Daily Current Affairs - 25th September 2025

Preparing for UPSC 2026 or State PCS? This 25th September 2025 Current Affairs edition brings exam-focused updates with GS linkages, Prelims facts, and Mains insights. Key topics include the projection of over 18 million global cancer deaths by 2050 and the role of modifiable risk factors in prevention, India’s ₹69,725 crore shipbuilding revival package under a four-pillar strategy, and the Union Cabinet’s approval to expand UG and PG medical education capacity through existing government institutions.

Also track the launch of the GST Appellate Tribunal (GSTAT) and its e-Courts portal, violent protests in Ladakh over demands for inclusion under the Sixth Schedule, and India’s outreach through the Forum for India–Pacific Island Cooperation (FIPIC). Note RBI’s $2.54 billion net forex sales in July, China’s new K Visa for foreign science and tech talent, and the extension of the CDS tenure until May 2026.

Add depth with updates on NMC completing 5 years of regulating medical education, NPCI’s expansion of UPI QR payments to Qatar, and the Election Commission’s new ECINET e-sign feature integrating 40 voter service applications.

Use this compact sheet to sharpen Prelims 2026 recall and enrich Mains-ready analysis—structured, comparative, and scoring-focused with The PRESS Pad.

Click Here to read the Monthly Current Affairs Pointers (CAP).

Global Cancer Deaths Projected to Surpass 18 Million by 2050

1. According to the Global Burden of Disease Cancer Collaborators, cancer cases are projected to rise significantly by 2050.

2. At least 30.5 million people worldwide are expected to receive a new cancer diagnosis in 2050.

3. Cancer deaths are forecasted to exceed 18 million globally by 2050.

Modifiable Risk Factors and Prevention

1. In 2023, around 42% of global cancer deaths were linked to 44 potentially modifiable risk factors.

2. Modifiable risk factors include tobacco use, unhealthy diet, and high blood sugar levels.

   • These factors indicate an enormous opportunity for cancer prevention through lifestyle changes and public health policies.

Deadliest Cancers Worldwide

1. The top five deadliest cancers globally are: Lung cancer, Breast cancer, Stomach cancer, Prostate cancer, and Cervical cancer.

2. The increase in cancer deaths is more significant in low- and middle-income countries compared to high-income countries.

Cancer in India: Statistics & Trends

1. India ranks 168th out of 204 countries in terms of cancer death rates.

2. In India, Breast cancer and Lung cancer are the major contributors to cancer mortality.

Primary Causes of Cancer: Risk Categories

1. Occupational risks, including workplace exposures and air pollution, are major contributors to cancer.

2. Infections, such as unsafe sex and HPV (Human Papillomavirus), significantly increase the risk of cervical cancer.

3. Lifestyle-related risks include rising obesity, high blood sugar, excessive alcohol use, and changing dietary habits.

4. These lifestyle changes are particularly linked to the increasing risk of breast cancer.

5. Cultural and geographic factors play a key role in cancer incidence in specific regions.

6. In India, betel nut/pan consumption has a direct link to high oral cancer rates.

7. The consumption of very hot beverages is associated with oesophageal (food pipe) cancer.

8. Tobacco use—whether through smoking, chewing, or bidi consumption—is a major cause of lung and oral cancers.

 Initiatives to Curb Cancer in India

1. The National Cancer Registry Programme (NCRP) under ICMR (Indian Council of Medical Research) collects data to enable evidence-based policy decisions.

2. As per the Union Budget 2025–26, Day Care Cancer Centres will be set up in all district hospitals within the next three years.

3. The NPCDCS (National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke) runs under the National Health Mission (NHM) to tackle non-communicable diseases.

4. Advanced research and treatment options like NexCAR19 therapy are being developed to target specific cancer cells using CAR-T cell therapy (a type of immunotherapy).

5. The National Cancer Grid (NCG) is a collaborative network of cancer centers across India aimed at standardizing cancer care.

6. India is also a part of the Quad Cancer Moonshot, an international initiative for collaborative cancer research and innovation.

