UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 17 September 2025
Kartavya Desk Staff
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 17 September 2025 covers important current affairs of the day, their backward linkages, their relevance for Prelims exam and MCQs on main articles
InstaLinks : Insta Links help you think beyond the current affairs issue and help you think multidimensionally to develop depth in your understanding of these issues. These linkages provided in this ‘hint’ format help you frame possible questions in your mind that might arise(or an examiner might imagine) from each current event. InstaLinks also connect every issue to their static or theoretical background.
Table of Contents
GS Paper 2 : (UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 17 September (2025)
• Judicial Experimentalism with Section 498A
Judicial Experimentalism with Section 498A
GS Paper 4:
• Integrity in Public Office
Integrity in Public Office
Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):
• Courage Has No Age: The Story of Leela Jose
Courage Has No Age: The Story of Leela Jose
Facts for Prelims (FFP):
• Aquamonitrix – Portable Ion Chromatograph
Aquamonitrix – Portable Ion Chromatograph
• Draft Civil Drone (Promotion and Regulation) Bill, 2025
Draft Civil Drone (Promotion and Regulation) Bill, 2025
• Central Information Commission (CIC)
Central Information Commission (CIC)
• Major U.S.-Led Military Exercises Around India
Major U.S.-Led Military Exercises Around India
• WHO Model List of Essential Medicines
WHO Model List of Essential Medicines
• Operation Weed Out
Operation Weed Out
Mapping:
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 17 September 2025
#### GS Paper 2:
Judicial Experimentalism with Section 498A
Syllabus: Polity
Source: TH
Context: The Supreme Court, in *Shivangi Bansal vs Sahib Bansal (2025),* endorsed the Allahabad High Court’s directions introducing a two-month “cooling period” and referral to Family Welfare Committees in Section 498A (now Section 85 BNS) cases.
• This move sparked debate on judicial experimentalism as it may delay a victim’s right to prompt justice and bypass statutory procedures.
About Judicial Experimentalism with Section 498A:
What is Judicial Experimentalism?
• Judicial Experimentalism refers to the practice where courts go beyond traditional interpretation of law and experiment with new remedies, procedures, or institutional mechanisms to address gaps, ensure justice, or resolve complex socio-legal problems.
• Key Characteristics:
• Innovative Remedies: Courts create new frameworks (e.g., cooling periods, monitoring committees) not explicitly provided in law. Policy-Influencing Role: Judiciary steps into domains traditionally reserved for legislature or executive. Trial-and-Error Approach: Such directions may later be modified, diluted, or struck down based on feedback and effectiveness.
• Innovative Remedies: Courts create new frameworks (e.g., cooling periods, monitoring committees) not explicitly provided in law.
• Policy-Influencing Role: Judiciary steps into domains traditionally reserved for legislature or executive.
• Trial-and-Error Approach: Such directions may later be modified, diluted, or struck down based on feedback and effectiveness.
• Examples:
• Vishaka Guidelines (1997): Supreme Court created guidelines on sexual harassment at workplace until a law was enacted. Prakash Singh Case (2006): Directions for police reforms issued due to legislative inaction. Rajesh Sharma Case (2017): Creation of Family Welfare Committees to screen 498A complaints (later rolled back).
• Vishaka Guidelines (1997): Supreme Court created guidelines on sexual harassment at workplace until a law was enacted.
• Prakash Singh Case (2006): Directions for police reforms issued due to legislative inaction.
• Rajesh Sharma Case (2017): Creation of Family Welfare Committees to screen 498A complaints (later rolled back).
About Section 498A and Judicial Safeguards:
• Purpose of Section 498A: Enacted in 1983 to protect women from cruelty in matrimonial homes, especially dowry harassment.
• Concerns of Misuse: Courts have noted rising false or exaggerated complaints leading to arbitrary arrests of husbands and in-laws.
• Judicial Safeguards: *Lalita Kumari vs Govt. of U.P.* (2013): Allowed preliminary inquiry before FIR in matrimonial disputes. CrPC 2008 Amendment: Introduced the principle of necessity for arrest. *Arnesh Kumar vs State of Bihar* (2014): Issued a checklist and “notice of appearance” to curb arbitrary arrests. *Satender Kumar Antil* (2022): Strengthened bail provisions in cases of wrongful arrest.
