Daily Current Affairs (CA) for UPSC 30th Sep 2025

1. Strategic & Economic Angle

• Access to Indian Railway Network:
• Two lines will connect Bhutan to 1,50,000 km of Indian Railways.
• Facilitates EXIM trade and industrial growth.
• Boost to Tourism & Economy: Seamless connectivity to Gelephu and Samtse will encourage cross-border tourism, industrial investments, and local trade.
• Infrastructure Development:
• Banarhat–Samtse line: Includes 2 stations, 1 major flyover, 24 minor flyovers, 27 bridges, 39 underpasses.
• Project cost: ₹577 crore.

2. Diplomatic & Regional Significance

• Strengthens India–Bhutan ties, a model of close neighbourhood relations.
• Complements India’s Neighbourhood First Policy and Act East Policy.
• Counters influence of China in the Himalayan region.

3. Development Partnership

• India pledged ₹10,000 crore assistance to Bhutan for its 13th Five-Year Plan (2024–2029).
• Ongoing cooperation in hydropower projects (Chhukha, Tala, Mangdechhu, Kurichhu, Punatsangchhu).
• Recent opening of Gelephu Inland Waterways Terminal enhances multimodal connectivity.

4. UPSC Value Addition

• Rail Diplomacy: Like India–Nepal and India–Bangladesh rail links, this project expands sub-regional connectivity in South Asia.
• Hydropower Cooperation: Bhutan supplies surplus hydropower to India; a key element in energy security and green energy transition.
• Neighbourhood First Policy: Reinforces India’s commitment to small neighbours’ developmental aspirations (2024 agreement on northern boundaries), safeguarding India's Chicken's Neck (Siliguri Corridor).
• India-Bhutan Bilateral Ties: Rooted in 1949 Treaty (revised 2007), emphasizing mutual security; rail links extend hydropower cooperation (10,000 MW potential by 2030).
• Multilateral Engagements: Aligns with BBIN (Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal) Motor Vehicles Agreement 2015 for sub-regional connectivity.
• Economic Development: Boosts Northeast's GDP (Assam: 3.5% growth FY25) via trade hubs; links to Act East Policy for ASEAN integration.
• Tourism and Trade: Vande Bharat enables "Bhutan Circuit" tourism; goods movement (e.g., minerals from Bhutan) reduces logistics costs by 25%.
• Environmental and Disaster Management: Projects incorporate climate-resilient designs (e.g., viaducts), linking to NDMA guidelines for Himalayan infra.
• People-to-People Links: Strengthens cultural ties (e.g., shared Buddhist heritage), fostering social harmony in diverse Northeast.
• Government Initiatives and Schemes

Scheme/Initiative	Launch/Outlay	Key Features & Link to Project	Achievements (as of 2025)
Bharatmala Pariyojana (2017)	₹5.35 lakh crore	Focuses on border roads/rail; includes Northeast connectivity. Funds bridges/underpasses.	34,800 km completed; 10 border links operational.
Sagarmala Programme (2015)	₹14 lakh crore	Multi-modal logistics; integrates with Jogighopa terminal for Bhutan exports.	802 projects; reduced logistics cost to 9% GDP.
Neighbourhood First Policy (2014)	Integrated in MEA budget (₹22,000 crore FY25)	Prioritizes Bhutan; grant aid for infra.	50+ projects; $2B lines of credit.
Act East Policy (2014)	₹10,000 crore for Northeast	Enhances ASEAN links via Bhutan; supports Vande Bharat.	20% trade growth with East Asia.
India-Bhutan Development Cooperation (Ongoing)	₹10,000 crore for Bhutan's 13th Plan	Covers rail/hydropower; doubles previous aid.	Punatsangchhu II (1,020 MW) commissioned.
PM Gati Shakti (2021)	₹100 lakh crore	Digital planning for seamless infra; maps rail links.	1,500+ layers; 30% faster approvals.

UPSC Prelims Q. 

With reference to India–Bhutan relations, consider the following statements: 

 1. The Kokrajhar–Gelephu and Banarhat–Samtse rail projects are the first-ever rail connectivity links between India and Bhutan. 

 2. Bhutan is India’s largest trading partner in South Asia. 

 3. India has pledged development assistance to Bhutan in its 13th Five-Year Plan (2024–2029). 

 4. The Gelephu Inland Waterways Terminal was developed by India as part of multimodal connectivity. Which of the above statements is/are correct? 

