UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 19 September 2025

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 19 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 1 : (UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 19 September (2025)

• Equalising Primary Food Consumption in India

Equalising Primary Food Consumption in India

GS Paper 3:

• World Trade Report 2025

World Trade Report 2025

Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):

• Plasticdweep

Plasticdweep

Facts for Prelims (FFP):

• EPFO Passbook Lite

EPFO Passbook Lite

• India & FAO Join Hands to Build World-Class Blue Ports

India & FAO Join Hands to Build World-Class Blue Ports

• Seven Natural Heritage Sites Added to UNESCO’s Tentative List

Seven Natural Heritage Sites Added to UNESCO’s Tentative List

• Yellow-Crested Cockatoos

Yellow-Crested Cockatoos

• India-AI Impact Summit 2026

India-AI Impact Summit 2026

• WIPO Global Innovation Index (GII) 2025

WIPO Global Innovation Index (GII) 2025

Mapping:

• El Niño

El Niño

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 19 September 2025

#### GS Paper 1/2:

Equalising Primary Food Consumption in India

Syllabus: Poverty & Hunger/Social Justice

Source: TH

Context: The 2024 NSS Household Consumption Survey revealed that nearly 50% of rural India and 20% of urban India cannot afford two thalis a day, despite low poverty levels.

• Experts propose restructuring PDS to equalise primary food consumption, especially pulses.

About Equalising Primary Food Consumption in India:

What is Primary Food Consumption?

• Definition: The basic minimum food intake required to ensure energy, protein, and micronutrient sufficiency for a healthy life.

• Components: Cereals (carbs), pulses (protein), vegetables (vitamins), fats (energy), and milk/curd (calcium).

• Metric Used: Thali index – a standard South Asian meal combining rice/roti, dal, vegetables, curd, and salad.

Features of Primary Food Consumption

• Balanced Nutrition: Goes beyond calories, ensures carbs–protein–micronutrient mix for growth & immunity.

• Universal Baseline: Represents minimum desirable consumption standard for all citizens.

• Affordability Sensitive: Reflects what people can actually buy after meeting other expenses (rent, health, transport).

• Equity-Oriented: Serves as a benchmark to assess disparities in access to essential food items.

• Policy-Relevant: Provides a realistic yardstick for PDS design and subsidy targeting.

Understanding Primary Food Consumption:

• Current Reality: Nearly 50% of rural and 20% of urban India cannot afford two thalis/day at market prices. PDS reduces deprivation but does not cover pulses adequately, leaving protein gaps.

• Nearly 50% of rural and 20% of urban India cannot afford two thalis/day at market prices.

• PDS reduces deprivation but does not cover pulses adequately, leaving protein gaps.

• Cereal Equality: Consumption of rice & wheat nearly equal across rich and poor — PDS has succeeded in equalising cereals.

• Pulses Gap: Bottom 5% consume half the pulses of top 5%, highlighting protein deprivation.

• Policy Implication: Expand PDS to include pulses, trim unnecessary cereal subsidy for high-consumption groups.

• Outcome Goal: Raise the poorest household’s nutrition to match the highest observed level, achieving true food equity.

Public Distribution System – Present Context:

• Achievements: PDS has succeeded in equalising cereal consumption across classes — even the richest consume similar quantities of rice/wheat.

• Gaps: Despite near-universal cereal coverage, protein deficiency persists among the poorest (0–5% fractile consume half the pulses eaten by top 5%).

• Inefficiencies: 80% of population receives cereals (including those above food adequacy levels), straining FCI stocking and fiscal resources.

• Urban-Rural Divide: Urban subsidies are relatively progressive, but rural subsidies disproportionately benefit higher-expenditure households.

• Policy Overhang: Large cereal entitlements do not match actual consumption needs → excess stocks & economic inefficiency.

Challenges in Equalising Food Consumption:

• Fiscal Stress: Universal cereal subsidies cost exchequer significantly, leaving little room for pulses and nutrition diversification.

• Nutritional Deficit: India faces protein-energy malnutrition, anaemia, and stunting despite cereal security.

• Logistics: Transporting pulses regularly and maintaining buffer stocks require robust infrastructure and price stabilisation.

• Targeting Errors: Leakages, inclusion of non-poor, and exclusion errors distort benefits.

• Behavioural Factors: Dietary choices influenced by culture, affordability, and awareness may limit uptake even when pulses are available.

Policy Proposal – Restructuring PDS for Nutrition Security

• Rationalise Cereal Entitlement: Trim rice/wheat allocation to match actual per-capita requirement of lower deciles.

