UPSC Current Affairs 19 August 2025

GS 2: International RelationsPrelimsGS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and AgreementsGS 2: India and its Neighbourhood Relations

De-escalation process at LAC must go forward, Jaishankar tells Wang , Pg1

Jaishankar urges Wang Yi for LAC de-escalation as India-China discuss improved relations ahead of SCO summit and Modi-Xi meet.

GS 2: International RelationsPrelimsGS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and AgreementsGS 2: India and its Neighbourhood Relations

De-escalation process at LAC must go forward, Jaishankar tells Wang , Pg1

Jaishankar urges Wang Yi for LAC de-escalation as India-China discuss improved relations ahead of SCO summit and Modi-Xi meet.

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

Zelenskyy says he is ready to work for peace , Pg1

Trump proposes Ukraine peace talks with Putin and Zelenskyy, seeks European security guarantees amid ongoing conflict; Modi, Putin discuss bilateral cooperation.

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

Zelenskyy says he is ready to work for peace , Pg1

Trump proposes Ukraine peace talks with Putin and Zelenskyy, seeks European security guarantees amid ongoing conflict; Modi, Putin discuss bilateral cooperation.

EthicsGS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Science & TechnologyPrelimsGS 4: Ethical Issues in International Relations and Funding

Auction of Mars meteorite sparks debate on ownership , PgII

Niger investigates $5.3M Mars meteorite auction, alleging illicit trafficking amid ownership debate and ethical concerns over scientific heritage.

EthicsGS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Science & TechnologyPrelimsGS 4: Ethical Issues in International Relations and Funding

Auction of Mars meteorite sparks debate on ownership , PgII

Niger investigates $5.3M Mars meteorite auction, alleging illicit trafficking amid ownership debate and ethical concerns over scientific heritage.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 3: Environment & EcologyGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

What does science say about the govt.’s ethanol blending plan? , PgII

Ethanol blending (E20) faces vehicle compatibility concerns despite emission reduction benefits, experts suggest component replacements and recalibration for older models.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 3: Environment & EcologyGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

What does science say about the govt.’s ethanol blending plan? , PgII

Ethanol blending (E20) faces vehicle compatibility concerns despite emission reduction benefits, experts suggest component replacements and recalibration for older models.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 2: Social JusticeGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: E Technology in Aid of Farmers

The path to ending global hunger runs through India , Pg8

India reduces hunger by revitalizing PDS through digitalization, Aadhaar, and One Nation One Ration Card platform, benefiting 30 million people.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 2: Social JusticeGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: E Technology in Aid of Farmers

The path to ending global hunger runs through India , Pg8

India reduces hunger by revitalizing PDS through digitalization, Aadhaar, and One Nation One Ration Card platform, benefiting 30 million people.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: EconomyGS 3: Government BudgetingGS 2: Union State Relations and Federal Structure

Required reforms , Pg8

GST reforms proposed to benefit consumers and businesses through rate rationalization and simplified procedures, boosting consumption and reducing tax evasion.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: EconomyGS 3: Government BudgetingGS 2: Union State Relations and Federal Structure

Required reforms , Pg8

GST reforms proposed to benefit consumers and businesses through rate rationalization and simplified procedures, boosting consumption and reducing tax evasion.

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

Familiar impasse , Pg8

UNEP's sixth attempt to forge a global plastic pollution treaty faces resistance over production cuts and trade concerns.

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

Familiar impasse , Pg8

UNEP's sixth attempt to forge a global plastic pollution treaty faces resistance over production cuts and trade concerns.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and AgreementsGS 2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's InterestsGS 2: India and its Neighbourhood Relations

Alaskan winds, India and the Trump-Putin summit , Pg8

Trump-Putin summit strains India-U.S. relations over trade, sanctions, and diplomatic narratives, highlighting challenges for Indian foreign policy.

Alaskan winds, India and the Trump-Putin summit , Pg8

Trump-Putin summit strains India-U.S. relations over trade, sanctions, and diplomatic narratives, highlighting challenges for Indian foreign policy.

EthicsGS 2: International RelationsGS 3: Environment & EcologyGS 3: EconomyGS 3: Economics of Animal Rearing

China’s Ejiao boom kills six million donkeys a year , Pg9

Ejiao demand decimates donkey populations globally, fueled by unsustainable Chinese market, impacting livelihoods and sparking illegal trade despite African Union ban.

EthicsGS 2: International RelationsGS 3: Environment & EcologyGS 3: EconomyGS 3: Economics of Animal Rearing

China’s Ejiao boom kills six million donkeys a year , Pg9

Ejiao demand decimates donkey populations globally, fueled by unsustainable Chinese market, impacting livelihoods and sparking illegal trade despite African Union ban.

EthicsGS 2: GovernanceGS 1: Indian SocietyGS 2: Social JusticeGS 2: Vulnerable Sections

What true empowerment of women entails , Pg9

Article advocates for comprehensive support system for women who fight legal battles against powerful abusers, ensuring true empowerment.

