Daily Current Affairs- 25th September 2025

Daily Current Affairs- 25th September 2025

Centre Extends General Anil Chauhan’s Tenure as Chief of Defence Staff Till 2026

In the News: The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet approved the extension of General Anil Chauhan’s tenure as Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), allowing him to continue in the role until May 30, 2026, or until further orders.

Key Points:

• Tenure Extension: The government extended General Chauhan’s service as CDS and as Secretary of the Department of Military Affairs (DMA) up to May 30, 2026.
• Original Appointment & Term: He was appointed CDS on September 28, 2022. His original three-year term was due to expire around September 2025.
• Age Limit Norms: According to CDS norms, the upper age limit is 65. Chauhan will turn 65 in May 2026, aligning with the extension till then.
• Leadership Continuity: The extension reflects the government’s confidence in his leadership amid ongoing efforts to push defence reforms and inter-service synergy.
• Role in Reform Agenda: Alongside his CDS functions, he will oversee the proposed theatre commands and further integration in logistics, procurement, infrastructure, and appointments across the three services (Army, Navy, Air Force).
• Distinguished Career: Commissioned in 1981 into the 11 Gorkha Rifles, Chauhan has held key command and staff appointments including command of Eastern Command.

He has been awarded several military honours: Param Vishisht Seva Medal, Uttam Yudh Seva Medal, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, Sena Medal, and Vishisht Seva Medal.

GST Appellate Tribunal (GSTAT) Launched by Finance Minister

In the News:  Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman formally launched the Goods and Services Tax Appellate Tribunal (GSTAT) in New Delhi.

Key Points:

• Purpose & Rationale: GSTAT is a statutory appellate body created to consolidate and streamline dispute resolution in GST. It aims to reduce litigation, bring uniformity in interpretation, and build predictability in the GST regime.
• Operationalisation Timeline: Hearings will begin from December 2025. The filing of appeals will happen in a staggered manner, with older cases getting priority initially.
• Extension of Limitation Period: For legacy appeals, the limitation period has been extended up to June 30, 2026. Structure and Reach: GSTAT will operate via a Principal Bench in New Delhi and 31 State Benches across 45 locations to ensure national coverage. Each bench will include two Judicial Members, one Technical Member from the Centre, and one Technical Member from the State. 
• Digital Platform & Access: At the launch, an e-Courts Portal was unveiled. Taxpayers and practitioners can file appeals online, track case status, and participate in hearings virtually.
• Principles Emphasized by FM: Minister Sitharaman stressed that GSTAT’s decisions should be in plain language, use simplified formats and checklists, be digital-by-default, and adhere to time standards for listing, Hearing and pronouncement.

PM Narendra Modi Chairs 49th PRAGATI Meeting

In the News: Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the 49th PRAGATI meeting  the ICT-enabled multi-modal platform for Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation  to review major infrastructure projects across India.

Key Points:

• Scope of Review: The PM reviewed eight critical infrastructure projects spanning sectors such as Mines, Railways, Water Resources, Industrial Corridors, and Power. 
• Geographic & Financial Spread: These projects cover 15 States and Union Territories, with a cumulative investment of over ₹65,000 crore.
• Emphasis During Review: The PM stressed the need for clear timelines, effective inter-agency coordination, and prompt resolution of bottlenecks so projects are completed on schedule. 
• Cost of Delay: Modi reiterated that delays carry a double cost: rising project expenditure and depriving citizens of timely access to essential services. 
• Result-Orientation: Officials at both Central and State levels were urged to adopt a result-oriented approach, and to institutionalize mechanisms at the State/UT level to regularly monitor and review flagship projects. 
• Reform & Preparedness: The PM called upon States/UTs to place stronger emphasis on reforms that enhance competitiveness, efficiency, and innovation, so that emerging opportunities can be seized swiftly.

India Restricts Silver Imports Till March 31, 2026

In the News: The Indian government announced that it would restrict imports of silver and plain (unstudded) silver jewellery until March 31, 2026 to curb a surge in such imports and protect domestic manufacturers.

