the longest-standing overperformer, meaning it has consistently performed above expectations for its development level for 15 years.
The most innovative economies ranked in GII 2025 are Switzerland (1st), Sweden, USA, South Korea, and Singapore.
The top innovation clusters globally are Shenzhen–Hong Kong–Guangzhou (China and Hong Kong), followed by Tokyo-Yokohama (Japan), and San Jose-San Francisco (USA).
India has four innovation clusters in the top 100: Bengaluru (21st), Delhi (26th), Mumbai (46th), and Chennai (84th).
India’s progress in innovation is supported by the Startup India Program, which provides support such as funding through the Fund of Funds, credit guarantees, and tax exemptions.
The Atal Innovation Mission works to develop new programs and policies aimed at fostering innovation across various economic sectors.
The National Initiative for Developing and Harnessing Innovations (NIDHI) is an umbrella program focused on nurturing ideas into successful startups.
Other initiatives include the Accelerating Growth of New India's Innovations (AGNIi) Mission, the NITI Frontier Tech Repository, and the Prime Minister’s Research Fellowship Scheme.
Tirupati Conference Champions Women-Led Development and Gender-Responsive Governance |
The First National Conference of Parliamentary & Legislative Committees on Women Empowerment was held in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh.
The conference adopted the Tirupati Resolution, reaffirming the importance of women-led development.
The Tirupati Resolution emphasized applying a gender lens in governance, meaning policies should consider different impacts on men and women.
It also called for institutionalizing gender-responsive budgeting, which means allocating government funds in a way that addresses gender inequalities.
Another focus was on bridging the digital divide and promoting women’s participation in STEM fields—Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine.
Women-led development is a shift where women are seen as active agents of empowerment rather than just recipients of welfare programs.
India has made progress in women-led development with 46% of elected representatives in local governments being women, showing strong grassroots leadership.
In education, 43% of STEMM graduates in India are women, highlighting growing female participation in these fields.
Financial empowerment is notable as 69% of beneficiaries under Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY) and 84% under Stand Up India scheme are women, supporting women’s entrepreneurship.
However, challenges remain: only 14% of Members of Parliament (MPs) in India are women, indicating political underrepresentation.
Economically, despite many female STEM graduates, women make up only 27% of the STEM workforce in India, according to the World Bank.
Social and cultural barriers such as patriarchal attitudes, safety concerns, early marriage, and unequal household responsibilities restrict women’s participation in public life.
The digital divide is stark, with only 33% of women aged 15-49 using the internet compared to 57% of men, as per NFHS-5 data.
The government has initiated reforms like the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023, which reserves 33% seats for women in Lok Sabha and State Assemblies.
Earlier, the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendment Acts (1992) reserved 33% seats for women in local government institutions.
To enhance safety, Mission Shakti supports One-Stop Centres (OSCs) that provide police, medical, and legal aid for women.
For educational and social empowerment, the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme promotes girl child education and counters discrimination.
India Signs 15-Year ISA Contract to Explore Polymetallic Sulphides in Carlsberg Ridge |
India has signed a 15-year contract with the International Seabed Authority (ISA) for exploring polymetallic sulphides (PMS) in the Carlsberg Ridge.
This is India’s third exploration contract with ISA and the second contract specifically for polymetallic sulphides.
India's previous contracts include exploration of Polymetallic Nodules in the Central Indian Ocean Basin and polymetallic sulphides in the Indian Ocean Ridge.
Polymetallic nodules, also called manganese nodules, are rock concretions made of concentric layers of iron and manganese hydroxides around a core like a shark tooth or shell.
The current contract is the first license granted globally for exploring polymetallic sulphur nodules in the Carlsberg Ridge.
The Carlsberg Ridge covers an area of 300,000 sq km in the Arabian Sea, located in the northwest Indian Ocean.
It forms the boundary between the Indian and Arabian tectonic plates and extends from near Rodrigues Island to the Owen fracture zone.
