Weekly Current Affairs 23 September 2025 | General Test Preparation for CUET UG - CUET Commerce PDF Download

Current Affairs

India Backs UN Resolution on Palestine Two-State Solution

On September 15, 2025, India voted in favor of a United Nations General Assembly resolution that endorses the New York Declaration. This resolution advocates for a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through the establishment of a two-state solution. The resolution received support from 142 countries, with 10 opposing it and 12 abstaining. India’s vote is consistent with its long-standing foreign policy that supports Palestinian self-determination and emphasizes dialogue for peace.

Key Takeaways

• India's support reflects its commitment to Palestinian rights.
• The resolution aims to establish a peaceful two-state solution.
• Majority support highlights a global push for resolving the conflict.

Additional Details

• New York Declaration: Introduced by France and co-chaired with Saudi Arabia at a high-level UN conference in July 2025, this declaration seeks to end violence in Gaza and promote the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state alongside Israel.
• Key Provisions: The declaration demands an immediate end to violence against Palestinians, halts all Israeli settlements in occupied territories, and reinforces the right of Palestinians to self-determination.
• Opposition: The resolution faced opposition from 10 countries, including Israel and the United States, which raised concerns about the implications for direct negotiations and Israel's security.
• Broader Impact: This resolution marks a renewed global consensus for peace in the region, increasing diplomatic pressure on Israel and strengthening Palestinian aspirations for statehood.

In conclusion, India's endorsement of the UN resolution signifies its ongoing support for the two-state solution and a commitment to fostering peace through dialogue rather than conflict. This stance could play a crucial role in future peace negotiations in the region.

Current Affairs - 2025-26

AI-Based Monsoon Forecasting

The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare (MoAFW) has taken a significant step by integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into monsoon forecasting, aiming to provide precise predictions to farmers across India. Recently, approximately 3.8 crore farmers in 13 states received AI-generated monsoon forecasts via SMS through the m-Kisan platform. This initiative, which provides warnings up to four weeks in advance, empowers farmers to make informed decisions regarding crop selection, sowing times, and resource management. It represents a global first in utilizing AI for targeted weather forecasting to enhance agricultural productivity.

Key Takeaways

• AI technology is now used for accurate and customized weather predictions.
• Farmers receive timely updates that help them adapt farming strategies.
• The initiative aims to improve agricultural resilience amid climate variability.

Additional Details

• AI in Weather Forecasting: Since 2022, AI has revolutionized the field by increasing the accuracy of forecasts and tailoring them to specific user needs. For instance, advanced models can now predict complex weather patterns like the Indian monsoon several weeks ahead, surpassing traditional forecasting methods.
• The MoAFW’s forecasts utilize Google’s Neural GCM and the ECMWF’s Artificial Intelligence Forecasting Systems (AIFS), which have proven to be more effective at predicting local monsoon onsets.
• The ministry provided weekly updates during the 2025 monsoon, including alerts about a mid-season pause, allowing farmers to adjust their plans accordingly.

This innovative approach not only caters to farmers' needs but also enhances their ability to respond effectively to changing weather conditions. As the Kharif crop cycle is crucial for many farmers, early AI forecasts play a vital role in reducing crop failure risks and promoting income stability. The Ministry of Agriculture plans to further enhance the AI forecasting program, setting a precedent for the integration of technology in agricultural policy, thereby supporting sustainable farming and improving rural livelihoods.

Current Affairs

Gyan Bharatam Portal Launched

On September 16, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Gyan Bharatam portal during the International Conference on Gyan Bharatam held in New Delhi. This initiative aims to digitise and safeguard India's extensive manuscript heritage, which comprises nearly one crore manuscripts in approximately 80 languages. The portal seeks to enhance global access to these manuscripts while protecting them from intellectual piracy.

Key Takeaways

• The Gyan Bharatam portal was launched to preserve India's manuscript heritage.
• It aims to make manuscripts accessible globally while preventing intellectual theft.

