Daily Current Affair 20-September-2025

GS1 – Art & Culture – Sarnath Nominated for UNESCO World Heritage List

Why in News:
 India has officially nominated Sarnath for the UNESCO World Heritage List 2025–26; ASI to recognize Babu Jagat Singh for rediscovery.

• Sarnath, situated 10 km from Varanasi, is the site where Gautama Buddha delivered his first sermon, marking the formation of the Buddhist sangha.
  
  
• Also called Mrigadava and Rishipatana in Buddhist texts, Sarnath is closely linked to Emperor Ashoka, who erected the iconic Lion Capital here—now the National Emblem of India.
  
  
• Major monuments include Dhamek Stupa (Gupta-era carvings), Dharmarajika Stupa, Chaukhandi Stupa, and historical viharas such as the Mulagandha Kuti.
  
  
• The site was patronized by the Mauryan, Kushana, and Gupta dynasties, which led to extensive monastic construction and refurbishment.
  
  
• Sarnath faced decline and destruction after the 12th-century invasions—primarily attributed to Qutb-ud-din Aibek’s forces, leading to the dispersal of the Buddhist community.
  
  
• The modern rediscovery is credited to Babu Jagat Singh in 1787–88, whose workers uncovered relics; previously misattributed by the colonial ASI to British indologists.
  
  
• Scientific excavations by Cunningham and Oertel (1904–05) unearthed over 400 relics and inscriptions, confirming Sarnath as a site of early Buddhism.
  
  
• Sarnath is among the four holiest Buddhist pilgrimage sites (with Lumbini, Bodh Gaya, Kushinagar) and draws over 8 lakh visitors annually.
  
  
• The ASI’s planned plaque acknowledges indigenous contributions to heritage, reflecting post-colonial reclamation of history and culture.
  
  
• Inscription as a World Heritage Site would reinforce India’s global Buddhist diplomacy and its multicultural legacy.
  
  

GS2 – Polity – EVM Ballot Photos

Why in News:
 The ECI has mandated colour photographs of candidates on EVM ballots starting with the 2025 Bihar elections.

• Rule 49B of Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961, now requires EVM ballots to carry colour photos of each candidate for clearer identification.
  
  
• Photos must occupy at least 75% of the 2 cm × 2.5 cm allotted space, reducing voter confusion, especially among illiterate populations.
  
  
• Serial numbers for candidates (and NOTA) will be shown in bold Indian numerals for better visibility and consistency.
  
  
• Each sheet will accommodate a maximum of 15 names, promoting legibility and reducing chances of voter error.
  
  
• The change is expected to address issues of similar-sounding names, impersonation, and mistaken voting, strengthening election integrity.
  
  
• Part of ECI’s broader reforms to enhance transparency, fairness, and trust in the electoral system.
  
  
• Will also facilitate poll workers and agents in verifying candidates during counting and EVM storage.
  
  

GS2 – Health – COVID-19’s Impact on Vascular Ageing

Why in News:
 A new study highlights COVID-19’s lasting impact on arteries, causing accelerated vascular ageing in survivors.

• Vascular ageing refers to the stiffening of arteries over time, measured by higher carotid–femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV).
  
  
• COVID-19 survivors showed an average increase in PWV of ~0.4 m/s, akin to 5 years of advanced ageing versus controls.
  
  
• Women reportedly experience even more pronounced vascular impact—about 5–10 years of additional ageing.
  
  
• Persistent symptoms (“long COVID”) like fatigue or breathlessness are linked to greater arterial stiffness, raising long-term CV risk.
  
  
• Arterial stiffness is a precursor for hypertension, stroke, kidney disease, and cognitive decline.
  
  
• Vaccinated individuals showed lower vascular ageing, underlining the protective role of vaccines.
  
  
• Baseline arterial elasticity, if lost, did not fully recover after one year, indicating some permanent damage.
  
  
• Prevention strategies include healthy lifestyle, statins, and adequate hypertension management.
  
  
• Findings emphasize prioritizing post-COVID follow-up in public health, especially for at-risk groups.
  
  

GS2 – Health/SDGs – India’s SDG 3 Progress

Why in News:
 India has improved its SDG ranking (99/167) but continues to lag in key health targets (SDG 3).

