UPSC CARE 19th September 2025 Current Affairs
News at a Glance
- International Relations: Changing Reality of Immigration and Climate-induced migration
- UN 1267 Sanctions Regime: US Blocks Pak-China Move Against Baloch Liberation Army
- Economy: NITI Aayog’s Manufacturing & Infrastructure Index and Proposal for Indian Ocean Resource Cooperation
- Polity and Governance: Equalising Primary Food Consumption in India
- Environment and Ecology: Lakshadweep’s Plasticdweep: Waste Crisis Imperils Reefs, Fisherfolk, and Tourism
- Stubble Burning in North India: Challenges and the Need for a Holistic Strategy
Changing Reality of Immigration and Climate-induced migration
Source: Indian Express
UPSC Relevance: GS Paper 1 (Society), GS Paper 2 (International Relations)
Context: Migration
Why in News?
Migration remains a fundamental feature of human societies but is currently undergoing shifts driven by neoliberal globalization, demographic transitions, and increasingly, climate-induced forced migration challenges.
Key highlights:
- Since the 1990s, neoliberal policies and globalization facilitated skilled migration streams to developed countries (e.g., the US H1-B visa program).
- Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries attract mostly temporary labour migrants who do not fully integrate socially.
- Xenophobia and cultural anxieties recurrently rise following waves of labour demand, manifesting in political debates and social tensions.
- Climate change is predicted to catalyze unprecedented forced migration waves as environmental degradation displaces populations.
Important aspects:
- The politics of migration balance between economic imperatives and social integration challenges.
- Roles of MEA, MHA, IOM, and UNHCR in managing migrant rights and international cooperation.
- Growing concern over domestic migration tensions and diaspora safety amid rising xenophobic politics.
Image source: Financial Times
Significance:
- Societal cohesion threatened by contradictory demands for migrant labour and cultural nationalism.
- Need for policy frameworks to address forced migration caused by climate crises.
- Integration, protection, and human rights concerns for migrants globally.
Way ahead:
- Enhance diplomatic and multilateral cooperation on migration governance.
- Promote inclusive domestic policies accommodating internal migrants and diaspora.
- Build capacities to respond to climate migration humanitarian challenges
CARE MCQ
Q1: Regarding recent global migration, which is/are correct?
- Skilled migration to Western countries surged due to globalization and visa schemes like H1-B.
- Migration to Gulf countries mostly involves permanent settlement.
- Climate change is a major upcoming driver of forced migration.
Code:
A) 1 only
B) 1 and 3 only
C) 2 and 3 only
D) All of the above
Answer 1- B
Explanation
While skilled migration has increased due to globalization policies, migration to Gulf countries is mainly temporary labour. Climate change presents a new paradigm likely to dramatically increase forced displacement globally.
UPSC PYQ
Q. International Labour Organization’s Conventions 138 and 182 are related to (2018)
(a) Child Labour
(b) Adaptation of agricultural practices to global climate change
(c) Regulation of food prices and food security
(d) Gender parity at the workplace
Ans: (a)
UN 1267 Sanctions Regime: US Blocks Pak-China Move Against Baloch Liberation Army
Source: India Today
UPSC Relevance: GS2 International Relations
Context: United Nations Security Council (UNSC) 1267 Sanctions Committee
Why in News?
- The US, UK, and France blocked Pakistan and China’s bid to sanction Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and Majeed Brigade at the UN under the Security Council’s 1267 sanctions regime.
Key Highlights
- Pakistan and China sought UN sanctions (travel ban, asset freeze, arms embargo) against BLA and its suicide wing Majeed Brigade.
- The US and allies argued there was not enough evidence connecting BLA/Majeed Brigade to Al-Qaida or ISIL, the threshold for listing under UN 1267.
- The BLA and Majeed Brigade were recently declared Foreign Terrorist Organisations in the US; Pakistan says attacks against it are rising.
- Designating an entity under UN 1267 requires Security Council committee consensus and credible evidence.
Issue
- There are differences in how terror groups are designated internationally: some members push unilateral listings, while multilateral action at the UN level requires rigorous standards and evidence.
Image source: Economic Times
Impact on India
- The episode highlights challenges in regional counter-terrorism coordination and may affect India’s efforts to build global consensus on cross-border terrorism.
- It demonstrates the limits of international action without broad agreement, potentially constraining India’s diplomatic options in managing regional threats.
India-Pakistan Relations
- Disputes over terror designations at the UN worsen mistrust, making diplomatic engagement or cooperation on security issues more difficult.
