UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 20 September 2025
Kartavya Desk Staff
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 20 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 – 20 September (2025)
• Saudi Arabia-Pakistan defence pact
Saudi Arabia-Pakistan defence pact
GS Paper 3:
• Single-Use Plastic Ban
Single-Use Plastic Ban
• India’s Manufacturing Momentum
India’s Manufacturing Momentum
Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):
• Surajpur – Model for Child Marriage Eradication
Surajpur – Model for Child Marriage Eradication
Facts for Prelims (FFP):
• Trump Imposes $100,000 Fee On H-1B Visas
Trump Imposes $100,000 Fee On H-1B Visas
• Aflatoxin
Aflatoxin
• Universal Postal Union (UPU)
Universal Postal Union (UPU)
• Androth Anti-Submarine Warfare Ship
Androth Anti-Submarine Warfare Ship
• One-In, One-Out Scheme
One-In, One-Out Scheme
• New Coral Species ‘Iridogorgia chewbacca’ Identified
New Coral Species ‘Iridogorgia chewbacca’ Identified
Mapping:
• Chabahar Port
Chabahar Port
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 20 September 2025
#### GS Paper 2:
Saudi Arabia-Pakistan defence pact
Syllabus: International Relations
Source: TH
Context: Saudi Arabia and Pakistan signed a Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement (SMDA) in Riyadh (Sept 2025), pledging that any aggression against one country would be treated as aggression against both — formalising a long-standing security partnership.
About Saudi Arabia–Pakistan Defence Pact:
• What It Is? A Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement (SMDA) committing both nations to mutual security cooperation and joint deterrence.
• A Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement (SMDA) committing both nations to mutual security cooperation and joint deterrence.
• Key Features: Mutual Defence Clause: Attack on either nation = attack on both. Scope: Covers all military means — including conventional, advisory, and potentially nuclear deterrence. Institutionalisation: Builds on 1982 Bilateral Security Cooperation Agreement & decades of military training, arms trade, and troop deployments. Strategic Context: Signed post-Israel–Qatar tensions; signals Riyadh’s shift to regional self-reliance amid doubts on U.S. security guarantees. Economic Angle: Secures Saudi financial support for Pakistan’s struggling economy, enabling arms procurement and energy supplies.
• Mutual Defence Clause: Attack on either nation = attack on both.
• Scope: Covers all military means — including conventional, advisory, and potentially nuclear deterrence.
• Institutionalisation: Builds on 1982 Bilateral Security Cooperation Agreement & decades of military training, arms trade, and troop deployments.
• Strategic Context: Signed post-Israel–Qatar tensions; signals Riyadh’s shift to regional self-reliance amid doubts on U.S. security guarantees.
• Economic Angle: Secures Saudi financial support for Pakistan’s struggling economy, enabling arms procurement and energy supplies.
Implications
For India:
• Strategic Watchfulness: Pact theoretically allows Pakistan to seek diplomatic or material backing in a future India–Pakistan conflict.
• Limited Immediate Threat: Saudi–India relations have deepened (USD 42.9 bn trade, defence cooperation, investments) — Riyadh unlikely to tilt overtly anti-India.
• Opportunity for Diplomacy: New Delhi must maintain Saudi engagement to ensure continued Arab neutrality in South Asian crises.
Global Level:
• Regional Security Realignment: Strengthens Saudi deterrence against Iran, Yemen’s Houthis, and Israel’s unilateral actions.
• U.S. Angle: Reflects declining faith in American security umbrella; increases multipolarity in Gulf security architecture.
• Nuclear Sensitivity: Raises questions about potential nuclear sharing, though actual transfer of Pakistani nukes to Saudi is highly improbable given Israeli red lines.
• Geopolitical Signalling: Symbolic show of Islamic solidarity; Pakistan positions itself as pan-Islamic security provider.
Way Ahead for India
• Strengthen Strategic Engagement: Deepen defence cooperation through training offers, joint exercises, and intelligence-sharing.
• Energy Diplomacy: Secure long-term crude & green hydrogen deals to reinforce mutual interdependence.
