Daily Current Affairs for UPSC IAS: 23rd September 2025

Indrayani River : Two Sewage Treatment Plant

State Level Technical Committee (SLTC) recently approved two Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) projects along the Indrayani River in Pimpri Chinchwad to curb water pollution.

• Indrayani River is located in Maharashtra.
• It is a tributary of the Bhima River (a tributary of the Krishna River).
• It is a rain-fed river that originates from the Western Ghats, near the hill station of Lonavala, located along the Mumbai-Pune Highway.
• It flows through the Pune district before merging into the Bhima River at Tulapur.
• It travels a total length of 3 km.
• The river has great religious importance, and the two sacred towns, Alandi and Dehu, are situated on its banks.
• Dehu is known to be a sacred place for being the hometown of the poet Saint Tukaram, who was a popular saint of Maharashtra, and Alandi holds the samadhi of the poet Dnyaneshwar.
• The Indrayani also passes through the industrial town of Pimpri-Chinchwad and plays a role in irrigation and local agriculture.
• Valvan Dam at Kamshet, situated on the Indrayani River, is a hydroelectric generating station.

Yuan Wang 5: Returned To The Maritime Neighbourhood Of India

China’s spy ship Yuan Wang 5 has returned to the maritime neighbourhood of India, three years after it had docked at Hambantota Port of Sri Lanka.

• Yuan Wang 5 launched in 2007, Yuan Wang 5 is part of a series of specialized tracking ships built by China for strategic space and missile monitoring.
• It is operated by China’s People’s Liberation Army Strategic Support Force.
• It can provide near-real-time situational awareness to the PLA Rocket Force and Navy.
• It also plays a role in validating the performance of China’s new generation of intercontinental ballistic missiles and hypersonic weapons, providing telemetry data critical for weapons development and operational readiness.
• It displaces about 25,000 tons, has a length of over 222 metres, a beam of over 25 metres, and can accommodate 400 people.
• The ship is driven by diesel engines and can generate sufficient electricity to light up a small town of over 300,000 inhabitants.
• With endurance measured in weeks, the ship can remain on station during key test windows or naval exercises.
• Its suite of high-power phased-array radar systems is capable of detecting ballistic missile launches at distances exceeding 3,000 kilometers.
• These radars track the trajectory of missiles through various flight stages, from boost to reentry, while simultaneously collecting telemetry signals that reveal propulsion performance, warhead separation, and guidance accuracy.

Bagram Air Base:

The Taliban government recently rejected U.S. President Donald Trump’s bid to retake Bagram Air Base, four years after America’s chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan left the sprawling military facility in the Taliban hands.

• Bagram Air Base is the largest air base in Afghanistan, located north of the capital, Kabul.
• It has a strategic position at the crossroads of Iran, Pakistan, China’s Xinjiang province, and Central Asia.
• It was built during the Cold War by the Soviet Union.
• The airbase served Soviet operations in the country for decades until they withdrew in the late 1980s.
• The US revamped the facility following its own occupation of Afghanistan decades later.
• It had served as a crucial hub in the US war against the Taliban and Al Qaeda since 2001.
• It has runways longer than many international airports, and hardened shelters, hospitals, and fuel depots.
• The base also housed fast-food restaurants to cater to the US troops, along with shops selling everything from electronics to Afghan rugs.
• Bagram also had a massive prison complex.

Lactifluus khasianus: New species Of Edible Mushroom

Researchers recently discovered a new species of edible mushroom, now formally named Lactifluus khasianus—but long known to Khasi tribal communities as “Tit iongnah.”

• It is a new species of edible mushroom.
• It was discovered in Meghalaya’s East Khasi Hills.
• It is long known to Khasi tribal communities as “Tit iongnah.”
• Belonging to the Lactifluus sect. Gerardii, the new species, stands out for its chocolate-brown cap, distinctive microscopic features, and genetic markers.
• It grows in association with Khasi pine (Pinus kesiya) at altitudes of around 1,600 metres.
• It is now the fifth confirmed species of this section in India—and notably, the first to be reported as edible.

Clean Plant Programme: In News

The Clean Plant Programme (CPP) which was approved by the Union Cabinet is gaining momentum in its implementation.

• Clean Plant Programme was conceptualized by the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare in collaboration with the Asian Development Bank.
• It was as launched as a major initiative to provide farmers with access to high-quality, virus-free planting material of key fruit crops.
• It is implemented by the National Horticulture Board (NHB) in association with Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)
• Components of Clean Plant Programme:
  • Establishment of Nine Clean Plant Centers (CPCs): These centres will offer disease diagnostics and treatments, develop mother plants for nurseries, and quarantine all domestic and imported planting materials intended for commercial propagation and distribution.
  • Infrastructure Development: This includes setting up large-scale nurseries to efficiently multiply clean planting material. The mother plants produced by the CPCs will be propagated in these nurseries and then distributed to farmers.
  • Regulatory and Certification Framework: A regulatory and certification process will be created to ensure complete accountability and traceability in the production and distribution of planting material.

Project Vijayak:

The Project Vijayak of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) celebrated its 15th Raising Day at Kargil, Ladakh.