 A) 1, 2 and 3 only

B) 1, 3 and 4 only
C) 2 and 4 only
D) 1, 2, 3 and 4 

  Answer: D) 1, 2, 3 and 4

U.S. tariffs will have long-term effect on trade: Commerce Ministry

Syllabus Mapping

• GS Paper 3: Indian Economy – external sector, exports, schemes for competitiveness (EPCG, SEZ, PLI).
• GS Paper 2: Bilateral relations (India–U.S.), role of WTO, impact of protectionism.

Why in News?

• The U.S. has imposed higher tariffs on Indian goods under the Trump administration.
• This is expected to have a long-term impact on India’s marine exports, especially shrimp, with effective duties exceeding 58% when combined with existing tariffs.
• The Commerce Ministry informed the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) that India is actively seeking market diversification (EU, Russia, other regions).

What is it All About?

• Key issue: Shrimp exports hit hardest → India is the largest exporter of shrimp globally (especially to U.S.).
• Competitor: China also facing similar tariffs, but India still disadvantaged due to higher costs.
• PAC review: Also discussed poor performance of Export Promotion Capital Goods (EPCG) Scheme.

Core Content Analysis 

1. Impact of U.S. Tariffs on India

• Marine exports: Shrimp exports face >58% effective levy → reduces competitiveness.
• Pharma sector: Earlier fears of U.S. tariffs unfounded; impact limited.
• Long-term effect: Tariffs erode India’s market share and affect rural livelihoods (as aquaculture is employment-intensive).

2. India’s Response

• Market Diversification:
• Registration of more export units in EU.
• Negotiations with Russia and European Free Trade Association (EFTA) (Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein).
• EU FTAs to “eliminate existing duties.”
• Engagement in WTO: Highlighting adverse impacts of tariff barriers.
• Exploring New Markets: Africa, Latin America for seafood exports.

3. Export Promotion Capital Goods (EPCG) Scheme

• Objective: Allow duty-free import of capital goods to enhance export competitiveness.
• Issue flagged by PAC: Lack of clear outcomes → ₹42,714 crore of duties forgone (2018–19 to 2020–21) without proportional export gains.
• PAC direction: Government must rationalise incentives and review EPCG effectiveness.

4. Broader Trade Policy Implications

• Tariffs highlight vulnerability of India’s export basket (shrimp, textiles, steel, pharma).
• Need for FTAs: Ongoing India–EU FTA, India–EFTA FTA, India–UK FTA critical.
• Links to Atmanirbhar Bharat – need to strengthen domestic competitiveness.
• WTO disputes remain key – India has filed complaints against U.S. tariffs earlier.

Other Relevant Info for UPSC

• Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA): Statutory body under Commerce Ministry regulating seafood exports.
• India’s shrimp exports: ~70% of farmed shrimp exported; U.S. is top market.
• Trade statistics: Merchandise exports (2023–24) ~$437 billion, services ~$340 billion.

UPSC Prelims Q. With reference to India’s seafood exports, consider the following statements: 1. India is the world’s largest exporter of farmed shrimp. 2. The U.S. is the single largest destination for India’s shrimp exports. 3. The Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) functions under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare. Which of the above statements is/are correct? 

 A) 1 and 2 only

B) 2 and 3 only
C) 1 only
D) 1, 2 and 3

  Answer: A) 1 and 2 only

E-waste collection faces gaps as informal sector plays huge role

  Syllabus Mapping

• GS Paper 3:
• Environment: Waste management, pollution, resource efficiency.
• Economy: Critical minerals, manufacturing competitiveness.
• Science & Tech: Electronics, semiconductors, circular economy.

GS Paper 2: Governance issues, regulation, informal sector role

  Why in News?

• With India’s electronics manufacturing push (semiconductor fabrication, Electronics Component Manufacturing Scheme, and ₹1,500 crore e-waste recycling scheme), e-waste recycling has emerged as a critical sector.
• However, policymakers face hurdles as the informal sector dominates collection and recycling, raising issues of traceability, compliance, and environmental safety.
• In 2022, India generated 4.17 million metric tonnes of e-waste, but only about one-third was processed through formal channels.

What is it All About?

