Daily Current Affairs for UPSC IAS: 19th September 2025

National Tiger Conservation Authority:

The Supreme Court recently sought responses from the Centre, the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), and others on a PIL seeking a CBI probe into an alleged organised tiger-poaching and illegal wildlife-trade racket operating in states like Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh.

• National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) is a statutory body under the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
• It was established in 2006 under the Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972 (WPA 1972).
• Objectives:
  • Providing statutory authority to Project Tiger so that compliance with its directives becomes legal.
• The ‘Project Tiger’ is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) of the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, providing funding support to tiger range States for in-situ conservation of tigers in designated tiger reserves.
• Fostering accountability of the Center-State in the management of Tiger Reserves by providing a basis for MoU with States within the federal structure.
• NTCA Composition:
  • Minister in charge of MoEFCC (as Chairperson),
  • Minister of State in MoEFCC (as Vice-Chairperson),
  • three members of Parliament, the Secretary (MoEFCC), and other members.
• Power and Functions:
  • to approve the tiger conservation plan prepared by the State Government.
  • evaluate and assess various aspects of sustainable ecology and disallow any ecologically unsustainable land use, such as, mining, industry, and other projects within the tiger reserves.
  • lay down normative standards for tourism activities and guidelines for Project Tiger from time to time for tiger conservation in the buffer and core area of tiger reserves and ensure their due compliance.
  • provide for management focus and measures for addressing conflicts of men and wild animals and to emphasize coexistence in forest areas outside the National Parks, sanctuaries, or tiger reserves, in the working plan code.
• The NTCA may, in the exercise of its powers and performance of its functions under this Chapter, issue directions in writing to any person, officer or authority for the protection of tiger or tiger reserves and such person, officer or authority shall be bound to comply with the directions.

Draft Civil Drone (Promotion and Regulation) Bill, 2025:

The Ministry of Civil Aviation recently made public the Draft Civil Drone (Promotion and Regulation) Bill, 2025, and invited feedback from stakeholders and citizens

• Draft Civil Drone (Promotion and Regulation Bill) 2025 released by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the Draft Civil Drone (Promotion and Regulation Bill) 2025 proposed provisions such as mandatory registration, safety and security features, as well as insurance, amongst other requirements for unmanned aircraft systems’ (UASs) operations in the country.
• The law covers individuals and entities engaged in drone ownership, operation, design, manufacture, import, export, leasing, training or maintenance, but excludes unmanned aircraft used by the armed forces or those weighing over 500 kilograms, which will be governed under the Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam.
• DGCA Retained as Regulator:
  • It retains the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) as the primary regulatory authority.
  • The draft mandates that no drone will be allowed to operate without registration and issuance of a Unique Identification Number (UIN) by the DGCA.
  • No person shall manufacture or assemble, offer for sale, transfer or cause to transfer, operate or cause to operate any UAS that does not incorporate the mandatory safety and security features as prescribed by the central government or unless the UAS is exempted from such requirement.
  • These features are intended to ensure airworthiness, prevent tampering, and enable traceability of drone operations.
• Punishment:
  • Any person who contravenes the provisions of this Act shall be punishable with a fine up to ₹50,000 or an imprisonment which may extend to three months or both, and for any second or subsequent offence with a fine up to ₹1 lakh or an imprisonment which may extend to six months or both.
  • Any offence involving carriage of dangerous goods by a civil UAS, or use of a civil UAS as a weapon, shall be cognizable and non-compoundable.
  • The Director General or any other officer authorised in this behalf may seize and confiscate the UAS, documents, records, devices or things which may be useful for, or relevant to, the investigation of such offence.

Bima Sugam Portal: Officially Announced The Launch

The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India has officially announced the launch of the much-awaited Bima Sugam portal.

Bima Sugam Portal:

• It is a unified digital marketplace for insurance, designed to bring insurers, intermediaries, and customers onto a single platform.
• It is backed by the Life Insurance Council and the General Insurance Council (GIC).
• It helps users to buy, sell, service, renew, manage, and even claim insurance policies with ease and full transparency.
• This platform will serve as a centralised database to answer insurance-related queries and help consumers navigate the complex world of insurance.
• It also aims to accelerate the acceptance of new and sandbox products, opening the door for innovation in insurance offerings.
• It will cover life insurance in all its forms, including term plans, savings products (both participating and non-participating), annuity and pension plans, as well as ULIP products.
• It also provides health insurance options, addressing the full range of medical and wellness needs.
• It will remain flexible to host any new insurance products that may be introduced in the future, as determined by the regulatory councils.
• It will leverage advanced digital technologies to automate and digitise processes for multiple stakeholders.

