Current Affairs 25th October 2025

1. 150 birth anniversary of sardhar vallabhai patel

Paper: GS Paper II :Indian Polity & Governance

Context :150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India’s “Iron Man”, is being celebrated on Rashtriya Ekta Diwas 2025.​

• PM Narendra Modi will lead a grand parade at Kevadia, Gujarat, amplifying the event’s national significance.​

 Background

• Sardar Patel unified 562 princely states and was India’s first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister.​
• October 31 is observed as Rashtriya Ekta Diwas since 2015 to honor his unification efforts.​
• The 2025 event is part of a two-year nationwide festival (2025–2027) marking Patel’s 150th anniversary.​

 2025 Celebrations: Major Highlights

• Parade led by PM, with tableaux from multiple states and cultural acts by 900 artists.​
• Two-year commemorations with unity pledges, “Run for Unity”, and mass participation across states.​
• Security forces (CRPF, BSF, NSG, state police), gallantry awardees, and anti-Naxal heroes are parade participants.​
• Chief Ministers of all states invited; attendance via online public registration.​
• Focus on indigenous contributions—showcasing national strength and self-reliance.​

 Venue

• Ekta Nagar, Narmada district, Gujarat, amid Satpura and Vindhyachal ranges.​
• Near the Statue of Unity (world’s tallest statue, 182m, inaugurated 2018).​
• Scenic and symbolic site for national integration.​

 Leadership & Organisation

• PM Modi leads the parade, giving the Ekta Diwas pledge and tributes at the Statue of Unity.​
• Organised by Union Home Ministry, Ministry of Culture; planned by BSF DG Daljit Singh Chaudhary.​
• 16 contingents, 4 CAPFs, NCC, gallantry winners, and women’s guard of honour included.​
• Public attends via online registration for broad, safe participation.​

 Theme: Unity in Diversity

• Celebrates diverse languages, cultures, and communities under a single Indian identity.​
• Draws on Patel’s efforts to bind India as one nation despite state differences.​
• Linked to “Ek Bharat, Aatmanirbhar Bharat,” fostering unity and self-reliance.​

 Parade Details

• Dated October 31, 2025; military-style parade with bands and security displays.​
• 16 contingents, state tableaux, and women’s guard of honour.​
• Motorcycle stunts, camel bands, horse contingents, and cultural integration segments are featured.​

 Special Features

• Indian-breed dogs from BSF march—Rampur and Mudhol Hounds, highlighting indigenous force multipliers for border patrol.​
• Five Shaurya Chakra awardees from CRPF, 16 gallantry winners from BSF, and cultural showcase by 900 artists.​
• Guard of Honour led by women, highlighting gender inclusion.​
• Airshow by Indian Air Force Surya Kiran team and cultural fests extend celebrations beyond parade day.​

2. Respect the health right of India’s children

General Studies (GS) Paper II – Governance, Polity.

Context: At least 25 child deaths from contaminated cough syrups expose drug safety lapses and pharmacovigilance failures.

• Tamil Nadu incidents prompt license cancellations for manufacturers; WHO voices “deep concern” on regulations.
• Media spotlights 20-25% substandard medicines and poor pediatric monitoring as systemic issues.
• Demands rise for tougher Drugs and Cosmetics Act enforcement amid global probe into India’s child-harming exports.

 Regulatory Structure of Drug Control in India

• Central Level:

• Body: Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) under Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW).
• Responsibility: Approves new drugs, oversees trials, sets standards, manages imports/exports, monitors quality under Drugs and Cosmetics Act.

• State Level:

• Body: State Drug Control Organizations (SDRAs) / State Licensing Authorities.
• Responsibility: Grants manufacturing/sale licenses, enforces compliance, inspects sites, probes adulteration.

