THE HINDU - COMPREHENSIVE CURRENT AFFAIRS- 26 September 2025

🚁 HISTORIC DAY: Indian Air Force Retires Legendary MiG-21 After 62 Years | PM Modi Inaugurates Projects Worth ₹1.22 Lakh Crore 🚁

Introduction

September 26, 2025 marks a historic day in Indian military aviation as the Indian Air Force officially retires the iconic MiG-21 fighter aircraft after an illustrious 62-year service. Simultaneously, Prime Minister Narendra Modi continues his developmental initiatives by inaugurating and laying foundation stones for projects worth over ₹1,22,100 crore in Banswara, Rajasthan, and the Uttar Pradesh International Trade Show-2025 in Greater Noida. Today's news encompasses significant developments in defense modernization, infrastructure development, and economic initiatives that are crucial for competitive exam aspirants.

News Categorization

National

1. Indian Air Force Retires MiG-21 After 62 Years of Service

Headline: The Indian Air Force officially retires the legendary MiG-21 fighter aircraft on September 26, 2025, ending six decades of distinguished service. The aircraft played crucial roles in the 1965 Indo-Pak War, 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, and Kargil conflict.

Context & Background: The MiG-21, nicknamed "Flying Coffin" due to safety concerns, was inducted into the IAF in 1963. Originally designed by the Soviet Union's Mikoyan-Gurevich, it became one of the most produced fighter aircraft in history. India manufactured these aircraft under license at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). The retirement was long overdue due to numerous crashes - over 400 accidents occurred during its service period.

Key Concepts:

• Fighter Aircraft: Military aircraft designed for air-to-air combat against other aircraft
• HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Limited): India's state-owned aerospace and defense company established in 1940
• LCA Tejas: India's indigenous Light Combat Aircraft designed to replace aging MiG-21 fleet
• Squadron: Basic operational unit of an air force, typically consisting of 12-24 aircraft

Significance & Exam Relevance: This retirement is significant for UPSC aspirants as it represents India's transition from Soviet-era dependency to indigenous defense manufacturing. Questions may be asked about defense modernization, Make in India initiative, and India's defense procurement policies. The event showcases India's journey toward self-reliance in defense (Atmanirbhar Bharat).

Stakeholders:

• Indian Air Force (IAF)
• Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
• Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
• Ministry of Defence
• Pilots and technical staff who operated MiG-21

Impact/Implications: The retirement signifies India's commitment to modernizing its air force with safer, more advanced aircraft. The replacement by indigenous Tejas aircraft demonstrates progress in defense manufacturing capabilities. However, it also highlights the challenge of squadron strength depletion that the IAF faces, requiring accelerated induction of new aircraft to maintain operational readiness.

Politics & Governance

1. PM Modi Inaugurates Development Projects Worth ₹1.22 Lakh Crore

Headline: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates and lays foundation stones for multiple development projects worth over ₹1,22,100 crore in Banswara, Rajasthan. He also inaugurates the Uttar Pradesh International Trade Show-2025 at Greater Noida.

Context & Background: This massive infrastructure push comes as part of the government's continued focus on development and economic growth. Banswara, located in southern Rajasthan, is known for its tribal population and the famous Maa Tripura Sundari temple. The projects span various sectors including transportation, healthcare, education, and industrial development.

Key Concepts:

• Infrastructure Development: Building of fundamental facilities and systems serving a country, region, or community
• Foundation Stone Ceremony: Official beginning of construction work, symbolically important in Indian governance
• International Trade Show: Exhibition where companies showcase products/services to promote international trade
• Tribal Area Development: Special focus on development of Scheduled Tribe dominated regions

Significance & Exam Relevance: These projects are crucial for understanding government's approach to balanced regional development, particularly in tribal and backward areas. UPSC candidates should note the emphasis on inclusive growth, rural development, and economic infrastructure. Questions may arise on infrastructure financing, center-state cooperation, and tribal development policies.

