Daily Current Affairs for UPSC IAS: 25th September 2025

Global Innovation Index 2025:

India has climbed to the 38th position among 139 economies in the World Intellectual Property Organization’s (WIPO) Global Innovation Index (GII) 2025, improving from 48th place in 2020.

Highlights of the GII 2025:

• India rose from 81st (2015) to 38th (2025), ranking 1st among lower-middle-income economies and in Central & Southern Asia.
• Its strengths are Knowledge & Technology Outputs (22) and Market Sophistication (38); weaknesses lie in Business Sophistication (64), Infrastructure (61), and Institutions (58).
• The top five most innovative economies are Switzerland (1st), Sweden (2nd), USA (3rd), South Korea (4th), and Singapore (5th). China ranked in the top 10 for the first time, securing the 10th position.
• The world’s top innovation clusters are Shenzhen–Hong Kong–Guangzhou (1st) in China and Hong Kong, and Tokyo–Yokohama (2nd) in Japan.
• Labor productivity rose 2.5% in 2024, global life expectancy reached 73 years, and extreme poverty fell to 817 million, under half of 2004 levels.
• In 2024, technology advanced with notable gains in supercomputing efficiency and battery prices. However, adoption slowed, progress in wind power and genome sequencing lagged, and novel drug development regressed.

Viksit Bharat Buildathon 2025:

Union Education Minister launched the Viksit Bharat Buildathon 2025, India’s largest-ever school hackathon.

• It is a nationwide innovation movement for school students.
• Organised by DoSEL (MoE) in collaboration with Atal Innovation Mission (NITI Aayog) and AICTE.
• Aim is to Foster grassroots innovation and problem-solving culture.
• Encourage students to design solutions on four themes: Vocal for Local, Atmanirbhar Bharat, Swadeshi, Samriddhi.
• Position India as a global hub of student-led innovation.
• Timeline: Sep 2025 – Jan 2026.
• Largest school hackathon engaging lakhs of students nationwide.
• Recognition of 1,000+ winners, with pathways to patents, startups, and entrepreneurship programmes.

Antifa:

U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans to designate Antifa a terrorist organisation after the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

• Antifa = “Anti-Fascist” movement.
• Not an organisation but a loosely connected network of activists opposing fascism, white supremacy, and far-right extremism.
• Roots in 1930s Europe, e.g., Antifaschistische Aktion (1932, Germany) and the Battle of Cable Street (1936, UK).
• Aim:
  • Confront groups perceived as fascist, authoritarian, or racist.
  • Prevent rise of extremist ideologies through direct action and activism.
• Features:
  • Structure: Decentralised, no hierarchy or leadership.
  • Ideology: Left-leaning, anarchist, anti-capitalist, anti-authoritarian beliefs.
  • Tactics: Range from peaceful protests to confrontational methods (e.g., doxxing, disrupting far-right rallies).

World Food India (WFI) 2025:

The 4th edition of World Food India (WFI) 2025 will be inaugurated by Prime Minister of India on 25th September 2025 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.

• World Food India (WFI) 2025 is a flagship international event hosted by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI).
• It Serves as a global platform for food innovation, investment, technology, and sustainability in India’s food ecosystem.
• Conceptualised by MoFPI to showcase India as a food processing hub.
• First edition in 2017, followed by 2nd in 2023, 3rd in 2024, and now the 4th in 2025. Structured to strengthen India’s positioning as the “Food Basket of the World.”
• Aim is to Promote foreign and domestic investment in India’s food processing sector, Strengthen farm-to-fork linkages and value addition, Encourage sustainable and future-ready food systems, Showcase India’s diverse food culture to the global community.

Almatti Dam:

Karnataka has proposed raising the Almatti Dam height from 519.60 m to 524.256 m, expanding its capacity from 173 TMC to 300 TMC.

• It is A hydroelectric and irrigation project forming the main reservoir of the Upper Krishna Irrigation Project.
• Commissioned in 2005, with an installed power generation capacity of 290 MW.
• Located in Bijapur (Vijayapura) district, Karnataka (with submergence in Bagalkot).
• Built across the Krishna River, one of South India’s major east-flowing rivers.
• States Involved: Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra (all riparian states of the Krishna basin).
• Features:
  • Current gross storage:08 TMC at 519 m MSL.
  • Planned expansion: 300 TMC at 524.256 m MSL.
  • Downstream release to Narayanpur reservoir for irrigation.

President Murmu Felicitates Winners at the 71st National Film Awards Ceremony:

The 71st National Film Awards ceremony took place on September 23, 2025, at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, with President Droupadi Murmu honouring the winners.

• The evening celebrated the finest achievements in Indian cinema for the year 2023, bringing together veteran legends and contemporary performers.
• The awards marked a special moment as Malayalam superstar Mohanlal received the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, while films like 12th Fail, Jawan, Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway, and Kathal – A Jackfruit Mystery secured major honours.

