UPSC Daily Current Affairs: 16th September 2025 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly PDF Download

GS3/Science and Technology

India Secures ISA Licence to Explore Polymetallic Sulphides

Why in News?

India has achieved a significant milestone by securing a first-of-its-kind exploration licence from the International Seabed Authority (ISA) to explore polymetallic sulphides in the Carlsberg Ridge of the Indian Ocean. This development is particularly important in the context of the growing global competition for rare minerals essential for clean energy technologies.

Key Takeaways

• India has secured exploration rights over a 300,000 sq. km area in the Carlsberg Ridge.
• The licence is the first globally for such exploration in this geologically significant zone.
• Polymetallic sulphides are rich in critical minerals such as manganese, cobalt, nickel, and copper.

Additional Details

• Exploration Rights: The agreement, signed in September 2025, allows India to explore valuable mineral resources crucial for batteries and renewable energy infrastructure.
• Previous Exploration Efforts: India had previously secured rights in 2002 and 2016 for polymetallic nodules and sulphides, respectively, laying the groundwork for its technological capabilities in deep-sea mining.
• Strategic Importance: The new exploration rights not only support mineral acquisition but also enhance India's strategic leverage in global supply chains amid geopolitical competition, particularly with China's activities in the region.
• Legal & Environmental Dimensions: India’s exploration is governed by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which delineates continental shelf rights and highlights the need for balancing mining with environmental commitments.
• Global Context: Currently, 19 countries hold seabed exploration rights under ISA agreements, but India's licence is unique due to its scale and location at the boundary of tectonic plates.

In conclusion, India's acquisition of the ISA licence marks a pivotal step in its deep-sea mining strategy, with significant implications for its manufacturing competitiveness and energy security in the context of a global transition towards clean energy.

GS2/Polity

Anticipatory Bail and Caste Crime: SC View

Why in News?

The Supreme Court has recently set aside an order from the Bombay High Court that granted anticipatory bail in a caste crime case (Kiran vs Rajkumar Jivaraj Jain). The ruling, led by Chief Justice of India B. R. Gavai, emphasizes that Section 18 of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 prohibits anticipatory bail when a prima facie case is established. This case arose from a caste-based assault related to an electoral dispute.

Key Takeaways

• The Supreme Court's ruling reinforces the strict conditions under which anticipatory bail can be granted in caste crime cases.
• The SC/ST Act aims to protect marginalized communities from caste-based discrimination and violence.
• Section 18 of the Act bars anticipatory bail to prevent further intimidation of victims.

Additional Details

• SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989: This legislation was designed to safeguard members of Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) against various forms of caste-based discrimination, including violence, exploitation, and social boycotts. It criminalizes atrocities such as land grabbing, sexual violence, and denial of access to public spaces.
• Background of the Case: In November 2024, a member of a Scheduled Caste filed a First Information Report (FIR) alleging that he and his family were assaulted and verbally abused with caste slurs for not voting according to directives during Assembly elections. The Additional Sessions Judge initially denied anticipatory bail, but the Bombay High Court later granted it—an action that was challenged in the Supreme Court.
• Supreme Court's Observations: The Court stated that Section 18 of the SC/ST Act clearly prohibits anticipatory bail under Section 438 of the Criminal Procedure Code. The court highlighted that offences under this Act are connected to systemic caste discrimination and reaffirmed the necessity of the legislative intent to protect victims from intimidation.

The Supreme Court's decision ultimately underscores the significance of the SC/ST Act as a critical legal safeguard for the dignity and security of vulnerable communities. It stresses that the prohibition on anticipatory bail is constitutionally valid and essential to prevent retaliation against Dalit and tribal complainants. The ruling aims to uphold legislative intent and ensure fairness in judicial proceedings, reinforcing the rule of law for the most marginalized members of society.

GS2/International Relations

India–US Corn Trade

Why in News?

Recent comments by US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick have highlighted concerns regarding India's trade practices, specifically its reluctance to import American corn. Lutnick criticized India's high tariffs and its one-sided access to the US market, labeling it as unfair, especially given India's vast population of 1.4 billion people who do not purchase significant quantities of US corn.

Key Takeaways

• India's corn imports from the US are minimal, with only 1,100 tonnes recorded in the 2024-25 period.
• The US is the world's largest corn producer, facing challenges in finding new markets due to declining demand from China.
• India's high tariffs and restrictions on genetically modified corn hinder US exports.