India has also applied for exploration rights at the Afanasy-Nikitin Sea (ANS) mount in the Central Indian Ocean, which is yet to be approved.
The ANS territory is claimed by Sri Lanka for exploration rights, creating a geopolitical dimension.
Polymetallic sulphides (PMS) are deposits rich in metals like copper, zinc, gold, and silver found on the ocean floor.
These deposits form in regions where hot, mineral-rich fluids from the Earth's mantle are released into the ocean, causing metal sulphides to precipitate.
The International Seabed Authority (ISA) is headquartered in Kingston, Jamaica.
ISA is an autonomous international organization established under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 1994 Agreement relating to UNCLOS Part XI.
ISA’s role is to organize and control all mineral-resource-related activities in the “Area” (international seabed) for the benefit of humankind as a whole.
ISA has 170 member states, including India.
WHO Adds New Diabetes Medicines to Essential List to Boost Global Access and Affordability |
The World Health Organization (WHO) released the updated 24th Model List of Essential Medicines (EML).
The WHO Model Lists of Essential Medicines are updated every two years by the Expert Committee on Selection and Use of Essential Medicines.
New additions to the EML include Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, used for treating Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, and obesity.
The list also now includes rapid-acting insulin analogues for managing both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.
The inclusion of these medicines aims to reduce their high costs and out-of-pocket expenditure, thereby increasing access for patients globally.
Diabetes is a condition where the pancreas either does not produce enough insulin or the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces.
Globally, over 800 million people were affected by diabetes in 2022, with projections estimating this will exceed 1.3 billion by 2050.
In India, around 77 million adults have Type 2 diabetes, and nearly 25 million are prediabetic, indicating a high risk of developing the disease.
Obesity is defined as excessive fat accumulation that increases the risk of diseases such as Type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
Globally, obesity rates have more than doubled since 1990, now affecting over 1 billion people.
According to National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) 2019-21, 24% of Indian women and 23% of Indian men are classified as obese.
India has launched the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD) to address diabetes and related health issues.
The National List of Essential Medicines ensures the availability of affordable, quality medicines at all levels of healthcare across India.
The Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) provides generic medicines to increase affordability and accessibility.
The Fit India Movement promotes active lifestyles and encourages individuals to maintain fitness and prevent lifestyle diseases like diabetes and obesity.
NCB Annual Report 2024 Highlights Rising Synthetic Drug Threats and Emerging Trafficking Tactics in India |
The Ministry of Home Affairs released the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) Annual Report 2024 outlining drug trafficking and control efforts in India.
The NCB is the national nodal agency established in 1986 under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985 to combat drug abuse and illicit trafficking of narcotics.
The NCB is headquartered in New Delhi and operates under the administrative control of the Ministry of Home Affairs.
India’s geographic location is vulnerable to drug trafficking, situated between two major global drug-producing regions known as the Death Crescent (Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran) and the Death Triangle (Myanmar, Thailand, Laos).
States like Punjab, Rajasthan, and Jammu & Kashmir face heroin smuggling threats from Pakistan, while the north-eastern states are vulnerable due to their proximity to Myanmar.
Coastal routes through Mumbai, Gujarat, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu are increasingly exploited for smuggling synthetic drugs and their precursors.
Emerging drug trafficking trends include a shift towards synthetic drugs such as Methamphetamine, LSD, and Mephedrone.
Secret drug laboratories have been detected in hotspots across Maharashtra, Gujarat, Punjab, and the North-Eastern States.
The rise of darknet markets and cryptocurrency-based transactions offers traffickers anonymity and global reach.
Maritime drug trafficking occurs through ports like Chabahar (Iran), Gwadar (Pakistan), and Karachi (Pakistan).
India has initiated several measures to combat drug trafficking, including the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in NDPS Act, 1988, National Narcotics Coordination Portal (NCORD), National Integrated Database on Arrested Narco Offenders (NIDAAN), MANAS National Narcotics Helpline, and the Drug-Free India Campaign.