• E-waste definition: Discarded electronic appliances (phones, laptops, TVs, etc.) and components containing metals like copper, nickel, cobalt, lithium.
• India’s electronics consumption: 93.9 crore mobile connections (TRAI) → India = 4% of global consumption.
• Challenge: Informal recycling dominates → repairs and resale thrive, but lack formal accountability or traceability.

Core Content Analysis 1. Scale of the Problem

• 4.17 million tonnes of e-waste generated in 2022 (India among top producers).
• Only 1/3rd processed through official Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) channels.
• Informal markets dominate → lead to unsafe extraction, pollution, and material losses.

2. Informal Sector’s Role

• Informal recyclers repair, reuse, or extract metals from discarded electronics.
• Creates livelihood but lacks environmental safeguards.
• Results in “paper trading” where recyclers overstate collections to claim EPR credits.

3. Policy & Regulatory Gaps

• EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility): Mandates producers to collect/recycle e-waste → plagued by loopholes.
• Traceability challenge: Lack of system to track metals through lifecycle.
• Auditing: Recent inspections showed discrepancies in >50 registered recyclers.

4. Material Security & Strategic Importance

• Critical minerals (lithium, cobalt, nickel, rare earths) essential for semiconductors, batteries, and EVs.
• Global supply chains fragile (China’s dominance in critical minerals).
• India could meet 70% of its rare earth needs through efficient e-waste recycling.

5. Industry & Innovation Responses

• Companies like Attero setting up large recycling units in “mandi-style” aggregation.
• Calls for AI-enabled inventory systems for better visibility of waste flows.
• Push for integration of informal sector with training and technology.

Other Relevant Info for UPSC

• International context: Global e-waste ~50 million tonnes/year (UN estimate).
• India’s policy: E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2016 → updated in 2022 with stricter EPR norms.
• Circular economy link: Recycling critical for Atmanirbhar Bharat, sustainable development, and climate targets.
• SDGs: SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), SDG 13 (Climate Action).

Policy Framework and Reforms

• E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022: Mandates EPR with phased targets (60% FY25, 80% FY28); integrates RoHS for hazardous substances.
• Recent Initiatives: ₹1,500 crore scheme (September 2025) for mineral recycling; PLI for electronics (₹76,000 crore) ties to EPR, aiming 20% local value addition.
• Global Alignment: Basel Convention (1989, India acceded 1992) regulates transboundary waste; Stockholm Convention on POPs addresses e-waste toxins.

Environmental and Health Impacts

• Pollution Linkages: Informal recycling emits 1.2 million tonnes CO2-equivalent annually (TERI 2024), contaminating soil in hotspots like Seelampur (Delhi).
• Health Burden: Affects 4 million informal workers (ILO 2023); links to SDG 3 (Health) and 12 (Responsible Consumption).

Economic and Resource Security

• Critical Minerals Angle: E-waste holds 50x more gold than ore (UN 2024); supports National Critical Minerals Mission 2023 for 30 minerals.
• Informal Sector Economics: Generates ₹15,000-20,000 crore (CII 2025) but evades taxes; formalization could add 1% to GDP via recycling hubs.
• Global Comparison: Japan's 98% collection rate via producer fees; China's informal crackdown (2024) offers lessons for India's 2025 audits.

Technological and Innovation Aspects

• Innovations in Recycling: Attero's hydrometallurgical units recover 99% REEs; AI traceability (e.g., blockchain pilots by CPCB) addresses "material traceability" gaps.
• Challenges in Formalization: High costs (₹50,000/tonne vs. informal ₹10,000) deter uptake; needs subsidies under Swachh Bharat 2.0.

UPSC Prelims Q. With reference to e-waste management in India, consider the following statements:

 1. The E-Waste (Management) Rules mandate Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), making producers responsible for collection and recycling.

 2. India generated more than 4 million tonnes of e-waste in 2022, of which over 70% was processed through formal channels. 

 3. E-waste contains critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel, which are vital for semiconductors and electric vehicle batteries. Which of the above statements is/are correct? A) 1 and 2 only

B) 2 and 3 only
C) 1 and 3 only
D) 1, 2 and 3 

  Answer: C) 1 and 3 only

Suriname pledges to protect 90% of forests 

  Syllabus mapping:

• GS Paper 3:
• Environment → Conservation, afforestation, carbon sinks.
• Biodiversity & Climate Change.
• Energy transition & sustainable development.
• GS Paper 2:
• International climate agreements (Paris Agreement, COP summits).
• Role of Global South in climate governance.

