UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 25 September 2025
Kartavya Desk Staff
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 25 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 – 25 September (2025)
• Ladakh Protests
Ladakh Protests
• Personality Rights in India
Personality Rights in India
Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):
• 4-Pillar Approach to Strengthen Shipbuilding, Maritime Financing, and Domestic Capacity
4-Pillar Approach to Strengthen Shipbuilding, Maritime Financing, and Domestic Capacity
Facts for Prelims (FFP):
• The Hindu Succession Act, 1956
The Hindu Succession Act, 1956
• India test-fires Agni-Prime missile from rail-based mobile launcher
India test-fires Agni-Prime missile from rail-based mobile launcher
• UNEP Young Champions of the Earth Award 2025
UNEP Young Champions of the Earth Award 2025
• Special and Differential Treatment (SDT)
Special and Differential Treatment (SDT)
• Sahyog Portal
Sahyog Portal
Mapping:
• Mahendragiri Hills
Mahendragiri Hills
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 25 September 2025
#### GS Paper 2:
Ladakh Protests
Syllabus: Polity
Source: TH
Context: Violent protests in Leh, Ladakh demanding statehood and Sixth Schedule status led to four deaths and over 30 injuries.
• Activist Sonam Wangchuk ended his 15-day hunger strike amid escalating unrest.
About Ladakh Protests:
Background of Ladakh Protests:
• In 2019, after abrogation of Article 370, the J&K Reorganisation Act bifurcated Jammu & Kashmir into two UTs—J&K (with legislature) and Ladakh (without legislature).
• Initially welcomed, UT status soon created discontent as powers of Hill Councils reduced, recruitment opportunities shrank, and land safeguards vanished.
• Since then, the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) have spearheaded peaceful protests, now escalating due to perceived inaction by the Centre.
Demands of Ladakhi Protesters:
• Full Statehood – for legislative powers, accountability, and stronger representation.
• Sixth Schedule Inclusion – constitutional safeguards for tribal population (90%) to protect land, jobs, and culture.
• Parliamentary Representation – separate Lok Sabha seat for Kargil and one Rajya Sabha seat.
• Public Service Commission – to conduct recruitment fairly and locally.
• Land & Job Security – restrictions on outsiders purchasing land or cornering employment.
Arguments for Statehood:
• Democratic Deficit: Without a legislature, Ladakhis are ruled by bureaucrats under the LG, leading to lack of accountability and denial of self-governance.
• Cultural Safeguards: Statehood with Sixth Schedule protections would ensure land, job, and cultural security for the 90% tribal population of Ladakh.
• Geopolitical Stability: Involving locals in governance fosters trust, ensuring peace and resilience in a frontier region bordering China and Pakistan.
• Youth Aspirations: Statehood promises local recruitment bodies and job creation, preventing alienation and migration of educated Ladakhi youth.
• Promise Fulfillment: Honouring government 2019 pledge strengthens democratic credibility and trust between the Centre and Ladakhi people.
Arguments against Statehood:
• National Security: Strategic location near China (LAC) and Pakistan (LoC) requires central control.
• Small Population: Around 3 lakh population may not justify full statehood.
• Hill Councils Already Exist: Leh and Kargil Hill Councils provide autonomy.
• Risk of Factionalism: Divergent interests between Leh and Kargil could destabilise governance.
• Resource Dependency: Heavy reliance on central funds makes full statehood financially challenging.
Government Efforts So Far:
• Formed a High-Powered Committee for dialogue with LAB and KDA.
• ST reservation increased from 45% to 84%.
• One-third reservation for women in Hill Councils.
• Bhoti and Purgi declared official languages.
• Recruitment process for 1,800 posts initiated.
Implications of Violence:
• On Ladakh:
• Social Fabric: Unity of Buddhists and Muslims strengthens cause but violence risks communal frictions. Youth Radicalisation: Gen Z frustration may lead to long-term instability. Tourism & Livelihoods: Violence hurts economy dependent on eco-tourism and Pashmina trade.
• Social Fabric: Unity of Buddhists and Muslims strengthens cause but violence risks communal frictions.
• Youth Radicalisation: Gen Z frustration may lead to long-term instability.
• Tourism & Livelihoods: Violence hurts economy dependent on eco-tourism and Pashmina trade.
• On India:
• Security Concerns: Protests in a border region may be exploited by China and Pakistan. Federalism Debate: Revives questions on Centre’s handling of UTs. Political Credibility: Government image affected if promises remain unfulfilled. Diplomatic Sensitivity: Global attention on unrest in a contested region.
