UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 27 September 2025

 

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 27 September 2025 covers important current affairs of the day, their backward linkages, their relevance for Prelims exam and MCQs on main articles

 

InstaLinks :  Insta Links help you think beyond the  current affairs issue and help you think multidimensionally to develop depth in your understanding of these issues. These linkages provided in this ‘hint’ format help you frame possible questions in your mind that might arise(or an examiner might imagine) from each current event. InstaLinks also connect every issue to their static or theoretical background.

Table of Contents 

GS Paper 1 : (UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 27 September (2025)

1. Maternity Reintegration in India

GS Paper 3:

2. The Weakening Rupee: Causes, Implications and Policy Pathways

 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):

1. Ek Din Ek Ghanta Ek Saath Initiative

Facts for Prelims (FFP):

1. Prayas Neuro Rehabilitation Centre

2. The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act

3. Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar

4. Soilification Technology

5. The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958

6. Sustainable Mountain Development Summit (SMDS)

 Mapping:

1. Kokrajhar–Gelephu Special Railway Project (SRP)

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 27 September 2025

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GS Paper 1:

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Maternity Reintegration in India

Syllabus: Role of Women and Women’s Organization

Source:  TH

Context: A recent article highlights that maternity reintegration—not just maternity leave—is the real test of inclusion in Indian workplaces.

About Maternity Reintegration in India:

What it is?

• Reintegration refers to the seamless transition of women employees from maternity leave back into the workforce.
• It goes beyond statutory leave and covers policy support, workplace culture, and long-term career progression.

Pressures faced by new mothers:

1. Family expectations: Caregiving is still seen as a woman’s primary duty, reinforcing gender stereotypes.

Eg: Studies show Indian women spend ~7 hours/day on unpaid care work compared to men’s ~2.5 hours (NSSO 2019).

1. Societal norms: Mothers face guilt if they don’t conform to the “always available caregiver” stereotype.

Eg: Cultural perception that “a good mother sacrifices career” persists across regions.

1. Inner struggles: Fatigue, self-doubt, and emotional turmoil make balancing work and home tougher.

Eg: Reports of post-maternity imposter syndrome rising in corporate surveys.

1. Organisational systems: Inflexible roles, lack of childcare, and managerial apathy often push women out.

Eg: Deloitte (2022) found attrition highest among women returning post-maternity in Indian corporates.

Ripple Effects of Dropouts:

On organisations:

1. Talent attrition: Women who leave post-maternity take away years of institutional knowledge and expertise.

Eg: Deloitte (2022) found mid-level attrition costs firms 150–200% of the employee’s annual salary.

1. Pipeline disruption: The leadership funnel weakens when skilled women exit before reaching senior roles.

Eg: Marching Sheep Inclusion Index (2025) – 63% of listed firms in India have no women in Key Managerial Positions.

1. Cultural setback: A pattern of female exits creates a perception of workplaces being unsupportive, lowering morale and diversity goals.

Eg: NASSCOM (2023) survey highlighted inclusivity as a key retention driver in tech firms.

On economy:

1. Low participation rate: India’s female labour force participation is just ~37% (PLFS 2024), among the lowest in G20 economies.

Eg: Much below Bangladesh (~41%) and China (~61%).

1. GDP loss: McKinsey Global Institute estimates equal participation could boost India’s GDP by 27% (~$770 billion).

Eg: Japan’s “womenomics” policy linked higher GDP growth with women’s participation.

1. Reduced innovation: Exits from R&D, STEM, and corporate roles reduce diversity of thought, limiting economic dynamism.

Eg: World Bank (2022) – firms with gender diversity in management show 20% higher innovation revenues.

On society:

1. Reinforcing stereotypes: Every dropout validates the bias that women cannot balance careers and family.

Eg: Pew Research (2021) – 70% Indians believe men are “better suited” for paid work.

1. Gender parity delays: Early exits reduce women’s representation in decision-making, slowing progress on SDG-5 (Gender Equality).

Eg: India ranks 127/146 in Global Gender Gap Index 2024.

1. Role model deficit: Fewer senior women in visible positions weakens aspirational pathways for younger women.

Eg: Only 18% of directors in NIFTY-500 companies are women (SEBI 2023).