• Track Security Shifts: Monitor SMDA implementation and its practical footprint, including Pakistani troop deployments.
• Boost Arabian Sea Synergy: Enhance naval presence & maritime security cooperation to safeguard India’s energy lifelines.
• Leverage Economic Heft: Use India’s market size & diaspora links as a stabilising factor in Indo-Saudi ties.
Conclusion:
The Saudi–Pakistan SMDA is a symbolic reaffirmation of their historic security partnership rather than a direct threat to India. For New Delhi, the priority must be strategic vigilance, deeper engagement with Riyadh, and leveraging economic and energy interdependence to maintain Arab neutrality in South Asian conflicts.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 20 September 2025 GS Paper 3:
Single-Use Plastic Ban
Syllabus: Pollution
Source: TH
Context: Despite a 2016 ban under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, Karnataka continues to witness widespread use of single-use plastic (SUP) due to poor enforcement, illegal manufacturing, and weak civic participation.
About Single-use plastic ban:
Background & Context
• First-Mover Advantage: Karnataka was India’s first state to ban SUP in 2016.
• National Ban: The Union Government banned 19 categories of SUPs in 2022, including carry bags, thermocol, straws, cutlery, and banners.
• Persistent Challenge: Inspections of 1.65 lakh establishments (2021–2024) seized 1,012 tonnes of banned plastic — but enforcement intensity dropped sharply in subsequent years.
Data & Trends:
• Plastic Waste Generation: Karnataka produces 3.45–5.28 lakh tonnes annually (~1,000 tonnes/day).
• Bengaluru’s Burden: 500 tonnes of SUP generated daily; only 40% is processed, rest ends up in landfills or water bodies.
• Illegal Units: 300+ unregistered plastic producers operate in Bengaluru, using cheap granules and additives for high-profit margins (₹50–80/kg cost, sold at ₹300/kg).
Environmental & Health Hazards:
• Microplastics in Food Chain: Plastics degrade into particles <5mm, infiltrating soil, crops, and water, eventually reaching humans.
• Human Health Risks: Linked to inflammation, endocrine disruption, respiratory issues, hypothyroidism.
• Ecosystem Damage: Microplastics disrupt microbial ecosystems, impacting soil fertility and aquatic life.
• Animal Harm: Urban cattle, stray dogs ingest plastic, leading to fatal blockages and organ damage.
• Ocean Pollution: UN estimates 2,000 truckloads of plastic enter oceans daily — contributing to the Great Pacific Garbage Patch.
Policy & Legal Framework:
• Environment (Protection) Act, 1986: Enables bans on hazardous substances.
• Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016 & Amendments: Mandate Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for producers, importers, brand owners.
• EPR Portal: Tracks compliance, but enforcement remains weak — only 129 registered recyclers vs 1,200+ producers/importers.
Challenges in Implementation:
• Enforcement Gaps: Raids dropped from 1.25 lakh (2022–23) to 18,000 (2024–25) due to shortage of field staff.
• Shadow Economy: Illegal units thrive in Peenya, Dasarahalli, SP Road — easy availability of raw materials fuels production.
• Consumer Behaviour: Public unaware or indifferent; demand driven by cheapness and convenience.
• Recycling Infrastructure: Installed capacity under-utilised; segregation of waste remains poor.
• Policy–Practice Gap: Focus on punitive action, not systemic waste segregation or circular economy incentives.
Way Forward:
• Strengthen Enforcement:
• Dedicated anti-SUP task forces with GPS-enabled inspection and real-time reporting. Increase manpower in KSPCB & municipal bodies; mandate monthly reporting.
• Dedicated anti-SUP task forces with GPS-enabled inspection and real-time reporting.
• Increase manpower in KSPCB & municipal bodies; mandate monthly reporting.
• Support Circular Economy:
• Incentivise alternatives (cloth, jute bags, biodegradable cutlery) through subsidies & GST concessions. Strict EPR compliance with penalties for non-collection.