To dismantle drug trafficking networks, every state should develop high-level strategies targeting three types of cartels: those operating at entry points, those distributing to other states, and those selling narcotics at local levels.
A joint mechanism involving the NCB, CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation), and state police is needed to apprehend foreign criminals and fugitives involved in drug trafficking.
States should also form special squads to follow financial trails, track hawala links (an informal money transfer system), monitor cryptocurrency transactions, and conduct cyber checks using emerging technologies.
Seven places from India added in Tentative List of UNESCO’s World Heritage Convention |
Addition to the tentative list is a mandatory requirement before the inscription of any property on the World Heritage List.
There are at present 69 Indian sites in UNESCO’s Tentative List.
7 Indian Sites added in Tentative List
Sites | Key Features |
Natural Heritage of Erra Matti Dibbalu or Red Sand Dunes (Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh) | • First documented in 1886 by British geologist William King. • Represent unique coastal geomorphological and paleo–climatic set up. • Declared a GeoHeritage Monument by Geological Survey of India (GSI) in 2016. • Composed of sand, silt, and clay with reddish color from oxidation. |
Meghalayan Age Caves (Meghalaya) | • Some of the world’s longest caves. • Host impressive stalactites, stalagmites, fossils, and rare cave-dwelling species. • Mawmluh cave is listed among the global first 100 geologically important sites. |
Natural Heritage of Tirumala Hills (Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh) | • Hills form part of the Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve. • Also part of Venkateswara National Park. |
Natural Heritage of Varkala (Kerala) | • Varkala coast noted for scenic beauty and unique laterite formations. • Contains fossil-bearing rocks. • Important cultural site and pilgrimage destination. |
Deccan Traps at Panchgani and Mahabaleshwar | • Location: Western Ghats of Maharashtra. • Form a part of Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary. |
Geological Heritage of St. Mary’s Island Cluster (Karnataka) | • Sites protected by coastal regulation zones of Government of India. • Declared as National Geological Monument by GSI. |
Naga Hill Ophiolite (Nagaland) | • Displays a section of oceanic crust and mantle thrust onto land. • Provides evidence of tectonic plate movement and Earth’s internal processes. |
Supreme Court Rules Political Parties Are Not ‘Workplaces’ Under POSH Act |
The Supreme Court upheld that political parties cannot be treated as “workplaces,” and thus are excluded from the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 (POSH Act).
The POSH Act, 2013 is based on the Vishaka judgement of 1997, a landmark judicial precedent addressing workplace sexual harassment.
The Act applies broadly to all workplaces, including government offices, private sector companies, NGOs, educational institutions, hospitals, and sports facilities.
It also covers domestic workers, extending protection beyond formal workplaces.
Every workplace with 10 or more employees must have an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) to address complaints of sexual harassment.
The ICC must include at least 50% women members, and the presiding officer of the committee shall be a woman.
For workplaces with less than 10 employees, a Local Complaints Committee (LCC) is established in each district to handle complaints.
Complaints must be filed within 3 months from the date of the incident to either the ICC or LCC.
The committee is required to complete the inquiry within 90 days to ensure timely justice.
The Act’s objective is to provide a safe working environment and a mechanism for redressal for women facing sexual harassment.
Bank of England Proposes Restrictions on Stablecoins Amid Financial Stability Concerns |
Recently, the Bank of England proposed to restrict stablecoin ownership in the country due to various associated risks.
Stablecoins are a type of cryptocurrency whose value is pegged to another asset, such as a fiat currency or gold, to maintain a stable price.
Fiat currency refers to government-issued money like the US dollar or euro, which is not backed by a physical commodity.
There are primarily three types of stablecoins: fiat-collateralized, crypto-collateralized, and non-collateralized (algorithmic).
Fiat-collateralized stablecoins are backed by fiat currency reserves, while crypto-collateralized stablecoins are backed by other cryptocurrencies.