₹69,725 Cr Boost for Shipbuilding: Cabinet Approves 4-Pillar Strategy

1. The Union Cabinet has approved a ₹69,725 crore package aimed at revitalizing India's shipbuilding and maritime sector.

2. The package follows a four-pillar approach for comprehensive sectoral development.

Four-Pillar Approach: Core Strategic Interventions

1. The first pillar focuses on strengthening domestic shipbuilding capacity.

2. The second pillar aims to improve long-term financing mechanisms for the sector.

3. The third pillar promotes development of both greenfield (new) and brownfield (existing) shipyards.

4. The fourth pillar enhances technical capabilities, promotes skilling, and drives legal, taxation, and policy reforms.

Key Components of the Package

1. The Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Scheme (SBFAS) has been extended until March 31, 2036.

   • SBFAS provides financial incentives to support domestic shipbuilding projects.

2. A dedicated Maritime Development Fund (MDF) will be established to offer long-term financial support.

3. The MDF will finance multiple areas including shipbuilding, ship repair, ship ownership, and port expansion.

   • Additional MDF focus areas include shipbuilding clusters, inland waterway transport, and coastal shipping.

4. A new Shipbuilding Development Scheme (SbDS) will aim to expand domestic shipbuilding capacity.

5. SbDS targets a capacity of 4.5 million Gross Tonnage (GT) per year.

   • Gross Tonnage (GT) refers to the internal volume of a ship, indicating its size and cargo-carrying capacity.

Oversight and Governance

A centralized National Shipbuilding Mission will be set up to monitor and coordinate all initiatives under this package.

Significance of the Shipbuilding Package

1. The initiative is expected to generate nearly 30 lakh jobs across the maritime and allied sectors.

2. It will also attract investments of approximately ₹4.5 lakh crore into India's shipbuilding and maritime ecosystem.

3. Currently, commercial shipbuilding investments are largely dominated by China, South Korea, and Japan.

4. This package positions India to compete globally and reduce its reliance on foreign shipbuilders.

5. From a security perspective, the initiative will strengthen national, energy, and food security.

6. It will enhance resilience in critical supply chains and maritime routes, supporting India's strategic autonomy.

Union Cabinet Approves Expansion of PG and UG Medical Education Capacity

1. The Union Cabinet has approved Phase-III of the Centrally Sponsored Scheme for strengthening and upgrading existing government medical colleges and institutions.

2. This expansion aims to increase the capacity of undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) medical education across India.

Current Status of Medical Education in India

1. India currently has 808 medical colleges, which is the highest number in the world.

2. These colleges have a total intake capacity of 1,23,700 MBBS seats as of now.

Significance of Expanding Medical Education Capacity

1. The expansion aims to bridge healthcare accessibility gaps, especially in rural and remote regions.

2. It will help strengthen the resilience of India’s health system during emergencies and pandemics.

3. The initiative will also contribute to the socio-economic development of underserved areas through better healthcare services.

4. It seeks to enhance the quality of medical education and training to meet global standards.

5. The plan will leverage existing infrastructure in government hospitals and colleges, making it a cost-effective method of expanding tertiary care (specialized consultative healthcare).

Challenges in India's Medical Education System

1. There is a regional imbalance, with nearly one-third of medical colleges concentrated in southern India.

2. India faces a 70% shortage of medical specialists in rural areas, according to the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (2024).

3. There is a demand-supply mismatch, as ~81% of registered allopathic doctors practice in urban areas, which host only 31% of the population.

4. Several government colleges have large hospital bed capacities, yet offer low MBBS seat quotas, indicating under-utilization of resources.

Key Government Initiatives to Expand Medical Education

1. Under the new scheme, the government aims to add 5,000 PG seats and 5,023 UG (MBBS) seats by 2028–29.

2. These additional seats will be created by utilizing existing infrastructure in government institutions.

3. The government is also establishing 22 new AIIMS under the Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY).

   • PMSSY aims to provide world-class tertiary care and medical training across different regions.