Way forward:

1. Policy alignment: Expand Maternity Benefit Act, 1961 provisions to include reintegration norms.
2. Institutional support: Encourage mandatory workplace crèches, subsidised childcare, and paternity leave for shared responsibility.
3. Awareness campaigns: Normalise work–motherhood balance through CSR-led initiatives and public discourse.
4. Data-driven monitoring: Mandate reporting on gender balance at Key Managerial Positions (KMPs).
5. Global best practices: Adopt models like “returnships” in the UK and US for structured re-entry.

Conclusion:

Reintegration is not charity but a strategic investment in human capital. For India, where women’s labour participation is among the lowest globally, retaining skilled mothers in the workforce is vital for economic growth, gender parity, and social progress. A truly inclusive organisation is one where maternity is not seen as an exit point but as a natural phase in a thriving career journey.

 

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UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 27 September 2025 GS Paper 3:

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The Weakening Rupee: Causes, Implications and Policy Pathways

 Syllabus: Economics

 Source:  IE

Context: The Indian Rupee’s recent weakness against the dollar stems from a persistent trade imbalance and sluggish investment inflows, compounded by global financial tightening.

About The Weakening Rupee: Causes, Implications and Policy Pathways

Trends in Rupee’s Slide:

• Against the Dollar: Since January 2025, INR has lost over 3% value vs USD, sharper than many emerging economies.
• Against Other Majors: INR weakened against euro and pound, showing broader depreciation.
• Regional Comparison: Currency fall parallels Bangladesh and Pakistan, but India’s slide has been steeper.
• Short-term losses: Over 1.3% depreciation within one month, highlighting volatility.

Causes Behind Rupee Weakness:

• Trade Imbalance: Exports are stagnant due to global protectionism, but high imports (oil, electronics) persist, worsening the Current Account Deficit (CAD).

Eg: India imports ∼85% of dollar-priced crude, magnifying the CAD strain.

• Investment Slowdown: Global uncertainty and weak corporate earnings have caused FPI and FDI inflows to become sluggish or negative.

Eg: Net FPI outflows of $1.5 bn recorded recently reduce the dollar supply.

• Relative Demand for Currency: Global demand for the dollar is low compared to the dollar, as the exchange rate depends on comparative currency appetite.
• Growth Concerns: Subdued GDP growth (∼6.1% in Q1 FY26) shakes investor confidence, discouraging capital retention.
• Global Financial Tightening: Strong returns in US assets (bonds, equities) are pulling capital away from India.

Impacts of Rupee Depreciation:

• Negative Impacts:

• • Import Inflation: Costlier essential imports (crude oil, fertilizers, electronics) increase domestic inflationary pressures.
  • Corporate Stress: Firms with unhedged external commercial borrowings face higher rupee repayment costs on their dollar debt.
  • CAD Pressure: A weaker rupee expands the Current Account Deficit by making dollar-denominated imports more expensive.
  • Consumer Burden: Expenses for foreign services like education, tourism, and medical care become substantially costlier.

• Positive Impacts:

• • Boost to Exports: Depreciation makes Indian goods cheaper in global markets, improving price competitiveness.
  • Tourism & Remittances: NRIs benefit as their dollar remittances yield higher rupee conversions, boosting money inflow.
  • Domestic Substitution: Rising import costs incentivize local manufacturing, supporting the “Atmanirbhar Bharat“ goal.

Policy Landscape:

• RBI’s Role: Limited intervention via forex reserves (∼$570 bn) is used to smooth volatility, avoiding aggressive rupee defence.
• Fiscal Measures (Govt): Focus on import reduction through PLI schemes and ethanol blending to cut the oil import bill.
• Structural Efforts: Pursuing long-term trade infrastructure via the IMEC and reducing costs with the National Logistics Policy.
• Global Alignment: Supporting dedollarisation through BRICS+ and promoting local currency trade (e.g., with UAE, Russia).

Way Forward:

• Strengthen Export Competitiveness: Invest in high-value manufacturing and aggressively seek FTAs with major economies.
• Diversify Energy Sources: Accelerate renewables, green hydrogen, and ethanol blending to fundamentally cut oil import dependence.
• Attract Long-term Capital: Ensure policy stability and expedite approvals to secure sustained, higher FDI inflows.
• Enhance Financial Depth: Develop bond markets to absorb shocks; promote rupee invoicing for trade.
• Calibrated RBI Support: Smooth short-term volatility carefully while maintaining confidence, without exhausting reserves.

Conclusion:

The rupee’s fall reflects structural gaps — trade imbalance, volatile capital flows, and import dependence. While it aids exports, unchecked depreciation fuels inflation and dents investor trust. True resilience lies in stronger fundamentals, diversified exports, and higher investor confidence. A growth-anchored stable rupee will secure macroeconomic stability and competitiveness.