Additional Details

• Trade Restrictions: India imposes a 15% duty on corn imports up to 0.5 million tonnes, but a steep 50% tariff for larger quantities. Additionally, India bans genetically modified (GMO) corn, which is predominant in US production.
• Domestic Production: India ranks as the fifth-largest corn producer, primarily relying on small farmers. This self-sufficiency leads to protective measures against corporate imports.
• US Corn Market Outlook: The US is projected to produce record-high corn yields, with exports declining in the wake of reduced Chinese demand. A significant portion of US corn production is concentrated in Midwestern states.
• Projected Demand: By 2040, India's corn consumption is expected to rise significantly due to increasing population and economic growth, creating a potential need for imports.
• Despite US efforts to negotiate trade terms, India remains steadfast in its policies to protect local agriculture and food security.

Given the complexities of trade relationships and domestic agricultural policies, the likelihood of India relaxing its tariffs or allowing GMO corn imports appears low, despite ongoing pressure from the US government.

GS2/Polity

Supreme Court Partly Pauses Waqf (Amendment) Act 2025

Why in News?

The Supreme Court of India has issued an interim order that temporarily stays certain provisions of the Waqf (Amendment) Act 2025. This law, which was enacted in April 2025, introduced extensive changes to the management of Waqf properties and has faced numerous constitutional challenges.

Key Takeaways

• The Supreme Court has not imposed a complete stay on the Waqf (Amendment) Act 2025.
• Several provisions have been stayed due to concerns over their constitutionality and impact on community rights.

Additional Details

• Background - Challenge to the Act: A collection of around 65 petitions, filed by political leaders and organizations including AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi and TMC MP Mahua Moitra, argue that the Act violates Article 26 of the Constitution, which protects the right of communities to manage their religious affairs.
• Supreme Court’s Interim Relief:
  • Powers of District Collectors (Section 3C): The Court has stayed the provision allowing District Collectors to declare Waqf properties as government property during inquiries, citing it as potentially arbitrary.
  • Inclusion of Non-Muslims in Waqf Boards: The new law permitted a non-Muslim majority in Waqf boards. The Supreme Court directed that the Central Waqf Council, which has 22 members, should not include more than four non-Muslim members.
  • Five-Year Rule for Practising Islam: The requirement that only Muslims who have practiced Islam for five years can create a Waqf has been stayed until the government establishes specific rules for determining religious practice.
• Provisions not Stayed:
  • Abolition of "Waqf by Use": This principle, which recognized land used for Muslim religious or charitable purposes as Waqf even if not formally registered, was upheld. The petitioners opposed its omission, while the government argued it was misused for land encroachment.
  • Applicability of the Limitation Act: The 2025 Act reinstated the Limitation Act for claims against encroachments, correcting earlier discrimination; this provision was not stayed.

The interim order by the Supreme Court seeks to balance community rights with the government's regulatory powers, preventing arbitrary dispossession of Waqf properties while ensuring that disputes are resolved by Waqf Tribunals. However, broader concerns regarding property rights versus religious law remain contentious, particularly regarding the exclusion of non-Muslims from creating Waqf and the implications for India's secular framework. The matter continues to be sub judice, and the final ruling will significantly impact the governance of Waqf properties and the principle of separation of powers in India's constitutional context.

GS2/Polity

Court’s Nod to Mental Health as Right

Why in News?

The recent Supreme Court judgment in the case of Sukdeb Saha vs State of Andhra Pradesh has established mental health as an integral aspect of the right to life under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution. This landmark ruling was prompted by the tragic suicide of a 17-year-old NEET aspirant in Visakhapatnam, which highlighted systemic failures in India's educational ecosystem. The judgment marks a significant shift in how mental health is perceived—moving from a private issue to a public concern linked to institutional neglect.

Key Takeaways

• The court has recognized mental health as a fundamental right, enhancing the scope of Article 21.
• The Saha Guidelines require educational institutions to implement mental health support systems.
• Accountability for mental health issues is shifted from individuals to educational institutions.
• The ruling addresses the critical issue of student suicides, revealing the deep-rooted systemic failures present in society.

Additional Details

• Saha Guidelines: These guidelines mandate that schools, colleges, hostels, and coaching institutes establish effective mental health support systems. Compliance is required within a specified timeframe, and states must create district-level monitoring committees.
• The verdict has redefined the doctrine of state responsibility concerning mental well-being, emphasizing that the state must take proactive measures to protect the mental health of students.
• Challenges in implementation include institutional inertia, lack of trained mental health professionals, cultural stigma surrounding mental health, and the necessity for political will and infrastructure investment.

