UPSC Prelims Current Affairs for 18 September 2025

by Vajiram & Ravi - 18 September 2025

Vajiram & Ravi provides Daily UPSC Prelims Current Affairs for 18 September 2025, tailored for aspirants. We cover all relevant news and events crucial for the exam, ensuring you stay updated & well-prepared.

Hathei Chilli

September 18, 2025
Hathei Chilli

Hathei Chilli Latest News

Recently, 14th Sirarakhong Hathei Chilli Festival was inaugurated in Manipur to promote GI-Tagged Hathei Chilli.

About Hathei Chilli

  • It is commonly known as the Sirarakhong chilly.
  • It thrives well only in the climatic condition of the Sirarakhong village, which is situated about 66 km from Imphal, Manipur.
  • This indigenous chilli variety is cultivated under the jhum system on the slopes. 
  • This chilli received the Geographical Indication Tag (GI) in 2021.

Features of Hathei Chilli

  • It is one of the best varieties of chilli in the world and its distinctive colour, taste, size and shape is typical of the variety grown in Sirarakhong village.
  • It has a high demand both inside and outside the state for its deep red colour and special taste.
  • Its cultivation serves as the main source of income for residents of Tangkhul Naga-dominated Sirarakong village
  • It has an extremely high American Spice Trade Association (ASTA) colour value of 164. (The extractable colour of chilli is usually expressed using ASTA values).
  • Health Benefits: It works as a good anti-oxidant and possesses high calcium and Vitamin C levels.

What is a Geographical Indications Tag?

  • The geographical origin of a product is indicated by a GI tag.
  • It is given to foods, handicrafts, industrial items, wine and spirits, and agricultural products.
  • The Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act of 1999 mandates the use of GI tags.
  • They are granted by the Geographical Indication Registry, which is part of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry's Department of Industry Promotion and Internal Trade. 

Source: News on Air

Hathei Chilli FAQs

Q1: Which chilli is popular in Manipur?

Ans: King Chili (U-Morok)

Q2: What is ASTA in chili?

Ans: American Spice Trade Association (ASTA) color value is a key factor for determining the commercial value of red pepper.

Global Innovation Index

September 18, 2025
Global Innovation Index

Global Innovation Index Latest News

According to the World Intellectual Property Organisation’s (WIPO) Global Innovation Index (GII) 2025, R&D growth fell to 2.9 per cent in 2024 and is projected to drop further to 2.3 per cent in 2025.

About Global Innovation Index 

  • It is a ranking of countries as per their success and capacity in innovation.
  • It was first launched in 2007, and has become the leading global benchmark for measuring and comparing innovation performance.
  • It is recognized by the UN General Assembly as an authoritative reference for Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) policies.
  • It is published yearly by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).
  • It tracks global innovation trends through investment patterns, technological progress, adoption rates, and socioeconomic impacts.
  • Significance: It provides a useful resource for government, industry, researchers and anyone with a stake in developing innovation ecosystems around the world.

Key Highlights of the Global Innovation Index 2025

  • Top 5 Innovators: For the 15th consecutive year, Switzerland ranks first, followed by Sweden in second, the United States in third, the Republic of Korea in fourth, and Singapore in fifth.
  • New Entrants and Rising Stars: China has entered the top 10 for the first time, securing the 10th position and leading all middle-income economies.
  • Other countries like India, Türkiye, Vietnam, and Morocco are noted for their upward mobility in the rankings.
  • India has risen to 38th place among 139 economies in the Global Innovation Index (GII) 2025, a remarkable improvement from its 81st rank in 2015.

Source: IE

Global Innovation Index FAQs

Q1: What is World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)?

Ans: It is the United Nations agency that serves the world's innovators and creators, ensuring that their ideas travel safely to the market and improve lives everywhere.

Q2: What is the rank of India in Global Innovation Index 2025?

