UPSC Current Affairs 18 September 2025

GS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 2: Social JusticeGS 3: Environment & EcologyPrelimsGS 1: Important Geophysical Phenomena like Earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic Activity and Cyclones

Crosstalk: waning immunity against Japanese encephalitis worsens dengue, Pg2

Study reveals waning Japanese Encephalitis immunity increases dengue severity, suggesting timely JE vaccine boosters to mitigate dengue risks in Asia.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 2: Social JusticeGS 3: Environment & EcologyPrelimsGS 1: Important Geophysical Phenomena like Earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic Activity and Cyclones

Crosstalk: waning immunity against Japanese encephalitis worsens dengue, Pg2

Study reveals waning Japanese Encephalitis immunity increases dengue severity, suggesting timely JE vaccine boosters to mitigate dengue risks in Asia.

GS 2: PolityGS 2: International RelationsPrelimsGS 2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's InterestsGS 2: Important International Institutions, Agencies and Fora

Genocide in Gaza, Pg6

UN Inquiry accuses Israel of genocide in Gaza; international pressure mounts amid war crime allegations and calls for intervention.

GS 2: PolityGS 2: International RelationsPrelimsGS 2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's InterestsGS 2: Important International Institutions, Agencies and Fora

Genocide in Gaza, Pg6

UN Inquiry accuses Israel of genocide in Gaza; international pressure mounts amid war crime allegations and calls for intervention.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 2: PolityGS 1: Indian SocietyGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectorsGS 2: Separation of Powers and Dispute Redressal Mechanisms

Letter and spirit, Pg6

Supreme Court partially stays Waqf Amendment Act, balancing religious autonomy and state regulation amidst political controversy over Muslim endowments.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 2: PolityGS 1: Indian SocietyGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectorsGS 2: Separation of Powers and Dispute Redressal Mechanisms

Letter and spirit, Pg6

Supreme Court partially stays Waqf Amendment Act, balancing religious autonomy and state regulation amidst political controversy over Muslim endowments.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 2: PolityPrelimsGS 2: Parliament and State LegislaturesGS 2: Separation of Powers and Dispute Redressal Mechanisms

A judicial nudge following stuck legislative business, Pg6

Supreme Court sets timeline for Governors to assent to bills, sparking debate on constitutional powers and federalism.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 2: PolityPrelimsGS 2: Parliament and State LegislaturesGS 2: Separation of Powers and Dispute Redressal Mechanisms

A judicial nudge following stuck legislative business, Pg6

Supreme Court sets timeline for Governors to assent to bills, sparking debate on constitutional powers and federalism.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements

Let Geiger counters, not guesses, shape Iran actions, Pg6

Iran nuclear crisis escalates after US strikes; India navigates diplomacy amid IAEA access concerns and regional instability.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements

Let Geiger counters, not guesses, shape Iran actions, Pg6

Iran nuclear crisis escalates after US strikes; India navigates diplomacy amid IAEA access concerns and regional instability.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 2: Social JusticeGS 3: EconomyGS 2: Health SectorGS 1: Poverty and Developmental Issues

The hard truth about out-of-pocket health expenditure, Pg7

Analysis reveals discrepancies in National Health Account estimates, questioning the reported decline in out-of-pocket health expenditure and its impact.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 2: Social JusticeGS 3: EconomyGS 2: Health SectorGS 1: Poverty and Developmental Issues

The hard truth about out-of-pocket health expenditure, Pg7

Analysis reveals discrepancies in National Health Account estimates, questioning the reported decline in out-of-pocket health expenditure and its impact.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 2: Social JusticeGS 2: E GovernanceGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors

Welfare at the mercy of the machine, Pg7

Facial Recognition Software (FRS) in Anganwadis raises concerns about dehumanization, dignity, and access to welfare for vulnerable communities.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 2: Social JusticeGS 2: E GovernanceGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors

Welfare at the mercy of the machine, Pg7

Facial Recognition Software (FRS) in Anganwadis raises concerns about dehumanization, dignity, and access to welfare for vulnerable communities.

