UPSC Current Affairs 21 September 2025

GS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyGS 2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's InterestsGS 2: Indian Diaspora

Trump hikes H-1B visa fees to $100,000, Pg1

Trump's H-1B visa fee hike to $100,000 strains India-U.S. ties before trade talks, impacting skilled worker mobility.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyGS 2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's InterestsGS 2: Indian Diaspora

Trump hikes H-1B visa fees to $100,000, Pg1

Trump's H-1B visa fee hike to $100,000 strains India-U.S. ties before trade talks, impacting skilled worker mobility.

GS 2: PolityGS 2: International RelationsGS 2: Important International Institutions, Agencies and Fora

India backs resolution to let Palestine President address UNGA, Pg8

India supports UN resolution enabling Palestine President to address UNGA via video amid US visa denials, fostering diplomatic engagement.

GS 2: PolityGS 2: International RelationsGS 2: Important International Institutions, Agencies and Fora

India backs resolution to let Palestine President address UNGA, Pg8

India supports UN resolution enabling Palestine President to address UNGA via video amid US visa denials, fostering diplomatic engagement.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyGS 2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's InterestsGS 2: Indian Diaspora

60% of Indian H-1B visa holders earn less than the new $100,000 fee per year, Pg9

Trump's H-1B visa fee hike to $100,000 annually threatens Indian workers' prospects, impacting 60% earning below that threshold.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyGS 2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's InterestsGS 2: Indian Diaspora

60% of Indian H-1B visa holders earn less than the new $100,000 fee per year, Pg9

Trump's H-1B visa fee hike to $100,000 annually threatens Indian workers' prospects, impacting 60% earning below that threshold.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

Mumbai-Thane bullet train tunnel excavation completed, Pg10

Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train achieves undersea tunnel breakthrough; first phase operational by 2027 with Japanese collaboration and advanced Shinkansen technology.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

Mumbai-Thane bullet train tunnel excavation completed, Pg10

Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train achieves undersea tunnel breakthrough; first phase operational by 2027 with Japanese collaboration and advanced Shinkansen technology.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 2: Important Aspects of Governance, Transparency and AccountabilityGS 3: Achievements of Indians in Science and TechnologyGS 2: Health Sector

ICMR impact scale may deter research in public interest, Pg12

ICMR's new 'IRIS' impact scale faces criticism for potentially skewing research priorities and undervaluing fundamental scientific discourse.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 2: Important Aspects of Governance, Transparency and AccountabilityGS 3: Achievements of Indians in Science and TechnologyGS 2: Health Sector

ICMR impact scale may deter research in public interest, Pg12

ICMR's new 'IRIS' impact scale faces criticism for potentially skewing research priorities and undervaluing fundamental scientific discourse.

GS 1: Indian GeographyGS 1: Physical GeographyGS 3: Disaster ManagementGS 3: Environment & EcologyPrelims

El Niño makes India’s heavy rains more intense, Pg12

El Niño intensifies heavy rainfall events in central and southwest India despite overall rainfall reduction, complicating disaster preparedness.

GS 1: Indian GeographyGS 1: Physical GeographyGS 3: Disaster ManagementGS 3: Environment & EcologyPrelims

El Niño makes India’s heavy rains more intense, Pg12

El Niño intensifies heavy rainfall events in central and southwest India despite overall rainfall reduction, complicating disaster preparedness.

GS 1: World HistoryGS 1: Art & CulturePrelimsGS 1: Art Forms

Dawn of artificial mummification pushed back 5,000 years, Pg12

Southeast Asia's pre-Neolithic burials reveal artificial mummification practices dating back 14,000 years, predating Chinchorro mummies by 5,000 years.

GS 1: World HistoryGS 1: Art & CulturePrelimsGS 1: Art Forms

Dawn of artificial mummification pushed back 5,000 years, Pg12

Southeast Asia's pre-Neolithic burials reveal artificial mummification practices dating back 14,000 years, predating Chinchorro mummies by 5,000 years.

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

Blue-green ammonia is cheaper, greener to make, Pg12

Study reveals 'blue-green' ammonia production cuts costs by 7% and slashes greenhouse gas emissions by 63% compared to standalone plants.

