Daily Current Affairs- 23rd September 2025

Daily Current Affairs- 23rd September 2025

Ahmednagar Railway Station Renamed ‘Ahilyanagar’ in Honour of Ahilyabai Holkar

In the News : The Ahmednagar railway station in Maharashtra has officially been renamed Ahilyanagar, as a tribute to Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar, following a notification from the Maharashtra government and approval from the Union Home Ministry.  The renaming aligns with the earlier decision to rename the Ahmednagar district to Ahilyanagar district.

Key Points

• Official Change & Authority: The State government issued a notification renaming the station after obtaining the Union Home Ministry’s approval.  Central Railway’s Pune Division announced the name change.  The station code “ANG” remains unchanged despite the name change.
• Reason & Symbolism: Renaming is intended as a tribute to Ahilyabai Holkar, an 18th-century queen known for her visionary administration, public works, temples, justice and philanthropy.  It reflects efforts to align place identities with local heritage and historical figures.
• Relation to District Renaming: Ahmednagar district had already been renamed Ahilyanagar district earlier.  The station renaming ensures consistency between city/district and railway nomenclature.
• Practical & Logistical Aspects: While the name is changed, the station code remains the same to maintain continuity in railway operations, ticketing, and databases.  Signage, announcements, tickets, maps and official records will be updated to reflect Ahilyanagar. The physical shift is mostly in name; the infrastructure, platforms, functionality remain unaffected.
• Broader Context: Place renaming to honor historical/cultural figures is a recurring practice in India, used to reinforce identity and heritage. This change is part of a broader set of efforts in Maharashtra to rename certain places to reflect local and historical significance. The renaming decision had both supporters and critics; some viewed it as symbolic, while others argued for prioritizing development over changing names.
• Impacts & Reactions: Among locals, heritage groups, and historians, the move is seen as recognition of a respected figure in Indian history. In administrative and travel circles, care will be needed during the transition period to avoid confusion among passengers accustomed to “Ahmednagar.” Over time, “Ahilyanagar” will become the accepted usage in schedules, mapping, travel portals, and public discourse.

PM Modi Inaugurates Redeveloped 524-Year-Old Tripura Sundari Temple in Tripura

In the News: Prime Minister Narendra Modi formally inaugurated the redeveloped 524-year-old Tripura Sundari Temple at Udaipur in Gomati district, Tripura.

Key Points

• Historical & Cultural Background: The temple was originally built in 1501 by Maharaja Dhanya Manikya of the Manikya dynasty, when Udaipur (then called Rangamati) was the capital.  It is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas revered in Hindu tradition.  The temple is built atop a hillock that resembles the hump of a tortoise (Kurma), which gives rise to certain local legends.
• Redevelopment Project: The redevelopment cost is over ₹52 crore, funded through the PRASAD (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive) scheme of the Union Ministry of Tourism and contributions from the Tripura state government (₹7 crore).  The central government’s share is about ₹34.43 crore, while the state government contributed ₹17.61 crore in one report.  Redevelopment work began earlier (foundation laid in 2018) under a temple trust set up by the state government.
• Features of the Redeveloped Structure: The complex now has a three-storied structure:
  • Ground floor area: ~6,784 sqm – includes lobbies, 86 stalls, multipurpose halls, Prasad house, etc.
  • First floor (~2,317 sqm): dormitories, residential quarters for monks/volunteers.
  • Top floor (~7,355 sqm): contains the main naatmandir (assembly area) for devotees.
  • Accessibility features: ramps, lifts for differently-abled devotees.
  • Surrounding amenities:
    • Landscaping, lighting, parking, walkways, public conveniences.
    • A Shaktipeetha Park nearby, with replicas of all 51 Shakti Peethas, stalls for local artisans, and cultural exhibits.
  • An exhibition detailing temple history, the royal lineage, and local traditions was also part of the redevelopment.
• Inauguration & Ceremonial Details: PM Modi traveled from Agartala to Udaipur by helicopter and arrived at the temple complex in the afternoon.  He offered puja at the redeveloped temple, visited various parts of the site, and participated in inauguration ceremonies along with state leaders.  A 12-km roadshow from Palatana helipad to the temple was staged, with crowds greeting the PM.