Non-collateralized or algorithmic stablecoins maintain stability through algorithms that control supply.
Advantages of stablecoins include stable prices and enabling cheap and fast cross-border transactions.
However, stablecoins also have disadvantages such as the risk of mass withdrawal of holdings simultaneously, which could lead to financial instability.
They also fail the test of elasticity, meaning they cannot quickly expand to provide additional liquidity during high demand.
Additionally, stablecoins carry risks such as money laundering, where illicit funds are disguised as legitimate.
Indian Patent Office Revokes Novartis’ Cardiac Drug Patent to Prevent Evergreening |
The Indian Patent Office (IPO) has revoked the patent on Novartis’ cardiac drug Vymada under Section 3(d) of the Indian Patent Act, 1970.
Section 3(d) aims to prevent “evergreening,” which is the practice of extending drug patents through minor modifications without significant therapeutic improvement.
Evergreening limits the availability of affordable generic medicines by prolonging monopoly rights on a drug.
This provision ensures affordable access to medicines, supporting India’s role as the “pharmacy of the world.”
The section aligns with the Doha Declaration on TRIPS and Public Health (2001), which emphasizes the flexibility of patent laws to protect public health.
TRIPS stands for the Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights, an international agreement on intellectual property.
Section 3(d) encourages genuine innovation by granting patents only when substantial therapeutic benefits are demonstrated.
It strikes a balance between providing incentives for innovation and ensuring the affordability of essential medicines.
INS Nistar Joins Pacific Reach 2025 in Singapore to Boost Submarine Rescue Cooperation |
The Indian Navy’s latest indigenously designed and constructed Diving Support Vessel (DSV) INS Nistar is participating in the Pacific Reach 2025 exercise in Singapore.
Pacific Reach is a biennial, meaning it occurs every two years, multilateral exercise involving multiple countries.
The exercise is divided into two main phases: the Harbour Phase and the Sea Phase.
The Harbour Phase includes activities such as Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEE), a medical symposium, cross-deck visits, and detailed discussions on submarine rescue systems.
Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEE) refer to knowledge-sharing sessions where experts discuss best practices and technical details.
The Sea Phase involves actual intervention and rescue operations at sea, conducted with the participating naval assets.
These operations are designed to enhance cooperation and readiness among navies for submarine rescue missions.
Supreme Court Allows Use of Aadhaar for Voter Verification Under Representation of the People Act |
The Supreme Court has stated that Aadhaar can be used by voters under Section 23(4) of the Representation of the People Act, 1950 (RPA).
Section 23(4) of RPA allows the electoral registration officer to require a person to provide their Aadhaar number during the process of electoral registration.
The Aadhaar requirement is governed under the Aadhaar Act, 2016, which establishes Aadhaar as a unique identity number for Indian residents.
This provision applies to both new applicants for electoral registration and those already on the electoral roll.
The main purpose of using Aadhaar in this context is to verify the identity of voters and ensure the accuracy of electoral records.
Aadhaar is also used to detect and prevent duplicate registrations across the same or different constituencies, strengthening the integrity of the electoral process.
A constituency is a geographical area represented by an elected member in the legislative body.
Environment Ministry Probes Alleged Fraud in Villager Consent for Relocation in Simlipal Tiger Reserve |
The Union Ministry of Environment has ordered a probe into allegations that villagers’ consent for relocation from the core areas of Simlipal Tiger Reserve (STR) was fraudulently obtained.
Simlipal Tiger Reserve is located in the Mayurbhanj district of Odisha.
It was declared a Tiger Reserve in 1956 and was later included under Project Tiger in 1973, a government initiative for tiger conservation.
In 2009, STR was recognized as part of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves by UNESCO.
The reserve is home to notable waterfalls such as Joranda and Barehipani.
Several important rivers flow through STR, including the Burhabalanga, Palpala Bandan, Salandi, Kahairi, and Deo rivers.
