Daily Current Affairs- 22nd September 2025

Daily Current Affairs- 22nd September 2025

India Sets Up First Defence Manufacturing Plant in Morocco

In the News: India inaugurated its first defence manufacturing facility in Morocco. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh opened the facility, marking the first-ever Indian defence plant in Africa, under the Tata Advanced Systems banner.

Key Points:

• Facility Inauguration: The plant is a new manufacturing facility by Tata Advanced Systems Maroc, located at Berrechid near Casablanca, Morocco.
• What Will Be Produced: It will manufacture the Wheeled Armoured Platform (WhAP) 8×8 armoured combat vehicles (an amphibious infantry combat vehicle), which were co-developed with DRDO in India.
• Significance: This is the first-ever Indian defence manufacturing plant in Africa, expanding India’s defence production footprint overseas and aligning with “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” initiative.
• Capacity & Employment: The plant is expected to produce around 100 combat vehicles annually. It will employ ~350 people locally. A large portion of systems integration work remains in India.
• Industrial & Strategic Cooperation: Along with this, India and Morocco are expected to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on defence cooperation, covering exchanges, training, industrial linkages etc.
• Geostrategic Implications:
  • The plant positions India as a credible defence partner in Africa.
  • Morocco’s strategic location as a gateway between Africa and Europe adds value.
  • Strengthens bilateral ties between India and Morocco in defence, trade, and security.

India Secures Exclusive Rights for Polymetallic Sulphides Exploration in Carlsberg Ridge

In the News: India signed a 15-year contract with the International Seabed Authority (ISA) giving it exclusive rights to explore polymetallic sulphides (PMS) over a 10,000 sq km area of the Carlsberg Ridge in the Indian Ocean. The agreement was made through the Ministry of Earth Sciences under Dr. Jitendra Singh.

Key Points:

• Exclusive Exploration Rights: India has been granted exclusive rights by the ISA to explore for polymetallic sulphides in a 10,000 sq km area at Carlsberg Ridge. The contract duration is 15 years.
• What Are Polymetallic Sulphides (PMS): These are mineral deposits formed by hydrothermal vents on the seabed. They contain valuable metals such as copper, zinc, iron, silver, gold, platinum etc.
• India’s Position & Milestone: India now holds two active ISA contracts for PMS exploration — one earlier in the Central Indian Ridge & Southwest Indian Ridge, and now this one in Carlsberg Ridge.  Among all countries, India holds the largest exploration area globally for polymetallic sulphides under ISA contracts.
• Relation with Deep Ocean Mission & Blue Economy: This development is part of India’s Deep Ocean Mission which aims to build capacity in seabed mineral exploration, develop technology for deep-sea mining, and boost its Blue Economy.
• Strategic / Scientific Importance: The move enhances India’s maritime presence and strengthens its role in deep sea research and resource utilization.  It is also significant for clean energy technologies, electronics, and other industries that require the metals found in PMS.
• Historical Context & ISA Engagement: India has had a long engagement with the ISA. It was earlier designated as a “Pioneer Investor” for polymetallic nodule exploration in international waters.  The earlier PMS contract (prior to Carlsberg) dates from around 2016 for other Indian Ocean ridges, still in effect.

Indian Army’s ‘Amogh Fury’ Integrated Firepower Exercise

In the News: The Indian Army’s Sapta Shakti Command conducted Amogh Fury, a major integrated firepower exercise, at the Mahajan Field Firing Ranges in Rajasthan’s Thar Desert.

Key Points:

• Exercise Location & Command: Amogh Fury was held at the Mahajan Field Firing Ranges (MFFR) in the Thar Desert, Rajasthan, under the Sapta Shakti Command.
• Purpose / Objectives:
  • To test the Army’s combat power, coordination and operational readiness in real-time battle scenarios.
  • To train for multi-domain operations involving integration of different arms and modern tech.
• Platforms & Units Involved: Battle tanks, infantry combat vehicles, attack helicopters. Long-range artillery. Drones for surveillance/targeting.
• Technologies / Systems Emphasized:
  • Network-centric communication.  Command and control architecture.  Real-time surveillance and targeting systems. 
  • Creation of a common operating picture shared across different units.
• Training Aspects: Troop insertion (air/ground) and offensive ground actions. Realistic combat conditions, to sharpen decision-making in high-stress environments.
• Significance:
  • Demonstrates jointmanship among combat arms, support arms and services.
  • Emphasises readiness for emerging threats in modern multi-domain warfare. 
  • Reflects Indian Army’s increasing reliance on technology integration for battlefield superiority.

SC Ruling on Anand Marriage Act: Sikh Marriage Rights and Legal Debate

In the News: The Supreme Court of India directed 17 States and several Union Territories to frame rules within four months under Section 6 of the Anand Marriage Act, 1909 (amended in 2012), to enable registration of Sikh marriages (Anand Karaj). Until the rules are notified, the Court ordered that these marriages be accepted under existing marriage registration frameworks.