• Incentivise alternatives (cloth, jute bags, biodegradable cutlery) through subsidies & GST concessions.
• Strict EPR compliance with penalties for non-collection.
• Citizen Participation:
• Massive awareness drives in schools, RWAs, markets. Promote BYOB (Bring Your Own Bag) campaigns and reward zero-waste businesses.
• Massive awareness drives in schools, RWAs, markets.
• Promote BYOB (Bring Your Own Bag) campaigns and reward zero-waste businesses.
• Urban Governance Reform:
• Integrate waste segregation into Swachh Bharat & Smart City projects. Decentralised Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) at ward level.
• Integrate waste segregation into Swachh Bharat & Smart City projects.
• Decentralised Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) at ward level.
• Technology & Innovation:
• Use AI & IoT for waste tracking, microplastic detection, and real-time pollution alerts. Fund startups working on biodegradable packaging and plastic-to-fuel innovations.
• Use AI & IoT for waste tracking, microplastic detection, and real-time pollution alerts.
• Fund startups working on biodegradable packaging and plastic-to-fuel innovations.
Conclusion:
The ban on SUP remains a paper tiger unless backed by robust enforcement, behavioural change, and circular economy incentives. Karnataka’s experience underlines the need for a national mission-mode approach to tackle plastic menace — integrating law, technology, community, and markets. Sustainable alternatives must be made affordable so that India can truly achieve Plastic-Free 2047 under the spirit of LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment).
India’s Manufacturing Momentum
Syllabus: Economy
Source: PIB
Context: India’s IIP surged 3.5% YoY in July 2025, led by 5.4% manufacturing growth, and HSBC Manufacturing PMI touched 59.3, its highest in 16 months.
About India’s Manufacturing Momentum:
Current Data & Status:
• IIP Growth: IIP grew 3.5% in July 2025 vs 1.5% in June; manufacturing growth stood at 5.4%, showing demand revival.
• Export Performance: Merchandise exports rose 2.52% YoY (Apr–Aug 2025) to US$ 184.13 billion, led by electronics, pharma, and auto.
• Employment Gains: Unemployment rate eased to 5.0% (male UR at 5-month low), female WPR rose to 32%, showing inclusive job growth.
• FDI Flows: India clocked US$ 81.04 bn FDI inflow in FY25 (+14% YoY); manufacturing FDI grew 18% to US$ 19.04 bn.
Drivers of Manufacturing Sector:
• PLI Scheme: ₹1.97 lakh crore scheme across 14 sectors incentivizes production, boosts exports, and attracts global OEMs.
• National Manufacturing Mission: Integrates ministries, focuses on clean-tech manufacturing (solar, EV batteries, green hydrogen).
• Infrastructure Push: PM GatiShakti and Industrial Corridors are lowering logistics costs and improving connectivity.
• GST 2.0 Reforms: Two-slab GST, rationalized rates, and faster refunds reduce compliance costs and stimulate domestic demand.
• Electronics & Mobile Revolution: 150x jump in mobile manufacturing units (2 → 300), exports crossed ₹2 lakh crore, reducing import dependence.
Impacts on Economy:
• GDP Contribution: Manufacturing contributes 17% of GDP; target is 25% by 2030, helping sustain 7–8% growth trajectory.
• Job Creation: 17 crore jobs created in last decade; manufacturing share in employment rose from 6% (2004-14) to 15% (2014-24).
• Export Competitiveness: Electronics, pharma, and auto sectors anchor India’s export diversification, reducing current account pressure.
• Investment Confidence: Rising FDI inflows reflect global trust in India’s policy stability and industrial potential.
• Regional Development: Emergence of new manufacturing clusters (PM MITRA parks, EMCs) drives balanced growth across states.
Challenges:
• Infrastructure Gaps: Logistics cost still ~13-14% of GDP, higher than global average, hurting competitiveness.
• Skill Mismatch: Shortage of Industry 4.0-ready workforce; need for advanced vocational training and apprenticeships.
• Regulatory Hurdles: Land acquisition delays, multiple compliance layers discourage MSME participation.