• Security Concerns: Protests in a border region may be exploited by China and Pakistan.
• Federalism Debate: Revives questions on Centre’s handling of UTs.
• Political Credibility: Government image affected if promises remain unfulfilled.
• Diplomatic Sensitivity: Global attention on unrest in a contested region.
Way Ahead:
• Structured Dialogue – continue talks with LAB & KDA through HPC with clear timelines.
• Enhanced Autonomy – devolve more legislative and financial powers to Hill Councils.
• Partial Sixth Schedule – selective application to protect land and jobs while keeping Centre’s security role intact.
• Youth Engagement – create employment schemes, eco-tourism, and local entrepreneurship.
• Balanced Approach – safeguard Ladakhi identity without undermining national security priorities.
Conclusion:
Ladakh’s agitation reflects the clash between democratic aspirations and national security compulsions. The movement has united diverse communities, but violence risks long-term instability. A middle path of expanded autonomy, cultural safeguards, and youth empowerment can balance people’s aspirations with India’s strategic interests.
Personality Rights in India
Syllabus: Polity
Source: TH
Context: The Delhi High Court protected the personality rights of Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Abhishek Bachchan against AI-generated misuse of their images and voices.
About Personality Rights in India:
What are Personality Rights?
• Definition: Legal rights safeguarding a person’s name, image, likeness, signature, and voice from unauthorised commercial exploitation.
• Constitutional Basis: Rooted in Article 21 (Right to Privacy & Dignity).
• Statutory Anchors: Copyright Act, 1957: Performers’ rights under Sections 38A & 38B. Trade Marks Act, 1999: Celebrities can trademark names, catchphrases, signatures. Common Law Tort of Passing Off: Protects against false endorsements or misuse of goodwill (Sec. 27).
• Copyright Act, 1957: Performers’ rights under Sections 38A & 38B.
• Trade Marks Act, 1999: Celebrities can trademark names, catchphrases, signatures.
• Common Law Tort of Passing Off: Protects against false endorsements or misuse of goodwill (Sec. 27).
Judicial Evolution of Personality Rights:
• R. Rajagopal v. State of Tamil Nadu (1994) – SC upheld privacy as part of Article 21; recognised control over identity use.
• Rajinikanth case (Madras HC, 2015) – Unauthorised film use of name/image restrained even without proof of deception.
• Anil Kapoor v. Various Entities (Delhi HC, 2023) – Protected voice, catchphrases, and persona; clarified free speech exception for satire & parody.
• Jackie Shroff case (Delhi HC, 2024) – Prohibited misuse on e-commerce & AI chatbots; stressed on brand equity dilution.
• Arijit Singh v. Codible Ventures (Bombay HC, 2024) – Voice cloning using AI ruled violation; highlighted generative AI risks.
Personality Rights vs Free Speech:
• Article 19(1)(a) guarantees free speech, but subject to reasonable restrictions (Art. 19(2)).
• Courts balance dignity of individuals with public interest in creativity.
• Permissible Uses: Lampoon, satire, parody, news reporting, art, scholarship.
• Prohibited Uses: Commercial exploitation, false endorsement, degrading deepfakes.
• DM Entertainment v. Baby Gift House (2010) cautioned against over-expansion that may stifle free speech.
Challenges in the Digital Era:
• AI & Deepfakes: Voice cloning, synthetic videos, and impersonation threaten privacy and dignity.
• Rapid Proliferation: Content spreads faster than takedowns, making enforcement weak.
• Fragmented Laws: No single statute codifies personality rights; remedies depend on scattered precedents.
• Women Vulnerability: Increasing misuse in revenge porn and morphed images.
• Censorship Risk: Overexpansion may chill satire, parody, or political critique.
Way Ahead:
• Comprehensive Legislation: Codify personality rights while harmonising privacy, IP, and IT laws.
• AI Regulation: Mandate watermarking, accountability of platforms, and liability for deepfake misuse.
• Clear Exceptions: Protect satire, criticism, and academic use to avoid overreach.
• Gender-Sensitive Safeguards: Stronger remedies for women against non-consensual digital exploitation.
• Awareness & Registration: Facilitate voluntary registration of celebrity attributes as intellectual property.
Conclusion:
Personality rights are emerging as a vital shield for dignity and identity in the AI-driven digital era. Courts have stepped in to fill the legal vacuum, but fragmented protection creates inconsistencies. A balanced statutory framework is essential to protect individuals while safeguarding free expression and democratic values.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 25 September 2025 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)
4-Pillar Approach to Strengthen Shipbuilding, Maritime Financing, and Domestic Capacity
Context: The Union Cabinet approved a ₹69,725 crore package to revitalize India’s shipbuilding and maritime sector, anchored on a 4-Pillar Approach to enhance financing, capacity, technology, and reforms.