Key Points:

• Policy Change: The import policy for silver and certain silver jewellery items was amended from “free” to “restricted”, with effect from the date of the notification, lasting until March 31, 2026. 
• Licensing Requirement: Importers must now obtain a government licence under the restricted category to bring in these items.
•  Triggering Factor: The decision was driven by a sharp rise in imports—especially from Thailand and other ASEAN nations—often under Free Trade Agreement (FTA) exemptions, which was seen as unfair competition to domestic producers.
• Scope of Items Affected: The restrictions apply to plain silver jewellery / articles of silver / unstudded silver jewellery which earlier entered without restrictions.
• Objective: The measure aims to level the playing field for Indian manufacturers, especially small and medium enterprises, and to curb the misuse of trade agreements to flood the market with imported silver items. 
• Wider Trade Context: This move is viewed as part of broader efforts to ensure that India’s trade policies do not disadvantage domestic value addition while still honouring international trade commitments.

Youth-led Ladakh Protests: Demands for Statehood, Sixth Schedule and Autonomy

In the News: Youth-led protests erupted in Leh and Kargil, Ladakh, demanding statehood, inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, and greater autonomy. Clashes with security forces turned deadly.

Key Points:

• Origins & Context: After the abolition of Article 370 in 2019, Ladakh was carved out as a Union Territory without a legislature, leaving it under direct central control. Many locals view this as disenfranchisement.
• Demands of Protesters: The principal demands include full statehood (i.e. legislative assembly for Ladakh), Sixth Schedule protections for tribal majority areas, a separate public service commission, two Lok Sabha seats, and job reservations for locals.
• Youth Involvement & Escalation: The protests were led by Gen-Z youth disillusioned by delays and unfulfilled promises. What began as a peaceful hunger strike turned violent when thousands, especially youth, broke ranks and attacked offices and infrastructure.
• Violent Clashes & Casualties: Protesters set fire to a BJP office, police and CRPF vehicles, and administrative buildings. Security forces responded with tear gas, batons, and live rounds. Four protesters died and numerous others were injured.
• State Response & Restrictions: Curfew was imposed in Leh and security forces were deployed. Restrictions on assembly, movement, and operations under Section 163 BNSS (public safety statute) were enforced.
• Government’s Stance & Criticism: The Home Ministry blamed activist Sonam Wangchuk for inciting the unrest, citing his speeches and fast. The government also revoked the FCRA licence for his NGO, SECMOL. Protest leaders argue the state response is heavy-handed and that no tangible steps have been taken to meaningfully address the demands.

7th Future Food Forum 2025 Begins in Dubai

In the News: The 7th Future Food Forum 2025 was inaugurated in Dubai from September 23 to 25, bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, innovators, and academics to deliberate on strengthening food systems, trade, sustainability, and technological innovation in the food and beverage sector.

Key Points:

• Host & Platform: The Forum is convened under the aegis of the UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism, with the UAE Food Cluster playing a pivotal role in shaping the agenda.
• Venue & Duration: It is being held at Le Méridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre over two days (23–24 September) with associated events extending until the 25th.
• Theme & Focus: The Forum is centered on “Shaping Tomorrow’s Food Ecosystems”, emphasizing resilience, sustainability, trade, and alignment of national strategies with global trends.
• Trade & Policy Emphasis: A significant focus is placed on Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPAs) as levers to expand food manufacturing, exports, and integration of SMEs in global supply chains.
• National Targets & Growth: The UAE aims to boost the food sector’s contribution from AED 30 billion to AED 40 billion under its economic clustering strategy.
• New Initiatives Launched: The Forum saw the launch of a Knowledge Hub to connect academia and industry, and a Global Buyers Programme to facilitate market access for UAE producers.
• Partnerships & MoUs: A key MoU was signed between GS1 Emirates Ltd and UAE Food Cluster to co-develop a universal product catalogue for the UAE’s food & beverage sector, strengthening traceability and regulatory compliance. Technological & Innovation Tracks: Sessions cover AI, smart manufacturing, vertical farming, digital supply chains, personalized nutrition, sustainable packaging, and other frontier technologies.
• Significance for Global South: Observers noted that the Forum fosters South-South cooperation, positioning UAE–India non-oil trade and agri-industrial linkages as models for the Global South.