• Global Risks: Geopolitical tensions, protectionist policies, supply chain disruptions may impact export momentum.
• Environmental Concerns: Need for green manufacturing to meet Net Zero 2070 targets and ESG norms.
Way Ahead:
• Strengthen Plug-and-Play Parks: Provide ready-to-use infrastructure to MSMEs, reduce gestation period for new projects.
• Skill India 4.0: Create Centres of Excellence, upgrade ITIs, and align curriculum with AI, robotics, and digital manufacturing.
• Tariff Rationalization: Lower customs duties on raw materials (steel, copper, aluminum) to avoid tax-exporting.
• Boost MSMEs: Provide concessional credit, technology upgradation grants, and digital platforms for global market access.
• Global Integration: Accelerate FTAs (UK, EU), deepen role in supply-chain alliances, and secure energy/raw material sources abroad.
Conclusion:
India’s manufacturing momentum signals a structural shift, not a short-term cycle. With sustained reforms, skill-building, and green industrialization, India can become a US$ 1 trillion manufacturing economy by FY26. This transformation is central to realizing Viksit Bharat @ 2047, generating jobs, exports, and global competitiveness.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 20 September 2025 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)
Surajpur – Model for Child Marriage Eradication
Context: Surajpur district in Chhattisgarh has declared 75 village panchayats as “Child Marriage-Free”, marking a major milestone in the fight against child marriage.
About Surajpur – Model for Child Marriage Eradication:
What It Is?
• A district-level social reform initiative aimed at eliminating child marriage through awareness, community participation, and strict monitoring.
• Recognized as a model for other districts and states seeking to eradicate child marriage.
• End child marriage through education, awareness, and enforcement of legal provisions.
• Improve maternal and child health outcomes by delaying early pregnancies.
Key Features:
• Community Participation: Active involvement of panchayats, Anganwadi workers, NGOs, and parents.
• Awareness Campaigns: Dialogues on child rights, importance of education, health risks of early marriage.
• Health & Nutrition Link: Integrates child marriage eradication with National Nutrition Month and maternal-child health programs.
• Replication Model: Process initiated in other districts; aim to make Chhattisgarh a “Child Marriage-Free State.”
Relevance in UPSC Exam Syllabus:
• GS-II (Governance & Social Justice): Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources. Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population and performance of these schemes.
• Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.
• Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population and performance of these schemes.
• GS-I (Society): Salient features of Indian society, role of women, women’s organizations, population and associated issues, social empowerment.
• Salient features of Indian society, role of women, women’s organizations, population and associated issues, social empowerment.
• GS-IV (Ethics & Case Studies): Role of collective action, social reform, administrative commitment in eradicating social evils.
• Role of collective action, social reform, administrative commitment in eradicating social evils.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 20 September 2025 Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Trump Imposes $100,000 Fee On H-1B Visas
Source: NDTV
Context: US President Donald Trump signed a proclamation imposing a $100,000 (₹88 lakh) fee on H-1B visa sponsorships, dramatically raising the cost for US firms hiring foreign skilled workers.
About Trump Imposes $100,000 Fee On H-1B Visas:
What It Is?
• Policy Change: Employers sponsoring H-1B visas must now pay $100,000 per applicant (up from a few thousand dollars earlier).
• Objective: Deter misuse, ensure only “highly skilled” professionals are hired, and protect American workers from wage displacement.
Implications for India:
• Cost Barrier: Indian IT companies like Infosys, Wipro, TCS — largest H-1B users — will face steep rise in compliance costs, potentially reducing hiring.
• Brain Drain Impact: Indians make up 71% of all H-1B holders; higher fees may limit opportunities for mid-level talent.
• Business Impact: Could shift outsourcing back to India or encourage nearshoring in Canada/Mexico to avoid US costs.
• Long-Term Effect: May accelerate investment in automation/AI to offset cost of expensive foreign talent.
About the H-1B Visa:
• What It Is?
