UPSC Current Affairs 22 September 2025

GS 2: International RelationsGS 2: Indian Diaspora

One-time H-1B visa fee is only for new applicants, says U.S. Pg 1.

Following U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to raise H-1B visa fees to $100,000, the White House clarified that the hike is a one-time payment applicable only to new applicants, not current visa holders, easing global concerns.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 2: Indian Diaspora

One-time H-1B visa fee is only for new applicants, says U.S. Pg 1.

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

H-1B, maybe, Pg8

Trump's H-1B visa fee hike sparks Indian concern, threatens tech sector, and prompts calls for domestic tech infrastructure boost.

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

H-1B, maybe, Pg8

Trump's H-1B visa fee hike sparks Indian concern, threatens tech sector, and prompts calls for domestic tech infrastructure boost.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 2: PolityGS 1: Indian SocietyGS 3: Environment & EcologyGS 3: Environmental Impact Assessment

Uranium unrest, Pg8

Centre's uranium mining push in Meghalaya sparks tribal unrest; Khasi groups resist, citing environmental and rights violations, challenging OM validity.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 2: PolityGS 1: Indian SocietyGS 3: Environment & EcologyGS 3: Environmental Impact Assessment

Uranium unrest, Pg8

Centre's uranium mining push in Meghalaya sparks tribal unrest; Khasi groups resist, citing environmental and rights violations, challenging OM validity.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 2: PolityGS 2: International RelationsGS 4: Accountability and Ethical GovernanceGS 4: Challenges of Corruption and Utilization of Public Funds

The message beyond ‘ending’ Sri Lanka’s elite impunity, Pg8

Sri Lanka arrests ex-President Wickremesinghe for alleged misuse of $50,000 in public funds, sparking political backlash and accountability debates.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 2: PolityGS 2: International RelationsGS 4: Accountability and Ethical GovernanceGS 4: Challenges of Corruption and Utilization of Public Funds

The message beyond ‘ending’ Sri Lanka’s elite impunity, Pg8

Sri Lanka arrests ex-President Wickremesinghe for alleged misuse of $50,000 in public funds, sparking political backlash and accountability debates.

GS 2: PolityGS 1: Indian SocietyPrelimsGS 2: Parliament and State LegislaturesGS 1: Population and Associated Issues

The age of India’s leaders has steadily risen, Pg9

Analysis reveals India's leadership age rising, Lok Sabha 'oldest' yet, sparking debate on gerontocracy and political transitions.

GS 2: PolityGS 1: Indian SocietyPrelimsGS 2: Parliament and State LegislaturesGS 1: Population and Associated Issues

The age of India’s leaders has steadily risen, Pg9

Analysis reveals India's leadership age rising, Lok Sabha 'oldest' yet, sparking debate on gerontocracy and political transitions.

EthicsGS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 2: Social JusticeGS 2: Important International Institutions, Agencies and ForaGS 3: Intellectual Property Rights, IPR

Breaking the academic paywall, Pg9

Delhi High Court's order to block Sci-Hub sparks debate on equitable access to scientific knowledge, especially for Global South.

EthicsGS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 2: Social JusticeGS 2: Important International Institutions, Agencies and ForaGS 3: Intellectual Property Rights, IPR

Breaking the academic paywall, Pg9

Delhi High Court's order to block Sci-Hub sparks debate on equitable access to scientific knowledge, especially for Global South.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 2: PolityPrelimsGS 2: Indian Constitutional Evolution, Features, Amendments, Basic Structure DoctrineGS 2: Structure and Functioning of Executive and Judiciary

Can timelines be fixed for Governors?, Pg10

SC examines Governor's powers, questions presidential reference on timelines for assenting to bills, and debates federalism.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 2: PolityPrelimsGS 2: Indian Constitutional Evolution, Features, Amendments, Basic Structure DoctrineGS 2: Structure and Functioning of Executive and Judiciary