Ans: 38

Draft Civil Drone (Promotion and Regulation Bill) 2025

September 18, 2025
Draft Civil Drone (Promotion and Regulation Bill) 2025

Draft Civil Drone (Promotion and Regulation Bill) 2025 Latest News

The Ministry of Civil Aviation recently made public the Draft Civil Drone (Promotion and Regulation) Bill, 2025, and invited feedback from stakeholders and citizens.

About Draft Civil Drone (Promotion and Regulation Bill) 2025

  • Released by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the Draft Civil Drone (Promotion and Regulation Bill) 2025 proposed provisions such as mandatory registration, safety and security features, as well as insurance, amongst other requirements for unmanned aircraft systems’ (UASs) operations in the country.
  • The law covers individuals and entities engaged in drone ownership, operation, design, manufacture, import, export, leasing, training or maintenance, but excludes unmanned aircraft used by the armed forces or those weighing over 500 kilograms, which will be governed under the Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam, 2024.
  • DGCA Retained as Regulator:
    • It retains the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) as the primary regulatory authority.
    • The draft mandates that no drone will be allowed to operate without registration and issuance of a Unique Identification Number (UIN) by the DGCA.
    • Similarly, manufacturers would be required to obtain a type certification from DGCA before their drones can be sold or operated in India.
  • Safety, Security Features Compulsory:
    • No person shall manufacture or assemble, offer for sale, transfer or cause to transfer, operate or cause to operate any UAS that does not incorporate the mandatory safety and security features as prescribed by the central government or unless the UAS is exempted from such requirement.
    • These features are intended to ensure airworthiness, prevent tampering, and enable traceability of drone operations.
  • Compulsory Insurance for Operators:
    • Notably, provision for insurance has been made compulsory, with third-party coverage required for all operators unless specifically exempted by the government.
    • The insurance company shall, upon receiving information of the accident, either from the claimant or through an accident information report or otherwise, designate an officer to settle the claims relating to such accident.
  • Digital Sky Zones Retained:
    • Draft retains the concept of a ‘Digital Sky’ online platform of zoning that will segregate skies into green, yellow, and red zones.
    • While operations in green zones will be freely permitted, flying in yellow zones will require clearance from air traffic control.
    • No person shall operate an UAS in a red zone without prior permission from the central government and the red zone creating agencies.
    • Violations in restricted airspace have been classified as cognisable and non-compoundable offences, attracting up to three years’ imprisonment or fines extending to ₹1 lakh.
  • Compensation for Victims Proposed: The owner of the UAS or the authorised insurer shall be liable to pay, in the case of death or grievous hurt due to any accident arising out of the use of unmanned aircraft system, a compensation of a sum of 2.5 lakh rupees in case of death or one lakh rupees in case of grievous hurt to the legal heirs or the victim, as the case may be. 
  • Claim Tribunals to Handle Drone Cases: The ‘Motor Accident Claim Tribunals’ has been proposed to be designated as the claim tribunal for the purpose of adjudicating upon claims for compensation in respect of accidents involving the use of UASs.
  • Punishment:
    • Any person who contravenes the provisions of this Act shall be punishable with a fine up to ₹50,000 or an imprisonment which may extend to three months or both, and for any second or subsequent offence with a fine up to ₹1 lakh or an imprisonment which may extend to six months or both.
    • Any offence involving carriage of dangerous goods by a civil UAS, or use of a civil UAS as a weapon, shall be cognizable and non-compoundable.
    • The Director General or any other officer authorised in this behalf may seize and confiscate the UAS, documents, records, devices or things which may be useful for, or relevant to, the investigation of such offence.

Source: HT

Draft Civil Drone (Promotion and Regulation Bill) 2025 FAQs

Q1: Which ministry released the Draft Civil Drone (Promotion and Regulation) Bill, 2025?

Ans: Ministry of Civil Aviation

Q2: Which body is retained as the primary regulator for drones under the Draft Civil Drone (Promotion and Regulation Bill) 2025?

Ans: Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)

Q3: In which drone zone is flying freely permitted without prior clearance?