About 4-Pillar Approach to Strengthen Shipbuilding, Maritime Financing, and Domestic Capacity:
What It Is?
• A comprehensive policy package for India’s maritime ecosystem, extending to 2036.
• Introduces financial support, infrastructure expansion, skill development, and legal-policy reforms.
• Seeks to make India a global hub for shipbuilding and shipping services.
• Expand domestic shipbuilding capacity to 4.5 million Gross Tonnage.
• Create nearly 30 lakh jobs and attract ₹4.5 lakh crore investment.
• Ensure energy, food, and national security through resilient maritime supply chains.
The Four Pillars:
• Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Scheme (SBFAS): Extended till 31 March 2036, with ₹24,736 crore corpus. Incentivises Indian shipyards, includes Shipbreaking Credit Note (₹4,001 crore).
• Extended till 31 March 2036, with ₹24,736 crore corpus.
• Incentivises Indian shipyards, includes Shipbreaking Credit Note (₹4,001 crore).
• Maritime Development Fund (MDF): Corpus of ₹25,000 crore for long-term financing. Includes Maritime Investment Fund (₹20,000 crore, 49% GoI share) and Interest Incentivization Fund (₹5,000 crore).
• Corpus of ₹25,000 crore for long-term financing.
• Includes Maritime Investment Fund (₹20,000 crore, 49% GoI share) and Interest Incentivization Fund (₹5,000 crore).
• Shipbuilding Development Scheme (SbDS): Outlay of ₹19,989 crore. Expands shipbuilding capacity, supports mega clusters, establishes India Ship Technology Centre, provides insurance and risk coverage.
• Outlay of ₹19,989 crore.
• Expands shipbuilding capacity, supports mega clusters, establishes India Ship Technology Centre, provides insurance and risk coverage.
• National Shipbuilding Mission & Reforms: Mission to coordinate schemes and monitor progress. Focus on greenfield and brownfield shipyards, skill training, taxation reforms, and legal framework.
• Mission to coordinate schemes and monitor progress.
• Focus on greenfield and brownfield shipyards, skill training, taxation reforms, and legal framework.
Relevance in UPSC Syllabus:
• GS-III (Economy & Infrastructure): Industrial growth, shipping industry, Make in India, Atmanirbhar Bharat.
• GS-II (Governance & Policy): Government schemes, maritime security, centre-state coordination in infrastructure.
• Essay & Ethics: Themes of self-reliance, global competitiveness, and sustainable economic growth.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 25 September 2025 Facts for Prelims (FFP)
The Hindu Succession Act, 1956
Source: NIE
Context: The Supreme Court has said it will move cautiously while examining petitions challenging provisions of the Hindu Succession Act, 1956, stressing the need to balance women’s rights with preserving the Hindu social structure.
About The Hindu Succession Act, 1956:
What it is?
• An Act to codify and amend Hindu law relating to intestate succession (succession without a will).
• Came into force on 17 June 1956, extending across India except Jammu & Kashmir (at the time).
• To bring uniformity and clarity in property succession among Hindus.
• To remove gender-based discrimination and gradually ensure women’s rights in inheritance.
Coverage:
• Applies to Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Sikhs.
• Excludes Muslims, Christians, Parsis, and Jews unless proven they were governed by Hindu law earlier.
• Does not apply to Scheduled Tribes unless notified by the Central Government.
Key Provisions:
• Coparcenary Rights (Section 6, amended 2005) – Daughters made coparceners by birth with equal rights and liabilities as sons.
• Succession of Males (Sections 8–10) – Property devolves first to Class I heirs (son, daughter, widow, mother, etc.), then Class II, then agnates, then cognates.
• Women’s Property (Section 14) – Any property owned by a female Hindu, before or after 1956, is her absolute property (not limited ownership as under earlier law)
• Succession of Females (Sections 15–16) – If a Hindu woman dies intestate, property devolves first to her children and husband, then husband’s heirs, then her parents, then father’s heirs, and lastly mother’s heirs.
• General Principles (Sections 18–22) – Full blood preferred over half blood, unborn child’s inheritance recognized, disqualification of murderer/converts’ descendants from inheriting, preferential rights for co-heirs.
• Escheat (Section 29) – If no heir is found, property devolves to the Government with obligations attached.
