Daily Current Affairs — 16 May 2025
6 articles • UPSC Prelims & Mains
‘Samudrayaan’: India's First Manned Deep Ocean Mission To Be Launched by 2026
In News India is set to launch its first manned deep-ocean mission, ‘Samudrayaan’, by 2026, aiming to explore marine resources at a depth of 6,000 metres using the indigenously developed submersible ‘Matsya’. About Samudrayaan Mission The Samudrayaan Mission is part of the manned Deep Ocean Mission. It would have MATSYA 6000, a indigenously designed 4th generation manned submersible vehicle capable of carrying three people to a depth of 6,000 meters.
Why is the Agriculture Sector Missing from India's FTAs?
Context Despite India’s active negotiations of Free Trade Agreements with global partners, the agriculture sector, vital to its economy and employment, remains largely excluded. Why Agriculture is Missing from India’s FTAs? Fear of Import Surge: Entry into FTAs like RCEP was abandoned over concerns that cheap agri imports, especially dairy from New Zealand and Australia, would hurt Indian farmers.
Unemployment at 5.1%, Women Labour Force Rises: PLFS Data
Context The latest Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) data, released by the Ministry of Statistics Programme Implementation (MoSPI), shows that India’s unemployment rate stood at 5.1% in April 2025. Significance of the Findings The rise in female labour force participation, particularly in rural areas, signifies increasing economic engagement. However, high youth unemployment among urban females raises concerns about gender disparities, job availability, and skill gaps.
Account Aggregators: Blueprint for Consent Managers under India’s DPDP Act
Context With the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023 and Draft DPDP Rules, 2025, India aims to expand its consent-based data-sharing system by building on the Account Aggregator model. Key Stakeholders of Account Aggregator Financial Information Providers (FIPs): Banks, mutual fund companies, insurance companies, etc. Financial Information Users (FIUs): Lenders, wealth managers, insurers, etc.
Put Pakistan Nuclear Arsenal under Watch: India
Context The Union Defence Minister questioned the security of Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal and called for its supervision by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). About Pakistan has tried to leverage its nuclear status against India. While India follows a no-first-use policy when it comes to nuclear weapons, Pakistan doesnt have any such stated policy of restraint.
Presidential Reference to SC on Timeline to Act on State Bills
Context President Droupadi Murmu sought the Supreme Court’s advisory opinion under Article 143 on whether the President and governors need to follow timelines to decide on state bills. Background Recently, the Supreme Court verdict laid down a timeline for the President and governors to decide on state bills. Though, the Governor is not bound by any time limit to act on a Bill.