Current Affairs 16.09.25

ONE LINER CURRENT AFFAIRS

National

1. India is labelled the “Tariff King” due to having the second-highest simple average tariff (16.2%) among G20 nations, following Turkey.
2. The Manki-Munda system, a traditional tribal governance system in Jharkhand, has faced protests over government attempts to dilute its authority, reflecting tensions between modern governance and indigenous rights.
3. India inaugurated its first bamboo-based ethanol plant in Assam, enabling the production of bioethanol from locally available bamboo biomass, advancing renewable energy goals and reducing dependency on crude imports.
4. The Supreme Court established strict guidelines on the collection, preservation, and admissibility of DNA evidence in criminal cases, strengthening the procedural integrity of forensic practices in India.
5. The judicial backlog in the Supreme Court has reached an all-time high, with over 88,000 pending cases, leading to calls for structural reforms in judicial processes.
6. India has constructed over 1.2 lakh kilometers of roads using waste plastic, improving road durability and promoting sustainable infrastructure development.
7. A tiered tariff rationalisation structure has been proposed, dividing goods into raw materials, non-sensitive goods, sensitive goods, and luxury items, aimed at enhancing competitiveness.
8. The government shifted from subsidising fertilisers directly to a Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)-based system to ensure transparency and reduce leakage in subsidy delivery.
9. Decentralisation in waste management was strengthened by empowering Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), along with providing them funds and autonomy for efficient local waste handling.
10. Over 400 farmer clusters have been promoted for Eustoma cultivation, focusing on indigenous floriculture, reducing dependence on imports, and creating new livelihood opportunities.

International Relations

1. India and Greece conducted their first-ever bilateral naval exercise in Salamis Bay to improve maritime cooperation and enhance mutual naval capabilities.
2. Nepal witnessed a political shift when youth-led digital protests catalysed the resignation of the incumbent government, resulting in the interim appointment of Prime Minister Sushila Karki.
3. High Indian tariff rates have been a major sticking point in negotiations of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with the European Union and the United Kingdom, limiting trade integration.
4. India’s strategic diplomacy aims to diversify relationships beyond China, as the latter rises as a global economic power, moving focus toward Central Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
5. Ongoing tensions with the United States intensified after the US imposed 25-50% tariffs on Indian exports, significantly affecting bilateral trade dynamics.
6. The UNEA-5 Treaty (2022) led 193 countries to agree on negotiating a binding global treaty by 2024 aimed at eliminating plastic pollution.
7. India is increasingly seen as an alternative to China in global supply chains, prompted by geopolitical shifts and rising concerns over China’s economic dominance.
8. India is enhancing its global image as a responsible trade partner by adopting tariff rationalisation and aligning with WTO norms and Sustainable Development Goals.
9. India’s growing influence is seen through increasing collaboration with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and strategic economic partnerships.
10. Multilateral negotiations on reducing global plastic waste are being aligned with India’s commitments under SDG-12 (Responsible Consumption) and SDG-13 (Climate Action).

Environment

1. Global plastic waste is expected to nearly triple by 2060, reaching 1.2 billion tonnes, unless urgent reforms are implemented.
2. Microplastics are now detected in air, water, soil, and even human blood and lungs, raising significant human health risks related to carcinogens and endocrine disruptors.
3. Plastic pollution accounts for 3.4% of global greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to climate change.
4. India’s Plastic Waste Management Rules (2016/2022) prohibit certain single-use plastics and enforce Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for recycling targets.
5. Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0 is emphasizing door-to-door waste collection and efficient waste segregation to improve recycling rates and reduce open dumping.
6. Use of plastic roads in India promotes environmental sustainability by recycling plastic waste and reducing reliance on traditional bitumen.
7. The Kerala Wayanad landslide was identified as a Grey Rhino event, highlighting predictable but neglected ecological risks.
8. Adoption of the 6Rs strategy—Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Recover, Redesign—is being promoted for holistic plastic waste management.
9. The government is investing in R&D for bio-based and compostable plastics to offer sustainable alternatives to conventional plastic products.
10. Decentralisation of waste management empowers Panchayati Raj and ULBs to manage plastic waste at the local level, enabling more efficient collection and processing.

Science & Technology

1. India’s first successful cultivation of the Eustoma flower was achieved under controlled conditions, reducing dependency on flower imports.
2. The bamboo-based ethanol plant in Assam uses advanced 2G biorefinery technology for producing ethanol from bamboo, promoting green energy solutions.
3. The Supreme Court mandated a detailed chain of custody for DNA evidence, standardising collection, preservation, and storage protocols.
4. The Defence Procurement Manual (DPM) 2025 emphasizes indigenous design and development to promote self-reliance in defence production.
5. Promotion of precision farming techniques and micro-irrigation systems aims to improve agricultural yields with optimal resource usage.
6. Enzymatic hydrolysis processes are used in India’s bioethanol plant to break down bamboo into fermentable sugars for ethanol production.
7. Development of bio-based plastics is being actively pursued to replace petroleum-based plastics and reduce environmental pollution.
8. Digital customs clearance systems have been introduced to speed up cargo handling and reduce corruption and litigation in trade procedures.
9. Agri-R&D spending is being doubled to 1% of Agri-GDP to enhance productivity through technology and research in farming.
10. India’s INS Trikand actively participated in the India-Greece bilateral naval exercise, showcasing advanced technological cooperation in defence.