Ans: Green zone

Q4: What is the punishment for violations in restricted airspace under the Draft Civil Drone (Promotion and Regulation Bill) 2025?

Ans: Cognisable and non-compoundable offence with up to 3 years’ imprisonment or ₹1 lakh fine.

Q5: Which tribunal has been proposed to adjudicate compensation claims arising out of drone accidents?

Ans: Motor Accident Claims Tribunal

PM MITRA Parks

September 18, 2025
PM Mitra Park

PM MITRA Park Latest News

The Prime Minister recently laid the foundation stone of the country's first Pradhan Mantri Mega Integrated Textile Region and Apparel (PM MITRA) Park in Madhya Pradesh's Dhar District.

About PM MITRA Park

  • Pradhan Mantri Mega Integrated Textile Region and Apparel (PM MITRA) is a mega textile hub that brings every step of textile production, like spinning, weaving, dyeing, printing, and garment-making, into one single place. 
  • Each park covers a large area (about 1,000 acres or more) and acts as a complete ecosystem for textile manufacture.
  • MITRA parks can be either Greenfield or Brownfield.
  • The scheme is inspired by the vision “Farm to Fibre to Factory to Fashion to Foreign” and aims to make Indian textiles cheaper, faster to market, and of higher quality.
  • Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Textiles

PM MITRA Park Features

  • Integrated Value Chain: Each park brings spinning, garmenting, dyeing, and processing into a single zone, cutting transport time and costs.
  • World-Class Infrastructure: 
    • The parks have modern roads, reliable power and water, worker hostels, logistics, and plug-and-play factory units, with space for research, skill training, and commercial activity.
    • PM MITRA will develop 50% area for pure Manufacturing Activity, 20% area for utilities, and 10% of area for commercial development. 
  • Jobs and Investment: Each park is expected to create 1 lakh direct and 2 lakh indirect jobs. The project aims to attract over Rs 70,000 crore in investments.
  • Public–Private Partnership: PM MITRA park will be developed by a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) which will be owned by the State Government and the Government of India in a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Mode.
  • Capital and Incentives:  
    • The Ministry of Textiles will provide financial assistance up to Rs 800 crores per park for Greenfield projects and up to Rs 500 crores per park for Brownfield projects. 
    • The State Governments will provide land and augmented utility infrastructure for the proposed mega textile parks. 

Where are the PM MITRA Parks?

  • The seven approved PM Mitra Parks are being set up in:
    • Tamil Nadu (Virudhunagar)
    • Telangana
    • Gujarat
    • Karnataka
    • Madhya Pradesh
    • Uttar Pradesh (Lucknow district)
    • Maharashtra

Source: NDTV

PM MITRA Park FAQs

Q1: Which ministry is the nodal ministry for the PM MITRA scheme?

Ans: Ministry of Textiles

Q2: PM MITRA Parks are developed through which model?

Ans: PM MITRA park will be developed by a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) which will be owned by the State Government and the Government of India in a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Mode.

Q3: What is the maximum financial assistance provided for a Greenfield PM MITRA Park?

Ans: The Ministry of Textiles will provide financial assistance up to Rs 800 crores per park for Greenfield projects.

Q4: Name any three states where PM MITRA Parks are being established?

Ans: Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh

Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI)

September 18, 2025
Directorate of Revenue Intelligence

Directorate of Revenue Intelligence Latest News

As part of ongoing pan-India “Operation Weed Out”, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has seized 39.2 kg of hydroponic weed at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai, recently.