Snapback Mechanism & Iran Nuclear Deal (JCPOA):

Iran’s Foreign Minister is set to discuss the country’s nuclear program with the UK, France, and Germany to avert the reimposition of international sanctions under the ‘snapback mechanism’, which were lifted under the 2015 JCPOA.

• The E3 (Britain, France, Germany) have invoked the 30-day snapback mechanism to reimpose UN sanctions, unless Iran restores UN nuclear inspector access to its nuclear sites and re-engages with the US.
• Snapback Mechanism allows any Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) participant, to reimpose UN sanctions if Iran commits “significant non-performance.”
• In such a case, the issue can be referred to the JCPOA Joint Commission, coordinated by the European Union (EU), and addressed through its Dispute Resolution Mechanism (DRM).
• Earlier, Iran agreed to resume cooperation with the IAEA, including nuclear site inspections, following a tense period in June when Israeli and U.S. strikes on Iranian facilities led to a temporary suspension of inspections over security concerns.
  JCPOA
• The Iran nuclear agreement (formally known as JCPOA), signed in July 2015 between Iran and the P5+1 (China, France, Russia, UK, US, Germany).
• It required Iran to dismantle much of its nuclear program and allow extensive international inspections in exchange for sanctions relief.
• The U.S. withdrew from the JCPOA in May 2018 under President Trump, despite Iran’s compliance with the agreement.

2nd Anniversary PM Vishwakarma Yojana:

The Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME) organised a ‘PM Vishwakarma and National SC-ST Hub Mega Conclave’ in Bodh Gaya, Bihar to mark the 2nd anniversary of the PM Vishwakarma Scheme.

• PM Vishwakarma Scheme Launched on 17th September 2023, it is a Central Sector Scheme offering comprehensive support to traditional artisans and craftspeople involved in manual and tool-based work.
• The scheme will be jointly implemented by the Union Ministries of MSME, Skill Development, and Finance.
• The applicant must be an artisan or craftsperson in one of the 18 traditional trades in the unorganized sector, self-employed, above 18 years, and actively working at the time of registration.
• The 18 eligible trades include Carpenter, Boat Maker, Armourer, Blacksmith, Locksmith, Goldsmith, Potter among others.
• Beneficiaries who have availed loans under similar credit-based schemes of the Centre or State for self-employment or business development in the past 5 years.
• Over two years, 23 lakh people received free skill training, 8 lakh toolkits were provided, and ₹4,100 crore in collateral-free loans were disbursed.

Jungle Warfare School:

The government will set up a new Jungle Warfare School at Karreguta Hills, Bijapur (Chhattisgarh) — a former Maoist stronghold to train CRPF, DRG, CoBRA, and state police forces.

• Jungle Warfare School are Specialized military/police training institutions designed to teach troops survival, mobility, and combat skills in dense forest and hilly terrains.
• It Provide counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism training with focus on asymmetric warfare in jungle environments.
• Aim is to enhance operational effectiveness of security forces in Left-Wing Extremism (LWE)-affected regions.
• Train personnel in terrain-specific warfare tactics such as ambushes, cave interventions, and guerrilla counter-strategies.
• Features:
  • Realistic Training Environment: Built in actual operational setting (Karreguta Hills) with caves, waterfalls, narrow valleys.
  • Multi-Force Participation: CRPF, COBRA, STF, DRG, and state police personnel trained together.
  • Modules cover jungle navigation, survival skills, counter-ambush and cave-clearing operations, night ops, intel gathering, and IED detection.

National Policy on Geothermal Energy 2025:

MNRE launched the National Policy on Geothermal Energy (2025) to accelerate exploration and deployment of geothermal energy resources.

• National Policy on Geothermal Energy 2025 is comprehensive framework issued by the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) to harness India’s 10 GW geothermal potential, integrate it with renewable energy goals, and build a public-private ecosystem for sustainable development.
• Launched By: Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE)
• Objectives:
  • Research & Innovation: Improve geothermal exploration, drilling, reservoir management, cost-effective power generation, and direct-use tech.
  • Collaboration: Work with ministries, research institutes, global geothermal agencies, and oil/gas sector.
  • Decarbonization: Promote geothermal for space heating/cooling, industry, agriculture, and tourism.
  • Infrastructure Utilization: Repurpose abandoned oil & gas wells for geothermal production.

De-notified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes (DNTs):

Development and Welfare Board for De-notified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Communities (DWBDNC) members wrote to PM seeking permanent commission status, staff, funds, and financial powers.

• De-notified Tribes (DNTs): Communities once listed under Criminal Tribes Act, 1871 by British, branded as “born criminals.”
• Nomadic Tribes (NTs): Groups practicing seasonal/continuous migration for livelihood (salt trading, animal rearing, folk entertainment).
• Semi-Nomadic Tribes (SNTs): Follow less frequent, shorter migrations compared to nomads.