• Diversify Basket: Include pulses, millets, fortified oil, and iodised salt to ensure balanced nutrition.

• Remove Top-End Subsidies: Eliminate free/subsidised cereals for top 20% consumption fractile, freeing fiscal space.

• Dynamic Targeting: Use Aadhaar + SECC data to ensure updated beneficiary lists.

• Leverage Technology: GPS-enabled grain movement, DBT for pulses, and e-POS for better monitoring.

Way Forward:

• Nutrition-First Approach: Shift from calorie security to protein and micronutrient security.

• Pulse Procurement Missions: Expand procurement under NFSM; incentivise farmers to grow pulses in rice fallows.

• Fiscal Prudence: Redirect savings from rationalised cereal subsidy to nutrition programmes (ICDS, PM Poshan).

• Community Kitchens: Expand Anna Canteens and Tamil Nadu’s Amma Canteens model for affordable thali meals.

• Public Awareness: Educate citizens on balanced diets, protein needs, and millet consumption.

Conclusion:

India’s success in cereal security must now evolve into nutrition security. Rationalising PDS subsidies, adding pulses, and targeting the truly deprived can bridge the protein gap and equalise food consumption. A compact, efficient, and nutrition-sensitive PDS can make India a global model for ending hidden hunger.

#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 19 September 2025 GS Paper 3:

World Trade Report 2025

Syllabus: Economy

Source: WTO

Context: The World Trade Organization (WTO) released its World Trade Report 2025, highlighting that Artificial Intelligence (AI) could raise global trade by 34–37% and GDP by 12–13% by 2040 if digital divides are bridged and inclusive policies are adopted.

About World Trade Report 2025:

What It Is?

• Annual Flagship Publication: Published by the World Trade Organization (WTO) to analyze trade trends, policies, and the multilateral trading system’s future.

• 2025 Theme: “Making Trade and AI Work Together to the Benefit of All” – explores AI’s impact on global trade and inclusive growth.

Key Highlights of the Report:

• AI as a Trade Multiplier: AI adoption could boost global trade in goods and services by nearly 40% by 2040, driven by lower trade costs and productivity gains.

• Global GDP Gains: The report projects 12–13% rise in global GDP under scenarios where digital gaps narrow and AI adoption spreads across income groups.

• AI-Enabled Goods Trade: Trade in AI-enabling goods (chips, semiconductors, servers) already totals USD 2.3 trillion (2023) and will expand further with open trade regimes.

• Digital Divide Challenge: Without policy intervention, low- and middle-income economies risk exclusion from AI-led trade benefits due to poor connectivity and compute capacity.

• Labour Market Impact: AI could displace routine cognitive jobs (translation, transcription) but raise demand for data annotation, engineering, and AI oversight roles.

• Regulatory Fragmentation: Quantitative restrictions on AI-related goods rose from 130 (2012) to 500 (2024) — a trend the WTO warns could stifle innovation and raise costs.

• AI-Trade Synergy: AI reduces logistics costs, enables predictive supply chain management, automates customs clearance — improving trade efficiency for SMEs.

• Inclusivity Imperative: The report stresses reskilling, social protection, and open data access to prevent widening inequality and ensure equitable distribution of AI gains.

• WTO’s Role: Calls for expanding participation in Information Technology Agreement (ITA) and updating GATS commitments to include AI-driven digital services.

Opportunities:

• Lower Trade Costs: AI-enabled supply chain optimization, predictive logistics, automated customs.

• New Trade in Services: AI-powered digital services (telemedicine, analytics) expand export potential.

• Knowledge Diffusion: Openness boosts cross-border AI innovation — 10% rise in digital trade → 2.6% more AI patent citations.

• Inclusive Growth Potential: AI can reduce skill wage gaps slightly, benefiting low- and middle-income economies if adopted widely.

• Development Entry Points: Data annotation, cloud services, and local adaptation of AI models create jobs for developing nations.

Challenges:

• Digital Infrastructure Gap: Low-income countries lack computing power, connectivity, and skilled workforce.

• Regulatory Fragmentation: Data localization, export controls, and divergent AI standards raise trade barriers.

• Concentration of AI Capabilities: Dominance of a few countries/firms risks monopolistic control over AI inputs.

• Labour Market Disruption: Job displacement in translation, transcription, and support functions may widen inequality.

• Energy & Sustainability Concerns: Data centers already consume 1.5% of global electricity — green transition needed.