About Directorate of Revenue Intelligence

  • DRI was constituted in 1957 as the apex anti-smuggling intelligence and investigation agency.
  • It works under the Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs (CBIC), Ministry of Finance, Government of India. 
  • DRI enforces the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962, and over fifty other allied acts, including the Arms Act, NDPS Act, COFEPOSA (Conservation of Foreign Exchange and Prevention of Smuggling Activities), Wildlife Act, Antiquities Act, etc. 
  • It is tasked with detecting and curbing smuggling of contraband, including drug trafficking and illicit international trade in wildlife and environmentally sensitive items, as well as combating commercial frauds related to international trade and evasion of customs duty.
  • It has a country-wide network of zonal, regional, and sub-regional units and intelligence cells.
  • DRI collects, analyzes, and disseminates intelligence to the field formations, helps in investigations, and keeps statistics of seizures and prices/rates, etc, for watching trends of smuggling and movement of other contraband and suggest remedies for fixing loopholes in existing laws and procedures.
  • The DRI has also been designated as the lead agency for S-CORD, the national anti-smuggling coordination centre.
  • DRI has also been at the forefront in international Customs collaboration through Customs Mutual Assistance Agreements of CBIC with over 60 other countries, where the thrust is on information exchange and learning from the best practices of other Customs administrations.

Source: PIB

Directorate of Revenue Intelligence FAQs

Q1: Which ministry is the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence under?

Ans: It works under the Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs (CBIC), Ministry of Finance.

Q2: In which year was the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) constituted?

Ans: DRI was constituted in 1957.

Q3: Which Act empowers Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) in the conservation of foreign exchange and prevention of smuggling activities?

Ans: COFEPOSA (Conservation of Foreign Exchange and Prevention of Smuggling Activities) Act

Q4: What is the main role of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence?

Ans: It is India's apex anti-smuggling intelligence and investigation agency.

National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA)

September 18, 2025
National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA)

National Tiger Conservation Authority Latest News

The Supreme Court recently sought responses from the Centre, the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), and others on a PIL seeking a CBI probe into an alleged organised tiger-poaching and illegal wildlife-trade racket operating in states like Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh.

About National Tiger Conservation Authority

  • It is a statutory body under the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
  • It was established in 2006 under the Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972 (WPA 1972).

National Tiger Conservation Authority Objectives

  • Providing statutory authority to Project Tiger so that compliance with its directives becomes legal.
    • The ‘Project Tiger’ is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) of the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, providing funding support to tiger range States for in-situ conservation of tigers in designated tiger reserves.
  • Fostering accountability of the Center-State in the management of Tiger Reserves by providing a basis for MoU with States within the federal structure.
  • Providing for an oversight by Parliament.
  • Addressing livelihood interests of local people in areas surrounding Tiger Reserves.

National Tiger Conservation Authority Composition

  • Minister in charge of MoEFCC (as Chairperson),
  • Minister of State in MoEFCC (as Vice-Chairperson),
  • three members of Parliament, the Secretary (MoEFCC), and other members.

National Tiger Conservation Authority Power and Functions

  • Powers and functions of the NTCA as prescribed under the WPA 1972, as amended in 2006, are as under:
    • to approve the tiger conservation plan prepared by the State Government.
    • evaluate and assess various aspects of sustainable ecology and disallow any ecologically unsustainable land use, such as, mining, industry, and other projects within the tiger reserves.
    • lay down normative standards for tourism activities and guidelines for Project Tiger from time to time for tiger conservation in the buffer and core area of tiger reserves and ensure their due compliance.
    • provide for management focus and measures for addressing conflicts of men and wild animals and to emphasize coexistence in forest areas outside the National Parks, sanctuaries, or tiger reserves, in the working plan code.
    • provide information on protection measures, including future conservation plans, estimation of the population of tiger and their natural prey species, status of habitats, disease surveillance, mortality surveys, patrolling, reports on untoward happenings, and such other management aspects as it may deem fit, including future conservation plans.
    • Approve and coordinate research and monitoring on tigers, co-predators, prey habitat, related ecological and socio-economic parameters, and their evaluation.
    • ensure that the tiger reserves and areas linking one protected area or tiger reserve with another protected area or tiger reserve are not diverted for ecologically unsustainable uses, except in the public interest and with the approval of the National Board for Wild Life and on the advice of the NTCA.
    • facilitate and support the tiger reserve management in the State for biodiversity conservation initiatives through eco-development and people’s participation as per approved management plans and to support similar initiatives in adjoining areas consistent with the Central and State laws.
    • ensure critical support, including scientific, information technology, and legal support, for better implementation of the tiger conservation plan.
    • facilitate ongoing capacity building programme for skill development of officers and staff of tiger reserves, and
    • perform such other functions as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act with regard to conservation of tigers and their habitat.
  • The NTCA may, in the exercise of its powers and performance of its functions under this Chapter, issue directions in writing to any person, officer or authority for the protection of tiger or tiger reserves and such person, officer or authority shall be bound to comply with the directions.