Additional Details

• Gyan Bharatam Mission: Announced in the 2025 Budget session, this mission focuses on cataloguing and digitising manuscripts both within India and internationally. The portal is designed to serve as a central access point and fosters collaborations with global institutions for preservation and research.
• India’s Manuscript Heritage: India possesses the world's largest collection of manuscripts, covering diverse fields such as philosophy, science, medicine, art, astronomy, and architecture. Notable manuscripts include the Gilgit texts, Kautilya’s Arthashastra, Buddhist scriptures from Sarnath, and Ayurvedic classics like Charaka and Sushruta Samhitas. The Bakhshali manuscript highlights the early conceptualization of zero, foundational to modern mathematics.
• Knowledge Traditions: India’s knowledge system relies on four pillars—preservation, innovation, addition, and adaptation. Oral traditions, such as the Vedas, and innovations in fields like Ayurveda showcase this heritage. The mission encourages participation from both citizens and educational institutions to conserve this legacy.
• Role of Institutions and International Cooperation: Key institutions, including the Asiatic Society of Kolkata and the Saraswati Mahal Library, have digitised over ten lakh manuscripts. India has also formed partnerships with universities in Thailand and Vietnam to train scholars in ancient languages, while manuscripts from Mongolia have been digitised and returned.
• Technology and Youth Engagement: The initiative utilizes AI and other technologies for digitisation, supporting creative industries valued at $2.5 trillion. Young participants, who make up 70% of those involved, are vital in promoting knowledge dissemination. Universities are encouraged to engage actively in this project.
• Cultural Diplomacy: This effort enhances India's position as a guardian of heritage. Recent repatriations of ancient idols demonstrate growing global trust in India’s cultural stewardship. The Ministry of Culture is leading these efforts, focusing on manuscript preservation, legal frameworks, decipherment, and cultural diplomacy.

The Gyan Bharatam portal stands as a significant step towards preserving and promoting India's rich manuscript heritage, ensuring its accessibility for future generations while fostering international collaboration.

Current Affairs

Erra Matti Dibbalu and Tirumala Hills UNESCO Bid

Andhra Pradesh's Erra Matti Dibbalu (Red Sand Dunes) and the Tirumala Hills, which include the Eparchaean Unconformity, have been included in UNESCO's Tentative List of World Heritage Sites. This significant recognition is a critical step towards the global acknowledgment and preservation of these unique natural heritage sites.

Key Takeaways

• Erra Matti Dibbalu is a National Geo-heritage Monument located near Visakhapatnam.
• The site covers an area of 1,500 acres along the coast and features striking red sand dunes.
• These dunes are formed from sand, silt, and clay, with their red hue resulting from natural oxidation over millennia.
• The site has geological features that document historical sea level changes and climate shifts from the late Quaternary period.
• First documented in 1886 by British geologist William King, it is one of only three such coastal geomorphological formations globally.

Conservation Challenges

• The site is threatened by tourism and filming, which could damage its fragile geological features.
• Experts advocate for enhanced conservation measures to protect the site's integrity for future generations.

Geological Significance of Tirumala Hills

• Tirumala Hills: Located in the Tirupati district, these hills exhibit significant geological characteristics, including the Eparchaean Unconformity.
• This geological boundary represents a gap in time where rocks over 2.5 billion years old meet younger Proterozoic formations.
• The Natural Arch, or Silathoranam, near the Tirumala temple is a unique rock formation estimated to be over 1.5 billion years old.
• The hills are part of the Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve and Venkateswara National Park, known for their rich biodiversity, including endangered species like red sanders and Jerdon’s Courser.

Relevance

• The Tirumala region is characterized by dense forests, seasonal waterfalls, and a diverse range of flora and fauna.
• This area meets multiple UNESCO criteria, highlighting its natural beauty, geological importance, and ecological significance.
• The cultural value is also notable, given the presence of the renowned Tirumala temple and its surrounding heritage.

Future Prospects

• Inclusion in the Tentative List is an essential first step for a potential nomination to the World Heritage List.
• This status underscores India's commitment to protecting these sites, fostering conservation efforts, and attracting global recognition.
• It opens up possibilities for funding and expert support for preservation initiatives.
• Erra Matti Dibbalu is recognized under tectonic and coastal system themes, while Tirumala aligns with themes related to the history of Earth and the evolution of life.

India's Tentative List was last updated in August 2025, marking significant progress in the nation's efforts to safeguard its natural and cultural heritage.

Current Affairs

Pacific Reach 2025 Exercise

The Indian Navy's latest Diving Support Vessel (DSV), INS Nistar, is participating in the multinational Exercise Pacific Reach 2025 taking place in Singapore. This biennial exercise involves collaboration from over 40 countries focusing on submarine rescue operations and maritime safety, further highlighting India's increasing commitment to international naval cooperation and underwater emergency preparedness.