 

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UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 27 September 2025 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)

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Ek Din Ek Ghanta Ek Saath Initiative

Context: Over 5 crore citizens participated in the Ek Din Ek Ghanta Ek Saath initiative under the Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS) 2025 campaign.

About Ek Din Ek Ghanta Ek Saath Initiative:

What it is?

• A nationwide voluntary cleanliness drive, launched under the Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS) campaign, led by the Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs (MoHUA) and the Department of Drinking Water & Sanitation (DDWS), MoJS.
• Citizens dedicate one hour of shramdaan (voluntary labour) for cleaning public spaces.

Aim:

• To strengthen the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) through jan andolan (people’s movement).
• To eliminate garbage vulnerable points, ensure cleaner public spaces, and promote sustainable, plastic-free practices.

Features:

• Mass Participation: Over 5 crore citizens, including local bodies, NGOs, SHGs, students, and officials.
• Target-Oriented Drive: Focused on 7 lakh CTUs and 3 lakh public areas.
• Inclusivity: Engagement of political leaders, gram panchayats, and diverse communities.
• Sustainability Focus: Promotion of zero-waste festivals, eco-friendly decorations, and plastic reduction.

Relevance in UPSC Exam Syllabus:

• GS-II (Governance & Welfare Schemes): Illustrates citizen participation, community mobilization, and policy implementation under SBM.
• GS-III (Environment): Links to solid waste management, plastic waste reduction, and sustainable practices.
• Essay/Ethics: Reflects collective responsibility, behavioural change, and jan-bhagidari as tools for social transformation.

 

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UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 27 September 2025 Facts for Prelims (FFP)

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Prayas Neuro Rehabilitation Centre

Source:  PIB

Context: The Ministry of Ayush launched “Prayas”, a first-of-its-kind Integrated Neuro-Rehabilitation Centre at AIIA Goa, marking a milestone in blending Ayurveda, Yoga, and modern therapies for paediatric neuro care.

About Prayas Neuro Rehabilitation Centre:

• What is Prayas?

• • Integrated Centre: It is a novel, multi-disciplinary Neuro-Rehabilitation Centre established to offer holistic, patient-centric care.
  • Unique Combination: It is among the first centres in India to unify Ayurveda, Physiotherapy, Yoga, Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and modern Paediatrics under a single umbrella.
• Host Institution: All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), Goa.
• Launched By: The Ministry of Ayush.

• Aim and Function:

• • Primarily focuses on providing comprehensive neuro-rehabilitation to children (paediatric care) with neurological and developmental conditions.
  • Aims to create evidence-based solutions by combining the best of traditional knowledge and modern rehabilitation sciences.

• Functions:

• • Deliver integrative patient-centred care for paediatric neurological challenges.
  • Combine traditional wisdom (Ayurveda, Yoga) with modern rehabilitation sciences.
  • Serve as a research and training hub for Ayush-based innovations in neuro care.
  • Act as a model of holistic healthcare aligned with India’s National Health Policy.
  • Provide comprehensive family support through multidisciplinary therapies.

 

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The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act

Source:  IE

Context: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) cancelled the FCRA license of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk’s NGO, shortly after a violent protest in Leh that the MHA claimed his statements “incited.”

About The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA):

What It Is?

• Definition: The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010 (FCRA) is a comprehensive law enacted to regulate the acceptance and utilisation of foreign donations by individuals and associations in India.
• Historical Context: First enacted in 1976 during the Emergency, it aimed to prevent foreign powers from interfering in India’s internal affairs, a concern articulated in Parliament as early as 1969.

Aim:

• Primary Aim: To ensure that foreign donations are utilised for the intended purpose and that the recipient organisations function consistently with the values of a sovereign democratic republic.
• Governing Institution: The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is the nodal ministry responsible for the registration, monitoring, and enforcement of the FCRA.