GS 2: PolityGS 2: Social JusticePrelimsGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectorsGS 2: Indian Constitutional Evolution, Features, Amendments, Basic Structure Doctrine

How does SC’s order affect Waqf law?, Pg8

Supreme Court partially stays Waqf Amendment Act, 2025, addressing concerns over property rights and religious freedom.

GS 2: PolityGS 2: Social JusticePrelimsGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectorsGS 2: Indian Constitutional Evolution, Features, Amendments, Basic Structure Doctrine

How does SC’s order affect Waqf law?, Pg8

Supreme Court partially stays Waqf Amendment Act, 2025, addressing concerns over property rights and religious freedom.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyGS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and AgreementsGS 2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests

EU-India partnership set for upgrade, Pg10

EU upgrades India partnership amid Russia concerns, targeting trade, tech, and security cooperation by 2026 summit.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyGS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and AgreementsGS 2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests

EU-India partnership set for upgrade, Pg10

EU upgrades India partnership amid Russia concerns, targeting trade, tech, and security cooperation by 2026 summit.

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

EVMs to have colour photos of candidates soon, says EC, Pg11

Election Commission mandates colour photos of candidates on EVM ballot papers for enhanced clarity, starting with Bihar Assembly elections.

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

EVMs to have colour photos of candidates soon, says EC, Pg11

Election Commission mandates colour photos of candidates on EVM ballot papers for enhanced clarity, starting with Bihar Assembly elections.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 2: PolityPrelimsGS 4: Right to Information and Transparency in GovernmentGS 2: E Governance

Despite issues, online RTI queries may cross one million in 2025, Pg11

Online RTI filings surge despite website glitches; expected to cross one million in 2025, indicating sustained demand for government transparency.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 2: PolityPrelimsGS 4: Right to Information and Transparency in GovernmentGS 2: E Governance

Despite issues, online RTI queries may cross one million in 2025, Pg11

Online RTI filings surge despite website glitches; expected to cross one million in 2025, indicating sustained demand for government transparency.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 3: Environment & EcologyPrelimsGS 3: Conservation, Pollution and DegradationGS 2: Important International Institutions, Agencies and Fora

COP30 talks loom as major emitters dither on updating climate goals, Pg12

COP30 faces uncertainty as major emitters delay updated climate goals, threatening Paris Agreement targets and global climate action.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 3: Environment & EcologyPrelimsGS 3: Conservation, Pollution and DegradationGS 2: Important International Institutions, Agencies and Fora

COP30 talks loom as major emitters dither on updating climate goals, Pg12

COP30 faces uncertainty as major emitters delay updated climate goals, threatening Paris Agreement targets and global climate action.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyGS 2: E GovernanceGS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and AgreementsGS 3: Space Technology

India to start pilot projects in Venezuela, Pg14

India initiates pilot projects in Venezuela focusing on agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and digital infrastructure amid rising US-Venezuela tensions.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyGS 2: E GovernanceGS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and AgreementsGS 3: Space Technology

India to start pilot projects in Venezuela, Pg14

India initiates pilot projects in Venezuela focusing on agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and digital infrastructure amid rising US-Venezuela tensions.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Effects of Liberalization on the EconomyGS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements

Trade, tech, defence: EU rolls out new strategic roadmap for India, Pg 1.

EU unveils strategic agenda to deepen India ties focusing trade, tech, and defence amid US tariff concerns.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Effects of Liberalization on the EconomyGS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements

Trade, tech, defence: EU rolls out new strategic roadmap for India, Pg 1.

EU unveils strategic agenda to deepen India ties focusing trade, tech, and defence amid US tariff concerns.

GS 2: PolityGS 3: Environment & EcologyPrelimsGS 3: Farm Subsidies and Minimum Support PricesGS 3: Conservation, Pollution and Degradation

Putting some behind bars will send right message: SC on stubble burning, Pg 1.

Supreme Court pushes for stricter penalties, including imprisonment, for stubble burning to combat rising air pollution in Delhi-NCR region.

GS 2: PolityGS 3: Environment & EcologyPrelimsGS 3: Farm Subsidies and Minimum Support PricesGS 3: Conservation, Pollution and Degradation

Putting some behind bars will send right message: SC on stubble burning, Pg 1.