The region is inhabited by various tribal communities, including the Kolha, Santhala, Bhumija, Bhatudi, Gondas, Khadia, Mankadia, and Sahara tribes.
Relocation refers to the process of moving communities living inside protected areas to reduce human-wildlife conflict and preserve biodiversity.
PM Launches Sex-Sorted Semen Facility in Bihar to Boost Indigenous Dairy Breeds under Rashtriya Gokul Mission |
The Prime Minister inaugurated a Sex Sorted Semen facility established under the Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM) scheme in Bihar.
Semen-Sex Sorting is a technology that increases the likelihood of the birth of female calves with about 90% accuracy.
This technology is important because female calves are vital for dairy production and breed conservation.
The Rashtriya Gokul Mission was launched in 2014 to focus on the development of indigenous bovine breeds.
It is a Central Sector Scheme implemented by the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying.
The mission’s primary objectives include the development and conservation of indigenous bovine breeds.
Another key objective is the genetic upgradation of the bovine population to improve breed quality.
The scheme also aims to enhance milk production and productivity of bovines across India.
The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying is responsible for implementing the Rashtriya Gokul Mission.
East African Crude Oil Pipeline Project Could Emit 34 Million Tons of Carbon, Threatening Biodiversity and Communities |
A recent study has highlighted that the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) could generate 34 million tons of carbon emissions.
EACOP is a 1,443-kilometer-long pipeline connecting the Tilenga and Kingfisher oilfields in western Uganda to the port of Tanga in eastern Tanzania.
Carbon emissions refer to the release of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change.
The pipeline project has raised several environmental and social concerns.
One major concern is the carbon emissions associated with the extraction and transportation of crude oil.
Another issue is the impact on biodiversity in protected areas, including the Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s oldest and largest national park.
Biodiversity refers to the variety of plant and animal life in a particular habitat, which can be threatened by such large infrastructure projects.
Additionally, the pipeline may lead to the displacement of tribal communities living along its route.
Displacement means the forced movement of people from their traditional lands, often causing social and economic hardship.
IEA Warns of Rapid Oil & Gas Field Declines; Urges India to Boost Energy Security and Clean Alternatives |
The International Energy Agency (IEA) released a report titled “The Implications of Oil and Gas Field Decline Rates.”
The report highlights that global oil and gas fields are depleting faster, with shale and deep offshore resources showing especially rapid decline rates.
Decline rate refers to the speed at which oil and gas production decreases in existing fields over time.
This faster depletion increases supply risks and contributes to price volatility in global energy markets.
The report points out that India is highly vulnerable due to its reliance on imports for 85% of crude oil and 45% of natural gas consumption.
This heavy import dependence exposes India to global supply disruptions that can impact its energy security and economy.
To address these challenges, the report recommends that India diversify its import sources to reduce dependence on a few suppliers.
It also suggests that India expand its strategic reserves, which are emergency stockpiles of oil and gas to cushion against supply shocks.
Accelerating domestic exploration of oil and gas resources is another key policy measure advised by the IEA.
Finally, the report advocates promoting cleaner energy alternatives such as green hydrogen and biofuels to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
Green hydrogen is hydrogen produced using renewable energy sources, while biofuels are fuels derived from organic materials, both offering sustainable energy options.
Moran Community Launches Economic Blockade in Assam Demanding Scheduled Tribe Status |
The Moran community has initiated an economic blockade in Tinsukia, Assam, demanding recognition as a Scheduled Tribe (ST).
The Moran community is an indigenous tribe of Assam, regarded as one of the region’s aboriginal groups.
Historically, the Morans are notable for leading the Moamoria Rebellion in the 18th century against the Ahom monarchy.
The Moamoria Rebellion was a significant uprising aimed at challenging the ruling Ahom dynasty in Assam during that period.
Traditionally, the Morans spoke their own language, which is closely related to the Dimasa language.