Key Features:

1. Mandatory Registration: Requires every person or NGO receiving foreign funds to be registered under the Act and obtain a valid license, which is valid for five years. Renewal is mandatory within six months of expiry.
2. Banking Mandate: Stipulates that foreign funds must be received only in a designated bank account, specifically at the State Bank of India (SBI), New Delhi.
3. Prohibition of Transfer: Bars NGOs from transferring foreign funds to any other unregistered person or NGO, ensuring direct utilisation by the recipient.
4. Barred Recipients (Foreign Contribution ‘Prohibited’): Explicitly prohibits the receipt of foreign funds by individuals and entities deemed sensitive to national policy, including:
   • Candidates for elections
   • Journalists/Media companies
   • Judges and Government servants
   • Members of the Legislature
   • Political parties or their office-bearers
   • Organisations of a political nature
5. Exemption for Relatives (2022 Rule Change): Relaxed the requirement for government intimation for contributions received from relatives abroad, raising the limit from ₹1 lakh to ₹10 lakh. Non-intimation within 90 days results only in a monetary penalty (5% of the contribution), not prosecution.
6. Cancellation Grounds: Empowers the MHA to cancel registration based on violations like false statements, non-activity for two consecutive years, misutilisation of funds, or when deemed necessary in the “public interest.”

 

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Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar

Source:  TOI

Context: Union Home Minister of India paid tribute to Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar on his 205th birth anniversary in Kolkata.

About Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar:

What it is?

• A 19th-century social reformer, educationist, and writer, Vidyasagar is revered as the “Father of Modern Bengali Prose” and an icon of the Bengal Renaissance.
• Known both as Vidyasagar (Ocean of Knowledge) and Dayar Sagar (Ocean of Kindness).

Birth:

• Born on 26 September 1820 at Birsingha village in Midnapore district, Bengal Presidency.
• Early life marked by extreme poverty, yet he excelled in Sanskrit and English studies.

Career:

• Cleared the Law Examination (1839) and became Head of Sanskrit Department at Fort William College (1841).
• Later served as Principal of Sanskrit College, Calcutta, and championed access to education for non-Brahmins and women.
• Authored Borno Porichoy (1855), the primary Bengali alphabet primer still used today.

Contribution to Indian Freedom Movement:

1. Social reforms: Led campaigns for Hindu Widow Remarriage Act, 1856, abolition of child marriage, and restrictions on polygamy.
2. Women’s education: Founded several schools for girls, opening higher education to women against orthodox opposition.
3. Cultural nationalism: By modernising Bengali language and prose, he nurtured a shared Bengali identity, a precursor to nationalist awakening.
4. Empowerment of marginalised: Opened doors of learning to lower-caste students, breaking caste barriers in education.
5. Grassroots work: Spent his later life at Karmatanr (now Jamtara, Jharkhand) among Santhals, establishing schools, adult literacy centres, and free clinics.

Organisations Associated With:

• Sanskrit College, Calcutta (Principal, 1851–1858).
• Bethune School, Calcutta (supporter, helped in expansion of girls’ education).
• Students’ Societies & Educational Initiatives during the Bengal Renaissance.
• His work later inspired the Brahmo Samaj’s progressive reform campaigns, continuing the legacy of Raja Ram Mohan Roy.

 

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Soilification Technology

Source:  TH

Context: Researchers at the Central University of Rajasthan (CUoR) successfully grew wheat on desert land in Ajmer using ‘soilification’ technology.

About Soilification Technology:

• What it is?

• • A biotechnology-based method that transforms loose desert sand into soil-like medium suitable for farming.
  • Uses indigenous bioformulations and polymers to improve fertility and water retention.

• How it works?

• • Polymer application: Cross-links sand particles, converting loose sand into structured soil.
  • Bioformulation: Enhances microbial activity, improving nutrient cycling and soil health.
  • Water retention: Creates a binding effect, lowering irrigation requirements.
  • Stress resistance: Strengthens plant tolerance to heat and arid conditions.
  • Crop adaptability: Successfully trialled on wheat, bajra, guar gum, and chickpea.

• Key Features:

• • Water efficient: Reduced irrigation cycles (3–4 vs. 5–6 in normal farming).
  • High yield ratio: Wheat yield recorded at 1:20 (seed to harvest), twice the output of untreated desert land.
  • Low input cost: Uses locally available bio-agents and simple application techniques.
  • Eco-restorative: Converts barren deserts into cultivable farmland without heavy machinery.

• Significance:

• • Desertification control: Prevents Thar desert expansion towards NCR by restoring soil fertility.
  • Water security: Minimises groundwater use, critical in water-scarce Rajasthan.
  • Food security: Enables cultivation of staples like wheat and millet in arid belts.

 

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The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958

Source:  PTI

Context: The Government of India has extended the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (AFSPA) in parts of Manipur, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh for another six months.