CAG Report on the Fiscal Health of States

In the News : The Comptroller & Auditor General (CAG) of India published, in September 2025, a decadal analysis of the fiscal condition of 28 states. The report reveals that in the span of a decade, state public debt has nearly tripled, sounding alarms on long-term fiscal sustainability and raising concerns over states’ ability to manage revenue, expenditure, and liabilities effectively.

Key Points

• Debt Explosion Over 10 Years: Combined public debt (internal debt + loans from Centre) of 28 states rose from ₹17.57 lakh crore in 2013-14 to ₹59.60 lakh crore in 2022-23 — i.e. a 3.39× increase.  Debt as a share of Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) has climbed from 16.66 % to 22.96 % over the same period.  As of 2022-23, state debt is ~22.17 % of India’s GDP (i.e. the share of states’ debt relative to national output)
• State-wise Disparities in Debt Burden
  • States with highest debt-to-GSDP ratios:
    • Punjab ~ 40.35 %
    • Nagaland ~ 37.15 %
    • West Bengal ~ 33.70 %
  • States with relatively lower debt ratios:
    • Odisha ~ 8.45 %
    • Maharashtra ~ 14.64 %
    • Gujarat ~ 16.37
• Revenue Surplus / Deficit Trends: The report identifies 16 states in FY 2022-23 that registered a revenue surplus (i.e. their revenue receipts > revenue expenditure).  Uttar Pradesh, previously considered a “Bimaru state,” led the surplus list with ~ ₹37,000 crore.  Other states with surplus include Gujarat (~₹19,865 crore), Odisha (~₹19,456 crore), Jharkhand, Karnataka, Chhattisgarh, Telangana, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, and Goa.  Meanwhile, 12 states remained in revenue deficit, e.g. Andhra Pradesh (~₹43,488 cr), Tamil Nadu (~₹36,215 cr), Rajasthan, West Bengal, Punjab, etc.
• Debt vs Revenue Capacity & Borrowing Patterns: On average, states’ debt levels amount to ~128–191 % of their revenue receipts; in some years, debt was nearly double the revenue.  Many states have violated the “Golden Rule” of fiscal policy (i.e. borrowing should be for capital expenditure, not recurring expenditures). The report notes at least 11 states were using borrowings to fund day-to-day (revenue) expenses.  The sources of borrowings include open market borrowings (bonds, securities), treasury bills, ways and means advances, and loans from the Union government (especially to cover gaps such as GST compensation shortfalls).
• Contingent Liabilities & Fiscal Risks: Many states carry contingent liabilities (guarantees on projects, infrastructure firms, etc.), which are not part of regular debt but can turn into actual liabilities.  Interest rates on state borrowings tend to be higher (risk premium over central government borrowing), which increases debt servicing burden.  Rising committed expenditures (salaries, pensions, subsidies, interest payments) reduce fiscal flexibility for states to invest in infrastructure or welfare.
• Implications for Fiscal Federalism & Sustainability: As state debts balloon, their fiscal autonomy is curtailed; dependence on central transfers, conditional grants, and borrowing could strengthen central influence.  States might fall into a debt trap: borrowing more to service previous debt, leaving fewer resources for development. High debt limits states’ ability to respond to economic shocks, natural disasters, or emergencies, as less “fiscal space” remains. Development and welfare goals may suffer—states may be forced to cut public spending or delay capital projects. The report also underscores regional disparities: heavily indebted states may lag further behind fiscally stable states, exacerbating inequality.

India Elected to Interpol Asian Committee: A Strategic Win

In the News : India was elected as a member of the INTERPOL Asian Committee during the 25th Asian Regional Conference held in Singapore. The election was conducted through a multi-stage voting process, reflecting India’s diplomatic efforts and institutional standing in international policing cooperation.

Key Points :

