Daily Current Affairs- 27th September 2025

Daily Current Affairs- 27th September 2025

India Bids Farewell to the Iconic MiG-21 Fighter Jet

In the News: India officially retired its last MiG-21 fighter jets, bringing an end to a storied 62-year service history in the Indian Air Force.

Key Points:

• Ceremony & Final Sortie: The decommissioning was held at Chandigarh Air Force Station, the same base where MiG-21 was first inducted. A flypast and water cannon salute accompanied the final flight. Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh flew the last sortie under the call sign Badal 3.
• Historical Role & Legacy: The MiG-21 entered IAF service in the early 1960s as a supersonic interceptor. It served in many key conflicts: 1965 & 1971 wars, Kargil (1999), and the 2019 Balakot air strike. India acquired over 700 aircraft of various MiG-21 variants over decades.
• Safety Concerns: Over the years, it earned the “flying coffin” moniker due to frequent crashes. Between 1971 and 2012, 482 crashes involving MiG-21s were recorded.
•  Fleet Impact & Squadron Strength: After retirement of MiG-21s, IAF strength fell to 29 fighter squadrons, below the earlier target of 42. The retiring squadrons included No. 23 (Panthers) and No. 3 (Cobras). 
• Replacement & Modernisation:The government signed a deal to procure 97 Tejas jets to fill the gap. India plans global bids for 114 multi-role fighter aircraft to modernize the fleet. Focus is on indigenization and next-generation capabilities.
• Tributes & Symbolism: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh referred to MiG-21 as a national pride. The aircraft is acknowledged for shaping multiple generations of IAF pilots.

India’s Smartphone Exports to US Surge 148% in August 2025

In the News: India’s smartphone exports to the United States grew sharply — with the U.S. shipments alone rising by 148% compared to August 2024, according to the India Cellular Electronics Association (ICEA).

Key Points:

• Overall Export Growth: India’s smartphone exports in August 2025 reached about USD 1.53 billion, up 39% year-on-year.
• U.S. Shipment Surge: Shipments to the U.S. jumped from USD 388 million in August 2024 to USD 965 million in August 2025 — a 148% increase.
• Export Trends over FY26: From April to August 2025, U.S. smartphone exports from India hit USD 8.43 billion, nearly three times the USD 2.88 billion in the same period last year.
• Global Positioning: India has overtaken China as a key supplier of smartphones to the U.S., capturing a 44% share of U.S. smartphone imports in Q2 2025 (vs 13% a year ago). Electronics production in India is now estimated at ₹12 lakh crore, and exports of electronic goods have grown eightfold over the past decade.
• Contrasting Data / Caution Signals: According to think tank GTRI, India’s smartphone exports to the U.S. plunged 58% between May and August 2025 (from USD 2.29 billion in May to USD 964.8 million in August), despite the absence of U.S. tariffs on smartphones. This suggests possible challenges like supply chain disruptions, shifting production, or seasonal fluctuations.
• Tariff & Policy Context: In August 2025, the U.S. imposed 50% tariffs on many Indian goods; however, smartphone exports remained exempt from these new tariffs. Still, declines in “tariff-exempt” exports like smartphones have raised concerns about sustainability.
• Key Contributing Factors: Apple’s supply chain shift is core — Foxconn shipped 97% of India-made iPhones to the U.S. between March and May 2025. India’s scaling of manufacturing capacity, favorable policies (PLI, “Make in India”), and reliance by global firms on diversification away from China are major drivers.

India Govt. Appoints First Mushroom Scientist to Lead BSI

In the News: The Government of India has appointed Dr. Kanad Das, a distinguished mycologist (mushroom scientist), as the new Director of the Botanical Survey of India (BSI). He is the first mycologist ever to lead the BSI.

Key Points:

• Historic First: Dr. Kanad Das becomes the first mycologist (mushroom scientist) to head BSI. 
• Appointment Details: The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet approved his appointment on September 6, 2025. He took charge as the 13th Director of BSI on September 25, 2025.
• Institutional Context: BSI functions under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC). BSI’s mandate includes surveying India’s flora, taxonomic research, and conservation of plant diversity.
• Focus & Vision:His appointment signals a shift toward integrating fungal research (mycology) into broader botanical studies. Emphasis is expected on digitizing India’s botanical heritage and enhancing research outputs.
• Scientific Credentials: Dr. Das was previously Scientist-F at BSI and has led teams in discovering new fungal taxa.

National Initiative on Water Security

In the News: The Government of India launched the National Initiative on Water Security to strengthen water conservation efforts across rural India, especially in water-stressed blocks.