Source: NIE

National Tiger Conservation Authority FAQs

Q1: The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) is a statutory body under which ministry?

Ans: Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change

Q2: Who heads the National Tiger Conservation Authority?

Ans: It is headed by the Union Minister of Environment, Forests and Climate Change as the Chairperson.

Q3: When was the National Tiger Conservation Authority constituted?

Ans: The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) was established in 2006 under the Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972 (WPA 1972).

United Nations Human Rights Council

September 18, 2025
United Nations Human Rights Council

United Nations Human Rights Council Latest News

Recently, India defended Qatar’s sovereignty at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC).

About United Nations Human Rights Council

  • It was created by the General Assembly on 15 March 2006 by replacing the Commission on Human Rights.
  • It is an inter-governmental body within the United Nations system, which is responsible for strengthening the promotion and protection of human rights around the world.
  • Mandate: To promote “universal respect for the protection of all human rights and fundamental freedoms for all” and “address situations of violations of human rights, including gross and systematic violations, and make recommendations thereon.”
  • Member countries: The Council is made up of 47 Member States, which are elected by the UN General Assembly through direct and secret ballot.
  • The Council’s Membership is based on equitable geographical distribution.
  • Members of the Council serve for a period of three years and are not eligible for immediate re-election after serving two consecutive terms.

Functions of United Nations Human Rights Council

  • It investigates allegations of breaches of human rights in UN member states.
  • It addresses important human rights issues such as freedom of expression, women’s rights, LGBT rights, and the rights of racial and ethnic minorities.
  • The UNHRC works closely with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).

Source: TH

United Nations Human Rights Council FAQs

Q1: Where is the headquarters of the UNHRC?

Ans: Geneva, Switzerland

Q2: What is the Human Rights Council in the United Nations?

Ans: The Human Rights Council is the main intergovernmental body within the United Nations responsible for human rights.

Bima Sugam Portal

September 18, 2025
Bima Sugam

Bima Sugam Portal Latest News

Recently, the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India has officially announced the launch of the much-awaited Bima Sugam portal.

About Bima Sugam Portal

  • It is a unified digital marketplace for insurance, designed to bring insurers, intermediaries, and customers onto a single platform.
  • It is backed by the Life Insurance Council and the General Insurance Council (GIC).

Features of Bima Sugam Portal

  • It helps users to buy, sell, service, renew, manage, and even claim insurance policies with ease and full transparency.
  • This platform will serve as a centralised database to answer insurance-related queries and help consumers navigate the complex world of insurance.
  • It also aims to accelerate the acceptance of new and sandbox products, opening the door for innovation in insurance offerings.
  • It will cover life insurance in all its forms, including term plans, savings products, annuity and pension plans, as well as ULIP products.
  •  It also provides health insurance options, addressing the full range of medical and wellness needs.
  • It will remain flexible to host any new insurance products that may be introduced in the future, as determined by the regulatory councils.
  • It will leverage advanced digital technologies to automate and digitise processes for multiple stakeholders,

Source: IE

Bima Sugam Portal FAQs

Q1: What is the role of Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India?

Ans: It is a statutory body formed under the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority Act, 1999 for the overall supervision and development of the insurance sector in India.

Q2: What is the definition of insurance?

Ans: It is a contract between an individual or business with an insurance company to help provide financial protection and mitigate the risks associated with certain situations or events.

Qatar

September 18, 2025
Qatar

Qatar Latest News

India recently defended Qatar’s sovereignty at the U.N. Human Rights Council.