4. A major step includes issuing the Medical Institution (Qualifications of Faculty) Regulations, 2025.

5. These new regulations focus on inclusive and competency-based recruitment to expand the pool of qualified faculty.

Union Minister Launches GSTAT and GSTAT e-Courts Portal

1. The Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs has launched the Goods and Services Tax Appellate Tribunal (GSTAT) and the GSTAT e-Courts Portal.

2. The launch marks a major milestone in the evolution of India’s Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime.

3. It strengthens the institutional framework for resolving disputes related to indirect taxation in the country.

About GST Appellate Tribunal (GSTAT)

1. GSTAT is the second appellate authority under the GST dispute resolution framework.

2. It is established under Section 109 of the Central Goods and Services Tax (CGST) Act, 2017.

3. Under the appellate structure, a taxpayer’s first appeal is filed within the tax administration itself.

4. GSTAT provides an independent forum to hear appeals against the orders passed by GST Appellate Authorities.

5. The Tribunal is designed to ensure that taxpayers receive fair, timely, and impartial justice in GST-related matters.

GSTAT Structure and Reach

1. GSTAT will operate through a Principal Bench in New Delhi.

2. It will also have 31 State Benches located across 45 locations in India.

3. This wide network ensures easy accessibility and nationwide coverage for taxpayers.

4. Each Bench of the GSTAT will include two Judicial Members.

5. Additionally, each Bench will have one Technical Member (Centre) and one Technical Member (State).

6. This structure reflects the principle of cooperative federalism, ensuring representation of both Centre and State governments.

7. It is designed to deliver impartial, uniform, and consistent decisions across the country.

About GSTAT e-Courts Portal

1. The GSTAT e-Courts Portal is a digital platform to support and streamline tribunal-related processes.

2. It allows taxpayers to file appeals online and track the progress of their cases digitally.

3. Taxpayers can also participate in hearings through a virtual/digital mode using the portal.

4. The platform was developed by the Goods and Services Tax Network (GSTN).

5. It was created in collaboration with the National Informatics Centre (NIC).

6. The portal is aimed at improving efficiency, transparency, and convenience in tax-related dispute resolution.

Protests in Ladakh Over Sixth Schedule Demands

The Union Territory (UT) of Ladakh recently witnessed violent protests demanding statehood and recognition as a tribal area under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.

About the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution

1. The Sixth Schedule deals with the administration of tribal areas in certain northeastern states of India.

2. It is provided under Article 244(2) and Article 275(1) of the Constitution.

3. The Schedule currently applies only to the states of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram.

Powers and Provisions Under the Sixth Schedule

1. The Governor of a state is empowered to create Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) under this Schedule.

2. The Governor can also establish Autonomous Regional Councils (ARCs) within a district.

   • ARCs are created when multiple Scheduled Tribes inhabit the same Autonomous District.

Functions and Powers of ADCs and ARCs

1. Both ADCs and ARCs are granted legislative, executive, judicial, and financial powers.

2. These councils can legislate on matters such as land management, forest resources, inheritance of property, and marriage and divorce among tribals.

3. They play a key role in preserving tribal identity, promoting self-governance, and ensuring localized decision-making.

Forum for India-Pacific Island Cooperation (FIPIC)

1. The External Affairs Minister of India recently hosted a meeting of Foreign Ministers under the Forum for India-Pacific Island Cooperation (FIPIC).

2. FIPIC is a multinational grouping aimed at deepening cooperation between India and Pacific Island countries.

Origin and Strategic Context

1. FIPIC was founded in 2014 as a part of India’s evolving foreign policy engagement with the Pacific region.

2. It is a key component of India’s broader "Act East Policy", which seeks to enhance ties with countries in the Asia-Pacific region.

Member Countries of FIPIC

1. FIPIC includes India and 14 Pacific Island nations as its members.

2. The member countries are: Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, Niue, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu.

3. These nations are geographically grouped into three major island regions: Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia.