Stakeholders:

• Prime Minister's Office (PMO)
• Government of Rajasthan
• Government of Uttar Pradesh
• Ministry of Tribal Affairs
• Local tribal communities in Banswara
• Industrial and trade associations

Impact/Implications: The massive investment will boost local employment, improve connectivity, and enhance economic opportunities in tribal regions. The trade show in UP will strengthen India's position in international trade and showcase the state's industrial capabilities. These initiatives align with the government's vision of achieving developed nation status by 2047.

Economy & Finance

1. Uttar Pradesh International Trade Show 2025

Headline: Prime Minister Modi inaugurates the Uttar Pradesh International Trade Show-2025 at Greater Noida, showcasing the state's industrial prowess and promoting international business partnerships.

Context & Background: Uttar Pradesh has emerged as one of India's leading industrial states under the current state government. Greater Noida, part of the National Capital Region (NCR), serves as an important industrial hub. The trade show aims to attract foreign investment and promote exports from the state.

Key Concepts:

• Trade Show: Exhibition where companies display products to attract buyers and promote business relationships
• FDI (Foreign Direct Investment): Investment made by foreign companies or individuals in Indian businesses
• Export Promotion: Government policies and initiatives to encourage domestic companies to sell abroad
• Industrial Hub: Concentrated area of industrial activity and manufacturing units

Significance & Exam Relevance: Important for understanding India's export strategy, state-level industrial policies, and economic diplomacy. Candidates should be aware of UP's contribution to India's GDP, major industries, and export potential. Questions may focus on Make in India, ease of doing business, and state industrial policies.

Stakeholders:

• Government of Uttar Pradesh
• Indian exporters and manufacturers
• International buyers and investors
• Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)
• Export promotion councils
• Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority

Impact/Implications: The trade show will enhance UP's visibility as an investment destination, potentially leading to increased FDI inflows and export orders. It supports the broader goal of making India a $5 trillion economy and strengthens the state's position in global value chains.

Science & Technology

1. Defense Technology Transition - MiG-21 to Tejas

Headline: The retirement of MiG-21 and its replacement by indigenous Tejas aircraft represents a significant technological leap in India's defense capabilities, showcasing advancement from Soviet-era technology to modern indigenous systems.

Context & Background: The transition represents decades of technological development by India's defense research establishments. The Tejas Light Combat Aircraft incorporates modern avionics, radar systems, and weapon capabilities far superior to the aging MiG-21 fleet.

Key Concepts:

• Avionics: Electronic systems used in aircraft, including navigation, communication, and flight control
• Indigenous Technology: Technology developed within the country using domestic research capabilities
• DRDO: Defense Research and Development Organisation - India's premier defense research agency
• Technology Transfer: Process of transferring technology from research institutions to manufacturing

Significance & Exam Relevance: This technological transition is important for questions on India's defense modernization, self-reliance in technology, and the role of DRDO. Candidates should understand the importance of indigenous defense manufacturing and its impact on national security and economic development.

Stakeholders:

• Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
• Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
• Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA)
• Indian Air Force
• Ministry of Defence

Impact/Implications: The technological advancement reduces dependence on foreign suppliers, enhances operational capabilities, and establishes India as a potential exporter of defense technology. It also creates a foundation for future indigenous aircraft development programs.

Environment & Ecology

1. Environmental Concerns in Defense Transition

Headline: The retirement of older aircraft like MiG-21 and induction of modern aircraft reflects the defense sector's approach to environmental sustainability through fuel efficiency and reduced emissions.

Context & Background: Modern military aircraft are designed with better fuel efficiency and lower environmental impact compared to older generation aircraft. The disposal and recycling of retired military equipment also involves environmental considerations.

Key Concepts:

• Fuel Efficiency: Measure of how effectively an aircraft uses fuel, important for both cost and environmental reasons
• Carbon Footprint: Total greenhouse gas emissions produced by an activity or organization
• Defense Environmental Policy: Guidelines for minimizing environmental impact of military operations
• Sustainable Aviation: Efforts to reduce aviation's environmental impact through technology and practices

Significance & Exam Relevance: Environmental considerations in defense planning are increasingly important. Questions may arise on sustainable development, environmental impact assessment, and green technologies in various sectors including defense.