• What is the Interpol Asian Committee?: It is an advisory body to the Asian Regional Conference of INTERPOL. The Committee helps identify regional strategic priorities, deliberate operational threats (like organized crime, cybercrime, human trafficking, terrorism, drug trafficking), and guide coordinated actions among member countries.  It convenes annually to discuss regional security and policing cooperation.
• India’s Election & Process: India was represented by a delegation from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) at the conference.  The election went through multiple voting rounds among Asian INTERPOL member states.  India’s diplomatic missions, embassies, and the National Central Bureau played a coordinated role in campaigning for support.  The term for India’s membership is 2025–2029.
• Strategic Significance & Benefits for India:
  • Greater influence in regional law enforcement: Being on the committee gives India a voice in shaping priorities and responses within Asia.
  • Better coordination in transnational crime: Helps in strengthening cooperation on cross-border issues such as terrorism, trafficking, cybercrime, and drug smuggling.
  • Enhancement of India’s global policing profile: Demonstrates its commitment to international security frameworks and collective policing goals.
  • Access to intelligence and best practices: Through committee work, India can tap into regional intelligence-sharing, operational frameworks, and capacity building.
  • Soft power and diplomatic leverage: This election underscores India’s standing among Asian nations in matters of security cooperation.
• Challenges & Considerations: India must deliver on its responsibilities in the committee—active engagement, resource commitment, and follow-through on resolutions. Balancing national sovereignty and regional cooperation: India will need to align its domestic priorities with regional directives without compromising core interests. Ensuring that decisions and recommendations from the committee translate into on-the-ground action and results across borders. Maintaining diplomatic goodwill among other Asian nations, avoiding perceptions of dominance or overreach.

What is the contentious 2 per cent ‘Zucman Tax’, which targets France’s billionaires?

In the News : The idea of a “2 % Zucman tax” has resurfaced in French politics as the Socialist Party demands that Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu include a new wealth tax in the 2026 budget.
Bernard Arnault (head of LVMH and France’s richest person) has strongly condemned the proposal, calling it harmful to France’s economy.

Key Points

• What Is the Zucman Tax?: Proposed by economist Gabriel Zucman.  It is a minimum 2 % annual wealth tax on net assets (i.e., total wealth, not justincome) for the ultra-wealthy.  In France, it would apply to households with net worth exceeding €100 million (≈ $118 million).  The idea is that if a billionaire is paying less than 2 % of their wealth in taxes under the current system, they would need to pay a “top-up” to bring their tax burden to at least 2 %.
• Rationale & Justification: Zucman argues ultra-rich individuals often pay proportionally less tax (through tax optimization, wealth structuring, deferral, etc.) than lower income groups.  A 2 % floor is chosen to maintain progressive taxation — the aim is to ensure the ultra-rich do not enjoy a lower effective tax rate than professionals just below them. It is pitched as a tool for social justice, fiscal equity, and fiscal sustainability (helping narrow deficits).
• Differences from Previous Wealth Taxes in France: Past wealth taxes (e.g. ISF) and current ones (real-estate wealth tax, IFI) are more limited in base or scope. The Zucman tax would include all assets, including business shares and financial holdings, not just property.  The threshold of €100 million is much higher, so the tax would affect far fewer households than previous wealth taxes.  It proposes a minimum tax floor, unlike prior taxes which were levied directly on wealth above certain levels.
• Projected Revenue & Scope: Zucman’s more optimistic projection: ~€20 billion per year.  But critics and alternate economists estimate a more modest figure: ~€5 billion, accounting for tax flight and avoidance.  Only ~1,800 households are expected to be affected (given the high threshold).

China to Launch K Visa to Attract Global Talent Amid H1-B Crackdown

In the News : In response to stricter U.S. H-1B visa policies (including a proposed $100,000 fee for new applications), China has announced the introduction of a new K visa program to attract young professionals in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).  The K visa is scheduled to come into effect on 1 October 2025 under revised Chinese entry-exit regulations.

Key Points

• Background & Rationale: The announcement follows U.S. visa policy changes, notably a $100,000 fee for new H-1B visa petitions, that have disrupted the appeal of U.S. work visas for global talent.  China sees an opportunity to capture skilled global professionals, especially those who might reconsider U.S. migration under tighter constraints.  The move aligns with China’s broader “talent-driven development” and innovation strategies.
• Legal & Regulatory Changes: On August 7, 2025, China’s State Council issued Order No. 814, amending the Regulations on the Administration of the Entry and Exit of Foreigners to insert the new K visa category.  The amendments add two new provisions (Articles 6 and 7) specifying:
  1. Inclusion of “K visa: issued to foreign young science and technology talent” among visa categories.
  2. That applicants must meet “conditions and requirements for foreign young science and technology talent … and submit supporting documents.”
• Who Is Eligible / Target Group: Young STEM professionals (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) from around the world. Holders of at least a bachelor’s degree from recognized universities or research institutions.  Individuals already engaged in research, education, or scientific work may also qualify. Detailed criteria like age limits, experience thresholds, or accepted institutions will be clarified by Chinese authorities and embassies/consulates.
• Key Features & Benefits: No requirement for a domestic employer or invitation to apply, removing a major barrier common in work visas.  Greater flexibility in terms of entry frequency, validity period, and length of stay compared to existing Chinese visa types.  K visa holders may engage in scientific, educational, cultural exchanges, entrepreneurship, business activities, and innovation work. Multiple entries allowed and more favorable terms for stay durations (compared with existing visa categories).