• Definition: Non-immigrant US visa allowing employers to hire foreign workers in “specialty occupations” requiring technical expertise. Aim: Address shortage of skilled workers in sectors like STEM, finance, IT, medicine, and ensure fair pay to prevent wage undercutting of American workers.
• Definition: Non-immigrant US visa allowing employers to hire foreign workers in “specialty occupations” requiring technical expertise.
• Aim: Address shortage of skilled workers in sectors like STEM, finance, IT, medicine, and ensure fair pay to prevent wage undercutting of American workers.
• Key Features: Eligibility: Requires at least a bachelor’s degree or equivalent in the relevant field. Tenure: Valid for 3 years, extendable up to 6 years (beyond that if Green Card process initiated). Quota: 65,000 visas annually + 20,000 extra for US Master’s degree holders. Employer-Sponsored: Requires petition by a US-based employer to USCIS. Equal Pay Mandate: Employers must pay prevailing wages to avoid labour exploitation.
• Eligibility: Requires at least a bachelor’s degree or equivalent in the relevant field.
• Tenure: Valid for 3 years, extendable up to 6 years (beyond that if Green Card process initiated).
• Quota: 65,000 visas annually + 20,000 extra for US Master’s degree holders.
• Employer-Sponsored: Requires petition by a US-based employer to USCIS.
• Equal Pay Mandate: Employers must pay prevailing wages to avoid labour exploitation.
• India & H-1B:
• Largest Beneficiary: India accounts for ~71% of approved H-1B visas annually. Major Users: Amazon (12,000+ approvals in 2025), Microsoft, Meta, Google rely on Indian talent. Economic Impact: Supports India’s $150+ billion IT export industry and remittances inflow. Concerns: Long Green Card backlog for Indians (wait time often >10 years).
• Largest Beneficiary: India accounts for ~71% of approved H-1B visas annually.
• Major Users: Amazon (12,000+ approvals in 2025), Microsoft, Meta, Google rely on Indian talent.
• Economic Impact: Supports India’s $150+ billion IT export industry and remittances inflow.
• Concerns: Long Green Card backlog for Indians (wait time often >10 years).
Aflatoxin
Source: BL
Context: Indonesia has suspended groundnut imports from India over aflatoxin contamination concerns, with exporters objecting to the delayed notification and non-WTO-compliant testing procedures.
About Aflatoxins:
What They Are?
• Definition: Aflatoxins are toxic secondary metabolites produced by fungi Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus.
• Occurrence: Thrive in hot, humid climates, contaminating groundnuts, maize, rice, spices, tree nuts, and even crude oils before or after harvest.
Category:
• Mycotoxins: Belong to the class of mycotoxins — toxic chemical products of fungi.
• Key Types: B1 – Most common & most toxic; strong liver carcinogen, strictest global limit. B2 – Co-occurs with B1, less toxic but adds to total aflatoxin load. G1 – Green-blue fluorescent toxin, genotoxic, found in nuts/maize. G2 – Mildest form, still harmful in chronic exposure (immune/growth impact). M1 – Metabolite of B1 in milk; heat-stable, risk for infants even after pasteurisation.
• B1 – Most common & most toxic; strong liver carcinogen, strictest global limit.
• B2 – Co-occurs with B1, less toxic but adds to total aflatoxin load.
• G1 – Green-blue fluorescent toxin, genotoxic, found in nuts/maize.
• G2 – Mildest form, still harmful in chronic exposure (immune/growth impact).
• M1 – Metabolite of B1 in milk; heat-stable, risk for infants even after pasteurisation.
Key Features:
• Heat Stable: Not destroyed by normal cooking or processing.
• Genotoxic & Carcinogenic: Capable of causing DNA damage and cancer.
• Invisible Threat: Contamination cannot be detected by sight, smell, or taste — needs lab testing.
• Global Concern: Subject to strict Codex Alimentarius and WTO SPS standards for international trade.
Impacts on Food & Health:
• Health Risks: Causes liver cancer, immune suppression, growth retardation in children, and acute aflatoxicosis in severe cases.
• Food Safety: Leads to trade rejections, loss of farmer income, and wastage of food consignments.