Key Points:

• Legal Background:  The Anand Marriage Act, 1909 was enacted to give legal validity to marriages solemnised through the Sikh rite of Anand Karaj.   The Anand Marriage (Amendment) Act, 2012 introduced Section 6, mandating that State Governments frame rules to register these marriages, maintain a public marriage register, provide certified extracts, etc.  The original law and its amendment had not been uniformly implemented: many States/UTs had not notified rules under Section 6 even years after 2012.
• Supreme Court’s Ruling / Directions:  States & UTs that have not yet framed rules under Section 6 are to do so within four months from the date of the order.   Until rules are notified, registering authorities must accept marriages solemnised by Anand Karaj under the existing marriage registration frameworks (civil registration laws) without discrimination. Couples may request that the certificate explicitly state that the marriage was by the Anand Karaj rite.   For States/UTs that have already notified rules: issue clarificatory circulars within three months, publishing required forms, fees, documents, timelines; ensure certified extracts are available.  Also, no duplicative registration under other marriage laws once registered under the Act.   Appointment of nodal officers: Each State/UT must designate a Secretary-level Nodal Officer to oversee implementation, grievance redressal etc.   Union of India to act as coordinating authority: circulate model rules, compile compliance status reports etc.
• Why the Ruling Matters:  It ensures that Sikh marriages have uniform legal recognition across India, which was lacking due to differential implementation of Section 6. A registered marriage certificate enables legal rights: proof of marriage is relevant for inheritance, succession, maintenance, insurance, residence etc., especially for women and children. It affirms secularism principle: the State cannot treat a citizen’s faith “as either a privilege or a handicap.”
• Remaining / Ongoing Debates & Shortcomings: Lack of divorce provisions:  The Anand Marriage Act does not currently cover divorce or matrimonial issues; so Sikh couples often rely on the Hindu Marriage Act or general laws for those matters.  This raises issues over religious identity / autonomy. 
  • Identity concerns: Many in the Sikh community see registration under the Anand Marriage Act as important for maintaining distinct religious identity.  The Act and its past non-implementation have diluted that.

US Senators Introduce India Shrimp Tariff Act To Protect Seafood Industry

In the News: U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy (Louisiana) and Cindy Hyde-Smith (Mississippi) introduced the India Shrimp Tariff Act, legislation aimed at imposing tariffs on shrimp imports from India. The act is designed to protect the domestic shrimp and catfish industries, particularly in Louisiana, from what is claimed to be unfairly low-priced shrimp entering the U.S. market.

Key Points:

• Purpose of the Act:  To protect U.S. seafood producers—especially shrimpers and catfish farmers in states like Louisiana and Mississippi—from the economic harm caused by cheap imported shrimp from India. The Senators argue that Indian shrimp imports are being “dumped”—i.e. sold in the U.S. at prices below fair market value—undermining local producers.
• Proposed Measures:  Imposition of tariffs on Indian shrimp imports to level the playing field for U.S. producers. The legislation seems to target both shrimp and catfish imports.
• Impact on Stakeholders:

• For the U.S. Seafood Industry: If passed, the legislation could offer relief to domestic seafood producers facing competition from low-cost imports.
• Potentially preserves jobs in shrimping, processing, associated supply chains in states like Louisiana and Mississippi.
• For Indian Exporters: The Indian shrimp export industry, valued at about US$4.88 billion, has expressed that such legislation is problematic and could further damage already affected exporters.
• There are warnings that tariffs will raise costs for U.S. importers and possibly pass onto consumers.

• Economic & Trade Context: Shrimp is a major export commodity for India; any tariff will affect the revenues, livelihoods of farmers, processors, exporters. U.S. producers claim that cheap imports distort market fairness.  The legislation reflects broader concern about trade deficits and protection of domestic sectors.
• Criticism / Industry Response: Indian shrimp exporters have largely downplayed the impact: some say the damage is already substantial, suggesting there’s little more that such a tariff could do to harm what’s already suffered.  The U.S. legislation may provoke retaliatory trade measures or reduce market access for Indian seafood in the U.S.

India, Greece Hold First Bilateral Naval Exercise

In the News: The Indian Navy and the Hellenic (Greek) Navy concluded their maiden bilateral maritime exercise in the Mediterranean Sea. The exercise was held in two phases: a harbour phase (Sep 13-17) at Salamis Naval Base in Greece, and a sea phase (Sep 17-18) in the Mediterranean. India was represented by the guided-missile stealth frigate INS Trikand.