 Constitutional and Legal Linkage

• Constitutional Basis: Article 47 mandates State to enhance public health, drug quality, and limit intoxicants to medicinal use.
• Key Legislation: Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 (amended 2020) governs manufacture, import, distribution, sale; empowers CDSCO/SDRAs.
• Supporting Laws: NDPS Act, 1985 regulates scheduled drugs; NPPA sets drug prices.
• Link to Child Rights: Ties to Article 39(f) against child exploitation; pediatric gaps breach Article 21’s right to life.

Core Issue: Lack of Paediatric Pharmacovigilance – Why Critical

• Issue Overview: India lacks dedicated pediatric program; underreporting stems from poor HCP training and child-dosing data.
• Critical Reasons: Kids metabolize drugs uniquely, risking harm from adult formulas; substandard drugs (20-25%) fuel contamination deaths.
• Impact: Only 1-2% ADR reports are pediatric, delaying unsafe product detection and causing avoidable child fatalities.
• Broader Concern: Depends on foreign data, ignoring local genetics/environment; erodes trust in Indian pharma exports.

International Framework (for Comparison)

• USA:

• Law: Best Pharmaceuticals for Children Act (BPCA, 1997); FDA Amendments Act (FDAAA, 2007).
• Objective: Requires pediatric studies, offers 6-month exclusivity incentives; ensures child-safe labeling and data.

• EU:

• Law: Paediatric Regulation (EC) No 1901/2006.
• Objective: Mandates Paediatric Investigation Plan for new drugs; grants exclusivity extensions; standardizes child trials.

• WHO (Global):

• Law: WHO Guidelines on Paediatric Medicines (2018); Uppsala Monitoring Centre (UMC) Network.
• Objective: Boosts child pharmacovigilance; emphasizes ADR reporting, essential meds adaptation, low-resource training.

 Essential Medicine Concept

• WHO Definition: Medicines meeting priority population health needs, chosen by disease burden, efficacy, safety, cost.
• Key Points for Children: WHO EMLc (biennial) for ages 0-12; lists 30-40 essentials like antibiotics, vaccines, analgesics.
• Focus Areas: Promotes availability, affordability, rational use; core for basics, complementary for advanced care.

 Key Policies Gaps Highlighted

• No Pediatric-Specific Trials: No mandatory child trials; relies on adult data without US/EU-like incentives.
• Weak Pharmacovigilance: High pediatric ADR underreporting; poor CDSCO-state links cause recall delays.
• OTC and Export Lapses: Loose OTC controls for kids; unchecked substandard exports endanger global child health.
• EML Enforcement: NLEM lacks full pediatric adaptation; affordability issues hit low-income families.

 What Needs to Be Done

• 1) Strengthen Paediatric Drug Regulation: Pass child-specific laws mandating trials/PIPs like EU; train HCPs on ADR reporting.
• 2) Update and Enforce EMLs: Align NLEM with WHO EMLc; guarantee public facility stock with price controls for equity.
• 3) Tighten OTC Drug Control: Restrict/ban adult OTC for kids; require labeling and pharmacist checks to prevent misuse.
• 4) Strengthen Accountability: Integrate CDSCO-SDRA with digital tools; add harsh penalties, routine audits.
• 5) Promote Research and Responsibility & Indigenous Focus: Fund local pediatric R&D for cheap options; prioritize equity/affordability via subsidies; meet WHO export norms.

3. Gyan Bharatam mission

General Studies Paper I – Indian Heritage and Culture

Context: Gyan Bharatam Mission gains attention with MoU signings with 20 institutions on October 25, 2025, for manuscript conservation and digitization.

• Announced in Union Budget 2025-26, it was launched in September 2025 at an international conference in New Delhi.
• PM Narendra Modi launched the Gyan Bharatam Portal on September 12, 2025, to boost digitization and public access to manuscripts.
• Media highlights efforts to digitize over 1 crore manuscripts using AI and OCR for global dissemination.
• Partner institutions include Asiatic Society Kolkata, University of Kashmir, and Government Manuscript Library Chennai.