Key Points:

• Mandatory Fund Allocation under MGNREGA: In over-exploited or “dark zone” blocks, 65% of MGNREGA funds must be used for water-related works. In semi-critical blocks, 40% of funds are mandated for such works. Even in non-stressed blocks, at least 30% of funds must go toward water conservation and harvesting.
• Legal & Institutional Backing: The MGNREGA Act’s schedule has been amended to institutionalize the priority for water works in rural blocks. The scheme was launched jointly by Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil from New Delhi.
• Types of Eligible Works: Works such as check dams, farm ponds, percolation tanks, desilting, groundwater recharge pits, renovation of traditional water bodies, watershed structures, irrigation channels, and afforestation qualify.
• Rationale & Urgency: India is one of the largest extractors of groundwater globally, facing severe depletion in many regions. Rural drinking water and agriculture heavily depend on groundwater, making its conservation crucial. Erratic monsoons and climate variability worsen water stress, making proactive conservation necessary.
• Integration with Existing Schemes & Projects: This effort builds upon earlier water conservation initiatives like Atal Bhujal Yojana (groundwater management scheme). It also complements watershed management programmes and project schemes under rural development.
• Expected Benefits & Impact: Improved groundwater levels, rejuvenation of rivers, and water security for agriculture, livestock, and communities. Long-term ecological balance, enhanced resilience to droughts, and sustainable rural livelihoods.

Sonam Wangchuk detained under NSA: What to know about National Security Act

In the News: Activist Sonam Wangchuk was detained under the National Security Act (NSA) by Ladakh Police following violent protests in Leh. He has since been moved to Jodhpur Central Jail.

Key Points:

• Reason for Detention: Authorities allege Wangchuk’s speeches and activities incited the protests in Leh that led to arson, attacks on police, and four deaths. He was accused of making “provocative statements” and failing to call off his hunger strike even after dialogue was resumed.
• About the NSA (National Security Act): The NSA is a preventive detention law enacted in 1980 that allows detention without formal charges to prevent actions prejudicial to national security or public order. A detention order must provide grounds within 5 to 15 days, and an Advisory Board (usually high court judges) must review it within 3 weeks. The detainee has limited rights: no guaranteed legal representation before the Advisory Board, and the government can withhold facts citing “public interest.” Maximum detention under NSA is 12 months unless revoked earlier or extended by further recommendation.
• Procedural Aspects & Legal Remedies: Wangchuk is entitled to make a representation to the government against the detention. He may also approach the High Court or Supreme Court under writ jurisdiction (Articles 226 / 32) to challenge the legality of his detention.
• Aftermath & Reactions: His detention has triggered protests across Uttarakhand and strong condemnation from environmentalist and civil-society groups. Authorities also cancelled the FCRA licence of his NGO (SECMOL), preventing it from receiving foreign funds. He was shifted over 1,000 km away from Ladakh to Jodhpur jail.
• Context: Ladakh Protests & Demands: Protests in Ladakh have been ongoing since 2021, centering around demands for statehood, constitutional protection (Sixth Schedule), and local governance measures. Wangchuk had been on a hunger strike as part of protests led by the Leh Apex Body. Violence in Leh escalated in September 2025, including arson and clashes with police, reportedly in response to frustration over perceived inaction and broken promises.

Google Turns 27: Celebrating a Legacy of Innovation with a Nostalgic Doodle

In the News: Google celebrated its 27th birthday by featuring a nostalgic Doodle that revived the company’s original 1998 logo on its homepage.

Key Points:

• Retro Logo Doodle: The Doodle displayed is Google’s first-ever wordmark from 1998, transporting users back to the company’s early days.
• Founding & Anniversary Date: Google was founded in 1998 by Larry Page and Sergey Brin while at Stanford University. Though incorporated on September 4, Google chooses September 27 as its official “birthday” for celebratory purposes.
•  Evolution of Doodles: Google uses Doodles to celebrate occasions like anniversaries, holidays, and notable figures. Over time, Doodles have become creative and interactive, going beyond simple logo changes. 
• Journey & Growth: From a garage startup, Google expanded into products such as Gmail, Maps, Android, Chrome, YouTube, and cloud services. The company now emphasizes AI, search, and organizing information at global scale.
• Brand & Design Legacy: The original logo’s designer, Ruth Kedar, played a key role in shaping Google’s visual identity. The nostalgic Doodle also reminds users of how the Google brand has evolved while retaining its core elements.

India Shines with Five Medals at ISSF Junior World Cup 2025

In the News: At the 2025 ISSF Junior World Cup held in New Delhi, India delivered a strong performance by winning five medals, including a clean sweep in the women’s 50m rifle prone event.

Key Points:

• Medal Tally:India secured 5 medals in the New Delhi leg of the ISSF Junior World Cup 2025. In the earlier Suhl leg, India had already won 11 medals (3 gold, 4 silver, 4 bronze).
• Women’s 50m Rifle Prone Sweep:Indian shooters Anushka Thokur, Anshika Agrawal, and Aadhya Agrawal clinched gold, silver, and bronze respectively in women’s 50m rifle prone. 
• Other Notable Wins:In men’s 10m air pistol, Jonathan Antony clinched gold with a dominant final score of 244.8. India also won gold in the 10m air pistol mixed team event, with the duo Rashmika Sahgal & Kapil defeating fellow Indians in the final. In women’s skeet, Raiza Dhillon and Mansi Raghuwanshi took silver and bronze respectively.
• Scale & Participation: The New Delhi leg featured 208 shooters from 19 federations. India fielded one of the largest contingents, emphasizing both depth and home advantage.
• Overall Standings & Momentum: Combining Suhl and New Delhi performances, India leads in the overall medal standings in the 2025 Junior World Cup circuit. This success is a strong signal of future potential in India’s junior shooting ranks.