This ruling is a watershed moment in Indian constitutional jurisprudence, urging society to confront uncomfortable truths about neglect and exploitation in the education system. The true impact of the judgment will depend on whether the Saha Guidelines are effectively implemented or remain mere judicial rhetoric. For students struggling with mental health issues, this judgment symbolizes hope for dignity, recognition, and justice.

GS3/Environment

Tropical Forest Forever Facility (TFFF)

Why in News?

Brazil, as the host of COP30, has introduced the Tropical Forest Forever Facility (TFFF), a financial initiative aimed at supporting the conservation of standing forests.

Key Takeaways

• The TFFF is a global blended finance fund designed to compensate Tropical Forest Countries (TFCs) for conserving their forests.
• It includes adjustments for any deforestation or degradation that occurs.
• A minimum of 20% of payments is allocated specifically for Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs).
• Payments are monitored through satellite systems, overseen by a dedicated TFFF Secretariat.
• The TFFF complements but does not replace the REDD+ framework.

Additional Details

• Financial Mechanism: The core instrument of TFFF is the Tropical Forest Investment Fund (TFIF), which is expected to operate under a Multilateral Development Bank, likely the World Bank.
• Funding Sources:
  • Sponsors (20%): High-income countries and philanthropic organizations provide funds through concessional loans and grants.
  • Market Investors (80%): Institutional investors, sovereign wealth funds, and university endowments are the primary sources of investment.
• Investment Strategy: The fund aims to invest in liquid public bonds (like US Treasuries), corporate bonds (such as Apple), and green/blue bonds, while excluding fossil fuel investments.
• Returns & Payments: Earnings generated from these investments will fund result-based payments to TFCs, with an annual increase of 2% to account for inflation.
• Key Hurdles:
  • Financing Burden: There is a concern that the Global South may end up financing its own conservation due to higher borrowing costs associated with TFIF investments.
  • Credit Rating Dependence: The returns from TFIF will depend heavily on ratings from agencies such as Fitch, S&P, and Moody's.
  • Geopolitical Risk: The reliance on the World Bank may lead to control being skewed due to US dominance.
  • IPLC Gap: Historically, despite pledges, IPLCs have received less than 1% of climate aid.
  • Forest Definitions: Disputes over canopy density thresholds (20-30%) may disadvantage countries with sparser forests.

The TFFF represents a significant step towards financing forest conservation, aiming to balance environmental needs with the rights and involvement of local communities while addressing the financial complexities associated with global conservation efforts.

Back2Basics

• REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation plus): Launched in 2008 as a collaborative initiative by the UN (FAO, UNDP, UNEP) with over 65 partner countries involved.
• Framework: Operates under the UNFCCC, incentivizing developing nations to reduce emissions and enhance forest carbon stocks.
• ‘+’ Component: Incorporates conservation, sustainable management, and enhancement of carbon stocks.
• Objectives:Aims to provide financial incentives for verified actions that include:
  • Reducing deforestation
  • Reducing degradation
  • Conservation
  • Sustainable management of forests
  • Enhancing carbon stocks
• Countries are expected to develop national strategies, monitor and report on their progress, and receive results-based payments for verified emission reductions.

This comprehensive approach aims to address both the economic and environmental challenges faced by Tropical Forest Countries while ensuring the participation of local communities in conservation efforts.

Question for UPSC 2025:

Which one of the following launched the ‘Nature Solutions Finance Hub for Asia and the Pacific’?

• (a) The Asian Development Bank (ADB)*
• (b) The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB)
• (c) The New Development Bank (NDB)
• (d) The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD)

GS2/International Relations

Bank for International Settlements (BIS)

Why in News?

The Bank for International Settlements (BIS) has raised concerns regarding the record-high global share prices, indicating that these prices seem disconnected from the rising government debt levels worldwide.

Key Takeaways

• The BIS is the oldest international financial institution, established in 1930.
• It serves as a central bank for central banks, focusing on monetary and financial stability.
• India is represented in the BIS by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

Additional Details

• Establishment: The BIS was formed in 1930, making it the world’s oldest international financial institution.
• Role: Known as the "central bank for central banks," it exclusively serves central banks and international organizations.
• Headquarters: The BIS is headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, with additional offices in Hong Kong and Mexico City.
• Membership: The organization is owned by 63 central banks, representing approximately 95% of global GDP.
• Purpose: The primary goal of the BIS is to promote international monetary and financial cooperation, ensuring global monetary stability.
• Functions:
  • Acts as a platform for policy coordination and information sharing among central banks.
  • Provides banking services, including reserve management, gold/forex transactions, and liquidity support.
  • Functions as a trustee/agent in global financial operations.
  • Conducts research, training, and seminars focused on financial stability.
  • Hosts the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (BCBS), responsible for framing Basel norms.
• India and the BIS: India is represented through the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), which participates in BIS Board of Governors meetings and engages in research and policy discussions.
• The RBI has adopted Basel standards on capital adequacy, liquidity, and risk management, and collaborates with the BIS on innovations such as digital payments and central bank digital currencies (CBDCs).