Why in News?

• During Climate Week in New York, Suriname’s government pledged to permanently protect 90% of its tropical forests.
• This is considered among the most ambitious global commitments to climate and biodiversity by an Amazonian country.
• The pledge comes ahead of COP30, to be held in Belém, Brazil, in the Amazon region.

What is it All About?

• Forest coverage: Suriname is already ~93% forested.
• Suriname is one of the only three countries in the world that absorb more CO₂ than they emit (carbon-negative or net-positive countries).
• The pledge surpasses the “30x30” UN-backed target → to protect 30% of land and oceans by 2030.
• Aim: Protect 15 million hectares of tropical rainforest permanently, update conservation laws, and enhance protections for indigenous and Maroon peoples’ ancestral lands.

Core Content Analysis 1. Global Climate Context

• Forest protection crucial for carbon sequestration.
• Amazon rainforest = “lungs of the Earth”, but threatened by deforestation.
• Suriname’s pledge sets a new benchmark for climate action.

2. Net-Positive Countries

• Only three countries globally absorb more CO₂ than they emit:
• Suriname
• Bhutan
• Panama
• Known as carbon-negative countries or net-positive contributors.
• India aims for net-zero by 2070 via forests (sequestering 3 GtCO2e/year, per MoEFCC 2025), with 8 countries (including Panama, Costa Rica) leading tropical sink efforts.
• Carbon Markets and REDD+: $20 million funding ties to India's Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (2023), enabling offsets for industries; net-positive status inspires India's afforestation (2.5 crore ha target by 2030 via CAMPA).

3. Relevance for Energy Transition (India Angle)

• India’s energy transition depends heavily on balancing economic growth with ecological protection.
• India’s Forests & Carbon Sink commitments under NDCs (Net Zero by 2070).
• Expanding forest cover & conservation = vital for carbon markets, biodiversity credits, and Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP).
• Lessons from Suriname → ecotourism, carbon finance, local community empowerment as revenue alternatives.

4. Indigenous & Local Rights

• Indigenous and tribal land rights not legally recognized in Suriname → international concern.
• India too faces challenges in Forest Rights Act (FRA) implementation.
• Recognizing local communities’ role in conservation is critical.

5. International Support

• Environmental donors pledged $20 million for Suriname’s efforts.
• Highlights importance of global climate finance and cooperation.
• Sets precedent for Amazonian nations (Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Guyana, Bolivia, Suriname = 8 Amazon countries).

Other Relevant Points

• Suriname’s biodiversity: jaguars, tapirs, giant river otters, 700 bird species, blue poison dart frog.
• Illegal mining, logging, and road-building remain challenges.
• Pledge could become a model for sustainable extraction + conservation balance.
• Global Biodiversity Framework: Surpasses "30x30" target; links to CBD COP16 (2024) outcomes on Indigenous rights.
• Global South Solidarity: Aligns with G77+China advocacy at COP for $1 trillion adaptation finance.

UPSC Prelims Q. Which of the following countries are currently recognised as net carbon-negative nations (absorbing more CO₂ than they emit)? 1. Suriname 2. Bhutan 3. Panama 4. Nepal Options:
A) 1 and 2 only
B) 1, 2 and 3 only
C) 2, 3 and 4 only
D) 1, 2, 3 and 4

  Answer: B) 1, 2 and 3 only

Swachh Shehar Jodi (SSJ) Initiative

  Context:

The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) launched the Swachh Shehar Jodi (SSJ) programme in 2025, pairing 72 mentor cities with around 200 mentee cities to improve sanitation and waste management through mentorship and collaboration. Key Points

• Objective: A time-bound mentorship programme to promote peer learning in sanitation and waste management.
  
  
• Selection Basis: Mentor and mentee cities identified from Swachh Survekshan rankings.
  
  
• Structure: Involves 72 mentor cities and ~200 mentee cities; nearly 300 MoUs signed nationwide.
  
  
• Implementation: Mentor–mentee pairs prepare joint action plans with milestones; includes a 100-day intensive phase.
  
  
• Focus Areas: Strengthening sanitation infrastructure, waste segregation, collection, disposal, and promoting community participation.
  
  
• Activities: Includes training, workshops, field visits, and adoption of successful models.
  
  
• Monitoring: Progress assessed through predefined milestones and reflected in Swachh Survekshan 2026 rankings.
  