• Economic Impact: Major issue for exporters as importing countries impose strict aflatoxin limits (EU: ≤4 µg/kg for B1 in peanuts).
• Public Health Concern: Aflatoxin M1 in milk is a risk for infants and lactating mothers.
Universal Postal Union (UPU)
Source: News on Air
Context: India has been re-elected to the Council of Administration (CA) and the Postal Operations Council (POC) of the Universal Postal Union (UPU) during the 28th UPU Congress held in Dubai.
About Universal Postal Union (UPU):
• What It Is?
• UPU is a specialized agency of the United Nations and the primary forum for international postal cooperation. It ensures a universal postal network connecting 192 member nations.
• UPU is a specialized agency of the United Nations and the primary forum for international postal cooperation.
• It ensures a universal postal network connecting 192 member nations.
• Founded: 1874 (Treaty of Bern).
• Headquarters: Berne, Switzerland. Second oldest international organization after the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
• Second oldest international organization after the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
• Promote global postal cooperation and ensure smooth international mail exchanges. Develop modern, reliable, affordable postal services worldwide. Facilitate growth in parcel, mail, and postal financial services.
• Promote global postal cooperation and ensure smooth international mail exchanges.
• Develop modern, reliable, affordable postal services worldwide.
• Facilitate growth in parcel, mail, and postal financial services.
• Governance Structure: UPU has 4 key bodies:
• UPU has 4 key bodies:
• Congress: Supreme authority, meets every 4 years, sets strategy & policies. Council of Administration (CA): Deals with policy, regulatory, legal, administrative issues between Congress sessions. Postal Operations Council (POC): Technical & operational body (48 elected members) driving postal service modernization. International Bureau: Secretariat providing logistical and technical support.
• Congress: Supreme authority, meets every 4 years, sets strategy & policies. Council of Administration (CA): Deals with policy, regulatory, legal, administrative issues between Congress sessions. Postal Operations Council (POC): Technical & operational body (48 elected members) driving postal service modernization. International Bureau: Secretariat providing logistical and technical support.
• Congress: Supreme authority, meets every 4 years, sets strategy & policies.
• Council of Administration (CA): Deals with policy, regulatory, legal, administrative issues between Congress sessions.
• Postal Operations Council (POC): Technical & operational body (48 elected members) driving postal service modernization.
• International Bureau: Secretariat providing logistical and technical support.
• Key Functions:
• Rule-Setting: Defines global postal regulations and standards. Advisory & Mediation Role: Resolves disputes, promotes cooperation. Technical Assistance: Helps countries modernize postal services. Capacity Building: Recommends measures for improving quality, efficiency, and financial sustainability of postal services. Global Integration: Ensures interoperability and growth of e-commerce and cross-border logistics.
• Rule-Setting: Defines global postal regulations and standards.
• Advisory & Mediation Role: Resolves disputes, promotes cooperation.
• Technical Assistance: Helps countries modernize postal services.
• Capacity Building: Recommends measures for improving quality, efficiency, and financial sustainability of postal services.
• Global Integration: Ensures interoperability and growth of e-commerce and cross-border logistics.
Androth Anti-Submarine Warfare Ship
Source: TH
Context: The Indian Navy has inducted ‘Androth’, the second Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC), built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata.
About Androth Anti-Submarine Warfare Ship:
What It Is?
• Indigenously built Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC).
• Part of 8-ship series being inducted into the Indian Navy.
Positioned In:
• Intended for coastal security, anti-submarine patrols, and shallow-water operations in India’s maritime zones, especially around the Lakshadweep archipelago and other critical sea lanes.
Developed By:
• Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata – one of India’s premier defence shipyards.
• Enhance anti-submarine warfare capability against underwater threats.
• Strengthen coastal surveillance and safeguard maritime borders.
• Contribute to ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ by promoting indigenous defence production.
Key Features:
• Length: ~77 metres, among the largest Indian naval warships with diesel engine–waterjet propulsion.