Governance

1. The persistent backlog in the judiciary system reflects structural weaknesses and an urgent need for reform in case management processes.
2. Supreme Court guidelines now require stringent protocols for handling DNA evidence to ensure it is admissible in courts.
3. The shift to Direct Benefit Transfer for fertiliser subsidies aims to improve transparency and minimise diversion of funds.
4. Panchayati Raj Institutions and Urban Local Bodies are now given greater financial autonomy and responsibilities for plastic waste management.
5. Sectoral lobbying and policy inertia present major barriers to rationalising tariffs and reforming the agricultural trade structure.
6. The Manki-Munda governance system highlights coexistence of modern and traditional governance models in tribal regions.
7. The Defence Procurement Manual (DPM) promotes indigenisation, technical collaboration, and fast-tracking procurement for self-reliance.
8. Gen-Z activism in Nepal represents a shift toward digital democracy, empowering citizens to challenge authoritarian policies.
9. The Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework ensures that producers are accountable for the lifecycle of their plastic products.
10. Grey Rhino risk management is increasingly integrated into disaster governance planning at the state and central levels.

Economy

1. Rationalising tariffs aims to enhance India’s competitiveness, facilitate integration with global value chains, and attract foreign direct investment.
2. High agricultural tariffs, averaging 64.3%, are designed to protect the livelihoods of the 46% workforce engaged in farming but distort resource allocation.
3. Grey Rhino Events highlight the economic danger of ignoring foreseeable ecological threats like Wayanad landslide.
4. The bamboo ethanol plant reduces India’s crude oil import dependency, enhancing energy security and diversifying energy sources.
5. Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) are promoted to improve collective bargaining, market access, and reduce middlemen in agricultural trade.
6. The circular economy promotes sustainable business models by incentivising eco-friendly product designs and recycling practices.
7. Plastic Roads cut costs by replacing part of bitumen with waste plastic, reducing import dependence for road construction materials.
8. Digital customs reduce procedural uncertainty and litigation, promoting trade facilitation.
9. Eustoma cultivation presents new export opportunities, helping reduce India’s floriculture import bill.
10. Tax incentives and penalties are being aligned to promote eco-friendly packaging, fostering corporate responsibility.

Social

1. Youth-led protests in Nepal used digital media to demand political change, representing a new mode of activism.
2. Plastic Banks provide local communities with incentives to collect and return plastic waste for recycling, enhancing social participation in waste management.
3. The Manki-Munda system protests reflect the struggle of tribal communities for self-governance and cultural preservation.
4. Eco-conscious consumer behavior is actively promoted through awareness campaigns to reduce single-use plastics.
5. Civil society actively participates in plastic clean-up drives at beaches, rivers, and public spaces, promoting community responsibility.
6. Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0 strengthens citizen participation by enforcing segregation and door-to-door collection of waste.
7. Eustoma cultivation offers new livelihood avenues for farmers in Odisha, promoting economic and social upliftment.
8. Gen-Z in Nepal used digital platforms for mobilising political activism, changing traditional political engagement patterns.
9. The government’s focus on renewable energy adoption is seen as a socially responsible move toward sustainable development.
10. The Right to Privacy in legislative houses was fiercely contested in Rajasthan, leading to accusations of surveillance, highlighting citizen rights debates.

Defence

1. The Defence Procurement Manual (DPM) 2025 focuses on Aatmanirbhar Bharat by promoting indigenous design, development, and production of defence equipment.
2. India conducted its first bilateral naval exercise with Greece in Salamis Bay, improving joint operational readiness.
3. Government-to-Government (G2G) procurement simplifies acquisition of defence equipment, speeding up procurement timelines.
4. Collaboration between defence industry and academic institutions is encouraged to promote prototype development and innovation.
5. Penalties for delayed procurement reduced in DPM to incentivise experimental and research-based defence solutions.
6. Long-term orders are assured for critical defence projects to encourage sustained investment by private players.
7. Decentralisation of decision-making for procurement accelerates implementation of critical defence contracts.
8. Upfront price escalation provisions in DPM 2025 reflect commitment to fair contractual practices for defence vendors.
9. Proprietary Article Certificates allowed for niche military equipment, balancing innovation with national security needs.
10. The emphasis on R&D in the Defence sector aims to reduce dependency on foreign equipment and build indigenous capacities.

