Daily Current Affairs — 16 September 2025
6 articles • UPSC Prelims & Mains
Defence Procurement Manual 2025
In News The Defence Minister has approved the Defence Procurement Manual (DPM) 2025. Defence Procurement Manual 2025 It is a revised document aimed at expediting revenue procurements for the armed forces, simplifying processes for domestic industry and supporting innovation in defence manufacturing. It was last updated in 2009 and lays down principles and provisions for all revenue procurements in the Defence Ministry.
Surging Exports Narrow India’s Trade Deficit
Context According to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the country’s trade deficit contracted by more than 54% to $9.9 billion, compared to $21.7 billion in August 2024, due to a sharp rise in merchandise exports. What is Trade Deficit? If a country imports more goods and services from other countries than it exports to them, it is said to have a trade deficit.
India Signed Contract with International Seabed Authority (ISA) for Polymetallic Sulphides (PMS)
In News India has secured its first-ever global exploration contract from the International Seabed Authority (ISA) to explore polymetallic sulphide nodules in the Carlsberg Ridge. Carlsberg Ridge It is a 3,00,000-sq km stretch that lies in the Indian Ocean, specifically in the Arabian Sea and northwest Indian Ocean. It forms the boundary between the Indian and Arabian tectonic plates, extending from near Rodrigues Island to the Owen fracture zone.
CII Suggested Framework For a National Global Capability Centres (GCC) Policy
Context The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has unveiled a proposed National Framework for Global Capability Centres (GCCs). What are Global Capability Centres? Global In-house Centres or Captives (GICs) or Global Capability Centres (GCCs), are mainly offshore centres established by global level firms/MNCs to provide various services to their parent organisations.
SC Rejects Plea to Bring Political Parties Under POSH Act
Context The Supreme Court declined to take into consideration a plea seeking to extend the ambit of the Protection of Women from Sexual Harassment at Workplace (POSH) Act to include political parties, observing that such organisations cannot be classified as workplaces under the law. Background In Centre for Constitutional Rights Research and Advocacy v State of Kerala Ors (2022) the Kerala High Court ruled that political parties do not have a conventional employer-employee relationship and cann
SC Upheld Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025
Context The Supreme Court has upheld the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 while striking down few provisions and balancing state regulation with minority rights. Key changes SC has incorporated into the Act Practicing Islam: The Court’s most significant intervention concerns Section 3(r), which requires anyone creating a waqf to demonstrate they have been practising Islam for at least five years. The court stayed the provision until the government frames rules for determining religious practice.