Current Status in India:

• Population: Around 10% of India’s population (~13 crore people).
• Spread: 150 DNT groups, ~500 nomadic communities across states.

Cultural & Social Character:

• Rich cultural traditions, own deities, festivals, oral literature, and dispute-resolution systems.
• Traditionally moved in groups of 5–20 families; annual camps used for reunions, marriages, cattle trade.

Meta Display Smart Glasses:

Meta launched the first Ray-Ban smart glasses with in-built AR display, showcased at the Meta Connect event 2025. Meta Display Smart Glasses is Wearable Augmented Reality (AR) device built into eyeglasses. Projects digital content (text, images, video) onto the lens, overlaying virtual information onto real-world view. Meta’s Ray-Ban Display is the first mainstream AR glasses with a built-in display since Google Glass. It Works projects a small, bright image onto the inside of the right lens, appearing below eye-line.It Capture surroundings, enabling environment-aware overlays.

Machu Picchu:

Peru evacuated 1,600 tourists from Machu Picchu after protests blocked train access, demanding inclusion in the bidding process for a new bus operator.Machu Picchu is 15th-century Inca citadel and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. A UNESCO World Heritage Site (1983) and Peru’s most iconic tourist destination, attracting ~4,500 visitors daily. It is Known for its remarkable preservation and engineering brilliance, combining ceremonial, residential, and agricultural areas.

Statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Honoured at Pimpri‑Chinchwad:

Maharashtra witnessed a historic cultural event as the Statue of Hindubhushan a 180-foot bronze monument of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj was honoured with the largest-ever Dhol-Tasha salute on 14 September 2025 in Pimpri-Chinchwad. The thunderous event celebrated Sambhaji Maharaj’s sacrifice and valour, blending Maratha heritage with cultural pride, and offering key insights into how history is being honoured through public monuments and performances.

International Equal Pay Day 2025:

International Equal Pay Day is observed every year on 18 September to raise awareness about the persistent gender pay gap and to reaffirm the global commitment to equal pay for work of equal value. Despite progress, women worldwide still earn around 20% less than men, reflecting systemic inequalities, occupational segregation, and gender stereotypes. This observance is an integral part of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), making it highly relevant for competitive exam aspirants under international days, gender issues, and human rights.

South Korea, US Reaffirm Goal of Korean Peninsula Denuclearisation:

South Korea and the United States have reaffirmed their commitment to the denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula. The statement came from South Korea’s National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac, who emphasized that the denuclearisation objective remains firm regardless of North Korea’s stance.The issue holds strong relevance in international relations, strategic studies, and diplomacy—important themes in UPSC, SSC, defence services, and other competitive exams.

New NECA 2025 Award for Influencers Promoting Energy Efficiency:

The Government of India, through the Ministry of Power and its Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), has launched a new initiative under the National Energy Conservation Awards (NECA) 2025. Recognising the growing influence of digital media, this move adds a fresh category for content creators and influencers, aimed at spreading awareness on energy efficiency and sustainable living. This is a significant development for aspirants of government exams, as it aligns with national priorities like Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) and Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav  themes frequently tested in current affairs sections.

India recently defended Qatar’s sovereignty at the U.N. Human Rights Council:

Qatar, officially the State of Qatar, is a country located in Western Asia. It is located on the northeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula. It has a total area of 11,586 sq.km. It shares a sole land border with Saudi Arabia to the south and is surrounded by the Persian Gulf on all other sides. The Gulf of Bahrain separates Qatar from the Kingdom of Bahrain. Doha is its capital and largest city.Qatar was originally settled by Bedouin nomads from the central part of the Arabian Peninsula.The Qatari economy is, to a very large extent, dependent on income derived from the exploitation of oil, natural gas and subsidiary industry, which accounts for more than 90 percent of annual exports.

Hathei Chilli:

14th Sirarakhong Hathei Chilli Festival was inaugurated in Manipur to promote GI-Tagged Hathei Chilli. Hathei Chilli is commonly known as the Sirarakhong chilly. It thrives well only in the climatic condition of the Sirarakhong village, which is situated about 66 km from Imphal, Manipur.
This indigenous chilli variety is cultivated under the jhum system on the slopes.Hathei Chilli is one of the best varieties of chilli in the world and its distinctive colour, taste, size and shape is typical of the variety grown in Sirarakhong village. It has a high demand both inside and outside the state for its deep red colour and special taste. Its cultivation serves as the main source of income for residents of Tangkhul Naga-dominated Sirarakong villageThis chilli received the Geographical Indication Tag (GI) in 2021.