Awards List:

• Mohanlal – Dadasaheb Phalke Award
• Best Feature Film – 12th Fail Directed by Vidhu Vinod Chopra, the inspirational biopic 12th Fail won Best Feature Film. The movie, based on real-life IAS officer Manoj Kumar Sharma’s struggles, resonated with audiences and critics alike for its realism and storytelling.
• Best Hindi Film – Kathal: A Jackfruit Mystery
• The satirical comedy Kathal – A Jackfruit Mystery, led by Sanya Malhotra, bagged the award for Best Hindi Film, showcasing the rise of unconventional storytelling in mainstream cinema.
• Best Actor – Shah Rukh Khan & Vikrant Massey
• Best Actress – Rani Mukerji

India’s First Overseas Defence Facility in Morocco:

The Defence Minister of India inaugurated Tata Advanced Systems Limited’s (TASL) defence manufacturing facility in Morocco and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on defence cooperation with Morocco, marking a historic milestone in India-Morocco defence ties.It is the first overseas defence facility by an Indian private company; largest defence manufacturing plant in Morocco. The facility supports India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat and represents India’s Make in India, Make with Friends, Make for the World strategy. It strengthens India-Morocco strategic partnership, local capacity, and contributes to regional security. Morocco’s strategic location as gateway to Africa and Europe enhances export potential and bilateral defence cooperation.

Mohenjodaro Dancing Girl : Replica

A replica of the famous Mohenjodaro ‘Dancing Girl’ was stolen from the National Museum in Delhi but recovered after the alleged culprit.The Dancing Girl is a bronze figurine from the Indus Valley Civilization (c. 2500 BCE), discovered in 1926 by archaeologist Ernest Mackay at Mohenjodaro.The figurine was created using the Lost-Wax Casting Technique, a sophisticated metallurgical process.Lost-wax casting is a process where a wax model is covered with a heat-resistant mold, the wax is melted out, molten metal is poured into the hollow cavity, and once it cools, the mold is removed to reveal the metal object.The sculpture shows a young girl in a confident pose with tilted head and long arms, combining realism with stylized exaggeration. Her posture and ornaments convey grace and rhythm, earning her the name “Dancing Girl.”

India’s Fusion Energy Roadmap:

Researchers at the Institute for Plasma Research (IPR), Gandhinagar, unveiled a roadmap for India’s fusion energy programme. It proposes developing SST-Bharat, a superconducting tokamak aiming for a demonstration reactor by 2060.Unlike fission (splitting heavy atoms), fusion joins light nuclei (e.g., isotopes of hydrogen) to form heavier atoms, releasing massive energy.
Advantages:
Minimal radioactive waste compared to fission.
Abundant fuel (deuterium from water, tritium from lithium).
No greenhouse gas emissions.
Inherent safety — no meltdown risk.

Exercise Cold Start:

India will hold a mega tri-service drone drill ‘Cold Start’ in Madhya Pradesh in October 2025.It will be the largest joint exercise on drones and counter-drone systems since Operation Sindoor. It is a tri-service military exercise focused on testing drones and counter-drone systems. Designed to simulate aerial threats and defence responses in modern warfare. Host: To be conducted in Madhya Pradesh, in the first week of October 2025.

Aim:
To evaluate operational readiness against drones, UAVs, and aerial threats.
To identify gaps and enhance air defence capabilities.
To stay ahead of adversaries like Pakistan in counter-drone and jamming technologies.

L-1 Visa:

The U.S. administration under Donald Trump announced a $100,000 fee hike on fresh H-1B applications, sparking debate on whether the L-1 visa could be an alternative for Indian professionals.It is of two types: L-1A employees (executives/managers) and L-1B (specialized knowledge A non-immigrant work visa for intra-company transfers. Allows multinational firms to send employees from overseas branches to their U.S. offices.Created under the Immigration and Nationality Act (1965) framework. Designed to support global operations of multinational corporations. Aim is to facilitate transfer of talent within the same company across borders. Strengthen U.S. business operations without relying on external labour markets.

Estonia:

NATO condemned Russia for violating Estonian airspace with three MiG-31 fighter jets. Estonia invoked Article 4 of NATO treaty to seek urgent consultations on territorial security. Estonia is Situated in northeastern Europe, northernmost of the Baltic States. Capital: Tallinn. Neighbouring Nations: Russia (via Narva River, Lake Peipus), Latvia, Baltic Sea.

Russia to Complete S‑400 Missile System Deliveries to India by 2026:

India’s long-awaited S‑400 missile deal with Russia is heading toward completion, with the final delivery scheduled for 2026. Signed in 2018, the agreement includes five S‑400 Triumf air defence systems aimed at significantly strengthening India’s airspace defence capabilities. With four systems already delivered, the upcoming final unit underscores the enduring defence partnership between India and Russia—despite geopolitical tensions and external pressures such as the threat of U.S. sanctions.India inked a US$5.43 billion contract with Russia for the procurement of five S‑400 Triumf systems, among the most advanced long-range air defence systems globally. The deal was strategic, aimed at countering threats from adversaries across land borders and maritime zones.