Stakeholders:

• Ministry of Environment and Climate Change
• National Green Tribunal
• Central Pollution Control Board
• Defense establishments
• Environmental activists and NGOs

Impact/Implications: The transition to modern aircraft reduces the environmental burden through better efficiency and lower emissions. Proper disposal of retired aircraft ensures minimal environmental damage and promotes recycling of valuable materials.

Social Issues & Schemes

1. Tribal Development in Banswara

Headline: PM Modi's visit to Banswara and inauguration of development projects highlights the government's focus on tribal welfare and inclusive development in Scheduled Tribe areas.

Context & Background: Banswara district in Rajasthan has a significant tribal population, primarily belonging to the Bhil community. The region has historically faced developmental challenges including poor connectivity, limited healthcare facilities, and educational backwardness.

Key Concepts:

• Scheduled Tribes: Communities recognized under Article 342 of the Constitution requiring special protection
• Tribal Sub Plan (TSP): Special allocation of funds for tribal development
• Fifth Schedule Areas: Areas with significant tribal population under special constitutional provisions
• PESA Act: Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 - self-governance in tribal areas

Significance & Exam Relevance: Tribal development is a crucial topic for UPSC with questions on constitutional provisions, government schemes, and challenges faced by tribal communities. Understanding of Article 244, Fifth and Sixth Schedules, and various tribal welfare schemes is essential.

Stakeholders:

• Ministry of Tribal Affairs
• Tribal communities in Banswara
• State government of Rajasthan
• Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation (TRIFED)
• Local panchayati raj institutions

Impact/Implications: The development projects will improve living standards, healthcare access, and educational opportunities for tribal communities. Enhanced connectivity will facilitate economic integration while preserving cultural identity. These initiatives contribute to reducing regional disparities and promoting inclusive growth.

Quick Facts / Revision Notes

Topic	Key Facts
MiG-21 Retirement	Service Period: 1963-2025 (62 years) Total Crashes: Over 400 Replacement: Tejas LCA Retirement Date: September 26, 2025
PM Modi's Projects	Total Value: ₹1,22,100 crore Location: Banswara, Rajasthan Additional Event: UP Trade Show inauguration Focus: Tribal area development
Tejas Aircraft	Type: Light Combat Aircraft Developer: HAL/DRDO Status: Indigenous Purpose: MiG-21 replacement
Banswara District	State: Rajasthan Demographics: Significant tribal population Famous for: Maa Tripura Sundari temple Main tribe: Bhil community
Important Dates	September 26: MiG-21 retirement day 1963: MiG-21 induction in IAF 2025: Target year for complete fleet retirement

MCQ Practice

1. Which aircraft is replacing the MiG-21 in the Indian Air Force?
a) Rafale
b) Tejas
c) Sukhoi Su-30MKI
d) Mirage 2000

2. The MiG-21 was inducted into the Indian Air Force in which year?
a) 1961
b) 1963
c) 1965
d) 1967

3. Banswara district is located in which Indian state?
a) Gujarat
b) Madhya Pradesh
c) Rajasthan
d) Maharashtra

Answers: 1(b), 2(b), 3(c)

Conclusion

September 26, 2025, represents a significant milestone in India's defense and development journey. The retirement of the MiG-21 aircraft symbolizes India's transition from dependency on foreign military technology to indigenous capabilities through the Tejas program. Simultaneously, PM Modi's inauguration of projects worth over ₹1.22 lakh crore demonstrates the government's commitment to inclusive development, particularly in tribal areas.

For competitive exam aspirants, today's events highlight several crucial themes: defense modernization and self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat), infrastructure development and regional balance, tribal welfare and constitutional provisions, and India's evolving technological capabilities. These developments are interconnected with broader policy objectives like Make in India, Digital India, and the vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047.

The key takeaway for aspirants is to understand these events not in isolation but as part of India's comprehensive development strategy encompassing defense, economy, technology, and social welfare. Regular reading and analysis of such current affairs will significantly enhance preparation for various competitive examinations including UPSC, SSC, Banking, and State services.