• *Lalita Kumari vs Govt. of U.P.* (2013): Allowed preliminary inquiry before FIR in matrimonial disputes.
• CrPC 2008 Amendment: Introduced the principle of necessity for arrest.
• *Arnesh Kumar vs State of Bihar* (2014): Issued a checklist and “notice of appearance” to curb arbitrary arrests.
• *Satender Kumar Antil* (2022): Strengthened bail provisions in cases of wrongful arrest.
Judicial Experimentalism: The Cooling Period Debate
• Allahabad High Court (2022): Directed that every 498A complaint be sent to a Family Welfare Committee (FWC) and no coercive action be taken for 2 months — intended to prevent misuse and encourage reconciliation.
• Supreme Court (2025): Endorsed these guidelines in Shivangi Bansal case, giving judicial approval to the concept of a mandatory “cooling period” before legal action.
Concerns:
• Delay in Justice: Victims are left waiting for relief while facing continued harassment, undermining the purpose of filing an FIR.
• Jurisdictional Overreach: FWCs have no statutory recognition; this bypasses the legal framework of BNS and CrPC.
• Past Precedent: The 2017 Rajesh Sharma FWC directions were struck down in Social Action Forum (2018) as regressive and beyond judicial competence.
Implications of the Ruling:
• Positive Aspects:
• Protection from False Cases: Safeguards innocent husbands and families from arbitrary arrest and social stigma. Encourages Reconciliation: Gives parties time to attempt amicable settlement before escalating to criminal proceedings.
• Protection from False Cases: Safeguards innocent husbands and families from arbitrary arrest and social stigma.
• Encourages Reconciliation: Gives parties time to attempt amicable settlement before escalating to criminal proceedings.
• Negative Aspects:
• Denial of Timely Justice: Victims are deprived of immediate protection such as restraining orders or arrests of abusers. Erosion of Autonomy: Police and magistrates lose discretion, affecting their statutory role in criminal justice. Legislative Overreach: Judiciary ends up creating a new procedure not sanctioned by Parliament. Psychological Trauma: Waiting period may demoralize victims, leading to mental distress and underreporting of genuine cases.
• Denial of Timely Justice: Victims are deprived of immediate protection such as restraining orders or arrests of abusers.
• Erosion of Autonomy: Police and magistrates lose discretion, affecting their statutory role in criminal justice.
• Legislative Overreach: Judiciary ends up creating a new procedure not sanctioned by Parliament.
• Psychological Trauma: Waiting period may demoralize victims, leading to mental distress and underreporting of genuine cases.
Balancing Judicial Innovation and Victim’s Rights:
• Statutory Backing: ADR or reconciliation mechanisms should be legislated to ensure clarity and accountability.
• Police Sensitization: Training police to follow Arnesh Kumar guidelines will check wrongful arrests without slowing justice delivery.
• Fast-Track Courts: Dedicated matrimonial courts can ensure speedy hearings without imposing cooling periods.
• Victim-Centric Approach: Urgent relief like shelter, protection orders, and medical help must not be delayed.
Way Forward:
• Revisit the Ruling: The SC must reconsider the decision in light of Social Action Forum (2018) to protect access to justice.
• Legislative Clarity: Parliament should clearly define procedures balancing protection of innocents and victims’ rights.
• Awareness & Mediation: Encourage voluntary pre-litigation mediation as an option, not a compulsion.
• Data-Driven Policy: NCRB trends show arrests are already declining — indicating current safeguards are effective without additional hurdles.
Conclusion:
The judiciary must walk a fine line between innovation and overreach. While preventing misuse of Section 498A is a legitimate concern, access to speedy justice is a constitutional right under Article 21. Judicial experimentalism must complement, not compromise, the rule of law.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 17 September 2025 GS Paper 4:
Integrity in Public Office
Syllabus: Foundational Value & Corruption
Source: NIE
Context: Assam Civil Service officer Nupur Bora was arrested for possessing assets allegedly 400 times her known income.
• A six-month CM Vigilance Cell probe led to seizure of over ₹2 crore in cash and jewellery, exposing a serious breach of public trust.
About Integrity in Public Office:
What it is?
Integrity in public office means consistent adherence to moral, ethical, and legal standards in discharging official duties. It is about aligning public power with public interest rather than private gain
Key Features of Integrity:
• Probity & Honesty: Acting with moral uprightness and refusing to accept undue advantage ensures zero tolerance for corruption.