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

Blue-green ammonia is cheaper, greener to make, Pg12

Study reveals 'blue-green' ammonia production cuts costs by 7% and slashes greenhouse gas emissions by 63% compared to standalone plants.

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

What is the signicance of Saudi-Pakistan pact?, pg 13.

Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have signed a formal mutual defence pact, signalling a shift in West Asia’s security architecture at a time of U.S. retrenchment, Israel’s expanding conflicts, and rising Gulf insecurities.

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

What is the signicance of Saudi-Pakistan pact?, pg 13.

GS 3: Environment & EcologyGS 3: EconomyGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.GS 3: Science and Technology in Everyday Life

Is it feasible to blend isobutanol and diesel?, Pg 13.

The Union Transport Ministry and Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) are studying the feasibility of blending isobutanol with diesel after ethanol–diesel blending attempts failed. This could help utilise India’s surplus biofuel production and contribute to emission reduction targets.

GS 3: Environment & EcologyGS 3: EconomyGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.GS 3: Science and Technology in Everyday Life

Is it feasible to blend isobutanol and diesel?, Pg 13.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 3: Linkages of Organized Crime with TerrorismGS 2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests

Why is India on the U.S. blacklist on fentanyl?, Pg 13.

The U.S. has released its annual Major’s List of countries linked to narcotics trade, naming 23 nations including India, China, Pakistan, and Afghanistan, citing their role in the flow of illicit drugs and precursors like fentanyl, a major driver of overdose deaths in America.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 3: Linkages of Organized Crime with TerrorismGS 2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests

Why is India on the U.S. blacklist on fentanyl?, Pg 13.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 2: International RelationsGS 3: Communication Networks, Media and Social Media ChallengesGS 2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests

Americans will dominate board of new TikTok U.S. entity, says White House, Pg15

White House confirms Americans will control TikTok's U.S. board amid national security concerns and potential Oracle-led takeover.

Americans will dominate board of new TikTok U.S. entity, says White House, Pg15

White House confirms Americans will control TikTok's U.S. board amid national security concerns and potential Oracle-led takeover.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's InterestsGS 2: Indian Diaspora

After 50% tariff, $100,000 annual fee for H-1B visa: Trump's latest hits skilled Indian labour in US, Pg 1.

Trump's new H-1B visa rules impose $100,000 annual fee, disproportionately impacting Indian tech professionals seeking US jobs.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's InterestsGS 2: Indian Diaspora

After 50% tariff, $100,000 annual fee for H-1B visa: Trump's latest hits skilled Indian labour in US, Pg 1.

Trump's new H-1B visa rules impose $100,000 annual fee, disproportionately impacting Indian tech professionals seeking US jobs.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 1: Modern HistoryGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 1: Architecture

Our dependence on other countries is our biggest enemy: PM, Pg 1.

PM Modi unveils maritime reforms, aiming for self-reliance by 2047, reducing dependence on foreign shipping, and boosting domestic shipbuilding.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 1: Modern HistoryGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 1: Architecture

Our dependence on other countries is our biggest enemy: PM, Pg 1.

PM Modi unveils maritime reforms, aiming for self-reliance by 2047, reducing dependence on foreign shipping, and boosting domestic shipbuilding.

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

Shadow on trade talks in US next week, Pg 1.

US H-1B visa curbs threaten India-US trade talks, impacting IT sector and potentially escalating protectionism in services trade.

Shadow on trade talks in US next week, Pg 1.

US H-1B visa curbs threaten India-US trade talks, impacting IT sector and potentially escalating protectionism in services trade.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 3: Internal SecurityGS 2: International RelationsPrelimsGS 3: Basics of Cyber Security

Cyberattack disrupts check-in operations at European airports, Pg 2.

Cyberattack on Collins Aerospace's MUSE software disrupts check-in systems at major European airports, causing flight delays and cancellations.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 3: Internal SecurityGS 2: International RelationsPrelimsGS 3: Basics of Cyber Security

Cyberattack disrupts check-in operations at European airports, Pg 2.