BBNJ Treaty to Enter into Force in January 2026

In the News : The 60th ratification required for the BBNJ Treaty (also called the High Seas Treaty) was achieved, triggering its entry into force on 17 January 2026.  This marks a historic milestone: for the first time, there will be a legally binding international framework to protect marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdictions (i.e. the “high seas”).

Key Points

• BBNJ Treaty: Full Name & Purpose: Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement). Commonly known as the High Seas Treaty or “Global Ocean Treaty.”
• Aims:
  • Establish legal rules for conserving biodiversity in international waters (areas beyond national jurisdiction)
  • Enable designation of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in the high seas.
  • Mandate Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) for human activities in high seas zones.
  • Ensure fair and equitable access to marine genetic resources (and benefit-sharing).
  • Promote capacity building, technology transfer, and scientific cooperation especially for developing states.
• Ratification & Trigger for Entry into Force: The treaty was adopted in June 2023, after nearly two decades of negotiations.  It opened for signatures on 20 September 2023.  Before it becomes legally binding, 60 ratifications are required.  On 19 September 2025, Morocco deposited its ratification as the 60th country, meeting that threshold.  Once the 60th ratification was deposited, the treaty enters into force 120 days later—i.e. 17 January 2026.
• Key Dates
  • Adopted: June 2023
  • Signature opens: 20 September 2023
  • 60th ratification: 19 September 2025
  • Entry into force: 17 January 2026
• Institutional & Implementation Structure: The treaty provides for institutional mechanisms including:
  • Conference of the Parties (COP) — first COP must occur within one year of entry into force.
  • Scientific & Technical Body to advise on scientific matters.
  • Secretariat and Clearing-house Mechanism to coordinate information exchange and implementation.
  • Parties must integrate treaty provisions into national legal frameworks.
  • The treaty mandates consensus decision-making, with fallback to two-thirds vote if consensus is not possible.
• Significance & Challenges: This treaty fills a major governance gap — until now, the high seas (beyond national jurisdiction) lacked a comprehensive binding legal framework.  It is a critical tool toward achieving global biodiversity goals, including the 30×30 target (protection of 30% of the planet’s surface by 2030).  Challenges remain in integrating the treaty with existing regimes—e.g. regional fisheries management organizations (RFMOs), deep-sea mining governance (International Seabed Authority), and overlapping jurisdictional rules. Effectiveness depends on universal or near-universal participation—non-ratifying major powers could undermine the treaty’s reach.  Capacity gaps in developing states, funding, and enforcement in remote high seas areas are practical hurdles.
• Status of Participation: As of the 60th ratification, there are 142+ signatories (states that have signed but not yet ratified).  India is among the signatories.  More ratifications are expected, especially at the UN General Assembly sessions, to broaden the treaty’s reach.

Arjuna 2025 PN7: Newest Quasi-satellite of Earth

In the News Astronomers recently announced the discovery of a small near-Earth asteroid 2025 PN7, also dubbed a quasi-moon of Earth. It is a new addition to the family of objects that share Earth’s orbital neighborhood without being true moons.