4. These regional groupings represent cultural and geographic classifications within the Pacific Ocean region.

RBI’s July Spot Forex Market Net Sales Reach $2.54 Billion

1. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) sold a net amount of $2.54 billion in the spot forex market during July, as reported in its monthly bulletin.

2. The spot market is a financial market where instruments like commodities, currencies, and securities are traded.

3. In the spot market, transactions are settled for delivery either immediately or within a few days.

   • Delivery here means the actual exchange of cash for the financial instrument being traded.

4. This market is particularly important for importers and exporters, who rely on timely currency exchange to conduct international trade.

5. The spot market also plays a crucial role in maintaining monetary stability, helping regulate currency supply and demand effectively.

China Introduces K Visa for Foreign Science & Tech Talent Starting October

1. The K Visa is a new visa category introduced by China, which will become effective from October 1.

2. This visa policy is specifically designed to attract foreign science and technology talents who meet certain conditions and requirements in China.

3. The K Visa allows all foreign nationals, including those without a confirmed job offer, to enter China.

4. It permits multiple entries, offers longer validity periods, and allows for extended stays within China.

5. Eligible applicants include graduates in STEM fields—which stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.

6. These applicants must have earned at least a bachelor’s degree from recognized universities or research institutions.

ACC Approves Extension of Chief of Defence Staff Tenure Until May 2026

1. The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the extension of tenure of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) until May 2026.

2. The ACC is one of the eight cabinet committees within the Union Executive, which is the executive branch of the Government of India.

3. The committee is composed of two members: the Prime Minister, who serves as the Chairperson, and the Minister of Home Affairs as the only other member.

4. One of the key responsibilities of the ACC is handling senior government appointments, including positions such as Secretaries, Additional Secretaries, and Joint Secretaries.

5. The ACC also decides appointments to top positions in Public Sector Units (PSUs), banks, insurance companies, and autonomous bodies.

   • Public Sector Units (PSUs) refer to government-owned corporations or enterprises.

NMC Completes 5 Years: Regulating Medical Education & Practice in India

1. The National Medical Commission (NMC) has completed 5 years since its constitution.

2. The NMC is a statutory body, meaning it was established by a law passed by the legislature.

3. It was constituted under the National Medical Commission Act, 2019.

4. The formation of the NMC led to the dissolution of the Board of Governors of the Medical Council of India (MCI), which was constituted under the Indian Medical Council Act, 1956.

5. The primary aim of the NMC is to improve access to quality and affordable medical education in India.

6. One of the NMC’s key functions is to lay down policies for regulating medical institutions, medical researchers, and medical professionals.

7. The NMC also ensures coordination among various Autonomous Boards, which are independent bodies responsible for specific regulatory tasks.

NPCI Expands UPI QR Payment Acceptance to Qatar

1. NPCI International Payments Ltd, in partnership with Qatar National Bank, has enabled the acceptance of QR code-based Unified Payments Interface (UPI) payments across Qatar.

2. The Unified Payments Interface (UPI) was launched in 2016 as an instant payment system developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).

3. NPCI is an entity regulated by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), India’s central banking institution.

4. UPI is built on the Immediate Payment Service (IMPS) infrastructure, which allows instant money transfers.

5. UPI offers safe and quick payments, featuring secure two-step authentication for transaction security.

6. Besides Qatar, UPI-based international merchant payments are also accepted in countries like Bhutan, France, Mauritius, Nepal, Singapore, Sri Lanka, and the UAE.

New E-Sign Facility Added to ECINET for Seamless Voter Services

1. The Election Commission of India (ECI) has launched a new e-sign feature on its ECINET portal and application.

2. To register as a voter, or to apply for deletion or correction of voter details, individuals must authenticate their identity through an Aadhaar-linked phone number.

3. The ECINET portal is a unified digital platform developed by the ECI to streamline various electoral processes.

4. ECINET will integrate and subsume 40 existing applications, including the Voter Helpline App, cVIGIL, and Suvidha 2.0.

5. This platform is designed to serve as a single-point interface for all election-related services, making processes more efficient for voters and administrators alike.

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