• Project Vijayak was launched by the Border Roads Organisation in
• It drew its name from Operation Vijay, signifying the congruence between the Theatre of Battle and the Project Area of Responsibility.
• It was entrusted with the responsibility of providing road connectivity in the areas of Kargil and Zanskar, which previously were under Project Himank.
• This project has played a significant role in strengthening the security infrastructure along the LC and has also contributed positively in shaping the socio-economic landscape of the region.

Mana Mitra:

Andhra Pradesh expanded its WhatsApp Governance platform ‘Mana Mitra’ to offer 200+ citizen services, now covering 738 services across 36 departments, and the Centre plans to replicate this model nationwide after recognizing it as a best practice.

• Mana Mitra is India’s first WhatsApp-based governance platform, launched by the Andhra Pradesh government in January 2025 to deliver public services digitally. It integrates 36 state departments into a single window for citizens, reducing the need to visit government offices.
• Objectives:
  • Ease of Access: Reduce physical visits to government offices and deliver services on a widely used platform.
  • Transparency & Trust: QR-coded certificates linked to official websites eliminate fake documentation.
  • Inclusivity: Empower rural citizens with mobile-first governance tools.
• Working:
  • Single Number Access: Citizens send a message to 9552300009 on WhatsApp.
  • Menu-Driven Service: A chatbot presents available services (education, revenue, RTC, endowments, tourism, tax payments, etc.).
  • Instant Document Delivery: Certificates (like income, caste, hall tickets) are delivered digitally with QR code verification.
  • Real-Time Governance Dashboard: Tracks requests and service delivery for transparency.
  • Next-Gen Tech Integration: Future upgrades include AI chatbots, voice-based services, and blockchain authentication for secure, seamless transactions.

State Finances Publication 2025 By CAG:

The CAG’s State Finances Publication 2025 reported that states’ salary bills have risen 2.5x in 10 years to ₹16.6 lakh crore, while public debt has surged 3.4x to ₹59.6 lakh crore.It Is an annual publication by the Comptroller & Auditor General (CAG) assessing states’ finances, debt, revenue, and expenditure trends.It Provides a comprehensive picture of fiscal health, sustainability, and policy implications for all 28 states.

Evo AI Model:

Stanford University scientists, with the Arc Institute, have used AI (Evo) to design new viruses that kill harmful bacteria.Evo AI Model is a large AI model trained on microbial and viral genetic sequences. Functions like a “ChatGPT for DNA,” predicting, designing, and generating genetic code for synthetic biology applications. Developed By: Stanford University and Arc Institute.

Logistics Ease Across Different States (LEADS) 2025:

Union Commerce & Industry Minister launched Logistics Ease Across Different States (LEADS) 2025 in New Delhi during the decade-long celebrations of Make in India. Logistics Ease Across Different States (LEADS) 2025 is a national index and survey that ranks and assesses the logistics ecosystem of Indian States and UTs, identifying gaps and best practices to enhance supply chain performance.Released by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT).

Features of LEADS 2025:

• Assessment of 5–7 key national corridors using journey time, truck speed, and waiting time.
• Real-time section-wise speed evaluation on major road corridors for sharper analytics.
• Leaders, Achievers, and Aspirers classification for healthy competition.
• Tailored state-level interventions based on findings.
• Interactive platform for States/UTs to monitor performance continuously.

Mumbai–Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) Corridor:

A 4.88 km tunnel breakthrough between Ghansoli and Shilphata was achieved, marking a critical milestone for the Mumbai–Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) corridor.The Mumbai–Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) is India’s first bullet train project, covering 508 km between Mumbai (Maharashtra) and Ahmedabad (Gujarat). It uses Japanese Shinkansen technology with trains running at 320 kmph, drastically cutting travel time to just over 2 hours.
Implemented by: National High-Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL) with Japanese technical and financial assistance.Covers 348 km in Gujarat, 156 km in Maharashtra, 4 km in Dadra & Nagar Haveli, ensuring regional connectivity and balanced development.Includes major stops like Mumbai BKC, Thane, Surat, Vadodara, Ahmedabad, integrating economic hubs and improving intercity travel efficiency.Operational speed of 320 kmph (design speed 350 kmph) reduces Mumbai–Ahmedabad travel time from 6–7 hours to just over 2 hours.

Achanakmar Tiger Reserve:

The tiger population in Achanakmar Tiger Reserve (Chhattisgarh) has witnessed a remarkable increase, rising from 5 in 2022 to 18 in 2025, largely due to the arrival of the tigress Jhumri from Bandhavgarh (Madhya Pradesh) and enhanced conservation efforts.Located in Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh, Achanakmar Tiger Reserve (ATR) was established as a wildlife sanctuary in 1975 and became a tiger reserve in 2009. It is part of the Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve.The reserve forms a vital corridor linking Kanha and Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserves, enabling tiger movement and maintaining genetic diversity. ATR is home to the Baigas (PVTG), Gond, and Yadav communities.The Maniyari River, which flows through the reserve, is known as its life line. It merges in the Seonath River of the Mahanadi Basin.Dominated by tropical moist deciduous forests, the reserve features Sal, Saja, Tinsa, Bija, Haldu, Teak, Dhawara, Lendia, Khamar, and Bamboo.

