(1) Ladakh statehood protest turns violent
Protests demanding statehood and constitutional safeguards for Ladakh turned violent on Thursday (September 25, 2025) when protesters clashed with the police. The next day, Sonam Wangchuk, the activist spearheading the movement, was arrested under provisions of the National Security Act.
This marks a downturn in the talks between the Leh Apex Body, Kargil Democratic Alliance and the union government that began in 2023 with the constitution of a High Powered Committee. While Ladakh celebrated its new status as a Union Territory in 2020 in anticipation of more funding from the union government, public attitude soon reversed.
Unemployment, tribal land rights and political participation all became issues that required addressing from the union government in terms of constitutional safeguards.
(2) Branded pharmaceuticals under 100% U.S. import tariff
In a new expansion of increased tariffs against imports into the U.S., the country’s President Donald Trump announced a 100% tariff on all branded pharmaceuticals effective next month. He pointed to foreign products “flooding” the market as a reason for the measure. The U.S. had a trade deficit in pharmaceutical products in 2023 amounting to $70 billion, according to the Observatory of Economic Complexity.
When it comes to the trade basket, U.S. imports primarily from Ireland, Germany and Switzerland, which are its top three import sources (41.7% combined in 2023). Imports from India made up 6.3% of U.S. pharmaceutical products imports in 2023. On the other hand, the U.S. made up 40.5% of India’s exports in the same year.
A large portion of India’s exports to the U.S. are made of generics, which are currently not included in the new tariffs. However, generics companies facing pressure from its branded product sales and ambiguity in the definition of ‘branded’ could lead to generic drug manufacturers taking a hit.
(3) Over 150 countries recognise Palestine now
France, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Andorra, and Belgium have formally recognised a Palestinian state at the 80th session of the General Assembly (UNGA).
They join Canada, Australia, and Portugal, as well as the United Kingdom, which announced its recognition on Sunday (September 21, 2025), as Israel pushes ahead with settlement expansion in the occupied West Bank and escalates its genocide in Gaza.
Currently, the State of Palestine is recognised as a sovereign nation by 157 of the 193 UN member states, representing 81 percent of the international community. In addition, it is recognised by the Holy See, the governing body of the Catholic Church and Vatican City, which holds UN non-member observer status.
(4) India to test aerial defence preparedness
India is set to hold a drill to test its air defence capabilities in October in Madhya Pradesh to evaulate operational readiness against evolving aerial threats. The drill comes after the four-day conflict with Pakistan in May this year and Operation Sindoor, in which drones played an important role in counter-strikes against Pakistan’s defence sites and Pakistan targeting 36 sites in India using drones.
Drones are emerging as an important area in modern wars, useful for their ability to conduct precision strikes in enemy territory without using manned flights and risking uncontrolled escalation in hostilities.
India’s push to manufacture drones domestically has faced the headwinds of supply problems, with crucial components coming from China, a country that supplies arms to Pakistan. For instance, magnets and lithium for batteries come from China, according to Reuters.
(5) Test Squad announced
Karun Nair was dropped on Thursday (September 25, 2025) from India’s squad for next month’s home Test series against the West Indies, while Rishabh Pant is still injured. Allrounder Ravindra Jadeja has replaced Pant as India vice-captain in a squad packed with spinners.
The first test starts on Oct. 2 in Ahmedabad, and the second from Oct. 10 in New Delhi.
Dhruv Jurel will be the first-choice keeper-batter in Pant’s absence, as he was in England. Narayan Jagadeesan is the reserve.
Shubman Gill will captain his second series for India and first at home.
Shubman Gill (C)
Captain for the Test squad since the India’s tour of England,
Gill established himself as the leader as he levelled the
series in England. He scored 754 runs across five Tests averaging
75.40 with four centuries.
Yashasvi Jaiswal
The dashing opener had made an impact against the England. His love
affair with England continued as the young left-handed opening batter
smashed his fourth Test hundred against the Three Lions. He had scored
six Test centuries so far.
KL Rahul
Rahul showed maturity in the opening slot during the England series.
He scored 532 runs in 10 innings against England. Rahul’s 532 run are
the most in a series by an opener in England since Graeme Smith’s 714
in 2003.
Sai Sudarshan
Making his debut in England, Sai Sudarshan played just three Tests
scoring 140 runs with 61 being his highest. He and Karun Nair were
rotated at the No.3 slot.
Devdutt Padikkal
Making a comeback to the Test squad in place of Karun Nair, Devdutt
Padikkal has played brilliantly against the Australia ‘A’ team during
the unofficial Test recently. His 150 and his partnership with Dhruv
Jurel enabled India ‘A’ to draw the Test.
Dhruv Jurel (WK)
In the absence of Rishabh Pant, Dhruv Jurel has been named as the main
wicket-keeper. Jurel had a tremendous domestic season and his 140
against Australia ‘A’ in the unofficial Test earned him his spot in
the Indian squad.
Ravindra Jadeja (VC)
Jadeja was named as the vice-captain of the Indian team in the absence
of Rishabh Pant. With his vast experience, Ravindra Jadeja is expected
to be an able deputy for the young Shubman Gill.
Washington Sundar
Washington Sundar played well with both bat and ball in the England
series. He scored his maiden Test hundred to help India save the Old
Trafford Test. He also took seven wickets in the series.
Jasprit Bumrah
Although Bumrah’s workload management meant he was available for only
three of the five Tests in England, the selectors said that the pace
spearhead is available for both the Tests against West Indies.
Axar Patel
As Team India is playing in home, Axar Patel was brought into the
squad. He has so far played 14 Tests scoring 646 runs and also has
taken 55 wickets.
Nitish Kumar Reddy
Sitting out in the first Test against England, Nitish played the
second and third Tests. He was ruled out of the remaining two Tests
due to injury.
N. Jagadeesan (WK)
Despite being named in the squad for the England series, Jagadeesan is
yet to make his debut in Tests. He had an excellent first-class record
which enabled him to be selected for the Test series against West
Indies.
Mohammed Siraj
Mohammed Siraj delivered a breathtaking performance in India’s 2025
Test series in England, bowling a staggering 185.3 overs across all
five matches and emerging as the leading wicket-taker with 23 wickets.
Prasidh Krishna
Prasidh played in three of the five Tests in the England series,
making a big impact in India’s series-squaring win at The Oval. He
bowled 43 overs in the match, claiming 8 for 188 as part of a
three-pronged pace attack with Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep.
Kuldeep Yadav
Having played 113 ODI and 40 T20Is, Kuldeep Yadav is yet to make his
mark in Tests. He has played 13 Tests and has taken 56 wickets.
Kuldeep had taken 181 and 69 wickets in ODIs and T20Is respectively
Images: AP, K.R. Deepak, Shiv Kumar Pushpakar, ANI, Getty
Images, PTI, Reuters, M. PERIASAMY, AFP Compiled By: N. Kesavan
Interactive: Eunice Dhivya
Published – September 30, 2025 04:05 pm IST