WTO Recommendations:

• Bridge Digital Infrastructure Gaps: Invest in broadband, cloud, and computing capacity for low- and middle-income economies to enable equal AI participation.

• Inclusive Workforce Reskilling: Launch global AI skilling initiatives to prepare workers for new AI-enabled roles, avoiding job polarisation.

• Open & Predictable Trade Policy: Reduce tariffs and non-tariff barriers on AI-enabling goods, promote interoperability of AI standards, and prevent protectionist measures.

• Global AI Governance: Develop multilateral frameworks for data flows, algorithmic transparency, and ethical AI to build trust and ensure responsible deployment.

• Sustainability Alignment: Encourage green AI — energy-efficient data centers, carbon-neutral cloud services — so AI growth aligns with climate goals.

Conclusion:

AI represents a transformative opportunity for trade-led growth, but only if digital divides are closed and regulatory fragmentation is avoided. A coherent mix of trade, technology, and social policies can ensure AI becomes a tool for inclusive global prosperity rather than a driver of inequality

#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 19 September 2025 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)

Plasticdweep

Context: A massive fire at Minicoy Island’s dump yard exposed Lakshadweep’s 4,000-tonne waste crisis, threatening coral reefs, marine life, and fisherfolk livelihoods.

About Plasticdweep:

What It Is?

• Plasticdweep is a term used to highlight the growing marine and land waste crisis across Lakshadweep islands.

• Minicoy’s September 2025 fire revealed years of neglected waste management, ad-hoc dumping, and absence of functional disposal systems.

Data & Trends:

• Waste Accumulation: Nearly 4,000 tonnes of uncollected dry waste (plastics, e-waste, appliances) scattered across islands.

• CUSAT 2024 Survey: 32,710 litter items on 28 beaches; 59% coral colonies smothered, 15% bleaching recorded.

• Governance Breakdown: Post-2021 dismantling of panchayats halted regular collection → unregulated dumping & burning.

• Logistical Challenges: Waste evacuation possible only 4–5 months a year due to monsoon; barges prioritise food/fuel.

Implications:

• Ecological: Coral death leads to fish stock collapse which in turn lead to loss of marine biodiversity.

• Livelihood: Threat to fisherfolk income, food security, and tourism potential.

• Health: Toxic smoke, leachate contamination, bio-accumulation of microplastics in food chain.

Relevance in UPSC Syllabus:

• GS-3 (Environment & Ecology): Solid waste management, marine litter, climate change impacts, CRZ regulations, coral reef conservation.

• GS-2 (Governance): Role of local bodies, decentralisation, panchayat disempowerment, policy implementation gaps.

• Essay: “Tourism vs Ecology – Finding the Balance in Fragile Ecosystems” or “Plastic – From Convenience to Catastrophe.”

EPFO Passbook Lite

Source: IT

Context: The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has launched “Passbook Lite”, a simplified PF balance view on its member portal.

About EPFO Passbook Lite:

What It Is?

• A new facility within EPFO’s Member Portal providing a quick, summarised snapshot of PF contributions, withdrawals, and balance — without logging in to the separate passbook portal.

Launched By: Union Labour & Employment Minister, on behalf of EPFO.

• To simplify access to PF information, reduce login delays, enhance transparency, and improve member satisfaction.

Key Features:

• Single Login: No need to log in to a separate passbook portal.

• Quick Snapshot: Shows contributions, withdrawals, and current balance at a glance.

• Faster Access: Reduces load on main portal, leading to quicker response times.

• Detailed View Option: Full passbook still available for those needing comprehensive data.

• Integrated with Transfer Tracking: Members can check PF transfer status and download Annexure K.

Significance:

• Improves Transparency: Members can instantly verify employer contributions and transfers.

• Reduces Grievances: Eliminates delays and password sync issues from dual login.

• Boosts Digital Inclusion: Over 2.7 crore users gain seamless access to PF data.

India & FAO Join Hands to Build World-Class Blue Ports

Source: PIB

Context: India’s Department of Fisheries (DoF) and the FAO have signed a Technical Cooperation Programme (TCP) to develop world-class Blue Ports.

About India & FAO Join Hands to Build World-Class Blue Ports:

What It Is?

• A collaborative initiative under FAO’s TCP to upgrade fishing ports into smart, sustainable, and inclusive Blue Ports, ensuring economic growth and ecological protection.

Organisations Involved:

• Department of Fisheries (DoF), Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying (MoFAHD), Government of India.

• Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations.

• Modernise fishing harbour infrastructure, boost post-harvest efficiency, ensure traceability, and promote climate-resilient, tech-driven fisheries value chains.

• Enhance food and nutritional security, strengthen export competitiveness, and empower coastal communities.

Features of Blue Ports:

• Smart Technology Integration: IoT sensors, AI, 5G, automation, satellite communication, real-time data analytics.

• Eco-Friendly Infrastructure: Rainwater harvesting, energy-efficient lighting, electric equipment, robust waste management & sewage treatment systems.

• Climate Resilience: Pollution control, debris clean-up systems, energy transition in port operations.

About Blue Port Framework:

• What It Is?

• A flagship initiative of the Department of Fisheries (DoF) under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying. Supported under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) and backed by the FAO’s Technical Cooperation Programme.

• A flagship initiative of the Department of Fisheries (DoF) under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying.

• Supported under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) and backed by the FAO’s Technical Cooperation Programme.

• Features:

• Technological Integration: IoT devices, sensor networks, satellite communications, data analytics for real-time monitoring. Eco-Friendly Design: Rainwater harvesting, energy-efficient lighting, electric equipment, waste and sewage treatment facilities. Operational Efficiency: Digital platforms for harbour management, traceability, and faster fish handling. Social Inclusion: Safer working conditions, women-friendly infrastructure, stakeholder participation. Pilot Harbours: Vanakbara (Diu), Jakhau (Gujarat), and Karaikal (Puducherry) with ₹369.8 crore investment.

• Technological Integration: IoT devices, sensor networks, satellite communications, data analytics for real-time monitoring.

• Eco-Friendly Design: Rainwater harvesting, energy-efficient lighting, electric equipment, waste and sewage treatment facilities.

• Operational Efficiency: Digital platforms for harbour management, traceability, and faster fish handling.

• Social Inclusion: Safer working conditions, women-friendly infrastructure, stakeholder participation.

• Pilot Harbours: Vanakbara (Diu), Jakhau (Gujarat), and Karaikal (Puducherry) with ₹369.8 crore investment.

Significance:

• Boosts Blue Economy: Strengthens fisheries sector, improves exports and incomes of fisherfolk.

• Supports PMMSY Goals: Aligns with Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana for modern harbour infrastructure.

• Environmental Stewardship: Reduces marine pollution and supports sustainable fishing practices.

Seven Natural Heritage Sites Added to UNESCO’s Tentative List

Source: News on Air

Context: Seven new natural heritage sites from India have been added to UNESCO’s Tentative List of World Heritage Sites, raising India’s total to 69 properties under consideration.

About Seven Natural Heritage Sites Added to UNESCO’s Tentative List:

What It Is?

• The Tentative List is the first step in the process of attaining World Heritage Site status under UNESCO.

• Inclusion signals international recognition and begins the process for future nomination and global conservation funding/support.

• Preserve Geological and Natural Heritage: Highlight sites with unique ecological, geological, and scientific significance.

• Promote Global Recognition: Enhance India’s cultural diplomacy and soft power by showcasing natural wonders.

Sites Nominated & Key Features

• Deccan Traps, Maharashtra – Among the world’s best-preserved lava flows, located in Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary (also a UNESCO site).

• St. Mary’s Island Cluster, Karnataka – Rare columnar basaltic rock formations from the Late Cretaceous period (85 mya).

• Meghalayan Age Caves, Meghalaya – Includes Mawmluh Cave, the global stratotype for Meghalayan Age in the Holocene Epoch.

• Naga Hill Ophiolite, Nagaland – Exposes oceanic crust uplifted on land, crucial for understanding plate tectonics.

• Erra Matti Dibbalu, Andhra Pradesh – Red sand dunes with paleo-climatic evidence, showcasing coastal geomorphology.

• Natural Heritage of Tirumala Hills, Andhra Pradesh – Home to the Eparchaean Unconformity (1.5 billion years old) and Silathoranam arch.

• Varkala Cliffs, Kerala – Spectacular coastal cliffs exposing Warkalli Formation, with natural springs and scenic value.

Significance:

• Strengthens India’s Global Standing: Positions India as a leader in geodiversity and nature conservation.

• Boosts Research & Education: Provides opportunities for geological, ecological, and climate studies.

• Supports Eco-Tourism: Attracts global tourists, creating jobs while maintaining ecological balance.