India test-fires Agni-Prime missile from rail-based mobile launcher
Source: TOI
Context: India successfully test-fired the Agni-Prime intermediate-range missile from a rail-based mobile launcher, a first-of-its-kind launch that enhances mobility and stealth in strategic deterrence.
About India test-fires Agni-Prime missile from rail-based mobile launcher:
What it is?
• Agni-Prime (Agni-P): A next-generation, nuclear-capable intermediate-range ballistic missile.
• Part of India’s Agni missile series, designed to strengthen strategic deterrence under the Strategic Forces Command (SFC).
Developed by: Designed and developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in collaboration with SFC.
• To provide flexible, survivable, and rapid-response capability in India’s nuclear doctrine.
• To diversify launch platforms beyond road-based systems, ensuring resilience against first strikes.
Key Features:
• Range: Up to 2,000 km (intermediate range).
• Rail-based mobility: Can move freely across national rail networks, reducing predictability of launch sites.
• Quick reaction time: Launch possible within minutes with minimal visibility.
• Canisterised system: Ensures faster deployment, storage safety, and longer shelf life.
• Advanced guidance: State-of-the-art communication, navigation, and independent launch capability.
• Stealth: Reduced detectability improves survivability against pre-emptive strikes.
Significance:
• Strategic Deterrence: Places India among select nations with rail-based canisterised launch systems.
• Geopolitical Edge: Enhances India’s nuclear triad survivability amid evolving regional security challenges.
• Operational Flexibility: Rail mobility complements road and silo systems, complicating adversary targeting.
UNEP Young Champions of the Earth Award 2025
Source: UNEP
Context: UNEP announced the 2025 Young Champions of the Earth award, recognising innovators from India, Kenya, and the US.
About UNEP Young Champions of the Earth Award 2025:
What it is?
• UNEP’s flagship youth engagement award, recognising young entrepreneurs under 30 with bold environmental solutions.
Launched in:
• Established in 2017, relaunched in 2025 in partnership with Planet A (founded by US cleantech CEO Chris Kemper).
Given by: United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), supported by philanthropic and private partners.
Aim: To empower young innovators tackling the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution/waste.
Eligibility:
• Open to individuals below 30 years, offering recognition, funding, and mentoring for projects with scalable environmental impact.
Features:
• Winners receive USD 20,000 seed funding, intensive training, tailored mentorship, global recognition, and access to Planet A pitch for further funding (up to USD 1 million).
2025 Winners:
• Jinali Mody (India) – Founder of Banofi Leather: Produces eco-friendly leather from banana crop waste, reducing water use, chemical pollution, and carbon emissions.
• Joseph Nguthiru (Kenya) – Founder of HyaPak: Converts invasive water hyacinth into biodegradable packaging and seedling wrappers, reducing single-use plastics.
• Noemi Florea (US) – Founder of Cycleau: Developed a compact greywater reuse system for households, turning wastewater into drinking water with low energy consumption.
Special and Differential Treatment (SDT)
Source: BT
Context: China announced it will no longer seek new “special and differential treatment” (S&DT) at WTO talks, marking a shift in its trade stance.
About Special and Differential Treatment (S&DT):
What It Is?
• S&DT provisions are special rights in WTO agreements that grant developing and least-developed countries (LDCs) flexibility in implementing trade commitments.
• They provide longer transition periods, softer obligations, and greater policy space compared to developed countries.
Origin:
• Introduced under GATT (1960s) through the “Enabling Clause” (1979) recognising the development needs of poorer nations.
• Consolidated in the WTO Agreements (1995) and reinforced in the Doha Development Agenda (2001).
• To level the playing field in global trade by addressing structural disadvantages of developing economies.
• To ensure that trade liberalisation does not undermine domestic development priorities.
Key Features:
• Longer Implementation Periods: Developing nations get extended deadlines to comply with WTO obligations.
• Market Access Support: Developed members provide tariff concessions, preferential treatment (e.g., GSP schemes).
• Safeguard Measures: Members must consider the trade interests of developing countries in policy design.
• Capacity Building: Technical assistance, training, and dispute-handling support provided to weaker economies.
• Special Provisions for LDCs: Duty-free, quota-free market access and exemptions from strict obligations.
How Developed and Developing Country Status Is Decided in WTO?
• No Fixed Definition:
• WTO has no formal definition of “developed” or “developing” countries. Members self-declare their status at the time of joining or during negotiations.
• WTO has no formal definition of “developed” or “developing” countries.
• Members self-declare their status at the time of joining or during negotiations.