Can timelines be fixed for Governors?, Pg10

SC examines Governor's powers, questions presidential reference on timelines for assenting to bills, and debates federalism.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyPrelimsGS 3: Indigenization of Technology and New Technology DevelopmentGS 3: IT and Computers

How different are supercomputers to normal computers?, Pg11

Explore supercomputers: architecture, software, applications from weather forecasting to quantum computing, and India's supercomputing mission and capabilities.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyPrelimsGS 3: Indigenization of Technology and New Technology DevelopmentGS 3: IT and Computers

How different are supercomputers to normal computers?, Pg11

Explore supercomputers: architecture, software, applications from weather forecasting to quantum computing, and India's supercomputing mission and capabilities.

GS 3: Internal SecurityGS 1: Modern HistoryPrelimsGS 3: Security Forces and Agencies and their MandateGS 3: Indigenization of Technology and New Technology Development

IAF’s iconic MiG-21 fighter to fly into sunset after six decades of service, Pg12

IAF retires MiG-21 fighter jets after 60 years of service; ceremonial flypast marks end of an era.

GS 3: Internal SecurityGS 1: Modern HistoryPrelimsGS 3: Security Forces and Agencies and their MandateGS 3: Indigenization of Technology and New Technology Development

IAF’s iconic MiG-21 fighter to fly into sunset after six decades of service, Pg12

IAF retires MiG-21 fighter jets after 60 years of service; ceremonial flypast marks end of an era.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 2: PolityPrelimsGS 2: Constitutional BodiesGS 2: Representation of the People's Act

EC directs State poll officers to get ready for SIR by Sept. 30, Pg12

Election Commission gears up for nationwide voter list clean-up by September 30, targeting illegal migrants.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 2: PolityPrelimsGS 2: Constitutional BodiesGS 2: Representation of the People's Act

EC directs State poll officers to get ready for SIR by Sept. 30, Pg12

Election Commission gears up for nationwide voter list clean-up by September 30, targeting illegal migrants.

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 InterestsGS 2: Indian Diaspora

H-1B visa hike poorly thought out, says visiting U.S. lawmaker Ami Bera, Pg13

U.S. lawmaker criticizes H-1B visa fee hike, foresees strain on Indo-U.S. ties amid trade disputes and tariff threats.

H-1B visa hike poorly thought out, says visiting U.S. lawmaker Ami Bera, Pg13

U.S. lawmaker criticizes H-1B visa fee hike, foresees strain on Indo-U.S. ties amid trade disputes and tariff threats.

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

U.S. lawmakers push for military dialogue in a rare China visit, Pg16

U.S. lawmakers visit China, advocating for increased military dialogue amidst strained U.S.-China relations after a long time.

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

U.S. lawmakers push for military dialogue in a rare China visit, Pg16

U.S. lawmakers visit China, advocating for increased military dialogue amidst strained U.S.-China relations after a long time.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and AgreementsGS 1: Redrawal of National Boundaries, Colonization and Decolonization

U.K., Australia and Canada recognise Palestinian state in a seismic shift, Pg 16.

Amid the ongoing Gaza conflict and rising international pressure on Israel after the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack, Britain, Australia, and Canada recognised Palestine as a sovereign state, marking a major departure from decades of Western policy.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and AgreementsGS 1: Redrawal of National Boundaries, Colonization and Decolonization

U.K., Australia and Canada recognise Palestinian state in a seismic shift, Pg 16.

GS 1: Physical GeographyGS 3: Science & TechnologyPrelimsGS 3: Space Technology

Astronomers have spotted the biggest bangs since the Big Bang, PgII

Astronomers discover Extreme Nuclear Transients (ENTs), the universe's biggest explosions since the Big Bang, caused by black holes consuming massive stars.

GS 1: Physical GeographyGS 3: Science & TechnologyPrelimsGS 3: Space Technology

Astronomers have spotted the biggest bangs since the Big Bang, PgII

Astronomers discover Extreme Nuclear Transients (ENTs), the universe's biggest explosions since the Big Bang, caused by black holes consuming massive stars.