Over time, however, the community has predominantly shifted to speaking Assamese, the official language of the state.
The Moran community mainly resides in Upper Assam, especially in the districts of Tinsukia, Dibrugarh, and Sivasagar.
First Cheetah Death in Kuno National Park After Leopard Clash Since 2022 Reintroduction |
A cheetah has recently died after a clash with a leopard at Kuno National Park (KNP), marking the first such incident since cheetahs were reintroduced from Namibia in 2022.
Kuno National Park is named after the Kuno River, which is a tributary of the Chambal River, itself a tributary of the Yamuna River.
The park is located in the Sheopur District within the Vindhyan Hills of Madhya Pradesh.
Kuno holds the status of both a Wildlife Sanctuary and a National Park, providing protection to diverse species.
It is famous for the reintroduction of Asiatic Lions and cheetahs, efforts aimed at conserving these big cat species.
The park’s flora includes tree species such as Kardhai, Salai, and Khair.
Its fauna comprises animals like the Indian Leopard, Sambar deer, Barking deer, Chousingha (four-horned antelope), Nilgai, and Blackbuck.
The reintroduction programs at Kuno aim to restore populations of endangered species in their natural habitats.
India Partners with ILO to Promote Global Job Classification System (ISCO) |
The Indian Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the International Labour Organisation (ILO) to promote the International Reference Classification of Occupations (ISCO).
ISCO is a statistical system that classifies jobs into well-defined groups based on the tasks and duties performed by workers.
This classification system is valuable for both research purposes and specific decision-making in policy and labor markets.
The International Labour Organisation (ILO) was established in 1919 under the Treaty of Versailles, which ended the First World War.
The foundation of ILO is based on the principle that social justice is essential for achieving lasting and universal peace.
The ILO’s headquarters are located in Geneva, Switzerland.
In recognition of its contributions, the ILO was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1969.
The mission of the ILO includes strengthening cooperation among governments, employers, and workers through social dialogue.
The ILO also works to set and promote standards known as Rights at Work, which protect workers' rights globally.
Another key goal is to expand employment opportunities for both women and men while promoting social security for all.
India Targets 362.5 Million Tonnes of Rabi Food Grain Production for 2025-26 |
The Union Government has set a national target of 362.50 million tonnes for food grain production during the 2025-26 Rabi season.
Rabi crops are crops that are sown in winter, specifically between October and December, after the monsoon season ends.
These crops are typically harvested in spring, around March to April.
The growth of Rabi crops requires cooler temperatures for seed germination and warm, dry conditions for harvesting.
Germination is the process where seeds begin to sprout and grow into new plants.
The government’s Minimum Support Price (MSP) policy covers several important Rabi crops to ensure farmers receive fair prices.
The mandated Rabi crops under MSP include Wheat, Barley, Gram (Chana), Lentil (Masur), Rapeseed & Mustard, and Safflower.
Apart from these, other Rabi crops grown include maize, chickpea, and commercial spices such as cumin, coriander, and fenugreek.
Minimum Support Price (MSP) is a government-set price that guarantees farmers a minimum profit for their produce, protecting them against price fluctuations.
SPIN90: Key Protein Behind Cell Shape and Movement Uncovered |
Scientists have discovered the key role of the SPIN90 protein in controlling a cell's ability to change its shape.
The shape of a cell is essential for various biological functions such as wound healing, immune response, and cancer progression.
To perform these functions, cells must adapt their internal skeletons to create protrusions.
Protrusions are temporary, finger-like extensions of the cell membrane that help cells move, sense their environment, or interact with pathogens.
These structures are especially important in processes like combating pathogens, tissue repair, and cellular communication.
The cell's shape is maintained by a dense and branched network of a protein called actin, located near the cell membrane.
Actin is a structural protein that forms filaments and provides mechanical support to the cell, enabling it to maintain or change its shape.
When a cell needs to form a protrusion, it must generate a fresh meshwork of actin in the desired direction.