• Accountability: Every decision must withstand audit, public scrutiny, and legal challenge, promoting responsible governance.
• Impartiality: Officials must avoid bias or conflict of interest and provide equal treatment to all citizens.
• Transparency: Decisions, finances, and processes must be open and easily accessible to enhance trust.
• Rule of Law: All actions must be consistent with the Constitution and legal provisions, ensuring fairness and justice.
Ethical Theories Underpinning Integrity:
• Deontological Ethics: Focuses on duty — officials must follow rules and moral obligations regardless of outcomes (Kantian philosophy).
• Utilitarian Ethics: Emphasizes maximizing collective welfare and minimizing harm while making decisions.
• Virtue Ethics: Stresses character traits like honesty, courage, and fairness as guiding principles for conduct.
• Social Contract Theory: Views public office as a trust — power is legitimate only when exercised in public interest.
Importance of Integrity in Public Offices:
• Public Trust: Builds citizen confidence in governance, ensuring higher compliance and cooperation.
• Efficient Service Delivery: Reduces leakages, ensures optimal use of resources, and improves welfare outcomes.
• Economic Growth: Clean governance lowers corruption costs and attracts domestic and foreign investment.
• Rule of Law: Reinforces equality before law, discouraging favoritism and patronage networks.
• Moral Leadership: Civil servants become role models, inspiring ethical behaviour in society.
Challenges to Integrity:
• Weak Enforcement: Delays in vigilance inquiries and departmental action allow unethical behaviour to continue.
• Opaque Processes: Lack of timely disclosure of assets or decisions creates opportunities for corruption.
• Political Patronage: Errant officers may be shielded through political interference or transfers.
• Low Deterrence: Slow trials and weak conviction rates reduce fear of punishment.
• Organized Corruption Networks: Nexus of officials, contractors, and middlemen institutionalizes corruption.
Role of Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act, 2018:
• Wider Definition: Expands the meaning of “undue advantage” to cover cash, gifts, favours, and non-monetary gratifications.
• Bribe Givers Punishable: Makes giving a bribe an offence while protecting coerced whistleblowers from prosecution.
• Corporate Liability: Holds companies responsible for employee bribery unless they prove adequate preventive systems.
• Time-bound Trials: Ensures corruption cases are concluded within two years (extendable to four), creating quick deterrence.
• Attachment of Property: Allows seizure and confiscation of illicit assets, depriving wrongdoers of illegal gains.
Way Ahead:
• Strengthen Internal Vigilance: Provide autonomy and resources to vigilance cells, Lokayuktas, and CVC for proactive investigation.
• Digital Transparency: Mandate online declaration of assets and create public dashboards for postings and transfers.
• Capacity Building: Regular ethics and integrity training to sensitize officials about probity and accountability.
• Swift Justice: Establish special courts for quick disposal of disproportionate asset cases and corruption trials.
• Whistleblower Protection: Enforce Whistleblower Protection Act effectively to encourage reporting of corruption safely.
Conclusion:
Integrity is the soul of public service—its absence corrodes governance from within. The Nupur Bora case is a wake-up call to tighten preventive vigilance, accelerate punitive action, and foster an ethical culture. A value-driven bureaucracy, supported by legal reforms like PCA 2018 and systemic vigilance, is essential for realizing the vision of a corruption-free, citizen-centric state.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 17 September 2025 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)
Courage Has No Age: The Story of Leela Jose
Anecdote: At the age of 70, Leela Jose, a farmer from Konnathady in Idukki, chose to defy both gravity and societal expectations by leaping out of a plane from 13,000 ft in Dubai. What started as a quiet wish nurtured while watching skydiving videos on television turned into a life-changing reality during a visit to her son. When she casually mentioned her dream, her son Balu instantly made arrangements through an adventure tourism agency, and within hours, she was cleared to jump. As the plane soared over Dubai, Leela felt a mix of excitement, curiosity, and fear, but her resolve never wavered. The wind roared past as she plunged into the open sky, embracing the free fall with courage and a wide smile. Her family and friends, once skeptical of her dream, now celebrated her grit. For Leela, this was more than a skydive — it was a statement that dreams do not come with an expiry date. She proved that courage is ageless and ambition timeless. Not satisfied with this feat, she now plans to take up scuba diving next, showing that the human spirit thrives when it chases possibilities. Her story stands as a testimony to resilience, hope, and breaking stereotypes even in the seventh decade of life.