Art & Culture

1. The Eustoma flower has cultural and aesthetic significance in floriculture, widely used for ornamental purposes and events.
2. Successful cultivation of Eustoma in Odisha represents a significant milestone in India’s floriculture industry.
3. Preservation of the Manki-Munda traditional governance reflects the cultural autonomy of tribal communities in Jharkhand.
4. Salamis Bay, site of the historic Battle of Salamis (480 BCE), represents significant cultural heritage and is now a venue for India-Greece naval cooperation.
5. Promotion of bio-based plastics combines environmental consciousness with cultural shifts toward sustainability.
6. Local community clean-up drives embody traditional Indian social responsibility practices in contemporary environmental management.
7. Cultural festivals in tribal regions are reinforced by sustainable agricultural practices, helping preserve local identity.
8. Indigenous floriculture promotes cultural pride and reduces dependency on foreign horticultural imports.
9. Eco-sensitive zones are established to conserve biodiversity and reflect a growing cultural awareness of ecological preservation.
10. Gen-Z digital activism in Nepal reflects an evolving culture of civic participation and modern political expression.

Infrastructure

1. Plastic Roads cover over 1.2 lakh kilometers, increasing road durability while contributing to waste plastic recycling efforts.
2. Assam’s bioethanol plant infrastructure supports India’s shift to sustainable energy sources.
3. Digital customs clearance platforms simplify and expedite international trade by reducing procedural delays.
4. Cold chain infrastructure is being developed to reduce post-harvest losses in agriculture and improve food security.
5. Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) now possess autonomous infrastructure planning for waste management.
6. Defence industry infrastructure is promoted to facilitate prototype development and innovation-driven growth.
7. Plastic Banks provide localised infrastructure for plastic waste collection, storage, and recycling.
8. Railways infrastructure is increasingly utilised for transporting bioethanol, reflecting integration of energy and transport sectors.
9. Government-funded resource centres for disabled children integrate medical, educational, and counselling services for holistic development.
10. Improved forensic science infrastructure implemented following Supreme Court DNA guidelines enhances evidence reliability in criminal justice.

Geography

1. Salamis Bay in Greece, located strategically in the Aegean Sea, hosts bilateral naval exercises.
2. Assam, rich in bamboo biomass, serves as an ideal location for bioethanol production.
3. Kolhan region in Jharkhand preserves the Manki-Munda system, representing tribal self-governance over centuries.
4. Kerala’s Wayanad region experienced a predictable landslide (Grey Rhino Event), highlighting ecological vulnerability.
5. Odisha’s Sambalpur region is now a hub for indigenous floriculture cultivation, especially Eustoma.
6. The Aegean Sea holds strategic importance for India’s naval outreach to the Mediterranean region.
7. Northeast India’s biomass resources play a key role in India’s renewable energy strategy.
8. Western Ghats are designated as eco-sensitive zones due to high biodiversity and landslide risks.
9. Tribal governance models coexist with modern state administration in Jharkhand, reflecting geographic governance complexity.
10. Geo-clustering of Farmer Producer Organisations enhances local agricultural aggregation benefits and market access.

Places in News

1. Nepal’s interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki emerged after digital youth protests forced a political reshuffle.
2. Assam inaugurated India’s first bamboo-based ethanol plant.
3. Odisha celebrated the first successful Eustoma cultivation in a controlled environment.
4. Greece’s Salamis Bay hosted the India-Greece naval exercise for the first time.
5. Kerala’s Wayanad district faced a major landslide classified as a Grey Rhino Event.
6. Jharkhand’s Manki-Munda governance system came under national focus due to protests against state interference.
7. India-US trade tensions escalated due to US-imposed tariffs on Indian goods.
8. UNEA-5 Treaty efforts focused on a global plastic pollution treaty by 2024.
9. India-EU Free Trade Agreement negotiations face deadlock over India’s high tariffs.
10. The representation of Aadhaar as a valid document in voter verification became a legal debate.

History

1. The Manki-Munda system dates back to the British era (1833) and continues to function as a traditional tribal self-governance system.
2. The Battle of Salamis (480 BCE) was a critical naval victory of Greek city-states over the Persian Empire, now commemorated in strategic naval exercises.
3. Judicial backlog in India reflects longstanding structural inefficiencies of the legal system inherited from colonial administration.
4. India-Nepal relations have evolved from monarchic diplomacy to digital-age activism-led political change.
5. The Manki-Munda system is codified in colonial-era laws yet persists as a cultural institution.
6. The Grey Rhino term was coined in 2016 by Michele Wucker to describe predictable risks, contrasting with Black Swan events.
7. India’s tariff policy underwent major reforms post-1991 liberalisation, with current debates focusing on gradual rationalisation.
8. The global plastic pollution surge has historical roots in mass production beginning in the mid-20th century, now reaching crisis proportions.
9. India-China relations, originally strained by the 1962 border conflict, are now focused on economic balancing.
10. The Ethanol Blending Programme reflects India’s historical energy policy shift toward biofuels since early 2000s.