• Weapon Systems: Indigenous lightweight torpedoes Anti-submarine warfare rockets
• Indigenous lightweight torpedoes
• Anti-submarine warfare rockets
• Indigenous Content: Over 80% made in India – reducing import dependence.
• Maneuverability: Ideal for operations in littoral waters, shallow coastal regions.
• Surveillance: Equipped with state-of-the-art sonar and sensors for detecting submarines.
One-In, One-Out Scheme
Source: LM
Context: An Indian national became the first person deported from the UK to France under the newly implemented ‘one-in, one-out’ scheme of the UK–France returns treaty.
About One-In, One-Out Scheme:
What It Is?
• A bilateral migration and deportation arrangement between the United Kingdom and France.
• Allows the UK to return illegal migrants who arrived via the English Channel back to France.
Nations Involved: United Kingdom (UK) and France
• Deter illegal small-boat crossings across the English Channel.
• Break the network of human smugglers and trafficking gangs.
• Ensure safe, legal, and managed migration routes for genuine asylum seekers.
Key Features:
• Reciprocal Mechanism: For every migrant France takes back, UK agrees to accept a legal asylum seeker from France (hence “one-in, one-out”).
• Pilot Scheme: Effective August 2025 – June 2026, subject to review.
• Fast-Track Deportations: Shortens legal process for removing illegal entrants.
• Voluntary Return Option: Deported migrants may accept funded voluntary return to home country.
• Court Oversight: UK courts can hear last-minute appeals but must act swiftly.
Significance:
• Border Security: Strengthens UK’s ability to deter illegal migration and secure its coastline.
• International Cooperation: Showcases cross-border collaboration on migration crisis management.
• Political Messaging: Sends strong deterrent signal to migrants and smuggling networks
New Coral Species ‘Iridogorgia chewbacca’ Identified
Source: HT
Context: Scientists have discovered and named a new deep-sea coral species Iridogorgia chewbacca in the western Pacific Ocean.
About New Coral Species ‘Iridogorgia chewbacca’ Identified:
• What It Is?
• A newly identified deep-sea coral species belonging to the genus Iridogorgia. Officially described and published in Zootaxa journal.
• A newly identified deep-sea coral species belonging to the genus Iridogorgia.
• Officially described and published in Zootaxa journal.
• Found In:
• Tropical Western Pacific Ocean – first observed in 2006 and later confirmed as a distinct species through genetic analysis.
• Tropical Western Pacific Ocean – first observed in 2006 and later confirmed as a distinct species through genetic analysis.
• Name & Inspiration:
• Named Iridogorgia chewbacca after Chewbacca, the tall and furry character from Star Wars. The name reflects its hairy, curly, shiny branches that resemble the character’s fur.
• Named Iridogorgia chewbacca after Chewbacca, the tall and furry character from Star Wars.
• The name reflects its hairy, curly, shiny branches that resemble the character’s fur.
• Key Features:
• Appearance: Long, curly, “hair-like” branches with a reflective surface. Growth Pattern: Grows upright and solitary on the ocean floor, resembling Chewbacca’s tall stance. Rarity: Previously seen in Hawaiian waters but formally classified only now.
• Appearance: Long, curly, “hair-like” branches with a reflective surface.
• Growth Pattern: Grows upright and solitary on the ocean floor, resembling Chewbacca’s tall stance.
• Rarity: Previously seen in Hawaiian waters but formally classified only now.
• Significance:
• Biodiversity Discovery: Highlights that even well-studied oceans still hold undiscovered species. Marine Ecology: Adds to understanding of deep-sea ecosystems and their role in ocean health. Scientific Record: Naming immortalizes popular culture in science, sparking public interest in marine research.
• Biodiversity Discovery: Highlights that even well-studied oceans still hold undiscovered species.
• Marine Ecology: Adds to understanding of deep-sea ecosystems and their role in ocean health.
• Scientific Record: Naming immortalizes popular culture in science, sparking public interest in marine research.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 20 September 2025 Mapping:
Chabahar Port
Source: IE
Context: The United States has withdrawn the sanctions waiver for India’s development of Iran’s Chabahar Port, ending the 2018 carve-out under the Iran Freedom and Counter-Proliferation Act (IFCA).