This new actin mesh acts as a pushing force that extends the cell membrane outward.
The formation of this new actin mesh is precisely regulated by the SPIN90 protein.
SPIN90 controls the organization and branching of actin filaments required for the formation of these protrusions.
This discovery highlights SPIN90 as a critical regulator in the cellular mechanisms underlying shape change and movement.
Chhath Mahaparva: UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity |
The Ministry of Culture recently held consultations for a multinational nomination of Chhath Mahaparva to UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
UNESCO’s Representative List recognizes cultural traditions, practices, and expressions that are passed down through generations and form part of a community's intangible heritage.
The aim of the nomination is to gain international recognition for Chhath Mahaparva as a unique and significant cultural tradition.
Currently, India has 15 elements inscribed on this prestigious list.
These include globally recognized practices such as Yoga, Garba, Durga Puja, and Chhau Dance.
Chhath Mahaparva is a traditional Hindu festival celebrated with deep devotion and cultural richness.
The festival is dedicated to the worship of the Sun God (Surya) and Goddess Chhathi Maiya, who is believed to be the consort of the Sun God and protector of children.
Chhath Mahaparva is primarily celebrated in the Indian states of Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal.
It also holds deep cultural importance among Indian diaspora communities in countries such as Mauritius, Fiji, Suriname, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and the Netherlands.
The festival promotes reverence for nature, emphasizing respect for natural elements like water bodies and sunlight.
It upholds the values of sustainability, encouraging eco-friendly practices and minimal use of artificial materials.
Inclusivity is a core aspect of Chhath Mahaparva, as people from all social backgrounds participate in the rituals equally.
The celebration fosters a strong sense of community spirit, with collective participation in rituals, preparation, and celebration.
India’s First World Champion in Skating: Anandkumar Velkumar |
The Speed Skating World Championship 2025 was held in Beidaihe, China, an international event showcasing the best speed skating athletes globally.
Speed skating is a competitive form of ice skating where athletes race each other on skates over specific distances.
At this prestigious event, Anandkumar Velkumar made history for India in the senior category.
He won a Gold medal, marking a historic moment as he became India’s first-ever world champion in skating.
Following this remarkable achievement, the Prime Minister of India congratulated Anandkumar Velkumar for his record-breaking success.
In the junior category, another Indian athlete, Krish Sharma, achieved international recognition.
Krish Sharma won a Gold medal in the Junior Men's 1000m sprint event.
The 1000m sprint is a short-distance speed skating race, where skaters aim to complete the distance in the shortest possible time.
Engineers’ Day on September 15: Honoring the Birth Anniversary of M. Visvesvaraya |
India celebrates Engineers' Day on September 15, 2025, to honor the birth anniversary of Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya.
Sir M. Visvesvaraya was born in 1861 in Muddenahalli, Karnataka.
He studied civil engineering at the College of Engineering, Pune.
Visvesvaraya made significant contributions to engineering and infrastructure development in India.
He constructed a pipe siphon across a channel of the Panjra River, which improved water management.
He introduced a block system of irrigation in the Deccan canals, which expanded irrigation benefits and solved muddy water problems.
He developed a system of automatic water floodgates to regulate water flow efficiently.
As the chief engineer, he was responsible for constructing the Krishna Raja Sagara Dam in Mysore.
Apart from engineering, he served as the Diwan (prime minister) of Mysore, where he helped establish the University of Mysore.
Visvesvaraya was also a scholar who published influential books like “Reconstructing India” and “Planned Economy of India” focused on the Indian economy.
In recognition of his services, he was awarded India’s highest civilian honor, the Bharat Ratna, in 1955.
His life embodied values such as commitment to public service, leadership, professionalism, integrity, and equality.
Explore more on UPSC Content
Click for Daily Quotes:
Stay updated with the latest news by joining our Telegram channel – The PRESS Pad , and follow us on Instagram
Comments