Super Typhoon Ragasa:

The Philippines has halted work and classes as Super Typhoon Ragasa barrels toward northern Luzon with winds up to 250 km/h. Super Typhoon Ragasa is Category 5 Super Typhoon with sustained winds of 205 km/h and gusts up to 250 km/h. Locally called “Nando”, it is one of the strongest typhoons to hit the region in recent years.Formed over the western Pacific Ocean, where warm waters and low wind shear created ideal conditions for intensification.
Moving across the Luzon Strait, expected to impact the Babuyan Islands before heading toward southern China.

50th Golden Jubilee Meeting of the National Committee of Archivists:

50th Golden Jubilee Meeting of the National Committee of Archivists (NCA), was organized by the National Archives of India (NAI).It is the custodian of the records of enduring value of the Government of India.It was originally established as the Imperial Record Departmenton 11 March 1891 in Kolkata (Calcutta).It was transferred to New Delhi in 1911. The NAI also serves as the nodal agency for implementing the Public Records Act, 1993, and the Public Record Rules, 1997. A significant portion of its oriental records is in Sanskrit, Persian, Odia, and other languages. Access to the records in the NAI is governed by the provisions of the Public Records Rules, 1997. The NAI keeps and conserves records of the government of India and its organisations. It does not receive classified documents. Headed by: Director General of Archives .Ministry: Ministry of Culture. Location: New Delhi and has one regional office at Bhopal and three Records Centers at Bhubaneswar, Jaipur, and Puducherry.

US Senators Introduce India Shrimp Tariff Act To Protect Seafood Industry:

US Senators Bill Cassidy (Louisiana) and Cindy Hyde-Smith (Mississippi) introduced the India Shrimp Tariff Act in the US Senate. The proposed legislation seeks to protect Louisiana’s shrimp and catfish industries from what lawmakers described as a flood of cheap Indian imports “dumped” into US markets with minimal penalties or regulation.Purpose of the Act is to establish tariffs on shrimp imports from India, to create a level playing field for domestic producers against low-cost imports,to safeguard Louisiana’s shrimpers, catfish farmers, processors, and related jobs.

Saudi-Pakistan Defence Pact:

Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have formalized decades of informal military cooperation by signing a Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement (SMDA), a pact that could notably affect India’s national interests in South Asia and the Gulf region.The pact includes a collective defence clause, joint military mechanisms, and intelligence-sharing.For Pakistan, it offers financial lifelines and strategic relevance, while for Saudi Arabia, it provides a hedge against regional threats like Iran, Houthis, and Israel’s aggression.The Saudi-Pakistan defence pact revives historical ties between the two countries, posing a geopolitical challenge to India’s Gulf diplomacy.It may enable Pakistan to leverage its strengthened position with Riyadh to push anti-India narratives on Kashmir within the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, complicating India’s influence in the Islamic world.

Anandkumar Velkumar wins gold in the 42km marathon at the 2025 World Speed Skating Championships in China:

Anandkumar Velkumar, a 22-year-old skater from India, scripted history at the 2025 World Speed Skating Championships in China. He clinched gold in the men’s 42km marathon, marking India’s first-ever world championship title in speed skating.Velkumar’s story is as inspiring as his achievements. His skating journey began on a cement badminton court near his home, where he trained tirelessly despite limited resources.

Anish Raj wins bronze in Junior Men’s One-Lap Road Sprint at 2025 Inline Speed World Championships in China:

Junior speed skater Anish Raj clinched the bronze medal in the Junior Men’s One-Lap Road Sprint at the 73rd Inline Speed World Championships 2025 in Beidaihe, China. Clocking 39.714 seconds, Anish became the first Indian to win a medal in this category, securing India’s place on the global roller sports map.

73rd Inline Speed World Championships 2025:
Dates: 13–21 September 2025
Venue: Beidaihe, China
Participation: 42 countries, featuring the world’s fastest junior and senior skaters
India’s Team: 19 athletes competing across multiple events

Mozambique:

The Indian Navy’s First Training Squadron comprising INS Tir, INS Shardul, INS Sujata, and ICGS Sarathi concluded its four-day port visit to Maputo, Mozambique. Mozambique is a country in Southern Africa and is located in the Southern and Eastern Hemispheres of the Earth. The island countries and territories of Madagascar, Comoros, and Mayotte are separated from Mozambique by the Mozambique Channel. Bordering countries: Zimbabwe (west), Eswatini and South Africa (south and southwest), Zambia, Malawi (north west), and Tanzania (North).The River Zambezi being the largest and other rivers are Limpopo, Licungo, Lurio, Rovuma etc.

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone wins 400m gold:

American track sensation Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone created history by running the fastest women’s 400 metres in 40 years, clocking 47.78 seconds to win world championship gold in Tokyo on Thursday, 18 September 2025. This victory marked her successful transition from the 400m hurdles, where she is already a two-time Olympic and one-time world champion, to the flat 400m.