Yellow-Crested Cockatoos

Source: TH

Context: Critically endangered yellow-crested cockatoos in Hong Kong are losing natural nesting sites due to tree loss and urban trimming, prompting conservationists to install artificial nest boxes to support their survival.

About Yellow-Crested Cockatoos:

What They Are?

• Medium-sized white cockatoos with a striking yellow crest, known for loud calls and social behaviour.

Scientific name: Cacatua sulphurea.

Native Range:

• Endemic to Indonesia and Timor-Leste – once common in Nusa Tenggara, Sulawesi, Masalembu Islands.

• Currently survives in small populations on Komodo, Flores, Sumbawa, Timor and a few Sulawesi islands.

Habitat:

• Prefer tropical dry forests, woodlands, and tree cavities for nesting.

• In cities, adapt to urban parks and tall tree canopies, coexisting with human activity.

IUCN Status: Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List.

Features:

• Physical:

• Medium-sized bird with snow-white plumage and a bright yellow crest that fans up when excited or alarmed. Has a strong, curved black beak adapted for cracking nuts and seeds; noticeably smaller than the sulphur-crested cockatoo.

• Medium-sized bird with snow-white plumage and a bright yellow crest that fans up when excited or alarmed.

• Has a strong, curved black beak adapted for cracking nuts and seeds; noticeably smaller than the sulphur-crested cockatoo.

• Social Behaviour:

• Highly gregarious and vocal, often seen flying in noisy flocks, communicating through loud squawks. Exhibit strong pair-bonding, forming lifelong monogamous pairs and showing cooperative behaviour within groups.

• Highly gregarious and vocal, often seen flying in noisy flocks, communicating through loud squawks.

• Exhibit strong pair-bonding, forming lifelong monogamous pairs and showing cooperative behaviour within groups.

• Biological Traits:

• Nest in natural tree hollows or cavities, laying 2–3 eggs per clutch during breeding season. Both male and female share incubation duties and jointly feed the chicks until fledging, ensuring high parental investment.

• Nest in natural tree hollows or cavities, laying 2–3 eggs per clutch during breeding season.

• Both male and female share incubation duties and jointly feed the chicks until fledging, ensuring high parental investment.

• Migration & Movement:

• Mostly sedentary species, staying within established home ranges throughout the year. May undertake local movements to find food, water, or safe nesting sites, especially when habitat is disturbed.

• Mostly sedentary species, staying within established home ranges throughout the year.

• May undertake local movements to find food, water, or safe nesting sites, especially when habitat is disturbed.

India-AI Impact Summit 2026

Source: DD News

Context: The Ministry of Electronics & IT (MeitY) has unveiled the logo and flagship initiatives for the India-AI Impact Summit 2026, scheduled for February 19–20, 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.

About India-AI Impact Summit 2026:

What It Is?

• A global platform to showcase AI’s transformative role in inclusive growth, sustainability, and social good.

• First such summit hosted by a Global South nation, positioning India as a thought leader in responsible AI adoption.

Organised by: Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India.

• Build a shared global vision for AI that is ethical, inclusive, and equitable.

• Democratise access to data, compute, models, and foster safe, trusted AI ecosystems.

• Promote AI for economic development, governance, health, education, and climate resilience.

Key Features:

• Guiding Principles (Three Sutras): People: AI for human dignity, cultural inclusion, and equitable opportunities. Planet: Resource-efficient AI for sustainability, climate resilience, and environmental protection. Progress: Democratised AI resources and equitable distribution of benefits.

• People: AI for human dignity, cultural inclusion, and equitable opportunities.

• Planet: Resource-efficient AI for sustainability, climate resilience, and environmental protection.

• Progress: Democratised AI resources and equitable distribution of benefits.

• Seven Thematic Chakras: Human Capital, Inclusion, Safe & Trusted AI, Resilience, Science, Democratizing AI Resources, and AI for Social Good.

• Flagship Initiatives:

• UDAAN Global AI Pitch Fest – showcase startups from India & abroad. YuvaAI Innovation Challenge & AI by HER – youth & women-led innovation. Global Innovation Challenge for All – solve public-interest problems via AI. AI Expo – 300+ exhibitors, 30+ countries, 10+ thematic pavilions. Research Symposium – cutting-edge AI research, collaborations.

• UDAAN Global AI Pitch Fest – showcase startups from India & abroad.

• YuvaAI Innovation Challenge & AI by HER – youth & women-led innovation.

• Global Innovation Challenge for All – solve public-interest problems via AI.

• AI Expo – 300+ exhibitors, 30+ countries, 10+ thematic pavilions.