Supreme Court pushes for stricter penalties, including imprisonment, for stubble burning to combat rising air pollution in Delhi-NCR region.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: EconomyGS 3: Changes in Industrial Policy and Effects on Industrial GrowthGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectorsGS 2: Statutory, Regulatory and Quasi Judicial Bodies

To help MSMEs access imports, panel for easing quality control framework, Pg 1.

Government panel recommends easing quality control for MSMEs to boost imports of cheaper components and raw materials.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: EconomyGS 3: Changes in Industrial Policy and Effects on Industrial GrowthGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectorsGS 2: Statutory, Regulatory and Quasi Judicial Bodies

To help MSMEs access imports, panel for easing quality control framework, Pg 1.

Government panel recommends easing quality control for MSMEs to boost imports of cheaper components and raw materials.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Internal SecurityPrelimsGS 3: Security Forces and Agencies and their Mandate

Integration of Armed Forces, Pg 1.

Armed forces integration efforts intensify with theaterisation plans, aiming for unified command but facing IAF concerns over resource division.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Internal SecurityPrelimsGS 3: Security Forces and Agencies and their Mandate

Integration of Armed Forces, Pg 1.

Armed forces integration efforts intensify with theaterisation plans, aiming for unified command but facing IAF concerns over resource division.

GS 3: Environment & EcologyGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.GS 3: Conservation, Pollution and Degradation

CO2 emissions, Pg 1.

India's power sector CO2 emissions drop 1% due to renewable energy growth and reduced electricity demand in first half of 2024.

GS 3: Environment & EcologyGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.GS 3: Conservation, Pollution and Degradation

CO2 emissions, Pg 1.

India's power sector CO2 emissions drop 1% due to renewable energy growth and reduced electricity demand in first half of 2024.

GS 2: International RelationsPrelimsGS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and AgreementsGS 2: Important International Institutions, Agencies and Fora

Iran, E-3 powers hold talks over n-programme, Pg 2.

Iran-E3 talks stall as snapback sanctions loom; Tehran faces pressure to allow UN inspections and engage with US.

GS 2: International RelationsPrelimsGS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and AgreementsGS 2: Important International Institutions, Agencies and Fora

Iran, E-3 powers hold talks over n-programme, Pg 2.

Iran-E3 talks stall as snapback sanctions loom; Tehran faces pressure to allow UN inspections and engage with US.

GS 3: Internal SecurityGS 2: International RelationsGS 2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's InterestsGS 1: World Wars

A no-fly zone over war-torn Ukraine? Challenges for West would be huge, Pg 2.

Poland proposes Ukraine no-fly zone amid drone incursions, faces NATO reluctance due to escalation risks and defense challenges.

GS 3: Internal SecurityGS 2: International RelationsGS 2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's InterestsGS 1: World Wars

A no-fly zone over war-torn Ukraine? Challenges for West would be huge, Pg 2.

Poland proposes Ukraine no-fly zone amid drone incursions, faces NATO reluctance due to escalation risks and defense challenges.

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

EVMs to have colour photos of candidates starting Bihar polls, Pg 9.

ECI mandates colour photos on EVMs for enhanced candidate recognition, starting with Bihar elections, improving clarity and voter experience.

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

EVMs to have colour photos of candidates starting Bihar polls, Pg 9.

ECI mandates colour photos on EVMs for enhanced candidate recognition, starting with Bihar elections, improving clarity and voter experience.

EthicsGS 2: PolityGS 3: Internal SecurityGS 2: Important Aspects of Governance, Transparency and AccountabilityGS 2: Separation of Powers and Dispute Redressal Mechanisms

MISRULE OF LAW, Pg 10.

Delhi riots investigation reveals police misconduct, fabricated evidence, and judicial concerns, undermining faith in the rule of law.

EthicsGS 2: PolityGS 3: Internal SecurityGS 2: Important Aspects of Governance, Transparency and AccountabilityGS 2: Separation of Powers and Dispute Redressal Mechanisms

MISRULE OF LAW, Pg 10.

Delhi riots investigation reveals police misconduct, fabricated evidence, and judicial concerns, undermining faith in the rule of law.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyGS 3: Changes in Industrial Policy and Effects on Industrial GrowthGS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and AgreementsGS 2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests

PARTNERS IN TURBULENT TIMES, Pg 12.