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

$100,000 visa fee one-time, only for new applications, says White House, Pg 1.

Trump's H-1B visa fee hike strains India-US ties, impacting Indian IT sector and skilled worker mobility.

$100,000 visa fee one-time, only for new applications, says White House, Pg 1.

Trump's H-1B visa fee hike strains India-US ties, impacting Indian IT sector and skilled worker mobility.

GS 1: Indian GeographyGS 2: International RelationsGS 3: Environment & EcologyPrelimsGS 3: Environmental Impact Assessment

Sawalkote dam: Panel to weigh green nod for Chenab project, Pg 1.

Sawalkote dam project on Chenab River, part of Indus system, awaits environmental clearance amidst Indus Waters Treaty considerations.

GS 1: Indian GeographyGS 2: International RelationsGS 3: Environment & EcologyPrelimsGS 3: Environmental Impact Assessment

Sawalkote dam: Panel to weigh green nod for Chenab project, Pg 1.

Sawalkote dam project on Chenab River, part of Indus system, awaits environmental clearance amidst Indus Waters Treaty considerations.

GS 3: Internal SecurityGS 2: International RelationsPrelimsGS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements

UK fighter jets begin NATO air defence mission over Poland, Pg 2.

UK deploys fighter jets to Poland under NATO mission after Russian drone incursion, reinforcing Eastern European air defenses.

GS 3: Internal SecurityGS 2: International RelationsPrelimsGS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements

UK fighter jets begin NATO air defence mission over Poland, Pg 2.

UK deploys fighter jets to Poland under NATO mission after Russian drone incursion, reinforcing Eastern European air defenses.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's InterestsGS 1: Redrawal of National Boundaries, Colonization and Decolonization

Britain, Canada & Australia recognise Palestine; Will not happen: Netanyahu, Pg 2.

Britain, Canada, and Australia recognize Palestine, signaling frustration over Gaza war and aiming to revive two-state solution.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's InterestsGS 1: Redrawal of National Boundaries, Colonization and Decolonization

Britain, Canada & Australia recognise Palestine; Will not happen: Netanyahu, Pg 2.

Britain, Canada, and Australia recognize Palestine, signaling frustration over Gaza war and aiming to revive two-state solution.

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

New GST rates, lower prices — household budgets set for boost, Pg 2.

GST rate cuts on 375+ items lead to price reductions across FMCG, durables, and insurance sectors, boosting household budgets.

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

New GST rates, lower prices — household budgets set for boost, Pg 2.

GST rate cuts on 375+ items lead to price reductions across FMCG, durables, and insurance sectors, boosting household budgets.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 2: International RelationsPrelimsGS 3: Space Technology

Pointing to Musk's Moon mission contract, experts say US is losing space race, Pg 2.

Experts warn US faces losing space race to China due to SpaceX lunar lander delays and risky technology.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 2: International RelationsPrelimsGS 3: Space Technology

Pointing to Musk's Moon mission contract, experts say US is losing space race, Pg 2.

Experts warn US faces losing space race to China due to SpaceX lunar lander delays and risky technology.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 3: Internal SecurityPrelimsGS 3: Security Challenges and Management in Border AreasGS 3: Security Forces and Agencies and their Mandate

In post-Sindoor push, 1st batch of BSF ‘drone commandos’ soon, Pg 9.

BSF pioneers drone warfare with new commando school, integrating UAVs for enhanced border security and offensive capabilities.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 3: Internal SecurityPrelimsGS 3: Security Challenges and Management in Border AreasGS 3: Security Forces and Agencies and their Mandate

In post-Sindoor push, 1st batch of BSF ‘drone commandos’ soon, Pg 9.