In summary, the BIS plays a crucial role in the global financial landscape, acting as a hub for central banks worldwide while addressing emerging financial issues and maintaining stability in the international monetary system.

GS3/Economy

India's Economic Ambitions Need Better Gender Data

Why in News?

India's economic prospects are closely tied to the active participation of women in the workforce. Currently, women contribute only 18% to the GDP, with approximately 196 million employable women remaining outside of formal employment. Despite an increase in overall labor force participation to 41.7%, only 18% of women hold formal jobs. The absence of visible, measurable, and actionable opportunities for women across governance sectors could result in significant economic losses, hindering India's ambition to reach a $30 trillion economy by 2047.

Key Takeaways

• Women's inclusion is vital for achieving India's economic goals.
• The Women's Economic Empowerment (WEE) Index is crucial for tracking women's participation.
• Gender-disaggregated data and budgeting are necessary for systemic reforms.
• Scaling the WEE Index can facilitate inclusive growth across states.

Additional Details

• Women's Economic Empowerment (WEE) Index: This index, introduced by Uttar Pradesh, serves as a district-level tool assessing women's participation in five key areas: jobs, education and skills, entrepreneurship, livelihood and mobility, and safety and infrastructure. It highlights hidden gaps in broader data sets and promotes necessary reforms.
• The WEE Index provides insights such as the low representation of women in the transport sector, prompting changes in recruitment practices and infrastructure, including the addition of women’s restrooms.
• Despite high enrollment in skilling programs, the transition of women to entrepreneurship and access to credit remains limited, indicating structural barriers that need addressing.
• To effectively close the gender gap, gender-disaggregated data must be integrated across all government departments, extending beyond mere counts to include metrics on retention, leadership, and job quality.
• Gender Budgeting: This should not be confined to welfare schemes; instead, every expenditure across sectors should be evaluated through a gender lens to ensure women's inclusion in economic activities.
• The WEE Index model can be replicated in other states aiming for significant economic growth, helping to align budgets and programs to address gender disparities.

In conclusion, addressing gender gaps through enhanced data collection, gender-responsive budgeting, and frameworks like the WEE Index is essential for unlocking India's full economic potential by 2047.

GS2/Governance

Unlocking Innovation with India’s Procurement Reforms

Why in News?

The recent reforms to India's General Financial Rules (GFR) represent a significant shift in the approach to procurement, particularly in the realm of research and development (R&D). These reforms aim to transform procurement from a compliance-based function into a strategic driver of scientific advancement.

Key Takeaways

• Procurement can be a catalyst for innovation rather than merely a compliance mechanism.
• India's reforms ease restrictions on R&D procurement, allowing more flexibility for researchers.
• Global examples showcase successful procurement strategies that stimulate technological progress.

Additional Details

• Dual Nature of Procurement: The tension between cost efficiency and innovation is inherent in procurement processes. Rigid frameworks can hinder scientific progress, as seen in India's previous system requiring researchers to use the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) even when it failed to offer necessary specialized equipment.
• Recent Reforms: In June 2025, significant reforms were introduced, such as allowing institutional heads to bypass GeM for specialized equipment and increasing direct purchase thresholds. This acknowledges the need for tailored procurement solutions in research.
• Global Lessons: Other countries like Germany, the U.S., and South Korea have implemented innovative procurement strategies that promote technological advancement, demonstrating the potential benefits of mission-oriented procurement.
• Future Directions: To enhance procurement further, India could implement outcome-weighted tenders, provide sandbox exemptions for elite institutions, leverage AI in sourcing, and establish co-procurement alliances.

In conclusion, while India's GFR reforms mark an important step toward recognizing the critical role of procurement in research, they represent only the beginning of a necessary transformation. By adopting global best practices and innovative strategies, India can turn procurement into a powerful enabler of scientific discovery.

GS2/Governance

The Conduct of Social Media Companies Amid Political Unrest

Why in News?