  
• Outcome Goal: Achieve sustainable urban cleanliness, innovation in waste management, and create replicable success stories.
  

Source: PIB

Deendayal Lado Lakshmi Yojana 

  Syllabus: GS Paper II – Governance: Welfare Schemes for Vulnerable Sections 

  Context: The Haryana Government launched the Deendayal Lado Lakshmi Yojana in 2025 on the birth anniversary of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya, providing ₹2,100 monthly assistance to eligible women to promote empowerment and welfare.

  Key Points

• Objective: Strengthen women’s economic and social status, especially from marginalised groups.
  
  
• Eligibility: Women aged 23–60 years, with family income below ₹1 lakh annually; both married and unmarried women eligible.
  
  
• Household Coverage: Multiple women in a single family can avail the benefit.
  
  
• Financial Support: Provides ₹2,100 monthly through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
  
  
• Beneficiaries (Phase I): About 20 lakh women to be covered initially.
  
  
• Budget Allocation: ₹5,000 crore earmarked for FY 2025–26 to ensure timely payments.
  
  
• Significance: Part of the government’s Sankalp Patra commitments for women’s welfare.
  
  
  

Source: PIB

Lachipora Wildlife Sanctuary 

GS Paper III – Environment: Biodiversity & Wildlife Conservation 

  Context: The District Magistrate of Baramulla has ordered the immediate closure of 14 gypsum mining units operating within the prohibited 1-km radius of Lachipora Wildlife Sanctuary, citing ecological protection concerns. Key Points

• Location: Situated in Baramulla district, J&K, near Lachipora village, on the northern banks of the Jhelum River.
  
  
• Establishment: Declared a sanctuary in 1987 to protect the endangered Markhor (wild goat with twisted horns).
  
  
• Area: Spread over 141 sq. km with elevations ranging from 1,630–3,300 m.
  
  
• Landscape: Features alpine meadows, rocky cliffs, and slopes ranging from gentle to steep.
  
  
• Flora: Rich in coniferous forests (deodar, blue pine, white pine) and broadleaf trees (birch, horse chestnut, fir, walnut).
  
  
• Fauna: Habitat for Hangul (Kashmir stag), Himalayan black bear, Snow leopard, Musk deer, and other mammals.
  
  
• Avifauna: Recognized as an Important Bird Area (IBA), home to the vulnerable Western Tragopan.
  
  
  

Source: Greater Kashmir
National Initiative on Water Security Syllabus: GS Paper III – Environment & GS Paper II – Governance: Water Resources Management Context: The Government of India launched the National Initiative on Water Security to integrate water conservation with rural employment schemes and ensure sustainable water use in rural areas. Key Points

• Launch: Jointly launched by Shivraj Singh Chouhan (Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare) and C R Patil (Jal Shakti) in New Delhi.
  
  
• MGNREGA Funding: 65% of funds for over-exploited/critical rural blocks and 40% for semi-critical blocks to be used for water conservation works.
  
  
• Focus Areas: Includes rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge, watershed management, and sustainable irrigation practices.
  
  
• Beneficiaries: Supports farmers, rural communities, livestock, and ensures long-term environmental benefits.
  
  
• Environmental Impact: Promotes ecological balance while securing water for agriculture and rural livelihoods.
  
  
• Government Priority: Part of PM Narendra Modi’s focus on water conservation and sustainable rural development.
  
  
  

Source: PIB

Musi River 

  Syllabus: GS Paper I – Geography: Rivers & Water Resources Context: The Musi River is in spate due to heavy rains and water release from Osman Sagar and Himayat Sagar, leading to flooding in Hyderabad and submerging localities and bus stations. Key Points

• Tributary: Major tributary of the Krishna River, also called Muchukunda/Musunuru River.
  
  
• Origin: Rises in the Ananthagiri Hills near Vikarabad, Telangana.
  
  
• Course: Flows eastward across Telangana, turns south at Chittaloor, and joins Krishna River at Vadapally (Nalgonda district).
  
  
• Urban Role: Divides Hyderabad into the Old City and the newer city; influenced its settlement pattern.
  
  
• Reservoirs: Forms Osman Sagar and Himayat Sagar, supplying drinking water to Hyderabad & Secunderabad.
  
  
• Flood-Prone: Frequently causes urban floods during heavy rains or sudden reservoir releases.
  
  
  

Source: New Indian Express (NIE)