01 Oct 2025 Daily Current Affairs for UPSC, IAS, CDS, CAPF AC

1. Perovskite Solar Cells

Scientists at Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden, have used AI-powered simulations to address the long-standing issue of halide perovskite instability.

About Perovskite Solar Cells (PSC):

A PSC is a thin-film photovoltaic device that employs perovskite-structured compounds (ABX₃) as the light-absorbing layer.
Material Origin: The term “Perovskite” comes from Calcium Titanium Oxide (CaTiO₃).
Composition: Typically hybrid organic–inorganic compounds with a metal cation (Pb²⁺/Sn²⁺), halide anion (I⁻/Br⁻/Cl⁻), and an organic cation (methylammonium/formamidinium).
Advantages:
- Achieved >25% Power Conversion Efficiency (PCE) in labs.
- Lightweight, flexible, and suitable for applications in windows, buildings, vehicles, and electronics.
- Low-cost fabrication compared to silicon.
- Potential for silicon–perovskite tandem solar cells for higher efficiency.
Significance: High light absorption, bandgap tunability, and excellent charge transport properties make PSCs strong competitors to silicon cells.

2. K Visa (China)

China has introduced a new “K Visa” effective from October 1, 2025, to attract foreign STEM talent.

About the K Visa:

Introduced by amending the Regulations on the Administration of the Entry and Exit of Foreigners.
Targets foreign youth and professionals in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
Eligible applicants: Graduates (bachelor’s or higher) from reputed universities/institutes and professionals in STEM teaching/research.
Key Features:
- More flexible entry and longer validity.
- Wider activity scope (education, culture, entrepreneurship, business).
- No need for sponsorship by local enterprises.

3. Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC)

Recently, several films faced strict censorship by the CBFC due to references to caste, mythology, and politics.

About CBFC:

A statutory body under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
Commonly referred to as the Censor Board, though it mainly certifies films.
Functions under:
- Cinematograph Act, 1952
- Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 1983
- Government-issued guidelines
Role: No film can be released without CBFC certification.
Structure:
- Headed by a Chairperson with 12–25 members appointed by the Government.
- Has nine regional offices and Advisory Panels.
Certification Categories:
- U (Universal), U/A (with parental guidance), A (Adults only), S (restricted to specific groups).
- New (2023): UA 7+, UA 13+, UA 16+ (aligned with global standards).

4. Sixth Schedule of the Constitution

Ladakh recently saw violent protests demanding statehood and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule.

About the Sixth Schedule:

Special provision for tribal areas of the Northeast, framed on the recommendation of the Bordoloi Committee.
Came into effect in 1950 under Articles 244(2) and 275(1).
Provides greater autonomy to tribal regions via elected District and Regional Councils with legislative, judicial, and financial powers.
Applicable States: Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, Mizoram.
Provisions:
- Governor can alter district boundaries or reorganize councils.
- Councils legislate on land, forests, inheritance, and customary laws (with Governor’s assent).
- Councils run schools, healthcare, markets, fisheries, and local infrastructure.
- Can levy taxes and regulate resources.
- Local courts handle tribal disputes (excluding major crimes).

5. Central Water Commission (CWC)

The CWC under the Ministry of Jal Shakti held a virtual workshop on “Technology for Efficient Water Management” during the Sujalam Bharat Summit (2025).

About CWC:

Premier technical body on water resources, headquartered in New Delhi.
Functions: Planning and coordination of flood control, irrigation, navigation, drinking water, and hydropower projects.
Structure: Led by a Chairman (Ex-Officio Secretary, GoI), with three wings – Designs & Research, River Management, and Water Planning & Projects.
National Water Academy, Pune trains water engineers.

About Sujalam Bharat Summit (2025):

National initiative by the Ministry of Jal Shakti, coordinated with NITI Aayog.
Focuses on sustainable water use, sanitation, and grassroots policy inputs.
Conducted through six departmental summits to assess field-level challenges.

6. Varkala Cliff (Kerala)

UNESCO has added Varkala Cliff to its tentative list of World Heritage Sites.

About Varkala Cliff:

Located in Varkala, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
Exposes the Warkalli Formation of the Mio-Pliocene age (2.5 crore–13 lakh years ago).
Locally called Sivagiri Thuruthu.
Features laterite–sedimentary layers with fossils, ancient climate records, and natural springs.
Important aquifer and natural water harvesting system.
Supports unique biodiversity and fishing communities.
Recognized as India’s 27th geological monument (second in Kerala after Angadipuram Laterite).

7. Key Facts – Venezuela

A 6.2-magnitude earthquake recently struck northwest Venezuela (USGS report).

About Venezuela:

Location: Northern coast of South America.
Borders: Guyana (east), Brazil (south), Colombia (west/southwest).
Terrain: Andes Mountains, Maracaibo lowlands, central plains (llanos), Guiana Highlands.
Major Rivers: Orinoco, Rio Negro.
Major Lakes: Lake Maracaibo (largest in South America), Lake Guri.
Other Features:
- Caribbean and Atlantic maritime boundaries.
- Islands include Margarita, La Blanquilla, Los Roques, La Tortuga.
- Highest point: Pico Bolívar.
- Angel Falls (world’s tallest waterfall) lies in Guiana Highlands.
Resources: World’s largest oil reserves, plus coal, iron ore, bauxite, and gold.
Capital: Caracas.

8. Apterichtus kanniyakumari (New Species)

Researchers from NBFGR have discovered a new species of finless snake eel off the Colachel coast, naming it Apterichtus kanniyakumari.

Features:

Golden-yellow body with a pale white underside and yellow jaw markings.
Three distinct black blotches (behind eyes, in rictus, and behind rictus origin).
Genetic analysis (CO1 gene) confirms it forms a separate clade from its relative A. nanjilnaduensis.

About Snake Eels (Ophichthidae):

Named for their snake-like appearance.
Found in tropical/temperate oceans globally.
Prefer sandy shallow seas (some up to 800m depth).
Burrow into seabeds tail-first for protection.

9. Capacity Building & Human Resource Development Scheme

The Union Cabinet approved the DSIR/CSIR “Capacity Building and Human Resource Development” Scheme for 2021–22 to 2025–26.

About the Scheme:

Implemented by Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).
Covers R&D institutions, national laboratories, universities, and Institutes of National Importance.
Provides a platform for young researchers in academia, industry, and national labs.
Guided by eminent scientists, covering STEMM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, Medicine, Mathematics).
Sub-schemes:
- Doctoral & Postdoctoral Fellowships.
- Extramural Research, Emeritus Scientist, Bhatnagar Fellowship.
- Awards for excellence.
- Travel & Symposia grants for knowledge sharing.
Significance: Enhances India’s research capacity and contributes to achieving SDGs by boosting researcher density.

10. Goods and Services Tax Appellate Tribunal (GSTAT)

The Union Finance Minister inaugurated the GST Appellate Tribunal (GSTAT) in New Delhi.

About GSTAT:

Established under the CGST Act, 2017.
Statutory appellate body to hear disputes under GST laws.
Structure:
- Principal Bench in New Delhi + 31 State Benches (45 locations).
- Comprises a President, Judicial Members, and Technical Members (Centre & State).
Eligibility:
- President: Ex-SC judge or ex-Chief Justice of HC.
- Judicial Member: HC judge/District Judge (10 years).
- Technical Members: Senior IRS/All India Service officers with 25 years of service + GST/tax experience.
Tenure: 4 years (age cap: 70 years for President, 67 for members).
Powers: Equivalent to a Civil Court—can pass orders, impose penalties, revoke/cancel GST registrations.