Relevance in UPSC Ethics & Essay Paper
• Ethics (GS-IV): Moral Courage: Leela’s act demonstrates courage in the face of fear and societal criticism. Perseverance & Integrity: She stayed true to her inner calling despite being mocked initially.
• Moral Courage: Leela’s act demonstrates courage in the face of fear and societal criticism.
• Perseverance & Integrity: She stayed true to her inner calling despite being mocked initially.
• Essay Paper: Can be used in essays on “Age and Ambition,” “Power of Human Spirit,” “Breaking Stereotypes,” “Courage and Risk-Taking,” or “Pursuit of Happiness.” Adds a real-life anecdote to enrich arguments about dignity of risk, empowerment, and experiential living.
• Can be used in essays on “Age and Ambition,” “Power of Human Spirit,” “Breaking Stereotypes,” “Courage and Risk-Taking,” or “Pursuit of Happiness.”
• Adds a real-life anecdote to enrich arguments about dignity of risk, empowerment, and experiential living.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 17 September 2025 Facts for Prelims (FFP):
Aquamonitrix – Portable Ion Chromatograph
Source: TH
Context: A team of scientists from the University of Tasmania has developed a portable ion chromatograph, Aquamonitrix, that allows real-time, on-site detection of nitrate and nitrite levels.
About Aquamonitrix – Portable Ion Chromatograph:
• What It Is? A compact, low-pressure ion chromatograph that can separate and detect anions (like nitrate and nitrite) in real-time, outside traditional laboratory settings.
• A compact, low-pressure ion chromatograph that can separate and detect anions (like nitrate and nitrite) in real-time, outside traditional laboratory settings.
• Developed By: University of Tasmania researchers in collaboration with Aquamonitrix, a company specializing in field-deployable ion analysis instruments.
• How It Works?
• Sample Prep: Soil pore water is extracted with a portable vacuum pump and filtered on-site. Separation: The device uses a short chromatographic column and sodium chloride solution as a carrier. Detection: Equipped with a UV absorbance detector, it produces two clear peaks for nitrate and nitrite without interference from other anions. Power: Runs on battery, enabling field portability.
• Sample Prep: Soil pore water is extracted with a portable vacuum pump and filtered on-site.
• Separation: The device uses a short chromatographic column and sodium chloride solution as a carrier.
• Detection: Equipped with a UV absorbance detector, it produces two clear peaks for nitrate and nitrite without interference from other anions.
• Power: Runs on battery, enabling field portability.
• Key Features:
• Low-Pressure System: Simple, cost-effective, and safe for students to use. Environment-Friendly: Uses sodium chloride solution instead of hazardous eluent mixtures. Compact & Battery-Operated: Ideal for field studies and continuous monitoring. User-Friendly: Designed for undergraduates with minimal training.
• Low-Pressure System: Simple, cost-effective, and safe for students to use.
• Environment-Friendly: Uses sodium chloride solution instead of hazardous eluent mixtures.
• Compact & Battery-Operated: Ideal for field studies and continuous monitoring.
• User-Friendly: Designed for undergraduates with minimal training.
• Applications:
• Educational Tool: Hands-on learning for chemistry students — bridging theory and real-world practice. Environmental Monitoring: On-site measurement of nitrogen cycle components (nitrate, nitrite, ammonia). Research: Long-term monitoring in greenhouses, rivers, and water treatment plants. Future Potential: Expansion to detect arsenic, useful for groundwater quality assessment in India & Bangladesh.
• Educational Tool: Hands-on learning for chemistry students — bridging theory and real-world practice.
• Environmental Monitoring: On-site measurement of nitrogen cycle components (nitrate, nitrite, ammonia).
• Research: Long-term monitoring in greenhouses, rivers, and water treatment plants.
• Future Potential: Expansion to detect arsenic, useful for groundwater quality assessment in India & Bangladesh.
Draft Civil Drone (Promotion and Regulation) Bill, 2025
Source: NIE
Context: The Ministry of Civil Aviation released the draft Civil Drone (Promotion and Regulation) Bill, 2025 for public consultation.