Cyberattack on Collins Aerospace's MUSE software disrupts check-in systems at major European airports, causing flight delays and cancellations.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Effects of Liberalization on the EconomyGS 2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests

Delhi's fingers crossed

US H-1B visa restrictions threaten Indian IT sector, potentially boosting Indian GCCs, impacting thousands of tech professionals.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Effects of Liberalization on the EconomyGS 2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests

Delhi's fingers crossed

US H-1B visa restrictions threaten Indian IT sector, potentially boosting Indian GCCs, impacting thousands of tech professionals.

GS 2: PolityGS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyGS 2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's InterestsGS 2: Indian Diaspora

$100,000 annual fee for H-1B visas, Pg 4.

US imposes $100,000 annual fee on H-1B visas, sparking concerns over skilled talent mobility and Indo-US trade relations.

GS 2: PolityGS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyGS 2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's InterestsGS 2: Indian Diaspora

$100,000 annual fee for H-1B visas, Pg 4.

US imposes $100,000 annual fee on H-1B visas, sparking concerns over skilled talent mobility and Indo-US trade relations.

GS 2: PolityGS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests

H-1B visa, Indians, and the immigration discourse in America: Decoding fee hike, Pg 13.

US H-1B visa fee hike impacts Indian tech workers amid immigration debates and economic concerns over wage depression.

GS 2: PolityGS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests

H-1B visa, Indians, and the immigration discourse in America: Decoding fee hike, Pg 13.

US H-1B visa fee hike impacts Indian tech workers amid immigration debates and economic concerns over wage depression.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Internal SecurityGS 2: International RelationsGS 2: E GovernanceGS 3: Linkages of Organized Crime with Terrorism

Speedy extradition: Shah asks CBI to coordinate with IB, NIA to frame SOP, Pg 6.

Amit Shah directs CBI, IB, and NIA to create SOP for fast-tracking extradition of fugitives involved in terror, narcotics, arms smuggling.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Internal SecurityGS 2: International RelationsGS 2: E GovernanceGS 3: Linkages of Organized Crime with Terrorism

Speedy extradition: Shah asks CBI to coordinate with IB, NIA to frame SOP, Pg 6.

Amit Shah directs CBI, IB, and NIA to create SOP for fast-tracking extradition of fugitives involved in terror, narcotics, arms smuggling.

GS 1: Post-Independence IndiaGS 2: PolityPrelimsGS 2: Parliament and State LegislaturesGS 2: Union State Relations and Federal Structure

135 cases of President’s Rule, new party at helm 87 times after it was lifted, Pg 6.

Analysis reveals President's Rule imposed 135 times since 1953; ruling party changed 87 times post-revocation, impacting governance significantly.

GS 1: Post-Independence IndiaGS 2: PolityPrelimsGS 2: Parliament and State LegislaturesGS 2: Union State Relations and Federal Structure

135 cases of President’s Rule, new party at helm 87 times after it was lifted, Pg 6.

Analysis reveals President's Rule imposed 135 times since 1953; ruling party changed 87 times post-revocation, impacting governance significantly.

EthicsGS 2: PolityGS 1: Indian SocietyPrelimsGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors

Allahabad HC to UP DGP, Home dept: Remove caste from all FIRs, police files, frame new SOP, Pg 10.

Allahabad HC orders UP police to remove caste references from FIRs, police files, and create new SOPs.

EthicsGS 2: PolityGS 1: Indian SocietyPrelimsGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors

Allahabad HC to UP DGP, Home dept: Remove caste from all FIRs, police files, frame new SOP, Pg 10.

Allahabad HC orders UP police to remove caste references from FIRs, police files, and create new SOPs.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 2: E GovernanceGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors

GST complaints: Dedicated space on consumer site, Pg 13.

National Consumer Helpline introduces dedicated GST complaint category, aligning with 'Next-Gen GST Reforms 2025' for effective grievance redressal.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 2: E GovernanceGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors

GST complaints: Dedicated space on consumer site, Pg 13.