- Allegations of safe havens and lack of international support for Pakistan’s proposals can fuel bilateral tensions.
United Nations Security Council (UNSC) 1267 Sanctions Committee:
This committee includes all Security Council members and manages the sanctions regime targeting Al-Qaida, Taliban, ISIL, and associated entities.
- It oversees listing, delisting, and reviews (often based on recommendations of an Ombudsperson) with decisions taken by consensus.
- The regime is binding on all member states and mandates the freezing of assets, travel bans, and arms embargoes for listed entities.
- This process ensures global accountability and coordination in counter-terrorism actions.
CARE MCQ
Q2. Consider the following statements regarding the UN Security Council and its 1267 Sanctions Committee:
- The 1267 Sanctions Committee consists of all permanent and non-permanent members of the UNSC and adopts decisions by consensus.
- Once a terrorist entity is listed by the committee, all member states are mandated to freeze its assets, impose travel bans, and restrict arms supply.
- Any member of the committee can place a “hold” to delay listing, which acts as an informal veto.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
A) 1 and 2 only
B) 2 and 3 only
C) 1 and 3 only
D) 1, 2 and 3
Answer 2- D
Explanation
- Statement 1 is correct: The 1267 Sanctions Committee comprises all 15 members of the UNSC (5 permanent + 10 non-permanent), and decisions are made by consensus, giving every member an effective veto.
- Statement 2 is correct: Once the committee lists a terrorist entity, all UN member states must freeze its assets, impose travel restrictions, and ban arms under the regime.
- Statement 3 is correct: Any committee member may place a “hold” to delay listing, effectively stalling the process, a mechanism that acts as an informal veto and can potentially be extended.
UPSC PYQ
Q. Consider the following statements:
1. Recently, all the countries of the United Nations have adopted the first-ever compact for international migration, the ‘Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM)’. (2023)
2. The objectives and commitments stated in the GCM are binding on the UN member countries.
3. The GCM addresses internal migration or internally displaced people also in its objectives and commitments.
How many of the above statements are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Answer: (d)
NITI Aayog’s Manufacturing & Infrastructure Index and Proposal for Indian Ocean Resource Cooperation
Source: Down to Earth
UPSC Relevance: GS3 Economy
Context: NITI Aayog
Why in News?
- NITI Aayog is developing a national index to benchmark Indian states on manufacturing and infrastructure performance. Additionally, it is researching the feasibility of an Indian Ocean Region (IOR) metals and energy community to strengthen supply chains for critical minerals and metals amid global supply disruptions.
Key highlights
- The index will consolidate parameters like state policies, infrastructure readiness, logistics efficiency, and ease of approvals into a comprehensive, comparable scorecard.
- It aims to promote competitive and cooperative federalism by allowing states and investors to compare performance and improve competitiveness.
- Progress on critical mineral auctions faces challenges due to pollution, community concerns, and complex multi-government regulations.
- The proposed IOR metals and energy community would create diversified, stable regional supply chains, reducing vulnerability to bottlenecks like the Malacca Strait or the Red Sea blockade.
- The concept is inspired by the European Coal and Steel Community, a precursor to the EU, and aims to bring suppliers, producers, and consumers in the region together.
- India’s strategy for critical resources involves domestic reforms, partnerships with resource-rich countries, and research into alternative battery chemistries.
Image source: Indian Express
Challenges
- Designing optimal auction frameworks given environmental and social complexities.
- Strategic vulnerabilities due to chokepoints in maritime trade routes.
- Building a collaborative regional resource community is at a preliminary research stage, not yet a government policy.
Policy implications
- The manufacturing and infrastructure index could enhance policy transparency and attract investment by highlighting state performance differentials.
- The metals and energy community concept proposes regional cooperation to secure critical mineral supply chains essential for India’s industrial growth and energy transition.
- Innovative battery technologies and diversified supply strategies are critical for reducing Chinese dominance in rare earth minerals and metals markets.
CARE MCQ
Q3. Assertion (A): NITI Aayog’s proposed manufacturing and infrastructure index aims to foster competitive and cooperative federalism among Indian states.
Reason (R): The index consolidates data on various parameters such as state policies, infrastructure readiness, and ease of approvals into a comparable scorecard to help states and investors make informed decisions.
Options:
A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
B) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A
C) A is true, but R is false
D) A is false, but R is true
Answer 3- A
Explanation
- NITI Aayog’s manufacturing and infrastructure index is designed to benchmark states on multiple factors critical for industrial growth.
