Daily Current Affair 24-September-2025

GS1 – Geography – Solar System

Extreme Nuclear Transients (ENT)

ENTs are the universe’s most powerful explosions since the Big Bang, discovered by astronomers; they surpass gamma-ray bursts in energy.
In astronomy, “transients” are objects showing rapid, temporary brightness changes compared to steady stars.
ENTs result from supermassive black holes completely tearing apart massive stars (at least 3 times the Sun’s mass).
The process involves the star being “spaghettified” and emitting immense radiation as it is consumed by the black hole.
ENTs emit energy equivalent to hundreds of Suns over a year and can shine continuously for decades.
They are far more intense compared to supernovae, gamma-ray bursts (GRBs), and tidal disruption events (TDEs).
Monitoring ENTs helps astronomers study hidden black holes and early universe galaxy formation.
TDEs differ by being more common, involving less massive black holes, and producing less energy.
FXTs are short, faint X-ray events, while ENTs are brighter, longer, and occur across multiple wavelengths.
GRBs are less powerful and shorter than ENTs.

GS2 – Schemes – Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas

Additional LPG Connections Under PM Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY)

Union government sanctioned 25 lakh more LPG connections under PMUY, expanding coverage to 10.58 crore households.
PMUY was launched in 2016 to provide deposit-free LPG connections to poor women.
Aims to provide clean cooking fuel, reduce indoor air pollution, and protect women’s and children’s health.
Phase I (2016–2019) delivered 8 crore connections; Phase II (Ujjwala 2.0, from 2021) added 1.6 crore; extended till 2024.
Eligibility: Adult women without LPG, especially from BPL, SC/ST, Antyodaya, SECC-listed, forest dwellers, migrants, and islanders.
By March 2025, over 10.33 crore LPG connections distributed; 238 crore subsidised refills used in nine years.
LPG distributor network increased by 83% by 2024, improving rural access.

GS2 – Governance – Social Issues

UP to Curb Caste-based Practices

UP government banned caste-based rallies, caste glorification, and caste signboards in public places.
Exception: Crimes under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, which require caste identification for legal reasons.
Article 17: Abolishes untouchability, makes the practice punishable.
Article 15(2): Forbids denial of access to public spaces/services on caste grounds.
Article 46: Directs State to promote educational/economic interests of SCs.
Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955: Penalises untouchability.
SC/ST Act, 1989: Enforces stricter penalties for caste-based discrimination.

GS2 – International Relations – India-US

H-1B Visa Fee Hike

US introduced a one-time $100,000 fee for new H-1B petitions from Sept 2025; existing holders/renewals exempt.
Healthcare, defence, and critical tech sectors likely to get waivers.
H-1B visa: Established under the Immigration Act of 1990 for temporary employment of foreign professionals.
Valid for 3 years (extendable to 6); Indians received 71% of approvals in FY24.
70% of Indian H-1B applicants in FY23 had salaries below US IT median.
Fee increase driven by: US political pressure, fiscal goals (over $100 billion revenue), wage/labour protection, security concerns, skill realignment.
Indian positives: More local STEM talent, boost for AI/semiconductor innovation, encourage offshore delivery.
Indian negatives: IT export growth likely to fall, stranded/skilled worker disruptions, loss of project continuity for firms.
Measures: Expand Global Capability Centres, hire locally in the US, use alternate visa options, negotiate policy waivers, promote domestic innovation.

GS2 – International Relations – Bilateral

India-Morocco Defence Cooperation (MoU)

India and Morocco signed an MoU to establish a long-term defence cooperation mechanism.
Encompasses joint exercises, industry collaboration, technology transfer (e.g., drones), training, and capacity building.
Supports Atmanirbhar Bharat by boosting defence exports and India’s influence in North Africa.
MoU strengthens maritime security and counter-terrorism cooperation.

GS3 – Infrastructure – Urbanization

India, ADB Sign $125 Million Loan for Assam

India and Asian Development Bank signed a $125 million loan for urban improvement and climate resilience in Assam.
Asian Development Bank: regional development bank since 1966, headquartered in Manila; 69 members (49 Asia-Pacific).
Key shareholders: Japan, US, China, India.
India: Founding member; receives 14% of ADB commitments.
Loan targets urban liveability, infrastructure, and resilience to climate change in Assam’s cities.