The recent political unrest in Nepal, which led to the swift downfall of the K.P. Sharma Oli government, has drawn attention to the immediate digital clampdown that followed. This clampdown included a ban on 26 social media platforms, highlighting the often passive behavior of social media companies during political crises. Despite their self-promotion as advocates for free expression, these companies frequently prioritize profit and regulatory compliance over user rights.

Key Takeaways

• The Nepal incident is part of a broader trend observed globally, including in countries like Russia, Myanmar, Nigeria, and Iran.
• Social media platforms have largely responded to government shutdowns with generic statements rather than taking meaningful action to support users.
• Internet shutdowns during crises can severely disrupt civic life and lead to substantial economic losses.

Additional Details

• Profit Motives: Social media companies tend to prioritize access to profitable markets over reputational risks, leading to inaction during political unrest.
• Government Pressure: Host governments can impose significant penalties on companies, which discourages them from resisting shutdowns.
• Global Patterns:The passive response of social media companies has been evident in various instances worldwide:
  • Russia (2018): Telegram technically resisted bans but did not politically support users facing arrests.
  • Myanmar (2021): Facebook's ban hindered protestors' access to news and organizing tools.
  • Nigeria (2021): The suspension of Twitter resulted in an economic loss of $26 million per day.
  • Iran (2022): Instagram and WhatsApp issued generic statements while businesses suffered.

The situation in Nepal exemplifies a disturbing pattern of inaction among social media firms during crises. Their claims of neutrality are contradicted by their choices, which often exacerbate inequalities and undermine democratic resilience. It is crucial that these platforms adopt transparency, decentralization, and a moral sense of responsibility in their operations, especially in regions where civic stakes are high.

GS2/Governance

Supreme Court Guidelines on DNA Evidence in Criminal Cases

Why in News?

The Supreme Court has issued critical guidelines in the case of Kattavellai @ Devakar v. State of Tamil Nadu to standardize the handling of DNA evidence in criminal cases. This initiative aims to prevent contamination and delays that can arise after evidence is compromised in significant cases.

Key Takeaways

• The case involved serious charges including rape, murder, and robbery.
• The court highlighted issues such as delays in submissions to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL), inadequate chain of custody, and the risk of evidence contamination.
• There is a pressing need for uniform procedures across states, as current guidelines are scattered and inconsistent.
• The Supreme Court has stepped in to ensure national uniformity in the handling of DNA evidence.

Additional Details

• Collection and Documentation: DNA samples must be properly packaged, labeled with FIR details, and signed by the medical officer, Investigating Officer (IO), and witnesses.
• Transportation: The Investigating Officer is required to deliver the samples to the FSL within 48 hours, recording any reasons for delays.
• Storage Pending Trial: Evidence packages cannot be opened or resealed without the approval of the trial court.
• Chain of Custody Register: This must be maintained until a conviction or acquittal, with the IO responsible for addressing any lapses.

Previous SC Observations on DNA Evidence

• Anil v. Maharashtra (2014): DNA evidence is considered reliable only when laboratory procedures are rigorously followed.
• Manoj v. Madhya Pradesh (2022): DNA evidence was rejected due to contamination risks as the recovery was from an open area.
• Rahul v. Delhi (2022): DNA evidence was deemed inadmissible after being held in police custody for two months.
• Pattu Rajan v. Tamil Nadu (2019): The value of DNA evidence is contingent upon corroborating evidence; its absence is not necessarily fatal to a case.
• Sharda v. Dharmpal (2003): Orders for DNA testing are valid and do not violate Article 21 of the Constitution.
• Das @ Anu v. Kerala (2022): DNA collection is not considered self-incrimination under Article 20(3); Section 53A of the CrPC allows for collection in rape cases.

Back2Basics: DNA Profiling

• Overview: DNA profiling, also known as DNA fingerprinting, is a forensic method used to identify individuals by analyzing unique DNA regions, primarily Short Tandem Repeats (STRs).
• How it Works: Human DNA is 99.9% identical; the 0.1% variability is what enables personal identification.
• Sources: DNA can be extracted from various biological materials including blood, semen, saliva, hair, bone, skin, or even "touch DNA."
• Processes: The DNA profiling process involves isolation, purification, amplification, visualization, and statistical comparison of DNA markers.
• Methods: Techniques such as miniSTRs and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) are useful for analyzing degraded or limited samples.
• Legal Status: DNA evidence is regarded as expert opinion under Section 45 of the Indian Evidence Act (now BSA 2023 Section 39), serving as corroborative rather than substantive evidence.

In summary, the Supreme Court's guidelines aim to enhance the integrity and reliability of DNA evidence in criminal proceedings, addressing existing gaps and ensuring uniformity in procedures across the country.