 Background

• A flagship initiative of the Ministry of Culture, building on the 2003 National Mission for Manuscripts.
• Introduced in Union Budget 2025-26 to revive ancient texts for education, research, and innovation.
• India has 5-10 million manuscripts in languages like Sanskrit and Persian, many at risk of decay.
• Formally launched at the Gyan Bharatam International Conference (September 11-13, 2025), praised by PM Modi.
• Over 50 institutions will join via MoUs, starting with 20 and adding 30 more soon.

 Main Objective

• Identify, document, conserve, digitize, and promote India’s manuscript heritage globally.
• Create a framework with cluster centers (multi-partner) and independent centers (solo).
• Inspire innovation, enhance civilizational pride, and boost global knowledge diplomacy.
• Integrate tradition with modernity using AI for research, education, and cultural outreach.

 National Digital Repository

• A digital platform to share India’s manuscript heritage worldwide as a centralized hub.
• Targets digitizing and cataloging over 1 crore manuscripts with AI and OCR technology.
• Facilitates collaboration and standardized preservation among institutions.
• Launched in September 2025 via the Gyan Bharatam Portal for public and global access.

 Key Activities

• Survey and Cataloguing: Systematic identification and metadata creation for easy retrieval.
• Conservation and Preservation: Upkeep and repair using scientific methods to prevent decay.
• Digitization: Scanning manuscripts into digital formats with AI and OCR support.
• Capacity Building: Training staff in technology, linguistics, and conservation techniques.
• Research and Publication: Analysis, translation, and publishing for modern relevance.
• Outreach and Promotion: Exhibitions and workshops to raise cultural awareness globally.

 Broader Vision and Cultural Significance

• Broader Vision:

• Revitalize manuscripts as resources for education, innovation, and global exchange.
• Promote a national preservation movement with Preservation, Innovation, Addition, Adaptation.
• Aim to digitize over 1 crore manuscripts, enhancing self-reliance in heritage management.
• Encourage collaboration with phased funding (70% initial, 30% upon progress).

• Cultural Significance:

• Preserves ancient wisdom in science, philosophy, and arts to avoid knowledge loss.
• Strengthens national identity by making heritage accessible to all.
• Positions India as a leader in cultural diplomacy through tradition-modernity blend.
• Safeguards irreplaceable texts from historical losses for contemporary use.

4. RBI issues draft norms to enable banks to fund acquisitions

General Studies Paper III: Economy and Banking

Context: RBI released draft “Capital Market Exposure Directions, 2025” to overhaul banks’ capital market exposure rules.

• Aims to modernise, unify, and simplify rules on bank exposure to stock market-related activities.

 What is Capital Market Exposure (CME)?

• Measure of how much a bank is involved directly or indirectly in stock market activities.
• Direct Exposure: Banks investing in shares, bonds, mutual funds.
• Indirect Exposure: Loans linked to capital market, e.g., to stockbrokers or investors.

 Key Features of Draft CME Norms

• Exposure Limits:

• Direct exposure capped at 20% of Tier-1 capital.
• Aggregate exposure (direct + indirect) capped at 40% of consolidated Tier-1 capital.

• Acquisition Finance:

• Banks can finance up to 70% of acquisition cost; borrower must contribute 30% equity.
• Allowed only for listed companies with sound financials and independent SEBI-compliant valuations.
• Aggregate acquisition finance capped at 10% of Tier-1 capital.

• Individual Market-Participation Loans:

• Loan limit increased to ₹25 lakh per individual.
• Financing up to 75% of subscription value with 25% margin.

• Loans Against Securities:

• Capped at ₹1 crore per individual for eligible securities.
• Banks to maintain prudent Loan-To-Value (LTV) ratios and control risk.