• Key progress: India’s SDG Index ranking rose from 109 (2024) to 99 (2025), reflecting better services but health remains a lagging indicator.
  
  
• Maternal Mortality Ratio is 97 (target 70); under-five mortality is 32 (target 25)—much higher than developed nation averages.
  
  
• Life expectancy is 70 years, short of the target 73.63; immunization at 93.23% (target: universal).
  
  
• High out-of-pocket health expenses (13%) almost double the SDG aim (7.83%), leading to “catastrophic” rural/urban medical costs.
  
  
• 80%+ healthcare workers are urban-based, despite 68% rural population, creating glaring service gaps.
  
  
• Causes: poor infrastructure, lack of insurance coverage, regional/sectoral inequalities, lifestyle and non-communicable diseases, poor nutrition, mental health stigma.
  
  
• 70–92% of mental health cases go untreated due to social stigma and lack of awareness, as per WHO 2025.
  
  
• Steps needed include universal insurance, strengthening PHCs, digital health/telemedicine for rural gaps, and health curriculum in schools.
  
  
• Multi-stakeholder coordination, community health education, and prioritizing vulnerable groups are required to achieve SDG 3 by 2030.
  
  

GS2 – Tribals – Adi Karmayogi Abhiyan

Why in News:
 PM Modi launched Adi Karmayogi Abhiyan, India’s largest tribal grassroots leadership campaign, under Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh.

• Covers 1 lakh villages and ~11 crore tribal citizens across 30 States/UTs, focusing on participatory rural governance.
  
  
• The mission’s pillars: Seva (service), Samarpan (dedication), Sankalp (commitment)—for inclusivity and responsive governance.
  
  
• Promotes Tribal Village Vision 2030, co-created through walks, group discussion, and gap analysis.
  
  
• Tech leverage: Adi Vaani AI App bridges language gaps between officials and tribals (initially in 4 languages).
  
  
• Adi Sewa Parv—fortnight-long campaign for vision plan drafting, integrated with central schemes like PM JANMAN and Dharti Aaba.
  
  
• Youth engagement: Adi Sahyogi volunteers, student chapters (IITs, IIMs, AIIMS), and Karmayogi Fellowship for aspiring professionals.
  
  
• Focus on PVTGs for targeted housing, health, skills, and amenities; reclaims tribal agency and identity post-independence.
  
  
• Encourages bottom-up, culturally resonant development for closing the last-mile delivery deficit.
  
  

GS2 – IR – India-UAE Joint Task Force on Investments

Why in News:
 The 13th meeting of the India-UAE High-Level Joint Task Force on Investments was held in Abu Dhabi, reviewing bilateral investment and strategic partnership progress.

• Established in 2013, the task force seeks to resolve bilateral investment issues, deepen economic ties, and explore new cooperation.
  
  
• Non-oil trade between India and UAE reached $38 billion in H1 2025—up 34% over previous year reflecting robust CEPA gains.
  
  
• “Bharat Mart”—a 2.7 million sq. ft. facility in UAE—will showcase Indian export products, boosting Middle East and African trade.
  
  
• Both central banks are working on local currency trade settlements, digital payment system integration, and Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) collaboration.
  
  
• CEPA (Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement) since 2022 underpins accelerated trade, tariff reduction, and regulatory harmonisation.
  
  
• UAE is a key strategic partner for India, not only in energy but in technology, infrastructure, and the Indo-Pacific (West Asia) strategy.
  
  
• Collaboration includes joint investments in energy, logistics, food security, and emerging technologies.
  
  
• Geopolitically, robust India-UAE relations act as a buffer amidst regional turbulence in the Gulf and expand India’s reach into Africa and Arab economies.
  
  

GS2 – IR – Pakistan–Saudi Arabia Defence Pact

Why in News:
 Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have signed a “Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement”; India is assessing implications for its regional security.

• The agreement ensures that any external aggression against either country would be considered an aggression against both, deepening strategic ties.
  
  
• Could shift the security balance in West Asia, traditionally more aligned with Western and Gulf partners, and potentially complicate India’s own strategic calculus.
  
  
• Saudi Arabia’s defence engagement with multiple regional actors highlights a shifting, multipolar Gulf security environment.
  