Key Takeaways

• INS Nistar commissioned on July 18, 2025, features over 80% indigenous components.
• India's involvement in Pacific Reach underscores its growing role in maritime safety initiatives.
• The exercise is divided into two phases: harbour and sea operations.

Additional Details

• INS Nistar: This vessel serves as the mothership for India's Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicles (DSRVs) and is equipped with advanced technology, including Side Scan Sonar and Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs).
• India has inducted two DSRVs, capable of conducting rescue missions up to 650 metres underwater, enhancing its rapid deployment capabilities.
• The harbour phase at Changi Naval Base includes discussions, medical symposiums, and cross-deck visits aimed at procedural alignment among navies.
• The sea phase in the South China Sea involves live rescue operations and interoperability testing among participating nations.

India's participation as the mothership for DSRVs in Pacific Reach 2025 emphasizes its dedication to maritime safety and enhances its rapid-response capabilities for underwater emergencies in the Indo-Pacific region. The exercise not only promotes knowledge sharing among navies but also reinforces India's commitment to self-reliance in defense manufacturing through its indigenous capabilities.

Current Affairs

Muzaffarpur Leads in Student Innovation

The district of Muzaffarpur in Bihar has achieved a remarkable milestone by becoming the top contributor in the INSPIRE Award Standard Scheme for 2025. With an impressive 7,403 student submissions, Muzaffarpur has outperformed established educational centers across the country, highlighting its commitment to fostering creativity among young learners.

Key Takeaways

• Muzaffarpur submitted 7,403 innovative ideas, surpassing Bengaluru Urban and Bagalkot.
• The INSPIRE Award Scheme encourages creativity in students from classes 6 to 10.
• Selected innovations receive financial support and national recognition.

Additional Details

• INSPIRE Award Scheme: This initiative, launched by the Department of Science and Technology, aims to inspire students by nurturing original and practical ideas that benefit society. It evaluates submissions at district, state, and national levels, rewarding the most innovative projects.
• Muzaffarpur's achievement is thanks to strong participation from schools and dedicated mentorship from educators, which has significantly contributed to its success in the program.

In summary, Muzaffarpur's leadership in the INSPIRE Award Scheme not only reflects the district's innovative potential but also sets a foundation for future advancements in science and technology in India. With continued support from educators and institutions, young innovators are likely to emerge from Bihar, contributing significantly to societal and technological progress.

Current Affairs

Supreme Court Upholds Guidelines on Section 498A Misuse

The Supreme Court of India, in the recent case of Shivangi Bansal vs Sahib Bansal (2025), reinforced guidelines set by the Allahabad High Court aimed at mitigating the misuse of Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code. These guidelines include a mandated two-month 'cooling period' prior to any coercive actions and the referral of complaints to a Family Welfare Committee (FWC). This ruling has generated significant discussion regarding the timely access to justice for victims and the independence of criminal justice mechanisms.

Key Takeaways

• The Supreme Court upheld guidelines to prevent misuse of Section 498A.
• A two-month 'cooling period' is now required before coercive action.
• Complaints must be referred to a Family Welfare Committee for mediation.
• The ruling has raised concerns about potential delays in justice for victims.

Additional Details

• Background of Section 498A: This section was introduced to combat cruelty against women by their husbands or in-laws, aiming to protect women from harassment in marital relationships. However, there have been rising instances of its misuse for filing false complaints and facilitating wrongful arrests.
• Judicial Safeguards: Various judicial safeguards have been introduced over the years, including:
  • The Lalita Kumari ruling mandated preliminary inquiries before registering FIRs in matrimonial disputes.
  • The 2008 amendment introduced the 'principle of necessity' for arrests.
  • The Arnesh Kumar judgment (2014) required a checklist and notice prior to arrests.
  • The Satender Kumar Antil ruling (2022) enhanced bail protections against wrongful arrests.
• Data indicates that while offences under Section 498A increased, arrests have decreased, suggesting a balancing act between protecting victims and preventing arbitrary arrests.
• Critics argue that the two-month cooling period and FWCs may delay justice, echoing concerns from past cases like Rajesh Sharma (2017), which faced public backlash.
• There are worries that these judicial measures could be seen as overreach, interfering with police and magistrate duties and risking societal pushback.