About Chabahar Port:
• What it is? Chabahar Port is Iran’s only deepwater oceanic port, developed jointly by India and Iran. It is a key connectivity hub aimed at bypassing Pakistan to access Afghanistan, Central Asia, and Russia.
• Chabahar Port is Iran’s only deepwater oceanic port, developed jointly by India and Iran. It is a key connectivity hub aimed at bypassing Pakistan to access Afghanistan, Central Asia, and Russia.
• Location:
• Situated on the Gulf of Oman, in southeastern Iran’s Sistan-Baluchestan province. Roughly 170 km west of Gwadar Port (Pakistan), which is developed by China under CPEC. Comprises two ports: Shahid Beheshti (India’s investment focus) and Shahid Kalantari.
• Situated on the Gulf of Oman, in southeastern Iran’s Sistan-Baluchestan province.
• Roughly 170 km west of Gwadar Port (Pakistan), which is developed by China under CPEC.
• Comprises two ports: Shahid Beheshti (India’s investment focus) and Shahid Kalantari.
• History:
• 1973: First proposed by the Shah of Iran. 1983: First phase opened during Iran-Iraq War to reduce reliance on Persian Gulf ports. 2003: India–Iran agreement to develop the port signed during President Khatami’s visit. 2016: India, Iran, Afghanistan signed Trilateral Agreement to operationalize the port. 2017: Phase-I of Shahid Beheshti inaugurated; India sent its first wheat consignment to Afghanistan. 2018: India Ports Global Limited (IPGL) took partial charge of operations.
• 1973: First proposed by the Shah of Iran.
• 1983: First phase opened during Iran-Iraq War to reduce reliance on Persian Gulf ports.
• 2003: India–Iran agreement to develop the port signed during President Khatami’s visit.
• 2016: India, Iran, Afghanistan signed Trilateral Agreement to operationalize the port.
• 2017: Phase-I of Shahid Beheshti inaugurated; India sent its first wheat consignment to Afghanistan.
• 2018: India Ports Global Limited (IPGL) took partial charge of operations.
• Provide India a bypass route to Afghanistan and Central Asia, avoiding Pakistan. Anchor the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) linking Indian Ocean to Russia & Europe. Enhance Iran’s trade connectivity despite Western sanctions.
• Provide India a bypass route to Afghanistan and Central Asia, avoiding Pakistan.
• Anchor the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) linking Indian Ocean to Russia & Europe.
• Enhance Iran’s trade connectivity despite Western sanctions.
• Key Features:
• Four-phase development plan with ultimate capacity of 82 million tonnes/year and 32 jetties (16 multipurpose, 10 containers, 3 oil, 3 dry bulk). First phase currently handles 5.8 million tonnes capacity. Strategic location close to energy shipping lanes (Hormuz Strait). Equipped to handle containers, bulk cargo, and cruise terminals.
• Four-phase development plan with ultimate capacity of 82 million tonnes/year and 32 jetties (16 multipurpose, 10 containers, 3 oil, 3 dry bulk).
• First phase currently handles 5.8 million tonnes capacity.
• Strategic location close to energy shipping lanes (Hormuz Strait).
• Equipped to handle containers, bulk cargo, and cruise terminals.
• Significance:
• Strategic: Counters China-Pakistan Gwadar Port axis, strengthens India’s foothold in Indian Ocean. Economic: Reduces transport cost/time to Central Asia, Russia, Europe via INSTC. Geopolitical: Boosts India-Iran ties and gives New Delhi leverage in Afghanistan’s reconstruction.
• Strategic: Counters China-Pakistan Gwadar Port axis, strengthens India’s foothold in Indian Ocean.
• Economic: Reduces transport cost/time to Central Asia, Russia, Europe via INSTC.
• Geopolitical: Boosts India-Iran ties and gives New Delhi leverage in Afghanistan’s reconstruction.
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