- By compiling such data into a single comparative scorecard, it promotes both competition and cooperation among states (competitive and cooperative federalism).
- This enables states to learn from one another and improve their policy and infrastructure environment, while investors can identify suitable locations, thus supporting cooperative federalism and fostering competition on a level playing field.
UPSC PYQ
Q. In India, which of the following reviews the independent regulators in sectors like telecommunications, insurance, electricity etc.? (2019)
- Ad Hoc Committees set up by the Parliament.
- Parliamentary Department Related Standing Committees
- Finance Commission
- Financial Sector Legislative Reforms Commission
- NITI Aayog
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 1 , 3 and 4
(c) 3, 4 and 5
(d) 2 and 5
Ans: (a)
Equalising Primary Food Consumption in India
Source: The Hindu
UPSC Relevance: GS Paper 2 (Welfare), GS Paper 1 (Social Issues)
Context: Extreme poverty
Why in News?
- Emerging research questions prevailing calorie-based poverty norms and introduces the “thali” meal framework, exposing nutritional disparities and affordability challenges across social strata in India.
Key highlights:
- Extreme poverty rates have declined, but calorie consumption alone does not equate to nutritional adequacy.
- Nearly 50% of rural and 20% of urban households cannot afford two “thali” meals daily, highlighting undernutrition risks.
- Significant consumption gap in pulses, a key protein source, between poorest and richest classes.
- Public Distribution System subsidies disproportionately favor cereals over pulses and proteins.
Important aspects:
- Shifting policy focus from calorie adequacy toward balanced nutrition to combat hidden hunger.
- Phot well-targeted subsidies by Food Ministry and fiscal challenges faced by FCI.
- Cultural and economic barriers to nutritious food consumption.
Image source: The Hindu
Significance:
- Persistent malnutrition despite food availability.
- Policy inertia and subsidy structures reinforcing dietary imbalances.
- Need for awareness and inclusion of protein-rich foods in government programs.
Way ahead:
- PDS reforms promoting pulses and protein access.
- Nutrition education tied to public health goals.
- Agricultural incentives for pulse production enhancing affordability.
CARE MCQ
Q4. Consider the following statements about food consumption in India:
- Calorie-based poverty lines fully capture nutritional adequacy.
- The “thali” meal provides a culturally relevant measure of food security.
- Pulse consumption is substantially lower among poorer households.
- The PDS effectively targets subsidies only to poor households.
Code
A) 2 and 3 only
B) 1 and 4 only
C) 1, 2 and 4 only
D) All of the above
Answer 4- A
Explanation
Calorie-based poverty lines underestimate nutritional gaps; PDS subsidy distribution has been critiqued as regressive and not fully targeted, whereas the “thali” concept reflects balanced dietary needs realistically.
UPSC PYQ
Q. With reference to the provisions made under the National Food Security Act, 2013 consider the following statements: (2018)
1. The families coming under the category of ‘below poverty line (BPL)’ only are eligible to receive subsidised grains.
2. The eldest woman in a household, of age 18 years or above, shall be the head of the household for the purpose of issuance of a ration card.
3. Pregnant women and lactating mothers are entitled to a take-home ration of 1600 calories per day during pregnancy and for six months thereafter.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3
(d) 3 only
Ans: (b)
Crisis in Lakshadweep: 4,000 Tonnes of Waste Threaten Paradise
Source: Down to Earth
UPSC Relevance: GS Paper 3 (Environment and Ecology)
Context: Plastic Pollution
Why in News?
- Minicoy island in Lakshadweep witnessed a large fire due to the accumulation and burning of nearly 4,000 tonnes of dry waste, exposing grave environmental neglect. The fire’s toxic smoke and subsequent leachate contamination have severely impacted the local marine ecosystem, threatening coral reefs, fisheries, and the health of island communities.
Key highlights:
- The waste dump comprises plastics, electronics, discarded appliances, and fishing gear, dumped without proper segregation or disposal mechanisms.
- Coral reefs, especially Porites genus known for their ecological importance, are suffering bleaching and tissue loss due to marine litter and toxic runoff.
- Governance restructuring replaced elected panchayats with administration-appointed officials, disrupting local waste management systems previously functioning at household levels.
- The National Green Tribunal has intervened for monitoring, yet enforcement challenges persist, with infrastructural gaps and logistical barriers in evacuating waste to the mainland.
Image source: Down to Earth
Important aspects:
- Marine biodiversity under severe threat, with cascading effects on local fish stocks and livelihoods dependent on sustainable fisheries.