Key Points:

• Participating Units & Assets: India: INS Trikand (stealth guided-missile frigate) represented India.
• Greece: Participated with HS Themistokles (Elli-class frigate), submarine Pipinos, and a naval helicopter among other units.
• Phases of the Exercise: Harbour Phase (Sep 13-17): At Salamis Naval Base. Included pre-sail conference, cross-deck visits, professional & crew exchanges, cultural interaction, and diplomatic engagements.  
• Sea Phase (Sep 17-18): Carried out at sea in the Mediterranean. Featured tactical and operational drills such as night VBSS (Visit, Board, Search, Seizure), anti-submarine warfare (ASW), coordinated gun firing, replenishment-at-sea, and helicopter cross-deck operations.
• Cultural / Symbolic Aspects: Cultural exchange aboard INS Trikand and visits to iconic Greek landmarks (e.g. the Acropolis) for Indian crew. Interactions with senior naval officers and diplomatic leaders of both countries to strengthen people-to-people ties and defence diplomacy.
• Objectives and Purpose:

• Enhance interoperability between Indian and Greek navies in complex maritime operations. Demonstrate capacity to operate jointly in diverse maritime scenarios, including non-routine operations (VBSS etc.).
• Strengthen defence cooperation and shared commitment to maritime security, freedom of navigation, stability in shared sea lanes.

• Significance:

•  First bilateral naval exercise between India and Greece — marks a new chapter in defence ties.
•  Part of India’s expanding naval presence and diplomacy in the Mediterranean/Indo-Pacific linked theatres.
• Helps both navies to share best practices, build trust, improve mutual handling of operational challenges.

Indian Skater Anish Raj Secures Historic Bronze at World Championships 2025

In the News: Indian skater Anish Raj won a bronze medal in the Junior Men’s One-Lap Road Sprint at the 2025 Inline Speed Skating World Championships held in China. This marked India’s first ever medal in that category at this championship.

Key Points:

• Event & Category:

• The medal came in the Junior Men’s One-Lap Road Sprint event.
• The competition was part of the 2025 Inline Speed Skating World Championships.

• Historic Significance:

• Anish Raj is the first Indian to secure a medal in this junior one-lap sprint event at the World Championships. 
• The achievement is gaining recognition in the Indian roller sports community, considered a milestone for junior inline speed skating.

• Reactions & Support:

• Roller Skating Federation of India (RSFI) congratulated him, noting pride in his performance. 
• The news has prompted increased media attention and encouragement for the sport at the grassroots level.

• Further Context:

• Alongside other Indian achievements in speed/inline skating, this adds to a growing list of international successes for Indian skaters. 
• It underscores that junior skaters are achieving on world stages, which may help with infrastructure, coaching, funding in future.

Smriti Mandhana Breaks Virat Kohli’s Record for Fastest Indian Century in ODIs

In the News: During the final Women’s ODI between India and Australia at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Smriti Mandhana scored a blistering century in just 50 balls, becoming the fastest Indian (male or female) to reach 100 in an ODI — surpassing Virat Kohli’s previous record of 52 balls.

Key Points:

• The Record:

• Smriti Mandhana scored her century in 50 balls.
• This breaks the longstanding Indian record held by Virat Kohli, who had made an ODI hundred in 52 balls against Australia in 2013 at Jaipur.

• Match Context:

• The match was the series-decider against Australia (Women’s ODI) played at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.
•  Despite Mandhana’s century, India lost the match and therefore the series 2-1.

• Statistical Significance:  This is the fastest ODI century by an Indian cricketer (any gender).
• Batting Details:

• Mandhana’s final score in that innings was 125 off 63 balls including a high number of boundaries (fours and sixes), showcasing powerful scoring.
• She hit 17 fours and 5 sixes in that knock.

• Previous Record: Virat Kohli’s 52-ball century against Australia (Jaipur, 2013) stood for over a decade.

ICC Unveils Official Song ‘Bring it Home’ for Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025

In the News: The International Cricket Council (ICC) released the official anthem for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, titled ‘Bring It Home’, sung by Shreya Ghoshal. The tournament is set to take place from 30 September to 2 November 2025 in India and Sri Lanka.

Key Points:

• Song & Performer:

• The official song is titled “Bring It Home”. 
• Sung by Indian playback singer Shreya Ghoshal.

• Musical Style & Highlights:

• The song is described as a “high-energy blend of rhythm, melody and emotion” aiming to unite fans globally.
• Contains catchy hooks like “Tarikita Tarikita Tarikita Dhom” and “Dhak Dhak, we bring it home”. 
• Lyrics include motivational lines like “Patthar pighlana hai, Ek naya itihas banana hai” (We have to melt stones and forge a new history), emphasizing perseverance and determination.

• Purpose & Theme:

• The anthem celebrates unity, strength, and the dreams of women cricketers stepping onto the world stage.
• The song is meant to reflect the legacy of women’s cricket and also inspire both players and fans.

• Release & Platforms:

• The track has been made available on multiple digital streaming platforms including Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, JioSaavn,
• YouTube Music and social media (Instagram, Facebook, etc.).
•  An official music video was released along with it, featuring dynamic visuals, archival moments of women’s cricket, and choreography.

• Tournament Details & Other Context:

• The Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 is scheduled from 30 September to 2 November, hosted by India & Sri Lanka.
•  The ICC has also announced record-low ticket prices for fans (from ₹100) for this event, to encourage greater attendance and inclusion.