  
• India must maintain diplomatic balance—Saudi Arabia is a Strategic Partnership Council member, $100 billion investment pledge, and a major energy, diaspora, and Hajj partner.
  
  
• The agreement amplifies India’s concerns over China–Pakistan–Gulf axis and underlines the importance of robust India-Saudi ties in West Asian diplomacy.
  
  

GS3 – Infra – National Maritime Heritage Complex, Lothal

Why in News:
 PM Modi is reviewing the National Maritime Heritage Complex at Lothal, Gujarat, which is set to become the world’s largest maritime museum.

• Being developed under the Sagarmala Programme, the Complex will showcase 4,500+ years of Indian maritime heritage.
  
  
• Lothal is one of the oldest known Harappan port cities with the world’s oldest artificial dock; an example of ancient riverine-sea trade.
  
  
• The complex will include replica Harappan township, a lighthouse museum (tallest globally), galleries on navigation, archaeology, naval warfare, shipbuilding, and interactive exhibits.
  
  
• Key objective is to promote port-led development and maritime tourism, enhance cultural soft power, and educate the public about India’s ancient trade networks.
  
  
• The project is an example of leveraging cultural heritage for economic growth, job creation, and coastal community engagement.
  
  

GS3 – Infra/Energy – AI in National Electricity Grid

Why in News:
 India will embed Artificial Intelligence (AI) in its national grid for reliability, cyber-security, and renewable integration.

• India’s grid is the world’s largest synchronised system (“One Nation, One Frequency”); integrates five regions for efficient national power flow.
  
  
• AI will be used for real-time grid risk detection, predictive equipment maintenance, renewable supply balancing, market surveillance, and cyberdefence.
  
  
• Grid-India/NLDC manages the system; AI analytics will support faster responses to outages, hacking threats, and market manipulation.
  
  
• Challenges include algorithm bias, cyber-vulnerability, skills shortage among engineers, and regulatory gaps for AI accountability.
  
  
• Way forward: phased AI deployment, clear ethics rules, updated CERC norms, and national training through NPTI.
  
  

GS3 – Agri – India–FAO Cooperation for Blue Ports

Why in News:
 India signed a Technical Cooperation Programme with FAO to develop “blue port” infrastructure, piloting in Diu and Gujarat.

• Blue Ports are modern fishing harbours that integrate AI, IoT, clean energy, waste recycling, and sustainable fishing technologies.
  
  
• Aim to boost blue economy: enhance food/nutritional security, generate coastal jobs, integrate fishery value chains, and promote climate resilience.
  
  
• India’s PMMSY and FIDF support smart harbour development and upgradation.
  
  
• FAO pilots will provide investment design tools, mentoring, and stakeholder training to improve port management, inclusion, and sustainability.
  
  
• Blue economy aligns with SDGs and India’s vision of sustainable, tech-enabled marine resource utilisation.
  
  

GS3 – S&T – Army’s Radar Upgradation

Why in News:
 Indian Army began procurement of advanced air defence radars to address gaps exposed by drones during Operation Sindoor.

• Modern radars: Low-Level Light Weight Radars (LLLRs) to detect drone swarms; Air Defence Fire Control Radars for Drones (ADFCR-DDs) for threat classification, friend-foe distinction, and weapons integration.
  
  
• Part of India’s layered air defence, integrating with systems like Akash, S-400, Akashteer (real-time C4I), and IAF’s IACCS network.
  
  
• Aim: Full-spectrum protection against low-altitude threats and coordinated national air defence amid evolving drone warfare.
  
  
• Supports “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” through indigenous DRDO development and private sector participation.
  
  
• Operationalises lessons learned from recent conflicts and multi-domain warfare.
  
  

GS2 – Gov – CAG-Connect Digital Portal

Why in News:
 CAG of India is set to launch ‘CAG-Connect’, a unified digital portal for public audit.

• Will enable over 10 lakh auditee entities (from ministries to PSUs, ULBs) to respond to audit queries efficiently and transparently.
  
  
• Expected to expedite compliance, reduce paperwork, and enhance accountability in public money management.
  
  
• Part of CAG’s digital transformation drive for “faceless” and tech-enabled audits, aligning with Digital India and RTI reforms.
  
  
• Enhances real-time data analysis, reduces delays in government financial reporting, and strengthens oversight.