EthicsGS 2: GovernanceGS 1: Indian SocietyGS 2: Social JusticeGS 2: Vulnerable Sections

What true empowerment of women entails , Pg9

Article advocates for comprehensive support system for women who fight legal battles against powerful abusers, ensuring true empowerment.

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

Who decides nominations to UT Assemblies? , Pg10

Debate intensifies over Lieutenant Governor's power to nominate members to UT Assemblies without consulting Council of Ministers.

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

Who decides nominations to UT Assemblies? , Pg10

Debate intensifies over Lieutenant Governor's power to nominate members to UT Assemblies without consulting Council of Ministers.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 2: PolityGS 3: EconomyGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.GS 2: Important Aspects of Governance, Transparency and Accountability

How should toll collection practices be reformed? , Pg10

Parliamentary panel urges overhaul of toll collection, advocating end to 'perpetual tolling' and independent oversight for fair user fees.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 2: PolityGS 3: EconomyGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.GS 2: Important Aspects of Governance, Transparency and Accountability

How should toll collection practices be reformed? , Pg10

Parliamentary panel urges overhaul of toll collection, advocating end to 'perpetual tolling' and independent oversight for fair user fees.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Science & TechnologyPrelimsGS 2: Parliament and State LegislaturesGS 3: Space Technology

Indian astronaut will step on moon by 2040: Minister , Pg13

India aims for lunar landing by 2040, Bharat Antariksh Station by 2035, and Gaganyaan mission in 2027.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Science & TechnologyPrelimsGS 2: Parliament and State LegislaturesGS 3: Space Technology

Indian astronaut will step on moon by 2040: Minister , Pg13

India aims for lunar landing by 2040, Bharat Antariksh Station by 2035, and Gaganyaan mission in 2027.

GS 2: Social JusticeGS 2: International RelationsGS 2: Important International Institutions, Agencies and ForaGS 2: India and its Neighbourhood Relations

UNHCR suspends repatriation of Sri Lankan Tamil refugees , Pg14

UNHCR halts Sri Lankan Tamil refugee repatriation after arrests raise safety concerns, violating international norms and refugee protection principles.

GS 2: Social JusticeGS 2: International RelationsGS 2: Important International Institutions, Agencies and ForaGS 2: India and its Neighbourhood Relations

UNHCR suspends repatriation of Sri Lankan Tamil refugees , Pg14

UNHCR halts Sri Lankan Tamil refugee repatriation after arrests raise safety concerns, violating international norms and refugee protection principles.

GS 1: Indian SocietyGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Indian Economy, Planning, Mobilization of Resources, Growth, Development and EmploymentGS 1: Women and Women's Organizations

Unemployment rate declines to 5.2% in July: govt. survey , Pg14

India's unemployment rate dips to 5.2% in July, women's labor force participation sees slight rise: Government Survey.

GS 1: Indian SocietyGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Indian Economy, Planning, Mobilization of Resources, Growth, Development and EmploymentGS 1: Women and Women's Organizations

Unemployment rate declines to 5.2% in July: govt. survey , Pg14

India's unemployment rate dips to 5.2% in July, women's labor force participation sees slight rise: Government Survey.

News Analysis

De-escalation process at LAC must go forward, Jaishankar tells Wang , Pg1

De-escalation process at LAC must go forward, Jaishankar tells Wang , Pg1

Zelenskyy says he is ready to work for peace , Pg1

Zelenskyy says he is ready to work for peace , Pg1

Auction of Mars meteorite sparks debate on ownership , PgII

Auction of Mars meteorite sparks debate on ownership , PgII

What does science say about the govt.’s ethanol blending plan? , PgII

What does science say about the govt.’s ethanol blending plan? , PgII

The path to ending global hunger runs through India , Pg8

The path to ending global hunger runs through India , Pg8

Required reforms , Pg8

Required reforms , Pg8

Familiar impasse , Pg8

Familiar impasse , Pg8

Alaskan winds, India and the Trump-Putin summit , Pg8

Alaskan winds, India and the Trump-Putin summit , Pg8

China’s Ejiao boom kills six million donkeys a year , Pg9

China’s Ejiao boom kills six million donkeys a year , Pg9

What true empowerment of women entails , Pg9

What true empowerment of women entails , Pg9

Who decides nominations to UT Assemblies? , Pg10

Who decides nominations to UT Assemblies? , Pg10

How should toll collection practices be reformed? , Pg10

How should toll collection practices be reformed? , Pg10

Indian astronaut will step on moon by 2040: Minister , Pg13

Indian astronaut will step on moon by 2040: Minister , Pg13

UNHCR suspends repatriation of Sri Lankan Tamil refugees , Pg14

UNHCR suspends repatriation of Sri Lankan Tamil refugees , Pg14

Unemployment rate declines to 5.2% in July: govt. survey , Pg14

Unemployment rate declines to 5.2% in July: govt. survey , Pg14

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