GS3 – Agriculture – Fisheries

Eco-labelling for Lakshadweep Tuna Fisheries

Government pushing for eco-label certification of Lakshadweep’s tuna fisheries using traditional, sustainable methods.
Eco-label: Third-party approved mark for meeting environmental standards; promotes SDG 12 & SDG 14.
India’s Ecomark scheme (since 1991) offers national eco-labelling; updated in 2024 under Eco-mark Rules.
Benefits: Global export access, higher income for artisanal fishers, sustainability.
Tuna: High-protein, pelagic species valuable for trade; India’s tuna exports rose 32% in 2023–24.
Related: PM Matsya Sampada Yojana supporting processing and export infrastructure for Tuna Clusters, especially in A&N Islands and EEZ.

GS3 – Infrastructure – Logistics

Initiatives for Logistics Sector

Commerce Ministry released logistics cost report, LDB 2.0, and LEADS 2025 for enhanced competitiveness.
Logistics cost now estimated at 7.97% of GDP (corrected from earlier 13–14% estimates).
LDB 2.0: Real-time monitoring of India’s logistics network; includes container tracking even on high seas.
Uses Unified Logistics Interface Platform and heat maps for shipment tracking and identification of gaps.
LEADS 2025 benchmarks states/UTs by logistics efficiency, freight corridor performance, and digital tools for traffic management.
National Logistics Policy (2022) aims to adopt global best practices and cut logistics costs.

GS3 – Science & Technology – Biotechnology

AI-designed Viral Genome

Stanford researchers created world’s first functioning viral genome (bacteriophage ΦX174) designed entirely using AI.
The AI model “Evo” trained on ~2 million viral genomes to generate new candidates.
AI-designed bacteriophage can infect and kill E. coli; potential breakthrough for targeting antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
AI’s role: Moves from genome sequencing/synthesis to intelligent DNA design.
Opportunities: Faster vaccine/drug development, alternative therapies, biomanufacturing, and sustainable industry.
Risks: Biosecurity threats, regulatory/ethical challenges, privacy, and accountability concerns due to human-machine responsibility gap.

GS3 – Science & Tech – Defence

Indian Navy Shipbuilding Programme

Indian Navy is constructing 54 indigenous vessels, the largest warship-building programme till date.
All vessels to be inducted by 2030; fleet strength projected to cross 200 by 2035, 230 by 2037.
Emphasizes Atmanirbhar Bharat and SAGAR for regional security and maritime growth.
INS Androth (Arnala-class SWC): Second of eight anti-submarine shallow-water crafts, 77m length, advanced sonar, 80% indigenous content, built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders.
INS Androth enhances coastal defence and reduces import dependence.

Prelims – MoSJE – Social Justice

Sign Language Day 2025

Marked by ISLRTC under Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment on 23 Sept 2025.
UN GA designated September 23 as International Day of Sign Languages (since 2017).
2025 theme: “No Human Rights Without Sign Language Rights”.
ISLRTC: Autonomous body for Indian Sign Language research, training, and standardisation.

Prelims – Science & Technology – Defence

BSF School of Drone Warfare

BSF launched Drone Warfare School at Tekanpur, MP to train drone warriors and commandos.
Curriculum covers drone piloting, surveillance, neutralisation, AI-based tracking, RF jamming, and payloads.
Aims to counter cross-border drone threats, reflecting lessons from Operation Sindoor.
BSF: One of seven Central Armed Police Forces under Ministry of Home Affairs.

Prelims – Environment – Pollution

Delhi’s ‘Smog-Eating’ Road Coatings

Delhi government to test titanium dioxide (TiO₂)-based road coatings that use sunlight to break down air pollutants.
TiO₂ absorbs UV light and breaks down NO₂ and VOCs, aiding air depollution and cleaning surfaces.
Cost-effective, stable, and works with existing asphalt and concrete.
Potential application in reducing urban pollution, subject to feasibility study results.

Prelims – Infrastructure – Border Roads

Project Vijayak (BRO)

Project Vijayak by BRO celebrated its 15th Raising Day in Kargil, Ladakh.
Tasked with connecting Ladakh’s remote areas and supporting the armed forces.
Achievements: 1,400 km of roads and 80 bridges constructed in Ladakh region.