Vandana Gupta takes charge as Controller General of Communication Accounts:

Under the Ministry of Communications and as part of the ongoing Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations, Ms. Vandana Gupta has officially taken charge as the Controller General of Communication Accounts (CGCA) in New Delhi. Her elevation to the Apex Grade underscores a career marked by excellence, service, and leadership in India’s communications and financial administration.

Nvidia to Invest $100 Billion in OpenAI:

Nvidia has announced a massive $100 billion investment in OpenAI to build a next-generation AI compute network. The agreement, revealed on September 22, 2025, outlines a vision to deploy at least 10 gigawatts (GW) of Nvidia-powered infrastructure that will support OpenAI’s growing demand for AI training and deployment at scale.

Jio Payments Bank Introduces “Savings Pro” Earn Up to 6.5%:

Jio Payments Bank has launched a new facility called Savings Pro, designed to help account holders earn significantly higher returns on funds that would otherwise lie idle. Rather than keeping surplus funds in a savings account earning minimal interest, Savings Pro allows users to set a threshold (starting from ₹5,000) and automatically invests the excess into overnight mutual funds.

China to Launch K Visa:

As the U.S. enforces steep hikes and restrictions on H-1B visa applications, China is stepping in with a new immigration initiative. From October 1, 2025, China will officially launch the K Visa to attract young STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) professionals and researchers from around the world, offering an alternative route for global talent looking to work abroad.

The K Visa is China’s newly announced visa category designed to,

Attract young science and tech professionals
Encourage academic, cultural, and entrepreneurial exchanges
Offer flexibility in duration of stay, multiple entries, and employment conditions

Indian Navy to commission ‘Androth’, the second ASW Shallow Water Craft:

The Indian Navy is set to commission INS Androth, the second Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC), on October 6, 2025, at the Naval Dockyard in Visakhapatnam. The ceremony will be presided over by Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command. This event not only marks the formal induction of the second vessel in the 16-ship ASW-SWC series but also reflects India’s growing capabilities in indigenous warship design and construction.INS Androth has been built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd., Kolkata, under the supervision of the Directorate of Ship Production and the Warship Overseeing Team.

Karnataka Launches Rs 1,000 Crore “LEAP” to Fuel Innovation Across the State:

The Karnataka government has launched a bold new initiative called LEAP (Local Economy Accelerator Programme), with an outlay of ₹1,000 crore over five years. Designed to spread innovation and entrepreneurial growth beyond Bengaluru, LEAP aims to create five lakh jobs, uplift emerging tech clusters across the state, and strengthen startup ecosystems from schools to global markets. The programme is intended to address key gaps — infrastructure, funding, mentorship — so that innovation reaches every region of Karnataka.

Amit Shah Inaugurates Startup Conclave 2025 in Gandhinagar:

Home Minister Amit Shah opens Startup Conclave 2025 in Gandhinagar, bringing over 1,000 startups, 5,000 innovators, and top investors together. Organised by the Gujarat State Education Department, this two-day conclave is bringing together a dynamic mix of entrepreneurs, investors, mentors, and policymakers from across the country. The event underscores the Centre’s and Gujarat’s joint commitment to nurturing innovation, promoting entrepreneurship, and catalyzing investment in high-growth sectors. More than 170 startups selected by Startup India, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), and the Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) program are also being showcased.
This provides a national-level exposure to cutting-edge solutions across agriculture, defence, AI, clean tech, fintech, and healthcare.

UK PM Keir Starmer Honoured with ‘Living Bridge’ Award for India-UK FTA:

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has been awarded the prestigious ‘Living Bridge’ honour for his instrumental role in fostering deeper India-UK relations and successfully concluding the long-awaited India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The award, presented at a ceremony in the House of Lords in London on September 23, 2025, recognizes individuals and organisations who significantly contribute to strengthening bilateral ties. The award was accepted on Starmer’s behalf by Seema Malhotra, Britain’s Indian-origin Minister for the Indo-Pacific in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).Living Bridge’ Honour is Organised annually by the India Business Group (IBG), the Living Bridge Awards spotlight those who serve as symbolic ‘living bridges’ between India and the UK, enhancing collaboration in areas like trade, education, culture, and diplomacy. This year marks the fourth edition of the awards.

Visakhapatnam Declaration sets roadmap for India’s digital governance:

India’s digital governance journey took a major leap forward with the adoption of the Visakhapatnam Declaration at the 28th National Conference on e-Governance (NCeG) held on September 23, 2025. Co-hosted by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG), Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY), and the Government of Andhra Pradesh, the two-day conference culminated in a strategic roadmap that aligns with the national vision of Viksit Bharat 2047