About Draft Civil Drone (Promotion and Regulation) Bill, 2025:
What It Is?
• A comprehensive legislation to regulate, promote, and secure unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) in India.
• Seeks to repeal the Drone Rules, 2021 and create a robust legal framework.
Ministry: Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) – with DGCA as the primary regulator.
Objective:
• Ensure safe, secure, and responsible use of drones.
• Promote innovation, industry growth, and integration of drones into civil airspace.
• Protect public safety and privacy through stricter compliance and penalties.
Key Features:
• Mandatory Registration: Unique Identification Number (UIN) required for all drones.
• Type Certification: DGCA approval mandatory for manufacturing, sale, and operation.
• Remote Pilot Requirement: Valid remote pilot certificate compulsory.
• Digital Sky Zones: Green Zone: Free flying allowed. Yellow Zone: ATC clearance needed. Red Zone: Central govt. permission mandatory.
• Green Zone: Free flying allowed.
• Yellow Zone: ATC clearance needed.
• Red Zone: Central govt. permission mandatory.
• Compulsory Insurance: Third-party coverage for all drone operators.
• Safety & Security Features: Anti-tampering, traceability, and airworthiness compliance.
• Strict Penalties: Jail term: 3 months – 3 years. Fine: Up to ₹1 lakh. Cognisable offences for restricted zone violations.
• Jail term: 3 months – 3 years.
• Fine: Up to ₹1 lakh.
• Cognisable offences for restricted zone violations.
• Confiscation Powers: DGCA/police can seize drones, electronic records, and devices in case of violations.
• Victim Compensation: ₹2.5 lakh for death, ₹1 lakh for grievous injury. Claims handled by Motor Accident Claims Tribunal.
• ₹2.5 lakh for death, ₹1 lakh for grievous injury.
• Claims handled by Motor Accident Claims Tribunal.
Central Information Commission (CIC)
Source: DH
Context: The Central Information Commission (CIC) has been headless for the 7th time in 11 years after Chief Information Commissioner Heeralal Samariya retired.
About Central Information Commission (CIC):
What It Is?
• The CIC is the apex appellate body under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005, responsible for adjudicating second appeals and complaints regarding access to public information.
Established In:
• Constituted on 12 October 2005 by a Central Government notification under Section 12 of the RTI Act, 2005.
Headquarters: New Delhi, India
Structure:
• Chief Information Commissioner (CIC) + up to 10 Information Commissioners (ICs).
• Appointment made by a committee comprising: Prime Minister (Chairperson) Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Union Cabinet Minister nominated by PM
• Prime Minister (Chairperson)
• Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha
• Union Cabinet Minister nominated by PM
• Ensure transparency and accountability in governance by enforcing citizens’ Right to Information.
• Reduce corruption and promote citizen participation in democracy.
Functions & Powers:
• Adjudication: Hears second appeals against decisions of Central Public Information Officers (CPIOs).
• Complaints Handling: Inquires into refusal, delay, denial, or unreasonable fees for RTI applications (Sec 18).
• Monitoring: Ensures suo motu disclosures by public authorities (Sec 4).
• Penalties: Can impose penalties on erring officials for non-compliance (Sec 20).
• Annual Reporting: Submits annual report on RTI implementation to Parliament (Sec 25).
• Quasi-Judicial Powers: Summon witnesses, enforce attendance, receive evidence on oath. Requisition public records and examine them during inquiry. Issue directions to improve record-keeping and proactive disclosure.
• Summon witnesses, enforce attendance, receive evidence on oath.
• Requisition public records and examine them during inquiry.
• Issue directions to improve record-keeping and proactive disclosure.
Major U.S.-Led Military Exercises Around India
Source: IT
Context: Bangladesh and the United States will conduct three joint exercises (Tiger Lightning, Tiger Shark, Pacific Angel) and launch the RQ-21 UAS program in 2025 to enhance interoperability and regional security.
About Major U.S.-Led Military Exercises Around India:
Exercise Tiger Lightning 2025:
• Host: Bangladesh
• Participants: Bangladesh Army and U.S. Army Pacific
• Aim: Improve readiness for counter-terrorism, peacekeeping operations, jungle warfare, and medical evacuation.
• Key Features: Focus on counter-K training and rescue drills. Practical simulation-based exercises to boost soldier preparedness.