- Violations of Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) norms and ineffective implementation of environmental protection laws by local administration.
- Governance disconnect between central policies and local realities, highlighting the need for decentralized, community-involved solutions.
Significance:
- Immediate threat to public health from burning hazardous waste releasing carcinogens and fine particulate matter.
- Contradiction between the Union government’s push for high-end tourism and the unaddressed infrastructural/environmental crisis damaging fragile island ecosystems.
- Monsoon-clogged transport routes and limited shipping capacity impede waste removal, exacerbating the crisis.
Way ahead:
- Deployment of AI and IoT-based environmental monitoring for early detection of fire risk and waste pile management.
- Revamping waste processing facilities focusing on segregation, recycling, and environmentally safe disposal.
- Sustainable tourism policies integrating ecosystem restoration, mangrove conservation, and local community participation to balance economic and ecologic priorities.
CARE MCQ
Q5. Which of the following statements about Lakshadweep’s waste crisis are correct?
- Nearly 4,000 tonnes of dry waste remain uncollected causing ecological harm.
- Coral bleaching due to marine litter is most prominent in Porites corals.
- Local elected panchayats managing waste were replaced by appointed officers.
- The National Green Tribunal has halted all tourism in Lakshadweep due to the crisis.
A) 1, 2 and 3 only
B) 2, 3 and 4 only
C) 1, 3 and 4 only
D) All of the above
Answer 5- A
Explanation
Statements 1, 2, and 3 correctly reflect the scale of waste accumulation, the coral genus affected, and governance changes disrupting waste management. Statement 4 is incorrect as the NGT is monitoring but has not halted tourism operations outright. This underscores the layered governance and environmental enforcement challenges in fragile island ecosystems.
UPSC PYQ
Q. Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) is a standard criteria for (2017)
(a) Measuring oxygen level in blood
(b) Computing oxygen levels in forest ecosystems
(c) Pollution assay in aquatic ecosystem
(d) Assessing oxygen levels in high altitude regions
Ans: (c)
Dealing with North India’s Stubble Burning
Source: The Hindu
UPSC Relevance: GS Paper 3 (Environment and Ecology)
Context: Crop residue (stubble) burning
Why in News?
- North India’s recurring problem of crop residue (stubble) burning contributes heavily to air pollution, causing severe public health and environmental issues. The editorial calls for a multi-faceted solution beyond mere bans to tackle this complex challenge holistically.
Key highlights:
- Stubble burning significantly worsens winter air pollution, especially in Delhi-NCR and adjoining states.
- Crop residue is burned mainly due to lack of viable alternatives and economic constraints faced by farmers.
- Existing policy includes laws banning burning and efforts by CPCB and state boards to monitor air quality.
- Supreme Court has mandated actions on stubble management but enforcement faces practical difficulties.
Source: The Hindu
Important aspects:
- Interaction between agriculture practices, environment, and public health.
- Role of central and state governments in pollution control and farmer welfare.
- Technological options like Happy Seeder, biomass management solutions.
Challenges:
- High financial costs and limited availability of residue management machinery for small-scale farmers.
- Enforcement of bans causes distress if alternatives are unavailable.
- Air quality degradation affects millions, causing respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
Way ahead:
- Strengthened incentives and subsidies for machinery and biomass-based industry development.
- Promote crop diversification and alternative cropping patterns.
- Enhance farmer awareness, capacity building, and regional cooperation for pollution control.
CARE MCQ
Q6. Regarding the issue of stubble burning in North India, which of the following statements is/are correct?
- Stubble burning is the primary cause of winter air pollution in Delhi-NCR and surrounding states.
- The Supreme Court of India has mandated measures to control stubble burning.
- Enforcement of burning bans without providing alternatives to farmers has caused practical enforcement challenges.
- Crop diversification and subsidized machinery are part of proposed solutions.
A) 1 and 2 only
B) 3 and 4 only
C) 1, 2 and 3 only
D) All of the above
Answer 6- D
Explanation
Stubble burning is a major contributor to winter smog; the Supreme Court has directed control measures; however, lack of alternatives complicates enforcement; and solutions include subsidized machinery and crop diversification.
UPSC PYQ
Q. What is/are the advantage/advantages of zero tillage in agriculture? (2020)
1. Sowing of wheat is possible without burning the residue of the previous crop
2. Without the need for the nursery of rice saplings, direct planting of paddy seeds in the wet soil is possible.
3. Carbon sequestration in the soil is possible.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (d)