BSF pioneers drone warfare with new commando school, integrating UAVs for enhanced border security and offensive capabilities.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyGS 3: Changes in Industrial Policy and Effects on Industrial GrowthGS 3: Indian Economy, Planning, Mobilization of Resources, Growth, Development and EmploymentGS 2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests

News Analysis

One-time H-1B visa fee is only for new applicants, says U.S. Pg 1.

One-time H-1B visa fee is only for new applicants, says U.S. Pg 1.

H-1B, maybe, Pg8

H-1B, maybe, Pg8

Uranium unrest, Pg8

Uranium unrest, Pg8

The message beyond ‘ending’ Sri Lanka’s elite impunity, Pg8

The message beyond ‘ending’ Sri Lanka’s elite impunity, Pg8

The age of India’s leaders has steadily risen, Pg9

The age of India’s leaders has steadily risen, Pg9

Breaking the academic paywall, Pg9

Breaking the academic paywall, Pg9

Can timelines be fixed for Governors?, Pg10

Can timelines be fixed for Governors?, Pg10

How different are supercomputers to normal computers?, Pg11

How different are supercomputers to normal computers?, Pg11

IAF’s iconic MiG-21 fighter to fly into sunset after six decades of service, Pg12

IAF’s iconic MiG-21 fighter to fly into sunset after six decades of service, Pg12

EC directs State poll officers to get ready for SIR by Sept. 30, Pg12

EC directs State poll officers to get ready for SIR by Sept. 30, Pg12

H-1B visa hike poorly thought out, says visiting U.S. lawmaker Ami Bera, Pg13

H-1B visa hike poorly thought out, says visiting U.S. lawmaker Ami Bera, Pg13

U.S. lawmakers push for military dialogue in a rare China visit, Pg16

U.S. lawmakers push for military dialogue in a rare China visit, Pg16

U.K., Australia and Canada recognise Palestinian state in a seismic shift, Pg 16.

U.K., Australia and Canada recognise Palestinian state in a seismic shift, Pg 16.

Astronomers have spotted the biggest bangs since the Big Bang, PgII

Astronomers have spotted the biggest bangs since the Big Bang, PgII

$100,000 visa fee one-time, only for new applications, says White House, Pg 1.

$100,000 visa fee one-time, only for new applications, says White House, Pg 1.

Sawalkote dam: Panel to weigh green nod for Chenab project, Pg 1.

Sawalkote dam: Panel to weigh green nod for Chenab project, Pg 1.

UK fighter jets begin NATO air defence mission over Poland, Pg 2.

UK fighter jets begin NATO air defence mission over Poland, Pg 2.

Britain, Canada & Australia recognise Palestine; Will not happen: Netanyahu, Pg 2.

Britain, Canada & Australia recognise Palestine; Will not happen: Netanyahu, Pg 2.

New GST rates, lower prices — household budgets set for boost, Pg 2.

New GST rates, lower prices — household budgets set for boost, Pg 2.

Pointing to Musk's Moon mission contract, experts say US is losing space race, Pg 2.

Pointing to Musk's Moon mission contract, experts say US is losing space race, Pg 2.

In post-Sindoor push, 1st batch of BSF ‘drone commandos’ soon, Pg 9.

In post-Sindoor push, 1st batch of BSF ‘drone commandos’ soon, Pg 9.

A wake-up call, Pg 12.

A wake-up call, Pg 12.

THE VISA BARRIER, Pg 12.

THE VISA BARRIER, Pg 12.

States must explore levy of passenger, goods tax to raise revenue post GST cuts, Pg 13.

States must explore levy of passenger, goods tax to raise revenue post GST cuts, Pg 13.

'In the new global order, economic strength and resilience matter. India should focus on building that', Pg 15.

'In the new global order, economic strength and resilience matter. India should focus on building that', Pg 15.

The problem with low inflation, Pg 16.

The problem with low inflation, Pg 16.

Sikh marriage registration: why latest SC order may not fix all legal issues, Pg 16.

Sikh marriage registration: why latest SC order may not fix all legal issues, Pg 16.

More News Analysis

Download the App