• Focus on counter-K training and rescue drills.
• Practical simulation-based exercises to boost soldier preparedness.
Exercise Tiger Shark 2025 (Flash Bengal Series):
• Host: Bangladesh
• Participants: Bangladesh Special Warfare Diving and Salvage Unit, Para Commando Brigade, U.S. Special Forces
• Aim: Strengthen maritime security operations and special operations readiness.
• Key Features: Training in patrol boat handling and small-arms marksmanship. Use of U.S. equipment to improve interoperability in crisis response.
• Training in patrol boat handling and small-arms marksmanship.
• Use of U.S. equipment to improve interoperability in crisis response.
Exercise Pacific Angel 2025:
• Host: Bangladesh (4th iteration) and Sri Lanka (largest regional event in 2025)
• Participants: U.S. Pacific Air Forces, Bangladesh Air Force, Sri Lanka Air Force, Royal Australian Air Force, Japan Air Self-Defense Force, Maldives Defence Force
• Aim: Enhance disaster response, humanitarian assistance, and aeromedical evacuation capability.
• Key Features: C-130 aircraft airdrop training and air mobility drills. Search & Rescue (SAR), jungle survival, and mass casualty response exercises. Strengthens multi-nation interoperability for regional HADR.
• C-130 aircraft airdrop training and air mobility drills.
• Search & Rescue (SAR), jungle survival, and mass casualty response exercises.
• Strengthens multi-nation interoperability for regional HADR.
RQ-21 Blackjack UAS Program Launch:
• Location: Bangladesh
• Partners: U.S. Army & Navy with Bangladesh Army/Navy
• Aim: Build indigenous unmanned aerial surveillance capability.
• Key Features: Joint Army-Navy regiment created to operate UAS. Supports maritime domain awareness, border security, and UN peacekeeping missions.
• Joint Army-Navy regiment created to operate UAS.
• Supports maritime domain awareness, border security, and UN peacekeeping missions.
NOTE: The USA is actively conducting military exercises with India’s fragile neighbours such as Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. This reflects Washington’s aspiration to expand its strategic presence and potentially establish a military foothold in the region, making this development geopolitically significant.
WHO Model List of Essential Medicines
Source: TH
Context: The WHO has added GLP-1 receptor agonists (semaglutide, dulaglutide, liraglutide, tirzepatide) to its Model List of Essential Medicines (EML) for type-2 diabetes with comorbidities like obesity and cardiovascular/kidney disease.
About GLP-1 Drugs:
• What It Is?
• Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) drugs are medications that mimic the action of the natural GLP-1 hormone. They belong to the class of GLP-1 receptor agonists (also called incretin mimetics).
• Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) drugs are medications that mimic the action of the natural GLP-1 hormone.
• They belong to the class of GLP-1 receptor agonists (also called incretin mimetics).
• Primary: Lower blood glucose in type-2 diabetes patients. Secondary: Support weight loss, improve cardio-metabolic health, and reduce diabetes complications (heart/kidney).
• Primary: Lower blood glucose in type-2 diabetes patients.
• Secondary: Support weight loss, improve cardio-metabolic health, and reduce diabetes complications (heart/kidney).
• Key Features:
• Mode: Mostly injectable (some oral versions available). Benefits:
• Mode: Mostly injectable (some oral versions available).
• Benefits:
• Improves insulin secretion, slows digestion, suppresses appetite.
• Proven benefits for obesity management and metabolic health.
About WHO Model List of Essential Medicines (EML):
• What It Is?
• A list of medicines considered most effective, safe, and essential for meeting priority health needs of a population.
• A list of medicines considered most effective, safe, and essential for meeting priority health needs of a population.
• Origin:
• First published by WHO in 1977 and updated every two years by the WHO Expert Committee. EML for Children introduced in 2007.
• First published by WHO in 1977 and updated every two years by the WHO Expert Committee.
• EML for Children introduced in 2007.
• Aim: Guide countries in selecting, procuring, and making medicines accessible to all.
• Guide countries in selecting, procuring, and making medicines accessible to all.
• Promote universal health coverage by focusing on affordability and availability.
• Promote universal health coverage by focusing on affordability and availability.