Key Points

• Discovery & Designation: Discovered on 2 August 2025 by the Pan-STARRS1 telescope at Haleakalā, Hawaii.
  • Designated 2025 PN7.
  • Archival images suggest it may have been in a quasi-orbital relation with Earth for decades (back to ~2014 or earlier)
• Orbital Characteristics & Classification: Belongs to the Arjuna class of asteroids — objects whose orbits are very Earth-like in terms of semi-major axis, low eccentricity and inclination.  It is an Apollo asteroid (a broader group), but among them, Arjunas are distinguished by non–Earth-crossing orbits (in many cases) or by their resonance behavior.
• Its orbital parameters:
  • Semi-major axis ≈ 1.003 AU
  • Eccentricity ~0.108
  • Inclination ~1.98°
  • Aphelion ≈ 1.108 AU, Perihelion ≈ 0.898 AU
  • Absolute magnitude H = 26.4 (implies a small size)
• Physical Properties: Estimated diameter: ~19 meters (≈ 62 feet)  Very faint and small, making detection challenging.  Composition, albedo, surface properties currently unknown due to limited observations.
• Quasi-satellite Behavior & Stability: A quasi-satellite is an object orbiting the Sun in a 1:1 mean motion resonance with Earth — it appears to stay near Earth over long intervals, though it's not gravitationally bound to Earth.  Unlike mini-moons (which are temporarily captured by Earth’s gravity), quasi-satellites are in a resonant orbit, not bound gravitationally, though Earth's influence perturbs them.  2025 PN7 is expected to stay in its quasi-satellite configuration for about 128 years, though it is considered relatively short-lived in cosmic terms.  Over time, orbital perturbations may drive it into a different co-orbital regime (e.g. horseshoe orbit or Trojan configuration).
• Relation to Earth & Distance: It can come relatively close to Earth at some times, though not approaching dangerously near.  Its distance from Earth will fluctuate as it leads or trails in its orbit, due to the resonant motion.

Ballon d’Or 2025

In the News : The Ballon d’Or 2025 awards were held at Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris. Ousmane Dembélé won the men’s Ballon d’Or, while Aitana Bonmatí claimed the women’s Ballon d’Or for a third consecutive year.

Key Points

• Edition & Format: 2025 marked the 69th edition of the Ballon d’Or.  For this edition, the award was based on performance in the 2024–25 season, not the calendar year.  The period of consideration for men was 1 August 2024 to 13 July 2025 (end of FIFA Club World Cup. For women, the window extended to 2 August 2025 (end of Copa América Femenina)
• Winners & Major Honors
  • Men’s Ballon d’Or: Ousmane Dembélé (PSG/France) — his first Ballon d’Or title.
  • Women’s Ballon d’Or (Ballon d’Or Féminin): Aitana Bonmatí (Barcelona/Spain) — third in a row.
  • Men’s Kopa Trophy (best young player): Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)
  • Women’s Kopa Trophy: Vicky López
  • Men’s Yashin Trophy (best goalkeeper): Gianluigi Donnarumma
  • Women’s Yashin Trophy: Hannah Hampton
  • Men’s Gerd Müller Trophy (top scorer): Viktor Gyökeres
  • Women’s Gerd Müller Trophy: Ewa Pajor
  • Club of the Year (Men’s): Paris Saint-Germain (PSG)
  • Club of the Year (Women’s): Arsenal
  • Additional awards:
    • Men’s Coach (Johan Cruyff Trophy): Luis Enrique
    • Women’s Coach (Johan Cruyff Trophy): Sarina Wiegman
    • Socrates Award: Given to recognize humanitarian/social work by a footballer during the year (presented at the Ballon d’Or ceremony)
• Ranking & Notables
  • In the men’s top 10, second place went to Lamine Yamal.
  • Vitinha had a strong showing (third) and Mohamed Salah was fourth.
  • Raphinha’s placement (5th) drew criticism from Neymar, who called it “too much of a joke.”
  • Some surprises in rankings included players being placed lower than many expected (e.g. Michael Olise finishing 30th)
  • Debates and controversies erupted around fairness and criteria of voting, especially for certain lower-ranked nominees.

Former CJI DY Chandrachud Pens Debut Book “Why the Constitution Matters”

In the News: Former Chief Justice of India Dhananjaya Y. Chandrachud is set to release his debut book, Why the Constitution Matters, by the end of August 2025. The announcement emphasises that the book will seek to connect constitutional values with lived experience, drawing on his judicial career to make complex ideas accessible to ordinary citizens.

Key Points

• Book Title & Publication
  • Title: Why the Constitution Matters
  • Publisher: Penguin Random House India
  • Scheduled release: end of August 2025
• Author Background: D.Y. Chandrachud served as the 50th Chief Justice of India (November 2022 to November 2024).  He has had an extensive judicial career of about 25 years at various levels, and delivered landmark judgments on constitutional issues.
• Purpose & Approach: The book is not intended as a technical legal treatise, but as a civic and accessible text that encourages citizens to connect with constitutional ideals.  Chandrachud uses personal judicial experience and landmark judgments to illustrate how constitutional reasoning shapes real-life outcomes.