About The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958:

What it is?

• The AFSPA is a special law enacted in 1958 that grants extraordinary powers to the armed forces to maintain public order in “disturbed areas” where civil governance is unable to function effectively.

Aim: Its primary objective is to empower security forces to deal with insurgency, maintain peace, and assist the civil administration in regions experiencing violent disturbances and armed rebellion.

Procedure for Declaration:

• Under Section 3, the Governor of a State, Administrator of a Union Territory, or the Central Government can declare any area “disturbed” if it is deemed dangerous to public peace.
• The notification is published in the official gazette, and periodic review is mandated every six months.

Key Features:

• Special powers to armed forces:
  • Fire upon or use force, even to the extent of causing death, against persons violating prohibitory orders (assembly of 5 or more, carrying arms).
  • Destroy arms dumps, fortified positions, or hideouts used by insurgents.
  • Arrest without warrant on suspicion of cognizable offences.
  • Search premises without warrant and recover arms or persons wrongfully confined.
• Custody rules: Arrested persons must be handed over to the nearest police station at the earliest opportunity.
• Legal immunity: No prosecution or legal proceeding can be initiated against armed forces personnel without prior sanction of the Central Government.

Importance:

• Provides a legal framework for the armed forces to aid civil authority in counter-insurgency operations.
• Ensures swift action in maintaining sovereignty, integrity, and security in disturbed regions.

 

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Sustainable Mountain Development Summit (SMDS)

Source:  TOI

Context: The 12th Sustainable Mountain Development Summit (SMDS-XII) began at Doon University, Dehradun.

About Sustainable Mountain Development Summit (SMDS):

• What it is?

• • A flagship annual summit that addresses ecological, economic, and social challenges of the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR).
  • Acts as a multi-stakeholder platform for dialogue, knowledge sharing, and policy recommendations.

• Organised by: Conducted by the Integrated Mountain Initiative (IMI), a civil society-led network.
• Origin: First held in 2011 at Nainital, Uttarakhand (SMDS-I).
• Aim:

• • Promote sustainable development in ecologically fragile Himalayan ecosystems.
  • Strengthen community participation in governance and policy-making.
  • Blend science and traditional wisdom for resilience against climate change.
  • Mainstream mountain concerns into India’s national and global development agenda.

• Features:

• • Mountain Legislators’ Meet (MLM): Policy dialogue with elected representatives from IHR states.
  • Indian Himalayan Youth Summit: Platform for youth to voice challenges and solutions.
  • Knowledge sessions: Cover agroecology, disaster management, sustainable tourism, and climate adaptation.
  • Cross-sector participation: Involves scientists, farmers, NGOs, academicians, and government officials.

• Significance:

• • Policy impact: Provides actionable recommendations influencing state and central policies.
  • Climate resilience: Encourages adoption of traditional farming, organic practices, and disaster preparedness.

 

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UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 27 September 2025 Mapping:

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Kokrajhar–Gelephu Special Railway Project (SRP)

Source:  TOI

Context: The proposed 69-km Kokrajhar–Gelephu rail line, India’s first-ever railway link to Bhutan, has been declared a Special Railway Project (SRP) by the Indian Railways.

About Kokrajhar–Gelephu Special Railway Project (SRP):

• What it is?
  • A cross-border railway project connecting Kokrajhar in Assam (India) with Gelephu in Bhutan.
  • Aims to provide Bhutan its first railway connectivity and deepen bilateral ties.
• Organisation involved:
  • Implemented by the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) under the Railways Act, 1989.
  • Supported by the Government of India in alignment with the Act East Policy.
• Aim:
  • Strategic importance: Enhance cross-border connectivity with Bhutan.
  • Economic growth: Facilitate trade, tourism, and people-to-people contact.
  • Security: Strengthen India’s frontier infrastructure in the Northeast.
• Features:
  • Project cost: Approx. ₹3,500 crore.
  • Stations: Six new stations – Balajan, Garubhasa, Runikhata, Shantipur, Dadgiri, Gelephu.
  • Road connectivity: 1 Road Over Bridge and 39 Road Under Bridges.
  • Viaducts: Two viaducts of 11 metres each for safe passage across difficult terrain.
• Significance:
  • First rail link for Bhutan: Historic step in Bhutan’s infrastructure development.
  • Boost to Act East Policy: Improves Northeast India’s integration with South Asia.
  • Regional trade hub: Facilitates faster goods movement between India and Bhutan.

 

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