• Key Features:
• Evidence-based Selection: Only drugs with proven efficacy, safety, and cost-effectiveness included. Global Benchmark: Used by over 150 countries to frame their national essential medicines lists (NEML). Dynamic List: Updated biennially to reflect new therapeutic needs and scientific evidence. Impact on Pricing: Encourages bulk procurement and generic production, driving prices lower.
• Evidence-based Selection: Only drugs with proven efficacy, safety, and cost-effectiveness included.
• Global Benchmark: Used by over 150 countries to frame their national essential medicines lists (NEML).
• Dynamic List: Updated biennially to reflect new therapeutic needs and scientific evidence.
• Impact on Pricing: Encourages bulk procurement and generic production, driving prices lower.
Operation Weed Out
Source: PIB
Context: The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has seized 108.67 kg of hydroponic weed in less than 20 days under its ongoing “Operation Weed Out” across India.
About Operation Weed Out:
What It Is?
• A nationwide anti-drug enforcement drive targeting trafficking syndicates smuggling hydroponic cannabis into India.
Launched By: Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) under the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), Ministry of Finance.
Objective:
• Curb the illegal inflow of hydroponic weed (high-potency cannabis) from Southeast Asia.
• Disrupt drug syndicates and prevent the circulation of narcotics in India.
• Support the government’s mission of Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (Drug-Free India).
Key Features
• Intelligence-Driven Operations: Targeted interception based on specific intelligence inputs.
• Pan-India Coverage: Simultaneous crackdowns in airports and cities across the country.
• Multi-Agency Coordination: Cooperation with airport security, customs, and state police.
• Financial Trail Investigations: Seizure of drug money and identification of financiers/masterminds.
• Legal Action: Arrests under NDPS Act, 1985 with strict prosecution.
Significance:
• Protects Public Health: Prevents large-scale drug abuse, especially among youth.
• National Security: Disrupts international narco-networks that exploit India as a market.
• Economic Impact: Cuts off illegal proceeds fueling organized crime.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 17 September 2025 Mapping:
Source: TOI
Context: India condemned the recent attacks in Doha at the UNHRC, calling it a violation of Qatar’s sovereignty.
• India reiterated support for Qatar’s security and regional peace, without naming Israel, which has claimed responsibility.
About Qatar:
• What It Is?
• A sovereign country in West Asia, officially known as the State of Qatar. Ruled as a hereditary monarchy by the House of Thani since 1868; gained independence in 1971.
• A sovereign country in West Asia, officially known as the State of Qatar.
• Ruled as a hereditary monarchy by the House of Thani since 1868; gained independence in 1971.
• Borders: Shares a single land border with Saudi Arabia and surrounded by the Persian Gulf on other sides.
• Nearby: Separated from Bahrain by the Gulf of Bahrain.
• Topography: Mostly flat, low-lying desert peninsula.
• Capital: Doha (home to 80%+ of population).
• Key Features:
• Economy: High-income economy, backed by 3rd-largest natural gas reserves and significant oil reserves. One of the largest exporters of LNG globally. Among the world’s highest GDP (PPP) per capita and GNI per capita. Politics: Emir holds executive, legislative, judicial powers and partially elected Consultative Assembly can block legislation. Strategic Role: Member of GCC and a major non-NATO ally of the U.S. Hosts major U.S. military base at Al Udeid. Influential through Al Jazeera Media Network and active in regional diplomacy.
• Economy: High-income economy, backed by 3rd-largest natural gas reserves and significant oil reserves. One of the largest exporters of LNG globally. Among the world’s highest GDP (PPP) per capita and GNI per capita.
• High-income economy, backed by 3rd-largest natural gas reserves and significant oil reserves.
• One of the largest exporters of LNG globally.
• Among the world’s highest GDP (PPP) per capita and GNI per capita.
• Politics: Emir holds executive, legislative, judicial powers and partially elected Consultative Assembly can block legislation.
• Emir holds executive, legislative, judicial powers and partially elected Consultative Assembly can block legislation.
• Strategic Role: Member of GCC and a major non-NATO ally of the U.S. Hosts major U.S. military base at Al Udeid. Influential through Al Jazeera Media Network and active in regional diplomacy.
• Member of GCC and a major non-NATO ally of the U.S.
• Hosts major U.S. military base at Al Udeid.
• Influential through Al Jazeera Media Network and active in regional diplomacy.
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