Explore the Daily Current Affairs 24 September 2025, relevant for UPSC exam. Download quick REVISION NOTES.
Source: The Hindu newspaper (Page no. 4)
Changing monsoon patterns:
Context: According to a 2025 Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) study, nearly 77% of Rajasthan’s tehsils experienced over 30% excess rainfall compared to 1982–2011 baselines.
Key facts highlighted:
- 55% of all the tehsils in India saw an increase of more than 10% in southwest monsoon rainfall in the past decade, while 11% saw a decline compared to the baseline of 1982–2011.
- 48% of the tehsils across India recorded more than 10% higher rainfall, linked to the delayed withdrawal of the south-west monsoon.
This increase in heavy rainfall days intensifies risks of urban flooding and overwhelms drainage infrastructure.
CEEW experts emphasize the need for:
- Granular climate observation networks
- Modernised early warning systems
- Local-level climate action plans
- Re-examining drainage design, restoring water bodies and flood‐plains to build resilient infrastructure.
Mains practice Question:
Q1. “Erratic monsoon patterns are emerging as a new climate reality for traditionally arid regions of India.” Discuss the implications of changing monsoon patterns on regional development and urban planning in India. (250 words)
Source: The Hindu newspaper (Page no. 6)
Criminal Defamation:
Context: Recently, Supreme Court orally observed that it might be time to decriminalise defamation.
What is Criminal Defamation?
Defamation refers to any statement that harms a person’s reputation in the eyes of society. It can be:
- Civil Defamation – where the aggrieved person files a suit for damages (monetary compensation)
- Criminal Defamation – where the defamer is prosecuted as a criminal, with possible fine and/or imprisonment
Related Landmark Judgments:
- Subramanian Swamy v. Union of India (2016):
Challenge: That criminal defamation violates Article 19(1)(a) (Freedom of Speech)
SC Verdict:
- Upheld constitutionality of Sections 499 & 500 IPC
- Reputation is a part of Article 21 (Right to Life)
- Criminal defamation is a reasonable restriction under Article 19(2)
2. Medha Patkar v. VK Saxena (2025)
- SC upheld conviction for defamation but reduced the penalty, highlighting proportionality in punishment
Constitutional Balance:
| Rights | Articles |
| Freedom of Speech | Article 19(1)(a) |
| Reasonable Restrictions (including defamation) | Article 19(2) |
| Right to Reputation | Article 21 (Life and Personal Liberty) |
Law Commission recommendations (2024 – 22nd Law Commission):
- Recommended retaining criminal defamation
- Suggested community service or reformative measures as alternatives to imprisonment
- Emphasised balancing free speech with right to reputation
Mains practice question:
Q2. “The criminalisation of defamation in India presents a conflict between the freedom of speech and the right to reputation.” Critically examine the constitutional validity and contemporary relevance of criminal defamation laws in India. (250 words)
Source: The Hindu newspaper (Page no. 7)
Almatti Dam:
Context: Karnataka has proposed raising dam height, this would increase storage and expand irrigation potential, but formal approvals has been delayed.
Basic Facts & Features
| Location | On the Krishna River, North Karnataka; between (mainly) Bijapur / Vijayapura & Bagalkot districts. |
| Project | Main reservoir of the Upper Krishna Irrigation Project. |
| Functions | Irrigation (serving large command area downstream via Upper Krishna Project), hydroelectricity, flood regulation. Water released also helps downstream reservoirs (e.g. Narayanpur) after power generation. |
Challenges & Concerns:
- Flooding downstream: Potential risk if water is released suddenly, and due to upstream heavy inflow & rain in catchment areas. Maharashtra, especially, fears flooding in Sangli & Kolhapur.
- Environmental and Social Impact: Submersion of villages, displacement, loss of agricultural land,
- Inter-state conflict & water sharing: Disagreements among Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra. Impact on riparian rights.
- Cost escalation / delays: Land acquisition, delays in notification, inflation of costs.
Application in UPSC Mains answer writing:
- Water sharing disputes among riparian states, role of tribunals (KWDT) and central government.
- Constitutional & legal aspects: rights of states, tribunal awards, federalism.
- Environment, displacement, and rights: social impact on farmers, rehabilitation, ecological effects.
- Infrastructure & climate resilience: how altering dam heights changes risk of flooding, waterlogging, downstream flow.
- Policy / governance issues: delays, notification issues, compensation, inter-state cooperation vs conflict.
Source: The Hindu newspaper (Page no. 8)
Diamonds industry:
Context: U.S. has imposed a 50% import duty on India’s cut and polished diamonds.
India’s Diamond Industry:
India is the world’s largest center for cutting and polishing diamonds.
1. Accounts for:
- 90–95% of the world’s cut & polished diamonds by volume
- Around 30–35% by value
2. Major export destinations: USA, UAE, Hong Kong, Belgium
Related global facts:
- US is the largest producer of synthetic industrial diamonds
- Russia holds what is believed to be the world’s largest and richest diamond resources.
- Botswana is the leading diamond-producing country in terms of value, and the second largest in terms of volume. The two important ones are Orapa and Jwaneng, two of the most prolific diamond mines in the world.
Industry Structure:
| Aspect | Details |
| Cutting & Polishing Hub | Surat, Gujarat – handles ~80–90% of India’s CPD |
| Employment | ~1 million workers directly or indirectly employed |
| Lab-grown diamonds | India emerging as a global leader – especially Surat |
What Are Lab-Grown Diamonds (LGDs)?
Lab-Grown Diamonds are real diamonds created in a laboratory under controlled conditions, replicating the natural process of diamond formation. These are chemically, physically, and optically identical to natural diamonds.
Created using:
- High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT)
- Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) – preferred in India.
Benefits of Lab grown diamonds:
1. Eco-friendly & Sustainable
- Lower carbon footprint than mined diamonds.
- No land degradation, water pollution, or deforestation.
2. Affordable Luxury
- 20–40% cheaper than natural diamonds → more accessible for middle-class consumers.
3. Tech-driven growth
- Promotes research and innovation in materials science and precision manufacturing.
4. Attracts new markets
- Growing popularity in wedding jewellery, especially among younger, eco-conscious buyers.
5. Boosts employment
- Generates jobs in high-tech manufacturing, polishing, grading, and export.
Mains Practice question:
Q3. India’s diamond industry is a key contributor to export earnings and employment. Discuss the structure, challenges, and future prospects of this sector.