- Recently, Pakistan signed a mutual defence agreement with Saudi Arabia, India has said that it was aware of the development and reiterated its commitment to “comprehensive national security”.
- Background of Meeting: The agreement was signed in the aftermath of an emergency summit of Arab and Muslim nations hosted by Qatar following Israel’s military strikes against Hamas leaders.
- The meeting brought together almost 60 countries that are members of the Arab League and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
- The Pact: Called the “Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement” states that “any aggression against either country shall be considered an aggression against both”.
- It aims to develop aspects of defence cooperation between the two countries and strengthen joint deterrence against any aggression. Read More
Home / Daily Current Affairs / 19-09-2025
Daily Current Affairs – 19 September, 2025
PDF - The UN Gender Snapshot 2025, released by UN Women and UN DESA, highlights that without urgent action more than 351 million women and girls could remain in extreme poverty by 2030.
- Persistent Poverty: Female poverty has remained stuck at 10% since 2020. Climate change and conflict are worsening vulnerabilities.
- Work and Representation: Women spend 2.5 times more hours on unpaid domestic and care work than men. They hold less than one-third of parliamentary seats worldwide.
- 102 countries have never had a woman head of state or government.
- Digital Divide: In 2024, 70% of men used the internet compared to 65% of women. Read More
Closing Gender Gaps Holds the Key to Ending Poverty
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Key Findings
- India’s recent condemnation of Israel’s bombing in Doha is a shift from its more muted positions on previous Israeli operations in other countries.
- Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) bombed a home in Doha, Qatar, where Hamas leaders were reportedly meeting in the U.S.-proposed ceasefire plan.
- Israel PM Netanyahu claimed the strike was “justified,” accusing Qatar of “harbouring and funding” Hamas operatives.
- India condemned the violation of the sovereignty of Qatar.
- The statements are in stark contrast to India’s reactions to Israel’s bombings of several other countries in the region, including Lebanon, Yemen, Tunisia, Syria, and Iran. Read More
Why did India Condemn the Doha Strike?
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About
- The World Trade Organization’s (WTO) World Trade Report 2025 found that Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to boost global trade by up to nearly 40 per cent over the next 15 years, provided critical policy and infrastructure gaps are plugged.
- Trade facilitation: AI in logistics and customs can reduce trade costs by up to 15%, according to WTO simulations.
- Productivity boost: AI-driven automation enhances efficiency across manufacturing and services, expanding competitiveness.
- Digitally deliverable services: Legal-tech, AI-driven coding, telemedicine, and e-learning are projected to grow by over 40% by 2040.
- AI-enabling goods: Trade in chips, servers, and sensors forms the backbone of the AI economy, valued at USD 2.3 trillion (2023). Read More
Artificial Intelligence as a Catalyst For Trade Growth
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AI as a Driver of Trade-Led Growth
- Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is conducting a series of analog experiments (Gyanex) to test human endurance, refine mission protocols, and validate technologies, as India prepares for its first human spaceflight mission under the Gaganyaan Programme.
- Human Readiness: Preparing astronauts for long-duration space travel
- Technology Validation: Testing equipment and protocols in realistic conditions
- Scientific Research: Understanding human health risks in space-like environments
- Global Competitiveness: Matching international standards in space exploration. Read More
Analog Experiments: Attempt to Simulate Space on Earth
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Strategic Purposes of These Experiments
- The Indian Army is rapidly expanding its drone and counter-drone capabilities, with multiple units operational and training centers.
- The Indian Army plans to set up drone training centers at 19 major training institutions, including the Indian Military Academy, Infantry School, and Officers Training Academy, to integrate drone training into the standard curriculum for all ranks.
- Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi announced that every infantry battalion will have a drone platoon, artillery units will get counter-drone systems, and new precision batteries will be raised, highlighting the growing importance of unmanned systems in modern warfare. Read More
Army Scales Up Drone Induction
In News
About Indian Army’s Plans
- Seven natural heritage sites from across India have been included in UNESCO’s Tentative List of World Heritage Sites, increasing India’s count on the Tentative List from 62 to 69 properties.
- Deccan Traps at Panchgani and Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra: The sites form part of the massive Deccan Traps and are located within the Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary, already a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Geological Heritage of St. Mary’s Island Cluster, Karnataka: Known for its rare columnar basaltic rock formations, this island cluster dates back to the Late Cretaceous period, offering a geological snapshot from around 85 million years ago.
- Meghalayan Age Caves, Meghalaya: The stunning cave systems of Meghalaya, particularly the Mawmluh Cave, serve as the global reference point for the Meghalayan Age in the Holocene Epoch, reflecting significant climate and geological transitions.
- Naga Hill Ophiolite, Nagaland: A rare exposure of ophiolite rocks, these hills represent oceanic crust uplifted onto continental plates—offering deep insights into tectonic processes and mid-ocean ridge dynamics. Read More