National Consumer Helpline introduces dedicated GST complaint category, aligning with 'Next-Gen GST Reforms 2025' for effective grievance redressal.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 2: Important International Institutions, Agencies and Fora

India inks deep sea mining exploration deal with UN body, pg 13.

India secures 15-year deep sea mining exploration rights in Indian Ocean from UN body for polymetallic sulphides.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 2: Important International Institutions, Agencies and Fora

India inks deep sea mining exploration deal with UN body, pg 13.

India secures 15-year deep sea mining exploration rights in Indian Ocean from UN body for polymetallic sulphides.

News Analysis

Trump hikes H-1B visa fees to $100,000, Pg1

Trump hikes H-1B visa fees to $100,000, Pg1

India backs resolution to let Palestine President address UNGA, Pg8

India backs resolution to let Palestine President address UNGA, Pg8

60% of Indian H-1B visa holders earn less than the new $100,000 fee per year, Pg9

60% of Indian H-1B visa holders earn less than the new $100,000 fee per year, Pg9

Mumbai-Thane bullet train tunnel excavation completed, Pg10

Mumbai-Thane bullet train tunnel excavation completed, Pg10

ICMR impact scale may deter research in public interest, Pg12

ICMR impact scale may deter research in public interest, Pg12

El Niño makes India’s heavy rains more intense, Pg12

El Niño makes India’s heavy rains more intense, Pg12

Dawn of artificial mummification pushed back 5,000 years, Pg12

Dawn of artificial mummification pushed back 5,000 years, Pg12

Blue-green ammonia is cheaper, greener to make, Pg12

Blue-green ammonia is cheaper, greener to make, Pg12

What is the signicance of Saudi-Pakistan pact?, pg 13.

What is the signicance of Saudi-Pakistan pact?, pg 13.

Is it feasible to blend isobutanol and diesel?, Pg 13.

Is it feasible to blend isobutanol and diesel?, Pg 13.

Why is India on the U.S. blacklist on fentanyl?, Pg 13.

Why is India on the U.S. blacklist on fentanyl?, Pg 13.

Americans will dominate board of new TikTok U.S. entity, says White House, Pg15

Americans will dominate board of new TikTok U.S. entity, says White House, Pg15

After 50% tariff, $100,000 annual fee for H-1B visa: Trump's latest hits skilled Indian labour in US, Pg 1.

After 50% tariff, $100,000 annual fee for H-1B visa: Trump's latest hits skilled Indian labour in US, Pg 1.

Our dependence on other countries is our biggest enemy: PM, Pg 1.

Our dependence on other countries is our biggest enemy: PM, Pg 1.

Shadow on trade talks in US next week, Pg 1.

Shadow on trade talks in US next week, Pg 1.

Cyberattack disrupts check-in operations at European airports, Pg 2.

Cyberattack disrupts check-in operations at European airports, Pg 2.

Delhi's fingers crossed

Delhi's fingers crossed

$100,000 annual fee for H-1B visas, Pg 4.

$100,000 annual fee for H-1B visas, Pg 4.

H-1B visa, Indians, and the immigration discourse in America: Decoding fee hike, Pg 13.

H-1B visa, Indians, and the immigration discourse in America: Decoding fee hike, Pg 13.

Speedy extradition: Shah asks CBI to coordinate with IB, NIA to frame SOP, Pg 6.

Speedy extradition: Shah asks CBI to coordinate with IB, NIA to frame SOP, Pg 6.

135 cases of President’s Rule, new party at helm 87 times after it was lifted, Pg 6.

135 cases of President’s Rule, new party at helm 87 times after it was lifted, Pg 6.

Allahabad HC to UP DGP, Home dept: Remove caste from all FIRs, police files, frame new SOP, Pg 10.

Allahabad HC to UP DGP, Home dept: Remove caste from all FIRs, police files, frame new SOP, Pg 10.

GST complaints: Dedicated space on consumer site, Pg 13.

GST complaints: Dedicated space on consumer site, Pg 13.

India inks deep sea mining exploration deal with UN body, pg 13.

India inks deep sea mining exploration deal with UN body, pg 13.

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