The Supreme Court's recent ruling may necessitate a re-evaluation of the balance between safeguarding the rights of the innocent while ensuring that victims receive timely justice for legitimate grievances.

Current Affairs

Sarnath Archaeology

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is planning to install a revised plaque at Sarnath following new findings that credit Babu Jagat Singh, a descendant of a local ruler, for the site's initial excavation and preservation. This challenges the longstanding belief that British archaeologists were the first to recognize Sarnath's archaeological significance. The update comes as India prepares for a UNESCO team's visit after nominating Sarnath for the World Heritage List.

Key Takeaways

• Sarnath is a crucial Buddhist site near Varanasi where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon.
• The site includes ruins dating from the 3rd century BC to the 11th century and has ties to Jainism.
• Babu Jagat Singh is recognized for excavating the site before British efforts began.
• The ASI was established in 1861, and prior to that, there was no scientific research on Sarnath.
• India's nomination of Sarnath for the UNESCO World Heritage List emphasizes its archaeological and religious significance.

Additional Details

• Sarnath's Historical Background: This site is not only significant for Buddhism but also has connections to Jainism, and prominently features the Ashoka pillar, India's national emblem. It attracts numerous international tourists, particularly from Japan.
• Role of Babu Jagat Singh: Jagat Singh, a member of the family of the former ruler of Benares, Chait Singh, initiated excavations in 1787-88 for building materials, leading to the discovery of Buddhist relics predating British archaeological efforts.
• British Archaeological Contributions: The current plaque attributes the discovery of Sarnath to British officials like Mr. Duncan and Colonel Mackenzie in 1798, with further excavations by prominent figures in archaeology.
• Recent Archaeological Research: Excavations by archaeologist B R Mani in 2013-14 indicated that Sarnath was a center of Buddhist activity long before Emperor Ashoka's reign.
• UNESCO World Heritage Nomination: Sarnath has been on the tentative UNESCO list for 27 years, and its recognition would enhance its global profile and support India's image as the birthplace of Buddhism.
• Efforts to Correct Historical Records: The descendants of Jagat Singh are advocating for accurate representations of history at Sarnath, working with the ASI to revise any misleading information.

The planned revisions to the plaques and the recognition of Babu Jagat Singh's contributions are part of a broader effort to revisit colonial narratives in India's heritage. This reflects a significant shift towards acknowledging local figures in the historical narrative of archaeological sites.

Current Affairs

STAR Supersonic Target Missile

India's indigenous supersonic target missile, STAR, is set to revolutionize military training and readiness. Designed to emulate modern cruise missile threats, STAR operates at speeds ranging from Mach 1.8 to 2.5, providing the armed forces with realistic simulations of hostile missile attacks to enhance their tactical responses and reflexes. This initiative represents a significant step towards India's self-sufficiency in defense technology.

Key Takeaways

• STAR is currently in Phase-III of development, with full prototypes undergoing testing.
• Combat-style flight trials are in progress, indicating readiness for operational deployment.
• The missile is expected to enhance joint exercises among the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

Additional Details

• Technical Features: STAR incorporates a two-stage propulsion system, featuring a solid booster rocket for initial lift-off followed by a Liquid Fuel Ramjet (LFRJ) engine that maintains supersonic velocities. It is capable of performing sea-skimming runs at just 12 feet above water, steep dives from 10 km altitude, and can cover distances ranging from 55 to 175 km, with flight durations between 50 to 200 seconds.
• Variants: There are two variants of STAR tailored for specific military applications:
  • The Air-Launched variant can be deployed from fighter jets like the LCA Tejas, simulating various missile threats, including anti-radiation and anti-AWACS roles.
  • The Ground-Launched variant is mobile and can be deployed from truck-mounted systems, allowing for flexibility in operations without the need for extensive infrastructure.
• Strategic Importance: By reducing reliance on imported training systems, STAR is a cost-effective and reusable solution that aligns with the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, promoting self-reliance in defense technology.

In conclusion, STAR bolsters India's integrated tri-service combat readiness through its modular design that simulates various threat profiles. The missile's development signifies a shift towards innovation and indigenous capabilities in India's defense sector, potentially evolving into a tactical weapon targeting enemy radars and surveillance aircraft.