ICC Suspends USA Cricket’s Membership Over Governance Issues

In the News: The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced the suspension of USA Cricket’s membership, citing multiple governance failures and constitutional breaches.

Key Points:

• Reason for Suspension: USA Cricket was found to have engaged in repeated and continued breaches of its obligations under the ICC Constitution. 
• Specific Failures: The ICC cited the absence of a functional governance structure, insufficient progress toward recognition by the US Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC), and actions causing reputational damage to cricket domestically and globally.
• Continuity for Teams: Despite the suspension, USA’s national cricket teams will retain the right to participate in ICC events, including preparations for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
• ICC Oversight: The ICC (or designated representatives) will temporarily manage and oversee administration of USA’s cricket operations to safeguard athletes and performance programmes.
• Roadmap for Reinstatement: The ICC’s Normalisation Committee will chart the path for restoration of membership, requiring demonstrable governance reforms and ongoing monitoring.
• Precursor Warnings: USA Cricket had been placed “on notice” at the 2024 ICC AGM for non-compliance and given a window to resolve deficits.
• Timing & Decision: The suspension was effected immediately after an ICC Board meeting after assessing that prior remedial commitments by USA Cricket remained unfulfilled.

The Production Gap Report 2025

In the News: The Production Gap Report 2025 was published by the Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI), Climate Analytics, and IISD. The report assesses the mismatch between national fossil fuel production plans and levels consistent with climate goals.

Key Points:

• Worsening Production Gap: Governments now plan to produce about 120% more fossil fuels by 2030 than would be aligned with limiting global warming to 1.5 °C, and 77% more than consistent with a 2 °C pathway.
• Trend Since 2023: The gap has widened relative to the 2023 report. Nations plan higher coal production to 2035, higher gas production to 2050, and continued increases in oil output.
• Country Profiles: The report analyses 20 major fossil-fuel producing countries, which together account for ~80% of global production.
• Lack of Alignment: While a few countries have begun adjusting plans to align with net zero goals, most still forecast expansions in fossil fuel production inconsistent with climate commitments.
• Implication for Paris Goals: Unless governments reverse course, the growing production gap will render the Paris Agreement goals more difficult, potentially locking in stranded fossil infrastructure and undermining emissions targets.
• Call for Policy Action: The report urges governments to adopt deliberate, coordinated policy reforms—such as phasing out fossil fuel subsidies, integrating production cuts into energy transition planning, and ensuring just transition measures.

Agni-P missile test, from a train: All you need to know

In the News: India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully test-fired the Agni-Prime (Agni-P) missile from a rail-based mobile launcher, marking the first time such a launch has been executed in the country.

Key Points:

• Missile & Range: Agni-P is a two-stage, solid-fuel, intermediate-range ballistic missile, with an operational range between 1,000 km and 2,000 km.
• Rail-based Launcher: The test used a specially designed rail mobile launcher that can move on the railway network without pre-conditions, enabling launch from anywhere along the tracks.
• Strategic Rationale: Rail launchers offer greater mobility, concealment, and survivability. Tunnels and the expansive rail network can help hide missile assets from surveillance until launch.
• First-of-its-kind Achievement: Before India, only a few countries (e.g. Russia, the US, China, possibly North Korea) had the capability to launch long-range missiles from rail platforms. India now joins that select group. 
• Operational Features: The rail launcher is self-sustained, equipped with independent launch capability, communications systems, and protection mechanisms, and can initiate launch with short reaction time.
• Implications for Deterrence: Because India follows a “no first use” nuclear doctrine, mobile launch platforms are crucial to ensure a credible second-strike capability launching after absorbing an initial strike.