• Research Symposium – cutting-edge AI research, collaborations.

• Launch of 8 Indigenous Foundational AI Models: Covering healthcare, agriculture, governance, industry, multilingual AI, and material science research.

• 570 Data & AI Labs Network: 30 labs launched as first wave, providing training on data annotation, curation, and FutureSkills programs.

• IndiaAI Fellowship Programme: Expanded to 13,500 scholars (UG, PG, PhD), creating a robust AI talent pipeline across disciplines.

WIPO Global Innovation Index (GII) 2025

Source: WIPO

Context: The WIPO Global Innovation Index (GII) 2025 ranked India 38th globally out of 139 economies, retaining its position as the top performer in Central & Southern Asia.

About WIPO Global Innovation Index (GII) 2025:

• Launched by: World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), in collaboration with Portulans Institute and partners.

• Nature: Annual benchmarking report, now in its 18th edition, covering 139 economies and 100 innovation clusters.

• Objective: Measures countries’ capacity and success in innovation, guides policymakers and industry leaders.

• Conceptual Framework: Innovation Inputs: Institutions, Human Capital & Research, Infrastructure, Market Sophistication, Business Sophistication. Innovation Outputs: Knowledge & Technology Outputs, Creative Outputs.

• Innovation Inputs: Institutions, Human Capital & Research, Infrastructure, Market Sophistication, Business Sophistication.

• Innovation Outputs: Knowledge & Technology Outputs, Creative Outputs.

• Indicators Used: 80+ indicators including R&D intensity, patent filings (PCT), venture capital flows, scientific publications, ICT adoption, unicorn valuations, high-tech exports, etc.

• Global top 3 nations: Switzerland (1st), Sweden (2nd), and United States (3rd).

About India’s Performance in GII 2025:

• Rank: 38th globally (score: 38.2), 1st in Central & Southern Asia, leading lower-middle income group.

• Innovation Over-performer: India remains among the longest-standing innovation over-performers, performing above expectations for its income level for the 15th year.

• Strengths: ICT services exports – global leader. Unicorn valuations & late-stage VC deals – among the top globally. Knowledge creation – surge in publications (+7.6%), strong patent filings. Creative Outputs – rank improved from 49 (2023) → 42 (2025).

• ICT services exports – global leader.

• Unicorn valuations & late-stage VC deals – among the top globally.

• Knowledge creation – surge in publications (+7.6%), strong patent filings.

• Creative Outputs – rank improved from 49 (2023) → 42 (2025).

• Innovation Clusters: India hosts four clusters in the world top-100 – Bengaluru (21st), Delhi (26th), Mumbai (46th), Chennai (new entry) – reflecting its strong startup ecosystem.

#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 19 September 2025 Mapping:

El Niño

Source: DH

Context: A new study shows El Niño raises the probability of extreme daily rainfall across central India by nearly 50%, even though it suppresses overall monsoon rainfall, raising fresh concerns about flood hazards and climate resilience planning.

About El Niño:

What It Is?

• El Niño is the warm phase of the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) phenomenon.

• It refers to the unusual warming of sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean, disrupting global weather patterns.

How It Forms?

• Normally, trade winds push warm water westward towards Indonesia, allowing cold water upwelling off South America.

• During El Niño, trade winds weaken, warm water shifts eastwards, deepening the thermocline and suppressing nutrient-rich upwelling.

• This alters Pacific jet streams and global atmospheric circulation, creating weather anomalies worldwide.

Factors Favouring El Niño:

• Weakening of easterly trade winds (natural variability).

• Positive sea surface temperature anomaly (≥0.5 °C above normal for ≥5 consecutive overlapping 3-month seasons).

• Influence of westerly wind bursts, Madden–Julian Oscillation (MJO), and background global warming trends.

Key Features:

• Periodic occurrence: Every 2–7 years, irregular cycle.

• Measured by ONI (Oceanic Niño Index) using Sea Surface Temperature anomalies.

• Global teleconnections: Alters rainfall, storm tracks, fisheries, and temperature worldwide.

• Often accompanied by droughts in Indonesia & Australia and floods in South America.

Impact on Indian Monsoon

• Seasonal Rainfall: Generally, suppresses SW monsoon → droughts more likely

• Rainfall Distribution: Reduces number of rainy days, but increases intensity of extreme rain events in wetter regions (as per new study).

• Monsoon Onset/Withdrawal: Often causes delayed onset and erratic withdrawal.

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