 Need for Draft Norms

• Modernisation: Replace fragmented rules with a unified framework.
• Corporate Expansion: Facilitate merger & acquisition financing.
• Retail Participation: Boost individual investment access.
• Risk Containment: Limit exposures to maintain financial stability.
• Global Alignment: Harmonise with Basel III and international standards.
• Economic Impact: Improve market liquidity and investment-led growth

5. Great Nicobar project

Paper: General Studies Paper III: Indian Geography, Environment, and Governance

Context: Sonia Gandhi called the Great Nicobar Project a “grave misadventure” that tramples tribal rights and ecology, urging a rethink (Sep 8, 2025).​

• Rahul Gandhi alleged Forest Rights Act violations in clearances and demanded a probe (Sep 4, 2025).​
• National debate sharpened as the Rs 72,000 crore island project—billed as India’s “Hong Kong”—faces expert warnings on environment, displacement, and strategic logic (Sep-Oct 2025).​
• Rising expert and political concern over indigenous and ecological risks.​

 Background – The Great Nicobar Project

• Mega Rs 72,000 crore plan to develop Great Nicobar as a maritime-transshipment hub, spanning 166 sq km (10% of island).​
• Seeks to rival Singapore/Colombo, strengthen India’s maritime role in the region.​
• Part of Sagarmala Programme; moved rapidly through clearances despite protests (2024–2025).​

 Components & Details

 What the Government Aims For

• Make India a global maritime hub, reduce 70% dependence on transshipment via foreign ports.​
• Enhance strategic security in the Andaman Sea as a counter to Chinese moves.​
• Drive growth through port-led development, jobs, and tourism.​
• Integrate with Maritime India Vision 2030 for export/logistics boost.​

 Critical Concerns Highlighted by Experts

 Why Vizhinjam and Vadhavan Are Different

 Logical and Operational Challenges

• Lacks urban/industrial hinterland; throughput must come from mainland.​
• Most shipping firms prefer established Colombo hubs for logistics/rebates.​
• High operational and resupply costs due to isolation.​
• Infrastructure, efficiency gaps make 500+ annual ship calls unlikely.​

 Ecological and Governance Critique

 Constitutional & Policy Linkage

 Key Takeaways

• Strategic goal clashes with huge ecological and tribal risks; harm may be irreversible.​
• Mainland ports like Vizhinjam, Vadhavan handle similar roles without unique island vulnerabilities.​
• Transparent EIA, genuine FRA compliance needed to reconcile development with rights.​
• The project exposes deep policy tension: maritime ambitions must not eclipse sustainability or justice.​

6. ‘23for23’ Initiative — India’s Campaign for Snow Leopard Conservation

 What is ‘23for23’?

• Nationwide awareness campaign by Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEFCC).
• Encourages citizens to engage in 23 minutes of physical activity to honor snow leopards.
• Aims to raise awareness about snow leopard habitats and conservation challenges.
• Supports the Global Snow Leopard and Ecosystem Protection Programme (GSLEP).

 Key Findings from 2025 Snow Leopard Census

• The first-ever national census recorded 718 individual snow leopards across the Indian Himalayas.
• Highest population in Ladakh at 477 individuals.
• Others: Uttarakhand (71), Himachal Pradesh (51), Arunachal Pradesh & Sikkim combined (61), Jammu & Kashmir excluding Ladakh (58).

 About Snow Leopards

• Scientific name: Panthera uncia.
• Habitat: High-altitude mountain ranges (3000–5000 meters) across 12 Asian countries including India.
• Characteristics: Medium-sized big cat, smoky-grey fur with rosettes, solitary, silent predator.
• Conservation status: Vulnerable (IUCN).
• Known as the “Ghost of the Mountains” due to elusive behavior.

 Conservation Efforts & Partnerships

• Led by MoEFCC with support from WWF-India, Snow Leopard Trust, and local communities.
• India’s notable Project Snow Leopard focuses on protecting high-altitude ecosystems.
• Part of the Global Snow Leopard and Ecosystem Protection Programme (GSLEP) involving 12 range countries.

Significance of the Initiative

• Engages communities and individuals to foster shared responsibility.
• Highlights India’s leadership in snow leopard conservation under PM Narendra Modi.
• Emphasizes science-based monitoring, habitat protection, and community participation.