About Qatar

  • Qatar, officially the State of Qatar, is a country located in Western Asia.
  • It is located on the northeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula.
  • It has a total area of 11,586 sq.km. 
  • It shares a sole land border with Saudi Arabia to the south and is surrounded by the Persian Gulf on all other sides. 
  • The Gulf of Bahrain separates Qatar from the Kingdom of Bahrain. 
  • Doha is its capital and largest city. 
  • Languages: Arabic is the official and English is the common language in the country. 
  • Official Currency: Riyal (QAR) 
  • Qatar has been ruled by the House of Thani family since 1868. 
  • It was a British protectorate from 1916 and became fully independent in 1971. 

Qatar Landscape

  • The landscape of Qatar is primarily flat and barren desert. 
  • Sand dunes dominate the southern part of the country, especially in the area known as the Khor al Adaid, or the “Inland Sea”.
  • To the north and west, the terrain turns slightly rockier and features low-rising limestone formations. 
  • Qatar has wadis, which are valleys that remain dry except during the rainy season when they can briefly turn into rivers.
  • One of the most distinct geographical features of Qatar is its salt flats or sabkhas. They form as a result of the country's high evaporation rates, which leave behind salt deposits. 
  • It includes a number of islands in the coastal waters of the peninsula. Hawar Archipelago, Halul and Al Bashiria are the most well known among these. 

Qatar Ethnic Groups

  • Qatar was originally settled by Bedouin nomads from the central part of the Arabian Peninsula. 
  • Qatari citizens, however, constitute only a small portion—roughly one-ninth—of the total population today. 
  • Economic growth beginning in the 1970s created an economy dependent on foreign workers—mostly from Pakistan, India, and Iran—who now far outnumber nationals. 
  • Few Qataris retain a nomadic lifestyle.

Qatar Economy

  • The Qatari economy is, to a very large extent, dependent on income derived from the exploitation of oil, natural gas and subsidiary industry, which accounts for more than 90 percent of annual exports. 
  • It has the third largest reserves of liquefied natural gas (LNG) in the world.
  • Doha, the capital city, is a regional financial hub, home to various international banks, financial institutions, and investment firms.

Source: TH

Japanese Encephalitis

September 18, 2025
Japanese Encephalitis

Japanese Encephalitis Latest News

Researchers have found that waning immunity against infections of the Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) can predispose individuals to more severe dengue.  

About Japanese Encephalitis

  • It is a viral zoonotic disease caused by the Japanese Encephalitis(B) virus.
  • Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) is a flavivirus related to dengue, yellow fever and West Nile viruses.

Transmission of Japanese Encephalitis

  • The virus is transmitted to humans by the infected Culex mosquito of the Vishnui group.
  • There is no human-to-human transmission of the virus.
  • It is most common in rural areas of Asia, particularly during monsoon seasons when mosquito breeding is prevalent.
  • Both Japanese encephalitis virus and dengue virus belong to the same genus, Orthoflavivirus.

Symptoms of Japanese Encephalitis

  • It affects the brain, leading to symptoms like fever, headache, vomiting, and neurological signs such as confusion, seizures, and paralysis.
  • While many infected individuals may show mild or no symptoms, severe cases can lead to permanent brain damage or death.

Prevention and Treatment for Japanese Encephalitis

  • Vaccination is the most effective prevention strategy, particularly in endemic regions.
  • There is no antiviral treatment for patients with JE. Treatment is supportive and includes stabilization and relief of  symptoms.  
  • According to the Government of India’s guidelines, two doses of the vaccine have been a part of the Universal Immunisation Programme since 2013.

Source: TH

Japanese Encephalitis FAQs

Q1: Who is most at risk for encephalitis?

Ans: People who have HIV/AIDS, take immune-suppressing medicines are at increased risk of encephalitis.

Q2: What is the cause of Japanese encephalitis?

Ans: Japanese encephalitis is caused by a virus that is found in Asia and the western Pacific.

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