MoSPI Releases First Forest-Focused Environmental Accounting Report

In the News: The Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation (MoSPI) released “Environmental Accounting on Forest – 2025”, India’s first dedicated forest-focused environmental accounting report.

Key Points:

• First Dedicated Forest Accounting Report: This is India’s first report solely on forest ecosystem accounting under the SEEA (System of Environmental-Economic Accounting) framework. The report has two volumes: Volume I covers national accounts; Volume II presents state/UT trends and literature review. 
• Forest Cover Growth: From 2010-11 to 2021-22, India’s forest area rose by 17,444.61 sq km, reaching 7.15 lakh sq km, about 21.76% of India’s land area. The “very dense forest” category increased sharply by 22.7%, showing gains in forest quality. However, “moderately dense forest” saw a decline in extent.
• Extent & Condition Accounts:Between 2013 and 2023, forest extent increased by 3,356 sq km, largely owing to reclassification and boundary changes rather than new forest creation. Growing stock (volume of living trees) rose by 305.53 million cubic metres (a 7.32% increase) over that period.
• Valuation of Forest Services: Provisioning services (timber, non-timber forest products) grew from ₹30,720 crore (2011-12) to ₹37,930 crore (2021-22). Regulating services (carbon retention) were valued at ₹620,970 crore in 2021-22, up 51.82% from 2015-16, accounting for 2.63% of GDP. Top states in carbon retention value include Arunachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Assam.
• Key State Trends: Kerala showed the largest increase in forest area (+4,137 sq km), followed by Karnataka (+3,122) and Tamil Nadu (+2,606). Uttarakhand led in increase in Recorded Forest Area (RFA) share at 6.3%, with Odisha (1.97%) and Jharkhand (1.9%) also showing gains.
• Methodology & Data Sources: The report uses data from ISFR (India State of Forest Report), ICFRE’s Forestry Statistics 2021, national accounting statistics, and SEEA / NCAVES frameworks. It also provides QR-enabled access to datasets for interactive use.

Journalist Amshi Prasannakumar Wins Krishi Media Award 2025

In the News: Senior journalist Amshi Prasannakumar, from Mysuru, has been awarded the Hombale Samhita Harinikumar Alumni Krishi Media Award – 2025 for his distinguished contributions to agricultural journalism.

Key Points:

• Award & Recognition: He was selected for the Krishi Media Award 2025 recognizing his efforts in raising awareness among farmers via print and electronic media.
• Awarding Body & Title: The award is named after Hombale Samhita and Harinikumar Alumni.
• Professional Background: Amshi Prasannakumar is a veteran journalist based in Mysuru.
• Contribution & Impact: He is known for coverage that educates farmers and strengthens reportage on agriculture.
• Award Ceremony Details: The ceremony is scheduled for October 11, 2025, at the University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore.

National Geoscience Awards 2024: Honours for India’s Top Earth Scientists

In the News: President Droupadi Murmu presented the National Geoscience Awards 2024 at Rashtrapati Bhavan, recognising India’s top earth scientists for their contributions to exploration, mineral technology, basic and applied geosciences.

Key Points:

• About the Awards: The awards were instituted in 1966 by the Ministry of Mines. They reward outstanding achievements in mineral discovery & exploration, mining technology, geosciences research, and allied fields. 
• Categories & Numbers: In 2024, 20 geoscientists were honoured across 12 awards (9 individual, 3 team).
• Awards include: Lifetime Achievement (1 award) .National Geoscience Awards (10 awards across various sub-fields) . National Young Geoscientist Award (1 award)
• Major Awardees & Highlights : Prof. Shyam Sundar Rai received the Lifetime Achievement award for his work in solid Earth and exploration geophysics. Shri Susobhan Neogi received the Young Geoscientist Award for research on tectonic evolution and mineral genesis. Dr. V. V. S. Sarma (chief scientist, CSIR-NIO, Visakhapatnam) was awarded in the basic geosciences category for his contributions to marine/chemical oceanography. Dr. Ranjeet Kumar Singh was honoured in mineral beneficiation & sustainable development. Other awardees span fields like mining technology, applied geophysics, natural hazard investigations, and geoinformatics.
• Ceremony & Messages: Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy and Secretary, Ministry of Mines, Piyush Goyal, attended the ceremony. President Murmu emphasized the importance of rare earth elements (REEs) for India’s technological sovereignty and called for sustainable mining and innovation. She noted the dual role of geoscientists: resource discovery and ensuring geo-environmental sustainability.