India and Japan deepen strategic ties focusing on economic security, MSMEs, defence, and people-to-people exchange, targeting Indo-Pacific stability.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyGS 3: Changes in Industrial Policy and Effects on Industrial GrowthGS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and AgreementsGS 2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests

News Analysis

Crosstalk: waning immunity against Japanese encephalitis worsens dengue, Pg2

Crosstalk: waning immunity against Japanese encephalitis worsens dengue, Pg2

Genocide in Gaza, Pg6

Genocide in Gaza, Pg6

Letter and spirit, Pg6

Letter and spirit, Pg6

A judicial nudge following stuck legislative business, Pg6

A judicial nudge following stuck legislative business, Pg6

Let Geiger counters, not guesses, shape Iran actions, Pg6

Let Geiger counters, not guesses, shape Iran actions, Pg6

The hard truth about out-of-pocket health expenditure, Pg7

The hard truth about out-of-pocket health expenditure, Pg7

Welfare at the mercy of the machine, Pg7

Welfare at the mercy of the machine, Pg7

How does SC’s order affect Waqf law?, Pg8

How does SC’s order affect Waqf law?, Pg8

EU-India partnership set for upgrade, Pg10

EU-India partnership set for upgrade, Pg10

EVMs to have colour photos of candidates soon, says EC, Pg11

EVMs to have colour photos of candidates soon, says EC, Pg11

Despite issues, online RTI queries may cross one million in 2025, Pg11

Despite issues, online RTI queries may cross one million in 2025, Pg11

COP30 talks loom as major emitters dither on updating climate goals, Pg12

COP30 talks loom as major emitters dither on updating climate goals, Pg12

India to start pilot projects in Venezuela, Pg14

India to start pilot projects in Venezuela, Pg14

Trade, tech, defence: EU rolls out new strategic roadmap for India, Pg 1.

Trade, tech, defence: EU rolls out new strategic roadmap for India, Pg 1.

Putting some behind bars will send right message: SC on stubble burning, Pg 1.

Putting some behind bars will send right message: SC on stubble burning, Pg 1.

To help MSMEs access imports, panel for easing quality control framework, Pg 1.

To help MSMEs access imports, panel for easing quality control framework, Pg 1.

Integration of Armed Forces, Pg 1.

Integration of Armed Forces, Pg 1.

CO2 emissions, Pg 1.

CO2 emissions, Pg 1.

Iran, E-3 powers hold talks over n-programme, Pg 2.

Iran, E-3 powers hold talks over n-programme, Pg 2.

A no-fly zone over war-torn Ukraine? Challenges for West would be huge, Pg 2.

A no-fly zone over war-torn Ukraine? Challenges for West would be huge, Pg 2.

EVMs to have colour photos of candidates starting Bihar polls, Pg 9.

EVMs to have colour photos of candidates starting Bihar polls, Pg 9.

MISRULE OF LAW, Pg 10.

MISRULE OF LAW, Pg 10.

PARTNERS IN TURBULENT TIMES, Pg 12.

PARTNERS IN TURBULENT TIMES, Pg 12.

Securing valleys and slopes, Pg 12.

Securing valleys and slopes, Pg 12.

Upgrading Army radars, Pg 16.

Upgrading Army radars, Pg 16.

Govt to push geothermal pilots under new policy, Pg 17.

Govt to push geothermal pilots under new policy, Pg 17.

Bima Sugam: Single digital marketplace for insurance, Pg 17.

Bima Sugam: Single digital marketplace for insurance, Pg 17.

Sebi reviewing proposal to allow FPIs in non-cash, non-agri commodity derivatives, Pg 17.

Sebi reviewing proposal to allow FPIs in non-cash, non-agri commodity derivatives, Pg 17.

Tracing Sarnath: from Buddha's first sermon to the emblem of Indian republic

Tracing Sarnath: from Buddha's first sermon to the emblem of Indian republic

Keep Nicobar mega project away from no-go coastal zones: Appellant to NGT, Pg 14.

Keep Nicobar mega project away from no-go coastal zones: Appellant to NGT, Pg 14.

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