• Self-Selection Principle:
• A country can announce itself as developing to avail benefits of Special and Differential Treatment (S&DT). However, this declaration is not automatic and other WTO members can challenge or contest it if they feel it is misused. No specific criteria exist: WTO has no fixed definition of “developed” or “developing”; members self-declare their status.
• A country can announce itself as developing to avail benefits of Special and Differential Treatment (S&DT).
• However, this declaration is not automatic and other WTO members can challenge or contest it if they feel it is misused.
• No specific criteria exist: WTO has no fixed definition of “developed” or “developing”; members self-declare their status.
• Special Category – LDCs:
• Least Developed Countries (LDCs) are not self-declared. UN defines LDCs using criteria like GNI per capita, human assets, and economic vulnerability. WTO automatically grants extra flexibilities to LDCs (longer transition, preferential access, etc.).
• Least Developed Countries (LDCs) are not self-declared.
• UN defines LDCs using criteria like GNI per capita, human assets, and economic vulnerability.
• WTO automatically grants extra flexibilities to LDCs (longer transition, preferential access, etc.).
Sahyog Portal
Source: IE
Context: The Karnataka High Court upheld the Union government’s Sahyog portal, dismissing X Corporation’s plea that termed it “extra-legal censorship.”
About Sahyog Portal:
• What it is: An online regulatory platform for issuing content takedown notices to internet intermediaries. Developed under Section 79(3)(b) of the IT Act, 2000, ensuring prompt removal of unlawful online content.
• An online regulatory platform for issuing content takedown notices to internet intermediaries.
• Developed under Section 79(3)(b) of the IT Act, 2000, ensuring prompt removal of unlawful online content.
• Ministry: Launched in October 2024 by the Union Home Ministry, operated through the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C).
• Launched in October 2024 by the Union Home Ministry, operated through the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C).
• Aim: To streamline takedown communication between government agencies and digital intermediaries. To preserve safe harbour protections while ensuring intermediaries act quickly against illegal content. To promote a secure, accountable and lawful cyber ecosystem in India.
• To streamline takedown communication between government agencies and digital intermediaries.
• To preserve safe harbour protections while ensuring intermediaries act quickly against illegal content.
• To promote a secure, accountable and lawful cyber ecosystem in India.
• Key Features: Centralised Channel: Connects 65 online intermediaries, state/UT nodal officers, and seven central agencies. Automated Notices: Facilitates faster and documented communication of takedown orders. Legal Backing: Operates under Section 79(3)(b), where non-compliance removes safe harbour immunity. Separate from Section 69A: Unlike blocking powers, it focuses on intermediaries’ responsibility to disable unlawful content. Public Good Tool: Ensures immediate action against unlawful data and strengthens cyber law enforcement.
• Centralised Channel: Connects 65 online intermediaries, state/UT nodal officers, and seven central agencies.
• Automated Notices: Facilitates faster and documented communication of takedown orders.
• Legal Backing: Operates under Section 79(3)(b), where non-compliance removes safe harbour immunity.
• Separate from Section 69A: Unlike blocking powers, it focuses on intermediaries’ responsibility to disable unlawful content.
• Public Good Tool: Ensures immediate action against unlawful data and strengthens cyber law enforcement.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 25 September 2025 Mapping:
Mahendragiri Hills
Source: DTE
Context: Environmentalists have raised concerns over unchecked tourism and construction projects in the ecologically fragile Mahendragiri hills of Odisha, threatening its biodiversity despite its Biodiversity Heritage Site status since 2022.
About Mahendragiri Hills:
What it is?
• A mountain range of the Eastern Ghats, revered for its mythological, cultural, and ecological significance.
• Declared a Biodiversity Heritage Site in 2022 due to its rich flora and fauna.
Location:
• Situated in Gajapati district, Odisha, at an elevation of 1,501 meters (4,925 ft).
• About 175 km from Berhampur, in the middle of the Eastern Ghats.
Features:
• Biodiversity: Home to 1,348 plant species and 388 animal species, many endemic and threatened.
• Cultural heritage: Known as Mahendra Parvata in Ramayana and Mahabharata; believed to be the site of Lord Parashurama’s penance.
• Temples: Houses Panchpandava temples and shrines dedicated to Shiva, attracting thousands of pilgrims during Maha Shivaratri.
• Tribal presence: Inhabited by Saora (Saura) and Kondh tribes, dependent on the forests for livelihoods.
• Scenic ecology: A fragile mountain ecosystem prone to stress from deforestation, tourism pressure, and wildlife decline (e.g., elephants and tigers).
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