Explore the Daily Current Affairs 22 September 2025, focusing on recent events. Download quick REVISION NOTES.
Source: The Hindu newspaper (page 1)
H-1B Visa:
Context: The Trump administration has imposed a $100,000 annual fee for each new H‑1B visa applicant.
What is H-1B Visa?
The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant U.S. visa that allows U.S. companies to employ foreign workers in specialty occupations requiring theoretical or technical expertise (especially in IT, engineering, finance, etc.).
| Visa Type | Purpose | Who Uses It |
|---|
| H-1B | Skilled workers in specialty occupations | Indian IT professionals |
| H-2B | Temporary non-agricultural workers | Construction, hospitality workers |
| L-1 | Intra-company transferees | MNC employees transferred from India |
| F-1 | Student visa | Indian students studying in U.S. universities |
| J-1 | Exchange visitor visa | Researchers, scholars, medical interns |
| B-1/B-2 | Business (B-1) / Tourism (B-2) | Short-term visits |
Key Terms to Note:
- Skilled Migration
- Brain Drain vs Brain Circulation
- Protectionism vs Globalization
- India–U.S. Strategic Partnership
- Diaspora Diplomacy
Source: The Hindu Newspaper (Page 4)
India Semiconductor Mission (ISM):
Content: Union Cabinet approved ‘India Semiconductor Mission’ in 2021, with total financial outlay of ₹76,000 crore over 5‑6 years, to develop a sustainable semiconductor and display ecosystem in India, making India a global hub for electronics manufacturing & design.
What are semi-conductors?
A semiconductor is a material that has electrical conductivity between a conductor (like copper) and an insulator (like rubber). It can conduct electricity under certain conditions, therefore named as semi-conductor. Most commonly used semiconductor material: Silicon (Si).
Prelim focused facts:
| Intrinsic Semiconductor | Pure form (e.g., pure silicon or germanium) |
| Extrinsic Semiconductor | Doped with impurities to improve conductivity |
| Doping | Adding atoms (like phosphorus or boron) to change conductivity |
Economic & Strategic Importance of Semiconductors:
- Semiconductors power AI, quantum computing, and 5G, which are drivers of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
- Global supply chains for chips are critical and often geopolitically sensitive.
- Countries like the U.S., China, Taiwan, South Korea, Japan dominate manufacturing.
- India aims to reduce dependency via the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM).
Practice Mains question:
Q1. “Semiconductor manufacturing is not just an economic opportunity but a strategic imperative for India.” Examine in the context of the India Semiconductor Mission.
Source: The Hindu newspaper (Page no. 9)
Age Profile of MPs:
Context: The age profile of the Lok Sabha has shifted markedly over the decades, with the 18th Lok Sabha being the oldest.
Chart 1: The average age of parliamentarians rose from 46.5 years in 1952 to 56 years by 2014. Meanwhile, the share of younger members (25–40 years) declined sharply from about 25-30% in the early years to under 10%. In contrast, the share of members aged 56-70 grew from less than 25% to nearly 40% by 2019.
The data makes clear that India’s Parliament is ageing, with fewer young politicians making it into the House over time.
Implications & Issues
- Representation Gap: India has a young population, large proportion under 35, but Parliament is dominated by older MPs. This can lead to a weak reflection of youth aspirations, concerns, and issues.
- Policy Priorities: Older legislators may prioritize different kinds of policies (pension, welfare) while younger voices might push more for education, technology, environment, etc.
- Legitimacy & Perception: If legislative bodies are perceived as out of touch with the demographic structure, there could be demands for reform.
- Physical & Cognitive Capacity: Ageing can bring health/stamina issues, potentially affecting performance, attendance, debates, oversight, etc.
- Succession and Renewal: Political parties may need to think about mentorship, grooming younger leaders, encouraging circulation in leadership roles.
Mains Practice Question:
GS Paper 2 – Q1. “A representative democracy must reflect the demographic character of its people.” In light of this statement, critically examine the implications of India’s ageing Parliament for democratic governance.
Essay Paper – Q2. “India has a young population but old leaders — a democracy out of sync with its demography.” Discuss.
Source: The Hindu newspaper (Page no. 8)
Uranium in India:
Context: The Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEFCC) has exempted the extraction of atomic, critical, and strategic minerals from public consultation in Meghalaya under the Mines & Minerals (Development & Regulation) Act. Tribals in Meghalaya (Khasi Hills) have strongly objected, citing threats to tribal rights and environmental safety.
What is Uranium?
Uranium (U) is a radioactive metal used primarily as fuel for nuclear power plants. Uranium-235 (U‑235) is fissile, used in nuclear reactors & weapons.
| Aspect | Details |
| Regulation | Atomic Energy Act, 1962, only Government of India can mine and process uranium (no private players). |
| Responsible Agency | Uranium Corporation of India Ltd. (UCIL), under the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) |
| Reserves | India has modest uranium reserves, not self-sufficient. Hence, relies on imports. |
| Global Ranking | India ranks 15th in uranium reserves. Major global producers: Kazakhstan, Canada, Australia. |
Major Uranium Deposits in India:
| State | Location | Remarks |
| Jharkhand | Jaduguda, Bhatin, Narwapahar, Turamdih | Oldest and most important uranium mining region |
| Telangana | Lambapur-Peddagattu, Pulivendula belt | Proposed sites; faced public opposition |
| Andhra Pradesh | Tummalapalle (Kadapa) | One of the largest uranium reserves in the world (estimated over 1.5 lakh tonnes) |
| Meghalaya | Domiasiat (South West Khasi Hills) | Controversial; no mining due to local tribal opposition |
| Karnataka | Gogi (Yadgir district) | Newer exploration; also faced resistance |
| Rajasthan | Rohil (Sikar district) | Under exploration |
Daily Current Affairs – 22 September 2025
Source: The Hindu Newspaper (Page no. 10)
HSN (Harmonised System of Nomenclature) Code:
Definition: Harmonized System of Nomenclature is a global system, developed by the World Customs Organization for classifying goods in international trade. India uses it under GST and Customs to define goods for tax rates, reporting, imports/exports, etc.
Places in News:
1. Lima (Peru):
Lima is the capital city of Peru. People of Lima are protesting against the central authority.